Something to Talk About

Starred review from March 16, 2020
Wilsner’s sparkling debut offers a glimpse at the truth behind the tabloid headlines. When child star turned showrunner Jo Jones takes her assistant Emma Kaplan to the SAG awards to be her buffer from the press, the paparazzi capture them sharing a genuine smile, and speculation about the nature of their relationship flies. While Emma wants to dispel the rumors that she’s sleeping with her boss, Jo has a policy of never publicly commenting on her love life and argues that it would only fan the flames if she were to break her silence now. They grow closer during the months of “no comment” that follow, leading both Emma and Jo to realize that maybe the tabloids got something right this time. Their romance burns tantalizingly slowly as they navigate their professional relationship and budding feelings; Wilsner makes sure the reader knows both women intimately before allowing them to be intimate with one another, making the eventual payoff that much more rewarding. The supporting cast—among whom Emma’s sister, Avery, especially shines—adds depth and dimension to this charming rom-com. This is a gem. Agent: Devin Ross, New Leaf Literary.

Starred review from April 1, 2020

DEBUT Emma Kaplan has been Jo Jones's assistant for about a year when Jo asks Emma to join her at an awards show. Jo, who grew up as the only Chinese American cast member on a hit sitcom, has never shied away from confronting the uglier aspects of Hollywood, but she also knows the best way to deal with the press is to not engage. She is sure Emma's presence on the red carpet will help run interference when word gets out she's the new writer for a popular action franchise. When Emma rises to the occasion an innocent moment between the two is perceived as romantic by the same paparazzi Jo was trying to keep tamed, and the rumors spread like wildfire. As they work to keep the gossip under control--mostly by responding "no comment"--they spend more time together and determine they'd like to see their relationship grow into something more. But Emma is still Jo's assistant, there's someone leaking information to the press, and sticking with "no comment" is becoming a problem for Emma both personally and professionally. VERDICT This debut is an unputdownable slow-burn romance with well-drawn and incredibly real characters. Wilsner does an amazing job exploring a Hollywood love story in the middle of a #metoo movement.--Kellie Tilton, Univ. of Cincinnati Blue Ash

Copyright 2020 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from April 1, 2020
Debuting romance author Wilsner delivers a fresh Hollywood romance. Jo Jones, an actress since 13 turned showrunner, has never commented publicly on her love life and isn't about to start now. The tabloids say she's dating her assistant, Emma Kaplan, after they were photographed looking cozy together on the red carpet, but it isn't true. Better to stick to "no comment," and let it blow over. Big changes are ahead. Jo is writing the newest movie in a major franchise, and Emma is aiming for a promotion. But rumors continue to circulate, putting their careers at risk. While they insist that the talk is all lies, perhaps there is some mutual attraction. This slow-burn romance has vibrant characters sure to spring off the page and into the reader's heart. Wilsner crafts the heroines' identities with a deft hand. Jo is a Chinese American lesbian, and Emma is Jewish and bisexual. Their desires and dilemmas are authentic and relatable. The writing is crisp, the banter is sharp, and the sexual tension is palpable. Fleshed out with important female friendships and a timely look at sexual harassment in the film industry, Wilsner's tale maintains a primary focus on the delightful, developing romance. Completely captivating and so satisfying.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2020, American Library Association.)

Starred review from March 15, 2020
A successful showrunner and her capable assistant reassess their relationship when their red carpet appearance fuels dating rumors in Wilsner's debut. Jo Jones has been a Hollywood star since the age of 13. Now a powerhouse showrunner, she's about to be tapped to write and produce for a James Bond-esque action franchise. Already facing industry skepticism thanks to her gender, the last thing Jo needs is gossip, but that's what she gets when she brings her much younger assistant, Emma Kaplan, to a red carpet event. Emma failed out of film school five years ago, and while she's happy working for Jo, she yearns to get back on a directing path. As Jo and Emma face fallout from the rumor mill, their relationship evolves. They open up to each other, Emma sharing her dreams, and Jo, ordinarily unflappable, admitting some self-doubt. Their mutual attraction is strong throughout, but their age difference and employer-employee relationship create caution, which turns this into a very slow burn. Jo worries about how their relationship will appear: "You think people don't look at pictures of us and think I'm corrupting this lovely young lady? I'm a predatory lesbian in the middle of a midlife crisis." Jo, who is Chinese American, had to be strong to survive in show business, and she has a hard time with feelings, her own or anyone else's. The novel is populated with strong secondary characters who bring Jo and Emma to life. Emma's Judaism in particular is thoughtfully integrated into her character. Wilsner's writing is matter-of-fact but effective, lending the novel a believable Hollywood insider vibe with a deftly handled #MeToo subplot. A sparkling debut with vibrant characters, a compelling Hollywood studio setting, and a sweet slow-burn romance.

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