The Next Round

by Eva Frances

Award-winning second chance, slow burn beach read that will take your breath away.

Winner - 2025 IndieReader Discovery Award for Romance
Winner - 2025 HOLT Medallion Award - Best First Book
Finalist - 2025 HOLT Medallion Award - Long Contemporary
Finalist - 2025 American Fiction Awards - Romance
Finalist - 2025 Passionate Plume Award - Contemporary
Finalist - 2024 Copyright Reader Views Reviewer's Choice Literary Awards - Romance
Honorable Mention - 2025 Beach Book Festival - Romance
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Shaken and stirred.

Five years is a long time between drinks for old friends.

Shaken by a series of heartbreaks, Andie Herrera’s fear of jumping into new relationships leads her to run away and keep her distance from the possibilities of love, even with restaurant and bar entrepreneur, Chris Vaughn.

After five years apart, Andie and Chris are unexpectedly thrown together in a mix of professional and personal circumstances, as they work on the launch of a new bar establishment. Is this their chance to re-ignite their friendship and heal the rupture from the last time they saw each other?

The heady cocktail of familiar warmth, heated conversation, and undeniable chemistry in their shared moments has Andie questioning what she really wants: friendship—or maybe even more, this time around.

Can Andie move beyond her deep-seated fears to finally take the leap of faith and meet Chris halfway? Is it possible that the person who knows her best might be the love she’s been missing?

426 pages, Hardcover

First published December 1, 2024

About the author

Eva Frances has devoured classic and contemporary romances since her pre-teens. Was it a road to depravity, disappointment, or enlightenment? Who knows?

A writer, editor, and award-winning author, Eva now spends excessive amounts of time still lost in books and manuscripts with a happily-ever-after slant. She occasionally looks up to check on life and kids. And pour the next coffee refill.

Eva is a recipient of multiple literary awards in romance and fiction, including the HOLT Medallion, IndieReader Discovery Award, and Passionate Plume Award.

Reviews

[bookedbyannie · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love a mix of old friends, ❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥 chemistry, romcom vibes and second chances then you’ll love this one!

Andie and Chris reunite after five years, and while Andie’s been shaken by past heartbreak, their undeniable chemistry has her questioning if she wants more than just friendship. Will she take the leap? 💭💕

This was such a feel-good read, it’s made me want to enjoy summer with a cocktail in hand🥹🍸🌞 sidenote; absolutely OBSESSED with the Sydney references get me on a plane ASAP.

This read was such a beautiful blend of love, healing, and second chances - I’d highly recommend to anyone looking to experience that perfect romcom vibe 🫶🏻✨

[Reader Views · Rating 5 out of 5]

Drinks flow freely, and the tension is thick.

It’s been five years since the gang has all been back together—five years since Andie and Chris have been in the same room, but the chemistry between the two is still scorchingly hot. Time apart has meant new experiences and heartbreaks—needless to say, Andie is somewhat of a cynic regarding love.

When personal and professional matters bring them together, those old unresolved feelings begin resurfacing. Andie cannot ignore how Chris’s presence softens her heart and heats up her core. He’s sending her all the signals, but is it the right time to pursue a romance, especially after how they left things last time?

Readers won’t be able to resist this absorbing contemporary romance. Set in the idyllic backdrop of Sydney, “The Next Round” by Eva Frances is brimming with eye-catching beauty and a cast of captivating characters. Written from Andie’s perspective, the novel effortlessly weaves in and out of the past and present, capturing her ever-evolving career in PR, failed relationships, and the seemingly unrequited love between her and handsome restaurateur Chris Vaughn.

So, do they ever end up together? That is the burning question.

This is a feel-good book with a casual vibe that screams summer reading by the pool with a fruity cocktail in hand. (At least, that’s my fantasy as I try to escape this frigid Canadian winter!) These Aussie friends know how to have a good time, and the author has done an excellent job of choosing intriguing supporting characters who complement the main premise (the two reasons you’re still reading)—Andie and Chris. Let’s face it: the chemistry is palpable, and we’re all here to see those sparks fly!

While the reading experience is generally lighthearted, the author doesn’t skimp on substance and explores heavier topics, making this stunning romance much more than attractive characters and sweep-you-off-your-feet literature. Eva Frances highlights how past heartbreaks can mar the prospect of new ones. When you’ve been carelessly hurt, it is easy to build a fortress around your heart to protect it. Andie’s propensity to run from Chris was a huge obstacle in their burgeoning relationship.

If you’re looking for the ultimate escape from the doldrums of your day-to-day, do yourself a favor and pick up Eva Frances’ “The Next Round.” Between the novel’s breathtaking setting, the multidimensional (and aesthetically pleasing) characters, and the stirring romance, you’ll get all the feels you need from this endorphin-boosting prose.

[Claire Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a gorgeous read. I loved every second and smiled all the way to the end, especially knowing so many of the Sydney destinations mentioned. You’ll turn pages as fast as you can just to see where all the pieces of the puzzle land.

[Georgina Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not a contemporary romance girl but my god did I love this book. It was full of relatable emotional trauma right off the bat. I had no idea where this story was going for Andi as her narrative jumped between the past and the present until Chris popped up time and time again and I noticed the classic right person, wrong time, which I’m a total sucker for.

[Jess Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Next Round by Eva Frances was the most pleasant surprise. It is a story far beyond the genres I would normally reach for, yet it completely shifted my perspective on what I might be missing by staying within my comfort zone.

Eva Frances has an undeniable gift for storytelling. It is no wonder this novel has garnered awards and recognition both in Australia and internationally. Her writing feels deeply human, layered with emotion, and I wouldn't be the least surprised if it was grounded in some truth.

This read was such a beautiful blend of love, healing, and second chances. This is a love story, and while there is some spice, it is a slow burn that feels well earned and deeply satisfying. While the story carries a sense of warmth and ease, Eva does not shy away from exploring deeper themes beneath the surface. She masterfully balances tenderness and tension, weaving in the kind of emotional depth that makes The Next Round so much more than a romance. Frances shows how past heartbreaks can shape our ability to love again, and how, after being carelessly hurt, it can feel safer to build walls around your heart than to risk being broken again.

I am not usually a fan of books that jump between past and present, but the way Eva Frances managed to write this made the transitions flow so seamlessly that the time jumps went almost unnoticed. It added richness to the storytelling, allowing readers to fully understand the history that shaped each character and the choices they make in the present.

I found myself completely invested in Chris and Andie’s journey, rooting for them to find their happily ever after. Andie’s past experiences have left her guarded, her heart encased in armour forged by trauma and self protection. Chris’s patience and quiet devotion are both beautiful and heartbreaking as he waits for her to meet him where he is, ready to love and ready to heal together.

I annotated this book from start to finish and found that, because I was so immersed in the story, I picked up on all the subtle breadcrumbs Eva had scattered throughout. By the end, everything came full circle, leaving me with so many ah-ha and awww moments as I pieced them all together.

This book had me laughing, crying, angry, frustrated, and even a little lustful. It truly played on all the emotions, and I loved that it made me feel something.

Their story is a poignant reminder that opening your heart to love is not always simple. Sometimes love is not about timing or desire but about readiness, and the willingness to risk pain for connection. The Next Round captures that truth with tenderness and honesty, making it a book that will stay with me for a long time.

[Getlitwithashleyz · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 4.5/5
This book was beautifully written! The dual timeline was done so well—sometimes those can get confusing, but I never once felt lost.

Andie has had a rough history with men. Her father cheated on her mom and walked away, and her long-term college boyfriend strung her along before breaking her heart. Then there’s Chris—the patient, steady guy who owns the local bar. You can feel the chemistry the moment they meet. Through all the highs and lows, he’s always been there for her.

The only reason I didn’t give it a full 5 stars was the back-and-forth “will they/won’t they” moments—it happened one too many times for me. But overall, the characters were relatable, the story was heartfelt, and I was hooked from start to finish. Definitely one to check out!

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a delicious slow burn, second chance romance The Next Round is. Filled with great chemistry and giving rom-com vibes I found this a really enjoyable read.

The story centres around Andie who, after a series of heartbreaks becomes a workaholic to avoid serious relationships. Meanwhile Chris, the handsome bar owner, fell first and fell hard…but friends was all they could be.

After five years apart, Andie and Chris are unexpectedly thrown back together. The heady cocktail of familiar warmth, heated conversation, and undeniable chemistry has Andie questioning if she is brave enough for more than friendship this time around.

I really enjoyed the setting, the banter and the friendships that the author has created in this novel.

Andie is a book lover and fiercely loyal friend. I loved how witty she was. Chris was the ultimate golden retriever MMC, gentle, patient and doing little unnoticed things for Andie all the time!

[Jeanne Baker Stinson · Rating 2 out of 5]

I need a shelf for "free kindle books". To be fair -- could have been a three. Their meet cute is pretty cute -- she's waiting for a friend in a restaurant and he's the bartender, she drops her pen and is booty up when he comes over but he's nice -- not leering. In fact the best thing about the book is that he was so nice to her ALL the time. Their reasons for staying apart (for years) were unbearable. Her relationship with her ex -- who was portrayed as "a jerk" but who was actually abusive was also unbearable.

[R.C. Munro · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a fellow author, I found this story both heartfelt and refreshingly grounded. The slow-burn chemistry between Andie and Chris is written with warmth and nuance, making their emotional reconnection feel authentic and earned. The backdrop of a new bar launch adds an engaging professional layer to the personal stakes, and the dialogue carries a realistic emotional weight.

While some pacing moments felt a bit drawn out, the emotional payoff and the theme of overcoming fear made it worth the journey. A touching reminder that sometimes, love deserves a second pour.

[iseekslowburnsandgoodvibes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful blend of the past and present, creating something completely intriguing to read. The moment I gazed my eyes over the skim page of this pink book, I knew this was going to be a spicy ride. I encourage the writer to keep up her passion for writing and one day be a best seller for those Nova-Blasts 5s that the author has ever so yearned to get for herself. Check the bio for more info.

[Kathie Price · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Hallmark movie of a book. 3.5 stars but omg the URST!!! How many times can you a-l-m-o-s-t get together and then not?? The bartender and the literary/planner who has so many unresolved issues she can NOT decide she loves someone. Get a grip!

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Only half way through this book and I am hooked! Can’t wait to see how the chemistry, sparks, energy between Andie and Chris explode! Fun, exciting, summer read!

[Lyndsey Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading this! It’s the most adorable read but also so heart felt.

Friends to lovers, slow burn, silently yearning.

Andie had some Majour insecurities from the past and struggles with trusting people. I loved being able to read Angie’s feeling and what she was going through.

Chris is strong, kind and patient. This was such a beautiful romance to read. It felt really life like with the trauma and turmoil that both of them go through together.

I really enjoyed this book.