Thank you Berkley for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review. The ex talk is a really fun romcom about two people who work for a radio station create a new show pretending to be exes giving advice to couples who are having issues in their relationships. I like the idea of a fake dating / exes theme. I thought that it flowed really well. I liked that it deals with a loss of a parent, new family dynamics, going through changes, and falling in love with the last person you thought you could. I also like that the characters are diverse, it brings other cultural aspects to the romance genre!

Who knew public radio could be so entertaining??

Shay knows exactly what she wants in life and is well on the way to getting it when she hits a speedbump - and now the only thing standing between her and unemployment is the conceited coworker she just can't get out of her head. Can a woman who's only ever been unlucky in love co-host a dating talk show centered around a fake relationship with a man she can't stand?

It seems these days that the news is all doom and gloom, but Rachel Lynn Solomon's The Ex Talk presents the lighter side of public radio, with on-air personalities that charm their audience (and us) with a whole lotta heart. The format and concept is unique, the characters relatable and messy, and the pace is spot-on. Laugh-out-loud funny and oh so very sweetly satisfying, my only possible complaint with the Ex Talk is I had a million things to do, but I couldn't seem to put this book down long enough to do any of them!

A solid 4 star book. I really connected with Shay and all her insecurities and quirks and the romance was adorable. Dominic was a sweet guy, although his decision making at the end was a bit of a let down, but he did the right thing eventually. One star knocked off for characters not communicating and just assuming things leading to unnecessary drama. This is definitely a romance book to recommend.

I am so disappointed that I am DNFing this book. I really loved the author's YA romance and I had high hopes for this romance but this was public radio heavy, the heroine read younger than she was, and I felt uncomfortable with the hero being Asian but written by a white author.

I may try to listen to the audiobook when it publishes to see if it's just not the right time for me.

Y'all I just read THE EX TALK by @rlynn_solomon and am so obsessed!

If you were a fan of @liztigelaar's LIFE UNEXPECTED, you need to read this book. Love on the radio, fake dating, witty banter, a Jewish protagonist!

In this crazy week, this book has given me hope!

3.5 stars.
This was fresh and cute! The banter was on point and the romance was sizzling. While I enjoyed the premise, I did find myself wanting a little more character development.

I loved this adult romance about a public radio producer and a reporter who are convinced by their boss to host a show about dating and relationships and pose as exes. As they build their fake relationship and get to know each other, it becomes harder for them to ignore their real feelings and attraction. The tension between the two is palpable, and the banter present in the transcript snippets of their radio show (and their conversations) is fantastic.

The cover for this is cute as heck and the premise seemed right up my alley. Almost from the beginning I could tell it wasn’t going to be for me. It didn’t hook me right away. I kept trying though. I think what finally cemented it is when Shay, the FMC, confirmed that the MMC, Dominic is 24. And sometimes I can age characters up. But Shay mentioned it too many times for me to not pay attention to it.

Also, it made me a little uncomfortable that Dominic is Asian American and the author does share this identity. The book is told only from Shay’s perspective (at least in the 20ish percent that I read) and I just have complicated feelings about white authors writing characters of color. Maybe in the later parts of the book this addressed really well and I just didn’t get far enough to see.

Such a delight! I'm a devoted public radio and podcast listener so a romcom set amongst the behind the scenes antics of those fields sounded right up my alley and Solomon did not disappoint. The characters are well drawn, warm, and believable, their obstacles are relatable and realistic - so much so that I wasn't even bothered by the very outlandish gesture that sets up the HEA ending. Would recommend to just about any contemporary romance reader.

The Ex Talk by Rachel Lynn Solomon (for release Jan 26). This book is about two public radio co hosts, Shay and Dominic who pretend to be exes for the sake of their show. I absolutely loved it, which is why I’m gushing about it early 💖

Pre order this one to your TBR if you love:

📻 Fake Dating with a twist (Fake Exes)
📻 Enemies to Lovers
📻Forced Proximity (there’s only one bed!!)
📻Slow burn
📻Diversity (racial, sexual and gender representation in both the hero and also supporting characters) and interracial dating
📻An adorable pup with an underbite

In more detail, I really enjoyed how authentically these characters are portrayed. While I love a dual POV, I always fall for single POV because it really allows me to root for the heroine on a personal level while allowing for intrigue for the hero. I felt for Shay on multiple levels, particularly loneliness as an adult millennial and issues with “subtle” gender discrimination in the workplace. As noted above, Solomon did not shy away from candid discussions surrounding racism and sexism, all of which were handled so tastefully.

I also very much fell for Dominic, a sweet, shy, soft hero who honestly felt like a real person. 🙌🏼

This book hooked me right away with its unique premise, authentic and relatable characters, and wonderful writing. A huge thank you to Rachel, Berkeley, and Netgalley for allowing me access to this ARC 💖

When you finish your first 2021 book, you feel sort of different from before. Definitely more excited and still in shock that you get to read a 2021 book before its release date. You don't know how thankful I am to the publishers who kindly provide me with copies.

The Ex Talk is surely a very anticipated book for me. I was very excited to read it so of course, I didn't wait any longer? I got it and I started that baby as soon as it hit my kindle page. I was also just finishing another Rachel Lynn Solomon book, Today Tonight and Tomorrow, so I was having my Rachel fix and I am obsessed now with her stories? Seriously, she writes really great romances and overall relationship dynamics. But I also enjoy her depiction of friendships and family in her novels. The Ex Talk had that and more.

I'm not going to talk about specific things or a lot of stuff that happened in the book. It's still far away and I don't want to give anything away to be honest. Just know that it is coworkers turned enemies turned fake exes turned lovers. Pure trope goodness that I know many will enjoy IMMENSELY. Radio co-hosts decide to create and collaborate in this dating show but they have to act as fake exes meanwhile they sort of fall in love with each other (for real now!).

I'm learning more and more about Seattle as well because in the last two books I've read by Rachel they have been set in Seattle. I have not read her other books but these two show a lot of the city and its wonders. I absolutely love meeting new places I have never been to and feel them so alive on page that it feels like I'm right t h e r e, you know?

Age gap (the heroine is older!), height difference and fun situations make this romance great and I seriously hope many pick it up when it's out.

Fake dating is one of my top tier tropes so when I heard "combative coworkers have to be fake exes to host a radio show" it was a whole level up in my trope expectations. Shay and Dominic are both fully realized characters with great chemistry, and I especially loved the balance between their romance and everything else going on in Shay's life - still dealing with the grief from losing her dad as a teen, blending with her new impending stepfamily, and trying to make friends as an adult. I thought the public radio workplace setting was fresh and interesting, and the writing itself is great as well.

Thank you to Netgalley and Berkley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Wow. Wow. Wow. I loved this book so much. The fake dating trope is one of my all time favorites, and The Ex Talk put a unique spin on it. Instead of fake dating, they're fake exes. Yes please!

The story follows Shay Goldstein, a 29 year old radio host. She's worked at the Seattle Public Radio station for a decade and cant imagine working anywhere else. Although she can't stand her co-worker, Dominic Yun, who feels like he knows everything about public radio.

The station is struggling, and she jokingly proposes a new idea: two exes who deliver relationship advice on air. Shockingly, her boss loves the idea, but also thinks Shay and Dominic would be the perfect co-hosts since they already hate each other. Neither of them love the idea of lying to the listeners but want to keep their jobs, so they do it, and the public ends up loving it. But the two begin to fall for each other, which can ruin everything...

The Ex Talk is one of the best rom-coms I've read. It's funny, with two characters you're bound to love, an interesting plot revolving around public radio which I haven't read much about before, and steamy scenes that will make you flustered and craving more.

The romance was perfect, filled with lots of sexual tension and shameless flirting. I found myself rooting for both characters, and was pleased by the development throughout the book.

I also really enjoyed the Buffy references. That made the book 10x cooler to me.

If you want a fun story filled with banter, steam, depth, and a story that will give you all the feels? Definitely pick this up!

The Ex Talk is a fresh take on the workplace romance! I adored the subversion of the "fake dating" trope into "fake exes." It was really well done, including the script-elements, and the chemistry between Shay and Dom was swoony and believable! I enjoyed the setting of Public Radio just as much as the romance. I loved all the deeper elements of this book: grief, Shay dealing with her mother finding love again, her best friend moving away, and trying to navigate her ambition with her relationships.

Gorgeous book with gorgeous writing and a big heart (and one bed *wink*)

Thanks to NetGalley and Berkley for the ARC! I'll definitely be checking out Solomon's next book!

This was a new to me author, this was a cute interesting story. The characters were well delivered and had good chemistry. Enjoyed the public radio aspect of the story. This was definitely a good surprise, would recommend.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher, voluntarily read and reviewed all options are my own.

“The Ex Talk” is a fantastically original take on work nemesis-turned-lovers done in the realm of public radio—an area which I frankly know less than nothing about. But the context is simple enough: Rachel Lynn Solomon guides you through two at-odds colleagues who are forced to pretend to be ex-es on air—everything that’s against their natural inclinations and personal interests—because management is holding their jobs over their heads.

The sheer amount of diversity is staggering….but welcome. Aside from the multicultural, LGBTQ representation in the cast of secondary characters, Dominic Yun and Shay Goldstein are in itself a pairing that I’ve never quite seen before, knitted together with scenes of witty banter, chemistry-laden dialogue and brimming sexual tension that made “The Ex Talk” impossible to put down. With the spin on the fake-dating trope and the pretence of being ex-es, I simply couldn’t really tell where this was heading and it was the unpredictability that kept me going on and on.

It’s both swoony, funny and cringey at times; perhaps because there’s the younger man/older woman vibe that sort of gave the idea that Dom wasn’t too far away from his awkward years. I did think that some later parts felt a little choppy and start-stop—particularly the bits done with the conflict and making-up and the regression of adults acting like teens—but it could possibly just be me nitpicking about how I want to see my protagonists behave.

Long story short, “The Ex Talk” is my rare find and perfect for escaping the travails of a year I can’t wait to see the back of.

HOLY COW I didn't know how badly I needed this book. I was in a serious contemporary romance slump and I just devoured this in one weekend. Enemies to Lovers? Check. Podcasting? Check. Fake relationship? Check. If you haven't picked this book up by now, what are you waiting for?

This was such a fun, comforting read. I can always tell how much I love a book by how many passages I'm highlighting, and in The Ex Talk, that was a lot! Rachel Lynn Solomon writes with a clear, confident voice and I loved all the snappy dialogue (my favorite). The pacing and tension were spot on, and though I'm unfamiliar with both Seattle and public radio, the details all felt authentic, like I was 'in the room." I was rooting for both characters the whole way through, and the grief subplot was handled just right--moving and meaningful without feeling heavy. Clever concept + enjoyable protagonists + a great cast of well-rounded side characters makes this a top read for me this year. Loved it and can't wait to read more by Rachel Lynn Solomon.

I'll post a review on my insta closer to the pub date, but what I can say here is BUY THIS BOOK. It has everything you never knew you needed in a romantic comedy! It is sweet, honest, diverse, and real. I loved the banter, the plot, the setting, and honestly everything about this book. Highest of recommendations.

Wooooooooooowww! I’m screaming and crying so hard! For long a time I haven’t read it something so addictive, entertaining, smart, adorable! I didn’t want it finish. I wanted to read those smartass banters between MCs forever. I can read a book belong to their podcast episodes. Correction: I can read at least 20 books belongs to Shay and Don’s sexy, tempting, hot as hell, intelligent podcast series.

But unfortunately I stayed up all night and finished this book because I couldn’t put it down. My hands were glued to my e-reader, my mind stuck with those adorable characters and their extremely high chemistry presents you one of the epic enemies to lovers premise.

I kept giggling ( the sound I made was between Exorcist’s Reagan’s wicked voice when she is possessed by demon and morning voice of Fran Drescher before she has her cup of tea) I cannot help myself!

And now i feel so lost, frustrated. It feels like finishing the most adorable dessert at one bit and I want more but I already ate the last piece. So I’m doing something first and I reread some chapters over and over again. Trust me my friends, it’s truly worth it!

Quick summary of the plot lines before giving the entire stars of galaxy to this book ( trust me again, five stars are not enough. This was way too much better than most romance books I’ve read for a long time. It should be prescribed for all hopeless romantics and late night romcom cravers who hate Netflix’s lack of great romance movie lists just like me!)

Shay Goldstein, 29, producer of longtime radio show, working at same place: Seattle Public Radio Station for a decade, feeling lonelier after her mother’s sudden propose to her boyfriend and her best friend’s decision to consider the job opportunity at out of town.

She is also nervous ball because she cannot stand the radio’s new transfer Dominic Yum,24,is fresh off journalism master program.

His cocky smile, intimidating height and know-it-all, arrogant manners as if he can lecture her how to be real reporter for hours make her extremely pissed off.

When the studio looks for a brand new concept to attract more attention, at the brainstorming meeting, Shay pitches “ Ex- Talk” format: two exes will deliver relationship advice by criticizing own past relationship.

As you can imagine Dominic finds the idea illogical. They fight at the meeting which gives their superior the idea to force two of them host the show together because they already act like exes who cannot stand each other. If they don’t accept the opportunity, they may lose their jobs. The station has to let some of its employees go to function properly.

Shay sees this job as an opportunity for her dad’s memory by hosting her own show instead of being a producer and makes peace offer to her nemesis to give it a try for six months.

And as soon as they start their show, the numbers of listeners start to increase! Their fans grow who want them give another chance to their relationship.

What if you start to fall for your fake ex who become your friend, confidante, partner? Yes, Shay cannot help her attraction. The chemistry between them undeniable. But she always the one who declares her love at the relationships. What if her feelings are unrequited?

Overall: “Today Tonight Tomorrow” is my favorite realistic YA/ YA romance of 2020! And maybe it’s too early to announce but I think this book will be my favorite ( at least top three) 2021 adult romance novel.

The characters are so genuine, sweet and adorable. The relationship podcast concept was well worked with impressively catchy, laugh out loud, sexy, creative dialogues. So I’m not only giving entire galaxy stars but also Jupiter and bright side of the moon!

This is definitely one of the best motivational feel-good novel which should be reread many times to brighten your mood, warm your heart, feed your soul with positive energy. Congratulations dear Rachel Lynn Solomon, you did a hell of a job!

Special thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for sharing this amazing book’s review copy with me in exchange my honest thoughts.

I fell in love with it!