Something to Talk About

Hollywood showrunner Jo Jones and her assistant Emma Kaplan find themselves at the center of dating rumors after a red carpet photo goes viral. The media frenzy forces them to spend more time together managing the fallout while maintaining their professional relationship. Their attempts to handle the situation are complicated by their seven-year working relationship and the power dynamics of their respective positions in the entertainment industry. The public scrutiny intensifies as they navigate award season events and industry pressures. The story explores themes of workplace romance, media speculation, and the challenges faced by women in positions of power. Through their experiences, the novel examines how public perception can shape private relationships and the complex intersections of personal and professional boundaries.

Readers describe this as a slow-burn romance that focuses heavily on the relationship buildup rather than physical intimacy. The age gap and workplace dynamics create tension throughout. Positives: - Natural, realistic dialogue - Strong chemistry between main characters - Thoughtful handling of Hollywood/entertainment industry setting - Representation of Jewish and Chinese-American characters Common criticisms: - Pacing too slow for some readers - Limited physical intimacy/romantic scenes - Characters spend much time apart - Internal monologues feel repetitive Ratings: Goodreads: 3.7/5 (23,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (1,100+ ratings) BookBrowse: 4/5 Sample reader comments: "The slow burn was almost TOO slow" - Goodreads reviewer "Loved the realistic portrayal of coming out later in life" - Amazon reviewer "Needed more scenes with them actually together" - StoryGraph reviewer The book resonates most with readers who prefer character development over plot action and don't mind waiting for the romance to develop.

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🎬 The story follows Hollywood showrunner Jo Jones and her assistant Emma, offering readers an insider's glimpse into the entertainment industry's complex power dynamics and workplace relationships. 📝 Author Meryl Wilsner wrote this debut novel while working as a receptionist, often jotting down ideas between answering phones and greeting visitors. 🌈 The book was published in 2020 and received widespread praise for its authentic representation of a slow-burn romance between two women, earning it recognition from the American Library Association's Rainbow Round Table. 💫 The novel tackles timely themes of media speculation and tabloid culture, inspired by real-world conversations about privacy and celebrity relationships. 🎯 Wilsner intentionally chose to write the story in present tense to create immediacy and tension, making readers feel as though they're experiencing events alongside the characters.