A TV meteorologist and a sports reporter take a page out of “The Parent Trap” and come up with a scheme to reunite their divorced bosses with results that turn up the temperature in more places than one.

Did someone say perfect rom-com premise? Because I am 100% here for it.

Weather Girl follows Ari Abrams, who’s always been fascinated by the weather and loves her job as TV meteorologist. The only thing she doesn’t love about her workplace? The ongoing epic throwdowns between her boss, the legendary Seattle weatherwoman Torrance Hale, and her ex-husband Seth who just happens to be the station’s news director. After a Christmas work party that ends with broken glass and disheartened colleagues, Ari finds an unlikely ally in Russ, the sweet but reserved station’s sports reporter. Together, they decide they’re going to parent trap their bosses into falling back into love. What neither of them expects? Falling for each other in the process.

I’ve come to expect a certain few things when picking up a book by Solomon: cosy feels, some laugh-out-loud moments, and at least one scene that feels so unbearably relatable that I want to simultaneously chuck the book across the room and clutch it to my chest and sob at the accuracy. And Solomon did not disappoint with Weather Girl. I got all of that and more.

Let’s start with the characters: Ari Adams, or as I like to refer to her, my dream woman. A woman who has had a dream since she was a little girl, who makes awkward weather-related puns, who prefers rain to sunshine, and who fought her way to become a TV meteorologist. A woman who’s been told by her ex-fiancé that she wasn’t real and someone who is scared of rejection if she does show someone all of her parts. Ari also lives with depression. Solomon mentions this in the introductory author’s letter, so I thought I’d include it here: She says that individuals living with mental illnesses deserve romantic narratives just as much as everyone else and I agree with this wholeheartedly. Including a protagonist with a mental illness in a romcom is so validating—because yes, we deserve a love story, too, if we want it.

Though Ari’s depression isn’t the focal point of this novel, I loved how it shaped the way she approached new situations and relationships and at times, it was almost too relatable to see how she reacted because of the stigma she’s experienced in the past. I felt so seen by the sunshine girl that never wants to show others the dark parts of her because she doesn’t think they’ll be palatable, that people will write her off as ‘too much’. It’s an unflinching portrayal of just how much stigma influences people with mental illnesses and I think including this in an immersive romance like Weather Girl was what truly made this book stand out. I also really loved that the stigma Ari experiences wasn’t “just” a thing that happens to her but that we get to see where these misconceptions about being too much stem from, without ever losing the focus on the present. There’s also a storyline toward the end of the book that made me feel seen like no portrayal of depression ever has—no one ever seems to get that people with mental illness often think that it’s easier to cut someone off before they can do the same to you (a pre-emptive protective mechanism, you might say) but Ari does. And people who live with depression will get it, too.

As if a character that relatable wasn’t enough, we get the love interest Russ, who stole my heart! Beyond having his own baggage to deal with, he also has this incredible enthusiasm for sports and for anything related to his daughter. Nevertheless, Russ also struggles with his image from time to time because of the extra weight he carries. Yes, readers, we have a fat love interest in this book and I am living! Body diversity is finally breaking its way into traditionally published romances and it was so refreshing to see a male love interest who wasn’t the perfect supermodel because guess what? Russ is just as sexy and downright naughty as that six-pack dude from that one movie you’re thinking of right now. Those readers who’d like a bit more open-door policy when it comes to sexy times won’t be disappointed as this might just be Solomon’s steamiest read yet.

Add to that a cast of flawed, lovable and hilarious characters and you get one hell of a ride. If you’ve seen The Parent Trap, you’ll enjoy all the small Easter eggs and if you haven’t, you’ll still giggle when Ari and Russ land themselves in one double date after another with their bosses as they try to fix a relationship they’ve only ever seen in broken shambles. There are moments that had me laughing out loud, moments that made me cry and moments, like a certain hotel room “can you help me change PJs because my arm is in a cast” scene that made me turn up the AC.

What struck me most about this book, however, was how everything was so naturally interweaved. Plotlines flowed together and broke apart in this seamless way that made it feel like watching your favourite TV show that you’ve seen five hundred times but still marvel at. Torrance and Seth’s marriage struggles presented such a nice backdrop to Russ and Ari’s vulnerable first steps. Meanwhile, Ari’s relationship with her mother only made it that much more clearer why she’s looking for stability and a safe haven. Really, the execution of the different elements of this novel was so elegant. Additionally, I loved the little elements that made this story feel so real: Ari making her own jewellery inspired by the weather, Russ’s daughter’s obsession with musicals or even the very unexpected “taking my boss to her grandbaby’s birth” situation that had me cackling. The attention to detail is a big reason for why this story is so immersive and I’ve come to love this about Solomon’s writing.

Whether sunshine or rainfall, Weather Girl is the perfect read no matter what storms you’re facing. With an enchanting protagonist who shows that living with a mental illness and finding the love of your life aren’t mutually exclusive, Weather Girl is a must-read for lovers of The Parent Trap and Set It Up!

Growing up, Ari Abrams dreamed of being a meteorologist. A lover of overcast days and rain, she was always mesmerized by watching the legendary Torrance Hale deliver the forecast on the evening news. Now, a weather reporter for local news station KSEA 6, everything should be a breeze. But, the nonstop hostility between Torrance and her ex-husband, the news director, was an uninvited storm in the workplace. It blew, not getting the mentorship Ari always hoped for and the only person who seemed to be floating in the same water was sports anchor, Russell Barringer.

Following a disastrous holiday party, Ari and Russell decide to team up, taking ideas from "Set It Up" and "The Parent Trap," to reunite their divorced bosses in an attempt to fix their office atmosphere and stop the storm in its path. Together they form a friendship; the only thing the forecast didn't predict was that they might find love too.

The Jewish representation made my heart swoon. It was beautiful to see elements of my religious and cultural experiences reflected in a book so casually. Mentions of Hanukkah, Shabbat Dinner and Bar/Bat Mitzvah's are small things I always knew I wanted to see, but didn't know how good it would feel until I finally did. When Ari remarked, "I realize I live in a city with a Jewish population of less than two percent, but the assumption that everyone celebrates Christmas has never not rubbed at me like an itchy tag on the back of the softest sweater. This time of year, it’s nearly constant." I felt so incredibly seen. I love that non-Jews can learn a little bit more about Judaism too.

I, personally wouldn't market this story as a romcom. There was not a lot of comedic moments, falling on the heavier side. That said, the author handles mental health and depression in a really respectful way, showcasing how ones life can be affected day-to-day. It's very genuine. I think a lot of readers will be able to connect with Ari's struggles and was glad to see important topics explored in her journey, including therapy.

While I enjoyed getting to know Ari and Russell, I did have trouble buying into the romance. In my opinion, the chemistry was lacking between the two, but I have trouble pinpointing exactly why. I felt like I was rooting for them simply because I was supposed to. The side characters, however, were well-rounded and entertaining.

I also thought the chapter titles were a really cute addition and needed to give them a shoutout.

I definitely think this slow burn will be a hit for most. Unfortunately, I still need to wade through the fog on it. Romances are still a struggle for me as a reader a lot of the time, but I want to love them like I do the movies.

I loved this book. So much.

The romance is real, messy, and beautiful (oh, and hot 🔥). Ari and Russell could be people you’d meet in your everyday life. They are flawed, funny, are healing from past relationships, grappling with career development and personal growth, and there is even portrayal of creative hobbies. It is very apparent that this novel came directly from the author’s heart and is very personal.

I SO appreciate how the author has handled mental health in a sensitive, open manner throughout this story!

After finishing the eARC (thank you Berkley Pub!!), I immediately pre-ordered a copy for my personal library.

This was the book that I needed but I didn't know it. I'm personally not a big fan of romance novels that aren't also fantasy or sci-fi based; Rachel Lynn Solomon books are the exception. So I dived into Weather Girl with all my heart and it stole my heart completely. Ari and Rus are the most gorgeous couple and I personally felt so seen that I wanted to message Rachel to find out why she was stalking my life and feelings. It follows the usual formula; girl and boy slowly fall in love, something happens to break them apart for a few chapters, and they live happily ever after. So telling you that I personally have found myself doing what Ari did to mess the relationship up is not a spoiler in the least. Everything Rachel writes is completely relatable so pick it up right now! Only qualm I have is that we don't get to see Elodie nearly enough; I adore that kid to pieces!

Set It Up meets The Parent Trap in the heartwarming, and sometimes stormy, upcoming release Weather Girl.

Rachel Lynn Solomon is truly gifted at creating characters who all (a) contribute to the plot and (b) have unique personalities. I loved every single second of this book, even the disaster at the beginning. I absolutely flew through this book, and it’s a testament to Rachel’s writing that I was 50% through and it didn’t even feel like I’d spent much time on the book. It was that easy to get lost in it.

Ari’s depression is large part of the book – not only is it the reason she runs on sunshine, but it’s also something that she keeps hidden from most people in her life. I related so much to Ari’s story and how she functions in the world – the silver linings, seeking out balance during conversations, and the spiraling. Oof, the spiraling was way too relatable. It was amazing seeing Ari grow and her perspective change as the story progressed. However, while this is marketed as a rom-com, do be warned that Ari’s depression, and her journey with it, is a large part of this book – so no, it’s not all sunshine and laughs. There are a lot of light and bright moments, but be prepared for it to get heavy at times (I cried at one point).

I adored Russell – he’s such a sweet and gentle character who supports Ari through the book. Their team-up was so much fun and I enjoyed their plotting as they tried to get Torrence and Seth back together – the little tricks and the double dates. I honestly did not see that last twist coming, but it made much of the book make total sense so I’m very happy for it. It also leads to more character growth and we love to see it!

There’s a lot of rep in this book and I appreciated how delicately and lovingly everything was handled. There was never a moment where I felt like the characters were being judged for who they were and what they looked like with each other (though there was some internet hate noted by the MCs). Weather Girl presents a diverse set of characters who support each other and bring one another together in love and joy and I love it so so much. I know someone will ask, so I’ll tell you now – this is a sexier romance. No closed doors or fade-to-blacks in Weather Girl and it’s steamy.

All in all, 100% recommend – Rachel Lynn Solomon is becoming an auto-buy author for me!

TWs: Depression, side-character in mental-hospital, absent parent, workplace discrimination and sexism.

Rep: Jewish own voice, depression own voice, fat hero, side mlm couple, teen parenting, positive experience with therapy

Plot: 5/5
Characters: 5/5
World Building: 4.5/5
Writing: 5/5
Pacing: 5/5
Overall: 5/5
GoodReads Rating: 4.27/5

eARC gifted via NetGalley by Berkley in exchange for an honest review.

Well I really loved so much about this book. Weather Girl is not your cookie cutter workplace romance. It has major Set It Up/Parent Trap vibes because Ari (a meteorologist) and Russell (a sports broadcaster) take it upon themselves to try to reunite their divorced bosses at their television station. The newsroom setting was fun and unique. The romance and scheming storylines were well balanced with heavier topics such as depression, a strained parental relationship and teenage pregnancy. I would be remiss not to mention that the book has fantastic Jewish representation.

Solomon has created extremely authentic characters in Ari and Russell. They are vulnerable and relatable. Ari has depression. She has been living with it for many years building up walls and routines (including therapy and medication) to stay on top of her career and to prevent anyone from witnessing a dark moment. Russell isn't the stereotypical chiseled male protagonist. He's fat and has insecurities about his size. I loved getting a love interest that was real instead of an ideal! Russell is sensitive, sweet and caring. His relationship with his daughter (I loved her Broadway obsession) was perfection! I just wanted to hug him so badly.

This book has fantastic Jewish representation. I am Jewish and it is wonderful to see elements of my upbringing reflected in a book! Shabbat dinner, a bat mitzvah! I felt so seen by the scene where Ari and Russell bemoan the fact that the company's "holiday" party was really one gigantic Christmas party, Hanukkah was relegated to one tiny Menorah ornament on a decked out Christmas tree.

Weather Girl is funny, steamy and tender. This book will make you smile, warm your heart and surprise you.

Rachel Lynn Solomon really did it for me this time. I enjoyed the one other book I read from her, The Ex Talk, but Weather Girl just grabbed my attention from the beginning and kept it all the way till the end. The mental health rep in this book was great. The inner monologue Ari, the main character, had with herself while she was deep in her depression was all to familiar. Also the way Russell, the other main character, spoke about his daughter made me emotional. Will definitely be recommending this title once it's in the library.


Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Weather Girl is a really special book. I cannot wait for this book to be published and in the hands of readers. In addition this book will become my go to recommendation for men interested in starting to read romance. I think in a similar vein to The Bromance Book Club by Lyssa Kay Adams the hero in this book is really real feeling and in a special way that I don't see a lot in romance books. I really loved the set up of this romance with their bickering bosses and I loved the way it all played out. While I enjoyed The Ex Talk, Solomon's second foray into adult romance is definitely the stronger of the two.

Rachel Lynn Solomon comes through again, with a beautiful romcom that in a very real way deals with mental health issues, body image insecurity, broken families, and the delicacy of overcoming familial trauma.

I laughed and I did cry because I so deeply resonated with Ari and her struggles.

I loved so much about Rachel Lynn Solomon's latest book - the Jewish and mental health representation, the hero with a Dad bod, a heroine with weather jewelry, the television aspect, the meddling. So much worked here for me. I've seen other reviews that suggest a lack of chemistry and while I did feel the chemistry been the two I do think it could have been a smidge stronger but that did not detract from my enjoyment or all my warm, mushy feelings for Ari and Russell. That being said, I finished the read with the sense that this was a happily ever after ending, not a "happy for now" and this is a couple that would make it long-term. Both were so fearful and vulnerable and being witness their growth, faith and trust was an honor. This is beautifully written, I polished it off in a day or two and it kept my interest and intrigue throughout. Truly a pleasure to read this book.

This book just felt so... careful? I know that's not a great descriptor, but I felt like a lot of care was put into writing and fleshing out this story that I felt like it was such a gentle read.

Ari has been having a rough go at it but she is doing as good as she can be, all things considered. After her engagement falls through, she is hesitant about herself when it comes to love... but that doesn't stop her from agreeing to meddle in her bosses' love life. Russ and Ari work for Seth and Torrance, both forces at their news station, and are tired of the toxic and tense environment they seem to create whenever they fight. The two are divorced and have been for a little bit now, but when Ari starts poking her head where it doesn't belong she finds a reason to believe that maybe it wouldn't be too bad if they fall back in love with each other. Russ pushes the idea as well and when the two have time to think on it, it's go-time.

As Ari and Russ continue to spend more time together, it's hard to ignore the little sparks that keep flying around them. Ari has a lot she's working through but she can't help but want to trust him and see where things go. Russ has his own secrets but when the lights turn on and his secrets have nowhere to hide... he realizes he had no reason to be afraid in the first place. The two have a lot on their plate separately and together, so will a relationship be too much to add into the mix?

No. It wouldn't be too much. Definitely not. RUSS JUST SOUNDS LIKE A BIG OL' TEDDY BEAR AND I WANTED A HUG. He just seemed like such a soft guy whose eyes gave his every thought away and I couldn't help but fall in love with him alongside Ari. How could you not?

I loved working through Ari's reactions and behaviours with her and her therapist when it mattered most. I loved Rachel's significant point at therapy and its benefits too while we're at it. It felt like everyone just was working out the kinks in their life and therapy was the way to go. I couldn't agree more - in fact, I think that everyone should be able to go to therapy without worrying about breaking the bank (but that is a conversation for another day and a battle for another platform).

Ari's adoration of all things weather is what resonated with me a little bit. Her love of the rain and storms, and just the sky in general just made me feel like :') (whatever emotion this is). She had a passion and it was clear as day as to what it was. I almost wish we had another sports moment for her and Russ, and more of her and Elodie, but I am satisfied with what we WERE given. This also just gave me major Set It Up vibes and I can't complain. I love that movie so much LOL.

Overall, this was another great read from Rachel and I will continue to add more of her books into my never-ending TBR because I don't see why I wouldn't.

I absolutely loved this slow burn, coworkers to friends to lovers romance! Full of hilarious matching making schemes, tender romantic moments and swoonworthy steam (I mean chapter 19 should come with a warning because OH MY HEART), this book was a fun, authentic and smart love story. I adored the body and sex positivity included as well as the genuine representation of mental health. As a mental health clinician, I truly appreciated the vulnerability, sensitivity and inclusion that the author wrote about depression with, as well as her author's note and the resources shared. Once I started this book I couldn't put it down and read it in one sitting. I laughed, I cried and felt all the feels in between.... thank you so much to Berkley Publishing and Netgalley for my copy! We need more romances like this.

I really loved this book. The MC's were great, and I enjoyed all of the information of what it is like to work in a news studio. The ending felt a bit rushed, but all in all, I couldn't put this one down. I will seek out additional titles by this author.

Weather Girl lacks the chemistry that made The Ex Talk so great. The author is almost torn between trying to write a romance and an exploration of the struggles of mental health and ends up only skimming the surface of both. It’s a fast read but ultimately misses the mark in saying something about the stigma of mental health while having a lackluster romance with zero stacks. I found myself more interested in the secondary characters.

3.5 stars. Today Tonight Tomorrow was the first RLS book I read and I fell in love with it! I’ve read her other books since and none of them have hit the same mark for me, including this one. Of course it was cute and I liked to see the focus on mental health, but it was also a bit slow in the first half. I liked the side characters of Torrance and Seth. Overall this was fine but not one of my favorites.

While Ari loves reporting the weather, what she doesn’t love is her boss constantly fighting with her ex in the office. After horror ensues at the office holiday party, Ari and Russel decide something needs to change. It seems like Torrance and Seth still love each other. Can Ari and Russel manage to get them back together and create peace for the entire team?

Another gem of a read from the author of The Ex Talk! Torrence and Seth were easily infuriating, while Ari and Russel were both just complete gems. I have to say one thing I really loved about this book was that Ari had depression, as did her mom. I felt so connected to Ari throughout the book when she discussed her struggles, and I saw a lot of her insecurities in myself. The inner monologue she had when it came to relationships and her own mental health is one I have often found myself speaking as well. I think Rachel did a fantastic job of describing how it feels when you are in a black hole of depression, and how it can come on out of nowhere. I highly recommend everyone read this book! I think those that maybe don’t understand depression or anxiety could truly learn a lot from this read.

I loved The Ex Talk so I was really looking forward to this one and I was not disappointed! It admittedly was a struggle to get into at first just because the parent trapping of the bosses felt SO MUCH like the movie Set It Up but once the characters found their own way I was hooked. I liked the setting and as a depressed bitch myself, I really liked the way Ari's depression was handled. I've seen more and more romances lately dealing with mental health in a thoughtful and realistic way and I am happy to add this one to the list.

Rachel Lynn Solomon has been a favorite of mine since The Ex Talk so I had very high expectations. And this lived up to those standards! Wow I LOVED Weather Girl! In many ways, it gave off a Jewish Emma/Clueless vibes and I'm in love with that. Rachel's inclusion of Jewish representation is the comfort that I will always need in my steamy romances. But, also incredibly important was the discussions surrounding mental health/depression. It's wonderful to see that authors are tackling those important topics in their books and helping to destigmatize them. Thank you so much for an e-ARC, Rachel, I LOVED IT!

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for providing the ARC for this book.

I absolutely adored this story. I am a very character-driven reader and the characters are absolutely what makes this book succeed. They feel so real. These characters could have been people that I know in real life. And as someone who also struggles with depression, I saw so much of myself in Ari's journey.

Yes, it absolutely is a rom-com. But the story plays out in a very meaningful and poignant way. Absolutely wonderful read.

3.5 stars

Rachel Lynn Solomon is a wonderful writer. Her ability to write an immersive tale with depth, emotions and real connection? That is a skill! Weather Girl didn't disappoint in that regard. I loved the Jewish representation, mental health awareness, and even body positivity! At the same time, I just didn't connect to the story. I am not faulting Rachel on this at all. But this book just didn't do it for me. I hope everyone does give it a chance, because I can see the appeal, but some stories just aren't meant for people. I hope you give her writing a chance, despite this somewhat negative review.