The 24 Hour Dating Agency

by Mary Jayne Baker

Tinder, Hinge, Bumble – thirtysomething journalist Saffie has tried them all. Now she's wondering whether it's time to throw in the towel and give up on love for good – and she's not alone...

Saffie's boss Tamara has been single since her divorce four years ago, but at forty-five, running her own magazine and with three kids at home, she doesn't feel she has the time, energy or confidence to go through the dating mill again. Meanwhile, Saffie's best friend Milo has just been dumped – again. A hopeless romantic with terrible taste in men, this is his fourth break-up in six months. There must be a secret to finding Mr Right, surely – but what?

Step forward The 24-hour Dating Agency, a matchmaking service with a difference. Instead of wasting months on casual dates, they promise to send you on an intense twenty-four-hour date with your perfect match – like speed-dating but in reverse. And even better, the agency offers a soulmate guarantee: meet The One or your money back.

Figuring they have nothing to lose, the three friends sign up. But when their matches turn out to be not what they were expecting, it seems like even the soulmate guarantee can't find them what they're looking for. Or can it?

Genres: Romance, Chick Lit, Contemporary, Audiobook, Rom Com, Adult, Fiction

432 pages, Paperback

First published June 30, 2022

About the author

Mary Jayne Baker grew up in rural West Yorkshire, right in the heart of Brontë country... and she's still there. After graduating from Durham University with a degree in English Literature, she dallied with living in cities including London, Nottingham and Cambridge, but eventually came back with her own romantic hero in tow to her beloved Dales, where she first started telling stories about heroines with flaws and the men who love them.

Mary Jayne also writes uplifting, feelgood romances under the pen name Lisa Swift.

Reviews

[Belinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

★★★★ ½

Hello? Yes, this is a phenomenal book and I cannot believe this author is not more majorly hyped up! This is what I would highly recommend as a fun, light-hearted read- perfect for the beach or a lazy weekend. Easy to read, easy to get into and fun.

I read this book in one sitting and laughed out loud a few times. It reminded me of a British version of The One + The Soulmate Equation + Josh and Hazel's guide to not dating.

The 24 Hour Dating agency follows Saffie, her best friend Milo, and Milo's older sister as they navigate dating in their mid 30s to 40s in the modern age. After hilariously bad attempts at blind-dates and speed-dating, the group signs up for The 24 Hour Dating agency which has a soulmate guarantee. Each of the three friends is then set up on a 24 hour date with the Dr’s “perfect match” for them.

This book is fast paced and immediately you are thrown into their friendship dynamic but it absolutely works. The characters and their interactions with one another and their family members feels very authentic. They are all fleshed out really well. I really ended up caring about everyone in this story, again I just appreciated how dimensional everyone was.

This book is dialogue heavy- which makes this a great read for anyone who needs something easy to get into quickly. It reads just so effortlessly and the dialogue does a great job of balancing being realistic and hilarious.

Also- Tamara? Her relationship with Natalie? Her love interest? Tamara is the definition of an angel. This is how you write women!!! I could’ve cried at how well this subplot was written. The family dynamics, the growth, the relationships- honestly good job and it never comes across cringey or cheesy.

Overall, read this book!!!

*Thank you to NetGalley and Head of Zeus for the DRC!*

[Jackie Lewis · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a story about three friends who work together for a newspaper who sign up for a 24 hour dating agency which promises that after the 24 hour date you'd find your soulmate. It is an unconventional method after the friends have absolutely exhausted all online/speed dating options. The three friends are in their mid-late 30s and 40s, and they all have an entirely different love story. Milo is a homosexual man who feels like he has already dated all of the eligible bachelors in his town, Tamara is in her 40s and is divorced with three children, and Saffie has simply never been in love. We follow all three before, during, and after their dates and how this "soulmate guarantee" works out for them.

I gave this 3.5 stars. I really enjoyed how quirky and unique the story was, but it felt like there was way too much going on with all three stories, plus the author threw in a lot about the newspaper they work for. It felt like information overload at times, and that the stories weren't fleshed out enough. I would have loved three separate books focusing on each character because there actually were really surprising twists and it was such an entertaining book. Milo definitely got the short end of the stick with his story as his had the least going on, and Saffie's could have benefited from more details. However, Tamara's story was nicely done. I very much enjoyed this book, and I will read more books from this author in the future.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Head of Zeus, Aria for providing me with this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion. This is being published on 6/30/22 ❤️

[Sonia Almeida Dias (Peixinho de Prata) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was expecting a conventional romance, and that was not what I got. I got a whimsical, entertaining book, very wholesome and enjoyable.

A nice read indeed.

[☆ jess ☆ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this arc in exchange for an honest review. 🤍

this was just the book i needed! i’m so frustrated that i didn’t pick it up sooner.

it follows three friends with their own storylines where they decide to sign up with the 24 hour dating agency, where they are matched with their supposed soulmate and have a 24-hour date with them.

i loved tamara and harry’s development and i knew it would be christian as milo’s date!! i sensed that russ and saffie would get together but i had NO idea he was richard. so so good.

[Lexie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and Head of Zeus, Atria for letting me read this book in exchange for an honest review.

This was a light and kinda funny romantic book so with other words is this book a rom-com.

It contains family problem, new family dynamics, missunderstandings, humor, dates, love and love problems which is what I enjoy reading about in a rom-com.

The story was really good and I liked that it was told from 3 persons views. Even though I can't relate to the characters love life or lack of it it was kinda funny to read about the dates. I also liked how the three characters stories tied into the mainstory very well.

My favourite character in this one was Tamara, who kinda is the main character boss, and her journey.

If you want something light and funny with romance in it who really isn't like something else I have read then this book might just be for you.

[nika · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book turned out to be like nothing I had expected; I was really surprised by how much I enjoyed it, especially since it took me a while to get into it. The concept of this story is unlike anything I read before. First of all, it is set around three main characters (all of them in their mid-thirties and forties); each one of them is different and complex and comes with their struggles. I loved how none of them overshadowed the other, and you could actually tell the characters apart. Tamara, Saffie, and Milo's stories were realistic but interesting and enjoyable to read at the same time.

Even though the book is advertised as a romance, it didn't read like one (in a good way, I think it worked really well with the concept of the story and having not one but three MC). As the story progressed, I found myself way more invested in the friendship between the three main characters and their individual development. The romance itself didn't really do it for me.

Overall it was well written with a lot of dialogue, so it was super quick and fun to read. 3.75 stars.

[Ana · Rating 3 out of 5]

REVIEW: This book was nice, it has love, a bit of family drama, diferents personalities, and of course, a blind date for 24 hours.
What I liked the most is the concept of the match base in your pesronality, not in your looks or jobs. Yes, we are programmed to have a tipe and the rest, can go away. So it´s nice read about not love at first sight.
I would suggest this book to be read between books, when you want something easy-reading, with funny moments, light and love-love.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

-----------------

RESEÑA: Este libro ha estado bien, tiene amor, un poco de drama familiar, diferentes personalidades y por supuesto, cita a ciegas durante 24 horas.
Lo que más me ha gustado es el concepto de juntarte con alguien basado en la personalidad, y no en el físico o trabajo. Sí, estamos programados para tener un tipo ideal, y pasar del resto. Por eso es agradable leer sobre amor que no es a primera vista.
Este libro lo recomendaría para leer entre otros libros, cuando te apetece algo ligero, fácil de leer, con momentos graciosos y amor-amor.
Gracias a Netgalley y a la editorial por dejarme leerlo a cambio de una honesta reseña.

[Karen Barber · Rating 4 out of 5]

The 24hour Dating Agency sounds like the kind of thing you’d make up in a crazy moment. Conventional dating apps don’t seem to work, so for a £500 fee you are promised a 24hr date with a match and your money back if you don’t fall in love. Who would ever fall for such a scam?
At the start of the book we’re introduced to Tam, Milo and Saffie. All in their mid-thirties and all rather unlucky in love. Fed up with speed dates and awful experiences with exes, they decide to sign up for a new experience. Saffie, as she’s determined to get a good news story out of it, and the others because they want the love that’s eluded them so far.
The book follows the three in their daily lives as they navigate their dates and the fall-out. Not everything is quite what it seems, and it was hard not to get caught up in the drama surrounding them. It highlighted how much we prioritise appearances when choosing partners and it was a definite push for learning to put yourself first. There was little doubt we’d end happily, though they all had to work for it.
Thanks to NetGalley for giving me the chance to read this. A 3.5 stars read rounded up (though I’m still unsure about the ventriloquist dummy).

[Nat · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

While I can see the appeal of this book, and why others would love it, it was just not for me. There were certainly parts I enjoyed about it and found cute as a whole i just didn’t connect enough with the relationships to care about the book altogether. The writing was good with an unconventional plot and genuinely good twists, but to me it felt like it dragged on a bit too much. I definitely enjoyed the friendships more than the romances, but out of the three povs, only one really had me invested in the character which made the other two thirds of the book feel too long. I wished the conclusion had’ve been longer, and the middle felt like it had too much filler content.

I would recommend this book to someone looking for a cute, and quirky romance with your non typical romcom main characters and a stronger emphasis on the platonic relationships than the romantic.

[Jaimie · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐

I actually loved this book. It took me a bit to get into but once they hit the speed dating part, I had trouble putting it down.

There were actually 3 MC's that we follow and I'm normally not a big fan of multiple viewpoints but I actually loved all 3 characters that I didn't mind. They were all so different and not one overshadowed the other. I think part of my problem with multiple viewpoints is I tend to like one over the others and I dread reading half the book. Not the case here!

This book was super cute, clean (for those who don't like spice), and humorous. It's a little predictable but still highly enjoyable and I totally recommend it!

Thank you to Netgalley and Head of Zeus, Aria for an ARC. All opinions are mine and mine alone. :)

[Briana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Is a matchmaking service that guarantees you’ll meet the love of your life too good to be true? Saffie thinks so, but she soon finds herself signing up, along with her hopeless romantic best friend. Milo, and her boss.

This story is a lot of fun, mostly because it follows three characters and their love stories. Saffie, Milo, and Tamara work at The Throstler, a regional magazine publication that covers the weird, odd, and sometimes supernatural. Saffie is the main journalist at the magazine. While she enjoys her work at The Throstler, she’s waiting for her chance to be a real journalist. Tamara is the magazine’s editor, and not-so-recently divorced. Milo, Tamara’s brother, does the graphic design and s the group’s resident hopeless romantic. After getting dumped by his egotistical boyfriend, Milo stumbles upon an ad for The 24 Hour Dating Agency and convinces Saffie and Tamara to test it out with him.

This story oscillates well between being lots of fun and dealing with real feelings and emotions that the characters have to experience. Their situations (and subsequent reactions) seem realistic. It can be difficult to write three different main characters and make their personalities different enough from each other, and Mary Jayne Baker does a great job at it. While reading, I found myself relating to different characters at different times, and I’m not sure if I had a stand out favorite. Tamara’s story can be a little tough for some readers as it deals with divorce and her children are in the Bad Dads Club, but it’s still awesome to see Tamara get the things she deserves and works hard for in life.

This book is a fun, and sometimes silly, read for the hopeless romantic in all of us.



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I liked reading all the diff character's stories. Review to come. First thoughts 4/5

[Bridget (Book It To The Library With Bridget) · Rating 4 out of 5]

First off i would like to that NetGalley and Head of Zeus for providing me with this ARC. I was expecting your typical rom-com book. But instead I got the chance to read a very unique and eccentric book. This story is about 3 friends that work for a newspaper. They decide to sign up for a 24 hour dating that PROMISES that you’ll find your soulmate after your 24 hour date. I found the characters because like me (unfortunately lol) they have exhausted all means of finding love. Each of the characters are completely different which gives the novel a completely different dynamic from other rom-com books. Milo is a homosexual who thinks he has dating every eligible man in town. Tamara is a divorced mother of 3 kids. Saffie has just never been in love…ever. Will they find their soulmate? I loved how all 3 of the characters were different in their own ways, besides not being in love, but yet the author was able to create 3 different stories twine together in a creative way. It was also a fun take on tropes and using many of them. Ultimately, this book has some hilarious moments and sometimes pulls at your heart strings.

[Kristin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Head of Zeus/Aria for the ARC of this book!

Saffie doesn’t seem to have any luck in the dating department, and feels like she’ll be eternally single. She works at a magazine called The Throstler. Her boss and friend, Tamara, and co-worker and friend, Milo, also feel like they will be eternally single. Tamara is divorced with two teenage twins and a five year old little girl. Milo feels that he’s already met all the men in the town and there’s no one new left to meet. The three of them decide to try a new 24 hour dating agency – where instead of going on dates across many months, you go on one date for 24 hours. The success rate is 100% with a find your soulmate money back guarantee. Have they met their soulmates, or is a secret one of them is keeping bound to work against their favor?

This was a very cute, flirty read. There were so many times in the book I felt myself smiling along with the characters. I really loved that even though this is a romance novel, there are other aspects to the book as well. First, there is the bond of friendship between the three characters – Milo, Saffie, and Tamara. Each one is so unique, but they all fit together perfectly as friends (and family). The other aspect of this book that I really enjoyed was that there was a twist. I usually read twists in thriller books, not in romance ones, so when the twist occurred, my mouth was left agape. The ONLY reason that I didn’t give this book 5 stars was the fact that the author took a bit to get to the point of the book – there was a lot of background in the beginning and I felt it could have been handled quicker.

[keira]

Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the arc!

This was a fun, fast paced read but unfortunately, I don’t think it was for me.

First of all, I actually liked the characters; especially Milo, and the found family aspect is always a win for me.

The first chapter, even the first line, of a book should be engaging and make the reader want to continue. I started this book and was hit with lacklustre dialogue and talk about aliens for a newspaper interview that I wasn’t interested in at all, even after reading the next few chapters.

In my opinion, there was too much being squeezed into one book, with the three different stories and especially the amount of newspaper info dump (that I really think could’ve been skipped).

I think in general, the writing just didn’t hit the mark for me, making it a struggle to continue reading. The idea behind the book is extremely promising, but I think the execution could’ve been more refined.

Overall, a light hearted and quick read, but not for me!

[Allie Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a cute and fast-paced read! The idea is very clever, and was really well done. Tamara was my favorite out of the three main characters - I really enjoyed her children and their reaction to when their mother started dating again. I would've liked to see a little more Milo, I felt that he didn't get as much page time as Saffie and Tamara did.

Can the 24 Hour Dating Agency be a real thing? Please? This would be amazing if it was. The concept is just so unique, I wonder how Baker came up with it. I loved Saffie's doubts over it (and the twist with her match!!).

[Josie Shaggy · Rating 4 out of 5]

* I got this book as an ARC from Net Galley. Thank you Net Galley and the publisher. All thoughts are my own.

I really enjoyed this book. I liked that it was 3 main characters and none overshadowed the others. All three coworkers/friends decide to go on a date through the 24 hour dating agency because dating apps suck. Each date is very different and specific to the couple. I liked that the couples weren’t perfect and there were some things each one had to work through in order for their relationship to work.

[Benny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you so much Head of Zeus/Aria and NetGalley for this opportunity.

I loved this book, one of my favourite of this year so far. I was worried about having three main characters, but I think the writer did a marvellous job since none overshadowed the others.

The idea I think is brilliant and well developed. I loved the way the characters' imperfections were portrayed so that I could relate to those characters.

I can't wait for the release and buy my physical copy.

[Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars

You can read all of my reviews at Nerd Girl Loves Books.

This was an ok contemporary romance novel. It follows the exploits of three co-workers and friends at a monthly periodical (not a magazine, mind you) as they sign up with a dating service that promises to deliver your soulmate during one 24 hour long date. The service boasts a 100% success rate, and promises a money-back guarantee if the match is not successful.

Thirtysomethings Charlie and Milo are tired of the same old dating app failures. Milo finds an ad for the 24 hour dating service and begs Charlie to sign up with him. Charlie is more skeptical and decides to go "undercover" to write an exposé on the dating service. She's matched with someone she never would have chosen for herself, and yet...as the date progresses, the couple find themselves completely enamored with each other. Charlie quickly abandons her plans to write the story. Milo, having suffered 3 breakups in 3 months, is desperate to find Mr. Right and settle down. When he's matched with a man he had an unfortunate encounter with while he was in his 20s, he's certain the date is doomed. But, 24 is a long time and who knows what can happen in that time? Tamara, 43, divorced with 3 kids and a business to run, had decided that a love life for her was something in the past, but at the last minute decides to join Charlie and Milo. Her date is nothing like she expected at all. But, perhaps there is something to be said for someone choosing what you need, rather than what you want.

This all sounds like a great set-up, doesn't it? I thought so too. I was excited to read this book. Sadly, it fell short for me. Firstly, it's way too long for what it is. The book reads very slow, which was frustrating. I almost gave up about half-way through, although I'm glad that I finished it because it did pick up about 3/4 of the way through and I ultimately enjoyed the book. Secondly, there was too much stuff about the periodical. It halted the story in its tracks every time. A little bit for backstory is fine, but too much takes away from the romance story and that was the story the author was trying to tell (I think) - not one about a family's long-term magazine business.

I liked all of the main characters. Charlie was smart and ambitious, with just enough snark to be funny but not mean. Milo was a hoot and was by far my favorite character. He was loving and caring and earnest, but in a cool, not desperate, way. Tamara was a bad-ass boss lady who did the best she could with her kids and was too hard on herself. I'm sure a lot of people will relate to her. If the book was pared down to just the dating agency and romance storylines, I would have given it a higher rating. Sadly, all of the extra magazine stuff slowed the story down and hence, brought my rating down.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and Head of Zeus, Aria. All opinions are my own.

[Maddy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Three best friends, all unlucky in love, have tried all the usual ways to find love - even speed dating which was a disaster! Milo has been looking for Mr Right for a long time, and has always settled for Mr Right Now - and scared him off by using the L word too quickly. His sister Tamara has 3 children and a completely useless ex husband who was never there for his children, and has just got his girlfriend pregnant - his girlfriend who is young enough to be his daughter! Milo's best friend is Saffie and she has also had a string of awful ex boyfriends behind her - including the one she left at the alter when she realised that she didn't love him.

They all work together on a tiny niche magazine that has been owned by Milo and Tamara's family for years. When they hear about the 24 Hour Dating Agency, the 3 of them decide to sign up - although Saffie is only doing so to write an article for the magazine.

They all meet very unexpected dates - certainly not ones they would have chosen for themselves. Which of them will find true love, and which will ask for their money back? You will have to read the book to find out!

A lovely, light, funny story with a very feel good ending and just a touch of magic making it a perfect summer read. I loved it.

[Kim Melbourne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutly loved this book....fun, really to easy to read but with a fab story line. A massive hug in a book.

Tamara and Milo are brother and sister and work with best friend Saffie for the family production of a niche perodical. Tamara has 3 children and is divorced from a husband that wanted nothing to do with his children. Milo and Saffie are both post relationship break ups but still wishing for partners. Signing up for speed dating does not end positively.

After seeing an advert for the 24 hour dating agency, all 3 decide to sign up...all for their own individual reasons. Saffie in particular is using the experience purely as research for an article for their magazine.

After paying their 500 poubd fee and completing a questionaire they are each matched up to their ideal match. What follows is a journey of tears and laughter as each begin their journey into the unkbown in the dating field.

Really brilliant read, highly recommend.

[Natalia · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

Thank you to Netgallery & Head of Zeus/Aria for the ARC

I expected this to be a romance, however it was much more than that, it focuses on three friends who decide to join a dating agency which promises to find you your soulmate after 24 hours, the three characters all have a completely different dating history and preferences. I do wish these were maybe 3 separate books, or we got more of everyone's story just cause I was really enjoying all the separate insights into their lives but I didn't feel like I could connect with any of the characters because the stories were so short! But I do love a fast paced book so I can't complain too much, I did basically finish it in one sitting cause I wanted to know more!

[Sanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had a 24 hour reading date with this book! It was light and fun with quirky characters and a cute premise.

Saffie, Milo and Tamara are friends and coworkers at a small periodical that focuses on covering sort of weird local news. Milo doesn't have the best track record of choosing men he dates but is determined not to end up alone. Saffie has been experiencing the hell of online dating after leaving her fiance practically at the altar. And Tamara's ex-husband who abandoned her and her kids is back in her life attempting to reconnect with the kids and with some major news to boot. When Saffie and Milo come across an ad for a new dating agency with a different kind of premise - they set up their clients on just one 24 hour date promising a soulmate level connection - all 3 friends decide to sign up but for extremely different reasons.

The 24 Hour Dating Agency is the kind of rom-com I gravitate towards. The kind that makes me feel like I'm on vacation and I simply have to read "just one more chapter". If you're a fan of the genre or are simply looking for your next great beach read, I highly recommend the adventures of this trio of underdogs.

Grateful to NetGalley and Head of Zeus publishing for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review! Considering how much I enjoyed this one, I'll definitely be picking up some of Mary Jayne Baker's earlier works!

[Cristina · Rating 4 out of 5]

The perfect trio I didn’t know I needed. After feeling fed-up with the dating scene and past failed relationships, three friends and coworkers: Milo, Saf and Tamara, decide to sign up for the 24-hour dating agency, The agency guarantees that within 24 hours, you will have found your soulmate.

This was equally split up between all three protagonists and it was done very well. I learned so much about all three characters equally, understanding their past and what they wanted for their futures. There were quite a few twists in here that genuinely surprised me, which i appreciated. A super fun romcom and contemporary romance.

[Kristen Hammon · Rating 4 out of 5]

When three friends have no luck finding “the one” through conventional means such has dating apps or speed dating they decide to sign up for The 24 hour Dating Agency, a match making service. This is not your typical rom-com and it is much deeper than three friends trying to find “the one”. You get to fall in love with each character by learning about their experience with The 24 Hour Dating Agency and how their lives intermingled. I love how the ending tied everything together. I do wish we got to learn more about Milo’s experience as I feel like the least amount of time was spent on him. It also might be a cool concept to have individual books that talks about each persons experience with The 24 Hour Dating Agency. Special thanks to NetGalley and publisher for a copy of the E-book in exchange my pure honest Review!

[Beth Simms · Rating 4 out of 5]

Arc received by netgalley
This book follows Saffie, Tamara, and Milo, who are all working for a magazine and they decide to sign up for the dating app which sends people on 24 hour dates. Tamara was definitely my favourite out of the three!! All the grief her ex put her though, and leaving her!!

This book isn’t what I expected it to be!! But I’m so glad it wasn’t. And it definitely sets a great message that you what you need you may not want etc.

[🦉Maggie Whitworth · Rating 4 out of 5]

❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋

Fun and entertaining Romantic Comedy.
Great characters with easy banter that flows.
Some wonderful moments that will have you giggling for sure.
Easy to read and follow.

I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review

Sent from my iPhone

[Alaina]

RTC

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars

[Elsa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Because i was too stubborn to DNF this book i kept reading and finally got into it c22.

[Soreestreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This Book’s ARC was provided by NetGalley and Head of Zeus. Thank you!
The 3 main characters Saffie, Tamara, and Milo really make this book!

With Milo and Saffie recently single and Tamara post divorce, they all try out speed dating. When that doesn’t work out, they all sign up for a 24 hour matchmaking service.

My favorite things about the book:
- The found family and friendships.
- Tamara is a single mom and that my favorite trope!
- Milo’s sense of humor.
My least Favorite things about the book:
- It took a minute to get to the point of the book and it was hard for me to focus at times.

Rate: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️