A review by blewballoon
How to Get a Life in Ten Dates by Jenny L. Howe

emotional funny lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I didn't like this one quite as much as On the Plus Side, despite how much I appreciate friends-to-lovers in general. I don't think I was as charmed by Haleigh and Jack, and something felt different about the prose. I'm not sure if it was the same audiobook narrator, maybe a different narrator would explain why the wording felt less smooth. 

I did still enjoy the book, though. The opening of the "rules for staying friends after hooking up" was a good narrative framework that leaves a whole bunch of information gaps to entice the audience into wanting to know what's behind some of those rules. The gradually breaking or bending rules as the story went on was nicely done. I appreciated the anxiety and bisexual representation with Haleigh and the more diverse body types for everyone, including Jack. More books about guys with round bellies please! (Also looking for more books with short kings!) I think this was a very well done instance of a love triangle and a good reminder of the reality that there are probably multiple people out there who would work well together, but it's ultimately a matter of choice.

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