Anti-Valentine Date

by Ashleigh Quinn

When a grumpy photographer meets a done-with-love caterer, their chemistry could ignite a pizza oven.

Dating is awful. Dating around Valentine’s Day – even worse.

But all that changes when I meet Derek at the Cupid Sucks party.

He’s muscular, protective, and perfectly flawed.

Just when things seem to be working out, an arrogant mistake returns and shakes up my world.

But fate has a few more moves left to play.

My heart never had a chance.

This is a sweet romance with no spice but all the heat.

168 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 1, 2024

Reviews

[Angie.andbooks · Rating 1 out of 5]

not my vibe

It was not for me. Main characters were so immature for their mid-twenties and early 30s.

The first chapters were a good introduction to the story but after chapter 7 I was so close to DNF it.
I read 20 chapters, skipped and skimmed epilogue.
For example, they weren’t even really dating and got into heartbreak slump for a week after kiss situation 🤦🏼‍♀️ like chill lol

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute & quick little pallet cleanser! Good way to end February!

[Robin · Rating 3 out of 5]

i have not yet read anything else by this author, but this book's title drew me to it right away so i decided to check it out given it was perfect timing to read it this week. this was a short and sweet cute rom-com about two people who have had it with dating thinking they will never meet "the one" since they have both been jilted in their past relationships. they meet by chance at a anti-valentine's day party, then end up at the same events several more times since they both work in the same industry, so it almost seems like it is fate, and they seem to be attracted to each other even though they are definitely both guarded.

Valentine’s Day was such an over-commercialized hoax perpetuated by the card, jewelry, and restaurant industry.
that is a quote from the book but yeah that is kind of how i have come to feel about this holiday (along with several others) as i have grown up. i always enjoyed it as a kid but that was also because it was fun exchanging valentines cards and candy with your classmates. as you become an adult, it is more about being in a relationship and expressing your love for the other person or pointing out how single you are. i have always felt that you should not need a day to tell you to do this, you should be able to do this every day with someone you love. so even if i am in a relationship i never really have expectations that this should be done and have always just considered it to be a regular date night. and if i am alone, i try not to let it bother me because being in a relationship does not define who you are as a person.

“I want to know what makes you laugh so I can bring a smile to your face.”
awww. i liked the chemistry between the two main characters and was happy to see them finally get their HEA and no that is not spoilery because cute rom-com stories usually end up that way. while it was cute and sweet and maybe a lil cheesy at times, it was a quick read that was perfect for a not so lovey-dovey type of romance book.

[Laura Moylan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kayla is a chef and has a catering business, but she doesn’t have a storefront yet. Her bestie is Jess who has a cafe bookstore that is adorable and Shelby works for Jess. Mike broke Kayla’s heart and now he is with someone else. I was livid about the reason of the breakup and then when she sees him. Oh and he does other things throughout the book that angered me. So Jess decides to hold an Anti-Valentine’s party that Kayla caters. It is a great idea.

Derek is a photographer and he ends up bumping into Kayla at a few things and they talk. Poor Derek and Kayla. Their ex-es are pieces of work. That’s the nicest version I can say about them. There are some misunderstandings in the book, but they get solves and some really cool coincidences that made me laugh. The book made me laugh a lot, It was very sweet and very romantic when I was laughing and wanting to hit one of the exes. I hope there is a book about Casey (Derek’s sister), Jess, and Alex (Jess’ cousin.).

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a cute Valentine’s romance. Kayla, a caterer, and Derek, a wedding photographer, had a few chance meetings, and started dating, but there were some challenges to figure out. Both had bad romantic experiences in their pasts, and misunderstandings ended up as a big hurdle to their future as a couple. “This right here was exactly why I hated dating. It was a constant dance of did I say something wrong or should I have said more?” The Anti-Valebntine’s party was a fun detail. The romance was sweet. “‘Love will find you when you aren’t looking for it. You’ll know it’s right. When you feel it, it will be unlike anything else you’ve ever felt.’” There is a small secondary romance, which doesn’t get a lot of focus, but is also cute. This is a closed door romance with some innuendo and no harsh language.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Stevie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a delightful, sweet, clean romance that will pull you in from the very first pages. I started it this evening and couldn't put it down.

Just when it seems things are going well for Kayla and Derek, circumstances take an unexpected twist, again and again. They continue to cross paths in clever, unexpected ways.

Written from each of their perspectives gives you a view into the internal struggles each is facing with trusting themselves and each other.

Thank you to the author for giving me an advanced review copy in return for an honest review.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun, entertaining read. Derek and Kayla are interesting, intriguing, entertaining, relatable, captivating characters. Their romance is sweet and at times romantic. I enjoyed their various times on page together and getting to see Kayla’s competitive side (that was a special scene). The epilogue is perfect in so many ways. The secondary characters added to the fabric of the story and my enjoyment. The story is easy to read and get into.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Mystyc Metrik · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a sweet romance featuring caterer Kayla and photographer Derek, both of whom have suffered a fairly catastrophic breakup and subsequently dislike Valentines' Day. Despite this, they are constantly surrounded by weddings due to their jobs, and both end up working at some weddings they'd rather not. Through a series of chance encounters and quasi-dates, the pair find themselves growing more attracted to one another, culminating in a happily ever after. The characters are likable and the romance is sweet-I'd definitely recommend this book.

[Sandy T · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enjoyable sweet clean romance story. Kayla and Derek are both reluctant to be in a relationship after their previous heartaches but are very attractive to each other immediately. I read the book quickly wanting to know what would happen next. There were a few twists but well written to make the story believable and entertaining.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Sharmani Jayaram · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kayla Moore was a successful caterer and her best friend Jessica was helping her to cater for the Anti- Valentine Day party. Here she meets Derek a photographer and they start a serious friendship. But then a terrible misunderstanding nearly ruined this budding romance. A great and enjoyable read. I received this ARC copy via booksprouts and leave a honest review. I recommend this book to other readers.

[J Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet romance!

Kayla is a Valentine's Day hater but agrees to cater her best friend's Anti-Valentine party. Derek dislikes Valentine's Day too and isn't in the market for a relationship but that beautiful woman he ran into is going to be at the party so he's going to be there too.

What a sweet, sweet romance. Kayla and Derek make a perfect couple if they can open their hearts and forget their pasts. I received a free copy but my review is honest and voluntary.

[Dianne Hall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amusing alternative to Valentine celebration!

An amusing and entertaining story, particularly for those who don't love Valentine celebrations. The irony is that even if you don't like Valentine's Day, you may find yourself inadvertently participating in the event and the fallout may surprise even those with strong anti-Valentine's feelings.

I read this book as part of an advance reader team and am providing my honest opinion.

[MacKenzie Emery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fun dual pov, clean romance. Kayla and Derek keep meeting in different ways, some may call it fate. Kayla is a competitive and fun chef who aspires to open her own restaurant. Derek is a photographer who shoots weddings and wildlife. As the story progresses these two keep getting thrown in each others paths and it allows them to come together and truly move past their reservations and get to know each other.

[Valeri Sullivan (vsulvn29) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love Stinks and Cupid Sucks cookies

A cute short fast read from the points of our two main characters, a photographer that gets tricked into filming his ex’s wedding and a caterer who falls in the same trap with her own ex. I enjoyed this quite a bit, but for an act of violence toward the female lead that felt unnecessary. Ashleigh Quinn has quickly become a favorite of mine!

[Jane litherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

The photographer and the caterer…. Kayla a chef caters for her friend Jess’s Anti Valentine bash. Derek the photographer shares exes stories and more . It’s like friends do anti romance . Great humorous romance story that is immersive and fun reading.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lori Rector · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kayla is done with love. Derek isn't sure love is really a thing. After meeting at a wedding (she's the caterer, he's the photographer), they run into each other again at the Cupid Sucks party.
A cute, short rom-com with great supporting characters. I was easily able to lose myself for a few hours today and finish the while thing.

[Danielle Eldridge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved Kayla & Derek!!!

This book was absolutely adorable and comical, for a clean romance in my opinion.
Loved how the characters were well written & the dialogue.
And the anti valentine's day humor had me grinning like a fool & giggling like a child. Usually clean romance novels bore me & I lose interest, but not with this one though.
Totally recommend!!!

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fun quick read. Kayla and Derek have both been burned by love and now fate keeps throwing them at each other. I really enjoyed this story and it was the perfect read before valentines day.

[Genoveva · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I wanted to strangle Derek at times in this story, I did enjoy seeing how he learned to stop and listen. I enjoyed Kayla and Derek's banter throughout this story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rachel Kennedy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read, the story of Kayla and Derek. Both have been get before so will they give each other a chance? I liked how it was told from both points of view.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Margie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a cute lighthearted romance. What could be worse than a last minute catering job or photo shoot for a bridezilla? How about it being at your ex’s wedding? There is lot of instant attraction, denial, and humor. I enjoyed this book.

[taylor kleist · Rating 3 out of 5]

5/10. this was an alright read. with how short of a book this was it was about 50% insta love and 50% miscommunication. it just didn’t seem as unique of a story as i would have liked, and i really didn’t grow to particularly love any of the characters. no swoony butterfly romance moments either

[Rebecca Robertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartwarming, charming and funny. Absolutely love the characters, this book is so relatable and really has you hoping for a lovely ending

[Nathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the book. I thought it was funny, interesting and cute.

[Crystal Dillhunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

A good romance for Valentine's day. If your looking for a cute romance and not spicy at all this is your ideal.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pure escapism. Totally predictable but a really fun read. The characters were engaging and while the ending is a sure thing...it was enjoyable to get there.

[Ashley Winston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adorable!

Oh my gosh, this was so cute and easy to read! Cliche as heck but don’t we love a good cliche? Ughhhhh so cute

[LuCinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was cute.

I needed a cute little palate cleanser book. ✔️

[Jessica Calzada · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars

[Emily (Heinlen) Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick, easy read. The story is exactly as you would picture it to be. No stress in reading it.