The Re-Write by Lizzie Damilola Blackburn

Temi and Wale meet in London. They flirt, date, meet each other's friends.

. . . Then Wale dumps Temi to go on Love Villa.

Instead of giving in to heartbreak, Temi throws herself into her dream: writing. She's within touching distance of a book deal that would solve all her problems. But publishers keep passing on her novel and bills still have to be paid. So, when the opportunity to ghost-write a celebrity autobiography arises, Temi finds herself accepting.

And, of course, the celebrity turns out to be Wale...

Has too much time passed . . . or just enough to spark a whole new kind of relationship?

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Romcoms can be hit or miss for me. Some are far too formulaic (I'm not hating on the formula! I just like to be surprised when I read.) The Re-Write puts a great twist on the usual story, moving us around in time and setting it against the backdrop of a fictional reality show. I thought the show might take up more of the story but it's all in the background.

The cultural background isn't one I was familiar with before and it was really interesting to read about. The slang words used, the foods they eat, it all adds up to a really rich background, one I'd love to know more about.

The characters were great - it's hard taking a character from hated and reviled to love interest in 300 pages, but Lizzie manages it beautifully! The pace is just right and the background characters are wonderful. Temi's journey and the place she ends up is amazing - a real boon to struggling writers everywhere!

This was a wonderful read and I really enjoyed it.

Book Recommendation:

• "Queenie" by Candice Carty-Williams
  Queenie is a young British Jamaican woman navigating life, love, and identity in London. Like The Re-Write, it explores themes of personal growth, relationships, and cultural identity with humor and heart.

Movie/TV Recommendation:

• "Rye Lane" (2023)
  Set in South London, this romcom is full of vibrant characters, hilarious situations, and heartwarming moments. It also showcases British culture and community in a way that resonates with The Re-Write's backdrop.

The Re-Write publishes on the 13th of February, 2025. I received a free copy and am giving an honest review.