The Next Chapter is one of those heartfelt, comforting reads that sneaks up on you with its depth. What begins as a story of starting over quickly unfolds into something much richer—grief, healing, friendship, and the courage it takes to open yourself to love again. The writing flows so naturally that it feels less like reading a novel and more like sitting across from a friend, listening to them share their story. The characters are warm, imperfect, and real, and I found myself rooting for them every step of the way. This is a book that stays with you long after you’ve closed the last page, reminding you that even in life’s hardest seasons, there’s always room for joy, laughter, and new beginnings.

It's like Camille took notes from my notes app and wrote these two, I felt so called out and also known and understood while reading. I love Kat and Jude and this book was so special to me. :)

This was entertaining, but I could not make myself root for Kat. She was selfish and frustrating and just not the kind of character I could get invested in.

Personally it wasn’t for me. They both needed therapy, not a relationship, and I was rooting against them being together the whole time. Jude and Kat just weren’t good together or in general and it made it hard to read

Thank you so much to the publisher for the arc!
Well this is a late review for sure, but the last few months have been beyond busy, with a lot of major life changes, so I hope that’ll excuse me.
I was quite excited for this book, as I loved Kellogg’s first novel. This one was good, but didn’t quite capture me the way the first one did. Let’s start with the positives! I loved our butch mc. I’m always here for butch representation, especially nerdy butch rep! Jude was a great character. Kat however….oh boy. I did not like Kat. She was literally using Jude the entire time, putting her own feelings first even though Jude was going through hell. Unfortunately, these two were just not right for each other. Jude deserved way better, and Kat needed to realize that. Her apology was not, in my personal opinion, even slightly good enough to make up for how crappy she had been. Alas, I fear this book was just not for me. Romance and terrible girlfriends aside, Kellogg’s writing style still shone, and her commitment to writing great butch representation is wonderful! 3/5 stars

I enjoyed the growth that the main characters made, even if the growth was too slow. Jude’s friends were a lot of fun and added to the narrative. Overall, this was a fun, spicy book.

"The Next Chapter" is a cute and amazing romance that truly captivated me. I particularly loved the setting—a bookstore—which added a charming and unique touch to the story. The characters were endearing, and the plot kept me turning the pages.

A lighthearted queer bookstore romance with all the drama you need to stay interested. Very will they/won’t they and missed communication driven. A perfect summer or casual read.

Loved this. Was it perfect? No. But it works well. Touching and endearing but not overly twee. Some steamy bits here and there. Lots of found family and character growth. Easy read.

A cozy queer romance with a classic fake-dating setup, but it doesn’t quite deliver the spark I was hoping for. The pacing lagged a bit and overall the chemistry wasn't as evident.

Sincere thanks to NetGalley, Random House Publishing Group, and Dial Press Trade Paperback for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

A past as a child star, a bookstore and theater world setting, and a captivating queer romance?!?! I am in! An absolutely delightful read from start to finish!

Thank you to @netgalley and @randomhouse for a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. Thank you to @prhaudio for a free download of the audiobook.

★★★★☆

The Next Chapter is a charming and heartfelt sapphic romance that offers a fresh take on the classic “celebrity meets civilian” trope. Katrina Kelly, a former child star with a stalled career and a growing awareness of her queer identity, is desperate to reinvent herself. Jude Thacker, a tender butch bookseller running a beloved queer feminist bookstore in the West Village, is content keeping her life small and safe—until Katrina walks into her shop.

What begins as a publicity stunt—Katrina’s idea to spark media buzz by dating Jude—quickly evolves into something deeper and more emotionally complex. Their chemistry is undeniable, but it’s the slow unraveling of their vulnerabilities and fears that makes their relationship so compelling. Jude’s quiet strength and Katrina’s messy charm create a dynamic that’s both sweet and sincere.

I especially appreciated how the book explores themes of identity, mental health, and chosen family, all wrapped in a cozy, queer-friendly setting. The romance is tender, the banter is witty, and the emotional stakes feel real.

The audiobook, narrated by Mara Wilson, adds another layer of warmth and charm. Her voice perfectly captures the emotional nuances of both characters, making the story even more immersive.

A lovely read for fans of queer rom-coms with depth. Katrina and Jude’s journey is one I won’t soon forget.

#books #bookishlife #booklover #readingisfun #iowabookstagrammers #iowabookstagram #netgalley #randomhouse #prhaudio #prhaudiopartner #sponsored #thenextchapter #camillekellogg #marawilson

What to say about this book?

I thought Camille's first book, Just As You Are, was a masterpiece in story telling, but I was wrong. THIS one is IT.

I loved learning about Jude and her backstory. Kat and her backstory. And their story together.

The topics of queerness, family, life, jobs, and being an adult were so good and so very important. Even as a 33 year old person, I was still able to identify and feel the same I would've as a teen (or younger adult).

SO GOOD. Thank you to Camille for the physical copy and to Random House, DialPress, and NetGalley for the early ebook copy.

**⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Review of *The Next Chapter* by Camille Kellogg**

Camille Kellogg delivers a charming, heartfelt queer rom-com in *The Next Chapter*, a delightful homage to *Notting Hill* with a modern, sapphic twist. Brimming with wit, slow-burn chemistry, and introspective emotional beats, this novel is a smart and swoony exploration of identity, fame, and vulnerability.

At its heart are two compelling leads: Katrina Kelly, a former child star grappling with her queerness and career relevance, and Jude Thacker, a guarded bookstore employee navigating anxiety and past heartbreak. Their accidental romance—sparked by a staged relationship turned real—feels authentic, layered, and satisfyingly messy.

Kellogg shines brightest in her character work. Kat’s growth from a tightly controlled public figure to someone discovering her true self is especially poignant, while Jude’s journey out of her shell is tender and relatable. Their dialogue is sharp, the tension delicious, and the emotional payoff worth the wait.

The book doesn’t shy away from heavier themes like mental health, performative queerness, and media intrusion, but it balances them with humor and warmth. Some pacing issues arise mid-book, and a few side characters could use more depth, but the core love story more than makes up for it.

Overall, *The Next Chapter* is a romantic, smart, and affirming read—a must for fans of queer rom-coms, reluctant lovers, and second chances.

**Recommended for:** Fans of Casey McQuiston, Alison Cochrun, and heartfelt stories where the bookstore is as important as the kiss.

This was such a lovely book!

I was expecting a light romcom, but The Next Chapter delivered so much more. I genuinely loved the main characters, even with their flaws + bad choices (mostly Kat).

All of the side characters played their roles in the story so well, + I feel like everyone ended the book better than they were when it started.

Thank you to the author, Random House, + Dial Press for my advance copy!

A queer retelling of Notting Hill set in New York. It’s a fun premise and the book is full of drama from petty, imperfect characters. However, it all felt a little too messy and unnecessary at times, which made it difficult to root for the main characters.

Overall, there were lots of sweet moments and the supporting friendship group was great–full of vibrant characters, with a cute side romance.

If you’re looking for a fun summer read, this has all the ingredients for a great rom com with a sincere message about discovering who you are later in life.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Years after losing her Beatles-loving mom, Jude is running the bookstore her mother opened—home to the largest queer book selection in New York. She’s confident, passionate, and knows her stuff.

When Kat walks in looking for queer books, Jude is eager to help. Sparks fly instantly…until a panic attack sends Jude spiraling and shutting down mid-flirt, leaving Kat confused and embarrassed. Kat—former child actress turned aspiring stage performer—is still figuring out her identity and isn’t sure someone like Jude would ever want her. Especially when Jude seems to reject her.

But Kat isn’t just questioning her love life—she’s also trying to navigate fame, career pivots, and the pressure of being told how to live. Meanwhile, Jude is facing rising rent and the looming threat of losing the store that connects her to her mother.

Can these two women figure out who they are—and what they want—together?

This FOUR STAR charming, heartfelt sapphic romance is full of warmth, self-discovery, and slow-burn attraction.
Released in June, this book has a long wait at my local library so I suggest securing your own copy fast!

Thank you NetGalley, Camille Kellogg, and Random House Publishing for the privilege to read this sweet, smart story in exchange for an honest review!

This is my second book by this author - the first, Just as You are, did an amazing job showcasing dysmorphia.
This book - queer books and publicly queer. Nailed it again - the emotions, fear, desperate hope just live her life, Katrina is an amazing icon.

I really wanted to love this. Like what more could you want than a queer romance and a bookstore?? There was just something missing. Too much insta-love. I will try Camille Kellogg's next book though!

3.5, rounded up.

I really liked this one. The writing is beautiful, the setting was perfect for the story and the premise was fun. Something was amiss for me and I can’t figure out what it was. The author did write about anxiety and eating disorders, which I thought was great, excellent even and it fit the characters very well. The story brought forward these topics in a way that felt right for the characters without bringing down the mood or making these themes darker than they are.
This book was very messy though. I didn’t quite agree with all of the conflict and drama the characters found themselves in at times. I read somewhere else that this was a retelling of Notting Hill and I can absolutely see those characters from the film brought to paper with this set of characters, I just didn’t love that movie and probably didn’t enjoy this book more than I did. I will take full responsibility in admitting that I am the problem here.

Still a fun read, and I will be looking forward to more stories written by this author.