"How to Get a Life in 10 Dates" by Jenny Howe is a charming and witty romantic comedy that follows the journey of a protagonist navigating the ups and downs of dating in the modern world. The premise revolves around the idea of embarking on a series of ten dates, each one offering a unique experience and a chance for personal growth.

Howe's writing is engaging and infused with humor, making it easy to connect with the main character's relatable struggles and triumphs. The narrative is filled with amusing situations, heartfelt moments, and a diverse cast of love interests that keep the story fresh and entertaining.

Themes of self-discovery, friendship, and the complexities of relationships are woven throughout, encouraging readers to reflect on their own experiences with love and connection. The pacing is brisk, with each date presenting new challenges and insights, adding to the overall enjoyment of the story.

Overall, "How to Get a Life in 10 Dates" is a delightful read that balances humor and romance, making it a perfect choice for fans of lighthearted fiction. It captures the excitement and unpredictability of dating while highlighting the importance of being true to oneself in the search for love.

3.5 stars

When Haleigh’s sister sends out invitations to an upcoming party, Haleigh realizes it’s time to get her life together. With no plus-one to bring, and after a string of bad dates, she decides to let family and friends set her up in hopes that they’ll finally stop pushing her to find a match.

I’ve liked Jenny L. Howe’s last couple of books, so I was excited to see this one was coming soon. I like the way she writes plus-sized characters, like they’re not ashamed of their bodies and just embrace who they are.

I definitely saw where this book was heading, although that doesn’t mean I didn’t enjoy it. Some of the dates were hilariously bad. But I would’ve liked to see a little more backstory with Jack. I think that would’ve helped their rules make more sense.

Thank you to NetGalley and St Martin’s Press for an advanced copy of this book.

Although the storyline was predictable, this was a really cute and fun read! And I'm a sucker for plus-size representation in romance novels, I always appreciate that inclusiveness. I enjoy a good second-chance romance, especially between friends. This was a great palette-cleanser read!

You know exactly what is going to happen within the first page. No conflict. No interesting personalities. Barely any growth. 4 sentences of spice. Dull.

Second chance romance! Reminded me of The rule book, dating with rules in place. I giggle all the way thru.

I really enjoyed this story about two friends pining for each other years after a past hookup that didn’t end well. Loved the characters and found the story funny as well.

This was a super cute and quick read. Haleigh and Jack are best friends and she’s in love with him but they have rules in place. So she makes a deal with her friends and family that they can each set her up on two dates because she was having no luck finding someone on her own. From there, chaos ensues, some good dates and some bad dates, but nonetheless entertaining. There are so many good side characters to this book, and I liked how the author represented mental health and body image. This was my first book by this author but it will not be my last.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for a copy of this ARC.

This was a fun time that made me binge read for hours. I enjoyed the relatability to our main characters and just the absolute insanity that is the blind dating crowd. I was going to rate it 4 stars but felt the ending was a little rushed which felt abrupt. But overall, I really enjoyed it.

This was a very cute and easy read. I enjoyed it for the most part. Thank you to the publisher for a review copy!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review..

This book was a fun time, but I didn’t love the main character. Haleigh simultaneously feels both too old and too young to be acting the way she does. First, PLEASE can we stop the overly dramatic “woe is me I’ll die alone” viewpoint from characters in their mid twenties? I’m not buying it. Especially when that same character is continuously acting childish and bemoaning “adulting” activities. Not a fan. But ALSO I don’t love her dynamic with Jack. Don’t get me wrong, I think they’re perfect for each other, but I wanted to shake them throughout the entire series. It’s possible friends to lovers isn’t my jam, because OBVIOUSLY YOU LOVE EACH OTHER. Stop dragging other lovely humans into this and then hurting them. That aside, it was a very fun read and I enjoyed the premise of a character going on lots of random blind dates. I liked have a fat main character that just got to be a romantic lead. It was positive and a refreshing change from a lot of plus size led books. Give me more of this!

TLDR: easy, fun read with a mildly frustrating main character. 3/5

This book was a cute read. I really liked the MFC but I wasn't a big fan of the MMC. I know the worked through the issues they had after their night in Hawaii but I never was really rooting for him. I liked the guy she was dating that she met through her roommate. I just didn't feel very invested in the relationship with the MFC and the MMC. I could see them breaking up so the ending was kinda meh.

I requested to read and review this book for free from St. Martin Publishing Company. This is a cute romantic comedy. With plenty of drama and mystery to keep you guessing. I struggled in the beginning to grt into the book. I am so glad I didn't give up it had the perfect ending. Haleigh just wants to find love and the person for her. She thought she had it but it turned out it wasn't meant to be or was it. Does she need a new person to see her for the unique person she is. The dating game was a hilarious take on dating people. Jack thought he needed what he wanted but then thought he made a mistake. Did he make a mistake or is it something else? Does he know the person for him or will someone new be the person that keeps his attention. This book can be ready about but would suggest a mature audience!

Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press for the eARC of How to Get a Life in Ten Dates by: Jenny L. Howe

You will be a fan of this if you like:
-Second chances
-Friends to lovers
-Rom-Com

I want to start by saying, the dates Hailey goes on are so funny! I enjoyed the growth both Hailey and Jack experienced from the beginning to the end.
I personally struggled with this book, but I think it's the "friends-to-lovers" that throws me off. The hurt that was caused in the beginning, and then the dating games later- the lack of communication- It all kindof turned me off.

I am rating this one a 3 , and I know if you are a fan of this trope, and second chances, you will enjoy this quick read!

This book was entertaining and held good potential but fell flat for me at times. Haleigh's fixation on her body made me disconnect with the story at times. It was fun going with her on her various dates with different personalities. Makes me grateful to be done with online dating!

Read if you like:
⭐ Friends to Lovers
⭐ Online Dating Flops
⭐ Close Family
⭐ Dating Challenges

Thank you to the publishers and NetGally for this Advanced Release copy. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

this started out so strong only to end on such a sour note for me
no offense to haileigh (fuckass name btw what happened to normal hayley) but i could never on my life feel good with somebody who made me feel that useless and awful just because he felt bad because he’s bound to feel bad again and i will handle the burnt of it HIS EXPLANATION DID NOT MAKE ME FEEL GOOD EITHER i do not believe him you don’t do this to people you love
it would’ve been amazing if he weren’t a little bitch to her honestly
anyway loved brian loved the writing style it’s just last 20% made me want to gouge my eyes out
thank u netgalley and co for the arc

Haleigh is a plus size and desperate to get married. She has had so many bad dating experiences. She is a disaster. Secretly she is in love with her best friend Jack. She is trying to find her place in the world.
Laugh out loud read from the beginning.

The k you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to read this book.

Four stars! I always find myself loving Jenny Howe's books, and this was no exception. Her portrayal of plus-sized women in romance is always raw and real, and this book was no exception. Loved the friends to lovers element with Jack, who was such a sweetheart.

Young woman Haleigh is on a quest for love. She has feelings for her best friend Jack, but that door needs to stay closed. The story follows Haleigh through a series of blind dates set up by her friends and family. Amid these often disastrous dates, she's also striving to get her work life on track, seeking a job that’s not just a paycheck but also supports her overall well-being.

The author weaves in many elements, like LGBTQ+ representation, friends-to-lovers, plus-sized representation, mental health, and a love triangle. It's impressive how well these elements fit together, never feeling contrived and maintaining a good balance throughout. The story is engaging and highly readable. Despite usually avoiding love triangles, this one worked for me. I enjoyed reading about the dates—the good, the bad, and everything in between. Haleigh is funny and likeable, and her struggles to find a connection felt very real. The author is open about the characters' mental health and therapy journeys, which is always a plus.

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Griffin for the advanced reader copy. This is my honest review.

A light hearted read that deals with body image, mental health and deep abiding friendship. The book was funny while delivering a heartfelt romance.

#netgalley #HowToGetALifeInTenDates

How to Get a Life in Ten Dates was a good friends to lovers ride with some fun - and quite funny - dates along the way. Haleigh has had bad luck in love and worse dates along the way. She agrees to her family and best friend setting her up on blind dates, but everything doesn't go exactly according to plan. I appreciated the journey the MC went on and that the biggest barrier was in her own head.