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The Twenty Dates: Warm, endorsing and authentic - about marriage, mid-life and the quiet re-evaluation when the kids leave home.
The kids have left, assuming love endures. But can yours?
Book #2 in The Empty Nesters Series
Claire’s marriage is in (total!) crisis. Her husband, Mark, is distracted, presumptuous, and utterly clueless - smart scales for their 19th wedding anniversary? Really? Perhaps she'd be better off alone. At least there'd be less laundry.
When Claire suggests separating, Mark panics. He asks for one last twenty dates, one for each year of their marriage, to prove they're better off together than apart.
What follows is a series of adventures Claire never saw coming - some mortifying, some exhilarating, and some that make her question everything she thought she knew. About Mark. About marriage. And about the woman she's quietly become while she wasn't paying attention.
As the dates tick down, Claire must is the spark still there - or has their marriage simply run its course?
Book #2 in The Empty Nesters Series
Claire’s marriage is in (total!) crisis. Her husband, Mark, is distracted, presumptuous, and utterly clueless - smart scales for their 19th wedding anniversary? Really? Perhaps she'd be better off alone. At least there'd be less laundry.
When Claire suggests separating, Mark panics. He asks for one last twenty dates, one for each year of their marriage, to prove they're better off together than apart.
What follows is a series of adventures Claire never saw coming - some mortifying, some exhilarating, and some that make her question everything she thought she knew. About Mark. About marriage. And about the woman she's quietly become while she wasn't paying attention.
As the dates tick down, Claire must is the spark still there - or has their marriage simply run its course?
455 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 8, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
October 16, 2026
Claire and husband Mark have reached something of a crisis in their marriage. Their only son Aidan has left home to go to university, Mark’s work is taking up a lot of his time, Claire has recently been made redundant from a job she loved and the menopause has reared its ugly head. It’s hardly surprising that she is looking at her life and relationship and wondering just what has happened. This is something many women her age will relate to I’m sure. When she suggests that Mark that maybe it’s time for a separation, he suggests that they go on twenty dates, one for each year of their marriage, in the hope that this will help relight the spark in their relationship and help them reconnect with each other.
I really enjoyed reading about the various dates they went on, some of which were more adventurous and more successful than others. From a simple meal in a restaurant they used to go to, to sunrise swims, to a trip to Edinburgh at Hogmanay, to sky-diving, there was plenty variety in their dates. Hogmanay is a huge celebration in Edinburgh of course but I liked that Claire and Mark did the more traditional thing that used to happen and head to the Tron Church on the Royal Mile for the bells. I’m not sure if that’s even possible now with everything that is organised around the Old Town for New Year but it’s what I used to do when I was younger and it brought back memories.
I particularly enjoyed that the story was told from both Claire and Mark’s points of view. It made it easy to understand what both were thinking and feeling about their marriage. I could tell that they really did love each other but that somehow they had stopped communicating honestly which was half of their problem. They both had issues from their childhoods which continued to affect them as adults and which, I think, affected the way they brought up their son. He had been so much the focus of their lives that once he was gone, they were a bit lost. I really did hope that the twenty dates would be successful
One aspect of the book I really liked was that Claire decided to do things just for herself too. For so many years she had put her work, her husband and her son first and she had kind of lost a sense of who the real Claire was. From simple things like a new haircut to bigger things like re-decorating the house the way she’d always wanted and contemplating a change of career, everything she tried helped her understand what she was capable of and what she really wanted. I really liked Claire’s friends, especially her book group. They were such a support to each other and Claire realised that everyone had things going on in their lives and their marriages that they maybe had in common and that with her women friends as cheerleaders, she could perhaps achieve whatever she wanted.
The Twenty Dates was a great fun to read. It’s a book that will speak to a lot of women and reflect a lot of relationships. Alongside the gentle humour, there is plenty of emotion and lots to make you think. I enjoyed following Claire and Mark on their adventures and the author kept me guessing as to whether they would stay together right to the end, with some really unexpected revelations. I would be keen to read more from this Ko Porteous in the future.
I really enjoyed reading about the various dates they went on, some of which were more adventurous and more successful than others. From a simple meal in a restaurant they used to go to, to sunrise swims, to a trip to Edinburgh at Hogmanay, to sky-diving, there was plenty variety in their dates. Hogmanay is a huge celebration in Edinburgh of course but I liked that Claire and Mark did the more traditional thing that used to happen and head to the Tron Church on the Royal Mile for the bells. I’m not sure if that’s even possible now with everything that is organised around the Old Town for New Year but it’s what I used to do when I was younger and it brought back memories.
I particularly enjoyed that the story was told from both Claire and Mark’s points of view. It made it easy to understand what both were thinking and feeling about their marriage. I could tell that they really did love each other but that somehow they had stopped communicating honestly which was half of their problem. They both had issues from their childhoods which continued to affect them as adults and which, I think, affected the way they brought up their son. He had been so much the focus of their lives that once he was gone, they were a bit lost. I really did hope that the twenty dates would be successful
One aspect of the book I really liked was that Claire decided to do things just for herself too. For so many years she had put her work, her husband and her son first and she had kind of lost a sense of who the real Claire was. From simple things like a new haircut to bigger things like re-decorating the house the way she’d always wanted and contemplating a change of career, everything she tried helped her understand what she was capable of and what she really wanted. I really liked Claire’s friends, especially her book group. They were such a support to each other and Claire realised that everyone had things going on in their lives and their marriages that they maybe had in common and that with her women friends as cheerleaders, she could perhaps achieve whatever she wanted.
The Twenty Dates was a great fun to read. It’s a book that will speak to a lot of women and reflect a lot of relationships. Alongside the gentle humour, there is plenty of emotion and lots to make you think. I enjoyed following Claire and Mark on their adventures and the author kept me guessing as to whether they would stay together right to the end, with some really unexpected revelations. I would be keen to read more from this Ko Porteous in the future.
October 12, 2026
I really enjoyed the first book in the Empty Nester series, so I dove into this with anticipation, and I wasn't disappointed.
A couple celebrating their 19th anniversary finds itself in a rut. A husband who is very busy with work and appears to take his wife and life for granted. A wife who has recently experienced two significant losses: her son disappearing to university and leaving her stable job.
An inopportune anniversary present sparks the thought that they are no longer in this marriage for the reasons they were, and so comes the idea to live apart and have 20 special dates to mark the next significant anniversary, to see if they can salvage their marriage.
Claire and Mark are such believable and likeable characters, and I challenge most folks of a certain age to say they have never felt taken for granted, and that life is just as it is.
The story sees them face challenges, overcome misunderstandings and begin to rediscover the reasons they are together, but not without plenty of will they won't they moments, too!
A couple celebrating their 19th anniversary finds itself in a rut. A husband who is very busy with work and appears to take his wife and life for granted. A wife who has recently experienced two significant losses: her son disappearing to university and leaving her stable job.
An inopportune anniversary present sparks the thought that they are no longer in this marriage for the reasons they were, and so comes the idea to live apart and have 20 special dates to mark the next significant anniversary, to see if they can salvage their marriage.
Claire and Mark are such believable and likeable characters, and I challenge most folks of a certain age to say they have never felt taken for granted, and that life is just as it is.
The story sees them face challenges, overcome misunderstandings and begin to rediscover the reasons they are together, but not without plenty of will they won't they moments, too!
October 9, 2026
After enjoying the first book in the empty nesters series, I couldn't wait to read this one and it certainly didn't disappoint.
I absolutely enjoyed everything about this book I couldn't put it down once I started. The storyline is so relatable and I was really rooting for Claire and Mark all the way through.
I really liked how the author explained at the end how the storyline came about.
After reading this book, it really made me pause and think about whether you're married, in a long-term relationship or have just lost yourself after having children. You don't have to throw it all away, there's always something worth a try to help bring back that spark.
Overall, this was an incredible read and I can't wait to read more from this author.
I absolutely enjoyed everything about this book I couldn't put it down once I started. The storyline is so relatable and I was really rooting for Claire and Mark all the way through.
I really liked how the author explained at the end how the storyline came about.
After reading this book, it really made me pause and think about whether you're married, in a long-term relationship or have just lost yourself after having children. You don't have to throw it all away, there's always something worth a try to help bring back that spark.
Overall, this was an incredible read and I can't wait to read more from this author.
October 21, 2026
Originally reviewed for Chick Lit Central (www.chicklitcentral.com)
I felt I could really relate to Claire and Mark in The Twenty Dates. So many changes can happen in a long-term marriage, and this couple has been handed a lot in a short span of time, with their son leaving the nest, Claire dealing with the ever-changing world of menopause, and both dealing with changes in employment status. On top of all of that, Claire is looking for security and solidarity from Mark, proof that despite all of the change, he still has her back. Yet, when his ill-attempt at a 20-year anniversary gift doesn’t go over as smoothly as he assumed it would, bringing all of their issues to the surface, they both take a step back to try to evaluate what has gone wrong.
The plan of twenty dates to represent twenty years of marriage is a really unique idea, one that I thought could be pretty interesting to incorporate into my own marriage. I’m seventeen years in this year, and while I read about Claire and Mark’s experiences, some well-handled, others tragically and comically funny, it made me reflect on the time spent with my own husband and whether something like this could help us to build an even better relationship. For Mark and Claire, it certainly appears so, but there are still a lot of stumbling blocks and years of old habits that need to be assessed, much like any real-life couple would struggle with when they are coming to terms with being a better spouse and partner for their significant other.
I loved that aside from the marriage building, both characters find themselves on a journey of self-discovery as well. Claire sets out to accomplish some long-term goals she’s been wanting to fulfill for a very long time but never felt she had the time to do so. And Mark is working towards goals he’s set out to accomplish with his employer, which has caused strife in the marriage at times, but as Claire begins to feel stronger and more accomplished in her own right, it becomes less of an obstacle, and less of a threat. I always appreciate books that highlight older individuals who still continue to grow and change–not looked on as past their prime. It only adds more fuel to my own fire to continue paving my path, because there is a lot of life left to live for this couple, and there is a lot of life left to live in mine as well.
The dialogue was fun and cheeky, particularly when Mark and Claire banter. There is a rather steamy scene while Mark is away that surprised me, but pleasantly so. For some of the book when Mark makes his plans to travel for work, I thought, “Why isn’t Claire going with him?” For me, personally, if my children were no longer at home and I wasn’t employed, I’d travel to new lands in a heartbeat! But I also realize that Mark needed to leave in order for Claire to truly discover who she is again, which might never have happened had she gone along as Mark’s plus one.
Having read the first book in the Empty Nesters series (reviewed here), I was excited to see what The Twenty Dates had to offer, and I feel this was the perfect complimentary read and a great addition to the series. While I might not be an empty nester (yet), there really is a lot of relatable dialogue and situations that I think any woman (or man) could identify with. I hope there will be more to add to this series in the future!
I felt I could really relate to Claire and Mark in The Twenty Dates. So many changes can happen in a long-term marriage, and this couple has been handed a lot in a short span of time, with their son leaving the nest, Claire dealing with the ever-changing world of menopause, and both dealing with changes in employment status. On top of all of that, Claire is looking for security and solidarity from Mark, proof that despite all of the change, he still has her back. Yet, when his ill-attempt at a 20-year anniversary gift doesn’t go over as smoothly as he assumed it would, bringing all of their issues to the surface, they both take a step back to try to evaluate what has gone wrong.
The plan of twenty dates to represent twenty years of marriage is a really unique idea, one that I thought could be pretty interesting to incorporate into my own marriage. I’m seventeen years in this year, and while I read about Claire and Mark’s experiences, some well-handled, others tragically and comically funny, it made me reflect on the time spent with my own husband and whether something like this could help us to build an even better relationship. For Mark and Claire, it certainly appears so, but there are still a lot of stumbling blocks and years of old habits that need to be assessed, much like any real-life couple would struggle with when they are coming to terms with being a better spouse and partner for their significant other.
I loved that aside from the marriage building, both characters find themselves on a journey of self-discovery as well. Claire sets out to accomplish some long-term goals she’s been wanting to fulfill for a very long time but never felt she had the time to do so. And Mark is working towards goals he’s set out to accomplish with his employer, which has caused strife in the marriage at times, but as Claire begins to feel stronger and more accomplished in her own right, it becomes less of an obstacle, and less of a threat. I always appreciate books that highlight older individuals who still continue to grow and change–not looked on as past their prime. It only adds more fuel to my own fire to continue paving my path, because there is a lot of life left to live for this couple, and there is a lot of life left to live in mine as well.
The dialogue was fun and cheeky, particularly when Mark and Claire banter. There is a rather steamy scene while Mark is away that surprised me, but pleasantly so. For some of the book when Mark makes his plans to travel for work, I thought, “Why isn’t Claire going with him?” For me, personally, if my children were no longer at home and I wasn’t employed, I’d travel to new lands in a heartbeat! But I also realize that Mark needed to leave in order for Claire to truly discover who she is again, which might never have happened had she gone along as Mark’s plus one.
Having read the first book in the Empty Nesters series (reviewed here), I was excited to see what The Twenty Dates had to offer, and I feel this was the perfect complimentary read and a great addition to the series. While I might not be an empty nester (yet), there really is a lot of relatable dialogue and situations that I think any woman (or man) could identify with. I hope there will be more to add to this series in the future!
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Twenty Dates by Ko Porteous is a positively charming contemporary novel that I adored. It is the second book in the Empty Nesters series but can be read as a stand-alone.
As their twentieth anniversary is in full swing, something snaps and a couple wonder if their marriage is over. She has given up work. He is immersed in his. Their son has just left for uni. “How have they forgotten to nurture the very most important aspect of their relationship: them?” As their nest is empty, they wonder if their marriage is too? They decide to have twenty dates, one for each year they are married, and hope it’s enough to save their marriage.
Somewhere along the way, the couple had lost sight of each other and their needs. “Maybe we both stopped trying.” The couple want to re-connect.
The reader immerses themselves in the twenty dates – some are more energetic than others. As the couple tries new things, they hope to inject a sense of adventure back into their lives.
Both parties are likable and believable. They are still in love but allowed life to come between them. We learn that “this is how he shows his love: acts of service.” But sometimes she needs words to accompany the actions.
Both characters are believably flawed adults who are easy to like. Both have experienced childhood traumas. “Deep inside, he’s still the eight-year-old boy who was abandoned by his mum all those years ago.” When the person who is supposed to love you best, abandons you, it is natural to expect others to abandon you too.
The lead female character lost her father on her tenth birthday. She blames herself. “What happened… are not your fault… We’re not blaming you or punishing you… You need to show the same compassion to yourself.” Her thinking is flawed but her grief is still raw. There has not been closure. And she has placed her Dad on a pedestal. “I never quite believed someone could love me as much as Dad did. That no man could ever be as reliable as he was.” She has idealised her dad.
Both characters fear that the other will leave. “When I tell people how I feel, I drive them away. And when I have faith in people – they die.” The couple need to be open and honest with each other. They need to keep verbal lines of communication open.
I absolutely adored The Twenty Dates. It was an easy book to read with a natural style, feeling like I was hearing from dear friends. The chapters alternate between the two lead characters.
This is a beautiful and heartfelt book with a light-hearted style. I loved it.
I received a free copy via Rachel’s Random Resources for a blog tour. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
A word of caution: there are ‘bedroom’ scenes with more detail than I was comfortable with, so I just skipped over those scenes. It did not detract from my overall enjoyment of the book. Some readers may also need to skip the scenes too.
As their twentieth anniversary is in full swing, something snaps and a couple wonder if their marriage is over. She has given up work. He is immersed in his. Their son has just left for uni. “How have they forgotten to nurture the very most important aspect of their relationship: them?” As their nest is empty, they wonder if their marriage is too? They decide to have twenty dates, one for each year they are married, and hope it’s enough to save their marriage.
Somewhere along the way, the couple had lost sight of each other and their needs. “Maybe we both stopped trying.” The couple want to re-connect.
The reader immerses themselves in the twenty dates – some are more energetic than others. As the couple tries new things, they hope to inject a sense of adventure back into their lives.
Both parties are likable and believable. They are still in love but allowed life to come between them. We learn that “this is how he shows his love: acts of service.” But sometimes she needs words to accompany the actions.
Both characters are believably flawed adults who are easy to like. Both have experienced childhood traumas. “Deep inside, he’s still the eight-year-old boy who was abandoned by his mum all those years ago.” When the person who is supposed to love you best, abandons you, it is natural to expect others to abandon you too.
The lead female character lost her father on her tenth birthday. She blames herself. “What happened… are not your fault… We’re not blaming you or punishing you… You need to show the same compassion to yourself.” Her thinking is flawed but her grief is still raw. There has not been closure. And she has placed her Dad on a pedestal. “I never quite believed someone could love me as much as Dad did. That no man could ever be as reliable as he was.” She has idealised her dad.
Both characters fear that the other will leave. “When I tell people how I feel, I drive them away. And when I have faith in people – they die.” The couple need to be open and honest with each other. They need to keep verbal lines of communication open.
I absolutely adored The Twenty Dates. It was an easy book to read with a natural style, feeling like I was hearing from dear friends. The chapters alternate between the two lead characters.
This is a beautiful and heartfelt book with a light-hearted style. I loved it.
I received a free copy via Rachel’s Random Resources for a blog tour. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
A word of caution: there are ‘bedroom’ scenes with more detail than I was comfortable with, so I just skipped over those scenes. It did not detract from my overall enjoyment of the book. Some readers may also need to skip the scenes too.
September 17, 2026
As usual I join a series which has already started, but I was so impressed with The Twenty Dates that I've added Book #1, The Freshman Parents to my wish list.
What a brilliant concept for a story! A marriage in trouble; is it worth saving or time to let go? I'm sure a lot of us can relate to this situation. The blurb had me enthralled before I'd even started the book!
The main characters are well drawn and both hugely likeable. I empathised with Claire's feelings of abandonment. Her husband had thrown himself into his work, and, by the sound of it, a lot of that work was encroaching on what should be 'family space' in the home. Claire's life had changed dramatically of late and she is reeling from all of those changes, especially from seeing her only son fly the nest. She feels her relationship with Mark is over and rather than settling for just being the unseen housekeeper, she decides the time has come to separate.
This is the wake up call for both of them. Mark doesn't want to end their marriage and is ready to fight for it. He can see that he has prioritised work over Claire and he is ready to change that. This couple have strong bonds but poor communication. Can twenty dates improve their communication and show them just how strong those bonds are?
What I found interesting is that whilst living apart, Claire comes to see her part in the failing marriage and realise it's not all on Mark.
I loved this story and was rooting for Claire and Mark throughout. There are twists and turns which, as an outsider looking in, I felt underlined how strong the couple are together. This is a story which gives one food for thought.
I highly recommend this novel and look forward to reading more from this author.
What a brilliant concept for a story! A marriage in trouble; is it worth saving or time to let go? I'm sure a lot of us can relate to this situation. The blurb had me enthralled before I'd even started the book!
The main characters are well drawn and both hugely likeable. I empathised with Claire's feelings of abandonment. Her husband had thrown himself into his work, and, by the sound of it, a lot of that work was encroaching on what should be 'family space' in the home. Claire's life had changed dramatically of late and she is reeling from all of those changes, especially from seeing her only son fly the nest. She feels her relationship with Mark is over and rather than settling for just being the unseen housekeeper, she decides the time has come to separate.
This is the wake up call for both of them. Mark doesn't want to end their marriage and is ready to fight for it. He can see that he has prioritised work over Claire and he is ready to change that. This couple have strong bonds but poor communication. Can twenty dates improve their communication and show them just how strong those bonds are?
What I found interesting is that whilst living apart, Claire comes to see her part in the failing marriage and realise it's not all on Mark.
I loved this story and was rooting for Claire and Mark throughout. There are twists and turns which, as an outsider looking in, I felt underlined how strong the couple are together. This is a story which gives one food for thought.
I highly recommend this novel and look forward to reading more from this author.
October 9, 2026
Twenty Dates by Ko Porteous
I received an advance copy of this book at no charge. This is my honest, voluntary review.
Bold and suspenseful, Ko’s second novel in the Empty Nesters series will keep you on the edge of your seat wondering if Claire and Mark will finally overcome their differences to rebuild their 20 year marriage.
We rejoice in their new found experiences, cringe at their misunderstandings because they’re so relatable- who hasn’t jumped to the wrong conclusions only to feel ridiculous when the truth finally comes to light?
Their dates add a brilliant excitement to the storyline and leave us inspired to push out of our comfort zone to try something new.
Ko has a special knack of developing likeable, realistic, wholly believable and well rounded characters. They’re far from perfect and, as they grapple with hugely important themes - some of the intimate challenges of menopause, for example, which is both refreshing and greatly needed - we find ourselves rooting for them to overcome life’s hurdles and to really listen and hear their spouse’s perspective.
The plot is pacy and unputdownable - I’d love to see Twenty Dates made into a film, it’s such a great story that would absolutely lend itself to the big screen. Absolutely loved it. Can’t wait for the next one …
I received an advance copy of this book at no charge. This is my honest, voluntary review.
Bold and suspenseful, Ko’s second novel in the Empty Nesters series will keep you on the edge of your seat wondering if Claire and Mark will finally overcome their differences to rebuild their 20 year marriage.
We rejoice in their new found experiences, cringe at their misunderstandings because they’re so relatable- who hasn’t jumped to the wrong conclusions only to feel ridiculous when the truth finally comes to light?
Their dates add a brilliant excitement to the storyline and leave us inspired to push out of our comfort zone to try something new.
Ko has a special knack of developing likeable, realistic, wholly believable and well rounded characters. They’re far from perfect and, as they grapple with hugely important themes - some of the intimate challenges of menopause, for example, which is both refreshing and greatly needed - we find ourselves rooting for them to overcome life’s hurdles and to really listen and hear their spouse’s perspective.
The plot is pacy and unputdownable - I’d love to see Twenty Dates made into a film, it’s such a great story that would absolutely lend itself to the big screen. Absolutely loved it. Can’t wait for the next one …
October 14, 2026
The Twenty Dates by Ko Porteous is a terrific examination of how empty nesting can affect a marriage. That even keel a relationship follows while children are at home can be set off course once the dynamic changes.
Claire has spent her entire married life supporting both her husband and son. She hadn’t noticed her identity had shifted over the years, and she was now seen only as a wife and mother. Once motherhood becomes a hybrid role, relying on telephone and video calls, being a wife simply isn’t enough. Especially when she feels invisible in her relationship. I think many women will identify with Claire. I personally experienced many of the same feelings and needed to adjust accordingly. I fully empathised with her fears and fully supported her determination to regain control and recognition.
Mark was adorable. He was truly oblivious to the impact of his actions. He loved his wife but hadn’t realised how much he had been taking her for granted. His fear of losing her prompted his plea for twenty dates, and it was intriguing to see how those dates unfolded.
There’s a strong supporting cast comprised of Claire’s friends, Mark’s colleague Dave, and their son. They add depth to the story and much of the comedy, because despite the serious themes, this is a gorgeously entertaining story.
The dates themselves range from the mundane to the terrifying, and I was absorbed by the journey. No spoilers from me, so you’ll need to grab a copy yourself. I can highly recommend it.
Claire has spent her entire married life supporting both her husband and son. She hadn’t noticed her identity had shifted over the years, and she was now seen only as a wife and mother. Once motherhood becomes a hybrid role, relying on telephone and video calls, being a wife simply isn’t enough. Especially when she feels invisible in her relationship. I think many women will identify with Claire. I personally experienced many of the same feelings and needed to adjust accordingly. I fully empathised with her fears and fully supported her determination to regain control and recognition.
Mark was adorable. He was truly oblivious to the impact of his actions. He loved his wife but hadn’t realised how much he had been taking her for granted. His fear of losing her prompted his plea for twenty dates, and it was intriguing to see how those dates unfolded.
There’s a strong supporting cast comprised of Claire’s friends, Mark’s colleague Dave, and their son. They add depth to the story and much of the comedy, because despite the serious themes, this is a gorgeously entertaining story.
The dates themselves range from the mundane to the terrifying, and I was absorbed by the journey. No spoilers from me, so you’ll need to grab a copy yourself. I can highly recommend it.
October 21, 2026
The Twenty Dates by Ko Porteous
[AD PR] I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blurb
Claire’s marriage is in (total!) crisis. Her husband, Mark, is distracted, presumptuous, and utterly clueless - smart scales for their 19th wedding anniversary? Really? Perhaps she'd be better off alone. At least there'd be less laundry.
When Claire suggests separating, Mark panics. He asks for one last twenty dates, one for each year of their marriage, to prove they're better off together than apart.
What follows is a series of adventures Claire never saw coming - some mortifying, some exhilarating, and some that make her question everything she thought she knew. About Mark. About marriage. And about the woman she's quietly become while she wasn't paying attention.
As the dates tick down, Claire must is the spark still there - or has their marriage simply run its course?
My Opinion
The Twenty Dates is the second book in The Empty Nesters series but it can be read as a standalone. Ko Porteous has written a novel with an interesting concept. A fun and relatable read that I would recommend.
Rating 4/5
[AD PR] I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blurb
Claire’s marriage is in (total!) crisis. Her husband, Mark, is distracted, presumptuous, and utterly clueless - smart scales for their 19th wedding anniversary? Really? Perhaps she'd be better off alone. At least there'd be less laundry.
When Claire suggests separating, Mark panics. He asks for one last twenty dates, one for each year of their marriage, to prove they're better off together than apart.
What follows is a series of adventures Claire never saw coming - some mortifying, some exhilarating, and some that make her question everything she thought she knew. About Mark. About marriage. And about the woman she's quietly become while she wasn't paying attention.
As the dates tick down, Claire must is the spark still there - or has their marriage simply run its course?
My Opinion
The Twenty Dates is the second book in The Empty Nesters series but it can be read as a standalone. Ko Porteous has written a novel with an interesting concept. A fun and relatable read that I would recommend.
Rating 4/5
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5 Stars
After reading the first book in the series and really enjoyed it, The Twenty Dates did not disappoint at all.
The book kept me engaged from the very beginning and I wanted to find out more about the main characters and their relationship.
Both main characters are so well described and I am sure many readers will relate with them. The feeling of abandonment, the feeling of not being enough, the empty nest, the so call need to throw oneself into work and so much more.
I really enjoyed reading about all the dates planned and I liked that not every date was portrayed as perfect, but there was banter, challenges, not so successful dates.
I also liked the fact that through the story the characters were able to identify their weaknesses and work together to overcome everything.
The story not only talks about a couple working together to save their marriage, but also about friendship, chasing dreams, learning to let go and so much more.
I really enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend.
After reading the first book in the series and really enjoyed it, The Twenty Dates did not disappoint at all.
The book kept me engaged from the very beginning and I wanted to find out more about the main characters and their relationship.
Both main characters are so well described and I am sure many readers will relate with them. The feeling of abandonment, the feeling of not being enough, the empty nest, the so call need to throw oneself into work and so much more.
I really enjoyed reading about all the dates planned and I liked that not every date was portrayed as perfect, but there was banter, challenges, not so successful dates.
I also liked the fact that through the story the characters were able to identify their weaknesses and work together to overcome everything.
The story not only talks about a couple working together to save their marriage, but also about friendship, chasing dreams, learning to let go and so much more.
I really enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend.
October 16, 2026
The Twenty Dates by Ko Porteous was such a cute, warm, contemporary novel. It's the second in the Empty Nesters series, but can be read as a standalone. I haven't read the first book, but I will be now.
This is the story of Claire and Mark, who realize their marriage is at a standstill upon their 19th anniversary. When Claire asks to separate, Mark suggests twenty dates to prove their relationship is still worth keeping.
The dates were so fun and unique. Woven in between, these two characters face challenges, realize their own shortcomings, start to overcome misunderstandings. I really love how relatable both characters were, and how m, regardless of your relationship status, relatable this situation was. We've all felt misunderstood or taken advantage of, and we've all been in situations where we just let things go when we should have a conversation instead.
I loved the honesty of this story. The writing was excellent and kept me engaged throughout. Give this one a read!
This is the story of Claire and Mark, who realize their marriage is at a standstill upon their 19th anniversary. When Claire asks to separate, Mark suggests twenty dates to prove their relationship is still worth keeping.
The dates were so fun and unique. Woven in between, these two characters face challenges, realize their own shortcomings, start to overcome misunderstandings. I really love how relatable both characters were, and how m, regardless of your relationship status, relatable this situation was. We've all felt misunderstood or taken advantage of, and we've all been in situations where we just let things go when we should have a conversation instead.
I loved the honesty of this story. The writing was excellent and kept me engaged throughout. Give this one a read!
October 20, 2026
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An emotional read about a marriage in crisis and the older protagonists’ efforts to rescue their family.
Mark and Claire have abruptly separated after twenty years of marriage. Mark suggests twenty dates, one for each year, to rekindle their relationship.
This was serious yet funny, especially with the dates and adventures and misadventures. It was refreshing as the plot touched on serious topics- menopause, grief, parenting, friendship among others.
It was very relatable as both parties worked through their differences. I loved how the author portrayed Mark and Claire both with baggages and parent issues.
The storytelling was great. It was descriptive, entertaining and engaging. I can’t wait to read more from the author.
An emotional read about a marriage in crisis and the older protagonists’ efforts to rescue their family.
Mark and Claire have abruptly separated after twenty years of marriage. Mark suggests twenty dates, one for each year, to rekindle their relationship.
This was serious yet funny, especially with the dates and adventures and misadventures. It was refreshing as the plot touched on serious topics- menopause, grief, parenting, friendship among others.
It was very relatable as both parties worked through their differences. I loved how the author portrayed Mark and Claire both with baggages and parent issues.
The storytelling was great. It was descriptive, entertaining and engaging. I can’t wait to read more from the author.
October 11, 2026
Cute Story
This is the second book in the empty nest series by this author. It can be read as a standalone. I did love book #1.
This story is a cute concept about a couple reevaluating whether they want to stay together or go in different directions. I enjoyed the story even though some of it might have been predictable.
My only issue was that the story felt a bit long. I think shortening some of the date details would have helped the pacing of the novel. I struggle with books where if the characters just talked they’d solve many issues but overall it’s a cute story.
Despite the length I finished this in one sitting.
This is the second book in the empty nest series by this author. It can be read as a standalone. I did love book #1.
This story is a cute concept about a couple reevaluating whether they want to stay together or go in different directions. I enjoyed the story even though some of it might have been predictable.
My only issue was that the story felt a bit long. I think shortening some of the date details would have helped the pacing of the novel. I struggle with books where if the characters just talked they’d solve many issues but overall it’s a cute story.
Despite the length I finished this in one sitting.
October 12, 2026
We are stepping into the second book of The Empty Nester series. I thoroughly enjoyed this one just like the first one. Such a page turner you cannot put down!
Full of laughter, love and heartbreak while we navigate through the tough times of Claire and her marriage.
I loved the way Ko Porteous writes, her style is such indepth and the characters are well created and relatable. Which i think makes this story even more captivating.
I would definitely recommend The Empty Nester series 100%
Full of laughter, love and heartbreak while we navigate through the tough times of Claire and her marriage.
I loved the way Ko Porteous writes, her style is such indepth and the characters are well created and relatable. Which i think makes this story even more captivating.
I would definitely recommend The Empty Nester series 100%
October 21, 2026
A twenty year marriage with a gaping hole at its centre. And the all-important question - do we walk away from this or can we make it better? This is a timely, relevant and enormously relatable story about the ups and downs of long term relationships, the miscommunication and misunderstandings, the love at its core - albeit vastly different than it was two decades earlier. I challenge any long term spouse not to identify! Warm and witty, poignant and real, Ko Portous done a fab job on this heartwarming sequel to The Freshman Parents.
October 2, 2026
I enjoyed this just as much as the first book in the Empty Nesters series. In my opinion Ko pitches this just right with the right amount of drama, emotion and humour. When Claire’s husband Mark gives her a set a smart scales for their nineteenth wedding anniversary she is not at all impressed. Their marriage has got into a bit of a rut with Claire battling the menopause, worrying about their son Aiden and feeling like she’s taken for granted. They decide that maybe they’d be better off spending time apart and to try and reignite what they once had. Claire and Mark embark on twenty dates choosing what they’ll do on each one in turn. Some taking them out of their comfort zones and also making them reevaluate their marriage, their friendships and also their own individual lives, facing insecurities and coming to terms with past events.
I love the dynamics between not only the two main characters but also the friendship and work groups.
Totally engaged throughout, this made me laugh and cry in equal measure as well as being quite thought provoking at points.
I love the dynamics between not only the two main characters but also the friendship and work groups.
Totally engaged throughout, this made me laugh and cry in equal measure as well as being quite thought provoking at points.
Review of advance copy
I enjoyed the first book in the series and The Twenty Dates certainly didn't disappoint. From the very first page the author's writing had me hooked and I kept reading until the end as I wanted to know what happened. I loved Claire and Mark's characters and I wanted them to have their happy ending. Overall a brilliant novel that I highly recommend to other readers. I look forward to reading more by the author.
💖 Thank you to Rachel's Random Resources, the author Ko Porteous and the publisher for my copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
💖 Thank you to Rachel's Random Resources, the author Ko Porteous and the publisher for my copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
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