Amazing cute novels,

Definitely need to put this on your TBR if you're fan of Christina Lauren.

The best book and ressemble to hers, I just fell in love.

I enjoyed Ronali Collings's first book, so I was eager to read this second offering, and it did not disappoint.
Ingrid is a woman in her 40s, trapped in a loveless marriage with an absent husband, a young daughter and a mother with very high expectations. She works hard to keep her family in the manner they are accustomed to until her husband reappears, having had the ultimate midlife crisis, and asks for a divorce.
The story follows Ingrid, who is shell-shocked by the request. However, as she processes what her new life will look like, she discovers more about her character and realises she needs to change, not just in her personal life but also in her work life.
And some of those changes aren't looked upon favourably by certain members of her family and community.
It is a journey of change and development for more than one throughout.
And there is romance. It is an age-gap romance, and seeing as how much of a nasty character her husband is, Jacob is the knight in shining armour. He's hot, caring, considerate, hot, good with her daughter and family, and did I mention hot?!
Idealistic? Maybe. But then again, why do we read stories. For the happy ending and I definitely felt the feel-good factor once I finished this,
Many thanks to NetGalley and Embla Books for an ARC.

A sweet and lighthearted tale of one woman’s journey to discovering herself outside a suffocating marriage. Feminism and friendship and a gentle writing style for a light and happy read.

I am a huge fan of traditional romance, although there are certain “tropes” that I enjoy more than others. Although I’m not the biggest fan of “age gap” romances, the description of this book really hooked me. Because of this, I was extremely excited to read this book.

I am sometimes hesitant to read books from a new author, because I sometimes have a hard time adjusting to their particular writing style. Fortunately, I did not have an issue with this book at all. I immediately became interested in the female lead, and I eventually felt that way about the male lead as well.

I really enjoyed most of the secondary characters as well. Not to be a spoiler, but I definitely did not like the husband.

I really loved this book, and am a little disappointed that I am done with it. I would have liked to give this book five stars, but, not to be a spoiler again…there’s no epilogue. I feel that this book really needs one. Ultimately, I really did enjoy the book, though.

**I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**

I received this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

As someone who could identify with Ingrid and her many suppressing roles, I think this was done well. It wasn't so heavy that it wasn't enjoyable.

I feel terrible but I really did not like this story. The relationship simply didn't make sense to me. I am not very familiar with age gap love stories but I certainly don't mind them in real life. However, they do have to make sense like any other relationship. The story focused so much on her being too old for the guy that in the end we never knew why he was indeed in love with her. We knew he didn't care about age but why did he love HER specifically was never addressed, which made me feel like they definitely wouldn't make it. The sad thing is she moved her whole life and her daughters cross-continent for him... a follow up story would not be a happy ending I fear.

I loved this novel. This is the first novel I've read by this author and it definitely won't be my last. Though it started off slow, the story flourished. I loved the main characters (Ingrid and Jacob) and the romance was swoonworthy - a perfect match.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.

Thank you NetGalley, Embla Books and Ronali Collings for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

3.5 ⭐️

Ingrid has never stood up for herself. Not in her marriage, not with her slightly overbearing (but loveable) family and not at work. She runs herself ragged trying to be everything to everybody. When her husband returns from a year-long trip he took to find himself, he announces he wants a divorce.

Now, Ingrid has been acting like a single mother for years now, so it's not the act of balancing her child and her work that concerns her. She's more worried about how her traditional Sri Lankan mother will take the news that her marriage is ending. (Spoiler alert: she doesn't take it well and blames Ingrid at first, which is enraging!)

Ingrid's loving and supportive sisters convince her to go to a spa for a weekend, which turns out to be more of a wellness trip with hiking than a relaxing weekend of massages and facials. She gets lost hiking and is rescued by a handsome stranger who takes her in for the night. Nothing untoward happens, but sparks fly. After he drops her off at her car, she thanks him and assumes she'll never see him again.

A few weeks later, she's put on a work project at the accounting firm where she's a partner (go Ingrid!) with a financial consultant who is none other than Jacob, her savior from the hiking trip. They're crazy attracted to each other and try to fight the relationship, which is a battle they both lose.

The thing I liked most about this book was the relationship between Ingrid and her sisters, Audrey and Grace. They leaned on each other during times of need, and while they kept a few things from each other, they were usually honest and backed each other fully. I also really loved Ingrid's relationship with her daughter, Lily. It was a wonderful depiction of unconditional love and support.

Onto the romantic relationship between Ingrid and Jacob. Am I the only one who thought a 13 year age gap between a 32 year old and 45 year old isn't that big of a deal? It's not like they were 22 and 40, but i feel like it was depicted that way. They're both successful adult professionals, and one of them happens to be older than the other. Idk, I just felt like it got a little blown out of proportion.

And finally, Jacob was just too perfect. He's this gorgeous, smart, successful man who is also kind, considerate, and loving toward Ingrid's daughter. He's too good to be true, and I feel like the main reason for Ingrid's growth throughout the book is because she has him.

When Ingrid’s marriage falls apart her sister Audrey books her a spa getaway. What was supposed to be relaxing massages and facial treatments turns into diet food and hikes. While hiking one day Ingrid gets separated from her group. She tries to make her way back and ends up being rescued by a handsome stranger, Jacob. Romance is the last on either’s mind for several reasons as well as the fact that there is quite an age gap. Little do either of them know they will not be strangers for long.

Anyone But Him by Ronali Collings is a contemporary romance that delves into themes of second chances, cultural identity, and the complexities of love over time. The story centers on Lana and Sai, former high school sweethearts who are unexpectedly reunited decades later under surprising circumstances. What initially seems like a straightforward romance quickly deepens into a poignant exploration of personal growth, familial expectations, and the enduring impact of past choices.

Collings’ writing shines in her nuanced portrayal of the characters. Lana and Sai feel authentic, with their flaws and insecurities adding depth to their relationship. Lana, in particular, is a relatable protagonist as she navigates the pressures of cultural tradition and her own desires. The book also skillfully addresses issues of race, class, and cultural expectations within British South Asian communities, giving the story a rich, layered backdrop.

That said, the pacing can be uneven. The first half is engaging, with a mix of humor and tension as the protagonists reconnect, but the latter half occasionally drags as the narrative leans heavily into introspection and flashbacks. While these moments provide insight into the characters’ motivations, they sometimes slow the momentum of the romance.

The book’s title might mislead some readers into expecting a more lighthearted or trope-driven romantic comedy. Instead, Anyone But Him is a more reflective and emotionally charged story about rediscovery and forgiveness. While the ending provides a satisfying resolution, it’s less about the romance itself and more about personal fulfillment and reconciliation.

Overall, this is a thoughtful, bittersweet read that will appeal to readers who enjoy character-driven romances with emotional depth. Ronali Collings has crafted a story that feels both personal and universal, and while it may not satisfy those looking for a breezy rom-com, it offers plenty of heart and substance.

I was drawn to this book because it had all my favorite tropes: reverse age gap, workplace romance, pushy Sri Lankan Catholic immigrant family, single mom in her 40s taking back her power after a messy divorce. I need more romances featuring women in their 40s with established careers, whose experiences I relate to more than young women in their 20s, which are the usual romantic protagonists. Ultimately the characters and the romance fell short for me.

The book starts off slow with Ingrid surrounded by her big, boisterous, judgmental family, particularly that overbearing mother of hers. I did love her family in this despite their issues; she had an amazing bond with her sisters and her family were all vibrant, colorful characters. She has felt like a single mom since her daughter was an infant, with her husband Matt always going off to find himself and never sharing in the domestic labor. After Matt leaves for a year on a sabbatical, he comes back and asks for a divorce.

Distraught, Ingrid, who works as a high-powered executive at a major accounting firm in London, takes a retreat in the Lake District to let off steam. There she meets Jacob, and the two share an instant connection when he helps her after getting lost on a hike and falling in the mud. Then, just as she is going through a nasty divorce in which her ex wants full custody (just to be vindictive, I guess) she lands a coveted pitch at work after standing up for herself for once. Turns out the investment banker consultant on the project with her is none other than Jacob, the much younger heartthrob she never thought she'd see again.

At first I loved the tension between the two of them but I thought Jacob was just too perfect, like a Mary Sue. He never really felt like a whole person, just a Greek god of a man who women were always hitting on who was somehow also patient, kind and good with kids. Ingrid's ex was a complete stereotype of an oafish divorcee who you just wanted to constantly slap.

The two had a 15-year age gap but Jacob often was perceived to be 22 and everyone else acted like when a woman is 45 she's a dried up old crone, except Jacob thinks she's gorgeous. They constantly acted like that 15-year age gap was a 30-year age gap. All the family drama about the age gap, which really wasn't that big and 32-year-olds aren't that young, took away from the charm of their romance for me. They kept constantly teasing each other about their ages in unrealistic ways. I'd have expected them to talk about it and discuss their concerns but I felt like I was hit in the head with their age gap throughout the book.

I felt like Ingrid relied on the hot younger man to finally boost her confidence and shed her people-pleasing ways instead of finding her power on her own.

Ultimately just found their love story kind of boring and I really wanted to be charmed by the elements of this, but I didn't care for how they were put together and often didn't understand the characters' motivations.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance review copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Absolutely brilliant book!
I am a big fan of this author and love the writing style!
I cant wait to read more!

I really enjoyed this book. It kept me engaged and it only took a few days to read. I think this is going to be a good book club option for several clubs. I plan recommending to my book friends and I look forward to reading more by this author.

This was a fun and light romcom. Ingrid is a mid 40s wife, mother, and successful executive whose completely selfish husband returns from a year of trying to find himself to demand a divorce and custody of their daughter. Distraught, she goes to the Lake District for a weekend of solitude that her sister booked for her. Lost and muddy, she is rescued by a kind and handsome (and younger!) man who she later finds herself partnered with at work. This book has great sisters, an ex you want to punch, a meddling unsupportive mother, and a heroine who learns how to stand up for herself at work, with her family, with her ex, and in her life.

While the book takes a little time to build momentum, once we get to know the main characters, it's impossible not to fall in love with them. Ingrid is on a powerful journey of self-discovery, and as she learns to stand up for herself, she truly begins to shine. The romance is both believable and heartwarming as it develops, and the concerns about the main character’s age difference are addressed thoughtfully. The relationship between Ingrid and Jacob feels like a true partnership.

I highly recommend this book to romance lovers. I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Anyone But Him is a heartfelt narrative that takes readers on a poignant journey of self-discovery, resilience, and the pursuit of happiness amidst life’s unexpected upheavals. The story revolves around Ingrid, a woman who has meticulously crafted her life to meet the expectations of those around her—a dependable daughter, a supportive wife—only to have her world turned upside down when her husband returns with divorce papers after an extended sabbatical abroad.
From the outset, Collings expertly captures Ingrid’s emotional tumult. We get to witness her struggle to reclaim her identity in a world that has dictated who she should be for far too long. This theme is relatable and resonates deeply, particularly with those who have faced similar personal crises. Collings does an exceptional job of illustrating the pressures society places on women and the courage required to break free from them.
Ingrid’s decision to escape to the Lake District in search of solace is a pivotal moment in the novel. It serves as a reminder that sometimes stepping away from our responsibilities is necessary to find clarity and direction. The picturesque setting of the Lake District is vividly described, almost becoming a character in its own right, offering a stark contrast to Ingrid’s chaotic life.
It is during this retreat that she encounters Jacob—a charming stranger with whom she shares an undeniable chemistry. Their initial relationship blooms in an atmosphere of freedom and adventure, reigniting feelings within Ingrid that have long been dormant. However, the narrative takes a compelling turn when Ingrid returns home to discover that Jacob is now her colleague and the new consultant on her work project.
The complexity of their relationship forms the crux of the novel. Collings skillfully navigates the tension between desire and duty as Ingrid grapples with her feelings for Jacob while balancing the demands of her messy divorce and working life. The juxtaposition of her budding romance with the real-life complications of her circumstances makes for an engaging read.
The novel does not shy away from exploring the intricacies of modern relationships and societal norms. It poses essential questions about love, loyalty, and the oftentimes overwhelming weight of societal expectations.
Overall, this novel is not just a light hearted romance, it is also a profound exploration of redemption and empowerment. Its a perfect read for anyone seeking a story that reflects personal struggles and the beauty of second chances.

I loved the author's writing style with this one and the characters felt so real with how well they were developed and portrayed. Some of the drama was a bit pointless but I loved the story overall.

Anyone But Him is a beautifully written and deeply moving story about love, identity, and second chances. Ronali Collings masterfully explores complex relationships, cultural expectations, and the power of self-discovery. The characters felt so real, and their emotional journeys kept me hooked from start to finish. It’s a story that stays with you, reminding you that love isn’t always easy, but it’s always worth fighting for. A poignant and heartfelt read!

Anyone But Him is a must read for adult romance readers. Ingrid's story was so compelling, I didn't want to put this book down. Fans of Emily Henry will enjoy this title. I had never read Ronali Collings before, but I can't wait to read more of her books.

Ingrid is dependable. She holds down a partnership at a prestigious accounting firm and for the last year has been raising her preteen daughter on her own. Her less then dependable husband has spent the last year “finding himself” abroad, but now he is back and wants a divorce, and custody. Ingrid’s sister sends her off to the Lakes district for a getaway where she has a steamy encounter with Jacob, a handsome woman who rescued her in the wilderness. When she returns to work after her getaway the last person she expects to see walk into the boardroom is Jacob. Trying to balance parenting, her divorce and her attraction to Jacob will push Ingrid to the limit.
So this was a bit of a slow starter for me, I couldn’t quite get attached. And then Ingrid started to stand up for herself and I couldn’t put the book down. I love watching a great character find their backbone and I was cheering for Ingrid as she finally said the things she needed to. The romance was incredibly sweet and Ingrid’s relationship with her sisters and daughter were beautiful. This really is a book about love in multiple forms.
Thank you to @ronalicollings @netgalley and @emblabooks for letting me have an advanced copy to review. Look for #anyonebuthim February 11 2025
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