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The Ex-Talk by Rachel Lynn Solomon Book Review


Book Summary

This is a fake dating story about Shay and Dominic, two people who work together in the radio/podcast industry. Shay works as a producer behind the scenes and has loved radio her whole life. Dominic has been on the radio, front and center, and knows a thing or two about public radio and journalism. When the current show they are working on is not doing well, the boss asks everyone for new ideas they can bring to the table in hopes of keeping their numbers up. Shay comes up with "The Ex-Talk", a segment about a recently broken up couple giving advice on air, and as a result, the "couple" on this show will be Shay and Dominic.

Book Review

I love anything podcast-related so when I heard about this book many summers ago, I needed to read what everyone was raving about at the time! I finally got to it years later (like a true reader) and did not LOVE it. I liked it and did enjoy it, however, I think it's overhyped. It's cute but if someone needs a light romance read. then this is that type of book. It did not give me the familiar sensation of what a romance book does to me; pull at my heartstrings, leave me breathless, or have any memorable writing. The writing was decent and witty with short chapters and a first-person narrative, my favorite elements in a book. There were also enough steamy scenes between Shay and Dominic since, no spoiler or surprise, a fake dating trope will inevitably bring the two main characters together.

I did relate to Shay's character a lot. Being 29 years old, just like her, she is going through similar struggles- career choices, living on her own, embracing her independence, and love, being in the workplace as a woman, and more. I was not crazy about Dominic AT ALL. I found him to be immature and egotistical. At one point in the book, I was questioning his choices and just his character in general.


If a reader is looking for a fake dating and enemies-to-lovers trope with a workplace romance, then I recommend this book as a decent choice. It's not on my top list of books but I was okay with finishing it as opposed to DNF'ing it entirely.


Rating: 3/5 stars

Enjoy and Happy Reading!

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