{Release Day Review} Something to Talk About by Meryl Wilsner (@MerylWilsner @BerkleyRomance)

A showrunner and her assistant give the world something to talk about when they accidentally fuel a ridiculous rumor in this debut romance.

Hollywood powerhouse Jo is photographed making her assistant Emma laugh on the red carpet, and just like that, the tabloids declare them a couple. The so-called scandal couldn't come at a worse time—threatening Emma's promotion and Jo's new movie.

As the gossip spreads, it starts to affect all areas of their lives. Paparazzi are following them outside the office, coworkers are treating them differently, and a “source” is feeding information to the media. But their only comment is “no comment”.

With the launch of Jo’s film project fast approaching, the two women begin to spend even more time together, getting along famously. Emma seems to have a sixth sense for knowing what Jo needs. And Jo, known for being aloof and outwardly cold, opens up to Emma in a way neither of them expects. They begin to realize the rumor might not be so off base after all…but is acting on the spark between them worth fanning the gossip flames?

​Emma Kaplan loves her job as a Personal Assistant.  Every day presents a new challenge as she works with the biggest movers and shakers in Hollywood.  But the very best part is getting to be close to her boss – the incredibly talented Jo Jones.
 
Emma has long harbored a bit of a crush on Jo.  Not only is she one of the strongest female voices in the business, she’s also generous and beautiful beyond words.
 
So when Jo requests that she accompany her to a prestigious award show, how can she refuse?

​“Um,” Emma said.  “Ms. Jones.” She paused.  “Have you by any chance seen TMZ this morning?”
“I have not,” Jo told her honestly.  
“There’s – well.” Emma took a deep breath.  “There’s some speculation.  About why you took me to the ceremony last night.”
“Oh?” Jo was being unfair.  She should’ve made this easy on Emma.  But she rather enjoyed watching her work her way through something.  
Emma seemed to decide that the direct route was best.  She dropped her hands to her sides and stood tall.  
“They think we’re in a relationship,” she said.  
Jo pressed her lips together.  “How novel,” she said.  “This is perhaps the first time two women seen together weren’t labeled as gal pals."  
Emma offered a tight smile.  If she were anything else, she would joke with Jo about it, her goofy grin coming easily.  
“What are we going to do?” she asked.  
“What are we going to do?” Jo parroted back at her.  
Emma flailed more than shrugged.  “How are we going to deal with this?”
​Jo told Emma what she told Amir.  “I’ve never once commented on my love life,” she said.  “I’m not about to start now.”

​Jo Jones grew up in the business and she knows exactly how the fame game is played. Emma has been her lifeline in the years that they have worked together.  Now Jo finds herself dreaming that they could be something more.  
 
Battling both guilt and uncertainty, Jo denies her heart to make sure that Emma can finally spread her wings.  But sometimes you have to take a chance on love if you truly wish to fly.

“Sometimes things are hard,” Jo said.  “Really hard.  Sometimes you have to work at them.  Sometimes you have to fail first.  But that doesn’t mean they’re not worth doing.” She gestured wide enough that Emma pulled her wineglass closer on the table, just in case.  “Go for what you want.  No matter what anyone says, no matter what anyone thinks.  I know you, Emma, and if you put your mind to it, you can do anything.”
Emma grinned.  “Good pep talk, boss.”
Jo beamed at her.  Emma’s heart did a somersault.  
Jo had been in Hollywood for so long, she was probably quite used to modulating her behavior and expressions.  Emma didn’t get to see Jo smile like this often, full and wide without a self-conscious bone in her body.  With it directed right at her, Emma couldn’t look away.

​Something to Talk About promised to be a much-needed breakthrough combination of comedy, Hollywood drama and slow burn romance.  While Meryl Wilsner did deliver on the slow burn – and I do mean SLOW - I was left wanting so much more for her characters.  
 
Both Emma and Jo were strong capable women in their own right.  They deserved a connection that was far deeper than one filled with miscommunications and misunderstandings.  I longed for something to spark pure and bold between them.  Something that could be felt as well as read. 
 
In this book, the stage was set for such amazing greatness. But it fell just a bit short for me….