Monday, February 22, 2021

Review: The Ex Talk by Rachel Lynn Solomon

 

The Ex Talk by Rachel Lynn Solomon
Publication Date: January 26th 2021 by Berkley & Penguin Audio
Pages: 352
Source: Publisher & purchased audio copy
Narrator: Emily Ellet 
Audio Length: 10 hrs 52 minutes
Rating: ½
Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Audible | Goodreads

My Thoughts:
I thought The Ex Talk would be a fun enemies-to-lovers romance, but I ended up getting a deeper, emotional story and I loved it! There was fun, clever banter as I hoped for but loneliness, grief, and sexism in the workplace were also featured.

Shay and Dominic had the most wonderful slow burn, reluctant attraction that built into a seriously hot romance! Ms. Solomon’s sharp and witty dialogue made this such a delightfully fun read. I can’t wait to see what she comes up with next!

I alternately read and listened to the book and Emily Ellet’s narration was poignant where deeper emotions were on page, but light and fun with great comedic timing in the funnier parts. I really enjoyed it! I listened at 1.5x the normal speed.

4.5 Stars

Goodreads Description:
Public radio co-hosts navigate mixed signals in Rachel Lynn Solomon's sparkling romantic comedy debut.

Shay Goldstein has been a producer at her Seattle public radio station for nearly a decade, and she can't imagine working anywhere else. But lately it's been a constant clash between her and her newest colleague, Dominic Yun, who's fresh off a journalism master's program and convinced he knows everything about public radio.

When the struggling station needs a new concept, Shay proposes a show that her boss green-lights with excitement. On The Ex Talk, two exes will deliver relationship advice live, on air. Their boss decides Shay and Dominic are the perfect co-hosts, given how much they already despise each other. Neither loves the idea of lying to listeners, but it's this or unemployment. Their audience gets invested fast, and it's not long before The Ex Talk becomes a must-listen in Seattle and climbs podcast charts.

As the show gets bigger, so does their deception, especially when Shay and Dominic start to fall for each other. In an industry that values truth, getting caught could mean the end of more than just their careers.


20 comments:

  1. I love it when a book delivers even more than I expected. Even though I'm not a fan of deception as a plot device, this sounds like a good one and I've seen a lot of rave reviews. So glad you enjoyed it!

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    1. I'm not a fan of that plot device as well, so I was wondering if I'd have issues with the story. It was handled in a way that didn't stress me out much so I was able to sink into the romance/relationship. Thanks, Tanya!

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  2. Love that you got more and it went deeper. I love that the backdrop is the radio station and they had some good banter.

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    1. Yes! The radio. Brings back some fond memories of listening to radio performances with my family late at night. The banter was a lot of fun!

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  3. I want to read this! Everyone's been singing its praises, and you know I can never turn down a good enemies to lovers trope!

    Lovely review, Rachel!

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    1. Yep, I saw a rave review on it and so even though I was initially going to pass on this one I went back and grabbed it up. Glad I did!

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  4. Interesting that it gave you more than what you expected, and it was all good

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  5. I've been wondering if this book was any good. Now I know. :)

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  6. I really enjoyed this one also. It had such a fresh environment I thought. Excellent review Rachel!

    Anne - Books of My Heart

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  7. Didn't Solomon do an incredible job with the loneliness. That was one of the things that really stood out for me in this book. So glad you liked it!

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    1. She really did a fabulous job with some of the deeper emotions and in a way that didn't drag the story down or make it depressing. Thanks! Me too!

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  8. Glad you really enjoyed this one! And how fun you got a bit more than you expected - in a good way. I am curious about this one.

    -Lauren
    www.shootingstarsmag.net

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  9. Slow burns can be hit or miss for me, but this one just sounds amazing! I have to give it a shot!
    Genesis @ Whispering Chapters

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  10. I have heard great things about this book and am thrilled to see that you enjoyed it. I am going to have to give it a try at some point.

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  11. I can see why you would like this one.

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