LoveReading Says
Often when you read a novel with two different first-person character voices in it, the reader senses that there is one where the voice comes more naturally to the writer (the assumption being that it’s the character who is closer to the author’s own perspective), while the other might feel more forced. But Holly and Fliss’s chapters felt distinctive yet equally comfortable. Fliss’s fizzy energy works well in contrast to Holly’s softer people-pleasing, and I was equally invested in who they were both going to end up with. The reader knows which relationship(s) they’re rooting for immediately (certainly I personally would love to date Ash, Fliss’s adorable green-fingered boyfriend!) but Seager tows a nice line of not making everything too predictable, while still giving the reader an uplifting happy ending.
Whether the reader is committed to monogamy, polyamory, or something in between, this novel gives a chance to see in broad as well as more nuanced strokes how relatable characters might go about stepping outside of their comfort zones.
I know I am very biased in this, but I would have loved to have seen some labelled LGBTQ+ characters in these non-monogamous set-ups (rather than only represented in a sub-plot of someone being closeted in their traditional marriage), especially as the queer community has historically done so much in practising alternate kinds of relationships and creating these possibilities for straight people. But I also understand if the author didn't feel that was her story to tell.
It’s astonishingly impressive to me that Seager is not only a successful literary agent but has also written multiple books for readers of different ages, and I’m excited to see what she does next!
Lily Lindon
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Open Minded Synopsis
What if The One isn’t the only one?
After nine years of dating, it’s a question of when not if Holly’s boyfriend Will is going to propose. She’s blindsided when rather than popping the question, he suggests they open their relationship and date other people.
For the last five years, Fliss and her boyfriend Ash have been in a happily open relationship, but, now they’re turning thirty, he wants to close it which throws Fliss’s whole ethos of living life on her own terms rather than society’s expectations into question.
Fliss isn’t sure she’s ready to give up on dating other people yet, and Holly is willing to try anything if it means she gets her happy ending with Will. Fliss agrees to teach Holly everything she knows about being in an open relationship while Holly who’s been with one person for almost a decade can help Fliss try monogamy. But perhaps both Fliss and Holly will learn that there’s no one size fits all when it comes to relationships…
About This Edition
| ISBN: |
9780008591960 |
| Publication date: |
15th February 2024 |
| Author: |
Chloe Seager |
| Publisher: |
HQ an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers |
| Format: |
Paperback |
| Pagination: |
384 pages |
| Primary Genre |
Romance / Relationship Stories
|
| Other Genres: |
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Chloe Seager Press Reviews
‘Absolutely loved it, one of my favourite reads this year…Funny and perceptive, this is a really interesting take on how loving relationships might look different for everyone.’ Rebecca Ryan, author of My Extraordinary Life
‘The most insightful book about love I've read in a long time. A hilarious and sharp take on not just romantic relationships but friendships too with incredibly relatable characters and dating experiences. I LOVED IT.’ Kate Weston, author of You May Now Kill the Bride
‘Open Minded offers a fresh new perspective that hasn't been done before! Funny, charming and unique, I'll be thinking about Fliss and Holly's friendship for a long time.’ Lauren Forsythe, author of Dealbreakers
‘Funny, joyous and wise, this is a story which reminds us it’s OK not to have the answers, to be working things out, and to be living life on our own terms.’ Simon James Green, author of Noah Can’t Even ‘Absolutely loved it, one of my favourite reads this year…Funny and perceptive, this is a really interesting take on how loving relationships might look different for everyone.’ Rebecca Ryan, author of My Extraordinary Life
‘The most insightful book about love I've read in a long time. A hilarious and sharp take on not just romantic relationships but friendships too with incredibly relatable characters and dating experiences. I LOVED IT.’ Kate Weston, author of You May Now Kill the Bride
‘Open Minded offers a fresh new perspective that hasn't been done before! Funny, charming and unique, I'll be thinking about Fliss and Holly's friendship for a long time.’ Lauren Forsythe, author of Dealbreakers
‘Funny, joyous and wise, this is a story which reminds us it’s OK not to have the answers, to be working things out, and to be living life on our own terms.’ Simon James Green, author of Noah Can’t Even
About Chloe Seager
Chloe Seager grew up in East London with her Mum and much-loved cat, Katie. She studied English Literature and Drama at the University of East Anglia, where she sadly realised she couldn't act, but did rediscover her love of children's books. Children's Literature was one of her favourite modules, and it made her wonder why grown-ups ever stopped reading them. She now works with YA and kids' books full-time. Chloe lives back in East London with her boyfriend and pet fish.
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