Review: Talk Bookish to Me by Kate Bromley

Talk Bookish to Me

by Kate Bromley

May 25, 2021

320 pages

Goodreads Summary:

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?

Review

Talk Bookish to Me is a second chance love story that carried some unexpected heaviness. I wasn't too fond of a certain plot point but I thought the author dealt with it thoughtfully in the end.

One of my favourite things about Talk Bookish to Me is the story within a story. Our main character, Kara, is a writer so as we read her story, we also got to read snippets of the book she was working on. It was quite the treat! Tension-filled, both stories went through huge ups and downs.

I really enjoyed Kara as the main character. She struggled in many aspects of her life, all of which felt very genuine. She didn't deserve the total unjust that befell her. It had me so mad on her behalf. Kara earned her happiness even if some people would disagree with her decision. "Just because there isn't a picture-perfect future cemented in place doesn't mean that you shouldn't go after what you want." (ARC, p.124)

Aside from the romance, familial relationship was a big theme in Talk Bookish to Me. Both Kara and Ryan had some issues to work out with their families. Things were carefully addressed with realistic outcomes. "You'll never regret the times you talk to your parents, only the times you don't." (ARC, p. 166)

Even though a part of Talk Bookish to Me gave me pause, I'm happy to say I overall enjoyed the book. It was funny and swoony at moments but serious and reflective when the time called for it.

*I received an Advance Reading Copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and not affected in any way. Any quotes included in my review were taken from the ARC I received.