I've never been so happy to stumble upon a book in the library in my life. I'm pretty sure it was the ebook copy of Jenny L. Howe's first book, "The Make-up Test," that caught my eye early last year. A plus-size gal on the cover always catches my eye. Since then, Jenny has done nothing but inspire me.

Her heroines, like Haleigh, are just living their lives. Plus-size fiction of the past was always about losing weight or how the plus-size person was less than or something. In some way, the plus-size person had to improve their body to be seen as a real or better person. I'm so glad to be alive to see this fictional revolution where Haleigh can go on ten dates with people who are mostly into her, and not one is disgusted by her. As a plus-size person, that alone was really healing. Haleigh talks about having been in that situation. It's not the point of the book, but Jenny gets it, and she bases everything on reality. But she writes about happiness, and jobs, and anxiety, and life in general.

I love Haleigh and her best friend, Jackson. Tiny spoiler: there is a love triangle, and I love both guys in the love triangle. Jenny wrote them so well that she had to pull out a grievous sin (not infidelity) to make the one guy lose. But, actually, she really just made one guy undeniably amazing.

I am trying to understand how people pick their favorite authors. It's like picking your favorite air molecules. I need this to live, how I could I pick just one that is the best? Jenny L. Howe is definitely in the top 5 at this point, though.

I love these books so much and I will absolutely continue to scream about how awesome her books are either way.

I love how Jenny writes her characters, especially plus sized women. I loved chemistry between the characters and overall thought this was a fun cute read.

I've loved other books by this author and this one was no exception. Haleigh is stuck in a rut-juggling bills while living with her friend Stanton. Her family doesn't understand her lack of a full time job or why she won't settle down. Haleigh is in love with her best friend Jack but after a past hookup with him on vacation, they've decided that their friendship is more important. Her sister invites Haleigh and a plus one to her wedding. Haleigh decides to let her family and friends pick 10 dates for her total so that she can hopefully find a plus one and move on from pining over Jack. Haleigh was a fun character and I loved her extended chosen family, as well as her biological family. As Haleigh navigates the dates, she starts to understand who she is and who she wants to be.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC in return for my honest review.

Haleigh is at a crossroads in her life. She has a roommate she adores and a best friend she can't imagine life without, but she needs to figure out her romantic relationships and her job situation. After a never ending string of dates that never goes anywhere, she agrees to let her family and friends set her up with 2 people each. She will go on each date and give it a real shot, but if none of them work out, they all have to get off her back about dating for at least 6 months. What she never expected was to actually have some good dates, and even less she expected that her best friend might want to throw himself in the mix. Haleigh never saw this coming and now she has to figure out how she really feels about him.

This is a fun easy rom-com. I liked the deeper plotlines like the anxiety and OCD experienced by the main characters. I wish we could see a little more into those struggles. The dating storylines were cute and very funny. This would be a great book to break up some serious reading.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC of How to Get a Life in Ten Dates.

I adored this book and it kept me interested throughout the characters were so much fun to read and I adore books with curvy girls

Highly recommend!

After years of dating, Haleigh Berkshire is ready to embrace the single life. In one last effort, Haleigh allows her family and friends to set her up on 2 blind dates each with the caveat that once these dates fail miserably, they have to leave her alone about dating for six months.

The dates are laughably bad until Haleigh goes out with her roommate Stanton’s pick, Brian. Haleigh and Brian click instantly and Haleigh suddenly thinks this experiment wasn’t a bad idea. That is, until her best friend since childhood and forever crush, Jack, enters himself as Haleigh’s final date.

Now Haleigh finds herself having to choose between a new, exciting adventure with Brian or rekindling old flames and trying things again with Jack.

Jenny L. Howe can do no wrong, and How To Get a Life in Ten Dates is just further proof of that. Jenny’s humor makes this story so cheeky and charming, and I couldn’t put it down! Haleigh is such a relatable FMC, having both mental health and plus size rep, which both have a big place in my heart. Overall, this one is a laugh out loud, heart warming story you’ll be sure to love!

I’m always intrigued when I see book titles that reference lists or contests or games or anything like that, which is why “How to Get a Life in Ten Dates” caught my eye. The premise, with Haleigh allowing her friends and family to each set her up in an effort to prove that dating in this day and age isn’t so easy, is fun. Admittedly, it’s not fully in-line with Haleigh’s character, given that she’s trying to prove that dating is messy while also simultaneously hoping and hoping to find her person, but that’s easy to look past.

Both of Haleigh’s main dating prospects (best friend Jack, who she had one night with years ago, and newcomer Brian) are great characters. We know who to root for from the beginning, but the push and pull is still engaging. On top of that, Haleigh’s a great FMC. In some ways, it’s almost more easy to root for her as an individual, with her own life journey and career goals, than it is to watch her romantic journey unfold, especially if you find yourself rooting for the wrong guy (which could very well happen, at least for a short time in the middle of the book … by the end, though, you’ll probably find yourself happy with her choice).

*How to Get a Life in Ten Dates* by Jenny L Howe is the kind of romantic comedy that will leave you laughing, swooning, and questioning your own dating life, all in the best way possible. The story follows Haleigh Berkshire, a plus-size woman who's completely over the dating game—after ten years of trying, she’s ready for a break. But as her sister’s engagement party approaches and her family’s expectations mount, Haleigh agrees to let her friends and family set her up with ten different potential suitors. Her plan? To prove that none of them will measure up, and then retire from the whole romantic mess once and for all.

What I loved about this book was how real Haleigh feels and the portrayal the author gives us. As a plus size woman myself, I see myself in her exhaustion with dating, her self-doubt, and her vulnerability. It’s refreshing to see a plus-size protagonist navigating not just the pressures of dating, but the emotional baggage that comes with it. Haleigh has been in love with her best friend, Jack, for years, and the dynamic between them is complicated and real. Their deep, complicated friendship is the heart of the story, and as they begin to navigate the idea of *more than friends*, things get hilariously messy.

The date setups are, as expected, both awkward and hilarious, but what really sets the book apart is the emotional undercurrent that runs through it. It’s not just about finding love with someone else—it’s about confronting your own feelings, your fears, and sometimes, the scars of your past. The slow-burn romance between Haleigh and Jack is handled so well. There’s chemistry, tension, and plenty of "will-they-won’t-they" moments that kept me turning pages.

Jack, in particular, is a standout character. His well-meaning (but often irritating) attempts to sabotage Haleigh's dates had me cringing and laughing in equal measure. But his motives and insecurities gradually come to light, and you can’t help but root for him and Haleigh to figure it out. I loved how the book explores the idea of taking risks in relationships, even when it feels like you’re putting everything you value on the line.

This book isn’t just about romance; it’s about personal growth, self-acceptance, and figuring out what you really want—not just from others, but from yourself. Howe balances humor with heart, and while I was rooting for Haleigh to find love, I was also rooting for her to find peace and confidence in her own skin.

If you're looking for a sweet, funny, and emotionally satisfying read with a relatable heroine and a dreamy (but flawed) best friend, *How to Get a Life in Ten Dates* is the perfect pick. I found myself smiling, tearing up, and fully invested in Haleigh’s journey from "meh" to "maybe it's worth taking a chance on love." Plus-size representation is so often overlooked in romance, but this book does it with depth, sensitivity, and plenty of humor.

It’s the kind of story that will make you believe in second chances—and in the idea that sometimes, the best love stories are the ones that have been there all along.

This was so freaking cute. I was so torn because I thought Haleigh had great chemistry with both Brian and Jack, but I am a sucker for a friend's to lover story so I had a bit of a Jack-bias. Haleigh's frie ds and family setting her up for dates provided some much needed comedy and kept the lights coming. A super fun read and I was kicking my feet feom the cuteness.

How to Get a Life in Ten Dates is charming and easy to read. Some of the date scenarios felt a little far-fetched, but the relationship between the FMC, the MMC and the third in their love triangle feel honest. I enjoyed the plus size rep as well as the mental health rep.

Give Jenny Howe alllll the stars!
I loved it. The characters were incredible and the plot was HILARIOUS while also exploring real issues that women experience with family, society and (online) dating.
The main character, Haleigh, agrees to ten dates to get her family off her back about dating and being single. The catch, she has feelings for her bff Jack, and it’s mutual. However, they have friendship rules and those rules state they absolutely can’t date.
This book is going to blow up, I know it. I read it rather quickly bc it felt like the right dose of reality tv, good feels + comedy. Ahh, give me more, Jenny!

Thank you Netgalley and Griffin for my eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I love that this is about a curvy woman- I think representation is so important. I figured out how this book was going to go from the beginning, but I was hoping it would surprise me. Overall cute read

Howe’s book is a fun and cute read, still it is predictable and very repetitive. The main character, Hayleigh constantly rehashes her feelings, reactions and thoughts in regard to her best friend Jack, a vacation and sets of rules. In addition, Howe has incorporated the mental health issues of anxiety (including panic attacks) and depression.

After dating so so long, Hayleigh tires of it and needs a break. Of course, upon her decision, Hayleigh finds herself in need of a plus one for her sister’s engagement party. Hayleigh and Jack come up with a plan to find her plus one which includes involving her family and friends in the quest. I had to laugh at some of the insanity of the dates. Everyone takes their turns, the dates (with some insanity!) and the set rules for finding this plus one begin to break down.

Howe brings the topics of anxiety, panic attacks) and depression into the mix of the story. Mental health is not easily handled in books. I feel her portrayal of anxiety/panic attacks is enough for this book. On the other hand, I feel Howe’s depiction of depression could have used more depth. Her depiction is vague and the symptoms needed to be more clear for the character.

I did like the book however I pushed through it more than anything. Since it is easy to see what is coming in the book it is a fast read yet not one to get lost in.

Audio Review
Howe’s book is fun, predictable and very repetitive. The narrator, Billie Bryant is a solid narrator. There was nothing in her performance that particularly stands out but her narration is solid. She does a nice job transitioning from female to male voices. Also, she moves between Hayleigh’s constant rehashes of her feelings and thoughts in regard to her best friend Jack quite easily.

I like the audio but mostly because it moved this particular book along at a fast pace.

I love Jenny's personality. That's why I knew I would love at least one of her books. The Make-Up Test, while still a great book, was not the fit for me. But this. This was amazing. I adored Haleigh, related to her anxiety and love for dogs, her penchant for being indoors versus out, but most of all her sense of humor. Haleigh is overall such a relatable character, there's one quote below especially that resonates with me, about how when you're feeling good or happy, you stop and wonder when the second shoe will drop. That is exactly how I live my life and it is so hard to snap out of that line of thinking. The only thing I struggled with Haleigh on was how in her head and self-centered she can be. For example, on many of the dates she doesn't seem to think about how her dates may also be nervous and like she's not giving them any benefit of the doubt. I like that all of the dates were unique experiences, none seemed too close to another like the author ran out of ideas and modified something she had previously used. I love how fast paced this book is and how easy it was to read. And I really enjoyed the juxtaposition of the current characters to what they were like five years prior, you can really see their growth. I'm very excited to see what's next from Jenny Howe!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author via Netgalley and St. Martin's Press in exchange for an honest review.

How to Get a Life in Ten Dates is a friends-to-lovers, second-chance romance that features mental health, LGBTQIA+, and fat representation. Haleigh is tired of dating as a fat woman and really wants a break. However, Haleigh’s family insistently pesters her about coupling up. When she needs a date to her sister’s engagement party, Haleigh sets up a scheme to go on 10 dates chosen by her family and friends. If she does not find a relationship from these dates, they will finally allow her to be single in peace.

How to Get a Life in Ten Dates starts out strongly with a blend of heart and humor. I love that Haleigh creates a survey to get to know her dates prior to meeting them. I felt like the dates themselves were pretty representative of modern dating, especially with the inclusion of some truly cringeworthy dates.

As I previously mentioned, I really appreciate the representation in Howe’s novels. Haleigh’s entire identity is not wrapped up in her being fat, anxious, or bisexual, which is refreshing. In addition, Haleigh’s journey of self-discovery felt truly authentic and deeply relatable. However, I did find her to be immature and self-centered at times.

I have seen a lot of people criticize Haleigh because she hates “adulting” and also feels like she needs to have her life figured out at 25. I personally think their criticism is harsh, and they seem to have forgotten what it was like to be 25. As a neurodivergent person, I feel no shame in saying that I also hate doing adult tasks and frequently struggle to do them. And no one I know enjoys paying bills. I definitely felt like I should have a solid 10 year plan at 25 and freaked out that I did not.

Part of my enjoyment of How to Get a Life in Ten Dates was curbed by Jack, Haleigh’s best friend who is secretly in love with her. First, let’s just note that the two of them have codependency issues. But beyond this, Jack is a little toxic. He never tells Haleigh his feelings until she is in a successful relationship with Brian. Only then does Jack aggressively insert himself. To be honest, I liked Brian a lot more and would have preferred Haleigh end up with him. There was also more on-page chemistry with Brian compared to Jack. I found there to be a lack of tension and build-up to Haleigh and Jack coupling up… which left me uninvested in the final 20 percent or so of the novel.

Still, I thought the novel was well-written. I am also figuring out that second-chance romances are not my cup of team, especially when the initial romance occurs off-page.

Overall, I enjoyed How to Get a Life in Ten Dates but did not love it like I hoped I would. If you enjoy second chance romances, I would recommend it. Yet, I would recommend Howe’s On the Plus Side over this novel.

Haleigh, a plus-sized woman, has had a hell of a time in the dating world. She had a brief fling with her bestfriend, that went terribly wrong, but she still harbors those feelings for him - they have rules in place, though, that neither can break so that they can maintain their friendship. She is on the verge of calling off dating, when she gets the invitation to her sisters wedding party. Her friends and family want her to bring a plus-one. She allows her family and friends (her mom, sister, grandpa, roommate, and bestfriend, Jack) to set her up on two dates each. If she does not connect with someone after that, she is calling off dating. Most of the dates are disastrous, but some of the dates turn out to be fun and she even ends up making a connection. Until Jack makes himself Haleigh's last date. Haleigh then has a choice to make... risk losing a friendship forever or the potential to gain something she has always wanted.

I LOVED this one! Haleigh was incredibly relatable and her friendship with Jack was so sweet. I love a good friends to lovers story.

Such an enjoyable holiday romance! I didn't enjoy the main character in the beginning but liked how everything came together in the end.

"How to Get a Life in Ten Dates" by Jenny L. Howe is a charming and uplifting rom-com that delivers all the feels! Following a quirky, heartfelt journey of self-discovery and romance, this story is packed with relatable characters, laugh-out-loud moments, and swoon-worthy chemistry. It's the perfect mix of humor and heart, reminding us that love often shows up in the most unexpected ways. A must-read for fans of lighthearted and feel-good romance!

Thank you to @smpromance and @jennylhowe for the ARC and to @spotify for the ALC!
Jenny L. Howe is one of my favorite authors and I had the privilege for being part of the street team for How To Get A Life In Ten Dates, one of my most anticipated reads of 2024.
This book is everything! I absolutely adored the FMC. She was vibrant and relatable - it's always nice to see a plus size FMC whose story doesn't revolve around her weight (also the bi-rep - incredible!) I love a good romcom and this felt like a classic one while being firmly modern.
The FMC, Haleigh, had so much emotional growth and her journey was the focal point of the story. The various dates she went on were so much fun and I loved the idea of her family selecting all of the suitors. The spice was satisfying, the tropes were great (friends to lovers, second chance) and I all-around adored this book.
How To Get A Life In Ten Dates is out now!

Haleigh is a plus size bisexual woman who is trying to date in her twenties after a decade of unsuccessful dates. She is frustrated with the results she is getting from dating apps and the pressure from family and friends to find her perfect match so she challenges them to do better; to find her that perfect someone she has been searching for. After ten dates arranged by her loved ones she hopes they will finally acknowledged that it isn't as easy as it seems and allow some peace on the subject. Instead, she ends up going on some not so bad dates, and then her best friend start to go against all of their carefully crafted rules to maintain the peace within their friendship post hook-up.
My main complaint is that Haleigh is written like a woman in her later thirties who is struggling to find love but is supposed to be 25. As someone in their mid twenties who identifies as being very similar to Haleigh, I found her hard to relate to.
It is nice to see this representation of plus size queer women in their twenties written in traditionally published works.