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Backstage Romance #0.5
Confessions of a Hollywood Matchmaker
Lights, camera, fall in love.
Hollywood’s sweetheart Emma Woods is perfectly content without a boyfriend, thank you very much. But what’s a girl to do when she’s a romantic at heart?
Play Cupid, of course!
She’ll do whatever it takes to set her makeup artist up on a date with the studio’s gorgeous set designer. Easy peasy, lemon squeezy.
But when her swoony perma-friend Jaxson Knightly disapproves, her matchmaking scheme comes at a higher price than she’d bargained for. He may be the nicest man in showbiz, but he’s about to get downright icy if Emma can’t prove her antics won’t end in disaster. Again.
How can she win other people’s happily-ever-after without losing the friendship of the one man that matters most?
Confessions of a Hollywood Matchmaker is a contemporary Austen-Inspired romantic comedy and a prequel to the Backstage Romance Book Series.
Hollywood’s sweetheart Emma Woods is perfectly content without a boyfriend, thank you very much. But what’s a girl to do when she’s a romantic at heart?
Play Cupid, of course!
She’ll do whatever it takes to set her makeup artist up on a date with the studio’s gorgeous set designer. Easy peasy, lemon squeezy.
But when her swoony perma-friend Jaxson Knightly disapproves, her matchmaking scheme comes at a higher price than she’d bargained for. He may be the nicest man in showbiz, but he’s about to get downright icy if Emma can’t prove her antics won’t end in disaster. Again.
How can she win other people’s happily-ever-after without losing the friendship of the one man that matters most?
Confessions of a Hollywood Matchmaker is a contemporary Austen-Inspired romantic comedy and a prequel to the Backstage Romance Book Series.
107 pages, ebook
First published October 24, 2018
18 people are currently reading
456 people want to read
About the author
Gigi Blume
29 books502 followersGigi is a USA TODAY bestselling author and hopeless musical theatre nerd who has perfected the art of lollygagging.
Former professional wedding singer, Gigi lives in Southern California with her personal chef...er...husband and two weird and awesome teenagers.
When Gigi's not writing like a crazy woman, she likes to belt out showtunes, embarrass her kids, and spend all her free cash on books.
Former professional wedding singer, Gigi lives in Southern California with her personal chef...er...husband and two weird and awesome teenagers.
When Gigi's not writing like a crazy woman, she likes to belt out showtunes, embarrass her kids, and spend all her free cash on books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
January 2, 2026
Confessions of a Hollywood Matchmaker by Gigi Blume is a lighthearted, contemporary romance novella about Hollywood starlet Emma Woods, a charismatic actress with a talent for pairing others up in love, who decides to play Cupid for her makeup artist and the studio’s set designer even as her best friend Jaxson Knightly quietly watches her schemes unfold and quietly disapproves. It is a cheeky, modern take on Jane Austen’s Emma set amid the glamor and chaos of movie sets, and serves as a prequel to Blume’s Backstage Romance series.
I was charmed by how warmly Emma’s voice invites you into her bustling Hollywood life, full of banter, quirky references and the hopeful conviction that love can be engineered with enough sparkle and good intentions. Watching her flit between scheming and self-reflection made me laugh more than once, and I found myself rooting for her to succeed, even when her antics predictably misfire in the most delightful ways. Jaxson’s quiet shifts in expression and measured reactions added a delicate tension to their friendship that made me pause and hope for something deeper without ever feeling pressured or heavy.
This story is about a person learning to see love beyond match lists and schedules, and tasting how sweet, awkward, messy attraction can be when you least expect it.
I’m giving Confessions of a Hollywood Matchmaker 3 out of 5 stars because it felt like sipping a perfectly fizzy cocktail of charm, camaraderie and tentative romance that left me eager to explore more of these characters’ journeys.
I was charmed by how warmly Emma’s voice invites you into her bustling Hollywood life, full of banter, quirky references and the hopeful conviction that love can be engineered with enough sparkle and good intentions. Watching her flit between scheming and self-reflection made me laugh more than once, and I found myself rooting for her to succeed, even when her antics predictably misfire in the most delightful ways. Jaxson’s quiet shifts in expression and measured reactions added a delicate tension to their friendship that made me pause and hope for something deeper without ever feeling pressured or heavy.
This story is about a person learning to see love beyond match lists and schedules, and tasting how sweet, awkward, messy attraction can be when you least expect it.
I’m giving Confessions of a Hollywood Matchmaker 3 out of 5 stars because it felt like sipping a perfectly fizzy cocktail of charm, camaraderie and tentative romance that left me eager to explore more of these characters’ journeys.
February 3, 2020
Very cute modernization/prequel to Emma wherein Emma Woods is a movie star, Jaxson Knightly the director who discovered her and cast her in her first movie role, Annie Taylor is her hairdresser extraordinaire, and Randall Weston is the artistic director who designs movie sets.
Emma is positive Annie and Randall are perfect for each other, but how does she get them together and introduce them without it looking like a set-up for a blind date? She wants Jaxson's help but knows he would disapprove, so she has to be sneaky.
It's a charming novella-length story. This Emma is more likeable than Jane Austen's, though she has many of the same traits. Characters from other JA and Gogi Blume novels make cameo appearances. (Henry Crawford is Emma's co-star in her current movie!) Sets up nicely for the subsequent book in this series, Secrets of a Hollywood Matchmaker, which, I presume, picks up more or less at the beginning of JA's Emma.
Emma is positive Annie and Randall are perfect for each other, but how does she get them together and introduce them without it looking like a set-up for a blind date? She wants Jaxson's help but knows he would disapprove, so she has to be sneaky.
It's a charming novella-length story. This Emma is more likeable than Jane Austen's, though she has many of the same traits. Characters from other JA and Gogi Blume novels make cameo appearances. (Henry Crawford is Emma's co-star in her current movie!) Sets up nicely for the subsequent book in this series, Secrets of a Hollywood Matchmaker, which, I presume, picks up more or less at the beginning of JA's Emma.
December 16, 2018
Pardon me while I swoon!
This novella is a prequel to a full-length modern version of Jane Austen's Emma. Emma is British actress working in LA with her Australian BFF and crush, Jaxson. Their relationship was everything you'd hope for, staying faithful to Jane Austen's characters. This story gave readers a taste of what's to come, and I can't wait! Especially after that karaoke bar scene!
Blume successfully made her Emma relatable without making her bumbling by using funny British-isms and snack food. I'm a fan!
This novella is a prequel to a full-length modern version of Jane Austen's Emma. Emma is British actress working in LA with her Australian BFF and crush, Jaxson. Their relationship was everything you'd hope for, staying faithful to Jane Austen's characters. This story gave readers a taste of what's to come, and I can't wait! Especially after that karaoke bar scene!
Blume successfully made her Emma relatable without making her bumbling by using funny British-isms and snack food. I'm a fan!
February 5, 2020
This is a cute SHORT story set in modern Hollywood where Emma Woods, actress, tries to matchmake while ignoring the man before her face.
July 22, 2021
I am not happy that this left me hanging. The author's blurb tells us it is a prequel...but be warned it is not really a stand-alone story at all.
This first in a modern series echoes JA's Emma, with Emma Wood being at the top of her profession as an actress with a close friendship with director Jaxson Knightly. It is obvious that at some point they are going to get together romantically but it only comes close in this tale. In this first story they are best friends.
In this book Emma is plying her previous successes at matchmaking to find a mate for her hair and makeup artist, Annie Taylor. Time after time she sets up dinners, karaoke nights, etc. for Annie to meet and fall in love with Randall Weston, the artistic director on her latest film only to have all her careful arrangements go astray.
Meanwhile Jaxson takes several trips to NYC and doesn't share what he is doing with Emma, which is totally unlike him. Yes, we do learn what that is all about at the end and it seems that venture and its results will come up in future stories. This story ended on page 93 on my Kindle and then we are given an excerpt from Love and Loathing story which is a rom-com inspired by P&P, according to the description.
In checking my records I find that I read the next book in this series back in early 2019 but, obviously don't remember that story now. (I rated that story much higher.)
This first in a modern series echoes JA's Emma, with Emma Wood being at the top of her profession as an actress with a close friendship with director Jaxson Knightly. It is obvious that at some point they are going to get together romantically but it only comes close in this tale. In this first story they are best friends.
In this book Emma is plying her previous successes at matchmaking to find a mate for her hair and makeup artist, Annie Taylor. Time after time she sets up dinners, karaoke nights, etc. for Annie to meet and fall in love with Randall Weston, the artistic director on her latest film only to have all her careful arrangements go astray.
Meanwhile Jaxson takes several trips to NYC and doesn't share what he is doing with Emma, which is totally unlike him. Yes, we do learn what that is all about at the end and it seems that venture and its results will come up in future stories. This story ended on page 93 on my Kindle and then we are given an excerpt from Love and Loathing story which is a rom-com inspired by P&P, according to the description.
In checking my records I find that I read the next book in this series back in early 2019 but, obviously don't remember that story now. (I rated that story much higher.)
June 16, 2021
Absolutely adorable Austen-esque romance!
This was an fun, adorable read. It would recommend it for older audiences that are fans of Jane Austen and love pop culture references!
This was an fun, adorable read. It would recommend it for older audiences that are fans of Jane Austen and love pop culture references!
February 8, 2019
This was such a delightful read. Great characters and a light-hearted story as a prequel to her upcoming full-length book. A quick, easy romance that can easily be read in one sitting if you like. This author has piqued my interest. I did read an ARC copy. This is my voluntary and honest review. Vicki from Wyoming
September 21, 2021
Loved it
Loved every line of this book but a little disappointed of the ending. Why wouldn't you give a proper finishing??? I thought it was a book with no cliffhangers but apparently it has a 2nd book with these main characters
Loved every line of this book but a little disappointed of the ending. Why wouldn't you give a proper finishing??? I thought it was a book with no cliffhangers but apparently it has a 2nd book with these main characters
January 24, 2019
This was so much fun to read! Hilariously funny, fast-paced, contemporary, clean romance. I devoured it in a single sitting. I immediately put the next book on my to-read list and will be sure to download it as soon as it’s released next month. I can’t wait!
January 14, 2019
What a great book
You really have to read this author! This is her very first book and it’s funny, clever, and very entertaining. It’s like Bridgette Jones for the next generation. I couldn’t put it down. The great thing is, she has woven a little of her next story into this one and if I were a betting woman, I think we might get to see a bit more of the characters from this tale in her future stories. The book is satisfying as a stand alone, but she definitely leave you hoping you can continue to watch this relationship develop and maybe find out why one of the side characters keeps getting sick (bun in the oven possibly?) I admit, I got so wrapped up, I ended up jumping forward because I needed to know what happened... but now I can go back and read it a second time and savor every word. Bravo Ms. Blume!
You really have to read this author! This is her very first book and it’s funny, clever, and very entertaining. It’s like Bridgette Jones for the next generation. I couldn’t put it down. The great thing is, she has woven a little of her next story into this one and if I were a betting woman, I think we might get to see a bit more of the characters from this tale in her future stories. The book is satisfying as a stand alone, but she definitely leave you hoping you can continue to watch this relationship develop and maybe find out why one of the side characters keeps getting sick (bun in the oven possibly?) I admit, I got so wrapped up, I ended up jumping forward because I needed to know what happened... but now I can go back and read it a second time and savor every word. Bravo Ms. Blume!
April 7, 2019
Confessions of a Hollywood Matchmaker is a delightful read! If you like Jane Austen’s Emma or the movie Clueless, you’ll love this novella! The characters are fun and endearing and Gigi Blume’s writing is wonderfully descriptive. I read this story in one sitting! While it’s a stand-alone prequel, I would say the ending is more of an ALMOST happily ever after. You’ll definitely want to read more about these characters and their friends in the brilliant world Ms. Blume has created.
November 20, 2018
If you love this genre this is a must read. I volunteered to read an advance copy for an honest review.
February 21, 2020
I guess you could say I read this totally out of the order it was intended, seeing as it's sub-titled Backstage Romance 0.5 and I've already read 1, 2 and 3! It's more of a prequel to Secrets of a Hollywood Matchmaker than either of the other two, though there is a brief mention of a couple of characters from Love and Loathing but none really from Driving Miss Darcy: Pemberley For Christmas. In her other books, Ms. Blume has written from the POVs of both main characters, but that isn't the case here and I kind of missed it, even though this isn't Emma's and Jax's story (that comes in Secrets).
I think one of the reasons I missed the alternating POVs is that I found undiluted Emma a rather irritating personality, much like her namesake from Jane Austen's canon. Having said that, it's an entertaining read and sets things up nicely for the later stories.
I think one of the reasons I missed the alternating POVs is that I found undiluted Emma a rather irritating personality, much like her namesake from Jane Austen's canon. Having said that, it's an entertaining read and sets things up nicely for the later stories.
May 14, 2022
Brief Synopsis: Hollywood starlet Emma has a knack for matchmaking. She’s only failed once. So she decides her stylist Annie needs a match and Randall who works on set would be perfect. However, Emma’s attempts at setting the two up are less than perfect. Will she add another botched matchmaking attempt to her list?
This novella was so stinking cute. It’s a prequel novella to GiGi Blume’s Backstage Romance series. The books in this series are inspired by Jane Austen classics. So if you haven’t already guessed, this is inspired by the Austen classic Emma. Book 2 in the series, Secrets of a Hollywood Matchmaker is also inspired by Emma. And after reading this novella, I can’t wait to read Emma’s full length novel.
I adored Emma. Like within the first chapter I was completely enamored by her character. She’s a meddler (aren’t all matchmakers) and I hated that she wouldn’t tell her best friend Jaxson what she was up to. But she knew Jaxson would put a stop to her matchmaking scheme so it was better left to leave him in the dark. This novella was super cute and I can’t wait to read the rest of Emma’s (and Jaxson’s) story.
4⭐️
💗Sweet clean romance
This novella was so stinking cute. It’s a prequel novella to GiGi Blume’s Backstage Romance series. The books in this series are inspired by Jane Austen classics. So if you haven’t already guessed, this is inspired by the Austen classic Emma. Book 2 in the series, Secrets of a Hollywood Matchmaker is also inspired by Emma. And after reading this novella, I can’t wait to read Emma’s full length novel.
I adored Emma. Like within the first chapter I was completely enamored by her character. She’s a meddler (aren’t all matchmakers) and I hated that she wouldn’t tell her best friend Jaxson what she was up to. But she knew Jaxson would put a stop to her matchmaking scheme so it was better left to leave him in the dark. This novella was super cute and I can’t wait to read the rest of Emma’s (and Jaxson’s) story.
4⭐️
💗Sweet clean romance
July 24, 2019
This book was so good! It has all the essence of my second favorite Jane Austen novel, with a delightful modern day twist! I loved Emma and Jaxson. They are both lovely and endearing characters. The author has a way with words; I enjoyed the writing style and humor woven throughout. I cannot wait until Secrets of a Hollywood Matchmaker comes out to read the rest of their story. I’ll be counting down the days until the release!
February 25, 2020
Ha! I can't stop smiling and I feel such energy, happiness, and kindness! That translates to: "What a great book!" I'll happily recommend this to anyone who loves a good, fun, gorgeous love story with such wit and smarts. Bravo. The dialogue was great, minor characters added depth, everyone had a distinct voice and the story brought to me images that were fresh and new. 5 stars! I'm excited for the next in the series.
February 19, 2019
Brilliant fun! I loved the British humor! It was such a fun and funny story. The chemistry between Emma and Mr. Knightly was to wildfire proportions. Emma definitely had the Clueless vibe going. This is a teaser book and it really left me wanting to know more of what happens in this Backstage Romance series. I look forward to reading more!
February 14, 2023
I have mixed feelings about this book. The author is capable of wonderful, descriptive passages. These are laced with QUIRKY humor running from quotes from I Love Lucy to Les Misérables and Hamilton. I really liked the story line but at times, I had no idea what the author was trying to get across. I am elderly so it may just be that I didn't get the current pop culture vernacular.
February 3, 2024
What I liked: A modern retelling of Jane Austen’s “Emma” with the matchmaking taking place around a Hollywood movie set.
What I disliked: The author tries too hard to tell the reader that a scene is funny, particularly by repeatedly saying the main character is acting like Lucy, but the situations are nothing like the “I Love Lucy” show.
What I disliked: The author tries too hard to tell the reader that a scene is funny, particularly by repeatedly saying the main character is acting like Lucy, but the situations are nothing like the “I Love Lucy” show.
November 26, 2018
This was darling, but too short! I want more! Can't wait to read the next ones.
April 3, 2019
Sure to have you gasping for breath as you laugh at its endless dramaturgic references.
May the midichlorians be with you!
May the midichlorians be with you!
May 5, 2019
This was a quick and sweet read, but not the kind I will remember.
May 14, 2019
What a fun read!
August 12, 2019
3.5 stars
Funny and engaging.
Funny and engaging.
October 27, 2019
Loved the witty banter!
June 11, 2020
A short fun read.
September 29, 2021
3,5 stars
February 15, 2022
A cute short story. Emma loves a romance as much as the next person. She’s more interested in finding love for others. Who knows what is out there for her. Enjoyable.
July 15, 2022
Absolutely delightful! Funny and quirky but not predictable. The illustrations are unforgettable. I loved this story and will be reading the next
January 7, 2023
No emotional engagement with the characters.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews