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Blind Date
Bookworm Rachel leads a quiet life.
She works from home, with the closest thing to a colleague being her cat, Pumpkin, and she spends most evenings curled up with a good book. She posts online about novels she's reading, quirky cafés, and London's prettiest parks. Her life is sweet, safe.
But she wants more.
Then a stranger starts liking all her posts.
He messages her. He's charming, funny, intelligent.
Rachel is intrigued.
But there's just one problem.
He has no profile picture. He's just a stranger.
So when he suggests meeting for a blind date, Rachel can't decide whether she's making a terrible mistake, or finally doing something exciting.
After all... He could be anyone.
Will she regret meeting him? Or will she have a night to remember?
Blind Date is an erotic novella which will appeal to fans of Navessa Allen, Sylvia Day and Gabrielle Sands.
She works from home, with the closest thing to a colleague being her cat, Pumpkin, and she spends most evenings curled up with a good book. She posts online about novels she's reading, quirky cafés, and London's prettiest parks. Her life is sweet, safe.
But she wants more.
Then a stranger starts liking all her posts.
He messages her. He's charming, funny, intelligent.
Rachel is intrigued.
But there's just one problem.
He has no profile picture. He's just a stranger.
So when he suggests meeting for a blind date, Rachel can't decide whether she's making a terrible mistake, or finally doing something exciting.
After all... He could be anyone.
Will she regret meeting him? Or will she have a night to remember?
Blind Date is an erotic novella which will appeal to fans of Navessa Allen, Sylvia Day and Gabrielle Sands.
40 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 30, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
August 10, 2026
I thought this was going to be a lot more interesting, but it ended up being pretty straightforward and just didn’t do much for me
July 27, 2026
✧₊⁺🕯⋆.˚୨ৎ ᴀʀᴄ ʀᴇᴠɪᴇᴡ ✧₊⁺🕯⋆.˚୨ৎ
Tʜᴀɴᴋ ʏᴏᴜ ᴛᴏ NᴇᴛGᴀʟʟᴇʏ ᴀɴᴅ ᴛʜᴇ ᴘᴜʙʟɪsʜᴇʀ ғᴏʀ ᴘʀᴏᴠɪᴅɪɴɢ ᴍᴇ ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴀɴ ᴀʀᴄ ɪɴ ᴇxᴄʜᴀɴɢᴇ ғᴏʀ ᴀɴ ʜᴏɴᴇsᴛ ʀᴇᴠɪᴇᴡ. 🫶🏽
✎𓂃♥︎ Less than 30 pages.
✎𓂃♥︎ An erotica that displays a FMC who knows exactly what she wants!! YES!!! 😏
✎𓂃♥︎ This quick and spicy novella is perfect for readers looking for an entertaining, steamy read rather than a plot-heavy story. From the very beginning, the mystery surrounding the MMC keeps the pages turning as you're eager to uncover who he really is.
Tʜᴀɴᴋ ʏᴏᴜ ᴛᴏ NᴇᴛGᴀʟʟᴇʏ ᴀɴᴅ ᴛʜᴇ ᴘᴜʙʟɪsʜᴇʀ ғᴏʀ ᴘʀᴏᴠɪᴅɪɴɢ ᴍᴇ ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴀɴ ᴀʀᴄ ɪɴ ᴇxᴄʜᴀɴɢᴇ ғᴏʀ ᴀɴ ʜᴏɴᴇsᴛ ʀᴇᴠɪᴇᴡ. 🫶🏽
✎𓂃♥︎ Less than 30 pages.
✎𓂃♥︎ An erotica that displays a FMC who knows exactly what she wants!! YES!!! 😏
✎𓂃♥︎ This quick and spicy novella is perfect for readers looking for an entertaining, steamy read rather than a plot-heavy story. From the very beginning, the mystery surrounding the MMC keeps the pages turning as you're eager to uncover who he really is.
August 6, 2026
At only 40 pages Zoe Sinclair was able to write up one spicy little novella. Admittedly, I went into this blind not really sure what to expect other than knowing I loved the cover. What I got was not what I expected so I was a little thrown off by the 15 page sex scene. 😳😂
That being said, the writing was ok. It was pretty straightforward and with the exception of some moments throwing me out of the story it was what you would expect from a short novella. The spice was well written for being as explicit as it was.
That being said, the writing was ok. It was pretty straightforward and with the exception of some moments throwing me out of the story it was what you would expect from a short novella. The spice was well written for being as explicit as it was.
August 5, 2026
This is exactly what a novella should be: tight, purposeful, and confident about what it's there to do. Rachel is an easy narrator to spend time with from page one - a bookish homebody whose biggest social interaction is her cat, Pumpkin, and whose online life is all cosy bookstagram energy. So when a mysterious stranger with no profile picture starts liking her posts and messaging her, the appeal is obvious: it's a small, credible spark of chaos in a very safe life, and I found myself completely on board with her curiosity (and nerves) about meeting him.
Sinclair does a lovely job building the will she won't she tension around the date itself. The not knowing what he looks like hook is a simple idea but it's used well, keeping just enough uncertainty in the air to make the lead up genuinely fun rather than just a means to get to the good stuff. When the story does turn steamy, it's handled with a light, confident touch. Well paced, well written, and never veering into anything that feels gratuitous or out of step with Rachel's voice.
My only real complaint is the one that comes with the territory of a novella done well - it's short, and I wanted more. More time with Rachel and her mystery man, more of the slow reveal, more of that easy chemistry once it's finally in the room. That's a compliment wrapped in a criticism, though. I'd rather finish a book wanting a sequel than wanting my time back.
A fun, well crafted, satisfying quick read. Geat for anyone after a steamy palate cleanser between longer books, and I'd happily pick up more from Sinclair.
Sinclair does a lovely job building the will she won't she tension around the date itself. The not knowing what he looks like hook is a simple idea but it's used well, keeping just enough uncertainty in the air to make the lead up genuinely fun rather than just a means to get to the good stuff. When the story does turn steamy, it's handled with a light, confident touch. Well paced, well written, and never veering into anything that feels gratuitous or out of step with Rachel's voice.
My only real complaint is the one that comes with the territory of a novella done well - it's short, and I wanted more. More time with Rachel and her mystery man, more of the slow reveal, more of that easy chemistry once it's finally in the room. That's a compliment wrapped in a criticism, though. I'd rather finish a book wanting a sequel than wanting my time back.
A fun, well crafted, satisfying quick read. Geat for anyone after a steamy palate cleanser between longer books, and I'd happily pick up more from Sinclair.
August 13, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Blind Date van Zoë Sinclair is een kort dark romance/erotica-verhaal dat ik alvast mocht lezen via NetGalley.
Het is op zich een prima verhaaltje en doordat het zo kort is, leest het lekker vlot weg. Toch had ik liever gezien dat het boek wat langer was geweest. Vooral de opbouw naar de scènes toe miste ik een beetje. Het gaat eigenlijk vrij snel van: ik zie hem in de bar naar ik wil hem verslinden. Ik miste het stukje waarin duidelijk wordt waarom de aantrekkingskracht zo sterk is en wat hij precies doet om haar zo ver te krijgen. Daardoor voelde ik de chemie tussen de personages zelf net niet helemaal.
De erotische scènes zijn prima, maar voor mij niet echt bijzonder of vernieuwend. Ook vond ik het einde behoorlijk abrupt, waardoor het verhaal voor mijn gevoel net iets te plotseling werd afgesloten.
Al met al is Blind Date gewoon een lekker kort tussendoortje met een prima verhaal, maar helaas niet eentje die me nog lang zal bijblijven.
Blind Date van Zoë Sinclair is een kort dark romance/erotica-verhaal dat ik alvast mocht lezen via NetGalley.
Het is op zich een prima verhaaltje en doordat het zo kort is, leest het lekker vlot weg. Toch had ik liever gezien dat het boek wat langer was geweest. Vooral de opbouw naar de scènes toe miste ik een beetje. Het gaat eigenlijk vrij snel van: ik zie hem in de bar naar ik wil hem verslinden. Ik miste het stukje waarin duidelijk wordt waarom de aantrekkingskracht zo sterk is en wat hij precies doet om haar zo ver te krijgen. Daardoor voelde ik de chemie tussen de personages zelf net niet helemaal.
De erotische scènes zijn prima, maar voor mij niet echt bijzonder of vernieuwend. Ook vond ik het einde behoorlijk abrupt, waardoor het verhaal voor mijn gevoel net iets te plotseling werd afgesloten.
Al met al is Blind Date gewoon een lekker kort tussendoortje met een prima verhaal, maar helaas niet eentje die me nog lang zal bijblijven.
July 30, 2026
Happy publication day to this quick and amusing short story!
I'd love to say a quick and kinky read but alas it's more like a quick and easy story. So much potential to dive into kinkier elements but seemed to stay generalized to appease to a wider audience. That said, it was a fun and feathery read between books.
Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this story ahead of it's publication date!
I'd love to say a quick and kinky read but alas it's more like a quick and easy story. So much potential to dive into kinkier elements but seemed to stay generalized to appease to a wider audience. That said, it was a fun and feathery read between books.
Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this story ahead of it's publication date!
August 8, 2026
If you want something short, fast and steamy then this is the spice for you. One night , one meeting throwing caution to the wind and being in the moment. It was a fantasy short erotic story and I would recommend for anyone who wants to get a little hot under the collar and wants a well written novella.
August 26, 2026
I have been in a reading slump, and this pulled me right out! I loved how quick, fun, and sexy it was. Rachel is literally all of us wanting a book fairytale to be real. Highly recommend for a quick or filler read.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
2 stars (If this were actually a thriller, it would probably be closer to 4 stars.)
Girl agrees to meet a guy for a blind date. One catch: he won't send her a photo. What a brilliant setup for something truly shocking. I kept waiting for some dramatic twist the whole time. Is it just me, or would this novella have been much better if the FMC had gotten stabbed at the end?
I found the language much better suited to a thriller than a romance/erotica. The FMC keeps mentioning odd little details throughout the story but none of them are actually important for the plot. I honestly felt misled by both the synopsis and the book itself. If all that foreshadowing had actually paid off, this would have been a pretty successful short story, and I wholeheartedly believe the writer should consider changing genres.
That being said, there are a few things worth mentioning. The atmosphere of the blind date, with all the nervousness and expectations, was spot on. It genuinely made me uneasy. The plot lost me when the FMC starts making some pretty dangerous choices. As a woman in this day and age, you should know better than to just hope for the best because your date is hot and rich. He gave off sleazy energy from the start. Who in their right mind describes themselves as "tall, dark and handsome" with Heathcliff vibes? Majestic red flag. He should have turned out to be a serial killer, and I will die on this hill.
The metaphorical cherry on top was the completely out-of-nowhere bondage with a complete stranger who had been giving the FMC the heebie-jeebies the entire time. There was no prior discussion of limits, and at one point the FMC even says STOP and he doesn't. (This is where the stabbing should have occurred, in my humble opinion.)
A friend of mine has this habit of reading a book and inventing better plot points in her head whenever she's not enjoying it. I recommend reading this novella and imagining a knife between her ribs at the end. You'll have a great time.
ARC via NetGalley
I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Girl agrees to meet a guy for a blind date. One catch: he won't send her a photo. What a brilliant setup for something truly shocking. I kept waiting for some dramatic twist the whole time. Is it just me, or would this novella have been much better if the FMC had gotten stabbed at the end?
I found the language much better suited to a thriller than a romance/erotica. The FMC keeps mentioning odd little details throughout the story but none of them are actually important for the plot. I honestly felt misled by both the synopsis and the book itself. If all that foreshadowing had actually paid off, this would have been a pretty successful short story, and I wholeheartedly believe the writer should consider changing genres.
That being said, there are a few things worth mentioning. The atmosphere of the blind date, with all the nervousness and expectations, was spot on. It genuinely made me uneasy. The plot lost me when the FMC starts making some pretty dangerous choices. As a woman in this day and age, you should know better than to just hope for the best because your date is hot and rich. He gave off sleazy energy from the start. Who in their right mind describes themselves as "tall, dark and handsome" with Heathcliff vibes? Majestic red flag. He should have turned out to be a serial killer, and I will die on this hill.
The metaphorical cherry on top was the completely out-of-nowhere bondage with a complete stranger who had been giving the FMC the heebie-jeebies the entire time. There was no prior discussion of limits, and at one point the FMC even says STOP and he doesn't. (This is where the stabbing should have occurred, in my humble opinion.)
A friend of mine has this habit of reading a book and inventing better plot points in her head whenever she's not enjoying it. I recommend reading this novella and imagining a knife between her ribs at the end. You'll have a great time.
ARC via NetGalley
I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I got an ARC of this book. This is a short spicy little novella. Rachel has been flirting with a guy through DMs and they finally decided to meet. In order to be comfortable, she arrives early to acclimatize. I love the detailed descriptions of everything leading up to their meeting; her getting ready, the fancy bar, the other bar patrons. She has no idea what he looks like so all of her senses are dedicated to guessing. Once they finally meet, the flirtation and banter is so easy just like online. They have very palpable chemistry and need to take it to the bedroom immediately. I love that Rachel is trying to chug down the $200 bottle of champagne because she's doesn’t want to waste his money. The hotel they go to sounds like a trip, it’s eclectically designed and is meant for spicy adventures. The spice was quite hot, my only critique is that some of the verbiage was repetitive (used too close together) and some of the action felt like it happened a little too quickly, it could have used a little more description. Again, though, it is a very short high heat novella. Just like in person they are very compatible in the bedroom and get to explore each other quite a lot in this one interaction. I love that they are so exhausted they eat dinner in silence because they need to regain their strength.
The ending definitely leaves you wanting more in such a good way and also really inspires your imagination like a choose your own adventure except you're the one continuing the story in your own head.
Mild Spoiler
The ending definitely leaves you wanting more in such a good way and also really inspires your imagination like a choose your own adventure except you're the one continuing the story in your own head.
Mild Spoiler
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
⭐⭐⭐✨ (3.5/5)
The premise immediately sold me on this one. Rachel meeting a mysterious man through Instagram DMs who refuses to reveal what he looks like? I was hooked from the very beginning. Those first few chapters had me completely invested, and I loved the anticipation leading up to their blind date.
My biggest issue was the pacing. I know this is a novella, but once the date actually happened, everything moved at lightning speed. I wanted more tension, more romance, and more time to really connect with the characters.
Rachel was easy to root for, but Adam wasn’t really my kind of book boyfriend. Wealthy, confident MMCs just aren’t usually my favorite.
The spicy scenes were enjoyable and well written, although they also felt a little rushed at times.
My favorite part was actually the ending. I loved that this wasn’t the start of some sweeping romance. It was simply one memorable night, and honestly, that felt more realistic and refreshing than forcing a happily-ever-after.
Overall, the beginning was incredibly promising, but I wish the rest of the story had taken a little more time to breathe. If you’re looking for a quick, steamy read with a fun mystery surrounding the MMC, this is worth checking out.
⭐⭐⭐✨ (3.5/5)
The premise immediately sold me on this one. Rachel meeting a mysterious man through Instagram DMs who refuses to reveal what he looks like? I was hooked from the very beginning. Those first few chapters had me completely invested, and I loved the anticipation leading up to their blind date.
My biggest issue was the pacing. I know this is a novella, but once the date actually happened, everything moved at lightning speed. I wanted more tension, more romance, and more time to really connect with the characters.
Rachel was easy to root for, but Adam wasn’t really my kind of book boyfriend. Wealthy, confident MMCs just aren’t usually my favorite.
The spicy scenes were enjoyable and well written, although they also felt a little rushed at times.
My favorite part was actually the ending. I loved that this wasn’t the start of some sweeping romance. It was simply one memorable night, and honestly, that felt more realistic and refreshing than forcing a happily-ever-after.
Overall, the beginning was incredibly promising, but I wish the rest of the story had taken a little more time to breathe. If you’re looking for a quick, steamy read with a fun mystery surrounding the MMC, this is worth checking out.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Blind Date was a quick, entertaining read that pulled me in almost immediately. The premise is simple but effective,meeting someone online with almost no information about them is equal parts exciting and terrifying, and the story does a great job of capturing that tension.
Rachel was an easy character to root for. Her quiet, routine life felt relatable, and I understood why she'd be tempted to take a chance on something outside her comfort zone. The mystery surrounding her anonymous admirer kept me turning the pages, wondering whether this would become a romance, a thriller, or something in between.
The chemistry is undeniable, and while this is definitely on the spicier side, I appreciated that the anticipation and uncertainty carried just as much weight as the attraction itself. As a novella, everything moves quickly, which makes it perfect if you're looking for a one-sitting read, though I did find myself wishing for a little more character development and a deeper exploration of the ending.
If you're looking for a fast, flirty story with plenty of suspense and a dash of "should she really do this?" energy, Blind Date delivers an enjoyable escape.
Rachel was an easy character to root for. Her quiet, routine life felt relatable, and I understood why she'd be tempted to take a chance on something outside her comfort zone. The mystery surrounding her anonymous admirer kept me turning the pages, wondering whether this would become a romance, a thriller, or something in between.
The chemistry is undeniable, and while this is definitely on the spicier side, I appreciated that the anticipation and uncertainty carried just as much weight as the attraction itself. As a novella, everything moves quickly, which makes it perfect if you're looking for a one-sitting read, though I did find myself wishing for a little more character development and a deeper exploration of the ending.
If you're looking for a fast, flirty story with plenty of suspense and a dash of "should she really do this?" energy, Blind Date delivers an enjoyable escape.
July 30, 2026
⭐️ 3.5 stars
So if you love smut, this is a fun spicy read. I quite enjoyed this quick and highly erotic novella. If you’re left wishing there was more to a novella, you know it’s a good one.
I did wish there was more flirty banter before they got all heated and horny. Like, I get they did that offpage through DMs, and the author emphasised they were compatible both online and offline, but as a reader I wanted to feel more invested before they started going at it like bunnies.
Sometimes I thought the MMC was a little too cocky and confident… to the point where it gave me the ick. I normally love confident, cocky guys, but because it was so short, I felt like I didn’t know him well enough for him to redeem himself in my eyes or for me to really like him.
I also wish there was more at the end. It made me wonder what their relationship (or situationship) would look like moving forward and how the FMC and MMC would navigate things in the future. Which can be good and bad thing, since I can choose what I want the end to be like in my mind or… yearn for more.
All in all, I did enjoy reading this fun, spicy novella.
Thank you NetGalley for this spicy arc
So if you love smut, this is a fun spicy read. I quite enjoyed this quick and highly erotic novella. If you’re left wishing there was more to a novella, you know it’s a good one.
I did wish there was more flirty banter before they got all heated and horny. Like, I get they did that offpage through DMs, and the author emphasised they were compatible both online and offline, but as a reader I wanted to feel more invested before they started going at it like bunnies.
Sometimes I thought the MMC was a little too cocky and confident… to the point where it gave me the ick. I normally love confident, cocky guys, but because it was so short, I felt like I didn’t know him well enough for him to redeem himself in my eyes or for me to really like him.
I also wish there was more at the end. It made me wonder what their relationship (or situationship) would look like moving forward and how the FMC and MMC would navigate things in the future. Which can be good and bad thing, since I can choose what I want the end to be like in my mind or… yearn for more.
All in all, I did enjoy reading this fun, spicy novella.
Thank you NetGalley for this spicy arc
August 6, 2026
I was given an advanced readers copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
“It can be the most life-affirming thing ever when you find a book that resonates with you and makes you feel like you're not alone in the way you see the world, but it can also be weirdly alienating when you clash with a book that everyone else seems to adore.”
Rachel is a character I wish I knew more about. I need to meet her cat Pumpkin instead of hearing about them… but sadly that doesn’t happen. I know this short story states that it is an erotic novella, but sometimes I feel like a little more is needed. This, sadly, was one of those situations for me.
Although I loved their instantaneous chemistry online as well as in person, Rachel and Adam seem to be missing something for me. That being said, I loved their connection. The light banter and playfulness in their exchanges were butterfly inducing as if on a first date. So this side of things really worked.
The writing itself was easy to follow, it flowed well and I felt into the story from the start. The ‘what’s going to happen next’ thoughts and feelings were almost addictive!
I also love this cover!
This is out now!
“It can be the most life-affirming thing ever when you find a book that resonates with you and makes you feel like you're not alone in the way you see the world, but it can also be weirdly alienating when you clash with a book that everyone else seems to adore.”
Rachel is a character I wish I knew more about. I need to meet her cat Pumpkin instead of hearing about them… but sadly that doesn’t happen. I know this short story states that it is an erotic novella, but sometimes I feel like a little more is needed. This, sadly, was one of those situations for me.
Although I loved their instantaneous chemistry online as well as in person, Rachel and Adam seem to be missing something for me. That being said, I loved their connection. The light banter and playfulness in their exchanges were butterfly inducing as if on a first date. So this side of things really worked.
The writing itself was easy to follow, it flowed well and I felt into the story from the start. The ‘what’s going to happen next’ thoughts and feelings were almost addictive!
I also love this cover!
This is out now!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
✨️ ARC REVIEW ✨️
Blind Date by Zoe Sinclair
Publication date: July 30th 2026
Thoughts
This may come as a surprise but when I say I read across all genres that also means erotic reads every now and then, yes I know controversial for someone who loves emotional depth and smut balanced out🤣 but this was good in its own way, the way the author delivers the build up works wonders given the fact it's under 50 pages not, to mention the cover and premise caught my eye, if you're a fan of Navessa Allen you'll definitely love this
Plot Summary
Rachel enjoys a quiet, predictable life filled with books, her cat, and sharing her favourite places online. But when a mysterious stranger with no profile picture begins messaging her, she’s drawn in by his charm. When he suggests meeting for a blind date, Rachel must decide whether she’s taking a chance on love—or walking into something far more dangerous.
Many thanks to NetGalley and publishers for the ARC
My Bookstagram
Blind Date by Zoe Sinclair
Publication date: July 30th 2026
Thoughts
This may come as a surprise but when I say I read across all genres that also means erotic reads every now and then, yes I know controversial for someone who loves emotional depth and smut balanced out🤣 but this was good in its own way, the way the author delivers the build up works wonders given the fact it's under 50 pages not, to mention the cover and premise caught my eye, if you're a fan of Navessa Allen you'll definitely love this
Plot Summary
Rachel enjoys a quiet, predictable life filled with books, her cat, and sharing her favourite places online. But when a mysterious stranger with no profile picture begins messaging her, she’s drawn in by his charm. When he suggests meeting for a blind date, Rachel must decide whether she’s taking a chance on love—or walking into something far more dangerous.
Many thanks to NetGalley and publishers for the ARC
My Bookstagram
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The cover, title and book blurb seemed really promising. I knew it was a novella/short book and honestly was looking forward to a quick (🌶️ spicy read). I think the writing felt novice, especially some of the dialogue. Short stories can be tough as there is often not enough space to give background of characters. But I think I wanted to learn more about this reclusive bookworm venturing out on a blind date.
***potential spoilers***
The biggest reason, however, for my lower star rating is that there is a point in the book during the intimacy/spice where she yells "STOP!" and while I feel like it is implied that she was shouting more in pleasure - my instinct wanted the partner to make sure consent was there and she was ok.
To me, this just felt like an erotic one night stand novella that could be in cosmopolitan magazine. If the writing was taken up a notch and more desire/tension (and consent) was there, this may have been better.
Thanks to Netgalley and Xpresso Book Tours; opinions are my own.
2.5⭐
***potential spoilers***
The biggest reason, however, for my lower star rating is that there is a point in the book during the intimacy/spice where she yells "STOP!" and while I feel like it is implied that she was shouting more in pleasure - my instinct wanted the partner to make sure consent was there and she was ok.
To me, this just felt like an erotic one night stand novella that could be in cosmopolitan magazine. If the writing was taken up a notch and more desire/tension (and consent) was there, this may have been better.
Thanks to Netgalley and Xpresso Book Tours; opinions are my own.
2.5⭐
August 27, 2026
Thank you Netgalley for the e-copy!
Well, the blurb does mention everything you need to know about this book—that this is an erotic novella—but it fails to mention that it’s…literally just that. I’m always looking for something this short and spicy to get me off and Blind Date hits all the right spots! But within the existing smut market, I think this could’ve been longer with some more online stalker behavior and chats between the two characters presented as foreplay for a better build-up. Rachel is also described as a bookworm but the only glimpse we get into that life is a Wuthering Heights mention so you don’t really get an understanding of how awkwardly high the stakes are for her in this blind date. There’s nothing bad about this novella, I just think the author could’ve used this premise to write a full-blown novel with such a beautiful cover instead because the writing is pretty decent, considering how hard it is to write smut lol. Would absolutely love to pick up LORD but PLEASE WRITE BETTER BLURBS, ZOE!
Well, the blurb does mention everything you need to know about this book—that this is an erotic novella—but it fails to mention that it’s…literally just that. I’m always looking for something this short and spicy to get me off and Blind Date hits all the right spots! But within the existing smut market, I think this could’ve been longer with some more online stalker behavior and chats between the two characters presented as foreplay for a better build-up. Rachel is also described as a bookworm but the only glimpse we get into that life is a Wuthering Heights mention so you don’t really get an understanding of how awkwardly high the stakes are for her in this blind date. There’s nothing bad about this novella, I just think the author could’ve used this premise to write a full-blown novel with such a beautiful cover instead because the writing is pretty decent, considering how hard it is to write smut lol. Would absolutely love to pick up LORD but PLEASE WRITE BETTER BLURBS, ZOE!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is every book girl's dream of meeting someone in an upscale bar and erring caution to the wind. If the world wasn't like what it's like, y'know?
First off, the writing is smooth and the transitions were flawless between the different scenes. Second, the spice was solid - and there wasn't too much for the length of the story. It's not super vanilla (so if you don't like to read anything that's not vanilla this is your warning) which was a small surprise.
I have nothing but good things to say about this novella honestly; the only reason it wasn't a five star read for me was purely just how I rate things. Four stars to me is one hell of a read, and I would highly recommend this to someone that wants a quick and spicy read. I read this super late in the night and binged it under an hour!
I don't know if I would reread it though; it's nice to have live in that little fantasy but I don't know if I'd keep going back to it.
First off, the writing is smooth and the transitions were flawless between the different scenes. Second, the spice was solid - and there wasn't too much for the length of the story. It's not super vanilla (so if you don't like to read anything that's not vanilla this is your warning) which was a small surprise.
I have nothing but good things to say about this novella honestly; the only reason it wasn't a five star read for me was purely just how I rate things. Four stars to me is one hell of a read, and I would highly recommend this to someone that wants a quick and spicy read. I read this super late in the night and binged it under an hour!
I don't know if I would reread it though; it's nice to have live in that little fantasy but I don't know if I'd keep going back to it.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I received an ARC of from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
This book works as a great quick escape from reality - you know those days where the world feels a lot and you need something quick and different from reality? This works perfectly! It's short, quick to the point but engaging, a quick drink at The Ritz and then to what sounds like a members' club type hotel but with a kinky twist is just so apt!
I want more!! I want a series of the visitors to this hotel, I need more!
I thoroughly enjoyed the little mix up at the hotel bar and then when the male lead is revealed and whew - the image in my head is of a great looking couple with a love of books and it works well for me! As others have said I'd love some elaboration on why so mysterious - the work in the city? Give us a hint! Just a teeny hint, who is Adam really? And as for the heat? So much heat in so few pages and it is brilliant!
This book works as a great quick escape from reality - you know those days where the world feels a lot and you need something quick and different from reality? This works perfectly! It's short, quick to the point but engaging, a quick drink at The Ritz and then to what sounds like a members' club type hotel but with a kinky twist is just so apt!
I want more!! I want a series of the visitors to this hotel, I need more!
I thoroughly enjoyed the little mix up at the hotel bar and then when the male lead is revealed and whew - the image in my head is of a great looking couple with a love of books and it works well for me! As others have said I'd love some elaboration on why so mysterious - the work in the city? Give us a hint! Just a teeny hint, who is Adam really? And as for the heat? So much heat in so few pages and it is brilliant!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
WHEW. 😮💨 Somebody hand me a fan because I was not prepared for *Blind Date*.
I picked this up expecting a fun romance, but what I got was a whirlwind that had me glued to my Kindle. By the time I finished, I was sitting there fanning my face thinking, "What did I just read?" in the best possible way.
The premise is simple enough to hook you—a blind date that turns into something neither of them expected—but it's the chemistry, tension, and nonstop momentum that make it so hard to put down. Every time I thought I knew where things were headed, the story found another way to keep me invested.
This book is every woman's fantasy played out in the most entertaining way. It's flirty, addictive, and one of those romances you accidentally stay up way too late reading because you just have to know what happens next.
If you're looking for a romance that will make you kick your feet, grin like an idiot, and finish the last page wondering how it's already over, *Blind Date* absolutely delivers.
I picked this up expecting a fun romance, but what I got was a whirlwind that had me glued to my Kindle. By the time I finished, I was sitting there fanning my face thinking, "What did I just read?" in the best possible way.
The premise is simple enough to hook you—a blind date that turns into something neither of them expected—but it's the chemistry, tension, and nonstop momentum that make it so hard to put down. Every time I thought I knew where things were headed, the story found another way to keep me invested.
This book is every woman's fantasy played out in the most entertaining way. It's flirty, addictive, and one of those romances you accidentally stay up way too late reading because you just have to know what happens next.
If you're looking for a romance that will make you kick your feet, grin like an idiot, and finish the last page wondering how it's already over, *Blind Date* absolutely delivers.
August 26, 2026
Blind Date by Zoe Sinclair was a short and spicy erotic novella that hit just the spot (IYKYK). This saucy little palette cleanser grabbed my attention immediately, and I devoured it in an afternoon. From the 50% mark, Sinclair turned up the heat with the introduction of the mysterious blind date readers had been anticipating since the beginning. The set-up was almost giving thriller up until they finally meet in person. Their banter is entertaining, albeit a tad cheesy but I’m not as familiar with slang from the UK. There isn’t a ton of on page dialogue that shows their chemistry so it reads more like insta-attraction but from the way Rachel speaks of their online messaging, Adam was all green flags. The final 40% of the book is entirely smutty — the happiest of endings, if you will. If you’re looking for a quick and spicy novella, pick this one up!
Thank you to NetGalley and Xpresso Book Tours for this ARC!
Thank you to NetGalley and Xpresso Book Tours for this ARC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I'm not sure what I was expecting.
I'm aware this is a novella but it was so short and abrupt. More abrupt than anything.
It felt like a story one of your girlfriends tells you over brunch (with just a bit more sexy time descriptions).
It wasn't bad. It is literally a blind date story.
I think it was just abrupt and that threw me off. Otherwise, I liked it for what it was.
A mini book that entertained and works perfectly in between heavier or longer books.
It's unique that I don't think I've ever read a novella quite like this. But I didn't hate it.
Side note: (this has nothing to do with the story) The cover model looks like a young Winona Ryder. I think that was my first impression of the book. Just a random thought.
Thank you to the author and Netgalley for allowing me to read this in advance of its release.
As always, I appreciate it and I'm grateful.
I'm aware this is a novella but it was so short and abrupt. More abrupt than anything.
It felt like a story one of your girlfriends tells you over brunch (with just a bit more sexy time descriptions).
It wasn't bad. It is literally a blind date story.
I think it was just abrupt and that threw me off. Otherwise, I liked it for what it was.
A mini book that entertained and works perfectly in between heavier or longer books.
It's unique that I don't think I've ever read a novella quite like this. But I didn't hate it.
Side note: (this has nothing to do with the story) The cover model looks like a young Winona Ryder. I think that was my first impression of the book. Just a random thought.
Thank you to the author and Netgalley for allowing me to read this in advance of its release.
As always, I appreciate it and I'm grateful.
August 6, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a copy of Blind Date by Zoe Sinclair in exchange for an honest review.
‘There’s something about reading. it can be the most life-affirming thing ever when you find a book that resonates with you and makes you feel like you’re not alone in in the way you see the world, but you can also be weirdly alienating when you clash with a book that everyone else seems to adore.’
This is a short story about a bookish woman who accepts an offer to go on a date from a man she has never met or even seen a photo of. I actually originally thought this would take a dark turn and end up as a thriller, but I was pleasantly surprised at the romance it turned out to be.
This was a one-shot of a one night stand. It’s not my usual genre but it was a quick and entertaining read.
‘There’s something about reading. it can be the most life-affirming thing ever when you find a book that resonates with you and makes you feel like you’re not alone in in the way you see the world, but you can also be weirdly alienating when you clash with a book that everyone else seems to adore.’
This is a short story about a bookish woman who accepts an offer to go on a date from a man she has never met or even seen a photo of. I actually originally thought this would take a dark turn and end up as a thriller, but I was pleasantly surprised at the romance it turned out to be.
This was a one-shot of a one night stand. It’s not my usual genre but it was a quick and entertaining read.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Well, that was a spicy little read. Was it the spiciest? Probably not. But I absolutely felt the blind date, first date tension. Sitting at the bar, waiting for someone you've never met before, who has purposely kept himself anonymous? Yeah, I'd need a strong drink too.
Look, it's a fun little read. I love that it was set in London. Overall though, I was left a little disappointed with where the story went. It had endless possibilities for who he was and why he chose to remain anonymous, which felt like missed opportunities. A few tweaks here and there, and it could have been a smashing novella.
No issues with the writing though. I'd absolutely read something else by this author again. I just wanted more from the story.
Look, it's a fun little read. I love that it was set in London. Overall though, I was left a little disappointed with where the story went. It had endless possibilities for who he was and why he chose to remain anonymous, which felt like missed opportunities. A few tweaks here and there, and it could have been a smashing novella.
No issues with the writing though. I'd absolutely read something else by this author again. I just wanted more from the story.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I thought this short story was okay. Funny enough, I really thought there was going to be some twist because of how it was set up initially - I had a lot of fun reading the first few pages when Rachel is speculating on the identity of her blind date. But then Adam appears and I lost interest. It was definitely steamy though and the author did a great job packing in a lot of emotion and depth into such a short amount of pages. But with the abrupt ending, it just felt incomplete. Regardless - I found it to be a good quick read in between larger novels - 3.5 stars.
Thank you to Zoe Sinclair, ARC provided by Xpresso Book Tours | Lighthouse Books, and NetGalley for providing me with an eARC of this book.
#BlindDate #NetGalley
Thank you to Zoe Sinclair, ARC provided by Xpresso Book Tours | Lighthouse Books, and NetGalley for providing me with an eARC of this book.
#BlindDate #NetGalley
July 27, 2026
This was a very quick read. I found the plot very entertaining and it pulled me in from the start.
I found the chemistry between Rachel and Adam to be quite spicy. The tension building as the story continues.
Highly recommend if you’re looking for a quick spicy novella!
Quick Blurb:
Rachel lives a quiet life, working from home and spending her evenings reading.
She started to post online about what novels she's reading, local cafés, and London's prettiest parks. But overtime she realizes wants more.
Then a stranger starts liking all her posts.
He direct messages her and she takes the leap of going on a blind date with a stranger with no photo.
Release Date: July 30th, 2026
Thank you NetGalley & Xpresso Book Tours for the opportunity to read the eARC for an honest review.
I found the chemistry between Rachel and Adam to be quite spicy. The tension building as the story continues.
Highly recommend if you’re looking for a quick spicy novella!
Quick Blurb:
Rachel lives a quiet life, working from home and spending her evenings reading.
She started to post online about what novels she's reading, local cafés, and London's prettiest parks. But overtime she realizes wants more.
Then a stranger starts liking all her posts.
He direct messages her and she takes the leap of going on a blind date with a stranger with no photo.
Release Date: July 30th, 2026
Thank you NetGalley & Xpresso Book Tours for the opportunity to read the eARC for an honest review.
August 5, 2026
ARC Review:
This was just not what I expected it to be. It was fast paced and kept you turning the page. It just felt like it was meant to be two different stories. The beginning really led you one direction and this could’ve almost been a thriller. However the last half of this book was something entirely different and didn’t wrap up well for me. I do feel like this had the potential to be a great full length novel if different aspects were given more elaboration. Overall it peaked my interest enough that I would recommend it to anyone with a spare hour. I’ll definitely check out some of the author’s other works.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for this eARC in exchange for my honest review!
This was just not what I expected it to be. It was fast paced and kept you turning the page. It just felt like it was meant to be two different stories. The beginning really led you one direction and this could’ve almost been a thriller. However the last half of this book was something entirely different and didn’t wrap up well for me. I do feel like this had the potential to be a great full length novel if different aspects were given more elaboration. Overall it peaked my interest enough that I would recommend it to anyone with a spare hour. I’ll definitely check out some of the author’s other works.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for this eARC in exchange for my honest review!
August 18, 2026
Thank you to Xpresso Book Tours & NetGalley for the opportunity to ARC read Blind Date by Zoe Sinclair!
Although the synopsis was a little misleading and had me expecting some big plot twist, I still found the book to be an enjoyable and well-written read!
The beginning had a fun, mysterious feel as we met Rachel, our FMC, and the man she had never actually seen a photo of. From there, we get plenty of flirty banter, chemistry, and explicit open-door spice.
Overall, this was definitely a fun read for anyone looking to add some spice to their TBR! I feel like Zoe wrote this one for all the book girlies struggling in the dating world, giving us a chance to live out some of those dating fantasies, and honestly, I’m here for it!
Although the synopsis was a little misleading and had me expecting some big plot twist, I still found the book to be an enjoyable and well-written read!
The beginning had a fun, mysterious feel as we met Rachel, our FMC, and the man she had never actually seen a photo of. From there, we get plenty of flirty banter, chemistry, and explicit open-door spice.
Overall, this was definitely a fun read for anyone looking to add some spice to their TBR! I feel like Zoe wrote this one for all the book girlies struggling in the dating world, giving us a chance to live out some of those dating fantasies, and honestly, I’m here for it!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Blind Date reminded me of 50 Shades of Gray, but it was a bit tamer. It's a short novella that revolves around the namesake for the book - a blind date - and the events that happened after initially meeting for drinks. I thought the attraction was very apparent between Rachel and Adam and their connection was hot AF. Loved that this was a novella. Kind of wished there was more, but for a novella that's under 30 pages, it covered a lot of ground in a tasteful manner.
Highly recommend to readers who are looking for a short novella to read that features open door spice scenes and some light kink.
Thank you Zoe and Xpresso Book Tours for the review copy. All opinions are my own.
Highly recommend to readers who are looking for a short novella to read that features open door spice scenes and some light kink.
Thank you Zoe and Xpresso Book Tours for the review copy. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you Xpresso Book Tours and Zoe Sinclair for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This wasn’t quite what I expected! I thought the novella would be in 100+ page range.
If you go into this and suspend all disbelief, it is an enjoyable 20-30 minute read of two people that meet up and have a night of insane sex in a lavish hotel. I loved the intrigue of the hotel and the fun way Adam spent money to make the night happen.
I didn’t love the dialogue though. I didn’t feel much banter and the back and forth during the sex felt kind of flat.
But if you’re looking for a quick read about a not so quick hookup, you’ll have fun with this one!
This wasn’t quite what I expected! I thought the novella would be in 100+ page range.
If you go into this and suspend all disbelief, it is an enjoyable 20-30 minute read of two people that meet up and have a night of insane sex in a lavish hotel. I loved the intrigue of the hotel and the fun way Adam spent money to make the night happen.
I didn’t love the dialogue though. I didn’t feel much banter and the back and forth during the sex felt kind of flat.
But if you’re looking for a quick read about a not so quick hookup, you’ll have fun with this one!
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