Title: Something to Talk About by Meryl Wilsner
Publisher: Berkley
Genre: Contemporary, Lesbian, Romance
Length: 333 pages
Book Rating: B
Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley
Summary:
A showrunner and her assistant give the world something to talk about when they accidentally fuel a ridiculous rumor in this debut 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?
Review:
Something to Talk About by Meryl Wilsner is a charming debut romance set in Hollywood.
Emma Kaplan is a little uneasy when her boss Jo Jones invites her to attend an awards ceremony. Jo is under intense media scrutiny as she negotiates a new writing project and needs a buffer to keep questions at bay. Not thinking when she sees Jo in an uncomfortable situation on the red carpet, Emma rushes to her rescue. Immediately nervous now she is in the spotlight, she is grateful when Jo puts her at ease. Unbeknownst to the women, their moment is caught on camera and they are caught in a media storm about their “romance” . Hoping the attention will die a natural death, they continue to work together. But both of them are incredibly aware of one another which leads to them naturally wondering if maybe those rumors might be right…
In her late twenties, Emma is a refreshingly upbeat and extremely competent woman. She finally knows what direction she wants her career to go, but she is content with her current employment. Emma greatly admires Jo and she does everything she can to make her life easier. Although she has always denied having a crush on Jo, her sudden awareness of her boss tells a different story.
Jo is force to be reckoned within the Hollywood community but she strives to keep her private life private. She is eager for the new project but she is a little distracted by thoughts of Emma. She has always liked her assistant and she definitely appreciates the little ways Emma makes her life at the office easier. Confident the rumors about them will die down, Jo refuses to comment on the gossip swirling around her and Emma. But Jo is beginning to realize that she might just feel more for Emma than she believes.
The relationship between Emma and Jo is a very slow burn. They grow closer throughout the story and there are a couple missteps and miscommunications that neither Jo nor Emma make much effort to overcome. But following a workplace incident, the ice between them suddenly thaws. However, there are real life issues that prevent them from acting on their feelings. Jo is ever aware of how a romance between would look to the outside world and she refuses to taint Emma with that brush. Emma is also conscious of that both public and the movie industry perception would be negative if they started dating while she works for Jo. Their patience eventually pays off but their road to happily ever after definitely takes place in the slow lane.
Something to Talk About is a delightful romance with a diverse cast of characters and enjoyable storyline. Jo and Emma are multi-faceted characters who are quite appealing. The supporting cast of characters are also well-developed and likable. The plot is engaging with most of the the story taking place against the unique backdrop of a Hollywood studio. Meryl Wilsner brings this heartfelt debut to a sigh worthy, steamy conclusion. I thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend this wonderful romance to readers of the genre.
