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Dating #1
Dating in the Dark
Who says turning 30 has to be a bad thing?
Tinley Scott is in a rut. Or so her best friend and sister tell her. She can't fall in love sitting on her couch watching Friends and drinking a bottle of wine. Their answer?
Speed dating in the dark.
Dating in today's world is hard enough as it is. Why go adding a new challenge to the mix? By date number three, she's ready to throw in the towel and return to her safe haven.
Until her final date sets her panties ablaze. His deep voice, his practiced words...everything about him lights Tinley's fire.
Too quickly their 15-minute date is over and done with. Or so she thought. Their easy banter continues through a slew of text messages until the inevitable happens.
Meeting face to face.
Falling in love wasn't on Tinley's radar, but then she wasn't counting on mystery date number four.
Dating in the Dark is the first book in the enemies to lovers Dating series. If you love snarky heroines and panty melting heroes, then you'll love this sexy rom-com series.
Tinley Scott is in a rut. Or so her best friend and sister tell her. She can't fall in love sitting on her couch watching Friends and drinking a bottle of wine. Their answer?
Speed dating in the dark.
Dating in today's world is hard enough as it is. Why go adding a new challenge to the mix? By date number three, she's ready to throw in the towel and return to her safe haven.
Until her final date sets her panties ablaze. His deep voice, his practiced words...everything about him lights Tinley's fire.
Too quickly their 15-minute date is over and done with. Or so she thought. Their easy banter continues through a slew of text messages until the inevitable happens.
Meeting face to face.
Falling in love wasn't on Tinley's radar, but then she wasn't counting on mystery date number four.
Dating in the Dark is the first book in the enemies to lovers Dating series. If you love snarky heroines and panty melting heroes, then you'll love this sexy rom-com series.
210 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 19, 2018
896 people are currently reading
1327 people want to read
About the author
Alexandria Bishop
30 books291 followersBorn on a small southeastern island in Alaska and raised in southern Oregon, Alexandria Bishop is a PNW girl at heart. By day, she goes to battle with a tiny dictator aka her toddler and by night, she can be found typing ALL the words of her contemporary romance novels accompanied by a glass of wine or two ;)
When she’s not in mommy or author mode, she can be found drinking copious amounts of cold brew coffee, bingeing her latest obsession on Netflix, or attending concerts of her favorite pop-punk bands.
When she’s not in mommy or author mode, she can be found drinking copious amounts of cold brew coffee, bingeing her latest obsession on Netflix, or attending concerts of her favorite pop-punk bands.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 183 reviews
March 20, 2018
So, let me begin by saying I really don't like third person POV. I have such a hard time connecting to characters that way but I wanted to give this one a chance. I pushed through but honestly, this one just isn't for me.
I had an issue with the connection between the characters, I didn't get invested with any of them at all. I am sure others will enjoy this and I may be in the minority, but I wasn't into this one. On top of it being third person, it ended in a cliffhanger.
The Pacing was ok and the flow was alright a little slow for me to get into but again this one wasn't a win for me.
I had an issue with the connection between the characters, I didn't get invested with any of them at all. I am sure others will enjoy this and I may be in the minority, but I wasn't into this one. On top of it being third person, it ended in a cliffhanger.
The Pacing was ok and the flow was alright a little slow for me to get into but again this one wasn't a win for me.
August 31, 2020
An OK, fast-paced romance to pick up anytime.
Thought some sutiation developments and reactions by the characters sometimes went a bit too fast without there being much depth/development present, so it sometimes felt a bit unbelievable to me.
Overall this is a kind of book to me that I'll probably won't remember much of anymore when we're a couple of months away from now. But while reading it, it was mostly fun. I do like the author's writing in general, and wil definitely try another book by her in the future to see how she's handling the more in depth writing/developments.
Thought some sutiation developments and reactions by the characters sometimes went a bit too fast without there being much depth/development present, so it sometimes felt a bit unbelievable to me.
Overall this is a kind of book to me that I'll probably won't remember much of anymore when we're a couple of months away from now. But while reading it, it was mostly fun. I do like the author's writing in general, and wil definitely try another book by her in the future to see how she's handling the more in depth writing/developments.
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July 29, 2018I was really looking forward to reading this trilogy but sadly it didn’t work out in my favor. I had a very hard time feeling the characters connection. I didn’t like Tinley’s character. At times I felt her to be immature and needy. Marek didn’t do anything for me either. The story is also written in third person point of view and I felt like I was being told about their relationship and I couldn’t see it unfold or feel it for myself while I was reading and it was hard for me to connect to the story.
“Received a review copy from Inkslinger PR and I voluntarily provided an honest review."
“Received a review copy from Inkslinger PR and I voluntarily provided an honest review."
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April 6, 2020
Tinley has been put into the dating pool unexpectedly by her sister and friend. They set her up to do a speed dating night and when she wasn’t expecting much , she definitely was surprised.
Great enemies to lovers book that ends in a Cliff!
Great enemies to lovers book that ends in a Cliff!
March 2, 2020
A light read. Characters are a little one dimensional the story is cute.
January 27, 2021
There were several reasons why this book got 2 stars. A big one is that 1 story was broken down into 3 books. I really don’t like when authors do that. This is only part 1 of the story. All 3 could have EASILY been 1 book. I was looking for a short, quick read which I usually don’t do but this once that’s what I wanted. It just seems like a crappy way to sell more books. Also the writing felt really choppy. It didn’t flow. The sentences could be long winded. Here’s an example. I can’t really explain it I just know when I was reading it I would have to reread sentences to make sense of them, which is never a good thing.
“He never responded to the last text she sent him before she went to the hospital and she doesn’t exactly want to talk to him anyway other than in person with the news she has.”
So instead of doing 3 separate reviews I’m just putting all 3 into 1 bc I don’t want to waste more time doing individual reviews.
***SPOILERS BELOW***
Let’s start with dating in the dark. Her friend and sister signs her up for this. It’s a little weird but ok. You go and eat dinner while you have 4 speed dates. But it’s so dark she can’t even see the guys hand to shake it. HOW!???!!! I mean the waiters bring 4 dishes, if it’s so dark how can the waiters see the tables or where to put the food. Not to mention the men move from table to table in a room they are unfamiliar with.... just saying. Then the 3 most extreme men are her dates. Induce eye roll here. It was ridiculous. Of course she hits it off with date #4 who happens to be her boss at work.
So the story goes along and they start dating but keeping it a secret. It’s ok, nothing earth shattering but nothing too bad. Then Tinley (yes that’s her name) finds out Marek (what is with the names!) has a daughter he hasn’t told her about. That part I don’t get. He tells her he loves her but he doesn’t tell her he has a daughter bc he wasn’t sure where the relationship was going. Skipping past that he told her he was in love and engaged before to his best friend who died of cancer 4 years ago. His daughter looks 4 or 5. How in the hell did this woman not put 2 and 2 together? No instead she sulks and cries and worries about who the mom is. All while she’s pregnant. Yep you guessed it she’s pregnant and she doesn’t tell him for weeks because he kept a secret from her. Granted she has a right to be pissed about the secret but still.
Gotta be honest I don’t remember a whole bunch of details. I skipped A LOT and still felt bored. Her roommate Dakota is a little bit psycho too. She flies off the handle at Tinley for dating him then gets fired for a blog she has written in which she puts very detailed information about the customers she deals with. She blames Marek even though he didn’t do it. So she storms out, changed her phone # and basically abandons her friend. Real mature characters in this book let me tell you.
Onto the next book where last minute Marek flies to London for training. A natural disaster happens and he can’t be located or gotten a hold of so they are worried he’s dead. Tinley who barely knows Marek’s daughter Luna (it says she babysat her 4 times that month, that does not a relationship make). Tells everyone she will fight tooth and nail to keep Luna. What in the actual hell. Luna had grandparents that have been with her since birth. Just no. No. Of course he returns dead or the night. How he wasn’t able to find a phone in an airport is beyond me so by all means let’s show up unannounced at midnight and sneak into the house. He promptly proposes, her water breaks and it happiness all around.
I can’t believe I wasted my time with these books. I skipped so much I should have been a little confused or lost. Not at all. The story was slow, agonizingly written and just ridiculous.
“He never responded to the last text she sent him before she went to the hospital and she doesn’t exactly want to talk to him anyway other than in person with the news she has.”
So instead of doing 3 separate reviews I’m just putting all 3 into 1 bc I don’t want to waste more time doing individual reviews.
***SPOILERS BELOW***
Let’s start with dating in the dark. Her friend and sister signs her up for this. It’s a little weird but ok. You go and eat dinner while you have 4 speed dates. But it’s so dark she can’t even see the guys hand to shake it. HOW!???!!! I mean the waiters bring 4 dishes, if it’s so dark how can the waiters see the tables or where to put the food. Not to mention the men move from table to table in a room they are unfamiliar with.... just saying. Then the 3 most extreme men are her dates. Induce eye roll here. It was ridiculous. Of course she hits it off with date #4 who happens to be her boss at work.
So the story goes along and they start dating but keeping it a secret. It’s ok, nothing earth shattering but nothing too bad. Then Tinley (yes that’s her name) finds out Marek (what is with the names!) has a daughter he hasn’t told her about. That part I don’t get. He tells her he loves her but he doesn’t tell her he has a daughter bc he wasn’t sure where the relationship was going. Skipping past that he told her he was in love and engaged before to his best friend who died of cancer 4 years ago. His daughter looks 4 or 5. How in the hell did this woman not put 2 and 2 together? No instead she sulks and cries and worries about who the mom is. All while she’s pregnant. Yep you guessed it she’s pregnant and she doesn’t tell him for weeks because he kept a secret from her. Granted she has a right to be pissed about the secret but still.
Gotta be honest I don’t remember a whole bunch of details. I skipped A LOT and still felt bored. Her roommate Dakota is a little bit psycho too. She flies off the handle at Tinley for dating him then gets fired for a blog she has written in which she puts very detailed information about the customers she deals with. She blames Marek even though he didn’t do it. So she storms out, changed her phone # and basically abandons her friend. Real mature characters in this book let me tell you.
Onto the next book where last minute Marek flies to London for training. A natural disaster happens and he can’t be located or gotten a hold of so they are worried he’s dead. Tinley who barely knows Marek’s daughter Luna (it says she babysat her 4 times that month, that does not a relationship make). Tells everyone she will fight tooth and nail to keep Luna. What in the actual hell. Luna had grandparents that have been with her since birth. Just no. No. Of course he returns dead or the night. How he wasn’t able to find a phone in an airport is beyond me so by all means let’s show up unannounced at midnight and sneak into the house. He promptly proposes, her water breaks and it happiness all around.
I can’t believe I wasted my time with these books. I skipped so much I should have been a little confused or lost. Not at all. The story was slow, agonizingly written and just ridiculous.
August 31, 2018
Tinley is trying out this dating in the dark thing. OK sounds interesting, but she isn't into it until number 3, he has her full attention. She can't figure out why she's being pulled to this man, but keeps everything going with him and then comes face to face meeting. Alexandria Bishop will have you laughing hysterically and feeling the love within yourself. Absolutely great read, now I'm off to the second book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 7, 2019
Irritating verb tense AND a damn cliffhanger
I’m so angry right now. I was irritated by the weird third person present tense in this book, but I powered through because it was kind of cute. I was stunned by the sudden cliffhanger. What the hell!? Some how I missed that this was a trilogy. I hate cliffhangers with a passion.
I’m out. I don’t need to know what happens.
I’m so angry right now. I was irritated by the weird third person present tense in this book, but I powered through because it was kind of cute. I was stunned by the sudden cliffhanger. What the hell!? Some how I missed that this was a trilogy. I hate cliffhangers with a passion.
I’m out. I don’t need to know what happens.
July 16, 2018
FTC DISCLAIMER: I RECEIVED AN E-ARC FROM THE PUBLISHER THROUGH INKSLINGER PR. I VOLUNTARILY OFFER MY HONEST REVIEW OF THE BOOK, THOUGH IT IS NOT EXPECTED OF ME! RECEIPT OF THIS BOOK IN THIS MANNER DOES NOT AFFECT MY OPINION OF THE BOOK OR THE CONTENT OF MY REVIEW!
When I was approached to read this trilogy, I knew nothing about the series or author. After reading this and the following book, I have to give it props for having a somewhat unique premise but it also had some major flaws.
First and foremost, this is a serial trilogy, and it isn't well identified as such! That right there lost it a full star off my rating, because I hate to be duped into reading something that I don't enjoy! It ends on a cliffhanger, and to be quite honest, the break point didn't make much sense to me, it felt too abrupt.
There was good characterization, though I had to grit my teeth a bit at Tinley's behaviors and attitudes. Marek was well portrayed, but also had some attitudes and reactions that I didn't care for. Their relationship felt like a tennis match, and the back and forth-ness of the relationship felt fake to me, as if the author was trying too hard to generate conflict. I'll have to see where things pan out in the rest of the series.
It was an interesting enough beginning, but the jury is still out on whether or not I will read the author in the future.
When I was approached to read this trilogy, I knew nothing about the series or author. After reading this and the following book, I have to give it props for having a somewhat unique premise but it also had some major flaws.
First and foremost, this is a serial trilogy, and it isn't well identified as such! That right there lost it a full star off my rating, because I hate to be duped into reading something that I don't enjoy! It ends on a cliffhanger, and to be quite honest, the break point didn't make much sense to me, it felt too abrupt.
There was good characterization, though I had to grit my teeth a bit at Tinley's behaviors and attitudes. Marek was well portrayed, but also had some attitudes and reactions that I didn't care for. Their relationship felt like a tennis match, and the back and forth-ness of the relationship felt fake to me, as if the author was trying too hard to generate conflict. I'll have to see where things pan out in the rest of the series.
It was an interesting enough beginning, but the jury is still out on whether or not I will read the author in the future.
August 31, 2018
Brilliant storyline but struggled with how it's written
I received a free copy of this book however all thoughts and opinions are 100% my own.
To fore warn this does end on a cliff hanger (and boy, is it a doozy!). I really struggled with how this book is written, not sure if it's because I've got used to reading PoV but a couple of times I nearly gave up but it's testament to how good the storyline is that I persevered and can't wait to rad the next book as it ended on a real bombshell!
I received a free copy of this book however all thoughts and opinions are 100% my own.
To fore warn this does end on a cliff hanger (and boy, is it a doozy!). I really struggled with how this book is written, not sure if it's because I've got used to reading PoV but a couple of times I nearly gave up but it's testament to how good the storyline is that I persevered and can't wait to rad the next book as it ended on a real bombshell!
March 20, 2018
I’m a big fan of AB’s work. Always have been. I was so excited for this new series, unlike what she’s written before. It definitely didn’t disappoint. I didn’t read the blurb at all, but I loved the idea and concept of this story! I absolutely can’t wait until book 2 comes out, I have to know what happens next!
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March 19, 2018
The premise was interesting, and I see some promise here, but I just didn't really feel that connection between the characters. But I'll be checking out the next book because there's a huge cliffhanger ending! So prepare yourself now.
See my full review on my blog, Novel Addiction.
See my full review on my blog, Novel Addiction.
May 12, 2018
*Review for The Romance Reviews Coming Soon!*
March 10, 2023
Audible. DNF. Couldn't hold my interest
dnf
June 9, 2023dnf @ 10% - it's fine, but the writing itself leaves much to be desired.
March 24, 2018
Dating in the Dark by Alexandria Bishop is the first book in the Dating Trilogy.
Tinley is a young woman, insecure, a bit annoying, a call center employee, bored of her stressful job and rival co-worker, Marek.
When she get set up on a blind date, literally, what could happen? Everything, and I mean EVERYTHING. But it doesn´t happen to Tinley.
I liked the story, but I couldn´t for the life of me connect with the heroine. And I tried, I´m not a quitter and I really tried. But Tinley stubborn refused. The book is written in a third person view and that put more distance between me and the characters.
I hate to give a low rating - deep breathe - Dating in the Dark gets 3 stars.
Tinley is a young woman, insecure, a bit annoying, a call center employee, bored of her stressful job and rival co-worker, Marek.
When she get set up on a blind date, literally, what could happen? Everything, and I mean EVERYTHING. But it doesn´t happen to Tinley.
I liked the story, but I couldn´t for the life of me connect with the heroine. And I tried, I´m not a quitter and I really tried. But Tinley stubborn refused. The book is written in a third person view and that put more distance between me and the characters.
I hate to give a low rating - deep breathe - Dating in the Dark gets 3 stars.
March 19, 2018
I wasn't sure what to think about this story to begin with. The blurb kinda jumped out at me, since it sounded unlike anything else I've read recently. It started out a little slow, introducing the main characters, their lives, relationships, etc.
Tinley is an average woman. She's almost 30, working at a job that she hates, living with her roommate, waiting for her life to start. Then her sister sets her up on a speed dating thing, and things get a little crazy!
This book goes from zero to POW! The heat level jumped before I really even realized what was going on. I don't want to spoil any surprises, but I've gotta say, I was totally blown away. I didn't see it coming, never would have guessed what happened!
I enjoyed this book, as it was very interesting, and I laughed more times than I can count. However, be aware, this is a cliff hanger! The story is not complete at the end of the book. As much as I dislike cliff hangers, I would still recommend this book. It's different, funny, and HOT! I'm looking forward to the next book, so I can see what happens to Tinley!
Tinley is an average woman. She's almost 30, working at a job that she hates, living with her roommate, waiting for her life to start. Then her sister sets her up on a speed dating thing, and things get a little crazy!
This book goes from zero to POW! The heat level jumped before I really even realized what was going on. I don't want to spoil any surprises, but I've gotta say, I was totally blown away. I didn't see it coming, never would have guessed what happened!
I enjoyed this book, as it was very interesting, and I laughed more times than I can count. However, be aware, this is a cliff hanger! The story is not complete at the end of the book. As much as I dislike cliff hangers, I would still recommend this book. It's different, funny, and HOT! I'm looking forward to the next book, so I can see what happens to Tinley!
November 29, 2023
I feel like every mile stone and aspect of the story is legitimately believable however, with it being such a short story perhaps, there’s no believable segue into each scenario. I feel it’s choppy and rushed to each situation. Dropped off cliffhanger, as in, a chapter left unfinished. And instead of a next chapter, longer novel, the author jumps into a second book continuation. Don’t cheapen your story, commit to an actual novel!
November 29, 2023
TERRIBLE. The main character is very unlikable even if the author tries very hard to make us like her but she is WAY TOO CLUMSY. She breathes and she "falls on her big arse". Boring. The plot is stretched far too long, the climax is FINALLY about to come but the author wants to sell more books so she puts the worst cliffhanger at the end so she can try to make us read the sequel. And not happy with that, there are supossed to be THREE BOOKS??? F** off dude.
March 14, 2022
i do believe ...that this was found through Bookbub who said hey this book is free right now. so i grabbed it ...and finished it last night ...but then i went on a hunt to see ...it said it was a trilogy but then when you get the Amazon (go figure, the world of total confusion. LOL!! so true. but that is another story) it says it is an on-going series "Dating series" ...i guess my point is ...are the 4 and 5 book any such similar in characters or?? any who ...i started a search, it is like 10ish pm ... and you suddenly are taken into a wild world of Alexandria Bishop and you get to trying to figure out her selections of books but the kindle search section is like pull ya hair out kind of moments ... so frustrating. i truly dislike how they only share their "sponsor" materials (books, items, like what you really wanna find is not there, it is in there some where but just not easily found like you think, they will push items u have not care to see, and the authors and other items u truly wanna find are in Amazon space circle. LOL!! not funny but you get my humor i am sure!!) ...seems extremely unfair to so many great amazing authors out there!! (side story: 2022 "The Adam Project" on Netflix with Mark Ruffalo, Jennifer Garner, Ryan Reynolds (did you hear he wanted to take a break from acting, i feel for actors, like they need money but they wanna be with their families as well, i can imagine that is so tough!! but i think that Walker was a great pick to be a little Ryan ...they are so cool other, must see if you have Netflix.), Walker Scobell (he is so cute, funny and so fun to see his acting, i hope he will continue to act going on into his growing up years) Zoe Saldana, so many others ... but the point being that so many bits are hilarious and remind me of Star Wars (i am such a fan of the old Star Wars folks/movies) so i was like i watching something on Disney Plus (have you noticed that a few of the newer Disney movies have cuss words in them? i mean for a person who doesn't cuss it is HUGE. i wonder why that has changed??!) 'cause i have that platform as well but then realize, no i am watching Netflix and so i guess i am in a "space" loving kind of mood) this book idea is great ...loved the characters and figured the ending out pretty quickly ...and i am in book 2 now. curious where book 3 will go. and yes, i was silly and got book 4 and 5. i me why the heck not. i will say that ...not having KU is no biggie ...but what it did ...was allow you to see a bunch of poohy books but not have to buy each individual book ...but now ... are an even more selective when buying books. i am such a fan of AB's books ...she is so funny. i love her humor and a lot of what she using "references" within each scene or bit is ... or makes me feel connected or familiar with what she is saying or referencing.
August 20, 2018
Dating in the Dark (Dating Trilogy Book 1) By: Alexandria Bishop
Well, She's Dated With Lights On, & It Doesn't Work... Maybe It's Time To Try "Dating in the Dark!"
Well, if Dating with the Lights On isn't Working...
Why not try "Dating in the Dark;" it's surely going to offer up some unique challenges...
The guilt trips forced her into it, but the Magical 4th date of the Night gave her some Hope...
Maybe, there's something to be said for "Dating in the Dark!"
She'll leave the Ball in his court & see...
There's a flurry of get-to-know-you texts before the big Reveal, & then they're both in for a HUGE Surprise...
When the Lights shine down on their "Dating in the Dark" partner, it's an unwelcome, unexpected, & definitely unique challenge...
But, the Real question is can "Dating in the Dark" survive EVERYTHING that gets Revealed in the Light of Day?!
This is Part One, & Ends in a Perfectly timed Cliffhanger...
I was granted an ARC of Alexandria Bishop's "Dating in the Dark (Dating Trilogy Book 1)" via Booksprout; I recommend this book to others based upon its own merits. All opinions expressed within this review are uniquely my own & freely given!
Until next time... Happy Reading!
April 6, 2018
3-1/2 stars. This was such a great concept and a fun twist on the whole “text dating” trope. When travel tour call center operator, Tinley, is coerced into attending a speed-dating event by her roommate and sister, she decides to at least see where it goes. The setup is simple, speed dating in the dark. Four courses and four “dates”. But as each of the men is worse than the last, she’s sure she can’t get out of there fast enough. Until mystery date number four arrives just in time for dessert. He has a sexy voice and, well, he’s not crazy, unlike her three previous companions. But when date number four turns out to be someone she knows, things go from fun and flirty to complicated as heck.
Plot
The story got off a little slow, but picked up at about the 25% mark. It really took off in about the last quarter, but it ends on a cliffhanger. I personally don’t mind cliffhangers, but if you do, please be warned. The second book comes out in May, so it’s not a long wait. There are a few mysteries involving date number four and her roommate, but overall, it felt fairly predictable throughout. At least until the end. The cliffhanger isn’t jaw dropping, but it is a much needed twist to shake things up in what had been a fairly straightforward plot. What the story really lacked for me was some serious conflict to drive the plot.
The Characters
I wasn’t sure what to make of Tinley at first. After a ten minute “date” with a guy she never saw, she’s ready to pledge her undying love and make babies with him. I couldn’t decide if she was just that desperate or if she had some serious underlying flaws. She definitely has some issues, and she bounces all over the place with what she wants. Toward the end of this first installment, it becomes clear Tinley’s self doubt stems from the fact that she’s only ever had one job and she doesn’t even like it. She doesn’t know what she wants from life and she and her sister, Tara, had less than stellar parentening. This epiphany should have been the moment that sets Tinley on a path to becomes a different, more enlightened person, but she backslides to her former self more often than not. So I’m back to not being sure what to make of her.
Her roommate and best friends is a bit of an enigma. She’s got some sort of secret life happening, but I didn’t get much of a sense of who she is. The same holds true for the sister. Tara seems to only exist as a prop. I’m hoping to get a lot more of these two in the next installment. My other problem with the characters is the stereotypical nature of far too many of them. The horrible three dates were over the top out there, making them hard to believe. A few other characters were equally underdeveloped, even though they aren’t critical to the plot. At least not yet, anyway. I’ll have to wait and see where the author takes them in the final two books.
Top Five Things I Enjoyed About DATING IN THE DARK
1. The concept. Cool idea, I’m still on the fence about the execution.
2. Smoldering heat. The author does a fabulous job of creating sexual tension.
3. Tara. Even though I don’t really have a strong sense of who she is, she has some of the best lines in the book.
4. Bars with secret passwords. Coolest bar on the planet.
5. Ending. It’s not really an ending so much as a promise of more to come that could really up the stakes.
Bottom Line
An interesting start to a trilogy. I’m interested in seeing where this goes.
Disclaimer
I was provided with a copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Plot
The story got off a little slow, but picked up at about the 25% mark. It really took off in about the last quarter, but it ends on a cliffhanger. I personally don’t mind cliffhangers, but if you do, please be warned. The second book comes out in May, so it’s not a long wait. There are a few mysteries involving date number four and her roommate, but overall, it felt fairly predictable throughout. At least until the end. The cliffhanger isn’t jaw dropping, but it is a much needed twist to shake things up in what had been a fairly straightforward plot. What the story really lacked for me was some serious conflict to drive the plot.
The Characters
I wasn’t sure what to make of Tinley at first. After a ten minute “date” with a guy she never saw, she’s ready to pledge her undying love and make babies with him. I couldn’t decide if she was just that desperate or if she had some serious underlying flaws. She definitely has some issues, and she bounces all over the place with what she wants. Toward the end of this first installment, it becomes clear Tinley’s self doubt stems from the fact that she’s only ever had one job and she doesn’t even like it. She doesn’t know what she wants from life and she and her sister, Tara, had less than stellar parentening. This epiphany should have been the moment that sets Tinley on a path to becomes a different, more enlightened person, but she backslides to her former self more often than not. So I’m back to not being sure what to make of her.
Her roommate and best friends is a bit of an enigma. She’s got some sort of secret life happening, but I didn’t get much of a sense of who she is. The same holds true for the sister. Tara seems to only exist as a prop. I’m hoping to get a lot more of these two in the next installment. My other problem with the characters is the stereotypical nature of far too many of them. The horrible three dates were over the top out there, making them hard to believe. A few other characters were equally underdeveloped, even though they aren’t critical to the plot. At least not yet, anyway. I’ll have to wait and see where the author takes them in the final two books.
Top Five Things I Enjoyed About DATING IN THE DARK
1. The concept. Cool idea, I’m still on the fence about the execution.
2. Smoldering heat. The author does a fabulous job of creating sexual tension.
3. Tara. Even though I don’t really have a strong sense of who she is, she has some of the best lines in the book.
4. Bars with secret passwords. Coolest bar on the planet.
5. Ending. It’s not really an ending so much as a promise of more to come that could really up the stakes.
Bottom Line
An interesting start to a trilogy. I’m interested in seeing where this goes.
Disclaimer
I was provided with a copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.
July 8, 2018
I read Dating in the Dark and Sinking into the Shadows back to back to prepared for book 3 which is coming out later this month. I have mixed feelings about these books with some parts hitting the right notes and some completely off.
Tinley, an insecure yet hopeful call center employee, gets signed up for a "dating in the dark" speed dating event by her sister and best friend. Since it's paid for and she is looking for love, Tinley gives it a try. Three absolutely horrid dates later number four is a winner. Turns out though that number four is her supervisor and nemesis, Marek. Marek, without any hint of attraction before, wants to give their relationship a shot. Secrets, insecurities, and a very strange, hostile best friend don't make that easy.
The characters were nicely fleshed out and their budding relationship wasn't rushed. Tinley is that friend you have that you want good things for but she gets in her own way most of the time. Tinley is an over thinker who needs to just let her heart lead more often. Marek is a bit of mystery as he seems to be open to a relationship but he is vague and not as open as Tinley. In book 2, you find out why. It is a big reason but one he should have spoken about to Tinley before the I love yous were exchanged.
While this storyline has some promise and the second book flowed a bit better than the first, there were some technical difficulties that made this a less than fluid read. The first is the 3rd person point of view. 3rd person always gives me a feeling like I am being talked at versus falling into the story making it hard to connect. The other is the timeline is not a mapped out as I normally like. I was lost some times as to how long this relationship was. What read as a couple of days, turns out to be a weeks time. The last is a strictly personal peeve. As a waitress for over 24 years, the very thought of serving customers food in a "pitch dark" room made me roll my eyes. That just would not happen.
Book 2, Sinking in the Shadows improved much over book 1 for me and was left on a major cliffhanger. I'm hopeful that book 3 will be improvement over 2.
June 17, 2021
Get Out Of Your Head
Tinley is stalled in a job she doesn’t like and about to turn 30. At least she works right next to her bestie, Dakota. Marek, while being drop dead gorgeous (because, why not?), is one of her supervisors and Dakota can’t stand him. Of course, Tinley secretly lusts after him but all of her insecurities play nonstop in her head to the point where she zones out of conversations, only realizing when people are looking at her that she’s been asked a question. She feels she’s not good enough for Marek - he’s so good looking and successful, and he’s way out of her league; in fact, she’s too plain and too big and just “too” to meet any new friends, let alone a guy. She’s got Dakota and her sister, and that’s it.
Her sister Tara and Dakota sign her up for a blind speed dating night (literally, the dates take place in the dark in a restaurant) to get her away from Netflix, alcohol and cupcakes every night. The first three dates are epic fails to the point her waiter offers his name & number to her on a napkin to save her. The last date over dessert is the one that gets this story rolling.
My issue is the incessant internal monologues and tangents that Tinley goes on throughout the book. I have a problem with heroines who self-sabotage, using the “I need time to deal with this,” followed by “He hasn’t contacted me. I must not mean anything to him.” Argh! I stuck it out to see how this would unfold, only to realize there were two more books to get to the ending. Didn’t appreciate that so much.
Tinley is stalled in a job she doesn’t like and about to turn 30. At least she works right next to her bestie, Dakota. Marek, while being drop dead gorgeous (because, why not?), is one of her supervisors and Dakota can’t stand him. Of course, Tinley secretly lusts after him but all of her insecurities play nonstop in her head to the point where she zones out of conversations, only realizing when people are looking at her that she’s been asked a question. She feels she’s not good enough for Marek - he’s so good looking and successful, and he’s way out of her league; in fact, she’s too plain and too big and just “too” to meet any new friends, let alone a guy. She’s got Dakota and her sister, and that’s it.
Her sister Tara and Dakota sign her up for a blind speed dating night (literally, the dates take place in the dark in a restaurant) to get her away from Netflix, alcohol and cupcakes every night. The first three dates are epic fails to the point her waiter offers his name & number to her on a napkin to save her. The last date over dessert is the one that gets this story rolling.
My issue is the incessant internal monologues and tangents that Tinley goes on throughout the book. I have a problem with heroines who self-sabotage, using the “I need time to deal with this,” followed by “He hasn’t contacted me. I must not mean anything to him.” Argh! I stuck it out to see how this would unfold, only to realize there were two more books to get to the ending. Didn’t appreciate that so much.
August 25, 2024
*WARNING* - This NOT book 1 in a 3 book series. It is part 1 of ONE book that has been split into 3 parts so the author can make more money. As such it ends on a major cliffhanger!
The fmc is is a whiny alcoholic loser who just wants to complain about how bad her life is but not actually do anything about it. The mmc is a complete douche and I kept praying that her mystery date wouldn't turn out to be him.
There's a lot of stuff that doesn't make any sense. Customers who complain about her to her supervisor (the afore-mentioned douche) for no discernible reason. A so-called best friend whose always typing on her computer but no-one is interested enough to ask what she's doing. The fmc is constantly falling down or tripping over and landing painfully on her backside. After a night out with her friend she wakes up with a broken ankle but was so drunk she has no memory of what happened to her.
At one point she asks the mmc about his girlfriend who was with him when they bumped into each other at a cafe a few days earlier. He starts laughing so hysterically that the waitress asks if he's ok and he never does answer the question. She was his sister (obviously).
I stuck with it (admittedly by skimming a lot) to read the ending, only to find out the ending doesn't happen for another two books!
The fmc is is a whiny alcoholic loser who just wants to complain about how bad her life is but not actually do anything about it. The mmc is a complete douche and I kept praying that her mystery date wouldn't turn out to be him.
There's a lot of stuff that doesn't make any sense. Customers who complain about her to her supervisor (the afore-mentioned douche) for no discernible reason. A so-called best friend whose always typing on her computer but no-one is interested enough to ask what she's doing. The fmc is constantly falling down or tripping over and landing painfully on her backside. After a night out with her friend she wakes up with a broken ankle but was so drunk she has no memory of what happened to her.
At one point she asks the mmc about his girlfriend who was with him when they bumped into each other at a cafe a few days earlier. He starts laughing so hysterically that the waitress asks if he's ok and he never does answer the question. She was his sister (obviously).
I stuck with it (admittedly by skimming a lot) to read the ending, only to find out the ending doesn't happen for another two books!
March 26, 2018
A girl’s meddling sister and best friend sign her up for “blind dating” as in—she literally can’t see what’s happening in front of her. What could possibly go right?
Well, this book for one thing.
Never having read Alexandria Bishop before I wasn’t sure what to expect. The premise made me think it would be a straight romcom because the first thing I thought about when I saw blind date in the dark was “who can eat like that?” Tinley is the epitome of what a lot of us go through. She’s in a rut, stuck in a job she doesn’t like, lives with a roommate, and drowns those sorrows in wine and cupcakes. The blind date wasn’t supposed to be anything more than something to endure on her Saturday night. To her surprise, there was someone she actually connects with. What follows is a fun and sweet story. I like the communication between Tinley and her mystery man. Their connection is pretty instant and I love how they talk about the most random things. My only complaints were that the story development seems rushed in some places and it ends way too soon, like there was a limit to how many pages this book could be. But I’m excited for book 2 in the trilogy and can’t wait to see where the author takes the story from here!!!
Well, this book for one thing.
Never having read Alexandria Bishop before I wasn’t sure what to expect. The premise made me think it would be a straight romcom because the first thing I thought about when I saw blind date in the dark was “who can eat like that?” Tinley is the epitome of what a lot of us go through. She’s in a rut, stuck in a job she doesn’t like, lives with a roommate, and drowns those sorrows in wine and cupcakes. The blind date wasn’t supposed to be anything more than something to endure on her Saturday night. To her surprise, there was someone she actually connects with. What follows is a fun and sweet story. I like the communication between Tinley and her mystery man. Their connection is pretty instant and I love how they talk about the most random things. My only complaints were that the story development seems rushed in some places and it ends way too soon, like there was a limit to how many pages this book could be. But I’m excited for book 2 in the trilogy and can’t wait to see where the author takes the story from here!!!
March 20, 2018
3* read.
This is the first part of a trilogy and so be warned it does end on a cliffhanger.
My real issue with the book and the reason for the 3 star rating was I didn't connect to the characters. Maybe that was because it was wrote in third person so it added a big distance between myself and the characters, or maybe because this is only part one, I just don't know but I needed the connection to the characters. I enjoyed the story and the idea of the book and I do think I'd like to see where else it goes as it does end on a cliffhanger, but I just couldn't form any connection to the main characters, especially Tinley. It's a shame because I really see some promise in this book if it had a few changes. I also think it would have been better off as one whole story, I don't see any need to split it into 3 parts when the first part provides so little character development. If it was maybe wrote into one whole novel then there may have been more of a chance to get a connection to the characters.
I hate writing reviews like this but I have to be honest, this is my own personal opinion, and just because I didn't feel any connection doesn't mean some other reader won't. Thats the beauty of reading.
This is the first part of a trilogy and so be warned it does end on a cliffhanger.
My real issue with the book and the reason for the 3 star rating was I didn't connect to the characters. Maybe that was because it was wrote in third person so it added a big distance between myself and the characters, or maybe because this is only part one, I just don't know but I needed the connection to the characters. I enjoyed the story and the idea of the book and I do think I'd like to see where else it goes as it does end on a cliffhanger, but I just couldn't form any connection to the main characters, especially Tinley. It's a shame because I really see some promise in this book if it had a few changes. I also think it would have been better off as one whole story, I don't see any need to split it into 3 parts when the first part provides so little character development. If it was maybe wrote into one whole novel then there may have been more of a chance to get a connection to the characters.
I hate writing reviews like this but I have to be honest, this is my own personal opinion, and just because I didn't feel any connection doesn't mean some other reader won't. Thats the beauty of reading.
March 10, 2018
I loved the overall premise of this story as well as Tinley, Marek, and all the rest. This book invited me to smile, giggle, and laugh out loud on numerous occasions which I completely appreciate in a fun romantic comedy which is exactly what Alexandria Bishop aims for and accomplishes in Dating in the Dark. I have personally worked in a call center of sorts and it truly is amazing what people will say on the phone to a stranger. The author is able to highlight this and make the reader giggle about the craziness of it all at the same time. Honestly, my only real complaint is that I do wish the book was written in a first person style instead of third person just because I feel like it helps link the reader directly to each character and the insights of that character. Otherwise, I loved the fun, exciting, rom/com aspects of this book and I hope to see the rest of the trilogy continue on this path. I do have to admit that I saw the end of this particular book coming at me, but I still enjoyed the reaction of both characters involved and can't wait to see where the next book in the series takes me next.
March 8, 2018
I really enjoyed this story. It had a fun and unique premise that involves “blind” speed-dating.
Tinley is hearing her biological clock ticking down as she approaches thirty. She has just about given up on finding a good and honest man. Her sister and her best friend rope her into attending a dating in the dark event that causes big shake-ups in her life.
“Are you trying to make me fall in love with you?”
“Is it working?”
“Possibly. The jury is still out on that one.”
He leans over and pulls her in for a kiss. She one hundred percent lied because she knows with all her heart she has already fallen head over heels in love with this man.”
I was pulled right into this cute story. I loved the characters and loved all the little hints of what is to come without giving too much away. The author drops teasers throughout the story like breadcrumbs that I couldn’t help but follow around and now I just can’t wait for more! Hurry up with book two PLEASE!!
-4 Stars-
-Diane-
Tinley is hearing her biological clock ticking down as she approaches thirty. She has just about given up on finding a good and honest man. Her sister and her best friend rope her into attending a dating in the dark event that causes big shake-ups in her life.
“Are you trying to make me fall in love with you?”
“Is it working?”
“Possibly. The jury is still out on that one.”
He leans over and pulls her in for a kiss. She one hundred percent lied because she knows with all her heart she has already fallen head over heels in love with this man.”
I was pulled right into this cute story. I loved the characters and loved all the little hints of what is to come without giving too much away. The author drops teasers throughout the story like breadcrumbs that I couldn’t help but follow around and now I just can’t wait for more! Hurry up with book two PLEASE!!
-4 Stars-
-Diane-
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