Thank you to Harper 360 for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Harper 360 has a knack of managing to blow me away with stories when I really didn’t expect it. I’ve had this on my tbr for a while, and I wanted to pick up an audiobook last week. I noticed this one was available on Scribd (as many Harper books are which I love!), so I decided to pick it up and I really enjoyed it. This book follows August, a trans boy who has run away from his unaccepting parents to live with his aunt in New York City and attend the School of Performing Arts. I loved August as a character and even though he wasn’t always 100 percent genuine or likeable, I did completely understand where he was coming from with a lot of his actions. The main part of this book that I really loved was that it just hooked me. I really wanted to know what was happening and I became so hooked in August’s life. I kept thinking about this book when I wasn’t reading it, and I just love when that happens with books. There are so many aspects of this story that were difficult to read but so important to read about. My only complaint is the plot felt a little off at times, and I don’t know if it quite balanced throughout the story. There was so much of this book that talked about the importance of trans characters having happy stories, so to see that not reflected in this story was an odd kind of irony and made me really sad. Overall, this book was really enjoyable to read and I’ll definitely be picking up Stay Gold by the same author at some point! TW: suicidal ideation, transphobia, homophobia, dead-naming, misgendering. ★★★★★ 4.5 out of 5 stars -Beth May your shelves forever overflow with books! ☽

Headlines: Drama on and off the stage Tough but still uplifting Awful parents Call me enchanted by Tobly McSmith's writing and stories, because this is the second book of his that has drawn me in, made me love all the things and left me thinking. Act Cool was the kind of story that had tough themes (and I expected it this time) but it is also a hugely uplifting and empowering read. It transports you into the world of August and for me, I became his cheer team.August was a character that jumped off the page with his raw feeling, his ability to trust, his naivety as a trans character and his desire to be accepted. August was the unfortunate owner of some top-form horrible parents. I hated them, as I should, but these kind of ignorant folks exist, they're not an illusion and they are harmful. Hooray for Aunt Lil to offset some of that. August's journey through a performing arts school, fresh opportunities and finding his feet with being a man was just 100% absorbing. The crew around August were a dramatic bunch and he spent time sussing out who was friend, foe or both. I really warmed to the side characters and even Mr Daniels. The performing arts backdrop, Broadway and how those themes intersected with August facing his gender dysphoria was emotional; I was gripped. There were a number of quotes I tabbed, probably all a bit spoilery to share but amongst the witty banter, the fun of school life were deep thoughts, the odd profound inner monologue and interaction with others.I simply loved this book, it made my Saturday and I avidly await Tobly McSmith's next book.Please do check out some trans reviewers for this book. Thank you to Pride Book Tours and Harper 360YA for the review copy.