Emmy Star is So Everything

by Daniel Tawse

Rocket has just gone through the worst summer ever. Which means it's the perfect time to start over in drama school in London ... Another joyful queer romance from Daniel Tawse, author of ALL ABOUT ROMANCE.It's September, and Rocket Middleton has just gone through the worst summer ever. Cruz Jones, the love of his life, the guy who he'd made so many life-plans with, has unceremoniously dumped him.Rocket decides it's time for a fresh start. Leaving his small northern town, he heads to London to attend drama school in the hopes of somehow learning to thrive again when his life seems completely broken.When Rocket arrives in London, school is awash with gossip. Emmy Star, the biggest young musician of the moment, is secretly attending school to train for a film opportunity. And when Rocket first meets Emmy, sparks fly. But could a famous young musician really be interested in Rocket? And just when Rocket might be starting to move on, their ex shows up. They don't call it drama school for nothing...A joyful, happy ever after queer romance for fans of Simon James Green and Becky Albertalli.

Genres: Contemporary, Young Adult

279 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 1, 2024

About the author

Daniel Tawse lives on the northeast coast. He spent his childhood going on adventures in the wilds of Northumberland, and teenage years writing diaries about how much he didn’t fit in. Nowadays, Daniel turns those diaries into stories and is an advocate for queer representation and visibility in the arts. Elsewhere, Daniel has studied Musical Theatre at the Arts Educational Schools, London, and holds a master’s degree in History from the University of Northumbria.

Reviews

[Laura Nelson (Tangents and Tissues) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, so we all know how much I loved All About Romance last summer (*whispers out side of mouth* worst kept secret EVER! *smirks*). It’s a given then that I couldn’t wait to get my grabby hands on a copy of ESISE!

*sighs*

This story was SO stinking cute!

My old black wizened heart was a happy fluttery mess by the end… *snorts* Och, we all know I’m a sucker for a happy ending, and Rocket and Emmy (et al!) certainly packed a story full of feels; a rollercoaster full of them! In fact *taps finger*, imho the book should come with a label stating, ‘happy hormones guaranteed!’

Here’s to bookshop dates, appreciating the quiet moments, embracing your fabulousness, and terms of endearment… Rocket’s dad + ‘darling boy’ = ocular seepage aka Laura got emosh (again!).

Broken hearts, new beginnings, the BEST best friends a person could ever wish for, and a life-changing (slightly embarrassing but hysterical) meet cute all combine to make an unforgettable heartfelt read. Welp *shrugs*, I think so anyway.

Daniel Tawse got me again!

[Rebecca R · Rating 4 out of 5]

When, Cruz, the love of Rocket's life dumps him at Kings Cross Station, the life they imagined together at drama school in London, crumbles around him. But when term starts there's an exciting rumour flying around drama school that a celebrity student will be joining them to rehearse for a part in a new film and Rocket is shocked out of his heartbroken state when global superstar, Emmy Star, walks into his singing class one day. Rocket and Emmy hit it off right away but Rocket can't imagine that someone like him, might actually be romantically interested in him. And he's sure Cruz is going to want to get back together any day now.

Rocket is a wonderfully engaging character and his journey from heartbreak into new love is completely relatable, with a dash of Harry Styles fan-fiction wish fulfilment. A cosy and charming queer romance, perfect for fans of Becky Albertalli and Benjamin Alire Sáenz. Loved it!

[Duckfacekim09 (Kim Howell) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first book tour in AGES. I stopped them at the beginning of the year because with uni and work and everything I just had 0 time but I couldn't pass up another Daniel Tawse book.

This was very easy to read and bingeable, as most YA books are. It took a little while to get going (maybe 50 or so pages) but once it did, I was fully invested in this queer little celebrity love story. We all know I love everything gay so this was pretty much guaranteed to be another win from me.

If you like your love stories with a lot of angst and slow burn to the point where you're screaming at them to JUST GET TOGETHER ALREADY then look no further.

[Alina Karpov · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the writing and characters! In some points it was little bit boring but it was just some points.🙂‍↕️

[Sarah Day · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this so much!

[Vanessa Nunn · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's September and the first day back to college after the summer break. However, it wasn't much of a break for Rocket. His heart was shattered in pieces when boyfriend Cruz Jones dumped him with barely an explanation. Despite planning his entire future with Cruz, Rocket has to restart his whole life all over again...

Leaving behind his northern town, he heads for London to start a new drama school. But it's not long before Rocket is surrounded by rumours that a music sensation will be training in disguise for a part in a film! One chance meeting with Emmy Star and his whole world is turned upside down! Add into the mix his ex returning home and Rocket is forced to make one big decision..

From cover to cover, I was hooked - finished in just a couple of sittings! I instantly connected to these characters - their friendships were just unmatched! A highly anticipated read for me that did not disappoint!

[Lily Golding · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so cute, but more importantly it was exactly what I needed at exactly the right time. It was the perfect light, fluffy and joyfully gay read to give me a break from all the heavy fantasy book I’ve been reading.

I loved the different identities that were shown in this book. A non-binary person using he/him pronouns, an aromantic girl just coming to grips with her identity and of course the m/m representation of Rocket and Emmy. I felt the author did a good job of painting a picture of the queer community while focusing mainly on the two boys.

I really loved the background of the drama school too. It felt unashamedly queer, because so many queer people throughout history have found their home in the theatre, but also it added a quirky background to the story. I loved the acting teacher they had with her feather boa and bag of hot chips most of all. There was a lot of humour in just setting the scenes.

This was such a relaxing, but also engaging book that I could just speed through. Fans of queer romance should give it a try.

I received this gifted copy in exchange for an honest review. Cross posted to thewhisperingofthepages.co.uk

[Alec ⟠ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! We follow Rocket as he goes off to a school for the arts, reeling from a breakup he still needs closure for. During one of his first lessons, he meets Emmy Star, a famous singer, and the two begin a friendship which must be kept secret from the media, especially as it starts to develop into a bit more. I found myself unable to put the book down as it was such a lovely writing style and the characters were all really compelling. I would definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a cute queer romance set in drama school!