This book is some serious When Harry Met Sally core with a modern twist. The characters were endearing and funny while also making you so frustrated for getting in their own way, time and time again. This book really teases you with “the will they, won't they” of it all until the very end. While also convincing even the most pessimistic of readers that people show up in your life at different times for a reason. While I didn’t necessarily resonate with Ari as a character, I could still root for her personal healing and growth through the novel. I would have appreciated a little more of an in-depth background on her attachment style and relationship with her parents which was only lightly touched on.
Overall this was a perfect autumn read with lots of laughs and wit. The characters felt like real people who just happened to have a wonderful love story.

Thank you, NetGalley, Random House UK, and Kate Goldbeck for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

I went into this with no expectations and I definitely wasn’t expecting the chokehold this book would have on me.

Romantic but without the fluff (mostly), sarcastic and chaotic all rolled into one.

The characters felt authentic, progressing and regressing like real people do in life.

The relationship between Ari and Josh over the years was a rollercoaster and the chemistry palpable.
I will admit it took a while for me to warm up to Josh always remaining slightly insufferable, but I’m so glad he grew as a character and did become much more likeable.

Couldn’t put it down!

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House.
5/5 ⭐️

Struggled to get into this and struggled with the writing style. It sounded quite harsh at times, specifically certain phrases. Also, point of views changed quite a lot in one chapter without much warning and it was confusing. I'm also not a big fan of main characters that do drugs and that put me off Ari a lot. I couldn't connect with her.

Oh my god

I adored this book.

Ari and Josh realistically flawed humans with their own faults and gripes, and I equally wanted to wrap them up in blankets and comfort them and shake some sense into them. This book made me laugh out loud, grin like an idiot and also broke my heart (and put it back together again!)

Also, bisexuality being just accepted as a part of a person and not the butt of a joke??? FINALLY.

You, Again has a Harry Met Sally situation going on and being a fan of the movie, this book appealed to me.
Unfortunately, I have been struggling with getting the depth of the FMC's character. While I understand that sexuality is a big part of a person's identity, here it seems like her sexuality is her <i>whole</i> personality. That, and her being a pothead. She's either high, or making pot brownies, or dealing pot, or is concerned about where her bong is. I get modern society and wokeness and whatnot, but I don't know what else she brings to the story. Maybe that changes further along the story, but at the 25% mark, I have already put down the book too many times for me to know that it's not going to be for me.
I'm also struggling with the interactions between the MMC and FMC. They're more jabs than banter.
And also, the many, many times I read the word "insist". These characters are always <i>insisting</i> whenever they proclaim anything and this reminds me of the time I read the word "giggle" around 75 times in a book.
You, Again was one of the books I was really looking forward to this year, sad that it didn't work out for me. Many reviewers are loving it though, so evidently it has found its audience.

Thank you to the publisher for the ARC via Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

Friends to Lovers, Spicy Romcom.

There were so many moments in his book that felt very real. I liked how the friendships and family were all routed in a reality which you so rarely see in romance books. I loved how the FMC was unapologetically confident in her queerness and how she likes to keep things casual. I would have liked her character to be explored more to understand why she had struggles with commitment.

I felt like it dragged at times, the time jumps made it difficult to fully keep track. But I think they added to the story by making the reunion of the two main characters at the end more satisfying.
<Spoiler
I'm not usually a fan of a third-act breakup but I think that it was exactly what these characters needed to find their way back to each other. I felt that Ari making the decision to be with Josh could have been explored more than it was. I liked how Josh, even though he was in love with Ari, didn't immediately take her back after she'd broken his heart, like you see in so many other romance books.
<Spoiler

Sadly this wasn't for me. I found both of the main characters super unlikeable and annoying. Josh is incredibly egoistic and ironically, Ari, who is supposed to be an actual comedian, comes across as so unfunny that it actually hurts. I made it to about 25% of the book and I just could not take the cringiness anymore.

It’s so nice to read something new, something that made me think, something that I didn’t know the journey of. A real up and down emotional trek with romance, but mostly love and care and kindness - or the lack of it. This was perhaps a mite too long as a book but a darned good read,

OK so if Ali Hazelwood blurbs it, I read it! Gosh I’m so glad I had a chance to read this book because it was so entertaining, witty, exciting, sexy and full of with chefs kiss banter!!

Moreover I do believe we need more cooking in books, so when I found out Josh is a chef, consider my swoon factor doubled! 😅 I loved how the main characters met each other throughout the time, mostly all in inconvenient situations, totally randomly. It gave the setting of the perfect slow burn! Also, this was more of an enemies to first friends to lovers thing, so if you are a fan of slowly progressing relationships, this book will be really enjoyable for you!

Read it for:
Cosy girl autumn aesthetic
Enemies to friends to lovers
Opposite attracts
Slow burn
Comedian x Chef Mcs

🌻You, Again🌻

🌟🌟🌟🌟

I recently finished this book yesterday and it was a pleasure to read. It's filled with quick wit, sassy comments, sarcasm, slow burning angst and it has multiple tropes too📑

The story takes place over multiple years with the FMC and MMC constantly bumping into one another in the most inconvenient of ways and eventually one year, when they are both recently single and depressed, they decide to stop their feuding and become friends.

Ari, the FMC, is a comedian who hasn't quite found her big break and has been going from job to job to make ends meet.
Josh is an aspiring chef and also trying to produce the best food and reinvent his late father's food business. The characters are complete polar opposites and I love that!🪙🎭👨‍🍳

I loved both characters equally and even though I was annoyed slightly by both of them in the beginning, I really began to love them and their development throughout the book👫

I really enjoyed the way the book was written, especially the build up of their relationship from being enemies to friends to lovers as I felt with the time jumping, you could get a good feel of their situationship at those times.

It was definitely a slow burn type of book which can be frustrating but equally amazing if written well and I really felt it was portrayed well in this book.

🌻🌸🌼🌺

✨It has:

👫Enemies-friends-lovers
🌹Slow burn romance
🎭Aspiring comedian
☠️Death of a parent
🏳️‍🌈LGBTQ+ representation
🧨Sexual tension
🌼Commitment-phobe FMC
🏩 Contemporary romance
🪙 Opposites attract

Thank you Netgalley for a digital copy in return for an honest review💕💖

This is everything you want in an angsty slow burn romance! Did I love it, yes. Will I be reading it again? YES! Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book.

You, Again is a heartwarming and delightful novel that explores the complexities of friendship, personal growth, and the unexpected twists of love. With a clever premise and a cast of endearing characters, this book takes readers on a journey filled with humor, vulnerability, and the beauty of human connections.

The story revolves around Ari, a free-spirited struggling comedian, and Josh, a driven culinary enthusiast with dreams of finding lasting love. After a confrontational encounter, fate brings them together again years later when they find themselves reeling from painful breakups. What starts as an unlikely friendship between two former nemeses evolves into a deep bond as they navigate the complexities of life and lean on each other for support.

One of the most captivating aspects of this novel is the genuine and relatable portrayal of friendship. The author skillfully captures the nuances of Ari and Josh's relationship, showcasing the gradual growth of their connection from initial animosity to a true understanding of one another. The banter and bickering between them are both entertaining and heartwarming, creating moments of laughter and providing a realistic portrayal of the ups and downs of any friendship.

The characters in "You, Again" are vibrant and multi-dimensional, making them easy to root for and relate to. Ari's free-spirited nature and Josh's ambitious drive create a captivating dynamic as they navigate their individual struggles and offer each other support. The development of their platonic relationship is both believable and engaging, as they find solace in one another's company during times of sadness and uncertainty.

The author's writing style is engaging and witty, infusing the narrative with humor and charm. The dialogue between characters feels authentic, with snappy exchanges that reflect their unique personalities. The pacing of the story is well-executed, keeping readers hooked from the first page to the last, and the gradual shift from friendship to something more adds a layer of anticipation and romantic tension.

While the novel explores the complications of transitioning from friends to something deeper, it also delves into deeper themes such as personal growth and self-discovery. Ari and Josh's journey together allows them to reevaluate their priorities, confront their insecurities, and learn to embrace vulnerability. The emotional depth of the story adds a layer of resonance, making the characters' journeys all the more impactful.

"You, Again" is a refreshing and uplifting read that reminds us of the power of friendship and the unexpected nature of love. It is a story that will make you laugh, tug at your heartstrings, and leave you with a renewed appreciation for the connections we forge in our lives. The author's ability to blend humor, romance, and personal growth makes this novel a standout in the genre.

Overall, "You, Again" is a charming and feel-good book that will appeal to fans of contemporary romance and stories about the complexities of human relationships. With its well-crafted characters, witty dialogue, and heartfelt moments, this novel is a delightful escape that will leave readers with a warm smile and a renewed belief in the power of unexpected connections.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an advanced copy.

This was a predictable story in parts but nonetheless I really enjoyed this book. It's going to be a real treat for all the gals who are looking for a cosy girl autumn read.

This story moves from two people being strangers passing in the street - competing lovers at loggerheads - enemies - friends - lovers. This is how two people who are almost complete opposites but have some off the page chemistry and a bond that fate seems to ensure they will continue to meet again.
I did enjoy this book and found it quite funny at times. The main characters and supprting cast were all well written and kept the whole book interesting and one to recommend.

I received this book for free as an ARC from NetGalley for an honest review

You, Again was not for me unfortunately. I found it predictable, and formulaic in terms of the whole “enemies to lovers” type of thing that seems to be popular now. I’m probably in the minority but it just wasn’t an enjoyable book for me.

Unfortunately this fell a little flat for me at times, i loved the characters and writing but at times i was bored. I enjoyed some parts and love the cover.

I really enjoyed You, Again and found myself putting off other obligations in order to continue reading. I liked Ari and Josh, and found the book both funny and sexy. I got so into the characters that, when preparing dinner, I started wondering about Josh's recipe for X, momentarily forgetting that he's fictional!

The only niggle I had was that sometimes the timeline seemed a little off, such as three years had passed but a character was described as only two years older than they had been.

Well, hello you (Moira voice)!

This one was a fun read for me - is it a new favorite, not quite, but I enjoyed the journey nonetheless. From the onset and throughout I fell in step with the authors' writing style, as she incorporates a sense of humour I enjoy, and the interwoven references is always a fun addition for me. The book reads very cinematic, which I guess will boil down to personal preference when it comes to deciding to pick this one up - or then not.

The will-they-won't-they-yes-we-know-they-will is always a fun adventure, that tension that builds, and them getting to know one another and spending time together (on the phone or nah) really solidifies a strong relationship.

I have to admit, I have had never seen 'When Harry Met Sally' prior to reading this book, and remedied that after having read a good chunk. I didn't fall in love with it the way many before me have done, and a large attribute is the time jumps. I started 'You, Again' and started to get invested in what was happening, only to get transported two or five years later. Now, while time jumps in and of itself isn't necessarily bad, I personally didn't like the amount of them at the beginning of the book, it kept feeling like I was waiting for the actual story to begin - again, this is a 'me' thing I'm sure, as I felt the same about it in the movie. Perhaps if it was constructed differently?

Unfortunately I was not a fan of Ari. Josh, him I liked, but our leading lady I just couldn't connect with as much as I wanted to. I think she lacked maturity, especially since we see her in incrementing ages, through different stages of her life, relationships, jobs - I would've like a bit more growth in her arc.

Thank you to Netgalley(Random House UK, Transworld Publishers, Penguin) for the ARC.

#YouAgain #NetGalley

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC.

This is a well-written contemporary romance with enemies-to-lovers slash polar opposites themes. Josh is a hopeless romantic, whereas Ari is a one-night stand with no desire for attachments or anything deeper. They keep meeting in the most unexpected of situations over the course of several years, and things gradually start developing into friendship, and possibly something deeper.

This isn't always a happy story; it can be ugly and painful at times, and demonstrates that relationships are difficult and take work and sacrifice. Friendship plays an important role in this story and how we sometimes take those people for granted.

While the story is absolute wondrous yet very realistic, at some point I kinda got really hard to continue reading it. I feel like there is too much conversation that feels a lot like fillers and can be shorten a bit. Fillers are great, they help building the plot, but I'm not a big fan of fillers so it can get boring sometimes.

The characters were imperfect which could get on your nerves at times, but I think that's the beauty of normal people; they're flawed and not perfect, which a lot of readers could relate to this. Usually we only find perfect characters with pretty face and clean background slash happy friends and family.. But this one's got real with a person's character. Flawed yet human.

This was a disappointment from the first page. Not because the descriptive writing of New York as a place of busy people and those fighting against the ongoing wave of opportunities in the various industries. Or the ongoing issues that were almost too cliched. But the fact that name dropping celebrity names and copying the plot devices of Nora Ephron and the TV tropes of Sex and the City and Fleabag make for a really boring and tedious reading. Rather than coming up with an original idea, it was instead the regurgitation of the ideas of great writers and TV projects. It must be said that this was a very missed opportunity and would make for a pilot of a TV series that may or may not be made.