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3.58 AVERAGE
3.58 AVERAGE
3.5 Stars for How to Get a Life in Ten Dates by Jenny Lowe
This is my second Jenny Howe book, and as a plus-size reviewer, I absolutely love seeing plus-size love stories represented with authenticity and heart. Jenny Lowe creates characters that feel real and relatable, and her commitment to inclusivity is truly refreshing.
In How to Get a Life in Ten Dates, we meet Haleigh, who has been best friends with Jack forever. She’s harbored feelings for him for a long time, and they almost crossed the line once—but they’ve kept their friendship strictly platonic thanks to a clear set of rules. As her sister’s engagement party approaches, Haleigh’s family and friends take it upon themselves to set her up on a series of dates. While she hopes to find someone to accompany her to the wedding and maybe even a loving relationship, Haleigh ultimately learns more about herself and her feelings for Jack, discovering that sometimes the rules of friendship can—and should—be broken when love is involved.
There’s a lot to love about this book! Haleigh’s personal growth is inspiring as she learns to open up, accept help from those who care about her, and figure out who she truly is. Her relationships with her roommate and her family are a joy to read; they’re supportive, open, and heartwarming. I also adored Brian’s character—he’s mature, self-assured, and a great influence on Haleigh’s journey of self-discovery.
While there were moments where I wished Jack had shown a bit more maturity and bravery, I think his hesitations and struggles added a realistic layer to the story. It’s tough being in your mid-20s and figuring out who you are and what you want, and both Haleigh and Jack’s journeys reflect the uncertainty and growth that come with that stage of life.
One thing I would have loved to see is Haleigh taking a bit more from each date, learning and growing through each experience. But the dates were still fun to read, and they added to the charm of her journey.
All in all, this was a sweet and charming story about love, friendship, and self-discovery. Jenny Lowe’s writing is heartfelt, and I thoroughly enjoyed the story’s themes of personal growth and inclusivity. I’m excited to see what Jenny writes next, and I’ll definitely keep following her work!
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This is my second Jenny Howe book, and as a plus-size reviewer, I absolutely love seeing plus-size love stories represented with authenticity and heart. Jenny Lowe creates characters that feel real and relatable, and her commitment to inclusivity is truly refreshing.
In How to Get a Life in Ten Dates, we meet Haleigh, who has been best friends with Jack forever. She’s harbored feelings for him for a long time, and they almost crossed the line once—but they’ve kept their friendship strictly platonic thanks to a clear set of rules. As her sister’s engagement party approaches, Haleigh’s family and friends take it upon themselves to set her up on a series of dates. While she hopes to find someone to accompany her to the wedding and maybe even a loving relationship, Haleigh ultimately learns more about herself and her feelings for Jack, discovering that sometimes the rules of friendship can—and should—be broken when love is involved.
There’s a lot to love about this book! Haleigh’s personal growth is inspiring as she learns to open up, accept help from those who care about her, and figure out who she truly is. Her relationships with her roommate and her family are a joy to read; they’re supportive, open, and heartwarming. I also adored Brian’s character—he’s mature, self-assured, and a great influence on Haleigh’s journey of self-discovery.
While there were moments where I wished Jack had shown a bit more maturity and bravery, I think his hesitations and struggles added a realistic layer to the story. It’s tough being in your mid-20s and figuring out who you are and what you want, and both Haleigh and Jack’s journeys reflect the uncertainty and growth that come with that stage of life.
One thing I would have loved to see is Haleigh taking a bit more from each date, learning and growing through each experience. But the dates were still fun to read, and they added to the charm of her journey.
All in all, this was a sweet and charming story about love, friendship, and self-discovery. Jenny Lowe’s writing is heartfelt, and I thoroughly enjoyed the story’s themes of personal growth and inclusivity. I’m excited to see what Jenny writes next, and I’ll definitely keep following her work!
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
4.25⭐️s. Yup, this was a solid one. The last few chapters made me want to look at my husband and ask why he hasn’t bought me a bunch of bookshelves as a romantic gesture. 😂 Cause let’s face it, what girl doesn’t want a personal library as a gift. Truly was rooting for both Brian and Jack until then too.
Haleigh is a curvy 25 year old just trying to play the game called dating. She’s even got her best friend, Jack, helping find dates for her. Too bad he can’t choose them either. Or better yet, too bad their list prevents them from exploring more than just friendship. You got it. Haleigh has been in love with Jack for a while. That’s why she needs to move on. Enter Brian. After so many bad dates, Haleigh finally has a contender. But will Jack get jealous when Haleigh comes to him with raving reviews on the Brian guy. Find out December 10th!! You won’t want to miss this one.
Thank you to @netgalley @jennylhowe and @stmartinspress for the advanced reader copy. #howtogetalifeintendates #netgalley #jennylhowe #arc #advancedreaderscopy #romance
Haleigh is a curvy 25 year old just trying to play the game called dating. She’s even got her best friend, Jack, helping find dates for her. Too bad he can’t choose them either. Or better yet, too bad their list prevents them from exploring more than just friendship. You got it. Haleigh has been in love with Jack for a while. That’s why she needs to move on. Enter Brian. After so many bad dates, Haleigh finally has a contender. But will Jack get jealous when Haleigh comes to him with raving reviews on the Brian guy. Find out December 10th!! You won’t want to miss this one.
Thank you to @netgalley @jennylhowe and @stmartinspress for the advanced reader copy. #howtogetalifeintendates #netgalley #jennylhowe #arc #advancedreaderscopy #romance
emotional
funny
lighthearted
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:
Yes
Bi Romance For The Younger Millennial / Zoomer Set. If you have an ounce of work ethic in your pinky finger, you've got more than our female lead and narrator of this tale. Which means you're likely going to find her quite annoying, at the very least. If you're not a fan of bisexual women or the term "cishet" (to be clear, the second thing there is only used a time or two that I noticed), maybe skip this book. If you need the spice of a Carolina Reaper or at least a Scotch Bonnet... eh, you're not going to like this one much either. If you're not a fan of romance novels that could have been a five minute mature conversation a decade ago... you're probably not going to like this book. If you're not a fan of trigger warnings at the front of books... well, this one has a couple of pages of them.
With all of *that* dispensed with, welcome. If you're still here and still interested in this book, know that for what it is, it is reasonably solid. Maybe a touch squishy in some areas and maybe rolling a bit after the rest of it has stopped moving a time or two, but good enough to be enjoyable for those that can suspend their disbelief for a few hours and just go with the story as presented.
And the story as presented *is* a fat bi chick version of a fairly standard plot device in romance books - multiple dates with different people set up by some friend/ family group, except the best friend winds up inserting himself into them and... well, like I said, its been done more than enough for you to know exactly how this goes. While there is more spice than the "clean" / "sweet" crowd will likely prefer, there also isn't really enough to "give them the vapors" either, so on that point it is somewhere in between. The romance itself, as a form of second chance / these kids should have had a mature conversation a decade ago and could have been together this entire time, still works for what it is.
Really the areas that this book - and all of Howe's books - break a bit of ground is their acceptance of "larger bodies", but Howe openly notes in that same trigger warning at the front of the book that in order to make this particular story work, she had to trim down the more typical nearly screaming from the rooftops level of "fat pride" / "fat acceptance"/ however you want to phrase that... and yes, to an extent, it shows in the way the story is told and ultimately in how the story flows.
And yet, with all of this noted, there really were no technical errors noted here, and thus this book could work well for someone looking for something atypical during the Holiday season that isn't a "holiday book".
Very much recommended.
With all of *that* dispensed with, welcome. If you're still here and still interested in this book, know that for what it is, it is reasonably solid. Maybe a touch squishy in some areas and maybe rolling a bit after the rest of it has stopped moving a time or two, but good enough to be enjoyable for those that can suspend their disbelief for a few hours and just go with the story as presented.
And the story as presented *is* a fat bi chick version of a fairly standard plot device in romance books - multiple dates with different people set up by some friend/ family group, except the best friend winds up inserting himself into them and... well, like I said, its been done more than enough for you to know exactly how this goes. While there is more spice than the "clean" / "sweet" crowd will likely prefer, there also isn't really enough to "give them the vapors" either, so on that point it is somewhere in between. The romance itself, as a form of second chance / these kids should have had a mature conversation a decade ago and could have been together this entire time, still works for what it is.
Really the areas that this book - and all of Howe's books - break a bit of ground is their acceptance of "larger bodies", but Howe openly notes in that same trigger warning at the front of the book that in order to make this particular story work, she had to trim down the more typical nearly screaming from the rooftops level of "fat pride" / "fat acceptance"/ however you want to phrase that... and yes, to an extent, it shows in the way the story is told and ultimately in how the story flows.
And yet, with all of this noted, there really were no technical errors noted here, and thus this book could work well for someone looking for something atypical during the Holiday season that isn't a "holiday book".
Very much recommended.
This was a cute, predictable romcom and I'm not complaining about that! You knew what was going to happen early on, but the story to get there was still cute. The characters were perfectly imperfect and some of the dates made me LOL.
Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the eARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the eARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
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:
Complicated
How to Get a Life in Ten Dates begins with Haleigh, a plus size girlie who is tired of dating (refreshingly not because she's plus size but because her dates suck!) so she gets her friends and fam to set her up with two people each. These dates are absolutely ridiculous like you can never predict what is gonna happen because they are so harebrained and so funny that it really balances out the main story line of Haleigh being tired of dating AND trying to figure out what to do about her job AND the fact that she's still in love with her best friend, Jack...👀
There's so much that happens in this story: there's happiness, sadness, grief, feeling lost, but also confidence, love, and growth. I really love a good balanced book that can have personal growth but also is a rom-com at heart.
As well, I was a little nervous with all of these dates that there would be some fat-phobic issues (like there are in a lot of plus size books) BUT that was not the case! The only fat-phobic issue was Haleigh bringing up the fact that restaurants sometimes don't account for plus size people when designing the table set-up (which is TRUE)! And I love that Haleigh being fat wasn't a reason for her not being loved or her being insecure! We love to see it!🫶
Thanks so much to St. Martin's Press for an early copy of this book! I was so excited to read it after reading The Make-Up Test and cannot wait to read more by Jenny L. Howe!
There's so much that happens in this story: there's happiness, sadness, grief, feeling lost, but also confidence, love, and growth. I really love a good balanced book that can have personal growth but also is a rom-com at heart.
As well, I was a little nervous with all of these dates that there would be some fat-phobic issues (like there are in a lot of plus size books) BUT that was not the case! The only fat-phobic issue was Haleigh bringing up the fact that restaurants sometimes don't account for plus size people when designing the table set-up (which is TRUE)! And I love that Haleigh being fat wasn't a reason for her not being loved or her being insecure! We love to see it!🫶
Thanks so much to St. Martin's Press for an early copy of this book! I was so excited to read it after reading The Make-Up Test and cannot wait to read more by Jenny L. Howe!
hopeful
reflective
This is a fun, entertaining read. Jack and Haleigh are intriguing, strong, complex, complicated, interesting, entertaining characters. I enjoyed their romance and the path it took to get to their HEA. Howe tackles some touch topics in this story in a compassionate way, which adds another layer to the story and characters. The secondary characters added to the fabric of the story and my enjoyment. They at times added a lighter element to the story that is needed and appreciated. The story is easy to read and get into.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
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:
No
Please note that I received this book via NetGalley. This did not affect my rating or review.
This was a really great romance. I honestly didn't know who to root for in the end here because both love interests were wonderful, but we have Haleigh realistically torn between a past and a potential new future.
"How to Get a Life in Ten Dates" follows freelancer/dog walker, Haleigh. Haleigh is 25 and feels at odds with where her family wants her to be (happily engaged/dating/married) and where she is (single, fat [I love that she owns that word). Haleigh though realizes she has to do something to get her mother, grandfather, and sister off her back. So she and her best friend, Jack come up with an idea that they all can (along with Haleigh's roommate) can select up to two people each to set up Haleigh before her sister's nuptials.
Honestly, I laughed hysterically several times while reading this. I have been on some bad dates, and some of these had me going, oh geez and well at least mine wasn't that bad. But also Howe does a great job of showing Haleigh fighting with anxiety and how to move on to something new that she wants. I thought all the characters were developed very well and Haleigh has great chemistry with at least two guys. We also get some red hot love scenes that I much appreciated. Also, Haleigh is bisexual and it was nice to just read without anyone making a big thing about it.
The flow was really great and the tension was nice throughout. The ending gives you a HEA which was great.
This was a really great romance. I honestly didn't know who to root for in the end here because both love interests were wonderful, but we have Haleigh realistically torn between a past and a potential new future.
"How to Get a Life in Ten Dates" follows freelancer/dog walker, Haleigh. Haleigh is 25 and feels at odds with where her family wants her to be (happily engaged/dating/married) and where she is (single, fat [I love that she owns that word). Haleigh though realizes she has to do something to get her mother, grandfather, and sister off her back. So she and her best friend, Jack come up with an idea that they all can (along with Haleigh's roommate) can select up to two people each to set up Haleigh before her sister's nuptials.
Honestly, I laughed hysterically several times while reading this. I have been on some bad dates, and some of these had me going, oh geez and well at least mine wasn't that bad. But also Howe does a great job of showing Haleigh fighting with anxiety and how to move on to something new that she wants. I thought all the characters were developed very well and Haleigh has great chemistry with at least two guys. We also get some red hot love scenes that I much appreciated. Also, Haleigh is bisexual and it was nice to just read without anyone making a big thing about it.
The flow was really great and the tension was nice throughout. The ending gives you a HEA which was great.
I really enjoyed this book. I love a good friends-to-lovers and this one delivered it in a sweet, romantic and rather hot package! Also, I loved that not all of Haleigh's dates were terrible, and that some were just not good fits - not all dates are bad! Also, I loved Brian. Does Brian get a book? Please? He was such a sweetheart and I loved their banter. Of course I wanted Jack to "win", but I have to say, Brian's appearance made me a little torn!
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes