⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3.5/5)

This book is far more complex than your ordinary romantic comedy which I can fully appreciate. The author is unafraid to bend the rom com rules with characters and experiences and I found that refreshing but also heavy and challenging at times. The characters are very relatable but their chemistry didn’t jump off the page and I found it hard to root for their story together. Although I found the main character to be full of lessons for every reader that has battled depression in any sense of the word the story didn’t grip me like I hoped it would.

I will never not read a new romance release from Rachel Lynn Solomon, and this solidified that decision. Firstly, I looooved the fact that this had a fat hero (a fat single dad, no less!!!). Also, this was SURPRISINGLY naughty. I knew it was going to have some steamy scenes, but some of the things that happen between the two main characters had me clutching my metaphorical pearls and honestly? I loved it lmao. While this had it's light and steamy moments, this book also really sensitively portrayed a main character with depression and how that can affect your relationship with the world around you and honestly this book was just SO well done. Cannot wait to continue to read more from Rachel in the future!!!

CW: depression, mentions of fatphobia, strained mother/daughter relationships

BIG thanks to Berkley Publishing and NetGalley for the advanced copy. This was super cute!! I devoured The Ex Talk in one day last year when I was home sick with Strep, so I was really excited to dive into this one, and sure enough, Rachel Lynn Soloman didn't disappoint yet again. It's a fun, quick, easy read with great characters ( I am a Russel STAN, let me tell you) and a fun plot. Sprinkle in some real, frank conversations about mental health, single parenthood, privilege, and the realities of broadcast media, and you're set! Having lived in Seattle I especially enjoyed the numerous descriptions about different neighborhoods and attractions (without mentioning the Space Needle- while I love the Space Needle it can be a little overdone as a Seattle attraction,) but maybe readers who aren't familiar with the city will find them unnecessary or repetitive. Overall, definitely a book I'll be recommending to my chick-lit/ easy reads/ light and fluffy crowd, and I can't wait till others can share the joy of this book at publication date!

I had very high expectations, as The Ex Talk was one of my favorite reads of last year. Ari and Russell were both lovable and pleasantly flawed characters. The tropes were fun and the moments were sweet. Great Jewish rep, mental health rep, and body diversity (in male characters!). Recommended for fans of The Ex Talk, Set It Up, and sweet workplace romance.

After reading Weather Girl, Rachel Lynn Solomon has a place on my "must read contemporary romance authors" list. The writing style and pacing was great from the very first paragraph. The story flowed easily, and although it's categorized as a contemporary romance, Solomon doesn't shy away from more complex topics. I appreciated the extra care that was taken to prepare the reader for the discussions of depression in the Author's Note. While the romance between Russ and Ari took a minute to feel invested in, I did get there. The "Parent Trap" plot line was fun and I wish we had more time to get to know the bosses. Overall, this was an enjoyable read that I will be recommending.

Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for sending this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review! Weather Girl will be published on January 11, 2022.

Weather Girl is a book that will make you laugh until you cry, and swoon so hard you heart aches in all the best ways. It’s also a book that teaches you you deserve love, exactly as you are, as your real self, no mask required. Rachel handles all the complexities of living with depression so real and beautifully. And the unabashed way she describes Russell's fat body was something I’ve never seen before, and didn’t realize just how much I wanted until I had it. Plus the surprise bonus characters I wasn't expecting but loved more than I can
express we’re the perfect addition to round out this beautiful story. Rachel weaves such beautiful love stories so effortlessly, and it’s impossible not to get lost in the words as you read.

"Even if were going through darkness, I know we'll always find our way back to each other."

Whew! Rachel Lynn Solomon! I was searching high and low for a pack of tissues. You got me. You got me good. Weather Girl is hilarious and heartwarming and full of much more wisdom than I expected. RLS's characters are REAL. Russell and Ari are like me and you. They have struggles and fears and hardships. "Being a person is hard." Russ is incredibly charming. Weather girl & Sports dude. I loved their story! Everything about this book is just *chef's kiss*. There is a discussion guide included, making Weather Girl an excellent book club selection! Rom-com readers... Get this one in your shopping cart! (and press purchase).

"I think I love him. It's the softest starburst of a realization that turns my world blurry at the edges."

🌧READ IF YOU LIKE🌧:
-single dad
-The 1998 classic, Parent Trap, staring Lindsay Lohan and Lindsay Lohan
-forced proximity
-meteorology & sports newscasting
-secret gifts & double dates
-mental health rep (depression, medication, therapy)
-Jewish hero & heroine
-weather puns
-#IsThisAKissingBook: 18+, open-door. Stolen kisses in the dugout and in the kitchen. Kisses across the table.

Thank you Berkley for an advanced copy!

Song: Sun Giant by Fleet Foxes

"Weather isn't small talk, it's this. Weather connects us. A shared experience, even when we aren't in the same place."

(full review posted to linked sites after embargo is lifted)

I really liked The Ex Talk, Solomon’s adult debut, so of course I picked up this book expecting to enjoy it as well. Wow, did I underestimate how much I’d love it.

Solomon excels at writing fully-fleshed out, nuanced characters that I’d love to be friends with IRL, with dialogue that’s witty and sharp without ever feeling too contrived. Ari and Russ are so tenderly crafted -- you can tell that Solomon really loves and respects these characters.

A fundamental part of this book is Ari’s depression, which is now well-managed after nearly a decade of mental health treatment (which means she’s on medication, sees a therapist regularly, and still has some bad days). It’s juxtaposed against her mother’s struggle with the same illness. Again we see how much Solomon cares for the people she’s writing: Ari’s mom isn’t demonized for being in a pretty deep depression most of Ari’s childhood, but Ari is definitely critical of her mom’s choices not to seek help. It’s tough for her when her mother finally does seek treatment. I really respect where Solomon took this storyline: I love that Ari explored how her mom was too depressed to seek help and understanding that feeling, but also examining how that made her a bad parent at times, and how that affects Ari’s feelings of being capable of being a partner and a parent.

Weather Girl is simply delightful. It’s both laugh-out-loud funny and tear-jerking, it’s tender, thoughtful, and nuanced, it’s a book I cannot recommend enough.

So much to love about this one! This romance is both charming and full of depth. Rachel Lynn Solomon has once again included a lot of representation (Jewish main characters, mental illness, and more) that are significant parts of the story. It was a lot of fun to read about the antics of Russell and Ari as they try to Parent Trap their bosses in the name of workplace harmony- and fall for each other along the way. But it's also moving to read along with Ari's experiences with depression and to see the ways this impacts both her personally and her relationships.

We've all heard the song... "Gray skies are gonna clear up, Put on a happy face..." How many times was I told as a kid to "turn that frown upside down" or to just "cheer up buttercup." But at what point to do we start to accept that sometimes its okay to not be okay?

Rachel Lynn Solomon's Weather Girl is a breathtaking and raw look at mental health and depression that is one of the best books I have read all year. Ari and Russell are co-workers who both work for a local news station, her doing the weather and him doing sports but they both have the same problem -- their bosses. Seth and Torrance, their bosses, are exes and are making life miserable for others at the station. Russel and Ari feel Seth and Torrance really still have feelings for each other and hatch a plan to get them back together. In working together, sparks start to fly between Ari and Russell.

This book has:

* Jewish main characters;
* Open discussion of depression, therapy and medication;
* A male plus sized love interest;
* Parent-trap type antics;
* Some amazing family members and secondary characters that will warm your heart; and
* Lots of the humor we've come to love from Rachel.

Rachel Lynn Solomon hit it out of the park with this one. There are so many things I loved and appreciated about this book I could write my own novel in appreciation of this one. But what I will say instead is that I will recommend this book to everyone I know. The humor and steam were perfection. The characters were wonderful and you felt like they were real people. Elodie was one of my favorites and I loved her spunk and fire so much. Maybe most importantly, the honest discussion of mental health and depression was a raw and emotional journey. You could tell from the writing and passion behind the story that this was a very personal was a very meaningful story to the author which was confirmed by reading the author's note. This might be the first time I ever got emotional from the dedication page of a book but this book will hit you in all the feels, literally from the first page.

Trust me, you don't want to miss this book.

Thank you to Berkley Publishing, Rachel Lynn Solomon, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this one.

This is my first from RLS and it won’t be my last! Her writing has the perfect blend of humor, swoon, and heartbreak that kept me gripped from beginning to end.

I love the way the book handles depression and mental health in a way that’s safe and well represented. It wasn’t something that Ari was magically healed from because she met the right person. I loved the strength she had in taking the steps to see a therapist and take medication off book. I loved the take this book on seeing a character who lives with depression in what I consider, a very healthy way. It was really refreshing to read and I commend RLS for this!

Russ is a wonderful cinnamon roll and I loved that he wasn’t this ripped, solid, hero. I was just discussing with someone the other day that there should be more plus sized heroes and I loved Russ and his dad bod! He was a real guy who was sweet to Ari and able to apologize easily when he made mistakes. I loved him!

Wonderful book all around! Can’t wait to read more from this author!

Rachel Lynn Solomon is truly a master of her craft.

She imbues her books with such depth and meaning, while still managing to get that perfect blend of humor and heart. She's so intentional in the way she builds worlds and characters, allowing readers to feel seen and represented and valued within them. Her books are incredibly enjoyable, but also meaningful and important.

WEATHER GIRL is no exception. As a charming Set it Up/Parent Trap-inspired story, Rachel builds a narrative that shines a light on mental health and how it affects not only ourselves, but also how it affects the ways we navigate the relationships in our lives -- both familial and romantic.

In addition, I so appreciate how Rachel represents her Jewish-identifying characters and her commitment to sex positivity. (Also, I'm a sucker for a single dad hero, and Rachel's iconic swoon-worthy romance had me melting!) Five shiny stars for WEATHER GIRL!

A thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest, unbiased review. WEATHER GIRL is out 1/11/2022!

I have become a full Rachel Lynn Solomon fan! I love every book I read of hers and Weather Girl did not disappoint! Smart females in male dominated spaces who fight for their needs! Banter! Rain appreciation! This has it all. I gave this 5 stars and cannot wait to tell customers about this book!

Very rarely do you read a book that checks almost all the boxes or is very clearly relatable to your life experiences. Weather Girl did that for me. I feel like this book was written just for me and I appreciate the care and consideration Rachel Lynn Solomon took in crafting this story that had heavier themes, in particular depression and anxiety. Her author's note was everything and mentally prepared me for all the emotions I would experience while reading it.

Set at a Seattle news station, Ari delivers the weather and Russell reports sports. After a disastrous holiday party ends with their bosses tossing a regional Emmy out a broken hotel window, the pair decide to "parent trap" the couple, hopefully getting the pair back together and restoring peace in the news room. But with the development of their scheme, plus forced proximity, Ari and Russell''s relationship turns from friends to anything but.

I adored Ari's character for so many reasons. Despite coming off a rough broken engagement, she still has hope for love, but she is determined to work on herself. I found myself frequently relating to Ari, as she lives in the mantra of "I'm fine," putting on a brave face and putting on a positive persona for others, even in her darkest days. Yet, I loved how openly the book discusses depression, medication, and therapy. Ari also takes her job seriously, trying to show people the science behind weather, not just a person that looks out the window. She also is lookig to grow and become better in her craft, which I absolutely loved.

Russell was the perfect hero for Ari and I loved being able to peel back the layers of his persona as you go through the book. On the outside, he keeps to himself at work, forming surface level relationships with co-workers. But as Ari begins to break down his walls, she realizes all he has to offer. He is incredibly tender, kind, and much more than first meets the eye. With Ari, he is unsure, but there are moments that he takes control and it's oh so sexy.

I could tell Rachel did her research, because she nailed the vibe in a news room. Coming from a former broadcast journalist, the behind the scenes glimpses into meteorology were so fun (and incredibly accurate). I loved how she highlighted the story-telling aspect of the news, specifically with sports, showing that it's less about the wins and losses and more about the people.

This friends to lovers romance is different and unexpected. It's steamy, funny, and incredibly frank and honest. Both Ari and Russell don't play games with each other, showing incredibly vulnerability throughout. Their chemistry was intense and off the charts. I simply loved their love story.

Reading Weather Girl made me laugh, cry, and helped me reflect on my own mental health journey. These are the types of stories people need to read. Thank you Rachel for always being incredibly candid and real. I am forever thankful for your words.

Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for the advanced copy. Weather Girl publishes January 11, 2022.

Thank you to Netgalley and Berkley Publishing Group for the ARC.

🌟🌟🌟🌟 4/5 stars

The Ex Talk by Rachel Lynn Solomon has been a go-to romcom rec ever since I read it last year. Solomon’s YA books have also been favorites of mine in recent years and I was so excited to read her newest release, Weather Girl. First off, that cover. It is perfection and just embodies the sweet, heartwarming feelings of this book. Top notch cover.

Now for the story. Weather Girl is about TV meteorologist Ari Abrams and sports reporter Russell Barringer who team up to reunite their two bosses in an effort to improve their workplace environment and further their careers. Their bosses are bitter exes with issues that are starting to impact everyone around them. Think a more heartfelt take on the criminally underrated Netflix romcom Set It Up. Absolutely loved this storyline and setting.

Now for the romance. Ari and Russell have the friends to lovers trope down. They are such sweet characters and their love story is a slowburn, heart squeezing story. Could I have used a leeeeetle bit more banter? Yes. Did I still swoon whenever Russell called Ari “Weather Girl”? Also yes.

Overall, Weather Girl is another hit for Rachel Lynn Solomon. She never fails to write relatable, lovable characters and cozy, warm stories. Forever an auto-buy author for me.

ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Full review to be posted closer to release date.

Weather Girl was full of heart, love, and all the best weather puns! It was a story that pulled you in immediately and kept you smiling, sometimes tearfully, until the end.

I fell in love with Solomon’s writing when I read The Ex Talk, and while this book is more on the heartfelt side than a romantic comedy, it still had the same charm, three-dimensional characters, and lovable story at its core.

I loved everything about this book, from the office romance, to the “Parent Trap” plot, to the sweet cinnamon roll characters and all the other aspects she added in well. While I did fall for this romance and rooted them on (they had some purely ADORABLE moments!!), I did wish for a little more time with them or spark-filled scenes.

I admired and appreciated how Solomon used Ari’s character and her journey to talk about the struggles and complexities of depression. The vulnerable mental health representation adds a personal layer of depth to the story and allows others the opportunity to relate with their own experiences.

Overall, this book was a good mix of a cute and heartfelt story! Solomon is definitely a romance author on my auto-buy list!

*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for sending me an eARC in exchange for an honest review.*

This book is really special and unique.

It’s a love story but it’s also full of beautiful insights into human nature. The characters are so real and lovable.

And I LOVED that the love story is between the weather girl and the sports guy. I found the station’s inner workings fascinating.

The Seattle setting is also 👏🏻👏🏻

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️

I’m officially a Rachel Lynn Solomon fangirl.

Thank you to @berkleyromance for a free advance copy of this novel. All opinions are my own.

Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review

CW: depression, anxiety, parental abandonment (past), parent with depression, teenage pregnancy (past), discussions of medication, toxic work environment

I would recommend if you're looking for (SPOILERS)

-m/f friends to lovers
-twist on parent trap/set it up
-single parent
-some scheming
-hurt comfort
-some fumbling and bumbling
-an appreciation for the weather

Shocking no one, I adored this book. There was so much to enjoy, the honest look at depression, the Jewish rep, the LI with a hot dad bod and all the dad jokes. This book was soft and wonderful. I adored Ari and Rus. Every time he called her Weather Girl my heart squeezed.

These are two people who are trying to show the world the parts of themselves they think the world will accept and nothing more. Wearing masks in their own way, protecting themselves, protecting their hearts. Their adorable plan so their work lives could improve. As they slowly realized they had feelings. But once they admitted their feelings. I loved as they figured out what the other liked, their complete attraction to the other, so much consent, and gentleness with the other. They wanted to make the other feel good and it just steamed off the page.

This had all the steam and all the feelings. Full of, I fully see you, I am letting my guard down. How scary that is, how brave it is. Rus was pining away and adorable as he let love in being the adorable dad he was.

Honestly, I adored this book and will read anything Rachel Lynn Solomon writes. Go read this book while it's raining out, cuddled under a blanket, maybe with some show tunes on in the background.

Steam: 3.5

This the second book I have read by Rachel Lynn Solomon and I absolutely loved it. I couldn’t put it down and found myself having read it in one day.

Ari Abrams is a weather girl at KSEA 6 Northwest News in Seattle. She loves her job but she is looking for more – more feedback/mentoring. Her boss, the infamous Torrence Hale, spends most of her time and energy fighting with the news director and ex-husband, Seth. Sick of it all, and after too many drinks at their company party, Ari and her coworker, sports reporter, Russell Barringer hatch a plan to reunite them. Think Parent Trap.

As the work together, conspiring, they become closer, getting to know one another. But Ari is hesitant to fully open up to him. And once she does, will Russell stick around or leave like all her previous boyfriends had in the past.

I loved Russell and Ari – they were both respectively realistic characters. Russell is a young father, painted as having a dad body while Ari lives with depression. All the secondary characters where equally fantastic and enhanced the story that much more, helping to contribute and understand the main characters that much more. You should definitely pick this book up – you won’t be disappointed.

Thank you to Netgalley and Berkley Publiching for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Rachel Lynn Solomon writes books like Taylor Swift writes albums—she never misses.

As a self-proclaimed Rain Stan™️ and clinically depressed individual I resonated with Ari so much. She might be the protagonist of Rachel's the most like me. She has a beautiful arc with her mental health and her relationship with her mother that I loved reading about, and watching her fall in love with not just Russell, but also the family he's created, was the cherry on top of a double fudge sundae.

Russell is so SOFT! RLS is a pro at writing sweet and sensitive love interests. He's a single parent (!!!) to a lovable 12-year-old daughter that actually contributes to the story. Ari and Russell are also coworkers at a news station, a fun setting for a relationship that isn't 90% banter and 10% rivalry (see: The Ex Talk).

And I have to plug the third act conflict for not feeling cheap or drawn out. The progression of their relationship was so natural and the soft, quiet story was savored like hot chocolate on a rainy day. ALSO! It's a nursing back to health romance, which hits the spot every damn time.

This is Rachel's steamiest book and her first with chapter titles (just wait until you get to chapter 26 hehe). While it does have mental health rep, it's still light and fun, but not quite a romcom. BONUS: set over November to April so it's a great winter read!

TW: depression (includes therapy/medication discussions), absent parent, side character in mental hospital, discussions of sexism/misogyny in workplace

Rep: fat hero, depressed heroine (own voices), Jewish rep (own voices), positive portrayals of therapy and medication, side mlm couple

Thank you Rachel and Berkley Romance for the early copy. My opinions are my own.