1897 Tokyo is no different than anywhere else in the men are exploiting women. Specifically, Western men are exploiting Japanese women, and Suki Malveaux holds no punches in her condemnation of their behavior in her weekly column in the Tokyo Daily News.
Suki knows firsthand when Western men arrive at Tokyo Bay there’s only one outcome for Japanese a child and new mother left behind as nothing more than discarded shrapnel from the heartless war on love.
Griffith Spenser is her latest target. He’s been seen with Natsu Watanabe, one of Tokyo’s esteemed war widows. Under full anonymity of the moniker “The Tokyo Tattler,” Suki makes sure Griffith knows exactly why his behavior with Natsu won’t be tolerated.
Away from her Japanese mask as a columnist, Suki never intended to meet the cad. When he seeks her out to hire as a tutor for his niece and nephew, she’s faced with seeing him day in and day out without him ever knowing who she really is.
Caught in her struggle for anonymity so she can keep battling for women’s rights, Suki’s about to learn the full impact of her words on the people behind the story, especially on Griff.
Heather writes contemporary short romance and historical romance set in Meiji-era Japan. She has a doctoral degree in cultural anthropology, which comes in handy for navigating life in Tokyo where she lives with her family.
Things Heather loves include weather forecasts (gotta be prepared), Baltimore Ravens and the O’s (hometown loves), and spending time outdoors.
Feel free to chat her up on Instagram and Facebook, or send an email heather@heatherhallman.com.
Overall: 4.5 rounded to ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Plot/Storyline: 📖📖📖📖 Feels: 🦋🦋🦋🦋 Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔💔 Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡⚡ Romance: 💞💞💞💞 Sensuality: 💋💋💋💋 Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑 Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥 Humor: Yes, some light humor Perspective: Third person from both hero and heroine, though it’s more time with the heroine
(These are all personal preference on a scale of 1-5 (yours ratings may vary depending what gives you feels and how you prefer you sex scenes written, etc) except the Steam Scale which follows our chart from The Ton and Tartans Book Club )
Should I read in order? It’s not necessary but there is a short story titled Scandals of Tokyo that is a prequel to this story – Ned is the hero, and he is a character in this story.
Basic plot: Griff is anticipating his wards arrival in Japan and seeks Suki’s help as a teacher to assist in their education and learning the language. He has no idea Suki already has some assumptions about him due to her scandal column in the Tokyo Daily news. Suki is trying to turn her gossip column into a more serious journalism opportunity and she finds some unexpected help with Griff.
Give this a try if you want: - Tsukiji, Tokyo setting in 1897 - Secret writer/working women trope - English, divorced hero/Japanese-French independent but innocent heroine - Secret identity - Slow burn feel - Lower steam – kisses and 2 full scenes - Working together on a cause (kind of a mystery?)
Ages: - Hero is 31, heroine is 23
My thoughts: I have been SO EXCITED about this story! I love that it brings us to Japan (I have been begging for more Asian romance settings and have only seen a handful of suggestions) and that unique time period of Meiji era. Japan has opened her borders and is on the cusp of many changes within its culture.
Hallman does a wonderful job of immersing us in the land, scenery and culture. Subtly woven into events, observations and discussions it flows so you can envision the beautiful carp streamers, traditional dress, and cherry blossoms. I loved these aspects of the story, adored leaving the London scene I’ve been in for so many stories.
Griff is our hero. Rumors surround him since his wife left him soon after their move to Japan. Now he’s been seen around town with a war widow and Suki makes some assumptions about his character and relationship perhaps a bit unfairly due to her own background. Griff turns out to be one of the sweetest heroes, strong yet gentle, and I really fell for him.
Suki is such a unique heroine and I adored her. She writes a gossip column under the Tokyo Tattler but dreams of more prestigious stories. She also teaches at a school and speaks French, Japanese, and English. She’s hardworking, funny, kind and caring.
Something I really found refreshing about this book was nothing quite happened the way I thought it would. Some romances can feel predictable after awhile, and I’ll be honest, with some of the secrets these two had going on I brought some assumptions forward about what would happen and was happy to get a more unexpected story.
This story I found to be fun, smart, sweet, engaging, and a bit adventurous. I found the ending to have a unique resolution and I loved the couple’s tenacity to solve their mystery. I am totally going to be following this series.
Here’s a few random parts that I wanted to note from the book
I love historical fiction so this book was right up my street - for some reason I've never read historical fiction set in japan so this was really exciting and I loved it.
The writing was so engaging with vivid descriptions and rich imagery that made me feel I was right there. I really enjoyed the storyline, it was a compelling read and the characters were well developed and believable and some of them I really liked. I would have liked more backstory about some of the characters so I am keeping my fingers crossed that another book will follow that ties that in.
I really enjoyed this read and if you like historical fiction or reading about different countries. This is definitely a read you should check out ♥️♥️
This is the story of Suki Malveaux, a young woman who is half Japanese, half French, and determined to her dream of being an investigative journalist come true, and Griffith Spenser, a westerner who might be the help she needs to finish her article. It could also mean the end of Suki’s career.
Well written and attention to detail. Held my attention.
Fed up of reading regency style romances? How about one set in 1890s Tokyo instead? Hallman is to be commended for doing something different for the setting. However, if you’re hoping for a novel featuring geishas etc., this novel isn’t it. It’s set mainly in the expat Tokyo community where the main characters are English, French, French/Japanese and American with a few minor Japanese characters.
The story revolves around Suki, (“I hate foreign men as they all betray and leave”) and Griff (an Englishman who likes Tokyo) falling for each other. I will own that explicit Romances aren’t my cup of tea but these two did seem to fall for each other quite quickly - perhaps prolonging the mutual recognition would work better.
The novel is also one of two halves - the first is romance and the second is a (rushed) mystery-cum-murder-mystery. I enjoyed the second half far more and would have liked more of Suki’s investigation - a sequel of Suki the detective/investigative journalist would be great.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Tokyo Whispers This is book two to the prequel. Although I haven’t read the prequel I really enjoyed being taken to a new place full of new exciting characters. Although a bit of a difficult read at first as you come to terms with how men continue to treat women no matter where in the world you are. Suki is strong independent and outside of the usual female example. She has complete determination in her job role to put Western Men in their place. Everything from her job, personality, style and attitude just pops out of the pages.
The historical element on this built with women’s right’s was warming and so raw and real. I was not expecting the romance to grow in this with the beliefs and inspirations Suki was living her life by. However, the build up is strong. Although quite a long read there’s not a moment you want to pause. I was so taken aback at the detail of everything the emotions especially stuck with me and the writing style was gorgeous. There was so many moments that were just educational that really get you thinking about life in Japan during this era.
It was lovely reading about how the cultures came together with strength and weaknesses. Not every one should be given the same label as others. I really enjoyed the secrets coming to life I enjoyed wondering if forgiveness can really be forgotten I loved the back story to each of the main characters. It’s been a while since I’ve truly had the patience to completely invest in an historical fiction. This one has blown me away completely.
Return with Hallman to sumptuous and scandalous Tsukiji, the foreign quarter of Meiji-era Tokyo, and meet Suki Malveaux, a young woman who is half Japanese, half French, and all determination when it comes to her dream of being an investigative journalist, and Griffith Spenser, the westerner who might be the key to completing her article, and the end of Suki's career all wrapped in one, delicious package.
The two leads are on a collision course as their cultures, preconceptions, and passions tangle in Hallman’s sweeping tale of lies, truths, and love that can see past both. Lush in setting and rich in characterization, Hallman makes 1897 Tokyo glitter with diamonds, cut glass, and broken tinsel as her characters traverse the social strata and a political minefield while Suki pursues her story and Griff pursues her.
Written with a loving attention to detail, Hallman knows her time and place intimately, and it shows in every line. Talk of Tokyo is a fast read with a lot to say about society, women, and progress. Lucky for us, it also happens to be a delicious read by a gifted wordsmith who will, hopefully, be bringing us stories from the land of the rising sun for years to come.
A rich, dramatic historical romance with many a spark and a story that'll tangle up your heartstrings.
This book begins with Suki Malveaux visiting Griffith Spenser's house believing that he's realised that she is the author of a gossip column that has dragged his reputation through the mud. When she realises that he does not in fact know who she is, she is both pleased and confused because she seems to be developing feelings for him and realising that her column is entirely wrong about him.
Firstly, the setting was beautifully described. All the Japanese cultural aspects, from the decadent food to the graceful clothing, from the simple yet extravagant architecture to the deeply respectful mannerisms. Since the book involves main characters who are not Japanese, i.e., French Marcelle and British Griffith, it brings out an interesting juxtaposition between various cultures.
Secondly, the feminist aspects of this book are subtle yet evident to anyone looking for them. Suki aspires to be a journalist and works undeterred to achieve her goal and Marcelle is much more feminine and flirtatious and wants to be a modiste. The way that this book lauds both women, one trying to enter a male-dominated field and another trying to make a name for herself in a clearly feminine profession, is very inspirational.
Thirdly, the plot itself is quite interesting. Most historical romances focus heavily on the romance and leave out any semblance of a plot. Griffith falling for Suki without knowing that she is one of his enemies was a thrilling and emotion-charged plot.
Fourthly, it was refreshing to have an intelligent, perceptive female main character for a change.
Finally, the part that let me down in this book is the romance. It began beautifully, with both characters hesitant and adorably shy. But, in my opinion, it developed too quickly. The characters seem to fall in lust but termed it love, which is one of my pet peeves. Suki changes her mind about Griffith being an evil foreign seducer too quickly.
I would recommend this book to any lover of historical romance novels. This is also only a book for people over the age of 16 as it has some consensual and non-consensual sexual aspects.
Trigger Warning: Sexual assault. It is a small mention but with quite a bit of detail.
After reading the prequel to this series, I was excited to know these characters more, and Talk of Tokyo didn’t disappoint! This series overall was a slightly more explicit and sensually focused than I’d had originally expected, but again after the prequel, I had a better idea of this author’s writing style, and found I enjoyed this one!
I found it interesting that we get to meet some of the side-characters introduced in Scandals of Tokyo instead of jumping right to the MCs in the prequel. In this one we meet Suki and Griffith. Not at all a pairing I’d first expected to work out, but I loved how their story plays into the culture and history of Japan in the 1890’s and seeing how their interracial relationship was also affected by those things.
There is only one ‘sex’ scene in this one, although we know it’s been building for much of the book by the time it actually happens. There are body parts mentioned though, which I only mention as I know some readers (romance and otherwise) rather use ‘code names’ instead of the actual names in steamy scenes, but nothing unexpected in a sensual romance. Along with the romance the theme of newspaper journalists, often focusing on the female journalists showing how their gender is also seen in the role.
I loved seeing Suki (along with being half French, half Japanese) find her place as this story goes on, and seeing both her reporter story and her romance with Griffith are affected by the events that unfold! I haven’t seen many stories like this one that combine Japanese culture, a historical setting, and newspaper reporters from around the world calling Tokyo home in the late 1800s, I must say, it’s an interesting idea and I’m loving how this series is coming along!
Heartfelt thanks to @lovebookstours for the free ebook for an honest review.
I haven't read the first installment and hence began the book with no expectations.
The story is set in Japan of 1890s where changing socio political scenario forms a background for a love story between a mixed race Japanese and a foreigner. Suki,our female lead is a school teacher by profession who harbours a desire to be a journalist and hence is penning a gossip column in the newspaper to prove her worth. Griffith Spensor is a tradesman settled in Japan who is the latest target of Suki.But what happens when Spensor proves he is not a heartbreaker and Suki finds out the harsh reality of life ...
What i 😍 The prejudices against mixed race Japanese ,abuse of Japanese women by foreigners and discrimination against women are some of the socio political issues woven in the storyline.Suki,who is a headstrong modern woman is one of the best characters I've read this year.The chemistry between the lead pair is a showstealer and improves throughout the storyline.The book being fast paced ,is a slump breaker and a light-hearted romance to lighten the mood.
I loved that this story was set in Japan at the turn of the 20th century and featured both Japanese and “foreign” characters. I enjoyed the strong female characters and that the hero was worthy of the heroine. While the novel was mostly well written, it felt kind of bland and mechanical. There was needless repetition and there was far too much explicit storytelling. I would’ve liked to see more and be told less. There was an odd detachment that resulted from the stilted narration. Despite the intriguing storyline, there was little tension built either through the plot or the relationship between the H and h. I’m still planning to read the next instalment in the hopes that the style improves.
In 1897 Tokyo, Suki Malveaux is straddling two worlds, the traditional Japan she grew up in and the modern Japan she's determined to be a part of. Raised by a single Japanese mother after her French father deserts them, she writes the gossipy Tokyo Tattler column in the local newspaper as a way to warn Japanese women of the dangers of foreign men and as training to become a journalist. When she's introduced to Griffith Spenser, a British businessman whose English wife left him a year ago and who is currently conducting an affair with a famous Japanese war widow, the attraction between them is immediate. Unfortunately, Griff is one of the foreign rakes the Tokyo Tattler has been writing about. As they work together to expose a corrupt baron, their secrets come to light and they must find a way to forgive and move forward. Heather Hallman does an excellent job of interweaving the interesting history and culture of the time and place with an entertaining love story.
I dont usually appreciate historical fiction but I was intrigued to learn more about this time in Japanese history and I was very pleasantly surprised. The storytelling sweeps you up from the very beginning and you just don't know where the tale will go. Suki is a very modern woman in historical Japan, her character is very forward and at times I wondered if she wasn't perhaps too confident for the time period but she had to have a certain pushiness about her to accomplish her goals. I would have liked more about how the foreign companies were expanding in Japan that built this Tsukiji they lived in and how that shaped Japan at the time. Some really interesting characters that I think could be thoroughly explored in a further series around this time in Tokyo. Really well written, a great read.
Talk of Tokyo sees us in 1897 Japan- following the ambitious Teacher Suki who doubles as a gossip columnist in the Tokyo Tattler- while soon hopefully becoming a full fledge journalist.
Then talk of the town- the rouge Griffith Spenser- comes to her to help tutor his niece and nephew who have recently lost their parents. Suki relents and soon has the learn the full story behind a man she hasn’t written the best way about.
Not going to lie I struggled with this one. Despite my love for historical romances I couldn’t get into this one as much as I would have liked.
I don’t think I resonated with the main two characters. I adore Suki’s wariness to Griffith- and she has very justifiable reasons- but she seemed to fall a bit too quickly for my liking.
It’s not badly written but I just didn’t have the tension and fun as I have had with others.
Talk of Tokyo was a beautifully written story. I always enjoy stories with women fighting for their rights, for their place in this world. To be seen as more than a wife and mother. I'd like to think that someone like Suki existed in her time. Someone like her paved the way for women to live their dream. To have their own voice. These women are just as important for today.
This book is a reminder that things are never as they seem. People may be different than we expected them to be because reputation can often be misleading.
This is the first I have read from Heather Hallman, but it won't be the last.
Thank you Heather Hallman and Love Books Tour for the opportunity to read and review this story.
his book starting off has a beautiful cover it just makes my heart happy. I am not going to lie I did read book one just because it is in my nature. I can't just pick up a book in the middle of a series and start reading.
The character development in these books was incredible. I feel like I know them on a personal level. The fact that she talks about the characters past and present makes me happy because I feel like I can envision the character.
I think everyone in some point of their life has had a person that has spread some rumor or told a lie about them. The fact that this book does it so tastefully that it makes me wonder if I should be mad or not haha.
I think these stories are just the right amount love, life, drama, and sexiness (not to give any spoilers).
Suki comes across as a strong female character willing to work twice as hard as those around her to follow her dreams. She has an instant attraction to Griff which at first I was thinking would be a slow burn but it all happened quickly. Natsu was a tad bit over the top but how Griff handled her was better than I would have to be sure. She didn’t have much depth to her though. I found the story enjoyable and well written the only put off was when Griff called his male parts Dixie that was a bit of cringe but that’s all.
A historical romance, taking place in Japan during the late 1800’s. I was excited to read this book and was not disappointed. The history of Japan and the eloquent wording had me turning the pages quickly. A I devoured this book – the story line and characters are memorable and well-written. Suki Malveaux, the main female character, proved to be not only smart but independent. I love a good, strong female character! She’s not without flaws and there is a lesson for her to learn in this story. I received and eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
A wonderful, engrossing story that was beautifully written. Suki and Griffith were strong and fascinating characters with a lovely chemistry. The descriptions of Japanese culture and traditions were so vivid. An enchanting read full of mystery and suspense. I absolutely loved it. I received a free copy and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I enjoy reading historical period pieces. Especially stories from different counties. If you’re a fan of historical fiction, romance, and a touch of suspense. This is the book is for you. The author does a great job helping the reader imagine the time and the backdrop of this era. This is another great read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is a amazing book with plenty of drama mystery. The characters are amazing. The writing style is amazing the author had gong through allot of research for this book. It deals with migration and politics and how Tokyo have developed has a country. It’s a great story you love.
Talk of Tokyo is a really good story with an unusual setting… Tokyo in 1897 and the interaction of the Japanese and the foreigners from different countries. Most importantly, it’s a love story that succeeds in this world.
Suki is of mixed heritage, Japanese and French who has ambitions to be a professional newspaper reporter… right now she writes a gossip column called the Tokyo Tattler.. anonymously. Naturally this reminds me of Penelope in Romancing Mr Bridgerton by Julia Quinn. She accidentally meets Griffith Spenser, a wealthy British businessman, and they’re attracted to each other.
The story was slow at the beginning, then halfway thru it took off when it focused on a mystery, and when Suki’s identity was revealed… just like what happened to Penelope in the Bridgerton book. Minor quibble … there were parts that did not seem credible such as when Suki and her friend dressed up as harlots, and went to a luxury hotel to spy on men in the public areas for her gossip column. Really? However, I did find the slow burn romance completely credible and lovely!
The author’s excellent background information about Japan, and especially Tokyo shines thru and won me over to the book. All in large part because I spent two weeks in Japan in March 2025, and visited some of the places mentioned.., Uneo Park for example. Looking forward to the next book in the series!
I love this 'trope': mystery/hidden identity. This has so many intricacies that are well written and you fall in love with the culture. It felt as though you are reading a tabloid but understanding the people behind it. I loved the way they came up on each other, and the way she holds her own in her life and career was so fulfilling. I need some of her courage!
This book took me by surprise! When I originally signed up to read this I’m going to be honest, I was not expecting much. However, I ended up really enjoying the way the story progressed and this is not a setting I have ever read about before. Is it realistic? I’m not really sure but I did really appreciate the feminism from Suki and the atmosphere the writing created. I love reading about Asian history/fantasy and this was a pretty good representation of that. This book had an interesting plot and setting which seems to be the main reason why I enjoyed this book. I didn't really like the romance plot as I found it to be too insta-love/lust and I’m not a big fan of that. There isn’t much of a slow burn and I would have liked to see their relationship develop a bit longer. Overall it was a good read, and I would recommend it if you like historical romances and don’t mind insta-love!
I have to say I was not sure if I would like this book but once I started reading it and was able to read it from the very beginning to the very end and I have to say that it was a good book and I enjoyed it very much the story line and character built up was quite good and the interplay was fantastic and these are my opinons. I received this book for free thru an Advanced Review Copy, ARC, with an honest review freely given.
Talk of Tokyo by @heatherhallman_author is fantastic!
If you're a Bridgerton fan, look no further, this is the book for you. I am only a semi fan, if you can call yourself that, but I loved this book and it gave me some major regency vibes! Talk of Tokyo tells the story of an undercover gossip columnist (hence the bridgerton feels), Suki, who begins to fall for one of the foreign men who her column often calls out for being flippant in their love affairs with Japanese women, only to inevitably abandon them to return home at some point. Suki begins to see though that Griff is not quite the person her column has depicted him to be, and that maybe he is someone she might want to pursue, as long as he doesn't get in the way of her dreams of being a full-fledged journalist (and for a female in the late 1800s, that's not an easy feat).
This one is definitely a slow burn romance but there are lots of steamy scenes in the latter half of the book. The historical fiction romance brings in lots of interesting details about Japan during the 1890s and what life for the foreign and domestic members of the elite classes was like. I really liked both the female lead and her romantic interest, Griff, who was also the main character in some chapters, though it wasn't a classic alternate narration after each chapter situation (which I'm happy about!)
I would 100% recommend this one and I will definitely have to go back and read the prequel. I also heard a little rumour about another #TokyoWhispers book coming out soon! Thanks to @netgalley the publisher @boroughspubgrp for giving me the chance to read and review this fantastic book!
This book was definitely not a favorite. It was very slow and I didn't like the FMC's gossipy nature. I tried to like this book because of its setting, but it was just not for me. I didn't even read it finish. I tried to read it and when I reached 50%, I gave up