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Off Script #1
Beyond the Bright Lights
LANA
It's been nearly two decades since I lost the love of my life and I'm still struggling to move on. My grief plays on a perpetual cycle, and every time I think I’m ready to move forward—bam—something new throws me back into the depths of it.
The latest hit comes in the form of a movie being made about the inspiring life my fiancé lived.
Things go from bad to worse when the actor cast to play him waltzes into my bar, begging me to help him with the role.
“Help me become Tyler Taylor.”
Mylan Andrews is younger than me and absolutely infuriating, but his desperate plea echoes in my head. I have to help him—for Tyler.
MYLAN
Fresh out of my third stint in rehab, I land a movie deal that just may save my career. Everything’s finally looking up.
Then I meet her.
Lana Young is older, wiser, and a knockout. Oh, and she’s also the key to helping me with this role. Except, the more time we spend together, the more my desire for her grows.
Could she be the one to help me win back control of my life, or is she merely another temptation placed in my path?
Beyond the Bright Lights is an age gap, plus-size romance. My female main character is 15 years older than my male main character. It is a standalone with a happily ever after. You'll get more Lana & Mylan in the next book of the Off Script series.
Note from the author: Beyond the Bright Lights is for ages 18+ It includes detailed sex scenes and deals with a lot of tough topics which are listed below—some may include spoilers.
Grief, the death of a loved one, terminal illness, sexual assault, domestic abuse of a child and spouse, drug and alcohol abuse, suicidal thoughts, depression, miscarriage, fatphobia, and homophobia.
It's been nearly two decades since I lost the love of my life and I'm still struggling to move on. My grief plays on a perpetual cycle, and every time I think I’m ready to move forward—bam—something new throws me back into the depths of it.
The latest hit comes in the form of a movie being made about the inspiring life my fiancé lived.
Things go from bad to worse when the actor cast to play him waltzes into my bar, begging me to help him with the role.
“Help me become Tyler Taylor.”
Mylan Andrews is younger than me and absolutely infuriating, but his desperate plea echoes in my head. I have to help him—for Tyler.
MYLAN
Fresh out of my third stint in rehab, I land a movie deal that just may save my career. Everything’s finally looking up.
Then I meet her.
Lana Young is older, wiser, and a knockout. Oh, and she’s also the key to helping me with this role. Except, the more time we spend together, the more my desire for her grows.
Could she be the one to help me win back control of my life, or is she merely another temptation placed in my path?
Beyond the Bright Lights is an age gap, plus-size romance. My female main character is 15 years older than my male main character. It is a standalone with a happily ever after. You'll get more Lana & Mylan in the next book of the Off Script series.
Note from the author: Beyond the Bright Lights is for ages 18+ It includes detailed sex scenes and deals with a lot of tough topics which are listed below—some may include spoilers.
Grief, the death of a loved one, terminal illness, sexual assault, domestic abuse of a child and spouse, drug and alcohol abuse, suicidal thoughts, depression, miscarriage, fatphobia, and homophobia.
Kindle Edition
Published May 1, 2023
102 people are currently reading
768 people want to read
About the author
Settle Myer
15 books127 followersSettle Myer lives in New York City with her cats Zombie, Michonne, and Birdie. She's currently a TV news writer who hopes to one day leave a world of death, disaster, and politics for a world of creativity and adventures. She loves all things zombies, cats, karaoke, and tattoos. But not necessarily in that order.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
July 21, 2022
Settle what have you done! I am in awe in less than 24 hrs I have gone through quite literally every emotion , I have reflected on my own trauma my own past . You have created such diverse characters and seamlessly weaved them together with their own story and personality. Everything got me, the inside jokes the closeness of friends the true understanding of addiction and its demons. Self love, body love. Gods, I laughed and giggled, I was aroused! Because it was dreamy while also realistic, i cried because dang it so many dont get that chance to help them self. I simply cannot wait for the continuation of other characters, seriously if you write it I will read it. Bravo.
Read
October 19, 2024I was ready to adore this book.
Age gap with older heroine.
Famous in a small town vibes.
Redemption arc.
Heroine described as 200+ and still sexy and desirable.
But I think the initial meet cute didn’t have enough conversation or build enough tension to justify the insta-lust that almost immediately bloomed into insta-love. I found myself skimming because the plot line could have been both trimmed and strengthened.
Age gap with older heroine.
Famous in a small town vibes.
Redemption arc.
Heroine described as 200+ and still sexy and desirable.
But I think the initial meet cute didn’t have enough conversation or build enough tension to justify the insta-lust that almost immediately bloomed into insta-love. I found myself skimming because the plot line could have been both trimmed and strengthened.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 27, 2022
This book did a lot of rollercoastering, but that’s how life is. And honestly, I was pretty on edge about how Settle Myer would handle a serious and complex topic like addiction. Especially after the MMC who is dealing with it is fresh out of rehab and starts a whirlwind love story after ONE week. Yeah, I mean it doesn’t sound good and it wasn’t, but there’s absolutely never any illusion that recovery is a once and done thing. There were highs and lows, and I don’t think Myer took it in a bad direction.
The characters grew on me after some time and I’m excited that Jensen is getting his own book next year because he was a fun character and I’m excited for his laid back but asshole personality to shine!
I do think that the book tries to deal with a lot and it’s almost too much to properly explore each topic.
The characters grew on me after some time and I’m excited that Jensen is getting his own book next year because he was a fun character and I’m excited for his laid back but asshole personality to shine!
I do think that the book tries to deal with a lot and it’s almost too much to properly explore each topic.
July 19, 2022
honestly, an amazing book! I absolutely love the representation of a bigger woman :)) also omg the age gap!! i didn't realise there was an age gap and I literally squealed when I heard that Lana is in her forties 🥰 the healing and them helping each other was beautiful - I loved getting to know the characters through the pages, the personalities felt deep and throughout, they were fleshed out well. 💖 it was a pleasant read that I finished in one day! thank you so much for arc ✨
July 25, 2022
Holy EVERY DEITY! I am a slow reader but could not put this book down! The playlist Settle provided is wonderful! The story catches you at the beginning! It’s not like most of the smut I read where by chapter 2 it is all out sex. This is a beautiful well written story.The chemistry between the characters is so perfectly written that it is so easy to get caught up in and believe.
I am a larger girl so relating the other books I’ve read was hard but this… oh my! I laughed, I cried, I had to fan myself and tell my husband it’s just a book ;) I won’t give away anything because you are going to want to read this and have all the surprises!
Settle’s other books are amazing as well. Please check out the Trinity series she has. They are more YA but FANTASTIC!
I am a larger girl so relating the other books I’ve read was hard but this… oh my! I laughed, I cried, I had to fan myself and tell my husband it’s just a book ;) I won’t give away anything because you are going to want to read this and have all the surprises!
Settle’s other books are amazing as well. Please check out the Trinity series she has. They are more YA but FANTASTIC!
July 25, 2022
I have NEVER laughed so much at a book in my whole life. Bust a gut laughed. This book is amazing for so many reasons...it's so descriptive I had a movie playing in my head while reading it, I LOVED the spice with the main characters and how their characters evolved over the course of the book, also full on cried at parts that were written so well I was so engrossed in while reading the tears just fell. I definitely got that warm fuzzy feeling you get with a great ending as well. Definitely a great read.
July 21, 2022
First of Settle you are an amazing author and have become one of my favorites. This book I have not been able to put down since I got a copy of it I finished it in literally 2 days . The plot and characters are so well thought out and the story keeps your attention I never wanted to put the book down! Every chapter I read excited me to read more it also brought up a lot of emotions while reading it has a story that a lot of people will be able to relate too. The story is an incredible piece of work and I would definitely recommend anyone to read this you will not be disappointed one bit. If I could give more than 5 stars I would in a heartbeat this book definitely deserves it.
August 27, 2023
First let me start of by saying I maybe wasn't the target audience since I usually read paranormal/alien/monster romance.
However, I freaking loved this book! It's usually a good sign if I can't put it down and I started and finished yesterday.
This is an age gap which i knew going in but for some reason I assumed it would be the man who is older.
It caught me off guard to have a fmc in her 40s and a 25 year old movie star but I loved that. She's plus size and since she's older we didn't get the usual internalized fatphobia we sometimes get with these bigger characters in romance novel. She loves her body and isn't afraid to show it off.
This book deals with grief and loss for Lana and addiction for Mylan.
These 2 found each other and for a while there I though poor Mylan wouldmess it up but no worries it has a hea!
However, I freaking loved this book! It's usually a good sign if I can't put it down and I started and finished yesterday.
This is an age gap which i knew going in but for some reason I assumed it would be the man who is older.
It caught me off guard to have a fmc in her 40s and a 25 year old movie star but I loved that. She's plus size and since she's older we didn't get the usual internalized fatphobia we sometimes get with these bigger characters in romance novel. She loves her body and isn't afraid to show it off.
This book deals with grief and loss for Lana and addiction for Mylan.
These 2 found each other and for a while there I though poor Mylan wouldmess it up but no worries it has a hea!
August 22, 2022
I was given an ARC of Beyond the Bright Lights in exchange for an honest review; all thoughts and opinions are my own! Thank you to the author for the opportunity! 💗
This book had my emotions going up and down like a rollercoaster, in the best way possible! I went into reading expecting a spicy, reverse age gap romance featuring a fat FMC, which fully delivered, but it also tackles the subject of addiction and grief. Lana is a 40 something year old women who lost her fiancée to an illness when they were young, and has been carrying that grief with her ever since. Mylan has his own demons - after a childhood of abuse by his own father and being forced into acting, he’s now in his 20’s and although a very successful actor, struggles with addiction. The two come to meet when Mylan is cast to play Lana’s deceased fiancé, Tyler, in a movie based on the book his sister wrote about Tyler and his love story with Lana, and although Lana still struggles with her grief and has insecurities about her age and size, she and Mylan fall for each other.
I absolutely loved the fact that we got a plus size model on the cover. It’s so nice to get representation and see a fat girl fall in love and know she’s worthy of love. It’s not something we see a lot of in fiction, so it definitely healed a little part of me that has struggled with the same insecurities Lana went through in the book. She was very relatable, and though I myself have not experienced addiction, I do have family members who have and felt that the author wrote this struggle extremely well and did a good job of putting the reader in Mylan’s shoes.
Also the chemistry between Lana and Mylan was off the charts; their sex scenes were so hot 🥵 we all deserve someone like Mylan in our lives. I loved that he absolutely worshipped Lana and her body.
I’m so excited that this book is finally out for others to read, and cannot wait to read what Settle Myer writes next!
This book had my emotions going up and down like a rollercoaster, in the best way possible! I went into reading expecting a spicy, reverse age gap romance featuring a fat FMC, which fully delivered, but it also tackles the subject of addiction and grief. Lana is a 40 something year old women who lost her fiancée to an illness when they were young, and has been carrying that grief with her ever since. Mylan has his own demons - after a childhood of abuse by his own father and being forced into acting, he’s now in his 20’s and although a very successful actor, struggles with addiction. The two come to meet when Mylan is cast to play Lana’s deceased fiancé, Tyler, in a movie based on the book his sister wrote about Tyler and his love story with Lana, and although Lana still struggles with her grief and has insecurities about her age and size, she and Mylan fall for each other.
I absolutely loved the fact that we got a plus size model on the cover. It’s so nice to get representation and see a fat girl fall in love and know she’s worthy of love. It’s not something we see a lot of in fiction, so it definitely healed a little part of me that has struggled with the same insecurities Lana went through in the book. She was very relatable, and though I myself have not experienced addiction, I do have family members who have and felt that the author wrote this struggle extremely well and did a good job of putting the reader in Mylan’s shoes.
Also the chemistry between Lana and Mylan was off the charts; their sex scenes were so hot 🥵 we all deserve someone like Mylan in our lives. I loved that he absolutely worshipped Lana and her body.
I’m so excited that this book is finally out for others to read, and cannot wait to read what Settle Myer writes next!
August 20, 2022
Lana is 40 years old and still grieving the loss of her fiance Tyler. His sister writes a book about him which becomes a movie, one that Mylan wants the role of Tyler for. In order to be the best Tyler, he goes to Lana and begs for her help, and she agrees. But the more time the two spend together, the more their attraction grows. Can she save him from his addictions and can he bring her out of her past and into her future?
Make sure you check trigger warnings for this book, as there is mentions of death, miscarriage, loss of a loved one, and addiction.
Settle Myer has written an absolutely incredible book with Beyond the Bright Lights. It was investing, heartbreaking and just beautiful all around. Lana struggles to let go of her past and move on, all while Mylan deals with his addictions. They both have their fair share of issues, and the two coming together gives them a chance to resolve them.
This is a reverse age gap, which I am typically not a fan of, but actually worked really well. I loved Lana and Mylan together and believed their chemistry. With their story, you will go through every emotion imaginable, but you'll love every minute of it.
Overall rating:
4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
1 🌶
Make sure you check trigger warnings for this book, as there is mentions of death, miscarriage, loss of a loved one, and addiction.
Settle Myer has written an absolutely incredible book with Beyond the Bright Lights. It was investing, heartbreaking and just beautiful all around. Lana struggles to let go of her past and move on, all while Mylan deals with his addictions. They both have their fair share of issues, and the two coming together gives them a chance to resolve them.
This is a reverse age gap, which I am typically not a fan of, but actually worked really well. I loved Lana and Mylan together and believed their chemistry. With their story, you will go through every emotion imaginable, but you'll love every minute of it.
Overall rating:
4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
1 🌶
August 13, 2022
First I want to start with a trigger warning. If you are triggered by topics such as cancer/loss of a loved one, addiction or miscarriage as these topics are discussed in the book.
Now onto the review, 40 year old Lana lost her fiancé 18 years ago, during those 18 years her fiancé's sister has written a book and a movie adaptation is being filmed on location. Lana is again forced to face old heart break and relive her final days with the love of her life. In enters Mylan the 25 year old stud fresh out of rehab with a dark past set to play her dead fiancé. Settle Myer will take you on a journey with both the characters of facing their pasts and moving on together. Mylan shows this plus size beauty what it is to be loved for her whole package and the lovely Lana shows our young stud what unconditional love looks like. The emotions felt in this book were real, the Author was able to change my emotions while reading, several times. So if you are looking for a book with heartbreak, healing and some hot spice with an "unconventional" match this book is for you.
*Edited to add get yourself some doughnuts when you start. Trust me you will know when it's time and will thank me later!!
Now onto the review, 40 year old Lana lost her fiancé 18 years ago, during those 18 years her fiancé's sister has written a book and a movie adaptation is being filmed on location. Lana is again forced to face old heart break and relive her final days with the love of her life. In enters Mylan the 25 year old stud fresh out of rehab with a dark past set to play her dead fiancé. Settle Myer will take you on a journey with both the characters of facing their pasts and moving on together. Mylan shows this plus size beauty what it is to be loved for her whole package and the lovely Lana shows our young stud what unconditional love looks like. The emotions felt in this book were real, the Author was able to change my emotions while reading, several times. So if you are looking for a book with heartbreak, healing and some hot spice with an "unconventional" match this book is for you.
*Edited to add get yourself some doughnuts when you start. Trust me you will know when it's time and will thank me later!!
May 14, 2023
This was so good! I loved every minute of it. I listened to the audiobook and the dual performance felt like watching a movie, highly recommended!
Settle did a great job of weaving in the grief and struggles of each character in a way that was meaningful and realistic but didn’t overwhelm the reader (at least for me, I know these topics will impact readers differently depending on their own experiences and triggers —check the content warnings for sure).
I really enjoyed the plus size representation, Lana has embraced her body and I appreciated that it wasn’t a point of character development for her in the book. Of course, dating an actor her size did come up from external forces, but it wasn’t over the top or triggering (for me at least).
If you want a romance that deals with some heavier topics and has a rich, emotional story, this may be the book for you.
Settle did a great job of weaving in the grief and struggles of each character in a way that was meaningful and realistic but didn’t overwhelm the reader (at least for me, I know these topics will impact readers differently depending on their own experiences and triggers —check the content warnings for sure).
I really enjoyed the plus size representation, Lana has embraced her body and I appreciated that it wasn’t a point of character development for her in the book. Of course, dating an actor her size did come up from external forces, but it wasn’t over the top or triggering (for me at least).
If you want a romance that deals with some heavier topics and has a rich, emotional story, this may be the book for you.
February 2, 2023
Whirlwind Romance Real Issues
So glad I stumbled across this author. I thought it would be predictable and simple. I couldn't have been more wrong. It was real and heartbreaking and heartwarming all at once. This was VERY well done and will resonate with so many people. Can't wait for the next book!
So glad I stumbled across this author. I thought it would be predictable and simple. I couldn't have been more wrong. It was real and heartbreaking and heartwarming all at once. This was VERY well done and will resonate with so many people. Can't wait for the next book!
September 21, 2022
Review to come
August 9, 2022
This was the first book I've read by Settle Myer, and I can confidently say it won't be the last. She has you hooked from the very beginning. She provides a playlist that I feel helps set the tone of the story going forward. The details she provides painted the perfect picture. I appreciate how the main characters Mylan and Lana have past trauma that they work through because everyone has some sort of baggage. It's also nice seeing the representation of a reverse age-gap relationship with a bigger woman.
August 5, 2022
I don’t even have the words. I never thought I would dig an age gap with an older female but Settle KILLED IT! The chemistry, the emotions, the sex, hell even the anticipation had me drooling. Definitely number one read for 2022.
September 7, 2022
**I was given an ARC Copy of this book in exchange for my honest review**
*Check trigger warnings*
✨ 5 ⭐️ / 4 🌶 ✨
I am OBSESSED with Beyond the Bright Lights. I will ALWAYS recommend this book. Not only did it pull at my heart strings but as a plus size person this novel made me feel seen. Fat and plus size representation is not common and sometimes when it is found it is not positive and/or easily dismissed. Beyond the Bright Lights did it right and there was no doubt that the female main character was fat. I mean... Do you see that front cover?!?! GORGEOUS!!!
The world and character building were amazing and Mylan is one of my top favorite book boyfriends. This was an emotional roller coaster and I found myself slowing down my reading so that it would not end. This does touch on some harder subjects so please be sure to read the trigger warnings. I recommend this to everyone.
*Check trigger warnings*
✨ 5 ⭐️ / 4 🌶 ✨
I am OBSESSED with Beyond the Bright Lights. I will ALWAYS recommend this book. Not only did it pull at my heart strings but as a plus size person this novel made me feel seen. Fat and plus size representation is not common and sometimes when it is found it is not positive and/or easily dismissed. Beyond the Bright Lights did it right and there was no doubt that the female main character was fat. I mean... Do you see that front cover?!?! GORGEOUS!!!
The world and character building were amazing and Mylan is one of my top favorite book boyfriends. This was an emotional roller coaster and I found myself slowing down my reading so that it would not end. This does touch on some harder subjects so please be sure to read the trigger warnings. I recommend this to everyone.
August 19, 2022
Eeeeeep! So I just finished this book and wowie. I was ready to go to bed an hour ago, but I couldn’t put it down.
Update:
As I delved into this book, it was giving CoHo meets Olivia Dade — in the BEST way. There was so much CHEMISTRY between these two MCs, and I just love the way Lana and Mylan interacted with each other.
I really went through all of the emotions with this book and had Pat Benatar stuck in my head for at least a week! 😂 (I vote authors should have spotify links more often — so fun!). Oh and the cover 🔥🔥🔥
On a more serious note, the way the author navigated through trauma and addiction was masterful. And the execution of plus size women was *chefs kiss*. I appreciate the way you can tell this author, even in her previous YA novels, keeps diversity representation in mind through her writing.
I can’t wait to check out the next Settle Myer Novel. And am so glad it’ll have some returning characters. I’m invested!!
I received an ARC of this book in return for an honest review
Update:
As I delved into this book, it was giving CoHo meets Olivia Dade — in the BEST way. There was so much CHEMISTRY between these two MCs, and I just love the way Lana and Mylan interacted with each other.
I really went through all of the emotions with this book and had Pat Benatar stuck in my head for at least a week! 😂 (I vote authors should have spotify links more often — so fun!). Oh and the cover 🔥🔥🔥
On a more serious note, the way the author navigated through trauma and addiction was masterful. And the execution of plus size women was *chefs kiss*. I appreciate the way you can tell this author, even in her previous YA novels, keeps diversity representation in mind through her writing.
I can’t wait to check out the next Settle Myer Novel. And am so glad it’ll have some returning characters. I’m invested!!
I received an ARC of this book in return for an honest review
July 31, 2022
I was given an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed this book! Not gonna lie, it took me a little while to get into it but once I did, smooth sailing! I love me a plus size heroine and isn’t it everyone’s dream to have a young, hot movie star fall for them? Very original storyline with some super spicy moments! 4 stars.
I really enjoyed this book! Not gonna lie, it took me a little while to get into it but once I did, smooth sailing! I love me a plus size heroine and isn’t it everyone’s dream to have a young, hot movie star fall for them? Very original storyline with some super spicy moments! 4 stars.
July 27, 2022
Settle this book is AMAZING! It can take a bit to get me into a book and Beyond the Bright Lights had me hooked! Steamy, emotional and thrilling! Be prepared to not want this book to end but also be prepared to not be able to stop reading!
July 25, 2022
This book kept me hooked from start to finish. The way you get to know the characters was amazing. The amount of detail used great.Definitely having my friends read this when it's released to the public.
July 23, 2022
This book is absolutely amazing you name it it's included lgbtq+ plus size age gap addiction recovery it's emotional and all the characters are so well written this book consumes you and makes you not want to put it down it is now my favorite book along with the emotions and all the inclusivity tis SPICY good spicy too this book is amazing
July 21, 2022
So spicy!! I read it in two days. It would have been one if not for kids haha. I loved the story it had my emotions on high alert. Absolutely was such a joy to read.
November 3, 2024
First time reader of a Settle Myer book, and I am HOOKED!
📚Beyond the Lights by @settlemyerauthor
📚310 pages
📚Read for free on Kindle Unlimited
✭ Age Gap (25m/40f)
✭ broken FMC/MMC
✭ Plus Size FMC
✭ TW: grief and addiction
She’s older and wiser…but mainly because she has had to overcome some very tragic and heart-wrenching grief. He’s young, famous and in & out of rehab.
When they meet…it is electric, for both of them.
He’s in her small town filming a movie based on her dead ex-fiance. He goes to her for help in transforming him to her ex. When he takes on a role, he gives it his all. He wants to know her, he wants to understand who he was, he wants to get the accent right. But what happens when the desire for them to be more than just friends takes hold?
I love when I read a story where the characters are so relatable. But more importantly I love when an author can take difficult topics like cancer, grief, addiction to drugs and alcohol and fatphobia…and make you realize perspectives you never understood before. Or makes you feel seen in your experience with those things.
Please, download this book and come back and tell me how much you loved it!
This is the first book in a 3 book series.
📚Beyond the Lights by @settlemyerauthor
📚310 pages
📚Read for free on Kindle Unlimited
✭ Age Gap (25m/40f)
✭ broken FMC/MMC
✭ Plus Size FMC
✭ TW: grief and addiction
She’s older and wiser…but mainly because she has had to overcome some very tragic and heart-wrenching grief. He’s young, famous and in & out of rehab.
When they meet…it is electric, for both of them.
He’s in her small town filming a movie based on her dead ex-fiance. He goes to her for help in transforming him to her ex. When he takes on a role, he gives it his all. He wants to know her, he wants to understand who he was, he wants to get the accent right. But what happens when the desire for them to be more than just friends takes hold?
I love when I read a story where the characters are so relatable. But more importantly I love when an author can take difficult topics like cancer, grief, addiction to drugs and alcohol and fatphobia…and make you realize perspectives you never understood before. Or makes you feel seen in your experience with those things.
Please, download this book and come back and tell me how much you loved it!
This is the first book in a 3 book series.
August 29, 2023
I loved Lana and Mylan so much. I loved there story and bruno and ginger 😍 I liked how you delt with real life problems and how you made bigger girls feel worthy. Sometimes we forget.
Some of it was hard to read I lost my cousin to cancer and my uncle to alcohol and have another cousin struggling with addiction and alcohol. I'm really bad a reviews but I loved this book so much 100% recommend
Some of it was hard to read I lost my cousin to cancer and my uncle to alcohol and have another cousin struggling with addiction and alcohol. I'm really bad a reviews but I loved this book so much 100% recommend
February 24, 2024
I really hate leaving one star reviews because any published author is so far beyond me. I would never have the guts to try and write something let alone get it published but when I leave a one star review, it’s for a very short list of reasons. In this case it’s because it’s a story that has so much potential but the execution was piss poor.
The pacing of the story was totally off. The timeline of the story was totally off. I don’t know much about dealing with someone with addiction issues like that, but I felt as though we didn’t get enough of Mylan’s struggles since he was fresh out of rehab. I knew from the get that I was going to have issues with the story because as soon as the two people meet, it’s instant lust and I’m just not a fan of that. My preference is a slower burn, and that by itself isn’t enough to necessarily warrant a one star review, but then following that Insta lust I look at what we do get and it’s a lot of pointless drivel. We don’t really ever see the characters truly getting to know each other until way far into the book when they had an open and honest conversation about their baggage which, probably at that stage was a normal conversation to have, but I would’ve preferred to read scenes of the two having kind of average conversations instead of just being told because the character narrates it. “Oh yeah we’re so much more to each other” and “oh yeah, Mylan turns out to be an avid reader.” Like instead of just telling me, how about crafting a scene where that happens in real time. I feel like that would’ve added some depth to the story.
Aside from that even though there were several kinda hot, sex scenes, I didn’t really feel any kind of chemistry between the characters, and I partly think that’s because from the beginning I was not really feeling it. I didn’t hate it. I finished the book and if I had hated it, I would not have finished the book but it was just poorly done. Poorly executed.
The writing, at least was decent. Sometimes it was a bit childish the way the characters interacted with each other like Ginger and Lana have these inside jokes about pleading the fifth. There was just some thing about it that felt very forced. It was another example of no chemistry. There was really no chemistry. The only two characters who had any kind of chemistry were Jensen, the director, and Rebecca, Tyler’s sister. From their first interaction I knew immediately they were going to hook up. It was like a love-hate relationship and the next book is about the two of them. I don’t know if I’m gonna bring myself to read it though just because of how I felt about this one. I don’t know maybe I’ll read it, but those were the only two characters who really exuded any type of genuine chemistry. Everyone else, felt forced.
Instead of Mylan having this tarmac confessional I wish maybe we had gone along with him on his recovery journey a little bit and him having Bruno and Eloise join him for a therapy session or something like that where they talk about this as opposed to it’s all rushed he’s getting on a plane and then he’s gone for a year. Again, the pacing was so much of the problem here and then don’t even get me started on how after meeting him for the first time and they’ve only known each other for five days or something crazy like that, her grandparents are all like “what are your intentions with our granddaughter” and “you to make a fine couple.” I don’t care whether you’re from the south or what, those are just not natural, organic things that would happen. The bulk of this story happens in the first couple of weeks but then we have the whole summer of filming so I feel like the pacing could’ve been stretched out over that time instead of trying to cram everything in.
I would’ve liked to have seen more of Mylan’s struggles when he wasn’t with Lana. We knew that it was a potential problem. There was some slight foreshadowing, but then it’s like we think he’s fine. We get one little observation from her that she thought something was off and he said he was just tired but there’s nothing from his perspective. Nothing from her perspective and then all of a sudden it’s the wrap party and we find out he’s been drinking and then he gets drunk at the wrap party and crashes the car. I mean, where was the editor? I blame the editor. The writer has some talent, but I really blame the editor here. If the author is also the one who edited this book, then she has only herself to blame.
The pacing of the story was totally off. The timeline of the story was totally off. I don’t know much about dealing with someone with addiction issues like that, but I felt as though we didn’t get enough of Mylan’s struggles since he was fresh out of rehab. I knew from the get that I was going to have issues with the story because as soon as the two people meet, it’s instant lust and I’m just not a fan of that. My preference is a slower burn, and that by itself isn’t enough to necessarily warrant a one star review, but then following that Insta lust I look at what we do get and it’s a lot of pointless drivel. We don’t really ever see the characters truly getting to know each other until way far into the book when they had an open and honest conversation about their baggage which, probably at that stage was a normal conversation to have, but I would’ve preferred to read scenes of the two having kind of average conversations instead of just being told because the character narrates it. “Oh yeah we’re so much more to each other” and “oh yeah, Mylan turns out to be an avid reader.” Like instead of just telling me, how about crafting a scene where that happens in real time. I feel like that would’ve added some depth to the story.
Aside from that even though there were several kinda hot, sex scenes, I didn’t really feel any kind of chemistry between the characters, and I partly think that’s because from the beginning I was not really feeling it. I didn’t hate it. I finished the book and if I had hated it, I would not have finished the book but it was just poorly done. Poorly executed.
The writing, at least was decent. Sometimes it was a bit childish the way the characters interacted with each other like Ginger and Lana have these inside jokes about pleading the fifth. There was just some thing about it that felt very forced. It was another example of no chemistry. There was really no chemistry. The only two characters who had any kind of chemistry were Jensen, the director, and Rebecca, Tyler’s sister. From their first interaction I knew immediately they were going to hook up. It was like a love-hate relationship and the next book is about the two of them. I don’t know if I’m gonna bring myself to read it though just because of how I felt about this one. I don’t know maybe I’ll read it, but those were the only two characters who really exuded any type of genuine chemistry. Everyone else, felt forced.
Instead of Mylan having this tarmac confessional I wish maybe we had gone along with him on his recovery journey a little bit and him having Bruno and Eloise join him for a therapy session or something like that where they talk about this as opposed to it’s all rushed he’s getting on a plane and then he’s gone for a year. Again, the pacing was so much of the problem here and then don’t even get me started on how after meeting him for the first time and they’ve only known each other for five days or something crazy like that, her grandparents are all like “what are your intentions with our granddaughter” and “you to make a fine couple.” I don’t care whether you’re from the south or what, those are just not natural, organic things that would happen. The bulk of this story happens in the first couple of weeks but then we have the whole summer of filming so I feel like the pacing could’ve been stretched out over that time instead of trying to cram everything in.
I would’ve liked to have seen more of Mylan’s struggles when he wasn’t with Lana. We knew that it was a potential problem. There was some slight foreshadowing, but then it’s like we think he’s fine. We get one little observation from her that she thought something was off and he said he was just tired but there’s nothing from his perspective. Nothing from her perspective and then all of a sudden it’s the wrap party and we find out he’s been drinking and then he gets drunk at the wrap party and crashes the car. I mean, where was the editor? I blame the editor. The writer has some talent, but I really blame the editor here. If the author is also the one who edited this book, then she has only herself to blame.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 23, 2023
Loved it
If you're looking for something slightly different check this out. This is the first book I have read by author Settle Myer. This author took a real look around and brought to life a story that we don't see too often in romance with a plus size female main character that is 40 years old and a troubled Hollywood actor who is 25 years.
The female main character Lana is a plus size female main character and 40 years old who was delivered a devastating blow 18 years prior when her soulmate died of cancer and she has had to relive her grief when her former love's sister wrote a book based on her love story with Tyler Taylor that is now being made into a movie with a recently out of rehab trouble actor who is 25 known as Mylan Andrews.
Her is just as desperate to convince Lana help him learn about Tyler's life that she agrees to help him.
There is undeniable sparks between Lana and Mylan but with his hidden pain and struggles can Lana accept him for all that he is and can she let go of the grief she has gripped onto. As she faces these struggles Mylan is also fighting is own internal battles that are surfacing and he is questioning his own life choices and if he is even enough or worth the risk.
Settle Myer spun this story to showcase what real life struggles can do to a person and how you can overcome tragedy with the right help. This left me with a new respect for this author to take a risk not only putting plus size characters but also a reverse age gap that you don't see to often together.
You are going to want to join Lana and Mylan on their karaoke nights and donut mornings with a light side of dominance.
For those with TW please note there is skimmed over takes of miscarriage, childhood domestic violence and abuse non sexual. Drug and alcohol addiction, thoughts and attempt of self harm. This is touched upon but does not get graphic but I know some cannot handle any forms of some of these items so please be aware.
If you're looking for something slightly different check this out. This is the first book I have read by author Settle Myer. This author took a real look around and brought to life a story that we don't see too often in romance with a plus size female main character that is 40 years old and a troubled Hollywood actor who is 25 years.
The female main character Lana is a plus size female main character and 40 years old who was delivered a devastating blow 18 years prior when her soulmate died of cancer and she has had to relive her grief when her former love's sister wrote a book based on her love story with Tyler Taylor that is now being made into a movie with a recently out of rehab trouble actor who is 25 known as Mylan Andrews.
Her is just as desperate to convince Lana help him learn about Tyler's life that she agrees to help him.
There is undeniable sparks between Lana and Mylan but with his hidden pain and struggles can Lana accept him for all that he is and can she let go of the grief she has gripped onto. As she faces these struggles Mylan is also fighting is own internal battles that are surfacing and he is questioning his own life choices and if he is even enough or worth the risk.
Settle Myer spun this story to showcase what real life struggles can do to a person and how you can overcome tragedy with the right help. This left me with a new respect for this author to take a risk not only putting plus size characters but also a reverse age gap that you don't see to often together.
You are going to want to join Lana and Mylan on their karaoke nights and donut mornings with a light side of dominance.
For those with TW please note there is skimmed over takes of miscarriage, childhood domestic violence and abuse non sexual. Drug and alcohol addiction, thoughts and attempt of self harm. This is touched upon but does not get graphic but I know some cannot handle any forms of some of these items so please be aware.
May 26, 2024
Romance must read filled with grief, addition, and found family.
Follow MMC Mylan, a 25yr old actor, and FMC Lana, a 40yr old small town bar owner, in this dual POV. Mylan just got out of rehab, again, and just took on what could be his redemption movie role as ‘Tyler Taylor’. To become this small-town hero, Mylan goes to Arkansas to convince Tyler’s fiancée, Lana, to help train him. Years after Tyler’s death, Lana is still grieving and trying to find peace with life. Her world is thrown into chaos as she discovers Tyler’s book is being turned into a movie. Will she overcome her grief? Will she let Mylan in enough to portray Tyler in the best light? Will Mylan remain sober through shooting and stop hurting those around him?
There is so much emotion outside of the romance! I’ve never felt so connected to characters and wanting to know more on an individual level. Mylan and Lana work through life changing events in this book (please ensure to read trigger warnings!) like grief, fatphobia, abuse, depression, drug/alcohol addition, etc. They’ve been to hell and back and occasionally struggle to stay afloat with the help of their found family. Even with so much pain and suffering, their stories are realistic and you feel as though you’re battling these demons along side them. There’s such a redemption and beauty to their journey that leaves you praying they make things work. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and its message of self-love/acceptance; I can’t wait to read the rest of the series!
Follow MMC Mylan, a 25yr old actor, and FMC Lana, a 40yr old small town bar owner, in this dual POV. Mylan just got out of rehab, again, and just took on what could be his redemption movie role as ‘Tyler Taylor’. To become this small-town hero, Mylan goes to Arkansas to convince Tyler’s fiancée, Lana, to help train him. Years after Tyler’s death, Lana is still grieving and trying to find peace with life. Her world is thrown into chaos as she discovers Tyler’s book is being turned into a movie. Will she overcome her grief? Will she let Mylan in enough to portray Tyler in the best light? Will Mylan remain sober through shooting and stop hurting those around him?
There is so much emotion outside of the romance! I’ve never felt so connected to characters and wanting to know more on an individual level. Mylan and Lana work through life changing events in this book (please ensure to read trigger warnings!) like grief, fatphobia, abuse, depression, drug/alcohol addition, etc. They’ve been to hell and back and occasionally struggle to stay afloat with the help of their found family. Even with so much pain and suffering, their stories are realistic and you feel as though you’re battling these demons along side them. There’s such a redemption and beauty to their journey that leaves you praying they make things work. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and its message of self-love/acceptance; I can’t wait to read the rest of the series!
July 8, 2025
Beyond the Bright Lights is a reverse age gap romance. It is Book 1 of The Off Script Series. Lana’s high school and college sweetheart, Tyler, passed away from cancer. Tyler’s sister dealt with the grief by writing a book about Tyler and it is now going to be made into a movie. The movie is going to be filmed in Lana’s hometown.
Enter the sexy, younger, and troubled actor - Mylan. Mylan will be playing Tyler and wants Lana’s help.
Mylan is attracted to Lana right away while Lana attempts to keep it professional. Their romance is a roller coaster due to addiction/recovery. Settle handles addiction and recovery in a very respectful way.
I just started Book 2 of the series and I am crossing my fingers that we can see a little more about Lana and Mylan.
My favorite quotes:
“ . . . but I only allowed myself a taste because if I let his tongue worship me like it was begging to do . . .” - Lana
“Maybe I’ll amend the rule tonight for this man. Who says I can’t have a little fun? No. I am not a cougar.” - Lana
“Time’s a . . . and you’ll realize that one day. Unless you fix your aging with a doctor and a vial of poison. Even then, no one but you can change the ugly you store inside that fit body. Take some advice, stop caring about what the world thinks about you and live how you want to live, eat what you want to eat. You’ll be much happier, I promise.” - Lana
“I was going to ask the DJ for a mic and have him play this song in there. I was
going to make this grand gesture, a cheesy, Lifetime movie-worthy gesture, and sing to you.” - Lana
Enter the sexy, younger, and troubled actor - Mylan. Mylan will be playing Tyler and wants Lana’s help.
Mylan is attracted to Lana right away while Lana attempts to keep it professional. Their romance is a roller coaster due to addiction/recovery. Settle handles addiction and recovery in a very respectful way.
I just started Book 2 of the series and I am crossing my fingers that we can see a little more about Lana and Mylan.
My favorite quotes:
“ . . . but I only allowed myself a taste because if I let his tongue worship me like it was begging to do . . .” - Lana
“Maybe I’ll amend the rule tonight for this man. Who says I can’t have a little fun? No. I am not a cougar.” - Lana
“Time’s a . . . and you’ll realize that one day. Unless you fix your aging with a doctor and a vial of poison. Even then, no one but you can change the ugly you store inside that fit body. Take some advice, stop caring about what the world thinks about you and live how you want to live, eat what you want to eat. You’ll be much happier, I promise.” - Lana
“I was going to ask the DJ for a mic and have him play this song in there. I was
going to make this grand gesture, a cheesy, Lifetime movie-worthy gesture, and sing to you.” - Lana
October 25, 2022
As a curvy woman, this book was everything I needed to read but didn't know until I opened page one. The characters are beautifully flawed and we get to see the effects that grief, addiction, and abuse can have on a person. I enjoyed how the author talked about these topics without making the book feel too heavy, or preachy.
Also, it was steamy haha I do love me a smutty read, but that has a really good plot too!
As a person who struggles with severe anxiety and has been emotionally/mentally abused by people in my life, my heart went out to Mylan. I don't typically read books that talk about addiction since it's a sensitive topic for me and hard to read, but the author incorporated it into this book with so much grace. I've honestly haven't cried as much reading a book in a while and this book had me laughing, crying, and just honestly rooting for both Lana and Mylan. The physical connection was hot as hell, but their emotional connection was off-the-charts!
Highly recommend. The book is beautifully written, has a great meaning, has size-representation, and is just a stunning book.
Also, it was steamy haha I do love me a smutty read, but that has a really good plot too!
As a person who struggles with severe anxiety and has been emotionally/mentally abused by people in my life, my heart went out to Mylan. I don't typically read books that talk about addiction since it's a sensitive topic for me and hard to read, but the author incorporated it into this book with so much grace. I've honestly haven't cried as much reading a book in a while and this book had me laughing, crying, and just honestly rooting for both Lana and Mylan. The physical connection was hot as hell, but their emotional connection was off-the-charts!
Highly recommend. The book is beautifully written, has a great meaning, has size-representation, and is just a stunning book.
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