I typically enjoy books where romance is a subplot, and I base my ratings on how a book made me feel and whether I’d read it again. From what I’ve gathered, I won’t be revisiting this one, even though I did enjoy parts of the storyline.

The FMC tended to overexplain, and there were a lot of random facts about her past thrown in to justify her actions. I get why they were included, but they kind of interrupted the flow for me. It felt like the timeline kept getting pulled off course.

This definitely seemed like a book written for a very specific audience, and unfortunately, it didn’t quite land for me. That said, I really appreciated how well the author stepped into her characters’ shoes—it’s clear she put a lot of heart into them, and I think that’s one of the best ways to connect with readers.

However, I personally didn’t enjoy the political elements that were woven in. I read to escape, and the heavy focus on that early on made it hard for me to get into the story.

In the end, it just wasn’t my cup of tea. Sorry for the low rating, but now that I know how it ends, I don’t feel the need to read it again.

Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced copy!

Save the Date was a really fun and engaging story. I read it quickly because I wanted to see what would happen next. While I wasn’t shocked by the outcome (it is a romcom after all), I felt it was satisfying. The whole premise is a little ridiculous, but I love the way it was presented. Emma is a marriage counselor and sets out to prove her hypothesis - and I think she does.

THIS THERAPIST NEEDS THERAPY

Save My Date opens with an intriguing premise: if only Emma could find a new groom by her planned wedding day, nothing else in her life would have to change. What follows is her impulsive mission to find someone—anyone—willing to marry her, simply to avoid the stress of canceling her wedding.

As a therapist, one might expect Emma to handle this life crisis with a bit more clarity. However, she seems to detach from reality, throwing herself into the dating scene not in search of genuine connection, but with the singular goal of finding a placeholder groom. Instead of focusing on one potential relationship, she rapidly cycles through dates in a frantic, almost whimsical attempt to secure a husband.

While the main storyline lacked the emotional depth and romantic development typically found in the romance genre, the subplot involving Emma’s parents and their evolving marriage proved to be a highlight. Their journey added emotional weight and maturity to the narrative, and ultimately became the reason I continued reading. That portion of the story delivered a rewarding and heartfelt payoff.

Overall, the book leaned more toward women’s fiction than romance. The animated and lighthearted cover art may mislead readers into expecting a traditional romantic comedy, which this story is not. While some elements were engaging, the premise fell short for me, and the main character’s motivations made it difficult to fully invest in her journey.

Save the Date is a story of Emma, a relationship therapist and rising youtuber. She has built her career and youtube platform around her successful relationships and has even procured a book deal out of it. However, she has recently undergone a surprising breakup from her fiance. With her wedding date six months away and staying on her calendar. Emma has conceived a plan to meet a new man and marry him to continue her life’s trajectory as she sees it. Hence, operation "Save the Date", is born.

Many thanks to Netgalley, Harlequin Trade Publishing, and the author for an ARC of this book in which I had the pleasure of reading.

I went into this book without much expectations after reading a few reviews. But the book actually surprised me because it was actually pretty good.

The book is about Emma who's a marriage and family therapist, but also pretty famous from her Youtube channel. She was engaged to Ryan but after 6 months, he abruptly ended the engagement. But instead of canceling her wedding, she was determine to find a new groom and keep her original wedding date.

Throughout the beginning of the book, we met a few potential new grooms but all ended because they think Emma was "bananas" to want to get married in less than 6 months. When I was reading the book, I also thought the same way as these potential new grooms. She caught up with a few guys from her past but also met a couple new ones.

I don't want to say too much because it might spoil it for you, but I was really rooting for one of the guys. She was able to be her true self in front of him and he seemed like a genuinely nice guy!

Overall, I really enjoyed the book. Although I thought the first 15 to 20% of the book is a bit slow, but I think that's pretty normal for any book in my opinion. I love how Emma's family is pretty close, like Emma still loves hanging out with her parents. Her old sister was a bit overbearing and a little controlling, but being the oldest I can totally relate to that! I thought Emma being somewhat of an influencer would be a little cringey, but the book touched the perfect amount on that part of her life.

I would love to read more of Allison's books in the future.

This cover was giving New Girl vibes and it did not disappoint!! Having her wedding date saved without a fiancé was such a unique approach for a book! I loved it! Will definitely recommend

Save the Date
By Allison Raskin

Couples therapist Emma is unexpectedly dumped 6 months before her wedding. The title, Save the Date refers to Emma’s goal to find a replacement groom for her wedding. Emma’s book deal, her status as a social media influencer and her ability to afford her apartment in LA are on the line. Emma takes her problem to her parents, friend, an old flame and to social media. It’s supposed to be a rom com but both those ingredients are missing. No steam either. I like the author’s exploration of anxiety and mental health as it relates to relationships and that she was writing from her experience but other than that, not a fan and not what I thought I signed up for. Thanks to NetGalley and Canary Street Press for digital copy to review.

The concept of this book was cute. Emma was left by her fiancé and thought it was a great idea to save the date by finding a replacement groom. The way she went about finding her groom was interesting, but after a certain point I just wanted to get to the date of the wedding. I enjoyed the ending. However, I felt that the book dragged on a little too long. Thank you NetGalley, publishers of this book, and Allison Raskin for a copy of this book.

I just love books about dating and relationships and I highly recommend this book to all my friends who are single and dating in their 30s and those who just recently got out of a relationship.

This is a good book to read if you’re in search of finding the Vice President of your life - aka your life partner.

So our female lead is a couple’s therapist with a huge online following. Months before her wedding, her fiance blindsided her and called the wedding off. But with all the money they spent on the wedding, she decided to keep her original wedding date and go through with the wedding. She just needed to find the groom!

And that is pretty much the plot. The main argument of the book is that there is no “The One”. Everybody can fall in love with anyone as long as someone is willing to give their time, effort, and commitment.

I love books about dating! It opens up so many conversations about relationships. With the female lead being a couples therapist, the conversations about marriage felt like relationship tips. I mean granted finding someone to marry in 6 months is a little out there for me but that’s also one of the book’s argument: your time together in a relationship doesn’t determine the success of your marriage.

Anyhoo, it definitely was an interesting plot and I flew through this one so quickly. The author was also the narrator of the audiobook so I mostly finished this via audio because I love it when the author narrates their own book!

Thank you @htp_hive for the free book! Thank you @netgalley for the audiobook!!

I honestly did not like the main character. That is my primary criticism of this book. She was so lost, and lacked awareness at a level that made me furious: where do you get off telling people that they're wrong for thinking that your nutso plan is weird? I didn't love the influencer angle, and honestly, there just wasn't much romance at all to me. I like a little yearning with my romance. Pining, thoughtful behavior, and not these weird, forced-love situations with two people lacking chemistry, and like, a third guy, who's so obviously not over his ex that it's not even a spoiler. One more shallow criticism: hate a podcaster. Don't make a podcaster your male lead. Anyway: cool concept. Gave it a star just for that. Otherwise, this one is a skip—I honestly almost DNFed it.

𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁:

I love how the idea for this book hatched from the author’s real life, I think it brings an extra layer to the story. It was a fun book chalked full of great relationship advice and ah ha moments. I love seeing characters grow and evolve and this story definitely had lots of that. Great read!

𝐒𝐲𝐧𝐨𝐩𝐬𝐢𝐬:

Emma is a couples therapist and is writing a book on relationship advice, she is engaged and getting married in six months. But out of nowhere her fiancée just ended things leaving Emma’s world shattered. Her credibility on understanding relationships is now in jeopardy and that can harm her book deal, her private practice and her online creator status. So she must pick up the pieces of her heart and life and move on.

So Operation “Save The Date” was born. Emma is keeping her wedding in six months, she just now needs to find a groom in the SoCal dating scene. After a few dates that didn’t make it past the end of the night.

Emma tries online dating. She connects with Will, a podcast producer. They immediately hit it off and Emma can see a future with him. But when she shares her plans, he makes it clear he’s isn’t interested in being a replacement groom. So with Emma not wanting to abandon her plan they friendship zone their feelings. But Emma’s story sparks an idea for Will and they start a podcast featuring Operation Save The Date.

In the meantime the clock is clicking down and Emma needs to find a groom. Enters Matt a recently divorced fiance guy, he wants a wife and kids. Emma and Matt align on their goals and get engaged quickly. But Emma is still working with Will and she feels herself being pulled from in multiple directions.

Read this one to see how it all unfolds.

𝙁𝙖𝙫 𝙌𝙪𝙤𝙩𝙚:

“One person falling out of love with you doesn’t make you unlovable: it makes you human,” she wrote. “When things don’t work out, all you can do is try again. And then maybe a third, fourth and fifth time because you owe it to yourself to not give up.”

𝑳𝒊𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒓𝒚 𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒎𝒆𝒔 𝒀𝒐𝒖’𝒍𝒍 𝑭𝒊𝒏𝒅:

* Broken Engagement - Six Months Before Wedding
* Couples Therapist FMC
* Operation Save My Date - Hunt For a New Groom
* Two Groom Prospects - Mini Love Triangle
* Podcast Producer (Will)
* Recently Divorced Finance Guy (Matt)
* Personal Growth & Self Discovery
* Anxiety & Mental Health Rep
* Great Banter & LOL Moments
* Slow Burn & Closed Door

💍👰🏻‍♀️🌸 💍👰🏻‍♀️🌸 💍👰🏻‍♀️🌸 💍👰🏻‍♀️🌸💍

Save the Date by Allison Raskin is an entertaining, thought-provoking, feel-good story that was intriguing and insightful. Emma, a family and relationships therapist, seems to have it all: a loving fiancé, a large online following, and a book deal that incorporates her own experiences. When her fiancé calls off their engagement, she makes an unconventional choice: instead of canceling the wedding venue and date, she sets out to find a new groom. As a therapist who is dealing with her own anxiety, this mission is far from easy; but Emma is determined.

Emma meets Will through Hinge, an on-line dating app, and they hit it off; but he is not willing to get married. Emma then meets Matt, who was recently divorced. They hit it off and Matt is willing to marry Emma. Emma and Will do podcasts together, and she discovers their chemistry better than what she has with Matt. Emma also realizes that she and Matt have never said I love you, even after he proposes. When Emma is interviewed on a TV show it makes her wonder if she’s making a mistake. Now, Emma must decide if she is willing to compromise and marry Matt or if Will is worth waiting for.

Based on the author’s own life experience, this story is filled with humor, shocking moments, and heartfelt self-reflection, not only for Emma but also for those she encounters along the way. It also encourages the reader to reflect on their own relationships; consider and contemplate what they are willing to accept, or no accept, in a partner.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
#NetGalley #HarlequinTrade #SaveTheDate

This book was beautifully written and well rounded but unfortunately missed the mark for me. I’m not a fan of reading about politics. I read to escape and this was not much of an escape. I did give 3 stars for the character development, beautiful writing style, and premise of the story. I would recommend this book! Thank you for the Arc

Thank you NetGalley and Canary Street Press for a free copy of the advanced readers edition of this book.

As someone who followed along with the real life events that inspired this book, I’m glad to see that author Allison Raskin has brought her unique perspective and writing style to create a book that is both comedic and heartwarming. It’s a tale of a woman who tries to turn tragedy into opportunity and still manages to find love in the end.
Save the date is an excellent book with a great lead character and some interesting side characters to go along with her. While aspects of the book are predictable, the ride is still a fun one and it’s great to see the lead’s journey.
I would only mention caution if you or someone that you know who would like this book have dealt with anxiety, a shortened engagement, or a dislocated kneecap.

Emma Moskowitz has just been dumped by her fiancé, only six months
before their wedding day. However, instead of canceling the venue, the caterer, and the flowers, she resolves to find someone to marry on her planned wedding day! — Thus begins Operation Save the Date.

This is a charming, lighthearted romance with humorous moments throughout. Emma, a couples therapist dealing with anxiety, provides a fun perspective on the daunting world of dating. I wish it had been written in the first person; that would have made it feel more intimate, though. Will, a podcaster and potential husband, contributes witty banter and sexual tension. I should mention that this is not a particularly spicy read; it focuses more on Emma's journey to discover what it means to find the right person for her, evoking all the warm and fuzzy feelings.

Thank you @harlequinbooks @htpbooks and @allisonraskin for this gifted ebook.

First off, I'd like to thank Harlequin Trade Company and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I think Emma is absolutely adorable and love the insta-love connection presented from the get go. While it's pushed as a love triangle it's blatantly obvious who she chooses at the end. It was simple, funny, cute and very meet cute in my opinion. It was a fast paced easy read. It was a good palette refresher from my usual reads but I enjoyed it thoroughly. 3.25 stars.

didn't really love this one it seemed very insta lovey with undeveloped characters which is unfortunate because the plot seemed promising but i hope to maybe read at a later time to see if my feelings have changed

This was an interesting concept- just ended up not being for me. Will's viewpoint made obvious sense to me and it was hard to immerse myself in the story when the main character was so off the rails when it came to Will's perspective.

There were fun friendships and witty banter. I generally loved the main character's "speech" to the ex fiancé when running into him half way through the book- it was so perfect. I do think many people will enjoy this novel.

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy.

“Emma knew with uncharacteristic certainty that out of all the husbands in all the world, she would choose Will over and over again.” 💍👰🏼‍♀️📆💌
save the date 4/5⭐️
Thank you to Net Galley, Harlequin Trade Publishing, and the author for the opportunity to read and review this book! This book had such a unique plot. I really enjoyed it! This book was so funny and had me laughing out loud! This book is about Emma who just got dumped by her fiancé. she has the idea to keep the wedding date and find a new groom. I was rooting for her and Will the whole time! This book was so funny and I loved it so much! There is not much spice in this book! Definitely read this if you like a love triangle, rom coms, and second chances! This book is out NOW!! Go check it out!!

This book was just an okay read for me. I really enjoyed the premise of the book but I felt like a lot of the book dragged. One thing I keep puzzling over, which I’m not even really sure why it was put in the book is the call to Jackie when she is out in the club. I didn’t like the non resolution feel it gave me.