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In this game of hearts, the stakes have never been higher…Molly Harris is used to being left. Parents, boyfriends – she’s the queen of rejection. Her latest boyfriend, gym-fanatic Duncan, dumps her to go on reality dating show The One which sets up hot singletons to date for four weeks before meeting at the altar to say, ‘I do’.
But Duncan was the one who picked Molly up and put her back together the last time her heart got broken, so, determined not to let ‘The One’ get away, she follows Duncan onto the show. If she can prove that they’re meant to be, she might just get the happily ever after of her dreams…
But on the first day of filming, another reminder of her painful history walks into Happily Ever After Ben Knight, her it’s-not-you-it’s-me heartbreaker. The one she loved before Duncan.
In four weeks’ time, who will she meet at the altar? Duncan, the first person who ever made her feel loved, or Ben, the first person who made her feel?
But Duncan was the one who picked Molly up and put her back together the last time her heart got broken, so, determined not to let ‘The One’ get away, she follows Duncan onto the show. If she can prove that they’re meant to be, she might just get the happily ever after of her dreams…
But on the first day of filming, another reminder of her painful history walks into Happily Ever After Ben Knight, her it’s-not-you-it’s-me heartbreaker. The one she loved before Duncan.
In four weeks’ time, who will she meet at the altar? Duncan, the first person who ever made her feel loved, or Ben, the first person who made her feel?
384 pages, Paperback
Published July 4, 2024
97 people are currently reading
670 people want to read
About the author
Kathryn Freeman
28 books446 followersI was born in Wallingford, England and have spent most of my life living in a village outside Windsor. A former pharmacist, former pharmaceutical industry employee I’m now a self-employed medical writer who also loves to write romance. Some days a racing heart is a medical condition, others it’s the reaction to a hunky hero…
I’ve two teenage boys and a husband who asks every Valentine’s Day whether he has to bother buying a card again this year (yes, he does) so the romance in my life is all in my head. Then again, my husband’s unstinting support of my career change goes to prove that love isn't always about hearts and flowers - and heroes can come in many disguises
I’ve two teenage boys and a husband who asks every Valentine’s Day whether he has to bother buying a card again this year (yes, he does) so the romance in my life is all in my head. Then again, my husband’s unstinting support of my career change goes to prove that love isn't always about hearts and flowers - and heroes can come in many disguises
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 175 reviews
October 18, 2024
3⭐
Genre ~ contemporary romance
Setting ~ England
Publication date ~ June 30, 2024
Est Page Count ~ 371 (37 chapters +e)
POV ~ dual 3rd
Featuring ~ reality dating show, forced proximity, lack of communication, second chance, minimal steamage
Author Content Warning: Some sex scenes, heroine adopted after being abandoned by mother as a seven year old. Hero’s first love addicted to drugs, depressed, died of drug overdose or potential suicide.
Molly & Ben
Molly and Duncan have been dating for a year. He’s asked to go on the dating show The One and he agrees in order to promote his fitness business. He breaks up with Molly before he leaves, but promises she’s the one he wants to be with and marry one day. The producers get wind that Molly is his ex so she’s invited on the show, too, in order to beef up the drama. Molly gets to the show and lo and behold her ex before Duncan, the one that broke her heart, is a contestant too, Ben. He's anti-commitment and not thrilled to be there. Can you say disaster waiting to happen?
I am not a reality dating show watcher, but it pretty much seemed to be what I expected one to be. It’s full of drama, gossip, drinking, and fun dates. Pretty much all of the characters frustrated me a time or sixteen. Ben’s reasoning for giving her the boot back in the day was perfectly valid, however I just wish he had better communication skills. But at least he never denied he sucks at it. Perhaps if we had a couple of chapters when they were together back in the day we could have gotten a better feel of their relationship instead of just being told about it.
It is obvious who is going to end up together, but I just didn’t care for the stringing us along with the back and forth of ~ is it going to be Ben or Duncan, which was repetitive. It wasn’t a love triangle per say, since they’re not attached, attached, but it kind of gives off the vibe of one. The ending didn't feel authentic to me either.
Overall, there were some fun moments and I really love the cover. I do think this would appeal to those that do enjoy watching these types of shows, or those that like drama filled fiction.
*Thanks to the author and Rachel’s Random Resources for my copy. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter
Genre ~ contemporary romance
Setting ~ England
Publication date ~ June 30, 2024
Est Page Count ~ 371 (37 chapters +e)
POV ~ dual 3rd
Featuring ~ reality dating show, forced proximity, lack of communication, second chance, minimal steamage
Author Content Warning: Some sex scenes, heroine adopted after being abandoned by mother as a seven year old. Hero’s first love addicted to drugs, depressed, died of drug overdose or potential suicide.
Molly & Ben
Molly and Duncan have been dating for a year. He’s asked to go on the dating show The One and he agrees in order to promote his fitness business. He breaks up with Molly before he leaves, but promises she’s the one he wants to be with and marry one day. The producers get wind that Molly is his ex so she’s invited on the show, too, in order to beef up the drama. Molly gets to the show and lo and behold her ex before Duncan, the one that broke her heart, is a contestant too, Ben. He's anti-commitment and not thrilled to be there. Can you say disaster waiting to happen?
I am not a reality dating show watcher, but it pretty much seemed to be what I expected one to be. It’s full of drama, gossip, drinking, and fun dates. Pretty much all of the characters frustrated me a time or sixteen. Ben’s reasoning for giving her the boot back in the day was perfectly valid, however I just wish he had better communication skills. But at least he never denied he sucks at it. Perhaps if we had a couple of chapters when they were together back in the day we could have gotten a better feel of their relationship instead of just being told about it.
It is obvious who is going to end up together, but I just didn’t care for the stringing us along with the back and forth of ~ is it going to be Ben or Duncan, which was repetitive. It wasn’t a love triangle per say, since they’re not attached, attached, but it kind of gives off the vibe of one. The ending didn't feel authentic to me either.
Overall, there were some fun moments and I really love the cover. I do think this would appeal to those that do enjoy watching these types of shows, or those that like drama filled fiction.
*Thanks to the author and Rachel’s Random Resources for my copy. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter
June 8, 2024
2.5 ˖⁺‧✮
i loved the idea so much, that’s basically why i gave this book 2.5 starts.
i am a huge fan of reality show and i never knew i needed this storyline in books. the way this book had, gossips, second chances, love, hate, feelings.
i do think the book was okay, don’t get me wrong. but good book its not only plot but characters, their interactions and development, hooks, writing and world building.
i hated characters. some of them were bad, and the author made it very clear. like i actually hated them, what do you mean he was hers, she know him for 20hours. omg. on the other side, main characters… i didn’t like male characters. both of them. one was ready to get married to anyone and other had trauma, that wasn’t really that deep🤷🏼♀️ he wanted to have a trauma, and least it looked like it.
thank you NetGalley and One More Chapter for approving my request. reviews are my own opinion.
i loved the idea so much, that’s basically why i gave this book 2.5 starts.
i am a huge fan of reality show and i never knew i needed this storyline in books. the way this book had, gossips, second chances, love, hate, feelings.
i do think the book was okay, don’t get me wrong. but good book its not only plot but characters, their interactions and development, hooks, writing and world building.
i hated characters. some of them were bad, and the author made it very clear. like i actually hated them, what do you mean he was hers, she know him for 20hours. omg. on the other side, main characters… i didn’t like male characters. both of them. one was ready to get married to anyone and other had trauma, that wasn’t really that deep🤷🏼♀️ he wanted to have a trauma, and least it looked like it.
thank you NetGalley and One More Chapter for approving my request. reviews are my own opinion.
June 26, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for sending me this arc! I did enjoy this book which is why I gave it 3.75 stars, but it did start off slow and I was slightly bored for the first 30% to 35% but it did pick up after that! I loved how it was set in the UK as most books happen in the US. I do want to reread this book once it is published, and I do recommend this book if you like reality shows!
Tropes
- Reality TV
- Second Chance
Tropes
- Reality TV
- Second Chance
June 7, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for an eARC.
3.5 ⭐️’s.
I really enjoyed this one, maybe more than I should’ve. It was like one of those reality shows you can’t get enough off and others don’t understand why. It was a cute, wholesome story about second chance romance.
3.5 ⭐️’s.
I really enjoyed this one, maybe more than I should’ve. It was like one of those reality shows you can’t get enough off and others don’t understand why. It was a cute, wholesome story about second chance romance.
May 29, 2024
I requested the ARC when I saw it was a reality TV show romance because I love watching them IRL & that aspect did make it fun. I was really into the first half but then it just felt so repetitive.. The same comments kept being made, the same convos kept happening, and the same internal dialogue was going on the whole book showing no growth in the main character. 🫠 it’s a cute, quick read if you’re looking for something simple
TW: third person narrative 🤣
TW: third person narrative 🤣
January 16, 2025
welp this book made me wanna watch a dating show 😂😂.
the first 20% of the book was a bit boring but it eventually got better
and ben...just lets say i fell in love with him 🙂↕️🫳🏻
i would rate it 3.5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
the first 20% of the book was a bit boring but it eventually got better
and ben...just lets say i fell in love with him 🙂↕️🫳🏻
i would rate it 3.5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
June 9, 2024
i received this arc read from netgalley + publisher in exchange for an honest review of my opinions.
this book took me wayyyy too long to read. there were several instances where i debated dnf’ing but had to force myself to keep going.
what i struggled with most in the book was the 3rd person narrative, how one dimensional the characters are, the dialogue and conflict are extremely repetitive, and the main characters, despite how much they say they have chemistry, they truly don’t have any chemistry at all.
i originally requested this arc because i am a fool for reality tv and thought this concept was wildly fun. however, i am extremely disappointed that this book fell flat for me.
this book took me wayyyy too long to read. there were several instances where i debated dnf’ing but had to force myself to keep going.
what i struggled with most in the book was the 3rd person narrative, how one dimensional the characters are, the dialogue and conflict are extremely repetitive, and the main characters, despite how much they say they have chemistry, they truly don’t have any chemistry at all.
i originally requested this arc because i am a fool for reality tv and thought this concept was wildly fun. however, i am extremely disappointed that this book fell flat for me.
May 31, 2024
Somewhere between a 3 and a 4 stars. I was initially drawn to this book because i’m a reality star junkie. This concept for this book is so good. It reminds me a lot of Love is Blind. This was a quick and entertaining read much like my favorite reality shows.
Much like my favorite reality shows not being the most quality tv, the same can be said about this read. Third person is always really hard for me. I did not love how one dimensional the side characters were and how one dimensional Duncan was as the villain. I get that its a romance novel so it doesn’t need to always be that fleshed out and deep, but the main characters dealt with huge life issues outside of their relationship so to me the rest of the cast should have been more fleshed out to to make it a more well-rounded experience reading. More friendships between the cast members would have been great. That’s one of my favorite parts of Love Island and Love is Blind is the non-romantic friendships that happen and could have added to the story. This story is also heavily influenced by the miscommunication trope. So if you don’t like miscommunication, then you will not enjoy this read. The main characters also just got on my nerves. They were both very petulant in their interactions and both felt unhealthy. Then again, a lot of people on these shows aren’t the healthiest.
Much like my favorite reality shows not being the most quality tv, the same can be said about this read. Third person is always really hard for me. I did not love how one dimensional the side characters were and how one dimensional Duncan was as the villain. I get that its a romance novel so it doesn’t need to always be that fleshed out and deep, but the main characters dealt with huge life issues outside of their relationship so to me the rest of the cast should have been more fleshed out to to make it a more well-rounded experience reading. More friendships between the cast members would have been great. That’s one of my favorite parts of Love Island and Love is Blind is the non-romantic friendships that happen and could have added to the story. This story is also heavily influenced by the miscommunication trope. So if you don’t like miscommunication, then you will not enjoy this read. The main characters also just got on my nerves. They were both very petulant in their interactions and both felt unhealthy. Then again, a lot of people on these shows aren’t the healthiest.
July 14, 2024
2.5 stars that I’ll round up to 3. I loved the premise unfortunately the execution didn’t work for me. I found Ben’s attitude to be off putting at times and Molly needed so much validation, which I could understand why but was exhausting to read. Unfortunately this didn’t work for me as much as I wanted it to. Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this ARC!
July 6, 2024
Fun fact-I haven't ever seen a reality dating show but I love to read about them! So, If you're a reality tv dating show junkie, have I got a book for you! This is quick and fluffy, just like I imagine those shows to be. Grab your popcorn and settle in for an easy read that will get you swept up in their romance for a few hours.
Molly's longtime partner dumps her when he is offered the chance to be on the next hot new reality dating show. Molly was of course heartbroken but then imagine her surprise when the producers come to her and offer her a spot on the show as a surprise to her ex. But when Molly gets there, expecting to be reunited with Duncan, she finds herself reevaluating their relationship when she meets back up with Ben, the one that got away, and realizes what a relationship really should be like.
This story was fairly lighthearted given the past these characters all had, but I wish that there was more in the way of character development. But then again, it's the nature of the beast of these types of shows I guess, you don't get a lot! of depth. It's a love triangle that doesn't get overly contentious or over the top dramatic.
Read this if you enjoy reality tv, second chance romance, love triangles.
Thanks to one More Chapter and NetGalley for this eArc in exchange for my review.
Molly's longtime partner dumps her when he is offered the chance to be on the next hot new reality dating show. Molly was of course heartbroken but then imagine her surprise when the producers come to her and offer her a spot on the show as a surprise to her ex. But when Molly gets there, expecting to be reunited with Duncan, she finds herself reevaluating their relationship when she meets back up with Ben, the one that got away, and realizes what a relationship really should be like.
This story was fairly lighthearted given the past these characters all had, but I wish that there was more in the way of character development. But then again, it's the nature of the beast of these types of shows I guess, you don't get a lot! of depth. It's a love triangle that doesn't get overly contentious or over the top dramatic.
Read this if you enjoy reality tv, second chance romance, love triangles.
Thanks to one More Chapter and NetGalley for this eArc in exchange for my review.
November 17, 2024
Kathryn Freeman's Thank You, Next is a brilliant rom-com that I thoroughly enjoyed, it was so much fun!! Molly and Ben's banter just lit up the pages and made me smile. Their interactions are just everything, absolutely charming and witty. With their journeys of self-discovery—being so well-developed and relatable!
The plot, with its reality TV elements, is just so engaging, especially as I’m a fan of reality TV like MAFS and Love Island, so. It kept me glued to the pages, wanting more.
I do wish more was done with the audience participation concept. It's so intriguing, though I wish it was used a bit more, and maybe a chapter or 2 of things being stirred up would have been more fun.
Even though I started to get frustrated by our main characters just a smidge, I couldn't help but root for Molly to gain more confidence and see right through Duncan. IT WAS SOOO OBVIOUS! It would have been a riot to see her turn the tables on him!
Overall, Thank You, Next is a flirty and fun read that will leave you feeling all warm and fuzzy. If you love romantic comedies with a good mix of humor and heart, this one is definitely for you! 3.5⭐️
The plot, with its reality TV elements, is just so engaging, especially as I’m a fan of reality TV like MAFS and Love Island, so. It kept me glued to the pages, wanting more.
I do wish more was done with the audience participation concept. It's so intriguing, though I wish it was used a bit more, and maybe a chapter or 2 of things being stirred up would have been more fun.
Even though I started to get frustrated by our main characters just a smidge, I couldn't help but root for Molly to gain more confidence and see right through Duncan. IT WAS SOOO OBVIOUS! It would have been a riot to see her turn the tables on him!
Overall, Thank You, Next is a flirty and fun read that will leave you feeling all warm and fuzzy. If you love romantic comedies with a good mix of humor and heart, this one is definitely for you! 3.5⭐️
June 24, 2024
💍🤍Thank You, Next🤍💍
Release Date: June 30th, 2024
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Is anyone else entirely obsessed with reality dating shows?? I feel like I can’t help but get totally lost in the drama, but I get so excited when my favourite couple makes it to the end! If you feel the same way, then let me introduce you to Thank You, Next!
This love triangle was written so well, I loved FMC, Molly! I hope everyone will take the chance to pick this up on June 30th, it’s definitely worth the read!
Thank you NetGalley and author Kathryn Freeman for this advanced reader copy
#NetGalley #ARCReader #Romance #BooksBooksBooks #Bookstagram #CurrentlyReading #Kobo #Ebook #MMC #FMC #Bookshelf #YABooks #BookContent #BookCommunity #ReadingGoals #LoveTriangle #OpenDoor
July 5, 2024
I’ve enjoyed books by this author in the past, so definitely was interested in reading this one. And when I picked it up, I was so glad I was able to fit it into my review schedule because I devoured it in about two sittings! Yes I got very frustrated with Molly not seeing that Duncan wasn’t really the right one. However he did such a good job of playing on her weaknesses and knowing what to say to get her to think and remember how good things had seemed between them. At least before he dumped her to go on the reality show.
Then there was Ben, the grumpy of all grumpy-sunshine stories. Ben was a good guy. But boy did he have so much to work on. It was obvious he really liked Molly, and he was trying to get her back. His holdups though kept things from going smoothly. However I liked the way their friendship/relationship grew and got stronger the more time they spent together. How they worked through things, fought, made up, and brought out the good in each other.
I’m not the type of person who likes to watch dating shows. But for some reason I enjoy reading about them in romance stories! And this story was perfect for me. The way the show was set up was a lot of fun. This did have a bit of a jargon issue for me at times with obviously British jargon. I did have to look one word up, even if I kind of figured it out based on context clues, “bagsy”. Kind of means what I’d think of as calling dibs on something basically.
This story had romance, banter, steamy times, and a wonderful HEA that had me swooning. But it also kept me guessing or wondering how things would come about, as Ben kept saying he couldn’t do marriage, and Duncan kept stringing Molly along. As I said, I am soooooooo glad I fit this one in! I’ll be making sure I do my best to continue fitting books by this author into my schedule in the future!
Review first posted on Lisa Loves Literature.
Then there was Ben, the grumpy of all grumpy-sunshine stories. Ben was a good guy. But boy did he have so much to work on. It was obvious he really liked Molly, and he was trying to get her back. His holdups though kept things from going smoothly. However I liked the way their friendship/relationship grew and got stronger the more time they spent together. How they worked through things, fought, made up, and brought out the good in each other.
I’m not the type of person who likes to watch dating shows. But for some reason I enjoy reading about them in romance stories! And this story was perfect for me. The way the show was set up was a lot of fun. This did have a bit of a jargon issue for me at times with obviously British jargon. I did have to look one word up, even if I kind of figured it out based on context clues, “bagsy”. Kind of means what I’d think of as calling dibs on something basically.
This story had romance, banter, steamy times, and a wonderful HEA that had me swooning. But it also kept me guessing or wondering how things would come about, as Ben kept saying he couldn’t do marriage, and Duncan kept stringing Molly along. As I said, I am soooooooo glad I fit this one in! I’ll be making sure I do my best to continue fitting books by this author into my schedule in the future!
Review first posted on Lisa Loves Literature.
May 28, 2024
Right off the bat, I must admit I was disappointed to find this is in third person narrative. However, I was way more than pleasantly surprised by a few chapters in. I think this may be one of the only third person POV books I’ve read before that I’ve enjoyed. I found the writing style engaging and wasn’t at all missing that first person narrative. I didn’t feel like I was missing out.
Reality dating show - can I just say yes x100? I love stuff like this and have a guilty pleasure for watching them. So with that in mind, of course this book jumped out at me and I was so excited to read it. I will mention though this was like an extremely tame spin off of Are You The One. The contestants complete testing which is analyzed by relationship experts and they need to determine if their partner is The One. At the end of the 4 weeks they will decide whether to get married.
I liked the premise for this story, and were set up BEAUTIFULLY for a love triangle. Little conflict here, some confusing feelings there, what are we going to do? I was so ready. I liked how Duncan effectively leaves Molly “on the hook” (not a spoiler, happens in first couple chapters) with the opportunity to go back to her. And on the flip side, I liked experiencing the reunion with Ben. I think that reaction shocked us all but you go girl! My problem then became the lack of entertainment factor (for lack of a better term) beyond that point. There are so many comments by the host or producers of the show, “we have a tv show to make”. But when you think of reality tv, especially a dating show, you think unpredictable, messy, exciting, suspenseful, twisted editing, arguments. There were none of those things. The characters even go as far as talking about how the viewers can switch things up, and how even if the threshold for number of votes to change things isn’t hit, the show can change the people around on a whim. But none of this happened? There was 0 drama with respect to the show. I don’t even want to call it reality dating tv. It felt more like a documentary on can you fall for the person you match with on paper in 4 weeks time.
After say 40% or so, this all started to feel rather one note. The conversations were all the same. The dates were all the same. The issues were all the same. Everything was rehashed over, and over, and over, AND OVER. The same conversation over and over was getting rather frustrating. But these two were not accepting/growing/moving on, and by 60% I was so over it. Every time Ben says something, Molly throws it in his face that he broke up with her before and how can she trust he won’t now. And every time Molly (or anyone for that matter) says something to Ben, he sighs. Big sighs, little sighs, long sighs, we get it. He’s exhausted by everyone’s existence. But I guess when he doesn’t talk, or say things of value, the silence needs to be filled somehow. Guys there were 46 sighs in this book. FORTY. SIX. SIGHS.
Maybe it’s just me, but I really would have liked some drama to spice this up a little bit. It didn’t feel like there was growth or development for these characters, and there was not much accountability being taken (actually not talking about Ben here, but Molly and Duncan). I think that could have helped to break up the monotony, and seeing how they handle conflict may have 1. Gotten these two closer, faster, and 2. Made the relationship deeper.
This book may have also benefitted from some past vs present chapters, so the reader can see the relationship with Molly and Ben develop, instead of being told it was the best 2 months of their lives when they first dated.
I don’t know. An interesting take on this scenario. It was fairly lighthearted given the hang ups these characters had. The writing was good, I just think some of the plot/scene development could have gone deeper.
*An ARC was received in exchange for an honest review.
Reality dating show - can I just say yes x100? I love stuff like this and have a guilty pleasure for watching them. So with that in mind, of course this book jumped out at me and I was so excited to read it. I will mention though this was like an extremely tame spin off of Are You The One. The contestants complete testing which is analyzed by relationship experts and they need to determine if their partner is The One. At the end of the 4 weeks they will decide whether to get married.
I liked the premise for this story, and were set up BEAUTIFULLY for a love triangle. Little conflict here, some confusing feelings there, what are we going to do? I was so ready. I liked how Duncan effectively leaves Molly “on the hook” (not a spoiler, happens in first couple chapters) with the opportunity to go back to her. And on the flip side, I liked experiencing the reunion with Ben. I think that reaction shocked us all but you go girl! My problem then became the lack of entertainment factor (for lack of a better term) beyond that point. There are so many comments by the host or producers of the show, “we have a tv show to make”. But when you think of reality tv, especially a dating show, you think unpredictable, messy, exciting, suspenseful, twisted editing, arguments. There were none of those things. The characters even go as far as talking about how the viewers can switch things up, and how even if the threshold for number of votes to change things isn’t hit, the show can change the people around on a whim. But none of this happened? There was 0 drama with respect to the show. I don’t even want to call it reality dating tv. It felt more like a documentary on can you fall for the person you match with on paper in 4 weeks time.
After say 40% or so, this all started to feel rather one note. The conversations were all the same. The dates were all the same. The issues were all the same. Everything was rehashed over, and over, and over, AND OVER. The same conversation over and over was getting rather frustrating. But these two were not accepting/growing/moving on, and by 60% I was so over it. Every time Ben says something, Molly throws it in his face that he broke up with her before and how can she trust he won’t now. And every time Molly (or anyone for that matter) says something to Ben, he sighs. Big sighs, little sighs, long sighs, we get it. He’s exhausted by everyone’s existence. But I guess when he doesn’t talk, or say things of value, the silence needs to be filled somehow. Guys there were 46 sighs in this book. FORTY. SIX. SIGHS.
Maybe it’s just me, but I really would have liked some drama to spice this up a little bit. It didn’t feel like there was growth or development for these characters, and there was not much accountability being taken (actually not talking about Ben here, but Molly and Duncan). I think that could have helped to break up the monotony, and seeing how they handle conflict may have 1. Gotten these two closer, faster, and 2. Made the relationship deeper.
This book may have also benefitted from some past vs present chapters, so the reader can see the relationship with Molly and Ben develop, instead of being told it was the best 2 months of their lives when they first dated.
I don’t know. An interesting take on this scenario. It was fairly lighthearted given the hang ups these characters had. The writing was good, I just think some of the plot/scene development could have gone deeper.
*An ARC was received in exchange for an honest review.
July 6, 2024
Kathryn Freeman's *Thank You, Next* is a delightful blend of romance, heartache, and self-discovery. Molly Harris, a character who has faced more than her fair share of rejections, embarks on a daring adventure to win back her gym-fanatic ex, Duncan, by following him onto a reality dating show. Freeman crafts a compelling narrative that keeps readers eagerly turning the pages to see who Molly will meet at the altar.
Molly's journey on the reality show, "The One," is both heartwarming and fraught with emotional tension. Duncan, who once picked up the pieces of Molly's broken heart, now becomes the object of her quest for a happy ending. Yet, the twist comes when Ben Knight, Molly's former love who epitomizes the phrase "it's not you, it's me," enters the scene. The reappearance of Ben, the man who first made her truly feel, adds layers of complexity and depth to the story.
Freeman's writing is a perfect mix of humor, warmth, and spice. The characters are vividly drawn and relatable, each with their unique quirks and charms. The simmering tension between Molly, Duncan, and Ben keeps the plot engaging, while the unfolding romance is both sweet and tantalizing.
What makes *Thank You, Next* stand out is its exploration of self-worth and the courage to pursue what truly makes one happy. Molly's growth throughout the story is inspiring, and her journey of self-discovery is beautifully intertwined with the romantic elements.
Readers will find themselves rooting for Molly, laughing at the comedic moments, and savoring the heartfelt scenes. *Thank You, Next* is a true gem for fans of romantic comedies and anyone who enjoys a well-crafted love story that keeps you guessing until the very end.
Freeman has once again delivered a book that is not only a joy to read but also a testament to the power of love and resilience. I highly recommend *Thank You, Next* to anyone looking for a charming and emotionally satisfying read. I'm eagerly awaiting her next release!
Molly's journey on the reality show, "The One," is both heartwarming and fraught with emotional tension. Duncan, who once picked up the pieces of Molly's broken heart, now becomes the object of her quest for a happy ending. Yet, the twist comes when Ben Knight, Molly's former love who epitomizes the phrase "it's not you, it's me," enters the scene. The reappearance of Ben, the man who first made her truly feel, adds layers of complexity and depth to the story.
Freeman's writing is a perfect mix of humor, warmth, and spice. The characters are vividly drawn and relatable, each with their unique quirks and charms. The simmering tension between Molly, Duncan, and Ben keeps the plot engaging, while the unfolding romance is both sweet and tantalizing.
What makes *Thank You, Next* stand out is its exploration of self-worth and the courage to pursue what truly makes one happy. Molly's growth throughout the story is inspiring, and her journey of self-discovery is beautifully intertwined with the romantic elements.
Readers will find themselves rooting for Molly, laughing at the comedic moments, and savoring the heartfelt scenes. *Thank You, Next* is a true gem for fans of romantic comedies and anyone who enjoys a well-crafted love story that keeps you guessing until the very end.
Freeman has once again delivered a book that is not only a joy to read but also a testament to the power of love and resilience. I highly recommend *Thank You, Next* to anyone looking for a charming and emotionally satisfying read. I'm eagerly awaiting her next release!
June 3, 2024
Fun fact: I don't watch reality dating shows. But, apparently, I enjoy reading about them.
This was a fun read - not too heavy, but not insipid - just the right amount of angst in an otherwise light-hearted second-chance romance.
The premise is a nice twist on a dating show plot - Molly joins a dating show called 'The One' in hopes of being paired with her very recent ex, Duncan, but instead finds herself paired with a different ex, the grumpy and reserved Ben. It's a love triangle adjacent dynamic that doesn't become overly contentious or dramatic.
The chemistry between Molly & Ben is great. While, at times, Duncan is a jerk, I appreciate the fact that he isn't given the full villain treatment. He wasn't a bad guy, per se, just bad for Molly.
If I have a complaint with this book, it's that Ben's internal conflict gets repetitive towards the end. Overall, however, I found this to be an enjoyable read.
Thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK / One More Chapter for the advanced reader copy of this book, provided in exchange for my unbiased opinion.
This was a fun read - not too heavy, but not insipid - just the right amount of angst in an otherwise light-hearted second-chance romance.
The premise is a nice twist on a dating show plot - Molly joins a dating show called 'The One' in hopes of being paired with her very recent ex, Duncan, but instead finds herself paired with a different ex, the grumpy and reserved Ben. It's a love triangle adjacent dynamic that doesn't become overly contentious or dramatic.
The chemistry between Molly & Ben is great. While, at times, Duncan is a jerk, I appreciate the fact that he isn't given the full villain treatment. He wasn't a bad guy, per se, just bad for Molly.
If I have a complaint with this book, it's that Ben's internal conflict gets repetitive towards the end. Overall, however, I found this to be an enjoyable read.
Thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK / One More Chapter for the advanced reader copy of this book, provided in exchange for my unbiased opinion.
August 6, 2024
as a reality dating show STAN - i was so excited for this book! I love a reality dating show plot line and i feel like this one was done pretty well.
There was drama, instalove connections, tension, sneaky relationships - honestly everything you see on the shows - it was in this book.
My only issues were that i felt like it dragged a bit at parts and i wanted more character driven growth. It felt really just… random that he decided to marry her. I wanted to see more of the growth he had and i think maybe having the book in first person would have led for the reader to be able to gain that insight.
I think if you’re not a fan of reality dating shows, this book probably won’t be for you. It feels a bit extra, cringy & unbelievable at times but so do the
shows. I was shocked at who was married with a baby at the end (epilogue info) but that’s the shock / unbelievable factor of reality dating shows.
Overall, it was fun. I would definitely read more by this author and would recommend this book.
There was drama, instalove connections, tension, sneaky relationships - honestly everything you see on the shows - it was in this book.
My only issues were that i felt like it dragged a bit at parts and i wanted more character driven growth. It felt really just… random that he decided to marry her. I wanted to see more of the growth he had and i think maybe having the book in first person would have led for the reader to be able to gain that insight.
I think if you’re not a fan of reality dating shows, this book probably won’t be for you. It feels a bit extra, cringy & unbelievable at times but so do the
shows. I was shocked at who was married with a baby at the end (epilogue info) but that’s the shock / unbelievable factor of reality dating shows.
Overall, it was fun. I would definitely read more by this author and would recommend this book.
May 25, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter for providing this book, with my honest review below.
Thank You, Next delivered on its interesting premise with a funny and cute romance taking place during a reality show. While Molly and Ben have dated before the show it ends badly and to both their surprises they’re matched up on a dating show where couples meet up at the end of an aisle after four weeks to say ‘I Do’… or not. Molly actually comes on the show to match up with her ex, Duncan, so I was looking forward to what would happen amongst all the couples. Luckily (or unluckily depending on your tastes) this story has everyone acting as mostly their best selves allowing readers to focus on the romance and our main characters working through past trauma that could pose a challenge to finding love.
Truly every character was a sweetheart but the steamy elements kept this book from becoming stale without drama. Molly and Ben have a lot of hang ups but were clearly meant to be together. I enjoyed the drama that Duncan unintentionally would bring, it kept me guessing just a little. I’d recommend this to anyone who enjoys lighthearted modern romances with a healthy dose of spice.
Thank You, Next delivered on its interesting premise with a funny and cute romance taking place during a reality show. While Molly and Ben have dated before the show it ends badly and to both their surprises they’re matched up on a dating show where couples meet up at the end of an aisle after four weeks to say ‘I Do’… or not. Molly actually comes on the show to match up with her ex, Duncan, so I was looking forward to what would happen amongst all the couples. Luckily (or unluckily depending on your tastes) this story has everyone acting as mostly their best selves allowing readers to focus on the romance and our main characters working through past trauma that could pose a challenge to finding love.
Truly every character was a sweetheart but the steamy elements kept this book from becoming stale without drama. Molly and Ben have a lot of hang ups but were clearly meant to be together. I enjoyed the drama that Duncan unintentionally would bring, it kept me guessing just a little. I’d recommend this to anyone who enjoys lighthearted modern romances with a healthy dose of spice.
May 30, 2024
A romance set in a Love is Blind-style dating show, except the couples can see each other.
The premise is: Molly's boyfriend is taking part in said dating show for self-promotion purposes and thus breaks up with her, so she thinks, why not also join the show to snare him into marriage? But! Seriously hot ex who broke her heart is also part of the show.
This is the sort of read which works better if you don't interrogate the character motivations too much, but I will say that the first half was really fluffy and compulsively readable and just a lot of fun. Unfortunately the second half was all about who would marry whom and the same conflict is repeated / not quite addressed / repeated again / not yet addressed far too much.
2.5
* Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter for providing this book
The premise is: Molly's boyfriend is taking part in said dating show for self-promotion purposes and thus breaks up with her, so she thinks, why not also join the show to snare him into marriage? But! Seriously hot ex who broke her heart is also part of the show.
This is the sort of read which works better if you don't interrogate the character motivations too much, but I will say that the first half was really fluffy and compulsively readable and just a lot of fun. Unfortunately the second half was all about who would marry whom and the same conflict is repeated / not quite addressed / repeated again / not yet addressed far too much.
2.5
* Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter for providing this book
June 10, 2024
When Molly's boyfriend Duncan decides he wants to go onto a reality tv show, he decides that having a girlfriend back home might not look good, especially since said show will have him paired up with another woman, with the potential of a wedding at the end of the season. Molly can't believe her luck when the show contacts her asking if she would like to appear on the show too. Maybe this is the way her union with Duncan will blossom! But when Molly gets there, she finds another of her exes, Ben, is in the competition too.
I always enjoy Kathryn Freeman's books. Everytime I see her name and new book, I snap it up without even bothering to read what it's about. As with all her books, this one left me smiling at the end with the perfect happy ever after. The journey to love had its twists on the way but it was such an enjoyable ride. If you like sweet and funny romcoms, I highly recommend giving her books a go.
I always enjoy Kathryn Freeman's books. Everytime I see her name and new book, I snap it up without even bothering to read what it's about. As with all her books, this one left me smiling at the end with the perfect happy ever after. The journey to love had its twists on the way but it was such an enjoyable ride. If you like sweet and funny romcoms, I highly recommend giving her books a go.
June 7, 2024
Okay, I thought about DNFing this multiple times. Like a lot of times. I didn't think the back and forth between the guys was cute and I just thought Duncan was an ass and Ben just didn't know how to communicate.
Overall the book was interesting and I did finish it. I just maybe not recommend. It wasn't worth it.
I got an e-arc of this book on NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Overall the book was interesting and I did finish it. I just maybe not recommend. It wasn't worth it.
I got an e-arc of this book on NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 24, 2024
(Arc)
This book follows Molly as she decides to go onto a reality show after her boyfriend dumps her in order to appear on it himself. For me, this book felt very slow paced and it did prevent me from enjoying it but that wasn’t my main issue. My main issue was more the dialogue and the lack of chemistry in this romance.
This book follows Molly as she decides to go onto a reality show after her boyfriend dumps her in order to appear on it himself. For me, this book felt very slow paced and it did prevent me from enjoying it but that wasn’t my main issue. My main issue was more the dialogue and the lack of chemistry in this romance.
June 24, 2024
I couldn’t stop reading this book and I stayed up until almost 3 AM just to finish it.
The story was captivating and full of emotional and shocking moments. This was a lovely quick read.
The characters were likeable. Well, except for Duncan.. I didn’t like him from the start and he just got worse.
The idea for this book was clever and we were a part of a healing process and also redemption.
I was so happy with the ending of this book and I am looking forward to reading more from this author.
Thank you Netgalley for gifting me this book as an ARC.
The story was captivating and full of emotional and shocking moments. This was a lovely quick read.
The characters were likeable. Well, except for Duncan.. I didn’t like him from the start and he just got worse.
The idea for this book was clever and we were a part of a healing process and also redemption.
I was so happy with the ending of this book and I am looking forward to reading more from this author.
Thank you Netgalley for gifting me this book as an ARC.
July 21, 2024
Trigger Warnings
This book contains:
• Death of loved ones
• Drug addiction
• Emotional impact of being abandoned and then adopted as a primary aged child.
Characters
Molly has felt a bit battered by life. Starting with her mum abandoning her as a child, and then struggling to find a guy who truly loves her for her. Throughout it all, she’s held onto her dreams of starting her own business and starting her own family that she can love wholeheartedly.
Ben and Duncan are our two love interests. While we start the book with Duncan and Molly together, he prioritises advertising his personal training business by appearing on a dating show over his relationship with Molly. But we quickly learn that Ben has previously dated Molly, is still in love with her but hurt her so badly it’s unlikely she could ever forgive him.
Storyline
Molly’s boyfriend Duncan puts a pause on their relationship to appear on their favourite dating show, The One. He’s up front with her that he wants to promote his business so he can support her and their future family, but the show finds out that she’s his ex and invites her onto the show to add some drama.
What they weren’t banking on was needing to rope Ben into being the replacement for the guy they’d initially chosen for Molly. Or that it’d turn out he’d dating her a few years previously, and things did not end well.
Overall Thoughts
As a sometimes fan of dating shows, I was 100% behind the drama The One would be looking for by having Molly join Duncan on the show. The one thing that surprised me though was the amount of alcohol they were allowed to consume while “filming” and the lack of producer input to create more drama.
Maybe it’s because I’m from Australia, I know in Australia there’s a limit on how many drink you can consume while filming to prevent people essentially making a fool of themselves thanks to being intoxicated. And I know from interviews with reality show contestants that producers here prompt them to say and do things that will outrage another contestant.
So maybe it’s different in the UK, I don’t know. It was just a difference I noticed that kept popping into my head.
Otherwise, Molly’s confidence in herself, and what she wants from life is amazing. Even if some of it took a little bit of prompting and encouragement from Ben!
Ben on the other hand was challenging. Since we don’t find out why he dumped Molly so unceremoniously a few years prior until late in the book. You’re left wondering what the hell happened and why he’s being so damn stubborn!
This book contains:
• Death of loved ones
• Drug addiction
• Emotional impact of being abandoned and then adopted as a primary aged child.
Characters
Molly has felt a bit battered by life. Starting with her mum abandoning her as a child, and then struggling to find a guy who truly loves her for her. Throughout it all, she’s held onto her dreams of starting her own business and starting her own family that she can love wholeheartedly.
Ben and Duncan are our two love interests. While we start the book with Duncan and Molly together, he prioritises advertising his personal training business by appearing on a dating show over his relationship with Molly. But we quickly learn that Ben has previously dated Molly, is still in love with her but hurt her so badly it’s unlikely she could ever forgive him.
Storyline
Molly’s boyfriend Duncan puts a pause on their relationship to appear on their favourite dating show, The One. He’s up front with her that he wants to promote his business so he can support her and their future family, but the show finds out that she’s his ex and invites her onto the show to add some drama.
What they weren’t banking on was needing to rope Ben into being the replacement for the guy they’d initially chosen for Molly. Or that it’d turn out he’d dating her a few years previously, and things did not end well.
Overall Thoughts
As a sometimes fan of dating shows, I was 100% behind the drama The One would be looking for by having Molly join Duncan on the show. The one thing that surprised me though was the amount of alcohol they were allowed to consume while “filming” and the lack of producer input to create more drama.
Maybe it’s because I’m from Australia, I know in Australia there’s a limit on how many drink you can consume while filming to prevent people essentially making a fool of themselves thanks to being intoxicated. And I know from interviews with reality show contestants that producers here prompt them to say and do things that will outrage another contestant.
So maybe it’s different in the UK, I don’t know. It was just a difference I noticed that kept popping into my head.
Otherwise, Molly’s confidence in herself, and what she wants from life is amazing. Even if some of it took a little bit of prompting and encouragement from Ben!
Ben on the other hand was challenging. Since we don’t find out why he dumped Molly so unceremoniously a few years prior until late in the book. You’re left wondering what the hell happened and why he’s being so damn stubborn!
February 10, 2025
Thank you to One More Chapter and Net Galley for the ARC of Thank You, Next by Kathryn Freeman. This story follows Molly, and young woman who finds herself dumped by her boyfriend Duncan, an up and coming fitness social media influencer, when he has the chance to be on a reality dating show called The One. Things get interesting when the shows’ producers approach Molly and ask if she wants to also join the show (unbeknownst to Duncan) to add the drama of having an ex-girlfriend around. Molly sees it as an opportunity to prove to Duncan that she is “the one” for him, it when she gets there, her world is turned upside down when she realizes Ben, a man who broke her heart three years prior, is also a contestant. Now, as she spends time with Ben again and learns the truth about why he broke up with her all those years ago, she realizes that maybe her one true love isn’t as clear cut as she thought.
Overall, I really enjoyed the premise of this book. A dating reality show where a woman comes face-to-face with two exes seems like a great opportunity for lots of tensions and drama. Unfortunately, the execution of the story was not as strong as I wanted it to be. Molly is supposed to be a young woman struggling with abandonment issues as a result of her biological mother abandoning her when she was just a child, but her character never quite hit the emotional depth it needed to. Throughout the story, Molly complains about Ben’s lack of communication and it feels like they just have the same conversation over and over again. Additionally, I absolutely reviled Molly’s ex-boyfriend Duncan. This jerk simultaneously “dates” a girl he is matched with and tries to string Molly along, called her “Babe” throughout the story. Even though Molly can see his deception, she mentions several times that Duncan “loved” her in a time when she felt she was unlovable. I know the story needed her to be conflicted for the drama, but I don’t know how she could have even imagined getting back together after the way he behaves on the show. This is a two star book for me because of the lack of character depth and the dialogue that felt inauthentic at times.
Overall, I really enjoyed the premise of this book. A dating reality show where a woman comes face-to-face with two exes seems like a great opportunity for lots of tensions and drama. Unfortunately, the execution of the story was not as strong as I wanted it to be. Molly is supposed to be a young woman struggling with abandonment issues as a result of her biological mother abandoning her when she was just a child, but her character never quite hit the emotional depth it needed to. Throughout the story, Molly complains about Ben’s lack of communication and it feels like they just have the same conversation over and over again. Additionally, I absolutely reviled Molly’s ex-boyfriend Duncan. This jerk simultaneously “dates” a girl he is matched with and tries to string Molly along, called her “Babe” throughout the story. Even though Molly can see his deception, she mentions several times that Duncan “loved” her in a time when she felt she was unlovable. I know the story needed her to be conflicted for the drama, but I don’t know how she could have even imagined getting back together after the way he behaves on the show. This is a two star book for me because of the lack of character depth and the dialogue that felt inauthentic at times.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 19, 2024
Dating shows are my jam and so when I read the synopsis I had to read this story because it’s dating shows with a twist!
I loved that Molly and Ben had history and that you got to see them work through that history together. Relationships are not easy and both had some tough choices to make. This story was written as if you were right there with the contestants. There’s not over the top mean girl drama but enough drama to keep the yea pipping hot!
This is my first book by the author and she has such a fun writing style and I loved that the story was focused on the rekindling of the romance and nothing else!
I loved that Molly and Ben had history and that you got to see them work through that history together. Relationships are not easy and both had some tough choices to make. This story was written as if you were right there with the contestants. There’s not over the top mean girl drama but enough drama to keep the yea pipping hot!
This is my first book by the author and she has such a fun writing style and I loved that the story was focused on the rekindling of the romance and nothing else!
March 11, 2025
Thanks, NetGalley, for the free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
2.5☆
Loved the idea of this book. I love watching cringey dating reality TV, so when I saw this one, I knew I had to read it.
Unfortunately, I did not vibe with the characters at all. They were all childish and irritating. About halfway through, i didn't really care what the outcome would be. Which was very anticlimactic.
I couldn't wait for this to end.
2.5☆
Loved the idea of this book. I love watching cringey dating reality TV, so when I saw this one, I knew I had to read it.
Unfortunately, I did not vibe with the characters at all. They were all childish and irritating. About halfway through, i didn't really care what the outcome would be. Which was very anticlimactic.
I couldn't wait for this to end.
June 9, 2024
I am not a reality dating show watcher, unless you count the one summer as a teen that I watched every episode of Next, Parental Control, and Rock of Love. However, this was still such a fun read for me!
We meet Molly, who was abandoned and then adopted at 7 years old, who felt blindsided when Ben left her without warning the first time they dated. She is someone who wants a marriage because she needs stability and commitment, someone legally required to stay with her. And then we meet Ben, who was married once before to someone who expected him to save her and he felt he ultimately failed because he wasn’t enough. Ben arguably has stronger feelings for Molly than he ever did for his ex-wife, but feels he will fail her as well, especially given he already did once and believes her to be way too good for him. Add on top of this Duncan, body obsessed workout guru who may be a total asshat but he was the one to get Molly out of her Ben funk the last time they dated and is willing to give her the marriage she wants, and you have the perfect recipe for love triangle drama!
I actually liked the reality dating show backdrop, as I felt that not only was it a super cute way to get our MCs together in a place where they couldn’t leave, but it also allowed for cute day dates and tons of drama between the love triangle participants. I loved how many outings they went on and the tasks they had to participate in as a couple, from the aquarium to the upcycling project that was once Molly’s career interest. It all just felt really cute and had a natural flow for accomplishing all of this mini-connections between the MCs and the other participants in the show, as well as spurring along the storyline.
I also loved that the show, in its own way, really helped our characters to develop and get past each of their own holdups. After being shown what a relationship with someone who wasn’t obsessed with themselves and was now in the right headspace could offer, Molly grew to learn that she didn’t need a wedding to feel confident and settled with someone. Ben made her feel special, loved, and committed without the promise of a ring on her finger, and she was ultimately fine with that. Ben learned that not everyone went into a marriage with the goal of being saved by someone else, Molly especially, and that in order to succeed you need to communicate with each other. As much as he hated the show and its lack of privacy, it did make him go outside his comfort area and actually talk with Molly. In this talking, he was able to see that a marriage to Molly would be the ultimate HEA.
I also cannot express enough how much I loved that Ben supported Molly’s dream career, going so far as to make her a website, business plan, etc. that she could use if/when she wanted without her knowing about them until they were complete. Also, his reassurances about her body after what she went through with Duncan were EVERYTHING!
The person we probably got the most insight into, outside of our three love triangle inhabitants, was Rachel, a producer for the show and Ben’s sister. I definitely thought she gave him the kick in the butt he needed at several different points in the show and she was ultimately the reason for their second chance at love. She seemed like a very cool (older?) sister, and I wish we knew more about her. Other than Rachel, we didn’t get a whole lot of insight into other people in the book. It would have been nice if perhaps Maya and Marcus, a couple on the show who looked like they had potential, could have played more of a role as side characters, given Molly and Ben liked them respectively. If we could have had more one-on-one conversations between these two women and two men and also seen the ceremony for Maya and Marcus before Molly and Ben, it would have been a nice touch in my opinion.
Thank you to NetGalley, One More Chapter, and Kathryn Freeman for the opportunity to read this book. The thoughts and opinions expressed above are honest and my own.
We meet Molly, who was abandoned and then adopted at 7 years old, who felt blindsided when Ben left her without warning the first time they dated. She is someone who wants a marriage because she needs stability and commitment, someone legally required to stay with her. And then we meet Ben, who was married once before to someone who expected him to save her and he felt he ultimately failed because he wasn’t enough. Ben arguably has stronger feelings for Molly than he ever did for his ex-wife, but feels he will fail her as well, especially given he already did once and believes her to be way too good for him. Add on top of this Duncan, body obsessed workout guru who may be a total asshat but he was the one to get Molly out of her Ben funk the last time they dated and is willing to give her the marriage she wants, and you have the perfect recipe for love triangle drama!
I actually liked the reality dating show backdrop, as I felt that not only was it a super cute way to get our MCs together in a place where they couldn’t leave, but it also allowed for cute day dates and tons of drama between the love triangle participants. I loved how many outings they went on and the tasks they had to participate in as a couple, from the aquarium to the upcycling project that was once Molly’s career interest. It all just felt really cute and had a natural flow for accomplishing all of this mini-connections between the MCs and the other participants in the show, as well as spurring along the storyline.
I also loved that the show, in its own way, really helped our characters to develop and get past each of their own holdups. After being shown what a relationship with someone who wasn’t obsessed with themselves and was now in the right headspace could offer, Molly grew to learn that she didn’t need a wedding to feel confident and settled with someone. Ben made her feel special, loved, and committed without the promise of a ring on her finger, and she was ultimately fine with that. Ben learned that not everyone went into a marriage with the goal of being saved by someone else, Molly especially, and that in order to succeed you need to communicate with each other. As much as he hated the show and its lack of privacy, it did make him go outside his comfort area and actually talk with Molly. In this talking, he was able to see that a marriage to Molly would be the ultimate HEA.
I also cannot express enough how much I loved that Ben supported Molly’s dream career, going so far as to make her a website, business plan, etc. that she could use if/when she wanted without her knowing about them until they were complete. Also, his reassurances about her body after what she went through with Duncan were EVERYTHING!
The person we probably got the most insight into, outside of our three love triangle inhabitants, was Rachel, a producer for the show and Ben’s sister. I definitely thought she gave him the kick in the butt he needed at several different points in the show and she was ultimately the reason for their second chance at love. She seemed like a very cool (older?) sister, and I wish we knew more about her. Other than Rachel, we didn’t get a whole lot of insight into other people in the book. It would have been nice if perhaps Maya and Marcus, a couple on the show who looked like they had potential, could have played more of a role as side characters, given Molly and Ben liked them respectively. If we could have had more one-on-one conversations between these two women and two men and also seen the ceremony for Maya and Marcus before Molly and Ben, it would have been a nice touch in my opinion.
Thank you to NetGalley, One More Chapter, and Kathryn Freeman for the opportunity to read this book. The thoughts and opinions expressed above are honest and my own.
July 4, 2024
Molly and Duncan have been an item for a while, and she’d rather hoped they were heading for marriage – instead, he puts their relationship on hold while he goes on “The One”, a TV dating show, hoping it’ll get his fitness business some exposure. For a while, she’s horrified – paired contestants sometimes agree to marry as the series closes. But the producers also sometimes include exes to spice things up a little, so when she’s invited to take part in the show too, she thinks it might be a good way of getting Duncan to the altar, and for them to have some fun along the way.
Ben becomes a participant for a rather different reason – he’s certainly not looking for love, but can’t say no to his sister who’s the show’s assistant producer. But the complications start when Ben and Molly meet at the first night drinks reception – he’s the former boyfriend who broke her heart, never having told her why their rather special relationship ended. And that’s not where they end, because Molly isn’t matched with Duncan, but with Ben – her “perfect match” – who she can hardly bring herself to talk to, especially when the cameras are intent on capturing every moment.
The whole dating show set up is wonderfully done – the flamboyant presenter, the often over-the-top or obnoxious other contestants wanting their moments in the spotlight, Ben’s sister having to do her job while knowing how difficult things are for him, and the cameras never far away. Duncan’s not a man with a great deal of depth (putting it mildly…), and Molly has to watch him getting closer to his match while enduring her difficult situation. But Ben is rather different – there were deep secrets he kept that caused their break up, a few major issues he needed to work through, and (never the great communicator) he’s able to share them as they spend more time together and slowly find that the spark they once had is still there. There are reasons why Molly reacted so badly when he dumped her too – and, at last, it seems they can finally be honest with each other.
And that spark between them? At first it smoulders, but the fire slowly ignites – Molly begins to see Duncan for what he really is, someone who’s always tried to change her into someone she isn’t, and can see that Ben might really have been the most perfect match all along. And that chemistry between them begins to build – it’s something the author always does so very well – building to a good number of very steamy moments that got me rather flushed and hot under the collar. So, when the game show comes to an end, and they have to decide whether to say “I do”, what will their answers be?
There are plenty of lighter moments along the way – all those activities and set-ups that make the dating show, along with the difficulties of concealing their developing relationship (with a few near misses they – just about – get away with…), which nicely balance the darker edges to Ben and Molly’s pasts. This book really was so much more than the sum of its parts – the love triangle, the enemies-to-lovers, the whole dating show format. Ben and Molly were two distinctly damaged individuals who slowly repaired each other, explored their feelings, gave a lot of thought to making each other happy – they certainly won my heart, and I so wanted them to find happiness. And I have to say that the ending was absolutely perfect – it really brought a tear to my eye – but I’m afraid you’re going to have to read the book to find out more!
All I will say is that this was a book I really loved. I should mention, I think, that the steaminess might just be a bit full-on for some readers – but there’s something about the way the author writes it that makes it entirely appropriate and totally acceptable, and a bit of a different experience that I rather enjoyed. And I’ve mentioned before that I’ve never been a fan of dating shows – my goodness, I had no idea what I was missing. A wonderful read, as always – and one I’d most certainly recommend to others.
Ben becomes a participant for a rather different reason – he’s certainly not looking for love, but can’t say no to his sister who’s the show’s assistant producer. But the complications start when Ben and Molly meet at the first night drinks reception – he’s the former boyfriend who broke her heart, never having told her why their rather special relationship ended. And that’s not where they end, because Molly isn’t matched with Duncan, but with Ben – her “perfect match” – who she can hardly bring herself to talk to, especially when the cameras are intent on capturing every moment.
The whole dating show set up is wonderfully done – the flamboyant presenter, the often over-the-top or obnoxious other contestants wanting their moments in the spotlight, Ben’s sister having to do her job while knowing how difficult things are for him, and the cameras never far away. Duncan’s not a man with a great deal of depth (putting it mildly…), and Molly has to watch him getting closer to his match while enduring her difficult situation. But Ben is rather different – there were deep secrets he kept that caused their break up, a few major issues he needed to work through, and (never the great communicator) he’s able to share them as they spend more time together and slowly find that the spark they once had is still there. There are reasons why Molly reacted so badly when he dumped her too – and, at last, it seems they can finally be honest with each other.
And that spark between them? At first it smoulders, but the fire slowly ignites – Molly begins to see Duncan for what he really is, someone who’s always tried to change her into someone she isn’t, and can see that Ben might really have been the most perfect match all along. And that chemistry between them begins to build – it’s something the author always does so very well – building to a good number of very steamy moments that got me rather flushed and hot under the collar. So, when the game show comes to an end, and they have to decide whether to say “I do”, what will their answers be?
There are plenty of lighter moments along the way – all those activities and set-ups that make the dating show, along with the difficulties of concealing their developing relationship (with a few near misses they – just about – get away with…), which nicely balance the darker edges to Ben and Molly’s pasts. This book really was so much more than the sum of its parts – the love triangle, the enemies-to-lovers, the whole dating show format. Ben and Molly were two distinctly damaged individuals who slowly repaired each other, explored their feelings, gave a lot of thought to making each other happy – they certainly won my heart, and I so wanted them to find happiness. And I have to say that the ending was absolutely perfect – it really brought a tear to my eye – but I’m afraid you’re going to have to read the book to find out more!
All I will say is that this was a book I really loved. I should mention, I think, that the steaminess might just be a bit full-on for some readers – but there’s something about the way the author writes it that makes it entirely appropriate and totally acceptable, and a bit of a different experience that I rather enjoyed. And I’ve mentioned before that I’ve never been a fan of dating shows – my goodness, I had no idea what I was missing. A wonderful read, as always – and one I’d most certainly recommend to others.
May 26, 2024
Thank You, Next by Kathryn Freeman
Rating:4/5
Release Date: 30 June 2024
Molly Harris is no stranger to abandonment. Whether it's her parents or her romantic partners, rejection seems to follow her like a shadow. Her most recent boyfriend, fitness enthusiast Duncan, decides to ditch her for a shot at finding love on the reality dating show "The One." This unconventional show pairs up singles for four weeks of dating before culminating in a wedding ceremony.
Despite Duncan being the one who previously helped mend her broken heart, Molly is determined not to let him slip away. In a bold move, she decides to join the cast of "The One," hoping to prove that they are destined for each other and secure the happily ever after she yearns for.
However, just as filming commences, a painful reminder of her past reappears: Ben Knight, the man who once broke her heart with the classic "it's not you, it's me" excuse. He's back, casting a shadow over Molly's hopes for a fairy tale ending with Duncan.
“Thank You, Next” delivers on its intriguing premise, offering a delightful blend of humour and sweetness set against the backdrop of a reality dating show. Molly's decision to join the show in hopes of rekindling things with her ex-partner, Duncan, adds an extra layer of anticipation amidst the various couples' dynamics. Fortunately, the story unfolds with characters largely showcasing their best selves, allowing readers to immerse themselves in the romance and witness our protagonists navigating past traumas that could hinder their quest for love.
While every character exudes warmth, the inclusion of steamy moments injects a welcome freshness into the narrative, preventing it from veering into predictability. Despite their respective hang-ups, Molly and Ben's undeniable chemistry underscores their inevitable connection. Duncan's inadvertent drama adds an element of unpredictability, keeping readers engaged and guessing.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone seeking a lighthearted contemporary romance with just the right amount of spice to keep things interesting.
Thank you so much to NetGalley, HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter | One More Chapter, and the author, Kathryn Freeman, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest and fair review.
Rating:4/5
Release Date: 30 June 2024
Molly Harris is no stranger to abandonment. Whether it's her parents or her romantic partners, rejection seems to follow her like a shadow. Her most recent boyfriend, fitness enthusiast Duncan, decides to ditch her for a shot at finding love on the reality dating show "The One." This unconventional show pairs up singles for four weeks of dating before culminating in a wedding ceremony.
Despite Duncan being the one who previously helped mend her broken heart, Molly is determined not to let him slip away. In a bold move, she decides to join the cast of "The One," hoping to prove that they are destined for each other and secure the happily ever after she yearns for.
However, just as filming commences, a painful reminder of her past reappears: Ben Knight, the man who once broke her heart with the classic "it's not you, it's me" excuse. He's back, casting a shadow over Molly's hopes for a fairy tale ending with Duncan.
“Thank You, Next” delivers on its intriguing premise, offering a delightful blend of humour and sweetness set against the backdrop of a reality dating show. Molly's decision to join the show in hopes of rekindling things with her ex-partner, Duncan, adds an extra layer of anticipation amidst the various couples' dynamics. Fortunately, the story unfolds with characters largely showcasing their best selves, allowing readers to immerse themselves in the romance and witness our protagonists navigating past traumas that could hinder their quest for love.
While every character exudes warmth, the inclusion of steamy moments injects a welcome freshness into the narrative, preventing it from veering into predictability. Despite their respective hang-ups, Molly and Ben's undeniable chemistry underscores their inevitable connection. Duncan's inadvertent drama adds an element of unpredictability, keeping readers engaged and guessing.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone seeking a lighthearted contemporary romance with just the right amount of spice to keep things interesting.
Thank you so much to NetGalley, HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter | One More Chapter, and the author, Kathryn Freeman, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest and fair review.
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