Up to Date

Better Date than Never #8

by Susan Hatler

Ginger knows that practical choices guarantee a stable life, which is why she chose a career as an office manager. Her job provides a steady paycheck, but it also has her snoozing at her desk. She wishes she'd pursued her passion for interior decorating rather than business.

She’s also trying to forget Greg Shaffer—the gorgeous emergency room doctor she met at a dance club last month. Her dad was an emergency room doctor and the stress of the job turned him into a raging alcoholic, which didn’t exactly create happy childhood memories.

Ginger believes donating her decorating services to her friend’s charity auction is the perfect fix for both her problems. She'll get a break from the daily grind, get her creative juices flowing, and stay so busy she'll finally forget about Greg.

But then Greg ends up buying the condo right above her. Even worse, he deliberately wins the bid on her auction item. Greg seems determined to prove to Ginger that practicality has nothing on passion. And as Ginger brings beauty into Greg's world, how can she possibly resist the beauty he brings to hers?

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Chick Lit, Novella, Ebooks, Amazon

146 pages, ebook

First published August 31, 2014

About the author

SUSAN HATLER is a New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author, who writes humorous and emotional contemporary romance and young adult novels. Many of Susan’s books have been translated into German, Spanish, French, and Italian. A natural optimist, she believes life is amazing, people are fascinating, and imagination is endless. She loves spending time with her characters and hopes you do, too.

** To receive a FREE BOOK, sign up for
Susan’s Newsletter: http://susanhatler.com/newsletter **

You can reach Susan here:

Facebook: facebook.com/authorsusanhatler
YouTube: youtube.com/@susanhatler
Instagram: instagram.com/susanhatler
Twitter: twitter.com/susanhatler
Website: susanhatler.com
Blog: susanhatler.com/category/susans-blog

Reviews

[Danielle · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ginger is an office manager and she is bored with her job. She actually wants to be a interior designer. After offering her services for a charity event she finally gets her chance to do what she loves.

Greg is a ER doctor and after one date with Ginger he wants them to see each other but Ginger doesn't want to because of his job. When he moves to the same apartment complex and becomes her neighbor the more time he spends with her helping her transform his condo the more he wants to be with her.

I felt this story was all about Gingers job choices and her insecurities about dating and not romance. The only time these two spent together is when he is helping her work on his place. Sure they talk as friends and kiss but I just didn't feel a spark.

Since this was a short story I just expected to see more romance from these characters. Although I have only read a few books from this author in this series I have to say this is one of my least favorite. I'm hoping the next book will have more of a romantic feel.

[ɑƨħŵɑɡ ♥Team Magnus Damora FOREVER♥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Damn you Susan Hatler and your perfect swoon-worthy men ..

Up to Date is Ginger's story. Ginger is an office manager and closet-artist/decorator. She is so sweet to everyone even to her mom and younger sister who the first tells her what to do, and the latter enjoys living off of her hard work. I could definitely related to that. She's also traumatized by her father's alcoholism after his job as an ER doctor got the best of him. Hence she swore off marrying any ER doctor. Funny thing is, life only waits for our decisions so it can end up the opposite..

I didn't instantly warm up to Greg and Ginger but the more I read about them I find they really do complement each other. And that only made their struggle more painful. I loved the parallel in their conversation between Gren being the sunrise and her being the sunset.. to quote:

Ginger: "...No matter what comes your up at dawn, ready to take on the challenge of a new day. You make life better. Me, I run at sunset, holding everything in, just waiting for the day to end".

Greg: "... you're the sunshine in everyone's life, and you can't even see it. You give to others all day long, holding back what you want until late in the evening when you finally allow yourself an hour to run. You're the strongest person I've ever met.

They're so adorable..

I'm glad I kept up with the series as it got better with the latest books. Wonderful story and I hope it isn't the last one in the series..

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Up to Date by Susan Hatler is a 2014 Hatco , Inc. Publication. I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I don't remember how I discovered this charming series, but I love each one of these short contemporary romances. This one focuses on Ginger, a young woman who has given up her dream as an artist to work at a dull , no challenge job to satisfy her mother who is afraid of anything that reeks of instability. Then there is her sister, Mary Ann who is a big mooch and lives off Ginger's generosity. When Ginger met Greg there was an instant connection but Greg is an emergency room doctor and that spells trouble for Ginger because her father was in the exact same field and due to seeing trauma up close all day everyday he became an alcoholic.
When she and Greg meet up again, by chance, she has the opportunity to find true love, but will her fears keep her from taking that big step? A few unexpected life curve balls has given Ginger the chance to change her career path but will her mother accept it or squash all her hopes?
The Gilligan's Island theme that ran through this one was hilarious. Ginger and Mary Ann, then a cat named Skipper and so on. I was literally laughing out loud at the end. These short stories are just right for any time out you have in a day to read. Usually very light, no graphic anything, just a sweet love story that will give your spirits a lift.

[Sassy Beta Reading & Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am in love with this sweet series and have enjoyed it tremendously. I think I have read each book out of order but I am still able to enjoy the series and follow along. I have one book left to read in this series. I"m not sure what I'll do when I finally read that last one.

Great story line, awesome characters, engaging dialogue and great detailed descriptions.

Would I recommend this book? Yes

Would I read more from this author? Yes

Sassy Beta Reading and Review

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

[Yennely · Rating 3 out of 5]

La traducción deja mucho que desear, pero la historia en un poco entretenida.
La protagonista odia su trabajo de oficina, a ella le gusta el arte, la decoración. Tiene mucho miedo a tener su relación con Greg, ese doctor que conoció una noche de fiesta. Tiene miedo a formar una familia, le gusta hacer todo sola. Greg le demuestra que todo es mejor en equipo y le abren los ojos.
Es una novela de superación, amor, familia, promesas.

[Aimee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm going to start with a paragraph of LOVE.

I love this series. I love Susan Hatler. I love finding a new book in my inbox at random from Susan Hatler. It means a lovely diversion is on it's way to my brain!

The Better Date Than Never series is so fun. It is a series of short romance stories, each with a new character but not really "new" as we've met the characters in previous books and keep them as friends in subsequent books. It's awesome.

Ginger is the lead character in "Up to Date" and she is a lot of fun. Ginger is wary of love, bored in her job and wishing for something more. Then her whole worlds takes a turn- for the worst? For the best? It's pretty much up to Ginger to decide!

Susan always provides readers with a quick romantic getaway with these Date books. They are fun and light hearted. You can polish one off in one evening and the end will leave you with smile on your face. What more could you ask for?!

[C.P. Cabaniss · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was aanother really cute story in this series. Romance isn't generally a genre that I enjoy, but these have more to offer. The main character here had issues with her parents (like most of Hatler's characters). Her dad has let her down too many times and her mom is trying to force her into a stable career she hares.

Ginger was frustrating at times but I really enjoyed her story. Greg was sweet and supportive, even when he was being pushed away. Definitely more than just a fluffy love story. And I loved the decorating aspect, it made it really fun.

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this one by Susan Hatler, had me interested from the first page and kept me hooked throughout. Cute, clean, quick and romantic.

Winner, winner, chicken dinner...actually that sounds good.

Moral Note: Clean - a little passionate kissing, talks briefly about her dad's drinking problem.

[Jenny · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short, sweet story about a woman who does everything for everyone, and how she gets herself together and gets the guy after all. I probably would be more enthusiastic about this if I'd read the other books in the series.

[Elsa Arellano · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great!!!
I can't get enough of this series. As always lovely written.
To the author, keep them coming ^_^

[Anonymous 5 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so glad I found this delightful series by Ms. Hatler. It's always an absolute treat to read one of her books. This one is the eighth installment of Better Date Than Never series and is just as charming as the others. I tell you, these stories just suck me in and I'm immersed till the very end and always end up with a huge, silly smile on my face when I'm done. Ginger has a steady, stable job as an office manager. Sure, she has a security, but she is also bored. Her heart yearns for the creativity that interior designing offers. Greg is an ER doctor that Ginger met at a dance club. While she's wildly attracted to him, she also needs to stay far away from him to save her any heartache. Her father was also an ER doctor, and her childhood memories of his stress and alcoholism raise warning bells to stay away from Greg. Coincidentally, Greg moves into the same condo complex as her and she ends up helping him decorate. As they spend time together, they definitely grow closer. Will Ginger allow her past experiences to rule her future with Greg? Such a sweet and endearing love story and a lovely addition to the series. I wholeheartedly recommend this book and the whole series!

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

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ginger Nielsen is an office manager who loves to run, paint and decorate. She wanted an art degree but her parents pressured her to get a business degree. Greg Shaffer is an ER doctor who loves to run. He and Ginger had met a month prior and had one date. Ginger was afraid to date a doctor because her dad always let her and her sister down. Ginger’s ideal man would have time for her, be financially responsible, but also be fun. She hates her job but is scared to try interior design. I enjoyed this book. Greg was funny and you could tell he wanted Ginger in his life. She was scared to try with him in case it ended badly. I loved Ginger’s little sister Mary Ann and the Gilligan’s Island theme. I highly recommend this book.

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

[sherri jones-teachout · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the Gilligan’s Island references. Ginger is in a career she hates and is bored but she went into it because her parents told her she would have steady income. But then she’s laid off and she can concentrate on what she really loves. Art and decorating. When she donates her time to redo a house for a charity auction, the person who bought her time is the man she met a month ago named Greg. They hit if off but he lived out of town and was an ER doctor. After growing up with her father in the same profession, she never wants to date or marry a doctor so she turns Greg down. Now he’s not only living here, but has the upstairs condo. How will she resist him when she sees and works with him every day? I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gilligan’s island cast on board! This is a short but very rewarding book. This is about Ginger and Greg. Ginger and her sister Mary Ann live together but when the new hottie moves in above their condo, she is in for a surprise of a lifetime. Greg is an emergency doctor who happened to be in the city a month ago for an interview when he met Ginger and he hasn’t been able to stop thinking of her. Ginger has some issues with his profession and while they are understandable, she ends up realizing that not all in the same profession would be the same.

The story starts off with a charity auction but also Ginger being paired up on a blind date with a gorgeous man name Trenton. Well surprise, surprise Greg is also at the auction and is bidding on Gingers services for decorating. The story gets better when The Captain, The Professor and Gilligan come into play – you won’t regret reading this.

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

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely short story. Ginger is stuck with a job she doesn’t like whilst denying her feelings for a man she feels she shouldn’t be with. Changes in her employment make her re-evaluate her life and her choices. Greg was a very patient character, slowly encouraging Ginger to blossom and gain her self-confidence.

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

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every book in the Better Date Than Never series has been funny and this one is no exception. Ginger is not very strong. She has been listening to her mother too much and her father has issues. Loved it.

[Bookaddict · Rating 5 out of 5]

She lives her life pleasing everyone. Except herself!
All her choises are for pleasing all around herself.
But nothing for her pleasing: not the job, not the man....
Untill the events push her to make a change, and take risks.

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

[S I · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ginger is kind of like a people pleaser, however, cannot please herself. She works a mundane job because her mom doesn’t believe she would be anything as an artist. She holds back from feelings of romance, or any sort, because of what would be childhood trauma from her father. Ginger didn’t want someone to be in her life just for them to not have time for her or leave her. She definitely held back her feelings with Greg, an emergency doctor Ginger had seen, met, and almost fell in love with. She also constantly thinks negative, but I can see where Ginger in coming from. I understand her actions and thoughts. I enjoyed this novel.

[Judy Gittleson Hendrickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ginger and Greg keep crossing paths and she keeps saying no. Then he moves above her and wins her decorating services in a charity auction. The characters and storyline are terrific. The romance was a slowly evolved one that went deep. The decorating of Gregs apartment had a few glitches but it worked out well. Loved that the dog was Skipper and the cats were Gilligan and the Professor. I own two cats - Han and Chewy - the original rebels, as cats never play by the rules. Loved the ending and her painting. Well done.

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

[T.I. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book. It was an entertaining, easy to read, romantic story with great characters and a HEA ending. I can't wait to read her next story. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

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

[Fleur · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ginger lets everyone walk all over her and doesn't know how to stand up for herself which leads to a fairly miserable life to be fair but thanks to a friend she has a chance at doing what she loves but Ginger has to really want it. Greg is a very patient guy and to be honest I don't know if I would be but hats off to him and it does lead to some good laughs and some good self reflection for Ginger. This is a cute, funny and at time frustrating read that leaves you with a smile on your face.

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

[Safiyya · Rating 2 out of 5]

All the "almond-brown eyes" and "adorable"s really took their toll.

[Anna M_82 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story and the characters of Ginger and Greg. Actually I really really LOVED Greg! His character was amazing. So giving, patient, kind, and loving. His patient pursuit of Ginger was beautiful. Ginger has a hard time wanting to date and seeing a future with anyone, especially Greg because he is a reminder of a hard childhood. She doesn’t realize that Greg is a different person and won’t let her down. Their story is so beautiful!!

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

[Lisa A · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet love story...
Ginger has an opportunity to finally explore her creativity by bringing her neighbor Greg’s new condo decor “Up to Date”. It’s an opportunity of a lifetime in more ways than one...
I received a free copy of this book. This review was posted voluntarily

[Elizabeth McDaniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ginger finds herself having to redo Greg’s condo because he bought her entry at the auction. She had swore to stay away from the sexy doctor but fate kept bringing them together. Ginger realized in this fun and exciting romance that love can’t be denied no matter how hard you fight against it and Greg wins the girl in the end. Good read.

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

[Kristi · Rating 5 out of 5]

NO SPOILERS HERE! A fun, endearing and entertaining story line that pulls you in and holds your attention until the last page. The characters are fantastic, likable and fun to get to know as you turn each page. Don't forget to grab your copy today.

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

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the Better date then never series! Ginger and Greg’s story has it all! Humor, love, and an HEA! You will enjoy this 8th book in the series. If you haven’t read the others go back as your missing out.

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

[Sharon S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Do you remember Gilligan’s Island? Some of the characters are named for that show. Fun storyline and good characters to prove that some lifelong ideas aren’t always right.

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

[John Hibbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Susan Hatler has long been a favourite author of mine and I enjoyed this episode of the series just as much as all the previous ones.

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

[Cali Jewel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this heartwarming, fun, sexy and action packed journey filled with interesting and engaging charters, witty dialog, heart racing twists and unforgettable passion that will leave you breathless. Was a highly entertaining adventure from beginning to end.