“Is She Really Going Out with Him?” is a story about a woman learning to put herself back out there after a rocky divorce. As a journalist, Anna is assigned a column about dating, the catch is her children pick her dates.

This was a heartwarming story. I’m not someone who can relate to Anna’s situation since I’ve never been divorced, but the way she finds self love as well as real love was beautiful. I found the way Cousens formed all of the relationships Anna creates in the book to be both charming and believable. I would recommend this to anyone who needs a comfort read.

Anna is a recently divorced mom of two. She hasn’t had much time to put herself out there again.
She is a journalist and writes for a magazines dating column, but her job is now on the line. She must mix things up before her coworker, Will, swoops in to take it!
Not cut out for the online dating apps, Anna decides to let her kids choose who she will date!
Love comes when you least expect it 💕

This was such a fun read! I was cracking up throughout the whole book.
Anna’s Google search history at the beginning of each chapter is so me. I Google every thought I have if Alexa can’t tell me 🤣

Thank you @netgalley and @putnambooks for this early release!

Overview: Due to the threat of potentially losing her magazine column to Will, her younger (and annoyingly attractive) work rival, journalist and divorcee Anna Appleby reluctantly agrees to write a dating column that will document her dates with 10 men. The twist? The men will be selected by her two children.

Thoughts: Sophie Cousens is one of my favorite authors and so I was SUPER excited to read her latest book. And I am pleased to report that…I LOVED it! Cousens demonstrates yet again how skilled of a rom com writer she is - not only in developing characters who are flawed yet so relatable, but also in generating amazing chemistry between Anna and Will. I am also continually impressed by Cousens’s ability to infuse humor into her stories so effortlessly - I was seriously cracking up throughout!

My only complaint is very minor and actually relates to the title of the book - which is such a mouthful! I wish they had decided on a catchier title - probably would have made marketing a whole lot easier!

Take home message: I highly recommend this hilarious romcom that features a divorced woman who unexpectedly falls for her younger work rival, all while dating 10 other men! Perfect for fans of the rivals to lovers and “he falls first”tropes, and books like The Hating Game. Note that this is a single POV closed door romance.

Thanks to NetGalley and Putnam for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!

This was a wonderful story! I love the development Sophie Cousens puts into her characters. Will and Anna’s relationship was fun to follow. I also laughed out loud many times. I highly recommend this book!

“It’s only the end when you’re dead, darling.”

That’s a lesson Anna Appleby needs to learn. Recently divorced and raising two young children, Anna’s life is a study in making it through the day. All her energy is devoted to her children and her job. Nothing changes because nothing changes — until an assignment at the magazine she works at forces her out of her comfort zone. Partnered with her insufferable colleague, Will, she re-enters the uncomfortable dating scene. What she finds is the most unlikely and unexpected romance. Is she brave enough to risk her heart and take a chance on love?

I freaking L O V E D this book. Sophie Cousins created characters with remarkable depth. They are vulnerable, uncertain, and wholly authentic. The banter between Anna and Will is smart and fresh, and their chemistry is undeniable. Their antics both made me laugh and pulled at my heartstrings.

There’s something about mature characters behaving like adults while they navigate the responsibilities and pressures of being grown ups. The romance component of the book is fantastic, but the real relationship growth is all about Anna redefining who she is and what she wants. This book delivers on every single level.

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for the advance copy in exchange for my unbiased review.

After her recent divorce Anna has just wanted to focus on her two children and her job at the local newspaper. But when the newspaper is in trouble she volunteers to write a dating column together with her work nemesis Will. After going on some incredibly disastrous dates Anna slowly grows her confidence and independence as a single woman. But the more Anna and Will work together and gradually open up to one another about familial obligations, the more their feelings can’t be ignored. But is Anna truly ready to trust someone with her heart again?

Sophie Cousens tackles difficult topics such as divorce and being a caretaker and envelopes them in a humorous and charming package. If you are needing a good laugh along with some comfort this is the book for you!

Cute but not terribly special. I have seen a lot of raves but it fell a little flat for me. The main character decides to date men her children choose while she also dances around a romance with a coworker. I love a good British love story but this one won’t make any of my best of lists.

Thank you so much @netgalley and @putnambooks for this advanced reader copy of #IsSheReallyGoingOutwithHim!

Sophie Cousens new book comes out tomorrow and you guys, this is the book to read before you launch into all your holiday romances!

MISS SOPHIE HAS DONE IT AGAIN! Oh this book was a perfect read on my flight to Philadelphia, so sweet and really gives 2000s romcom vibes. Workplace rivals to lovers, single mom, and overall a delightful story about learning to love yourself and find your community after a difficult time. I cannot recommend this delight enough. Perfect for fans of Bridget Jones Diary, How to Lose A Man in 10 Days, and The Perfect Man!

I fell in love with Sophie’s Before I Do, and this one delighted me even more if possible! I had just the best time reading this, it really tapped into some nostalgia that I’d been missing, and I think it’s a wonderful story about learning to find yourself!

Definitely pick it up from your local bookstore or library when you get a chance!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫/5

Is She Really Going Out With Him by Sophie Cousens was such a fun book! Thanks to @putnambooks for an advanced copy via @netgalley!

A love story about a divorcée who agrees to let her children play matchmaker and write about it for a lifestyle column for work.

At first, I didn't like Anna but she grew on me throughout the book and by the end I was cheering her on. This has a cute premise and some of the dates for kids chose were funny! I liked the dual-column aspect and it was a fun way to bring the workplace enemies to lovers.

I enjoyed reading Is She Really Going Out With Him and this great book about life, family and relationships. Check this book out when it releases - tomorrow November 19th!

Absolutely adored this book. Unique premise, hilarious banter, just enough spice. This has earned the spot S my favorite Sophie Cousens book.

Thanks to Penguin Group Putnam and NetGalley for early access to this book in exchange for my honest opinion. I thoroughly enjoyed spending my weekend reading this book, and my senior cat (thriving at age 18!) joined me for much of it. The book has a senior cat character - mine must have sensed I was reading about another feline, because he isn’t always snuggly when I read 😻
This book was just what I needed to read this weekend - a realistic romance with a divorced FMC that included some of my favorite tropes: enemies to lovers, workplace romance, and even only one bed! Due to a potential change at her job, the FMC needs to make her weekly column in Bath Living more trendy. She attempts to sign up for online dating and realizes that she doesn’t have any pictures of herself and that she doesn’t have any hobbies. The (younger) coworkers who are helping her set up her account are a bit shocked. After attempting some online dating, the FMC decides she needs to meet people the old-fashioned way, in person, but she doesn’t know anyone new! The FMC’s children offer to help by picking out the people she asks out on dates. This was such a fun idea, and it was executed perfectly. There were multiple times when I laughed out loud and two times when I teared up. I read it until I fell asleep, and then I had to continue reading it again the next morning.
I can not recommend this book enough - please do yourself a favor and check it out when it publishes tomorrow!

ARC Review: Is She Really Going Out With Him? By Sophie Cousens

As a thirty-eight year old divorcee, Anna is not looking to date and tends to be cynical towards romantic love. But when she needs to spark new life into her magazine column, she decides to let her children pick who she should date.

I loved this book. Sophie’s writing was so quippy and I really enjoyed Anna as a main character. She’s learning how to navigate her life and rediscover herself after her divorce. She’s also learning to say yes to new things and explore what makes her happy not as a mom or a partner, but as a woman.

This book really touched on individuality and the process of finding oneself when your life doesn’t exactly go as you had planned. There were so many moments that were just so touching - like Anna’s interactions with Loretta and her friendship with her neighbor, Noah.

I really loved that I didn’t know who the love interest was going to be at the beginning of this book. I think it built up really well and the hints were very satisfying as the reader. Anna learning to flirt again and embracing romance was so honest and endearing. And he was absolutely down bad for her before she had any clue.

This book was so much more than a romance. It was a push to be your own advocate. A jump to say yes to new experiences. And a breathe of fresh air after closing the chapters of the past. Sophie’s writing was just so lovely and heartwarming. Absolutely my favorite of her books I’ve read.

I gave this book five stars and it speaks to my soul.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you so much @netgalley and Putnam Books for this ARC!

Sophie Cousens is a favorite of mine and I’m always excited to read her new stories because they never let me down!
Is She Really Going Out with Him? by Sophie Cousens was so fun, such amazing characters, great plot and development throughout!
This book was truly a page turner and I was entertained from the start.
An absolutely delightful read.
Sophie Cousens has once again delivered a captivating and lovely story that will leave readers with a renewed appreciation for the complexities of love and the importance of embracing the possibilities that come our way.

Sophie Cousens’ Is She Really Going Out with Him? is a charming romantic comedy that blends humor, heart, and self-discovery. The story follows Anna Appleby. Anna Appleby, a columnist, has sworn off love after a tough divorce. She’s happy with her kids, her cat, and control of the TV remote. But when her office rival threatens her job, she comes up with a plan to save her column: go on seven dates chosen by her kids.

As Anna awkwardly dates a mix of people—from waiters to her celebrity crush—she starts to make unexpected connections. But when romance sparks in an unexpected place, Anna must decide if she’s ready to take another chance on love.

The novel explores themes of friendship, self-worth, and modern romance. It’s honestly such a heartwarming read!

Is She Really Dating Him features the following tropes:

✨ Opposites Attract
✨ Love Triangle
✨ Enemies to Lovers
✨ Workplace Romance
✨ Fake Dating


Thank you Putnam Books, Sophie Cousens and NetGalley for an opportunity at an ARC!

Is She Really Going Out With Him? will be out in the wild on November 19th!

So good! I really like Sophie Cousens books and this one fit right in. I read it fast so the pacing is really good and the plot kept moving enough. I was very invested in finding out what happens. It’s a win for me!

This was my first Sophie Cousens book, and I am so glad I got to read it! Anna Appleby hasn’t felt a need to date since her divorce. But in an attempt to keep her job as a writer while her office rival is vying for her column, she pitches a column idea where her kids choose dates for her from the real world (not online!).

I loved everything about this book. Anna is older for a romance FMC (she’s 38) and she has an amazing relationship with her sister. She’s getting a chance to explore what she really wants out of life, and I loved watching her figuring that out throughout the book. She has lots of awkward situations that were highly entertaining, as well as very real parenting and co-parenting struggles. Her relationship with her eventual love interest is flirtatious but also mature and so much fun to read. I highly recommend this book and I’m so excited to read more by Sophie Cousens!

Thank you to Sophie Cousens, Penguin Group Putnam, and NetGalley for this e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Read if you like:
💕 Older FMCs
💕 Single mother FMCs
💕 How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days
💕 Closed door romance

Anna Appelby is a recently divorced mother of two and she's struggling with her new reality. Not to mention the magazine she works for is also struggling and redundancies seem to be right around the corner. This makes her work relationship with Will Havers even more toxic. He manages to get under her skin at every turn.

Then the opportunity arises for her and Will to work together on a column about dating. Each sharing their own experience in an effort to make the magazine more relevant and hip for younger audiences. Possibly saving both of their positions. Talk about a nightmare come true.

As they begin working together not only will they butt heads often but, is it possible, that sparks start flying too? You'll have to read this to find out.

Sophie Cousen's has done it again. She writes rom-coms for a more mature audience which I really appreciate. The characters tend to be 30's / 40's rather than fresh faced twenty year old's just out of university that dominate the rom-com market. They have kids, and mortgages, and work related issues that most of us can relate too. There is always humor, and heart, and witty banter. There is always a well rounded cast of lovable characters. She's become my go-to author when I want a book that feels like a hug. All I can say is keep 'em coming, Cousens! 4 stars!

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for my complimentary copy.

I loved it! Couldn’t put it down and loved that it had a little more depth with the FMC being a divorcee. Sophia did a really good job at navigating that nuance while still keeping the book a fun romance!

Anna is a local columnist in Bath, England. Her work rival is fighting for her column spot in the paper. Problem is…Anna’s column is a little boring, much like her love life. She gets an idea to get more readers: let her kids pick her dates and get back on the horse. Will she find her new love?

Sophie Cousens is an auto buy author for me. I love her writing! It’s cute, sarcastic, and engaging. Thanks to Net Galley, G. P. Putnam’s Sons, and Penguin books for the ARC! Pub date tomorrow 11/19/24!

Cousens has written a sweet and amusing story about Anna's reawakening after her divorce. Her children choose unlikely dates for her while her co-worker contrasts her dates to his experience with online dating.

Anna recognizes where she's become complacent in her own life and how it's affected her teenage daughter. She starts making small changes that bring her joy and freedom that her kids can see.

Will was a great character but I'm not sure his overconfidence matched him also being the sensitive brother in his family. He was a good counterpart to Anna.

Overall, a cute and quick read.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher.