The rewrite is a beautifully told story about second chance romance. But mixed in is also a fierce plus sized black woman who knows her worth and won't take anything less. Her ex boyfriend who is scared to be vulnerable but shows the world that men can feel everything they need to feel and not be ashamed by it. And at the heart of this novel is an out pouring of love, life, culture, family, honesty and healing. I absolutely adored The Rewrite and it kept me hooked the whole way through. In fact it pulled me out of my reading slump which is high praise. I would reccomend this book to everyone and will look out for more books by this author. 5 star read!!!!

What if after you broke up, your ex joined a Love Island-esque tv show? And what if you were then hired to ghostwrite his memoir? And the more time you spent together, the more you realized you didn't actually know him all that well, and he's a much better person than you gave him credit for? But you hate-wrote a book inspired by him that's now being published?

An unputdownable how-will-they-fix-this kind of story, The Re-Write combines not one but two themes I love in a romance book: writing and reality tv. It works really well as a second chance romance, because once Temi and Wale start working together on his memoir, they slowly discover how little they actually knew each other before, they start opening up to each other more, and their trust and love build. Except there are still secrets between them that could ruin everything between them, which adds tension to the story. I did sometimes wish they'd just be honest with each other, but ultimately I loved how everything was resolved. I didn't expect to love Wale as a character, based on the way he was introduced, but the more I learned about him, the more I loved him.

Can't lie, I fell head over heels for Temi and Wale. I was worried about the premise, going back to a guy who dumped you to go on 'Love Villa' is diabolical. But as it all unfolds, their dynamic melted me. Temi is the embodiment of why leading with fear and people pleasing doesn't work. Seeing her growth over the course of this was lovely. I loved how much she backs herself in other ways. Most of all, I love that the core is that good things come if you're willing to be vulnerable. Will definitely be recommending.

Temi and Wale are dating and, Temi thinks, getting serious so it's a blow when Wale dumps her to go on reality tv show Love Villa. Temi picks herself up and throws herself into her writing, working towards her big break and getting a publishing deal. While waiting for a book deal, her agent gets her a ghost-writing job for a celebrity memoir and of course the celebrity in question is... Wale! The two have to start talking so that Temi can get the copy for the memoir and over several weeks the two start to get close again - but can Temi forgive Wale?

Great to get a peek behind the publishing curtain and getting a glimpse of what goes into ghostwriting a memoir and getting the voice of the person you're writing for. I am surprised that Wale's memoir wasn't given the title, "Let Me Tell You a Story..." given that Temi and Wale did some reminiscing about that phrase being something he said "all the time" - then never said again the whole rest of the novel!

That being said, I really enjoyed reading this sweet and funny second chance romance story. The modern setting in contemporary London and using reality TV as the reason for a split felt really fresh. It did make me wonder how many genuine relationships suffer when one of the couple gets the opportunity for fame and fortune.

Perfect for readers looking for a romance with flawed but lovable characters facing relatable challenges. Recommend to fans of the Brown Sisters series by Talia Hibbert!

General thoughts : There is depth to this story with Little to no spicy. I Loved the characters and their growth
Even though it is fiction, it is so relatable
Comedy wise it doesn't match up to “Yinka where is your husband “but its still as good.

Book overview:
We follow Temi a writer struggling to get a publishing deal for her manuscript. Writing is her life but the big break hasn't come yet. To survive, her agent recommends a ghostwriting gig for her, what she didn't know is that the writing will be for her ex-boyfriend Wale, who broke her heart 4 months prior and needs to salvage his reputation after the negative narrative created about him after completing a dating show called “The Villa”.

Now that Temi has been offered the job of writing Wale memoir, will they reconcile or will they continue in the love hate relationship they have fostered.

Read the story to find out !

This was a really fun, lighthearted read. Temi is a writer who's trying to get published and doesn't have much luck, her ex Wale goes on a reality dating tv show called The Villa, and gains a bad boy rep while he's there. When he's out, she gets contracted to ghostwrite his memoir, to help him fix his image and romantic chaos ensues.

The characters are Black British, and I really enjoyed reading a romcom with Black British characters. The novel is funny, lighthearted and the suspense was well done. I love how we see the characters grow through the story as well.

I also loved the insight into the publishing industry and how it works, as well as learning about young carers and the burden they have to carry.

Overall this was a fun, light read. A wonderful rom com for a nice pick-me-up.

The Re-write is a lovely romance about a writer and a reality star. When Tomi gets a ghostwriting job writing Wale's memoir, she initally freaks out. Wale is her ex! Can she write a true account or will it be skeqed by her opinion of him post-break up?

I really enjoyed The Re=Write. I loved Tomi's character and her determination to make everything work for her. I loved how confident she shows herself. The writing is fabulous and wonderful to get through. This book also deals with mental health and several real-life relationship issues in a wonderfully clear way. I would definitely recommend this book if you're a regular romance reader!

I loved this book.
I ended up caring not only for the romance. But also for the people as individuals. This was light and lovely. But weirdly deeper than that too. It managed to cover harder topics without making you think it was a drama or be consumed by it.
It was also nice to see race and size covered.
We really need to see plus size covered more. So I don't need to even think or have to mention that plus size is covered! But it also was a timely reminder of how much of an accepted issue this stigma and bias is.
At first I thought I was really going to despise our male. I was ready with expletives when he broke our heroines heart. But this is what the writer did so well. She managed to give each character more depth. And more understanding from me. The characters are well fleshed out. Even the side characters.

I'm in my romcom era and this didn't disappoint. Very cute meet-cute. I also have a preference for books about books and I've never read one where the main character is a ghostwriter!

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for this arc.

Many thanks to NetGalley for providing me an e-arc in change for a honest review.
Used this as my first holiday read and really enjoyed it from start to finish.

It’s a great second chance romance story which also touched on some tough topics.
Loved the pace of the book which meant I really didn’t want to put it down as I was hooked!

Wale and Temi met in London, they've done everything together since then. Temi is starting to fall for Wale, just as Wale is getting ready to dump her to go on the reality TV show, Love Villa. Temi starts concentrating more on her writing. She's trying to get her first book deal, but she keeps being rejected. When the opportunity comes along to be a ghostwriter, to write a celebrity memoir, how could she refuse? The "celebrity" rurns out to be the person who broke her heart.

This is a story about second chances. The characters are well-developed, but they are flawed. Wale was named as the bad boy/player when he left the show. The story had some humour, it was well-written with a steady pace. It touches on alcoholism, discrimination against with weight gaining problems, masculinity. This is a quick read. The story is multi-;layered. For someone who doesn't like reality shows, I quite enjoyed this book.

Published 13th February 2025

I would like to thank #NetGalley #PenguinGeneralFiction and the author #LizzieDamilolaBlackburn for my ARC of #TheReWrite in exchange for an honest review.

A great novel by Lizzie. Fresh, funny and sympathetic. Good to see a positive portrayal of a plus size female protagonist. I eagerly await the next book by this author.

I absolutely loved this book! Heartwarming, funny, and very well written. An easy read but not a fluffy read. It managed to be relevant to the times but not cringy as so many books I’ve found are when they try to appeal to the current youth culture of the day. The author just gets it and it shows in her writing excellently. I can see this remaining timeless even once Love Island is long gone from our screens.

I really appreciated the way the author kept the romance element in the forefront whilst also being able to explore deeper issues - race, misogyny, masculinity, and in particular the image of Black masculinity in society, size, and unpaid carers. Lizzie Damilola Blackburn’s writing just pulled it all together so well whilst still making me care for Temi and Wale’s love story above all else. An easy 5 stars from me. I loved it and look forward to reading what’s next from this author.

This is a story of Temi who is an aspiring writer and has also recently broken up with Wale. What we quickly find out is that they broke up due to Wale going into ‘The Villa’ - A popular reality dating show.

Instead of giving in to the heartbreak she feels, 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...

This book was a ride… it was a really enjoyable read and had me giggling at some points. On the other had I found myself eye rolling at Temi at certain points throughout as it felt like some decisions were very dumb. I loved how Lizzie wrote Wale to have depth to him rather than to be the typical ‘on page’ black boy.

The book all in all was a great read. There were still a few errors that I’m sure will be corrected during the final editing process.

Thank you NetGalley & @LizzieDamilolaBlackburn for the how advance copy.

Omg this was such an amazing book - I’m obsessed!! The premise was fantastic so I immediately requested this book and it did not disappoint!

I loved the plot, I loved the writing and I loved the characters, how real and raw they felt and how they developed throughout the book. I was hooked from the start and immediately devoured this book.

I really enjoyed the discussions around taxi masculinity and think they’re so important to have. Wale’s entire backstory was incredibly emotional and seeing him put in the work to come to terms with his past and the trauma he endured was inspiring and heartwarming.

Similarly, Temi was aware of some of her shortcakes and seeing her struggle between staying true to herself pursuing her dream I think will be relatable to many but deep down, she was such a good person and she even when she wavered, she didn’t stray too far from her values and was not afraid to admit she was wrong.

Temi and Wale were great together and I couldn’t have been happier when they got their happy ending. It took them some time and there were lots of ups and downs but their love for each other was impossible to deny.

Overall, an incredible read, perfect for anyone who loves second chance romances, great characters and books that touch on some important topics.

So much love for this romantic fiction superstar! Firstly, the characters, as well as start crossed lovers Temi and Wale, there's some excellent friends and family which being humour, drama and words of wisdom. The pressures of being an author, the processes involved in ghostwriting and trying to get published are covered so well here as Temi tries to fulfil her dream to see her own book published. The themes of black masculinity, the pitfalls of reality TV, the hidden role of carers, and the barriers we put up when we've been hurt are explored really sensitively and written well in this story. I think this is a book deserving of so much praise and I'm looking forward to reading more from this author.

The Re-Write by Lizzie Damilola Blackburn is a witty and heartfelt rom-com that explores love, ambition, and second chances. After being dumped by her boyfriend Wale, who goes on a reality show, Temi channels her heartbreak into her writing career. Just as she’s about to give up on her dreams, she’s given a chance to ghostwrite a celebrity autobiography—only to discover the celebrity is Wale. As they reconnect, old feelings resurface, forcing both to confront their past and decide if they can rewrite their own story together. Blackburn delivers a charming, smart, and engaging narrative full of humor, heart, and relatable dilemmas. Perfect for fans of modern romance with a twist of self-discovery.

The Re-Write was absolutely brilliant! It follows the story of Temi, an up-and-coming writer, and her ex-boyfriend Wale, who dumps her to go on Love Villa. Unfortunately, after his return, Temi finds herself in the uncomfortable position of having to write his memoir.

I love love loved this romance. It wasn’t over-the-top or formulaic—it told a real, heartfelt story. Lizzie Damilola Blackburn does a brilliant job of presenting both perspectives and explaining why both Temi and Wale acted the way they did in their relationship. When I started the book, I have to admit I was ready to bash Wale for his actions, but by the end, I felt really proud of the man he had become.

This book isn’t just a romance—it also tackles difficult themes such as abuse, relationships, social media, and so much more that I won’t spoil.

A true feel-good read that I would highly recommend! I read it so quickly, I couldn’t put it down.

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin for the ARC of this book!

Loved the story of Temi and Wale who had been dating but then she is devastated when they part ways. When Temi wgo wants to be a writer is asked to write the memoirs for Wale as a ghost writer she agrees.
The story is good as you get to know the background of what happened years ago and how they work through their past to go forward.
A really enjoyable book would recommend.

This was such a fun and entertaining story, I had a great time with it and didn't want to put it down.

I loved both Temi and Wale, the second chance romance aspect, and how their feelings reignited. Temi's lying made me so incredibly anxious though. I suppose it needed to be done for the conflict, and in the end it created well thought through character development for her.

Then there were the more emotional and profound parts, like the importance of therapy and what it means to be a good man, being a carer to someone, charity work. Some things could have been explored in more detail, like the assault, but this is a relatively short book, and it honestly did a good job as a contemporary romance.