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3.58 AVERAGE
3.58 AVERAGE
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
This book was everything I wanted it to be and more!! I absolutely adore Jenny L. Howe and her book, On The Plus Side, is one of my all time favorite books! Haleigh is such a relatable character for me. The anxiety representation resonated for me and I really saw myself in that. I loved that Howe showed how Haleigh and Jack work on their mental health and how it takes trial and error sometimes. The dates Haleigh goes on are amazing!! I found myself literally laughing out loud multiple times!! The details Howe adds around living life in a bigger body are on point and are such smaller things that only people in bodies like this would realize (i.e. the standing on your tip toes to navigate through a restaurant). I will forever read and stan for Howe’s books! All three have been amazing representation to the plus sized community and I’m thankful for this.
THIS WAS SUCH A PLEASANT SURPRISE.
I liked so much about this book, and the vibes were just immaculate for me.
I felt that the FMC was so very relatable. As an anxious, overthinking, feeling like i’m behind everyone in life plus size girl - i felt so seen. Her confidence by the end of the book was something that really gave me some hope for myself.
I really enjoyed the overall plot of the book. The predate surveys were really funny to me, the questions were so random but also so telling. I really liked Jack and Hallie as a whole, but also as individuals.
I also really enjoyed the author’s writing style. It was enjoyable, quick, fast-paced, and the setup of the lists, questionnaires and just the story itself were really enjoyable.
I dualed between the digital copy and the audiobook and i LOVED the narrator. She added to the story so well and I think it’s a huge reason why i clicked with it so much.
Tropes you’ll find: Plus size FMC (without making it thrown into your face 24/7), Friends to Lovers, (SEMI) second chance romance?, childhood best friend & a littleeee moment of love triangle
overall i will absolutely be reading more by this author and i definitely recommend this book to my peers!
I liked so much about this book, and the vibes were just immaculate for me.
I felt that the FMC was so very relatable. As an anxious, overthinking, feeling like i’m behind everyone in life plus size girl - i felt so seen. Her confidence by the end of the book was something that really gave me some hope for myself.
I really enjoyed the overall plot of the book. The predate surveys were really funny to me, the questions were so random but also so telling. I really liked Jack and Hallie as a whole, but also as individuals.
I also really enjoyed the author’s writing style. It was enjoyable, quick, fast-paced, and the setup of the lists, questionnaires and just the story itself were really enjoyable.
I dualed between the digital copy and the audiobook and i LOVED the narrator. She added to the story so well and I think it’s a huge reason why i clicked with it so much.
Tropes you’ll find: Plus size FMC (without making it thrown into your face 24/7), Friends to Lovers, (SEMI) second chance romance?, childhood best friend & a littleeee moment of love triangle
overall i will absolutely be reading more by this author and i definitely recommend this book to my peers!
Thank you to NetGalley, Spotify Audiobooks, St. Martin's Press, and Jenny L. Howe for the chance to read and listen to this book in exchange for my honest review.
I am always eager to read stories about plus sized FMCs- so I jumped at the chance to read this book. It's a sweet story that had me laughing out loud during the dates that our FMCs closest family and friends set her up on. I especially enjoyed hearing all of the date "participants'" answers to the questionnaire. I kind of think the questionnaire should be patented.
The audio was really well done. I would definitely listen to this narrator again.
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for this advanced copy; it has not impacted my review.
I thought this book was fast and fun, but it lacked a lot of emotional depth that would not have been difficult to include.
I knew how this book was going to end by 1-2 chapters in. With detail. From the moment Jack inserted himself into her plan, there was only one way this was going. There was zero shock to this, and I think it was because there wasn't time develop more/new drama and pressure. The premise of this book involves 10 dates, and I feel like 8 of the dates did relatively nothing for the plot whatsoever. This book could have been more fun and hard-hitting if a couple of those dates or relationships had been more interesting or impactful to Haleigh. The little questionnaire she had everyone fill out gave me the ick for almost every single person; some of them seemed unrealistic if you actually wanted a date to go passably well with someone. Oof.
I liked that the FMC got to just exist in her body because there was a caveat early on that every date would know her size/appearance in advance. I was nervous going into this book that some of the drama would revolve around someone not being size-inclusive on a date, and I'm glad she got to look/feel beautiful and hot in her fat body throughout this. Yes, queen! I also liked the representation of OCD through Jack. Therapy was discussed positively and Haleigh understood what Jack needed to feel safe.
This story didn't have much drama regardless of dating game because the end result was a party thrown by her sister and future sister-in-law where the key issue was whether or not she'd have a plus-one, but her sister was clearly loaded, so I don't understand why it actually mattered. And theproposal at the party was tasteless in my opinion because he couldn't even get down on a knee without offending her sister, so it felt like deeply the wrong moment. He should have taken her back to Hawaii or something.
So it was a mixed bag of emotions from me, but it was definitely a quick read that didn't make me think too hard, and that absolutely is sometimes exactly what someone needs!
I thought this book was fast and fun, but it lacked a lot of emotional depth that would not have been difficult to include.
I knew how this book was going to end by 1-2 chapters in. With detail. From the moment Jack inserted himself into her plan, there was only one way this was going. There was zero shock to this, and I think it was because there wasn't time develop more/new drama and pressure. The premise of this book involves 10 dates, and I feel like 8 of the dates did relatively nothing for the plot whatsoever. This book could have been more fun and hard-hitting if a couple of those dates or relationships had been more interesting or impactful to Haleigh. The little questionnaire she had everyone fill out gave me the ick for almost every single person; some of them seemed unrealistic if you actually wanted a date to go passably well with someone. Oof.
I liked that the FMC got to just exist in her body because there was a caveat early on that every date would know her size/appearance in advance. I was nervous going into this book that some of the drama would revolve around someone not being size-inclusive on a date, and I'm glad she got to look/feel beautiful and hot in her fat body throughout this. Yes, queen! I also liked the representation of OCD through Jack. Therapy was discussed positively and Haleigh understood what Jack needed to feel safe.
This story didn't have much drama regardless of dating game because the end result was a party thrown by her sister and future sister-in-law where the key issue was whether or not she'd have a plus-one, but her sister was clearly loaded, so I don't understand why it actually mattered. And the
So it was a mixed bag of emotions from me, but it was definitely a quick read that didn't make me think too hard, and that absolutely is sometimes exactly what someone needs!
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Charming, Witty, and Heartfelt!
Charming, Witty, and Heartfelt!
"How to Get a Life in Ten Dates" by Jenny L. Howe is a delightful gem of a romance novel that completely captured my heart from the very first page. With a perfect blend of humor, emotional depth, and lovable characters, this book kept me hooked until the very end.
The story's premise is irresistibly fun—using ten dates as a roadmap to rediscover oneself and embrace life's possibilities. The protagonist is incredibly relatable, navigating the highs and lows of love and self-discovery with a voice that feels authentic and fresh. Each date was filled with humor, awkwardness, and genuine moments that made me laugh out loud and occasionally brought a tear to my eye.
Jenny L. Howe's writing is smart and engaging, with just the right amount of romance and introspection. The chemistry between the characters felt real and electric, and the growth they experienced throughout the story was inspiring.
If you're looking for a feel-good read with heartwarming moments and laugh-out-loud humor, this book is an absolute must! Perfect for fans of romantic comedies and anyone who believes in second chances and finding love when you least expect it. Highly recommend!
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This was a fun story with a cute premise and authentic character development. Loved both the female and male plus-sized rep; Jenny Howe does a wonderful job of just letting her fat characters exist without the caveat of “I know I’m hot even if no one else can see it” that frequently appears in plus-sized romances. The pacing was good with the ten dates and the writing was funny and refreshing. The ending felt a little rushed and there was more room to explore the mental health rep. Overall, this was a cute and easy read!
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily posting a review. All opinions are my own.
How to Get a Life in Ten Dates has a fun premise, and one I resonated with. Dating as a woman or femme person is already hard with all the incels and redpill dudes out there (see: “your body, my choice” that became their slogan post-2024 election), but dating comes with its own set of challenges when you’re a fat person. While I’ve removed myself from the dating pool long ago, I loved seeing a story of someone who had a similar body type to mine going through the pitfalls of the modern dating scene.
Haleigh is definitely a complex, not always likable character, and she deals with some inner negative thoughts, both toward herself and others. And it’s just great to see someone who doesn’t have her life completely “together,” whose life is sometimes even a complete mess.
Jack is pretty great, and I liked his tension with Haleigh due to an encounter in their past. However, he also simply tries to be supportive of what she wants throughout, particularly where her dating troubles are concerned. The romance that built up while she was meant to be searching for someone else was subtle, but sweet.
The mental health rep is also great, and I appreciate that Howe showed nuanced depictions of two friends (turned lovers) with anxiety disorders, on top of Jack having OCD.
The “dating” aspect is fun, although I had mixed feelings about its impact on pacing. While she was breezing through random people, with each possible connection ending badly, I found myself cringing, but as soon as she found someone vaguely promising, the story switched gears and became more engaging. This did turn the dynamic into a love triangle for a while, but I had no doubt that things would work out.
On a final note, while Howe’s books are all standalones, I like the references to her past works, particularly to On the Plus Side. I DNFed the ARC for that one early on in the SMP boycott, likely for similar pacing issues that plagued this book, although I had initially planned on simply withholding the review if I did finish it. I am now intrigued to go back and give it a second chance.
As for this particular book, it’s a bit of a slow-burn, but it’s ultimately worth it. I recommend it to readers who enjoy romances with compassionate mental health and fat rep.
Thank you to the publisher for providing me with an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
How to Get a Life in Ten Dates is a tough one for me. On the surface, it's a sweet little rom-com that is entertaining and fun. Haleigh and her friends and family are interesting and mostly well-created. But there's something… off here. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed the book but there are things about it that bothered me.
For me, the ending felt a little too rushed, which was disappointing because the build-up had been so satisfying and well-paced. But the ending… like I said, it felt rushed and because it was rushed and because I have the type of brain that overthinks things, the ending felt a little toxic. I can't go into why without giving up major spoilers, so I'll mostly leave it at that. But let's just say, things that really needed resolving don't feel fully resolved, just papered over which worries me (which, hey - testament to Jenny Howe's writing talent - she created this character that I'm worrying about even after the book is over!).
How to Get a Life in Ten Dates is a tough one for me. On the surface, it's a sweet little rom-com that is entertaining and fun. Haleigh and her friends and family are interesting and mostly well-created. But there's something… off here. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed the book but there are things about it that bothered me.
For me, the ending felt a little too rushed, which was disappointing because the build-up had been so satisfying and well-paced. But the ending… like I said, it felt rushed and because it was rushed and because I have the type of brain that overthinks things, the ending felt a little toxic. I can't go into why without giving up major spoilers, so I'll mostly leave it at that. But let's just say, things that really needed resolving don't feel fully resolved, just papered over which worries me (which, hey - testament to Jenny Howe's writing talent - she created this character that I'm worrying about even after the book is over!).