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Preston's Mill #2
Speed Dating
Forget all those other best-friend romances you might have read.
Jace and Isabella have only known each other...since kindergarten. And he hasn't been secretly in love with her...for more than six or seven years. She doesn't make him bristle with jealousy when she goes out with other guys...that he'll admit to. And she doesn't get all flustered and confused when she starts to find him incredibly sexy...too often.
But they definitely don't transform their friendship into romance...right away.
Isabella has known Jace all her life, and she's been best friends with him since high school, when she used to date his best friend. Now she's ready to settle down and get married, and she's decided that her sister's wedding in three months is her deadline. She's going to find the man of her dreams in time to take him to the wedding.
Now if only Jace would stop acting strange and territorial so he could help her.
Jace and Isabella have only known each other...since kindergarten. And he hasn't been secretly in love with her...for more than six or seven years. She doesn't make him bristle with jealousy when she goes out with other guys...that he'll admit to. And she doesn't get all flustered and confused when she starts to find him incredibly sexy...too often.
But they definitely don't transform their friendship into romance...right away.
Isabella has known Jace all her life, and she's been best friends with him since high school, when she used to date his best friend. Now she's ready to settle down and get married, and she's decided that her sister's wedding in three months is her deadline. She's going to find the man of her dreams in time to take him to the wedding.
Now if only Jace would stop acting strange and territorial so he could help her.
172 pages, ebook
First published March 1, 2017
121 people are currently reading
504 people want to read
About the author
Noelle Adams
140 books2,677 followersNoelle handwrote her first romance novel in a spiral-bound notebook when she was twelve, and she hasn't stopped writing since. She has lived in eight different states and currently resides in Virginia, where she teaches English, reads any book she can get her hands on, and offers tribute to a very spoiled cocker spaniel.
She loves travel, art, history, and ice cream. After spending far too many years of her life in graduate school, she has decided to reorient her priorities and focus on writing contemporary romances.
She loves travel, art, history, and ice cream. After spending far too many years of her life in graduate school, she has decided to reorient her priorities and focus on writing contemporary romances.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
March 2, 2017
- Conflicts all entirely based on failures to communicate and lots of jumping to conclusions
- I really could not understand what the heroine was all melodramatic about.
- I really like Noelle Adams' usual style of telling it only from the female POV, and being shown all the cues in the guy's behavior to let us know how he really feels. I love her show not tell style. Sadly, this is one of those alternating he and she POV chapter books. Everything is completely revealed to the reader on both sides as you go along, and the only tension comes from wondering when the two will finally act like adults and have an open discussion instead of constantly making wrong assumptions about each other.
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- I really could not understand what the heroine was all melodramatic about.
- I really like Noelle Adams' usual style of telling it only from the female POV, and being shown all the cues in the guy's behavior to let us know how he really feels. I love her show not tell style. Sadly, this is one of those alternating he and she POV chapter books. Everything is completely revealed to the reader on both sides as you go along, and the only tension comes from wondering when the two will finally act like adults and have an open discussion instead of constantly making wrong assumptions about each other.
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April 2, 2017
With an obvious storyline, Speed Dating proves that light and expected can be as irresistibly surprising as it is funny. The writing team of Chase and Adams know how to spin a twist and create endearingly blissful characters that are hard to resist. On the hunt for the man of her dreams, Isabella needs the help of her best friend. Can Jace convince his heart's desire that he may just be that man?
July 1, 2017
Great read
Great friends to lovers story that kept me entertained from the first page to the last. Long time friends Bella and Jace both fun themselves unattached at the same time. Have knows he wants more with Bella. Always has. But getting her there is more than he expected it to be!
I highly recommend this one.
Great friends to lovers story that kept me entertained from the first page to the last. Long time friends Bella and Jace both fun themselves unattached at the same time. Have knows he wants more with Bella. Always has. But getting her there is more than he expected it to be!
I highly recommend this one.
March 22, 2017
I LOVE “small town” and “best friend” romance, and when two of my favorite authors, Samantha Chase and Noelle Adams get together and write about characters in Preston Mills? Well, WOW! JUST WOW!!! I started this book this morning and could not put it down! I loved it that much.
Jace and Isabella (Bella) have been best friends since high school. But, what Bella does not know, Jace has loved Bella from the very beginning, and will take ANYthing Bella will give him, and if it is just friendship, he will accept that. He does not want to lose her. But, lose her he will if he does not step up and say something.
Bella has watched her three sisters either marry or get engaged, and she is a little envious of this. She wants that for herself, as well, desperately. She joins an internet dating site. After each date she goes on, Bella ends up as Jace’s house to tell him about her dates to complain about how boring, or gropey the guy was and in her mind, she starts to compare them to Jace. She starts to see that Jace is actually what she has been looking for all along. Can she take the chance of losing her best friend if she takes that step? Then after the night of the Speed Dating, that ki….. stop! No spoilers from me.
I loved the way Jace and Bella FINALLY see each other, or rather Bella sees what was right in front of her all along. My ABSOLUTE FAVORITE part: The proposal
Thank you, Ms. Adams, and Ms. Chase for ALL the hours of reading enjoyment you give to your readers. Kudos Ladies, you definitely have another winner with Speed Dating in my opinion!
Jace and Isabella (Bella) have been best friends since high school. But, what Bella does not know, Jace has loved Bella from the very beginning, and will take ANYthing Bella will give him, and if it is just friendship, he will accept that. He does not want to lose her. But, lose her he will if he does not step up and say something.
Bella has watched her three sisters either marry or get engaged, and she is a little envious of this. She wants that for herself, as well, desperately. She joins an internet dating site. After each date she goes on, Bella ends up as Jace’s house to tell him about her dates to complain about how boring, or gropey the guy was and in her mind, she starts to compare them to Jace. She starts to see that Jace is actually what she has been looking for all along. Can she take the chance of losing her best friend if she takes that step? Then after the night of the Speed Dating, that ki….. stop! No spoilers from me.
I loved the way Jace and Bella FINALLY see each other, or rather Bella sees what was right in front of her all along. My ABSOLUTE FAVORITE part: The proposal
Thank you, Ms. Adams, and Ms. Chase for ALL the hours of reading enjoyment you give to your readers. Kudos Ladies, you definitely have another winner with Speed Dating in my opinion!
May 2, 2017
There was nothing discernibly wrong with this story, just really simple and without much substance to it. Like eating a bland soup, you can make do with it if you're too hungry but no way am I spending money on it.
March 2, 2017
2nd book by Samantha Chase and Noelle Adams in the Preston's Mill Book:
Isabella wants to find the perfect man, her true love. Everyone is telling her
online dating is the key. It just doesn't go as planned. She resorts to Speed Dating, but takes her best
friend Jace with her. She has the worst night ever but having Jace makes it not so bad at all. He's her
rock. One kiss might have changed things. Wait and see.
Jace has always had feelings for Isabella. He just can't tell her.
See what happens between them.
Sweet book. Very funny.
Isabella wants to find the perfect man, her true love. Everyone is telling her
online dating is the key. It just doesn't go as planned. She resorts to Speed Dating, but takes her best
friend Jace with her. She has the worst night ever but having Jace makes it not so bad at all. He's her
rock. One kiss might have changed things. Wait and see.
Jace has always had feelings for Isabella. He just can't tell her.
See what happens between them.
Sweet book. Very funny.
April 9, 2017
My Rating:
3.5
Favorite Quote:
Isabella had had the flowers for her wedding picked out since she was in junior high. Not that she was any closer to getting married now that she’d been back then.
My Review:
Speed Dating was a quick and easy to follow yet slowly evolving friends to lovers tale. I struggled some with the repetitiveness of the story. I also found Isabella rather frustrating and frequently conjured the visual of popping her in the head with my kindle. The writing was easy to follow and alternated between angst and steam, but my favorite bits were the amusing descriptions and exchanges with the small town residents.
3.5
Favorite Quote:
Isabella had had the flowers for her wedding picked out since she was in junior high. Not that she was any closer to getting married now that she’d been back then.
My Review:
Speed Dating was a quick and easy to follow yet slowly evolving friends to lovers tale. I struggled some with the repetitiveness of the story. I also found Isabella rather frustrating and frequently conjured the visual of popping her in the head with my kindle. The writing was easy to follow and alternated between angst and steam, but my favorite bits were the amusing descriptions and exchanges with the small town residents.
March 9, 2017
I'm normally a fan of the friends-to-lovers trope, but this felt blegh to me.
The entire conflict just felt ridiculous to me. Instead of talking things through everyone just jumps to a million conclusions. I know it's human nature to be fearful of rejection, but this was a bit too over-the-top to be realistic for me. Especially Isabella's reaction to finding out Jace loves her.
The entire conflict just felt ridiculous to me. Instead of talking things through everyone just jumps to a million conclusions. I know it's human nature to be fearful of rejection, but this was a bit too over-the-top to be realistic for me. Especially Isabella's reaction to finding out Jace loves her.
March 13, 2017
This didn't work for me. I like the friends to lovers trope and I like Noelle Adams. I've read most of her books and I've enjoyed them (some more than others, of course). This book didn't seem to have a lot of Noelle Adams in it. It needs more proof reading - there are typos and consistent misuse of "then" instead of "than". The characters don't have a lot to them. The heroine, Isabella, is kind of stupid, clueless and expects the hero, Jace, to pander to her. I didn't like her very much. And Jace needs to get a spine. There seems to be a continuity error, too. In the beginning, Jace's sister, Erin, brings her bird over for him to watch while she goes on a two week vacation. At this point, they discuss Isabella and his feelings for her. His sister knows just how bad he has it and how long he's secretly felt this way about Isabella. Toward the end of the book, when Erin finally is contacted to get her bird, what feels like a year later, Jace is shocked when Erin asks who he's dating - is it Isabella?, because even though she knew early in the story, apparently she isn't supposed to now. Disappointed.
August 25, 2017
Isabella and Jace were first introduced in the first preston mills book
Jace and a Isabella are best friends, they've supported each other, taken cared of each other and it's really been just them. But she wants more so she lets the town start to set her up and Jace has to sit and be supportive even though he's been in love with her the entire time.
Through a series of bad dates, speed dating and set ups he got antsy and she started to see him in a different light- she'd always admired him and loved him as a person, she even saw him a cute. But it wasn't until the insecurity of if she was good enough that she let her notice of Jace change. He took what he could and even though she thought she was the only one taking crumbs, it was both of them.
Both sitting on the edge....
This was a cute romance with some steamy parts. A bit of tears of the rejection and betrayal that in the end prestons Mill helped them rekindle.
Beautiful ending though still a little short. Hopefully the next book will give further details like this did for Chris and Heather.
Jace and a Isabella are best friends, they've supported each other, taken cared of each other and it's really been just them. But she wants more so she lets the town start to set her up and Jace has to sit and be supportive even though he's been in love with her the entire time.
Through a series of bad dates, speed dating and set ups he got antsy and she started to see him in a different light- she'd always admired him and loved him as a person, she even saw him a cute. But it wasn't until the insecurity of if she was good enough that she let her notice of Jace change. He took what he could and even though she thought she was the only one taking crumbs, it was both of them.
Both sitting on the edge....
This was a cute romance with some steamy parts. A bit of tears of the rejection and betrayal that in the end prestons Mill helped them rekindle.
Beautiful ending though still a little short. Hopefully the next book will give further details like this did for Chris and Heather.
June 24, 2021
Three and a half stars
SPEED DATING is the second in the Preston Mills series by Noelle Adams and Samantha Chase. It’s a small-town friends to lovers, complete with loving and meddling friends and neighbors, a talking parrot, and of course, speed dating.
Jace Foster has been in love with Isabella Warren for years, possibly since he first laid eyes on her in high school. But she was dating a friend of his at the time, and over time, he and Isabella became best friends themselves. And then he didn’t want to rock the boat by confessing his deeper feelings.
Ms Adams and Ms Chase’s characters are entertaining and vivid. They are also terrible communicators. Their frustrating inability to reveal their feelings is portrayed in technicolor perfection. Fortunately their families and friends are around to kick them into action, and Isabella and Jace find that sometimes small-town living is just about perfect.
A cute addition to the series.
SPEED DATING is the second in the Preston Mills series by Noelle Adams and Samantha Chase. It’s a small-town friends to lovers, complete with loving and meddling friends and neighbors, a talking parrot, and of course, speed dating.
Jace Foster has been in love with Isabella Warren for years, possibly since he first laid eyes on her in high school. But she was dating a friend of his at the time, and over time, he and Isabella became best friends themselves. And then he didn’t want to rock the boat by confessing his deeper feelings.
Ms Adams and Ms Chase’s characters are entertaining and vivid. They are also terrible communicators. Their frustrating inability to reveal their feelings is portrayed in technicolor perfection. Fortunately their families and friends are around to kick them into action, and Isabella and Jace find that sometimes small-town living is just about perfect.
A cute addition to the series.
March 25, 2017
Jace and Isabella have been best friends for quite a long time. Isabella decides it's time to get serious about finding the right guy for her so she can get married and start that chapter of her life. Jace does not like the idea of Isabella seriously dating, because he has been in love with her for many years, but has never had the courage to tell her. This was a great story. I loved their friendship. And I absolutely love how the book ends. We get to see a glimpse of some of the characters we came to love in Roommating, the first book in the A Preston's Mill series. This book can be read as a standalone though. I enjoyed watching to see if Jace and Isabella could transition into something more than friends. Oh and I can't forgetabout Beau the funny bird Jace is watching. Overall it was a wonderful read, you won't want to miss!
November 3, 2020
When you find yourself in love with your best friend you are left wondering if you should let your feeling be known or if you should just keep the friendship intact. But to throw salt on the wounds, Isabella decides she needs a boyfriend before her sister's wedding and leaves Jace to sit by and watch her go through numerous dates. Will she finally figure out that no one meets her expectations because none of them are Jace? Or will Jace be left out in the cold, watching her with a bunch of other men? Heart warming and very entertaining the reader will fall in love with Jace and Isabella from the opening pages and will not be able to put the book down until the very end.
June 25, 2017
A duo of hits in the Preston Mill series
Book two in the series, a journey with Isabella and Jace, friends since high school, through thick and thin, things take a turn - Jace has had more than friendship in mind for some time, Isabella finds herself having deeper feelings for Jace out of the blue and the book takes you on the journey they take to find each other as more than friends.....and you'll catch up with Chris & Heather from book one and of course Lucy!! You'll meet Beau.....nope no spoilers read this book series you'll love it!
Book two in the series, a journey with Isabella and Jace, friends since high school, through thick and thin, things take a turn - Jace has had more than friendship in mind for some time, Isabella finds herself having deeper feelings for Jace out of the blue and the book takes you on the journey they take to find each other as more than friends.....and you'll catch up with Chris & Heather from book one and of course Lucy!! You'll meet Beau.....nope no spoilers read this book series you'll love it!
August 10, 2024
I enjoy the best friends to lovers trope, and when it's handled well, the result can be really sweet. However, when it misses the mark, it can be hard to enjoy—even tough to tolerate. Maybe because I'm particular about this trope, this one didn't work for me. The hero didn't come across as a strong character. While I can appreciate shyness, his level of hesitancy just irritated me, making it difficult to enjoy the book. This is one of the rare 1-star ratings I've given for this author. I want to emphasize that the 1-star reflects how much I liked the book, not the author's skill in storytelling or narrative.
June 20, 2017
Adorable
What a well written book! Your heart goes out to Jace because he is in love with his best friend, Isabella. He makes mistakes and you really feel his pain. Isabella wants more. She wants a man in lo e with her, committed to her and she just can't see Jace that way ...at first. Well written! So sweet! Steamy. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
What a well written book! Your heart goes out to Jace because he is in love with his best friend, Isabella. He makes mistakes and you really feel his pain. Isabella wants more. She wants a man in lo e with her, committed to her and she just can't see Jace that way ...at first. Well written! So sweet! Steamy. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
October 11, 2024
I feel so sorry for the H. The h has sex with her best friend and then immediately goes out on a date as H isn't the man of her dreams and someone she can 'love' and the relationship isn't serious. The H forgives every insult and is the doormat in this relationship. He should have left h and moved on.
June 22, 2017
4.5 stars. A delightful, sweet tale of two friends and one who has always wanted more. Jace is an amazingly perfect male lead--can I clone him?! The addition of a funny talking bird and humorous community members added richness and freshness to a basic story idea.
June 23, 2017
This one was so cute!
I was like come on Jace...get it out. Girls want to be wanted and obviously she is expressing that. Stop being afraid and be honest with her. I am glad how it turned out in the end.
I was like come on Jace...get it out. Girls want to be wanted and obviously she is expressing that. Stop being afraid and be honest with her. I am glad how it turned out in the end.
March 14, 2018
Not my favorite of her books. I hate weak characters who overact to something so minor. He finally tells you he loves you and the first thing you think of is to be pissed he didn’t tell you sooner? You got your cake, ate it, and then got pissed that it tasted like everything you wanted.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 27, 2020
I understand the not wanting to ruing the friendship thing.
But at some point these two have to learn to talk to each other.
and also... you're mad because he loved you and you didn't know? really?
But at some point these two have to learn to talk to each other.
and also... you're mad because he loved you and you didn't know? really?
May 10, 2017
Cute Story! Jace and Isabella are best friends navigating their way through their love lives. It is appropriate that they begin to veer toward each other!
May 23, 2017
I love all of Noelle Adams books and I love this one too.
September 9, 2018
This book didn’t go anything like what I expected it to. I don’t know that it was super realistic in all ways, but it was an enjoyable read. I love the strong community essence in the book.
April 21, 2020
The book was well written, but I didn’t much care for either of the leads.
November 12, 2020
DNF chapter 10.
This book is not my cup of tea, first book of Noelle Adams that I do not like.
The push and pull is very annoying to me.
This book is not my cup of tea, first book of Noelle Adams that I do not like.
The push and pull is very annoying to me.
April 10, 2025
3,5 🌟
Li daquele jeito, mas li kkk
Fofinho
Li daquele jeito, mas li kkk
Fofinho
July 5, 2025
Who are these people anyway
March 28, 2017
This book was really really good! I enjoyed the second trip back to Preston's Mill. This is Jace and Isabella's story. They have been best friends since high school. Secretly Jace has always been in love with her but can never bring himself to tell her so he stays in the friend zone. That might all change now that Isabella has decided she wants her own happy ending. So the whole town is helping to set her up with dates to find her future husband. But was he right in front of her all along?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews