Many thanks to Netgalley and Spotify Audiobooks for the free audiobook copy.

I mostly enjoyed this rom-com but did feel like it was missing a little je ne sais quoi. Due to this, I am giving this 3.5 stars rounded up.

Things I enjoyed: great plus size representation, many laugh-out-loud moments, and some genuinely sweet romantic moments. I love the premise of having friends and family set one up for some wonderfully disastrous first dates.

Things I am on the fence about: in my opinion, mental health illnesses are portrayed in both positive and negative ways, which might be fair and valid.

Things I disliked: <spoiler>A major downfall to this book is the fact that Jack's interference in Haleigh’s dates is in the synopsis. I felt like the synopsis gave everything away. Even if it was not so clearly stated, I would have guessed that was the outcome, but as a reader I would have liked the ability to be surprised. I also was on the fence about whether Haleigh should end up with Jack.
With the fact that he lied to his therapist, himself, and her for so long about his feelings and the extent of his illness, I felt like he needed to work on himself and that Haleigh should start over romantically.</spoiler>

This is the first book I’ve read by this author & I would probably read another one in the future. It was a book that didn’t wow me at any point, it was just okay. The FMC was being set up by various people in her life with a variety of people, some male, some female. I thought many of the moments in the book were lackluster when they had the potential to be better. The ideas were there but not executed well. The MMC’s depression I felt was just glossed over as if you can just snap your fingers and all of a sudden be “normal”, when in reality it isn’t that cut and dry and I felt the book portrayed depression in a totally unrealistic manner.

THIS WAS SUCH A PLEASANT SURPRISE.

I liked so much about this book, and the vibes were just immaculate for me.

I felt that the FMC was so very relatable. As an anxious, overthinking, feeling like i’m behind everyone in life plus size girl - i felt so seen. Her confidence by the end of the book was something that really gave me some hope for myself.

I really enjoyed the overall plot of the book. The predate surveys were really funny to me, the questions were so random but also so telling. I really liked Jack and Hallie as a whole, but also as individuals.

I also really enjoyed the author’s writing style. It was enjoyable, quick, fast-paced, and the setup of the lists, questionnaires and just the story itself were really enjoyable.

I dualed between the digital copy and the audiobook and i LOVED the narrator. She added to the story so well and I think it’s a huge reason why i clicked with it so much.

Tropes you’ll find: Plus size FMC (without making it thrown into your face 24/7), Friends to Lovers, (SEMI) second chance romance?, childhood best friend & a littleeee moment of love triangle

overall i will absolutely be reading more by this author and i definitely recommend this book to my peers!

Thank you to NetGalley, Spotify Audiobooks, St. Martin's Press, and Jenny L. Howe for the chance to read and listen to this book in exchange for my honest review.

I am always eager to read stories about plus sized FMCs- so I jumped at the chance to read this book. It's a sweet story that had me laughing out loud during the dates that our FMCs closest family and friends set her up on. I especially enjoyed hearing all of the date "participants'" answers to the questionnaire. I kind of think the questionnaire should be patented.


The audio was really well done. I would definitely listen to this narrator again.

Thanks NetGalley for the ARC of this audiobook. I DNF at 30%. I couldn’t get into the storyline or the characters.

Jenny L. Howe - thank you. Thank you for this book. Plus size gals don't usually get their spot at the front, instead we're doomed to be funny best friends. I've been struggling with my place in the world. I want to dress cute & step away from my jeans & t-shirt. But there are times where I feel as though I’m only pretending to be someone else. I grew up in a home where it was ‘okay’ to point out other’s flaws, at least it felt that way at times. Having things pointed out – how I could be pretty, had I lost 15 pounds, learned to wear make-up, or how to style my hair. Tends to make me feel as though I will never measure up – good thing for me that I grew away from that mindset. I think it’s time I stop thinking of myself as “plus size” & start thinking of myself as “curvy” … just like Haleigh.
Haleigh Berkshire, twenty-five, loves reading, copy editor in waiting, lover of animals, friend to Jack. The bad dates Haleigh experiences are comical yet cringe worthy. It reminds me of a quote I’ve seen jokingly shared around IG lately – “Hangovers are temporary but drunk stories last a lifetime.” Not sure who came up with that, but it applies to Haleigh’s dating experiences. They make great stories & had me laugh out loud & talking to the book (which is easier when it’s an audiobook, like this one).
...
I have already recommended this book to several friends. Absolutely loved it!

I always love Jenny Howe’s books! the characters are sweet, swoony, and spicy, and the plot is deep, loving, and oh so tender. I loved Haleigh and Jacks friends to lovers, slow burn romance. I love being able to see how they’ve both grown, matured, and healed/ are healing over the years to be the best partners they can to each other. I loved the side characters here as well, especially Brian who’s just a big ole cinnamon roll, I really want to see him get his happy ending!!!
the narration was perfect, brought me right into the story and the characters so well, I felt so encapsulated in the story!!!
overall, another adorable, amazing story from Jenny Howe! thank you for the arc!!!!

Thank you NetGalley, publisher St. Martin's Griffin, and author Jenny L Howe for providing a copy of this eARC! All thoughts and opinions in this review are my own.
.
.
.
If Jenny L Howe writes it, I'm gonna read it. Period. And chances are, I'm gonna like it. And I liked this one a lot, and the audiobook narrator was fantastic! However, I don't think it's for everyone. I think for readers to enjoy this, they need to be able to relate to the FMC, and she is flawed.

FMC Haleigh is a self-described mess, and readers should take the time to read and digest the author's note at the beginning of the book. Haleigh has general anxiety disorder (lol same) and has been in and out of therapy (lol same). Haleigh has confidence issues that are not related to her body, but rather to her perceived failure to meet a self-imposed standard of success. Like many millennials and Gen Zers, Haleigh keeps herself afloat financially through gigs like dog walking and short-term editing contracts, rather than a "standard" 9 to 5 job with benefits. Like many millennials and Gen Zers, her living arrangements include a roommate. Haleigh believes "success" requires a job with a 401k and a number of PTO days per year and a one bedroom apartment to herself. Based on past comments to her by her family, she also believes that to be "successful" she must be in a stable relationship. Readers who dread family feedback or have been on the receiving end of a hurtful but well-intended observation paired with the placation "I just want to see you happy!" will probably resonate with Haleigh's perception of herself. There's also the element of a not well-intended comment spoken by Haleigh's sister that wormed it's way into Haleigh's brain and stayed there for twenty years, the nickname "Disaster Girl". Kids can be assholes, and siblings even more so. But these assholic comments have a way of staying with us, and becoming the disparaging voices in our heads.

While this book is a romance/rom-com and explores a number of hysterical, cringe-worthy, and a few particularly nightmarish dates, and then throws in a delightful love triangle between the new love interest and the childhood friend, it's also a story about Haleigh's acceptance of herself and her journey to find the bravery to make the changes in her life that she wants to see, and to explore her insecurities and face some personal demons. She refers to herself as a mess about 20 times in this book; her anxiety latches on to this and calls her a tornado, a disaster, a failure. Fear grips her in a way that, to me, felt all too familiar. Haleigh learns over the course of the story to embrace what is said in the book's dedication: For anyone who has ever thought they’d never get it right— remember, right and wrong are subjective words, and messes can be beautiful.

Come for the silly little dates, emotional support cockatoo, and narwhal plushes named Marshmallow, but stay for the world-class representation and character growth.

How to Get a Life in Ten Dates main character is Haleigh who has had a string of bad dates. She receives an invitation to her sister's engagement party, and now she is in need of a plus one. One night Haleigh together with her best friend Jackson, come up with a plan for her friends and close knit family to set her up on 2 dates. The come up with rules including that she can't self sabotage the dates, a questionairre for the date to fill in and if there are no matches, no one gets to complain about her being single for six months.

What follows is delightful rom com that's easy to read. You really feel connected to Haleigh as a character. Some of the dates have you cringing and laughing out loud but you will be fully invested in her journey.

I enjoyed this title as an audiobook. The narrator's voice was expressive and engaging, drawing me into Haleigh's world and kept me hooked.

Thank you to Netgalley for the advanced copy.
#HowtoGetaLifeinTenDates #NetGalley

I thought this story was pretty good, but could have been better. I enjoyed having a plus sized FMC and reading about her dating experiences in hopes of finding a date to her sisters engagement party. Her beset friend, Jack, who she has been in love with forever decides that he wants to make himself an option for her. It was a cute, easy listen.

I have been a fan of Howe’s other two books, but this one is my favorite so far. I loved the writing, the characters, the plot. I loved the exploration of the dating world for plus size characters and how one of the love interests was also plus size. I love the friendship, the mental health rep, and the cameos from other books.

Jenny Howe is a consistent delight - this may be her best yet. A recommended purchase in all formats for collections where contemporary romance is popular.

⭐️⭐️.5

***I received a copy of this as an audio ARC via Netgalley for my honest review ***

- Plus size FMC - BFF to lovers - romcom -

I feel like this book just missed the mark for me. There was potential for it to be really cute, but something is missing. There were parts i enjoyed, but overall, I just wasn't that into it.
We have a plus sized FMC, Haleigh, who enlist her friends and family to set her up on two dates each to help her find a partner and a plus-one to her sisters engagement celebration. One of these friends is her BFF that she's has been in love with forever, Jack. After going on a bunch of not-so-great dates and one that actually could work out, Jack puts himself in the ring to be considered confessing he has been in love with her as well. Then, she has to decide if trying a romantic relationship with Jack is worth risking their friendship.

The narrator did a fabulous job bringing the story to life. I absolutely loved this book! It was such a fun story. And it deserves all the stars! I listened to this book so quickly because I just couldn't put it down. Haleigh is an amazing character who I could really relate to which was nice. And the dates were super cute! Plus the slow burn/friends to lovers was done so well, chefs kiss! If you like romance with humor and heart then this is for you!

Thank you to NetGalley and Spotify Audio for allowing me to listen to this book ahead of release in exchange for my honest opinion.

This was a cute little book, but also a very predictable book. It reminded me of a Hallmark movie and I’m typically not a fan of those. It was very lighthearted however and a quick easy read. If that’s the kind of book you like this is the book for you!

I wanted to get into this but despite the main character being 25, she was the worst stereotype for a white millenial woman. Sometimes I can go with the flow on thosw books but you know it's bad when I, a millenial, I couldn't stomach it. She complained constantly about "adulting" and responsibilities. She harshly judged every person she dated was the very worst, when she herself was no prize. It was clear within the first 2 chapters she was meant for her friend Jack and I honestly didn't think the journey would be worth it. I quit at about 35%. I think this book will definitely read well for a specific set of women but I can't relate.

I loved Jenny L. Howe’s previous books but this one didn’t hit like the others. The writing itself was good and I enjoyed seeing Haleigh going on all the dates but the main romance didn’t work for me. I don’t think the two had much chemistry. There wasn’t enough to make me root for them. In fact I wanted her to end up with the other guy. I did listen to the audio and it was great.

I loved so many aspects of this book. The prose is funny and easy to read. Our heroine is wry and is great about finding the humor in any ridiculous situation. I loved all the represetntaiton this book included. Haleigh is attracted to multiple genders and all her loved ones set her up with people of multiple genders without question or criticism. I loved how her sexuality was completely normalized. I also loved reading about a main characters who have mental health struggles and plus-sized bodies. The lack of flat stomachs and washboard abs was extremely refreshing. I really fell for Haleigh while reading this book. I wanted the world for her and I was disappointed that the book didn't fully explore her getting that. This book does involve a bit of a love triangle because the premise involves her dating multiple people. My problem was that the book does a great job showing how the LI doesn’t show up for Haleigh emotionally or why they don’t work together but never shows us how that will change so that they can work together. There's one conversation at the 95% mark of them attempting to work something out and the next chapter is the epilogue where they are happily riding off into the sunset together. I don't want to be too harsh on this book because I actually really loved it. I just feel jipped of that final piece of development that we could have gotten than would really make me believe in their relationship. Instead it seems like she's settling a little which is totally not the feeling you want at the end of a romance.

If you have the opportunity to listen to this on audio you totally should! The narrator brought out the hilarity of all the crazy situations Haleigh gets herself into and overall made my reading experience better. You gotta listen to the audio to hear how the voice they do for the emotional support bird. That was absolutely hilarious!

A fun romcom read with great characters, the extra depth with plots and characterization that I love in a romance, and a welcome blend of humor, self-growth, and romance.

Thank you SMP and Spotify audio for review copies, ebook and audio. I loved the audio narration that made Howe's charming romcom come to life! I read and listened to this book, both formats are great (though I have a soft spot for romance books on audio!). I loved the inclusive themes in the book, that there was body inclusivity, examination of mental health, and dates that didn't focus on labeling sexuality as much as they were about finding a match. There was a lot of well developed details for the characters and plot that worked well without making a light hearted read "heavy"; Howe has a deft touch when it comes to balancing interesting, relatable, and well crafted characters with a plot that is engaging, charming, and fun.