Pretty sure testing first dates with your rival for the job is not ethnical. Wouldn't happen in real life but does in deed make an interesting rom com. And a rom com idea that I have indeed never read before.

This was a cute rom com. I liked it well enough, but I can't say it was one of my favorites or that I'll remember all the details in a year. There were some genuinely funny moments though and the story as a whole does exactly what it set out to do so there's that.

I read an ARC of this book from NetGalley. All comments are my own.

The concept for this super fun frenemies to lovers workplace romance set at a dating app was so promising, but I feel like I got more of a short course in running/developing the app than a story about the actual romance between Grace and Eric. Their chemistry was really lacking and while it wasn’t out of the blue for them to end up together, it all felt a bit stilted.

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon/Harper Voyager for the eARC in exchange for my honest review!

The Launch Date was a fun and easy read that I enjoyed overall. The premise was engaging, and there were definitely moments that made me smile. The writing flowed well, and it had that light, entertaining vibe that makes for a good weekend or vacation book.

That said, while I liked it, I wasn’t completely blown away. The story had potential, but it didn’t leave a lasting impression for me. Still, if you're looking for something quick and enjoyable with a modern twist on romance, this one might be worth picking up.

Thank you NetGalley and Avon Publishing for my DRC!

this book was fully a loooad of fun. I came to it after seeing it mentioned on one of my booktuber's recommendations. the enemies to lovers is very light, in a way befitting of a contemporary romance, so I'm glad we didn't spent too long belaboring that point. all of their dates were fun, and yes, did this book follow a script? Yes. Did it primarily show our MMC was a good guy because he cared about his family despiiiite being rich? also yes. and I am totally okay with it.

I started this one and it felt very petty - enemies to lovers is a tough one for me, and this one wasn't working.

this book was just not up my alley. the start of the book was something the FMC read on Instagram, and i don't enjoy social media or any reference of the outside world being written into books. yes, i read the summary but turns out this book just wasn't for me. i might be giving this author another try soon though.

This was a really fun read. Grace and Eric’s chemistry is great—lots of sharp banter and just the right amount of tension. I loved the fake-dating setup and all the quirky dates they had to go on. It definitely leans into the slow burn (maybe a little too much at times), but the payoff is sweet. A solid workplace rom-com with heart and humor.

3.75 🌟

Cute enemies to lovers/workplace rivals romance. This book had fun, witty dialogue and the audiobook was satisfying to listen to with the British banter.
Grace and Eric work for two different dating apps under the same company. When a new app is proposed and a promotion opens up, these two have to work together to make it a success while competing against one another to win the promotion. As they go on different dates to workshop for their app, their former feud starts to dim as their connection grows.

Thank you NetGalley and Avon/Harper Voyager for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest review.

A breezy, charming read with a clever hook and a heroine you can root for. Ideal for fans of romantic comedies set in the modern workplace with a healthy splash of chaos and chemistry.

🚀💕 Book Review: The Launch Date by Annabelle Slator 💕🚀

Ready for a smart, swoony rom-com that mixes tech, humor, and heart? The Launch Date is an absolute delight! Annabelle Slator crafts a modern love story set in the high-stakes world of startups—full of laughter, awkward moments, and genuine connection.

Meet Eva, a brilliant software engineer who’s about to launch a groundbreaking app—until her nemesis and ex-colleague, Ben, shows up with a competing project. Forced to work together, sparks fly, egos clash, and the countdown to launch gets a whole lot more interesting.

Tropes You’ll Love:
💻 Tech startup rivalry
🔥 Enemies-to-lovers
💡 Forced collaboration
😂 Witty banter
💕 Slow burn romance

If you love sharp, funny rom-coms with smart, relatable characters and a dash of geeky charm, this book’s a perfect launchpad for your next read!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

#TheLaunchDate #AnnabelleSlator #RomComReads #EnemiesToLovers #TechRomance #SlowBurn #Bookstagram #WomenInTech #BookReview #FeelGoodReads

This was soooo much fun. I always love a concept where several unique dates are required, it feels like it's a very natural and fun way for them to defrost as enemies and start building their connection. Grace and Eric have great chemistry, and I actually also really enjoy the elements of their work they talk about, so it's also a wonderful workplace romance.

The Launch Date was likened to The Hating Game so my interest was immediately piqued. After reading it, I’d say that’s fair but it’s even better, with more depth and emotion. Coworkers forced to work together on a project to develop a new dating app geared at romantic first dates creates a lot of opportunities for their fiery dislike to combust into intense passion. But only if they lower their defenses and let love in.

To say that I'm obsessed with this book would be a vast understatement. Grace and Eric, you've joined my elite list of favorite book couples. Such great arcs and character development for them, both as individuals and a couple. Really loved Grace's coming into her own power narrative and Eric's exploration of his own vulnerability. There's so much nuance and depth to these two and their dynamic that I was genuinely hooked from the first chapter. Their chemistry and banter are electric. The writing was stellar and engaging. I truly did not want this to end!

I liked the connection between the two leads but I was honestly really frustrated with the female lead character but I loved the group of friends

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon/Harper Voyager for the ARC of The Launch Date.

This was a fun, easy read with a fresh take on workplace rivals turned reluctant daters. I enjoyed the premise of testing out an IRL dating app—especially the awkward and hilarious scenarios that followed. Grace and Eric had great chemistry, and their banter made the story fly by.

The workplace dynamics added just enough tension to keep things interesting, and I appreciated the way the story explored themes like imposter syndrome and redefining success in both career and relationships. While some plot points were a bit predictable, the overall execution was charming and satisfying.

If you’re in the mood for a light rom-com with heart, humor, and a creative twist on dating culture, this is a great pick.

This book is fun, full of snappy banter, awkward first dates, and just the right amount of steam. Grace and Eric’s rivals-to-lovers vibe totally works, and watching them stumble into something real is such a good time.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley, I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

*3.5 Stars rounded up*

ARC provided by Publisher in exchange for an honest review.

I would like to thank Avon, Harper Voyager and Netgalley for a copy of this eARC. Rivals to lovers, forced proximity, workplace romance? I am sat.

Let me prefance my 3-star rating with, I read a lot of romance and I mean... A LOT, a lot. Most really good books fall into the 3-star range for me. Super enjoyable, would absolutely recommend to someone, but when I've read 20 in a few months, it's harder to make it to the short list of my favorites of the year, compared to if I read a book in a non standard genre for me.

NOW THAT IN MIND: This book was so much fun. even as I'm typing this I bumped it up half a star because I'm reminiscing on all the little moments that I loved. Notably, a punch in the face to a certain character at the end of this book.

If you give me two characters who refuse to call each other by their first name for emphasis of their rivalry, you can guarantee, I'm going to swoon when they start calling each other by their first names.

And while Eric is a cute name, rich boy Bancroft is always gonna be sexy.

The characters had more depth to them than I expected and I loved seeing the growth from Grace in asking for what she deserved, and for Eric in being more vulnerable about his family and sacrifices he has made.

At the end of the day, its a good romance, and if you want a quick fun read for this summer, you should pick it up.

The Launch Date was such a cute, good read! It has got all the workplace drama, flirty banter, and slow-burn tension you could ever want. If you’re a fan of enemies to lovers and awkward forced proximity, this one is gonna be so your vibe.

The FMC is Grace, a marketing manager at a dating app company called Fate, and after a messy breakup, she’s over the idea of love. But then her boss throws a curveball: if she wants to lead this new project, she has to team up with Eric Bancroft, the office heartthrob.

I love all the tropes done here, the history and resolution / growth of the characters. The tension, banter and testing of date scenarios, which I thought it was SO FUN to read! I loved watching Grace find her confidence and seeing Eric slowly drop the cocky facade and show his softer side. Their chemistry is so good, and their bickering turns into full-on flirting in the best way. All signs of a great read and I couldn’t put the book down. Will be on the lookout for this author in the future.

Thank you NetGalley, the publisher and author for providing me this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Dating apps, forced proximity, and a work rival who just might be more than a pretty face?

A clever, feel-good rom-com packed with sharp banter, chaotic “first dates,” and surprising heart. Grace and Eric’s chemistry crackles as they battle for a promotion—and accidentally fall for each other along the way. Perfect for fans of witty rivals-to-lovers stories with just the right amount of spice and soul. You’ll swipe right on this one instantly. 😉 If you liked The Hating Game, you'll love this!