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Cecily Foster loves her work as a podcast producer, though she doesn’t love the job itself. She hasn’t been given opportunities to craft and pursue her own ideas. And when she did make an independent podcast with her ex, he took it with him when he broke up with her. Since the split four years ago, she’s focused on her friends and sister. Romance? Eh.
Now her boss has offered her a show to host. Finally. But the topic? Her dating life. Absolutely not. With downsizing at the office looming, however, Cecily decides she’s going to have to do it. She crafts a deal with her boss including conditions that will make it somewhat acceptable. She will be given dating and “life success” guidance by an influencer who is stepping into “relationship/dating coach” territory. Eliza is sure after she sets up Cecily on first dates with 20 men, and Cecily uses her advice, she will find love.
Pretty soon after they start the process for the podcast, however, Cecily meets someone on her own. Will is a nice guy and they click. Eliza, however, is firmly against Cecily pursuing someone without her guidance. With jobs on the line, Cecily tries to follow Eliza’s directions. But Will just keeps showing up in her path. With her life kinda stuck in neutral for the past few years, maybe she should really give Eliza a chance. It’s confusing and advice is coming from everywhere, including podcast listeners. Eventually, Cecily will have to make some hard choices for herself and perhaps find happiness in work and love.
I enjoyed Holmes’ Evvie Drake Starts Over, so I expected I would like this story as well. Sure enough, I did. It’s entertaining and the romance angle is cute. The meet-cute is clever in context of what the protagonist says beforehand. The podcast industry sounds challenging, and ooh, all the digs and commentary throughout about influencers! While Eliza isn’t written as one-dimensional, her job(s) give plenty of fodder for comments on the people making a living on social media.
Back After This is a satisfying read, and even better than Evvie Drake. (I also like that it’s a lot “cleaner.”)
Rated: Moderate. Profanity includes 1 use of strong language, around 25 instances of moderate profanity, 20 uses of mild language, and almost 20 instances of the name of Deity in vain. Sexual content includes passionate kissing and sexual scenes that are mostly “closed-door,” except for one that fairly briefly introduces a bit more detail than kissing.
Click here to purchase your copy of Back After This on Amazon.
*I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
