The Right Words

by Meg Rosenthal

When a short story contest was announced with publication as the first-place prize, Ember Owens figured it could be the ticket to secure her future. As an added challenge, though, entrants must write their stories with a partner, and choose their genre from a hat. In a cruel twist of literary fate, Ember must now co-write a love story with Matt Callahan, a popular lacrosse player at her college who is incapable of feeling anything and isn't even an English major!
But when secrets from Matt's past are revealed, Ember's carefully crafted walls begin to crumble as she realizes he might not be the unfeeling guy she thought he was. Perhaps writing a love story is in her wheelhouse after all. However, if she can't make sense of the relationships she's known and redefine what love is, the contest - and Matt - may be lost to her.

Genres: Chick Lit

283 pages, Hardcover

Published March 1, 2022

About the author

Meg Rosenthal lives in Charlotte, North Carolina in a house decorated with vintage thrifts and fake plants. When she’s not moonlighting as a novelist, Meg can be found working her day-job as a professional horseback rider and trainer. She is an Ennegram Type 3 (The Achiever), has five tattoos, and never turns down a coffee with cream and Splenda.

Reviews

[Kendra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was super cute and heartfelt! The characters had depth that steadily progressed through the story for an emotional ride. Also, all of the literary terminology made my English major heart so happy!

[Leslie B · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one gets 5 stars because it is written by a former student of mine and I read the entire book with a smile on my face! So proud of Megan! An entertaining love story about characters I cared about.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok, so I’m not much of a romance fan, but I really enjoyed this story!! The main reason I don’t love romance novels is because the characters usually don’t feel real, but the two main characters of this book act and speak and think like actual people! Did I cringe every time Matt called her ‘kitten’? Yes. Did I want to shake Ember when she would make everything about herself without thinking of others? Yes. But I was rooting for these crazy kids the whole time! Also, I loved that I recognized the different settings throughout the book lol (Amelie’s macarons are the bestttt)

[S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Former student’s novel!

[Sadie Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited to start the book and expected a light and fun romance story as the synopsis suggested, but after Ember and Brynn’s argument and then the party, I was totally thrown for a loop! I was hooked since she first took Matt back to her home for the weekend and the ending wrapped up sooo nicely! I liked that the contest ended up being Brynn and Holly that won, because for once it wasn’t just complete success for the MC, but that she was able to grow and be happy for Brynn. I adore the way Matt and Ember ended up not perfect, but “good enough” for them. The characters were flawed and I loved it. The story-within-a-story concept sold the ending for me because it looped their concepts and themes from the contest story into their own lives and became “reality” for them.

The writing was vivid and detailed, while also being easy to read and not too much “fluff.” The chapters were short (which I love) and this book got me out of almost a 2 month reading slump!!

Contemporary is not my main genre and, in fact, I’ve actually only read 2 before this one. I’m having trouble putting my thoughts into words here, but I’ve already told all my friends to read this book and I think that speaks for itself!!

[Brenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a completely plot driven reader I am always skeptical of a romance focused book, but this truly had me staying up late to finish a few more chapters. What really drew me in was the dialogue. I felt like I was listening to REAL people talk and it made me so invested in their story. I was also hooked on the romance scenes because while they were tame, the tension and the description was *chefs kiss* 😍 cannot wait to read the next book by this author

[Sydney · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is one that I would recommend to others. It was well though out, fun, and quick to read. I really enjoyed the story line and could easily and vividly picture the characters in my head. I would, again, really recommend to anybody that enjoys a good romcom and wants a good book to read by the beach or pool.

[katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're looking for a super cute, heartfelt story then I definitely recommend this one! I do want to give a tw for mentions of assault towards the ending third of the story, just for those who may be impacted. I loved Matt and Ember's story. There's so much truth within these pages regarding overcoming trauma and grief and learning how to get past your own walls. Very much loved this!

[Mikayla Sengle · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Right Words is a charming, heartfelt novel that delves into the power of communication, both spoken and unspoken, in relationships. With a perfect blend of romance and emotional depth, this book explores the complexities of love, forgiveness, and personal growth, making it a must-read for fans of contemporary romance with meaningful character development!

[Lanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

despite this book taking me awhile (life got in the way and whatnot), this book is so. freaking. CUTE!! matt callahan is the definition of falling first and falling HARD! i was giggling and kicking my feet whenever ember and him had banter. i liked the growth of the characters, especially from ember.

i can’t wait to read the wingman next!
and whatever else meg has in store…

[Megan Soebke · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderfully written book full of depth and a captivating plot. With characters who draw you in, this is the perfect beach read. Would definitely recommend to rom-com lovers. Can’t wait for more from this author!!

[Catherine Cram · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the story and the words flowed beautifully off the pages. I’m a fan! Can’t wait for her next one.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read. Beautiful story. Well written. Highly recommended.

[Lauren Glase · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a cute book!! The perfect story to get me out of a reading slump. It was so fun getting to know each character, and it had me feeling so nostalgic for my college days. Much like this book’s main character, romance isn’t my go-to genre, but I still devoured this book in one day. I’d highly recommend this read!

[Kenzie Mayer · Rating 5 out of 5]

So fun, so flirty, so proud of Meg for writing this!! Thoughtful and well developed characters with plenty to reflect on

[Davenport Hatcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome read! Was swept away by the development of characters and was engaged throughout the entire read. Couldn't put it down!