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Better Date than Never #9
Déjà Date
Melinda Morgan commits to running her favorite neighborhood bakery when the owner, who's like a second dad to her, falls ill. Then she finds out his adventurous son, Nate Carter, is back in town. Nate was Melinda's first kiss and greatest heartbreak all rolled into one, yet he's still as charming as ever.
When Melinda learns Nate's dad is selling his bakery, she realizes her dream to own the bakery herself. But in order to access her inheritance funds, she must first complete her father's Carpe Diem list, which challenges her to take risks she normally wouldn't--like only dating someone who leaves her breathless.
Nate wants a second chance with her and she finds him nearly impossible to resist. Could he be the key to completing her dad's list and saving the bakery? And can he help her do both without breaking her heart all over again?
When Melinda learns Nate's dad is selling his bakery, she realizes her dream to own the bakery herself. But in order to access her inheritance funds, she must first complete her father's Carpe Diem list, which challenges her to take risks she normally wouldn't--like only dating someone who leaves her breathless.
Nate wants a second chance with her and she finds him nearly impossible to resist. Could he be the key to completing her dad's list and saving the bakery? And can he help her do both without breaking her heart all over again?
168 pages, ebook
First published February 22, 2015
485 people are currently reading
987 people want to read
About the author
Susan Hatler
108 books968 followersSUSAN HATLER is a New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author, who writes humorous and emotional contemporary romance and young adult novels. Many of Susan’s books have been translated into German, Spanish, French, and Italian. A natural optimist, she believes life is amazing, people are fascinating, and imagination is endless. She loves spending time with her characters and hopes you do, too.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 176 reviews
June 3, 2016
Kindle freebie romance of the week! In this novella, we have Melinda, a laid-off customer service rep who's locked away her feelings and willingness to take risks and open herself up in life. Her equilibrium is upset when Nate, the boy she loved when she was 14, comes back into town after 13 years away, now a really hot guy. Nate gave her a "perfect kiss" when they were young teens and then suddenly moved away without ever contacting her again, and Melinda still carries deep resentment about that. (Seriously?? She was fourteen. Get over it!)
The plot: Melinda wants to buy a bakery where she used to work, and which she's now temporarily managing while the owner/baker is recuperating from health problems. She has enough money from a life insurance policy payout from her father's death, but her mother has finally opened a letter from her father, which tells her not to give Melinda the money until she's completed a mini-bucket list her father left Melinda in another letter. Now she's in a race to complete the list -- which includes "fix your biggest regret" and "only date someone who leaves you breathless" -- before the bakery is sold to someone else.
The plot is implausible but charming, and the "take some risks in life" message was well-handed, if not subtle in the least. I had issues with Melinda's longstanding resentment against Nate, but I guess some reason was necessary to keep them from falling into each other's arms too quickly. The part that really drove me batty was Melinda's reason for INSISTING that no one let the bakery owner, her good friend, know that she was interested in buying his bakery, while she is completely stressing out over whether she can get the money in just a few days. That was just not believable to me. I think I even yelled at the book at one point (the words "Oh, come ON!" may or may not have come out of my mouth).
There are some grammar/punctuation glitches, but not enough to really distract me. It's definitely brain candy, but it's a cute contemporary romance if you're not inclined to be critical and are more into reading it for the feelz.
The plot: Melinda wants to buy a bakery where she used to work, and which she's now temporarily managing while the owner/baker is recuperating from health problems. She has enough money from a life insurance policy payout from her father's death, but her mother has finally opened a letter from her father, which tells her not to give Melinda the money until she's completed a mini-bucket list her father left Melinda in another letter. Now she's in a race to complete the list -- which includes "fix your biggest regret" and "only date someone who leaves you breathless" -- before the bakery is sold to someone else.
The plot is implausible but charming, and the "take some risks in life" message was well-handed, if not subtle in the least. I had issues with Melinda's longstanding resentment against Nate, but I guess some reason was necessary to keep them from falling into each other's arms too quickly. The part that really drove me batty was Melinda's reason for INSISTING that no one let the bakery owner, her good friend, know that she was interested in buying his bakery, while she is completely stressing out over whether she can get the money in just a few days. That was just not believable to me. I think I even yelled at the book at one point (the words "Oh, come ON!" may or may not have come out of my mouth).
There are some grammar/punctuation glitches, but not enough to really distract me. It's definitely brain candy, but it's a cute contemporary romance if you're not inclined to be critical and are more into reading it for the feelz.
February 20, 2019
Déjà Date by Susan Hatler is actually the ninth book in the contemporary romance Better Date than Never series. While it's a part of a series this one can be read fine as a standalone without reading others in the series. In this one Melinda Morgan is between jobs when she walks into the bakery she used to work at and always loved only to find the owner looking for a new manager. Melinda offers to help when she finds his health is bad and falling into the old routine she considers making an offer. Meanwhile, Nate Carter, the owner's son is back in town and looking to rekindle the past with Melinda. A rather cute read overall with all that it involved. I did get a little frustrated with Melinda not waning to admit she wanted to buy the bakery but still rooted her on to make her dream happen.
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October 17, 2016
If there's one thing I learned about this book, it is to seize whatever opportunity that come your way so as not to regret it for the rest of your life. Melinda's life had been a boring routine, never took chances at anything unexpected. She'd been afraid to take risks ever since her father died. And that meant not trusting her heart to fall in love again with Nate.
Nate came back to her life when his father Benny fell ill and needed someone to manage his bakery. Melinda wanted to purchase the bakery, but lacked the money. When she asked for her inheritance from her dad, she was given a Carpe Diem list instead. Tasks that she needed to fulfill in order to get what she wanted.
But the question is, what was it that she really wanted?
Déjà Date had been really a romantic read. Although I had a hard time liking Melinda. I thought she was really boring and insensitive. She's too weak and afraid of everything. It was a struggle reading her thoughts and all the negative energy that emanated from her. She didn't want to complicate life. While Nate was the adventurous one - enjoying his escapades on the ocean to hiking the mountains in Peru - this guy never ceased to amaze me. I thought Nate and Melinda's relationship wouldn't work on me, but like what most people say, opposites attract.
At the end of the day, I found myself pining for them and wishing them a happy ever after. Sweet! Susan Hatler has made me a happy girl once again!
Nate came back to her life when his father Benny fell ill and needed someone to manage his bakery. Melinda wanted to purchase the bakery, but lacked the money. When she asked for her inheritance from her dad, she was given a Carpe Diem list instead. Tasks that she needed to fulfill in order to get what she wanted.
But the question is, what was it that she really wanted?
Déjà Date had been really a romantic read. Although I had a hard time liking Melinda. I thought she was really boring and insensitive. She's too weak and afraid of everything. It was a struggle reading her thoughts and all the negative energy that emanated from her. She didn't want to complicate life. While Nate was the adventurous one - enjoying his escapades on the ocean to hiking the mountains in Peru - this guy never ceased to amaze me. I thought Nate and Melinda's relationship wouldn't work on me, but like what most people say, opposites attract.
At the end of the day, I found myself pining for them and wishing them a happy ever after. Sweet! Susan Hatler has made me a happy girl once again!
February 24, 2015
I love, love, love getting a new book for review from Susan Hatler and I love the Better Date Than Never series. This is book nine in this series of short stories where Melinda finally has her story told. Yay!
The good thing about short stores is you can read them quickly and have a romantic indulgence in no time at all. The bad thing about short stories is they are over so fast it leaves you wanting more. That's how I felt about this book. Over too fast. I want more. Oh, and I want a marshmallow fudge bar too. (what? Melinda drools over them the whole book and now I want one too!) Romance and chocolate is a winning combination. :)
I love Nate and I love Nate for Melinda. This is a second chance at first love kind of book and it's clean with some happy kissing. The perfect evening getaway.
The good thing about short stores is you can read them quickly and have a romantic indulgence in no time at all. The bad thing about short stories is they are over so fast it leaves you wanting more. That's how I felt about this book. Over too fast. I want more. Oh, and I want a marshmallow fudge bar too. (what? Melinda drools over them the whole book and now I want one too!) Romance and chocolate is a winning combination. :)
I love Nate and I love Nate for Melinda. This is a second chance at first love kind of book and it's clean with some happy kissing. The perfect evening getaway.
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March 6, 2015
For a short novel this story was everything I found lacking in the last two novellas I read, Every Little Secret & Every Little Dream
Melinda has been fired from her customer service job in a big software company in Sacramento. Her life has been too troubled since her father died in a hot air balloon accident. She's been living with the guilt of his death. However, hope is back in her life once she comes into Bernie's Bakery where she takes charge of running it while the old man recovers from his health problems. Then she find out the her father have left her a will with the list of four things she needs to do in order to get her father's insurance money.
I found the characters really well-developed. Melinda has been struggling with her life and not getting over her dad's death in a proper way. She tries to get her life back in an ordered way but she finds obstacles in each turn.
I loved the list her father left her even though at first I didn't know how they'll help her. However, the story took a really interesting turns whenever I doubted it.
Nate and Melinda's relationship was a point of conflict in the novel. Since he's an adventure seeking guy and she obviously a cautious girl, she tries to do the right thing for her by staying away from him. I get her whole point of refusing him.
My only complaint was how Nate was not really explored beyond his childhood history being taken away by his mother. His appearances are only a few for that.
Overall, great, engaging and very simple story.
Melinda has been fired from her customer service job in a big software company in Sacramento. Her life has been too troubled since her father died in a hot air balloon accident. She's been living with the guilt of his death. However, hope is back in her life once she comes into Bernie's Bakery where she takes charge of running it while the old man recovers from his health problems. Then she find out the her father have left her a will with the list of four things she needs to do in order to get her father's insurance money.
I found the characters really well-developed. Melinda has been struggling with her life and not getting over her dad's death in a proper way. She tries to get her life back in an ordered way but she finds obstacles in each turn.
I loved the list her father left her even though at first I didn't know how they'll help her. However, the story took a really interesting turns whenever I doubted it.
Nate and Melinda's relationship was a point of conflict in the novel. Since he's an adventure seeking guy and she obviously a cautious girl, she tries to do the right thing for her by staying away from him. I get her whole point of refusing him.
My only complaint was how Nate was not really explored beyond his childhood history being taken away by his mother. His appearances are only a few for that.
Overall, great, engaging and very simple story.
October 2, 2015
I've read almost this entire series and I'm not really sure where this one falls in my like vs dislike scale. I've enjoyed things about all of the books, this one did have some things that hugged me though.
Likes: Melinda and Nate were a really cute couple. I liked that they had a past together and the idea of second chances. I liked the message of living and enjoying life. The bakery was a nice addition. There were glimpses of some of the other characters in the series which was nice.
Dislikes: I wasn't crazy about how the past with Nate and Melinda played out. They were so young and so much time had passed. I would have liked that part to be handled a bit differently. I also wasn't crazy about Melinda's character. I could understand her insecurities, but it seemed like she would have faced more of them before this point.
It was cute and fun, but I just couldn't completely connect with the characters.
Likes: Melinda and Nate were a really cute couple. I liked that they had a past together and the idea of second chances. I liked the message of living and enjoying life. The bakery was a nice addition. There were glimpses of some of the other characters in the series which was nice.
Dislikes: I wasn't crazy about how the past with Nate and Melinda played out. They were so young and so much time had passed. I would have liked that part to be handled a bit differently. I also wasn't crazy about Melinda's character. I could understand her insecurities, but it seemed like she would have faced more of them before this point.
It was cute and fun, but I just couldn't completely connect with the characters.
October 7, 2015
(4.5 Stars) We have Melinda's story here, told from her point of view. Melinda is a very "perfect" character, one who used to work with Ginger, but they were both laid off at the same time. She's intimidating. Because of her past, she's very disciplined and controlled, which results in her coming off as perfect, which scares the other girls off. Her dad passed away years before in a freak accident and only now does she discover a Carpe Diem list--one that she must do before she can get her inheritance. As with the other stories, Melinda has a lot to do in order to discover herself, get over her fears, and really live life.
She goes back to the bakery where she worked when she was younger and sparks are rekindled with the owner's son, Nate. The problem is, they're too different--he's adventurous and she's boring. I loved the chemistry! Ms. Hatler is a master at weaving those clean, yet toe-tingling moments and I enjoyed every single one of them.
Content: kissing, mild innuendo. Clean!
*I received a copy for an honest review*
She goes back to the bakery where she worked when she was younger and sparks are rekindled with the owner's son, Nate. The problem is, they're too different--he's adventurous and she's boring. I loved the chemistry! Ms. Hatler is a master at weaving those clean, yet toe-tingling moments and I enjoyed every single one of them.
Content: kissing, mild innuendo. Clean!
*I received a copy for an honest review*
September 30, 2015
Deja Date was as sweet as chocolate marshmallow fudge bar! I really liked how the story focused on Melinda improving as a person. Her father's Carpe Diem list was exactly what she needed to LIVE her life to the fullest. She alway's played it safe. When Nate, now a photographer of "extreme adventures", waltzes back into her life after disappearing on her all those years ago, she can't deny the feelings are still there but she'd have to take a leap. I enjoyed how each item on the list was completed, from adopting a dog to fill the hole of losing Checkers, her childhood dog, to dating a man that leaves her breathless. It was great that her mother had a list to complete as well! Wonderful feel-good story.
February 8, 2019
The idea of this sorry was cute but it was very instalove and I didn’t buy the idea of how the two MC’s were separated at 14 and within days of being reunited YEARS later and without much conversation, they were completely and totally in love.
Overall I just didn’t feel like the characters were fleshed out very well and the story felt rushed to me. If you’re looking for a quick, instalove kind of story to pass the time this wouldn’t fit the bill but it’s not a story I’ll likely read again or even think much about now that I’ve read it.
Overall I just didn’t feel like the characters were fleshed out very well and the story felt rushed to me. If you’re looking for a quick, instalove kind of story to pass the time this wouldn’t fit the bill but it’s not a story I’ll likely read again or even think much about now that I’ve read it.
April 1, 2015
I received this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed this book. It was a sweet romance between two old friends who knew they were good for one another, but one just had some barriers to overcome before their relationship could get off the ground. Nate was such a caring man in this story, I really just wanted to scoop him up! Melinda needed to deal with the grief of losing her father 14 years earlier, and in doing so, realized what it was she really wanted out of her life. I enjoyed the fact that this book focused more on the relationship building and character building than a lot of other romances did. I may have to check out some of the other books in the 'Better Date than Never' series.
I really enjoyed this book. It was a sweet romance between two old friends who knew they were good for one another, but one just had some barriers to overcome before their relationship could get off the ground. Nate was such a caring man in this story, I really just wanted to scoop him up! Melinda needed to deal with the grief of losing her father 14 years earlier, and in doing so, realized what it was she really wanted out of her life. I enjoyed the fact that this book focused more on the relationship building and character building than a lot of other romances did. I may have to check out some of the other books in the 'Better Date than Never' series.
April 27, 2015
Déjà Date
Every time I pick up a book by Hatler I smile! She has a way of telling a story that sticks with you and makes you fall in love along the way. Melinda's story is a journey and part way through I wanted to shake her to wake up and get a clue! That is what makes the book great because I felt like I was a part of the story the whole way through! Realistic, engaging, with sparks flying and romance, Hatler's books keep me reading until the last page every time! I received an ARC of this book.
Every time I pick up a book by Hatler I smile! She has a way of telling a story that sticks with you and makes you fall in love along the way. Melinda's story is a journey and part way through I wanted to shake her to wake up and get a clue! That is what makes the book great because I felt like I was a part of the story the whole way through! Realistic, engaging, with sparks flying and romance, Hatler's books keep me reading until the last page every time! I received an ARC of this book.
March 17, 2015
One word.... Lovely!!!
This story is lovely, with enough drama and romance. This is a story that portraits a young women who tries to find herself and follow her dreams before she waste more time doing something she'll regret and doesn't love. And while following her heart and dreams, falls in love with a caring, intelligent and sexy man.
You'll love this story if you're a hopeless romantic like me ^_^
This story is lovely, with enough drama and romance. This is a story that portraits a young women who tries to find herself and follow her dreams before she waste more time doing something she'll regret and doesn't love. And while following her heart and dreams, falls in love with a caring, intelligent and sexy man.
You'll love this story if you're a hopeless romantic like me ^_^
February 20, 2022
This is book nine of the Better Date than Never series and the main characters are Melinda Morgan and Nate Carter. They used to be best friends as kids and she hasn’t seen Nate since he kissed her on the swings when she was fourteen and then oved away a week later. She had just lost her dog and he was comforting her, but she didn’t know until now, that his parents told him they were divorcing when he got back that night and he had to decide who to live with. He decided to move to Paris with his mother, believing she needed him the most. He left her heartbroken after her first kiss! She has had a turn of bad luck recently, being let go from her job as her boss tried to cut down on expenses, and she is too qualified for all the jobs she has been trying to apply for over the last seven weeks. She calls into Bernie’s Bakery to get a pick me up, before going to see her mother and ask for some of her inheritance money from her father’s tragic death. Whilst in the bakery, she learns that Bernie has to completely rest due to health issues and is struggling to trust someone to look after the bakery and manage it for him while he has two weeks off. Bernie was great to her mother and her, after her dad died and so she offers to help him for the next two weeks. She then gets hit with the news that his son Nate is back in town after being told of his father’s ill health and will be helping out in the bakery!
When she gets to speak to the hot man he has become, he breaks the news that his dad is selling the bakery as he has been advised to give up working permanently for his health. This gives Melinda the idea to use her inheritance to buy the bakery and manage it herself, having worked there when she was younger. But the visit to her mother spends her into a spin when she is given a letter from her father, with a Carpe Diem list for her to complete before she can receive her inheritance, which should have been given to her some ten years before when she turned eighteen. Her mother hadn’t dealt well with her husband’s death and had only just realised there was a letter for her as well as Melinda. Melinda’s list has only four items to be completed, but some will be nearly impossible for her, if her past is anything to go by. One is to hold a girl’s night, something impossible for her as she has no real girl friends, having never been invited into any groups at work, school or otherwise. It is Avery, the barista at the bakery who volunteers to come to hers for a night in, as well as Mary Ann, a friend of her flatmate Ginger. Since being called a lot of names as a child for her pudgy appearance, she rigidly stuck to a regime which left her a much smaller size and never being seen without full make up and dressed smartly. She didn’t realise how off putting that was to other women and that they were scared to approach her!
She has a tight deadline in which to get all of her list completed, as there are already other people interested in buying the bakery and the rest of the building, but she refuses to let Nate or anyone else tell Bernie of her wishes to buy and run the bakery. It is his retirement money and she won’t see him put out of taking a higher offer if one is given. Nate is getting closer to her and his friendly hugs are making her think very unfriendly things about him and his luscious lips. He wants a second chance with her and regrets never getting in touch once he had moved away with his mother. He was young and thought a clean break was better to her, as he has loved her since then and still does. Whether she has the strength to complete all of her dad’s wishes as well as open herself up to another heartbreak, when he leaves for another of his adventurous and somewhat dangerous work trips. He lives for adventure and that is the last thing she wants in her life after losing her father so young. A father who also had an adventurous spirit and was always wanting to go up in hot air balloons for that next adventure and the peace it brought him. Can she risk everything to complete the list, face her fears, save the bakery from disappearing and last but not least, to allow her feelings to be put out that there and possible open to a broken heart again? A lovely tale of loss and heartbreak, but also of grabbing opportunities when they come about and living life to the full, as you never know when it might end! I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
When she gets to speak to the hot man he has become, he breaks the news that his dad is selling the bakery as he has been advised to give up working permanently for his health. This gives Melinda the idea to use her inheritance to buy the bakery and manage it herself, having worked there when she was younger. But the visit to her mother spends her into a spin when she is given a letter from her father, with a Carpe Diem list for her to complete before she can receive her inheritance, which should have been given to her some ten years before when she turned eighteen. Her mother hadn’t dealt well with her husband’s death and had only just realised there was a letter for her as well as Melinda. Melinda’s list has only four items to be completed, but some will be nearly impossible for her, if her past is anything to go by. One is to hold a girl’s night, something impossible for her as she has no real girl friends, having never been invited into any groups at work, school or otherwise. It is Avery, the barista at the bakery who volunteers to come to hers for a night in, as well as Mary Ann, a friend of her flatmate Ginger. Since being called a lot of names as a child for her pudgy appearance, she rigidly stuck to a regime which left her a much smaller size and never being seen without full make up and dressed smartly. She didn’t realise how off putting that was to other women and that they were scared to approach her!
She has a tight deadline in which to get all of her list completed, as there are already other people interested in buying the bakery and the rest of the building, but she refuses to let Nate or anyone else tell Bernie of her wishes to buy and run the bakery. It is his retirement money and she won’t see him put out of taking a higher offer if one is given. Nate is getting closer to her and his friendly hugs are making her think very unfriendly things about him and his luscious lips. He wants a second chance with her and regrets never getting in touch once he had moved away with his mother. He was young and thought a clean break was better to her, as he has loved her since then and still does. Whether she has the strength to complete all of her dad’s wishes as well as open herself up to another heartbreak, when he leaves for another of his adventurous and somewhat dangerous work trips. He lives for adventure and that is the last thing she wants in her life after losing her father so young. A father who also had an adventurous spirit and was always wanting to go up in hot air balloons for that next adventure and the peace it brought him. Can she risk everything to complete the list, face her fears, save the bakery from disappearing and last but not least, to allow her feelings to be put out that there and possible open to a broken heart again? A lovely tale of loss and heartbreak, but also of grabbing opportunities when they come about and living life to the full, as you never know when it might end! I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
August 10, 2019
The best thing about this book is that it was only 113 pages.
Melinda Morgan is a 27-year-old former customer service rep who was laid off 7 weeks ago. She stops at Bernie's Bakery where she worked as a teenager on her way to visit her mother and finds out that (1) Bernie is in poor health and planning to sell the bakery and retire and (2) his son, Nate, is back in town after leaving 13 years ago.
Melinda and Nate were best friends growing up and at the ripe old age of 14, shared their first kiss. The next day, he left for Paris with his mother, never to return or call or write again. She was traumatized by the fact that she never, ever heard from him again.
The issue I had was that Melinda was not open to a relationship with Nate because he broke her heart when she was 14. Really?!?!? The other issue I had was that she refused to tell Bernie that she wanted to buy the bakery because she wanted him to make a decision based on what was best for him and not being influenced by his love for her as a surrogate daughter.
I didn't understand why Melinda felt that she wasn't worthy of being someone's friend or girlfriend. I didn't get the refusal to get involved with Nate - they were 14, for Pete's sake!!!! I didn't get the refusal to let Bernie know she was interested in buying his business.
Skip this!
Melinda Morgan is a 27-year-old former customer service rep who was laid off 7 weeks ago. She stops at Bernie's Bakery where she worked as a teenager on her way to visit her mother and finds out that (1) Bernie is in poor health and planning to sell the bakery and retire and (2) his son, Nate, is back in town after leaving 13 years ago.
Melinda and Nate were best friends growing up and at the ripe old age of 14, shared their first kiss. The next day, he left for Paris with his mother, never to return or call or write again. She was traumatized by the fact that she never, ever heard from him again.
The issue I had was that Melinda was not open to a relationship with Nate because he broke her heart when she was 14. Really?!?!? The other issue I had was that she refused to tell Bernie that she wanted to buy the bakery because she wanted him to make a decision based on what was best for him and not being influenced by his love for her as a surrogate daughter.
I didn't understand why Melinda felt that she wasn't worthy of being someone's friend or girlfriend. I didn't get the refusal to get involved with Nate - they were 14, for Pete's sake!!!! I didn't get the refusal to let Bernie know she was interested in buying his business.
Skip this!
March 8, 2022
Melinda and Nate were good friends, but she lost her father and Nate moved away at the same time, which left her in a stasis of being scared to move on and let more people leave her. Her mother presents a list of things her father wanted her to do before she could get her inheritance. Working on those items will bring her back to life and hopefully love. The characters are terrific, with great backstories and determination. The storyline has plenty of drama, adventure, a dream of owning her own bakery, being loved deeply, a dog, new friends, surprises and much more. Really love this series and the characters that she brings to life. Loved the chemistry of how Melinda interacts with those around her. Well done.. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 19, 2017
A quick story. Melinda is basically scared to live life. She holds on to past hurts and can't get over her hurt feelings. When she was young, she lost her father and her best friend who she was in love with left without a word. Now she's all grown up and tasked with completing a Carpe Diem list in order to get her inheritance money and make her dreams come true. Will it finally force Melinda out of her comfort zone?
I must say this book is my least favorite of the series. Melinda is a bit annoying because she is very insecure and constantly second guesses herself. She internalizes everything and has a hard time opening up. It takes her a while to realize she has a support system available when ever she is ready to accept it.
I must say this book is my least favorite of the series. Melinda is a bit annoying because she is very insecure and constantly second guesses herself. She internalizes everything and has a hard time opening up. It takes her a while to realize she has a support system available when ever she is ready to accept it.
March 14, 2021
Melinda Morgan is a customer service rep who gets laid off and tries to find another job. Her favourite bakery is in trouble and she gets inspired to help out. It becomes her dream to own the bakery. Her childhood friend, Nate Carter, happens to be the son of the current bakery owner. His parents divorced and he went with his mom to live in France. Not long after Melinda’s dad dies in a hot air balloon accident. He lives Melinda and her mom with carpe diem lists. Melinda struggles with renewing her friendship with Nate who has come back home, and the list her dad left her. This is a short book but it’s packed with emotions, humour, and characters. I highly recommend this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 2, 2022
Susan Hatler does it again. I couldn't put this book down once I started it. Melinda is afraid of getting hurt after her dog died and not long after that her dad when she was fourteen. Her best friend Nate left town after kissing her and never contacted her again. She does not have many friends because she is guarded and intimidates others without meaning to. After she loses her job, she goes to the bakery she used to work in as a child on the way to see her mom. She finds out that her best friend is back and wanting a second chance and the bakery is for sell. She must complete a list of things to get her inheritance. She accomplishes them with Nate's help but tries to keep her feelings locked down. She must decide if she is going to seize the day as her dad wants or let everything she wants go.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 23, 2021
This is the ninth book in the oh-so-delightful Better Date Than Never series. I just always have so much fun when I read one of these books. I get so excited each time a new one becomes available. This story is about Melinda and Nate and their second chance at love. Melinda loved Nate when she was a teenager. He's been away for 13 years and is now back in town. Melinda leads kind of a boring life, and is a cautious person, afraid of taking risks. Including taking a chance on letting Nate back into her heart. Nate is back in town to help his ailing father with his bakery. He is quite the opposite and loves adventures and taking risks. Although pure opposites, Nate and Melinda were perfect for each other. As they spend time together, their old relationship rekindles and they grow closer. But ultimately, it's up to Melinda to take that leap. Another charming addition to this wonderful series. Definitely recommend this as well as all the others!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 13, 2022
Melinda is on the brink of realizing her dream of buying her mentor's bakery. Two problems stand in her way. First, her mentor's son Nate, the source of her greatest heartbreak, is back in town. Second, to access her inheritance, she must complete the Carpe Diem list her late father left for her. One stipulation is to date someone who leaves her breathless. For her, that's always been Nate. Does she dare to risk her heart again?
This is a cute, heartwarming novella about taking chances before life passes you by. Melinda has made a habit of avoid the risks that could lead to loss and pain—but as a result, she's not living a joyful life. Her father's Carpe Diem list turns out to be his greatest gift to her, forcing her out of her comfort zone and into her best life.
Thanks, Booksprout, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.
This is a cute, heartwarming novella about taking chances before life passes you by. Melinda has made a habit of avoid the risks that could lead to loss and pain—but as a result, she's not living a joyful life. Her father's Carpe Diem list turns out to be his greatest gift to her, forcing her out of her comfort zone and into her best life.
Thanks, Booksprout, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.
March 13, 2021
Second Chance at Romance and at Life
This is a fun, novella-length romance that takes place in Sacramento. Our heroine has lost her job and is rethinking her life when everything turns even more upside-down. This story takes a good look and rethinking prior decisions and looking for happiness and not safety. The characters are pretty complex for a short novel. The ending is a little surprising and very satisfying. I received this ARC book for free from Booksprout and this is my honest review.
This is a fun, novella-length romance that takes place in Sacramento. Our heroine has lost her job and is rethinking her life when everything turns even more upside-down. This story takes a good look and rethinking prior decisions and looking for happiness and not safety. The characters are pretty complex for a short novel. The ending is a little surprising and very satisfying. I received this ARC book for free from Booksprout and this is my honest review.
March 17, 2021
Second chances are much better! This is about Melinda and Nate. They have known each since they were kids, but he just left one day and never returned, now his dad’s health is not good, and he is back to be with him. Melinda has always loved the bakery that Nate’s dad owned, so now that he was stepping down, she wanted to make a career change and buy the bakery with the inheritance left by her dad. One problem, she did not know that her father had wrote her a letter and in that letter was a list that she needed to complete before getting her inheritance. Of course the book has its sad moments, but more than anything they are filled with happiness at the end of each one, so overall it was great.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 15, 2020
I have said it before and I will have to say it again, it is never a hardship to re-read a Susan Hatler novel. I have worked my way through this series in an out of sequence way and some I've read more than once, but I am still saving this series for a weekend binge read
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 22, 2021
Seize the Day! Regrets from the past. Lost loves. Hopes for the future. All are in this book. Great storyline and wonderful characters. This is a book in the series but as with all the others you can read it as a stand alone book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 19, 2021
A good, but heart wrenching story. Melinda, while physically appearing put together, is anything but mentally and emotionally. Nate is a surprisingly stalwart person. The side stories of Bernie, dealing with his health issues, and her mom, finally overcoming the loss of Melinda's dad years before, enhanced the story. As with many romance stories, it stops short of an actual HEA.
Entertaining. Haunting. Romantic. Tragic. Wonderful characters.
Entertaining. Haunting. Romantic. Tragic. Wonderful characters.
August 30, 2020
It’s always a pleasure to read books by this author and this one is no exception the characters are engaging and the chemistry between is felt throughout the pages.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 19, 2022
I loved this story as I always do with one of Susan Hatler's books. I couldn't put this book down from the start. It had great characters, some drama, ups and downs, romance, and a HEA ending. I hope you like it as much as I did.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 12, 2020
A really great story which I actually purchased a few years ago. I enjoyed rereading it. As always Susan's book keep you hooked from beginning to end. Well worth reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 12, 2021
The list her father knew she needed to live her life again
Déjà Date is the ninth book in the Better Date than Never series and is the story of Melinda Morgan and Nate Carter. This is a sweet, clean and fun second chance story. A wonderful addition to this series which just hits the spot when you need to read a light and refreshing story.
Déjà Date is the ninth book in the Better Date than Never series and is the story of Melinda Morgan and Nate Carter. This is a sweet, clean and fun second chance story. A wonderful addition to this series which just hits the spot when you need to read a light and refreshing story.
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