ARC review: The Re-Write by Lizzie Damilola Blackburn

Thank you to the author and Penguin Random House for allowing me to read an early copy in exchange for an honest review.

Blurb:

Temi and Wale meet in London. They flirt, date, meet each other’s friends.
Then they break up. And Wale goes on a reality dating show.

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 memoir arises, Temi accepts.

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

Will Temi and Wale repeat the patterns of their past? Or can they write a whole new story?

My thoughts:

The Re-Write is a laugh-out-loud closed door second chance romance that follows Temi and Wale – two exes who are forced back into each other’s lives.

Wale is fresh off a dating TV show and is hated by most of the UK after being labelled a heartbreaker.

Temi is trying to get her book published but is struggling. In an attempt to find work, she lands a job being the ghost-writer for her ex’s memoir in a bid to rehabilitate his image.

The concept of her writing this book is fun and it was executed well. It opens the door to discovering more about the characters and why they really broke up. It didn’t feel unrealistic how they ended up working together either.

The reality TV show is a unique plot point especially as Love Island is so popular at the moment. Immediately we are made to think a certain way about Wale because of the tweets and headlines about his behaviour on the show which really highlights a bigger issue with how we consume reality shows in general.

I loved all the characters but the main two the most. Temi is a strong, independent woman who doesn’t take any nonsense. I liked how she stood up for herself and had self-respect. As her goal is to be a published author, we get an insight into the life of a writer, showing the highs and mostly lows of the job, especially when she’s struggling to find someone to publish her fiction.

Wale is an interesting character as he probably has the most growth. His story, particularly his childhood and family history felt important. A lot of topics in this book showed many parts of society that are underrepresented, as the author displays the harsh reality of the world for many people including young children.

There is great mental health representation throughout, especially as a big message of this story shows it is okay for men to be vulnerable even when society, and sometimes even friends and family, tell them it’s not.

I enjoyed reading about Temi’s culture and the food she enjoyed with her friends and family. The setting in their homes with home cooked jollof rice felt very inviting. It was refreshing that the author didn’t make a big deal out of the main character being plus-sized and wearing glasses, which is quite rare in a lot of books of this nature.

There are some trigger warnings including mention of alcoholism and sexual assault.

This book is so addictive, I read it in one sitting. The banter between the characters was brilliant. It’s definitely one of those books you wish you could savour because you don’t want it to end. I loved Lizzie Damilola Blackburn’s first book and I think this one topped it.