What do you think?
Rate this book
Pity #4
Pity Parade
Trina Rockwell here. You know, your favorite TV host from Midwestern Matchmaker?I have a I am without a doubt, the unluckiest dater in the history of the entire world. I’m not even embellishing. I’ve inadvertently dated a mobster, a dead-beat dad, and a guy who puts salt on watermelon. What’s next, pineapple on pizza?As my past relationships reads like the who’s who of court jesters, it’s no wonder I’ve refused my producers desire to spotlight me as one of the singles on a new show they’re putting together.
The problem is that Midwestern Matchmaker just got canceled and unless I agree to their terms, I’m out of a job.
In order to keep doing what I love doing—matching midwestern singles, I either need to suck it up and parade my dating life on national television or I need to get married—STAT.
Guess which one I’m putting my money on?
The problem is that Midwestern Matchmaker just got canceled and unless I agree to their terms, I’m out of a job.
In order to keep doing what I love doing—matching midwestern singles, I either need to suck it up and parade my dating life on national television or I need to get married—STAT.
Guess which one I’m putting my money on?
292 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 23, 2024
92 people are currently reading
206 people want to read
About the author
Whitney Dineen
68 books809 followersWhitney loves to laugh, play with her kids, bake, and eat french fries -- not always in that order.
She's a USA Today Bestselling & multi-award-winning author of romantic comedies, non-fiction humor, thrillers, and middle reader fiction. Basically, she writes whatever the voices in her head tell her to.
She lives in the beautiful Pacific Northwest with her husband, Jimmy, where they raise children, chickens, and organic vegetables.
Gold Medal winner at the International Readers' Favorite Awards 2017.
Silver medal winner at the International Readers' Favorite Awards, 2015, 2016, 2019.
Finalist RONE Awards, 2016.
Finalist at the IRFA 2016, 2017, 2019
Finalist at the Book Excellence Awards and Top Shelf Book Awards, 2017
She's a USA Today Bestselling & multi-award-winning author of romantic comedies, non-fiction humor, thrillers, and middle reader fiction. Basically, she writes whatever the voices in her head tell her to.
She lives in the beautiful Pacific Northwest with her husband, Jimmy, where they raise children, chickens, and organic vegetables.
Gold Medal winner at the International Readers' Favorite Awards 2017.
Silver medal winner at the International Readers' Favorite Awards, 2015, 2016, 2019.
Finalist RONE Awards, 2016.
Finalist at the IRFA 2016, 2017, 2019
Finalist at the Book Excellence Awards and Top Shelf Book Awards, 2017
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 120 reviews
May 19, 2024
I really wasn’t expecting this book to give me introspective thoughts but it did. I love when a book does that especially when I’m not expecting it.
This book not only has a main character who lost a spouse but there’s also other examples of how past relationships can really mess with your head and your future relationships. It also has good advice for appreciating the relationships you have while you still have them.
Love after loss is so heartbreaking. I’ve never had to live through that so I can only imagine the complex feelings that would bring. I really loved Heath’s journey and path in moving forward so much.
Both main characters make slightly immature mistakes but it was fitting within the storyline of how past relationships can mess with your head.
I really loved the friendships made along the way and the town of Elk Lake.
This is a romcom and mostly light but there’s definitely some sad themes mixed in. I enjoyed it and look forward to Molly’s story.
This book not only has a main character who lost a spouse but there’s also other examples of how past relationships can really mess with your head and your future relationships. It also has good advice for appreciating the relationships you have while you still have them.
Love after loss is so heartbreaking. I’ve never had to live through that so I can only imagine the complex feelings that would bring. I really loved Heath’s journey and path in moving forward so much.
Both main characters make slightly immature mistakes but it was fitting within the storyline of how past relationships can mess with your head.
I really loved the friendships made along the way and the town of Elk Lake.
This is a romcom and mostly light but there’s definitely some sad themes mixed in. I enjoyed it and look forward to Molly’s story.
May 14, 2024
Oh, how I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED this book! Heath and Trina were fabulous together and hysterical when they were trying to stay apart! Couldn’t help but fall in love with both of them and both of their back stories. This book was funny, relatable, romantic, and pulled on your heart strings. Loved how the girlfriend group supported Trina, but also how the guys supported Heath. Will definitely read this again as it left me with a big smile on my face! Another home run for Whitney Dineen! Can’t wait for “Pity Present”!
June 3, 2024
I adored this book! It has everything I love in a romcom: wonderful characters, small town charm, an engaging storyline, and the perfect balance of heart and humor. The whole series has been super fun, but this is my new favorite.
Trina is a former matchmaker show host who is being pushed into starring in a show where she’s the one looking for love. She hates the idea, and hopes she can find a match on her own while spending the summer in Elk Lake before the show starts filming.
Billionaire Heath Fox arrives in town for the summer. He and Trina have a history together. A year ago she bid on him at a charity auction. After a really great date and good night kiss, Heath told her he wasn’t looking for a relationship. Ouch!
When they meet again there’s a strong pull between them, but Heath still has no plans for a relationship, and Trina definitely wants one. As she dates other men, Heath gets jealous and realizes he feels things for her that he hasn’t felt since his wife died 10 years ago.
I really loved the dynamics between these two, and the banter and sparks that happened as their paths continued to cross.
My heart ached for Heath at times. His grief over losing his wife felt realistic and palpable, making me even happier that he and Trina got their HEA.
Read if you like:
Small town setting
Second chance romance
Billionaire love interest
Healing from grief
Some groveling for the MMC
Closed door
This is booked four in the series, but can be read as a standalone.
Thanks to the author for an ARC!
Trina is a former matchmaker show host who is being pushed into starring in a show where she’s the one looking for love. She hates the idea, and hopes she can find a match on her own while spending the summer in Elk Lake before the show starts filming.
Billionaire Heath Fox arrives in town for the summer. He and Trina have a history together. A year ago she bid on him at a charity auction. After a really great date and good night kiss, Heath told her he wasn’t looking for a relationship. Ouch!
When they meet again there’s a strong pull between them, but Heath still has no plans for a relationship, and Trina definitely wants one. As she dates other men, Heath gets jealous and realizes he feels things for her that he hasn’t felt since his wife died 10 years ago.
I really loved the dynamics between these two, and the banter and sparks that happened as their paths continued to cross.
My heart ached for Heath at times. His grief over losing his wife felt realistic and palpable, making me even happier that he and Trina got their HEA.
Read if you like:
Small town setting
Second chance romance
Billionaire love interest
Healing from grief
Some groveling for the MMC
Closed door
This is booked four in the series, but can be read as a standalone.
Thanks to the author for an ARC!
May 21, 2024
That was just so perfect. Trina and Heath may fight like cats and dogs, but you can always see the passion and chemistry underneath that kept pulling them back together. One part comedy of errors and one part learning to let go after loss, and we get this incredible story that alternately made me laugh and pushed me into deep introspective mode. These two were made for each other and I had so much fun watching them fall in love while fighting it tooth and nail. Now, I’m already counting down the seconds until we get to come back to Elk Lake to see the next couple to find their Forever.
I received a complimentary advance copy of this book through Hidden Gems Books.
I received a complimentary advance copy of this book through Hidden Gems Books.
May 24, 2024
Pity Parade is such a delightful and heartwarming book! It is the fourth novel in the Pity series, however it can be read as a standalone.
After a disagreement with her executive producer, Trina Rockwell, the host of the TV show Midwestern Matchmaker, has a difficult decision to make. She is the reason the show has been canceled and when Tom Meranda presents her with the opportunity to be matched and salvage her career, she is very hesitant to accept. Tom is far from the ideal work mate, but it's either that or find love. Trina takes her chances on finding love and sets out to Elk Lake, Wisconsin. She comes up with a plan, one which will involve her exes. Hopefully this will work! Authentic or not, her being in a relationship will surely ruin Tom's plans.
When Trina arrives at Elk Lake, she is shocked when she bumps into Heath Fox, a real-estate developer she bid on (and won) at a fundraiser a while ago. Back then, he made it very clear that he did not want a relationship, and now he is Trina's neighbor for the summer. Of course, things are bound to get awkward!
I absolutely loved Trina and Heath! Both characters have baggage. They are both traumatized from past experiences, and this trauma clearly hinders them from moving forward in life. There are many funny moments in this book (like Heath getting in Trina's way and sabotaging every potential date), and there are several saddening moments in this book. Trina and Heath both need to dive deep and peel back some layers in order to become the best versions of themselves.
This is a wonderful read that will have you feeling many emotions, sometimes all at once. It is an emotional rollercoaster for sure, but it was so worth it!
Thank you NetGalley, Xpresso Book Tours, and Whitney Dineen for such a heartwarming read!
After a disagreement with her executive producer, Trina Rockwell, the host of the TV show Midwestern Matchmaker, has a difficult decision to make. She is the reason the show has been canceled and when Tom Meranda presents her with the opportunity to be matched and salvage her career, she is very hesitant to accept. Tom is far from the ideal work mate, but it's either that or find love. Trina takes her chances on finding love and sets out to Elk Lake, Wisconsin. She comes up with a plan, one which will involve her exes. Hopefully this will work! Authentic or not, her being in a relationship will surely ruin Tom's plans.
When Trina arrives at Elk Lake, she is shocked when she bumps into Heath Fox, a real-estate developer she bid on (and won) at a fundraiser a while ago. Back then, he made it very clear that he did not want a relationship, and now he is Trina's neighbor for the summer. Of course, things are bound to get awkward!
I absolutely loved Trina and Heath! Both characters have baggage. They are both traumatized from past experiences, and this trauma clearly hinders them from moving forward in life. There are many funny moments in this book (like Heath getting in Trina's way and sabotaging every potential date), and there are several saddening moments in this book. Trina and Heath both need to dive deep and peel back some layers in order to become the best versions of themselves.
This is a wonderful read that will have you feeling many emotions, sometimes all at once. It is an emotional rollercoaster for sure, but it was so worth it!
Thank you NetGalley, Xpresso Book Tours, and Whitney Dineen for such a heartwarming read!
May 13, 2024
Another amazing addition to this series in which Trina is back in Elk Lake after her disastrous last season of Midwestern Matchmaker the series has been cancelled and now they want to match her instead. She cannot and will not let that happen. So this is her chance to find love of her own. Spending time in here she's hoping to find what she longs a husband and then a family of her own. After her last attempt by bidding on Heath Fox she hoped she'd at last found LOVE, until he made it clear he wasn't looking for a lasting relationship, after a kiss that she'll never forget. But she has a plan to finally stop her whole love life being on TV. Nate was back in Elk Lake after not being here since his family vacation when he was a child. Fed up with his life he was hoping to find what he was looking for here. That is until the waterfront cottage he's renting for the summer is right next door to her. Why is Trina here in Elk Lake and as if now she's his neighbour. Have the tissues ready because this is definitely a laugh out loud story. I can't believe the disastrous things that happen to somebody who is supposed to be a matchmaker. Especially as she is such a caring person. But can Elk Lake work it's magic and finally find her the perfect man. Sit back and enjoy this hilarious story. I can't wait for the next exciting book in this series.
May 23, 2024
While I've enjoyed all of the books in the Pity series by Whitney Dineen, I do believe that this one is my new favorite. That surprises me since this is Trina's story, and I haven't always been her biggest fan.
Trina lost her job when her matchmaking reality show was canceled because she refused to exploit one of the couples. Now, the producers want her to star in a new show where they'll try to match her with some B-list celebrities. To get out of this predicament, Trina decides to try to find a boyfriend in real life. She comes up with a plan that just might work, but she wasn't planning on being neighbors with Heath over the summer. Heath...the guy who broke things off after one epic date a year ago but now seems to be trying to sabotage her plans to find true love.
As with all of the books in this series, there are some funny moments, but this story also has a more sad, more tragic storyline as well. Heath broke my heart at times and I really was hoping for him to find his HEA. I loved the interactions between him and Trina, and I enjoyed watching her try to navigate dating life while Heath simultaneously tried to get in her way.
This was an enjoyable read and I look forward to what comes next for this series.
Trina lost her job when her matchmaking reality show was canceled because she refused to exploit one of the couples. Now, the producers want her to star in a new show where they'll try to match her with some B-list celebrities. To get out of this predicament, Trina decides to try to find a boyfriend in real life. She comes up with a plan that just might work, but she wasn't planning on being neighbors with Heath over the summer. Heath...the guy who broke things off after one epic date a year ago but now seems to be trying to sabotage her plans to find true love.
As with all of the books in this series, there are some funny moments, but this story also has a more sad, more tragic storyline as well. Heath broke my heart at times and I really was hoping for him to find his HEA. I loved the interactions between him and Trina, and I enjoyed watching her try to navigate dating life while Heath simultaneously tried to get in her way.
This was an enjoyable read and I look forward to what comes next for this series.
May 19, 2024
Whitney Dineen is back with the fourth book in the Pity Series…”Pity Parade”. I have to say that this book really tugged at my heartstrings in a lot of ways. It may well be my favorite book in the series thus far!
The book follows Trina Rockwell, former host of book three’s Midwestern Matchmaker. Trina's main goal is to find a way out of starring in her own dating show. She heads to Elk Lake, Wisconsin in her quest to find Mr. Right (or at least Mr. Right Now).
Enter real estate developer Heath Fox! Good looking and loaded, Heath and Trina had one date that went extremely well…until it didn’t. Trina wanted more but Heath was upfront about his desire to keep things casual. Little did Trina know that Heath was fighting his own demons…can ghosts be demons? Well in this review they are, the oh so very saddest of demons; I won’t ruin it for you, I’ll let you tear up all on your own.
“Pity Parade” was a fun yet emotional (definitely did not expect this bit) read. Dineen controls the two storylines exceptionally well and brings it all together in the end, like only she can!
The book follows Trina Rockwell, former host of book three’s Midwestern Matchmaker. Trina's main goal is to find a way out of starring in her own dating show. She heads to Elk Lake, Wisconsin in her quest to find Mr. Right (or at least Mr. Right Now).
Enter real estate developer Heath Fox! Good looking and loaded, Heath and Trina had one date that went extremely well…until it didn’t. Trina wanted more but Heath was upfront about his desire to keep things casual. Little did Trina know that Heath was fighting his own demons…can ghosts be demons? Well in this review they are, the oh so very saddest of demons; I won’t ruin it for you, I’ll let you tear up all on your own.
“Pity Parade” was a fun yet emotional (definitely did not expect this bit) read. Dineen controls the two storylines exceptionally well and brings it all together in the end, like only she can!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 23, 2024
As usual, Whitney Dineen has written a wonderful story with loveable, believable characters with an idyllic setting. I look forward to my visits to Elk Lake and with characters that we fell in love with in previous books. It took me a while to warm to Trina; she comes off as immature and the logic behind finding a boyfriend doesn’t make sense to me (a network will still sue you for breach of contract). Heath also took a while to fall for but his backstory will have you rooting for him to find his HEA. I love the idea of the new community they plan on building and can’t wait to read more about it in future books. Overall, another fun story with humor and fun characters.
I received a copy from the author for an honest review.
I received a copy from the author for an honest review.
May 24, 2024
Whitney Dineen continues to be one of my favorite rom-com authors, and Pity Parade did not disappoint
This is book 4 in a series, but can stand on its own. The characters do cross over, and the prior 3 books are fantastic, but you can certainly read this on its own.
Pity Parade takes place in the same Wisconsin small town, and has all of the charm of the first 3 books.
The characters in this whole series are truly phenomenal and I find Whitney's sense of humor to be perfect.
What I love about this one is the emotional depth. The MMC is 10 years a widow and he's struggling to let go. My heart broke for him.
The book strikes the perfect balance of emotional depth and light hearted feel good humor that truly uplifted my spirits.
It also sets up the perfect volley for book 5🎉
This is book 4 in a series, but can stand on its own. The characters do cross over, and the prior 3 books are fantastic, but you can certainly read this on its own.
Pity Parade takes place in the same Wisconsin small town, and has all of the charm of the first 3 books.
The characters in this whole series are truly phenomenal and I find Whitney's sense of humor to be perfect.
What I love about this one is the emotional depth. The MMC is 10 years a widow and he's struggling to let go. My heart broke for him.
The book strikes the perfect balance of emotional depth and light hearted feel good humor that truly uplifted my spirits.
It also sets up the perfect volley for book 5🎉
May 21, 2024
Pity Parade is book four in the Pity series. It is focused on Trina Rockwell a tv Matchmaker and Heath Fox a Chicago real estate mogul. The two met at a charity auction but then never spoke again. Now the two are in Elk Lake, Wisconsin and neighbors.
This was a fun read. Trina was ready to find her forever guy (real or fake). Heath was determined to stop that from happening and figure out why she was so determined.
“There’s a mystery afoot regarding a beautiful television hostess and I’m going to get to the bottom of it.”
Their relationship was fun, they both enjoyed sabotaging the other. However seeing them realize what was right in front of them the entire time was great.
Thank you @whitneydineenauthor and @greyspromo for the ARC!
Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was a fun read. Trina was ready to find her forever guy (real or fake). Heath was determined to stop that from happening and figure out why she was so determined.
“There’s a mystery afoot regarding a beautiful television hostess and I’m going to get to the bottom of it.”
Their relationship was fun, they both enjoyed sabotaging the other. However seeing them realize what was right in front of them the entire time was great.
Thank you @whitneydineenauthor and @greyspromo for the ARC!
Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
May 22, 2024
I’ve enjoyed each of the Pity stories so far, and Pity Parade is no exception. Trina is trying to figure out what to do with her life and how to get out of being the bachelorette on a reality dating show. Heath is burned out and taking the summer to regroup. Love is the last thing on his mind until he sees a Trina again. Sparks fly but not in a good way after their last meeting went south. Fun storyline with some whacky scenes and fun characters, including our favorites from previous Pity stories. Looking forward to more in this series.
May 19, 2024
Another great addition to the series! We were introduced to Trina in the last book and I loved how she integrated into the original friend group so seamlessly. She’s in Elk Creek to find a relationship to get out of doing a horrible new series where she is the main attraction. When she meets her new neighbor she’s shocked to discover she already knows him. I love how Trina and Heath’s story started and how they needle each other throughout the book. Heath spends his time (when he isn’t meddling with Trina) reflecting on his life for the past 10 years since his wife and baby died. While, for the most part, the story is a romcom this aspect brings a degree of realism. It definitely rounded out the feel of the book.
May 18, 2024
If you've read book #3, you've already met the heroine: Trina, the Midwestern Matchmaker who, however, has not met her own match yet. Or has she? Her story turns out to be a second-chance-at-love kind of deal, but it's not quite going according to her plans. Against all odds - and some major idiocy on his part - she reconnects with big-shot Chicago real-estate mogul Heath. On their way to their HEA, they both need to deal with some baggage, and although a large part of the story is dealing with Heath's grieving the loss of his family, it is also a story of hope, of new beginnings, and - being a Whitney Dineen rom-com - hilarity.
May 23, 2024
Elk Lake, Wisconsin may not be the destination vacation for most people but it’s a nice community whose members rally around people for good causes.
Trina is forced to uphold her contract and has to date men on camera. Heath is still in mourning from the past but turns out he hasn’t forgotten Trina.
The banter between the two is funny and charming because any reader can sense the heat emanating from the pages. Both have to be willing to jump.
It’s a sweet and charming continuation of the Pity series.
It’s a pity I have to wait to read the next one!!
Thanks to the author for the advance copy.
Trina is forced to uphold her contract and has to date men on camera. Heath is still in mourning from the past but turns out he hasn’t forgotten Trina.
The banter between the two is funny and charming because any reader can sense the heat emanating from the pages. Both have to be willing to jump.
It’s a sweet and charming continuation of the Pity series.
It’s a pity I have to wait to read the next one!!
Thanks to the author for the advance copy.
June 19, 2024
I thought this book was so cute. I smiled like a goofball, and I teared up at other times. I love when I can find a book that can make me feel such a range of emotions. The banter and chemistry was wonderful! Overall, this is a good choice if you are looking for a fun rom-com and also the cover is so great!
June 25, 2024
In this addition to the Pity series Trina is back in Elk Lake after her disastrous last season of Midwestern Matchmaker. The series has been cancelled and now they want to force her to be matched in a new series. She hopes to avoid it by finding a relationship. There were hilarious results as well as a character with a tragic backstory. This was my favorite offering in this series to date.
May 13, 2024
Dual POV
Small town
Second chance
Forced proximity
Billionaire + matchmaker
Fun, meddling friends
Pity Parade is my favorite in the series! In a word, Heath and Trina are charming. This book is a standalone, but we are back in Elk Lake with all off our favorites from the previous books!
Small town
Second chance
Forced proximity
Billionaire + matchmaker
Fun, meddling friends
Pity Parade is my favorite in the series! In a word, Heath and Trina are charming. This book is a standalone, but we are back in Elk Lake with all off our favorites from the previous books!
May 16, 2024
This is a great read, couldn’t put it down book. You met Heath and Trina as they both vacation at the lake to escape their life in the big city. They met once before and went on one date. Trina is a matchmaker and is trying to “find” a match for herself. She lets men that her friends try and set her up with and try dating an old boyfriend. This is happening while Heath is dealing with some personal issues and still wanting to date Trina. It takes them talking and him coming to terms with his past for them to realize that they are what each person needs. They learn to trust each other and soon discover how well they are suited. This book doesn’t have any spice and it is perfectly fine because it doesn’t need it. This was a great read and I really think you will like it!
June 6, 2024
Ahhh this such a great book! I loved and enjoyed every bit of it! This is the type of romcom which does slightly have heartbreaking moments. It was really fun yet emotional read for me and I know many of you would love reading it as well! 💜💜
May 13, 2024
Another smash in a series of small town romance. Laugh out loud bits mixed in with some hard truths about relationships that are all totally relatable. Heartache happens, but it can get better…
June 3, 2024
An emotionally thrilling roller-coaster journey from beginning to end. Sweetly sexy adventure, filled with witty and engaging charters, heart racing twists, fun family banter and thrilling passion.
May 17, 2024
Another fantastic story from Whitney Dineen revisiting Elk Lake, Wisconsin from previous books.
Heath needs a break, he decides to spend the summer at his childhood holiday paradise. Trina has a plan to escape her unfulfilling television career.
They meet at Elk Lake and a blend of serious dialogue cleverly interspersed with outright hilarity follows.
The author again delivers lots of humour and is also not afraid to let her characters make impressive political statements and follow up with action.
This is a delightful story with a very satisfying conclusion. I highly recommend it.
Heath needs a break, he decides to spend the summer at his childhood holiday paradise. Trina has a plan to escape her unfulfilling television career.
They meet at Elk Lake and a blend of serious dialogue cleverly interspersed with outright hilarity follows.
The author again delivers lots of humour and is also not afraid to let her characters make impressive political statements and follow up with action.
This is a delightful story with a very satisfying conclusion. I highly recommend it.
May 20, 2024
She may be a TV host but her love life is a complete disaster. She seems to find the worse men in town to date. Will she ever find a good one? Will her life be better without a man in it? See how she gets on
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and I want to review
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and I want to review
May 23, 2024
4.5⭐️
Wow! I loved this book! I couldn’t put it down! I laughed and cried so much through this book! I love a good second chance romance!🩷🩷
Wow! I loved this book! I couldn’t put it down! I laughed and cried so much through this book! I love a good second chance romance!🩷🩷
May 21, 2024
My favorite of all of the “Pity” series! This time it’s Trina’s turn at finding her “perfect” match. Both Trina and Heath are fully developed characters in this continuing series. I was engaged with their relationship which made this a hard to put down book. Can be read as a stand-alone or as a part of the series.
June 10, 2024
I feel like this one was a little heavier than the others in the series. I have come to expect some laugh out loud moments from this series, and while that happened in this book, I felt like it was a little less. There was a lot that was packed into this book along with the romance story line, and not all of it had a full conclusion. The romance story line was nice, other than one glaring screw up by the MMC. I know it’s a book, but I probably wouldn’t have given Heath another chance. Other than his major mess up, I really liked him. I also liked how his grief was handled. Trina was cool, but she isn’t my favorite FMC. Overall I did enjoy this book and I look forward to more in the series.
.
Content: loss of a spouse and unborn child
.
Content: loss of a spouse and unborn child
May 23, 2024
This was such a good book
April 13, 2025
Whitney Dineen’s Pity series takes place in the small town of Elk Lake, Wisconsin. Full of well-rounded characters, this series of standalones reads better in publication order, since you’ll get the satisfaction of seeing what’s happening with the characters even after they cease to be the main focus. CAN you read them out of order? Sure. SHOULD you? That’s up to you.
All of these books feature women who have lots of spunk and personality, but haven’t been lucky in love. Many cover parental relationships, what it’s like to be a woman in business, and other issues reflected in modern society. None of the female leads is obsessed with appearance; all clearly enjoy good food and none is a size 2.
All have references to popular culture, just enough to ground them in the modern day. Recurring characters—even those who are not the focus of the story—are well rounded. It’s also fun to see the hints for what characters could be the focus of later books.
I also love the little bits of unimportant continuity, like the apartment above the yarn shop—first Melissa lives there, then Trina rents it for a summer, and finally, Lorelei considers moving there.
It’s now two years since the first book was published, as the sixth is hitting the market. Time passes a little faster in Elk Lake, as you will see with references to Pity Date’s Faith and Teddy in Pity Play.
Who Might Like These Books:
Romcom fans, especially those who like imperfect characters and small towns..
My Thoughts:
We turn now to the host of Midwestern Matchmaker, Trina. Thanks to her move to protect Paige and Tim in the previous book, she’s going to be the subject of a dating show if she can’t get herself into a relationship before fall. She turns to the women of Elk Lake to help her find someone, and they deliver with a plan for her to meet up with a few of her former boyfriends.
But before she meets them, she bumps into Heath, whom she’d dated once for a charity event. It’s not a happy meeting—he’d been quite blunt about not being interested in a relationship.
Heath lost his wife and unborn child ten years ago, and has sworn never to fall in love again and risk that kind of pain. For me, this story was much more about Heath’s healing than it is about Trina’s pursuit of a relationship.
They still find each other attractive, but both are stubborn in their approach to dating—especially when it comes to one another. But Heath finds that he really doesn’t want Trina dating anyone else, even if he doesn’t want a relationship with her. This causes him to do some kind of dumb things. The author plays it for laughs, but they’re not particularly kind. When Trina finds out that Heath told another man that she might be transgender, she is rightfully furious, and it makes a quick ending to their recently acknowledged affection. (Not because she’s transphobic, just because it was a dumb thing to do when he was insisting that he wasn’t interested in pursuing a relationship.)
Luckily, Heath’s change of heart about Trina and about the possibility of love are real, and he does everything he can to make it right.
This one also has a couple of nice subplots. The first, with Heath’s business partner, focuses on the importance of family over work. The second, in which Heath decides he isn’t really interested in building huge skyscrapers anymore, points to the importance of helping those less fortunate than ourselves.
Possible Objectionable Material:
Very mild cursing. Indications that unmarried adults have sex. Mention of LGBTQ people. Adults drink alcohol. Divorce. Death.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an advance reader copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
This book also reviewed at https://biblioquacious.blogspot.com/2...
All of these books feature women who have lots of spunk and personality, but haven’t been lucky in love. Many cover parental relationships, what it’s like to be a woman in business, and other issues reflected in modern society. None of the female leads is obsessed with appearance; all clearly enjoy good food and none is a size 2.
All have references to popular culture, just enough to ground them in the modern day. Recurring characters—even those who are not the focus of the story—are well rounded. It’s also fun to see the hints for what characters could be the focus of later books.
I also love the little bits of unimportant continuity, like the apartment above the yarn shop—first Melissa lives there, then Trina rents it for a summer, and finally, Lorelei considers moving there.
It’s now two years since the first book was published, as the sixth is hitting the market. Time passes a little faster in Elk Lake, as you will see with references to Pity Date’s Faith and Teddy in Pity Play.
Who Might Like These Books:
Romcom fans, especially those who like imperfect characters and small towns..
My Thoughts:
We turn now to the host of Midwestern Matchmaker, Trina. Thanks to her move to protect Paige and Tim in the previous book, she’s going to be the subject of a dating show if she can’t get herself into a relationship before fall. She turns to the women of Elk Lake to help her find someone, and they deliver with a plan for her to meet up with a few of her former boyfriends.
But before she meets them, she bumps into Heath, whom she’d dated once for a charity event. It’s not a happy meeting—he’d been quite blunt about not being interested in a relationship.
Heath lost his wife and unborn child ten years ago, and has sworn never to fall in love again and risk that kind of pain. For me, this story was much more about Heath’s healing than it is about Trina’s pursuit of a relationship.
They still find each other attractive, but both are stubborn in their approach to dating—especially when it comes to one another. But Heath finds that he really doesn’t want Trina dating anyone else, even if he doesn’t want a relationship with her. This causes him to do some kind of dumb things. The author plays it for laughs, but they’re not particularly kind. When Trina finds out that Heath told another man that she might be transgender, she is rightfully furious, and it makes a quick ending to their recently acknowledged affection. (Not because she’s transphobic, just because it was a dumb thing to do when he was insisting that he wasn’t interested in pursuing a relationship.)
Luckily, Heath’s change of heart about Trina and about the possibility of love are real, and he does everything he can to make it right.
This one also has a couple of nice subplots. The first, with Heath’s business partner, focuses on the importance of family over work. The second, in which Heath decides he isn’t really interested in building huge skyscrapers anymore, points to the importance of helping those less fortunate than ourselves.
Possible Objectionable Material:
Very mild cursing. Indications that unmarried adults have sex. Mention of LGBTQ people. Adults drink alcohol. Divorce. Death.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an advance reader copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
This book also reviewed at https://biblioquacious.blogspot.com/2...
May 14, 2024
📖 ARC REVIEW 📖
Thank you @whitneydineenauthor for an early copy of Pity Parade. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. 🤍
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
Release date: May 23rd, 2024
Blurb: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...
🛑Read on with caution; review may contain spoilers🛑
Pity Parade is a small-town, second-chance romance between Heath and Trina. They dated briefly a year ago and became neighbors at Elk Lake a year later. Trina, famous for her matchmaking show, is trying to find a way to avoid being matched in a new show after her old one got canceled, whilst Heath, a widower and real estate developer, wants to spend the rest of his summer at Elk Lake work-free, after 10 years of being a workaholic trying to ease his pain of losing his wife and unborn child.
After their brief date a year ago wherein Heath clearly stated he was not looking for a relationship long-term, Trina was set on fighting her attraction to him now that they’re neighbors for the summer. She’s looking for a man to date with the possibility of it being long term, and to dissuade her matchmaking show producer Tom from going forward with the new matchmaking show with her as the bachelorette. Although Heath still had no plans of dating long-term, he sabotaged Trina’s potential dates in Elk Lake, which honestly made me feel like he’s the worst male lead in this series. He was clearly still hung up on his dead wife and unborn child, still clinging to what could have been after all the years he had spent working. For most of the book, I was annoyed with him for sabotaging Trina’s chances of finding the man for her, telling them lies about Trina when he has clearly stated he doesn’t plan on dating her himself. I mean, why? If he has no plans on dating Trina but is clearly attracted to her, why not just let her be happy with someone else rather than make them both miserable? He did redeem himself after knowing Trina’s reasons for actively dating and has made it up to her big time and given a solution to her problem that Tom is unable to find a loophole on without sabotaging his own reputation and career.
This novel is hilarious but has some touching and heartwarming moments, too. The characters were adorable and I loved the small-town friendship, support, and camaraderie that the other characters from the previous books bring to Trina and Heath. Pity Parade is part of the Pity series but can be read as a standalone.
Thank you @whitneydineenauthor for an early copy of Pity Parade. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. 🤍
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
Release date: May 23rd, 2024
Blurb: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...
🛑Read on with caution; review may contain spoilers🛑
Pity Parade is a small-town, second-chance romance between Heath and Trina. They dated briefly a year ago and became neighbors at Elk Lake a year later. Trina, famous for her matchmaking show, is trying to find a way to avoid being matched in a new show after her old one got canceled, whilst Heath, a widower and real estate developer, wants to spend the rest of his summer at Elk Lake work-free, after 10 years of being a workaholic trying to ease his pain of losing his wife and unborn child.
After their brief date a year ago wherein Heath clearly stated he was not looking for a relationship long-term, Trina was set on fighting her attraction to him now that they’re neighbors for the summer. She’s looking for a man to date with the possibility of it being long term, and to dissuade her matchmaking show producer Tom from going forward with the new matchmaking show with her as the bachelorette. Although Heath still had no plans of dating long-term, he sabotaged Trina’s potential dates in Elk Lake, which honestly made me feel like he’s the worst male lead in this series. He was clearly still hung up on his dead wife and unborn child, still clinging to what could have been after all the years he had spent working. For most of the book, I was annoyed with him for sabotaging Trina’s chances of finding the man for her, telling them lies about Trina when he has clearly stated he doesn’t plan on dating her himself. I mean, why? If he has no plans on dating Trina but is clearly attracted to her, why not just let her be happy with someone else rather than make them both miserable? He did redeem himself after knowing Trina’s reasons for actively dating and has made it up to her big time and given a solution to her problem that Tom is unable to find a loophole on without sabotaging his own reputation and career.
This novel is hilarious but has some touching and heartwarming moments, too. The characters were adorable and I loved the small-town friendship, support, and camaraderie that the other characters from the previous books bring to Trina and Heath. Pity Parade is part of the Pity series but can be read as a standalone.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 120 reviews