The Re-Write by Lizzie Damilola Blackburn

"I chose you because I need you."

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When Temi meets Wale sparks fly + before long, they are boo'd up. Unfortunately, following some miscommunication, the couple break up + Wale enters a reality dating show, leaving Temi heartbroken.

As an aspiring writer, Temi throws herself into her craft whilst awaiting news of a potential book deal, but she still needs to commit to her adult responsibilities. Temi accepts a deal to ghostwrite an autobiography for a reality tv star. You've guessed it, the celeb is Temi's ex.

I absolutely loved this Rom-Com! It is truly what a readers dreams are made of. Well written, binge-worthy, great characters, character growth + a well put together plot & sub-plot.

Yes, this is a love story (and I loved it, because the couple were wonderful), but it's so much more than that.

The Re-Write delves into the thoughts & feelings of aspiring authors, as well as the hard-to-crack publishing industry. Would you compromise your integrity to get a book deal? Temi's choices made me pause & think about how many authors may have compromised their integrity & beliefs just to find a seat at the table.

Another element of this story that I found really touching, was the inclusion of carer's. It’s something that I hwven’t really come across in fictional stories, and it definitely wasn’t something that I expected to read in the Re-write.

If you love contemporary fiction, this story will sweet you, especially if you are a Love Island fan. But more importantly, it highlights the impacts on contestants' mental health & the toxicity that thrives on social media.

I was invested in Temi's growth, but I was more invested in Wale's. Wale is a character that I was wary of, but as the story + plot progressed, I was cheering him on from the sidelines like a real fan-girl. Wale battles with a masculinity complex, which was broached really well by Lizzie in this story.

This is a second-chance rom-com, but it also so much more than that, it is an exploration of male MH, the journey of becoming an author, and of course, everything starts and ends with: LOVE.

One to add to your TBR!