A review by sapphistoire
Exclusive by Melissa Brayden

emotional lighthearted slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

This was my first Melissa Brayden book and, although I didn't gel with it, it won't be my last! This follows aspiring big-time news anchor Skyler Ruiz as she gets a job alongside her celebrity crush and news anchor Caroline Mcnamara, but she isn't as friendly as she comes across on screen. Admittedly I did start this book last October and put it down for three months (oops!) before picking it up again a couple of days ago, so that probably did hinder my enjoyment. But I really was not a fan of the dialogue and the intimate scenes between the characters. Maybe it's because I am not a millennial and this is very millennial writing but it did feel very cringey. I also did not love Skyler's reaction to Caroline's new job and how Caroline seemingly took the blame for everything. Literally just communicate!!!!!!!!! The side characters did ultimately steal the show as they always seem to do,

why did she include that character death???,

  and I'd like to go back to Sarah and Emory's book to see how they got together!