I've been waiting for this one and it did not disappoint! Wilsner's debut is a fun, queer take on workplace romance, rumor-fueled romance, and a delightful, tortuously slow burn. I'm always a little wary of significant age and power differences in romance, but the way perspective switched between Jo and Emma and the way Wilsner addressed the issues on the page made this work for me. Good chemistry, interesting setting, great supporting characters. I can't wait to recommend this one and to see what Wilsner does next!

Emma is the 27 year-old assistant of Shonda Rhimes-like Jo Jones, a former child actress who has cultivated and runs a massive production company. Emma is superb at her job, and Jo's life certainly runs more smoothly thanks to Emma. But maybe it's more than just smooth running thanks to Emma.... Rumors of a relationship between boss and assistant crop up after Emma innocently accompanies Jo to the SAG Awards. As the two work through their feelings-- denial and finally slow acceptance-- a relationship based in knowing-one-another intimacy blossoms.

Something to Talk About really reads like slow-burn fanfiction, and I'm 1000% okay with that! I do wish, though, that it were narrated in first-person rather than third-person, but that is just a personal preference.

Diverse reads: Jo is Chinese-American.
LGBTQIA+: Jo is a lesbian, and Emma is bi.

BONUS: A queer author writer writing a queer romance! (In the "about the author," it states that Meryl is married to a woman and uses they/them/their pronouns. More queer romances by queer authors, please and thank you!

Nice relationship type of story that drags a bit at parts but overall a nice pace with a final ending that satisfies.

Most of the book is about the ethics/power dynamics of their relationship which is good! I read a lot of romances where the consent is in some way dubious and/or coerced that it's nice to read a romance where the relationship is indisputably morally correct. I actually have a lot of thoughts about this issue that don't necessarily belong in this review but suffice it to say that I do think it's fun to sometimes read about "bad" sex that would be wrong IRL but so much romance from the past is full of that that it's nice to read something that has really thought about those issues and is trying to present a healthy, mature, ethical dynamic. I would be sad if all romances went this route but the genre has certainly not overcorrected yet.

Well, that was adorable. A very sweet, slow-burn Hollywood romance. I was initially nervous about the power dynamic between an older boss and her younger assistant, but Jo (the boss) is extremely conscious and careful. Frustratingly so, at times!

This is a story about learning to speak up for yourself and going after what you want. At any age. I hope we’ll get to see Emma and Jo again in future books.

I really enjoyed the book. It's high time more money was put into f/f romance, and this will definitely help the genre open up more to queer characters and writers. The writing style was descriptive and funny, and offered a close glimpse into the characters' minds, which is important for contemporary romance! I loved how the romance developed between Emma and Jo, and thought that Wilsner did a great job with plotting and characterization.

I also loved how serious topics were handled by Wilsner. Emma's experience working as a PA, and being propositioned by a top-tier director ring true for a lot of people who work in the industry, and the topic was handled very well.

It's also a fast read! I read it in a day, and will certainly be talking about it for days to come. Thanks for the opportunity!

I will definitely be acquiring the book, and recommending it to library patrons.

I absolutely adored this book! I started reading it and did not stop until I'd finished. The Hollywood film & TV backdrop means that this book is tons of fun, but it is also filled with heart -- not just between Emma and Jo, but also in their relationships with their families and friends. This book is an excellent slow burn -- like the very best rom-coms, Emma and Jo don't get together until the very end. But when they do, it is even more satisfying than I imagined it'd be.

Every since I heard about this book for the first time, I have been dying to read it. I loved every single second of this very slow, slow burn. My hopes for this book were sky high and it met every single one of them. I can't wait to read everything Meryl Wilsner writes for the rest of their life.