REVIEW: Spotlight by Rebecca Jenshak

Spotlight by Rebecca Jenshak: One night, one unforgettable connection and then he was gone… As a single mom with a bookstore to run and a daughter to raise, Olivia’s life doesn’t have room for fairy tales. But when Flynn walks back into her world, traded to her hometown team and suddenly everywhere she turns, forgetting their one steamy night together become a lot harder than before. Flynn’s used to fame, pressure and being the guy who never sticks around. But Olivia is different. She’s real, she’s steady and she makes him want things he never thought he’d have, like a home, a family and a future. Now under the bright lights of the field and in the quiet corners of her life, he has to prove he’s more than a fleeting moment. That he is worth her taking a risk on. Flynn wants forever and this time he’s not walking away.

There is just something about the small town romance trope that always warms my heart, and Spotlight is just a perfect example of this trope done right. Jenshak does a brilliant job in delivering a perfect mix of slow-burn romance, emotional vulnerability and small-town warmth to create simply one of the most easy reads that you will find. Spotlight was warm, fun, sweet and spicy, the perfect romcom combination if you ask me.

Olivia was so easy to like, I mean she owns her own book shop, talk about instant brownie points. Being a bookish girl herself aside, I really did find myself being drawn to our girl Olivia, not only was she a total sweetheart that so deserved a really happily ever after, but she was also such a strong and protective mother. I loved seeing her with her daughter Geer and really showing her daughter that she never needs to feel less than. I really enjoyed getting to see Olivia realize that she does deserves to have a great love again and really fall into a bubble of pure happiness. I loved getting to see her with Flynn and learning that its okay to let her guards down and be vulnerable. Now for our hero, there was simply nothing not to like about our guy Flynn. He was charming and sweet and he knew that he had the looks of an angel. Though the more we got to know Flynn the more we got to see that there is so much more to him that his charming smile and smooth words, we get to see that he is genuinely a nice guy that is deeply attached to his family. For all his lack of commitment or reluctance to be tied down, I think Flynn actually just wanted to find his person and that is what he did with Olivia. His journey wasn’t about changing who he is but maturing into someone who knows what truly matters and showing Olivia and Geer that he could be that guy for them to depend on.

I just loved the slow burn build up of the relationship between Flynn and Olivia. There was no doubt about their chemistry or passion but the fact that they took time to build their relationship and grow their trust made their connection special. I really enjoyed getting to see them support each other in the quiet moments but also be there for the big ones, while they took a bit of time to get there their journey was more than rewarding.

I have to take a moment to mention Geer. While I do wish we had a few moment with her, the ones we did get were just the sweetest. I loved the strong bond that she had with Olivia and that their mother-daughter bond was built on unconditional love and support. Though I have to say getting to see the relationship with Geer and Flynn develop is was really melted my heart, I loved the fact that she gave Flynn the push to really think about the big picture and not just about himself.

All in all I really loved reading Spotlight. This book was so much more than a cute small town romance, this was a story of second chances, emotional growth and the quiet power of choosing love, even when it’s complicated. This is a definite must read from me!

Book Info:

Publication: May 15, 2025 | Rebecca Jenshak | Holland Brothers #4

One night—that’s all it was supposed to be. No names. No complications.
And now? He’s everywhere.
In every trending video.
In all the news headlines.
On every freaking billboard.
Turns out, he’s not just some guy. He’s Flynn Holland, Lake City’s new hotshot pitcher. The one that’s supposed to end our team’s fifty-year championship drought (the same way I’ve fantasized about him ending mine).
As if that weren’t bad enough, my daughter loves him and he’s the poster boy for my rival bookstore.
Flynn’s perfect smile is plastered all over town, selling their books, like some kind of traitorous golden boy—while he’s over here giving me his best game.
Pass. I’ve had enough heartbreak for two lifetimes.
But then he looks at me, and I forget how to breathe.
Not to mention, he’s so good with my little girl, it’s downright unfair.
He’s maddeningly gorgeous, ridiculously persistent, and dragging me straight into his spotlight.
I need him to stay away—before I do something I’ll regret.