Sophie Cousens, known for her charming romantic comedies like This Time Next Year and Before I Do, returns with another delightful exploration of modern love in Is She Really Going Out with Him? The novel masterfully weaves together themes of divorce, single parenthood, workplace dynamics, and the complexities of finding love in the digital age.
Plot Summary & Analysis
The story follows Anna Appleby, a recently divorced journalist and mother of two, who finds herself navigating both professional and personal crossroads. When her column at Bath Living magazine is threatened, she embarks on an unconventional dating experiment: letting her children choose her dates, with one crucial rule – no online dating apps allowed.
What sets this novel apart is its fresh take on the traditional romance narrative. Rather than following the predictable path of a woman desperate to find love again, Cousens presents us with a protagonist who is genuinely content with her single status but forced to date for professional survival. This premise creates an interesting tension that drives the story forward while allowing for authentic character development.
Character Development
Anna Appleby
The protagonist’s journey from a self-proclaimed “dazed pigeon” to a confident woman ready to embrace love again is beautifully crafted. Her voice is authentic, witty, and relatable, particularly in her struggles to balance motherhood, career, and personal life. The author excels at showing Anna’s growth through both internal monologue and external actions.
Will Havers
As the antagonist-turned-love-interest, Will is wonderfully complex. His initial portrayal as an irritating colleague evolves organically into something deeper, revealing layers of family responsibility and personal ambition that make him a fully realized character rather than just a romantic foil.
Supporting Cast
The secondary characters are well-drawn and serve important purposes in the narrative:
- Jess and Ethan (Anna’s children) feel authentic rather than plot devices
- Lottie (Anna’s sister) provides both support and contrast
- Dan (Anna’s ex-husband) represents realistic post-divorce dynamics
- Loretta emerges as a delightful surprise character who adds depth to the story
Writing Style & Narrative Technique
Cousens demonstrates considerable skill in balancing humor with emotional depth. Her prose is sharp and contemporary, peppered with witty observations and cultural references that never feel forced. The author’s decision to include Anna’s Google searches throughout the narrative adds both humor and insight into the character’s state of mind.
Themes & Social Commentary
Modern Dating & Technology
“Is She Really Going Out with Him?” offers thoughtful commentary on dating in the digital age, questioning whether technology helps or hinders genuine connection. The “tech-free” retreat sequence particularly highlights this theme effectively.
Divorce & Recovery
Cousens handles the aftermath of divorce with sensitivity and nuance, avoiding both melodrama and oversimplification. The nuclear fallout metaphor, while perhaps heavy-handed, effectively illustrates the ripple effects of marital breakdown.
Professional Identity
The workplace dynamics at Bath Living magazine provide an interesting backdrop for exploring career challenges faced by women, particularly mothers returning to work after focusing on family.
Strengths
- Authentic representation of single parenthood
- Well-crafted romantic tension
- Strong character development
- Balanced humor and emotional depth
- Fresh take on romance tropes
Areas for Improvement
- Some plot points feel slightly contrived (particularly the speed dating scene)
- The resolution of the workplace conflict could have been more complex
- A few secondary characters could have been more fully developed
- Certain conflicts are resolved too neatly
Comparison with Other Works
While “Is She Really Going Out with Him?” shares DNA with works like Mhairi McFarlane’s If I Never Met You and Beth O’Leary’s The Switch, Cousens brings her own unique voice to the genre. Her handling of family dynamics particularly recalls the warmth of Jenny Colgan’s better works while maintaining its own distinct identity.
Target Audience & Appeal
This book will particularly resonate with:
- Readers of contemporary women’s fiction
- Single parents navigating dating
- Fans of workplace romance
- Those who enjoy British humor and setting
- Readers looking for realistic portrayal of modern relationships
Cultural Impact & Relevance
“Is She Really Going Out with Him?” tackles several timely themes:
- The impact of social media on relationships
- Work-life balance in the digital age
- Modern co-parenting dynamics
- The changing nature of journalism and media
Final Verdict
While not perfect, “Is She Really Going Out with Him?” successfully combines humor, heart, and social commentary in a package that feels both contemporary and timeless. Cousens continues to prove herself as a reliable voice in modern romantic fiction, crafting stories that entertain while offering genuine insight into relationships and self-discovery.
Reading Experience & Format
The novel’s pacing is well-managed, with the alternating scenes of dating adventures and workplace drama keeping the narrative fresh. The inclusion of text messages and Google searches adds contemporary authenticity without feeling gimmicky.
Recommendation
Highly recommended for readers seeking a smart, contemporary romance that balances humor with genuine emotional depth. While some plot elements may stretch credibility, the core story and character development make this a worthwhile read for fans of the genre.
