Acting the Part

Written by Z. R. Ellor

Narrated by Vico Ortiz

This delightfully tropey teen romance perfect for fans of Ashley Poston and Lyla Lee follows a queer teen actor navigating their gender identity—while pretending to date their co-star.  

Queer actor Lily Ashton has found fame playing lesbian warrior Morgantha on the hit TV show Galaxy Spark. Lily knows how little representation queer girls have, so when the showrunners reveal that Morgantha’s on-screen love interest, Alietta, is going to be killed off, Lily orchestrates an elaborate fake-dating scheme with the standoffish actress who plays her, to generate press and ensure a happy ending for the #Morganetta ship.

But while playing a doting girlfriend on- and off-screen, Lily struggles with whether a word like “girl” applies to them at all.

Lily’s always been good at playing a part. But are they ready to share their real self, even if it means throwing everything they’ve fought for away?

• Language: English
• Publisher: HarperCollins
• Release date: Dec 6, 2022
• ISBN: 9780063157910

Z. R. Ellor

Z. R. Ellor wrote their first novel when they were twelve years old and never put down their pen. They are the author of young adult and adult novels including May the Best Man Win, Acting the Part, and Silk Fire. Their non-literary interests include running, travel, and global cuisine. No Better Than Beasts is their YA fantasy debut. Z. R. lives in Long Beach, CA.