There is no sense in pretending: ALL THE MEN I'VE LOVED AGAIN.

All the Men I've Loved Again by Christine Pride
My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars

All the Men I’ve Loved Again was an enjoyable read! Like its protagonist, Cora Belle, the novel seemed to be finding itself at times, but I still found it compelling.

While marketed as a love triangle, this novel is just as much a coming-of-age story. Cora arrives at Hamlin College in Virginia eager to reinvent herself. Having grown up as the only white girl at her elite private school—which she attended only because her father taught there—college presents a fresh start. She can finally make her own friends and define her own path.

At Hamlin, she quickly bonds with her best friends, Kim and Neisha, and falls deeply for Lincoln, a driven scholarship student determined to make a name for himself in politics. Their relationship is passionate but tumultuous, and during one of their rough patches, Cora crosses paths with Aaron, leading to a whirlwind romance in Paris. Yet, for Cora, love always seems to end in heartbreak.

Fast forward twenty years, and Cora finds herself at a crossroads, with both Aaron and Lincoln back in her life. Can she let her guard down and embrace love again? And if so, who should she choose?

Christine Pride’s solo debut deftly balances romance with weighty themes, including Black identity and abortion. The writing has a natural, conversational flow, alternating between Cora’s first experiences of love with Lincoln and letters from Aaron. I appreciated how the narrative mirrored Cora’s own indecision, making me constantly reevaluate who seemed like the better choice.

That said, Cora’s privilege and occasional indecisiveness could be frustrating, though she deserves credit for refusing to settle. The pacing drags at times, and some characters could have been more fully developed, but the novel’s exploration of love, friendship, and self-discovery makes up for it.

For me, the standout character was Cora’s father, Wes. With his unwavering love and sharp sense of humor, he added warmth and levity to the story—I would have happily read an entire book about him!

While not without its flaws, All the Men I’ve Loved Again is a character-driven novel that will appeal to readers who enjoy stories about love, friendship, and personal growth. 3.5 stars, rounded up.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and Atria Books in return for an unbiased review. Look for All the Men I’ve Loved Again on 07/08/2025!

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