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.

Thank you to Net Galley and Random House Publishing for an ARC of this novel, it was stunning, to say the least. I opened this book up on my kindle today and expected to only read a chapter or so. I stayed in bed all day to read the entire thing. I think it was the humor that really caught my attention when I was first reading and the strange way that Ari and Josh connected with one another over the years. I just had to know how they went from sleeping with the same person to falling in love, it seemed almost impossible until i kept reading. I was met with one of the most endearing love stories i’ve read in a while and there is something so right about Ari and Josh being together. They truly are the hotter, modern version of Harry and Sally from When Harry Met Sally. New year’s day is officially carved out for those two couples to live on forever and ever. This book was heart wrenching and sexy and funny and the characters really bare their souls to us in ways that are endearing and scary at the same time. I honestly couldn’t recommend a novel more. Congrats to Kate Goldbeck, you have a winner. It was stunning, every moment of it.

You, Again is a modern day spin on When Harry Met Sally, and I loved it.

After a series of run-ins, months/years apart, Ari and Josh develop an unexpected friendship as they both navigate break ups, and figuring out their careers. I enjoyed this one a lot, it took a slow approach to developing the characters and it genuinely felt like you were on their journey with them. Some parts of this story were so dang sweet, I didn’t know what to do with myself. I’m a huge fan of friends to lovers because I think the relationships are always so sweet and real. There were a lot of raw emotions in this story, and because of the character build, I found myself a little misty-eyed for the characters at certain points. I was rooting for them individually, but also together.

There’s a note from the author at the end that I absolutely loved, and further convinced me that I'm going to be a forever fan. You, Again comes out 9/12/2023 which is perfect timing because to me this book just screams fall in nyc. So grab a warm drink and make sure you pick this up when it’s out!

Thank you Random House and Dial Press for a e-arc!

In full disclosure, 𝘞𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘏𝘢𝘳𝘳𝘺 𝘔𝘦𝘵 𝘚𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 is one of my go to comfort, sick-day movies. So when I read Ali Hazelwood's blurb "𝘍𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘩, 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘺, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘶𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘭𝘺 𝘳𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘤, 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘤𝘪𝘰𝘶𝘴𝘭𝘺 𝘰𝘧𝘧𝘣𝘦𝘢𝘵 𝘮𝘰𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘯 𝘳𝘦𝘪𝘮𝘢𝘨𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘧 𝘞𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘏𝘢𝘳𝘳𝘺 𝘔𝘦𝘵 𝘚𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘐 𝘯𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘬𝘯𝘦𝘸 𝘐 𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘥𝘦𝘥." this book immediately went on my priority TBR.

You, Again (Pub 09.12) is a captivating, unconventional, sex positive contemporary romance debut. It is friends to lovers perfection. Josh and Ari's story unfolds over the course of a decade as they keep running into each other. They become friends as they grow into better versions of themselves and develop emotional intimacy while also acknowledging their bubbling attraction with trepidation. I couldn't read it fast enough.

What to Know:
- cinematic writing
- bisexual representation
- Jewish representation
- swoony & angsty
- slow burn
- snarky, smart and equally matched banter
- dual POV with emotionally complex characters
- He is the hopeless romantic. She is the jaded one.
- You do not need to know about WHMS to enjoy

I would consume any media that’s inspired by When Harry Met Sally, my favorite romcom of all times. So when I saw the description for this book, I <i>knew</i> I had to read it. I enjoyed this well-written, heartfelt slow burn queer romance between a commitment-phobe and a hopeless romantic even though it’s rather long for a romance (by the end of the book I felt like we could have done without a few chapters). The nods to WHMS weren't obvious beyond the fact that the story is set in NYC, the MCs are dealing with mental health and neuroses that prevent them from acting like rational adults at times, and the basis of most of the dialogue is banter. It was a smooth read, witty and funny, with interesting side characters. I had trouble warming up to the main characters because some of their actions made them rather unlikable, but overall it was an enjoyable read that I would recommend to fans of angsty romcoms and Ali Hazelwood's romances!

I LOVED this book.

Ari and Josh met because they were both sleeping with the same woman. They hated each other. They met again, and hated each other even more. Two more meet-hates later, they become friends after they both start debilitating breakups. And then... they become more.

This book is obviously an homage to When Harry Met Sally, but it manages to so beautifully walk that line between just pure retelling and being original, updated and unique. WHMS is one of my favorite films - I could probably quote it to you - so believe me when I say that I was astonished at how well the author used my knowledge of the plot of the film against me at various points. I thought it was going to go one way, and then it went a completely different - and wonderful! - direction instead. I was kept guessing the whole time.

Also, as someone who regularly does improv, the comedy scene jokes were just hilarious and so, so accurate. I was dying the entire time. (Fun fact, I used to work with an improv theaterthat did corporate improv and it is EXACTLY how she says it is.)

Also apparently this is yet another book that was formerly a Reylo fanfic?? I also would like to thank our patron saint, Rian Johnson for his continued inspiration to so many talented authors.

Read this book. It was romantic and funny and modern and classic all at the same time.

5/5 stars.

If <u>When Harry Met Sally</u> and <u>Broad City</u> had a queer, interracial baby, this would be it.

Because the release date isn't until September, I won't spoil anything one way or another except to say I enjoyed it thoroughly! But I would caution people that it lacks just a touch of originality. But if you're into WHMS, you will not have a single problem with that. If you're into Broad City, New York City, millennial banter, enemies-to-friends-to-lovers, sex positivity, finding your person, you will LOVE it. It did all these things flawlessly.

I also felt personally connected to it because I have had these exact interactions with people and Goldbeck captures the awkwardness and the misunderstandings well. Some reviews will tell you the FMC didn't have enough depth but I identified with the sex positivity fully, even if that was her whole personality. Some reviews will complain about the millennial language, but... ummmmm, respectfully, get with the times.

I rolled my eyes a time or two, but I can't even take points off for the things that made me roll my eyes - like Josh's entitlement - because that was part of his character development.

If you are in the mood for a feel-good, laugh-out-loud, modern retelling of WHMS, please give this a try.

Thank you to Netgalley and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!!