This was just so heartwarming! Cecily is a podcast producer who has been single for years, after her ex dumped her and took over their very successful indie podcast at the same time. Now she’s vaguely lonely and worried about job security when her boss tells her she has the opportunity to cohost a new show with an influencer who will set her up on 20 blind dates and engineer Cecily’s way to true love. Because she’d never meet someone on her own.

I found Linda Holmes’ writing style to be so warm. The main character’s voice was realistic and relatable, and she was someone I wanted to be friends with. I also loved that while the podcast dates were a (hilarious) part of the story, they weren’t the main point—the main point was Cecily’s inner story as she figured out how to bloom out of a life she’d outgrown. And the love interest!! Everything about the developing relationship was so cute, even though there were a few moments of tension near the 80% mark (iykyk!) that had my stomach twisted in knots with worry. If you have any interest in podcasting, that’s an added bonus—I loved getting a little glimpse into the inner workings of that world. A well-written, interesting book that I’m glad I stumbled into.

If you asked me my thoughts on a book centered around a mid-30s woman working for a podcast company, who unexpectedly meets a charming waiter and a dog, that’s been tasked with dating 20 different men, I’d initially say, “That’s sooo 2025,” but I’d also acknowledge that it’s a delightful little rom-com. Cecily is such a relatable character with a multitude of thoughts and emotions that I’ve definitely connected with. I’m incredibly grateful that I decided to read this book.

What a delightful rom-com! I find myself tired of books about podcasts, but this was a fresh angle that I really enjoyed. So much to love about this book- Cecily and Will were both interesting characters, not annoying, and had actual chemistry. I liked both of their individual family’s dynamics too, especially the sisters. There was a lot of good underlying commentary about what makes a job valid or important. Also, Buddy the dog was an excellent character.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House Ballantine Books for my free copy of the ebook! I started reading this DC-based story while in DC, and I loved that it even referenced taking the Amtrak Acela to NYC, which I was doing while reading that portion. I took the train all the way home to Boston from DC, and it was the perfect time to use a first-class upgrade 😍
Do you have a favorite podcast? If I have earbuds in, I’m usually listening to an audiobook, so I’ve never gotten into any podcasts. I know plenty of people who listen regularly and love them, though!
Cecily is a podcast producer, which means she does all of the behind the scenes stuff like editing, and she has always wanted to host her own show. Her boss brings her a show to host - but she is also the subject, as it’s about her going on 20 dates, put together by a celebrity shifting to be a dating guru, in order to find a new guy. It’s clear that the author has inside knowledge of podcast production, but the book hits the right blend of informative and fun, without being overly technical to a non-podcast person like me. I really enjoyed the family dynamics, the big dog, and Cecily’s growth. I was surprised when I saw this book out early last weekend and it was not in the romance section. Reading this book reminded me how much I enjoyed Flying Solo, the author’s previous book, and I definitely recommend both!

To save her job, Cecily is coerced into making a podcast about her dating life with a life coach/dating "guru," Eliza, who is nothing bur fake. But Cecily is thrown into a mix of dates set by Eliza, she can't stop thinking about Will, the guy she keeps bumping into everywhere.

"You weren't breathing."
This is such a vague line but until you read this book, you won't realize how hot & profound it was regarding the context.

Linda Holmes' writing is flawless & it immediately pulled me into a trance. I loved Cecily & Will so much. Cecily's journey felt so real & raw. My blood pressure spiked when Eliza made her do those stupid stuff that impacted both her & Will.

Will was a sweetheart. I love those love interests who never have to be loud in order to show their affections. Will could just be staring at you & you'll know you're loved. He was the most gentlest soul ever.

Always a fan of Linda & can't wait for what's next by her.

Thank you Netgalley and publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Really enjoyed this one. Cecile and Will, the story, the banter, the podcasting scene…it was so good. Landed somewhere between women’s fiction and romcom for me, but still really liked it. Full review to come here and on GR/amazon

Cecily has always wanted to host her own podcast, and not just produce them as she’s currently doing. When her boss finally gives her a big break, it’s not exactly what she has in mind. She’s going too the focal point of a new podcast on relationships/dating. She’ll be going out with 20 men, picked for her by a relationship/dating guru/influencer. Cecily is not thrilled with the idea but she’s got incentives to go through with it. Of course the last she expected was to have a chance meeting with Will, a guy who was chasing down a loose dog. Since he isn’t part of the podcast, Will is off limits and yet she keeps running into him. This was a cute, quick and easy read. I’d like to thank Random House Publishing Group/Ballantine Books, and NetGalley for the opportunity too read and review an eARC of Back After This.

https://www.amazon.com/review/RYHD8V3CR5NEG/ref=pe_123899240_1043597390_SRTC0204BT_cm_rv_eml_rv0_rv

LOVED IT! As someone who's a big podcast listener I found the exploration of that career very interesting. A different reviewer mentioned how Linda Holmes is just as amazing as Emily Henry, but without the big mainstream success and I couldn't agree more! If you love Henry's books you absolutely need to read Holmes books too! You will be in for such a treat! Shout out to Netgalley for the free digital arc of this book!

Think of a podcast version of The Bachelorette but without the cattiness among contestants and the rose ceremonies....and you'll have Back After This!
Back After This is Ms. Holmes' third novel and it also follows the same theme of her earlier work: focus on a woman in need of a change! In this novel, we meet Cecily. She's in her mid-30's and produces podcasts. She's relatively happy with her work-focused life, but really wants to host a podcast of her own. In an effort to boost revenue and subscribers, her boss proposes that Cecily be the subject of a show that will help her, after 20 blind dates, find love.
It was an interesting premise and story and Ms. Holmes provides us with many laugh out loud moments with her witty writing style. Of course, there are great details about producing podcasts. I would love to know if there was a real life Miles Banfield!
Thanks to Netgalley and Ballantine Books for the opportunity to read Back After This. I received a complimentary copy of the book and opinions expressed are completely my own.

3.5 ⭐️ loved this book so much!!! So cute and cozy! The characters were so well written and the story line had such a great pace, buddy was definitely the star of the show for me!!! I already want to reread it!

Thank you Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine via
NetGalley for this amazing eARC!

I adore this book. Half romcom, half coming into your own as a person. Cecily is a podcast producer who’s coerced into doing a dating makeover show with a social media influencer. The catch is that she’ll be the focus of the show. And then she meets Will all on her own. Possibly the best meet cute ever written. Cecily & Will have great chemistry but getting involved with him could hurt the show and her career. I really appreciated Cecily as a slightly older woman learning to trust herself & trying to balance a career with the possibility of love. This book is very funny & I snort laughed multiple times. I’ve already recommended widely. Linda Holmes can do no wrong.

I've been a long time listener of Linda Holmes and really adore her -- and loved her first novel, so I was very excited to receive an early copy of her new one. I enjoyed it quite a bit and really loved both characters. I adored Will, he was a perfect character and so swoony.

I loved the glimpse inside the podcasting world -- and laughed about the Eliza character, knowing that people like that are real.

Overall this was very sweet and endearing, and left me smiling and heart warmed. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys unique rom coms.

Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced copy of this book!

Back After This was an easy read with a sweet meet-cute. We follow Cecily Foster and her ups and downs in her professional life as a podcast editor, creator and sometimes host which then bleeds into her personal life in the most unexpected of ways. And although I liked Cecily well enough, she kind of grated on my nerves after a bit, her selflessness turning into martyrdom a bit too much. She was great to everyone around her, including the wonderful Will, yet she loves to self-sabotage way too often for the good of the world around her.

The idea of her having 20 dates as part of a popular influencer's pitch to Cecily's boss is one that has her doubting herself over and over again. But I will say that she handles all the crazy quite well, with her sister Molly as her go-to sounding board and Will as the man who is truly the one who should be by her side. Not these pseudo happily ever afters that the over the top Elise arranges for her.

The pace is good and the premise is fresh. I just felt a bit bored at times and the writing was a bit dry at points. But I am happy with the way things turned out and enjoyed the lively banter between Cecily and Will and the crazy scene-stealer in Buddy. And I give kudos to the author for writing about what she knows, giving us a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the world of podcasts.

3 stars.

I wasn’t sure what to expect from this story. It seems like writing about podcasts is all the rage right now and I’ve read a couple of good romance novels similar to this story but once I started I realized how different this authors writing was from the other stories I’ve read about podcasters. Cecily’s life was kind of at a crossroads, but she’s stuck in a rut working behind the scenes instead of going after what she really wants. Despite not wanting to put her love life on-air and being a little skeptical about whether Eliza has a background to give advice on love, she gives in. Her conflicting feelings only grow when she meets someone on her own and likes him better than any of the men she’s set up with she gains insight into her own feelings.

Back After This isn’t a romance novel as much as it’s a novel about self exploration and I think it works. At first Cecily seemed kind of altruistic- if she does the podcast she saves her friends jobs. I get it, you love your team, but if her character didn’t have some growth through the novel I probably wouldn’t have stuck with continuing to the end. Although I really did love the hot waiter.

Although this book started off slowly, Cecily’s journey was both hilarious and poignant. I found myself laughing and smoking repeatedly at her antics. The author made the podcast world come alive and the character of Eliza was the perfect caricature of every Instagram influencer you’ve ever watched. I was surprised at some of the twists and found myself rooting for Cecily more with each chapter.

What I really love about Linda Holmes' stories is that her female heroines have principles. They may not have things all figured out in life, but they take a moral stand when it means the most. In Back After This, Cecily Foster is a podcast producer who yearns to host a smash hit podcast of her own while being stuck behind the scenes. Then, bang, she finds herself as a central star in a dating makeover podcast with a social media influencer as her romance mentor. What could possibly go wrong with 20 blind dates curated by her new media BFF?

At times, I found this story to be full of drama and humor. At other times, it seemed to drag. But together, it just worked and felt more like real life. While we have our fun and games at times, most of life is slowly unraveling and taking us to parts unknown. I think some people may be disappointed by the lack of resolution at the end, but again, this is just a reflection of real life. Most of us are living our lives just for now and not in some tidy ending. What would be the fun in that?

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine | Ballantine Books for the opportunity to read and review this complimentary ARC.

What a fun romcom! This author does great writing a fun romance that isn’t just fluff. Don’t get me wrong, I love fluff, but sometimes I want a little more depth. :)

*Thanks to NetGalley and Ballantine for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.*

Having thoroughly enjoyed Linda Holmes' first and second books, I was excited to read Back After This and it lived up to my hopes. I found myself laughing out loud multiple times - I can't tell you how rare that is for me! I wished I could be friends with the main character, Cecily, and the supporting characters were all fleshed out, believable, and lovable folks. Knowing Linda is a radio/podcast host, I was not disappointed by the behind the scenes look at podcast production. I learned so much! (And enjoyed this book far more than another recent read - a thriller about a true crime podcast - that lacked firsthand experience and insights.)

4.5/5 stars

Cecile is a podcast producer who has always wanted to host her own show. When her boss asks her to be the subject of a new show she agrees, with the stipulation that he gives her and her friend/mentor a chance to create the podcast that she wants once this project is done. The problem is that the podcast he wants her to be involved in is about Cecile going on 20 dates arranged by influencer/life coach Eliza. But, as was bound to happen, she meets a great guy in her own, Will, who works at her favorite restaurant, and he likes her too! But as Cecile goes along with the dates she keeps crossing paths with Will. Is the universe trying it tell her something?
I’m personally over the whole podcast book trend that is everywhere lately, but to be fair, this wasn’t as podcast based as it was offline, which made it more enjoyable. Dating through Cecily was fun bc I didn’t have to go on any dates and her banter with Eliza was fab.
Can you find yourself while looking for someone else?
Thanks to Ballantine and NetGalley for this eArc in exchange for my review.

Back After This was so cute!! I loved learning more about the podcasting industry, but also loved seeing Cecily break out of the mold she was accustomed to, try new things and also kind of fight the patriarchy. I was definitely very invested in seeing Cecily and Will's relationship evolve!

This was a super fun read. I laughed out loud quite a bit! Definitely recommend picking this up this Spring!