Is She Really Going Out with Him? Summary & Review - Books to Thrive: Best Books Summaries

Book Summary Contents

1 Introduction
2 Book Introduction
3 Is She Really Going Out with Him? Best Quotes
4 About the Author
5 Table of Contents
6 Is She Really Going Out with Him? Summary by Chapter
7 Key Takeaways
8 Is She Really Going Out with Him? Summary and Analysis
9 Book Details
10 Explore More Like This
11 Get Your Copy
12 Attachments & References
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Introduction

Looking for a fresh, funny, and heartwarming take on post-divorce dating? In this Is She Really Going Out with Him Summary, we explore Sophie Cousens’ latest rom-com gem that blends family chaos, workplace rivalry, and offline dating into a delightful love story. Cousens, known for her humor and emotional insight, introduces us to Anna Appleby—a columnist-turned-reluctant-dater—who lets her kids pick her dates to save her career.

What follows is a string of hilarious misadventures, surprising growth, and a slow-burn romance that fans of enemies-to-lovers and found family tropes will adore. Whether you’re a longtime Sophie Cousens reader or a newcomer to her world, this summary delivers everything you need to decide if this 2024 release deserves a spot on your shelf.

Book Introduction

Is She Really Going Out with Him? is a 2024 romantic comedy novel that centers around Anna Appleby, a witty divorcée juggling motherhood, career uncertainty, and the horrors of re-entering the dating world. When her magazine column faces the axe, Anna pitches a bold idea: she’ll go on ten offline dates picked by her kids and document the journey. As her reluctant romantic experiment unfolds, Anna not only rediscovers herself but also finds unexpected connections—including a simmering chemistry with her smug office rival, Will.

Is She Really Going Out with Him? Best Quotes

Self-Discovery & Empowerment

“To be, to choose my own happiness. How many women—people—throughout history have not had that, still do not have that?”
“There is a whole new chapter waiting for you; all you need to do is keep turning the pages.”
“I am not a phoenix. I am a dazed pigeon, looking for crumbs. But I am fine with that; being a phoenix looks exhausting.”
“A long-forgotten part of me is waking up, and it feels wonderful, like emerging from hibernation into a spring full of possibilities.”

Love & Relationships

“True love does not cower in the shadows; it roars, loud and proud, until it has given its all.”
“I wish I’d gotten to fall further into love rather than out of it.”
“I don’t know,” I say, shaking my head. “Something about this new friendliness with Will feels more dangerous than being antagonistic toward him ever did.”
“I, um—” Will holds out the flowers, and it’s adorable how awkward he looks. “A thank-you for yesterday, for helping me out.”

Family & Dynamics

“I read this article about how your birth order shapes your family experience,” he tells me. “How the oldest bears the weight of parental expectation, while the youngest is allowed to be a free spirit…”
“Can we have one evening where you’re not having a go at me about post or washing or homework or whatever, Anna?” he says quietly. “Just give it a rest, please.”

Social Commentary & Humor

“Who’s Patrick E.?” Lottie asks. Ethan shrugs. “I don’t know. Mum wanted to smash him.” “The patriarchy,” I explain… “Oh yes, I know him,” Lottie says, biting back a smile. “That guy’s got a lot to answer for.”
“Smash the patriarchy!” I cry. “Smash the patriarchy!” the children repeat, wild with glee.”
“I already mentioned it to a few people. You can spread the word that we broke up if you like,” Neil says… This is why people date online—it’s easier to never see people again.”

Life’s Quirks & Observations

“I guess some things in life you don’t get to choose; you can’t choose the plot, but you can choose the soundtrack.”
“There’s a window of opportunity where you can correct someone who calls you the wrong name; after that, you have to either never see them again or just be that new name forever.”
“Am I world-weary? Is that why I focus on the risk of humiliation and disappointment rather than delight in the joy of possibility?”
“I’m not allergic to the outdoors, I enjoy the indoors.”

Playful & Romantic Moments

“Come over here, you minx.”
“Spicy books about workplace romance.”

About the Author

Sophie Cousens is a bestselling British author known for heartfelt romantic comedies like This Time Next Year and Just Haven’t Met You Yet. Before becoming a full-time author, Cousens worked as a TV producer in London. Her novels are celebrated for blending emotional depth with quirky humor, often set against charming backdrops like the UK countryside or coastal towns. Her writing appeals to readers who enjoy slow-burn romances, witty dialogue, and layered characters.

Is She Really Going Out with Him Summary

While the novel isn’t divided into formal chapters with names, the narrative unfolds through these key arcs:

Life Post-Divorce
The Columnist Crisis
The “Offline Dating” Pitch
Ten Dates, Ten Lessons
Rivalry with Will
Unexpected Emotional Growth
The Turning Point
Romance Rekindled
Final Realization

Is She Really Going Out with Him? Summary by Chapter

1. Life Post-Divorce

Anna is content with her single life, raising two kids and working as a columnist for Bath Living. Her comfort zone is soon disrupted when the magazine undergoes changes.

2. Career on the Line

With her job at risk, Anna pitches a personal series: letting her children choose ten real-world dates—no apps allowed. Her rival Will is assigned a similar challenge, sparking a competitive (and flirty) dynamic.

3. The Dates Begin

From waiters to her celebrity crush, Anna dives into the dating scene. Each encounter is unpredictable—some awkward, some insightful—and all contribute to her growth.

4. Will vs. Anna

Their rivalry heats up in print and in person. Despite her initial irritation, Anna begins to sense a different kind of tension beneath their sarcastic banter.

5. The Emotional Shift

As her dates fail to spark romantic fireworks, Anna finds herself drawn to Will. Meanwhile, her columns gain popularity, and her confidence starts to rebuild.

6. The Big Choice

Faced with a romantic crossroads and an evolving family dynamic, Anna must decide if she’s ready to embrace love again—or remain in her comfort zone.

Key Takeaways

Offline dating can lead to meaningful experiences, even if they’re not romantic.
Children’s perspectives can bring unexpected clarity to adult decisions.
Rivalries can blossom into genuine affection when masks come off.
Healing from divorce takes humor, courage, and vulnerability.
Self-growth sometimes starts with discomfort and uncertainty.
Romantic chemistry often builds slowly—and is worth the wait.
Every date matters, even the awkward ones, for the lessons they bring.
Workplace dynamics can mirror personal insecurities and growth.
Found family plays a powerful role in post-divorce recovery.
Second chances are not just possible—they’re transformative.

Is She Really Going Out with Him? Summary and Analysis

Sophie Cousens’ Is She Really Going Out with Him? shines with her signature humor, emotional resonance, and relatable characters. Anna is instantly lovable—flawed but fiercely protective, sarcastic yet sincere. The book balances laugh-out-loud moments with poignant reflections on divorce, parenting, and vulnerability.

The rivals-to-lovers dynamic between Anna and Will is one of the novel’s strongest elements, providing tension, charm, and satisfying emotional payoff. While the outcome is somewhat predictable, the journey remains highly enjoyable, especially for fans of slow-burn romances and journal-style storytelling.

Strengths:

Hilarious inner monologue and situational comedy
Believable character growth
Witty banter and romantic tension

Weaknesses:

Some secondary characters could be more fleshed out
Certain plot points feel formulaic

Ideal For:
Readers who enjoy romance with heart, fans of Bridget Jones or The Rosie Project, and anyone seeking a feel-good story about rediscovering love after loss.