I'll give some credit where it's due: Solomon writes steamy sex scenes.

The hype made me try this one, but I'm sorry to say The Ex Talk was just not my cup of tea. In an industry that values truth, getting caught could mean the end of more than just their careers. Their audience gets invested fast, and it's not long before The Ex Talk becomes a must-listen in Seattle and climbs podcast charts.Īs the show gets bigger, so does their deception, especially when Shay and Dominic start to fall for each other. Neither loves the idea of lying to listeners, but it's this or unemployment. Their boss decides Shay and Dominic are the perfect co-hosts, given how much they already despise each other. On The Ex Talk, two exes will deliver relationship advice live, on air. When the struggling station needs a new concept, Shay proposes a show that her boss green-lights with excitement. 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.

Shay Goldstein has been a producer at her Seattle public radio station for nearly a decade, and she can't imagine working anywhere else. (Jan.)Ĭorrection: An earlier version of this review incorrectly stated this was the author's first book.Public radio co-hosts navigate mixed signals in Rachel Lynn Solomon's sparkling romantic comedy debut. Agent: Laura Bradford, Bradford Literary. This charming, multicultural rom-com is a winner. Shay and Dominic are a couple to root for and the diverse, well-drawn supporting cast only adds to the appeal. But both are struggling with private insecurities: Dominic’s previous relationship ended in heartbreak, and isolated Shay throws herself into work at the expense of her personal life. Their banter and obvious chemistry helps the show take off, and real romance soon develops off-mic. When Shay pitches the idea of a relationship-themed podcast hosted by exes, the station’s program director-who’s noticed Shay and Dominic’s sparring around the office-persuades the pair of them to pose as a recently broken-up couple and host the show themselves, to spare the station the expense of new hires. It’s taken Shay Goldstein 10 years to work her way up in public radio, from intern to senior producer, so she can’t help resenting the smug new reporter, Dominic Yun, who strolls in with a master’s degree in journalism and immediately impresses the bosses with a big scoop on a City Hall scandal. The transition from enemies to lovers is handled with wit and humor in YA author Solomon’s exceptional adult debut (after Today Tonight Tomorrow), which puts an unexpected twist on the fake relationship trope.

The ex talk by rachel lynn solomon