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The First Date Prophecy
Brooklyn-based aspiring writer Lucy Minninger has no trouble putting the comedy in her rom-coms. It's the romance part of the equation that's the problem. But even as the rejection slips pile up, and her second dates dwindle, Lucy refuses to give up hope-or her HeartThrobs dating profile . . .
Former child star Rudy Riziero made his mark on some of the most popular kids' shows of the '90s. But that early success has pigeonholed him into a stand-up routine riffing on his past work, while the slick single life he envisioned was clearly a fantasy. He's actually ready for a relationship, if he could just find someone uninterested in who he used to be . . .
When Lucy and Rudy match online, they're eager to meet. But after their first date ends in a psychic's prophecy that is equal parts great fortune and certain doom, their flirty quips end and their search for answers to some of life's big questions Is there really one person for everyone? Do destinies really intertwine? Where can you find the best tacos in Brooklyn?
And when it matters most, will they throw caution—and fate—to the wind, trust their instincts—and write their own futures?
Former child star Rudy Riziero made his mark on some of the most popular kids' shows of the '90s. But that early success has pigeonholed him into a stand-up routine riffing on his past work, while the slick single life he envisioned was clearly a fantasy. He's actually ready for a relationship, if he could just find someone uninterested in who he used to be . . .
When Lucy and Rudy match online, they're eager to meet. But after their first date ends in a psychic's prophecy that is equal parts great fortune and certain doom, their flirty quips end and their search for answers to some of life's big questions Is there really one person for everyone? Do destinies really intertwine? Where can you find the best tacos in Brooklyn?
And when it matters most, will they throw caution—and fate—to the wind, trust their instincts—and write their own futures?
Audible Audio
First published June 27, 2023
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About the author
Kate Tamberelli
3 books62 followersKate Tamberelli lives, works, and writes in Brooklyn, NY. Literary agent by day and writer by night, Kate--as Katelyn Detweiler--is the author of four YA novels, including her latest release, The People We Choose. Her debut adult rom-com, The First Date Prophecy, co-authored with husband Danny Tamberelli, will be publishing June 27th, 2023.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 268 reviews
July 9, 2023
The First Date Prophecy by Kate and Danny Tamberelli
Contemporary romance, romantic comedy. 2015 New York. Alternating POV.
Lucy Minninger is weary of first date disasters but they do make good fodder for stories for her friends. She pays her rent and bills, barely, by Craigslist jobs and as part-time author’s assistant. Lucy spots former child star Rudy Riziero on a dating app and decides to swipe right and take a chance. Rudy sends a hypothetical question and the two chat and eventually decide to try a date in person. Their first date includes a psychic that declares them “destined” but dies in the middle of the reading. Talk about first date stories!
Based loosely on the true lives of the authors and their dating meet cute in New York. They tell stories of memorable first dates in New York that can be smiled at, or commiserated over, as their romance grows. It’s sweet and hopeful with a dash of splashed water in the face.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley.
Contemporary romance, romantic comedy. 2015 New York. Alternating POV.
Lucy Minninger is weary of first date disasters but they do make good fodder for stories for her friends. She pays her rent and bills, barely, by Craigslist jobs and as part-time author’s assistant. Lucy spots former child star Rudy Riziero on a dating app and decides to swipe right and take a chance. Rudy sends a hypothetical question and the two chat and eventually decide to try a date in person. Their first date includes a psychic that declares them “destined” but dies in the middle of the reading. Talk about first date stories!
Based loosely on the true lives of the authors and their dating meet cute in New York. They tell stories of memorable first dates in New York that can be smiled at, or commiserated over, as their romance grows. It’s sweet and hopeful with a dash of splashed water in the face.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley.
August 11, 2023
2.5 Stars
I couldn't get into the novel.
The MCs were rambling on too much. Most of the stuff said didn't add anything to the story except for maybe humor. Even then, it wasn't my kind of humor. Also, the story felt over the top and forced.
Overall, not for me.
***Thank you to NetGalley, Kate & Danny Tamberelli, and HighBridge Audio for graciously sending me the audiobook to review. As always, all thoughts are my own.***
I couldn't get into the novel.
The MCs were rambling on too much. Most of the stuff said didn't add anything to the story except for maybe humor. Even then, it wasn't my kind of humor. Also, the story felt over the top and forced.
Overall, not for me.
***Thank you to NetGalley, Kate & Danny Tamberelli, and HighBridge Audio for graciously sending me the audiobook to review. As always, all thoughts are my own.***
August 6, 2023
Is there anything cuter than a book about a former child actor meeting a cute, funny, and quirky girl writer by a former child actor and his wife? While I will admit preteen me would never have believed that Little Pete would write a rom-com current fully adult me approves. This book was absolutely great with the humor. The rom wasn’t always as strong, but I loved it. I also liked that the characters felt real and used real language. (There are no “fudge” or “heck” instances in this one). I did think the plot was a little lacking in the beginning. The search for their destiny didn’t feel like it was quite what it could have been. But I loved both characters and they were well developed and a pleasure to root for. The side characters weren’t as great (except the Myrtles, they were stellar), but they weren’t bad. Overall it was a fun book and I would love to see more from them, these authors clearly make a good team.
August 3, 2023
This had a lot of potential! Two NYC millennials tired of online dating take a prophecy from a dying psychic on their first date as a sign that they were meant to be together. What follows is the two of them going on a series of dates trying to force a relationship. This book felt like it was trying too hard to be funny and just fell flat for me. There was zero chemistry between the MCs and honestly there felt like there wasn't much of a plot either. Sadly a miss for me on this one. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for early digital and audio copies in exchange for my honest review.
November 14, 2023
Review coming soon.
April 30, 2023
THE GOOD:
A sweet, happy-ending tale that leaves you with a smile on your face! Kate and Rudy are two awkward New Yorkers ready to finally find their true love match.
Such a very refreshing and uplifting journey! You'll ride along to witness Kate and Rudy's unusual courtship (at least unusual in our 21st Century world), rooting for them every step of the way.
This tale will especially appeal to those who appreciate a dash of '90's nostalgia or plenty of in-jokes about Brooklyn and it's colorful residents.
THE BAD:
The beginning seemed more Com than Rom, with a spiky, almost bitter, undertone that was a bit off-putting at first. But, thankfully, it eventually phased over to that sweet Rom Com optimism that we all know and love.
A few too many F Bombs to pass the "recommend the book to Mom test. And a couple of sex scenes, while not overly graphic, do push the envelope a bit for those who prefer the fade-to-black variety.
CONCLUSION:
Highly recommend this fresh, authentic, and very real-feeling romantic comedy. This one definitely has more meat on it's bones than the typical Rom Com, and this reader loves it for that!
A sweet, happy-ending tale that leaves you with a smile on your face! Kate and Rudy are two awkward New Yorkers ready to finally find their true love match.
Such a very refreshing and uplifting journey! You'll ride along to witness Kate and Rudy's unusual courtship (at least unusual in our 21st Century world), rooting for them every step of the way.
This tale will especially appeal to those who appreciate a dash of '90's nostalgia or plenty of in-jokes about Brooklyn and it's colorful residents.
THE BAD:
The beginning seemed more Com than Rom, with a spiky, almost bitter, undertone that was a bit off-putting at first. But, thankfully, it eventually phased over to that sweet Rom Com optimism that we all know and love.
A few too many F Bombs to pass the "recommend the book to Mom test. And a couple of sex scenes, while not overly graphic, do push the envelope a bit for those who prefer the fade-to-black variety.
CONCLUSION:
Highly recommend this fresh, authentic, and very real-feeling romantic comedy. This one definitely has more meat on it's bones than the typical Rom Com, and this reader loves it for that!
April 6, 2023
I'd like to thank the publisher and Edelweiss for giving me a chance at reading this book.
I thought the title was cute before I saw who the authors were. I mean, I was born in 88, everyone with cable tv knew who Danny Tamberelli was if you watched Nickelodeon. So seeing this story was based off their meet-up / first date? Yes. I was gonna read it.
Finishing it, I will say - it's a really cute book. ... But there isn't much 'plot' to it? I mean, of course the book has a plot but I wanted more of a b-side plot to the story. Something else going on. Something more than their relationship? Supernatural or real-life, I don't care. I just needed something else going on.
The best part of the book for me is when something that made both characters but heads, because that was when I thought that something else was happening besides watching everything go so well.
I'd be up for reading books between them in the future, but it just needs to have more going on it.
I thought the title was cute before I saw who the authors were. I mean, I was born in 88, everyone with cable tv knew who Danny Tamberelli was if you watched Nickelodeon. So seeing this story was based off their meet-up / first date? Yes. I was gonna read it.
Finishing it, I will say - it's a really cute book. ... But there isn't much 'plot' to it? I mean, of course the book has a plot but I wanted more of a b-side plot to the story. Something else going on. Something more than their relationship? Supernatural or real-life, I don't care. I just needed something else going on.
The best part of the book for me is when something that made both characters but heads, because that was when I thought that something else was happening besides watching everything go so well.
I'd be up for reading books between them in the future, but it just needs to have more going on it.
May 18, 2023
Thanks to Goodreads and the publisher for giving me a chance to read an advanced copy of this book.
I did not grow up with Cable TV, so I am not familiar with Danny Tamberelli, but I thought it would be fun to read a fictional rom-com based on a real-life couple, written by that couple. While there is nothing particularly bad about this book, there isn't too much to love either, sadly. Aside from the interesting concept and some funny and ridiculous first-date scenarios, I just could not find much interest in the story. I wasn't able to connect with the main characters and found that I just didn't really care all that much for most of the book. I was also a bit put off by the amount of F-bombs used. The last 100 or so pages picked up a bit with some conflict between the main characters that added some intrigue about how they would resolve the problem; however, overall, this was just a very "meh" read for me.
I did not grow up with Cable TV, so I am not familiar with Danny Tamberelli, but I thought it would be fun to read a fictional rom-com based on a real-life couple, written by that couple. While there is nothing particularly bad about this book, there isn't too much to love either, sadly. Aside from the interesting concept and some funny and ridiculous first-date scenarios, I just could not find much interest in the story. I wasn't able to connect with the main characters and found that I just didn't really care all that much for most of the book. I was also a bit put off by the amount of F-bombs used. The last 100 or so pages picked up a bit with some conflict between the main characters that added some intrigue about how they would resolve the problem; however, overall, this was just a very "meh" read for me.
August 10, 2023
Unfortunately I dnf'd this at 50%. Initially I was really enjoying The First Date Prophecy, but it was such a slow setup and by the time we got fully into the relationship, the characters just weren't doing it for me. Additionally, the male narrator's audio was slightly fuzzy and he narrated at a different pace from the female narrator, so I struggled to connect with Rudy as a character and was left frustrated. I think this book will be more to other people's taste, but unfortunately it wasn't to mine. Good for romance readers who like a slow set up and slow burn of a couple who are "destined" to do great things together. 2.5 stars
Thanks to Highbridge Audio and Netgalley for an audioARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to Highbridge Audio and Netgalley for an audioARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 2, 2023
This romcom is a perfect nod to anyone who has experienced the world of online dating, especially as a millennial in New York. If the proverbial Spiked Lemonade show was near me, I’d be sure to go (and likely share a story of my own!).
December 1, 2023
This started off really weird with a psychic dying on their first date, then ALMOST made it into a cute romance story where people with awful dating pasts actually try to go for eachother without cheating, sidechicks, distrust, etc. Well until Rudy decided to up and leave ✈️.
I listened to the audiobook and had a hard time trying to get over the male narrator’s voice and way of speaking. The female narrator luckily made up for it , otherwise I probably would have bailed.
I listened to the audiobook and had a hard time trying to get over the male narrator’s voice and way of speaking. The female narrator luckily made up for it , otherwise I probably would have bailed.
June 10, 2023
Upbeat and fun rom-com. The synopsis says that it is semi-autobiographical, and as I read, I wondered in the back of my mind which parts were "real" and which were "made up". I am of an older generation, so Danny Tamberelli's name meant nothing to me (Google wasn't any help, still nada). But that didn't spoil my enjoyment. Hey Rudy: here's someone who DOESN'T know who you used to be!
September 4, 2023
I received this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Copy provided by Kensington Books.
Brooklyn-based aspiring writer Lucy Minninger has no trouble putting the comedy in her rom-coms. It is the romance part of the equation that is the problem. But even as the rejection slips pile up, and her second dates dwindle, Lucy refuses to give up hope or her HeartThrobs dating profile.
Former child star Rudy Riziero made his mark on some of the most popular kids shows of the ՚90s. But that early success has pigeonholed him into a stand-up routine riffing on his past work, while the slick single life he envisioned was clearly a fantasy. He is actually ready for a relationship, if he could just find someone uninterested in who he used to be.
When Lucy and Rudy match online, they are eager to meet. But after their first date ends in a psychic’s prophecy that is equal parts great fortune and certain doom, their flirty quips end and their search for answers to some of life’s big questions begins: Is there really one person for everyone? Do destinies really intertwine? Where can you find the best tacos in Brooklyn? And when it matters most, will they throw caution and fate to the wind, trust their instincts and write their own futures?
For starters, this book was based off of All That, and yes I was born in the 90s, but I never watched it. However, it does not ruin anything. This book was based off of Danny's love story with his wife. This book in my opinion was just okay for me. Nothing in this book, was really that special for me, rather than just needing to finish the book. I felt that this book was moving so slowly for a rom-com that usually keeps things energetic and exciting throughout. The execution of the plot also left me wanting more from the characters - like getting to know more about Lucy and Rudy's relationships or lack of relationships with their family and friends. Overall, I was so excited for the concept of the book, but ended up a bit disappointed. The nostalgia was definitely there, but other then that there was nothing special. This would probably be good for romance readers who like a slow set up and slow burn of a couple who are meant to be together.
Brooklyn-based aspiring writer Lucy Minninger has no trouble putting the comedy in her rom-coms. It is the romance part of the equation that is the problem. But even as the rejection slips pile up, and her second dates dwindle, Lucy refuses to give up hope or her HeartThrobs dating profile.
Former child star Rudy Riziero made his mark on some of the most popular kids shows of the ՚90s. But that early success has pigeonholed him into a stand-up routine riffing on his past work, while the slick single life he envisioned was clearly a fantasy. He is actually ready for a relationship, if he could just find someone uninterested in who he used to be.
When Lucy and Rudy match online, they are eager to meet. But after their first date ends in a psychic’s prophecy that is equal parts great fortune and certain doom, their flirty quips end and their search for answers to some of life’s big questions begins: Is there really one person for everyone? Do destinies really intertwine? Where can you find the best tacos in Brooklyn? And when it matters most, will they throw caution and fate to the wind, trust their instincts and write their own futures?
For starters, this book was based off of All That, and yes I was born in the 90s, but I never watched it. However, it does not ruin anything. This book was based off of Danny's love story with his wife. This book in my opinion was just okay for me. Nothing in this book, was really that special for me, rather than just needing to finish the book. I felt that this book was moving so slowly for a rom-com that usually keeps things energetic and exciting throughout. The execution of the plot also left me wanting more from the characters - like getting to know more about Lucy and Rudy's relationships or lack of relationships with their family and friends. Overall, I was so excited for the concept of the book, but ended up a bit disappointed. The nostalgia was definitely there, but other then that there was nothing special. This would probably be good for romance readers who like a slow set up and slow burn of a couple who are meant to be together.
August 11, 2023
This was a cute former celeb romance with a quirked FMC. The couple meet on a dating app and on their first date, which does not go well, fate kind of ties them together. They then go on to put together a show about worse first dates and allow the audience to talk about their worst date.
So I’m going to give two of my worst dates from my past. The first was with this guy who was so pretty like so so so pretty. He was also a little older than me. He came over to my mom’s house where I was living bc I was in college and in an effort to be “sexy” I tried to reach over him to grab something. Instead I fell and hit my head. He then ghosted me. I actually still cringe on late nights when my brain won’t shut off and decides to replay the scene over in my head.
The second is actually when Pat and I were “talking” and I went out to lunch with one of my male friends. At least I thought we were friends. Turns out he didn’t actually want to be friends. While having a delicious salad he tells me how much he likes me and wants to be with me. Totally ruined my salad. I don’t even remember how I turned him down. In my mind, I think I was shocked and just said “oh no, no you don’t.” Which was a bonehead move. Needless to say we were not friends after that very delicious but awkward lunch.
So I’m going to give two of my worst dates from my past. The first was with this guy who was so pretty like so so so pretty. He was also a little older than me. He came over to my mom’s house where I was living bc I was in college and in an effort to be “sexy” I tried to reach over him to grab something. Instead I fell and hit my head. He then ghosted me. I actually still cringe on late nights when my brain won’t shut off and decides to replay the scene over in my head.
The second is actually when Pat and I were “talking” and I went out to lunch with one of my male friends. At least I thought we were friends. Turns out he didn’t actually want to be friends. While having a delicious salad he tells me how much he likes me and wants to be with me. Totally ruined my salad. I don’t even remember how I turned him down. In my mind, I think I was shocked and just said “oh no, no you don’t.” Which was a bonehead move. Needless to say we were not friends after that very delicious but awkward lunch.
October 15, 2023
4 stars!
"The First Date Prophecy" by Kate and Danny Tamberelli is such a cute, quirky, funny contemporary romance book! Millennials may remember Danny Tamberelli from the 90s TV shows "Pete & Pete" and "All That," as well as one of the most quintessential 90s movies ever, the classic "The Mighty Ducks." This book is apparently based on his relationship with his wife and co-author, Kate. This is a relatable story about 30-somethings using apps to find dates. Rudy and Lucy are both excited when they get together for a date, and though it goes terribly wrong, it may change the course of their lives. They go on a bunch of different dates in order to fulfill the "Elvira prophecy" that was foretold by Elvira, a restaurant psychic, before she keeled over and died in front of them. The dual perspectives really made this a compelling, intriguing read as Lucy and Rudy navigate their mutual feelings for one another over the course of several weeks and months of spending time together. It felt refreshing how honest and candid they both are and want each other to be. Some readers may find the humor here juvenile, but it did not bother me. In fact, quite the opposite. I found it to be a fresh concept! Kate and Danny's writing had me laughing out loud and is immensely relatable to people my age. I usually hate third act break-ups, but I think the one here is handled extremely well, complete with a terrific grand gesture I won't soon forget! My one complaint is this book feels a little long, chaotic, and overly drawn out from time to time. If it had been a bit shorter, it would have been perfect.
Thank you to NetGalley, Kate and Danny Tamberelli, and Kensington Books for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for my review.
"The First Date Prophecy" by Kate and Danny Tamberelli is such a cute, quirky, funny contemporary romance book! Millennials may remember Danny Tamberelli from the 90s TV shows "Pete & Pete" and "All That," as well as one of the most quintessential 90s movies ever, the classic "The Mighty Ducks." This book is apparently based on his relationship with his wife and co-author, Kate. This is a relatable story about 30-somethings using apps to find dates. Rudy and Lucy are both excited when they get together for a date, and though it goes terribly wrong, it may change the course of their lives. They go on a bunch of different dates in order to fulfill the "Elvira prophecy" that was foretold by Elvira, a restaurant psychic, before she keeled over and died in front of them. The dual perspectives really made this a compelling, intriguing read as Lucy and Rudy navigate their mutual feelings for one another over the course of several weeks and months of spending time together. It felt refreshing how honest and candid they both are and want each other to be. Some readers may find the humor here juvenile, but it did not bother me. In fact, quite the opposite. I found it to be a fresh concept! Kate and Danny's writing had me laughing out loud and is immensely relatable to people my age. I usually hate third act break-ups, but I think the one here is handled extremely well, complete with a terrific grand gesture I won't soon forget! My one complaint is this book feels a little long, chaotic, and overly drawn out from time to time. If it had been a bit shorter, it would have been perfect.
Thank you to NetGalley, Kate and Danny Tamberelli, and Kensington Books for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for my review.
December 6, 2023
It had cute moments and a few laughs. It kept me just interested enough to keep reading, but it wasn't anything earth-shattering.
I did appreciate a male of a different body type, though - that was refreshing.
I did appreciate a male of a different body type, though - that was refreshing.
Want to read
May 22, 2023DANNY?!?!?!?
June 21, 2023
The Tamberellis' "The First Date Prophecy" is an adorable delight! The semi-autobiographical rom-com sucks you in from start to finish and avoids much of the clunkiness of other romance novels.
I think it really helps that the authors kept the story close to their actual lives and didn't overly embellish or lean on too many tropes that weren't realistic. The psychic doesn't predict anything literal or too dramatic - no deaths or lottery wins. Both main characters aren't perfect but aren't full of devastating flaws either so the reader can relate to them just enough.
I liked the way it switched between both perspectives and shared just enough outside info about each character's life to round them out. In the third act, the conflict was resolved quickly and without too much trauma too.
Five stars! I hope this leads to future collaborations between the two, maybe a Hulu series even.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I think it really helps that the authors kept the story close to their actual lives and didn't overly embellish or lean on too many tropes that weren't realistic. The psychic doesn't predict anything literal or too dramatic - no deaths or lottery wins. Both main characters aren't perfect but aren't full of devastating flaws either so the reader can relate to them just enough.
I liked the way it switched between both perspectives and shared just enough outside info about each character's life to round them out. In the third act, the conflict was resolved quickly and without too much trauma too.
Five stars! I hope this leads to future collaborations between the two, maybe a Hulu series even.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Want to read
July 8, 2023DANNY TAMBERELLI?????????????? A ROM COM AUTHOR?????????????
September 22, 2023
Very cute, very quippy, lots of com and some really sweet rom. The psychic was amazing, but my favorites were Estelle and Frank. Overall, a fun read!
July 26, 2023
Funny and cute
August 18, 2024
3.75!! This was such a cute book and just made me LAUGH! Thank you sweet Nicole for picking it out for me! 💕
May 13, 2023
This was such a fun read! I absolutely loved this story and read it in one day! I couldn't put it down. The story made me laugh out loud and was just a pleasure to read!
The story is about Lucy, an aspiring author who is stuck doing odd Craigslist jobs to make ends meet and Rudy, a former child actor, who make a match on a dating website. After several days of getting to know each other via text messages, they agree to a first date at a nice restaurant. What Rudy doesn't mention is that there is a psychic there for the evening.
During their reading, the psychic predicts that they are destined to be together and will only find success together - and promptly drops dead on her crystal ball. What happens next is for you to discover on your own. I just adored this book and thought it was clever and funny and entertaining all the way!
My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
The story is about Lucy, an aspiring author who is stuck doing odd Craigslist jobs to make ends meet and Rudy, a former child actor, who make a match on a dating website. After several days of getting to know each other via text messages, they agree to a first date at a nice restaurant. What Rudy doesn't mention is that there is a psychic there for the evening.
During their reading, the psychic predicts that they are destined to be together and will only find success together - and promptly drops dead on her crystal ball. What happens next is for you to discover on your own. I just adored this book and thought it was clever and funny and entertaining all the way!
My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
February 9, 2024
It's fine. Funny and endearing at times, but cringey at others—very clearly a self-indulgent novel by a couple of millennials romanticizing their relationship and lives. Which, again, fine, but maybe they could have done us a favor and cut out about a hundred pages.
Lucy and Rudy are, like I said, sometimes endearing but often cringey and immature. I found them really irritating by the end of the novel, because their problems are... not problems. I don't have a ton of sympathy for their levels of wallowing and self-pity. They're the type of people who still genuinely say "adulting" and describe themselves as "quirky" or "adorkable." (Versus "annoying.") They're nice people, but definitely think they're funnier than they are. Also, they probably really like Imagine Dragons in the present day despite proclaiming themselves music snobs.
Speaking of the present day, this novel is weirdly set in 2015. Just far enough back to feel odd to read, but not far enough back to truly make a difference. Yet another tally in the "self-indulgent millennial" column, I suppose.
Lucy and Rudy are, like I said, sometimes endearing but often cringey and immature. I found them really irritating by the end of the novel, because their problems are... not problems. I don't have a ton of sympathy for their levels of wallowing and self-pity. They're the type of people who still genuinely say "adulting" and describe themselves as "quirky" or "adorkable." (Versus "annoying.") They're nice people, but definitely think they're funnier than they are. Also, they probably really like Imagine Dragons in the present day despite proclaiming themselves music snobs.
Speaking of the present day, this novel is weirdly set in 2015. Just far enough back to feel odd to read, but not far enough back to truly make a difference. Yet another tally in the "self-indulgent millennial" column, I suppose.
July 16, 2023
This book hooked me hard--it's got a wild premise, the kind of story that feels too crazy not to be true. I was drawn in by how it didn't quite conform to standard romance beats, but in a way that was still satisfying to a romance audience, and the idea that it was written based on a true story, by the married couple who lived it. I devoured it in only 2 days.
In the end, the wilder parts of the story weren't part of the true story, but that's okay. It FELT just as up and down and uncertain as real dating usually does...where you don't know for sure if it's going to work out. Also a manic pixie dream girl character like Lucy is usually paired with a more staid, set in their ways type, and it was fun to see her with Rudy instead, who was also a "fly by the seat of his pants" "stitching gigs together" hustling millenial in Brooklyn. I loved the idea of their show about bad dates and wish I could go to one IRL!
Great story, full of romance and comedy and serendipity!
In the end, the wilder parts of the story weren't part of the true story, but that's okay. It FELT just as up and down and uncertain as real dating usually does...where you don't know for sure if it's going to work out. Also a manic pixie dream girl character like Lucy is usually paired with a more staid, set in their ways type, and it was fun to see her with Rudy instead, who was also a "fly by the seat of his pants" "stitching gigs together" hustling millenial in Brooklyn. I loved the idea of their show about bad dates and wish I could go to one IRL!
Great story, full of romance and comedy and serendipity!
August 12, 2023
Let me start off by saying that I'm a 90's child and I didn't watch All That... I know... it's okay though. Anyways, the male author was one of the character's from All That. This book is actually based off his true life love story with his wife, which is pretty cool.
Honestly, I didn't really connect with this one. I listened to the audio, and the narrators were fine. The male narrator is actually the male author, so that's awesome that he narrated his own book. But the female narrator was good. The characters, I didn't really care for. I mean, there was nothing wrong with them, I just didn't love them. They were just okay to me.
The plot was fine. The flow of the book though really threw me off. I just felt like the book didn't flow well overall and was a little all over the place. However, the story wasn't bad overall. And I actually went on a walk so I could continue listening (even though I had the physical book; I could have just read that).
But if you are a 90's lover who also loved All That, then you might enjoy this book.
Honestly, I didn't really connect with this one. I listened to the audio, and the narrators were fine. The male narrator is actually the male author, so that's awesome that he narrated his own book. But the female narrator was good. The characters, I didn't really care for. I mean, there was nothing wrong with them, I just didn't love them. They were just okay to me.
The plot was fine. The flow of the book though really threw me off. I just felt like the book didn't flow well overall and was a little all over the place. However, the story wasn't bad overall. And I actually went on a walk so I could continue listening (even though I had the physical book; I could have just read that).
But if you are a 90's lover who also loved All That, then you might enjoy this book.
August 27, 2023
The only reason I requested this was because it was written by Danny Tamberelli (and his wife). As an extreme Nickelodeon child in the '90's, Danny Tamberelli is a familiar name. And the fact that he narrated this book with Mara Wilson who played Matilda, one of my favorite movies, I just couldn't pass it up. I didn't even read the synopsis.
The book itself did not disappoint. It was a fun romance that started out similar to Danny and Kate's own relationship which was cute. As the 2 narrators indicated, we get both main characters Lucy and Rudy's POVs. It worked so well in this book to see the 2 sides of the story. I really liked both characters, Lucy was working for a YA author as her kind of assistant while dreaming of writing her own book some day. Striking out in the dating world. Rudy was very similar to Danny in appearance and was a 90's child star who had an even more famous brother. Dating found him (aka super fans), but he was striking out similar to Lucy. They had a different kind of chemistry than I am used to romance books. It felt more like a team and a more sensible relationship which I really enjoyed. Their goal was to get to know each other after their first date ended in the medium they went to see dying right in front of them after telling a prophecy about them.
They had the typical romance "problem" which for these characters was such a believable thing and was not just neatly and immediately resolved. The resolution really made sense and I really love how it ended up.
The plot moved along nicely, I already gave away what happened in their first date. They don't spend all their time together, we get to see what goes on in their own lives with their own friends. When they do come together it's always fun, there is so much banter. They get to meet each other's families which doesn't happen all the time in romance and I thought it was very sweet. They end up teaming up on something that I don't want to give away and it's so fun to watch it come alive.
Danny and Mara narrating this was perfect. Since Rudy was so similar in appearance to Danny, it was easy to imagine him as Rudy while he was narrating. I also just love when authors narrate their own books. Mara has such a pleasant voice and did a great job narrating for Lucy.
Kate has written a few other books and I am now interested to seek them out!
Thank you to Netgalley and HighBridge Audio for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
The book itself did not disappoint. It was a fun romance that started out similar to Danny and Kate's own relationship which was cute. As the 2 narrators indicated, we get both main characters Lucy and Rudy's POVs. It worked so well in this book to see the 2 sides of the story. I really liked both characters, Lucy was working for a YA author as her kind of assistant while dreaming of writing her own book some day. Striking out in the dating world. Rudy was very similar to Danny in appearance and was a 90's child star who had an even more famous brother. Dating found him (aka super fans), but he was striking out similar to Lucy. They had a different kind of chemistry than I am used to romance books. It felt more like a team and a more sensible relationship which I really enjoyed. Their goal was to get to know each other after their first date ended in the medium they went to see dying right in front of them after telling a prophecy about them.
They had the typical romance "problem" which for these characters was such a believable thing and was not just neatly and immediately resolved. The resolution really made sense and I really love how it ended up.
The plot moved along nicely, I already gave away what happened in their first date. They don't spend all their time together, we get to see what goes on in their own lives with their own friends. When they do come together it's always fun, there is so much banter. They get to meet each other's families which doesn't happen all the time in romance and I thought it was very sweet. They end up teaming up on something that I don't want to give away and it's so fun to watch it come alive.
Danny and Mara narrating this was perfect. Since Rudy was so similar in appearance to Danny, it was easy to imagine him as Rudy while he was narrating. I also just love when authors narrate their own books. Mara has such a pleasant voice and did a great job narrating for Lucy.
Kate has written a few other books and I am now interested to seek them out!
Thank you to Netgalley and HighBridge Audio for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
October 24, 2023
I loved this book! I laughed so much while reading it. This is a very clever, humorous, heartfelt, unique, and entertaining story. I adored the characters, especially the Myrtles, who are hilarious, and of course, the main characters, Rudy and Lucy. The premise for this book, based loosely on the authors own dating history, felt fresh and unique. Their experiences helped shape the experiences of the characters and definitely added believability to the storyline. The meeting of Rudy and Lucy through a dating app starts them on a hilarious laugh-out-loud, prophecy filled journey to love. I don't want to spoil anything, so I'm keeping this review short. I can't say enough good things about this book. Just read it, and you'll love it, too.
August 18, 2023
After that unconventional first date, they both wondered whether they should be doing something life-changing together. That led to Rudy inviting Lucy on his comedy and music gigs, and Lucy inviting him on her hilarious Craigslist gigs as well. The question arose whether their potential relationship was hinging on a prophecy alone or if they actually had a connection.
Lucy had a lot to figure out, working part-time for a best-selling YA author whilst having her own rejected manuscripts. Rudy, being a former child star, felt he had a lot to prove to himself and his family. He was also dealing with past hurts. I loved what they came up with in the end. I absolutely loved the epilogue.
I love that some parts of this story are based on true events the co-authors went through. Danny Tamberelli did the male narration on the audiobook, and I loved how it felt like I was listening to a story from a friend, not a refined script.
Thank you to Netgalley and Publisher for an ALC in exchange for an honest review.
Lucy had a lot to figure out, working part-time for a best-selling YA author whilst having her own rejected manuscripts. Rudy, being a former child star, felt he had a lot to prove to himself and his family. He was also dealing with past hurts. I loved what they came up with in the end. I absolutely loved the epilogue.
I love that some parts of this story are based on true events the co-authors went through. Danny Tamberelli did the male narration on the audiobook, and I loved how it felt like I was listening to a story from a friend, not a refined script.
Thank you to Netgalley and Publisher for an ALC in exchange for an honest review.
August 16, 2023
Thank you NetGalley and to the author for letting me listen to this audio book. I loved it! The story was so fun and I enjoyed the narrators. I literally laughed out loud at some moments. Definitely recommend this romcom!
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