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Love by the Book
*PREVIOUSLY TITLED AS AGE, SEX, LOCATION*
A hilarious and refreshingly honest foray into modern dating, Love by the Book is Bridget Jones's Diary for HBO's Girls generation.
The last thing twenty-eight-year-old Lauren is looking for is love, so why do the men she's dating assume she's searching for The One?
With men running for the hills, Lauren takes drastic action and turns her love life into an experiment, vowing to follow the advice of a different dating guide every month.
From releasing her inner siren to swearing off sex completely, Lauren will follow The Rules and play The Game, all with the help of her disapproving best friend and her newly loved-up housemate.
But as she searches for the holy grail of no-strings sex minus the heartache, Lauren soon realizes that dating is more complicated than just swiping right - and that the things you run from tend to always catch up with you...
Praise for Love by the Book:
'Great fun - a gripping read and very touching' Marian Keyes
'So smart and sassy but with a great big heart, too. You'll go through this book as quickly as Lauren "swipes left" on her iPhone' - Naomi Wood, author of Mrs Hemingway
'Funny, fresh, sassy and totally captures the dating zeitgeist. If you loved Girls, you'll love this!' - Katy Regan, author of The Story of You
'With some brilliant one-liners, great dialogue and a main character you want to go out drinking with - this book was a winning combination for me. If you like your chick-lit edgy, cool and genuinely funny then look no further.' - Rosie Blake, author of How to Get a (Love) Life
'Honest, funny and cringingly relatable.' Glamour
'Funny and honest this is a refreshing look at the modern dating scene' Essentials
'Laugh-out-loud funny' Elle
'Melissa's engaging voice and sharp humour lift this above other dating novels' Bella
'A clever premise, wittily delivered in upbeat, wisecracking style. Lauren's encounters provide a colourful snapshot of modern men and dating mores, while her breezy promiscuity makes Bridget Jones look positively nun-like. All good, dirty fun - and there's a great twist to how she gets her guy in the end. American Pimentel writes lyrically of her adopted city, and her insights into the British are as spot-on as they are hilarious' Daily Mail
'Witty frank and candid, this book takes the reader on a hilarious tour throught the world of modern dating'Heat
'Frank, refreshing...such a satisfying read' Stylist
Melissa grew up in a small town in Massachusetts in a house without cable and therefore much of her childhood was spent watching 1970s British comedy on public television. At twenty-two, she made the move to London and has lived there happily for ten years, though has sadly never come across the Ministry of Funny Walks. Before meeting her fiance, she spent much of her time trawling the London dating scene for clean, non-sociopathic sexual partners and blogging about it, which became the inspiration for her first novel. These days, she spends much of her time reading in the various pubs of Stoke Newington and engaging in a long-standing emotional feud with their disgruntled cat, Welles. She works in publishing.
A hilarious and refreshingly honest foray into modern dating, Love by the Book is Bridget Jones's Diary for HBO's Girls generation.
The last thing twenty-eight-year-old Lauren is looking for is love, so why do the men she's dating assume she's searching for The One?
With men running for the hills, Lauren takes drastic action and turns her love life into an experiment, vowing to follow the advice of a different dating guide every month.
From releasing her inner siren to swearing off sex completely, Lauren will follow The Rules and play The Game, all with the help of her disapproving best friend and her newly loved-up housemate.
But as she searches for the holy grail of no-strings sex minus the heartache, Lauren soon realizes that dating is more complicated than just swiping right - and that the things you run from tend to always catch up with you...
Praise for Love by the Book:
'Great fun - a gripping read and very touching' Marian Keyes
'So smart and sassy but with a great big heart, too. You'll go through this book as quickly as Lauren "swipes left" on her iPhone' - Naomi Wood, author of Mrs Hemingway
'Funny, fresh, sassy and totally captures the dating zeitgeist. If you loved Girls, you'll love this!' - Katy Regan, author of The Story of You
'With some brilliant one-liners, great dialogue and a main character you want to go out drinking with - this book was a winning combination for me. If you like your chick-lit edgy, cool and genuinely funny then look no further.' - Rosie Blake, author of How to Get a (Love) Life
'Honest, funny and cringingly relatable.' Glamour
'Funny and honest this is a refreshing look at the modern dating scene' Essentials
'Laugh-out-loud funny' Elle
'Melissa's engaging voice and sharp humour lift this above other dating novels' Bella
'A clever premise, wittily delivered in upbeat, wisecracking style. Lauren's encounters provide a colourful snapshot of modern men and dating mores, while her breezy promiscuity makes Bridget Jones look positively nun-like. All good, dirty fun - and there's a great twist to how she gets her guy in the end. American Pimentel writes lyrically of her adopted city, and her insights into the British are as spot-on as they are hilarious' Daily Mail
'Witty frank and candid, this book takes the reader on a hilarious tour throught the world of modern dating'Heat
'Frank, refreshing...such a satisfying read' Stylist
Melissa grew up in a small town in Massachusetts in a house without cable and therefore much of her childhood was spent watching 1970s British comedy on public television. At twenty-two, she made the move to London and has lived there happily for ten years, though has sadly never come across the Ministry of Funny Walks. Before meeting her fiance, she spent much of her time trawling the London dating scene for clean, non-sociopathic sexual partners and blogging about it, which became the inspiration for her first novel. These days, she spends much of her time reading in the various pubs of Stoke Newington and engaging in a long-standing emotional feud with their disgruntled cat, Welles. She works in publishing.
416 pages, Paperback
First published January 13, 2015
54 people are currently reading
2122 people want to read
About the author
Melissa Pimentel
7 books140 followersMelissa Pimentel grew up in a small town in Massachusetts in a house without cable and therefore much of her childhood was spent watching 1970s British comedy on PBS.
At twenty-two, she made the move to London to do an MA in Modern Literature at University College London. She has lived there happily for ten years, though she still adamantly refuses to eat a scotch egg. Before meeting her fiancé, she spent much of her time trawling the London dating scene for clean, non-sociopathic sexual partners and blogging about it, which became the inspiration for her first novel.
These days, she spends much of her time reading in the various pubs of Stoke Newington and engaging in a long-standing emotional feud with their disgruntled cat, Welles. She works in publishing.
Love by the Book is her debut novel.
At twenty-two, she made the move to London to do an MA in Modern Literature at University College London. She has lived there happily for ten years, though she still adamantly refuses to eat a scotch egg. Before meeting her fiancé, she spent much of her time trawling the London dating scene for clean, non-sociopathic sexual partners and blogging about it, which became the inspiration for her first novel.
These days, she spends much of her time reading in the various pubs of Stoke Newington and engaging in a long-standing emotional feud with their disgruntled cat, Welles. She works in publishing.
Love by the Book is her debut novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 253 reviews
December 21, 2014
I had a pretty good time reading this book, I did end up chuckling throughout the story. I don't read a lot of chic lit books, but I'm glad that I went out of my comfort zone for this. The premise of a young(ish) women battling the dating game is not a new concept, but I felt that the witty dialogue and (mostly) relatable protagonist gave a fresh take on a popular plot concept.
For the first half of the novel I was in love and couldn't read it fast enough. At around the 50% mark the protagonist did start acting a little silly, and it broke the reality a bit (okay a lot). Luckily though there was only one real example that raised my brows and that was when Lauren calls her friend over to her desk to show her the latest dating guide attempt;
I called her over to my desk and showed her one of the cards, which involved a photo of my face superimposed onto a turkey and the words 'Gobble Gobble!' written about it. Inside a generic 'Happy Thanksgiving' message was followed by a personal appeal: This is the year I would like to find someone to have sex with and I need your help. If you know anyone suitable, please fill out the enclosed card and return it to me. Thank you! Lauren xx.
Over lunch, I signed and addressed cards to every single person I knew in London- Lucy and Cathryn, obviously, but also my landlord, cleaner, local off license clerk and everyone I had ever been on a date with. I briefly considered giving one to my boss but Cathryn talked me out of it.
She then goes on to complain about all the creeps responding to her sex advertisement.... i could go on but you get the point. Despite this rather ridiculous chapter I did highly enjoy majority of the book. Overall this is a very entertaining and humorous read and I would recommend it. I also thought the authors note at the back was a sweet little touch. 3.5/5
Buy, Borrow or Bin Verdict: Buy
Note: I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
February 18, 2018
Pela nota da autora é um livro biográfico. Não fiquei com vontade de ler o outro livro dela. É um livro engraçado e giro de se ler, ainda dei alguns risos durante a leitura mas é um livro que passam bem sem ele.
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Ainda ando à procura de boas autoras chick-lit tipo Sophie Kinsella mas ainda não encontrei. Melissa Pimentel tem aqui um livro mediano e supostamente biográfico. Lauren saiu da América para Londres e para além de uma nova casa e um novo apartamento, quer arranjar um novo namorado. Depressa vai perceber que não é assim tão fácil como pensava e portanto decide seguir os conselhos de vários livros de auto ajuda e provar se os métodos destes autores são infalíveis ou não.
A premissa do livro é engraçado e se forem solteiras talvez apreciem mais o livro. Nme é por eu não ser solteira mas nunca acreditei muito neste tipo de livros de ''Como conquistar os homens'' e outros que tais. Também nunca li nenhum mas acho que não há nenhuma forma cientifica tanto para homens como para mulheres porque somos todos diferentes. Depois de saber que o livro misturava ficção e realidade fiquei um bocado confusa sobre o que era ''verdade'' ou não e portanto fiquei com sentimentos confusos em relação a este livro. A partir de um certo ponto o livro também segue um caminho um pouco previsível que me deixou sem grande entusiasmo em continuar a leitura.
(...)
Não sei mesmo mais o que dizer portanto aconselho a leitura se quiserem mesmo algo leve e divertido para ler mas não é livro que propriamente recomende.
https://algodaodoceparaocerebro.blogs...
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Ainda ando à procura de boas autoras chick-lit tipo Sophie Kinsella mas ainda não encontrei. Melissa Pimentel tem aqui um livro mediano e supostamente biográfico. Lauren saiu da América para Londres e para além de uma nova casa e um novo apartamento, quer arranjar um novo namorado. Depressa vai perceber que não é assim tão fácil como pensava e portanto decide seguir os conselhos de vários livros de auto ajuda e provar se os métodos destes autores são infalíveis ou não.
A premissa do livro é engraçado e se forem solteiras talvez apreciem mais o livro. Nme é por eu não ser solteira mas nunca acreditei muito neste tipo de livros de ''Como conquistar os homens'' e outros que tais. Também nunca li nenhum mas acho que não há nenhuma forma cientifica tanto para homens como para mulheres porque somos todos diferentes. Depois de saber que o livro misturava ficção e realidade fiquei um bocado confusa sobre o que era ''verdade'' ou não e portanto fiquei com sentimentos confusos em relação a este livro. A partir de um certo ponto o livro também segue um caminho um pouco previsível que me deixou sem grande entusiasmo em continuar a leitura.
(...)
Não sei mesmo mais o que dizer portanto aconselho a leitura se quiserem mesmo algo leve e divertido para ler mas não é livro que propriamente recomende.
https://algodaodoceparaocerebro.blogs...
October 17, 2014
From an Advance Reader Copy
A reasonably well written entry into light chick lit, I still found it difficult to stay focused and ultimately ended up skimming through to the end.
My major problem was with the lead -- according to the author's note this is slightly autobiographical and she's clearly trying to balance between ridiculous chick lit fun (think the more idiotic scenes from Shopaholic) and an actual human being you might have met in life. Unfortunately, she overshoots in both directions, making Lauren Cunningham the most unlikely (and unlikable) collection of contradictions humanly possible. (There are any number of absolutely moronic things this character does for dubious reasons but when you get to the canoe just please keep in mind this woman is an event planner as her profession in life.)
Toward the end of the book she starts reflecting on her experiment and the lessons she's learned and I couldn't help but think that none of her lessons was particularly evident from what had actually been communicated to the reader for the entirety of the book. She references her own experiences and emotions and I thought, "really, that's what you felt? I did not get that at all."
There were definitely elements of the story and particular scenes that resonated with me -- the dating scene is a horrifying place that you can either be destroyed or amused by -- but as a whole it didn't quite hang together.
A reasonably well written entry into light chick lit, I still found it difficult to stay focused and ultimately ended up skimming through to the end.
My major problem was with the lead -- according to the author's note this is slightly autobiographical and she's clearly trying to balance between ridiculous chick lit fun (think the more idiotic scenes from Shopaholic) and an actual human being you might have met in life. Unfortunately, she overshoots in both directions, making Lauren Cunningham the most unlikely (and unlikable) collection of contradictions humanly possible. (There are any number of absolutely moronic things this character does for dubious reasons but when you get to the canoe just please keep in mind this woman is an event planner as her profession in life.)
Toward the end of the book she starts reflecting on her experiment and the lessons she's learned and I couldn't help but think that none of her lessons was particularly evident from what had actually been communicated to the reader for the entirety of the book. She references her own experiences and emotions and I thought, "really, that's what you felt? I did not get that at all."
There were definitely elements of the story and particular scenes that resonated with me -- the dating scene is a horrifying place that you can either be destroyed or amused by -- but as a whole it didn't quite hang together.
September 14, 2015
Das hat echt Spaß gemacht! Rezi folgt :)
October 26, 2014
Age, Sex, Location is a Bridget Jones for the Girls generation; hilarious, awkward and moving in equal measure. Lauren is a twenty something American looking for a guy to have fun with - not a guy to settle down with. She decides to try out the techniques of a different dating manual each month with interesting results to say the least.
If you're looking for a modern take on the classic story of dating drama, then this book is for you! Well written and fun, even if I did get a bit annoyed with the lead character constantly smoking!
Book received in exchange for an honest review.
If you're looking for a modern take on the classic story of dating drama, then this book is for you! Well written and fun, even if I did get a bit annoyed with the lead character constantly smoking!
Book received in exchange for an honest review.
February 26, 2022
It was way funnier than I expected, although some of the “foreign accents” where kinda cringe
September 11, 2021
Leitura leve. Romance atual e engraçado.
Já estava a prever o finalzinho típico, mas não deixou de ser bonito!
Recomendo, a todos os que estão com medo de enfrentar o mundo dos encontros
Já estava a prever o finalzinho típico, mas não deixou de ser bonito!
Recomendo, a todos os que estão com medo de enfrentar o mundo dos encontros
February 2, 2015
Review: I knew this book was going to be fun from the moment i began to read it, or even when I read the blurb and it certainly lived up to my expectations! The book reminded me a lot of one of my favourites -Bridget Jones Diary-and I think that same pacey feel and someone who is trying out various different ways to find a lover made it even more enjoyable for me. Each section of the book covers a month in Lauren's life and which dating guide she is using that month. This make for some very funny moments and also some thought-provoking incidents.
Any person who has every been on a date, be it good or bad, will relate to this book whether you are male or female, single and loving it or in a relationship and loving it! The story is told in such a way that the writer is speaking directly to you as an audience and so you have no choice but to join her on her dating experiment! I found the character of Lauren very easy to like and very easy to get along with as the book goes on. Her friends and acquaintances all had redeeming qualities as well which always helps when you're reading a book!
One of my favourite things about this book, aside from the fantastic comedy, was the ending. The ending was a realistic and everything I hoped it would be. I don't want to spoil anything so I won't talk about specifics but I just really loved the way the ending was woven into the storyline and the way it was constructed was just perfect for me.
Overall this book was an easy read because of its deliberate yet laid back pace, it laugh out loud humour and its closeness to the reality of life and the dating world. I loved every minute of it and it makes a nice break from your usual, girl meets boy story because of its candid honesty and its different take on the world of dating in the twenty first century!
Any person who has every been on a date, be it good or bad, will relate to this book whether you are male or female, single and loving it or in a relationship and loving it! The story is told in such a way that the writer is speaking directly to you as an audience and so you have no choice but to join her on her dating experiment! I found the character of Lauren very easy to like and very easy to get along with as the book goes on. Her friends and acquaintances all had redeeming qualities as well which always helps when you're reading a book!
One of my favourite things about this book, aside from the fantastic comedy, was the ending. The ending was a realistic and everything I hoped it would be. I don't want to spoil anything so I won't talk about specifics but I just really loved the way the ending was woven into the storyline and the way it was constructed was just perfect for me.
Overall this book was an easy read because of its deliberate yet laid back pace, it laugh out loud humour and its closeness to the reality of life and the dating world. I loved every minute of it and it makes a nice break from your usual, girl meets boy story because of its candid honesty and its different take on the world of dating in the twenty first century!
September 23, 2015
Sometimes, my pleasure reading leans towards the light and fluffy, especially while on summer vacations.
PLOT - Twenty-eight year old, American expat, Lauren Cunningham, is living the single life in London. She decides to embark on a love experiment. She will spend every month of the next year, trying a different dating technique from various self-help love books. What advice will work best? Should she pursue men or let them come to her? Slutty or virginal, which has more appeal? Will this swirl of conflicting advice help or hurt her ultimate goal of finding love?
LIKE- Love by the Book is 100% typical chick-lit. This isn't a negative, but it helps to have that expectation going in. I knew what I was in for and I enjoyed Pimentel's story for what it is; light entertainment. Pimentel has created a likable heroine in Lauren and it's easy to join along in her dating adventure. I like the setting of London, as it added another layer of dating conflict for Lauren. I have a British husband, and I can attest to the cultural differences that arise. This dynamic made for a engaging read.
DISLIKE - Unfortunately, the gimmick begins to grow old mid-way through the story. I think the resolve could have been in giving more weight to Lauren's non-dating life, creating a better balance in the story. By the middle of the book, it seems like she is just going through the motions of this experiment, checking off boxes and men, with each passing month. It's less fun as the story progresses. Also, the various love experiments are unequally entertaining.
RECOMMEND - Possibly. Overall, I enjoyed Love by the Book. It was a quick read that made me smile. However, I have the feeling that I will quickly forget about having read Pimentel's novel. Enjoyable and light-hearted, but not a stand-out in the genre.
Like my review? Check out my blog!
PLOT - Twenty-eight year old, American expat, Lauren Cunningham, is living the single life in London. She decides to embark on a love experiment. She will spend every month of the next year, trying a different dating technique from various self-help love books. What advice will work best? Should she pursue men or let them come to her? Slutty or virginal, which has more appeal? Will this swirl of conflicting advice help or hurt her ultimate goal of finding love?
LIKE- Love by the Book is 100% typical chick-lit. This isn't a negative, but it helps to have that expectation going in. I knew what I was in for and I enjoyed Pimentel's story for what it is; light entertainment. Pimentel has created a likable heroine in Lauren and it's easy to join along in her dating adventure. I like the setting of London, as it added another layer of dating conflict for Lauren. I have a British husband, and I can attest to the cultural differences that arise. This dynamic made for a engaging read.
DISLIKE - Unfortunately, the gimmick begins to grow old mid-way through the story. I think the resolve could have been in giving more weight to Lauren's non-dating life, creating a better balance in the story. By the middle of the book, it seems like she is just going through the motions of this experiment, checking off boxes and men, with each passing month. It's less fun as the story progresses. Also, the various love experiments are unequally entertaining.
RECOMMEND - Possibly. Overall, I enjoyed Love by the Book. It was a quick read that made me smile. However, I have the feeling that I will quickly forget about having read Pimentel's novel. Enjoyable and light-hearted, but not a stand-out in the genre.
Like my review? Check out my blog!
November 7, 2014
Lauren is in her twenties, living in London and looking for a bit of fun. Lauren decides to experiment by using a different dating guide each month to help her meet guys, Placing Lauren into some very comical situations with disastrous outcomes.
I won this book in a Goodreads First Read Giveaway and was so excited to have a first chance to read this new book released in January 2015. Described as a Bridget Jones for the HBO Girls generation I was eager to sit down with a glass of wine and begin reading a good Chick Lit book and I wasn't disappointed. This book was definitely what I needed, after a bit of a reading slump it was a refreshing change to the heavy dystopian fiction I've been bombarded with recenly. "Age, Sex, Location" was an easy read set out like a diary with hilarious insights into the modern dating world.
I would definitely recommend reading this book, offering numerous laugh out loud moments.
I won this book in a Goodreads First Read Giveaway and was so excited to have a first chance to read this new book released in January 2015. Described as a Bridget Jones for the HBO Girls generation I was eager to sit down with a glass of wine and begin reading a good Chick Lit book and I wasn't disappointed. This book was definitely what I needed, after a bit of a reading slump it was a refreshing change to the heavy dystopian fiction I've been bombarded with recenly. "Age, Sex, Location" was an easy read set out like a diary with hilarious insights into the modern dating world.
I would definitely recommend reading this book, offering numerous laugh out loud moments.
March 9, 2021
I really did not like this book. What was the point? It felt like the main character was jumping all over the place. She isn't looking for love, yet she is following advice on how to date and...find love! It made no sense. She doesn't want to be alone, doesn't want one night stands, she doesn't want a boyfriend, she doesn't want love. And she oscillates between being picky and being pathetically desperate, being somewhat prudish and being a full on sex freak, being well read (which really felt just tossed in there so we wouldn't think she was a total idiot) and being a total idiot! I found it so frustrating. And the best part of the book, the bookseller, is barely in it at all. And if she was so desperate for a dick, it beats me why she never thought to ask for his. Do not recommend. Finished the book only because I wanted to count it as a read book.
October 22, 2020
Honestly, I couldn't stand the main character Lauren Cunningham. I really had to push through this book hoping there would eventually be some redeeming quality or there would be some event that turned the book around. Unfortunately it never came. Lauren comes across as self-centered, thoughtless, self-absorbed and just all around unlikable. Half the time her experiments/book choices and actions didn't make sense with her narrative and she never took accountability or really learned anything of value to build depth in the story. I gave two stars because 1 seemed too harsh and 3 too generous. I pushed through this story just hoping for more but it never came, when it ended all i could think was Whew! That's over with.
February 12, 2015
http://charlotteswebofbooks.blogspot....
Love by the Book was definitely a fun and light-hearted read, Lauren's willingness to be daring reminded me a lot of Carrie Bradshaw (if you don't know Carrie Bradshaw you are dead to me). I was almost envious of her carefree, try-anything mentality. I was much more reserved as a single woman, that is for sure. Although I admit to reading more than one of the same books Lauren did, I certainly did not implement with the same success. If I could relate to anything in Love by the Book it is definitely that feeling like a country is calling you home.
Love by the Book was definitely a fun and light-hearted read, Lauren's willingness to be daring reminded me a lot of Carrie Bradshaw (if you don't know Carrie Bradshaw you are dead to me). I was almost envious of her carefree, try-anything mentality. I was much more reserved as a single woman, that is for sure. Although I admit to reading more than one of the same books Lauren did, I certainly did not implement with the same success. If I could relate to anything in Love by the Book it is definitely that feeling like a country is calling you home.
January 4, 2015
I won this book on a goodread giveaway Many thanks hip trendy and up to date The cover wouldn't have made me grab it off the shelf but contemporary like the book. Many Thanks
March 4, 2021
‘Love by the book’ is a quirky, funny book about a girl called Lauren who recently had a bad break up so she upped and left America to start a new life and have some fun in London.
Lauren wants nothing serious and finds an interesting way of looking for hook ups. She buys a new ‘dating guide’ from a local bookstore each month and follows the rules of the book in order to get dates. It follows some new age and ancient dating advice and you can follow along and see how Lauren gets on each month.
I enjoyed the book at the beginning but found myself constantly checking how much more I had left to read towards the end. It was an interesting concept for a story but I don’t think the author went about it in the right way or maybe dragged it along at some stages.
Overall, it was a three star read for me, good but lacking a little something!!
Lauren wants nothing serious and finds an interesting way of looking for hook ups. She buys a new ‘dating guide’ from a local bookstore each month and follows the rules of the book in order to get dates. It follows some new age and ancient dating advice and you can follow along and see how Lauren gets on each month.
I enjoyed the book at the beginning but found myself constantly checking how much more I had left to read towards the end. It was an interesting concept for a story but I don’t think the author went about it in the right way or maybe dragged it along at some stages.
Overall, it was a three star read for me, good but lacking a little something!!
January 6, 2016
Ok there were a lot of things I liked about this book but also a lot of things I could have done with out. This book is really different from most that i read so bear with me as i try to fit my thoughts into my normal review system.
Heroine: She was...plucky. I didn't think I'd ever have a reason to use that word but I can't think of any other way to really describe her properly. For the most part I enjoyed her. her sense of humor was almost a perfect match for mine-sarcasm and people judging (but not in a mean way). She was also pretty amazing in her dedication to throwing herself into her little project. However there were definitely spots were she seemed to lack self-esteem and it rubbed me the wrong way even if she did eventually get onto herself about it. Also someone who was smoking that much would smell like the worlds largest ashtray and her mouth would taste like ass...how did any of these guys get into that i was grossed out just thinking about it. I have to say though her biggest flaw for me was her character's shallowness (not in the physical sense of the word). The book revolves around her dating all this guys but now that I'm writing this i almost feel like they were better developed than she was. Things I know about heroine: she does some kind of work at a science museum in london, she doesn't want a relationship, she apparently gives "good head" , , her sister is a lesbian. I mean I really don't get a good feel for who she is apart from the dating scene and other than one breakdown scene she has very little emotional depth though I only noticed it after finishing. I would have liked to see more of that and especially more delving into what went down with her ex. If the author had told us right off what was what with Dylan I think bare bones may have worked. But to spend half the book building it up and devote like 3 terribly unsatisfying pages to tell us what happened...cruel.
Romance(s): I don't know what else I expected from a character who wanted a man that's 1/3 deranged hobo, but most of these men weren't terribly interesting. I mean the two that lasted the longest were total losers that she let drag out waaaay longer than anyone with half a brain should've. Don't get me wrong these parts were the funniest of the book but I think the author should have gone for more variety on these because a lot of the characters were mostly just repeats with subtle variations rather than truly distinct guys.
Plot: Let me start by saying i LOVE this concept. I especially love that it has a fairly novel angle. The heroine does not want a relationship and she does not start this project out of desperation after a bad breakup. I dug the idea of using a different dating manual every month though I was shocked that i'd never heard of any of them. The first half or so of the book was great the dating was entertaining if not entirely helpful to her. Sadly then it hit a decline and the manuals were sort of like the guys. Essentially repeats of earlier ones with only minor changes which made it a little boring. I also was shocked how few guys there were in each chapter. I mean the tinder one alone should of been a treasure trove of ridiculous (I plan on writing a book about these sites one day and could probably fill the whole thing just by talking about tinder). I felt like a lot of the more interesting parts were underutilized and some of the less interesting ones were too drug out (for instance i think the pot head could have been nixed after the first shag..should have been actually). I think maybe if the author had used fewer manuals and made each one more expansive and in depth I would have stayed more engaged. Or perhaps if she had used some of the bigger names just to satisfy my curiosity of what they are without me actually having to by it. Along those lines I'm dying to know how in the world did she pick these books? I'd never heard of any of them and she didn't seem to know much about some of them so did she just like randomly point and pick?
Writing: Overall I really enjoyed it. I only noticed one minor error which is actually pretty good for a finished book much less an ARC. The writing was generally light and witty and often quite amusing. What it lacked though was depth, which I've already discussed at length above. I definitely could see the potential for Pimentel, especially as this looks like her debut novel. It seems that this was somewhat autobiographical and I wonder if maybe too much of that seeped into the book. Just because all the boys on tinder are the same doesn't mean your characters have to be! Also a more minor complaint-the colloquialisms. I know it's set in London but it's also marketed to American readers so, at least for the more uncommon ones, it would have been nice to have some translation even like an English to English glossary or something so I didn't have to spend a ton of time googling things. I was also a bit disappointed in the ending-it felt like a let down. I didn't necessarily need the traditional HEA but I didn't feel like it was really an ending at all because we have no clue what actually happened after the big kiss scene. But to end on a high note I would like to compliment this author on the format of the book. I know thats an odd compliment but I rarely like first person books and diary style narratives are usually even worse but this author did it really well and made it a joy to read rather than like some whiny snot writing in a diary.
Bottom line: While I don't think I'd read this again it was quite an enjoyable and amusing way to spend a few hours. This author has a lot of promise and I'd definitely read her again.
Received through Goodreads for an honest review.
Heroine: She was...plucky. I didn't think I'd ever have a reason to use that word but I can't think of any other way to really describe her properly. For the most part I enjoyed her. her sense of humor was almost a perfect match for mine-sarcasm and people judging (but not in a mean way). She was also pretty amazing in her dedication to throwing herself into her little project. However there were definitely spots were she seemed to lack self-esteem and it rubbed me the wrong way even if she did eventually get onto herself about it. Also someone who was smoking that much would smell like the worlds largest ashtray and her mouth would taste like ass...how did any of these guys get into that i was grossed out just thinking about it. I have to say though her biggest flaw for me was her character's shallowness (not in the physical sense of the word). The book revolves around her dating all this guys but now that I'm writing this i almost feel like they were better developed than she was. Things I know about heroine: she does some kind of work at a science museum in london, she doesn't want a relationship, she apparently gives "good head" , , her sister is a lesbian. I mean I really don't get a good feel for who she is apart from the dating scene and other than one breakdown scene she has very little emotional depth though I only noticed it after finishing. I would have liked to see more of that and especially more delving into what went down with her ex. If the author had told us right off what was what with Dylan I think bare bones may have worked. But to spend half the book building it up and devote like 3 terribly unsatisfying pages to tell us what happened...cruel.
Romance(s): I don't know what else I expected from a character who wanted a man that's 1/3 deranged hobo, but most of these men weren't terribly interesting. I mean the two that lasted the longest were total losers that she let drag out waaaay longer than anyone with half a brain should've. Don't get me wrong these parts were the funniest of the book but I think the author should have gone for more variety on these because a lot of the characters were mostly just repeats with subtle variations rather than truly distinct guys.
Plot: Let me start by saying i LOVE this concept. I especially love that it has a fairly novel angle. The heroine does not want a relationship and she does not start this project out of desperation after a bad breakup. I dug the idea of using a different dating manual every month though I was shocked that i'd never heard of any of them. The first half or so of the book was great the dating was entertaining if not entirely helpful to her. Sadly then it hit a decline and the manuals were sort of like the guys. Essentially repeats of earlier ones with only minor changes which made it a little boring. I also was shocked how few guys there were in each chapter. I mean the tinder one alone should of been a treasure trove of ridiculous (I plan on writing a book about these sites one day and could probably fill the whole thing just by talking about tinder). I felt like a lot of the more interesting parts were underutilized and some of the less interesting ones were too drug out (for instance i think the pot head could have been nixed after the first shag..should have been actually). I think maybe if the author had used fewer manuals and made each one more expansive and in depth I would have stayed more engaged. Or perhaps if she had used some of the bigger names just to satisfy my curiosity of what they are without me actually having to by it. Along those lines I'm dying to know how in the world did she pick these books? I'd never heard of any of them and she didn't seem to know much about some of them so did she just like randomly point and pick?
Writing: Overall I really enjoyed it. I only noticed one minor error which is actually pretty good for a finished book much less an ARC. The writing was generally light and witty and often quite amusing. What it lacked though was depth, which I've already discussed at length above. I definitely could see the potential for Pimentel, especially as this looks like her debut novel. It seems that this was somewhat autobiographical and I wonder if maybe too much of that seeped into the book. Just because all the boys on tinder are the same doesn't mean your characters have to be! Also a more minor complaint-the colloquialisms. I know it's set in London but it's also marketed to American readers so, at least for the more uncommon ones, it would have been nice to have some translation even like an English to English glossary or something so I didn't have to spend a ton of time googling things. I was also a bit disappointed in the ending-it felt like a let down. I didn't necessarily need the traditional HEA but I didn't feel like it was really an ending at all because we have no clue what actually happened after the big kiss scene. But to end on a high note I would like to compliment this author on the format of the book. I know thats an odd compliment but I rarely like first person books and diary style narratives are usually even worse but this author did it really well and made it a joy to read rather than like some whiny snot writing in a diary.
Bottom line: While I don't think I'd read this again it was quite an enjoyable and amusing way to spend a few hours. This author has a lot of promise and I'd definitely read her again.
Received through Goodreads for an honest review.
April 28, 2023
I liked this book more than I thought I would. Lauren was trying to find her prince charming and in the middle of all those books about dating, she didn't, not exactly. I liked her spunk, she wasn't afraid of getting things done, no matter how absurd they were. In the end, she ended up with the bookstore like I thought she would and I was beyond thrilled
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 27, 2018
Há muito tempo que não lia um livro tão mauzinho. Pensei em desistir mas resisti para ver se melhorava, o que, infelizmente, não aconteceu. Por pouco não dava só 1⭐
October 27, 2024
The book was interesting at the start in the first chapter but after while I got bored it wasn’t exciting enough for me the last chapter did get a little better tho I wish there was more to it tho. I wouldn’t really recommend this book for someone who is new to reading or is trying to get back into reading. I know everyone has different tastes but that’s just my opinion
June 11, 2018
À primeira vista, uma pessoa não está à espera de uma mulher assim, nem pensa que isto pode acontecer na realidade, mas infelizmente nem todos pensamos da mesma maneira e este livro trouxe-me um misto de emoções, de querer saber como terminaria a história, e querer acreditar no amor, e quando li a nota da autora (embora já me tivesse falado disso) fiquei a perceber um pouco mais. Foi um livro que esperava um pouco mais, mas tendo sido um pouco autobiográfico, pelo menos foi o que achei, não é para mim um dos melhores desta autora.
http://aviciadadoslivros.blogspot.com...
http://aviciadadoslivros.blogspot.com...
June 30, 2015
“I stubbed out my cigarette. I’d made a decision. As of tomorrow, no more dating guides. In fact, no more dating. Instead, I’d do all the things I’d been wanting to do—should have been doing—during the time I spent goin on terrible dates. I’d go for long runs, make myself decent dinners, read books I actually wanted to read, focus on building my career, spend evenings in the bath with a bottle wine and a pack of Marlboro Lights—anything I wanted to do, I’d do. Fuck this shit: I was going to date myself for a while.”
-Lauren Cunningham in Love By the Book
by Melissa Pimentel
Love By the Book is Melissa Pimentel’s character Lauren Cunningham’s personal month-by-month journal of tested experts’ advice on dating via guides and on-line dating attempting “meeting-the-love-of-my-life thing.” Well, I must say, this journal is full of surprises, plenty of dates, and hilarious moments many women can relate to their own adventures, including myself.
Lauren shares her most intimate thoughts about dating and the ‘tools’ she used to make it happen. This is a must read for all women and I am giving it a five star rating on the strength of Melissa’s ability to document these adventures with such truth and humor, as it should be. I am in that place as I complete this review:
“I am stubbing out my cigarette (Capri Menthol 120s, not Marlboro),
pouring a glass of Smoking Loon Chardonnay,
with the decision to date myself for a while.”
-Edythe Hamilton
I received this book from Penguin Books through the Net Galley reviewer program in exchange for an honest review, in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission Guidelines.
-Lauren Cunningham in Love By the Book
by Melissa Pimentel
Love By the Book is Melissa Pimentel’s character Lauren Cunningham’s personal month-by-month journal of tested experts’ advice on dating via guides and on-line dating attempting “meeting-the-love-of-my-life thing.” Well, I must say, this journal is full of surprises, plenty of dates, and hilarious moments many women can relate to their own adventures, including myself.
Lauren shares her most intimate thoughts about dating and the ‘tools’ she used to make it happen. This is a must read for all women and I am giving it a five star rating on the strength of Melissa’s ability to document these adventures with such truth and humor, as it should be. I am in that place as I complete this review:
“I am stubbing out my cigarette (Capri Menthol 120s, not Marlboro),
pouring a glass of Smoking Loon Chardonnay,
with the decision to date myself for a while.”
-Edythe Hamilton
I received this book from Penguin Books through the Net Galley reviewer program in exchange for an honest review, in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission Guidelines.
February 11, 2015
MY THOUGHTS
Lauren has run away from her life in the states, to live in London while she regroups after a nasty breakup. She finds a job using her marketing skills at a science center and decides to do a little market research on her own. Her love life isn't what she wants it to be, so she decides to follow the advice of dating books throughout the years. Much like Bridget Jones Diary, she is looking for her Darcy. And to find him, she must kiss a lot of toads. Except Lauren would pretty much rather keep the toad instead of the prince. Seriously, some of the guys she dates are horrifying. There are a bit of surprises through out the book as Lauren reveals what actually happened in her break up.
This debut is a quick and light read, full of humorous set ups and a female lead that is raunchy, full of adventure and somewhat hurt by the relationship in her past. She tells guys she is not looking for a relationship and none believe her. So she resorts to trusty guides like The Rules and historic guides for how to get the guy. Each book is covered in a month and chapter and some work better than others. Overall, I really enjoyed this one and if you have never read chick lit, this is a good place to start. If you enjoy the show Girls or Broad City, this is one you will love.
Please check out the book club HERE for special drink recipes and discussion ideas. This is really a whole meet up on a web page.
Lauren has run away from her life in the states, to live in London while she regroups after a nasty breakup. She finds a job using her marketing skills at a science center and decides to do a little market research on her own. Her love life isn't what she wants it to be, so she decides to follow the advice of dating books throughout the years. Much like Bridget Jones Diary, she is looking for her Darcy. And to find him, she must kiss a lot of toads. Except Lauren would pretty much rather keep the toad instead of the prince. Seriously, some of the guys she dates are horrifying. There are a bit of surprises through out the book as Lauren reveals what actually happened in her break up.
This debut is a quick and light read, full of humorous set ups and a female lead that is raunchy, full of adventure and somewhat hurt by the relationship in her past. She tells guys she is not looking for a relationship and none believe her. So she resorts to trusty guides like The Rules and historic guides for how to get the guy. Each book is covered in a month and chapter and some work better than others. Overall, I really enjoyed this one and if you have never read chick lit, this is a good place to start. If you enjoy the show Girls or Broad City, this is one you will love.
Please check out the book club HERE for special drink recipes and discussion ideas. This is really a whole meet up on a web page.
December 21, 2018
Este foi o segundo livro que li desta autora e, sinceramente, estava à espera de mais. Gostei muito do primeiro que li dela, Reencontro com o amor, e acabei por ficar algo decepcionada com este.
Apesar de ter gostado bastante do que nos revelava a sinopse, enquanto avançava no livro ia ficando cada vez mais distante de tudo o que estava a ler.
Opinião Completa no Sinfonia dos Livros
https://sinfoniadoslivros.blogspot.co...
Apesar de ter gostado bastante do que nos revelava a sinopse, enquanto avançava no livro ia ficando cada vez mais distante de tudo o que estava a ler.
Opinião Completa no Sinfonia dos Livros
https://sinfoniadoslivros.blogspot.co...
July 23, 2022
I thought the mindset of the main character was a bit strange or wrong, where she uses 'dating' advice to get solely sexual partners. I thought that was both deceiving and didn't cater to what she was actually looking for. Then the classic 'it was love you wanted all along' stuff is overplayed, boring and not always the truth.
But, that being said, it was an enjoyable read. You can discuss the morals and thoughts of all the characters, but as a casual read for entertainment, it was well written with funny enough situations and plenty of characters to get to know.
Would I use any advice I saw in this book? Hell no! But I also don't think that was the point of it. I also don't think we're supposed to follow the main character as a guide of what to do or think. I think it was meant as a fun read and that it did accomplish in my opinion.
But, that being said, it was an enjoyable read. You can discuss the morals and thoughts of all the characters, but as a casual read for entertainment, it was well written with funny enough situations and plenty of characters to get to know.
Would I use any advice I saw in this book? Hell no! But I also don't think that was the point of it. I also don't think we're supposed to follow the main character as a guide of what to do or think. I think it was meant as a fun read and that it did accomplish in my opinion.
March 8, 2015
I rarely rate chick-lit books higher than 3 stars because they usually do what hey should do (entertain, make your heart flutter a little bit, disgust you) and sometimes they make you smile but that's usually it. This extraordinary piece made me laugh aloud in following places: at home, in a shopping while having a lunch, in a park, in Starbucks having an overpriced coffee and way to sweet and small cheesecake. And than at home again. It was basically in one sitting, not counting the moves around the city. It was that good. I don't think I should tell you what it is about, I'm just telling you it's good. It could be better (if it only didn't end as all the chick-lit book do) but it's still pretty damn good.
January 31, 2015
This was a fun read, especially as I'm single too - the world of dating really is a crazy one. My only complaint is the ending; things went from messy and semi-believable to neatly tied up and trite.
I really enjoyed some of the dates and situations that Lauren found herself in, and could relate to a few. Although I can honestly say that I've never read a "guide" to dating and don't think I ever will.
I really enjoyed some of the dates and situations that Lauren found herself in, and could relate to a few. Although I can honestly say that I've never read a "guide" to dating and don't think I ever will.
March 20, 2015
I liked it
January 11, 2020
I picked up this book because I wanted something different and I definitely found that, though whether this was a good thing or not is. I even did a whole podcast episode about it here
I wanted to like this book. I really, truly did. I picked it up at the library and thought "Oh, Marion Keyes has recommended this and I like her books so this will be fun..." but it wasn't. Why?
For me, there was one MASSIVE problem...I couldn’t find anything in our lead protagonist that I liked.
I finished the book, in fact, I read it in a few hours and as I pushed my way through the multiple cringe-worthy moments I felt as though I was punishing myself for choosing a book by a new author.
Stupidly I followed the recommendation of a friend who honestly believes you can't judge a book by its cover, so I didn't bother to read the jacket of this one before I put it in my bag and then checked it out of the library. I would likely have saved myself a lot of pain had I done so.
Even though I am more than likely not the target audience of Age Sex Location it didn’t mean I couldn’t find something (possibly) to recommend it, so I continued reading through the narrative until I reached the end.
When we first meet Lauren, our 28-year-old American protagonist, she’s just left her home in Portland, Maine to live in London where she has found a job working as an event planner at the Science Museum. Initially, we don’t find out much about her at all, just that she likes to drink, smoke and have commitment-free relationships with men, and apparently the only vibe she gave off about wanting a proper relationship complete with ring (maybe) is the fact that she made the mistake of making breakfast for a guy she'd been seeing for a few months. It's never made clear if she was seeing him exclusively (which to me says a sort of commitment has been made) but that's the crux of her problem apparently...that she made a guy eggs and he did a runner with the belief that she was seeing a white picket fence and 2.4 children in their future!
To me, as the reader, Lauren comes across as judgy and self-absorbed. It seems that everything that goes wrong in her dating life and everything else is not her fault, it’s down to everyone else. A perfect example of this is when she goes on a date with someone who doesn’t seem interested in her, she acts like a mate and is surprised that this is the vibe he gets from her...later on she sees the moment he meets someone that does interest him and her inner monologue comes across as very bitter because the girl he is attracted to is slim and model-like...but she's also incredibly enthusiastic about the wares he's started to sell and has similar experiences to him. But of course, that’s their fault. There are quite a few examples of this throughout the book.
I think that the point when I really started to dislike her comes around halfway through the book. She’s trying out a new dating technique recommended in another self-help dating guide and after two failed attempts to start a debate with groups of men in an attempt to get to know them and start a conversation. She’s at the pub with her colleague from work, a happily engaged woman called Cathryn. When she finds her next group of ‘victims’, she asks them what her friend (pointing at Cathryn) should do because her partner doesn’t understand her desire to sleep with women.
Now, most would laugh it off and say “It’s done no harm” however, Lauren starts dating one of the men from the group and meets with Cathryn and her unsuspecting (and perfectly nice, apparently) fiancé, Michael...disaster could easily ensue!
None of this paints Lauren in a good light AT ALL. In fact, she doesn’t seem to think anything of potential consequences as though nothing outside of her own self-gratification matters a single iota!
Another bugbear I have with the book is the fact that none of the characters has a back story. Very few of them even have a name! Okay, so we know that this is all one massive science experiment to Lauren, that keeping her dates anonymous is her way of protecting them, but this is fiction, so why do their made-up names matter? I actually reached the point where I didn’t truly care anymore - and for me, that’s a glaring warning sign that I am reading the wrong book.
I have written a far more comprehensive review on my blog here.
I wanted to like this book. I really, truly did. I picked it up at the library and thought "Oh, Marion Keyes has recommended this and I like her books so this will be fun..." but it wasn't. Why?
For me, there was one MASSIVE problem...I couldn’t find anything in our lead protagonist that I liked.
I finished the book, in fact, I read it in a few hours and as I pushed my way through the multiple cringe-worthy moments I felt as though I was punishing myself for choosing a book by a new author.
Stupidly I followed the recommendation of a friend who honestly believes you can't judge a book by its cover, so I didn't bother to read the jacket of this one before I put it in my bag and then checked it out of the library. I would likely have saved myself a lot of pain had I done so.
Even though I am more than likely not the target audience of Age Sex Location it didn’t mean I couldn’t find something (possibly) to recommend it, so I continued reading through the narrative until I reached the end.
When we first meet Lauren, our 28-year-old American protagonist, she’s just left her home in Portland, Maine to live in London where she has found a job working as an event planner at the Science Museum. Initially, we don’t find out much about her at all, just that she likes to drink, smoke and have commitment-free relationships with men, and apparently the only vibe she gave off about wanting a proper relationship complete with ring (maybe) is the fact that she made the mistake of making breakfast for a guy she'd been seeing for a few months. It's never made clear if she was seeing him exclusively (which to me says a sort of commitment has been made) but that's the crux of her problem apparently...that she made a guy eggs and he did a runner with the belief that she was seeing a white picket fence and 2.4 children in their future!
To me, as the reader, Lauren comes across as judgy and self-absorbed. It seems that everything that goes wrong in her dating life and everything else is not her fault, it’s down to everyone else. A perfect example of this is when she goes on a date with someone who doesn’t seem interested in her, she acts like a mate and is surprised that this is the vibe he gets from her...later on she sees the moment he meets someone that does interest him and her inner monologue comes across as very bitter because the girl he is attracted to is slim and model-like...but she's also incredibly enthusiastic about the wares he's started to sell and has similar experiences to him. But of course, that’s their fault. There are quite a few examples of this throughout the book.
I think that the point when I really started to dislike her comes around halfway through the book. She’s trying out a new dating technique recommended in another self-help dating guide and after two failed attempts to start a debate with groups of men in an attempt to get to know them and start a conversation. She’s at the pub with her colleague from work, a happily engaged woman called Cathryn. When she finds her next group of ‘victims’, she asks them what her friend (pointing at Cathryn) should do because her partner doesn’t understand her desire to sleep with women.
Now, most would laugh it off and say “It’s done no harm” however, Lauren starts dating one of the men from the group and meets with Cathryn and her unsuspecting (and perfectly nice, apparently) fiancé, Michael...disaster could easily ensue!
None of this paints Lauren in a good light AT ALL. In fact, she doesn’t seem to think anything of potential consequences as though nothing outside of her own self-gratification matters a single iota!
Another bugbear I have with the book is the fact that none of the characters has a back story. Very few of them even have a name! Okay, so we know that this is all one massive science experiment to Lauren, that keeping her dates anonymous is her way of protecting them, but this is fiction, so why do their made-up names matter? I actually reached the point where I didn’t truly care anymore - and for me, that’s a glaring warning sign that I am reading the wrong book.
I have written a far more comprehensive review on my blog here.
July 13, 2021
Enjoyable story by new to me author Melissa Pimentel based on her own personal experience chronicling several months of dating following different dating guides. Lauren is disgusted with the dating prospects facing her living in London but unlike so many women, she is not looking for something serious.
I laughed out loud throughout this book and found Lauren quite a different character with a refreshing take on modern dating and sex. She drinks and smokes and each month her goal was to find someone who is not a psychopath that she would want to have sex with. The downside to Lauren’s project is that with each guide, she reinvents herself in the hopes she will be successful. I enjoyed meeting Lauren and liked her immensely. I thought she was brave to take charge of her dating life and put herself out there, but I would have preferred she just wing it instead of trying to fit herself into the mold each dating guide expected of her.
Lauren’s roommate Lucy is also entertaining and Lauren’s interactions with the “angry bookseller” were fantastic. Some of my favorite scenes in the book involved Lauren’s interactions with these characters. I also enjoyed learning more about Lauren’s background and her family, though some of it came as a surprise.
My Final Verdict: Let’s face it, most self-help guides, especially those dealing with finding the perfect mate are pure rubbish. In the end, Lauren realizes this and decides to date herself, which I thought was brilliant. I recommend this book to readers who believe it is better to be themselves, whether they are looking for the perfect life partner or if they have already found them.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of Love by the Book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I laughed out loud throughout this book and found Lauren quite a different character with a refreshing take on modern dating and sex. She drinks and smokes and each month her goal was to find someone who is not a psychopath that she would want to have sex with. The downside to Lauren’s project is that with each guide, she reinvents herself in the hopes she will be successful. I enjoyed meeting Lauren and liked her immensely. I thought she was brave to take charge of her dating life and put herself out there, but I would have preferred she just wing it instead of trying to fit herself into the mold each dating guide expected of her.
Lauren’s roommate Lucy is also entertaining and Lauren’s interactions with the “angry bookseller” were fantastic. Some of my favorite scenes in the book involved Lauren’s interactions with these characters. I also enjoyed learning more about Lauren’s background and her family, though some of it came as a surprise.
My Final Verdict: Let’s face it, most self-help guides, especially those dealing with finding the perfect mate are pure rubbish. In the end, Lauren realizes this and decides to date herself, which I thought was brilliant. I recommend this book to readers who believe it is better to be themselves, whether they are looking for the perfect life partner or if they have already found them.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of Love by the Book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
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