Jemma Boxed Set

Entertainment with Jem #1-5

by Clarissa Carlyle

Jemma Larson knows tough times. She's been raising her baby brother ever since her parents perished in a car crash. As the owner of the popular blog, Entertainment with Jem, she has been using the income from her blog to keep them both fed and a roof over their heads. Now her blog's income is declining amidst vicious competition. Jemma needs to do something desperate to be able to feed and take care of herself and her little brother before Social Services comes calling again. Her greatest fear- having her beloved little brother taken from her. Jemma will do anything to prevent that. Even if it means going out on a limb with her blog.

Reading about new reality TV show heartthrob, Daniel Starke, an opportunity presents itself to get an exclusive interview with him. She knows this will boost her blog's readership and income. But everything she's read in the press about Daniel has him painted as a womanizing, self-centered jerk. Pushed to pay her bills, she agrees to the interview.

At their meeting, she realizes that Daniel is nothing like she expected- and sparks fly! Normally shy Jemma is now thrust into the spotlight. But nothing in the entertainment world is as it seems, as Jemma is about to find out.

NOTE: This book contains some adult situations. 18+, mature audiences recommended.

Genres: New Adult

344 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 16, 2016

About the author

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New Adult Romance author. Reading was my earliest passion, often seeking the sanctuary of my room or the library to read everything I could get my hands on. I penned romantic poetry in high school and was winning school awards for my short stories at 16. In college I would hibernate in the library for days at a time, consuming every short story and novel I could find.

I probably drink too much coffee and eat too much junk food, but to compensate do like running and rollerblading outdoors when the weather is nice. I'm a hopeful romantic who prefers stories with a happy ending. You can often find me in a library or coffee shop working on my next story, or with my nose in a book.

http://clarissacarlyle.blogspot.com
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Reviews

[Cheeseburger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing series!

This is such a fun ride! Jemma is struggling through her life being a parent to her younger brother Robbie due to loosing there parents. She does blogging as a side job to support Robbie and herself. She is trying to increase her blog by interviewing a celebrity. She meets Celebrity Daniel. The sparks fly and loads of drama in the the process. Check out this series it will not disappoint.

[RoxAnne Simon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the series.

I got Part 1 for free, enjoyed reading about Jemma and her strength through adversity, so bought Part 2, then 3 before I realized there was a set. Wish it had continued on, I would still be reading!

[Kavita Kumar · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given a free copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.

I enjoyed reading this book. The books were very short individually, but together they could be considered one whole novel.

That being said here is my review.
Plot : 4
Main Characters : 4
Chemistry between the Leads : 4
Side Characters : 4
Feel/Emotions : 4
Twists : 3.5
Writing Style: 4

My thoughts : This was a pleasant lovey-dovey kinda story. So Daniel Clarke is a rising TV sensation and Jemma is a blogger. The plot revolves around a lot of drama (rising TRPs !!) about a competitive blogger, manipulative agent, crazy ex, emotional family responsibilities, gossips, online comments and add in a reality show in the mix we have an entertaining plot. And let's not forget the temptation of a hot yet sweet rockstar !!

The story was pretty predictable. I had half a mind to wish for Jemma ending up with the rockstar just for kicks !! cackle cackle ;)

The scenes which showed the bond between Jemma and Pan (who ate pancakes every day.. cute !!) and how terrified they are of the CPS were very touching. The ex is a crazy piece of work and the other blogger is not far behind.

In conclusion, the book showcases the TV world and the online world and how people are misjudged and bullied. This story can be read once as it has a pretty predictable plot where it concerns the leads.

I give it 4 Pan-oops-Mr.Hook- stars !!

[QuinnReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very solid four star series. Typically, I'm not a fan of so much drama but in this case, it was usually well balanced with other aspects of the characters. Jemma's seemingly quiet life is upturned when she scores an interview with Daniel Stark, an up-and-coming actor. She's suddenly thrust into the limelight and becomes the focus of hateful energy from others. Things go from decent to bad to worse to good to bad to great throughout the series.

I enjoyed the voice provided by the narrator. An overall enjoyable experience.

Story: 4 stars
Narrator: 4 Stars

[Ariella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jemma is a vlogger and gets a interview with Daniel. Daniel was on a dating reality show and wants to be an actor. His agent is an asshole. Ali is another vlogger and puts Jemma down. I loved these short stories.

[Atlanta Whitlock · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you haven’t already read this series yet, then you are seriously missing out. I fell in love with it from the beginning, Clarissa Carlyle has yet again managed to outdo her work and has given us such an incredible series, I honestly think that as each time Clarissa releases her work she gets better each time.
I would recommend anyone that is a fan of her work and haven’t already read this series then you are in luck, you can purchase this as a boxset so that you don’t have to buy the next one and carry on reading or you can just go ahead and purchase them individually.

I seriously loved how this story developed and I’m hoping that you will too. For those that haven’t got a clue what this series is about Jemma Larson is a blogger, she runs her own blog in order to help look after her brother. Everything seems to be going well up until a rival blogger seems to be taking the spotlight and is gaining more viewers, so Jemma thinks that if she can get an interview with the one and only famous Daniel Starke then her problems will be over. However the last thing that Jemma expects is for her world to be thrown upside down from the moment she first meets Daniel, but with a jealous ex girlfriend it seems like Jemma’s problems are only going to get worse.

So if you thought that was intriguing then go and grab you’re copy of this amazing boxset.

[Nicole Ortiz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is 5 short stories about a blogger named Jemma and the ups and downs of her relationship with Daniel. Once I started reading I was sucked into the story line. It kinda reminded me of a Tele novela and Jerry Springer. I have mixed feelings because I liked some parts of the story and some I just can't see someone dealing with or putting up with in reality.
I received an ARC and volunteered to leave a review.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jemma Larson has had custody of her brother, Robbie, since their parents were killed in a car crash. She is an entertainment blogger and waits tables to help pay the bills. She hasn't done anything original nor tried to push her boundaries to get more viewership. Her rival blogger, Ali, seems to stay one step ahead of her so Jemma decides to try something new. She has an interview set up with Daniel Starke, a reality tv star, whose public image needs an immediate fix. Jemma is surprisingly pleased to find him to be a very kind and personable guy, and not the entitled, arrogant snob that he's portrayed as in the media. There's an immediate spark on both sides and maybe this reputation rehabilitation is going to be something special. But her competition in the blogging world, Ali, is not going to stand idly by as Jemma steals her thunder. Daniel signs a contract for a new reality show with his ex-girlfriend, Lexi, with the stipulation that he not see another woman during its run. He and Jemma manage to sneak around, until it all becomes too much, and Daniel suggests they not see each other until the show is over. She's sick at heart, but her spirits are lifted by a chance meeting with Jasper, a sizzling hot rock star, who wants her for himself. Daniel has some competition! Through all of this, Jemma's worst nightmare comes true. She loses track of Robbie, Child Protective Services is called and her custody of her brother is threatened. Daniel stands by her but, after all the chaos dies down, Jemma says she just can't live like this anymore and pushes everyone away. If Daniel would only come to his senses and see just how Lexi is playing him, there might be a chance for Jemma and Daniel. Lexi is left with one trick up her sleeve and it's a disgusting one, at that. But just as karma can do, it kicks her and lays her out flat! The loose ends are all tied up and it's a very satisfying HEA. Laurie West does an admirable job with the narration. Her voice is dynamic and her characters are well-defined with their own personalities. Excellent box set! 

[Sara Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

**An ARC was exchanged in favor of an honest review**

2.5 stars

I really wanted to like this book. Trust me, I did.

PROS:
1. Daniel was sweet and so was Jemma.
2. There was a good plot line (at first). It made me want to keep reading and I was invested in the characters.

CONS:
1. The off-again-on-again thing between Daniel and Jemma was way too much. I mean come on! Daniel literarily went to some girls house for a blowjob and then left in the middle of it because he felt bad and then the issue is quickly resolved and Daniel and Jemma are back in love. Then they're not. Then they are. Then they aren't. (You get the picture).
2. Lexi wasn't a believable character. I didn't really see why she was targeting Jemma after a while. Was it because she wanted Daniel still? She's a brat? She was bored and wanted attention? I just didn't believe her actions.
3. Everything is so complicated (the plot line), yet everything is always solved too easily. For example, after the accident all it takes is Jemma saying she wants Daniel back and then bam they're dating. Robbie was found too easily after he left (even though the search was anything but easy). The ending of this book was too easy. It just...wasn't believable and there was too much going on.
4. There was way too much swearing. No one swears that much in normal conversation.
5. That ending was not satisfying. I don't understand why the wedding had to be a dream. Why is Ali marrying Adam? Wouldn't she be furious he often slept with clients?
6. The time gaps were often annoying. I felt like some scenes dragged on and on, and then the next thing we know it's several months later.
7. What ever happened to Kenny? Why mention him if he was barely going to be used later on except for a quick one-page text conversation?

I think that's most of what I have to say. I'm a realist, so that's probably why this didn't really work for me. It was a cute romance, however, just not my taste.

[Diana Sapotko · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was given a free copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.

To be honest, I didn't expect much to begin with, but I like the annotation and decided to give it a go.
However, I can't give it more than 2,5 stars and here's why:

1. Jemma and Daniel's relationship was nothing but sex and a short almost meaningless dialog here and there. The only thing that was I was fine with was the writing and description of more heated scenes, but I feel like the author paid to much attention to them and almost fast forwarded from one sex scene to another. At least that's what it felt like to me. When Jemma and Daniel were supposed to have a serios conversation about getting back together or their relationship in general it lasted may be half a page and then I had to read through 2 or 3 pages of them having sex. How is that? If Jemma was so responsible or if the author gave more though to character development, she wouldn't have forgiven or taken Daniel back after months of separation having exchanged a few practically meaningless frases with him knowing that she had her brother to take care of. Oh, and finally, I the entire relationship the book was based on seemed really far fetched to me because I don't know anything about Daniel except that he's not the guy the media describes him as. And that's it.

2. Jemma's brother was supposed to be 7 years old according to the book. But was it just me or did he sound like at least a teenager if not an adult? I just didn't feel like he was a kid at all and the things he said would have never come out of a mouth of a 7-year-old.

3. I don't think the story needed to be separated into 5 books. Each ending was underwhelming and if I didn't have all 5 books I wouldn't be in a hurry to go and buy the next one to find out what happens next. The writing was all over the place, at times it felt like it was written by multiple people. I couldn't figure out the timeline and how much time passed since the last story twist.


Overall, 2 stars is more than enough in my opinion. I didn't mean to be so harsh but I couldn't hekp myself. I think the author should definitely practise her character development skills more to make her future books more believable.

That's my honest review.

[Inishowen Cailín · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was glued to this book from start to finish. Every minute was filled with drama!
The author did a great job of representing the celebrity world. The shallowness, the backstabbing, sleazy agents and over the top bitchiness is exactly how I imagine it to be like and it made for fantastic drama in this serialised novel.
The author also shows us how awful it can be for people who are exposed to online bullying and how easy it is to edit material in order to make fake news.
I enjoyed the romance in this book. I especially liked Daniel's reaction when he meets Jemma for the first time. They have great chemistry and it was clear that they would be great together. I was a little bit disappointed that they got involved in an unhealthy secret relationship but it led to plenty of dramatic scenes and lots of craziness on the parts of Lexi and Ali. After the messed up, nasty things they did to Jemma I really loved watching them get their comeuppance, especially Lexi.
There were a couple of characters I'd like to read more about; Jasper, the rock star, who has his own story in Managed: A Rock Star Romance. And Kenny, the policeman, who helped look for Jemma's brother when he was missing.
The narrator of this boxset did a great job of performing all the different characters, both male and female. She also did the crazy, venomous characters really well!

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jemma is a wonderfully written celebrity romance, packed with intrigue, drama, jealousy, heartache, intensity, and steam; I was enthralled from the start to the end. The characters are absolutely fabulous, particularly Jemma and Daniel. Jemma hasn't had an easy life and is too familiar with hardship. After her parents' death, she becomes a parent to her baby brother with no financial support. When Daniel Starke, a celebrity heartthrob, enters her life, her entire world shifts. After getting to know the real Daniel, it doesn't take long for Jemma's heart to be completely captivated. Unfortunately, a relationship with a celebrity is complicated, those green with envy would stop at nothing to come between Jemma and Daniel.

Laurie West has done a fantastic job with the narration. She portrayed the nuances of the characters, and their emotions and connection, bringing them to life. Jemma was a highly enjoyable listen, one I'll strongly recommend.

[Lulu · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have given this boxed set a three star rating; however, I feel as though it was actually a 2.5 star rating for me.
Each book is a fairly quick read that tells a little portion of how Jemma is dealing with her sudden push into the limelight while raising her brother and trying to figure out her personal life. Initially I would say that I enjoyed the story but somewhere between the third and fourth book the characters put me off. Jemma was a likable at times however she was also frustrating when it came to Daniel, who wasn’t a bad guy but he was not a great communicator or. I was not a fan of Jemma’s friends either.
Lastly, I will say that I understand that Ali and Lexi were not meant to be liked but the level of catty behavior and hostility was too much for me, especially towards the end.

[Trisha c · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jemma is an entertainment blogger. It's her one and only job to support her and her little brother. She has a chance to boost her blog by interviewing realty tv star Daniel Stark. Add in Daniel's crazy ex lover, another blogger trying to sabotage her reputation and a hot rocker who is interested in Jemma. Daniel is stuck in the middle of all this chaos. What will happen to Jemma? This series was hot, steamy to listen to. I enjoyed all 5 books.
Hannah Carmona narration was very good. She is a new narrator for me. She is a pleasure to listen to. She does an amazing job portraying the characters, giving each their own voice and personality. I was gifted the audio and offered my honest review

[Janette Magnuson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blogger by trade... Big Sis/ Mom all other times

Great series. Jenna is a blogger and is guardian of her younger brother since she was 18 yrs old. She has a blog thgat pays the bills but not much of a life besides taking care of her brother. To improve her blog traffic she interviews a reality star Daniel and suddenly her life is out of control. Sparks fly when they are together but not everyone is on board with their relationship and nobody else is playing fair. I read the series as 1 book and couldn't put it down. One you shouldn't pass on. I can't wait to read the spun off series Managed...

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This works best as 1 work. I doubt I could wait for the other books. The story of Daniel and Jemma has cliffhangers and moments of doubt. it has good twists and turns. Perhaps karma steps in. I got this book through the author and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Deb · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was kindly provided a copy of this boxset for an honest review and here it goes :)

By reading the blurb, I had a lot of high hopes for this story and as much as I tried to really love it, I never quite got there...I'M SORRY!!! This would be so much easier if I had, as I see some of my fellow readers quite enjoyed it, so that just means I'm the crazy one :P

This boxset is more like 5 short novellas that bound together can be a book.

I'll break down what I like and didn't like from the story:

- Jemma's relationship with her brother was sweet and a nice element to the story.

- Jasper, the rockstar, was intriguing. Perhaps not right for this story, but he was definitely interesting.

- Lexi was a worthy antagonist. She was despicable with her juvenile tactics and continued attempts to keep Jemma and Daniel apart, which made her a good nemesis.

- Kenny the policeman had great chemistry with Jemma. I would have enjoyed to see more of him.

- I was very intrigued by the idea of a blogger interviewing the most relevant reality TV star and experience how sparks flew between them. But I was underwhelmed. They appear to become instantly attracted to each other, which is perfect, but then the entire relationship lacks substance. Daniel has no backbone and Jemma is very fickle with her emotions, which bothered me some.

- Jemma is an entertainment blogger, yet throughout the book she mentions or lets on by her actions that she is not interested in that lifestyle at all and is actually unaware at first of who Daniel is or how big his stardom is. Now, this got a bit confusing to me, because I understand she was doing it as a means to an end, but she also mentions a few times how much she loves it. Pick a side, Jemma!

- The biggest issue for me is how Jemma and Daniel come across as incredibly childish people who are in this off-again, on-again relationship and can't decide what they really want. Daniel keeps stating how much into Jemma he is, yet never makes a real attempt to be with her other than making empty threats to his terrible agent and crazy ex-girlfriend. Jemma also states how much she's into Daniel, yet she continuously struggles to decide between being with him, dating other people, or taking care of her brother.

- Daniel has an abusive agent who violates his privacy and constantly tries to sabotage him and yet, he still works for him? That was unbelievable to me. It would have made Daniel more likable if he'd stood up to his agent instead of being constantly dragged into crappy situations brought on by him.

- Maya. She was annoying and lost best friend points with me when she relied information from Jemma to Lexi.

- As I continued to move forward with the story, I felt the writing got a bit predictable and there were a few typos that could become distracting.

And that's it, folks! I do hope to read more from this author to learn more about her style, because even though this particular story was not for me, perhaps another one will hook me in :)

[Mandy Sawyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 1
5 stars
Very enjoyable storyline to this little gem. It’s a good plot line. Excellent narration from Hannah.
#audiobookobsessionreviewer

Book 2
5 stars
Love this storyline. There’s so much going on. Excellent performance from Laurie.

Book 3
5 stars
This book is so enjoyable. There’s lots of drama to keep you hooked.

Book 4
5 stars
Ah, life is getting in the way of this book! It’s totally addictive. I’m enjoying it so much.

Book 5
5 stars
This series has been fantastic. I’m hooked by Clarissa’s writing style. The storyline flows so well. The emotion is brilliant. Such a heartfelt performance from Laurie.