How cute is this cover! The Next Chapter is a double-entendre. It is the name of the bookstore where Jude works, and where she meets Kat. Kat is a former teen actor looking to find the next chapter of her career, to be seen as a Serious Adult Actress by being cast in a theatre production and get over her somewhat troubled career. Kat’s manager is fine with her coming out, and thinks it might help her career and wants to put together a fake relationship. Kat convinces her to “sell” a regular person so that she can go after what her heart wants, which is to make a connection with Jude, where there is a real spark. Soon they are in a relationship, and they go public which is a big adjustment for Jude, who has always led a quiet life. Kat has to come to terms with troubled friendships and relationships in her past and reconcile with who she wants to be.
This was a fun setting and a good plot- reminiscent of You’ve Got Mail, a celeb and a regular person, younger age couple, overcoming your past. Figuring out what is next. I loved the side characters of the coworkers in the bookstore and even the new owner of the bookstore who we love-to-hate. I didn’t feel as much of a spark as I like to in a rom com, but the characters were pretty well developed. They were both pretty insecure, which made sense based on their age and position in life. I like more of a build up to the relationship. There is some spice, and you will note a TW for eating disorders, but I didn’t think that was too bad. I really hate a 3rd act breakup, it is one of my least favorite tropes, I feel like this is a cheap way to make the grand romantic gesture the feature of your ending scenes. LOVED the epilogue.
Thanks to NetGalley and Dial Press/Random House for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. Opinions are my own. Book to be published June 10, 2025.
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