Thursday, July 8, 2021

Book Review: Talk Bookish to Me by Kate Bromley



Pages: 317
Genre: Adult Fiction
Pub. Date: May 25, 2021
Publisher: Graydon House
Source: Publisher for review
My Rating:  3.5 out of 5 stars


Goodreads says, "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?"

 

Kara Sullivan is an author of historical romances and love stories.  However, she is currently feeling uninspired.  She has a novel due to her publisher (she isn't done it!!) and she needs to submit it to them before her extended trip to Italy.  Meanwhile, her best friend, Cristina, is getting married and at one of the parties prior to the wedding, in walks her college ex-boyfriend, Ryan.  This isn't just any ex.  This is the one who broke her heart and to make things even more awkward, she hasn't spoken to him in ten years.  What is he doing at her best friend's wedding? She finds out that Ryan grew up with the groom and not only is he attending the wedding, he is in it! As the days go by, her and Ryan fall into old familiar habits and in turn, this inspires her writing. Maybe she can meet that deadline after all? Then Ryan and his dog get kicked out of their hotel and have no place to stay. Surprisingly, Kara offers up her place. What could go wrong? Well, at least Kara will have lots of inspiration for her upcoming novel.  Kate Bromley's debut,  Talk Bookish to Me, is a bookworm's kind of romance and is also perfect for fans of reunited love stories.
 
Kara is a fantastic character in  Talk Bookish to Me.  I enjoyed her bookish tendencies (obviously), her references to Bookstagram, and while I didn't always agree with her, I enjoyed her overall.  Allowing Ryan to stay at her house seems a bit drastic, but if it's helping her writer's block perhaps it's worth it? Maybe.  Kara's relationship with her mother and sister is also well developed in addition to the central love story of the novel.  This leads me to my main issue in  Talk Bookish to Me.
 
Ryan. Ugh. I just wasn't a fan, so I couldn't get behind the love story as much as I had hoped. I didn't like the secrets he was keeping and I didn't feel that Kara ultimately needed him around for inspiration. She can write her own novel (like she did before!!) without him.  I wanted to shake her and tell her, "You don't need him!" I also didn't what Ryan was hiding. For me, his secret would have been a deal breaker. Best part of Ryan? His adorable dog, Duke.
 
I was surprised that Talk Bookish to Me jumped settings to Italy. This was a nice surprise and I really enjoyed this part of the novel.  I mean who wouldn't? An extended vacation to Italy sounds ideal and also the perfect setting for a romance author!
 
While certain aspects of  Talk Bookish to Me were a little disappointing; overall, I enjoyed it for the bookish content (there's a book within the book!), and the rekindled romance of a first love. Once I got over the fact that Ryan wasn't going to be the kind of character I would necessarily love and I just let the story flow, I enjoyed it a bit more.  Nonetheless, if you are a bookish sort of person, check out  Talk Bookish to Me this summer.

 

2 comments:

  1. The bookish aspects of the story really appeal to me, but it's kind of a bummer to hear that the main love interest is kind of unlikable!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yeah, I wasn't a big fan, but the story is still great for us bookworms. Thanks for visiting, Angela!

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