I was so completely THRILLED to receive an early copy of this book that I waited no longer than 24 hours to utterly DEVOUR it with ALL OF THE JOY. As fully expected, it is witty, warm and bursting with sizzle. I am certain that this will be another well-deserved smash for Lizzie and a huge win for British black romance and plus size representation. Praise be for more voices like this!

This is a masterful follow up to Yinka, Where is your huzband? It's richly drawn, and very engaging. I thoroughly enjoyed every page.

Temi and Wale had been dating but then she is devastated when they part ways. Wale then goes on a reality tv show and is the ‘bad boy’ of the series. When he comes home Temi ends up writing his memoir and they spend time together getting to know each other again. A few bumps along the way.. a good feel book. Well written and fast paced

The Re-Write is a super fun, sweet second chance romance about a young writer and her ex-boyfriend who has become a notorious reality star. I read Lizzie Damilola Blackburn's previous novel, Yinka Where is Your Huzband? and really enjoyed it. She has such a relatable, fresh, and vibrant writing style. The characters are authentic and kind, but also flawed.

Temi is in her twenties and has written two novels that she desperately wants published. Wale left their relationship to go on a reality dating show a la Love Island that he signed up for before meeting Temi. He’s known for breaking the hearts of one of his castmates and is offered a book deal to pen his memoir. Wale needs a ghostwriter and Temi is in consideration for the job and gets it. Temi is desperate to have a paid writing job, so she begins to work with Wale despite their baggage.

The story follows the trajectory you’d expect from a romance, but I loved reading about Temi and Wale and learning their backstories. The Re-Write mostly focuses on them, but some of their friends and family make regular appearances. A character from Yinka Where is Your Huzband? even makes a cameo! I think I preferred Yinka because of the community feel of the novel, but I really enjoyed this one as well.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for providing this ARC. All thoughts are my own.

This is the second of Lizzie's books I've read and it certainly did not disappoint. I loved the characters from page one. It's very current given the background of a reality TV show called The Villa and gives an insight into black culture which I found very interesting. Great book which deserves a sequel.

Loved it!
Temi is a great character with such strength. Wale is at times a fool and definitely a heartbreaker. I loved the insights into life as an author- the dreaded word count, the assumption you are brimming with ideas and that those ideas will be a best seller before the ink has dried!

We all need a little more kindness. That’s for sure. Lived this book! I loved the celebrity ghostwriters g aspect I thought the characters had great chemistry and I loved the banter and heat that developed over the course of the novel.

This is the second book I have read by Lizzie and I fell in love with her writing all over again! I absolutely loved this book, especially the development of Temi and Wale’s characters and relationship. I feel that all of the characters are very relatable, especially how much Temi apologises (something a lot of people can relate too).

There were some really important topics covered in this book such as alcoholism, toxic masculinity and the importance of therapy, all of which were covered with just enough detail.

Overall, this is a book I definitely recommend! Publishing in February 2025, this book is one to keep an eye out for.

The Re-Write by Lizzie Damilola Blackburn

Temi is a writer, living in London. When her relationship with Wale breaks down and he goes on a TV show called Love Villa, Temi writes all her hurt and upset into a revenge novel. But when Wale becomes a celebrity and wants to write a memoir, Temi gets the job as his ghost writer and starts to see that maybe things weren't as clear cut as she thought.

Oh my.... what a brilliant book! Loved the author's first novel and this one is just as fabulous. Characters, themes, story... all fabulous. I can't wait to read what she writes next! Very VERY highly recommended.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an 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.

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!

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.

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.