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The Dating Ban: Finding Myself... One Clay Gnome at a Time: Mind the Corbin Brothers, Book 1
Finding yourself gets complicated when someone else finds you first.
Ivy
At forty-one, my career as an Urban Planner is on track, but my personal life? A total car crash. After one too many terrible dates my therapist handed me a three-month dating ban. Apparently, I’m supposed to “focus on myself,” which so far includes yoga I’m terrible at, clay work that looks like it was done by a four-year-old, and a baking attempt that produced something akin to cat vomit. But I’m determined to stick to the plan and so the last thing I need is the nosy café owner with the cheeky smile setting up camp in my dreams.
Theo
Life as a single dad means keeping up with Lucy, my 5-year-old tornado who can charm free biscuits out of strangers faster than I can make a flat white. Between running my Viennese café and bedtime negotiations that rival UN peace talks, I don’t exactly have time for complications. Then Ivy shows up, all sass and determination, ranting about her therapist’s odd rules and ordering coffee like it’s a science experiment. The curvy beauty is funny, clever, and unexpectedly refreshing to have around. She is a friend I never knew I needed… just a friend. Then my meddling brothers put all sorts of ideas in my head and that’s just so not what I need.
Prepare for a laugh-out-loud romcom bursting with quirky characters, cheeky banter and enough chemistry to steam up your coffee. Meet our unconventional a chaotic plus-size FMC and a dorky single dad MMC, both in their 40s and ready to embrace life's curveballs. With twists and turns so funny they'll have you snorting your tea, this story proves it's never too late for a bit of delightful chaos.
Ivy
At forty-one, my career as an Urban Planner is on track, but my personal life? A total car crash. After one too many terrible dates my therapist handed me a three-month dating ban. Apparently, I’m supposed to “focus on myself,” which so far includes yoga I’m terrible at, clay work that looks like it was done by a four-year-old, and a baking attempt that produced something akin to cat vomit. But I’m determined to stick to the plan and so the last thing I need is the nosy café owner with the cheeky smile setting up camp in my dreams.
Theo
Life as a single dad means keeping up with Lucy, my 5-year-old tornado who can charm free biscuits out of strangers faster than I can make a flat white. Between running my Viennese café and bedtime negotiations that rival UN peace talks, I don’t exactly have time for complications. Then Ivy shows up, all sass and determination, ranting about her therapist’s odd rules and ordering coffee like it’s a science experiment. The curvy beauty is funny, clever, and unexpectedly refreshing to have around. She is a friend I never knew I needed… just a friend. Then my meddling brothers put all sorts of ideas in my head and that’s just so not what I need.
Prepare for a laugh-out-loud romcom bursting with quirky characters, cheeky banter and enough chemistry to steam up your coffee. Meet our unconventional a chaotic plus-size FMC and a dorky single dad MMC, both in their 40s and ready to embrace life's curveballs. With twists and turns so funny they'll have you snorting your tea, this story proves it's never too late for a bit of delightful chaos.
Audible Audio
Published December 16, 2025
About the author
Dani Elias
51 books280 followersDani Elias writes swoony, steamy British romance about women in their forties who are very good at some parts of life and quietly unravelling in others. Her FMCs are relatable, flawed, funny, and fully human. Some are plus size, some are not, but all of them are centred, desired, and allowed to take up space in their own love stories.
Set mostly in small towns, with the occasional city romcom, Dani’s books are written in British English and focus on emotional connection, lived-in chemistry, and intimacy that deepens the relationship rather than dominating it. Her heroes are usually golden retriever cinnamon rolls with a side of nerdy dorkiness, because frankly, that’s the dream.
Based in Carlisle (UK), Dani writes romances for readers who want grown up love, real bodies, real feelings, and proof that happily ever after does not come with an age limit.
Set mostly in small towns, with the occasional city romcom, Dani’s books are written in British English and focus on emotional connection, lived-in chemistry, and intimacy that deepens the relationship rather than dominating it. Her heroes are usually golden retriever cinnamon rolls with a side of nerdy dorkiness, because frankly, that’s the dream.
Based in Carlisle (UK), Dani writes romances for readers who want grown up love, real bodies, real feelings, and proof that happily ever after does not come with an age limit.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 238 reviews
July 31, 2025
The Dating Ban is a fantastic romcom! IDK how Dani does it, but she has a way of writing that pulls you into a book fast and holds your attention, and this book is no exception! Of course, I lost sleep reading this book! It's funny, romantic, and great characters, and the story includes multiple things that not only feel realistic but relatable! 10/10 would recommend adding to your TBR! I'm definitely looking forward to reading more books from this author!
July 20, 2025
ARC review
This was so sweet.
I loved their whole relationship. They started as friends and things just evolved from there. It was natural and the way things were suppose to go.
Ivy needed a new approach on men and relationships so her therapist put her on a dating ban. It was hard at first but ultimately the best thing that it could happen to her.
Theo was more than willing to be her friend, to be what she needed. He waited until her dating ban ended to ask her out. He was a really nice guy and an amazing father to his daughter.
I liked them together a lot, they both brought out the best parts of the other
This was so sweet.
I loved their whole relationship. They started as friends and things just evolved from there. It was natural and the way things were suppose to go.
Ivy needed a new approach on men and relationships so her therapist put her on a dating ban. It was hard at first but ultimately the best thing that it could happen to her.
Theo was more than willing to be her friend, to be what she needed. He waited until her dating ban ended to ask her out. He was a really nice guy and an amazing father to his daughter.
I liked them together a lot, they both brought out the best parts of the other
June 27, 2025
Hillarious romcom
This book starts with a bang... literally and then you just don't stop laughing. Ivy is trying to find herself again and it's relatable and hillarious. As per the tittle she is on a dating ban so this is a slow burn and the result is fireworks. As for Theo he's not your typical hero, and I love this geeky caring single dad. His daughter is a messy package of glittery cuteness.
I loved this so much
This book starts with a bang... literally and then you just don't stop laughing. Ivy is trying to find herself again and it's relatable and hillarious. As per the tittle she is on a dating ban so this is a slow burn and the result is fireworks. As for Theo he's not your typical hero, and I love this geeky caring single dad. His daughter is a messy package of glittery cuteness.
I loved this so much
July 7, 2025
At 41, Ivy finds herself on a dating ban. After several bad dates, her therapist imposes a 3 month ban for Ivy to focus on herself.
Yoga, baking, clay work, camping… what could go wrong when you’re trying to find yourself?
During her dating ban, Ivy meets Theo, the owner of the cafe below her apartment. He and his 5 year old daughter might just be what the Dr, um therapist, ordered!
I can’t get over Dani’s last few books- they are SO good! I love the relatable characters, how much fun they have with one another while living their lives and introducing us to the next set of great characters along the way!
I had some good LOL moments with this one and even got teary eyed at the end. Dani’s books are such quick reads- you just want to know what’s going to happen next.
Can’t wait for more!
Thank you to author, Daniel Elias, and Happily Booked PR for the opportunity to read this book. I am leaving my review voluntarily.
Yoga, baking, clay work, camping… what could go wrong when you’re trying to find yourself?
During her dating ban, Ivy meets Theo, the owner of the cafe below her apartment. He and his 5 year old daughter might just be what the Dr, um therapist, ordered!
I can’t get over Dani’s last few books- they are SO good! I love the relatable characters, how much fun they have with one another while living their lives and introducing us to the next set of great characters along the way!
I had some good LOL moments with this one and even got teary eyed at the end. Dani’s books are such quick reads- you just want to know what’s going to happen next.
Can’t wait for more!
Thank you to author, Daniel Elias, and Happily Booked PR for the opportunity to read this book. I am leaving my review voluntarily.
July 10, 2025
I absolutely love Dani's books! They are full of banter and amazing characters and the right amount of spice.
Ivy is a 41 year old divorcee that has been serial dating the three years she's been single. Her therapist tells her to try to find herself and not date for 3 months. During this time, single dad Theo opens a coffeehouse in her building. They have a mutual spark but she tells him about her dating ban. They begin a friendship and ivy becomes close to him and his daughter Lucy.
The sparks continue to fly and Theo vows to take her out the day her ban ends.
This was such a fun and sweet romcom. There were so many laugh out loud parts and just as many that had me kicking my feet.
Ivy is a 41 year old divorcee that has been serial dating the three years she's been single. Her therapist tells her to try to find herself and not date for 3 months. During this time, single dad Theo opens a coffeehouse in her building. They have a mutual spark but she tells him about her dating ban. They begin a friendship and ivy becomes close to him and his daughter Lucy.
The sparks continue to fly and Theo vows to take her out the day her ban ends.
This was such a fun and sweet romcom. There were so many laugh out loud parts and just as many that had me kicking my feet.
June 6, 2026
ᴛʜᴇ ᴅᴀᴛɪɴɢ ʙᴀɴ ʙʏ ᴅᴀɴɪ ᴇʟɪᴀꜱ🎧
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Once again… hook, line and sinkered right into the heart and soul of another Dani Elias book. Right off the bat with that entrance line & chapter 👀 IYKYK… to the raw energy that is Ivy, Theo and Lucy and then all the way to that Epilogue that had me in tears. AND AS YOU ALL KNOW I AM A SUCKER FOR A SINGLE DAD TROPE 🥵 Also Lucy herself was just such a sweet talker and knew just what to say to pull your heart strings 😭
"Nervous bugs in my tummy" 😭💚
🧑🍼Single Dad
🧘 Finding Yourself
🫂 Friends First
💞 Both MC’s in their 40’s
🧒 Meddling Daughter
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Once again… hook, line and sinkered right into the heart and soul of another Dani Elias book. Right off the bat with that entrance line & chapter 👀 IYKYK… to the raw energy that is Ivy, Theo and Lucy and then all the way to that Epilogue that had me in tears. AND AS YOU ALL KNOW I AM A SUCKER FOR A SINGLE DAD TROPE 🥵 Also Lucy herself was just such a sweet talker and knew just what to say to pull your heart strings 😭
"Nervous bugs in my tummy" 😭💚
🧑🍼Single Dad
🧘 Finding Yourself
🫂 Friends First
💞 Both MC’s in their 40’s
🧒 Meddling Daughter
October 14, 2025
I’m going to start by saying the first chapter, the first few paragraphs absolutely turned me off and I told myself I’ll give it another chapter or two before I call it quits but I did finish the book. I’m not saying I enjoyed this book, at best this is 2.5 rounded up for me and honestly, it’s the first chapter that ruined it for me. The plot was good and the bulk of the story was sweet but it felt like there were two different authors. There was one author who was writing the sweet story and another author who was writing the spicier scenes (up until the last 10-15%) and they did not mesh well at all. It was just so off and did not flow together. Also, I can tell this author enjoys using the words snort and smirk lol, I wish I counted how many times those words were used. But again, the difference between the spicy scenes and non spicy scenes were so big - it literally felt like two different books and it annoyed me. And that first chapter, just completely turned me off (SPOILER; stop reading now if you don’t want to know how the first chapter starts, but the first chapter is about the FMC in a foursome and I’m not a prude but I didn’t like that as an opening 🤷♀️)
July 9, 2025
Such a cute and warm book - really enjoyed it!
This started out in a very funny and eye opening way, let’s just say it involves 4 🍆 😂 😱
Following on from there, this has great British romcom vibes - kind of this slightly sad, single lady just trying to date and have an exciting life and settle down, and it’s not going well. It seems to be a thing in the romcoms 😆
There’s a quirky humour to British romcoms that I just adore and is certainly present in this book. I genuinely laughed in several places throughout the book.
In this book, Ivy, via therapy, is put onto a three month no dating ban. This sparks a sort of ‘challenge accepted!’ theme where she does her best to spend time with herself and ignore any men - even super cute, single-dad, coffee-nerd cafe owner Theo who opened a shop almost literally on her doorstep. Hard to resist!
Ivy is an absolute doll who just hasn’t been in the right situation yet. She’s got such an open, caring heart despite her insecurities about her life.
Theo, he’s so adorable - absolute sweetheart, dorky, single dad but quietly sexy. He really had me swooning with tears in my eyes at one point.
Theo’s daughter Lucy is adorable and written true to age. Her and Ivy’s relationship that grows is just so sweet.
Ivy and Theo’s relationship grew slowly and kind of snuck up on me. By the last 20% or so of the book I was more emotionally attached to them than I expected and certain events got to me emotionally more than I would have thought!
They both just felt like real, normal people who fell into a relationship. Nothing dramatic, super believable, and just a cozy, funny book.
This is definitely a ~slow~ burn romance and I would say mild-to-moderate spice, all mostly near the end.
Recommend for a warm, quirky/funny, cozy British romcom and especially those who love a single dad trope with a super cute kid and super cute dad.
4/5 ⭐️
I received an advance copy of the book and have left my honest, influence-free review
This started out in a very funny and eye opening way, let’s just say it involves 4 🍆 😂 😱
Following on from there, this has great British romcom vibes - kind of this slightly sad, single lady just trying to date and have an exciting life and settle down, and it’s not going well. It seems to be a thing in the romcoms 😆
There’s a quirky humour to British romcoms that I just adore and is certainly present in this book. I genuinely laughed in several places throughout the book.
In this book, Ivy, via therapy, is put onto a three month no dating ban. This sparks a sort of ‘challenge accepted!’ theme where she does her best to spend time with herself and ignore any men - even super cute, single-dad, coffee-nerd cafe owner Theo who opened a shop almost literally on her doorstep. Hard to resist!
Ivy is an absolute doll who just hasn’t been in the right situation yet. She’s got such an open, caring heart despite her insecurities about her life.
Theo, he’s so adorable - absolute sweetheart, dorky, single dad but quietly sexy. He really had me swooning with tears in my eyes at one point.
Theo’s daughter Lucy is adorable and written true to age. Her and Ivy’s relationship that grows is just so sweet.
Ivy and Theo’s relationship grew slowly and kind of snuck up on me. By the last 20% or so of the book I was more emotionally attached to them than I expected and certain events got to me emotionally more than I would have thought!
They both just felt like real, normal people who fell into a relationship. Nothing dramatic, super believable, and just a cozy, funny book.
This is definitely a ~slow~ burn romance and I would say mild-to-moderate spice, all mostly near the end.
Recommend for a warm, quirky/funny, cozy British romcom and especially those who love a single dad trope with a super cute kid and super cute dad.
4/5 ⭐️
I received an advance copy of the book and have left my honest, influence-free review
July 10, 2025
I loved this book. Theo and Ivy were so great together; their banter was so good. I felt the main star of the book, though, was Lucy, Theo’s daughter. She had a wisdom beyond her years sometimes, but she was also not opposed to dressing her big beefy uncles in princess dresses.
So Ivy is on a dating ban caused by questionable dating habits, resulting in a disastrous foursome. So her therapist, whom she has been seeing since her divorce, tells her no more dating for three months, to take some time for herself. Unfortunately, just as she starts this dating ban, she meets Theo, who owns the coffee shop below her flat. She starts spending time with him, as friends, doing yoga, looking after his daughter, and baking a cake. They start getting closer, both thinking the other isn’t interested in them.
Once Ivy’s dating ban is over and they agree to go on a date, things get disastrous as they are now overtrying to impress, and the casual chemistry is lost. It’s fun to watch, though.
I enjoyed this story. I enjoyed watching Ivy try new things to fill her time, instead of dating. It wasn’t just about dating; it was also about helping Ivy discover her own needs and wants, rather than trying to find someone to change for. It was also nice to read about older MC’s (in their 40s) who maybe aren’t quite all together.
So Ivy is on a dating ban caused by questionable dating habits, resulting in a disastrous foursome. So her therapist, whom she has been seeing since her divorce, tells her no more dating for three months, to take some time for herself. Unfortunately, just as she starts this dating ban, she meets Theo, who owns the coffee shop below her flat. She starts spending time with him, as friends, doing yoga, looking after his daughter, and baking a cake. They start getting closer, both thinking the other isn’t interested in them.
Once Ivy’s dating ban is over and they agree to go on a date, things get disastrous as they are now overtrying to impress, and the casual chemistry is lost. It’s fun to watch, though.
I enjoyed this story. I enjoyed watching Ivy try new things to fill her time, instead of dating. It wasn’t just about dating; it was also about helping Ivy discover her own needs and wants, rather than trying to find someone to change for. It was also nice to read about older MC’s (in their 40s) who maybe aren’t quite all together.
July 11, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Geez it’s rare a book shocks me anymore but damn that first chapter was hilarious. It opens with, quite literally, a bang (And I’m definitely not going to be the only one using that pun) and I was immediately invested in this story.
The characters, for me, were instantly likeable, and each in their own way, starting over. Ivy with her dating ban and Theo with his coffee shop. It was a really refreshing to read, especially with both the MCs in their 40s. It just goes to show that there is no timeline on success, whatever form it takes. The side characters were also a wonderful addition and Lucy was a sweetie pie.
My favourite part of the story (Hard to pick one) was Ivy describing the cake she made. I thought it was so beautifully written and it really hits home the point about small victories that are for ourselves.
I’m looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
Thank you to Dani Elias and Happily Booked PR for an advanced copy of this book. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Geez it’s rare a book shocks me anymore but damn that first chapter was hilarious. It opens with, quite literally, a bang (And I’m definitely not going to be the only one using that pun) and I was immediately invested in this story.
The characters, for me, were instantly likeable, and each in their own way, starting over. Ivy with her dating ban and Theo with his coffee shop. It was a really refreshing to read, especially with both the MCs in their 40s. It just goes to show that there is no timeline on success, whatever form it takes. The side characters were also a wonderful addition and Lucy was a sweetie pie.
My favourite part of the story (Hard to pick one) was Ivy describing the cake she made. I thought it was so beautifully written and it really hits home the point about small victories that are for ourselves.
I’m looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
Thank you to Dani Elias and Happily Booked PR for an advanced copy of this book. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 2, 2025
My fave Dani Elias book yet!!!
Omg, this was sooooo sweet! So Adorbs! A perfect single dad romance. I loved every bit of it.
To be fair, when this book opened, I had no idea what I was in for (iykyk 😂). Ivy is trying to put her life back together after a divorce. After some interesting? events, and talking with her therapist, a dating ban is put in place. Just in time for her to meet adorable dorky single dad, and coffeehouse owner Theo.
Ohhh from the moment they meet, I fell head over heels lol. I love their banter and how easy it feels between them. I love how nervous he was. I loved how the friendship was able to build first.
OMG Lucy is the cutest kid I have read in a long time! I loved how she was so smart, and how it came across at times to innocent.
Don’t get me started on the gnome army lol!!! Now I want one.
This is a slow burn. But oh so worth it! So much has happened, without anything “happening” between them, that by the time it does happen, I was all in. I loved how Ivy wanted to finish the ban, how she didn’t want to continue the same cycle. And I loved how he supported that.
The tears really came at the parts with Lucy and Ivy. They were so special, so lovely. I loved how this story was about family. Found family. Choosing your family. The ending 😭😭.
Hands down, an absolute fave!!! So excited for Theo’s brothers stories!!!
Friends to Lovers
Found Family
Single Dad
Adorable
Banter
MMCs in the 40s
Omg, this was sooooo sweet! So Adorbs! A perfect single dad romance. I loved every bit of it.
To be fair, when this book opened, I had no idea what I was in for (iykyk 😂). Ivy is trying to put her life back together after a divorce. After some interesting? events, and talking with her therapist, a dating ban is put in place. Just in time for her to meet adorable dorky single dad, and coffeehouse owner Theo.
Ohhh from the moment they meet, I fell head over heels lol. I love their banter and how easy it feels between them. I love how nervous he was. I loved how the friendship was able to build first.
OMG Lucy is the cutest kid I have read in a long time! I loved how she was so smart, and how it came across at times to innocent.
Don’t get me started on the gnome army lol!!! Now I want one.
This is a slow burn. But oh so worth it! So much has happened, without anything “happening” between them, that by the time it does happen, I was all in. I loved how Ivy wanted to finish the ban, how she didn’t want to continue the same cycle. And I loved how he supported that.
The tears really came at the parts with Lucy and Ivy. They were so special, so lovely. I loved how this story was about family. Found family. Choosing your family. The ending 😭😭.
Hands down, an absolute fave!!! So excited for Theo’s brothers stories!!!
Friends to Lovers
Found Family
Single Dad
Adorable
Banter
MMCs in the 40s
July 10, 2025
Theo and Lucy were adorable and Lily was always a hoot. The three of them together was a blast to read about and see what shenanigans they would get into. Lucy is like a sour patch kid she has a heart of gold and then she does something funny and wild. Theo played it safe for so long because of Lucy and Lily has been running wild and free looking for a place to land while finding herself. This book was funny, sweet, heartwarming, and reflective. Dani always writes amazing books.
July 13, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
Single Dad
Plus size FMC
Slow burn
Finding self
Friends to lovers
HEA
Ivy goes on a dating ban following her divorce and some bad "dating" experiences. She visits Theo's coffee shop, where their friendship begins and the story continues from there :). The banter in this book was excellent! I found myself laughing out loud multiple times.I would recommend this book.
I received a free copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review! Thank you Dani Elias for the opportunity!
🌶️🌶️
Single Dad
Plus size FMC
Slow burn
Finding self
Friends to lovers
HEA
Ivy goes on a dating ban following her divorce and some bad "dating" experiences. She visits Theo's coffee shop, where their friendship begins and the story continues from there :). The banter in this book was excellent! I found myself laughing out loud multiple times.I would recommend this book.
I received a free copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review! Thank you Dani Elias for the opportunity!
June 29, 2025
The slowest of all slow burns! But it made the sweetest love story. Ivy and Theo truly met and became friends and learned about each other. It was so fun to see their friendship and watch it slowly evolve to something more. They were so easy together. Which made the “stuffy date” scene all the funnier! I really enjoyed this romance and will definitely read the brother’s stories!
September 7, 2025
Fresh Take on Friends-to-Lovers.
I enjoyed this book overall! It’s a friends-to-lovers story with a fresh twist, and the addition of the child brought in some fun moments. It also had touching parts, and I’m looking forward to the next in the series. My only drawback was the lengthy internal dialogue, which at times felt like wading through mud and slowed the pace for me.
I enjoyed this book overall! It’s a friends-to-lovers story with a fresh twist, and the addition of the child brought in some fun moments. It also had touching parts, and I’m looking forward to the next in the series. My only drawback was the lengthy internal dialogue, which at times felt like wading through mud and slowed the pace for me.
January 18, 2026
3.5⭐️ Very cute, MCs over 40, funny, English, slow burn. Just a smidge long, but overall enjoyable read. Really like this author. Hope more people find her.
June 28, 2025
I received this as an ARC from the author!
Ivy and her therapist decided after a bad divorce that she should go on a dating ban for 3 months! She needs to find herself again! She attempts,baking,pottery,camping and even yoga! She is the most loveable,caring,hilarious FMC.
Theo is a single dad who owns a coffee shop below Ivy’s apartment. He has a beautiful daughter named Lucy! Theo is doing his best for himself and his daughter. He is a sweet,caring and loving dad! Lucy is his everything.
I adored the three of them together and separate. The side characters, Theo’s brothers were a perfect addition to this story!
This book a beautifully written romcon with a slow burn all rolled into one. I laughed and cried all through this book! Thank you Dani for another perfect book! I can’t wait for the next books in this series!
Ivy and her therapist decided after a bad divorce that she should go on a dating ban for 3 months! She needs to find herself again! She attempts,baking,pottery,camping and even yoga! She is the most loveable,caring,hilarious FMC.
Theo is a single dad who owns a coffee shop below Ivy’s apartment. He has a beautiful daughter named Lucy! Theo is doing his best for himself and his daughter. He is a sweet,caring and loving dad! Lucy is his everything.
I adored the three of them together and separate. The side characters, Theo’s brothers were a perfect addition to this story!
This book a beautifully written romcon with a slow burn all rolled into one. I laughed and cried all through this book! Thank you Dani for another perfect book! I can’t wait for the next books in this series!
August 14, 2025
As I have come to expect from Dani Elias-I absolutely fell in love with the characters in The Dating Ban. Snarky, but with depth of emotion and totally relatable-both Ivy & Theo make the novel unputdownable and left me anxiously waiting for Jasper & Geoff's stories.
I laughed out loud multiple times & had a few bleary-eyed moments as the characters found themselves through each other. Another 5 star read from one of my favorites, Dani Elias!
I laughed out loud multiple times & had a few bleary-eyed moments as the characters found themselves through each other. Another 5 star read from one of my favorites, Dani Elias!
June 28, 2025
☕️ BOOK REVIEW ☕️
The Dating Ban by Dani Elias
5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Another highly enjoyable read from Dani Elias, and this time, it's a full length book!
The Dating Ban begins with a wild opening chapter that introduces us to Ivy and explains why she begins the titular ban. Ivy is instantly, insanely likeable. She exudes energy and is just the sort of person you want as a best friend.
As the title hints at, after many, many poor dates, Ivy is taking a three month hiatus from dating. So, of course, this is exactly when she meets a cute and dorky coffee shop owner.
Theo is sweet, caring, and just the right amount of nerdy. From a first awkward meeting, a slow burn romance begins, resulting in some electric chemistry. In between, there is a lot of fun, a lot of laughs, lots of (partially successful) yoga, and many, many clay gnomes.
I laughed so much while reading. So I recommend you grab a coffee, some jammy dodgers have a read.
The Dating Ban by Dani Elias
5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Another highly enjoyable read from Dani Elias, and this time, it's a full length book!
The Dating Ban begins with a wild opening chapter that introduces us to Ivy and explains why she begins the titular ban. Ivy is instantly, insanely likeable. She exudes energy and is just the sort of person you want as a best friend.
As the title hints at, after many, many poor dates, Ivy is taking a three month hiatus from dating. So, of course, this is exactly when she meets a cute and dorky coffee shop owner.
Theo is sweet, caring, and just the right amount of nerdy. From a first awkward meeting, a slow burn romance begins, resulting in some electric chemistry. In between, there is a lot of fun, a lot of laughs, lots of (partially successful) yoga, and many, many clay gnomes.
I laughed so much while reading. So I recommend you grab a coffee, some jammy dodgers have a read.
June 29, 2025
4.5 stars rounded up
This was by far my favorite read by Dani !!! This book started out with a bang… literally .. but then blossomed into this beautifully written love story with a 40 something single dad and a woman who has no clue what she’s doing with her love life … hence the dating ban … had me all in my feelings … great read .. 10/10 recommend if you love a good wholesome love story with some spice sprinkled in .. a good feel good read. I’m so glad I got to receive an early copy to review
This was by far my favorite read by Dani !!! This book started out with a bang… literally .. but then blossomed into this beautifully written love story with a 40 something single dad and a woman who has no clue what she’s doing with her love life … hence the dating ban … had me all in my feelings … great read .. 10/10 recommend if you love a good wholesome love story with some spice sprinkled in .. a good feel good read. I’m so glad I got to receive an early copy to review
July 5, 2025
Finding yourself gets rather complicated when someone else ends up finding you first.
Ivy's career as an Urban Planner is right on track but at forty-one it's her personal life that looks like a complete car crash. She's gone on one too many horrific dates, even had one foursome that she's never going to mention ever again. Now her therapist has put her on a three-month dating ban. This is so Ivy can “focus on herself”, So far she's tried yoga which she found she's horrible at. Clay work that looks like it was done by a four-year-old. A baking attempt that ended up looking like cat vomit. Despite all her failures, Ivy is bound and determined to stick to the plan, the last thing she needs now is some nosy cafe owner with this cheeky smile slipping into her dreams and setting up camp.
Theo's life as a single dad means that he has to keep up with Lucy, his 5-year-old tornado who can charm free biscuits out of strangers faster than he can make his flat white. Theo doesn't have the time for complications in his life between running his Viennese cafe and the bedtime negotiations that look more like UN peace talks.
Then suddenly Ivy walks into his cafe, and she's all sass and determination, ranting about her therapist's bizarre rules, and she orders this coffee that's more like a science experiment. Ivy is this curvy beauty, she's funny, clever, and honestly, she's refreshing to be around. Theo feels like she's the kind of friend he never knew he needed...just a friend. But, then his meddling brothers get involved and start to put ideas in Theo's head and that's not what he needed.
Prepare for a laugh-out-loud romcom bursting with quirky characters, cheeky banter, and enough chemistry to steam up your coffee. Meet our unconventional a chaotic plus-size FMC and a dorky single dad MMC, both in their 40s and ready to embrace life's curveballs. With twists and turns so funny they'll have you snorting your tea, this story proves it's never too late for a bit of delightful chaos.
Heads this book comes with a naughty twist of adult content. Set in England and penned in British English.
The Dating Ban Finding Myself One Clay Gnome at A Time by Dani Elias is a great rom-com that is going to have you laughing one second and the next you're going to be gasping. Dani has written a book that is bold, smart, and feels authentic – this is the exact type of book you want to read when it's supposed to be about figuring out your life and who you are after you thought you had your life figured out.
Ivy has her career figured out, but at 41 she's done with trying to fall in love, in fact she is now on a dating detox after way too many failed dates, including this wild foursome that she's chosen to never speak of ever again! Her adventure into self-discovery has been trying yoga and failing, making her pottery monsters, and trying baking that were more bio-hazards than anything edible. I loved Ivy, she's strong, intelligent, brave, prickly, nuanced, hilarious, kind, vulnerable, caring, and she doesn't realize just how lovable she truly is.
Theo is a cafe owner, single dad, emotionally repressed, and yet he's so very endearing. I loved him and I felt for him in his day-to-day trying to balance the espresso machines and all the bedtime meltdowns that he had to deal with daily. He was just doing the best that he could daily to keep his life and his daughter Lucy's life steady.
And he's not looking for anything either. He needs to be focused on his daughter Lucy and keeping her life steady. At least that is until Ivy comes striding into his life dragging her caffeine issues and this no-dating clause along with her. From the first moment they meet, you can feel their connection and the chemistry is off the charts. And yet, it's also complicated with both of their baggage. But, they have such amazing banter and the tension and angst that simmers under the surface of each of their meetings and conversations.
And let me tell you, this is where The Dating Ban gets its shine – yes it takes time to get here and see the shine. Theo and Lucy take the time to build a friendship but there is also a layer of flirtation between them. You watch their near-misses that give you all the feels and gut punches that take your breath away – it's all building the tension between Theo and Lucy. And Dani has written this book in such a way that you feel like you are right there in the cafe with Lucy and Theo, watching them, hearing them try to talk themselves and their hearts out of what they already know and you just want to walk over to them and give them both a good shake.
And I love how The Dating Ban isn't all about romance and love. Dani also focuses on finding yourself, self-discovery, identity, second chances, and it's about finding the true comfort in realizing that someone sees you, just as you are, and accepting you as you are. And more importantly, they don't have any intention of trying to change you into what they think you should be or what they think you should look like.
I found our secondary characters to be chaotic and yet to be a treat. We got chaotic siblings who loved to get involved in each other's lives, cheeky coworker's who could see what was going on in Ivy's life before she realized it herself, a therapist who was both wise, familiar, and yet more than just a little terrifying, and I can't forget the adorable Lucy, Theo's 5 year-old who steals every scene she's in.
I found that every secondary character added warmth, humour, and heart, to the story, they never felt like filler and they helped to keep the story moving forward.
The setting itself made me want to go and find this little quirky English town that has its cozy cafe at the centre of town. And the town feels like it's full of life and it's lived in, even if we don't get to meet everyone who lives there. And I felt like the town itself was full of warmth and charm and there were no cliches needed for this town.
And one of my biggest draws to this book was the representation it brought. I loved how Ivy is represented as a plus-sized woman who struggled in the dating world because of her looks, she had self-worth and self-confidence issues that just feel so authentic and they are the very things that I have struggled with my entire life as a plus-sized woman. I also loved that both Ivy and Theo are not kids, they are more mature and in their 40s, they both have their own baggage from the lives that they have lived, they both have their own hopes and fears just like the rest of us and that feels so realistic.
And we do get some spice and heat. The Dating Ban doesn't last forever in this book and once it is over, things get hot and they get hot and heavy fast and Dani doesn't disappoint us in the spice department.
All I can say is if you want a romance that isn't about kids in their 20s, that has mature, honest, and perfect protagonists with low stakes, I say that The Dating Ban is the book that you are searching for. It's a fun, messy, mature, hilarious, and moving book. Dani has honestly written a rom-com that will not only entertain you, but it's also going to punch you in the gut and it's going to get to you emotionally.
I highly recommend this book, The Dating Ban is such a great easy, messy, book that will make you believe in mature love again. Dani Elias has written a phenomenal rom-com that you will want to read over and over again. I can't wait to read what she writes next.
Ivy's career as an Urban Planner is right on track but at forty-one it's her personal life that looks like a complete car crash. She's gone on one too many horrific dates, even had one foursome that she's never going to mention ever again. Now her therapist has put her on a three-month dating ban. This is so Ivy can “focus on herself”, So far she's tried yoga which she found she's horrible at. Clay work that looks like it was done by a four-year-old. A baking attempt that ended up looking like cat vomit. Despite all her failures, Ivy is bound and determined to stick to the plan, the last thing she needs now is some nosy cafe owner with this cheeky smile slipping into her dreams and setting up camp.
Theo's life as a single dad means that he has to keep up with Lucy, his 5-year-old tornado who can charm free biscuits out of strangers faster than he can make his flat white. Theo doesn't have the time for complications in his life between running his Viennese cafe and the bedtime negotiations that look more like UN peace talks.
Then suddenly Ivy walks into his cafe, and she's all sass and determination, ranting about her therapist's bizarre rules, and she orders this coffee that's more like a science experiment. Ivy is this curvy beauty, she's funny, clever, and honestly, she's refreshing to be around. Theo feels like she's the kind of friend he never knew he needed...just a friend. But, then his meddling brothers get involved and start to put ideas in Theo's head and that's not what he needed.
Prepare for a laugh-out-loud romcom bursting with quirky characters, cheeky banter, and enough chemistry to steam up your coffee. Meet our unconventional a chaotic plus-size FMC and a dorky single dad MMC, both in their 40s and ready to embrace life's curveballs. With twists and turns so funny they'll have you snorting your tea, this story proves it's never too late for a bit of delightful chaos.
Heads this book comes with a naughty twist of adult content. Set in England and penned in British English.
The Dating Ban Finding Myself One Clay Gnome at A Time by Dani Elias is a great rom-com that is going to have you laughing one second and the next you're going to be gasping. Dani has written a book that is bold, smart, and feels authentic – this is the exact type of book you want to read when it's supposed to be about figuring out your life and who you are after you thought you had your life figured out.
Ivy has her career figured out, but at 41 she's done with trying to fall in love, in fact she is now on a dating detox after way too many failed dates, including this wild foursome that she's chosen to never speak of ever again! Her adventure into self-discovery has been trying yoga and failing, making her pottery monsters, and trying baking that were more bio-hazards than anything edible. I loved Ivy, she's strong, intelligent, brave, prickly, nuanced, hilarious, kind, vulnerable, caring, and she doesn't realize just how lovable she truly is.
Theo is a cafe owner, single dad, emotionally repressed, and yet he's so very endearing. I loved him and I felt for him in his day-to-day trying to balance the espresso machines and all the bedtime meltdowns that he had to deal with daily. He was just doing the best that he could daily to keep his life and his daughter Lucy's life steady.
And he's not looking for anything either. He needs to be focused on his daughter Lucy and keeping her life steady. At least that is until Ivy comes striding into his life dragging her caffeine issues and this no-dating clause along with her. From the first moment they meet, you can feel their connection and the chemistry is off the charts. And yet, it's also complicated with both of their baggage. But, they have such amazing banter and the tension and angst that simmers under the surface of each of their meetings and conversations.
And let me tell you, this is where The Dating Ban gets its shine – yes it takes time to get here and see the shine. Theo and Lucy take the time to build a friendship but there is also a layer of flirtation between them. You watch their near-misses that give you all the feels and gut punches that take your breath away – it's all building the tension between Theo and Lucy. And Dani has written this book in such a way that you feel like you are right there in the cafe with Lucy and Theo, watching them, hearing them try to talk themselves and their hearts out of what they already know and you just want to walk over to them and give them both a good shake.
And I love how The Dating Ban isn't all about romance and love. Dani also focuses on finding yourself, self-discovery, identity, second chances, and it's about finding the true comfort in realizing that someone sees you, just as you are, and accepting you as you are. And more importantly, they don't have any intention of trying to change you into what they think you should be or what they think you should look like.
I found our secondary characters to be chaotic and yet to be a treat. We got chaotic siblings who loved to get involved in each other's lives, cheeky coworker's who could see what was going on in Ivy's life before she realized it herself, a therapist who was both wise, familiar, and yet more than just a little terrifying, and I can't forget the adorable Lucy, Theo's 5 year-old who steals every scene she's in.
I found that every secondary character added warmth, humour, and heart, to the story, they never felt like filler and they helped to keep the story moving forward.
The setting itself made me want to go and find this little quirky English town that has its cozy cafe at the centre of town. And the town feels like it's full of life and it's lived in, even if we don't get to meet everyone who lives there. And I felt like the town itself was full of warmth and charm and there were no cliches needed for this town.
And one of my biggest draws to this book was the representation it brought. I loved how Ivy is represented as a plus-sized woman who struggled in the dating world because of her looks, she had self-worth and self-confidence issues that just feel so authentic and they are the very things that I have struggled with my entire life as a plus-sized woman. I also loved that both Ivy and Theo are not kids, they are more mature and in their 40s, they both have their own baggage from the lives that they have lived, they both have their own hopes and fears just like the rest of us and that feels so realistic.
And we do get some spice and heat. The Dating Ban doesn't last forever in this book and once it is over, things get hot and they get hot and heavy fast and Dani doesn't disappoint us in the spice department.
All I can say is if you want a romance that isn't about kids in their 20s, that has mature, honest, and perfect protagonists with low stakes, I say that The Dating Ban is the book that you are searching for. It's a fun, messy, mature, hilarious, and moving book. Dani has honestly written a rom-com that will not only entertain you, but it's also going to punch you in the gut and it's going to get to you emotionally.
I highly recommend this book, The Dating Ban is such a great easy, messy, book that will make you believe in mature love again. Dani Elias has written a phenomenal rom-com that you will want to read over and over again. I can't wait to read what she writes next.
July 4, 2025
The Dating Ban is a contemporary romance featuring Ivy Gillman and Theo Corbin.
Ivy is a 41-year old urban planner who works from home. She is a serial dater who molds herself into what she thinks men want in an attempt to secure a relationship. All she wants is a family but unfortunately she can't have children.
Theo is a 43-year old former lawyer who now owns and operates and Viennese coffee house located in the same building where Ivy lives. Theo is a single father to a lovely little girl named Lucy.
Theo meets Ivy the day she comes into his cafe with her friend and is talking about having a failed foursome. Of course he can't help but overhear their conversation. Ivy, who is in therapy, has been tasked with taking a 3-month dating break in order to work on herself. She needs to stop trying to be someone she isn't as it inevitably leads to failed relationships. Ivy needs to try new things and discover who she is and what she likes.
Ivy ends up coming into the café repeatedly and she and Theo become friends. Ivy helps him out with Lucy when he's in a jam, and when she recounts her struggles with yoga, he invites her to join them for their weekly class. Theo is quite taken with Ivy and finds her funny and smart, and of course very attractive. Over time though, he decides he wants more but he is prepared to wait until her three month dating detox is completed. Unfortunately, that date doesn't exactly go as planned.
This book was a lot of fun and had me laughing throughout. It had an unexpected reverse harem start for which I was not prepared, but it led to lots of giggles. I especially loved Ivy's therapy sessions with Pee Pee. There were lots of words of wisdom, almost like having the benefit of therapy in real life. Some examples:
• You're allowing yourself to try. You're getting to know your limits.
• The point was for you to reconnect with yourself first. To unlearn some of those habits that keep you stuck in patterns that aren't working for you.
• Sometimes it's not about having it all figured out. Sometimes it's about being with the uncertainty and letting it guide you, not control you.
• Let yourself be where you are.
• It's not simple, it's just uncomplicated.
• Sometimes the most important thing you can do is let the answers come to you, instead of chasing them.
• All you can control is how you show up.
• Disappointment doesn't always mean failure. Sometimes it just means you were brave enough to try.
Don't you just love it?
As for some of those moments of laughter:
• The scene where she puts on leather pants is hysterical!
• "You look... structured." "I might put 'structurally sound' on my dating profile."
• I should say something cool. Confident. Low-key flirtatious. "You look like a woman with very powerful ankles."
• I walk like someone trying to remember how knees work.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I'm eager to discover other books by Elias. I highly recommend checking this one out!
Ivy is a 41-year old urban planner who works from home. She is a serial dater who molds herself into what she thinks men want in an attempt to secure a relationship. All she wants is a family but unfortunately she can't have children.
Theo is a 43-year old former lawyer who now owns and operates and Viennese coffee house located in the same building where Ivy lives. Theo is a single father to a lovely little girl named Lucy.
Theo meets Ivy the day she comes into his cafe with her friend and is talking about having a failed foursome. Of course he can't help but overhear their conversation. Ivy, who is in therapy, has been tasked with taking a 3-month dating break in order to work on herself. She needs to stop trying to be someone she isn't as it inevitably leads to failed relationships. Ivy needs to try new things and discover who she is and what she likes.
Ivy ends up coming into the café repeatedly and she and Theo become friends. Ivy helps him out with Lucy when he's in a jam, and when she recounts her struggles with yoga, he invites her to join them for their weekly class. Theo is quite taken with Ivy and finds her funny and smart, and of course very attractive. Over time though, he decides he wants more but he is prepared to wait until her three month dating detox is completed. Unfortunately, that date doesn't exactly go as planned.
This book was a lot of fun and had me laughing throughout. It had an unexpected reverse harem start for which I was not prepared, but it led to lots of giggles. I especially loved Ivy's therapy sessions with Pee Pee. There were lots of words of wisdom, almost like having the benefit of therapy in real life. Some examples:
• You're allowing yourself to try. You're getting to know your limits.
• The point was for you to reconnect with yourself first. To unlearn some of those habits that keep you stuck in patterns that aren't working for you.
• Sometimes it's not about having it all figured out. Sometimes it's about being with the uncertainty and letting it guide you, not control you.
• Let yourself be where you are.
• It's not simple, it's just uncomplicated.
• Sometimes the most important thing you can do is let the answers come to you, instead of chasing them.
• All you can control is how you show up.
• Disappointment doesn't always mean failure. Sometimes it just means you were brave enough to try.
Don't you just love it?
As for some of those moments of laughter:
• The scene where she puts on leather pants is hysterical!
• "You look... structured." "I might put 'structurally sound' on my dating profile."
• I should say something cool. Confident. Low-key flirtatious. "You look like a woman with very powerful ankles."
• I walk like someone trying to remember how knees work.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I'm eager to discover other books by Elias. I highly recommend checking this one out!
July 7, 2025
The Dating Ban was such a hilarious, heartwarming, and great read with bits of yummy spice and tension sprinkled in! The plot was interesting, flowed very naturally, and was written well. I loved all the characters in this book so much, and thought they all had great banter that seemed real and easy 🤍
Ivy had me from the first few sentences (made my jaw drop honestly 😂) and I only continued to love her character more as the story went on! She had me cracking up, and I loved how shy she was at times, but also how she could be bold and confident. The way she is with Lucy melted my heart 🥺 The way not only her and Theo’s relationship progresses, but also Lucy’s is heartwarming to watch 🤍 Not to mention, her and Theo have clear chemistry right from the beginning, and you can feel the slow-burn and tension between them! I also loved seeing her growth within herself so much; She wasn’t afraid to stop and think, ask herself the harder questions and also face them, which shows how strong she is. Her character was really well developed and I adored her and her gnome army 😌🤍
Theo is the absolute sweetest and he is impossible not to love! He is a ginormous green flag 😍 His and Lucy’s relationship is adorable and I love the way he parents her and is concerned about the little things, because that just shows how much he cares for her and wants the best 🤍 He would get flustered around Ivy a lot and it was super cute seeing his brain short circuit! Plus, he had me rolling on the floor with laughter at the compliments he gave Ivy at one point 😭 On the flip side, he had me crying at one point from how utterly sweet he is and how hard he is willing to work for things 🥺 He has such easy and natural conversations with Ivy, and it shows how their relationship sparked instantly. It only gets better as their story goes on, and Theo only gets sweeter too 🤍
Lucy, Lucy, Lucy 😭🤍 How do I even begin to describe how much I love this little chaotic munchkin?!? She was so funny and just adorable, while also having the cutest attitude at times! The things she said made me cackle and I loved how outspoken she is, totally not afraid to speak her mind. She is oh so very sweet, and the way she takes to Ivy immediately and has a close relationship with her dad was so heartwarming 🥹 Her little phrases and words are adorable, even though certain words, possibly a question, are emotional punches to the gut—in a good way though! She is such a cute character, and I loved her and the way she is 🤍
Ivy, Theo, and Lucy’s story has my whole heart and I love them so much!! It was heartwarming and made me cry, made me laugh a crazy amount, made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside, and the end destroyed me in the best possible way 🥹🤍 This was a funny, sweet, and a really interesting read that had such natural flowing conversation and a well written plot 🤍
Ivy had me from the first few sentences (made my jaw drop honestly 😂) and I only continued to love her character more as the story went on! She had me cracking up, and I loved how shy she was at times, but also how she could be bold and confident. The way she is with Lucy melted my heart 🥺 The way not only her and Theo’s relationship progresses, but also Lucy’s is heartwarming to watch 🤍 Not to mention, her and Theo have clear chemistry right from the beginning, and you can feel the slow-burn and tension between them! I also loved seeing her growth within herself so much; She wasn’t afraid to stop and think, ask herself the harder questions and also face them, which shows how strong she is. Her character was really well developed and I adored her and her gnome army 😌🤍
Theo is the absolute sweetest and he is impossible not to love! He is a ginormous green flag 😍 His and Lucy’s relationship is adorable and I love the way he parents her and is concerned about the little things, because that just shows how much he cares for her and wants the best 🤍 He would get flustered around Ivy a lot and it was super cute seeing his brain short circuit! Plus, he had me rolling on the floor with laughter at the compliments he gave Ivy at one point 😭 On the flip side, he had me crying at one point from how utterly sweet he is and how hard he is willing to work for things 🥺 He has such easy and natural conversations with Ivy, and it shows how their relationship sparked instantly. It only gets better as their story goes on, and Theo only gets sweeter too 🤍
Lucy, Lucy, Lucy 😭🤍 How do I even begin to describe how much I love this little chaotic munchkin?!? She was so funny and just adorable, while also having the cutest attitude at times! The things she said made me cackle and I loved how outspoken she is, totally not afraid to speak her mind. She is oh so very sweet, and the way she takes to Ivy immediately and has a close relationship with her dad was so heartwarming 🥹 Her little phrases and words are adorable, even though certain words, possibly a question, are emotional punches to the gut—in a good way though! She is such a cute character, and I loved her and the way she is 🤍
Ivy, Theo, and Lucy’s story has my whole heart and I love them so much!! It was heartwarming and made me cry, made me laugh a crazy amount, made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside, and the end destroyed me in the best possible way 🥹🤍 This was a funny, sweet, and a really interesting read that had such natural flowing conversation and a well written plot 🤍
May 9, 2025
The Dating Ban is the kind of romcom that makes you snort-laugh one minute and clutch your chest the next. It’s bold, smart, messy, and gloriously real—exactly what you want in a story about figuring out who you are after life was supposed to already make sense.
At 41, Ivy isn’t trying to fall in love—she’s trying to survive a dating detox after a series of disasters (including a wild foursome situation she’s right to never speak of again). Her journey into “self-discovery” is equal parts yoga fails, pottery monstrosities, and baking that could double as biohazards. She’s prickly, hilarious, vulnerable, and far more loveable than she gives herself credit for.
Enter Theo—single dad, café owner, emotionally repressed in a very endearing way. He’s juggling espresso machines and bedtime meltdowns, doing his best to keep life steady for his daughter, Lucy. He’s not looking for anything either… until Ivy barges into his world like a whirlwind with caffeine issues and a no-dating clause. Their connection is instant but complicated, laced with banter that crackles and tension that simmers under every exchange.
This is where The Dating Ban really shines—it takes its time. The friendship, the flirtation, the near-misses, the emotional gut punches—it all builds. You feel like you’re right there in the café, watching two people try to talk themselves out of something their hearts already know. And it’s not just about romance. It’s about identity, second chances, and the unexpected comfort of someone seeing you, exactly as you are.
The supporting cast is a total treat—chaotic siblings, cheeky coworkers, a therapist who is both wise and vaguely terrifying, and of course, Lucy, the five-year-old scene stealer. Every character adds to the humor and warmth without feeling like filler. And the setting—a quirky English town with a cozy café at the center—feels lived in, full of charm without leaning on clichés.
The book also deserves major props for its representation. Ivy is a plus-size woman navigating dating and self-worth in a way that feels authentic, not tokenized. Both leads are in their 40s, carrying baggage, fears, and hope like the rest of us. The spice? Let’s just say the ban doesn’t last forever—and when it breaks, things get very fun, very fast.
If you’re tired of twenty-something love stories with perfect protagonists and low stakes, The Dating Ban is the antidote. It’s messy, mature, hilarious, and genuinely moving. Dani Elias has written a romcom that doesn’t just entertain—it gets you.
At 41, Ivy isn’t trying to fall in love—she’s trying to survive a dating detox after a series of disasters (including a wild foursome situation she’s right to never speak of again). Her journey into “self-discovery” is equal parts yoga fails, pottery monstrosities, and baking that could double as biohazards. She’s prickly, hilarious, vulnerable, and far more loveable than she gives herself credit for.
Enter Theo—single dad, café owner, emotionally repressed in a very endearing way. He’s juggling espresso machines and bedtime meltdowns, doing his best to keep life steady for his daughter, Lucy. He’s not looking for anything either… until Ivy barges into his world like a whirlwind with caffeine issues and a no-dating clause. Their connection is instant but complicated, laced with banter that crackles and tension that simmers under every exchange.
This is where The Dating Ban really shines—it takes its time. The friendship, the flirtation, the near-misses, the emotional gut punches—it all builds. You feel like you’re right there in the café, watching two people try to talk themselves out of something their hearts already know. And it’s not just about romance. It’s about identity, second chances, and the unexpected comfort of someone seeing you, exactly as you are.
The supporting cast is a total treat—chaotic siblings, cheeky coworkers, a therapist who is both wise and vaguely terrifying, and of course, Lucy, the five-year-old scene stealer. Every character adds to the humor and warmth without feeling like filler. And the setting—a quirky English town with a cozy café at the center—feels lived in, full of charm without leaning on clichés.
The book also deserves major props for its representation. Ivy is a plus-size woman navigating dating and self-worth in a way that feels authentic, not tokenized. Both leads are in their 40s, carrying baggage, fears, and hope like the rest of us. The spice? Let’s just say the ban doesn’t last forever—and when it breaks, things get very fun, very fast.
If you’re tired of twenty-something love stories with perfect protagonists and low stakes, The Dating Ban is the antidote. It’s messy, mature, hilarious, and genuinely moving. Dani Elias has written a romcom that doesn’t just entertain—it gets you.
December 10, 2025
𝐅𝐚𝐛𝐮𝐥𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐥𝐲 𝐄𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲, 𝐍𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 & 𝐋𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐧🎧
The Dating Ban: Finding Myself
Mind the Corbin Brothers Book 1
By: Dani Elias
Narrated by: Roxy Isles, Benjamin Crow
This story and audiobook certainly has the wow factor, and I loved everything about it, from the author’s wonderful writing style and way with words to the fabulous characters and storylines she created to the perfectly cast narrators who brought it all to life, from the pages to your ears. Ivy’s personal life is spinning out of control, and her therapist recommends a dating ban after all the disastrous dates she has been on, and the one that starts off the story is a real doozy of a date, times four. And just when she stops looking, she meets him, Theo, the single dad of a darling five-year-old daughter, Lucy, and the barista/owner of a new Viennese cafe. Their first meet was cute, and despite it not going anywhere, dating ban and all, the two became good friends, or rather, the three, because Lucy is part of the picture and a real scene stealer. I adored these characters, and the side characters were just as amazing, her friend and his brothers. The witty dialogue and banter and hilarious scenes were charming and added a lot to the story, gnomes included. I loved all the layers of this story and how it all played out with the perfect balance of drama, low on the angst, high on the humor and the heart, the chemistry brewing for a wonderful and meant to be romance. The writing, plot and world building are fantastic, as are the character growth and development. Dani Elias, thank you for this fabulous story, the laughs and the emotional rollercoaster ride.
🎧📚🎧 Roxy Isles and Benjamin Crow did an amazing job voicing the characters, and I loved how they took each role and made it their own, sounding believable and just as I imagined the characters to sound. Isles nailed it as Ivy, grasping every aspect of her personality, from her insecurities to her quirkiness and witty snark to her strength and determination, and her Lucy was great too. Crow was just as fabulous as Theo, showcasing his personality perfectly. Both were fantastic at performing the roles of the side/secondary characters, his brothers and her friend included. They set the ideal tone for the story, handled the witty dialogue naturally and with ease, landing the humor effortlessly. Their expressive performance conveyed all the characters’ emotions and had you feeling them all. It is a joy to listen to these two entertaining storytellers, and their enthralling performance keeps you glued to the story.
The Dating Ban: Finding Myself
Mind the Corbin Brothers Book 1
By: Dani Elias
Narrated by: Roxy Isles, Benjamin Crow
This story and audiobook certainly has the wow factor, and I loved everything about it, from the author’s wonderful writing style and way with words to the fabulous characters and storylines she created to the perfectly cast narrators who brought it all to life, from the pages to your ears. Ivy’s personal life is spinning out of control, and her therapist recommends a dating ban after all the disastrous dates she has been on, and the one that starts off the story is a real doozy of a date, times four. And just when she stops looking, she meets him, Theo, the single dad of a darling five-year-old daughter, Lucy, and the barista/owner of a new Viennese cafe. Their first meet was cute, and despite it not going anywhere, dating ban and all, the two became good friends, or rather, the three, because Lucy is part of the picture and a real scene stealer. I adored these characters, and the side characters were just as amazing, her friend and his brothers. The witty dialogue and banter and hilarious scenes were charming and added a lot to the story, gnomes included. I loved all the layers of this story and how it all played out with the perfect balance of drama, low on the angst, high on the humor and the heart, the chemistry brewing for a wonderful and meant to be romance. The writing, plot and world building are fantastic, as are the character growth and development. Dani Elias, thank you for this fabulous story, the laughs and the emotional rollercoaster ride.
🎧📚🎧 Roxy Isles and Benjamin Crow did an amazing job voicing the characters, and I loved how they took each role and made it their own, sounding believable and just as I imagined the characters to sound. Isles nailed it as Ivy, grasping every aspect of her personality, from her insecurities to her quirkiness and witty snark to her strength and determination, and her Lucy was great too. Crow was just as fabulous as Theo, showcasing his personality perfectly. Both were fantastic at performing the roles of the side/secondary characters, his brothers and her friend included. They set the ideal tone for the story, handled the witty dialogue naturally and with ease, landing the humor effortlessly. Their expressive performance conveyed all the characters’ emotions and had you feeling them all. It is a joy to listen to these two entertaining storytellers, and their enthralling performance keeps you glued to the story.
July 11, 2025
𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: 5.0 ⭐
𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐞: 2.0 🌶️
In this story we meet Ivy who is exasperated with her dating life post-divorce. At 41, she wants something serious and real. To help her, her therapist suggest that Ivy go on a dating ban: three months with no dating, no relationships and no flings. During this ban, Ivy meets Theo, a single dad who has just opened a new coffee shop near her home. Ivy and Theo have an instant connection and undeniable chemistry. Now, they must navigate life as Ivy is determined to stick to the dating ban, find herself, and become a better person. Will Ivy break her dating ban for Theo or will the fire burning between them be too difficult to deny?
This was such a great read. It was funny and I loved the characters. The banter between Ivy and Theo was great and little Lucy was such a joy. I loved how dedicated Ivy was to finding herself and trying new things. No matter how overwhelming or scary things got, she stuck with it. The different things she tried, from gnome making, to Yoga, to camping, to baking, had me rooting for her but also laughing up a storm when things ended up going a little crazy for her.
Theo was the ultimate dad. He was so loving and caring and encouraging to little Lucy. I loved the way he cared for her and protected her while allowing her to think independently and dream without borders. Uncle Geoff and Jasper were also great additions to the story.
Ivy and Theo were great together. I loved that they took time to develop their friendship. Ivy’s biggest issue while dating before was that she always tried to be what she thought others wanted her to be. With her friendship with Theo, she was able to be herself. Theo’s patience and understanding during this time was beautiful and when they finally got together, it was so amazing to see.
The ending scene between Lucy and Ivy brought tears to my eyes. I just loved that both of their dreams got to become a reality. Even though Ivy had to kiss a lot of frogs before finding her prince, I am so happy that she got her happily ever after.
Overall this was a great read that I highly recommend.
🆆🅷🅰🆃 🆃🅾 🅴🆇🅿🅴🅲🆃
☕ Sassy Banter
🧘♀️ Terrible Yoga
🍞 Even Worse Baking
🙅♀️ A Curvy FMC Who’s Had Enough
👨 A Dorky MMC with a killer Mélange
🌶️ And a “Foursome Incident” That Shall Never Be Spoken of Again
𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐞: 2.0 🌶️
In this story we meet Ivy who is exasperated with her dating life post-divorce. At 41, she wants something serious and real. To help her, her therapist suggest that Ivy go on a dating ban: three months with no dating, no relationships and no flings. During this ban, Ivy meets Theo, a single dad who has just opened a new coffee shop near her home. Ivy and Theo have an instant connection and undeniable chemistry. Now, they must navigate life as Ivy is determined to stick to the dating ban, find herself, and become a better person. Will Ivy break her dating ban for Theo or will the fire burning between them be too difficult to deny?
This was such a great read. It was funny and I loved the characters. The banter between Ivy and Theo was great and little Lucy was such a joy. I loved how dedicated Ivy was to finding herself and trying new things. No matter how overwhelming or scary things got, she stuck with it. The different things she tried, from gnome making, to Yoga, to camping, to baking, had me rooting for her but also laughing up a storm when things ended up going a little crazy for her.
Theo was the ultimate dad. He was so loving and caring and encouraging to little Lucy. I loved the way he cared for her and protected her while allowing her to think independently and dream without borders. Uncle Geoff and Jasper were also great additions to the story.
Ivy and Theo were great together. I loved that they took time to develop their friendship. Ivy’s biggest issue while dating before was that she always tried to be what she thought others wanted her to be. With her friendship with Theo, she was able to be herself. Theo’s patience and understanding during this time was beautiful and when they finally got together, it was so amazing to see.
The ending scene between Lucy and Ivy brought tears to my eyes. I just loved that both of their dreams got to become a reality. Even though Ivy had to kiss a lot of frogs before finding her prince, I am so happy that she got her happily ever after.
Overall this was a great read that I highly recommend.
🆆🅷🅰🆃 🆃🅾 🅴🆇🅿🅴🅲🆃
☕ Sassy Banter
🧘♀️ Terrible Yoga
🍞 Even Worse Baking
🙅♀️ A Curvy FMC Who’s Had Enough
👨 A Dorky MMC with a killer Mélange
🌶️ And a “Foursome Incident” That Shall Never Be Spoken of Again
August 3, 2025
Rating:
4.5 ⭐
1.5 🔥
This book starts off with a foursome that goes hilariously wrong and somehow gets funnier from there. Ivy’s first meeting with Theo is him overhearing her describing the disastrous foursome and he can’t help but be fascinated with this woman with no filter. Ivy’s journey of self discovery has her taking up yoga, making gnomes with clay, baking and camping. Most of her experiences with these new hobbies provided additional comedic moments, but the way Theo embraces Ivy and all her quirks was a huge green flag. Although the friendship and relationship that develops between them is the backbone of the story, the banter and comedic parts were the highlight for me. I also really loved the interactions between Ivy and Lucy. The little girl is a firecracker and Ivy takes her antics in stride. This was my first Dani Elias book but I already pre-ordered the next one to keep up with the stories of Theo’s brothers.
Read this if you love:
☕ Hilarious RomCom
💕 Single Dad
☕ Plus-size FMC
💕 Friends to Lovers
☕ Slow Burn
I loved the opening of the book and the realization Ivy came to that her fantasy of a foursome and the reality were two very different things. Her self confidence took at hit when her husband left her and she has been struggling with the fact that she makes herself into whatever she thinks a man she's dating wants. Despite her determination to stick to her three month dating ban, Ivy knows that things with Theo are different than her past relationships. That being said, I loved that she didn't just abandon her journey to discover herself. She spends time with Theo and Lucy as friends and sticking to that allows them to really build a foundation for a relationship. Theo is everything that Ivy needs and supports all of her crazy ideas and plans.
There were so many parts of this book that had me laughing out loud but I just about died during a scene where they go on their first real date. Despite months of being friends, they are both hilariously awkward and at one point Theo is trying to compliment her and says "You look like a woman with very powerful ankles" and at that point I spit water all over my phone and choked laughing. The entire book was great and I strongly recommend it!
Thank you so much to Dani Elias and Happily Booked PR for the ARC of this story.
4.5 ⭐
1.5 🔥
This book starts off with a foursome that goes hilariously wrong and somehow gets funnier from there. Ivy’s first meeting with Theo is him overhearing her describing the disastrous foursome and he can’t help but be fascinated with this woman with no filter. Ivy’s journey of self discovery has her taking up yoga, making gnomes with clay, baking and camping. Most of her experiences with these new hobbies provided additional comedic moments, but the way Theo embraces Ivy and all her quirks was a huge green flag. Although the friendship and relationship that develops between them is the backbone of the story, the banter and comedic parts were the highlight for me. I also really loved the interactions between Ivy and Lucy. The little girl is a firecracker and Ivy takes her antics in stride. This was my first Dani Elias book but I already pre-ordered the next one to keep up with the stories of Theo’s brothers.
Read this if you love:
☕ Hilarious RomCom
💕 Single Dad
☕ Plus-size FMC
💕 Friends to Lovers
☕ Slow Burn
I loved the opening of the book and the realization Ivy came to that her fantasy of a foursome and the reality were two very different things. Her self confidence took at hit when her husband left her and she has been struggling with the fact that she makes herself into whatever she thinks a man she's dating wants. Despite her determination to stick to her three month dating ban, Ivy knows that things with Theo are different than her past relationships. That being said, I loved that she didn't just abandon her journey to discover herself. She spends time with Theo and Lucy as friends and sticking to that allows them to really build a foundation for a relationship. Theo is everything that Ivy needs and supports all of her crazy ideas and plans.
There were so many parts of this book that had me laughing out loud but I just about died during a scene where they go on their first real date. Despite months of being friends, they are both hilariously awkward and at one point Theo is trying to compliment her and says "You look like a woman with very powerful ankles" and at that point I spit water all over my phone and choked laughing. The entire book was great and I strongly recommend it!
Thank you so much to Dani Elias and Happily Booked PR for the ARC of this story.
July 5, 2025
Wow this book was amazing it part of 2 book series called the mind the Corbin brothers and it’s has spicy in here. It’s a rom-com it’s a hot single dad and I couldn’t put this book down and yeah it releases on 11 July and it’s 99p on kindle edition wow thank you again dani for letting me be part of ARC team here is the blurb
Finding yourself gets complicated when someone else finds you first.
Ivy
At forty-one, my career as an Urban Planner is on track, but my personal life? A total car crash. After one too many terrible dates (and a foursome mishap that shall never be mentioned again), my therapist handed me a three-month dating ban. Apparently, I’m supposed to “focus on myself,” which so far includes yoga I’m terrible at, clay work that looks like it was done by a four-year-old, and a baking attempt that produced something akin to cat vomit. But I’m determined to stick to the plan and so the last thing I need is the nosy café owner with the cheeky smile setting up camp in my dreams.
Theo
Life as a single dad means keeping up with Lucy, my 5-year-old tornado who can charm free biscuits out of strangers faster than I can make a flat white. Between running my Viennese café and bedtime negotiations that rival UN peace talks, I don’t exactly have time for complications. Then Ivy shows up, all sass and determination, ranting about her therapist’s odd rules and ordering coffee like it’s a science experiment. The curvy beauty is funny, clever, and unexpectedly refreshing to have around. She is a friend I never knew I needed… just a friend. Then my meddling brothers put all sorts of ideas in my head and that’s just so not what I need.
Prepare for a laugh-out-loud romcom bursting with quirky characters, cheeky banter and enough chemistry to steam up your coffee. Meet our unconventional leads: a chaotic plus-size FMC and a dorky single dad MMC, both in their 40s and ready to embrace life's curveballs. With twists and turns so funny they'll have you snorting your tea, this story proves it's never too late for a bit of delightful chaos.
Heads up: this book comes with a naughty twist of adult content.
Finding yourself gets complicated when someone else finds you first.
Ivy
At forty-one, my career as an Urban Planner is on track, but my personal life? A total car crash. After one too many terrible dates (and a foursome mishap that shall never be mentioned again), my therapist handed me a three-month dating ban. Apparently, I’m supposed to “focus on myself,” which so far includes yoga I’m terrible at, clay work that looks like it was done by a four-year-old, and a baking attempt that produced something akin to cat vomit. But I’m determined to stick to the plan and so the last thing I need is the nosy café owner with the cheeky smile setting up camp in my dreams.
Theo
Life as a single dad means keeping up with Lucy, my 5-year-old tornado who can charm free biscuits out of strangers faster than I can make a flat white. Between running my Viennese café and bedtime negotiations that rival UN peace talks, I don’t exactly have time for complications. Then Ivy shows up, all sass and determination, ranting about her therapist’s odd rules and ordering coffee like it’s a science experiment. The curvy beauty is funny, clever, and unexpectedly refreshing to have around. She is a friend I never knew I needed… just a friend. Then my meddling brothers put all sorts of ideas in my head and that’s just so not what I need.
Prepare for a laugh-out-loud romcom bursting with quirky characters, cheeky banter and enough chemistry to steam up your coffee. Meet our unconventional leads: a chaotic plus-size FMC and a dorky single dad MMC, both in their 40s and ready to embrace life's curveballs. With twists and turns so funny they'll have you snorting your tea, this story proves it's never too late for a bit of delightful chaos.
Heads up: this book comes with a naughty twist of adult content.
July 9, 2025
This book started with a bang… literally. I actually had to flip back just to double-i had the right book—because whoa, what an opening. It hooks you immediately, and from that moment, I knew I was in for a ride.
Ivy is us. She’s every one of us who’s stared into the fridge, determined to make healthy choices, only to immediately regret every life decision that led us there. I’m a sucker for a plus-size FMC, and Ivy is written with such realness and humor that you can’t help but root for her from page one.
Enter Theo: ex-lawyer, single dad, and coffee shop owner. The triple threat I didn’t know I needed. His dynamic with Ivy? Chef’s kiss. But what really rounds out the book is the banter. Every secondary character brings something to the story. It’s like hanging out with a group of hilarious, chaotic friends you secretly wish were yours. Can we get a brother with Ivy’s BESTIE?
And let’s talk about the chapter titles. 🤌🏼 Pure art. They had me laughing hard!
The nostalgic bits hit hard too—especially the genius use of thunder and lightning being explained as bowling. That little touch transported me back to childhood in a way I didn’t expect. So simple, yet so affecting.
By the time I finished the book, I had thoroughly convinced myself that I, too, belonged in London. Maybe in a cozy flat above a coffee shop. Maybe with a nerdy ex-lawyer.
What makes this story really shine, though, is how Ivy, Theo, and his daughter Lucy feel like they were made for each other. They’re the kind of found-family trio that fits together like missing puzzle pieces. It’s heartwarming, messy, funny, and so, so satisfying.
And this line? “Parenting,” he says, “is 75% bribery and 25% bluffing.” I have never related to anything more in my life.
Bottom line: this book is full of charm, chaos, comfort, and chemistry. You’ll laugh, you’ll swoon, and you might even end up checking flights to London.
Tropes:
❤️Plus Size FMC
☕Single Dad
❤️Slow Burn
☕MCs in their 40s
❤️Romcom
☕Steamy
❤️Dual POV
☕Lots and lots of banter
Ivy is us. She’s every one of us who’s stared into the fridge, determined to make healthy choices, only to immediately regret every life decision that led us there. I’m a sucker for a plus-size FMC, and Ivy is written with such realness and humor that you can’t help but root for her from page one.
Enter Theo: ex-lawyer, single dad, and coffee shop owner. The triple threat I didn’t know I needed. His dynamic with Ivy? Chef’s kiss. But what really rounds out the book is the banter. Every secondary character brings something to the story. It’s like hanging out with a group of hilarious, chaotic friends you secretly wish were yours. Can we get a brother with Ivy’s BESTIE?
And let’s talk about the chapter titles. 🤌🏼 Pure art. They had me laughing hard!
The nostalgic bits hit hard too—especially the genius use of thunder and lightning being explained as bowling. That little touch transported me back to childhood in a way I didn’t expect. So simple, yet so affecting.
By the time I finished the book, I had thoroughly convinced myself that I, too, belonged in London. Maybe in a cozy flat above a coffee shop. Maybe with a nerdy ex-lawyer.
What makes this story really shine, though, is how Ivy, Theo, and his daughter Lucy feel like they were made for each other. They’re the kind of found-family trio that fits together like missing puzzle pieces. It’s heartwarming, messy, funny, and so, so satisfying.
And this line? “Parenting,” he says, “is 75% bribery and 25% bluffing.” I have never related to anything more in my life.
Bottom line: this book is full of charm, chaos, comfort, and chemistry. You’ll laugh, you’ll swoon, and you might even end up checking flights to London.
Tropes:
❤️Plus Size FMC
☕Single Dad
❤️Slow Burn
☕MCs in their 40s
❤️Romcom
☕Steamy
❤️Dual POV
☕Lots and lots of banter
July 3, 2025
One of the funniest opening scenes I think I have ever read. Honestly I laughed from the first line but still felt all Ivy's pain and embarrassment. Bravo Dani!
Thank you to Dani Elias and Book Funnel for an AEC of this hilarious book.
This book was so fun to read - so fun that it took me less than two days to read it. I couldn't put it down.
The slow burn with Ivy and Theo was exquisite - their banter was top notch. I laughed out loud so much and it made me smile.
Ivy: sweet, funny, confident despite the last few years of heartache, smart, solid, but vulnerable.
Theo: also sweet, also funny, compasionate, loving, single dad who is also vulnerable and kind.
It wasn't super spicy, but that didn't affect the heat of the story - it flowed nicely with intent, and in some cases, that works. It worked here so well.
Dani did a wonderful job of making their vulnerabilities real and understandable, and her quick-witted banter and flawless character building - and this includes both brothers and Christa because I want all their stories! I also can't wait to read more Lucy - she was written with care and love and you can feel the pull she has for both Ivy and Theo.
Now let's talk about Pee Pee - or Phylis - Ivy's therapist, who suggests the dating ban. She was written without stereotype and I appreciated that. She injected a bit of brevity into the story but also words of wisdom. I enjoyed all Ivy's scenes with her and appreciated the author didn't make her change Ivy, just steer her back to her real self.
I am looking forward to more from the author - Jasper and Geoff need HEAs and Christa needs an origin story (if there already is one then disregard - this is a new author for me so have not delved into her back catalogue).
I really did have fun reading this and can wholeheartedly recommend it to yo if you like your romance slow and cozy with a delicious slow burn. Enjoy!
Thank you to Dani Elias and Book Funnel for an AEC of this hilarious book.
This book was so fun to read - so fun that it took me less than two days to read it. I couldn't put it down.
The slow burn with Ivy and Theo was exquisite - their banter was top notch. I laughed out loud so much and it made me smile.
Ivy: sweet, funny, confident despite the last few years of heartache, smart, solid, but vulnerable.
Theo: also sweet, also funny, compasionate, loving, single dad who is also vulnerable and kind.
It wasn't super spicy, but that didn't affect the heat of the story - it flowed nicely with intent, and in some cases, that works. It worked here so well.
Dani did a wonderful job of making their vulnerabilities real and understandable, and her quick-witted banter and flawless character building - and this includes both brothers and Christa because I want all their stories! I also can't wait to read more Lucy - she was written with care and love and you can feel the pull she has for both Ivy and Theo.
Now let's talk about Pee Pee - or Phylis - Ivy's therapist, who suggests the dating ban. She was written without stereotype and I appreciated that. She injected a bit of brevity into the story but also words of wisdom. I enjoyed all Ivy's scenes with her and appreciated the author didn't make her change Ivy, just steer her back to her real self.
I am looking forward to more from the author - Jasper and Geoff need HEAs and Christa needs an origin story (if there already is one then disregard - this is a new author for me so have not delved into her back catalogue).
I really did have fun reading this and can wholeheartedly recommend it to yo if you like your romance slow and cozy with a delicious slow burn. Enjoy!
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