The Date Next Door

Do-Over Date #3

by Susan Hatler

Carefree Hannah Griffin’s life is on track: she’s spending time with friends and working to win over her new boss at work after a substantial promotion. Soon, however, disaster strikes, when a potential client refuses to answer her calls. Then Hannah’s long-time and unrequited crush, super polished Blake Remington, moves in next door.

Hannah has ignored her feelings for her best friend’s older brother by keeping her distance, but now he’s popping by every day. When Blake reveals he has an extra ticket to a couple’s golf tournament, Hannah discovers her potential client will be there and offers to be Blake’s date. One major problem: Hannah doesn’t know how to golf.

As Blake teaches Hannah to golf, she struggles with feeling out of place in his country club world. Blake’s kindness and flirting help her feel at ease. As Hannah’s feelings grow, her crush on Blake turns into love and she wonders if she and Blake might have a chance—until Blake’s classy ex returns, determined to win him back.

Will the boy Hannah has always loved break her heart, or will Blake realize she’s the one he’s been looking for?

Genres: Romance, Contemporary

Kindle Edition

First published January 16, 2020

About the author

SUSAN HATLER is a New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author, who writes humorous and emotional contemporary romance and young adult novels. Many of Susan’s books have been translated into German, Spanish, French, and Italian. A natural optimist, she believes life is amazing, people are fascinating, and imagination is endless. She loves spending time with her characters and hopes you do, too.

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Reviews

[Julie Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't help myself...I got my copy of this and dove right in. I read and read and read. I loved it. I laughed and giggled. I was even so invested that I was determined to read it until I either finished it or I fell fast asleep last night (preferably the first). My family was quietly sleeping in their beds and there I was, snuggled in bed and giggling, really desperately trying to not laugh out loud too loud and wake up my hubby or the sleeping kiddos. I'm happy to report that I succeeded in not waking them but I didn't succeed in finishing the book before I fell off to sleep. And, I'm going to give you a good reason to laugh out loud...I fell asleep and my phone (which I was reading on) fell and bashed me in the nose!!!!!!! Ouchy! I woke up and thought, "oh not I fell asleep. Must. Keep. Reading and finish and find out what happens. I'm not going to fall asleep again until I've finished!" Can you guess what happened? If you said, "Bashed yourself in the nose with your phone again," you'd be 100% correct! Well, I smartened up and turned it off and told myself I could finish it this morning. So I saved my nose a third bashing and slept.

Y'all I loved this one. I know I say that a lot. I know I really say that a lot when I'm reading this author's books. But I just can't help it. I loved it!!!! So there you have it. This Do-Over Date series has been so much fun. Hannah and Blake had so many funny moments together and several super sweet and tender moments. This is the friends to lovers trope. Ok, Hannah was best friends with Lucy who is subsequently Blake's sister. So in a round about way, friends to lovers trope. Be still my heart! Some of Blake's lines and the things he did. Oh my! I was swooning for Hannah. He's the sweetest.

So if you need a sweet and tender, as well as funny as all get out, quick read, do yourself a favor and snag this one. I need to go back and reread it. I like to mark and highlight my books. You know, silly scenes and lines, and sweet and tender scenes and lines, and very thoughtful and poignant scenes and lines. Well let me tell you, my digital copy of this book was very colorful. I use different colors for humor, romance and poignant. And I think the whole book was very highlighted.

Golf lessons, cooking dinner, bright pink sneakers, sickness and healing, prom, mini-golf. Oh my heart. I loved it all! Susan Hatler you hit it out of the ball park with this one. I will be returning to Hannah and Blake's story multiple times, especially when I need some great humor and a sweet tender love story. You're the best!!!

Content: Clean. Some kisses.

I received a copy from the author. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.

Happy Reading!!!

[Katie (hiding in the pages) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exactly the light romantic humor I was in the mood for

I love a story of a girl falling in love with her best friend's brother and this one was both humorous and charming. But we're not in high school anymore, Hannah...

Hannah is a character much like me and will go along with (or run from) anything to avoid conflict. Her sweet friendship with her long-time best friend, Lucy, brought smiles to my face, especially as she allowed Lucy to make her over to an exact replica of her prom night. The meet cute with Blake after all these years made me cringe in a loving, yet completely mortified on Hannah's behalf, kind of way. Ooh-la-la, Blake! He's not only perfection still, but he's all grown up and in the most hunky and satisfying ways ever.

Susan Hatler always does such a great job of incorporating the silly and embarrassing moments that make me laugh out loud with the swoony romantic moments that make my heart drop to my toes, as a fleet of butterflies take up residence in the pit of my stomach.

This series is adorable and this installment will stand out to me like hot pink sneakers paired with a tulle skirted black and silver prom dress.

Content: mild romance (swoony kissing)

*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*

[Mara · Rating 5 out of 5]

A few of my Goodread friends read and loved this book so I requested it from NetGalley. What a fun read!! Hannah and Blake have known each other for years, because Hannah and Blake's sister Lucy have been friends since high school. When Hannah rents the extra bedroom from Lucy she has no idea that her secret crush will be living next door!! Hannah and Blake have the cutest meet-again (is that a thing, well it is now) and I can't imagine how Hannah felt, but I know I Would. Have. Died. on the spot. Like the floor couldn't have opened a portal to swallow me fast enough. I hate embarrassing moments and this was a whopper.

I loved Blake and I loved Blake and Hannah together. Who knew learning golf could be so sexy and swoony? I guess if you have someone like Blake teaching you. The mini-golf game was great and I certainly pictured the looks they probably got from the other people at the miniature golf place. Lol.

On the other hand I didn't like Blake's parents at all. They reminded me of the parents of the titled men and young ladies in Regency times--marrying for business and status, and not for love. Who would want their child to marry someone they didn't love?!!! Thankfully Blake fortifies his backbone and respectfully but firmly tells them he and Cassandra are over and have been. His "speech" at the big gala would make any girl swoon. *happy sigh*

This isn't a very long book--around 100 pages, so just a couple of hours of escape to romanceland (another made up word?) with wonderful characters. I'll definite check out more of this "do-over-date-series" and others by this author. This is a clean romance.

Thanks to NetGalley and Hatco Publishing for my copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed in my review are my own.

[Kathy * Bookworm Nation · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

This was a cute, quick read. I enjoy Ms. Hatler's books, they provide a lighthearted break. I enjoy her characters and storylines. Hannah and Blake have known each other a long time, since Hannah is best friends with Blakes little sister. She's always had a crush on him, but felt he was off-limits. While I did enjoy the story, it felt a little rushed to me and Hannah was a bit overly dramatic, quick to jump to the worst-case scenario. Hannah and Blake are cute together though and I enjoyed reading their story.

Gave three stars because I think it could have been developed a bit more, not as rushed.

Content: Clean

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[Susan Hatler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved writing Hannah's story. :)

[Phyllis · Rating 5 out of 5]

A perfectly delightful story!

When Hannah found herself volunteering to help her best friend's handsome brother, Blake, by agreeing to partner with him for a charity golf tournament, she really didn't know what she was getting herself into. She just knew she didn't know how to play golf. I love how she tried really hard to learn, though having a teacher like Blake certainly kept her motivated to keep trying.

Her first excellent drive had a hilarious result! And her golfing on the day of the tournament when she was intimidated by Blake's (maybe) ex-girlfriend and her catty remarks was so funny! (Talk about your stereo-typical bratty rich girl! Blake's ex was awful – but perfect for the story. Why do we always love the terrible characters like her in a not-liking them kind of way?) To make matters even worse for poor Hannah, the very man she was trying to encourage to hire her for handling his social media witnessed a meltdown. Yikes!

The Date Next Door was a quick read and just perfect for a day when you want to just relax and laugh and enjoy. Full of chick lit humor and sweet romance, it hit the spot perfectly!

Read my full review at Among the Reads


I was given a copy of this book. I was not required to give a favorable review nor was any money received for this review. All comments and opinions are my own.

[Clare Moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to netgalley for the chance to read this book.

Good, quick short book to read.

Blake, (who Hannah has been in love with since her high school prom) moves in the house next door to her and his sister Lucy.
Hannah is still madly in love with him, can she get over her crush or does she get her happy ever after.

[Gale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick read for me but the story really showcases Hannah Griffin’s insecurities about her self, her looks, her life...her all. For most of her life, she’s had a major crush on her BFF’s (Lucy) brother, Blake. The Date Next Door is all about Hannah coming to believe in herself and her own worth, and that helps her get to an HEA. And Blake is pretty much a straight up guy, even when you think he isn’t, so to me, they make a great couple. And reading about all the obstacles in Hannah’s way - both in her personal life and her work life - makes her story/journey all worth while.

[Aimee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute

I love second chance at love stories where the couple has some history and they connect again. The message of this story was good- be who you are, love who you are. I'm glad Hannah decided to embrace that. This is a cute story.

[Elvira · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had a great time with this book from beginning to the end. Hannah has had a major crush on Blake since they were young now he has moved in next door. Will Hannah and Blake finally admit to there feelings ignoring what society has to say about them.

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

[Rita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hannah trying to impress at work after her promotion, runs into trouble with a potential client and her best friend’s older brother Blake moves in next door. Hannah used to crush on Blake in the past and tries to keep her distance. However, Blake has a ticket to a couple’s golf tournament that her would be client is taking part in so Hannah offers to be Blake’s date. Some humour ensues as Hannah cannot play golf. Blake and Hannah grow closer as he teaches her how to play and all is going well until Blake's ex turns up and tries to convince him that he should take her back. Read an ARC for an honest review.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here is a summary of what the book is about. Carefree Hannah Griffin’s life is on track: she’s spending time with friends and working to win over her new boss at work after a substantial promotion. Soon, however, disaster strikes, when a potential client refuses to answer her calls. Then Hannah’s long-time and unrequited crush, super polished Blake Remington, moves in next door.

Hannah has ignored her feelings for her best friend’s older brother by keeping her distance, but now he’s popping by every day. When Blake reveals he has an extra ticket to a couple’s golf tournament, Hannah discovers her potential client will be there and offers to be Blake’s date. One major problem: Hannah doesn’t know how to golf.

As Blake teaches Hannah to golf, she struggles with feeling out of place in his country club world. Blake’s kindness and flirting help her feel at ease. As Hannah’s feelings grow, her crush on Blake turns into love and she wonders if she and Blake might have a chance—until Blake’s classy ex returns, determined to win him back.

Will the boy Hannah has always loved break her heart, or will Blake realize she’s the one he’s been looking for?

Well I am almost done with this series. I love the characters in these books. I thought the story was written very well. It’s sweet and cute and fun. Susan Hatler is my favorite author.

Happy Reading Everyone!

[romancejunkie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hannah and Blake's story was sweet and made me smile. They are so cute together!

[Cath · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book three in the Do-Over Date series and the main characters are Hannah Griffin and her long time crush and best friend Lucy’s older brother Blake Remington. Hannah has just moved into Lucy’s townhouse, bought for Lucy by her wealthy parent’s, whilst also trying to curb her carefree independent spirit and land a new client after her promotion to the newly created position of head of Haskell & Haskell’s social media department. The CEO of their company didn’t exactly want Hannah in the role and has set her the challenge of reeling in Ray Livingston, a self-made millionaire fashion designer, as a client for the marketing company. Unlike Lucy, Hannah shops in bargain shops and charity shops for her attire and had to upgrade her wardrobe somewhat with her new position, but they were unlikely to impress someone of his profession! The client she is supposed to bag is ignoring her calls and she is getting desperate and antsy about losing her job. She has had a crush on Blake since he offered to take her to her high school prom after she broke up with her then boyfriend over something silly, but it never actually went as she hoped and was a complete disaster. Now Blake is moving in next door to her and Lucy and she can’t avoid him, after just revealing this embarrassing crush to her best friend. He is fully qualified as a lawyer, having just passed the bar and has moved back to the city to work at the family firm and his parents bought the townhouse next to Lucy’s for him to live in. Now she is going to see him every day, after not seeing him for five years!
He sticks around to help her unpack and asks for her advice on his recent breakup with his long term girlfriend Cassandra, who everyone at his work thinks he makes a picture perfect couple with. She likes going to high priced charity events with him, but refuses to do anything to get her hands dirty and to help out in person, which has left him wondering about their future together. He had just got some very expensive and exclusive tickets for a Couples golf tournament, ran by her parents and was supposed to go with her. When Hannah sees the name of her elusive client on the guest list, she asks Blake if he would want to take her instead. Only slight problem is that she has never played a round of golf in her life and whatever she may have told her best friend, she still has the hots for her brother Blake! They keep bumping into each other as they leave in the morning and both always stop at Courtney Carmichael’s coffee cart on their way to their offices and Courtney is a bit of a dating whisperer. If you have read any of the other books in this series you will already know this! He offers to give Hannah some lessons in the two weeks before the event and things start to get friendly between them, making Hannah think about her prom night all over again The day of the golf tournament starts off fine, until Cassandra and her father turn up and she tries to belittle Hannah and hang all over Blake. Her snarky comments and reassurance that she and Blake are back together, makes Hannah lose her confidence and forget everything Blake has told her!
Ending up in a sand bunker at the first hole doesn’t make anything any better, especially when the next group come to play the hole and her prospective client ends up seeing her whacking at the ball endlessly and without any success, over and over again. It doesn’t really get any better after that, and there should have been a second day at the tournament, but Hannah can’t face it. She pushes Blake to join up and play with Cassandra, for his job and role within the company, as he tries to reassure her that he and Cassandra are over. Shame his parents and hers seem to think they should get engaged and then married tout suite! Can she ever really compete against the likes of Cassandra, from a wealthy family and looking like a model? It looks like her heart is going to be broken again, even harder now she knows the man he has become and has fallen hard for him, but he has other ideas and he doesn’t really care what his parents think anymore. He isn’t that young, nerdy book boy she once knew and he has come to realise what is more important in a relationship. Hannah in all of her quirkiness is exactly what he wants and he does the ridiculous and most embarrassing thing he can to prove it to her, giving her another chance to relive the night she had always wanted with him! No surprise words of wisdom or advice needed from Courtney for this one, which surprised me, but Lucy filled in nicely in that role for this one. I loved how he remember her prom night and there is a secret little addition to the evening that Lucy finally reveals to Hannah, which makes her understand Blake even more. Another great story proving that chances can come around again, when the ideal opportunity was missed in the past. If determined enough, everything will work out as it should! I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.

[Lisa Benison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Curl Up and Enjoy For an Afternoon!

This was a perfect book to curl up and read in an afternoon. It is short, funny, clean and sweet. It is both a "crush on the best friend's older brother" and "unsophisticated girl thrown into a rich country world", but it is really only Blake (and Lucy's) parents and Blake's ex-girlfriend that were horrible condescending snobs and quite funny characters. Blake and Lucy are wonderful people despite their parents (I can't wait for Lucy's story!) and watching Blake win Hannah over while she gains self confidence made for an enjoyable read.

I received an ARC from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[T.I. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book. It is a short read with great characters that are entertaining, with good friends and some chemistry, good laughs and a HEA ending. I was not disappointed. As always, I truly love reading Susan Hatler's books. I'm looking forward to her next story. Happy reading.

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

[Sharon S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fun book in the series.
Hannah is now roommates with her friend Lucy after couch hopping for a while. Great friends even though they are polar opposites financially. Lucy had a crush on Hannah’s brother, Blake who now lives next door. So not a good situation, or is it?

[Andrea Wenger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hannah doesn't need any more complications. She's just been promoted, and her top client refuses to return her calls. Then, her best friend's brother Blake—her schoolgirl crush—moves in next door. It's been five years since she's seen him, and he's hotter than ever.

She's determined to keep her distance until she finds out he's got an extra ticket to play in a charity golf tournament. One where her elusive client is also playing. Never mind that she can't golf. She needs that ticket. As Blake teachers her the game, things heat up between them. Despite her clumsiness and high emotions, can she win the client—and the guy?

This is a quirky, funny book with tons of heart. I love the best friend's brother trope and all the memories of teenage angst that come with it. Hannah and Blake are so cute together, they can't help but win your heart.

Thanks, Booksprout, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

[lf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Warning - Golf lessons from your crush can be hazardous to your heart

Sometimes you just need a short, sweet, fun and entertaining story to get lost in and laugh out loud with. The Date Next Door, the third book in the Do-Over Date Series by Susan Hatler, is just such a book.
This is the story of Hannah Griffin and Blake Remington. Their story is filled with unrequited love, funny moments, friendships, love and some swoon worthy and sexy men. Then add in some golf and pop in neighbors with wonderful characters that you would love to be friend with and you end up with a wonderful book.
This is another Susan Hatler winner.

[casvec · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another captivating story that will pull you in from the start and keep with each turn of the page. This brother's best friend story line is fresh and fun, that you can't help but fall in love with Hannah and Blake.

This sweet romance has just the right amount of humor, moments you would want to hide from, great friends and love that make this quick read perfect to get lost in.

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

[Janet Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute and Clean Rom-Com Short
This is a very cute and clean, novella length, romantic comedy. This story will lighten your heart and put a smile on your face. This author always produces a good story that hits all of the 'feels'. The only thing missing from this story is a pet! I received this ARC book for free from Booksprout and this is my honest review.

[Cecly Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Susan Hatler never disappoints. Chick-lit and romance always put me in a great mood, and this novel had both in spades. It was the perfect read for a relaxing afternoon.
It's a new slant on 'fake-it-till-you-get-it-right', with crisp narrative, fully-fleshed out characters, Hannah and Blake, and a setting, a charity golf tournament, that invokes laugh out loud comic moments.
This is a delightful story that leaves the reader totally satisfied in the end.

[Cali Jewel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really loved this sexy, fun and engaging journey filled with witty and engaging charters, emotionally thrilling twists and an undeniable passion that will not be ignored..... Heartwarming, laugh out loud, highly entertaining adventure from beginning to end and so hard to put down.

[S I · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blake and Hanna will melt your heart! I enjoyed their story and the entertaining drama that unfolds. A must read that you will enjoy!

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

[Vicki Stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Susan Hatler has written another excellent book! It features Hannah Griffin, who volunteers for a couples golf tournament even though she does not play golf, and Blake Remington, who has Hannah as his golf partner and must teach her to play. Add in an ex-girlfriend and you’ve got the ingredients for a great romance plot. I highly recommend this fun and humorous book which is guaranteed to put a smile on your face!

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

[Raecharmed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everything was going well for Hannah until a potential client keeps brushing her off. Then her best friend's older brother is back in town bringing her feelings for him back to the surface. When Blake tells Hannah that he has an extra ticket to the couple's golf tournament she immediately wants to go with him. However she forgot one thing she doesn't know how to golf. Blake offers to teach her and things heat up between them when they are together. When its time for the tournament she's nervous not only about the game but because she's trying to woo a potential client that's at the tournament. Just when things seem to be going right between her and Blake his ex shows up and Hannah worries that he'll go back to her. Will Hannah get her client? Will Blake see that Hannah is the woman for him?

This is a hilarious story I was laughing out loud as I was reading it. The chemistry between them is off the charts hot. This is a well written and very entertaining story. I would recommend this book to any book lover.

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

[Nate · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed Hannah & Blake's story. Good characters. This was a fun, entertaining book. I received a free copy of the book. And am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Kristi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know when I get a book written by Susan Hatler, I won't be disappointed. Her story lines are written to captivate and entertain the reader. Her characters are so well developed you can't help but fall in love with them.

In The Date Next Door, we get to know Hannah Griffin. She's just gotten a big promotion at work but when a potential client refuses to answer her calls, she needs to figure out how to save her career. To top it off, her long time crush, who also happens to be her best friend's brother, moves in next door. When he announces he has an extra ticket to a golf tournament, Hannah volunteers to be his partner, the problem is she doesn't know how to golf. She only volunteered because she found out her potential client will be there and she needs to talk with them.

As Blake teaches Hannah how to golf, her crush turns in to actual love. Will Blake realize Hannah could be the perfect person for him? Will his ex showing up, ruin the chance he and Hannah have at HEA? Will Hannah be able to save her career at the same time?

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

[Tina Layner · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Date Next door is the third book in the Do-over series written by Susan Hatler.
Hannah has been in love with her best friends brother for a long time. Ever since Blake offered to take her to her prom in high school, she has loved him. However she has kept her secret to herself into her adult years. Her best friend did not even know about it. Everything had been going good in her life until the day Blake moved in next door to them.
Hannah needed to seal a deal with a client who would not return her calls. He was a big time golfer so she thought what a better way to get to him was joining in on a charity golf game. This ended up very bad for her at the end.
Will she and Blake hit it off or not? and will she snag her client? You must read this book to find out.

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

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love a good romance. Things start out wrong and as the story progresses love blooms! Great characters and wonderful story. Would recommend!

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