I want to thank #PenguinRandomHouse and #netgalley for providing me with a free ARC of #YouAgain in exchange for my honest review.

One of the best books of the decade! You, Again has immediately rocketed to one of the best novels I’ve read. Period. It’s the sort of book that is unputdownable and has you clutching your chest with tears in your eyes at 1am unable to go to sleep even hours after you’ve finished it.

We follow our two main protagonists; Ari a bi-sexual aspiring comedian who also happens to be the poster-girl for dating apps, serial non-monogamy, and hookup culture in general, and Josh a neurotic control-freak with a naïve romantic streak that leaves him open to hurt as he tries to step out of the shadow of his father’s famous New York delicatessen and make a name for himself in the world of fine-dining.

These two characters are developed so well that reading their internal narratives feels like sinking into a late-night conversation with long-time friends. This novel doesn’t shy away from hard conversations surrounding the disillusionment that most modern day singles feel with romance or how detrimental hook-up culture and technology have been for encouraging a healthy view of love and commitment in today’s era of instant gratification. Nor has it glorified the overly optimistic, Disney-princess, naivete of the past as seen in Josh’s character. In fact, one of the things that Goldbeck has done so expertly is to show these opposing points of view exactly as they are, warts and all, then gradually explore both dynamics. Through the characters misadventures in love, family, loss, grief, and pursuing their individual dreams we as readers see them inch gradually towards their own realizations about how they must change and grow in order to build the healthy relationship they both crave.

The diversity inclusion in this book reads a little paint-by-numbers, which didn’t bother me as I appreciated having a non-heterosexual main character. Though at times her sexuality read as an after-thought instead of a part of who she is and side characters read a little stereotypical and at times almost ‘cartoonish’. I would’ve liked to see this fleshed out with nuance, but understand that the narrative accomplishes quite a lot in terms of personal growth for Ari’s character and this inclusion could have been too heavy to support the main plot.

Genre-flipping the stereotypical commitment-phobic man and hopeless romantic woman trope worked so well that it really endeared me to both characters, making them easy to root for both individually, and as a couple. This dynamic highlighted certain traits in each character that redeemed them through all their missteps and manic fights making them both easy to get second-hand embarrassment for, be frustrated with, and want to protect with your whole heart. While Josh comes off as a grade-A asshole, through this internal narrative we see the tenderness that he doesn’t often show to others. With Ari she comes across as an absolutely closed off, cold, unemotional mess but readers get to know the fear and anxiety that keeps Ari’s heart walled off from others.

This book starts off fast-paced, the first several chapters spanning many years and many terrible interactions between Ari and Josh. It’s hate-at-first-sight and the tension is *chef’s kiss* delicious. When the narrative finally slows down we find Ari and Josh meeting yet again, but this time they’re both firmly entrenched in their individual rock bottoms. One brilliant part of this novel is how easy it is for them to form an unlikely ‘friends in misery with absolutely no benefits’ relationship at this juncture because when you’ve only ever been on the wrong foot with someone it’s easy to let them see the broken, miserable, messy parts of you. Meanwhile, it’s incredibly hard to show those same things to the people you care about who are worried for your wellbeing while you struggle to make sense of your life. It’s in this part of the novel that Goldbeck’s writing really shines. The nuance and subtlety of the slow burn friends-to-lovers romance is nothing short of masterful.

There are enough tropes and squealing-into-your-pillow moments in this novel to satisfy almost any reader, but personally I adored how this captured the spirit of an 80’s or 90’s Rom-Com while setting it so effortlessly in the modern era. Inspired by the classic When Harry Met Sally, this shouldn’t be such a surprise yet is still pleasantly surprising nonetheless. This novel is a new modern classic love story that is primed for a faithful film adaptation, and I’ll be the first one to buy a ticket for opening night if that happens. I cannot recommend this book enough. If you’re a fan of enemies to friends to lovers, slow burn romance, happily ever after's that give you butterflies, romantic comedies, or just want to read something that will make you feel seen . . . then this is the book I recommend.

I liked this one a lot even though I'm not typically into books where the main characters are deeply self sabotaging/self loathing. It was juuuuuust barely on the correct side of "insufferable people who need a lot of therapy doing insufferable things" so you root for them while *also* being exhausted by them. In another author's hands, I think I would have hated this book. I predict people who loved Normal People will like this book except this one is actually good. So if you didn't like Normal People, I'd still recommend you give it a chance. And the grand gesture at the end is *chef kiss*

I loved this book so much! I absolutely inhaled it in 48 hours. It's a modern take on When Harry Met Sally full of all the rep - LGBTQ+/bi, mental health and Jewish. While I sometimes struggle with messy characters, Ari and Josh's messiness made absolutely perfect sense for who they are as people and where they are in life - they're so lovable and their flaws are realistic and I was rooting for them the whole time. They're two people who just can't seem to get out of their own way, and watching them finally come to this realization themselves was so wonderful to witness. I loved the NY setting, the friend group and all the Jewish foods so much. I already pre-ordered this book immediately after finishing and can't wait to force all my friends to read it. Can't believe this is a debut!

Enemies to lovers is one of my favorite tropes. I loved the banter between Ari and Josh from the beginning. Their relationship was so real and wholesome.

There were so many layers to their personalities and their relationship that transformed this book into a wonderful romance read.

I can’t wait to see what @kategoldbeck writes next!

Thank you Netgalley for this ARC - Enemies-to-lovers is my favorite romance trope so I was super excited to read this! Josh first meets Ari when he's casually dating her roommate whom she's also casually hooking up with. It's hate at first sight - but their interaction is short. They continue to run into each other year after year in NYC until they eventually bond over their own loneliness and start an unlikely friendship.

The character development in this book is great. It felt a bit long, but the benefit was being able to see both Ari and Josh grow as people and with each other. By the end of the book I really felt I knew them both, that doesn't always happen. New York is also my favorite place for a book backdrop and I loved how it was used in this book. Based on the cover I thought it would be more fall-themed but this didn't feel like a fall based book to me. Ari and Josh had great banter, which I really appreciated. Nearly Emily Henry level banter at times!

Unfortunately, I couldn't rate this higher as I just didn't love neither Ari or Josh. I liked them both, Ari more, but felt like it was hard to root for both of them as individuals. Ari was very immature at times and flaky, Josh could be flat out rude and stubborn. I will say the last 25% of this book I was hooked wanting to see how their happy ending would happen and I was not disappointed, I did love the final scene.

Either way, I will definitely read more from this author in the future!

I thoroughly enjoyed myself while reading this book. Josh and Ari's journey was definitely one of a kind. Ari is an aspiring comedian who is carefree and goes with the flow, Josh on the other hand is an aspiring chef who needs everything to be perfect. Ari is more of a casual type and Josh is a hopeless romantic who just wants to take care of someone and share his big heart. This story follows Josh and Ari through both of their ups and downs which brings them together in a beautiful friendship even though the beginning of their relationship was rocky. This book follows the MCs through the years as they learn more about themselves and how to navigate their late 20s.

This story was so well done and both characters were very well developed and had great backstories. The side characters also helped to show the dimensions of the MCs and how interwoven both of their lives were. This book is going to be a great fall/winter book and many of the scenes tend to surround NYE. I highly recommend this book as it is a slow burn, but once it gets going, it doesn't stop.

(tropes- Slow burn, strangers to enemies, enemies to friends, friends to love, he may be romantic, but he is grumpy and she is the sunshine) (I've watched When Harry Met Sally, but it's supposed to be similar to the movie)

4/5 stars, Thank you Netgally, Kate Goldbeck, and Random House Publishing Group - Random House for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

You, Again has been very high on my anticipated reads list for 2023, and when I got the email saying I had received an advance copy I was ELATED.

As a lifelong fan of romcoms, a book heavily inspired by one of the greatest romcoms out there, When Harry Met Sally, but set in modern day with modern day problems was everything I needed. These people felt like people I know (and sometimes even myself). Their lives aren’t perfect, they’re struggling through major life events in unhealthy ways, they use humor to cope with their mental health. It’s refreshing to read a love story where the characters are messed up and learning to better themselves. Ari was a spitfire and I loved how little of a filter she had (even when it got her in trouble) who had a lot of self work to do, and has to come to terms with that. Josh was the lovable grump we all like in a book who also had to learn to voice his wants and needs and realize that he too had to change his way of life.

The first maybe, quarter of the book, I struggled a bit with the constant change of POV and attempting at times to figure out who I was following (mostly when it came to scenes with the both of them in conversation) but it got more clear and concise the further I got into the story.

The book was a love letter to NYC and as someone with a deep connection to the city (especially to the Jewish food scene thanks to my parents and grandparents), it read like the comforting chaos being in the city always brings me. I can’t wait to read more from Kate Goldbeck in the future.

Thank you Random House, Dial Press, and NetGalley for sending me an advance copy of You, Again for ,my feedback.

Did Not Finish (DNF) AT 10%.... I did not like the characters and could tell this would not be for me...

I would never pass up the occasion to read a romance book that’s inspired by romcom excellence When Harry Met Sally because it’s (and this might make me basic) one of my favourite movies ever to watch.

You, Again is a gender swapped take on the movie and Kate Goldbeck delivers 100% in my opinion.
I have a lot of feelings at the moment and I am afraid that the more I talk the more it will be difficult to not mention things that might be spoilers so I’ll try my best to keep it concise.

The book follows more or less the structure of the movie and it’s very character driven. I feel like people who enjoy reading Emily Henry books will definitely enjoy this one or simply if you love romance books with a lot of internal struggle this is perfect!

I will say that personally it was comforting spending the afternoon in bed in the company of this book. It made me cackle a few times because of Ari and her sharp humor. I was captured by Ari and Josh banter and chemistry right from the start. It was witty, insightful and generally very well executed.

Josh and Ari are fundamentally opposite that find comfort in each other at their lowest because duh sometimes misery loves company. There is a lot of self reflection and character arc and the happiness you feel when they reach their happy ending is unmatched.

This was a solid debut, I can’t wait to read more from this author because she has definitely captured my attention!

Fun, romantic Harry met Sally vibes.

Sadly, I just struggled to love the characters. I have found that if I can’t really get behind the characters and enjoy their personalities I have a hard time enjoying the story. Sadly that was the case for You, again.

However I loved Kate Goldbecks writing and will read whatever she writes next! This story just wasn’t for me!

First of all, I LOVED THIS BOOK!!!

When I started it I wasn't sure I was going to like it because we jump right into this almost instant dislike and the characters had such STRONG personalities. Let me tell you, by about 30% I knew I was 100% IRREVOCABLY in love with Josh and Ari, so if you have these same fears when starting, keep reading!

This book is a homage to When Harry Met Sally, kind of a modern day retelling. Josh is a chef, rebelling against his family's legacy, trying to make his own mark, looking for the one his soul has been missing. I don't know if we're meant to picture Adam Driver as Josh, but holy heck, I pictured Adam Driver as Josh, which just made this so much better for me, lol. Ari is a struggling comedian, trying to land her big break, doing odd jobs to support a meager existence, and commitment phobic to an extreme! Life just keeps throwing these two together to antagonize each other, until the moment they are at their lowest points happens almost simultaneously and they grab on to each other as a lifeline, a friend.

The banter in this book is chef's kiss, and anyone who's watched When Harry Met Sally KNOWS the banter is the driving force behind that movie so bravo to the author for nailing great conversation! If there is any book I can see being turned into a movie, series, etc, this one ranks so high for that. I just absolutely adored the story, the characters (Briar, Gabe, Radhya, even Cass) and will be thinking about this book for a while. Highly recommend!! You WANT to pick this one up when it releases on September 12!

You, Again might be one of my new favorite books! Ari and Josh keep running into each other and with every meeting, they’re frustration with each other grows—Josh is strait laced and stubborn, Ari is a free spirit. But hatred turns to friendship as both of them are spiraling in life-changing breakups and with every movie night and text exchange, they grow closer. This has massive When Harry Met Sally vibes, and I loved it. It has sharp-witted characters, so much heart, fun banter, and it’s so sexy. This enemies to lover story has everything. Ari and Josh are so perfect and both have such brave character growths. Ari is beautiful—she is light and vulnerable and I loved watching her find her way. And Josh too, watching him come out of his shell and let go is so endearing. I loved these characters with my whole heart and I was captivated by the writing style and the pacing. It’s flirty and honest and heartwarming. Just an absolute five star.

I finished this last night, and I had to sit back and process my feelings before I wrote a review. I absolutely LOVED this book. It was such an incredible story, and it felt so realistic. I saw that this is a nod to When Harry Met Sally + Reylo (all hail) which I loveee, but if you’ve ever watched Sleeping with Other People, it also gave this vibe too (which is one of my absolute favorite rom com movies and you should definitely watch it). I love when an author’s debut novel blows me away with just how good it is.

I love Josh + Ari. They are wildly complicated and messy adults who, like a lot of us, are just trying to survive and figure it all out. They keep meeting over and over again (there are multiple time jumps in the story), and their worlds finally collide for more than a passing encounter. They’re sad + lonely and decide to be sad + lonely together. The friendship they develop? Incredible. The banter? Hilarious. The slow burn? Immaculate. Text chains? Unmatched. The author did an incredible job pulling on all of my emotions. I was so invested and was just dying for them to figure it all out together. I loved Briar, Abby, Radhya, and Gabe as side characters.

This was a cute romance. I liked the characters I would've like more of the story but overall it was a cute story

Divertida, trepidante, realista. Me encantó la historia, los personajes , todo. La historia de amor es tan realista que pude sentirme identificada. Ari y John se encuentran en el peor momento pero esto resulta en una serie de situaciones divertidas donde se van encontrando a lo largo de la vida en diferentes situaciones.

Me reí tanto, y me enamore nuevamente.
Gracias a #Netgalley y PRH por el ejemplar. Esta novela pasa a ser de mis RomCom favoritas.

"You, Again" is a fresh take on the classic romcom, When Harry Met Sally. The enemies who keep having run-ins turn into allies who turn into friends who turn into lovers. But in the typical fashion, it will only work between these two if they can get out of their own way & get the timing right. "You, Again" was a delightful New York love story, complete with the NYE thematic loop & the mad dash "when you want to spend the rest of your life with someone, you want the rest of your life to begin right now" moment. It felt comfortingly familiar yet new and modern. I couldn't put it down and I think Ari and Josh will be beloved by romcom readers everywhere. I already cannot wait to read it again.

Thanks to NetGalley and RandomHouse Publishing for the advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest feedback.

I adored this. I had to read following all of the praise I’ve seen, and this hasn’t let me down. Incredible banter, a beautiful story, and deep, evocative relationships—this book is a gem.

When Harry Met Sally if Harry was Adam Driver…and I mean that in the best way possible. Such a sweet fall rom-com with so many meet cute or meet not so cutes but also really poignant discussions about failure and grief.

This book has every ingredient that you need for a good romcom. Meet cute, friendship, iconic restaurant scene, falling in love(?), big argument, meddling friends/family, airport run, holidays, funny jokes/nicknames- it has it all.

This is perfect for people who loved Emily Henry’s Happy Place and are looking for a fall read with similar vibes.

I really enjoyed this story. Ari and Josh had a special relationship that was fun to be a part of. They were complete opposites that should not have worked yet something about them balanced the other one out. Being part of their journey with it's ups and downs was a rollercoaster of emotions and I was here for it. I also really loved how the last 18% or so went. It wasn't how I expected it to go but it worked. I definitely recommend picking up this romance. It is not to be missed.

Ari and Josh are two people who couldn't be more different. Ari is a free-spirited, struggling comedian who likes to keep things casual, while Josh is a born-and-bred Manhattanite with ambitious plans to take the culinary world by storm and find The One. They have absolutely nothing in common, except for the fact that they happen to be sleeping with the same woman. Which causes the wrong kind of sparks to fly and an instant mutual dislike to settle in.

But years later, as they're both reeling from ego-bruising breakups, a chance encounter leads to a surprising connection: friendship. Turns out, spending time with your former nemesis is fun when you're too sad to hate each other - and too sad for hate sex.

As friends-without-benefits, they find comfort in late-night Netflix binges, swiping through each other's online dating profiles, and bickering across boroughs. It's better than romance. Until one night, the unspoken boundaries of their platonic relationship begin to blur...

"Can we try that again? I feel like I wasn't ready for that."
"That could be the pull quote for our entire relationship.”

Kate Goldbeck has written the most real-feeling love stories that I have ever read in my entire time of being a reader. This book felt more like a real-life series of scenes playing out right in front of me featuring two imperfect people at various stages of their life tackling all that life throws their way in the exact way that a flawed human being with trauma would handle this particular play on the way that life finds a way of making sure you find your people even if it takes a few meetings.

Ari felt like a breath of fresh air in regard to the fem leads of romance novels go. I loved her chaotic energy and really enjoyed the fact that there was no holding back when it comes to who she is at her core. I love how open and unrestrained she is regarding her sexuality and her outwardness regarding getting hot and heavy leads to some really great dialogue with various characters throughout.

Josh I loved him for different reasons, and I'd be lying if I said that one of them wasn't because he's hot. Because he is hot. So hot. But I really loved that we got to see into his head, and how relatable his thought process felt to me. The anchoring. The thinking things through. The overthinking. The spiraling. He's definitely won a special place in my heart.

Both of these characters go through so much growth and I think that the pacing in this book does a really great job of moving along with the story with time jumps without it feeling rushed or awkward. And that the character's growth throughout feels just as real as the rest of the story.

This book is definitely one of my top reads for the year! Thank you Dial Press for sending me an e-arc of this book!

- New York Setting
- Time Jumps
- Female Rake
- Slow Burn
- Second Chance
- Independent FMC
- Chef MMC
- Enemies to Friends to Lovers
- When Harry Met Sally Vibes
- Reylo Coded
- Meet Cutes
- Angsty but Worth It
- Banter Galore
- Jewish Rep
- Bi Rep