Book Review: I’m Gonna Get You Back by Talia Hibbert
There’s something about a good story revolving around lost love and the quiet ache of unfulfilled potential that pulls at my heartstrings. When I first spotted I’m Gonna Get You Back by Talia Hibbert, I felt an uncanny connection to the protagonist, Frankie—a writer trying to navigate the tumultuous waters of heartbreak and self-doubt. It’s a book that promises a deep dive into the intricacies of being unseen—and let’s be real, who among us hasn’t wrestled with that feeling at some point?
At its core, I’m Gonna Get You Back is a poignant exploration of longing and vulnerability. Frankie is a character that quickly burrowed her way into my heart. As a fellow writer, it’s impossible not to feel her pain in the aftermath of a failed book and the heartbreak of a love that seems to echo in the empty chambers of memory. Watching her grapple with her fears—both of her craft and her worth—felt like looking into a mirror. Her struggle to find her voice speaks not just to writers but to anyone who has felt sidelined by their own life.
Enter Turner, the childhood friend turned lost love, who reappears with a blend of awkward nostalgia and unspoken sentiments. Their reunion is as delicate as it is powerful, akin to “walking barefoot on glass”—a metaphor that beautifully encapsulates their shared history. The way Hibbert captures their interplay, filled with the weight of what remains unspoken, is masterful. A simple look or hesitant conversation feels loaded, a testament to the time they’ve lost. It’s the kind of tension that any fan of childhood sweethearts can appreciate, but I couldn’t help but wish for more room to explore this emotional depth.
As much as I adored the premise, there were moments when the structure held it back. As a novella, the pacing felt too rushed for the emotional journey at hand. The longing and the hesitation are present, but it needed just a few more chapters to truly breathe and resonate. I found myself yearning for the full-force impact that longer narratives can provide—a deeper dive into Frankie’s psyche, a more exhaustive brush with Turner’s emotional landscape. The more I read, the more I wished to linger in those moments of beautiful imperfection.
Now, there’s also a stalker subplot that injects tension into the story, yet I felt it somewhat eclipsed the real conflict at play: Frankie’s exhausting battle to feel worthy of love, safety, and success. This felt at odds with the softer emotional tones of their uncharted relationship, diverting focus when it could have deepened the exploration of Frankie’s vulnerabilities.
Despite its brevity, I’m Gonna Get You Back is undeniably a quiet triumph with its achingly relatable themes. It’s a reminder that the basic human experiences of love and longing, while fraught, are undeniably beautiful in their imperfections.
I’d recommend this book to anyone who has ever felt overlooked or battles with self-doubt—especially fellow writers and readers of contemporary romance. While it may not fully satisfy those cravings for a sprawling narrative, it certainly leaves a lasting impression that lingers long after the final page is turned. It’s a journey of rediscovering oneself through the labyrinth of past loves, the perfect read for those who believe that sometimes, we need to be seen—by others, and by ourselves.