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Otherwise Engaged
Life is sweet for New Yorkers Molly and Gabe: They’re young, in love, and newly engaged.
But when Gabe sells his first novel—a thinly-veiled retelling of his wild love affair with ex-girlfriend Talia—and it becomes a national sensation, Molly can’t help but feel like the third wheel. To make matters worse, Talia reappears in Gabe’s life, eager to capitalize on the book’s success and to rekindle what she had with Gabe� at least, that's how it seems to Molly. But even more concerning? Gabe doesn’t seem concerned at all. Instead, he’s delighting in his newfound fame and success.
Jealous, paranoid, and increasingly desperate, Molly starts to spin out of control. Her social life, work life, and love life all go to pieces. As fact and fiction, and past and present, begin to blur, Molly realizes the only way out of this downward spiral is to fight her way back up. But what—if anything—will be left of her life and her relationship when she arrives?
Perfect for fans of Liane Moriarty and Jennifer Weiner, OTHERWISE ENGAGED explores the life we seek when the life we have... suddenly goes down the drain.
But when Gabe sells his first novel—a thinly-veiled retelling of his wild love affair with ex-girlfriend Talia—and it becomes a national sensation, Molly can’t help but feel like the third wheel. To make matters worse, Talia reappears in Gabe’s life, eager to capitalize on the book’s success and to rekindle what she had with Gabe� at least, that's how it seems to Molly. But even more concerning? Gabe doesn’t seem concerned at all. Instead, he’s delighting in his newfound fame and success.
Jealous, paranoid, and increasingly desperate, Molly starts to spin out of control. Her social life, work life, and love life all go to pieces. As fact and fiction, and past and present, begin to blur, Molly realizes the only way out of this downward spiral is to fight her way back up. But what—if anything—will be left of her life and her relationship when she arrives?
Perfect for fans of Liane Moriarty and Jennifer Weiner, OTHERWISE ENGAGED explores the life we seek when the life we have... suddenly goes down the drain.
304 pages, Hardcover
Published February 26, 2019
198 people are currently reading
2039 people want to read
About the author
Lindsey J. Palmer
4Ìýbooks102ÌýfollowersLindsey J. Palmer is a writer, editor, and educator. She is the author of the novels Reservations for Six (coming 2022!), Otherwise Engaged, If We Lived Here, and Pretty in Ink. She worked in the magazine industry for many years, most recently as Features Editor at Self, and previously at Redbook and Glamour. A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, she earned a Master of Arts in English Education from Teachers College, Columbia University, and taught English at a Manhattan public high school. She is currently Senior Editor at BrainPOP, an animated educational site for kids. Lindsey and her family recently relocated from Brooklyn to Cape Cod. Visit her at lindseyjpalmer.com, and .
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 155 reviews
May 28, 2021
What an emotional train wreck this relationship was!
The writing was stellar (although characterization needed a bit more work), but all the miscommunication and stoic silence - which Sam, Molly's BFF, rightly calls Molly out on - was just a tad too much of a stretch for me.
Gabe is a WRITER. Words are his craft. Speak up, man! Molly was no slouch in the communication department either. So what's with all the unexamined hurt feelings and grievances? All that grief could have been avoided or stopped in its tracks had Molly or Gabe, or both, aired their respective concerns. Instead, both Molly and Gabe behave so immaturely and with great insensitivity - Molly's scene at the book signing made me cringe!
In the long run, this lack of communication and emotional immaturity signaled to me that Gabe and Molly's loving relationship fell far short of what each needed from the other. Despite their cute emails and "in jokes," I didn't think they were ready for marriage, even with their obvious attraction and loving feelings for one another.
Despite having to suspend my disbelief across the width of a six lane highway, I was still going to rate this a 3.8 because of the engaging writing style - but that open-ended finale killed that intention dead. Cop outs: generally, and with only a few rare exceptions, that is what open-ended endings are for me. Author: this is your story: unless you are planning a sequel, then FINISH IT!
As a teen, when I turned the last page of Margaret Mitchell's Gone With the Wind, I was so dismayed by the ending. Then I realized: Oh, the author is leaving it up to us to decide what happens after this. But the author DID give us major hints as to Scarlett's future: I had no doubt that her relationship with Rhett was truly over, but that Scarlett would survive and find contentment again- on her own terms. That is just who Scarlett was.
Did I get the same hint or even a strong suggestion here? No. Instead, the author weaves at least three different potential scenarios, without committing to any of them. Sometimes I wonder - with these open-ended stories - if the author or the publisher is afraid to commit to a specific ending because the actual ending might make the book unpopular. Well, the ratings say it all here. Such a waste, because the writing was often so very good.
The writing was stellar (although characterization needed a bit more work), but all the miscommunication and stoic silence - which Sam, Molly's BFF, rightly calls Molly out on - was just a tad too much of a stretch for me.
Gabe is a WRITER. Words are his craft. Speak up, man! Molly was no slouch in the communication department either. So what's with all the unexamined hurt feelings and grievances? All that grief could have been avoided or stopped in its tracks had Molly or Gabe, or both, aired their respective concerns. Instead, both Molly and Gabe behave so immaturely and with great insensitivity - Molly's scene at the book signing made me cringe!
In the long run, this lack of communication and emotional immaturity signaled to me that Gabe and Molly's loving relationship fell far short of what each needed from the other. Despite their cute emails and "in jokes," I didn't think they were ready for marriage, even with their obvious attraction and loving feelings for one another.
Despite having to suspend my disbelief across the width of a six lane highway, I was still going to rate this a 3.8 because of the engaging writing style - but that open-ended finale killed that intention dead. Cop outs: generally, and with only a few rare exceptions, that is what open-ended endings are for me. Author: this is your story: unless you are planning a sequel, then FINISH IT!
As a teen, when I turned the last page of Margaret Mitchell's Gone With the Wind, I was so dismayed by the ending. Then I realized: Oh, the author is leaving it up to us to decide what happens after this. But the author DID give us major hints as to Scarlett's future: I had no doubt that her relationship with Rhett was truly over, but that Scarlett would survive and find contentment again- on her own terms. That is just who Scarlett was.
Did I get the same hint or even a strong suggestion here? No. Instead, the author weaves at least three different potential scenarios, without committing to any of them. Sometimes I wonder - with these open-ended stories - if the author or the publisher is afraid to commit to a specific ending because the actual ending might make the book unpopular. Well, the ratings say it all here. Such a waste, because the writing was often so very good.
August 22, 2019
Molly was a wonderful character! She was meticulous, paranoid, funny, heartwarming and slightly bananas. I really enjoyed getting to know her and becoming immersed in her whirlwind of a life.
This had a fantastic support of both side characters and stories to keep me intrigued.
Normally a book within a book is not something I enjoy, but here it seemed to work.
Ms. Palmer's writing is infectious and urged me onward with every new page.
I look forward to checking out more of her work!
Thank you NetGalley and Skyhorse Publishing for this ARC.
This had a fantastic support of both side characters and stories to keep me intrigued.
Normally a book within a book is not something I enjoy, but here it seemed to work.
Ms. Palmer's writing is infectious and urged me onward with every new page.
I look forward to checking out more of her work!
Thank you NetGalley and Skyhorse Publishing for this ARC.
May 3, 2019
Gabe and Molly are a young couple living the artsy life in New York. Gabe writing his novel, waiting tables at night; Molly at a practical monotonous desk job to pay the bills. Patiently waiting to actually feel like a grown up, mesmerized as their friends marry and get pregnant. When Gabe unexpectedly sells his novel through Molly’s obnoxious co-worker’s agent, their lives are quickly turned upside down. Molly soon learns that The Charms of Dahlia is a fictionalized account of Gabe’s psycho ex-girlfriend. After years of Talia-less tranquility, this woman reappears grabbing every ounce of attention she can steal. This fast paced, witty romance is filled with all the neuroses most young women carry when post college life kicks in and expectations soar. Most books about books feature bookstores. But this, my reader friends, had my mind spinning! Imagine if your partner wrote about his ex, insisting it was fiction, while America drooled over their breathless love affair and every sexual position! I couldn’t even envisage how I’d write up that review! Laugh out loud, completely enjoyable and well written. Thanks author Lindsey Palmer for the perfect beach read. This is definitely a must. #stockupforsummer
May 24, 2021
3.25 Thanks to letstalkbookspromo for the gifted book.
Wow, this book is like a train wreck that you can't look away from! But I did enjoy it.
Molly and Gabe have been dating for 2 years. When Gabe has something to tell Molly, she knows it's a marriage proposal. When he tells her he finished his book and it's being published instead, she's a bit disappointed. When she finds out it's basically a love letter of a book to his ex Talia, she starts to get paranoid and jealous.
I wanted her to dump Gabe like right away after finding out about the book! Gabe, in my opinion, wrote just a horrible, eye rolling and cringey book.... Even if it hadn't been inspired by his ex! Not a book I'd read.
I was hoping that things would go south between these two and I wasn't disappointed in what happens at the end....I was relieved. I just love a strong, independent woman and I wish it had happened sooner (and probably even more strong and better) for Molly.
Wow, this book is like a train wreck that you can't look away from! But I did enjoy it.
Molly and Gabe have been dating for 2 years. When Gabe has something to tell Molly, she knows it's a marriage proposal. When he tells her he finished his book and it's being published instead, she's a bit disappointed. When she finds out it's basically a love letter of a book to his ex Talia, she starts to get paranoid and jealous.
I wanted her to dump Gabe like right away after finding out about the book! Gabe, in my opinion, wrote just a horrible, eye rolling and cringey book.... Even if it hadn't been inspired by his ex! Not a book I'd read.
I was hoping that things would go south between these two and I wasn't disappointed in what happens at the end....I was relieved. I just love a strong, independent woman and I wish it had happened sooner (and probably even more strong and better) for Molly.
August 19, 2019
I struggled to get through this one. I really hated all of the characters and I just didn’t desire to get back inside of their brains so I found myself avoiding reading. This is a story of an insecure woman that makes assumption after assumption about her fiancé and experiences a severe psychological downward spiral and nearly loses everything. I found myself wanting to yell at the main character repeatedly. While I didn’t enjoy the first 80% of the book, I did like the ending and I think there are lessons to be learned.
December 30, 2018
Molly and Gabe have been together for two years, they're on a romantic getaway for their anniversary and he has a surprise for her; there's a beautiful view in a remote clearing, sparkling wine and a love poem - not the proposal she was secretly hoping for.
Back home from their break, Gabriel completes his novel he's been working on throughout their relationship and for the first time Molly is given a copy. It doesn't take long for Molly to realise that 'The Chronicles of Dahlia' was not so vaguely inspired by Gabe's previous relationship with Talia The book follows contains snippets of Gabe's writing throughout the novel which worked really well as you get to 'read along with Molly' because it actually takes her well over six months to get to the last chapter, I'm guessing she's not a big reader.
The book is a pretty big hit, Gabe is getting celebrity endorsements, flying across the country to be interviewed and Talia has got back in touch; Molly begins to spiral, jumping to conclusions, becoming jealous and extremely anxious about the future of their relationship and the impact of Gabe's new found fame.
Personally, I found this to be ok, I read it fairly quickly; parts really hooked me in, others I found myself skimming, wanting the plot to move a bit quicker. I liked that the characters weren't perfect and I found myself quite annoyed with each of them at some point; Molly, why didn't you make yourself read the whole book! Gabe, why didn't you give her a verbal warning or overview before leaving her with the transcript! I did enjoy the ending, I thought it was going to end quite predictably but it proved better than that and wrapped things up for the main characters in a reassuring way.
Otherwise Engaged: A Novel is due for UK release on 14th March 2019. Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for early access to this in exchange for an honest review.
Back home from their break, Gabriel completes his novel he's been working on throughout their relationship and for the first time Molly is given a copy. It doesn't take long for Molly to realise that 'The Chronicles of Dahlia' was not so vaguely inspired by Gabe's previous relationship with Talia The book follows contains snippets of Gabe's writing throughout the novel which worked really well as you get to 'read along with Molly' because it actually takes her well over six months to get to the last chapter, I'm guessing she's not a big reader.
The book is a pretty big hit, Gabe is getting celebrity endorsements, flying across the country to be interviewed and Talia has got back in touch; Molly begins to spiral, jumping to conclusions, becoming jealous and extremely anxious about the future of their relationship and the impact of Gabe's new found fame.
Personally, I found this to be ok, I read it fairly quickly; parts really hooked me in, others I found myself skimming, wanting the plot to move a bit quicker. I liked that the characters weren't perfect and I found myself quite annoyed with each of them at some point; Molly, why didn't you make yourself read the whole book! Gabe, why didn't you give her a verbal warning or overview before leaving her with the transcript! I did enjoy the ending, I thought it was going to end quite predictably but it proved better than that and wrapped things up for the main characters in a reassuring way.
Otherwise Engaged: A Novel is due for UK release on 14th March 2019. Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for early access to this in exchange for an honest review.
February 13, 2019
I tried to read this book a few times before I finally managed to get through it.
Don't get me wrong, the plot is well paced. The writing style is great, it flows well and it's not tiring. The story itself is fairly interesting and intriguing. And the entire concept of a book within a book is quite fun and executed well.
The reason why I couldn't read get into this book are the characters. That's not to say that there are any major issues with them, it's just that I failed to feel a connection to them.
It's a decent book, it just wasn't for me.
*Copy received through NetGalley
*Rating: 3/5 stars
Don't get me wrong, the plot is well paced. The writing style is great, it flows well and it's not tiring. The story itself is fairly interesting and intriguing. And the entire concept of a book within a book is quite fun and executed well.
The reason why I couldn't read get into this book are the characters. That's not to say that there are any major issues with them, it's just that I failed to feel a connection to them.
It's a decent book, it just wasn't for me.
*Copy received through NetGalley
*Rating: 3/5 stars
May 26, 2021
by definitely gives new meaning to the term unlikeable characters. There were about 3 that I actually liked in the book (Molly's mom, her mom's love interest, and her brother Leo), and I'm not sure if I actually liked Molly or not. This for me was not a bad thing and even though I love likable characters as much as anyone else, the unlikeable ones are what really make things interesting. The story is basically what happens after Molly's boyfriend-turned-fiancé Gabe writes a book about his ex-girlfriend Talia, and I can tell you it is not pretty. Molly basically loses her mind and a lot of other things in the process, and we get to watch as she tries to right the train wreck that has become her life. Gabe is a pretty awful man, and I was rooting for Molly to kick him to the curb the entire time.
There is also a book-within-a-book in Otherwise Engaged, and Palmer lets you read parts of Gabe's very disturbing novel. I actually really enjoyed this, and I think it gives the reader an idea of what Gabe is like even though he says it's just fiction. I was hooked from the very first page and it is a pretty short novel as well so it was a quick read, even though I would call it a slow burn overall. There were some fun laugh-out-loud moments, and even though Molly really struggled, I liked where she ended up as a person when all is said and done. There are also a couple of heavy topics that Palmer took on which added more depth to the story as well. I think if you are a fan of slow-burn women's/domestic fiction and don't mind unlikeable characters Otherwise Engaged would be a good book to check out.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
There is also a book-within-a-book in Otherwise Engaged, and Palmer lets you read parts of Gabe's very disturbing novel. I actually really enjoyed this, and I think it gives the reader an idea of what Gabe is like even though he says it's just fiction. I was hooked from the very first page and it is a pretty short novel as well so it was a quick read, even though I would call it a slow burn overall. There were some fun laugh-out-loud moments, and even though Molly really struggled, I liked where she ended up as a person when all is said and done. There are also a couple of heavy topics that Palmer took on which added more depth to the story as well. I think if you are a fan of slow-burn women's/domestic fiction and don't mind unlikeable characters Otherwise Engaged would be a good book to check out.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
May 30, 2021
Ok, so Molly decided to go full on obsessive fiancé. To the fact that she was taking it to work. I felt back for the one interviewee who Molly went off on. I can understand have tons of crazy thoughts running through your head when you find out your fiancé has written a novel about him and his ex-girlfriend's prior relationship; especially if the ex comes back into the picture.
However, I felt like Molly was going overboard. One of the reason's is shortly after Gabe signed his book deal, he got upset that Molly used "we" to describe the money. Gabe said it was his money. Yet, he would not have gotten the book deal if it had not been for Molly. After this encounter I was turned off by Gabe. My feelings did not change towards him the further I got into the story.
I wanted to yell at Molly...Gabe is a big jerk. You don't need him. So the actions she took throughout the story were not worth it to me.
However, I felt like Molly was going overboard. One of the reason's is shortly after Gabe signed his book deal, he got upset that Molly used "we" to describe the money. Gabe said it was his money. Yet, he would not have gotten the book deal if it had not been for Molly. After this encounter I was turned off by Gabe. My feelings did not change towards him the further I got into the story.
I wanted to yell at Molly...Gabe is a big jerk. You don't need him. So the actions she took throughout the story were not worth it to me.
February 26, 2019
Fun read, while also beautifully written and compelling. Highly recommend!!
February 24, 2019
Fun premise. Beautifully written. I tore through it in two sittings to discover what would happen to our protagonist.
January 12, 2019
Oh my gosh. It took me a little while to get into this book - even though the characters were well written, they didn't grab me. The book starts off with this couple who go out camping and then the girl is disappointed that they don't get engaged. Pretty boring so far. But it gets so much more captivating and intense. The characters grew and became real people, and their lives and loves and losses and insanity became real. I couldn't figure out if I wanted to put the book down to disentangle myself from fiction, or keep reading to see what happens next! I'm so glad I finished this book because it was everything I look for in a good book, and more. It's not cliched, and it's certainly not boring. I loved the book and would recommend it to anyone who needs some amazing women's fiction in their life.
July 24, 2019
so ive finished the book, and i have to say i was so angry while reading it. i HATED gabe most of the time, and could totally relate to and understand why molly acted the way she did. if my FIANCE had written a book about an amazing, lustful, exciting relationship inspired by his EX girlfriend, id be pissed too! i dont blame her for not trusting him or for feeling insecure and unwanted by him. AND THE OOOOOOOOO IM SO MAD BC SHE WAS RIGHT TO NOT TRUST HIM AND I KIND OF REALLY HATE GABE AND FEEL SO BAD FOR MOLLY LIKE THATS SO FUCKED UP TO SPEND THE TWO YEARS IN YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH YOUR FIANCE WRITING A NOVEL FULLY DEDICATED TO YOUR PAST LOVER I MEAN CMON
so i mean yes the book was good but also if youre anything like me reading it will definitely piss you off
so i mean yes the book was good but also if youre anything like me reading it will definitely piss you off
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 9, 2021
If you like open ended novels, this is for you.
December 27, 2018
Talk about a storyline that gets into heads of its characters as they go through major meltdowns in their lives.
As the reader, you see their private turmoil as well as sometimes their very public and embarrassing turmoil’s. Relationships are not easy under the ideal of circumstances. But have it go public as in, to the world, is almost impossible.
Molly Stone the go-to girl for HR at her company. When Gabe Dover comes in for an interview for the position, the rings all the bells she is looking for in the position. Although, he told her he couldn’t see himself in the position once he knew what was involved. After it had long been filled, Gabe calls HR to ask for Molly.
From that day forward, they had their own three-year fairytale. They moved in together. Molly’s pay went to all the main bills like rent and most everything else and Gabe worked part-time at an Italian restaurant to pay a couple of utilities. The rest of the time he worked on his novel. They never talked about content due to the one time she read a short story of his. She corrected it hence he just wanted her opinion, not corrections.
So, when he finally declares he is finished with his novel she’s happy but unsure of what she will be reading. When she does read the first chapter, she is angry, hurt, and feeling betrayed. Because she finds out the man, she loves has been spending all his time writing a book about his ex-girlfriend and all their sexcapades.
When she sees that the ex’s name keeps popping up on his phone she starts wigging out. She can’t seem to focus at work. So, she lets her imagination get the best of her. Pulling her best friends into her crazy escapades to find out about the ex. But when things get out of hand and the book reaches the hands of a reality star it amps up her fears.
His book is the talk of the town before it even comes out and it even hits the shelves. The only problem with this is the ex-has now made herself a part of press and publicity. Making Molly question everything in her and Gabe’s relationship. Yet, only to herself. Until she starts to unravel. As well as their relationship.
They’re on the line to a dead end and they have the world watching and yet no one knows she’s even his fiancé. At this point which she allows. She even starts to wonder if she is too.
This story is constantly rolling along at a quickly with transitioning of emotions. Showing us how we can allow our emotions to get the best of us and in turn manifest non-trust. It can help us to understand things that are not understandable when we take time to talk. When our hearts hurt, we become confused and tend to shut down. When really, we should open up in order to find understanding.
This is a lot of self-doubt and dialog in the characters head which I am sure turns a lot of people off. But really there is a lot going on that pertains to a lot of people today. If you really listen to the relationships that are out there.
I give this: 4 stars. Provided by netgalley.com.
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As the reader, you see their private turmoil as well as sometimes their very public and embarrassing turmoil’s. Relationships are not easy under the ideal of circumstances. But have it go public as in, to the world, is almost impossible.
Molly Stone the go-to girl for HR at her company. When Gabe Dover comes in for an interview for the position, the rings all the bells she is looking for in the position. Although, he told her he couldn’t see himself in the position once he knew what was involved. After it had long been filled, Gabe calls HR to ask for Molly.
From that day forward, they had their own three-year fairytale. They moved in together. Molly’s pay went to all the main bills like rent and most everything else and Gabe worked part-time at an Italian restaurant to pay a couple of utilities. The rest of the time he worked on his novel. They never talked about content due to the one time she read a short story of his. She corrected it hence he just wanted her opinion, not corrections.
So, when he finally declares he is finished with his novel she’s happy but unsure of what she will be reading. When she does read the first chapter, she is angry, hurt, and feeling betrayed. Because she finds out the man, she loves has been spending all his time writing a book about his ex-girlfriend and all their sexcapades.
When she sees that the ex’s name keeps popping up on his phone she starts wigging out. She can’t seem to focus at work. So, she lets her imagination get the best of her. Pulling her best friends into her crazy escapades to find out about the ex. But when things get out of hand and the book reaches the hands of a reality star it amps up her fears.
His book is the talk of the town before it even comes out and it even hits the shelves. The only problem with this is the ex-has now made herself a part of press and publicity. Making Molly question everything in her and Gabe’s relationship. Yet, only to herself. Until she starts to unravel. As well as their relationship.
They’re on the line to a dead end and they have the world watching and yet no one knows she’s even his fiancé. At this point which she allows. She even starts to wonder if she is too.
This story is constantly rolling along at a quickly with transitioning of emotions. Showing us how we can allow our emotions to get the best of us and in turn manifest non-trust. It can help us to understand things that are not understandable when we take time to talk. When our hearts hurt, we become confused and tend to shut down. When really, we should open up in order to find understanding.
This is a lot of self-doubt and dialog in the characters head which I am sure turns a lot of people off. But really there is a lot going on that pertains to a lot of people today. If you really listen to the relationships that are out there.
I give this: 4 stars. Provided by netgalley.com.
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March 1, 2019
Thanks to Skyhorse Publishing for an advanced copy of this book.
Y’all know I’m not normally big on the rom-com style brain candy books…they can easily venture into cheesy for me. But, there have been two over the past few months I’ve actually liked (How to Walk Away and One Day in December) and I can now add Otherwise Engaged to the list! The beginning is a touch cheesy, but then the story turns a corner. The premise is totally intriguing…Palmer’s juxtaposition of excerpts of Gabe’s book with Molly’s thoughts and commentary as she’s reading it brings all this intrigue to light. And, boy does this book(understandably) get in her head! Gabe’s book shatters the core of who Molly thinks Gabe is and has her constantly analyzing details from his previous relationship and details from her own relationship that appear in the book. Of course, Talia (Gabe’s ex-girlfriend) also re-appears on the scene to stir things up. Palmer takes all this upheaval in Gabe and Molly’s relationship to levels I’d never considered, but that were certainly interesting to ponder (i.e. in general, how do the family and friends of any author feel when details from their actual lives appear in their family member’s / friend’s book?). Great pick if you’re looking for something light, easy, and happy!
Visit for more reviews.
Y’all know I’m not normally big on the rom-com style brain candy books…they can easily venture into cheesy for me. But, there have been two over the past few months I’ve actually liked (How to Walk Away and One Day in December) and I can now add Otherwise Engaged to the list! The beginning is a touch cheesy, but then the story turns a corner. The premise is totally intriguing…Palmer’s juxtaposition of excerpts of Gabe’s book with Molly’s thoughts and commentary as she’s reading it brings all this intrigue to light. And, boy does this book(understandably) get in her head! Gabe’s book shatters the core of who Molly thinks Gabe is and has her constantly analyzing details from his previous relationship and details from her own relationship that appear in the book. Of course, Talia (Gabe’s ex-girlfriend) also re-appears on the scene to stir things up. Palmer takes all this upheaval in Gabe and Molly’s relationship to levels I’d never considered, but that were certainly interesting to ponder (i.e. in general, how do the family and friends of any author feel when details from their actual lives appear in their family member’s / friend’s book?). Great pick if you’re looking for something light, easy, and happy!
Visit for more reviews.
March 11, 2019
Messy relationships. Complex characters. Compelling story. Honest friendships. Witty dialogue. Heartfelt emotions. All of these elements combine to create this novel about a young woman whose life becomes very unsettled after she becomes engaged. Molly finds it hard to focus on her upcoming wedding when her fiancé signs a book deal—a book about an ex-girlfriend which stirs up all of Molly’s insecurities and doubts. I received this book as a gift.
January 11, 2019
Thanks to NG for an ARC. A book within a book, now there is a book that peaks my interest. While I did have problems relating to the characters and felt like there were a few things that were skipped over and/or left out, I give it 2.5 stars because I stayed engaged in the story. The ending was terrible and did not wrap up the book at all, It left me wanting closure, something to close the story with, instead it was empty and lackluster.
April 4, 2019
3.5 stars - fun, quick read. I always like a book inside a book!
August 6, 2019
I really enjoyed this book and it evoked a lot of feelings. How would I feel if my fiancé wrote a book inspired by an earlier relationship? Would I be jealous? Insecure? Doubt his feelings for me? Yes, I think I would. Even the strongest relationships can be rattled by something like this, especially when you allow your imagination to run away from you. Because of this, I totally sympathized with the main character, Molly, and anxiously read to find out how it all turned out. Molly didn't always exercise the best judgment, but I didn't blame her and there were points in the book when I didn't understand why her friends and family didn't seem to support her. That said, I found the supportive characters really likeable as well. It was not a predictable story and I didn't know how it would end until the very last page.
February 25, 2019
Thank you to NetGalley, Skyhorse, and Lindsey Palmer for an ARC ebook copy to review. As always, an honest review from me.
Like:
- The character of Sam - she’s unsure about life, but she tells it like it is
- It’s a character study
- The storylines with Molly’s mom � so sweet!
- Watching a far from perfect relationship unfold
Love: �
Dislike:
- Gabe’s book � the writing is so cringe worthy
- Doesn’t go very in depth into so many hard hitting topics such as uncertainty in relationships, becoming a mother, addiction, medical fraud, and more. There’s so much potential to really understand the characters� feelings about experiences about these struggles.
- People cheating on each other � ahhhhh, one of the things I really dislike in books
Wish that:
- Molly had just finished reading Gabe’s book, because then maybe she wouldn’t have freaked out so much
- I liked more of the characters. None of them really resonated with me, and I wanted to shake them out of so many of their bad actions.
- Was marketed correctly - I thought I was getting into a fluffy romance novel, but that wasn’t the case.
Overall, I feel like this is either a book you’ll love or go “meh� about. I’m in the later category. For me it’s less about the quality but more about the fit between the book and reader.
Like:
- The character of Sam - she’s unsure about life, but she tells it like it is
- It’s a character study
- The storylines with Molly’s mom � so sweet!
- Watching a far from perfect relationship unfold
Love: �
Dislike:
- Gabe’s book � the writing is so cringe worthy
- Doesn’t go very in depth into so many hard hitting topics such as uncertainty in relationships, becoming a mother, addiction, medical fraud, and more. There’s so much potential to really understand the characters� feelings about experiences about these struggles.
- People cheating on each other � ahhhhh, one of the things I really dislike in books
Wish that:
- Molly had just finished reading Gabe’s book, because then maybe she wouldn’t have freaked out so much
- I liked more of the characters. None of them really resonated with me, and I wanted to shake them out of so many of their bad actions.
- Was marketed correctly - I thought I was getting into a fluffy romance novel, but that wasn’t the case.
Overall, I feel like this is either a book you’ll love or go “meh� about. I’m in the later category. For me it’s less about the quality but more about the fit between the book and reader.
April 24, 2019
I really enjoyed this book! It was so unique, almost like a backwards love story!
When Molly's boyfriend finally proposes, she thinks she has everything she's ever wanted: the guy, the job, the future. Everything feels perfect until her fiancé's debut novel gains popularity and everything that comes along with it..
I loved Palmer's writing style! She somehow got us hooked on not one book, but two! Reading a book within a book was so unique, but added so much to the story. I definitely recommend reading this if you can get your hands on it!
When Molly's boyfriend finally proposes, she thinks she has everything she's ever wanted: the guy, the job, the future. Everything feels perfect until her fiancé's debut novel gains popularity and everything that comes along with it..
I loved Palmer's writing style! She somehow got us hooked on not one book, but two! Reading a book within a book was so unique, but added so much to the story. I definitely recommend reading this if you can get your hands on it!
January 5, 2019
3.5 stars, but rounding up, as I did enjoy this book. I found myself very conflicted throughout on how the main characters feelings and reactions to her fiancés “fictional� novel impacted her. Plus, the ending continues to make you think.
February 25, 2019
I wasn't sure what to expect from this book, but I ended up really enjoying it. The characters seemed very authentic and relatable to me, and I could see myself being friends with women like Molly, Sam, and Kirsten in real life. Also, I usually hate when stories have ambiguous endings, but it worked for me in this case. Molly seemed to be in a good place regardless of whether she and Gabe got back together, so I was OK with not knowing the outcome of their meeting at the end of the book.
I would definitely read another book by this author in the future.
*ARC provided by the publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
I would definitely read another book by this author in the future.
*ARC provided by the publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 24, 2019
What would you do if your boyfriend wrote an explicit novel about his relationship with his ex? AND if it then became a best seller? That's what happens to Molly when Gabe's book about Talia is published. Molly spins and spins and then she implodes. How much you like this will depend on how willing you are to go with it. There were points when I just wanted to tell her to grow up. That, however, is not always how we react when someone we love hurts us. Thanks to Edelweiss for the ARC. It's a fast good read.
February 28, 2019
Such a wonderful book, I finished it in just two days! As someone who recently went through a whirlwind engagement and marriage, I love how the author captured the highs and lows of a modern day engagement. This was a really fun read, with an incredibly sweet, touching, and unexpected ending.
January 1, 2020
This book had a slow start for me. It took me awhile to warm up to the characters. It’s a debut novel with tremendous insight into relationships and what makes them work. By the end of the book I hated to say goodbye.
December 23, 2018
I wanted to like this book from the synopsis, however it missed the mark for me. I just couldn't engage with any of the characters and found myself skimming over chunks of each chapter. This book was just a miss for me. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.
December 19, 2018
Typical chic lit....but that’s not a bad thing. The ending isn’t necessarily typical and I really liked that. It’s easy to tell where this book is heading but it’s a a light, fun read. Thanks NetGalley for the ARC!
November 28, 2018
Really, really enjoyed this book! It was cute, relatable, and also pretty realistic portrait of relationships and friendships.
Molly is 30 years old and has been in a long-term relationship with her aspiring writer boyfriend, Gabe. She's successful at her job as an HR Recruiting Manager at a branding company while her boyfriend works in a restaurant while writing his novel. Early on in the novel, the two get engaged, and it seems like everything is coming up roses for Molly and Gabe -- that is, at least, until he tells her he finished his book and -- wait for it -- it's all about his crazy, lustful, sex filled, toxic relationship with his ex girlfriend. He barely bothers even disguising her name -- Talia becomes Dahlia, and the book revolves around her.
As Gabe sells the book and it takes off, Talia becomes increasingly more of a presence in Molly and Gabe's life, and Molly slowly starts to unravel. She begins to doubt everything Gabe says or does and lets herself be driven crazy by his past relationship with Talia. As her and Gabe grow apart, Molly becomes increasingly more erratic and her own life starts to spiral out of control. Molly is forced to try and fix the mess she has made herself, and figure out whether or not Gabe actually is her future.
I really enjoyed this novel and related to it a lot as someone close in age to the protagonists. Her actions felt real and believable, and I understood her motivations even if she did sometimes drive me crazy. There were a few things here and there I didn't like/love, but overall, this was such a fun, cute read. I'd love to check out more by the author!
Book provided by NetGalley for an honest review. Releases in January 2019!
Molly is 30 years old and has been in a long-term relationship with her aspiring writer boyfriend, Gabe. She's successful at her job as an HR Recruiting Manager at a branding company while her boyfriend works in a restaurant while writing his novel. Early on in the novel, the two get engaged, and it seems like everything is coming up roses for Molly and Gabe -- that is, at least, until he tells her he finished his book and -- wait for it -- it's all about his crazy, lustful, sex filled, toxic relationship with his ex girlfriend. He barely bothers even disguising her name -- Talia becomes Dahlia, and the book revolves around her.
As Gabe sells the book and it takes off, Talia becomes increasingly more of a presence in Molly and Gabe's life, and Molly slowly starts to unravel. She begins to doubt everything Gabe says or does and lets herself be driven crazy by his past relationship with Talia. As her and Gabe grow apart, Molly becomes increasingly more erratic and her own life starts to spiral out of control. Molly is forced to try and fix the mess she has made herself, and figure out whether or not Gabe actually is her future.
I really enjoyed this novel and related to it a lot as someone close in age to the protagonists. Her actions felt real and believable, and I understood her motivations even if she did sometimes drive me crazy. There were a few things here and there I didn't like/love, but overall, this was such a fun, cute read. I'd love to check out more by the author!
Book provided by NetGalley for an honest review. Releases in January 2019!
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