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The First Date
From the USA Today bestselling author of The Wedding Date!
Right place.
Right time.
Wrong guy …
After breaking up with her childhood sweetheart, clueless dater Rosie has found herself in a boyfriend-drought. So when she finally swipes right on a guy who seems interested, she can’t wait to meet up IRL.
Until she’s left standing alone. In a bar. Ghosted.
Enter Noah. Confident, funny … and a serial first dater. Offering to give Rosie a crash course in seduction, this could be just what she needs. Until her matchmaker turns out to be the best date she’s ever had – and Rosie wonders if she wants the fake dates to be the real ones after all …
A hilarious, heartwarming romantic comedy about what happens when the wrong guy turns up at the right time, perfect for fans of Sophie Kinsella and Debbie Johnson.
400 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 24, 2020
368 people are currently reading
1094 people want to read
About the author
Zara Stoneley
33 books344 followersZara Stoneley is the USA Today bestselling author of The Wedding Date.
Born in a small village in the UK, she wanted to be a female James Herriot, a spy, or an author when she grew up. After many (many) years, and many different jobs, her dream of writing a bestseller came true.
She writes about friendship, dreams, love, and happy ever afters, and hopes that her tales make you laugh a lot, cry a little, and occasionally say 'ahhh'.
Zara now lives in a Cheshire village with her family, a lively cockapoo called Harry, and a very bossy (and slightly evil) cat called Saffron.
Zara’s bestselling novels include 'The Wedding Date', 'The Holiday Swap', 'Summer with the Country Village Vet', 'Blackberry Picking at Jasmine Cottage' and the popular Tippermere series - 'Stable Mates', 'Country Affairs' and 'Country Rivals'.
Born in a small village in the UK, she wanted to be a female James Herriot, a spy, or an author when she grew up. After many (many) years, and many different jobs, her dream of writing a bestseller came true.
She writes about friendship, dreams, love, and happy ever afters, and hopes that her tales make you laugh a lot, cry a little, and occasionally say 'ahhh'.
Zara now lives in a Cheshire village with her family, a lively cockapoo called Harry, and a very bossy (and slightly evil) cat called Saffron.
Zara’s bestselling novels include 'The Wedding Date', 'The Holiday Swap', 'Summer with the Country Village Vet', 'Blackberry Picking at Jasmine Cottage' and the popular Tippermere series - 'Stable Mates', 'Country Affairs' and 'Country Rivals'.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 217 reviews
April 28, 2020
Favorite Quotes:
I go out looking for men, but I just find wankers and bell-ends.
He has missed birthdays, holidays and even Christmas on one memorable occasion – memorable because I have never heard my mum scream so loud or threaten to cut off his goolies and hang them from the highest branches of the tree. Quite honestly, at eight years old this held a morbid fascination and I did wonder what colour string she’d use and if she’d drape tinsel round them.
He chuckles, and it’s a rich, chocolatey sound that makes me squeeze my hands together, hunch my shoulders and want to rush round in circles laughing like an excited cartoon princess.
This could be like agreeing to enter a shark cage just because you want to look at the pretty penguins that they’re about to eat.
I really could have grabbed Noah and kissed him. As in totally snogged his face off. Tonsils, tongues and tits as my mate at school used to say when we were young and hormonally challenged.
…come on get a move on we’ve only got two hours and three minutes to get you defuzzed and looking completely au-naturel. And we all know that takes bloody ages! Can’t you just go for tarty and high-maintenance? I can achieve that in half an hour flat.
My Review:
I always enjoy losing myself to Zara Stoneley’s giggle-snort and smirk-worthy levity, wry wit, and endearingly awkward and quirky characters who tend to be more than a bit chipped, frayed, or fully cracked. This cleverly penned, maddeningly paced, slowly evolving, and highly amusing tale appeared to be a hybrid of women’s fiction, romantic/comedy, family drama, and slow-burn romance. I adore Ms. Stoneley’s comedically descriptive, multi-faceted, and well-nuanced writing style; she entertains while requiring me to expend a bit of effort to get there, which flavors that HEA all the sweeter.
And I picked up a naughty little entry for my Brit Word List with bell-end – which appears to be vulgar British slang for the end of the penis as well as a contemptible or foolish person. I seem to have swum in the same dating pool as Rosie's friend Bea ;)
I go out looking for men, but I just find wankers and bell-ends.
He has missed birthdays, holidays and even Christmas on one memorable occasion – memorable because I have never heard my mum scream so loud or threaten to cut off his goolies and hang them from the highest branches of the tree. Quite honestly, at eight years old this held a morbid fascination and I did wonder what colour string she’d use and if she’d drape tinsel round them.
He chuckles, and it’s a rich, chocolatey sound that makes me squeeze my hands together, hunch my shoulders and want to rush round in circles laughing like an excited cartoon princess.
This could be like agreeing to enter a shark cage just because you want to look at the pretty penguins that they’re about to eat.
I really could have grabbed Noah and kissed him. As in totally snogged his face off. Tonsils, tongues and tits as my mate at school used to say when we were young and hormonally challenged.
…come on get a move on we’ve only got two hours and three minutes to get you defuzzed and looking completely au-naturel. And we all know that takes bloody ages! Can’t you just go for tarty and high-maintenance? I can achieve that in half an hour flat.
My Review:
I always enjoy losing myself to Zara Stoneley’s giggle-snort and smirk-worthy levity, wry wit, and endearingly awkward and quirky characters who tend to be more than a bit chipped, frayed, or fully cracked. This cleverly penned, maddeningly paced, slowly evolving, and highly amusing tale appeared to be a hybrid of women’s fiction, romantic/comedy, family drama, and slow-burn romance. I adore Ms. Stoneley’s comedically descriptive, multi-faceted, and well-nuanced writing style; she entertains while requiring me to expend a bit of effort to get there, which flavors that HEA all the sweeter.
And I picked up a naughty little entry for my Brit Word List with bell-end – which appears to be vulgar British slang for the end of the penis as well as a contemptible or foolish person. I seem to have swum in the same dating pool as Rosie's friend Bea ;)
April 30, 2020
Whimsical and witty. Zara Stoneley has written an uplifting engaging story that made me smile and lifted my spirits. Rosie is a little clueless when it comes to dating after ending things with the guy she has dated since high school. Rosie decides to take to Tinder where she meets a guy named Gabe who she thinks she hits it off with, that is until he ghosts her. Lucky for Rosie the night Gabe doesn’t show up she meets a guy named Noah. Noah is a serial first dater and is now determined to teach Rosie how to date. What follows is a fun story filled with banter, friendship, growth, lingerie shops Great Danes, climbing walls, and chased kisses.
Such a fun fun story! I especially loved the relationship and back-and-forth between Rosie and Noah. I really liked both Rosie and Noah although they both frustrated me at times. Rosie was almost too in touch with her issues. Her dad was a complete jerk, but she gave the man way too much power. He impacted almost every part of her life. I mean we all have issues, but they can’t completely define who we are. Then there was Noah, he had his own set of issues but he just liked to pretend they didn’t exist. I really liked the main characters friends and family (other than Rosie’s father). Rosie’s mother was great, a little crazy and she would definitely drive me nuts if she was my mom, but a fun character. I also really liked the fact that Noah never tried to change Rosie he just tried to make her realize how amazing she really was. Another sweet story from this lovely author!
This book in emojis 🐶 🧗♀️ 🍷 🎼 👩❤️💋👨
*** Big thank you to One More Chapter for my gifted copy of this book. All opinions are my own. ***
Such a fun fun story! I especially loved the relationship and back-and-forth between Rosie and Noah. I really liked both Rosie and Noah although they both frustrated me at times. Rosie was almost too in touch with her issues. Her dad was a complete jerk, but she gave the man way too much power. He impacted almost every part of her life. I mean we all have issues, but they can’t completely define who we are. Then there was Noah, he had his own set of issues but he just liked to pretend they didn’t exist. I really liked the main characters friends and family (other than Rosie’s father). Rosie’s mother was great, a little crazy and she would definitely drive me nuts if she was my mom, but a fun character. I also really liked the fact that Noah never tried to change Rosie he just tried to make her realize how amazing she really was. Another sweet story from this lovely author!
This book in emojis 🐶 🧗♀️ 🍷 🎼 👩❤️💋👨
*** Big thank you to One More Chapter for my gifted copy of this book. All opinions are my own. ***
May 3, 2020
5☆ An Entertaining, Uplifting, Fun, RomCom/ Contemporary Women's Fiction.
Rosie and Robbie have been together since they was 16. Then at 30 Robbie decides he wants more out of life and wants to discover himself.
So he leaves Rosie after all those years together.
Robbie had been her one and only for so long, sex with another man just wouldn't feel right... would it?....Was it time to dip her feet into the dating pool again?
After several disastrous attempts at dating and flirting, Rosie finally finds herself on Tinder, chatting to a potential love interest. Agreeing to meet in a pub. He doesn't turn up. Leaving her sitting there alone and evaluating her life.
But what she doesn't expect is a Random mysterious stranger to proposition her with Dating advice lol. He had been watching and observing Rosie and decided she was in need of rescuing!
But can this mysterious stranger help her find love or will Rosie end up falling for her mentor?
Rosie is the perfect character, she's funny, very relatable, kind and completely disastrous at Dating or basically talking too men and reading their signals. So much so she had me in fits of giggles.
I wanted to give her a hug and say, I felt your angst.
The First Date is a highly compelling, heart warming and entertaining read, it's very funny, plenty of witty banter, engaging, light hearted, lots of fun and is the perfect uplifting read.
The characters are superbly written and very relatable.
Once again Zara Stoneley has written an absolute Gem of a book.
Zara is such a talented Author and one of my favourites. You always know that when you pick up one of her books you are in for a treat. She will always have you giggling, smiling and swept away with the Romance.
So if you haven't yet had the pleasure of reading one of Zara's books and are looking for an Uplifting, Fun, RomCom/ Contemporary Women's Fiction, then I highly recommend you pick up a copy of The First Date!
Thank you to Rachel Random Resources for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
You can Find this Review and all my Other Reviews on My Blog :-
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2020/0...
Rosie and Robbie have been together since they was 16. Then at 30 Robbie decides he wants more out of life and wants to discover himself.
So he leaves Rosie after all those years together.
Robbie had been her one and only for so long, sex with another man just wouldn't feel right... would it?....Was it time to dip her feet into the dating pool again?
After several disastrous attempts at dating and flirting, Rosie finally finds herself on Tinder, chatting to a potential love interest. Agreeing to meet in a pub. He doesn't turn up. Leaving her sitting there alone and evaluating her life.
But what she doesn't expect is a Random mysterious stranger to proposition her with Dating advice lol. He had been watching and observing Rosie and decided she was in need of rescuing!
But can this mysterious stranger help her find love or will Rosie end up falling for her mentor?
Rosie is the perfect character, she's funny, very relatable, kind and completely disastrous at Dating or basically talking too men and reading their signals. So much so she had me in fits of giggles.
I wanted to give her a hug and say, I felt your angst.
The First Date is a highly compelling, heart warming and entertaining read, it's very funny, plenty of witty banter, engaging, light hearted, lots of fun and is the perfect uplifting read.
The characters are superbly written and very relatable.
Once again Zara Stoneley has written an absolute Gem of a book.
Zara is such a talented Author and one of my favourites. You always know that when you pick up one of her books you are in for a treat. She will always have you giggling, smiling and swept away with the Romance.
So if you haven't yet had the pleasure of reading one of Zara's books and are looking for an Uplifting, Fun, RomCom/ Contemporary Women's Fiction, then I highly recommend you pick up a copy of The First Date!
Thank you to Rachel Random Resources for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
You can Find this Review and all my Other Reviews on My Blog :-
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2020/0...
April 28, 2020
Before we begin let us be clear about one thing: there is absolutely nothing new in this book. Nope, not even a minor surprise, the plot is going to go exactly as you thought (if you are thinking like me that is). So why should you read it? For the same reason you pick any HEA novels; so that you can relive it again and again and again. Can we ever get tired of ice cream?
A fake date trope. You know the drill; a damsel in distress, help from a handsome man on dating tips and ta-da! Feelings get involved. But there is always a hurdle and here it is called Daddy. Rosie is too aware of the disastrous effects of falling in love through her parent's marriage. So a serial first dater like Noah must never be the right person for her. Alright, I will let you figure out the rest.
I loved the banter and the chemistry between Noah and Rosie and the way they avoid confronting their feelings is too adorable. There are some hilarious scenes, especially the one in the lingerie shop and we also get to meet a Great Dane, named Hugo. I would have loved a double POV, but it is pretty easy to guess what is going through Noah's head. Still, it would have been great to know his side of things.
Altogether a brilliant book that makes you laugh, relax and teaches you to make the most of every adverse situation.
A fake date trope. You know the drill; a damsel in distress, help from a handsome man on dating tips and ta-da! Feelings get involved. But there is always a hurdle and here it is called Daddy. Rosie is too aware of the disastrous effects of falling in love through her parent's marriage. So a serial first dater like Noah must never be the right person for her. Alright, I will let you figure out the rest.
I loved the banter and the chemistry between Noah and Rosie and the way they avoid confronting their feelings is too adorable. There are some hilarious scenes, especially the one in the lingerie shop and we also get to meet a Great Dane, named Hugo. I would have loved a double POV, but it is pretty easy to guess what is going through Noah's head. Still, it would have been great to know his side of things.
Altogether a brilliant book that makes you laugh, relax and teaches you to make the most of every adverse situation.
April 26, 2020
An easy breezy read which gave me the feeling of meet cute when the two main characters encountered each other. Humorous chick-lit was what I expected from this book, and author Zara Stoneley delivered it in most parts.
Rosie had just come from a break-up and was trying tinder for the first date. The guy stood her up. She met Noah and things escalated between them though he was not her type.
Having read this author's earlier works, I knew I would get a story which would produce few smiles and be totally stress free. And I was right. Rosie and Noah had the slowly developing chemistry. Their banter was quite funny.
Relationships with Mum and best friend were etched well, it gladdened my heart. There were a few niggles, Rosie had daddy issues and that came about in every chapter. Few more emotions would have given it the right balance.
Overall, it was a fun read on a lazy Saturday afternoon.
Rosie had just come from a break-up and was trying tinder for the first date. The guy stood her up. She met Noah and things escalated between them though he was not her type.
Having read this author's earlier works, I knew I would get a story which would produce few smiles and be totally stress free. And I was right. Rosie and Noah had the slowly developing chemistry. Their banter was quite funny.
Relationships with Mum and best friend were etched well, it gladdened my heart. There were a few niggles, Rosie had daddy issues and that came about in every chapter. Few more emotions would have given it the right balance.
Overall, it was a fun read on a lazy Saturday afternoon.
April 20, 2020
I received a copy of this title via NetGalley. It does not impact my review.
What I Liked
-So. Much. Banter! I loved it! Rosie and Noah had such a great give and take and I smiled so much when reading their conversations. I also really enjoyed their growing friendship. I thought they complemented each other well and I definitely shipped them.
-I liked Rosie’s relationship with her mother. As I expect in a Stoneley book, the mother was a little zany, but she wasn’t quite as crazy as she could have been. I liked that her character showed a lot of growth in the story, as well.
-I was in the mood for something light and cute and The First Date was exactly that. Was it predictable? Sure. But, that didn’t hinder any of my enjoyment of the story.
What Didn’t Work for Me
-Rosie has daddy issues for days. Which is fine, but I just felt like it was brought up way too much. Her comparing Noah to her father or recounting how awful her father can make her feel about herself was brought up repeatedly in every chapter. Sometimes it felt like it came out of nowhere and didn’t really fit in context. It was a little disappointing because I found some of her issues with her father very relatable, but I was pretty over it by the end of the story. I also don’t feel like she really got any satisfying resolution to it.
Overall
Overall, I enjoyed The First Date. I loved Rosie and Noah together so much, especially their banter. I wish the daddy issues weren’t quite so prevalent, but I did like how those issues highlighted Rosie’s mother’s growth. I’m looking forward to reading more from Stoneley in the future.
Overall Rating (out of 5): 3.5 Stars
What I Liked
-So. Much. Banter! I loved it! Rosie and Noah had such a great give and take and I smiled so much when reading their conversations. I also really enjoyed their growing friendship. I thought they complemented each other well and I definitely shipped them.
-I liked Rosie’s relationship with her mother. As I expect in a Stoneley book, the mother was a little zany, but she wasn’t quite as crazy as she could have been. I liked that her character showed a lot of growth in the story, as well.
-I was in the mood for something light and cute and The First Date was exactly that. Was it predictable? Sure. But, that didn’t hinder any of my enjoyment of the story.
What Didn’t Work for Me
-Rosie has daddy issues for days. Which is fine, but I just felt like it was brought up way too much. Her comparing Noah to her father or recounting how awful her father can make her feel about herself was brought up repeatedly in every chapter. Sometimes it felt like it came out of nowhere and didn’t really fit in context. It was a little disappointing because I found some of her issues with her father very relatable, but I was pretty over it by the end of the story. I also don’t feel like she really got any satisfying resolution to it.
Overall
Overall, I enjoyed The First Date. I loved Rosie and Noah together so much, especially their banter. I wish the daddy issues weren’t quite so prevalent, but I did like how those issues highlighted Rosie’s mother’s growth. I’m looking forward to reading more from Stoneley in the future.
Overall Rating (out of 5): 3.5 Stars
April 19, 2020
From the moment of Rosie's first conversation with Noah, I knew this book was going to be a winner. Throughout their dialogue, verging in banter, is quick witted, amusing, and just really fun to read.
But yet Rosie and Noah aren't dating, they have only just met, and Noah in fact decided he will help Rosie on her quest to get her first, first date since she was a child sorted and give her the confidence to deal with it. They meet in a bar, just after Rosie is stood up from her Tinder date!
However Noah does have one flaw - he reminds Rosie far too much of her father, of which well lets say she has daddy issues to be resolved. And so what is obvious to the reader, is fought against internally by Rosie, as she tries to reason with herself!
I loved all of Noah's "lessons" for Rosie, in seduction, the scene in the lingerie shop is hilarious, oh there is a huge Great Dane that provides some amusement, there are friends and family to be met, and above all this book is just a whole lot of fun.
In fact this is exactly the sort of book for these troubled times, that will lift your spirits, perhaps remind you of your own first dates, and take you to happier times for a while. And who doesn't want a bit of fun, even between the pages of a book, while the world is such a doom and gloom place.
Another thoroughly entertaining story from Zara Stoneley, I can't wait for her next book.
Thank you to One More Chapter and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily,
But yet Rosie and Noah aren't dating, they have only just met, and Noah in fact decided he will help Rosie on her quest to get her first, first date since she was a child sorted and give her the confidence to deal with it. They meet in a bar, just after Rosie is stood up from her Tinder date!
However Noah does have one flaw - he reminds Rosie far too much of her father, of which well lets say she has daddy issues to be resolved. And so what is obvious to the reader, is fought against internally by Rosie, as she tries to reason with herself!
I loved all of Noah's "lessons" for Rosie, in seduction, the scene in the lingerie shop is hilarious, oh there is a huge Great Dane that provides some amusement, there are friends and family to be met, and above all this book is just a whole lot of fun.
In fact this is exactly the sort of book for these troubled times, that will lift your spirits, perhaps remind you of your own first dates, and take you to happier times for a while. And who doesn't want a bit of fun, even between the pages of a book, while the world is such a doom and gloom place.
Another thoroughly entertaining story from Zara Stoneley, I can't wait for her next book.
Thank you to One More Chapter and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily,
March 21, 2020
[Thanks Netgalley for the ebook. This review is my honest opinion but just another opinion, you should read this book and judge it by yourself]
Madre mía, qué libro me he metido. O sea, NO.
No es que sea lo peor que he leído pero tiene tantas cosas malas que no sé ni por dónde empezar. El planteamiento tiene buena pinta y el maromo, más, pero yo creo que ahí se acaba lo bueno. O, mejor dicho, yo no he sido capaz de ver más cosas buenas porque no he podido soportar a la protagonista. Puede que no esté para mandarla en el cohete al Sol en los siguientes Premios Aquelarre pero no está muy lejos. Vaya muchacha más indecisa, insegura y, por momentos, tontainas. Y tiene una obsesión con su padre que no es ni medio normal! Entiendo que le haya marcado tener un padre tan malo y que lo compare con Noah (el protagonista -que es más bien un personaje secundario-), pero no hace falta que lo digas en cada párrafo!! Que más que una chick-lit parecía esto un relato psicológico sobre traumas infantiles! Vamos, que cuando no conectas para nada con la protagonista de un libro, ya sabes que es complicado que el libro te guste.
Además, he tenido ciertos problemas con la narración y la estructura, pero entiendo que siendo una copia de Netgalley no definitiva, puede ser distinta al publicarse. También os digo que la mala lectura es por lo poco que me ha gustado la historia, no por su extrañeza formal.
Vamos, que no.
------------------------------
The premise is great but the development isn't. Although I think Noah is great, sadly he is a secondary character and I couldn't stand Rosie the whole reading. And I think if you can't stand the MC of a book the reading isn't going to be a good one. It's supposed to be funny and charming but Rosie has a lot of daddy issues and they were constantly annoying me. She's always comparing Noah with her dad! It really bothered me and made me roll my eyes constantly. The first half of the book is lighter and funnier, but the second half mixes a lot of things and too boring.
I'm so sorry but this book is a NO for me.
Madre mía, qué libro me he metido. O sea, NO.
No es que sea lo peor que he leído pero tiene tantas cosas malas que no sé ni por dónde empezar. El planteamiento tiene buena pinta y el maromo, más, pero yo creo que ahí se acaba lo bueno. O, mejor dicho, yo no he sido capaz de ver más cosas buenas porque no he podido soportar a la protagonista. Puede que no esté para mandarla en el cohete al Sol en los siguientes Premios Aquelarre pero no está muy lejos. Vaya muchacha más indecisa, insegura y, por momentos, tontainas. Y tiene una obsesión con su padre que no es ni medio normal! Entiendo que le haya marcado tener un padre tan malo y que lo compare con Noah (el protagonista -que es más bien un personaje secundario-), pero no hace falta que lo digas en cada párrafo!! Que más que una chick-lit parecía esto un relato psicológico sobre traumas infantiles! Vamos, que cuando no conectas para nada con la protagonista de un libro, ya sabes que es complicado que el libro te guste.
Además, he tenido ciertos problemas con la narración y la estructura, pero entiendo que siendo una copia de Netgalley no definitiva, puede ser distinta al publicarse. También os digo que la mala lectura es por lo poco que me ha gustado la historia, no por su extrañeza formal.
Vamos, que no.
------------------------------
The premise is great but the development isn't. Although I think Noah is great, sadly he is a secondary character and I couldn't stand Rosie the whole reading. And I think if you can't stand the MC of a book the reading isn't going to be a good one. It's supposed to be funny and charming but Rosie has a lot of daddy issues and they were constantly annoying me. She's always comparing Noah with her dad! It really bothered me and made me roll my eyes constantly. The first half of the book is lighter and funnier, but the second half mixes a lot of things and too boring.
I'm so sorry but this book is a NO for me.
July 19, 2020
After breaking up with her childhood sweetheart, clueless dater Rosie has found herself in a boyfriend-drought. So when she finally swipes right on a guy who seems interested, she can’t wait to meet up IRL.
Until she’s left standing alone. In a bar. Ghosted.
Enter Noah. Confident, funny … and a serial first dater. Offering to give Rosie a crash course in seduction, this could be just what she needs. Until her matchmaker turns out to be the best date she’s ever had – and Rosie wonders if she wants the fake dates to be the real ones after all …
The book is written in first person with Rosie being our narrator. The story is written in a easy to read manner and the chapters are pretty short - took me roughly 10 minutes to get through each one. The First Date also isn't an explicit book, things are not explained in detail and things do fade to black. However, there is lots of talk about infidelity and its effects on the family as a whole and about death and grief.
I liked this book - it was a nice easy read. I liked the character of Rosie, she felt very real and so did her fears and worries. Her mum was also great and I really liked Noah - he was fun, but had depth too. I also liked that the book touched on how you need to be brave, go for what you want and be fearless.
The only thing I didn't like about this book was the editing. It was quite difficult at times to tell who was talking with either of the characters or if Rosie was talking in her head.
This was my first read by this author and I think I would read another one by her as it was just a nice light hearted read.
Until she’s left standing alone. In a bar. Ghosted.
Enter Noah. Confident, funny … and a serial first dater. Offering to give Rosie a crash course in seduction, this could be just what she needs. Until her matchmaker turns out to be the best date she’s ever had – and Rosie wonders if she wants the fake dates to be the real ones after all …
The book is written in first person with Rosie being our narrator. The story is written in a easy to read manner and the chapters are pretty short - took me roughly 10 minutes to get through each one. The First Date also isn't an explicit book, things are not explained in detail and things do fade to black. However, there is lots of talk about infidelity and its effects on the family as a whole and about death and grief.
I liked this book - it was a nice easy read. I liked the character of Rosie, she felt very real and so did her fears and worries. Her mum was also great and I really liked Noah - he was fun, but had depth too. I also liked that the book touched on how you need to be brave, go for what you want and be fearless.
The only thing I didn't like about this book was the editing. It was quite difficult at times to tell who was talking with either of the characters or if Rosie was talking in her head.
This was my first read by this author and I think I would read another one by her as it was just a nice light hearted read.
April 24, 2020
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I really enjoyed this story and found it to be a heart-warming read and the perfect distraction for me at the moment from the day to day - it was lovely to be able to escape with the characters that Zara has wonderfully crafted!
I loved the interaction between the main characters, it was funny, witty and thoroughly enjoyable! It is probably the thing that made the book such a fun read for me, I really enjoyed the setting for the book too and the author's fabulous writing style shone through from start to the fabulous ending.
This was a lovely story that I thoroughly enjoyed - it is 4 stars from me for this one - highly recommended and another great release from this author - really looking forward to reading what she releases next!
I really enjoyed this story and found it to be a heart-warming read and the perfect distraction for me at the moment from the day to day - it was lovely to be able to escape with the characters that Zara has wonderfully crafted!
I loved the interaction between the main characters, it was funny, witty and thoroughly enjoyable! It is probably the thing that made the book such a fun read for me, I really enjoyed the setting for the book too and the author's fabulous writing style shone through from start to the fabulous ending.
This was a lovely story that I thoroughly enjoyed - it is 4 stars from me for this one - highly recommended and another great release from this author - really looking forward to reading what she releases next!
April 24, 2020
Rosie had broken up in the past year with her long time boyfriend. Then she found out he had moved on. A new relationship, a new location, and it all made her feel as if she could not move on. So she gets herself out there.
Noah meets Rosie when she is stood up by her date. The no show provides the opportunity he needs to talk to such a beautiful woman. He is instantly attracted to her. She lets him know how not interested she is right away. Then they can be friends and he can help her. Unless he is the best date she has ever had?
This was a new author for me. I was happily surprised when the story turned out to be so sweet with a some serious sexy thrown in. The characters were obviously meant to be. Together they are both happier about life. I found myself not wanting to put the book down. I could not wait to get to the end. Then I was sad I was at the end. Maybe we will get lucky and we see these cuties in later books? I enjoyed this one and hope to read more by this author.
***This early copy was given to me by Netgalley and its publishers, in exchange for my honest opinion and review.
Noah meets Rosie when she is stood up by her date. The no show provides the opportunity he needs to talk to such a beautiful woman. He is instantly attracted to her. She lets him know how not interested she is right away. Then they can be friends and he can help her. Unless he is the best date she has ever had?
This was a new author for me. I was happily surprised when the story turned out to be so sweet with a some serious sexy thrown in. The characters were obviously meant to be. Together they are both happier about life. I found myself not wanting to put the book down. I could not wait to get to the end. Then I was sad I was at the end. Maybe we will get lucky and we see these cuties in later books? I enjoyed this one and hope to read more by this author.
***This early copy was given to me by Netgalley and its publishers, in exchange for my honest opinion and review.
May 1, 2020
What a laugh out loud fun read this proved to be, with a couple who you just know will get together if only they can be brave enough to admit their true feelings to themselves let alone each other! They aren't the only fantastic characters in this story, they're all portrayed brilliantly so they seem like folks you have met and know but it is the development of the relationship between Rosie and Noah that provides most of the laughs as he endeavours to help her learn how to date so she can date someone else . . . .
The story explores family dynamics and the impact of Rosie's adulterous father on her ability to trust and love. He's definitely not a likeable character, despite his winning ways with other women, he's an ego-centric bully who seems to thrive on undermining the self confidence of Rosie, who constantly seeks his approval but doesn't get it. Her Mum is brilliant and her revelations at the party definitely brought a smile to my face! There are also surprising revelations regarding Noah's family and his teen years but you need to read the book for yourself to find out more! It is a story packed with humour, all the lessons on dating are brought to life in the pages of the book and had me laughing out loud.
This is a great read that I thoroughly enjoyed and have no hesitation in highly recommending, a fabulous story to escape into and put a smile on your face as you read it, another winner by this highly talented author.
The story explores family dynamics and the impact of Rosie's adulterous father on her ability to trust and love. He's definitely not a likeable character, despite his winning ways with other women, he's an ego-centric bully who seems to thrive on undermining the self confidence of Rosie, who constantly seeks his approval but doesn't get it. Her Mum is brilliant and her revelations at the party definitely brought a smile to my face! There are also surprising revelations regarding Noah's family and his teen years but you need to read the book for yourself to find out more! It is a story packed with humour, all the lessons on dating are brought to life in the pages of the book and had me laughing out loud.
This is a great read that I thoroughly enjoyed and have no hesitation in highly recommending, a fabulous story to escape into and put a smile on your face as you read it, another winner by this highly talented author.
April 15, 2020
When Rosie tentatively attempts to join the dating scene, it soon becomes clear she doesn't have a clue.
I received a free copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Rosie has recently come out of a long-term relationship. As this is the first time she's been single since high school, she's terrified by the prospect of talking to guys she doesn't know, and having to flirt.
She envies her confident best friend, who can walk into the room and be the centre of every man's attention.
So she dips her toe in by joining a dating app and using her carefully constructed criteria, finds a guy she wants to date.
Unfortunately, he's a no-show to their first date, and Rosie is at a loss.
Luckily Noah takes great interest in the girl who is drinking alone, showing all the signs of someone stood up. He loves going on first dates, with the thrill, the buzz and the attraction. He just struggles with anything long-term.
All in aid of helping his new friend, Noah agrees to train her in dating. Purely platonic, of course.
This book was... manic.
I think that's the best word to describe it. Rosie and Noah were very manic. The narrative was very manic.
It all jumped around and was hard to follow, and when I did get my head around it, I wasn't invested in the characters.
Rosie completely other-thinks and over-analyses everything, making the story slow and repetitive. For a reasonably long book, not much happened, beyond Rosie having issues with his father, which was thrown in at every opportunity an non-opportunity.
This book was not for me.
I received a free copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Rosie has recently come out of a long-term relationship. As this is the first time she's been single since high school, she's terrified by the prospect of talking to guys she doesn't know, and having to flirt.
She envies her confident best friend, who can walk into the room and be the centre of every man's attention.
So she dips her toe in by joining a dating app and using her carefully constructed criteria, finds a guy she wants to date.
Unfortunately, he's a no-show to their first date, and Rosie is at a loss.
Luckily Noah takes great interest in the girl who is drinking alone, showing all the signs of someone stood up. He loves going on first dates, with the thrill, the buzz and the attraction. He just struggles with anything long-term.
All in aid of helping his new friend, Noah agrees to train her in dating. Purely platonic, of course.
This book was... manic.
I think that's the best word to describe it. Rosie and Noah were very manic. The narrative was very manic.
It all jumped around and was hard to follow, and when I did get my head around it, I wasn't invested in the characters.
Rosie completely other-thinks and over-analyses everything, making the story slow and repetitive. For a reasonably long book, not much happened, beyond Rosie having issues with his father, which was thrown in at every opportunity an non-opportunity.
This book was not for me.
January 7, 2021
2.5 ★
Look, this had a few good moments but can’t say I loved it. Noah was my type of guy though.
Look, this had a few good moments but can’t say I loved it. Noah was my type of guy though.
May 2, 2020
Whenever I see Zara Stoneley I know I have to read the book without reading the blurb and just say yes. This is what I have done here, Rosie recently dumped is made to feel she has to date again to move on with her life. After a disastrous date, she meets Noah. Noah is going to coach her on how to date and how to get her confidence back. We all know where this will go, but as I say I love the journey we go on with the characters that’s where the real fun happens.
The twist with this is the baggage for these two. Rosie has a lot of issues and they all stem from her dad. He is a jerk and he has way too much power over her and how she feels. This affected how she treats Noah, to an extent I got it, but like I said too much power and it made it hard for me to connect sometimes. She was a bit needy at times, a lot of does he like me, why doesn’t he like me. Don’t get me wrong, we can all be like that, I think she just annoyed me because it reminded me of me!
Noah, his baggage caused a lump in my throat, not willing to take that risk on love and his reasons why, well they made me want to just give him a huge cuddle but we couldn’t intrude on Rosie. He is you most typical tall handsome stranger that I would love to meet 😉 he has a way with words and just knows what to say to make you feel at ease! I think I might have matched him on the banter!
The thing I did love about this story is the banter between Rosie and Noah. It was effortless and it made me smile. It was a flirtatious banter, always with the hint of something more but neither wanting to take that first step. holding back and not wanting to ruin what they have which I can get. Sometimes that friendship and banter are worth so much more than a relationship.
Anyway I digress, I do really enjoy Zara’s stories, she hasn’t failed me yet!! She also knows how to create a memorable Mother character, Rosie mum is a hoot! She made me smile and she also went on her own journey in this book and her growth was lovely to see!
This book did not knock Four Christmases and a Secret off my favourite spot, but it is a cute and fun read. It can be a bit crazy at times with the two characters dancing around these feelings but it is always nice to get the happy ending everyone wants and a smile on your face.
The twist with this is the baggage for these two. Rosie has a lot of issues and they all stem from her dad. He is a jerk and he has way too much power over her and how she feels. This affected how she treats Noah, to an extent I got it, but like I said too much power and it made it hard for me to connect sometimes. She was a bit needy at times, a lot of does he like me, why doesn’t he like me. Don’t get me wrong, we can all be like that, I think she just annoyed me because it reminded me of me!
Noah, his baggage caused a lump in my throat, not willing to take that risk on love and his reasons why, well they made me want to just give him a huge cuddle but we couldn’t intrude on Rosie. He is you most typical tall handsome stranger that I would love to meet 😉 he has a way with words and just knows what to say to make you feel at ease! I think I might have matched him on the banter!
The thing I did love about this story is the banter between Rosie and Noah. It was effortless and it made me smile. It was a flirtatious banter, always with the hint of something more but neither wanting to take that first step. holding back and not wanting to ruin what they have which I can get. Sometimes that friendship and banter are worth so much more than a relationship.
Anyway I digress, I do really enjoy Zara’s stories, she hasn’t failed me yet!! She also knows how to create a memorable Mother character, Rosie mum is a hoot! She made me smile and she also went on her own journey in this book and her growth was lovely to see!
This book did not knock Four Christmases and a Secret off my favourite spot, but it is a cute and fun read. It can be a bit crazy at times with the two characters dancing around these feelings but it is always nice to get the happy ending everyone wants and a smile on your face.
April 29, 2020
"There are so many things I’d imagined might go wrong with this date (and when I say many, I do mean many) but this was not top of the list."
I knew that I was going to enjoy this book after reading the first line above. The First Date is a hilarious romantic read with plenty of British banter and giggles throughout. I loved her characters, they were all individual, quirky and perfectly imperfect. I think that's what made them so loveable.
When you're going on a first date, the last thing you're going to expect is to wind up having your date not turn up and meeting a handsome self-proclaimed "dating expert". He plans on teaching Rosie the art of man enchanting to give her the powers of seduction and allure. The only problem happens when you can't use your newfound skills on the person you want to...
It was such a cosy read, it felt like sitting down with a good friend and relaxing. This was my first read of Zara Stoneley's writing but it certainly won't be the last. A gorgeous uplifting read.
I knew that I was going to enjoy this book after reading the first line above. The First Date is a hilarious romantic read with plenty of British banter and giggles throughout. I loved her characters, they were all individual, quirky and perfectly imperfect. I think that's what made them so loveable.
When you're going on a first date, the last thing you're going to expect is to wind up having your date not turn up and meeting a handsome self-proclaimed "dating expert". He plans on teaching Rosie the art of man enchanting to give her the powers of seduction and allure. The only problem happens when you can't use your newfound skills on the person you want to...
It was such a cosy read, it felt like sitting down with a good friend and relaxing. This was my first read of Zara Stoneley's writing but it certainly won't be the last. A gorgeous uplifting read.
May 2, 2020
Three and a half stars.
Rosie is that staple of romantic comedies, the frumpy woman who works in a bookshop. She and her long-term boyfriend have split up and she is trying to dip her toes in the dating pool but is totally clueless. When she gets stood up by her Tinder date she gets talking to an irritating guy at the bar, an obvious player, and he offers a crash-course in seduction to give her the confidence to chat up guys.
Noah is a charming architect, he loves first dates but second and third not so much. He thinks he would be perfect as a seduction guru: encouraging Rosie to buy clothes that make her feel good, rather than just for comfort and convenience; giving her tips about they way men think; teaching her to feel fear and do it anyway.
I enjoyed this but I found it dragged on a bit and I thought Noah's advice was mildly demeaning, pretty underwear makes you feel pretty, let men order you a drink because it makes them feel good etc. Overall, if you are looking for a makeover romance this is a fun read but it didn't feel different enough to catch my imagination.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Bumped for release.
Rosie is that staple of romantic comedies, the frumpy woman who works in a bookshop. She and her long-term boyfriend have split up and she is trying to dip her toes in the dating pool but is totally clueless. When she gets stood up by her Tinder date she gets talking to an irritating guy at the bar, an obvious player, and he offers a crash-course in seduction to give her the confidence to chat up guys.
Noah is a charming architect, he loves first dates but second and third not so much. He thinks he would be perfect as a seduction guru: encouraging Rosie to buy clothes that make her feel good, rather than just for comfort and convenience; giving her tips about they way men think; teaching her to feel fear and do it anyway.
I enjoyed this but I found it dragged on a bit and I thought Noah's advice was mildly demeaning, pretty underwear makes you feel pretty, let men order you a drink because it makes them feel good etc. Overall, if you are looking for a makeover romance this is a fun read but it didn't feel different enough to catch my imagination.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Bumped for release.
April 2, 2020
**ARC provided by Netgalley.
So, thank you but... no thank you.
This plot had ALL THE POTENTIAL IN THE WORLD but I’m so sad it didn’t work out. I’m sorry but, why?
So, we have this kind of reversed Crazy Stupid Love, with Ryan Gosling as my guy. And this Ryan Gosling has a BRITISH ACCENT. Can you imagine that? Talk about dreamy. In this parallel universe, he’s a serial first dater, never settling down kind of guy, but here, instead of teaching an old guy how to date, is going to teach the girl how to date. This would’ve been so great, if the girl and the writing weren’t so annoying. First, Rosie: her daddy issues have absolutely no limit. She compares everything that moves to her shit of a father which at first I could understand, but as I kept reading and that being her only excuse for everything that’s opposite to her, it gets super annoying. Yes, her father is a POS, but dude if a person says hi just like your dad says hi doesn’t make him the same kind of person. CHILL.
Then the writing, the constant complaints, the unrealistic personalities: everyone is just simply too good to be true (with the exception of Rosie’s father, obviously)... Everyone knows exactly what to say, the right words at all times... it made it really hard for me to connect. This Ryan was too good and it felt like no one really speaks the way he does, i don’t know. And Rosie... i just couldn’t stand her. Also, there were a couple of loose ends or weak resolutions.
Like I said before, I was truly sorry I didn’t like it, because it sounded like it could be awesome.
So, thank you but... no thank you.
This plot had ALL THE POTENTIAL IN THE WORLD but I’m so sad it didn’t work out. I’m sorry but, why?
So, we have this kind of reversed Crazy Stupid Love, with Ryan Gosling as my guy. And this Ryan Gosling has a BRITISH ACCENT. Can you imagine that? Talk about dreamy. In this parallel universe, he’s a serial first dater, never settling down kind of guy, but here, instead of teaching an old guy how to date, is going to teach the girl how to date. This would’ve been so great, if the girl and the writing weren’t so annoying. First, Rosie: her daddy issues have absolutely no limit. She compares everything that moves to her shit of a father which at first I could understand, but as I kept reading and that being her only excuse for everything that’s opposite to her, it gets super annoying. Yes, her father is a POS, but dude if a person says hi just like your dad says hi doesn’t make him the same kind of person. CHILL.
Then the writing, the constant complaints, the unrealistic personalities: everyone is just simply too good to be true (with the exception of Rosie’s father, obviously)... Everyone knows exactly what to say, the right words at all times... it made it really hard for me to connect. This Ryan was too good and it felt like no one really speaks the way he does, i don’t know. And Rosie... i just couldn’t stand her. Also, there were a couple of loose ends or weak resolutions.
Like I said before, I was truly sorry I didn’t like it, because it sounded like it could be awesome.
April 8, 2020
Received an ARC from Netgalley.
Disappointing. Such a great premise but poorly executed. Under-developed characters. Too much focus on the heroine and her daddy issues. A story which meanders all over the place. An underwhelming denouement. I didn’t particularly like either of the characters and I became bored very quickly. I only finished it because it was an ARC and I needed to review it. 2 stars
Disappointing. Such a great premise but poorly executed. Under-developed characters. Too much focus on the heroine and her daddy issues. A story which meanders all over the place. An underwhelming denouement. I didn’t particularly like either of the characters and I became bored very quickly. I only finished it because it was an ARC and I needed to review it. 2 stars
October 21, 2022
Ale to była przyjemna książka!
Fajni bohaterowie, dużo humoru, słodka historia na jesienne smutki ✨
To co prawda książka, której zakończenie znacie już po pierwszych stronach, ale czy to źle?
Ja bawiłam się doskonale!
No i uwielbiam Noah! ✨ Skradł moje serce!
Fajni bohaterowie, dużo humoru, słodka historia na jesienne smutki ✨
To co prawda książka, której zakończenie znacie już po pierwszych stronach, ale czy to źle?
Ja bawiłam się doskonale!
No i uwielbiam Noah! ✨ Skradł moje serce!
May 7, 2020
This was a really cute story! Rosie is so cute and relatable. The premise was lovely, and the pacing was great. I read it quickly and it was a nice light read. The only issue I had with this one was our main man Noah. He was TOO arrogant for me. Yes, I know that it’s a face he put on most of the time, but I just had such a hard time liking him the entire book because of it. I also found certain things very predictable, but otherwise this was such a cute read.
March 30, 2020
After long term boyfriend Robbie goes off to find himself, Rosie sets out online dating only when she gets stood up by Gabe, she meets handsome, witty, charmer Noah.
Rosie and Noah have a connection all through the book but thanks to Rosie's player dad she won't let herself fall for Noah thinking he'll turn out like her dad and hurt her too.
Her dad, is a cheat plain and simple and her mum is fabulous at the end of the book as is Noah and his friends as Gabe turns up in a random shocking way! Noah also had a hidden depth behind getting close to Rosie after past losses from loving someone alike his best friend Jed and was really moving bringing them closer together.
I rooted for Rosie and Noah a fabulous couple from the start I was hooked on this book!
Many thanks to the publishers for allowing me to review this book for them!
Rosie and Noah have a connection all through the book but thanks to Rosie's player dad she won't let herself fall for Noah thinking he'll turn out like her dad and hurt her too.
Her dad, is a cheat plain and simple and her mum is fabulous at the end of the book as is Noah and his friends as Gabe turns up in a random shocking way! Noah also had a hidden depth behind getting close to Rosie after past losses from loving someone alike his best friend Jed and was really moving bringing them closer together.
I rooted for Rosie and Noah a fabulous couple from the start I was hooked on this book!
Many thanks to the publishers for allowing me to review this book for them!
May 4, 2020
I’ve read one other book by this author, The Wedding Date, and I enjoyed it, so when this book came up I was excited to read it as well. Like the that book, this one was a sweet romance. Noah was really sweet, and funny, but I totally got where at times Rosie was confused by him. Because he told her he was a serial dater, and did nothing to change her mind about it. Said he wasn’t good enough for her, and that she deserved a man that was able to love. While in a way his issues were similar to players in other romances, the reason behind his fear of commitment was a lot different, or at least done differently and made me sad and want him to realize he deserved a girl like Rosie and love for himself. Rosie was funny, and in some ways I loved a lot of the things she felt and did, and her dating app experiences were so similar to my own in some ways that I connected with her on that. I wasn’t a huge fan of how she kept comparing Noah to her dad, as if he was a bad guy like her dad obviously was. It wasn’t fair, because even though Noah said he wasn’t going to ever be a one woman kind of guy, he was never doing anything to hurt anyone like her dad was.
I have to say while I was unsure about her mother for a lot of the book, once her mom called and asked her to find out how to contact a certain person from her father’s life, I got the inkling that her mom wasn’t as much of a pushover as she seemed, and I loved how that all worked out in the end.
Once again the sex scenes were pretty close to fade to black, which always leaves me a little unsatisfied. But that’s my own preference. And there were also a lot of British types of slang that slowed me down as an American, but not enough that I still didn’t enjoy the book. I could definitely see reading more by this author in the future.
Review first appeared on Lisa Loves Literature.
I have to say while I was unsure about her mother for a lot of the book, once her mom called and asked her to find out how to contact a certain person from her father’s life, I got the inkling that her mom wasn’t as much of a pushover as she seemed, and I loved how that all worked out in the end.
Once again the sex scenes were pretty close to fade to black, which always leaves me a little unsatisfied. But that’s my own preference. And there were also a lot of British types of slang that slowed me down as an American, but not enough that I still didn’t enjoy the book. I could definitely see reading more by this author in the future.
Review first appeared on Lisa Loves Literature.
April 24, 2020
I like this author's chatty style and her flair for light fun romance but I almost didn't go on with this book. The meeting of the two main characters in chapter one was confusing, as if a whole section had been missed out, and it took me a while to get back into the story after that. Good flawed characters and a predictable but satisfying ending.
April 24, 2020
Every other book by this author has been a flat out 5 stars but I had more mixed views on this one. The writing style is as smooth as ever but the plot is predictable with rather cliched characters. That said, it’s an easy lockdown read for a few hours in the sunshine and since that’s exactly what I was looking for, I’m quite happy.
March 17, 2020
I’m a Zara Stoneley fan. The first book of hers I read was “Bridesmaids”. Here’s how I started my 5-star review- “I will do my best to stop laughing and sputtering at you as I write this review. That’s how funny and adorable is this book is. Applause and lots of love to author Zara Stoneley for creating a warm and witty story.” So, 5 stars for “Bridesmaids”.
Then I read and liked her Christmas story, “Four Christmases and a Secret”. Daisy was the heroine of this holiday book; Daisy is not the shining star she had hoped to be. She is lost and subdued until she learns that it’s up to her to seize life’s opportunities.
So how did I like Ms. Stoneley’s latest book, “The First Date”? This book is billed as a “hilarious, heartwarming romantic comedy about what happens when the wrong guy turns up at the right time…” Rosie is the gal we are rooting for and she has given up on romance after her long-time relationship failed. Her ex moved to Wales to be a sheep farmer and then he remarried. Rosie, who works in a bookshop, wants to dip her toe into the dating world, but when Tindr fails her and she’s stranded at a local pub, she meets an intriguing guy who claims he can teach her to be a successful dater.
Great idea for a rom com, isn’t it? Indeed! And parts of this book work so well. Witty dialogue, two lovable characters, a big dog, wayward parents, and bits of sadness and heartbreak. In many ways, Rosie is like Daisy, the rom com lead in “Four Christmases”, they are both so appealing yet a bit lost and sad. Ms. Stoneley tells us in her bio on Goodreads that she writes about “friendships, dreams, love and happy ever after. She hopes her tales make us laugh a lot, cry a little, and occasionally say ‘ahh!’” And she mostly succeeds in this book.
I liked the main characters, Rosie and Noah. I liked Rosie’s mom, and Rosie’s friend Bea. What didn’t work for me? Well, there is too much dialogue, and too much internal dialogue. Also, there is no clear sense of the setting and where this story takes place.
Thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter for a digital review copy. This is my honest review.
Then I read and liked her Christmas story, “Four Christmases and a Secret”. Daisy was the heroine of this holiday book; Daisy is not the shining star she had hoped to be. She is lost and subdued until she learns that it’s up to her to seize life’s opportunities.
So how did I like Ms. Stoneley’s latest book, “The First Date”? This book is billed as a “hilarious, heartwarming romantic comedy about what happens when the wrong guy turns up at the right time…” Rosie is the gal we are rooting for and she has given up on romance after her long-time relationship failed. Her ex moved to Wales to be a sheep farmer and then he remarried. Rosie, who works in a bookshop, wants to dip her toe into the dating world, but when Tindr fails her and she’s stranded at a local pub, she meets an intriguing guy who claims he can teach her to be a successful dater.
Great idea for a rom com, isn’t it? Indeed! And parts of this book work so well. Witty dialogue, two lovable characters, a big dog, wayward parents, and bits of sadness and heartbreak. In many ways, Rosie is like Daisy, the rom com lead in “Four Christmases”, they are both so appealing yet a bit lost and sad. Ms. Stoneley tells us in her bio on Goodreads that she writes about “friendships, dreams, love and happy ever after. She hopes her tales make us laugh a lot, cry a little, and occasionally say ‘ahh!’” And she mostly succeeds in this book.
I liked the main characters, Rosie and Noah. I liked Rosie’s mom, and Rosie’s friend Bea. What didn’t work for me? Well, there is too much dialogue, and too much internal dialogue. Also, there is no clear sense of the setting and where this story takes place.
Thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter for a digital review copy. This is my honest review.
April 29, 2020
I received a free E-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This book is about Rosie, who has recently broken up with her childhood boyfriend. After being so long with the same man, Rosie has no clue how to date other men. So when she decides to set up a profile on a dating app to meet men, she walks into the bar hoping to meet the man who might become her new boyfriend, but that feeling leaves her when she’s left standing alone. In a bar. Ghosted. Rosie, feeling defeated and overwhelmed by the whole first date process, meets Noah. Noah is confident, funny … and a serial first dater. All the qualities that remind her of her father and not in a good way. Noah offers to give Rosie a crash course in seduction and how to set up the perfect first date. Thinking this could be just what she needs, Rosie agrees. But as Rosie spends more time with Noah as he is teaching her "dating lessons," she finds herself draw to Noah and his pull on her is undeniable. Can the fake dates ever turn into the real ones?
The book was amazing! I read it in one sitting. I was so drawn in with the story line, characters, and Rosie and Noah's chemistry. While this is not the most original plot line, it still is full of fun and laughs that leave the reader wondering "WHEN WILL THEY FINALLY GET TOGETHER?" Rosie was a great character albeit lacking in self confidence. The author did a great job showing her growth not only with men, but also within herself so that by the end, she is more confident and self assured in her desire to start a real relationship with the man she truly should be with. Noah was such a great character. I loved how he was drawn to Rosie. Their banter was so much fun to read. Rosie was good for Noah because she was not always taken in by his charms, at least, she did not always allow him to see her being taken in. Noah was also a very selfless character, which was interesting considering how much of a serial dater he professed to be. Noah helped Rosie get out of her comfort zone and she inter gave him a steady rock he could rely on. Rosie's relationship with her mom was very touching and I found myself rooting for her mother to gain her own life outside of her husband's cheating shadow. The pacing of this book was very good and I found the ending of this book very satisfying. Overall, I recommend this book to those who love a friends-to-lovers story. I can't wait to read more books by this author.
This book is about Rosie, who has recently broken up with her childhood boyfriend. After being so long with the same man, Rosie has no clue how to date other men. So when she decides to set up a profile on a dating app to meet men, she walks into the bar hoping to meet the man who might become her new boyfriend, but that feeling leaves her when she’s left standing alone. In a bar. Ghosted. Rosie, feeling defeated and overwhelmed by the whole first date process, meets Noah. Noah is confident, funny … and a serial first dater. All the qualities that remind her of her father and not in a good way. Noah offers to give Rosie a crash course in seduction and how to set up the perfect first date. Thinking this could be just what she needs, Rosie agrees. But as Rosie spends more time with Noah as he is teaching her "dating lessons," she finds herself draw to Noah and his pull on her is undeniable. Can the fake dates ever turn into the real ones?
The book was amazing! I read it in one sitting. I was so drawn in with the story line, characters, and Rosie and Noah's chemistry. While this is not the most original plot line, it still is full of fun and laughs that leave the reader wondering "WHEN WILL THEY FINALLY GET TOGETHER?" Rosie was a great character albeit lacking in self confidence. The author did a great job showing her growth not only with men, but also within herself so that by the end, she is more confident and self assured in her desire to start a real relationship with the man she truly should be with. Noah was such a great character. I loved how he was drawn to Rosie. Their banter was so much fun to read. Rosie was good for Noah because she was not always taken in by his charms, at least, she did not always allow him to see her being taken in. Noah was also a very selfless character, which was interesting considering how much of a serial dater he professed to be. Noah helped Rosie get out of her comfort zone and she inter gave him a steady rock he could rely on. Rosie's relationship with her mom was very touching and I found myself rooting for her mother to gain her own life outside of her husband's cheating shadow. The pacing of this book was very good and I found the ending of this book very satisfying. Overall, I recommend this book to those who love a friends-to-lovers story. I can't wait to read more books by this author.
May 8, 2020
The First Date is a charming story of Rosie's journey back into dating, with the help of Noah. Noah is there when she unfortunately gets stood up and after a few exchanges, he squirms his way into her life with the idea that he'll help her get ready for her first real date after her last break up. Rosie doesn't want to but her dad and the pressure he puts on her leads her to believe otherwise. These two go through lesson after lesson, but the more time they spend together, the harder it is for them to figure out where this ends and who she is getting ready for.
Zara Stoneley writes a fun story with a few harsh truths, but overall this one was on okay read for me. I would've LOVED to love it, because it is a trope I definitely enjoy; however, Rosie was more immature than insecure and it showed in her character. I kind of wanted to shake her the entire time. She had said three words to Noah and immediately was like YOU ARE NO GOOD WHICH is fair but when you make the cut deeper.... without knowing anything... it's just odd to me. I feel like the pieces of this didn't come together all that well.
I did enjoy the read by the end of it but the beginning was a really rocky start.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK for the ARC in exchange for the honest review!!
Zara Stoneley writes a fun story with a few harsh truths, but overall this one was on okay read for me. I would've LOVED to love it, because it is a trope I definitely enjoy; however, Rosie was more immature than insecure and it showed in her character. I kind of wanted to shake her the entire time. She had said three words to Noah and immediately was like YOU ARE NO GOOD WHICH is fair but when you make the cut deeper.... without knowing anything... it's just odd to me. I feel like the pieces of this didn't come together all that well.
I did enjoy the read by the end of it but the beginning was a really rocky start.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK for the ARC in exchange for the honest review!!
May 26, 2024
After reading a very emotionally heavy book yesterday, The First Date was a lovely, light, fluffy breath of fresh air.
Newly single Rosie Brown is in a rut. After breaking up with her childhood sweetheart, she's desperate to enter the dating pool again, but she has no idea where to start. When she eventually meets a seemingly perfect match on Tinder, she can't wait to meet him.
After she's stood up and embarrassed, she meets charming, funny Noah. The total opposite of her usual type, Noah is a self-professed serial first dater. He offers Rosie a crash course in flirting and dating and she reluctantly agrees.
Her dating coach turns out to be the best first date Rosie has ever had as she finds herself falling for commitment phobic Noah.
This book absolutely delivers everything it sets out to; it's definitely romantic, and Stonely writes the sexual chemistry as well as the camaraderie between her main characters expertly. It's also very funny, but also heart-warming, occasionally emotional, and just a lovely, lovely book. I'm so glad I read it, and discovered yet another new author to try.
I always think if a book can hold my attention for the day like this, it's got to be good!
Newly single Rosie Brown is in a rut. After breaking up with her childhood sweetheart, she's desperate to enter the dating pool again, but she has no idea where to start. When she eventually meets a seemingly perfect match on Tinder, she can't wait to meet him.
After she's stood up and embarrassed, she meets charming, funny Noah. The total opposite of her usual type, Noah is a self-professed serial first dater. He offers Rosie a crash course in flirting and dating and she reluctantly agrees.
Her dating coach turns out to be the best first date Rosie has ever had as she finds herself falling for commitment phobic Noah.
This book absolutely delivers everything it sets out to; it's definitely romantic, and Stonely writes the sexual chemistry as well as the camaraderie between her main characters expertly. It's also very funny, but also heart-warming, occasionally emotional, and just a lovely, lovely book. I'm so glad I read it, and discovered yet another new author to try.
I always think if a book can hold my attention for the day like this, it's got to be good!
April 13, 2020
**I received this e-arc from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review. Thanks Net Galley!**
2.5 stars.
Unfortunately, this book just didn't do it for me. I thought the characters were pretty flat, and I couldn't relate much to the main character, Rosie.
The book has a nice plot, and from the summary, I was really interested in picking it up, the execution was just not for me. Rosie has major daddy issues and mentioned it on, it felt like, every single page. Besides her having those issues, and working at a bookshop, I feel like I know next to nothing about her... and the same goes for the other main character, Noah. The general idea of the characters was nice, but I feel like they were not as developed as they could have been.
The connection between the two characters also felt very instant. It wasn't insta-love, but more of insta-friends? Insta-will-they-won't-they-relationship? To me, it felt very forced and very sudden.
However, there were some nice things from the book:
- the dog scenes were adorable and funny and I loved them
- the kissing scenes were also adorable and well done
2.5 stars.
Unfortunately, this book just didn't do it for me. I thought the characters were pretty flat, and I couldn't relate much to the main character, Rosie.
The book has a nice plot, and from the summary, I was really interested in picking it up, the execution was just not for me. Rosie has major daddy issues and mentioned it on, it felt like, every single page. Besides her having those issues, and working at a bookshop, I feel like I know next to nothing about her... and the same goes for the other main character, Noah. The general idea of the characters was nice, but I feel like they were not as developed as they could have been.
The connection between the two characters also felt very instant. It wasn't insta-love, but more of insta-friends? Insta-will-they-won't-they-relationship? To me, it felt very forced and very sudden.
However, there were some nice things from the book:
- the dog scenes were adorable and funny and I loved them
- the kissing scenes were also adorable and well done
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