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The Next Chapter
When a famous former child actress meets a tender masc West Village bookseller, sparks fly and complications ensue in this queer homage to Notting Hill by the author of Just as You Are.
Katrina Kelly is a former child star with five blockbuster movies under her belt and a face that's instantly recognizable to most of America. Unfortunately, her career ended with her teens. Now she's twenty-four, running out of money, and spends most of her nights alone Googling things like 'how do I know if I'm bi or gay?' She's desperate to rebrand herself as a Serious Adult Actress and restart her career—at any cost.
Jude Thacker, a butch bookseller at The Next Chapter, doesn't want to admit she might be stuck. After all, she's running the queer feminist bookstore of her dreams with a staff of chosen family. Sure, she hasn't even tried to go on a first date in two years. And she may have a tiny problem with panic attacks. But as long as her life stays small and tidy, she's fine.
When Kat and Jude meet in the bookstore, Kat realizes that coming out as queer is the perfect way to transform her image. She and Jude can date for a few weeks, cause a media firestorm, and then Kat will move on. But what's meant as a temporary publicity stunt quickly turns into real feelings for both women. As the media scrutiny intensifies, each must decide what's real, what's not, and if true love is worth losing everything they believe is keeping them safe.
Katrina Kelly is a former child star with five blockbuster movies under her belt and a face that's instantly recognizable to most of America. Unfortunately, her career ended with her teens. Now she's twenty-four, running out of money, and spends most of her nights alone Googling things like 'how do I know if I'm bi or gay?' She's desperate to rebrand herself as a Serious Adult Actress and restart her career—at any cost.
Jude Thacker, a butch bookseller at The Next Chapter, doesn't want to admit she might be stuck. After all, she's running the queer feminist bookstore of her dreams with a staff of chosen family. Sure, she hasn't even tried to go on a first date in two years. And she may have a tiny problem with panic attacks. But as long as her life stays small and tidy, she's fine.
When Kat and Jude meet in the bookstore, Kat realizes that coming out as queer is the perfect way to transform her image. She and Jude can date for a few weeks, cause a media firestorm, and then Kat will move on. But what's meant as a temporary publicity stunt quickly turns into real feelings for both women. As the media scrutiny intensifies, each must decide what's real, what's not, and if true love is worth losing everything they believe is keeping them safe.
336 pages, Paperback
First published June 10, 2025
76 people are currently reading
14767 people want to read
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July 2, 2025
A smart, heartfelt queer romcom that blends celebrity chaos with quiet emotional truths—The Next Chapter is as tender as it is entertaining.
Camille Kellogg returns with a love story that starts in the spotlight but finds its soul in the quiet moments between the chaos. The setup may sound familiar—a famous actress crosses paths with a reserved bookseller—but what unfolds is anything but formulaic. This isn’t just about sparks flying in a meet-cute; it’s about what happens when two people with very different lives—and very guarded hearts—try to build something real.
Kat, a former child star navigating an industry that has used and discarded her, is refreshingly flawed. She’s sharp, ambitious, and deeply unsure of who she is outside of the roles she’s played. Her decision to fake-date a stranger for the sake of a career revival might seem calculated, but underneath it all is a desire for something authentic—something she isn’t sure she deserves. Jude, on the other hand, is steady and sincere, quietly grieving a loss and clinging to the routines that help her feel safe. Their chemistry crackles from the start, but it’s the emotional tension—the push and pull of vulnerability—that truly drives the romance.
This book is messy in the best way: full of imperfect decisions, stumbling communication, and deeply human moments that make you root for these two women as individuals as much as a couple. The backdrop of a changing bookstore, complete with a colorful friend group and conversations about identity, queerness, and purpose, gives the narrative extra texture without overwhelming the core love story.
While the pacing dips slightly in the middle and a few beats wrap up a touch too smoothly, the story's emotional payoff is well-earned. Kellogg writes with warmth, humor, and a deep sense of empathy, crafting a sapphic romance that never shies away from complexity while still delivering those swoony, joyful beats we come to romance for.
This isn’t just a romcom—it’s a thoughtful reflection on reinvention, self-worth, and the slow, sometimes painful journey of choosing love in a world that often demands performance.
Rounded up to 4 stars for its sincerity, emotional resonance, and quietly powerful romance.
A very huge thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group – Random House | Dial Press Trade Paperback for sharing this sapphic romcom’s digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.
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Camille Kellogg returns with a love story that starts in the spotlight but finds its soul in the quiet moments between the chaos. The setup may sound familiar—a famous actress crosses paths with a reserved bookseller—but what unfolds is anything but formulaic. This isn’t just about sparks flying in a meet-cute; it’s about what happens when two people with very different lives—and very guarded hearts—try to build something real.
Kat, a former child star navigating an industry that has used and discarded her, is refreshingly flawed. She’s sharp, ambitious, and deeply unsure of who she is outside of the roles she’s played. Her decision to fake-date a stranger for the sake of a career revival might seem calculated, but underneath it all is a desire for something authentic—something she isn’t sure she deserves. Jude, on the other hand, is steady and sincere, quietly grieving a loss and clinging to the routines that help her feel safe. Their chemistry crackles from the start, but it’s the emotional tension—the push and pull of vulnerability—that truly drives the romance.
This book is messy in the best way: full of imperfect decisions, stumbling communication, and deeply human moments that make you root for these two women as individuals as much as a couple. The backdrop of a changing bookstore, complete with a colorful friend group and conversations about identity, queerness, and purpose, gives the narrative extra texture without overwhelming the core love story.
While the pacing dips slightly in the middle and a few beats wrap up a touch too smoothly, the story's emotional payoff is well-earned. Kellogg writes with warmth, humor, and a deep sense of empathy, crafting a sapphic romance that never shies away from complexity while still delivering those swoony, joyful beats we come to romance for.
This isn’t just a romcom—it’s a thoughtful reflection on reinvention, self-worth, and the slow, sometimes painful journey of choosing love in a world that often demands performance.
Rounded up to 4 stars for its sincerity, emotional resonance, and quietly powerful romance.
A very huge thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group – Random House | Dial Press Trade Paperback for sharing this sapphic romcom’s digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.
medium.com
May 20, 2025
cant really say i liked this. also, its never a good sign when youre actively rooting against the couple in a romance novel
June 10, 2025
Pride Month 2025 #3
🍦 🍓 The Ripped Bodice's 9th Annual Summer Romance Bingo 🕶️ 🏄🏼
/ Grand Gesture
I loved JUST AS YOU ARE, a P&P retelling. I unfortunately did not love this NOTTING HILL retelling, a film I loved. Do I need to rewatch it? Will I not love it if I do? Or is London > NYC
I hated Kat from the start. I felt bad for Jude, but slowly disliked her more as time went on. That's not why this has a mid rating. I've enjoyed plenty of books where I didn't like the characters. This is a romance. I don't feel like they were right for each other. And as someone that's trying to decipher what's right for me, I'm all eyes right now, okay?
The drama just felt unnecessary. So did the levels of pettiness for grown adults. I know pettiness exists for adults. I've lived it. But it just felt like so much. For no good reason. I hated Kat's manager. I hated her former costars. I hated everyone she interacted with.
I loved Jude's friends. I wanted more for them. I wanted her to want more for herself. I hated the conservative straight man that bought her mother's bookstore. I hated how stuck she felt working there. Change your life. I say this as a stuck-in-one-place-until-I-explode Taurus sun. Blow up. Do it. Live your life. Do something.
📱 Thank you to NetGalley and Dial Press Trade Paperback
🍦 🍓 The Ripped Bodice's 9th Annual Summer Romance Bingo 🕶️ 🏄🏼
/ Grand Gesture
I loved JUST AS YOU ARE, a P&P retelling. I unfortunately did not love this NOTTING HILL retelling, a film I loved. Do I need to rewatch it? Will I not love it if I do? Or is London > NYC
I hated Kat from the start. I felt bad for Jude, but slowly disliked her more as time went on. That's not why this has a mid rating. I've enjoyed plenty of books where I didn't like the characters. This is a romance. I don't feel like they were right for each other. And as someone that's trying to decipher what's right for me, I'm all eyes right now, okay?
The drama just felt unnecessary. So did the levels of pettiness for grown adults. I know pettiness exists for adults. I've lived it. But it just felt like so much. For no good reason. I hated Kat's manager. I hated her former costars. I hated everyone she interacted with.
I loved Jude's friends. I wanted more for them. I wanted her to want more for herself. I hated the conservative straight man that bought her mother's bookstore. I hated how stuck she felt working there. Change your life. I say this as a stuck-in-one-place-until-I-explode Taurus sun. Blow up. Do it. Live your life. Do something.
📱 Thank you to NetGalley and Dial Press Trade Paperback
March 17, 2025
I knew I was going to love a sapphic Notting Hill-inspired book, and I absolutely did. I was hooked on the romance right from the meet cute, so when things became messier and messier, I kept rooting for them. And while things did become messy, I thought everything was handled well. It made sense to me where they were both coming from and I think they both went through a lot of growth, both with each other and as individuals. This made for a very well-rounded romance. It was also a super fun read that I struggled to put down, and I especially loved Jude's friend group.
June 29, 2025
Kellogg delicately navigates two themes in this book. The first is a homage to Notting Hill. Transforming a beloved movie romcom into a wholly original story has some serious challenges, but then to also make a queer version? It’s a tall task Kellogg set for herself, and for the most part she cleared all the hurtles. The author delightfully weaves parallels to the movie in and out, drawing a perfect line of overt in the broad strokes but subtle in the details.
There were sections of the story where the author was taking the former child actor character, Kat, in a frustrating direction. However, that leads to the second theme running through the book. Kellogg does an excellent job of turning a spotlight on the way the Hollywood entertainment industry often exploits professional child actors. When you see Kat’s decisions through that traumatic experience, then her motivations make sense (even if it causes the reader to cringe a little).
In the end I loved both the sapphic romance and the homage to Notting Hill. Cheers and bravo for Kellogg’s sophomore effort, and Happy Pride Month.
There were sections of the story where the author was taking the former child actor character, Kat, in a frustrating direction. However, that leads to the second theme running through the book. Kellogg does an excellent job of turning a spotlight on the way the Hollywood entertainment industry often exploits professional child actors. When you see Kat’s decisions through that traumatic experience, then her motivations make sense (even if it causes the reader to cringe a little).
In the end I loved both the sapphic romance and the homage to Notting Hill. Cheers and bravo for Kellogg’s sophomore effort, and Happy Pride Month.
June 20, 2025
This was an adorable queer romcom retelling of Notting Hill. And I adored it – not only was it super sweet, but I found it to be really insightful about the reality of child actors, as well as being brave enough to be who you really are.
June 6, 2025
If you’re looking for a romance to add for pride month this would be a great option. I loved the lively cast of secondary characters, mostly Jude’s friends, and I really liked MC Jude and Kat as well. Their love story was messy and complicated by Kat’s fame, but I’m a sucker for both a celebrity romance and messy relationships so this worked for me. Mara Wilson is such a good narrator so it was a delight to listen to her engaging performance.
June 16, 2025
The Next Chapter had all the ingredients I usually love — sapphic romance, gorgeous writing, and a main character working who is an absolute sweetheart — but this one didn’t quite land for me. The premise was promising, and I really liked the glimpses of what the story could have been, especially in the quieter moments between Jude and Kat. There were some genuinely tender scenes, and I appreciated how the book touched (albeit lightly) on big themes like anxiety and disordered eating.
But overall, I found it a bit too messy. The drama between characters often felt unnecessary, and I struggled to connect with Kat. I don’t need to like every character, but I do need to feel like the relationship makes sense — and I just couldn’t see how Jude and Kat worked as a couple. There was so much lying, miscommunication and avoidance that I found myself more frustrated than invested. In addition, I didn't really want sweetheart Jude dating awful Kat - which isn't a great feeling to have when reading a romance novel.
That said, there were still parts I genuinely enjoyed. Jude was lovely — thoughtful, compassionate, and slowly working through her own fears — and her circle of friends brought warmth and grounding to the story. I just wanted more emotional clarity and less chaos. I know the messiness was intentional (and true to life in many ways), but it left me feeling a little disconnected from the romance at the heart of the book.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group - Random House | Dial Press Trade Paperback for a copy of this novel. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
But overall, I found it a bit too messy. The drama between characters often felt unnecessary, and I struggled to connect with Kat. I don’t need to like every character, but I do need to feel like the relationship makes sense — and I just couldn’t see how Jude and Kat worked as a couple. There was so much lying, miscommunication and avoidance that I found myself more frustrated than invested. In addition, I didn't really want sweetheart Jude dating awful Kat - which isn't a great feeling to have when reading a romance novel.
That said, there were still parts I genuinely enjoyed. Jude was lovely — thoughtful, compassionate, and slowly working through her own fears — and her circle of friends brought warmth and grounding to the story. I just wanted more emotional clarity and less chaos. I know the messiness was intentional (and true to life in many ways), but it left me feeling a little disconnected from the romance at the heart of the book.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group - Random House | Dial Press Trade Paperback for a copy of this novel. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
July 8, 2025
I was intrigued by the premise (who doesn't love the story of a nerdy bookseller who meets a celebrity and falls for her?) but the execution was absolutely terrible. I don't ask much from a romance but I do actually want to be able to root for the primary couple to get together because they're actually good for each other and as a couple. In this case, Kat is the absolute worst with zero redeeming qualities and Jude needs therapy and honestly, should find someone who matches her generally positive and supportive energy rather than someone so selfish that she literally lies to her about every single thing in their relationship, pulls quotes from her own discography about love to feed her partner, and basically completely disregards Jude's feelings and interests on every occasion. I truly hate that this couple get together at the end (spoiler but honestly, we all knew this) and wish they had remained broken up and grown separately.
December 16, 2025
Kat is a former child actress who is trying to begin her adult career and come out as queer at the same time, while Jude's life has been at a standstill since her mom died a few years prior and her girlfriend left her shortly thereafter. Kat is genuinely interested in Jude but per her toxic manager, Kat also needs to show the public she's queer. After a meet-cute at the bookstore register, Kat decides Jude could be the right person for her public queer debut and rationalizes she's not really using Jude since she does like her.
As someone who used to work in a bookstore, I'm always going to be a sucker for a character who also works at a bookstore. I did have to laugh at Jude or any of her coworkers reading at work. That does not happen!!! There is always something to do, even if there aren't any customers at the moment. I had to let this slide though because the Eileen Styles book Jude was reading winds up playing a big role in their courtship.
Kat and Jude's conversations and interactions had me enrapt. While Kat is making sense of where she wants her career to go, her toxic manager Jocelyn is countering everything she wants, plus there's the reappearance of her ex-friend Madelyn. Meanwhile, Jude is grappling with the ways the conservative bookstore owner counters everything that makes the bookstore what it is but she can't imagine leaving it, much less figure out what else she could do instead. The character arcs are on point, as is Kat's queer awakening, and the way Jude's found family factors in. I would love stories for Rhys, Talia, and LJ.
This is an homage to Notting Hill but I completely forgot about that until I came to a key scene toward the end, when the inspiration could not have been more obvious. Unfortunately, that's also where this romance took a dip for me. That said, Jude and Kat's relationship had so much promise regardless of what went down between them. While I wish there had been more time recovering from the dark moment, I believed in them together.
Overall, this was such a delightful read. Thanks to Charlotte for putting this author on my radar!
Characters: Kat is a 24 year old white actress. Jude is a white butch lesbian bookstore employee in her early to mid-20s. This is set in NYC.
Content notes: disordered eating (past and present orthorexia, past anorexia), panic attacks, internalized ableism, overt and casual ableism, harassment by fans and paparazzi, queer awakening (no forced outing), past death of Jude's mother (breast cancer), Kat is estranged from her parents (stole most of her life savings), past thwarted child labor laws, past verbally abusive director, play about a professor-student relationship, past bullying, secondary character with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (uses cane), on page sex, praise kink, orgasm control, alcohol, inebriation, excessive drinking, hangover, STI joke, murder-suicide joke, gendered pejoratives, ableist language, hyperbolic language around suicide and addiction, reference to book about partner violence, reference to men in power who sexually harassed or sexually assaulted women
As someone who used to work in a bookstore, I'm always going to be a sucker for a character who also works at a bookstore. I did have to laugh at Jude or any of her coworkers reading at work. That does not happen!!! There is always something to do, even if there aren't any customers at the moment. I had to let this slide though because the Eileen Styles book Jude was reading winds up playing a big role in their courtship.
Kat and Jude's conversations and interactions had me enrapt. While Kat is making sense of where she wants her career to go, her toxic manager Jocelyn is countering everything she wants, plus there's the reappearance of her ex-friend Madelyn. Meanwhile, Jude is grappling with the ways the conservative bookstore owner counters everything that makes the bookstore what it is but she can't imagine leaving it, much less figure out what else she could do instead. The character arcs are on point, as is Kat's queer awakening, and the way Jude's found family factors in. I would love stories for Rhys, Talia, and LJ.
This is an homage to Notting Hill but I completely forgot about that until I came to a key scene toward the end, when the inspiration could not have been more obvious. Unfortunately, that's also where this romance took a dip for me. That said, Jude and Kat's relationship had so much promise regardless of what went down between them. While I wish there had been more time recovering from the dark moment, I believed in them together.
Overall, this was such a delightful read. Thanks to Charlotte for putting this author on my radar!
Characters: Kat is a 24 year old white actress. Jude is a white butch lesbian bookstore employee in her early to mid-20s. This is set in NYC.
Content notes: disordered eating (past and present orthorexia, past anorexia), panic attacks, internalized ableism, overt and casual ableism, harassment by fans and paparazzi, queer awakening (no forced outing), past death of Jude's mother (breast cancer), Kat is estranged from her parents (stole most of her life savings), past thwarted child labor laws, past verbally abusive director, play about a professor-student relationship, past bullying, secondary character with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (uses cane), on page sex, praise kink, orgasm control, alcohol, inebriation, excessive drinking, hangover, STI joke, murder-suicide joke, gendered pejoratives, ableist language, hyperbolic language around suicide and addiction, reference to book about partner violence, reference to men in power who sexually harassed or sexually assaulted women
August 12, 2025
This was a fun and cute queer romance read. The cover really sparked my interest! Love the bookish elements and that they met at a bookstore.
As someone who suffers from panic attacks, I appreciated that this was discussed in the book in various ways.
Thank you NetGalley and The Dial Press for the eARC!
As someone who suffers from panic attacks, I appreciated that this was discussed in the book in various ways.
Thank you NetGalley and The Dial Press for the eARC!
January 30, 2025
This book was SO messy hahaha. It was so well written and so well done. I loved the characters. Jude and Kat were strong, developed characters who Kellog really fleshed out. And I adored the supporting characters, especially the side romance. It made me want to move to New York!
March 31, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
Thank you NetGalley and Random House for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The Next Chapter by Camille Kellogg is an absolute delight—funny, swoon-worthy, and packed with heart! When former child star Katrina Kelly stumbles into Jude Thacker’s cozy queer bookstore, neither expects their worlds to collide quite so spectacularly. What starts as a calculated publicity stunt quickly turns into a whirlwind romance full of longing, self-discovery, and undeniable chemistry. With sharp writing, lovable characters, and a setting that feels like a warm hug, this book is everything a rom-com should be.
One of the best things about this novel is how beautifully messy the relationship between Kat and Jude is. Their dynamic is complicated, emotional, and sometimes frustrating, but in a way that makes it impossible to stop reading. Both main characters feel authentic, with real struggles and strong development throughout the story. The supporting cast adds so much charm, making the world of The Next Chapter feel warm, lived-in, and full of queer joy.
While the book does touch on heavier themes, including panic attacks and disordered eating, it handles them with care. Overall, this is a heartfelt, romantic, and utterly addictive read. If you love queer love stories with complex emotions and bookish charm, this one is a must-read—perfect for fans of Notting Hill, Delilah Green Doesn’t Care by Ashley Herring Blake, and Charm Offensive by Alison Cochrun.
Thank you NetGalley and Random House for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The Next Chapter by Camille Kellogg is an absolute delight—funny, swoon-worthy, and packed with heart! When former child star Katrina Kelly stumbles into Jude Thacker’s cozy queer bookstore, neither expects their worlds to collide quite so spectacularly. What starts as a calculated publicity stunt quickly turns into a whirlwind romance full of longing, self-discovery, and undeniable chemistry. With sharp writing, lovable characters, and a setting that feels like a warm hug, this book is everything a rom-com should be.
One of the best things about this novel is how beautifully messy the relationship between Kat and Jude is. Their dynamic is complicated, emotional, and sometimes frustrating, but in a way that makes it impossible to stop reading. Both main characters feel authentic, with real struggles and strong development throughout the story. The supporting cast adds so much charm, making the world of The Next Chapter feel warm, lived-in, and full of queer joy.
While the book does touch on heavier themes, including panic attacks and disordered eating, it handles them with care. Overall, this is a heartfelt, romantic, and utterly addictive read. If you love queer love stories with complex emotions and bookish charm, this one is a must-read—perfect for fans of Notting Hill, Delilah Green Doesn’t Care by Ashley Herring Blake, and Charm Offensive by Alison Cochrun.
June 10, 2025
3.5 ⭐
I definitely wasn’t expecting this story to offer such an authentic portrayal of queerness. The characters felt incredibly real — like you could genuinely see yourself in them, or in people you know from the queer community who’ve walked those same paths. That’s why I loved Kat’s journey so much. I think most of us can relate to feeling like Kat at some point: uncertain, questioning whether you’re queer enough, worrying about how others might perceive you... those thoughts really resonated.
And then there’s Jude, who was an absolute sweetheart. She was so compassionate — always validating Kat’s feelings and thoughts, without ever making assumptions or taking her for granted. We also see Jude wrestle with her own anxiety and fears, and I thought her growth was subtle but meaningful. It might not have been as pronounced as Kat’s arc, but it was still there, quietly unfolding. That said, I would’ve loved to see more depth in how the story explored Kat’s eating disorder and Jude’s anxiety — diving deeper into those aspects could’ve added even more emotional weight to the narrative.
So why isn’t my rating higher? Well, while it’s clear that Kat and Jude balanced each other beautifully and helped one another grow, the web of lies surrounding their relationship made it hard for me to fully invest in them as a couple. At one point, things got so tangled and messy that it honestly left me feeling frustrated. And while I completely understand why those lies were included (they served an important purpose for character development), the whole situation felt like a bigger stumbling block for me than it might be for others.
Still — this was a really worthwhile read. Maybe the love story didn’t completely land for me, since I couldn’t fully connect with the relationship, but so many other elements made this book shine. In the end, it was just a little too messy for my taste — everything became so complicated. And I know that coming out can be exactly like that — raw and tangled and hard to navigate — so there’s no one to blame. But... still.
I definitely wasn’t expecting this story to offer such an authentic portrayal of queerness. The characters felt incredibly real — like you could genuinely see yourself in them, or in people you know from the queer community who’ve walked those same paths. That’s why I loved Kat’s journey so much. I think most of us can relate to feeling like Kat at some point: uncertain, questioning whether you’re queer enough, worrying about how others might perceive you... those thoughts really resonated.
And then there’s Jude, who was an absolute sweetheart. She was so compassionate — always validating Kat’s feelings and thoughts, without ever making assumptions or taking her for granted. We also see Jude wrestle with her own anxiety and fears, and I thought her growth was subtle but meaningful. It might not have been as pronounced as Kat’s arc, but it was still there, quietly unfolding. That said, I would’ve loved to see more depth in how the story explored Kat’s eating disorder and Jude’s anxiety — diving deeper into those aspects could’ve added even more emotional weight to the narrative.
So why isn’t my rating higher? Well, while it’s clear that Kat and Jude balanced each other beautifully and helped one another grow, the web of lies surrounding their relationship made it hard for me to fully invest in them as a couple. At one point, things got so tangled and messy that it honestly left me feeling frustrated. And while I completely understand why those lies were included (they served an important purpose for character development), the whole situation felt like a bigger stumbling block for me than it might be for others.
Still — this was a really worthwhile read. Maybe the love story didn’t completely land for me, since I couldn’t fully connect with the relationship, but so many other elements made this book shine. In the end, it was just a little too messy for my taste — everything became so complicated. And I know that coming out can be exactly like that — raw and tangled and hard to navigate — so there’s no one to blame. But... still.
December 21, 2025
A delightful second book from Cameron Kellogg (note his recent announcement re. name and pronouns on IG). It feels like a significant shift in gear from his first book - which I enjoyed but which was slightly muted and standardised, romance wise. By comparison, this was playful and fun, but with realistically high stakes for both characters, and a fabulous cast of found family that I couldn’t have loved more. It also had the hottest ff sex scenes I’ve read in a mainstream published book in 2025 - more of this please!
May 23, 2025
i think it's not a romance when you're actively rooting against the couple, but it is what it is.
September 18, 2025
I liked this more than I liked Camille Kellogg's Just As You Are (which is kind of insane considering that's a Pride and Prejudice retelling), but something didn't work for me in The Next Chapter. And that something comes in the form of Madelyn. Let me explain...
Jude works at a bookstore that was her mother's dream come true and Jude is hell bent on keeping her mother's dream alive. And Jude loves the work, too. She doesn't like her new boss, but she still manages the store and works with her best friends, and they've cultivated an impressive collection of queer literature, making the bookstore a very queer-friendly store. Jude's life is this bookstore, which is where she meets Kat, who, unbeknownst to Jude, is a former child TV and movie star who's trying to (re)establish her adult career. Kat's also trying to understand her new queer identify. Jude and Kat have instant rapport but some awkwardness and insecurity gets in the way of anything else happening. Until some other things happen... Go read the book to know more.
I liked Jude, a sensitive butch woman. I liked Kat and her uncertainty and bravery. I thought they made a cute enough couple. But after their first meeting the bookstore, I just felt their relationship didn't quite work. It's a chemistry thing, I think. And I know that because when Madelyn, Kat's childhood bff/former costar/current sworn enemy, finally had a meaningful appearance in this novel, the chemistry between her and Kat jumped off the page in a way that Jude and Kat just didn't. From that point, I didn't want Jude and Kat to end up together. And that's a really big problem for me and my feelings about this book.
But I do think people will enjoy this. Both Jude and Kat are imperfect and adorable in their own ways. Jude's friend group is lovely. Jude and Kat each grow and change in ways they absolutely have to if either has a chance at happiness as individuals and as a couple. But I'm always going to wish Kat ended up with Madelyn instead. Whoops.
Jude works at a bookstore that was her mother's dream come true and Jude is hell bent on keeping her mother's dream alive. And Jude loves the work, too. She doesn't like her new boss, but she still manages the store and works with her best friends, and they've cultivated an impressive collection of queer literature, making the bookstore a very queer-friendly store. Jude's life is this bookstore, which is where she meets Kat, who, unbeknownst to Jude, is a former child TV and movie star who's trying to (re)establish her adult career. Kat's also trying to understand her new queer identify. Jude and Kat have instant rapport but some awkwardness and insecurity gets in the way of anything else happening. Until some other things happen... Go read the book to know more.
I liked Jude, a sensitive butch woman. I liked Kat and her uncertainty and bravery. I thought they made a cute enough couple. But after their first meeting the bookstore, I just felt their relationship didn't quite work. It's a chemistry thing, I think. And I know that because when Madelyn, Kat's childhood bff/former costar/current sworn enemy, finally had a meaningful appearance in this novel, the chemistry between her and Kat jumped off the page in a way that Jude and Kat just didn't. From that point, I didn't want Jude and Kat to end up together. And that's a really big problem for me and my feelings about this book.
But I do think people will enjoy this. Both Jude and Kat are imperfect and adorable in their own ways. Jude's friend group is lovely. Jude and Kat each grow and change in ways they absolutely have to if either has a chance at happiness as individuals and as a couple. But I'm always going to wish Kat ended up with Madelyn instead. Whoops.
July 29, 2025
the things i liked about this were how it explored discovering queerness outside of adolescence and coming out as an Adult as a feminine presenting person who had only ever dated men publicly, navigating queer friendships, and moving on from a self imposed rut or punishment after a loss. but I didn’t really like the romance - i understood both the characters and their motivations and really sympathized for kat and her situation!! BUT i myself could never get over that lie. kat has no life outside of her career - no family and no friends - and if i were Jude that would intimidate and bother me because i would not want to be Kat’s Sole lifeline and truthfully not enough time passed to justify their reconciliation if you ask me. I kinda feel like these two will be breaking up in a year!!!! but that’s okay sometimes you are just happy for now and that’s what counts. anyway maybe I should stop reading celebrity romances I almost never enjoy them?
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July 14, 2025This novel is perfect for fans of celebrity romances with a focus on queer discovery. This story features commentary on former child stars and the trauma that can come from that. There’s also the exploration of grief as one character lost her mother a couple years prior. My favorite part of this book is the found family Jude had with her friend group. I adored them!
I listened to the audiobook and I really enjoyed the narration. I thought the narrator did a great job bringing the characters to life.
Thank you to NetGalley and Dial Press Trade Paperback for a copy of this eARC. And PRH Audio for a copy of the audiobook.
I listened to the audiobook and I really enjoyed the narration. I thought the narrator did a great job bringing the characters to life.
Thank you to NetGalley and Dial Press Trade Paperback for a copy of this eARC. And PRH Audio for a copy of the audiobook.
June 22, 2025
A gem. THE NEXT CHAPTER is "Notting Hill but it's the West Village and Hugh Grant is a lovely butch lesbian and Julia Roberts is a child star who needs help resurrecting her career and coming out of the closet" and also a lot of feelings about taking control of your life and vulnerability and indie bookstores and queerness and community!!
April 4, 2025
This charming romance brings a delightful Notting Hill energy to the queer bookish world.
Jude, a lovable butch bookseller, is working at The Next Chapter when she unknowingly sells a book to Kat, a former child star turned nearly has-been celebrity. Sparks fly, and the two women begin to orbit each other more closely. For Kat, who’s slowly navigating the complexities of coming out later in life—and in the public eye—Jude seems like the perfect partner to help her take that leap. But for Jude, still reeling from heartbreak and deeply rooted in the bookstore her mother once owned, this relationship is far more than a PR opportunity.
There’s so much to love here, starting with Jude herself. She's thoughtful, endearing, and surrounded by a vibrant cast of quirky, queer friends. She's lost her bookstore-a beacon for queer folks-to a hateful man who wants to whitewash it, and she's struggling. Through it all, her desire to support Kat is honest and selfless.
The story also tackles the nuances of coming out, especially when it happens under the spotlight. Kat’s journey is compelling, though at times frustrating—particularly in how she treats Jude. Her hesitance, while understandable given her past trauma and dependence on her image-conscious agent, sometimes crosses into emotional carelessness. I found myself wishing she’d just talk to Jude more openly!
Despite some of that tension, the chemistry between them sizzles from their very first meeting, and the romance unfolds with both steam and sweetness. The Notting Hill nods—celebrity/“normal person” dynamic, bookstore meet-cute, and other fun Easter eggs—are clever and satisfying.
Ultimately, THE NEXT CHAPTER is a warm, heartfelt read about love, identity, and rediscovering courage. Perfect for fans of celebrity/commoner pairings, queer found families, and stories about learning to believe in yourself again.
I received a copy of this book from Dial Press and Netgalley in return for an unbiased review. Look for THE NEXT CHAPTER on 06/10/2025!
Jude, a lovable butch bookseller, is working at The Next Chapter when she unknowingly sells a book to Kat, a former child star turned nearly has-been celebrity. Sparks fly, and the two women begin to orbit each other more closely. For Kat, who’s slowly navigating the complexities of coming out later in life—and in the public eye—Jude seems like the perfect partner to help her take that leap. But for Jude, still reeling from heartbreak and deeply rooted in the bookstore her mother once owned, this relationship is far more than a PR opportunity.
There’s so much to love here, starting with Jude herself. She's thoughtful, endearing, and surrounded by a vibrant cast of quirky, queer friends. She's lost her bookstore-a beacon for queer folks-to a hateful man who wants to whitewash it, and she's struggling. Through it all, her desire to support Kat is honest and selfless.
The story also tackles the nuances of coming out, especially when it happens under the spotlight. Kat’s journey is compelling, though at times frustrating—particularly in how she treats Jude. Her hesitance, while understandable given her past trauma and dependence on her image-conscious agent, sometimes crosses into emotional carelessness. I found myself wishing she’d just talk to Jude more openly!
Despite some of that tension, the chemistry between them sizzles from their very first meeting, and the romance unfolds with both steam and sweetness. The Notting Hill nods—celebrity/“normal person” dynamic, bookstore meet-cute, and other fun Easter eggs—are clever and satisfying.
Ultimately, THE NEXT CHAPTER is a warm, heartfelt read about love, identity, and rediscovering courage. Perfect for fans of celebrity/commoner pairings, queer found families, and stories about learning to believe in yourself again.
I received a copy of this book from Dial Press and Netgalley in return for an unbiased review. Look for THE NEXT CHAPTER on 06/10/2025!
June 17, 2025
No sophomore slump for Kellogg's second Sapphic dual POV romance that has lots of great nods to Notting Hill and sees an anxious bookseller falling for a newly coming out of the closet actress looking to make her image more queer. Full of heart, emotional depth, queer found family and while yes there was a third act miscommunication break up, I thought the good far outweighed the bad in this book. I loved all the bookish parts, thought the author handled losing a parent to cancer and struggling with disordered eating very sensitively and really enjoyed the audio narration by Mara Wilson. Very much recommended for fans of authors like Amy Spalding or Meryl Wilsner. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy and @prhaudio for a complimentary ALC in exchange for my honest review.
CW: death of parent from cancer, disordered eating, anxiety + panic attacks, homophobia
CW: death of parent from cancer, disordered eating, anxiety + panic attacks, homophobia
February 28, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House / Dial Press for this ARC! I really enjoyed this one and was so excited to read it after loving Camille Kellogg's first book Just As You Are. I found it very thoughtful that the book started with a content warning and ended with resources for folks who may deal with the same issues as these characters. Other things I loved were the little references to queer culture, and the relatability of having a super intense female friendship evolve into romantic feelings and then evaporate or crash and burn.
i knocked off a star because 1) I felt there was little to no build up in the crush which is less satisfying to me as a reader than a more gradual lead in, and 2) it was difficult to suspend disbelief enough to get behind the idea of an out-of-work child star causing a mob in an old navy. Kat's fame does not feel on par with her credits; i picture her more like ashley tisdale (not mob-worthy) than miley cyrus (mob worthy). all in all, a fun read!
i knocked off a star because 1) I felt there was little to no build up in the crush which is less satisfying to me as a reader than a more gradual lead in, and 2) it was difficult to suspend disbelief enough to get behind the idea of an out-of-work child star causing a mob in an old navy. Kat's fame does not feel on par with her credits; i picture her more like ashley tisdale (not mob-worthy) than miley cyrus (mob worthy). all in all, a fun read!
June 26, 2025
Before I get into my review of “The Next Chapter”, I would like to thank NetGalley and The Dial Press for the ARC!
I’m going to be completely honest, this book was not for me. There were definitely some sweet and spicy moments in this book, but I couldn’t get attached to the characters.
One of the FMC’s, Kat, did some pretty inexcusable things to Jude, which I couldn’t look past while reading this book.
Throughout this whole book I couldn’t help but feel so sorry for Jude and pure rage towards Kat.
However, this book does do a great job of showing the struggles of having panic attacks, eating disorders, and grieving over the death of a parent.
Although this book wasn’t for me I cannot wait to read more from Camille Kellogg in the future.
I’m going to be completely honest, this book was not for me. There were definitely some sweet and spicy moments in this book, but I couldn’t get attached to the characters.
One of the FMC’s, Kat, did some pretty inexcusable things to Jude, which I couldn’t look past while reading this book.
Throughout this whole book I couldn’t help but feel so sorry for Jude and pure rage towards Kat.
However, this book does do a great job of showing the struggles of having panic attacks, eating disorders, and grieving over the death of a parent.
Although this book wasn’t for me I cannot wait to read more from Camille Kellogg in the future.
May 17, 2025
When I say this book had me immediately hooked, I mean IMMEDIATELY! I loved that the story got straight into business with the meet cute and getting into the core of each of our perspective characters so quickly so that we could get right to the good stuff.
Following Jude (bookstore manager scared to move on) and Kat (former child actress desperate to move on) was such a trip, and I really enjoyed getting to know each of them. Watching them tackle the challenges being thrown their way and seeing how they navigated some pretty odd situations was a blend of funny, heartwarming, and a little sad here and there. They’re two characters who I very much wanted to reach through the pages and hug.
I really enjoyed that this book had a POV of one of the characters who is doing something objectively deceitful and pretty damaging, while still making it easy to root for the character. I could see the trajectory she was on and anticipating the blow up, but I was still absolutely locked in waiting to see how things would end up for Kat and Jude, and if they would be able to make it work. Along with these two main characters, there’s an absolutely delightful cast of side characters (and a few less delightful) that all feel very well fleshed out and like very solid three dimensional characters.
The only things that I didn’t fully love were the dialogue and the open door scenes. Granted, it’s a romance novel, so there’s going to be a certain level of cheesiness to it, but some of it felt a bit too on the nose and a bit forced, particularly during some of the zestier scenes.
All in all I really enjoyed this one and would definitely recommend it!!
Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the advance review copy.
Following Jude (bookstore manager scared to move on) and Kat (former child actress desperate to move on) was such a trip, and I really enjoyed getting to know each of them. Watching them tackle the challenges being thrown their way and seeing how they navigated some pretty odd situations was a blend of funny, heartwarming, and a little sad here and there. They’re two characters who I very much wanted to reach through the pages and hug.
I really enjoyed that this book had a POV of one of the characters who is doing something objectively deceitful and pretty damaging, while still making it easy to root for the character. I could see the trajectory she was on and anticipating the blow up, but I was still absolutely locked in waiting to see how things would end up for Kat and Jude, and if they would be able to make it work. Along with these two main characters, there’s an absolutely delightful cast of side characters (and a few less delightful) that all feel very well fleshed out and like very solid three dimensional characters.
The only things that I didn’t fully love were the dialogue and the open door scenes. Granted, it’s a romance novel, so there’s going to be a certain level of cheesiness to it, but some of it felt a bit too on the nose and a bit forced, particularly during some of the zestier scenes.
All in all I really enjoyed this one and would definitely recommend it!!
Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the advance review copy.
September 12, 2025
*i received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. this does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.*
2.5 stars
ugh, i'm so conflicted! i really love camille kellogg's writing, but i just could not bring myself to root for this couple. i loved jude (my kingdom for an emotionally available butch bookseller...... god, i see what you've done for others), but i really did not like the way kat treated her, and ultimately i'm not sure the relationship should have been able to recover from the extent of kat's dishonesty and betrayal. i have empathy for kat as a character, given her backstory, and i appreciated the portrayal of a character coming to terms with their queerness and searching for their identity. i'm just not convinced she's the right one for jude. still, despite my reservations about the romance, i liked this book overall. i enjoyed the new york city setting, especially the bookstore. i also loved our cast of side characters (and would absolutely eat up a rhys/lj companion sequel).
2.5 stars
ugh, i'm so conflicted! i really love camille kellogg's writing, but i just could not bring myself to root for this couple. i loved jude (my kingdom for an emotionally available butch bookseller...... god, i see what you've done for others), but i really did not like the way kat treated her, and ultimately i'm not sure the relationship should have been able to recover from the extent of kat's dishonesty and betrayal. i have empathy for kat as a character, given her backstory, and i appreciated the portrayal of a character coming to terms with their queerness and searching for their identity. i'm just not convinced she's the right one for jude. still, despite my reservations about the romance, i liked this book overall. i enjoyed the new york city setting, especially the bookstore. i also loved our cast of side characters (and would absolutely eat up a rhys/lj companion sequel).
June 26, 2025
Thank you NetGalley and The Dial Press for access to this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Oh my gosh, this book was SO GOOD. I wasn't expecting to get as emotionally invested with the characters as I did, but I was definitely crying at some points, while also laughing so hard at others! Jude and Kat have some unbelievable chemistry throughout the book! And while they did struggle a lot with communication throughout, I like how the author resolved the issue. The found family component also made my heart swell like the Grinch. And I appreciate how seriously the author took child actor mental health. It's a topic that isn't addressed enough, and an industry that needs more rules and limits. I overall adored this book and highly recommend it!
Oh my gosh, this book was SO GOOD. I wasn't expecting to get as emotionally invested with the characters as I did, but I was definitely crying at some points, while also laughing so hard at others! Jude and Kat have some unbelievable chemistry throughout the book! And while they did struggle a lot with communication throughout, I like how the author resolved the issue. The found family component also made my heart swell like the Grinch. And I appreciate how seriously the author took child actor mental health. It's a topic that isn't addressed enough, and an industry that needs more rules and limits. I overall adored this book and highly recommend it!
January 27, 2025
Absolutely loved this. The moments that were supposed to be funny were funny, and the moments that were supposed to be sad were exactly that, and everything in-between felt like a warm hug. I loved these 2 characters - both authentic in their own ways. Kat’s internal struggle felt real and Jude’s chivalry was adorable and heartbreaking at times considering the plot. And to wrap it all up in a romance-tied bow, this book also served as a love letter to NYC.
Thanks to NetGalley & the publishers for the ARC!
Thanks to NetGalley & the publishers for the ARC!
June 23, 2025
this was pretty cute! some things didn’t quite work for me (it felt a little too easy/clean at points? mayhaps) but overall i rlly enjoyed this. lots of communication, silly friend group (tho one of the characters in it was completely personalityless), and decently cute and hot. also a 3rd act breakup that actually made sense! what really sold me was the annotated fake chapter from the lesbian romcom they bond over at the end, 10/10 amazing
July 22, 2025
Quite a few loose ends, unfortunately. Also, the premise of the book was rather messed up. It was still cute, though, and the rep (discovering who you are later in life, family struggles, friend with EDS...) was nice to see
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