Review: Weather Girl by Rachel Lynn Solomon

 

Weather Girl by Rachel Lynn Solomon

Publication Date: January 11th 2022 by Berkley & Penguin Audio

Pages: 352

Source: Publisher & Purchased Audiobook

Rating: ★★★★½

Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Audible | Kobo | Goodreads

My Thoughts:

Ari Abrams thought it was a dream come true when she was hired as a TV weatherwoman at KSEA to work alongside her idol, Torrance Hale, the famous Seattle weather broadcaster. Ari’s loved the weather even since she can remember but working with Torrance has been less than ideal. Instead of getting the mentoring she wanted, Torrance is too caught up bickering with her ex-husband, Seth Hale, one of the manager’s at KSEA.

However, at Christmas/holiday party, Ari witnesses a moment of longing between Torrance and Seth before it all goes to hell. When their fighting reaches a crescendo, Ari teams up with sportscaster, Russell Barringer to help get Torrance and Seth back together again hoping to eliminate the toxic work environment the Hale’s have created.

Soon Ari and Russell are meeting up, making plans, and getting closer.  Ari’s always found Russell attractive, but she’s surprised how easy it is to confide in him and just be herself. Struggling with depression it’s not something Ari’s had an easy time of in the past.

Ari was such sweet, spunky, and likable character!  Her struggles with depression felt real and honest. Being raised by a mother who didn’t want to acknowledge her own depression, at the detriment of her kids and relationships, made Ari hesitant to open up about her condition. But with Russell Ari didn’t feel like she always had to be the bright and shiny version of herself.

I adored Russell, too! He was a sweetheart, but he had his own issues, as most of us do. I loved that they helped each other overcome some of the self-doubts and insecurities that came with each their histories.

As a side point, I’m a little obsessed with the weather, and like Ari, I’m gleeful when it rains. I find the clouds and rain mesmerizing, so I loved all the weather talk, especially being set in Seattle where it rains a bunch. I guess that comes from living in Southern California where rain is a rarity! I’ve been told I wouldn’t feel the same way if I actually lived in the Pacific Northwest, but I’ll never believe it, lol!

Weather Girl was such a delightful story that filled me with joy! The romance was slow burn and with oodles of chemistry, but it also felt true to life. Neither Ari or Russell was portrayed as perfect, physically, or otherwise and it made their romance more relatable.

This is the second Rachel Lynn Solomon story I’ve read and loved! I look forward to whatever she comes up with next!

 4.5 Stars

Book Description:

A TV meteorologist and a sports reporter scheme to reunite their divorced bosses with unforecasted results in this charming romantic comedy from the author of The Ex Talk.

Ari Abrams has always been fascinated by the weather, and she loves almost everything about her job as a TV meteorologist. Her boss, legendary Seattle weatherwoman Torrance Hale, is too distracted by her tempestuous relationship with her ex-husband, the station’s news director, to give Ari the mentorship she wants. Ari, who runs on sunshine and optimism, is at her wits’ end. The only person who seems to understand how she feels is sweet but reserved sports reporter Russell Barringer.

In the aftermath of a disastrous holiday party, Ari and Russell decide to team up to solve their bosses’ relationship issues. Between secret gifts and double dates, they start nudging their bosses back together. But their well-meaning meddling backfires when the real chemistry builds between Ari and Russell.

Working closely with Russell means allowing him to get to know parts of herself that Ari keeps hidden from everyone. Will he be able to embrace her dark clouds as well as her clear skies?