The Ex Talk

November 1, 2020
To save their jobs, rival public radio co-workers pretend to be exes for a new show and end up getting much more than they bargained for. Shay Goldstein hates her new co-worker, Dominic Yun. The 29-year-old senior producer has been with Pacific Public Radio for 10 years but has never realized the dream of hosting her own show. Dominic, 24 years old and armed with a master's degree in journalism from Northwestern, which he obnoxiously mentions every chance he gets, is already breaking big news on the air. Their competition boils over during a stationwide brainstorming session when Shay suggests starting a new dating show hosted by exes, and Dominic writes it off as tawdry commercial radio. But their shouting match has unexpected consequences when the station's program director tells them their verbal sparring and obvious tension would make them the perfect hosts for Shay's show--and that it just might save them from upcoming layoffs. Of course, there's one huge problem: They've never actually dated. As the show skyrockets in popularity, the fake exes become real friends, but a growing attraction might spell disaster. Shay and Dominic are brought to life with multilayered backstories. Shay shared her passion for radio with her late father, and she often wonders what he would think about her career choices; Dominic is determined to make a positive impact with his journalism degree but is unsure how to do so in the world of click-bait content. Witty dialogue meets steamy slow-burn tension while fun romance tropes (fake dating! there's only one bed!) take a refreshing turn by making Dominic the less sexually experienced, and more emotionally open, of the two. A vibrant supporting cast of family, friends, and co-workers helps round out the plot. Delightfully romantic and emotionally uplifting.

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Starred review from November 23, 2020
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. 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. 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. Their banter and obvious chemistry helps the show take off, and real romance soon develops off-mic. 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. Shay and Dominic are a couple to root for and the diverse, well-drawn supporting cast only adds to the appeal. This charming, multicultural rom-com is a winner. Agent: Laura Bradford, Bradford Literary. (Jan.)
Correction: An earlier version of this review incorrectly stated this was the author's first book.

January 1, 2021
It's always been Shay Goldstein's dream to work in public radio, ever since she first bonded with her late father over NPR. She's never had the voice for hosting, but she's happy being a wunderkind producer at the Seattle public radio station where she's worked since she was 19. But lately, she's been butting heads with her newest colleague: full-of-himself, inexperienced Dominic Yoon, whose journalism master's from Northwestern seems to carry more weight with Kent, their boss, than Shay's 10 years on the job. When Shay pitches a concept idea, she never expects it to go anywhere: a podcast where exes give relationship advice. But not only does Kent love the idea, he's also picked up on the combative chemistry between Shay and Dominic, and wants them to cohost the podcast--while pretending to be exes. Dominic balks, but with their jobs on the line, he agrees. Shay's thrilled at the chance to be on-air, even if she has to lie to listeners, and work with Dominic--whom she definitely, totally hates! YA author Solomon makes her adult debut with this sizzling rivals-to-lovers romcom, where the heat comes from both precise characterization and a focus on direct communication. Bursting with zest and deep emotion, this one's a winner. You'll wind up wishing that podcast was real, too.

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February 26, 2021

Sparks fly across the airwaves in this enemies-to-lovers romantic comedy. Shay Goldstein has dedicated the past ten years of her life to her job at Pacific Public Radio. So she isn't impressed by her pretentious new colleague, Dominic Yun, who manages to mention his newly minted Northwestern graduate degree more often than the station hosts pledge drives. The two have an argument during a brainstorming meeting, when Shay suggests a program about two exes discussing relationships, and Dominic dismisses the idea as too lowbrow for public radio. After witnessing their fight, the station's program director convinces the two to act as the ex-couple in Shay's proposed show and take their battles on the air if they want to avoid station layoffs. Only one problem--the two have never dated and they'll have to keep it secret if they hope to keep their jobs. As the two become friends and romantic tension mounts, they'll have to navigate complications that could derail their newfound success. VERDICT Solomon's (Today Tonight Tomorrow) adult fiction debut is a slow burn romance that would be a great introduction to the genre for readers new to it. Witty banter and lovable characters will delight public radio nerds and contemporary fiction fans alike.--Shanel Slater, Marion P.L., IA

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