I honestly couldn't finish reading this book. I tried. I really, really did. Between the basic writing style and the use of marijuana (I know, it is legal in most places) I just couldn't get into it. (Again, I tried. I really, really did!) Definitely not my cup of tea! The premise was great, just not very well developed.

I absolutely loved the premise of Save the Date! Allison Raskin takes what could have been a devastating situation—being dumped by her fiancé—and turns it into an exciting, heartfelt journey. The characters felt incredibly real, and readers will find themselves laughing out loud as Emma Moskowitz navigates the ups and downs of keeping her wedding date, even without a groom.

Emma is lucky to strike gold with both men she meets through dating apps—something every girl dreams of. While I would have liked to see her struggle a bit more in finding the right match, the two men she meets serve as a lens into her inner turmoil. More importantly, the novel beautifully explores Emma’s personal growth as she faces sticky situations with both romance and family.

Raskin delivers a witty, relatable, and emotionally rich story that keeps readers engaged from start to finish. Fans of contemporary romance and heartfelt comedies will thoroughly enjoy this book!

Thank you NetGalley for an early copy!

Save the Date was good to read, but for me, a little unrealistic at times. I really felt for Emma and was upset and anxious with her. She heads out to change the outcome of a cancelled wedding. Not what most people would do, but fun to imagine and read about!

3.5 stars rounded up

This was a cute book! I really liked the premise of it and it was definitely a different kind of story. Couples therapist Emma finds herself dumped by her fiance out of nowhere. She doesn't want to cancel her wedding so she sets out to find a new groom to take the place of her old one.

She meets Will, a potential suitor, but it's endgame when she tells him her plan. However they are continually drawn to one another and Will asks to document Emma's journey on a podcast. You'll have to read to find out if she gets her wish of her wedding day!

I loved the scene where Emma told off her ex in the restaurant!! It's easy to buy into the notion that if someone doesn't want you, there must be something wrong with you. The supporting cast in the book was great - lots of people in Emma's corner and I loved the support they gave her!

Thanks Net Galley and Publisher for the advanced eARC of this book!

Fun read and great characters! So glad I got to read this one. :)

Thank you NetGalley and Allison Raskin!

There were some things I loved about this book, and some things that I wasn't thrilled with. I did really enjoy the premise of the story. The idea of finding another man willing to replace the groom at your planned wedding when your fiancé dumps you was so absurd that it made for a very entertaining plot. I also really enjoyed the anxiety representation. I could definitely relate to a lot of what Emma was going through and I felt like the author handled it in a sensitive way while still managing to show a truthful example of what it's like to live with an anxiety disorder. And Emma did exhibit a lot of growth during the book. The podcast and therapy sessions were excellent and I enjoyed the behind the scenes look at both of those professions.

However, I also felt like there wasn't a ton of depth to the book. Everything seemed a bit superficial and surface level. I wanted more conversations between the characters and more inner dialouge from Emma. And there were a few things that happened that just seemed a touch too ridiculous to be realistic. I felt like the characters could have been developed more, and the ending not quite as rushed. Really, I just wanted a little more than I got with this one!

One thing that was done very well was the banter between Will and Emma. They definitely had chemistry, and I found myself enjoying the book so much more when he came on the scene. However, it seemed like all of their interactions got cut short, and while I loved the conflict/ resolution at the end, I would have liked it to have been a deeper conversation and not wrapped up with a few simple sentences.

All in all, I'm happy I read this book despite my criticisms. It was a quick and fun read and I definitely laughed out loud a few times! I'm very grateful to Netgalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing/Canary Street Press for the e-arc of the book. Save The Date will be published on April 8th, 2025.

This was such a good contemporary romance read. I love the characters and I felt like I related to Emma’s anxious nature quite a bit. Overall, I really enjoyed the storyline in this one and would definitely recommend it.

Probably not a good idea to bash conservatives and have so much Trump hate. Alienates a lot of potential readers and fans. I’m happy I got an early release of this to read instead of spending my money on a book that insults its readers.

The main character’s self depreciating and desperate personality was already tough to like but then that was the cherry on top to creating a very dislikable lead. Did we really have to read about her anxiety every other paragraph? Sorry to hear the story is inspired by the author because then what does that say about her. Eeeeesh.

My hatred for the female character continues to grow at 85% in. She’s obsessed with being wanted and desired so much that even after she gets what she wants she’s still willing to sabotage it for more attention from more men. “She couldn’t keep doing this to herself “ ?????? She shouldn’t keep doing this to the men. The chosen fiancé deserves better. She’s gross. And THEN the running away to get a man to chase her? Come onnnn. I’m so over it.

Finished this as a courtesy to the publisher for the approved early read - I wanted to enjoy it. The initial idea was nice, not a fan of the execution.

When Emma’s 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 couples therapist dealing with her own anxiety, this daring mission is far from easy—but Emma is nothing if not determined.

The story is filled with humor, shocking moments, and heartfelt self-reflection, not only for Emma but also for those she encounters along the way. What truly hooked me was the author’s note, revealing that the inspiration for this unique premise came from her own life experience.

This book is both entertaining and thought-provoking, encouraging readers to reflect on their own relationships. It prompts us to consider what we’re willing to accept—or not—in a partner. A truly intriguing and insightful read!

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher’s for providing me the opportunity to read and review this ARC!

Save the Date was a quick read for me, but I got pretty bogged down in the story. Emma Moskowitz is a couples counselor who has expanded her career on social media, and finds herself suddenly single when her fiance dumps her with no explanation. She is also under contract to write a book about relationships, and her ex-fiance is prominently featured in the book. She decides to proceed with the wedding - same date and venue - and sets out to find a new fiance to fill Ryan, her ex's shoes.

I had a hard time understanding Emma's fixation on continuing with her plans and desperately trying to find a replacement fiance who would fit in to her previously planned wedding. The whole scenario was very unrealistic and Emma's decision to find a fiance to replace her ex annoyed me. She seemed to prioritize her social media profile over her actual life. I also didn't care for the other characters in the story, except for Imani, Will and Matt. Everyone who has been dumped can empathize with Emma's heartbreak, but her obsession with finding a fiance who was willing to get engaged and married right away was not a reasonable solution. Getting divorced is a lot more painful and costly than canceling wedding plans.

Emma finds several candidates to become her new fiance, and I would have liked to see her consider altering her plans to get to know any of these men in a natural progression. I also found her sister to be aggravating, and her parents' marital issues were not interesting to me. I would have loved to see more description of her clients and their sessions. The banter between Emma and her various dates was funny, but the looming wedding date and plans overshadowed the development of her relationships with any of them.

I always enjoy reading a new (to me) author's work, and I really liked the character of Emma Moskowitz, but there were many parts of this book that didn't work for me. Thanks to NetGalley, Allison Raskin, and Canary Street Press for this advance reader's copy in exchange for an unbiased review. All opinions are my own.

A fun easy read for someone looking for a romance. I thoroughly enjoyed this book from Allison Raskin. This is my first book from her but I look forward to reading more.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC!

I loved this rom com book! The characters were witty and the plot fit with the world we live in today. I can’t wait to recommend it to my book club. Can definitely see this being a movie as well. I can already see Glen Powell as Will.

Emma Moskowitz is a couples therapist, which adds an extra layer of irony when her fiancé dumps her just 6 months before their wedding. Not only does she lose her fiancé, but she’s at risk of losing her influencer status and book deal since she no longer has a relationship to portray. Rather than letting it crash and burn, she takes a new approach in Operation Save My Date: keep the wedding date, but find a different groom! With her heart still healing, she has to decide between a podcast producer who isn’t particularly interested in being a substitute groom, and a recent divorcee looking to settle down again.

I admit that I’ve been a big fan of the author for a while, and love how open she is with her #anxiety. Leaning in to her anxiety allows for humor in real life, and that was certainly manifest in the novel itself. It’s clear that the character Emma is loosely based on the author’s real life, and that made Emma feel all the more real. It felt like a new spin on a classic #LoveTriangle trope, and frameshifts the ‘bridezilla’ into a different level of anxiety: finding a groom in time. The author does a great job at integrating her own humorous voice that fans of the author will recognize and newcomers will appreciate. A good read for any contemporary romance fan!

Posted on Goodreads 3/14. Will post to IG (@AutobiographiCole) on or around April 8, 2025.

Book Review:
SAVE THE DATE
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Author: Allison Raskin
Publisher: Canary Street Press @canarystreetpress
@_mira_books_ @harpercollins
Thank you @netgalley for my ARC

“I’m not perfect. I know I’m not cool or chill or low
maintenance. But that doesn’t mean I am unlovable.”

This line captures the heart of Save the Date, a
rom-com that is as funny as it is emotionally raw.
Based on Allison Raskin’s real-life experience, the
novel follows Emma Moskowitz, a couples therapist
and online creator, whose fiancé unexpectedly leaves
her six months before their wedding. Instead of
canceling, she embarks on Operation: Save My
Date—a public search for a new groom by her original
wedding day.

At first, Emma’s plan seems ridiculous, but
underneath, it reflects the fear of being left behind.
This book isn’t just about love—it’s about self-worth,
societal pressure, and embracing life’s unexpected
turns. The chemistry between Emma and Will, a
charismatic podcast producer, adds depth, while Matt,
a kind divorcee, presents a safe alternative. Through it
all, Emma must decide what she truly wants.

Raskin blends humor with real emotional stakes,
making Emma’s journey both entertaining and
relatable. The novel tackles modern relationships,
online scrutiny, and the messy process of healing with
authenticity. While some side characters, like Emma’s
sister Jackie, are frustrating, they add to the story’s
realism.

Save the Date is more than a rom-com—it’s a heartfelt,
thought-provoking exploration of love and
self-discovery. If you’ve ever felt lost or pressured to
follow a timeline that isn’t yours, this book is a
must-read.

#SaveTheDateBook #AllisonRaskin #RomComReads
#BookReview #MustRead #BookLover #WomensFiction
#ContemporaryRomance #SelfDiscovery
#HeartfeltReads #FunnyBooks #Bookstagram
#ReadersOfInstagram #FictionLover #LoveAndLife
#ModernRomance #Bookish #ARCReview
#EmotionalReads #StrongFemaleLead #readers #read
#books #readreadread #ReadingCommunity
#booksofinstagram #readersgonnaread
#bookstagrammer #booksbooksbooks

** spoiler alert ** Allison Raskin, a New York Times bestselling author and relationship coach, has released her latest book, "Save the Date," a rom-com novel loosely based on her own life. The book follows Emma Moskowitz, a couples therapist who is unceremoniously dumped by her fiancé six months before their wedding. Emma's world is turned upside down, as her successful career, online presence, and even her book deal are all tied to her expertise in relationships and mental health. However, Emma is determined to find a new groom by the wedding day and continue with her life as planned.

Emma's quest for a new husband catches the attention of Will, a podcast host who offers to chronicle her story on a new show. Emma and Will hit it off instantly, but unfortunately, Will is not interested in marriage. Emma is then set up with Matt, a kind and handsome recently divorced man. Emma and Matt connect easily, proving her theory that "Mr. Right" doesn't need to bring butterflies and fireworks to a relationship. Their relationship is simple and comfortable, and most importantly, Matt wants to get married.

As the wedding date approaches, Emma begins to question whether she and Matt are truly compatible. Matt frequently references his ex-wife, and he doesn't seem to understand Emma's sense of humor. Despite these doubts, Emma feels pressured to go through with the wedding, as many people are counting on her to see her plan through, including her editor, her followers, and even Will.

"Save the Date" is an honest portrayal of the impact of relationships on one's life and Emma's view on marriage, stating that she agrees with Emma's belief that marriage is about finding someone who shares your values, rather than finding "the one".

"Save the Date" is a lighthearted and relatable read that explores the complexities of relationships and the pressure to conform to societal expectations and the importance of finding compatibility and shared values in a partner.

Thank you to Harlequin Trade Publishing | Canary Street Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC.

As a marriage therapist who recently landed herself a book deal, and is riding viral fame, Emma is crushed when her fiancée, Ryan, breaks up with her out of the blue. How can she market herself as a successful marriage therapist when she can’t even find herself a loving husband? With the wedding 6 months away, Emma panics and convinces herself that instead of cancelling, she will instead just find herself a new fiancé. It can’t be that hard, right? Everyone wants to get married.

What ensues is a funny, heartwarming story of Emma finding what she truly wants through some bad dates, a failed pseudo-engagement, and helping her parents navigate their own marriage issues. I truly enjoyed reading this quirky take on picking yourself up by your bootstraps, and making the most of what life throws your way.

I LOVED this eARC. There are definitely things to fix, especially formatting wise, but I thought Emma was so funny and her internal monologue around her anxiety and relationships felt so real.

I really loved the authors note at the beginning of the book and to me, that connection made everything even funnier, more vulnerable, and had me rooting for Emma even when she was a little bananas.

I was wary of this book based on some of the reviews, but I actually really enjoyed it! It kept me on the edge of my seat and made me smile and laugh.

Although I don't think it ever said it or anything similar, the entire thing reminds me of the quote "Every breakup brings you one step closer to the right person," because although she lost multiple men within such a short timeframe, it was all setting her up for her happily every after. I recently told someone that when you lose someone or you don't know what's going to happen next - that's one of the most exciting times of your life because now ANYTHING could happen. Sometimes waiting and seeing can be fun if we are open. And I think that Emma was open, and it turned a sad situation into something fun.

I loved the comedy of this book. It didn't feel forced at all and the banter was just really easy. I never felt like she was trying so hard to be funny, it just was what it was and I really enjoy a book like that.

I did see some reviews about how people didn't like it because it put down republicans a lot, and I really only remember one time it said anything about it. It wasn't exactly necessary, no matter what party it pointed out, but it really wasn't a big deal at all. I would hope one line that's a joke against a political party wouldn't stop you from reading an entire book.

The ending was not something I expected but it was really sweet.


My rating: 16+ - sexual situations, language
Spice - 2/5

This novel is about the time when Emma Moskowitz’s life is turned upside down after her fiancé calls off their wedding just months before the big day. To take back control, she sets out to find a new partner before the original wedding date. Enter Will and Matt—two promising options, but with very different readiness for commitment and different vibes. The idea of this book is charming, and I liked how the story brought in social media and podcasts it made it very modern day and made a fun, modern touch. I would reccomend this book to others!

Emma is a family and relationships therapist who seems to have it all: a loving fiancé, a large
online following, and a book deal that incorporates her own experiences. That is until she is surprisingly dumped by her fiancé and leaves everything else in her life to feel like it’s on the line. Emma decides that she is going to keep her wedding date in place and find a new groom to meet her at the altar. Can she find someone who will go along with new plan?

This book is a feel-good read that had me instantly drawn in from the beginning. I appreciated Emma’s internal monologue and her openness to discuss her anxiety that affects every part of her life. I was rooting for her to find the man who will be the perfect part of her plan and read the last half of the book so quickly to find out what happened! You will fall in love with Emma’s humor, her family, and the suitors that come across her path. Allison Raskin’s book, Save the Date is set to be released April 8th, 2025.