I've been reading a lot of Rom-Com lately because life has been crazy for the past year+ and a lighter read is sometimes a good antidote for the 'what-the-hells!?'.

Talk Bookish To Me has the popular and much loved enemies to lovers trope. Who doesn't love a 'I hate you/now I love you' romance? And when you add in some stellar banter, a main character who is an introverted bookstagrammer and a Celine Dion-loving bulldog named Duke, well then, just gimme the dang book!

The story has a great premise, an interesting cast and a couple of twists. The flow bogs a little with overly angsty bits while Kara is off finding herself (no worries, this isn't an Eat, Pray Love kinda thing) and the ending isn't too much of a surprise but it's an enjoyable and entertaining read.

Kara, a romance writer, is struggling to write her latest book and uses her burgeoning relationship with ex-boyfriend Ryan to spark her literary fires, so to speak. Passages of her book in progress are tucked into the main plot every so often which is a cool idea, but I don't think it was necessary. Since these passages were far and few between, I had a hard time remembering its plot and characters. And, honestly, I just wanted to get back to the main couple.

Overall, this was a fun, quick read that has amazing banter, a sweet romance, family issues and a favourite romance trope to tie it all together. A great Rom-Com for the summer!

Disclaimer: My sincere thanks to Graydon House (Harlequin) for my advanced copy given in exchange for my honest review.

4 / 5 stars

What an absolutely sweet rom com this is. And the added bonus of having the main character Kara be an author *and* b9okstagrammer made her that much more real and accessible to me. I really loved the hilarious dialogue, the mix of the enemies to lovers and second chance romance tropes, and the vibrant personalities.

Some of the plot was a little cinematic, which is to say there wasn't always a ton of character depth and perhaps things were all a little too neatly wrapped up. But that's what I read this genre for, so I'm not complaining. And there were plenty of torturous mistakes and missed opportunities, so yes, I definitely cried a few times, which made me cheer that much harder for Kara and Ryan.

I also thought the examination of the characters' relationships with their parents went deeper than a lot of books from this genre, and it was a great addition to the overall story, and really was true to the fact that so much of what we do as young adults is agonize over the scrutiny and approval of our parents, as well as over not repeating their mistakes.

I would 100% be back for more should the author decide she wants to tell us, say, Maggie's story after this. Or that guy Beau, he seemed interesting.

I can’t believe TALK BOOKISH TO ME is Kate Bromley’s debut! Its such a brilliant story and gave me all the right feels at the right times! I was emotionally invested in Kara and her life from the very first page. It had me laughing within the first few pages, and I was instantly connected to Kara. She is a romance author and is having a hard time writing her book. She finds herself being reunited with Ryan, her first love. Ryan gets Kara’s writing mojo back. But can they spend any amount of time together without driving the other crazy? Take a chance and read TALK BOOKISH TO ME. You won’t regret it!

Kara and Ryan dated for two years in college and then broke up. He moved away for an internship and things went downhill from there. Now its ten years later and neither one of them is very happy. TALK BOOKISH TO ME is a second-chance romance intertwined with a lovers-to-enemies-to-lovers trope. Ryan is always serious and always in control. He is also a great friend to Jason since they were young. Jason is Kara’s best friends fiance. ⁣ TALK BOOKISH TO ME is so cute, romantic, and will make you fall in love, and definitely leave you wanting for more. This is the perfect story for a romance movie, wether on the big screen or television!

TALK BOOKISH TO ME held me captive until the very last page. Once I started reading, I couldn’t put it down. I just had to know if Kara was going to find her happily ever after as well as finish her book. I will be thinking about Kara’s story for days to come and wonder how I would have handled her situation. Ms. Bromley had me on quite the emotional rollercoaster by the end of the story but I also had a smile on my face. I wasn’t sure how things were going to go after the plot twist but I loved the ending. As a whole, I really loved and identified with how much this book celebrated romance novels and the book world overall. So thank you Kate Bromley for making my heart so happy. I loved every minute of it.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Harper Collins through Netgalley. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.

I received this book as an ARC from Netgalley! It releases May 25th, 2021!

Romance writer Kara finds herself face to face with her college ex at her bff’s pre-wedding party and having him back in her life pulls her out of her writing slump. With a deadline looming she takes every opportunity to cross paths with Ryan and he doesn’t seem to mind it one bit.

I never really connected to these characters. In the first chapter, Kara’s bff and the future bride, Cristina, sees that Kara is in distress at seeing Ryan again (she drops a glass of champagne that shatters everywhere) and Cristina is like, “PEACE! You two should catch up!” That bff shit would not fly with me. I would be hardcore wing-personing it and making sure my bff was safe and the object of their distress was uncomfortable. Basically, I think Cristina is a horrible friend (there are other examples throughout the book, but I have since forgotten them).

The most interesting thing about Kara is that she writes romance novels and we get to peek into the historical she is currently writing. Now THERE is an interesting story (inherent misogyny aside): A young woman is forced to marry an old man to pay off her father’s debts and she prolongs it by pretending to be (and then actually) interested in another rich man so that she can stay close to her brother and protect him from their father.

Ryan is also milquetoast. He’s apparently a southern cowboy-type. He and Kara’s initial “meet cute” in college was him stealing the romance she was reading out of her hands and teasing her about it. I don’t need that kind of toxicity in my life. He’s an epic fuck up and does everything wrong at every moment of time and yet she still loves him. The only thing he does right is giving her space after the black moment of the book.

Lastly, you would think Ryan’s fat bulldog would redeem him, but no! I love the bulldog more than any of the characters. I just want to yell at Ryan to put him on a diet so he can live to his full wrinkly lifespan!

So this is a skipper for me.

Super cute!

Calling all bookish romance readers! Talk Bookish to Me will satisfy your need for a precious and fun romance while sitting poolside this summer.

Talk Bookish to Me follows a romance novelist (and bookstagrammer) who flounders at the computer screen to write a new historical novel. After two failed contemporary books, she wants to return to her bread and butter, but just cannot think of a suitable romance...until she encounters her college boyfriend at her best friend’s wedding. When they two begin to hang out again, the sparks fly on and off the page.

Sweet. Fun. All around bookish. I enjoyed all of the characters and watching them reconnect. The romance was sweet with a little bit of steam and just easy to fall into. I particularly loved getting a look at a novelist’s life and a bit of the publishing side to the bookish world. Well-done debut!

I love books about books and books about writers, so I was very glad for the opportunity to participate in the book blog tour for Talk Bookish to Me. It sounded cute even though romance isn't something I typically read. I'm not sure if it's because I needed a break from all the heavy fantasy I've been reading lately or if this is just that good, but I devoured this book and really enjoyed it.

Overall

Talk Bookish to Me is a cute, funny romance about getting a second chance at love. It puts a former couple in very close quarters when feelings have been left unresolved for ten long years. I loved that Kara was a romance novelist stuck on her next novel when the romance of a lifetime falls in her lap. Of course, both Kara and Ryan keep secrets from each other. The intense chemistry between them is clear from the start, and sets off an incredible ride for both of them as they come face to face with what they really want in their lives.

Extended Thoughts

Talk Bookish to Me is about a successful romance novelist currently stalled on her next novel with a deadline looming over her head and a six month trip to Italy awaiting her. Her best friend is about to get married at the same time she needs to write an entire novel, but inspiration seems to land in her lap and her agent practically orders her to use it to every advantage no matter how much it might ravage her heart.

Kara needs to finish this book, and her college boyfriend, Ryan, picked the perfect time to drop back into her life. After ten years apart, things still burn hot between them, but their break hadn't been an amicable one. Instead, it hung over them for ten years, easily creating tension when they come face to face at the pre-wedding party for her best friend who is about to marry his childhood friend. When Ryan ends up kicked out of his hotel, Kara's solution is to have him stay with her, taking her agent's orders to heart. Of course, with so much unresolved between them, it doesn't take long for sparks of all kinds to fly.

As a romance, Talk Bookish to Me is fairly predictable. Before any of the key events happened, I knew they were going to occur, but I really couldn't wait to find out just how they were going to unfold. The characterizations of Kara and Ryan were so good that it was easy for me to forget the romance novel formula most of the time because I was so invested in them as a couple. The first half was wonderful and funny and so full of chemistry and tension. I loved every word, every playful and stinging barb they threw at each other. The second half was sweet, but I felt it meandered a bit. I kind of wish either it had been split off into it's own story or it had started there because it felt like there could be a lot going on there in terms of characterization. But, no matter how out of place it felt to me, it did work in terms of the romance Talk Bookish to Me is offering.

I adored Kara and Ryan. They made the whole story for me. The best part was that they were supported by an equally funny and interesting cast. Some of the secondary characters weren't exactly complex, but they each had their own distinct personality and they all blended really well together. Talk Bookish to Me is told from Kara's perspective, so it was an incredible delight to get things through her eyes, to read about her meddling friends and sister. This book has an incredible cast of strong women who all have a soft spot for romance. But I really loved when Kara and Ryan were on the page together. Their early banter is funny and awkward and familiar. Their feelings for each other are clear as day, creating a perfect balance of chemistry and tension. I did feel it came off too strong at times, but I really liked how the banter and serious conversation balanced out so the banter never became truly cringe-worthy.

The one thing that disappointed me was that I expected more talk about books. There is a bit of chatter about some romance novels, but, since no authors were provided, I have no idea if they were referring to real books or not. Of course I expected that any book talk would revolve around romance novels, but I wish there had been more. I did appreciate that Kara is a romance novelist and is keenly aware of how different real life is from the kind of books she writes.

Despite the lack of bookish talk, there are snippets of Kara's manuscript woven in. Since I enjoy a regency romance every few years, I really enjoyed what she had to offer. I both remembered why I like and don't like them, but I did enjoy seeing how her characters paralleled her life. I also really loved the real talk about how if "real life" were a romance novel, x, y, and z would occur. I didn't feel it was poking fun at romance novels, but more stating fiction and reality are two entirely different things and, well, it's happening in Kara's real life so let's see how a romance novelist handles it. It was fun and helped me forget the romance novel formula.

Set mostly in Manhattan, and a little in Italy, I think I got a stronger sense of Italy than Manhattan, but I liked that Talk Bookish to Me is set in a large city. It didn't play off the whole random chance of meeting people in a big city, and managed to keep the world small in a large place. It gave the story a nice intimate feel while providing a big playground for the characters to amble around in.

As a romance, Talk Bookish to Me absolutely delivers. It's witty and funny and perfect for readers who enjoy the second chance at love trope.

Thank you to Justine Sha for a review copy and the opportunity to take part in the book blog tour for Talk Bookish to Me. All opinions expressed are my own.

absolutely adored this book! It is a cute and funny story with an intriguing storyline, quirky and lovable characters, and great chemistry.
I thoroughly enjoyed the entertaining witty banter between our main characters Kara and Ryan and I enjoyed the second chance trope that this novel explored (the main characters have been broken up for 10 years and reunite due to a mutual friends’ wedding). Highly recommend this one!

Full review to be posted closer to pub day on Instagram and personal blog.

Ten years ago, Ryan and Kara had a bad break-up. Kara channeled her pain into launching her writing career and now that she is stuck with a looming deadline Ryan is back in her life…

When they meet again at a pre-wedding party the sparks are still there, along with a lot of hurt feelings. Circumstances find them living together for the week leading up to their friends’ wedding and they begin a new relationship before things get messy again. With a lot of support from their friends and the love of a sweet bulldog maybe these two will find their way to a HEA ending.

I read a lot of romance and have had conversations with people about romance sub-genres and popular tropes so I really enjoyed the time Kate Bromley spent on writing these conversations into her story. Her quirky characters were a treat to read because their conversations felt very authentic. Any truly introverted, book nerd will find them hilarious.

I received a digital ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Title: Talk Bookish to Me
Author: Kate Bromley
Genre: Romance
Rating: 4 out of 5

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?

The level of snark and witty back-and-forth in this novel was fantastic, and I truly loved Kara. Her friendships and her relationship with her family made her a well-rounded character that I enjoyed reading. Ryan…not so much. His personality was a bit too over-the-top for me, and what he did was unforgivable in my eyes. But that’s just me. This was a really fun read.

Kate Bromley was a preschool teacher. Talk Bookish To Me is her debut novel.

(Galley courtesy of Harlequin/Graydon House in exchange for an honest review.)

This is going to be a completely honest review from my perspective and I'd ask that it be taken as merely my two cents. I had super high hopes for a fun and flirty read and feel like the first two chapters and the adorable cover art absolutely set me up to fail. It had (has) a lot going for it, but didn't head the direction I anticipated or wanted in the moment when I picked up this particular book - it broke my heart (and even the ending really didn't mend it.) What I loved was the idea of a bookstagrammer, romance author, independent woman, her cute and quirky metropolitan life, and a second chance that led to happily ever after with wit and humour and lots of laughter thrown in. What I got was antagonistic flirty vibes, betrayal, and sure second chance true love, but only after utter heartbreak and a huge red flag from me. (Nope, nope, nope, nope, nope!.) So yes, my girl got her happily ever after, but I'll admit by that point in the book I was hoping she'd find something more. I found it to be an engaging story - no argument there - I was hooked - but I also found it disappointing, like it didn't quite live up to my personal expectations going in. (Funny story, we dog sat a "little" guy just like Duke so he might have been my favourite character.) Overall, I won't say "don't read this book" but maybe I'll offer a lighthearted "it might not be what you expect - let's compare notes?" Points for validating romance novels - regency romp lovers unite!

Will post soon at Romance Reviews Today: http://romrevtoday.com/index.htm

TALK BOOKISH TO ME – Kate Bromley
Graydon House
ISBN: 978-1-525-80643-8
May 25, 2021
Contemporary Fiction

New York City – Present Day

Romance novelist Kara Sullivan is helping her best friend Cristina with her upcoming wedding as well as dealing with an impending deadline for her next book. The last thing Kara needs is a distraction. Meeting up with Cristina’s fiancé after the bridal shower, Kara is stunned to come face to face with Ryan Thompson, the man who broke her heart in college. Turns out that Ryan grew up with the groom—something that Kara didn’t realize. Seeing Ryan again brings forth a tumult of emotions for her. She had loved him and thought they had a life together—until he cheated on her with another woman. Their “reunion” is awkward, though it appears everyone else isn’t feeling uncomfortable that the exes are in the same room. Ryan is staying with the happy couple—along with his bulldog—as they had been kicked out of the hotel room he’d rented. To Kara’s utter horror, her friends offer Kara’s extra bedroom as a place to stay. Kara reluctantly agrees. The dog is cute—even it if takes over the only bathroom—and things are awkward with Ryan staying there. But soon, the old sparks fly between Kara and Ryan. Will they rekindle their old romance since they are now both single?

Kara has sold several books, but this latest one that is due very soon is causing a headache because she has writer’s block. As the maid of honor in Cristina’s wedding, she has plenty of things to do to help the bride, plus she plans to head to Italy shortly after the wedding to spend several months there. Kara doesn’t have time to get involved with her ex again. Yet, seeing Ryan and talking to him brings up the old attraction between them. Something that should be wrong feels so right. What’s wrong with having a fling while he’s visiting in New York City? But as things deepen between them, Kara begins to wonder if the man she once thought she would spend the rest of her life with is the one…again. Will they work things out—or break up again?

TALK BOOKISH TO ME is a cute, funny tale in the chick lit vein of fiction. Kara on the surface appears sophisticated and cool, but deep down, she’s worried about relationships and men. Ryan isn’t the reason Kara is suffering from writer’s block, but could his presence be why she suddenly starts writing again? As they talk and reconnect, the old hurts from the past slip away. Meanwhile, Kara must keep Ryan’s presence at her apartment a secret from her mother because a mother will almost always want to protect her child. Ryan’s betrayal hurt Kara, but is there enough between them to start over again? Or is it just a fling? There are plenty of laugh out loud scenes—between Kara trying to hide the fact that she’s sleeping with Ryan, and the wedding preparations that sometimes get crazy.

Will Kara get her happily-ever-after, or will the reunion with Ryan prove to be short lived? Will she get that book finished and off to her editor? How about her planned trip to Italy? Find out the answers to those questions—and more—by grabbing a copy of TALK BOOKISH TO ME.

Patti Fischer
Romance Reviews Today

Talk Bookish to Me is a very cute contemporary romance following two exes ten years after they've split up. Kara is a maid of honour and Ryan ends up being one of the groomsman. Though don't realize this until exactly a week before the wedding at a prewedding event. This book has some of my favourite tropes enemies-to-lovers and forced proximity. Not only that but a slew of well developed side characters really brought this book together. At times I was cheering for them together and other points you understood well why they didn't work in the first place. I say this each time I read a debut novel that I need to stop reading them because I wish Kate Bromley had a huge back catalog to read. Ignoring that I would love to see the book kara is writing in this get published or just more books by Kate Bromley would be great too!

Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for providing me with an arc for an honest review.

A huge thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the chance to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Talk Bookish to Me was a perfect escape about second chances.

Kara and Ryan were inseparable in college- that couple nauseatingly wrapped up in each other and joined at the hip. The tied with a bow, rose colored glasses couple everyone else was envious of. But they were young, and life got in the way. They couldn't keep doubt and mistrust from intruding on their relationship - and they are both still nursing the wounds from their mutual meltdown.

Kara still hates Ryan with the fire of a thousand suns. He broke her trust and shattered her heart. And now he's standing on front of her - miraculously the groomsman in her best friend's wedding. She wants to thrash him with the roundkick of all roundkicks. But she wants to lean into the crook of his neck and feel his arms around her too. And her competing desires make her grumpy and mean.

When a disaster named Duke strikes, Ryan and Kara become victims of forced proximity. Kara offers up her space because she is trying to help her best friend and keep the momentum and inspiration going so she can meet the deadline for her new romance book. The coincidence of Ryan's sudden appearance and the banishment of her writer's block is not something she wants to examine too closely.

The charge between them is inexorable and they can't ignore it. If they choose each other again, there's a very definite possibility that their secrets will drive them apart again. Is the heartache and surrender worth it?

I loved this sweet romantic comedy.

4.5 stars

Talk Bookish to Me is basically a love letter to the romance genre. Our heroine, Kara, is a romance author, a fierce defender of the genre, and a bookstagrammer (so she’s basically me). She’s spent months unable to write her next book and, with her deadline looming, is getting desperate. When she’s reunited with her first love - the guy who broke her heart ten years ago, and who she still harbours a ton of resentment toward - she’s both irritated and intrigued to discover his presence has unblocked her creative flow.

This book was so charming. It had me laughing within the first few pages, and I connected easily to Kara. I loved the combination of second chance and enemies-to-lovers; Kara and Ryan clearly had unresolved feelings for each other and despite the initial anger they felt toward each other for all that had happened, they couldn’t deny their lingering feelings or the chemistry between them. I also really enjoyed the friendship dynamics between Kara and her two best friends and how supportive they were.

Now, here’s where we get into spoiler territory: Cheating is usually a deal-breaker for me. If I’d known that aspect of the plot going in, I’m not sure I would have read this book, which would have been a shame because I genuinely enjoyed it. The way it all happened made me sad, angry, and disappointed in Ryan. I feel so torn because what he did was wrong and inexcusable, but...I appreciated how it all worked out? People make mistakes and while this was a colossal one, he and Kara were clearly in love and were meant for each other. I do wish there had been some other conflict because it feels icky seeming like I’m ‘okay’ with the cheating aspect. I’m not okay with it, but Ryan knew what he did was wrong and was willing to face the consequences. People aren’t perfect and we can’t expect fictional characters to be either. As an author herself and a champion of romance, Kara knew that better than anyone, and I feel like her decision to forgive Ryan was an informed one. She loved him enough to forgive him and forge ahead with a relationship. As readers, our viewpoint is subjective and we bring our own personal biases and histories, so I completely understand how that part of the book will be a hard no for some people.

I think Talk Bookish to Me will be a hit with many romance readers. It definitely was with me! I’ll look forward to more books from Kate Bromley.

Celebrating her best friend at her engagement party, Kara Sullivan comes face to face with her college ex-boyfriend, Ryan Thompson. Their relationship did not end well, so finding out he’s a childhood friend of the groom and she’ll have to spend the next two weeks with him is a downright unpleasant. Kara, a published romance author, has been struggling to finish her latest manuscript by the deadline just a few weeks away. Sparring with Ryan has suddenly sparked a fire in her writing, so Kara smartly decides to spend more time with her new muse. Can they start over and try again? Ryan is hiding secrets from Kara that come to light and may prevent a future together before they even start trying.

Talk Bookish to Me is not your usual enemies to lovers romance. Just when I thought I’d figured out where the plot was going, the author would throw in another twist and surprise me. Kara is endearing and enviable, with her put together life, beautiful NYC apartment, successful career, and vacation plans to Italy. Ryan is odd and quirky, with his strange little dog, Duke. I didn’t get their chemistry until the very end, but I loved the ride to get there!

I actually finished this book a few weeks ago and haven’t gotten to reviewing it… or really any books lately. I did like it a lot, I just haven’t been present lately. My apologies, this review may be more vague than my usual.

I found the book to be well written, with a good flow to the story. The characters were great, especially Christina and Jason (the BFF and her groom). I got a good feel for our FL, Kara, and found her to be charming, funny, and simply someone I could see myself spending time with. Even when I didn’t agree with her actions I could understand them. Ryan, on the other hand, took time to warm up to. He was harder for me to read, teasing and nearly flirting, then shutting down completely. Through misunderstandings, they hurt each other pretty badly in the past and neither is willing to take the first step. The sparks are definitely there, and I loved the sparring between the two (that’s probably my favorite part of romance novels- the interactions between the two: dialogue, gestures… the push and pull of attraction. It’s what keeps a good romance novel fresh even though the ideas have most likely been used a dozen times if not more).

All in all this was a really enjoyable book, but not one that stayed in my head very long after reading it. A beach read, and literary palate cleanser (you know, when everything seems kind of heavy and you just need something light and fluffy in your life? That type of feel). There’s nothing wrong with this- I love books like that because it helps me out of my own headspace when anxiety or depression stop me from feeling like doing a lot of my favorite things. But I digress. It was smart, funny, charming, and had just enough salt and pain to add dimension to the story. For me this was a three and a half star book. I liked it- and I already have four or five book buds I want to talk about this one with…. but it won’t be one of those books that I reread a dozen times.

⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 3.5 out of 5.
As far as adult content goes, there’s language and sexual content. I would say that the later is fairly explicit, though not over the top. It’s definitely geared toward an eighteen or over audience.


I was lucky enough to receive an eARC of this book from Netgalley and Graydon House in exchange for an honest review. My thanks!

What a cute, cute, CUTE book. I loved feeling someone invested because our main character is a bookstagrammer. I thought it was fun, light, dramatic, and the perfect summer read.

Talk Bookish to Me by Kate Bromley is a contemporary romance currently scheduled for release on May 25 2021. 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?
Talk Bookish to Me was a book that shook me out of a reading slump. I loved the fact that Kara and Ryan were both imperfect and accepted that about themselves and were generally comfortable in their own skin. They each had their own issues and awkward moments, and certainly each made their share of mistakes. I really enjoyed that they felt real, and owned their awkward moments and rolled with it. I am typically not a fan of second chance romance, but there is so much of them getting to know each other again and messing things up again that I did not get the feeling I missed something somewhere that I often get with them. I just enjoyed the characters so much- in their perfect imperfections. Even when I disagreed with their action, or lack there of, I could completely understand the choice and empathize with them. I would love to have people like Kara and Ryan- and the secondary characters that make up their friend group- in my life. Even better, with the realistic why they are written I fully expect that I could run into them if I were lucky enough to be in the right neighborhood.

Talk Bookish to Me is a second chance romance that struck all the right chords with me. Humor and heart are well balanced and will keep the reader engaged.

I was genuinely excited to read this book. A bookish heroine, second chance romance, and a cute quirky dog - it sounded like this book was MADE for me. Unfortunately, things started going south really early on.

First, the fatphobia/fatshaming was a HUGE turn off. Like took me out of the story that I was somewhat enjoying and made me want to DNF before I was a quarter of the way in. I realize it still exists in the world, but that doesn't mean I have to excuse it as acceptable, in real life or in fiction. As an ACTUAL plus sized person, it only made matters worse that the character being fat shamed was a size 8.

I know that's a bit of a "trigger" for me, so I told myself to "get over it" and trudge on. The romance wasn't totally working for me, the dialogue felt stilted, and I was more invested in the dog and side characters than I was Ryan and Kara; but despite all of above, I continued reading and figured we were headed for a 3 star review (meaning it was a good story that just had a few issues). That is until the wedding and Ryan's big reveal. HARD PASS!

I'm not one to immediately write off a character for infidelity (because that is what this was), but this was not ok. I can work with a drunken mistake in the past or something along those lines provided the story is told in the right way, but this was current day. This was outright not telling a woman he supposedly loved and cared for that he was engaged and she was, in fact, the other woman. Especially given their history, this was not a story line I could deal with. Just NO.

I finished the book, even after the reveal, honestly hoping Kara was going to go on her trip and find love with someone else. That didn't happen, and the ease with which they moved past everything that happened was almost as bothersome as the event itself.

I almost never 1 star a book, but in my mind, this one deserves it. It truly pains me to do that, especially to a debut author. Parts of the book really show potential, despite what all my negativity would imply, and I would give another book from this author a chance down the line, but this one just did not work for me at all.

When it comes to books about books, I'm all in. Kate Bromley's debut novel, Talk Bookish to Me, is packed with bookish references and second chance emotions.

The last time Kara and Ryan last saw each other was in college, right before their relationship crumbled. Fast forward 10 years, when they're mutual friends are getting married and they are forced together for the festivities. Cue unresolved feelings, truth to their side of breaking up, and chemistry they can't deny is still there.

This was a great read and loved this story so much, I finished it in one day (I had to know how it ended so badly). You won't be disappointed...side note: the twist is gut wrenching! (I could hardly breathe when it happened!)