I'm so glad I was given an ARC of this amazing book!

I've really enjoyed Linda's other two books (Evvie Drakes Starts Over and Flying Solo) and also enjoy listening to Linda on NPR's Pop Culture Happy Hour podcast. This book gave me the same cozy vibes as Holmes' other two books. The female MC is strong and independent - traits I very much appreciate when I'm reading- but is still able to lean on her friends and family when she needs to be vulnerable. I find this to be important in romance books because I never want to feel like the leading lady has nothing going in her life except meeting "the one". Framily is key and finding the one is just a cherry on top of an already full life!

I also LOVE that this book is set in DC, it was so fun to picture the places in the book because I've walked those same streets.
If you need a feel good book with just enough adventure I recommend picking this one up when it comes out next year.

4.5 ⭐️

Thank you Ballantine Books/Random House and NetGalley for my ARC.

This book was a delight! It’s an entertaining dip into the world of audio producing (so fascinating!) with an engaging closed door romance.

My favorite part? THE BANTER. It was sublime. Just the most enjoyable, sharp, endearing dialogue. The author has such a gift when it comes to this!!

I really enjoyed this and was rooting for the main character (and the MMC!). Can’t wait to see what Linda Holmes writes next.

Thanks to Netgalley & Random House- Ballantine for the E-ARC! Really cute! Loved the main character & the themes. Will definitely read more from this author.

This is a fun story about a workaholic podcast producer who avoids romantic entanglements after a devastating breakup--until she is offered the chance to host her own show. A show about her dating life. Yikes. She agrees, with specific conditions, to work with a "dating coach" who promises to find her a mate, and to share this with the world. The premise has so many potential pitfalls that it makes for a great book. Cecily is a wonderfully complicated protagonist, and I enjoyed learning about the world of audio in which she lives and works. Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the ARC and the opportunity to provide an honest review.

If you know me, you know I loved and loved and loved Evvie Drake Starts Over. I also loved Flying Solo, for entirely different reasons. And, I loved Back After This. Where Evvie Drake is a perfect summer read, to transport to a small town in Maine. This is a perfect read for November, when it's cold and rainy (and it happens to be cold and rainy in Toronto where I type this).

This is also an optimal book to read if you're struggling at an employer that you don't love, surrounded by fellow employees that you do (I quit my job two weeks ago and had my last day two days ago and I loved my coworkers so so so dearly).

This one didn't go where I expected. I thought more of the meat here would be about her going on so many first dates (it's not a spoiler to say that the dates weren't the point and they were hardly a focus) and while that sounded promising, what I got was better. This wasn't about figuring out what you want so much as it was allowing yourself to want something.

I loved the love here, I loved it so much that I sometimes found myself being annoyed when Cecily had to do things like...her job. But that plot note was also wildly interesting. Which I guess, I should say: if you are uninterested in podcasting/audio-editing, you should maybe skip this one. This one explains the profession in detail, potentially too much, but I'm sure it was in pursuit of accuracy. The way Thank you for Listening detailed all the nuances of audio narration, Back After This is the podcast equivalent.

Also, if Linda Holmes could write the dialogue that is my life, that'd be nice. Also while we didn't get a cereal box race reference here, I am thrilled that Halls of Power got multiple references. The Holmes Universe continues.

This was so fun! Cecily is a podcast producer, who ends up having to participate in hosting a podcast to help keep her company afloat. The catch is she needs to go on 20 dates while being guided by an instagram guru, and record a podcast about her experiences!
I really enjoyed the setting of the book, it's always so fun to learn about the behind the scenes of a unique profession, especially a creative industry like podcasts. Its the same joy we all experience with shows like Only Murders in the Building.
Except this one comes with a fun twist of a forbidden romance! Just when Cecily has given up hope on finding the one, she meets Will--somebody she has great organic chemistry with, but it also someone her instagram guru is convinced isn't right for her. I really enjoyed the unique plot line, and I enjoyed seeing Cecily navigate conflicts in her personal and professional life, as well as the growth she goes through. Other readers might share my frustration with the somewhat "villain" of the story (spoiler alert: it's a man, when is it not).
I think my main issues with the book lie in the resolution. I feel like through Eliza, the book actually makes some really valid points and conversation around "how do we know what things to look for in a romantic partner", and how to know someone is actually reliable, what would be the basis for a healthy relationship. It ended up feeling a bit too much like "love can conquer anything", which I know might be the most important thing in a romance, but I wish they had tried to do a bit better, and show why that option was character, what Cecily based her final judgement on. Maybe she should've taken more time out to figure out what was actually good for her rather than a spur of moment decision. It feels like a lost opportunity in her character trajectory -- we see a character so clearly struggling with not knowing what she wants throughtout the book and suddenly she has perfect clarity, It feels rash, and it undermines the struggle. But other than that, very fun book and I really enjoyed the banter between our two protagonists!

It took me a little while to get into the story, but that's mostly because Linda sets everything up for an incredibly satisfying back half. Cecily + Will + Buddy the Great Dane forever.

“Back After This” is a rom-com by Linda Holmes. This book follows longtime podcast producer Cecily Foster. Her boss decides to give Cecily a chance to host her own show … one that Cecily is reluctant to do, but decides to do for a number of reasons. I must admit, I’m rather clueless about the podcasting world and what goes into it so I found a look into ideas (both great and the “why in the world would anyone want to listen to that”) interesting. Would I have listened to “Twenty Dates,” the show Cecily hosted and was the test subject - no, but I have to say I think it’s an interesting idea for the right demographic. I absolutely had fun reading certain throw away lines (paraphrased line: It read like Miss Havisham’s Amazon wish list) and loved the conversations about both the zoo and photography. Was this a predictable story - yep, especially with that adorable cover. But this was a nice comfy read - where nearly all of the characters act like adults (still wondering about Cecily’s boss) and there’s no angsty teenage angst; these people have jobs, they have former flames, they have responsibilities and they have bills to pay - huzzah for grown-up trying to make it characters living their lives in a city. I found this book an enjoyable read.

Probably my favorite of this author's books so far. I enjoyed the glimpse into the world of podcasts and audio work in general (admittedly didn't know the author's background! 🤦‍♀️🙈). Would recommend to others for a fun quick and entertaining romantic comedy read. Thank you Netgalley for this advanced copy! I enjoyed it!

4.25 stars

BACK AFTER THIS by Linda Holmes introduces us to the characters of Cecily and Will. Cecily is an editor at a podcast network, and she's hoping to have her own podcast one day after her ex stole her show from her. Cecily's boss Toby comes to her with a new podcast idea that features Cecily working with a dating coach and going on twenty first dates.

One day Cecily bumps into Will and Buddy. Will was getting a haircut when Buddy, a Great Dane, got loose from the woman who is walking him. Will and eventually Cecily chase Buddy down in an adorable meet cute.

I LOVED all the behind-the-curtain podcasting talk in this one. As someone who has avidly listened to podcasts for over ten years now, it was an area that I don't really know the business and day-to-day life of. Until now. I relished learning more about podcasting and being a podcaster. I think this novel delves into day-to-day work life the most of any novel I've ever read.

I was charmed by Cecily and Will. Buddy the Great Dane was amazing. I could see that some readers might want even more Buddy in this novel.

There was a part about 80% in when Cecily gets an email sent to her in error, and that whole scene (and the scenes that scene prompted) didn't ring accurate for me. As a podcast insider, Cecily understood production and it was about getting "a story." One could argue that maybe it was different once she was the subject, but I don't really buy that. Also, there was a lot of exposition around those scenes that got tedious. I understand it was the necessary third act drama; I just think it could have been written more smoothly.

All in all, I really liked this novel, just like I've enjoyed Linda Holmes' past two novels. I appreciate that each has been unique, and this one deep dives into podcasting, which I was eager to learn more about.

Great story. Felt like it started slow but it was an easy read. I did wave to yell ant Cecilia few times but over all it was great book.

Solid 4/5 stars. A well written story with likable characters (even the ones who shouldn’t have been). I loved the dive into audio and podcasting, I loved the setting in DC, and I loved all the minor characters. Overall a charming and surprisingly sweet book.

Cecily, a podcast producer, dreams of launching her own show. When her boss promises her a show if she hosts one of his ideas first, she finds herself dating eligible bachelors for that show. The problem - her perfect man may have stumbled into her life by accident during show production.

Highly recommend this rom com to anyone looking for a fun, down to earth love story. Recommend even more for anyone who has someone in their life in the audio/podcast industry! A great insight into the ins and outs of the job while also going along on Cecily’s dating escapades!

Thanks to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for a fair review.

I was so excited to get a copy of this book. From the author of Evie Drake Starts Over, Back After This was a blast to read. The podcast setting, the life coaching and twenty blind dates, the meet cute involving the best dog, it was a cute story and felt like an inside peak into the world of podcasting.

Cecily is hard working and loyal to all those around her even when they may not deserve it and she’s been burned for this in the past. Although she was skeptical of being set up on twenty blind days for the sake of the podcast, what did she have to lose? Eliza’s method of life coaching may not have gotten the results she intended but did force Cecily to look at things a little differently and lessons were learned. I thoroughly enjoyed this one. 4⭐️

I absolutely loved Evvie Drake and now I’m in love Cecily Foster in Back After This! I had such a good time with this story and couldn’t get through it fast enough because I just wanted to be deep in it. 😂 I will definitely recommend this one!!

I loved this book and was immediately drawn in by the main character Cecily. She is relatable in many ways to me - her humor, her dive for work, and her optimism. The run-ins with Will were my favorite and I laughed out loud many times while reading this. During some of the breakthrough moments between Eliza and Cecily, I appreciated the back and forth dialogue to get her to really start changing her perspective. Eliza’s perspective was able to be direct to her and call Cecily out but in a kind, caring way. Indirectly, I felt like I needed to hear those things as well. I haven’t read Linda Holmes before but will be looking up her other books. Looking forward to this coming out and listening to this as an audiobook as well.

LOVED this fun romp through the podcasting business! Main character, Cecily, is single and works in audio editing. Business has not been great so to stimulate some podcast excitement, her boss sets her up with dating coach, Eliza, to go on 20 dates, and evaluate her experience in a series of podcasts. Just before the dates begin, Cecily has a random encounter with Will, who is actually chasing a dog on the loose. The two capture the dog, and have a chat. Oddly, Will coincidentally works at the restaurant where Cecily's first date is, and becomes part of the podcast adventure. The story progresses and Cecily discovers what she really wants, even though others disagree. It's a fun book with a satisfying ending. Highly recommend this entertaining rom-com!

Thanks to NetGalley for allowing me to read and review Back After This.

I've enjoyed Linda Holmes' books in the past, but this one was not for me. I had a very hard time getting into the story. A premise of saving a job is set on a friendship that does not appear to be remotely strong (there are no interactions between these friends, they never hang out, they don't have meaningful conversations about important life events they are going through). The main character is participating in an activity that is supposed to be so unlike them, but they aren't very likable so it's hard to buy into that. I think there may have needed to be a little more development of the characters stories before going into the twenty dates portion so that the backstories held up. The end was enjoyable and had more of the interactions/personality the rest of the book of was missing, but by then it was a little too late. Sorry, I did not enjoy this one.

I first fell in love with Linda Holmes writing and humor in her debut, 𝘌𝘷𝘷𝘪𝘦 𝘋𝘳𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘚𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘴 𝘖𝘷𝘦𝘳. I wasn't quite as enamored with her sophomore novel, 𝘍𝘭𝘺𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘚𝘰𝘭𝘰, so I was cautious to read her latest, 𝐁𝐀𝐂𝐊 𝐀𝐅𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 (Pub 02.25). Friends- I LOVED it!

Thank you @ballantine for the early copy.

𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐄
Impossibly heart clutching meet-cute
Sharp, smart humor
Romance-adjacent
Podcaster agrees to 20 First Dates concept
Antics and banter
A delightful escape yet grounding and relatable
Wit, charm, heart
Set in D.C.
Save for a weekend when you need a pick-me-up. It will deliver.

3.5

If you love podcasts + rom coms, this is the book for you! It follows Cecily as she posts a podcast where she is the subject: a relationship coach curates 20 first dates for her and Cecily records her journey for the show.

This book is altogether heartwarming and hilarious to read--the epitome of rom-com. I had fun reading about all of Cecily's failed first dates and what went wrong in each of them. Her chance encounters/meet-cutes with the dog-man throughout the book were unrealistic but great in the way that rom coms are.

I was worried that the main part of the story (the 20 first dates) would drag on super long, but Holmes chose to describe each in a short, snappy paragraph. Most were funny to read about, and the ones that were not did not take up too much of my time. Like all romance books, it's clear who the final love interest is going to be, and finding out how it happened was part of the fun of reading the book.

The podcast element was most prevalent in the beginning and ending of the book and a driving force for the middle. As a casual podcast fan and a Bachelor watcher, I enjoyed the fictional look into the podcast industry and it gave me newfound appreciation for the work that the podcasters put into their episodes.

Overall, I gave this book a 3.5 stars because it was fun and heartwarming, but not the most memorable or emotional romance book I've read. It won't stick with me a month from now, but I thoroughly enjoyed reading it in the moment.

Thank you to NetGalley + Random House Ballantine for this ARC!