I did not expect to love this book as much as I did! It has fun tropes of workplace romance and age gap (she’s older). The story was so sweet! The banter and wit was unmatched. It was also closed door, so spice wasn’t even half a pepper which was perfect for me. I highly recommend to anyone who wants a rom com pallet cleanser!

I’ve read several books by Sophie Cousens and have thoroughly enjoyed them. This one was no different! I really connect with her writing style and found this to be an enjoyable read. My only real criticism is that I wished there was more storyline between Anna and Will as a few times I had to remind myself that he was in the picture. Definitely recommend!

Anna Appleby Is starting over, and who better to tell her story than the amazing Sophie Cousens? Hilarious and touching, this book is a gem. Laugh out loud and full of meaning and hope. Recommend!

Another excellent novel by one of my favorite authors! Despite the plot being similar to a few other books I’ve read before, this story was fresh and interesting because of the characters Sophie writes and the perspective of the main character, Anna. I laughed so much during this book. It continually had me smiling and looking forward to more of Anna’s dates and interactions with her ex and his girlfriend. There were so many tropes in this book that I think it has something for everyone:
-age gap
-workplace romance
-fake dating (somewhat)/dating for an article
-dating after divorce
-single mother
-enemies/nemesis to lovers
Sophie managed to take so many cliche romance situations and write them in a totally different, refreshing, heartfelt story that makes you think about motherhood, self worth, aging, trying new things, taking risks, and finding yourself, all while laughing the whole way through. I also teared up several times over Will’s sweet reminiscences of his mother, the neighbor’s wife, and even Anna’s cat. Overall, this story had everything I’m looking for in a rom com!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Absolute perfection! This book had me laughing, giggling, swooning, and feeling all the feels. The main character, Anna, is so relatable as she navigates life post-divorce as a single, working mother. I enjoyed every second of this book and genuinely did not want it to end! I would definitely recommend to anyone looking for their next great Rom-Com to read!

This book was gripping and hard to put down. It didn't feel like everything else you see out there, it felt very fresh. I really enjoyed this book!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️

PROS:
*Our heroine is a 38 year old divorced mom of 2 (as an ancient 37-year-old, I appreciate a good romance where the lead is not barely out of high school)
*Hot guy in glasses
*Flirting through a window
*Glamping... with only one bed!
*Workplace "shenanigans"

CONS:
*I wanted more from the ending. It was a little abrupt, but I loved everything leading up to it so much that I still give the book 5 stars

Thanks to netgalley and penguin group for the ARC

4.5 out of 5. This books has all the vibes. Sophie Cousens never disappoints and this is just adorable. First of all the concept that online dating is vile - i can relate and so true. and thy way hey tell the stories is hilarious. The fact that her kids were then setting her up on these dates was at the same time cringe and brilliant and such good storytelling. and the obvious romantic connection that evolves is actually beautifully developed and not cliche at all. vibes all around. There is some actually deep family thoughts in this book, I enjoyed the analysis on how old and youngest child expectations and personalities differ.

i also really loved this art quote: " there are forgeries on people's walls all over the work. If they like the art, it hurts no one. If they bought it for the value it holds to others, then maybe they're valuing the wrong things."

And loretta's question im still thinking about, what is my most treasured possession? what do I covet the most?

‘A hilarious love story about a disillusioned divorcée who agrees to let her children play matchmaker.’

Is She Really Going Out With Him? was cute, light, charming, sweet and demure with a HEA, that also served quite well as a palate cleanser. This was my first by Cousens, but certainly not my last. I look forward to playing catch-up on everything I’ve missed!

Thanks to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Putnam | G.P. Putnam's Sons for this arc in exchange for review.

Pub date: 11.19.24.

Columnist Anna Appleby is navigating a painful divorce and trying start dating again, but quickly realizes that online dating is not the way for her to go. When her office rival is potentially up for taking Anna's column, she creates a unique pitch, letting her children find her seven men to date. But when a connection comes from where she least expects it, will she allow herself to follow her heart?

Sophie Cousens does it once again! The premise was so silly - Anna's kids picking out dates for her to go on and then write about in her column - but I enjoyed every second of it. Their kids were really well written and written to their ages very well. The Google searches at the top of each chapter were so real and relatable and all around a fun touch to the book. There were SO MANY amazing quotes in this book; I had pages upon pages of them written down.

While Anna and Will were technically "enemies," this book is so much more than a typical enemies-to-lovers. I giggled and kicked my feet when they arrived at the campground and discovered there was, *gasp*, only one bed. Despite this one being closed door, the tension was done so well. Beyond the main characters, all the side characters (LORETTA) were great, and I loved watching Anna form her little community.

I'm a little surprised that no one got upset about Anna writing about them in her columns, although I guess she technically disclosed everything. I do wish all of Anna's columns had been written out in the book for us to read, I think that could have added a little extra something to the story.

I recommend reviewing the various trigger warnings for this one before reading.

I was skeptical due to not knowing about the author, but once I dive into the book, I really enjoyed it. I’m a sucker for romance books. It goes to the point where I will probably read more of her books later on.

I picked up The Good Part, also by Sophie Cousens on a whim earlier this year, having read nothing by her before and was blown away when that was an instant 6 star read. Because I loved that one so much, I had super high hopes for this one and thankfully, I was not disappointed!

This book does enemies to lovers SO right. I feel like too many authors spend the first 50% of the book creating an enemy that is horrifically unlikable and then jump right into the lovers part without giving you enough chance to warm up to it but the pacing in this one was so perfect. I also looooved the found family/Brady bunch of characters we got in this one—it’s very reminiscent of Clare Pooley’s story formula!

I also really want to praise Sophie for the way she writes families. The shining star on The Good Part for me was the main character’s relationship with her son and the same is true for Ethan and Jess in this book. They were such darling, 3D characters and it really lends authenticity to the story.

If I had to be nitpicky, I’d say it was quite slow to start and I didn’t know if I was going to like it but once it got going, I flew through it. I also wish we would’ve gotten a little something more out of the epilogue but I guess life would be pretty boring if we got the same cookie cutter ending!

Still a solid 5 stars, omw to read everything else she’s ever written!

Anna es una periodista, madre de dos hijos que paso por un divorcio y que se está dando cuenta como dejo de ser una persona para convertirse en la mamá de y la esposa de.

Me gustó lo de las citas, fue divertido y disfrute que saliera de su zona de confort. También me gustó como se fue dando cuenta que merecía más en su trabajo y al final aprendió a valorarse.


Lo que no me gustó fue con quien se quedó, tal vez si esa persona tuviera povs caería mejor y se entenderían sus comportamientos porque desde el punto de vista de Anna hay varias cosas que no cuadran.


Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Loved loved loved!!!

When I see an advance copy of one of Sophie Cousens’ books, I jump at it. She is an auto buy author for me. Her books are heartwarming fun with so much substance. I always love her main characters. So witty and likeable!

In this book, Anna Appleby, a divorcee with two kids, decides that for her column, she will date people her kids pick out. Her column is paired with another column by a writer at her publication, Will, that she has a bit of a rivalry with.

Anna was the best, as were (almost) all of the men she dated and people she met along the way. Each chapter also starts with her google searches, which are hilarious.

This was such an uplifting joy to read.

Thanks so much to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance copy. My (glowing) opinion is entirely my own.

Anna, Will, Lottie, Noah, Michael and Loretta. You all have my heart. What an amazing character driven book where the plot is equally as entertainable! It was refreshing too to read a book where characters are not on the young side and feel more relatable. Also, the kids! They need their own follow up stories! I adored them so much. This book had me laughing out loud so many times!

The way the author wrote this made me fall in love with the characters. Also, seeing Anna going through new experiences was so great!

This book took me a little to get invested in but overall I highly enjoyed it once I got over the initial slump.

I love Sophie Cousens, and this book just kept true to that. The concept of her kids choosing her dates was sooo cute! I thoroughly enjoyed this book and if you need a super cute romcom, pick this one up!

Is She Really Going Out With Him by Sophie Cousens follows a recently divorced mother of two as she navigates writing a dating column with her work nemesis. The plot twist– her kids are the ones setting her up. After many hilarious and rather awkward dates, she finds herself in a situation she never thought she would and more specifically with a man she never wanted to be with.

Sophie Cousens writing is absolute gold. From the way she writes the main characters' incredibly awkward dates to the way she writes her kids, I was laughing at almost every page and wishing there was more when I finished. I haven’t read any other of Sophie’s works but I definitely will now. Highly recommend.

On sale 11/19/2024

A solid addition to the Sophie Cousens line up!
Read this for:
Age gap romance
Character growth
She's a divorcee
He's a player
Dating disasters
Second chances

I really enjoyed this sweet story and always look forward to a new Sophie Cousens book.

*3 spicy fade to black scenes, some strong language (f-words)

How do I love Is She Really Going Out with Him? Let me count the ways!
1) enemies to lovers (!!!!)
2) hilariously bad dates
3) prick of an ex husband (it’s enjoyable. Trust)
4) LOTTIE!
5) FMC is a journalist (I have a degree in journalism)

AND! OBVIOUSLY! WILL! 😍

Recently divorced from a man that seemingly outgrew her, Anna Appleby (um, I love her name?!) is content with life. She has two awesome kids and a career she is proud of- until her paper is bought out and staff cuts out her column in jeopardy. Trying to draw in the coveted 18-35 age range, Anna suggests she pen a dating column. Will, her work nemesis, convinces their boss to have them team up - dating columns, side by side, his vs her perspectives. Will hits up the dating apps for his take, and Anna is set on dating people she meets in real life situations. The twist? Her kids pick the men she goes out with.

Sophie Cousens steals my heart every time. I could not put this book down. I cried, I laughed - I EMOTED, you guys. Emoted nonstop.

Thank you to @netgalley and @sophie_cousens for the gift of this wonderful book in exchange for my honest review! Loved every word!

AN ABSOLUTE TRIUMPH…

Anna’s on the wrong side of 35. A journalist, divorced and a single mum… Requested by her boss to write an ‘aspirational column’ on dating. Her children help pick her conquests… the aim is “a normal, nonpyscho, ordinary man”.

With a sex and the city edge, this book interspersed with hilarious and mundane Google searches was… Laugh out loud funny… Poignant… Fresh… Saucy &Smart

Perfectly for those who enjoy:
- Lovable characters
- Not your average rom-com
- Fun and entertaining reads
- Laugh out loud fiction

Thoroughly thoroughly enjoyed it!

With thanks to Group Putnam | G.P. Putnam's Sons and Netgalley for an ARC copy in return for an honest review.