“You, Again” by Kate Goldbeck – A Review
⭐ Rating: 4.5/5
Year Published: 2023
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Rom-Com
Page Count: 439
Quick Summary
You, Again is a fresh, witty contemporary romance that reimagines When Harry Met Sally with a modern twist, set against the vibrant backdrop of New York City. The story follows Ari, a sharp-tongued comedian who avoids commitment, and Josh, a meticulous chef looking for "The One." After a disastrous first impression—and discovering they’re dating the same woman—the two become reluctant acquaintances. But as years pass and their lives continue to intertwine through heartbreaks, chance encounters, and evolving friendships, they go from enemies to friends to something more.
What I Loved
A Love Letter to NYC: Having lived in New York City during my late 20s and early 30s, the setting felt incredibly authentic. The city itself becomes a character, with descriptions that perfectly capture its chaotic charm, energy, and hidden corners.
Ari & Josh’s Unmatched Chemistry: Their banter is razor-sharp, and their "opposites attract" dynamic makes for an engaging push-and-pull. Their evolution from enemies to friends to lovers was convincing, natural, and full of tension that made their journey feel earned.
Ari’s Relatable Fear of Ruining a Friendship: Her hesitancy to let romance jeopardize their bond felt deeply personal and emotionally resonant. Even though the third-act breakup was frustrating, it was true to their characters—by the end, it felt like their love couldn’t have evolved any other way.
Bi Representation Done Right: Ari’s bisexuality was portrayed as an uncontested and organic part of her life, which was refreshing and well-handled.
A Fantastic Modern Rom-Com: This book perfectly balances humor with depth, offering laugh-out-loud moments, emotional complexity, and deeply human characters.
What Didn’t Quite Work for Me
Misleading Marketing on Fall Vibes: The autumnal cover and marketing led me to expect a fall-themed romance, but most of the book seemed to take place in winter. While this didn’t impact my enjoyment, it’s something to keep in mind if you’re picking this up specifically for fall aesthetics.
Who Should Read This?
If you love sharp-witted, contemporary rom-coms with authentic NYC settings, slow-burn enemies-to-lovers arcs, and character-driven storytelling, You, Again is a must-read. Perfect for fans of When Harry Met Sally-style romances, opposites-attract pairings, and stories that explore love, friendship, and self-discovery.
Final Thoughts
You, Again is a smart, modern rom-com that captures the messy, beautiful complexities of love, friendship, and finding your person in the most unexpected way. With authentic NYC charm, laugh-out-loud banter, and a romance that unfolds with perfect tension, this book completely won me over. Highly recommend!
