This was an entertaining read! As someone who is both in an ethically non-monogamous/"open" marriage, and as a psychologist who works with folks in these situations, I'm glad we are seeing more literature that normalizes this approach to relationships. I additionally appreciated that there was discussion that validated the idea that it's also okay to seek monogamy, if that's a better fit for you. The prose was basic, the pacing was good, characters mostly well-drawn and had some depth. I think there was potential for this book also be both hilariously funny and innovative, with the right combination of plotting, prose, and hijinks-- that being said, while it was funny at times, it wasn't "laugh out loud" level.

Your typical rom-com enhanced by a friendly meet-cute between Fliss and Holly who become instant friends, determined to give each other advice on their new-to-them relationship style. Fliss and Ash have been partners for three years in an open relationship, but familial pressure gets to Ash and he asks Fliss to be exclusive. Meanwhile Holly and Will have been exclusive for nine years, right out of school, and Will wants to see other people before they settle down.

EXES from the states return to stir temptation with Fliss. A new man surprises Holly when she finds herself in new lingerie she did not buy for Will’s viewing pleasure.

Jealousy and a boy brawl, and calling a co-worker out at the fashion awards!

As both Fliss and Holly are blindsided by these requests, each of them are tossed down a path to try and please their partners, only to discover they needed to focus on themselves instead. In the end, both Fliss and Holly discover more about themselves, what they want from a relationship, and that there is no “normal love”, it can take many forms.

I loved that this rom-com ended with more than a third quarter breakup. It really digs deep into relationship dynamics, and the importance of keeping your self in mind.

After nine years of dating, Holly is sure her boyfriend Will is going to propose. But instead of popping the question, he shocks her by suggesting they open their relationship to date other people. For the last three years, Fliss and her boyfriend Ash have been in a happily open relationship. But now that they’re turning thirty, he wants to close it, throwing Fliss’s whole ethos of living life on her terms rather than society’s expectations into question.

When Fliss overhears Holly crying in the toilets during her first date in nine years, they decide to ditch their dates and have dinner together. They strike up an instant friendship with Fliss agreeing to teach Holly everything she knows about being in an open relationship, while Holly, who’s been with one person for almost a decade, can help Fliss try monogamy. Fliss is willing to give up dating other people if it means staying with Ash, and Holly is willing to try anything if it means she gets her happy ending with Will.

As an author who writes poly romances, this was fascinating to me. I love how it shows different ways that people love, and that it's not always only about a single person. This was a well-written story and will do a lot to educate people about alternative (to normal monogamous) relationships. I really enjoyed this a lot!

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the advanced digital reader's copy (ARC) in exchange for an honest review!

This book felt like a slog for me to get through and it wasn’t that I didn’t enjoy parts of it, but it had a few things that I had to overcome as a reader. First, I do not enjoy pop culture references and there were nonstop pop culture references throughout the story. Second, the dual POV made so much sense, but in instances when the story wasn’t directly overlapping, it felt like it was just drawing out the story.

Though, I’m not certain how accurate a depiction of healthy polyamory this book portrayed. So, buyer beware of that.

Now, for what I enjoyed! I liked Fliss. Her perspective was an interesting one and it was probably the first time I’ve ever read from a perspective like hers. And I like the journeys our main characters were on. It felt real and I think the author did a good job showing the different approaches to similar situations.

I’d recommend this story to anyone who’s looking for a story about two young women trying to find their way in love and to anyone who needs a reminder of how comparison is the thief of joy.

Thanks to William Morrow and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.

The premise of this novel didn’t really appeal to me - two couples pursuing “open relationships”, which means that they are free to date, and sleep with, others. I just I’m just too old-fashioned to see how that would work out well for all involved. Will and Holly have been together for nearly 10 years, and she thinks he’s ready to finally pop the question when, instead, he announces that he would like to try having an open relationship. Holly really doesn’t want to do that, but she’s used to going along with what Will wants, and she reluctantly agrees. Things get messy quickly.

Fliss and Ash have been in an open relationship for nearly 4 years when he announces that what he really wants is monogamy. Fliss does not want to make that change, but agrees to try. She feels trapped, especially since, coincidentally, an old boyfriend shows up in the scene, working in the same office as her.

The point of view and narration switches between Holly and Fliss, who met in a restroom when Holly was having a mental breakdown on one of her forced dates. They become great allies and friends thereafter, and spend a lot of time coaching and consoling and counseling each other through their relationship drama.

There are some funny scenes, and some emotional scenes, and some soul searching. However, I really couldn’t wait for this novel to be over since the topic most definitely did not resonate with me.

I was given a copy of this ARC by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All posted comments and reviews are my own.

Open Minded by Chloe Seager is one that sort of hits home for me, and a book I didn’t really know that I needed in the first place. It had its funny moments, and it had moments where it made me think and feel things that I hadn’t even considered before.

This story begins with Holly, a small-company fashion designer in London who is used to being a doormat and having everyone step all over her, including her coworker Amber, is on a fancy date with her boyfriend Will and believes this may be the night Will finally pops the question and asks Holly to marry him. Instead, this is not at all what Will has in mind, and breaks the news that it would be good for the two of them to see other people and have an open relationship, to strengthen their relationship with each other and ultimately make them stronger in the end. Holly, of course, is not totally on board with this, and is disappointed that her dreams of marrying Will, will not be coming true right now. Holly hesitantly agrees to make Will happy, but she knows she won’t be getting anything out of this arrangement, considering for the past 9 years all she’s thought about is her and Will’s relationship.

We then meet Fliss, or Felicity, a young woman around the same age as Holly, who has been happy in an open relationship for the last three years. She is dating Ash, a social worker who also shares her values and views that their open relationship works for them and it doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks. Fliss loves meeting new people and loves the experience she gets out of meeting new people, whether sexual partners or just people in general, she doesn’t want to have to say no to a new experience. Until Ash suggests that they go exclusive and don’t see new people going forward and remain monogamous. This bombshell on Fliss, who struggles to understand how people can be monogamous, when there are so many wonderful people to get to know.

Fliss and Holly run into each other on a random night where Holly was meant to be having one of her first dates in their new open relationship, when Holly says she doesn’t know what she’s doing. Fliss is also seeking advice because she doesn’t know what she’s doing in a monogamous relationship now and doesn’t know how to navigate these new times.

I loved that the author chose to write about this kind of topic in the first place. Maybe I’ve just been living under a rock, but I haven’t read too many books that feature a non-monogamous couple working to such high standards. While it also coincides with something I didn’t really care for, it added character depth in that for Will and Holly, there was essentially no communication whatsoever. This is something real, and something that a lot of people who go into non-monogamy forgetting at times, how important communication is. Which I think Fliss did an excellent job of explaining at one point, especially when she found out that Holly was only going along with this because Will asked her to, and she got whisked away by someone charming and didn’t communicate that with Will. But on the other side of the coin something I didn’t like, was that Will is a major hypocrite, extremely condescending and a bit of an asshole, if I do say so myself. I feel that was the author’s intention, to make Holly see that the grass is not always greener on the other side. Forgive me for using a corny analogy. Everything with Will and their entire relationship crashing down made Holly realize that she deserves much better. I love how Holly’s character development went from a shy, will-do-what-everyone-says-no-matter-what, quiet personality, opened up to be the person she was always meant to be.

I also loved Fliss and Holly’s friendship, though the pacing of the book made it seem like they were best friends almost instantly, the way they were trying to help each other even though both things neither of them wanted, I thought it was really sweet, even though they were sort of working against each other in a way.

In any book, there’s always going to be something that rubs you the wrong way, and like I said, this was more than likely the author’s intention to get a point across (and she did.) One thing I didn’t like, was who Holly was when she was going through this phase of trying out an open relationship, and began seeing Liam. “I’m not looking for anything serious” and “I actually have a serious boyfriend whom I want to marry but we’re trying an open relationship right now” are completely separate things. At this point in the book, while I know she didn’t know what she was really doing or how to bring it up to Liam, she was actively deceiving him by not telling him the truth. Holly didn’t know how to stand up for herself, and she was just willing to accept any situation as they came to her, even this one. Holly knew what she was doing was wrong, and continued to do it because she didn’t know what other choice she had, and it was “too late” to come clean after so many dates. But this was something that really should have been communicated from the very beginning, prior to even going on a date with Liam at all.

Overall, I thought the writing was a little bit over-dramatic at times, but I did really enjoy this story. I think it sends a good message that all couples are different, different things work for different people, and no specific thing is inherently “wrong” or “incorrect” way to do things. Some people need different things, and honestly sometimes some people just want different things. It’s a matter of communication and coming to some sort of agreement with your partner that works for both of you, not just one of you. I would give this a 4/5 stars, what threw me really was the writing style and its excessive use of combination question marks and exclamation points. I always felt like characters were yelling even about the most random things. I loved the character growth on all sides, and I’m glad I was given the opportunity to read this book.

OPEN MINDED
3.5/5

Holly and Fliss have different relationship styles, but they are about to gain a whole new perspective as their friendship develops and their respective romantic relationships go evolve. Holly is about to open her relationship with her long-term boyfriend. Meanwhile, Fliss has been non-monogamous with her partner for several years and he has now asked to close their relationship. The women meet after Holly has a terrible first date and strike up a fast friendship and share the joys and perils of their own romantic journeys.

Okay this one surprised me! I appreciated seeing how, despite being committed to their respective relationship styles initially, they lean in to this shift in their relationships and give it an honest try. At first Fliss’s character really bothered me because it felt like she had no backbone and just said “yes” to opening up the relationship just to keep her partner around instead of doing it because she truly wanted to. Her character development throughout really grew on me though! Holly by comparison was giving black cat vibes, and the inclusion of Holly’s brother’s storyline was great because he really serves as a sounding board for an otherwise stubborn character. I will say, I think the author could have done a better job at explaining ENM (ethical non-monogamy) because it was just thrown in without any elaboration, which will be tough for folks who know nothing about open relationships and their terms.

Many thanks to @NetGalley and @williammorrowbooks for the Advanced Reader Copy!

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I really enjoyed Open Minded by Chloe Seager. I was hooked from the very beginning and was drawn to both main female characters. I loved the way Holly and Fliss supported each other as they navigated through very different relationship journeys. The conversations and interactions between both couples were very relatable. Watching Holly and Fliss struggle and then ultimately find their own unique path to happiness was such a fun experience. I definitely recommend this book.

I read this book through NetGalley and was pleasantly surprised by how much I liked this one. I found myself relating the character Holly more than Fliss but I really liked how both characters developed through the story. I would definitely recommend this book to my friends.

Wow, this book immediately captured my attention after seeing it on Instagram, and the entire story lived up to expectations. First, I must applaud Chloe Seager's skillful writing in distinguishing between the two distinct points of view. Portraying two women in contrasting situations added depth and intrigue to the narrative.

In the book, I was captivated as I followed the lives of Holly and Fliss. Holly was navigating an open relationship with her boyfriend, Will, while Fliss's boyfriend, Ash, decides to transition from their open relationship to being monogamous. This parallel was so interesting to read as it creates a compelling dynamic between the characters. Despite their differing circumstances, the women seek advice from each other, though, in my opinion, they shouldn't have, given they couldn’t even fix their own relationship struggles. 😆

This book provided valuable insights into open relationships, shedding light on their complexities. It challenges conventional judgments, reminding us that monogamous relationships face similar issues. Effective communication, setting boundaries, and understanding personal preferences are crucial in both types of relationships.

Overall, it was a delightful and engaging read. Holly's and Fliss's relationship drama felt like juicy gossip, making the book addictive and entertaining. It offered a glimpse into their lives, leaving me thoroughly entertained. Can’t wait for its release on November! 🤍

I was immediately interested in the synopsis of the story so I requested an ARC and I have to say it exceeded my expectations.

I had no idea where the story was going to go even until the last 10%. The unpredictability had me wrapping this book up in a single day.

The characters are well rounded and authentic, making it easy to connect to them fast. Even the side characters.
Holly and Fliss started with completely different realities and expectations for their lives and a chance encounter resulted in friendship at the perfect time.

I loved seeing them go through the journey of learning who they really are and what they want. Some people realize they had it all along and some need to risk it all for the reward of happiness. Or at least what happiness looks like for them.

It’s a different journey for each person and the way we communicate and grow will make or break us at each new destination. It’s important to be honest, rely on our friends, and never be a doormat. This book was clearly well planned and well written and it all came across beautifully.

I did not what to expect when starting this book, and while it was unexpected, I did not hate it.

While the concept was foreign to me, I did end up liking the characters well enough. Holly and Fliss were likable characters. However, I don’t think I will be reading a book solely based on open relationships again.

"Open Minded" by Chloe Seager is a refreshing and thought-provoking novel that challenges traditional notions of love and relationships. The story follows two women, Holly and Fliss, who find themselves at a crossroads in their respective relationships and decide to explore the concept of open relationships.

Seager's writing is witty and engaging, drawing readers into the lives of Holly and Fliss as they navigate the complexities of modern romance. The novel's exploration of open relationships is handled with sensitivity and nuance, highlighting both the benefits and challenges of this lifestyle choice.

One of the novel's strengths lies in its well-developed characters, particularly Holly and Fliss, who are both relatable and endearing. As they embark on their journey of self-discovery, they learn valuable lessons about love, friendship, and the importance of staying true to oneself.

"Open Minded" is a compelling and insightful novel that will resonate with readers of all ages. With its engaging storyline, relatable characters, and thought-provoking themes, Chloe Seager has crafted a captivating tale that encourages readers to challenge their preconceived notions about relationships and embrace the idea that love comes in many forms. Dive into this delightful novel and discover the true meaning of open-mindedness.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and publisher for an advanced copy to review for my honest opinion.

This book explores ethical non-monogamy through the perspectives of Fliss, Ash, Holly, and Will. Fliss and Ash are "closing" their relationship, while Holly and Will are opening theirs. Despite enjoying the different viewpoints and the dynamics of Fliss and Holly's friendship, I felt the story lacked depth in character backgrounds, particularly regarding Will's and Ash's motivations. While initially hesitant due to personal reservations about open relationships, I found myself engrossed in the narrative. However, the repetitive nature of the storyline and the absence of the partners' perspectives left me wanting more depth and nuance. Overall, it's a thought-provoking read with lessons about the complexities of love and relationships, though it could benefit from further character development and a more satisfying conclusion. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!

I love seeing more books being written about ethical non-monogomy! I love how this book views dating from both perspectives. I know it can be hard to accept when it's a completely foreign concept, but that is one thing I love about reading books like this. This is a must read for anyone interested in learning more.

I really enjoyed this read. It felt exciting and new. The characters were really dimensional and I loved exploring their newfound territory with them.

Personally, I didn’t know what to expect reading this book, but the description seemed interesting so I thought “Why not?”. Truth be told, I wasn’t immediately sold, and I think a lot of that had to do with the fact that personally, open relationships are off the table for me. It eventually came to a point where I didn’t want to put it down though and I ended up really enjoying it.

I loved that this book gave different view points, one being Fliss and Ash, who are “closing” their relationship and the other being Holly and Will who are opening theirs. I also really enjoyed Fliss and Holly’s friendship and how it molded the two POV’s together. Truthfully the only thing this book is missing is more background. I wanted to know more of Will and Holly and the why behind him wanting an open relationship. I wanted a little of Will’s POV too. I didn’t really enjoy his character too much and I would have loved to see his suffering through dates when he’s the one that wanted to do it! Same with Ash, though I loved his character, I would have enjoyed seeing some of his side through it.

All in all, great story and lessons to be learned about how vast love can be.

This was beautifully written and pushed on bias I have around relationships and the binary, in some ways. I appreciated the tone and arc of this story.

Thank you to the publisher William Morrow and NetGalley for a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

Overall 4/5 star read for me.

Open Minded by Chloe Seager is a book with gumption and heart. Two women, Holly and Fliss, find themselves in each other’s position at the start of the book and bond over their role reversal as they navigate their new relationship status. Holly finds herself begrudgingly beginning an open relationship after her boyfriend of almost a decade says this is how they can move forward, and Fliss finds herself in a newly exclusive relationship after three years in an open relationship. What ensues is a delightful exploration of what constitutes a good relationship and how do we find out what we need for ourselves.

I enjoyed both Holly and Fliss as characters and thought the author did a good job helping them grow throughout the story. These are not perfect women; they are messy and stubborn and kind and anxious which make them feel well rounded and interesting to read about. The romantic leads were intriguing and fulfilled their intended purposes well. I loved the other pieces of both of these women’s lives, like their friends, families, and professional lives that contributed to each of their stories.

The biggest reason this is not a five star read for me is there were a few points throughout the book, especially with Holly’s arc, that felt a bit too obvious. I personally would have enjoyed a bit more unraveling to discover certain truths/reveals. This is truly a personal preference as a reader for an already enjoyable read.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this advanced e-arc and an Honest review. This was an unconventional story that was unexpected as from the synopsis, immediately drew me in. Holly and Fliss decide to be amenable to their partners and give them what they want by engaging in an open relationship (Holly) and a monogamous relationship (Fliss). Holly, having come from a 10 year monogamous relationship becomes the “coach” of Fliss after meeting her one night after her first failed date, which prompts Fliss to be Holly’s “coach” since she has been in an open relationship with her partner Ash for several years. The books focuses on the trials and tribulations of the two as they navigate what it means to be in these new versions of their relationships. For most of the book, the story felt incredibly flat and repetitive and I think what could have really given it some depth was the added perspective of their partners—Will and Ash. It wasn’t really clear why they wanted to change their relationship status, so instead, we got this one-sided narration from both women that left me feeling pretty bored and annoyed for most of the book as you watched them continuously compare the new men to their previous/current partners and make the same mistakes. The ending also felt rushed and while I guess there was a resolution, it still felt pretty flat overall.