Pogodna dziewczyna

by Rachel Lynn Solomon, Katarzyna Makaruk (Translator)

Czasem słońce, czasem deszcz. A niekiedy grad i burza z piorunami.

Zjawiska meteorologiczne od zawsze fascynowały Ari Abrams. Kocha swoją pracę pogodynki, bo czy mogła trafić lepiej? Jej mentorką jest legenda wiadomości pogodowych, Torrance Hale. Niestety przełożoną zbyt mocno pochłaniają nieustające kłótnie z byłym mężem, szefem działu wiadomości, co dość mocno przekłada się na atmosferę w pracy. Jedyną osobą, która w pełni rozumie frustracje Ari, jest uroczy, ale nieco zdystansowany dziennikarz sportowy Russell Barringer.

Po przyjęciu bożonarodzeniowym, które okazało się totalną katastrofą właśnie z powodu zachowania przełożonych, Ari i Russell zawierają pakt i planują, jak połączyć szefów, między którymi wciąż iskrzy od emocji. Ścisła współpraca sprawia jednak, że i spiskowcy zaczynają czuć dziwne przyciąganie. Ari otwiera się przed Russellem, pokazując swoją dotąd nieznaną stronę, tak daleką od pogodnej dziewczyny z telewizji. Czy mężczyzna zaakceptuje jej bardziej chmurne oblicze? Czy w tej relacji jest miejsce zarówno na słońce, jak i na deszcz?

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Fiction, Contemporary Romance, Audiobook, Adult, Mental Health

384 pages, Paperback

First published January 11, 2022

About the author

Rachel Lynn Solomon is the New York Times bestselling author of The Ex Talk, Today Tonight Tomorrow, and other romantic comedies for teens and adults. Her books have been translated into more than fifteen languages and optioned for film. Originally from Seattle, she's currently navigating expat life with her husband in Amsterdam, where she can often be found exploring the city, collecting stationery, and working up the courage to knit her first sweater. Connect with her on Instagram @rlynn_solomon.

Reviews

[Rachel Solomon]

Hi all! Weather Girl is a book that’s very close to my heart, and I wanted to let you know what you can expect to see in it. It’s an adult romantic comedy that I’ve pitched as Set it Up (or The Parent Trap) at a TV station with more spice, and features:

• a Jewish heroine and a Jewish hero
• a heroine with depression who is on medication and in therapy
• a fat hero
• open-door sex scenes slightly steamier than The Ex Talk (I measured this by copy-pasting those scenes into a new doc and comparing word count, as one does)
• “my arm is in a sling and I need help putting on pajamas”
• so many weather puns

Ari and Russell have brought me so much joy over the past year and a half, and I hope they can do the same for you. Happy reading!

[jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

a really fun and cute premise, but its just missing a spark that was very much needed for me.

true to RLSs storytelling, this is very easy and enjoyable to read. she has a way of writing that just welcomes a reader in. so it was nice to have that, as well as an entertaining plot and the inclusion of important themes/topics.

i just wasnt feeling it when it came to the connection between ari and russell. separately, i think they are pretty great characters that have depth and personality. but put them together and they just have nothing to work with. again, they are really good characters on their own, so its such a bummer that the chemistry between them fell flat for me.

so heres me looking forward to RLSs next book!

↠ 3 stars

[emma · Rating 2 out of 5]

It is time to burn everything to the ground.

I have had enough of the world around us. I like to consider myself a patient person, not because I am one but because my mind is a world of pure imagination à la Willy Wonka's chocolate factory, but this is a bridge too far. I am at the end of my already extremely short rope, and I am going to lash out because of it.

At the beginning of this year, I realized it had been three months since I last read a romance, an oversight for which I will spend the rest of my days repenting. EVEN WORSE FOR ME, if such a thing is EVEN POSSIBLE, was the ensuing reveal that it had been NEARLY FIVE MONTHS since I had liked one.

Immediately I of course changed my self-diagnosed seasonal depression (I am diagnosed with All-Annual / Classic Depression so leave me alone) to self-diagnosed "I just need a good romance novel and then I will be fine!" and decided to cure myself, because why not.

So I took up a lil ol heroic and sweeping and grand olympic-esque series of task called the Romance Quest.

Just reading romances and trying to find one I liked.

This was attempt three and we remain unsuccessful.

(We are now 7 attempts in.)

I am BURNT OUT.

This isn't all bad, I guess. It's the first time I've read a romance novel with a fat love interest, and that was fantastic. It was, in fact, the only part of this I really liked, besides the cover, which I now can't even think of without weeping with disappointment and heartbreak and my romance novel-based illness.

And that ends the section dedicated to nice things I have to say.

This didn't have ANYTHING I wanted.

It had depression rep, which is good, but it didn't work for me, which is okay, because everyone's depression is different, but that's still not a point in the plus column.

It didn't have the stuff I wanted to see, like the chemistry, or the cute early hang-outs, or the falling in love part. Which is, you know, why I read romance.

Essentially, it felt like suddenly the characters slept together, then a lot of time passed, then the third act drama happened for no real reason.

And that means a lot, coming from me, because I am a monster. I am a drama vampire and a gossip hound and I can sense human suffering from a mile away.

In other words, normally I want a lot of drama and miscommunication in my romance novels because I'm here for the yearning and pain, but if it's going to feel unnecessary I would rather not have it at all!!

I need to collapse on a chaise longue like a Victorian damsel.

Bottom line: I don't feel like I'm asking for much. Just a book that will make me smile and swoon and cure my depression.

--------------------
pre-review

my romance quest persists.

...and it will continue to persist.

review to come / 2 stars

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tbr review

there's just something about this cover that says "if i don't like this book i'm going to be extremely upset"

(thanks to the publisher for the copy)

[Nilufer Ozmekik · Rating 5 out of 5]

Each RLS book leaves a permanent smile residue on my face and fill my heart with pocketful of sunshine! They are true definition of feel-good novels!

Weather Girl is no exception: it makes you smile, warming your heart, helping you to see the brightest stars at the darkest hour of the night!

It’s a great mash up of Netflix’s brilliant romcom “ Set it up” ( this time instead of 2 executive assistants, a quirky weathercaster and sports reporter team up to matchmake their horrible bosses ) and Newsroom ( focused on romance parts )

Ari Abrams works as a weather broadcaster: truly loves her job! She can talk about weather for hours, getting emotional when she sees the rain drops, smiling ears to ears when she sees sun appears behind the clouds because she likes to see the silver linings of everything. This is like a defense mechanism for her to cover up the truth she’s hiding from her coworkers. She has been suffering from depression for years, prescribed antidepressants. She’s mostly handling it perfectly but her breakup with her fiancée and her boss Torrance Hale’s (she’s idolized ) tantrums because of her unresolved issues with her ex husband Seth who is also the owner of network make her life miserable.

Thankfully at a Christmas party, when she drinks her feelings, shy, reserved but also cute sports reporter Russell Barringer not only shares drinks with her but also offers a solution which helps both of them getting rid of this misery: both of them hate their bosses’ attitudes and they want their efforts at work be appreciated. The solution is simple: Torrence and Seth are still having feelings for each other so they will remind them of those feelings as their volunteer cupids!

Detailed schemes to bring them together means Russell and Ari may also spend more time together, involving into couple massages, yacht trips etc. Their chemistry is palpable. They realize they already fall for each other before they accomplish their matchmaking mission!

Will Russell differentiate his roles between being boyfriend and being father of his 12 years old daughter? Will Ari open him up honestly about her mental problems? What if Russell can tolerate her dark moods just like her ex boyfriends?

I loved this book. It’s even better than Ex- Talk which I also enjoyed, too.

Mother- daughter relationship, depression, Ari and Russell sweet bounding and Seth and Torrence’s second chance romance are written so well that earned five blazing, sweet, heartfelt, teen father loves quirky sweet girl stars!

Special thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest opinions.

[Helen Hoang · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first romance I've read with a plus-sized hero! And I loved him! Bravo, Rachel.

WEATHER GIRL is a warm, lighthearted, and charming office romance. It also offers a very reader-friendly/gentle depiction of depression--meaning it shouldn't, in my opinion, be triggering.

[Michael David (on hiatus) · Rating 3 out of 5]

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

[Gabby · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to this entire audiobook today while I was cleaning my apartment and it was such a delight. There’s so much I love about this book: I love that it takes place in Seattle and that they work at a news station. (I’m also super fascinated by weather so I loved following a character who’s a meteorologist) I love that the love interest is a fat single Dad and that they’re both Jewish. And I love that the basic premise is that they are trying to set up their bosses, reminds me a lot of the Netflix movie Set It Up. I also really appreciate the way Ari is written in this book with a very realistic look at depression and how that can be. I appreciated the complicated relationship she has with her mom and how their relationship was explored throughout the book.

The only reason I knocked off a star is because I wasn’t a huge fan of the ending, the conflict was cliche and wasn’t my favorite and I didn’t passionately love this one as much as I loved The Ex Talk, but it was so cute and I’m glad I read it 🥰 I’ll be reading every romance this author publishes, I love her writing style. It’s somehow light hearted but also deep and thoughtful at the same time and I love that.

[megs_bookrack · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ari Abrams has been fascinated by the weather for as long as she can remember. She grew up in Seattle watching Torrance Hale, the local meteorologist, and idolizing her the way other kids idolize sports stars or other celebrities.

As an adult, Ari is so close to achieving all her dreams. Torrance Hale is now her boss and while Ari loves her job, she wishes she were allocated more responsibility and more challenging stories.



Half the problem is that Torrance is too distracted by her turbulent relationship with her ex-husband, Seth, the station's news director. It seems most days she barely notices Ari at all.

Ari is growing increasingly frustrated and finds someone to confide in at the office. Russell Barringer, a sports reporter, is also frustrated with the toxic atmosphere at the station created by Torrance and Seth's constant fighting.



In the aftermath of a calamitous office Christmas party, Ari and Russ come up with a plan to get Torrance and Seth back together. The Parent Trap is referenced, so you get the deal.

From that point on, Ari and Russ spend progressively more time together as they plot and scheme to get the ex-couple reunited.



Weather Girl is really touching. Much like the weather, this story has both dark and light aspects. I enjoyed all the characters so much and it felt particularly good watching Ari and Russ open up to one another.

Rachel Lynn Solomon is such a gifted writer. I will continue to pick up every single thing she ever offers; YA or Adult, it doesn't matter, it's all incredible.



I know a lot of people have mentioned in their reviews that this one wasn't as light-hearted as they were expecting and that may have decreased their enjoyment level a bit.

Ari does suffer from depression and works through a lot of issues relating to that. I thought it was handled really well though. One thing I always enjoy about RLS's work is her inclusion of mental health issues.

I feel like having her characters mentally working through those types of things makes them more believable and relatable. I can understand how some Readers may not want so much of it included in a book they are expecting to be a light Rom-Com though.



For me, I found Ari to be extremely realistic. She recently went through a break-up from a long-term relationship and is still processing that dissolution.

Ari's mother also has battled depression for decades and wasn't always there for her children. As you can imagine, that has had a lot of impact on Ari's life.



Russell has his own insecurities that he is working through. I enjoyed learning about his life. Russ isn't your stereotypical leading man and I loved him all the more for it.

The banter between the two, in RLS's signature style, is witty and engaging. I was rooting for the two of them from the start. They had such a sweet dynamic.



Overall, I really enjoyed this story. The mix of serious and fun was compelling, thought-provoking and heart-warming. While this isn't my favorite of Solomon's work, it's still wonderfully done.

Thank you so much to the publisher, Berkley Books, for providing me with a copy to read and review. I look forward to Solomon's next release!!

[chan ☆ · Rating 3 out of 5]

this was cute! i think i have similar feelings to this one as i did with The Ex Talk. lots of emphasis on emotions and development of the heroine but not a whole lot of development in the way of romance.

this one did the romance a liiiiittle better and i did really appreciate our hero, he was a delight. but there wasn't any tension or real passion in my opinion. it made for a perfectly fine audiobook listening experience but it's not a book i see myself rereading or really recommending.

i will also point out that mental health is a huge component to this book and i think that can either be a) triggering b) cathartic c) not relatable. so be aware of that. i think the depression rep isn't likely to resonate with a lot of depressed people but it's nice to see different experiences in books.

[Chelsea (chelseadolling reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars. I will never not read a new romance release from Rachel Lynn Solomon, and this solidified that decision. Firstly, I looooved the fact that this had a fat hero (a fat single dad, no less!!!). Also, this was SURPRISINGLY naughty. I knew it was going to have some steamy scenes, but some of the things that happen between the two main characters had me clutching my metaphorical pearls and honestly? I loved it lmao. While this had it's light and steamy moments, this book also really sensitively portrayed a main character with depression and how that can affect your relationship with the world around you and honestly this book was just SO well done. Cannot wait to continue to read more from Rachel in the future!!!

CW: depression, mentions of fatphobia, strained mother/daughter relationships

[Kezia Duah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ari doesn’t consider weather small talk! She finds the weather really captivating, and what better job for her that a tv meteorologist. She is friends with Russell, her coworker who is a sports reporter. The workplace is a nightmare since their bosses, Torrance and Seth, are exes and are constantly at odds at each with each other. She and Russell devise a plan in getting their bosses together, which means a lot of communication for Ari and Russell. How do she and Russell’s relationship grow as they try to get Torrance and Seth together?

Ari struggles with depression and it has been something that has been an issue in her past relationships. She resents her mom because she too has depression and Ari believes that her mom should have at least tried to get help since she had kids….and I took that personally.
It really hurt because there are a lot of people who think like this. Does Ari ever learn to understand her mom?

Ari and Russell were okay. They didn’t really give me butterflies or anything. I did like that this relationship help Ari learn more about her mental health. Russel does have a daughter and that was really cool. I rarely get to read about single plus-sized fathers "getting the girl". It was quite steamier than I expected. Nothing crazy, but still kind of a surprise.

P.s. I still consider weather a small talk subject.

[Chelsea Humphrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Every time it rains
You're here in my head
Like the sun coming out
I just know that something good is gonna happen"

-"Cloudbursting"," Kate Bush

This book was a slice of delight! That's not to say it doesn't deal with it's fair share of heavy topics (ex. depression) but it does so in a meaningful way drenched in the beauty of living life. Through ups and downs, Ari and Russell share genuine experiences, and we get to see Jewish rep (something I cannot attest to the authenticity of as I am not Jewish myself, but have heard from multiple friends who identify as such that the rep is good), depression that is treated with years of therapy and openly discussed, and a fat single dad love interest. 😍 The ending features an action I wasn't keen on, but it isn't problematic, just personal preference. If you're looking for an uplifting romance full of heart and hope, grab your copy in January!

*Many thanks to the publisher for providing my review copy.

[destiny ♡ howling libraries · Rating 5 out of 5]

There's something especially lovely about an overcast day. Clouds dipped in ink, the sky ready to crack open. The air turning crisp and sweet. It's magic, the way the world seems to pause for a few moments right before a downpour, and I can never get enough of that heady anticipation — this sense that something extraordinary is about to happen. Sometimes I think I could live in those moments forever.

4.5 stars, rounded up

Rachel Lynn Solomon is one of those authors I've heard so much hype for, I was simultaneously excited and downright nervous to finally try out a book of hers! What if I'm the odd one out? What if this book lets me down? My fellow Anxious Readers™️ probably know what I mean. Luckily, I wasn't disappointed at all, and in fact, I wholeheartedly plan on reading more of Rachel Lynn Solomon's books in the future, because this was absolutely delightful.

Ari and Russell are such lovable characters, though I'll admit Russell was my favorite of the two. We so rarely get to see fat heroes in romance, and I love that it felt authentic in that Russell does have some insecurities, but it also isn't like his entire world revolves around it. He's such a damn cinnamon roll (though he definitely does mess up a time or two).

Ari was more complicated for me. I adored her depression rep because it felt so genuine and relatable, but she also made choices that frustrated me. I don't mind the miscommunication trope sometimes, but in this case, it felt unnecessary and I was so annoyed with her refusal to face the truth about the situation and Russell's feelings. That said, the reality of living with depression like Ari's is that we do sometimes make these really poor choices and hurt our loved ones by keeping them at a distance, so despite it not being enjoyable to read about, I was certainly able to see why RLS chose to take us down that path.

(As a side note, while we're discussing representation, Ari and Russell are both Jewish and so is Rachel Lynn Solomon. I'm not Jewish, but I wanted to say that I thought it was so delightful and sweet to watch these two bond over their backgrounds and celebrations, and I really appreciated RLS sharing those experiences with us!)

Thankfully, the annoyance with a brief section of the story was not a deterrent from adoring this book and these characters. RLS' writing is so enjoyable and engaging, the tension that builds up between Ari and Russell is believable and absolutely charged with natural chemistry, and Russell's daughter is hilarious and steals the spotlight every chance she gets. I loved how easy it was to root for every single character in Weather Girl and to genuinely celebrate every milestone and success. I can't wait to read more from this author!

✨ Representation: Ari is Jewish and has depression; Russell is Jewish and fat; Ari's brother is Jewish and gay; Ari's mother is Jewish and has depression

✨ Content warnings for: depictions of depression, mentions of voluntary mental health-related hospitalization (a side character, not depicted first-hand), mentions of fatphobia, recent bad break-up

All quotes come from an advance copy and may not match the final release. Thank you so much to the publisher for providing me with this review copy in exchange for an honest review!

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[Rachel L · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 stars

Ari Abrams landed her dream job working with her childhood idol as the weather girl at her local new station. And that would be perfect, except her boss is a nightmare to work with because her boss is constantly fighting with her ex at the news station. After a particularly bad fight at the Christmas party, Ari and one of the men on the sports team, Russell, decide to work together to parent trap their bosses back together.

I was trying to figure out what it was that I didn’t like about this book, and then I read some other reviews and it clicked into place: there was absolutely zero spark between Ari and Russell. On paper a cute romance between the weather girl and the sports guy sounds like the perfect romance. But it just didn’t work. There was even one point during the book were Russell said something during a sex scene that I think was supposed to be sexy or cute and I actually said “ew” out loud while reading.

I liked reading about Ari’s journey with depression I thought it was presented in an understandable and empathetic way; I’m so glad that this book portrays characters going to therapy when they need it. I liked Russell as a hero I thought he was great, but I never really got him and Ari together. That combined with a very slow plot was the kiss of death for me. I read The Ex Talk by this author and felt similarly if not better about that book, I’m not sure if I will read more by Solomon.

[Tina Loves To Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a Romance book. I really enjoyed this book, and this book has a twist that I did not see. In this book two people that work together decided to put their bosses back together. While the two main characters work on putting their bosses back together their become friends and more. I really love the characters. One of the main characters as mental health issues, and she did not like showing anyone her mental health issues. I have to say I liked how this book shows the character's mental health issues. This was a fun read cute read that also covers some important issues. Great read. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Berkley) or author (Rachel Lynn Solomon) via NetGalley, so I can give an honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.

[Jacob Proffitt · Rating 1 out of 5]

I can't take this story seriously. Two adults can't get the attention they want from their bosses, so they scheme a plot to get them back together (their bosses are divorced and always angry at each other) because then they'll be happy and give them attention instead of blowing up at each other all the time. This is silly. Frankly, two people wrapped up in each other aren't going to be less wrapped up in each other if they're loving each other up.

And frankly, they have zero chemistry. And Ari is awful stupid about her depression given that she's supposedly seeing a therapist. Yeah, force a happy attitude all the time and never let anyone you love see you unhappy. That's a recipe for strong, solid relationships right there.

One star because a romcom should have some rom. And some com. This has neither...

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a super cute romance that features a tv
Meteorologist and how her and a coworker ‘Parent Trap’ their bosses into falling in love again.
The romance was adorable and I really enjoyed the honest Representation of depression

[elle · Rating 2 out of 5]

i have not read a single good romance this year what circle of hell is this.

[Blaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

More than anything, I wanted this book to highlight a neurodiverse heroine who happens to be on medication and in therapy falling in love and thriving. I wanted to show the messy, heavy parts of her life alongside the moments that sweep her off her feet. And I wanted a hero who'd love her through her dark days, not despite them, because to me, that is the most romantic thing of all.

The Goodreads description for Weather Girl paints a sunny picture of the story. Ari Abrams is an on-air meteorologist, and Russ Barringer is a sports reporter, at a Seattle TV station. They’re both frustrated by the toxic workplace created by their bosses, who divorced a few years earlier after twenty years of marriage and just can’t stop feuding. So Ari and Russ decide—for both selfish and altruistic reasons—to try to Parent Trap their bosses into spending time together and falling back in love. And, you will not be surprised to know, spending all that time together scheming and plotting may just bring Ari and Russ closer together too….

That’s all true, but the Goodreads description only hints at the darker core that runs through Weather Girl and drives the story: Ari suffers from depression, and she tries to hide that fact from her boyfriends because she is terrified that no one will ever truly love her whole self. Ms. Solomon makes clear in the novel’s introduction that she too suffers from depression, so you may rest assured that the subject is treated seriously and honestly. While that subject made for a slightly less funny story—and I do mean slightly, there is quite a bit of humor here—it did make for a more realistic story. There are no cheap misunderstandings here to cause late drama that you know will be reconciled by the end. Instead, when the drama in Ari and Russ’s relationship comes it grows organically and feels like the kind of thing that tests, and sometimes breaks, couples every day. And by that time you’ll be rooting for Ari and Russ, who has his own insecurities, to find their path back together.

Another heart-warming novel from Ms. Solomon, and one that succeeds while incorporating some more serious subject matter. Recommended.

[Chloe Liese · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Berkley & the author, Rachel, for my early reading copy—all opinions are my own!

Happy Pub Day to WEATHER GIRL! Today, this steamy, sharp, allllll-the-feels RomCom is out & ready for you to fall in love in love with it!

With a clever Set It Up-meets-The Parent Trap premise wherein our leads, Ari the meteorologist, & Russell the sportscaster, decide reuniting their divorced bosses will fix their professional woes, WEATHER GIRL was heartwarming & playful, soft & sexy. It's the kind of romance we need right now—an escape from reality that also makes our human realities feel validated. As with THE EX TALK, I loved the inclusivity in this story & characters—their body types, mental health, cultural & faith backgrounds. Seeing a heroine with depression, a fat hero, two Jewish leads, makes my heart sing. Romance novels deserve as rich a diversity as the world we live in, & the care Rachel took in writing her character’s experiences, especially Ari’s depression, is nuanced & compassionate & deeply affirming.

In short, I adored this book. As slow-burn hot as it is achingly heartfelt, WEATHER GIRL reminds us that love isn’t only for sunny sky seasons but for the dark days that many of us weather—that we deserve to love & be loved for who we truly are, rain or shine.

[Larissa Cambusano · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️ this was cute! nothing too special for me but I had a good time. my favorite part was definitely the depression rep & the showcasing of how important therapy is, that came for my heart. but other than that, it was just okay. too many puns for my liking ngl.

“to casual misogyny, may it kindly fck off forever.”

[Jonetta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ari Abrams is a Seattle television meteorologist working at her dream job for the woman who’s been her idol since she was a young girl. Torrance Hale is the chief meteorologist and her ex-husband Seth is the news director who also functions as the station manager. It should all be ideal but Torrance & Seth have made work conditions a nightmare with their personal acrimony towards each other. Sports reporter Russell Barringer and Ari have an ongoing conversation about it that develops into something bigger following a disastrous holiday party. They jokingly suggested that their bosses just needed a nudge to remind them of why they were once a loving couple but the next day, Ari and Russell decide they will conspire together to make it happen.

I got more than I’d hoped for with this story in Ari Abrams. Her love of weather is genuine, truly defining her life around it. However, her sunny disposition isn’t natural as she’s suffered from depression most of her life and she’s actively receiving treatment. She’s not shared this with anyone beyond family and when she’d done so with her ex-fiancée, it ended their relationship. She’s also Jewish and I loved how that was incorporated into the story. Turns out Russell is also Jewish, something they didn’t know they had in common. While their shenanigans in orchestrating the reuniting of Torrance and Seth were highly amusing, their developing relationship was much more interesting.

I enjoyed every aspect of this story, especially how Ari learned to live with depression, as that was my own personal connection having suffered from it years ago. There is a stigma attached but I chose to talk about it openly versus hide it as Ari did and the contrast was interesting. But the real loveliness of this story rests with Ari & Russell’s developing relationship. It was sweet, kind and natural and I was swept up into their haze. I listened to the story and enjoyed the narrator who fully embraced all things Ari. The chapters are also preceded with “weather forecasts” that give you a heads up of what’s coming in the story. They are über cute and clever, adding a bit of whimsy to a story that’s funny but carries much more weight.

Posted on Blue Mood Café

[Larry H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Weather Girl , Rachel Lynn Solomon's newest rom-com, is fun, emotional, sexy, and just so good!!

You know when you’ve been eagerly anticipating a book from a favorite author and it winds up being even better than you hoped? I literally bought this one, sat down to read it, and here we are!

Ari has always loved the weather, so it’s only natural she became a TV meteorologist. She loves her job and gets to work with her idol, famed meteorologist Torrance Hale, although instead of mentoring Ari, Torrance spends a great deal of time loudly fighting with her ex-husband Seth, the station’s news director.

When the couple’s squabbling hits its low point during the station’s holiday party, Ari decides to team up with her colleague, Russell, a cute but shy sports reporter, to try and bring Torrance and Seth back together. Of course amidst their scheming, the two start to fall for each other as well. (Gee, who saw that coming?)

Ari, who suffers from depression, has always felt she needed to overcompensate in relationships so that no one realizes how low she can get. But with Russell she’s tempted to be totally honest—can he handle that truth?

Solomon has become one of my auto-buy authors. I love her characters and their chemistry, I love the diversity and Jewish representation she brings to her books without it feeling forced or token. I just love the way she can make me laugh and tear up in the matter of just a few pages.

Weather Girl was so good!!

Check out my list of the best books I read in 2021 at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2022/01/the-best-books-i-read-in-2021.html.

See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.

Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/the.bookishworld.of.yrralh/.

[Irena BookDustMagic · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review to come.
Today if possible.


I need something to pick me up and I hope this will be it. :)

[Olive Fellows (abookolive) · Rating 2 out of 5]

Probably more like a 2.5. Parts of this were really cute, but I don't think there was enough conflict and the ending was SO TACKY.

[Carrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/

[Mariana · Rating 5 out of 5]

There´s always been a whisper-thin line between excitement and anciety for me.

Es un gran libro que amé de principio a fin, jamás pensé que me iba a gustar tanto, pero lo hizo. Es aquí cuando vuelo a reafirmar que es muy padre leer libros que no son populares porque tienen el poder de sorprenderte más.

Toda la historia de amor que se desarrolla entre Ari y Russell me pareció maravillosa, me creí todas sus palabras, inseguridades, sueños, defectos, miedos, todo por si no quedó claro. La manera en que se desarrolló su mecánica fue increíble de leer y siempre que tenga oportunidad lo voy a recomendar.

It´s just-your expression completely changes when you talk about it. I can tell it´s more than just a job to you. It's not jst that you're excited about it. It´s your passión.

Podría decir que este libro es el que más me ha sorprendido en lo que va del año, porque yo pensé que iba a ser 3-4 estrellas y que iba a hacer una historia más del montón. Pero, el libro cobró vida y me dio una cachetada y me dijo: ¿decías?

En serio espero que lea esta historia de amor, me gustó demasiado como pueden leer. Pero los mensajes que me dejó, todo, solo me dan ganas de obligarlos a leer esta historia. Y obviamente que también la quiero releer YA.

The people who love us the most have the power to hurt us the most, too.

[Darlene · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF at 35%.

Ari is depressed and the author wants to make sure you are too. I really gave this one a chance but the protagonist is just so irritating. Can't do it.

[Kelsi · Rating 3 out of 5]

As someone who grew up in Kansas watching tornadoes in the garage with her grandpa, and a self proclaimed “weather girl”, I couldn’t say no to this book! The love story was cute, and the parent trap aspect was fun to feel a part of the scheming, but more than that was being able to go deeper into the serious topic of a protagonist with depression.

Ari Abrams is a meteorologist who can’t turn off her sunshine disposition when off camera, due to the fear of pushing people away. This is the first book I’ve read where a serious mental illness impacts the love story so drastically, and it was a bit hard for me to resist throwing my book across the room out of frustration/empathy/wtfwhy (but I did resist because it’s a loan from the library and I WOULD NEVER-rest easy Montgomery County Library).

Three stars because it was easy and fun and light and happy and enjoyable, but then a certain darkness took over so suddenly at times and my mind is exhausted from whiplash. I also didn’t quite feel the connection between Russell and Ari, and kept picturing him as Seth Rogan no matter how hard I tried to shake the image.

[Aoife - Bookish_Babbling · Rating 4 out of 5]

Much preferred this to the Ex Talk, all the characters here were such cinnamon rolls even if topics tackled took a more serious turn than one typically expects in a romcom – these were so sensitively handled; the author takes such care in sharing this personal story with us as mentioned at the start with the authors note.

Think Netflix’s Set it Up with a healthy helping of the 90s Parent Trap (practically makes a cameo really 🤭) for this double dose of office romance with fantastic body-positivity rep for the H - which I have not so lowkey been craving in romance reads to counteract the on page Adonises typically found in romcoms. Russell was amazing if perhaps a smidge too perfect to be true imo, but honestly, his story is also super touching and not one I want to give anything away about with my waffle! 🙊
Usually I crave a dual perspective PoV for romcom reads, but on this occasion seeing Russell emerge through Ari’s perspective sprinkled with tidbits & hints to show vulnerability + chinks in his armour via their conversations and interactions was so well done I did not miss a direct PoV for him *LeGasp*

As always I adored the side characters especially the sibling relationship between the Abramses and indeed all the characters were just lovely! This was such a charming and uplifting read I admire the authors amazing handling of what is often seen as a “dark” topic. The gentle care with which she handles it is a testament to her own experiences which I cannot begin to comment on being but adjacent myself to those who deal with depression, I can imagine (m)any who do will feel such a kinship with seeing themselves represented on page. I also cannot speak to the religious rep for Judaism, but I really like how it was woven into the narrative and can imagine the frustrations felt at the start of the read with the setting, again trying not to give anything away 🤐

Final thing I’ll say other than I’m absolutely looking forward to seeing what steamy story RLS will choose to share with us next; I really really loved the Broadway references, the twins and the building of bridges between family members but again biting my tongue in the hopes of not spoiling anything for anyone! The communication between MCs made me nervous at times, but honestly the conversations they have and the settings in which some take place 🤩
A thing that happens in the epilogue took a smidge of the shine off this for me, but that speaks more to my cantankerous state more so than the storytelling itself and probably will help this book rate higher for better people than I 🤪

If like me you weren’t sure about picking this one up after being on the fence about the Ex Talk – I hope that this works better for you! I for one enjoyed it a lot more 🤗