Something to Talk About

           

Title: Something to Talk About

Author: Meryl Wilsner

Publisher: Berkley, May 26, 2020

Pages: 333

Genre: LGBT Contemporary Romance

Hollywood powerhouse Jo is photographed making her assistant Emma laugh on the red carpet, and just like that, the tabloids declare them a couple. The so-called scandal couldn't come at a worse time—threatening Emma's promotion and Jo's new movie.

As the gossip spreads, it starts to affect all areas of their lives. Paparazzi are following them outside the office, coworkers are treating them differently, and a “source” is feeding information to the media. But their only comment is “no comment”.

With the launch of Jo’s film project fast approaching, the two women begin to spend even more time together, getting along famously. Emma seems to have a sixth sense for knowing what Jo needs. And Jo, known for being aloof and outwardly cold, opens up to Emma in a way neither of them expects. They begin to realize the rumor might not be so off base after all…but is acting on the spark between them worth fanning the gossip flames?

What a slow dang burn. I can dig a slow burn, but I definitely wasn't thinking this was going to be quite this slow. I think it might be because I read Mistakes Were Made first and that started with an actual bang. 

I loved both Emma and Jo, separately and together. They're funny and smart and have things going for them outside of chemistry. Namely mutual respect and affection. But dang the will they/won't they dragged me about! 

Miscommunication as a plot device is one of my least favorite things in a romance novel. And not only did we have miscommunication and misunderstanding, but we had the most heinous of these crimes which is: interrupting the other person when they're about to give a declaration, and talk them out of their declaration with their interruption. UGH! It happened so many frickin times! 

Obviously miscommunication breeds ANGST. This is an angsty dang book. And angst can be good. I like angst for the most part. But this angst didn't feel real. Like sure this is a workplace romance, and ultimately, Emma didn't want to be seen as sleeping her way to the top. That was the one place where I allow that there's a legitimate speed bump to their relationship. But they did not address this speed bump in any real way. They never really spoke about it and slowed down and drove over it safely. They drove up to it, came to complete stops, did like 7 point u-turns and detoured around all of Los Angeles to finally find a way around it. And thank goodness they did, but my heart can't take that level of angst!

All of that to say. Jo sounds like an INCREDIBLE boss! Emma's and Jo's relationship as employer/employee is really cool. Them realizing their feelings was well done. It's a solid contemporary workplace romance. 

Ratings

Stars: 3/5

Spice: 1/5