Just what I was looking for- first time I've read this author and will be recommending it for customers. The open talk of depression and mental illness is very revelant today and having it incorporated into reading may inadvertantly help someone start a conversation that is well needed.

Weather Girl is a deeply personal romantic contemporary about a meteorologist with depression and her sports reporter colleague. While I really enjoyed the books representation of depression, family dynamics, teen parenting and plus sized bodies, I didn't enjoy the romance aspect of this book... whatsoever.

I'm going to preface this review by saying while this book is marketed as a romantic comedy, it definitely falls more accurately into the romantic contemporary category. As Nisha Sharma points out, the publishing had been mislabeling romantic contemporaries as "rom-coms" left and right as a marketing tactic; something I think is definitely happening with this book.

For a book to be a romantic comedy, it needs to have humor throughout; while this book has a rom-com adjacent plot of the two leads "Parent Trapping" their bosses, the book itself isn't funny, and that's okay. This isn't to say that books that handle heavier topics such as depression can't be comedic, or categorized as rom-coms, it's just to say that this book isn't.

The standout of this book was the two lead characters on their own. I loved getting to know Ari and Russell, and their troubles with depression & mother-daughter relationships and being a young parent & their weight, respectively. The author made it clear that the issues she wrote about came from a personal place, which were very apparent. These characters shine. I felt so much of myself in Ari, and so much love for Russell.

What I struggled with from this book was the actual relationship between Ari and Russell. While their characters were incredibly fleshed out with poignant backstories and lovable personalities, there was very little set-up for why they should work as a couple; a problem that was persistent throughout. I feel there was never an "aha" moment where I was like "okay.. this makes sense and I like this" regarding their relationship which is.. kind of the whole point of a self proclaimed romance book.

I think had this book been written as a contemporary fiction, with a side of romance and more character study on Ari and Russell (ahem dual POV) I would've enjoyed it far more. I think there was so much potential behind the character of Ari, and I just wanted to delve so much deeper into her relationship with her mom, her depression, and toxic positivity.

Pacing wise, because I was having a hard time getting behind Ari and Russell's relationship development, I struggled to get through this book. it felt a bit slow, although that might've just been me impatiently waiting to like it more. By the time I had gotten to the end I was skimming just enough to be able to write a review for the book.

Ari is a weather girl working for KSEA news. She works with her weather idol, Torrance Hale. The tension between Torrance and her ex-husband and news manager, Seth, makes working conditions rough. So, after an eventful Christmas party, one of the sports guys, Russel, and Ari join forces to get Torrance and Seth on likeable terms and improve the working environment. Little do they know… how much they might begin liking each other.

I enjoyed the setting of this story – the news room. Ari’s character is complex, suffering from some severe depression, which has ruined previous relationships. Russell has his own troubles, having a child at a very young age. Together through a common interest of changing the work climate between Torrance and Seth, they become friends and for once, Ari isn’t afraid talk about her problems. I didn’t find this story very humorous – in fact I cannot remember much humor at all. I do remember Ari’s painful thoughts and struggles with getting out of her own head, which many of us can relate too.

One thing I had trouble with was picturing the characters, I seemed to have one image of the characters, then something else would be said later and I would have to adjust the image in my head. I don’t know if I just missed the initial descriptions. This happened especially with Russell, I didn’t catch that he was on the chunkier side until their conversation at the bar, but they had met before that.

Overall though, an enjoyable read that tackles a challenging topic.

Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group and Netgalley for the ARC! This might work as a good book club book – especially with the discussion questions included at the end.

Although this read really wasn’t for me, I can see how it would appeal to others. I’m not a huge rom com fan but I enjoy them on occasion. This is a solid rom com with cute, quirky characters and a decent plot. The pacing was a bit slow for me but slow burn romance fans will really enjoy it.

Cute read, even if a bit predictable! Enjoyed learning a little bit about the weather room, even in a fictional tale.

A TV meteorologist and a sports reporter fall in love as they set up their bosses!! I couldn't stop grinning as I read this. This is the perfect book to read if you're feeling down (and it's been a rough couple of months so I needed this)! Perfect for fans of netflix's "Set it Up."

Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.


Weather Girl is a cute and witty tale about co-workers falling in love. The weather puns were spot on, but the chemistry between the two leads was lacking. I found myself skimming more than anything.

While this is marketed as a romantic comedy, I didn’t feel there was much to laugh about. Ari is dealing with clinical depression, her mom’s neglect as a child, her broken engagement and a self-centered boss. Although I enjoyed both main characters story lines. I didn’t feel any spark or connection between Ari and Russell. Overall, it was an okay romance with little chemistry.

I really loved this book. The way the author weaved in the main characters depression needs how she felt about it was really well done. I loved the core relationship and thought it was fun and interesting to make the lead a single dad. I enjoyed the antics of both their bosses and the parent trapesque plan they tried to pull off.

Rachel Lynn Solomon has become an auto-read author for me, and WEATHER GIRL definitely did not make me second-guess that decision. Solomon has a wonderful way of writing in diverse viewpoints and experiences that feel realistic and authentic (in this book alone we have depression rep, a fat love interest, many non-nuclear families, two Jewish main characters, gay rep, Asian rep, etc) and infusing her novels with humor, romance, and real-life struggles and obstacles. That said, I did feel like the romance was a bit rushed here. We don't really get to see any backstory between Ari and Russell, so when they go from only sort of friendly co-workers to SPOILER ALERT him helping her get undressed after she fractures her elbow it feels like going from 0 to 100 in only a matter of days and it's a bit jarring. Also, the premise is obviously very THE PARENT TRAP meets SET IT UP which is part of the book's marketing and fully acknowleged but there isn't much new here to make that well-tred story feel exciting. That said, if you're already a fan of Solomon's you'll find a lot to love here, and new readers will no doubt been drawn in to her extensive backlist.

Rachel Lynn Solomon does it again! I absolutely loved The Ex Talk, so it's no surprise to me that I would also enjoy this one. I adored the characters in here so much. What strikes me so much about Solomon's writing is how real her characters feel. Our main character, Ari, is clinically depressed, in therapy, and taking medication. Our love interest, Russell, is a young single dad with a dad-bod. I don't see depression represented enough, and I don't think I've ever seen a fat LI represented in the books I've read before, so it was awesome to see both handled with care and attention.

At the start of the book, Ari and Russell are casually cordial with each other until they come up with a plan to set-up their bosses with each other in the hopes of easing the toxic atmosphere they're dealing with at work. Even with the forced proximity, they're still a bit closed off for their own reasons until they slowly start to shed layers and let the other person in. It was so lovely seeing their romance unfold so naturally. Oh and uh, those steamy scenes were a whole notch steamier than The Ex Talk was from what I can remember, and I'm not mad about it!

Overall, I absolutely adored Weather Girl and as always can't wait to see what else RLS comes out with next!

Rachel Lynn Solomon’s adult romances are completely delightful. If you liked THE EX TALK you will love this book. It’s full of witty banter, a sweet hero (Russell you sweet, sweet man), a funny 12 year old, and all the rom com tropes you could ask for. Love reading about two Jewish folks falling in love while running a Parent Trap on their bosses.

Thanks to NetGalley for this eARC.

I'm a sucker for a parent trap storyline (though I have to say, when the characters in this book called out the movie, they totally neglected to mention Hayley Mills, a TRAVESTY. Both Parent Traps are great, but you gotta mention the OG). This one is cute, with Ari and Russell trapping their bosses at their local news station. Russell, the male MC is such an adorable muffin. I also thought that way Ari's depression and the way it impacted her life and relationships was well handled and felt realistic. It was a really good inclusion into this book. Ari is also a meteorologist and I loved her very specific weather nerdiness.

Though I enjoyed this, some of the transitions between chapters felt a little abrupt and choppy.

Overall this was fun, with such sweet protagonists.

This was a lovely romance, similar to Netflix's Set it Up. Two co-workers decide to set up their divorced bosses, and find romance along the way. Mixed in we have mental health challenges, single-parenting, and family drama. The escapades were fun, if transparent.

Recommend for any rom-com fan!

This book was super cute!! It tackled serious topics of mental health, depression, divorce, childhood trauma, while still being fun and flirty and spicy!! I love contemporary romances where the characters move through trauma together instead of handling poor communication -- it feels real and makes the ending so much more satisfying. I want to read more by this author now!

i liked this! i may be a bit biased cuz i work in news but i liked the setting, the story, the characters … basically everything. only problem is i didn’t necessary LOVE it/i wasn’t super invested. was kinda blah at times but still worth the read.

#netgalley

I adored Rachel Lynn Solomon's books. I love how she shows us Seattle while creating great characters. Ari & Russell were cute and I love how much they want to fix their bosses relationship to help make the station better as a whole.

Thanks NetGalley for this ARC!

Ari has her dream job as the weather girl of a news channel run by her childhood hero, Torrance, and Torrance’s ex-husband, Seth. After Torrance and Seth’s fighting ruins a holiday party, Ari and sports reporter, Russell, come up with a plan to get Torrance and Seth back together. They spend a lot of time working on getting their bosses back together and they start developing feelings for each other.

This book was so unique. Russell is a bigger guy and also a single father to a 12 year old daughter. Ari has depression and regularly sees a therapist. Both of these characters are Jewish and bond over a lack of reputation for Jewish holidays in their workplace. Ari and Russell felt very real, and I really liked reading about both of them and seeing them overcome their insecurities. Rachel Lynn Solomon is one of my favorite romance authors and this book definitely did not disappoint.

Ari’s love of meteorology was contagious in this joyful, fizzy read. Her relationship with her boss Torrence was a joy, as were the interactions between Ari and Elodie. The treatment of Ari’s depression was done kindly and carefully and was truly affecting. However both the shenanigans (trying to get the bosses to fall in love) and the romantic moments between Ari and Russell fell a little flat for me. Enjoyed it overall though!

Some people predict the weather. I predict which books I’m going to love. Just like the meteorologists, I don’t always have it right.

Ari Abrams is a meteorologist for a hit news program in Seattle. She’s always dreamed of working with famed weatherwoman Torrance Hale. However, Torrance is not the easiest to work for. She’s moody, selfish, and can be downright bitchy. It doesn’t help that her ex-husband, Seth, works at the station as well.

Russell Barringer is a news reporter for the station, and his boss, Seth, can be dickish and extremely disruptive when he’s in the vicinity of his ex-wife, Torrance.

One drunken night, Ari and Russell hatch a plan to get their bosses back together. Not only would it raise morale in the office if Torrance and Seth weren’t constantly bickering, but maybe it would help Ari and Russell in the career department if their bosses took the time to mentor them to be the best they can be.

The forecast shows their plan to be working, but Ari and Russell don’t predict their attraction to each other. Can they make things work between them even when storm clouds hover?

I absolutely loved author Rachel Lynn Solomon’s The Ex Talk, and jumped at the chance to read this one.

This is marketed as a rom-com, but the book does tackle some serious/infrequent themes. The major one is depression. Ari has suffered with it on and off throughout her life, and she has lost people she loved because of it. Most days, she’s okay, but she’s vulnerable about letting anyone in. She tries as hard as she can to be positive, and keeps up with her antidepressants and therapy, but sometimes the dark cloud still rears its ugly head. I also really appreciate that Russell is big. He’s not the Fabio on the cover of those ridiculous romance novels. He’s a guy with a belly and stretch marks...a normal guy...and Ari is attracted to him regardless. We don’t see a lot of that in these kinds of books.

Here’s the crux: I had to ask myself “weather”...ahem...WHETHER it mattered that I didn’t feel the chemistry in a rom-com. Turns out, it mattered to me.

I felt ZERO chemistry between Ari and Russell. Their characters were fine...nothing wrong with them. They just seemed a bit bland. I don’t mind heat in my books. In this one, the door is wide open in a handful of scenes, but reading about what goes on underneath the “umbrella”...ahem...SHEETS wasn’t that enticing when I couldn’t really get into the idea of them being together in the first place. It’s just unfortunate, because Ari and Russell’s storyline is primary.

However, all of the side storylines were fantabulous, and I really loved the other characters. I cared about Torrance and Seth’s rekindled romance, and loved the growing friendship between Ari and Torrance...but I want to see sparks fly between the main characters when reading a romantic comedy. The ending is also a major faux pas, and I can’t imagine anyone being chill about it. I don’t do spoilers, but you’ll know what I mean if you read it.

Overall, I am glad to have read this one...but I just couldn’t buy into the romance. I also didn’t laugh out loud once, but there were definitely a few moments that made me smile.

Huge shout out to the author. From what I can gather, this story was a bit personal for her. She mentions in her author’s note that she really wanted to show a lead character who can be happy in life while also having extremely dark days. She includes the phone numbers to numerous resources after this note: “If any of this subject matter is triggering to you, please be gentle with yourself while reading.” MAJOR KUDOS!

Thank you to Berkley for providing me with a widget of the ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Expected Publication Date: 1/11/22.

Review also posted at: https://bonkersforthebooks.wordpress.com