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Reach the Stars
Emmy Montford never thought she’d make it to this song contest stage, let alone run into the reigning champion Katarina Jackson—literally.
And Katarina—that’s Kat to everyone but the obnoxious girl who knocked her down in an elevator and thinks they can be friends now—never thought she’d have a bright-eyed sunshine girl doing her damnedest to attach to her. She doesn’t do friends. All that matters is winning, and nothing is going to get in her way.
But not only is this televised song contest putting Emmy on the same stage as Kat, they’re paired up in everything they do, and Emmy can make friends with anyone—even the woman who’s sworn off such frivolous things as fun and friendship.
Even as they compete for the title of champion—or, well, at least, Kat’s competing, Emmy doesn’t seem too invested—Emmy might just be able to chip away Kat’s walls and remind her what it’s like to care about something, and Kat might just be the meaning that Emmy’s been searching for.
And getting shipped by their fans under #kataremmy doesn’t help with their feelings.
Reach the Stars is a 30k-word novella featuring pop singers in a contest, a grumpy/sunshine romance, a rollercoaster ride that Kat totally doesn’t smile on, and only a little bit of angst. Content warnings for open-door sex scenes, people getting pushy with boundaries, mentions of abuse in the past, Emmy being entirely too sweet and Kat being entirely too grouchy, and hopeless lesbians trying to ignore their feelings for another while their fans are shipping them online and they’re each trying to pretend they don’t look at their shipping hashtag on Instagram while the other isn’t looking.
And Katarina—that’s Kat to everyone but the obnoxious girl who knocked her down in an elevator and thinks they can be friends now—never thought she’d have a bright-eyed sunshine girl doing her damnedest to attach to her. She doesn’t do friends. All that matters is winning, and nothing is going to get in her way.
But not only is this televised song contest putting Emmy on the same stage as Kat, they’re paired up in everything they do, and Emmy can make friends with anyone—even the woman who’s sworn off such frivolous things as fun and friendship.
Even as they compete for the title of champion—or, well, at least, Kat’s competing, Emmy doesn’t seem too invested—Emmy might just be able to chip away Kat’s walls and remind her what it’s like to care about something, and Kat might just be the meaning that Emmy’s been searching for.
And getting shipped by their fans under #kataremmy doesn’t help with their feelings.
Reach the Stars is a 30k-word novella featuring pop singers in a contest, a grumpy/sunshine romance, a rollercoaster ride that Kat totally doesn’t smile on, and only a little bit of angst. Content warnings for open-door sex scenes, people getting pushy with boundaries, mentions of abuse in the past, Emmy being entirely too sweet and Kat being entirely too grouchy, and hopeless lesbians trying to ignore their feelings for another while their fans are shipping them online and they’re each trying to pretend they don’t look at their shipping hashtag on Instagram while the other isn’t looking.
102 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 9, 2021
26 people are currently reading
154 people want to read
About the author
Lily Seabrooke
37 books341 followersLily Seabrooke is a lesbian, trans woman, and author of sapphic romance that stars food, because odds are, at any given time, she's hungry.
Her interests include eating food, thinking about food, writing novels about food, and drinking coffee.
Her interests include eating food, thinking about food, writing novels about food, and drinking coffee.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
April 6, 2021
Why have I never read anything by Lily Seabrooke before? Reach the Stars is an incredibly cute novella and I want more.
Emma “Emmy” Montford is new to the song contest scene and all she wants is to have fun. Katarina “Kat” Jackson is an old hand at the game and only cares about winning. Nothing could make Emmy happier than to literally run into Kat, which, to the other woman, is the very definition of a nightmare. From the moment Emmy sets eyes on Kat, she attaches herself to her, even though Kat would much rather be left alone.
Emmy is a permanent sunshine, sickeningly nice and annoyingly talkative. Kat is endlessly grumpy. In an unforeseen turn of events, she reminded me of Han Solo. Not the scoundrel side of Han, the blasé Han. And even though she’s downright rude at times, I related to Kat a lot more than to Emmy, who keeps ignoring Kat’s boundaries in the most disrespectful yet charming way. Seriously, I should hate Emmy, but she’s too sweet for that.
Reach the Stars is told in first person from each MC’s point of view in alternating chapters. The two MCs are wildly different and Seabrooke gave them very distinctive voices, which made it easy to channel each character when reading their respective chapters, pulling my brain (and my heart) in complete opposite directions.
It was quite the emotional roller coaster, honestly, going from one to the other, building walls on one side and shattering them with the best intentions on the other. I was quite willing to believe the chemistry and the longing between Kat and Emmy because neither is as straightforward as they seem, yet because of the novella length, I felt some of it was a tad rushed. For this reason and also because I rather liked the two characters, I wish it was a longer story. I wouldn’t have minded getting to know some of the secondary characters better, either.
I received a copy from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Emma “Emmy” Montford is new to the song contest scene and all she wants is to have fun. Katarina “Kat” Jackson is an old hand at the game and only cares about winning. Nothing could make Emmy happier than to literally run into Kat, which, to the other woman, is the very definition of a nightmare. From the moment Emmy sets eyes on Kat, she attaches herself to her, even though Kat would much rather be left alone.
Emmy is a permanent sunshine, sickeningly nice and annoyingly talkative. Kat is endlessly grumpy. In an unforeseen turn of events, she reminded me of Han Solo. Not the scoundrel side of Han, the blasé Han. And even though she’s downright rude at times, I related to Kat a lot more than to Emmy, who keeps ignoring Kat’s boundaries in the most disrespectful yet charming way. Seriously, I should hate Emmy, but she’s too sweet for that.
Reach the Stars is told in first person from each MC’s point of view in alternating chapters. The two MCs are wildly different and Seabrooke gave them very distinctive voices, which made it easy to channel each character when reading their respective chapters, pulling my brain (and my heart) in complete opposite directions.
It was quite the emotional roller coaster, honestly, going from one to the other, building walls on one side and shattering them with the best intentions on the other. I was quite willing to believe the chemistry and the longing between Kat and Emmy because neither is as straightforward as they seem, yet because of the novella length, I felt some of it was a tad rushed. For this reason and also because I rather liked the two characters, I wish it was a longer story. I wouldn’t have minded getting to know some of the secondary characters better, either.
I received a copy from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 30, 2021
ohmygod this was so cute.
This was a novella that follows the lives of Katarina "Kat" Jackson and Emma "Emmy" Montford as they compete in a televised singing contest. Kat is very reserved and standoffish while Emmy is super chippy and upbeat. And while there are some early tensions, after they keep getting paired together in events, they begin to see different sides of each other.
I really enjoyed this book. I've read several works by Seabrooke in the past, and enjoyed them all- especially her Christmas Ball series. (The Christmas Ball, The Last Christmas Ball) And I'm happy that, while shorter and having less overall depth as it is a novella, I really enjoyed this book too.
This book is a charming read and seeing Kat slowly open up to Emmy made me very happy and filled my heart. Seeing them interact is so sweet, and I really appreciated the subtle changes in character as the book went on. You could tell when they met they were both amping up their personalities around each other, and seeing those walls break down was delightful.
The character of Emmy is particularly resonant at this time and spoke to me- and it's part of the reason I enjoyed this book as much as I did. Emmy is an overwhelmingly positive character and tries to assume the best in everyone, but as the book continued, you find out she battled some real demons, and now uses her positivity to keep them at bay. When I got this book I was following several anti-LGBT laws being passed and was in a bad headspace, and this level of cuteness came to me and it was really what I needed and filled my heart with hope. I thought that was a nice parallel and it hit me hard.
If anything I'd wish there was more of, I wish I could have seen a little more backstory into Kat's life, but I did enjoy Emmy's narrative enough to balance it out. I also might have liked a little more detail into how the singing competition functioned- but that's purely because I have a softspot for singing shows in real life.
I really enjoyed this book! It made me happy. It's what I needed at the right time. 4.5/5
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was a novella that follows the lives of Katarina "Kat" Jackson and Emma "Emmy" Montford as they compete in a televised singing contest. Kat is very reserved and standoffish while Emmy is super chippy and upbeat. And while there are some early tensions, after they keep getting paired together in events, they begin to see different sides of each other.
I really enjoyed this book. I've read several works by Seabrooke in the past, and enjoyed them all- especially her Christmas Ball series. (The Christmas Ball, The Last Christmas Ball) And I'm happy that, while shorter and having less overall depth as it is a novella, I really enjoyed this book too.
This book is a charming read and seeing Kat slowly open up to Emmy made me very happy and filled my heart. Seeing them interact is so sweet, and I really appreciated the subtle changes in character as the book went on. You could tell when they met they were both amping up their personalities around each other, and seeing those walls break down was delightful.
The character of Emmy is particularly resonant at this time and spoke to me- and it's part of the reason I enjoyed this book as much as I did. Emmy is an overwhelmingly positive character and tries to assume the best in everyone, but as the book continued, you find out she battled some real demons, and now uses her positivity to keep them at bay. When I got this book I was following several anti-LGBT laws being passed and was in a bad headspace, and this level of cuteness came to me and it was really what I needed and filled my heart with hope. I thought that was a nice parallel and it hit me hard.
If anything I'd wish there was more of, I wish I could have seen a little more backstory into Kat's life, but I did enjoy Emmy's narrative enough to balance it out. I also might have liked a little more detail into how the singing competition functioned- but that's purely because I have a softspot for singing shows in real life.
I really enjoyed this book! It made me happy. It's what I needed at the right time. 4.5/5
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 30, 2021
First comment: my need to try new, to me, lesbian fiction authors continues with this book here.
Second comment: I'm confused by the underlying plot of this book. hmm, no, not plot. What word am I looking for? Bah. The underlying concept? Yeah, that. Specifically - yeah, I've seen music shows involving people looking for a career in music (American Idol, Nashville Stars, that one that involves a spinning chair whose name is escaping me at the moment)), and I've even seen music shows involving already famous people (Masked Singer), but I've not seen one like this one here. I think it's a mix of already famous people and complete unknowns. I think?
Continuing Second comment: Confused about this reality show. It appeared more interested in showing the "competitors" going on cruise ships, going to dinner, and other such stuff. Instead of allowing them to practice for the competitions, and/or showing anything involving the actual singing part of the competition.
Two point of views: Katarina Jackson is the already famous one. Though I've no clue where in her career she is supposed to be, except that she's won this specific competition before (America's Got Talent occasionally has people who have already won other reality show competitions, but that one involves everyone on that particular version of the show being winners/champions, so not same as here). Katarina is a grumpy person who does not like talking with people, being one on one with people, or being in crowds.
Other point of view is Emmy Montford who is brand new to competitions, is quite young, and has a bubbly personality with a need to befriend (and ability) everyone around her.
The two meet bad. As in, Emmy literally runs into and collapses on top of Katarina (who is very very concerned about rumors for reasons not ever explained (assume it has something to do with "gay/lesbian" stuff, but never actually addressed)).
Kat wants nothing to do with Emmy, but can't get away from her. Literally: their hotel rooms are right next door, and the really (and I mean really really really creepy to the point I'd seriously want someone in HR to get involved and fire her) Joyce FamousPerson does stuff to force Emmy and Kat to do stuff together.
Regarding Joyce: she's very hands-y, and seems to have issues with people saying No to her, is a big bully, and appears to have bullied another person working on the reality show into being in a relationship with her (it gets played off later as in "she wanted it", but while it was being "displayed" in the book, the woman Joyce was bullying and dominating acted super creeped out and wanting nothing to do with what Joyce was doing, and stuff). A confusing thing is that there's a scene wherein a cameraman grabs Emmy by the wrists to drag her somewhere, Emmy acts super creeped out and Kat stops Liam . . . seemingly moments later Joyce FamousPerson is being creepy to, I'd like to say Georgina? And yet it's played off as not creepy/bullying/harassment. Maybe I should lower my rating at least one star?
Right, where was I? Oh, right. So, due to Joyce's creepy interference, the two lead characters are forced to interact. Be partnered up at amusement parks, glass-bottom boat tours, etc. Katrina acts all grumpy cat. Emmy acts all . . . opposite grumpy cat. The two grow closer and stuff.
Despite how I wrote everything above, I rather enjoyed the interactions between the two mains, and liked both of them.
Rating: 4.65
May 29 2021
Second comment: I'm confused by the underlying plot of this book. hmm, no, not plot. What word am I looking for? Bah. The underlying concept? Yeah, that. Specifically - yeah, I've seen music shows involving people looking for a career in music (American Idol, Nashville Stars, that one that involves a spinning chair whose name is escaping me at the moment)), and I've even seen music shows involving already famous people (Masked Singer), but I've not seen one like this one here. I think it's a mix of already famous people and complete unknowns. I think?
Continuing Second comment: Confused about this reality show. It appeared more interested in showing the "competitors" going on cruise ships, going to dinner, and other such stuff. Instead of allowing them to practice for the competitions, and/or showing anything involving the actual singing part of the competition.
Two point of views: Katarina Jackson is the already famous one. Though I've no clue where in her career she is supposed to be, except that she's won this specific competition before (America's Got Talent occasionally has people who have already won other reality show competitions, but that one involves everyone on that particular version of the show being winners/champions, so not same as here). Katarina is a grumpy person who does not like talking with people, being one on one with people, or being in crowds.
Other point of view is Emmy Montford who is brand new to competitions, is quite young, and has a bubbly personality with a need to befriend (and ability) everyone around her.
The two meet bad. As in, Emmy literally runs into and collapses on top of Katarina (who is very very concerned about rumors for reasons not ever explained (assume it has something to do with "gay/lesbian" stuff, but never actually addressed)).
Kat wants nothing to do with Emmy, but can't get away from her. Literally: their hotel rooms are right next door, and the really (and I mean really really really creepy to the point I'd seriously want someone in HR to get involved and fire her) Joyce FamousPerson does stuff to force Emmy and Kat to do stuff together.
Regarding Joyce: she's very hands-y, and seems to have issues with people saying No to her, is a big bully, and appears to have bullied another person working on the reality show into being in a relationship with her (it gets played off later as in "she wanted it", but while it was being "displayed" in the book, the woman Joyce was bullying and dominating acted super creeped out and wanting nothing to do with what Joyce was doing, and stuff). A confusing thing is that there's a scene wherein a cameraman grabs Emmy by the wrists to drag her somewhere, Emmy acts super creeped out and Kat stops Liam . . . seemingly moments later Joyce FamousPerson is being creepy to, I'd like to say Georgina? And yet it's played off as not creepy/bullying/harassment. Maybe I should lower my rating at least one star?
You do not touch a woman without her consent.
Right, where was I? Oh, right. So, due to Joyce's creepy interference, the two lead characters are forced to interact. Be partnered up at amusement parks, glass-bottom boat tours, etc. Katrina acts all grumpy cat. Emmy acts all . . . opposite grumpy cat. The two grow closer and stuff.
Despite how I wrote everything above, I rather enjoyed the interactions between the two mains, and liked both of them.
Rating: 4.65
May 29 2021
April 13, 2021
This was a cute novella from Seabrooke.
Emmy finds herself competing in a reality TV singing contest, something she never expected would be a possibility. She’s a kind, bubbly, sweet person, who stands out both for her demeanour and her talent.
Kat is a singing contest veteran. Bowled over by Emmy, she finds herself stuck with Emmy in more ways than one. She’s just there to win and go home. Not horrible, but not exactly personable either, she is the grumpy to Emmy’s sunshine.
I have to admit the premise of this confused me at first. Reality singing contests to me mean unknown singers competing for recording contracts, not people with fan bases already, or people that have competed in these contests before, so it took me a little while to catch up my thought process on this one.
The characters work well together though. i enjoyed Emmy’s eternal optimism and the banter between her and Kat. I loved the beginning of the novella, it had me in stitches which always helps!
The way the relationship develops into a semi-friendship, then them admitting their feelings for each other always plays out well on the page. I especially enjoyed the fans shipping them and the denials that they knew anything about it.
This is a nice sweet novella that works as an interesting romance, and as a nice break from other longer reads. I’d recommend to any romance fans, especially those that are fans of musician based stories.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Emmy finds herself competing in a reality TV singing contest, something she never expected would be a possibility. She’s a kind, bubbly, sweet person, who stands out both for her demeanour and her talent.
Kat is a singing contest veteran. Bowled over by Emmy, she finds herself stuck with Emmy in more ways than one. She’s just there to win and go home. Not horrible, but not exactly personable either, she is the grumpy to Emmy’s sunshine.
I have to admit the premise of this confused me at first. Reality singing contests to me mean unknown singers competing for recording contracts, not people with fan bases already, or people that have competed in these contests before, so it took me a little while to catch up my thought process on this one.
The characters work well together though. i enjoyed Emmy’s eternal optimism and the banter between her and Kat. I loved the beginning of the novella, it had me in stitches which always helps!
The way the relationship develops into a semi-friendship, then them admitting their feelings for each other always plays out well on the page. I especially enjoyed the fans shipping them and the denials that they knew anything about it.
This is a nice sweet novella that works as an interesting romance, and as a nice break from other longer reads. I’d recommend to any romance fans, especially those that are fans of musician based stories.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 2, 2021
I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Lily's novels never fail to make me smile, and this novella was no exception. We follow Emmy and Kat as they battle through a singing competition. They meet by literally running into each other, which was hilarious, and they keep getting paired up for the competition.
Emmy is bright and bubbly and unfailingly positive, while Kat is the opposite, grumpy and experiencing burn out from the music industry.
I liked Kat more than Emmy. I definitely identified more with Kat—when I'm feeling grumpy I just want to be left alone, and Emmy kept talking to Kat when she repeatedly told her to leave her alone, which rubbed me the wrong way a few times. I'll be honest and say Emmy annoyed me a little.
Other than those few occasions though, this was a cute romance. I wanted it to be a full length novel!
Lily's novels never fail to make me smile, and this novella was no exception. We follow Emmy and Kat as they battle through a singing competition. They meet by literally running into each other, which was hilarious, and they keep getting paired up for the competition.
Emmy is bright and bubbly and unfailingly positive, while Kat is the opposite, grumpy and experiencing burn out from the music industry.
I liked Kat more than Emmy. I definitely identified more with Kat—when I'm feeling grumpy I just want to be left alone, and Emmy kept talking to Kat when she repeatedly told her to leave her alone, which rubbed me the wrong way a few times. I'll be honest and say Emmy annoyed me a little.
Other than those few occasions though, this was a cute romance. I wanted it to be a full length novel!
April 19, 2021
Definitely the case of opposites. Grumpy Cat (AKA Katarina) is a grumpy cat. 100%. Then there's Emmy, who sluffs off rainbows and rays of sunshine as she walks. This was so much fun, I loved it. Funny as heck too. Kinda bummed it was just a novella :/
March 28, 2021
Note: I received a complimentary ebook of this title in exchange for an honest review.
Reach for the Stars by Lily Seabrooke, due out April 9, 2021, is the delightfully comfy, sunshine/grumpy lesbian romance we all needed for spring. In general, Seabrooke has a tendency to write the sort of romance that wraps you up in comfort and emotions and keeps you warm the whole way through, but it feels like she's reached new heights with this one.
Emmy Montford, new to the singing contest stage, barrels in with a smile and a genuine urge to make people smile. Which does not sit well with Katarina (Kat to her friends) Jackson, reigning champion of the song contest stage and relative loner when not forced to smile for the camera. Their first meeting is more meet-accidental-assault than meet-cute, and the antics only further ensue from there.
While I identify far more with Kat than Emmy (what can I say, I'm a bit of a grump), Emmy was far and away my favorite character. It was refreshing to see a woman who was cheerful, genuinely cheerful, without doing it to please others or to hide some deep inner hurt. Yes, she had a past, everyone does, but her boundless enthusiasm for being happy and bringing a smile to the faces of those around her is infectious. Even Kat isn't completely immune.
The romance between the two is undeniably sweet as we see Emmy doing her best to bring Kat joy, and Kat slowly but surely bringing down her armor. We get to see how they both change and grow, and in the end, we're beside them as they celebrate their achievements and help each other shine. A little bit of steam certainly doesn't hurt, and the absolutely perfect #KatarEmmy hashtag is icing on the cake.
I can't recommend Reach for the Stars highly enough. You can't help but smile through Emmy's antics, Kat's attempts at aloofness, forced photo excursions, and fish that absolutely feel Emmy's love for them, it's such a wonderful romance that it will leave you smiling to yourself long after you've finished it.
Reach for the Stars by Lily Seabrooke, due out April 9, 2021, is the delightfully comfy, sunshine/grumpy lesbian romance we all needed for spring. In general, Seabrooke has a tendency to write the sort of romance that wraps you up in comfort and emotions and keeps you warm the whole way through, but it feels like she's reached new heights with this one.
Emmy Montford, new to the singing contest stage, barrels in with a smile and a genuine urge to make people smile. Which does not sit well with Katarina (Kat to her friends) Jackson, reigning champion of the song contest stage and relative loner when not forced to smile for the camera. Their first meeting is more meet-accidental-assault than meet-cute, and the antics only further ensue from there.
While I identify far more with Kat than Emmy (what can I say, I'm a bit of a grump), Emmy was far and away my favorite character. It was refreshing to see a woman who was cheerful, genuinely cheerful, without doing it to please others or to hide some deep inner hurt. Yes, she had a past, everyone does, but her boundless enthusiasm for being happy and bringing a smile to the faces of those around her is infectious. Even Kat isn't completely immune.
The romance between the two is undeniably sweet as we see Emmy doing her best to bring Kat joy, and Kat slowly but surely bringing down her armor. We get to see how they both change and grow, and in the end, we're beside them as they celebrate their achievements and help each other shine. A little bit of steam certainly doesn't hurt, and the absolutely perfect #KatarEmmy hashtag is icing on the cake.
I can't recommend Reach for the Stars highly enough. You can't help but smile through Emmy's antics, Kat's attempts at aloofness, forced photo excursions, and fish that absolutely feel Emmy's love for them, it's such a wonderful romance that it will leave you smiling to yourself long after you've finished it.
April 13, 2022
Once again, Lily Seabrooke amazed me.
I love this kind of tropes: celebrities, fangirling, song contest, grumpy vs sunshine. A perfect combo for a perfect read.
Despite the fact that this is a short book, the romance is a slow-burn. I can say that the wait is totally worthy
I highly recommend this book and all of Lily's 😁
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I love this kind of tropes: celebrities, fangirling, song contest, grumpy vs sunshine. A perfect combo for a perfect read.
Despite the fact that this is a short book, the romance is a slow-burn. I can say that the wait is totally worthy
I highly recommend this book and all of Lily's 😁
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 7, 2021
Lily did it again!! This book is so much fun and I absolutely love the characters, even the ice Queen who is so subtly sweet sometimes she’ll melt YOUR heart. If you follow Lily on Twitter, you know she is such a sweetheart and you can see her so much in this book. Read it for a sweet romance with only minor drama!!
April 8, 2021
This is yet another instalment of Lily's writing that just touches your soul. She writes characters like she's introducing the reader to an old friend. The emotions they convey and the situations they find themselves in will make you laugh, smile, cry and feel loved long after your last page is turned.
Emmy is a warm hearted, soft smiling, up and coming singer whose talent is about to be known worldwide thanks to securing a place in a song contest but her competition is fierce. Katerina Jackson is the reigning champion, she is cold and detached from anyone and anything that isn't work. Their paths cross in a meet-cute that is typical of Seabrookes stories but will definitely sweep you off your feet. Emmy is constant sunshine, she moves a mile a minute and talks equally as fast. She isn't ashamed of who she is, she's self-sure and honest to a fault. Your typical girl next door without all the bumbling shyness most people write. It was a refreshing change. Lily does this though, she makes sure her characters a strong even when they're soft. It's one of my favourite writing qualities. Kat, a little harder to breakdown but loveable nevertheless, she sets boundaries within this book that are constantly pushed and although there are instance where her word choice when speaking to Emmy made me heart sad I loved the push and pull between these two.
It is this element that made me wish the book was longer the move from friends to lovers was conveyed in such a positive way that you too will be left feeling its effects even after you've finished the book. I know I did.
My fave line from the book was definitely "I didn't know how Emmy was so warm. Probably because she had the entire sun inside her" and oh gosh, this warmed me like no other line I've read and is wholly indicative of everything Lily puts forward with each release.
I hope we get to meet these two characters again in the future.
Emmy is a warm hearted, soft smiling, up and coming singer whose talent is about to be known worldwide thanks to securing a place in a song contest but her competition is fierce. Katerina Jackson is the reigning champion, she is cold and detached from anyone and anything that isn't work. Their paths cross in a meet-cute that is typical of Seabrookes stories but will definitely sweep you off your feet. Emmy is constant sunshine, she moves a mile a minute and talks equally as fast. She isn't ashamed of who she is, she's self-sure and honest to a fault. Your typical girl next door without all the bumbling shyness most people write. It was a refreshing change. Lily does this though, she makes sure her characters a strong even when they're soft. It's one of my favourite writing qualities. Kat, a little harder to breakdown but loveable nevertheless, she sets boundaries within this book that are constantly pushed and although there are instance where her word choice when speaking to Emmy made me heart sad I loved the push and pull between these two.
It is this element that made me wish the book was longer the move from friends to lovers was conveyed in such a positive way that you too will be left feeling its effects even after you've finished the book. I know I did.
My fave line from the book was definitely "I didn't know how Emmy was so warm. Probably because she had the entire sun inside her" and oh gosh, this warmed me like no other line I've read and is wholly indicative of everything Lily puts forward with each release.
I hope we get to meet these two characters again in the future.
April 11, 2021
A grumpy/sunshine romance for the ages. Seabrooke delivers cuteness and humor in spades while also calling attention to how trauma can shape us and how much of a struggle it can be to live and enjoy life. Emmy and Kat are two sides to the same coin and I loved how they balanced each other, and how well they fit together.
Emmy takes sweetness to another level. Always looking for a way to make someone’s day brighter, always with something kind to say, she radiates goodness and has a pull that is impossible to resist. Kat is jaded, cynical, and an all around grump. The two couldn’t be more opposite yet they fit together so seamlessly despite Kat’s adamant and repeated fight against Emmy’s charm.
I loved watching Emmy slowly break down each and every one of Kat’s walls. Emmy’s relentless kindness and Kat’s obstinate rebuttal make for several hilarious encounters. Kat’s constant sourness and Emmy’s ability to cut through it is absolutely delightful to watch.
The ability to switch from a silly and sweet tone to a serious one on a dime is remarkable. Seabrooke does a fantastic job of balancing the opposing tones in a way that never felt jarring. I loved the sweet and honest way the story developed both characters and confronted the pain they had each experienced.
Both young women find exactly what they’ve been looking for in one another, its just a question of if they will embrace it or run from it.
A stunningly warm and cute story with great characters, hilarious situations and dialogue, enough sweetness to cause a toothache, emotional development, and that touching romance Seabrooke is known for. A wonderful read.
Emmy takes sweetness to another level. Always looking for a way to make someone’s day brighter, always with something kind to say, she radiates goodness and has a pull that is impossible to resist. Kat is jaded, cynical, and an all around grump. The two couldn’t be more opposite yet they fit together so seamlessly despite Kat’s adamant and repeated fight against Emmy’s charm.
I loved watching Emmy slowly break down each and every one of Kat’s walls. Emmy’s relentless kindness and Kat’s obstinate rebuttal make for several hilarious encounters. Kat’s constant sourness and Emmy’s ability to cut through it is absolutely delightful to watch.
The ability to switch from a silly and sweet tone to a serious one on a dime is remarkable. Seabrooke does a fantastic job of balancing the opposing tones in a way that never felt jarring. I loved the sweet and honest way the story developed both characters and confronted the pain they had each experienced.
Both young women find exactly what they’ve been looking for in one another, its just a question of if they will embrace it or run from it.
A stunningly warm and cute story with great characters, hilarious situations and dialogue, enough sweetness to cause a toothache, emotional development, and that touching romance Seabrooke is known for. A wonderful read.
April 8, 2021
This novella is written around a reality tv show singing competition. Our MC's are Kat, as explained in the blurb a grumpy lady, and Emmy, a sweetness and light, a ray of sunshine. I think I'd call this an opposites attract kinda deal. Kat doesn't want anything to do with anyone and that just draws Emmy to her.
They clash all over the place until they don't. Then they have to decide what they're doing, and what about the competition, and, and..?
I really kinda struggled with this book a bit, I was over halfway before I didn't want to kill Emmy. I just really don't like other people forcing their positive life choices on me, you know? So, Emmy had to win me over too. So, after I stopped wishing for a different second MC, I got better. I hate to get philosophical, you know it's been a long damn year, but in the grand scheme of things, for us grumpy people it's kinda a lesson in taking a step back and lighten up a little bit. Probably not what Lily had in mind, I'm sure, but I was a lot less grumpy when I finished reading this. So, yeah, I'd recommend reading this. It was a nice romance, that was well written. The grumps might get
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.something out of it and the pos'ers will just gush. ;)
They clash all over the place until they don't. Then they have to decide what they're doing, and what about the competition, and, and..?
I really kinda struggled with this book a bit, I was over halfway before I didn't want to kill Emmy. I just really don't like other people forcing their positive life choices on me, you know? So, Emmy had to win me over too. So, after I stopped wishing for a different second MC, I got better. I hate to get philosophical, you know it's been a long damn year, but in the grand scheme of things, for us grumpy people it's kinda a lesson in taking a step back and lighten up a little bit. Probably not what Lily had in mind, I'm sure, but I was a lot less grumpy when I finished reading this. So, yeah, I'd recommend reading this. It was a nice romance, that was well written. The grumps might get
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.something out of it and the pos'ers will just gush. ;)
April 7, 2021
What a sweet, wholesome story! Kat and Emmy are both competing at a singing competition. Kat is cynical and mistrustful, while Emmy is joyful and caring to everyone. Initially annoyed by Emmy, Kat grows closer to her and the two begin developing a romance.
This story is like receiving a warm hug. It’s very wholesome and entertaining, with lovable characters and an adorable romance. It’s one of those fluffy books designed to make you feel good. It does deal with more serious issues like abuse at times, but isn’t graphic about it and is overall lighthearted. The romance scenes are so cute and filled me with happiness.
I did wish for more of Kat’s backstory. We get hints of it but it’s never truly explored, and I was really interested in her character.
This is the kind of book that could be classified as “brain candy.” It’s not a heavy, intellectual story, but it’s delightful to read and leaves you with good feelings. And right now, we need all the good feelings we can get.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This story is like receiving a warm hug. It’s very wholesome and entertaining, with lovable characters and an adorable romance. It’s one of those fluffy books designed to make you feel good. It does deal with more serious issues like abuse at times, but isn’t graphic about it and is overall lighthearted. The romance scenes are so cute and filled me with happiness.
I did wish for more of Kat’s backstory. We get hints of it but it’s never truly explored, and I was really interested in her character.
This is the kind of book that could be classified as “brain candy.” It’s not a heavy, intellectual story, but it’s delightful to read and leaves you with good feelings. And right now, we need all the good feelings we can get.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 7, 2021
Ok, so despite the fact that this one is short (30k words), it is a slow-burn, but my god does it burn. I loved every part of it. As a reviewer, I was of course trying to find good and bad sides, but god is it hard to find bad ones with this one. I thought Kat was a bit cliché as first, but it's really not the impression I'm left with after finishing it. The characters are well-written and the story sucks you in like a black hole. I thought the bar was set high with Lily Seabrooke's other books, but wow this one exceeds expectations. If you want a short, sweet, mushy, melting-ice-queen romance, this is definitely the one for you.
I was given a free copy of this book by the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I was given a free copy of this book by the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
April 10, 2021
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review*
Reach the Stars is a sapphic novella following Emmy and Kat who are both competitors in a singing competition. Kat is the reigning champ and the one to beat--all business no fun. Emmy is the newbie, lovable, and about nothing but fun.
The two meet in a not so fun way, and that slowly turns into friendship and...more?
Classic "grumpy one falls for the cinnamon roll."
This story was absolutely adorable. I could picture everything going on so well that I was shocked it was a novella and not a full length novel. I kept thinking how perfect this story would be for a lesbian Hallmark movie, but it's not the first time I've had that thought with one of Lily's stories.
Reach the Stars is a sapphic novella following Emmy and Kat who are both competitors in a singing competition. Kat is the reigning champ and the one to beat--all business no fun. Emmy is the newbie, lovable, and about nothing but fun.
The two meet in a not so fun way, and that slowly turns into friendship and...more?
Classic "grumpy one falls for the cinnamon roll."
This story was absolutely adorable. I could picture everything going on so well that I was shocked it was a novella and not a full length novel. I kept thinking how perfect this story would be for a lesbian Hallmark movie, but it's not the first time I've had that thought with one of Lily's stories.
April 6, 2021
A short, sweet romance with some humor, a touch of angst and bedroom heat. Both main characters are competing in a televised singing contest - Emma/Emmy exudes happiness/goodwill while Katarina/Kat is a snide and seemingly heartless rival. Through ups and downs, walls are eventually demolished with both characters well developed at the end and rivalries set aside.
Another thoroughly enjoyable book from Ms. Seabrooke which I easily recommend with 5 smiling stars as a sweet escape from the numbness of life today.
I rec'd an ARC through Booksprout and this is an unbiased, voluntary review.
Another thoroughly enjoyable book from Ms. Seabrooke which I easily recommend with 5 smiling stars as a sweet escape from the numbness of life today.
I rec'd an ARC through Booksprout and this is an unbiased, voluntary review.
April 8, 2021
As always, Lily Seabrooke has a talent for creating a slow burn that kept me quickly turning the pages. Emmy and Kat's story made me laugh often and captured me from the very beginning. Reach the Stars is the feel-good, fun and upbeat romance novella you've been waiting for!
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.
May 9, 2021
I loved this book so much! Endlessly happy and optimistic meets grumpy and pessimistic with a touch of burn-out too. The happy main character reminded me so much of the author. Always looking on the bright side, a friend to all, just like Lily herself. This was a wonderful book of how two polar opposites can not only attract but stick and work towards a future together.
April 8, 2021
I love all of Lily's books but Reach the Stars is one of her best yet. From chapter 1, I was all-in shipping #Kataremmy! I devoured this book in just three days and was deeply upset every time I had to put it down. This super sweet grumpy/sunshine lesbian romance will heal your soul.
April 9, 2021
This was a short and sweet read. Kat is grumpy and grouchy and Emmy is doing everything to get her to smile and have fun. I might be more Kat because I would probably push Emmy off the boat a few times lol.
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.
April 9, 2021
This is another wonderful read from Ms Seabrooke. Emmy has entered a singing contest and there she meets the favourite Kat. Emmy is very positive and annoys Kat, who is serious. Well written plot, with good leading characters - very enjoyable.
April 9, 2021
This story has the same amazing writing that I've come to expect from Lily Seabrooke. Everything had a nice, natural flow to it, and no element of the story overstayed its welcome. There definitely should have been more with the characters. It just felt that Kat went from not liking Emmy to liking her a bit too quickly, and there were whole chunks of time that were just skipped in the story where they could have been fleshed out more. The story is still really good and enjoyable to read and I think that Emmy and Kat make a really cute couple. I just wanted more. I wanted to see more of Kat's opinion on Emmy shifting from hate, to like, to love, and I also really wanted to see more of them being a happy couple. Overall, I still really like this story and will definitely revisit it from time to time.
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.
May 1, 2023
She’s the best!!! 🥰
I must say that one of my Kindle goals is to read every one of Lily’s novels.
I know it’s rude to call her by her first name, but I honestly feel as though we are literary friends.
Friends, have the innate ability to read you, and know when and how, to make you smile and frequently laugh.
Whenever i am out of sorts or I find myself depressed , I read Lily’s novels and they make me feel as though life can be so much brighter than it was before I turned the first page.
My only criticism of this enthusiastically upbeat novel was that it was too short.
While it might be unrealistic, I kind of hope that Lily finds the time to write a novella about what the years ahead have in store for Emmy and Kay and how they both deal with the way their lives are affected by success.
Until the next opportunity to read one of your novels, keep smiling🤩
I must say that one of my Kindle goals is to read every one of Lily’s novels.
I know it’s rude to call her by her first name, but I honestly feel as though we are literary friends.
Friends, have the innate ability to read you, and know when and how, to make you smile and frequently laugh.
Whenever i am out of sorts or I find myself depressed , I read Lily’s novels and they make me feel as though life can be so much brighter than it was before I turned the first page.
My only criticism of this enthusiastically upbeat novel was that it was too short.
While it might be unrealistic, I kind of hope that Lily finds the time to write a novella about what the years ahead have in store for Emmy and Kay and how they both deal with the way their lives are affected by success.
Until the next opportunity to read one of your novels, keep smiling🤩
April 14, 2021
Honestly, this is my new favourite Seabrooke novel, and that's saying something since all of her books are adorable and exactly the kind of sapphic sweetness I would recommend to anyone looking to escape into a good book. She continues to grow with every book and this one is no different.
This story is sweet and cute and fun. I laughed a lot while reading and appreciated the contrast between Emmy's relentlessly sunshine-y personality and Kat's moodiness. The way they get to know each other and come together is absolutely believable and something I was so excited to see when they got there.
Absolutely pick this book up for some hilarious jokes, sweet interactions, and for a light and fun escape. It is wonderful and I'm absolutely shipping #kataremmy!
This story is sweet and cute and fun. I laughed a lot while reading and appreciated the contrast between Emmy's relentlessly sunshine-y personality and Kat's moodiness. The way they get to know each other and come together is absolutely believable and something I was so excited to see when they got there.
Absolutely pick this book up for some hilarious jokes, sweet interactions, and for a light and fun escape. It is wonderful and I'm absolutely shipping #kataremmy!
August 27, 2021
A light and fun escape!
What a fun writer Lily Seabrooke is. There are hilarious jokes and dialogue, and so many sweet interactions between the perky, optimistic personality of Emmy and the moody, grumpy, dismissive Kat as contestants on a national singing contest. Kat never stood a chance against Emmy's cuteness, kindness and hilarity. It was so believable watching Kat fall for her charms. I enjoyed this story very, very much!
What a fun writer Lily Seabrooke is. There are hilarious jokes and dialogue, and so many sweet interactions between the perky, optimistic personality of Emmy and the moody, grumpy, dismissive Kat as contestants on a national singing contest. Kat never stood a chance against Emmy's cuteness, kindness and hilarity. It was so believable watching Kat fall for her charms. I enjoyed this story very, very much!
July 21, 2021
Being an optimist usually and having the pleasure of knowing a couple of people like her, I loved Emma from the beginning. Kat had to grow on me but that was not too long except for her stupid reaction near the end. I just wished Tristan would have tried to get Emma back and gotten put in his place by both her and Kat. Would love to see them in another couple of books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 21, 2021
Lily Seabrooke created a musical competition but centered on two competitors. Emmy is saccharine sweet while Kat really isn't. Kat is here for the competition not the people. Meanwhile, Emmy attracts people like honey attracts bees.
Jae's Sapphic Reading Challenge:
Grumpy and sunshine
character is a musician
Jae's Sapphic Reading Challenge:
Grumpy and sunshine
character is a musician
June 29, 2021
Perfect light hearted romance
This was such a sweet and light hearted romance. A perfect example of how opposites attract. Emmy and Kat are so different but were perfect together. Great job by the author, this was well written, with loveable and believable characters. Highly recommend.
This was such a sweet and light hearted romance. A perfect example of how opposites attract. Emmy and Kat are so different but were perfect together. Great job by the author, this was well written, with loveable and believable characters. Highly recommend.
May 15, 2021
Well, this was absolutely ADORABLE. I was smiling and giggling all the way through! I'm not sure I've ever read a better grumpy/sunshine pairing than Kat and Emmy. The way they each secretly checked out the Kataremmy hashtag on Instagram? Gah! I'm mush. Loved it!
May 25, 2021
Loved it.
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