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Limelight
Love…in the spotlight.
Anna Lainey is a successful author who values her privacy. The last person she would imagine herself dating is a movie star–yet when she meets Benjamin Worthington on the set of a major motion picture, sparks fly–and before she knows it, she’s caught up in a very public whirlwind romance.
But Anna has kept herself distant from others for a reason–she has a secret, crippling panic disorder. When Ben’s fans turn against her and begin stalking her, her worst anxieties have come to life. She doesn't want to live without Ben–but she can’t live in the limelight either.
Anna Lainey is a successful author who values her privacy. The last person she would imagine herself dating is a movie star–yet when she meets Benjamin Worthington on the set of a major motion picture, sparks fly–and before she knows it, she’s caught up in a very public whirlwind romance.
But Anna has kept herself distant from others for a reason–she has a secret, crippling panic disorder. When Ben’s fans turn against her and begin stalking her, her worst anxieties have come to life. She doesn't want to live without Ben–but she can’t live in the limelight either.
284 pages, Paperback
First published August 15, 2014
7 people are currently reading
46 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
August 22, 2014
A sweet love story between a bestselling author and a movie star, very smartly written with issues like anxiety/panic attacks and nicotine addiction treated with care and weight, made a part of the characters rather than silly quirks. The love scenes are tasteful and show enthusiastic consent, female friendship is valued (and between several successful WOC), and racism in publishing and microaggression are tackled head on, making this a fantastic feminist romance novel. Yes, I'm onto your LIBERAL AGENDA, Krista, and I HIGHLY APPROVE. ;-)
March 20, 2015
Contemporary romance with adult characters both in their 30's. Thank you very much :)
Hero is 37 and a famous, really famous actor.
The Heroine is a very successful writer, whose book was made into a movie. The hero is the lead actor in that movie and that is how they eventually meet.
The heroine has some issues with crowds which I thought was well presented. It also creates a interesting dynamic considering how famous he is and the fans.
What I liked is that even though the hero is the famous actor, its not a story of rich boy, poor girl. The heroine is successful and wealthy in her own right so there is no power gap between them.
There is a nice build up sensuality that is really sexy. Its not a super steamy read by any means and it was just fine the way it was. Sexy was definitely there.
I liked the fun interplay between them and how even though there was some shyness on the heroines part, she still kept her wit and head. The little tidbits about writer life and some extent of actor life I found interesting.
Hero is 37 and a famous, really famous actor.
The Heroine is a very successful writer, whose book was made into a movie. The hero is the lead actor in that movie and that is how they eventually meet.
The heroine has some issues with crowds which I thought was well presented. It also creates a interesting dynamic considering how famous he is and the fans.
What I liked is that even though the hero is the famous actor, its not a story of rich boy, poor girl. The heroine is successful and wealthy in her own right so there is no power gap between them.
There is a nice build up sensuality that is really sexy. Its not a super steamy read by any means and it was just fine the way it was. Sexy was definitely there.
I liked the fun interplay between them and how even though there was some shyness on the heroines part, she still kept her wit and head. The little tidbits about writer life and some extent of actor life I found interesting.
February 24, 2016
I received a free e-copy of this book almost a year ago in exchange for a promise to review it when I was done. In other news, I am a terrible reviewer and no one should be giving me review copies.
"Limelight"'s premise: a shy and anxious but very successful author finds love with an A-list movie star. It's a wish-fulfilment fantasy, but it's a fantasy that makes a surprisingly compelling story, because Ball takes the fantasy premise and follows its implications as far as they'll go. There's no need for a contrived conflict threatening to pull the lovers apart, because the conflict is inherent in the premise: Can Anna deal with the crowds, media attention, and harassment that come with a high-profile relationship, when crowds are her biggest anxiety trigger? Can she trust that Ben really loves her, when thousands of other women are throwing themselves at him? Can Ben trust that she really loves and sees him, and not just the fantasy he portrays on the big screen?
What really makes the romance compelling to me is the respect that the two protagonists have for each other. Both are fans of each other's work when the book begins - even though Ben is more famous, Anna's appreciation for him is never one-sided - but both quickly learn that the ordinary person behind the work is more interesting than their public persona. They treat each other consistently well, and inspire each other to better and healthier behavior, which is nice to see. Anna's anxiety disorder is also well-depicted. She doesn't hand-wring or feel broken because she has a mental illness, but it does present challenges; some of which she's already learned to live with, and some of which require her and Ben to learn new coping strategies during the book.
Although the book itself isn't heavy, Ball shows awareness and respect for some heavier social issues. I might find a few points (such as a science fiction convention's prompt response to harassment on its premises) overly optimistic, but overall the story feels grounded enough to make the emotional high points connect. I enjoyed it.
"Limelight"'s premise: a shy and anxious but very successful author finds love with an A-list movie star. It's a wish-fulfilment fantasy, but it's a fantasy that makes a surprisingly compelling story, because Ball takes the fantasy premise and follows its implications as far as they'll go. There's no need for a contrived conflict threatening to pull the lovers apart, because the conflict is inherent in the premise: Can Anna deal with the crowds, media attention, and harassment that come with a high-profile relationship, when crowds are her biggest anxiety trigger? Can she trust that Ben really loves her, when thousands of other women are throwing themselves at him? Can Ben trust that she really loves and sees him, and not just the fantasy he portrays on the big screen?
What really makes the romance compelling to me is the respect that the two protagonists have for each other. Both are fans of each other's work when the book begins - even though Ben is more famous, Anna's appreciation for him is never one-sided - but both quickly learn that the ordinary person behind the work is more interesting than their public persona. They treat each other consistently well, and inspire each other to better and healthier behavior, which is nice to see. Anna's anxiety disorder is also well-depicted. She doesn't hand-wring or feel broken because she has a mental illness, but it does present challenges; some of which she's already learned to live with, and some of which require her and Ben to learn new coping strategies during the book.
Although the book itself isn't heavy, Ball shows awareness and respect for some heavier social issues. I might find a few points (such as a science fiction convention's prompt response to harassment on its premises) overly optimistic, but overall the story feels grounded enough to make the emotional high points connect. I enjoyed it.
August 18, 2014
I don't read a lot of romance or women's fiction, but this really hit the spot. I like that Anna & Ben are adults in their thirties (in fact, Ben is a tad grossed out when he's asked to play a romantic lead to a twenty-year old).
Ben is a rather obvious amalgamation of Benedict Cumberbatch, Tom Hiddleston, and James McAvoy, but manages to also be an original creation of the author, and is a perfect foil for Anna, a successful woman in her own right.
While a romance, the book isn't all fluff, detailing the downside of fame (nasty online harassment and stalkers; crazed fans; mobs) and health issues such as panic attacks and agoraphobia.
The supporting cast is delightful, as always--Ball's secondary characters are consistently well done in all her works--and the main couple is adorable. A great book to read curled up on the couch with a cuppa.
Ben is a rather obvious amalgamation of Benedict Cumberbatch, Tom Hiddleston, and James McAvoy, but manages to also be an original creation of the author, and is a perfect foil for Anna, a successful woman in her own right.
While a romance, the book isn't all fluff, detailing the downside of fame (nasty online harassment and stalkers; crazed fans; mobs) and health issues such as panic attacks and agoraphobia.
The supporting cast is delightful, as always--Ball's secondary characters are consistently well done in all her works--and the main couple is adorable. A great book to read curled up on the couch with a cuppa.
April 10, 2015
Anna is a successful author from Canada who has come to stay in England for a working vacation of sorts because one of her books was made into a movie, and it’s filming there. Anna isn’t a big people person and has panic attacks in large crowds. She doesn’t make friends easily but it looks like England may be a nice change for her. She makes friends with some of the actors in the movie. Ben, one of the actors in the movie, is a big deal and has obsessed fan girls. Anna has a small crush on him, like most women, but she keeps her distance from him because he’s Hollywood and she’s basically a boring hermit. She meets Ben under very embarrassing circumstances. Someone has drugged her drink at the movie’s after party. Ben comes to her rescue. The next morning she is mortified, but Ben and the other actors who watched out for Anna are very nice. (for some reason the drugging of her drink was dropped and never brought up again). Ben is a big fan of her books and thinks Anna is sweet, although he thinks they won’t have anything in common, but they could be friends for the short time she’s in England.
Anna and Ben become very close over the next few weeks. He loves hanging out with her at her rented apartment just watching movies or cooking. They develop a very nice friendship that is borderline girlfriend and boyfriend. Ben begins to have stronger feelings for Anna, and she for him. But both are stubborn and won’t take the next steps to become lovers. Anna is afraid she’ll be attacked by Ben’s fangirls, who are very loud and outspoken about who Ben should date and be seen with. But Ben helps Anna become more comfortable in her skin and makes her go out in public more. Then he invites her to his sister’s wedding, and that’s when things really change for both of them. But can Anna deal with Ben’s celebrity status when she starts to get death threats from his crazed fans, as well as their mean and rude opinions about Anna and her looks? Will Anna move to England to be with Ben, giving up her life in Canada?
Limelight by K. Ball was an entertaining read. Ben is very sweet and not at all egotistical when it comes to his status as a Hollywood leading man. The way he treats Anna is lovely. Anna is the one I had issues with. She’s from Canada but sounds too British and exactly like the rest of her counterparts. She also has deep emotional and self esteem issues that after a while become tedious because they’re always front and center. Eventually she takes dancing lessons because of a dare with Ben to get him to quit smoking. I thought that was a nice touch, but Anna was constantly worrying about having a panic attack or not being good enough to be with Ben. Things went a little overboard when Ben and Anna go to the theater, and a mob of a thousand women are waiting outside for Ben. They swarm him and Anna, in order to get to him, and Anna is almost trampled. That seems too much, especially since Ben isn’t really this global sensation.
There’s also a side plot about Anna standing up for herself in regards to her agent of ten years, and the publisher who constantly white washes her covers. It was interesting to see more about Anna’s job, rather than Ben’s.
The sensually factor is more PG-13-ish and a good tone for both adult and teen readers. Anna and Ben start things rolling as they become intimate, but the middle and end of their love making is left to the reader’s imagination.
Limelight should appeal to fans who like an opposites attract trope regarding the main couple. Most will connect with Ben, who is a sweetheart, while Anna plays second fiddle to him. The outcome of their romance has a very typical HEA.
Anna and Ben become very close over the next few weeks. He loves hanging out with her at her rented apartment just watching movies or cooking. They develop a very nice friendship that is borderline girlfriend and boyfriend. Ben begins to have stronger feelings for Anna, and she for him. But both are stubborn and won’t take the next steps to become lovers. Anna is afraid she’ll be attacked by Ben’s fangirls, who are very loud and outspoken about who Ben should date and be seen with. But Ben helps Anna become more comfortable in her skin and makes her go out in public more. Then he invites her to his sister’s wedding, and that’s when things really change for both of them. But can Anna deal with Ben’s celebrity status when she starts to get death threats from his crazed fans, as well as their mean and rude opinions about Anna and her looks? Will Anna move to England to be with Ben, giving up her life in Canada?
Limelight by K. Ball was an entertaining read. Ben is very sweet and not at all egotistical when it comes to his status as a Hollywood leading man. The way he treats Anna is lovely. Anna is the one I had issues with. She’s from Canada but sounds too British and exactly like the rest of her counterparts. She also has deep emotional and self esteem issues that after a while become tedious because they’re always front and center. Eventually she takes dancing lessons because of a dare with Ben to get him to quit smoking. I thought that was a nice touch, but Anna was constantly worrying about having a panic attack or not being good enough to be with Ben. Things went a little overboard when Ben and Anna go to the theater, and a mob of a thousand women are waiting outside for Ben. They swarm him and Anna, in order to get to him, and Anna is almost trampled. That seems too much, especially since Ben isn’t really this global sensation.
There’s also a side plot about Anna standing up for herself in regards to her agent of ten years, and the publisher who constantly white washes her covers. It was interesting to see more about Anna’s job, rather than Ben’s.
The sensually factor is more PG-13-ish and a good tone for both adult and teen readers. Anna and Ben start things rolling as they become intimate, but the middle and end of their love making is left to the reader’s imagination.
Limelight should appeal to fans who like an opposites attract trope regarding the main couple. Most will connect with Ben, who is a sweetheart, while Anna plays second fiddle to him. The outcome of their romance has a very typical HEA.
October 11, 2014
I've yet to read a bad book by Ball, and this was a wonderful book. It's a romance, which is not her usual genre, but she got it right and then some. She also tackles the often controversial topic of book covers being whitewashed, racial discrimination, internet etiquette and trolls, and panic disorders. Ball also has quite a bit of herself in the book, at least going by what she posts on twitter that is used in the book. That gave the book, for me anyway, a more personal and immediate feel. But, even if you don't follow her on any of her social media, you'll still get a feel for who she is without it interfering with the story.
Anna is a shy, slightly reclusive, successful author who finds herself attracted to successful, famous movie star Ben. Ben has fans who put the 'fan' in fanatical and they do not like it when she and Ben hook up, believing her unworthy, even threatening her life. Anna's panic attacks come to the fore with the fame, attention, and stress that come with being with Ben and I felt for her. Even without a panic disorder, it must be difficult when one partner is in the public eye and the other less so. Both Ben and Anna fumble their way through the relationship, making mistakes but learning from them and trying to do better. At times, Ben was an ass but he was basically likable and he did try to be a better person when he screwed up. Anna was easier for me to relate to, with her love of books and her familial experiences with cancer. Yes, sabotaged by another cancer book. Sigh. It's important to the story but not a major part of events so I was able to deal.
I loved Ball's mix of romance, humor, and contemporary hot topics. It's hard to pull off but she does it beautifully. I cared about the characters, I rooted for Anna and Ben to work out, and I couldn't stop reading. "Limelight" is engrossing, fascinating, and kept me reading until about 4 in the morning.
Some of my favorite quotes from the book:
"Don't worry, Anna. Ben once forgot a naked girl in my flat," Geoff mused. "Just left her there, stark naked in my bed."
Ben glared at Geoff, but Geoff flashed him a triumphant grin. Anna, for her part, turned to Ben with a shocked expression on her face before breaking into laughter. "How exactly do you forget that you left a naked woman somewhere?"
Ben groaned and rubbed the bridge of his nose. "It was an accident."
"Then let me clarify. How exactly do you accidentally leave a naked woman at someone else's house?"
**********
She kept telling herself that her brain and her heart were confusing those two (aspects of Ben) and that her attraction to him was mostly the fame and general awe she held him in.
It was a lie, and the more time she spent with him, it was more obviously a lie. But she needed the lie. Oh, she needed it and Anna clung to it because her life depended on it. Falling for a man like Ben would be the end of her.
**********
If he made another move, she wasn't sure she would have the strength to say no. She wasn't even sure why she was saying no anymore. Because she wanted more than just his fingers wrapped around hers. She wanted him, body, heart, and soul. Even if it would destroy her.
**********
"There needs to be an adoption program out there, where families take in random strangers."
"That's called marriage, dear."
Anna is a shy, slightly reclusive, successful author who finds herself attracted to successful, famous movie star Ben. Ben has fans who put the 'fan' in fanatical and they do not like it when she and Ben hook up, believing her unworthy, even threatening her life. Anna's panic attacks come to the fore with the fame, attention, and stress that come with being with Ben and I felt for her. Even without a panic disorder, it must be difficult when one partner is in the public eye and the other less so. Both Ben and Anna fumble their way through the relationship, making mistakes but learning from them and trying to do better. At times, Ben was an ass but he was basically likable and he did try to be a better person when he screwed up. Anna was easier for me to relate to, with her love of books and her familial experiences with cancer. Yes, sabotaged by another cancer book. Sigh. It's important to the story but not a major part of events so I was able to deal.
I loved Ball's mix of romance, humor, and contemporary hot topics. It's hard to pull off but she does it beautifully. I cared about the characters, I rooted for Anna and Ben to work out, and I couldn't stop reading. "Limelight" is engrossing, fascinating, and kept me reading until about 4 in the morning.
Some of my favorite quotes from the book:
"Don't worry, Anna. Ben once forgot a naked girl in my flat," Geoff mused. "Just left her there, stark naked in my bed."
Ben glared at Geoff, but Geoff flashed him a triumphant grin. Anna, for her part, turned to Ben with a shocked expression on her face before breaking into laughter. "How exactly do you forget that you left a naked woman somewhere?"
Ben groaned and rubbed the bridge of his nose. "It was an accident."
"Then let me clarify. How exactly do you accidentally leave a naked woman at someone else's house?"
**********
She kept telling herself that her brain and her heart were confusing those two (aspects of Ben) and that her attraction to him was mostly the fame and general awe she held him in.
It was a lie, and the more time she spent with him, it was more obviously a lie. But she needed the lie. Oh, she needed it and Anna clung to it because her life depended on it. Falling for a man like Ben would be the end of her.
**********
If he made another move, she wasn't sure she would have the strength to say no. She wasn't even sure why she was saying no anymore. Because she wanted more than just his fingers wrapped around hers. She wanted him, body, heart, and soul. Even if it would destroy her.
**********
"There needs to be an adoption program out there, where families take in random strangers."
"That's called marriage, dear."
September 10, 2015
Overall this was a sweet story between Anna, an award winning actor, and Ben, a hotshot actor who meet on the scene of a movie. Throughout the book they work from the awkward first meeting and try to decide where to go from friendship while also trying to keep Anna out of the spotlight so that her anxiety order won't kick up.
The plot was fine but the characters in this story bugged me. They both make millions yet complain about money. They want to protect each other but don't stand up for them. Those are just a few of the things that just didn't make any sense to me.
The plot was fine but the characters in this story bugged me. They both make millions yet complain about money. They want to protect each other but don't stand up for them. Those are just a few of the things that just didn't make any sense to me.
June 2, 2016
Disclaimer: I am friends with the author and she gave me the book ( because she is sweet and kind like that)
This is slightly outside my usual genre preferences, but I am so glad I read this. It was sweet and charming, yet entirely lacking saccharine sensibilities. I've had a stressful weekend and reading this book was the best destresser I could ever ask for.
This is slightly outside my usual genre preferences, but I am so glad I read this. It was sweet and charming, yet entirely lacking saccharine sensibilities. I've had a stressful weekend and reading this book was the best destresser I could ever ask for.
April 20, 2015
I LOVE this book.
August 6, 2017
I quite liked this book!
January 5, 2021
More than a quick read
Limelight was a great read. The author allows the reader to connect to the story and their characters. The story line is realistic yet fun to imagine.
Limelight was a great read. The author allows the reader to connect to the story and their characters. The story line is realistic yet fun to imagine.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews