What do you think?
Rate this book
Out in Hollywood #4
In Her Spotlight
Not yet published
Expected 24 Feb 26For fans of Casey McQuiston, Alexis Hall, and Meryl Wilsner, an actually hilarious, sweetly sexy, gloriously relatable, second chance, sapphic rom-com from the acclaimed author of For Her Consideration, starring a franchise Hollywood actress aims to prove her chops in a theatrical production directed by her ex whose heart she broke a decade earlier.
Hollywood actor Tess Gardner is not the kind of famous she set out to be. She’s ready to show she’s more than Princess Platinum of the Vindicators series, a pretty face with CGI superpowers that literally sparkle. Tess wants to prove herself as an actor and that means theatre—the true calling of her thespian heart. But just when Tess lands a part working with an acclaimed stage director, a brewing scandal forces him out. His replacement? None other than hip, buzzy director Rebecca Frisch. The same Rebecca Frisch whose heart a firmly closeted Tess broke over a decade ago during summer stock . . .
As Tess wrestles with her lingering guilt and attraction to Rebecca, she also finds herself struggling to rein in her superstar status backstage. When things unexpectedly reignite with Rebecca, Tess bristles even more against the walls of her A-list life. Since the industry’s made it clear that girl-next-door superheroes can’t also be gay, coming out isn’t realistic for Tess. And ultimately, Rebecca will head back to New York and likely seek out a less complicated relationship anyway.
Will the curtain close on her chance for happiness or will Tess finally take a leading role in her own life?
Hollywood actor Tess Gardner is not the kind of famous she set out to be. She’s ready to show she’s more than Princess Platinum of the Vindicators series, a pretty face with CGI superpowers that literally sparkle. Tess wants to prove herself as an actor and that means theatre—the true calling of her thespian heart. But just when Tess lands a part working with an acclaimed stage director, a brewing scandal forces him out. His replacement? None other than hip, buzzy director Rebecca Frisch. The same Rebecca Frisch whose heart a firmly closeted Tess broke over a decade ago during summer stock . . .
As Tess wrestles with her lingering guilt and attraction to Rebecca, she also finds herself struggling to rein in her superstar status backstage. When things unexpectedly reignite with Rebecca, Tess bristles even more against the walls of her A-list life. Since the industry’s made it clear that girl-next-door superheroes can’t also be gay, coming out isn’t realistic for Tess. And ultimately, Rebecca will head back to New York and likely seek out a less complicated relationship anyway.
Will the curtain close on her chance for happiness or will Tess finally take a leading role in her own life?
336 pages, Unknown Binding
Expected publication February 24, 2026
484 people want to read
About the author
Amy Spalding
17 books925 followersAmy Spalding is the author of several novels, including the bestselling For Her Consideration, We Used to Be Friends and The Summer of Jordi Perez (and the Best Burger in Los Angeles), which was named a best book of 2018 by NPR, the Boston Globe, Kirkus Reviews, and more. She is a recipient of the 2023 Human Rights Campaign Visibility Award for the authentic, funny, and diverse representation of the LGBTQ+ community in her books.
Amy grew up in St. Louis and now lives in Los Angeles. She has a B.A. in Advertising & Marketing Communications from Webster University and an M.A. in Media Studies from The New School. Amy studied longform improv at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre.
Amy grew up in St. Louis and now lives in Los Angeles. She has a B.A. in Advertising & Marketing Communications from Webster University and an M.A. in Media Studies from The New School. Amy studied longform improv at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
Currently reading
December 8, 2025pre-read:
im extremely sorry for my ARC updates girlies🎀 anyway, looking forward to this book, was such a fan of rwrb x
im extremely sorry for my ARC updates girlies🎀 anyway, looking forward to this book, was such a fan of rwrb x
December 10, 2025
The ‘Out in Hollywood’ series by Amy Spalding has been one of my absolute reading joys this year. How perfect then to finish off the year with her new one ‘In her Spotlight’. I found this one especially lovely as it’s set in the world of theatre making and it’s also one of my favourite sub-genres ( as Jane Austen would say) ‘the second attachment’. This series of standalone books is interconnected by queer ‘ladies who brunch’ a warm network of creative, diverse and witty friends who have their own love stories but then pop up as minor characters in the other books.
This one is about ‘professional actress Tess Gardner’ and Tess herself who has lost herself in this public persona. Wildly successful for her role as Princess Platinum, Tess has lobbied her control-freak team for the opportunity to take on a theatre role. The complication? The director is Tess’ first, lost and only love Rebecca Frisch.
From their first interaction it’s obvious that there’s still chemistry between Tess and ‘effortlessly competent, unsettlingly attractive’ Rebecca. There’s a lovely friendship with fellow cast members Ashlee and Kathleen, a redemption arc for sometimes brusque theatre snob Michael, excellent fashion including ‘a glossy black Chloe leather jacket’ that help the reemerging real Tess ‘feel like a badass’. At one point I wondered where are the ladies who brunch but then they arrive like a sapphic cavalry. Of course there is Amy Spading’s warmth, perfect dialogue and quirky LA vibes. In Her Spotlight is my kind of book and I hope it will be yours too.
This one is about ‘professional actress Tess Gardner’ and Tess herself who has lost herself in this public persona. Wildly successful for her role as Princess Platinum, Tess has lobbied her control-freak team for the opportunity to take on a theatre role. The complication? The director is Tess’ first, lost and only love Rebecca Frisch.
From their first interaction it’s obvious that there’s still chemistry between Tess and ‘effortlessly competent, unsettlingly attractive’ Rebecca. There’s a lovely friendship with fellow cast members Ashlee and Kathleen, a redemption arc for sometimes brusque theatre snob Michael, excellent fashion including ‘a glossy black Chloe leather jacket’ that help the reemerging real Tess ‘feel like a badass’. At one point I wondered where are the ladies who brunch but then they arrive like a sapphic cavalry. Of course there is Amy Spading’s warmth, perfect dialogue and quirky LA vibes. In Her Spotlight is my kind of book and I hope it will be yours too.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for the advanced reader copy.
3.5 stars
Tess Gardner is famous. She's a lead in the franchise Vindicators superhero movies, has a beautiful house, and a cute (and famous in her own right) pug named Rosie. But she isn't satisfied; she wants more from her career. When she's given the chance to go back to her theater roots, to be in a female-written play, she jumps at it, even if her team isn't enthusiastic. But then the director gets taken down by the #MeToo movement and Tess' ex-girlfriend, Rebecca Frisch steps in. Tess is even more thrown by the fact that Rebecca doesn't seem to have any particular emotion toward Tess--even though Tess ghosted her when they were dating. As the two are forced to work together closely, can they move beyond the terrible way their relationship ended and start over?
This wasn't my favorite of Amy Spalding's Out in Hollywood books. It had a slower start than the others and that threw me for a moment. Tess, as a main character wasn't as compelling as some of the other main characters, though Rebecca was a delight to read and Rosie the pug is one of my favorite canine characters that I've read. IN HER SPOTLIGHT is still worth diving into for the continued expansion of the Out in Hollywood world. I especially appreciate how each novel approaches the Hollywood machine from a different perspective.
In Her Spotlight is out February 24, 2026
3.5 stars
Tess Gardner is famous. She's a lead in the franchise Vindicators superhero movies, has a beautiful house, and a cute (and famous in her own right) pug named Rosie. But she isn't satisfied; she wants more from her career. When she's given the chance to go back to her theater roots, to be in a female-written play, she jumps at it, even if her team isn't enthusiastic. But then the director gets taken down by the #MeToo movement and Tess' ex-girlfriend, Rebecca Frisch steps in. Tess is even more thrown by the fact that Rebecca doesn't seem to have any particular emotion toward Tess--even though Tess ghosted her when they were dating. As the two are forced to work together closely, can they move beyond the terrible way their relationship ended and start over?
This wasn't my favorite of Amy Spalding's Out in Hollywood books. It had a slower start than the others and that threw me for a moment. Tess, as a main character wasn't as compelling as some of the other main characters, though Rebecca was a delight to read and Rosie the pug is one of my favorite canine characters that I've read. IN HER SPOTLIGHT is still worth diving into for the continued expansion of the Out in Hollywood world. I especially appreciate how each novel approaches the Hollywood machine from a different perspective.
In Her Spotlight is out February 24, 2026
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Another lovely foray into LA and Hollywood. This one is a little slower to get into, mostly because Tess Gardner is not honest with herself, so it is harder for us to get to know her. We still care, though, and want her to figure herself out.
This one is set in the theater instead of in movies. I have a little bit of theater experience, I was Shep Henderson in Bell, Book, and Candle in high school, and from what I know, everything rings true. There is a special magic when the book stands up and starts walking around. Words on the page become movements on the stage.
If you are looking for a "Hollywood glamour" story, this might not be it. Tess has largely made her peace with the press and paparazzi, but her life is constrained by her fame. Yes, some fancy dresses show up, but just the right jeans might be more important in the story.
I appreciate the bits of good writing, quietly setting up later moments, whether it is grilled cheese or bathrobes.
I also like that this series doesn't take the lazy road where everyone in the friend group is gay and we march through them book by book. These books are all loosely coupled and could be read in any order, with a few minor spoilers, like a character being married in one book but single in an earlier one.
Just read all of them, in order or not.
Kensington Publishing was kind enough to provide me with an advanced reading copy via NetGalley for an honest review.
This one is set in the theater instead of in movies. I have a little bit of theater experience, I was Shep Henderson in Bell, Book, and Candle in high school, and from what I know, everything rings true. There is a special magic when the book stands up and starts walking around. Words on the page become movements on the stage.
If you are looking for a "Hollywood glamour" story, this might not be it. Tess has largely made her peace with the press and paparazzi, but her life is constrained by her fame. Yes, some fancy dresses show up, but just the right jeans might be more important in the story.
I appreciate the bits of good writing, quietly setting up later moments, whether it is grilled cheese or bathrobes.
I also like that this series doesn't take the lazy road where everyone in the friend group is gay and we march through them book by book. These books are all loosely coupled and could be read in any order, with a few minor spoilers, like a character being married in one book but single in an earlier one.
Just read all of them, in order or not.
Kensington Publishing was kind enough to provide me with an advanced reading copy via NetGalley for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I think this is the last book in Amy Spalding’s Out in Hollywood collection, and if that’s true, goodness, she went out with a full-on fireworks finale. This was my favorite book in the whole series, which is really saying something.
Tess Gardner is this universe’s version of an A-list Marvel star — and she is miserable. Yeah, sure, she’s rich and famous, but these days she feels like nothing more than a brand that exists to make other people money. Her dream is to return to the stage, her first love, even though everyone on her team thinks it’s a terrible idea. She does it anyway, and immediately crashes into her other first love: hotshot theater director Rebecca Frisch. They fell hard for each other doing summer theater a million years ago and haven’t seen each other since.
Like all of Amy Spalding’s novels, this is a queer love story, and! It’s a story about a queer woman struggling to understand who she really is, what she really wants, to embrace her heart’s truest desires, and be brave enough to live a real life in an industry built on endless sleight of hand. Oh, and of course there’s an incredible pet who’s a supporting star! I’ve always been obsessed with theater, but I don’t have any actual experience with it; In Her Spotlight took me behind the scenes in the way I’ve always wanted to go. Also, if you loved Max from all the other books, as much as I loved Max from all the other books, you’re gonna end this series with an enormous grin on your face.
Tess Gardner is this universe’s version of an A-list Marvel star — and she is miserable. Yeah, sure, she’s rich and famous, but these days she feels like nothing more than a brand that exists to make other people money. Her dream is to return to the stage, her first love, even though everyone on her team thinks it’s a terrible idea. She does it anyway, and immediately crashes into her other first love: hotshot theater director Rebecca Frisch. They fell hard for each other doing summer theater a million years ago and haven’t seen each other since.
Like all of Amy Spalding’s novels, this is a queer love story, and! It’s a story about a queer woman struggling to understand who she really is, what she really wants, to embrace her heart’s truest desires, and be brave enough to live a real life in an industry built on endless sleight of hand. Oh, and of course there’s an incredible pet who’s a supporting star! I’ve always been obsessed with theater, but I don’t have any actual experience with it; In Her Spotlight took me behind the scenes in the way I’ve always wanted to go. Also, if you loved Max from all the other books, as much as I loved Max from all the other books, you’re gonna end this series with an enormous grin on your face.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Hollywood star Tess Gardner is desperate to shed her "sparkly superhero" image and prove her worth as a serious stage actor in a new theatrical production. However, her professional ambitions are upended when she discovers the play’s new director is Rebecca Frisch, the woman whose heart Tess broke a decade ago. As their old flame reignites, Tess must choose between the safety of her carefully closeted A-list career and the risk of finally living authentically.
I have thoroughly enjoyed the whole Out In Hollywood series and it could not have ended on a higher note. This was my favourite of the books so far. Which honestly was a surprise because I’m not usually a fan of second chance romances. But the amount of time between their first romance and the romance in the book allowed for growth in such a satisfying way.
I loved both Tess and Rebecca for entirely different reasons. Tess was messy and relatable hiding behind a put together image. Rebecca was smart and strong with a soft side she longed to be seen and nurtured. This was a rocky road for them but it felt all the more real as a result. I will be listening to the audiobook as soon as it is available because that is how I listened to all of the others and I’m not ready for the series to be over!
I have thoroughly enjoyed the whole Out In Hollywood series and it could not have ended on a higher note. This was my favourite of the books so far. Which honestly was a surprise because I’m not usually a fan of second chance romances. But the amount of time between their first romance and the romance in the book allowed for growth in such a satisfying way.
I loved both Tess and Rebecca for entirely different reasons. Tess was messy and relatable hiding behind a put together image. Rebecca was smart and strong with a soft side she longed to be seen and nurtured. This was a rocky road for them but it felt all the more real as a result. I will be listening to the audiobook as soon as it is available because that is how I listened to all of the others and I’m not ready for the series to be over!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.75/5 stars
Another delightful sapphic romance from Amy Spalding!
This book was a very sweet and entertaining second chance romance with good pacing. The two main characters had great chemistry and I really enjoyed seeing their story unfold. The ensemble of characters was entertaining and relatively likeable. The main character was at times unlikable / unrelatable due to her privilege, but the character also felt somewhat self-aware about this and I enjoyed how her character grew by the end of the story. Overall In Her Spotlight is a charming and entertaining sapphic contemporary romance.
What I Liked:
- Good pacing
- Great chemistry
- Sweet second chance romance
- Entertaining ensemble of characters
What I Didn’t Like:
- Not always the most likable main character, but realistic and fairly self-aware.
Thank you Kensington Publishing for providing me with a ARC of this ebook through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Another delightful sapphic romance from Amy Spalding!
This book was a very sweet and entertaining second chance romance with good pacing. The two main characters had great chemistry and I really enjoyed seeing their story unfold. The ensemble of characters was entertaining and relatively likeable. The main character was at times unlikable / unrelatable due to her privilege, but the character also felt somewhat self-aware about this and I enjoyed how her character grew by the end of the story. Overall In Her Spotlight is a charming and entertaining sapphic contemporary romance.
What I Liked:
- Good pacing
- Great chemistry
- Sweet second chance romance
- Entertaining ensemble of characters
What I Didn’t Like:
- Not always the most likable main character, but realistic and fairly self-aware.
Thank you Kensington Publishing for providing me with a ARC of this ebook through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
thank you to netgalley for a copy of this arc!
i enjoyed the book, overall. sometimes i found tess’ character annoying because of her insistence on being a professional actor but then throwing that all away randomly midway through the book?
however, the romance and the relationship between the characters were enjoyable and for that, i give the book four stars! would definitely recommend to a friend!
i enjoyed the book, overall. sometimes i found tess’ character annoying because of her insistence on being a professional actor but then throwing that all away randomly midway through the book?
however, the romance and the relationship between the characters were enjoyable and for that, i give the book four stars! would definitely recommend to a friend!
Read
December 8, 2025test
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
i have SO MANY FEELINGS RIGHT NOW. this is amy’s best book yet.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews