The Ex Talk

Public radio producer Shay Goldstein pitches an unconventional idea to save her Seattle station from budget cuts: a relationship advice show hosted by exes. Her boss pairs her with her nemesis Dominic Yun, a former NPR employee who recently joined the station, requiring them to pose as former romantic partners. The two hosts must navigate their fake romantic history while producing their new show "The Ex Talk," which becomes an unexpected hit with listeners. Their manufactured past and present working relationship grows increasingly complicated as they spend more time together both on and off the air. Their deception at the station forces them to confront questions about journalistic integrity and authenticity in media. The story takes place against the backdrop of public radio, featuring industry-specific details about production, programming, and the challenges facing modern media outlets. The novel explores themes of professional ethics, the evolution of public radio in the digital age, and the blurred lines between performance and reality. The narrative examines how personal and professional identities intersect when careers depend on maintaining false personas.

Readers describe The Ex Talk as an enemies-to-lovers romance that balances humor with heavier themes about grief, identity, and career ambitions. Readers appreciated: - Authentic public radio setting and industry details - Complex family dynamics and cultural representation - Natural progression of the relationship - Strong character development for both leads - Discussions of workplace sexism and ageism Common criticisms: - Premise relies on an ethically questionable lie - Some found the conflict resolution rushed - Steam level higher than expected for rom-com marketing Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (87,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (2,800+ ratings) BookPage: 4/5 Sample reader comments: "The chemistry between Shay and Dominic crackles" - Goodreads reviewer "Made me nostalgic for my NPR internship days" - Amazon reviewer "Wished the workplace deception plot wrapped up differently" - StoryGraph reviewer

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🎙️ The author drew inspiration from her own experience in public radio, having worked as an intern at NPR member station KUOW in Seattle. 📻 The book authentically portrays public radio culture, including references to real NPR shows and personalities, making it a love letter to public radio fans. 💑 The fake exes trope used in the novel is a twist on the classic "fake dating" romance plot device, adding a fresh spin to a beloved romance genre convention. 🏙️ The Seattle setting features real locations and landmarks, allowing readers familiar with the city to recognize actual spots where scenes take place. 📚 Rachel Lynn Solomon initially wrote adult contemporary romance novels like "The Ex Talk" after establishing herself as a young adult author with books like "Today Tonight Tomorrow" and "You'll Miss Me When I'm Gone."