Heroes don’t last long around here… French Quarter.
I’ll never forget the first time I saw her.
The curve of her breast outlined by sparkling rhinestones.
Slim hips wrapped in black fishnets.
Long, dark hair…
She’s the Dark Angel who stole my heart.
Her body is intoxicating, our love overwhelming.
Cat eyes and blood red lips.
Sizzling fingers on white-hot skin.
I couldn’t keep my hands off her…
But her fame had a dark side,
A sinister shadow lurking under the lights.
I would do anything to save her…
He would do anything to see me dead.
(A CONTEMPORARY ROMANTIC SUSPENSE novel. Book #1 of the Bright Lights series.)
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This Dark Tale is Raw, Emotional just so Captivating and will Pull You in from the First Page My New Favorite series
I’m literally speechless and I was a total mess of emotions at the end of this read.. Absolutely Brilliantly written Mark & Lara are instantly drawn to each other. While working in a seedy Burlesque Club, Lara an aspiring singer and Mark a stage hand. They fall in Love hard!! Mark wants to take Her away from it All. There’s so many more Fabulous characters you’ll love and hate. So Buckle up and get ready for the ride of your life. Tia Louise knocks this one out of the Park. I was one- clicking Sundown (Bright Lights book 2) so fast my head spun a little this does end on a Cliffhanger so have your one-click ready Absolutely one of the Best Books in series I’ve read in 2018 5’s all the way for Me!!
OMG! I’m dying over here! I can’t wait to get my hands on the 2nd part of this duet!! Such a sexy, intense and thrilling read!! I couldn’t put it down! And I’m not giving anything away but at the end I was just thinking, “I knew it!”. Tia does an amazing job as always!
I have received a book called Under the Light’s ( Bright Lights Duet , #1 ) by the author Tia Louise for my honest opinion . It was so easy to read and it had wonderful characters in the story line . This book was so easy to read once you start to read the book you definitely wouldn’t stop reading until you finish the book . I definitely would have to give a 5 star rating on this book .You can also find the author on Goodreads.com and BookBub.com and on her Facebook page I would definitely recommend this book to everyone who loves to read romance , can’t wait to read more from this author .
Oh my gawd!!! This book absolutely blew me away!!! I’m not sure when I’ve read anything that ran me through so many emotions.
All Lara wanted to do was sing. In her effort to do so she performs at a burlesque show in New Orleans. Unfortunately, there are some rather shady activities going on there that are revealed a bit at a time. As the darkness around her closes in she struggles to protect Molly, a young girl she rescued from the streets, even as she has no resources to rely upon.
While Lara wants to be a star, Mark wants to be a hero by becoming a cop. However, things never work out for him because he meets Lara. In an effort to stay with her he is forced to take a job that is the complete opposite of anything a hero would do. He finds himself stuck in a place that limits his ability to remove Lara from the hell she is living.
Mark and Lara’s story is not for the faint of heart. Just their day to day lives as they struggled to find a way out of the wretchedness they lived in was difficult to read at times. Everything seemed so hopeless for them individually and as a couple. The atmosphere at the theater led to such a sense of despair that it almost felt like another character in the story.
There isn’t a lot of background on any of these characters and I assume that is for a reason and that we’ll get that information in the next book. I held off reading this until the duet was complete so I’m happy to be diving directly into the novella and then book two next. And I am freaking excited to find out what the heck is going to happen with Mark and Lara especially after that crazy cliffhanger!!
I am a MAJOR, HUMONGO fan of Tia Louise! After the Dirty Dealers books I have gobbled up every little tasty morsel of writing that Louise gives us. Her writing is so fluid, so descriptive. It’s a real gift for a writer to be able to transport you into their books but that is exactly what Louise does. I’ve now been to a made up country and, finally, to New Orleans! Woot! It ever I was to travel to New Orleans I’d definitely want to end up, at some point, at the French Quarter. The Pussycat Angels, a Burlesque theater or strip club. It’s a total front for sex trafficking. Louise gives us an up close look at what is a major problem all over the country.
So we meet Mark and Larissa, and while this might be considered a new adult book given their early 20’s ages, it doesn’t feel new adult. I found that I fell for Mark instantly! He’s so darn likable! Larissa (or Lara) totally pulled at me! The darkness and suspense in this book totally saturated me! I felt succumbed into this amazing story and, honestly, felt like I was escaping from a dark cave after weeks of entrapment once I finished. I feel utterly desperate to get Under the Stars on my kindle and find out what is happening! GIVE IT TO ME!!! Other than that, if you are still wondering if you should read this or not… I apparently, should quit writing my reviews! This is amazing! What’s even better is that the books are weeks apart so we don’t have to wait months for the conclusion!! Now… seriously… GIVE IT TO ME!!!
I received an ARC of this book with the hope that I will leave an Unbiased Opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… my opinions.
Thrilling and emotionally-charged, Under the Lights is book one in the suspenseful Bright Lights Duet.
Under the Lights takes you on the daunting and courageous journey of a young woman fighting for not only herself, but for another helpless girl, to overcome and escape a world filled with danger, exploitation, and peril. But as time ticks by, her hopes of freedom begin to diminish. But even in the darkest of times, a light can be found. And her light comes from only one man. But is he enough to save her from a world of corruption and terror?
Reading this book was an eye-opening experience for me. The realness the storyline projects is one that is rarely displayed in books. It touches controversial topics within the story, not only with the subject matter but with the actions and dialogue of the entire cast of characters. This book isn’t for all readers. I, myself, found it hard at times to continue reading because of the raw, vile, and malicious behavior exhibited. But it was the underlying emotional bonds that really showcased the true magnificence of the book. The experiences and unthinkable situations endured brought forth an unwavering compassion that will leave you connected to the characters and to the final outcome that’s still unknown.
Under the Lights is a dark and intensely deep romance that captures the essence of an even darker and terrifying world hidden in the shadows. Book two is sure to bring all the lingering questions and unresolved situations to a conclusion. And I, for one, cannot wait to find out what happens next!
This is a dark, gritty story of survival and of hope. Lara needs to find a better way to take care of herself and her sister. Mark is looking for a reason for his life and his dreams. When the two meet, it is as if they are destined for one another, but life has a way of getting in between the two of them. This story made me feel a full spectrum of emotions, but mostly sadness because they both deserve better.
Larissa and Mark …Tia has once again taken us on an adventure filled with mystery, heartbreak, intrigue and love. This is far from your cookie cutter romance . Be prepared to be pulled in and feel the emotional spectrum. Set in the historical and picturesque French Quarter. The young and beautiful Larissa is on the cusp of stardom . She is the singer/actress in a up and coming burlesque show. Mark is a young man in need of a job and a bit of a drifter. He knows what he wants in life but will need to put away a bit of money before he can fulfill his dream of joining the police academy . Gaining employment behind the scenes of a burlesque show was more than he expected . he begins to realize that all that glitters in certainly not gold. When these two worlds collide it will be intoxicating and overwhelming . Larissa and Mark’s worlds collide and they soon realize that fortune and fame has a dirty dark evil side . How can these young lovers survive when everyone is out to take what they think is theirs in this cut throat world!
~~Michele McMullen ~~
Under the Lights is so intriguing, filled with so much tension, and whew, it’s H O T!!!
New Orleans is the setting, and it’s the perfect background for Mark and Larissa’s sexy story. She’s a burlesque dancer who’d rather sing, and has a younger sister she’s trying her hardest to raise, and protect from the seamy underbelly of the world they live in. He’s a jack of all trades who sees an angel when he starts a job at the theatre she lives and works in.
I loved seeing them fall in love. Their story is sexy, sweet and tugs a little on the good ol’ heartstrings. But, there are forces that not only have the ability to tear the young lovers apart, but to keep them apart for good. That cliffhanger is a killer, but the conclusion is coming soon, thank God.
I’ve got to know what happens next because Under the Lights got to me. It has Tia’s trademark intensity, all the sexiness she’s known for, and all the emotion I’ve come to expect from her. I am so excited for Under the Stars, it can’t come soon enough!
I had a hard time finishing this one and rating it too. It was well written but so depressing. It is very realistic and sad. I think that was the hardest part. I’m not interested enough to continue reading. I gave it three stars for being well written.
I just didn’t like the depressing story line. Young, homeless kids, drugs, rape, prostitution.
The beginning of the story is a little slow for me, but as each scene progress and when characters are developing beautifully, I’m hooked. I’m emotionally invested on how Mark and Lara will be able to make it in a world full of people who only want to use them. Will they be able to escape this kind of life?
Tia Louise is a new author to me and I’m so glad I give it a chance and clicked this book because I absolutely enjoyed it that I want book 2 NOW!
What an incredible book! Tia Louise piqued my interest when I read the synopsis, but I had no idea what a wild, romantic, suspenseful, and honestly, painful ride she would take me on. I know some of the words I used don’t necessarily go together, but let me tell you, in Tia Louise’s hands, she crafted a page-turner filled with all sorts of emotions.
Lara and Mark are strangers who meet at the time that they each need it the most. Both are poor, and both have dreams. However, they will have to work extremely hard to achieve them. At times, it’s their dreams that keep them living. Lara works in a burlesque show in New Orleans, and Mark is hired to work on the set. The two are drawn to one another from the beginning, but there are dangerous secrets within these walls that could end up killing both Lara and Mark.
Lara is much younger than I thought she was. Life has aged her mentally. Whereas some people would have given up and given into the darkness of the club, she resists it. She has someone else she is living for…Molly…a young girl she took in. She will do whatever is necessary to protect her, just as Mark will do whatever is necessary to protect Lara. This is a dark romance, but Louise makes us still see the magic of falling in love, even in the darkest and most dangerous of circumstances.
Readers should be aware that there are some very dark elements in the story, but they don’t overtake it. It does end with a cliffhanger, but it’s a doozy. Thank you, Tia Louise, for including a sneak peek for the next book. All I can say is WOW!!! January 22 can’t get here fast enough!!!!
Although the book started a bit slow, it took off and I wanted to throw on some fish net stockings and swing from the rafters with delight.
There was romance, there was steam, there was action, and there was suspense. This mix makes book duets one of my new favorite things. I am one of few that love a good cliffhanger.
I am thankful I don’t have to wait long to continue on dancing Under the Stars and see who else will drop onto this stage “Under the Lights”.
I must admit that it took me a little while to get into the book but once I did I found it to be an enjoyable dark read. I say dark because of the things that went on UNDER THE LIGHTS, sex trafficking, rape, non-con/dubious sex, etc., no it’s not nearly as dark as some of the books I had read but this story is far from light and fluffy. At one point I found myself putting the book down in order to regroup, and that speaks volumes to the authors ability to not only pull you into the story but also have you feel as if you are right there watching it all happen right in front of you.
I love Lara, the way she was dedicated to Molly a 13 year old girl that she has been caring for was wonderful but I knew from the very beginning things wouldn’t be easy for either of them….and unfortunately I was right.
Mark, yes this young man did his best to make a better life for himself once he is left with no family to care for him. But, his dreams to become a police officer may just be that….a dream. Once he finds himself working at the burlesque club, Pussycat Angels, his life changes and not necessarily for the better.
The attraction between Mark and Lara was instant and they found that they couldn’t have enough time together, they had to be careful because they aren’t suppose to be together and doesn’t that just make you want it all the more?!?
I am really looking forward to seeing what happens next, because Freddy is one that comes off as a nice guy but I think there is really a wolf underneath the sheep clothing. I hope we see more of Roland and Evie whom are Lara’s best friends, there is so much to their stories that I want answers to.
4.5 star Review Under The Lights (Bright Lights Duet #1) by Tia Louise
This is book one in the Bright Lights Duet and what a story. Although a little slow for my taste initially, it soon took off and had me had me engrossed. Thankfully it is not a long wait until the second book in this duet as the book ended with a lot of questions and a cliff hanger..
I love romantic suspense and this is a good example. Ms.Louise has woven a tale, of danger, mystery, suspense and intrigue in such a way as to keep the reader invested from the start.
This is a vastly different book from what I have come to expect from Tia Louise and although darker it is extremely well written and the characters interesting. The chemistry between Mark and Larissa(Lara) was scorching at times; the characters seemed so real.
I anxiously await the release of book 2, Under The Stars to see where Tia Louise takes the story.
Hold on for a roller coaster ride.
This book grabs you from the off and you can’t put it down.
Lara is a dancer in a club in New Orleans and has a back story that drips through the book but is not fully revealed. She is a great character,well written,likeable and you hope that she will develop some strength to not have to settle.
There are many characters at the club that reinforce that this is a job that you do not want to stay in too long and with the introduction of Mark and Guy as characters you know that Lara cannot stay there too long.
Laras relationship with Mark and her charge Molly are preludes to the development of feisty characters but so much happens along the way which keeps you on the edge of your seat.
The final chapter leaves you dangling for more and you won’t want to miss what comes next. Fortunately you won’t have to wait too long.
This is my first reading of Tia Louise. I wasn’t disappointed and can’t wait to see if all the loose ends will be tied up.
A must read 5 easy stars
Under The Lights didn’t work for me at all. I didn’t like the hero’s description of the heroine in the opening pages and his assumptions about her after barely spending anytime with her. I also didn’t feel that connection between them I didn’t see why they were drawn to each other, it felt very contrived to me just as much of the book felt. I really hope to love these two and feel their connection in the next book.
ARC provided by author in exchange for a honest review
Fabulous!
4.5 Stars for Under The Lights which is book one in the new duet from Tia Louise. This is a very different side to the stories we are used to from this author, this one is a bit more dark and a bit more sinister but it still had me hooked from the first chapter, it’s a story that will keep you on the edge of your seat with a fair few twists and turns, it’s unpredictable and it has the perfect amount of banter and romance mixed in with just the right amount of humour. The characters have depth and I’m sure you will fall in love with them because Tia Louise really has a way with introducing us to characters we fall for and end up feeling like we have known them all our life, friends who get under our skin and leave us wanting more and I need more, I can’t wait to read book two Under The Stars.
What a sharp contrast Under the Lights was to the other books I’ve read by Tia Louise. Intriguing and with a dark mystery at its heart, this duet is keeping all the information close to it chest. Lara is a young woman who has no family except an orphan that she took under her wing and a man who treats her like a sister.
Until she meets Mark Fitzhugh.
Mark comes from his own troubled background and only meets Lara by chance when the man he stayed with offered to help him find work.
All this takes place in a seedy burlesque show. Lara isn’t yet the star but she’s on the way to it. But when things taking a turn to the dark side, who can she rely upon?
This story is edgy and fast-paced with some deeply dark and troubling moments which the author wrote so well I was on the edge of my seat in trepidation and fear over what was happening. There was a large supporting cast of characters, some nasty, some nice, some you want to stab a dagger into, others you want to protect. Like Molly and Roland. I’m keeping my opinions on Freddie to myself for now. The jury isn’t quite out on him. But, poor, poor Mark. What a way to end this first part of the duet!!
A truly gripping story worthy of reading, but be prepared for that finish.