I am unashamedly a Real Housewives fan. It is entertainment that does not require much critical thinking and offers pure escapism. So when a book lands that is connected to that universe, it immediately piques my interest. Although I grew tired of Lisa Rinna towards the end of her time on the Beverly Hills series, she undeniably made great television. I went into You Better Believe I’m Gonna Talk About It expecting behind the scenes revelations and a peek beyond the fourth wall.

Spoiler alert. We did not really get that.

Each chapter is titled after one of her infamous quotes from the franchise, which is a clever framing device. She uses these lines as a springboard to explore themes from different points in her life. The glimpses into her pre fame years are interesting enough, but what you ultimately get is a short memoir that often feels like a running commentary on how ahead of her time she was or how she was the first to do this, that, or the other.

It is a memoir, so of course it presents one perspective. However, I expected more accountability. Rinna touches on the controversies that have riled fans over the years, but she tends to redirect responsibility elsewhere. While she understandably references the grief of losing her mother, which is deeply personal and significant, there is a sense that too much weight is placed on external circumstances before any meaningful self reflection.

If you are hoping for juicy behind the scenes gossip about the Housewives franchise, this is not that book. Rinna takes swipes at former co stars in a way that reads more bitter than playful. Moments of body shaming a former cast member feel particularly uncomfortable given the long standing rumours about her own relationship with food and the very real struggles her daughter has faced. It comes across as hypocritical and it does not sit well.

The writing style is conversational, which could have worked. Instead, it often feels like listening to someone ramble. She moves from one topic to another without much structure, which disrupts the flow and gives the impression that there was no clear plan for each chapter. That said, her honesty about money, including near losses of her home and failed business ventures, is genuinely compelling. The franchise trades on an image of wealth and gloss, so those moments of vulnerability feel refreshingly real.

Overall, it is not horrendous, but it is not especially enjoyable either. It lacks the bite and salaciousness the title promises and that Lisa Rinna herself built her brand upon. If you are after scandal, you would be better off looking up the most salacious quotes from this book online and saving yourself the time.

⭐️.5