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lurker_stalker's review against another edition
3.0
I started out enjoying the story and the characters but about halfway, I just wanted it to end. I felt like it dragged quite a bit and when the characters from [b:The Road to Madison|44162675|The Road to Madison|Elle Spencer|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1551397049l/44162675._SY75_.jpg|68687793] (I assume it was them but I quit that book almost immediately) showed up, I nearly quit.
Because I tend to be fairly late with my ARC reviews (sorry authors, publishers, and NetGalley!) I started consuming this one with the audio book but the narrator got to be too much for me so I switched to my trusty text-to-speech reader and was much happier. I got back into the story and stayed mostly engaged.
Ultimately, I felt good when the book ended but not enough to ever read it again. And for romance novels, a re-read is about as good as it gets with me.
Thanks BSB and NetGalley for the ebook!
Because I tend to be fairly late with my ARC reviews (sorry authors, publishers, and NetGalley!) I started consuming this one with the audio book but the narrator got to be too much for me so I switched to my trusty text-to-speech reader and was much happier. I got back into the story and stayed mostly engaged.
Ultimately, I felt good when the book ended but not enough to ever read it again. And for romance novels, a re-read is about as good as it gets with me.
Thanks BSB and NetGalley for the ebook!
polkadotgirl's review against another edition
3.0
3.5/5 stars:
I received an e-ARC of this story through NetGalley in exchange on an honest review. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this opportunity!
This is the first f/f romance I've read in quite a long time and I have to say I think it was a great read to start back up again! It isn't a very long book but it develops Veronica's and Rachel's relationship very well. There is both a very well-written physical aspect between them and also a more romantic and sweet part of their interactions.
I would consider the story to be somewhat of a slow-burn. I say somewhat because even though we are aware of the characters' feelings for one another very early on they don't actually get together that soon.
If you're looking for a very smut-heavy read this book isn't for you, but the sex scenes there are are really sexy and hot. And the sexual tension between the characters is worth there not being many actual sex scenes. Their interactions are filled with flirting and banter and it's really erotic at times.
I really enjoyed the main characters' interactions with many of the side characters. It made the story feel more complete and real. We got to see people root for the two characters to get together and it was refreshing to have a lot of communication in a romance novel. Sometimes romances (especially m/m ones) rely very heavily on secrets and only the two main characters knowing what's going on between them. Here we see two lesbian women who are very comfortable and happy with their sexuality discussing their feelings with other people and getting some good romantic and life advice.
I would say that the thing I disliked about this book had to do with Veronica's job "plot". I didn't really like the portrayal of Avery's character and, at times, it felt like she was being subjected to some slut-shaming and women-hate. I would have preferred if Veronica's success didn't have to come at the expense of tearing down another woman. At least that's how it felt like to me.
Overall I really recommend this book to romance lovers out there!
I received an e-ARC of this story through NetGalley in exchange on an honest review. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this opportunity!
This is the first f/f romance I've read in quite a long time and I have to say I think it was a great read to start back up again! It isn't a very long book but it develops Veronica's and Rachel's relationship very well. There is both a very well-written physical aspect between them and also a more romantic and sweet part of their interactions.
I would consider the story to be somewhat of a slow-burn. I say somewhat because even though we are aware of the characters' feelings for one another very early on they don't actually get together that soon.
If you're looking for a very smut-heavy read this book isn't for you, but the sex scenes there are are really sexy and hot. And the sexual tension between the characters is worth there not being many actual sex scenes. Their interactions are filled with flirting and banter and it's really erotic at times.
I really enjoyed the main characters' interactions with many of the side characters. It made the story feel more complete and real. We got to see people root for the two characters to get together and it was refreshing to have a lot of communication in a romance novel. Sometimes romances (especially m/m ones) rely very heavily on secrets and only the two main characters knowing what's going on between them. Here we see two lesbian women who are very comfortable and happy with their sexuality discussing their feelings with other people and getting some good romantic and life advice.
I would say that the thing I disliked about this book had to do with Veronica's job "plot". I didn't really like the portrayal of Avery's character and, at times, it felt like she was being subjected to some slut-shaming and women-hate. I would have preferred if Veronica's success didn't have to come at the expense of tearing down another woman. At least that's how it felt like to me.
Overall I really recommend this book to romance lovers out there!
aliu6's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 stars
Veronica Welch is on the brink of becoming a partner at her law firm, and now she can focus on what she really wants—finding someone to spend the rest of her life with. To make up for missing time, she agrees to let her friend set her up on 30 blind dates over the course of 30 days. Each date takes place in the bar Monaghan's, where one Rachel Monaghan occasionally works. Rachel has been burnt in love before and will protect her heart at all costs. At first Veronica and Rachel rub each other the wrong way, but then... sparks start to fly. Can this romantic and this cynic make things work?
First, let me start by saying that I love Elle Spencer's work. She hasn't written a bad book, and 30 Dates in 30 Days is no exception. However, I must say I was a bit disappointed by the story. I don't think it was on par with Casting Lacey and The Road to Madison, but it was still a great read.
The characters - I can't say I was in love with either character, especially not Veronica, who seemed quite stilted to me despite being the "romantic" of the two. Rachel was more understandable, and I enjoyed learning about her backstory. I still enjoyed the chemistry between the two heroines, especially when it started to pick up halfway through the book.
I really liked the group of regular bar customers who observed Veronica on her initial dates, and I wish the side characters played more of a role in the story. Many were not fully fleshed out and seemed to only serve as a way to move the plot forward.
A few minor things that detracted from the story for me: The pacing was a bit odd at times. The flow of the story sometimes seemed off and unnatural. I also think the initial dialogue between Veronica and Rachel felt awkward, but maybe that's just because it was hard for me to relate to Veronica and her voice.
On to the good: This was a really cute story about two people who were meant for each other and they work through the obstacles in their way to end up with each other. Also, there was some of that signature Elle Spencer angst, which hit me right in the feels.
Solid story, would recommend!
*** I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review ***
Veronica Welch is on the brink of becoming a partner at her law firm, and now she can focus on what she really wants—finding someone to spend the rest of her life with. To make up for missing time, she agrees to let her friend set her up on 30 blind dates over the course of 30 days. Each date takes place in the bar Monaghan's, where one Rachel Monaghan occasionally works. Rachel has been burnt in love before and will protect her heart at all costs. At first Veronica and Rachel rub each other the wrong way, but then... sparks start to fly. Can this romantic and this cynic make things work?
First, let me start by saying that I love Elle Spencer's work. She hasn't written a bad book, and 30 Dates in 30 Days is no exception. However, I must say I was a bit disappointed by the story. I don't think it was on par with Casting Lacey and The Road to Madison, but it was still a great read.
The characters - I can't say I was in love with either character, especially not Veronica, who seemed quite stilted to me despite being the "romantic" of the two. Rachel was more understandable, and I enjoyed learning about her backstory. I still enjoyed the chemistry between the two heroines, especially when it started to pick up halfway through the book.
I really liked the group of regular bar customers who observed Veronica on her initial dates, and I wish the side characters played more of a role in the story. Many were not fully fleshed out and seemed to only serve as a way to move the plot forward.
A few minor things that detracted from the story for me: The pacing was a bit odd at times. The flow of the story sometimes seemed off and unnatural. I also think the initial dialogue between Veronica and Rachel felt awkward, but maybe that's just because it was hard for me to relate to Veronica and her voice.
On to the good: This was a really cute story about two people who were meant for each other and they work through the obstacles in their way to end up with each other. Also, there was some of that signature Elle Spencer angst, which hit me right in the feels.
Solid story, would recommend!
*** I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review ***
jsjarvis71's review against another edition
5.0
30 Dates in 30 Days is an absolute treat to read. Veronica Walsh is approaching 35, a point in her life where she expected to have made a partner in her law firm and to have been married. She inadvertently told her assistant about this during an evening of drinking and the quest is on to find her a wife. Her assistant lists her on a dating app and sets up what will be 30 dates in a 30 day period to find "Miss Right". All of the dates are set up at a local bar to make things easier for Veronica. It is here she meets Rachel, a beautiful woman who is helping her cousin with her bar but who has given up on love.
The chemistry between Veronica and Rachel is off the charts throughout the book. The author plays the slow burn throughout the entire book, so much so that as a reader I wanted one of the women to pounce on the other because the tension was so high. She does an excellent job of making the story funny at times and heartbreaking in others. It is such a good mix of emotions throughout the book. The story was one that I did not want to put down until the end.
While there is not a lot of sex in the book, it wasn't really necessary. I found the build-up of their relationship to be the major plus of this book and the need for hot sex scenes was not really needed (although I wouldn't be opposed to a secret chapter or two that goes into more detail). This book is all about finding true love, the one that you can't live without, of being able to get past old heartbreaks, and opening yourself up to the possibility of hurting again to be with that one special person. This book would make such a wonderful rom-com, which is how I envisioned the story as I read it.
This is a must-read for anyone who loves love and the development of relationships. It is a fantastic love story that I highly recommend.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for a fair and unbiased review.
The chemistry between Veronica and Rachel is off the charts throughout the book. The author plays the slow burn throughout the entire book, so much so that as a reader I wanted one of the women to pounce on the other because the tension was so high. She does an excellent job of making the story funny at times and heartbreaking in others. It is such a good mix of emotions throughout the book. The story was one that I did not want to put down until the end.
While there is not a lot of sex in the book, it wasn't really necessary. I found the build-up of their relationship to be the major plus of this book and the need for hot sex scenes was not really needed (although I wouldn't be opposed to a secret chapter or two that goes into more detail). This book is all about finding true love, the one that you can't live without, of being able to get past old heartbreaks, and opening yourself up to the possibility of hurting again to be with that one special person. This book would make such a wonderful rom-com, which is how I envisioned the story as I read it.
This is a must-read for anyone who loves love and the development of relationships. It is a fantastic love story that I highly recommend.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for a fair and unbiased review.
jennabeebs79's review against another edition
5.0
I absolutely love Elle Spencer! Two of her other books Casting Lacy and Unforgettable are two of my favorites of all time. Elle did a fantastic job with this book. The plot was interesting and the witty banter between all characters was great. Veronica and Rachel were truly likable mains and the supporting cast of characters (especially those in the bar) really enhanced the novel. This book was a great escape and truly made me smile. Thanks Elle for another wonderful book!!
anujab's review
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
hhushaw's review against another edition
4.0
An honest review thanks to NetGalley. Casting Lacey is one of my all time favorite books, in the past when I have read Spencer's newer books I was massively disappointed. As I held them up to the standard of Casting Lacey, with 30 Dates in 30 days, I was not disappointed at all. This was a great book that was sweet, funny and had just enough of an obstacle and connection to keep me reading. Rachel and Veronica are perfect together and you will love their story.
rensallbookedup's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
823sisi's review against another edition
4.0
This is a Netgalley ARC review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.
Elle Spencer knocked it out of the park on this one. This is my first Elle Spencer read and I was thoroughly impressed. What single person can't relate to being 35 and married to their job?? I've said many times before, 'I wish someone could weed out the bad matches in my online dating inbox.' Sign me up!! Veronica is the woman who just has the one piece missing. Rachel is the woman trying to avid having that piece broken again. Everyone needs a group like Bea, Charlotte, Harry, Joe, and Carol in their life!! I can't say enough good things about this book. It had laughs and romance with just a bit of steam. That chapter 18 was straight on fire!!
I did not notice any formatting or typographical issues.
Elle Spencer knocked it out of the park on this one. This is my first Elle Spencer read and I was thoroughly impressed. What single person can't relate to being 35 and married to their job?? I've said many times before, 'I wish someone could weed out the bad matches in my online dating inbox.' Sign me up!! Veronica is the woman who just has the one piece missing. Rachel is the woman trying to avid having that piece broken again. Everyone needs a group like Bea, Charlotte, Harry, Joe, and Carol in their life!! I can't say enough good things about this book. It had laughs and romance with just a bit of steam. That chapter 18 was straight on fire!!
I did not notice any formatting or typographical issues.
hnagle15's review against another edition
4.0
We know I'm not usually a romance reader, but AHHH I LOVED THIS BOOK.
What I liked:
-the humor! I honestly laughed out loud in a couple spots (like when V gets the message that's a talking poop emoji... her reaction cracked me up)
-the friendship between Bea & Veronica
-the fact that we had a badass female lawyer who did want it all, and wasn't a coldhearted bitch about it (I hate that trope)
-the secondary characters (Joe, Carol, Harry, Charlotte)
-the atmosphere - I desperately want to go hang out in the bar with everyone
-the fun concept and a twist on speed dating, I also liked that everyone was named after their drink
-the slow burn
-the chemistry/banter between V and Rachel
What I didn't like:
-it really bothered me that I would be super into a storyline and then BAM, next chapter was 3 months later with no real mention of the inbetween - just not a preference with the writing style
-there were some classic lesbian stereotypes that I'm just not into when they make an appearance in books and a couple were in here
What I liked:
-the humor! I honestly laughed out loud in a couple spots (like when V gets the message that's a talking poop emoji... her reaction cracked me up)
-the friendship between Bea & Veronica
-the fact that we had a badass female lawyer who did want it all, and wasn't a coldhearted bitch about it (I hate that trope)
-the secondary characters (Joe, Carol, Harry, Charlotte)
-the atmosphere - I desperately want to go hang out in the bar with everyone
-the fun concept and a twist on speed dating, I also liked that everyone was named after their drink
-the slow burn
-the chemistry/banter between V and Rachel
What I didn't like:
-it really bothered me that I would be super into a storyline and then BAM, next chapter was 3 months later with no real mention of the inbetween - just not a preference with the writing style
-there were some classic lesbian stereotypes that I'm just not into when they make an appearance in books and a couple were in here