DNF
I got about 35% into this one before admitting defeat. Which is incredibly frustrating as 1. I don't enjoy having to DNF a book and 2. Catherine McKenzie (who is Katie Wicks) has long been a favourite author of mine.
The main thing that set me off and convinced me I had to put this book down was the constant reference to food - it led to a really toxic feeling and relationship with eating. I was about 20% in and there were already at least four mentions of Chloe eating "far more" than she "should" and having to work off all the food with a run or not being able to fit into her pants. In 2024. COME ON. That's not OK. It doesn't matter if that's how some women still feel, it's definitely not something we should be putting out into romance books.
There was also this odd feeling I had that romance books were being judged. Chloe worked for a book box (which also really made me roll my eyes...is that the new job for rom com heroines? No more PR or journalism jobs but working in some book related field instead?) and was the romance book selector and it just seemed like she didn't get the genre. I admit there are flaws with what's published and how it's marketed but it all just felt...wrong.
I know not every book can be a winner but having this one be a DNF really bothered me. Onto the next...

At the beginning of this story, I was hooked and genuinely thought that this was going to be a favorite book of the year. But then it took a drastic turn and I could no longer keep interested in this story. There was so much potential in this book but I don't feel like it was done near as well as it could have been done. There were some toxic issues throughout this book that I just couldn't overlook. I also need to do a better job of checking the publisher of books. I've yet to find a Wattpad book that I've enjoyed.

Finished reading - Chloe Baker’s lost date by Kate Wicks.

Chloe is on a first date with Jack who is 30 mins late to their date. She can feel everyone in the restaurant judging her and then suddenly he enters the restaurant and is much better looking than his pic. They talk to each other and spend a whole day together only to get a text from the “real Jack” apologizing that he couldn’t make it for their first date. But now Chloe can’t stop thinking about the “fake Jack” and wants to find him, but doesn’t have his name or number because she thought he was the “real Jack”.

The story started with such a promising plot and had so much potential but halfway into it, it fell flat.
All the characters, I felt lacked, luster.
“Fake Jack” was a big red flag for me as a potential boyfriend.
Chloe and “fake Jack” seemed more like friends than lovers.
I loved the beginning and really wanted to like this but it was a no go for me.

Pub Dt - May 6th, 2024

This was a cute rom com novel. Chloe just moved to New York and she's set up on a blind date by her friend. When she gets there, he's late and right when she was gonna leave, he shows up. They end up having a good date and run into each other at the Met on another day and decide to spend the day together. Then He has to leave and disappears. It was a really good read, I really enjoyed it.

I found the plot of this book fun and unique!
Chloe goes to meet blind date, Jack, who seemingly (finally!) Shows up quite late!
They enjoy a fun, easy Faye with obvious chemistry. Adorable together!
She texts Jack for a follow up and finds out she hadn't been with Jack at all but some Stanger. She has no way of knowing who he was or how to find him, but their connection was strong...she wants to see him again.
What follows is a fun trip of her trying to find him in some eccentric ways! And some very twisty storyline involving her, the real Jack and this mystery man!
A fun read that keeps you hooked!

This was an enjoyable rom com with lots of witty banter.

At points the miscommunication and difficulty in finding each other was a bit tiresome but the story was well written so that you still wanted to read on.

I loved reading about New York and all the adventures they went on. kit was also a great addition to the story, I always enjoy reading about a good friendship.

I also enjoyed the ending and thought it tied everything up very well. Overall this was an entertaining and enjoyable read that I’d recommend.

Chloe Baker, having recently relocated to the city that never sleeps, finds herself thriving professionally but struggling romantically. When she agrees to a blind date, her expectations are cautiously optimistic. However, when her date, Jack, arrives late, Chloe's initial disappointment turns into a day of unexpected delight.

Jack and Chloe's spontaneous adventure around the city includes an enchanting visit to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, a leisurely stroll through Central Park, and culminates in an unforgettable kiss. Chloe is left in a state of bliss, eager to see Jack again. But when her text message goes unanswered and Jack becomes inexplicably untraceable, Chloe is left puzzled and determined to uncover the mystery behind his sudden disappearance. As she embarks on a quest to find Jack, Chloe must confront the realities of love and decide whether it is worth risking everything for a chance at true happiness.

Review:
"Chloe Baker's Lost Date" is a light-hearted and engaging rom-com that captures the whimsical nature of new love and the thrill of serendipitous encounters. Katie Wicks has a talent for creating relatable characters and settings that readers can easily immerse themselves in. Chloe Baker, as the protagonist, is endearing and relatable, embodying the hopes and insecurities many face in their search for love.

The plot is driven by a blend of humor, romance, and the quintessential charm of New York City. Wicks skillfully portrays the city's vibrant atmosphere, making it almost a character in its own right. The magical first date between Chloe and Jack is written with a sense of wonder and authenticity, drawing readers into the excitement of newfound connection.

However, the story's middle section, where Chloe's search for Jack begins, can feel somewhat protracted. The narrative's tension occasionally dips as Chloe's determination to find Jack leads to a series of near-miss encounters and red herrings. Some readers might find this prolonged uncertainty frustrating, while others may appreciate the suspense and build-up.

The resolution of the mystery surrounding Jack is satisfying and ties up the story's loose ends, though it may feel somewhat predictable to seasoned rom-com enthusiasts. Nonetheless, the book's heartwarming conclusion and Chloe's growth as a character make it a rewarding read.

Tropes/Themes:
-Blind Date Gone Right
-Missed Connections
-City as a Character
-Romantic Comedy
-Personal Growth

"Chloe Baker's Lost Date" is an enjoyable read for fans of romantic comedies who appreciate a mix of humor, heartfelt moments, and the allure of a love story set in a bustling metropolis. Katie Wicks has crafted a tale that reminds readers of the joy and unpredictability of love, making it a delightful addition to any rom-com lover's bookshelf.

The synopsis for this book is what made me want to read it. It sounded silly and it definitely delivered on that. The book includes just about every rom-com trope imaginable, including, unfortunately, the third act break-up which really didn’t need to happen. The story had potential, but the author was just trying to include too much. The Facebook stalking and showing up at his work place was simply ridiculous, as was having the characters randomly meeting each other throughout the city while going about their daily routines - it’s a huge city with millions of people, so this is just unlikely. In this day and age, how do you not exchange phone numbers and when you do, do it incorrectly? And do you leave your young nephew alone with a stranger whose number you don’t have?
I can’t say that I’d recommend this novel, it didn’t deliver on its potential.
Thanks to NetGalley and Wattpad Webtoon for an e-arc of the book. The opinions expressed are honest and my own.

I just finished Chloe Baker's Lost Date by Katie Wicks and here are my musings.


When Chloe Baker moved to NYC she knew her life was truly just starting. After a year, she has a great job that she loves but her love life… Non-existent.

When her best friend sets her up on a blind date with someone from her work, she agrees and the date is set for breakfast. 10 minutes pass and Jack hasn’t shown up. Then 20 and 30. Chloe is ready to leave but then in he walks.

The date couldn’t have gone better and after they leave each other and then both end up at the Met…. They have the most magical time together. The perfect day ending in one beautiful kiss.

Chloe cannot believe her luck and while riding the high she texts Jack… The message she got back is not what she was expecting. Jack hadn’t made it to their date, he was stuck at work. Who did Chloe spend the day with? Why did he pretend to be Jack? Why is he now so hard to find? Chloe isn’t ready to give up. All she has to go on are the things he said during their date and Chloe is just about ready to blow up NYC to find him.

I was drawn right into this book. Right from the get-go it was funny and cute with just the right amount of witty banter. I really love the vibe between Chloe and Kit, her best friend. Their quirkiness hit my right in sisterhood. I could fit right in with them.

The lengths Chloe went to to find fake Jack had me laughing and cringing in equal measure. I wonder how far I would go if it had been me. I thought the explanation as to why Ben pretended to be Jack made a ton of sense but the miscommunication between them at different points had me really frustrated. Ben really allowed what was going on in his life to almost ruin what was obviously right there with Chloe and I hate stupid men. His ex… UGH I hate those types of women.

I felt the author did an excellent job of portraying reality with the situations and conversations had between characters. Chloe's workplace felt a tad toxic to me but she seemed to not notice haha.

Overall I thought this book was actually pretty dang good and I was thoroughly entertained. Solid writing, well paced and cute! What’s not to like!

4 stars - Really sweet romance

Thank you to @wattpadbooks and @netgalley for my gifted copy.

3.5 rounded up to 4/5

"Chloe Baker's Lost Date" by Katie Wicks promises a whirlwind romance in the heart of New York City but falls short of delivering a truly satisfying love story.

Chloe Baker finds herself swept off her feet after a chance encounter with Jack, her blind date. Their day together is described as magical, filled with romantic outings and an unforgettable kiss. However, as quickly as their romance ignites, it fizzles out when Jack disappears without a trace.

While the premise sets up expectations for an engaging mystery and a heartwarming love story, the execution leaves much to be desired. The narrative relies heavily on insta-love, with little development or depth given to Chloe and Jack's connection. This lack of emotional investment makes it challenging for readers to become fully invested in their romance.

Additionally, the portrayal of Chloe's character is marred by toxic diet culture comments scattered throughout the book, which feel out of place and detract from the overall reading experience. It's disappointing to see these harmful tropes included in a story that is otherwise unrelated to weight or body image.

Despite these shortcomings, "Chloe Baker's Lost Date" is a quick read that may appeal to fans of light-hearted romance. Chloe's profession working for a book box company adds a charming element to the story, and the backdrop of New York City provides a vibrant setting for the unfolding events.

However, the rushed pace of the romance and the lack of depth in character development ultimately detract from the overall enjoyment of the book. While the premise shows promise, the execution falls short of delivering a truly compelling and satisfying love story.

This was such a great storyline that was unique.

The use of wit and banter was perfect, but there was some frustration on how the characters struggled to fine each other at the same time. When they were found, it was not the most non-toxic situation.

Instead of my usual slow burn of the “big boom,” it was the slow burn of what the characters would choose at any given time.

The premise to this one sounded very good and I honestly believe this book had great potential, however, it fell extremely flat for me. I felt there was no chemistry between our male and female leads. They didn’t click for me.

I was expecting to fall into a fun rom-com filled with some fun antics by the female lead while she searched for her “lost date”. Instead I found myself with a female lead who lacked empathy, was very self-centered, and highly unlikable. It made it impossible for me to enjoy the love story.

Chloe is very pushy to go into a relationship with Ben when he has already told her he isn’t emotionally available. She is very insensitive to the fact that Ben is going through a very difficult time in his life. His mother is dying and all Chloe cares about is pushing for them to have a relationship even though Ben has already told her he cannot.

After Ben finally caves into a relationship with her, Chloe quickly changes her mind, stating the relationship is TOO MUCH for her (too much for Chloe is the fact that she’s constantly comparing herself to Ben’s ex and she isn’t able to spend every single second with him because he is at the hospital with his dying mother). And when Ben tells her they can work through everything together she has the AUDACITY to tell Ben to “respect her decision”… yes miss Chloe, just like you respected his decision before?

Chloe makes a few bad decisions throughout the story and then she blames them on Ben. Her excuses for this are extremely unsubstantial.

I tried very hard to find a redeeming quality in Chloe, but there was none. Her lack of empathy towards what Ben was going through with his mother was a huge red flag for me.

Sadly this one was not for me.

*Thank you Wattpad Webtoon Book Group and NetGalley for providing me with an eARC for review. All thoughts are my own.*

Chloe Baker's Lost Date is an entertaining, fun story but I have to be honest, I was a little frustrated with the relationship that Chloe had with 'Jack'. Why couldn't they be on the same page at the same time? So much back and forth. But I guess that's what makes for a compelling story and it definitely made me keep turning the pages. But seriously, get it together guys!

Putting aside my tiny bit of frustration, I thoroughly enjoyed this story and the characters. Some of the predicaments they found themselves in were so much fun to be a part of. And watching the relationship come together and blossom was totally satisfying.

I've read both of Katie Wick's novels and love them both. Chloe Baker's Lost Love was the perfect escape read that I needed right now. I highly recommend it for a fun, summer read.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

I had such high hopes for this one! The concept sounded so unique and interesting and I thought I was going to enjoy it!

Unfortunately I didn’t vibe too well with this one. As others have said in their reviews, I found it odd to go chasing after someone that much after only a few hours of knowing them. I’m not a fan of the whole “insta love” thing and it felt like a modification of that when she was looking for him so desperately. Also not a fan of a woman counting calories and being obsessed with body image as that can be quite triggering for me.

Writing was fine and it was a good idea but the execution wasn’t there for me.

4.5/5
I found this novel to be delightful and heartfelt. I get why Chloe had a freak out a bit because she didn’t feel that she was making choices she normally would have and the x in this equation was Ben. It was easier for her to blame him than look at herself.

I loved the friendship between Kit and Chloe and how they both pushed each other but more so Kit to Chloe. I liked the message that it’s never too late to fix your relationships as well.

The story sounds promising and cute with Chloe and Jack having a great first date. But after 'ghosted' happens and she desperately searching for Jack just doesn't seem right to me. Chloe also such a hard character to like. Her calorie thing is so hard for me to keep on reading.

I also could not see her and 'Jack' chemistry. Like I don't really understand why you go so far for someone who you only know for few hours? Weird. They seemed more like friends than lovers to me.

Overall, it was decent read but it did have potential. It just not well developed in its depth.

Thank you netgalley for the review copy provided.

Classic and romantic. An enjoyable quick read and the characters were pretty easy to fall in love with. I usually have something to say about story pacing with meet cutes and contemporary romances, but for this one the pacing is pretty good.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!

This book had a lot of potential and the summary intrigued me but unfortunately I just didn't overall enjoy this one. And one of my pet peeves is reading about a FMC counting calories or having body image issues to the point where is over takes the story in my eyes.

Thank you to NetGalley and Wattpad Webtoon Book Groups for an eARC of this book. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I thought the premises of this one sounded great and I was really looking forward to starting it. I found the book to start off pretty strong with Chloe and Jack having a great first date. When Chloe reaches out to thank Jack for the date, she realizes she has “lost” her date when she doesn’t get the reply she was expecting.
From there, the book kind of lost its original appeal when Chloe becomes super desperate to find Jack. I found her to be selfish and immature in how certain things were handled. I felt like the concept was great, the MCs had potential but just found myself unable to feel invested in Chloe and Jacks story.


✵𝖬𝖺𝗇𝗒 𝗍𝗁𝖺𝗇𝗄𝗌 𝗍𝗈 𝖶𝖺𝗍𝗍𝗉𝖺𝖽 𝖶𝖤𝖡𝖳𝖮𝖮𝖭 𝖡𝗈𝗈𝗄 𝖦𝗋𝗈𝗎𝗉 ＆ 𝖭𝖾𝗍𝖦𝖺𝗅𝗅𝖾𝗒 𝖿𝗈𝗋 𝗀𝗂𝖿𝗍𝗂𝗇𝗀 𝗆𝖾 𝗍𝗁𝗂𝗌 𝖠𝖽𝗏𝖺𝗇𝖼𝖾𝖽 𝖱𝖾𝖺𝖽𝖾𝗋’𝗌 𝖢𝗈𝗉𝗒 𝗂𝗇 𝖾𝗑𝖼𝗁𝖺𝗇𝗀𝖾 𝖿𝗈𝗋 𝗆𝗒 𝗁𝗈𝗇𝖾𝗌𝗍 𝗋𝖾𝗏𝗂𝖾𝗐.✵

Thankyou to NetGalley for an ARC copy in exchange for this honest review.

Te be quite honest I was a bit afraid to start reading this because of some of the other reviews and my fears were unfortunately confirmed.

There are aspects to this book I enjoyed but so much is overshadowed by Chloe’s personality that I didn’t want to continue reading it. The calorie thing is just toxic and I wouldn’t want to put that energy out into the world. I get that is how some people feel but you can leave that out of a romance book.