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The Ex Talk by Rachel Lynn Solomon

I discovered author Rachel Lynn Solomon when voting for the 2020 Goodreads Choice Awards. Her novel Today Tonight Tomorrow was a nominee for Young Adult Fiction. I read it and loved it, and was pleased to see she had an adult romance coming out this year called The Ex Talk. I ordered it a signed copy from Seattle bookstore Third Place Books, and got right to it when it arrived.

The Ex Talk introduces us to Shay Goldstein, 29, single, and in love with public radio. She works as a producer for a local Seattle station, and is not impressed with recent Northwestern grad, new hire, and rising star Dominic Yun. Of course, being a romance novel, the two are paired up to host a new show. The problem with this relationship show, The Ex Talk, is the premise that Shay and Dom are exes, when they have never dated and barely know each other. Neither is comfortable with the lie they will be telling listeners, but both are eager to have the opportunity. 

As the book progresses, they get to know one another better and their show becomes an instant hit. Shay is dealing with her mother's impending marriage and the possible cross-country move of her best friend, and coming to terms with her own loneliness. She is also fighting her developing feelings for her younger cohost, who is not the person she thought he was. In this day and age of everything being easily accessible online, it is only a matter of time before someone discovers Shay and Dom are lying to their audience. 

Solomon's writing is fantastic. Her characters are richly developed and easy to like. They are sharp and witty, and the story she weaves is not only believable, but a lot of fun. I would definitely recommend this one and would encourage anyone put off by the romance genre to give this one a try. You won't be disappointed. 

Final rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5 stars)

ATY prompt 29: A book that you consider comfort reading

Popsugar Challenge prompt 30: A book set somewhere you'd like to visit in 2021

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Location: Maine, USA

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