Blind Date

The Dating Games #2

by Melody Carlson

The girls of the Dating Games club are at it again, setting each other up on five blind dates for the upcoming masquerade ball. Trouble is, some of the girls are wondering if the others can be trusted to deliver on their promises. In fact, there's a very real danger that this dating treat could turn out to be nothing but a nasty trick.

Teens will be delighted to spend more time with Cassidy, Devon, Abby, Brynn, and Emma as they navigate the thrilling and awkward world of dating. As always, Melody Carlson subtly delivers great advice wrapped up tight in a package of fun and friendship.

Genres: Christian, Fiction, Young Adult, Romance, Young Adult Romance, Christian Fiction

224 pages, Paperback

First published June 10, 2014

About the author

Melody Carlson is the award-winning author of over two hundred books, several of them Christmas novellas from Revell, including her much-loved and bestselling book, The Christmas Bus.

She also writes many teen books, including the Diary of a Teenage Girl series, the TrueColors series, and the Carter House Girls series.

Melody was nominated for a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award in the inspirational market for her books, including the Notes from a Spinning Planet series and Finding Alice, which is in production as a Lifetime Television movie. She and her husband serve on the Young Life adult committee in central Oregon.

Reviews

[Lindsey (Books for Christian Girls) · Rating 2 out of 5]

About this book:

“When it comes to being set up on a blind date, true friends can be trusted . . .
Or can they?
Devon, Emma, Cassidy, Bryn, and Abby are ready for their next Dating Games challenge: setting each other up on blind dates for the upcoming masquerade ball.
But trouble is brewing. Some of the girls are questioning whether their friends can be trusted to deliver on their promises. In fact, there's a very real danger that this dating treat could turn into a nasty trick.
Will their club--and their friendships--survive?”


Series: Book #2 in “The Dating Games” series. Review of Book #1 Here!


Spiritual Content- Set at a Christian high school; A few Scriptures are mentioned; Talks about God, sermons, & witnessing; ‘H’s are not capitalized when referring to God; Mentions of God & Jesus; Mentions of prayers & praying; Mentions of faiths; Mentions of witnessing; Mentions of churches, church going, church leaders, & sermons; A few mentions of the Bible; A mention of a miracle;
*Note: Mentions of Halloween & a school not allowing ghoulish or evil sorts of costumes; A few mentions of the devil; A few mentions of an atheist; A mention of a devilish sparkle in someone’s eye; A mention of karma.


Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘crud’, a ‘sheesh’, a ‘shut up’, a ‘sucks’, a ‘what the—‘, two ‘idiot’s, three ‘duh’s, and eleven ‘stupid’s; A mention of a curse (said, not written); Lots of eye rolling; Devon sneaks, drinks her mom’s alcohol, & gets drunk; Mentions of alcohol, drinking, underage drinking, & getting drunk; Mentions of threats; Mentions of jealousy; Mentions of gossip & rumors; Mentions of hatred; Mentions of divorces & fathers leaving their families; Mentions of throwing up; Mentions of hunting; A mention of drugs;
*Note: Mentions of books, movies, & fictional characters (including The Hunger Games); Mentions of brand names (including Apple products); A few mentions of vampires, werewolves, & witches; A couple mentions of social media; A couple mentions of car brands; A mention of Barbie.


Sexual Content- a ‘baby’, a ‘hussy’, and nine forms of ‘hot’; All about many mentions of boys, boyfriends/girlfriends, & dating; Many mentions of dances & dates; Mentions of kisses & kissing; Mentions of flirting; Mentions of jealousy; A few mentions of an affair, cheating, & a mistress; A few mentions of wondering if a girl was raped (did not happen); A couple mentions of abstaining from sex on a date; A couple mentions of a boy crazy girl; A mention of a girl wanting to jump on a guy;
*Note: A few mentions of teen boys being hormonal & only thinking about one thing; A couple mentions of a girl wearing a tight and low-cut shirt; A couple mentions of a dress showing a girl’s curves & her pulling the low-cut to show off her endowments; A mention of a girl foisting her ample cleavage in a guy’s face; A mention of a guy gaping at a girl’s cleavage; A mention of a dress’s low-cut neckline; A mention of PMS-ing; A mention of girls acting overly hormonal.

-Devon Fremont, age 16
-Cassidy Banks, age 16
-Emma Parks, age 16
-Bryn Jacobs, age 16
-Abby Morrison, age 16
P.O.V. switches between them
203 pages

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Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star
Early High School Teens- Two Stars
Older High School Teens- Three Stars
My personal Rating- Two Stars (and a half)
While cleaner than the first book in quite a few ways, there still is the teen drama and dating angst that’s common in a Melody Carlson YA book. Devon is reminding me a lot of Taylor from the ‘Carter House Girls’ series, hopefully we’ll see a redemption again soon.


Link to review:
https://booksforchristiangirls.blogsp...


*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.

[Danielle Turko · Rating 4 out of 5]

With their first dates to homecoming going so smoothly, the girls decide the next step is to set each other up on blind dates to the halloween masquerade. Each girl is given a name and they have find a blind date for that person without telling anyone who they got so they see how well they know each other. The catch is they can't tell the boy who his date is either, just that he's dating one of them and what character to dress as so they'll be in a couple costume. Emma has to find a date for Abby, Abby has to find a date for Devon, Devon has to find a date for Cassidy, Cassidy has to find a date for Bryn, and Bryn is finding a date for Emma. Immediately tensions rise because none of them want to be the last to find a date, and they all want to prove a point. Abby and Cassidy want the fashionable Devon and Bryn to see that a boys social status doesn't make him a good date, while Devon and Bryn are more concerned with having the best costume to really care about who they get for Cassidy and Emma. The dating games may prove to be just a little too fierce for these 5 girls this time around.
Unlike the previous book, this one was far less focused on appearance. Yes, they did focus dating geeks or social misfits a lot, but unfortunately that's a very real problem in high school, just like appearances. At least this time around you see that social status isn't everything, as she shows that the so called geeks are great guys and they make good dates so she turned that one around. Devon is still pretty unlikable but I'm holding put hope that she'll make an adjustment in the next book.

[Lydia Rose · Rating 3 out of 5]

It wasn't as good as the first one, but I enjoyed it. Warning *MAJOR SPOILERS!!*

In this book, all five girls decide to get a date for the Halloween Masquerade Ball at their school, but this time they're going to have blind dates! Each girl draws a different girl's name and they have to keep who they chose and who they're going to get for that girl a secret. No one can know. This idea seems fun and good and all... Until they have to find an open guy who's not opposed to the idea and that won't make their friends really mad. Some girls won't settle for a geek, sadly.

So while they all are working on costumes and trying to get dates for their friends, some of the girls are feeling really bad and guilty because they're afraid that their friends are going to freak out and hurt the boys and get angry about not getting a hot guy... And some do. Luckily, they all get their acts together except for one. I bet you can guess which one, too. Anyway, she makes all her friends upset and she makes Abby feel especially guilty for getting her a nice geeky guy who probably would've had a good time with her if she had given him a chance. But with all the stress from home and her mom ignoring her, Devon decides that the only way to get her mom's attention is to trash the house and get drunk. So that's what she does.

This one wasn't as happy or as fun as the last one, but I still didn't mind it. They've all kept my attention so far, at least!

[Sam · Rating 3 out of 5]

An okay-ish book. Didnt particularly enjoy it, but didnt hate it either. I liked the strong female friendship that the girls have, and the fact that religion is never too heavily preached in this book. The problems that the girls had seemed more like a question of morals than religion. I appreciated the non-Christian-friendliness that this book was. I'll give it that. While it was okay to read this book without having read the previous one in the series, it will be better to have read the first one before this. Still, it is possible to read this as a standalone novel.

[Megan Lewis · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think my junior high self would have even been annoyed with this book.

I have enjoyed Melody Carlson for MANY years, but this book made me realize the huge difference between some adult and youth fiction as well as deep/well written vs. simple/pre-digested fiction (caveat: I’ve read some STELLAR youth fiction, this one just isn’t stellar).

[Maritza · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute book about teen girl who form a dating club. In this book they all find blind dates for each other to attend the annual school masquerade. The story takes in subjects like acceptance, alcohol, kindness.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

nostalgic. reminds me so much of my schoolgirl years. in the middle part, it gets really exciting and the anticipation definitely paid off. i just noticed that there might be an error when a name is mistakenly written as someone else. I don't know. But i enjoyed the read overall.

[Celestria · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 1/2 stars

[Becca · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Maybe this could be her way of being a light in a dark place…being an influence. She could only hope.”

The Dating Games series is an absolutely adorable series. I am definitely going to suggest them to my 17 year old stepdaughter because they are a sweet and innocent look into the lives of teenagers… or at least I hope there are still teens out there like this :) The characters are Brynn the beauty queen, Devon the rebel, Emma the quiet, creative one, Cassidy the goody two shoes and Abby the athletic one. Each girl in this group of friends is so unique and they makeup an awesome dynamic. Each book in this series revolves around the girls going on dates together and helping each other to find dates. In this book they set each other up on blind dates for a Halloween dance. This turns out both funny and at times a little sad.

One thing that jumps out at you while reading these books is the Christian background that the girls come from. They go to a Christian school and most of them are church going girls that openly discuss their religion and love of God. To me this part comes off a little unrealistic and cheesy. I do respect it and appreciate the innocence though.

One thing that I love about this series is the relationships between this group of friends. Melody Carlson builds lessons into each of the adventures of the DG (Dating Games Club). This book deals with issues such as teen drinking, partying, peer pressure and bullying. The girls learn about forgiveness, acceptance, kindness and sticking up for what you believe in. That is one reason I think that teens could relate to these stories. Although I think most of them couldn’t get past the cheesiness to find it.

I think that I will definitely read the next book in the series Double Date, not only for the premise of double dates but also because the DG will be getting a new member and that is so exciting to me!

I like the change of pace in these books, there is no steaminess or bad language in them at all. I like that they are different and almost naive. I like downshifting and taking it slow for for a change :)


Check out this review and more on my blog!

[Natasha Polak · Rating 5 out of 5]

In continuing with The Dating Games series, Blind Date is another good book! True-to-the-storyline, it furthers the subplots of each of the girls' lives, as well as their differences, as they team up to find each other blind dates for an upcoming masquerade ball. And while these teens are nearly adults, they are also not without some blunders in judgement, and how they interact with one another. The subplots make the reading even more engaging, because it's not JUST about finding dates, but rather because of trying to secure dates, everything else happens as a result. There is a good flow from books 1-2, so I'm excited about reading books 3 and 4!

The more I read of these girls, the more I'm reminded of how some things never change, regardless of the decade. From how girls try to capture boys' attention, to how boys like to impress the ladies, and Melody Carlson does a fine job of conveying a contemporary tale of what happens when a bunch of teens want to date! I had several laugh out loud moments, and really think that no matter how old I get, it's always a good idea to read books aimed at younger readers once in a while, to better understand the way the next generation(s) think. And it helps!

[kerrycat · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cassidy, Emma, Bryn, Abby and Devon continue to be quite a diverse group of friends who often delve into frenemy territory, creating stress and drama that mirrors the teenage experience. Their struggle over how to treat Devon when she takes steps in a negative direction demonstrates how we should be forgiving and patient in imitation of Christ.

The stakes get higher as the members of the Dating Games club agree to trust each other to set up blind dates for the school masquerade dance, promising to be gracious no matter who ends up as their costumed counterparts. True to form, however, Devon decides that her disappointment in her date, magnified by the way her mother has been ignoring her, can be best handled by drinking vodka and alienating the friends who want to help. (REVELL, Jun., 224 pp., $12.99)
Reviewed by:
Kerry Sutherland
- See more at: http://www.rtbookreviews.com/book-rev...

[Amber Strawn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Blind Date is the second book in the Dating Games series. This time, the girls decide to set each other up on blind dates for the masquerade dance. As is expected with teenage girls, there is plenty of drama to go around!

I enjoyed this book. It's an easy read, which is refreshing. I don't like this series as much as Carlson's Carter House Girls series, but I'll definitely read each Dating Games book. It's a unique concept--a group of teenage Christian girls figuring out how, who, and when to date. Carlson's writing always keeps me interested and anxious to find out what happens next. She realistically portrays the struggle Christian teens have between standing strong in their faith and getting wrapped up in teenage drama and backstabbing. I recommend Blind Date to girls in their teens to early twenties. If you're looking for something clean to get your daughter or granddaughter to read, this series would be great!

[Laura A. Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed "Blind Date" compared to the first one in The Dating Games series! I felt there was a lot more depth to the girls as well as more fun!

The premise of the book was a lot of fun and I liked how each of the girls got ready for the masquerade ball as well as came together (despite if things didn't go how they had wanted at first)! The theme for the masquerade ball as well as getting ready for it made the book that much more entertaining for me, especially since that's what the book was about!

Again Melody has a gently woven spiritual message that I really appreciated as well as the importance of friendships and being/having good influences in our lives!

I'm looking forward to more of the DG's journey in novel 3!

[Talia Dominguez Castro · Rating 4 out of 5]

So being the second book of The Dating Games, the girls of the DG club: Abby, Bryn, Cassidy, Devon and Emma, are at it again; setting each other up on five blind dates for the upcoming masquerade ball. Trouble is, some of the girls are wondering if the others can be trusted to deliver on their promises. In fact, there's a very real danger that this dating treat could turn out to be nothing but a nasty trick.

I was delighted to spend more time and read about Cassidy, Devon, Abby, Brynn, and Emma as they navigate the thrilling and awkward world of dating.

[Jamie · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was cute, but some of the dialogue and situations (especially Christian discussions) verge on extremely cheesy. I also have a problem with Devon being so vilified by all characters and having a repeat plot-line from the last book almost. These are not very good friends--or Christians--if they are always thinking badly of this girl and then being nice to her face. And finally, the hint that those who live fashion and looking nice are not close to God is a bit of a stretch...

[Alex · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was better than the first one, but I'm still not sure about this series.

Devon is a total mess, but I do wish someone would just give that girl a hug. She needs it.

[Ruthie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book!! Can't wait for the next one!!!

[Erynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good

[The Third Place A Teen Library]

F CAR dg bk.2

[Jerry (Rebel With a Massive Media Library) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series is rather exciting and fun so far; I enjoyed this second outing just as much as the first one.

[Isabella Clare · Rating 4 out of 5]

it was good. didn't like how they added that Devon got drunk. gross. otherwise, super fun

[Lena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good. I liked it better than the first book.