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Mad Love
Can two people who have never met make a marriage work? Popular dating site Sociality thinks so, and is marrying London lad Adam to California girl Jessica to prove it. What better way to show that your ‘love algorithms’ work than to put two complete strangers together in an expensive publicity stunt? But, as livewire Jess and lazybones Adam quickly discover, just because a computer says you’re the perfect match, it doesn’t make it so! Two million Sociality subscribers and the media are following the happy couple’s progress, and they have to make a go of it or they’ll lose everything, look like idiots, and destroy Sociality’s reputation. But can the mismatched pair, who seem to be constantly at each other’s throats, put their differences aside and work their way into each other’s hearts? Nick Spalding, bestselling author of Fat Chance and Bricking It , will make you cry with laughter at this story of marital warfare―complete with sinking boats, badly aimed flatulence, well aimed tennis balls and some very suggestive pastry.
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First published December 6, 2016
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About the author
Nick Spalding
36 books1,388 followersNick Spalding is an author who, try as he might, can't seem to write anything serious.
Before becoming a full-time author, he worked in the communications industry, mainly in media and marketing. As talking rubbish for a living can get tiresome (for anyone other than a politician), he thought he'd have a crack at writing comedy fiction - with a very agreeable level of success so far, it has to be said. Nick is now a multimillion seller. This flabbergasts him every single day.
Nick is now in his fifties - and is rather annoyed at the universe about it, because it gave him no choice in the matter. He's also addicted to Thai food and roast potatoes (not together), loves Batman and Warhammer, and has a dreadful singing voice.
***
Find out more about Nick and his books at www.nickspalding.com
Before becoming a full-time author, he worked in the communications industry, mainly in media and marketing. As talking rubbish for a living can get tiresome (for anyone other than a politician), he thought he'd have a crack at writing comedy fiction - with a very agreeable level of success so far, it has to be said. Nick is now a multimillion seller. This flabbergasts him every single day.
Nick is now in his fifties - and is rather annoyed at the universe about it, because it gave him no choice in the matter. He's also addicted to Thai food and roast potatoes (not together), loves Batman and Warhammer, and has a dreadful singing voice.
***
Find out more about Nick and his books at www.nickspalding.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 369 reviews
December 2, 2016
If you need a good laugh, this book is for you. If you watch silly television programs like Married at First Sight, this book is for you. It is a fast and funny read.
A website in London marries off two subscribers for publicity. Adam is a British video game reviewer who ends up married to Jessica, an American doing graduate work in Nutrition. The computer proclaimed them a perfect match but both of them were not entirely honest when they filled out their profiles. Adam and Jessica received a glamorous wedding, a penthouse in a prime area of London rent free for a year, and a significant amount of cash as an inducement to go through with the wedding. They each had their own reasons for participating - Adam wanted to move to a place that did not have rats (his roommates named one Gnawbones) and Jess wanted to quit her job as a bartender at a strip club to concentrate on her graduate work.
With all the publicity, it made it hard for the couple had to fumble there way through getting to know each other and learn how to live together. So many things go disastrously but hilariously wrong with the couple getting on each others nerves but having to pretend that they are a love match in public. For example, their exhibition tennis match turns into a grudge match with Jess having particularly good aim.
Despite all of their ups and downs chronicled in the media in great detail, the couple does eventually find some common ground and develop a real relationship.
I am a fan of Nick Spaulding's irreverent sense and I have enjoyed all of his previous books,
I received a copy of this book from Net Galley in return for a fair and objective review.
A website in London marries off two subscribers for publicity. Adam is a British video game reviewer who ends up married to Jessica, an American doing graduate work in Nutrition. The computer proclaimed them a perfect match but both of them were not entirely honest when they filled out their profiles. Adam and Jessica received a glamorous wedding, a penthouse in a prime area of London rent free for a year, and a significant amount of cash as an inducement to go through with the wedding. They each had their own reasons for participating - Adam wanted to move to a place that did not have rats (his roommates named one Gnawbones) and Jess wanted to quit her job as a bartender at a strip club to concentrate on her graduate work.
With all the publicity, it made it hard for the couple had to fumble there way through getting to know each other and learn how to live together. So many things go disastrously but hilariously wrong with the couple getting on each others nerves but having to pretend that they are a love match in public. For example, their exhibition tennis match turns into a grudge match with Jess having particularly good aim.
Despite all of their ups and downs chronicled in the media in great detail, the couple does eventually find some common ground and develop a real relationship.
I am a fan of Nick Spaulding's irreverent sense and I have enjoyed all of his previous books,
I received a copy of this book from Net Galley in return for a fair and objective review.
March 24, 2019
This book made me laugh so much, and so loudly, I was almost certain I woke up my sleeping children. (Luckily, they are heavy sleepers!) Seriously such a hilarious book- probably the funniest I’ve ever read- so many good, silly laughs!
Great performance by the narrators on the audiobook. I think listening to it made the story even better.
Great performance by the narrators on the audiobook. I think listening to it made the story even better.
April 19, 2017
I seriously love Nick Spadling. There have been only one book that was a miss for me so far. The other ones have been hilarious though. In "Mad Love" Spalding takes a look at a man (Adam) and woman (Jessica) who agree to get married via a dating website (Sociality). With the promise of a new flat that they can call their own and a split of thousands of pounds Adam and Jessica are trying their best to give their marriage a go. But they both realize that when one tends to fib (lie people) on their dating profile, that Sociality's algorithm may be wrong about what a perfect match they should be.
Adam works as a video game journalist. I was going to say something about ethics in gaming, but that is bringing bad memories up for me, so let me say that Adam is not an ass. He is currently living in a place with a lot of flatmates and a cross eyed rat, so I can see why he would leap on being married to Jessica when he finds out about her. The beginning depicting Adam waking up and going to a video game con was hilarious. I just cracked up. Spalding always does a great job with the guy POV in these books.
Jessica is an American living in London trying to get her masters in Nutrition (I am to lazy to look that up to make sure that is accurate). She is also working at a strip club as a bartender. Once again, Jessica's POV had me laughing at so many times in this book.
When Adam and Jessica agree to their marriage and realize it means that Sociality's owner is going to be up in their faces for the next several months, you realize that both of them are trying to put their best face forward until it turns into a War of the Roses thing that the book did a great job with.
The only misstep I will say that happens, that really is what besides the ending made me knock a star from this book, is that Spalding gives us insight into why Adam was so focused on staying married to Jessica. I maybe rolled my eyes a bit. It felt like it came out of nowhere since there are no hints to this during Adam's POV that Spalding could have at least hinted at so we could see what secret Adam was keeping.
The writing was great. Spalding does a great job of depicting relationships (see Love From Both Sides) and he has a great voice for both male and female characters. He chooses to tell the story from both Adam and Jessica's POV with each chapter beginning with a question and answer they responded to on the Sociality website. I laughed so hard many times I started howling. There are just some scenes I don't want to spoil for you. But let me just say, the scene with them getting married. It was inspired.
The book setting switches between London and Jessica's birthplace of California. Spalding does a great job of depicting where Jessica grew up to the point I want to visit there sometime.
The ending was a bit eh to me though. I thought it was just too over the top and not realistic.
Adam works as a video game journalist. I was going to say something about ethics in gaming, but that is bringing bad memories up for me, so let me say that Adam is not an ass. He is currently living in a place with a lot of flatmates and a cross eyed rat, so I can see why he would leap on being married to Jessica when he finds out about her. The beginning depicting Adam waking up and going to a video game con was hilarious. I just cracked up. Spalding always does a great job with the guy POV in these books.
Jessica is an American living in London trying to get her masters in Nutrition (I am to lazy to look that up to make sure that is accurate). She is also working at a strip club as a bartender. Once again, Jessica's POV had me laughing at so many times in this book.
When Adam and Jessica agree to their marriage and realize it means that Sociality's owner is going to be up in their faces for the next several months, you realize that both of them are trying to put their best face forward until it turns into a War of the Roses thing that the book did a great job with.
The only misstep I will say that happens, that really is what besides the ending made me knock a star from this book, is that Spalding gives us insight into why Adam was so focused on staying married to Jessica. I maybe rolled my eyes a bit. It felt like it came out of nowhere since there are no hints to this during Adam's POV that Spalding could have at least hinted at so we could see what secret Adam was keeping.
The writing was great. Spalding does a great job of depicting relationships (see Love From Both Sides) and he has a great voice for both male and female characters. He chooses to tell the story from both Adam and Jessica's POV with each chapter beginning with a question and answer they responded to on the Sociality website. I laughed so hard many times I started howling. There are just some scenes I don't want to spoil for you. But let me just say, the scene with them getting married. It was inspired.
The book setting switches between London and Jessica's birthplace of California. Spalding does a great job of depicting where Jessica grew up to the point I want to visit there sometime.
The ending was a bit eh to me though. I thought it was just too over the top and not realistic.
July 5, 2019
Rating: 4.5/5.0
Witty, intelligent and very very funny.
I am not a big fan of humor or comedy genre books but this one was a big exception. I love everything about it and enjoyed it a lot. The three main characters Adam Holborne, Jessica Madison and Cassie McFlasterton are just hilarious. The situations and the events the characters go through are pathetically funny.
The story is basically about this dating online website run by Cassie NcFlasterton which matches two persons together through an algorithm by computer, but the catch is that these strangers have to get married immediately in exchange of some benefits like a flat and other things. How can two total strangers cope with this situation? And were they really serious when they filled the application in the first place? That you need to read to know.
If this book did not make you laugh loudly, the least it will ensure there is a constant smile on your face while reading it. Reading this book is very much recommended specially if you need to read something light, funny but that is still filled with emotions.
Note: I have won a free copy of this book by participating in a giveaway.
Witty, intelligent and very very funny.
I am not a big fan of humor or comedy genre books but this one was a big exception. I love everything about it and enjoyed it a lot. The three main characters Adam Holborne, Jessica Madison and Cassie McFlasterton are just hilarious. The situations and the events the characters go through are pathetically funny.
The story is basically about this dating online website run by Cassie NcFlasterton which matches two persons together through an algorithm by computer, but the catch is that these strangers have to get married immediately in exchange of some benefits like a flat and other things. How can two total strangers cope with this situation? And were they really serious when they filled the application in the first place? That you need to read to know.
If this book did not make you laugh loudly, the least it will ensure there is a constant smile on your face while reading it. Reading this book is very much recommended specially if you need to read something light, funny but that is still filled with emotions.
Note: I have won a free copy of this book by participating in a giveaway.
April 15, 2017
המדרוג המדוייק של הספר קצת יותר מ 3.5 כוכבים אבל החלטתי לעגל כלפי מעלה כי באמת, בעיניי ניק ספלדינג גאון בלהפוך סיטואציות טריוויאליות להזויות ומוטרפות. יש משהו בכתיבה שלו שמאוד משקף את העכשווי על כל ההיבטים הריקניים והאומללים שלו.
הפעם, גסיקה סטודנטית אמריקאית בלונדון, ואדם, עיתונאי משחקי פלייסטיישן נרשמים לתחרות באתר בליינדייט. הזוג שיבחר ינשא מיד על חשבון האתר, יקבל מגורים לשנה בפנטהאוז מפואר בלונדון וירח דבש עסיסי.
ועם כל אלה ומנעמי החיים שמקנים 30 אלף פאונד שקיבלו כפרס, ג'ס ואדם הולכים ומגלים את הצדדים המכוערים של חיי הזוגיות עד שהם כמעט רוצחים אחד את השני.
השיא של הספר במשחק שמארגנת מנהלת האתר בווימבלדון. משחק טניס במגרשים התחרותיים עם הכרוז המקורי וקהל שניצב המום מול האלימות הכבושה והזוועתית של הזוג האינפנטילי הזה. תחרות שגולשת מהר מאוד לקרב ענקים בין בריטניה לארה"ב. בין נשים לגברים. והכל בניסיון לנצח.
יש בספר קטעים מצחיקים יותר ופחות אבל העיקר בו הוא המסר על חוסר היכולת של האדם בעידן המודרני לתקשר ולתת אמון בסובבים אותו. חוסר יכולת להתחשב, להיות אמפטי וקשוב לצד השני. הוא לא ספר מטיפני הוא פרקטי ומאמין שהקוראים יבינו את המסר: ג'ס עסוקה בספורט, מוזיקה ולימודי קולינריה טבעונית. היא טיפוס רעשן וחסר התחשבות באחרים לחלוטין. אדם, בחור עדין, ציני אבל רגיש, עסוק בפלייסטיישן ובפחד שלו מפני הגוף שלו. שניהם מפחדים מאינטימיות.
אני מאוד מחבבת את הכתיבה של הסופר ועבור 2 $ שעלה לי הספר הוא בהחלט עיסקה טובה ואף נפלאה.
הפעם, גסיקה סטודנטית אמריקאית בלונדון, ואדם, עיתונאי משחקי פלייסטיישן נרשמים לתחרות באתר בליינדייט. הזוג שיבחר ינשא מיד על חשבון האתר, יקבל מגורים לשנה בפנטהאוז מפואר בלונדון וירח דבש עסיסי.
ועם כל אלה ומנעמי החיים שמקנים 30 אלף פאונד שקיבלו כפרס, ג'ס ואדם הולכים ומגלים את הצדדים המכוערים של חיי הזוגיות עד שהם כמעט רוצחים אחד את השני.
השיא של הספר במשחק שמארגנת מנהלת האתר בווימבלדון. משחק טניס במגרשים התחרותיים עם הכרוז המקורי וקהל שניצב המום מול האלימות הכבושה והזוועתית של הזוג האינפנטילי הזה. תחרות שגולשת מהר מאוד לקרב ענקים בין בריטניה לארה"ב. בין נשים לגברים. והכל בניסיון לנצח.
יש בספר קטעים מצחיקים יותר ופחות אבל העיקר בו הוא המסר על חוסר היכולת של האדם בעידן המודרני לתקשר ולתת אמון בסובבים אותו. חוסר יכולת להתחשב, להיות אמפטי וקשוב לצד השני. הוא לא ספר מטיפני הוא פרקטי ומאמין שהקוראים יבינו את המסר: ג'ס עסוקה בספורט, מוזיקה ולימודי קולינריה טבעונית. היא טיפוס רעשן וחסר התחשבות באחרים לחלוטין. אדם, בחור עדין, ציני אבל רגיש, עסוק בפלייסטיישן ובפחד שלו מפני הגוף שלו. שניהם מפחדים מאינטימיות.
אני מאוד מחבבת את הכתיבה של הסופר ועבור 2 $ שעלה לי הספר הוא בהחלט עיסקה טובה ואף נפלאה.
November 22, 2016
I recall laughing out loud pretty much hysterically at Nick Spalding's previous book Bricking It, so when I spotted Mad Love, I figured I had to give it a go, to see if that was a one off or not. Yet again there was at least one scene and a one-liner else where that had me laughing pretty much uncontrollably.
It seems as though this is an author that can continually hit my funny bone, and as a result I thoroughly enjoyed this whole book, which has a rather zany concept, that does seem to work.
Take two complete strangers, one publicity stunt for an online dating site Sociality, and pray that everything works out for the best! That is pretty much what Cassie at Sociality has done, in running a competition where the winners as matched by her "algorithms" will get married on Valentines Day, get a honeymoon, a cash prize plus an apartment to live in for a year.
So who are the "lucky" couple that feature in this stunt, well that would be Adam and Jess, who within the two intro chapters one for each of them, you see how on face value badly matched they really appear to be. The first two chapters don't just serve as an introduction to Adam and Jess, but also give valuable insights into the personalities, and each of them has a laugh out loud instance, that early on in the book too, to give a feeling of starting as you mean to go on.
Thinking back the majority of chapters have one highly hilarious event happen in them, a lot of them involving the various publicity stunts that Sociality keep arranging to show how happily married their couple are.
Amongst the events, there is a memorable speedboat trip in an Italian Lake, a French Cookery lesson where one of the bakes turns into not quite what was planned, an exhibition tennis match, which shows just how good each of their aim is when they want, a party that had me almost in stitches, and that is before I mention Bad Bad Baa Sheep!
The pacing of the book is quick, the writing it witty but also fairly descriptive as I could always see properly what was happening, and just loved the dynamics between Adam and Jess. The ultimate questions that book makes you ponder are would you be willing to take part in the ultimate blind date and end up married to a stranger? What sort of people would even enter that kind of competition? And most importantly do seemingly opposites attract, and can a computer really predict human chemistry?
I loved Mad Love so much, I am now contemplating buying the majority of Nick Spalding's back catalogue to see just how many times he can get me to laugh out loud in public!
Thank you so much to Netgalley and Lake Union Publishing for this copy of the book that I read and reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
It seems as though this is an author that can continually hit my funny bone, and as a result I thoroughly enjoyed this whole book, which has a rather zany concept, that does seem to work.
Take two complete strangers, one publicity stunt for an online dating site Sociality, and pray that everything works out for the best! That is pretty much what Cassie at Sociality has done, in running a competition where the winners as matched by her "algorithms" will get married on Valentines Day, get a honeymoon, a cash prize plus an apartment to live in for a year.
So who are the "lucky" couple that feature in this stunt, well that would be Adam and Jess, who within the two intro chapters one for each of them, you see how on face value badly matched they really appear to be. The first two chapters don't just serve as an introduction to Adam and Jess, but also give valuable insights into the personalities, and each of them has a laugh out loud instance, that early on in the book too, to give a feeling of starting as you mean to go on.
Thinking back the majority of chapters have one highly hilarious event happen in them, a lot of them involving the various publicity stunts that Sociality keep arranging to show how happily married their couple are.
Amongst the events, there is a memorable speedboat trip in an Italian Lake, a French Cookery lesson where one of the bakes turns into not quite what was planned, an exhibition tennis match, which shows just how good each of their aim is when they want, a party that had me almost in stitches, and that is before I mention Bad Bad Baa Sheep!
The pacing of the book is quick, the writing it witty but also fairly descriptive as I could always see properly what was happening, and just loved the dynamics between Adam and Jess. The ultimate questions that book makes you ponder are would you be willing to take part in the ultimate blind date and end up married to a stranger? What sort of people would even enter that kind of competition? And most importantly do seemingly opposites attract, and can a computer really predict human chemistry?
I loved Mad Love so much, I am now contemplating buying the majority of Nick Spalding's back catalogue to see just how many times he can get me to laugh out loud in public!
Thank you so much to Netgalley and Lake Union Publishing for this copy of the book that I read and reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
February 1, 2020
After reading a particularly grim crime thriller, I was desperate to switch to something where nobody dies, for a much needed change. Perusing my various “read next” lists, only two fit the bill. Which says all you really need to know about my preferred genres, but I had read and adored Dry Hard by this author last year, and so bought up half his back catalogue while they were on special, hoping to recapture the laugh-out-loud enjoyment of that first hit. Unfortunately, none of the others have tickled me in the same way, and this is probably the one I’ve liked the least.
Adam Holborne is a twenty-something vidéo-game journalist, living in a grotty shared flat in London, when he discovers he’s won a competition he barely remembers entering - and his prize is to marry a complete stranger matched to him by the algorithms of new dating app Sociality - and the deal is sweetened by cash and a luxury penthouse for them to live in. Adam’s new bride is Jess, an American student who works as a barmaid in a strip club. Unsurprisingly the two discover that they aren’t quite the perfect match promised by the computer, but with the bullying owner of Sociality breathing down their necks, Adam and Jess have to make a go of it - even if they want to kill each other!
Given the plethora of radio and TV shows arranging blind-date style weddings in recent years, the premise of this wasn’t as preposterous as it sounds, but the eventual outcome - while never really in doubt - didn’t feel like too much of a happy ending, mainly due to the main characters both being hideously shallow, immature, spiteful and self-centred. I didn’t find their antics funny, just embarrassing, and while the book did prompt a couple of light chuckles, I was disappointed not to find it anywhere near as funny as Dry Hard and Bricking It.
3.5 rounded down for the unnecessary present tense narration.
Adam Holborne is a twenty-something vidéo-game journalist, living in a grotty shared flat in London, when he discovers he’s won a competition he barely remembers entering - and his prize is to marry a complete stranger matched to him by the algorithms of new dating app Sociality - and the deal is sweetened by cash and a luxury penthouse for them to live in. Adam’s new bride is Jess, an American student who works as a barmaid in a strip club. Unsurprisingly the two discover that they aren’t quite the perfect match promised by the computer, but with the bullying owner of Sociality breathing down their necks, Adam and Jess have to make a go of it - even if they want to kill each other!
Given the plethora of radio and TV shows arranging blind-date style weddings in recent years, the premise of this wasn’t as preposterous as it sounds, but the eventual outcome - while never really in doubt - didn’t feel like too much of a happy ending, mainly due to the main characters both being hideously shallow, immature, spiteful and self-centred. I didn’t find their antics funny, just embarrassing, and while the book did prompt a couple of light chuckles, I was disappointed not to find it anywhere near as funny as Dry Hard and Bricking It.
3.5 rounded down for the unnecessary present tense narration.
May 24, 2018
Just like the first book I read by Nick Spalding, this book also reminded me of a certain show. Now I don't watch this show but my sister used to.. and she probably does. I think it's on TLC, but don't quote me on that, and it's called Married at First Sight or something like that.
Mad Love is basically that show but sort of funnier. Now I completely liked Fat Chance a lot more than this book but it was still enjoyable. It's a dual POV about Adam and Jessica's marriage, which of course had it's up and downs just like every other normal relationship out there. They faced trivial problems just like the rest of us.. but they were also strangers to begin with.
Now for me, I have no idea how I would feel if I was thrown into that situation. Mostly because I would want to know who I'm marrying personally before that day comes.. but one never knows how their love lives go do they?
The one thing I didn't like about the book was the CEO from this company. She was breathing down their necks every second and even I was annoyed if they weren't. I wish it was just as good as Fat Chance but it wasn't. I just couldn't like every character in this book like I did in that one.
Overall, I'm still in love with Nick Spalding's books and I really hope the next ones I dive into in June will be just as good or even better!!
Mad Love is basically that show but sort of funnier. Now I completely liked Fat Chance a lot more than this book but it was still enjoyable. It's a dual POV about Adam and Jessica's marriage, which of course had it's up and downs just like every other normal relationship out there. They faced trivial problems just like the rest of us.. but they were also strangers to begin with.
Now for me, I have no idea how I would feel if I was thrown into that situation. Mostly because I would want to know who I'm marrying personally before that day comes.. but one never knows how their love lives go do they?
The one thing I didn't like about the book was the CEO from this company. She was breathing down their necks every second and even I was annoyed if they weren't. I wish it was just as good as Fat Chance but it wasn't. I just couldn't like every character in this book like I did in that one.
Overall, I'm still in love with Nick Spalding's books and I really hope the next ones I dive into in June will be just as good or even better!!
August 28, 2018
'Mad Love' was an easy, simple read but offered little in the way of literary satisfaction. I wanted to finish it and finish it quickly, merely to have it off my bookcase more than anything.
The plot itself is pretty believable. This is the sort of thing you can see happening in today’s society with the power of social media and dating websites. Indeed, 'Married at First Sight' has tried this in real life and I think this is what made this novel appealing. However, the incidents that happen between Jessica and Adam are downright farcical and predictable. I felt myself inwardly cringing as I saw how the plot was going to develop and just wanted each chapter to be over and done with.
Don’t get me wrong, there are moments when you find yourself smiling at the humour or absurdity of the situation. Some of Jessica and Adam’s narratives are a little funny but I did not find this a “laugh out loud” type of story. Switching between Jessica and Adam for each chapter did make the read more interesting, particularly as each different incident was therefore related by the opposite character, but other than that it was just a bland chick flick piece of fiction. And flicking through the pages quickly was certainly what I ended up doing.
The popular culture references are fun, but for me, that’s where the fun stops. Adam needs to grow a pair and stop being so stroppy and immature, whilst Jessica needs to be far less moody and also immature. Whilst Spalding attempts to show the characters “coming of age” in this read, it’s not enough to make this a great and substantial novel.
The plot itself is pretty believable. This is the sort of thing you can see happening in today’s society with the power of social media and dating websites. Indeed, 'Married at First Sight' has tried this in real life and I think this is what made this novel appealing. However, the incidents that happen between Jessica and Adam are downright farcical and predictable. I felt myself inwardly cringing as I saw how the plot was going to develop and just wanted each chapter to be over and done with.
Don’t get me wrong, there are moments when you find yourself smiling at the humour or absurdity of the situation. Some of Jessica and Adam’s narratives are a little funny but I did not find this a “laugh out loud” type of story. Switching between Jessica and Adam for each chapter did make the read more interesting, particularly as each different incident was therefore related by the opposite character, but other than that it was just a bland chick flick piece of fiction. And flicking through the pages quickly was certainly what I ended up doing.
The popular culture references are fun, but for me, that’s where the fun stops. Adam needs to grow a pair and stop being so stroppy and immature, whilst Jessica needs to be far less moody and also immature. Whilst Spalding attempts to show the characters “coming of age” in this read, it’s not enough to make this a great and substantial novel.
April 6, 2025
Just what I wanted this book to be!!! Proper laugh out loud moments! Thank you Nick Spalding!
January 1, 2017
At first I wasn't sure what to make of the story because of how wacky the introductions were for the two main characters. Shortly after, I decided that this book is HILARIOUS! This is an adult romantic comedy that fulfills the promise of humor, satire, and laugh-out-loud humor at that. Really, I LOL'd. After reading this book, I really want to read more books by Spalding!
I loved everything from the quippy writing style to the main characters Jess and Adam, plus their supporting cast, to the crazy antics they go through and the jab at views on modern romance. Oh, and don't forget the jabs on the wonders of "reality" shows in the media.
What I loved:
The absolute appropriateness of the title because there is definitely more than a little madness going on.
Jess and Adam are very endearing characters and I love that Spalding has them tackle the smaller things in relationships, like personal idiosyncrasies and habits. It's all normal things that we do notice about people we live with, but you don't often see them brought to light in a story, perhaps from fear of sounding petty, when they are very much part of relationship's development.
I had so much fun with the writing, which I would describe as quippy and quite British in style. From a Californian's perspective, I do think Jess didn't sound quite Californian enough, but it's a small thing compared to how much I was enjoying reading her perspectives.
I thought the story itself was well paced, albeit fast, highly enjoyable and imaginable, sweet, and touching. I found myself surprisingly invested in this couple. And when a few events happened, I may have even shed a tear, which surprised me, because I was laughing so much and then bam, heart-jab.
I had so much fun with this book. I look forward to more books by this author!
Note: ARC received from NetGalley. Thank you!
I loved everything from the quippy writing style to the main characters Jess and Adam, plus their supporting cast, to the crazy antics they go through and the jab at views on modern romance. Oh, and don't forget the jabs on the wonders of "reality" shows in the media.
What I loved:
The absolute appropriateness of the title because there is definitely more than a little madness going on.
Jess and Adam are very endearing characters and I love that Spalding has them tackle the smaller things in relationships, like personal idiosyncrasies and habits. It's all normal things that we do notice about people we live with, but you don't often see them brought to light in a story, perhaps from fear of sounding petty, when they are very much part of relationship's development.
I had so much fun with the writing, which I would describe as quippy and quite British in style. From a Californian's perspective, I do think Jess didn't sound quite Californian enough, but it's a small thing compared to how much I was enjoying reading her perspectives.
I thought the story itself was well paced, albeit fast, highly enjoyable and imaginable, sweet, and touching. I found myself surprisingly invested in this couple. And when a few events happened, I may have even shed a tear, which surprised me, because I was laughing so much and then bam, heart-jab.
I had so much fun with this book. I look forward to more books by this author!
Note: ARC received from NetGalley. Thank you!
May 15, 2018
Can you imagine your wedding day being the first day you've ever laid eyes on your spouse? Well, when Adam and Jess win a contest on the dating site they subscribe to, that's exactly what happens. Supposedly chosen by the site's algorithm to be a perfect match, these two give marriage to a stranger a try. Only it isn't very easy to get to know your new spouse when the CEO of the website and the media is breathing down your neck every minute. Plus, there are the little personality ticks that every individual has that may drive another person crazy (both the good kind and bad).
I really enjoy Nick Spalding's writing. I listened to the audio version of this book and got a lot of strange looks at stop lights as I laughed so hard that I cried while listening in the car. Mad Love wasn't quite as good as Fat Chance, but I still enjoyed it and want to read more by this author.
I really enjoy Nick Spalding's writing. I listened to the audio version of this book and got a lot of strange looks at stop lights as I laughed so hard that I cried while listening in the car. Mad Love wasn't quite as good as Fat Chance, but I still enjoyed it and want to read more by this author.
January 11, 2020
*****READ THE FULL REVIEW ON MY BLOG *****
As the first book I've read in 2019, I it's a sign of how my reads are going to be in this year because wow. It's been a long time since I've read such a great romance book. It wasn't surprising, the romantic plot was pretty straight forward. But Nick's wording, world building and especially character building and development, is in a master class of its own. They say the pen is mightier than the sword, and with this book in mind I have to agree with it. The humour you find within these pages is unparalleled, and extremely clever.
But I think what I liked the most is that this book really shows us relationships at their worst, how far out people can get when they're put in extreme situations. Especially if the people think they're going to own the situation, then it can be quite the rude awakening when you realise it somehow isn't the case.
As the first book I've read in 2019, I it's a sign of how my reads are going to be in this year because wow. It's been a long time since I've read such a great romance book. It wasn't surprising, the romantic plot was pretty straight forward. But Nick's wording, world building and especially character building and development, is in a master class of its own. They say the pen is mightier than the sword, and with this book in mind I have to agree with it. The humour you find within these pages is unparalleled, and extremely clever.
But I think what I liked the most is that this book really shows us relationships at their worst, how far out people can get when they're put in extreme situations. Especially if the people think they're going to own the situation, then it can be quite the rude awakening when you realise it somehow isn't the case.
August 19, 2022
Adam and Jessica sign up for dating website Sociality’s competition to win an all-expenses paid wedding, as well as an apartment in a nice part of London, and a nice sum of money. The only thing is that they have never met! Video games designer Adam is a bit of a slob and strip club waitress Jessica is a live wire. As the press follow the couple and document the first 6 months of their relationship, will this mismatched pair lose everything and look like idiots or will they put their differences aside and fall in love?
I really loved the sound of this book and I think it had a lot of potential to be great. There were some mildly funny scenes; especially the yoga fart scene, which I did laugh out loud at! And I did feel for the couple, having been thrown together without knowing anything about one another and being followed by Cassie (CEO of Sociality) and the press for the first 6 months of their marriage. I’m not sure I would have liked to have been in that situation. I really loved the narrators; I think they did a great job of bringing the different characters to life and they were effortless at doing different voices and accents.
Having read or listened to a few of Nick Spalding’s books now, I was somewhat disappointed by this one. I just didn’t find it as funny. In particular, Fat Chance and Bricking It had me laughing out loud almost all the way through, but Mad Love seemed to fall a little bit flat for me. The only time I laughed out loud was at the yoga fart scene as I mentioned previously.
This book wasn’t bad and not once did I feel like I didn’t want to finish it. I was curious to know what was going to happen to Adam and Jessica throughout, even though some of their behaviour was sometimes kind of embarrassing! I think it definitely could have been a lot funnier too. For these reasons, I give this 3 out of 5 stars.
I would recommend this to anyone who loves contemporary fiction, romantic comedies, and stories about mismatched couples.
I really loved the sound of this book and I think it had a lot of potential to be great. There were some mildly funny scenes; especially the yoga fart scene, which I did laugh out loud at! And I did feel for the couple, having been thrown together without knowing anything about one another and being followed by Cassie (CEO of Sociality) and the press for the first 6 months of their marriage. I’m not sure I would have liked to have been in that situation. I really loved the narrators; I think they did a great job of bringing the different characters to life and they were effortless at doing different voices and accents.
Having read or listened to a few of Nick Spalding’s books now, I was somewhat disappointed by this one. I just didn’t find it as funny. In particular, Fat Chance and Bricking It had me laughing out loud almost all the way through, but Mad Love seemed to fall a little bit flat for me. The only time I laughed out loud was at the yoga fart scene as I mentioned previously.
This book wasn’t bad and not once did I feel like I didn’t want to finish it. I was curious to know what was going to happen to Adam and Jessica throughout, even though some of their behaviour was sometimes kind of embarrassing! I think it definitely could have been a lot funnier too. For these reasons, I give this 3 out of 5 stars.
I would recommend this to anyone who loves contemporary fiction, romantic comedies, and stories about mismatched couples.
March 21, 2020
Adam and Jessica - two complete strangers. Both sign up to a competition on a dating site. The winners are to be married despite not meeting each other and given £30K plus a posh apartment. Adam and Jessica win and both now have to adapt to this surreal situation.
The issue I have with this book - as I’ve had with other Nick Spalding books - the humour is not at all my cup of tea. Very, very forced silly comedy that actually has me skipping a LOT of text. It just doesn’t make me laugh and it isn’t ever funny. Also, this particular book was very boring.
The issue I have with this book - as I’ve had with other Nick Spalding books - the humour is not at all my cup of tea. Very, very forced silly comedy that actually has me skipping a LOT of text. It just doesn’t make me laugh and it isn’t ever funny. Also, this particular book was very boring.
June 14, 2021
Nick Spalding is fast becoming a guilty pleasure. I don't usually go for these type of book but these are always just so much fun. I've been reading some heavy stuff lately, needed something to break it up.. and this certainly does that. It's got your enemies to lovers trope and there's a lot of silliness too. The MCs are utterly infuriating in many places, you just want to slap them silly but it makes the premise of this story. A light, easy, occasionally funny read.
September 25, 2021
Another fun read from Nick Spaulding
3.5 stars
As usual, Nick brings the fun into this crazy story line where two people are matched thru a website to become husband and wife. Both characters are quirky in their own right and go along with the contest of having to get married for their own personal gain. Of course, in the long run this scenario isn’t going to work out. But thru circumstance and personal growth, some lessons are learned and truth opens up a path to the future.
3.5 stars
As usual, Nick brings the fun into this crazy story line where two people are matched thru a website to become husband and wife. Both characters are quirky in their own right and go along with the contest of having to get married for their own personal gain. Of course, in the long run this scenario isn’t going to work out. But thru circumstance and personal growth, some lessons are learned and truth opens up a path to the future.
September 15, 2019
I loved this book. I laughed more than a few times, and I was rooting for Jessica and Adam the entire time. I had a couple of complaints but they’re mostly me problems and not the books problems. Jessica using British terms (in hospital, smart shirt, etc) when she’s a recent American transplant seemed off to me and at times I found I really really didn’t like her, but I loved Adam and I loved the zaniness of the book and I can’t wait to read another by the author.
July 15, 2021
His books may not be high brow literature but you can rely on Nick Spalding to raise a smile or a tear, to spin a great yarn and to give you characters you'll love.
Once upon a time Adam and Jessica separately entered a dating agency competition to win a chance at a big wedding to a stranger, a penthouse flat for a year and a big wad of dosh...and the dating agency computer algorithm picked them. True, Adam was p*ss*d and on the bog when he filled in his form, correct that the only person who could've been more economical with the truth is John Keynes and, of course, Adam's only in it for the flat and the money but surely they can make this work for one year. Surely a lanky, British Video Game nerd and a feisty, gorgeous, loud Canadian redhead are made for each other?
There are some great set pieces and, once again, I really think this would make great telly. Come on Channel 4...we need a series of Nick Spalding novel dramatisations!
Once upon a time Adam and Jessica separately entered a dating agency competition to win a chance at a big wedding to a stranger, a penthouse flat for a year and a big wad of dosh...and the dating agency computer algorithm picked them. True, Adam was p*ss*d and on the bog when he filled in his form, correct that the only person who could've been more economical with the truth is John Keynes and, of course, Adam's only in it for the flat and the money but surely they can make this work for one year. Surely a lanky, British Video Game nerd and a feisty, gorgeous, loud Canadian redhead are made for each other?
There are some great set pieces and, once again, I really think this would make great telly. Come on Channel 4...we need a series of Nick Spalding novel dramatisations!
September 22, 2022
Aaaa I loved this. A rom com maybe? Yes.. But so great. I loved everything in this book. Some friends to lovers and a final twist was great. We are all good but some persons are big, great, the best. Puting others before you is really really something we do not do enough time. Here was a lot to sacrifate but it was so worth and so good that I missed the character now.
March 4, 2019
“I am not my mother, I am not my mother, I repeat silently to myself. Of course, the minute you start saying that to yourself is the instant you have in fact become your mother.”
A few laugh-out-loud moments, but not as funny as I anticipated.
A few laugh-out-loud moments, but not as funny as I anticipated.
March 28, 2019
Easy and funny read. Perfect.
Nick Spalding creates memorably realistic characters that have you rooting for them at the same time you're laughing both at and with them. Jess and Adam are equally flawed and hilarious.
Nick Spalding creates memorably realistic characters that have you rooting for them at the same time you're laughing both at and with them. Jess and Adam are equally flawed and hilarious.
January 29, 2021
Jessica and Adam marry without meeting due to a competition on a dating site. Turns out, they should have been honest on their profiles. Hilarity ensues.
I could do a whole breakdown of the plot but if I do, what's the point in you reading this? It's laugh out loud funny and should be read.
I could do a whole breakdown of the plot but if I do, what's the point in you reading this? It's laugh out loud funny and should be read.
March 3, 2019
Not as funny as the AMAZING Fat Chance, but still a great book to have listened to.
February 18, 2024
I have read this previously, but it was a good narrated book for a long car journey. Made me laugh out loud a number of times
May 9, 2022
3.5 stars. Can always count on Nick Spaulding to make you laugh with a lighthearted book.
March 12, 2017
Ok but not as good as his others
As the title says, it was an ok read but not as easy reading as some of his other books. Not as much comedy and I think the romance side missed the mark with the ending seeming a bit rushed.
As the title says, it was an ok read but not as easy reading as some of his other books. Not as much comedy and I think the romance side missed the mark with the ending seeming a bit rushed.
February 2, 2025
The book was a slow started. It has a few laugh out loud moments, however previous Nick Spalding books have been funnier.
February 8, 2017
I enjoyed reading Mad Love, Nick introduces a different side to Internet dating.
The story is based on two very different characters Jessica and Adam, who join up to Cassie's dating site called SOCIALITY.
They win a competition to get married together for a very generous sum of money and a penthouse as a social exercise based on the dating sites compatibility to match people.
They both agree to the terms of marriage for very different reasons which become very clear early on in the book.
Nearly every chapter consists of a question and answer based on the profile they each filled in on the website.
I found this a little confusing and not necessarily relevant to the chapters.
I would of liked to of seen the profiles filled in as it becomes very clear not everyone is truthful when filling these profiles in!
This leads to endless disagreements between them as they are forced together on a whim.
Cassie the owner of SOCIALITY is a very strong force. She will do and say anything to make her business and the marriage successful. I didn't want to like her but towards the end you see a softer side to her.
I don't want to give anything away as towards the end the story gets juicy and it's only then I feel the characters come alive and I wanted more.
I would recommend reading Mad Love, it starts well, then gets a little flat but towards the end it really gets good.
I hope there is another book as I feel Nick hasn't quite finished with their adventure just yet.
The story is based on two very different characters Jessica and Adam, who join up to Cassie's dating site called SOCIALITY.
They win a competition to get married together for a very generous sum of money and a penthouse as a social exercise based on the dating sites compatibility to match people.
They both agree to the terms of marriage for very different reasons which become very clear early on in the book.
Nearly every chapter consists of a question and answer based on the profile they each filled in on the website.
I found this a little confusing and not necessarily relevant to the chapters.
I would of liked to of seen the profiles filled in as it becomes very clear not everyone is truthful when filling these profiles in!
This leads to endless disagreements between them as they are forced together on a whim.
Cassie the owner of SOCIALITY is a very strong force. She will do and say anything to make her business and the marriage successful. I didn't want to like her but towards the end you see a softer side to her.
I don't want to give anything away as towards the end the story gets juicy and it's only then I feel the characters come alive and I wanted more.
I would recommend reading Mad Love, it starts well, then gets a little flat but towards the end it really gets good.
I hope there is another book as I feel Nick hasn't quite finished with their adventure just yet.
August 30, 2018
This is the first novel of Nick Spalding's I've read and I really enjoyed it. The end was slightly predictable but there was a twist I didn't see coming. Although it took me most of the book to arm to Adam.
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