Would we change our life if we could foresee our own future?

Margot the Meteorologist's life is a mess. Weirdly though, she begins to not only predict the weather, but her own future as she begins having visions.

Margot has been cheated on by her live in boyfriend of 10 years (with one of her best friends and discovered on the eve of their wedding no less); she has quit her job; and she is now living in an apartment where she refuses to unpack her belongings (in fact, sometimes she begins a bonfire with them).

To pacify her friends and family, she decides to try dating - a 20 date dating spree. It's during this crazy dating spree, where Margot meets many cads - some married, some single - that she encounters her waiter, Henry, who becomes date # 17. Not only is Henry a waiter at the Italian restaurant where all of Margot's dates have taken place, he is also a med student and a widowed single father raising his 6 year old daughter, Winter, solo.

Compared to Margot's previous fiancé and dates #1-16, Henry has so, so many good qualities. Margot becomes skittish and frightened though because as she begins to see her future with Henry and Winter as a part of it, everything is not always sunshine and roses.

Holly Smale's novel was a captivating read in magical realism and romance that confronts the question, what would you do if you could see your future. Thank you, NetGalley and MIRA, for this digital ARC.

I absolutely loved everything about this book. I read and enjoyed Cassandra In Reverse so I was really excited for this one -- and it did not disappoint.

I loved Margot so much -- I wanted to hug her and comfort her and hang out with her. I loved the descriptions of her bad dates, and the chemistry with Henry was so well written. I loved Henry -- he was so sweet and swoony, and such a good dad. Margot's relationship with her grandfather was so sweet, it was so heartwarming how much she looked out for him.

The magical realism elements of this book were so much fun -- it felt very natural.

I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys unique rom coms and really endearing characters. I'm so excited to read what Holly Smale writes next!

Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced copy of this book!

The cover of this book was eye catching. The story seemed to drag on. When I thought it would be over it, kept going. I liked the happy ending and how the story concluded by explaining what had happened in the book. I did not like the narrator's voice for the child. She did the adult voices fine, but as a speech therapist. She had incorrect sound production for Winter (the child). Each time I heard the child's voice, I wanted to correct the narrator and tell her the child should sound like this--not this.

I listened to this book and did not read it.

I Know How This Ends is a heartfelt, witty, and addictive romance that had me smiling, swooning, and turning pages nonstop. Holly Smale’s writing is clever, sharp, and full of relatable moments that make the characters feel real and lovable.

The romance is charming and perfectly balanced with humor and emotional depth. The chemistry between the leads is palpable, with tender, laugh-out-loud moments that make this story impossible to put down.

If you love smart, funny, and heartfelt romances with a touch of sweetness, this one is a must-read.

🌸 Final thought: A captivating and charming romance that proves sometimes love is exactly what you least expect.

I loved this story - and the title is so fitting for knowing how things all turn out but trying to enjoy the ride anyway. For so many of us, it's hard to take things day by day, even when we feel a certain outcome is evident. This story truly embraces the idea of understanding what will happen in the end but never taking a single moment for granted. This story will stick with me for a while, and was one of my favorite reads so far from 2025.

I loved this book! It made me ugly cry, which is an automatic 5 stars.

Margot and Henry's relationship was such a joy. I loved their banter and their tenderness. Margot's visions into the future were a fun speculative twist that added a little extra philosophical depth to the story.

I am a sucker for bittersweet moments, so when I reached the key moment Margot's vision foretold, I was overwhelmed with the beauty of the scene. It was perfect.

The best comp I can think of for recommendations is The Dinner List by Rebecca Searle, which is also speculative with a similar bittersweet vibe. I also think readers of Emma Straub would appreciate the skill in which Smale writes Margo and Henry's relationship over time.

Now I need to go back and read Cassandra in Reverse!

I am a time, travel girly, and I am proud of it. But it’s hard to do it well and thankfully Holly Smale does it very well. I thoroughly enjoyed Cassandra in Reverse and Smale’s new one, I Know How This Ends does not disappoint. In this clever novel, Margot, who has fled a nasty breakup and imploded her life meets the man that her future visions tell her she is going to be with despite him perhaps not presenting as the person she either thought she’d be with or thinks he is. With a fully formed cast of friends and family, and ruminations about how much we can or should control our future, this is an enjoyable and smart read. Thank you to Mira and NetGalley for the DRC.

I Know How This Ends was one I hadn’t heard much about but I’m so glad I picked it up!

From the first chapter I felt invested in the story. I loved the main character Margot as well as all the side characters. I really enjoy books with a strong friend group and this one had that element and it added to the story quite a bit. I really enjoyed the light touch of magical realism in the story too- it was done really well!

I was rooting for Margot and Henry the whole book- they were so adorable! This was just a really sweet read that I loved.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc

Thank you so much to the publisher, and to NetGalley for this e-arc in exchange for my honest review.

After not really enjoying Cassandra in Reverse, I'll admit I had high hopes for this one, but sadly this may not be the author for me. I adored the writing style, and generally speaking I love magical realism - I just wasn't able to get into it with this story.

I loved the path of self destruction that Margot was on - and oh, does that sound bad! I just flat out loved it though. However, this isn't how adults behave. This isn't written as adults... like, it's just not. The behavior - though justified, is also not justified. Her list of dates, the instagram account - it was all just a bit too much.

After catching her fiancé cheating with her best friend, Margot is completely done with men. To prove her point, she sets herself up for a 20-date challenge—and on every single outing, she looks for something wrong. Spoiler: the guys make it pretty easy.

Always eating at the same restaurant, she doesn’t even realize she has the same waiter each time… until he suggests he should be date #17. Henry is definitely not her usual type, but Margot reluctantly agrees. Things don’t go smoothly—especially when news of her ex’s engagement sends her running out on Henry before the date even begins.

But then Margot experiences a vision—one filled with happiness and Henry by her side. That glimpse makes her want to try again. With each new vision, Margot feels more certain she’s finally on the right path… even if she has to keep those visions a secret.

This was a sweet, fun read about second chances, unexpected love, and learning to trust again. I really enjoyed following Margot’s journey and watching her walls slowly come down.

Thank you to Harlequin Trade Publishing and NetGalley for the advanced copy—I’m sharing this review voluntarily.

This book was an emotional rollercoaster from start to finish! It follows Margot, who suddenly begins having intense visions of the future—flashes of moments she doesn’t understand, with no idea why they’re happening or what they mean. The mystery of it all kept me hooked.

What really stood out was Margot’s emotional journey. After the end of a long-term relationship, she’s left adrift, unsure of who she is without it. Watching her slowly rediscover herself was deeply moving. Her connection with Henry added so much heart to the story—their chemistry was undeniable, and I loved how he supported her growth without overshadowing it.

If you enjoy books with a touch of magical realism, emotional depth, and a slow-burn romance that makes you feel everything, this one’s for you!

This is a laugh out loud book with incredibly relatable characters. Margot has recently endured heartbreak and she is determined to show everyone that she has moved on. She sets out to meet a new guy from a dating app every Monday, but all she finds is red flag after red flag. When she is about to give up, she starts having visions of her future with a man that is perfect. I enjoyed this book so much!

Margot Wayward has no trust in men after her last relationship fell apart. Her friends want her to find someone new, so she agrees to 1 date a week with someone she picks off a dating app. She then makes up a list of what she wants or doesn't want in a man. She goes to the same restaurant every week, and has the same waiter all the time. He has a front row seat to all her disastrous dates. His name is Henry and he is a single father, who plans to go back to medical school. He had to leave when his wife was ill and passed away. He is attracted to Margot, and eventually asks her out. He is not a person she ever would have looked at on the dating apps. The thing is, Margo has a vision one day of the man she is going to marry and it is Henry, the waiter. The other visions she has later show her some of the things to come in the future and all of them are not happy ones. Now Margot has to decide what to do and how to live, because she can't change what is to come.

Let me start by saying, I do not want to know my future! Margot is a meteorologist who has her own instagram channel with lots of followers and sponsors, until she posts something by accident that has everything fall apart. Her neighbour is a PR person on maternity leave and offers to give her a hand. I really liked the friendship that developed between the two and the twins were delightful, adding some comic relief. I also loved Henry. He was such a good person and father and his daughter was also wonderful. With all the great characters, the story was bound to be a good one, but the idea of knowing what is in your future and the fact that you can't change it would be impossible to live with in my opinion. Holly also has an amazing relationship with her grandfather, showing me that she was a good person. There is obviously some magical realism, but it doesn't overwhelm the story. This is a slow burn romance, and character driven story. I don't want to give anymore away, but definitely recommend this book.

I really enjoyed Cassandra In Reverse by this author and I Know How This Ends was somehow even better than Cassandra. There is magical realism in both books, a lot of heart and love within the characters and for the characters, but I Know How This Ends really made me take a moment a few times throughout the story and think about what I would do in Meg's shoes, or how I would react to her if I her one of her friends, etc. I really found myself putting myself in multiple character's shoes at different times or during certain scenes and really thinking about how I would react in that scenario. I loved all of the characters, except for Aaron, but Winter was my favorite. I loved watching her grow up and I loved how the loose ends tied up throughout the story in a seamless and beautiful way. It made me hopeful for myself at times too. This book is just excellent. I started and finished it in the same day because I could not bear the thought of setting it down and picking up the following day. Holly Smale has a new fan. I cannot wait to continue reading her books.

I really liked the storyline of this book. I thought the questions posed were fascinating and definitely made me think. I at times struggled to pick the book up though, as I found the main character, Margo, to come across whiny and immature. I thought the plot was really well done, the pace moved perfectly and I did enjoy all the interactions and the supporting cast of characters. I thought that the story felt authentic, the characters were described well. I enjoyed how the past unfolded throughout the story. Margo's life is a mess when she starts getting glimpses into the future. When these visions start to come true, Margo has to figure out how to live and love when she knows what will happen down the road. Thank you netgalley for my advanced reader copies.

This is the kind of book that sneaks up on you with its emotional punch—right after making you laugh so hard you have to put it down for a second. I adored Cassandra in Reverse by this author, so my expectations here were sky-high. Somehow, this one not only met them, it might have surpassed them.

From the first chapter, Margot Wayward had me hooked. She’s in full self-destruct mode after the implosion of a decade-long relationship. She has torpedoed her career, she's making questionable dating app choices, and generally living in delightful chaos. The humor is sharp and self-aware, but it’s never just for the sake of a joke. Every laugh has a little thread of truth running through it, which makes the emotional beats hit even harder.

The magical realism element (Margot suddenly seeing visions of her future) could have easily tipped into gimmick territory, but Smale handles it with such a light, confident touch that it feels natural. Believable, even. This isn’t a story about magic; it’s a story about choice, connection, and what you do when you know where things are heading but can’t stop them.

Then there’s Henry. Oh, Henry. I fell for him just as fast as Margot did. Their chemistry was palpable and fully believable. The romance here isn’t exactly swoony—it’s grounded and believable. You want it. You root for it. And when it falters (as romances often do) you hope and pray that they'll open their eyes and regain their footing.

The supporting cast is another highlight. Margot’s friends and family felt like people I knew. They’re messy and funny and sometimes frustrating, but always real. I found myself as invested in those relationships as I was in the romance. I wanted to be a part of this little circle!

The pacing is also spot-on. There’s room for the humor to land, space for the emotional moments to breathe, and a steady forward momentum that kept me glued to the story. The blend of comedy, heartbreak, and hope is masterfully balanced.

I did a tandem read (audio and ebook at the same time) and what truly elevated my reading experience was Alix Dunmore’s narration. It is perfection. She nails every single character’s voice and emotional tone, from Margot’s razor-sharp wit to Henry’s warmth, to the hilarious disasters that unfold on some of Margot’s worst dates. This is one of those rare times when I can’t decide which format I enjoyed more. Both pulled me in completely.

If you’re looking for a rom-com with depth, characters that feel like old friends, and a dash of magical realism that enhances rather than overwhelms, this belongs at the top of your TBR. It’s laugh-out-loud funny, emotionally resonant, and filled with the kind of moments you’ll want to revisit.

“I Know How This Ends” is the second novel by Holly Smale I’ve had the pleasure to read. Like her first novel, “Cassandra in Reverse,” this novel is tremendously inventive and unique, full of clever twists, pivots, stops, starts, and do-overs. The difference here is that the protagonist, Margot, suddenly can see intermittent, fleeting glimpses of her future, and sometimes she doesn’t react well, adversely affecting herself and others.

I received an advanced reader’s copy of the book from NetGalley. My review is voluntary. Although I found some of the plot predictable, the overwhelming majority of it was a complete and refreshing surprise. All of the characters were wonderfully lovable, except those we are meant not to like. They are richly drawn, fully rendered, three dimensional people with distinct personalities, for whom I cheered. I even shed tears as I read the last few pages, even as I knew how it would end.

I Know How This Ends was such a great romance story! I loved Margot- she is just a shade high strung- and Henry- who is such a calming presence. Actually all of the characters are so well written, I felt like they were my friend group. I stressed over every dilemma and cheered for every triumph. Although Margot may have known how it would end, I was never positive so I read the last few chapters with trepidation. Maybe the sequel could be about Winter as a grown up?? Please?

Margot is a scientist. A meteorologist to be exact. She believes in collecting data to make decisions. She meets her dates at the same restaurant, on the same night of the week. She has a list of criteria that she is applying to her date experiments. After 16 dates she still hasn't found someone she would even consider dating a second time. But date 17 is different. Date 17 is the waiter who has been watching all her other dates happen and fall apart. Henry is not who Margot would usually date, but she decides to take a chance. And boy do things change. Margot falls head over heels for Henry. Not only is she enjoying their time together, but she's a little freaked out. Why is she freaked out? She keeps getting glimmers of their future together. Some good. Some bad. Now she has to decide what to do with the data she is gathering.

Holly Smale has done a wonderful job taking a character whose life seems to be falling apart and helping her pull herself together with laughter, love, and heartwarming characters to support her along the way. This is a book about love, romantic love, family love, and friendship love. Holly's characters are endearing and loveable, with a side of tough and failure. I couldn't decide if I wanted to just keep reading until the end or slow down my reading so I could spend more time with this wonderful cast of characters.

Oh my! What a fantastic read! I Know How This Ends is full of emotions as the main character, Margot, is learning to get back on her feet after the end of a 10 year relationship. Luckily, she has some great friends to help her along the way. This story is serious, and yet funny and genuine. There’s romance, friendship, families, hardships, struggles with self-confidence, great times and difficult times. It’s about believing in yourself and others, taking chances and learning to forgive. I found myself chuckling and smiling while reading, but there were also some tears too. It’s really well done. I give it 4.5 stars rounded up to 5 stars. Thank you to NetGalley and to Harlequin Trade Publishing/MIRA for the digital ARC.