Sophie Cousens’ latest novel, Is She Really Going Out With Him?, brings us a story that feels like a classic throwback to rom-coms from the 90s and early 2000s. In an era where Hollywood often pumps out ephemeral slop, trying to go viral on TikTok, this book stands apart, much like the English-set rom-coms of the past, such as Notting Hill and Bridget Jones’s Diary. What makes Cousens’ writing so endearing is the way it honors the romance genre, putting in the time, effort, and money that these stories deserve. Just like Richard Curtis’s iconic films, her books offer a blend of humor, heart, and quality, making readers reflect on love, loss, and second chances. It’s refreshing to find a story like Before I Do or Just Haven’t Met You Yet that carries that same charm and timeless feel.
Anna’s Journey Through Disruptions and Personal Growth
In Is She Really Going Out With Him?, we follow Anna, a mother of two, navigating life in Bath after a divorce. Her whole perception of herself has shifted since the dissolution of her marriage. Anna’s life is full of disruptions—her role within the family and hierarchies around her have changed. Even her children’s interaction with her is not what it used to be. And to add to it, her ex-husband has already moved on, starting a relationship with a Swedish fitfluencer, which feels like a cliché in its own right.
As Anna tries to navigate these changes, she is forced to confront her new place in the world. Her journey is about understanding her self-perception and how she evolves in this new phase of her life, particularly as she juggles parenting and the expectations of family relationships. Despite the challenges, Anna’s personal growth comes from these life disruptions—and just like the best romance stories, there’s a real sense of hope and transformation at the heart of it.
New Beginnings and Unexpected Connections
Anna never expected her normal life to be disrupted, especially when it came to the dating scene. She had no intention of diving back into it, but her office rival, the handsome yet somewhat snob Will, is suddenly vying for her column. Feeling a little desperate, Anna throws in a Hail Mary to save her job by taking on a new challenge. She decides to jazz up her coverage by documenting seven dates, all of which are offline and chosen by her children.
No more apps, just authentic real-life meet-ups with random guys she comes across in town. These include a mailman, a waiter in his 20s, and even a dad from her son’s school. It’s a quirky idea, but it might just be what she needs to reinvigorate her life.
As she starts working side-by-side with Will, though, something unexpected happens. What began as a dreaded partnership soon transforms into something she looks forward to. No longer feeling like a death sentence, Anna starts to reevaluate everything, especially what and who she really wants. Despite all the randomness and chaos, she’s left wondering if, in the end, she’s been searching for love in all the wrong places.
The Romance Vibe That Draws You In
When it comes to romance novels, there’s always a certain energy like The Hating Game: Book that grabs your attention, and Sophie Cousens’ Is She Really Going Out With Him? brings that energy in full force. The book gave me major vibes from Sally Thorne’s office romance (which I forever stan, by the way). It’s funny how chemistry between characters like Anna and Will can feel so undeniable and authentic. Their banter is genuinely funny and sharp, unlike the usual cringe or cliché dialogue you see in some romance novels. This is the kind of book that makes you understand why people can fall for a good romance story—because of the characters’ real, raw connection.
However, Will’s true motives are painfully obvious right from the start, which can seem silly considering how Anna never seems to pick up on it. But in a way, it’s understandable, right? It’s not always easy to figure out when someone’s intentions are so obvious, especially when you’re caught up in the moment. The relationship between Anna and Will might not be what it first seems, and the way Will plays the part of the charming, perfect guy really hits home.
Though there’s no need for romance authors to make every male MC come off as trying to antagonize his love interest by calling her “princess” as an insult. There are so many better nicknames, and this is one trope that could use a little more creativity.
The Intriguing Relationship Dynamics
In Is She Really Going Out With Him?, Sophie Cousens crafts a relationship that is both swoon-y and deeply emotional. Will and Anna’s connection feels real, filled with tension and heartwarming moments. I couldn’t help but fall in love with their dynamic, especially the way the clay gift Anna receives resonates with her, almost capturing the heart of the story itself. The ending of the novel is wonderfully happy, but it doesn’t tie everything up neat as a pin.
Instead, it leaves room for the complexities of life, with hard choices and conflict that are never simply glossed over. The third act doesn’t offer a sweeping change of heart for an easy-peasy resolution to give the characters a typical HEA. Instead, Cousens introduces a refreshing dose of realism, making the journey feel all the more authentic. The fluffy, lovely world she creates is captivating, but it never sacrifices depth for charm.
The Terrible Ex-Husband, Dan
One of the most memorable aspects of the book is the portrayal of Anna’s ex-husband, Dan. His character is the epitome of a male cliché, and I found myself eagerly wishing for him to be sent straight to Terrible Ex-Husband Jail. With his too-tight Aertex shirt collection, he embodies the worst of the self-absorbed, smug exes. I’m sure many readers would agree that Dan deserves nothing but the deepest, grimiest bin for all his antics.
It’s clear that Cousens has created this character not to make him easy to forgive, but to remind us that not all characters deserve a second chance, especially when their actions are nothing but annoying and infuriating. Dan is definitely one of those characters who, in my opinion, gets off far too easy in the end, which makes his role in the story all the more frustrating.
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