Talk Bookish to Me

March 1, 2021
A romance author's personal life is suddenly as turbulent as those of her characters when her first love reappears. Kara Sullivan is surrounded by love. She's a novelist who has written five super successful historical romances (and two less-successful contemporaries). Her sister, Jen, is pregnant with her first child, and her best friend, Cristina, is days away from getting married to her fiance, Jason. Sure, Kara has recently broken up with her boyfriend, and she hasn't been inspired to write much of the new novel that's due to her publisher any day now, just before she leaves on a six-month trip to Italy. But she's content to watch love in her peripheral vision for now. That is, until she's surprised to see Ryan Thompson at a party Cristina throws a week before her wedding. Ryan was her first love, and their tumultuous relationship ended in heartbreak so shattering that she hasn't seen or spoken to him once in the 10 years since. Now it turns out that Ryan is one of Jason's groomsmen. After she lets Cristina talk her into a double date, Kara finds that the pattern of fighting and flirting she and Ryan fall into isn't only confusing--it's finally inspiring her to write. Though it's hard to believe Kara can't write a single word without being near Ryan--especially considering that she's published seven novels in the decade since they broke up--she invites him to stay with her when he and his dog, Duke, are kicked out of their hotel. As they spend quality time in close quarters, secrets past and present come to light, and soon their relationship is more complicated than ever. In her debut novel, Bromley takes time to dive deeply into the complexities of Kara and Ryan's story, building a believable foundation for a rekindled romance. A sweet look at what it really takes to get to happily-ever-after.

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March 22, 2021
Bromley’s appealing debut sees a New York City romance novelist thrown back together with a hated ex. Kara Sullivan has writer’s block in the face of an urgent book deadline, but as maid of honor for her friend’s upcoming wedding, she has no time to focus on writing anyway. Then Ryan Thompson, the man who broke her heart in college, turns up as a groomsman. After sparring with the infuriating but charming Ryan at a pre-wedding party, Kara’s suddenly able to work on her historical romance again. Surely she’s not tempting fate by succumbing to his charm a few more times in the interest of finishing her book on time. When circumstances leave Ryan and his dog without a place to stay in the city, Kara invites them to crash with her—all in the interest of her overdue manuscript, of course. But as their old flame reignites, they both wonder if a fresh start is possible. Excerpts of Kara’s historical romance often interrupt the story, a cute conceit that grows tedious, and the conflict turns on fidelity issues which may disappoint some readers. Still, Bromley’s take on the enemies-to-lovers trope is fun, and Ryan’s lovable pup adds heart. The result is a pleasant if imperfect rom-com. Agent: Kevan Lyon, Marsal Lyon Literary.

April 1, 2021

Romance novelist Kara Sullivan has to serve as her best friend's maid of honor and finish writing her next manuscript before she can head off on a six-month dream trip to Italy. Struggling to find inspiration for her writing, Kara suddenly learns that her maid-of-honor duties include hosting her ex-boyfriend (and former love of her life) Ryan and his high-maintenance bulldog at her apartment. Kara soon finds that her old feelings for Ryan are resurfacing in both her fictional characters' love lives and her own. VERDICT The inclusion of the "book within a book" plot device, where the historical romance that Kara is writing mirrors her own relationship, took time away from the central romance. Meanwhile, a sudden third-act surprise reveal and a location change, from New York City to Italy, may leave some readers struggling to believe in Ryan and Kara's happily-ever-after. This novel will suit readers who enjoy romances like Emily Henry's Beach Read that focus on personal growth and change.--Elizabeth Gabriel, Milwaukee P.L.

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