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Date Night
Fourteen-years of marriage, two-children - and Dan and Lauren were now on the rocks.
320 pages, ebook
Published May 26, 2017
3 people are currently reading
33 people want to read
About the author
J.F. Holland
39 books177 followersAbout the Author:-
British Author who writes in UK English...
I was born at home in a small town on the border of Manchester and Cheshire in the UK in January 1968. I finally joined the RNA (Romance Novelists Association) at the tail end of 2017 – a late bloomer and a tad forgetful.
Now a wife and mother of 6 children, I live a fairly quiet life with my family, and a small menagerie of animals in the same small town I was born and raised.
My passion has always been reading, so when I’m not making up my own stories, I’ve usually got my head stuck in a good book.
I’ve always preferred reading to television. You can’t beat curling-up with a book and allowing your imagination free rein. I enjoy seeing the plot and characters coming to life in my mind… my own internal television screen.
After a few years of illness, and a varied career in everything from retail to teaching unemployed adults, I decided it was time I did something I love with my life… which was when I began writing my own stories.
I’ve always loved the underdog, the fighter, and the lengths people go to in the name of ‘love’ fascinates me… but let’s face it, we all want to believe in, ‘The happily ever after.’
If you'd like more information, I can be found in a few places:-
Romantic Novelists Association:- https://romanticnovelistsassociation....
Newsletter signup- http://eepurl.com/dz4Fyj
Twitter:- http://www.twitter.com/JFHollandAuthor
Instagram:- https://www.instagram.com/jfhollandau...
Amazon author page:- Author.to/JFHollandBooks
www.facebook.com/BoundandandMatesFanPage
Book Bub:- https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jf-ho...
Goodreads: - https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
Readers page: - https://www.facebook.com/groups/20425... bites
MeWe : - https://mewe.com/profile/5ada2b301f59...
Draft2digital: - https://books2read.com/author/jf-holl...
https://romanticnovelistsassociation....
http://www.facebook.com/JFHollandAuthor
British Author who writes in UK English...
I was born at home in a small town on the border of Manchester and Cheshire in the UK in January 1968. I finally joined the RNA (Romance Novelists Association) at the tail end of 2017 – a late bloomer and a tad forgetful.
Now a wife and mother of 6 children, I live a fairly quiet life with my family, and a small menagerie of animals in the same small town I was born and raised.
My passion has always been reading, so when I’m not making up my own stories, I’ve usually got my head stuck in a good book.
I’ve always preferred reading to television. You can’t beat curling-up with a book and allowing your imagination free rein. I enjoy seeing the plot and characters coming to life in my mind… my own internal television screen.
After a few years of illness, and a varied career in everything from retail to teaching unemployed adults, I decided it was time I did something I love with my life… which was when I began writing my own stories.
I’ve always loved the underdog, the fighter, and the lengths people go to in the name of ‘love’ fascinates me… but let’s face it, we all want to believe in, ‘The happily ever after.’
If you'd like more information, I can be found in a few places:-
Romantic Novelists Association:- https://romanticnovelistsassociation....
Newsletter signup- http://eepurl.com/dz4Fyj
Twitter:- http://www.twitter.com/JFHollandAuthor
Instagram:- https://www.instagram.com/jfhollandau...
Amazon author page:- Author.to/JFHollandBooks
www.facebook.com/BoundandandMatesFanPage
Book Bub:- https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jf-ho...
Goodreads: - https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
Readers page: - https://www.facebook.com/groups/20425... bites
MeWe : - https://mewe.com/profile/5ada2b301f59...
Draft2digital: - https://books2read.com/author/jf-holl...
https://romanticnovelistsassociation....
http://www.facebook.com/JFHollandAuthor
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
August 7, 2018
Beautiful, poignant and thought provoking, and lightened with a touch of humour.
After 14 years of marriage, and children, Dan has an epiphany one morning, realising that his relationship to Lauren is in danger, their son is almost a teenager, and their young daughter has just lost her first tooth. Despite Lauren’s wish that he spend more time with his family, he’s been all but living at work, leaving them to carry on with their lives without him, something that he now realises, they are very efficient at. To top it off, he barely even remembered that Lauren had got a good job, and realises that he’s not only lost contact with his wife, but the best friend he’d known since they’d grown up together as children.
Eager to remedy that, he takes time off work and starts paying attention to his family, much to their surprise and Lauren’s suspicion. She thinks he’s feeling guilty about something at least, and doesn’t want to put words to that possibility. What he had done, was visit Lauren’s mother and asked for advice. She said, start to date her again. Again?? He’d hadn’t really had to date her the first time round since they’d grown up together and been best friends!
In rekindling their relationship, they also got hot and heavy, and some of those scenes positively steam while others provide a little humour as their son almost catches them out. As Dan spends family time with the kids he starts to know exactly how much he has missed out on. I loved Dan’s thoughts as they went bed shopping for their little girl and she was taken not only with a princess bed with girly sh!t in a decorative pattern all over it, but eyed up the sh!tty pink bedding as well! And that shower scene – I knew I hated shower curtains for a reason!!!
JF Holland has written a story that will get her readers thinking. It provides hope that even with an almost dire situation involving grief and unresolved issues, there is always a chance that things can be worked out. Self reflection can be illuminating, and Date Night could be the vehicle to help do just that. 4 Stars.
After 14 years of marriage, and children, Dan has an epiphany one morning, realising that his relationship to Lauren is in danger, their son is almost a teenager, and their young daughter has just lost her first tooth. Despite Lauren’s wish that he spend more time with his family, he’s been all but living at work, leaving them to carry on with their lives without him, something that he now realises, they are very efficient at. To top it off, he barely even remembered that Lauren had got a good job, and realises that he’s not only lost contact with his wife, but the best friend he’d known since they’d grown up together as children.
Eager to remedy that, he takes time off work and starts paying attention to his family, much to their surprise and Lauren’s suspicion. She thinks he’s feeling guilty about something at least, and doesn’t want to put words to that possibility. What he had done, was visit Lauren’s mother and asked for advice. She said, start to date her again. Again?? He’d hadn’t really had to date her the first time round since they’d grown up together and been best friends!
In rekindling their relationship, they also got hot and heavy, and some of those scenes positively steam while others provide a little humour as their son almost catches them out. As Dan spends family time with the kids he starts to know exactly how much he has missed out on. I loved Dan’s thoughts as they went bed shopping for their little girl and she was taken not only with a princess bed with girly sh!t in a decorative pattern all over it, but eyed up the sh!tty pink bedding as well! And that shower scene – I knew I hated shower curtains for a reason!!!
JF Holland has written a story that will get her readers thinking. It provides hope that even with an almost dire situation involving grief and unresolved issues, there is always a chance that things can be worked out. Self reflection can be illuminating, and Date Night could be the vehicle to help do just that. 4 Stars.
May 11, 2017
I loved this book its filled with so many emotions that had me reaching for the tissues..Witty,heart breaking and sexy all at once..After 14 years and suffering a tragic loss Dan and Lauren decide to get their happy back with hot sex,heart wrenching talks and family days out..A must read for romance lovers.
November 16, 2019
I thoroughly enjoyed this story!
A very realistic, emotional rollercoaster resulting in tears and laughter; the shower scene was hysterical.
I sometimes got frustrated with Dan and Lauren and their lack of communucation, but as the reasons became evident, it made sense where they were coming from. Such a beautiful story, with a wonderful, emotional celebration scene.
A very realistic, emotional rollercoaster resulting in tears and laughter; the shower scene was hysterical.
I sometimes got frustrated with Dan and Lauren and their lack of communucation, but as the reasons became evident, it made sense where they were coming from. Such a beautiful story, with a wonderful, emotional celebration scene.
September 30, 2018
Up to this point, I've never attempted to read or listen to any of the books by this author.
I've listened to this audiobook twice now, there are 2 reasons for this; firstly, because I listened to this at work and I was afraid I may have missed some parts, and secondly because I enjoyed it so much the first time.
Date Night is a story about reconnecting, not with old friends but with the love of your life, your wife, your best friend and your children.
Dan and Lauren have been best friends forever, they've been married for 14 years and have 2 children. Dan has been working longer and longer hours, whilst Lauren and the kids have been living their lives without him. Until one day Dan seems to realise that his wife and kids’ lives are passing him by. He resolves to change that fact. But he has no idea how.
Dan starts by taking some time off work before enlisting some help and advice from his mother in law.
We follow Dan and his journey to try and rekindle is marriage and his family life. It's not going to be an easy task. As Dan begins do show attention to his family and wife, Lauren begins to get suspicious as to why Dan is suddenly behaving this way.
The characters in Date Night are realistic and lifelike, they are easy to relate to and their situation is something I know does or can happen in real life. I think that JF Holland has created a very realistic story, her characters behave in a way that is relevant to the situations they are faced with also they all seem to develop the more they endure and the further into this story we get.
I felt that the story was well thought out, it is easy to read/listen to and flows well. This book has just about every emotion I can think of in it, so be prepared for an emotional rollercoaster ride, one that you won't want to get off!
I felt that Date Night is an enjoyable and thought-provoking read.
If you love contemporary romance with some steam thrown in then this is the book for you.
I've listened to this audiobook twice now, there are 2 reasons for this; firstly, because I listened to this at work and I was afraid I may have missed some parts, and secondly because I enjoyed it so much the first time.
Date Night is a story about reconnecting, not with old friends but with the love of your life, your wife, your best friend and your children.
Dan and Lauren have been best friends forever, they've been married for 14 years and have 2 children. Dan has been working longer and longer hours, whilst Lauren and the kids have been living their lives without him. Until one day Dan seems to realise that his wife and kids’ lives are passing him by. He resolves to change that fact. But he has no idea how.
Dan starts by taking some time off work before enlisting some help and advice from his mother in law.
We follow Dan and his journey to try and rekindle is marriage and his family life. It's not going to be an easy task. As Dan begins do show attention to his family and wife, Lauren begins to get suspicious as to why Dan is suddenly behaving this way.
The characters in Date Night are realistic and lifelike, they are easy to relate to and their situation is something I know does or can happen in real life. I think that JF Holland has created a very realistic story, her characters behave in a way that is relevant to the situations they are faced with also they all seem to develop the more they endure and the further into this story we get.
I felt that the story was well thought out, it is easy to read/listen to and flows well. This book has just about every emotion I can think of in it, so be prepared for an emotional rollercoaster ride, one that you won't want to get off!
I felt that Date Night is an enjoyable and thought-provoking read.
If you love contemporary romance with some steam thrown in then this is the book for you.
June 6, 2017
Date Night follows Lauren and Dan, a once happily married couple who, following a heartbreaking loss, slowly stopped communicating, stopped actually being a couple. Dan spends so many hours at work that Lauren feels like a single parent, the kids don't really know their dad anymore and despite her countless attempts to get Dan to talk about their problems, maybe she just has to accept their marriage is over. After a sleepless night, Dan suddenly recognises what has been right there in front of him for a long time - everything he loves is slipping out of his grasp and he doesn't know how to fix it. His mother-in-law tells him he needs to date his wife, needs Lauren to understand she is everything to him, or this time she will walk away.
So Dan begins to date Lauren, to spend time with her trying to rebuild the trust he fears he has irreparably damaged. In Date Night, JF Holland has captured all the raw emotions a couple experiences when life gets in the way and they have somehow lost themselves. Lauren and Dan's path back to happiness is poignant, gut-wrenching, funny, sexy and difficult, and although it is clear they share an abiding love, they just need to remember how to reach it.
In a clever twist, Date Night is the story Lorie writes in Blue Christmas, the connection clear at the beginning and end of this book, which made it all the more moving.
If you enjoy a well written, thought provoking, irresistible romance, with just the right amount of steam - this is the book for you.
So Dan begins to date Lauren, to spend time with her trying to rebuild the trust he fears he has irreparably damaged. In Date Night, JF Holland has captured all the raw emotions a couple experiences when life gets in the way and they have somehow lost themselves. Lauren and Dan's path back to happiness is poignant, gut-wrenching, funny, sexy and difficult, and although it is clear they share an abiding love, they just need to remember how to reach it.
In a clever twist, Date Night is the story Lorie writes in Blue Christmas, the connection clear at the beginning and end of this book, which made it all the more moving.
If you enjoy a well written, thought provoking, irresistible romance, with just the right amount of steam - this is the book for you.
June 20, 2020
Went to read a different J.F. Holland book but ended up reading this one simply because the cover caught my attention. It's stunning.
And very happy to report that the stunning cover that led me to this story, did not disappoint at all.
I quite liked how the story began. We're introduced to Dan, Lauren and a cast of supporting characters.
By the time Dan notices his marriage is in trouble, it's in his best interest to refuse to believe that it's too late to save it. Yet with each passing day, he is constantly reminded of how his family has been living life without him. So Dan decides to do something and elicits a bit of help. But what Dan does and how how he goes about it, may of may not work in his favor...
I really enjoyed this book even though emotional reads aren't my first choice. But I was really able to get into this story and enjoyed the unfolding of it. The author writes this emotional story wherein Dan, Lauren and their family go through a very traumatic event - yet the author refuses to allow the characters to slip into the poor me, self pity territory.
This is what makes me a fan of J.F Holland books. Topics are interesting, characters are colorful and they may go through a lot, but they are survivors.
And very happy to report that the stunning cover that led me to this story, did not disappoint at all.
I quite liked how the story began. We're introduced to Dan, Lauren and a cast of supporting characters.
By the time Dan notices his marriage is in trouble, it's in his best interest to refuse to believe that it's too late to save it. Yet with each passing day, he is constantly reminded of how his family has been living life without him. So Dan decides to do something and elicits a bit of help. But what Dan does and how how he goes about it, may of may not work in his favor...
I really enjoyed this book even though emotional reads aren't my first choice. But I was really able to get into this story and enjoyed the unfolding of it. The author writes this emotional story wherein Dan, Lauren and their family go through a very traumatic event - yet the author refuses to allow the characters to slip into the poor me, self pity territory.
This is what makes me a fan of J.F Holland books. Topics are interesting, characters are colorful and they may go through a lot, but they are survivors.
May 11, 2017
What a brilliant carry on from Blue Christmas...what JF Holland has done with this story is genius. I
felt i was reading Dane and Lorie`s future or was i ??? you read it and make your own mind up, great sex scenes with some very humorous line`s also some very sad and touching moments that were written so well with care and feeling....another amazing book from this Author and i loved it and i`m sure you will too. This story of Dan and Lauren is an insight into family life where love and understanding plays a big part of healing. I highly recommend this book but be sure to read Blue Christmas first.
felt i was reading Dane and Lorie`s future or was i ??? you read it and make your own mind up, great sex scenes with some very humorous line`s also some very sad and touching moments that were written so well with care and feeling....another amazing book from this Author and i loved it and i`m sure you will too. This story of Dan and Lauren is an insight into family life where love and understanding plays a big part of healing. I highly recommend this book but be sure to read Blue Christmas first.
May 17, 2017
Wow this books has all the feels!!!!!
What a great way to carry on from Blue Christmas and actually get to read what Lorie was writing!
This book has everything involved emotionally and really makes you think about how easy it is to lose the communication and trust within a relationship.
Dan and Lauren both thought they were doing the best to help each other but without the key communication would they be able to work it out?
Really really loved reading this book and would definitely recommend it to others.
What a great way to carry on from Blue Christmas and actually get to read what Lorie was writing!
This book has everything involved emotionally and really makes you think about how easy it is to lose the communication and trust within a relationship.
Dan and Lauren both thought they were doing the best to help each other but without the key communication would they be able to work it out?
Really really loved reading this book and would definitely recommend it to others.
May 28, 2019
This is what I call a real story. No Cinderella or such other sweet romance in sight.
Real people dealing with real issues and finding real, true love.
I really liked that a lot of the POV was from Dan and explored his thoughts and reasons for acting the way he did. Some sadness in the tale, but overall I felt it was uplifting.
It is a quick, easy to read book with really likable main characters and some hot romance.
Would definitely read something else by JF Holland.
Real people dealing with real issues and finding real, true love.
I really liked that a lot of the POV was from Dan and explored his thoughts and reasons for acting the way he did. Some sadness in the tale, but overall I felt it was uplifting.
It is a quick, easy to read book with really likable main characters and some hot romance.
Would definitely read something else by JF Holland.
March 8, 2020
Lauren and Dan have been married for many years and have gone through hell together. But will they fall apart? Dan starts to realize that his marriage isn't the happily ever after he'd thought he had. That just won't work for him. He realizes he needs to win her affections back and sets out to do so with the help of his mother-in-law. But will it be too late?
I will tell you I "read" this on audiobook. I stood in the frozen foods section of my grocery store sobbing. Not many books can make me cry...this one did. I felt like I was eavesdropping on someone I knew. It is a fabulous story.
I will tell you I "read" this on audiobook. I stood in the frozen foods section of my grocery store sobbing. Not many books can make me cry...this one did. I felt like I was eavesdropping on someone I knew. It is a fabulous story.
April 8, 2019
Like many of us before them, Lauren and Dan find themselves caught up in the kids and work. There own relationship takes a back seat. A wakeup call for Dan leaves him desperate to reclaim what they have lost. Hopefully it's not too late...
A relatable, emotional tear jerker well worth a read.
A relatable, emotional tear jerker well worth a read.
February 13, 2019
I received a free audio copy with no strings attached but I thought it deserved a review.
Date Night is a story about reconnecting with love. How little things can be taken out of context and how losing sight of whats important can ruin everything.
Dan and Lauren have been been married for 14 years and have 2 children. Dan has been working longer and longer hours, whilst Lauren and the kids have been living their lives without him. It's like they no longer have a real marriage. Lauren thinks he is seeing someone else.
Dan realises that his home life is falling apart and vows to change.
The characters are realistic, easy to relate to, and their situation is believable
Date Night is a story about reconnecting with love. How little things can be taken out of context and how losing sight of whats important can ruin everything.
Dan and Lauren have been been married for 14 years and have 2 children. Dan has been working longer and longer hours, whilst Lauren and the kids have been living their lives without him. It's like they no longer have a real marriage. Lauren thinks he is seeing someone else.
Dan realises that his home life is falling apart and vows to change.
The characters are realistic, easy to relate to, and their situation is believable
March 11, 2020
I was given a free copy of the audiobook version of this story in return for an honest review and here it is! This story is fantastic. It is about a couple who have been married for 14 years, suffered a loss and grown apart as a result. The husband decides to try to rekindle the spark in their relationship. The story had me laughing and crying at parts. The narrator told the story beautifully, though I did find the daughters voice a bit annoying 😂. I’ll definitely look out for more from this author. A great, feel-good listen.
September 21, 2020
This storyline is a honest account of most relationships that are over 10 years. It can get stagnant especially when you go through so much trauma. It’s very brave of this author to take on such a book. I really enjoyed it. Well written characters. With a humours performance from John.
May 15, 2017
I couldn't put this book down was a brilliant. storyline one which happens to most married couples.....what happen when life takes over and you dnt make/spend that quality time with your loved ones ... question start running through your wife's head that's what .Will Lauren ever get the answers she needs should she just leave and move on or can Dan turn his life around for the sake or fixing his marriage. definately worth more than 5 stars. I personally recommend you all to go read it when it comes out thanks JF for another excellent read
March 17, 2020
A steamy romance, relatable couple, okay-ish narration
Overall: ****/5
Narrator's Performance: ***/5
Story: *****/5
The story begins with a troubled marriage that's on the verge of breaking and an oblivious husband.
It continues with how the husband (Dan) realizes the truth about his marriage and makes a plan on saving his marriage, to stop his wife- the love of his life- from leaving him with their 3 beautiful children.
The intimate scenes are written very well and feel very real. One can see that J.F. Holland has put in a lot of effort in the minute details.
This book speaks about a sensitive issue and the author has handled the situation very gracefully.
It was very easy to visualize and feel what was happening in the story, and I think that's rare.
You would definitely need a box of tissues during the end.
The only part I did not like about the book was the narration.
It was extremely cringy when John York tried to narrate as a little girl wherever the book demanded.
Other than that part, he did a good job at narrating the story with it's ups and downs.
Other than that, I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes a good romance book.
Overall: ****/5
Narrator's Performance: ***/5
Story: *****/5
The story begins with a troubled marriage that's on the verge of breaking and an oblivious husband.
It continues with how the husband (Dan) realizes the truth about his marriage and makes a plan on saving his marriage, to stop his wife- the love of his life- from leaving him with their 3 beautiful children.
The intimate scenes are written very well and feel very real. One can see that J.F. Holland has put in a lot of effort in the minute details.
This book speaks about a sensitive issue and the author has handled the situation very gracefully.
It was very easy to visualize and feel what was happening in the story, and I think that's rare.
You would definitely need a box of tissues during the end.
The only part I did not like about the book was the narration.
It was extremely cringy when John York tried to narrate as a little girl wherever the book demanded.
Other than that part, he did a good job at narrating the story with it's ups and downs.
Other than that, I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes a good romance book.
June 16, 2018
This is the first J.F. Holland book I’ve read and it was such a good one to start with. It’s only short so didn’t take me long at all.
This book had me suffering several emotions but was so well written I was glad to have been able to feel everything that was happening with Dan and Lauren.
I would recommend this to others. A very well deserved 5 stars.
This book had me suffering several emotions but was so well written I was glad to have been able to feel everything that was happening with Dan and Lauren.
I would recommend this to others. A very well deserved 5 stars.
August 12, 2018
This is a story of recapturing a love that was almost lost and healing together as a family.
I listened to this on audio and would recommend it.
The story is heartwarming and emotional read.
I listened to this on audio and would recommend it.
The story is heartwarming and emotional read.
November 14, 2018
Listened to audio version - 3.75 stars
December 6, 2020
You might want to have a tissue ready. This is a very in depth look into what can happen to a marriage when something catastrophic happens. The way the characters interact all thru the story you know something happened but you don’t find out until the almost end what that is. Once the couple work thru the issue they institute a date night to keep things interesting in their lives and it sounds fun. JF Holland covered real issues that can happen to people who have been married for years and the importance of communication being the key to get past it. I really enjoyed the book and would recommend it to everyone. The narrator did a very good job building the frustration level of both characters and the sorrow that follows.
March 18, 2021
Got this book as an Audible and it has a great storyline. I was so happy to get this book. I have enjoyed it. I really like how the story lets you know that if you have a problem don't run from it. Talk it out , You dont know if the other person the one you love is feeling the same way you do if you keep ignoring the issues you will lose what you love the most . Dan and Lauren make a great couple and I was so happy to see that they was able to work things out and be a family again . This book has a lot of pain but it shares a lot of love also . if you can read it I would recommend this book it was pretty amazing I wasn't to thrilled with the gentleman reading it but his voice kind of grows on ya. lol
January 8, 2018
Wow
This book was intence and amazing, every time Lauren would want to speak to Dan I was always wondering what was going on but when I found out it broke my heart.
Such a well written novella that I read it in less than a day
5 stars well deserved
This book was intence and amazing, every time Lauren would want to speak to Dan I was always wondering what was going on but when I found out it broke my heart.
Such a well written novella that I read it in less than a day
5 stars well deserved
May 16, 2017
First off this story actually applies to so many marriages, life happens and things slide and you forget what made you a couple. Dan has been working long hours seven days a week and his family are strangers to him. Lauren has become indifferent to their marriage just trying to do the best for her children Rudy and Darcy. When Dan wakes up one day he realizes what he has done and has no idea how to fix it, he goes to see his mother in law because she will set him straight. What she suggests is for him to "Date his wife" but he has to learn his wife all over again. This story deals with the couples loss but the feelings ring true for a lot of people in their daily lives. Great story and I just loved the ending.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews