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_geesimone's review against another edition
2.0
First I thought the date ideas were very creative, I loved reading about what different dates she would be going on. They touched my inner romantic. I also really enjoyed her best friend Laura and the lady Evelyn. These were, in my opinion, the best characters in the book. Laura was a definition of a true best friend. She loved KAte and always did what was best for her, she told her straightforward what her views were and always made sure she was okay. Evelyn was refreshing to the story, she added in another element of romance that I wanted for Kate’s dad and she had the sassy old lady vibe about her that I would honestly read a book just about her life. I would give the book a 2.5/5 and the extra .5 is because it managed to make me cry. This is an easy thing to do but still this book achieved that. The banter between Kate and Matt was also very comedic and I enjoyed it.
Now why it didn’t get any higher. The book was very cliche. From I finish the first chapter I already knew who she was going to end up with. Kate is very... strong willed. To the point that she constantly makes a deal with self-sabotage and uses trending society theories to support her self-sabotage. She loved saying she was independent and didn’t need a man, she would raise a child by herself if need be, the men were dead ends, etc etc. No wonder she was single. She had a negative view about romance and about men, she believed everything would work perfectly from the get go. That’s why I gave the book a point five for making me cry because I already knew what was going to happen and yet, the waterworks still appeared.
Another reason I rated the book as I did was the description of the dates. Baylis took the time to describe, in expert detail, the weather outside, building Kate took inspiration from, even how she cooked her deserts yet fell short every time it came to the date. For the chapters being based around the date I expected to read more about the dates. They all ended abruptly and I was left rereading the last paragraph to understand what happened.
In the same way, I was left rereading paragraphs when clear character developments occurred. It lacked good transitions with characters. For example, when she was on the date with the guy who wanted to sleep with her one second he was nice and the next he was a jerk. Even if he was trying to sleep with her, I’m sure he would not change at the snap of his finger. This guy was on his 8th successful date of sleeping with a girl! You’re telling me this is how easy those other 7 ladies were? He did have to continue his charade until the morning after the romping? Another example was when she spoke to Richard about his wife, in a snap of a finger he become a different man. This man wooed her endlessly, amazing dates, threatening guys for her, etc etc how can he change so quickly? It didn’t sit right with me. These were not the only time this happened but these were obvious times. KAte herself changed drastically on dates, she was easygoing and then suddenly, she was a hard, I don’t need no man girl.
For someone who was so sure of what she wanted in a man and so sure of all these men faults, it was lost on me how she took Matt back so easily. Both times he was mad at her, he ridiculed her, made her cry and said very very hurtful and disrespectful things and yet she took him back without even a talk about how he cannot talk to her that way. It lead me to believe that this was a pattern and I behind afraid that when he became mad again he would lash out at her. How could Kate not see this and call him out on it? She had no fear calling f the other men out when they were being mean or disrespectful towards her. We know she’s not afraid to speak her mind. How can you be with someone that breaks your heart claiming that they love you?
If you’re looking for a easy read, Christmas romance and some cute dates I would definitely recommend this book.
Now why it didn’t get any higher. The book was very cliche. From I finish the first chapter I already knew who she was going to end up with. Kate is very... strong willed. To the point that she constantly makes a deal with self-sabotage and uses trending society theories to support her self-sabotage. She loved saying she was independent and didn’t need a man, she would raise a child by herself if need be, the men were dead ends, etc etc. No wonder she was single. She had a negative view about romance and about men, she believed everything would work perfectly from the get go. That’s why I gave the book a point five for making me cry because I already knew what was going to happen and yet, the waterworks still appeared.
Another reason I rated the book as I did was the description of the dates. Baylis took the time to describe, in expert detail, the weather outside, building Kate took inspiration from, even how she cooked her deserts yet fell short every time it came to the date. For the chapters being based around the date I expected to read more about the dates. They all ended abruptly and I was left rereading the last paragraph to understand what happened.
In the same way, I was left rereading paragraphs when clear character developments occurred. It lacked good transitions with characters. For example, when she was on the date with the guy who wanted to sleep with her one second he was nice and the next he was a jerk. Even if he was trying to sleep with her, I’m sure he would not change at the snap of his finger. This guy was on his 8th successful date of sleeping with a girl! You’re telling me this is how easy those other 7 ladies were? He did have to continue his charade until the morning after the romping? Another example was when she spoke to Richard about his wife, in a snap of a finger he become a different man. This man wooed her endlessly, amazing dates, threatening guys for her, etc etc how can he change so quickly? It didn’t sit right with me. These were not the only time this happened but these were obvious times. KAte herself changed drastically on dates, she was easygoing and then suddenly, she was a hard, I don’t need no man girl.
For someone who was so sure of what she wanted in a man and so sure of all these men faults, it was lost on me how she took Matt back so easily. Both times he was mad at her, he ridiculed her, made her cry and said very very hurtful and disrespectful things and yet she took him back without even a talk about how he cannot talk to her that way. It lead me to believe that this was a pattern and I behind afraid that when he became mad again he would lash out at her. How could Kate not see this and call him out on it? She had no fear calling f the other men out when they were being mean or disrespectful towards her. We know she’s not afraid to speak her mind. How can you be with someone that breaks your heart claiming that they love you?
If you’re looking for a easy read, Christmas romance and some cute dates I would definitely recommend this book.
la_ravenreader's review against another edition
3.0
Kate Turner is reluctantly pushed to join a dating service by her best friend Laura. Since moving back to her small hometown her love life has been in a rut. Kate agrees and the story begins with each date. The story dragged quite a bit with unnecessary information, but overall cute story.
exorcismemily's review against another edition
4.0
3.5⭐
The concept of this story is really fun, but I wasn't wild about the direction it ended up going in. It started feeling repetitive after a while, and I wasn't wild about the main love interests. It was still an entertaining Christmas read, though.
CW - sexual harassment, cheating
The concept of this story is really fun, but I wasn't wild about the direction it ended up going in. It started feeling repetitive after a while, and I wasn't wild about the main love interests. It was still an entertaining Christmas read, though.
CW - sexual harassment, cheating
amberwallace2012's review against another edition
4.0
Such a sweet novel.
It was very obvious how the book was going to end but it was a fun journey getting there. Kate goes on 12 dates, some were amazing and others were cringe worthy.
It was very obvious how the book was going to end but it was a fun journey getting there. Kate goes on 12 dates, some were amazing and others were cringe worthy.
sophieguillas's review against another edition
3.0
I'm conflicted about this one.... The 12 dates set up was cute and very festive, though at times it made the book fluffy to the point of being aimless. Some of the dates were laugh out loud funny. I thought this light Christmassy tone was so jarring when it came with a few predatory men on her dates.
Matt, the real romantic lead couldn't even manage to perk up the tone. He was kind of underdeveloped with all the focus going into the 12 dates and when we do get to see him he uses her for his business way more that seems cool, he's very rude to her when she makes (what I think was) a fairly minor mistake, and condescending about her dates like she's not a 30 something year old woman who knows how to take care of herself.
I think this book dives into some of the frustration that comes with dating after 30, so I might not be the right audience, but some points were just a bummer. This wasn't always the light hearted escapism that I expect with romance.
Matt, the real romantic lead couldn't even manage to perk up the tone. He was kind of underdeveloped with all the focus going into the 12 dates and when we do get to see him he uses her for his business way more that seems cool, he's very rude to her when she makes (what I think was) a fairly minor mistake, and condescending about her dates like she's not a 30 something year old woman who knows how to take care of herself.
I think this book dives into some of the frustration that comes with dating after 30, so I might not be the right audience, but some points were just a bummer. This wasn't always the light hearted escapism that I expect with romance.
rebeccasreadingrambles's review against another edition
5.0
Oh this book just hit all the right notes. Christmassy with humor, drama, longing - all the perfect bits of a romcom. Kate is such a fun character to follow - witty and caring with strangers and friends alike, but is also so human and flawed and just the most down to earth character to embark on this dating adventure. Highly recommend this holiday romcom!
Audiobook:I love the narration and felt it personified Kate so perfectly as she went through the twelve dates with so much levity even when she’s having an eternity debate against her own feelings.
Audiobook:I love the narration and felt it personified Kate so perfectly as she went through the twelve dates with so much levity even when she’s having an eternity debate against her own feelings.
simsimmi's review against another edition
5.0
This was such a cute and cozy Christmas romance. The 12 dates definitely gave the story a little twist and even though the end was somewhat predictable, it was still very enjoyable. I would watch this as a movie too.
blferdig's review against another edition
4.0
So predictable but so dreamy, fun, lighthearted and christmasy
_nicolemariereads_'s review against another edition
4.0
Loved the banter, loved the snark and the festivities throughout this book. This little snowy town seemed lovely. I have also realized I love holiday rom coms centered around Christmas themed dates
aestheticreads97's review against another edition
5.0
It has been a few weeks since I’ve read this book now, but I keep thinking about how lovely it was and it makes me heart so happy! ❤️ I absolutely love stories set in little towns like Blexford, I only wish I could live there! Perfect read for cosy Christmas vibes can’t wait to re-read next Christmas! ✨