Oh, Penny Reid, how do you do the voodoo that you do so well? Just when I think I couldn’t love her books any more than I already do, she goes and delivers a smart, slow-burning, heartfelt book like Dating-ish!
My love for this book is epic in its proportions and I don’t think my review will do it one bit of justice.
Marie is a journalist looking for love in the modern age and Matt is a scientist working in artificial intelligence. Their relationship starts with an epic fail – like the worst first meeting in the history of meet-cutes – but it leads us on an adventure into the world of alternative human connections, both intimate and simple companionship.
Once Matt and Marie put aside their initial miscommunication, their chemistry almost becomes another character in the story, unmistakable and palpable.
I think what’s amazing is that even with all of the ‘sciencey stuff’ going on, their enemies-turned-friends-turned-lovers story is beyond emotional and even hilarious at times.
Oh, the FEELS! The feelings in this book are deeply intense, from longing and devastation to happiness and elation. Trust me, you feel every.single.thing. I laughed, I cried, I wanted to give them both big, squishy hugs.
Of course, the entire Knitting gang is back with their insights and advice, which is another favorite aspect of the story. I love each of these quirky characters and I’m going to be sad to say goodbye to them, but I can’t wait for Kate and Dan’s story in Marriage of Inconvenience.
Dating-ish is easily my favorite book of Penny’s (so far)! Matt and Marie’s story will have you questioning societal norms, dating in the ‘virtual world’, and the meaning of true love and family.
Thank you for the advanced copy of DATING-ISH by Penny Reid. All opinions are my own.
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Penny Reid is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author of the Winston Brothers and Knitting in the City series. She used to spend her days writing federal grant proposals as a biomedical researcher, but now she writes kissing books. Penny is an obsessive knitter and manages the #OwnVoices-focused mentorship incubator/publishing imprint, Smartypants Romance. She lives in Seattle Washington with her husband, three kids, and a dog named Hazel.
date published : May 16, 2017
pages : 356
audiobook narrator: Joy Nash
audiobook length: 11 hrs, 42 min
There are three things you need to know about Marie Harris:
1) She’s fed up with online dating, 2) She’s so fed up, she’s willing to forego the annoyance and consider more creative alternatives, and 3) She knows how to knit.
After the most bizarre first date in the history of dating, Marie is looking for an alternative to men. With the help of her friends, she quickly identifies a few possibilities: Need a cuddle? Use a professional cuddler. Need affirmation? Get yourself a life coach. Need an orgasm? Try orgasm meditation! Why does she need the hassle of a romantic partner when she can meet all her needs with paid services?
But then her irritating date resurfaces. And he’s not at all the person she thought he was. And he suggests a different—and crazier—solution to her dilemma . . .
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