Laugh-Out-Loud Romance: A Review of Sophie Cousens’ Is She Really Going Out With Him? @SophieCous @PRHAudio

Is She Really Going Out With Him? blends humour and heart as a divorcée navigates seven offline dates chosen by her children to save her job.

Summary:

A humorous love story unfolds as columnist Anna Appleby, a disillusioned divorcée, lets her children play matchmaker to save her career. After a painful divorce, Anna is content with singlehood, her kids, a cat, and sole control of the TV remote—until her rival threatens to take over her column. To secure her job, she pitches a bold idea: seven offline dates, all chosen by her children. From awkward encounters with waiters and mailmen to an attempt at wooing her celebrity crush, Anna’s journey is both chaotic and heartfelt. But when an unexpected romantic connection emerges, she must decide if she’s ready to risk her heart.

My Thoughts:

If you’re a fan of humorous romance with an enemies-to-lovers trope and a fresh twist on dating, Is She Really Going Out With Him? is sure to charm you. Sophie Cousens delivers a delightful story about Anna Appleby, a columnist and divorcée whose life takes an unexpected turn when her job hangs in the balance. Tasked with writing about seven offline dates—each chosen by her children—Anna embarks on a dating journey filled with hilarity and heart.

Anna’s children bring a wonderfully chaotic energy to the story as they innocently pick her dates without overthinking compatibility. Their choices, including a waiter, the mailman, and even Anna’s celebrity crush, highlight the awkwardness and unpredictability of modern dating. Each date brings its own laugh-out-loud moments and serves as a reminder of how tricky it is to find someone we genuinely connect with.

While Anna’s dates are the heart of the book, her office rival, Will, provides a great counterbalance. As Will looks to steal her column, their professional rivalry sparks a clever “his and hers” twist to Anna’s idea, throwing them together in ways neither expects. The dynamic between Anna and Will unfolds beautifully, blending witty banter with genuine emotional depth.

What really made the book for me was Anna herself. She’s fiercely independent, balancing life as a newly single mother while trying to rediscover her place in the world. Her love for her children and her efforts to maintain a friendly relationship with her ex make her deeply relatable and likeable. You can’t help but root for her as she navigates this hilarious and heartfelt journey.

The Narration:

I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Kerry Gilbert, and her performance was fantastic. Gilbert’s engaging tone and comedic timing brought Anna’s story to life, making the listening experience even more enjoyable. If audiobooks are your thing, I highly recommend this version.

Final Thoughts:

Is She Really Going Out With Him? is a funny, warm, and thoroughly entertaining read (or listen). Sophie Cousens has crafted a story that will make you laugh, reflect on the quirks of dating, and fall in love with Anna’s determination to take another chance on life and love.

Other Books I’ve Reviewed Written by Sophie Cousens:

Before I Do

Just Haven’t Met You Yet

This Time Next Year