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The Dating Experiment
After losing her job, her house, and her guy, the last thing Gabby wants to do is be in a dating experiment—especially with her ex. Her only chance of making it through is with help from her best friend, Ian. But as the study and all its hilariously awkward dates goes on, Gabby finds herself wondering what exactly this experiment is all about.
240 pages, Paperback
Published February 14, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
April 22, 2017
This is a quirky book. It ended how I thought it would but the ride to get there was not the one I thought it would be. Lots of fun but I wished we'd seen more of the man she ends up with. The story line is unique but not completely plausible. Still a great read that I enjoyed and I'll definitely read Elodia's next book as I love the way she writes.
Content: Clean
Source: Ebook review copy from pubisher
Content: Clean
Source: Ebook review copy from pubisher
Want to read
March 2, 2017How did I miss this?!? I swear, I'm always checking Ms Strains profile to see if she has any new books. I saw my good friend Katie post about this and couldn't believe I'd missed hearing about this book! I'm so excited to read this one!
March 22, 2017
This book is so light, airy and fun mixed in with some sad and a romance and I read it straight through till the end! Yes, I may have been up way past my bedtime but I just couldn't put it down! It would be great to read after a really heavy,or a dark book to get you feeling upbeat!
Gabby is a quirky kind of girl. She can be silly when stressed. But she is 100% genuine and kind and very selfless. She thought Dillon was "it" for her. Only to be dumped by him again. Her roommate gets her to sign up for this dating experiment study that would give her a lot of money that she desperately needs. I mean she puts water in her dollar store shampoo to make it last and even considered putting lemon on as a deodorant! So that choice was really a no brainer for her!
In this experiment, she gets placed with the guys she put down on her paper as well as others. You are given a place and time and sometimes options of what to do. But there are always twists and you don't know what they will be until the text shows up on your phone. Some of them are really cute. You are also told that someone may be watching or filming you. Some of the guys are hilarious! I love the different types of guys she encounters! It is really kind of funny!!
But there was always Ian. He was her childhood friend and her heart. So, when she goes to her Aunt's B&B one weekend, she sees him. But it's for his pre-wedding get together meal. Because now Ian is a baseball star and his fiance is somewhat of a celebrity herself. Inadvertently, she causes the bride to put a halt on the wedding. Gabby feels bad but in the meantime, she talks to Ian. They hang out and she tells him some of the things she does and they do the twists together. While doing so, feelings are maybe changing. Certainly for Gabby, and we as an audience aren't 100% sure of what Ian feels since it is all in Gabby's POV. But of course, me as the reader sees all the wonderful things they do together and just believe that he cares for her too!
Gabby meets one of her roommates patients. She is a pediatric patient and has a blog of doing good things for others. And Gabby gets her Aunt's quilting group to help out by making quilts and auctioning them for the hospital. This project is just sweet!
So if you like doctors, baseball, bloggers, dating, making projects for others, knitting, evil sisters, laughing, rock climbing, motorcycles, guys who live with their mothers when they are full grown, kids in a hospital then this might be for you! I look forward to reading more of her books!!
Gabby is a quirky kind of girl. She can be silly when stressed. But she is 100% genuine and kind and very selfless. She thought Dillon was "it" for her. Only to be dumped by him again. Her roommate gets her to sign up for this dating experiment study that would give her a lot of money that she desperately needs. I mean she puts water in her dollar store shampoo to make it last and even considered putting lemon on as a deodorant! So that choice was really a no brainer for her!
In this experiment, she gets placed with the guys she put down on her paper as well as others. You are given a place and time and sometimes options of what to do. But there are always twists and you don't know what they will be until the text shows up on your phone. Some of them are really cute. You are also told that someone may be watching or filming you. Some of the guys are hilarious! I love the different types of guys she encounters! It is really kind of funny!!
But there was always Ian. He was her childhood friend and her heart. So, when she goes to her Aunt's B&B one weekend, she sees him. But it's for his pre-wedding get together meal. Because now Ian is a baseball star and his fiance is somewhat of a celebrity herself. Inadvertently, she causes the bride to put a halt on the wedding. Gabby feels bad but in the meantime, she talks to Ian. They hang out and she tells him some of the things she does and they do the twists together. While doing so, feelings are maybe changing. Certainly for Gabby, and we as an audience aren't 100% sure of what Ian feels since it is all in Gabby's POV. But of course, me as the reader sees all the wonderful things they do together and just believe that he cares for her too!
Gabby meets one of her roommates patients. She is a pediatric patient and has a blog of doing good things for others. And Gabby gets her Aunt's quilting group to help out by making quilts and auctioning them for the hospital. This project is just sweet!
So if you like doctors, baseball, bloggers, dating, making projects for others, knitting, evil sisters, laughing, rock climbing, motorcycles, guys who live with their mothers when they are full grown, kids in a hospital then this might be for you! I look forward to reading more of her books!!
March 14, 2017
I don't think I've ever read about a more quirky, unique, and awkward character! Gabby wears what she wants, does what she wants, and blurts things out that randomly pop into her mind without filter. I think she's a piece of what many of us wish to be--at least, I wish that I could be more comfortable with myself and not worry what others think about or see in me. And that makes her all the more uncomfortable to read about, but like a bad train wreck, I just couldn't stop myself. I laughed, I cringed, I blushed, and I wanted to move to a new state and start over, all on her behalf.
I love the comradery and love that she has with her aunt and the quilting friends. Those warm, fuzzy-type of relationships are what everyone needs. When this group decides on a way to reach outside of themselves and to step up their service to the community, my heart was truly touched.
Now for the guys. How in the world does Gabby attract such a wide variety of strange guys?! I was baffled and intrigued, especially when the only sane one just happens to be her best friend from her teenage years, Ian, and he's now engaged and famous. The dates and situations had me nearly rolling on the floor, as I tried to picture these odd experiences and characters.
I wanted more romance. This is a romance novel, but for all the dating, crushes, unrequited love on all sides, there was hardly anything. There are twists right up until the end and I wasn't sure who she'd end up with, but still...some more kissing would've been nice...or even some more of emotional attachments and connections. There's also a teensy mystery going on that I didn't even realize was happening until it's practically over. That aspect would have been fun if it played a bigger role in the book.
Overall, I love Elodia Strain's style and the way she incorporates fun, wholesome stories with atypical characters. I'll definitely be on the lookout for more.
Content: very, very mild romance
* I received a copy through the publisher with no obligation to review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*
I love the comradery and love that she has with her aunt and the quilting friends. Those warm, fuzzy-type of relationships are what everyone needs. When this group decides on a way to reach outside of themselves and to step up their service to the community, my heart was truly touched.
Now for the guys. How in the world does Gabby attract such a wide variety of strange guys?! I was baffled and intrigued, especially when the only sane one just happens to be her best friend from her teenage years, Ian, and he's now engaged and famous. The dates and situations had me nearly rolling on the floor, as I tried to picture these odd experiences and characters.
I wanted more romance. This is a romance novel, but for all the dating, crushes, unrequited love on all sides, there was hardly anything. There are twists right up until the end and I wasn't sure who she'd end up with, but still...some more kissing would've been nice...or even some more of emotional attachments and connections. There's also a teensy mystery going on that I didn't even realize was happening until it's practically over. That aspect would have been fun if it played a bigger role in the book.
Overall, I love Elodia Strain's style and the way she incorporates fun, wholesome stories with atypical characters. I'll definitely be on the lookout for more.
Content: very, very mild romance
* I received a copy through the publisher with no obligation to review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*
March 9, 2017
This was such a fun book! It's light-hearted and definitely made me smile. It's a true romantic comedy.
Gabby is quite the character. She is full of quirks as are the people around her. Gabby is a bit down on her luck and well, out of money. When she learns about this dating experiment she finally decides to give it a whirl because it pays and she needs the money. I liked Gabby and I liked that she didn't try to change herself to suit other people.
I loved the GLA idea in this book. (Good Little Anything's) It's about doing small acts of kindness to lift and help other people and recognizing when others do it too. This should be a world wide "thing". Because seriously? This world could use more kindness every day.
The road to true love is never easy and this book proves that but watching Gabby navigate her way through a series of very awkward and funny dates proved to be the perfect distraction for me. I had a lot of fun reading this book and I would recommend it to anyone who loves a good, clean romantic comedy. This book will make you happy.
Content: clean
- I received a copy of this book from the publisher. A favorable was not required and all opinions expressed are my own.
Gabby is quite the character. She is full of quirks as are the people around her. Gabby is a bit down on her luck and well, out of money. When she learns about this dating experiment she finally decides to give it a whirl because it pays and she needs the money. I liked Gabby and I liked that she didn't try to change herself to suit other people.
I loved the GLA idea in this book. (Good Little Anything's) It's about doing small acts of kindness to lift and help other people and recognizing when others do it too. This should be a world wide "thing". Because seriously? This world could use more kindness every day.
The road to true love is never easy and this book proves that but watching Gabby navigate her way through a series of very awkward and funny dates proved to be the perfect distraction for me. I had a lot of fun reading this book and I would recommend it to anyone who loves a good, clean romantic comedy. This book will make you happy.
Content: clean
- I received a copy of this book from the publisher. A favorable was not required and all opinions expressed are my own.
March 11, 2017
Oh my goodness. I love Elodia Strain's voice in this book. The writing is fun and entertaining. She kept me turning the pages and wanting to know how things were going to work out for Gabby. Not only is Gabby a fun and quirky MC, she has a great support group, who also have their quirkiness.
I remember the world of dating and finding love. It is not an easy path, but Gabby's seems a little harder than most. She handles it with a lot of sarcasm and self deprecating humor. She mentions in a few places that she has the worst luck out there. She is a college graduate working as a phone call fortune teller. She is broke, has been dumped, and is now going the dating experiment to earn some much needed money.
This is a light read that is full of humor.
Source: I received an electronic copy from the publisher.
I remember the world of dating and finding love. It is not an easy path, but Gabby's seems a little harder than most. She handles it with a lot of sarcasm and self deprecating humor. She mentions in a few places that she has the worst luck out there. She is a college graduate working as a phone call fortune teller. She is broke, has been dumped, and is now going the dating experiment to earn some much needed money.
This is a light read that is full of humor.
Source: I received an electronic copy from the publisher.
March 15, 2017
I just finished reading an absolutely delightful romantic comedy by Elodia Strain. I have been sort of stressed and working my head off lately and this book was exactly what I needed! The Dating Experiment is excellent and you definitely want to read this so you can laugh, snort, giggle, sigh, maybe tear up a little, and just feel really great from a good read!
Something else that made reading this book super fun was that my 13 year-old daughter snagged it as soon as I opened the mailbox. She proceeded to read it in 2 1/2 days and then it was my turn. I started reading and smiling right from the get-go. My daughter told me, "Tell me when you get to the part where she dates Roarke."
Well, I knew I had found the part because I was laughing my head off! It was so fun to talk to my daughter when she got home from school about the book and we both laughed together. I love that The Dating Experiment is a book that both a mother and daughter can read and enjoy without worrying about objectionable content.
The voice in this book was brilliant. I feel like Gabby is one of my best friends and if I could find her, I'd give her a bottle of my favorite shampoo. You'll have to read the book to find out why.
I received a review copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion which I've shared here.
Something else that made reading this book super fun was that my 13 year-old daughter snagged it as soon as I opened the mailbox. She proceeded to read it in 2 1/2 days and then it was my turn. I started reading and smiling right from the get-go. My daughter told me, "Tell me when you get to the part where she dates Roarke."
Well, I knew I had found the part because I was laughing my head off! It was so fun to talk to my daughter when she got home from school about the book and we both laughed together. I love that The Dating Experiment is a book that both a mother and daughter can read and enjoy without worrying about objectionable content.
The voice in this book was brilliant. I feel like Gabby is one of my best friends and if I could find her, I'd give her a bottle of my favorite shampoo. You'll have to read the book to find out why.
I received a review copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion which I've shared here.
March 7, 2017
I'm very excited to be part of the blog tour for Elodia Strain's new book, The Dating Experiment. I've been a fan of Elodia's for a long time and I have been waiting for this one!
Gabby Malone is a girl down on her luck. She's working at a psychic hotline, but can't seem to get into a groove. Her boyfriend has dumped her, she is scrounging for cash, and out of desperation, agrees to join a somewhat scientific Dating Experiment because it offers cash and maybe will help her get out of a rut. Things couldn't get much worse, right? Until the invitations to date her go out to all her social media contacts, and she reconnects with the one man she loved, but let go. Yeah, things definitely got worse and fast!
Ian McConnell has come home to get married, but things are complicated. To top it off, every time he's around Gabby Malone, his life is upended a little bit more. She's always been a constant in his life, but now that they're adults, everything is different. Watching her muddle through a Dating Experiment has showed him the heart he always knew she had underneath it all, but can he take a chance with her before it's too late?
This book has it all, love, laughter, and even some tears. Ms. Strain takes an ordinary girl that everyone can relate to and puts her in extraordinary dating situations that will make you laugh and be grateful your own dates weren't so awful!
Beyond the humor, though, there is an underlying theme of "find what matters." There's a younger character in the book who is struggling with some very difficult circumstances, but is making the best of it by promoting GLAs (Good Little Anythings) to remind everyone of what really matters. There are inspiring moments that will make you cry, they are so sweet, and made me want to start my little journal of my GLAs!
One of the other highlights of the book was the romance. Ms. Strain gives our hero and heroine an intriguing back story and combines it with complicated circumstances that kept me up reading to make sure they got their happily-ever-after. This is definitely one book you won't want to miss, especially if you love romantic comedy!
Originally reviewed on http://ldswritermom.blogspot.com
Gabby Malone is a girl down on her luck. She's working at a psychic hotline, but can't seem to get into a groove. Her boyfriend has dumped her, she is scrounging for cash, and out of desperation, agrees to join a somewhat scientific Dating Experiment because it offers cash and maybe will help her get out of a rut. Things couldn't get much worse, right? Until the invitations to date her go out to all her social media contacts, and she reconnects with the one man she loved, but let go. Yeah, things definitely got worse and fast!
Ian McConnell has come home to get married, but things are complicated. To top it off, every time he's around Gabby Malone, his life is upended a little bit more. She's always been a constant in his life, but now that they're adults, everything is different. Watching her muddle through a Dating Experiment has showed him the heart he always knew she had underneath it all, but can he take a chance with her before it's too late?
This book has it all, love, laughter, and even some tears. Ms. Strain takes an ordinary girl that everyone can relate to and puts her in extraordinary dating situations that will make you laugh and be grateful your own dates weren't so awful!
Beyond the humor, though, there is an underlying theme of "find what matters." There's a younger character in the book who is struggling with some very difficult circumstances, but is making the best of it by promoting GLAs (Good Little Anythings) to remind everyone of what really matters. There are inspiring moments that will make you cry, they are so sweet, and made me want to start my little journal of my GLAs!
One of the other highlights of the book was the romance. Ms. Strain gives our hero and heroine an intriguing back story and combines it with complicated circumstances that kept me up reading to make sure they got their happily-ever-after. This is definitely one book you won't want to miss, especially if you love romantic comedy!
Originally reviewed on http://ldswritermom.blogspot.com
March 7, 2017
3.5 Stars
THE DATING EXPERIMENT was full of laugh-out-loud moments with a quirky heroine, some interesting dating experiences, a charming group of ladies, one big kindness movement, and a few love interests to mix things up. Chick-lit and romantic comedy lovers are sure to enjoy this one.
Gabby was probably one of the craziest, quirkiest, most awkward heroines I've had the pleasure of reading. She really had been dealt a tough hand and life was definitely not going how she thought it would. I loved that she had all these crazy experiences to earn money in any way she can to survive. Then she did this dating study which just added fuel to an already crazy situation. I loved her voice and I loved when she went home and the ladies there who had such big personalities and their meddlesome ways.
Then there were the guys... I knew right away who wasn't in the running and who possibly was. I also knew who I'd like her to end up with. At one point, I wondered if she would end up with anyone or if this was a happily-ever-after kind of story. Some of the things were a little too outlandish. I also wanted more development in the romantic relationship area. Just too fast there, but I also got the draw to how it ended up going.
In the end, was it what I wished for? This was a very entertaining read. I caught myself literally cracking up numerous times. Then, these were these sweet moments of friendship, of kindness, and of romance that brought all those happy feelings. It did have its faults, but an overall enjoyable story.
Content: Clean
Source: Received a complimentary copy from the publisher, which did not require a review nor affect it in any way.
THE DATING EXPERIMENT was full of laugh-out-loud moments with a quirky heroine, some interesting dating experiences, a charming group of ladies, one big kindness movement, and a few love interests to mix things up. Chick-lit and romantic comedy lovers are sure to enjoy this one.
Gabby was probably one of the craziest, quirkiest, most awkward heroines I've had the pleasure of reading. She really had been dealt a tough hand and life was definitely not going how she thought it would. I loved that she had all these crazy experiences to earn money in any way she can to survive. Then she did this dating study which just added fuel to an already crazy situation. I loved her voice and I loved when she went home and the ladies there who had such big personalities and their meddlesome ways.
Then there were the guys... I knew right away who wasn't in the running and who possibly was. I also knew who I'd like her to end up with. At one point, I wondered if she would end up with anyone or if this was a happily-ever-after kind of story. Some of the things were a little too outlandish. I also wanted more development in the romantic relationship area. Just too fast there, but I also got the draw to how it ended up going.
In the end, was it what I wished for? This was a very entertaining read. I caught myself literally cracking up numerous times. Then, these were these sweet moments of friendship, of kindness, and of romance that brought all those happy feelings. It did have its faults, but an overall enjoyable story.
Content: Clean
Source: Received a complimentary copy from the publisher, which did not require a review nor affect it in any way.
February 22, 2017
There were parts of this book that felt choppy and hard to follow. At times I felt like Gabby was a little too pathetic. It did have a fun ending which for me saved the book.
May 17, 2017
Romance, sweet/clean
This was definitely a 4.5 for me, but I always round up for that. This is definitely a book I will read again. Gabby was a great character, trying her best, giving her heart, and always seeing. Loved her grounded places, her friends, her places she called home. As she searches for a place to find rest her heart, to find a 'home' for it, the journeys she went on, the crazy job hunt, the outlandish things she says, her fun-loving, spontaneous soul, this novel just wrapped around my heart. I think I read one reviewer just wishing for more of Ian. While I found that true, I think her moments finding her heart, her head, her soul made the whole story truly 'blessed', Ian sweetened the story, but the savory moments were there to begin with in a heart of gold. Their story just beginning, was part of the story, but the elements there, the fun, the giving, the 'blessed' part of their lives was there already, and real success. So grateful for second chances at so many things. What a lovely whirlwind (that is Gabby!) read, and loved seeing inside the workings of Gabby's head! Beautiful, lovely, fall, and loved two honest hearts in the end!
Will definitely read more by this author.
This was definitely a 4.5 for me, but I always round up for that. This is definitely a book I will read again. Gabby was a great character, trying her best, giving her heart, and always seeing. Loved her grounded places, her friends, her places she called home. As she searches for a place to find rest her heart, to find a 'home' for it, the journeys she went on, the crazy job hunt, the outlandish things she says, her fun-loving, spontaneous soul, this novel just wrapped around my heart. I think I read one reviewer just wishing for more of Ian. While I found that true, I think her moments finding her heart, her head, her soul made the whole story truly 'blessed', Ian sweetened the story, but the savory moments were there to begin with in a heart of gold. Their story just beginning, was part of the story, but the elements there, the fun, the giving, the 'blessed' part of their lives was there already, and real success. So grateful for second chances at so many things. What a lovely whirlwind (that is Gabby!) read, and loved seeing inside the workings of Gabby's head! Beautiful, lovely, fall, and loved two honest hearts in the end!
Will definitely read more by this author.
March 30, 2017
Elodia Strain?
Turns out that is her real name! I'm absolutely enamored with it. Seriously. But, I digress.
The. Book.
I am dying to know how much time she spent laughing out loud at her own wittiness while writing this. She's hilarious. I read most of this book while holding a fever-ish baby and boy did I need the laughs. I downloaded the sample of this book at the recommendation of a friend. And I liked that, but still wasn't convinced it would turn out to be worth the money. 6.99 is a good chunk of change in my world. In case you're thinking the same thing-it is. This book has staying power. I know I'll be re-reading it. There were a few editing errors that were somewhat distracting, but the story and writing were good enough to make up for it
Turns out that is her real name! I'm absolutely enamored with it. Seriously. But, I digress.
The. Book.
I am dying to know how much time she spent laughing out loud at her own wittiness while writing this. She's hilarious. I read most of this book while holding a fever-ish baby and boy did I need the laughs. I downloaded the sample of this book at the recommendation of a friend. And I liked that, but still wasn't convinced it would turn out to be worth the money. 6.99 is a good chunk of change in my world. In case you're thinking the same thing-it is. This book has staying power. I know I'll be re-reading it. There were a few editing errors that were somewhat distracting, but the story and writing were good enough to make up for it
March 20, 2019
A quick and fun romantic comedy, and it's squeaky clean which I love. Gabby was awkward and hilarious! I loved the kindness quilts and hats, the "Good Little Anythings", as it brought an uplifting message to the text.
June 3, 2017
Cute story, fun concept, could have used a bit more editing: it was really confusing when her app referenced a date she hadn't gone on yet, and the last scene was even more confusing since one character reappeared/disappeared in odd ways that I didn't always follow.
April 18, 2017
Lots of clever dialog.
November 11, 2017
There were some annoyances but overall this was a cute book, just what I needed on a cold dreary day
March 12, 2017
The Dating Experiment
By Elodia Strain
If you are looking for a fun read this may be what you are looking for. If you believe in the truth of Murphy's Law well Gabby Malone thinks that her life is proof in favor of its existence. She's lost her dream job really through no real fault of her own. Then she gets dumped by her boyfriend, again.
And thanks to her friend Paige she just might have a chance to make a little extra money in addition to her temp job. After all, with her recording with dating, there is no chance that she'd be picked for the dating study. But to Gabby's surprise her answers somehow have moved her on in the study and she is about to have five weeks worth of Friday and Saturday dating. Unfortunately, something goes wrong and Gabby may have her recent ex-boyfriend as one of her potential dates - so not good.
With help from her friends, her Aunt Kit, and her secret childhood crush Ian she just may live through the experiment. But will she lose her heart yet again to Ian O'Connell, who just happens to be engaged? Life is never easy but along the way, Gabby makes some new friends who will change her life in ways she never expected.
This is the perfect book to lift your mood if you're in need of a good laugh or two. It's clean reading that won't make you blush. And Gabby's ex-boyfriend is just too much - it is surprising that she had to wait for him to dump her again. Looking for a beach read or a long weekend unwind check out The Dating Experiment.
I was provided a review copy of this book by the publisher with no expectation of a positive review ~ All expressed opinions are my own.
By Elodia Strain
If you are looking for a fun read this may be what you are looking for. If you believe in the truth of Murphy's Law well Gabby Malone thinks that her life is proof in favor of its existence. She's lost her dream job really through no real fault of her own. Then she gets dumped by her boyfriend, again.
And thanks to her friend Paige she just might have a chance to make a little extra money in addition to her temp job. After all, with her recording with dating, there is no chance that she'd be picked for the dating study. But to Gabby's surprise her answers somehow have moved her on in the study and she is about to have five weeks worth of Friday and Saturday dating. Unfortunately, something goes wrong and Gabby may have her recent ex-boyfriend as one of her potential dates - so not good.
With help from her friends, her Aunt Kit, and her secret childhood crush Ian she just may live through the experiment. But will she lose her heart yet again to Ian O'Connell, who just happens to be engaged? Life is never easy but along the way, Gabby makes some new friends who will change her life in ways she never expected.
This is the perfect book to lift your mood if you're in need of a good laugh or two. It's clean reading that won't make you blush. And Gabby's ex-boyfriend is just too much - it is surprising that she had to wait for him to dump her again. Looking for a beach read or a long weekend unwind check out The Dating Experiment.
I was provided a review copy of this book by the publisher with no expectation of a positive review ~ All expressed opinions are my own.
March 10, 2017
I loved this book! The way it's written, just in a fun and light sort of tone, hooked me from the very first page.
I liked Gabby. I was really amazed by her string of bad luck. She had been fired from her job teaching and now she's working as a phone medium and she's pretty mediocre at that. I had to laugh at just how bad she was at it.
To make any money at all, Gabby's roommate finds her fliers about studies that pay the participants money. And that's how she ends up joining The Dating Experiment. Her dates are really quite comical in the dating part. They are just so bad you have to laugh at them. I really loved this whole dating part, just so much fun!
I also love Gabby's Aunt Kit and all of her friends. They call themselves The Pine Needlers, and they are a hilarious group of women. I love the way they all watch out for Gabby, in their own misguided little ways! And the Good Little Anything blog by Lennox, is amazing! I love that idea!
This is a cute book, it's a quick, easy read that you won't want to put down!
I liked Gabby. I was really amazed by her string of bad luck. She had been fired from her job teaching and now she's working as a phone medium and she's pretty mediocre at that. I had to laugh at just how bad she was at it.
To make any money at all, Gabby's roommate finds her fliers about studies that pay the participants money. And that's how she ends up joining The Dating Experiment. Her dates are really quite comical in the dating part. They are just so bad you have to laugh at them. I really loved this whole dating part, just so much fun!
I also love Gabby's Aunt Kit and all of her friends. They call themselves The Pine Needlers, and they are a hilarious group of women. I love the way they all watch out for Gabby, in their own misguided little ways! And the Good Little Anything blog by Lennox, is amazing! I love that idea!
This is a cute book, it's a quick, easy read that you won't want to put down!
Read
April 18, 2019I always enjoy Elodia Strain's books -- they're feel-good, funny stories that have me laughing out loud. I felt like the plot in this one felt a little disjointed (so many characters that come in and out of the story quickly), and I was a little disappointed in the copy-editing toward the end, but I am really glad Elodia's written another book; she's a talented writer whose books are always good for a happy escape.
I really like that Elodia's books explore both romantic love and loving kindness. I hope I can remember to look for some "Good Little Anythings" in my life -- that I can remember that good feeling "you get when you give" (p. 222).
If you're new to this author, start with The Icing on the Cake -- and be glad to know that there are more books to enjoy after that one!
I really like that Elodia's books explore both romantic love and loving kindness. I hope I can remember to look for some "Good Little Anythings" in my life -- that I can remember that good feeling "you get when you give" (p. 222).
If you're new to this author, start with The Icing on the Cake -- and be glad to know that there are more books to enjoy after that one!
May 7, 2017
Cute, quirky, and FUN!!
This was a fantastic book! It was a little crazy at times, but so fun!! It was a sweet and clean romance with a beautiful theme of good/bad luck and what "luck" really is. Reminded me of the movie Just My Luck with Lindsay Lohan and Chris Pine - in the best ways of course. Great character development - I had empathy for the characters and totally related to their struggles!
This was a fantastic book! It was a little crazy at times, but so fun!! It was a sweet and clean romance with a beautiful theme of good/bad luck and what "luck" really is. Reminded me of the movie Just My Luck with Lindsay Lohan and Chris Pine - in the best ways of course. Great character development - I had empathy for the characters and totally related to their struggles!
May 8, 2017
I love the author, and I loved this story! The cast of characters felt very real and I related to the main character, Gabby, from the awkwardness of her interactions with others down to the drinking of hot chocolate with whipped cream and sprinkles!
May 18, 2017
Perfect romance with a fun dating twist. It was lighthearted, yet tugged at your heart. I could relate with Gabby--not knowing what to say and having everything go wrong. I especially loved the variety of dates with the dating app--perfect ideas for someone wanting to change up their dates.
June 21, 2017
Sooooo good! I totally related to Gabby and how "unlucky" she was. Love the idea of doing good, and seeing that blessings are what we need - not luck.
Also I couldn't stop laughing!! It's one of those books that you can read over and over again, and it never gets old! A book I'll never forget!
Also I couldn't stop laughing!! It's one of those books that you can read over and over again, and it never gets old! A book I'll never forget!
July 5, 2017
I absolutely loved this book. It was fun, whitty and heart warming. Gabby was hilarious and kind and I loved the way she saw the world. I would of given five stars but it ended to quick. I wanted a little more of the pine needlers they were great.
September 14, 2017
Cute, uplifting story. I gave it an extra star for introducing me to the idea of GLAs, which I plan to start doing with my family.
While the story is set in Washington state, it's fun to read about things you're familiar with, like Helaman Halls and BYU.
While the story is set in Washington state, it's fun to read about things you're familiar with, like Helaman Halls and BYU.
September 19, 2017
Ahhh! Loved it from start to finish! Gabby is a nut, but so entertaining. She's one of those friends you just want to hang around with to see what she'll come up with next and enjoy the journey with. Ian is her blessing and I'm so glad that luck had nothing to do with it!
February 17, 2017
Parts of this book were very confusing for me. I loved several parts, but some editing mistakes made me cringe.
July 1, 2017
Romance & doing good things!
I loved this quirky character & her unlucky heart! Throw in the good deeds idea & crazy dating app and you have a beautiful story of love!!
I loved this quirky character & her unlucky heart! Throw in the good deeds idea & crazy dating app and you have a beautiful story of love!!
July 31, 2017
Got to read!! I love it! I could not put it down. When I had to put it down I could not wait tell the moment I could pick it up an read it more.
May 18, 2018
Hilarious!!
This book hooked me from the start. It's hilarious and quirky. I liked the whole idea of "the dating experiment" it's a great idea and everything started great but then the GLA was added in which I LOVED but confused the story line and majorly took away from the book. I felt like I was reading two different books. I liked how it ended but felt robbed. The way Gabby reacted to her long lost crush and best friend after not seeing him for 10 years was a bit unrealistic. Their entire chemistry was missing major sparks and I found myself rooting for Roark more than anyone. Ian just didn't seem like he really loved her or was in love with her, he seemed confused and I think if there had been more focus on their connection and less dating experiment and less GLA stuff it would have been a stronger story but it sure was funny.
This book hooked me from the start. It's hilarious and quirky. I liked the whole idea of "the dating experiment" it's a great idea and everything started great but then the GLA was added in which I LOVED but confused the story line and majorly took away from the book. I felt like I was reading two different books. I liked how it ended but felt robbed. The way Gabby reacted to her long lost crush and best friend after not seeing him for 10 years was a bit unrealistic. Their entire chemistry was missing major sparks and I found myself rooting for Roark more than anyone. Ian just didn't seem like he really loved her or was in love with her, he seemed confused and I think if there had been more focus on their connection and less dating experiment and less GLA stuff it would have been a stronger story but it sure was funny.
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