The Ex Talk by Rachel Lynn Soloman

Kaceey’s Review:

Shay Goldstein has dreamed of being on public radio her whole life. To follow in her late father’s footsteps. But despite years of dedication and sacrifice, finds herself on the other side of the booth producing rather than presenting.

When younger male hotshot Dominic Yun is instead presented the opportunity to sit in front of the microphone, Shay is absolutely dumbstruck. She has been passed over once again.

But maybe Karma is intervening. When the station becomes mired in financial trouble, they desperately need a Hail Mary to bring back listeners and revitalize the failing radio station. Well, well, well…Shay seizes this unexpected gift and concocts a brilliant plan! Ok, maybe not so brilliant… but it’s sure to work, right…!?💁🏻‍♀️

A new talk show featuring two former lovers dispensing relationship advice. Now Shay finds herself in front of the microphone with none other than young Dominic. Did they date in the past you ask? Well no. Are they truly ex’s? Well once again the answer would have to be no. But as long as no one finds out and they rescue the station it’s just a harmless little white-lie. So… we’ll need everyone to 🤫

This was a cute rom-com that had a fabulous premise. The characters on their own were a bit lacking for me but the chemistry between Shay and Dominic more than made up for it.

A rom-com weekend buddy read with Susanne!

Thank you to Berkley Publishing for an ARC to read and review.

Susanne’s Review:

Desperate times call for Extremely Desperate Measures!  

That means Faking It.

Shay Goldstein and Dominic Yun work at Pacific Public Radio.  Shay has been a Producer for 10 years, and Dominic is a Journalist. When news that their station is about to go under hits, Shay comes up with an idea for a new show she refers to as “The Ex Talk.”  Ex’s who are now friends and give relationship advice on air.  Her boss however, has an even better idea.  Since Shay and Dominic don’t get along but have insane chemistry he thinks they should pose as Ex’s on air and co-host the show together.  

Faking a relationship and a break up just for a Radio Show?  Let the games begin!

What starts off as a job, of course becomes something else entirely when the Sparks Fly between these two!

Sassy, sexy and full of witty banter, this rom com, made me laugh and smile.  It also dealt with a few serious issues which gave me pause.  While I enjoyed this book, I do wish that Shay had been portrayed as a stronger more self-assured woman from the very beginning as I feel it would have lent to the strength of the novel and I would have enjoyed it a tad more.  All in all however, this was a fun sweet read that kept me entertained. 

Another buddy read with Kaceey!

Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group, NetGalley and Rachel Lynn Soloman for the arc.

Published on Goodreads on 1.31.21.