back after this (arc)

on my net galley grind!

i’m conflicted about this one. it had so much potential but just didn’t quite live up to it. the concept was intriguing, but unfortunately, the execution fell flat for me. the story moved at an incredibly slow pace, and as for the romance, the male main character barely felt present, which meant the love interests hardly shared any scenes together.

to expand on that, when i read general fiction with a romance subplot, i don’t mind if the romance takes a backseat, especially if the protagonist’s personal journey and growth are the main focus. but if i pick up a romance novel, i expect the romance to start developing early. i don’t need them to be in love by page 100, but at least give them scenes together to build that chemistry. in this case, the romance fell short, and the main character’s personal storyline didn’t quite make up for it. i want to emphasize that i love a slow burn romance but this one felt like a no burn romance a bit. very 0 to 100.

when the romance finally did pick up, it felt so abrupt that it was hard to believe in or root for. there was no real buildup, so it ended up feeling unsatisfying.

that said, while reading, i enjoyed certain moments—even if the book didn’t fully hold my attention, and i was disappointed by some aspects. i feel a little bad leaving a harsh review because aside from the pacing, there wasn’t anything specific i disliked about the writing itself. i’m not rushing to pick up another book by this author, but i wouldn’t be opposed to giving them another try someday. i could envision myself potentially liking another book by her.

2 stars (i feel so badly for rating it this low i just really did not have a fun time)

3.5 - As Evvie Drake Starts Over is one of my favorite books, I was so thrilled to be accepted to read an ARC of Holmes's latest book! I was really excited about the podcast/dating aspect, but thought that part fell a little flat. Would have preferred to see that go semi-well as well so there was a real conflict between whether she should listen to the dating coach or go with her heart. In the end, the answer seemed quite obvious, so a lot of the tension was taken out. But overall I still enjoyed it, and would read future books by this author.

Linda Holmes has become a must read author for me! Podcast producer Cecily is relatable, driven, thoughtful, and funny. Throw in a podcast version of the Bachelor along with an off limits charming photographer, this thoughtful romantic comedy was a delightfully nuanced exploration of love, gender dynamics, the world of podcasting, influencer culture, and so much more.

Linda Holmes is an instant-read and continues to publish unique and thoughtful books. I love how she writes the women in her books. It feels kind of silly to say, "I feel seen" in a romance novel as a 30-something single woman (the point is to feel seen!), but the way she writes single 30-somethings really does resonate with me in a particular way. I think especially in how she writes their friendships. Her stories could exist without the romance and still stand on their own because the world around these characters is so rich and comes with obstacles that are independent of the main romance. I also really liked that Back After This had a sneak peek into the podcasting world. I love it when authors who have other careers write what they know (see also Julia Whelan's Thank You For Listening). I've fallen off listening to podcasts but this made me want to start listening to Pop Culture Happy Hour Again. I will continue to pick up anything that Linda Holmes pens.

A cute read. Not my favorite, but I enjoyed it. I hate duplicitous bosses so that stressed me out a lot, but I dig giant dogs so I liked that part. And I’m a fan of learning the intricacies of something like podcast producing. It was nice to watch the heroine grow, I just wish there were more redeemable characters! And the ending felt rushed. Still, a fun read.

Cecily Foster has found her calling. She loves creating podcasts - and she's really good at it too. So good that her boss finally offers her a chance to host her own podcast - with one catch. It's about dating and she is teamed with internet influencer and dating coach Eliza who will help her to find Mr. Right. Now Cecily is not that great with relationships. Her last serious relationship was with another podcast producer who left her, taking her creative to make his own successful podcast without giving Cecily any credit. But this is her one chance to control her own professional (and hopefully personal) destiny, so with a lot of hesitation Cecily finally jumps in. And boy it is some ride. Although I was able to figure out what would happen by the middle of the book, it was still a joyful ride and I grew to love Cecily for both her insecurities and her gumption. Thank you to Random House Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC of this very fun and funny novel.

A light hearted book about learning who you are and who you are not. An enjoyable read for any fans of this author.

Linda Holmes has done it again. 10/10. No notes. Thank you to Ballentine and NetGalley for the digital arc. This made a gray weekend not so gloomy.

I enjoyed going on Cecily’s journey to find her happily ever after. I loved watching her navigate and trying to find out if she could have it all. And I adored Will!

I voluntarily reviewed this book.

Reviewed for NetGalley:

Cecily Foster, Podcast Producer extraordinaire is finally able to get her chance to lead a new show. After she heads a dating podcast with a relationship coach as her guide to 2o blind dates.

But when she keeps running into photographer/waiter, Will, sparks begin to fly.

This one took me a bit to get into the story and characters, found its stride, and then lost me again for a bit at the end, interest wise.
Overall, decent read.

Sweet engaging rom com with that signature Linda Holmes banter we all loved from Evvie Drake starts over. Loved how heart felt it was

I love podcasts and I love rom coms, so this was the book for me! I've read everything has written, and while this one does not catapult to the top of my list of hers, I enjoyed it. At times, the middle felt a bit slow- I knew where the story was going, and there were parts that just seemed dragged out and a bit disorganized. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Loved this from Linda Holmes! I was such a big fan of Evie Drake, and devoured this in two days. The characters are believable, the story is fun, and the dialogue is so snappy. Plus, there’s a meet cute of dreams. I was drawn into the behind the scenes of podcasting and influencing, and rooted for Cecily from page one. Highly recommend!!

Thanks to NetGalley and Megan Whalen/Random House for the ARC!

I thought that I was going to like this so much more than I did. Unfortunately, it felt a little disorganized to me,. I feel like I never really got to know any of the 20 other men that she was dating and I feel that was a huge premise of the book. Additionally, I could not connect to her and Will's relationship. I feel like a lot of the book she was describing things that were not important to the plot (so much with the dating coach and her houses). It was just an overall miss for me.

Interesting insight into the world of podcasts and radio/audio production, while also dealing with the issues that real people struggle with, such as staying at a job too long, and trying to find your path and partner in life. I really liked the exploration of self and being able to say "I want" instead of being a people pleaser and just going along. Definitely saved some good quotes to reflect on later and I always love when dogs are part of the story too! I received this as an ARC from Netgalley.

I've been reading Linda Holmes for over 20 years now, back when she was Miss Alli writing for Television Without Pity. I now listen to her podcast Pop Culture Happy Hour from NPR. This is her third book and my favorite of the three.

I liked that this book was set in the world of podcasts since I listen to so many of them. I wish we had more of Cecily and Will, since I thought they had good chemistry. I liked the premise of the podcast/book, and while it was predictable, I enjoyed the ride. My kingdom for a credible third act obstacle though. So frustrating to not have believable challenges to a relationship.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for providing me with an advance reader's copy in exchange for an honest review.

Expected publication date: February 25, 2025.

I enjoyed how the romance was woven into this but the story was more about Cecile’s journey vs who she ended up with.

Linda Holmes' latest novel "Back After This" is a charming exploration of modern dating, career ambition, and self-discovery, all set against the fascinating backdrop of podcast production. The novel follows Cecily Foster, a talented podcast producer who reluctantly agrees to host a dating show where she must go on twenty blind dates under the guidance of an influencer-turned-dating-coach, Eliza Cassidy. The catch? Just as she begins this project, she meets Will, a photographer and dog rescuer who seems to keep appearing in her life through serendipitous encounters.
Strengths

Characters and Relationships
* Cecily is a relatable and well-developed protagonist whose journey of self-discovery feels authentic and engaging
* Will serves as a charming love interest with depth beyond the typical romantic lead
* Buddy the Great Dane emerges as a scene-stealing presence that adds heart and humor

Writing and Dialogue
* Holmes' writing style is warm, intelligent, and conversational
* The banter between characters gives some genuine laugh-out-loud moments
* The author's expertise in audio production lends authenticity to the podcast-focused elements

Theme and Setting
* The behind-the-scenes look at podcast production provides a unique and educational backdrop
* The book thoughtfully examines themes of career ambition, personal growth, and authentic relationships
* The workplace dynamics and industry challenges ring true

Romance Development
Here's where I wished for a few different things.

1. More scenes between Cecily and Will, particularly in the first half
2. The twenty dates concept, while interesting, felt rushed
3. The ending felt inevitable and slightly rushed

Final Verdict
Holmes has crafted a story that goes beyond conventions to explore meaningful themes while maintaining the warmth and charm readers expect from contemporary romance. The novel particularly excels in its authentic dialogue, well-developed characters, and unique setting in the podcast industry.

Linda Holmes is back with another great book. In this story, Cecily, a podcast producer, agrees to be the subject of a new podcast... One that has her meeting with an influencer who is an expert on relationships and is going to help Cecily find the one by going on 20 first dates. She agrees to this, in order to save her and her friend's job and to get to be the director on her own podcast. Only it doesn't go exactly according to plan.

This was fun. As per usual, my favorite character forever and always is the dog, but u think this was a lot of fun, I think it is one of an interesting take on things. I like it.