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I Know How This Ends
If you knew how your life would turn out, what would you change now?
The second brilliantly uplifting and page-turning novel from the multi-million bestselling author of Geek Girl and Reese's Book Club Pick Cassandra in Reverse.
Margot Wayward is in manically gleeful self-destruct mode. Following the implosion of a ten-year relationship, she’s wilfully derailing her successful career, joyfully taking down men on dating apps, and living in total chaos.
Until one day, when Margot has a vision of herself with a man she’s never met before. She doesn’t believe in fate. But when Margot meets single-dad Henry, the vision comes true: exactly as she’d foreseen it.
As her future continues to reveal itself, a glimpse at a time, Margot realises she knows exactly what’s going to happen, and when. And there’s nothing she can do to change any of it.
So Margot has to decide how to live, how to love again, and how to be herself… Because if you can’t change your destiny, how on earth do you live your present?
The second brilliantly uplifting and page-turning novel from the multi-million bestselling author of Geek Girl and Reese's Book Club Pick Cassandra in Reverse.
Margot Wayward is in manically gleeful self-destruct mode. Following the implosion of a ten-year relationship, she’s wilfully derailing her successful career, joyfully taking down men on dating apps, and living in total chaos.
Until one day, when Margot has a vision of herself with a man she’s never met before. She doesn’t believe in fate. But when Margot meets single-dad Henry, the vision comes true: exactly as she’d foreseen it.
As her future continues to reveal itself, a glimpse at a time, Margot realises she knows exactly what’s going to happen, and when. And there’s nothing she can do to change any of it.
So Margot has to decide how to live, how to love again, and how to be herself… Because if you can’t change your destiny, how on earth do you live your present?
404 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 12, 2025
256 people are currently reading
33423 people want to read
About the author
Holly Smale
34 books2,295 followersHolly is the Number One bestselling, multi-award winning author of the GEEK GIRL series.
She fell in love with writing at five years old, when she realised that books didn't grow on trees like apples. A passion for travel, adventure and wearing no shoes has since led her all over the world: she has visited 27 countries, spent two years working as an English teacher in Japan, volunteered in Nepal, been bartered for in Jamaica and had a number of ear-plugs stolen in Australia, Indonesia and India.
Holly has a BA in English Literature, an MA in Shakespeare, and currently lives in London or at @holsmale.
The GEEK GIRL series has been an internationally bestselling no1. smash-hit. It won the Waterstones Teen Prize of the Year and the Leeds book award, was shortlisted for the Roald Dahl Funny Prize and the Branford Boase award, and was long-listed for the Carnegie.
She fell in love with writing at five years old, when she realised that books didn't grow on trees like apples. A passion for travel, adventure and wearing no shoes has since led her all over the world: she has visited 27 countries, spent two years working as an English teacher in Japan, volunteered in Nepal, been bartered for in Jamaica and had a number of ear-plugs stolen in Australia, Indonesia and India.
Holly has a BA in English Literature, an MA in Shakespeare, and currently lives in London or at @holsmale.
The GEEK GIRL series has been an internationally bestselling no1. smash-hit. It won the Waterstones Teen Prize of the Year and the Leeds book award, was shortlisted for the Roald Dahl Funny Prize and the Branford Boase award, and was long-listed for the Carnegie.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 522 reviews
August 12, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
The Publisher’s blurb asks…”If you knew how your life would turn out, what would you change now?
Meet Margot Wayward.
She has recently called off her wedding, quit her job, and moved. Determined to show all of her friends that she is doing JUST FINE-she has thrown herself back into the dating world with a vengeance! Every Monday, she meets a different man from her dating APP for dinner, at a nearby Italian restaurant looking for love.
SHE ISN’T FOOLING ANYONE
All she finds on those dates are 🚩 red flags, and really, her concerns are legitimate.
Until the day, when Margot has a vision of herself in the future, deliriously happy.
And, then she realizes-she has met THAT man.
And, he’s a man who has been hurt and needs a second chance at happiness too.
As her future continues to reveal itself, randomly, one glimpse at a time, she finds the courage to move forward-Until she sees something she doesn’t like.
Margot realizes what will happen and that she can’t change the future-
KNOWING WHAT SHE KNOWS- CAN SHE RISK HEARTBREAK AGAIN?
⚠️ Margot could be an extremely frustrating character at times!
But what struck me MOST about this book is how the author writes EMOTIONS-
I felt the PAIN, I felt the VULNERABILITY. I felt the HOPE. And, I felt the JOY.
And, I felt the love that Margot had for her grandfather (this book is dedicated to her own) and for her friends, and for the cat who changes her mind about cats! 😻
This book really resonated with me for that reason.
These characters were so relatable, so human.
Shout out to Kaceey for writing a review which compelled me to squeeze this one in!
I’m so GLAD that I met them, and now you can too!
AVAILABLE NOW
Thank You to Mira for the gifted ARC provided through NetGalley. As always, these are my candid thoughts!
The Publisher’s blurb asks…”If you knew how your life would turn out, what would you change now?
Meet Margot Wayward.
She has recently called off her wedding, quit her job, and moved. Determined to show all of her friends that she is doing JUST FINE-she has thrown herself back into the dating world with a vengeance! Every Monday, she meets a different man from her dating APP for dinner, at a nearby Italian restaurant looking for love.
SHE ISN’T FOOLING ANYONE
All she finds on those dates are 🚩 red flags, and really, her concerns are legitimate.
Until the day, when Margot has a vision of herself in the future, deliriously happy.
And, then she realizes-she has met THAT man.
And, he’s a man who has been hurt and needs a second chance at happiness too.
As her future continues to reveal itself, randomly, one glimpse at a time, she finds the courage to move forward-Until she sees something she doesn’t like.
Margot realizes what will happen and that she can’t change the future-
KNOWING WHAT SHE KNOWS- CAN SHE RISK HEARTBREAK AGAIN?
⚠️ Margot could be an extremely frustrating character at times!
But what struck me MOST about this book is how the author writes EMOTIONS-
I felt the PAIN, I felt the VULNERABILITY. I felt the HOPE. And, I felt the JOY.
And, I felt the love that Margot had for her grandfather (this book is dedicated to her own) and for her friends, and for the cat who changes her mind about cats! 😻
This book really resonated with me for that reason.
These characters were so relatable, so human.
Shout out to Kaceey for writing a review which compelled me to squeeze this one in!
I’m so GLAD that I met them, and now you can too!
AVAILABLE NOW
Thank You to Mira for the gifted ARC provided through NetGalley. As always, these are my candid thoughts!
September 16, 2025
Consider the title of this book. Do we ever really know how this, whatever this is, ends? I can only assume that this might be the direction our life chooses to take. Right? Maybe. Hmmm… 🤔 But what if we are given a little help? With this life of ours?
I was initially interested in this book, because it reminded me of a Hallmark movie. I recently watched “In My Dreams” (2014) which starred Katherine McPhee and Mike Vogel. The premise of the movie was that the two mains meet in their dreams. The question for viewers being, will they have the opportunity to finally turn their romantic visions into reality, by actually meeting in person?
So, what will I find with this book?
Well, that is a good question. Because as I began the story, I found myself on a blind date with Margot, our main protagonist. And, it was a rather interesting one.
I love a good take down, and Margot does this with blind date #15 in the beginning scene of the book. Appreciating a good laugh, and enjoying her keen sense of observation and self, this immediately, made me want to be Margot’s instant best friend. Even if she describes herself as “acerbic, judgmental, impatient, hypocritical and sometimes imperious.” This first chapter gave readers a good sense of Margot’s state of mind about men. But as readers dig deeper, what exactly are we learning about her?
And, what was it that had led Margot on this crazy mission of all these blind dates, anyway?
And, should we as readers be concerned about the greatest mystery of all when the books front cover shared…
“If you could see your future…
how would you live now?”
There just seemed so much for us as readers to contemplate about Margot, right?
Crazy blind dates. Seeing into the future. What gives here?
This is a story of friendship, working through heartache, starting over, finding oneself, traversing grief, finding ways to forgive…and experiencing love in many forms.
Heartwarming and heart-breaking all at the same time.
What readers come to learn early on is that something happened to Margot that has created deep sadness and grief in her life. And, even if it appears that everything is falling apart, something unique and different is also happening that may help to put things back together again for her – or will it be as simple as that?
Is Margot really ready for something magnificent and beautiful to happen? Could it be a vision of something that allows her to see glimpses into an unknown future – or give her the experience of forgiving and letting go of a hurtful past, too?
As I read on, I was still left grappling with my thoughts about the movie, and the statement on the cover of the book. Would they have anything in common?
Because in the movie, there was something about the characters that always gave viewers the hope that the mains would ‘bump into’ each other and hopelessly fall in love in real life so that they could have their happily ever after in the real world.
But this statement that the book implies appears to have a different ‘reality.’ And, certainly a different destination journey, especially for our protagonist Margot, and readers who are with her on this journey.
If I was looking for two dreaming individuals in this book, it wasn’t here. Though, if anyone has or feels an affinity for Hallmark movies, I do recommend the movie I mentioned above. It still is streaming on Hallmark Plus. Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3_rxR...
What I did find is this…
Margot feels and sees things and people. Will these ‘things,’ and people she sees, give her insights into her future as well as her past? Will these so-called visions give her opportunities to change her present or future life?
“What if anything are they trying to tell me? That somewhere out there in the future, my heart might be ready to restart?”
Like, how sometimes we just need to let out all our anger so we can know how to heal and be happy.
But…can Margot allow what she sees and feels to manifest towards a happily ever after?
Readers will have the opportunity to join Margot on this heart-felt adventure through ‘time’ towards what anyone would hope would be the best version of her life. Will she finally see it?
Better yet…Will she finally live it? (No spoilers from me.)
But…Kleenex may be needed.
4.5 stars
I was initially interested in this book, because it reminded me of a Hallmark movie. I recently watched “In My Dreams” (2014) which starred Katherine McPhee and Mike Vogel. The premise of the movie was that the two mains meet in their dreams. The question for viewers being, will they have the opportunity to finally turn their romantic visions into reality, by actually meeting in person?
So, what will I find with this book?
Well, that is a good question. Because as I began the story, I found myself on a blind date with Margot, our main protagonist. And, it was a rather interesting one.
I love a good take down, and Margot does this with blind date #15 in the beginning scene of the book. Appreciating a good laugh, and enjoying her keen sense of observation and self, this immediately, made me want to be Margot’s instant best friend. Even if she describes herself as “acerbic, judgmental, impatient, hypocritical and sometimes imperious.” This first chapter gave readers a good sense of Margot’s state of mind about men. But as readers dig deeper, what exactly are we learning about her?
And, what was it that had led Margot on this crazy mission of all these blind dates, anyway?
And, should we as readers be concerned about the greatest mystery of all when the books front cover shared…
“If you could see your future…
how would you live now?”
There just seemed so much for us as readers to contemplate about Margot, right?
Crazy blind dates. Seeing into the future. What gives here?
This is a story of friendship, working through heartache, starting over, finding oneself, traversing grief, finding ways to forgive…and experiencing love in many forms.
Heartwarming and heart-breaking all at the same time.
What readers come to learn early on is that something happened to Margot that has created deep sadness and grief in her life. And, even if it appears that everything is falling apart, something unique and different is also happening that may help to put things back together again for her – or will it be as simple as that?
Is Margot really ready for something magnificent and beautiful to happen? Could it be a vision of something that allows her to see glimpses into an unknown future – or give her the experience of forgiving and letting go of a hurtful past, too?
As I read on, I was still left grappling with my thoughts about the movie, and the statement on the cover of the book. Would they have anything in common?
Because in the movie, there was something about the characters that always gave viewers the hope that the mains would ‘bump into’ each other and hopelessly fall in love in real life so that they could have their happily ever after in the real world.
But this statement that the book implies appears to have a different ‘reality.’ And, certainly a different destination journey, especially for our protagonist Margot, and readers who are with her on this journey.
If I was looking for two dreaming individuals in this book, it wasn’t here. Though, if anyone has or feels an affinity for Hallmark movies, I do recommend the movie I mentioned above. It still is streaming on Hallmark Plus. Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3_rxR...
What I did find is this…
Margot feels and sees things and people. Will these ‘things,’ and people she sees, give her insights into her future as well as her past? Will these so-called visions give her opportunities to change her present or future life?
“What if anything are they trying to tell me? That somewhere out there in the future, my heart might be ready to restart?”
Like, how sometimes we just need to let out all our anger so we can know how to heal and be happy.
But…can Margot allow what she sees and feels to manifest towards a happily ever after?
Readers will have the opportunity to join Margot on this heart-felt adventure through ‘time’ towards what anyone would hope would be the best version of her life. Will she finally see it?
Better yet…Will she finally live it? (No spoilers from me.)
But…Kleenex may be needed.
4.5 stars
October 22, 2025
Margot Wayward has always had a knack for predicting the future — I mean, it's kinda her job as a meteorologist.
Still, Margo's a bit thrown for a loop when she begins seeing brief visions of herself playing house with a lovely gentleman.
Hmmm, could this be her future?
I Know How This Ends is pure delight.
Humorous, heartfelt, and hopeful, hats off to Holly Smale for writing the enchanting rom-com that I didn't know I needed.
A thought-provoking exploration of love, loss, and our intertwined destinies, this novel has all the feels.
August 14, 2025
▹My ⭐ Rating: ★★★★.5 out of 5
▹Format: 📱 eReader
▹TL;DR Review: Holly Smale’s writing is for me. It’s funny, it makes me introspective, it makes my heart feel things. This book, much like Cassandra in Reverse, is packed with emotions, character growth, a cast of vibrant characters, and many “what-if” moments.
─────────────────────────
○★○ What to Expect from This Book: ○★○
– FMC: Margot (aka Meg or Megalodon). A British/Australian 36-year-old data-driven meteorologist who—amidst loss—is trying to force life to happen to prove to herself and her friends that she’s trying (and sometimes with the help of visions of the future).
– MMC: Henry. A witty, erudite, open-minded man with a spunky 6-year-old daughter and a keen eye fixed on Margot. A saint of a man, really.
– Location: Bristol, UK
– POV: Single first-person
– Spice: A few closed-door moments
– Tropes: strangers to lovers, single dad, magical realism, fate vs. free will, golden retriever MMC
– Triggers: woes of online dating, cheating, betrayal from someone you love, widow
– Representation: Australian-born Brit, side character with fertility issues (endometriosis and embryo transfer treatments), grandfather/granddaughter friendship
─────────────────────────
↻ ◁ || ▷ ↺ 1:00 ──ㅇ────── 4:12
Now Playing: The Dance by Garth Brooks
─────────────────────────
★○ If You Like the Following, You Might Like This Book ○★
➼ Reading books about alternate versions of ourselves like Oona Out of Order by Margarita Montimore, Cassandra in Reverse by Holly Smale, and The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
➼ Paralleling real life to weather patterns and other forces of nature
➼ Stopping by your nonagenarian grandad’s flat to check in on him from time to time
─────────────────────────
⍟»This or That«⍟
Character Driven——✧—————————Plot Driven
Insta Love/Lust————————✧———Slow Burn
Sweet———✧————————Spicy
Light/Fluffy————————✧———Heavy/Emotional
─────────────────────────
🎯 My Thoughts:
Quick synopsis: Margot has recently endured a shocking heartbreak. But despite her guarded, sharp-tongued self, she’s out to prove that she’s still trying. But is she going about it the right way? Every single guy has a red flag, every situation paints her a martyr, and the controlled setting she’s set to gather data is by her own design. She’s about to give up until she starts having visions of a future with a man who makes her heart flutter, who has a car with red seats, and who makes her laugh like she hasn’t in a long time. How does she ensure that her next steps lead her to this man? Are her visions changeable? And if she knew the outcome, would the pain and work and love be worth it?
If you haven’t yet read Cassandra in Reverse or I Know How This Ends what are you even doing? Both of these Holly Smale books had me in a chokehold. I related to both female main characters SO MUCH it hurt (neither are entirely likeable at first, just fair warning). Holly has a way of drawing up a realistic look at a 30-something woman who is trying her hardest—despite heartbreak—but is still falling short (because she’s in her own way).
I lol’d several times, but what really did me in was the FMC’s relationship with her grandpa. That, paired with the main turning point of the story, had me ugly crying for the last 20% of the book (not being dramatic). It healed a part of me. The only reason I knocked off half a star is that there's a stretch in the middle where I got a bit bored and had to force myself to focus more.
Convincing you to read using some of my favorite quotes:
▹Format: 📱 eReader
▹TL;DR Review: Holly Smale’s writing is for me. It’s funny, it makes me introspective, it makes my heart feel things. This book, much like Cassandra in Reverse, is packed with emotions, character growth, a cast of vibrant characters, and many “what-if” moments.
─────────────────────────
○★○ What to Expect from This Book: ○★○
– FMC: Margot (aka Meg or Megalodon). A British/Australian 36-year-old data-driven meteorologist who—amidst loss—is trying to force life to happen to prove to herself and her friends that she’s trying (and sometimes with the help of visions of the future).
– MMC: Henry. A witty, erudite, open-minded man with a spunky 6-year-old daughter and a keen eye fixed on Margot. A saint of a man, really.
– Location: Bristol, UK
– POV: Single first-person
– Spice: A few closed-door moments
– Tropes: strangers to lovers, single dad, magical realism, fate vs. free will, golden retriever MMC
– Triggers: woes of online dating, cheating, betrayal from someone you love, widow
– Representation: Australian-born Brit, side character with fertility issues (endometriosis and embryo transfer treatments), grandfather/granddaughter friendship
─────────────────────────
↻ ◁ || ▷ ↺ 1:00 ──ㅇ────── 4:12
Now Playing: The Dance by Garth Brooks
╰┈➤ ❝And now, I'm glad I didn't know the way it all would end, the way it all would go; Our lives are better left to chance, I could have missed the pain but I'd’ve had to miss the dance❞
─────────────────────────
★○ If You Like the Following, You Might Like This Book ○★
➼ Reading books about alternate versions of ourselves like Oona Out of Order by Margarita Montimore, Cassandra in Reverse by Holly Smale, and The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
➼ Paralleling real life to weather patterns and other forces of nature
➼ Stopping by your nonagenarian grandad’s flat to check in on him from time to time
─────────────────────────
⍟»This or That«⍟
Character Driven——✧—————————Plot Driven
Insta Love/Lust————————✧———Slow Burn
Sweet———✧————————Spicy
Light/Fluffy————————✧———Heavy/Emotional
─────────────────────────
🎯 My Thoughts:
Quick synopsis: Margot has recently endured a shocking heartbreak. But despite her guarded, sharp-tongued self, she’s out to prove that she’s still trying. But is she going about it the right way? Every single guy has a red flag, every situation paints her a martyr, and the controlled setting she’s set to gather data is by her own design. She’s about to give up until she starts having visions of a future with a man who makes her heart flutter, who has a car with red seats, and who makes her laugh like she hasn’t in a long time. How does she ensure that her next steps lead her to this man? Are her visions changeable? And if she knew the outcome, would the pain and work and love be worth it?
If you haven’t yet read Cassandra in Reverse or I Know How This Ends what are you even doing? Both of these Holly Smale books had me in a chokehold. I related to both female main characters SO MUCH it hurt (neither are entirely likeable at first, just fair warning). Holly has a way of drawing up a realistic look at a 30-something woman who is trying her hardest—despite heartbreak—but is still falling short (because she’s in her own way).
I lol’d several times, but what really did me in was the FMC’s relationship with her grandpa. That, paired with the main turning point of the story, had me ugly crying for the last 20% of the book (not being dramatic). It healed a part of me. The only reason I knocked off half a star is that there's a stretch in the middle where I got a bit bored and had to force myself to focus more.
Convincing you to read using some of my favorite quotes:
╰┈➤ ❝Get back out there,’ they all said. ‘Plenty more fish in the sea.’ Except nobody pointed out exactly what is swimming around in the depths of the online dating ocean in your thirties and forties: it’s all jelly and teeth and transparent organs and protruding eyes jubilantly announcing that ‘they want to find that special connection’ as long as she’s a ‘nine or above.’ At least now when they ask for my ‘body count,’ I tell them it’s currently zero, but I’m looking to change that and have dug a large hole in my garden.❞
╰┈➤ ❝The problem is that the more you look for red flags, the easier they are to find. Until you’re no longer looking for fire: you’re looking for just the faintest bit of smoke, a hint of heat, a puff of ash, and you’re out of there, running for safety. A fire is a terrifying prospect when you’ve already been burned.❞
╰┈➤ ❝I think maybe I’m a bit screwed-up at the moment.’ Which is like saying it’s a bit drizzly in the middle of a thunderstorm.❞
╰┈➤ ❝Is this what we all do? Just hate ourselves, constantly, for not being perfect? For making mistakes? For somehow not living up to whatever identity we’ve created in our own heads? Are we all just walking around, living in our own guilt and shame and flaws like snails in houses we’ve made from ourselves?❞
August 12, 2025
A delight from start to finish! This unique story blends just the right touch of magical realism with sharp, witty prose that had me smiling (and occasionally snorting). Margot—sassy, flawed, and utterly lovable—steals the show, but the real magic lies in how the story captures the messiness of friendship, family, and figuring out life in such relatable ways. This is more than just a romance novel; it’s a heartwarming reminder that hope can sneak in when you least expect it.
Bonus points for Alix Dunmore’s narration—she brought every character to life with such charm, I almost missed them when it ended. I can’t wait to read more by Smale!
** I received an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thanks to the author and publisher! **
Bonus points for Alix Dunmore’s narration—she brought every character to life with such charm, I almost missed them when it ended. I can’t wait to read more by Smale!
** I received an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thanks to the author and publisher! **
August 13, 2025
I cannot be chill about how much I love this book. Holly Smale’s Cassandra In Reverse was a book that got me back into reading again (my favorite hobby, until life and motherhood and a career got in the way), and I think I may love this even more. Margot’s struggle with coping with her visions of the future, and if everything is predetermined or if there’s any free will is everything. I loved her friend group, her relationship with Henry, and her care for her grandfather. I rooted for her this entire novel and cried at the very end-very few books do that for me! Please-run and get this right away. If you’re a fan of The Time Traveler’s Wife or Cassandra In Reverse-this book will bring you so much joy and heartache.
Thank you to the Hive for this eGalley! I’m so, so grateful I was able to read it.
Thank you to the Hive for this eGalley! I’m so, so grateful I was able to read it.
August 12, 2025
Much like Cassandra in Reverse by Holly Smale, this ended up being so much more than I anticipated. And like a lot of magical realism stories, it’s incredibly hard to review. There’s so much I want to say, but … I can’t. You just have to pick it up yourself, ok?
After a messy breakup, meteorologist Margot Wayward is basically on a bitter path of self-sabotage, relying on dating apps to complete a twenty-date experiment before she officially swears off romance. But then a vision of meeting a single dad comes true—and soon she starts seeing glimpses of their future together!
This witty love story was so tender yet complex. How do you date someone already knowing the crushing lows of your relationship? How do you let yourself fall in love when it feels like fate has already decided the outcome? There’s a bit of a tense, aching feeling as Margot anxiously waits for certain moments to arrive, wondering if she can change what she’s already seen.
It gave me Oona Out of Order vibes, but with a heavier sprinkle of romance! I did get a little tripped up by a reveal toward the end, but for the way it made my heart burst, I’m letting it slide. I’ll be thinking about this one for a long time. I loved it.
(heat level: closed door)
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
After a messy breakup, meteorologist Margot Wayward is basically on a bitter path of self-sabotage, relying on dating apps to complete a twenty-date experiment before she officially swears off romance. But then a vision of meeting a single dad comes true—and soon she starts seeing glimpses of their future together!
This witty love story was so tender yet complex. How do you date someone already knowing the crushing lows of your relationship? How do you let yourself fall in love when it feels like fate has already decided the outcome? There’s a bit of a tense, aching feeling as Margot anxiously waits for certain moments to arrive, wondering if she can change what she’s already seen.
It gave me Oona Out of Order vibes, but with a heavier sprinkle of romance! I did get a little tripped up by a reveal toward the end, but for the way it made my heart burst, I’m letting it slide. I’ll be thinking about this one for a long time. I loved it.
(heat level: closed door)
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 12, 2025
Margot is a meteorologist. She has just moved back to Bristol and is in the midst of an experiment to go on Tinder dates each Monday — the goal is 20 dates—- just so she could say she tried. But she is a master at finding the red flag. Our novel starts as she is on number 16.
But it’s number 17 that changes everything. At a low point in her life, Margot left her job out of spite as she had a terrible break up that was embarrassing and would crushing. She has started an instagram account as Margo the meteorologist and finding some success as she shares her excitement about the weather. It’s a niche!
Margot begins to have visions of her life in the future, just a few
Minutes at a time when she seemingly drops into her
Future life. She can see clues of what will happen, then makes changes based on what she knows will occur.
This is a time tested theme—- if you could see the future, would you? Would you want to know the end of the story without the context? There are times we think we know better, but sometimes the future path is better left in the future.
Clever plotting and quick readability- this book is heartwarming and intriguing. The plot makes the reader want to just keep turning the pages. Mostly I felt pity for Margot, although I was hoping she would find success and happiness. She didn’t deal well with her breakup or the betrayal she felt, but over the course of the book we learn more and more about her life. Her grandad was the BEST character, and Winter, a 6 year old, was written very well, with realistic attitude and dialogue for a kid of that age.
Read if you like magical realism, books set in the UK, thought-provoking sad girl stories.
Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade for the ARC. Book to be published August 11, 2025.
But it’s number 17 that changes everything. At a low point in her life, Margot left her job out of spite as she had a terrible break up that was embarrassing and would crushing. She has started an instagram account as Margo the meteorologist and finding some success as she shares her excitement about the weather. It’s a niche!
Margot begins to have visions of her life in the future, just a few
Minutes at a time when she seemingly drops into her
Future life. She can see clues of what will happen, then makes changes based on what she knows will occur.
This is a time tested theme—- if you could see the future, would you? Would you want to know the end of the story without the context? There are times we think we know better, but sometimes the future path is better left in the future.
Clever plotting and quick readability- this book is heartwarming and intriguing. The plot makes the reader want to just keep turning the pages. Mostly I felt pity for Margot, although I was hoping she would find success and happiness. She didn’t deal well with her breakup or the betrayal she felt, but over the course of the book we learn more and more about her life. Her grandad was the BEST character, and Winter, a 6 year old, was written very well, with realistic attitude and dialogue for a kid of that age.
Read if you like magical realism, books set in the UK, thought-provoking sad girl stories.
Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade for the ARC. Book to be published August 11, 2025.
June 22, 2025
* thanks to Harlequin/MIRA for the NetGalley review copy [pub date: August 12, 2025]
Margot's life has gone completely off the rails - her decade-long relationship has blown up, her friend group is in turmoil, and she quits her beloved job as a meteorologist. She goes on a series of terrible dates and has pretty much resigned herself to being alone forever in an unpacked flat when she starts having visions of a future with a man she hasn't met.
I loved Smale's last book (Cassandra in Reverse), so I had high expectations for this one, and I was not disappointed! Quirky (but not annoyingly so) characters, funny dialogue, some heartache, some happiness, some visions of the future -- this was a sweet and delightful read from start to finish. I'm already looking forward to reading more books by Smale (and dipping into her backlist - loved the Geek Girl show and can only assume the books are even better)!
Margot's life has gone completely off the rails - her decade-long relationship has blown up, her friend group is in turmoil, and she quits her beloved job as a meteorologist. She goes on a series of terrible dates and has pretty much resigned herself to being alone forever in an unpacked flat when she starts having visions of a future with a man she hasn't met.
I loved Smale's last book (Cassandra in Reverse), so I had high expectations for this one, and I was not disappointed! Quirky (but not annoyingly so) characters, funny dialogue, some heartache, some happiness, some visions of the future -- this was a sweet and delightful read from start to finish. I'm already looking forward to reading more books by Smale (and dipping into her backlist - loved the Geek Girl show and can only assume the books are even better)!
June 15, 2025
Thank you NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review the ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts.
This is a heartwarming, magic realism story about love, family, friendship and self acceptance. Margo’s career as a meteorologist and ten year relationship comes to an end. After many disastrous dates, she doesn’t expect to find love again. But then finds it in the most unexpected person. Margo was such a relatable character and I enjoyed this book so much.
This is a heartwarming, magic realism story about love, family, friendship and self acceptance. Margo’s career as a meteorologist and ten year relationship comes to an end. After many disastrous dates, she doesn’t expect to find love again. But then finds it in the most unexpected person. Margo was such a relatable character and I enjoyed this book so much.
August 11, 2025
It’s not very often a book leaves me crying at 3:30 in the morning- in fact I think this might be a first, but that’s where I find myself after finishing this absolutely beautiful book. Holly Smale has written another fabulous romance sprinkled with just a little bit of time travel and while I enjoyed Cassandra in Reverse, I loved this one so much more.
I actually feel like I’m at a loss for words in trying to describe why I loved this so much but that could be my sleep deprived brain. Margot is a great protagonist. She has so many different emotions and we feel all of them with her. While there is no “com” in this “rom” the lighthearted moments come at exactly the right time. I am usually not a fan of time travel books, but this is done perfectly since it’s not actually time travel, as opposed to mere glimpses into Margot’s future. With those glimpses, we see where Margot’s life will end up taking her. I love how in addition to a three dimensional story there is a thought provoking question that isn’t outright asked- are we in control of our destiny or will things play out how they are meant to be regardless of what decisions we make?
I am so happy I had the opportunity to read this and I greatly look forward to any other books Ms. Smale writes down the road. Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for an advanced copy of this. I Know How This Ends hits the shelves on August 12th.
I actually feel like I’m at a loss for words in trying to describe why I loved this so much but that could be my sleep deprived brain. Margot is a great protagonist. She has so many different emotions and we feel all of them with her. While there is no “com” in this “rom” the lighthearted moments come at exactly the right time. I am usually not a fan of time travel books, but this is done perfectly since it’s not actually time travel, as opposed to mere glimpses into Margot’s future. With those glimpses, we see where Margot’s life will end up taking her. I love how in addition to a three dimensional story there is a thought provoking question that isn’t outright asked- are we in control of our destiny or will things play out how they are meant to be regardless of what decisions we make?
I am so happy I had the opportunity to read this and I greatly look forward to any other books Ms. Smale writes down the road. Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for an advanced copy of this. I Know How This Ends hits the shelves on August 12th.
November 20, 2025
I know how this ends. The title and the reality.
Wait, this is the author of Geek Girl?!
Margot is a badass on the dating scene, joyfully ripping apart men on dating apps to prove to herself that there’s no point in dating.
Then, Margot has a vision of herself with a man she’s never met before. It can’t be fate, but Margot meets single-dad Henry. All of the visions she keeps having come true.
I think this could be a hit for people who like this type of niche and genre. However, I have read a few alike and they all read the same to me, unfortunately.
I think Henry and Margot made a good couple. I loved Henry’s young daughter and Margot’s realistic relationship and worries surrounding her.
However, the story itself felt repetitive and predictable and the quirkiness and easiness of Margot dwindled as the book continued.
If you like chic lit, or romance with more of a woman’s fiction angle, you would probably enjoy this.
Unfortunately, this really wasn’t for me (22 years old, recently graduated university, unexciting dating life).
Audiobook arc gifted by Libro.fm.
Bookstagram
Tiktok
Wait, this is the author of Geek Girl?!
Margot is a badass on the dating scene, joyfully ripping apart men on dating apps to prove to herself that there’s no point in dating.
Then, Margot has a vision of herself with a man she’s never met before. It can’t be fate, but Margot meets single-dad Henry. All of the visions she keeps having come true.
I think this could be a hit for people who like this type of niche and genre. However, I have read a few alike and they all read the same to me, unfortunately.
I think Henry and Margot made a good couple. I loved Henry’s young daughter and Margot’s realistic relationship and worries surrounding her.
However, the story itself felt repetitive and predictable and the quirkiness and easiness of Margot dwindled as the book continued.
If you like chic lit, or romance with more of a woman’s fiction angle, you would probably enjoy this.
Unfortunately, this really wasn’t for me (22 years old, recently graduated university, unexciting dating life).
Audiobook arc gifted by Libro.fm.
Bookstagram
Tiktok
September 7, 2025
4.5 stars
September 1, 2025
This was a great read. It had magical realism, humor, and good life lessons. I really liked the FMC's relationship with her grandfather and also seeing her navigate relationships with her friends. I really enjoyed reading it.
December 18, 2025
So now even I know how this ends🙈🙈 Such a well written book... Making me feel anything and everything.... I was super into the book.. All those lovely characters.. ❤ I love how there was always a surprise element... Even at the end.. Felt tht the end is a bit open... But I feel I am in love with this one... 🤭🤭 No regrets... Loved it to the core🧿💕
August 26, 2025
Story 5+ stars. Narration 5 stars
I’m just going to say it. What a good book! The kind of book that other contemporary romances should be, but of course doesn’t always happen. The author should be commended for the way she handled the whole end part of the book as well. It’s British and although I’m American, I adore the British contemporary books I’ve read.
Margo has been deeply hurt after being left at her wedding rehearsal dinner for someone else. After a nine year relationship. So she’s on a mission of twenty first dates found online. Of course, none of them works out. She’s a meteorologist and has started a Instagram account about the weather and it’s taken off. I’m not going to say how she meets her new love because that would ruin it. But I will say that he is incredible. The book is full of fully realized characters, ones that I wouldn’t mind being friends with. Margo has several best friends and they are all featured here. Her 93 year old grandfather was a major side character as well and he’s definitely a favorite of mine. There’s children involved as well, and a yellow cat for good measure. There’s something magical happening at times too. Another favorite aspect of this romance for me. Trying not to spoil what happens.
Narration was simply stellar for me. I highly(hugely) recommend this to adult romance readers. There’s some sex mentioned, but it’s all closed door.
I’m just going to say it. What a good book! The kind of book that other contemporary romances should be, but of course doesn’t always happen. The author should be commended for the way she handled the whole end part of the book as well. It’s British and although I’m American, I adore the British contemporary books I’ve read.
Margo has been deeply hurt after being left at her wedding rehearsal dinner for someone else. After a nine year relationship. So she’s on a mission of twenty first dates found online. Of course, none of them works out. She’s a meteorologist and has started a Instagram account about the weather and it’s taken off. I’m not going to say how she meets her new love because that would ruin it. But I will say that he is incredible. The book is full of fully realized characters, ones that I wouldn’t mind being friends with. Margo has several best friends and they are all featured here. Her 93 year old grandfather was a major side character as well and he’s definitely a favorite of mine. There’s children involved as well, and a yellow cat for good measure. There’s something magical happening at times too. Another favorite aspect of this romance for me. Trying not to spoil what happens.
Narration was simply stellar for me. I highly(hugely) recommend this to adult romance readers. There’s some sex mentioned, but it’s all closed door.
November 30, 2025
4.5⭐️ This was, at times, heartbreaking
July 30, 2025
I enjoyed Holly Smale's Cassandra in Reverse and was excited to read her newest release. I Know How this Ends has a unique preface. If you know how your life ends, what would you change now? I am typically not someone who enjoys magical realism but I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
Margot was a successful meteorologist who is engaged and is literally ready to walk down the isle the next day when she discovers one of her best friends in an intimate embrace with her fiance. Margot then goes on a path of self destruction.
There is so much about this book that I loved. The characters were so well written and developed. They had flaws and as the book went they grew and worked on their issues. Winter. Oh what a precocious and fun little girl. Her human and quick whit was lovely and such a breath of fresh air.
3.5 stars rounded up to 4 because I adored Winter. This is a fun solid story that is unique.
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Margot was a successful meteorologist who is engaged and is literally ready to walk down the isle the next day when she discovers one of her best friends in an intimate embrace with her fiance. Margot then goes on a path of self destruction.
There is so much about this book that I loved. The characters were so well written and developed. They had flaws and as the book went they grew and worked on their issues. Winter. Oh what a precocious and fun little girl. Her human and quick whit was lovely and such a breath of fresh air.
3.5 stars rounded up to 4 because I adored Winter. This is a fun solid story that is unique.
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 4, 2025
After loving Cassandra in Reverse, I was happy to see the author has a new book out. I’m thrilled to report, this one is wonderful as well! Margo is beautifully written and it’s so sad to see her on such a downward spiral. There are so many great life lessons here for her and I loved the messaging. It’s truly not about the end result, it’s about living life to its fullest and enjoying the journey along the way. Not everything needs to “go somewhere.” Many times I found myself wanting to scream, “Margo, no!” The author’s humor is snarky and perfectly timed to diffuse the tension in Margot’s life. I loved the side characters and in particular Margot’s grandfather. Alix Dunmore is outstanding as Margot in the audiobook production. This is a Do Not Miss!
October 16, 2025
I loved everything about this book. I loved how fully each character loved. It was such a relief to see people love those placed in their lives with reckless abandon. That strong bonds were celebrated. I loved how realistically Holly described Margo's scope of emotions. I love the relationship between generations, particularly the different depictions of love between parent and child. I loved that love was the central theme and championed above all.
Also, I think this is the most I've ever used love but I'm okay with that.
Also, I think this is the most I've ever used love but I'm okay with that.
October 14, 2025
I absolutely loved this. This year I have read a handful of magical realism books that deal with agency, choice, and fate, and I really enjoy them.
I absolutely loved all the characters in this book. As soon as I finished it, I already missed the characters like they were my friends. The grandpa was my absolute favorite. He felt very real and he was such a sweet and lovely character. I thought the romance aspect was very well done, and I appreciated that the male lead was not written to be super "traditionally handsome" or tall. The main female character is taller than her love interest! I loved that! I thought the discussion of fate and choice was very interesting and well done, and it made me think a lot, without overwhelming the fun and easy-to-read nature of the book.
Very very good.
I absolutely loved all the characters in this book. As soon as I finished it, I already missed the characters like they were my friends. The grandpa was my absolute favorite. He felt very real and he was such a sweet and lovely character. I thought the romance aspect was very well done, and I appreciated that the male lead was not written to be super "traditionally handsome" or tall. The main female character is taller than her love interest! I loved that! I thought the discussion of fate and choice was very interesting and well done, and it made me think a lot, without overwhelming the fun and easy-to-read nature of the book.
Very very good.
August 13, 2025
When meteorologist Margot's life goes up in flames the last thing she expects is to find love, especially not in the form of the older single dad widower who has served her meals on the last 16 of her disastrous first dates.
Enter Henry, a charming, irresistible guy who just might be the key to Margot's future happiness and how does she know that? Because she keeps getting glimpses into the future and every one has Henry in it! If you are a fan of books with interesting time twist plots you are going to gobble this up!
It is such a heartwarming story about family, friendship, forgiveness, starting over and moving on when grief seems overwhelming. It was an ENORMOUS hug in book form and is sure to be a favorite of mine for the year if not decades!
HIGHLY recommended, especially for fans of books like Oona out of order by Margarita Montimore. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review! Cassandra in reverse was a top read of mine and I know how this ends is right up there - I don't think I could choose a favorite between them if I tried.
⚠️CW: side character with endometriosis, miscarriage, infertility
Enter Henry, a charming, irresistible guy who just might be the key to Margot's future happiness and how does she know that? Because she keeps getting glimpses into the future and every one has Henry in it! If you are a fan of books with interesting time twist plots you are going to gobble this up!
It is such a heartwarming story about family, friendship, forgiveness, starting over and moving on when grief seems overwhelming. It was an ENORMOUS hug in book form and is sure to be a favorite of mine for the year if not decades!
HIGHLY recommended, especially for fans of books like Oona out of order by Margarita Montimore. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review! Cassandra in reverse was a top read of mine and I know how this ends is right up there - I don't think I could choose a favorite between them if I tried.
⚠️CW: side character with endometriosis, miscarriage, infertility
September 28, 2025
A 1000000 stars. I loved it so much 😭😭😭😭
December 23, 2025
Review coming soon.
August 20, 2025
I sobbed most of the way through.
August 24, 2025
Dear teens and 20-somethings who feel the need to read this book: THIS IS NOT HOW REAL ADULTS BEHAVE. To everyone else: Please don't waste your time on this book.
This book reads like it was written by a 15-year-old, and reads like what that teen thinks "adult life" is like. It's that bad.
The protagonist is (checks notes as I snort-laugh) supposedly late 30s.
WITH A PH.D (more laughter).
...aaaand surrounded by similarly teenlike "30s" friends (and a kitten! And clueless parents who only exist for their woman-child!).
So much drama! So much stomping out of rooms! And screaming! So much teenage emotional control!
And let's not forget the visions: Margot has visions of the future where a Real, Grownup Man is her True Love. We know he's a grownup because he has silver hair.
I'm not sure which is worse: The overuse of tropes (white millennial woman who's "a mess," works in media, needs a strong white man to complete her, and is written like she's 19), or the fact that this entire book is apparently what the author thinks adult life is like?
For the record, I'm older than Margot is at the end of the book. In no world, unless you've had some disfiguring accident, will anyone have aged so badly between 37 and 51 that you barely recognize yourself. Who thinks that? Umm, teenagers. And bad novelists.
This book reads like it was written by a 15-year-old, and reads like what that teen thinks "adult life" is like. It's that bad.
The protagonist is (checks notes as I snort-laugh) supposedly late 30s.
WITH A PH.D (more laughter).
...aaaand surrounded by similarly teenlike "30s" friends (and a kitten! And clueless parents who only exist for their woman-child!).
So much drama! So much stomping out of rooms! And screaming! So much teenage emotional control!
And let's not forget the visions: Margot has visions of the future where a Real, Grownup Man is her True Love. We know he's a grownup because he has silver hair.
I'm not sure which is worse: The overuse of tropes (white millennial woman who's "a mess," works in media, needs a strong white man to complete her, and is written like she's 19), or the fact that this entire book is apparently what the author thinks adult life is like?
For the record, I'm older than Margot is at the end of the book. In no world, unless you've had some disfiguring accident, will anyone have aged so badly between 37 and 51 that you barely recognize yourself. Who thinks that? Umm, teenagers. And bad novelists.
September 1, 2025
Just a lovely book - romantic but realistic, with messy relationships and a perfect ending. The story can be reduced to its simplest form with the annoying "don't cry because it's over; smile because it happened" cliche. But Margot is a distinctive FMC who would probably be first in line to punch anyone who said that to her, which cuts the cutesiness to a manageable level. Her evolution into a still prickly but happier person takes place because of changes in her career, family and friendships, not just because of the MMC (a cinnamon roll with occasional nuts). The brief flashes of the future that happen randomly are just long enough to be intriguing without requiring any deep explanations of time travel, metaverses, etc. There are no tired romance tropes, but there is a kitten.
I suspect this book might be too twee for some readers, and Margot's self-centered misery can be A Lot at first. But my shriveled heart grew three sizes over the course of 350 pages, which is a rare occurrence these days.
I suspect this book might be too twee for some readers, and Margot's self-centered misery can be A Lot at first. But my shriveled heart grew three sizes over the course of 350 pages, which is a rare occurrence these days.
August 4, 2025
I am obsessed with this book. This is a funny, sad; heart-warming read with such an interesting concept, I didn’t want to put it down. I was so invested in Margot and her life, her romance, her career, her recovery, her friendships and of course her visions. I really liked all the characters, they all felt important and loveable, especially Winter. I loved the romance, Henry and Margot's love story felt very real and sweet and I love how they developed throughout the book. Margot’s growth and healing journey was a joy to read, and this story is a hopeful one. I definitely recommend this and can’t wait to read more from Smale!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this eArc in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this eArc in exchange for an honest review.
September 30, 2025
Was not expecting this to be that good. I really enjoyed this one.
August 14, 2025
Finished reading: July 26th 2025
"The problem is that the more you look for red flags, the easier they are to find. Until you're no longer looking for fire: you're looking for just the faintest bit of smoke, a hint of heat, a puff of ash, and you're out of there, running for safety. A fire is a terrifying prospect when you've already been burned."
*** A copy of this book was kindly provided to me by MIRA in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! ***
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