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In Her Spotlight

In Her Spotlight 3D.png

NAMED A Top 10 Most Anticipated LGBTQ+ Book of 2026 by them

NAMED A Most Anticipated LGBTQ+ Romance of 2026 by LGBTQ+ Reads

NAMED A Most Anticipated Queer Book of February 2026 by Autostraddle

NAMED A Best Romance of February 2026 by BookRiot and Fangirlish

A second chance, sapphic rom-com starring a franchise Hollywood actress aiming to prove her chops in a theatrical production directed by the ex whose heart she broke a decade earlier.

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Hollywood actor Tess Gardner is not the kind of famous she set out to be. She's ready to show she’s more than Princess Platinum of the Vindicators series, a pretty face with CGI superpowers that literally sparkle. Tess wants to prove herself as an actor and that means theatre—the true calling of her thespian heart. But just when Tess lands a part working with an acclaimed stage director, a brewing scandal forces him out. His replacement? None other than hip, buzzy director Rebecca Frisch. The same Rebecca Frisch whose heart a firmly closeted Tess broke over a decade ago during summer stock . . .

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As Tess wrestles with her lingering guilt and attraction to Rebecca, she also finds herself struggling to rein in her superstar status backstage. When things unexpectedly reignite with Rebecca, Tess bristles even more against the walls of her A-list life. Since the industry’s made it clear that girl-next-door superheroes can’t also be gay, coming out isn’t realistic for Tess. And ultimately, Rebecca will head back to New York and likely seek out a less complicated relationship anyway.

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Will the curtain close on her chance for happiness or will Tess finally take a leading role in her own life?

BLURBS & REVIEWS
"If you love messy coming out stories, niche celebrity lesbians, a pug who is a pup-fluencer, and if you ever wish Brie Larson would just come out already, In Her Spotlight is the book for you."
—AutoStraddle
"Spalding shines in the fourth novel of her Out in Hollywood series (after On Her Terms), a tender second-chance sapphic romance featuring grown-up theater kids and lots of community support. Starlet Tess Gardner is trying to pivot from sparkly cinematic superhero roles to more serious acting work via a part in an L.A. theater production with Broadway aspirations. But when scandal forces the big-name director out, Tess is thrown for a loop by his replacement, up-and-coming Rebecca Frisch, who happens to be closeted Tess’s first and only girlfriend. Tess broke Rebecca’s heart by running from their connection during summer stock a dozen years earlier. Now the pair agree to keep it professional onstage, but they eventually engage in heartfelt conversation about their past, falling easily back into a cozy after-hours romance when they realize that the spark is still there. The expected beats of producing a theatrical performance, and vibrant social dynamics among the cast and crew, fill in the setting nicely while leaving space for a satisfying win both for the heroines and for the show. Series fans will not be disappointed."
—Publishers Weekly
"This book is such a good time! A warm and rollicking romance that makes you feel like a Hollywood insider."
—Rainbow Rowell,
No. 1 New York Times bestselling author of Slow Dance
"In Her Spotlight is Amy Spalding at the top of her game. It's laugh-out-loud funny and poked-bruise tender—and, of course, sexy as hell. This is the book you want to read right now."
—Alexandra Romanoff,
author of Big Fan
"All hail the queen of the queer rom-com! In Her Spotlight is Amy Spalding's best book yet—a vibrant, funny, sweepingly romantic tribute to the importance of living life unapologetically your way. You will fall in love with Tess and Rebecca."
—Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan,
bestselling authors of The Royal We
"Hilarious and tender all at once, In Her Spotlight sparkles with romance and steam, a beautiful story about second chances and creating the life you want. A joyful book!"
—Ashley Herring Blake,
Bestselling author of Dream On, Ramona Riley
"Another stellar addition to the Amy Spalding Cinematic Universe! In Her Spotlight is a pitch-perfect second chance romance, full of angst, depth, and hard-won growth."
—Ava Wilder,
author of Will They or Won't They
"In Her Spotlight is the behind-the-scenes sapphic Hollywood novel of my dreams. Filled with sizzling chemistry, thoughtful explorations of identity, and the joys of theatre, this book is a must read."
—Camille Kellogg,
author of Just As You Are and The Next Chapter
"Celebrities are people too! Amy Spalding has written a glorious, actually laugh-out-loud novel that explores the inside world of both theatre and film. A perfectly flawed, multi-layered heroine we can all relate to, even if we're not famous. I couldn't put it down until I found out how this story of advocating for yourself in life, love, and career ended, and it left me inspired to take a risk or two. Spalding has done it again: made us feel and feel seen at the same time."
—Patti Murin,
actress, singer, and audiobook narrator
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