Limelight

by Gun Brooke

Liberty Bell has been on her own for almost a decade after her father and his new family rejected her. With only one thing she cares about, there’s no backup plan. She needs to sing. Her dreams could come true when she makes it onto the latest TV talent show where famous vocalists coach her as she performs a new song each week. Liberty doesn’t trust easily, and she can be all thorns, which she proves when she is on the receiving end of the rude and sarcastic coach Palmer Elliston’s scathing feedback.

Palmer was one of the most sought-after producers and songwriters until she made a mistake that cost her everything. Now she leads a very different life. Jaded and disillusioned, she’s persuaded by an old friend to coach on a new reality talent show in the hope it might rejuvenate her former career. What she doesn’t expect is the prickly Liberty or the unexpected emotions that surge between them whenever Liberty sings. There’s no way Palmer will ever act on her attraction. She’s already made one career-ending mistake and isn’t looking for an encore.

Genres: Celebrity, Lesbian, Music, Forced Proximity

240 pages, Paperback

Published December 12, 2023

About the author

Gun Brooke resides in the countryside in Sweden with her very patient family. A retired neonatal intensive care nurse, she now writes full time, only rarely taking a break to create web sites for herself or others and to do computer graphics. Gun writes both romances and sci-fi. She is the recipient of the 2009 Alice B. Medal for "body of work."

Reviews

[Betty]

I had a lot of fun reading Limelight by Gunn Brooke. Not only did I enjoy the slow burn romance in this book, but I had a really good time looking up and listening to the music mentioned in the story.

The music and the characters are what make this tale special. Liberty (Libby) Bell and Palmer Elliston meet when Libby is picked as a wild card contestant in a vocal talent show that will be on national television. Palmer is the coach who will be helping her during the week, and then judging her with a couple of other music judges on the show. Both women have bruised hearts from things in their pasts which probably helps to draw them together as they work to help Libby and the other contestants on her team find success.

Unfortunately, they have to hide their attraction or they could both be kicked off the show.

The premise of the novel is entertaining. I found myself stopping every time a song was mentioned and looking it up on YouTube so I could listen to it. Even when I knew the song well, I still listened to it. This actually added to my enjoyment of the book.

(It didn’t hurt that I loved most of the songs)

The obstacles Libby and Palmer had to experience to be together, only adds to the charm of the narrative.
The only thing I wish could be added to this book would be a list of all the songs mentioned in the story. I’m already planning to make a new music playlist for myself, and this would make that easy.
You need to read this novel, especially if you love romance and music mixed together.

Thanks to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for allowing me to read and review this novel.

[Rosi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story takes place over a period of a month or so, during the duration of a musical talent show on television. The protagonists are Liberty, an aspiring singer chosen for the contest, and Palmer, a very successful music producer who is ostracized due to an event in her past.

For fans of this author, you will like to know that the two promoters of the talent show are Helena Forsyte and Noelle Laurent, the protagonists of Fierce Overture, another excellent story of the musical environment.

Liberty is no longer a child, she is in her late twenties, older than most of the other contestants. And Palmer is in her late thirties, so the age difference between them isn't much.

As is obvious, Liberty and Palmer are going to interact with each other differently than they will with the rest of the characters, their attraction and the effect they have on each other is undeniable. Liberty will improve under Palmer's advice and Palmer will feel useful and capable again after her personal tragedy.

The story has typical things in contests and competitions in general, cliché characters. Also in relation to Liberty's relatives there is some tabloid press and topical sensationalism. But it is to be expected, as happens in reality.


Publisher Bold Strokes Books was kind enough to provide me with an advanced reading copy via Netgalley for an honest review

[Carol Hutchinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

An emotional journey

Liberty is a contestant on a new TV talent show and despite nervous is proud to be following her dreams after being rejected by her father and his new family. Palmer, a former songwriter who after a costly mistake is persuaded to be a coach on the show is taken with Libby in an instant but she can’t allow anything to happen between them as it wouldn’t be professional.

I loved everything about this! It was as exciting as I expected it to be, filled with glitz, glamour, and all the nerves that would come with being a part of an experience like Libby and Palmer were, but it was also deeply emotional. Libby really hadn’t had a great experience, so I admired her determination to succeed and her reasons for not wanting her father to be around, claiming he was parent of the year, but of course you knew that drama would come, and when it did, it really delivered, but it also helped Libby grow and be braver than she was already.

Sympathising with both Libby and Palmer came naturally. Neither of them were in a great position in life, other than being a part of the show, and it was going to mean everything to them in more than one way. It obvious Libby, although apprehensive at first about Palmer being her coach, was going to grow closer to her. She had that star quality that made her likeable and attractive that Palmer wasn’t going to be able to resist as Libby’s vulnerabilities were on show from day one. She was genuine and not afraid to show it, whereas Palmer was a bit more guarded and with good reason. I was so glad they met and of the way they supported each other through everything.

The nicest thing about this story was the message you can achieve anything with the right support. It was also so lovely how we got a very intimate connection, slowly growing between Libby and Palmer that came from a place deeper than attraction. Understanding, time, and admiration were the keys to their success in both the completion and their relationship! Really, really enjoyed this and can’t recommend it enough!

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Limelight is the first book that I’ve read by Gun Brooke (gotta be a pen name, right?) and I’ll definitely be looking into her other works. This was a well-written and engaging read that had just enough family drama to push the story along while still keeping things light and fun.

I would categorize the romance as forbidden relationship with a bit of an age gap. It’s definitely a slow burn, but there’s enough will they/won’t they between Libby and Palmer to build up a very nice amount of organic chemistry. I was more than ready for their first kiss when it finally happened. My only grievance with this book is that the ending felt a bit rushed, and some of Libby’s parent’s motivations didn’t really make sense. But maybe that’s just because they’re garbage people??

I’d definitely recommend Limelight if you’re looking for a fun and well-spun romcom with a bit of a peek into the world of reality singing competitions. Light/medium spice 4.25/5 stars

I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley and all opinions are my own.

[Aleana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.

This was ok read.

Liberty has been on her own since her father and his new family reject her. She loves to sing and she gets her chance when she gets on the talent show and everyone is blow away by her singing. Palmer was on top until a scandal ruin her reputation even though she wasn’t even in the wrong you’ll see when you read it. She reluctant returns to be a coach to the singers and when she meets Liberty there is an attraction but because she afraid what would happen tries to keep Liberty at arm’s length. As they both grow closer Liberty has to deal with her family as she forms some great friendships. I like this read but I wish we got more drama with the other contestants but overall good.

[I · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advanced copy from the publisher from through NetGalley in exchange from an honest review.
Palmer and Liberty have one thing in common: their love for music. Coming from different backgrounds, both marred by trauma, the Limelight show seems to be the perfect opportunity for Palmer to get back in the music game and for Libby to join the game. Gun Brooke presents us again with strong female characters who, just like all of us, need to face their pasts and find their ways. A sweet story about two women who fall in love when they should while being there when the other most needs. A great light read, only 4 stars because the ending felt a bit rushed.

[Alexa Steli · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5/5

[Fran Sappharc · Rating 3 out of 5]

First chapter ok and then got into the book quite quickly however the first real arousal scene in 45% came too quickly, however it's only as I checked how far through the book I was that I realised it was not quick in book terms, therefore it's a bit fast in the character interaction for me. I was never really on the same page as the mains. I was never really all in with the chemistry. I did however find the secondary plot compelling and found myself speed reading some of the mains interactions to find out what would happen with the other plot strand.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gun Brooke somehow knew I have a soft spot for stories involving reality TV because she just wrote my new favorite singing competition rip off. Something about the drama of prohibitive attraction with life changing stakes on the line really does it for me. Thoroughly enjoyed.

Thank you to Bold Strokes Books and Netgalley for providing an eARC for a honest review.

[Shannon Luchies · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jaded producer Palmer Elliston finds herself working on a reality TV show with prickly singer Liberty Bell. Despite her attraction to the girl, Palmer knows she shouldn't act on that interest....

Not to be mean, but this is the third or fourth book I've read with the plot line of 'Romance at a American idol expy.'

Well written, but everyone constantly singing (heh!) Libby's praises got old after a bit. Mind you, I did like her and Elliston, but...

Overall, good story, the conflict is interesting (but weirdly unresolved) and the romance mostly worked for me.
It also felt like the wrap up didn't fully work for me either.

3 1/2 stars out of 5. Not bad, but not terrific.

[Kaye · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finding love on an American Idol type reality show. Liberty Bell is 28 and makes the cut as one of the nine contestants. She has range and talent and is a bit older than most of the competitors. Palmer Ellison is one of the three mentors and feedback judges. She was famous as a producer and songwriter until an accident ten years ago that derailed her career. The other two mentors, Noelle and Helena, are friends of Palmer and hope that bringing her on the show will energize her lagging career. They had their own romance in Fierce Overture (July 2010) part of a stand alone series.

The story covers the roughly two month run of the show as contestants are voted off weekly. There is extra drama that comes from Liberty’s estranged family trying to inject themselves publicly into her career. There is a lot of build up for a confrontation which doesn’t amount to much, lacking consequence or closure. The romance is age gap (9 years) and slow burn, as there is attraction but are contractually unable to fraternize. The ending for me cried out for an epilogue. I was good with the show winner but wanted some hints of what a future looks like for Liberty and Palmer. Ultimately, the story is solid but with a few glitches for me. Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for the ARC and I am leaving a voluntary review. (3.5 Stars)

[Jake · Rating 2 out of 5]

Overall ‘Limelight’ could be an interesting and engaging story. In a lot of ways it is. The side characters are enjoyable and bring depth and character to the entire book, the 2 Main Characters are engaging and decent.

That said, there are several points that are frustrating to the point of going beyond being annoying to being an outright distraction.

From least to greatest.

The story revolves around a TV show based on finding musical talent. Each week the performers have to pick from a specific Genre a song to perform. The performers are separated into ‘Teams’ under 3 different professionals from the music industry. The Main Character of ‘Palmer’ is one of these professionals, a songwriter and producer of incredible talent and skill who years ago, made a mistake and has been paying for it ever since.

I will mark this next bit as spoiler-

There are points here where the contestants are told to pick a song and let their team lead know what it is before 10 am.

That is almost immediately countermanded by the author having the performers drag in the next day and tell their team lead what their song is. Honestly a slight peeve, but a decent editor or proof reader should have caught this. Just a continuity goof.

What drove me nuts, is that for the genre of ‘country’ the author had the 3 characters pick-

‘Angel’ by Sarah McLachlan
‘Anti-Hero’ by Taylor Swift
‘Blinding Lights’ by The Weeknd

Not… one of those songs is country. Taylor Swift started as country, and has some country songs, but I don’t believe that you could successfully argue a single one of those songs as a ‘Country’ song.

From there, we get to first of my 3 biggest complaints.

Willful suspension of disbelief is essential to to reading and enjoying a novel. Basing a story within the framework of the modern contemporary world makes it that much harder in some ways for that suspension of disbelief.

Your readers are familiar with the world. They know how it works. Most people are pretty aware of how things work, consequences, broad aspects of the law and so on.

So in this case with the storyline of Limelight, where the Main Character of ‘Liberty Bell’ the young aspiring singer, comes from a hyper abusive home, and that hyper abusive Homelife follows after her, her parents being threatening, and attempting to put themselves into her spotlight, what does she do?

Buries it.

Instead of going to Palmer and saying ‘look, this is going on’ instead she buries her head in the sand.

I get it. I get that the author is trying to build tension. But it really doesn’t in this situation. It builds frustration.

The author’s universe here is one where a production company led by a highly successful, exceedingly in love and progressive lesbian couple is working with a dear friend to help rehabilitate their career. There is nothing in the story that indicates to the reader that this wouldn’t be fairly known to the competitors on the show.

So Liberty Bell (Libby) hides it from everyone except the friend she’s made, ‘Mona’, another one of the competitors. She lets the fear eat into her, effecting her performances, until it comes to a head.

Which brings me to my second big gripe. But before we get to that, I have to stress why this annoys me so much.

The plot for the story feels like the author phoned it in. The story is not BAD. But it feels like it wasn’t reviewed, wasn’t edited, wasn’t worked through with any sort of criticism. It feels like the the author had a general plot, and just sort of threw the story together. The number of Chekhov guns lying around would turn on an NRA member, if they knew how to read. The story seems like it’s filled with plot holes, there are characters that are seemingly glossed over or are used as cardboard cutouts.

This feels like an average story that could have been a really good story. The author can write. But this doesn’t seem like it’s as good of work as it could be.

Libby could have gone to Palmer and let her know. They could have gone to Helena and Noele (the producers and Palmer’s friends) and made it clear to the producers that Libby’s Parents were absolutely not allowed within the theatre the show is filmed at. But they didn’t. Instead Libby does nothing.

Now to my second huge gripe.

Palmer and Libby bond. Good, great. It’s what we want. But their bonding is over what? Love of music? Nah. Mutual love of Chinese food? Nope.

They bond over people publishing and speaking lies about them.

I don’t know if the author has never heard of Libel or Slander, or just chose to ignore it, but this is just incredibly obnoxious.

Palmer and Libby are being harassed and their lives verifiably ruined by people speaking easily disproved truths. And they just accept it.

WHY?

It feels like it goes back to the entire phoned in story.

We have here a good grit to throw into the machinery. There is a villain here that the two can overcome. But they don’t. Neither of them actually fights their villain, of slander and libel, instead they IGNORE IT, hoping that it will go away in time. There is a paltry scene where Palmer’s team (Mona, Libby, Carl) put out a statement in the shows app, but it’s not any sort of resolution whereby Libby and Palmer face down their demons and vanquish them.

Now, to my greatest gripe of all.

Resolution.

I don’t know what it is that causes so many authors nowadays to think that NOT CONCLUDING THE STORYLINE is somehow acceptable. A 3 page epilogue that alludes to a conclusion is not a resolution.

This book is honestly 80% of a completed story. We can argue about what defines a resolution, but this book is the story equivalent of someone training for a marathon, running 22 miles, and then hopping in a cab to drive them to the celebration afterwards, where they steal the 1st place medal and hop on the podium to tell everyone what a good job they did.

In conclusion, 2.5 out of 5 stars. Would not read again unless the author were to release a version 1.0, because this is obviously a rough draft.

I’m disappointed that I used 10 dollars of credit to buy this, but at the same time, at least it was credit and not actual money.

[Sue Plant · Rating 5 out of 5]

would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this book

move over x factor theres a new talent show around

liberty bell has been on her own since she was 18..... when her father and step mom kicked her out, this is her one chance to make it she just has to get through the competition and on a wild card she has to give it her all

what she doesnt want is Palmer Elliston being her coach during the time she is on the show but her luck just doesnt hold

Palmer Elliston also has a lot to prove as this is her first major comeback after years of being in the wilderness and shes not comfortable being in the limelight again with her past

have to say i thoroughly enjoyed this one with the background information that we normally only get from watching tv shows like x factor this was an interesting perspective on the behind the scenes of what it takes to be on a talent show and how they all deal with the stresses even though this is a fictional story the actual storyline was very captivating and drew you in and i have to admit to liking how the writer bought it all together and made each character either likeable or no

[Celina · Rating 4 out of 5]

𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗠𝗘𝗦: 𝚂𝙰𝙿𝙿𝙷𝙸𝙲. 𝙼𝚄𝚂𝙸𝙲. 𝙰𝙶𝙴 𝙶𝙰𝙿. 𝙲𝙴𝙻𝙴𝙱𝚁𝙸𝚃𝚈. 𝙲𝙾𝙽𝚃𝙴𝙼𝙿𝙾𝚁𝙰𝚁𝚈. 𝚁𝙾𝙼𝙰𝙽𝙲𝙴.

📚 ᴀʀᴄ 🏳️‍🌈⁠

𝚂𝚄𝙼𝙼𝙰𝚁𝚈:
I enjoyed this one. The emotions were truly engaging. I mean... that slow-burrrrnnnnn was burning. The "I want you but I can't have you" yet was definitely something to behold. The friends around the main characters were also really endearing. The heart wants what it wants and my heart wanted a more civilised but also heavy clap back towards Bell's parents. I wanted more, but what I got was also good, esp Palmer's aftercare... sweet.


𝗣𝗟𝗢𝗧:
I don't usually enjoy competition or music books.. I prefer celebrities in acting or fashion or some other stuff. The author wrote the music scenes really well, mainly the emotional part of them and how they audience felt, which was only mainly Palmer.

𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗥𝗔𝗖𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗦:
Liberty Bell: There was depth to her character and her emotions and reactions were mature because I imagine myself in her shoes, I wouldn't have been so mature. The way she loved Palmer, now that was something beautiful. That mentioned moment when Bell met her half-sisters and they didn't recognise her, damn.

Palmer Elliston: Now, that was sad what Palmer went through. But love found her, and it was beautiful and the rest was confetti.

Team Palmer: My boy Carl was adorable as always. Mona was unexpectedly such a sweetheart. Helene and Noelle, I wonder if there is a book about those two, It would probably align with the time when Palmer was going thru stuff... I need to investigate. Bell's parents can just sod off.


𝐏𝐒: In most books, authors build angst, like the one between Bell and her parents, I was rooting for a heavy clap back, Like real heavy confrontation. Oh the drama.


𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙠𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙥𝙪𝙗𝙡𝙞𝙨𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝘼𝙍𝘾 𝙘𝙤𝙥𝙮 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙄 𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙚𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙙 𝙫𝙞𝙖 𝙉𝙚𝙩𝙜𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙮 𝙨𝙤 𝙄 𝙖𝙢 𝙫𝙤𝙡𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙡𝙮 𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙫𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙢𝙮 𝙝𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬.⁠

[Nadine Stamminger · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my 2nd book from Gun Brooke and i really love her way of writing. The storyline catched my interest right away since Celebrity Storys are my favorites. In this story we follow the path of Liberty an young woman with big dreams, to be a succsessful singer. She is a contastant in a new founded casting show. She meets her judge Palmer Ellison, an former star producer with her own stuggels and dark past. But right from the first note Palmer can see Liberty is special, the more time they spend, the more the get to know each other the more they fall for one another. The "Limeligh" contract is in the way, bust just for a few more weeks, will they open up to one another enought to make it work?

I can highly recommend this book, the storyline is fantastic, its well thought trough with all the important sidestorys needed but not to much distraction from the main storyline. I also liked the other charakters around mainly Team Palmer consistant of Liberty, Carl and Mona, who had a very cute "enemies" to good friends storyline. I liked the little moment where the 2 main charakter buildt their chemistry, there could have been added a few more.

Only think i personaly not liked to much was the end, it felt like there should have been added at least one more chapter- While along the book we heared so many reasons why they shouldnt be togehter and couldnt be togehter, i would have wished for an end that resolves the issue (because realisticly its not as if the moment the winner is named all contract is history in a casting show realm) and a tiny glimps into the near furure, especialyl with all the hints along the book how Palmer made stars in the past and would do anything for the ones she cared about.

Thanks to Gun Brooke, the publisher (Bold Strokes Books), and NetGalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review.

[Clara Addicted to sapphic books · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐. I usually round down but it felt too harsh for this one.
You like the voice and hoped for a sapphic love story with it? Brooke made that wish come true. Palmer and Libby have both suffered a lot and their past gives them a lot of depth. I loved seeing them sharing that special bond in music and hardship. They are really protective with one another and it was really sweet. Brooke took us in this special space where only the two of them exist despite the whirlwind there are in. The manipulation of the media, and bad intentioned people made a good villain; it was infuriating to read. The book had a good balance between intimate scene between the two MC and the talent show. The forbidden aspect of their love story added a good dose of angst and fed that slow burn that I love so much.
The book kept me hooked and it was easy to read. My issue is it left a taste of not enough on my mouth. It's a real slow burn and I would have need four or five more chapters and a real look of what their life looks like after the show. Does Palmer collaborate with Libby? Did she get to write and produce songs again for other singers? I need more!!! Overall I had a really good time reading the book but felt a bit frustrated after I finished it.

[Jasmine Shouse · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am such a sucker for queer books about TV shows, and this is right up my alley.

Palmer agrees to try to jumpstart her music producing career again by joining as a coach of a new music talent show called Limelight. Liberty Bell (yes, that's her real name) is one of the contestants who, from the start, is seen as the one to beat. As Palmer coaches Liberty, there appears to be an undeniable spark between them. But will they let their careers get in the way?

This book includes characters from a previous Gun Brooke novel - Fierce Overture, which I had not read before and it didn't seem to impact my enjoyment of this one. This is a slow-burn minor age-gap (9 years) novel that includes navigating harsh pasts and budding careers.

I was a big fan of what was going on up until the last three chapters. The ending felt super rushed compared to how well-paced the rest of the story was done. I loved the support from the side characters, This was a first for me by this author, but I would definitely read another.

[Shelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very good book. I am a big fan of Gun Brooke so i was eager to read the book. This is a winner. Liberty is on a singing competition show and Palmer is her coach. Liberty was kicked out of her home as a teenager, and she just wants to sing so this is her big opportunity. Palmer is one of the three coaches, and she has been isolating herself for years. this is her chance to get her career back on track. Both women are defensive and not easy to work with. Time goes on and each realizes that they like each other and can help each other if they can work together. I loved that Palmer's team were so supportive and did not let anyone take jabs and the others on the team. Great book and the ending was a bit of a surprise. Quick read but i know i will reread this book because i enjoyed it so much. I recommend it highly.

I received a free copy in exchange for an unbiased review.

[AJ Sneed · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this story, but it didn't seem up to par for what I'm used to with Ms. Brooke. Characters Libby and Palmer have a great chemistry, were very believable, and there were definitely parts that continued to draw you in to read more. My issue is that the conflict that came from outside of the main storyline, seemed to almost be perfunctory and there just as a way to continue to draw conflict. It just didn't fit in the way that I'm used to reading from the author., there just wasn't the development to make it flow together. The story arc was one that has been done before, but the unique spin did make it an enjoyable read. Overall its going to be a definite read again, but not a full on go to like many of her other stories.

[jade · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

As horrendous as this cover is, the stuff inside is actually pretty good. It's a great example for the saying - don't judge the book by it's cover. It's a hollywood romace, really cute one. There's an age gap as well, but it's done well. It's not awkward or creepy.
This book also has something that really few romace books out there have. COMMUNICATION . The characters in Limelight actually talk to eachother about their feelings. There is no miscommunications or third act breakup. They are honest and they tell the truth instead of hiding stuff and lying. So that was a nice.

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like music and talent shows and therefore it was great to get a peak behind the scenes. I also like the celebrity thrope so this book was very promising. It also largely fulfilled its promise. I only expected a little more from the last part. I think there could have been a little more story in that.

[Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gun Booke did a great job with this one. The main characters were great, communicated well and truthfully laid their cards on the table from the start. It's definitely om of my favorite books this year. Well done. I recommend 4.5 stars.

Thank You NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for this ARC.

[Gina Colton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute and easy read with lovable MCs. I love a good slow-burn, with yearning and build-up, and this one certainly fit the bill. I removed a star because the ending felt rushed and left me needing more.

[Terri Noftsger · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

[KarenC · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely love Gun Brooke's romances. She excels at what I call celebrity/commoner and they usually involve age gap as well. Such an enjoyable read.

[Nathalie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wish I could have enjoyed this story more but it just did not do it for me. The story just didn't pull me in and the characters didn't interest me.

There is a lot of story revolving around the contest and it made it hard for me to ship the two MC's and see the spark between them. I just didn't feel it.

It is a very very slow burn and even before I was at the halfway mark I simply didn't really care anymore about them getting together.

2,5 stars for me.

An ARC was given to me via Netgalley in return of an honest review.

[Erin · Rating 2 out of 5]

this really went on and on and then ended abruptly with no conclusion whatsoever

[Tara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed Limelight as a HFN romance. Libby and Palmer’s story was compelling and I was so happy to see Noelle and Helena again. If you enjoy competition reality show romances, age gap romances, or stories where emotionally guarded people slowly let their walls down, Limelight is the book for you.

Full review: https://thelesbianreview.com/limeligh...

Queerly Recommended episode: https://www.queerlyrecommended.com/20...

[isa Simonet · Rating 2 out of 5]

I never thought I'd give 2 stars to a book by Ms Brooke.
The last 10 pages are devoted to the winner, Liberty and Palmer who have sex for the first time. We know neither the outcome of the accident that caused Palmer to become a hermit, nor their future romantic relationship, nor their professional relationship and also that of Palmer. The end is totally rushed. The editor didn't do her job properly.