First Date Stories by Jodi Klein
Release Date September 14, 2021


This was certainly a very captivating and endearing group of stories about dating and how age really plays a role in how we spend time with others. At times this is witty and others it is hard to grasp just how it seems that finding the right partner can be unattainable and then just around the corner is true love. Each of the stories in this book show what it is truly like for those who are searching for their special someone. The stories flowed with ease and had me entertained and engrossed the whole time. This was such a great read.


5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley as well as the author and publisher for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my unbiased and honest review.

This is the perfect book if you think you're having a rough time dating. I laughed out loud and shared so many of these stories with my friends. They were great topics of conversation and reflection. They also strangely made me want to go on more dates but at the same time to never go on another date again.

Thank you for the laughs!

I found this to be an enjoyable read, keeping me on my toes throughout. The storyline was written well and flowed seamlessly. I look forward to reading more by this author!

Ellen meets Jim at a posh restaurant, hoping for an evening of fine wine and better conversation. Maria sets out on a walk with a man she's been looking forward to meeting. In First Date Stories, these women, and others, enter into initial liaisons with well-honed expectations—and come out on the other side with extraordinary tales to tell.

Chances are, every woman in her mid-thirties and over who is seeking a loving companion has a first date tale of triumph or disaster. Each of the candid and memorable stories Jodi Klein shares here imparts a bit of wisdom—with the help of takeaway tips and inspirational quotes—to guide readers through what can be a baffling, intimidating, and sometimes lonely journey.

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. Thank you NetGalley!

Let's start with the cover. It's a little more on the plain side, honestly. I can't say it caught my eye, but the title and description did.

The book is well-written and easy to follow. Once I got into it, I could not put the book down. As a single woman trying to navigate the dating scene, this was brilliant and right on!

I'd definitely recommend this to my friends.

I loved this book! I related to most of the stories throughout this book and I was glad to realize I’m not the only one that endured these struggles.

This is a nice and simple book which tells a variety of first date stories, both the good and the bad!

It’s aimed at women in their 30’s and 40’s and so this should of been very relatable for me but unfortunately it was just a bit too earnest and dare I say it, American! For me it came across as quite patronising and lacking in humour, which I’d say is very much needed when trying to navigate the dating world!

The date stories shared in this book are so interesting! I loved that the author gives pointers and tips for women going on first dates. And I love that the dates all originated differently.
Some are online dating, some set up on blind dates, and some from meeting at a work event or somewhere else. There’s a little for everyone all packed into a great book! It’s definitely a necessity for those who are looking to start dating again or those who have been unlucky on the dating scene.

This book is like a series of fun short stories, except they're real. It's fun, sweet, and overall provides insight into dating later in life, As someone in a long term relationship, I really enjoyed it! Thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Amazing, funny and romantic! I loved this book! The funny stories really got me laughing and were painstakingly relatable. The first dates that led to marriage were romantic. I especially loved how the women were older; there aren’t enough love stories for older women! As a young person reading these stories, I feel relieved that I’m not in any rush to find a life partner.

This is an entertaining enough read - a mixture of real-life stories of first dates, some that didn't go well and are very cringeworthy as a result and others that went much better - combined with dating advice. I skim-read the dating advice - mainly because I'm not single so not the target audience - but it seemed rather obvious and I thought the tone was a little patronising. I did read a few dating self-help books when I was single and they were far better than this. However, some of the real life stories were entertaining and for that reason I'm giving it three stars.

There is nothing worse when it comes to love in my opinion than the first date. I've been on the dating scene myself for some time and I dread the thought of meeting someone for the first time. The older we get the more baggage we seem to collect. Even though I hate to admit it past dating experience does colour how I view the next potential love interest.

There are so many ways to meet people these days, whether through dating apps, blind dates, or even the "old fashioned way" meeting someone on a night out. The mind boggles just thinking of it.

This book is a humourous practical guide to dating. It features stories from different women who are all mature meeting a new man. Some of the relationships turn into happily ever after, some are disasters but all are a learning experience.

At the end of each story the author with the help of some specialist advisors gives feedback on where things went well, potential pitfalls and how we should be open to all opportunities.

This book made me look at how I approach dating and gave me confidence in trusting my gut. I tend to give 'Mr No's' more time than I should when instead I should be moving on.

This book is encouraging to all single women of a certain age who refuse to settle and are holding out for the right person. The tips are great for anyone searching for a romantic relationship regardless of age or relationship type.

I received an arc of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This book is a collection of first date stories, some good, some bad, all from the perspective of a "seasoned" women (the author's word, not mine!). Eleven women share their stories, and after each one a dating coach offers some advice based on the story.

I had a hard time rating this one. I am a "seasoned" single woman who has been on my fair share of first dates, so you would think this would be right in my wheelhouse. Unfortunately, it just wasn't a good fit for me. The dating advice was good, but not new information ("trust your gut", "go on a second date of you're not sure", etc). I certainly feel for all of the women and yet... I didn't necessarily find a specific value in reading their stories. (He was a no show? He was rude to the waitress? He made you pay for your own drink? Ok, I get why you were turned off, but... ) I guess I just didn't think this was "book worthy". This one was a miss for me.

My thanks to the author, publisher, and #NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book. #FirstDateStories

First Dates is an enjoyable and fun read. It’s a series of short stories recounting memorable first dates. Each one has a message and advice at the end,
This is an entertaining read for all, not just singles.

This was such a fun read! I wound up devouring it in one afternoon because I couldn't put it down. Just reading the stories of other women's first dates would have been interesting, but the addition of analysis and armchair quarterbacking made this extra enjoyable. I liked trying to predict, while reading the stories, whether the relationship would go anywhere, or what I would have done in the narrator's shoes. I can't believe what some of these women put up with!

Definitely check this out for an amusing, fascinating read, and some solid advice about how to navigate the world of dating!

Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review!

Really enjoyed reading this book going on first dates with each story.Real life dates some good some bad and each with advice at the end,So much fun to peak into people’s first dates the interactions.#netgalley#shewritepress

Thank you for this early copy of First Date Stories.
I thoroughly enjoyed the selection of first date stories both the successful and non-successful meet-up’s. Many were very relatable for any dater of recent times.
After each story the prompts are all very pertinent and indeed provide a little reminder on the best do’s and don’ts of the dating game.
Although based upon American experiences the lessons touched upon throughout will resonate across the globe.

First, I want to thank Jodi Klein, She Writes Press and NetGalley for providing me with this book so I may bring you this review.

If you are anything like me and watch Hallmark Movies you know I am a sucker for learning all about how two people met and what led to their love story. Then there are first dates that oh no what did I get myself into! Jodi Klein takes a look at both ends of the spectrum in First Date Stories Woman’s Romantic and Ridiculous Midlife Adventures.

Jodi would like to dedicate this book to her “Mr. Yes,” Michael Darnaud, you have her heart and her unending love. She wakes up daily feeling blessed to have you by her side. She loves the life you two created together, and she feels like the luckiest woman on the planet Earth. You were absolutely worth the wait!

In First Date Stories you will find a collection of women's real life dating adventures (oh boy do they go on some doozies let me tell you). Jodi has chronicled these stories so women can read them and learn from them. Oh and learn what not to do!

I have had my fair share of failed first dates. I call them one date wonders-as you wonder what happened to them! So in this book I could emphasize with the females in this book big time! Some of these men and the situations had me shaking my head and thinking what were they thinking! For example there was a guy who took his date out to dinner at the local grocery store deli to sample the products on display! Um, who does that sort of thing?! As I would say NEXT!!

There were some dates that didn’t go quite as planned however they seemed to make it work in the long run.

One thing I loved that Jodi did in this book is she went above and beyond. She not only shared the dating stories but she gave us an update on the couple. Plus, she gave dating takeaway tips that were very educational and gave the readers a lot to think about. I appreciated this section as it was a bit of an eye opener in a way.

Between each story Jodi shares an insightful quote that a public figure has written.

Jodi is amazing at giving dating advice. Some of the advice was given I totally agreed with. For example, why have outdated pictures if you plan on meeting the person? They will just see you in person and know you lied! That is not cool and to me a very big turn off.

We get to learn a little bit about Jodi’s back story that leads her to meet her “Mr. Yes”.

I really enjoyed reading these first date stories. I liked that they all varied with some relationships working out and others never quite taking off. The author does a great job of offering open minded feedback about certain scenarios and it was interesting to see her perspective as well as the woman on the date and how sometimes it differed. Overall, it was a quick, entertaining read that encouraged women to remain open to love. I’d recommend it to anyone who likes dating stories or wants advice on how to find your someone. It was a good read.

Such a easy read. Being single and in the dating game. I can relate.
I loved reading all the stories and the advice given at the end of each one.
Makes you realize again not everyone Is for you but you have to keep putting yourself out there.
I could have happily read more stories sad that this ended as soon as I started it

Thanks to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for an early release of this book.