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The Date
What happens when a prickly cat lady runs into the new dog owner next door?
Brittny Parker, an American graduate student, is moving to London with her lovable Boston Terrier, Cooper, in time for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and the 2012 Olympics. Could life get any better? How about adding a super sexy woman next door? The problem is her snooty neighbor is not a dog person. In fact, she despises Cooper from the moment he knocks her over and sends her groceries spilling all over the ground.
Prin Jones is a native-born Londoner whose most successful relationship is with Francesca, her Persian cat. With a bakery to run and an unpleasant ex-girlfriend to dodge, the last thing Prin needs in her life is an obnoxious American and her poorly trained dog. But it becomes almost impossible not to run into Brit at every turn.
When Francesca and Cooper decide to become balcony friends, and Prin’s twin sister takes on the role of enthusiastic matchmaker, Brit and Prin decide to give each other a second chance. All they need is one date to see if there might be something more between them.
It should be easy, right? But somehow everything keeps going hilariously and disastrously wrong.
Can two women from different worlds meet in the middle to become more than neighbors?
Best-selling lesbian romance author TB Markinson, has written a hilarious and quirky story about finding love in a foreign land.
Brittny Parker, an American graduate student, is moving to London with her lovable Boston Terrier, Cooper, in time for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and the 2012 Olympics. Could life get any better? How about adding a super sexy woman next door? The problem is her snooty neighbor is not a dog person. In fact, she despises Cooper from the moment he knocks her over and sends her groceries spilling all over the ground.
Prin Jones is a native-born Londoner whose most successful relationship is with Francesca, her Persian cat. With a bakery to run and an unpleasant ex-girlfriend to dodge, the last thing Prin needs in her life is an obnoxious American and her poorly trained dog. But it becomes almost impossible not to run into Brit at every turn.
When Francesca and Cooper decide to become balcony friends, and Prin’s twin sister takes on the role of enthusiastic matchmaker, Brit and Prin decide to give each other a second chance. All they need is one date to see if there might be something more between them.
It should be easy, right? But somehow everything keeps going hilariously and disastrously wrong.
Can two women from different worlds meet in the middle to become more than neighbors?
Best-selling lesbian romance author TB Markinson, has written a hilarious and quirky story about finding love in a foreign land.
219 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 27, 2021
109 people are currently reading
202 people want to read
About the author
T.B. Markinson
71 books1,159 followersT. B. Markinson is an American writer, living in England. When she isn't writing, she’s traveling the world, watching sports on the telly, visiting pubs in England, or taking the dog for a walk. Not necessarily in that order.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
June 15, 2023
**'When you're telling a story, those sentences within any of your paragraphs might seem a bit over emphasized, embellished or not but sometimes it's okay to tell the truth..'
Average read!
A somewhat unenthused story. Chemistry? I don't think there was/is
2.5stars!
Average read!
A somewhat unenthused story. Chemistry? I don't think there was/is
2.5stars!
April 26, 2021
TB Markinson’s new novella The Date is set in the same universe as The Setup published in September 2020. Brittny Parker is an American grad student from Colorado who moves to London for a year, where she stays in her uncle’s apartment. Along with her comes her beloved Boston terrier Cooper. This novel is set during 2012, the year of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and the London Olympics, and Brit has no intention of missing any of it.
Prin Jones has lived in London all her life, she runs her own bakery with her twin sister, and after a disastrous relationship with her ex-girlfriend, her closest relationship is with Francesca, her posh Persian cat.
Told from Brit’s point of view, we learn firsthand how ice queen Prin shows a frosty demeanor when she gets irritated and that’s exactly what happened on day one when Cooper causes trouble, leading to an unpleasant encounter with her neighbor Prin. It’s ice time. But who knows, maybe Cooper and Francesca can melt the ice queen.
The story thrives on Brit’s loose mouth and her almost clumsy behavior when she gets nervous by a beautiful woman. Prin’s dry humor also adds a lot to the entertainment. Together, this leads to many hilarious situations. However, the characters were not superficial, they also showed vulnerability, especially Prin, and the better Brit and us readers get to know her, the better we understand her. But Brit slowly manages to tear down the walls around Prin’s heart piece by piece.
The only thing that was a little lacking for me this time was the chemistry, I couldn’t really feel it. But despite that, it is an entertaining and feel-good, enemies-to-lovers story with humor and without angst and drama. And again, like in The Setup, we can amuse ourselves about the sometimes very funny differences between the UK and USA. Since TB Markinson herself is American and used to live in England, she must have experienced some funny situations herself.
My rating 4 stars
Thanks to the author for receiving an ARC for an honest review
Prin Jones has lived in London all her life, she runs her own bakery with her twin sister, and after a disastrous relationship with her ex-girlfriend, her closest relationship is with Francesca, her posh Persian cat.
Told from Brit’s point of view, we learn firsthand how ice queen Prin shows a frosty demeanor when she gets irritated and that’s exactly what happened on day one when Cooper causes trouble, leading to an unpleasant encounter with her neighbor Prin. It’s ice time. But who knows, maybe Cooper and Francesca can melt the ice queen.
The story thrives on Brit’s loose mouth and her almost clumsy behavior when she gets nervous by a beautiful woman. Prin’s dry humor also adds a lot to the entertainment. Together, this leads to many hilarious situations. However, the characters were not superficial, they also showed vulnerability, especially Prin, and the better Brit and us readers get to know her, the better we understand her. But Brit slowly manages to tear down the walls around Prin’s heart piece by piece.
The only thing that was a little lacking for me this time was the chemistry, I couldn’t really feel it. But despite that, it is an entertaining and feel-good, enemies-to-lovers story with humor and without angst and drama. And again, like in The Setup, we can amuse ourselves about the sometimes very funny differences between the UK and USA. Since TB Markinson herself is American and used to live in England, she must have experienced some funny situations herself.
My rating 4 stars
Thanks to the author for receiving an ARC for an honest review
April 5, 2022
Incredibly cute and humorous story on Kindle Unlimited.
https://www.amazon.com/Date-T-B-Marki...
Just a breath of fresh air, a good 'American comes to Britain' story - with a kinda prim and proper next door neighbour/love interest who runs a bit cold and jaded. Plus heaps of cute doggie antics! If you love opposites attract, London culture and doggie characters- you'll love this!
Brit is from Colorado USA and is in London for a year, doing her post-graduate studies. It's set in the year 2012 of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee and when London held the Olympic Games. So all of London is switched on for tourists and celebration which is enthralling Brittney! She even brings her 3 year old Boston Terrier with her, because the thought of being without Cooper was too much to bear. I appreciate that she's a dog person and couldn't imagine living her life for a year without him and she is always considerate of him and his happiness. She has a cute dialogue with him, and the author really portrays his funny doggie antics so well - he's a full character in his own right!
Next door, on the very next balcony infact, is a Persian Kitty, beautiful but stuck up - a bit like her owner! Cooper and Brit do not make a good impression on neighbour Prin! Bumping into her, spilling her shopping everywhere, and getting a hard dressing down off the woman.
But the two ladies soon become tentative friends with the help and few pushes from Prin's twin sister, Polly.
We see our Prin's walls start to crumble and that she has some issues that are understandable and vulnerable. Their banter together is fun and you really root for them as a couple.
This was just a feel good romance with lots of heart and humour, giving a light easy read to uplift and entertain. No black moment, no frustrating miscommunication. Just a Highly Recommended read.
https://www.amazon.com/Date-T-B-Marki...
Just a breath of fresh air, a good 'American comes to Britain' story - with a kinda prim and proper next door neighbour/love interest who runs a bit cold and jaded. Plus heaps of cute doggie antics! If you love opposites attract, London culture and doggie characters- you'll love this!
Brit is from Colorado USA and is in London for a year, doing her post-graduate studies. It's set in the year 2012 of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee and when London held the Olympic Games. So all of London is switched on for tourists and celebration which is enthralling Brittney! She even brings her 3 year old Boston Terrier with her, because the thought of being without Cooper was too much to bear. I appreciate that she's a dog person and couldn't imagine living her life for a year without him and she is always considerate of him and his happiness. She has a cute dialogue with him, and the author really portrays his funny doggie antics so well - he's a full character in his own right!
Next door, on the very next balcony infact, is a Persian Kitty, beautiful but stuck up - a bit like her owner! Cooper and Brit do not make a good impression on neighbour Prin! Bumping into her, spilling her shopping everywhere, and getting a hard dressing down off the woman.
But the two ladies soon become tentative friends with the help and few pushes from Prin's twin sister, Polly.
We see our Prin's walls start to crumble and that she has some issues that are understandable and vulnerable. Their banter together is fun and you really root for them as a couple.
This was just a feel good romance with lots of heart and humour, giving a light easy read to uplift and entertain. No black moment, no frustrating miscommunication. Just a Highly Recommended read.
March 29, 2021
This is another funny story by TB Markinson of an American that comes to London. It reminded me a bit of The Setup with all the descriptions of the differences between the UK and the US. Personally coming from Switzerland I think this is just hilarious. Before I have read these books by TB Markinson I had no idea about many things. So I love what I have learned about the language but also the people.
The story itself is a wonderful enemies to lovers story that contains many hilarious scenes and like I already said many fantastic mentions of the differences between the UK and the US. I liked both characters. Prin is a real ice queen (or maybe you can also call it bitch) first, but you will realise soon that usually behind every behaviour is a story. And I really liked to see her character develop in the book. Brit on the other hand is just a lovable person that wears her heart upon her sleeve. You just love her right away.
I totally enjoyed reading this story, even if it reminded me a bit of The Setup. But if you have loved that book I'm sure you will love this one too.
The story itself is a wonderful enemies to lovers story that contains many hilarious scenes and like I already said many fantastic mentions of the differences between the UK and the US. I liked both characters. Prin is a real ice queen (or maybe you can also call it bitch) first, but you will realise soon that usually behind every behaviour is a story. And I really liked to see her character develop in the book. Brit on the other hand is just a lovable person that wears her heart upon her sleeve. You just love her right away.
I totally enjoyed reading this story, even if it reminded me a bit of The Setup. But if you have loved that book I'm sure you will love this one too.
April 18, 2021
Puts a smile on your face and makes you chuckle out loud kinda book. The characters are sweet together, and the kitty and puppy are pretty awesome too.
August 10, 2022
Loved this fun, witty, and well-written romance. One of my favourites. The fact there was no 'third act misunderstandings' was brilliant (even called out by the MC). Really enjoyed this one, and loved the two MCs. Cooper is one of my favourite 'book pups.'
March 29, 2021
The most memorable Date
Brit has the worst luck but a great attitude. Prin appears stuck up but she has a softer flirtatious side. They have the worst luck trying to get together. This is a fun story to read and Copper really steals the show. I love the when T.B. Markinson writes a story set in London. The characters always so excited about being there.
Brit has the worst luck but a great attitude. Prin appears stuck up but she has a softer flirtatious side. They have the worst luck trying to get together. This is a fun story to read and Copper really steals the show. I love the when T.B. Markinson writes a story set in London. The characters always so excited about being there.
May 29, 2021
This actually the first book I was going to read by this author, but I saw something about how The Setup was connected somehow (I think more just "same universe" or some wording like that), so I looked at that book . . . and saw I owned it. So I read that first. Loved it, then immediately read this book here. Mistake.
Right, so. Another solo-POV book from the point of view of the American in an American-born woman hooking up with an English-born woman in London. And like in that other book I read, the two women meet immediately after the American arrives in England. Despite, you know, there being this longish period of time they are staying in the country. And, again like in the prior book I read, most of the time shown in the book is short (again despite the longish period the American is set to be in that country).
That first book I read, and I didn't note this at the time I wrote the review, was edging along certain lines but not going over. Those "lines" being . . . if the book went over a particular line, I'd probably start to dislike and/or grow irritated with the characters/book/plot. Prior book seemed miraculously able to keep from crossing that line. This one seemed bound and determined to cross that line. I wish I could remember something exact to point at. mmphs. Possibly the wise-cracks/internal monologue/external chatter crossed a particular line to being irritating instead of being humorous and or endearing (both POV's, the one in the prior book and the one in this one, babbled a lot - but the one in the prior book seemed incapable of stopping herself, while the one in this book sometimes seemed to both be incapable of stopping herself, and occasionally babbling on purpose, which slid things into irritating zone).
Oh, I should mention this: no, this book has no connection what-so-ever with The Setup. Other than USA flag/British flag; American solo POV; two women hooking up in London, etc. etc. Similar but not same plot line. The four women, the two mains in prior, and the two mains in this one, share certain characteristics (both Americans were originally from Colorado (unless I'm misremembering prior book), and both English women originally from London; English women make almost overly rude comments about "foreigners" and "immigrants"; both Americans appear overly giddy about being in London; etc. etc.).
Right, so: this particular American is a graduate student in London for a year (other American was/is an accountant on a two year assignment to London). This particular English woman owns a bakery and bakes stuff like cakes (owned with her twin sister Polly).
It is quite possible that if I hadn't read this book immediately after that only other book I've read by this author, I might have liked this book more. Possibly. It is hard to know now.
I've been writing this with my eyes on a college playoff softball game involving one of the universities I went to, and am distracted. So I'll wander off here and devote more attention to watching game.
Rating: 3.0
May 28 2021
Right, so. Another solo-POV book from the point of view of the American in an American-born woman hooking up with an English-born woman in London. And like in that other book I read, the two women meet immediately after the American arrives in England. Despite, you know, there being this longish period of time they are staying in the country. And, again like in the prior book I read, most of the time shown in the book is short (again despite the longish period the American is set to be in that country).
That first book I read, and I didn't note this at the time I wrote the review, was edging along certain lines but not going over. Those "lines" being . . . if the book went over a particular line, I'd probably start to dislike and/or grow irritated with the characters/book/plot. Prior book seemed miraculously able to keep from crossing that line. This one seemed bound and determined to cross that line. I wish I could remember something exact to point at. mmphs. Possibly the wise-cracks/internal monologue/external chatter crossed a particular line to being irritating instead of being humorous and or endearing (both POV's, the one in the prior book and the one in this one, babbled a lot - but the one in the prior book seemed incapable of stopping herself, while the one in this book sometimes seemed to both be incapable of stopping herself, and occasionally babbling on purpose, which slid things into irritating zone).
Oh, I should mention this: no, this book has no connection what-so-ever with The Setup. Other than USA flag/British flag; American solo POV; two women hooking up in London, etc. etc. Similar but not same plot line. The four women, the two mains in prior, and the two mains in this one, share certain characteristics (both Americans were originally from Colorado (unless I'm misremembering prior book), and both English women originally from London; English women make almost overly rude comments about "foreigners" and "immigrants"; both Americans appear overly giddy about being in London; etc. etc.).
Right, so: this particular American is a graduate student in London for a year (other American was/is an accountant on a two year assignment to London). This particular English woman owns a bakery and bakes stuff like cakes (owned with her twin sister Polly).
It is quite possible that if I hadn't read this book immediately after that only other book I've read by this author, I might have liked this book more. Possibly. It is hard to know now.
I've been writing this with my eyes on a college playoff softball game involving one of the universities I went to, and am distracted. So I'll wander off here and devote more attention to watching game.
Rating: 3.0
May 28 2021
May 1, 2021
A fun easy romance with a good sense of humour.
May 25, 2023
Rounding down because there was a cat on the cover and very little "cat" moments. There was also a lead that was a baker but very little baked good porn.
A cute story on the shorter end about an American and Londoner striking up a romance. It was much better than the cover suggests but maybe not quite enough to fall into hidden gem territory for me. I felt like I learned a bit about UK living, but since I am an avid watcher of British television it did seem a bit more on the introductory side.
The Boston Terrier descriptions were pretty spot on except for the parts where Cooper was calm for long periods of time... maybe I just have an overly energetic model?
An easy contemporary read. The chemistry was alright and the characters had not too awful personalities. I wish we could have learned more about the love interest. If you're looking for something deeper this may not work for you, but if you want just a light fun novel that introduces some British vs. American differences then this might be worth giving a try.
A cute story on the shorter end about an American and Londoner striking up a romance. It was much better than the cover suggests but maybe not quite enough to fall into hidden gem territory for me. I felt like I learned a bit about UK living, but since I am an avid watcher of British television it did seem a bit more on the introductory side.
The Boston Terrier descriptions were pretty spot on except for the parts where Cooper was calm for long periods of time... maybe I just have an overly energetic model?
An easy contemporary read. The chemistry was alright and the characters had not too awful personalities. I wish we could have learned more about the love interest. If you're looking for something deeper this may not work for you, but if you want just a light fun novel that introduces some British vs. American differences then this might be worth giving a try.
March 30, 2021
From disaster to love
This romance comedy by T.B. Markinson is well written and full of chemistry. The initial meeting did not go over well at all, and both Prin and Brit learned to tolerate each other as well as the pets. This was a fun romance to read and greatly enjoyed it.
This romance comedy by T.B. Markinson is well written and full of chemistry. The initial meeting did not go over well at all, and both Prin and Brit learned to tolerate each other as well as the pets. This was a fun romance to read and greatly enjoyed it.
July 5, 2021
Good, old fashioned love story told in the modern vernacular- just what I needed. No pretention, few characters, I think the dog Cooper had more words than all the other characters... fun. Recommended.
March 29, 2021
3.5 STARS rounded down to 3 STARS
I received an ARC copy of the book direct from the author (Thank you TB) and voluntarily leaving my review.
Another book where I am on the fence (seems to be a running theme with me at the moment). When both meet for the first time it doesn’t go well at all. Prin takes an instant dislike to Brit’s dog Cooper and Brit herself and that doesn’t go down well with Brit and it all takes off from there. As the story progresses then they become friends and then lovers, however, I did like the storyline but I didn’t feel very much chemistry between them both (I don’t know, maybe it is just me), it felt like they were more friends with benefits than lovers. I also felt that the story wasn’t finished when I came to the end of the book (again, maybe it’s just me). I liked the storyline, I liked the secondary characters (especially Polly who is Prin’s sister), the pace was slower than I would normally like, it was ultra-slow burn for me too (I love slow burn but even this was too slow for me). My main thing though is chemistry between both main characters, to me, there was very little, if any, therefore I will remain on the fence.
Sorry TB, but this one just wasn’t for me.
I received an ARC copy of the book direct from the author (Thank you TB) and voluntarily leaving my review.
Another book where I am on the fence (seems to be a running theme with me at the moment). When both meet for the first time it doesn’t go well at all. Prin takes an instant dislike to Brit’s dog Cooper and Brit herself and that doesn’t go down well with Brit and it all takes off from there. As the story progresses then they become friends and then lovers, however, I did like the storyline but I didn’t feel very much chemistry between them both (I don’t know, maybe it is just me), it felt like they were more friends with benefits than lovers. I also felt that the story wasn’t finished when I came to the end of the book (again, maybe it’s just me). I liked the storyline, I liked the secondary characters (especially Polly who is Prin’s sister), the pace was slower than I would normally like, it was ultra-slow burn for me too (I love slow burn but even this was too slow for me). My main thing though is chemistry between both main characters, to me, there was very little, if any, therefore I will remain on the fence.
Sorry TB, but this one just wasn’t for me.
May 26, 2021
A lot of fun and very cute!
American graduate student, Brittny has just arrived in the UK with her faithful furry companion Cooper. Excited for the Jubilee and the Olympics, Brit is looking forward to her adventure. When she meets Prin, and her feline counterpart Francesca, she can’t believe this unpleasant non-dog person is her neighbour. Prin seems to run into Brit everywhere and before long they find that their dog and cat are the ones making friends. Falling into an unavoidable friendship, Brit and Prin realise they may have been quick to judge one another and so agree to go on a date.
I loved this! It was everything I have come to expect from T.B. Markinson, romantic comedy, with just the right amount of humour to have you falling in love with all the characters and relating to the moments they share. I loved the instant contrast, dog person and cat person, because it can be quite the conflict, but I love how T.B. included the pets and they were as much a part of the story as their owners.
At first, I wasn’t sure I was going to like Prin and I was very much on Brit’s side, but as I got to know Prin I realised she was just vulnerable and acting on past experience. After that, she really grew on me and then when she and Brit were together I just couldn’t stop smiling.
It was inevitable they were going to end up getting along. No matter how hard Prin tried, Brit was going to get to her because she had such a great, bubbly personality. I loved Brit’s outlook, all she was looking forward too and eager to experience and I enjoyed being able to share in her enthusiasm. I must admit though, Prin made excellent points as only one who lives in the UK can, so T.B. captured that British attitude towards these big events so well, especially from the perspective of someone who lives in the city.
I hope we see more of Brit, Prin, Cooper and Francesca in the future as I just love them. This is the perfect romance to just lose yourself in but have a great time and a laugh too. I highly recommend the story.
American graduate student, Brittny has just arrived in the UK with her faithful furry companion Cooper. Excited for the Jubilee and the Olympics, Brit is looking forward to her adventure. When she meets Prin, and her feline counterpart Francesca, she can’t believe this unpleasant non-dog person is her neighbour. Prin seems to run into Brit everywhere and before long they find that their dog and cat are the ones making friends. Falling into an unavoidable friendship, Brit and Prin realise they may have been quick to judge one another and so agree to go on a date.
I loved this! It was everything I have come to expect from T.B. Markinson, romantic comedy, with just the right amount of humour to have you falling in love with all the characters and relating to the moments they share. I loved the instant contrast, dog person and cat person, because it can be quite the conflict, but I love how T.B. included the pets and they were as much a part of the story as their owners.
At first, I wasn’t sure I was going to like Prin and I was very much on Brit’s side, but as I got to know Prin I realised she was just vulnerable and acting on past experience. After that, she really grew on me and then when she and Brit were together I just couldn’t stop smiling.
It was inevitable they were going to end up getting along. No matter how hard Prin tried, Brit was going to get to her because she had such a great, bubbly personality. I loved Brit’s outlook, all she was looking forward too and eager to experience and I enjoyed being able to share in her enthusiasm. I must admit though, Prin made excellent points as only one who lives in the UK can, so T.B. captured that British attitude towards these big events so well, especially from the perspective of someone who lives in the city.
I hope we see more of Brit, Prin, Cooper and Francesca in the future as I just love them. This is the perfect romance to just lose yourself in but have a great time and a laugh too. I highly recommend the story.
June 4, 2021
Markinson grabs her readers’ attention once again! The Date does not disappoint. It is absolutely adorable. Loaded with fun characters and heated romance, this book is pure pleasure from page one.
The chemistry between Prin and Brit is near perfect with its nicely balanced tension and humor. Readers will no doubt enjoy the light-hearted and witty exchanges between these two romantic leads. It’s Markinson captaining the ship, so expect the unexpected; she’s at her best when things seem to take a turn for the worst in the love department. Prepare to laugh because it can not be avoided.
As usual, Markinson does a nice job with her character development. Both Brit and Prin are likable and believable characters. Prin is a bit of a mystery at times, but that is part of her appeal. Brit, on the other hand, is very much a what-you-see-is-what-you-get kind of girl and has no pretense or airs about her. Together they make a very interesting and compelling couple.
This is a quick read. At just a little over 200 pages, it makes for the perfect weekend read. And quite frankly, its length works. All loose ends are tied up nicely and a HEA is had by all. Markinson knows how to start a story, and she knows how to end it, too. Dragging things on without purpose has never been her style.
Final remarks…
If you are looking for a romance that’s light and refreshing, then The Date is the perfect choice. It’s short, sweet, and playful, but at the same time, honest, engaging and balanced. This happy little romance is an all-around good time and wonderful read. It’s guaranteed to lift your spirits.
Strengths…
Entertaining
Engaging
Nicely developed
Likable, interesting characters
Charming romance
The chemistry between Prin and Brit is near perfect with its nicely balanced tension and humor. Readers will no doubt enjoy the light-hearted and witty exchanges between these two romantic leads. It’s Markinson captaining the ship, so expect the unexpected; she’s at her best when things seem to take a turn for the worst in the love department. Prepare to laugh because it can not be avoided.
As usual, Markinson does a nice job with her character development. Both Brit and Prin are likable and believable characters. Prin is a bit of a mystery at times, but that is part of her appeal. Brit, on the other hand, is very much a what-you-see-is-what-you-get kind of girl and has no pretense or airs about her. Together they make a very interesting and compelling couple.
This is a quick read. At just a little over 200 pages, it makes for the perfect weekend read. And quite frankly, its length works. All loose ends are tied up nicely and a HEA is had by all. Markinson knows how to start a story, and she knows how to end it, too. Dragging things on without purpose has never been her style.
Final remarks…
If you are looking for a romance that’s light and refreshing, then The Date is the perfect choice. It’s short, sweet, and playful, but at the same time, honest, engaging and balanced. This happy little romance is an all-around good time and wonderful read. It’s guaranteed to lift your spirits.
Strengths…
Entertaining
Engaging
Nicely developed
Likable, interesting characters
Charming romance
April 8, 2021
There’s just something about the way Markinson gives us that unique American vision of the U.K. and the people.
She combines humor in an entertaining story of the unlikely romance between an American grad student and a British business owner—and a baker at that! Who doesn’t love bakeries and a good scone! I love to bake, so maybe that has something to do with my enthusiasm.
Her characters might steal your heart, or it might be their pets. No spoilers allowed. Let’s just say animals are great judges of character.
If you’re looking for a feel-good story, check out The Date. Just sayin’.
She combines humor in an entertaining story of the unlikely romance between an American grad student and a British business owner—and a baker at that! Who doesn’t love bakeries and a good scone! I love to bake, so maybe that has something to do with my enthusiasm.
Her characters might steal your heart, or it might be their pets. No spoilers allowed. Let’s just say animals are great judges of character.
If you’re looking for a feel-good story, check out The Date. Just sayin’.
April 11, 2021
Great story
Funny, clever and unique, a disastrous encounter turn into a happy sweet romance. Love the way T.B. Markinson turned it around. A great story with two opposites, a dog and a cat, could you imagine that?
Funny, clever and unique, a disastrous encounter turn into a happy sweet romance. Love the way T.B. Markinson turned it around. A great story with two opposites, a dog and a cat, could you imagine that?
March 30, 2021
This was cute and funny with a few sexy scenes. Brit moved to London from Colorado to study abroad. Her dog, Cooper, made a memorable first impression on Prin, the neighbor, leading to her groceries being dumped all over the ground. It doesn’t seem like things can move on from here, at least not in a good way, but things happen when it turns out the women are next-door balcony neighbors.
This is from Brit’s POV, so we read about her explorations of and love for London, Cooper, and the snooty neighbor. There is a fair amount of humor in this short novel as Brit bumbles her way into Prin’s good graces (or tries to). I enjoyed the gradual thawing between the women and some of the hiccups along the way. We only see Prin through Brit’s eyes, but I wanted to know more about Prin and why she reacted the way she did. Why did she appear to be so standoffish? What was the story with Opal? Those weren’t answered. While it was a good read, after just finishing two previous books by Markinson before I read this one, I have to admit this is not my favorite of her books.
This is from Brit’s POV, so we read about her explorations of and love for London, Cooper, and the snooty neighbor. There is a fair amount of humor in this short novel as Brit bumbles her way into Prin’s good graces (or tries to). I enjoyed the gradual thawing between the women and some of the hiccups along the way. We only see Prin through Brit’s eyes, but I wanted to know more about Prin and why she reacted the way she did. Why did she appear to be so standoffish? What was the story with Opal? Those weren’t answered. While it was a good read, after just finishing two previous books by Markinson before I read this one, I have to admit this is not my favorite of her books.
March 10, 2024
This is a reread for me. I didn't put up a review the first time. But I want to today. Brit is an American grad student in London, staying in her uncle's apartment when she and her dog Cooper meet her next door neighbor Prin. The first meeting is a disaster. But they're neighbors so they'll meet again. This is a great Ice Queen/slow burn, funny and HOT love story! 5 stars!
April 17, 2021
One more thing to love about getting together is that first date.
This is a fun romp with all the quirks yo can expect from a book by T.B. Markinson. Print and Brit have a first meeting that would freeze any thought of a date. Cooper was eager to get a walk in and really his cute little dog self knocking her over should have spelt doom. A non-date begins a romance to bless the heart of these two neighbors. The trip around London, and the many pub outing just add to the adventures. The characters are are unique and just the most lovable. A delightful story of love embraced by the main characters who start off with the worst possible date. A fun book filled with hot sexy moments and lots of laughter. And Cooper the dog that stole the show.
This is a fun romp with all the quirks yo can expect from a book by T.B. Markinson. Print and Brit have a first meeting that would freeze any thought of a date. Cooper was eager to get a walk in and really his cute little dog self knocking her over should have spelt doom. A non-date begins a romance to bless the heart of these two neighbors. The trip around London, and the many pub outing just add to the adventures. The characters are are unique and just the most lovable. A delightful story of love embraced by the main characters who start off with the worst possible date. A fun book filled with hot sexy moments and lots of laughter. And Cooper the dog that stole the show.
April 4, 2021
This is the first time I don’t love one of Markinson’s books (maybe it happened with the ‘A woman lost’ series too with the first one) but I started the book because of the ice queen and I finished it because of the ice queen. Don’t get me wrong, the book is good but it lacked chemistry between the characters, or it was simply that I didn’t love Brit... she wasn’t special for me as a character and I couldn’t connect with her so even if Prin (why nobody asks her real name?) was the enigma to be solved, her counterpart felt kind of plain.
Having said that, this won’t be my last from the author because I love her style.
Having said that, this won’t be my last from the author because I love her style.
August 1, 2021
A quick read, very entertaining and with a feel-good sense to it, this is a cute story with lots of humour and zero drama.
It's set in 2012, with the Queen's Diamond Jubilee and the Olympic Games filling a festive London with tourists ready to enjoy multiple celebrations.
Brit and Prin are interesting characters and I liked the contrapositions: British and American; cat-lady, dog-lady; kind of mysterious and proper, chatty and non-self-conscious at all. That made for a more interesting couple :D
A lovely, light-hearted read.
It's set in 2012, with the Queen's Diamond Jubilee and the Olympic Games filling a festive London with tourists ready to enjoy multiple celebrations.
Brit and Prin are interesting characters and I liked the contrapositions: British and American; cat-lady, dog-lady; kind of mysterious and proper, chatty and non-self-conscious at all. That made for a more interesting couple :D
A lovely, light-hearted read.
April 15, 2021
Good Story
I enjoyed meeting both Brit and Prince. Print has a bit of a prickly exterior until you manage to melt that icy exterior. Luckily, Brit is just the woman to do that.
I enjoyed meeting both Brit and Prince. Print has a bit of a prickly exterior until you manage to melt that icy exterior. Luckily, Brit is just the woman to do that.
April 15, 2022
Another Great Book
T.B. I love reading your books. They are so true to life and I always feel like I can see the action as I am reading. If you keep writing I will keep reading your books. Thanks!!
T.B. I love reading your books. They are so true to life and I always feel like I can see the action as I am reading. If you keep writing I will keep reading your books. Thanks!!
April 5, 2021
This romance begins with a Boston terrier facilitated meet-cute, though the target of his exuberance is less than thrilled. From there things move extremely slowly as Brit and Prin circle each other warily. An occasional nudge from Prin's twin sister helps to keep the story line from coming to a complete stop. Overall we do not learn that much about what drives either of the main characters. Since the story is told from Brit's point of view we do find out a bit more about her, but Prin remains very much a mystery. The story arc comes to the expected HEA with the end coming rather suddenly. Even at that point the relationship still seems tenuous.
Relationship reservations aside, there are some very amusing scenes; their date at the chicken and steak restaurant in particular stands out.
Relationship reservations aside, there are some very amusing scenes; their date at the chicken and steak restaurant in particular stands out.
April 4, 2021
A great feel good novel with interesting, multi-layered characters. I would have liked greater insight to the relationship between dog and cat. Nonetheless, I think I would like to read this book again one day and that, for me, earns it a 5 star rating.
April 13, 2022
4 / 5 Stars
I'll be honest with you. The thing that motivated me the most to buy this book was its cover. I'm a dog owner/person myself so after seeing the cover I figured we'd get some of the same old same old cats vs. dogs enemys to lovers trope thing.
Which ... yeah, kinda, but also, not really.
The enemys-to-lovers element was there, but it was dropped rather quickly. In fact, the cat & dog in the picture are nothing like enemys. And their owners ... well ... xD
The book has other tropes to offer, such as forced proximity, since, you know, the two ladys in question are balcony neighbors. This could have gotten rather wild, but the book decided to not go that route. I was expecting them to not get along for much longer, but the thing we did get was also fine with me. I guess one could say that the book took my expectations, laughed at them, kissed me on the cheek and gave me the actual plot instead.
It's a very contemporary read, with low stakes, a lot of love and a lot of pining. The love in question, refers to the love for London though. You could tell that the author fell in love with the country. They describe the scenery with so much detail and enthusiasm that I had to google some stuff out of curiosity. I've been to London once, and the book reminded me of my own visit.
It's very passionate in that regard. I was also very happy about the fact that the dog was not just there to be there. I was actually believing our MC that she cared about the little guy with all of her heart. He was a great addition to the book that made me smile on multible occasions.
The human characters and their relationship was also nice. I wasn't sure about them as a couple at first but they grew on me. Could the book have done more? Sure, but was I happy with the what it had to offer? Also yes.
I'd also like to thank the book that it never went into the crazy-ex terretory for too long. Yes, the crazy ex makes an appearance but no, the crazy ex is not plot-relevant. The crazy-ex trope makes me groan so I'm glad I got spared.
All in all, I'd say this was a book with a lot of heart. I had a good time.
I'll be honest with you. The thing that motivated me the most to buy this book was its cover. I'm a dog owner/person myself so after seeing the cover I figured we'd get some of the same old same old cats vs. dogs enemys to lovers trope thing.
Which ... yeah, kinda, but also, not really.
The enemys-to-lovers element was there, but it was dropped rather quickly. In fact, the cat & dog in the picture are nothing like enemys. And their owners ... well ... xD
The book has other tropes to offer, such as forced proximity, since, you know, the two ladys in question are balcony neighbors. This could have gotten rather wild, but the book decided to not go that route. I was expecting them to not get along for much longer, but the thing we did get was also fine with me. I guess one could say that the book took my expectations, laughed at them, kissed me on the cheek and gave me the actual plot instead.
It's a very contemporary read, with low stakes, a lot of love and a lot of pining. The love in question, refers to the love for London though. You could tell that the author fell in love with the country. They describe the scenery with so much detail and enthusiasm that I had to google some stuff out of curiosity. I've been to London once, and the book reminded me of my own visit.
It's very passionate in that regard. I was also very happy about the fact that the dog was not just there to be there. I was actually believing our MC that she cared about the little guy with all of her heart. He was a great addition to the book that made me smile on multible occasions.
The human characters and their relationship was also nice. I wasn't sure about them as a couple at first but they grew on me. Could the book have done more? Sure, but was I happy with the what it had to offer? Also yes.
I'd also like to thank the book that it never went into the crazy-ex terretory for too long. Yes, the crazy ex makes an appearance but no, the crazy ex is not plot-relevant. The crazy-ex trope makes me groan so I'm glad I got spared.
All in all, I'd say this was a book with a lot of heart. I had a good time.
Read
April 25, 2022An American in London. Without Audrey Hepburn but with a cute dog and some sexy w/w scenes.
I should really start writing the reviews after or better while reading. But oh well let’s find out how my opinion is now.
It’s the second book in a series that’s not really a series. It’s more like standalones who’s connection is that the have the same town as a setting and the same base couple.
An American in London as I said before.
There are some similarities like the appearance of one of the MC and some references to Jane Austen. But oh well writing a romance novel set in Britain that’s probably a given.
It’s a cut romance. I preferred the pacing more than that from book one since this takes place over a longer period so we have time to live with the characters and grow with them rather than all in one day.
Three minor critique points for me
1. i quite often had to reread scenes because I wasn’t sure who was talking. They would have conversations without mentioning who is talking if so sometimes I wasn’t sure. But maybe that’s just me 😂
2. it’s written from one perspective. Which is untypical for the romances I read but it’s ok. But I prefer dual or more perspective.
3. it‘s written in first person. Which isn’t a problem for me. Unless in a sex scene. I can’t pinpoint why but it just kind of feels weird to me when someone narrates scenes like „When she bit down on the rock-hard nub, I gasped as my lungs momentarily lost all ability to function.“ and so on.
But that’s all preference. All in all a fun and cut romance with some steamy scenes.
And I do like the author and their books and will pick more of them up in the future.
-A Trigger warning- because one MC comes from a religious family who don’t like her being gay. And she mentiones that.
Kindle unlimited read
I should really start writing the reviews after or better while reading. But oh well let’s find out how my opinion is now.
It’s the second book in a series that’s not really a series. It’s more like standalones who’s connection is that the have the same town as a setting and the same base couple.
An American in London as I said before.
There are some similarities like the appearance of one of the MC and some references to Jane Austen. But oh well writing a romance novel set in Britain that’s probably a given.
It’s a cut romance. I preferred the pacing more than that from book one since this takes place over a longer period so we have time to live with the characters and grow with them rather than all in one day.
Three minor critique points for me
1. i quite often had to reread scenes because I wasn’t sure who was talking. They would have conversations without mentioning who is talking if so sometimes I wasn’t sure. But maybe that’s just me 😂
2. it’s written from one perspective. Which is untypical for the romances I read but it’s ok. But I prefer dual or more perspective.
3. it‘s written in first person. Which isn’t a problem for me. Unless in a sex scene. I can’t pinpoint why but it just kind of feels weird to me when someone narrates scenes like „When she bit down on the rock-hard nub, I gasped as my lungs momentarily lost all ability to function.“ and so on.
But that’s all preference. All in all a fun and cut romance with some steamy scenes.
And I do like the author and their books and will pick more of them up in the future.
-A Trigger warning- because one MC comes from a religious family who don’t like her being gay. And she mentiones that.
Kindle unlimited read
April 11, 2021
Funny and quirky story
What happens when a cat person and a dog person meet under the not most desirable conditions? Grad student Brittny Parker is ready to start grad school in England, and waiting eagerly to witness the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and the 2012 Olympics, with her beloved Boston Terrier, Cooper. She is living the dream in London, when an unfortunate incident between her dog and her new hot neighbour Prin Jones, get them to a rocky start. Prin Jones is happy with her adorable cat and running a successful bakery with her sister. Everything changed the day the Terrier of her new neighbour, passed over her. When their pets decided to become friends, they started to know each other better, there was chemistry. Can people being so different be able to overcome their differences and be more than neighbours?
This is a short funny story, I enjoyed it very much. It is very well-written and the characters are likeable. I think despite the rocky beginning they have good chemistry.
There are a couple of things I didn’t like, first, the wet dog kisses in the face, sorry but I found that very disgusting. The other thing is that I felt the end a bit rushed, and made me feel like something was missing, the closing needed a bit more for my taste. Maybe it's just me, but this didn’t deter me to enjoy the story.
In general, is a very enjoyable and fun short story. I liked the MC’s and the secondary characters, Polly, Prin’s sister was my favourite. She was fun and I liked her meddling ways as a matchmaker.
ARC copy of this book given to me by the Author and I'm voluntarily leaving my review.
What happens when a cat person and a dog person meet under the not most desirable conditions? Grad student Brittny Parker is ready to start grad school in England, and waiting eagerly to witness the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and the 2012 Olympics, with her beloved Boston Terrier, Cooper. She is living the dream in London, when an unfortunate incident between her dog and her new hot neighbour Prin Jones, get them to a rocky start. Prin Jones is happy with her adorable cat and running a successful bakery with her sister. Everything changed the day the Terrier of her new neighbour, passed over her. When their pets decided to become friends, they started to know each other better, there was chemistry. Can people being so different be able to overcome their differences and be more than neighbours?
This is a short funny story, I enjoyed it very much. It is very well-written and the characters are likeable. I think despite the rocky beginning they have good chemistry.
There are a couple of things I didn’t like, first, the wet dog kisses in the face, sorry but I found that very disgusting. The other thing is that I felt the end a bit rushed, and made me feel like something was missing, the closing needed a bit more for my taste. Maybe it's just me, but this didn’t deter me to enjoy the story.
In general, is a very enjoyable and fun short story. I liked the MC’s and the secondary characters, Polly, Prin’s sister was my favourite. She was fun and I liked her meddling ways as a matchmaker.
ARC copy of this book given to me by the Author and I'm voluntarily leaving my review.
April 15, 2021
This is a great read with lots of humor in addition to a dog and a cat plane significant parts in the story. I really enjoyed reading about the part of London where the story takes place and how there are parks in every neighborhood and the fact that people don’t rely on automobiles to get around but rather use public transportation or walk. I really like that. Story of the two main characters is really one of opposites attracting, however since the book is written in first person and we only know what Brit is thinking there’s no information that gives us what Prin thinks and feels. I would’ve liked more information on what Prin was thinking.
Poor Brit, In her anxiety just talks and talks and eventually says some thing that really turns Prin off. She knew on some level that saying more always backfired yet, she didn’t seem able to control herself. There were times it seemed to me like the character of Brit was a bit self depreciating which I didn’t understand.
I do think this is a fun book to read and I would recommend it to others who are looking for a fun romance that have interesting main and secondary characters.
Poor Brit, In her anxiety just talks and talks and eventually says some thing that really turns Prin off. She knew on some level that saying more always backfired yet, she didn’t seem able to control herself. There were times it seemed to me like the character of Brit was a bit self depreciating which I didn’t understand.
I do think this is a fun book to read and I would recommend it to others who are looking for a fun romance that have interesting main and secondary characters.
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