Thank you to NetGalley, Camille Kellogg, and Random House Publishing Group - Random House for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

4.5 stars

I adore this book. I was a little hesitant because I don’t always love a story where one of the MCs is famous. But there was something about the summary of this book that I knew I was going to enjoy. I was right. Their romance was beautiful. It highlights the messy parts of ourselves and how life can be loved. The discussions of grief and food disorders were handled with care. If you think these discussions could be triggering for you then I would not recommend this one. But if you are okay with them then please pick this book up. It will be worth it.

This was short, sweet, and cute. I like her first book more than this one but I still enjoyed the next chapter. I really appreciate how there was butch lesbian and unlabeled queer person rep in this novel, as well as trans man, nonbinary, and femme lesbian rep as side characters. They were all done exceptionally well. The smut was hot and I liked the switch4switch dynamic. The plot could have been more interesting to me but this is subjective. Personally I don’t care much about fame in books and get triggered by cancellations and career crumbling as plot points in novels. But other readers might find these topics interesting. I was surprised how the author was able to turn things around because for a second I didn’t believe they would.

The two main characters were missing some emotional connection to make me feel like Kat's actions could be forgivable.

Thank you Netgalley for this arc. I really liked this book. I thought it was a cute rom com and Katrina was a funny, but also kind of annoying character. She has a bunch of followers on instagram, but she questions her sexuality.

Camille Kellogg does it again! I just adored this book from cover to cover. It's beautifully written, with deeply loveable (and deeply human) characters I kept rooting for despite, despite, despite. Jude (Jude!) & Kat's growth felt real, and their romance was thoughtful, sincere, and (of course) hot. What really makes this story special, though, is all the nuances and layers of this world. The bookstore setting was so much fun. Jude's friends are a delight. Jude's grief and anxiety are painfully and gorgeously explored, as is Kat's relationships to fame, orthorexia, and soul-crushing loneliness. For all its humor (that freaking play, my god), this book is full of heart. The ending made me cry! I only wish Jude had punched Stephen in the face, but ya know. Can't have it all ;)

Kellogg's sophomore novel is even more delightful than their first. Playing with fake dating tropes and the fun celebrity/'regular person' dynamics in the 90's film "Notting Hill," this novel is a nod to those who love romcoms, especially Richard Curtis films while giving it a beautiful sapphic twist. What makes this story truly special is the "late bloomer" storyline. Kellogg gives readers, especially those still "figuring things out" a refreshing and honest portrayal of the experience many "late bloomer" queers face, and the way the love interest handles their nerves and inexperienced ie beautiful. This book is a must-read for all sapphic romcom lovers, but especially those who take a little more time to come out.

Sincere thanks to NetGalley and Random House, Dial Press, and Camille Kellogg for this ARC in exchange for an honest review! 📚

"The Next Chapter" was such a fun read. Both characters tugged at my heartstrings in different ways, their experiences very unique and well-developed to fully understand their journeys. I also loved the instant spark felt between them--their chemistry felt genuine. An extra plus for me was that I can tell Camille Kellogg loves New York City as there were elements here that felt like a love letter.

Although "TNC" has been classified as a "Notting Hill" retelling, I completely forgot about the original while reading. I look forward to reading more from Camille Kellogg!

Did I watch Notting Hill just so I could read this book? Yes, yes I did. And let me tell you, I did not like the romance in the movie, but here in The Next Chapter, I fell hard for this couple. So in this case, the book is better than the movie haha. Plus this cover is simply gorgeous.

Right from the meet cute I knew this couple was going to hook me. I mean they meet in a bookstore, that's every reader's dream lol. These two were so sweet. Jude and Kat were well developed, fully fleshed out characters which I appreciated. It made their romance feel more mature and well-rounded. Plus they had good banter and chemistry with each other too which made their interactions entertaining.

The drama was certainly at a high here. This book was messy with a capital M. But gosh was it fun.

I liked how panic attacks were portrayed and thought Kellogg did a good job discussing them in the book.

A wonderful queer romance that will make readers giddy.

Camille Kellogg delivers a heartfelt and charming queer rom com with The Next Chapter, a sapphic twist on Notting Hill that blends humor, vulnerability, and sharp social commentary.

Katrina Kelly, a former child star with a fading career, is grappling with her sexuality and the pressures of Hollywood. In a bid to rebrand and revive her relevance, she embarks on a PR relationship with Jude Thacker, a reserved bookseller who wants nothing to do with the spotlight. What starts as a calculated move quickly turns complicated as real emotions surface, forcing both women to question what they truly want.

Kellogg excels in crafting complex, deeply human characters. Kat’s journey of self discovery and Jude’s struggle with anxiety feel authentic, making their slow burn romance all the more satisfying. Their chemistry is undeniable, but the novel doesn’t shy away from the challenges of navigating love in the public eye. The tension between personal growth and external expectations keeps the story engaging, while witty banter and a cast of lovable side characters provide levity.

The novel also critiques the commodification of queerness in media, adding depth beyond the romance. It was a heartfelt and character driven love story that will make you root for Kat and Jude as they navigate fame, fear, and the possibility of something real.

Overall, The Next Chapter is a delightful, emotionally resonant read that delivers a sweet romance alongside thoughtful exploration of identity and self worth. Highly recommended for fans of queer rom coms and slow burn love stories with a touch of celebrity drama.

Thank you to NetGalley, Camille Kellogg, and Dial Press for the eARC of this book.

The Next Chapter is a fast paced spicy sapphic love story about a book seller with panic attacks and trust issues meeting a former child star turned has been trying to navigate her sexuality and restart her career.
Thank you to NetGalley and Dial Press Trade for the opportunity to read and review this book which I am giving 3⭐️.
My favorite parts of this book are the side characters including the trio of best friends that worked at the book store and the meet cute that happens between Kat and Jude at the beginning of the book.
Unfortunately after that meet cute everything falls into miscommunication and sapphic stereotypes including a U-Haul. Everything happened at such a fast pace but I never had any real emotional connection to either one of the main characters. While I normally enjoy a third act breakup this one just wasn’t it for me and the ultimate get back together was just ok.
While I really enjoyed this authors first book this one was good but is a pass from me.

The Next Chapter by Camille Kellogg is a heartfelt queer romance that pays homage to *Notting Hill*. The story follows Katrina Kelly, a former child actress grappling with her stalled career and questions about her sexuality. Enter Jude Thacker, a tender butch bookseller working at a queer feminist bookstore. When their paths cross, what begins as a publicity stunt for Kat’s rebranding quickly evolves into something real. Kellogg masterfully balances humor, emotional depth, and romantic tension, creating a story that feels both fresh and deeply relatable. The exploration of identity, vulnerability, and love is beautifully woven into the narrative, making it a standout read for fans of contemporary romance with authentic queer representation. It’s a touching and engaging story that leaves you rooting for Kat and Jude every step of the way.

I knew I was going to love a sapphic Notting Hill-inspired book, and I absolutely did. I was hooked on the romance right from the meet cute, so when things became messier and messier, I kept rooting for them. And while things did become messy, I thought everything was handled well. It made sense to me where they were both coming from and I think they both went through a lot of growth, both with each other and as individuals. This made for a very well-rounded romance. It was also a super fun read that I struggled to put down, and I especially loved Jude's friend group.

I really enjoyed this book. It was messy but so raw and real. Truly no one is perfect and this book had amazing character development. I loved that it touched on very important topics that readers may also have gone through. This book was an easy read as the writing had a perfect flow to it.

Seriously, Camille can do no wrong. I'm still regularly recommending Just As You Are and this was just as good! Magnificent, really. Hooked into my soul.

A cute romance! I think it was really interesting that the author decided to write about a former child star. This isn't something I see often in LGBT+ books and I think having to come out in the public eye really adds a layer to the character's complexity. This book was quick and easy to read, and though the plot was pretty predictable, I had fun. I do think sometimes the writing style felt a little young, though, especially when introducing the side characters. Even though this book highlighted diversity, the side characters felt a bit cliche to me.

I couldn’t wait to read The Next Chapter after finishing Just as You Are a few months ago. I love the meet cute in a bookstore and how both characters fought to pursue what really made them happy. The excerpt from the Eileen Styles book at the end was a funny addition! Kellogg’s writing style reminds me of my favorite book by Casey McQuiston, One Last Stop. Loved it! Can’t wait for her next one!

This was such a good book. I loved the story and the writing so much. The characters were great and the story flowed smoothly. Will definitely read more books by this author in the future.

Ah- this one was a hard one to nail down… not because it’s bad. I DO think you should 100% give it a chance (I might even rethink my rating tbh) but the reason I’m going with 3⭐️ is due to the on the nose queerness (Now, hear me out) like idk if you sometimes feel that if something is mentioned too many times or in a certain way it almost makes you hyper aware of yourself? 😂 i Can post more spoiler stuff once it actually publishes but yeah…
It’s cute and I’m ALL for a butch lesbian (esp a bookseller?!) so for that alone I want to give it 4 tbh

If you’ve ever dreamed of a queer Notting Hill but with more bookstore drama and existential identity crises, The Next Chapter is the book for you.

Katrina Kelly is a former child star whose career is circling the drain—so why not rebrand as a queer icon? The only problem? She’s still figuring out her own sexuality. Enter Jude Thacker, an anxious but lovable bookseller who hasn’t so much as looked at romance since her last heartbreak. When Kat and Jude’s meet-cute turns into a full-blown PR stunt, feelings start getting very real, very fast.

This book is packed with sharp humor, swoony moments, and all the messy, complicated emotions that come with figuring yourself out under a public microscope. Kat’s chaotic energy meets Jude’s bookish grumpiness in the best way, and their chemistry is downright electric. Plus, there's plenty of commentary on indie bookstores vs. commercialism, which, as a librarian, spoke to my soul.

If you love fake dating, forced proximity, and sapphic romance with depth and heart, The Next Chapter deserves a spot on your shelf (or at least your branded bookstore tote bag).

Camille Kellogg’s The Next Chapter is a heartfelt, witty, and delightfully modern romance that beautifully captures the messiness of love, identity, and starting over. With sharp dialogue, relatable characters, and a warm, inclusive spirit, Kellogg crafts a story that feels both contemporary and timeless.

At its core, The Next Chapter is about second chances—both in relationships and in life. The protagonist’s journey is filled with emotional nuance, navigating heartbreak, self-discovery, and the tender complexities of queer love with sincerity and charm. Kellogg’s writing is sharp and engaging, balancing humor with vulnerability in a way that feels authentic and refreshingly real.

The romantic chemistry is undeniable, but what stands out most is the emotional growth of the characters. Readers will find themselves cheering for them not just to fall in love, but to truly come into their own. Themes of friendship, forgiveness, and the courage it takes to rewrite your story are woven seamlessly throughout.

The Next Chapter is smart, funny, and deeply affirming—a warm hug of a book for anyone who’s ever had to turn the page and start again. It’s perfect for fans of character-driven romance with heart, humor, and a strong sense of hope.