Review of Jenny L. Howe’s How To Get A Life In Ten Dates: A Fun and Insightful Romance #JennyLHowe @StMartinsPress

How To Get A Life In Ten Dates offers a witty and heartwarming exploration of love, friendship, and self-discovery in the modern dating world.

Acknowledgments:

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press for the ARC of this book. The thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own.

Summary:

Haleigh Berkshire is a twenty-five-year-old plus-size woman who has grown weary of the dating scene, especially since she’s been secretly in love with her best friend, Jack, for years. After a disastrous weekend in college, Haleigh resigned herself to the friend zone, convinced they could never be more. When her sister’s engagement party looms and her family pressures her to find a plus-one, she and Jack hatch a plan: let her friends and family set her up with ten different people, hoping that when they all fail, she can retire from dating in peace. However, to Haleigh’s surprise, some of the dates go well, leading to unexpected fun and even hope. But Jack’s sudden jealousy and unexpected decision to join the dating pool himself complicate everything, forcing Haleigh to confront her feelings and question whether risking her friendship with Jack is worth a chance at love.

My Thoughts:

How To Get A Life In Ten Dates offers a delightful and relatable dive into the ups and downs of the modern dating scene. From the very start, I found myself laughing out loud at Haleigh Berkshire’s misadventures and rooting for her to find her own path amidst the pressures of family and society.

At just twenty-five, Haleigh is exhausted—not only from the relentless cycle of dating but also from constantly being compared to her overachieving sister, who’s fresh off the bar exam and engaged to be married. In an effort to get her family off her back about bringing a plus-one to her sister’s engagement party, Haleigh hatches a scheme: she’ll go on ten dates, each arranged by someone close to her. She’s convinced none of them will pan out, and then she can retire from the dating scene with a clear conscience.

The dates themselves are a rollercoaster of hilarity and surprise, and I loved following Haleigh through each one, eager to hear her recap everything to her best friend, Jack—who, of course, has his own complicated history with her. The narrative deftly shifts between present-day events and past reflections, revealing just enough about Haleigh’s past at the perfect moments. This technique not only kept me engaged but also deepened my understanding of Haleigh’s fears and desires.

What I appreciated most was Haleigh’s journey of self-discovery. Watching her navigate through her dates, and more importantly, the emotional complexities of her relationship with Jack, felt authentic and rewarding. Howe captures the essence of what it means to resist societal pressures and embrace one’s true self, making this not just a fun read but also a meaningful one.

Final Thoughts:

If you’re looking for a book that blends humour, heart, and a dash of romance, How To Get A Life In Ten Dates is a perfect pick. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the best way to find yourself is to take a chance on the unexpected.

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