This new (and for me, much anticipated) novel from the author of Yinka, Where Is Your Huzband? was perfectly pleasant but never really came together in the way I hoped, nor did the characters come fully to life.

I just wrapped up reading “The Re-Write” by Lizzie Damilola Blackburn set to be published in August 2025. “The Re-Write” highlights Temi, a struggling British-Nigerian author who is getting over her relationship with her ex Wale who dumped her to be on a reality TV dating show (think Love Island). Through a series of coincidences and unfortunate events, Temi ends up ghostwriting Wale’s memoir to save his reputation which thrusts them back together.
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One thing I loved about this story is the highlight of black men, their mental health and exploring what it means to be a man through Wale’s trust issues, and inability to share his emotions or let his guard down.
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Temi on the other hand….whooo baby girl plucked my last nerve. City girls down 100! There were many times in the book where I wanted to scream “Girl where is your pride???”. She was head over heels for Wale & they only dated for a few months! I literally was yelling at home girl. At one point I had to put the book down. Despite it all, I loved the book. Everything came full circle and I loved that the author finished everyone’s character arc.
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I would definitely pick up another read by Lizzie but girl! I need the cover to match the character. Temi is described as plus size and in no way, shape, or form does the cover art accurately depict that. Pick up “The Re-Write” on August 2025 and give it a ready. Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Group for the opportunity to review this arc!

Set in the vibrant backdrop of London, we follow Temi, an aspiring writer striving to secure a book deal. Despite her dedication, publishers continue to pass on her novel, leaving her in a financial bind. An opportunity arises to ghostwrite a celebrity memoir, which she reluctantly accepts, only to discover that the celebrity in question is her ex-boyfriend, Wale. Wale, who left Temi to participate in a reality dating show, is now infamous for his on-screen antics. As they collaborate on his memoir, both are forced to confront past grievances and unresolved feelings, leading to a journey of self-discovery and rekindled connections.

Why You'll Love It

Relatable Characters: Temi's resilience and Wale's charm create a dynamic duo that readers will root for.

Authentic Setting: The London scenes, especially those in Camden Market, are vividly portrayed, immersing readers in the city's eclectic atmosphere.

Engaging Plot: The lovers-to-enemies-to-lovers trope is executed with freshness, offering both heartfelt and humorous moments.


Critical Acclaim

Early reviews praise Blackburn's ability to craft believable characters and situations. One reviewer noted, "Lizzie Damilola Blackburn really has the knack of creating believable characters and situations and I was completely absorbed in the different strands of Temi’s life."

Final Thoughts

The Re-Write is a testament to the complexities of love and ambition, highlighting how life's unexpected turns can lead to the most rewarding stories. Blackburn's engaging writing style ensures this novel is both a heartwarming and entertaining read.

I know this may not be its final form but I really hope it is! Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.

Temi is my kind of character! Full of emotion, flawed but in a wholly human way, and full of drive and determination in spite of the setbacks. I really liked the way that her journey with writing was depicted, and appreciated the ending that she got.

Wale at first really got on my nerves because he seemed really hot and cold. It all was revealed and understood throughout the story though.

Lived the family aspect, the way mental health is depicted and the way trust is woven in and out of all kinds of relationships not just romantic.

Overall a really solid read that I would recommend to others who love a second chance romance, Black romance and especially who love both together!’

This story takes you on a roller coaster of will they or won't they and I enjoyed every twist and turn. In The Re write we are introduced to Temi an author who is trying to find her voice and Wale who is trying find his place in life. They were a couple but then took a break for Wale to experience an opportunity he couldn't pass up. Temi and Wale reconnect and spend the remainder of the journey learning they didn't know each other as well as they thought. I won't say more as to spoil how great this journey. I will say the characters are splendid. Everyone is full of life and so well described I feel like I have met them before. While the story is set in London it can be anywhere because they are so real. This is a fun and sweet must read

A Heartfelt Journey of Second Chances and Dream-Chasing

The Re-write is a beautifully uplifting read that captures the essence of hope, resilience, and the power of following your dreams. This book dives deep into the life of its protagonist, who, after facing setbacks and disappointments, embarks on a journey to reclaim her life and pursue what truly makes her heart sing.

What I loved most about this book was its authentic portrayal of the struggles that often come with starting over. The author skillfully shows that while taking a second chance can be terrifying, it’s also one of the most empowering decisions you can make. The narrative is filled with raw emotions, yet it never loses sight of the optimism that comes from believing in yourself, no matter the obstacles.

The writing is both tender and inspiring, filled with moments that make you stop and reflect on your own journey. The characters are relatable, with their flaws and imperfections making them all the more endearing. The story reminds us that it’s never too late to follow our passions, and sometimes, the best things in life come after we’ve stumbled and fallen.

Overall, The Re-write is a heartwarming reminder that dreams are worth chasing, and it’s never too late to start again. It’s a must-read for anyone who needs a reminder that even in the toughest moments, there’s always room for hope, growth, and new beginnings.

I really enjoyed The Re-Write! Lizzie Damilola Blackburn delivers a fun, heartfelt story about love, career struggles, and figuring out what (and who) truly matters. The main character felt so real—flawed, funny, and easy to root for. The writing is sharp, with great humor and cultural depth that made the story stand out. Some parts dragged a little, but overall, it was such an engaging read. If you love a good mix of romance and self-discovery, this one's worth picking up. Big thanks to NetGalley for the ARC—I’m excited for others to read this!

The author did an amazing job bringing in the African culture throughout the book. The book touched on some very serious topics such as mental health and substance abuse and it made the book even more unique. I have not read a book like this so it brings the book into its own category for me. the plot of the book was absolutely amazing. If the goal was to get my nerves ramped up on the lack of communication skills Temi had...goal achieved! i was so happy they finally got on the same page in communicating with each other. I felt there were a few slow points in the book but overall had a good flow. I personally just did not connect with their love story as much as I wished. The side characters were great and I would love to read about shona and Fonzo’s love story! All the secrets and waiting game of having the serious discussions are a real reminder for every reader just how important being honest truly is. Especially with yourself.

“I'm hot too - not hot for a plus-sized girl but hot. Period.”

Temi cannot catch a break! First her boyfriend dumps her to go on a reality dating show, then she cannot seem to find a publisher to take her life's work. And now, after finally being offered a writing deal to ghost write a celebrity's memoir.. Temi finds out that the celebrity is none other than her ex, Wale.

Wow, this book is so well-written! Blackburn does a fantastic job of bringing the characters of this book to life. Wale is charismatic and sexy, Temi is so strong-willed and badass. I love their dynamic, and the redemption arc was well deserved! Can't wait for the book to come out!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Penguin Group for the eARC! Projected publishing date: August 12th, 2025

This a second chance romance was light, fun, and at times thought provoking. The author did a good job of developing the characters in a way that explained their behavior, but there were still a few cringey moments where readers watch them make mistakes in real time. I liked the author’s exploration of Wale’s understanding of masculinity and his own emotions. Temi was a likeable, albeit sort of naive heroine. I enjoyed it overall. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the e-arc.

Such a cute plot - reality star has his ex-girlfriend ghostwrite his memoir. In the process they learn a great deal about themselves and each other. This book gives the reader an immersive experience in Nigerian Black British culture. The romance was a little lacking for me but overall an enjoyable read.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC e-read for an honest review.

The Re-Write is the most fun I have had reading a novel this year! It was heartwarming, heartbreaking, smart, witty, and so much fun to read. I truly appreciate the diverse characters and how social media and the "new" celebrity culture have shaped how we view and act on love. Blackburn writes brilliant and loveable characters that you want to root for from start to finish. This is truly a modern romance and will be enjoyed by Gen Z to Baby Boomers. I highly recommend this for your next fun beach read or a fun pick for your next book club selection. Can't wait to read more by Blackburn in the future.

I enjoyed reading The Re-Write by Lizzie Damilola Blackburn. While some parts were a little slow, the overall rhythm was nice. The behind the scenes glimpses of life as a writer was interesting and that of a carer insightful. I liked how the author continued to point out that "life" on social media is a constant thing- what you say and do in public can be captured and shared without your knowledge or consent. While I understood Temi's hesitation to have a hard conversation with Wale, I did find myself wishing it had happened sooner than it did. The delay in that conversation caused the ending to feel a little rushed. Overall this was a good read and I look forward to checking out other works by Lizzie Damilola Blackburn.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.

This was a fun time. I always find myself enjoying second-chance romances, and Temi and Wale were no different. I enjoyed the journey they went on alone and together and enjoyed learning a bit about Nigerian culture and the publishing industry through the story. The writing was easy to read, and I found myself reading half the book in a night. I loved most of our side characters (if you've read the book, you know who I don't) and found myself rooting for Temi and Wale on their own journeys and for their relationship.
Thank you NetGalley and Publisher for this ARC! As always thoughts and feelings are my own.

I couldn’t put this book down! Read it in one day. An aspiring writer has a breakup- and ends up being asked to write the memoir of her ex-boyfriend. She takes the job, misunderstanding after misunderstanding kept happening. But the characters struggles felt so real, and I felt like I knew them. I just wanted to know how it would end.

This was so good! The characters voices shine through and I truly enjoyed reading this. I'm a big Love Island addict so it's always fun seeing it integrated into others lives - and I really felt like I knew these characters! Adding Ms Blackburn to my automatic purchase list!

I liked the plot of this and the ideas behind it, especially with dating shows/ getting cancelled being so relevant. However, the dialogue and chemistry between the two main characters fell flat for me and the conflict seemed immature.

I enjoyed this overall! It was a fun take on reality tv being an aspect of the story line, and it highlighted the struggles of being a writer as well and trying to please those around you with your career (her family)

Such a well written sweet story. Temi is wonderfully complicated. Wale is sweet and layered. Read it! You won’t regret it. Delivers on many levels! Not too spicy and definitely a slow burn.

What an absolutely delightful book! The Re-Write by Lizzie Damilola Blackburn is a charming and heartwarming story of second chances, self-discovery, and unexpected romance. Temi’s journey from heartbreak to chasing her dreams as a writer is both relatable and inspiring, with plenty of humor and emotional depth along the way. The twist of having to ghostwrite for her ex, Wale—who left her for reality TV—adds just the right mix of tension and hilarity. This book beautifully explores whether time can heal old wounds or reignite old sparks. A must-read!

Thank you to NetGalley.com for allowing me to read this ARC!