A review by aubreysmith9412
Eight Dates by E.M. Lindsey

emotional funny lighthearted 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? No

4.0

I am a grinch. I do not enjoy this season. I don't enjoy participating. I just don't enjoy this time of year at all. That being said, I am actively trying not to be such a grump about it. And this is how I do it. Reading swoony, steamy, holiday-themed queer romance. 

Eight Dates is exactly what it says on the book jacket. It was honestly very cute, and I enjoyed getting to know Ben very much. Watching him slowly fall for Nova was the icing on the cake. 

This book was very fast-paced, and and it felt very quick, and very easy to read. I found Ben very charming, and openly and honestly communicative. Which is something I hugely appreciate in a romance. While his family dynamic was very awkward and uncomfortable, I can appreciate that he never sugar-coated anything he said, and he laid his heart out on the line. 

I will say, there was a solid equal amount of humour and terror in Ben's dates. (From my understanding, dating in real life often ends up the very same way.) On one hand, I was curious to see how they would go. But on the other, I was horrified by how they turned out. 

In the end, I enjoyed Ben's journey over the eight dates. Do I think he should have told his brother to shove it and fuck off? Absolutely. But in the end, Ben got his happily ever after.