4.5 Stars!

I really liked this book - Anna felt really relatable, constantly worried about everyone, feeling the need to hold her tongue against rude comments, she was just well written. I also LOVED her dates. I thought they were hilarious and at the same time heartwarming because of all the people she met and got to know - Noah, Loretta, Michael, even Roger.

The only thing that I felt was missing was an ending. I really wanted more from Will and Anna, I didn't think the ending that was given was long enough - I needed more time to actually see them as a couple, to see how they'd work as one.

I have read a few other titles from this author and enjoy her writing style. I loved this book from start to finish from Jane Austen references and the romance after a divorce. Anna’s insecurities are real and relatable. An enemy to lovers trope but also leaves you hanging until the very end. It was refreshing to read about an age gap relationship, a civil divorce, equal pay for women, and taking a break from technology. It was different and so, so good!

Thank you Netgalley and Penguin Books Putnam for the ARC of this book! While this book was difficult for me to get into initially, I ended up flying through the second half. ‘Is she really going out with him?’ is such a heart-warming story and I truly loved the way all of the relationships and friendships developed, and the way each of the characters became a part of Anna’s newly rebuilt life. This was the first book I’ve read by Sophie Cousens and I cannot wait to read more. I’d highly recommend this book!

I love Sophie Cousens's writing so much and this is no exception. I've read all of her books and they are always so cozy without being bland. I love that Anna's children were so ingrained in the story because I feel like romances with single moms often push the kids to the side and that feels unrealistic.

“Dating is as much about discovering yourself as it is about finding a partner, isn’t it?”

Is She Really Going Out with Him? by Sophie Cousens brings me right to the 1978 song by the same name by Joe Jackson - and the question: is Anna Appleby really going out with him!? But who you may ask? Who is Him? Well, of course it’s ten different men for ten different dates that her children get to pick for her to try to save her position at the local magazine. Writing a dating column should be easy – but as a recently divorced mom of two, Anna is already over online dating and “done with love.” Now enter the main “him” we should be concerned about - her at-work nemesis, Will Havers, who seems to be vying for the same position. Will is assigned to write a column alongside Annas, where he mirrors Anna’s dates in some fashion, but all are based on finding someone from an online dating site. Oh, and Will is of course younger than Anna!

I adore Cousens. You will get lost in her writing – and caught up in the story – not realizing how much depth and thought she adds to her characters, the setting, the storyline, and to hard subjects: here, being a newly divorced 37-year-old with two minor children not trying to get lost in the shuffle.

While predictable, and mentally giving you How to Lose a Guy in Ten Day vibes (NOTHING wrong with that!), this story is adorable and likewise astute and told from a different perspective than most romance novels that have hit shelves in the last decade (thank you Sophie for being a modern, real-life, storyteller!).

I need to add, that I absolutely loved the meaning behind the ampersand tattoo – even though this was a comical part of the book, I loved that the “and” “represent[s] that there is always more to the story.” I love how Anna breaks through as a character in so many ways and brings new vulnerabilities to her column – giving honest dating lessons while doing so! I am a Cousens fangirl for sure! (I feel like I must go read a Jane Austen novel now!) 4.2 stars.

Thank you SO MUCH to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for this charming ARC; all opinions are my own!

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

(As a fun side note, I read Not in My Book by Katie Holt immediately after reading this, and some of the similarities (with romance novel tropes) were fun to see back-to-back!)

In her latest work, journalist Anna Appleby embarks on a journey of self-discovery following her divorce. Prompted by a new assignment—spurred by competition with a work nemesis—Anna is pushed out of her comfort zone in unexpected ways. Her task? To go on dates chosen by her two children, all without the help of internet apps or online platforms.

Through this unconventional approach to dating, Anna learns valuable lessons about love and loss, ultimately realizing that while she has loved and lost, her heart is still very much alive. As she navigates these new experiences, Anna gradually becomes comfortable in her own skin again, embracing her individuality and independence.

This book was absolutely amazing. The prologue is the best prologue ever written. And without giving too much away, the book comes full circle with the resolution.

Also the Google searches at the beginning of each chapter are absolute gold.

Anna is a 38 year old mother of 2, divorcee, who works for local print publication in Bath. Will, her newish coworker, is encroaching on her assignments, making her concerned for her job and supremely annoyed with him (along with correcting her spelling and grammar on her FIRST DRAFTS without being asked). Her ex-husband, Dan, is like so many ex-husbands who skimp on the 50/50 part of raising children, add in the gaslighting, and he is unbearable. Her sister, Lottie, is the cheerleader we all need in our lives.

To stay relevant to the changing expectations of media consumers and save her job, Anna agrees to date different people chosen by her children and share your emotional journey in print. Will inserts himself into her assignment by offering to write a counterpoint to her column. And so they begin their dates.

The journey is the best part of the book (well it is the book). The outcomes are such a wonderful commentary on the need for human connection. This is absolutely a feel good book and I say that even though it didn’t end the way I wanted (and @Sophie may get a special DM about the fate of Katniss).

Thank you netgalley and Putnam Books for this advance copy in exchange for my review. As a long time Sophie Cousen’s reader it was really exciting to receive this ARC.

I loved this book! Sophie Cousens has quickly become one of my auto -read authors. Is She Really Going Out with Him started a little slow but really picked up once we got to where Anna's kids are picking dates for her. Anna and Will are unforgettable characters. This is another amazing read from one of my new favorite authors.

Sophie does it again. 👏 👏👏

Short Synopsis:
Anna is a recently divorced mom and columnist. To keep her column out of the hands of her work rival, she’s challenged to write a dating column and go out with seven men - all that she meets organically (not online) and that her children pick out. She ends up dating an actor, 22-year-old student, and the mailman. But finds an unexpected attraction outside of the dates.

My Thoughts:
This was so cute, and just what my heart needed.

I meant to read one chapter before bed, and next thing I knew, I was 60 percent into the book. I just couldn’t put it down. It was sweet and heartwarming. And I adored Anna and Will’s banter and longing. The modern dating in your late 30s was refreshing. The cast of characters were the best and I loved how not all of Anna’s dates led to romantic connections, but she gained and learned something from each one.

Each chapter opened with Anna’s google search history. And it was so funny and honestly quite brilliant how it called back to previous chapters. I loved this little addition to the story.

And the most relatable thing to me was that her son wants an axolotl so bad. Which is relatable because my seven year old asks me weekly for one too. 🙃😂

All around a great read!

What You’ll Find:
💻 Workplace romance
#️⃣37-year-old FMC
💕Age gap
🗣️Banter
❤️‍🔥He falls first
💖Rivals to lovers
🔥Tension

I usually love this authors work, but this fell flat for me. Miscommunication is my most least favorite thing ever, so no one talking through issues really took me out of the story. I didn’t connect with the characters and had to really push myself to finish. Ending was cute.

I was hooked from the start and I enjoyed the two MCs, but I didn't really feel their connection. I feel like there were missed weeks somewhere for them to go from enemies to lovers. Especially for a mother of two - she was very quick to bring home a significant other.

The storyline with the other men she had to date was so unique and I really enjoyed it.

This book was an absolute joy to read. Even though I am older than Anna and have no kids I could relate to her feelings after divorce and as she entered the dating scene again.

I found this book was the perfect mix of fun and romance. Anna's dates were fun to read about and I enjoyed the relationship she had with her colleague, Will. Everything seemed so organic between them.

This book is well written and the pace is spot on. I was so invested in the story that it took me less than 24 hours to read this book.

Sophie Cousens is an author I have come to love and can't wait to read her next book!!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion which I have given.

Anna, a late 30s divorcee is trying to get the zest back in her life after her divorce a year ago. She is a columnist at Bath Lifestyle and even her boss is trying to get her to put more of a personal touch on her column. When the magazine is bought and she is worried her job is on the line she suggests a dating column where her children pick who she goes on dates with. This helps her to avoid using online dating apps. She ends up getting paired with her work nemesis, Will, who is simultaneously going on online dates with a similar theme.

As Anna begins to find her groove again, she also finds herself drawn to Will time and time again.

I love Sophie Cousens and her work. This book is no different. I loved that Anna and Will were complex characters and she was able to balance the grief/hardships of divorce with humor. The supportive characters are wonderful and eclectic, which just adds more to the story.

Highly recommend! 4.5 ⭐️

Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for the ARC!

This was such a fun, heartwarming book—a perfect weekend read! Anna Appleby, a writer for a local magazine and recently divorced single mom of two, finds her life turned upside down when her magazine is acquired. Fearing that her job may be at risk due to a younger, competitive (and undeniably attractive) male journalist, Anna strikes a deal: they’ll both write complementary dating columns. What follows is a charming, laugh-out-loud journey through Anna's dating adventures.

The relationships in the book, particularly with Anna's sister and her kids, are a joy to read, offering moments of genuine warmth and humor. Her dates are fun, light, and refreshingly not too cringey, and the romance between Anna and her rival unfolds sweetly and naturally. Along the way, Anna befriends a cool new woman, navigates lingering issues with her ex and his younger Swedish girlfriend, and most importantly, starts to rediscover herself.

Sophie Cousens writes absolutely delightful books, and this one was no exception! I loved it right from the hilarious prologe, and knew by the end of the first chapter that it would be a 5 star read. Anna was such a likable character and I loved watching her do her best to raise her children and keep her job. She was such a strong woman even though her divorce made her feel undesirable, and she was often frazzled by life as a single mom. The dates she went on made me laugh out loud, and the tension and banter between her and her work colleague Will were written perfectly. He clearly had feelings for her, and her obliviousness made me smile. If you enjoy workplace romances, rivals to lovers and forced proximity then you must check out this funny and endearing book!

Thank you to @netgalley and @putnambooks for the arc edition of this book in exchange for my honest opinions.

Thank you Penguin Group Putnam & NetGalley for the ARC!

I am a forever Sophie Cousens fan, and this book only reaffirmed this for me. This book was full of heart and love and I just could not get enough. Cousens has a beautiful way of writing a story that pulls on your heartstrings. I love this one and can't recommend it enough!

Thank you again for the ARC!

I would like to thank Net Galley and Putnam for the opportunity to read this as an ARC. I have read several books by Sophie Cousins and was really looking forward to this one. It is an ok book, to me anyway. I had a hard time getting started with it, and I was about half way through before I really got into it. It is the story of Anna. She is late 30's , recently divorced mother of 2. Her husband left her a year ago and he is living with a much younger woman. She writes for a local magazine that is struggling . Her co worker Will is wildly annoying, her teenage daughter is not communicating, her neighbor is fighting about the height of their shared hedge. In an effort to keep her job, she decides to write a column about her reentering the dating world. She really does not want to date, she is happy with her life( as she keeps saying). She decides to go out on dates, chosen by her children. This is a far fetched, but she wants to keep her job and feels she can write about it. Will is also going to write a similar column, a point-couunter point type of thing. There is a lot of tension , both work and sexual , between Anna and Will. There is just tension between Anna and her ex husband.It is an interesting premise, but it took a long time to get to the meat of the story.I hung in and did get more into it as it went on, however, it was a long time coming.If you can hang in , it might be worth it.

This was a super sweet story that I thoroughly enjoyed. Columnist Anna Appleby is fighting for her column. Her office rival is vying to take over her column’s space. She winds up on a journey featuring seven dates, all found offline, chosen by her children.

This story featured all of my favorite things - found family, finding yourself during your lowest times, and discovering your strengths. Noah was definitely my favorite - he was just the sweetest, most genuine character.

I will say that this one started out really strong and I couldn’t put it down; however, the middle did start to drag a bit. The ending picked back up, though, so I would definitely recommend picking this one up this fall!

I received an advanced readers copy from NetGalley. This was such a fun read. I have read several books by Sophie Cousens before so I suspected that I would like it before even reading the synopsis. It was lovely to see the character development within Anna (main character). Some of the dates were laugh out loud funny as well. I must say though, my absolute favorite part of the book was the “Google searches” at the beginning of each chapter. The google searches were so cute and funny. Who hasn’t googled random thoughts throughout the day? Love it. Add this one to your next must read!

This was a fun and happy book and a great weekend read. Anna Appleby is a writer for a local magazine and single mom of two having just gone through a divorce. When she gets news that her magazine is being acquired and she fears she could lose her job to a competitive, and hot, younger male journalist they make an agreement to write complementary dating columns. Her relationship with her sister and kids is really enjoyable to read, her dates are fun and funny and not too cringey, and the romance develops oh so sweetly. In the midst of all this she finds a new cool woman friend, works through some issues with her ex and his young Swedish girlfriend, and starts to figure out who she is again.