A review by onegalonelife27
While We Were Dating by Jasmine Guillory

emotional funny 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? Yes

4.25

 Earlier this year, I really enjoyed one of Jasmine Guillory’s works so I decided to listen another one of hers. I found a sweet, spicy tale of two people finding strength and love in one another. 

The main characters meet in an ad company’s pitch with instant chemistry and respect for one another.  Ana Gardiner, after a difficult year, is ready to get back to her old groove-and the Oscars and this ad campaign is the first step back there. Ben Stephen’s wants this campaign to go well so he can leading more projects rather than smiling at meetings. Just  when Ben’s star is rising with this new ad campaign, a sudden email sends him reeling. 

At first they try to keep things professional, if not a bit flirty. Yet one family emergency, spontaneous road trip and a pair of thrown panties later, they find themselves in a complicated partnership: full of humor, steaminess, tenderness, understandings and misunderstandings until the last chapter.

One topic I’m glad the book talked about is mental health. Ana struggles with anxiety and it’s a large part of the plot for her. Dealing with the struggles and the shame you feel when your mind panics, coming up with so many terrible scenarios or freezing up in stressful moments, it’s something I related to since I have anxiety myself. Yet Ana learns to be kinder with herself and her journey is wonderful. 

I am glad that Ben is self aware of his flaws, admitting that he runs away in one way or another. Also I can heavily relate to Ben not wanting to tell therapists the bad things in life, despite going to therapy for bad things in the first place. Ben’s own struggle with his trauma is also wonderful to see progress. It’s not always straightforward, but then again, so is dealing with mental health and that’s wonderful too.  

Overall, if you’re looking for a romance that isn’t afraid to talk about deep subjects yet still gives hope, laugh, and of course love, then this is an excellent one to try! 
Expand filter menu Content Warnings