Five Dates

by Rachel Robinson

Margo Reiz had it all—until she lost everything.
Once the athletic trainer to the world’s top athletes, Margo’s perfect life unraveled after her fiancé turned to drugs and crime, leaving her to pick up the pieces. Spiraling into a series of meaningless flings, she’s dared by her best friend to take a chance on something five dates with one good guy.

Enter Tommy Towne, her newest client and a Navy SEAL with a magnetic pull she can’t resist. Torn between her professional boundaries and undeniable attraction, Margo decides Tommy will be the one—if only to prove she still believes in love.

Tommy Towne thought heartbreak was behind him.
Recovering from his own painful breakup, Tommy has big decisions to stay on the path of a SEAL or return to his family’s ranch in Texas. But one thing is certain—his new trainer, Margo, is unlike anyone he’s ever met. With his deployment looming, a stalker threatening their safety, and a challenge to follow her strict five-date rule, Tommy’s world becomes as unpredictable as his growing feelings.

Five dates. That’s all it takes to turn their lives upside down. But can they find lasting love when the odds are stacked against them?

“A Navy SEAL with a heart of gold and just the right amount of edge. Their five-date rule made for the best slow-burn tension, and every moment between them felt electric.” –Jasi, Goodreads

“I read it for the Navy Seal and Suspense but it really was so, so much more.” – Susan, Goodreads

“For readers who enjoy a love story with intensity, vulnerability, and plenty of heat, Five Dates is a must-read. It’s the perfect combination of a strong, protective hero and a heroine who learns to reclaim her heart—together, Tommy and Margo make for an unforgettable couple.” –Sarah, Goodreads

Genres: Contemporary Romance, Fake Dating, Workplace Romance

241 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 27, 2025

About the author

Rachel grew up in a small, quiet town full of loud talkers. Her words were always only loud on paper. She has been writing stories and creating characters for as long as she can remember. After living on the west coast for many years she now resides in Colorado with her husband, two children, her hairless cat, and her dog, Polly.

Reviews

[Michellelovesreading · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was hooked from the beginning of this book. I love it so much. I 10/10 recommend

Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

[Tera · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really do love Rachel Robinson. She writes lovable stories with lovable characters. I love her niche in military romance as she knows it personally so well. It adds a layer of emotion to her stories that you can tell comes from knowing exactly what it's like.

Five Dates is a story of healing. It starts with two broken characters both hurt by those who were supposed to love them. But when Tommy gets deployed, he isn't the same man when he gets home. While this could have been deeply emotional with a lot of PTSD, it doesn't really give any type of negative vibe. It's all very hopeful.

I did enjoy this story, but I really just wanted more out of it. I wanted more deeply written characters and character growth. I wanted a little bit less insta-love feeling and perhaps more angst as a result. I also struggled with the timeline. I still don't know how long Tommy's deployment was or how long they really dated. I also don't even really know their ages, but I imagined them close to 30 because Margo was with her ex for 7 years, but I would have guessed all of them to have been younger based off the voice of the story.

I would never not recommend a Rachel Robinson book. She still writes great stories, and maybe I was alone in thinking this one needed more, and I anticipate the majority of people enjoying this book even more than I did.

[Jasmine · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you're looking for the ultimate, perfect boyfriend material, Tommy here is for you. He says the sweetest nothings, pays attention to the tiniest details from your favorite go-to coffee order to your mother's food preference, and treats you like a Queen. The amount of swoon-worthiness this book features will undoubtedly melt your heart and leave you craving for more in the end. In my opinion, the overall writing of this book is pretty good so it's easy to immerse myself in the story. Margo and Tommy are both recovering from past relationship failure, so it's not hard to imagine how broken hearts kind of bring them together. What I do not expect is that this book is actually about insta-love ; I really wish this could be mentioned somewhere as a trigger warning or trope reveal so I could be more prepared (since insta-love has never been my cup of tea). Anyways, this is still an enjoyable read in general but I'd appreciate it more if there could be less insta-love element and more character development.

***Thanks to the author and Hambright PR for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.***

[Jocelyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay…so listen. There were aspects of this book that didn’t immediately vibe with me. I’m not usually a fan of insta-love. I struggle sometimes with over-dialogue…but something about this book I needed. I had a rocky past relationship and met the love of my life broken and unsure of what path to take. While the situation was definitely on a different level, the themes made sense to me. And then there was the whole other aspect of this book which I was not expecting (haha) I think 4.5⭐️ because it really made me feel something.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was booked from the very first page. I flew through these 20 chapters in no time! Both main characters are having a rough go of life and when they meet the chemistry was 🔥 I loved that Margo was a physical therapist and Tommy a navy seal. I found Tommy's southern charm endearing and Margo's spunk fantastic. Their journey through the five dates was great and I loved the fake dating. Also, sprinkle in a little suspense and you got a great story.

Thank you to hambright pr and author for the gifted ebook.

[Shannon Mayhan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, @rachelrobinsonauthor , you have done it again. I don’t know what it is about your writing that always has me in a choke hold, but you get me every damn time! I love the navy seals stories that she writes. Both characters are bad ass. There is some suspense and Rachel always gives us the spice. Instant attraction between these two and I just love it.

[s a r a h ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you for my advanced copy it was a cute read with likeable characters I couldn’t put the book down

[Tommie G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five Dates - Rachel Robinson

Thank you @rachelrobinsonauthor and @hambright_pr for this gifted ARC ebook.

My review:
My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre: Romance
Pages: 241
Tropes:
🤫 Workplace/Forbidden Romance
🏘️ Small Town Romance
🎖️ NAVY Seal Romance
🔥 Suspense
🕯️ Slow Burn
👫 Dual POV
😤 Angst
😍 HEA

This is Tommy and Margo’s story. This is a sweet, warm your heart, make you smile romance. It is a story of healing, learning to accept your past hurts and to get past them. Margo had a long term relationship that turned toxic after her ex became hooked on drugs after an accident and left her for his supplier/prostitute. Tommy ex girlfriend had been with him since grade school. His only girlfriend. After spending only one night with him dumps him.

Tommy is a navy seal awaiting deployment. Margo is a physical therapist/trainer who works with the seals to make sure they are in top physical shape.

Jeannie, Margo’s roommate and also her therapist puts her on a five date rule after she basically just spends the night with someone she picks up not even bothering to get their name. She is done with serious relationships and love. Now she has to go on five dates with the same person before spending the night.

Tommy is assigned to her before deployment and is instantly attracted to her. Her position has a strict no fraternizing rule. He falls hard and fast.

But someone is out to get them both. Tommy receives threatening notes. Margo has trackers put on her car and is followed and her apartment is being watched. Tommy’s apartment is broken in to and his lap top stolen.

Now go read the book to find out who has it in for them and if Tommy survives his deployment.

I highly recommend this book. I love this authors books!!! The authors mother passed away while she was writing this book and it was hard for her to finish it. This book was a story of healing for the characters and the author as well.


#booktok #bookstagram #romance #rachelrobinsonauthor #hambright_pr #rachelrobinson #fivedates

[Bookish Lady Night · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Review: Five Dates by: Rachel Robinson

Melt for the MMC is none other than Tommy Towne Navy Seal!

This man is the ultimate perfection for book boyfriend! He is so attentive and kind. He is observant like knows her favorites just by paying attention!

Tommy is a Navy Seal who isn’t really into the casual things like his teammates he was with his childhood girlfriend for a years and then they broke up after a while. He had only been with her once and she left him after that and it messed with his head a little.

Margo is the polar opposite and after a traumatic experience that left her and the man she thought was her forever broken she was all for the no strings mentality. When her bestie makes a pact with her to change her ways for at least five dates before she sleeps with the guy.

This story is jam packed with swoon and will suck you in and you won’t want to leave! I hope we see more of these characters im not sure if we will but fingers crossed!! It ticks all the boxes for me and I definitely will be doing a reread soon!


I mean with quotes like these 👇

“You work here, so I know you’ve been vetted ten times over. You’ve probably signed an NDA about your clients, and pardon my forwardness, but you’re real nice to look at.” I literally have to hold in a gasp when his gaze dances over my exposed skin. “I did download a dating app, but why use it when perfection is before me?”

“I want you to be mine forever, the rest doesn’t matter. Flowers or shit, baby. All I want is forever.”

“But if you find yourself wavering between quitting and pushing on, hear me out. Open your heart and just give it five chances.”

“Tell me you identify as a psycho without telling me you identify as a psycho.”

🤫 Workplace/Forbidden Romance
🏘️ Small Town Romance
🎖️ NAVY Seal Romance
🔥 Suspense
🕯️ Slow Burn
👫 Dual POV
😤 Angst
😍 HEA

[angela · Rating 2 out of 5]

2⭐️

I want to preface this review by saying that I went back and forth on whether I should post the review now or wait for a week or so. My opinion on this book is in the minority, and my rating does not mean that this was a bad book per se.

Five Dates is a story about two broken characters as they navigate the challenges of heartbreak and seek comfort in each other. The FMC is the personal trainer of the MMC, who is a member of SEAL. Throughout the story, the two develop a relationship under a no-fraternization policy, cope with exes and family troubles, and experience struggles that come with the deployment of someone they care about.

While I was reading this book, I noticed that it was VERY insta-lovey, a trope that I am not a fan of. Because of this, I found that I couldn't connect with the characters. Sometimes, I would catch myself full-on skimming pages because I didn't care for what was happening, to be frank with you guys. Additionally, something I wanted to know as soon as Tommy gets deployed for the first time was how that would affect their relationship and his experiences at war. However, the book never discusses the sights he sees and how they change her perception of the world. We hear that Margo is struggling with how dry he is and how infrequent messages are between them during his deployment, yet the second he comes back, she jumps into his arms, and they live happily ever after? This timeline confused and frustrated me.

That being said, I went down a rabbit hole reading reviews, and I can see how the other side might see this story. I think this book is just one that hits or doesn't hit for you- and that's okay!

Thank you Hambright PR (and the author herself) for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!

[Mary Sargent · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was my first book by this author, so I have nothing to compare to any of her other books but I struggled with the choppiness of the story line and how it flowed.

When I saw that it had romance and suspense, I wanted to pick it up because I love both of those combined.

When we start the book, both of the characters are healing from their exes. And Margo is going through harmful things to try to get over her ex. Her therapist/best friend gives her the challenge to go on five dates with a guy before she entertains going further with them. All of her online dating guys turn out to be non compatible, BUTTT

Then she meets Tommy at her work (she’s the PT and he’s the NAVY Seal client) so the relationship would already be forbidden. But they become fast friends and he needs someone to go with him to his ex’s engagement party. So they go the fake dating route.

I wish the book had more depth to the characters and not so much of an Insta love. He was also gone on deployment for a while and you don’t really know how long he has gone and how long Margo is waiting for him, so I was kind of lost part of the story.

The suspense part of the book does not pick up until probably the last 20% of the book which I think if you have a book that has suspense in it and you are marketing it as that it needs to have a plot fully throughout the book.

I’m not saying I would never read another book by her, because I did enjoy the writing style but this storyline just wasn’t my favorite.

Thanks to Hambright pr for an early copy.

[Jacklyn B · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a quick and easy read - I really enjoyed the story and the characters. I really enjoy Rachel’s writing style so I was excited to jump into this story. I loved the themes of perseverance and not letting life get you down - be sure and read the author’s note at the end!

Margo and Tommy had such great chemistry - They both had been hurt in the past. They have this instant connection but they can’t act on it…or can they?

I loved their meet-cute - Tommy under estimates Margo but she puts him in his place immediately! I also really liked how Margo is the serial dater/more experienced one. We also get some fake dating when Tommy needs a date and Margo agrees to go with him.

We really see their connection grow. I really liked Tommy - he is so sweet. No spoilers, but I really enjoyed the suspense aspect to this story too!!

✨What To Expect:
👢 Workplace Romance
🚫 Forbidden Romance
🏘️ Small Town Romance
🎖️ He’s A NAVY Seal
💋 She’s A Personal Trainer
❤️‍🔥 Fake Dating
🔥 Suspense
🕯️ Slow Burn
👫 Dual POV
🌻 Angst
💖 HEA

[Kelsea · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you Hambright PR and the author for an advanced copy of this book!

Five Dates is a cute, easy read that had a romantic and suspenseful storyline. While I really wanted to enjoy this book, the choppy plot and insta-love made it a difficult read. The storyline had so much potential, especially with the suspense and mystery, but unfortunately fell short for me. I did love the main characters and their personalities! Margo is a strong and confident woman, who hit a rough patch in life. Tommy is sweet and observant, trying to find himself after his love life is turned upside down. The author stuck to the concept of “Five Dates” throughout the book which was a really cute plot point. I really loved the side characters, they added the perfect touch and expanded possibilities for spin off books. I’d definitely read another book by this author, I fear this may just not be the book for me! If you love a angsty, easy romance read with a touch of suspense, and like insta-love stories, this book would be perfect for you!

[Katie whatmrswifireads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Five Dates was a cute, but meaningful military romance!
As a military spouse, military romances are fun for me because it feels almost like reading about daily life but more twisty and exciting.
After a bad relationship ending, Margo agrees to her friend’s idea of going on dates of her choosing, with the caveat of only sleeping with the person after the fifth date. Then she meets Tommy, who ends up being everything she never knew she needed.

I really enjoyed that this was somewhat of a dramatic romance. It touches on topics that can be difficult to navigate like deployment, relationship trauma, and even a stalking situation. It was a fluffy romance, but with more.

This was my first Rachel Robinson novel and I really enjoyed her writing! I definitely will be seeking out more of her work in the future.
Thank you so much Rachel, and Hambright PR for providing me with this ARC in exchange for a review.

[Patty Baumeister · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Book Review
Five Dates
A Novel Written By Rachel Robinson
Published February 2025
Fiction - Romance
241 Pages
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This is the first book I have read by this author. This was a real treat. The romance between Margo and Tommy reinforces how much true love can withstand. It also shows that we all have the ability to pick ourselves back up and move on to a better life.

Margo and Tommy’s love story is a forbidden workplace romance. Tommy is a NAVY Seal, and Margo is his physical therapist. Both are broken after devastating breakups. They agree to five dates before taking their relationship to the next level. Neither wants to be the other’s rebound. This slow burn romance includes the elements of mystery and suspense.

I found Margo to be a hoot. Tommy is the kindest person who always says and does the right things.

“ I know that home isn’t a place, it’s a feeling, and when you’re with the right one, home can be anywhere.”

[Destiny Imperati · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review ✨️

☆Margo & Tommy☆

Omg this book😭😭😭 I loved it so much!!! Both our main characters are having a very rough patch, and honestly, they needed each other more than they thought.

Margo is an athletic trainer and was happily engaged until her fiancé decided to go off the deep end and leave her to pick up the ruins. Sadly, she turns to meaningless hookups until she gets dared to go on five actual dates with a gentleman💞🙌

Tommy is a navy seal just getting over a devastating breakup himself. He's debating on going back to Texas to his family's ranch or staying on the path he's on. When they have the five dates, a whirlwind of trouble finds them both.

Rachel always has some fantastic writing, and I always find myself completely loving every one of her stories!

Tropes:
💞Small town romance
🔥Slow burn
💞Navy seal
🔥Angst & suspense
💞Dual pov

Thanks so much to the author and Hambright Pr for the ARC!

[Avery Russell Westberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a whirlwind romance, very much a happily ever after and I loved it! I have never read a navy seal romance book and this was a really intriguing story with some action, suspense, a whirlwind romance, and high emotions. It's safe to assume that everyone wants what Tommy and Margo have! The villains in this book were honestly perfect. It made the book that much more interesting and suspenseful. I really enjoyed Rachel's writing and I am now looking forward to reading more of her books. This was an immediate 5 star read for me. Thank you Rachel and Hambright PR for the early copy of Five Dates!

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a pretty cute story. This was my first read about Navy SEALS and while I’m sure there is a lot MORE involved, it was a nice peek into the life for someone who has no military, navy, army, etc in their life. I didn’t know going into it that there would be an investigation and where it would lead but it kept me engaged in the story. I loved Tommy and the side characters but Margo’s inner turmoil really got in my way. Despite constant reassurances and wanting to be free of her ex, she really struggled to move into this new relationship. This story is insta-love and things line up so perfect to for the main characters, it’s almost sickening. (Side note- I would have called the cops on the ex several times.)

[Mood, Vibes & Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great romance with twists and turns set in the military. It also touches on overcoming painful pasts and the importance of healing. The story did have a little bit of everything, romance, light hearted moments, serious moments, spice and wholesomeness. Tommy is a golden retriever book boyfriend for sure. Very enjoyable read, perfect for a reading afternoon at just about 241 pages.

Tropes: Workplace romance, small town, navy seal, slow burn (hence the Five Dates), angst, forbidden romance, HEA

[Jody Vogler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this short little romance read! The characters had so much chemistry, there was spice, and the plot was perfect! Margo had a long term relationship end very badly, and she was looking for comfort in any man's bed. Her therapist friend suggests she must go on dates she has set up, and cannot sleep with the man until the 5th. In comes Mr. Perfect, but she is his TRAINER who has also been badly hurt by a past relationship. Fake dating ensues. Ex's, deployment, and a stalker!! Chapters 17 and 18 had my heart pounding... A must read!!

[Mary Breeggs · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book! It wasn’t just a romance book. It was about healing and overcoming hard pasts. It has so much love and also has tension and suspense. I was hooked from the point that Tommy and Margo met. Tommy is a Navy Seal that is honorable and big hearted. Margo doubts herself and others often due to trauma. The 5 date rule made for the best slow burn read too! For my first Rachel Robinson read, I really enjoyed it and look forward to finding more of her work.

[Mindy Menotti bookishly_mindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The build up and tension of the five-date rule was done so incredibly well!

And hello, did someone say NAVY SEAL- YES! PLEASE! Call me a smitten!!!

The author did such a great job with this military romance - with a side of forced proximity (one of my top favs to read).

The storyline was so well put together and the characters you can’t help but fall for. Great overall development.

Thank you to Hambright PR and the author for this advanced readers copy.

[Courtney · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was my first Rachel Robinson novel. It was a cute, and quick read.

This book focuses on Margo and Tommy, two people with broken and hurt characters. Tommy is a Navy Seal with PTSD, and Margo’s fiancé turned to crime and substances.

I am a person who loves character development and knowing a lot about the characters and this one did not do that for me. There was a lot of details lacking that I would have liked to know, seen more flash backs and its impact on Tommy. This novel just didn’t have the detail that I love in books, and I found myself wanting more.

[Tay · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a sweet book. After a relationship went wrong, Margo was looking for validation in all the wrong places. It was when she least expected it that she met Tommy. The chemistry and draw between them was undeniable. I love the small town aspect of this story, it made it so sweet and relatable.

I loved that we got to see Tommy's life as a SEAL evolve and the struggles he went through.

I adored this book and how the two fought for each other. Highly recommend!

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️: 4/5

The end of a relationship that she thought was the one brings Margo’s world crashing down. She distracts herself with hookups and poor decisions which leads to her best friend’s new five date rule: Margo must open herself up to five dates and leave her hook ups behind. A mutual agreement with her client to go on said dates to help each other out, but five dates may just make all the difference.

🤫 Workplace/Forbidden Romance
🏘️ Small Town Romance
🎖️ NAVY Seal Romance
🔥 Suspense
🕯️ Slow Burn
👫 Dual POV
😤 Angst
😍 HEA

This was such a cute strangers to friends to lovers story. I loved the fun back and forth and tension between these two from the beginning . I am always a fan of a forbidden romance and these two were risking it all both being at their dream jobs. I haven’t read many inexperienced MMCs, but this one was great. I loved that both of these two had spice on the back burner for their own reasons (made the tension all the better). This definitely was a whirlwind romance that will send you through a variety of emotions from beginning to end.

[Sarah Gates · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five Dates by Rachel Robinson is a sizzling and emotionally charged romance that takes readers on a passionate journey of trust, healing, and unexpected love. The story follows a Navy SEAL, whose world is turned upside down when he meets a woman who is learning to trust again after a devastating betrayal.

Rachel does an excellent job of capturing the essence of falling in love again after being let down. The chemistry between the characters is palpable.

For readers who enjoy a love story with intensity, vulnerability, and plenty of heat, Five Dates is a must-read. It’s the perfect combination of a strong, protective hero and a heroine who learns to reclaim her heart—together, Tommy and Margo make for an unforgettable couple.

[shelvedbyjasi · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️
3🌶️
the vibes: 🏋🏻🪖🐴🚴🏼‍♀️💞

Five Dates completely swept me away with its perfect blend of romance, tension, and heart. From the moment Margo and Tommy met, I was hooked. Their chemistry? Off the charts. The push-and-pull dynamic? So well done. And don’t even get me started on how much I adored their friendship just as much as their romance.

Margo is such a strong, complex heroine—she’s been through hell, yet she’s still standing, still fighting. And Tommy? A Navy SEAL with a heart of gold and just the right amount of edge. Their five-date rule made for the best slow-burn tension, and every moment between them felt electric.

Beyond the romance, I loved the side characters (Fish and Jeannie, I need your book next 👀), the action, and the way Rachel Robinson weaves emotion into every page. This wasn’t just a love story; it was about healing, trust, and taking a chance when it’s easier to run.

If you love military romance, forced proximity, and swoon-worthy heroes who actually respect boundaries (until they deliciously don’t), Five Dates is a must-read!

[April Wood · Rating 4 out of 5]

“This is what it feels like when destinies collide. This is fate. This is always where we were going to end up. Everything we went through were just stepping stones to get us to where we were meant to be.”

Tropes & Themes:
Military Romance
Workplace Romance
Bad Breakups
Dangerous Secretive Missions
Casual hook-ups versus the Five Dates rule
Self-Destruction
Navy SEAL Romance
Fake Dating
Forbidden Romance
Christian MMC

Thank you to the Author and Hambright PR!

Five Dates, a contemporary romance novel with heart and suspense by Rachel Robinson, follows Margo Reiz and Tommy Towne, each facing a turning point in their lives after difficult breakups.

Margo, a physical therapist/athletic trainer is in self-destruction mode after her newly-ex-husband turned to drugs, prostitutes, and a life of crime. Her best friend, a psychotherapist, doesn’t approve of her bff’s rapid-fire romantic life and truthfully, Margo isn’t finding the satisfaction she wanted in flings and casual hook-ups. Agreeing that her ex-husband’s betrayal led her down a path that wasn’t leading anywhere, she agrees to follow the Five Dates rule of dating, with a compatible, good guy.

Tommy Towne, also coming off a difficult breakup, is a Navy SEAL who meets Margo during a physical therapy/athletic training appointment. They hit it off, their attraction undeniable, but he’s her client and crossing that professional boundary would cost her job… until Margo surprises him by proposing fake dating, to —at the very least– end the dating app social experiment with her bff’s underwhelming hand picks. Luckily for Tommy, the awkward invitation with a plus one to his ex’s wedding might not be the disaster he thought it would be with Margo by his side.

Fake dating or not, the pair have strong chemistry and bond by comparing their disastrous romantic backstories. Their mutual, meaningful sharing blurs the lines between fake dating and dating.

I enjoyed the openness and thoughtful communication between Margo and Tommy. Their conversations were meaningful — a breeze of fresh air compared to the frustrating miscommunication trope. I also loved how Margo walked on tiptoes balancing her professional and personal life, and how Tommy seized this opportunity — a mere stepping stone to their ultimate HEA fate.

Five Dates is told in dual POV, giving each character their own perspective, which was especially impactful during Tommy’s deployment on a secretive mission as a Navy SEAL. The juxtaposition of Margo back home living her life but second-guessing her relationship with Tommy, versus the mission he had to hyper-focus on, couldn’t have been more opposite. Her fears were rooted in insecurity, worried she made a mistake with the Five Dates rule. It was interesting to read her fears compounding and also the suspense of the military mission itself. Adding to the tension is a mysterious stalker, red herrings, and several suspects in this romantic standalone with some heat, 🌶 heart, and suspense.

This novel is well-researched and I found Tommy’s experiences eye-opening. I’ll never look at military members deplaning on American soil the same way again, remembering the disassociation the MMC felt acclimating to civilian life, where people are cheering and shouting with joy, highly animated but in good spirits, and how one’s experiences, no matter how brief, can be next to impossible to just flip a switch and return to life like it never happened, morphing back into a version of yourself that no longer exists. The lesson: it’s the choices we make to accept and make peace with the past and take the next “stepping stones of life” that lead us where we are meant to be. I liked this perspective.

I would recommend this romantic suspense to fans of the listed literary tropes. The characters are likeable and memorable and I’m sure I won’t forget them.

Overall, an enjoyable read. I liked the Author’s note at the end in relation to the number five. This touched my heart. I’m glad five times was the charm, as it was for Margo and Tommy!

Full Review ➡ https://awellreadwomanblog.wordpress....

[Tiffany ✨️ Bergamot Book Reviews · Rating 2 out of 5]

Margo has lost it all after her partner became addicted to drugs and cheated on her with a sex worker multiple times. Trying to regain a sense of control, she's chosen to dive into ample intimate encounters without care for her safety or emotional health. Her best friend decides to make her follow her rules of five dates before sex, with men she picks for her. Margo agrees to get her off her back, and isn't expecting to find the perfect person to fake date at her work, although she isn't expecting to fall fast and hard.

*****

I wanted to love this one, but it was so steeped in purity-culture that I just couldn't connect with it. The main thread was that frequent sex is devaluing, celibacy and abstinence are key for emotional development, and morality is tightly tied to sex. There were constant religious undertones, with the ending revolving around the perceived value of virginity. The slights towards being sexually active were constant, with the praise of being raised with "wholesome" values being key.

Her best friend/sometimes therapist Jeannie held the spot of chaperone and parent in their odd friendship. Grilling Tommy about his intentions, being strict about who Margo could see, and devolving all kinds of information on her personal dating profile in order to control who Margo could date. Her judgement towards how Margo acted, and her enforcing very specific rules very much felt like a controlling parent. Which was ironic when she was willing herself to have a hookup with a stranger in Margo's new home. Not to mention Margo went from a more headstrong lead to having to talk to Jeannie about everything to sort out her feelings and being an absolute mess over Tommy.

From there, Tommy and Margo's relationship was the most instant of instant loves. She was willing to throw away her entire career on "date" two. He was deployed before date five and came back and made a massive change to their relationship after six months apart with almost no contact. Between odd time jumps, dates where not much happened between them, and awkward sexual encounters, nothing really developed between them on page. Tommy begins to have some of his own personal development while overseas but that's quickly ended with nothing of how that affects him in current day. He goes right back to normal and it's not mentioned or brought into the relationship, instead prioritizing the very weird conflict, and then a jump into the epilogue.

Overall this one just didn't hit for me, as it felt overall way too unrealistic and cheesy. However people that are religious and more of a fan of insta-love would be a fan of this one.

*****

Thank you to Hambright PR for the digital ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[The Bookish Narwhal · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are itching for a captivating journey into the heart of chance, destiny, and the exhilarating uncertainty of new beginnings, then look no further than “Five Dates” by Rachel Robinson. This isn't your typical meet-cute; it's a fresh and engaging exploration of what happens when fate, or perhaps a well-meaning friend, takes the reins of your love life. I found this read to be a delightful blend of humour, heart, and just the right touch of angst.

The concept itself is utterly irresistible: five blind dates, carefully curated by a mutual friend, designed to push the protagonist out of her comfort zone and into the realm of romantic possibilities. The leading lady is a character who will resonate with anyone who’s ever felt a little lost or unsure about love. She’s smart, funny, and endearingly awkward, making her instantly relatable and someone you genuinely want to see find happiness. Robinson has crafted a protagonist who feels incredibly real, flaws and all, and her journey of self-discovery alongside her quest for romance is both heartwarming and inspiring.

Each of the five dates is a unique and memorable experience, and Robinson masterfully weaves together a series of encounters that are equally hilarious and touching. From the disastrous to the surprisingly promising, each date offers readers something new. It's not just about the potential for romance; it's about the protagonist learning more about herself, her desires, and what she truly wants in a partner. The dates themselves are not just plot points; they are opportunities for growth, both for the protagonist as an individual and for her understanding of what love truly means.

Robinson’s prose is witty and engaging, making it a joy to read. The dialogue is sharp and realistic, capturing the nuances of human interaction with humour and authenticity. She has a knack for creating those “aha” moments of recognition, where you find yourself nodding along in agreement, thinking, “Yes, that’s exactly how it feels!” I found the pacing of the story to be balanced, keeping you hooked without feeling rushed.

Beyond the romantic comedy elements, the book also explores deeper themes of self-acceptance, taking chances, and the courage it takes to put yourself out there. It’s a story about learning to love yourself before you can truly love someone else, and the importance of embracing vulnerability.

“Five Dates” isn’t just about the five dates; it’s about the journey the protagonist takes to get there. It’s a celebration of friendship, self-discovery, and the sometimes-messy, always-rewarding path to finding love. If you are looking for a fun, feel-good romance with a touch of depth, add this to your tbr!

Thank you to Hambright PR & Rachel Robinson for an eARC in exchange for my honest review.