What do you think?
Rate this book
Win a free print copy of this book!
6 days and 23:29:53
10 copies available
U.S. only
They All Fall in Love at the End
Not yet published
Expected 2 Jun 26Win a free print copy of this book!
6 days and 23:29:53
10 copies available
U.S. only
Cat St. Clair is ready for her messy love triangle era now that she’s in an open relationship. But she didn’t foresee a forbidden love triangle with the only two people who are off limits: her boyfriend’s best friend and his girlfriend. Being a twenty-something writer who lives for the plot, she falls for them anyway, with deliciously disastrous consequences, in this electric literary debut for fans of Xochitl Gonzalez, Coco Mellors, Lily King, and Raven Leilani.
It’s the fall of 2024, and twenty-four-year-old Cat isn’t asking for too much: all she wants is three boyfriends, to write her little novels, and to survive another chaotic presidential election. She’s in an open relationship with her college sweetheart Jay, but nonmonogamy isn’t just a hot trend she’s trying. It’s her sliver of freedom in a world eager to wrestle it from her for being a Black woman going after what she wants with reckless abandon.
While political tensions roil the campus where Cat is slowly earning her creative writing degree, she finds herself drawn to Jay’s best friend, Tristan, who’s smart, super hot, and…in a monogamous relationship. And then she meets Tristan’s girlfriend, Nia, a captivating art student with her own gravitational pull.
Friends and family urge her to just be happy with Jay, but Cat is determined to have it all—or blow up her life trying. As she falls for all the wrong people, racking up lies, betrayals, and terrible drafts of her novel, she tries to write her way to a happy ending. But in art, politics, and love, true liberation may take more than rewriting the old scripts. It may mean inventing something entirely new.
It’s the fall of 2024, and twenty-four-year-old Cat isn’t asking for too much: all she wants is three boyfriends, to write her little novels, and to survive another chaotic presidential election. She’s in an open relationship with her college sweetheart Jay, but nonmonogamy isn’t just a hot trend she’s trying. It’s her sliver of freedom in a world eager to wrestle it from her for being a Black woman going after what she wants with reckless abandon.
While political tensions roil the campus where Cat is slowly earning her creative writing degree, she finds herself drawn to Jay’s best friend, Tristan, who’s smart, super hot, and…in a monogamous relationship. And then she meets Tristan’s girlfriend, Nia, a captivating art student with her own gravitational pull.
Friends and family urge her to just be happy with Jay, but Cat is determined to have it all—or blow up her life trying. As she falls for all the wrong people, racking up lies, betrayals, and terrible drafts of her novel, she tries to write her way to a happy ending. But in art, politics, and love, true liberation may take more than rewriting the old scripts. It may mean inventing something entirely new.
384 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication June 2, 2026
About the author
Haili Blassingame
1 book31 followersHi!! I write literary and book club fiction about love, desire, and the decisions that feel impossible to make starring plucky, loud-mouth female protagonists of color. My debut is called THEY ALL FALL IN LOVE AT THE END. It has a hot-pink cover that I love more than most things in this world. I'm a producer for 1A, a show from NPR and WAMU. I've written a New York Times Modern Love essay about breaking up with my boyfriend and a piece in The New Republic about Kamala Harris and Gretchen Whitmer. I was in an MFA program in Creative Writing but didn't finish. I live in Washington, D.C with my 10,000 books and no bookshelf.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
March 29, 2026
5⭐️ i need this on my tv screen. this book was a beautiful mix of pain and pleasure. reading it while all the same atrocities are still happening down to the bachelor being messy was frightening.
Haili has a way of making the next sentence, paragraph and page even more addicting than the last and i inhaled this book.
I was giggling, shaking my head, blinking away mist in my eye.
This should be just as big as Normal People. But not because it’s or Haili is trying to imitate NP or Sally but because it’s a love story in the middle of life happening, the dark and the frightening.
Cat may not be for everyone but she’s for me.
Haili has a way of making the next sentence, paragraph and page even more addicting than the last and i inhaled this book.
I was giggling, shaking my head, blinking away mist in my eye.
This should be just as big as Normal People. But not because it’s or Haili is trying to imitate NP or Sally but because it’s a love story in the middle of life happening, the dark and the frightening.
Cat may not be for everyone but she’s for me.
March 23, 2026
if supporting women’s rights and wrongs was a book
December 2, 2025
I think I expected a different kind of story. Not in a bad way. This one lives closer to politics, community, and the mess of the real world. Sometimes I wondered if I was missing the point. I loved Jay. I liked Nia. I understood Tristan. Cat, though, pushed every anxious part of me. Maybe staying true to what you want is always hard. The book wrestles with desire, duty, and that pull between who we are and who we think we should become. I felt the weight Cat carries. It pressed on me too. It made me wonder if we are all a little tired inside. The world feels cracked. Do we fight harder or just try to stay afloat. When institutions make choices driven by money and pressure, it is hard to believe in anything steady. And yet perspective shifts when you talk to someone far away. The questions linger. What is the right ending. What is the right life. Do we reject ourselves before anyone else can. Do we bend to fit in. This book stirred a lot in me, even when I wasn’t sure I understood every angle. It left me curious. And unsettled. And thinking.
Thank you NetGalley and Scribner for the ARC!
Thank you NetGalley and Scribner for the ARC!
May 22, 2026
i need someone smarter than me to read this so we can talk about the ending
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
They All Fall in Love at the End is a dynamic, interesting novel that follows Cat St. Clair, who finds herself at a messy, confusing phase of her life. She is newly in an open relationship with her long-term boyfriend, which is complicated by his reluctant agreement and made even worse by the fact that Cat finds herself drawn to Tristan, her boyfriend's best friend, and to Nia, Tristan's monogamous girlfriend. Not to mention, Cat is also navigating familial strife, a seemingly unending creative writing program, and a world that grows more fraught with political tension each day.
I enjoyed all the pieces that Blassingame weaved together in this novel. Cat's navigation of sex, dating, and the types of relationships she wanted was enlightening. I loved her willingness to be messy, to do things that feel right even though others called it wrong. I appreciated that she is stepping into a life she can't quite explain yet, doesn't quite have the words for, but knows is what she wants for herself. While others may struggle to excuse her behaviour, I respect the vulnerability, the willingness to make mistakes and depiction of just how messy life and love can really get.
In addition to relationships, Cat is also trying to navigate unprecedented circumstances in the world. The whiplash of flitting between a new political development, or world tragedy and Cat's day-to-day felt like an unfortunately accurate portrayal of trying to navigate the world as a socially aware adult.
Despite these aspects that intrigued me, this novel never clicked for me. The writing is quick-paced, and for the vast majority of the book, it is focused on telling and recounting. It made me feel like I was being told what happened by someone who was told what happened. I never felt connected to the narrator and could not get invested in Cat's story or the other characters'.
I had expected more development and growth of Cat's character. While the irony of the ending is not lost on me, the only profound, monumental moment of introspection came at the very end of the novel. It was a blip of what I felt I needed much earlier and to a greater extent to feel invested and engaged; instead, it was a sliver that was over just as soon as it started.
Although the style and structure didn't work for me, the heart of this story is meaningful. I anticipate this novel will be divisive, but all good things are, and those drawn to the story should give it a chance.
I enjoyed all the pieces that Blassingame weaved together in this novel. Cat's navigation of sex, dating, and the types of relationships she wanted was enlightening. I loved her willingness to be messy, to do things that feel right even though others called it wrong. I appreciated that she is stepping into a life she can't quite explain yet, doesn't quite have the words for, but knows is what she wants for herself. While others may struggle to excuse her behaviour, I respect the vulnerability, the willingness to make mistakes and depiction of just how messy life and love can really get.
In addition to relationships, Cat is also trying to navigate unprecedented circumstances in the world. The whiplash of flitting between a new political development, or world tragedy and Cat's day-to-day felt like an unfortunately accurate portrayal of trying to navigate the world as a socially aware adult.
Despite these aspects that intrigued me, this novel never clicked for me. The writing is quick-paced, and for the vast majority of the book, it is focused on telling and recounting. It made me feel like I was being told what happened by someone who was told what happened. I never felt connected to the narrator and could not get invested in Cat's story or the other characters'.
I had expected more development and growth of Cat's character. While the irony of the ending is not lost on me, the only profound, monumental moment of introspection came at the very end of the novel. It was a blip of what I felt I needed much earlier and to a greater extent to feel invested and engaged; instead, it was a sliver that was over just as soon as it started.
Although the style and structure didn't work for me, the heart of this story is meaningful. I anticipate this novel will be divisive, but all good things are, and those drawn to the story should give it a chance.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
3.5 stars rounded up. I received an ARC of this book through the publisher!
There are things I loved about this, things that impressed me, and things that fell short. I think this is the first book I've ever read that's captured Gen Z thinking and mannerisms so well. I especially loved the dissonance between the main character's rich interior world vs how she formatted emails. I've also never read a book that is so timely before. I read this in March 2026 and the book is, at one point, talking about real-life political events that happened in the summer of 2025. While that didn't make it a relaxing read, I think the anxiety of trying to live our lives in tandem with horrifying political brutality is translated very well to the page. This is a novel that I feel will age well, standing as a testament to our time.
Sometimes I felt that the frenetic writing style--jumping between ideas and moments--didn't quite work for me. I wanted to be a little more immersed in the story, rather than dragged between moments. I also thought it felt a little /too/ meta at times. I like auto-fiction, but not when it announces that it's auto-fiction.
The only thing I really disliked was the formatting choice to write Trump with an asterisk. I get the humor of it, how Gen Z will type this way online to avoid being censored by social media platforms, but to see it in a book was exhausting, like seeing "unalived" on a book cover.
I was excited to read this, as I've been following Blassingame on Substack for months now and have really been enjoying her style, and wasn't disappointed! Thank you to the publisher!
There are things I loved about this, things that impressed me, and things that fell short. I think this is the first book I've ever read that's captured Gen Z thinking and mannerisms so well. I especially loved the dissonance between the main character's rich interior world vs how she formatted emails. I've also never read a book that is so timely before. I read this in March 2026 and the book is, at one point, talking about real-life political events that happened in the summer of 2025. While that didn't make it a relaxing read, I think the anxiety of trying to live our lives in tandem with horrifying political brutality is translated very well to the page. This is a novel that I feel will age well, standing as a testament to our time.
Sometimes I felt that the frenetic writing style--jumping between ideas and moments--didn't quite work for me. I wanted to be a little more immersed in the story, rather than dragged between moments. I also thought it felt a little /too/ meta at times. I like auto-fiction, but not when it announces that it's auto-fiction.
The only thing I really disliked was the formatting choice to write Trump with an asterisk. I get the humor of it, how Gen Z will type this way online to avoid being censored by social media platforms, but to see it in a book was exhausting, like seeing "unalived" on a book cover.
I was excited to read this, as I've been following Blassingame on Substack for months now and have really been enjoying her style, and wasn't disappointed! Thank you to the publisher!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I coincidentally got this ARC in the mail the same day I came across Haili Blassingame's hilarious Substack, so I prioritized reading it and was pretty hyped to do so.
This is an expertly crafted novel, equal parts stylish and sexy while also being political and urgent. Not only that, but what weaves these two separate vibes together is the story of (what I assume to be is) the novel's own creation. Plenty of writers write auto fiction about writing, but Blassingame does so with a precision that leaves you feeling satiated and full by the novel's conclusion. It's very topical as well, and I thought the political aspect of the novel was something that I've been wanting to see more of in contemporary fiction.
It's all at once a poly romance with a messy FMC, a family drama, and a story of political protest that is deeply human, blemishes and all. I'm predicting it'll be THE contemporary book of 2026, akin to Lily King or Sally Rooney. I wish nothing but the best for this novel, and I hope to see it become very successful.
Thank you to the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
This is an expertly crafted novel, equal parts stylish and sexy while also being political and urgent. Not only that, but what weaves these two separate vibes together is the story of (what I assume to be is) the novel's own creation. Plenty of writers write auto fiction about writing, but Blassingame does so with a precision that leaves you feeling satiated and full by the novel's conclusion. It's very topical as well, and I thought the political aspect of the novel was something that I've been wanting to see more of in contemporary fiction.
It's all at once a poly romance with a messy FMC, a family drama, and a story of political protest that is deeply human, blemishes and all. I'm predicting it'll be THE contemporary book of 2026, akin to Lily King or Sally Rooney. I wish nothing but the best for this novel, and I hope to see it become very successful.
Thank you to the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Incredibly smart, insightful, and witty. The perfect balance of razor-sharp writing, character development, and pacing. Another reviewer mentioned wanting to see current events and politics reflected in more contemporary lit, and I fully agree! I like a bit of gravitas in my stories, though this is balanced by some lighter, laugh-out-loud moments. I particularly enjoyed how Blassingame skewered lit crit groups.
I’m closer to Cat’s mother’s age, but I still found Cat highly relatable and sympathetic. Her life is tumultuous on several levels, but Blassingame provides enough thoughtful interiority & self-awareness that I felt I truly understood Cat and the choices she struggled with. The story reminded me of Lily King’s Writers and Lovers, but faster, sharper, and spicier.
I was truly invested in the romantic storyline – I could feel Cat’s yearning and desire and the messiness of it all. It’s more than a love story, though; it also felt like a solid coming-of-age story. Anyone who’s outgrown a relationship forged in their late teens / early twenties, working mediocre gigs while struggling with what to do with the rest of their lives (and how to pay for the path) will be able to relate. Highly, highly recommended. I can’t wait for Blassingame’s next novel!
I’m grateful to Scribner and NetGalley for providing the opportunity to honestly review an ARC.
I’m closer to Cat’s mother’s age, but I still found Cat highly relatable and sympathetic. Her life is tumultuous on several levels, but Blassingame provides enough thoughtful interiority & self-awareness that I felt I truly understood Cat and the choices she struggled with. The story reminded me of Lily King’s Writers and Lovers, but faster, sharper, and spicier.
I was truly invested in the romantic storyline – I could feel Cat’s yearning and desire and the messiness of it all. It’s more than a love story, though; it also felt like a solid coming-of-age story. Anyone who’s outgrown a relationship forged in their late teens / early twenties, working mediocre gigs while struggling with what to do with the rest of their lives (and how to pay for the path) will be able to relate. Highly, highly recommended. I can’t wait for Blassingame’s next novel!
I’m grateful to Scribner and NetGalley for providing the opportunity to honestly review an ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the e-ARC.
I absolutely loved this. It was messy, bold, and so full of life in a way that completely pulled me in. Cat’s voice felt real and unfiltered, and I loved how the story leaned into her desire to want more—more love, more freedom, more control over her own life—even when it got complicated.
The relationship dynamics were chaotic in the best way, and I was fully invested watching everything unfold. There’s something about the way this book explores love, identity, and choice that felt very current and honest, especially set against the backdrop of a tense political moment.
Also, this was GREAT for a debut novel. It felt confident, sharp, and like the author knew exactly what kind of story they wanted to tell.
I’ll definitely be reading whatever Haili Blassingame writes next.
Review of advance copy received from Author
You know how people say Sally Rooney is writing like the first great millennial classics? Haili Blassingame is writing the first great millennial/Gen Z cusp classics. Biting prose, endlessly insightful, and very very raw. This isn't a romance, but it's a brilliant study on desire in the digital age, when all of the world's atrocities are at our fingertips but we still have to deal with the love triangle brewing on the side--and this excellent book treats both as equally worthy of our attention, because they are. It's also laugh-out-loud funny, precisely tuned to my sense of humor. Seriously can't wait for more of Haili's work - this was just so, so good.
April 3, 2026
The chaos of life pulled me into this story right away. Following Cat St. Clair as she explores an open relationship, I found myself constantly questioning whether emotional balance in that dynamic is truly possible.
Her journey felt honest and at times unsettling, especially as her happiness fluctuated. It also sparked deeper thoughts around nature vs. nurture and how much our choices are shaped by past experiences versus societal shifts.
A thought-provoking and emotionally layered read, even if slightly repetitive at times.
3 stars ⭐⭐⭐
Her journey felt honest and at times unsettling, especially as her happiness fluctuated. It also sparked deeper thoughts around nature vs. nurture and how much our choices are shaped by past experiences versus societal shifts.
A thought-provoking and emotionally layered read, even if slightly repetitive at times.
3 stars ⭐⭐⭐
February 14, 2026
This is such a well done romantic web with real life challenges mixed in. I found myself constantly changing my opinions on what I was hoping for each character. Not many authors can blend heat & passion with raw, profound personal stories as well as you get in this book.
Big thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for allowing me to enjoy this.
Big thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for allowing me to enjoy this.
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
This book is incredibly addicting and extremely relevant in the context of today's political and social landscape. In a world where everyone is trying to understand Gen Z, Haili Blassingame offers a glimpse into what it's like to be young and figuring things out in a world where nothing feels concrete.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
fantastically impressive book with phenomenal characters and a lot of twists and turns throughout. 5 stars. tysm for the arc.
January 2, 2026
everyone go read this!! it’s sexy and profound
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Review will be out closer to publication date!!
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this arc!
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this arc!
April 7, 2026
Cat, girl you are MESSSYYYYY but I was rooting you.
Disaster romance, devastating politics, super fun play with form, not what I expected and yet so so brilliant.
This book DELIVERED 👏
Disaster romance, devastating politics, super fun play with form, not what I expected and yet so so brilliant.
This book DELIVERED 👏
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews