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Love in the Limelight
Marion Hargreaves is a Hollywood legend and the finest actress of her generation. She’s navigated her career with aplomb for nearly thirty years by being intensely private about her personal life and her sexuality. But a year on from her third Oscar, nothing seems interesting anymore until she becomes a voice actor for Petunia’s Potion, an animated movie based on her favorite children’s book. That role becomes the challenge of a lifetime when she discovers her costar is the out and proud global pop icon Jessica Carmichael—the woman Marion fell in love with and whose heart she abruptly broke without explanation.The last thing Marion wants is to work in such close proximity to Jessica. She can’t forgive herself for the way she left twenty ago but can’t resist the attraction that has only gotten stronger with time. Being true to herself and her passions isn’t going to be easy and may set the stage for love in the limelight.
240 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 1, 2021
About the author
Ashley Moore
2 books4 followersAshley Moore is a paralegal living in Charleston, South Carolina, with her dog, Tallulah. She went to college in Georgia, law school in Virginia, and has lived in seven states in the last fifteen years. Her interests include craft cocktails and woodworking.
Librarian note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Librarian note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
September 1, 2021
Classic celebrity romance.
I'm going back and forth with the ratings for this one. It's kinda engaging because Moore is really good at creating sexual tension between characters and stirring up emotions in readers that I'm swayed by this second chance romance. I want the characters to reconcile. I admit that part of my enthusiam has to do with the fact that this is a classic celebrity romance, a trope I'm partial towards. I like the characters that Moore created, both celebrities in their late 40s / early 50s who have already peaked in their careers and are stable in that regard. I like Jess. She's easy to read, easy to figure out. She wants Marion and that's kinda it. I also like that Moore presents their history through alternating chapters with flashbacks which is a clean and neat way of doing it.
I had some issues with the book though. The first is that Marion and Jess hardly ever have conversations because when they aren't falling out with one another, they are falling into bed with each other. Even their arguments weren't played out to the fullest because Marion wasn't able to be fully honest with Jess. I found myself hardly knowing the characters aside from the reason for their break-up 25 years ago and why Marion chose to remain closeted all these years. For this reason, the second is that I found it hard to relate to Marion for how tied up in knots she is about coming out even when this is almost a non-issue in present day Hollywood.
These issues are not small but do they bother me? Strangely enough, only a little. I actually don't think they took away much of the enjoyment I had with it.
I received an ARC from Bold Strokes Books through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I'm going back and forth with the ratings for this one. It's kinda engaging because Moore is really good at creating sexual tension between characters and stirring up emotions in readers that I'm swayed by this second chance romance. I want the characters to reconcile. I admit that part of my enthusiam has to do with the fact that this is a classic celebrity romance, a trope I'm partial towards. I like the characters that Moore created, both celebrities in their late 40s / early 50s who have already peaked in their careers and are stable in that regard. I like Jess. She's easy to read, easy to figure out. She wants Marion and that's kinda it. I also like that Moore presents their history through alternating chapters with flashbacks which is a clean and neat way of doing it.
I had some issues with the book though. The first is that Marion and Jess hardly ever have conversations because when they aren't falling out with one another, they are falling into bed with each other. Even their arguments weren't played out to the fullest because Marion wasn't able to be fully honest with Jess. I found myself hardly knowing the characters aside from the reason for their break-up 25 years ago and why Marion chose to remain closeted all these years. For this reason, the second is that I found it hard to relate to Marion for how tied up in knots she is about coming out even when this is almost a non-issue in present day Hollywood.
These issues are not small but do they bother me? Strangely enough, only a little. I actually don't think they took away much of the enjoyment I had with it.
I received an ARC from Bold Strokes Books through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 19, 2021
This is the first book by Ashley Moore I have read and I’m not sure but I think this may be her debut, this is the only book that I can find that leads back to her. If it is her debut then it’s a darn good one because I absolutely enjoyed it! Love in the limelight by Ashley Moore may not be the most original story but it is a very pleasant read
The story follows two forty something celebrities with a shared past. Marion Hargreeves is an acclaimed actor with a very very private life. She keeps everything about her to herself and that includes her sexuality- how ever the cost of keeping that led to the heartbreak of pop star, Jessica Carmichael. Now twenty years later, after breaking Jessica’s heart, Marion is called to work on a movie as a voice actor and to her surprise, so is Jessica.
Now I’m aware that at this point a lot of people may be exhausted of the whole in the closet celebrity plot. However I truly think that Moore’s writing style and execution of it makes this story worth while. She gives us two likable characters with an undeniable chemistry while making us feel their frustrations. I normally hate stories with flashbacks but Moore did a good job at utilizing them.
At the end of the day this book is an easy simple heartwarming read about a Marion’s acceptance of ownership of her life from a very ruthless agent. That itself was such a satisfying moment.
I want to give this book 5 starts but I’d be lying if I said the unoriginality didn’t slightly bother me. I would’ve loved to see something new and special!
So do I recommend? Yes I do! If you’re looking for a short, cheesy and slightly cliche read to just sit back and not bother of complexity then yes, this is totally for you.
However if you’re into those dark and complex stories then clearly this isn’t for you!
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC for the honest review!
The story follows two forty something celebrities with a shared past. Marion Hargreeves is an acclaimed actor with a very very private life. She keeps everything about her to herself and that includes her sexuality- how ever the cost of keeping that led to the heartbreak of pop star, Jessica Carmichael. Now twenty years later, after breaking Jessica’s heart, Marion is called to work on a movie as a voice actor and to her surprise, so is Jessica.
Now I’m aware that at this point a lot of people may be exhausted of the whole in the closet celebrity plot. However I truly think that Moore’s writing style and execution of it makes this story worth while. She gives us two likable characters with an undeniable chemistry while making us feel their frustrations. I normally hate stories with flashbacks but Moore did a good job at utilizing them.
At the end of the day this book is an easy simple heartwarming read about a Marion’s acceptance of ownership of her life from a very ruthless agent. That itself was such a satisfying moment.
I want to give this book 5 starts but I’d be lying if I said the unoriginality didn’t slightly bother me. I would’ve loved to see something new and special!
So do I recommend? Yes I do! If you’re looking for a short, cheesy and slightly cliche read to just sit back and not bother of complexity then yes, this is totally for you.
However if you’re into those dark and complex stories then clearly this isn’t for you!
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC for the honest review!
September 16, 2021
“Love in the Limelight” is a debut from Ashley Moore. It’s a celebrity, second-chance romance about mega movie star Marion Hargreaves and pop icon Jessica Carmichael.
Marion has been an actress since childhood and has lived a closeted life for over twenty years. Jessica, on the other hand, has been out and proud as a bisexual for years. While in their early 20’s they had a secret month-long love affair that Marion abruptly ended. Now it’s 24 years later and they’re being forced to work together on an animated movie.
This is the second book that has a dual timeline that I’ve read this month. Both have alternating past and current timelines. Once again, it just didn’t work for me. I had issues connecting with both characters in each timeline because their relationship seems very surface level with not much depth, if any at all. I was left knowing they were attracted to each other but I couldn’t understand why they really liked one another considering how different they were.
Jessica embraces her fame and is enjoying life. Marion lives in fear of being outed and being in the public eye. I really had problems liking Marion, she was very stiff and guarded. I sympathized with her but I found her to be snobbish and cold. Jess was better but she was written more superficial. Part of the problem is that this is in Marion’s point of view so it was hard to get a read on Jess.
The ending was rushed which also disappointed me. This is a pretty short book and it felt like everything was resolved very quickly which kind of came out of nowhere and without much leading up to it.
Like I said before, this is a debut novel from Ashley Moore. And while this has its issues Moore definitely shows promise as a writer and I’ll certainly read more from her.
I received an ARC from Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Marion has been an actress since childhood and has lived a closeted life for over twenty years. Jessica, on the other hand, has been out and proud as a bisexual for years. While in their early 20’s they had a secret month-long love affair that Marion abruptly ended. Now it’s 24 years later and they’re being forced to work together on an animated movie.
This is the second book that has a dual timeline that I’ve read this month. Both have alternating past and current timelines. Once again, it just didn’t work for me. I had issues connecting with both characters in each timeline because their relationship seems very surface level with not much depth, if any at all. I was left knowing they were attracted to each other but I couldn’t understand why they really liked one another considering how different they were.
Jessica embraces her fame and is enjoying life. Marion lives in fear of being outed and being in the public eye. I really had problems liking Marion, she was very stiff and guarded. I sympathized with her but I found her to be snobbish and cold. Jess was better but she was written more superficial. Part of the problem is that this is in Marion’s point of view so it was hard to get a read on Jess.
The ending was rushed which also disappointed me. This is a pretty short book and it felt like everything was resolved very quickly which kind of came out of nowhere and without much leading up to it.
Like I said before, this is a debut novel from Ashley Moore. And while this has its issues Moore definitely shows promise as a writer and I’ll certainly read more from her.
I received an ARC from Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 30, 2021
3.5 stars. A sweet, second chance, celebrity romance. I enjoyed reading this debut book, it is well written and has good chemistry between the two leads. It is not the most surprising book and a bit on the short side, but if you’re looking for a relatively low angst celebrity book, you’ll likely enjoy this.
This book features two mains in their end-forties, something I like as this age group is still underrepresented. I have to remark though that a large part of the book consists of flashbacks to when they first met when they were in their mid-twenties. Marion and Jess are big celebrities and I liked them both, they have their own distinct personalities, although you get more insight in Marion as the book is written in third person from one/her POV.
Marion is a triple Oscar winning actress and Jess is a hugely popular pop music singer. They first met in the late 90’s and now they meet again, 24 years later. Jess is outgoing and Marion is very private and also very closeted, which leads to the main topic of this story, Marion’s struggle with her private vs. public persona. A storyline like this can easily become very angsty, but I didn’t think that was the case here. I cared for the characters and rooted for them as a couple.
As I already mentioned parts of this book are written as flashbacks, which is not my favorite style. This is also what made the book loose half a star for me (to be clear this is a personal preference thing). The flashbacks do add to the tension in the story (some more than others, but still), you slowly get to know what happened in the past, but the chapters were almost alternating in time which kept interrupting the flow for me. Nevertheless, the overall experience was still good for me which is saying something.
A good debut that I think a lot of people will enjoy!
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This book features two mains in their end-forties, something I like as this age group is still underrepresented. I have to remark though that a large part of the book consists of flashbacks to when they first met when they were in their mid-twenties. Marion and Jess are big celebrities and I liked them both, they have their own distinct personalities, although you get more insight in Marion as the book is written in third person from one/her POV.
Marion is a triple Oscar winning actress and Jess is a hugely popular pop music singer. They first met in the late 90’s and now they meet again, 24 years later. Jess is outgoing and Marion is very private and also very closeted, which leads to the main topic of this story, Marion’s struggle with her private vs. public persona. A storyline like this can easily become very angsty, but I didn’t think that was the case here. I cared for the characters and rooted for them as a couple.
As I already mentioned parts of this book are written as flashbacks, which is not my favorite style. This is also what made the book loose half a star for me (to be clear this is a personal preference thing). The flashbacks do add to the tension in the story (some more than others, but still), you slowly get to know what happened in the past, but the chapters were almost alternating in time which kept interrupting the flow for me. Nevertheless, the overall experience was still good for me which is saying something.
A good debut that I think a lot of people will enjoy!
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 3, 2021
I'm a sucker for a celebrity romance and I appreciate the main characters being slightly older in this one.
This book has flashbacks and they never work for me, but in this bo9 they feel different. It's like reading a book set in 1o97 mixed up with or set in present day. This sounds like it’d be horrible, but it is rather enjoyable. In 1997 our mains Marion and Jess have a chance encounter that starts a whirlwind romance. Both in the closet at the start of their career neither is really willing to come out, but Marion even less than Jess. Mostly because she has the agent from hell. Look I have no clue what it was like to be gay in the nineties, I was barely a teenager, but surely Marion could have come out by now. Jess is out as bi and although Marion is surrounded by gay rumors she refuses to come out. She wants to keep her private life just that, private. Well lady you chose the wrong profession.... The chance romance of two decades ago seems to be what will happen in present days well, including the same mistakes.
What I found slightly irritating about the book is how superficial the story is. All about appearance and career, not about the characters. I feel like we don't get to know them at all. The only backstory/character development we see happens in the flashbacks with the agent from hell. Despite this obvious issue I did enjoy the book and the characters, however strange that may seem. They share some great chemistry and seem to fit well.
I'd recommend this book to people liking second chance romance and celebrity romance, but don't go in expecting to have a strong storyline with great character development. Just a light and fun read, 3.5 stars.
*ARC received in exchange for a voluntary and honest review*
This book has flashbacks and they never work for me, but in this bo9 they feel different. It's like reading a book set in 1o97 mixed up with or set in present day. This sounds like it’d be horrible, but it is rather enjoyable. In 1997 our mains Marion and Jess have a chance encounter that starts a whirlwind romance. Both in the closet at the start of their career neither is really willing to come out, but Marion even less than Jess. Mostly because she has the agent from hell. Look I have no clue what it was like to be gay in the nineties, I was barely a teenager, but surely Marion could have come out by now. Jess is out as bi and although Marion is surrounded by gay rumors she refuses to come out. She wants to keep her private life just that, private. Well lady you chose the wrong profession.... The chance romance of two decades ago seems to be what will happen in present days well, including the same mistakes.
What I found slightly irritating about the book is how superficial the story is. All about appearance and career, not about the characters. I feel like we don't get to know them at all. The only backstory/character development we see happens in the flashbacks with the agent from hell. Despite this obvious issue I did enjoy the book and the characters, however strange that may seem. They share some great chemistry and seem to fit well.
I'd recommend this book to people liking second chance romance and celebrity romance, but don't go in expecting to have a strong storyline with great character development. Just a light and fun read, 3.5 stars.
*ARC received in exchange for a voluntary and honest review*
September 13, 2021
I'm a sucker for celebrity romances, but I'm a little bit disappointed with this book. Although it's not a bad debut story, not at all, it was rather predictable everything that happens in it. And the flashbacks. OMG how I hate flashbacks!
On the plus side, the two mains are in their late forties, something fresh, as this age group is underrepresented in romances.
On the plus side, the two mains are in their late forties, something fresh, as this age group is underrepresented in romances.
September 3, 2021
Marion Hargreaves is a three time winner of the best actress Oscar. She was at a tender age when her British parents placed her in the hands of a talent manager and sent her off to California. Thirty years later she is deep into the closet and keeps her private life exactly that, private.
Jess Carmichael is a widely loved pop singer and songwriter. She will be writing the music and lending her voice to one of the animated characters in Marion’s next film. It has been twenty years since Marion walked out of Jess’s life without saying a goodbye.
Love in the Limelight is a second chance romance with all the angst and roller coaster up and downs you expect in this genre. It is well written with two strong characters who appear complete opposites. At first it was hard for me to imagine them as a couple however the flashback chapters helped to see Marion and Jess as very much younger and more alike than opposites.
The resolution of the roadblock to their happily ever after did happen quite suddenly and jarred the pacing of the story. I liked the fact that it did as it brought my attention to a finer point at a critical point of the story.
Love in the Limelight is an enjoyable read for a second chance romance. I highly recommend this novel.
I received a free ARC from NetGalley and the publisher for my honest review.
Jess Carmichael is a widely loved pop singer and songwriter. She will be writing the music and lending her voice to one of the animated characters in Marion’s next film. It has been twenty years since Marion walked out of Jess’s life without saying a goodbye.
Love in the Limelight is a second chance romance with all the angst and roller coaster up and downs you expect in this genre. It is well written with two strong characters who appear complete opposites. At first it was hard for me to imagine them as a couple however the flashback chapters helped to see Marion and Jess as very much younger and more alike than opposites.
The resolution of the roadblock to their happily ever after did happen quite suddenly and jarred the pacing of the story. I liked the fact that it did as it brought my attention to a finer point at a critical point of the story.
Love in the Limelight is an enjoyable read for a second chance romance. I highly recommend this novel.
I received a free ARC from NetGalley and the publisher for my honest review.
January 24, 2022
This was an entertaining second chance celebrity romance. It was about two woman who encounter each other again later in life where they fear of being public with sexuality continues to be an obstacle. I enjoyed this and hope to read more from this author in the future.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 27, 2021
I really enjoyed this one, even though the flashbacks were inevitable they were not that intrusive. The internal fight to stay in the closet felt really real - recommended. An author I'll be following.
December 7, 2021
My first book from this author,I enjoyed the book,the characters balanced each other while Jess was sweet,touchy and very relatable,Marion was more conservative,private and not much of a people person,this is a celebrity romance as the title suggest but it also tackle coming out and the struggles of doing so with a celebrity status.
September 7, 2025
I have a soft spot for celebrity romance, and I really wanted to give "Love in the Limelight" a rating of 5 stars. It has been a while since I’ve read a good celebrity romance, but unfortunately, this one fell a bit short. The story included many flashbacks with our 2 MCs falling in bed PDQ and featured a reunion that didn’t adequately address the reasons for the initial breakup until late in the book. A third-act breakup followed with a HEA which was kinda rushed.
3+ ⭐️
3+ ⭐️
September 6, 2021
This is the story of two women who met when both were first starting their careers in the entertainment industry. How ones decision not to allow herself to become part of a lesbian romance.
Marion Hargreaves has become a Hollywood legend. Winner of three Oscars but it’s come at a cost. Never allowing herself to have any kind of romance in her life. She found it easier this way at first but now after thirty years of hiding, deep in the closet, she’s longing to just let the world know. Perhaps maybe find someone to love. She did fall in love once but it was the wrong time and the wrong person.
Jessica Carmichael became one of the world's pop icons. She lives her life in the open and always has. When she met Marion years ago the attraction was off the charts. Did she love Marion, I don’t know but when Marion turned her back to what should have been a nice relationship, Jessica was hurt.
Now twenty years and the two women have been given the chance of having a different outcome for their feelings. Usually when acting for an animated movie the actors never meet but this director wants them to share a studio when they run their lines. Feelings long left dormant might be just under the surface, just waiting for the moment to come when they meet the right person.
ARC via NetGalley/ Bold Stroke Books
Marion Hargreaves has become a Hollywood legend. Winner of three Oscars but it’s come at a cost. Never allowing herself to have any kind of romance in her life. She found it easier this way at first but now after thirty years of hiding, deep in the closet, she’s longing to just let the world know. Perhaps maybe find someone to love. She did fall in love once but it was the wrong time and the wrong person.
Jessica Carmichael became one of the world's pop icons. She lives her life in the open and always has. When she met Marion years ago the attraction was off the charts. Did she love Marion, I don’t know but when Marion turned her back to what should have been a nice relationship, Jessica was hurt.
Now twenty years and the two women have been given the chance of having a different outcome for their feelings. Usually when acting for an animated movie the actors never meet but this director wants them to share a studio when they run their lines. Feelings long left dormant might be just under the surface, just waiting for the moment to come when they meet the right person.
ARC via NetGalley/ Bold Stroke Books
August 29, 2021
I always hesitate to read a second-chance romance, there are only a handful of books that have convinced me people could separate for decades but still fall into each other(or pining for each other), but Love in the Limelight did it.
There is so much celebrity romance in lesfic out there. A closeted celebrity trope is not an original one, but Ashley Moore is such a great storyteller; I was hookup from the beginning, and Marion and Jess are lovable. The book has told both in flashbacks and present day, which works in this book. It made me sentimental because somehow, it reminds me of Kelly Ann McGillis come out as a lesbian in 2009 in her 50s, and I was shocked, and I just couldn't imagine what it’s like not to be able to be yourself for almost your whole life.
Although I was devastated and heartbroken in several chapters, and the closeted celebrities are not original, I still enjoy this book. It’s a perfect read for the weekend!
Thank you NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an ARC ebook in exchange for an honest review
There is so much celebrity romance in lesfic out there. A closeted celebrity trope is not an original one, but Ashley Moore is such a great storyteller; I was hookup from the beginning, and Marion and Jess are lovable. The book has told both in flashbacks and present day, which works in this book. It made me sentimental because somehow, it reminds me of Kelly Ann McGillis come out as a lesbian in 2009 in her 50s, and I was shocked, and I just couldn't imagine what it’s like not to be able to be yourself for almost your whole life.
Although I was devastated and heartbroken in several chapters, and the closeted celebrities are not original, I still enjoy this book. It’s a perfect read for the weekend!
Thank you NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an ARC ebook in exchange for an honest review
August 28, 2021
There are so many lesfic books out there with the closeted celebrity trope that I almost didn’t read this one, but I have to say, I’m really glad I was granted permission to read it because it was delightful.
Marion, an A-list actress and Jess, a pop star icon had an in the late 90s, at the beginning of both of their careers. The time was very unforgiving for members of the queer community and unfortunately their relationship crashed and burned with Marion breaking Jess’s heart. Twenty plus years later the two were set to work together on an animated film. To say their first encounter was awkward was an understatement.
The book is told through both flashbacks and present day and I feel that this plot line really worked for this book. We were immersed in the backstory of our mains which helped the reader understand exactly what went down and why. The dialogue was natural and never felt forced. Jess was delightful and Marion was certainly lucky that Jess was so forgiving. The added subplot with Lauren really added to the main plot. There wasn’t a ton of unnecessary drama or angst, just soulmates finally finding their way back to one another.
I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Marion, an A-list actress and Jess, a pop star icon had an in the late 90s, at the beginning of both of their careers. The time was very unforgiving for members of the queer community and unfortunately their relationship crashed and burned with Marion breaking Jess’s heart. Twenty plus years later the two were set to work together on an animated film. To say their first encounter was awkward was an understatement.
The book is told through both flashbacks and present day and I feel that this plot line really worked for this book. We were immersed in the backstory of our mains which helped the reader understand exactly what went down and why. The dialogue was natural and never felt forced. Jess was delightful and Marion was certainly lucky that Jess was so forgiving. The added subplot with Lauren really added to the main plot. There wasn’t a ton of unnecessary drama or angst, just soulmates finally finding their way back to one another.
I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 18, 2021
This was a fun book and I enjoyed it. I really liked Marion, even if her stubbornness was a little frustrating at times. It's always really nice to see depictions of older queer women that aren't already in a long-term relationship. I also thought Jess was a refreshing character. The premise of the relationship unfolding while being voice actors for a children's movie that forced them to be in close proximity was endearing. I didn't necessarily find it to be anything special or original, but that can be okay sometimes. 3 stars for me.
**I received an eARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Big thanks to NetGalley and the publisher!
**I received an eARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Big thanks to NetGalley and the publisher!
December 19, 2022
Among my favorite themes in romances are those set in the world of cinema or music and this one has both, since the protagonists are Marion who is an actress and Jess who is a pop singer. But Marion is not just an actress, she has three Oscars, and Jess is not just any singer, she is a world star. Perhaps this is somewhat out of tune in the story, that they, being so famous, live a fairly regular life. But that is not really relevant, the most interesting thing is that they have a common past that will distort the professional collaboration that they must face.
The book goes from the events of the past to the present, showing little by little what happened when they met in the 90s, when they were in their twenties. Then they quickly connected and began a hidden and private relationship, none of them wanted to risk their fledgling career, but despite that the relationship marked them for life.
The relationship did not end well then, so today they have a dislike for each other, mainly because there was no closure of things in the past. But in the same way that in the past they connected immediately, that attraction continues, and they cannot help but reconnect. The personal conditions have changed now but they do not want to risk having a completely open relationship, but circumstances will force things now and they will not go against what seems inevitable.
It has been a good reading, discovering little by little what they had, seeing how now, already in maturity, they assume what they are and all the way in between.
The book goes from the events of the past to the present, showing little by little what happened when they met in the 90s, when they were in their twenties. Then they quickly connected and began a hidden and private relationship, none of them wanted to risk their fledgling career, but despite that the relationship marked them for life.
The relationship did not end well then, so today they have a dislike for each other, mainly because there was no closure of things in the past. But in the same way that in the past they connected immediately, that attraction continues, and they cannot help but reconnect. The personal conditions have changed now but they do not want to risk having a completely open relationship, but circumstances will force things now and they will not go against what seems inevitable.
It has been a good reading, discovering little by little what they had, seeing how now, already in maturity, they assume what they are and all the way in between.
September 9, 2021
Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for providing me with a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Well this was.. Disappointing.
Initially this book had everything I wanted. Romance. LGBT rep. Second chance trope. But I spent most of my reading time being bored. I didn’t connect with the characters, though I did feel sympathy for them and recognized their struggles with being closeted and under the spotlight. Yet both Jess and Marion just felt… Flat. Like they really didn’t have much to offer.
Yes they’re apparently really famous but i didn’t feel like that particularly added anything to the plot. Which isn’t great when it’s mostly based around that. Individually, Jess was…. There. Marion was rather pretentious and annoying most of the time. Even when I sympathized for her, I still didn’t really like her. Which is tough when she’s the character we’re following throughout the story.
As for Jess and Marion as a couple… Their chemistry wasn’t really there for me either. It felt mostly physical and like intense attraction. And by the time I was supposed to believe in their love being there from the beginning and them being made for each other I just didn’t buy into it. I needed more and didn’t get it.
Both of them also felt really childish in their way of communicating and reacting to each other. Which would be fine in a romance with teenagers or young adults but when these characters are grown women… It just contributed with my overall annoyance throughout the book.
The writing was alright. And while I was still touched at times, it just wasn’t enough for me to be invested in the characters or their love story.
Well this was.. Disappointing.
Initially this book had everything I wanted. Romance. LGBT rep. Second chance trope. But I spent most of my reading time being bored. I didn’t connect with the characters, though I did feel sympathy for them and recognized their struggles with being closeted and under the spotlight. Yet both Jess and Marion just felt… Flat. Like they really didn’t have much to offer.
Yes they’re apparently really famous but i didn’t feel like that particularly added anything to the plot. Which isn’t great when it’s mostly based around that. Individually, Jess was…. There. Marion was rather pretentious and annoying most of the time. Even when I sympathized for her, I still didn’t really like her. Which is tough when she’s the character we’re following throughout the story.
As for Jess and Marion as a couple… Their chemistry wasn’t really there for me either. It felt mostly physical and like intense attraction. And by the time I was supposed to believe in their love being there from the beginning and them being made for each other I just didn’t buy into it. I needed more and didn’t get it.
Both of them also felt really childish in their way of communicating and reacting to each other. Which would be fine in a romance with teenagers or young adults but when these characters are grown women… It just contributed with my overall annoyance throughout the book.
The writing was alright. And while I was still touched at times, it just wasn’t enough for me to be invested in the characters or their love story.
November 3, 2021
I loved the book. I loved reading this. I love the style of writing, I loved the characters and I loved the story.
I would've loved a little bit more build-up with Marion's personality. I would've loved to read her longer and get her cold exterior. I didn't get that enough so I can contrast who Marion is when she's with Jess.
The switch into them being together again is a little haphazardly done. I am a big fan of grand gestures so how it was done felt a little small to me compared to the decades of longing and feelings.
Overall, still a huge fan of this book. I could not put it down.
I would've loved a little bit more build-up with Marion's personality. I would've loved to read her longer and get her cold exterior. I didn't get that enough so I can contrast who Marion is when she's with Jess.
The switch into them being together again is a little haphazardly done. I am a big fan of grand gestures so how it was done felt a little small to me compared to the decades of longing and feelings.
Overall, still a huge fan of this book. I could not put it down.
September 5, 2021
NB: free copy received for honest review
This is a light and readable 'second chance' lesbian romance. It moves along easily and is engaging at all times, and If you like this kind of 'reuniting with the one who go away' material, you should be entertained. I also rather liked Lauren from the supporting cast: the scenes with her in them were generally among the most fun parts of the narrative.
I do think though that it's a little bit too pro-forma in plot to really stand out from the pack, and the writing is sometimes a smidgen stilted or overwrought. So if this isn't generally your kind of stuff, I don't think this book is going to change your mind.
This is a light and readable 'second chance' lesbian romance. It moves along easily and is engaging at all times, and If you like this kind of 'reuniting with the one who go away' material, you should be entertained. I also rather liked Lauren from the supporting cast: the scenes with her in them were generally among the most fun parts of the narrative.
I do think though that it's a little bit too pro-forma in plot to really stand out from the pack, and the writing is sometimes a smidgen stilted or overwrought. So if this isn't generally your kind of stuff, I don't think this book is going to change your mind.
August 27, 2021
This is a sweet celebrity romance but somehow lacked of more celeb status for my taste.
The 2 main characters are unbelievable successful but, to me, either on the flash backs or the current day seemed pretty normal. Don’t know why but I kept thinking if Kylie Minogue and Sandra Bullock were together sure there should be more action and expectation around them.
Overall good read but be aware of flash backs.
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review
The 2 main characters are unbelievable successful but, to me, either on the flash backs or the current day seemed pretty normal. Don’t know why but I kept thinking if Kylie Minogue and Sandra Bullock were together sure there should be more action and expectation around them.
Overall good read but be aware of flash backs.
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review
August 20, 2021
I’ve been waiting for this book for a long time and I didn’t even know it. Jess and Marion’s loved lost then found again journey is given to us in bits and pieces with flash backs to 1997 intermixed with present day. It can be difficult to keep the reader’s interest while the bombshell is slowly revealed, but this author builds that tension masterfully which ultimately kept me turning pages. The push and pull of emotions tied to that crescendo is the conundrum that Marion grapples with, and central to understanding not only the why it happened but the trajectory each woman was set upon whether they wanted it or not. It’s difficult to comment fully on this book without revealing spoilers. However, I can guarantee an expertly tension built story that will stoke a rainbow of emotions. I received a copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 16, 2021
Love between a three time Oscar winning film actress and a pop icon. Marion Hargreaves started in films in her youth. She is absolutely private about her personal life and sexuality. As a favor to her mentor she accepts the role for an animated voice in a film. She doesn't realize pop icon Jessica Carmichael is providing a voice and music for the movie. Marion and Jessica had a whirlwind short romance in their 20s (told in flashbacks). Jessica is out and proud and has been for years. She never understood why Marion broke her heart.
Romances between the rich and famous are escapism fun. It is perfect for an easy going end of summer read. There is some drama but no huge angst. You know with a few twists and turns there is going to be a HEA. Thank you NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an ARC ebook in exchange for an honest review. (3.5 stars rounding up.)
Romances between the rich and famous are escapism fun. It is perfect for an easy going end of summer read. There is some drama but no huge angst. You know with a few twists and turns there is going to be a HEA. Thank you NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an ARC ebook in exchange for an honest review. (3.5 stars rounding up.)
August 12, 2021
Meet Marion a young closeted actress and Jessica an openly gay music icon. A chance meeting has brought them together but those that surround Marion are not going to let her take any chances with her career.
Just as soon as they've started seeing each other their budding romance ends.
Years have now passed and they find themselves working together on a project. The hurt of what happened in the past is still there but there's no denying the attraction that still smolders.
Is Marion strong enough now to take a chance with Jessica? Is Jessica worth the risk?
This is a will written story of love, loss and the hope that these two hearts can come together.
Just as soon as they've started seeing each other their budding romance ends.
Years have now passed and they find themselves working together on a project. The hurt of what happened in the past is still there but there's no denying the attraction that still smolders.
Is Marion strong enough now to take a chance with Jessica? Is Jessica worth the risk?
This is a will written story of love, loss and the hope that these two hearts can come together.
August 12, 2021
I was sent this book as an advanced copy by the publisher via NetGalley for reviewing purposes, but all opinions are my own.
I absolutely LOVE Hollywood sapphic romances and have read more than a few. Thus, I feel qualified to say that this one was top tier. The premise hooked me. Not only are Marion and Jess forced to work together twenty years after their heartwrenching break-up, but they are working as voice actors on a queer-coded animated children’s show! I kept thinking of The Owl House and She-ra Princesses of Power while reading.
The writing style and choices really worked for me. It hit a good balance of being an easy, comfortable read while still being extremely engaging. I was so engrossed in Marion and Jess, I didn’t notice the time passing until I came out the other side. I thought the structure of having flashbacks to their past was done well. I don’t always like flashbacks as they can be confusing or take you out of the story. However, in this case, they fit seamlessly and were just as engaging as what was going on in the present. I even looked forward to them because I wanted to know what exactly went wrong between them twenty years ago.
I really loved Marion and Jess together. You could tell they cared deeply about each other even when it was painful in the beginning. Oh my gosh, the tension when they first had to be in a room together after twenty years. Let me tell you, I live for those fraught moments. My favorite thing about their relationship was how comfortable they were with each other and their little moments of domesticity. The book definitely gets ~ steamy ~ and you can see they have serious chemistry. You can also really see that they fell hopelessly in love at 23, and those feelings never really went away.
This was so fun and my heart was so warm at the end. If you love sapphic romance, I definitely recommend.
I absolutely LOVE Hollywood sapphic romances and have read more than a few. Thus, I feel qualified to say that this one was top tier. The premise hooked me. Not only are Marion and Jess forced to work together twenty years after their heartwrenching break-up, but they are working as voice actors on a queer-coded animated children’s show! I kept thinking of The Owl House and She-ra Princesses of Power while reading.
The writing style and choices really worked for me. It hit a good balance of being an easy, comfortable read while still being extremely engaging. I was so engrossed in Marion and Jess, I didn’t notice the time passing until I came out the other side. I thought the structure of having flashbacks to their past was done well. I don’t always like flashbacks as they can be confusing or take you out of the story. However, in this case, they fit seamlessly and were just as engaging as what was going on in the present. I even looked forward to them because I wanted to know what exactly went wrong between them twenty years ago.
I really loved Marion and Jess together. You could tell they cared deeply about each other even when it was painful in the beginning. Oh my gosh, the tension when they first had to be in a room together after twenty years. Let me tell you, I live for those fraught moments. My favorite thing about their relationship was how comfortable they were with each other and their little moments of domesticity. The book definitely gets ~ steamy ~ and you can see they have serious chemistry. You can also really see that they fell hopelessly in love at 23, and those feelings never really went away.
This was so fun and my heart was so warm at the end. If you love sapphic romance, I definitely recommend.
October 8, 2021
I received an e-ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
I love a good Hollywood love story, even better when it's sapphic. And Love in the Limelight in exactly that. It's an adorable quick read that really hooked me.
I liked Marion character a lot, because she wasn't your regular protagonist. She seemed cold and serious, her reactions to a lot of things were quite funny.
The relationship between her nad Jess felt genuine. It felt real. The flashbacks started to bore me after a bit, but they were necessary to the story.
4,5 stars
I love a good Hollywood love story, even better when it's sapphic. And Love in the Limelight in exactly that. It's an adorable quick read that really hooked me.
I liked Marion character a lot, because she wasn't your regular protagonist. She seemed cold and serious, her reactions to a lot of things were quite funny.
The relationship between her nad Jess felt genuine. It felt real. The flashbacks started to bore me after a bit, but they were necessary to the story.
4,5 stars
September 1, 2021
3.5 stars for the author's efforts; a good one for a first book by her.
There were scenarios where I felt that the main characters could have been shown a bit more stronger and many places where it seemed a bit more background research would have made the book better.
All said, it was a good read.
Looking forward to many more books by Ashley Moore.
There were scenarios where I felt that the main characters could have been shown a bit more stronger and many places where it seemed a bit more background research would have made the book better.
All said, it was a good read.
Looking forward to many more books by Ashley Moore.
September 3, 2021
Marion is a successful actress with a very fulfilling career, but there's one thing she's been missing. When Jessica Carmichael walks back into her life, she's reminded of just what she lost all those years ago. Will they be able to move past the past? In Ashley Moore's absolutely charming romcom Love in the Limelight, readers are taken through the world of Hollywood split between the past and present with a cast of fun, well-rounded characters.
I have nothing but good things to say about this book, which is a wonder as I generally avoid romances. The characters were interesting and beautiful, and all of them balanced one another out so well. The story itself warmed my cold little heart. From the very start, I wanted to root for them to succeed. It was just the right mix of light fun and serious feelings (much like Marion and Jess themselves). If you enjoyed Evelyn Hugo's Hollywood vibes, I think you'll love this book too!
I have nothing but good things to say about this book, which is a wonder as I generally avoid romances. The characters were interesting and beautiful, and all of them balanced one another out so well. The story itself warmed my cold little heart. From the very start, I wanted to root for them to succeed. It was just the right mix of light fun and serious feelings (much like Marion and Jess themselves). If you enjoyed Evelyn Hugo's Hollywood vibes, I think you'll love this book too!
December 21, 2021
Really good story. Even though it has been told a few times already. I liked how the author told this story in present and past to show the parallels of how life was then and now, and how coming out in 1997 would have been a career killer especially for an actor or singer. Jess and Marion were really good for each other and I liked that they met back up after 20years and fell more in love than before.. There was some drama and angst, but not to much to distract from the story and the supporting characters were great and helped move the story along as well. I would definitely recommend this book to my friends and family, and I look forward to what this author writes next.
September 2, 2022
Who doesn't like a second chance? Well, unless the first chance is perfect I suppose.
Jess and Marion have chemistry and the story doesn't dwell too much on the history between them - it does, but it doesn't. Their feelings are realistic, as is their pain, but it's dealt with in a mature way.
The pace of the story is just enough. Occasionally I didn't love the backtracking, but ultimately it was a snack of history along the way in their present.
ARC received for an honest review.
3.5 stars
Jess and Marion have chemistry and the story doesn't dwell too much on the history between them - it does, but it doesn't. Their feelings are realistic, as is their pain, but it's dealt with in a mature way.
The pace of the story is just enough. Occasionally I didn't love the backtracking, but ultimately it was a snack of history along the way in their present.
ARC received for an honest review.
3.5 stars
September 27, 2021
All right. This is super cute. Fun and sweet, and bisexual representation thank you. 🥰
So this is a sweet second chance sapphic romance, with one character learning about themselves and finally embracing they are any other always being themselves.
It’s cute and sweet and I really like it and I highly recommend it.
Will learned four stars
As always thank you net galley for sending me this really copy
So this is a sweet second chance sapphic romance, with one character learning about themselves and finally embracing they are any other always being themselves.
It’s cute and sweet and I really like it and I highly recommend it.
Will learned four stars
As always thank you net galley for sending me this really copy
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