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Better Date than Never #1
Love at First Date
Ellen may not believe in storybook love, but it’s about to rewrite her life . . .
Ellen’s figured out that finding the right guy is all about compatibility. That’s why she signs up for Detailed Dating—the local online dating scene in Sacramento. They ask men the hard questions, compare their answers with hers, then she filters through the profiles of each provided “match.” After numerous email exchanges, she narrows it down to two promising candidates she’s excited to meet in person.
When Ellen’s best friend asks her for a favor, dog-sitting leads to disaster and Ellen ends up at the local vet where she meets a man she can’t get out of her mind. Henry isn’t a logical choice, but she finds herself paying for dog obedience class to spend more time with him.
Ellen knows that in order to have a lasting relationship, she should take the safe route and go for one of the pre-screened guys. But, how can she think with her head when her heart keeps begging her to give Henry a chance?
Ellen’s figured out that finding the right guy is all about compatibility. That’s why she signs up for Detailed Dating—the local online dating scene in Sacramento. They ask men the hard questions, compare their answers with hers, then she filters through the profiles of each provided “match.” After numerous email exchanges, she narrows it down to two promising candidates she’s excited to meet in person.
When Ellen’s best friend asks her for a favor, dog-sitting leads to disaster and Ellen ends up at the local vet where she meets a man she can’t get out of her mind. Henry isn’t a logical choice, but she finds herself paying for dog obedience class to spend more time with him.
Ellen knows that in order to have a lasting relationship, she should take the safe route and go for one of the pre-screened guys. But, how can she think with her head when her heart keeps begging her to give Henry a chance?
152 pages, ebook
First published October 31, 2012
439 people are currently reading
2794 people want to read
About the author
Susan Hatler
111 books969 followersSUSAN HATLER is a New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author, who writes humorous and emotional contemporary romance and young adult novels. Many of Susan’s books have been translated into German, Spanish, French, and Italian. A natural optimist, she believes life is amazing, people are fascinating, and imagination is endless. She loves spending time with her characters and hopes you do, too.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 454 reviews
July 6, 2021
These characters are so much fun to spend time with and I loved writing this book. This contemporary romance/chick lit novella is the first book in the Better Date Than Never series. If you enjoyed the side character, Rachel, you can read her story in My Last Blind Date (available now!).
May 17, 2019
Una novela sin mayores pretensiones que, a pesar de lo corta que es, en algunas partes se vuelve un poco tediosa. La verdad no le encuentro más mérito que pasar un rato medianamente entretenido, exclusivamente por las reflexiones sarcásticas de la protagonista.
June 16, 2017
Love at First Date is the first book in the Better Date than Never series.
I had this book for a while and since my mood was for a romance, I was happy to start it.
The protagonist is Ellen. She has made the decision to find her true love in the world of online dating. She has her profile in Detailed Dating. She has narrowed her love interests to two men and she's ready to take the next step. She believes her next relationship will be the one. After all, they will know everything about each other. Her plans change when her best friend has a hot date and she's asked to take care of her friend's dog. That night Ellen ends up at the vet's office and later on, puppy school. There she meets Henry, who's there with his own dog for puppy training.
Unfortunately, Love at First Date disappointed me. I was bored with it. The writing was ok but I never learned much about the main characters, especially Henry. There was no depth to them.
So if you want a short romance where there is not much action or drama this is the book for you.
Cliffhanger: No
2/5 Fangs
A complimentary copy was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
I had this book for a while and since my mood was for a romance, I was happy to start it.
The protagonist is Ellen. She has made the decision to find her true love in the world of online dating. She has her profile in Detailed Dating. She has narrowed her love interests to two men and she's ready to take the next step. She believes her next relationship will be the one. After all, they will know everything about each other. Her plans change when her best friend has a hot date and she's asked to take care of her friend's dog. That night Ellen ends up at the vet's office and later on, puppy school. There she meets Henry, who's there with his own dog for puppy training.
Unfortunately, Love at First Date disappointed me. I was bored with it. The writing was ok but I never learned much about the main characters, especially Henry. There was no depth to them.
So if you want a short romance where there is not much action or drama this is the book for you.
Cliffhanger: No
2/5 Fangs
A complimentary copy was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
February 23, 2016
This was the best story. Ellen was just turned thirty and she had signed up for an online dating service. It was time to find someone compatible and that seemed to be the best way. Her best friend needed her to babysit her four month old pup and she agreed. Things took a troubling turn and she found herself at the Vet's office. She asks herself some hard questions in a very entertaining manner.
I thought it was the perfect Valentine's Day read.
I thought it was the perfect Valentine's Day read.
November 2, 2012
Here it is! My new, favorite, hot off the press, short romance. Usually with short stories I am left wanting more but Love at First Date left me completely satisfied. Well, I maybe could have used a smooch more kissing (wink, wink), but honestly this book was awesome. I loved it. It was full of happy smiles.
This book goes along with My Last Blind Date (which I also loved) . It was fun to catch a glimpse of Rachel from that book as well as get to know Ellen more in this book. I love the setting in Sacramento. (hello, Sacramento!) That's my home stomping grounds. Now a days, when I get to Sacramento, I know I'm almost home.
One of the things I love about Susan's writing is that it just feels real. The character's dialogue and interactions are easy and comfortable reading. There is humor and there is sizzle. Perfect, right? If you want an short evening read to curl up with, look no further.
Content: Clean (no swearing, no sex)
This book goes along with My Last Blind Date (which I also loved) . It was fun to catch a glimpse of Rachel from that book as well as get to know Ellen more in this book. I love the setting in Sacramento. (hello, Sacramento!) That's my home stomping grounds. Now a days, when I get to Sacramento, I know I'm almost home.
One of the things I love about Susan's writing is that it just feels real. The character's dialogue and interactions are easy and comfortable reading. There is humor and there is sizzle. Perfect, right? If you want an short evening read to curl up with, look no further.
Content: Clean (no swearing, no sex)
September 23, 2022
Es un libro entretenido,con momentos divertidos, con los cuales pasarás un buen rato. Se lee muy rápido, lo terminé en una tarde.
Su protagonista, Ellen, esta inscrita online, en un sitio de citas, donde se conocen a través de preguntas, buscando así, ser compatibles, ya que ella no cree que exista el amor, sino que todo es una suma de compatibilidades, para que un relación sea duradera. Pero un día, cuidando al perrito de su mejor amiga, conocerá a Henry y toda su lógica empezara a desmontarse... ¿citas compatibles, o lo imprevisto del corazón? y así entre lucha de corazón, mente, lógica, compatibilidades y asuntos caninos, llega un desenlace sorpresa, que deja un buen sabor de boca.
Su protagonista, Ellen, esta inscrita online, en un sitio de citas, donde se conocen a través de preguntas, buscando así, ser compatibles, ya que ella no cree que exista el amor, sino que todo es una suma de compatibilidades, para que un relación sea duradera. Pero un día, cuidando al perrito de su mejor amiga, conocerá a Henry y toda su lógica empezara a desmontarse... ¿citas compatibles, o lo imprevisto del corazón? y así entre lucha de corazón, mente, lógica, compatibilidades y asuntos caninos, llega un desenlace sorpresa, que deja un buen sabor de boca.
January 15, 2025
Bueno... Ha sido corto, a lo mejor por eso me ha parecido tan precipitado y todo como metido con calzador. No sabría que decir exactamente, un meh, ni mal ni bien, pero tampoco creo que lo recomendaría.
September 2, 2014
Amor a primera cita es la primera novela de la saga Mejor una cita que nunca y narra la historia de Ellen y Henry, la pareja que en el sexto libro están esperando un hijo. Susan Hatler regala esta primera novela suya en Amazon.
Si buscáis una bonita historia de amor aquí no la vais a encontrar. Esta no es una típica comedia romántica, porque de comedia y de romántica no tiene nada, y tampoco es un soplo de aire fresco. Susan Hatler demuestra que antes de embarcarse con Gina y Chris en la comedia romántica, le gustaba abordar el chick lit, y ese es el género en el que se etiqueta la novela de Ellen. No me gusta el chick lit, me resulta aburrido, y esta novela no ha sido la excepción. Mis expectativas no se han cumplido ni un poquito con esta novela, ha sido difícil de leer, y no solo porque la traducción fuera mala, sino porque Ellen y Henry eran tan insulsos y tenían una historia tan sosa que contar... que casi podía dormirme entre sus páginas.
¿Decepcionada? Mucho.
La historia en si se me ha hecho muy sosa e insulsa, tediosa, aburrida, insípida, no tenía nada especial, y no, no incluía una historia de amor. Al menos no una que realmente pudiera calificarse como tal. ¿Henry y Ellen se enamoran? ¿Cuándo? ¿Entre la primera y la tercera clase canina? Venga ya, imposible de creer. Ese final tipo cuento de hadas ha sido romántico pero no encaja con la novela. Yo no me he creído ese loco y repentino amor que Ellen siente por su compañero de clase canina, y mucho menos ese que el pintor proclama por ella en un caprichoso cuadro.
(...)
MI RESEÑA COMPLETA EN:
http://mayuamoraprimeravista.blogspot...
Si buscáis una bonita historia de amor aquí no la vais a encontrar. Esta no es una típica comedia romántica, porque de comedia y de romántica no tiene nada, y tampoco es un soplo de aire fresco. Susan Hatler demuestra que antes de embarcarse con Gina y Chris en la comedia romántica, le gustaba abordar el chick lit, y ese es el género en el que se etiqueta la novela de Ellen. No me gusta el chick lit, me resulta aburrido, y esta novela no ha sido la excepción. Mis expectativas no se han cumplido ni un poquito con esta novela, ha sido difícil de leer, y no solo porque la traducción fuera mala, sino porque Ellen y Henry eran tan insulsos y tenían una historia tan sosa que contar... que casi podía dormirme entre sus páginas.
¿Decepcionada? Mucho.
La historia en si se me ha hecho muy sosa e insulsa, tediosa, aburrida, insípida, no tenía nada especial, y no, no incluía una historia de amor. Al menos no una que realmente pudiera calificarse como tal. ¿Henry y Ellen se enamoran? ¿Cuándo? ¿Entre la primera y la tercera clase canina? Venga ya, imposible de creer. Ese final tipo cuento de hadas ha sido romántico pero no encaja con la novela. Yo no me he creído ese loco y repentino amor que Ellen siente por su compañero de clase canina, y mucho menos ese que el pintor proclama por ella en un caprichoso cuadro.
(...)
MI RESEÑA COMPLETA EN:
http://mayuamoraprimeravista.blogspot...
October 16, 2018
SERIE MEGLIO UN APPUNTAMENTO CHE UN RIMPIANTO vol. 1
Avevo bisongo di un libro leggero da alternare a Tess. Questo è stato perfetto. Peccato per la traduzione che lascia molto a desiderare. Però l'idea mi è piaciuta, anche se è stato troppo corto. Avrei approfondito di più i personaggi, perchè secondo me da dire ne avevano. La parte finale carinissima.
3 stelle perchè il suo lavoro lo ha fatto. ^^
Avevo bisongo di un libro leggero da alternare a Tess. Questo è stato perfetto. Peccato per la traduzione che lascia molto a desiderare. Però l'idea mi è piaciuta, anche se è stato troppo corto. Avrei approfondito di più i personaggi, perchè secondo me da dire ne avevano. La parte finale carinissima.
3 stelle perchè il suo lavoro lo ha fatto. ^^
October 28, 2020
Ellen is tired of weeding out the duds in the dating pool of guys, so she joined Detailed Dating. They'll do it for her by asking the "hard questions" and she can pick from those she's most compatible with. She's got two potential guys to choose from and she can't wait to meet them. When her best friend Rachel has a hot date Ellen babysits her spoiled pup. Puppy sitting doesn't go well and Ellen ends up with running the pooch to the vet where she meets Henry. She's so taken with him she signs the puppy up for obedience classes just so she can see Henry again. Ellen can't stop thinking about Henry even though they don't seem to have anything in common and isn't that what makes a relationship successful?
This is a fun story about a woman trying to find the perfect guy for her. Ellen thinks she knows what will make a relationship last but finds out that what she thinks may be wrong. That the guy she doesn't seem to have much in common with may be her perfect match. The dates with the guys Detailed Dating picked for her didn't go so well and one was pretty hilarious. I liked the way Ellen handled the guy that doctored his profile picture for Detailed Dating--she was nice about it and actually gave him good advice.
I listened to the audiobook and thought the narrator did a wonderful job with the voices of the characters and getting the feelings of the story across.
This is a fun story about a woman trying to find the perfect guy for her. Ellen thinks she knows what will make a relationship last but finds out that what she thinks may be wrong. That the guy she doesn't seem to have much in common with may be her perfect match. The dates with the guys Detailed Dating picked for her didn't go so well and one was pretty hilarious. I liked the way Ellen handled the guy that doctored his profile picture for Detailed Dating--she was nice about it and actually gave him good advice.
I listened to the audiobook and thought the narrator did a wonderful job with the voices of the characters and getting the feelings of the story across.
May 16, 2022
I’m surprised such a short book can be this repetitive and tedious
June 26, 2016
Ellen is at her thirties, but still single and wary of guys. After her mom's three divorces, she realizes that to be compatible and in sync with a guy is what she needs to get involved in a relationship. So she joins Detailed Dating, an online dating service that measures the compatibility of searchers and searchees. And she gets two matches and will soon be dating one of them.
Rachel, her best friend and office mate gets a date and asks her for a favor - doggie-sitting her dog Chester, who recently chewed on her beautiful black boots. When Chesters seems to have swallowed something, she takes the dog to the nearest vet and meets Henry, the most mysterious man she has ever known. He has recently rescued a dog and names her Kenzie and they're doing an obedience training. He is good-looking, smiles a lot, helps her with training and is fun to be with. What's not to love? Ellen's clearly smitten with the guy, but she doesn't want anything to do with him because he's a complete stranger. She doesn't like asking too many questions about a guy, unless it's all stated in Detailed Dating.
Until Ellen finally gets to date her matches. Until all she thinks about is Henry and his mysterious ways. Until she learns from Rachel that he's not going to get in touch with her again. Bummer!
I love this short story so much. I wish it was longer, though. I love Ellen and her eccentric ways and her naivety. Sure, she's quite closed-minded sometimes, heck, she even annoys me with her compulsive thinking and over-the-top assumptions about Henry. But there's something about her that I found charming about her. I like how she stands her ground and balances her choices, I like how she acts like an awkward teenager when she's around Henry. She's a doll!
I'm liking short stories lately. They satisfy me at some point and makes me think outside the box. I've read some books by Susan Hatler and I always find myself laughing and feeling like a lovestruck idiot in the end, but I don't care. I gotta hand it to Susan, she's the queen of short rom-coms and she deserves it.
Rachel, her best friend and office mate gets a date and asks her for a favor - doggie-sitting her dog Chester, who recently chewed on her beautiful black boots. When Chesters seems to have swallowed something, she takes the dog to the nearest vet and meets Henry, the most mysterious man she has ever known. He has recently rescued a dog and names her Kenzie and they're doing an obedience training. He is good-looking, smiles a lot, helps her with training and is fun to be with. What's not to love? Ellen's clearly smitten with the guy, but she doesn't want anything to do with him because he's a complete stranger. She doesn't like asking too many questions about a guy, unless it's all stated in Detailed Dating.
Until Ellen finally gets to date her matches. Until all she thinks about is Henry and his mysterious ways. Until she learns from Rachel that he's not going to get in touch with her again. Bummer!
I love this short story so much. I wish it was longer, though. I love Ellen and her eccentric ways and her naivety. Sure, she's quite closed-minded sometimes, heck, she even annoys me with her compulsive thinking and over-the-top assumptions about Henry. But there's something about her that I found charming about her. I like how she stands her ground and balances her choices, I like how she acts like an awkward teenager when she's around Henry. She's a doll!
I'm liking short stories lately. They satisfy me at some point and makes me think outside the box. I've read some books by Susan Hatler and I always find myself laughing and feeling like a lovestruck idiot in the end, but I don't care. I gotta hand it to Susan, she's the queen of short rom-coms and she deserves it.
March 21, 2015
With her best friend Rachel done moping over her ex boyfriend and her mother with her two failed marriages (Ellen's father doesn't count), Ellen's determined to find the right guy to avoid a broken heart. So she's signed up for Detailed Dating, an online dating website that determines a perfect match with compatibility derived from filling out a questionnaire. And she's narrowed it down to two almost perfect matches. Rachel finally lands a date one night which leads Ellen to dogsit her beagle Chester, leading Chester to choke on something, leading her to meet Henry, handsome guy at the vet and signing up for dog obedience classes just to be with him. Should Ellen follow her mind and play it safe with her Detailed Dating matches or her heart that screams for Henry?
Love at First Date was a light hearted and charming book. I'm so sad it wasn't longer!! This should totally be a full length 300 page novel. I'd love to read more about Ellen and Henry. If you're in for a quick, fun romance - go to Amazon and grab your free copy. You won't regret it!
Love at First Date was a light hearted and charming book. I'm so sad it wasn't longer!! This should totally be a full length 300 page novel. I'd love to read more about Ellen and Henry. If you're in for a quick, fun romance - go to Amazon and grab your free copy. You won't regret it!
March 21, 2015
This was such a cute story. Ellen and her dating comparability requirements reminded me a lot of many women I know. It's good to have standards, but sometimes you can take things too far. I was glad to see that she learned her lesson. You have to give love a chance even when it seems illogical or you might miss out all together.
The only thing I didn't really like was the ending. It was cute, but I felt it was too rushed. Only a few days had passed and I just felt this was a little sudden for Ellen to have changed her views and be planning for the future.
Overall this was super cute. I highly recommend it if you enjoy cute romance stories.
The only thing I didn't really like was the ending. It was cute, but I felt it was too rushed. Only a few days had passed and I just felt this was a little sudden for Ellen to have changed her views and be planning for the future.
Overall this was super cute. I highly recommend it if you enjoy cute romance stories.
March 21, 2015
Love At First Date was a cute, quick, romantic read - much better than I was expecting! I've gave it 3.5 stars. I enjoyed the romance in this book, Henry was lovely! And Chester the dog, aww so cute! As a pet person I found him adorable, he reminded me of my badly behaved golden retriever! I think this book would have been so much better if it was a full length book, that way we'd get to know Henry and Ellen better and their relationship develop. But overall this was a really nice cute read :)
December 9, 2015
This was a sweet romance novella. Good concept with interesting and funny characters.
Ellen meets Henry at doggie school and is immediately taken with him. However miscommunication and jumping to conclusions prevents the two of them from getting together.
This book proves the theory that you might find Mr Right at the place you least expect it...
Ellen meets Henry at doggie school and is immediately taken with him. However miscommunication and jumping to conclusions prevents the two of them from getting together.
This book proves the theory that you might find Mr Right at the place you least expect it...
December 29, 2013
A really fluffy, quick and cute read about a wanna-be-in-love-with-The ONE young girl in her 20's. She keeps picking the wrong men, so her friend Patti offers to run her dating life for her and sets down rules...bylaws. As it turned out Patti did know best! :o)
September 26, 2019
Amor a Primera Cita (Mejor una Cita que Nunca nº 1) (Spanish Edition) By: Susan HatlerIt's Time 4 LOVE... "Love at First Date" or "Amor a Primera Cita" Take Your Pick!
Whether it's "Love at First Date," or "Amor a Primera Cita," your gonna be highly entertained reading this delightful Tale by Susan Hatler! I can't TELL you how many times I've read Re-read this book since purchasing it in 2018... I keep coming back Again & Again! Why?! Because I truly LOVE IT, & That's the Hallmark of a TRULY Great RoMANce... When you can ReVisit a book like an OLD friend without getting Tired of it, but instead find Something New & hidden EACH & Every TIME!
I LOVE Susan's writing! It's witty & Fresh.... One-Click "Love at First Date" or "Amor a Primera Cita" & Read for YourSelf!!
Even though I already owned Susan Hatler's "Love at First Date (Better Date than Never Series Book 1)," & "Amor a Primera Cita (Mejor una Cita que Nunca nº 1) (Spanish Edition)," I agreed to Review them as ARCs for Her via B00|{$P®0UT. I recommend this book to others based upon its own merits. All opinions expressed within this review are uniquely my own & freely given!
Until next time... Happy Reading!
November 21, 2019
A sweet and fluffy story about Ellen, who wants to find the man of her dreams and goes to an online dating site trying to find him, until she meets Henry and discovers the true love she had been waiting for all this time. Loved this book!!
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November 21, 2017This is a short story offered free by the author. You sign up for her newsletter on her website to get it.
November 2, 2019
Love at First Date (Better Date than Never Series Book 1) By: Susan HatlerIt's Time 4 LOVE... "Love at First Date" or "Amor a Primera Cita" Take Your Pick!
Whether it's "Love at First Date," or "Amor a Primera Cita," your gonna be highly entertained reading this delightful Tale by Susan Hatler! I can't TELL you how many times I've read Re-read this book since purchasing it in 2018... I keep coming back Again & Again! Why?! Because I truly LOVE IT, & That's the Hallmark of a TRULY Great RoMANce... When you can ReVisit a book like an OLD friend without getting Tired of it, but instead find Something New & hidden EACH & Every TIME!
I LOVE Susan's writing! It's witty & Fresh.... One-Click "Love at First Date" or "Amor a Primera Cita" & Read for YourSelf!!
Even though I already owned Susan Hatler's "Love at First Date (Better Date than Never Series Book 1)," & "Amor a Primera Cita (Mejor una Cita que Nunca nº 1) (Spanish Edition)," I agreed to Review them as ARCs for Her via B00|{$P®0UT. I recommend this book to others based upon its own merits. All opinions expressed within this review are uniquely my own & freely given!
Until next time... Happy Reading!
August 29, 2019
Corto y ameno.
November 13, 2012
And Ms Hatler does it again!! Absolutely loved this novella, from the plot and the characters to the witty and fresh writing style.
This is the first story in the Better Date Than Never series and follows the story of Ellen and Henry. I've already read her other short story in the series My Last Blind Date and really enjoyed it.
BUT this one is even better! Swear to God, I have no idea how Ms Hatler pulls it off? I mean, I don't believe in love at first sight and sure don't like reading about it in a book, but here I am, reading about Ellen and Henry and I'm literally melting. Hey, I'm not that sappy, it's not me - it's Ms Hatler way of touching your hearts, while making you believe in love at first sight (or would that be a date).
I hate comparing books even when it comes to books written by same author, but have to admit I enjoyed this story more than My Last Blind Date, I guess it's because somehow I felt more connected with Ellen (though that could be also cause of the fact this story is maybe 40-50 pages longer than My Last Blind Date). Ellen is such a loveable character, too organized for my taste, but smart and funny (Gosh, would love to be friends with her btw).
As for Henry..you know, I almost NEVER fall for a book character but this will apparently be an exception. One word said - AMAZING! Henry is simply amazing! Not just sexy and great looking, he's also so gentle, has manners, not to mention he loves dogs. So, in my book this would be the perfect man!
Ok, summing it up - I really really enjoyed this story, I'm officially Ms Hatler fan and can't wait to read more of her works. I absolutely recommend it!!! High Five Ms H, well done!:)
This is the first story in the Better Date Than Never series and follows the story of Ellen and Henry. I've already read her other short story in the series My Last Blind Date and really enjoyed it.
BUT this one is even better! Swear to God, I have no idea how Ms Hatler pulls it off? I mean, I don't believe in love at first sight and sure don't like reading about it in a book, but here I am, reading about Ellen and Henry and I'm literally melting. Hey, I'm not that sappy, it's not me - it's Ms Hatler way of touching your hearts, while making you believe in love at first sight (or would that be a date).
I hate comparing books even when it comes to books written by same author, but have to admit I enjoyed this story more than My Last Blind Date, I guess it's because somehow I felt more connected with Ellen (though that could be also cause of the fact this story is maybe 40-50 pages longer than My Last Blind Date). Ellen is such a loveable character, too organized for my taste, but smart and funny (Gosh, would love to be friends with her btw).
As for Henry..you know, I almost NEVER fall for a book character but this will apparently be an exception. One word said - AMAZING! Henry is simply amazing! Not just sexy and great looking, he's also so gentle, has manners, not to mention he loves dogs. So, in my book this would be the perfect man!
Ok, summing it up - I really really enjoyed this story, I'm officially Ms Hatler fan and can't wait to read more of her works. I absolutely recommend it!!! High Five Ms H, well done!:)
November 9, 2013
I received a copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley in exchange of an honest review.
Watching her mother go through a couple of failed marriages, Elle had figured out that the key to finding the right guy for oneself is through compatibility. That was also what the site Detailed Dating promised when she signed up. After going through initial screening, she had found two men that just might be the right guy for her.
Everything was going great until she is forced to watch her best friends dog. When Ella believed the dog is choking due to eating something from her purse, she takes him to the Vet only to stumble into an Obedience class for dogs and a very handsome guy named Henry who had just saved the little pups life. Now Henry tests all logical that she had set out for herself when it comes to love and finding the right man.
Cute quick read. It was a short story, which was sad really but I did thoroughly enjoy it! It was done in first person, in this case we get into Ella's mind and I did enjoy her tone. I thought she was funny and amusing. I think I also understand where she was coming from with the way she had approached dating and meeting the right man. Of course Ella learns that nothing is always what it seems and that compatibility is only a small part of meeting the right person. It was entertaining watching Ella go through the dates and how each and one of them had thought of something about love that she did not know before.
I did really like Henry, of course I was with Ella on the same page when he wouldn't answers her questions they way she wanted them too. But at the same time, Ella evaded direct questions as he had evaded giving her direct answers. Still, there was attraction between them and the gift he gave her was quiet thoughtful!
Sure this book has a bit of an insta-love theme going on, but it's forgivable as it really was just a quick, clean adult romance. Quiet enjoyable that left a smile on my face.
Watching her mother go through a couple of failed marriages, Elle had figured out that the key to finding the right guy for oneself is through compatibility. That was also what the site Detailed Dating promised when she signed up. After going through initial screening, she had found two men that just might be the right guy for her.
Everything was going great until she is forced to watch her best friends dog. When Ella believed the dog is choking due to eating something from her purse, she takes him to the Vet only to stumble into an Obedience class for dogs and a very handsome guy named Henry who had just saved the little pups life. Now Henry tests all logical that she had set out for herself when it comes to love and finding the right man.
Cute quick read. It was a short story, which was sad really but I did thoroughly enjoy it! It was done in first person, in this case we get into Ella's mind and I did enjoy her tone. I thought she was funny and amusing. I think I also understand where she was coming from with the way she had approached dating and meeting the right man. Of course Ella learns that nothing is always what it seems and that compatibility is only a small part of meeting the right person. It was entertaining watching Ella go through the dates and how each and one of them had thought of something about love that she did not know before.
I did really like Henry, of course I was with Ella on the same page when he wouldn't answers her questions they way she wanted them too. But at the same time, Ella evaded direct questions as he had evaded giving her direct answers. Still, there was attraction between them and the gift he gave her was quiet thoughtful!
Sure this book has a bit of an insta-love theme going on, but it's forgivable as it really was just a quick, clean adult romance. Quiet enjoyable that left a smile on my face.
February 14, 2013
I read a book with the secondary character, Rachel, in this one as the heroine and based on the hints in the story I just had to come back and read Ellen's story. What a fun enjoyable light romance!
Due to watching her mom stumble disastrously through multiple attempts to find true love, Ellen has decided to protect herself from making the same mistakes by formulating a system to find her one true love and a certain on-line dating service provides her with the opportunity to put it into practice.
Just when she has her list of candidates narrowed down to a few prospects, she bumps into Henry while dealing with a vet emergency for the puppy she is dogsitting. The moment she lays eyes on Henry, Ellen makes the rash decision to know him better by signing up for dog obedience classes with him using her best friend Rachel's puppy as an excuse.
The attraction to Henry confuses her, but not enough to put her off from checking out the guys from the dating service. Both seem like nice guys and seem compatible- on paper, but she discovers quickly that all she thinks about is Henry who just makes her laugh and open up about herself. It comes to taking a chance or grabbing the sure thing and which one will make her happy.
This was just such a sweet story. I loved following along as Ellen had to steadily realize the truth about love even while I was practically bouncing in my seat for her to see what was right in front of her the whole time. And oh, wasn't that a sassy twist to the story near the end.
Once again, I found this author's story an absolute gem of a read and recommend it to others who enjoy light contemporary romances.
Due to watching her mom stumble disastrously through multiple attempts to find true love, Ellen has decided to protect herself from making the same mistakes by formulating a system to find her one true love and a certain on-line dating service provides her with the opportunity to put it into practice.
Just when she has her list of candidates narrowed down to a few prospects, she bumps into Henry while dealing with a vet emergency for the puppy she is dogsitting. The moment she lays eyes on Henry, Ellen makes the rash decision to know him better by signing up for dog obedience classes with him using her best friend Rachel's puppy as an excuse.
The attraction to Henry confuses her, but not enough to put her off from checking out the guys from the dating service. Both seem like nice guys and seem compatible- on paper, but she discovers quickly that all she thinks about is Henry who just makes her laugh and open up about herself. It comes to taking a chance or grabbing the sure thing and which one will make her happy.
This was just such a sweet story. I loved following along as Ellen had to steadily realize the truth about love even while I was practically bouncing in my seat for her to see what was right in front of her the whole time. And oh, wasn't that a sassy twist to the story near the end.
Once again, I found this author's story an absolute gem of a read and recommend it to others who enjoy light contemporary romances.
March 21, 2015
Love at First Date is a cute cheesy little story.
Ellen is a thirty-year-old woman struggling with finding her "soulmate". She tried to avoid the mistakes her mother did by going for the practical side of the relationship. She signs up for an online dating site Detailed Dating to meet potential compatible candidates. However, her plan hits a roadblock when she meets Henry Holbrook, the vet and she's instantly smitten.
It was insta-love and that discouraged me a bit. And frankly it was a fluffy story so no real loss of expectation there. The dynamic between Ellen and Henry didn't click for me until the end sadly. I wish they spent more bonding time together at least to know his side of the story.
I loved the scene where Ellen tells Craig that not because they shared their likes and dislikes through emails that makes them know each other more but to know a person intimately requires more than that. It was partially true imo.
Rachel, Ellen's bff, is a wonderful and funny character. And I'm really excited to read her story next.
Ellen is a thirty-year-old woman struggling with finding her "soulmate". She tried to avoid the mistakes her mother did by going for the practical side of the relationship. She signs up for an online dating site Detailed Dating to meet potential compatible candidates. However, her plan hits a roadblock when she meets Henry Holbrook, the vet and she's instantly smitten.
It was insta-love and that discouraged me a bit. And frankly it was a fluffy story so no real loss of expectation there. The dynamic between Ellen and Henry didn't click for me until the end sadly. I wish they spent more bonding time together at least to know his side of the story.
I loved the scene where Ellen tells Craig that not because they shared their likes and dislikes through emails that makes them know each other more but to know a person intimately requires more than that. It was partially true imo.
Rachel, Ellen's bff, is a wonderful and funny character. And I'm really excited to read her story next.
December 29, 2020
I liked the ending of this story, but I have to admit that I found the main character somewhat annoying.
So this is the story about this girl, Ellen, who is looking for her perfect match, influenced in her mother’s story, she’s not so much into feeling but rather want to find as much compatibility as possible. This last point is what makes her look like an insecure type of woman, who’s always jealous and who’s looking for the wrong story to everything.
She finds love in the most unexpected way, because it is not planned and calculated at all, by the way, I truly love this guy, Henry (he’s my favorite character), and she is fighting herself to be guided by feelings, and is giving herself a hard time to actually be with a good person, just because they are not compatible. It is not until he shows her a very romantic proof, that she allows herself to love and be loved.
Like I said at the beginning, I love how this story ends, I love the super romantic detail for the proof of love, I just would have wanted Ellen to be more spontaneous and not that insecure of herself.
So this is the story about this girl, Ellen, who is looking for her perfect match, influenced in her mother’s story, she’s not so much into feeling but rather want to find as much compatibility as possible. This last point is what makes her look like an insecure type of woman, who’s always jealous and who’s looking for the wrong story to everything.
She finds love in the most unexpected way, because it is not planned and calculated at all, by the way, I truly love this guy, Henry (he’s my favorite character), and she is fighting herself to be guided by feelings, and is giving herself a hard time to actually be with a good person, just because they are not compatible. It is not until he shows her a very romantic proof, that she allows herself to love and be loved.
Like I said at the beginning, I love how this story ends, I love the super romantic detail for the proof of love, I just would have wanted Ellen to be more spontaneous and not that insecure of herself.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 10, 2015
*Update*
I just read this again and had similar thoughts. So much fun! I enjoy connecting with a couple and feeling like I'm tagging along with them. The dialogue is witty and fun, while the romantic tension is spicy, yet clean.
(1/13) Ellen is determined to find the perfect man and goes through an online dating site to do so. She thinks that if on paper they're very compatible, then the relationship will be great. But what she learns surprises her.
I thought this was a fun story. Ellen's mom doesn't count her dad and they are both determined that Ellen ends up with the perfect relationship. I thought Craig was hilarious in a dry kind of way--82%. Haha. Henry was great--kind and mysterious and very sweet.
Content: clean.
I just read this again and had similar thoughts. So much fun! I enjoy connecting with a couple and feeling like I'm tagging along with them. The dialogue is witty and fun, while the romantic tension is spicy, yet clean.
(1/13) Ellen is determined to find the perfect man and goes through an online dating site to do so. She thinks that if on paper they're very compatible, then the relationship will be great. But what she learns surprises her.
I thought this was a fun story. Ellen's mom doesn't count her dad and they are both determined that Ellen ends up with the perfect relationship. I thought Craig was hilarious in a dry kind of way--82%. Haha. Henry was great--kind and mysterious and very sweet.
Content: clean.
February 3, 2013
This is a nice contemporary romance which I really enjoyed. Ellen is looking for love, and decides by her mother and friends' track records that there is no point leaving it up to chance. She wants to ensure complete compatibility with a partner before wasting time on them, so she has signed up to an online dating agency. She has a couple of strong contenders and is on the brink of meeting them when she first meets Henry. There is definite chemistry, but will she be brave enough to take the risk that he may prove incompatible?
My only criticism is that the story is a bit predictable but it's an enjoyable quick read nonetheless.
My only criticism is that the story is a bit predictable but it's an enjoyable quick read nonetheless.
July 8, 2016
Ellen is determined to find the perfect man and goes through an online dating site to do so. She thinks that if on paper they're very compatible, then the relationship will be great. But what she learns surprises her.
I thought this was a fun, cute, short story. Ellen's mom doesn't count her dad and they are both determined that Ellen ends up with the perfect relationship. Really--you can plan and plan exactly how things are going to go in your life and they never go the way you've planned.
Craig was hilarious in a dry kind of way--82%. Haha. Henry was great--kind and mysterious and very sweet.
Content: clean
I thought this was a fun, cute, short story. Ellen's mom doesn't count her dad and they are both determined that Ellen ends up with the perfect relationship. Really--you can plan and plan exactly how things are going to go in your life and they never go the way you've planned.
Craig was hilarious in a dry kind of way--82%. Haha. Henry was great--kind and mysterious and very sweet.
Content: clean
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