Cassie Mitchell always wanted to see herself on the big screen, but after five years dedicated to chasing that dream, she’s not sure she can make it.
When A-list actor Emmett Davis, with his tousled hair and teasing winks, dines in her section at the diner, their flirtatious encounter sparks curiosity in Cassie, but she never expects to see him again. That is, until she accepts a job at January Studios and runs into Emmett, who happens to be the movie’s leading actor, during her first day on set.
Emmett has been an actor his whole life, but he starts to question it when he meets Cassie. She’s sassy, supportive, and suddenly he can’t go a day without thinking of her. And because of her, Emmett’s deciding if now is the right time to defy his father’s legacy and chase his own dreams.
Despite Cassie’s determination to avoid men in the industry, she and Emmett quickly become friends while attempting to deny their ever-growing chemistry.
And even though their relationship is forbidden and could cause Cassie to lose her job, they can’t seem to stay away from one another.
Don’t get me wrong this was a really cute fun read for me. But if I’m being honest even though it was cute and everything, it seemed kinda rushed.. (That’s my opinion, please don’t knock the book off based on opinions give it a shot and rate yourself) It’s also really a low angst read, but I didn’t mind it was a nice little break from the drama in my other books😅 I thought Emmet & Cassie were super adorable🤍 I can’t wait to read more from the author 🥰
This was an amazing romance story. If you love slowburn and forbidden workplace romance then this is the book for you. The way Emmett was always flirting with Cassie was so funny and I really enjoyed this book.
“I’ve wanted you since the first time I saw you, Cassie, pretty sure I knew from the beginning that you’d be the death of me.”
This one was really cute! Cassie and Emmett are seriously perfect together! The amount of chemistry between them was great and I loved seeing their friendship grow into bigger feelings. They’re both extremely mature all throughout and each deal with insecurities and baggage that I think they worked well together to understand! Theres no drama or third act breakup which was nice and made this read very enjoyable! I loved the sense of found family and loved the side characters and how much loved they all shared! Overall, I was very happy with this read and feel like it was a breath of fresh air 💖☺️
so this is what love should feel like- easy and full of surety.
This debut book by Courteney is an amazing mix of friends to lovers with a pinch of the love being forbidden and bulk of mommy and daddy issues. what made this book great? there was no extra drama and no third act breakup as it was not needed. Emmett throughout the book acted as mature person and someone who was sure was his feeling which was heartwarming and I enjoyed the book thoroughly.
Where to begin... I received an eARC of A Little Bit Extra in exchange for my honest review, and I am so thankful that I did. I'd read the first chapter Courtney had teased and was instantly hooked, so when I saw the ARC in my inbox, I was THRILLED. (This is me saying thank you again lol.)
A Little Bit Extra is a fun, heartwarming rom com about movie star Emmett Davis and aspiring actress Cassie Mitchell. Cassie serves Emmett when he comes into her diner one day and sparks immediately fly. Not long after, Cassie is shocked to find that her new production assistant job is for Emmet's movie. And Emmett is equally surprised (and delighted) to find that the cute waitress is now working on his set. Only, they're not allowed to date other crew members, so it'll have to be just friends for them... (right?)
My review:
I rarely give 4/5 star ratings, so 3 stars for a debut novel is great on my rating scale- If I could give half stars, this one would be a 3.5.
I'm going to start with my two critiques: The first is that, at times, the dialogue fell a little flat for me. Other times, it flowed very smoothly and had me giggling at the banter, so it wasn't a huge qualm, but I think I would have liked a little more inner dialogue to feel more immersed in the conversations. The second is that things felt a little rushed. I would have liked to dive deeper on certain scenes and even characters. I know there is more coming in this series, so I'm sure I'll get my fix of the other characters then, but I would have enjoyed a little more of them in this one.
Now for the good stuff: This story was SO CUTE. First off, it's an on-set romance which is EVERYTHING for a production girlie like myself. Movie star Emmett is such a golden retriever boy. So bold and shameless in his flirting, he had ME nervous. And he is hooked on Cassie from the start- which I love. Cassie is determined and hardworking and deserves the world. I loved the themes of following your dreams and going after what you want and the way these two came together to support each other on their journeys. Their relationship was so sweet, and I love the parallels of their histories. They were able to relate to each other enough to know how to be there for each other while still having separate struggles. Speaking of their relationship... the spice was SPICY, but not too spicy which I appreciate as someone who tends to read more tame rom coms. Lastly, the characters in this book were so funny. The quips to each other, hilariously awkward interactions, and inner dialogue had me laughing out loud.
Overall, this book was such a fun, impressive debut novel. I'll definitely be reading whatever January Studios or other Courtney Corlew novel comes next. I can't wait to read more from her and see her writing and the world of January Studios keep developing. I'm so, so glad there's more coming in this series!
A Little Bit Extra, the first of the January Studios series, follows the journey of Cassie Mitchell as she pursues a dream of acting by working odds and ends in LA until she makes a big break. At her day job at a local diner, she bumps into charming A-list Actor, Emmett Davis, and mysteriously receives a call from January Studios the following day offering her a job. This sweet little gallivant into Cassie and Emmett’s on and off set romance will have you swooning!
Courtney’s prose is like that extra warm, frothy chai you order before curling up in that favorite little corner cafe to read your favorite book. Balanced, warm, and inviting. Or, after your afternoon of tea and pages, a cheery little Hallmark movie to cap off your evening. The characters are immediately comfort character quality, the plot is familiar but cozy, and the book is truly a pleasant read!
This book review could contain a thousand little things. Truly, I’ve seen this novel in coffee shops, libraries, and between many pastries and decaf coffees—the snippets, the beta read, and the whole thing in its entirety. I hope that everyone who loves the romance genre will pick up this lovely little meet cute (and hopefully those looking to branch out of their usual for a day!).
🎬instant attraction 🎬slow burn 🎬celebrity romance 🎬friend group
ugh. I really wanted to like this one, but it’s just…meh. I did not like the writing style at all, it just flowed really poorly, and just felt rushed and a bit ‘too well put together’ like SO many coincidences and just ‘everything was perfect’ vibes. I also HATED the ending (again with the perfect vibes)! I wanted to like the romance, but it was long winded and by the time they actually got together I was already checked out.
*I received an e-arc of this book in exchange for an honest review*
I was super excited to receive this eARC as the synopsis had me really interested. I loved both Emmett and Cassie. Emmett is such an adorable character pursuing Cassie. This was an easy read and the love story was cute but it seemed a bit rushed and there was no conflict so that put a damper on the story for me.
This was a very cute love story. I loved how they became friends and then lovers. It was nice to watch each character grow. I’m excited to see how the author grows as well into her writing with more stories to tell. Good job for your first published book!!!
THIS BOOK is so cute and sweet and steamy and it made my heart so so happy. This story is low angst cozy fun. I absolutely fell in love with the whole cast of characters!! Highly recommend!!!
- Celebrity Romance - Insta-attraction - Found Family - Off limits - Workplace Romance
Overall I thought this was a great debut novel. I personally like to have a lot more angst in the stories I read, but I’ll admit this was a nice break from all that tension. I wasn’t a huge fan of it being in third person, but that’s never my favorite.
I think anyone looking for a cute lighthearted romance would enjoy this one.
This book was so cute and has my favorite aspect which is friendships 😍. I love reading characters that take control of their lives and just do what they want and that exactly wha both of these characters did. Their relationship was so organic and no one really fought against the wave which is refreshing. If you like someone tell them !!!. All in all a good heart warming book.
First of all, congratulations to Courtney on her debut novel! I've been following her writing journey for a while and it's so cool to see her book baby come to life!
This was genuinely so cute.
I really liked the overall plot, themes, and setting. Cassie and Emmett were also super cute. I loved their instant chemistry but I also really enjoyed their slow burn love. And we get some really well written spicy scenes which I'll never be mad about!
Cassie moved to LA 5 years ago. She's pursuing an acting career, that hasn't really taken off, and works at the diner to keep afloat. When she has to wait on Emmett at the diner, she never thought she'd see him again. Until she lands a job working for the studio he is currently filming a movie at. Such a cute concept.
Emmett knew from the moment he looked at this girl that he had to have her. Cassie wants nothing to do with a relationship, especially after her last one. But there's something about Emmett that's just so damn irresistible.
Between sneaking glances at work and practicing lines together for Cassie's acting classes, the heat is turned up with these two. There's tension and light banter and the ever present slow burn of "when are these two gonna kiss already?!".
This was playful and fun and a really easy, cute read. At times, yes, it had it's cheesy moments, but it worked.
I really enjoyed our little found family here. The friend group had a great dynamic. Love how supportive they are of each other, no matter what.
As happy as I am that there wasn't a third act breakup, I also wouldn't have totally hated watching Emmett grovel a little ;)
Thank you so much to Courtney Corlew for the ARC copy! I can't wait read the next one!!!
REASONS WHY LUCY SHOULD END UP WITH MARCY AND NOT TYLER: 1. Tyler is an overzealous dickhead: he put Cassie on the spot about the article EVEN AFTER Emmett told him not to KNOWING that she was uncomfortable with it. 😤 2. Tyler acted annoying on purpose just to call out Cassmett by telling them to get a room when they were literally just greeting each other with a quick hug?? 3. Tyler said that he would’ve gone for Cassie if Emmett hadn’t “claimed her already” (page 274) meaning that Lucy would’ve only been his consolation prize 🤢 4. His bluntness isn’t compatible with Lucy’s extroverted thoughtfulness (page 273) 5. Marcy genuinely cares about Lucy’s interests: they were talking with each other about her art show on page 274 🥺🥺💗 6. Marcy made sure to include Lucy in everything the friend group was doing even though she wasn’t an employee of the studio by inviting her to every get-together and personally making sure she was in their group chat (page 309) 7. Marcy defended her wife 💪 on page 276 after she is accused of telling the group about Cassmett AND I QUOTE “no, Lucy didn’t say anything. You two just don’t hide it well.” Which one, true, but also why would she get defensive if she didn’t care about Lucy?? 🤨 8. Their dynamic is grumpy x sunshine (a superior and compatible dynamic.) Marcy’s thoughtful broodiness (page 288) mixed with Lucy’s extroverted positivity and humor make for AN AMAZING duo. 🫶🫶
I rest my case. 👩⚖️
P.S: There are 16 winks in this book, 21 smirks, and 6 mentions of “eye-fucking”
P.S.S: I probably would’ve DNF’d this book if I wasn’t reading it with my friend. It was fun to bond over our hatred of Tyler and the goofiness of the main character’s names. I would recommend to read this with your romance-loving friend and watch them get all excited about it!! 😚✌️
I was lucky to receive an ARC of this book, and this is my honest opinion.
Holy. Cow. All the feelings and emotions when reading. I feel like I am going to be in a major slump after this because I loved Emmett and Cassie so much.
Tropes: *He falls first *Secret relationship *Found family
This was the first time that I have read a celebrity/production assistant book before, and boy did I LOVE it. This story follows Cassie, a girl who has moved to Hollywood to pursue her career as an actress and Emmett, a true Hollywood Star and major celebrity.
Cassie works with her friend Lucy at a local diner, and one night, a mysterious man and woman are seated in her section. When she makes eye contact for the first time with this man, she is attracted and realizes that it is actor Emmett Davis. He instantly falls for her.
Cassie ends up accepting a position she tiredly applied for one night after a shift at the diner with January Studios as a Production Assistant. She has the hard rule that she won't date someone she is working with so she can say she got her acting roles purely by her talent alone.
What she finds is that Emmett is filming a movie and she has to work with him every day. Little by little they let each other in, and there is some SPICY banter, right from the first chapters. There are snarky nicknames and teasing of each character. Plus, Courtney makes sure to mention hottie Emmett in his gray sweatpants at one point.
I am literally obsessed with these two characters and this was the perfect way to start out the month of April. I can't wait to see what's in store for Book Two of the January Studios series.
A Little Bit Extra follows movie star wannabe Cassie as she strives to make it in a saturated field without nepotistic connections. Living in a small apartment and working in a movie based diner with her best friend Lucy, she meets popular Emmett Davis! A big screen actor with a different dream! Full of hectic schedules, unsupportive parents, sneaky sleep overs, and stolen glances, Cassie must remain professional and guarded to protect herself and her job! Unfortunately for her Emmett has other plans as he takes a hammer to those walls she’s built with every cup of tea and flirtatious wink he gives her! Experience the two of them chasing their dreams together while supporting each other and having the best found family support system they could ask for! 🎬💗 - I absolutely loved how Courtney executed this book! Unlike most contemporary fiction these characters spend their time getting to know each other and battling with their own emotions before jumping headfirst into an attraction fueled relationship. The story has in depth conversations of lacking familial support and relationships, closing yourself off to the love offered to you, and about the lack of confidence and self esteem when pursuing a high sought after dream or career. The acting scenes were done beautifully, it was written very naturally into the story and wasn’t jarring in transition from usual conversation! I love this book! It’s definitely one of my favorite romance reads and I love the origin of the title in the story! I audibly awed when reading it! Definitely such a good read! I can’t wait to see what else Courtney has to offer in the future with her writing! 🥰
What to Expect ✨️Low Stakes ✨️No Third Act Breakup ✨️Friends to Lovers ✨️Insta Love ✨️Celebrity MMC ✨️Dual POV ✨️Again, chill / low stakes, NO drama
This is a very straightforward romance, not a lot of tropes, except for insta-love and some friends to lovers development. This couple meets and feels instantly drawn towards each other. They start to spend time together, and their feelings progress. It's oddly how you would imagine someone dating in real life. It's... too normal?
There isn't really any conflict, and unfortunately, there is not really a lot of flirting or banter. The MMC is a famous actor, and the FMC is working on set, but it doesn't create any drama. There is concern that their relationship will cause Cassie to lose her job, but it ends up being a non-issue, and they're so bad at keeping it a secret that everyone knows they're together anyway. I just needed this to be a little less like reality because it would make for a more exciting read.
Actually, the most unrealistic thing here is that all of the main characters have no flaws. They're supportive, confident, loving, understanding, and joyful. This may be the first time in history that I wanted a third-act breakup... just so I could get some emotions like anger or sadness out of these characters. Nope, they're sweet and happy the whole time. If you want to take a break from other stressful romances or fantasies, this is a good low-stakes read.
Also, Cassie gets a PA job without interviewing and then a lead role in a movie without auditioning... these characters didn't struggle enough for me.
I got an ARC of A Little Bit Extra and it was such a cute debut novel!
The premise of the book easily captured my attention. I love that Cassie was focused on chasing her dreams, which just so happened to include the life that Emmett was living. Seeing the two of them meet in the diner was adorable and had me giggling and immediately rooting for them. January Studios seems like a great place to be, and I loved the friend group that formed and supported each other. I'd love to read more about them.
There were a few things that kept me from giving it five stars. While I really enjoyed reading the story, there was a lot of telling when I would have preferred more showing. I think because of this, it felt like there were little recaps each chapter about what the character had experienced and thought in prior chapters. It made the book seem a little repetitive at times. And lastly, everything felt very convenient. Personal preference again, but I like a little more angst and real life issues/complications that the characters have to work through together.
Even so, I thought the book was really cute and a wonderful debut novel. My personal preferences kept me from giving it five stars, but if your preferences differ (and even if they don't), there's no reason why you wouldn't enjoy this adorable adventure.
A Little Bit Extra is sweet and swooning romance book that can melt your heart.
This is love story between Cassie Mitchell and Emmett Davis. I just love their chemistry so much. I always love a celebrity romance but less book make me feel invested in both story and characters like A Little Bit Extra.
A Little Bit Extra is not only just simply a love story but also about How Cassie chase her dream, her difficulty and the ways she can achieve her dream step by step.
I can also see Emmett journey too. Though He is a famous actor but he always question what he really want, I can see how him from questioning himself to finally find where he belongs that being a movie writer and from his insecurity if his writing is good enough to being more confident with his talent.
What i love more is that, though they are struggling to achieve their dream, to find what they really want, where they belong. But in those journey they got each other, they alway being each other rocks, comfort place for the other to lean on. I love a love story like that where They love each other, but not only that, they also grow together and help each other achieve their dreams.
If you love a beautiful and sweet romcom story with Celebrities tropes. Highly recommended reading A little bit Extra.
This book had me hooked right from the start. It opens with Cassie, the FMC, working her shift at the diner across the street from January Studios. We quickly learn she’s an aspiring actress and had a bad experience with a coworker that led to her losing a job, which in turn means she has a hard and fast rule about dating coworkers. Emmett, the MMC, a very famous actor, is dining in Cassie’s section. He clearly likes her right away, but the two assume they will never see each other again. Fast forward, and Cassie ends up working as a production assistant for the movie Emmett is starring in.
I loved how forward and clear Emmett was when it came to Cassie. Before he even realized how deeply his feelings ran, he was already claiming her in front of his friend group. The banter was the perfect mix of sweet and spicy. Cassie was headstrong about her career but also incredibly sweet. The angst was very low, which made this a quick, charming read. I also loved the setup for future books in the series, as all the side characters had such clear and distinct personalities.
I was lucky enough to receive this as an ARC in exchange for an honest review. This was an amazing debut, and I can’t wait to see future books from Courtney Corlew.
"A Little Bit Extra" delivers a sweet celebrity romance! I received an E-ARC of this book (Thank You, Courtney Corlew) and here's my honest take!
The Hollywood setting and instant attraction between Cassie and Emmett had me hooked from the start. This book definitely delivers on the "cute" factor, and I loved the friend group dynamic.🫶 The writing style took a little getting used to. It felt a bit rushed at times, but there were also some genuinely funny moments. And hey, the constant stream of "perfect" coincidences? Let's just say it added to the whole Hollywood dream vibe.✨
The romance itself was a slow burn, but it kept me invested. I enjoyed watching Cassie and Emmett navigate their feelings for each other, even with the added pressure of their professional lives. The banter between them was definitely spicy!🔥 It wrapped up the story in a satisfying way, leaving me with a smile!🩷
Overall, "A Little Bit Extra" was a 4-star read for me as it's a light and charming escape with a swoony romance. Perfect for a weekend getaway or a break from heavier reads.😉 Make sure to add it to your TBR! Releasing on April 30, 2024!
A Little Bit Extra is a contemporary romance by author Courtney Corlew.
This was such a fun read and I thoroughly enjoyed it! 🎥
The FMC and the MMC were both very likable, and their friends and coworkers were equally so. It was just the right amount of story with a dash of spice. The love scenes were spicy but they were there to support the story rather than build it. Because of this we were able to get to know the characters as they got to know one another.
Overall the book was lighthearted, easy to read, predictable in a comforting way, and made that adolescent girl inside of me swoon! Let be honest, a fantasy most of us ladies had when we were teenagers was to meet our celebrity crush and have him fall madly in love with us. 😍 Devon Sawa I’m talking to you.
My only gripe was that there was an excessive amount of eye rolling and winking throughout; many times out of balance with the situation or interaction. But then… my face does the same. 🤔
I would recommend this story to lovers of spicy contemporary romances.
Thank you for providing me an ARC, Ms. Corlew. It’s an honor to be a part of the process!
I received this book as an ARC. Thank you, Courtney!
This is such a cute book. I don’t do spoilers because I want you to read and enjoy. But…
Cassie came to Hollywood with a dream. As she works towards fortune and fame, she suffers heartbreak, swearing off all relationships to focus on her acting. But then, there’s Emmett.
Emmett has already made it. He feels forced to follow in his father’s footsteps, but he too has a dream. And then, there’s Cassie.
A chance meeting at the diner across the street from the studio sets them both on the path to happiness, love, and realization of their dreams.
Cassie is an incredible FMC and Emmett is sweetly adorable.
“A Little Bit Extra” releases on April 30. Do yourself a favor. Pick it up and fall in love with Cassie and Emmett.
A Little Bit Extra by Courtney Corlew is the perfect summer read! It’s about Cassie (FMC) who moved to Hollywood to catch her big break, while working at a diner she meets Emmett (MMC) who is a famous actor. Cassie accepts a job at January Studios and ends up working quite closely with Emmett.
The instant connection between Cassie and Emmett kept me engaged. I loved how the characters had on page growth, the way Emmett supported Cassie was the sweetest. But the support wasn’t one-sided and Cassie also pushed Emmett to stand up to challenges in his life. The setting was refreshing and I’m looking forward to reading about the other characters in the January Studios series.
This is the book for you if you want a romance novel in a movie studio setting with the sweetest found family members.
Tropes: He Falls First Secret Dating Forced Proximity No third-act break up
This was a cute, fun, quick read that I truly enjoyed so much. Courtney Corlew writes the best banter and I will be waiting, very impatiently, for the second in this series!!!
Emmett and Cassie are insta-attracted to each other and are the prime example of the importance of following your dreams. Their found family are the pillars on top of their foundation and show just how important it is to trust, even when the world has worked against you.
There is no third-act breakup, which I am LIVING for!!!
I do just wish we got to see more of the resolution with their respective parents, but that’s just wishful thinking for my little traumatized self.
Thank you Courtney Corlew for this ARC in exchange for an honest review. I cannot wait to see who we follow next at January Studios.