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Dating Down
Tammy’s got wealth, designer clothes, store cards with unlimited credit, and Ralph Forrester, a drop-dead-gorgeous first-year law student who is going to take her to the end-of-term dance.
There’s only one Ralph Forrester doesn’t exist. He’s only alive in the pages of the Trudy Kensington novels, and unable to face being humiliated in front of the girls she longs to be like, Tammy runs away and headfirst into trouble.
Gary’s life is spiralling out of control after Grace dies. On a mission to prove he’s nothing like his physically abusive father, he comes to Tammy’s rescue and agrees to be Ralph for just one night.
But the lie that brought them together threatens to tear them apart forever when Tammy decides to continue the deceit, and without realising it, she puts Gary’s life at risk. Determined to make things right, she sets about trying to rebuild Gary’s broken home. But has she done enough to convince him he still has a family worth living for?
There’s only one Ralph Forrester doesn’t exist. He’s only alive in the pages of the Trudy Kensington novels, and unable to face being humiliated in front of the girls she longs to be like, Tammy runs away and headfirst into trouble.
Gary’s life is spiralling out of control after Grace dies. On a mission to prove he’s nothing like his physically abusive father, he comes to Tammy’s rescue and agrees to be Ralph for just one night.
But the lie that brought them together threatens to tear them apart forever when Tammy decides to continue the deceit, and without realising it, she puts Gary’s life at risk. Determined to make things right, she sets about trying to rebuild Gary’s broken home. But has she done enough to convince him he still has a family worth living for?
217 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
October 1, 2018
*2 NOT-MY-CUP-OF-TEA STARS*
I tried to like this book, I really did. I just couldn't.
I liked the way this started, with Tammy inventing a boyfriend from one of her books and all that, but it quickly became clear to me that Tammy is a selfish, spoiled, lying bitch the entire time and Gary and equally selfish, lying jerk. There was pretty much no character development and their insta-love was just ridiculous. They hardly talk or communicate about anything, so basically they both fell for eachother because of their looks. They say 'I love you' only a few hours after actually meeting! This is supposed to be a young adult book, but to me, they behaved like little children throwing tantrums.
Don't get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with the author's writing style itself, but the characters and the storyline just didn't do it for me. They weren't realistic at all, but I guess that was the point. I have to say that the last few chapters had me on the edge of my seat for a while, which is why this still gets two stars for me.
Maybe I became too old for these types of stories, I don't know. I'm sure lots of people will enjoy this quick read anyway!
Received a free copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
I tried to like this book, I really did. I just couldn't.
I liked the way this started, with Tammy inventing a boyfriend from one of her books and all that, but it quickly became clear to me that Tammy is a selfish, spoiled, lying bitch the entire time and Gary and equally selfish, lying jerk. There was pretty much no character development and their insta-love was just ridiculous. They hardly talk or communicate about anything, so basically they both fell for eachother because of their looks. They say 'I love you' only a few hours after actually meeting! This is supposed to be a young adult book, but to me, they behaved like little children throwing tantrums.
Don't get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with the author's writing style itself, but the characters and the storyline just didn't do it for me. They weren't realistic at all, but I guess that was the point. I have to say that the last few chapters had me on the edge of my seat for a while, which is why this still gets two stars for me.
Maybe I became too old for these types of stories, I don't know. I'm sure lots of people will enjoy this quick read anyway!
Received a free copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
January 27, 2021
I really enjoyed this contemporary romance between a posh 17 year old, and a skint 19 year old. A Princess and the Pauper story. I loved the backstory for Gary - being raised by his Gran, losing his mum, being in the system, then finding a home and then losing his foster mom. And Tammy is a young woman trying to make her way in the very clique system, and she has low self-esteem from her mum. It's really a good love story and does have an HEA.
January 9, 2018
A meaningful and engaging story.
Being one of the popular girls and a relationship with someone like Ralph is all Tammy wants... or is it?
‘Dating Down’ is a story of unlikely friendships and a relationship that develops and endures despite its unconventional beginning and the most adverse of circumstances. Dunn has created some very powerful feelings and some heart-in-throat moments in this challenging story.
Tammy, Gary, Bill and Jack are believable and engaging characters, far more likeable and honest than the girls Tammy wishes she was in with at school. They each carry their own pain and disappointments, and wish that life were somehow different. When life delivers them something even more different than they had expected, and when that which matters most is almost taken away, important lessons about truth, acceptance and equality must be learned.
‘Dating Down’ reminds the reader yet again that it’s the person, not what they have or where they are from, that matters when it comes to love, and that love is the one thing we all need the most.
Being one of the popular girls and a relationship with someone like Ralph is all Tammy wants... or is it?
‘Dating Down’ is a story of unlikely friendships and a relationship that develops and endures despite its unconventional beginning and the most adverse of circumstances. Dunn has created some very powerful feelings and some heart-in-throat moments in this challenging story.
Tammy, Gary, Bill and Jack are believable and engaging characters, far more likeable and honest than the girls Tammy wishes she was in with at school. They each carry their own pain and disappointments, and wish that life were somehow different. When life delivers them something even more different than they had expected, and when that which matters most is almost taken away, important lessons about truth, acceptance and equality must be learned.
‘Dating Down’ reminds the reader yet again that it’s the person, not what they have or where they are from, that matters when it comes to love, and that love is the one thing we all need the most.
January 8, 2019
It's a very typical rich girl meets guy scenario. It's cute but fits into a mold. It's an okay read.
December 17, 2018
I really wanted to like this book very much, because I always root for the ugly duckling who gets her Prince Charming - with or without turning into a swan before.
But there were just various discrepancies, so that in the end I can give (only) 3 stars for a normal romance between teenagers (who most of the time feel like twenty-somethings by the way).
Attention: SPOILERS!
So all in all I found the book lacking a bit in terms of plausibility and the characters were somewhat incongruous. If you can overlook that, you can also enjoy this Teenager-"First Love"-Romance.
But there were just various discrepancies, so that in the end I can give (only) 3 stars for a normal romance between teenagers (who most of the time feel like twenty-somethings by the way).
Attention: SPOILERS!
So all in all I found the book lacking a bit in terms of plausibility and the characters were somewhat incongruous. If you can overlook that, you can also enjoy this Teenager-"First Love"-Romance.
February 7, 2017
I needed that book to remind me how first love is magical. Sure, the way Tammy and Gary meet isn't perfect, but their story isn't either and that is what makes it.... perfect, real, and beautiful.
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway in exchange for an honest review. And I can't be more honest than saying I loved it. I devoured the book, couldn't put it down.
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway in exchange for an honest review. And I can't be more honest than saying I loved it. I devoured the book, couldn't put it down.
March 24, 2017
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review (We ❤ YA Books).
So, this was a really cute story, although not very realistic, but I guess it wasn't supposed to be realistic, right?
I didn't like Tammy very much in the beginning. I totally didn't get her choice not to tell the truth to the police. She was really dumb. And it really hurt Gary in more ways than one. I felt his hurt and sense of betrayal. She let him down, even though I don't think she realized it at the time. She was too naive.
Anyway, I got to like her more as she did her best to help Bill, Jack and Gary be a family.
Gary was so sweet. Yeah, he's got a bad temper, especially with Bill, and especially for the first half of the book. But it still shows he's a good guy with a big heart. He's just too scared to get hurt again.
Tammy and Gary together were so sweet, although the insta-love sort of bothered me a little at times. Like, after only 12 hours they already said "I love you". Well, I understand the insta-connection, some sort of fate working on them, that pull, that attraction towards each other. But they didn't know anything about each other, how could they love each other already? But I guess it's still part of it being fiction, right? Still, I really liked Tammy and Gary as a couple.
So, this was a really cute story, although not very realistic, but I guess it wasn't supposed to be realistic, right?
I didn't like Tammy very much in the beginning. I totally didn't get her choice not to tell the truth to the police. She was really dumb. And it really hurt Gary in more ways than one. I felt his hurt and sense of betrayal. She let him down, even though I don't think she realized it at the time. She was too naive.
Anyway, I got to like her more as she did her best to help Bill, Jack and Gary be a family.
Gary was so sweet. Yeah, he's got a bad temper, especially with Bill, and especially for the first half of the book. But it still shows he's a good guy with a big heart. He's just too scared to get hurt again.
Tammy and Gary together were so sweet, although the insta-love sort of bothered me a little at times. Like, after only 12 hours they already said "I love you". Well, I understand the insta-connection, some sort of fate working on them, that pull, that attraction towards each other. But they didn't know anything about each other, how could they love each other already? But I guess it's still part of it being fiction, right? Still, I really liked Tammy and Gary as a couple.
November 16, 2016
Dating Down is a really sweet and fun book that restored a little of my faith in the world. The characters really grew on me, and though the book isn’t an action-fantasy-dystopia type of novel, it’s still really action packed and kept me on the edge of my seat. It’s really awesome when I can find slice of life books that can keep my heart hammering in my chest.
I have to say, I started out this book cringing at Gary and not really liking him, but was pleasantly surprised to see how much he grew on me through the course of the book. He’s the kind of character who does a really good job at putting up walls to keep others away, and his tactics even worked on me at first. But the side of Gary that comes out as he gets closer and closer to Tammy is just too sweet to resist. By the end of the book, I was really rooting for them to find a way to make it all work somehow.
I also really loved the dynamic in the difference between Tammy’s high class lifestyle and Gary’s deep past and current broke-as-heck situation. It felt like a much more real approach to the conflict than I’ve seen in a lot of other novels in the past. I really liked Tammy learning about the hard side of a different class than her, and not just in a “money will fix everything” kind of way. Tammy’s money didn’t just magically solve all the problems Gary had, not to mention that Tammy actually had some of her own problems that were legitimate problems and not just her being a whiny rich kid. It was honest and didn’t sugarcoat either side. I especially loved how the book started with Tammy bringing Gary into her world, and ended with him bringing her into his. It was cool to see everything come around full circle.
Probably my least favorite part about the story is the ending, which seemed very abrupt. There was a lot cut out with the explanation of “I don’t want to talk about that,” which was frustrating to me, because I wanted to see at least some of that tie up between the characters. I also needed a little bit more time to cool down after the scene at the corner store, and a few more scenes would have helped with that. Other than that, the ending is satisfying, though. There isn’t a cliffhanger and it does all tie up nicely.
If you’re the sort of person who enjoys romances or young adult books, then you’ll probably enjoy this book. And if you enjoy reading romances with any sort of culture clash between the two love interests, then you’ll definitely enjoy this book. Dating Down is a great romance with a lot of lighthearted moments that contrast the depth of the characters perfectly.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
I have to say, I started out this book cringing at Gary and not really liking him, but was pleasantly surprised to see how much he grew on me through the course of the book. He’s the kind of character who does a really good job at putting up walls to keep others away, and his tactics even worked on me at first. But the side of Gary that comes out as he gets closer and closer to Tammy is just too sweet to resist. By the end of the book, I was really rooting for them to find a way to make it all work somehow.
I also really loved the dynamic in the difference between Tammy’s high class lifestyle and Gary’s deep past and current broke-as-heck situation. It felt like a much more real approach to the conflict than I’ve seen in a lot of other novels in the past. I really liked Tammy learning about the hard side of a different class than her, and not just in a “money will fix everything” kind of way. Tammy’s money didn’t just magically solve all the problems Gary had, not to mention that Tammy actually had some of her own problems that were legitimate problems and not just her being a whiny rich kid. It was honest and didn’t sugarcoat either side. I especially loved how the book started with Tammy bringing Gary into her world, and ended with him bringing her into his. It was cool to see everything come around full circle.
Probably my least favorite part about the story is the ending, which seemed very abrupt. There was a lot cut out with the explanation of “I don’t want to talk about that,” which was frustrating to me, because I wanted to see at least some of that tie up between the characters. I also needed a little bit more time to cool down after the scene at the corner store, and a few more scenes would have helped with that. Other than that, the ending is satisfying, though. There isn’t a cliffhanger and it does all tie up nicely.
If you’re the sort of person who enjoys romances or young adult books, then you’ll probably enjoy this book. And if you enjoy reading romances with any sort of culture clash between the two love interests, then you’ll definitely enjoy this book. Dating Down is a great romance with a lot of lighthearted moments that contrast the depth of the characters perfectly.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
April 5, 2017
I was sent a free copy of this book by the author.
4.5 Stars
Eager to look good in front of the popular girls at school, Tammy brags about her new boyfriend who'll be taking her to her school dance. The only problem is he doesn't really exist, except in the pages of her favourite novels. On the night of the school dance Tammy runs away but meets Gary who manages to agree to become Ralph for one night, but is Gary the right guy for Tammy?
This is a surprisingly good read which had me turning the pages throughout. 'Dating Down' is a YA Romance with a very different feel but one I really enjoyed. The story chapters alternate between Tammy and Gary, each chapter being told in the first person and in the present tense.
The first chapter focuses on Tammy who is a bit of a naïve teen and a typical rich girl. I didn't warm to Tammy's character right away. I did relate to her feelings of loneliness and wanting to be in the 'it' crowd but I didn't feel as if I could connect with her character as much as Gary's. Gary is from the opposite end of the wealth spectrum. Although his character is a little unlikable because of his initial actions and general mood I did feel he was very real compared to Tammy.
I really liked the story of the two worlds of rich and poor colliding and the unlikely romance that blossomed between the two characters. The story is very exciting, it's certainly more than just a love story and delves deeper into the effects of death and pain on people. I really liked Gary's story throughout and although the likelihood of the overall plot ever coming true is quite slim, I've always liked fiction like this.
The book is really fast paced and very gripping, I read it all in one day! There's occasional use of the f swear word as well as milder and some violence, sex and alcohol use mentioned though nothing graphic. The book has such an original feel to it and I'm really enjoying Dunn's novels as they read very differently to most YA I read and her characters, even if seemingly unlikable at first, always have their charms.
I'd recommend this book to anyone who likes reading YA fiction with an original feel. The book is set in London so the setting and some of the language used is typical to Britain/London, but overall it has a great and different feel. Although I would have preferred Tammy's character to be a little more complex I still enjoyed this especially the ending. Though the last chapter was short, the previous chapters were both shocking and exciting it just made me enjoy this all the more.
4.5 Stars
Eager to look good in front of the popular girls at school, Tammy brags about her new boyfriend who'll be taking her to her school dance. The only problem is he doesn't really exist, except in the pages of her favourite novels. On the night of the school dance Tammy runs away but meets Gary who manages to agree to become Ralph for one night, but is Gary the right guy for Tammy?
This is a surprisingly good read which had me turning the pages throughout. 'Dating Down' is a YA Romance with a very different feel but one I really enjoyed. The story chapters alternate between Tammy and Gary, each chapter being told in the first person and in the present tense.
The first chapter focuses on Tammy who is a bit of a naïve teen and a typical rich girl. I didn't warm to Tammy's character right away. I did relate to her feelings of loneliness and wanting to be in the 'it' crowd but I didn't feel as if I could connect with her character as much as Gary's. Gary is from the opposite end of the wealth spectrum. Although his character is a little unlikable because of his initial actions and general mood I did feel he was very real compared to Tammy.
I really liked the story of the two worlds of rich and poor colliding and the unlikely romance that blossomed between the two characters. The story is very exciting, it's certainly more than just a love story and delves deeper into the effects of death and pain on people. I really liked Gary's story throughout and although the likelihood of the overall plot ever coming true is quite slim, I've always liked fiction like this.
The book is really fast paced and very gripping, I read it all in one day! There's occasional use of the f swear word as well as milder and some violence, sex and alcohol use mentioned though nothing graphic. The book has such an original feel to it and I'm really enjoying Dunn's novels as they read very differently to most YA I read and her characters, even if seemingly unlikable at first, always have their charms.
I'd recommend this book to anyone who likes reading YA fiction with an original feel. The book is set in London so the setting and some of the language used is typical to Britain/London, but overall it has a great and different feel. Although I would have preferred Tammy's character to be a little more complex I still enjoyed this especially the ending. Though the last chapter was short, the previous chapters were both shocking and exciting it just made me enjoy this all the more.
September 19, 2018
This book was provided to me by NetGalley for free in exchange for an honest review.
I am going to start off by saying that writing what happens in a teenage girls head is extremely difficult. I am sure it is the same with a young guy's but I can't say I am an expert in that. This book was extremely difficult to get through. I basically had to force myself to keep going back because everything was just so over-the-top. Obviously everyone feels differently, but I felt that it was almost insulting to teenage girls the way this girl was fawning all over this guy. Yes when I was younger, of course I liked the bad boys and wanted to "fix" them. What happened to me and all of my friends that felt like this is that eventually we matured and grew up and out of it. We realized that it was not possible or not worth our time. However, this girl would just continue to take a situation and make the stupidest decision associated with it. Hmmm I am missing the necklace, oh he must have it but I won't tell anyone because I don't want to get him in trouble. Even when they were at the POLICE STATION she still felt like she was going to get him in trouble over some stupid little misunderstanding. AND HE WAS THE EXACT SAME! He didn't want to hurt her, even if it meant ruining his whole life. It was just too much unbelievable-ness. The only part that I actually thought was well written was when he was on the ground dying after being stabbed. It felt real. Everything before and after that moment was just completely unbelievable and over-exaggerated.
I am going to start off by saying that writing what happens in a teenage girls head is extremely difficult. I am sure it is the same with a young guy's but I can't say I am an expert in that. This book was extremely difficult to get through. I basically had to force myself to keep going back because everything was just so over-the-top. Obviously everyone feels differently, but I felt that it was almost insulting to teenage girls the way this girl was fawning all over this guy. Yes when I was younger, of course I liked the bad boys and wanted to "fix" them. What happened to me and all of my friends that felt like this is that eventually we matured and grew up and out of it. We realized that it was not possible or not worth our time. However, this girl would just continue to take a situation and make the stupidest decision associated with it. Hmmm I am missing the necklace, oh he must have it but I won't tell anyone because I don't want to get him in trouble. Even when they were at the POLICE STATION she still felt like she was going to get him in trouble over some stupid little misunderstanding. AND HE WAS THE EXACT SAME! He didn't want to hurt her, even if it meant ruining his whole life. It was just too much unbelievable-ness. The only part that I actually thought was well written was when he was on the ground dying after being stabbed. It felt real. Everything before and after that moment was just completely unbelievable and over-exaggerated.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 7, 2018
First, I would have NEVER found this book if it was not a recommended book in one of the Goodreads groups I'm part of. Second, I'm SO glad I was able to discover this book because I truly enjoyed it from start to finish.
This is like a modern Romeo and Juliet. Two lovers from two different groups wanting to be together. Tammy is rich and has it all while Gary is the opposite. They are brought together by one event that changes not only their life but those surrounding them too.
One of my favorite aspects of the book was the layout. Alex Dunn wrote the book in chapters told from each of the characters while breaking it down by times in the day to show how the story progresses.
A second aspect I loved about the book is how Alex Dunn was able to write this story that played with my emotions. I found myself laughing at times, near tears at times, and nervous at times. It was nicely written and I enjoyed the emotion ride. Each and every minute of it.
The third aspect I liked is how simple the book was. It tells a simple romance story in a page-turner book. A romance story that has so much to offer to the readers. A wonderful story for each reader who decide to read it.
This is like a modern Romeo and Juliet. Two lovers from two different groups wanting to be together. Tammy is rich and has it all while Gary is the opposite. They are brought together by one event that changes not only their life but those surrounding them too.
One of my favorite aspects of the book was the layout. Alex Dunn wrote the book in chapters told from each of the characters while breaking it down by times in the day to show how the story progresses.
A second aspect I loved about the book is how Alex Dunn was able to write this story that played with my emotions. I found myself laughing at times, near tears at times, and nervous at times. It was nicely written and I enjoyed the emotion ride. Each and every minute of it.
The third aspect I liked is how simple the book was. It tells a simple romance story in a page-turner book. A romance story that has so much to offer to the readers. A wonderful story for each reader who decide to read it.
November 18, 2016
Looking for heart warming Young Adult Romance book which is high on drama and emotional quotient, this is the book which you must consider reading. I'll highly recommend this book.
Dating Down is a really simple, sweet and gripping romance book which you can enjoy while travelling. Unlike other novels where you immediately understand that the story is so good that it can't be happening in the real world but the story line followed in Dating Down seems true which can actually happen in the real world and is much more relatable. This is one such book which I find it extremely difficult to keep down. It is not the story of this book which makes this book brilliant, it is the way in which the story is being portrayed and written.
Another great book from Alex Dunn. This book is very well written and is full of drama. Also this book does highlights some of the serious issues which are prevailing in the society in a fun and playful way.
To know more about the characters, story line, narration, writing style, etc. visit http://the-empty-pages.blogspot.in/20...
Dating Down is a really simple, sweet and gripping romance book which you can enjoy while travelling. Unlike other novels where you immediately understand that the story is so good that it can't be happening in the real world but the story line followed in Dating Down seems true which can actually happen in the real world and is much more relatable. This is one such book which I find it extremely difficult to keep down. It is not the story of this book which makes this book brilliant, it is the way in which the story is being portrayed and written.
Another great book from Alex Dunn. This book is very well written and is full of drama. Also this book does highlights some of the serious issues which are prevailing in the society in a fun and playful way.
To know more about the characters, story line, narration, writing style, etc. visit http://the-empty-pages.blogspot.in/20...
February 19, 2017
Dating Down
By Alex Dunn
The Goodreads group We Heart YA Books (R2R) provided a copy of the PDF in exchange for an honest review.
Dating Down by Alex Dunn is a touching Young Adult Romance. The novella is a fast-paced emotional read. Tammy and Gary come from very different worlds. She lives a life of privilege yet she is missing meaningful connections. Gary is surviving barely as he has had many trying obstacles. Their initial relationship starts off as a lie but somehow and unexpectedly changes for both of them. Perhaps they can move forward together and heal. A creative story about first love. Dating Down is character driven and is told via Tammy and Gary's point of view. Their voices are honest and revealing. The secondary add depth as well. Tammy finds happiness in her romance novels. Can she find happiness in the real world?
By Alex Dunn
The Goodreads group We Heart YA Books (R2R) provided a copy of the PDF in exchange for an honest review.
Dating Down by Alex Dunn is a touching Young Adult Romance. The novella is a fast-paced emotional read. Tammy and Gary come from very different worlds. She lives a life of privilege yet she is missing meaningful connections. Gary is surviving barely as he has had many trying obstacles. Their initial relationship starts off as a lie but somehow and unexpectedly changes for both of them. Perhaps they can move forward together and heal. A creative story about first love. Dating Down is character driven and is told via Tammy and Gary's point of view. Their voices are honest and revealing. The secondary add depth as well. Tammy finds happiness in her romance novels. Can she find happiness in the real world?
April 17, 2017
This reminded me of how it was to first fall in love with books and with someone. No words can describe that feeling but Alex Dunn was able to to do it beautifully. She writes in a way that you can feel the characters joy and sadness in every chapter, every word. I want everyone to read this book because we need the loves in this book to be in this world again.
Read
October 20, 2017Won in the Goodreads Giveaways
February 26, 2018
Great story. Was annoyed with the heroine for not letting Gary know the thugs were at the hospital watching them. He could have died because of it. Glad it was a happy ending though.
September 5, 2018
I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thanks NetGalley for sending this through!
I'm going to go against all the stellar ratings I've seen for Dating Down and say quite bluntly, I did not enjoy this book.
This is a YA book that does not translate well into other genres. Maybe I've felt too comfortable with YA based on our recent experiences with books like The Hunger Games etc that have universal appeal. This one was written in such a manner that I really found it hard to appreciate, the tone being far too young for me to enjoy.
Tammy is a teenager and runs into some trouble when she makes up a boyfriend. She sulks off and finds herself in even deeper trouble when some thugs try to rob her. The down on his luck ne'er do well Gary swoops in and saves her, and she's immediately in love with him. The feeling is mutual.
In an emulation of Romeo and Juliet, Tammy and Gary must traverse the complexities of their disparate backgrounds to meet in the middle and give their love a chance. I just wasn't buying it.
I'm going to go against all the stellar ratings I've seen for Dating Down and say quite bluntly, I did not enjoy this book.
This is a YA book that does not translate well into other genres. Maybe I've felt too comfortable with YA based on our recent experiences with books like The Hunger Games etc that have universal appeal. This one was written in such a manner that I really found it hard to appreciate, the tone being far too young for me to enjoy.
Tammy is a teenager and runs into some trouble when she makes up a boyfriend. She sulks off and finds herself in even deeper trouble when some thugs try to rob her. The down on his luck ne'er do well Gary swoops in and saves her, and she's immediately in love with him. The feeling is mutual.
In an emulation of Romeo and Juliet, Tammy and Gary must traverse the complexities of their disparate backgrounds to meet in the middle and give their love a chance. I just wasn't buying it.
September 1, 2018
This is the first book I got to read and review thanks to NetGalley.
Dating Down is an entertaining book. Really easy to go through, with real characters that care about real problems. This is something missing from many books nowadays, most characters in a lot of books barely have any concerns other than the main issue of the book. Here, we can see how they struggle with different angles of their lives, including the romantic side, of course.
I'd say though, this book falls short in showing real emotions. Tammy and Gary seem to feel superficially deep. With this, I mean that they feel intensely and fast (whether it's love, rage or any other emotion), but it's not actually significant or meaningful since most big emotions take way more time than the time the book gives them. It made things feel rushed which made the book fall significantly in quality.
Dating Down is an entertaining book. Really easy to go through, with real characters that care about real problems. This is something missing from many books nowadays, most characters in a lot of books barely have any concerns other than the main issue of the book. Here, we can see how they struggle with different angles of their lives, including the romantic side, of course.
I'd say though, this book falls short in showing real emotions. Tammy and Gary seem to feel superficially deep. With this, I mean that they feel intensely and fast (whether it's love, rage or any other emotion), but it's not actually significant or meaningful since most big emotions take way more time than the time the book gives them. It made things feel rushed which made the book fall significantly in quality.
September 3, 2018
This was a cute little story, I honestly was hoping for something more though. I wish there was more emotional depth to it, Tammy and Gary fell in love so fast, im not a fan of the whole instalove thing, and i hate it when there is so much conflict and bad things that happen to the characters because of lack of communication. Tammy was very selfish and spoiled, and I never really saw any change in her, and Gary and his brother, they just accepted what Tammy did like nothing, what ever happened to pride? This was a quick read, read it on a slow day at work and was finished with it pretty quickly. I recommend it for the beach going person.
September 28, 2018
A defeated girl meets a defeated boy but together they can change their worlds is how I think of Dating Down. The emotional take downs of both Gary and Tammy are painful and hurtful and describes in a manner that makes you feel the deep cuts to their hearts and psyches. Somehow, when the odds are against them, it all works out but not before a tale of teen drama and misunderstandings play out.
October 15, 2018
I received this book for free from Netgalley in exchange for a honest and fair review.
I struggled to read this book I felt like even conversations between Tammy and Gary were awkward at best. They were both some immature that it all felt just unbelievable. I wish there had been some thing for me to grasp a hold of in the story something that made it felt at all possible. There just wasn't.
I struggled to read this book I felt like even conversations between Tammy and Gary were awkward at best. They were both some immature that it all felt just unbelievable. I wish there had been some thing for me to grasp a hold of in the story something that made it felt at all possible. There just wasn't.
March 19, 2018
I'd didn't really have strong feelings about this book either way. It wasn't brilliant, but it wasn't terrible either. It had an interesting storyline although the characters felt a bit two-dimensional.
September 16, 2020
3.5stars.
February 19, 2017
A heart-warming YA romance. Rich girl falls for poor bad boy you wouldn't take home to Mother. May sound familiar but this is an entirely different take on the theme.
Tammy desperately wants to fit in with the popular crowd especially as her former bestie is now part of the group. On the spur of the moment she tells them that she will be bringing her hot new guy to the dance. Only thing is, she made him up. He is ,in fact, her book boyfriend! How is she going to get out of this one?
Unable to face humiliation, Tammy runs away from her driver and is attacked by two unsavoury characters. Our unlikely hero, Gary comes to her rescue and ends up agreeing to go to the dance as her date. They find themselves drawn to each other. Unfortunately they are worlds apart. Will the two be able to make things work despite Gary's turbulent past and complicated present?
Don't think it's just another soppy teen romance. The author also deals with some serious social issues, allbeit in a humorous way so as not to become heavy or pedantic.
Very well written and an emotional read.
I have received the book free from the We ♥ YA Books! group and the author in exchange for a honest review.
Tammy desperately wants to fit in with the popular crowd especially as her former bestie is now part of the group. On the spur of the moment she tells them that she will be bringing her hot new guy to the dance. Only thing is, she made him up. He is ,in fact, her book boyfriend! How is she going to get out of this one?
Unable to face humiliation, Tammy runs away from her driver and is attacked by two unsavoury characters. Our unlikely hero, Gary comes to her rescue and ends up agreeing to go to the dance as her date. They find themselves drawn to each other. Unfortunately they are worlds apart. Will the two be able to make things work despite Gary's turbulent past and complicated present?
Don't think it's just another soppy teen romance. The author also deals with some serious social issues, allbeit in a humorous way so as not to become heavy or pedantic.
Very well written and an emotional read.
I have received the book free from the We ♥ YA Books! group and the author in exchange for a honest review.
January 18, 2017
I really enjoyed this book, for numerous reasons. The story is simple and sweet for their love story. Nothing is more special then your first love as a teenager. Everything is new, amazing, and leaves a lifelong impression on your heart. Tammy and Gary's story was engaging. From the beginning when they met their story is full of love, pain, fighting for what they want no matter what is thrown at them and not giving up on each other. Gary grows as a person throughout the store as he realizes his own worth. Tammy learns to stand up for herself and love unconditionally. I would recommend this book as a great read for those who love happily ever after endings. I must also mention that I love the mention of goodreads in this book, creative little throw in :) Looking forward to reading more from this author. I was lucky enough to win this book in a goodreads give away, thank you!
February 20, 2017
This is a very good book, well written, funny at parts and imaginable. I really enjoyed it. I was given a copy in return for a review. Gary proved to be the romantic knight for Tamara, but we discover that neither knight nor damsel are perfect. We follow their lives as each attempt to overcome their own set of issues. Gary is skint and adjusting to life without his foster mother, while Tammy attempts to be accepted by her rich, divorced parents.
My only comments would be that I would have liked a little more at the end. I would have liked to have seen the aftermath or growth that each party experienced rather than have it referred to.
Good story and I am glad I was able to read it. I look forward to reading more from Alex Dunn.
My only comments would be that I would have liked a little more at the end. I would have liked to have seen the aftermath or growth that each party experienced rather than have it referred to.
Good story and I am glad I was able to read it. I look forward to reading more from Alex Dunn.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 12, 2017
It started with a lie, one girl named Tammy who in sudden event become a victim of a traumatic situation then comes this boy named Gary who is depressed but out of nowhere came to help the girl. By the time they met, a spark happened and that's where the love started to bloom but there are consequences when you begin with a false truth.
I like how this story begins giving the main characters, Tammy and Gary some sort of character visualization and their life before they meet each other which can be a hint of how going the plot will be. I also like how the point of view which is a dual POV in 1st persona between the characters. Full review here >> https://descendantofposeidonreads.wor...
I like how this story begins giving the main characters, Tammy and Gary some sort of character visualization and their life before they meet each other which can be a hint of how going the plot will be. I also like how the point of view which is a dual POV in 1st persona between the characters. Full review here >> https://descendantofposeidonreads.wor...
February 6, 2017
Dream Date
Tammy makes up a story about her dream date to the school dance and unfortunately some school classmates learn about it and expect to meet this mysterious new young man. On her way to the dance and still trying to figure out how she will explain the situation she is attacked by two thugs. In the nick of time she is saved by Gary who happens to be out on a booze run. Tammy gets the young man to agree to pretend to be her date and thus her whole world changes. Very well written and highly recommended.
Tammy makes up a story about her dream date to the school dance and unfortunately some school classmates learn about it and expect to meet this mysterious new young man. On her way to the dance and still trying to figure out how she will explain the situation she is attacked by two thugs. In the nick of time she is saved by Gary who happens to be out on a booze run. Tammy gets the young man to agree to pretend to be her date and thus her whole world changes. Very well written and highly recommended.
February 19, 2017
Loved the story which is about a girl named tammy whos rich and is a fat girl in her head. Tammys saved from an attack by gary who is tall, dark and handsome. But garys a heavy drinker because of his past, yet a good guy at heart. Tammy actions are what lead her and gary to meet but also what leads to gary being hurt and garys actions are what case his family from nearly being spilt apart, yet somehow they seem to balance one another out. Would highly recommend and is a great quick read. Will be looking out for more of the authors books
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