This was the first book I have read by this author and I really loved it. I’m always a big fan of books that have curvy FMCs so that immediately drew me to this book. I really loved both Haleigh and Jack and the chemistry and banter they had. I also really loved the cute questionnaires that Haleigh had her dates fill out. The questions had me laughing so hard. Would highly recommend if you enjoy a good friends to lovers romcom.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.

This was my first Jenny L. Howe novel. It will not be my last. I am definitely going to check out her earlier works. While this book was a bit predictable, it was a cute and witty read. I enjoyed the characters and especially loved the dates.

Definitely a perfect beach read!

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC. This book had a little bit of everything! I loved all the disastrously funny dates, the ability to focus on mental health importance without making it the whole book, and also throwing in some body positivity! The tribe of people behind the main character in this book would make anyone jealous. Jenny Howe really knocked it out of the park with this one.

this was a super fun and cute read that puts a fresh spin on the "friends to lovers" trope. the dates are hilariously awkward, and it’s easy to get invested in haleigh’s journey. the book does a great job of balancing humor with some serious topics like body image and mental health, without getting too heavy. i do think mmc could’ve used a bit more development, but overall, this is a feel-good rom-com and an easy read!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me this ARC in return for my truthful review!

I picked up this book because of the fun description (I'm very much a girl who loves reading about a turned around love life), and once I found out that it was about a plus sized woman, I was super invested.

I liked this book a lot. All of the characters were different, but likeable (except for the ones I'm pretty sure we're not supposed to like, looking at you Bradly Cooper [not that one]), and it was nice to see ther personal growth between relationships.

With a premise of a beloved best friend that the MC has loved for so long, it's very obvious that they're going to end up together in the end. And while I'm okay with that, I was kind of hoping that there would somehow be more of a doubt that Haleigh would end up with Jack. Her relationship with Brian was really nice, and it wasn't until Jack confessed his feelings that things started to go south. And not even that badly? A good relationship doesn't mean that the couple has to share every interest together, so when Haleigh made a fuss about Brian not reading, that was kind of an ick to me. I wish the reason she didn't pick Brian was for something bigger, but in the end, we all knew she's loved Jack since forever.

All in all, it was a fun, short read. I loved the humor, the different (and sometimes horrible) dates, and the coming together of two people who really mesh well. Would reccomend to any of my romance loving fans.

I ate this up! I loved the twist on friends the lovers trope. Hallie and Jack's friendship was a true best-friend relationship with sexual tension that they tried to avoid. I have not read a story where family and friends set the main FMC on dates to prove she can be happy single. Throughout all the dates Hallie went on, she did a good job of adding humor to the tragic dating world out there. I did love that Brian was on a successful date and seemed like a truly wonderful guy. It's just a case of not being the right person. I am happy that Jack threw himself into the dating wringer to be with Hallie. I wish we had a Jack POV, but that might be because I am a fan of dual POV. I would recommend this to friends for fun and a romcom read!

Appreciated the author wanting to highlight fat joy, I feel like often with romance books about fat people, it’s always focusing on issues and not just letting fat people live and enjoy their lives. While body image issues are something that is a reality for most fat people, sometimes I just want to read something that talks about bodies in neutral or loving terms.

Now to the book, I could painfully relate to Haleigh’s dating woes. It’s hard out there! But it’s always appreciated to be able to listen to someone else’s stories and not dwell too hard on your own.

This book was a cute friends to lovers story and had me wishing for Jack’s POV. Also appreciated the conversations about mental health and anxiety.

Jenny Howe’s “How to Get a Life in Ten Dates” was a hilariously adorable read. The “friends to lovers” trope is given a new twist with a series of quirky, awkward and sometimes downright disastrous dates set up by the FMC’s family and friends.
I loved the descriptions of the bad dates that Haleigh’s loved ones set up for her but it was nice to see that one of the dates (Brian) developed into something more.
I would have liked to see more character development for Jack. Other than his battle with anxiety and his tendency to shift blame he didn’t see to be more developed than any of the background characters. That being said the books coverage of mental illness was spot on and handled in a very appropriate way.
Overall this was an enjoyable read with a clever premise.

This was the first book I’ve read by Jenny Howe, but I sure hope it won’t be the last. How to Get a Life in Ten Dates was a great read!!

Such a good read that I enjoyed! I'm so glad that I got the chance to read it early and will definitely be recommending it to multiple people who enjoy these types of novels. I enjoyed the characters and especially enjoyed the writing by this author. I'm excited to see what the author comes out with next as I'll definitely be reading it! Thank you to the publisher for my early copy of this book!

A fairly typical best friend romance but still very enjoyable. After numerous bad dates, Haleigh lets her family and friends set her up on 2 dates each in order to prove to them that she can attend her sister's engagement party without a plus one and be happy. The first 6 dates are a bust but her roommate manages to set her up with a veterinarian who Haleigh connects with and gives up his second set up, it's only down to her best friend who Haleigh thinks is her perfect match to set her up on 2 dates.

A little humor and romance is perfect in this friends to lovers trope book.
I personally have been married for 16 years, but I couldn't imagine dating now days. I think this would be exactly how this would go.

I look forward to reading more by Jenny Howe.

It is refreshing to have a plus sized character in a rom-com amid a sea of skinny and fit ones. Haleigh made me laugh- her personality and her dates were just hilarious. The love between her and Jack made the romance so realistic that I wouldn't mind a double date with them! I loved this read!

I had the opportunity to read this on NetGalley, and holy cow, this book was adorable, funny, relatable and swoon worthy!

Description: “Dating as a plus-size woman has been exhausting for Haleigh Berkshire. Sure, she's only twenty-five, but she's been doing it for a decade, and she's beginning to think it's time for a sabbatical. It doesn't help that she's been madly in love with her best friend, Jack, for years—but one disastrous weekend in college taught her the hard way that they'll never be more than friends.

With her sister's engagement celebration fast approaching, and her friends and family nagging her about a plus-one, Haleigh and Jack do what they do best: scheme. Haleigh agrees to let her friends and family set her up with ten people—and she's sure that, once none of them prove to be good matches, her loved ones will finally let her fade into romantic retirement in peace.

To her surprise, some of Haleigh’s dates go better than expected, and for the first time in forever, she's actually having fun. Until Jack starts breaking all the rules they’d made to mend their friendship in college. He produces a laundry list of flaws for everyone she likes, crashes some of her nights out, and finally shocks her by throwing himself into the mix. Dating Jack has always been the dream, but Haleigh is afraid of the reality. Is it worth risking her best friend for something that may have never been meant to be?”

Haleigh was incredibly relatable, and I loved having a FMC that was perfectly imperfect. I loved the mental health representation in both of the main characters, and how Jenny L. Howe portrays anxiety and how the characters worked through it and how it was a positive proponent for therapy.

I found myself laughing along with Haleigh’s disastrous dates, nervous along with her, and swooning over the adorable love interests! This was overall such an enjoyable read and I couldn’t get enough!

I'd have to give this a 3.50 stars. This was a struggle to get through, but I pushed through it. The synopsis didn't match the story of the book at all and was very misleading about the storyline. I did love the character Haleigh and getting to experience her struggle with life and dating. I definitely enjoyed all her different dates which made me laugh. Her friendship with Jack definitely reminded me of my friendship with my best guy friend. There were parts of the book that seemed to drag which made me have to stop reading and go and pick up another book so that I didn't want to bang my head against the wall. When it did pick up then it was full steam ahead. I did enjoy this book, but I don't see myself doing a reread of it.

A charming little friends-to-lovers romance. It went by quick and I felt like I was just getting a tiny slice of the richness of each character. Much like the Bachelor/Bachelorette, I hope the person who did not get their happy ending this time gets his/her own sequel.

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press for providing this digital arc in exchange for an honest review

It is my humble opinion that this is Jenny‘s best book yet!

I am always absolutely absorbed by her characters and their lives but this surpassed all others. Haleigh’s journey through life was a little uncanny for me. I completely saw myself in her character, almost an exact mirror image, and felt a little less unmoored.

Jenny reflects in her acknowledgments how she wrote some of her own experiences with mental health into Haleigh and all I can say is I completely understand.

The power authors have when writing about mental health and body positivity is precarious at best, but Jenny clearly understood the importance and sensitive nature these topics can create. She is eloquent and realistic, which produced a well balanced and relatable story.

It’s no secret that this is my favorite of her books so far and I can’t wait until her next publication!

How to Get a Life in Ten Dates by Jenny L Howe is scheduled to be published December 10th, 2024.
I highly recommend this book as essential literature, for any romance reader.

Jenny L. Howe’s *How to Get a Life in Ten Dates* is a delightful and heartwarming exploration of love, self-discovery, and the unpredictable journey to finding happiness. In this charming romantic comedy, Howe blends humor with genuine emotion, creating a story that’s as much about personal growth as it is about finding the right person to share your life with.

The novel follows the life of Sophie Andrews, a thirty-something who has spent more time focusing on her career than her love life. Feeling the weight of her friends’ advice and societal expectations, Sophie decides to take a leap into the world of dating. But instead of just looking for love, Sophie’s determined to use this experience to figure out what she truly wants from life. She sets a challenge for herself: ten dates, ten chances to discover who she is and what she needs to be truly happy.

Sophie is a refreshingly relatable protagonist, with a mix of self-deprecating humor and genuine vulnerability that makes her easy to root for. Howe captures the anxiety and excitement of dating in the modern world, from the awkwardness of first dates to the thrill of potential connections. Sophie’s internal journey is just as compelling as her romantic endeavors, as she begins to confront her fears, past mistakes, and the parts of herself she’s been neglecting.

The structure of the novel, with each chapter focusing on a different date, keeps the pacing lively and the reader engaged. Each date brings new challenges, surprises, and lessons, making for a series of mini-stories within the larger narrative. Howe’s ability to blend humor with moments of introspection ensures that the novel never feels formulaic or predictable. Instead, each date serves as a stepping stone in Sophie’s journey toward self-realization.

The love interests Sophie encounters are varied and well-drawn, each representing different facets of the dating experience. Some dates are disastrous, others unexpectedly sweet, and a few challenge Sophie in ways she didn’t anticipate. These interactions provide plenty of laughs, but also moments of deeper reflection, as Sophie begins to realize that finding love isn’t just about meeting the right person—it’s about being ready to let someone in.

What sets *How to Get a Life in Ten Dates* apart from other romantic comedies is its emphasis on self-love and the importance of living a fulfilling life outside of romantic relationships. As Sophie navigates the dating world, she also starts to rediscover her passions, rekindle old friendships, and make peace with her past. This balance between romance and personal growth gives the novel a depth that will resonate with readers who are also trying to find their own path in life.

Howe’s writing is light and engaging, with plenty of witty dialogue and sharp observations about the dating scene. But beneath the humor lies a heartfelt message about the importance of knowing yourself and not settling for less than you deserve. Sophie’s journey is one of empowerment, and by the end of the novel, it’s clear that she’s gained much more than just a potential partner—she’s gained a renewed sense of self-worth and confidence.

*How to Get a Life in Ten Dates* is a feel-good read that will leave you smiling long after you’ve turned the last page. Jenny L. Howe has crafted a story that’s both fun and meaningful, with a protagonist you can’t help but cheer for. Whether you’re in the mood for a lighthearted romance or a story about personal growth, this novel offers the best of both worlds. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the most important relationship you have is the one with yourself—and that finding love starts with finding your own happiness.

3.5/5⭐️ (rounded up on the scale)
2.5/5🌶️ (open-door)

Things that were done well:
1. The bad dates were hilarious. I found that some of the dates being potential matches, *just* not quite right, delightful.

2. The "I've loved you my whole life" concept was SWOONY. Jack and Haleigh having such a long standing history and the small gestures made their love story feel more rich and have realistic depth. They obviously love each other. The “invisible string” but make it a tapestry of their entire lives.

3. The exploration of anxiety, OCD, and mental health. I loved that the FMC and MMC both show traits and symptoms and use therapeutic measures to work through the symptoms of their individual mental health disorders. Additionally, it was nice to see the growth of the characters via the time jumps in the story. The characters in Hawaii five-years prior were much different, less healthy versions of the current characters. It was refreshing to see imperfect characters that were still working toward better mental health and supportive of each other.

4. The FMC is plus-size and fully embraces her body. When I read "apron belly," I was so excited. Her sister being similar in size was refreshing too. Similarly to the mental health representation, the body type/size of the character was not an issue to be 'fixed' or saved. Not only did the plus-size FMC feel like a whole, actualized character, this rom-com has a passionate sex scene that does not disappoint.

5. I really enjoyed the supporting characters and the banter they provided. Stanton was so funny and frank. "You know there's life beyond Jackson, right?" The overstepping family reminded me a little of the "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" vibe. The grandfather was adorable and curmudgeonly.

6. The Love Triangle! I found myself rooting for both of the guys before the end. I was so conflicted and soooo invested!

Not so great:
1. I desperately wanted more depth to the relationship between Haleigh and her sister. Why does Haleigh believe Joey thinks all of these terrible things about her? As the reader, I didn't find a solidified reason overall. This line of thinking does translate from time to time in Haleigh's relationships with other family members and with Jack, the overarching theme of I am "a mess." I am still unsure if Howe was using the shaky reasoning for Haleigh's feelings of hurt and resentment toward her sister as a literary device (maybe to display anxiety symptoms?) or there just wasn't enough to plausibly support the strained relationship with her sister.

2. The big fight. I found myself frustrated with this being the issue that drove Haleigh and Jack apart. (I did feel similarly when I read Emily Henry's "People We Meet on Vacation," so this could just be a trope I am not a fan of in general.) Jack was definitely an ass to Haleigh and they both needed therapy/growth, but if they know each other so well, wouldn't they have worked this out far before all of this blind date business?

These critiques are minor at best because overall, the story was swoony and fun. I would definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a funny second chance, besties-to-lovers rom-com.

Also. I sincerely hope that Howe writes a book for Brian. THE MAN WAS A CINNAMON ROLL ANGEL. Like honestly, #justiceforbrian.

Expected Publish Date: December 10, 2024

A big thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for this eARC in exchange for my honest review. Reviews posted on NetGalley and Goodreads.

I read her first book and knew I had to have this one!!!! Jenny does it again!!! I laughed, I cried…. If you love banter and a HEA this is for you