This book was definitely not a favorite. It was very slow and I didn't like the FMC's gossipy nature. I tried to like this book because of its setting, but it was just not for me. I didn't even read it finish. I tried to read it and when I reached 50%, I gave up

I love this 'trope': mystery/hidden identity. This has so many intricacies that are well written and you fall in love with the culture. It felt as though you are reading a tabloid but understanding the people behind it. I loved the way they came up on each other, and the way she holds her own in her life and career was so fulfilling. I need some of her courage!

Ms. Hallman's Talk of Tokyo tells the story of Suki Malveux, a teacher who has the ambitions of being a journalist. Suki's alter ego of the Tokyo Tattler resembles the Lady Whistledown character of the Bridgerton series, where this writer pens the details of the high society in Tokyo, both Japanese-born and foreign residents. As Suki pursues the story that will give her the journalistic break she's looking for, she crosses paths and gets well-acquainted with Griffith Spencer, a victim of her gossip column.

The relationship between Griff and Suki progresses well over time, although the book's ending seemed a little rush, with the resolution packed into the epilogue. The characters work well together and the world building is solid.

Talk of Tokyo by @heatherhallman_author is fantastic!

If you're a Bridgerton fan, look no further, this is the book for you. I am only a semi fan, if you can call yourself that, but I loved this book and it gave me some major regency vibes! Talk of Tokyo tells the story of an undercover gossip columnist (hence the bridgerton feels), Suki, who begins to fall for one of the foreign men who her column often calls out for being flippant in their love affairs with Japanese women, only to inevitably abandon them to return home at some point. Suki begins to see though that Griff is not quite the person her column has depicted him to be, and that maybe he is someone she might want to pursue, as long as he doesn't get in the way of her dreams of being a full-fledged journalist (and for a female in the late 1800s, that's not an easy feat).

This one is definitely a slow burn romance but there are lots of steamy scenes in the latter half of the book. The historical fiction romance brings in lots of interesting details about Japan during the 1890s and what life for the foreign and domestic members of the elite classes was like. I really liked both the female lead and her romantic interest, Griff, who was also the main character in some chapters, though it wasn't a classic alternate narration after each chapter situation (which I'm happy about!)

I would 100% recommend this one and I will definitely have to go back and read the prequel. I also heard a little rumour about another #TokyoWhispers book coming out soon! Thanks to @netgalley the publisher @boroughspubgrp for giving me the chance to read and review this fantastic book!