Linda Holmes always delivers an enjoyable story, and while this one kept my attention, it wasnt my favorite of hers.
I loved the unusual setting (podcasting), but quickly got tried of the "dating coach", I wish that our FMC had shown more back bone, but she was a lovable character anyway. MMC was also a delight, and I always was eager for him to appear on the page and looked forward to their interactions.

Overall a sweet romance that kept me engaged.

Obsessed! My romance kick is still going strong and this one really delivered. I thought Holmes did an excellent job crafting the world of audio/podcasting and I loved being inside and feeling like an insider in a world that I know nothing about. This book had me smiling, giggled x1, and of course feeling all the romcom feels. I felt like Cecily’s self discovery was so wholesome and I loved her story with Will. Eliza bothered by me and I didn’t really see redemption for her but I’m glad that Cecily did - after all, what Eliza did embolden Cecily to do was stand up for herself. Thanks netgalley for the ARC!

Would rate a 3.5 if I could. Really enjoyed the main character in this. Her point of view was relatable and easy to read. The romance was not too insta-love and had a realistic timeline. The supporting characters were enjoyable as well. Overall a really fun and easy romance and would recommend! Loved the dog aspect of the story as well.

Cecily is a podcast editor, trying to keep the company she works for afloat. When her boss drops a bombshell, she reluctantly agrees to save the sinking ship by hosting a dating podcast—something she never imagined doing. Enter Eliza, a high-energy Instagram influencer turned self-proclaimed dating coach, who convinces Cecily to embark on a wild experiment: 20 blind dates with men of Eliza's choosing.

From the start, Cecily is skeptical of Eliza’s qualifications (and honestly, same). The dating advice was cringey, the guys were total duds, and I found myself rooting for Cecily to just trust her gut. Though Cecily wasn’t my favorite protagonist, her journey proved one thing: we all deserve someone who loves us exactly as we are.

As a fan of Love Is Blind and The Bachelor, I was sure this would be my next 5-star read. Linda Holmes usually nails it with her relatable characters and heartfelt plots, but this one fell a little flat for me.

While the pacing was slow, the female friendships, adorable sister moments, and laugh-out-loud banter kept me invested. This one is for fans of slow burns, cozy banter, and stories about finding love on your own terms. There's some spice but it’s minimal and authentic and sweet.

Thank you to Ballantine Books and NetGalley for this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Cecily Foster is a podcast producer and is very good at her job. She would like to host her own podcast if only her boss would give her a chance. In a “careful what you wish for” moment, Cecily is getting her podcast – the catch: it will be about her dating (or lack of) life and she will be mentored by a renown self-help coach Eliza. Cecily is set up on 20 blind dates over the course of 3 weeks. Before the podcast prep work even begins, Cecily meets Will while trying to catch a runaway Great Dane – and they keep unintentionally meeting up. But Cecily has a deal with Eliza and sticks to her blind dates. Will she find true love?
Being that this is a rom-com, it is easy to see where this is going but it is still a fun ride. I thoroughly enjoyed it! 4 stars from me!
#BackAfterThis #NetGalley

Back After This by Linda Holmes is a delightful new romcom by the author of Evvie Drake Starts Over. I really enjoyed the FMC, Cecily, who works as a podcast producer. She’s a smart, funny, workaholic who has neglected her love life for many years. In an effort to advance her career, she agrees to host a dating podcast series with Eliza, a successful influencer turned life coach, that follows Cecily on 20 dates hand picked by Eliza. Meanwhile Cecily has a meet-cute on her own with Will (an adorable golden retriever type) and sparks fly. Drama ensues as Cecily gradually learns to ask for what she actually wants for her love life and career.
I enjoyed Cecily’s character growth and especially the witty banter between Cecily and Will. There are also several laugh out loud moments. The book was slow at times for me, and perhaps a little too “in the weeds” with how to produce a podcast. Overall would definitely recommend this one. 4/5⭐️

Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for an advanced copy. All opinions are my own. Expected publication date: 2/25/25

Linda Holmes has done it again! I have been in a beast of a reading slump and this book cracked it wide open. I loved the smart, relatable main character, the impossibly charming yet realistic love interest. I learned so much about an industry that I consume but have very little understanding of, and I loved that it had a strong sense of place in DC, Beyond that, Holmes’ writing crackles with whip-smart humor - I audibly laughed multiple times. Cannot wait for the audio version of this one! Linda Holmes remains an enthusiastic auto-buy for me!

I’m a fan of Holmes, both as an author and a podcaster so it’s no surprise I enjoyed this book. Like most rom-coms, you kind of know what’s going to happen, but I enjoyed the journey. I highly recommend this book.

This novel delivers a delightful mix of romance, personal growth, and witty banter, making for an enjoyable read from start to finish. Cecily, a podcast producer stuck in a job she feels unappreciated in, agrees to take part in a podcast about dating to save her company. The twist? She’s set up on 20 blind dates by a life coach/influencer, with everything being recorded for the world to hear. The story really picks up when Cecily meets Will, a charming man she encounters while he's chasing a giant dog through her neighborhood, leading to a sweet and unexpected connection. Will adds a layer of heart to the story, and his interactions with Cecily are often hilarious and touching.

The focus of the book isn’t so much on the dates themselves but on Cecily’s journey of self-discovery—learning to articulate what she truly wants from a relationship, her career, and herself. While the podcast world is explored in detail, it’s the relationship dynamics and Cecily’s character growth that really shine. The side characters, especially Cecily’s sister and Will, bring warmth and humor, while the dog, Buddy, is an absolute scene-stealer. Linda Holmes' writing is smart and heartfelt, balancing humor with deeper emotional moments. This book will resonate with anyone who enjoys character-driven stories with a mix of romance and self-reflection.

I have mixed feelings about the book. It was well written and easy to follow along. Though I didn’t really like the characters or feel a connection to the story.

I couldn't wait to read this new book by the author of Evvie Drake Starts Over. It didn't disappoint. Cecily has been a podcast producer for years but she has always wanted to host her own show. When her boss offers her a chance to do a podcast about her own dating/love life she is hesitant. She has to go on 21 first dates that have been set up by her producer. Just before her scheduled dates start Cecily has a chance encounter with Will. He is all she can think about the whole time. She honors her commitment to the show but she comes to a crossroads. She finally has a chance to do what makes her truly happy but will she take that chance? This book is such an easy and fun read. Thanks to @NetGalley for the ARC of this book.

First of all, I have to say that mentally, when I read Cecily's name, I just called her Cici throughout the book, as I could never picture her as a Cecily. Weird, I know. Will was lovely, and the author definitely knew how to make us cheer for him.
Cici's job was pretty interesting, and something I'd never thought of when watching or listening to media.
I liked that the tension between Cici and Eliza was sorted easily and didn't get dragged out, or have unnecessary bitchiness.
Overall it was an easy, light read.

Cecily is a podcast producer who is happy to be the one behind the scenes. When there are changes at work, she is presented with a new opportunity in the form of a show that highlights her dating life mentored by a dating coach and influencer, Eliza Cassidy. While she does not want to do this, she feels pressured to and the dates begin.
Each of Cecily’s 20 dates are highlighted on the podcast, and Eliza consistently gives her feedback. However, this does not match what is in her heart as she believes it has already been stolen.
This sweet book was one that I found myself smiling and rooting for the characters as I read. Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing for the advance copy. All opinions are my own.

I always love the charm of a Linda Holmes book (ily Evvie) and this is no exception! Overall, Back After This is a fun, wholesome read. It reminded me of Is She Really Going Out With Him? in the sense that our main character is forced to publicize her blind dates to save her job.

But that comparison may have hurt my reading experience, because it made me realize how much I felt was lacking. I found that it spent a lot of time on subjects or areas of the story that I wasn’t interested in delving into. There were SO many dates (20 men!) that it felt rushed.

This was an okay read that probably won’t stick with me long.

Thank you Ballantine Books and NetGalley for the e-arc!

Linda Holmes’ ‘Back After This’ is a sweet romance set in what is apparently the cutthroat world of podcasting and self-help. Holmes knows how to create a story rife with pop culture as host of the popular NPR podcast Pop Culture Happy Hour. The book was a bit too much Hallmark movie-ish, but there was a charm to the story and I enjoyed the characters. Grade: B+

A podcast producer agrees to host a new series about modern dating—but will the show jeopardize her chance at finding real love? Cecily loves making podcasts and she fiercely protects those she's close to, coworkers, friends and family. After a disastrous breakup with a former colleague, she is left with a broken heart and broken dreams after he steals her ideas and the show she's worked so hard on. Her boss, (a complete jerk, lol) then pressures her into a new podcast where she reluctantly agrees to a dating coach who sets her up on 20 blind dates in order to find true love. Once she agrees, she has a chance encounter with a a big, loveable dog and the man who is chasing him down the street. From here she keeps running into Will and things get really complicated from there.

I have loved Holmes previous two books, Evvie Drake Starts Over and Flying Solo, and was beyond thrilled to receive this advanced copy from @netgalley and @randomhouse. This one was no exception, and Linda Holmes is now solidly in the "auto by author" category for me! She writes such fun and interesting characters, and I am always drawn right into their stories. These are always people I always root for, and I was definitely rooting for Cecily and Will the whole way through. Also a pretty entertaining look at the current state of dating, online influencers and a bit of behind the scenes look at the behind the scenes of podcasting.

Be sure to put this one on your list! Publishes on 02/25/2025

Modern take on forbidden romance. I like feeling the love stories could be realistic. This felt as fun as love is blind but not so cringe

This book started a little slow for me, but definitely picked up the pace. I loved how Cecily and Will kept bumping into each other. I was so intrigued by their relationship. But the book focuses more on Cecily's personal growth than actual romances. I loved how she slowly started to grow and had completely changed her way of thinking by the end.

I loved this author’s novel Evie Drake Starts Over so was excited to get this ARC. Super cute rom com about a woman Cecily who works in podcasting. (So many details that I have never thought about!) This whole thing could seem a bit like the bachelor but it worked. Gave me an Emily Henry vibe in a great way. Enjoyable and fun. Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Back After This is a cute and engaging rom-com about podcast producer Cecily, who is roped into hosting a podcast where a life coach tries to help her find love by, among other things, setting her up on dates with 20 men. She has a few chance meetings with Will, a photographer and waiter, and they have a connection. Plot twists ensue!

Linda Holmes is such a funny and clever writer, with a really unique voice in the contemporary romance space. I always enjoy reading a book where the author is an expert in the subject matter -- in this case, obviously Linda is a podcast/radio expert, and she clearly knows DC well. I laughed aloud at several points, and felt really invested in both Cecily and Will as characters, and each of their personal journeys. I love that the epilogue is a satisfying and happy ending, without a cliche "five years later, they have three kids and a house!" kind of scene. As a longtime podcast nerd, I couldn't stop myself from trying to map this story onto the podcast networks I know

I did feel that even though this book centered around a dating podcast, and there was a love story in the plot, it wasn't really very "romance-y" overall, and viewing it as part of the romance genre feels a bit limiting. Although we had seen Cecily and Will's relationship building over time, I hadn't really felt the romantic tension. As a result, their eventual hookup felt sort of abrupt to me.