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Dodging Mr. Right: A Novel

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She’s in India to work. He’s there to wander.

Tiffany Woodland has one land the VP promotion at her small-town bank and lock down the life she’s worked tirelessly to build. All that stands between her and the top job is a quick business trip to Mysore, India. Except her boss doesn’t just want her to land new accounts—he expects Tiffany to travel with his free-spirited nephew, Xander Quinton, and evaluate his risky but potentially lucrative venture.

Trouble is, Xander’s not interested in focusing on … well, anything but Tiffany, which really annoys her. But between Mysore’s treacherous traffic, backpack-stealing monkeys, and a barefoot trek with Xander to a fifty-seven-foot naked statue covered in vines, the trip starts to feel a lot like a vacation.

Panicked that her plans might fall through, Tiffany doubles down on work.

Then her well-meaning sister, Zoey, puts her under a love potion—because she knows Tiffany needs more than a promotion if she’s ever going to be happy.

Suddenly, Tiffany’s infatuation under the spell causes her professionalism to vanish during a major negotiation. When the spell finally breaks, her career is on the verge of imploding—and Xander is aloof and eager to get away from her.

Tiffany must Is the carefully controlled life she’s planned what she truly wants, or could a chance at true love be even better.

From the author of The Superstitious Romance, Dodging Mr. Right is a humorous and heartfelt clean romance about losing control … and finding love in the unexpected.

230 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 21, 2025

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About the author

Anastasia Alexander

23 books29 followers
Anastasia Alexander doesn’t have the answers to life’s love questions. What she does know is that love in the 21st Century is complex. There are no easy answers, and there is a lot of richness and juiciness in exploring all the complexity that love brings.

Her credentials are two failed marriages, equaling twenty-three years of marriage and a willingness to believe that maybe a third one will be her lucky number. Or she might decide to compete with Elizabeth Taylor for who can get married the most times. It is yet to be determined which option she’s going to go for, but until then she pours her passion and sarcasm for relationships into her stories.

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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
Profile Image for Grady.
Author 51 books1,839 followers
August 5, 2025
‘You are the yin to my yang’ – A surprising and involving love story

Author Anastasia Alexander found her niche in romance novels with her five volume Millionaire Romance series, and now she surpasses that goal post with her new series Hooked In of which DODGING MR. RIGHT is the second book. Understanding the complexities of relationships and molding that knowledge into humorous, entertaining, and insightful novels is the author’s gift, and the evidence of that is present in the opening pages: ‘…The living room erupted into cheers, which I joined. Even though marriage, commitment, and all that stuff weren’t for me, it certainly was for my younger sis. She acted like a dog missing its tail when she wasn’t in a relationship. She beamed as she gazed at Reynesh, her handsome neighbor, successful entrepreneur, now fiancé. Maybe marriage was the answer…for her.’

And so we meet Tiffany Woodland, focused on climbing the corporate ladder toward VP as she heads off to a venture in India with her boss’s nephew Xander Quinton, discovering an excursion replete with distractions that include the spicy vistas, traditions, noises and monkeys and an inimitable tour guide. And as the author summarizes, ‘Tiffany finds herself confronting everything she thought she knew about love, life, and success. Questioning the ability of choice, the illusion of control, and what it truly means to follow her heart, will Tiffany fight for her agency—or surrender to something she never asked for?’ Winsome, involving, and entertaining, this book is a perfect summer read for both women and men who appreciate fine writing!

6 reviews
April 16, 2026
"Dodging Mr. Right" is a delightful romance that strikes the perfect balance between humor and emotional depth. The story follows Tiffany Woodland, a strong-willed woman who’s determined to avoid love, convinced it will only complicate her life. Her plan goes off track when she meets Xander Quinton, her boss's confident and persistent nephew, who is determined to win her over despite her resistance.

Anastasia Alexander does an excellent job of creating engaging, witty dialogue and well-rounded characters that are easy to connect with. The slow burn romance between Tiffany and Xander feels natural, with their chemistry growing steadily throughout the story. The pacing is perfect, keeping the reader hooked without rushing the plot.

This is a heartwarming and entertaining read that will leave you smiling. It’s perfect for fans of romantic comedies that focus on personal growth, the ups and downs of love, and the surprise of finding the right person when you least expect it. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a sweet, feel-good romance!
7 reviews
November 15, 2025
This was a solid opposites-attract romance with a fun twist on the grumpy-sunshine dynamic. Instead of the usual grumpy/sunshine pairing, it's more like "uptight meets zen" and it works really well.
Tiffany is laser-focused on her job, and she needs to nail a business trip to India. The catch? She has to travel with her boss's free-spirited nephew, Xander, who drives the Type-A Tiffany up a wall.
I'll be honest—Tiffany's cold, uptight attitude grated on me at times. She's so rigidly focused that she comes off harsh, especially early on. That said, Xander absolutely won me over. He's laid-back, thoughtful, and patient in a way that balanced out her intensity. Watching him slowly chip away at her walls was genuinely enjoyable.
The India setting is a highlight. The author clearly had fun with the details...chaotic traffic, spicy indian food, crazed monkeys. It adds charm and humor without feeling like a travel brochure.
Profile Image for Catherine Matthews.
Author 2 books58 followers
June 4, 2025
Tiffany Woodland means well. Really, are a good job and a happy sister too much to ask for? Wrapping the world in bubble wrap is working just fine for her until free-spirit Xander drops into her life and turns her world upside down. If she wants that promotion, she has to add him to the list of things and people she’s responsible for sorting out. I loved this story. The characters were delightful and authentic. I felt for each one. The tension between them was delicious. Alexander takes her characters to India and then takes the reader on colorful, fragrant, spice-filled adventure where she introduces us to the beauty, history and culture of this land. While Tiffany is challenged to learn about herself through her experience, the reader will be too. Alexander writes with such detail and insight that the reader can’t help relating to these experiences.
Profile Image for Heather Dodge Martin.
41 reviews4 followers
June 13, 2025
A career-obsessed overachiever heroine and a cute, hippie yoga instructor… do I have your attention yet?
How about if I throw in an up-and-coming Indian tour guide and a love potion?

Anastasia Alexander’s latest book has all kinds of fun elements, held together by a story that includes family matchmaking, work drama, and a whirlwind trip to India. The rich setting details made me feel like I’d visited the busy cities and peaceful temples along with Tiffany, our main character, as she tried to juggle her ambition to achieve in her bank officer career with not one, but two unplanned romantic attractions.

Oh, and there’s wedding dress shopping, delicious Indian food, and did I mention the monkeys?

Clear some space on your summer calendar for this entertaining but also thoughtful read.
Profile Image for Steven Finkelstein.
1,145 reviews15 followers
June 26, 2025
Tiffany Woodland is certain that she’s on an upward trajectory in her life. She just knows that success in the business world is a few deft moves away. When she must travel to India with her boss’s nephew, she has her goals squarely in her crosshairs. Then, it all goes wrong.

Several misadventures await her, and suddenly, she starts to question everything that she thought was most important. Now, she must reevaluate what she believed she wanted. This novel is fun, moves briskly, and is full of sassy dialogue and entertaining characters and situations. The author knows how to toy with the reader in a playful fashion. Anyone who’s ever found themselves at an emotional crossroads will find themselves cheering Tiffany on as she tries to navigate the troubled waters in which she finds herself.
Profile Image for Marina  L..
1,010 reviews16 followers
August 9, 2025
I found the story of Dodging Mr. Right to be fresh and entertaining. Tiffany Woodland is a strong-willed protagonist, marked by a difficult past and determined to achieve professional success. Her trip to India with Xander Quinton, her boss's nephew, not only brings work-related challenges but also a series of fun and chaotic situations that force her to rethink what she wants in life. With charismatic supporting characters and colorful scenes, the plot combines clean romance, humor, and reflections on control, decisions, and true love. The enemies-to-lovers dynamic is well-executed and maintains interest until the end.
I liked the originality with which the story unfolds and how the author manages to make one reflect on one's own priorities beyond the romance. Without a doubt, it's an entertaining reading!
Profile Image for CarlitasFox.
1,545 reviews28 followers
August 9, 2025

A mesmerising novel
I’m really into novels that show determined people with a detailed plan but then life does its unexpected and mysterious changes. “Dodging Mr. Right” by Anastasia Alexander is a good example of my favourite stories.
Tiffany Woodland is a woman who has suffered during her childhood and for that, she wants to build a thriving future. She works hard to win an important position in her job but that entails traveling and doing new activities. To her surprise, her plans change all of the sudden and she has to decide between her heart and duties. Well, it’s a story that will keep readers glued to the pages for hours until the end; in fact, it happened to me. I loved the way the characters’ relationships are described and they are unpredicted, naughty, dynamic and complex. All in all, it's a captivating novel highly recommended
Profile Image for Wendy Haller.
Author 10 books26 followers
June 22, 2025
Tiffany is all about control—especially when it comes to her job and her younger sister.
Xander is all about letting go.

His latest dream? Leading teens on an adventurous, soul-searching trip to India. Tiffany has no intention of tagging along—until her job forces her into the chaos.

What follows is a heartwarming, hilarious journey of opposites attracting, personal growth, and learning to surrender to love—even when it comes in the most unexpected ways. Together, Tiffany and Xander are the perfect Yin and Yang.

So much fun!
This book is the perfect combination of humor and heart. A quick, feel-good read that’s wildly entertaining and unexpectedly emotional—the exact kind of story you want to throw in your beach bag.
Profile Image for Almiria.
812 reviews9 followers
June 25, 2025
Dodging Mr. Right by Anastasia Alexander is an entertaining rom com that follows protagonist Tiffany Woodland as she tries to stick to the pre-determined path she has decided on. When love makes an unexpected – and unwanted – appearance in her life, the stability and certainty she craves is suddenly at risk. While the book is tropey to an extent, the humorous dialogue and quirky characters still drew me in. I enjoyed watching the protagonist grappling with the unravelling of her carefully laid plans, the romantic tension, and the emotional development the characters undergo. It's a quick and easy read but also touches on some deeper topics. I am giving this humorous clean romance novel four out of five stars.
Profile Image for Aneley Sánchez.
988 reviews24 followers
July 3, 2025
Very enjoyable!

This novel is special because although it is fiction, it opens doors to very big real dilemmas. In Dodging Mr. Right, the protagonist, Tiffany Woodland, is determined to fight to leave her chaotic past behind and quickly build a life completely under her control. However, the future offers her something very different and she finds herself reconsidering options and life choices.
It is an entertaining read that I really enjoyed from beginning to end. The story is written in a fluid way, making it a quick read. Also, it captivated my attention because it was really easy for me to empathize with Tiffany in many moments. I think the author has a great talent for writing a casual story that can lead the reader to deep reflection, too.
Profile Image for Diana.
447 reviews10 followers
August 6, 2025
Since I started reading Dodging Mr. Right, I was completely captivated. I love romance novels, and I can say this story has everything, even fun. The protagonist's story completely captivated me, especially because of the "enemies to lovers" dynamic, and also because of the emotional depth hidden behind each chapter. I wondered how Anastasia blends humor, romance, and reflection amid exotic, chaotic, and unexpectedly revealing settings. From the mischievous monkeys to the tension between the protagonists, everything is carefully designed to push the protagonist out of her comfort zone. This novel is fun, romantic, and heartwarming. A perfect read if you enjoy stories that blend real emotions with a charming spark.
Profile Image for Margarita Garcia.
1,095 reviews23 followers
August 8, 2025
If you enjoy romantic, humorous, and transformative stories with cross-cultural experiences, you should consider this novel. ''Dodging Mr. Right'' has as its main character Tiffany Woodland, a girl who is trying to change her life. She embarks on a business trip to India, where unexpected love and a vibrant culture challenge everything she thought she wanted about love and success in life. I have to say that Tiffany and the description of her adventure in India were my favorite part of the book. I have to say that Tiffany and the description of her adventure in India were my favorite part of the book. The plot has an unexpected twist, and the narrative is incredible. I highly recommend this novel.
Profile Image for Laura B.
414 reviews9 followers
August 9, 2025
Amazing book!

Romantic books are always the best, and this intense, emotional, and immersive novel is no exception.
In my opinion, Anastasia Alexander, the author behind this masterpiece, does an excellent job with the development of the book, the characters and their interactions through all the story.
The way it is narrated in the first person allows the reader to connect more deeply with the development of the events and all the emotions involved in every scene, making you feel as if you are experiencing everything alongside the characters.
Without a doubt, I recommend this amazing book to anyone who enjoys romantic novels and wants to have a wonderful time reading it. You’ll not regret it.
Profile Image for S Tyty.
1,309 reviews29 followers
July 3, 2025
Alexander’s tale is a proper contemporary romance loaded with condiments that make it an appealing reading experience dealing with different themes that interests any type of reader.

The story revolves around Tiffany Woodland, who is determined to move forth in her career. Her life changes when she meets Xander, though it was not a typical encounter, but they met in India.

Dodging Mr. Right touches with a bit of humor a topic which may be stressful for so many: finding happiness at work. This is one of those book one looks to enjoy at night before going to bed since it is entertaining and catchy, while it makes you laugh out loud.
Profile Image for Yolanda Gomez.
570 reviews9 followers
July 3, 2025
A book that I loved too, mixes my favorite themes which are travel and romance, plus all that way that the protagonist goes to get out of her mind a little and start to feel. It is a super entertaining book that will hook you from start to finish, plus I personally felt very identified with the protagonist and all her struggle to not get carried away by this man who seems perfect. I really liked the author's way of writing, he manages to immerse you in this plot that is full of adventure and emotion, besides having created some incredible characters that help you connect even more and sometimes feel like one of them.
Profile Image for Susan Foster.
94 reviews5 followers
May 28, 2025
I loved this witty, entertaining story!
I was lucky enough to visit India many years ago and the accurate descriptions of the place and culture brought back many fun memories for me. The emotional arc of the protagonist was masterfully woven with the plot, immersing me in the story.

This fun story, a perfect novel to take on a vacation, has made me eager to read the other stories by this author.
(I received an ARC of this novel free of charge from the author or publisher, but this is my honest opinion of this book.)
423 reviews11 followers
June 5, 2025
Protagonist Tiffany goes on both a physical and an emotional/metaphorical journey in this novel. She and Xander certainly don't hit it off in a positive way right off the bat, but that's why this book is so much fun--the reader gets to watch how an inconvenient disruption to her life becomes a cherished and important person in her life. If you want to read a fascinating story about a sojourn in India (with a little interference from a love potion), give this author (and book 1 of this series) a try!
Profile Image for Virginia McCullough.
Author 50 books644 followers
June 4, 2025
I read book 1 of the series and was so happy to see book 2. Love these sisters, and their escapades. I loved the tone and humor and the detail in this book--I've never been to India, but the descriptions of the colors and scents and sounds made me want to go. A satisfying story all around, especially the characters. I'll read more books by this author for sure.
Profile Image for Gabi Coatsworth.
Author 9 books206 followers
June 11, 2025
Another entertaining read from Anastasia Alexander. I loved the scenes that took place in India because they reminded me so much of my trip there. The author has nailed the place, with its contradictions, delights, and sudden flashes of something bigger. It proves to be the perfect backdrop for our confused protagonist, who needs this fish-out-of-water experience to figure out her life.
Profile Image for Rachel Stone.
Author 1 book67 followers
June 5, 2025
Anastasia Alexander is back and better than ever with this fun, witty ride filled with emotional resonance and great world building. I won't soon forget these characters and enjoyed being transported to India!
Profile Image for Leah Omar.
Author 13 books72 followers
August 20, 2025
A Great Read

I really enjoyed this romance. It was clever, cute and kept my attention the entire time. I ended up reading it in one sitting. I’d highly recommend this book to lovers of romance.
132 reviews1 follower
February 1, 2026
This is one of the most entertaining Romcoms I’ve read in a long time. The two main characters are extreme opposites. Throw in a hippie, a trip to India and a live potion, and you end up with some very funny and unpredictable situations.
Author 3 books12 followers
March 6, 2026
What a charming story!

I loved this story. It had opposites attract energy, and adventure, and true romance with an HEA ending. I lived Tiffany’s drive and meddling, and enjoyed the love potion drama, and Xander was perfect for her.
Profile Image for Marie Watts.
Author 9 books85 followers
June 4, 2025
What a fun read! I just loved the adventure to India and how Tiffany finally let her armor drop and realized how much is lost when you keep yourself cocooned from hurt. You won’t be disappointed.
Profile Image for Marsha Ingrao.
Author 9 books16 followers
September 21, 2025
Tiffany steps into the gap, raising her younger sister when her parents bail. Shel wants no part of marriage or raising her own children. Instead, she chooses to climb the corporate ladder and pours her energies into her successful push towards a bank VP position.

She is just about to achieve her dream when her boss throws her an assignment that could unravel all she has worked for. Her boss wanted her to help his nephew qualify for a loan. To help his nephew explain his dream and tighten up his loan application, her boss sent them both to India. Xander, the nephew, tried to convince her that his trust-building activities for children would be a good bank investment.

Tiffany nearly completes her task when she meets with interference from her sister, who has just gotten married. She is determined to find Tiffany a love partner. She made arrangements for a love potion to be delivered in her and a desirable mate’s morning coffee in India. Tiffany had used this same means to help her sister meet the man of her dreams and marry.

Readers saw India through the eyes of a neophyte traveler. She faced all the problems that overseas travelers encounter, especially at airports, during layovers, customs, and the issues that arise from eating strange foods.

This book kept me entertained and turning pages for hours on end. Tiffany complied with her boss's wishes. She made the required trip to India to establish bank alliances and help his nephew refine his loan. However, the reader is left wondering whether the potion will work or if Tiffany will successfully finish her task and move up the corporate ladder.

It is a relaxing and thoroughly enjoyable read, with no heart-stopping danger, contrived cliffhangers, or erotica. If you’re looking for explicit sex, you won’t find it, but you will find romance.

Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews