Member Reviews
I really enjoyed the premise for this book and the representation for ENM relationships. The two MFCs are so different, but their friendship meet-cute and how they support and challenge each other throughout their stories was really interesting.
I did feel that it dragged on a bit longer than necessary in the middle, but my connection with the characters was enough to keep me going. By the climax of the conflict, I was mouth agape and gasping out loud while reading.
This isn't really a spicy read, but it will also challenge your perception of relationships, what's "normal" in them, and how everyone gets to decide and do what makes sense for them. If you only want to read about committed, monogamous relationships, then this isn't the one for you.
Some fun, non-spoiler quotes:
"What is in the water this week? Why are all the men being so needy?"
"When you can't think of anything helpful to say, hide behind a caffeinated beverage."
"Why must women be forever cursed to care about the feelings and opinions of others?"
"Why, even in my own daydreams, am I so awkward?"
"Human beings are strange, delicious cocktails of contradiction."
Thank you to Netgalley, William Morrow publisher, and the author Chloe Seager for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Chloe Seager's Open Minded offers a refreshing take on the romantic comedy genre, exploring the complexities of modern relationships and the ever-evolving expectations of love. The novel follows Fliss and Holly as they navigate their respective relationship dilemmas, providing a thought-provoking and relatable narrative.
What I Liked:
Relatable Characters: Both Fliss and Holly are well-developed and relatable characters. Their struggles with societal pressures and personal desires resonate with readers, making their journeys engaging and emotionally resonant.
Fresh Perspective: The novel's exploration of open relationships provides a unique perspective on love and intimacy. Seager skillfully navigates the challenges and benefits of this unconventional arrangement, offering a nuanced and balanced view.
Humor and Heart: Open Minded is filled with witty dialogue and humorous situations, making it a light and enjoyable read. However, the novel also delves into deeper themes of self-discovery and personal growth, ensuring that there's substance beneath the surface.
What Could Have Been Better:
While the novel offers a compelling exploration of open relationships, some readers may find the pacing a bit slow in the middle. Additionally, the ending might feel a bit rushed for those seeking a more in-depth resolution to the characters' dilemmas.
Overall, Open Minded is a delightful and thought-provoking read that offers a fresh perspective on love and relationships. It's a must-read for fans of romantic comedies and those looking for a nuanced exploration of modern dating.
I honestly really enjoyed reading about these characters and their interactions between one another. I felt the love coming from all of them in different ways and I really enjoyed that aspect of this book. I wasn't expecting that. It made me question what I value in my relationships and I appreciated that about this book. Thank you Netgalley for the arc!
Did not finish book. Stopped at 31%.
I couldn’t get into the story or enjoy it at all.
Both narrators were grating. The relationships on both ends were the literal worst. Neither of the MCs communicate in a constructive way.
The writing was fine, except when the narrator would throw in a random anecdote that had absolutely nothing to do with the context at hand.
Also, I’m gonna be honest, this book was too heterosexual for me. For a story about open relationships, this was painfully straight.
CW: panic attacks
Loved both women - hated the fight they had I just felt that they should have resolved that before the big meeting in person situation.
Holly is trying out an open relationship with her boyfriend (at his request) for the first time in their 9 years together. Fliss is the opposite; she and her boyfriend have been in an open relationship for three years when he suddenly decides he wants to be exclusive. Holly and Fliss meet in a bathroom after each having had bad dates and become each others’ confidantes as they navigate their respective situations.
I went into this not knowing very much about open relationships so it was really interesting to learn more about this perspective. There was strong character growth especially for Holly. Some scenes made me laugh out loud. This was a fun read about finding out what you really want from a partner and life and having the courage to go for it.
If you spend 5 minutes on any dating up, 7/10 men will be looking for an 'open relationship"/poly/ethical non-monogamy. It wears on you after awhile. Can....men just...figure their stuff out.
The two men in Open Minded are just as awful. One wants to open the relationship and the other wants to close theirs. The two women, Fliss and Holly meet in the bathroom during their mutual dates and find out how much they have in common.
I truly struggled with this one. Sure, maybe it's just me, but open relationships are BS. The women were both also very weak and just wanted to do whatever the man wanted until their looked at their own happiness.
I feel some (younger) people will enjoy this but spineless women are not my speed.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Thank you William Morrow & NetGalley for the ARC!
I enjoyed this fresh take on relationships. This was a story unlike any other, and I really enjoyed it! I really liked the dual perspectives of the women in their respective relationships. I wasn't a huge fan of how it ended, but I enjoyed the ride!
Thanks again for the ARC!
I would like to thank Net Galley and William Morrow for the opportunity to read this book as an ARC. I was initially very intrigued by the premise of the book. Fliss is in an open relationship, Holly in a committed one. Then Fliss's boyfriend wants to close their relationship, and Holly's wants to open theirs. Holly and Fliss do not know each other, but meet one night in the ladies room of a restaurant after each has had a bad date. The idea that they are mirror images of their relationships sounded promising. I really struggled with this book. I really thought about 2 stars as opposed to 3 ,but I think the problem is with me and my perceptions, rather than the writing. To be honest, I have a problem with anyone in a relationship who is too spineless to complain, or even ask questions, when their significant other wants to make a drastic change. Both women seem to go along ( almost go along to get along), and then realize how unhappy they are with this change. Also,I really didn't like any of the characters. Maybe I am just too old for the target audience of this book. ( I hope not, but it is a possibility).
This book is about Holly and Fliss, 2 characters who happen to fall in love after meeting by chance. If you want a cute fall read, this is a must!
I LOVED THIS BOOK! It was so good, and the characters were so well written! I thought the author did such a good job of respectfully writing about open/closed relationships, and the struggles of being a human who is trying to find/maintain love on this Earth.
I would absolutely hug this book! It was so much more complex than I thought it was going to be. I seriously can’t say enough about the characters too, especially Holly, she’s just 🤌🤌.
I liked this book a lot more than I thought that I would. Especially since I have a strong aversion to open relationships.
I unfortunately had to DNF as the content did not appeal to me. I do believe that the story can impact certain individuals by providing humor regarding an essentially taboo topic.
I loved this book. 5 stars! As a polyam person, I found it refreshing to see multiple sides of the conversation. Seeing one charter who is stepping into polyamory hesitantly and one character who feels polyamorous at all times is so helpful in conveying to people that relationship style can be inherent to a person's being.
I entered this book without specific expectations but with an “open mind.” The book's unique concept caught my interest, and I was fascinated by its well-written content and in-depth exploration of relationships.
This book contained everything I didn't realize I was looking for – love, turmoil, companionship, deception, self-discovery, and many other elements. It would make an excellent choice for a book club.
“Open Minded” was a wonderful read. It’s rare to see open relationships portrayed in novels, especially in such a genuine and relatable way. I loved how the book emphasized the importance of communication. The characters felt real, not just some idealized version of romance. I truly enjoyed it.
The dual narrative adds depth, with the author skillfully giving Holly and Fliss distinct voices as they tackle different issues but ultimately arrive at similar revelations about love and self-worth. Themes of standing up for oneself, outgrowing relationships that no longer serve us, and the struggle between personal desires and societal pressures are handled with nuance and sensitivity.
The novel masterfully balances emotional exploration with entertainment, making it a compelling read that’s hard to put down. The blend of relatable themes and a fresh take on modern relationships ensures that this story resonates long after the final page.
I became wonderfully invested in both women’s lives and relationships and really looked forward to my nightly listening of this book. It was deep and poignant and distracted me from my own troubles. Beautifully written.
Open Minded is about two women: Holly, whose long term boyfriend suggests an open relationship before getting married and Fliss, who is in a long-term open relationship -- until her boyfriend suggests closing their relationship. They meet in a restaurant bathroom and become friends and advisors to each other as they navigate circumstances neither wants to be in.
This was an easy read. It had its funny moments and had its moments you just wanted to say speak up! The one thing you learn is everything is not for everyone. Know yourself and what works for you and your relationship. For me, the pace was really slow and made it hard to finish, and while I almost DNFd a couple of times, I think it was less due to the writing style and more due to this not being my regular reading genre.
Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow Books for the e-arc in exchange for my unbiased honest opinion.
How can you not love a friendship that starts in a women’s bathroom ?? This story is about the lives of two women who are are in relationships, but their partners want to change it up, they are in opposite situations, Holly’s partner wants to start having an open relationship - Fliss’s partner wants to become exclusive (end their open relationship). The two begin by trying to give guidance and advice to the other as they navigate these relationship changes, but in the end they learn more about themselves and what they want and need out of a relationship. I really enjoyed the others characters in the story as well (I wont say more as I do not want to ruin it for anybody). It was funny, insightful and engaging. Fliss and Holly were very relatable. This book was such a fresh and new take on a rom-com!!! Thanks to NetGalley, Chloe Seager, and William Morrow for allowing me to read an advanced copy of Open Minded. I received an advanced reader copy for free in exchange for an honest review