Open Minded - by Chloe Seager

Book Synopsis

Chloe Seager creates a fun yet thought-provoking novel about two very different women, Holly and Fliss, who are grappling with drastic changes in their relationships after Holly's boyfriend wants to "open" their relationship and Fliss's boyfriend wants to "close" theirs.

After nine years of dating, Holly is sure her boyfriend Will is going to propose. But instead of popping the question, he shocks her by suggesting they open their relationship to date other people.

For the last three years, Fliss and her boyfriend Ash have been in a happily open relationship. But now that they're turning thirty, he wants to close it, throwing Fliss's whole ethos of living life on her terms rather than society's expectations into question.

When Fliss overhears Holly crying in the toilets during her first date in nine years, they decide to ditch their dates and have dinner together. They strike up an instant friendship with Fliss agreeing 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.

Fliss is willing to give up dating other people if it means staying with Ash, and Holly is willing to try anything if it means she gets her happy ending with Will. But perhaps both Fliss and Holly will learn that there's no one size fits all when it comes to relationships . . .

Review Quotes

"[A]n effervescent chronicle of two women's inverse dating lives and their illuminating friendship... As the narrative unfolds, both women confront society's expectations for a "typical" relationship and come to terms with what they need for themselves. Readers will fall in love with this one." -- Publishers Weekly

"Told with humor and empathy for each woman's situation, Seager's adult debut features two likeable heroines that readers will root for as the women figure out what they want, not just in their romantic lives, but in their careers, friendships, and familial relationships." -- Booklist

"What does and doesn't make relationships ethical and healthy is a critical question posed in this novel.... Holly and Fliss are charming protagonists with impressive force of character. Their stories demonstrate that it's unwise to elevate monogamous romantic relationships over all other forms of connection, including friendships, which can be just as precious. A worthwhile read for those interested in open relationships." -- Kirkus Reviews

"Open Minded reminds us that dating is always messy, and perhaps open relationships are less about the sexual partners we sleep with and more about the friends we make along the way." -- Chicago Review of Books

"I knew nothing about open relationships before this (beyond wondering how anyone had the time), but this was an eye opening, fun and completely engrossing read. I was thinking about Holly and Fliss for a long time after I was done. Truly spectacular." -- Rebecca Ryan, author of My Extraordinary Life

"A warm-hearted romcom for all kinds of curious daters. . .Whether the reader is committed to monogamy, polyamory, or something in between, Open Minded 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." -- Lily Lindon, author of Double Booked

"Refreshingly candid, whip-smart and painfully funny. A perfect exploration of what it's like to navigate the never-ending challenges of love, dating and adulthood." -- Hannah Tovey, author of The Education of Ivy Edwards

"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

"A clever, funny and totally gripping look at modern relationships. I absolutely loved it!" -- Tom Ellen, author of The Lifeline

"A joyful, chaotic exploration of love and monogamy. I absolutely fell for Fliss and Holly, and their relationship adventures in this gorgeous, funny novel. Laughs out loud guaranteed." -- Lizzie Huxley-Jones, author of Make You Mine This Christmas