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Bad Dates Club
Not yet published
Expected 10 Sep 26Don't miss the new uplifting and laugh-out-loud novel about friendship, love, and chaotic dates from Mary Newnham, perfect for fans of Kristen Bailey and Sophie Ranald. Available to pre-order now!
Two unlikely housemates. Two tragic dating lives. One mission to try and find love...
Maddie didn't expect to find herself single at the age of 34 after being dumped by her boyfriend so he can 'find himself'... but here she is. Semi-homeless and heartbroken, she is on a mission to find 'the one', no matter how many awful dates it takes.
Life is going exactly to plan for Violet. She lives in a beautiful flat in Notting Hill, is working her dream job as a vet, and is saving herself for marriage. She's also been obsessively waiting for the man in her church to confess his love to her. (It'll happen any day now...)
When Maddie and Violet catch up at an old friend's wedding and Violet offers Maddie her spare room, Maddie jumps at the chance.
United by their quest to find their soulmate, will Maddie and Violet survive the bad dates life throws at them, and finally get lucky in love?
Two unlikely housemates. Two tragic dating lives. One mission to try and find love...
Maddie didn't expect to find herself single at the age of 34 after being dumped by her boyfriend so he can 'find himself'... but here she is. Semi-homeless and heartbroken, she is on a mission to find 'the one', no matter how many awful dates it takes.
Life is going exactly to plan for Violet. She lives in a beautiful flat in Notting Hill, is working her dream job as a vet, and is saving herself for marriage. She's also been obsessively waiting for the man in her church to confess his love to her. (It'll happen any day now...)
When Maddie and Violet catch up at an old friend's wedding and Violet offers Maddie her spare room, Maddie jumps at the chance.
United by their quest to find their soulmate, will Maddie and Violet survive the bad dates life throws at them, and finally get lucky in love?
Kindle Edition
Expected publication September 10, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
ARC received from Netgalley
This was my first time reading anything by this author and I would definitely pick up something else from her. It was a little bit of a slow start for me with Maddie and Violet. However, once I got about 25% in, I was locked in and these were my girls. Both Maddie and Violet are struggling with their love lives and end up at the dreaded singles table at their “friend” Izzy’s wedding. Maddie is fresh off of a breakup with a man child who left to find himself while driving a van across Europe. Violet on the other hand feels as though she’s on the cusp of starting a relationship with a man who she thinks is perfection (I think he’s worse than a limp noodle) who she met at church. Maddie is now homeless and living with her sister, her brother in law and their two kids, and well…it’s awkward hell. Violet offers to let her rent out her spare room in her notting hill flat and that’s where the adventure really begins. These two are pretty much opposite in every way and I wasn’t certain that this would work. It was rough going at first but somehow these two ended up being the friend the other desperately needed. We watch as Maddie goes from date to date hoping that each man will be the one to help her fulfill her dream of settling down and starting a family of her own. She’s 34, single as hell, her biological clock is ticking and it feels like everyone around her is settled in to what she’s always wanted for herself. Her family isn’t exactly supportive and I think her sister constantly flaunting her perfect family and perfect relationship in her face really puts added pressure on the situation. I felt a certain kinship with Maddie in that I’m in my 30s, the most single I’ve ever been, my biological clock is ticking and I know how lonely it is to always be the odd one out. Violet on the other hand is in this weird…not even situationship with limp noodle man from church who is most assuredly using her and she just can’t see it. Her friends can’t stand him, she hasn’t spoken to her mother in ages because her mother told her what she didn’t want to hear about him and Maddie can see right through him but she didn’t want to hear it. The thing is that, we all know she deserves better but she just can’t see it, and I’ve also been there so this a read that really hit me right in my feels. While there’s a lot of focus on their dating lives, there’s also a much needed focus on them learning to fill their own cups, to find happiness outside of romantic relationships, learning that there’s more than one way of having a family and that it’s okay to change your mind and want something different than the norm for yourself. My favorite part of this book was their friendship and how it grew over the course of the story. I really did enjoy it and I was honestly a little disappointed in the ending because it felt a little abrupt to me. I wanted to see a little bit more after Violet made that call and Maddie got off the train.
This was my first time reading anything by this author and I would definitely pick up something else from her. It was a little bit of a slow start for me with Maddie and Violet. However, once I got about 25% in, I was locked in and these were my girls. Both Maddie and Violet are struggling with their love lives and end up at the dreaded singles table at their “friend” Izzy’s wedding. Maddie is fresh off of a breakup with a man child who left to find himself while driving a van across Europe. Violet on the other hand feels as though she’s on the cusp of starting a relationship with a man who she thinks is perfection (I think he’s worse than a limp noodle) who she met at church. Maddie is now homeless and living with her sister, her brother in law and their two kids, and well…it’s awkward hell. Violet offers to let her rent out her spare room in her notting hill flat and that’s where the adventure really begins. These two are pretty much opposite in every way and I wasn’t certain that this would work. It was rough going at first but somehow these two ended up being the friend the other desperately needed. We watch as Maddie goes from date to date hoping that each man will be the one to help her fulfill her dream of settling down and starting a family of her own. She’s 34, single as hell, her biological clock is ticking and it feels like everyone around her is settled in to what she’s always wanted for herself. Her family isn’t exactly supportive and I think her sister constantly flaunting her perfect family and perfect relationship in her face really puts added pressure on the situation. I felt a certain kinship with Maddie in that I’m in my 30s, the most single I’ve ever been, my biological clock is ticking and I know how lonely it is to always be the odd one out. Violet on the other hand is in this weird…not even situationship with limp noodle man from church who is most assuredly using her and she just can’t see it. Her friends can’t stand him, she hasn’t spoken to her mother in ages because her mother told her what she didn’t want to hear about him and Maddie can see right through him but she didn’t want to hear it. The thing is that, we all know she deserves better but she just can’t see it, and I’ve also been there so this a read that really hit me right in my feels. While there’s a lot of focus on their dating lives, there’s also a much needed focus on them learning to fill their own cups, to find happiness outside of romantic relationships, learning that there’s more than one way of having a family and that it’s okay to change your mind and want something different than the norm for yourself. My favorite part of this book was their friendship and how it grew over the course of the story. I really did enjoy it and I was honestly a little disappointed in the ending because it felt a little abrupt to me. I wanted to see a little bit more after Violet made that call and Maddie got off the train.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This one feels like sitting down with your friends after a string of truly questionable dates and unpacking everything over coffee equal parts hilarious, chaotic, and unexpectedly heartfelt.
What | really loved is how the story leans into the mess of modern dating. It doesn't glamorize it. The awkward silences, the wrong expectations, the "why did leven go?" moments, it's all there, and it feels very real. But instead of being heavy, it's wrapped in humor that actually lands. I caught myself smiling a lot, especially during the group interactions.
The "club" itself is the highlight. Each member brings a different perspective on relationships, which keeps the story dynamic. It's not just about romance, it's about friendship, support systems, and how people process disappointment differently. That found family energy carries the book and gives it emotional depth beyond the dating premise.
The main character's growth is subtle but satisfying.
It's less about finding the one and more about figuring out what they will and won't accept anymore. The romance builds slowly, and while it's not overly intense, it feels grounded and believable which fits the tone of the book.
If I had to point out a weakness, it's that the pacing can feel a bit uneven in places, especially when it shifts between different moments or characters.
Some parts you'll want more depth from, while others move quickly. But it doesn't take away from the overall charm.
Vibe check:
✨ messy dating stories
✨ found family
✨ witty, realistic dialogue
✨ soft, slow burn romance
✨ personal growth over grand gestures
Final thoughts: it's not trying to be dramatic or over the top it's relatable, comforting, and quietly insightful. The kind of book you pick up for the laughs but stay for the characters.
Thank you netGalley for the arc!
What | really loved is how the story leans into the mess of modern dating. It doesn't glamorize it. The awkward silences, the wrong expectations, the "why did leven go?" moments, it's all there, and it feels very real. But instead of being heavy, it's wrapped in humor that actually lands. I caught myself smiling a lot, especially during the group interactions.
The "club" itself is the highlight. Each member brings a different perspective on relationships, which keeps the story dynamic. It's not just about romance, it's about friendship, support systems, and how people process disappointment differently. That found family energy carries the book and gives it emotional depth beyond the dating premise.
The main character's growth is subtle but satisfying.
It's less about finding the one and more about figuring out what they will and won't accept anymore. The romance builds slowly, and while it's not overly intense, it feels grounded and believable which fits the tone of the book.
If I had to point out a weakness, it's that the pacing can feel a bit uneven in places, especially when it shifts between different moments or characters.
Some parts you'll want more depth from, while others move quickly. But it doesn't take away from the overall charm.
Vibe check:
✨ messy dating stories
✨ found family
✨ witty, realistic dialogue
✨ soft, slow burn romance
✨ personal growth over grand gestures
Final thoughts: it's not trying to be dramatic or over the top it's relatable, comforting, and quietly insightful. The kind of book you pick up for the laughs but stay for the characters.
Thank you netGalley for the arc!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I read Bad Dates Club as an ARC through NetGalley, and this ended up being one of those books that surprised me the more I got into it. I expected a light rom-com full of bad date stories, but the real strength of the book for me was the friendship between Maddie and Violet.
These two women are complete opposites, yet their relationship feels believable and genuine. Maddie is freshly dumped, emotionally messy, and thrown back into the chaos of modern dating, while Violet is more reserved and clinging tightly to the idea of the “right” kind of love story, even when the man in front of her is giving absolutely nothing back. Honestly, some of the dating situations in this book were painful in the most realistic way possible.
What I appreciated most is that the story doesn’t try to glamorize dating in your 30s. It captures the awkwardness, disappointment, mixed signals, and constant questioning that comes with trying to figure people out while also figuring yourself out. Some of the scenes genuinely felt like conversations you’d have with friends after a terrible date over coffee or wine.
I also liked that the story focused just as much on friendship and personal growth as romance. Underneath all the humor, there’s a quieter message about learning what you deserve and realizing that being chosen by someone is not the same thing as being valued by them.
I will say it took me a little while to fully connect with the writing style, and the pacing felt uneven in a few places. Some moments moved quickly while others lingered longer than needed. But once I settled into the rhythm of the story, I found myself genuinely invested in both women and where they would end up emotionally.
Overall, this was a funny, relatable, and comforting read with a lot more heart than I expected going in.
These two women are complete opposites, yet their relationship feels believable and genuine. Maddie is freshly dumped, emotionally messy, and thrown back into the chaos of modern dating, while Violet is more reserved and clinging tightly to the idea of the “right” kind of love story, even when the man in front of her is giving absolutely nothing back. Honestly, some of the dating situations in this book were painful in the most realistic way possible.
What I appreciated most is that the story doesn’t try to glamorize dating in your 30s. It captures the awkwardness, disappointment, mixed signals, and constant questioning that comes with trying to figure people out while also figuring yourself out. Some of the scenes genuinely felt like conversations you’d have with friends after a terrible date over coffee or wine.
I also liked that the story focused just as much on friendship and personal growth as romance. Underneath all the humor, there’s a quieter message about learning what you deserve and realizing that being chosen by someone is not the same thing as being valued by them.
I will say it took me a little while to fully connect with the writing style, and the pacing felt uneven in a few places. Some moments moved quickly while others lingered longer than needed. But once I settled into the rhythm of the story, I found myself genuinely invested in both women and where they would end up emotionally.
Overall, this was a funny, relatable, and comforting read with a lot more heart than I expected going in.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ • 💖 • 👯♀️💪🏼
More than its title suggests, this is really a story about friendship; specifically the kind that carries you through the mess of modern dating, heartbreak, and just surviving life. The bad dates are there, but the heart of the book belongs to Maddie and Violet.
Maddie felt relatable in the best and most cringe-worthy ways. Her story captures the awkward, hopeful chaos of dating with a lot of heart. Violet is a harder character to connect with at first, but her arc earns your empathy. There were moments I wanted to shake her and moments I was completely in her corner, sometimes both at once.
Both of their endings landed well for me. I found myself invested enough to want even more from where things went, which is always a good sign.
One thing I genuinely appreciated was that these are women in their 30s navigating all of this. The stories felt well layered, and the chapter lengths work well. The one thing that was confusing at times were the constant shifts in POV, especially early on, but you settle into the rhythm.
If you are looking for a story with friendship at its core, and a female dynamic that feels genuine rather than performative, this is worth picking up.
Thanks to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for the opportunity to read this ahead of publication.
More than its title suggests, this is really a story about friendship; specifically the kind that carries you through the mess of modern dating, heartbreak, and just surviving life. The bad dates are there, but the heart of the book belongs to Maddie and Violet.
Maddie felt relatable in the best and most cringe-worthy ways. Her story captures the awkward, hopeful chaos of dating with a lot of heart. Violet is a harder character to connect with at first, but her arc earns your empathy. There were moments I wanted to shake her and moments I was completely in her corner, sometimes both at once.
Both of their endings landed well for me. I found myself invested enough to want even more from where things went, which is always a good sign.
One thing I genuinely appreciated was that these are women in their 30s navigating all of this. The stories felt well layered, and the chapter lengths work well. The one thing that was confusing at times were the constant shifts in POV, especially early on, but you settle into the rhythm.
If you are looking for a story with friendship at its core, and a female dynamic that feels genuine rather than performative, this is worth picking up.
Thanks to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for the opportunity to read this ahead of publication.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This novel follows Maddie and Violet, newly made flatmates, on their journies in the dating world, and their experiences with men.
Overall, I think a better name for this book would have been The Singles' Table, or something along those lines. The current title just doesn't really sell the book. I actually wasn't expecting to enjoy it as much as I did.
I will say that it was hard to get through at first, and it was a little boring and repetitive. However, once I began to see substance to Maddie's character, it made everything more interesting.
And I wish I could say the author was exaggerating how bad some of those dates were, but sadly they weren't. It did feel realistic, and the author did well protraying how difficulty dating truly can be.
There was remarkable character development in this book, and I would recommend it for anyone looking for a book slightly light-hearted about how bad the dating world can be sometimes, but also for someone looking for some light female empowerment and about finding oneself.
Thank you to the publisher and to NetGalley for providing me with a free e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Overall, I think a better name for this book would have been The Singles' Table, or something along those lines. The current title just doesn't really sell the book. I actually wasn't expecting to enjoy it as much as I did.
I will say that it was hard to get through at first, and it was a little boring and repetitive. However, once I began to see substance to Maddie's character, it made everything more interesting.
And I wish I could say the author was exaggerating how bad some of those dates were, but sadly they weren't. It did feel realistic, and the author did well protraying how difficulty dating truly can be.
There was remarkable character development in this book, and I would recommend it for anyone looking for a book slightly light-hearted about how bad the dating world can be sometimes, but also for someone looking for some light female empowerment and about finding oneself.
Thank you to the publisher and to NetGalley for providing me with a free e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Reading this book makes me so glad I am not single - but in a good way!
Violet and Maddie are as opposite as opposite can be. One is messy and likes a good time; the other is prissy and a good girl to the max.
but...they both share the unenviable position of being single in their 30s and wanting a mate.
Unfortuantely, their men choices are disastrous. Violet thinks she is in love with Hugh, who is the most emotionally unavailable man I've read recently, and Maddie has just been dumped by her long-term boyfriend so he can go find himself on a solo van adventure.
Not good choices at all.
While Violet is patiently waiting for Hugh to pop the question, Maddie is Tinder-bombing and sleeping with a co-worker.
Again..bad choices - but their antics are hysterical, and I feel so much for both of them.
This was a perfect little women's fiction release for me - a real girl's girl book. Loved it. Thank you, NetGalley, for a sneak peek.
Violet and Maddie are as opposite as opposite can be. One is messy and likes a good time; the other is prissy and a good girl to the max.
but...they both share the unenviable position of being single in their 30s and wanting a mate.
Unfortuantely, their men choices are disastrous. Violet thinks she is in love with Hugh, who is the most emotionally unavailable man I've read recently, and Maddie has just been dumped by her long-term boyfriend so he can go find himself on a solo van adventure.
Not good choices at all.
While Violet is patiently waiting for Hugh to pop the question, Maddie is Tinder-bombing and sleeping with a co-worker.
Again..bad choices - but their antics are hysterical, and I feel so much for both of them.
This was a perfect little women's fiction release for me - a real girl's girl book. Loved it. Thank you, NetGalley, for a sneak peek.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
https://pinkstinx.blogspot.com
Bad Dates Club by Mary Newnham was a messy, very real look at modern dating, but it did not totally win me over. I really liked the friendship between Maddie and Violet more than romance, and honestly, that was the heart of the book for me. Their dynamic felt natural, funny, and relatable, especially with all the awkward dates, bad decisions, and “why are we like this?” moments along the way.
The book has charm, and some parts made me smile because they felt so true to the chaos of dating in your 30s. I also appreciated that it focused a lot on female friendship, personal growth, and figuring out what you want instead of just chasing romance.
That said, it took me quite a while to get into (over halfway), and the pacing felt a little uneven at times. Some scenes were really entertaining, while others just didn’t land as well for me.
★★★
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Bad Dates Club by Mary Newnham was a messy, very real look at modern dating, but it did not totally win me over. I really liked the friendship between Maddie and Violet more than romance, and honestly, that was the heart of the book for me. Their dynamic felt natural, funny, and relatable, especially with all the awkward dates, bad decisions, and “why are we like this?” moments along the way.
The book has charm, and some parts made me smile because they felt so true to the chaos of dating in your 30s. I also appreciated that it focused a lot on female friendship, personal growth, and figuring out what you want instead of just chasing romance.
That said, it took me quite a while to get into (over halfway), and the pacing felt a little uneven at times. Some scenes were really entertaining, while others just didn’t land as well for me.
★★★
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
If you’re looking for a humorous, feel-good rom-com or a little pick-me-up, Bad Dates Club by Mary Newman fits the bill.
The novel follows Maddie and Violet, both unlucky in love and newly sharing a flat as well as a growing friendship. The theme of female bonds and quiet resilience runs throughout. We follow Maddie through a string of disastrous, emotionally distant dates, while Violet wrestles with the complications of a longer-term romantic interest. Despite their differences, the two women find something genuine and steady in each other.
Maddie and Violet are warmly drawn, their experiences highlighting the isolation that can come with modern dating and the pressure of searching for ‘the one’. I particularly enjoyed how their relationship evolves, and the ending carries a gentle, tender note.
I’d rate this a 3.5-star read: an uncomplicated, uplifting novel.
The novel follows Maddie and Violet, both unlucky in love and newly sharing a flat as well as a growing friendship. The theme of female bonds and quiet resilience runs throughout. We follow Maddie through a string of disastrous, emotionally distant dates, while Violet wrestles with the complications of a longer-term romantic interest. Despite their differences, the two women find something genuine and steady in each other.
Maddie and Violet are warmly drawn, their experiences highlighting the isolation that can come with modern dating and the pressure of searching for ‘the one’. I particularly enjoyed how their relationship evolves, and the ending carries a gentle, tender note.
I’d rate this a 3.5-star read: an uncomplicated, uplifting novel.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This story was real and spot on, dating life is tedious and Mary hits the nail on the head with this book! From the nightmare dates, to the envisioning the future after one date.
But unexpectedly it is a beautiful story of a developing friendship forming between two women. The personal development for each of the women throughout the book is great. I love how they let each other learn from their mistakes and the never ending support they provide each other, it is such a beautiful representation of their relationship. This book truly is a taste of real life dating in the modern world. It’s a love story but not the way that you would think.
Thank you to Netgalley for providing this book in exchange for an honest review.
But unexpectedly it is a beautiful story of a developing friendship forming between two women. The personal development for each of the women throughout the book is great. I love how they let each other learn from their mistakes and the never ending support they provide each other, it is such a beautiful representation of their relationship. This book truly is a taste of real life dating in the modern world. It’s a love story but not the way that you would think.
Thank you to Netgalley for providing this book in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you Netgalley for e-ARC!
3 stars!
It took me a little bit to get into because the writing style isn't it for me but this was a fun read! I enjoyed Maddie and Violet and their growing dynamic and friendship.
This book does not exaggerate how hard modern dating is these days and how there is so much pressure to be able to find your person or the so-called "the one." But if there's one thing I loved about this was the female friendships aspect and the growth of the characters which is why despite it being hard to get into, seeing the development of their characters and friendship is what saved it for me.
Overall, a good time!!
3 stars!
It took me a little bit to get into because the writing style isn't it for me but this was a fun read! I enjoyed Maddie and Violet and their growing dynamic and friendship.
This book does not exaggerate how hard modern dating is these days and how there is so much pressure to be able to find your person or the so-called "the one." But if there's one thing I loved about this was the female friendships aspect and the growth of the characters which is why despite it being hard to get into, seeing the development of their characters and friendship is what saved it for me.
Overall, a good time!!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Bad Dates Club is a feel good chic lit that helps us understand that we need to first understand ourselves before we dive head first into dating. The story of our two main characters Violet and Maddie is a story of self discovery and realising what you as a person are worth to others but mainly to yourself. The book shows the trenches of dating apps and how opposite approach don't always mean someone has better results. It shows that we first need to understand what we want before we try to fit into a mold.
Both characters go through journey of self discovery and by being there for each other they discover what is important to them.
Thanks to the author and to Net galley for the ARC.
Both characters go through journey of self discovery and by being there for each other they discover what is important to them.
Thanks to the author and to Net galley for the ARC.
May 16, 2026
3.75 ⭐️
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Bad Dates Club is the kind of book you pick up when you need a breath of fresh air. It feels like sitting on a beach with the sun on your face — warm, light, and effortlessly enjoyable. The short chapters make it incredibly easy to read, and the humor adds just the right touch of brightness.
It’s a story without unnecessary complications, and that’s exactly what makes it so comforting. A perfect pick for anyone carrying too many worries on their shoulders.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Bad Dates Club is the kind of book you pick up when you need a breath of fresh air. It feels like sitting on a beach with the sun on your face — warm, light, and effortlessly enjoyable. The short chapters make it incredibly easy to read, and the humor adds just the right touch of brightness.
It’s a story without unnecessary complications, and that’s exactly what makes it so comforting. A perfect pick for anyone carrying too many worries on their shoulders.
May 17, 2026
Thank you NetGalley for the advanced copy of Bad Dates Club, one of my favorite books this year. Maddie & Violet start an unlikely friendship after sitting at the same singles table at a high school friends wedding. Violet is being strung along by Hugh & Maddie is going through a breakup with Oscar who is heading out in a van. Their friendship makes the book, the bad dates are funny & realistic. I enjoyed the writing & the characters were people you would want to know. Recommend to anyone looking for a good romance friendship book!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I got read this as an ARC and this was such a fun and light hearted read!! The heartfelt moments in this book definitely warmed my heart and I loved the dynamic between Violet and Maddi!
Violet is definitely my favorite character because I relate to her so scarily well in the book. Her ending was so wholesome and was definitely deserved!
I would highly recommend giving this book a try to anyone looking for a cozy humorous read because this definitely fits it well!!
Violet is definitely my favorite character because I relate to her so scarily well in the book. Her ending was so wholesome and was definitely deserved!
I would highly recommend giving this book a try to anyone looking for a cozy humorous read because this definitely fits it well!!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Bad dates club was a fast read for me! I enjoyed the relationship between Violet and Maddie. Its two women who are pretty much opposites of each other but they are going through same stages of life and live together. I am SO glad of the character development between both characters. I also enjoyed the ending which is why I rated it 5 stars. It was a great light hearted love story, with some comical moments!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
it took me a while to get into this book, once i got passed the 30% mark i started to get into and wanted to see where things went for Maddie & Violet. I felt so sorry for them both during this book, life just wasn’t easy for them in their relationships, however they both had each other and i loved how their friendship developed as they are very opposite type of people. I wish we did get more of them together as friends, Easy to read! Thank you to Netgalley & Hodder & Stoughton for the Arc
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I was a bit put off by Violet’s character at first as I tend not to like protagonists who are to shy to do anything really but I I was curious to know how Maddie and VI’S friendship would evolve so I decided to give the duo a chance! It turned out to be a cool girls friendship story that I have enjoyed reading.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced copy. This was such a quick and delightful read. We follow the story of Maddie and Violet and their disastrous encounters with men. Through these experiences they discover much about themselves and their friendship. It also highlights the power of women uplifting other women and not letting men be a reason to tear each other down.
4.5 ⭐️
4.5 ⭐️
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thanks to Netgalley for the arc!
This book tells the story of two women finding their own love, while sharing a flat. I liked reading about Maddie and Violet's time together. At times the whole Violet/Hugh storyline did get a bit boring. But the ending needed it to be. Maddie was a delight the whole way. I loved seeing how their friendship bloomed, alongside their romantic lives.
This book tells the story of two women finding their own love, while sharing a flat. I liked reading about Maddie and Violet's time together. At times the whole Violet/Hugh storyline did get a bit boring. But the ending needed it to be. Maddie was a delight the whole way. I loved seeing how their friendship bloomed, alongside their romantic lives.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The friendship between Maddie and Violet was the best part of this book. It reminded me a lot of when I was younger and single. having some of my own embarrassingly awful first dates.
If you like SATC, I recommend this book!
Thanks to NetGalley for allowing me to read this book
If you like SATC, I recommend this book!
Thanks to NetGalley for allowing me to read this book
May 16, 2026
Loved the journey this book took Vi and Maddie on, all the self reflection and personal growth, couldn’t put it down, a proper good girlie read!
Read
May 21, 2026Love, friendship, finding yourself and flapjacks.
This fun read comforts as it goes.
This fun read comforts as it goes.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews