4.25 stars 🤩

BACK AFTER THIS by Linda Holmes

Thank you @ballantinebooks @atrandombooks for my gifted copies 🫶🏼

📜Story time: It was May 2020 and I was losing my mind. I was working twelve-hour days from home, helping a kindergartner and a high schooler with distance learning, and like so many others, my COVID-induced stress level was through the roof. I needed some time to myself before I had a complete meltdown, so I scheduled a solo beach trip for the first time in my life. It was on this trip that I discovered Linda Holmes through her debut novel Evvie Drake Starts Over.... I absolutely loved it. It was the right book, at the right time, and provided just the escape I needed. She's now an auto-buy author and will always hold a special place in my heart due to this connection. 🥹💝

ANYWAY..... 🤪

About her newest book, Back After This:

Podcast producer Cecily Foster is used to working behind the scenes—until she’s offered the chance to host her own show. The twist? It’s all about her love life! With the guidance of a relationship coach and a stream of blind dates, Cecily navigates the world of public vulnerability for content. But when a charming photographer enters her life off mic, things get complicated fast!

I really enjoyed this one!! The vibe is women's fiction meets slow burn romance, and the result is a heartfelt, humorous, and overall feel-good story. Holmes nails the voice of a modern woman figuring it out and finding herself... and the swoony, tender romance was just the icing on the cake! If you’re a fan of Katherine Center, you’ll absolutely adore Linda Holmes!

📌 Available now!
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Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review!

This was a really cute, low-angst rom-com which is just how I like it! it also features a dog and a side character named Julie. It literally has my name written all over it. HA!

I had high hopes for this after enjoying Evvie Drake Starts Over, and was not disappointed! In this book we meet Cecily who has been single for four years after her boyfriend of 5 years left her high and dry by casually breaking up with her and keeping their place to live as well as the podcast he took all the credit for. The company Cecily is working for asks her to do a project where she works with an influencer who is getting paid to curate 20 men for Cecily to go on dates with in hopes of finding "the one". The company isn't doing well and is facing layoffs so although Cecily doesn't want to do it, she agrees to secure her own job and that of her coworker, Julie.

Before the project officially begins, Cecily meets Will and there is an instant connection. He considers asking her out, but she says it isn't a good idea because of the 20 dates she has to go on for a work project. Also, Will was only supposed to be in town until his lease ended and then he would be moving, so Cecily didn't want to get in too deep for something that would end in three months. However, Cecily and Will continue to run into one another all the time and feelings begin to grow between them. Cecily then faces the choice of following her heart and risking her and Julie's jobs, or following her commitment to her work and risking losing Will.

Cecily and Will's relationship was so much fun to watch develop. They are a great example of how great relationships should be based on friendships and not just attraction.

If you like low-angst rom-coms with older characters who make mature decisions, then this book is for you!

I don’t usually read romance novels but I am a huge Linda Holmes fan from her work on NPR. I did enjoy her first two books, which didn’t feel as much like romance novels to me because the main character had story lines beyond just the romance. Unfortunately because of the plot, in this one the entire story is just the romance and it was one of those stories where the entire conflict could be resolved by just having some honest conversations. Cecily is a podcast producer at a struggling network. She likes her job but is frustrated that she doesn’t get to create the kind of content she wants to and is still reeling from her ex-boyfriend basically stealing the podcast they created together. When her boss asks her to be the subject of their next podcast, a matchmaking podcast where an influencer/life coach sets her up on a series of 20 dates in the hopes of finding her perfect match, she very much does not want to do it but agrees to on the promise of job safety for her friends and a chance to do the podcast she wants to when this one is finished. She goes into the project with an open mind, but she can’t stop thinking about the guy she met randomly just before the show started and who keeps popping up in her life. I did enjoy the podcast side of the storyline as she revealed enough behind the scenes details to keep it interesting but the romance side felt flat to me. As I said, there were no honest conversations and parts of it felt very one-dimensional so I never invested in the love story. I wanted to like this one but unfortunately I just did not.

Loved it!!
I’ve had her books on my TBR, so when I received this book I knew it was a sign to read her work. There’s authors whose writing feels like a conversation with a friend. This book felt like that. I was hooked from the first chapter and I read it in a day. I couldn’t stop, I was too invested in what was going to happen. The story felt real to me as I watched Cecily navigate life with an unstable job, loneliness, and the future of her career. If there’s one thing I love in romance it’s serendipity, gets me every time. Watching these two fall in love made my heart melt. Definitely a must read!

**3-Star Review of *Back After This* by Linda Holmes**

*Back After This* by Linda Holmes is a cozy, character-driven novel that explores themes of career, identity, and finding one's place in the world. The story follows Nora, a woman who returns to her hometown after a career setback in an attempt to figure out what comes next. The book delves into her personal journey as she reconnects with old friends and family, while also confronting past relationships and unresolved feelings.

Holmes’ writing is warm and relatable, and she excels at creating an authentic, small-town atmosphere that gives the story heart. Nora is a likable protagonist, and her inner conflict is genuine and grounded. However, while the book captures some poignant moments of self-discovery, the pacing can feel slow at times, and the plot doesn’t offer many surprises. Some of the secondary characters lack depth, and their storylines don't always feel as fully developed as Nora’s.

In the end, *Back After This* is a solid, feel-good read, but it doesn’t quite manage to deliver the emotional punch that might make it stand out in the genre. It’s a good choice for those looking for a light, reflective read, but it doesn't leave a lasting impact.

This isn't my usual genre but someone I trusted had a glowing review so I impulse requested it, then didn't start it until the day it came out, and my book club read it with me. We all loved it. I especially liked the dialogue. The characters felt like real people. Although I didn't like how some of the "villains" were a little one dimensional, with the exception of the influencer-turned-matchmaker, whom I think I would've read a spinoff of. This makes me want to read her other novels for sure.

Back After This puts jaded podcast producer right where she doesn't want to be - center of attention for a romance podcast. Cue awkward dates, social media influencer drama, relationship twists - this novel had the right balance of solid backstory, character development and fun!

Thank you to Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for an ARC.

4.5 ☆ i was kindly given the arc of this months ago, but i foolishly put off reading it because i had experienced linda’s other books via audio and loved them so much that i worried i wouldn’t enjoy this one as much if i read it with my eyes. while that may have been somewhat true, i think i would’ve loved it either way!!! i’m glad i ultimately chose the audiobook because it was an absolute delight and such a lovely listening experience!!! i adored the main characters—their relationship was so easy and sweet!!! the premise was fantastic, and i’m so so happy that i finally read it!!!


thank you the publisher and netgalley for a free e-arc in exchange for my honest review.

I have loved Linda Holmes' previous books, and when I heard another was coming out, I immediately looked for it on Netgalley, where I was fortunate enough to get a review copy. And true to form, I loved this one, set in the world of podcasting, about which Linda Holmes knows a whole lot. (Note: one of the podcasts she does, Pop Culture Happy Hour, is where I learned about this book. Check it out!)

The characters are engaging, the writing is good, and the messy imperfections of the characters and their love story is believable. Thus the ending feels earned, not pulled out of a hat. Which is what I really like in a romcom type story!

Any time the dog is an entire character and mood of the book, I'm here for it. A dog that reflects the character of the owner, even better. Generally I love the author so it's no surprise I liked this book. As podcasts have grown in popularity, it was great to see the one and outs but also the "same crap different job" kind of elements -- being taken for granted, overworked, overlooked, having layoffs and cuts, etc. Some moments were perfect comedy, I wanted more, I never wanted less.

This was a funny, sweet novel, exactly what I want when reading a romance. I loved the fact that the main character worked in podcasting. It was so interesting learning about the behind the scenes. Highly recommend!

This book was super cute and I loved the coincidence or serendipity vibes. There was witty banter (my fave) and laugh out loud moments that made this book fantastic! Also, I’m a sucker for a book with a dog!! I think I’ll have to try out the other books from Linda Holmes.

“Back After This” by Linda Holmes is about Cecily Foster who is a podcast producer and becomes the host of a dating show. The writing is fantastic, the slow-burn romance between Cecily and Will was swoon worthy, and it was surprisingly funny. The pacing was a little off but it was still a really enjoyable read. It reminded me of “First Time Caller”. Fans of that book will enjoy this one.
Thank you to NetGallery and William Morrow for an advanced copy of this ebook in exchange for my honest review.

Cecily finally has a chance to host her own podcast show. The catch is that it’s about her own love life. Working with relationship coach/influencer Eliza, Cecily agrees to go on twenty dates of Eliza’s choosing. In a stroke of bad timing, Cecily meets Will and can see herself falling for him. But that’s not part of Eliza’s plans.

I really enjoyed the plot of the story but was frustrated by the advice Cecily was given throughout her dating journey. I loved the development of the relationship between Will and Cecily. This cute romance novel should inspire people to follow their own paths and listen to their hearts.

Was excited to pick up Linda Holmes newest book. This one was middle of the road for me. It was entertaining and breezy but there was a greater focus on the intricacies of podcasting than on the love story. I appreciated seeing Cecily's growth, and how she navigated the course of the Twenty Dates podcast, and thought Will was charming.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing access to a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.

A Unique Concept, But Not Quite the Romance I Was Hoping For

I went into this book expecting a lighthearted rom-com, but it leaned much more heavily into the world of podcasting than romance, which wasn’t quite what I was looking for. While the behind-the-scenes look at producing and editing a podcast was interesting, it often overshadowed the romantic storyline.

Cecily teams up with influencer Eliza to go on 20 dates, hoping it’ll give her podcast a boost—and maybe help her find love along the way. While Eliza didn’t exactly succeed in finding her a match, I did appreciate her tough-love attitude and the life lessons she helped Cecily uncover.

The highlight for me was the sweet and serendipitous connection between Cecily and Will. Their meet-cute and chance encounters had real potential, and I found myself wishing the story had focused more on developing their relationship.

Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine books for this free advanced copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily

Back After This is such a cozy, feel-good read. Linda Holmes nails the mix of heart and humor, and the characters are super relatable—like people you’d actually want to hang out with. It’s about love, second chances, and figuring things out without it ever feeling too heavy. Just a really lovely, satisfying story. I wouldn’t say it my favorite of hers but definitely worth the read!!

Another solid book from Linda Holmes! I’ve loved her writing through her first two books (Evvie Drake Starts Over & Flying Solo) and this provided much of the same.

I really enjoyed learning a bit more about the podcasting business and found the romance between Cecily and Will just the right balance of sweet and serious. It didn’t feel “quite” as good as her first two efforts (more of a 3.5) but it was a fun, escapist read that came along at the right time.

Cute book, a bit predictable at times, but I did enjoy it overall. Cecily is essentially forced by her boss to host a podcast where she must undergo 20 blind dates which are set up by an influencer, but before she starts the dating process, she meets a man she keeps running into. I did enjoy Cecily's character growth and how she evolved throughout the book. This was my second book by the author, and I did enjoy this one more than the first.

Thanks to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine and NetGalley for providing an eARC in exchange for my honest review.

This is an engaging and heartwarming novel that invites readers into Cecily Foster’s world—a podcast producer who’s navigating the messy yet meaningful intersections of career, friendship, and love. The premise, centered around a modern dating podcast, offers not just romance but also thoughtful explorations of identity and self-worth. The dynamics between Cecily and Eliza Cassidy—a relentlessly optimistic influencer—are both entertaining and layered, as they challenge Cecily to reevaluate her views on love and personal boundaries. Throw in Will, a charming photographer with a lovable dog, and the story becomes even more touching and genuine. Holmes crafts her characters with care, allowing readers to see their flaws and strengths in equal measure, which makes the relationships feel authentic. The book combines humor, heartfelt moments, and a touch of suspense as Cecily faces a crossroads in her life.