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A review by valeriabee
The Ex Talk by Rachel Lynn Solomon
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
I'll start by saying that I honestly did not expect this book to be spicy. I think I expected just plain pg 13 romantic. But OOF, this one is rated R. I do not regret picking it up and I appreciate the spice 😏 It's honestly been a minute since I've let myself enjoy writing that includes sex, and does it well. I especially love that all my favorite sex tropes were included (and again, well executed).
For whatever reason, I feel compelled to express my appreciation for that. Not necessarily for the sex scenes themselves, the book would be good without them too, but for how theyre written. Not too cliche, not trying so hard to get hard. Its just to the point, honest, enjoyable.
I also love that its not just sexy, but every spicy scene is bookended by emotional vulnerability and intimacy. And it doesnt feel forced or cushiony, it just is how they function.
The story structure is very cliche. But what is romance if not cliche? I wouldnt be reading it if I didnt want cliche. I like the cliche, I want the cliche. Not to mention Im a sucker for a good enemies to lovers story. You have me hook-line-sinker with that premise.
I love this for us bestie.
I want to mention that the interraciality of the relationship is mentioned once, the dynamics that are attached get brief mention and arent touched again. And I dont think that it would have added to the book either, but its worth mentioning because its so easy as readers to pretend like its not an issue, not relevant, not an imbalance. To my knowledge, the author isnt Asian, so it wouldnt be easy or comfortable (for anyone) if she were to try to unpack that on her own in the text. Rather, I mention this dynamic and imbalance for the readers to keep in mind. I do, however, think Rachel Lynn Solomon did a good job of navigating that. She didnt let us forget Dominic is Korean or Shay is Jewish, that these are important parts to the characters. I just think as readers we need to remember that because their ethnic/racial identities are important to the characters, it then has to be important to the relationship. But I dont think RLS should have to do that work for us - the readers - either.
Anyway, very cliche. Kind of abrupt/rushed ending? I definitely wanted more time with the characters, but maybe thats me being selfish.
Nonetheless, I THOROUGHLY enjoyed this book and I couldnt put it down/didnt want to put it down.
For whatever reason, I feel compelled to express my appreciation for that. Not necessarily for the sex scenes themselves, the book would be good without them too, but for how theyre written. Not too cliche, not trying so hard to get hard. Its just to the point, honest, enjoyable.
I also love that its not just sexy, but every spicy scene is bookended by emotional vulnerability and intimacy. And it doesnt feel forced or cushiony, it just is how they function.
The story structure is very cliche. But what is romance if not cliche? I wouldnt be reading it if I didnt want cliche. I like the cliche, I want the cliche. Not to mention Im a sucker for a good enemies to lovers story. You have me hook-line-sinker with that premise.
I love this for us bestie.
I want to mention that the interraciality of the relationship is mentioned once, the dynamics that are attached get brief mention and arent touched again. And I dont think that it would have added to the book either, but its worth mentioning because its so easy as readers to pretend like its not an issue, not relevant, not an imbalance. To my knowledge, the author isnt Asian, so it wouldnt be easy or comfortable (for anyone) if she were to try to unpack that on her own in the text. Rather, I mention this dynamic and imbalance for the readers to keep in mind. I do, however, think Rachel Lynn Solomon did a good job of navigating that. She didnt let us forget Dominic is Korean or Shay is Jewish, that these are important parts to the characters. I just think as readers we need to remember that because their ethnic/racial identities are important to the characters, it then has to be important to the relationship. But I dont think RLS should have to do that work for us - the readers - either.
Anyway, very cliche. Kind of abrupt/rushed ending? I definitely wanted more time with the characters, but maybe thats me being selfish.
Nonetheless, I THOROUGHLY enjoyed this book and I couldnt put it down/didnt want to put it down.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Grief, and Death of parent
Moderate: Racism, Sexism, and Misogyny