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Keep Talking
They’re only supposed to pretend to want each other.
Bryn Garbo is a struggling actress with big dreams, a termite-infested apartment, and a secret side hustle as an erotic audio performer. When she lands a job recording the sapphic romance of the summer, her hope of breaking into audiobooks is finally within reach. If only her co-narrator weren’t Vivian del Castillo.
Vivian is a legend. A former Hollywood sex symbol turned reclusive narrator, she’s built her life around one no one gets close.
At first, they clash. Hard. But day after day in a sweltering studio, Bryn effortlessly chips away at Vivian’s resolve. One brushed elbow. One hungry gasp. One gaze that lingers too long.
When the recording ends, the real performance begins. As Vivian blames the heat on the booth and Bryn tries not to fall for the version of Vivian no one else gets to see, the question isn’t whether one of them will break. It’s whether either of them can survive what comes after.
Keep Talking is a steamy, slow-burn, age-gap romance about reclaiming identity, healing through intimacy, and finding not just a story worth telling, but a love worth living.
Bryn Garbo is a struggling actress with big dreams, a termite-infested apartment, and a secret side hustle as an erotic audio performer. When she lands a job recording the sapphic romance of the summer, her hope of breaking into audiobooks is finally within reach. If only her co-narrator weren’t Vivian del Castillo.
Vivian is a legend. A former Hollywood sex symbol turned reclusive narrator, she’s built her life around one no one gets close.
At first, they clash. Hard. But day after day in a sweltering studio, Bryn effortlessly chips away at Vivian’s resolve. One brushed elbow. One hungry gasp. One gaze that lingers too long.
When the recording ends, the real performance begins. As Vivian blames the heat on the booth and Bryn tries not to fall for the version of Vivian no one else gets to see, the question isn’t whether one of them will break. It’s whether either of them can survive what comes after.
Keep Talking is a steamy, slow-burn, age-gap romance about reclaiming identity, healing through intimacy, and finding not just a story worth telling, but a love worth living.
325 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 12, 2026
269 people are currently reading
755 people want to read
About the author
J.J. Arias
35 books1,415 followersHello! And thank you for finding me!
I am an independent author writing about fictional lesbians of all varieties.
My writing journey began with fan faction, and as much as I LOVED being part of a community of super fans, I got tired of working with other people’s characters to tell my stories. I started asking myself: Why should we string together pieces of subtext when our community deserves well-developed main-text about LBGT people and those who love them! So, that is what I aim to deliver.
If you want to know a little more about me personally, J.J. Arias is my pen name. I do have a day job, and due to the industry I’m in, I can’t write under my given name. Although who knows, maybe one day I can write full-time and come out of the … office? I am a Scorpio woman (I know, I know, but I’m a nice one I PROMISE) happily married to a uniquely wonderful Cancer lady. Together we have several fur babies of the feline and canine varieties.
So, here I am, and I hope you enjoy my writing! I’m very open to thoughts, comments, critiques, and knock-knock jokes, so please feel free to message me with any of the above – or anything else you would like to say!
I am an independent author writing about fictional lesbians of all varieties.
My writing journey began with fan faction, and as much as I LOVED being part of a community of super fans, I got tired of working with other people’s characters to tell my stories. I started asking myself: Why should we string together pieces of subtext when our community deserves well-developed main-text about LBGT people and those who love them! So, that is what I aim to deliver.
If you want to know a little more about me personally, J.J. Arias is my pen name. I do have a day job, and due to the industry I’m in, I can’t write under my given name. Although who knows, maybe one day I can write full-time and come out of the … office? I am a Scorpio woman (I know, I know, but I’m a nice one I PROMISE) happily married to a uniquely wonderful Cancer lady. Together we have several fur babies of the feline and canine varieties.
So, here I am, and I hope you enjoy my writing! I’m very open to thoughts, comments, critiques, and knock-knock jokes, so please feel free to message me with any of the above – or anything else you would like to say!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 127 reviews
March 28, 2026
JJ Arias always delivers! This age-gap book is no exception. The two narrators, Vivian and Bryn, develop incredible chemistry and attraction almost immediately. I was particularly taken with Bryn. Her demeanor was simply stunning, and her patience with Vivian was especially remarkable. I liked both parts. First, the explosion of passion that erupted when they finally gave in to their desire for each other, but also the time they took at the end to really get to know one another. I have to admit that this probably moved me more than the entire story leading up to it.
The book didn’t captivate me quite as much as a JJ Arias book usually does. I think I had a little trouble warming up to Vivian at the beginning. She’s a very complex character who’s already been through a lot in life. It took me a while to see past all her defenses and then find her truly incredibly lovable.
All in all, a very spicy age-gap romance with lovely characters and a sweet story.
The book didn’t captivate me quite as much as a JJ Arias book usually does. I think I had a little trouble warming up to Vivian at the beginning. She’s a very complex character who’s already been through a lot in life. It took me a while to see past all her defenses and then find her truly incredibly lovable.
All in all, a very spicy age-gap romance with lovely characters and a sweet story.
April 1, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 stars)
This was genuinely such a well written and emotional piece!!!
I adored both of the characters and their story. Especially given the fact that the story was about audiobook narration which is a process I’ve never actually read about but only ever enjoyed the finished product, so it was really interesting to read about it in a fictional context and also see how out of a ‘job to create an audiobook’ love blooms.
I also really loved the chemistry between the characters. While reading the romance, tension and especially the yearning toward the middle of the story just felt so real and genuinely amazing to read. At some point, I really couldn’t put the book down anymore because I just wanted to see how it all ends hehe. Besides that, I gotta admit that protective Vivian might just be another fictional crush for me. I literally re-read that whole passage SOO many times, I might have internalized it 🙈
Moreover (and as I’ve mentioned at the beginning), the writing is, once again & as I’ve come to appreciate with J.J Arias’s books, amazing. It had a great pace and nothing ever felt super rushed or too slow paced. Sometimes I, for real, wished we would’ve gotten even more scenes and detail because I couldn’t let go of the characters!
Overall, such a nice read. One that I definitely adored and recommend reading!!!
This was genuinely such a well written and emotional piece!!!
I adored both of the characters and their story. Especially given the fact that the story was about audiobook narration which is a process I’ve never actually read about but only ever enjoyed the finished product, so it was really interesting to read about it in a fictional context and also see how out of a ‘job to create an audiobook’ love blooms.
I also really loved the chemistry between the characters. While reading the romance, tension and especially the yearning toward the middle of the story just felt so real and genuinely amazing to read. At some point, I really couldn’t put the book down anymore because I just wanted to see how it all ends hehe. Besides that, I gotta admit that protective Vivian might just be another fictional crush for me. I literally re-read that whole passage SOO many times, I might have internalized it 🙈
Moreover (and as I’ve mentioned at the beginning), the writing is, once again & as I’ve come to appreciate with J.J Arias’s books, amazing. It had a great pace and nothing ever felt super rushed or too slow paced. Sometimes I, for real, wished we would’ve gotten even more scenes and detail because I couldn’t let go of the characters!
Overall, such a nice read. One that I definitely adored and recommend reading!!!
March 6, 2026
I’m a sucker for how JJ Arias writes chemistry between her characters. I could have read another 100 pages of these two falling in love 😍
April 15, 2026
This is such a sexy five-star read. Arias is, I think, my most-read author, and I always enjoy the swoon-worthy romance, the characterisation, the emotional depth, the humour, the spice - it holds my attention and I end up devouring the story and then wanting to reread it.
This story follows the dual perspectives of Vivian and Bryn: a Hollywood legend and a struggling actress and voice artist. Thrown together in a single sound booth, the forced proximity works brilliantly. As they share space and perform intimacy through their characters, it begins to spill into real life - and what unfolds is something lovely, as they truly get to know one another and fall.
I loved the opposites-attract dynamic. Vivian is the ice queen character I love: sarcastic, emotionally distant, controlled, and fiercely protective. The icy stare, the heels, the moment she tells a disgusting man to go f— himself… I love a woman who pushes back against the patriarchy. Bryn, in contrast, is gorgeous in an entirely different way - bright, warm, and open. She disarms Vivian with her kindness, honesty and flirting. And their dynamic just works.
The plot also surprised me. The audiobook project they’re working on wraps up around the 35% mark, and I remember thinking, 'oh, where is this going?' From there, the story deepens in a way I didn’t expect.
Arias’ writing of sexual tension and flirtation is brilliant. The NYC hotel room scene on their first night absolutely melted me - and that’s just the beginning of the chemistry ✨️ It feels like a masterclass in building tension. Then Bryn says, “Can we just stop pretending?” and everything shifts. The narrative explores pleasure and desire so openly, including roleplay, mirrors, voice kink, edging, and that unforgettable “eyes on me”. I loved when Bryn points out that Vivian “might learn something about [her] own desire” - and Chapter 25 is insanely hot 🔥🌶. And it doesn’t stop there.
As the author describes it, Bryn falls first, but Vivian falls harder - and that really captures the heart of the story. It’s a gorgeous, sexy sapphic romance with emotional depth. Most of all, I loved reading about two women who learn to 'keep talking' — and, in doing so, fall completely in love 💖
This story follows the dual perspectives of Vivian and Bryn: a Hollywood legend and a struggling actress and voice artist. Thrown together in a single sound booth, the forced proximity works brilliantly. As they share space and perform intimacy through their characters, it begins to spill into real life - and what unfolds is something lovely, as they truly get to know one another and fall.
I loved the opposites-attract dynamic. Vivian is the ice queen character I love: sarcastic, emotionally distant, controlled, and fiercely protective. The icy stare, the heels, the moment she tells a disgusting man to go f— himself… I love a woman who pushes back against the patriarchy. Bryn, in contrast, is gorgeous in an entirely different way - bright, warm, and open. She disarms Vivian with her kindness, honesty and flirting. And their dynamic just works.
The plot also surprised me. The audiobook project they’re working on wraps up around the 35% mark, and I remember thinking, 'oh, where is this going?' From there, the story deepens in a way I didn’t expect.
Arias’ writing of sexual tension and flirtation is brilliant. The NYC hotel room scene on their first night absolutely melted me - and that’s just the beginning of the chemistry ✨️ It feels like a masterclass in building tension. Then Bryn says, “Can we just stop pretending?” and everything shifts. The narrative explores pleasure and desire so openly, including roleplay, mirrors, voice kink, edging, and that unforgettable “eyes on me”. I loved when Bryn points out that Vivian “might learn something about [her] own desire” - and Chapter 25 is insanely hot 🔥🌶. And it doesn’t stop there.
As the author describes it, Bryn falls first, but Vivian falls harder - and that really captures the heart of the story. It’s a gorgeous, sexy sapphic romance with emotional depth. Most of all, I loved reading about two women who learn to 'keep talking' — and, in doing so, fall completely in love 💖
March 20, 2026
Brillant.
I‘m so looking forward to an audiobook of this story.
I‘m so looking forward to an audiobook of this story.
March 28, 2026
Age gaps fall in two categories for me, I either buy it or I don’t. This was no exception, I didn’t buy it. It was more grumpy/sunshine than age gap. I loved the concept of two audiobook narrators falling for each other doing a duet. But I needed a bit more background on Bryn (younger & sunshine). There was little mention of her background and I’d loved to have seen more with her family. Vivian (older & grumpy) had potential to be incredibly interesting, but she was sort of glossed over. And the age gap wasn’t explicitly discussed. It was hidden more in the grumpy/sunshine.
It’s still JJ Arias, so the writing is still good. I’d take one of JJ’s worst book over some other’s best book, but I just wanted more.
It’s still JJ Arias, so the writing is still good. I’d take one of JJ’s worst book over some other’s best book, but I just wanted more.
March 17, 2026
4.5⭐️
I really enjoyed Keep Talking. I loved the characters, especially Vivian. Their chemistry, their banter will keep you turning page after page.
It’s funny and, of course, sexy. You’ll laugh and, if you’re anything like me, you’ll cry. Loved it 🥰
I really enjoyed Keep Talking. I loved the characters, especially Vivian. Their chemistry, their banter will keep you turning page after page.
It’s funny and, of course, sexy. You’ll laugh and, if you’re anything like me, you’ll cry. Loved it 🥰
May 3, 2026
How lucky are we to exist in the world at the same time as J.J. Arias?? I mean it. I ask this sincerely and with my whole entire chest. because this woman is out here doing Sappho's work, and we get to just receive it like the gift that it is....
okay. KEEP TALKING.
Bryn Garbo is a struggling actress with big dreams, a termite-infested apartment, and a secret side hustle as an erotic audio performer. When she lands the job recording the sapphic romance of the summer, her whole life could finally be turning around — if only her co-narrator wasn't Vivian del Castillo. Vivian is a LEGEND. former Hollywood sex symbol turned reclusive narrator, she has built her entire life around one ironclad rule — no one gets close. And then Bryn shows up in that sweltering recording studio and starts effortlessly, relentlessly, one brushed elbow at a time — chipping away at everything Vivian built to keep the world out.
babes. You know I am addicted to audiobooks. A BOOK ABOUT AUDIOBOOK NARRATORS NARRATING A SAPPHIC ROMANCE. I was SAT before I even opened the first page. I was fully committed. I was so ready
And J.J. Arias delivered everything and then some.
Bryn is just an absolute doll, and I adore her completely — sunshine and scrappy and so genuinely easy to root for from the very first page. and Vivian?? a certified BADASS who I loved with my whole heart. I was shipping this from the moment they clashed in that studio and I never stopped. Not for a single second.
J.J. brings her signature everything to this book — the tension that makes your skin feel too tight. the chemistry that crackles off the page. the heart yearning and sapphic longing that is her absolute superpower. And the ice queen thaw?? Vivian's walls coming down under the warmth of Bryn's presence is everything I have ever wanted in a slow burn, and J.J. executes it with the kind of precision that makes you want to stand up and applaud.
and the SPICE. oh BABES, the spice. I was unhinged. I was fully gone. I had to put the book down on multiple occasions.. cuz... damn.. J.J. Arias writes sapphic intimacy with a heat and a tenderness that makes it feel like something genuinely sacred — and in this book where the characters are literally performing intimacy for audio?? the layers of that?? the gorgeousness of that?? I cannot EVEN.
What I love most — and there is so much — is the time J.J. takes to dive into the erotic audio world with real care and nuance. The way she explores how powerful, liberating, and safe that space can be for people to explore themselves freely and without shame?? I love this. I love her for this. more of this now and always.
And the found family and family dynamics she weaves through this story are so warm and so real and so J.J. — this woman writes the people around her leads with as much love as she writes the leads themselves, and it shows on every single page. From the perfection of that cover to the last word on the last page — Keep Talking is a gift. J.J. Arias is a queen of sapphic romance, and we are so lucky she keeps writing.
okay. KEEP TALKING.
Bryn Garbo is a struggling actress with big dreams, a termite-infested apartment, and a secret side hustle as an erotic audio performer. When she lands the job recording the sapphic romance of the summer, her whole life could finally be turning around — if only her co-narrator wasn't Vivian del Castillo. Vivian is a LEGEND. former Hollywood sex symbol turned reclusive narrator, she has built her entire life around one ironclad rule — no one gets close. And then Bryn shows up in that sweltering recording studio and starts effortlessly, relentlessly, one brushed elbow at a time — chipping away at everything Vivian built to keep the world out.
babes. You know I am addicted to audiobooks. A BOOK ABOUT AUDIOBOOK NARRATORS NARRATING A SAPPHIC ROMANCE. I was SAT before I even opened the first page. I was fully committed. I was so ready
And J.J. Arias delivered everything and then some.
Bryn is just an absolute doll, and I adore her completely — sunshine and scrappy and so genuinely easy to root for from the very first page. and Vivian?? a certified BADASS who I loved with my whole heart. I was shipping this from the moment they clashed in that studio and I never stopped. Not for a single second.
J.J. brings her signature everything to this book — the tension that makes your skin feel too tight. the chemistry that crackles off the page. the heart yearning and sapphic longing that is her absolute superpower. And the ice queen thaw?? Vivian's walls coming down under the warmth of Bryn's presence is everything I have ever wanted in a slow burn, and J.J. executes it with the kind of precision that makes you want to stand up and applaud.
and the SPICE. oh BABES, the spice. I was unhinged. I was fully gone. I had to put the book down on multiple occasions.. cuz... damn.. J.J. Arias writes sapphic intimacy with a heat and a tenderness that makes it feel like something genuinely sacred — and in this book where the characters are literally performing intimacy for audio?? the layers of that?? the gorgeousness of that?? I cannot EVEN.
What I love most — and there is so much — is the time J.J. takes to dive into the erotic audio world with real care and nuance. The way she explores how powerful, liberating, and safe that space can be for people to explore themselves freely and without shame?? I love this. I love her for this. more of this now and always.
And the found family and family dynamics she weaves through this story are so warm and so real and so J.J. — this woman writes the people around her leads with as much love as she writes the leads themselves, and it shows on every single page. From the perfection of that cover to the last word on the last page — Keep Talking is a gift. J.J. Arias is a queen of sapphic romance, and we are so lucky she keeps writing.
April 13, 2026
I think this is my favourite J.J. Arias book so far. I'm becoming a devoted fan.
I don't know, despite the lack of actual plot, the chemistry is just crazy. This is definitely character driven.
Also, I've been in the deepest reading slump, but flew though this one and didn't want it to end.
I don't know, despite the lack of actual plot, the chemistry is just crazy. This is definitely character driven.
Also, I've been in the deepest reading slump, but flew though this one and didn't want it to end.
April 6, 2026
Wow, what a great book! I stayed up way too late reading it. Such good chemistry, such great dynamics between the two women. I felt for both of them but Vivian more. I wanted a little more of an arc from Bryn though I loved her spunky personality. The third act felt a little out of sync for me but I was happy to keep reading more of their journey. I really enjoyed how the age gap was tackled head-on. And (fan me!) the steam scenes! Wow. Most of all though, what hooked me was the story within a story element- While developing Vivian and Bryn in real life, there was also chemistry developing in the story they were reading that applied back to them- thought that was masterfully done. Then add the Sirens component on top of it and the author really knocked this one out of the park.
Short summary: By some stroke of mad luck, Bryn gets to record a duet with the Vivian del Castillo. If only she would talk to Bryn outside of the recording booth. But Vivian doesn’t let her walls down for anyone, not even charming, brimming Bryn.
Short summary: By some stroke of mad luck, Bryn gets to record a duet with the Vivian del Castillo. If only she would talk to Bryn outside of the recording booth. But Vivian doesn’t let her walls down for anyone, not even charming, brimming Bryn.
March 14, 2026
The start of the book made me laugh outloud. I love that type of back and forth, and some icy comments by Vivian made me snort.
The spice... well, it is JJ Arias. Some scenes were "oef". I am not into audiobooks, but I can feel that some people will need tons of ice while listening to these voices. I can still recognize how sultry and beautiful a woman's voice can be.
The depth of characters is what made me rate Keep Talking this way. I felt something missing, some more background and more internalized thoughts from Vivian. They came more in the end, and it felt rushed. Maybe some more pages would have made me appreciate it more.
The first part although and the steam... yes, to all of that...
ps. I also would have loved more side characters, there are just some glimpses of them.
The spice... well, it is JJ Arias. Some scenes were "oef". I am not into audiobooks, but I can feel that some people will need tons of ice while listening to these voices. I can still recognize how sultry and beautiful a woman's voice can be.
The depth of characters is what made me rate Keep Talking this way. I felt something missing, some more background and more internalized thoughts from Vivian. They came more in the end, and it felt rushed. Maybe some more pages would have made me appreciate it more.
The first part although and the steam... yes, to all of that...
ps. I also would have loved more side characters, there are just some glimpses of them.
March 19, 2026
Bryn the young mullet haired voice artist has many jobs on the go in Miami. Vivian the golden haired reclusive actress is persuaded to do a duet recording with Brynn.
The plot so new and refreshing voice actors recording a sapphic audio book together. The setting a small home based recording booth in the Miami heat.
The anticipation, chemistry and tension all built up expertly by the author. Loved the sarcastic humour of Vivian, Bryn's witty replies and overall word play. And JJ Arias does know how to write the erotic spicy moments. Can Vivian really communicate her true feelings for Bryn. Its cleverly paced and such an addictive page turner.
I feel a lot more appreciation for audio recording artists than I ever thought possible. Loved this book!
The plot so new and refreshing voice actors recording a sapphic audio book together. The setting a small home based recording booth in the Miami heat.
The anticipation, chemistry and tension all built up expertly by the author. Loved the sarcastic humour of Vivian, Bryn's witty replies and overall word play. And JJ Arias does know how to write the erotic spicy moments. Can Vivian really communicate her true feelings for Bryn. Its cleverly paced and such an addictive page turner.
I feel a lot more appreciation for audio recording artists than I ever thought possible. Loved this book!
April 9, 2026
Oooooo I lurv them!!!
I could read 400 more pages of this easy, and the SCENES will not disappoint 🔥 good Lord. Just … yeah
I don’t think I’d re read the whole thing but certain chapters would be worthy of it
I could read 400 more pages of this easy, and the SCENES will not disappoint 🔥 good Lord. Just … yeah
I don’t think I’d re read the whole thing but certain chapters would be worthy of it
March 7, 2026
JJ Arias!!! Ahhhhh, this book is SO SO damn good! Hands down one of your best so far! That’s saying something! Vivian and Bryn will stay with me always whether it’s a mullet or not. I preordered the hard copy so I can stare at it everyday.
March 14, 2026
Rating: 4 stars
You already know I eat up everything from J.J. Arias. This one delivers an ice queen with a heart of gold whose defenses are built high after years of being abused by Hollywood and the woman ready to knock them down brick by brick with tenderness and devotion.
I was a little skeptical in the beginning as both characters are voice actors narrating a story within a story and it was sometimes too much essentially learning four characters at once, but the plot and romance develops really genuinely from there and the book definitely finds its rhythm.
You already know I eat up everything from J.J. Arias. This one delivers an ice queen with a heart of gold whose defenses are built high after years of being abused by Hollywood and the woman ready to knock them down brick by brick with tenderness and devotion.
I was a little skeptical in the beginning as both characters are voice actors narrating a story within a story and it was sometimes too much essentially learning four characters at once, but the plot and romance develops really genuinely from there and the book definitely finds its rhythm.
March 15, 2026
I’ve never been the biggest JJ Arias fan, but this one was **chefs kiss**. It helps that it was one of the hottest books I’ve ever read. I almost wish I could wipe my memory and read it again. Aside from the excellent spice, it was also very sweet, with two very loveable characters. And as far as 3rd act breakups go, this was really not too rough or angsty. Highly recommend!
April 7, 2026
In this book, seasoned (voice) actor Vivian is tasked with narrating a lesbian romance novel alongside the inexperienced and much younger Bryn. Bryn is a cheerful, puppy-like character, which makes her instantly likable. Vivian, on the other hand, is an icy, withdrawn woman who has isolated herself in her home and barely interacts with the outside world. Still, Bryn manages to thaw her out.
The first 60% or so of the book is mostly buildup—a lot of sexual tension that slowly intensifies. It reads smoothly, but at times I found myself growing a bit impatient. Around the 60–65% mark, things finally start to happen.
The intimate scenes are spicy and explicit, but occasionally so literal and overly descriptive that they lose some emotional impact, which made me disengage a bit. The steam also fades fairly quickly, giving way to more conventional drama. From that point on, my reading experience became less enjoyable, and the story started to drag.
I found the final portion not only slow, but I also lost some connection with the characters. While Vivian became more likable as a softened ice queen, Bryn seemed to lose some of her spark and that charming, puppy-like energy.
Thanks to the strong first half, I’m still giving this book 4 stars overall. However, the final part only just reaches a 3-star rating for me.
The first 60% or so of the book is mostly buildup—a lot of sexual tension that slowly intensifies. It reads smoothly, but at times I found myself growing a bit impatient. Around the 60–65% mark, things finally start to happen.
The intimate scenes are spicy and explicit, but occasionally so literal and overly descriptive that they lose some emotional impact, which made me disengage a bit. The steam also fades fairly quickly, giving way to more conventional drama. From that point on, my reading experience became less enjoyable, and the story started to drag.
I found the final portion not only slow, but I also lost some connection with the characters. While Vivian became more likable as a softened ice queen, Bryn seemed to lose some of her spark and that charming, puppy-like energy.
Thanks to the strong first half, I’m still giving this book 4 stars overall. However, the final part only just reaches a 3-star rating for me.
March 31, 2026
J. J. Arias is an automatic pre-order author for me, so I went into Keep Talking expecting a good read, and once again she delivered.
It’s almost always a five-star book for me when I like both main characters equally which doesn’t happen all that often. That was the case here. I also love a well-written ice queen story, and Vivian absolutely fits the bill. She’s guarded and closed off at first, but we learn early enough that there are real reasons for that distance. As someone who lived through the 90s, I remember the kinds of “jokes” people laughed at on screen back then that really weren’t funny at all, and that context made Vivian feel especially real to me. Despite her defenses, Bryn is able to see the fragile person underneath that icy exterior.
As for Bryn, she’s funny and warm and impossible not to like, the kind of character who brings light with her wherever she goes. In a world that can feel pretty heavy right now, Bryn is an injection of lightness that we can all use. She doesn’t just balance Vivian; she changes the emotional temperature of the entire story.
This book has strong characters, crazy good chemistry, and a romance that feels earned from start to finish. Another reminder of why J. J. Arias remains an automatic read for me.
It’s almost always a five-star book for me when I like both main characters equally which doesn’t happen all that often. That was the case here. I also love a well-written ice queen story, and Vivian absolutely fits the bill. She’s guarded and closed off at first, but we learn early enough that there are real reasons for that distance. As someone who lived through the 90s, I remember the kinds of “jokes” people laughed at on screen back then that really weren’t funny at all, and that context made Vivian feel especially real to me. Despite her defenses, Bryn is able to see the fragile person underneath that icy exterior.
As for Bryn, she’s funny and warm and impossible not to like, the kind of character who brings light with her wherever she goes. In a world that can feel pretty heavy right now, Bryn is an injection of lightness that we can all use. She doesn’t just balance Vivian; she changes the emotional temperature of the entire story.
This book has strong characters, crazy good chemistry, and a romance that feels earned from start to finish. Another reminder of why J. J. Arias remains an automatic read for me.
April 12, 2026
Third act breakup is a wild thing
March 12, 2026
whew.....
March 31, 2026
It takes one hell of a special person to melt this celeb ice queen locked away in her cement tower! And oh my, does she bring the fire…
This book might be my favorite by J.J. Arias to date. These two characters are so well matched in their differences, it is like a perfect puzzle sliding together. Combine that with a well mapped out storyline about a bright eyed newcomer teaching the old school pro a thing or two and you have got a very addicting story. I’m absolutely serious, cancel your plans for a day and just bingeread. You will thank me later!
This book might be my favorite by J.J. Arias to date. These two characters are so well matched in their differences, it is like a perfect puzzle sliding together. Combine that with a well mapped out storyline about a bright eyed newcomer teaching the old school pro a thing or two and you have got a very addicting story. I’m absolutely serious, cancel your plans for a day and just bingeread. You will thank me later!
April 22, 2026
I enjoyed this book because, apart from the characters, the backdrop of book narration was so interesting and entertaining. The characters themselves were so vastly different, almost polar opposites, who gradually merged to reach their HEA.
Not only was there an age gap but one MC carried a heap of baggage (very real baggage) and yet the other was a perfect foil to guide her through the past that was greying her present. It would be nice if everyone had a Bryn in some form in their life. High spice level but lots of love.
Not only was there an age gap but one MC carried a heap of baggage (very real baggage) and yet the other was a perfect foil to guide her through the past that was greying her present. It would be nice if everyone had a Bryn in some form in their life. High spice level but lots of love.
March 13, 2026
Hot, hot, hot! An excellent read!
April 2, 2026
The Grumpy/Sunshine trope works really with this one. It has a little angst, a lot of comfort and makes the heart ache. There is not much to see outside of the main characters and that's okay.
March 27, 2026
Duel 3rd Person POV. 5🌟 3🌶️. 325 pages
5 Spicy Scenes
Absolute chokehold, that’s what this book had me in from the beginning! Age Gap? Ice Queen? How could anyone possibly resist with those tropes.
Keep Talking follows Bryn a novice voice actor in Miami, when she’s given the opportunity of a life time to record an audiobook for a popular sapphic novel, the catch her co-narrator is Vivian Del Castillo. Vivian is an ex Hollywood recluse with hundreds of audiobook titles under her belt. As the two work together and tensions rise, will they survive what comes next?
I think this book has sky rocketed into one of my top reads of this year so far. It’s a slow burn romance that doesn’t feel like a slow burn, there’s no dragging things out for the sake of it, no, JJ Arias draws you into a story of clashing personalities, attraction between two women who couldn’t be more different, so much tension you’ll feel it simmering in your own chest, a chemistry that could ignite a candle on proximity alone and a journey of healing that’ll have you wiping your eyes repeatedly.
This book had me giggling, it had me crying and god damn it I think I may have swooned a time or two. Everything about it is pure gold, the spice is spicing, the fluff is fluffing and the emotions are emoting. If you’re looking for something to read that’ll have you feeling everything at once and have you wanting more in the end, then read Keep Talking!
Things to LOVE:
📚Contemporary Romance
💞Age Gap (19 years)
🪢Forced Proximity
🧊Ice Queen
🔥Slow Burn
🧲Opposites Attract
❤️🩹Hurt/Comfort
🫦Reawakened Desire
❤️HEA
5 Spicy Scenes
Absolute chokehold, that’s what this book had me in from the beginning! Age Gap? Ice Queen? How could anyone possibly resist with those tropes.
Keep Talking follows Bryn a novice voice actor in Miami, when she’s given the opportunity of a life time to record an audiobook for a popular sapphic novel, the catch her co-narrator is Vivian Del Castillo. Vivian is an ex Hollywood recluse with hundreds of audiobook titles under her belt. As the two work together and tensions rise, will they survive what comes next?
I think this book has sky rocketed into one of my top reads of this year so far. It’s a slow burn romance that doesn’t feel like a slow burn, there’s no dragging things out for the sake of it, no, JJ Arias draws you into a story of clashing personalities, attraction between two women who couldn’t be more different, so much tension you’ll feel it simmering in your own chest, a chemistry that could ignite a candle on proximity alone and a journey of healing that’ll have you wiping your eyes repeatedly.
This book had me giggling, it had me crying and god damn it I think I may have swooned a time or two. Everything about it is pure gold, the spice is spicing, the fluff is fluffing and the emotions are emoting. If you’re looking for something to read that’ll have you feeling everything at once and have you wanting more in the end, then read Keep Talking!
Things to LOVE:
📚Contemporary Romance
💞Age Gap (19 years)
🪢Forced Proximity
🧊Ice Queen
🔥Slow Burn
🧲Opposites Attract
❤️🩹Hurt/Comfort
🫦Reawakened Desire
❤️HEA
March 16, 2026
It is one of the best Sapphic romances I've read.
March 14, 2026
The MCs fall into it with very little build up. I'd been anticipating a real close proximity yearning slow burn and wanted that bit more from this.
I didn't fully buy into Vivian's reluctance after either.
Spicy scenes, as always by JJ, are A++
I didn't fully buy into Vivian's reluctance after either.
Spicy scenes, as always by JJ, are A++
March 15, 2026
JJ knocked it out of the park yet again! I adore her writing style and this one was perfect, her ability in writing humour, amazing dialogue and spice is second to none.
Keep Talking is a great story, it’s unique and interesting and the pace in which it is written just makes you want to keep reading. I could have read another 200 pages of Bryn’s and Vivian’s story and not have been bored. The writing style is engaging and I found myself completely immersed in their journey.
To no one’s surprise if you’ve read JJ Arias’ work before but the spice is spicing! The kinks covered in the story had me blushing - definite chefs kiss!
The story is filled with tension and longing and was written wonderfully that the way the romance was written felt natural and heart warming - proving that yes, everyone has flaws and weaknesses and it can be completely terrifying to open yourself up to someone else but having the courage to do that and earning their love and respect in return is truly touching.
Overall, this story is compelling, filled with amazing characters and superb romance. It will definitely enter my re-read category and a definite must buy. Run, don’t walk and add this book to your shelves!
Keep Talking is a great story, it’s unique and interesting and the pace in which it is written just makes you want to keep reading. I could have read another 200 pages of Bryn’s and Vivian’s story and not have been bored. The writing style is engaging and I found myself completely immersed in their journey.
To no one’s surprise if you’ve read JJ Arias’ work before but the spice is spicing! The kinks covered in the story had me blushing - definite chefs kiss!
The story is filled with tension and longing and was written wonderfully that the way the romance was written felt natural and heart warming - proving that yes, everyone has flaws and weaknesses and it can be completely terrifying to open yourself up to someone else but having the courage to do that and earning their love and respect in return is truly touching.
Overall, this story is compelling, filled with amazing characters and superb romance. It will definitely enter my re-read category and a definite must buy. Run, don’t walk and add this book to your shelves!
April 27, 2026
I have never cried as in full on bawled while reading any book. This book- the way the characters have been portrayed, they way in which Vivian's character had such nuance and depth along with Bryn complimenting her completely, it struck a very raw place inside of me. I wouldn't be able to understand which line, which emotion struck me and I would find myself tearing up. I went in this book thinking it will be cute, light book but sure it was heavy on me but in a good sense. In a good sense as in it makes you feel a lot if you are in that place.
This was a book focused on both of the characters mainly, it follows them, their journey on finding each other, of unlocking certain doors and parameters inside each other. It is like either you feel the characters in you or you find yourself in them. Their chemistry was exuberant, bright as the afternoon sun reflecting on the water. I loved the whole audiobook narration storyline because honestly now I feel how it is to record an audiobook. Talent.
J.J. Arias has done such a tremendous job at making the characters feel so real, so three dimensional rather than just a cardboard piece. That is what writing is, makes you feel. Hits you where you are open.
This was a book focused on both of the characters mainly, it follows them, their journey on finding each other, of unlocking certain doors and parameters inside each other. It is like either you feel the characters in you or you find yourself in them. Their chemistry was exuberant, bright as the afternoon sun reflecting on the water. I loved the whole audiobook narration storyline because honestly now I feel how it is to record an audiobook. Talent.
J.J. Arias has done such a tremendous job at making the characters feel so real, so three dimensional rather than just a cardboard piece. That is what writing is, makes you feel. Hits you where you are open.
April 17, 2026
The concept, the chemistry, the communication… lawwwwd 🥵 JJ Arias has a way with words, and this one was no different! If she writes it, I’m reading it — that’s it, that’s the review!
4.5 ⭐️ rounded up!
Spice level: 🔥🔥🔥
4.5 ⭐️ rounded up!
Spice level: 🔥🔥🔥
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