Let's F*cking Date: Become the Prize, Enjoy the Ride, and Never Settle Again

by Serena Kerrigan

“A refreshingly honest approach to modern dating . . . Serena Kerrigan is the big sister you never had, and this book is the friend who grabs your hand and tells you like it is. Consider this your reminder to raise your standards.”—Paige DeSorbo, New York Times bestselling author of How to Giggle

From the content creator, entrepreneur, and voice that over a million women swear by comes the only dating book that will give you a hug and a slap in the face.

“I think I just need to be more chill.” “He said he didn’t want commitment and then got a girlfriend two months later.” “I’m running out of time.” “Everyone I know is engaged and I can’t get a second date.”

If you’ve said any of these to your therapist, your group chat, or yourself at 1 AM, this book is for you.

Let’s F*cking Date is the dating bible for women who want love, have standards, and are done apologizing for either. With laugh-out-loud humor and hard-won wisdom from years of getting it wrong, Serena Kerrigan covers everything from building an unshakeable foundation on your own to making love actually last.

This isn’t another “just manifest the right person” book. It gives you real tools:
• The List: separate your non-negotiables from your ego and stop chasing the wrong thing.
• The 3P Theory: categorize every date as Potential, Practice, or Plot (so you stop overinvesting in Plot).
• The Roster: date multiple people without losing your mind or your morals.
• The F*ck No Funeral: a ritual for burying the situationship you should’ve ended three months ago.
• The Glue: what actually holds a relationship together when the newness fades (and you’re arguing about the thermostat).

You’re already the prize. Now act like it.

Genres: Self Help, Nonfiction, Relationships, Audiobook

368 pages, Hardcover

Published September 22, 2026

About the author

Serena Kerrigan—known to most as SFK—is the founder of Let’s F*cking Date, which started as a digital series and turned into a bestselling card game franchise, sold-out live shows, and a global community of over a million people. She is a Duke University graduate, a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, and the creator and star of the Peacock series Older, Hotter, Wiser. This is her first book. She lives in New York with her mini dachshund, Pancho.

Reviews

[Jan · Rating 4.25 out of 5]

disguised as a book about dating, there’s a great underlying message about advocating for yourself, speaking your needs, and giving yourself an honest chance at a fulfilling life (partner optional)

[Cassie Incledon · Rating 5 out of 5]

periodddddddd

[Charles Binion · Rating 3 out of 5]

I went into “Let’s Fcking Date,” knowing full well that I’m not the book’s intended audience, and I think that’s important context for this review. I’m a gay man, while this book is very clearly written for women navigating heterosexual dating, so there were naturally parts that weren’t going to resonate with me.

That said, I had mixed feelings about it.

At its core, I think Serena Kerrigan’s message is pretty straightforward: stop dating losers, know your worth, and raise your standards. I agree with that 100%. There’s nothing wrong with encouraging women to recognize bad behavior, stop settling, and be more intentional about who they give their time and energy to.

I also think this could be a really useful book for younger women, particularly those in college or just starting to navigate dating. A lot of the advice feels geared toward that stage of life, and the tone makes it approachable and entertaining.

Where I struggled was that the book sometimes felt like a lot of book for not quite enough substance. There’s plenty of personality, catchphrases, frameworks, and confidence-forward messaging, but I found myself wanting more practical advice. There wasn’t as much discussion about how someone who lacks confidence actually builds it, how to get more matches on dating apps, how to put yourself out there when you’re not naturally getting dates, or even how to approach someone you’re interested in at a bar or in real life.

Instead, much of the advice seemed to assume that you’re already getting dates and your primary problem is choosing the right person. That’s certainly a problem some people have, but it isn’t the only dating problem.

At times, the tone also felt a little “pick-me” to me, and I couldn’t help thinking that Kerrigan is positioning herself as something of a 2026 version of Carrie Bradshaw: the charismatic, hyper-dating-aware woman whose experiences become the framework through which everyone else is supposed to navigate modern dating. There’s certainly an audience for that voice, and I can see why it works for a lot of women.

For me, though, it felt like a fairly simple premise stretched into a full-length book. Don’t date losers. Know your worth. Have standards. All good advice - I just wanted a little more depth and a little more help with the messy question of how you actually get from being frustrated with dating to having better dating experiences.

[Domenique Barbaro · Rating 5 out of 5]

All my single ladies (and even ladies in relationships) need to read this! This was insanely good!!!

[Grace Dempsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

gonna start quoting pages and chapters like the bible.

[Maddie Small · Rating 5 out of 5]

This woman is a wizard & honestly reminds women of how worthy, wonderful, and great they are! She encourages women to raise the standards, stand their ground, & always remember they're the Prize. The perfect dating bible.

[Jordana Binstock · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading this book and spent half the time just nodding my head like, “YES. EXACTLY.” It made me feel so much less alone in some of the experiences I’ve had with dating, while also teaching me how much of a mindset shift can change the way I approach it.

The single girlies NEED this book ASAP. It’ genuinely changed the way I look at dating, relationships, and myself, and I feel like I’m walking away with a completely different perspective.

Honestly… I’m actually excited to start dating again?! Which is saying A LOT

[Sydelle Bernstein · Rating 5 out of 5]

Serena is an absolute genius. First and foremost, she writes from the heart, and as a girl navigating my 20s, I cannot explain how deeply this book resonated with me. So many of the experiences, thoughts, and feelings she describes are things I genuinely thought I was alone in experiencing. Reading this book made me feel so much less alone in this dating scene and also made me REFRAME my mentality (confidence comes from within!!)

While so many dating books focus primarily on giving practical advice, Serena does something that goes far beyond that. Yes, she offers incredible insights and advice, but more importantly, she makes you feel seen, heard, and understood. And she somehow manages to do it all while making you laugh out loud.

She has such a gift for bringing humor, honesty, and confidence to experiences that can otherwise feel confusing, overwhelming, or isolating. I walked away not only with a new perspective on dating, but also feeling more confident in myself and reassured that I’m not the only one figuring it all out!!!!! Every date serves one of the 3 P’s btw (truest theory ever and I will be telling this to everyone).

I truly cannot recommend this book enough. Serena is an absolute gem, and this book feels like having a hilarious, wise, and incredibly relatable older sister cheering you on. ❤️

[Emma Fritsch · Rating 4 out of 5]

I actually really enjoyed this book. Some parts were a little cringe or redundant, but overall I liked it! There were a lot of good reminders in it, & I feel like I’ll come back to it when I’m in different stages of relationships in the future. For now the single section really spoke to me hahaha 🩷 I love getting wisdom from someone you can tell is confident in who they are & has had lots of different experiences

[anna k finnell · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

read this in partnership with and support of my bff! i have always liked SFK and appreciate her perspective on love and dating. even in a committed relationship not planning to date anytime soon, i found parts helpful, inspiring, and thought-provoking. we are all The Prize!

[Morgan Holland · Rating 4 out of 5]

First audiobook ever
Listening while walking along the lake in the fresh air hit every time 👏🏻

[Whisprose · Rating 0.25 out of 5]

DNF. first ai-written book I've encountered. :(

[Liz Delaney · Rating 4 out of 5]

saw the hype about this and had to see for myself! Audiobooked it so easy to digest and think this is great for any woman whether single or in a relationship there’s something for everyone. It’s not entirely a dating book, but more about being your best self so this is a great reflection piece :)

[Taylor Jacobs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am ashamed to even admit I read this book. But what’s the point of reading a book if it doesn’t count towards your goodreads goal ya know?

As a rule of thumb I give all* memoirs 5 stars bc I feel bad. This book was fine. It was not good, it was not bad. Parts of it were helpful reminders as a single girl in NYC. whatever it’s over now. Goodbye.

[CeliaMarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a girl who wears ambition and hustle as a shield, Let's Fucking Date held up a mirror I really needed to look into. Serena's writing is witty, relatable, and really fucking honest. Modern dating isn't for the faint of heart, but Let's Fucking Date reminds us it's also not hopeless and to find it you need to "uncross your arms and fix your face" or you're not going to find it. This book will empower you to look at the relationships in your life (including the one with yourself) differently, from a place of confidence and honesty. If you're a woman in your 20s, get a copy and share it with a friend when you're done.

[Sydney Reibman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have SO much to say about Let’s F*cking Date…

Getting an advanced copy of this book by Serena Kerrigan was genuinely such a pinch-me moment. Not only was I so lucky to receive it early, but I was hooked from the literal second I picked it up. And because one read wasn’t enough, when my official copy arrived on release day, I immediately reread it all over again!

There’s something so special about SFK’s voice and perspective in this book. I finished it feeling entertained, inspired, refreshed, empowered, and reminded of how important it is to be confident, know your worth, and go after the life you want. Even though I’m no longer single being newly married, every sentiment in this book still hits just as hard. Serena has such a magnetic personality, that made me a huge fan of hers to begin with, and it is shown on each and every page. Every piece of this book is so unapologetically SFK, and I’m obsessed.

It takes talent for writing to make you laugh, think, and look at things a little differently, all while reminding you to show up for yourself.

This book is truly everything and MORE. Serena, you created something so f*cking special - Congrats on this incredible book! GO GET YOUR COPY NOW 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[Hunter MacDonald · Rating 4.25 out of 5]

I loved how authentic, real, and unapologetic this book was. Serena Kerrigan has such a no-BS voice and tells it to you straight, which I really appreciate. She understands how hard dating in your 20s can be, but also the different narratives we as women tell ourselves along the way, and I appreciated her touching on that. I resonated with so many of her experiences and found myself highlighting soooo many passages throughout the book. I already know I’ll be coming back to them whenever I need a little reminder or boost of confidence. My one critique is that I enjoyed the first two-thirds of the book more than the final third. I found her earlier takes more original and insightful, whereas the last section felt a bit more generic and covered advice I’d heard before. That said, I really do believe every girl who has experienced the trials and tribulations of dating should read this book. There’s so much to take away from it, and I loved how refreshingly honest she was throughout.

PS: I am SO happy we can finally give 0.25 and 0.5 stars on Goodreads. I've been waiting SO long for this update lol.

[Casey M · Rating 5 out of 5]

I DEVOURED this book and, quite frankly, I’d like to know why someone didn’t hand me this dating bible sooner. Consider me spiritually, emotionally, and mildly sexually awakened.
Serena, you put your WHOLE damn heart into this book and it shows. It’s like having the funniest, most unfiltered girlfriend sitting across from you at brunch, ordering another round and saying, “Babe… absolutely fucking not. You deserve better.”

Every page had me highlighting, laughing, nodding aggressively, and occasionally feeling personally attacked. In the best way.

This isn’t just a book about dating. It’s about standards, confidence, knowing your worth, and refusing to audition for a role in someone else’s life when you should be the fucking lead. And honestly? Carrie Bradshaw would have this book dog-eared on her nightstand while Samantha would be handing copies out at brunch.

It’s officially a BIBLE. 📖💋

Making all my girlfriends buy this immediately because if I have to watch one more woman text a man “hey stranger” after he disappeared for three weeks, I’m staging an intervention.

SFK, you deserve ALL the roses. 🌹❤️
Now excuse me while I go raise my standards and mind my own damn business.

[Sydney Van Dyke · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you read only one book on dating and relationships this year, make it Let’s Fcking Date. Serena Kerrigan has delivered something truly transformative. From the very first chapter, every page leaves you feeling more empowered, grounded, and unapologetic about who you are.

What makes Serena’s advice so refreshing is that it completely rejects rigid, game-playing "rules." Instead of teaching you how to play hard to get or manipulate outcomes, she gives you real-world frameworks (like her 3P Theory) that push you toward genuine self-reflection. She teaches you how to look inward, recognize your worth, and feel like the prize on your own first. 

Above all, this book is centered on empowering you to hold high standards without guilt and intentionally seek out a partner who makes you feel safe, valued, and respected. It’s funny, deeply honest, and reads like your smartest, most protective friend walking you through the dating world. 10/10 recommendation, I’m gifting this to all my friends.

[Ella Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not only did this book completely change the way I look at dating, it changed the way I value myself.

I’m single for the first time in years, and this book has truly become my bible. I picked it up during some of the hardest stages of my breakup, turned to it when I needed a reminder of who I was, and now I’m using it as a guide as I start dating again.

More than anything, it taught me to stop looking at dating from the perspective of whether someone else chooses me and start remembering that I am the prize. It reminded me that I am deserving of the kind of love I want, that self-worth has to come first, and that I should never have to convince someone of my value.

I have underlined, highlighted, reread, and gone back to certain pages more times than I can count. It’s so much more than a dating book, it’s a book about knowing your worth, trusting yourself, and refusing to settle for less than the love you deserve. I genuinely think every single person needs to read it.

[Sam Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved.  A good reminder that knowing your worth doesn’t mean you have to play games or pretend you don’t care.   What really resonated was the difference between showing up... Putting in effort... And being intentional versus constantly overcompensating for someone who isn’t meeting you halfway.  Contrary to the current narrative of doing zilch... It’s not about sitting back and doing absolutely nothing while waiting for someone to do all the work. It’s about learning to show up without overfunctioning... To give without overgiving... And to let someone meet you where you are instead of doing the work for both of you.  The book is a solid reminder that you can be confident/interested/intentional and still let a person show you who they are through actions. You don’t have to convince someone to choose you...  You don't have to prove your worth and you most definitely do not need to carry a connection just because you see its potential.  Plus... She narrates it herself and has a great tone even at 2X. (It matters... You know who you are.)

[Kelly Harrigan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was exactly what I needed at exactly the right time. I listened to it on Audible, and it genuinely gave me a whole new perspective on dating, boundaries, self-worth, and knowing when to stop giving your energy to someone who isn’t giving you the same in return.

I was deabting texting a guy who has been incredibly toxic, and this book gave me the little push I needed to put my phone down and choose myself instead. It was empowering, relatable, and honestly felt like a conversation with a friend who tells you exactly what you need to hear.

This book is so much more than dating advice. At its core, it’s about women, confidence, empowerment, knowing your worth, and becoming more intentional about the way you show up in your own life. While it’s definitely geared toward the single girl, I truly think any woman would benefit from reading it.

I’ve already recommended it to a bunch of my single girlfriends because I genuinely think so many women need to hear this message. Thank you for writing this — it’s literally been a game changer for me!

[jngarz · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a long time SFK fan, I had to read, and I can honestly say … this book DELIVERS! I want to make this dating bible a mandatory read for any woman who is starting to date, or in the dating trenches. I’m in a committed relationship and engaged, so I wasn’t sure how much I would relate to this, but I would also recommend this book to any woman, no matter if they are in a relationship or not. Serena is the confidence queen! Her mantras that she has always stayed true to online, are poured into every page. She is someone who lives by her beliefs, and that is so evident in her success. If you’re looking for a confidence boost, and some advice, SFK reminds you of who you are! Sometimes “self help” or “advice” books can be very fake, and surface level. Serena delivers her worldview in a way that is honest, but empathetic, and helps the reader rise to a higher level and demands success, rather than enabling them or making them feel less than worthy. 10/10!

[Nicky · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't buy this book for theoretics; I bought it for her story. Author Kerrigan did not disappoint. She's incredibly hilarious, an intelligence that only comes with age and experience. She's offered her readers vulnerability and relatability packaged in a voice that can only be described as one thing, confident.

As someone who will always be surveying what's offered on the shelves for family and relationships, I can tell you that this book pairs well with a cathartic journey. It doesn't replace therapy and she knows it. Perfect for cis women in heteronormative relationships. Do yourself a favor and read or listen at your leisure.

And if you're actively dating, then do yourself another favor, and read it twice more. This is the kind of book you put to good use.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I personally don’t love to read dating books. They are fluffy, predictable and written from little experience. But then I found this book!!
This is well-thought from someone who has seen it all, informative, relatable for the current times and straight to the point. In a modern world of datjng advice overkill, this is truly the bible. A “one stop shop”, BS-free book that has me flipping page after page for more and more tips. Looking at the table of contents was exciting enough!
This book will resonate for any woman - whether they are dating, married or neither.

…and its gorgeous bright red exterior looks fabulous on my shelf as a visible reminder to never ever settle!
I look forward to her next work of art

[Natalie Held · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’ve ever wondered what personally asking Serena for advice would look like — this is it.

I beta-read an early draft of Let's Fucking Date and reading the finished book felt like getting a voice memo from Serena herself. Anyone who has followed her for five minutes will hear her on every page, from the direct pep talks to jokes she can't resist sneaking into serious advice. Her whole message is about showing up to dating with confidence and she writes with the same nerve she preaches. It's blunt and funny in exactly the way she talks in real life. If you've ever needed someone to grab you by the shoulders and tell you to stop shrinking yourself on dates, this is that person in book form.

[Alexis · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ⭐
I would want all of my friends to read this book—even strangers or those in a relationship. Especially the women I want to lovingly look at and say, "GIRL, STAND UP". Yes, there are ~many TikTok-esque catchphrases and the word “fuck” every single chapter but more importantly there are conversations about self-worth, relationships, and how we allow ourselves to be treated. I loved the personal stories and friend anecdotes. My favorite quote was, “You can tell how much you love yourself by the partner you choose.” Bonus that the author narrated her own audiobook.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best dating book I’ve ever read. I didn’t date for a decade and when I re-entered that world, I had NO idea what I was doing and wasted so much time on situationships and forgetting that I was the Prize. If only I’d had this book! I also loved the part about maintaining a healthy relationship - I’ve been in one for a year and a half and realizing my partner was a mirror to me and I couldn’t hide was frightening and the acknowledgement of that is something a lot of people don’t talk about. THANK YOU for this book!

[Elizabeth Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best book I’ve ever read. I learned so much about myself, and even got to see how much I’ve grown. I’ve spent years struggling with dating and I’m now experiencing my first truly healthy dating journey. This was the perfect book to read in my current chapter of life, but I would recommend it to anyone at anytime. I laughed, cried, and truly enjoyed every word. I listened to the audiobook which made it even more special, as she narrates it. 10/10 seriously I can’t recommend this book enough. Thank you Serena!!

[Chimi Youdon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I went through this book so quick and I’m about to listen to it all over again in her voice. I felt so empowered to stand for what serves me as I am the prize but I also felt really comforted in many ways as she talked about parts of life and dating in your late 20s/30s that have made me feel insecure or uncomfortable. This book ultimately made me feel like I was getting a big hug from a wise older sisters who’s been there and done that. Serena not only talks about early stages of dating but far into marriage too. Great book for anyone!