Back After This was my first Linda Holmes novel, and I really enjoyed it. Her writing is warm, thoughtful, and emotionally honest, with characters that feel real and lived-in. The story explores themes of grief, growth, and second chances in a way that’s heartfelt without being overly heavy, and there’s just the right touch of humor woven throughout.

I appreciated the emotional depth and the subtle, steady way the story unfolded. The relationships—both romantic and otherwise—felt genuine, and the setting added a comforting, familiar atmosphere that grounded the narrative beautifully.

While the pacing worked well for me and the story held my interest throughout, it didn’t quite hit that unforgettable, 5-star level. That said, it’s a solid, well-written, and satisfying read that I’m really glad I picked up—and it definitely made me want to explore more of Holmes’ books!

Thank you NetGalley and Ballentine Publishing for my DRC!

An easy, middle rated book. Very predictable, but no less enjoyable because of it. I enjoyed the story, I just don't feel particularly attached to any of the characters. Overall, an easy three star read.

I don’t often find romance books that are pretty close to PG for spice, well-written, and a story that is not totally predictable. Back After ThIs is one of those rare finds. On a backdrop of podcast production, we meet Cecily who has a full life with good friends and a satisfying career. She doesn’t have a boyfriend and as someone in a specific target market, she is offered up as the subject - and given the chance to host - a dating disguised as self care podcast. The goal is to help her be intentional, but it requires her to override her instincts. Back After This is a book I would let my 13 year old read but one that I also enjoyed. If there was one thing I would change it is that the chapter titles gave too much away. Have fun with Cecily and crew!

Cute, fun read. I liked the details about her work and podcasting. The meet cute(s) were a delight. I liked all the minor subplots and how they rounded out the main story.

In this fun new romance novel, readers follow podcast creator Cecily Foster as she works to rebuild her life and career after a colleague stole her heart and ideas (and made her podcast idea incredibly successful). When she gets the chance to host her own podcast, she jumps at the opportunity even though the show will be about her dating life and she has to follow influencer and relationship coach Eliza Cassidy’s advice to the letter. Coerced into the conditions to protect her friend’s job, Cecily has to stick with the twenty date plan even though she can’t stop thinking about photographer Will and the crossroads she is stuck at. With a fun mix of tropes and realistic worries, this book is an entertaining and emotional romance novel that fans of the genre will love. Cecily’s dynamics with Eliza, Will, and the other characters really bring the story to life, and these relationships are central to Cecily’s character arc and development over the course of the novel. Her concerns about her life path and her worries are really relatable, and readers will empathize with her struggles and enjoy her story as she embarks on a scheduled and spontaneous search for love.

It took me a minute to get into this one but once I did I was invested! I didn't really relate to any of the characters but I adore Linda Holmes' ability to write real flawed people even when they drive me crazy.

My first Linda Holmes book, and I am sorry to say that it was an absolute flop. I was bored out of my mind while reading. I even considered DNFing it.

Cecily Foster is a podcast producer who has put dating on hold after a former colleague/boyfriend stole her ideas and broke her heart. She has been begging her new boss to allow to her to host her own show and he finally offers her the chance, but there’s a catch of course– the show will be about Cecily’s dating life and she will be working with a popular influencer named Eliza to be set up on twenty blind dates. While Cecily does not love the idea of putting her love life on display, the boss hints at department cuts and promises to ensure the safety of her friend’s job so she feels she has no choice. As soon as she has committed to doing the show, she bumps into a man named Will who she helps rescue a big loveable lost dog and cannot stop thinking about him… or coincidentally running into him. However, he is not part of the plan and getting involved with him in any way would definitely complicate the show. Eliza is also strongly discouraging it. With her job potentially in jeopardy, will Cecily finish the show and be able to take the advice she received and find happiness both in love and in her career?
This was such a cute and delightful read! I loved Cecily’s energy and her commentary on her boss and the influencer references. Will seemed like a very likable and charming character, and the dog definitely didn’t hurt either! Seeing the behind the scenes of podcast production was interesting as well. I think the book had a lot of valuable messages about career, age, trauma from past relationships, and not trying to force love and instead listening to your heart. It was a very fun read and I would recommend it to others, especially if you enjoy romantic comedy reads! Thank you to NetGalley, Linda Holmes, and Ballantine Books for the gifted ARC. This is a voluntary and honest review.

I really liked this rom-com! Was it predictable? Of course. Was it enjoyable from start to finish? Of course!

Back After This is about Cecily, a podcaster who works at a flailing company who is offered the opportunity to host the podcast of her dreams. But first, she has to do the one the boss wants: help save the company. Cecily will host a podcast, working with Eliza, a type-A life coach/matchmaker, who will set her up on 20 dates. It’s been a while since she’s dated, and there’s the promise of her dream come true, so even though she is apprehensive, she agrees.

Before the show ever gets on the air, Cecily is surprised by a runaway Great Dane and the man chasing him. She has everything one might need in that big bag of hers and is able to help catch the dog and just like that, she’s met Will and Buddy.

Will continues to pop up in Cecily’s life and he seems to be the whole package, but Eliza has a formula and Cecily is forbidden from dating outside the podcast until the show is finished. Eliza’s hard-driving, ambitious character is a great contrast to Cecily and by the end of the story, you can’t help but like Eliza a little more than you might have at the beginning.

There is a lot of shop talk in this book. Linda Holmes is a podcaster (Pop Culture Happy Hour), so she knows of what she speaks. It sometimes bogged down the storyline, but I liked learning a little more about what goes on behind the scenes.

My thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Cecily is the mother of her friends group, all of her coworkers go-to, and has a broken heart. She sticks with podcasts, even after her failed relationship steals her most successful work - the podcast she created and made the best with her ex. She's fed up with her job and boss. But, her boss tells her its on her shoulders to keep her friends job. So, she bites the bullet and goes to a dating "expert" and does a podcast about her misadventures. As the saying goes "you'll find your person when you stop looking". She wasn't interested in dating, even doing the dating tips. But, she happens to meet someone days leading up to her first date. Could Will be the one?! Fun, easy read and there is a DOG, so what can be better?

First I want to say thank you Penguin Random House and NetGally for this arc.I really enjoyed this book. It all felt so realistic al the way down to the side characters. I found myself laughing and smiling so hard! I feel this so many lessons in this book that you could apply to real life. Who would have known I’ll be so invested in a fake podcast. I loved everything about this book. I can’t wait to see what more this author has to offer.

3.5 stars. I liked this one, I definitely went in and out of interest in it, so it didn't fully captivate my attention for the entire read, but overall I liked it.

I'd give this book a 3.5 stars. This is the second book I've read by this author. I liked the idea of this book focusing around podcast but it didn't move as quickly as I wanted. Also I had an idea what the conflict would be before we found out. I did like the 2 main characters. It would be a good beach or summer read.
Thanks NetGalley for the advanced copy.

#BackAfterThis
#NetGalley

I think BACK AFTER THIS would be good for podcast fans and maybe those who use dating apps, or, like back in my day - speed dating - cringe.

Once I read she'd have to go on 20 dates the whole podcast project seemed overwhelming to me. I didn't really want to read about 20 dates.

I had a hard time connecting to all the characters - except I love Great Danes ...

I feel like podcast-related romances are becoming a trope and it's sort of overdone now.

Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for an e-copy of BACK AFTER THIS to review.

I rate BACK AFTER THIS three out of five stars.

I am a massive fan of ‘Evvie Drake Starts Over’ and ‘Flying Solo’(as well as all of her work for NPR)and was delighted by another book by Linda Holmes. ‘Back After This’ feels the most informed by Holmes’s experience as a woman in media and she does a wonderful job balancing honest reflections on that world with the fun of a romantic comedy. I was instantly charmed by Cecily and her fierce dedication to her friends and sister and drawn in by the story device of her 20 dates guided by influencer Eliza. I can so imagine my friends and I following along with this podcast (and I can imagine myself doom scrolling through Eliza’s page). Perfectly balances heartwarming fun and serious reflections on media and finding your purpose. Highly recommend for fans of Emily Henry, Rachel Lynn Solomon, and Mhairi McFarlane.

Back After This is a gentle, thoughtful novel about second chances, set against the unique and intimate backdrop of the podcasting world.
Linda Holmes once again delivers a heartwarming, character-driven story, though this one takes a little time to find its rhythm. The rich setting of podcast production and the layered world of audio storytelling add a refreshing depth. What truly shines, however, is the endearing relationship between the two main characters, Cecily and Will—filled with tenderness, vulnerability, and a quiet kind of love that sneaks up on you. Their dynamic is both lovely and believable, making this a comforting read.

I really enjoy how this author's works are first and foremost about a female main character learning about herself and the romance is thrown in kind of as an aside.

I was very interested in the world of Audio work and thought that things were well explained and laid out in this story. There were definitely a few twists/revelations that surprised me which I liked.

I love that Buddy and The Beast made it to the front cover as well. Those bits felt authentic to the story line and characters. The overall concept was really unique and pulled me in pretty immediately and the pacing kept me interested the entire book.

Will be recommending to my friends!

Look no further for a feel good, breezy summer read! I've read (and loved) another book by this author - "Evvie Drake Starts Over", and she hit it out of the park with "Back After This" as well.

Cecily is a podcaster who always works hard to move up in the podcasting world. She has dreams and goals, and by agreeing to participate in a podcast about matchmaking, she thinks this will help her move up the ladder. Will this work? Will she also find love when she has been so unlucky with past relationships?

This book has everything - well portrayed characters, humor (it is rare for me to laugh out loud at a book, but I did FOUR times reading this one!), and a giant dog. What more could a reader want? Highly recommend checking out this book!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced reading copy.

I fell in love with Linda Holmes when I randomly requested Evie Drake Starts Over. I look forward to every new release!
She does romcom style books so well. I felt this was missing a little something but it was still a solid 4 stars.

I absolutely adored this book! I loved the premise, the characters, the love story. Just all of it was fun to read and a it was a great vacation book!