📚ARC Review 📚

Is She Really Going Out with Him ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

It’s been two years since Anna’s divorce and she has realized she doesn’t need a man in her life. She is happy at home with her 2 kids and cat. She has a great job as a journalist for Bath Living. However, when her boss says she needs to appeal to the younger generation in order to keep her job, she has to think of something new to write about. Her coworker, Will, has pitched a new dating column so Anna plans to run with this idea. She will let her kids pick out her dates for the article and having to meet these men the “old fashion” way, no dating apps. Will on the other hand will be meeting all his dates from online. After working on this column with Will, she is starting to see a different side of him. Are these romantic feelings? What about their age gap? But more importantly, who will get to keep their job?


This was such a good romcom! I loved the storyline. The google searches at the top of each chapter were perfect. I google all the time, so it made me look forwards to reading what was next. Anna’s character had so much growth post divorce and on each date she learns something valuable. I loved the banter between her and Will and their chemistry was great. Being that her kids picked the men she went out on dates with, made for some great laugh out loud moments. Overall, it was a great read.

This book publishes on November 19 2024. If you enjoy romcoms, I would for sure check this one out! Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for my advanced readers copy. This is my honest and voluntary opinion.

Boy was this book a life saver for me – it brought me joy and laughter most of all hope – a little bright spot when I needed it most, Sophie Cousens thank you. It is for novels like this that make me enjoy reading.

It has been two years since the divorce and Dan moving on, somehow Anna Appleby not only has survived, but has also realized she does not need a man in her life. She has her home, two great kids, a cat named “Katniss”, control of the TV remote and as a columnist for the “Bath Living” a job she loves. But is her column “According to Anna” really appealing to the younger generation? According to her new boss Crispin the answer is no. When she hears her co-worker, Will Havers, has pitched a “Man About Town Dating” to take over her column, she becomes concerned. Anna needs this job and needs to stay in Bath, she pitches her own dating idea. What is she thinking letting her children choose seven dates for her, the old fashion way – offline. All the while Will uses a dating app to select his seven dates. As dating fiasco arise with the likes of a celebrity crush, the mailman, Ethan’s swim teachers and even the crusty next door neighbor, Will starts showing a different side of himself that becomes more and more appealing to Anna, a connection of the romantic kind she least expects. Will their age difference be an issue? Is Will just acting this way to just get the column?

I cannot tell you how much I love these two characters. Watching Anna become a more self-confident, strong and independent woman, standing up for her daughter, acceptance of her ex moving on with a younger woman and standing up for the journalist career she deserves and not settling for anything less. And Will was a delightful, charismatic rival. These two not only had great banter, but they also had the chemistry too.

“There is a whole new chapter waiting for you, all you need to do is keep turning the pages.”

Thank you, Sophie Cousens, G.P. Putman’s Son’s and NetGalley for providing me with a digital ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I really didn’t know what to expect heading into the book but was drawn to the plot based on the description. Given the ages of the characters and the timeline of their lives, the story is incredibly thought provoking in relation to happens when we fall out of love. Sophie’s writing was real and honest and it didn’t just wrap these issues up in a pretty box with the bow. While not everything worked out the way I wanted, I think the ending worked out the way it should while still providing a HEA. Thanks to #NetGalley for the eARC!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!

Wow I loved this book. Such a sweet read. I laughed out loud several times. Anna and Will have great chemistry, the kids are adorable and I pretty much adore every character. This was my first Sophie Cousens book but will definitely not be my last. This was the exact lighthearted, hopeful read I needed.

You’re definitely going to want to get this when it publishes 11/19/2024!!

I didn't like the other book I've read by this author so I was really hesitant going in but I really enjoyed it. Will and Anna are cute and he was so obviously in love with her, she just took a little more time to get there. I would like a bonus chapter from when they aren't long distance anymore.

I received an arc through netgalley.

Oh, I LOOOOOVED this.

Magazine writer Anna Abbleby has to spice up her column if she wants to keep her job -- and outplay her work rival. Anna's idea is this: report on seven dating experiences -- the dates chosen by her children. As she navigates the disillusionment and complexity of divorce, a return to dating, and matchmaking children, Anna finds more of herself -- and unexpected romantic connection -- where she least expects it. (But oh reader, WE expect it. <3)

Sophie Cousens had me in stitches -- this book is seriously *hilarious* and so fun. And the PINING?! Chef's kiss!!! So swoony.

But as someone going through a divorce and experiencing so many of the same situations and feelings as our FMC, I felt so seen by this book. It resonated so with me so deeply, and I love that romance as a genre allows books like this to heal, teach, and empower us. They're not "fluff" or whatever BS the world tries to assign to romance books. There are such important conversations and transformations happening in this book, even amidst the romance and hilarity. This book is really important to me -- both as a fun escape, and as a thoughtful, introspective love and self-love story.

I want more Sophie Cousens books forever and ever, amen!

Read for:

-workplace rivals
-narcissistic exes (we all have one, okay)
-"smash the patriarchy!"
-being brave enough to love again <3
-new chapters
-characters who would rather catch up on TV shows than "get back out there" (MOOD)
-hibernation eras
-vaginal atrophy (lol)
-amazingly hilarious chapter heading Google searches
-correcting someone else's grammar (affectionate)
-Paul Hollywood thirst
-counterfeit ham on the dark web
-IT WAS THEM ALL ALONG
-things being grey, not just black & white
-bike-related trauma
-fishing accidents
-hatred for the word "minutos" (um, same)
-emotionally immature men (who don't win)
-Teen girl magazines
-"If I needed to charm you, trust me, I would have." (OKAY!)
-hedge-related neighbor feuds
-the biggest arses with the most incredible arses
-googling who celebrities are married to (a fav pastime)
-spur of the moment tattoos
-men who could rip pineapples in half
-the kind of love that makes you want to change all your plans
-you're worth the indulgence!!
-when it feels like Christmas morning and clean sheets
-moon-themed seminude flirtation
-forearms ('cause ofc)
-fighting over the ergonomic work chair
-THIS IS YOUR STEVIE NICKS ROCK ERA!!!
-"I hate the idea of you out with a man who isn't me."
-When they remember your favorite flowers and type of sandwich
-When what happens in the woods, does in fact, not stay in the woods
-"I'm going to show you exactly how unprofessional I can be." (!!!!!)
-Only one (camper) bed
-Austen enthusiasts

Five stars!!!

Thank you to Netgalley and Putnam for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest, unbiased review. IS SHE REALLY GOING OUT WITH HIM? is out 11/19/24!

In the hopes of staying relevant at her job as a journalist, Anna agrees to go on dates that her children choose. Her work nemesis, Will, was trying to steal her column, but is now writing a companion article about online dating. Anna had no desire to date, but this seemed like the only way to keep her job.

As she embarks on her dates with the mailman, a waiter, a fellow bike-hating dad from her son's school, her annoying neighbor, a local celebrity, and more, she starts to remember who she was before she and her husband got divorced.

I had such a great time reading this! I laughed out loud several times, fell in love with Anna and Will, and adored watching Anna grow and remember that she's more than a mom and a divorcee. I don't love the miscommunication trope, but I appreciate how it was used in this story.

My library already ordered a copy and I will definitely be recommending this book to friends and patrons.

I read one of Sophie Cousens other books and wasn't a fan, so I was reluctant to try this one, but I loved it! It was so well written and I lived for the banter between Anna and Will. The premise of having her kids pick her dates was hilarious and found myself laughing out loud. Also, the scene when they are in two separate hotel rooms, but flirting?! Best flirting scene ever! I read this in one day because I couldn't put it down. Definitely a must read and a favorite for me for 2024. Now off to read her backlist!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

I needed this book. It was the perfect little escape from the week. It was delightful and many times I found my cheeks hurting from my genuine grinning.

First off. The google searches at the top of each chapter were perfection. I found myself eager to get to the next chapter just for those alone. I LOVED that our FMC was older (not in a negative way!) - she's divorced and unwillingly on a path of self-discovery. I really enjoyed her children - they were written in a realistic way and that they played a part in encouraging her to step out of her comfort zone. She is tasked to write about going on 5 dates with people her kids choose. It was so fun to see how each date turned out. Her work colleague gave her some excellent banter and we were given some great tropes like the oh so loved: only one bed. Not to mention rivals to lovers, self discovery, witty banter, found family.

This was a full 5 stars for me. No notes. No icks. Just a lovely read. Book comes out 11.19.2024

This is the kind of book where you catch yourself smiling while you read it. Sophie’s writing is so witty & charming. There were several references to classic rom coms like How To Lose A Guy in 10 Days, and it really felt like one of those old school rom coms that we all love so much. I loved everything about it from Anna & Will’s banter to her children’s commentary on dating to the hilarious Google searches at the start of each chapter. 4.5

Another hit from Sophie Cousens! This workplace rivals to lovers story was so fun and made me laugh so many times. Anna is about a newly divorced journalist who basically gets roped into an article that requires her to go on ten dates… all chosen by her fairly young kids. The men these kids chose made me panic for Anna and I was so impressed with her ability to roll with the punches. Meanwhile, her hot coworker is so obviously obsessed with her but Anna’s self-confidence has taken a dive and she doesn’t even notice.

There are some wild scenarios, verrrrry steamy scenes (while this still maintains being closed door one scene had me 👀). This was also such a tender story about starting over again after you think you already had and lost the love of your life. It also tackles how the family dynamic changes when your divorced parents start dating again. I felt like Anna’s insecurities made her such a real and relatable character even though I am not a newly divorced mom of two myself.

I gave it four stars because the miscommunication became overwhelming for me at points and took me out of the story. I could have still given it five stars and looked past that, but as a tall woman I felt kind of attacked by this plot. There are so many times where tall women are demonized like “all men want us” and the author spins this weird narrative that men don’t want short women. That they don’t want to “bend down and kiss them”. What?!

In almost every romance book, and in real life, men ALWAYS want beautiful petite women. In my experience, tall men especially always wanted tiny women. I’m not sure why this narrative was necessary and this seriously gave me flashbacks to The Hating Game (where Lucy’s small stature was mentioned every other page just about).

As someone who had a hard time dating, and was largely ignored by men due to my height making me “manly” and my short friends were all “sexy and small”, this plot reminded me of my own insecurities, which is not what I look for in romance books. She could have easily made this book amazing without having to complain about the men in Anna’s life being attracted to tall women. I know that’s Anna’s insecurity, but I just don’t think it was necessary to bring it up as often as she did. I mean, Taylor Swift did say everyone’s a sexy baby and she’s the monster on the hill. Same Tay, same.

Anyway, I still laughed and kicked my feet and blushed while reading this, so it was a job well done. I can’t wait for this author’s next hit!

Thank you NetGalley and Putnam for this advance copy!

5⭐️

When I say I devoured this book, I mean I devoured it as fast as any mom of 4 that homeschools and has a weekend full of soccer can! I could not put this book down, and when I had to put it down all I wanted to do was pick it back up! I absolutely adored this story and found the characters to be deep, relatable, witty (I laughed out loud several times), and raw. The focus on all varieties of relationships was beautifully done. Sophie Cousens nailed this story!

Anna Appleby is a recently divorced, thirty something mom of 2 who is just getting by. She’s working, taking care of her kids, having petty arguments with her neighbor, biting her tongue with her ex husband, and scrolling Instagram/ watching Netflix. But when her job at the magazine is on the line due to layoffs, Anna is forced to put herself back in the game and start dating again… so she can write about it. With the help of her children, encouragement from her boss, babysitting from her sister, jabs from her ex husband, and the competition of one coworker named Will, Anna puts herself back out there and is rewarded in more ways than one.

“Because true love does not cower in the shadows; it roars, loud and proud, until it has given its all.”

Thank you Penguin Group Putnam for this ARC in exchange for my honest feedback.

I really loved this one! I have read one of Sophie Cousens other books and really enjoyed it so when I got an ARC of her new release I was really excited to start reading it. I think I read this one in 2 days because I just had to know what was going to happen.

The story is about Anna, a recently divorced mom of 2 in her thirties who works as a journalist for her local magazine/paper. Everyone is pushing her to online date and she wants to convince people that she doesn't need an app and can meet someone the old fashion way. She decides that she will write this experience as her column for work to prove her point, with one twist. Her boss agrees that her kids should get to pick who she goes on dates with. I loved each character in the story, the dates she goes on, the coworker always trying to critique her, and her processing her life changing as she is going through a divorce. Anna is happy to be by herself, but i love what she learns along the way.

The romance readers and unexpected love interests will love this book. Does have a few sexual scenes that are easily skippable!

Thank you to the author and publisher for an ARC for my honest review. Book is set to release 11/19/24!

This was such a cute read! I thought Anna’s kids picking dates for her was such a great plot. It reminded me of a fresh take on How to Lose a Guy in 10 days.

I was so proud of Anna’s character development, she became so confident and really started to enjoy life again. It was really heartwarming to see how she navigated motherhood especially post divorce. I can only imagine the weight she has to carry as a mom while she’s trying to get back out there (even if it was for work).

I absolutely adored Will, even though I can see why Anna thought he was annoying in the beginning. I thought he was such a good character, I liked learning how much love he has for his family, and why everything is monogrammed! He was such a big supporter of Anna’s and that was so nice to witness. The tension between him and Anna was amazing!!

I liked how Anna’s relationship with her neighbor, Noah, grew. I enjoyed learning the history behind the big hedge, and seeing Noah come out of his shell too!

I loved Loretta, she was so funny, and such a great friend for Anna to have. I really appreciated Lottie’s character, I did wish that we got more with her, but what we did get was great! As someone who has sisters, it made me think about how I would handle supporting them if they ever went through a divorce, or them with me. Hearing how Lottie respected Anna for how she navigated everything made me so proud.

A few things that I wished were different: I would have liked Anna & Will’s communication to be a little better, and that Sylvie was more likable/less like a young girlfriend trying to be the cool stepmom - if that makes sense.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I felt like everything was wrapped up perfectly, no plot holes or lingering questions. The characters were funny, flirty, and so supportive.

4.5⭐️ Rounded Up

I received an ARC from Penguin Group Putnum through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

This book absolutely melted me! Anna is one of my all time favorite female main characters. I was rooting for her from day 1. The google searches at the beginning of each chapter were so relatable and her crush on Paul Hollywood was absolutely amazing. I loved how her character grew into a strong independent woman who found herself outside of being a mom while also finding her own love story with Will. While I thought the ending wrapped up a little too quickly, it did a nice job showing the found family Anna had surrounding her after everything she went through in the story. This book was a delight and I would gladly recommend!

After a painful divorce, our FMC Anna, leaves her love life behind to focus on her column and her two kids. But when her office rival, Will, starts vying for her column and job, Anna pitches an idea to her boss: seven dates, each chosen by her kids.

I loved this book! From Anna's awkward encounters of asking out waiters, the mailman, and even her celebrity crush. I loved watching her grow throughout the book. From putting herself out there, trying new things and making new connections. It was funny and heartfelt with a How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days vibe.

Read if you like:
He falls first and hard
Single divorce mom
Workplace romance
Rivals to lovers
Reverse age gap
Closed door romance
Grand romantic gestures
Banter

Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for an eARC in exchange for my honest review.

This one was sooo great! I love Sophie Cousens and was so excited to read this one. Anna is funny, relatable, and so REAL. The PERFECT FMC! I loved that she was an “older” FMC, her wit, and her hilarious kids. The dating column competition and all of the first dates made me laugh out LOUD so many times. I loooove a workplace romance/ rivals trop and this was a perfect example of it. Their banter and chemistry was SO GOOD. I also really loved the ending. It was refreshing!!

--Self love/ acceptance
--Single mom FMC
--Workplace rivals
--Dating column competition

4.75 stars

I’m on a roll right now with good books and this was another to add to it. Love a loathe-to-love workplace romance but add in a divorced single mother and a younger man? Yes please! I think seeing a second chance at a new love for people who have gone through a previous marriage is really important but also to see that she was happy on her own too. A new love wasn’t a necessity, it was a bonus. And also to see her and her ex grow into a better co-parenting relationship was nice, of course it still being fairly fresh it started off rough but that was a nice character arc for them. Overall I really enjoyed this, all of her dating mishaps were hilarious (yet a terrifying look at the dating scene maybe?). My only qualm is I felt some things were maybe not touched on with the MMC especially with having possibly dated multiple women in the office prior?

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!

✨”The baggage we carry isn't a bad thing; it is our substance, our history, the experiences that make us who we are.”♥️✨

This cute work rivals romance was slow at first. I found the FMC to be so cynical and rough-around-the-edges that it was hard to enjoy the story. However, about 40ish pages in, I started to see how her current situation was creating this new person, and that she was exiting a season of life while entering a new one. The FMC was going through a transformation throughout the book and that was very heartwarming to see at the end.

I would recommend this book to those interested in the following tropes/romance aspects:
♥️work rivals-to-lovers
♥️he falls first and harder
♥️age gap romance
♥️sarcastic and comical FMC who is down on her luck
♥️life after divorce
♥️single mom finding love
♥️grand romantic gestures

Thank you so much to NetGalley, Penguin Group Publishing, and author, Sophie Cousens, for the opportunity to read an eARC in exchange for my honest review.

I really enjoyed reading this book. It was funny and gave me all the feels. I loved the banter between the main characters. I love a good rivals to lovers book. And, can I just say, Will Havers is yummy!