Well this was a sweet treat! It’s low angst and laidback, with characters who are easy to like and a storyline that kept me turning the pages. I absolutely loved the cinnamon roll hero, who is unlike any I’ve read before – he’s kind, supportive, and loyal, with a dad bod and the biggest heart. He’s adorably insecure about his body, and neither cool nor suave. Loved him. The multi-faceted heroine makes the perfect complement to him – she’s a woman who lives with depression but always tries to show her sunny side, even when storms are brewing beneath the surface. While this has strong rom com vibes for much of the story, it’s not overtly funny, and there are definitely some heavier, deeper moments. I personally think the second half is stronger; I was leaning towards a 4-star rating for the first half of the book, but the solid back half raised that up. If you’re looking for a light and sexy romance with heart and a layered storyline, then this is sure to satisfy.
The story follows Ari, a woman who always tries to be bright and cheerful, even when she’s not feeling that way on the inside. Growing up with a mother who let depression overtake her life, Ari is determined to handle things differently. There’s a divorced couple at Ari’s workplace whose bickering makes it a tense and hostile work environment, so Ari and her co-worker, Russell, joke about getting them back together. A joke between acquaintances soon turns into an actual plan, and it’s not long before Ari finds herself teaming up with Russell. They’ve always been friendly, but their conversations have been brief and work-related, so seeing Russell out of the office is new for Ari. As the two spend time together, they get closer – and Ari discovers there’s more to Russell than she realized.
After reading The Ex Talk, I knew that I wanted to check out more from the author, so I was excited to get my hands on this. It’s both lighter and heavier than The Ex Talk, if that makes sense. A lot of the storyline is super light and low angst, with an easy, fun feel and such a swoony hero. But there are also moments that make this a heavier book, and it’s those contrasts that make this shine. This slow burn romance has plenty of sizzle, and I loved Ari and Russell together. I also loved getting to know Russell better – we only get Ari’s perspective, so there are lots of things to discover about Russell along the way. I’ve never read a romance featuring a plus size hero, and that gave this such a unique feel. Russell is such a big teddy bear, and his single dad status just enhanced that. He’s everything that Ari needed in her life, and that’s always fulfilling to read. So, while this took a little while to find its footing, I sincerely enjoyed the vast majority of the book. I was lucky enough to receive an early copy, and am voluntarily leaving a review of this lighthearted office romance.
Amazon: https://amzn.to/34gOM56
Blurb:
A TV meteorologist and a sports reporter scheme to reunite their divorced bosses with unforecasted results in this electrifying romance from the author of The Ex Talk.
Ari Abrams has always been fascinated by the weather, and she loves almost everything about her job as a TV meteorologist. Her boss, legendary Seattle weatherwoman Torrance Hale, is too distracted by her tempestuous relationship with her ex-husband, the station’s news director, to give Ari the mentorship she wants. Ari, who runs on sunshine and optimism, is at her wits’ end. The only person who seems to understand how she feels is sweet but reserved sports reporter Russell Barringer.
In the aftermath of a disastrous holiday party, Ari and Russell decide to team up to solve their bosses’ relationship issues. Between secret gifts and double dates, they start nudging their bosses back together. But their well-meaning meddling backfires when the real chemistry builds between Ari and Russell.
Working closely with Russell means allowing him to get to know parts of herself that Ari keeps hidden from everyone. Will he be able to embrace her dark clouds as well as her clear skies?
Amazon: https://amzn.to/34gOM56
About the Author:
Rachel Lynn Solomon is the bestselling author of love stories for teens and adults, including The Ex Talk, Today Tonight Tomorrow, and Weather Girl. Originally from Seattle, she’s currently navigating expat life with her husband in Amsterdam, where she’s on a mission to try as many Dutch sweets as possible. Find her online at rachelsolomonbooks.com or on Instagram @rlynn_solomon.
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