The Next Round
Eva Frances
Independently Published (2024)
ISBN: 978-1763776531
Reviewed by Stephanie Elizabeth Long for Reader Views (01/2025)
Drinks flow freely, and the tension is thick.
It’s been five years since the gang has all been back together—five years since Andie and Chris have been in the same room, but the chemistry between the two is still scorchingly hot. Time apart has meant new experiences and heartbreaks—needless to say, Andie is somewhat of a cynic regarding love.
When personal and professional matters bring them together, those old unresolved feelings begin resurfacing. Andie cannot ignore how Chris’s presence softens her heart and heats up her core. He’s sending her all the signals, but is it the right time to pursue a romance, especially after how they left things last time?
Readers won’t be able to resist this absorbing contemporary romance. Set in the idyllic backdrop of Sydney, “The Next Round” by Eva Frances is brimming with eye-catching beauty and a cast of captivating characters. Written from Andie’s perspective, the novel effortlessly weaves in and out of the past and present, capturing her ever-evolving career in PR, failed relationships, and the seemingly unrequited love between her and handsome restaurateur Chris Vaughn.
So, do they ever end up together? That is the burning question.
This is a feel-good book with a casual vibe that screams summer reading by the pool with a fruity cocktail in hand. (At least, that’s my fantasy as I try to escape this frigid Canadian winter!) These Aussie friends know how to have a good time, and the author has done an excellent job of choosing intriguing supporting characters who complement the main premise (the two reasons you’re still reading)—Andie and Chris. Let’s face it: the chemistry is palpable, and we’re all here to see those sparks fly!
While the reading experience is generally lighthearted, the author doesn’t skimp on substance and explores heavier topics, making this stunning romance much more than attractive characters and sweep-you-off-your-feet literature. Eva Frances highlights how past heartbreaks can mar the prospect of new ones. When you’ve been carelessly hurt, it is easy to build a fortress around your heart to protect it. Andie’s propensity to run from Chris was a huge obstacle in their burgeoning relationship.
If you’re looking for the ultimate escape from the doldrums of your day-to-day, do yourself a favor and pick up Eva Frances’ “The Next Round.” Between the novel’s breathtaking setting, the multidimensional (and aesthetically pleasing) characters, and the stirring romance, you’ll get all the feels you need from this endorphin-boosting prose.