Talk to Me

by Roseanne Beck

Tough love is hard.

Real love is harder.
Especially when you're trying desperately to avoid it.
Austin's car accident shattered his life and his leg. His main focus is on proving his independence. Figuring out how to shut up the new voices in his head would be an added bonus. They like to converse at the most inopportune times.

Laura's built a wall around her heart. Everyone she loves ends up leaving her. She's still reeling from the death of her brother and business partner. Seems like he might not be ready to completely give up the ghost yet, though.
And then there's Aunt Marge, a world-class meddler with a penchant for oversharing. Hopefully her recipe for love is better than her sugar-free desserts.

If you like sparkling, witty banter and strong characters with a hint of the paranormal, you'll fall for TALK TO ME, because humor and love conquer all.
Start reading now!

Genres: Romance, Chick Lit, Fiction, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Supernatural

274 pages, ebook

First published February 14, 2018

About the author

Roseanne Beck is an award-winning author of Romantic Comedies whose writing style has been characterized as “witty and funny and a little bit sexy.”

She loves to make things awkward for her characters, and her stories tend to feature strong, flawed women, injured men, and a hint of the paranormal.

Physician by day, she uses a mixture of writing, laughter, and 80s music to help relieve stress.

*2019 National Indie Excellence Award winner for Romantic Comedy*

*A 2019 Readers’ Favorite Silver Medal winner for Chick Lit*

*5-star Readers’ Favorite Romantic Comedies*


Find her at
https://twitter.com/RBeckWrites
https://www.facebook.com/RoseanneBeck...
https://www.bookbub.com/profile/rosea...

Reviews

[Robyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Laura recently lost her brother to suicide two weeks ago and while still grieving, her aunt Marge, plays cupid hoping it can lift up her spirits. She sends Laura over to Austin, a tenant in Marge’s building, with some desperately needed coffee. Laura can’t help but to compare Austin to Steven, especially since Austin is in a leg brace and her brother had lost his leg. It brings on a wealth of emotions Laura just cannot handle right now. The similarities were astounding and it’s not a road she wishes to travel through again. Laura is still hurt and angry over her brother taking his own life and she does not need the added stress of a man in her life that has too many similarities to her brother.

Austin has been in an accident and does not have full control over his leg. He is on crutches and may never have the full use of his leg again. When Marge sends her niece, Laura to his apartment with much needed coffee, he can’t help but feel a slight attraction to her. He starts spending more time with Laura and comes to realize that they both have their fair share of demons, but still a friendship ensues. Laura opens him up to a world he did not think he would ever be a part of again.

Is love possible between two damaged people or will demons play a role in keeping them apart?

Talk To Me by Roseanne Beck is a character driven story with a slight supernatural feel. Ever since Austin’s accident, he can hear voices in his head. This is the main catalyst that brings both Laura and Austin together after their initial introduction. It is also a start to their friendship. You can see that they belong together and Laura is probably one of the only ones who can relate to what Austin is going through. It is really sweet and touching the way Laura helps Austin try to overcome his fears.

I do have to say though, that I really liked Austin. He is a good character and we really get to see and feel everything that he is going through. Although he feels sorry for himself, he still has determination and grit to get through the pain and try to become whole again. On the other hand, I had a love hate relationship with Laura. Yes, deep down she is a good person and she really tries to help Austin overcome his fears, but I never fully felt like I could get inside her head or connect to her as a character. Plus, she has a TSTL moment that really made me want to slap her. To me, it just felt like she was using Austin at first as a way to connect with her brother. My favorite character though in the entire story was Marge. She really stole the show. She is caring, compassionate, and has a humorous side that will leave you laughing. I really wish she would have been in more scenes of the story.

Even though I liked Austin and sometimes liked Laura, I never felt like I could connect to them enough to really be invested in their love story and that kind of threw me off the story a bit. I wish the characters were more three dimensional enough for me to care if they stayed together or not.

All in all, Talk To Me is a light and easy read that should not take you long to get through. If you enjoy a character driven story with some slight humor thrown into the mix then you should pick up a copy of this book.

[AℳY♔Queen of Fat cats♔Ain't no lie Baby Byebyebye]

Contemporary isn't my cuppa, 'cuz I prefer action-packed stuff, but it's free and Sweety chan recommended and not many friends recommend good books!! She must really love me!!
*throws to pile*

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a wonderful story! I really adored it. The wounded hero is awesome and the depiction of his healing journey truly realistic. I loved that the author, Roseanne Beck, a physician, didn’t sugarcoat his challenges and made him all nimble and quick. There’s a lot of pain – physical and psychological –, changes, adaptation to a new reality and resilience, but the rhythm and pace of it all are excellent.
Austin and Laura are both great characters and the dialogue between them (and the other, also great, characters) is vivid, full of humor, and a delight to read.
I usually don’t go for the present tense narrative, but in this case I enjoyed it and was completely absorbed by the story.
Even the paranormal twist is compelling and full of resonances.

[P.E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s hard for me to say how much I enjoyed this book. From the choice of quirky, damaged characters to the deep emotional undercurrent, it was a delight. Everything described in the blurb was delivered – crisp writing, intelligent banter, sweet interactions without excess sentimentality or melodrama. The story pulled me in and didn’t let go.

So many elements you wouldn't expect to find in a single story - disability, ghosts, sexed-up relatives, and the sweetness of learning to trust - blend together in a unique and wonderful way.

I laughed, I rooted for the unlikely couple, and my heart skipped when their differences came to a head. Roseanne Beck has made a new fan.

[Regina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyable story of friendship and love. And ghosts. And brownies. Among other things... :)
What I like about Roseanne Beck's stories are how her characters feel real. They are far from perfect, they struggle, they do the best they can, and they occasionally fail. And sometimes, they're hilarious (I'm looking at you, Marge!).

[Avid Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is fresh

This story line is different from anything I’ve ever read. I really enjoyed it . I teared up more than once but also smiled.

[Xerxes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Talk to Me is a wonderful novel that will leave you so damn emotional that's it's one of the best romantic novels I've read. I'm not a romance reader. I don't read romance. I beta-read so obviously there will be bias. But it's something I think, that in my opinion is worth reading at maybe 3 in the night?

The novel has so many recipes and food you'll be shocked. But the worst? A certain character that is sneaky...I won't reveal it. Plus brownies are a BIG feature in this novel. The best part is that each and every time you read the novel, there is a lot of reactions. LOTS. You won't be expecting on the first page, but sooner or later it catches up to you like anything else.

This novel, in my humble yet biased opinion, deserves a lot more attention. It should def win a lot of prizes/comps. Laura and Austin are two great characters, and they're certainly the types that I suppose...it's an emotional roller-coaster ride. How you like this book is up to you. Would I recommend a read? Yes. Def. 100% yes.

It's worth the read!

And too many...it's just a wonderful novel in my humble opinion.

Oh and cats.

Lots of them.

CATS!

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (10/19/2020)! 🎁

[Catherine Myers · Rating 2 out of 5]

A quick read with very little depth to a weak story line.

[Mrs Ruth · Rating 3 out of 5]

cute romance. The storyline was a bit confused, didn't think it needed the paranormal activity bit thrown in, but enjoyed the characters. Would read again if wanted an easy read for a holiday.

[Mummy's Naughty Corner · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a nice read. two broken people brought together some angst but in the end they make it. I was nice seeing the two gradually fixing each other without even realizing it. Aunt Marge made the book. You have to love a cooky old lady. I liked that they were both withdrawn in their own way after their own personal dramas and they both had cracks. Its so annoying when one character is perky and the other isn't.

[Vera · Rating 2 out of 5]

dnf

this was free on kindle, so I just got it because of the cute cover. then I read a review here that this book has suicide, "supernatural" voices that hero hears after the traumatic event etc and idk if I'm in a right mindspace rn to read this
also no tw's from anyone? and book advertised as a lighthearted etc and cutesy cover? not for me

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 out of 5 glorious stars, I absolutely loved this book and the bit of quirk that made it unique. Laura and Austin were just adorable yet lost and finding eachother together and being on somewhat the same journey was just awesome! I 100% recommend this book ... 100%

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun, fast paced story with quick, witty dialog. The romance developed in a believable manner. The characters were normal and likable human beings.

Fade out sex (thank you)
Too much taking the Lord’s name in vain.

[Kathryn A. Moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book. Loved how the two characters helped each other. Also loved the humor of the way they were with each other.

[Lynn Siegler · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very light read, and not very satisfying book. At the 70% mark I started skimming it. Glad I borrowed it versus paid for it.

[Nicola Dean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Roseanne Beck - WOW!

I loved this book, Laura's brother has recently committed suicide having been affected by an accident that led to him losing a limb. Her only remaining family now is Aunt Marge who appears to be quite scatty.
Austin has a significant leg injury following a car accident and has moved into the apartment opposite Marge. When he runs out of coffee Marge says she'll get her niece to get some for him. Marge then makes Laura take the coffee to Austin and she understands his struggles.

When they realise they can help each other they spend more time together but both are relationship phobic and refuse to label what they have. As Laura helps Austin face up to his accident and realise his friends are still.there for him so their love grows.
A side effect of Austin's accident is his ability to hear voices, so he uses this to help Laura speak to her brother but Laura misinterprets something her brother says and pulls away from Austin ending what they have thinking that is what her brother meant in protecting herself.

Aunt Marge steps in when Austin goes to her for advice and Austin is the one to declare his love which makes Laura realise she can take a chance.

I liked the side story line beside the love angle of Austin reconnecting with his best friend, his wife and their daughter who he adores and I couldn't put this book down.

[Bill Batkay · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too Cutesy for its Own Good

Almost in spite of myself, I really liked this book. It had had a "meet cute" opening, likeable, sympathetic MCs with intriguing, even moving backstories, often very witty dialog and generally literate,, lively writing and occasional real psychological depth. So, why not 5 stars?

Because at heart, it was basically a written version of one of the classic Rock Hudson-Doris Day movies from the 1950's, plus the "kink" of an injured/ disabled MC.As in those movies, the elephant in the room was SEX--tgere isn't any or, rather, it's camouflaged behind arch, cutesy terminology. As in the case of most teenage dates in the 1950's, the "intimate relations" depicted between the MCs consisted of, at most, heavy petting. And this between an adult, urban, professional man and woman. Please, spare me.

This could have been a really good, fun, sexy, satisfying romance, had the author been able to leave behind the nauseating treacle of previous generations. Too bad she couldn't or wouldn't.

[Jess Bishop · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve never read anything by this author before but this was a nice feel good summer read dwelling on friendships and love with a few ghosts thrown in for good measure. Laura’s brother commits suicide and her parents are no longer around, all she has is her quirky aunt Marge to keep her company. That is until Marge starts plaything Cupid with her niece and a nice young man called Austin who lives in her building. Austin has been involved in an accident which injured his leg pretty bad, lots of pain and rehabilitation to come which I think is portrayed perfectly in this book. He pushes people away and builds up walls around him, the same walls Laura has around herself. Their friendship develops in a highly unusual way when he hears the voice of her dead brother, is it just his pain medication or is there something unnatural going on? But can they both overcome their fears of letting their guard down to find happiness in each other.

[Daniell Marsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good story sprinkled throughout with humor. Always enjoy a story that has parts that make you smile or laugh. Liked how you see both characters grow stronger by helping each other when they weren’t sure about helping themselves. Both faces hardships and sometimes weren’t sure how to get past them to see any light at the end of the tunnel, yet with help when didn’t know they needed was able too. The author was able to do this in manner that you traveled with them and felt their up and down’s with them. A story that drew you in and kept you there till the end. Haven’t read other books by this author but after enjoying this one will be on the lookout for more of her works. I did receive an ARC from Hidden Gems for an honest review.

[Lynda Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This isn't anything too new or strange nor startling but it isn't nasty and we all need a feel-good story from time to time, and this is one. I enjoyed it, even though my usual reading fare is full of murder and mayhem as a rule.
I liked both of the main characters and I was rooting for them to sort their differences out.
A few sentences here and there lost punctuation, whether a comma or speechmarks and sometimes the odd word....however, no worse than many e-books.
I smiled when Laura didn't quite mute Jack and Diane on her car radio as it is made to be played loud, that toon, and shouted along with.......brought back nice memories.
I'd not read this author before but will do again. We all need a bit of cheesiness in our lives now and then !!

[Christine Allan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the characters. The banter between Laura and Austin, is like warring brother and sister. Made me smile as the dialogue between them is playful but real. A refreshing reminder of life’s hiccups and self doubts!

Laura had lost a lot of people in her life and refuses to start a proper relationship as she thinks that everyone leaves her. She is not prepared for Austin.

Austin needs his independence after a car crash, changes his life. He sees no hope for the future, until Laura is pushed into his life by her Aunt Marge.

Marge lives across the hall from Her new neighbour. Marge likes to meddle. She introduces them in the hope that they can help each other to heal.

A great book, well written with believable characters, highly recommend!!

[Dawn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Austin is recovering from a car accident and is still having pain from nerve damage in his leg. Laura's aunt lives across the hall from him so it was only a matter of time before they ran into each other. After receiving an injury like Austin's, Laura's brother decided to commit suicide leaving her devastated. These two emotionally and physically damaged people lean on each other while learning to live and love again.

I really liked the concept of this story. Austin was a great character who felt real. Laura had her moments, but I felt like her thoughts and actions conflicted with each other. The story also had a supernatural element that was fun but fizzled out near the end. It was a cute light read and I enjoyed it.

[Bette Stanek · Rating 4 out of 5]

Warning: This book will make you want to drink a good cup of coffee. Several times. If you are into perfectly flawed characters who struggle to overcome what life has dealt them this book is for you. If you are into quirky characters with no filter this book is for you. This could be for you if you are into just a little bit of paranormal activity. I’m not into paranormal but how Beck handled it made it just right for me. Talk to Me is a wonderful story of struggle and recovery to find a new normal. Wonderful characters make the story a joy to read.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really, really enjoyed this book - it wasn't that it was perfectly written (although it was written well) or that it was immediately attention-grabbing, but because it just felt like a friend. So easy to read, with genuine characters that I felt connected to and a lovely story that weaved love, commitment, grief, and fear together. I'd definitely like to read more of Roseanne Beck's books as this was so enjoyable and brought peace and cosiness to my evenings.

[CJ Mills · Rating 4 out of 5]

Handicap accessible

lots of fun. People who have been so damaged by life that they don't believe in themselves. Laura and Austin's snarky remarks to each other (never hurtful) made this book fun for me. There was so much dialogue that I could that the narration was in the present tense. I hate stories in the present tense!
Of course, most stories in the present tense aren't done as engagingly as this one.

[Julie Rodgers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good feel book a must read

From the very first page it had me, read it in one day, only broke off because I had things to do that couldn't wait. Such a lovely couple, Austin and Laura and their story is sad but so real I am sure and I love a happy ending when true love is bound by a friendship like theirs. Giving each other hope there is life after tragedy. Very funny book too, especially Marge

[J.E. Rowney · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cute little chick lit novel. It kept me mostly entertained, and if you don’t take it too seriously you’ll probably enjoy it.

Laura is getting over her brother’s suicide (if you need the TW); Austin is recovering from an accident that’s left him unable to walk properly but able, somehow, to communicate with the dead.

Predictably they flirt and get it together and, well, you know how this kind of novel goes, right?

Marshmallow for the hot chocolate of your mind.

[Diana Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first time reading this author and I LOVED Austin and Laura!!! I cried, I laughed and had angry outbursts too. But this book is fantastic.

Of course, both of them had to work through their own problems but it's real like no other romance novel I've read. Real problems. I sympathized with each of them and Ms. Beck wrote amazing vivid memorable characters. I have enjoyed reading this book and hope to one day read more from this author because her books are real and yet so fun.

[Monika Wojcik · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a nice story with a twist

So she has some baggage. He does not travel light either. And yet being friends make things a bit easier. Just friends, nothing more. More is way too scary.... Likeable characters, funny dialogues plus some important life issues approached make it a good read.