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Emma: A Hollywood Novel
Fame, success, addiction...
A simple kiwi girl turned Hollywood actress, that's what they call me.
After a few too many drinks at one of the biggest awards ceremonies on the planet, I make one of the most epic faux pas of the century; I try to run off with someone else's award. You'd think it would be enough to put me on the scrap heap, forever known as, "that has been actress from New Zealand". As luck would have it, a plucky drunk is just what the Ramirez brothers are looking for.
Turns out, they're not the only ones.
Literally falling into the strong, capable arms of my neighbor, Brock Appleby, I can't help but turn into a bumbling idiot whenever he's around.
Hardworking, kind, and a gentleman to boot, Brock is everything I need, and nothing I feel I deserve. Running from a past that won't let me forget, it's no wonder I turn to the only thing that dulls the senses; alcohol.
Can I overcome my past and forgive myself, or will I let my addiction take hold and drag me down?
A simple kiwi girl turned Hollywood actress, that's what they call me.
After a few too many drinks at one of the biggest awards ceremonies on the planet, I make one of the most epic faux pas of the century; I try to run off with someone else's award. You'd think it would be enough to put me on the scrap heap, forever known as, "that has been actress from New Zealand". As luck would have it, a plucky drunk is just what the Ramirez brothers are looking for.
Turns out, they're not the only ones.
Literally falling into the strong, capable arms of my neighbor, Brock Appleby, I can't help but turn into a bumbling idiot whenever he's around.
Hardworking, kind, and a gentleman to boot, Brock is everything I need, and nothing I feel I deserve. Running from a past that won't let me forget, it's no wonder I turn to the only thing that dulls the senses; alcohol.
Can I overcome my past and forgive myself, or will I let my addiction take hold and drag me down?
202 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 9, 2019
2 people are currently reading
17 people want to read
About the author
Stacey Broadbent
67 books250 followersStacey Broadbent is a multi-genre author from New Zealand. She writes under three different names and a variety of genres, so there is something to suit most tastes. You can find her LGBTQIA reads under the name Cyan Tayse, and children’s books under the name Stacey Jayne.
An avid reader and lover of all things bookish, Stacey has made it her goal to share about her favourite authors and books she's read, while also building her own publishing story. She is a qualified proofreader and is embarking on a new journey of study - Library and Information Skills.
She is a member of the Unhinged Kiwi Booktalk discord group, and a great bunch of Canterbury based bookstagrammers. Her TBR is never-ending, and though she struggles to keep up with it, she continues to add more.
As well as reading, her hobbies include LEGO, cross-stitch, crochet, and diamond art, and you can often find her sharing about her latest project on TikTok.
An avid reader and lover of all things bookish, Stacey has made it her goal to share about her favourite authors and books she's read, while also building her own publishing story. She is a qualified proofreader and is embarking on a new journey of study - Library and Information Skills.
She is a member of the Unhinged Kiwi Booktalk discord group, and a great bunch of Canterbury based bookstagrammers. Her TBR is never-ending, and though she struggles to keep up with it, she continues to add more.
As well as reading, her hobbies include LEGO, cross-stitch, crochet, and diamond art, and you can often find her sharing about her latest project on TikTok.
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April 9, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (4/9/2020)! 🎁
May 11, 2019
Book: Emma
Author: Stacey Broadbent
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Reviewer: emmasromanticreviews17 on Facebook
Note: I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This book is really something special and I don’t think that I have ever liked a female lead as much as I have with Emma. She is funny, quirky and incredibly flawed which is what makes her more real and relatable. She is the reason that I became consumed with the book and did not finish it until 3am after reading it all day. It is addictive and after the first chapter it will draw you in and make you want to know what other shenanigans Emma will get herself into.
Emma Jones is a relatively new Hollywood star after coming over from New Zealand three years before to chase the dream. After working hard she finally makes it and one of her films leads to a nomination in the category of Best Actress at the Oscars. Whilst on the surface Emma’s life seems perfect she is running from her heart-breaking past and the only way that she can forget is to self-medicate with alcohol. Emma is sure that she does not have a problem, that she just likes a nice drink or ten. This is how she finds herself stood on the Oscar stage accepting the Best Actress Oscar that was meant for Emma Stone. When she is told of the mistake instead of giving up graciously she runs off trying to steal the Oscar and has to be thrown out by security, all whilst it is filmed for national television.
For most people that sort of humiliating experience would be the end of their career but luckily for Emma new producers Bo and Blake Ramirez decide to give her a chance on a new role that they think she would be perfect for. Ironically the role involves playing a drunk who ends up losing everyone in her life. But the Ramirez brothers have a bad reputation and their father Marty is right hand man to local gangster Al Breakwell. So when Emma is offered the part she knows that she is taking just as much of a chance on them as they are on her.
Wanting to help Emma to improve her image Blake invites her to parties where she can meet influential people. Blake and Emma quickly become friends and she agrees to a fake relationship with him to help him deal with his own personal demons. But the parties cause more problems for Emma as she does not mix well with alcohol, particularly when they attend the party of a Hollywood legend Tony Bradford who takes an unhealthy liking to Emma and is known for getting exactly what he wants.
Whilst all of this is happening in her professional life, back at home after a run in with reporters we see Emma scaling the wall to her next door neighbours’ house to escape. But the wall is higher up than expected and as she falls she is saved by her incredibly gorgeous, southern cowboy neighbour Brock. This is the start of their hilarious, turbulent but incredibly sweet relationship.
Emma is such a likable character and you cannot help but feel for her. It is obvious that she is hurting herself with her drinking but she is so traumatised by her past that she cannot see it as a problem. The pain and guilt that she carries around has caused her a lot of deep self-loathing and it is hard to witness. But when Emma is with Brock it is like she allows herself to be the real Emma who happens to be very funny, quirky and so very clumsy. She gets nervous and says inappropriate things in front of him and is always embarrassing herself. She accepts that she does not have the traditional type of Hollywood beauty, instead being shorter and curvier. But Brock really does have a way of making her believe that she is the most beautiful woman in the world and I loved that.
Brock is the kind of guy that every girl, particularly one with a screwed up past, needs. He is patient, kind and loving. He knows that Emma has a problem and a past that she is running from but he gives her the time to build up trust enough so that he can help her with her issues. His southern cowboy style is so hot and when he takes Emma to his ranch to teach her how to live a laid back country lifestyle, I found myself wishing it was me. The way that he bestowed his love and adoration on Emma, particularly when she thinks that she does not deserve it, is beautiful. I challenge anyone not to fall for the hot, smooth talking cowboy after that.
Emma and Brock’s relationship develops slowly with Brock wanting to treat her like a lady and not rush her straight into bed. They take their time getting to know each other and gradually they fall in love. But Emma still struggles to talk about her past and she is worried that when Brock finds out the truth that he will push her away. But by not trusting him she risks having the same outcome.
Overall, I love this book as it was so incredibly funny. There were times that I actually covered my face with my hands and felt genuine embarrassment for Emma. But at the same time I wanted to hug her and fix her. I think that is the sign of a great writer that Stacey Broadbent was able to create a character that I was so invested in and cared for so much. But she was also able to create a strong male lead that broke the mould. The handsome, strong cowboy was so kind and caring for a nice boy. Normally male leads are alphas or bad boys but Stacey was able to create a lead that was a nice boy which was great. I loved their relationship and how sweet it was. There are no steamy sex scenes in this book but you do not need them. I could see the chemistry and feel the heat anytime they are together. I loved the epilogue and it definitely left me with all the feels. But my only issue was that Blake’s story went unfinished. We never got to see if his story worked out or if he gets his happily ever after. But maybe that’s a story for another book? However, I can absolutely recommend Emma to anyone. I am sure you will be laughing, cringing and smiling right through to the end as you fall in love with Emma the way that I did!
Author: Stacey Broadbent
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Reviewer: emmasromanticreviews17 on Facebook
Note: I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This book is really something special and I don’t think that I have ever liked a female lead as much as I have with Emma. She is funny, quirky and incredibly flawed which is what makes her more real and relatable. She is the reason that I became consumed with the book and did not finish it until 3am after reading it all day. It is addictive and after the first chapter it will draw you in and make you want to know what other shenanigans Emma will get herself into.
Emma Jones is a relatively new Hollywood star after coming over from New Zealand three years before to chase the dream. After working hard she finally makes it and one of her films leads to a nomination in the category of Best Actress at the Oscars. Whilst on the surface Emma’s life seems perfect she is running from her heart-breaking past and the only way that she can forget is to self-medicate with alcohol. Emma is sure that she does not have a problem, that she just likes a nice drink or ten. This is how she finds herself stood on the Oscar stage accepting the Best Actress Oscar that was meant for Emma Stone. When she is told of the mistake instead of giving up graciously she runs off trying to steal the Oscar and has to be thrown out by security, all whilst it is filmed for national television.
For most people that sort of humiliating experience would be the end of their career but luckily for Emma new producers Bo and Blake Ramirez decide to give her a chance on a new role that they think she would be perfect for. Ironically the role involves playing a drunk who ends up losing everyone in her life. But the Ramirez brothers have a bad reputation and their father Marty is right hand man to local gangster Al Breakwell. So when Emma is offered the part she knows that she is taking just as much of a chance on them as they are on her.
Wanting to help Emma to improve her image Blake invites her to parties where she can meet influential people. Blake and Emma quickly become friends and she agrees to a fake relationship with him to help him deal with his own personal demons. But the parties cause more problems for Emma as she does not mix well with alcohol, particularly when they attend the party of a Hollywood legend Tony Bradford who takes an unhealthy liking to Emma and is known for getting exactly what he wants.
Whilst all of this is happening in her professional life, back at home after a run in with reporters we see Emma scaling the wall to her next door neighbours’ house to escape. But the wall is higher up than expected and as she falls she is saved by her incredibly gorgeous, southern cowboy neighbour Brock. This is the start of their hilarious, turbulent but incredibly sweet relationship.
Emma is such a likable character and you cannot help but feel for her. It is obvious that she is hurting herself with her drinking but she is so traumatised by her past that she cannot see it as a problem. The pain and guilt that she carries around has caused her a lot of deep self-loathing and it is hard to witness. But when Emma is with Brock it is like she allows herself to be the real Emma who happens to be very funny, quirky and so very clumsy. She gets nervous and says inappropriate things in front of him and is always embarrassing herself. She accepts that she does not have the traditional type of Hollywood beauty, instead being shorter and curvier. But Brock really does have a way of making her believe that she is the most beautiful woman in the world and I loved that.
Brock is the kind of guy that every girl, particularly one with a screwed up past, needs. He is patient, kind and loving. He knows that Emma has a problem and a past that she is running from but he gives her the time to build up trust enough so that he can help her with her issues. His southern cowboy style is so hot and when he takes Emma to his ranch to teach her how to live a laid back country lifestyle, I found myself wishing it was me. The way that he bestowed his love and adoration on Emma, particularly when she thinks that she does not deserve it, is beautiful. I challenge anyone not to fall for the hot, smooth talking cowboy after that.
Emma and Brock’s relationship develops slowly with Brock wanting to treat her like a lady and not rush her straight into bed. They take their time getting to know each other and gradually they fall in love. But Emma still struggles to talk about her past and she is worried that when Brock finds out the truth that he will push her away. But by not trusting him she risks having the same outcome.
Overall, I love this book as it was so incredibly funny. There were times that I actually covered my face with my hands and felt genuine embarrassment for Emma. But at the same time I wanted to hug her and fix her. I think that is the sign of a great writer that Stacey Broadbent was able to create a character that I was so invested in and cared for so much. But she was also able to create a strong male lead that broke the mould. The handsome, strong cowboy was so kind and caring for a nice boy. Normally male leads are alphas or bad boys but Stacey was able to create a lead that was a nice boy which was great. I loved their relationship and how sweet it was. There are no steamy sex scenes in this book but you do not need them. I could see the chemistry and feel the heat anytime they are together. I loved the epilogue and it definitely left me with all the feels. But my only issue was that Blake’s story went unfinished. We never got to see if his story worked out or if he gets his happily ever after. But maybe that’s a story for another book? However, I can absolutely recommend Emma to anyone. I am sure you will be laughing, cringing and smiling right through to the end as you fall in love with Emma the way that I did!
April 9, 2019
Emma is so much more than a romantic comedy it's more a journey of self-destruction. Don’t get me wrong it is very funny and you will have lol moments but the main focus is Emma’s drinking problems. All the mishaps she finds herself in after the most embracing event on National TV. I enjoyed this story as it had me glued to my kindle to see what would happen next it was a bit like watching a train wreck you knew what was coming but you still had to look further down the tracks to see it all. This is my voluntary and honest review of this ACR copy I received.
Emma is really just a normal girl from Ashburton New Zealand that has followed a dream to make it in Hollywood. But there is a secret she is hiding that has caused her to start drinking way too much even when the dream of being a movie star is coming true. After the biggest embarrassment of her acting life, she is offered a new role, a role that she will soon find out replicates her life way too much. A Drunk.
Emma will find herself falling literally into the arms of a very handsome gentleman from next door, Brock Appleby. Can he become her new distraction from the bottle?
Emma is very sweet, friendly and kinds that she soon finds herself in more trouble than she was looking for. As her relationship with Brock develops she can still not open up to him or herself about her past as the one date circled in red on her calendar is soon approaching April 3rd. That is the day that changed her life forever.
Can Emma come clean with the past and overcome her own issues before her addiction ends everything great in her life?
Can Brock stick around to find the answers he needs to help Emma?
Some of my favourite quotes:
“Cross my heart and hope to die, I’ll drink so more in the public eye.”
“How exactly do I think of you then? Because the last time I checked, if it walks like a Lady, talks like a Lady, it’s probably a Lady.”
“Brock truly is the sweetest, kindest man I’ve ever met. A true gentleman. And by gentleman, I mean we haven’t made it past first base yet.”
“The sands of time are slipping through my fingers and I can’t get them to stop and go back, no matter how much I want them to.”
Emma is really just a normal girl from Ashburton New Zealand that has followed a dream to make it in Hollywood. But there is a secret she is hiding that has caused her to start drinking way too much even when the dream of being a movie star is coming true. After the biggest embarrassment of her acting life, she is offered a new role, a role that she will soon find out replicates her life way too much. A Drunk.
Emma will find herself falling literally into the arms of a very handsome gentleman from next door, Brock Appleby. Can he become her new distraction from the bottle?
Emma is very sweet, friendly and kinds that she soon finds herself in more trouble than she was looking for. As her relationship with Brock develops she can still not open up to him or herself about her past as the one date circled in red on her calendar is soon approaching April 3rd. That is the day that changed her life forever.
Can Emma come clean with the past and overcome her own issues before her addiction ends everything great in her life?
Can Brock stick around to find the answers he needs to help Emma?
Some of my favourite quotes:
“Cross my heart and hope to die, I’ll drink so more in the public eye.”
“How exactly do I think of you then? Because the last time I checked, if it walks like a Lady, talks like a Lady, it’s probably a Lady.”
“Brock truly is the sweetest, kindest man I’ve ever met. A true gentleman. And by gentleman, I mean we haven’t made it past first base yet.”
“The sands of time are slipping through my fingers and I can’t get them to stop and go back, no matter how much I want them to.”
April 5, 2019
Emma was such a great story, it's a quirky and funny book with plenty of humor and many romantic endeavors, but it also deals with the dark reality of living with tragedy and trauma that starts to send Emma down a path of self destruction. She almost loses her career because of her independence on alcohol and the oblivion that she craves from it. Emma is living with a self inflicted guilt of what happened to her in the past and it makes her make very bad decisions, she puts herself into situations that are a danger to her own safety, and with not being capable of making a sense of right and wrong, she makes a total fool of herself that comes with consequences.
There are so many great characters in this story that help to keep Emma out of mischief, Cybil is like a mother hen that looks out for her while coming across as the wicked witch of the west but you can't help but love her. Blake you can't help but want to hold him and unburden him from the secret he is hiding from the world and then there's Brock, he's the hot, filthy rich, and deliciously handsome neighbour next door that becomes Emma's knight in shining armour. Brock is such a great hero, as we get to know him, you just can't help but fall a little in love with him as we see him hold her and take care of her in her worst of moments and he really does come to her aid and save her in every way.
This was such a great story, the writing was good and it was an absolute pleasure to read. I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.
There are so many great characters in this story that help to keep Emma out of mischief, Cybil is like a mother hen that looks out for her while coming across as the wicked witch of the west but you can't help but love her. Blake you can't help but want to hold him and unburden him from the secret he is hiding from the world and then there's Brock, he's the hot, filthy rich, and deliciously handsome neighbour next door that becomes Emma's knight in shining armour. Brock is such a great hero, as we get to know him, you just can't help but fall a little in love with him as we see him hold her and take care of her in her worst of moments and he really does come to her aid and save her in every way.
This was such a great story, the writing was good and it was an absolute pleasure to read. I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.
April 13, 2019
Emma isn't just a romantic comedy as the categories on Amazon would have you believe. It touches on addition and the consequences of it, tragedy and self-discovery. Emma Jones is a Kiwi actress trying to make a name for herself in Hollywood, but that doesn't go the way she had hoped when she embarrasses herself at one of the biggest award shows of the year. Can she salvage her career or will her addiction destroy not only herself but those around her?
When I read the first chapter of the story I was in shock, I mean it couldn't be real right? The character, Emma must have been having a nightmare the night before the award show. It was that out of this wrong, but wrong! By chapter two you realise that it wasn't a dream, but reality and I sat there in shock, there's no way the main character could come back from that. Because of the events of the first chapter, the book gripped me and pulled me in. I needed to know what would happen next! This story was an absolute pleasure to read from start to finish.
When I read the first chapter of the story I was in shock, I mean it couldn't be real right? The character, Emma must have been having a nightmare the night before the award show. It was that out of this wrong, but wrong! By chapter two you realise that it wasn't a dream, but reality and I sat there in shock, there's no way the main character could come back from that. Because of the events of the first chapter, the book gripped me and pulled me in. I needed to know what would happen next! This story was an absolute pleasure to read from start to finish.
April 8, 2019
This is a story about a young woman who's had tragedy in her life. So she comes to Hollywood to become an actress. Her life is out of control, her parents an ocean away. She has a support system with her agent Cybil and PR Dawn. But she doesn't want to accept it.
As her life spirals out of control she meets Blake and Bo. Rumor is they are trouble with a capital T.
Then there is Brock, you knew there was a hunky man in here somewhere didnt ya?! Of course Brock is the man we all dream of, sweet, romantic and fid I say hunky?! To bad Emma pushes him away as well.
You'll have to read it to find out how it ends, but you'll enjoy every minute getting there. This book is sweet, funny, sexual, and tragic.
As her life spirals out of control she meets Blake and Bo. Rumor is they are trouble with a capital T.
Then there is Brock, you knew there was a hunky man in here somewhere didnt ya?! Of course Brock is the man we all dream of, sweet, romantic and fid I say hunky?! To bad Emma pushes him away as well.
You'll have to read it to find out how it ends, but you'll enjoy every minute getting there. This book is sweet, funny, sexual, and tragic.
April 6, 2019
Emma - Hollywood Novel Book #1 - Stacey Broadbent.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Stacey Broadbent always surprises me with her characters and Emma is no exception.
Emma’s just a little Kiwi girl, made good in the cutthroat world of Hollywood stardom but her reliance on alcohol just gets her into so much trouble. Awkward situations and Emma’s poor decisions leave her in some sticky situations but there’s always a knight in shining armour and in this case his name is Brock. Emma needs saving from herself and Brock is just the man to rescue her.
Great characters and a well developed storyline made this a very enjoyable story to read. Looking forward to more in this series.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Stacey Broadbent always surprises me with her characters and Emma is no exception.
Emma’s just a little Kiwi girl, made good in the cutthroat world of Hollywood stardom but her reliance on alcohol just gets her into so much trouble. Awkward situations and Emma’s poor decisions leave her in some sticky situations but there’s always a knight in shining armour and in this case his name is Brock. Emma needs saving from herself and Brock is just the man to rescue her.
Great characters and a well developed storyline made this a very enjoyable story to read. Looking forward to more in this series.
April 10, 2019
I always fall in love with Stacey’s characters and Emma is no exception! She’s funny, down-to-earth, and kind-hearted. Not to mention a talented actress who makes it big in Hollywood! There’s just one problem - she’s an alcoholic, which is causing big problems in not only her career but her personal life too. This story looks at real-life issues which provoke an array of emotions from laughter to tears. Definitely one of favs from Stacey!
April 16, 2019
This was a first time read of Stacey and will not be my last this book has it all. At the start of the book all I did was giggle was so funny and then the story stared to come out more and was a serious side to what she was going through and her downwards spiral that she was taking. I did still giggle at some but felt sorry for her and hoped sexy Brockets could pull her out of it. The story the characters were amazing and I didn’t want the story to end. A highly recommended must read story that I couldn't put down.
March 27, 2019
Emma came to the states from New Zealand to pursue her acting career. She's been doing well and is even up for Best Actress. But her drinking is getting out of control and it's caused a major embarrassment. The awards ceremony is all anyone could talk about. But she drinks for a reason, and she justifies the drinking time and again, she's just not ready to quit, even if it puts her career at risk.
All the characters in Emma have unique personalities that contribute wonderfully to the overall situation Emma has found herself in. The man who hired her, Blake, is really a great guy and I'm glad that he's given Emma a chance. Brock is the absolute sweetest with his manners and shining personality. But when it comes to Brock, there's something special between them and it's sweet, sexy, and endearing. I even love Emma's agent Cybil who is especially hard on Emma, but with good reason.
The book is super funny. Emma lands herself in these awful situations that are just too funny and her internal dialogue is hilarious. I can't even count how many times I laughed out loud. Emma is so well-written and it's wonderfully edited. I know when I read Broadbent that I'm going to love the book, and Emma is no exception.
All the characters in Emma have unique personalities that contribute wonderfully to the overall situation Emma has found herself in. The man who hired her, Blake, is really a great guy and I'm glad that he's given Emma a chance. Brock is the absolute sweetest with his manners and shining personality. But when it comes to Brock, there's something special between them and it's sweet, sexy, and endearing. I even love Emma's agent Cybil who is especially hard on Emma, but with good reason.
The book is super funny. Emma lands herself in these awful situations that are just too funny and her internal dialogue is hilarious. I can't even count how many times I laughed out loud. Emma is so well-written and it's wonderfully edited. I know when I read Broadbent that I'm going to love the book, and Emma is no exception.
April 15, 2019
Emma is trying to cut it as an actress in Hollywood but her heart isn't really in it. Filled with humor, romance, and drama, Emma's story also tackles serious issues such as addiction and sexual assault. I was pulled into the story immediately and had several LOL moments but also applaud Ms. Broadbent for handling relevant and important issues with sensitivity. An excellent read!
April 13, 2019
Great story. Heartfelt and captivating with real life situations. Could certainly relate to the characters. Recommended.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 17, 2019
I thoroughly enjoyed this story and loved how the beginning and the ending were similar yet so different. It had all the feels! At times Emma did my head in, but her behaviour stemmed from an uncontrolled addiction that constantly overruled her better judgement. Brock was kind-hearted and patient and absolutely scrummy, and he was the perfect man to bring Emma back down to Earth. If you're looking for a flirtatious and quirky rom-com with an HEA, I definitely recommend 'Emma' for you. 4.5 stars.
December 4, 2020
This was a quick read because Stacey drew me into the character of Emma and every time I turned the page I wanted to find out what would happen next! I loved how she kept the character real, especially writing about her major flaw, alcohol. A touchy subject to a lot of people, but you nailed her addiction well. I loved also how she made Emma a strong character and not a push over. Emma thought she could handle the world, but her one vice got in the way. The ending could have ended so differently. I wonder if Stacey flipped a coin as to which way she would end the book? Thanks Stacey for putting the story of Emma to paper. Can't wait to read more :)
August 20, 2019
Emma sure was a hot mess! I wanted to yank her by her hair and open her eyes! Brock sure was sexy! He was such a good man being there for her even when she wouldn’t open up to her. I wish there was a little more plot and a little less drinking but it was good overall
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews