No More Terrible Dates

Waiting at Cozy Cottage Café for her online date to arrive, Darcy Evans is trying to keep her expectations low. She realizes that the list of magnificent attributes is probably, in reality, a wish list that will never be achieved. When the embodiment of all those virtues walks in the door, she almost wants to pinch herself to see if she’s dreaming! Devan Smith walks up to her and is truly swoon-worthy! According to The No More Bad Dates Pact she signed up for with her friends, this is the “Initial Meeting” rather than “First Date”. If things go well on a date, the guy then gets vetted by the other two Pact members to make sure there is nothing undesirable about the guy. If they approve, only at that point can a first date happen. They were very serious about this!

Finished ordering, Devan returns to the table with a gorgeous smile. If he orders the same coffee choice she did, she will know this is meant to be! Sure enough, the annoying barista, Alex Walsh, brings their coffee and it’s the Americano for both of them! Alex mentions that and talks about doing a survey to find the popular coffee – and Darcy is wondering why he won’t just go away! Alex continues on discussing latte and cappuccino… why won’t he go? When she pointedly glares at him and says, “See you later, Alex,” he finally gets the hint and tells them to continue their date.

They talk about their jobs and Devan is excited to hear she works as P.A. to a celebrity. The date goes so well, she can’t wait to show him off to her mom and sisters. As they walk outside, he pulls her close and kisses her – but the look on his face is not what she was hoping to see! She thought it was the garlic he smelled from last night’s dinner! But it was worse… he announced that he was now definitely sure that he was gay! The guys in the office said Darcy’s picture was “hot”, so she was the one he chose to test his theory – and it worked! And since she now knows, he asked her to go to his brother’s wedding as his DATE so his mom wouldn’t suspect! Just… NO.

As if anything worse could happen, Darcy’s boss buys an art gallery and she is stuck working with photographer Alex Walsh on his photo exhibit – and her hated barista doesn’t even seem to remember ruining her life! He may be handsome, but Darcy will never forgive him for embarrassing her back in high school! And yet as they work together, old feelings come back. Is there a chance they could possibly start a relationship? Or is it too late to get over the painful things she hadn’t let go of?

This was another cute story in this series, and I liked it even better than the first one! The story line was clever, and the dialog among the characters kept the reader laughing and feeling Darcy’s frustration! Don’t miss this one! It’s definitely worth reading.

reviewed

Jamie Bee

Author 1 book122 followers

I was a big fan of the initial for Cozy Cottage Cafe series of romance books by this author. I just thought there was a lot of fun with quirky characters and sometimes zany circumstances. I wasn't as much enamored by the first book of the spinoff High Tea series, but I have enjoyed the author’s works enough that I wanted to give this spinoff series a second chance. I am so glad I did, as I so enjoyed this installment of this relatively new series.

There was so much that I liked about this book. First, Darcy's head is a great place to be because she can be insightful, silly, intense, and all manner of things depending on the circumstances. Where men are concerned, she can certainly leap FAST to enamored and thinking he’s “the one.” I absolutely adored the bad dates that she went on for this story. The reveal of the first one had me laughing out loud, and as it went on and on, it got even more amusing. Darcy works for a celebrity, an actress-turned-wellness guru in the style of Gwyneth Paltrow; that woman provides many humorous moments. She takes herself far too seriously, which is funny to both us and Darcy. I love the relationship between Darcy and the other women in the book. I think we all wish we had gal pals like that. Oh, and can I come eat at the Cozy Cottage Cafe? It just sounds so wonderful. Darcy’s relationship with Alex, the ultimate hero, has been fractious for years because of an incident in their past, one that left a mark on her but one that he doesn't even remember. That seems so true to real life. Can she get past this issue to truly appreciate the man he is now?

Highly recommended!

I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.

Read my other reviews at https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com.

contemporary p-2019

TrishAM

1,263 reviews

September 11, 2019

The first book I read by Kate O'Keef was "No more Bad Dates", when "No more Terrible Dates" came up I was looking forward to reading it but at the same time a bit apprehensive that it wouldn't be as good as the first one, I needn't have worried, in fact if anything it was even funnier. It isn't often a book is laugh out loud funny but this one certainly is.
The story is about three slightly dippy females , Darcy, Sophie and Erin who have all had catastrophic experiences on the dating front but still looking for love, Sophie's story was in the first book where she found love, this book is Darcy's story. The girls made a pact that before anyone of them could go on a date they must meet the prospective boyfriend just for coffee and then the poor chap had to be vetted by the group before they could arrange to go on a date.
OK, so we all suspect from the beginning who Darcy is going to fall in love with but the journey there is so very funny.
Kate O'Keefe is a master at banter and repartee between the main characters in the book, the story has so much humour with a promising romance running through it and being English I love the fact that they drink Earl Grey tea and eat cakes from a three tier stand.
If you are looking for edge of your seat excitement then this is probably not the book for you but if you want cover to cover laughter and a lovely romance thrown in then you won't be disappointed. I can highly recommend this book and look forward to the next one

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Meg Martin

249 reviews1 follower

This is a precious book about friendship, love and tea. Darcy Evans is the personal assistant for a very demanding boss who also is endearing as well. Darcy can get everything straight in her job but not in the dating world. Her interesting boss has decided to buy an Art Gallery and insists on having Alex Walsh's photos as her first showing. She is very excited about Darcy and Alex working together to accomplish this opening. Darcy is not excited at all as she has a history with Alex with a slighting in high school and she would prefer to be as far away from him as possible. She was rather hoping for the next male in her life to be more like the knight in shining armor (at least sort of a knight) but now she is stuck in this work situation.
If you have never been on a terrible date then you should read this to see what you missed. All others will relate immediately to the challenges of meeting someone new.
Darcy and friends navigate the world of dating and relationships (working or otherwise) with laughs and friendship that can carry them through most problems. Will Alex be a problem? You need to read this fun story to answer that.

Diane Michaels

Author 28 books56 followers

September 24, 2019

Kate O’Keeffe is back with another round of the most “terrible, horrendous, completely diabolical dates” ever to happen to her hilarious heroines. In this case, it’s Darcy vs. the undateable. Drinking hazard alert: do not sip beverages while reading this book. Given the pacing of the jokes, your Kindle will thank you for not spraying it with coffee when you laugh.

The previous book had left me dying to know why Darcy has hated Sophie’s cousin Alex since high school. Given the way he teases her, it’s clear the hate is not mutual. We join Darcy on her wild rollercoaster ride of conflicted feelings and desires as she has to work side by side with Alex to mount an exhibit of his photos.

Some of the funniest moments in the book involve the cast of secondary characters. I think Darcy’s boss, Larissa, deserves a book of her own. And Larissa is sure to agree, provided the book’s cover is blue and sourced from magical tree bark. And speaking of blue, I award the blue ribbon to Darcy’s equestrian-minded date for his delightful performance. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series!

Jakki Frances

Author 25 books76 followers

Funny and sweet and oh so very true. How many crappy dates have we all been on? How many times have we all wondered if it was us, no surely it's the idiots we are finding..... With an eccentric boss and a girl gang who just want to help but really don't, how's a girl about town supposed to meet men who aren't useless idiots or gay? This book is so funny because it's so real, I just with I had the flirty smouldering barista to have some fun with. Really enjoyed reading, will be a go to feel good book in my kindle.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Jenn

16 reviews1 follower

As a member of the no more bad dates, Darcy is determined to put her past bad luck behind her. Alex is her friend’s cousin and for reasons unknown to the reader, someone she can’t stand. When her boss decides that Alex’s photography is something that must be featured in her newly acquired gallery, the pair of forced together. With his too knowing smirks and quick laughter, the tension between them is palpable, so is the promise of more. I absolutely love the imaginatively horrendous dates that our heroines encounter balanced with finding a love they didn’t realize was there for the taking.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Janet Graham

2,506 reviews12 followers

September 30, 2019

Very Funny Look at Dating, Sweet and Clean
This is the best Rom-Com that I have read since the last Kate O'Keeffe Rom-Com that I read. I can't give specifics without spoiling the book for you, but there are more than a few priceless moments and hilarious scenes in this book. The book is the second in a series (High Tea) that is a spin-off series (Cozy Cottage Cafe) for the author. This book stands alone perfectly, but the backstory obtained by reading all of the books is a hoot. These books are all sweet and clean and still have excellent plots that you don't want to put down. I received this ARC book for free from Booksprouts and this is my honest review.

Lisa Proskin

119 reviews

This is another story with the characters from the Cozy Cottage Cafe and High Tea and it was great to see them again. This is Darcy's story. I love Kate O'Keefe's portrayal of the dates that these girls have; they actually make me chuckle! Early on I knew who would pair with Darcy, but I did not know the twists and turns that their relationship would take. While certainly not high brow literature, this book doesn't disappoint---fun story with great characters who are like my old friends. This is why I read everything that she writes! *I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Lynda Peters

116 reviews

September 28, 2019

A hate to love story. Or should that be an over-imagining to love story? Another lovely read in this series based around three best friends and their desire for love, or in Darcy’s case a wish for a “normal” guy. She certainly does have some bad date experiences! The development of a character we met in the previous book is really well done. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and this author’s work. A few minor typographical errors but they don’t detract from the story.
I received an ARC from the author and am voluntarily giving my honest review.

Heather W

4,066 reviews35 followers

No More Terrible Dates is the sixth book in the Cozy Cottage Café series and the second book in the High Tea spinoff series. This is a delightfully entertaining story of Darcy's pact to only date good guys. The characters in this book are charming and quirky and the storyline is very well written. Will Darcy ever forgive Alex for the long-ago transgression or will she continue her search for Mr. Right?

This laugh-out-loud book is a must-read.
I read and reviewed a copy of this book with no obligation.

41 reviews12 followers

I so love this author. being a fellow Kiwi helps :). This book is number 2 of 3 books and I love it as much as the first one and cant wait for the next. I love that her NZ series' all have interacting characters and the supporting characters then become the protagonists.
If you like this series, you will certainly love the rest.
I love that New Zealand gets to feature in her books, especially the Welly series.
I also adore that her books make me feel young.

Jeanne Richardson

10.8k reviews125 followers

I've read several books written by Kate O’Keeffe; she has done a great job at writing a good book; she is becoming one of my favorite authors. I can’t wait to read more of books her books.

The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.

I loved the chemistry between the characters.

I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.

Kari Hansen

12.3k reviews92 followers

If there is a bad date to be had then Darcy has been on it so the last thing she needs is another man in her life who is no good for her and that goes double for Alex. She will work with him if she has to, but she will not forgive him for the past he doesn’t remember.

Alex is a photographer who is having a show at the gallery where Darcy works. He is stumped as to why Darcy is treating him the way she does but finding out leads to humorous and emotional times along the way.

Tracy Fritts

1,478 reviews36 followers

No More Terrible Bad Dates is a fun, heart-warming and a delightful read. This book is full of humor, romance and it is well written. I truly enjoyed the characters and they are wonderful. It has a good storyline. I look forward to reading the next book.

I received an advanced copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. All thoughts and opinions are of my own.

arc booksprout

Stephanie

1,372 reviews8 followers

What can I say besides this is amazing and funny to say the least. I love this author works she writes so vividly it's as if your right there in the story. The characters are so funny and the story is so good that I can't wait for Halloween to get here so I can read the next one in the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Sherri Geisler Locke

251 reviews1 follower

Our next foray into the world of bad dates and how to not have them brings us Darcy and her struggles. throw in someone she has hated since high school and it is a fun romance. It gives some sweet moments, a few laughs and will keep you smiling. I look forward to more.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Barbara

19.2k reviews8 followers