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NSB #4
Limelight
“A great tortured rockstar read. Highly recommend!" - Colleen Hoover
I’m unpredictable.
A genius, an underachiever.
I’m the song, the voice, the passion, the pain. The front man and the failure.
I make music because it’s what I am. The music chose me. I’m its victim not its gift.
Mila Taylor destroyed my career. Ruined my life. Pushed me from the shadows and exposed my lies. Her scathing reviews have destroyed lesser artists, and now her fire is aimed at me.
And Mila—she loves to watch me burn.
Our volatile attraction is more than heated anger and haunted lust. She’s fire. I’m gasoline.
But the part we never saw coming?
Sometimes it takes a spark to slay the darkness.
Limelight is an emotional enemies to lovers rockstar romance. This book addresses the issues of addiction, anxiety, trauma and loss in a compassionate, realistic manner. For a full list of content notices please visit Aly's website.
I’m unpredictable.
A genius, an underachiever.
I’m the song, the voice, the passion, the pain. The front man and the failure.
I make music because it’s what I am. The music chose me. I’m its victim not its gift.
Mila Taylor destroyed my career. Ruined my life. Pushed me from the shadows and exposed my lies. Her scathing reviews have destroyed lesser artists, and now her fire is aimed at me.
And Mila—she loves to watch me burn.
Our volatile attraction is more than heated anger and haunted lust. She’s fire. I’m gasoline.
But the part we never saw coming?
Sometimes it takes a spark to slay the darkness.
Limelight is an emotional enemies to lovers rockstar romance. This book addresses the issues of addiction, anxiety, trauma and loss in a compassionate, realistic manner. For a full list of content notices please visit Aly's website.
326 pages, Unknown Binding
Published March 12, 2018
141 people are currently reading
773 people want to read
About the author
Alyson Santos
21 books945 followersI’m a writer, musician, and cat lover. Not always in that order.
I write what needs to come out, whether it’s pain, tears, or laughter. I write people and relationships, about the beauty and horror of what we do to ourselves and each other. I write Love. Vengeance. Compassion. Cruelty. Trust. Betrayal. Forgiveness. Darkness, and the incredible way humans destroy and heal each other.
I like to eradicate barriers, refusing to be confined by the laws of physics or limitations of reality. I will befriend a vast population of possibilities and introduce them in ways that might surprise you.
I write what needs to come out, whether it’s pain, tears, or laughter. I write people and relationships, about the beauty and horror of what we do to ourselves and each other. I write Love. Vengeance. Compassion. Cruelty. Trust. Betrayal. Forgiveness. Darkness, and the incredible way humans destroy and heal each other.
I like to eradicate barriers, refusing to be confined by the laws of physics or limitations of reality. I will befriend a vast population of possibilities and introduce them in ways that might surprise you.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 174 reviews
May 9, 2019
4 stars
Jesse is a character I was interested in reading about from the moment I met him in Tracing Holland. I could tell he was a sweet yet damaged soul and I couldn’t wait to see where his story would go.
Jesse is the leading man of Limelight and was touring with NSB and Tracing Holland. Until a few mistakes and a horrible post from an entertainment blogger had his label and manager dropping them. His hard life only got more difficult from there. Jesse had an awful past, a childhood no one should ever have to experience. Thankfully he has his brother Patrick and bandmates in his life. Still, sometimes he just can’t cope with what’s going on and leans on substances.
Jesse feels a lot of pressure within the band to write new material and help get them out there again, but time after time he succumbs to his demons instead. Then he meets Mila Taylor. Mila is the said entertainment blogger that ruined his career. What I appreciated most about Mila is that she recognized she was wrong about Jesse and she admitted it and helped him fix it. I felt the connection between them and I loved them together, even though I wasn’t sure I would at first.
This book was beautiful, but it broke my heart. I was in a full on crying fit towards the end. I’m still not okay with what happened, but my heart will mend I suppose. I was so proud of Jesse and all he accomplished through everything he went through. I really loved his character. And Mila as well. I can imagine it’s so difficult being in love with an addict but I think she did the best she could with helping him, being there for him, and not enabling him.
This series is different than most of your traditional rock star romances and I love that about it. This book is heavy, emotional, and puts friendship and familial relationships at the forefront of the story. It’s very character driven and beautifully written. Also, the audiobook is narrated by Zachary Webber so definitely check that out. I can’t wait to read more by this author. Especially if it’s in this world of musicians she’s created!!
Jesse is a character I was interested in reading about from the moment I met him in Tracing Holland. I could tell he was a sweet yet damaged soul and I couldn’t wait to see where his story would go.
Jesse is the leading man of Limelight and was touring with NSB and Tracing Holland. Until a few mistakes and a horrible post from an entertainment blogger had his label and manager dropping them. His hard life only got more difficult from there. Jesse had an awful past, a childhood no one should ever have to experience. Thankfully he has his brother Patrick and bandmates in his life. Still, sometimes he just can’t cope with what’s going on and leans on substances.
“There’s no Limelight without me. I’m the songs, the voice, the passion, the pain. I’m the failure. Their curse, because they can’t let go”
Jesse feels a lot of pressure within the band to write new material and help get them out there again, but time after time he succumbs to his demons instead. Then he meets Mila Taylor. Mila is the said entertainment blogger that ruined his career. What I appreciated most about Mila is that she recognized she was wrong about Jesse and she admitted it and helped him fix it. I felt the connection between them and I loved them together, even though I wasn’t sure I would at first.
This book was beautiful, but it broke my heart. I was in a full on crying fit towards the end. I’m still not okay with what happened, but my heart will mend I suppose. I was so proud of Jesse and all he accomplished through everything he went through. I really loved his character. And Mila as well. I can imagine it’s so difficult being in love with an addict but I think she did the best she could with helping him, being there for him, and not enabling him.
This series is different than most of your traditional rock star romances and I love that about it. This book is heavy, emotional, and puts friendship and familial relationships at the forefront of the story. It’s very character driven and beautifully written. Also, the audiobook is narrated by Zachary Webber so definitely check that out. I can’t wait to read more by this author. Especially if it’s in this world of musicians she’s created!!
July 29, 2019
TITLE: LIMELIGHT
AUTHOR: Alyson Santos
SERIES: NSB #4
RELEASE DATE: March 12th 2019
GENRE: Rockstar Romance
TROPES & THEMES: Drug Abuse, Childhood Trauma
NARRATORS: Zachary Webber
LENGTH: 8 hrs and 8 mins
RATING: 4 Stars
CLIFFHANGER: No
READ MY REVIEW ON THE BLOG
I am really conflicted about the rating for this story. I loved everything although it was a sad and often bleak story. Jesse was a tragic hero and I hated how he was caught in a loop and couldn't get out of it. People who don't know addiction judge those who are trapped in a habit. I despaired because for a long time I wasn't even sure he'd make it to the other side. I loved how Mila stood by him and believed in him although he didn't give her much to work with. I LOVED that the man causing so much pain in Jesse's life could actually be redeemed - that was unusual and I commend the author for going this route. Despite the horrific things he did, I felt his remorse and pain too.
Up until 40 minutes before the end another tragedy happened on top of all the hopelessness and trauma and that's where the author lost me a little. It was out of the blue and total overkill. This author has a serious gift but this book should have ended on a hopeful note, which is not what I got. I was considering giving this book a 3 star rating but I think, apart from that part, Alyson Santos's writing was perfect and the storytelling absolutely spellbinding. I will definitely read more of her.
Zachary Webber's performance is impeccable. This role may have been written just for him.
March 14, 2018
I love this book with a fury.
Limelight is a stream of consciousness, of art in its purest form, while prodigy Jesse Everett disappears inside his brain, letting words, music, color, emotions take over and he channels them into heart-stopping music.
This book is darkness melding with hope, reality fighting nightmares fighting dreams.
Jesse is FIVE-dimensional, swelling off the pages and into your face and heart, while the only one able to stagger him is that one crazy, unbelievable girl, who steps up and takes charge, the one you'd never even suspect.
I. Love. This. Book. With. A. Fury.
I read it. I drank it. I absorbed it. This is literary romance at its best.
As a reader, you emerge on the other side knowing you'll never forget.
There are millions of books out there. Heck, billions.
In this gosh-darn jungle, aren't we lucky to have found LIMELIGHT?
Limelight is a stream of consciousness, of art in its purest form, while prodigy Jesse Everett disappears inside his brain, letting words, music, color, emotions take over and he channels them into heart-stopping music.
This book is darkness melding with hope, reality fighting nightmares fighting dreams.
Jesse is FIVE-dimensional, swelling off the pages and into your face and heart, while the only one able to stagger him is that one crazy, unbelievable girl, who steps up and takes charge, the one you'd never even suspect.
I. Love. This. Book. With. A. Fury.
I read it. I drank it. I absorbed it. This is literary romance at its best.
As a reader, you emerge on the other side knowing you'll never forget.
There are millions of books out there. Heck, billions.
In this gosh-darn jungle, aren't we lucky to have found LIMELIGHT?
June 3, 2019
Alyson Santos has a way of writing words and characters that seep into your heart and soul. And with Limelight, she excels at this ability times a thousand.
Santos tackles a world where music not only soothes the soul, but brings you to your knees as well. Because you see, the music world is filled with more than money and glamor, it’s also filled with temptations, addictions, those who want a part of your soul, and those who want to tear you down.
However, Santos also shows us a world with hope. A world where musicians and creators like Jesse Everett can find redemption and love. A world where family is sometimes more than blood, but where brothers mean the world.
Santos succeeded in bringing me to my knees and lifting me up again throughout this book. It is definitely a read that will touch your heart, while giving a realistic glimpse into the world of music, fame, success, failure, depravity, hope, and love.
“Grieve, don’t get lost.”
5 Stars
Santos tackles a world where music not only soothes the soul, but brings you to your knees as well. Because you see, the music world is filled with more than money and glamor, it’s also filled with temptations, addictions, those who want a part of your soul, and those who want to tear you down.
However, Santos also shows us a world with hope. A world where musicians and creators like Jesse Everett can find redemption and love. A world where family is sometimes more than blood, but where brothers mean the world.
Santos succeeded in bringing me to my knees and lifting me up again throughout this book. It is definitely a read that will touch your heart, while giving a realistic glimpse into the world of music, fame, success, failure, depravity, hope, and love.
“Grieve, don’t get lost.”
5 Stars
February 23, 2018
This book stole my heart. I hope it touches you as well. <3
July 15, 2019
this was very interesting. Like I've said before, Alyson Santos does rock star like no other. I'm not sure this was much of a love story, honestly I couldn't get on board with the main couple. However, in terms of Jessie's story and how he battled some pretty ugly demons, this kept me hooked the entire time. I still don't understand why the tragedy at around 90% was thrown in there. I felt like it was thrown in there for shock value. Regardless, this was a good read, albeit depressing. Love this author though.
May 21, 2018
‘There’s no Limelight without me. I’m the songs, the voice, the passion, the pain. I’m the failure. Their curse, because they can’t let go…’
Alyson Santos doesn’t do a hearts and flowers rock romance with Limelight, instead she gravitates towards the gritty, raw and painful side of Jesse Everett’s creative genius. In fact, we’re hesitant to call this rock star a romance, yes, there is a love story at the heart of Limelight, but instead it’s secondary to a story that portrays the tormented side of Jesse’s musical talent. The camaraderie between the band and at its heart, the relationship between two brothers – one’s fight for a brother who threatens to spiral out of control, about to lose himself down the rabbit hole of addiction. Like Luke Craven (from Night Shifts Black and Tracing Holland) before him, Jesse Everett has quite the fight on his hands.
‘I didn’t get far last night before crashing. The music knows I’m a fraud and doesn’t appreciate when I rebel.’
Whilst characters from the Night Shifts Black series make cameo appearances, Limelight can be read as a standalone, though we admit, we did love catching up with the other characters, Luke Craven especially has come a long way since his tortured early days, and it was an added bonus meeting him again.
“You said you were done with me.”
“I said I didn’t love you.”
There is a fervid and intense anguish behind this story as we shared the painful cost Jesse paid for his creative genius. Jesse, the self-destructive front man behind Limelight is a plagued man who really does suffer for his art. Behind those genius songs is a man struggling with his past, allowing his songs to tell his haunting story. We briefly met Jesse in Tracing Holland and knew he had his demons whilst finding solace in drugs. In Limelight we’re exposed to exactly what causes Jesse to so often self-implode and the enemies to lover’s story between Jesse and music blogger Mila Taylor.
“What do you want, Mila? More of my soul to feed the masses?”
Mila Taylor is a well-respected music blogger. A lady so well regarded, she has the ability to make or break an artist or band, and she has Jesse in her sights. Mila acknowledges Jesse’s incredible talent but is frustrated by the front man’s lack of drive, and the constant drama he invites. Jesse is in a writing and performing slump, blaming his lack of creativity and spiralling career on Mila’s article and despite advice to leave it alone, he responds to her comments and thus a cheeky interaction begins between the two resulting in them finally meeting where sparks fly.
‘I’m Jesse Fucking Everett. Tormented, broken, and gifted beyond reason. I’m on stolen year twenty-three. Twenty-three years of Life trying to beat my ass six-feet into the ground. But I’m breathing. Why? Fool me once. Even Mila Taylor can’t fool me twice.’
Can Jesse pull himself together before he self-destructs? All will be revealed in this intense, raw and emotional story. Whilst we did feel a little similarity in Night Shifts Black at times, and although it did take us a little while to connect with the story and the characters, there’s no doubt we were heavily invested in this story and its outcome…..most of the time with our hearts in our mouths.
“He’s okay.”
“But look at him! It’s like he’s not even here.”
“Yeah he got the music.”
“The what?”
“This is what happens when the music comes. He’s writing.”
“This is normal?”
“Nothing about my brother is normal.”
We love how Alyson Santos beats to her own drum, delivering rock star stories in her own unique, emotional and gritty way. Together with her knowledge and backstage view of the music industry, Alyson gives us an addictive series to add to our rock star recommendations!
“I want to stop running. Help me stop?”
Available to purchase below
Amazon US
Amazon UK
Come visit and follow us at:
✲ TotallybookedBlog
✲ TB on Facebook
✲ TB on Twitter
✲ TB on Pinterest
March 3, 2018
Gah. This book. THIS BOOK. I can't remember the last time a book made me ugly cry like Limelight did. Alyson Santos didn't pull any punches when it comes to the difficult topic of trauma, depression, and addiction. The inner workings of Jesse's mind was fascinating, brilliant, and tragic. Limelight is different from the books I normally read, but I'm so glad I stepped out of my comfort zone for this one. A truly incredible story!
March 12, 2018
Limelight is the fourth book in the NSB series by Alyson Santos, but it works perfectly fine as a standalone novel. It is one of those cases where you will enjoy the references and side characters more if you have read the prior books, but it does not lessen your enjoyment any if you have not read said prior books. Personally, I read it as a standalone and had no issue understanding the story.
As a fan of rock star romances, I was pulled in by the possibilities with this one. In these kinds of stories, we’re usually given male leads with an insane amount of confidence, and this one offered us up something entirely different. I really enjoyed this change to the norm. It made for a very different read in the genre, something a bit grittier than what you’re usually given, and I always love when such is the case.
What prevented me from falling head over heels with this one, however, was how long it took before I was completely sucked into the story. I was interested throughout, but for quite some time there was something that prevented me from being lost to the events. I was able to put this book aside and do something else, whereas I expected it to be impossible to put the book down for any period of time.
Overall, this was an enjoyable story but it wasn’t quite as addictive as I had hoped it would be.
As a fan of rock star romances, I was pulled in by the possibilities with this one. In these kinds of stories, we’re usually given male leads with an insane amount of confidence, and this one offered us up something entirely different. I really enjoyed this change to the norm. It made for a very different read in the genre, something a bit grittier than what you’re usually given, and I always love when such is the case.
What prevented me from falling head over heels with this one, however, was how long it took before I was completely sucked into the story. I was interested throughout, but for quite some time there was something that prevented me from being lost to the events. I was able to put this book aside and do something else, whereas I expected it to be impossible to put the book down for any period of time.
Overall, this was an enjoyable story but it wasn’t quite as addictive as I had hoped it would be.
June 11, 2019
Let me start by saying 5 Stars are not enough for LIMELIGHT.
We met Jesse Everett in Tracing Holland and got the impression he was a frequent substance abuser.
Reading Limelight we find out how bad it is as well as his demons. And he has heartbreaking demons.
Luke Craven, frontman of Night Shifts Black, and Casey Barrett, Drummer of Night Shifts Black, make a couple appearances in this book. Because Jesse was on tour with Night Shifts Black and Tracing Holland it only makes sense they make appearances.
This book will have you laughing, angry, and crying. There is so many emotions that go with Limelight.
I laughed out loud a few times, wanted to throw my kindle a few times, and cried so much just in the last 3 chapters.
I highly recommend everyone read this book when it releases on March 12!!!
We met Jesse Everett in Tracing Holland and got the impression he was a frequent substance abuser.
Reading Limelight we find out how bad it is as well as his demons. And he has heartbreaking demons.
Luke Craven, frontman of Night Shifts Black, and Casey Barrett, Drummer of Night Shifts Black, make a couple appearances in this book. Because Jesse was on tour with Night Shifts Black and Tracing Holland it only makes sense they make appearances.
This book will have you laughing, angry, and crying. There is so many emotions that go with Limelight.
I laughed out loud a few times, wanted to throw my kindle a few times, and cried so much just in the last 3 chapters.
I highly recommend everyone read this book when it releases on March 12!!!
February 16, 2018
Limelight is raw, real, and intimate. Alyson Santos' masterful writing expertly balances heartbreak and hope in the fourth installment of the Night Shifts Black series. Her rich imagery took me from reading a book to living in the heads of these complex, beautiful, broken characters.
Take everything you thought you knew about rocker books and toss it out the window. This is how it should be done.
Take everything you thought you knew about rocker books and toss it out the window. This is how it should be done.
May 4, 2019
I wasn't expecting that!
I have read so many Rock-star romances but this is set apart. when I think back on some of the words, some of the Lyrics that went around and around in Jesse's head, its poetic, its Brilliance, Its damn good writing.
Jesse is a tortured soul, an addict, an escape artist from real life running to the use of pills, drugs he believes Will temporarily set him free from the anguish of his past, from his fears, from his thoughts and triggers, he runs to escape the thoughts he can't control.
Mila is a blogger who enters his life, not i a good way at first she is an influential blogger with famous parents and her review does damage, it shoots Jesse and his band from the top right to rock bottom.
LIMELIGHT is an emotional and heartbreaking story, I was moved many times, perplexed many times for Jesse, I laughed, had tears in my eyes, I was on a complete and utter roller-coaster with this book, with these characters and I loved every raw minute of it. An enemies to lovers story that is unique.
This is Jesse's story from his dark childhood, to his fame to hitting rock bottom and climbing back up with the help of the new light in his life... Mila
I listened to this in audio and boy did it bring it to life, Zachary Webber is an amazing narrator with a sultry voice, I love any book he narrates, haven't been disappointed yet, however, he is not so good at the female pov or a British accent but I soon got used to it. I think a female narrator for Mila's parts would have been far more effective.
LIMELIGHT can be read as a standalone, this is my first book by Alyson Santos and there were no spoilers or anything that left me feeling like I should have read previous books but I will definitely be reading more from this author. LIMELIGHT Leads to HEA
*Although Limelight touches on drug use it does not go into heavy details and rather focuses on the characters emotions and thought.
Arc received for review purposes.
http://www.bbbf-sizzlereads-bestbookb...
I have read so many Rock-star romances but this is set apart. when I think back on some of the words, some of the Lyrics that went around and around in Jesse's head, its poetic, its Brilliance, Its damn good writing.
Jesse is a tortured soul, an addict, an escape artist from real life running to the use of pills, drugs he believes Will temporarily set him free from the anguish of his past, from his fears, from his thoughts and triggers, he runs to escape the thoughts he can't control.
Mila is a blogger who enters his life, not i a good way at first she is an influential blogger with famous parents and her review does damage, it shoots Jesse and his band from the top right to rock bottom.
LIMELIGHT is an emotional and heartbreaking story, I was moved many times, perplexed many times for Jesse, I laughed, had tears in my eyes, I was on a complete and utter roller-coaster with this book, with these characters and I loved every raw minute of it. An enemies to lovers story that is unique.
This is Jesse's story from his dark childhood, to his fame to hitting rock bottom and climbing back up with the help of the new light in his life... Mila
I listened to this in audio and boy did it bring it to life, Zachary Webber is an amazing narrator with a sultry voice, I love any book he narrates, haven't been disappointed yet, however, he is not so good at the female pov or a British accent but I soon got used to it. I think a female narrator for Mila's parts would have been far more effective.
LIMELIGHT can be read as a standalone, this is my first book by Alyson Santos and there were no spoilers or anything that left me feeling like I should have read previous books but I will definitely be reading more from this author. LIMELIGHT Leads to HEA
*Although Limelight touches on drug use it does not go into heavy details and rather focuses on the characters emotions and thought.
Arc received for review purposes.
http://www.bbbf-sizzlereads-bestbookb...
March 14, 2018
Easily one of the best books I'll read all year. Refreshing, raw, lyrical ... Limelight is a powerful symphony filled with beautiful crescendos and meaningful layers of story. The storytelling—lyrics that showcased Jesse's inner-most demons—made my heart beat fast every single time. Jesse's struggle is an intense one, only making me love him more.Yes, there are parts of this story that are so real they were almost hard to read, but it was so so worth it. I just cannot recommend this book enough.
October 11, 2018
‘There’s no Limelight without me. I’m the songs, the voice, the passion, the pain. I’m the failure. Their curse, because they can’t let go…’
Alyson Santos doesn’t do a hearts and flowers rock romance with Limelight, instead she gravitates towards the gritty, raw and painful side of Jesse Everett’s creative genius. In fact, we’re hesitant to call this rock star a romance, yes, there is a love story at the heart of Limelight, but instead it’s secondary to a story that portrays the tormented side of Jesse’s musical talent. The camaraderie between the band and at its heart, the relationship between two brothers – one’s fight for a brother who threatens to spiral out of control, about to lose himself down the rabbit hole of addiction. Like Luke Craven (from Night Shifts Black and Tracing Holland) before him, Jesse Everett has quite the fight on his hands.
‘I didn’t get far last night before crashing. The music knows I’m a fraud and doesn’t appreciate when I rebel.’
Whilst characters from the Night Shifts Black series make cameo appearances, Limelight can be read as a standalone, though we admit, we did love catching up with the other characters, Luke Craven especially has come a long way since his tortured early days, and it was an added bonus meeting him again.
“You said you were done with me.”
“I said I didn’t love you.”
There is a fervid and intense anguish behind this story as we shared the painful cost Jesse paid for his creative genius. Jesse, the self-destructive front man behind Limelight is a plagued man who really does suffer for his art. Behind those genius songs is a man struggling with his past, allowing his songs to tell his haunting story. We briefly met Jesse in Tracing Holland and knew he had his demons whilst finding solace in drugs. In Limelight we’re exposed to exactly what causes Jesse to so often self-implode and the enemies to lover’s story between Jesse and music blogger Mila Taylor.
“What do you want, Mila? More of my soul to feed the masses?”
Mila Taylor is a well-respected music blogger. A lady so well regarded, she has the ability to make or break an artist or band, and she has Jesse in her sights. Mila acknowledges Jesse’s incredible talent but is frustrated by the front man’s lack of drive, and the constant drama he invites. Jesse is in a writing and performing slump, blaming his lack of creativity and spiralling career on Mila’s article and despite advice to leave it alone, he responds to her comments and thus a cheeky interaction begins between the two resulting in them finally meeting where sparks fly.
‘I’m Jesse Fucking Everett. Tormented, broken, and gifted beyond reason. I’m on stolen year twenty-three. Twenty-three years of Life trying to beat my ass six-feet into the ground. But I’m breathing. Why? Fool me once. Even Mila Taylor can’t fool me twice.’
Can Jesse pull himself together before he self-destructs? All will be revealed in this intense, raw and emotional story. Whilst we did feel a little similarity in Night Shifts Black at times, and although it did take us a little while to connect with the story and the characters, there’s no doubt we were heavily invested in this story and its outcome…..most of the time with our hearts in our mouths.
“He’s okay.”
“But look at him! It’s like he’s not even here.”
“Yeah he got the music.”
“The what?”
“This is what happens when the music comes. He’s writing.”
“This is normal?”
“Nothing about my brother is normal.”
We love how Alyson Santos beats to her own drum, delivering rock star stories in her own unique, emotional and gritty way. Together with her knowledge and backstage view of the music industry, Alyson gives us an addictive series to add to our rock star recommendations!
“I want to stop running. Help me stop?”
Available to purchase below
Amazon US
Amazon UK
Come visit and follow us at:
✲ TotallybookedBlog
✲ TB on Facebook
✲ TB on Twitter
✲ TB on Pinterest
March 5, 2018
I don't know that I can put together words to do this one justice. I just binge read the ARC in about 5 hours because it undeniably sucked me in - and I was such a willing victim!
I have liked Jesse as we have seen him in other NSB books, but I don't think I could have truly prepared for just how much I would love this book, or how many ways he could twist my heart. Beautifully done, once again, Ms. Santos!
A few spoiler free things I absolutely loved:
🎵 Luke, Casey, Callie, Holland and Wes make appearances. The Luke ones are particularly moving, but all are welcome additions and reminders of just how much I love every single book in this series.
🎵 The tie-ins and appearances from some of my most beloved Sunniva Dee characters (especially my Inga!)
🎵 The wonderful way the author tackles addiction, depression and mental health issues. No glamourization, but very real and very well handled.
I will admit that I get jaded toward rockstar romances now and then (not enough to stop reading them, but the excitement level doesn't tend to get anywhere as high as it used to...) and then a book like this comes on to my radar, and all the magic returns. I simply don't have words for how much I loved this one.
Casey remains my favorite book boyfriend from NSB, probably because I have spent my whole life with Lukes and Jesses, but Jesse absolutely stole my heart. His story is heart breaking and ultimately inspiring at the same time.
This *could* be read as a standalone easily, but all of the NSB books are so good you might as well grab them all. Highest recommendations.
I have liked Jesse as we have seen him in other NSB books, but I don't think I could have truly prepared for just how much I would love this book, or how many ways he could twist my heart. Beautifully done, once again, Ms. Santos!
A few spoiler free things I absolutely loved:
🎵 Luke, Casey, Callie, Holland and Wes make appearances. The Luke ones are particularly moving, but all are welcome additions and reminders of just how much I love every single book in this series.
🎵 The tie-ins and appearances from some of my most beloved Sunniva Dee characters (especially my Inga!)
🎵 The wonderful way the author tackles addiction, depression and mental health issues. No glamourization, but very real and very well handled.
I will admit that I get jaded toward rockstar romances now and then (not enough to stop reading them, but the excitement level doesn't tend to get anywhere as high as it used to...) and then a book like this comes on to my radar, and all the magic returns. I simply don't have words for how much I loved this one.
Casey remains my favorite book boyfriend from NSB, probably because I have spent my whole life with Lukes and Jesses, but Jesse absolutely stole my heart. His story is heart breaking and ultimately inspiring at the same time.
This *could* be read as a standalone easily, but all of the NSB books are so good you might as well grab them all. Highest recommendations.
February 10, 2018
Sometimes it's all about finding something worth fighting for that shows you who you can truly be. The music owns Jesse, but he doesn't own it, and this causes him so many problems. He feels like he's letting everyone down. He wants to get his life on track but finds reason why it's not happening.
I absolutely loved the characters in this book! I was laughing, crying, felt the frustrations, the everythings with this book. (Totally made my own word up there lol) I don't really highlight too much in a book but caught myself practically highlighting pages in this book.
This book was such an emotional journey that shows you the highs, lows, the in-betweens that can happen to any one of us. It says that love and hope can come in one of the most unexpected places that you weren't even looking for it in. Don't give up, just keep trying.
This book is now on my "Ugly Cry" list. I love it so hard and is my favorite out of this series. I had to make the font bigger on my kindle because I couldn't read through my tears. The tears were literally dripping off my face and I was a hot mess. You definitely want to one click this one!
I absolutely loved the characters in this book! I was laughing, crying, felt the frustrations, the everythings with this book. (Totally made my own word up there lol) I don't really highlight too much in a book but caught myself practically highlighting pages in this book.
This book was such an emotional journey that shows you the highs, lows, the in-betweens that can happen to any one of us. It says that love and hope can come in one of the most unexpected places that you weren't even looking for it in. Don't give up, just keep trying.
This book is now on my "Ugly Cry" list. I love it so hard and is my favorite out of this series. I had to make the font bigger on my kindle because I couldn't read through my tears. The tears were literally dripping off my face and I was a hot mess. You definitely want to one click this one!
March 6, 2018
I don’t know what to say.
I don’t know what I was expecting, but by hell I was not expecting what Alyson delivered us.
She has rendered me into a complete puddle of emotional mess with this latest book and I loved every single minute of it.
Alyson’s words and characters completely overtake you. They seep into your heart and take up residence there forever. You fall in love with the story, characters, and the messages conveyed within its pages, and as much as I love this series, I have to say ‘Limelight’ has blown the others out of the water by thousands!!
She gives us a real encounter of what the world of music is really like. The highs, the lows, the temptations and the people who want nothing but to see you at your worse.
But she also shows you the hope. The love and the people that will do anything to help you.
She will touch your heart and bring you to your knees at the same time.
And although your heart will break and tears will stream down your face so much you can’t see the screen in front of you, you will still finish smiling, and hoping you get more.
Thank you for your words, Alyson.
Thank you for Jesse.
And thank you for the haunting, yet beautiful lyrics that we hear while reading.
*ARC provided in exchange of an honest review*
I don’t know what I was expecting, but by hell I was not expecting what Alyson delivered us.
She has rendered me into a complete puddle of emotional mess with this latest book and I loved every single minute of it.
Alyson’s words and characters completely overtake you. They seep into your heart and take up residence there forever. You fall in love with the story, characters, and the messages conveyed within its pages, and as much as I love this series, I have to say ‘Limelight’ has blown the others out of the water by thousands!!
She gives us a real encounter of what the world of music is really like. The highs, the lows, the temptations and the people who want nothing but to see you at your worse.
But she also shows you the hope. The love and the people that will do anything to help you.
She will touch your heart and bring you to your knees at the same time.
And although your heart will break and tears will stream down your face so much you can’t see the screen in front of you, you will still finish smiling, and hoping you get more.
Thank you for your words, Alyson.
Thank you for Jesse.
And thank you for the haunting, yet beautiful lyrics that we hear while reading.
*ARC provided in exchange of an honest review*
February 27, 2018
Second chances,
can you really say you'd use it wisely?
Can you really say this is it I'm going to give it my all?
What if sometimes it's just not that easy, what if it's so painful that you feel it slice into the part of your brain your just trying to keep locked away, you do whatever you can to ease the pain just for a second. It's worth it, right?
Children's views versus and adults can be shrugged off and happens all the time. But then your that adult still suffering from childhood trauma it's hard to let it go, to stop if from breeding into your adult life like water drowning in your heart your soul & you everyday existence.
But life happens
Death happens
Hurdles even the toughest most painful ones, you can get over them it's just now you find a way, so if you see that candlelight flicker for even just a second, know there's hope and love waiting for you to grab it.
This was stunning Alyson thank you for sharing this with us.
Amo
can you really say you'd use it wisely?
Can you really say this is it I'm going to give it my all?
What if sometimes it's just not that easy, what if it's so painful that you feel it slice into the part of your brain your just trying to keep locked away, you do whatever you can to ease the pain just for a second. It's worth it, right?
Children's views versus and adults can be shrugged off and happens all the time. But then your that adult still suffering from childhood trauma it's hard to let it go, to stop if from breeding into your adult life like water drowning in your heart your soul & you everyday existence.
But life happens
Death happens
Hurdles even the toughest most painful ones, you can get over them it's just now you find a way, so if you see that candlelight flicker for even just a second, know there's hope and love waiting for you to grab it.
This was stunning Alyson thank you for sharing this with us.
Amo
March 11, 2018
Omgosh! Limelight ripped heart out! An intense read. Raw emotions. An addiction that many people struggle with. Tissues please.
Jesse is a gifted musician who is broken and tormented from the horrible events that he and his brother, Parker, endured during their childhood due to their father, Jonas. The demons in his head are leading him further into darkness seeking addiction to soothe the soul.
When Limelight's notoriety starts spiraling downwards, Jesse blames one person for Limelight's downfall. Mila Taylor! Is she completely responsible for Limelight's downfall? Does she have the power to make or break a band?
Limelight will touch your heart and soul. A journey into the life of a musician's fame, success and downfall as Jesse struggles with the temptations of drugs, booze, crazed women fans, death, demons, depression and redemption. A music world where some of your brothers have also suffered your pain. A bond of blood brothers willing to help bring you from darkness to light.
Jesse is a gifted musician who is broken and tormented from the horrible events that he and his brother, Parker, endured during their childhood due to their father, Jonas. The demons in his head are leading him further into darkness seeking addiction to soothe the soul.
When Limelight's notoriety starts spiraling downwards, Jesse blames one person for Limelight's downfall. Mila Taylor! Is she completely responsible for Limelight's downfall? Does she have the power to make or break a band?
Limelight will touch your heart and soul. A journey into the life of a musician's fame, success and downfall as Jesse struggles with the temptations of drugs, booze, crazed women fans, death, demons, depression and redemption. A music world where some of your brothers have also suffered your pain. A bond of blood brothers willing to help bring you from darkness to light.
March 12, 2018
Read and reviewed an ARC copy for an honest review on behalf of Everything Marie http://everythingmarie.com/
Limelight glided its way straight to the center of my heart! Holy emotions- raw and real and intense! In all seriousness the feels capture you and make you feel like you are in real-time with the characters! The storyline is superb, and the characters are “wow”- every single one of them..... I loved! Jesse, oh lord did I want to jump through the pages and get to him! Love him and Mila and hope to see them in the next story! I legit cried too! This is my first read from this author and it certainly will not be my only! I am dying to read more from her! Dying to also get my hands on the next book! Def a must read- and be prepared to read the first page to the last in one sitting!
Limelight glided its way straight to the center of my heart! Holy emotions- raw and real and intense! In all seriousness the feels capture you and make you feel like you are in real-time with the characters! The storyline is superb, and the characters are “wow”- every single one of them..... I loved! Jesse, oh lord did I want to jump through the pages and get to him! Love him and Mila and hope to see them in the next story! I legit cried too! This is my first read from this author and it certainly will not be my only! I am dying to read more from her! Dying to also get my hands on the next book! Def a must read- and be prepared to read the first page to the last in one sitting!
March 4, 2018
Oh my word! What a rollercoaster of a ride this book is! Book 4 in the NSB series (which can be read as a standalone), sees Limelight’s front man Jesse Everett dealing with his past and the demons that haunt him. Having read the previous books in the series I already knew Jessie had a problem with drugs, what we learn throughout this story is why and how, and we get to see in his extremely complex mind. Not gonna lie, this story broke my heart, several times, I loved, hated and sympathised with so many of the characters. With faultless writing (in Alyson’s unique style) I was sucked into the world of Limelight, not always liking what I was faced with. Not an easy read in places, but a wonderfully addictive story nevertheless. I received an advanced copy of this book from the author. This is my honest review.
March 17, 2018
Heartbreaking. Soul crushing. Raw. Poetic. These are some of the words that come to mind when I think of Alyson Santos’s latest release. Limelight ripped my heart open as I traveled Jesse Everett’s journey through drug addiction. With a gut wrenching past, I wanted to take this man in my arms and just hold him.
Not only is he the lead singer of the band Limelight, he also writes all their lyrics. And OHMYGOD those lyrics are POWERFUL. You feel all his pain, every emotion.
Mila Taylor is a famous blogger who’s word is gospel in the music industry and her words about Jesse and his band knock them down hard. But something about her lights a flame in Jesse and they’re drawn to each other.
With incredible writing, the real nitty-gritty on addiction, and a front row seat to Limelight’s rise and fall, Alyson Santos delivered a novel that I couldn’t put down.
Not only is he the lead singer of the band Limelight, he also writes all their lyrics. And OHMYGOD those lyrics are POWERFUL. You feel all his pain, every emotion.
Mila Taylor is a famous blogger who’s word is gospel in the music industry and her words about Jesse and his band knock them down hard. But something about her lights a flame in Jesse and they’re drawn to each other.
With incredible writing, the real nitty-gritty on addiction, and a front row seat to Limelight’s rise and fall, Alyson Santos delivered a novel that I couldn’t put down.
March 4, 2018
Beautifully tragic. Tortured. These are the two main phrases that I would use to describe Limelight. The depth of emotion bleeds onto the pages of Jesse's story and into the reader's heart. I devoured this story in a matter of hours because I was sucked into Jesse's orbit of chaos, pain, and music. Just when I wondered if my heart could take any more, Aly would throw in some humor to lighten the story's weight. I certainly hope that Derrick gets his own story because he was my favorite secondary character ;) Her writing and story telling is true magic. The talent behind her words is palpable. Sigh. Thank you for a wonderful read.
March 5, 2018
FIVE BRILLIANT STARS!!
Santos SHINES in this deeply emotional 4th book from her NSB series. Limelight is the profoundly moving tale of an up-and-coming, yet woefully tormented, rock star. Jesse Everett, whose story is as poignant as Santos' writing is poetic, is originally driven by his hatred for the woman who has single-handedly tanked his career with the click of a keyboard. Sparks fly, as demons are confronted. But, the ultimate choice is Jesse's. Will he succumb to the malevolent talons of past trauma or rise to the beat of his heart that promises a future that doesn't involve betrayal by those he loves?
Santos SHINES in this deeply emotional 4th book from her NSB series. Limelight is the profoundly moving tale of an up-and-coming, yet woefully tormented, rock star. Jesse Everett, whose story is as poignant as Santos' writing is poetic, is originally driven by his hatred for the woman who has single-handedly tanked his career with the click of a keyboard. Sparks fly, as demons are confronted. But, the ultimate choice is Jesse's. Will he succumb to the malevolent talons of past trauma or rise to the beat of his heart that promises a future that doesn't involve betrayal by those he loves?
March 17, 2018
This reading experience hit a little close to home for me, brutally,brilliantly written by Alyson Santos. I said it is an experience because I felt everything going on with Jesse, these weren't just words on a page but an inside look at addiction that never glamorizes it. You will root for Jesse, your heart will break for him and finally you can rejoice, but only when he's ready. If you want typical rock star story, look somewhere else, but if you want truth in the darkness - it is all here. Another fabulous layer to the Night Shift Black series and I hope it never ends.
March 2, 2018
The book begins with Jesse reading what a music blogger has written about him.
She destroyed my career. Ruined my life. Pushed me from the shadows and exposed my lies...
Jesse and his band Limelight receive harsh criticism from Music Blogger Mila Taylor, and their reps drop them as does there manager. Leaving them in serious danger of being washed up has beens.
Hey @MilaTaylorRocks, thanks for the burger invite but insecure pretenders who rip othes apart for cash aren't my type. #getarealjob
Hey @JesseEverett99, that's great because I'm not into immature whiny children. #soreloser #enjoythebarcircuit
The back and forth banter between Mila and Jesse is great. So funny.
I think that even though Limelight took a slight step back, Jesse enjoyed it more because it was like back to basics.
I'm afraid to give any more information because I don't want to spoil it for anyone. But I definitely enjoyed the book.
She destroyed my career. Ruined my life. Pushed me from the shadows and exposed my lies...
Jesse and his band Limelight receive harsh criticism from Music Blogger Mila Taylor, and their reps drop them as does there manager. Leaving them in serious danger of being washed up has beens.
Hey @MilaTaylorRocks, thanks for the burger invite but insecure pretenders who rip othes apart for cash aren't my type. #getarealjob
Hey @JesseEverett99, that's great because I'm not into immature whiny children. #soreloser #enjoythebarcircuit
The back and forth banter between Mila and Jesse is great. So funny.
I think that even though Limelight took a slight step back, Jesse enjoyed it more because it was like back to basics.
I'm afraid to give any more information because I don't want to spoil it for anyone. But I definitely enjoyed the book.
March 11, 2018
*** ARC kindly provided for an honest review. ***
I fell in love with the NSB’s universe from the moment I met Luke and his friends, each book introduced one more couple to add to this family.
If you thought that you’d settle down for just a rockstar romance, be prepared to be surprised, for the darkness and issues broached, seeing characters falling until reaching rock bottom, struggling against their addictions, baring their souls in an uncensored way.
In this enemies to lovers romance, Jesse and Mila were perfect to push each other’s buttons. By one post, his career was falling apart, thanks to the infamous music blogger, who made his life more than miserable. The hatred was at its best level with these two. A bit of sarcasm mixed with hate, when one was pushing, the other was pushing harder. There was definitely a thin line between love and hate. Sinfully hot and sexy.
Limelight showed not only the background of being part of a band but also the risk of sizeable deviations in all its forms, when you’d see the characters at their best but also at their lowest.
In this vicious spiral, might come something that’d be worth the fight, but how to love someone when you couldn’t fight against your demons?
I might have been a little taken aback about the abrupt transitions from time to time, and how the main characters got back together. I didn’t feel like it was forced, just a little sudden. However as the story unfold, I could understand, it was like creating a song, trying to find the perfect beat but having tons of hardships to overcome before getting the perfect one, the one that you’d put you into the limelight.
The author managed to show in a great way the passion, the thrill and the craving of being on stage, the perks and excesses of fame, that could rip your soul if you didn’t protect yourself. Mostly, she brought such amazing characters altogether, and creating this big family when everyone got your back no matter what and not judging.
Totally unexpected, melancholic, painful, raw and tortured. That story literally broke my heart. A strange and unnerving experience. Alyson Santos has a way with words, hitting you right in the feels.
From darkness to light, with one crushing journey about tormented characters, fighting their demons, getting caught in a spiral of self-destruction.
Damn my emotions, I almost wanted to cry... Did I feel this ache in my heart?? I did.
March 5, 2018
Jesse Everett of the up and coming rising star band, Limelight, was introduced in Tracing Holland and ever since then, I've been intrigued by him. Luke Craven of Night Shifts Black took him under his wing because Luke can see the signs in Jesse, a haunting darkness that drags him down and leads him to make impulsive and irresponsible decisions. Luke's been there, done that...many times, but he's survived and knows that Jesse can, too. At the present moment, Limelight's reputation and career has tanked. It probably can't sink any lower and Jesse's a hot mess. With Luke and Wes in the previous books, my heart really empathized for them, but with Jesse, this was different, my heart broke for him. Jesse didn't have the kind of start in life like they did, he's got memories of a childhood that still gives him nightmares and requires him to find numbness and escape. But those are also the times where he can also produce lyrics that can put Limelight back on the map. Watching Jesse struggle was rough and I didn't blame him for how much he didn't want to make amends with the one person who caused him more pain than anyone else. He kept cycling up and down and it wasn't that he didn't want to do better, but he had defeatist voices inside of him. Not to mention all of the negativity surrounding Limelight, in part due to slander from an enemy that has also brought trouble to Luke, Casey and Wes in the past, too. I wasn't a huge fan of the heroine, for obvious reasons from Tracing Holland and in this book, too, so she was going to be a hard sell for me. But like the previous heroines, she does motivate Jesse to do better and be better. I understood where she was coming from and she might've partially redeemed herself, but I think the most surprising turnaround came from the person whom Jesse never planned to forgive. And towards the end, I could really feel the palpable pain and loss. I think the talent in Alyson Santos' writing in this series is how well she showcases the trials these musicians go through and how it impacts everyone around them when they crash and burn and the uphill battle they have to overcome because it's never an easy feat. A lot of two steps forward, one step back type of motion that requires so much love and unconditional support along the way and the beautiful music that results from it, too.
*I received an ARC*
*I received an ARC*
October 9, 2018
So many rock novels show the "Limelight" to be a place of hero worship, fan adoration, the high life, fast women, drug and alcohol binges with no real casualties, the stars always seeing success.
Alyson Santos turns that imagery on it's head from the opening page in her story of Jesse Everett, frontman of Limelight, in this 4th standalone instalment of the NSB series.
Jesse's world is crumbling and his band floundering after blogger Mila Taylor slaughters him online following a personal meltdown that became media fodder.
It's quickly and clearly apparent in this story that Jesse is special, despite the outwardly typical muso behaviour of over indulgence and "God complex"persona, there's a lot more going on under the surface.
He's savant-like in his musical ability, though so fragile, inwardly tortured and driven by personal demons that drive his creative juices but are slowly etching away at his ability to cope with the real world.
He and his fellow bandmate and brother, Parker, have not had the picket fence perfect upbringing or the charmed road to success despite their early wins in the industry, they have fought tooth and nail and yet there is much Jesse is hiding from his brother despite their close seemingly unbreakable bond.
When the snarky Mila continues to poke the bear and Jesse continues to bite back, its sets the scene for confrontation, but not how you might expect.
A meeting of hearts and minds, support from unlikely sources, a chance at redemption and the continual darkness of past and present demons all conspire to either return Jesse to his former journey to greatness or plunge him into the darkness.
The beautiful imagery Alyson creates through Jesse's music adds vibrant colour and clarity to Jesse's story, and the roller coaster of visceral emotions will have you clutching and rubbing at your chest for relief. This book broke my heart and left bleeding pieces of it amongst it's pages.
An incredibly moving story of musical beauty, brotherly love, survival, drive and success, so very worthy of 5 stars!
Alyson Santos turns that imagery on it's head from the opening page in her story of Jesse Everett, frontman of Limelight, in this 4th standalone instalment of the NSB series.
Jesse's world is crumbling and his band floundering after blogger Mila Taylor slaughters him online following a personal meltdown that became media fodder.
It's quickly and clearly apparent in this story that Jesse is special, despite the outwardly typical muso behaviour of over indulgence and "God complex"persona, there's a lot more going on under the surface.
He's savant-like in his musical ability, though so fragile, inwardly tortured and driven by personal demons that drive his creative juices but are slowly etching away at his ability to cope with the real world.
He and his fellow bandmate and brother, Parker, have not had the picket fence perfect upbringing or the charmed road to success despite their early wins in the industry, they have fought tooth and nail and yet there is much Jesse is hiding from his brother despite their close seemingly unbreakable bond.
When the snarky Mila continues to poke the bear and Jesse continues to bite back, its sets the scene for confrontation, but not how you might expect.
A meeting of hearts and minds, support from unlikely sources, a chance at redemption and the continual darkness of past and present demons all conspire to either return Jesse to his former journey to greatness or plunge him into the darkness.
The beautiful imagery Alyson creates through Jesse's music adds vibrant colour and clarity to Jesse's story, and the roller coaster of visceral emotions will have you clutching and rubbing at your chest for relief. This book broke my heart and left bleeding pieces of it amongst it's pages.
An incredibly moving story of musical beauty, brotherly love, survival, drive and success, so very worthy of 5 stars!
March 25, 2018
its not often an author cane bring me to tears this did several times. This is a great story the authors character feel real and have depth. I just wanted to reach out and fix them hugs them what ever it took. I highly recommend the story as a great read
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