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Talk Bookish to Me
Inspiration can come from the most unlikely—and inconvenient—sources.
Kara Sullivan’s life is full of love—albeit fictional. As a bestselling romance novelist and influential bookstagrammer, she’s fine with getting her happily-ever-after fix between the covers of a book.
But right now? Not only is Kara’s best friend getting married next week—which means big wedding stress—but the deadline for her next novel is looming, and she hasn’t written a single word. The last thing she needs is for her infuriating first love, Ryan Thompson, to suddenly appear in the wedding party. But Ryan’s unexpected arrival sparks a creative awakening in Kara that inspires the steamy historical romance she desperately needs to deliver.
With her wedding duties intensifying, her deadline getting closer by the second and her bills not paying themselves, Kara knows there’s only one way for her to finish her book and to give her characters the ever-after they deserve. But can she embrace the unlikely, ruggedly handsome muse—who pushes every one of her buttons—to save the wedding, her career and, just maybe, write her own happy ending?
"A fun and sexy romp, with chemistry that gave me all the feels!" —Jennifer Probst, New York Times bestselling author of Our Italian Summer
"Add this book to your TBR list immediately!" —Sarah Smith, author of Faker
Kara Sullivan’s life is full of love—albeit fictional. As a bestselling romance novelist and influential bookstagrammer, she’s fine with getting her happily-ever-after fix between the covers of a book.
But right now? Not only is Kara’s best friend getting married next week—which means big wedding stress—but the deadline for her next novel is looming, and she hasn’t written a single word. The last thing she needs is for her infuriating first love, Ryan Thompson, to suddenly appear in the wedding party. But Ryan’s unexpected arrival sparks a creative awakening in Kara that inspires the steamy historical romance she desperately needs to deliver.
With her wedding duties intensifying, her deadline getting closer by the second and her bills not paying themselves, Kara knows there’s only one way for her to finish her book and to give her characters the ever-after they deserve. But can she embrace the unlikely, ruggedly handsome muse—who pushes every one of her buttons—to save the wedding, her career and, just maybe, write her own happy ending?
"A fun and sexy romp, with chemistry that gave me all the feels!" —Jennifer Probst, New York Times bestselling author of Our Italian Summer
"Add this book to your TBR list immediately!" —Sarah Smith, author of Faker
376 pages, Paperback
First published May 25, 2021
About the author
Kate Bromley
3 books769 followersKate Bromley lives on the East Coast with her husband, sons, and her somewhat excessive collection of romance novels. (It’s not hoarding if it’s books, right?) She was a preschool teacher for seven years and is now focusing full-time on combining her two great passions -– writing swoon-worthy love stories and making people laugh.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 3,231 reviews
June 9, 2022
I’m addicted loyal fan of enemies to lovers theme: add more smart banters, explosively high, pant melting chemistry and likable MCs: I’m sold! I can read millions of books with this definition!
I can honestly admit that I was hooked from the first ten pages of the story: pre-wedding party, mariachi orchestra, introduction of romance writer, quirky, partly introvert, bookstagrammer, smart, sweet heroine Kara Sullivan and her straightforward, entertaining bestie who is marrying with her love of her life.
A few pages later, our hero Ryan Thompson appears out of nowhere as groom’s childhood friend , who also broke Kara’s heart ten years ago and he still blames her for their breakup.
I’m so intrigued!!!!!! I got five starred reading vibes after seeing the creative, humorous banters and unresolved passion between the couple!
Another best thing is their encounter magically cured Kara’s writer’s block: she starts to work on her very streamy historical romance. So we’re lucky enough to read two books at the same time with blasting, mind blowing chemistry! Yes!!!!!!!Another five starred reading sign!
But when I read the reason why our couple breakup and learn more about their tragic family issues, I realize this book is not regular soft, sweet, swoon kind of romcom! We get the true angst alarm from the beginning!
As we reach at the middle, we find out a big secret of the hero! After reading that secret, I want to hire Jack Bauer, Jack Ryan, Jack Reacher and Jackson Teller to torture that guy! He groveled a lot to get the girl back but he truly pissed the hell of me!
Just for the reason and way too much angsty parts ( more misunderstandings, more heartbreaking and groveling chapters) I cut some points.
I’m still giving 3.5 stars and rounding them up to 4! Because I loved heroine and I enjoyed historical romance fiction parts and Kara’s inner journey, healing and rediscovery of her true self in Italy.
And I truly loved author’s incredibly entertaining sense of humor! I laughed out so many times when I gave breaks from cursing at Ryan. (I wish douche Ryan crawled and walked on his knees from the states to Italy and begged for Kara’s forgiveness. That’s my Christmas wish list!)
Anyways I’m so happy to read this book which put this lovely and brilliant author on my radar! I cannot wait to read her next works!
Special thanks to NetGalley and HARLEQUIN Trade Publishing for sharing this amazing digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest opinions.
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I can honestly admit that I was hooked from the first ten pages of the story: pre-wedding party, mariachi orchestra, introduction of romance writer, quirky, partly introvert, bookstagrammer, smart, sweet heroine Kara Sullivan and her straightforward, entertaining bestie who is marrying with her love of her life.
A few pages later, our hero Ryan Thompson appears out of nowhere as groom’s childhood friend , who also broke Kara’s heart ten years ago and he still blames her for their breakup.
I’m so intrigued!!!!!! I got five starred reading vibes after seeing the creative, humorous banters and unresolved passion between the couple!
Another best thing is their encounter magically cured Kara’s writer’s block: she starts to work on her very streamy historical romance. So we’re lucky enough to read two books at the same time with blasting, mind blowing chemistry! Yes!!!!!!!Another five starred reading sign!
But when I read the reason why our couple breakup and learn more about their tragic family issues, I realize this book is not regular soft, sweet, swoon kind of romcom! We get the true angst alarm from the beginning!
As we reach at the middle, we find out a big secret of the hero! After reading that secret, I want to hire Jack Bauer, Jack Ryan, Jack Reacher and Jackson Teller to torture that guy! He groveled a lot to get the girl back but he truly pissed the hell of me!
Just for the reason and way too much angsty parts ( more misunderstandings, more heartbreaking and groveling chapters) I cut some points.
I’m still giving 3.5 stars and rounding them up to 4! Because I loved heroine and I enjoyed historical romance fiction parts and Kara’s inner journey, healing and rediscovery of her true self in Italy.
And I truly loved author’s incredibly entertaining sense of humor! I laughed out so many times when I gave breaks from cursing at Ryan. (I wish douche Ryan crawled and walked on his knees from the states to Italy and begged for Kara’s forgiveness. That’s my Christmas wish list!)
Anyways I’m so happy to read this book which put this lovely and brilliant author on my radar! I cannot wait to read her next works!
Special thanks to NetGalley and HARLEQUIN Trade Publishing for sharing this amazing digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest opinions.
February 6, 2021
Call me naive but I honestly almost flung my poor, antique Kindle Voyage across the room after hitting the 75% mark in this story.
This second chance romance between two former college sweethearts, told in 1st POV from the romance novel writing heroine Kara Sullivan's perspective just did not work for me at all. I don't care how cute your bull dog is Ryan, good bye to you.
I also personally don't like the "book within a book" trope so I didn't care about the historical romance scenes mirroring Kara and Ryan's romance. I needed more time spent seeing why she'd ever forgive him.
SPOILERS AHEAD
CW cheating, lingering grief issues, drinking, fatphobia
This second chance romance between two former college sweethearts, told in 1st POV from the romance novel writing heroine Kara Sullivan's perspective just did not work for me at all. I don't care how cute your bull dog is Ryan, good bye to you.
I also personally don't like the "book within a book" trope so I didn't care about the historical romance scenes mirroring Kara and Ryan's romance. I needed more time spent seeing why she'd ever forgive him.
SPOILERS AHEAD
CW cheating, lingering grief issues, drinking, fatphobia
April 24, 2021
Oh my gosh! I just loved it!
Kara is a historical romance novelist. She is in desperate need to finish her next book but cannot find the inspiration to put words down. And the deadline is fast approaching.
While attending her best friend’s pre-wedding party the inspiration she needs walks right up to her. It’s her ex-boyfriend from College, Ryan.
There is a lot of hurt and anger between the former couple as they are thrown together for the wedding festivities. Can they overcome their past? Can love shine again? Or are they destined to go their separate ways after the wedding?
I loved how Kara’s life as a novelist played such a huge role in this book. With Ryan always asking about her books knowing how important that is in her life. I think that will resonate with a lot of readers. We all want our partners to understand and support our passion for reading.
I loved the chemistry between the characters and even though I may have guessed much of how the book would play out, it didn’t take away from the read for me at all.
A rom-com weekend buddy read with Susanne💞
Posted to: https://books-are-a-girls-best-friend...
Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing – Graydon House for an ARC to read and review.
Kara is a historical romance novelist. She is in desperate need to finish her next book but cannot find the inspiration to put words down. And the deadline is fast approaching.
While attending her best friend’s pre-wedding party the inspiration she needs walks right up to her. It’s her ex-boyfriend from College, Ryan.
There is a lot of hurt and anger between the former couple as they are thrown together for the wedding festivities. Can they overcome their past? Can love shine again? Or are they destined to go their separate ways after the wedding?
I loved how Kara’s life as a novelist played such a huge role in this book. With Ryan always asking about her books knowing how important that is in her life. I think that will resonate with a lot of readers. We all want our partners to understand and support our passion for reading.
I loved the chemistry between the characters and even though I may have guessed much of how the book would play out, it didn’t take away from the read for me at all.
A rom-com weekend buddy read with Susanne💞
Posted to: https://books-are-a-girls-best-friend...
Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing – Graydon House for an ARC to read and review.
June 13, 2023
I don't even want to tell you how excited I was for the first 70% of this book. At this point, such emotions feel like a violation that I allowed on my person. There was just such a good backstory for these two that led to so much hurt and mistrust and I was just salivating to get to the blow up.
Oh how naive I was.
Our two main leads, Ryan and Kara broke up in college because of distance and work/internship issues. Kara found herself becoming more and more miserable the more she saw Ryan hanging out with a fellow intern. He was missing her calls more and just generally being distant so in a desperate attempt she decides to go and surprise him. The sadistic part of me jumped for joy because anyone who's read or watched a romance knows that surprise visits are where the real angst starts to kick in. So she goes to his apartment and (shocked) Ryan isn't home. He isn't home at 5. He isn't home at 9. He's isn't home at 4 fucking 30 in the morning. Then his drunk ass finally stumbled in around 9 after Kara checked herself into a hotel (meanwhile calling his phone and getting nothing. Like seriously dude. Not even a fucking text? Trash. Trash. Can.) and comes back.
Then he has the audacity, THE AUDACITY, to tell her that he was studying the night before and stayed home like the angel we know him to be.TRASH CAN. GARBAGE BEHAVIOR. Of course, we find out that he was at intern girls apartment and oh he just got ssooooo drunk he crashed on her couch ( put together with later facts, this will be less of a mistake and more of a major character flaw).
This is their first break up - I just want to reiterate. So this is before the book - B.B. if you'll allow. So a few years pass and they meet again, sparks fly and I am happy as a clam because they were just college kids and now they're adults. Older. Wiser. Sure my guy is giving weird answers sometimes but he's totally in love with her. He loves her so much. He's been thinking about her for years. It's always been her.
I'M THRILLED THAT ANOTHER AUTHOR CALLED ME A DUMB BITCH TO MY FACE, CATCHING ME WITH NO MEANS TO DEFEND MYSELF ONCE AGAIN.
At 75% we find out that INTERN GIRL and him are ENGAGED. To be married. There's a ring and everything and thank God he can turn it around and say that he was so in love with Kara that after the heartbreak of their relationship going down in flames FROM HIS MISTAKES he just couldn't help himself. Poor Ryan, am I right? Someone get him some sauna time because he's gonna need it with the acrobatics he's pulling to try and seem like a good guy.
Can anyone feel my rage?! My heartbreak? Maybe not even that. Right at this moment I would give anything to jump into this book and karate chop Ryan into outer space.
I feel like I shouldn't have to say this but: good👏🏽guys👏🏽 won't 👏🏽make 👏🏽you 👏🏽feel 👏🏽like 👏🏽hot 👏🏽wet 👏🏽dog👏🏽 shit👏🏽🤩 (Unless you're into that and even then it shouldn't be this brand. We can afford frosted flakes here, ladies. Not raisin bran.)
So we're in the middle of the worst engagement reveal ever and... and this man - this absolute pariah of the male species - in the middle of Kara sobbing over Ryan playing her like a fool and then making her the other woman to the ORGINAL OTHER WOMAN this guys really tries to say that Kara keeping a 6 month vacation to Italy is the same as hiding a whole ass fiancée. THE WHOLE GRAIN AUDACITY.
Oddly enough, later on Maggie, one of Kara's friends tries to qualify the blatant scumbaggery of this man by saying that they had only been engaged for 14 days. Oh just 14 days. That's like me saying I lost my virginity 14 days ago. It's just like 14 days, right? That's such a short amount of time its like refundable, right? Doesn't count if it's less than 2 weeks, am I right? Honestly, this offended me almost as much as half of the rancid shit that Ryan pulled throughout this book.
If my best friend found out that a man she had been mooning over for so long had played her like this, I would bring the fear of God upon him. I would put laxatives in every single thing that he loved. Ice cream? Laxatives. Pizza? Laxatives. Protein shake before the gym? Laxatives. He wouldn't get one single full workout with me on the job. And then I would steal one of every pair of his socks. Then maybe put sardines in his dryer vents.
So, yeah, Maggie can seriously eat slugs. If friendship is a marriage she deserves to get served. I would take the house and the kids from this lady.
Hoenstly, I don't know what kind of cold dank hell have I just stepped foot in.
I do not understand why in all the stars anyone would enjoy this man. He's... like this whole scenario is my worst nightmare. If someone did this to me I would have called off the vacation and immigrated to Italy. Full send.
The real travesty is that I can tell that this author is talented. She writes very consistently throughout and some of her dialogue had me grinning. She's hilarious! Unfortunately, that literally means that she sabotaged herself by having a love interest that was a fucking pig. This made her OC look like a fucking idiot for crying over him for 5 plus years and then weak for accepting his cheating ass back. Twice. Accepting his twice-cheating ass back because emotional cheating is a fucking thing when you end up getting engaged to the girl that you have a completely platonic relationship with. *Can you hear my sarcasm?*
The worst part? I bought the paperback of this travesty. Where does my financial mistakes end and my mental health begin????
Oh how naive I was.
Our two main leads, Ryan and Kara broke up in college because of distance and work/internship issues. Kara found herself becoming more and more miserable the more she saw Ryan hanging out with a fellow intern. He was missing her calls more and just generally being distant so in a desperate attempt she decides to go and surprise him. The sadistic part of me jumped for joy because anyone who's read or watched a romance knows that surprise visits are where the real angst starts to kick in. So she goes to his apartment and (shocked) Ryan isn't home. He isn't home at 5. He isn't home at 9. He's isn't home at 4 fucking 30 in the morning. Then his drunk ass finally stumbled in around 9 after Kara checked herself into a hotel (meanwhile calling his phone and getting nothing. Like seriously dude. Not even a fucking text? Trash. Trash. Can.) and comes back.
Then he has the audacity, THE AUDACITY, to tell her that he was studying the night before and stayed home like the angel we know him to be.TRASH CAN. GARBAGE BEHAVIOR. Of course, we find out that he was at intern girls apartment and oh he just got ssooooo drunk he crashed on her couch ( put together with later facts, this will be less of a mistake and more of a major character flaw).
This is their first break up - I just want to reiterate. So this is before the book - B.B. if you'll allow. So a few years pass and they meet again, sparks fly and I am happy as a clam because they were just college kids and now they're adults. Older. Wiser. Sure my guy is giving weird answers sometimes but he's totally in love with her. He loves her so much. He's been thinking about her for years. It's always been her.
I'M THRILLED THAT ANOTHER AUTHOR CALLED ME A DUMB BITCH TO MY FACE, CATCHING ME WITH NO MEANS TO DEFEND MYSELF ONCE AGAIN.
At 75% we find out that INTERN GIRL and him are ENGAGED. To be married. There's a ring and everything and thank God he can turn it around and say that he was so in love with Kara that after the heartbreak of their relationship going down in flames FROM HIS MISTAKES he just couldn't help himself. Poor Ryan, am I right? Someone get him some sauna time because he's gonna need it with the acrobatics he's pulling to try and seem like a good guy.
Can anyone feel my rage?! My heartbreak? Maybe not even that. Right at this moment I would give anything to jump into this book and karate chop Ryan into outer space.
I feel like I shouldn't have to say this but: good👏🏽guys👏🏽 won't 👏🏽make 👏🏽you 👏🏽feel 👏🏽like 👏🏽hot 👏🏽wet 👏🏽dog👏🏽 shit👏🏽🤩 (Unless you're into that and even then it shouldn't be this brand. We can afford frosted flakes here, ladies. Not raisin bran.)
So we're in the middle of the worst engagement reveal ever and... and this man - this absolute pariah of the male species - in the middle of Kara sobbing over Ryan playing her like a fool and then making her the other woman to the ORGINAL OTHER WOMAN this guys really tries to say that Kara keeping a 6 month vacation to Italy is the same as hiding a whole ass fiancée. THE WHOLE GRAIN AUDACITY.
Oddly enough, later on Maggie, one of Kara's friends tries to qualify the blatant scumbaggery of this man by saying that they had only been engaged for 14 days. Oh just 14 days. That's like me saying I lost my virginity 14 days ago. It's just like 14 days, right? That's such a short amount of time its like refundable, right? Doesn't count if it's less than 2 weeks, am I right? Honestly, this offended me almost as much as half of the rancid shit that Ryan pulled throughout this book.
If my best friend found out that a man she had been mooning over for so long had played her like this, I would bring the fear of God upon him. I would put laxatives in every single thing that he loved. Ice cream? Laxatives. Pizza? Laxatives. Protein shake before the gym? Laxatives. He wouldn't get one single full workout with me on the job. And then I would steal one of every pair of his socks. Then maybe put sardines in his dryer vents.
So, yeah, Maggie can seriously eat slugs. If friendship is a marriage she deserves to get served. I would take the house and the kids from this lady.
Hoenstly, I don't know what kind of cold dank hell have I just stepped foot in.
I do not understand why in all the stars anyone would enjoy this man. He's... like this whole scenario is my worst nightmare. If someone did this to me I would have called off the vacation and immigrated to Italy. Full send.
The real travesty is that I can tell that this author is talented. She writes very consistently throughout and some of her dialogue had me grinning. She's hilarious! Unfortunately, that literally means that she sabotaged herself by having a love interest that was a fucking pig. This made her OC look like a fucking idiot for crying over him for 5 plus years and then weak for accepting his cheating ass back. Twice. Accepting his twice-cheating ass back because emotional cheating is a fucking thing when you end up getting engaged to the girl that you have a completely platonic relationship with. *Can you hear my sarcasm?*
The worst part? I bought the paperback of this travesty. Where does my financial mistakes end and my mental health begin????
February 21, 2023
A perfect weekend listen! 😍 4.5 STARS
I had so much fun listening to this second-chance romance novel! The narration was perfectly paced and I was able to get some closet cleaning done!
I'm not a big romance reader and tend to prefer the historical ones over contemporary, but this one managed to give me lots of laughs and had an adorable side kick of the canine nature!
Kara is a historical romance writer, her Ex Ryan comes to town, she hates him, she loves him, she adores him, she wants to murder him!
Lots of playful talk, cute scenes that had me rolling, a couple of spicy scenes with open door (but not overly graphic), and some scenes with forced proximity trope. I could feel the tension.
Recommend to rom-com readers!
Audible 9 hours, Narrated by Natalie Naudus
I had so much fun listening to this second-chance romance novel! The narration was perfectly paced and I was able to get some closet cleaning done!
I'm not a big romance reader and tend to prefer the historical ones over contemporary, but this one managed to give me lots of laughs and had an adorable side kick of the canine nature!
Kara is a historical romance writer, her Ex Ryan comes to town, she hates him, she loves him, she adores him, she wants to murder him!
Lots of playful talk, cute scenes that had me rolling, a couple of spicy scenes with open door (but not overly graphic), and some scenes with forced proximity trope. I could feel the tension.
Recommend to rom-com readers!
Audible 9 hours, Narrated by Natalie Naudus
July 1, 2021
DNF at 10%.
1. Made a casual joke regarding suicide.
2. Randomly referred to 2 party guests as prostitutes.
3. The male main character just referred to historical romance as literary porn.
4. Fatphobic.
And I’m only 10% in.
I’ve spent the first 10% of this book rage highlighting so... yeah this one isn’t for me.
https://smexybooks.com/2021/05/melani...
1. Made a casual joke regarding suicide.
2. Randomly referred to 2 party guests as prostitutes.
3. The male main character just referred to historical romance as literary porn.
4. Fatphobic.
And I’m only 10% in.
I’ve spent the first 10% of this book rage highlighting so... yeah this one isn’t for me.
https://smexybooks.com/2021/05/melani...
October 29, 2023
3.5 stars
I needed a fluffy romance audiobook to offset the copious amount of horror I’ve been reading for spooky season, and Kate Bromley’s Talk Bookish to Me did what I needed it to do: it allowed me to step back into the light, away from all the bloody-good terror I’ve been ingesting. (I’m looking at you, Chuck Wendig and Stephen Graham Jones.)
When Kara and Ryan reunite at a mutual friend’s wedding after being apart for ten years, sparks again start to fly. Of course they do their best to fight the attraction, but that never seems to work too well. So Kara, being a romance author, seizes the opportunity to use Ryan as her writing muse in the hope that her newfound inspiration will be the creative boost she needs to finish her latest novel. But little does she know that not one – but two – happy endings are in her future … one fictional and one real-life.
Talk Bookish to Me ranks a little higher on the frustration scale than some of the other romances I’ve read lately. Both Kara and Ryan keep secrets from each other – with Ryan’s secret in particular being a doozy – and all I wanted was for them to hurry up and confess their sins. And on top of that, the ending is too drawn out. The story hits its most perfect, natural ending point, and then for whatever reason, Bromley blows right past it and drags the inevitable conclusion out for another 30 listening minutes. She milks the story for every last word, and it’s so unnecessary.
Yet I liked the book. Natalie Naudus did a great job with the narration, and the story made me smile when it hit its mark – finally – at the end.
I needed a fluffy romance audiobook to offset the copious amount of horror I’ve been reading for spooky season, and Kate Bromley’s Talk Bookish to Me did what I needed it to do: it allowed me to step back into the light, away from all the bloody-good terror I’ve been ingesting. (I’m looking at you, Chuck Wendig and Stephen Graham Jones.)
When Kara and Ryan reunite at a mutual friend’s wedding after being apart for ten years, sparks again start to fly. Of course they do their best to fight the attraction, but that never seems to work too well. So Kara, being a romance author, seizes the opportunity to use Ryan as her writing muse in the hope that her newfound inspiration will be the creative boost she needs to finish her latest novel. But little does she know that not one – but two – happy endings are in her future … one fictional and one real-life.
Talk Bookish to Me ranks a little higher on the frustration scale than some of the other romances I’ve read lately. Both Kara and Ryan keep secrets from each other – with Ryan’s secret in particular being a doozy – and all I wanted was for them to hurry up and confess their sins. And on top of that, the ending is too drawn out. The story hits its most perfect, natural ending point, and then for whatever reason, Bromley blows right past it and drags the inevitable conclusion out for another 30 listening minutes. She milks the story for every last word, and it’s so unnecessary.
Yet I liked the book. Natalie Naudus did a great job with the narration, and the story made me smile when it hit its mark – finally – at the end.
April 24, 2021
Review to be posted on blog: https://books-are-a-girls-best-friend...
What Happens When You Reunite with your First Love 10 Years after You Mutually Break Each Other’s Hearts?
Chemistry, Sparks, and Witty Banter Galore! Bring it On!
Kara is a writer and a bookstagrammer whose best friend is getting married. Kara is ecstatic for her until she goes to the pre-wedding party and sees Ryan, her first love there. Turns out he’s good friends with the groom and Kara never knew it!
On a tight deadline with her new book, Kara needs inspiration. Who knew that seeing your ex for the first time in years would do the trick?
Both Ryan and Kara have plenty of reasons to be angry at each other and yet, neither can deny the sparks that fly when they are around each other or the fact that they still have feelings for each other.
You know the old saying, it’s not over till it’s over! And for Ryan and Kate, it’s definitely NOT Over!
Oh, what a crazy, fun rom-com this was! While I really liked the book.. my favorite character might just have been Ryan’s dog.. (lol).
A buddy read with Kaceey that we both enjoyed!
Published on Goodreads, Twitter, and Instagram.
What Happens When You Reunite with your First Love 10 Years after You Mutually Break Each Other’s Hearts?
Chemistry, Sparks, and Witty Banter Galore! Bring it On!
Kara is a writer and a bookstagrammer whose best friend is getting married. Kara is ecstatic for her until she goes to the pre-wedding party and sees Ryan, her first love there. Turns out he’s good friends with the groom and Kara never knew it!
On a tight deadline with her new book, Kara needs inspiration. Who knew that seeing your ex for the first time in years would do the trick?
Both Ryan and Kara have plenty of reasons to be angry at each other and yet, neither can deny the sparks that fly when they are around each other or the fact that they still have feelings for each other.
You know the old saying, it’s not over till it’s over! And for Ryan and Kate, it’s definitely NOT Over!
Oh, what a crazy, fun rom-com this was! While I really liked the book.. my favorite character might just have been Ryan’s dog.. (lol).
A buddy read with Kaceey that we both enjoyed!
Published on Goodreads, Twitter, and Instagram.
August 15, 2021
Holy twist...I didn't see that coming...Enemies to lovers anyone? Here you go...oh wait...it also is a Second Chances...eek...Two in one!! Better yet...I love having more com than rom and this was full of witty banter!
As if that didn't check all the boxes..throw in a main character that is not only an author..but wait for it...a bookstagrammer! I mean what is not to love?! Well maybe not Ryan- according to Kara!
After finding out her ex boyfriend from college, Ryan is part of her BFF's wedding...Kara is fit to be tied. ..she hates him...she really does...yeah keep telling yourself that Kara! Girl...you still adore him! We know it! However the snarky banter that ensues is more than entertaining.
I will say...I am not often surprised by a rom com...but this one has a killer of a twist! Pretty sure you are going to have a strong opinion about it! Just like they say on Big Brother...expect the unexpected!
Adorable and fun! You don't want to miss this twist! I could totally relate to Kara's endless staging, props and millions of photos ...to get that perfect Bookstagram pic!
Huge shoutout to Graydon House Books and Kate Bromley for my gorgeous gifted copy!
As if that didn't check all the boxes..throw in a main character that is not only an author..but wait for it...a bookstagrammer! I mean what is not to love?! Well maybe not Ryan- according to Kara!
After finding out her ex boyfriend from college, Ryan is part of her BFF's wedding...Kara is fit to be tied. ..she hates him...she really does...yeah keep telling yourself that Kara! Girl...you still adore him! We know it! However the snarky banter that ensues is more than entertaining.
I will say...I am not often surprised by a rom com...but this one has a killer of a twist! Pretty sure you are going to have a strong opinion about it! Just like they say on Big Brother...expect the unexpected!
Adorable and fun! You don't want to miss this twist! I could totally relate to Kara's endless staging, props and millions of photos ...to get that perfect Bookstagram pic!
Huge shoutout to Graydon House Books and Kate Bromley for my gorgeous gifted copy!
December 21, 2021
I normally don’t rate books that I DNF before 80%, but my god, this book is bad. It’s badly written. The premise is bad. The forced proximity trope is being used horribly, people are forcing these two characters together for reasons that absolutely don’t make sense.
The fact that the best friend character is consistently trying to force our lead, whose name I do not remember even though I was just reading the book, to be around her ex makes her wildly unlikable. Imagine if your best friend was uncomfortable being around their ex, so you forced it to happen MORE.
I don’t like this and I have better books on my TBR. The only thing I like about this book is the title.
The fact that the best friend character is consistently trying to force our lead, whose name I do not remember even though I was just reading the book, to be around her ex makes her wildly unlikable. Imagine if your best friend was uncomfortable being around their ex, so you forced it to happen MORE.
I don’t like this and I have better books on my TBR. The only thing I like about this book is the title.
May 10, 2021
Talk Bookish to Me is a good enemies-to-lovers/second chance romance, its strengths lie in the dialogue and banter and the last quarter of the book when things get very real.
Kara is a romance writer and had a relationship with Ryan in college that ended when, after Ryan graduated and took a job out of state, their commitment couldn't survive the long distance and turned ugly in the end. They come face to face again ten years later at some mutual friends' wedding, and the sparks begin to rekindle. Kara is suffering from extreme writer's block and the feelings Ryan ignites also inspires writing. Yet what will happen to these intense feelings when the truth that they are hiding from each other comes out?
As an avid reader, I loved that Kara was a romance novelist and enjoyed the excerpts from her book, because they mirrored events that were happening with Ryan. Like I said earlier, the banter is funny and on point and kept me invested in the story. I also adored the dog! I did know that it seemed like everything was just progressing too perfectly, and so the last part of the book was the best for me because the cards are finally laid out on the table and Kara and Ryan are able to be fully present and honest. I have to say that what Ryan was hiding was awful and it is the reason why I gave this 3-stars rather than rating it higher. There are some things that are not okay with me, and what he was hiding was not okay. I thought the epilogue was completely unnecessary and honestly made me cringe a bit.
Overall, this is a romance that will appeal to book lovers who enjoy great dialogue and a lovable dog.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
Kara is a romance writer and had a relationship with Ryan in college that ended when, after Ryan graduated and took a job out of state, their commitment couldn't survive the long distance and turned ugly in the end. They come face to face again ten years later at some mutual friends' wedding, and the sparks begin to rekindle. Kara is suffering from extreme writer's block and the feelings Ryan ignites also inspires writing. Yet what will happen to these intense feelings when the truth that they are hiding from each other comes out?
As an avid reader, I loved that Kara was a romance novelist and enjoyed the excerpts from her book, because they mirrored events that were happening with Ryan. Like I said earlier, the banter is funny and on point and kept me invested in the story. I also adored the dog! I did know that it seemed like everything was just progressing too perfectly, and so the last part of the book was the best for me because the cards are finally laid out on the table and Kara and Ryan are able to be fully present and honest. I have to say that what Ryan was hiding was awful and it is the reason why I gave this 3-stars rather than rating it higher. There are some things that are not okay with me, and what he was hiding was not okay. I thought the epilogue was completely unnecessary and honestly made me cringe a bit.
Overall, this is a romance that will appeal to book lovers who enjoy great dialogue and a lovable dog.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
June 6, 2021
I loved this! This is a fun story of the second-chance romance trope and I liked everything about it. It's an impressive debut novel, and I look forward to reading more by this author.
This story had everything I look for in a good rom-com:
💘 Witty banter
💘 Funny and awkward situations
💘 Great setting
💘 Strong supporting characters
Kara and Ryan are both funny and sarcastic, so there was plenty of witty banter throughout. As soon their surprise meeting occurred I had high hopes for this story: "I hesitate as I turn to Ryan. Not sure if I should go for a hug, a handshake, or an epic stare down."
The supporting characters were well developed and helped keep the story interesting. I enjoyed the NYC setting, along with the vivid descriptions of Italy. The storyline is original, clever, and entertaining.
As a bonus, I liked that excerpts from the romance novel Kara was writing were interspersed within the story.
This story had everything I look for in a good rom-com:
💘 Witty banter
💘 Funny and awkward situations
💘 Great setting
💘 Strong supporting characters
Kara and Ryan are both funny and sarcastic, so there was plenty of witty banter throughout. As soon their surprise meeting occurred I had high hopes for this story: "I hesitate as I turn to Ryan. Not sure if I should go for a hug, a handshake, or an epic stare down."
The supporting characters were well developed and helped keep the story interesting. I enjoyed the NYC setting, along with the vivid descriptions of Italy. The storyline is original, clever, and entertaining.
As a bonus, I liked that excerpts from the romance novel Kara was writing were interspersed within the story.
June 24, 2021
I was loving this so so much until the 70% mark. And then we find out I am so dissapointed.
January 16, 2023
My mom speaks two languages: English and guilt.
Cuando se iba acercando el final del libro, yo pensé que le iba a dar 4 estrellas, porque me estaba gustando demasiado. Pero después pasó algo y dije tres estrellas, y luego lo pensé mejor y dije ¿KHÉ? y claro que le terminé dando dos estrellas.
"So, is this the wrong time for me to tell you that I want to see other people?" "Sorry, Sullivan, but that´s not possible. You´re mine now."
Y la razón es que la trama está interesante al principio, se lee bastante rápido y te engancha. Pero hay cosas que no pueden pasar desapercibida. Y cuando ese "algo" es un tema mal tratado, yo prendo el cerro.
Tiene varias cosas interesantes, como: que es de segundas oportunidades, se conocen en la universidad, tu primer amor y falta de comunicación (bueno este no tanto, pero igual le dio su chispa). Todo el libro pintando perfecto, pero claro el final sacó mi lado más hater de la vida.
En general la historia se trata de eso, es un reencuentro y la autora es escritora. Pero solo encuentra inspiración cuando está con él. Van sanando heridas del pasado y queriendo continuar con su historia, pero primero tienen que limpiar fantasmas del pasado.
AHORA. ESTA SECCIÓN VA A TENER SPOILERS VOY A EXPLICAR PORQUE LO ODIÉ.
Cuando se iba acercando el final del libro, yo pensé que le iba a dar 4 estrellas, porque me estaba gustando demasiado. Pero después pasó algo y dije tres estrellas, y luego lo pensé mejor y dije ¿KHÉ? y claro que le terminé dando dos estrellas.
"So, is this the wrong time for me to tell you that I want to see other people?" "Sorry, Sullivan, but that´s not possible. You´re mine now."
Y la razón es que la trama está interesante al principio, se lee bastante rápido y te engancha. Pero hay cosas que no pueden pasar desapercibida. Y cuando ese "algo" es un tema mal tratado, yo prendo el cerro.
Tiene varias cosas interesantes, como: que es de segundas oportunidades, se conocen en la universidad, tu primer amor y falta de comunicación (bueno este no tanto, pero igual le dio su chispa). Todo el libro pintando perfecto, pero claro el final sacó mi lado más hater de la vida.
En general la historia se trata de eso, es un reencuentro y la autora es escritora. Pero solo encuentra inspiración cuando está con él. Van sanando heridas del pasado y queriendo continuar con su historia, pero primero tienen que limpiar fantasmas del pasado.
AHORA. ESTA SECCIÓN VA A TENER SPOILERS VOY A EXPLICAR PORQUE LO ODIÉ.
November 11, 2021
2.5, i’m so annoyed by the last 150 pages of this book i feel like i could fucking scream
January 26, 2021
4.5/5
After reading the description of this book I knew it was one I had to read as soon as I got my hands on it. I love reading books where an author is the main character and the fact that she’s also a bookstagrammer made it all the more fun for me! Add in some romance and I was sold in a major way.
Kara and Ryan had the whole enemies to lovers thing going on with a side of second chance romance since they have a history. Kara can only seem to be inspired to work on her book after she spends time with Ryan, and while it’s doing wondering for her historical romances and is a wonder source of inspiration for her, it’s aggravating her in her personal life. I loved getting glimpses into Kate’s work in progress, it had the whole book within a book thing which is always fun. Their banter and chemistry was pure fire and I was rooting for them SO hard. This one was perfect for me with one minor exception that’ll I try to explain without spoiling it completely. Ryan has a huge secret that’s revealed about halfway in and it seriously pissed me off. I found it a little difficult to be team Ryan after it was revealed, but by the end he did redeem himself for me for the most part. I have to knock off some points because it irritated me quite a bit. Other than that small complaint it was such a charming, funny and sexy read. I think this will be huge this summer and I will definitely be following the authors work closely, super impressive debut!
After reading the description of this book I knew it was one I had to read as soon as I got my hands on it. I love reading books where an author is the main character and the fact that she’s also a bookstagrammer made it all the more fun for me! Add in some romance and I was sold in a major way.
Kara and Ryan had the whole enemies to lovers thing going on with a side of second chance romance since they have a history. Kara can only seem to be inspired to work on her book after she spends time with Ryan, and while it’s doing wondering for her historical romances and is a wonder source of inspiration for her, it’s aggravating her in her personal life. I loved getting glimpses into Kate’s work in progress, it had the whole book within a book thing which is always fun. Their banter and chemistry was pure fire and I was rooting for them SO hard. This one was perfect for me with one minor exception that’ll I try to explain without spoiling it completely. Ryan has a huge secret that’s revealed about halfway in and it seriously pissed me off. I found it a little difficult to be team Ryan after it was revealed, but by the end he did redeem himself for me for the most part. I have to knock off some points because it irritated me quite a bit. Other than that small complaint it was such a charming, funny and sexy read. I think this will be huge this summer and I will definitely be following the authors work closely, super impressive debut!
May 4, 2021
Something about "Talk Bookish to Me" really hooked me in: I laughed, I gasped, I aww-ed!
The chemistry between Kara and Ryan was *chefs kiss* ....they have a complicated past that creates some quality tension when their paths are forced to cross again at a friend's wedding. That tension morphs into something sweeter as they reconnect and I just needed to see where their second chance would lead them.
Aside from the main couple, I also just really had fun with the dialogue in this novel....the characters are witty and, at times, dramatic....I loved it. Normally I'm not invested in "stories within stories" in books, but I actually really enjoyed getting snippets of the book Kara was writing throughout the story.
I wasn't sure how things were going to unfold after the plot twist but I was satisfied by the end. As a whole, I just really appreciated how much this book celebrated romance novels and the book world in general! If you're looking for a new rom-com to add to your list, "Talk Bookish to Me" should be on it— I'll be keeping my eyes on the lookout for what Kate Bromley releases next after this debut :)
(Disclosure: I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review)
The chemistry between Kara and Ryan was *chefs kiss* ....they have a complicated past that creates some quality tension when their paths are forced to cross again at a friend's wedding. That tension morphs into something sweeter as they reconnect and I just needed to see where their second chance would lead them.
Aside from the main couple, I also just really had fun with the dialogue in this novel....the characters are witty and, at times, dramatic....I loved it. Normally I'm not invested in "stories within stories" in books, but I actually really enjoyed getting snippets of the book Kara was writing throughout the story.
I wasn't sure how things were going to unfold after the plot twist but I was satisfied by the end. As a whole, I just really appreciated how much this book celebrated romance novels and the book world in general! If you're looking for a new rom-com to add to your list, "Talk Bookish to Me" should be on it— I'll be keeping my eyes on the lookout for what Kate Bromley releases next after this debut :)
(Disclosure: I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review)
July 16, 2021
I usually don’t star books if I can’t give them 4 or above but I’m so 😡😡😡. Cheating is not romance-novel hero stuff!
July 23, 2021
I personally would throw Ryan in front of a bus, but if you ignore him sucking, this is a cute and funny rom com employing the second chance love trope.
July 31, 2021
Second chance romance that bombed for me!
Talk Bookish to Me has witty banter, a cute bulldog, and angst. And, unfortunately, that’s the extent of its strength.
Kara Sullivan is in a writing slump and trying to make the deadline for her latest book when she runs into her former college love and heart-breaker, Ryan Thompson, at her best friend’s wedding party. Realizing he’s reignited her passion and could be the muse she needs to finish her book by deadline, she reluctantly invites him and his dog to stay at her apartment during the wedding festivities after his dog gets him evicted from his hotel.
The writing is light and funny with witty banter. The further I listened though, it seemed like everyone had the gift of sharp repartee. Although, the wit was funny, it was overindulged. Didn’t care for the occasional excerpts read from the historical romance that Kara’s character was writing. If fact, I think it detracted from the modern storyline. It only served as a pale reflection about what was happening between Kara and Ryan but it a dull way.
Starting off, I liked Kara but never warmed up to Ryan. Ultimately, both MCs made me lose interest in the story.
Kara – started strong but became weak and indecisive. I grew tiresome about her lingering grief over her father’s death and her need to use Ryan (in person or in thought) as her crutch to jump start the writing of her current book. After all, she managed to write seven successful romance books without him in her life.
Ryan – utterly disappointing, narcissist who never showed character growth, even in the epilogue. Ryan’s actions were a turn off, and without character growth or an attempt at redemption, I couldn’t like the book. What’s he guilty of?
Overall, the romance fell quite short of the emotionally-satisfying ending I had hoped for because of an avoidable plot device. So many positive scenarios could have been used here. What started out as strong and fun took a nosedive and made finishing the remaining 25% a struggle. Not to mention the lack of growth by the hero made me doubt the longevity of his and Kara’s future together.
Talk Bookish to Me has witty banter, a cute bulldog, and angst. And, unfortunately, that’s the extent of its strength.
Kara Sullivan is in a writing slump and trying to make the deadline for her latest book when she runs into her former college love and heart-breaker, Ryan Thompson, at her best friend’s wedding party. Realizing he’s reignited her passion and could be the muse she needs to finish her book by deadline, she reluctantly invites him and his dog to stay at her apartment during the wedding festivities after his dog gets him evicted from his hotel.
The writing is light and funny with witty banter. The further I listened though, it seemed like everyone had the gift of sharp repartee. Although, the wit was funny, it was overindulged. Didn’t care for the occasional excerpts read from the historical romance that Kara’s character was writing. If fact, I think it detracted from the modern storyline. It only served as a pale reflection about what was happening between Kara and Ryan but it a dull way.
Starting off, I liked Kara but never warmed up to Ryan. Ultimately, both MCs made me lose interest in the story.
Kara – started strong but became weak and indecisive. I grew tiresome about her lingering grief over her father’s death and her need to use Ryan (in person or in thought) as her crutch to jump start the writing of her current book. After all, she managed to write seven successful romance books without him in her life.
Ryan – utterly disappointing, narcissist who never showed character growth, even in the epilogue. Ryan’s actions were a turn off, and without character growth or an attempt at redemption, I couldn’t like the book. What’s he guilty of?
Overall, the romance fell quite short of the emotionally-satisfying ending I had hoped for because of an avoidable plot device. So many positive scenarios could have been used here. What started out as strong and fun took a nosedive and made finishing the remaining 25% a struggle. Not to mention the lack of growth by the hero made me doubt the longevity of his and Kara’s future together.
September 11, 2024
What happens when as Maid of Honor (MOH) you find out that the groom’s long-time friend just happens to be your ex-boyfriend? And, not only is he your ex-boyfriend, but he is the one that mattered to you and it was a not so happy break-up? And, then your very best friend who is marrying the groom decides, why not see if we can get them back together?
Well, what happens is readers end up with this book. Of course, we can guess what will happen next. Right? After all it is a rom-com. Tension. Lust. Will-they-or-won’t-they end up together? If you like this kind of fun, readers will find themselves deep into it. And, of course it won’t be an easy path to happily-ever-after. Why should it – it is that kind of a rom-com!
Personally, I found myself enjoying the distraction for a bit. And, of course, Doug the dog. But the getting to happily-ever-after was just a bit much. Especially when it involved…oh wait, I don’t offer spoilers.
3.5 stars rounded down
Well, what happens is readers end up with this book. Of course, we can guess what will happen next. Right? After all it is a rom-com. Tension. Lust. Will-they-or-won’t-they end up together? If you like this kind of fun, readers will find themselves deep into it. And, of course it won’t be an easy path to happily-ever-after. Why should it – it is that kind of a rom-com!
Personally, I found myself enjoying the distraction for a bit. And, of course, Doug the dog. But the getting to happily-ever-after was just a bit much. Especially when it involved…oh wait, I don’t offer spoilers.
3.5 stars rounded down
Shelved as 'nope'
March 25, 2021Initially, I was interested in this book but the following review helped me to decide to avoid this book.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
First of all, I don't like the "book within a book" trope. And also, I usually have problems with second-chance romance books as I don't believe giving people second chances. In this book, they were separated because of misunderstandings as the heroine thought he cheated on her (he didn't). But at present day, he is now engaged to that woman she thought he cheated on her with. This is TOO distasteful for me. Nope, thanks but no.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
First of all, I don't like the "book within a book" trope. And also, I usually have problems with second-chance romance books as I don't believe giving people second chances. In this book, they were separated because of misunderstandings as the heroine thought he cheated on her (he didn't). But at present day, he is now engaged to that woman she thought he cheated on her with. This is TOO distasteful for me. Nope, thanks but no.
October 6, 2021
4.5 stars, rounded up.
A sweet, sexy rom-com in which the main character is a Bookstagrammer? Yes, please! That's what you get with Kate Bromley's debut rom-com, Talk Bookish to Me .
Kara is a romance writer and Bookstagrammer who is under significant pressure to finish her next book. Then she discovers that one of the groomsmen at her best friend’s wedding will be Ryan. Ryan, her college boyfriend and perhaps one true love. The breakup of their relationship was one of the most hurtful and angry that either had ever known, and happened in the midst of a terrible time in Kara’s life.
It’s been 10 years. Why does he look so good? Why is their banter so much fun but he is still so infuriating? But more importantly, why does her writer’s block disappear whenever she spends time with him?
In order not to ruin her best friend’s wedding festivities and hopefully get her book done before the rapidly encroaching deadline her publisher has set, she decides to spend time with Ryan. Of course, she still has feelings for him, but is she actually willing to open her heart up to the possibility of being hurt so badly again? Can they overcome the things they said and deal with the things that happened when their relationship ended?
I loved Talk Bookish to Me so much! It was a great mashup of second chance love and enemies-to-lovers, and the characters were all fun and appealing, but what I loved most was the discussions about reading, romance tropes, and, of course, Bookstagram.
Cheers to Bromley for giving us a sexy, sweet, fun rom-com for the book lovers and the lovers of love!!
Check out my list of the best books I read in 2020 at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2021/01/the-best-books-i-read-in-2020.html.
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.
Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/the.bookishworld.of.yrralh/.
A sweet, sexy rom-com in which the main character is a Bookstagrammer? Yes, please! That's what you get with Kate Bromley's debut rom-com, Talk Bookish to Me .
Kara is a romance writer and Bookstagrammer who is under significant pressure to finish her next book. Then she discovers that one of the groomsmen at her best friend’s wedding will be Ryan. Ryan, her college boyfriend and perhaps one true love. The breakup of their relationship was one of the most hurtful and angry that either had ever known, and happened in the midst of a terrible time in Kara’s life.
It’s been 10 years. Why does he look so good? Why is their banter so much fun but he is still so infuriating? But more importantly, why does her writer’s block disappear whenever she spends time with him?
In order not to ruin her best friend’s wedding festivities and hopefully get her book done before the rapidly encroaching deadline her publisher has set, she decides to spend time with Ryan. Of course, she still has feelings for him, but is she actually willing to open her heart up to the possibility of being hurt so badly again? Can they overcome the things they said and deal with the things that happened when their relationship ended?
I loved Talk Bookish to Me so much! It was a great mashup of second chance love and enemies-to-lovers, and the characters were all fun and appealing, but what I loved most was the discussions about reading, romance tropes, and, of course, Bookstagram.
Cheers to Bromley for giving us a sexy, sweet, fun rom-com for the book lovers and the lovers of love!!
Check out my list of the best books I read in 2020 at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2021/01/the-best-books-i-read-in-2020.html.
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.
Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/the.bookishworld.of.yrralh/.
May 25, 2021
Check out all of my reviews at: https://www.avonnalovesgenres.com
TALK BOOKISH TO ME by Kate Bromley is an enjoyable new contemporary rom/com with plenty of romance industry love and a couple that is meant to be, maybe. I was surprised to learn this is the debut novel by this author.
Kara Sullivan is a thirty-year-old bestselling historical romance author who is having a difficult time writing her current romance. With a deadline looming and no inspiration, she is also dealing with being the bride’s maid in her best friend’s wedding. Then the groom shows up with her first true love from college as a groomsman in his party.
Ryan Thompson’s unexpected arrival sparks Kara’s writing. Should she let Ryan, who pushes every one of her buttons back into her life to inspire her romance and just maybe grab a happily ever after for herself this time around?
I loved following Kara’s emotional journey through this rom/com. Her interactions with her family and friends felt believable and the writing flowed through all the ups and downs seamlessly. I enjoyed her defense of the romance industry as she sparred with Ryan. All of their dialogue is witty and realistic. I also enjoyed the inserted portions of the historical romance she was attempting to write.
I write spoiler free reviews, so this next bit is difficult. I was cheering Ryan on until a major plot point. Now, I can say he redeems himself in my opinion in the end because real life is messy and forgiveness is often necessary. I would cry foul in a romance genre book because I hate what he does, but this is a rom/com and does not necessarily follow the same rules.
I enjoyed this debut rom/com, the great characters and will be looking for more from this author.
TALK BOOKISH TO ME by Kate Bromley is an enjoyable new contemporary rom/com with plenty of romance industry love and a couple that is meant to be, maybe. I was surprised to learn this is the debut novel by this author.
Kara Sullivan is a thirty-year-old bestselling historical romance author who is having a difficult time writing her current romance. With a deadline looming and no inspiration, she is also dealing with being the bride’s maid in her best friend’s wedding. Then the groom shows up with her first true love from college as a groomsman in his party.
Ryan Thompson’s unexpected arrival sparks Kara’s writing. Should she let Ryan, who pushes every one of her buttons back into her life to inspire her romance and just maybe grab a happily ever after for herself this time around?
I loved following Kara’s emotional journey through this rom/com. Her interactions with her family and friends felt believable and the writing flowed through all the ups and downs seamlessly. I enjoyed her defense of the romance industry as she sparred with Ryan. All of their dialogue is witty and realistic. I also enjoyed the inserted portions of the historical romance she was attempting to write.
I write spoiler free reviews, so this next bit is difficult. I was cheering Ryan on until a major plot point. Now, I can say he redeems himself in my opinion in the end because real life is messy and forgiveness is often necessary. I would cry foul in a romance genre book because I hate what he does, but this is a rom/com and does not necessarily follow the same rules.
I enjoyed this debut rom/com, the great characters and will be looking for more from this author.
Shelved as 'did-not-finish'
April 27, 2021Thank you to the publisher of the book for a free netgalley.
And while I am thankful for a free book, this one is a big NO go for me. Here's my reasons why:
- Almost the whole story has been written in dialogue. Ummm is this a screen play or a prose?
- The dialogue is all "witty banter". I am not sure when romances became 100% sarcastic banter? My husband and I make sarcastic jokes, but apparently we are more mature than most modern rom com couples because we actually have real conversations.
- I find it weird that her best friend is pushing her EX boyfriend onto Kara. Does she not know the background of this relationship? I find it weird that her best friends does not even know.
When I decided last night if I was going to finish this book, I decided to come onto Goodreads and I am happy I did.
While I could prob finish this in just a couple hours, I am choosing to not and move on!
And while I am thankful for a free book, this one is a big NO go for me. Here's my reasons why:
- Almost the whole story has been written in dialogue. Ummm is this a screen play or a prose?
- The dialogue is all "witty banter". I am not sure when romances became 100% sarcastic banter? My husband and I make sarcastic jokes, but apparently we are more mature than most modern rom com couples because we actually have real conversations.
- I find it weird that her best friend is pushing her EX boyfriend onto Kara. Does she not know the background of this relationship? I find it weird that her best friends does not even know.
When I decided last night if I was going to finish this book, I decided to come onto Goodreads and I am happy I did.
While I could prob finish this in just a couple hours, I am choosing to not and move on!
May 31, 2021
I really enjoyed this book, the twist was a tad predictable but I like my romance books to be predictable. Finished it in just over a day, I was hooked! Comparable to The Wedding Date or The Unhoneymooners
October 12, 2021
Some witty banter but overall fairly flimsy. It did distract me during a stressful few days so I'm giving it a generous 3 stars.
February 17, 2023
Audiobook
Ok it might have been that this entertained me while painting my entryway, but I loved it!!! The narration was so well done and I loved the second chance romance. I’m not a huge fan of that trope but there was a perfect amount of angst, forced proximity, and possibilities. Highly recommend!
Ok it might have been that this entertained me while painting my entryway, but I loved it!!! The narration was so well done and I loved the second chance romance. I’m not a huge fan of that trope but there was a perfect amount of angst, forced proximity, and possibilities. Highly recommend!
June 14, 2021
✨I am unwell.✨
I honestly don’t even know how to write this. I started off loving this one. I loved the idea of her being a romance novelist using him as inspiration . . . Then I started hating it. I hated absolutely everything that happened after I reached 75% through. I hated Ryan most of all.
At the beginning, Ryan straight up called historical romances porn and really didn’t have much of a glow up. He ~understood~ her love for them I suppose but it was nowhere near Neil’s understanding and appreciation in Today Tonight Tomorrow. There were plenty of times for him to admit that he liked reading them but I just don’t think he ever did. I get that they’re not for everybody but damn, he was a lot less hot because of it. I did think he’d be redeemed down the line but just you wait.
**Spoilers ahead but honestly the spoiler is something that most readers find nonnegotiable so I think it’s useful to know beforehand. I totally wouldn’t have read the book if I’d have known. I’m not saying it always wrecks the book for me, but in this case it was a total crash and burn.**
Highlight: I was super excited when they did actually reenact one of the steamy scenes from her most recent work! I was anticipating that from the beginning and so I was happy to see it was incorporated. Poor defiled reading chair. The scenes weren’t really explicit or lengthy but there were multiple and they were a nice addition.
Another highlight was this quote: “I swear, if you don’t stop saying that all this happened because you care about me SO much, I’m going to rip my ears off and shove them down your throat.” If the entire second half of the book could have that same energy I’d have been so so happy.
Lowlight: I cannot believe her friends ultimately condoned Ryan’s actions! Maggie really hit my shit list with this dazzling line:
“He wasn’t cheating on you. He was yours first and he was only enagaged to that girl for fourteen days. It’s not like he was married with kids. He sounded heartbroken over hurting you, plus, he explained why he did what he did.”
I mean wow. Stellar advice. (Plot twist, he was cheating! He’s a cheater!) But seriously, his actions were ridiculous and deplorable and he really had the audacity to tell her that Kara not telling him about her trip was the SAME as him having a FIANCÉ. After he deigned to speak those words I lost all faith in the book. There was nothing he could do to win me over, even if that wasn’t the case for Kara. I was like how is this man going to even ATTEMPT to repent? And the answer was of course: absolutely jack shit. zero. nada. nothing. Kara just up and forgave him even after meeting a hot British guy in Italy.
This book would have worked for me if it was more contemporary fiction with a romance subplot. It tackled some big ticket items and they could have been given more space. Kara could finally have been okay without Ryan, understood her dads death wasn’t her fault, and maybe even met a hot dude at the end with the promise of new love. Basically just write out Ryan from the last 25% of the novel because he was a douche canoe with a giant ass hole in the bottom—a completely useless and soggy piece of wood.
Also Kara’s historical romance book she was working on (and finished off the page I might add) would not have been one I’d have enjoyed. Not a big shocker since it mirrored Kara and Ryan’s relationship. The pages had promise but they ultimately annoyed me because her ending she wrote was just as wishy washy as the actual book.
Part of me wants you to read this because I’m messed up and want everybody to suffer and commiserate with me. The other part wants you to stay far far away because I value your innocence. I really wanted to love this one and really thought I did for a moment there. Alas, men.
⭐️⭐️.5/5 🌶🌶.75*/5
*.25 peppers deducted because yes there were sex scenes but Ryan was such a boob punch.
*.5 stars added bc I liked the first half of the book.
____________
Initial reaction:
Oh absolutely not
I honestly don’t even know how to write this. I started off loving this one. I loved the idea of her being a romance novelist using him as inspiration . . . Then I started hating it. I hated absolutely everything that happened after I reached 75% through. I hated Ryan most of all.
At the beginning, Ryan straight up called historical romances porn and really didn’t have much of a glow up. He ~understood~ her love for them I suppose but it was nowhere near Neil’s understanding and appreciation in Today Tonight Tomorrow. There were plenty of times for him to admit that he liked reading them but I just don’t think he ever did. I get that they’re not for everybody but damn, he was a lot less hot because of it. I did think he’d be redeemed down the line but just you wait.
**Spoilers ahead but honestly the spoiler is something that most readers find nonnegotiable so I think it’s useful to know beforehand. I totally wouldn’t have read the book if I’d have known. I’m not saying it always wrecks the book for me, but in this case it was a total crash and burn.**
Highlight: I was super excited when they did actually reenact one of the steamy scenes from her most recent work! I was anticipating that from the beginning and so I was happy to see it was incorporated. Poor defiled reading chair. The scenes weren’t really explicit or lengthy but there were multiple and they were a nice addition.
Another highlight was this quote: “I swear, if you don’t stop saying that all this happened because you care about me SO much, I’m going to rip my ears off and shove them down your throat.” If the entire second half of the book could have that same energy I’d have been so so happy.
Lowlight: I cannot believe her friends ultimately condoned Ryan’s actions! Maggie really hit my shit list with this dazzling line:
“He wasn’t cheating on you. He was yours first and he was only enagaged to that girl for fourteen days. It’s not like he was married with kids. He sounded heartbroken over hurting you, plus, he explained why he did what he did.”
I mean wow. Stellar advice. (Plot twist, he was cheating! He’s a cheater!) But seriously, his actions were ridiculous and deplorable and he really had the audacity to tell her that Kara not telling him about her trip was the SAME as him having a FIANCÉ. After he deigned to speak those words I lost all faith in the book. There was nothing he could do to win me over, even if that wasn’t the case for Kara. I was like how is this man going to even ATTEMPT to repent? And the answer was of course: absolutely jack shit. zero. nada. nothing. Kara just up and forgave him even after meeting a hot British guy in Italy.
This book would have worked for me if it was more contemporary fiction with a romance subplot. It tackled some big ticket items and they could have been given more space. Kara could finally have been okay without Ryan, understood her dads death wasn’t her fault, and maybe even met a hot dude at the end with the promise of new love. Basically just write out Ryan from the last 25% of the novel because he was a douche canoe with a giant ass hole in the bottom—a completely useless and soggy piece of wood.
Also Kara’s historical romance book she was working on (and finished off the page I might add) would not have been one I’d have enjoyed. Not a big shocker since it mirrored Kara and Ryan’s relationship. The pages had promise but they ultimately annoyed me because her ending she wrote was just as wishy washy as the actual book.
Part of me wants you to read this because I’m messed up and want everybody to suffer and commiserate with me. The other part wants you to stay far far away because I value your innocence. I really wanted to love this one and really thought I did for a moment there. Alas, men.
⭐️⭐️.5/5 🌶🌶.75*/5
*.25 peppers deducted because yes there were sex scenes but Ryan was such a boob punch.
*.5 stars added bc I liked the first half of the book.
____________
Initial reaction:
Oh absolutely not
June 5, 2021
Spoilers alert: this review is full of spoilers.
I decided to skip the last 20% of the book because in so many ways this was a 3 stars book till the author decided to romanticize cheating on your significant other because oh wooow the one who got away is in front of me and my fiancee is not here.
The MC was man enough not to break things up through a phone call with his fiancee, but he decided to cheat on her anyways. How romantic right 🥴!
Another thing, I felt the parts from Cara's book where forced to the book and didn't add anything to the plot other the a big fat huh.... Why am I reading this again?
I decided to skip the last 20% of the book because in so many ways this was a 3 stars book till the author decided to romanticize cheating on your significant other because oh wooow the one who got away is in front of me and my fiancee is not here.
The MC was man enough not to break things up through a phone call with his fiancee, but he decided to cheat on her anyways. How romantic right 🥴!
Another thing, I felt the parts from Cara's book where forced to the book and didn't add anything to the plot other the a big fat huh.... Why am I reading this again?
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