REVIEW: First Take by EM Denning (Lights, Camera, Love #2)

- March 29, 2026

FIRST TAKE

Lights, Camera, Love! - Book Two

by EM Denning

Release Date: March 26, 2026

Review

Awww, Ashy finds love. Real love. Not the misplaced love he had for his brother-figure.

In the wake of kissing his boss and friend, he develops a friendship with Blue and Jax. Two adult performers who have unrequited feelings for each other. They say things happen when they’re supposed to. And these three coming together, filling the holes in their hearts at just the right time, seems to have happened at just the right time.

It’s a sweet story with lots of warmth and care.

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Synopsis

It took two years, but Asher is finally allowed to film a scene with Lukas Knight’s studio. Lukas is his boss, his best friend, and the love of his life. Well, he was supposed to be. But then Lukas fell for Sawyer and Ash has been upside down ever since.

He’s not left to lick his wounds alone, however. His scene partners, Jax Fisher and Blue Davies, take pity on him and make it their mission to see that he’s okay.

Blue Davies used his career to pay his way through school. Now a vet tech, he’s still not ready to let go of his former career. Blue doesn’t let anyone close outside of a scene. He’s tried dating before, but it’s only ever resulted in him getting hurt. But when Asher ends up broken hearted, Blue can’t help but want to make sure Asher is cared for. And he can’t help but wonder if there’s something to the way Jax looks at him.

Jax Fisher has carried a torch for Blue for years and it finally feels like the time is right and that he might have a shot at getting past Blue’s defenses. Only now, Blue isn’t the only one on Jax’s mind. Ash is there too. And instead of feeling torn between the two men, Jax feels like maybe he can have it all.

If Blue can be brave enough, if Ash can be open enough, maybe Jax can be lucky enough to get things right on the first take.

First Take is the second book of the Lights, Camera, Love series that follows Lukas Knight and his performers as they fall in love, one by one. The series contains the same low angst, sweet spice that you’re used to from E.M. Denning, plus a lazy dog named Lara, an assistant with a crush, and addictive side characters who eventually get their own happy endings.

About EM Denning

E. M. Denning is a Canadian author and lover of gay romance.

I was born in the '80's in small town Canada, and I still live there. I have three kids, a husband, and a cat who is in his twilight years. I love writing and I especially love writing gay romance. I had a friend in my teens who was deeply closeted and I often think of that friend, and how different his youth would have been if there had been the books and acceptance that are out there now. The world isn't perfect, not yet, but I hope to make it brighter.

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