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Falling Like Stars

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From USA Today and the Wall Street Journal bestselling author of Full Tilt comes an emotional romance...

She kept her heart guarded and locked away...until she gave it to the world's biggest movie star.

In the dazzling world of Hollywood where fame and glamour reign supreme, award-winning megastar Zachary Butler longs for something more than red carpet events and paparazzi flashes. As he navigates fame and tries to extricate himself from his celebrity ex-fiancée, he discovers an unexpected spark with Rowan Walsh, a production assistant on his latest project.

Rowan, haunted by a devastating moment in her past, shields her heart behind walls of guilt, letting no one in. But Zachary's genuine affection and desire for a meaningful life begin to chip away at her defenses. As their connection deepens, Rowan must battle the self-destructive patterns that have held her back from embracing her passions and finding true love, while Zachary must reveal his own hidden scars—wounds he’s borne in silence for years—if he hopes to heal.

Can Zachary and Rowan confront their pasts to build a future together, or will the storms of scandal, tangled relationships, and the scrutiny of stardom ruin their hopes for a perfect Hollywood ending?

** this book contains sensitive subject matter that may not be suitable for all readers. Please take note of the trigger warnings and/or email emmascottpromo@gmail.com for a more detailed description.**

291 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 20, 2024

650 people are currently reading
11706 people want to read

About the author

Emma Scott

37 books8,563 followers
Emma Scott is a USA Today and Wall St. Journal bestselling author whose books have been translated in seven languages and featured in Buzzfeed, Huffington Post, New York Daily News and USA Today’s Happy Ever After. Her first MM romance, Someday, Someday won the Utopia Con Award for LGBTQ Book of the Year. Emma writes emotional, character-driven romances in which art and love intertwine to heal, and in which love always wins. If you enjoy emotionally-charged stories that rip your heart out and put it back together again, with diverse characters and heroes who treat their heroines like gold, you will enjoy her novels.

RECENT RELEASES all available now and FREE with KU

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Someday, Someday M/M romance (Winner! LGBTQ Book of the Year, Utopia Con)

A Five-Minute Life


UPCOMING RELEASES:

The Muse 2022

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 437 reviews
Profile Image for ♥︎ Heather ⚔ (New House-Hiatus).
990 reviews4,865 followers
October 1, 2024
ꨄ '𝒩𝑜 𝑜𝓃𝑒 𝒷𝑒𝓁𝒾𝑒𝓋𝑒𝓈 𝓉𝒽𝑒𝒾𝓇 𝓁𝒾𝒻𝑒 𝒸𝒶𝓃 𝒸𝒽𝒶𝓃𝑔𝑒 𝓈𝑜 𝒻𝒶𝓈𝓉. 𝒯𝒽𝒶𝓉 𝒾𝓉 𝒸𝒶𝓃 𝓈𝒽𝒶𝓉𝓉𝑒𝓇 𝒾𝓃𝓉𝑜 𝒶 𝓂𝒾𝓁𝓁𝒾𝑜𝓃 𝓅𝒾𝑒𝒸𝑒𝓈 𝒾𝓃 𝒶 𝓈𝒾𝓃𝑔𝓁𝑒 𝒾𝓃𝓈𝓉𝒶𝓃𝓉... 𝓊𝓃𝓉𝒾𝓁 𝒾𝓉 𝒹𝑜𝑒𝓈. 𝒪𝓃𝑒 𝓂𝒾𝓃𝓊𝓉𝑒 𝓎𝑜𝓊𝓇 𝓁𝒾𝒻𝑒 𝒾𝓈 𝑜𝓃𝑒 𝓌𝒶𝓎, 𝒾𝓃 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝐵𝑒𝒻𝑜𝓇𝑒. 𝒜𝓃𝒹 𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓃 𝓈𝓊𝒹𝒹𝑒𝓃𝓁𝓎 𝒾𝓉'𝓈 𝒜𝒻𝓉𝑒𝓇, 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝒹𝑜𝓃'𝓉 𝓀𝓃𝑜𝓌 𝒽𝑜𝓌 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝑔𝑜𝓉 𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓇𝑒. 𝒲𝒽𝒾𝓅𝓁𝒶𝓈𝒽 𝑜𝒻 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝓈𝑜𝓊𝓁, 𝐼 𝑔𝓊𝑒𝓈𝓈 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝒸𝑜𝓊𝓁𝒹 𝒸𝒶𝓁𝓁 𝒾𝓉.' 𓍯𓂃𓏧♡

It's been a while since I've read an Emma Scott book and this cover just spoke to me, she did not disappoint either. I laughed, I teared up, I swooned. Loved this story.

The beginning of this book opens with a prologue 10 years prior to the setting of the story. It reveals the tragic past of our FMC, Rowan and how it will impact her life. There's a heaviness that we carry throughout the story knowing the events that lead to why Rowan is the way she is. Guilt, sadness, pain, anxiety and depression are pretty prominent themes throughout - please check the trigger warnings if this is something that may potentially bother you.


ೃ⁀➷ꕤ 𝓠𝓾𝓲𝓬𝓴 𝓢𝓾𝓶𝓶𝓪𝓻𝔂 ༊*·˚

Our FMC, Rowan is kinda just struggling through life. She's a production assistant in the LA area and currently working on a project alongside Hollywood heart throb Zachary Butler.

One evening after production ended for the day, Rowan sneaks off to a spot she'd scoped out since they'd been filming at the current location. A little hideaway where she could decompress, have a glass of wine, read a little.

While Rowan kicks back and relaxes one evening, none other than Zach Butler approaches and they strike up a flirtatious conversation. He's so down to earth and real, the last thing that Rowan ever really expected... she finds herself charmed by him, a little more at ease than she's been in the last 10 years.

Zach is a good and wholesome guy, but Rowan doesn't believe she deserves a good guy, or a good life for that matter...


ೃ⁀➷ꕤ 𝓜𝔂 𝓣𝓱𝓸𝓾𝓰𝓱𝓽𝓼 ༊*·˚

I'm feeling a little under the weather today, so I'll likely come back and tweak this later, but I just wanted to get out some thoughts while the story is still fresh in my mind.

I really enjoyed this book and was swept away with the story from the first page. I found that Rowan was actually super relatable and while I didn't experience all of the things she did, it did hit close to home, and I immediately felt for her.

The star of this show though, I must say is Hollywood's heart throb - Zach is the sweetest and most caring male interest I've read in a while. I was over here smiling like a sap for so much of the story. Just the way that he's genuinely a down to earth and caring person. He is great at communicating and thinks rationally. Such a green flag, golden retriever.

There are a couple of things that I didn't particularly like - it didn't turn me off the story at all but there is another woman and drama surrounding that whole situation that made me want to scream. The way that both Rowan and Zach handled the entire situation though was worthy of a standing ovation.

Overall, I had a blast with this book, and it brought out a ton of feels. I was captivated and couldn't flip through the pages fast enough - I'd certainly recommend this book if you're looking for something that's not incredibly long but still manages to pack an emotional punch.


ೃ⁀➷ Hollywood Romance
˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ ಇ. Grumpy x Sunshine
ೃ⁀➷ Hurt/Comfort
˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ ಇ. Tragic Past
ೃ⁀➷ Golden Retriever MMC
˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ ಇ. Tortured Lead
Profile Image for Christy.
4,542 reviews35.9k followers
August 19, 2024
5 stars
...Different faces for every role, and those are the faces the world sees.
But I see him as himself.

I love Emma Scott’s writing and I missed her words so much. I was thrilled to get to her newest release, Falling Like Stars. Rowan and Zach’s romance was stunning. The romance and watching them fall in love was wonderful, but even better was watching them both heal and grow.

Zachary Butler is the internet’s boyfriend and is quickly turning into Hollywood’s newest leading man after a slew of popular supporting roles. Rowan Walsh is working as a PA in a movie he’s filming.

Zach comes from a wonderful family, but is just now crawling out of an unhealthy relationship with his ex. Rowan’s family is almost non-existent. She’s lost most of the people she’s loved. Her father, her boyfriend, and eventually her mother. Even though Rowan and Zach hit it off right away, Rowan is not one who easily trusts or falls. And for good reason.

What I loved about Rowan and Zach is that they brought out the best in one another. Rowan was supportive of Zach and all he had going on, and Zach was patient with Rowan as she dealt with her grief. This book had sweet moments and moments that made me smile big, but it also was heavy at times and was emotional.

Falling Like Stars pulled on my heartstrings, made me laugh and cry, and was one of the best Hollywood romances I’ve read. I loved the grumpy/sunshine dynamic so much, and honestly everything about this book was great!
Profile Image for Dora Koutsoukou .
2,252 reviews720 followers
September 8, 2024
3 💘🤔🤔⭐️s

I have an issue (among others… 🙄). I don’t deal well with great grief and guilt in my reads.
So, I had a hard time with this story despite how well it was written as well as the psychological profiles of the mcs.

Rowan living with that burden for the last ten years and do absolutely nothing but punishing herself, surpassed me.

Also, the scene where Zachary woke up with his bitch x-girlfriend next to him and not remembering anything from the previous night, and later she being possibly pregnant, the most cliche theme ever. 🙄

Moreover, am I the only one to be aware of paternity tests???

In general, a lot of drama and baggage.
Profile Image for Noa.
554 reviews812 followers
August 27, 2024
"No one believes their life can change so fast. That it can shatter into a million pieces in a single instant… until it does."

Rowan Walsh has been through the worst of it.
Losing her dad at a young age and then the love of her life at 15.
There was nothing she could do but the guilt is still there.
It will always be there.
There was never going to be anyone else.
Until him.
Zachary Butler.
The internet's boyfriend. The hottest actor in Hollywood.
Rowan doesn't let anyone past her walls… until him.
The question is, can they handle the storm of Hollywood?
Can they get their perfect Hollywood ending?

"My life has been the same full movie on repeat: work, not work, hook up with strangers. Suddenly, the script has been flipped."

I received an advanced reader's copy in exchange for an honest review 💫💫

"Learning and growing is a lifelong journey with no finish line."

This is my first Emma Scott book and I already feel like it will definitely not be my last!
Rowan and Zach have this incredible connection that I could not put my kindle down! The whole twists and turns, the plot-line, the romance - everything was there and let me tell you this is a movie that I would LOVE to see!!
Ronan's story is absolutely heartbreaking and Zach's is heart-wrenching and both just made me ugly cry so bad so thank you for that. But their story is so beautiful and mesmerizing that again I could not put it down!!

"Whatever demons Rowan is battling, I have them too."

This playlist was one of my hardest to make which I always love and I think it fits this book so well. So these are the songs I added💙💙

(Link - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0MF... )

🎶 "A Sky Full of Stars" - Coldplay
🎶 "One More I Love You" - Alex Warren
🎶 "this is how you fall in love" - Jeremy Zucker, Chelsea Cutler
🎶 "If This Was A Movie (Taylor's Version)" - Taylor Swift
🎶 "When You're Gone" - Avril Lavigne
🎶 "The One That Got Away - Acoustic" - Katy Perry
🎶 "Cry" - Benson Boone
🎶 "To Love Someone Else" - Avery Lynch
🎶 "Dancing With Your Ghost" - Sasha Alex Sloan
🎶 "Ghost Of You" - 5 Seconds of Summer
🎶 "Unwritten" - Natasha Bedingfield
🎶 "Unknown / Nth" - Hozier
🎶 "gaslight" - Nessa Barrett
🎶 "Bite Marks" - Au/Ra
🎶 "Lover Of Mine" - 5 Seconds of Summer
🎶 "You Found Me" - The Fray
🎶 "Invisible Battles" - Caroline Rial
🎶 "Late Night Talking" - Harry Styles
🎶 "I Like Me Better" - Lauv
🎶 "GOSSIP" - Maneskin, Tom Morello
🎶 "Look After You" - The Fray
🎶 "happy ending" - Bailey Spinn
🎶 "You Need To Calm Down" - Taylor Swift
🎶 "Everywhere, Everything" - Noah Kahan, Grace Abrams
🎶 "You Are Enough" - Sleeping At Last
🎶 "Sparks" - Coldplay
🎶 "Death Wish Love" - Benson Boone
🎶 "Astronomy" - Conan Gray
🎶 "BLUE" - Billie Eilish
🎶 "Lightning" - Zoe Wees
🎶 "The Winner Takes It All - Acoustic" - Jae Hall
🎶 "Narcissist" - Lauren Spencer Smith
🎶 "I can't breathe" - Bea Miller
🎶 "Elastic Heart" - Sia
🎶 "idontwannabeyouanymore" - Billie Eilish
🎶 "I'll Be Good" - Jaymes Young
🎶 "Aftermath" - Lauren Spencer Smith
🎶 "Easy On Me" - Adele
🎶 "Young And Beautiful - DH Orchestral Version" - Lana Del Rey
🎶 "Gravedigger" - Livingston
🎶 "Lie Lie Lie" - Joshua Bassett
🎶 "I'm Tired" - Labrinth, Zendaya
🎶 "Little Black Dress" - One Direction
🎶 "Hercules" - Livingston
🎶 "Francesca" - Hozier
🎶 "Put A Little Love On Me" - Niall Horan
🎶 "Slow Hands" - Niall Horan
🎶 "Shadow" - Livingston
🎶 "Silence" - Marshmello, Khalid
🎶 "Fairytale" - Livingston
🎶 "Welcome to Wonderland" - Anson Seabra
🎶 "Slut! (Taylor's Version) (From the Vault)" - Taylor Swift
🎶 "Can't Help Falling In Love" - Christina Grimme
🎶 "I Think I'm In Love" - Kat Dahlia
🎶 "Wonder" - Shawn Mendes
🎶 "golden hour" - JVKE
🎶 "Dream A Little Dream Of Me" - Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong
🎶 "Coffee In The Morning" - Jeremy Jordan
🎶 "Afterglow" - Taylor Swift
🎶 "Constellations - Piano Version" - Jade LeMac
🎶 "Love Of My Life" - Harry Styles
🎶 "Wildflower" - 5 Seconds of Summer
🎶 "I Know Places (Taylor's Version)" - Taylor Swift
🎶 "Shotgun" - George Ezra
🎶 "Like No One Could" - flora cash
🎶 "Stargazing" - Myles Smith
🎶 "You Will Be Found" - Sam Smith, Summer Walker

"I'll take the pain, hers and mine, both. I can take it. I will take it if it means having her like this. Always."

💫 Tropes 💫

🎬 Hollywood Romance
🎬 Grumpy x Sunshine
🎬 Hurt/Comfort
🎬 Tragic Past
🎬 Golden Retriever MMC
🎬 Tortured Lead

Book Edit - https://www.instagram.com/p/C-pirvFgX...
Profile Image for Emma Scott.
Author 37 books8,563 followers
Read
August 12, 2024
His phone buzzes, this time with a ringtone. Taylor Swift’s “You Need to Calm Down” emits from his jacket pocket. “It’s my publicist. I should probably…” He jabs a button. “Hey, Courtney. What’d I do wrong now?”

I watch as Zach listens, his face falling, brows coming together.

“Shit. Okay, yeah, send the link. Thanks.” He hangs up and studies his phone until a text chimes. He hits a button, and from upside down, I can see a blog post open. Zach scrolls warily until he comes to a photo, and then his hard expression all but melts off his face.

“Care to share?” I ask.

He glances up. “It seems as if someone at your party kept their cell phone after all.”

Zach hands me his phone so I can read a Scandal Sheet article. The Scandal Sheet is a Hollywood blog written by an anonymous someone or someones. Our very own Lady Whistledown, who seems to have a million contacts and sources. I try never to read that garbage, and now I’m on it.

Zachary Butler has been caught in an “intimate moment” with a mystery woman who happens to be me. I scroll down and there are photos of Zach, his back mostly to the camera but still obviously him, putting his Tom Ford jacket over my shoulders. Six photos in all: us talking, smiling, and the last one…

“Shit.”

The last one is me staring up at Zach, my face open, my smile easy, and my eyes drinking him in as if there were no one else in the world.

“It’s Dana,” I snap, returning his phone. “Dana took those pics and sold them.” Humiliation burns my cheeks. “I’m sorry, Zach. I don’t even know what to say. I’m mortified. Not to mention, professionally ruined. I’ll never be hired again.”

“Hey, it’s okay,” Zach says, smiling gently. “You’re not ruined. Every producer in LA has seen this shit before and they don’t care. You’re too good at your job, anyway.”

I narrow my eyes at him. “Why are you so calm? This is probably why Eva’s calling you. You came here to work and now you have to deal with more drama.”

“I knew what I was getting into when I came to your party,” Zach says, and that same soft look comes over his face with an added pinch of mischief in his hazel eyes. “And besides, it’s kind of worth it.”

“How?” I demand. “How is it worth it?”

He turns the phone to show me the pic of me gazing up at him like a lovesick dope.

“Oh my God.” I shove his hand away. “That is not… That is one moment…”

A satisfied smile spreads over his luscious mouth as he studies the photo again. “I agree. That’s a moment.”

“Ugh…”

“Hey, don’t be embarrassed,” he says, putting his phone away. “If the camera had been pointing at me, they’d all see I was looking at you the same way.”


Coming Aug 20th!
Profile Image for Gitte TotallyBookedBlog.
2,094 reviews940 followers
August 19, 2024
description

✨‘The guilt is just a butterfly, and right now, it’s flown away. I have a little bit of peace, but deep down, I know it’s fragile. Delicate. It has rules and conditions. I don’t know what they are and don’t want to find out.’✨

Falling Like Stars by Emma Scott embodies everything we love about this wonderful Author. Beautifully written, intensely emotional and ever so compelling. As always, we instantly fell in love with her complex characters and were riveted by their individual stories as well as cheering on their respective healing and love affair. Emma Scott always manages to provoke such a visceral response in us readers when we pick up one of her books.

✨‘Something fundamental in me had been dying, and his kiss was the resuscitation. The sustenance I needed to live instead of merely exist, showing me what kind of life was possible if only…’✨

Falling Like Stars is the story of Rowan and Zachary. Each carrying wounds that haven’t quite healed from still being picked at, each carrying a debilitating guilt. Rowan lost the love of her life in a tragic accident at such a young age, and Zachary lost his dream of a future with the girl with whom everything began. Both of them have many years of hurt to unravel if they’re to find a new future, a new dream, and a love that comes without conditions and perceived guilt. A love which is honest and real when it comes to acceptance, understanding, and ultimately selfless happiness.

✨’And I lie over Rowan, a shield between her and the world that’s been so cruel. I’ll take the pain, her and mine, both. I can take it. I will take it if it means having her like this. Always.’✨

We loved everything about Falling Like Stars and were reminded once again of why Emma Scott is one of our ultimate one-click Authors. Her prose is haunting, confronting, beautiful and passionate.

✨“Why me?”
“Because, Rowan. I like who I am when I’m with you.”✨
Profile Image for Malene.
1,341 reviews758 followers
August 18, 2024
This Hollywood romance was just what I needed. Angst, drama and romance done to perfection. There’s something special about an Emma Scott story. Her writing and storytelling feels so effortless. I was immediately swept up in Rowan and Zach’s journey and their love. With the snap of a finger. Just like that. These two characters were so intriguing and relatable. All because of Scott’s layered portrayal. Rowan and Zach each go through so much. It’s important and sensitive topics and they are conveyed with a haunting authenticity.
The growth and reflection Rowan and Zach do was so beautifully written. I could easily tell and feel that Scott had done her research which only strengthened not only the characters but the overall story.
The side characters were top notch. I mean J.J, Jeremy and the rest of Zach’s family were another highlight among many.
This is Emma Scott’s first book in almost two years and I’m so happy she chose to tell this story. Bravo!
Profile Image for Joanne Ragona.
679 reviews30 followers
August 6, 2024
“Learning and growing is a lifelong journey with no finish line.”

There is nothing better than finishing a book with a huge smile on my face and my heart bursting with love for All. The. Words. This is how I feel after finishing Falling Like Stars. This is how I always feel finishing an Emma Scott book. I feel grateful for an author who not only writes beautifully but also evokes all the emotions, always raising the bar on telling powerful, poignant and important love stories.

Zachary Butler is a movie star. He is handsome and kind and not caught up in the drama and pretension of Hollywood life. Unfortunately his ex-fiancé Eva Dean is and after a sweet turned toxic relationship, they part ways. Rowan Walsh is a production assistant who always had dreams of becoming a costume designer but after a heartbreaking tragedy, she puts those aspirations aside. Instead, Rowan lives a quiet and simple life as the sorrow and pain of her past lives loudly in her heart.

A chance meeting on a set, in a hot tub, a shared bottle of wine (with only one glass) hilarious banter and honest and candid conversation will spark an attraction between Zachary and Rowan. Their connection will not be easy as misunderstandings, gossip, paparazzi, jealousy and the past will hinder their budding relationship.

This book is a love letter to Hollywood with super fun cameos and the glitz and glamour of celebrity life. It also delves into the lonely side of this life, the irony of having so much but feeling so empty. Grief and guilt is also explored as Rowan deals heavily with both. Her guilt obstructs her ability to feel worthy of living a happy life. These two tortured souls will help each other heal and learn the importance of love, forgiveness and being seen.

“I feel like I can breathe. For the first time in years, I can breathe and just…be.”

Falling Like Stars is classic Emma Scott—beautifully written with characters who will touch your heart, a storyline that is emotionally powerful, deeply personal, and filled with tender moments that create such a moving and beautiful love story.

This whole book is a moment. And a book completely worthy of all the love, all the praise and all the stars. ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Profile Image for warhawke.
1,550 reviews2,237 followers
August 12, 2024

Genre: Contemporary Romance
Type: Standalone
POV: First Person - Dual
Rating:
4.25 stars



Years ago, Rowan Walsh had a Hollywood dream that was stunted by the night that changed her life. An encounter with megastar Zachary (Zach) Butler stirred the buried desires to make changes in her professional and love life. But he had his own battles to fight before they could have a future together.



This book started heavy on the emotions. The rest of the story turned out to be lighter than anticipated, but I enjoyed it nonetheless.

“Why me?”
“Because, Rowan. I like who I am when I’m with you.”


Zach was a sweetheart, and I wanted to protect him at all costs. Rowan had long-term repressed issues, and while it was frustrating at times, it was also understandable. There were plenty of industry drama and interesting characters to keep the story engaging.

Falling Like Stars is a story of healing and self-rediscovery. It would appeal to readers who enjoy contemporary romance in a Hollywood setting.





🔹️💫🔹️. . . (F)BR with Twinsie CC & Loyda . . . 🔹️💫🔹️






For more reviews/interviews/book talk/promo visit:



For graphics, trailers & author services visit Warhawke Design Studio.

Profile Image for ✰ Bianca ✰ BJ's Book Blog ✰ .
2,332 reviews1,342 followers
August 20, 2024
description
description

Rowan + Zachary

Ten years ago Rowan experienced something really awful and she still hasn't healed from it. Maybe she never will. That's why she kind of gave up on life and her dreams and now 'just' works as an Production Assistant on Hollywood Movie sets.
That's where she meets Zachary. Hollywood superstar.
He just broke up with his on again / off again fiancée Eva.
Rowan and Zach? Insta attraction. But Rowan is not in the market for a boyfriend. Probably never again after what happened back then.
But she agrees to work on Zach's next film in Alaska....

LET THE FUN TIMES BEGIN ...

══════════════════

description
description

I just love Hollywood Romances!
And this one was just adorable!
And also very sad and heartbreaking. I started crying in the prologue.
Both Rowan and Zach are not really ready for that final happily ever after. There's a lot of work to do. Therapy. Exes. Grieving. And so much more. But the reader loves every moment of it all.
Zach is just such perfect book boyfriend material!
And poor Rowan - our grumpy heroine - she's great too. She just has a lot of stuff to overcome first.
I loved reading this.
I wouldn't mind watching the movie one day.

FALLING LIKE STARS was such an adorable + sweet + funny + sparky + sexy + sad + heartbreaking Hollywood love story. Please run to your nearest book dealer for your own Zach - this one is MINE!

If you can't click the buy-links from your phone -
click ► HERE!


description
💜 💜


Smokin Hot Book Blog Smokin Hot Book Blog Smokin Hot Book Blog Smokin Hot Book Blog
Profile Image for Nadine.
1,044 reviews124 followers
August 21, 2024
I don't know what to say, even a few days after finishing this book, I have no words to describe what this book put me through. It takes a very special book, a very special writing to not only get me teared up, but also makes me actually cry. By the end of the book the tears streamed down my face because I couldn't hold in all the emotions this book made me feel.

No surprise here, that Falling Like Stars drew me right in, got a grip on my heart and only released it when I finished the book. Emma Scott just has a way with words that gets to me every single time.
Rowan and Zach's story strummed every of my emotional chords and combined them into a most beautiful melody that still resonates within me.

I simply love the way Rowan and Zach's characters develop throughout their journey is simply stunning. Their chemistry is sparkling from their first encounter and evolves into a beautiful firework during their journey. Their relationship is for both the key to face their inner demons. Demons that they need to face to go forward in life because it seems that both put the pause button somehow.

Rowan facing the demons of grief and guilt, that haunted her since she was a teenager. The way Emma Scott portraits it, you simply feel that this comes deep from within herself. That she puts her own journey into the book and that's what made it feel so real, so raw so hauntingly beautiful.

Zach facing the demons of a toxic relationship. Of loosing himself in a relationship with a narcissistic partner and finally fighting for a way out of it.

I love how supportive and accepting Rowan and Zach are with each other. There was no pushing the other. There was only support and understanding. Accepting the fact that they needed time to heal, time to face what held them back. Giving the other the freedom and room they needed to be able to fully open the heart for the other without giving up on each other.

I love how Zach and Rowan brought each other back to life. How their individual journey didn't prevent them from developing also together in their relationship. They are the equivalent of the quote by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry "Love does not consist gazing at each other, but in looking outward together in the same direction."

My first breaking point came with a beautiful butterfly analogy. You'll simply know when you get there. And you feel it even deeper in your bones when you recently faced loss and a journey of grief yourself. What a wonderful way to weave Izzy into these pages: never forgotten, always loved.

Falling Like Stars is a beautiful emotional rollercoaster, that gives you all the feels. That makes you cry while you are still smiling. That breaks your heart while still beating and loving. It shows that moving on from something that holds you back is worth the fight until you see the light again.
Profile Image for Stephanie Rose.
Author 30 books2,945 followers
August 20, 2024
I will fight and die for Zachary Butler. We need more romance heroes like him. Hot, sweet, and wounded with big, beautiful open heart.

Falling Like Stars is a beautiful read, and once I started, Zach and Rowan sucked me in from the first page and I finished in almost a single sitting. Their chemistry bursts from the page but their soul-deep love is what's palpable whenever they're together. Both of them are working through a bad past, but once they meet, they're exactly what the other needs.

A million stars for one of my favorite reads of the year.
Profile Image for Sarah Anne.
1,880 reviews190 followers
August 27, 2024
No strong representation of diverse characters or minority identities.

Overall: 2.75-stars

It felt like the MCs were never in the right place to be in a relationship. They both had too much unresolved trauma to make me think that the depth of their relationship with each other was believable. E.g., the (extreme) ex-fiancée drama goes until 90% of the novel.

Safety Rating: Not Safe

Possible Triggers: Yes

Ending:
Profile Image for Carvanz.
2,379 reviews896 followers
August 15, 2024
Simply beautiful. Everything about Rowan and Zachary felt genuine as were the emotions their story stirred within me.


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Rowan’s past experience shattered my heart just as it shattered hers. My heart ached for all that she had been through and the struggle of digging herself out of the black hole she had been living in. Zachary was exactly what she needed and I loved seeing his light shine on her. They each have a few hits and misses making this a perfectly imperfect love story and causing me to fall even harder for them both.


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This had a great pace to it as it was rich with emotion, humor and steam. The Hollywood background did not overshadow the story, which I was thankful for as I’m not a fan of such stories. While this had enough angst to make me want to chuck my book a time or two, it also did not overshadow the story. Overall, this was everything I love and reading this book was like coming home again with one of my favorite authors.

Dual POV
Safe
Triggers


Profile Image for Em (semi-hiatus).
738 reviews274 followers
August 23, 2024
Rowan and Zachary? Sounds like a gay romance, but it's just a straight romance disappointment.
Profile Image for Ana | SheSaidYestoBooks.
1,994 reviews151 followers
September 11, 2024
4.5 stars ⭐️

This book had me at the prologue...wow, what a way to start a story. Scott has written an amazing, heartfelt and emotional book. It was so beautifully written! The characters were richly crafted and strong. It was so easy to get lost in the pages of this book.

The only reason this book is not getting all the stars from me is because I think the storyline with Eva was too big a focus on the book overshadowing the beauty of Rowan and Zachary’s romance. I just needed more of Rowan and Zachary and less of Eva and Zachary. But nevertheless, an incredible love story! One I will not soon forget.

TROPES: workplace, forced proximity, tortures heroine, tortured hero, grief/death
Profile Image for Jasmine.
581 reviews876 followers
August 21, 2024
"I like who I am when I'm with you."

*wailing*

It's official, guys. Falling Like Stars is now my most favorite book from Emma Scott. I don't think I've read anything that touches me more deeply than Rowan and Zachary's story does. The fact that I can personally relate to Rowan's experience says it all. It's not easy to get over a tragic past and time can't fully heal; it's just slowly relieving the pain but whatever comes with the memory will always live on as long as you're alive.

Neither Rowan nor Zachary had an easy childhood/life. Rowan lost someone extremely important before realizing how significant he was, while Zachary had been in a terribly toxic relationship for YEARS before truly acknowledging the signs and their consequences. My heart broke for both of them whenever they were stuck with their personal demons and when they kept spiraling down the unfathomably bottomless black hole in their minds. The impact was even stronger for me as I had been enduring something similar all this time...even until now; I didn't think there would ever be a way out for me but after reading this book, I saw and felt HOPE for the first time. (So, for that, thank you from the bottom of my heart, Emma.)

"Rowan." My name is steam off his lips. "Thank you."
"For what?" I'm pulling him tight to me, but I can't get him close enough.
"For being how you are...with me."

Needless to say, this book could only be appreciated by thoroughly savoring every single word. Without spoiling the story, I just wanted to remind you that there were trigger warnings including domestic violence, narcissism, toxic romantic relationship, self-deprecation, and lots of PTSD flashbacks (from the protagonists).

What really impressed me the most, though, was the detailed description of therapy sessions throughout this book. Honestly, I'd been thinking about seeing a therapist in real life due to my childhood experience for a long, long time; however, growing up in a conservative Asian family, it was common to be labeled as someone "problematic" or "weird" to have mental health issues. Hence, I dared not speak of my "problems" (a.k.a. trust issues) when in public.

So color me shocked (and utterly relieved) to read about all those therapy sessions the characters were having in this book. I couldn't thank Emma enough for shedding light on the importance of taking care of one's well-being and for raising awareness of mental health with her beautifully eloquent writing. The methods taught and demonstrated here were incredibly helpful, even as a reader, so I was beyond amazed by the power of Emma's words. *teary eyes*

Enough said, please, please, pleeeeaaassseee go pick up Falling Like Stars! It was easily a 5/5-star read for me and I fell in love with Rowan and Zach all over again simply by revisiting my favorite parts of their story. Believe it or not, I was shipping them so much even when putting my thoughts into this review and rereading all the quotes I highlighted just now. You knew it'd be a book of a lifetime when literally every word in it tugged at your heartstrings. All in all, I'd definitely hold this book dearly to my heart and I hoped you would, too.

***Massive thanks to Valentine PR and the author for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.***
Profile Image for Michelle.
3,174 reviews36 followers
August 19, 2024
4.5 stars. I couldn't wait to dive into Emma Scott's latest book and this sounded like it was right up my alley of favorite tropes. Rowan Walsh hasn't been truly living due to past tragic events, but working as a production assistant on the set of movies is good enough for her. Just like her nonexistent love life, where she never does anything more than casual. Zachary Butler, current darling and leading man in Hollywood, is working hard at a job that he loves and because it helps him to channel his inner turmoil and energy into his roles. Although his life looks glamorous and blessed, he is functioning in his own version of survivor mode.

Both of these characters have their own personal traumas that they are dealing with and handling it in their own way. As a result, Rowan isn't one to fawn over other people because her authenticity and experience has shown her that there's no benefit in sugarcoating anything. Zach finds this incredibly refreshing and inspiring because everyone around him is superficial and eager to please. I loved that Rowan wasn't willing to budge an inch, but Zach still managed to creep his way into her heart because he was so sincere and encouraging.

Emma Scott didn't cut corners when highlighting the reality of a celebrity becoming involved with a non-celebrity and all the drama and gossip that ensues. Especially when there is an on-and-off again ex-girlfriend who won't get the memo that the relationship is over. Not to mention all of the turbulence she brings. Zach is truly a wonderful guy who stays true to himself and tries to see the best positive light in everything. I was endeared to the way he was supportive of Rowan without being pushy and allowing her to find her space and decide to do better for herself. I was also thrilled to see Rowan become a safe spot of comfort and solidarity for Zach in return. Emma always sets up these challenges for her main characters and they manage to persevere, but never without being grateful and mindful of what they've overcome. There's always significant take away lessons with the prevailing message that love always wins.
Profile Image for Jordan Vogel.
218 reviews29 followers
August 14, 2024
✨ ARC Review ✨
Pub date: August 20

Falling Like Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🎬
“I feel like I can breathe. For the first time in years, I can breathe and just…be.”
🎬
The EASIEST 5-stars! If you like celebrity plot lines, angst, two characters that you root for the entire book, us against the world vibes, then mark your calendar for August 20 😭 I’m having a hard time putting into words just how much I loved this book and Rowan and Zach but wow wow wow I’m blown away 🤍
🎬
A mega popular movie star and a production assistant would seem like an unlikely match for a friendship, but Zachary Butler finds Rowan and her no-bs, sarcastic attitude to be a breath of fresh air after his highly publicized break up with his toxic ex. Rowan on the other hand is still haunted by a devastating moment a decade later and is not used to anyone getting through the enormous walls she has built around herself. As their connection deepens, they both are faced with their own hidden scars and must work through how to navigate building a relationship through the drama of tabloids, exes, and past demons.
🎬
I love Emma Scott’s writing- I feel like her stories always stick with me and I know this one will be no different. Her characters are imperfect and relatable- I have yet to read a book by her where I’m not constantly cheering for the mcs and jumping in my seat for them to get their well-earned HEA 🥺

Read if you like:
🎬 movie star mmc
🎬 workplace romance
🎬 angst
🎬 the two most lovable main characters
🎬 mental health and therapy rep
🎬 sassy and strong fmc


Thank you Emma Scott and Valentine PR for the advance read of this gem!
Profile Image for Patricia (Spellbound Stories Trish) .
2,824 reviews116 followers
January 14, 2025
Emma Scott is always an instant one click for me. I can always rely on her stories hitting something deep in my soul that no one else can.

Rowan and Zach…so amazing in every way! From their first words you could feel the attraction but more than that, the connection. I loved that this book hit on some very tough topics and handled it in a way that wasn’t over the top and over dramatic. You could easily connect with either character because Scott did an incredible job crafting two characters who are just like us.
Profile Image for Mel.
803 reviews66 followers
August 21, 2024
5 “That was a moment” stars!

When Rowan was fifteen, she thought her future was figured out. She was happy and in love with her best friend, and she could see the life she’d have with him by her side. Then, tragedy stuck. Unable to move on from the heartbreak and guilt, Rowan doesn’t allow herself to want what should have been. She stays away from the good guys and only allows herself to be with the ones who don’t remind her of what she might have had before the night that took everything from her.

Zach is the hottest new Hollywood star and he is making a name for himself on the silver screen. But with fame can come toxic relationships. He, too, thought his life was headed in one direction only to have everything fall apart. Now, he can’t understand how it all went wrong.

Falling Like Stars is my new favorite read. It is emotionally heart-wrenching at times but then it fills you up until your heart is over flowing. I felt so many things while reading this story that I am still consumed with these characters and everything they went through even though the story is over. I cried, I laughed, and I loved so hard! Rowan and Zach are everything and I loved their story.

Rowan meets Zach while working on his recent movie as a production assistant. There’s a spark between them but there isn’t room for a new relationship for either of them no matter how intrigued they are with each other. They find themselves in these moments though that let the other see who they truly are. They can trust each other and slowly they want what they think they can’t have.

Rowan harbored so much guilt and loved with unending heartache for over ten years that when she finally takes a step to heal, it filled my heart with so much love. It’s a painful journey but it is worth it. I felt like I knew her and really wanted her to find the happiness that was ripped away.

And Zach had a lot to figure out. My heart broke for this amazing guy who had to deal with the one person who should have supported him but only tore him down. He is such a good guy and he should never have had to go through that or feel the guilt of losing what he imagined he’d have.

I loved when Rowan and Zach finally get together. They bring on the heat but it’s their connection emotionally that really made me have butterflies. They are wonderful together, experiencing love again and having fun. However, when they finally seem to be able to move forward in their relationship there are setbacks that could have the ability to crush them. But where there could have been a whole bunch of drama between Zach and Rowan, they stood by each other with their unending support. Not to say there isn’t drama, it’s just not the drama that takes away from their love. It only makes them stronger.

Overall, this story was fantastic. Get ready for the tissues because it is emotional. All the tears are worth it when you have two amazing characters who belong together the way Rowan and Zach do! I loved it!

*ARC generously provided by the author and Valentine PR & Literary Management*


Profile Image for Christina.
246 reviews14 followers
August 20, 2024
Hands down the best Hollywood romance book I’ve read to date! I’ve been trying to think of another book in this trope that tops Falling Like Stars and I can’t think of a single one. Zachary Butler is THE BEST Hero I’ve read in a long time. Feel like swooning? Zach is your man!

Don’t get me wrong. This book is not without its heartbreak. Emma Scott writes about grief, guilt, and abuse in a tone that is realistic and relatable with the utmost care and consideration. I felt so many things while getting to know these amazing characters. Every single one is done so well, in my opinion. There’s a lot of character growth that happens as well. My favorite part about this book are the MCs and the way in which they love each other. Not only is Zach Butler a totally head over heels swoon worthy cinnamon roll Hero with his own trauma to process, but Rowan is a strong female lead with a lot of grief that needed unpacking. What she endured was truly heartbreaking. I loved watching her hard exterior crumple under Zach’s love, and watching Zach overcome a difficult a situation of his own. My words do not do their experiences any justice.

In addition, their chemistry was OFF the charts (yes, in true Emma fashion we get a lot of spice!). I cannot remember the last time someone wrote such perfectly flawed characters that blended so well together. I LOVED reading this book, and finished it cover to cover in less than 24. That is a big deal for me!

Emma Scott deserves all the STARS in the galaxy for this book. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!
Profile Image for Karen.
1,635 reviews133 followers
August 12, 2024
This book completely sucked me in from the first page. Thank heavens for lazy Sundays when there is no place to be but on my sofa.

The most brilliant actor, Zach Butler is in a toxic relationship with Eva Dean. She’s vile. I wanted to do her physical harm for what she did. How could she? If you’ve read Full Tilt (and you most definitely should) you will know exactly why I’m raging.

Sad, sweet, Rowan Walsh has been living a half life since she was 15. She thinks she doesn’t deserve happiness. Then along comes Zach and he sweeps her off her feet. I love their chemistry. Hot tub and wine sharing - that is the way to a girl’s heart.

They have to take baby steps because they both have trauma to get through. I was rooting for them. Cheering the wins and booing and hissing at the baddies.

Loved the little Easter eggs along the way, and the butterflies 🦋

Zach could be my leading man any time. He absolutely wins my Oscar. I feel like I need to watch all of his films (I do know he isn’t a real person, but a girl can dream).Also, his brother is still free. I’m chomping at the bit for a Jeremy book. Please, please, please Emma, can we have a Jeremy book? I think a best friend and twin brother book would be excellent.
Profile Image for Amee.
813 reviews52 followers
September 11, 2024
Not surprised one bit how much I loved this! Zach was a breath of fresh air after a string of less than lovable MMC’s recently.
Profile Image for Kaitie.
1,130 reviews34 followers
August 10, 2024
Emma Scott’s books are the ones that always pull every single emotion out of a person. Laughter,crying, hope, love, happiness, and so on. She has a way of weaving it all into a beautiful story every single time. Rowan and Zachary had me all over the place, but in the best way possible. I adored this book. And every time a blue butterfly was mentioned my thoughts revolved around Ms. Scott’s family. If you know you know. But I hold your books, blue butterflies, and your family in my heart always. This book is everything I didn’t know I needed at this time ❤️
Profile Image for Shannon Pace.
79 reviews118 followers
September 7, 2024
I love Emma Scott but this just didn’t do it for me

I enjoyed her writing. I always do.

But i dislike name dropping in books. I understand it’s Hollywood romance kinda but I was expecting SO much more to it. I love romance with sad topics or traumatic topics and it did have it in it but it didn’t really delve into those issues AlOT. I got to 80% of the book and still wanted that to be spoken about more.

When you’re name dropping ‘leonardo dicaprio and Robert di niro’ I just had to roll my eyes so hard I was worried they got stuck behind my head. Yeah I don’t like it… maybe make up some names???

Idk it was alright but not great so I’d say 2.75-3stars?!
Profile Image for lizzy &#x1faf6;(lorenhalesgirl).
124 reviews3 followers
September 9, 2024
Rating: 2.5 🌟

This was a disappointment for me because I was actually really excited to read this book since I’ve read ‘Forever right now’ by this author which I really liked. The romance just felt too insta lovey for me 🫣 Throughout the story the characters were never in the right place to be in a relationship because of their unresolved trauma. I would highly recommend checking trigger warnings before picking this book up as there is great discussions of grief and domestic violence. I will say that the author did such a good job with depicting grief in this book.

I just couldn’t connect with the writing as it felt flat and cringe most of the time. This book didn’t hold my interest like I had to push myself to finish it. I guess I just wanted more from it. It’s definitely more character driven which is the case with most romance books. This was a palette cleanser for me after finishing the prison healer trilogy which left a gaping hole in my chest 😭 I will say that I like the fact that the film industry is a big part of this story. It was interesting to read about.
Profile Image for mary Baird.
657 reviews10 followers
August 26, 2024
Falling Like Stars is an UNPUTDOWNABLE book that is truly an amazing, thought provoking, heart wrenching story of love, loss, guilt, grief and ultimately a chance at finding happiness. This isn’t hearts and flower but an emotional rollercoaster so have the tissues ready! This book is an absolute “MUST READ” that will leave a lasting imprint on your heart.

Rowan Walsh was 15 years old when the boy she had grown up, her childhood sweetheart and was in love with was taken from her by a tragic accident. Josh Bennett was a good guy who loved Rowan with all his heart. The tragedy left her consumed with not only guilt but without the ability to move past undeserving feelings that she was still alive when Josh was no longer.

It’s ten years later now, Rowan has not allowed herself to have a real relationship with a good guy like Josh. Opting instead to seek out more unsavory men to hook up with, repeatedly putting herself at risk. Rowan has shelved her dream of becoming a Hollywood costume designer, instead she was working as a production assistant. It’s here that she meets Zachery Butler an up-and-coming Hollywood heartthrob finding herself totally mesmerized by his imposing good looks too. Yet it’s not until one evening when Zach crashes her one-person party in an uninhabited hot tub and ends up joining her, only to be repeated the next night! Talk about “having a moment”!

Zach has his own conundrum he lives with. He and his Fiancé, Eva Dean have been a Hollywood’s off and on couple for some time. What started as the couple coming to Hollywood to find success, started with them landing a co-starring roles in a successful series. Zach was in love with Eva and wanted a future and family with her. By the time the series ended Eva had changed. She had become a narcissistic, condescending, abusive witch. Not only that she was jealous of Zach’s success, making his life living torture.

I loved how Rowan was not affected by Zach’s celebrity plus he was so freakin down to earth! They had this ability to see and understand each other that was magical. Rowan and Zach stood by and supported each other through thick and thin even when things got rough. The pull between Rowan and Zach was innate with an unspoken spark waiting to be lit. And when they got together man did they ever bring the heat.
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