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The Perfect Date #1
Never Is a Very Long Time
Cupid she’s not—but she’s pretty darn close.
Nothing in the world feels better than finding her clients the perfect date. Of course finding one for herself might be nice, but creative bill paying is for college students—not for accomplished doctors in their forties. Satisfied customers keep the electricity on.
But wait, according to all the magazines the forties are the new twenties. Now if only she felt twenty… Everything in Dr. Mariah Bates’ life was perfectly fine until the moment she quit her celebrity radio job to start a dating business. Two years, a cheating ex, and a very ugly divorce later, she’s suddenly homeless and living with her mother. Not exactly how she’d envisioned her life working out. Not that her mom isn’t great, but come on. With her cop ex-husband doing everything he can to ruin her business, she’s at her wit's end. Throw in another cop who makes her believe in love at first sight—or at least lust—and life is a mess. Interesting, fun and tummy tingling, but a mess. Especially since another cop is the last thing she needs. Despite a very persistent, want-to-be beau who insists he's protecting her, it’s time for Mariah to take control of the game her ex has been playing. Punt or pass, she’s due for a touchdown.
Everyone deserves the perfect date—even her.
Nothing in the world feels better than finding her clients the perfect date. Of course finding one for herself might be nice, but creative bill paying is for college students—not for accomplished doctors in their forties. Satisfied customers keep the electricity on.
But wait, according to all the magazines the forties are the new twenties. Now if only she felt twenty… Everything in Dr. Mariah Bates’ life was perfectly fine until the moment she quit her celebrity radio job to start a dating business. Two years, a cheating ex, and a very ugly divorce later, she’s suddenly homeless and living with her mother. Not exactly how she’d envisioned her life working out. Not that her mom isn’t great, but come on. With her cop ex-husband doing everything he can to ruin her business, she’s at her wit's end. Throw in another cop who makes her believe in love at first sight—or at least lust—and life is a mess. Interesting, fun and tummy tingling, but a mess. Especially since another cop is the last thing she needs. Despite a very persistent, want-to-be beau who insists he's protecting her, it’s time for Mariah to take control of the game her ex has been playing. Punt or pass, she’s due for a touchdown.
Everyone deserves the perfect date—even her.
180 pages, ebook
First published April 24, 2017
750 people are currently reading
627 people want to read
About the author
Donna McDonald
151 books602 followersUSA Today Bestselling Author
I am an active dreamer and find writing to be the best way to use my creativity. Needing to satisfy both sides of my brain, I have become a cross-genre author of contemporary, romantic comedy, fantasy, science fiction, and paranormal romances.
I feel blessed that my books appear on bestseller lists for humor, romantic comedy, space opera, and more. I crave laughter from all my readers and focus my attention on making that happen as often as possible.
I love to hear from anyone who has read my books. Each reader is a hero or heroine to me. I am inspired by you.
I am an active dreamer and find writing to be the best way to use my creativity. Needing to satisfy both sides of my brain, I have become a cross-genre author of contemporary, romantic comedy, fantasy, science fiction, and paranormal romances.
I feel blessed that my books appear on bestseller lists for humor, romantic comedy, space opera, and more. I crave laughter from all my readers and focus my attention on making that happen as often as possible.
I love to hear from anyone who has read my books. Each reader is a hero or heroine to me. I am inspired by you.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
December 23, 2018
*3.5 stars* Amz Freebie
There were these warm fuzzy things moving around in my heart while reading this, also something liquid came outta my eyes. Sniff. Silly heart, silly eyes.
If you like warm, humorous, likeable main characters then I suppose this book fits the bill. If you wished there were more books dedicated to the mature woman's second chance at love, well, I 100% guarantee this will have you hankering for more of such.
McDonald is a new to me author and I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed Mariah and John's story. Will definitely check out her other books.
Want to read
September 23, 2017FREE on Amazon today (9/23/2017)!
August 22, 2017
3* but only because it was free
If I had to pay for this I would have been disappointed. Not because it was bad, but somehow it was just a bit lacking. I liked that the main characters are in their 40s. Mariah is on her second career as a high end match maker despite the fact she is still dealing with her own nasty ex. And he really is a piece of work. Using his position as a police officer he is harassing her. So she is none too keen when an attractive police officer shows up at her place of work. John says he is there at the suggestion of his nephew but it also turns out he is working with Mariah's ex. And for me this was a plot hole as it was never explained why he used his nephew. Was it a cover for his work with the ex? If so how did he know to use his nephew's name. If he was genuinely there to get set up is that not a huge coincidence? There were other things like that where I felt the book lacked explanation. And at the end I wanted to smack Mariah for not either calling her children herself or forcing nasty ex to do it. Her kids deserved to know the truth and as the character was shown to put her kids needs above her own I can't imagine she would not have done so. So really I just wanted things to be more fully fleshed out. I also would expect a book with this subtitle to actually be funny. I won't be paying to read any further installments. I might read one if it were on ku and I was in the mood for light romance.
If I had to pay for this I would have been disappointed. Not because it was bad, but somehow it was just a bit lacking. I liked that the main characters are in their 40s. Mariah is on her second career as a high end match maker despite the fact she is still dealing with her own nasty ex. And he really is a piece of work. Using his position as a police officer he is harassing her. So she is none too keen when an attractive police officer shows up at her place of work. John says he is there at the suggestion of his nephew but it also turns out he is working with Mariah's ex. And for me this was a plot hole as it was never explained why he used his nephew. Was it a cover for his work with the ex? If so how did he know to use his nephew's name. If he was genuinely there to get set up is that not a huge coincidence? There were other things like that where I felt the book lacked explanation. And at the end I wanted to smack Mariah for not either calling her children herself or forcing nasty ex to do it. Her kids deserved to know the truth and as the character was shown to put her kids needs above her own I can't imagine she would not have done so. So really I just wanted things to be more fully fleshed out. I also would expect a book with this subtitle to actually be funny. I won't be paying to read any further installments. I might read one if it were on ku and I was in the mood for light romance.
April 25, 2017
What a great start to this new series.
McDonald writes sarcastic, comedic, emotional romance like no one else. The more mature characters are appealing and engaging. I love the natural flow of the dialogue and the plot twists. The emotional highs and lows that come with the end of a relationship and the beginning of a new one kept me flipping the pages until the very end.
I highly recommend this book to fans of the romantic comedy genre.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a complementary, advance copy of this book.
McDonald writes sarcastic, comedic, emotional romance like no one else. The more mature characters are appealing and engaging. I love the natural flow of the dialogue and the plot twists. The emotional highs and lows that come with the end of a relationship and the beginning of a new one kept me flipping the pages until the very end.
I highly recommend this book to fans of the romantic comedy genre.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a complementary, advance copy of this book.
May 28, 2019
A nice romance, quite believable (although I am not sure if the police work in such a way in the USA). Main characters were in their forties and fifties - what a refreshing group. I loved how Mariah and John were (as Natasha wrote) navigating the dating field.
It was a good decision to give it for free - because it is a promising invitation to another book by Donna McDonald. At least she has convinced me.
Somewhere between 3 and 4 stars - round up thanks to a nice surprise.
It was a good decision to give it for free - because it is a promising invitation to another book by Donna McDonald. At least she has convinced me.
Somewhere between 3 and 4 stars - round up thanks to a nice surprise.
October 1, 2023
I enjoyed this novella. It was a cute fast read that kept me entertained throughout the book.
April 21, 2017
I loved this book. First, because it was about more mature couples, 40+. Seond, because they were established in their careers, smart, and funny.
Mariah had divorced her ex husband, Dan, and was moving on with her life. She found herself attracted to John, and wondering why Dan was he'll bent on destroying her.
Mariah and John's interacts were playful, fun, and we got to experience their quick wits. And, on top of all of that, they really LIKE each other.
Mariah's mom and her friends were pretty funny. I am rooting for Dr. Colombo and Georgia. Can't wait for their story. At least I hope they get one.
I especially loved Mariah and Dan's last interaction. She was much nicer than I would have been, but it was good. This book proved the 40's are the new 20's, only better.
I really enjoyed this book. It made me laugh, it made me smile. I highly recommend any book that leaves me feeling good with a smile on my face after the last page. I am looking forward to the next book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed this Advanced Reader Copy.
Mariah had divorced her ex husband, Dan, and was moving on with her life. She found herself attracted to John, and wondering why Dan was he'll bent on destroying her.
Mariah and John's interacts were playful, fun, and we got to experience their quick wits. And, on top of all of that, they really LIKE each other.
Mariah's mom and her friends were pretty funny. I am rooting for Dr. Colombo and Georgia. Can't wait for their story. At least I hope they get one.
I especially loved Mariah and Dan's last interaction. She was much nicer than I would have been, but it was good. This book proved the 40's are the new 20's, only better.
I really enjoyed this book. It made me laugh, it made me smile. I highly recommend any book that leaves me feeling good with a smile on my face after the last page. I am looking forward to the next book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed this Advanced Reader Copy.
July 24, 2017
This is my first time picking up a story by this author, but I have to say I really enjoyed it overall! My biggest complaint about it was that it was too short!
I loved Mariah! I laughed at some of the things she got herself into, and cheered when she started dipping her toes back into the dating game! I just kept hoping to see more reactions about her ex-husband and his situation. John was a bit of an unknown quantity for me, and I really felt that there wasn't enough information given about him for me to form a good connection to him.
All things considered, I would definitely read more of this author and this particular series!
I loved Mariah! I laughed at some of the things she got herself into, and cheered when she started dipping her toes back into the dating game! I just kept hoping to see more reactions about her ex-husband and his situation. John was a bit of an unknown quantity for me, and I really felt that there wasn't enough information given about him for me to form a good connection to him.
All things considered, I would definitely read more of this author and this particular series!
May 23, 2017
Very sweet, low on steam, high on smart dialogue. cute. Romance between mature couples with realistic expectations about love and sex. I liked it.
December 24, 2018
Bring me a silver fox! It was refreshing to read a book about a mature man and woman navigating the dating field. I found the story engaging without being too over-the-top. I was so entertained and into these characters’ lives that the low steam level (closed-door bedroom scenes) was not an issue.
Kudos to the author for pointing out calling a book “clean” puts a negative connotation on more steamy romance novels. There’s nothing wrong with sex scenes in books. It’s a perfectly natural part of the story some romance authors craft about human attraction and love. To each his own.
Kudos to the author for pointing out calling a book “clean” puts a negative connotation on more steamy romance novels. There’s nothing wrong with sex scenes in books. It’s a perfectly natural part of the story some romance authors craft about human attraction and love. To each his own.
July 26, 2017
Never is a Very Long Time is a perfect start to the Perfect Date Series!! Smart women, sexy guys, and witty banter! What more can you ask for? I'm off to find my next perfect date!
April 24, 2017
Can I just say that the premise of this series, and story, is refreshingly wonderful? Don’t get me wrong, some of the things that happen can be devastatingly hard, however the tone of the story is uplifting, funny, sometimes sad or downright murderous. At its heart it is a love story sorta/kinda mixed up with a coming of age story that happens maaaaaaaaaaaaaayyyyyybe a bit later in life than you’d normally think. Mariah Bates is the heroine and is smart, intelligent, beautiful, feisty and owns a matchmaking company. She’s quite successful at it, too! The story opens with her being sued by her ex-husband, a police detective, for what the law is calling “running an escort service”. Uh, no, she is not. Enter an introduction to Detective John Monroe, which doesn’t really go well. I won’t go into details because the author writes it so much better than I can. Let’s just say each encounter with the detective is more hilarious than the last. Mariah and John have much to work through and overcome before they can get an HEA but I so enjoyed the ride. Mariah’s mother and her friends are hilarious, as are some of Mariah’s clients. Lots of backstory, some serious issues that these two need to work thru (from their pasts) before each can move on. I truly enjoyed this book and can’t wait to read more of the series.
April 20, 2017
This is the first book in Donna McDonalds new series. We meet Dr. Mariah Bates who runs a match making service for professionals. She is going through a nasty divorce from her ex Detective Dan Luray. He is making her life miserable with trumped up charges. Enter Detective John Monroe he is working on a special assignment with Dan and has a strong chemistry with Mariah. Add a cuss talking mother, young assistant and clients galore looking for the ONE and you have a great story. Lots of shocking surprises be prepared to start reading and not being able to put this book down. Can't wait for book 2.
July 10, 2017
I love that Donna writes characters in her romance novels in the older range. Age is just a number. There is still time to have fun, excitement, romance and more happiness. This new series with the dating service aspect will surely create some interesting outcomes. I'm looking forward to reading all the upcoming books in the series.
May 3, 2020
I enjoyed this author's writing style, and appreciated the fact that the central characters were older than those in most similar novels, which was refreshing.
June 1, 2017
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
This romantic comedy was so well done; it held my attention and was exciting, but also was heartwarming and emotional. It will make you cry, laugh, and become even angry and sad—I held my breath, giggled at times, and shed tears. I loved the characters of Dr. Mariah Bates and Detective John Monroe. This is the first time I read a book by this author, Donna McDonald, but I assure you, it will not be the last. A poignant story about a strong professional woman going through a divorce when her cop ex-husband who has a vendetta against her and stripped her of half her wealth, except her dignity, causing her to become homeless and living with her mother. Mariah said she would never fall in love again because of what she experienced during her ugly divorce from her cheating, callous cop ex-husband, but never is a very long time—then she meets Detective John Monroe. The humor in the story really played well with the rest of the story—I do not think it would have been the same without the humor. The scenes are well written, fast-paced and flow smoothly from one scene to the next. This story will pique your interest and draw you in from the beginning to the very end. I cannot wait to read Book 2.
This romantic comedy was so well done; it held my attention and was exciting, but also was heartwarming and emotional. It will make you cry, laugh, and become even angry and sad—I held my breath, giggled at times, and shed tears. I loved the characters of Dr. Mariah Bates and Detective John Monroe. This is the first time I read a book by this author, Donna McDonald, but I assure you, it will not be the last. A poignant story about a strong professional woman going through a divorce when her cop ex-husband who has a vendetta against her and stripped her of half her wealth, except her dignity, causing her to become homeless and living with her mother. Mariah said she would never fall in love again because of what she experienced during her ugly divorce from her cheating, callous cop ex-husband, but never is a very long time—then she meets Detective John Monroe. The humor in the story really played well with the rest of the story—I do not think it would have been the same without the humor. The scenes are well written, fast-paced and flow smoothly from one scene to the next. This story will pique your interest and draw you in from the beginning to the very end. I cannot wait to read Book 2.
April 26, 2017
This was a great book! I loved Mariah and John. They were great together. John was fantastic. He saw Mariah for who she was and not what she could do for him. Mariah's ex-husband was a grade A jerk and I wanted to slap him so many times. He was an arrogant sleeze. Knowing the kind of man Mariah had been with, it was nice to see John slowly help Mariah open up and learn to trust again. While I like reading stories with females in their 20s finding love, now that I'm on the upper end of my 30s, it was also nice to read about older women getting a little romance. I can't wait to read more in this series.
*I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. This is my honest review.*
*I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. This is my honest review.*
April 26, 2017
4.5 STARS!
Never is a Very Long Time was fantastic!!
I usually worry when a book comes in under 200 pages. I like lots of development and details that are hard to pack in a shorter book. That being said, I have learned after reading many of Donna McDonald's books that she doesn't hold any punches. I ALWAYS get a full and satisfying story, regardless of length. This book had it all - humor, mystery, fun secondary characters, a horrible ex, a classy heroine, and a sexy hero. The details and twists kept me reading and finishing in one morning and now I'll be anxiously waiting for the next release in this entertaining series. (I voluntarily read an advanced copy of Never is a Very Long Time.)
May 3, 2017
I loved reading the fabulous and amazing romance story written by the phenomenally talented Donna McDonald. I voluntarily reviewed a copy.
Mariah is trying to cope with being sued and taken to court by her ex-husband. Mariah meets the handsome, sexy detective, John, but he works with her ex and she doesn't want anything to do with cops. Mariah finds out John is here for a mission and in addition, he wants to protect her every way he can.
Read the highly recommended and wonderfully written story line and a must read love story of John and Mariah.
Mariah is trying to cope with being sued and taken to court by her ex-husband. Mariah meets the handsome, sexy detective, John, but he works with her ex and she doesn't want anything to do with cops. Mariah finds out John is here for a mission and in addition, he wants to protect her every way he can.
Read the highly recommended and wonderfully written story line and a must read love story of John and Mariah.
April 24, 2017
This book was a breath of fresh air after a truck pollution. I want me a John and a mother named Georgia. Mariah, I am a little envious of you at the moment but love that you worked like Stella and got your groove back. Dan on the other hand.... I could have strangled him seven ways to Sunday.
This was a winner from beginning to end. I enjoyed the chemistry, banter, and LOVED the wet t-shirt contest. Just epic as scenes in this book goes. Thank you Donna for bringing back what is missing.
This was a winner from beginning to end. I enjoyed the chemistry, banter, and LOVED the wet t-shirt contest. Just epic as scenes in this book goes. Thank you Donna for bringing back what is missing.
May 11, 2017
Never Is A Very Long Time is a clean-cut, humorous, feel-good romance that you can pick up and loose yourself in, without the complicated twists and turns. I love that the characters are a little older and that it shows that they just get better with a little age on them and can still be extremely sexy. I really enjoyed this book, Mariah and John's story is a great read and I can't wait for the next book in this series.
April 25, 2017
Mariah owns The Perfect Date and has sworn off men. Her policeman ex, Dan is driving her nuts and trying to ruin her business. Mariah refuses to let him mess up her life any more than he has. She has some great people in her corner and they want to help her overcome him and move on with her life.
Crazy fun read that kept my evening light and entertaining.
Crazy fun read that kept my evening light and entertaining.
May 16, 2017
I've always loved Donna McDonalds books as her characters always have a maturity level that I relate to and gives a new refreshing perspective on the story lines.
Mariah Bates has an unusual occupation and her recent divorce from her douche ex brings new surprising things and people into her life, including one very sexy John Monroe
Mariah Bates has an unusual occupation and her recent divorce from her douche ex brings new surprising things and people into her life, including one very sexy John Monroe
January 10, 2018
I really like Donna McDonald's books because she writes about women who are no longer young but still smart and deserving of love and success. Like Mariah, a brilliant and very strong woman, dealing with her ex asshat of husband. I like the moral, the message at all women and men too, old age people are worth to live a full life.
April 26, 2017
I just love these snarky women. Even in her lousy divorced misery Mariah is hopeful for Love as a whole. This book was so fun to read! I can't wait to read about the other seasoned women finding love again.
May 14, 2017
Amazingly well developed and complete for a shorter book. I really love these characters. I've never seen such a funny toilet scene before. This matchmaking agency has a ton of potential. Looking forward to book 2.
May 14, 2017
Bought from author's website. This purchase is active for two months. The terrific beginning prompted my purchase.
I enjoyed the complete tale but it did not carry the same energy as the start.
Older main characters are definitely appreciated...!
I enjoyed the complete tale but it did not carry the same energy as the start.
Older main characters are definitely appreciated...!
May 22, 2017
Likable characters but not a great story
As a first book in a new series, I found this book to be just OK, I will give book number two a try as I am a fan of some of this writer's work.
Hopefully the next installment works better than this one.
As a first book in a new series, I found this book to be just OK, I will give book number two a try as I am a fan of some of this writer's work.
Hopefully the next installment works better than this one.
June 2, 2017
It was a sweet story, what there was of it.
February 4, 2018
Never is a very long time
I really enjoyed this book. The characters were interesting and the story line was good. I couldn’t put this book down until I finished it.
I really enjoyed this book. The characters were interesting and the story line was good. I couldn’t put this book down until I finished it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews