Under the Lights

Bright Lights #1

by Tia Louise

From USA TODAY bestselling author Tia Louise comes a sexy new tale of love, loss, and survival in sultry New Orleans...

UNDER THE LIGHTS

Heroes don't last long around here...

Fall in love with the sexiest girl in New Orleans?
Check.
Prepare to die for her?
Double-check.

Larissa is the most beautiful woman I've ever seen.
She's the rising star of the Pussycat Angels, the hottest burlesque show in the French Quarter.

I'll never forget the first time I saw her.
The curve of her breast outlined by sparkling rhinestones.
Slim hips wrapped in black fishnets.
Long, dark hair...

She's the Dark Angel who stole my heart.
Her body is intoxicating, our love overwhelming.

Cat eyes and blood red lips.
Sizzling fingers on white-hot skin.
I couldn't keep my hands off her...

But her fame had a dark side,
A sinister shadow lurking under the lights.

I would do anything to save her...
He would do anything to see me dead.

(A CONTEMPORARY ROMANTIC SUSPENSE series.)

Genres: Romance, Dark, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense, Suspense, Second Chance

350 pages, ebook

First published January 8, 2018

About the author

Tia Louise is the USA Today best-selling, award-winning author of spicy-sweet military romance, small town romance, single parent romance, and romantic suspense novels.

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Reviews

[Carol [Goodreads Addict] · Rating 5 out of 5]

Under the Lights is book one in the Bright Lights Duet by Tia Louise. This book is like nothing I’ve ever read before. It grabbed me on the first page and I couldn’t look away until the end. And that ending…!!! What kind of torture was that?

Mark Fitzhugh came to New Orleans because he had nowhere else to go. When circumstances once again leave him out on the street, he is taken in by a man who gets him a job on a set crew for a burlesque show in the dark part of town. He sees her his first day on the job, the angel. One of the rules is that the crew never bothers the girls. But he can’t stop himself. He had to get to know her.



Larissa (Lara) was an orphan and when she was old enough, got a job as a singer and dancer at the burlesque theater. Her boss knew her mother and has made promises to Lara about how far she’ll have to go. But Lara knows she can’t trust him. That her day is most likely coming. Lara rescued an orphan girl she found starving in an alley, Molly. Molly is now thirteen years old and starting to develop. Lara keeps her protected as best she can but it’s getting harder to keep her safe.

“I made the bargain to be here. I have no money, no family, nowhere to go. I can’t escape why I’m here. I can only find an insurance policy in case I fail.”



Lara is drawn to Mark the first time they spoke. She knows she shouldn’t let herself feel anything for him, to allow herself to hope. But she can’t help it. Through the weeks, they steal time together and fall in love. Mark keeps promising he is going to save Lara and Molly. That he’ll find a way to get them out of there. But he has no money of his own, no home to shelter them. Mark has her heart but she’s got to think of Molly. She has to find some other way to get them out.



“Only fools make wishes here.”
“Oh, beautiful girl, I’d trade being a fool here with you for a lifetime anywhere else.”



All is not as it seems at the theater. What you see on the stage isn’t all that’s going on. There are dark places, places you never want to go. Terrible things happen in those places. Terrible things Lara has to get away from. Terrible things she has to protect Molly from.



This book gripped me right from the beginning. It was actually a pretty dark book. For just a minute you think that maybe Lara and Mark are going to find some happiness only to have it ripped away. I wasn’t prepared for the suspense in this one. My heart was beating! And don’t say I didn’t warn you that there is a cliff hanger. But don’t worry, the conclusion is almost here, Under the Stars.

[Christy · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars!

“Heroes don’t last long around here.”

Under the Lights is the first book in Tia Louise’s sexy and suspenseful ‘Bright Lights’ duet. It took me a bit to really get into the story, but once I did, I was hooked! I’m glad the second book comes out soon, because I need to know whats to become of Mark and Lara…

Larissa, or Lara for short, works at an up and coming burlesque show in the french quarter of NOLA. When Mark first sees her, he’s taken. It’s love, or at least lust, at first sight. When he actually gets to know her, he’s a goner. But it’s complicated. The way Lara’s life is makes it difficult for her to be in a relationship. She has someone counting on her and she has to do what is best for the both of them.

“I wish you were mine. Only mine. I wish I could touch you. I wish I was a rich man, so I could take you far from here.”



I adored Mark. He wanted so badly to take care of Lara, to make sure she was safe and happy. I understand all the complications, but I wish they would have just run off together anyway. I’m anxious to see how their story will turn out in the future after seeing how this one ended!

I loved that this story wasn’t the same old same old. Tia Louise always does a great job of bringing unique plots to life. And I don’t even mind the cliffy, because I know the conclusion will be in my hands later this month!

[The Sassy Bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well HALLELUJAH. I guess it is true what they say about the third time being the charm. After my first two books of 2018 were less than stellar, I had my fingers crossed that this one would be a hit. And I enjoyed this one a lot. Was it perfect? No. It was a bit too long, and the middle section dragged for me but overall it was a fabulous read, and I can't wait to see what the author has in store for us in the conclusion.




So deets...I found this one to be very well written. The pace in the beginning and near the end were both perfect. Like I mentioned above the middle part dragged a little and I found my attention wandering at certain points throughout. The plot was engaging overall, and that is what had me intrigued enough to slog through the slow parts. The angst level was medium. There wasn't any OW drama to speak of. There was some OM drama. The sex scenes were hot and plentiful enough to give the story some heat without taking over the plot. There was a fantastic cast of secondary characters that I hope we will read more about in the second book. Both main characters were very likable. They were also very young 21 (hero) and 20 (heroine). To be honest, they came across older in their portrayal (late 20's), but it wasn't something that bothered me enough to affect my rating. Mark was pretty much perfect. He was strong. Loving. All in from the moment he met Lara. Lara was a little less perfect for me. I struggled with her decisions. I get she had to do what she felt she had to do to support herself and Molly, but geez sometimes it came across like all she cared about was money...money...money.




Last, this one wrapped up in a doozy of a cliffhanger. I am dying to get my grubby little hands on book two because I need to see where the author is headed with this story. From a quick glance at some reviews for book two REVENGE will be the name of the game...squeeee. I love me a good revenge plot. So like I said, third time seem to be the charm for me and yours truly is giving this one two HUGE thumbs up.

[❥ KAT ❥ Kitty Kats Crazy About Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

UNDER THE LIGHTS: A new contemporary romance novel by author Tia Louise. Spoken in ‘Dual Perspectives’ This is set in the French Quarter in New Orleans surrounding the “Pussycat Angels” a Burlesque theatre a strip club that's a front for the underhanded world of sex trafficking.

In this we meet twenty one year old Mark and twenty year old Lara but in the book they do appear a lot older which I was glad about.

Lara’s dream was to become a singer..An orphan who wanted to make it big, she managed to sing her way into a spot on the show, but having no family, no money and nowhere to go, she's slowly she's pulled into the darker side of the business and she's scared for the young thirteen year old she's taken under her wing. How long can she protect her for?

The last thing she needs is to become involved with a stagehand.

Mark's dream was to become a policeman that was his main drive when he moved to New Orleans but in the blink of an eye he's fleeing a crime scene. He hears of crew needed on set at the 'Pussycat Angel's' which was only temporarily..



Not looking for romance he's taken aback when he's drawn to one of the dancers..

“Do not fall in love in a place like this. Everything is fake.”

An undeniable attraction that turns into so much more, plans are made for the three of them to escape, but in the blink of an eye their dreams are shattered. No one comes out unscathed.

Then he was doing underhanded things for the boss, being one of the good guys and chasing his dream was disappearing far into the distance. Once your in the 'Pussycat Angels' there's no way out..

UNDER THE LIGHTS was a unique read which I can't compare to anything I've read before, likeable well rounded characters that you connect with. The only negative I have for this is that it appeared drawn out towards the middle segment and I found my attention span waning, but as your nearing the last few chapters it re-picks up and throws us over a doozy of a cliffy which has me craving the next book which is due on the 22nd of this month!!

     

[Sabrina · Rating 4 out of 5]

NOW LIVE!
Amazon US * Amazon UK



Under The Lights takes us to the dark side of a New Orleans Burlesque club, where what you see on stage is not always what it seems. Lara and Mark meet at the club, she a dancer and he a stage hand. Their connection is instant but Lara can't take the risk of being with him when her focus is on getting herself and her sister to a safer place than the club, and the only way to do that is with someone much richer than Mark. But Mark isn't ready to give up on Lara that easily and will follow her down the path of darkness in order to keep her safe.

Holy hell I was not expecting this story to kick my ass the way it did. The intrigue and suspense of not knowing what exactly was happening behind closed doors had me on the edge of my seat the entire time. I loved that the story captivated me so much and had me wanting to climb into the dark underground of New Orleans along with these characters.

Mark and Lara were both amazing to learn about, and there is much more that I want to know in the next book. I'm dying to get my hands on their conclusion so I can finally see what they make of themselves. The way this ended broke my heart and had me screaming for more. Any book that can make me that crazy is a win in my book and one that I highly recommend.

ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.

[Tia Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

FRESH, RED HOT, & FREE on ALL eBook retailers!!!
★ Get UNDER THE LIGHTS for FREE Now:
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#FirstLove
#ForbiddenLove
#Anything4Love

Growing up in south Louisiana, New Orleans was a place where magic could happen... BAD things could happen... Basically anything could happen.

Mysterious, magical, beautiful, dangerous...

UNDER THE LIGHTS is set in a strip club that's a front for sex trafficking. A boy and a girl dare to fall in love, and it's first love, it's forbidden love... It's HOT and sweet and dangerous, and eeeek!

Note: This is a CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE duet. COMMENT and let me know what you think....

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 “I only want you to see me.” stars

Under the Lights has a feeling of the forbidden, but the beauty of falling in love for the first time. Ever wonder what happens under the lights, it sometimes never as pretty as what you see on stage, in every dark corner there are secrets that haunt and own your mind, body and soul. Two lovers who want nothing more than a better life and better circumstances; not afraid to dream big but trapped in their consequences. It’s fast and turbulent, sexy and fierce, brutal and kind wrapped up in a blanket of mystery. There are some dark elements to the story that might not be for everyone, but for those willing to take the journey, its definitely worth the fall. There is a cliffhanger, but the second book is out and ready to dive in.

Copy kindly provided by the author, via *Sixty First Reads*, for an honest review.

***Quotes above are taken from the version of the book and may differ upon publication.

[Chris C - A Midlife Wife · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh yeah. A cliffhanger and a violent sad ending.
* triggers involved!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
There are some authors that have the secret to a fabulous story nailed down and Tia Louise is one of them. Always exciting with detailed elements that beg you to keep reading late into the night.

This new release is chalk full of pain, emotion, love, violence, tragedy, and heartbreak. So why read it? Because inbetween the lines there is a light there... but it will take until the next book to see it all.

The character development is awesome. You become so attached and invested in these characters that whenever something horrible or tragic happens, you almost feel the pain too.

I hated the ending. Hated it! I knew what was going to happen and did not want to face it at all. But yet, I know when we go through some pain, the happiness will come too.

Excellent read and a fabulous plot that is raw, edgy and dark, just like we like!

* Copy received for review consideration
full review - http://amidlifewife.com/under-the-lig...

[Olga therebelreader · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sexy and romantic read with a bit of an edge. I enjoyed the story for what it was, and Mark was a great alpha male. The end was satisfying.

In short:
Hero 4/5 | Heroine 4/5 | Plot (Point, Originality) 4/5 | Writing Style 3/5 | Steam4/5 | Romance 4/5 | Angst-Suspense 3/5 | Darkness 0/5 | Humor 0/5 | Secondary Characters 3/5 | Drama-Conflict 3/5 | Mystery 0/5 | Twists 3/5 | Pacing Steady | Action 3/5


ARC kindly peovided in exchange for an honest review.

[Carvanz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my gawd!!! This book absolutely blew me away!!! I’m not sure when I’ve read anything that ran me through so many emotions.

All Lara wanted to do was sing. In her effort to do so she performs at a burlesque show in New Orleans. Unfortunately, there are some rather shady activities going on there that are revealed a bit at a time. As the darkness around her closes in she struggles to protect Molly, a young girl she rescued from the streets, even as she has no resources to rely upon.

While Lara wants to be a star, Mark wants to be a hero by becoming a cop. However, things never work out for him because he meets Lara. In an effort to stay with her he is forced to take a job that is the complete opposite of anything a hero would do. He finds himself stuck in a place that limits his ability to remove Lara from the hell she is living.

Mark and Lara’s story is not for the faint of heart. Just their day to day lives as they struggled to find a way out of the wretchedness they lived in was difficult to read at times. Everything seemed so hopeless for them individually and as a couple. The atmosphere at the theater led to such a sense of despair that it almost felt like another character in the story.

There isn’t a lot of background on any of these characters and I assume that is for a reason and that we’ll get that information in the next book. I held off reading this until the duet was complete so I’m happy to be diving directly into the novella and then book two next. And I am freaking excited to find out what the heck is going to happen with Mark and Lara especially after that crazy cliffhanger!!

Dual POV
Safe – no ow/om drama
Triggers rape; drug use; sex trade

[Ilsa Madden-Mills · Rating 5 out of 5]

FIVE SIZZLING STARS!

Tia Louise is the absolute best at creating a world with unforgettable characters that practically leap off the page. I love everything she writes, but Under the Lights is at the top. I flew through the pages with my heart pounding! It has all the elements that I look for in an intense read: Emotional, suspenseful, and SEXY as heck.

I'm biting my nails waiting for the next one!!!!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

***AVAILABLE NOW - FULL REVIEW ***

5 *+#~*#^% CROWNS

Well, what do I do now? You know what I want to do? I want to pick my chin up off the floor, pick up the pieces of my shattered heart, and mail them to Tia Louise. She can put them in her jar of broken hearts, because I’m sure she has caused a lot of heartbreak with this suspense-filled, edge-of-your-seat romance.

It is difficult to talk about the characters, because, honestly, we don’t get a lot of background on either the hero or the heroine.. Although this is normally a detraction from the story, their vague characterization fits with the roles they play. What we do learn is that Mark is incredibly protective, and he loves fiercely. His dedication to Lara is unwavering. Lara, like Mark, has a protective streak a mile wide, and her desperation to protect Molly drives her to do many things she doesn’t want to. Her perseverance shows a strength that most would not have when she is faced with obstacles and amoral acts. Most importantly, the chemistry between Mark and Lara is HOT, and Tia Louise does a fantastic job at making it about the physicality of their relationship.

From the first page, readers will be sucked into this seedy burlesque club. There is danger and seduction, and readers will feel ensnared by the suspense crafter by this author. There are parts of the plot that will be hard for readers, but the author doesn’t make readers endure the trauma, and spends more time with the after effects, hammering home the ramifications of what has occurred. This is a duet so it does end in a cliffhanger, but the epilogue left me with such hope.

This is my favorite Tia Louise novel, without question. I couldn’t put it down. I was consumed by this sultry and seedy world, and I cannot wait to see how it will all end.
————
ARC received in exchange for an honest review

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Under The Lights Duet

This story is so intense, full of drama, realistic in it's detail of telling how one girls attempt to try to save another, keeps them held in a place, that is controlled by another. Lara has a friend who tries watching out for her, keeping her somewhat safe, but he can only do so much. Mark moving to New Orleans, gets a job at this theatre, only to be smitten with Lara, wants to save her from there. As you get further into their story, will see covers pimping, prostitution, abuse, drug addiction, rape, will be very, very intense at times. Cannot wait to read second part💞

[Shayna · Rating 4 out of 5]

“I want you to be mine.”

OMG! Tia Louise is BACK with the first part of her new BRIGHT LIGHTS Duet - UNDER THE LIGHTS! I’m so damn giddy, I can hardly contain myself! It hasn’t even been that long, but I missed this author’s writing so MUCH! She always brings me to my happy place, and this time around, she throws some heavy angst into the mix to keep me on my toes! Sexy, enticing, suspenseful, and angsty, Tia Louise brings quite the HEAT and ROMANCE in her upcoming release! Be prepared to become ADDICTED in every possible way!

UNDER THE LIGHTS introduces us to the budding passion and connection of Larissa and Mark. Ms. Louise sets the scene in none other than New Orleans, the city where anything could happen. There is a touch of mystery and intrigue. There are definitely some scorching hot sex scenes, and there is a chemistry between two amazing characters that we just can’t deny. There is SO MUCH going on here, but Tia Louise sets it up so perfectly. UNDER THE LIGHTS brings us drama, heat, and tragedy like no other. It will suck you in and leave you wanting so much more! It’s a beautiful story of young love and the power it has over all other things. I have a feeling that Tia Louise is just getting started with these two, as well as the multiple other characters we are introduced to in this romance duet starter.

I’m so incredibly excited to see where this duet takes us. I crave the angst! I crave the mystery! I crave the unyielding love that is sure to surface in book two. Ms. Louise has done it again! She has created characters that stole my heart in an instant. She has created a storyline that is addicting, emotional, and sexy! I can’t wait to see what the second book in the duet brings us.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Under The Lights is a highly intense read... Full of emotions, suspenseful, yet SEXY as sin!!
I found the whole story very intriguing, wrapped in a shroud​ of darkness.

Lara is a young woman who has no one except this young girl she is helping to take care of. Working in a burlesque show. Then she meets Mark.

Mark comes to the burlesque after his uncles death. His dream is to one day be a police officer. I ADORED his character!!!

Under The Lights was an edgy,fast-paced read that I devoured!!! Tia Louise is fast becoming a favorite author of mine. Her writing style is one of a kind. Her characters are loveable, and relatable. An absolutely beautifully, dark, twisty at times story. I can't wait for the rest of Lara and Mark's story!

*i voluntarily read an advance copy from the author. This is my honest review.*

[Simply Love Book Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was immediately drawn into this world and found the book difficult to put down. That being said I found a lot of unanswered storylines but since this is a duet with a cliffhanger ending, I'm hoping the author will fill in the blanks. The author brought to life the characters and the world in which they lived. Mark and Lara lived surrounded by a dark side. They found a few rays of hope but it was a struggle to survive. It was easy to see why these two felt a connection with one another. The each had a sweet side although they had issues trusting.

I really liked Mark. He seemed like a stand up guy for the most part. He knew he was taking part in a risky business but wanted to ensure the safety of Lara. One piece I sent understand is what happened to his family. What brought him to New Orleans? What happened to his Uncle?

I had a harder time liking Lara. She was naive but cunning. She was a user and seemed like she didn't care who fell in her trap. She befriends Molly, a 13 old and keeps her locked in her room knowing she needs to get out but doesn't do anything to change her surroundings.
Again, where not really given her story and how she ended up in the Burlesque sex show.

While I found it hard to put down I had a hard time with the a few of the storylines especially the after child sexual assault ......and the lack of a moral compass for most of the characters in the book. They all seemed ok using others for their benefit. . Perhaps this discomfort was what the author was hoping for.

I'm glad the conclusion will be out in a few weeks. I don't know how long I can wait!

Review copy provided for a voluntary review.

[April Symes · Rating 5 out of 5]

UNDER THE LIGHTS is a book that is full of all these words: Mysterious, Dangerous, Intriguing , Magical, Beautiful and Dark. It is a book that is full of twists and turns. Tia Louise is the absolute best at writing a story that is full of heartbreak, angst, suspense and romance. This book kept me hooked from start to finish and it ended on one heck of a cliffhanger. UNDER THE LIGHTS introduces us to the beginning passion and chemistry of Larissa and Mark and where else could this happen but New Orleans. I don’t want to give too much away regarding how the story goes but suffice to say, on top of the romance that is being played out , there is also some suspense, intrigue and mystery on tap in this story. And Wow, the sex scenes are sizzling hot in this story. Larissa and Mark are two characters that will immediately grab your attention. There are secondary characters but Larissa and Mark are definitely the main attraction and as a reader you feel for them and are immersed in their story. I’m so incredibly excited to see where this duet takes us. I loved the angst, the passion, the intrigue and the mystery. Ms. Louise has done it again with a duet that had me addicted and craving their HEA. I couldn’t put this book down. I can’t wait to see what the second book in the duet brings us.

My Rating: 4.6 stars *****
“I received an advanced copy of this book from the author at no cost to me."

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!!!



What I book! This book is brilliant. I read it in one sitting which is really good for me. I couldn't put it down. The story has my gripped from page one. This story is a lil different to what this author as done before. But I have to say I m really liked it. I luvd the New Orleans vibe in it.



Mark is a great character but I actually think that I like Lara the heroine more. Both characters have been through a hard time but Lara is living in the edge everyday. She doesn't know when her life is goin to turn worst than it already is. My heart breaks for Lara and I understand what she has to do. Even though I don't want to have a happy life. She is beautiful caring and the most unselfish person there is. She alway puts Molly before herself. Even when things were goin good with Mark she would alway have the plan that she needed to stick to in the back of her head. Even when Mark was the person she wanted more than ever she knew there time was goin to be cut short.



Mark is a really handsome guy. Hes strong sexy very protective of Lara and will do anything for her. Even though they hadnt met each other long. There attraction to each other was strong from the start. But life wouldn't be so easy for them. Mark wanted Lara to have her dream she just needed to get away for the life she was stuck in. It's was just hard for him to make it happen. Time wasnt on there side.



I really luvd this book. I m dying for the next one. This is the first part of a duet. If the next book is anything like this one I know it's goin to be brilliant. I m a huge fan of this author. Her writing is so good. I would highly recommend this book and her other books. Like I said this story is a lil different from what she normally does but it really enjoyed. It's a lil dark in places but I liked that. I really liked the relationship between Lara and Mark. I m dying to know what happens next after the way it ended. It's not a huge cliffhanger. But it will make you want the next book straight. I m really looking forward to it.

[Coco.V]

💝💝 FREE on Amazon today (4/11/2018)!💝💝

Blurb:
UNDER THE LIGHTS

Heroes don't last long around here...

Fall in love with the sexiest girl in New Orleans?
Check.
Prepare to die for her?
Double-check.

Larissa is the most beautiful woman I've ever seen.
She's the rising star of the Pussycat Angels, the hottest burlesque show in the French Quarter.

I'll never forget the first time I saw her.
The curve of her breast outlined by sparkling rhinestones.
Slim hips wrapped in black fishnets.
Long, dark hair...

She's the Dark Angel who stole my heart.
Her body is intoxicating, our love overwhelming.

Cat eyes and blood red lips.
Sizzling fingers on white-hot skin.
I couldn't keep my hands off her...

But her fame had a dark side,
A sinister shadow lurking under the lights.

I would do anything to save her...
He would do anything to see me dead.

[Kathy Coopmans · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you EVER read a book that totally consumes you?
Under the Light by Tia Louise is one of those books for me.
I feel compelled to say it wasn't what I expected at all. it was more.
A mixture of Tia's humor with a dark side of pure genius.
Danger, intriguing and a plot full of a twisty road.
I love it so, so much. One of my favorites by her.
If this author isn't an automatic one-click for you, then she should be.
Mark and Lara are about to take you on a wild ride with nowhere to get off.
Be prepared for Tia at her finest.

[Beneath The Covers Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thrilling and emotionally-charged, Under the Lights is book one in the suspenseful Bright Lights Duet.

Under the Lights takes you on the daunting and courageous journey of a young woman fighting for not only herself, but for another helpless girl, to overcome and escape a world filled with danger, exploitation, and peril. But as time ticks by, her hopes of freedom begin to diminish. But even in the darkest of times, a light can be found. And her light comes from only one man. But is he enough to save her from a world of corruption and terror?

Reading this book was an eye-opening experience for me. The realness the storyline projects is one that is rarely displayed in books. It touches controversial topics within the story, not only with the subject matter but with the actions and dialogue of the entire cast of characters. This book isn’t for all readers. I, myself, found it hard at times to continue reading because of the raw, vile, and malicious behavior exhibited. But it was the underlying emotional bonds that really showcased the true magnificence of the book. The experiences and unthinkable situations endured brought forth an unwavering compassion that will leave you connected to the characters and to the final outcome that’s still unknown.

Under the Lights is a dark and intensely deep romance that captures the essence of an even darker and terrifying world hidden in the shadows. Book two is sure to bring all the lingering questions and unresolved situations to a conclusion. And I, for one, cannot wait to find out what happens next!

*ARC provided for a voluntary honest review.* ~Kelly

[Timitra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Under The Lights didn't work for me at all. I didn't like the hero's description of the heroine in the opening pages and his assumptions about her after barely spending anytime with her. I also didn't feel that connection between them I didn't see why they were drawn to each other, it felt very contrived to me just as much of the book felt. I really hope to love these two and feel their connection in the next book.


ARC provided by author in exchange for a honest review

[M.Michelle.M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five! Yes Five sizzling hot stars! Under The Lights is hands down amazing! Suspenseful,dangerous, steamy and panty melting hot are just a few of the words I can use to describe this masterpiece!

I don’t know if I’ll survive until Under The Stars!

Wonder if the author takes bribes?!

#TeamMark

[Helene Book Hoarder · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read most books by Tia Louise. After each one I say, this is my new Tia Fave... But “Under The Lights” is really my new favorite! It is so different from anything I’ve read of hers and I’ve read everything she’s released the last 3 years except one!

I think whether you like Dark, Rom-Com, Mobster/Sinister or Young Romance, you will love this story. I literally felt like I was sitting on the edge of my seat throughout. You couldn’t predict what was gonna happen next till you turned the page. The Banters among the characters were comical at times. I love falling in love along with the characters as they fall in love with each other.

I felt protective over the characters and you won’t be able to help the feeling. You’ll want to save them and will probably feel like you’ll do anything to protect them. I can wait to read “Under the Stars” Book Two.

[Shabby -BookBistroBlog · Rating 4 out of 5]

Welcome to our world , only fools make wishes here !

It's Garish, it's scandalous, it's sexy ....cause it's Burlesque !!!💃



The setting is the French Quarter in New Orleans.
A theatre -" Pussycat Angels"
The girls -Larissa & Molly, with Evie, Tanya, Rosa . Their pianist -Roland and asshole of an owner Gavin
What sets this theatre apart is not what is ON the stage, but more so BEHIND the stage and nefariously, what is UNDER the stage. Hence the title ! It's UNDER handed dealings and scenes which makes The club a dangerous place to be in. Add in Gavin's paedophilic brother Guy, who has weird fetishes and you have a pot boiler alright, which packs more heat than the steaming weather of Louisiana.
So why stick around in this seedy world ?



Why doesn’t she just go back to Podunk Memphis and start over… Okay, I know. I understand the drive to be in this city, the hope that a break might come. Even when all around us is darkness and night, it’s the tiniest flicker of a promise, the smallest hope that it might happen. The dream might come true.

The club is an entity in itself in the story, trapping, preying and spitting out dancers faster than beads get chucked in Mardi Gras. Lara is stuck and so is her prodigy/sister/kin Molly. To save themselves she battles her heart and soul. Heart swoons for Mark Fitzhugh and life makes sense with Freddie Lovel .
It's a very interesting BTS look at the fashionable entertainment sector of New Orleans. Beneath the bright lights lurks evil so vile and predatory, it's destroying nubile lives mercilessly.
I liked the story, kept me engaged throughout. But I have a whole list of questions which hopefully get answered in books 2.
4 Titty Tassles and Glitter stars
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[Ryan - Sweet Red Reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of the book.

New Orleans is practically a third main character in the book and I sort of love that. There were several parts of the book where I felt like I was walking the streets of NOLA myself and it was a wonderful experience. The plot itself is interesting and the characters were likable but I felt like I didn't truly get to know them beyond the surface, which made it really difficult to attach to the book beyond mere entertainment. Perhaps that will be rectified in the second book of the duet and it did end in a cliffhanger so I'm interested in reading it - though not truly invested. Both the main characters, Mark and Lara, came off as naive and Lara in particular made some really questionable decisions that repeatedly had me saying "why!?!". I do feel the need to issue a trigger warning for drug use and sexual abuse/rape - which I hate to do since I'm all about no spoilers, but it sort of hit me by surprise (though the plot left clues that such things were a strong possibility) and I have mixed feelings about its place in the story. 3 out of 5 wine glasses.

[Myla · Rating 5 out of 5]

The beginning of the story is a little slow for me, but as each scene progress and when characters are developing beautifully, I'm hooked. I'm emotionally invested on how Mark and Lara will be able to make it in a world full of people who only want to use them. Will they be able to escape this kind of life?

Tia Louise is a new author to me and I'm so glad I give it a chance and clicked this book because I absolutely enjoyed it that I want book 2 NOW!

[⭐ Emerson ⭐]

Free on Amazon

[Francoise · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

This raw, emotional and dark tale will grip you from the first page! The author brings so much intensity to her story, she skillfully played with my emotions. Her writing is intelligent and mesmerizing, the story vivid and filled with complex characters, danger, love, angst and so many layers of suspense. It is set in the French Quarter of New Orleans, in the sultry, decadent atmosphere of a burlesque club.

The author chronicles the story of Lara, a woman whose trust was shattered, and Mark, a man who always tries to do the right thing. Even though they are very young, both of them have been going through a lot, life has been hard on them. I loved these characters, they are resilient, decent and loyal to one another. Their connection was instant, but they struggle to avoid being pulled into an infinite ring of darkness and corruption. There is mystery and intrigue at every turn as darkness and sinister intentions come to light.

Lara feels trapped in a life she hates, surrounded by danger. She is a burlesque dancer and wants to believe that her job is temporary, and yet she has no real backup plan. Mark is protective of her, but their choices are limited by poverty. It seems that everything is turning against them.
I raced through this book, because I had to know what would happen next. I am now dying of anticipation for the second book!

[Mistress · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book that holds your attention. It is full of tragedy, pain, loss, and love. Under the Lights is unique and fast paced. I am interested in seeing how things turn out. This book is not a standalone. This author is new to me. I’m looking forward to her next book in the series.