Alexa has been burned by love before, so she’s determined to put her analytical skills to the job when finding Mr. Right. What readers know and what she’ll learn is that love doesn’t quite work that way. Enter Marshall, the loveable cafe owner, who just might be the opposite of what she thinks she wants, while being exactly what she needs. This book has its charming moments, but for me it felt a bit too confined to tropes in Alexa’s character development. Still, an enjoyable, light rom-com read.

I LOVE stories centered around online dating. Add in an older (40+) heroine and I will one click the heck out of it. Sadly this book was kind of lame. I never really connected with either the hero or heroine. There was some low key slut shaming, plot moppet children, and it just wasn’t very interesting. It was VERY similar to the Steeped in Love book I read recently, but was somehow less interesting. I am not even sure why I finished it.

***I received an e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to NetGalley, Entangled and Julie Particka.***

Adventures in Online Dating, by Julie Particka, was a bit flat for me. Alexa is a single mom who wants to find a boyfriend who can fit into her very structured life. She wants him to be a good male role model for her boys. She and a friend design a series of 20-minute dates to screen potential matches. Marshall, the owner of the café where the dates are taking place, is interested in Alexa but she sees him as too young among other things. Marshall sets out to prove her wrong.

I liked Marshall. He was well-meaning, kind-hearted and generous. I struggled to like Alexa, especially at first when she was so rigid and almost close-minded, and despite the fact that there were things in her backstory I should have been able to connect with. Her reasons for creating dating rules made sense, but the rules themselves didn’t. Her no-strings arrangement with Marshall felt exactly like that to me, not at all like they were laying the foundations for a loving relationship. And their lack of communication at times seemed a bit juvenile. The writing itself was decent, but the plot was a little too shallow for me. Despite knowing back stories on both MCs, I feel like I didn’t really know them as people, that I didn’t learn anything about them as the story went on. I wish there had perhaps been more than the limited amount of character growth that took place. And I’m really not sure why the book was called “Adventures in Online Dating” because there was only a very limited amount of that. Overall, this was just an ok read for me.

Loved!

The title is a bit misleading, though--Alexa spends only about a hot minute--or maybe twenty hot minutes--actually trying her online dating plan. (Okay, it's longer than that. But Ms. Particka doesn't spend too much time dwelling on the details of that disaster, and rightly so, before focusing on the growing relationship-like thing between Alexa and Marshall.) It is the catalyst that gets Alexa and Marshall together, though, so there is that--but if you're looking for a blow-by-blow description of failed internet dates, that's not here.

And you won't miss it. The few dates we get details of are enough...I'm still cringing.

(Apparently, online dating is not for the faint of heart. Which explains why I've never gone through with it.)

Ms. Particka did a great job of showing why Alexa didn't think she and Marshall would work--not just the age difference, but her other reasons seemed fairly valid too--and even though I really, really wanted them to be together (and not just because we saw Marshall's POV, but that had a lot to do with it) it did almost feel as if everything was resolved pretty quickly and easily at the end. Again, not really complaining--I wanted them together, but kinda also wanted Alexa to suffer/sacrifice a bit more than it seemed like she did. I know, I'm cruel. But I can't help but think Marshall deserved it...

But that epilogue? Gave me all the feels. OMG, absolutely loved. I hope Ms. Particka writes more for this line!

Rating: 4 stars / A

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

This is a story about a single mother looking for a male figure for her boys. She begins speed dating at the local coffee shop and catches the interest of the owner.

This was a simple contemporary romance story with an HEA. I had a real hard time at the beginning and nearly gave up on the book. I powered through and became invested at about 70%. I had a hard time with the dialogue and confused as to the tone of the characters during conversations. It wasn't very descriptive and I found myself rereading the paragraphs once I realized which direction the dialogue was taking the story. I think with a few tweaks this could be a great read.

I was eager to read this story after reading the blurb, and was disappointed once I started it due to the lack of good description. I will say, I was really counting on this to be more about her actual dating experiences, rather than her developing relationship with the owner of the coffee shop she is using as a place to speed date. Cute story. I got feels when Brendan the 13 yo son had a heart to heart talk with his mom. I loved how Marshall the hero was so invested in the heroine, Alexa.

This book tackles taboo subjects. Ones that some people might even call a cougar. While others say age is just a number.

Add in speeddating.

What do you get? A book full of laughs. It’s fun and doesn’t take itself too seriously. If you need a little getaway from heavy subjected books this one is for you.

Our main characters are the exact opposite of each other. And what do they say?

Opposites attract.

Can the hero convince the heroine that he’s good for her?

Read to find out.

I received this ARC for a honest review. Thanks to the author, publisher and Netgalley.

Speeddating and coffeeshop romance turn out to be a perfect mix! Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author. All opinions are my own.

**3.5 Stars**

Alexa is a divorced single mother of three, sure she'll never find love again. But then she devises a plan, using her favorite coffee shop as the setting, to meet men that garner some interest from her. Twenty minutes is all she'll need to know if she wants them to be a part of her life. It's the most efficient way to find the love of her life.

Marshall, the coffee shop owner, disagrees. He doesn't want her to use his place, and it may, okay, it does, have to do with the fact Alexa has said he's too young to be an option. He refuses to let her throw away what he knows they can have without getting his twenty minutes first.

Alexa knows, at least in her mind, that Marshall isn't the one for her, his age being a factor, but her heart is another matter entirely. As they begin spending time together, she no longer sees their age difference, but how he makes her feel instead.

Can Marshall show Alexa they're meant to be? Will Alexa take a chance on them? Is a HEA possible?

One-click now and follow along as two people open their hearts to what could be.

**I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.**

I found this book to be a refreshing change of pace from most of the romances I read. I love the fact that Alexa is over 40 and I love the fact that Marshall was a little younger. It was also refreshing that Alexa was not just consumed with bitterness about her ex-husband's wandering spirit and less that constant presence in their children's' lives. I look forward to reading more books from Julie Particka.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and feelings are my own.

Adventures in Online Dating by Julie Particka is a cute story of Alexa a forty something divorcee and mother or 3 boys. She is at the point in her life where she feels the boys need a father figure so she comes up with a hair brain scheme to find someone to fill the position. Since her life is numbers she come up with 20 minute speed dating at her favorite coffee shop. The owner Marshall thinks her ideal is crazy but since she makes him an offer he couldn't refuse he let her use his shop. The interaction between the two has always been friendly but Marshall would like more. Alexa doesn't think of Marshall in that way, with the age difference and his maturity level. I really enjoyed their journey to finding each other. A grown folks tale with real life problems. Oh and the sex was hot. This was my first time reading this author and I will be reading other books from her. 4 stars for me.

2.5 stars

An interesting plot with an older woman dating a younger man and going through the stumbling blocks that crop up.

Unfortunately, I had a difficult time getting into the book, and connecting with the characters. While I understood her motivations, Alexa was still a frustrating character. Overall, I liked Marshall and the scenes from his perspective more.

This was a very cute story by an author I have never read before. Older woman, younger man, which usually not my thing turned out to be a really cute and no dramatics story. Great read.

Adventures in Online Dating by Julie Patricka is a funny, romantic book with a happy ending.

Alexa, single mother of three boys is still single after her divorce. Even though she is good looking, successful and a nice person she simply can't find a guy for herself.
So she decides to try online dating a chance. Convinced that twenty minutes is more than enough to tell her if someone is right for her, she chooses her favorite cafe for the quick dates to the annoyance of Marshall, a cafe owner and guy who knows he is a perfect guy for Alexa.
She on the other hand won't give him a chance wrongly believing that being younger than her, he is not responsible enough and not her match.

Light and delightful story with lovable characters and many laugh out loud moments.
Marshall is a perfect guy, funny with his movie lines and a genuinely good heart, and Peyton a greatest friend and girl can have. One who will tell you the truth and open you eyes whether you like it or not.
Easy to read and steady paced this is a wonderful book about love and second chances.

when coffee shop owner marshall calloway finally gets a chance to try for a date with alexa mcintyre in adventures in online dating he's bummed to realize that she doesn't take him seriously. marshall is ten years younger, has a penchant for wearing geeky t-shirts and purple converse sneakers, and lives his life seeming to fly by the seat of his pants.

alexa was already married to someone who hated to be tied to plans. but three boys later she couldn't envision that kind of unsettled existence anymore. she wanted a home she could call a home. a salary to count on. she wanted to be in control of what happened to her family. but when her oldest boy starts to act like a teenager she starts to believe that maybe a man's steadying influence would be good for him.

as an actuary, alexa's life is about numbers. and she has an algorithm better than any those online dating apps have created. so she creates a spreadsheet and kicks off a plan, that involves 20 minute dates at the coffee shop for a three hour period. needless to say marshall isn't into this plan.

as every 20-minute date is more obviously a bust, alexa can't stop her thoughts from straying to the guy behind the counter. eventually they give in to their crazy chemistry, and it could be good, except alexa's brain doesn't stop getting in the way.

she's actually super horrible to marshall. and listen, sometimes i find myself falling into that trap where you hold women to higher standards and so i work really hard to think well of female characters in order to avoid those weird implicit biases we are assaulted with all the time. but this time, alexa is really awful, and he puts up with a lot of crap from her and for her. when she makes her gesture, in some ways it doesn't feel like quite enough. but the guy is head over heels, so it's nice to see them find happiness.

**adventures in online dating will publish on november 12, 2018. i received an advance reader copy courtesy of netgalley/entangled publishing (august) in exchange for my honest review.

I love that this story is not the typical romance novel. Marshal and Alexa’s relationship is typical of the many challenges most couples face in real life. Alexa is divorced with 3 children and trying to put her life back together. Typography a single mom, her children are her priority which does not leave much time for dating or sex. Coupled with that she has boys who are becoming teenagers and they are a foreign species to her. She decides it is time to find a compatible male to share their lives. Unknown to her Marshall, her barista, has been keeping an eye on her for a while. As her adventures in speed dating begins in his coffee shop he decides to throw his hat in the ring and the fun begins.

The story is filled with warmth, laughter and fun. There is plenty of sexy escapades and witty banter. The author explores the dynamics of a older woman dating a younger man, how society views it and the insecurities a woman can face as she struggles with her age. It is a wonderful story of family and how it can be anything we want it to be.

This was an entertaining funny, quick read that is perfect for an afternoon escape. Great writing and characters will leave you with a happy feeling. Loved the fun storyline!

Alexa is a serious organized single mom of 3 rambunctious boys. She's worried that her sons need a man's influence on a more consistent basis than they are getting from their father so she sets out on a plan to find a boyfriend via online dating. She meets all her "dates" in a local cafe. Only problem is the cafe owner, Marshall, has had his eye on Alexa for some time now. Watching all the men coming through the cafe has him going crazy. Alexa won't give him the time of day since he doesn't fit her perfect picture of the man she's looking for. He's younger, dresses casually, and seems to take a laid back view on life. He's determined to show her that he's exactly the kind of man she needs and what fun life could be if she'd give them a chance.

Recommended read.

It's a great story, romantic, funny, and highly entertaining. Alexa is a single mother raising three sons. She hasn't been able to find love after her divorce and plans to do it now. That's the thing about her, she plans everything. She wants to control every aspect of her life and hates it when things don't go according to her plans. She is a hard worker and has a successful carrier, she is beautiful and by all accounts should be able to find a good guy. Unfortunately, that's not as easy as seems. As a final attempt, she decides to try online dating in a new way. She will arrange dates for twenty minutes and if she doesn't like that guy then no point in wasting any more time on him. But can you really know someone in twenty minutes?
Marshall owns a coffee shop. Alexa is his regular customer and now she wants to use his cafe for her experiment. He is so not ok with that, he likes her and hates the thought of her dating some other guy. Unfortunately. he can't do anything about it. She is all wrong for him, at least, that's what she thinks simply because he is a few years younger than her. Maybe he can convince her to give him a chance. But will a relationship between two people who are completely opposite work? Well, find out in this cute story.
I definitely recommend this to romance fans. It's a well-written story with great characters and some swoon-worthy scenes.

This was a fun read by a new-to-me author. I could really relate to Alexa as a woman in her 40s looking for The One, and I adored Marshall because right from the beginning he was a perfect match for Alexa. (Her algorithms even said so!) The age difference didn't bother me in the least, and it was nice to see the typical roles reversed.

The problems I had with the story were that often times a problem would arise (or something happened that Alexa thought was a problem) and she just wouldn't say anything. Communication was a serious problem for these two love-birds. The other problem I had was that Marshall just didn't seem to change. Alexa learned to let lose a bit and relax the planning, but did Marshall ever "grow up"? Not really. He kept his frat-boy apartment, he never apologized for leaving her place a mess. Even though he liked her marketing ideas, he never took it upon himself to plan a bit better for the future he claimed he wanted.

Still, I loved all the nerdy references, and there were some really heartfelt moments between these two. I look forward to reading more by this author.

I received an Advance Reader Copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

#AdventuresInOnlineDating #NetGalley

I received a free ARC version of the book in exchange for a honest review. All opinions and critiques on the book are my own.

First off, Im not usually a fan of older woman, younger guy romances (a personal choice). Often times the characters come accross as going through a midlife crisis or the character isnt mature. However, I've read a few that I've liked. They usually involve a tenacious guy. Cue the hero, Marshall in this story. He's younger but very mature and is great at convincing our heroine to change her mind. I hated how some people turned their noses up at the relationship. It's no one else's business. Im glad the author wrote this in as it is an issue in real life when there is an age difference. Especially when the woman is the older of the two.

My biggest issue with the book is the heroines twenty minute rule. I know the blurb mentioned it and was prepared for it going into the book but I never imagined how annoying I find it. So I relate alot with Marshall in that respect. It's not realistic for you to know enough about a guy in twenty minutes. At least on some level the heoine knows that.

Another issue was I felt the plotline was slow. The plotline had difficulty holding my attention for more then a few chapters. I tended to stop reading, go to a different book, the come back to this one. I can't pinpoint a specific reason why the plot felt slow but it came across that way to me.

Overall, the book gets a solid 3.5 stars. I liked the characters together as a couple and the overall storyline.

I went into this book hoping for a fun tongue in cheek sort of romance book, it is my first book by Julie Particka and I was not sure what to expect. Luckily this was exactly the type of book I was looking for!

We start of by meeting Alexa a single mum of three who likes to plan her life down to the last detail. After deciding she knows if a relationship is going anywhere after the first 20 minutes she decides to optimise her time by setting 20 minute dates one after another to help find her perfect match. Alexa herself I found to be a hard character to like and it did take a little while for me to warm up to her. In all honesty she is a little too cold and organised I guess. I know she does need to be to be able to set up these types of dates but it did make it a little bit harder to really be rooting for her when everything is seen to be so clinical. Marshall makes himself so much easier to like simply by being more open, he does know what he wants and he is not afraid to try. He did surprise me as a character by not always going in the direction I thought he would which is always a good surprise!

The story itself followed pretty much how I expected it would and at a pace that I thought was really good for the book itself. It did take me a little longer than usual to actually get into the book but I think this was due to not being able to connect with Alexa. While there are not too many ‘surprising’ moments I didn’t feel like there needed to be. Either way an enjoyable sort of Sunday afternoon read.