By Meagan Stockwell
Meryl Wilsner’s Something to Talk About is a charming and heartfelt romance novel that explores the complexities of love, career, and personal identity in a refreshingly authentic way.
The story centres around Jo, a successful Hollywood showrunner, and her assistant Emma. When a photo of the two women at an awards ceremony goes viral, rumours about their relationship begin to circulate in the media. Despite their insistence that they are just friends, Jo and Emma find themselves struggling to navigate their growing feelings for each other while also juggling the demands of their high-pressure careers.
One of the strengths of this novel is the nuanced and realistic portrayal of the characters. Jo and Emma are both complex and multifaceted, with their own fears, insecurities, and ambitions. Wilsner does an excellent job of exploring the dynamics of their relationship, showing how they support and challenge each other in equal measure.
Another standout aspect of the book is the attention to detail in the portrayal of the entertainment industry. Wilsner creates a vivid and authentic world of show business, from the high-stakes negotiations with network executives to the cutthroat competition between writers vying for a coveted spot on a hit show.
At its core, Something to Talk About is a love story, and it delivers on that front as well. The chemistry between Jo and Emma is palpable, and the slow burn of their romance is both realistic and satisfying. The novel also tackles important themes such as the pressures of coming out in a public forum, and the challenges faced by women in male-dominated industries, all while maintaining a lighthearted and entertaining tone.
Overall, Something to Talk About is a delightful and engaging read that is sure to appeal to fans of both romance and contemporary fiction. With its memorable characters, witty dialogue, and poignant exploration of love and identity, this is a book that is well worth checking out.
Thank you to Penguin Random House Canada for the complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.