Broken Beyond Repair

South Downs Romances #1

by Emily Banting

GOLDIE WINNER 2024: AUDIOBOOK NARRATOR (ANGELA DAWE)
GOLDIE WINNER 2023: THE ANN BANNON POPULAR CHOICE BRONZE AWARD
WINNER OF THE LESFIC BARD AWARD 2022: ROMANCE
WINNER OF THE LESFIC BARD AWARD 2022: COVER DESIGN
WINNER OF THE QUEER INDIE AWARDS 2022: CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE
GOLDIE FINALIST 2023: CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE LONG NOVEL

An age gap, celebrity ice queen romance that will pull at the heart strings — even the icy ones!

Sydney MacKenzie, personal assistant to the rich and famous, is looking forward to a well-earned break to go travelling in her beloved VW camper van, Gertie — that is, until Gertie cries off sick. When her boss calls in a favour, one that will pay Sydney handsomely and put Gertie back on the road, she can’t refuse.

Internationally renowned actress Beatrice Russell — adored by her fans and despised by those that know her — is splashed across the tabloids, all thanks to her broken leg. She limps back to her palatial English country estate to convalesce for the summer, where she finds herself in need of yet another new assistant.

Enter Sydney, who doesn’t take kindly to the star’s demands, attitude, or clicking fingers — much less her body’s own attraction to the gorgeous diva. If not for that, and Gertie’s worn-out engine, she would leave tomorrow. Or so she tells herself.

As the summer heats up, the ice queen begins to thaw, and Sydney glimpses the tormented woman beneath the celebrity bravado, drawing her ever closer to the enigmatic actress — sometimes too close.

Can Sydney reach the real Beatrice and help heal her wounds before the summer ends and she returns to filming in the States, or is the celebrity broken beyond repair?

Genres: Romance, Lesbian, LGBT, Queer, Contemporary, Audiobook, Fiction

312 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 30, 2022

About the author

Emily Banting is an award-winning and bestselling author of contemporary sapphic romance featuring LGBTQ+ characters and plenty of British humour. History obsessed, she throws her sapphic leading ladies into historic buildings and environments at every opportunity, and believes strongly in representing women over forty in literature.

Broken Beyond Repair received the following awards:

GOLDIE WINNER 2024: AUDIOBOOK NARRATOR (ANGELA DAWE)
GOLDIE WINNER 2023: THE ANN BANNON POPULAR CHOICE BRONZE AWARD
WINNER OF THE LESFIC BARD AWARD 2022: ROMANCE
WINNER OF THE LESFIC BARD AWARD 2022: COVER DESIGN
WINNER OF THE QUEER INDIE AWARDS 2022: CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE

And a 2023 GCLS Goldie finalist in
CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE LONG NOVEL

The second book in the South Downs Romance Series was a 2024 GCLS Goldie finalist in CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE LONG NOVEL 2024

Join her Readers’ Club and receive a free sapphic novella www.emilybanting.co.uk/freebook

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WEBSITE - emilybanting.co.uk

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INSTAGRAM - @emilybanting

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BOOKBUB - bookbub.com/authors/emily-banting

Reviews

[Diane Wallace · Rating 4 out of 5]

**'Sometimes it only takes a trick into digging deep in yourselves to reach those ideas then letting them overflow into beautiful words and sentences into whatever story that you wish to tell..'

Delightful read!
An entertaining and nicely written story. Highly recommended to all interested readers!

[chan ☆ · Rating 2 out of 5]

gotta agree with my girl Mika... this was sadly pretty boring

the characters were fine. i liked their backstories and emotions/confessions. but the plot line and the pacing made this feel pretty dull.

[pipsqueakreviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good.

Actually, this book is excellent. In fact, I think it's one of the best ice queen, age-gap, workplace romances that I've come across in a long while. I love the storyline, the chemistry between the main couple, the humour the author injects into the story and the three dimensional characters in it.

Our ice queen is a well established Hollywood actress who is convinced that she's unlovable. She's in the middle of a divorce, her teenage son hates her, she has barely any friends and she tends to drive her personal assistants away. But thanks to her new PA, Sydney, we get to catch a glimpse of the real Beatrice, who is actually pretty lovable. She's a perfectionist, she has standards for the staff but she's also generous and considerate.

Beatrice and Sydney are such a match, because if Beatrice is a perfectionist, Sydney is perfect. She's the perfect PA, a talented writer and she connects easily with people, like Beatrice's son Alex. And Sydney helps Beatrice out in many ways including mending her relationship with Alex and helping them both to discover things about themselves.

I fell in love with Beatrice and Sydney instantly. They had real chemistry even when things were still pretty professional and cold, and it got even better as they got closer and I love that Sydney helps Beatrice to be a better person and Beatrice is Sydney's anchor in life.

This is my first book by Emily Banting and I'm not sure why I haven't read more before. I'm super impressed.

[Mika Auguste · Rating 2 out of 5]

at one point i fell asleep with my kindle in my hand while reading this…and i wasn’t even tired

[Conny B · Rating 5 out of 5]

After the audiobook finally got released I wanted to add a few words about that. How much I adore this story you see in my review further below. So when I heard Angel Dawe is going to narrate it I couldn’t be more excited. And she definitely didn’t disappoint. I wouldn’t have thought it’s possible to fall in love with this book even more, but that’s exactly what happened. I felt like Angela Dawe brought this story and the characters to life. I felt like I am literally in the same room with them and felt what they felt. Not that I didn’t do this before because Emily definitely did a fantastic job on that end but it was like Angela added something on top of the top. If that makes sense. It was like I couldn’t stop smiling during the whole story and in the end it just made me overly happy.

If you’re an audiobook and maybe also an Angela Dawe fan this book is a must read. It doesn’t matter if you have already read it or not. It’s definitely worth it and hopefully will bring you as much joy as it did to me.


Last years review on the ebook:

Finally a new book by Emily Banting and as much as I love the Nunswick Abbey series this book definitely tops every single one of the series.

One of the things I love about Emily is her humour and in this story she gifts us many hilarious scenes. Most of all Beatrice’s icy persona made me laugh many times. Because when you look closer (and Sydney definitely can’t keep herself from looking) you see so much more than ice. Having a soon to be ex-husband like she has makes her persona very understandable. If Emily‘s goal was to make me wanna hate him, she definitely fully succeeded. Lol Her relationship with him isn’t the only one that is difficult, also the one with her teenager needs serious work. Personally I loved Alex, especially the moments with Sydney.

When a broken leg makes her go home to England, she especially needs one thing, a competent assistant. This brings me to finally speak about Sydney. The perfect PA and the one with the most wonderful heart. Every assistant has quit sooner or later but Sydney isn’t everyone. Like I already said she is the perfect assistant but isn’t afraid to speak her mind. As much as Beatrice fights it, her ice gets more and more cracks because of Sydney. I loved all the moments where we got to see a different side of her and how she tried to hide a warmth that is hidden deep inside.

Another thing I loved is especially one scene when we get to dive into Beatrice’s inner world. I think if people were not already in love with her before they will definitely fall in love in this scene. The way she sees things like people‘s beauty is just incredible.

Aside from Sydney and Beatrice who are just perfect together there are some wonderful other side characters. I loved Sydney‘s ex Sam and her mum. With them we also get some emotional side stories that are woven into the main story. Some of them were so emotional for me that they made me cry. But no worries it’s not that bad. Most of all you will smile, but maybe don’t do that too obviously because you know ice queen Beatrice might not approve. 🤣

I think I could go on and on, but probably should stop at some point. One last thing I admired very much in the story was that we get to see another side of Emily, which is her knowledge about films. And now seriously go and read this book because you can’t let Beatrice wait any longer. So you finally go and read it? Very good. 😉

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

A storyline that hooked from beginning to end and my first read of the author's work..
Emily Banting excels in this slow burn, age gap romance with nuanced emotion and humor. There are three leads - Beatrice a celebrated actress, Sydney veteran personal assistant and Gertie a Volkswagon camper van showing her age. A broken leg sends Beatrice back to England to recuperate. Portrayed as a cold, no nonsense woman in the midst of a divorce, she desperately needs a new p.a. She has been enticed into writing an autobiography by her long time agent and confidente Alison. Enter Sydney experienced, trusted p.a. and passionate van camper, she works to support that interest and needs funds to repair Gertie her beloved van. So begins the tale............
Banting writes lead characters that oddly complement each other, a little push here and pull there starting with a smidgeon of attraction and slowly growing. Her stellar secondary cast includes Zander/Alex (Bea's teenage son) Rosie (Sydney's B.F.) Sam (her ex girlfriend now a transitioned male) and scumbag Peter (Bea's soon to be ex-husband). Sensitively including gender dysphoria, coping with loss, taking a leap of faith, recognizing one's true self, dealing with childhood hurt and the realms of film and social media are all dealt with over time. I particularly liked how the various threads in the storyline came together smoothly for a HEA and highly recommend this 5 star romance.

I rec'd a copy from the author. This is a totally voluntary and unbiased review.

[Simone11 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing writing, wonderful book. There‘re some hot topics in lesbian books nowadays and this book had it all in abundance: age-gap, ice queen character and celebrity romance. I loved it especially the very well crafted MCs and second characters.

[JulesGP · Rating 5 out of 5]

Broken Beyond Repair is a fantastic book but I also think it’s one of those stories whose moments are going to stay with me.

Sydney MacKenzie feeds her wanderlust by traveling throughout the UK in her beloved VW bus to be a Personal Assistant to wealthy and famous clients. Most of the placements are temporary so she has never set down roots even though she is 36 years old. Her newest assignment is working for one of the top actresses in the world, Beatrice Russell, who is recovering from a broken leg in her lavish country home.

It’s easy to say that this book is about how a sweet, considerate woman gets through to an arrogant celebrity who cares only about herself. But the author has more to say than just a simple cliche. Sydney has made mistakes in her life too and Beatrice has fought through tragedies to just be alive. The author builds a touching story about two complex people who have been traveling their own paths, both almost resigned to unsettled hearts but still hoping for an elusive happiness. It’s a quiet learning process of trust and acts of kindness which make the relationship real despite their age gap, despite differences in their lifestyles, a gradual connection that in the end is impossible to deny. Wonderful book that has been rightfully recommended by many GR friends. I’m so happy to hear Angela Dawe narrate this story and she adds the shades and the subtleties which help define the characters.

[Heinerway · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh what a lovely, charming and so very English story! Definitely a must read, specially if you like ice-queen, age-gap or celebrity stories. I've just finished this book and I'm still in cloud nine.
I think I'm in love with Sydney...

[Gaby LezReviewBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

I heard very good things about this book, plus it was the winner of the Queer Indie Awards in 2022, personally, I was hoping it would be released as an audiobook but I gave up waiting so I read the book instead.

This is an ice-queen, age-gap, celebrity romance that also could be considered a workplace romance (one character is the personal assistant of the other). It has a combination of humour, sweet scenes and more serious moments. Both leads are likeable and have great chemistry between them. I also enjoyed some of the secondary characters, especially Sam. Sapphic fiction needs more characters like him to bring more trans awareness. His relationship with Sydney was very insightful.

At 402 pages, the story is on the long side, for me, it felt like it stretched a bit. However, it’s worth a read, especially if you like the age-gap trope. 4 stars.

[Rain G · Rating 4 out of 5]

I expected more from this book, since I really like Hollywood stories with divas included in them.

I couldn't connect 100 percent with the story, since I need to feel the interaction between the main characters, instead of being told by the author about how they feel.

I liked both main characters and I liked that the book takes place in Britain.
Overall it was an entertaining read.
3.6 stars rounded to 4

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

What’s not to like?

Age-gap, boss-employee relationship, celebrity romance featuring a celebrity who is not out of the closet just yet, and one with a frosty facade who just kept everyone at arm's length. This is so up my alley.... And the side story with the secondary characters (Sam, Xander) is just as good.

A wonderfully entertaining read.

5 🌟

[Sagacious Sapphic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Boss-Employee | Age-Gap | Ice Queen | Celebrity Romance

Sydney MacKenzie is awesome! She’s one of my favorite characters I have ever read. You know when you read a book and you just want someone to just SAY IT OUT LOUD! Well, Sydney does. Several times in places the plot could have been thwarted by a lack of communication Sydney just says what needs saying. It was wonderfully refreshing. Some of us do just say the hard thing!

Sydney carries a dream and burden with her everywhere she goes. As a personal assistant to the rich and famous, Sydney never puts down roots, and she’s never wanted to. Her first love Gertie, a VW camper van, keep her company and gives her a place to sleep while on her adventures. Unfortunately, Gertie is in need of expensive repairs and Sydney ends up working for actress Beatrice Russell—whom she’s not heard of until the day she’s offered the job.

Beatrice Russell broke her leg and needs help this summer. She is also a world famous actress, who’s never had a relationship where she wasn’t taken advantage of or abandoned. The icy shell she’s built to insulate herself can’t protect her from the competence, compassion, and persistence of her new assistant. Can she open herself up one more time, for love?

This beautiful story is rich and the MCs have full and complex lives and pasts full of banter, joy, sorrow, love, and fear. I connected to each of them in different ways. The author captures the subtle veins of grief and trauma that run through our lives and affect how we feel, see, act, and live.
Very good.

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ice queen? Sign me up! Combine it with my guilty pleasure - celebrity romance - and you have a winner. This is also and age gap and maybe a bit of workplace romance, which is not my favourite.

The writing of this book is awesome. Our ice queen is so frosty, dare I even say plain old mean, it’s amazing how she melts. Very slowly and not completely. Beatrice is in her early fifties and the biggest actor there is, she goes through PAs like underwear, a new one every day. She has some trauma in her past and when 36 year old Sydney shows up as her new PA she gets a bit of a run for her money. Sydney is an amazing PA and person. She has her own issues that she’s dealing with, like a perfectly imperfect character.

The way this story develops and how masterfully it’s written I think anyone who doesn’t like any of these tropes will actually like this book. Give it a try!

[Jude Silberfeld-Grimaud · Rating 5 out of 5]

Broken Beyond Repair is a delightful celebrity romance, with an ice queen in her ivory tower and a younger woman who isn’t impressed with either money or rudeness.

Sydney wants to be a writer but works as a PA to celebrities. Her new assignment is with movie star Beatrice Russell, a 51-year-old British actress, who broke her leg on a stunt. Beatrice has encountered a long string of incompetent PAs and keeps trying to test Sydney. Sydney, being the best, slowly charms her way into Beatrice’s heart.

Both MCs are endearing and relatable each in her own way. There are several good side characters, my favourite is Beatrice‘s child Alex. Being a teenager isn’t easy for anyone, being the teenage child of a famous actress makes it even harder. Alex’s journey towards finding himself, and finding his way back to his mother is one of the best arcs of the story.

Is Sydney too good to be true? Yes, though she is supposed to be the best, isn’t she? Is Alex too wise for a teenager? Also yes, though teenagers and children can be surprising IRL as well. Broken Beyond Repair is the definition of a feel-good novel and Angela Dawe’s wonderful narration makes it feel even better. I have to admit that I wondered why the author went with this specific narrator, since most of the characters are British and Dawe’s an American. Admittedly, she excels at accents but so do the British narrators I know. That said, she does a fantastic job and deserves all the praise.

I also want to point out something that I wasn’t sure about but that Neen Cohen, author (check out her debut novel The Void) and fellow reviewer, addresses perfectly in her own review: one of the most important side characters is Sydney’s ex Sam; part of why Sam is her ex is that he transitioned and Sydney keeps saying she’s a lesbian and he’s all man. I felt the author dealt with the situation in a sensitive manner. Things are more complex than Sydney seems to think, though, and you should watch Neen’s review for a more in-depth analysis.

All in all, I had a great time listening to the audiobook and I look forward to the next book in the series, Reality in Check. 4.5⭐️

Read all my reviews on my blog (and please buy from the affiliation links!): Jude in the Stars

[Cherie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked Banting’s writing in this one and it lived up to all the great reviews and awards. The first half was my favorite with all the ice queen nastiness and Sydney’s wit and patience in dealing with movie legend Beatrice Russell. Beatrice’s son Alex and Sydney’s VW Camper Gertie added a little to the story.

It’s been awhile since I’ve listened to an Angela Dawes narration and she was excellent with her toff British accent.

[Kaitlyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this story a lot! I found both characters to be well-developed, the traumas and hang-ups that they dealt with made them deeper and more likable. Their romance was adorable and I liked the pace at which it developed - it didn't feel too rushed. I did feel like the age gap and the employee-employer relationship hurdles were breezed over a bit more than I'd have liked, personally, but it wasn't detrimental, just a missed opportunity for some more angst to spice things up (in my opinion). I also genuinely laughed a few times while reading this one, and those entertaining moments here and there were a very welcome addition.

One thing that kind of bugged me in this one was some weird phrasing that may or may not be just a regional thing - I know there are a lot of differences between UK and North American English. Unusual wordings like "twitched her head" and "lifted her cheeks" (No, not those cheeks. Get your mind out of the gutter!)...An iteration of it here and there would be fine, but they were very frequent phrases (amongst others) throughout the book that always kind of jarred me and made me stop up and think "that just sounds weird". I always mention stuff like this that actually pulls me out of the story because that really detracts from my overall enjoyment of a book (though I know I'm probably more OCD about it than a lot of other readers out there!)

I definitely recommend giving this one a read

[Jacob Proffitt · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an excellent wish-fulfillment celebrity romance with some great characters. I liked both Beatrice and Sydney from the start and seeing them get to know and trust each other was fantastic. Beatrice, in particular, had my sympathy for being so isolated and lonely but unable to figure out how to break the destructive patterns she had developed (and when we see how she has been undermined by people she trusted it just broke my heart).

Plus, I really liked Sydney's calm patience and ability to establish boundaries even while serving in someone's personal space. And working on their joint project was an interesting twist on the PA relationship that allowed breaking down some barriers in unique ways.

I do think that both protagonists read years younger than their stated ages and wish the author had worked those numbers down a bit. Beatrice just didn't feel fifty and while I buy Sydney as mid-thirties lopping a few years off that wouldn't have hurt any important story elements, either.

Add that Beatrice's kid, Alex, was a bit too perfect (after initial difficulties) and, indeed, the story intersection with her ex, Sam, ran a little too ideal and I think this is a comfortable four stars.

A note about Steamy: There are a couple of explicit sex scenes that barely hold onto the lower end of my steam tolerance. They're a little formulaic, I thought, though I have a hard time pinning down why I thought so.

[Tere · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed this story a lot. However, the highlight was to pick up another Angela Dawe narration. Oh how I missed her voice! Glad to have her back and this was a great story for her to shine. I’m not huge on age gaps and ice queens but this one was well done.

[Alicia Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Broken Beyond Repair
by Emily Banting
Arc
New Release



The book opens up with the main character Beatrice in the hospital after an accident. She is in LA for a new movie. After speaking with her Agent she plans to go back home to England to recover. She hires a personal assistant.

Syd takes on the roll of Beatrice’s personal assistant. They are complete opposites. She loves her van life. She moves around a lot and travel. She likes to live her life free and she doesn’t like to be trapped in one particular place . Syd has a group of friends that she loves and that ground her. She was one of the best assistants around at that time. .

Sydney was very interesting. She was so wise beyond her years. She had a maturity that most people don’t have at her age. I think she was a good match for Beatrice. She challenged her to be a better version of herself. Sydney was a breath of fresh air. She was gifted and talented and did not judge people. In my opinion she was a good egg.

When people have pain from the past they have not made peace with or have not forgiven themselves for it, the pain can change you into someone you don’t ever know.

I really did enjoy the relationship between Alex and Sydney. She took such an interest in him and his goals and aspirations. He wanted to be a chef, she encouraged him and helped him to know that she was invested and supported him.

Beatrice just wanted someone to care about her, to choose her over everything, to be kind and understanding.

Her husband, Peter, was a horrible man. He caused her so much pain and had hit on and made all her PAs uncomfortable with his sexual advances.

Syd went out of her way to make Alex's birthday special and made sure Beatrice and her son had a day that they could be together full of love and happiness.

The story takes a turn when both characters realize that they love each other and, of course, because Beatrice is afraid to be hard again, she pulls away from Sydney.

Beatrice and Sydney connected on a deeper level, it was like they were on the same wave length.

Beatrice's son Alex was a kind boy who just wanted the truth from his mom and to have peace with who he was becoming as a young person, the decision to choose happiness.


This story is about acceptance, acceptance of others and also of one’s self. You cannot truly be free until you have made peace with who you are. This is a touching story I can relate to. . The author did a fantastic job of helping you feel the emotions the highest lows, and in between’s of what Beatrice was going through.

The book was superb. I was so happy to see everything come together for Sydney and Beatrice and for them to finally have the family love and happiness they both deserved.


I would like to think the author, who graciously provided an advanced copy of the book. . This story will touch a lot of people. I gave this book 5 stars! I highly recommend this book.

[Anna Avian · Rating 5 out of 5]

A perfect ice queen romance with great characters and a lot of depth. There are a lot of layers, some hard topics that were discussed and a fair amount of humor to take you through the unpleasant moments of Beatrice's past. Her heart took it's time to melt down and with each wall tumbling down you could feel all the joy, sadness, love, and fear that the author captured excellently.

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

I gotta say, this book was more than I had expected. This is a perfect slow-burn, age-gap, celebrity romance read. I'm emotionally invested in the story and characters. I enjoyed it a lot, and I couldn't put the book down!

[Lorraine Rusnack · Rating 5 out of 5]

I fell in love with Sydney and Beatrice from the start. The banter between them is priceless. Sydney was more that a PA to the family. She is very in tune with the people she works for. I can picture Beatrice in her red attire as well a Sydney can. The attraction between them is delicious. Once I started this book I got swept away in it. Beatrice is an Ice Queen worth trying to melt. This story is also full of wonderful supporting characters. I really love Emily Banting's writing style.

[Emily Banting]

AUDIOBOOK OUT NOW! Read by Angela Dawe
www.payhip.com/emilybanting (delivered by Bookfunnel)

If you would like a copy of my free sapphic novella, please visit my website https://www.emilybanting.co.uk/freebook

Also check out my heartwarming, age-gap, romance series centred on the ruins of Nunswick Abbey...

Lost in Love, the first book in the Nunswick Abbey Series.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09GDGYFZS

Book two in the series, Trust in Truth.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09H7R4MGX

Book three in the series, Forgive not Forget.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09MJ35KKK

The series is available on ebook, paperback and Kindle Unlimited.

I hope you enjoy reading about Anna and Katherine's journey together.

[XR · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so sweet to read. I quite enjoyed both Bea and Syd. I like how Banting had Bea admitting to herself that she is quite vulnerable and lonely and knows that her demeanour isn't for everyone. Then Syd coming along and breaking her defensive barriers was just... *chef's kiss*

And that momeny between Alex and Bea. Both mother and son finding the strength to be honest to one another about their true selves, and not giving a fcuk what anyone else thinks. What a moment to share with the one you love unconditionally like that... it was so sweet.

Thanks to my friends and their great reviews who got me onto this book!

[Sapphic Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5.

I enjoyed my first Emily Banting book! It was definitely one of those stories you couldn’t wait to pick back up once you put it down. Beatrice and Sydney were such wonderful, complex main characters, and their slow-burn romance was an absolute joy to follow.

That said, some of the chapters toward the end felt a bit unnecessary—they could have been summarized in the epilogue. I think the story would have benefited from cutting chapters 35 and 39, as their inclusion made the ending feel a touch drawn out and caused it to lose momentum.

Still, this was mostly an engaging read, and Emily Banting has absolutely earned a spot on my “authors to read again” list!

[Kexx · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable book - I loved the lead in to the inevitable, the tensions, the spoilt superstar and how the ‘PA’ slowly unravelled her. Excellent. Recommended.

[Rachel’s Sapphfic Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Broken Beyond Repair is an Ice Queen, age-gap, workplace, celeb romance that you’re going to want to read.

Beatrice Russell is a world famous actress who can’t keep a PA for more than six months. She’s icy, unrelenting and expects her requests, well orders, to be carried out precisely and quickly. When she brakes her leg on a film set and has to return to England unexpectedly to convalesce, it requires her to find a new PA. She needs someone who can not only listen to instructions but who can also be on hand for all the inconvenience’s that having her leg in plaster consists of. Beatrice doesn’t hold out much hope, it’s never happened before so why now.

Sydney MacKenzie is a free spirit who’s best friend is Gertie her VW camper van. She roams from job to job as a PA for the rich and famous. She’s the best at what she does and she knows it. When her long time friend and boss bags a high profile client he begs her to take the job. Sydney isn’t one for following the media, she’s not on socials and prefers to judge the people she works for at face value. She’s supposed to be on a summer break, but when circumstances require her to earn some cash to fix her beloved Gertie she takes the job.

This book is exactly my kind. I was excited when I was sent a review copy and after reading it I am not disappointed. It’s has everything! I couldn’t put it down.

The storyline is brilliant, it’s tackles the darker side of Hollywood while still being funny and sweet. It includes incidents about sexually abuse but no details, and it tells us about how hard it is for actors to be ‘out’ and still work in the industry.

This is a story about finding and being true to yourself. It explores the notion that to be able to live happily, you have to accept, deal with, and move on from the past. Even when that past has made you who you are today.

Beatrice is an ice queen and like many of these icy woman that I love, she has reasons to protect herself behind icy walls. She’s worked hard to get to the top of her career and at 51 she has learnt that trusting people is never in her best interests. I adore her! (Surprise, surprise) She is definitely not likeable in the beginning but as the story unfolds you will warm to her and be so angry with what she has been through. She’s a broken woman who is trying to survive in a world that is hard to survive in.

Sydney is not your typical ‘melter’. She takes no messing off Beatrice from the start. She is not afraid to speak her mind and inform Beatrice that she is out of order. She is however damn good at her job and goes above and beyond to ensure that Beatrice always has what she wants and needs.

You can see early on that these women feel more than what employer/employee should. They constantly challenge one another and conjure the best and sometimes the worst traits from one another. Their relationship is fascinating to witness, because they are equally matched from the beginning in all the ways that matter.

This book is a happy place for me. It’s filled with family moments to warm your heart, a circle of friends you’ll want to be part of and two woman who you genuinely want to be happy.

It’s definitely not to be missed, go give it a go and I hope you love it as much as I did.

[Guerunche · Rating 5 out of 5]

Update after listening to the audiobook narrated by the Legendary Angela Dawe - WONDERFUL! When you give Angela great material to work with, there’s nothing better. If you get a chance to listen to the audio, do. Loved it.

Original review:

The hype was certainly warranted for this book and I'm so happy I was finally able to enjoy it!

I love a good celeb romance and this one felt unique. While "hard" ice queens aren't uncommon in sapphic literature, A-list actress Beatrice Russell felt like a new take somehow. She treats people rudely, runs off all of her assistants, appears to be distant with her teenage son and is generally disliked. After an on-set accident requires her to lay low and heal for several weeks, she heads home to her English estate and hires a new temporary assistant while she's there. Sydney McKenzie is between PA jobs and was hoping to take some time off to work on a book she wants to write. But when her beloved VW bus named "Gertie" needs some major maintenance repair work, Sydney has no choice but to take the job.

While she's not someone who follows pop culture or is on social media, she certainly notices how stunning the 50 year-old actress is. And while she has been prepared that the woman is "difficult," it's not like she hasn't dealt with that before. In her mid-30s, Sydney is a bit older than most assistants so maturity has allowed her to develop processes and tools to be successful in her job.

Sydney is one of the best melters in sapphic fiction. Patient, kind, uber competent, strong and even heroic, it's impossible for readers not to fall in love with her. While that's not as easy with her closeted charge, I really appreciated the circumstances that allowed Beatrice to reveal more of herself to Sydney - which provided a much better picture of who she was than the diva she appeared to be.

While on the surface this would seem like a story that's been told before - it hasn't. At least not in this way. I thought it was quite special indeed. And I can't wait to see what the Legendary Angela Dawe will do with it when the audiobook is released!

[Fran Sappharc · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the first three chapters, a flying start and the mains hadn’t even met! The book continued in the same vein with some literal laugh out loud lines and many more that elicited a smile, and I continued to love it. The book then touched on some serious but not unexpected plot developments in one of the main characters history (not a surprise for someone who works in the film industry.) Then there is an unexpected symmetry with the characters history via her ex. This is so well done. (Bit vague here from me, to avoid spoilers!) I also liked the way it was resolved, then further resolved even more satisfyingly further on.
This was a book that held my attention throughout. The pacing was spot on and although it followed the romance arc, it wasn’t too angsty. There were also happy endings all round!
The secondary characters all had something to add but don’t overwhelm. The writer gets a good balance and in my opinion handles the transitioned secondary character in a way that while educating is not lecturing. A balance many authors haven’t managed.
This book certainly doesn’t need fixed and I loved it!