Scan barcode
j4cq's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
absolutely so cute and the perfect slump pick me up.
There were only a few issues that i had. First being how many things were touched on in the beggining that the author seemed to just forget about? like thenon profit jo wanted to start or the bakery thing with jo and avery that i feel like could’ve been included again, even if just mentioned in a sentence every once and a while.
Second thing is the actual romance. The age gap was big. i didn’t find that it contributed to the actual story. i can handle maybe like 8 years at most, but 13? ALSO the fact that at the end it was mentioned that Jo found when emma called her “boss” to be sexually enticing. which is weird because A) she had never showed that and B) she let emma call her boss the ENTIRE time she worked for her. that is weird as hell.
the slow burn was great i loved it. but, i will admit the first kiss was way too scary close to the end. and then BAM 7 and a half page sex scene. not even a little cozy date in between<\3. otherwise i loved it i loved it i loved it so much.
There were only a few issues that i had. First being how many things were touched on in the beggining that the author seemed to just forget about? like the
Second thing is the actual romance. The age gap was big. i didn’t find that it contributed to the actual story. i can handle maybe like 8 years at most, but 13? ALSO the fact that at the end it was mentioned that Jo found when emma called her “boss” to be sexually enticing. which is weird because A) she had never showed that and B) she let emma call her boss the ENTIRE time she worked for her. that is weird as hell.
the slow burn was great i loved it. but, i will admit the first kiss was way too scary close to the end. and then BAM 7 and a half page sex scene. not even a little cozy date in between<\3. otherwise i loved it i loved it i loved it so much.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual assault
ginadapooh's review
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual assault, Sexual harassment, and Panic attacks/disorders
yayokay's review
medium-paced
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.0
one-dimensional characters, miscommunication as the main conflict, overall just a shit book. actually it's not good but it's not bad you know
read this if you like:
the miscommunication trope
old people dating
slow-burn (in a bad way)
read this if you like:
the miscommunication trope
old people dating
slow-burn (in a bad way)
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual assault
storykath's review
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
When rumours begin to fly about the relationship between child-actress-turned-showrunner Jo and her assistant Emma, the two women begin to find it harder to navigate their professional and personal lives with each other.
First of all, it was super refreshing to read a queer romance where the queerness is (almost) never the focus. Taking away the queer aspect would change the story significantly, but there's next to no conflict regarding coming out, homophobia, etc. Wilsner did a great job balancing a distinctly WLW story with the necessary lightheartedness of a romance novel.
The alternating perspectives provided an effective insight into the protagonists' inner thoughts and feelings, while also amping up the frustration with every miscommunication and missed opportunity. Their inner monologues were realistic and relatable, if a bit repetitive. Then again, who doesn't mull over the same worries over and over in their mind? Jo and Emma were equal parts endearing, sympathetic, and agonizingly frustrating as they tried to understand themselves and each other - that is to say, they're typical romance novel characters and typical human beings.
The focus of the story was absolutely on the characters and their growth, which left the setting as more of an afterthought. Descriptions of the award shows, business trips, and day-to-day demands of the television industry fell flat, and it was hard to tell if they were unrealistic or just poorly fleshed out. While Jo and Emma's relationship is, of course, top priority, it would have been a nice touch to have more details about the characters' workplaces and homes to round out the story.
Altogether, as a general avoider of romance novels, I came for the queer representation, I stayed for the sympathetic characters, and I only sometimes wished for a more literary experience.
First of all, it was super refreshing to read a queer romance where the queerness is (almost) never the focus. Taking away the queer aspect would change the story significantly, but there's next to no conflict regarding coming out, homophobia, etc. Wilsner did a great job balancing a distinctly WLW story with the necessary lightheartedness of a romance novel.
The alternating perspectives provided an effective insight into the protagonists' inner thoughts and feelings, while also amping up the frustration with every miscommunication and missed opportunity. Their inner monologues were realistic and relatable, if a bit repetitive. Then again, who doesn't mull over the same worries over and over in their mind? Jo and Emma were equal parts endearing, sympathetic, and agonizingly frustrating as they tried to understand themselves and each other - that is to say, they're typical romance novel characters and typical human beings.
The focus of the story was absolutely on the characters and their growth, which left the setting as more of an afterthought. Descriptions of the award shows, business trips, and day-to-day demands of the television industry fell flat, and it was hard to tell if they were unrealistic or just poorly fleshed out. While Jo and Emma's relationship is, of course, top priority, it would have been a nice touch to have more details about the characters' workplaces and homes to round out the story.
Altogether, as a general avoider of romance novels, I came for the queer representation, I stayed for the sympathetic characters, and I only sometimes wished for a more literary experience.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual harassment and Sexual content
Moderate: Chronic illness, Homophobia, Alcohol, Racism, Sexism, and Sexual assault
Minor: Death of parent, Outing, Cancer, Cursing, Lesbophobia, and Medical content
yanzzz's review
emotional
funny
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault, Racism, and Sexism
foreverinastory's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This was such a feel good romance.
Something to Talk About is an office romance about Jo Jones and her younger assistant, Emma Kaplan. When Jo invites and brings Emma with her to a red carpet appearance, the paparazzi get a photo of Jo making Emma laugh and rumors the two of them are romantically involved begin spreading around. This can't come as a worse time for the two as Jo is beginning to start a new movie and Emma is getting a promotion. But as the two continue to wrap up the current project they find themselves opening up to each other in ways they never expected.
I've been meaning to read this book for so long and I'm glad I finally did! One of my friends, Sam, talked a ton about this book on the podcast she cohosts and I knew I had to finally pick this up. So thank you Sam!
This story is a huge slow burn and oh my god did I enjoy it. Slow burn is one of my favorite tropes because it's basically fun emotional torture. HA. I would like to be clear though that Jo and Emma are not romantically involved while they are working together. The sexual harassment CW is for someone else on the set.
I loved seeing Jo and Emma grow closer together. I really enjoyed getting to know both of them more. I loved seeing them open up to each other and how Emma brought Jo into her family. Jo and Avery's slow friendship was one of my favorite things in this besides the romance. I also loved that this was a Hollywood type book, but it revolved around the production side of things. Ever since working various theatre crews in high school, I love learning the production side of things.
Overall, this was so fun. I really loved it and I can't wait for Meryl's next book.
Rep: white bisexual Jewish female MC, Asian American lesbian female MC, Black female side character.
CWs: Sexual harassment, sexism, sexual content (1 graphic scene near the end). Moderate: mentions of past sexual assault, lesbophobia/lesbomisia, biphobia/bimisia, misogyny, cursing, racism, slut shaming.
Something to Talk About is an office romance about Jo Jones and her younger assistant, Emma Kaplan. When Jo invites and brings Emma with her to a red carpet appearance, the paparazzi get a photo of Jo making Emma laugh and rumors the two of them are romantically involved begin spreading around. This can't come as a worse time for the two as Jo is beginning to start a new movie and Emma is getting a promotion. But as the two continue to wrap up the current project they find themselves opening up to each other in ways they never expected.
I've been meaning to read this book for so long and I'm glad I finally did! One of my friends, Sam, talked a ton about this book on the podcast she cohosts and I knew I had to finally pick this up. So thank you Sam!
This story is a huge slow burn and oh my god did I enjoy it. Slow burn is one of my favorite tropes because it's basically fun emotional torture. HA. I would like to be clear though that Jo and Emma are not romantically involved while they are working together. The sexual harassment CW is for someone else on the set.
I loved seeing Jo and Emma grow closer together. I really enjoyed getting to know both of them more. I loved seeing them open up to each other and how Emma brought Jo into her family. Jo and Avery's slow friendship was one of my favorite things in this besides the romance. I also loved that this was a Hollywood type book, but it revolved around the production side of things. Ever since working various theatre crews in high school, I love learning the production side of things.
Overall, this was so fun. I really loved it and I can't wait for Meryl's next book.
Rep: white bisexual Jewish female MC, Asian American lesbian female MC, Black female side character.
CWs: Sexual harassment, sexism, sexual content (1 graphic scene near the end). Moderate: mentions of past sexual assault, lesbophobia/lesbomisia, biphobia/bimisia, misogyny, cursing, racism, slut shaming.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual harassment, Sexual content, and Sexism
Moderate: Lesbophobia, Sexual assault, Misogyny, Biphobia, Racism, and Cursing
ellabethbooks's review
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
ok so this book was funnn..?? but mainly just the miscommunication trope on steroids. the conflict often wasn’t believable or uber drawn out and even the chemistry between the two seemed pretty forced. what i DID love was the jo’s and emma’s separate relationships with their family and friends. those were really fun and realistic. all in all i don’t regret reading it, but i wouldn’t highly recommend it.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Homophobia and Sexual assault
readinglikesappho's review
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism, Sexual assault, Sexual harassment, Sexism, Biphobia, and Lesbophobia
alyssanadeau's review against another edition
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.75
Loved the concept and the platonic relationships in this book! The main romance was a slow burn and it was a bit repetitive. The main qualm I have is that the romance is between a 42 and 33 year old but it is written as though they are young teenagers. Still worth the read. Good representation.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual assault
alishareadsandrambles's review
funny
lighthearted
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
Okay, when I first started this book I wasn't really sure what to expect. But what I got was not what I expected. This book was incredible. I was sucked in the whole time, the writing is incredible and Meryl Wilsner does a fantastic job of making the story immersive. I was amazed by how Meryl kept building the tension even though going into this book I was pretty confident that I knew how it was going to end. That is the true mark of a great author if they can take you make you enjoy a book even if you know more or less how the book is going to end.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault and Homophobia
Moderate: Sexual content