On The Record

Love in the Limelight #1

by Raven J. Spencer

ASIN B08V5DFQD8 moved to the more recent edition

From the author of the Surrender series comes a lesbian celebrity, opposites-attract romance...

Out and proud lesbian singer/songwriter Emmy Whittaker is not amused when her manager books her on Andrea Stone's show. She has worked hard to build a following. That includes many younger fans who trust her to have their backs.
Stone, who has a reputation for hearing differing opinions on controversial issues, doesn't fit the bill. For the concessions Andrea has made, she's been rewarded with a stellar career and considerable wealth. In her opinion, the sacrifices have been worth it.

Meeting Emmy shakes her beliefs.

A fateful decision they make leads her to understand that sometimes, the cost of compromise can be too high...

On The Record is the first book in the Love In The Limelight trilogy. Each title features a different couple and can be read as standalone.

Genres: Romance, LGBT, Lesbian, Celebrity, Lesbian Romance, Novella, Queer

129 pages, ebook

First published January 26, 2021

About the author

Raven J. Spencer, lesbian, married, loves everything sensual and indulgent which led her to write erotic romance and fantasies. When she's not writing, you can often find her on Pinterest in the pursuit of inspiration.

Reviews

[pipsqueakreviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Playing with Fire

This is a novella about Emmy, an out and proud lesbian singer / songwriter and Andrea, a closeted TV host of a conservative network. It's marketed as an opposites-attract romance but it's more about a disagreement in beliefs and values rather than a personality difference.

If anything, I think this book is about playing with fire. Emmy and Andrea are celebrities who are fully aware of the consequences of being seen with each other socially because of where they stand professionally. But they still act on their attraction, fooling themselves into believing that they're in it only for a one night stand. They essentially play with fire until things go out of hand and suddenly certain beliefs are called to question, leaving them to decide if they should weather out together or separately.

Spencer skimmed through some parts, I'm assuming to keep to the word count of a novella. These were parts that would have made the story a whole lot stronger had they been better written, like developing the romance beyond sex.

Despite this, I think this has a pretty decent storyline and is definitely worth a read.

I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Mildred Gail Digby · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a more thoughtful read than I expected. The story starts off hot and sexy, ends hot and sexy, and in the middle is a lot of discussion and individual thoughts because our MCs have a lot to overcome.

Emmy and Andrea are opposite sides of the same coin, Emmy is out and proud to be a wholesome influence where sexuality isn’t all about sex; Andrea is deeply closeted and shuns relationships for one-nights stands. Emmy was supposed to be one of those, but then feelings happened.

I liked how the main conflict wasn’t between the MCs, but together against the world as well against their own predetermined ideas about their lives. They aren’t together for a lot of the book, which is a storytelling choice that can fall flat for me, but the characters are written so well and their inner monologues so deeply thoughtful and interesting, it kept my interest right to the very end.

I really got into this story and I was rooting for them to work it out somehow and I was pleasantly surprised by how things actually turned out. It just misses a five because I wanted a bit more description of the MCs earlier in the story.

Overall, a satisfying read that will make you think and feel in equal measures.

My rating: four point seven five stars


I was given an ARC from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Kexx · Rating 2 out of 5]

No thank you. Just didn’t work for me.

[AC · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve read a few books by this author and I truly enjoy the characters she creates. And I like the characters in On the Record, okay, but I felt that there was something lacking here. The story concept was intriguing. I had some trouble, however, connecting to the philosophy of the characters or how they felt they were compromising their personal convictions.
Don’t get me wrong here, I enjoyed the characters and the story. And that’s just where I am ATM. I’m sure many readers will love this. I just thought it had a chance to pursue Emmy’s ideas a bit deeper. Just sayin’.

Edit: I don’t give spoilers. I believe that every reader comes to a story from a different perspective. And I tried above to avoid anything that would give away anything. I still will not. But what I will say is that I still have a tough go believing that the MC would compromise herself in such a way. My impression of the character changed quite a bit after that decision—which I will not divulge. Now, that might just intrigue you more. As I said, I don’t give spoilers.

[Grace · Rating 3 out of 5]

i really wanted to love this book but it just fell short for me. the writing felt immature and the dialogue between the characters felt flat and 2D. this story could’ve benefited from being longer to flesh out the characters and story more because everything felt very rushed and i don’t even want to talk about the ending.

[Jennabeebs79 · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm a big fan of Raven J. Spencer and I've read all of her books. This one was good and I knew going in that it was another novella from her, but I found that I had a lot of questions when I finished it. Emmy and Andrea apparently were on opposite sides of the belief system and Emmy was pissed when her manager booked her on Andrea Stone's show. Later, as the two met at a party and subsequently spent time chatting over cocktails their opposing sides came to a head. I didn't really feel that they dug deep into the contrasting views. I'd have liked for there to be some more interesting discussions between these two, obviously, intelligent women. I also can't believe that two women who were not even "supposed to" be seen together would video themselves in an uncompromising position. The reader obviously knew what was going to happen with the video.

Overall this was a light, yet entertaining read from a really great author.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

To live your life in a world where your truth can't be told is a prison you have the key for always be on the record.

This amazing story hit home so much. In the current climate of our world the people in power want to sell a story that has all the good looks. The outside voices want people to believe they have the answers for how everyone's life should be lived. They pretend to be people of honor and grace. God's ambassadors to save the people. Yet all around the lies destruction. Emmy has a life lived in the best way she knows offering space for a people who have no space in the world. The people who say they love them toss them out, with hatred. Andrea is a day time show host that bring people of differing views to the spotlight to provide open communication for both. Her life comes at the cost of never speaking her truth. Taking all the wrong reasons her station operates on with blinders on. When she meets Emmy they connect in a way neither thought could happen. It would blow their world's apart to even imagine them being together.
There is so many good moments in this story. Tender, loving and caring people. Hateful, angry powerful people who love with conditions, so not love. The characters are strong, loving and about find real freedom. I found myself angry at the powerful message this book make as the story unfolds. I also found simply joy on the truth that love has a space in this world. Don't let the world shout out your truth. I have not shared much of the story because you need to read this beautiful story and let it unfold in your heart. I did so much love it.

[Carol Hutchinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exciting Celebrity Romance!

Emmy, a successful singer appears on a show hosted by Andrea Stone which deals with controversial subjects and multiple opinions. Worried the effects it may have on her career Emmy is surprised when Andrea’s views are open to her own opinions. As they get to know one another better, Andrea finds herself contemplating if all her career has earned her was worth it.

A very thought-provoking celebrity romance. There really was a bit of everything in this story as it had the romance but also the tension that can be caused by known reputations, beliefs and opinions. It was definitely a learning curve for both Emmy and Andrea, especially when they realised that upon first meeting nether was what the other had imagined. A lot of assumptions had been made, especially by Emmy about Andrea because of her career.

Loved how they had to get to know one another and as they did how Andrea’s character really came through. The more you learned about Andrea, the more surprised you were, as was Emmy, so you were experiencing that with her and could relate to her feelings and thoughts about things. My heart really broke for Andrea because she loved her job, her career, but it left her in a difficult position where she was unsure she could be her true self always. Emmy was such a strong character that she managed to bring Andrea out of herself and when she did, they were just wonderful together.

I really enjoyed the story, from the initial tension and controversy to the more intimate and private moments that Emmy and Andrea shared. A great celebrity romance with high stakes and about finding not only love but yourself.

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a true opposites attract story.
Emmy is a wholesome but gay musician who's trying to make that big break & crossover. She sings her tunes without being overtly sexual. Andrea is a closeted TV personality/news host on a conservative network. She's used to keeping things close by living through one night stands.

Emmy is booked on Andrea's show & reluctantly goes on it & convincingly makes her arguements as well as great live performance.

An attraction brings them together, a leak to social media brings a firestorm, can they weather it?

High points: the main characters are developed & believable. The conservative network & a wayward uncle are wonderful foes.

Low points: the relationship between the 2 main characters should have had developed more, it felt slightly stunted. I wanted to see more about their interpersonal development on stances & their eventual acceptance of each other.


Total rating 3.25 stars.

I was given an advanced copy for an honest review.

[Monique S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The lies we tell ourselves" could be a subtitle here.

On the record is a slow burn romance between two of the most unlikely candidates. Emmy, successful out and proud lesbian musician is sent by her manager to appear on the worst possible show, hosted by Andrea, who thiks she got her life sorted by working for the most homophobic network around as, what she hopes, the voice of reason.

The appearence has unwanted consequences on both sides. If one accepts the all is well that ends well poin of view, there is a happy end here, But is being maliciously outed by the worst possible people against her wishes really what helps someone to find themselves? I have my doubts about that and it made me feel the solution in the end to be a bit forced.

Nevertheless I really enjoyed the read and the chracter development, hoping that the message (see my subtile idea) gets across. So I pu my doubst aside and gave it 5 stars.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

It can’t be you, can it?
Raven has done it again! She’s written another story with characters that you can relate to and fall in love with. When Emmy walks into the studio for an interview with Andrea, she doesn’t know she’s walking into her own love story. But she can’t be struck by this lightning, it just doesn’t make sense. Andrea is someone she’s supposed to disagree with, not fall in love with.
You need to read this book and see how Emmy and Andrea’s story plays out. I know you will enjoy the storyline and the steamy sexy times that Raven writes so well. Grab this one and start your Love in the Limelight journey. You won’t be able to put this one down.

[Fran Sappharc · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this. I got a bit confused a couple of times with who was speaking or whose thoughts I was reading. The baddies were bad, but some interesting points were made about differing opinions and how we should listen but we don’t need to agree on every point. Also love is love and in the end there is happiness.

[B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our MC's are a recording artist and a host of a conservative talk show, each doing their own part for living the dream on their own terms. Emmy is an out and proud recording artist that has an image she's worked hard to maintain. Andrea is a conservative talk show host who has also worked hard to maintain her image, in a completely different world. This book takes their meeting, subsequent meetings, and how that changes them and in Andrea's case fundamentally changes her.
So, we have a lot of issues/hot topics discussed that anyone reading this type of book would expect when a conservative network is mentioned. However, that isn't really the focus here. These are all catalysts to the character development we see with our MC's. Especially with Andrea. Her character development was just fascinating to watch develop.
I really recommend picking this one up!

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Jake · Rating 1 out of 5]

Halfway in, cannot finish it

I got halfway in and I just can’t finish it. The MC is a woman of principles. The love interest is a Fox News Barbie the author struggles to make you feel anything other than disdain for, and personally, fails to do so. This entire ‘meet in the middle’ philosophy is a joke.

There is no meeting in the middle with an ideology that dehumanises and desires to subjugate others. There is only staunch resistance.

The point I exited the story is when the MC said ‘let’s make a sex tape’. That was one Chekhov’s gun I can’t stand to see used here, and frankly with how hard I’m struggling with the story, it’s not worth continuing forward.

Maybe in the second half of the book the author could convince me to like the love interest. I doubt it though. Maybe the story will end with a resounding victory, whereby the MC turns the entire world into sane people. I doubt that as well.

Maybe I’m having an off day and there’s more here than I’m giving it. But I’m not holding my breath.

[Cindy Stein · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emmy is an up and coming rock star with an image as an out lesbian who is family friendly and not overly sexy in her music. When her manager books her on the talk show on a very conservative network, she worries that such an appearance will upset her fans. She agrees to the interview hoping to change some minds and has a tense interchange with Andrea, the show's host. Andrea has made her peace with her employer and tries to be a moderating voice on a right wing network while hiding her true self and enjoying the perks of wealth and fame. But the two have an undeniable attraction and agree to two nights of passion that they acknowledge won't go anywhere. The problem is they also agree to make a sex tape that they can keep as a memento. What could go wrong?

This is one of those fun, guilty pleasure books you can read in one or two sittings. Andrea's arc is particularly well drawn. There are a few small areas that stretch credibility, and some annoying typos, but still a fun romp with some serious points interwoven. I would say 3.5 and will round up to 4.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I believe truth will win in the end!

This is my first book from this author. She has a great writing style and doesn't appear afraid to tackle some tough topics. Emmy is a singer and songwriter who projects a wholesome image and offers a kind of "space" to those who don't have the love and support of family and friends as she has always had. She realizes she's one of the lucky ones and doesn't take it for granted. Andrea is a tv host for a very conservative network and has never come out. Her family and business associates would never support her. When Emmy appears on her show, she is drawn to her immediately, although their beliefs and values appear quite polarizing. Unfortunately, their relationship exploded and the aftermath is crushing. Or is it? I loved the character development and the strength of these women independent of one another, and together. I'm excited to try another book from this talented writer!

[RA Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

Solid set up, rushed ending

I felt like the ending wouldn't have felt as rushed if the characters had hooked up more than twice before suddenly cohabitating and talking about marriage. I mean, yeah, lesbians and u-hauls, but maybe if they'd had a longer affair, spent more time getting to know each other...it didn't even have to be shown, just like, a singlet chapter speaking about how months or at least weeks went by where they tried to stay away, every time being the last time, but kept seeing each other. Then when everything happened it would have been a bigger emotional blow to go radio silent. The surprise meeting would have been a great opportunity for an emotional reconnection/falling apart again, as it was, i felt like that part wasn't emotionally engaging. I was super invested in the characters, but it felt like someone hit fast forward for the last 15% of the book.

[Kirian · Rating 3 out of 5]

It could have been better, a good idea was there. A little bit more private time together, some insightful talks, opening up about the families, opening up about some of the struggles? Not just in thoughts and monologues but more in actual dialog? A bit more day-to-day interactions with Andrea's collegues? Those who are not a complete assholes? In the way Emmy was painted. Most book I find fascinating does not only have a good plot and a straightforward way to the finish line, but you get to know the MC's and their situation more. You feel for them. You want them to succeed in their love quest. Was Andrea ever really loved by her family? Didn't get that feeling at all. If not, what was her motivation? So many information could made this book a lot more reletable, especially for those in toxic family ties like Andrea's.

[Deb · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a bit of a weird reading experience. I liked the story but the writing seemed bit off. Like I was missing parts or something. Also there were annoying things like Shelby Grace and the fact they mentioned way too much times that the sex was had to be a one time thing and that it was never going to happen again. Still I wanted to keep reading how the story went. There were good parts in it, but also parts that were not and were a bit hard to believe. The actions of the main characters often seemed not to be in line with who they were set to be. That was a bit confusings because some things that were happening didn't seem logical. But on the other side you could see this as surprising in a good way maybe. I still don't know if I really liked it though. But overall it was an okay read.

[Gina L · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Read!

I think the “ Love In The Limelight “ series is going to be great especially since the first book in series was fantastic. Emmy and Andrea are of two different minds in the world of LGBTQ community. Emmy is a popular singer/songwriter who has a clean image and very important views on being gay. Andrea is a talk show host on a network who promotes controversial views regarding homosexuality. When Emmy is booked on Andrea’s show by her manager, she is not happy at all. What happens after that appearance changes everything for both of them. The story unravels into some very deep territory. This is a well written story testing both Emmy and Andrea’s moral compass of the world. A must read!

[Ivy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this novella. I loved the tension between Emmy and Andrea; it is the sort of tension that comes from two people being more alike than they think. When they got together it felt right between them and as reader I could feel that for them.

The conflict is not between the two women but between the tough industry they both have invested careers in which is as refreshing as it is real. I enjoyed the direction of that and the obstacles these two needed to overcome and the growth was well shown. Plus, who doesn’t love a HEA?

I am excited to see that this is going to be a series and I absolutely can’t wait to read what’s next. Happy reading folks!

[J.R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A singer and a newscaster meet head to head!

Emmy likes to sing and Andrea likes to talk. After a taped video created by them is hacked by a jealous co newscaster, Emmy and Andrea struggle together and separate to understand what they mean to each other. How many others have their lives upset by hackers or jealous people? The author has taken a fireball of morals that 20 years ago would be unheard by others to contemplate. Remember Stonewall! The world has taken a different viewpoint from yesterday and many still believe in using the club. Who wins? Still not decided! Enjoy!

[Véronique Bouchard · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was excited after reading the resume and the reviews, but the book didnt live up to my expectations. Really gaves me YA vibes even if the characters are adults. From the start, Emmy is presented as careful to preserve her "family friendly" persona, wich her career revolve around...yet, second night with Andrea and she asks to make a sex tape? I almost stopped to read at this point, but wanted to give the book a fair shot so I decided to finish it. My mind didnt change thought. Emmy and Andrea were not endearing as indivuals or as a couple. There was a lack of depth in the whole book.

[Elena · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5. More than an enemies-to-lovers this is a story where the characters are in very different places in their lives, both professionally and personally. An out and proud singer, and a closeted relatively famous anchor in a conservative TV network.

I did like the fact that they "couldn't help themselves", in spite of all problems they knew it would cause if their association was discovered, and that kept me reading, but I was a bit distracted by the narrative, which I found jumped perhaps a bit too much.

[fred jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a stunning story full of passion, betrayal, prejudice and love. I loved it, it has me in turns happy, angry, sad and ultimately left me with a warm glow. The writing is suoeb, the characters are likable and the chemistry is off the charts. A topical story in today's social media world where celebrity, sexuality and the treatment of women in the spotlight has so many issues. Highly recommended and I already have the next one.

[Milena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely read

A slow, faced paced lovely story. I enjoyed reading about Emmy and Andrea. Emmy knows what she’s all about and Andrea thinks she knows what she wants. Come to find out they both have things they need to learn. Loved the premise for the story and how it played out. Lovely read.

[S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Slow Start, but a Smoldering Ending

The set up for the story was a little slow, but I liked the way the story progressed. A true opposites attract kind of story. An openly gay female musician and an anchor on a conservative news station end up having more in common than they thought was possible.

[Abby Burch · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF at 16%. I couldn’t handle the way that every other sentence was about someone’s beliefs or views. I’m queer and yet every four seconds I was rolling my eyes at this boring and annoying book. The writing style was also very flat and telling rather than showing me what was happening. Just couldn’t do it on this one.

[Lyn Denison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Something bad resulting in something good

Interesting storyline that was really harrowing in parts but thankfully a happy ending. Good characters reflecting the different family attitudes and how inhibiting they can be.