This was really good. I finished it a few weeks ago, but I keep thinking about it -- Anna is one of the more relatable characters I've read in recent years. It's sweet and thoughtful, and honestly just as much about growing post-divorce as it is about the new romance.

QUICK GLANCE-
My format- ebook
Other Formats- 📖Physical (367 pages) 🎧Audio (11 hours and 42 minutes)
Spice: 🌶️🌶️ (fade to black)
Language: 🤐 mild

MY THOUGHTS
This book was SO stinkin cute! I had several other books that I was reading while reading this one and I just kept coming back to it and ignoring all the others! I was also gifted this as an eARC and have already preordered it because it was just that adorable. The story beautifully captures the ups and downs of dating in the modern era, especially for someone who has been out of the game for a while. Sophie Cousens skillfully plays with rom-com tropes while adding depth to her characters, making them relatable and endearing. I loved the character growth and chemistry between the two main characters and Anna’s daily Google searches were the highlight for me!

🔥 ❤️ Enemies to Lovers
📥Work Romance
💝 Heartwarming
😂 Banter
💜 Love after divorce
📈Character Development

✨ QOTD: Does anyone else look back and their Google searches after a late night of TV watching? ✨

Anna is a late-30's single mom who writes a column and her boss tells her she needs to up her game. She decides that her children will pick out the men who she goes on dates with and she will write about it to spice up her column. She's also in competition with a coworker, Will. This adorable reads navigates several topics (single parenthood, divorce, co-parenting, finding yourself again, workplace conflict) marvelously so it felt so well-rounded.

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group PUTNAM for this advanced copy in exchange for my honest review. Is She Really Going Out With Him? publishes on November 19, 2024.

ARC REVIEW: Is She Really Going Out with Him? By Sophie Cousens ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you to NetGalley and G.P. Putnam’s Sons for the opportunity to read this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is my 3rd Sophie Cousens novel and it was my favorite by a long shot! The story follows journalist Anna Appleby, a 37 year old mother of two, who is recently divorced. When her employer is merged with a larger media company, Anna needs a way to make her column stand out and pitches a series where her children choose people for her to go on dates with. Her idea is a hit - but she is paired with her younger, male work rival who will write complementary pieces about online dating in contrast to Anna’s “offline” dating.

This story was really fun! It felt realistic but still entertaining, and had lots of heart. I enjoyed following Anna’s journey back into dating, even when it was evident she’d be more comfortable watching Outlander at home in her sweats (wouldn’t we all?). I was surprised at the workplace rivals romance element - the synopsis made me think that she would find love with one of the dates arranged by her children. But it was clear to me from Anna’s first interaction with Will that they were going to end up together. Will was a great MMC, he wasn’t perfect but he was charming and lovable and saw Anna as an individual and as a woman, in addition to her role as a single-mom. I do think that the plot relied a lot on miscommunications, which isn’t my favorite, but it didn’t hinder my enjoyment of the story.

Is She Really Going Out with Him? releases on November 19th 2024!

My favorite from Sophie Cousens so far! Anna was such an endearing, relatable character. I enjoyed seeing how going on the different dates helped her personal growth and self-love. And Will…..*dreamy heart eyes*.

I really enjoyed this book by Sophie! This is my second book by her that I have read and it won't be my last, I am already placing her back list to my library holds list.

This was a beautifully written story that navigates life in your mid 30's after a divorce, with two children, and finding yourself again. I really enjoyed the kids choosing their moms dates aspect of this, and it had so many funny moments. I think for me overall, it was the relationships built in this book that did it for me. Not even just the romantic ones - just everyone Anna grew close with. Sometimes the best relationships are those we find in friends. Especially your children, I loved the moments with Anna and her kids.

Anna finding herself and finding love in this story was beautiful. I think this book would resonate with anyone because it's a feel good story - but especially if you've been in a similar situation as Anna, this will feel like a warm hug to you.

A Rollercoaster of Laughter, Tears, and Second Chances

Okay, so I’ll admit it took me a couple of chapters to really get hooked, but once I was in, I was all in. Anna’s journey is so relatable—whether you’re single, married, or somewhere in between. She’s content with her life, but what this book really nails is that you’re never too old, too tired, or too settled to deserve love, happiness, and those messy, beautiful second chances.

I laughed with her, cried with her, and cheered for her every step of the way. And honestly, how could you not? Anna is the kind of character you want in your corner. Each date she goes on—while juggling her career as a columnist and bonding with her kids—pulls back another layer of who Anna is now, post-divorce. It’s like peeling back the pages of her soul. With every date, she learns something new about herself, from standing tall on her own two feet to rediscovering the joy of living and, of course, having fun again.

Now, as a married woman, this book was an eye-opener. It’s easy to forget the parts of yourself you leave behind when you wear the “wife” or “mother” hat all the time. But Anna shows that there’s always room for reinvention, growth, and a little bit of magic, no matter your status. And if you’re a divorcee? Well, this book will remind you that life isn’t over after a breakup—it’s just the beginning of something way more exciting.

Ultimately, this story is a love letter to women everywhere, teaching us that it’s never too late to chase new dreams, laugh at life’s ridiculousness, and (most importantly) embrace the beauty of second chances.

Really shined the light on life after divorce in a really creative way! I could not put this book down because I just needed to see what was happening next ! Life is so unpredictable. I enjoyed every part of this book and all the characters (even the ex husband towards the end ) I wish I could read this again with new eyes I enjoyed it that much

Is She Really Going Out With Him?
Sophie Cousens
Publication date: 11/19/2024
5/5 stars
 
Wow, I did not expect to love this book as much as I did! This is by far my favorite Sophie Cousens book! Anna is a recently divorced journalist fighting to keep her job from her charming colleague, Will. Anna and Will have to write coordinating columns about their dating life (online dating vs offline dating) and end up learning more about each other in the process.
 
I highly recommend this book!! It's really funny and I felt like I flew through the pages. I found myself wanting to read all day to find out what happened.
 
Thank you to Sophie Cousens, Netgalley and Penguin Group Putnam for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Sophie Cousens writes delightfully humorous contemporary romance and this one is just as page-turning as all the others. Anna Appleby is a successful journalist, recently divorced mother of two, and is not looking for a relationship. Repeat, she is not looking for love. She's definitely not looking to fall for her junior coworker hotshot who looks divine in his best-dressed everyday wear. But alas, the forces of rom-com cannot be stopped. A sweet and funny tale about 2nd chance love and letting go of expectations.

3.5 stars rounded up! I absolutely loved Sophie Cousens's previous book, THE GOOD PART, and the premise and title of this one alone had me interested to find out more. While I don't know if I enjoyed this one quite as much as I enjoyed Cousens's last book, I still really liked it. The story follows Anna, a columnist who has survived a painful divorce and given up on love (for now)—but she isn't willing to give up on her job. Her office rival is vying for her dating column, and Anna needs a new and fresh idea in order to avoid being phased out. Soon, she comes up with a plan: seven dates, all found offline, chosen by her two children. What could possibly go wrong? Although reluctant at first, Anna begins to feel more confident in putting herself out there and opening herself up to new connections. But when a connection sparks in an unexpected place, will she be willing to take a chance on true love?

This was such a sweet, charming read! It felt like a classic British romcom from the 90s-2000s (with some modern flair!), which I loved. While I couldn't quite relate to Anna's journey in some ways, being in a different age group and life stage to her, I was truly invested in her story and the growth she undergoes. I also feel like Cousens did a wonderful job of conveying themes that everyone can relate to—after all, even if you aren't similar to Anna in other ways, the idea of being afraid to put yourself out there and slowly becoming more confident in yourself, whether it's in terms of love, career, or something else entirely, is a universal one. The humor and banter present throughout the story was another definite highlight for me! However, it did take me a little bit of time to get invested in the romance. I usually love the type of love story that Cousens conveyed with Anna and Will, but I wanted more from their connection and chemistry—I sort of felt like something was missing, but couldn't quite put my finger on it. Still, I would definitely recommend this one for romcom lovers, and I can't wait to see what Sophie Cousens writes next. Thank you to NetGalley, Penguin Group Putnam, and G.P. Putnam's Sons for the ARC.

Sometimes you just need a good book that is light, funny, full of hope and the possibility of love. This is that feel-good book. You root forAnna Appleby, a newly divorced mom, not looking for love but just trying to survive each day and be the best mom she can be and also uplift herself. And she is going to do whatever it takes which includes putting herself out there, dating men her children have chosen for her, as the subject of her next column. However, there is Will, the younger "golden boy" of the magazine, who seems to be aiming to take over her columns and scotch her aside. Charismatic and super-hero gorgeous, Will is Anna's nemesis. When circumstances puts them in very close proximity, sparks that have been flying seem to ignite. A friends to enemies trope? Maybe. But we see Anna grow as a person in her dating journey, building a network of new friends, learning who she is, and becoming confident as a person putting herself first. It's a delightful story with some humor and joy and love. A quick read, you will enjoy this hopeful story that will brighten your day. Many thanks to Putnam books and net galley for the opportunity thread and review this book.

Is She Really Going Out With Him? was a cozy, lovely, slow burn read. I loved all of the tropes throughout this book, but there was no cheese. This was a realistic romance that made me cry, laugh, and fall in love with the characters. I can't wait to read more by Sophie Cousins.

“𝐖𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐧’𝐭 𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐲 𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐛𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐰𝐞 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐝.”

Is She Really Going Out With Him? follows Anna and her ups and downs of navigating life post divorce. When she finds out that her company’s performance is going downhill and she’s probably next to go if she doesn’t make herself more relatable with their market, she signs herself up for a new column series which includes her two children choosing her dates for her. Some of these dates include a college age waiter at a restaurant, one of their friend’s dad, the grumpy neighbor next door, and her rival (and slightly younger) columnist at work.

Sophie Cousens has a way of writing relatable FMC’s, along with humorous side characters. Her last two books have featured children, which I don’t usually love, but they both added to the humor and banter in this story.

I found myself kicking my feet, laughing out loud, and trying not to rush through so that I could savor every last word! Although this book is fade-to-black, it had more build up than I was expecting (and I’m not complaining). Will and Anna’s chemistry!! Not to mention that the hotel window scene was SEXY 🔥

Is She Really Going Out With Him? is the 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭 romcom and may I say, Sophie Cousens best work to date!

⭐️: 5/5

💖single parent
💖workplace enemies to lovers
💖only one bed
💖fade to black
💖age gap

Thank you Putnam, NetGalley, and Sophie Cousens for an advanced copy of this book, out 11/19!

Instagram review will be posted 11/18!

Thanks to PENGUIN GROUP Putnam | G.P. Putnam's Sons and NetGalley for providing me with an early copy to read and review.

Such a darling, easy read that was a lovely palate cleanser after reading something a couple frustratingly dark and abysmal novels.

I enjoyed the added element of letting your children choose your dates in this classic enemies to lovers trope.

I love Sophie Cousens's writing and Is She Really Going Out with Him? was no exception. Thanks to NetGalley and Putnam for the advanced copy! Is She Really Going Out with Him? comes out November 19!

LOVED this book! Such a fun and easy read. I laughed out loud several times and just could not wait to read it each evening. Thanks NetGalley for the ARC!

I’m a Sophie Cousens fangirl so when I received the ARC for her newest release I was over the moon! ‘Is She Really Going Out With Him?’ follows journalist Anna Appleby, divorced mom of 2, and her attempt to save her column by spinning it into a dating one where her children get to pick her dates. Cousens’ writing is funny, charming and hopeful. Anna is the perfect heroine trying to find herself and open her heart after her divorce left it in shambles. This novel is for those that loved her previous novels and fans of Annabel Monaghan!

Thank you again to NetGalley and G. P. Putnam’s Sons for a chance to read and review an advanced copy of this book!

The premise of dating for a column and having your kids pick your dates seemed like a lighthearted way to move through a story. What I didn’t expect was all the emotions tied into it! Most of the side characters were easy to connect with and enjoy. Will and Anna were unexpected for me in how well their romance worked. The chemistry was amazing and I was smiling, giggling, and kicking my feet throughout. 4.5 stars for this one!

First thank you to penguin Putnam for an electronic advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Synopsis: Anna is struggling to keep up with being a single mom and her new life after the divorce. Her job as a columnist is threatened by another columnist will she has to be creative to see what she can do to stay competitive. They columns must complement each other and be about dating. Her take is to begin dating again with the men that her kids pick for her.

What I liked: I love the way Sophie Cousens writes and her stories are so fun and heartwarming. This story proved no different and loved the guys that the kids picked for her and how the dates turned out. Anna jumps right in and tries many different things and was honest and transparent with her kids during this process. I thought it was a great way to write it. She also does small steps to reclaim her life like decorating and making time for her hobbies.
Overall I would recommend this book.