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The House of Dating Disasters
She's met the man of her dreams.
But her best friend found him first.
Aster’s been on more dates than she’s had hot dinners, from players to weirdos, she’s met them all. So, when flatmate and fellow dater Edie suggests a new approach to weed out the undesirables, she’s right on board.
It’s a great strategy, until Edie gets together with her physiotherapist. Aster can’t see why she likes him; he’s a know-it-all health nut who rubs her up the wrong way.
She tolerates him for Edie's sake but when a friendship develops and, to her horror, a heart-thundering attraction, Aster has to face the uncomfortable truth—her best friend is dating the guy she's been looking for.
A page-turning romantic comedy set in Edinburgh and London with humorous antics, witty banter, an enemies-to-lovers romance and spice.
But her best friend found him first.
Aster’s been on more dates than she’s had hot dinners, from players to weirdos, she’s met them all. So, when flatmate and fellow dater Edie suggests a new approach to weed out the undesirables, she’s right on board.
It’s a great strategy, until Edie gets together with her physiotherapist. Aster can’t see why she likes him; he’s a know-it-all health nut who rubs her up the wrong way.
She tolerates him for Edie's sake but when a friendship develops and, to her horror, a heart-thundering attraction, Aster has to face the uncomfortable truth—her best friend is dating the guy she's been looking for.
A page-turning romantic comedy set in Edinburgh and London with humorous antics, witty banter, an enemies-to-lovers romance and spice.
344 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 28, 2022
81 people are currently reading
368 people want to read
About the author
Angela Pearse
16 books81 followersANGELA PEARSE writes contemporary and historical romcoms, and has recently added paranormal romance to her lineup. Known for her quirky humour, Angela’s books are often described as "page-turners", ranging from lighthearted escapades to darker satire.
A freelance editor with an MA in English, Angela is originally from New Zealand but now calls Edinburgh home, finding endless inspiration in its rich history and atmospheric streets.
Dive into her new vampire romance series - Fanged and Flirty!
Book 1: Flossed In Love - available now (read for free with Kindle Unlimited)
Book 2: Enthralled By You - available now (read for free with Kindle Unlimited)
Book 3: Biting My Knight - coming 4 February 2026 (available for pre-order)
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A freelance editor with an MA in English, Angela is originally from New Zealand but now calls Edinburgh home, finding endless inspiration in its rich history and atmospheric streets.
Dive into her new vampire romance series - Fanged and Flirty!
Book 1: Flossed In Love - available now (read for free with Kindle Unlimited)
Book 2: Enthralled By You - available now (read for free with Kindle Unlimited)
Book 3: Biting My Knight - coming 4 February 2026 (available for pre-order)
* Sign Up To Mailing List
* Visit Website
* Book Playlists
* Follow on Amazon Author Page
* Follow on BookBub
* Follow on Instagram
* Follow on Threads
* Follow on Tiktok
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
October 14, 2023
Leaning more toward 4.3 stars
This was one of the Stuff Your Kindle Day books. In my experience, the books t I've downloaded in those opportunities are entertaining. Still, somehow I've picked and read some that needed further editing, left you stuck in weird cliffhangers, etc. Not this one! :) I was gladly surprised.
This was an entertaining book, with a more solid narrative and story, even if you know where it's going, it still surprises you.
I loved the dogs! :) Also, I think it's good that it addresses slut-shaming. Why can a man date a lot and it's more or less ok but for a woman it's shameful? Not only is she badly seen by men, but women judge her even harder.
A bit of a spoiler now...
Can we talk about toxic friendships as well? Dee's attitude, her lies... Also how she sees her relationship with TJ vs. how he sees it...
I truly disliked how Aster and Dee behaved during the whole Trello battle. It was really low. I mean, c'mon Aster! She might be in denial, buuuuut... you don't have to hurt her feelings. Dee said awful things, yeah, but just don't go there.
This was one of the Stuff Your Kindle Day books. In my experience, the books t I've downloaded in those opportunities are entertaining. Still, somehow I've picked and read some that needed further editing, left you stuck in weird cliffhangers, etc. Not this one! :) I was gladly surprised.
This was an entertaining book, with a more solid narrative and story, even if you know where it's going, it still surprises you.
I loved the dogs! :) Also, I think it's good that it addresses slut-shaming. Why can a man date a lot and it's more or less ok but for a woman it's shameful? Not only is she badly seen by men, but women judge her even harder.
A bit of a spoiler now...
Can we talk about toxic friendships as well? Dee's attitude, her lies... Also how she sees her relationship with TJ vs. how he sees it...
I truly disliked how Aster and Dee behaved during the whole Trello battle. It was really low. I mean, c'mon Aster! She might be in denial, buuuuut... you don't have to hurt her feelings. Dee said awful things, yeah, but just don't go there.
December 12, 2022
This is a wonderful rom.com. The book is well written and well thought out, with great characters (especially the adorable Maxie) and a lot of humour. I laughed out loud many times at the online dating disasters.
A review copy was sent to me by the author. All of the above opinions are my own.
A review copy was sent to me by the author. All of the above opinions are my own.
February 18, 2023
This book made me so angry… I barely finished it. If I could I would give it a negative star rating. I couldn’t stand any of the characters especially Aster (she is a hypocrite). The whole story was stupid and toxic.
I am in a reading slump because of it…
I am in a reading slump because of it…
March 9, 2024
I read this quirky, naughty modern romance in almost one sitting. An easy read with humor.
May 20, 2024
Wholesome! Softer Hoover vibes.
January 25, 2025
I really enjoyed this fun read. The characters were likeable and real. The visit to Dee's parents was cringingly funny. Definitely recommend to all romcom lovers. A five star read.
September 12, 2023
Dee and Aster are serial daters on the hunt for the men they're going to marry. Aster's been through her sl*t phase, and now they're using a questionnaire and deal-breakers to help them navigate the online dating pool.
It's all going relatively badly until Dee meets physiotherapist TJ in real life and sets her sights on him. Soon, Aster is falling for him too, but she can't do anything about it because he's dating her best friend.
What to expect (because I foolishly took too long to write this, so I'm using bullet points!):
- Competitive Scrabble
- Sexy massage
- 2 very different dogs
- Funny dating shenanigans
- One accidental drugging
- In love with a man she can't have
- Friendship conflict & resolution
- HEA
(Not necessarily in that order! 🤪)
I really loved this one. Super highly recommend if you're into rom coms! 😊
It's all going relatively badly until Dee meets physiotherapist TJ in real life and sets her sights on him. Soon, Aster is falling for him too, but she can't do anything about it because he's dating her best friend.
What to expect (because I foolishly took too long to write this, so I'm using bullet points!):
- Competitive Scrabble
- Sexy massage
- 2 very different dogs
- Funny dating shenanigans
- One accidental drugging
- In love with a man she can't have
- Friendship conflict & resolution
- HEA
(Not necessarily in that order! 🤪)
I really loved this one. Super highly recommend if you're into rom coms! 😊
December 17, 2022
This is my first Angela Pearse and after this novel I can say I would certainly read another.
What I liked: the characters are built well, they have quirks, flaws, and are fundamentally very human in nature without too much detail or the book getting derailed. Loose ends were tired up well, and the writing style had a lighthearted humor to it. Tension was well built, and real life lessons were learned.
What I did not like: the toxic best friend needed to go, the main character can’t grow with that influence still on her. Astrid’s lack of maturity in how she responds to her makes that apparent. The crux of how they work things out could have been have been more had more finesse, Im not sure a dating profile would have been in character with TJ. Just as he decided not to fight for Beth, it would have been nice if Astrid had come forward on her own and fought for him to bring it full circle.
Thank you to booksirens for the ARC, I would read Angela’s work in the future.
What I liked: the characters are built well, they have quirks, flaws, and are fundamentally very human in nature without too much detail or the book getting derailed. Loose ends were tired up well, and the writing style had a lighthearted humor to it. Tension was well built, and real life lessons were learned.
What I did not like: the toxic best friend needed to go, the main character can’t grow with that influence still on her. Astrid’s lack of maturity in how she responds to her makes that apparent. The crux of how they work things out could have been have been more had more finesse, Im not sure a dating profile would have been in character with TJ. Just as he decided not to fight for Beth, it would have been nice if Astrid had come forward on her own and fought for him to bring it full circle.
Thank you to booksirens for the ARC, I would read Angela’s work in the future.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 1, 2022
I did not enjoy this book. It literally gave me a headache! The storyline was contrived; the characters absolutely ridiculous; plot twists and turns were not very interesting; and the HEA was just meh. I was really disappointed based on the hype this book received. (I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book and found it really lacking!)
December 9, 2022
#TheHouseOfDatingDisasters by @angelapearseauthor rated ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ on #goodreads and #storygraph
I really loved this book! Such a quick, easy, fun read! Full of laughter, flirtation, dogs and Taylor Swift references - what more could you want from a rom-com?!
I adored Aster from the first page, and liked Dee - but there was a feeling in the back of my mind not sure of her. They were both clearly suffering from a lack of positive dating experiences, and came together to find a way to navigate the dating world to find themselves the relationships of their dreams.
Whilst they were both very different characters - they ultimately wanted the same thing - the same guy!
TJ was an easy character to imagine, written to be the ideal guy. However, it was clear from the offset that there was a lot of chemistry between him and Aster and a lack of chemistry between him and Dee.
Dee and Asters friendship was definitely unique - I wouldn’t want one of those myself. I felt Aster was really likeable, she had vulnerability to her character - of course a few flaws too. Dee, on the other hand, I couldn’t completely like - from the beginning I picked her out as a bit of a toxic friend, but that very suddenly became a whole lot worse. I’m not saying Aster was a saint, but I didn’t like the way Dee reacted and treated Aster one bit - and for me personally, I don’t think this could have been forgiven.
I love how the romance and the comedy all came together in the end. The sweet story of Aster and TJ wrapped up nicely, with a lot of hope for a new relationship for Dee too.
I also really liked how there were feminist elements - and how truly representative dating was, online or in person, and how women are often treated and used in these situations. I really liked that these elements were added - it made the whole story so much more relatable for readers.
I loved Aster and I’m glad she got the happy ending she deserved.
Highly recommend this book! Can’t wait to read more from Angela Pearse!
Thank you to the author and BookSirens for the Advanced Review Copy - I am leaving this review voluntarily and everything said above are my opinions founded by my reading of the book.
I really loved this book! Such a quick, easy, fun read! Full of laughter, flirtation, dogs and Taylor Swift references - what more could you want from a rom-com?!
I adored Aster from the first page, and liked Dee - but there was a feeling in the back of my mind not sure of her. They were both clearly suffering from a lack of positive dating experiences, and came together to find a way to navigate the dating world to find themselves the relationships of their dreams.
Whilst they were both very different characters - they ultimately wanted the same thing - the same guy!
TJ was an easy character to imagine, written to be the ideal guy. However, it was clear from the offset that there was a lot of chemistry between him and Aster and a lack of chemistry between him and Dee.
Dee and Asters friendship was definitely unique - I wouldn’t want one of those myself. I felt Aster was really likeable, she had vulnerability to her character - of course a few flaws too. Dee, on the other hand, I couldn’t completely like - from the beginning I picked her out as a bit of a toxic friend, but that very suddenly became a whole lot worse. I’m not saying Aster was a saint, but I didn’t like the way Dee reacted and treated Aster one bit - and for me personally, I don’t think this could have been forgiven.
I love how the romance and the comedy all came together in the end. The sweet story of Aster and TJ wrapped up nicely, with a lot of hope for a new relationship for Dee too.
I also really liked how there were feminist elements - and how truly representative dating was, online or in person, and how women are often treated and used in these situations. I really liked that these elements were added - it made the whole story so much more relatable for readers.
I loved Aster and I’m glad she got the happy ending she deserved.
Highly recommend this book! Can’t wait to read more from Angela Pearse!
Thank you to the author and BookSirens for the Advanced Review Copy - I am leaving this review voluntarily and everything said above are my opinions founded by my reading of the book.
November 1, 2022
After numerous failed dates, Aster finds the man of her dreams unfortunately her roommate and best friend gets there first.
This is an enjoyable, easy read that covers online dating and how far you are willing to go to find the person. It also glances on how both men and women are shamed for dating a lot and the effect it can have on relationships.
Aster is a relatively bland character who's main characteristic is her high libido and being shamed for that in the past. She is very judgemental upon initial meetings which is probably why she wasnt able to find anyone she liked despite numerous attempts.
TJ is the opposite of her, and the author played on that fact a lot in bringing them together. He is a likeable character but perhaps not the most interesting.
I disliked Dee as a character, between her attitude and inconsistent personality, she annoyed me and was mainly used for the plot in my opinion.
The plot was ok. Thought through well to a point and any holes the authors simply used Dee's eccentricity to overcome.
Overall it is an easy, enjoyable read that doesn't take much effort to get through.
This is an enjoyable, easy read that covers online dating and how far you are willing to go to find the person. It also glances on how both men and women are shamed for dating a lot and the effect it can have on relationships.
Aster is a relatively bland character who's main characteristic is her high libido and being shamed for that in the past. She is very judgemental upon initial meetings which is probably why she wasnt able to find anyone she liked despite numerous attempts.
TJ is the opposite of her, and the author played on that fact a lot in bringing them together. He is a likeable character but perhaps not the most interesting.
I disliked Dee as a character, between her attitude and inconsistent personality, she annoyed me and was mainly used for the plot in my opinion.
The plot was ok. Thought through well to a point and any holes the authors simply used Dee's eccentricity to overcome.
Overall it is an easy, enjoyable read that doesn't take much effort to get through.
December 23, 2022
Thank you to Angela Pearse and Book Sirens for providing me with an ebook copy of The House of Dating Disasters for me to read and review. This is the second book by Pearse that I've read and she did not disappoint! This rom-com was well written with interesting and relatable characters. Some of the characters, like Maxie, were more lovable than others. This was a quick, fun, easy read that pulled me in right from the start and I was truly hooked! There were so many funny moments that made me laugh out loud and Pearse did an excellent job of bringing the comedy and romance together. This book also included a very transparent look at the world of dating, online or in person, and some of the challenges women can face when trying to find Mr. Right. This made it even more relatable and tied in some feminist elements to the story in a very cohesive way. I am really glad that the main character got her happy ending after going through so much. This is one that I will definitely be recommending.
October 31, 2022
This book is a fabulous light hearted rom-com guaranteed to put a smile on your face. Filled with witty one liners, great characters (including two hilarious dogs) and a play list to swoon along too, Pearse paints a very real picture of the trials and tribulations of online dating. Aster is an extremely likeable main character, vulnerable and flawed but aren't we all? I loved to hate some of the creeps Aster met through online dating and even though at times I was shaking my head at her best friend, Dee, I'm glad she eventually grew up. l loved this book, it was so funny and relatable and I just can't wait to see what this author writes next.
December 26, 2022
So, this book is a well written HEA romance. I think I was sold on it as a rom-com and the blurb sounded fun. While there was some fun - I loved Maxie and her owner's quirky humor with main character Aster there wasn't a lot of laughing to be had for me in this one. I found a lot of it sad and frustrating when it came to Aster and Dee's relationship. I found it very one-sided and a really unhealthy one. I can't understand for the life of me why Aster continued to tolerate it. I was drawn in and captivated by how Pearse would resolve everything in the end. I think while overall this was well written romance and the storyline flowed well, the betrayal of friends hits so close to home with so many that it was sometimes uncomfortable to read. I did love the HEA and will certainly read more from Pearse!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 22, 2022
This books owes me more than a few hours of missed sleep. It was moreish, relevant and entertaining. Exploring the volatility of female friendships and the long road ahead for body autonomy, this story will make you consider your own morality. If you have a hard time with sexual freedom, this probably isn't the book for you but it is a great book exploring female friendships and dating in the modern world.
Thank you for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Thank you for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 17, 2024
What I love about Angela Pearse's romcoms is the unconventional love interests! And this book really delivered with all of its characters, making for a rollercoaster read as Aster and her bestie, Dee navigated the trials and tribulations of the online dating world. Set in Edinburgh, it's a laugh out loud, escapist story full of all sorts of unbelievable (and yet somehow completely believable!) scenarios. And plenty of food (and drink), which always earns a romance story brownie points in my book ;-)
If you are after a pick me up to put a giant smile on your face, this is it!
If you are after a pick me up to put a giant smile on your face, this is it!
November 8, 2022
Absolutely loved it. Well written and effortlessly funny and the characters are great, I felt as if I knew every one of them and I particularly loved Aster, so real. Loved the writing and some parts made me laugh out loud... 'quieter than a mouse wearing felt booties', just so random and hilarious. This is the first book that I've read by Angela Pearse but it won't be the last. If you want something to cheer you up on a dismal evening, read this book.
January 10, 2023
Loved it!
I laughed out loud multiple, times then went into a “how dare that bitch” mindset, followed by a “praise the lord” everything is right again.
This book had many ups and downs with (at times) morally grey FMCs. There were times when I didn’t like either of the main characters, then other times when I understood where they were coming from.
** I received an ARC for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.**
I laughed out loud multiple, times then went into a “how dare that bitch” mindset, followed by a “praise the lord” everything is right again.
This book had many ups and downs with (at times) morally grey FMCs. There were times when I didn’t like either of the main characters, then other times when I understood where they were coming from.
** I received an ARC for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.**
October 13, 2022
I really enjoyed this book!
It asks the basic question, how far are you willing to go to find the man of your dreams? Will you lose a friendship over it?
It's a very relatable question and Angela Pearse does not disappoint. Her writing is a breath of fresh air that mixes spicy, with romance, with realism in a beautiful and funny story that won't disappoint.
Kudos points for cute dogs, Edinburgh location and laughs.
Just a disclaimer, ready your snacks, reading this book made me hungry! :)
I'm really looking forward to what she brings out next!
It asks the basic question, how far are you willing to go to find the man of your dreams? Will you lose a friendship over it?
It's a very relatable question and Angela Pearse does not disappoint. Her writing is a breath of fresh air that mixes spicy, with romance, with realism in a beautiful and funny story that won't disappoint.
Kudos points for cute dogs, Edinburgh location and laughs.
Just a disclaimer, ready your snacks, reading this book made me hungry! :)
I'm really looking forward to what she brings out next!
November 10, 2022
Contemporary romance about two best friends trying to find love in Edinburgh. There are steamy parts and witty moments. It had good flow. The only criticism is the UK slang that would be difficult for most people to understand.
November 2, 2022
I loved Aster and TJ's relationship. I loved Maxie bringing them together and I loved the expansion of their friendship into more. I however absolutely hated Dee. She was selfish and a little obsessive. She was honestly a terrible friend and if I were Aster I would've dropped her long ago. Dee was manipulative and took advantage of two nice people.
Overall I did enjoy reading this book and it was a pretty quick read. I loved watching as TJ and Aster's relationship built and overcame hurdles.
TW for cheating, manipulation, sexual situations
Overall I did enjoy reading this book and it was a pretty quick read. I loved watching as TJ and Aster's relationship built and overcame hurdles.
TW for cheating, manipulation, sexual situations
March 13, 2025
I stopped reading at some point because both female protagonists acted like sniping pre-tenns and it got kinda old. No surprise that they took forever to find a partner -- they problem was staring them back in the mirror.
November 3, 2022
I loved every minute of this book. The main character Aster is a hilarious dating disaster. When she mentions her dating history it had me laughing specially the shower story 🤣.
Her housemate Dee and so called best friend is an absolute cow and I spent the whole book wanting to slap her.
Dee meets TJ in the physio office and I just had a feeling that he would fall for Aster and her chaotic ways.
I adored seeing them progress but also seeing how Asters history has affected her. You also see a competitive side to both women.
I would reccomend this book highly.
Her housemate Dee and so called best friend is an absolute cow and I spent the whole book wanting to slap her.
Dee meets TJ in the physio office and I just had a feeling that he would fall for Aster and her chaotic ways.
I adored seeing them progress but also seeing how Asters history has affected her. You also see a competitive side to both women.
I would reccomend this book highly.
October 27, 2022
I loved this book. As someone who used to do online dating there were lots of funny moments that brought back lots of funny memories for myself. I definitely recommend reading this, it was a light easy to read rom com and it put a smile on my face. I enjoyed the characters and the end was the best outcome for everybody. It was never a dull moment in Asters life!
December 24, 2022
Loved Aster's story of finding love. She is exciting and willing to try a new approach, but there could be some heartbreak. I enjoyed this story and was right there rooting for Aster. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 23, 2022
I thought this book was great fun! It was easy to read, different and I got really invested in the characters' stories. I'll be looking forward to the next books by the author :)
March 9, 2025
(2.5) i started off a little weary but there were cute moments near the end and once they got together, but i still wasn’t the biggest fan of how they met or how the main character went about handling the situation so that just kind of stuck with me throughout the whole thing and especially during the little cute moments
July 12, 2024
I ate that book soooo fast ! 🥹🫶🏻
December 5, 2023
Loved
Okay this book through me in the loop. From smiling to glaring to smiling like an idiot. It's a must read.
Okay this book through me in the loop. From smiling to glaring to smiling like an idiot. It's a must read.
November 2, 2022
2.5 stars rated down
Firstly I would love to thank Hidden Gem Books for giving me an ARC copy of this book! I’m always grateful to receive and be able to review and read.
I was excited to read this book based of the summary and applied for it last minute. Starting the book off it was a new concept to read and I found it really intriguing. As the book continues on we find out the main character, Aster, is finding out she has a toxic best friend Dee. Throughout the book we learn how Dee has fiddled with Asters relationships without Aster knowing. It’s a nice thrill to read that part but then Dee just get more toxic and toxic. The end tries to be a happy make up where they both end with people they’re in love with but I really don’t think Aster and Dee should’ve ended as friends with how much Dee messed up Aster’s life. The first 80% of the book was a decent read but the last 20% just made it so much worse. I even felt there was some homophobia towards the end as well, one man being in a lesbian bar saying he can turn lesbians straight, and then another one of Aster’s friends comes out and Aster says she’s “glad she doesn’t swing the other way”. It was just so disappointing and left a bad taste in my mouth.
Firstly I would love to thank Hidden Gem Books for giving me an ARC copy of this book! I’m always grateful to receive and be able to review and read.
I was excited to read this book based of the summary and applied for it last minute. Starting the book off it was a new concept to read and I found it really intriguing. As the book continues on we find out the main character, Aster, is finding out she has a toxic best friend Dee. Throughout the book we learn how Dee has fiddled with Asters relationships without Aster knowing. It’s a nice thrill to read that part but then Dee just get more toxic and toxic. The end tries to be a happy make up where they both end with people they’re in love with but I really don’t think Aster and Dee should’ve ended as friends with how much Dee messed up Aster’s life. The first 80% of the book was a decent read but the last 20% just made it so much worse. I even felt there was some homophobia towards the end as well, one man being in a lesbian bar saying he can turn lesbians straight, and then another one of Aster’s friends comes out and Aster says she’s “glad she doesn’t swing the other way”. It was just so disappointing and left a bad taste in my mouth.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews