Limelight

Hollywood Stardust #2

by Kim Carmichael

Twenty years ago, Drew Fulton was made famous in the genre-changing movie, Hollywood Stardust and fell in love with his costar, Erin Holland. Left heartbroken and fed up, he played his ultimate role and walked away from his life, taking on an entirely new persona. Now he wants everything back, from his place in the limelight to the love that made him leave. He only needs to make sure he can leave the past in the past. Known as the spoiled, has-been star of Hollywood, Erin Holland has spent the last two decades pining away for the one love she cannot have. Blindsided when Drew Fulton appears in her life as mysteriously as he disappeared, she is torn between acting on her heart and using Drew’s reappearance to relight her star. Together for the first time in twenty years, their true passion consumes them, but the sparks of old wounds still threaten to burn out of control before they can decide if their love was worth waiting for. Limelight is a Hollywood Stardust novel. All books are stand alone, no cliff hangers, with their own central couple. They can be read in any order.

Genres: Road Trip

512 pages, Paperback

Published November 6, 2015

About the author

USA Today Bestselling Author, Kim Carmichael, began writing fourteen years ago when her love of happy endings inspired her to create her own. She has a weakness for bad boys and techno geeks, and married her own computer whiz after he proved he could keep her all her gadgets running. When not writing, she can usually be found slathered in sunscreen trolling Los Angeles and helping top doctors build their practices.

You can find Kim Carmichael at:
www.kimcarmichaelnovels.com
When you sign up for her newsletter you get a free short story, The Drive.

You can also find her on facebook at kimcarmichaelnovels or follow her on twitter at @kimcarmichael4

Reviews

[The Book Junkie Reads . . . · Rating 5 out of 5]

Limelight . . . flashback to the hero and heroine of this highly popular movie 20 years ago. Now, Drew (Issac) and Erin are not who they were then but have they really changed that much. Time can open doors that were closed and close doors that were open. Drew knew how to close down his feeling and move on. Make a new life. Now 20 years later he's not so sure of staying closed.

Erin has never really been what she projected to be. She had to protect herself the only way she knew how. Now years later and with the anniversary coming up she has to make some decisions.

If you are not looking to be emotionally involved in this read. Then move on. You will need tissue and time to absorb, cry and any other emotion that will be evoked.

**This eBook was provided by NK Author Serives the author in exchange for an honest review.**

[Toula · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a contemporary romance . Hero is Drew . Heroine is Erin . This is their story .
You meet both of them during Typecast book 1 . Decades ago both Erin and Drew were in a very popular film . They fell for each other . Drew walked away . He also to this day changed his name to Isaac. He still has feelings for Erin but he doesn't want to get hurt .
Erin back in the day was called an Ice Queen . Ice instead of blood . It was only an act because she was running Scared . Erin was very insecure but it was an act . She was the only female star for the movie . Both Erin and Drew meet up again at the end of book 1 . Drew brought Ivy to the gala . And Erin was a schocked to see him .

[Marsha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Limelight by Kim Carmichael
Wow, that was a long book. I guess anything less would not have done justice for these characters. I love Drew/Isaac, so naturally I was not very fond of Erin. She just never seemed to grow, or move forward. Fear of failure is powerful thing. A well deserved HEA. Can I get me some Ryder now?

[Mollien Fote Osterman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title: Limelight
Series: Hollywood Stardust Book 2
Author: Kim Carmichael
Publisher: Irksome Rebel Press
Reviewer: Mollien
Release Date: July 7, 2015
Genre(s): Romance
Page Count: 513 pages
Heat Level: 1 flames out of 5
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
Blurb:

Twenty years ago, Drew Fulton was made famous in the genre-changing movie, Hollywood Stardust and fell in love with his costar, Erin Holland. Left heartbroken and fed up, he played his ultimate role and walked away from his life, taking on an entirely new persona. Now he wants everything back, from his place in the limelight to the love that made him leave. He only needs to make sure he can leave the past in the past.

Known as the spoiled, has-been star of Hollywood, Erin Holland has spent the last two decades pining away for the one love she cannot have. Blindsided when Drew Fulton appears in her life as mysteriously as he disappeared, she is torn between acting on her heart and using Drew’s reappearance to relight her star.

Together for the first time in twenty years, their true passion consumes them, but the sparks of old wounds still threaten to burn out of control before they can decide if their love was worth waiting for.

Limelight is a Hollywood Stardust novel. All books are stand alone, no cliff hangers, with their own central couple. They can be read in any order.

Review:
This is the second book of the Hollywood Stardust series. This book is about Drew Fulton and Erin Holland love story. Twenty years ago, Drew and Erin fell in love on the set of the Hollywood Stardust movie. When Erin broke Drew’s heart, Drew quit acting and continued his education. He changed his name, got his Doctorate and opened his own business. The plot of the story picks up where Typecast left off. Drew is at the Anniversary Gala after a 20 year absence he steps back into the limelight. After 20 years can the spoiled Erin and heartbroken Drew get their HEA? After 20 years there is undeniable chemistry between Erin and Drew. I thought the first book was long, but limelight is over 500 pages of ups and downs. The ending was good, but the character development was what interested me. Although I still don’t love Erin, (I hated her in the first book) I understand her better and can even forgive her a little. Although the blurb says that the books can be read in any order, I feel that you should start with Typecast, book 1 of the series. The third book of this series, Idolized is due out at the end of July.
SCORES on a scale of 1-5 Stars rate each of the Following 5
Categories
PLOT: 5 Stars
CHEMISTRY: 4 Stars
PACING: 3 Stars
ENDING: 5 Stars
CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT: 5 Stars



Review Copy of Limelight provided by the Irksome Rebel Press for an honest Review. Reviewed by Mollien from Alpha Book Club
 

[Kathleen R. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title: Limelight
Author: Kim Carmichael
Series: Hollywood Stardust series, Book 2
Publisher: Irksome Rebel Press
Release Date: October 23rd, 2015
Genre(s): Romance
Page Count: 453 pages
Heat Level: # 4 flames out of 5
Rating: # 4 stars out of 5
Blurb:

Worth The Wait…

Twenty years ago, Drew Fulton was made famous in the genre-changing movie, Hollywood Stardust and fell in love with his costar, Erin Holland. Left heartbroken and fed up, he played his ultimate role and walked away from his life, taking on an entirely new persona. Now he wants everything back, from his place in the limelight to the love that made him leave. He only needs to make sure he can leave the past in the past.

Known as the spoiled, has-been star of Hollywood, Erin Holland has spent the last two decades pining away for the one love she cannot have. Blindsided when Drew Fulton appears in her life as mysteriously as he disappeared, she is torn between acting on her heart and using Drew’s reappearance to relight her star.

Together for the first time in twenty years, their true passion consumes them, but the sparks of old wounds still threaten to burn out of control before they can decide if their love was worth waiting for.

When we say goodbye to our favourite actors, rarely do they come back and even less to pursue past lovers - the second part to the Hollywood Stardust series, Limelight, follows Drew Fulton and Erin Holland as they decide to call it quits on their relationship and their career in Hollywood to live separate lives. Twenty years later, Drew reappears in Erin's life wanting to rekindle what they once had and yet, Erin sees it as an opportunity to bring back her fame that she walked away from and never got back. I've had the chance to read the first novel in the series and I must admit that I had more difficulties connecting with his couple compared to Logan and Ivy; maybe because they had decided to leave each other and during their reconnection Erin uses it for her benefit. Just because I didn't like the attitude of one character, doesn't mean I didn't enjoy the story itself, because I truly did - I've mentioned it in my last review of the series, Kim Carmichael has a way of putting pen to paper Hollywood drama, glitz and glamour so readers can live, breathe and for the short time that they read Limelight, become the actors that are Hollywood's elite.








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ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Kathleen from Alpha Book Club

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

As you may or may not know, I LOVED the first book in this series, Typecast. I pretty much begged Kim Carmichael to notify me as soon as the second book in the series was available because I couldn't wait to get my hands on the continuing saga of the Hollywood Stardust crew. So I was pumped when I finally got to read Limelight.

Here is the deal with this series. Twenty years ago, a group of four young adults made a movie that changed a generation. It was about a cross country road trip to California with three guys and one girl - they're all friends but they're all also all in love or lust with Erin. Off-camera the actors basically are living through a similar story line except for Erin who is really only in love with one of the three boys. And who it is a huge secret.

Like any good romantic drama, there's an incident and the results from it changed the life paths for all four. It also almost destroys all the friendships. Drew disappeared - changed his name and got started on a completely different career path. He hid himself from the world and especially from Erin. For twenty years, Erin has been searching for a Drew - to mend and correct the errors she made when she was a foolish kid.

So when Limelight picked up where Typecast ended with Drew showing up for the twenty year reunion - you're beyond excited to finally get Drew and Erin's story.

I was quickly sucked into their world and their drama. I didn't really like Erin the first book - I thought that she was kind of bratty and spoiled but the author has given the reader more insight to what really makes her tick in Limelight. Suddenly I found myself having more empathy for her. I slowly began to like her and I was completely invested on her journey of self-discovery and reclaiming her lost love. I wanted her and Drew to work things out.

It's not an easy path for these two to get their happily ever after. There is a lot of mistrust and insecurities that makes it difficult to move forward and overcome the heavyweight of their past mistakes. But they are amazing together. Their scenes made me laugh, and swoon. They're sexy and sweet. I loved it.

Erin and Drew's story makes awesome reading and the plot incredibly entertaining. I devoured Limelight in just one afternoon because I couldn't put Drew and Erin's romance down. This book is a top recommendation from me. Don't miss out on this series!!

[Char Sowers · Rating 5 out of 5]

For me "Limelight" is the star of the Hollywood Stardust series! Steamier sex, characters with better motivation and growth, and a story that is not only good but a whole lot of FUN! This is a stand alone book in the Hollywood Stardust series. Having said that being the sticker that I am - I read "Typecast" just before I read "Limelight" and I noticed a few inconsistencies between the two books that probably only bother someone like me. Heck, I'm probably the only person that noticed them but ... I noticed and it bothered me. But other than that I adored the hero, Drew Fulton, who we met in "Typecast" as Issac Abrams. He's smart, a little self-deprecating, and a lot more "commanding" than one would suspect. The heroine, is Erin Holland, the film's only female star who became an acting sensation. She has the reputation of being a diva, ice queen, but hiding behind all of that is a vulnerable and normal woman who is just a little bit desperate. Kim Carmichael has really given the reader a more meaty plot this time around. The main characters have complex emotional baggage from the past and also issues that they are dealing with now. In a sense, the hero and heroine are coming from completely different worlds even though they met as actors on a film. But it's their past that ties them and it's their past that separates them. The present time brought them back together but it will also rip them apart. Good stuff.
The character development in "Limelight" is significant for both the hero and the heroine. The hero learns to be commanding and fight for what he wants rather than to run. The heroine learns that there is more to her than hiding behind a role. That people will love her even when she is just being herself even at the age she's at. Drew is a Fabulous character that I LOVE!!! Erin is a character that evolves from vacillating from acting and "bitchy" to being a genuinely fun and sweet woman. I love "Road Trip" stories they give such wonderful opportunities to put the hero and heroine in amusing situations with a variety of different and interesting characters. The intertwining of Erin and Drew's past via flashbacks is eye opening. Not to mention the addition of scenes from the sequel to "Hollywood Stardust" - which is great. Kim Carmichael is a fabulous job with "Limelight"!
To read the entire review please visit: http://bit.ly/1n0wr0C

This novel was provided for an unbiased review.

[Rebecca Austin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Twenty years ago Drew Fulton turned his back on Hollywood and reinvented himself as Isaac Abrams. He has kept his past under wraps until he decides that it is time for payback and he comes out of hiding with the 20th anniversary of his movie, Hollywood Stardust.

Erin Holland was once a big time star, but lately her career seems to be faltering, as does her love life. Twenty years ago she let the possible love of her life walk away from her and now she wants a second chance with him.

But both are different than they were back then and more seems to be at stake. Erin wants her career back and Drew is still confused about which person he now is - Drew or Isaac. Will the two have a chance finally at a happy ending or are there still too many ghosts in their pasts.

I really enjoyed this book. At times I felt that it dragged at little but overall I was happy with it. I found both Erin and Drew had so much pain inside of them, due to the love that they had for the other, but they were both so stuck in their ways that it was difficult to overcome. They both wanted to move on from the past but at the same time had trouble letting go of it.

I was kind of confused on who all Erin had relationships with 20 years ago as it almost seemed like she had a relationship with each of the men but I'm not sure. Erin is definitely one of those characters with what appears to be the world at their feet, yet with so many self doubts about the real her. I really enjoyed getting to know her as the book progressed as you could see how much she truly wanted to impress Drew and that everything she was doing was what she thought he would want. Well, maybe not the secret stuff with the camera.

I liked Drew but I saw him as so confused through most of the book. He escaped Hollywood but not the love of his life and he really had to try and figure out what it was that he wanted most of everything.

I enjoyed how the book went between the movie and real time as the movie seemed to be so closely related to what they were all going through.

This was the first time I have read Kim Carmichael and it will not be my last.

Reviewed for Kylie's Fiction Addiction

[Deneale Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Drew Fulton (Andrew) has decided he wants his place back in the “Limelight” he used to love. He used to be a famous star twenty years ago in the famous movie Hollywood Stardust. His co-star than, and love of his life was Erin Holland. But that was all in the past. In order for Drew to return to his much craved “Limelight” he must be able to leave the past where it belongs, in the past.

Erin Holland had a constant place in her heart for Drew and always wanted to try and fix it. She always wondered what had happened to him and searched for him. Erin is so in love with Drew she would give up acting to have him. On the same token, would he even want her still?

After twenty years, the pain of the past still makes its appearance. But what Drew and Erin truly need to decide is their love worth waiting for? Can they make this work, should they, and will they? Romance, acting, can they work everything together...again? Or should they? Inquiring minds want to know! You will need to read this book “Limelight” to find your answers and more.

“Limelight” is a very well written book that you will want to read from cover to cover. It is a five star book, and said book will pull at your heart strings, and make you fall in love with the characters. This book takes places right after: “Typecast.” And together, both of these books, would make a fabulous Movie, which I think everyone would truly enjoy.

[Angie ~aka Reading Machine~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Drew Fulton walked away from the love of his life and acting for good twenty years ago. He changed his name and his career path at the same time. Now he's known as Dr. Issac Abrams and completely successful in his work but he's never forgotten Erin Holland no matter how hard he tried. Drew's sudden reappearance at Hollywood Stardust Gala has made his life both easy and difficult at the same time. Erin Holland always wanted a chance to make things right with Drew and continually searched for him yet unable to reach him. Erin is presented with an opportunity to get to know the man Drew is today. Erin desperately wants to find her place in this world even if it means giving up acting for good. Can either Erin or Drew be the person they need to be? Will the past destroy the future? Find out in Limelight.

This book picked up right where Typecast left off. The story and characters were flawed in a good way; real; raw; honest; compelling; and down to earth too. I'd be interested in seeing what happens with the only cast member left not hooked up like Logan/Ivy and Drew/Erin.

[Sandi Ramirez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Hollywood Stardust Series and it is my favorite of the two. I can so see this book as a move in today's world. I mean with the remakes of Grease all this book would fit right in as a movie.

In this book we get the story of Elin and Drew in all HER glory. Oh my we get the FULL ON HOLLYWOOD GLAM QUEEN and at times I had to remind myself just how old no young she was. That is not a bad thing but a good thing about how well Kim Carmichael wrote her characters in this book.
We get to see Drew back when he was part of the movie and how and why he thought and did the things he did...AND we see him now and WHAT He is now. (NOT giving that great nibble away.)

This book is so good I could not put it down once I started it. I can only hope we get books for the other characters in the movie cause I really...I do mean I REALLY want to see Ryder handling the chargge.com gal...or maybe we should say Cora Caine handling Ryder. I received this book for an honest review and I HONESTLY LOVED IT!

[Isha Coleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series has is all. Glamour, scandal and heartbreak included. Limelight examines the havoc that fame can bring to relationships. This is Drew and Erin's story. From co-stars to lovers and heartbreak these two will captivate. Erin has never gotten over Drew. The end of their relationship left her feeling betrayed in many ways. She has floundered on the cusp of finding that next big break for years. Drew escaped the world of make believe and embedded himself in reality. New identity, new career, new start but he left his heart behind. Limelight is far more emotion packed than Typecast because the characters don't seem as generic and are dealing with a real relationship with back history and miscommunication. As seductive as it is heartbreaking but the deep exploration is what made it five star for me.

[Linda Levine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an interesting series focusing on Hollywood. They had quite the experience and went their separate ways but are now brought back together. Erin and Drew hurt each other and have not seen each other since their split but now have a chance to resolve some of the pain.He went far away from Hollywood and her career went into decline.

It is a real emotional journey with lots of ups and downs. I enjoyed the story and the characters. It takes some time to get into it all but you end up with a really good story. The characters feel real. You don't have to read the first book but it is a good read.

I received a copy in return for a honest review.

[Angie Bartley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book. I went into the book really liking Drew(Isaac) after getting to know him a little bit in Typecast. I really didn't have a high opinion of Erin from reading her character in Typecast, but it didn't take me long to change my opinion and start rooting for her. Drew and Erin have had a tumultuous relationship since they first met. They can never seem to be on the same page at the same time. Fear and distrust are always right there to keep them apart. I loved both characters and how they grew and changed over time. I can't wait to read more of this series. I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Bridgett Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book of the Hollywood Stardust series. This book is about Drew Fulton and Erin Holland love story. 20 years ago, Drew and Erin fell in love on the set of the Hollywood Stardust movie. When Erin broke Drew’s heart, Drew quit acting and continued his education. He changed his name, got his Doctorate and opened his own business. The plot of the story picks up where Typecast left off.
“Limelight” is a very well written book that you will want to read from cover to cover. It is a five star book, and said book will pull at your heart strings, and make you fall in love with the characters.

[Laura Redmon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Drew Fulton and Erin Holland haven't seen each other in 20 yrs, since being on the set of Hollywood Stardust, a famous coming of age, genre changing movie.

While on the show, Erin was stuck in a love triangle and ended up breaking Drews heart at the end of movie 1.

20 yrs. Later, do Erin and Drew have a chance to fix what is broken and fall in love?

I love, love, love Hollywood Romances! Book 2 was so good.

****I received this ARC in exchange for an honest Review.****

Laura Redmon
Cutting Muse Blog Review

[Christina Rhoads · Rating 4 out of 5]

After suffering heartbreak 20 years ago Drew Fulton and Erin Holland have a chance at relighting their Hollywood stars and rekindling their great love, if only they can move past the mistakes of their past.
I loved the characters qualities, their passion for what they do and for each other. I'm a sucker for second chance romances and this delivered wonderfully. I am now adding this author to my TBR list so I can enjoy more of her writing style.
*Read and reviewed on behalf of Kylie's Fiction Addiction

[Michelle Baldwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm lucky enough to say I'm a true kim Carmichael fan... This series puts a lump in my throat more than once (well more than a few ) lol. The characters are so loveable but also frustrating as well..... banging heads together comes to mind, As if been privileged to be giving an ARC I can tell you ALL this is yet another fantastic read and I'm left wondering what's they are going to get up to next.......

[N. Kuhn · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I received this in exchange for an honest review. *
I love this story, but as with the last one, it drags on. It's a very dramatic story, and in some points a tear jerker. It's noce to see Erin and Drew finally have their own story. I enjoy seeing them resolve their issues and move on. This book will make you laugh and cry and feel feelings!

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Starlight series and follows the characters of Drew and Erin who we were introduced to in the first book.

Drew and Erin are both flawed characters who have to work hard to overcome their hurt feelings toward each other to finally realize their potential.

This is a good read. Book flows well. Looking forward to another book in the series.

[Janneke Wolbers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this second story!
At the beginning i really did not like Erin, I thought she was a stuck up bitch trying to destory everyone and everything, a real drama queen!
Also i didnt think Drew should be with her..
But he loves her and who am i to say he shouldnt.
I do hope she stays the way she was at the end :)

[Annette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Drew's story broke my heart but I'm glad he and Erin fund their HEA! I like the way Kim gives you an inside look as tho how hollywood lifestyle is and how they give up so much of themselves for the public. I'm anxious to read the next book! I really enjoy this series.

[Mercedes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Romance. Will Drew and Erin ever admit how ...

Good Romance.
Will Drew and Erin ever admit how they feel about each other?
Will they continue to be part?
Drama ,passion and angst.
Enjoyed reading.
Received in exchange for a honest review.

[Robin · Rating 1 out of 5]

Could not finish. it needed to grab me at the beginning and it didn't.

[Becca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review to come