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Nine First Dates
Abbie, 25, Canberra.
Aspiring event planner. Foodie. Aquarius.
Coffee will always be my number-one beverage and I love watching sports.
The gym isn’t for me—I love bike riding, camping and exploring the outdoors.
Oh, and doughnuts are life.
Looking for a partner to explore with and enjoy the good things in life.
My new year’s resolution is to find a partner. Someone I can snort-laugh and get down and dirty with. Someone who gains the approval of my mum, but with whom I can also share this crazy ride called life. Not too much to ask, right?
Thanks to my high school sweetheart, I’ve spent two years in Singletown, but now I’m putting myself out there: Abbie 2.0. I’m positive that the new, confident version of me will find love before Christmas.
I’m not going for a type. That’s got me into trouble before. I’m going to spread the net wide, as my late father would say. Better chance at catching a fish—I mean, a man, that way.
But can I snag the man of my dreams? Or will this expedition end in a catch I just can’t keep?
Aspiring event planner. Foodie. Aquarius.
Coffee will always be my number-one beverage and I love watching sports.
The gym isn’t for me—I love bike riding, camping and exploring the outdoors.
Oh, and doughnuts are life.
Looking for a partner to explore with and enjoy the good things in life.
My new year’s resolution is to find a partner. Someone I can snort-laugh and get down and dirty with. Someone who gains the approval of my mum, but with whom I can also share this crazy ride called life. Not too much to ask, right?
Thanks to my high school sweetheart, I’ve spent two years in Singletown, but now I’m putting myself out there: Abbie 2.0. I’m positive that the new, confident version of me will find love before Christmas.
I’m not going for a type. That’s got me into trouble before. I’m going to spread the net wide, as my late father would say. Better chance at catching a fish—I mean, a man, that way.
But can I snag the man of my dreams? Or will this expedition end in a catch I just can’t keep?
- GenresRomance
ebook
First published January 1, 2020
5 people are currently reading
116 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Ryder
16 books333 followersJennifer Ryder is a bestselling romance author who loves to write about small towns, swoony heroes and strong females who aren’t afraid to fight for what they want.
Born and bred in Canberra, now living on a rural property in New South Wales, Australia, she enjoys the best of city and country. Her loving husband is ever willing to provide inspiration, and her two young cherubs, Jack Russell named Buddy and sheep that don't see fences as barriers, keep life more than interesting.
Check out her work at http://www.jenniferryder.com/
Born and bred in Canberra, now living on a rural property in New South Wales, Australia, she enjoys the best of city and country. Her loving husband is ever willing to provide inspiration, and her two young cherubs, Jack Russell named Buddy and sheep that don't see fences as barriers, keep life more than interesting.
Check out her work at http://www.jenniferryder.com/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
May 8, 2021
Trigger warnings: fatphobia, death of a parent (in the past), vomit, toxic masculinity, blood, physical violence, mentions of domestic abuse.
Literally the only reason I picked this up is that it's set in Canberra and I wanted to know if it would include such Canberra gems as getting hit on by drunk ADF personnel at Mooseheads or dealing with three piece suit wearing douchenozzles from PMC thinking they're hot shit because they work for PMC.
And yet, Abbie has a string of first dates with precisely zero public servants. She lives and works in KINGSTON and yet there are zero public servants in the entire book. And as a former Canberra resident, I call extreme bullshit. Also basically every single guy she dates is an absolute dick and so it was really hard to care about any of her dates when it was so obviously just another terrible date.
Add in the fact that we never saw Abbie outside of her dates and I felt like I didn't really know her or the side characters at all. So in summary, bleh.
Literally the only reason I picked this up is that it's set in Canberra and I wanted to know if it would include such Canberra gems as getting hit on by drunk ADF personnel at Mooseheads or dealing with three piece suit wearing douchenozzles from PMC thinking they're hot shit because they work for PMC.
And yet, Abbie has a string of first dates with precisely zero public servants. She lives and works in KINGSTON and yet there are zero public servants in the entire book. And as a former Canberra resident, I call extreme bullshit. Also basically every single guy she dates is an absolute dick and so it was really hard to care about any of her dates when it was so obviously just another terrible date.
Add in the fact that we never saw Abbie outside of her dates and I felt like I didn't really know her or the side characters at all. So in summary, bleh.
January 25, 2020
*4 Stars*
ARC kindly received in exchange for an honest review.
This was a really fast and easy read. I like how it shows the different trials and tribulations of the modern day dating world.
I liked the main character Abbie, and her brother was a good side character as well.
A very easy and fluffy read, loved the ending as well.
Review also on my blog - Nine First Dates by Jennifer Ryder
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ARC kindly received in exchange for an honest review.
This was a really fast and easy read. I like how it shows the different trials and tribulations of the modern day dating world.
I liked the main character Abbie, and her brother was a good side character as well.
A very easy and fluffy read, loved the ending as well.
Review also on my blog - Nine First Dates by Jennifer Ryder
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December 30, 2019
ARC received for an honest review
If you have tried dating in the 21st century, particularly online dating, you will have had a story or two like our lovely Abbie.
Ms Ryder has taken us on a journey full of cautionary tales of dating today, with lots of laughs and OMG moments.
You can't help but fall in love with Abbie as each dates comes to pass. Your heart will be full of laughter, however it will also hurt at times as each guy comes and goes into Abbie's life. You can't help but give up with her, whilst at the same time have that glimmer of hope that the next guy will be "the one".
I adore her brother Will and their relationship. I feel that I need to know more of him.
This was a quick read, and just the thing that I needed, a couple of hours to myself during this busy Christmas period. I need my book time, people!
I am looking forward to whatever Ms Ryder brings us next
If you have tried dating in the 21st century, particularly online dating, you will have had a story or two like our lovely Abbie.
Ms Ryder has taken us on a journey full of cautionary tales of dating today, with lots of laughs and OMG moments.
You can't help but fall in love with Abbie as each dates comes to pass. Your heart will be full of laughter, however it will also hurt at times as each guy comes and goes into Abbie's life. You can't help but give up with her, whilst at the same time have that glimmer of hope that the next guy will be "the one".
I adore her brother Will and their relationship. I feel that I need to know more of him.
This was a quick read, and just the thing that I needed, a couple of hours to myself during this busy Christmas period. I need my book time, people!
I am looking forward to whatever Ms Ryder brings us next
January 29, 2020
This was a fun read. I don't think I have had such terrible dates. Abbie did not have much luck until Callum. I liked Abbie's tenaciousness, willing to try new things, and her ability to get back up to try again. There were giggle moments, a couple tearful moments, and a lot of "ouch" moments. I recommend this story.
I received a copy of this story through Enticing Journey Book Promotions, and this is my unsolicited review.
I received a copy of this story through Enticing Journey Book Promotions, and this is my unsolicited review.
January 27, 2020
what a great quick read. loved all the characters, even if I wanted to kick some of them
January 30, 2020
This was a cute read! I didn't date much so seeing this from Abbie's perspective was a fun experience. It's a quick read and flowed well. I loved the ending! I definitely recommend!
January 28, 2020
This was a cute read! I didn't date much so seeing this from Abbie's perspective was a fun experience. It's a quick read and flowed well. I loved the ending! I definitely recommend!
January 23, 2020
A funny and cute story about dating. This story had everything, fun, drama and love. This book was so realistic and even had me googling the restaurants and cafes mentioned! A quick read that stays with you.
February 2, 2020
Nine First Dates was a delightful story that kept me laughing, not to mention gave me the approval to stay single at this time in history since online dating & social media came into play while trying to find the one. Abbie is trying to find her lobster, so she's thrown herself in the deep end of dating with many hilarious results to me though maybe not so much for her, and yet with a giant realistic feel, I found myself wanting to hug her more than once in the worst ways. She's a heroine who I can totally get behind, unlike the men she tries to have a date with. I really LOVED her brother Will, and their relationship is one that I wish I had the chance to have with my brother (he's no longer on earth), so I had stars in my eyes with their interactions. And that means that I pray that Ms. Ryder gives him his own story so much. This story was a quick read that will turn the worst days around with it's humor so yeah, I'll probably read it again over that whole Valentine's Day situation when I actually start to wonder if putting myself out there to date would be a good idea. So, it's time for everyone to actually find out how Abbie's situation pans out by hitting that one click button! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
January 23, 2020
*ARC received from the author*
This is the first book I have read from the author and it was cute. I also love that she is a fellow Aussie.
I love books like this. They have such a realism to the real world where women go on all these dates and try and find the one. Some are disasters, some are just down right crazy and some are a shock as you wouldn't expect it to be this amazing.
I honestly loved Cal. He was swoon worthy and down right my favourite. They were so amazing and im glad they ended up together
My favourite line from this book was honestly the last line - There's no other grub I wanna spend the rest of my life with. I mean that is literal goals. I want my future boyfriend to be where I say that to him
This is the first book I have read from the author and it was cute. I also love that she is a fellow Aussie.
I love books like this. They have such a realism to the real world where women go on all these dates and try and find the one. Some are disasters, some are just down right crazy and some are a shock as you wouldn't expect it to be this amazing.
I honestly loved Cal. He was swoon worthy and down right my favourite. They were so amazing and im glad they ended up together
My favourite line from this book was honestly the last line - There's no other grub I wanna spend the rest of my life with. I mean that is literal goals. I want my future boyfriend to be where I say that to him
January 26, 2020
I am sure that quite a few of us have some dating disasters in our pasts but I'm certain that Abbie has us all beat in this quirky, fun and laugh out loud read.
Abbie, bless her, has taken the decision to put herself back out there after a dry spell. Over this novella, we get to join her on her dating disasters, from the guy who stole from her, the mummy's boy, the man who didn't grow up, the man who would like to still be young etc. She tries dating apps, set-ups and leaving it to chance. Will she finally find her Prince Charming after dating a lot of frogs?
I loved Abbie and her determination. I loved the fact that, despite all the bad dates, she doesn't give up and continues to take a chance. I loved the style of writing - it made me feel as though my best friend was giving me the low down on her dates, rather than a fictional character. My only complaint...I wanted this to be longer!!!
***Reviewed for LBM Book Blog***
Abbie, bless her, has taken the decision to put herself back out there after a dry spell. Over this novella, we get to join her on her dating disasters, from the guy who stole from her, the mummy's boy, the man who didn't grow up, the man who would like to still be young etc. She tries dating apps, set-ups and leaving it to chance. Will she finally find her Prince Charming after dating a lot of frogs?
I loved Abbie and her determination. I loved the fact that, despite all the bad dates, she doesn't give up and continues to take a chance. I loved the style of writing - it made me feel as though my best friend was giving me the low down on her dates, rather than a fictional character. My only complaint...I wanted this to be longer!!!
***Reviewed for LBM Book Blog***
January 2, 2020
My first read of 2020 was a BANGER! Loved Nine First Dates by Jennifer Ryder! I was lucky enough to get an ARC for this but have it preordered. Will no doubt read this again! It’s the lighthearted story I have been needing!
Single life can suck and dating can be the worst! Jen Ryder has captured the worst dates and tinder horror stories perfectly! I feel I can really relate to Abbie and her bad dates.
Single life can suck and dating can be the worst! Jen Ryder has captured the worst dates and tinder horror stories perfectly! I feel I can really relate to Abbie and her bad dates.
January 22, 2020
This story was hilarious, you'll cringe your way through the dating scenes and probably relate to some. It's a light hearted story and you'll be hoping Abbie gets her happy ending. Her dates have left her grossed out, physically hurt and robbed. This story captures the horror of Tinder and false identities from dating someone you've not actually met in person. What a fun afternoon to be had while curled up with this book. I highly recommend it.
January 4, 2020
Nine First Dates by Jennifer Ryder is a lighthearted and humorous look into Abbies dating disasters over the course of 12 months.
Abbie is such a great character and the guys that she comes across throughout her search for love are varied and spot on representations that I experienced many emotions while reading. I laughed hard and sympathised with Abbie on many levels.
Such a great read.
Abbie is such a great character and the guys that she comes across throughout her search for love are varied and spot on representations that I experienced many emotions while reading. I laughed hard and sympathised with Abbie on many levels.
Such a great read.
January 18, 2020
This book was awesome! I laughed so hard! I swooned! Abbie’s adventures in dating made me believe in love and that there is someone out there for me. I was hooked on this book from the beginning and I couldn’t put it down.
I loved spending a Saturday afternoon curled up with this book. And Callum was my favorite!
I loved spending a Saturday afternoon curled up with this book. And Callum was my favorite!
January 10, 2020
If you have ever had a bad date…I bet Abbie might have you beat!
Nine First Dates by Jennifer Ryder, is a hilariously funny, well-written story giving Abbie’s experiences with dating, and WOW! She has quite the experiences! LOL. This really enjoyable, laugh out loud read has wonderful characters, situations, and flow! This is a recommended rom-com! 4.5 stars! (rounded up to 5)
Nine First Dates by Jennifer Ryder, is a hilariously funny, well-written story giving Abbie’s experiences with dating, and WOW! She has quite the experiences! LOL. This really enjoyable, laugh out loud read has wonderful characters, situations, and flow! This is a recommended rom-com! 4.5 stars! (rounded up to 5)
January 21, 2020
I was lucky enough to win an ARC of this book and oh my goodness Jennifer Ryder has done it again!
I was hooked from the start.
I absolutely love Abbie, she is such a sweetheart with some very bad luck when it comes to dating. If you want a fun read this book is for you!
I was hooked from the start.
I absolutely love Abbie, she is such a sweetheart with some very bad luck when it comes to dating. If you want a fun read this book is for you!
January 7, 2020
I was very lucky to receive an ARC of this book, I love Jennifer Ryder and her books. This was a light hearted fun book. Dating in the 21st century sounds scary.
January 25, 2020
A fun and quick read! Abbie's adventures in the dating world will leave you laughing out loud. This was a new to me author but I look forward to reading more of her work.
January 14, 2020
This was such a fun read. Anyone who's dated or tried online dating can definitely relate to Abbie as she goes on her journey to find love. There were some serious OMG moments and some laugh out loud moments, it was a perfect balance in this quick read.
I couldn't help but love Abbie from the start. She's so real and I love that she knows what she wants. Her relationship with her brother, Will, was the absolute best.
If you want something light and fun, I highly recommend this one
I couldn't help but love Abbie from the start. She's so real and I love that she knows what she wants. Her relationship with her brother, Will, was the absolute best.
If you want something light and fun, I highly recommend this one
January 23, 2020
Loved it! What does a girl have to do to get a decent date?! Poor Abbie! This story was fun and so relatable. Definitely recommend reading this!
February 5, 2020
Reviewed for SNS
Really great read. We follow Abbie through numerous dates, I told you so’s, and incredible disappointment. Excellent writing with a storyline that will make you laugh and smile. Awesome writing.
Really great read. We follow Abbie through numerous dates, I told you so’s, and incredible disappointment. Excellent writing with a storyline that will make you laugh and smile. Awesome writing.
December 8, 2019
Ms Ryder takes us on a lighthearted romp through the perils of dating in her latest release. Allegedly non-autobiographical, Ryder infuses splashes of humour into these nine cautionary tales as our narrator leads us through the excesses of male behaviour. NFD exposes the seamy underside of the male archetypes on display here, and its impossible not to take Abbie into our hearts as we laugh along with her. A great beach read, just in time for summer, from the always dependable Ms Ryder. Already looking forward to the next great read from this young up-and-comer...
February 25, 2020
Spunky N Sassy Rating: 5.0
~~~~~~~~~~Julie's ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review~~~~~~~~~~
Really great read. We follow Abbie through numerous dates, I told you so’s, and incredible disappointment. Excellent writing with a storyline that will make you laugh and smile. Awesome writing.
~~~~~~~~~~Lindsey's ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review~~~~~~~~~~
Awesome Book
This book was a great afternoon read! It’s hilarious and swoon worthy! I absolutely loved this book! I can’t wait for Jennifer’s next book!
~~~~~~~~~~Julie's ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review~~~~~~~~~~
Really great read. We follow Abbie through numerous dates, I told you so’s, and incredible disappointment. Excellent writing with a storyline that will make you laugh and smile. Awesome writing.
~~~~~~~~~~Lindsey's ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review~~~~~~~~~~
Awesome Book
This book was a great afternoon read! It’s hilarious and swoon worthy! I absolutely loved this book! I can’t wait for Jennifer’s next book!
January 18, 2021
I totally didn't expect this book to have a happy ending. Didn't see it coming until it happened. But all the bad (believe me, they were atrocious) dates our protagonist went on made me pen down the nine things I learnt from reading nine first dates. Here goes nothing.
1. Never get your hopes up based on just text messages.
2. Never get your hopes up based on just one chance meeting in which you feel like you zinged. Zings aren't real, well, not if a guy knows exactly how to make a zing happen and you never know if he does.
3. Too much staring and too little talking are both red flags.
4. Wear comfortable clothes. Definitely nothing that makes you sweat so much that you strip in a public toilet just to air yourself.
5. Paintball or any form of contact sports are not a good idea for a first date. Wait until you know how competitive and empathetic the other person could be.
6. There's a difference between a few flirty touches and many if you're on a first date. Trust your gut if the guy seems toooo flirty.
7. If he by mistake uses the present tense while talking about his ex and takes a minute to remember they broke up, please don't give him the benefit of the doubt. He's not over her. He might even cry and get wasted.
8. Don't believe photos on dating apps. Men sometimes upload photos from a few years ago. At times, many.
9. If the sun's out during your first date, it's easier to make an excuse and leave if the date's bad. Just say you need to head back to work! Nobody can argue with that.
1. Never get your hopes up based on just text messages.
2. Never get your hopes up based on just one chance meeting in which you feel like you zinged. Zings aren't real, well, not if a guy knows exactly how to make a zing happen and you never know if he does.
3. Too much staring and too little talking are both red flags.
4. Wear comfortable clothes. Definitely nothing that makes you sweat so much that you strip in a public toilet just to air yourself.
5. Paintball or any form of contact sports are not a good idea for a first date. Wait until you know how competitive and empathetic the other person could be.
6. There's a difference between a few flirty touches and many if you're on a first date. Trust your gut if the guy seems toooo flirty.
7. If he by mistake uses the present tense while talking about his ex and takes a minute to remember they broke up, please don't give him the benefit of the doubt. He's not over her. He might even cry and get wasted.
8. Don't believe photos on dating apps. Men sometimes upload photos from a few years ago. At times, many.
9. If the sun's out during your first date, it's easier to make an excuse and leave if the date's bad. Just say you need to head back to work! Nobody can argue with that.
March 3, 2020
Nine First Dates was an quick and easy read, that had me laughing out loud. These characters were cray, cray and I mean crazy. I think I’d rather be single than be subjected to these dates, thankfully I’m happily married.
Abbie is looking to replace her ex, but finding Mr Right isn’t as easy as it may seem. She tries various ways of finding the perfect date however disaster after disaster unfold. Somehow throughout the turmoil of searching, she manages to not only keep looking, but keeps a smile on her face. How on earth Abby doesn’t become jaded I’ll never know. Will she find that someone special who is worthy of a second date?
Abbie is looking to replace her ex, but finding Mr Right isn’t as easy as it may seem. She tries various ways of finding the perfect date however disaster after disaster unfold. Somehow throughout the turmoil of searching, she manages to not only keep looking, but keeps a smile on her face. How on earth Abby doesn’t become jaded I’ll never know. Will she find that someone special who is worthy of a second date?
February 26, 2020
A really fun little read with zero angst but a lot of laughs. Perfect as a palate cleanser if you’re just finished a heavy or emotional book or if you’re just after something quick to pass the time.
March 2, 2020
I really enjoyed this quick read! I could relate to the leads in their voice and manner, if not quite the situations!
Definitely a RomCom, loved the heroine!
This is a stand-alone novel with hea.
Definitely a RomCom, loved the heroine!
This is a stand-alone novel with hea.
January 29, 2020
When you read a book by Jennifer Ryder you're never disappointed. Nine First Dates is a great read. Some of the dates you cringe when reading but I really enjoyed it and thanked my lucky stars I never had any cringe worthy dates.
Read
July 24, 2021
Trigger & Content Warnings
Fatmisia
Domestic violence
Blood depiction
Emesis
Death of a parent recounted
Fatmisia
Domestic violence
Blood depiction
Emesis
Death of a parent recounted
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews