The Date Mistake

Do-Over Date #9

by Susan Hatler

A humorous and uplifting story about one mistake leading to an unexpected happily ever after.

When successful businesswoman Martina Maxwell bungles a blind date, she ends up having the best evening of her life with her brother’s best friend, Turner Easton. But once she learns he’s the head of a rival company, she knows they can’t get involved.

From a New York Times bestselling author, don’t miss this inspirational journey of opening your heart to love in The Date Mistake.

Genres: Contemporary

134 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 15, 2022

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.

** To receive a FREE BOOK, sign up for
Susan’s Newsletter: http://susanhatler.com/newsletter **

You can reach Susan here:

Facebook: facebook.com/authorsusanhatler
YouTube: youtube.com/@susanhatler
Instagram: instagram.com/susanhatler
Twitter: twitter.com/susanhatler
Website: susanhatler.com
Blog: susanhatler.com/category/susans-blog

Reviews

[Nicoletta Furnari · Rating 2 out of 5]

Mi dispiace doverlo confessare così spudoratamente, ma già a priori so che quando scelgo letture del tipo di “L’APPUNTAMENTO PER ERRORE” si tratterà quasi sicuramente di romanzetti veloci e poco impegnativi, utili giusto a spuntare la voce di qualche challenge e che mi faranno sollevare gli occhi al cielo di continuo (per svariate ragioni). Soprattutto in questo caso, dove le coincidenze hanno quasi un che di soprannaturale ed estremamente forzato.
A Martina (A.D. dell’azienda di famiglia) è stato combinato un appuntamento al buio, ma quel giorno non le suona la sveglia, quindi (molto professionalmente per un a.d.) manca un fondamentale incontro di lavoro, le si scarica il cellulare (ovviamente non ha con sé né il caricabatteria né il power bank) e, pertanto, non riesce a leggere i dettagli riguardanti la persona con cui si deve vedere. Quando le pare di averlo incontrato e tra loro nasce un feeling pazzesco, si scopre che, in realtà, lo splendido esemplare maschile è Turner, il migliore amico del suo fratellino, nonché suo rivale in campo lavorativo.
Con uno stile sbrigativo e superficiale Susan Hatler narra una vicenda piena di forzature ed esagerazioni, che procede e si conclude in modo banale, scontato e frettoloso.

[Colleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite things about NetGalley is that it introduces me to authors that I've overlooked. It looks like Susan Hatler has DOZENS of published works!

I'm rounding up to 5 stars; this was the perfect book for me right now. A very quick sweet rom-com. I thought it might end a little differently, but the ending provided was even more perfect than I had imagined.

I think that the book blurbs provided are adequate; no need for me to repeat them.

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read The Mistake Date in exchange for an honest review and to Susan Hatler the author and Hatco Publishing! Publication date is March 15, 2022.

[Anita Rohn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Martina expects perfection from herself. A CEO still trying to perfect herself she find herself distressed and making mistakes. It is a tale filled with humor and sass and the guy who helps her to destress. A fun read.

[Gale · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay, the ‘meet-cute’ between Martina Maxwell and Turner Easton is hilarious. Mistaking him for her blind date? Funny. Literally falling into his arms? Hilarious. My heart went out to Martina – she put a ton of pressure on herself to succeed as CEO of her company. Her father has just handed over the reigns and she believes she must be the best of the best at her new position…except the fear of failing paralyzes her. Turner is such a sweetheart – he never turns into the creepy ‘bad buy’, imho. It does take some fancy footwork, and “wooing” on his part, to get Martina to the place she needs to be. And with that, she realizes what a catch Turner really is. I laughed and laughed at the work date where they ended up under a table…

[Quinn Fforde · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poor Martina! She has herself tied in knots with stress over running her family's company. She is so uptight that she can't even relax without an elaborate plan. But she quite literally bumps into Turner, and he changes everything. That is a problem because Martina can't handle change right now. I loved how sweet Turner was with Martina as they got into several funny situations. I laughed a lot during this book.

[Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a funny story about Martina Maxwell who is striving to be a successful CEO. It starts out with her going to meet a blind date and ends up falling into the arms of Turner Easton, head of her rival company but she thinks he is her blind date. A book that will definitely have you laughing out loud at some of the things that happen. Could it possibly be love at first sight?

[Doni · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an enjoyable read.
It's a touching & funny romance.
Blind first dates are usually
awkward. But when you
literally fell into the arms of
a man with gorgeous blue eyes,
things start getting crazy.
A Must Read!

[Mara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Martina still feels she has to prove herself as the CEO of her father's company, and her perfectionism has her so stressed she's finding it difficult to make decisions. She's set up on a blind date but her phone died so she can't get to the email that describes what her date looks like, and mistakes a guy whose lap she fell into as her date. This leads into a hilarious situation when her brother and her real blind date show up.

I really liked Tucker and thought he was great for Martina, who needed to learn to relax. This woman made a detailed relaxation plan to help her relax and couldn't even relax in a bubble bath! Their dates were cute and funny--especially the go kart scene.

This is a light, fluffy, romantic comedy that can be read in a couple of hours or less. It's the perfect little escape from life. I received a complimentary copy from the Hatco Publishing via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.

[Katie (hiding in the pages) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had a lot of blind dates back in the day, but never one that turned out quite like this. Martina is set up by her friend and in a case of mistaken identity, thinks Turner is her date at first.

Turner, oh, Turner. He's Martina's worst nightmare disguised in a GQ body. Not only are they rivals, but they're opposites in almost every way. His extremely persistent personality, constant joking manner, and deliberate misinterpretations and misunderstandings nearly drove her batty, but they also served a great purpose. Everyone needs a cheerleader and pep talker like Turner in their lives, especially someone as uptight as Martina.

Through the clashes and battles, a tenuous attraction arose and filled the pages with lighthearted flirting and flightiness. Such a fun story with some interesting and unexpected life lessons.

Content: mild romance

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

[Michaela | Reading in the Heartland · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun and flirty romance. I really enjoyed the characters and our hero’s over the top endearments. It was sweet.

[Erralee Hendrian · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so good. Blind date goes wrong, mistaken date, and lots of funny moments making this a fun read. The characters are likeable even when things go wrong and really compliment the story. Definitely laugh out loud moments as well as sweet moments too.

[Jacqueline Johnston Cotton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored this book! Every single page of it! The chemistry between Martina and Turner was everything I could have wanted. This was an easy, adorable, light hearted story with a fun and entertaining storyline. I would definitely recommend this book and the whole series.

[Cath · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book nine of the Do-Over Date series and Martina Maxwell has been forced into accepting a blind date, set up by her best friend, after she had introduced Kari to the love of her life, her brother Adrian. Now her friend Kari is returning the favour. Everything that could possibly go wrong, has gone wrong on this day so far, so why would her blind date be any different. She had forgotten to set up her alarm, so was late for work, got reminded of an important meeting with Alexandra Keating and when she got there, she was too nervous and wound up to go in. By the time she had walked around the block a few times, Alexandra had left! She worried her pitch was all wrong and her dad would regret having made her CEO of The Maxwell House. Keating would probably sell her boutique art auction house to their biggest competitor, Rothley’s Auction House, marking her as a total failure. Finding her phone was now dead, she was unable to call Keating and apologise, having left her charger in the office, and now needed to get to her date, in the rain. She can’t remember what her blind date’s name is or even the description Kari gave her, because of course it is on her emails and she can’t read them! As she looks around, a server shouts that they are coming through and she turns, losing her balance and falling towards the floor. Only for her fall to be stopped by some very strong arms, attached to a man with the most amazing blue eyes. She can’t get her brain and her mouth to work together properly and is quite happy to remain in this stranger’s arms. When he asks her what took her so long, she thinks he is her blind date, especially when he tells her he has been waiting for her. They give light hearted bater back and forth until he finally lifts her up, after she worried people would be looking at them!

They sit at the bar and order champagne, as they talk about all sorts of things for the next thirty minutes, such as their next date and not knowing each other’s names, come up with Casanova and Polaris. Just as they were relaxing into their seemingly magical night, a man asks if she is Martina and explains he had to call Kari for her description, not that he thought it was very accurate. Theodore Fulton is a customer at Kari’s shop and she thought they would make a good match, but boy oh boy, was she wrong! Just as the confusion is slowly being cleared up, her brother Adrian turns up, calling out Turner’s name. Turns out her Casanova is Turner Easton, the CEO of her rival, Rothley’s Auction House! She would clearly love to be on her blind date with Casanova, who she has completely fallen for, quite literally, even before the champagne, but she will have to endure her real date and suffer though a meal full of wind. Talking over her disastrous date with her friend Kari, and Kari’s sister Tabitha afterwards, leads them to discuss how they destress and finding out Martina needs her very own Relaxation Scheme, to figure out a way to relax a bit more and work less! TO her, everything ha been about proving herself to her dad, as she finally made CEO of the family company, but she hasn’t exactly been happy, finding it much harder than she expected. Never mind that her accidental blind date is someone she can’t get off her mind, even after finding out he is her rival in business! Every time their paths cross, Turner keeps on flirting with her and arranging meetings which he calls dates and she insists are only business meetings. Somehow, she can’t resist him and even meets him when trying yoga to relax, not very successfully. Her attempts to relax and plan her new pitch to Keating seem to be going nowhere and yet another date meeting with Turner leads to a kiss that throws her for six. Right before the two of them are called to meet with Keating, both at the same time!

Martina may have lost her confidence as the stress of expectations in her CEO role and winning a deal with Keating, have her thinking her dad will think her a failure, allows Turner to tell her his own story of the weight of parental expectations and finding your own path to happiness in life. He has made it clear he accepts her as she is and will be there for her, helping her to relax as needed, and she realises she loves him and can’t accept a deal when she thinks he is better suited to it, as she has been a complete mess. A surprising decision by Keating brings Turner and Martina into agreement and taking their relationship a step further. A lovely moment at the end as they enjoy a repeat of a former date and an unexpected visitor brings a question and a HEA ending. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout, and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.

[Ms. Shawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Martina Maxwell set her best friend Kari up on a blind date with her brother Adrian. She knew they wanted to be together, so she gave them a push and it worked. Kari decides to return the favor and sets Martina up with a blind date.

That morning, Martina forgot to set her alarm and was running late all day. She was made CEO of the Maxwell House and it has been stressing her out. She wants to make her dad proud. Her father wants Martina to acquire a local boutique art auction house called A. Keating. She arrives at the Geoffries Hotel to meet with Alexandra Keating. She is nervous when she sees Alexandra waiting at the bar. She decides to walk a couple of laps around the building to settle down. When she returns to the main entrance, Alexandra is gone. Her father is going to be upset.

Martina then rushes to the restaurant to meet her blind date. She can’t remember his name or what he looks like and her phone is dead so she can’t check Kari’s email. She takes a sidestep to avoid a waiter and trips. She falls but is caught by a handsome man with beautiful, blue eyes. Their banter suggests that he is her blind date. He buys her a drink and then her real blind date, Theodore, arrives. As she is sorting out the mistake, her brother Adrian arrives. It turns out that the man who caught Martina and was flirting with her is Turner, a fraternity brother of Adrian’s.

Rothley’s Auction House is The Maxwell House’s biggest competitor. They also want to acquire A. Keating. Turner Easton is the CEO of Rothley’s.

Poor Martina was stressed out on all levels. She is stressed out about being the CEO. She is stressed out that she won’t get A. Keating. She is stressed out because she really likes Turner, but he is off-limits. She even stresses out about how to incorporate some relaxation in her life.

It was easy to root for Martina and hope she figures it all out.

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

[Cathy R Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

She's so uptight that when she decides she needs to relax, she makes a business plan to tell her how. He's learned to focus on the important things in life. But when a mistake throws the two together, they get on surprisingly well - until she learns that he's the CEO of her main rival in the business deal she's angling for - the one that will prove her worth to her father. Can Turner convince her to give a relationship a go? And can Martina learn to let go of her obsession with proving herself?

As I've come to expect from this author, this is a fun, light read that is perfect as a brief-but-not-too-brief escape from 'real life'. Clean and well written, the characters feel like real people and it's satisfying to see them get their happy endings - even if the idea of making an umpti-billion page for how to relax is utterly incomprehensible! I guess that's part of the fun - seeing characters develop and grow more sense. :-)

Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.

[patrick Lorelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

A funny story that has Martina going to a bar restaurant for a blind date. Turner Easton who is friends with Martina’s older brother is attracted to her and plays off being her blind date. Each is having a wonderful time laughing, and joking, the conversation is easy and the flirting is there but not forced who would know that for once Martina would have everything going so well? Screech, the scene cuts to the actual blind date who is nothing like the man whom she has been talking to and ends up with a personality like a tree bark, maybe moss bark is good for something. Now when she finds out that Turner also works for a competing company what is she to do? Wonderful characters, the banter is also good, and overall a very good story and a quick read, very much worth the read.
I received this book from Netgalley.com

[lf · Rating 4 out of 5]

One mistake can lead to perfection

Sometimes you just need some fun and lightness and Susan Hatler is an author that can deliver that. The Date Mistake is the ninth book in the Do-Over Date series. This story all starts with one mistake and will lead to a sweet and romantic HEA. Martina Maxwell and Turner Easton find an unexpected connection but things will not go quite some dreamy, or can they. They both are successful CEO's but of rival companies. So you know there will be some fireworks happening as they take a journey of rivals to friends to more together. Through it all the story is wonderfully written, has a good story-line that keeps your attention, and characters that you love and cheer for.

[Richard Goodrum · Rating 4 out of 5]

Martina Maxwell has, once again, agreed to go on a blind date. While waiting, she accidentally falls. Turner Easton (her brother’s best friend) happens to catch her. The evening starts great when she confuses him with her blind date. The evening deteriorates when she learns Turner is her business rival.

This Romantic Comedy is superb. This story is about persistence. The persistence to follow up. The persistence to follow through. The persistence to go for who and what you want. The end is excellent.

Easy-to-read. Entertaining. Happily Ever After. Romantic. Unpredictable. Whimsical. Wonderful characters.

[Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a sweet meet cute. Martina literally falls into the arms of Turner Easton, her brother's best friend and business rival for an account she is trying to land. Opposites attract as while she is high strung and constantly worried over being perfect, Turner is laid back and relaxed. They hit it off, but she comes to find out he isn't the blind date she is meeting.

With time, she comes to learn what her friend pointed out, no mistake is an actual mistake and just maybe things are just meant to be.

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

[Lisa A · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it…
Likable characters and witty dialogue will keep a smile on your face while reading this sweet, funny romance. Martina Maxwell’s drive for perfection instead caused crippling indecision and stress. Until she falls for her brother’s best friend, Turner Easton… I received a free copy of this book. This review was posted voluntarily.

[Mandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet story about slowing down and finding out what makes you happy. Turner helps Martina slow down and enjoy life. I loved that it was love at first sight for him, and it was fun seeing him work his magic on her. Love that “together” was the magic word!.

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

[Tami Willard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can be read as a standalone but better if read in order. Characters overlap with other books.
She's stressed almost to the point of a breakdown. Facing the consequences for her trick on her brother she finds herself in a blind date mess.
He falls first instantly. She fights the attraction.

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

[Jamice Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love all Susan Hatler's books. Sure, they may seem a little cheesy sometimes, but man do you they make you smile and feel good, when you are having a crazy day and need a little break from life. She will always be my go to author for when I need a little smile and laugh in my life.

[Reads lotsa stuff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Falling head over heels. A sweet story with a fun meet cute. A mistaken identity. A familiar face. A business deal at risk. An animal element. All swirled together to make a fun easy book to read. Complete with wonderful characters and an ending with a very small problem left to solve.

[Isha Coleman · Rating 4 out of 5]

The joy of a Susan Hatler read is that it never ceases to please. Heart is written in every line and hope shines through every page. From funny to emotional, there's a sincerity that draws you in and captivates your soul.

[Josslyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ⭐️

[T.I. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this story. It has great characters, a wonderful storyline, lots of laughs, awesome chemistry, and I really liked how it all played out. So good. Enjoy.

[Marie Bourgery · Rating 4 out of 5]

Martina is frazzled by being made CEO of her father's company and that she agreed to a blind date with a man she can't remember the details on with a dead phone. Turner let's her think he's her date and he comes on pretty strong with his romantic pursuit of while competing for the same business. She's all about planning while he likes to go with the flow. They both make mistakes with each other and in acquiring that business.

[Jenn (YeahOrNeighReviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A hilarious turn of events among rivals! It all begins with a mistaken blind date, with someone who turns out to be a business rival they're currently in competition with for an important contract.

While Martina is determined to make her father proud of giving her the CEO position, it also makes her burn the midnight oil and unable to relax. She's constantly making lists and putting aside any form of a social life.

Turner is a fun-loving business man, determined to win Martina's heart and help her with the relaxation list so she doesn't burnout. His hilarious banter and clever date ideas make for a fun read.

This is book 9 of the Do-Over Date series, but can be read as a stand alone, and is the perfect light-hearted sweet romance for a summertime beach read!

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Susan Hatler has hit another home run with this book! Every book she writes gives me time to get lost in her stories and forget everything around me. She has a writing style that makes each and every character in every book someone I would like to know if real life.
This story starts out as a date that didn’t happen with the right person and yet the chemistry between Martina and Tucker is perfect.

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