Something to Talk About by: Meryl Wilsner

Rating: 3 / 5

Tags: Romance, Age gap, Hollywood, Miscommunication, Boss/Employer, Alternating POV, Interracial couple, Slow-burn

Review: Something to Talk About by Meryl Wilsner was the right book to read after reading page after page of academic texts my entire spring semester. The easy to follow plot allows readers to turn off their brains to read a simple but intriguing story. The book follows Jo, a Hollywood powerhouse, as she transitions from a hit TV show to a new film project. Her assistant, Emma, is there along the way to make her life easier, until the paparazzi catch her being too good. While accompanying her boss to a red carpet event, Emma is caught comforting Jo from the multitudes of shouts and flashing lights. This one stolen moment spread like wildfire across Hollywood of who this mysterious girl was that stole the heart of child star Jo. The story follows the boss and assistant duo as they wade through the murky waters that is romance in Hollywood. Jo is a successful woman in Hollywood, forging her own path.

The slow-burn aspect of the book is nice, as it allows readers to really understand the emotions both women are feelings. If you want a fast-paced romance, I would look somewhere else. When I say slow-burn, I truly mean it. Both women are oblivious of their own feelings or the others, which was nice to see as someone who is also oblivious when it comes to women. Both women are navigating a romance that was very public, but have a supportive group of friends and family that are helping guide them through. One thing to keep in mind before you read, is don’t do it on an empty stomach. Yes, food is a central part of this book and there were many times that I wished supper would come quicker, but alas. I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for an older couple navigating the waters of a new queer relationship.

Meryl Wilsner is a best selling author recognized for their novels Something to Talk About, Cleat Cute, and Mistakes were Made. Their stories are known for “writing happily ever afters for queer people who love women”. Meryl can be found in Michigan enjoying all four of the seasons with their wife.

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Don’t Want You Like a Best Friend: A Novel by: Emma Alban

Rating: 4 / 5

Tags: Period Romance, Secret Romance, Friends to Lovers, Parent Trap, Alternative POV, Coming out

Review: Don’t Want You Like a Best Friend: A Novel by Emma Alban was the perfect way to start my summer reading. If you love Bridgerton, you will love this. A lesbian period novel that keeps true to the historical nature of the time that it is set. It is not a book where everyone is gay or that this notion changes because of a law or queen. The main characters, Gwen and Beth, are both facing challenges going into this year’s marriage season. For Gwen, she is in her fourth year with no eligible suitor in sight, while Gwen is facing eviction from her home after the death of her father. When their paths cross at Beth’s first ball, Gwen comes up with a parent trap style idea to fix both of their problems. They just were not expecting to fall for each other.

The book was lighthearted with serious moments that pulled at your heartstrings. The author wrote in a way that you felt and understood the emotions that Gwen and Beth were experiencing. The way she dealt with coming out, was carefully and beautifully done. I really loved this book and following the journey between Gwen and Beth. I couldn’t put down the book for the two weeks it took me to read it. The book was not what I was expecting when I started, but it really combined my love for history with romance. I really recommend this book to anyone who is interested in queer regency novels.

Emma Alban is a bestselling queer historical romance author and screenwriter. Her stories are interested in finding yourself and falling in love. Emma spends her time in LA, where she bakes with the AC on full blast.