Weather Girl by Rachel Lynn Solomon is a contemporary romance novel. The story in this one does a dance on the border between lighthearted fun and having a more serious side to it with the main character dealing with depression.

Ari Abrams is working in her dream job as a TV meteorologist after always being fascinated by weather. The dream job comes with some obstacles to it being perfect though with Ari’s bosses being a divorced couple always bickering with one another putting a damper on the workplace.

One night Ari finds herself chatting with Russell Barringer, a sports reporter at the station. Russell has also noticed the atmosphere at work and the two of them come up with a plan to push their bosses together thinking unresolved feelings are still there. Of course this means Ari and Russell will have to spend a lot of time together in order to “Parent Trap” their bosses.

Weather Girl by Rachel Lynn Solomon was such a delightful story that I couldn’t help but get totally caught up inside. The story was such a cute one with the characters trying to set up their bosses but Ari felt much more like a real person with having depression she was dealing with. I didn’t think the two sides of this would mix well but I was wrong as the book did still have that lighthearted fun that you would expect from a rom-com type of read but also with a more realistic twist that you don’t normally find and I was definitely a fan.

I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.

I loved this book. It started with such witty chapter headings that were weather puns and just got better from there! Ari is a local meteorologist whose boss doesn't fully see her. Her boss's ex-husband also works at the station, which has created a somewhat hostile environment for all involved. Russell, one of the station's sports reporters, connects with Ari at their holiday party as they commiserate over the latest blowup between the exes. They create a plan to try to get their 2 bosses back together, and in the process learn more about each other and begin to form a connection that is a bit more than friendship.

The voices of the characters are witty. They have complex motivations and backgrounds. I appreciated the frank discussions about mental health and seeing a therapist. Demystifying these things are so important. I also found it nice to see different family representations throughout the whole novel. It was a dimension that I haven't always seen in literature that I would love to see more of.

A highly recommended read!

While Weather Girl is a sweet, slow burn romance, the story tackles some tough topics in a serious but relatable way that didn’t make the plot line feel too heavy. Having struggled with depression so a significant amount of time, I really connected with Ari in several aspects. I really felt Ari’s emotions watching her character develop and her break down.

Even with the tough topics, Weather Girl still brings humor, steam and amazing side characters it would be a crime to exclude them. Rachel Lynn Solomon exceeded my expectations and I can’t wait to see what she writes next!

Thank you Berkley Publishing and Netgalley for the advanced copy and Rachel Lynn Solomon for writing such a beautiful story.

Weather Girl is an office romance between Ari (a meteorologist with depression) and Russell (sports reporter/single dad who is plus-sized), who team up to bring their bosses back together (reminded me of the movie Set It Up).

This book honestly exceeded my expectations! It was a cute romance book that made me laugh out loud and smile but also dealt with serious topics such as mental health (which I could personally relate to), body image, and parenthood. I loved the writing style and all the weather puns. Can’t wait to read more books by this author!

Thank you to Berkley and Netgalley for providing me an e-arc of this book in exchange for an honest review!

A 5 star read! There isn't a thing I didn't LOVE about this book! So much so that I went ahead and bought a paperback copy to have on my shelves! I simply couldn't get enough and never wanted this sweet and charming romance to end. I highly recommend Weather Girl and the authors debut novel - both of which were 5 star reads for me!

So cute and I loved the artwork!
There was a sprinkle of fatphobia in there so just be aware. Funny, insightful - I will always support my Jewish queen!

Rachel Lynn Solomon is becoming one of my favorite romance writers! As a journalist, I normally can't stand any media that has journalists as the main characters, because it's almost always a frustratingly inaccurate representation. But Solomon captures the realness of a newsroom so well, and her characters are lovable and real. I need her to publish more books, immediately!

This book was cute but kinda predictable. There are some sweet moments and I did shed a tear. Reminded me a lot of her other book the Ex talk where it was just a cute story but nothing readily stood out.

*Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for providing a free advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

This book was so cute! I really enjoy a workplace romance story. It did seem a little unbelievable that Torrence and Seth would still be allowed to work there together with the way they were behaving towards each other with no reprimanding or HR issues, but alas, it's just a book. Russell seemed really adorable although at times it was hard to fully picture him because of the descriptions. He likes sports and is/was athletic? But then Solomon described his "belly" a few times? So maybe just basic dad bod? Wasn't sure. I also appreciated the discussions around depression and how it can affect people so differently and treatments can also vary. Especially in today's world, talking more openly about mental health and depression, in general, is relevant and necessary. My one negative is the ending! I hate when people use someone else's wedding to do their own proposal. I think him proposing either when they are alone or even at the bat mitzvah would have made more sense for their characters.
Overall, super cute and fun read and I look forward to more from this author.

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. It was meaningful to read a book that dealt with depression in such an honest way. I also loved that the book was so body positive for both characters-I can't think of any book that deals with men feeling insecure. The ending felt a bit rushed, but the romance felt real which always helps me tolerate any pacing issues.

Ari Abrams loves the rain, she loves all the weather that Seattle has to offer but she’s been obsessed with the commonality of the rain since she was young. Now, she’s the weather girl, securing her dream job at the Seattle News station working with the woman she’s idolized since she watched the news at 5am every morning before school. Life should be great, she’s living her actual dream, however reality isn’t so sunny. Torrance Hale - the living weatherwoman legend has fallen short of what Ari was expecting in her idol, boss, and mentor. After Torrance and her ex-husband, station news director Seth Hale finally called it quits they have been at odds and ends trying to piss the other off and creating a semi-toxic work environment for everyone in their storm path.

After the most disastrous holiday party Ari cant’t help but strike up a conversation with Sport caster Russell, airing out all her grievance about working under Torrance, and he reciprocates with his own annoyance with Seth, the two scheme to force the once lovebirds back into a happy relationship so to salvage not only Seth and Torrance’s reputations but also the station as a whole.

For fans of the movie Set It Up, I found this book incredibly refreshing and even found myself laughing out loud at parts. This story depicts a realistic representation of mental illness and the daily struggles and stigma around it. The author does what I found the most incredible job at not using Ari’s depression to cast a ‘cloud’ of shame over the short comings Ari deals with on a daily basis while also showing readers a different side to a characters mental illness and how they cope with it.

A huge HAPPY PUB DAY to @rlynn_solomon and #WeatherGirl!!

I will never not IMMEDIATELY read anything that Rachel Lynn Solomon writes and I was so excited to get my hands on her newest adult romance, Weather Girl!!

There is so much to love here and I have no doubt that this will be an incredibly loved book! A Jewish, own voices romance with exploration of mental health, sex positivity, and body positivity? I am here for it. It means so much to see myself represented in books and Solomon’s descriptions of Judaism perfectly capture some of my own experiences.

Weather Girl follows Ari and Russell who both work at a Seattle tv station and who decide, after witnessing another epic showdown between their divorced bosses, that they might be able to get them back together. What starts as scheming turn to friendship and then some, and it was so cool seeing some of the inner workings of a tv station. The romance here is a slow burn - reeeeaaaallllly slow at first - but then WHAM!! The next thing you know you’ve fallen in love with Ari and Russ and you NEED THEM TO BE TOGETHER!! I seriously cheered these two on and loved their sweet (and then definitely steamy) romance.

I am so grateful to @berkleyromance and @netgalley for the eARC of this one in exchange for my honest opinion.

3.5/5

Weather girl was a very cute parent trap romance story. The book begins with meteorologist, Ari Abrams, and sports reporter, Russell, plotting to bring their divorced bosses back together. However, as Ari and Russell spend time planning elaborate ruses to reignite a spark between their employers, they also seem to find themselves growing closer and closer with each interaction.

One of the main moving plot lines was Ari’s ongoing battle with depression. I really appreciated the transparency she had throughout the book showcasing the benefits of therapy, medication, and how to communicate that part of her life to a potential partner and family members. I see many books usually gloss over a characters battle with mental health or they zero in on the struggles on every page which sometimes overshadows the message but I think Weather Girl had a really good balance where it felt organic.

Overall, Weather Girl was a very fun and fast read with relatable characters. I also really enjoyed the side plot of a second chance romance between the two side characters.

Side note: I am not a huge fan of chapter titles, I feel like they take me out of the story or they spoil the chapter for me when I just want to keep reading without any hints. However, the chapter titles in Weather Girl were very charming with so many weather puns that you can’t help but smile at.

My ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Great story! I loved getting to know these characters. I loved watching them struggle and succeed, both seemed very relatable. I think both characters were strong and independent, very well developed. Their relationship was a bit rocky and I wished there was more time to see it blossom. Overall, the story was very funny and also had a ton of depth.

4.5 ⭐️ I absolutely adore this story

"I like myself the most when I'm around you. And I think it's because I'm the most honest version of myself. I dont have to try as hard, and I don't have to hide. I can just . . . be."


Summary:

TV meteorologist Ari Abrams, and a sports reporter, Russell Barringer, decide to team up and pull a 'parent trap' on their divorced bosses, who are making life hell at the new station. As they spend time together scheming, real chemistry builds between Ari and Russell. But is Ari ready to let someone see the darkest parts of herself? And is Russell ready to let someone into his already complicated life?


My Thoughts:

Weather Girl is an incredibly charming romantic comedy. It's the perfect balance between fun-loving and serious, which is not an easy feat.

Here's what I loved:

- Having a Jewish heroine and a Jewish hero. I love Jewish history and the religious culture, so it was nice to finally read a story with this representation.

- Ari is an amazing person. She's worked hard for everything she's accomplished, put her mental health first and sought help at a young age, tries to stay positive, is an absolute sweetheart, and funny as hell. I really connected to Ari and was rooting for her the entire time.

- Russell is the definition of a sweetheart. He isn't like the typical rom-com love-interest, but I love that about him. He's a bigger guy, a dad, and has his own insecurities. And all these things just made him so loveable and special. I fell in love with Russell and you will too!

- Having a plus-sized male love interest. I've actually never read a story where the male lead wasn't classically handsome with washboard abs, and honestly, I loved it!!! Russell may have a big gut, but he also has a big heart -and that's what's most important.

- The 'parent trap' scheme. Will all 90s babies, please, stand up??? Seriously, Parent Trap with Lindsay Lohan is a classic! And incorporating it into the story made me nostalgic.

- The romance had spice and everything nice. The way Ari and Russell interact gives me butterflies. And honestly, their mutual pining for one another was so sweet that I DID NOT expect that level of spice! Goodness, for someone who hasn't had sex in 5-years, Russell really brought his A-game! 🥵 FYI, Russell is very generous, a little bossy, and a f*cking gentleman in bed. LOVE HIM!

- And let's not forget the scene where Ari is in sling and Russell helps undress her . . . Seriously, that might have been the sexiest part about this book, and they barely touched!! The sexual tension was off the charts, and had me sweating!

- Depression representation and positive depictions of therapy. As someone with mental health issues and who regularly sees a therapist, I can confirm that this book really did an amazing job explaining how depression feels and showing the reality of life when you have mental health issues. It was also interesting to see how different Ari and her mother handled their depression and the kind of damage not seeking help can do to relationships.


The only thing I didn't love about the story was the noticeable info-dumping at the beginning. I understand the author did this to set up the characters and storyline, and it really only happened in the first 3 chapters, so once I got past that I was super invested.


Overall, Weather Girl was a lovely story that has instantly become one of my favorite comfort reads. I know that whenever I'm feeling down or in a reading slump, I'll pick up this book, and it'll make me smile.



Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review! As always, all opinions are my own.

Thank you so much to Netgalley and Berkley Publishing for the arc of this book! I'm a huge Rachel Lynn Solomon fan and this book did not disappoint. I didn't LOVE this one like I loved Today Tonight Tomorrow, but I did really enjoy it. I loved the accurate representation of depression and the relationship between Ari and Russell. Normally when a book has a ton of side characters, I hate it and it drives me crazy trying to keep track of them all, but this book does it really really well. From the variety of coworkers at the news station, and both of their families, I felt a connection to every character they interacted with, which I think is so rare in a book this short with that many characters.
I really really likes this book and I'm excited to recommend it to people now that it's out!

I was between 3 and 4 stars until the end which was too schmaltzy for me. Also I didn’t really understand the final conflict in her and Russ’s relationship. She was too much for him?? There didn’t seem to be much plot after they got together. Overall I liked The Ex Talk better. Both are workplace romances with a scheming plot.

There were some funny parts. I thought the couples’ massage bit was hilarious. Also the forced proximity later on. Also great to have a plus size Hero. I still like the author’s writing style and sense of humor.

The sexy parts were ok. Very realistic in a sense. I wanted more. I’ve been reading a ton of alien sci fi smut lately and that’s probably why.

The audiobook narrator was terrible. She did a weird sing song voice that I think was supposed to mimic newscasters and I quickly ditched the audio as it was affecting my enjoyment of the book.

I received a free e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

This super cute book brought together weather and sports in the best way possible! It was so adorable getting to know Ari and Russell and watch their steamy office romance play out! This book has a great cast of characters and I loved getting to follow them all! There was great rep in this book for depression which was done very well. The cover pulled me in, the synopsis was spot on and this book delivered so much more than I was expecting!

Solomon’s books hold my heart in a gentle, yet secure hold where I know I will both have to confront inner issues while also feeling secure enough to do so. From YA to NA, romcom to romance, her books are an easy auto-buy for me. And “Weather Girl” was no different.

While a small part of me wished for a bit more romance, the way everything unfolded truly made sense for these characters. Ari and Russell have their own lives, their own aspirations, their own friends, and their own challenges. It’s because of these challenges that they’re often guarded and hesitant to seem “all in” or willing to be vulnerable at every chance they get. While still an open-door romance – with a sex scene that’s more than just sex itself! – Ari and Russell get to explore breaking out of their comfort zones, and many readers struggling with similar issues are able to witness a realistic portrayal of the benefits and the obstacles they could face doing so.

This book is a romcom, and it has great humorous moments, but it also takes on heavy topics such as depression, teenage parenthood, single parenthood, neglectful parenting, medication, self-care, and so much more. I love Solomon’s books because they are always REAL. They often also include representation that’s hard to come by in other stories (Jewish characters and fat characters in this one, for example).

With tons of weather-filled puns, and a true passion for their work, Ari and Russell have a lot to navigate. But they don’t stop trying. What they do learn is that they have to learn more about themselves before they can come to terms with what they’re willing to offer the other.

TW: depression, mental health

2.5 Stars

Ari wants to help her boss reunite her ex so she teams her with a fellow colleague at the tv station. Since she needs to get close to the ex to push him in the right direction, she reaches out to Russell who is a sports reporter at the station. The two conspire to hook up their bosses but never imagine that they would fall for each other.

I have mixed feeling with the story line. Here’s what I liked: the characters felt real to me. They tackle real issues such as the main character’s mental health issues. Ari struggles with her depression is real. Her relationships with every one around her has been difficult because of her depression. Mainly her family since there is a history of mental health issues in her family. The author’s ability to show how someone who struggles with a lot of dark days was on point.

Russell is a single dad who is different than most of the heroes that romance readers hear about. The author describes him in a realistic physical and emotional way but something about him did not do it for me. This is where the mix feelings start to come into play. The romance. It just wasn’t there. I couldn’t connect with the couple as a couple. The main focus of the book is the character. The relationship seems to be on the back burner. Ari’s boss and her love interest held my attention more.

This is my first read by the author. I’m willing to venture into her other works. This one may not have worked completely for me but I still enjoyed reading it.

~ Samantha