Review copy was received from Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
The Ex Talk by Rachel Lynn Solomon Published by Berkley on January 26, 2021
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Pages: 336
Format: eARC
Source: Publisher
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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 catch feelings for each other. In an industry that values truth, getting caught could mean the end of more than just their careers.
I don’t enjoy the enemies to lovers trope but The Ex Talk is so much more. Shay and Dominic are not really enemies; they are co-workers who have some differing ideas and experiences and don’t know each other well. When the station is making cuts, Shay comes up with a great idea but it means moving out of her comfort zone.
Shay and Dominic have no live radio experience. Shay has been a producer for 10 years. Dominic is recently graduated from school and wants to do serious investigative reporting. But it is an opportunity for them to get exposure and experience to further their careers, and stay employed.
Their work on their show is a feast for the mind with ideas and concepts. Radio is like black and white photos where it cuts straight to the form. They struggle with the new type of work and their long held ideas about their careers and each other. As time passes, they learn and grow into the new show. Shay and Dominic also become friends, supporting each other and then more.
Life is full of surprises and changes, but I loved their journey. Shay and Dominic both hit some painful bumps along the way and they don’t end up where they expect, but happiness isn’t always what you think; it may be what you feel.
I read all types of books but my favorites are urban fantasy and romantic suspense.I like some romance and some action / adventure / mystery in everything.I like sex in my books but please, only between TWO people.Intimate conversation is equally important to the sex in a book.It lets me see the characters.The other thing I enjoy is humor.
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I like that this story is about working at a radio station. Its rare these days to see that setting! Lovely review, Anne?
I loved that also. It felt fresh and captivated my mind.
Really happy to see you liked this, especially as you don’t normally like the trope. I’m getting this on audio so am excited about it. Wonderful review, Anne?
It might be stellar on audio since it is a radio program story. I’ll look forward to seeing your thoughts.
I’d definitely like to read this one, Anne. You’ve really piqued my interest. Your review is lovely too.
Thank you Jennifer! I enjoyed this one a lot.
I was on the fence about grabbing a copy, but I’m going to give it a go. Wonderful review, Anne! 🙂
Thanks Rachel. Now I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
I’m happy to read you enjoyed this book. Even if it isn’t a trope you’d normally like to read. I always have mixed feelings about the enemies to lovers trope. I love some, but I also really don’t like them all.
These main characters sound fun.
I liked these characters. They were very human with flaws, and made some mistakes. They also had some great ideas.
This is one I am really looking forward to reading and seeing how everything comes together for the characters. I am glad you enjoyed it, Anne!
The whole concept captivated me, and I enjoyed the characters.
I have started seeing this book around recently. It sounds like a fun read and I love the radio aspect of the story. Great review!
Thanks Carole. I enjoyed it a lot. The radio seemed to clarify the focus.
Oh it definitely sounds fun!
Their banter with each other was very fun!
for some reasons, books that deal with movies and tv series don’t pull me. glad you enjoyed it
Well it’s radio, not movie or tv, so a unique perspective. They also talk about podcasts, which are sort of the “new” radio.
I’m starting this one tonight actually so I’m thrilled to hear you enjoyed it. It sounds like it should be a fun read for me. 🙂
I think it was fun and a unique environment to enjoy. The emotional journey seems authentic too.