I went into Open Minded cautiously optimistic, but it just didn’t work for me. The characters seemed really inconsistent and it was basically 300 pages of miscommunication… well maybe not since miscommunication requires basic communication. Basically no one communicated.

This book was a great opportunity to show what healthy ENM could be, but we got very little of that which was really disappointing.

Interesting read. One of the few books I’ve read that even features an open relationship, let alone the ins and outs of people considering whether they want one or not. I do wish there was a bit more open and honest communication in the beginning as to why Will wanted an open relationship?? Didn’t like him anyway.

Really adored this book about the complexities of relationships. Grateful for the representation of open relationships! I found myself really falling in love with the characters. Lovely read!

Holly and Fliss weren't supposed to meet. A chance encounter in a restaurant bathroom changes both of their lives, after Fliss's boyfriend wants to "close" their open relationship and Holly's boyfriend, rather than proposing as she hoped, wants to open up their monogamous relationship. Both women are totally thrown and after confiding in each other, form an unorthodox friendship, exchanging numbers and advice as they each try to navigate their new relationship dynamics.

Wow, my heart went out to Holly! She was hoping for a proposal from her longtime boyfriend and she not interested in an open relationship, so why she went along with it, I'll never know. I just wanted to look her in the eye and say "Oh honey, no." Heh. It did lead to some adventures for her and a LOT of growth, which is needed and good and fun to watch, even though I knew she was headed for disaster, as was Fliss. At its heart, this book relies on the miscommunication trope in spades--if Holly and Fliss had actually TALKED to their partners, everything would have been resolved and then of course there would have been no book. It was a little frustrating to each both women go down a dangerous road, but in the end, it was necessary for their self-growth and the road to what happiness looked like for each of them, which ended up being unique for their situations.

Things I loved: Holly and Fliss, both relatable characters who felt very real. Ash, who was just so sweet. And Liam, who was great for Holly. Things I didn't like: WILL. UGH, such a frustrating character, who basically just wanted to have his fun while Holly set around at home waiting on him. He couldn't handle when Holly spread her wings and so many times I just wanted to tell him to go away.

Open Minded was a really good book, probably more of a 3.5 star read for me. I'll absolutely read more from the author.

What a great novel about open relationships! I loved the contrast of Fliss and Holly’s respective experiences (one thrives on being open, the other initially goes along with what her boyfriend wants) and there was care taken not to villainize either perspective. The writing was very realistic in regard to the emotions that come out during these relationships. I liked that there was a happy ending focused on their individual growth and needs. The side characters were engaging and I would actually be interested in seeing more about Holly and Fliss down the road. Fast read, super enjoyable, definitely recommend!

Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow for providing this arc in exchange for my honest review.

This was such an interesting read! The characters were funny and the issues they were dealing with were relatable.

Book Review: Opened Minded
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Author: Chloe Seager @chloenseager
Publisher: William Morrow @williammorrowbooks
Thank you @netgalley for the ARC.

This was not my typical go to romance, but I was very
intrigued. I wasn’t sure what this story was going to be
about when I requested it and at that point I really
didn’t know what an open relationship entailed. Chloe
Seager delivera as a well written, funny, laugh out loud
and interesting book.

Holly is in a monogamous relationship and expecting
her boyfriend to propose marriage to her but what she
actually got was a proposal for an open relationship.

Fliss is already in an open relationship, but her
longtime boyfriend wants a monogamous closed
relationship now.

Holly and Fliss end up meeting each other in a
restaurant bathroom. They end up becoming friends
and becoming each other support for what is the new
normal in their lives. With each other‘s help they
explore and learn to navigate their new “normals“. All
the characters in this book were very relatable and
well written, but not all were likeable. Fliss and Holly
develop a true friendship as they learn to love a
different way. There are many funny scenes, some
very emotional scenes and some definite
soul-searching scenarios. This was a lovely novel and
a delight to read. The topic was not my favorite, but
you know what, I learned a lot and I did thoroughly
enjoy book. I also learned you have to go out of your
comfort zone once in a while.

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I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I thought the premise was interesting but didn’t have any expectations going in. I think this story was easy to read with likable characters (except Will) and shows you that love is not one size fits all. Also previously being someone who settled in relationships, I appreciated the evaluation the FMCs took on what they need, what they want and what they’re willing to accept in a relationship. I think plot aside that’s a good takeaway for anyone.

Love is absolutely complicated! Holly and Fliss are in opposite situations and each wants to try and help the other. They both learn that relax hips aren't exactly what you expect them to be. Thanks #NetGalley

Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow for this ARC!

I wanted to like this book, I truly did, but there was something lacking in it that just didn’t suck me in. The characters, in my opinion, didn’t have anything that jumped out at me to define them from any ole character out there. Will, though, I will say was constantly pissing me off so that did get some sort of emotional response out of me while reading this. The character motivations behind the changes in their relationships also left me searching for more. It didn’t truly make much sense to me and I feel there could’ve been more depth. This book didn’t keep me very interested. I came out of it feeling somewhat bored overall. It fell pretty flat for me in the end.

This book description drew me in. As someone who isn’t *super* familiar with open relationships, this book introduced them in a realistic, entertaining, witty way. I loved the character development throughout the story and their distinct POV- by the end of the book I felt like I knew them. I loved seeing the friendship between Holly and Fliss grow, and how reading it reminded me that love comes in so many forms beyond romantic.

fresh idea. I think it really explained situations that happen when these types of relationships are happening or are brought into monogamous situations.

Enjoyed the friend meet-cute and development of the friendship. After a while the "romances" became secondary, I just wanted to see how the two friends, Holly and Fliss, would work through their opposite predicaments. Each of them grew through knowing each other, and I think became happier individuals. I'm not sure if the question "what if the One isn't the only one?" was really answered, but maybe that's the point.

I was instantly drawn into this blurb, and went into it with very minimal knowledge of open relationships outside of people I know engaging in it a bit. Open Minded presented the topic in a way that was witty, entertaining, and insightful. The characters were very well developed and (MOSTLY) extremely likable. The different POVs were very distinct and had a lot of personality. I loved this one!

Definitely 4 1/2 stars!!!

Wow! What a delightful,witty, and thought-provoking book. Open Minded walks us through two relationships, one newly open and one newly exclusive and how it affected each person.

I read this book so quickly. It was well written and an interesting storyline that kept me hooked.

Read if you like:

🧡 Different relationship types
🧡 Women finding their voice
🧡 Friendships

I recommend this book to anyone who loves a new or different perspective in life and love.

Thank you NetGalley, Harper Collins Publishers, and Chloe Seager, for the E-ARC in exchange for an honest review. It was so fun to read.

This book was really interesting to read. The storyline was new to me, not the concept itself, but seeing it written about in this way.

I'm a jealous person, in all aspects of my life. There's no way I could ever have an open relationship, but man, it was fascinating to read about the relationships in this book. The true open relationship and the wannabe one.

I think the author did a really good job exploring the fallback from both kinds of relationships, with family and friends. And how it's really about knowing yourself that matters.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

I enjoyed this story more than I expected to. It’s not something I’d typically be drawn to but I really liked the story and friendships/relationships. I feel like I gained a new perspective on open relationships and have a new respect for the different kinds of relationships people choose. Fliss and Holly felt very relatable. The storyline with Holly’s job was a bit predictable but I still appreciated it.

REVIEW: Open Minded by Chloe Seager

Open Minded by Chloe Seager takes place in London and focuses on two women, Holly and Fliss. Holly has been with the same man, Will, for many years and expects a wedding proposal. Instead, he asks if they can open up their relationship to make their own stronger. Fliss has been with Ash for three years in an open relationship. With trust and guidelines, they have made it work. Ash then asks Fliss if they can close their relationship and be exclusive. Holly and Fliss meet in a restaurant's bathroom and open up about their situations. They decide to help each other out.

I loved the characters in this book. Each chapter switches between Holly's and Fliss's points of view, which helps the reader get to know them better. Holly and Fliss go through significant character arcs that help them discover themselves. It is interesting to see how their thoughts on love and relationships change throughout the story. Each woman was unique, and I loved how Chloe Seager has written their voice. They were funny and sweet throughout. The characters also have some great friends and lovers, and there is chemistry and connection between them. It was interesting to see their relationships and situations being parallel to one another. It was a great way to open the reader's perspective on relationships, primarily when open relationships are written less.

I wasn't a big fan of miscommunication or not talking about it as a trope. Sometimes, I wanted to shake the characters and say, "Talk to each other!"

Overall, I enjoyed Open Minded. It still felt like a rom-com book but with a different twist.

Thank you, Netgalley and William Morrow, for the free advanced copy for my honest review!

4.5/5⭐️
Super cute book about a couple opening their relationship and a couple closing their relationship. The girls meet and become bffs. A book about stepping up for yourself and what you need. Bonus half star for the many Taylor Swift references!

I enjoyed reading this book and going on this journey of discovery with these characters. It opened my mind to explore new avenues of friendship with people and to be compassionate to others.