This was so cute! A slow burn romance that I absolutely could not put down. Perfect enemies to friends to lovers. I wish I could read for the first time again.

I loved the premise of the book. When Harry Met Sally is one of my absolute favorite movies, one I’ve seen 10,000 times and can quote verbatim, so I was sold at the idea of a modern, gender-swapped version, but make it queer.

Harry and Sally become Ari, an emotionally unavailable, bisexual, commitment-phobic, sassy, heavy-drinking woman and Josh, a snobbish, ambitious chef whose first encounter with her is when they learn they’re sleeping with the same woman after he rudely rejects the aspiring comedian’s latest gig economy job, petitioning for signatures for a conservation group.

I liked how they were each complicated, problematic people who you were meant to dislike at first. I liked that the setting of New York became a kind of character. I thought the author handled Josh well and explored his masochism and passion in the kitchen, his downfall, his family background. I understood why he had the chip on his shoulder. I loved this book for about the first 50% of it. Then I learned that this basically started out as Reylo fanfiction and I kept having that in the back of my mind and kept noticing little details like Josh’s fondness for saying “Absolutely not!”

The first half of the book had some lovely, snappish banter and I really related to the outstanding bisexual representation, despite the stereotype that the bi one in the relationship hops from one casual hookup to another. I also liked the idea of Josh being the hopeless romantic who just wants to cook breakfast for a woman whose impossible standards keep him from settling down.

But I ultimately liked them better as friends. I felt like their hookup came at a time when Ari was emotionally vulnerable and hadn’t dealt with her issues, and it felt like two codependent people taking advantage of each other. They needed to deal with their issues only when they were separated from each other; and Josh immediately became smothering when they got together, ignoring Ari’s character the whole time they were friends. I felt uneasy at the uneven dynamic between their feelings.

Ultimately I felt like Ari wasn’t a complicated enough character at the end. Of course she has to have a sort of “run through traffic” sort of scene to declare her true feelings at the 90% mark, but I felt like she never really changed, and I didn’t learn anything about her background or her family to make her so emotionally unavailable. I felt Ari’s character was shallow in the end but she had so much potential to be more interesting.

I also didn’t care for Josh’s weak apology to Radhya, Ari’s best friend, after he fired her in a very unprofessional, problematic way. She quickly forgives them and then he’s spiraling in texts with her over Ari and they’re going into business with her? He hasn’t cooked in a year and boom he’s over his restaurant trauma with one clever business concept? I felt as if he didn’t really learn anything about himself or grow as a person. Josh and Ari just stayed messy, problematic people who had breakfast together in the morning.

I liked the author’s writing style and the clever dialogue (despite being more banter heavy than plot for my tastes) so I stuck with this, but the second half kind of wilted for me. I find I prefer romances that dig deeper into character development and aren’t quite so lighthearted and shallow. This is more of a beach read than I usually like.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance review copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Typically my biggest gripe with When Harry Met Sally retellings or books that emulate it is the dialogue just doesn't live up to the expectations set by the film. Kate Goldbeck's debut does not have that problem. In fact, I'm gonna go off on a limb and say Nora Ephron would love this. The dialogue isn't just witty and fun, it has such a natural flow. This is a modern-day take on When Harry Met Sally that gives a fresh feel to the beloved classic and has a warm, almost conversational tone to its storytelling. You, Again manages to be smart, sassy, emotional, charming, and romantic, while also being incredibly realistic.

This story follows Ari (a commitment-phobic up-and-coming comedian/dogwalker/waitress/etc. that is all over the place and believes traditional monogamy is an outdated load of fooey) and Josh (a professional chef and perfectionist with his shit together, that believes in soulmates and good old-fashioned true love) over the years in NYC as their paths continuously cross through happenstance.

The first time they meet they're sleeping with the same woman and let's just say they don't exactly get off on the best foot. The second time they meet? Well, Josh just so happens to fire Ari's best friend. But somehow, a few years later after a couple more less than steller meetings, the two become unlikely friends while they're both trying to get through devastatingly bad breakups. And then by accident... they become more against both their better judgment and a firm declaration to be "just friends." *Alexa, play Tyler, The Creator's ARE WE STILL FRIENDS?*

And yes, Kate is also a Reylo and there are a few nods to the ship and our MMC Josh is delightfully Ben Solo coded, but it's subtle enough for even the most anti of antis and you'd be doing yourself an incredible disservice to pass on this stellar debut just for that.

I loved this debut and am already itching for another read from Goldbeck. I would definitely recommend this for romance lovers this upcoming Meg Ryan Fall and any other season for that matter.

YOU, AGAIN is for people that want a contemporary romance with bite. Putting modern, messy, millennial love center stage, this felt a lot more realistic, emotional and satisfying than what I initially expected from its cartoon cover. If you enjoy the happily-ever-afters and spice of traditional contemporary romances, but also want the romantic realism and angst of novels like NORMAL PEOPLE, this might be a book for you!

Set in New York, YOU, AGAIN follows to main characters that initially meet because they’re both dating the same woman. Through a series of different interactions, we watch both characters - one in love with the idea of love, the other deeply uncomfortable with intimacy - adapt, change and grow. I really enjoyed both characters’ personal development. I could easily imagine Ari and Josh as real people, and I think Goldbeck totally nailed their witty banter and chemistry. There’s also a lot of commentary here on professional failure and dealing with general uncertainty that I think will resonate with many younger readers.

YOU, AGAIN is up there as one of my favorite romances of the year, and I am very excited to see what Goldbeck comes out with next!

I got my ebook copy from #netgalley. YOU, AGAIN is out on September 12th!

This When Harry Met Sally pastiche feels very fresh and modern, with banter and characters who do feel like specific people rather than a clump of tropes and cliches. I think this will be very popular among Gen Z and younger millennials. It was very much not for me, as I found the characters and their lifestyles grating but it's well done, and it accomplishes what it set out to, with competent writing throughout.

You, again isn’t your typical “two people meet, have some crazy antics and then magically fall in love and everything’s perfect” romcom, which is exactly why I loved it so much. it’s messy and infuriating, but it’s also just so authentic!!!! Our MCs are complete opposites, there’s ari who is so incapable of saying how she feels when it matters most and josh who loves the idea of love so much he’s willing to upend his entire life to find it (and dare I say he’s a literary version of carmy from ‘the bear’) their story spans a few years, so we get to see them experience everything from heartbreak to career failures, but we also watch the little moments that seem to blur the lines of their own relationship. and did I mention this is HEAVILY inspired by ‘when harry met sally’ ????

everything isn’t focused on the MCs falling in love and living happily ever after, it’s simply about two people who learn to live with heartbreak by being there for each other. both of them go through rough breakups at the same time and they’re just trying to pick up the pieces together as they learn just how important platonic love is as well. if there’s one thing I can appreciate, it’s a “not so perfect romcom” and this one is 100% just that.

You, again will make you laugh, maybe cry and have the intense urge to watch ‘when harry met sally’ immediately after reading (I’m literally hitting play on the movie right now as I type this) this was the perfect blend of the romance and literary fiction genres, I can’t wait to see what else Kate goldeck releases in the future!

Well, this was a refreshing surprise! With the comparisons to When Harry Met Sally, it's natural to expect a breezy rom-com that follows two charming, easy-to-root-for characters whose lives keep intertwining, taking them from antagonists to friends to lovers, while building a thematic discussion about gender relations and the challenges of maintaining a friendship once sexual attraction is added to the mix. You, Again does follow the same structure, but in a voice that's distinctly modern, creating a story that's in conversation with When Harry Met Sally rather than being a straightforward update. This one has bite. It digs into the realities of what dating's really like in the age of apps and non-monogamy and the illusion of infinite choice. The central characters are flawed and full of defence mechanisms, allowing the reader to engage both critically and sympathetically, sometimes one more than the other, and back again. These two have a long journey to get to a place where they're ready for each other, but when they get there (it's being marketed as a romance, so I don't think this is a spoiler!) it's all the more rewarding for how hard they had to work for their HEA. Those expecting a sweet, light rom-com might be startled by these raw and often selfish but always wanting and vulnerable characters, even when vulnerable is the last thing they want to be. This had more of of a Sally Rooney vibe to me, but one with more hope, and a fantastically fun, complicated, emotional, and sexy sex scene, and a sharply satirical look at gig employment, and fan-fic inside jokes. It also felt deeply cinematic to me. I could picture every scene playing out on screen, and I have high hopes we'll all get to see how a production team takes this one into film form. Incisive writing. Sharp banter. Messy, realistic characters. Shrewdly drawn setting. Wry social satire. I predict a new reader favourite

This book. What a strong debut my god. I went into this not fully knowing what it was about (I saw a pretty cover and I pressed request, what can I say), but god damn, I think I'm obsessed with friends to lovers now. And that's coming from someone who avoided that trope like the plague. Josh and Ari's banter had such strong chemistry right off the bat, and I was hooked immediately, and I got such a great sense of who they were right away. I was so invested from start to finish, and I couldn't help but be teary for the last 80% because of how much this story captured my heart.

I love a good cheesy, unrealistic rom-com, but there's something about a realistic romance, with characters with real, complex flaws, and beautiful prose, and this is a prime example. Ari and Josh as characters are in some ways deceptively simple, but also quite nuanced. Their flaws and contrasting approaches to relationships are clear from the start, and a great natural driver for the plot. The miscommunication and fights felt very true to their character and made a lot of sense. It also made for some really satisfying growth, especially with the story being spread out over so many years, you could really appreciate how they grew or became stagnant because of unforeseen circumstances. Also, unlike 99% of romance novels, I genuinely wasn't sure what was going to happen. The obstacles Ari and Josh faced were very substantial, and I feel like so many people wouldn't be able to overcome them. With these flaws and issues on full display, I really felt like I knew them, and that in turn helped make the tension between the two of them incredible. The spice was great, but I also appreciated how interactions in those scenes also became further plot drivers, so they served multiple purposes.

Romance aside, this book is so incredibly atmospheric. The prose for a romance book was stellar. It set the tone really well, and there were some really beautiful analogies that I couldn't help but read over a few times. You could really feel that slight melancholy of being a young person in their mid to late 20s struggling to make it in the big city, and how you can be surrounded by people and yet so alone. Contrast this with the incredible wit between the characters, everything just popped beautifully. The cast of side characters just further added to this city feel. Josh and Ari were certainly the driver and focus of the plot, but the side characters were very fleshed out and stars in their own right as well.

The first time Ari and Josh meet each other, they hate each other. The second time they meet, they still hate each other. The third and fourth times, a friendship begins to form. Until one night the lines blur, changing their dynamic forever.

This book was absolutely amazing. If Emily Henry and Ali Hazelwood had a baby, it would be this book. If When Harry Met Sally and Reality Bites had a baby it would be this book. Kate Goldbeck made me laugh out loud, broke my heart, and put it back together all in one read.

Both Josh and Ari’s lives are complete messes. Ari puts her dumpster fire out there for everyone to see. Josh tends to keep his covered and hidden from view. Somehow those opposites attract in order to create a wonderful friendship. Ari can’t seem to catch a break. Josh can’t seem to find a win. As their friendship grows they slowly begin to heal themselves and each other.

Their banter, their witty comebacks, their one liners are all comedic gold. I laughed out loud multiple times in this book. One of my favorite things about this book is how the characters are so REAL. You want to turn your head and roll your eyes at Josh. You want to look at Ari and tell her to get her sh*t together.

This definitely isn’t a “traditional” romance, but to me it was so much better. It was the best combination of angsty and hopeful I have read in a very long time. And when you finish Don’t Dream It’s Over by Crowded House will 100% be added to your playlist.

A very happy thank you to Net Galley and Random House for this ARC.

When Ari, a free-spirited wanna-be comedienne, met Josh, an up-tight chef, for the first time, it was hate at first sight. It was clear from the start the pair had nothing in common except they were sleeping with the same woman. Ari and Josh never expected their paths to cross again, but fate had other plans. Years later, Ari and Josh are nursing broken hearts when they strike up an unlikely friendship. With every late-night movie session and bickering texting conversation, Ari and Josh find themselves drawn to one another. But can two people so fundamentally different find happiness together?

What drew me to this was the cover. I loved the autumnal When Harry Met Sally NYC vibes. Then to find out this has enemies-to-friends-to-lovers? I was sold. Unfortunately, I thought the premise worked better than the execution. There was just something about Ari that irked me. Her personality wasn't my favorite, and I found her annoying. However, I did like the dynamic between her and Josh. I love bickering banter, and I thought Goldbeck did a good job with that. It was a quick read, and had some cute moments, but I don't think it's a new favorite.

Thank you to @netgalley and @penguinrandomhouse for an ARC copy of this book!

This book is phenomenal. It’s not a typical romance, based on When Harry Met Sally, so it’s a gradual enemies to friends to lovers to more story. No rose colored glasses are on for the characters: Ari and Josh are so incredibly messy, and this book spans a decade of them being messy to each other and with each other, so be prepared.

When we meet Ari, a queer, polyamorous, anti-relationship aspiring comedian, she’s sleeping with her best friend Gabe, sleeping with her roommate Natalie, living in NYC as a canvasser for bobcat habitats. She’s broke as a joke, and so insecure it made my teeth hurt.

Josh is a Jewish, morose, mumbly, all black wearing aspiring chef who is hoping to be a Real Couple™️ with Natalie. He’s a rich nepo baby, his father being the owner and cook at Brodsky’s Deli (a NYC staple based probably on Katz’s), and he shows up to cook for Natalie, who is not even there. He’s almost unlikeable at first. Ari and Josh are horrible to each other.

Ari and Josh meet each other several times over the years as they grow up, but they become friends accidentally after they both have relationships fall apart and are morbidly depressed together. Their friendship is lovely, until it gets complicated, because they both want more and Ari is not ready for what Josh thinks he wants, and Josh wants this relationship to fix his entire life that is still in shambles.

The book is super live-in NYC specific (which I do), and super 2023 young millennial specific - with app based dating, polyamorous queerness, wear your sexuality on your sleeve intensity. Even as an Old Queer who is not poly, it’s hot.

There’s a The Bear vibe with the Chef, and, “yes Chef” definitely had a whole meaning that my pervy brain really likes in this story.

The downside: I hate when these books based on Reylo fanfic make their MMC look like Adam Driver. There’s an actual debate *in the book* if Josh is hot or ugly hot and I’m here to settle it: neither, he’s just ugly.

It’s written so well though, and the story is so compelling that I managed to overlook the Adam Driver of it all, and finished it in a day.

What if Nora Ephron's iconic 1990s rom com 'When Harry Met Sally' was updated for 2023? In Kate Golbeck's witty and sharp debut 'You, Again', romantic, sunny, type A Sally is the romantic, grumpy, type A chef Josh, while cynical Harry is bisexual, polyamorous gamophobe, comedian Ari. Like the movie, Ari and Josh run into each other in New York at various points in their lives over eight years before striking up a real friendship.

Ari and Josh were perfect for each other with a spark from their first meeting that almost burnt my ebook. These characters were so well-written and I loved that the central conflict was their own issues to work through instead of exernal drama. Both Ari and Josh become friends as they struggle through their respective failures - for Ari its her comedy career and marriage to Cassie, while for Josh its the failure of his restaurant in the space of his late father's Jewish deli. I also adored Josh for his bravery to own his feelings and be honest with Ari. While I wanted to tell off Ari for her failure to be honest with herself (and Josh) it was still refreshing to see the female character as the one taking a lot longer to work through her issues and make that climactic 'airport run'.

Long after I finished 'You, Again' I couldn't stop smiling and wondering what Josh and Ari are now up to as they felt so real. If you like your books with witty banter, strong character development and a sizzling chemistry between two opposites who fit perfectly together, read this book. I know I will be re-reading this book repeatedly in the way the movie it pays homage to is a comfort watch. I cannot wait for release day so I can get the audiobook as well.

Thanks to Random House/Dial Press and NetGalley for the ARC.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️

𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗶𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗲𝗻𝗷𝗼𝘆:
- Enemies to Friends to Lovers
- Two Grumps
- Bi Rep
- FMC with Commitment Issues

You Again is spectacular and I will be recommending it to everyone. However, this is not your traditional romance.

After disastrously running into each other a few times, Ari and Josh spend most of the book stuck in the pits of a post-breakup ha
# that they can't pull themselves out of - but they find comfort in each other's friendship and end up wallowing together.

The growth of enemies to friends to eventual lovers was done flawlessly. This book will make your heart race in every scene whether sweet or spicy while also making you laugh out loud, tear up and yell at your book for Josh and Ari to get together already!

You, Again is a must add to your fall TBR to read while cozying up with your pumpkin spiced latte 🍁🎃☕️

You, Again by Kate Goldbeck is a witty, sassy and smart romantic comedy with When Harry Met Sally vibes. Ari is a struggling comedian, who loves casual, Josh is a Manhattan born chef, with a restaurant legacy he does not want, and loves the opposite of casual. They meet a number of times randomly, over a number of years and to say their personalities clash in the first couple of meetings, is an understatement. However, when Ari and Josh meet at their lowest points, following a divorce and long-term relationship break-up, as well as professional setbacks, they surprisingly (to them and others) become friends, helping each other out of the dark places they both find themselves in.

An awesome debut novel by the author filled with incredible chemistry and tension. Throughout the novel Ari and Josh develop and grow, finally finding that perfect timing. The author is not afraid of the hard and difficult emotions and realities of relationships.

Thank you to Random House Publishing Group - Random House, NetGalley and the author for an eARC of this book, in exchange for an honest review. It was a delight to read!

You, Again' is a delightful nod to the beloved romantic comedy 'When Harry Met Sally', while still forging its distinct path. The instant clash between Ri and Josh is the foundation for a captivating tale of unexpected friendship and eventual romance. The author deftly balances classic rom-com elements with modern twists, keeping the narrative engaging and fresh.

What stands out is the author's skill in subverting expectations. By drawing from the source material while taking the story in unexpected directions, 'You, Again' keeps readers guessing and eagerly anticipating what comes next. The book is a must-read for romantic comedy fans, offering a blend of witty dialogue, well-drawn characters, and surprising plot turns.

In this enemies-to-friends-to-lovers debut, Ari and Josh's evolving relationship is portrayed with authenticity and charm. As they navigate heartbreak and unexpected chemistry, the story's journey is both enjoyable and captivating. 'You, Again' beautifully pays homage to a classic while carving its own unique and thoroughly enjoyable narrative.

Thank you NetGalley and the Publisher for this ARC for an honest review.

'You, Again' is a delightful homage to the beloved romantic comedy 'When Harry Met Sally', while also managing to carve its own unique path. From the moment Ri and Josh meet, their initial hatred for each other sets the stage for a captivating story of unexpected friendship and eventual romance. The author deftly balances the familiar elements of the genre with refreshing updates and twists that kept me hooked throughout.

What impressed me the most was how the author skillfully played with my expectations. Drawing on my knowledge of the film's plot, she cleverly subverted anticipated story beats and took the narrative in wonderfully unexpected directions. I found myself constantly guessing what would happen next, eager to unravel the surprises that awaited.

Overall, 'You, Again' is a must-read for fans of romantic comedies. It successfully pays homage to the beloved classic while crafting a story that feels fresh, updated, and uniquely its own. With its witty dialogue, well-developed characters, and unexpected plot twists, this book offers an enjoyable and captivating reading experience."

Cute love story and lovable characters - I've been on a romance kick and will definitely look out for more of Goldbeck!

A binge-worthy must read for fans of When Harry Met Sally! And bonus points for the Reylo vibes!!! It’s a witty enemies-to-friends-to-lovers with wonderful chemistry and tension. I also enjoyed the casual Jewish representation- references to some of my favorite foods had my mouth watering!

This ended up at 4⭐️ for me because I didn’t love Ari’s frequent drug use, especially as a way for her to avoid feeling her feelings. I understand this is a reality for many people, but it felt too flippant here. Also, there is a joke about slitting wrists that I found off-putting.

I am blown away by this amazing debut by Kate Goldbeck! If you are looking for a fresh, and new type of story in a romance, then you most certainly want to check out this book.

Kate has created a story that spans over many years. It's not the traditional romance since many times the hero and heroine are with other people, or trying to survive intense breakups. It feels like a fresh perspective on what could really happen to two people who keep running into one another. This book is hilarious, witty, and full of angst in the best way. It really took me on the best emotional journey, and I can't speak highly enough of about it.

Read this book for:
- Enemies to lovers
- Friends to lovers
- Slow burn
- Jewish rep
- Bi rep
- Opposites attract
- Lots of laughs
- All the ANGST!

Ari and Josh meet when they are trying to date and be with the same woman. It does not go well because they both have complete opposite views on relationships and love. Somehow they keep getting tangled up in each others lives and meeting randomly. When they meet again after they both have just broken up with their significant others, a friendship starts to develop.

The two meet at the lowest points in their lives when they are both complete hot messes. Even though they are at this unfortunate point in their lives, they each start to fall for one another. When the relationship of friendship reaches a turning point, everything starts to crumble.

They both have to go on their own journeys to become more whole on their own before they can find their way back to each other. This is years of a relationship and times jumps of years and months that occur throughout the book. It didn't feel sporadic or rushed, but built the real story of how their relationship grew.

I was laughing so hard throughout this book. Kate has amazing comedic timing in her writing, and the friend group and family surrounding Ari and Josh added to the story so much. Maybe we could get Josh's sister's love story or Ari's best friends? I would love to see that!

Make sure and get this book on your tbr and pre-order. I can't wait to read what comes out of Kate's brilliant mind next!

Thank you to Dial Press and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

A fun read for those that love romcoms, especially with casually queer characters. I really loved how Ari's queerness was something that couldn't be easily erased from the narrative and it added to fun little moments like when she was going on dates with people looking for a unicorn or double-checking settings on a dating app which really just makes it feel so much more relatable and grounded for those that go through the same very specific experiences of dating. I enjoyed the two character's chemistry too and overall had fun with the story.