Thursday, June 17, 2021

Review & Giveaway - - Talk Bookish to Me

Talk Bookish to Me
by Kate Bromley
Publisher: Graydon House
Release Date: May 25, 2021
Reviewed by PJ


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?

PJ's Thoughts:

I was already predisposed to like this book after reading the summary but all it took was the first chapter for me to realize I may as well go ahead and toss my to-do list for the day. These characters reeled me in hook, line, and sinker and I knew I wouldn't be putting the book down until I reached the conclusion of their story. And what an entertaining, satisfying, and surprisingly twisty story it turned out to be.

I loved that the author made these characters so flawed and real. There wasn't anything easy about their second chance at a relationship. The end of their college romance had been messy and hurtful, leaving residual feelings simmering in both Ryan and Kara. Hurtful words were spoken that couldn't be taken back. When they meet again ten years later, animosity is front and center but deeper feelings are still churning beneath the anger. All that messiness was still present, keeping them - and me - off balance. I wasn't at all sure I even wanted them to be together and then just when I decided they could only be happy with each other...well, you'll have to read the book to find out what comes next.  

I really enjoyed all the twists and turns woven into this story. Bromley kept it real (really real - there were times I wanted to string Ryan up by his manly bits for his behavior) and kept me guessing about what would ultimately happen right up until the end. She filled the story with humor, desire, snappy banter, and self-reflection. She gave both Ryan and Kara the necessary time to confront their feelings, grow emotionally, heal from past hurts (not all of which were related to their relationship), find forgiveness, and reach a place where they were each able to move forward as whole, emotionally healthy, individuals...after a grand gesture and suitably appropriate amount of groveling on Ryan's part, of course. ;-)

I could not put this book down. I had to know what would happen next and, let me tell you, what happened next was almost always a surprise. I thoroughly enjoyed Talk Bookish to Me and recommend it for your summer reading list. I'll be keeping my eyes open for more from this debut author. 

Have you discovered any new or new to you authors recently? 

Have you read Talk Bookish to Me?

One person who posts a comment before 11:00 PM, June 19 will receive a print copy of Talk Bookish to Me.

*Must be 18
*U.S. only
*Void where prohibited




27 comments:

  1. I have not read this book; sounds good. I have found several new to me authors: Cara Bastone, TL Grace, Teresa Hill. And several I want to try: Samantha Bayaar, ID Johnson, Marianne Rice to name a few.

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  2. I haven't read it but I'm always interested in new authors. I'm constantly finding new ones to read.

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    1. I've found so many new ones this year. I love that! :)

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  3. I haven't read this captivating story but I look for new authors. Roxanne Veletzos, Dinah Jeffries, Julia Kelly, Rea Frey and many more.

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  4. This book sounds wonderful and interests me greatly. I have discovered so many great authors. Hannah Richell, Kristin Harmel, Alan Hlad to name a few.

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    1. And a couple more new names for me to check out. :)

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  5. I have read such good things about this book. It has been added to my TBR list.

    New to me was Susanna Craig. I am enjoying her Love and Let Spy series. Kira Archer was a new author for me too, and I just started 69 Million Things I Hate About You.

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    1. I'm so happy you're enjoying Susanna Craig, Cheryl. I've been reading her since her debut. She continues to impress me with every book she writes.

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  6. This book sounds really enjoyable! Adding to my TBR. New to me authors I've discovered this year include Cara Bastone (she has two cute audible originals that were super fun) and Alexandria Bellefleur.

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    1. I've heard a lot of good things about Alexandria Bellefleur. I really need to make time to read her.

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  7. Based on the summary, this book sounds delightful! I'm so glad that you have recommended it, i'm adding it to my list right now!!

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    1. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did, Katie!

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  8. Thanks for the review! I've read several new-to-me-authors lately, including Addie Woolridge. Looks like I need to add this author to my TBR mountain.

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  9. I've never read Kate Bromley, but this one sounds delicious. The most recent new-to-me author I've found is Kate Meader. Just when I think I've heard of everyone worth reading, someone new magically turns up!

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  10. Thanks for the chance to win a copy of Talk Bookish to Me. I haven't read it yet, but I love the blurb! She's a new author to me, so I'll definitely check out her books.

    I recently discovered Carly Bloom & loved her book, Must Love Cowboys. Also loved Second Chance Love Song by Jessica Lemmon - another new author to me.

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  11. I haven't read this book and she's a new author to me. I've been reading lots of ARCs - but they aren't new authors.

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  12. No I haven't read this book but have added this to my wish list. I've been catching up on old authors that I've been behind on. Will have to keep my eyes open.

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  13. This sounds fun!

    I can't think of a new author I've recently read.

    denise

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  14. Two new to me authors I have found recently are Martha Waters and Rainbow Rowell.
    I enjoyed your review, this certainly sounds like an engaging book!

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  15. This book (and author) sound fabulous! I haven’t read her before, but it sounds like she writes great character-driven stories…which is my favorite thing in a book.

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  16. I've heard a lot of good things about TALK BOOKISH TO ME. I'm glad you reinforced that with your review P.J. Thanks! Alyssa Kay Adams is an excellent new to me author ! I adore her Bromance Book club series!

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  17. I have not read or heard of this book or author.

    New authors I've enjoyed Carol Ericson, Sarah Hegger, Rachael Thomas and Maggie Wells.

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  18. This does sound like a terrific story. Thanks for this lovely review. This would be a new to me author. I have been reading an anthology and so far have already found 2 authors who are new to me, Eileen Dreyer and Gina Conkle. Both of their stories really drew me in. And I want to be honest I am making a list of all the new authors recommended here. And I thank each of you for helping me become even more buried under books.

    Hope everyone is well and happy and safe.

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  19. I haven't read this book and have read and new authors lately.

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  20. I have not read this book and this author is new to me!

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