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American Superstar #2
Time To Shine
Lights. Camera. Action!
Lennon Emery had done it! After securing a coveted spot on the American Superstar live shows, Lennon realizes the hard part has only just begun. Nine weeks of live performances in front of thousands of people – if she makes it that far! You would think that nine weeks cut off from the real world and real problems would sound like a holiday, but with production playing nasty games and a contestant out for her blood, Lennon soon realizes she’s signed up for more than she bargained for.
Of course, there was also the problem of her heart pounding crush on her mentor, Camila Bianchi. Still desperately maintaining her straight façade, Lennon’s desires are put to the test as she truly begins to question the secretive world she lives in.
Still trying to win back favor with her label, Camila is on the road with American Superstar as a mentor for the under thirties. Camila was doing everything right. Smiling when she had to, and building killer performances for her contestants. Everything was perfect – except for her infatuation with her contestant, Lennon Emery. Trying to maintain the boundaries they both agreed on, Camila is torn between doing what is right or going all in and taking what she desires most – Lennon.
A romance on the road never hurt anyone…right?
Lennon Emery had done it! After securing a coveted spot on the American Superstar live shows, Lennon realizes the hard part has only just begun. Nine weeks of live performances in front of thousands of people – if she makes it that far! You would think that nine weeks cut off from the real world and real problems would sound like a holiday, but with production playing nasty games and a contestant out for her blood, Lennon soon realizes she’s signed up for more than she bargained for.
Of course, there was also the problem of her heart pounding crush on her mentor, Camila Bianchi. Still desperately maintaining her straight façade, Lennon’s desires are put to the test as she truly begins to question the secretive world she lives in.
Still trying to win back favor with her label, Camila is on the road with American Superstar as a mentor for the under thirties. Camila was doing everything right. Smiling when she had to, and building killer performances for her contestants. Everything was perfect – except for her infatuation with her contestant, Lennon Emery. Trying to maintain the boundaries they both agreed on, Camila is torn between doing what is right or going all in and taking what she desires most – Lennon.
A romance on the road never hurt anyone…right?
452 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 24, 2022
52 people are currently reading
80 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
May 12, 2024
Entertaining read!
Such a pleasurable book #2 of this reality tv singing competition 'American Superstar' ongoing series (ne: American Idol) -- with some well detailed behind-the-scenes activities including this bitter, nasty non-rivalry between Robin and everyone etc. etc. --- and less not forget that steamy growing romance between Lennon & Camila. The storyline is well-paced and also well written with a heartbreaking cliffhanger.
Highly recommended book and series!
Such a pleasurable book #2 of this reality tv singing competition 'American Superstar' ongoing series (ne: American Idol) -- with some well detailed behind-the-scenes activities including this bitter, nasty non-rivalry between Robin and everyone etc. etc. --- and less not forget that steamy growing romance between Lennon & Camila. The storyline is well-paced and also well written with a heartbreaking cliffhanger.
Highly recommended book and series!
August 4, 2023
The story was great as you read what the contestants had to go through for every show that they had to perform. I thought there’s gonna be more than 1 contestant who can't gel with everyone else. Alas, I was wrong. There is only just one and we know who it is….
I have to say, I got a little bored at some point with our 2 MCs, Lennon and Camila, who are constantly trying to get into each other pants whenever they are alone. Probably the thrill of forbidden pleasure gets them going with each other whenever they are alone. The second half of the book got a little more interesting with more drama. And I just hate that it ended in a cliffhanger…which was something that I didn't realise right until the tail end of the book. So now I have to wait for book 3 and see what happened next after that big upset.
And hey, the Spotify playlist is pretty good, easy on the ear…
I have to say, I got a little bored at some point with our 2 MCs, Lennon and Camila, who are constantly trying to get into each other pants whenever they are alone. Probably the thrill of forbidden pleasure gets them going with each other whenever they are alone. The second half of the book got a little more interesting with more drama. And I just hate that it ended in a cliffhanger…which was something that I didn't realise right until the tail end of the book. So now I have to wait for book 3 and see what happened next after that big upset.
And hey, the Spotify playlist is pretty good, easy on the ear…
Read
January 23, 2023Quite honestly I am devastated. While I absolutely loved the first of this “Series” I should have taken into account exactly that fact: a series.
While this second book could have been another five star top favourite of mine, the ending here finally put me off series of books all together, unless I really know the author and her style well.
This was the third flop with a new (for me) author in a row for me and I am terribly disappointed. I did not put a rating on this out of curtesy.
While this second book could have been another five star top favourite of mine, the ending here finally put me off series of books all together, unless I really know the author and her style well.
This was the third flop with a new (for me) author in a row for me and I am terribly disappointed. I did not put a rating on this out of curtesy.
January 17, 2023
So soooo good!!! I don’t have words, can’t wait for book 3!
October 16, 2024
4/5
This series is the best things I've read when it comes to celebrity trope.
I'm enchanted in the book and the characters and I'm ready for the angst to come
This series is the best things I've read when it comes to celebrity trope.
I'm enchanted in the book and the characters and I'm ready for the angst to come
June 29, 2023
Powerful, emotional and provocative!
In this continuation of Set the Stage, the contestants of American Superstar are competing at live venues around the country as one act gets voted off each week. The exceptionally talented Lennon is the front runner, but will anyone find out about her relationship with Camila? Their love story is powerful and intense, and omg, there's another cliffhanger so prepare for book 3 which I eagerly await. Will Lennon be brave enough to live her truth? Only time will tell!
I love these music reality shows and am really enjoying this story. The author writes plenty of detail so I feel like I'm right there with the characters rehearsing and trying to shake the nerves away before performing. I'm also enjoying the song selections and why they were chosen.
Author Shay has written some awesome characters from horrendous Robyn and Belinda to the fabulous Lennon, Camila and friends Jesse and Kylie. She knows how to develop relationships, even without the many hot, steamy scenes! She really has the talent to take on many characters at once and truly give each his/her own voice.
The only negatives are that this book is riddled with spelling and grammar mistakes so as much as I liked the story, I cannot give it a five! Even Robin/Robyn and Jesse/Jessie were spelled two different ways throughout the book! Maybe your ARC team can help you proof!
In this continuation of Set the Stage, the contestants of American Superstar are competing at live venues around the country as one act gets voted off each week. The exceptionally talented Lennon is the front runner, but will anyone find out about her relationship with Camila? Their love story is powerful and intense, and omg, there's another cliffhanger so prepare for book 3 which I eagerly await. Will Lennon be brave enough to live her truth? Only time will tell!
I love these music reality shows and am really enjoying this story. The author writes plenty of detail so I feel like I'm right there with the characters rehearsing and trying to shake the nerves away before performing. I'm also enjoying the song selections and why they were chosen.
Author Shay has written some awesome characters from horrendous Robyn and Belinda to the fabulous Lennon, Camila and friends Jesse and Kylie. She knows how to develop relationships, even without the many hot, steamy scenes! She really has the talent to take on many characters at once and truly give each his/her own voice.
The only negatives are that this book is riddled with spelling and grammar mistakes so as much as I liked the story, I cannot give it a five! Even Robin/Robyn and Jesse/Jessie were spelled two different ways throughout the book! Maybe your ARC team can help you proof!
January 2, 2025
Lennon and Camila get closer and closer with Camila as Lennon’s mentor in the competition. Finally, they cannot withstand and start a secret and so hot relationship.
At the same time the competition and tour through the country starts with so much drama. Robin so horrible and Kylie an amazing friend.
Camila to Lennon: “I have given you a powerhouse song that references forbidden love, something both of us can relate to, but you can relate to even more than me. This song is a proclaimed gay anthem, and if you intend on coming out after the show, people will look back on this performance you gave and understand you that little bit more.”
Lennon’s walls collapse and she like herself for the first time in her life.
Secret Love Song, Pt II by Little Mix, I was crying and felt so much, a song about forbidden love, Lennon and Camila I need a HEA for you!
Final vs. William in New York. One of my all-time favourite songs Prince’s Purple Rain the song assigned to Lennon.
It all crashes and burns, their relationship out in the open, Lennon robbed of her win of the competition. Camila devastated since she wants only the best for Lennon. She ends the relationship with Lennon to try to save the situation. I need to continue with book 3 at once!
At the same time the competition and tour through the country starts with so much drama. Robin so horrible and Kylie an amazing friend.
Camila to Lennon: “I have given you a powerhouse song that references forbidden love, something both of us can relate to, but you can relate to even more than me. This song is a proclaimed gay anthem, and if you intend on coming out after the show, people will look back on this performance you gave and understand you that little bit more.”
Lennon’s walls collapse and she like herself for the first time in her life.
Secret Love Song, Pt II by Little Mix, I was crying and felt so much, a song about forbidden love, Lennon and Camila I need a HEA for you!
Final vs. William in New York. One of my all-time favourite songs Prince’s Purple Rain the song assigned to Lennon.
It all crashes and burns, their relationship out in the open, Lennon robbed of her win of the competition. Camila devastated since she wants only the best for Lennon. She ends the relationship with Lennon to try to save the situation. I need to continue with book 3 at once!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 11, 2023
Speechless for so many reasons
I can honestly say this is one of the best series I've read 💯( read book 2 in two days and just cause I had to go to sleep lol). Book one was great and I couldn't wait for book 2 to come which had me on the edge of my site talking back to the book lol. Ex mybe spoiler to some...... when Lennon and Robin would get into it or when Belinda showed up out of the blue in Lennons room or when she had words with Camila I was like wats really good with this B*t*ch. And that lead into book 3 (want it right now)had me seeing 👀 enemies every where like who could be behind outing them. from Balinda, cause who else could have control of the cameras, to Brandi who offered to help Lennon like whats behind that. to Nicole who had warned Camila to even Robin's whose jabs hinted at her knowing something. But we can't forget the sex scenes talk about fire 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥. So CAN'T WAIT FOR BOOK 3🔥💯😍🥰
I can honestly say this is one of the best series I've read 💯( read book 2 in two days and just cause I had to go to sleep lol). Book one was great and I couldn't wait for book 2 to come which had me on the edge of my site talking back to the book lol. Ex mybe spoiler to some...... when Lennon and Robin would get into it or when Belinda showed up out of the blue in Lennons room or when she had words with Camila I was like wats really good with this B*t*ch. And that lead into book 3 (want it right now)had me seeing 👀 enemies every where like who could be behind outing them. from Balinda, cause who else could have control of the cameras, to Brandi who offered to help Lennon like whats behind that. to Nicole who had warned Camila to even Robin's whose jabs hinted at her knowing something. But we can't forget the sex scenes talk about fire 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥. So CAN'T WAIT FOR BOOK 3🔥💯😍🥰
December 9, 2023
In this sequel to book 1 in the series, Lennon is back in the competition, mentored by Camilla. The two begin a clandestine sexual relationship on the 10-week tour, determined not to be found out. But there's the meanness of another competitor and the awful producer of the show that present a number of obstacles even though Camila's been told that the fix is in for Lennon to win.
This book is mostly engaging though, like the first, still too long. We again get lots of details about reality TV and the tour, some of which could have been edited out. There's a huge twist at the end and then, unexpectedly, a cliffhanger that sets us up for book 3.
Also, the author is still using non-US terms like "lift" for "elevator," errors that could be easily corrected.
There's a lot to like here, and this book is a bit better than the first, but still, some flaws.
This book is mostly engaging though, like the first, still too long. We again get lots of details about reality TV and the tour, some of which could have been edited out. There's a huge twist at the end and then, unexpectedly, a cliffhanger that sets us up for book 3.
Also, the author is still using non-US terms like "lift" for "elevator," errors that could be easily corrected.
There's a lot to like here, and this book is a bit better than the first, but still, some flaws.
January 12, 2023
Frustrating
Although I enjoyed this second book, I should have learned from the first one that there might be a cliffhanger ending. The descriptions and characters throughout were engaging and well written, romance etc really hot, I think I have figured out already what is going on here so will be interested in the 3rd book arriving for confirmation. This could take a while, oh well.
Although I enjoyed this second book, I should have learned from the first one that there might be a cliffhanger ending. The descriptions and characters throughout were engaging and well written, romance etc really hot, I think I have figured out already what is going on here so will be interested in the 3rd book arriving for confirmation. This could take a while, oh well.
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March 5, 2023Where is the next one?!?
Okay this is a great book. I haven't been able to put it down since I started it. I just wish it didn't have such a cliffhanger! I've laughed, I've cried, I've sat at the edge of my seat. I've imagined the scenes as they were described so clearly and heard the music as if I was there. Shay Paris, you wrote a fantastic book! Now release the conclusion soon and don't break my heart more than this cliffhanger did!
Okay this is a great book. I haven't been able to put it down since I started it. I just wish it didn't have such a cliffhanger! I've laughed, I've cried, I've sat at the edge of my seat. I've imagined the scenes as they were described so clearly and heard the music as if I was there. Shay Paris, you wrote a fantastic book! Now release the conclusion soon and don't break my heart more than this cliffhanger did!
September 20, 2023
Second pat of the drama. My my, who'd have said I'd be so immersed into this story. It was exactly what I needed during my hospital stay. Drama, sexual tension, back stabbing... Note of warning, though, this is not the last book on this saga, so be aware if you want the complete picture before starting, you may want to wait for part 3.
I'm not super happy about that, but I honestly couldn't put all the drama down!
I'm not super happy about that, but I honestly couldn't put all the drama down!
January 17, 2023
IF I CAN RATE THIS MORE THAN 5, I WOULD!
I am seriously hooked with Lennon & Camila’s story, and I need the book 3 asap! Shay Paris, ure a great writer, and I hope you write more books when you’re done with this story! Looking forward to the next book where Lennon’s out of the competition, & ofc I want a happy ending!
I am seriously hooked with Lennon & Camila’s story, and I need the book 3 asap! Shay Paris, ure a great writer, and I hope you write more books when you’re done with this story! Looking forward to the next book where Lennon’s out of the competition, & ofc I want a happy ending!
January 29, 2023
Amazing!!!
What an amazing 2nd book of the American Superstar, a wonderful emotional rollercoaster, powerful and intense scenes. Realistic or even possible real interpretation of the reality shows winners. And so many strong feelings…. And what an ending. When is the next book from Shay Paris?
What an amazing 2nd book of the American Superstar, a wonderful emotional rollercoaster, powerful and intense scenes. Realistic or even possible real interpretation of the reality shows winners. And so many strong feelings…. And what an ending. When is the next book from Shay Paris?
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March 6, 2023I am so disappointed. I can’t believe she ended the second book on a bad note with no chance for resolution. Ending with a “to be continued” again with no third book is awful. I’m not rating this just because it would have been a five but with this ending, I can’t rate it at all.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 8, 2024
couldn’t stop reading
I love the authors style of writing. I enjoyed being lead into this book, the characters, and the story. I was captivated. Can’t wait to see what happens next… keep writing
I love the authors style of writing. I enjoyed being lead into this book, the characters, and the story. I was captivated. Can’t wait to see what happens next… keep writing
September 25, 2024
I loved this series (the first 3 book at the moment of writing this review). It's a slow burn story, and I would say the main arc is not finished until the end of the 3rd book, but it still finishes with a cliffhanger, where you can't wait to get to the next book.
September 25, 2024
Must be read as part of the trilogy.
Amazing characters and a dramatic story arc with lots of heat and emotion. Do not read as a standalone though. Expect to need to read the third book immediately and I hope the full story plays out in that one.
Amazing characters and a dramatic story arc with lots of heat and emotion. Do not read as a standalone though. Expect to need to read the third book immediately and I hope the full story plays out in that one.
March 20, 2025
Good!!! Three part series that's really one 1100+ page novel following the two pop singer main characters in a reality show singer contest. Great story with both MCs having unsupportive parents and one MC in the closet.
July 26, 2025
An engaging, fast-paced romance that blends the thrill of a high-stakes singing competition with a simmering forbidden love story. Lennon and Camila’s tension is addictive, and the behind-the-scenes drama keeps the pages turning. Perfect for readers who love music, passion, and a bit of scandal.
October 12, 2025
Roller coaster love ride
This second novel was a roller coaster ride worth riding telling us never take anything for granted. All the unexpected twists and turns make you not want to get out of this ride. Can't wait for the next one!
This second novel was a roller coaster ride worth riding telling us never take anything for granted. All the unexpected twists and turns make you not want to get out of this ride. Can't wait for the next one!
December 28, 2022
Page turner
Loved this book it's a great sequel and an enjoyable read. There were a few typos and inconsistencies but it didn't take away from the story.
Loved this book it's a great sequel and an enjoyable read. There were a few typos and inconsistencies but it didn't take away from the story.
March 18, 2023
Wow
I will admit, the ending had me surprised. The second book is much better than the first. I’m not giving anything away!
I will admit, the ending had me surprised. The second book is much better than the first. I’m not giving anything away!
January 18, 2024
Loved it. Starting book 3
March 12, 2024
Are you fucking kidding me?
July 25, 2024
AHH so good. That ending…….
October 16, 2025
the ending was shit..
October 28, 2025
Predictable. Could have been better with proper editing.
August 30, 2025
Two books in and holy crap this is mind-blowing. I love love love all the detail on the prep, the performances, the aftermath. And I’m here for the drama. Sure, I’d happily throttle Belinda, and at times other contestants and judges, and the anonymous person behind the… events at the end. But… the books I go back to aren’t the ones where everything just went smoothly.
Lennon and Camila were both awesome… though actually the whole cast was fantastic, both friends and foes. It was so much fun to follow the show from city to city, performance to performance, random twists along the way. And some of those performances, just… wow. I mean, the rock star stories are totally my jam, but even so, this was next-level.
As for the ending… I’m with Lennon, and pretty much everything she said in that final conversation. And I don’t believe for a minute it’s all going to go according to the plan worked out in the boardroom. We know these people better than that by now!
Anyway, let me not kid myself, I’m gonna be starting the third as soon as this gets posted. And I’m REALLY looking forward to it!
Discussion with Maria: https://www.instagram.com/p/DEZvtwjOJZG/
Lennon and Camila were both awesome… though actually the whole cast was fantastic, both friends and foes. It was so much fun to follow the show from city to city, performance to performance, random twists along the way. And some of those performances, just… wow. I mean, the rock star stories are totally my jam, but even so, this was next-level.
As for the ending… I’m with Lennon, and pretty much everything she said in that final conversation. And I don’t believe for a minute it’s all going to go according to the plan worked out in the boardroom. We know these people better than that by now!
Anyway, let me not kid myself, I’m gonna be starting the third as soon as this gets posted. And I’m REALLY looking forward to it!
Discussion with Maria: https://www.instagram.com/p/DEZvtwjOJZG/
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews