Between Fists And Spotlights

by Jules Raven

222 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 30, 2026

Reviews

[Sarrah-Darcey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of advanced copy reader

Alright that may not be short lol… I will write this as I read, so I can as accurate as I can.
It started normally, as every other book for me. I don’t get hyped in the first 1-3 chapters usually in the books and currently reading chapter 3, I think I’m not able to stop.
The moment when Tommy was like “who?” 🫠 I just can’t express how sweet that sounded in my brain.
Also Mr. Serious Big Bear 🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠
The whole “no physical touch” thing gets me every time because of Tommy. That boy is going to lose it. And Quinn is a little menace 🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠
‘To be happy,’ Quinn replied, ‘You need so much more, Tommy.’
That quote is my favorite quote istg 🤌🏻
Anyway, 24% in and I love the push and pull game -I love it!!!
Gets me giggling, laughing, and kicking my feet because their first kiss? Adorable! Tom and Jerry? I laughed so hard at that!”
And the tears are forming in my eyes and it’s mixed because that’s kind of sad, very cute and I’m confused and I love it so much 😭
You know the feeling when the MMCs are together and happy and then you realize that you have 100 pages more?
I was wondering what’s going to get wrong? Well now I am scared.
When Quinn almost said I love you 🥹😭
I hated it at some time because what do you mean they are not together?! And it fixed me at the end so I really enjoyed it! I loved diving into Quinn’s whole crazy life of a pop star.

[Celina (celina.monique.reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a sweet story. If you enjoy MM romance with dual POV, bodyguard x bratty musician, banter, forced proximity, hurt/comfort, found family, and gay awakening, this one is worth checking out!

[Chasary Mendez · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a new to me Author and their Debut
Between fights and spotlights is a sweet book.

Tommy an ex-con is trying to figure his life out when he’s given an opportunity to become a body guard for a famous Musician Quinn. He’s warned that Quinn can be a diva. Tommy is doing his best to be professional but gosh the chemistry these two have is off the chart.

Quinn the Musician the Diva is having a hard time with his fans he’s being tugged around so he request for more security. That’s when Tommy comes in. The moment he meets him he’s flirting. He’s calling for non emergency issues. Quinn is someone who needs to be protected at all cost.

Tommy and Quinn go through a rough patch but the reunion is the sweetest and most tender moments that really stood out. Tommy doesn’t think he’s good enough for Quinn but Quinn reassures him in so many ways that his past is not what defines him. The banter was great and the spice good Lordt it was spicing.

[Anisha Choudhury | A Literary Autopsy · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5/5 ⭐⭐✨ | 2/5 🌶️🌶️

Disclosure: I received a complimentary eARC of Between Fists And Spotlights by Jules Raven in exchange for an honest review.

Between Fists And Spotlights introduces an incredibly compelling premise that immediately drew me in. The story follows Tommy and Quinn, two people from vastly different worlds—an ex-con fighter and a global pop star—who find an unexpected connection amidst the chaotic music industry. With classic tropes like bodyguard/client, forced proximity, and hurt/comfort, the foundation for an epic romance is definitely there.

However, the execution did not quite meet the potential of the plot. As a debut novel, the writing feels like it needed more time in the development and polishing stages. I struggled to feel a genuine connection with the characters, as the narrative flow often felt disjointed, making it difficult to fully immerse myself in their journey.

While I was happy to see Tommy and Quinn reach their happy ending, the inconsistencies in the prose and dialogue kept me from being able to truly enjoy the experience. I think with further editing and refinement, the author’s voice would be much stronger.

[Becky Wood · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tommy and Quinn are from very different backgrounds. Tommy grew up in Bosnian. When his father became ill he moved to England to work and send money home to support his father and sisters. He wasn’t making enough money bouncing so became a fighter in illegal fights, however, when bouncing, somebody handed him something as there was a raid and he was jailed for possession. Quinn (or Ian) is the brother of an international footballer, currently playing in Spain, and the son of absent parents. His closest friend is his head of security. After he was mauled by fans, it was decided he needed a bodyguard to compliment the security team. Enter Tommy.

This was a nice story and I really felt for the characters as they tackled the issues that tore the MCs apart. The interference to get them to speak again was sweet but kind of expected. I would have been interested to find out more about Tommy’s background. We know that him identifying as queer might be a problem back home but as much of Bosnia was predominantly Muslim, I would have liked to know if the expected prejudice Tommy felt was due to religion of just the personal views of his family.

3.5⭐️ 3🌶️

[Chris reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for the ARC copy that I received. In return I am offering an honest review.
What do you get with you combine a bratty pop star and a bodyguard with a sorted past? You get a steamy and passion driven MM romance that gets your attention and holds it. We meet Quinn and Thomas in Between Fists and Spotlights. Quinn the pop star and Thomas his new bodyguard. Their story starts off with them being business only but through Quinn's persistence and Thomas's curiosity and attraction their business becomes pleasure.
I had a good time reading this ARC. The story and plot were good and characters worked well together. It has some of my favorite tropes like grumpy/sunshine and hurt/comfort. They do have some tension but it doesn't last long so there isn't a slow burn to this book, but more heated passion brought on by forced proximity. The ending wrapped up well and gave the story closure. No cliffhangers. I feel like the story was well paced and didn't feel rushed. This was a shorter read and easy to follow. I would recommend this to anyone who is looking for a contemporary MM romance.

[bookygirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very cute debut rockstar/bodyguard romance!

Between Fists and Spotlights follows the romance between Tommy, an ex-con turned bodyguard, and popstar idol Quinn, as their relationship goes from professional to something more.

The story was quick and fast paced but still developed well the growing connection between the two leads. Minimal angst, and what was there was necessary for the story. Loved the mental health rep, and the side characters were great. Overall a strong debut!

[Shaku · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rock star and bodyguard!? Hell yeahhh!

It had me hooked from the very first chapters 🤩❤️🔥

I love Quinn and Tommy! I’m so glad they got their happy ending. 🥹💕

I really enjoyed it and can’t wait to read more! ❤️❤️🔥

[Kristen Houghton · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review (and thank you so much for the ARC!).
I love grumpy/sunshine, I love a queer awakening, and I love a brat! And this had them all!! In this story we have Quinn, the pop star who despite having it all, doesn’t, and Tommy, the bodyguard who doesn’t think he is good enough for Quinn because of his past. Their love story is hot, it burns bright for both of them, and it is exactly what each of them needs to heal parts of themselves that are broken. For Quinn the fame is a bit too much and his parents are too much. For Tommy his past and family are what is holding him back from being who he wants and being with who he wants. I adored how Quinn worked his way into Tommy’s heart, and I love how possessive Tommy was once he had him. Their HEA is hard won and so worth it!