'Broken Beyond Repair' by Emily Banting is a heartwarming celebrity romance novel that follows the story of Beatrice, a renowned actress with a cold exterior, and Sydney, her dedicated and honest personal assistant. The plot revolves around their evolving relationship, from initial animosity to a deep emotional connection, set against the backdrop of Beatrice's personal struggles and Sydney's unwavering support. The writing style is engaging, with a slow-burn romance that captivates the reader, along with well-developed characters and witty dialogue that adds depth to the storyline.

Characters:

The characters are well-developed, with Beatrice as a complex ice queen and Sydney as a strong PA, both showcasing growth and depth.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is characterized by humor and wit, complemented by expressive descriptions that effectively convey the characters' emotions.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative centers around the evolving relationship between a famous actress and her dedicated personal assistant, highlighting themes of worth, loneliness, and personal growth.

Setting:

The setting shifts between England and Scotland, with notable scenes taking place in a camper van, adding charm and relevance to the characters' journeys.

Pacing:

Pacing is characterized by a slow burn that enhances character development and emotional engagement, keeping readers invested.

Beatrice scowled over her large sunglasses at the television in the corner of her hospital suite. The sound of a press helicopter hovering outside buzzed around her room like an irritating fly. Its fo...

Notes:

The main character, Beatrice Russell, is a famous actress recovering from an injury.

Sydney MacKenzie, the other lead character, lives in a VW camper van named Gertie.

The story explores the struggles of being a child star and the loneliness that can come with celebrity life.

Beatrice's reputation as an 'ice queen' is challenged by her relationship with Sydney.

Both main characters have personal challenges that they work through together in the story.

The romance is described as a May to December relationship, highlighting the 15-year age gap between Beatrice and Sydney.

The book features themes of self-worth and personal growth.

Beatrice has a teenage son, Alex, with whom she struggles to connect.

Sydney has a passion for writing and helps Beatrice with her autobiography.

The humor and banter between the characters add to the lighthearted tone of the book.

The story includes positive representations of secondary characters, including trans individuals.

The book's setting includes locations in England and Scotland, creating a picturesque backdrop.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Medium content warnings include discussions of trauma, divorce, and emotional struggles that may affect sensitive readers.

Has Romance?

The romance between Beatrice and Sydney is a central element of the story, marked by significant development and depth.

explicit steam level

From The Publisher:

GOLDIE WINNER 2023: THE ANN BANNON POPULAR CHOICE BRONZE AWARD

WINNER OF THE LESFIC BARD AWARD 2022: ROMANCE

WINNER OF THE LESFIC BARD AWARD 2022: COVER DESIGN

WINNER OF THE QUEER INDIE AWARDS 2022: CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE

GOLDIE FINALIST 2023: CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE LONG NOVEL

GOLDIE FINALIST 2024: AUDIOBOOK NARRATOR

An age gap, celebrity ice queen romance that will pull at the heart strings - even the icy ones!

Sydney MacKenzie, personal assistant to the rich and famous, is looking forward to a well-earned break to go travelling in her beloved VW camper van, Gertie - that is, until Gertie cries off sick. When her boss calls in a favour, one that will pay Sydney handsomely and put Gertie back on the road, she can't refuse.

Internationally renowned actress Beatrice Russell - adored by her fans and despised by those that know her - is splashed across the tabloids, all thanks to her broken leg. She limps back to her palatial English country estate to convalesce for the summer, where she finds herself in need of yet another new assistant.

Enter Sydney, who doesn't take kindly to the star's demands, attitude, or clicking fingers - much less her body's own attraction to the gorgeous diva. If not for that, and Gertie's worn-out engine, she would leave tomorrow. Or so she tells herself.

As the summer heats up, the ice queen begins to thaw, and Sydney glimpses the tormented woman beneath the celebrity bravado, drawing her ever closer to the enigmatic actress - sometimes too close.

Can Sydney reach the real Beatrice and help heal her wounds before the summer ends and she returns to filming in the States, or is the celebrity broken beyond repair?

GOODREADS REVIEWS

"One of the best books I've ever read period!" ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"I have read over 200 books this year. This is the best written book of the year for me." ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"Oh. My. God. I couldn't put this book down." ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"One of the best books I've read in a long time." ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"This book spoke to me and I wish there were some way to make it required reading. The emotional and social insights are wonderful even when difficult." ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Syd and Beatrice are supported by a cast of some of the most beautifully developed side characters I've seen. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

September 2022

•

334 pages

Ratings (1)

Incredible (1)

Reader Stats (5):

Read It (3)
Want To Read (2)

What can you read after
Broken Beyond Repair?

Meet New Books is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a way for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to products and services on amazon.com and its subsidiaries.
When you click the Amazon link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commision, at no cost to you.

Broken Beyond Repair

Emily Banting

About: