I enjoyed the writing and the development of the characters. The setting felt real and well thought out.

Ya’ll, Sophie Cousens has my heart…and now Anna Appleby does too. I am in LOVE with this book and Will Havers. It was so relatable on so many different levels for me - my husband and I are the same ages as the MCs (scandalous age gap, I know) and I love that she has kids. This truly is a gem of a rom-com and it has everything you’d want - coworker romance, rivals to lovers, forced proximity to one bed, well-rounded side characters and highly likable main characters. My first 5 star ⭐️ read in a while! You’ll love this book if you like Katherine Center, Ashley Poston, Sophia Kinsella and Abby Jimez. Also, gives off How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days vibes.

I liked a couple other Sophie Cousens books and was excited to read Is She Really Going Out With Him? Her book "The Good Part" was one of my favorite type of books (a little time-jumpy supernatural) and I for some reason assumed this would be as well. It is not!

I didn't love the first few chapters, and I actually put this book down and came back to it weeks later to give it another chance. I am really glad I did! Despite some aspects of the book feeling overdone and predictable, the writing was strong and there were many humorous moments that I am glad I got to read. By the second half, I was very into this and excited to continue.

Even though you can probably guess what happens here, the way it happens ends up being fun.

Thank you NetGalley and Putnam Books for providing this copy in exchange for my honest review.

I read this in one sitting on a flight! I love Sophie Cousen’s books and this was no different. I laughed and couldn’t out it down. The premise was so fun and unique and reminded me of a play on How to Loose a Guy in 1 Days in the best way!

I thought this book was so sweet and just an overall fun light read. I love getting to see the evolution of the main characters relationship, as well as getting to meet the other men that she dates throughout this book. I would highly recommend this book to any of my friends that enjoy more of the light romance books!

Sophie Cousens’ style of writing is always a breath of fresh air. I adored this book and I am not a big fan of romantic comedies or closed door romances so that is saying A LOT!

The novel follows Anna, a single mom of 2 and a column journalist for a local newspaper. Just turned 38, she is trying to navigate life after divorce. Her job at this small newspaper is on the line when a new investor challenges her to write something that appeals to the younger generation, I.e. a dating column. With the help of her two young children, they will pick her dates for her instead of the typical online dating that is so popular today. Throw in a handsome, younger work rival to compete with and you get some amazing bantering!!

The story is relatable to anyone and I loved how it was more than just a romance but about a woman’s self-discovery to happiness after divorce. How important it is to find what makes you happy outside of marriage, children and to be open to new experiences.

I highly recommend this book when it comes out November 19th, 2024.

Thank you NetGalley and Putnam for the ARC of this novel!

Fun read and similar easy to follow storyline that I come to expect with all of Sophie Cousens books. The premise of having the main characters children select her potential dates was a fun twist that liked. Not sure how I feel about the coworker who had secretly been in love with her plot, but it works I guess.

𝕋𝕙𝕖 𝔾𝕚𝕤𝕥:
Columnist Anna Appleby, recovering from a painful divorce, avoids online dating and enjoys life with her kids, cat, and TV remote. However, to save her column and income, she pitches an idea: seven offline dates chosen by her children.

From awkward to surprising encounters, Anna steps out of her comfort zone, even asking out her celebrity crush. When an unexpected romantic connection arises, she must decide if she's ready to take another chance on love.

𝕋𝕙𝕖𝕞𝕖𝕤 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕋𝕣𝕠𝕡𝕖𝕤:
😒 𝘙𝘪𝘷𝘢𝘭𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴
👩🏼‍💻𝘚𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘭𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘰𝘮
💕𝘚𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘥 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘴
🫂 𝘍𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱𝘴 & 𝘧𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘺

𝕊𝕚𝕞𝕚𝕝𝕒𝕣 𝕍𝕚𝕓𝕖𝕤:
🎥 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝗟𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝗮 𝗚𝘂𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝗧𝗲𝗻 𝗗𝗮𝘆𝘀
📚 𝗦𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗿 𝗥𝗼𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 ʙʏ ᴀɴɴᴀʙᴇʟ ᴍᴏɴᴀɢʜᴀɴ

𝕄𝕪 𝕋𝕙𝕠𝕦𝕘𝕙𝕥𝕤:
This book was so freaking precious. I absolutely love Sophie Cousens’ writing and was so excited to read this one! 𝗜𝘀 𝗦𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗚𝗼𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗢𝘂𝘁 𝗪𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗛𝗶𝗺 had such a fun and unique premise and it made for the perfect light, easygoing romcom.

Sophie Cousens writes very well-rounded characters. Anna was such a relatable FMC. I absolutely adored her relationship and banter with her kiddos. I also really enjoyed getting to watch Anna rediscover herself post-divorce through her series of dates set up by her children. Will made for the perfect verbal sparring partner and I thought their banter was top tier.

This was a sweet, somewhat predictable, quick and easy read. I devoured this story and loved every second of it!

𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗡𝗲𝘁𝗚𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝘆, 𝗦𝗼𝗽𝗵𝗶𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘀, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝘂𝘁𝗻𝗮𝗺 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗲𝗔𝗥𝗖 𝗶𝗻 𝗲𝘅𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗺𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄.

𝕄𝕪 ℝ𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕟𝕘:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (𝟱/𝟱)

𝕊𝕡𝕚𝕔𝕖 ℝ𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕟𝕘:
🌶️ (𝟭/𝟱)

4.5 stars!!!

This book is such a fun, workplace romantic comedy.

Spice: Closed door - Release Date: November 19th

I loved the searches that were used as chapter openers. A purely comedic way to close out the previous chapter and begin the next. (DON’T SKIP READING THOSE! 😂)

Now this is mostly because of the things that I personally find fun/funny, but I fully appreciated the “innocent” friendly innuendos that were tossed around throughout the story.

Thank you NetGalley, Putnam, and Sophie Cousen for allowing the opportunity to review this new ARC!!! 🧚

Ok everyone needs to read this book its adorable. I love the "writing it for an article" angle and then turns into love. The idea is super unique as well using your children to help pick said dates. I was able to read this in one sitting because it just kept my attention. Enemies to lovers has and will always be one of my favorite book troupes and this was no different.

I absolutely loved this book! Real, charming, and raw - I loved the main character’s journey through navigating divorce, workplace changes, and her work rival. The Google searches at the top of each chapter were literally the perfect touch.

Anna Appleby is a great journalist, but the industry is getting more and more competitive. To make matters worse, she is now competing with Will, a work rival, for her job security. In a frantic attempt to have the best idea, Anna proposes a column on off-line dating. She will only meet men that her children pick for her. Her boss bites and the adventure begins…her kids pick the mailman, a friend’s dad, a (very) young waiter, and even a celebrity!

In the midst of all this, Anna and Will go to a conference together. As much as he annoys her, she can’t deny he is attractive and might actually not be a jerk. Anna starts to let her guard down when Will’s actions make her think again.

Will Anna find romance with Will, one of her other dates, or choose a quiet life at home with her kids and the cat? Read Is She Really Going Out With Him by Sophie Cousens to find out!

I really enjoyed this book and would rank it in the top two of her novels. Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for the opportunity to read an advanced copy.

I loved this book! Sophie Cousens hit this out of the park.

Our main FMC was a perfect combination of what comes of life after divorce and finding your identity in your adult years. I absolutely loved the banter of the FMC and MMC throughout the book. There is one time in the book that I will not mention due to spoilers but holy moly camping has never looked so appeasing.

What I loved about this book:

- THE BANTERRRRRR
- How her kids were involved in helping her find “the one”
- the ENEMY’S TO LOVERS AND THE SLOOOWW BURN..HOLY MOLY
- Confidence building in your adult years/setting healthy boundaries
- I loved the family dynamic for the most part

I just wanted to thank NetGalley and Penguin Group Putname for the eARC of this book in exchange for my review.


I will read anything Sophie Cousens puts out and I absolutely look forward to more!!

Sophie Cousens’ *Is She Really Going Out With Him* offers a refreshing take on the romantic comedy genre, blending humor and heartfelt moments in a story that's both entertaining and poignant.

The novel follows Anna Appleby, a columnist who, after a painful divorce, has retreated into a life of single motherhood, content with her children, her cat, and her control of the TV remote. The prospect of dating seems daunting, especially with the horrors of online matchmaking. However, when her job is threatened by a rival at work, Anna must pitch a novel idea: a series of seven dates arranged by her children, all found offline.

As Anna navigates a series of quirky and sometimes awkward encounters—from a charming waiter to a celebrity crush—she gradually reopens her heart to the possibility of love. This journey is filled with laughter, tears, and moments of genuine connection. Cousens skillfully explores the complexities of modern dating through different perspectives, creating a narrative that is both engaging and relatable.

With its blend of humor and heartfelt emotion, *Is She Really Going Out With Him* is a delightful read that offers both entertainment and insight. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and found it both amusing and moving. It’s a unique spin on dating that’s sure to resonate with many readers. I highly recommend this novel, giving it a solid four stars.

Book 115 of 2024: Is She Really Going Out With Him? By Sophie Cousens

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Columnist Anna Appleby has left her love life behind after a painful divorce. Who needs a man when she has two kids, a cat, and uncontested control of the TV remote? But her office rival Will is vying for her column, and no column means no stable source of income. In a desperate attempt to keep her job, Anna finds herself pitching a unique angle: seven dates, all found offline, chosen by her children. From awkward encounters to unexpected connections, Anna begins to put herself out there, asking out waiters, the mailman, and even her celebrity crush. But when a romantic connection appears where she least expected it, will she be brave enough to take another chance on love?

Thank you so much @putnambooks, @netgalley, and @sophie_cousens for this ARC! This book was a really fun rivals to lovers with a lot of heart an humor. Will and Anna had such great chemistry and I loved their competition for the column and all of the shenanigans it placed them in. Anna went on so many hilarious (and some horrible) dates and it made it all the sweeter when she finally met her match! Her children were adorable characters and I loved how they helped her navigate being newly divorced and getting back out in the dating world. This book was full of great banter. I loved Anna’s character so much and how she was able to take back some of the things she wanted for her life in spite of her life being in shambles post-divorce. This was a really heartwarming and fun slow-burn romance that I definitely recommend! Is She Really Going Out With Him? hits shelves November 19th!

If Sophie Cousens writes it, it's a sure thing I will read and LOVE it. I think this might just be my favorite of hers yet! Brimming with heart and humor, this flirty and fun novel follows single mom and journalist, Anna, while she navigates parenthood, life, writing and dating. I absolutely loved the storyline and found myself laughing out loud throughout my read. I appreciated having a more mature, single mother heroine and watching her find joy, love and her passions. The age gap romance was very fun and the chemistry was off the charts (that window scene omg!). Will be one of my top books of the year!

Is She Really Going Out With Him by Sophie Cousens is about a work place collaboration between Anna Appleby and William Havers. Anna and Will are told by their boss they have to work on a column together. Anna reluctantly agrees, to which also has to deal with her ex husband and making sure her kids still have a decent life. Anna as a journalist now has to date people suggested by her children and write up for her column. Whereas Will has to find a similar perspective of the opposite side. I have not dead any books about journalists but I very much enjoyed it! Also Anna was written so beautifully as a single mom living her life as hectic as it is. Will is the perfect example of never judge a”book” by its cover. They really aren’t that different from eachother. I truly loved the way they interacted with each other and others as well. They had wonderful chemistry that you could feel off the page. Overall, if you are into work place romance and one bed tropes then this is a great read!

Cute premise, that was pretty well-executed in this quick and engaging read that had nice bits of humor. 38-year-old Anna is a divorced mother of two school-age children. She works as a journalist at a local lifestyle magazine, and finds herself in competition with her co-worker Will. In order to keep her job, she embarks on a series of dates with the hook that her children choose who she dates. It's a little obvious who she'll end up with at the end, I would have liked a little more mystery. I found the mmc unlikable at first but then he grows on you, mirroring the fmc's feelings about him. The progression of dates also seemed to match Anna's progress with reclaiming her sense of self after her divorce. The Google search topics at the start of each chapter were amusing. There's a nice HEA but the flow of the story was a bit uneven, it dragged a bit in some places but I was able to stay invested.

Sophie Cousens is my go-to contemporary romance author. She is truly unmatched. She has not one dud in her whole bibliography. I love how she folds in heavier themes with moments of lightness and laughs. My favorite kind of books. The Good Part is still the GOAT for me but that’s one of my all time favorites so it’s going to be tough for even Cousens to beat.

I loved everything about this. As someone who doesn’t have children, I usually find it hard to relate to romantic heroines who do. Not here though! Anna Apppleby was entirely flawed and hilarious. Her inner dialogue was laugh out loud funny, relatable, and I loved being in her head. I think the love interest was surprisingly the weakest link, I normally love her love interests.

Overall, absolutely precious. A must read for romance readers.

This is the first book that I have read by Sophie Cousens. I found Is She Really Going Out With Him? to be funny, delightful, and so much more than a romance. Anna is a 38-year-old recently divorced woman with 2 children. She is a journalist at a local magazine. Will is an annoying coworker who Anna thinks is after her job. The two are assigned to write a dating column together, exploring the differences between online dating apps and meeting people “naturally.” The twist is that Anna’s children choose who she should date. Anna has some interesting dates and experiences. Some of the scenes had me laughing out loud. Through their collaboration, Will and Anna become closer and she realizes that he is not the jerk she thought he was.

This is more than a romance novel. It is the story of a woman’s self-discovery as she heals from a divorce. She is learning how to cope with everything that life throws her way: being a single mom, fighting for her job at a magazine that is on the brink of shutting down, and dealing with the fact that her ex-husband has moved on with his life while she has not. As the story progresses, Anna slowly regains her self-confidence and through many of her experiences, joy and happiness return to her life.

I liked Is She Really Going Out With Him? by Sophie Cousens. I loved the characters. Anna and Will were likeable and genuine. There were some minor characters who were delightful and quirky. It was a quick read that was fun and satisfying. I plan to read some of Cousen’s earlier novels.

Thank you to Netgalley and to the publisher for providing me with an advanced review copy in exchange for an honest review.