This was my first book by Linda Holmes and I loved it! Having spent a large amount of time in DC/Maryland/Virginia area, there was something extra nostalgic in it for me. I could imagine walking down the DC streets and the general city life that she so beautifully describes. It took me a little bit to get into it - there was a lot of podcast jargon that I didn’t always connect with, but once I hit the 30% mark, I raced to get to the end of the story. The banter that Cecily and Will shared was sublime. Upon reflection, If I could say only one thing about this read, it’s this: I truly gleaned something quite powerful from it. Eliza’s assertiveness and confidence is something that I would like to bring with me into my own life. I’ve recommended this to friends and I’m super excited for it to be published. 5 stars!
Thanks to Megan Whalen at Random House for reaching out with this title and to NetGalley for providing an eARC.

Evvie Drake Starts Over and Flying Solo have been two of my favorite books in recent years, so I was beyond excited to get an advanced copy of Back After This. Linda Holmes has quickly become one of my auto-buy authors and this may be her best book yet.

Linda's background in podcasting gives readers SUCH a fun glimpse into how your favorite podcast really comes together. Cecily and Will's relationship was so fun to follow along with and I didn't want the book to end.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House - Ballantine for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️
release date: 2/25/25

*FMC: Cecily - podcast producer/editor, workaholic, but dreaming of hosting her own podcast someday
*Cecily meets Will via an adorable meet cute involving a giant dog named Buddy
*Cecily is offered her big break, a dating show where she is the subject and goes on 20 first dates, picked by a famous influencer. She is told not to date outside of the show, but she keeps running into Will and they become friends (well, he clearly likes her but gracefully accepts his friend zoning).
*Cecily tries her best not to fall in love with Will but struggles (for good reason)
*Drama and self discovery ensue
*heavy 2000s romcom vibes

I enjoyed this book, but I wanted even MORE of Cecily and Will together being friends, because it was so much fun to read when they were both on the page. Overall a cute romcom with great side characters and an interesting glimpse into the worlds of podcasting and being an influencer.

Thanks to netgalley and Ballantine for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest review

This book was absolutely phenomenal! BACK AFTER THIS is the will they/won't they book of the year -- it's funny, smart, and filled with heart. I loved the focus on the main character's own internal dilemma and the social commentary on work, passion, and love. This book is so relevant as it touches on the switch from audio/podcasts to other forms of media like short form video, as well as the way dating works today. Seems like the apps and matchmaking have made a huge comeback, along with this emphasis on paper compatibility. I liked how Cecily is able to meet someone organically, especially since the modern meet cute is often swiping right on an app. This novel was truly a delight-- I can't recommend it enough!

Linda Holmes always delivers an enjoyable story, and while this one kept my attention, it wasnt my favorite of hers.
I loved the unusual setting (podcasting), but quickly got tried of the "dating coach", I wish that our FMC had shown more back bone, but she was a lovable character anyway. MMC was also a delight, and I always was eager for him to appear on the page and looked forward to their interactions.

Overall a sweet romance that kept me engaged.

Obsessed! My romance kick is still going strong and this one really delivered. I thought Holmes did an excellent job crafting the world of audio/podcasting and I loved being inside and feeling like an insider in a world that I know nothing about. This book had me smiling, giggled x1, and of course feeling all the romcom feels. I felt like Cecily’s self discovery was so wholesome and I loved her story with Will. Eliza bothered by me and I didn’t really see redemption for her but I’m glad that Cecily did - after all, what Eliza did embolden Cecily to do was stand up for herself. Thanks netgalley for the ARC!

Would rate a 3.5 if I could. Really enjoyed the main character in this. Her point of view was relatable and easy to read. The romance was not too insta-love and had a realistic timeline. The supporting characters were enjoyable as well. Overall a really fun and easy romance and would recommend! Loved the dog aspect of the story as well.

Cecily is a podcast editor, trying to keep the company she works for afloat. When her boss drops a bombshell, she reluctantly agrees to save the sinking ship by hosting a dating podcast—something she never imagined doing. Enter Eliza, a high-energy Instagram influencer turned self-proclaimed dating coach, who convinces Cecily to embark on a wild experiment: 20 blind dates with men of Eliza's choosing.

From the start, Cecily is skeptical of Eliza’s qualifications (and honestly, same). The dating advice was cringey, the guys were total duds, and I found myself rooting for Cecily to just trust her gut. Though Cecily wasn’t my favorite protagonist, her journey proved one thing: we all deserve someone who loves us exactly as we are.

As a fan of Love Is Blind and The Bachelor, I was sure this would be my next 5-star read. Linda Holmes usually nails it with her relatable characters and heartfelt plots, but this one fell a little flat for me.

While the pacing was slow, the female friendships, adorable sister moments, and laugh-out-loud banter kept me invested. This one is for fans of slow burns, cozy banter, and stories about finding love on your own terms. There's some spice but it’s minimal and authentic and sweet.

Thank you to Ballantine Books and NetGalley for this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Cecily Foster is a podcast producer and is very good at her job. She would like to host her own podcast if only her boss would give her a chance. In a “careful what you wish for” moment, Cecily is getting her podcast – the catch: it will be about her dating (or lack of) life and she will be mentored by a renown self-help coach Eliza. Cecily is set up on 20 blind dates over the course of 3 weeks. Before the podcast prep work even begins, Cecily meets Will while trying to catch a runaway Great Dane – and they keep unintentionally meeting up. But Cecily has a deal with Eliza and sticks to her blind dates. Will she find true love?
Being that this is a rom-com, it is easy to see where this is going but it is still a fun ride. I thoroughly enjoyed it! 4 stars from me!
#BackAfterThis #NetGalley

Back After This by Linda Holmes is a delightful new romcom by the author of Evvie Drake Starts Over. I really enjoyed the FMC, Cecily, who works as a podcast producer. She’s a smart, funny, workaholic who has neglected her love life for many years. In an effort to advance her career, she agrees to host a dating podcast series with Eliza, a successful influencer turned life coach, that follows Cecily on 20 dates hand picked by Eliza. Meanwhile Cecily has a meet-cute on her own with Will (an adorable golden retriever type) and sparks fly. Drama ensues as Cecily gradually learns to ask for what she actually wants for her love life and career.
I enjoyed Cecily’s character growth and especially the witty banter between Cecily and Will. There are also several laugh out loud moments. The book was slow at times for me, and perhaps a little too “in the weeds” with how to produce a podcast. Overall would definitely recommend this one. 4/5⭐️

Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for an advanced copy. All opinions are my own. Expected publication date: 2/25/25

Linda Holmes has done it again! I have been in a beast of a reading slump and this book cracked it wide open. I loved the smart, relatable main character, the impossibly charming yet realistic love interest. I learned so much about an industry that I consume but have very little understanding of, and I loved that it had a strong sense of place in DC, Beyond that, Holmes’ writing crackles with whip-smart humor - I audibly laughed multiple times. Cannot wait for the audio version of this one! Linda Holmes remains an enthusiastic auto-buy for me!

I’m a fan of Holmes, both as an author and a podcaster so it’s no surprise I enjoyed this book. Like most rom-coms, you kind of know what’s going to happen, but I enjoyed the journey. I highly recommend this book.

This novel delivers a delightful mix of romance, personal growth, and witty banter, making for an enjoyable read from start to finish. Cecily, a podcast producer stuck in a job she feels unappreciated in, agrees to take part in a podcast about dating to save her company. The twist? She’s set up on 20 blind dates by a life coach/influencer, with everything being recorded for the world to hear. The story really picks up when Cecily meets Will, a charming man she encounters while he's chasing a giant dog through her neighborhood, leading to a sweet and unexpected connection. Will adds a layer of heart to the story, and his interactions with Cecily are often hilarious and touching.

The focus of the book isn’t so much on the dates themselves but on Cecily’s journey of self-discovery—learning to articulate what she truly wants from a relationship, her career, and herself. While the podcast world is explored in detail, it’s the relationship dynamics and Cecily’s character growth that really shine. The side characters, especially Cecily’s sister and Will, bring warmth and humor, while the dog, Buddy, is an absolute scene-stealer. Linda Holmes' writing is smart and heartfelt, balancing humor with deeper emotional moments. This book will resonate with anyone who enjoys character-driven stories with a mix of romance and self-reflection.

I have mixed feelings about the book. It was well written and easy to follow along. Though I didn’t really like the characters or feel a connection to the story.

I couldn't wait to read this new book by the author of Evvie Drake Starts Over. It didn't disappoint. Cecily has been a podcast producer for years but she has always wanted to host her own show. When her boss offers her a chance to do a podcast about her own dating/love life she is hesitant. She has to go on 21 first dates that have been set up by her producer. Just before her scheduled dates start Cecily has a chance encounter with Will. He is all she can think about the whole time. She honors her commitment to the show but she comes to a crossroads. She finally has a chance to do what makes her truly happy but will she take that chance? This book is such an easy and fun read. Thanks to @NetGalley for the ARC of this book.

First of all, I have to say that mentally, when I read Cecily's name, I just called her Cici throughout the book, as I could never picture her as a Cecily. Weird, I know. Will was lovely, and the author definitely knew how to make us cheer for him.
Cici's job was pretty interesting, and something I'd never thought of when watching or listening to media.
I liked that the tension between Cici and Eliza was sorted easily and didn't get dragged out, or have unnecessary bitchiness.
Overall it was an easy, light read.

Cecily is a podcast producer who is happy to be the one behind the scenes. When there are changes at work, she is presented with a new opportunity in the form of a show that highlights her dating life mentored by a dating coach and influencer, Eliza Cassidy. While she does not want to do this, she feels pressured to and the dates begin.
Each of Cecily’s 20 dates are highlighted on the podcast, and Eliza consistently gives her feedback. However, this does not match what is in her heart as she believes it has already been stolen.
This sweet book was one that I found myself smiling and rooting for the characters as I read. Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing for the advance copy. All opinions are my own.

I always love the charm of a Linda Holmes book (ily Evvie) and this is no exception! Overall, Back After This is a fun, wholesome read. It reminded me of Is She Really Going Out With Him? in the sense that our main character is forced to publicize her blind dates to save her job.

But that comparison may have hurt my reading experience, because it made me realize how much I felt was lacking. I found that it spent a lot of time on subjects or areas of the story that I wasn’t interested in delving into. There were SO many dates (20 men!) that it felt rushed.

This was an okay read that probably won’t stick with me long.

Thank you Ballantine Books and NetGalley for the e-arc!

Linda Holmes’ ‘Back After This’ is a sweet romance set in what is apparently the cutthroat world of podcasting and self-help. Holmes knows how to create a story rife with pop culture as host of the popular NPR podcast Pop Culture Happy Hour. The book was a bit too much Hallmark movie-ish, but there was a charm to the story and I enjoyed the characters. Grade: B+

A podcast producer agrees to host a new series about modern dating—but will the show jeopardize her chance at finding real love? Cecily loves making podcasts and she fiercely protects those she's close to, coworkers, friends and family. After a disastrous breakup with a former colleague, she is left with a broken heart and broken dreams after he steals her ideas and the show she's worked so hard on. Her boss, (a complete jerk, lol) then pressures her into a new podcast where she reluctantly agrees to a dating coach who sets her up on 20 blind dates in order to find true love. Once she agrees, she has a chance encounter with a a big, loveable dog and the man who is chasing him down the street. From here she keeps running into Will and things get really complicated from there.

I have loved Holmes previous two books, Evvie Drake Starts Over and Flying Solo, and was beyond thrilled to receive this advanced copy from @netgalley and @randomhouse. This one was no exception, and Linda Holmes is now solidly in the "auto by author" category for me! She writes such fun and interesting characters, and I am always drawn right into their stories. These are always people I always root for, and I was definitely rooting for Cecily and Will the whole way through. Also a pretty entertaining look at the current state of dating, online influencers and a bit of behind the scenes look at the behind the scenes of podcasting.

Be sure to put this one on your list! Publishes on 02/25/2025