I really enjoyed this sweet, super clever rom-com with a look into the world of podcasting. The characters were really well written, and as always, I love the author's writing style. The story started off somewhat slow for me, but after reading I really enjoyed the build up and character building in the initial part of the story. Everything picks up and is really engaging throughout the rest of the story.
Overall, a really good read. Really unique writing perspective, and fun story.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the early copy to read and review!

Delightful, funny, banter-y and full of real-seeming characters. This is perfect for fans of Rainbow Rowell and Annabel Monaghan.

I love Lisa Holmes’s writing (this is about as good as Evvie Drake Starts OverE) and I love a rom-com that is really as much (maybe more) of a self-discovery/self-growth of the main character but also has a sweet, clever, handsome love interest. I also love a rom-com that has characters who do normal and interesting jobs….and this MC, like myself (and like the author), is an audio professional, so I ate up her insight into the industry.

In this one, Cecily, a podcast producer, gets roped into being the guinea pig for a dating podcast. She has to go on 20 dates with 20 men, chosen by an influencer…and she cannot entertain dating Will, the random man she keeps running into all over the neighborhood who has very nice curly dark hair and who asks good questions and has a giant rescue dog. Hm. Dilemma.

I expected this to focus more on the dates (a la The Twelve Dates of Christmas) but the dating is on the periphery as Celia tries to figure out herself — the whole life makeover, her uncertain career, her friendships, and of course that guy who she is not supposed to be getting to know.

Just loved this one, loved the flawed characters, and how they still get a happy ending. And gosh the banter.

Cecily Foster works in the world of podcasts. She’s had several great ideas for launching her own podcast but somehow she always ends up working in the background. That may be because she is so very good at everything involved in producing a podcast that she lets herself be talked into doing things for other shows by her boss who makes promises that she knows will never be kept.

When her boss comes to her with a proposal of her being the subject of a podcast that is about her podcast, knowing that she will be stuck working with a dating coach she regrets it immediately. The coach will set her up on 20 first dates and “coach” her through them. Once again she clings to her boss’s false promises.

After meeting with the dating coach and promising to follow a long list of rules, including 20 blind dates and not dating anyone except the men she will be set up with, Cecily is regretting her choices. Especially after meeting a great guy, Will, while chasing down a run away great dane and then repeatedly running into him time after time.

A romantic comedy that you won’t want to put down. A quick, character-led novel with fun banter.. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
In addition to being an author, Linda Holmes is a podcaster, interviewer and program host.
Thank you to Linda Holmes, Net Galley, Ballentine Books for this Advance Reader Copy.
Publication Date: February 25, 2025

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Lindo Holmes can write a female lead like no other. This book was a perfect escape when I was sick. Cecily had s a determined woman to make her own podcast. Learning to balance the expectations we have for our lives with our actual lives is a story for all times. I found myself reaching for this book again and again.

4.5 Stars! Back After This by Linda Holmes is a delightful and heartwarming story that centers around Cecily Foster, an audio editor for a podcast company. After her previous relationship ended with her ex taking full credit for a podcast they created together, Cecily is stuck in a rut. To save the sinking company and earn her big break to host her own podcast, she agrees to be the subject of a new podcast project—one where she’ll go on 20 dates, all under the guidance of Eliza, a dating coach and influencer.

The journey starts as a professional move, but things take a turn when Cecily meets Will, a photographer with an uncertain life path. While she’s trying to finish the 20 dates and prove herself through the podcast, she finds herself drawn to Will, complicating her perfectly planned future.

I really enjoyed Cecily's story arc—especially as a woman in a male-dominated field, I could completely relate to the experience of having someone else take credit for your work and the feeling that you have to say "yes" to everything in order to get ahead. Holmes does a great job of capturing the pressure Cecily feels, both in her career and in her personal life.

Then there’s Will. He’s a free-spirited, observant, lovable character, and his personality plays so well off Cecily’s more controlled, perfectionistic tendencies. The way they complement each other is one of the highlights of this book. Their conversations feel natural and relatable—like the kind of conversations you might have with someone who challenges you to let go of your own rigid expectations.

At its core, Back After This is about letting go of plans, embracing life’s unpredictability, and finding the courage to step into the unknown. I loved watching Cecily learn how to take risks, both in her career and in love.

If you enjoyed Evvie Drake Starts Over or are looking for a fresh take on a romantic comedy, I’d definitely recommend this book. It’s funny, heartfelt, and the perfect balance of romance and self-discovery.

Thanks to NetGalley, Ballantine Books, Random House Publishing and, of course, Linda Holmes, for the chance to read this wonderful book!

This is my first Linda Holmes book, and thanks to Back After This I cannot wait to read her other books everyone else has raved about.

Our main character Cecily is years out of a sour breakup with a wretched ex-boyfriend that stole her credit for the podcast they shared together. Hoping to have a podcast of her own one day, an opportunity is presented to her to take on 20 dates and record a podcast about her adventures. Through the woes of the guys she's set up with, we see her business life and personal life intertwine as she meets a charming man with a charming dog to match - the rest is for the reader to dive into.

"I tipped my head. It was possible she was a Madonna completist, but I suspected she knew it from Glee." I laughed out loud. Holmes does a wonderful job at referencing pop culture in a way that isn't cheesy or overbearing, but just right for a reader to connect with. I found references here and there that jumped out at me and made me feel humorously seen as a millennial.

- I loved that there were short descriptions of every single date Cecily went on, and her opinions of the men she engaged with.
- I loved all the dialogue. Whether it was between Cecily and Will or Cecily and Eliza, it felt like it really added to the story whereas sometimes dialogue feels like too much of a filler to pass the pages by. It felt raw and engaging and I didn't get bored reading the conversations at all.
- Will is such a great character. Eliza is a great character for the story despite the fact that I really despised her. By the end of the book I still had ill feelings towards her, but the main character is a wholesome girl trying her best to do right and finally listens to her own needs after kind of peddling through the wants of those around her. I think a lot of women can relate to her in a variety of ways.
- Being a lover of podcasts and attempting to maintain one at some point in the past, I loved all the behind the scenes look at the making of a podcast and the frustrations that come along with it. Especially with Cecily wanting to be recognized for all of her hard work through the years and deciding where she's going to put that energy into as her story unfolds.
- Seeing the main character deal with the emotional tax of managing friendships, relationships and work life while discovering parts of herself and eventually standing up for herself really came together in an exciting way. I certainly did not see the turn of events coming towards the end of the book.

I laughed through the book, and overall it was a cozy read. I will definitely purchase the physical copy when published and reread on a weekend where I need a light hearted story. I couldn't help but feel like I could either be reading this story or watching it as a romcom and it would feel fun either way.

I do wish there were maybe just a chapter or two with more run-ins with Justin, but that's just me. It wouldn't make or break the story. I think what I loved the most is that this story is so cute with the way Holmes writes about Cecily and Will plus Cecily and her friendships alone that even if there wasn't any romance involved, it would still keep my attention. All of the characters and plot lines within the characters are interesting and easy to keep up with. (Though the romance was fun regardless.)

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this eArc in exchange for an honest review!

*I received a copy of this book on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for this opportunity*

Oh Linda Holmes, you've done it again.

Cecily Foster has been the supporting character in her own life. A talented podcast producer, she works tirelessly for her boss (and for his company) as the catch all worker-- filling in the gaps wherever the team may need her. The only podcast she's worked on that's reached any amount of fame was stolen by her ex-boyfriend after their split. Her life, while not unhappy, is decidedly not what she had hoped for herself.

When her boss dangles the promise of her own show (finally!) and threatens the job of her mentee in exchange for her participation in a new show-- Twenty Dates. Cecily has no interest in going on twenty first dates, nor collaborating with an influencer to promote her dating coach services; but she isn't given much of a choice.

Witty and heartwarming, Linda Holmes once again proves why she's on my always-read list. Her characters are always original and unique, and while BACK AFTER THIS is a romance (and an incredibly sweet one at that #teamwaiter) Cecily's journey is one of self-love and finally voicing (and finding) her desires.

Thank you to Netgalley and Random House for the advanced copy! Back After This publishes on February 25, 2025.

For the last couple of years, I’ve picked the right book to start of my new year’s reading challenge. Even if along the way I pick a few duds, what really matters is that I started the year on a good reading foot. I feel like it’s just good juju!

Back After This is the story of Cecily, a producer for a podcast company, who gets talked into being the guinea pig on a new show called Twenty Dates. A twenty-something “relationship coach/influencer” will offer her advice and set her up on twenty blind dates with hope that Cecily moves forward with one or more of the men. Along the way, she literally runs into Will, who she first sees chasing a giant Great Dane down the street. After helping and exchanging numbers, they start casually talking as friends until Will starts showing up in places Cecily wouldn’t expect.

I like Linda Holmes books. Evvie Drake Starts Over, if I remember correctly, was cute. She’s a great writer, talented at making her characters banter in a swoon-worthy way. I liked the chemistry between the main characters. It wasn’t cringe. There weren’t over-the-top words of love. There words “I love you” weren’t even said until the actual last page of the book. For as many romcom’s I read, reading a contemporary romance without drawn out love scenes and rantings of feelings was refreshing. It makes me feel like my months-long romcom obsession is starting to come to an end. So, thank you Back After This, for at least that!

There was a lot of talk about the world of podcasts and audio in general. I get it…it’s Cecily’s job and as the reader, you know she really likes her job (just not so much the people and everything else that comes with making a podcast). But truthfully, I could have done without all of it. I think more scenes of Cecily and Will, and less about production, would have been the cherry on the top of this sweet book. I liked the friendships and the familial relationships. Cecily’s sister was a warm voice of reason, as was Julie, the other producer. I liked that there wasn’t this run-on with the twenty dates (holy cow, twenty is just a lot, right?) and that we just got snippets. I was psyching myself up for reading a lot about the dates and was pleasantly surprised how they were handled.

All in all, I enjoyed Back After This! I’d definitely recommend it to my romance-loving friends with the caveat that the banter makes up for the lack of steamy scenes.

Back After This by Linda Holmes is a delightful dive into the messy, funny, and heartfelt world of Cecily Foster, a podcaster turned reluctant dating-show host. The setup is clever: twenty blind dates, a relentlessly cheery influencer "coach," and a sweet-but-complicated love interest who shows up with a lost dog? Sign me up.

Cecily is a relatable, layered character—fierce and funny but also vulnerable as she navigates the tension between career ambition and her guarded heart. The supporting cast, from her loyal friends to her maddening boss, adds richness to the story. And Will? He's charming in that low-key, perfect-for-a-rom-com way, even as his own uncertainties keep things interesting.

While some parts felt a little predictable (I mean, you kind of know where the love story is headed), the journey there was filled with enough humor and warmth to keep me turning pages. Plus, the way the book explores modern dating, self-worth, and career dynamics felt refreshingly authentic.

If you're into stories about strong women finding their voice—and love—without compromising who they are, this one's a winner. It’s the kind of book that makes you laugh, swoon, and maybe rethink your own blind-date policy. 😅

Back After This is a heartwarming and introspective novel about second chances, personal growth, and rediscovering one's path. The story follows Nora, a podcast producer who finds herself at a professional and personal crossroads after a career setback. As she takes a step back to reevaluate her life, Nora embarks on a journey of self-reflection and renewal, navigating her relationships with colleagues, family, and friends along the way.

Read if you like:
- Second-chance stories
- Self-discovery and personal growth
- Workplace dynamics and behind-the-scenes creativity
- Deep, emotional character development
- Lighthearted humor mixed with heartfelt moments
- Strong female friendships and supportive relationships
- Finding balance between career and personal life

Nora is struggling with feelings of stagnation and dissatisfaction. Her journey is about finding the courage to let go of expectations and embrace change, which makes her personal evolution feel authentic and inspiring. Alongside Nora, we meet her colleague and best friend, Grace, who provides unwavering support and a sounding board for Nora’s many reflections, and her brother, Ben, whose perspective challenges Nora to think about family and her future.

The story also takes us into the world of podcasting, adding a unique layer to the narrative, as Nora works through her creative challenges and confronts the pressures of storytelling and public perception. Holmes skillfully explores themes of resilience, human connection, and the importance of taking a pause to truly understand what matters most.

Back After This is a charming, uplifting read that reminds us that sometimes the best way forward is to take a step back, embrace uncertainty, and be open to new beginnings. It’s a perfect choice for anyone seeking a thoughtful, feel-good story about transformation and the power of human connection.

Thank you so much to the publisher for my gifted ARC!

In this podcast-focused rom com, Cecily makes a deal with her boss to save her friend’s job that involves her hosting a show and going on twenty blind dates to find love. When she starts dating, she meets a man named Will who she keeps running into and befriends. She needs to decide if she wants to date someone from the show or Will, who she doesn’t believe wants anything serious.

I ended up really enjoying this book! It had a very slow start and I almost gave up on it but I’m so glad I didn’t. The second half was excellent. I loved Will’s character and Buddy the Great Dane, along with their meet cute and chance meetings. I feel like I have read many rom coms with similar plots recently, particularly surrounding podcasts, so it was missing a bit of originality. However, I did enjoy how the author was able to focus on the treatment of women in the workplace and the effects of gossip and negativity and poor leadership. Overall, it was an enjoyable read!

Thank you to the author and Ballantine books for the arc and the opportunity to be an early reader and reviewer.

where to BEGIN!! this book was so fun and full of emotion and Realness, and i absolutely ate it up! every single character was incredibly designed, and i wish i had a whole book about eliza’s instagram influencer life. will and cecily,,, you’ll always be famous to me. you are both a little messy and complicated but in a real way. i loved this book from page one and i will recommend it to everyone i meet!!! thank you thank you THANK YOU to ballentine books and random house publishing for this ARC! i genuinely didn’t think i’d get this ARC and i yelled about it to everyone i know when i got the confirmation email!!!!!!!!

Cecily is a podcast producer who gets roped in to hosting a new series about her own dating life with the help of “relationship coach”, Eliza. As Cecily embarks on her prearranged 20 blind dates, she randomly meets Will, and they have an instant connection. This connection causes a conflict with Eliza’s plans for Cecily’s future and the podcast.

I loved the banter between Cecily and Will. The cast of characters, including a 160 lb dog 🐕, were lovable. The author is a podcaster so her writing really gives the reader a sneak peek in to that fascinating world. Definitely recommend this book!

Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for the advance copy in exchange for my honest review. I will post my review to bookstagram and Goodreads on publication day.

Linda Holmes does it again! While I still think Evvie drake starts over is my favorite I liked this one a lot! Great chemistry between Cecily and Will against the backdrop of the audio world. As an avid podcast listener It was fun learning behind the scenes. Will read anything this author writes!

Fun read - I enjoyed learning about the world of podcasting and audio recording. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

This was a FUN one!!! Loved the concept and the fact that the 20 blind dates didn't drag on and take up too much of the plot. It was a fun chapter explaining each date and then moved on to the meat of the book which was the main character, Cecily, and her relationships with friends, family, her job and finding love. It was really enjoyable and made me want to check out more books by Linda Holmes!

3.5 stars. I really loved the beginning of this book but unfortunately it petered out towards the end. Linda Holmes is an excellent writer, some of her turns of phrase literally had me cackling (I’d say that’s one step beyond mere laughter.)
This book tells the story of Cecily, a podcast producer at a mid level podcast company, who is very good at her job but under appreciated by her boss and not very fulfilled in her personal life. She is coerced into hosting a podcast, paired with a “dating coach” influencer, to go on twenty blind dates to attempt to find the guy for her. The buildup of this story is excellent, well written and engaging. As the story and the podcast progress, things sort of fall apart. She has a series of (more and more) unbelievable run-ins with a cute waiter/photographer and everything sort of goes off the rails. The story is fairly predictable but when it’s firing on all cylinders it just works. As the story moves along it works less and less until it’s fairly unsatisfying ending.
I do think Linda Holmes is a very talented writer who creates really lovable characters and I will definitely read her next book.
Thank you to Netgalley and Ballantine Books for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Back After This is a charming and funny tale of podcast producer Cecily and the dating show she reluctantly agrees to participate in. Her boss Toby is gung-ho about the show (especially the money and partnerships it will bring). Maybe influencer Eliza, who is coaching her, will have great advice and provide 20 top tier first dates as promised. Cecily has her doubts. Serious doubts. But her love life is in the doldrums, and her employer is in financial trouble, so she negotiates some concessions from Toby, and agrees. If love shows up, that’ll be an unexpected bonus. Holmes presents us with fully rounded characters, witty dialogue, and insight into the world of podcasts. Oh, and one very, very large dog.

oved Evvie Drake Starts Over and I was very excited to read this. Unfortunately this fell flat for me.

I enjoy Linda Holmes writing a lot, so this was a quick read for me. I think that the relationships between the MC Cecily and her sister and her best friend were good and believable.

Other than in the interactions with her friends, Cecily wasn’t a very interesting MC. She had absolutely no backbone which is very difficult to read over and over again. The actual plot was also a miss for me. The stakes with the podcast just seemed contrived.

The main issue with the book is the “romance”. I used quotes because I couldn’t tell you one single reason that these people liked each other. They had a meet cute and then we are supposed to buy in but never really having a reason to. The male love interest was such a forgettable character.

Slightly slow start but well worth the investment. I really enjoyed the female main character and the growth that she experienced in finding her own voice and also still showing passion for her career. The meet cute and the ability to grow with other characters was also developed well. Overall, I really think the author did a good job in expressing what this world look like. As I hardly know anything about what goes into it I now feel like I’m an expert in podcast publishing an engineering.