Kay's Reviews > Under the Lights

Under the Lights is a pleasant read with strong romantic elements. It is, primarily, a book about finding yourself and being accepted by those closest to you. The strengths of the book include the diverse characters and how well-develops they are, as well as how the growth over the course of the book. However, one of the main drawbacks for me was the main male character. While Adler does a good job of weaving a story, Josh Chester is reprhensible and the type of character which normally dissuades me from reading. At times the story feels more about Josh than about Vanessa which is concerning giving that this is being marketed to the LGBT community. While I applaud the author for writing a story which goes beyond the token POC, LGBT character by giving Josh the opening and ending chapters he is elevated to a more a more central level than Vanessa who this story is meant to be about. I felt like I couldn't get enough of Vanessa and wish the entire book was from her perspective only, in fact, the story would be greatly enhanced if it were all about her.

The voices of Josh and Vanessa are clearly delineated; but while Vanessa's journey seems to be one which is holistic there is much of a catharsis for Josh to want to become a better person. His growth, while commendable, is slightly underdeveloped.


Readers are not given much insight into the relationship with Josh and his parents (this may have been covered in the first book). In fact, parental figures are painted in a very bad light until the final few chapters of the story.


Overall, a commendable effort with some flaws, primarily in character development.

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for approving my request for a free digital copy in exchange for a honest review.