This was a fun read! Taylor and Jamar were a great balance of steamy and sweet. I enjoyed the way their personal journeys mirrored one another, both in terms of not projecting their own guilt or insecurities onto their family and in terms of reimagining their individual futures in light of their disabilities. I will definitely be looking forward to London’s story in 2022!

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily posting a review. All opinions are my own.

The Dating Playbook is the second in Farrah Rochon’s Boyfriend Project series. The romance aspect is stand-alone, but I would recommend reading the first book for background on how the three women the series centers around met.

I feel this one had a much better balance in terms of the friendship and the romance. I do think it helps that we have the foundation of the first book to show the roots of the relationship between Taylor, Samiah, and London, so it doesn’t have to be as dominant of a force this time around, while still being there. I love the way they support and encourage each other.

But that means this book felt more like a romance, with a relationship I actually rooted for. Taylor and Jamar are both interesting people, and that ended up translating really well into them being a good couple. There were believable and relatable challenges each faced, like Taylor’s financial problems and Jamar working to get back into the NFL after an injury set him back. The former resonates, due to the current state of the world, and as for the latter, while I don’t always love sports romance, I feel like it worked here to convey something he was passionate about, especially with her helping his cause.

There are also some deeper issues explored, like anxiety and grief, as well as learning disabilities like ADHD, which I felt were depicted realistically.

This book is delightful, highlighting the need for a supportive group of friends in equal measure to romantic love. If that appeals to you, I think you’ll enjoy this book.

DNF. I really really really wanted to enjoy this book but couldn't as the constant discussion of exercise and diet started triggering my body dysmorphia, thoughts of disordered eating (lots of food guilt), and tendency towards orthorexia. I made it 22% and was absolutely miserable. I get that Taylor's job is being a personal trainer and nutritionist but it didn't need to be so heavily on page for her competence in her career to be apparent (there are entire sports romances without a sport ever actually being played). It was just a lot for me and I needed to stop reading. The book itself is well written and I may return to it in the future when I'm in a better head space.

Thank you to NetGalley and Forever for the ARC.

I love Farrah Rochon's books and this one was no exception. The Boyfriend Project was one of my favorites from last year and The Dating Playbook is one of my favorites from this year. The characters are great and well written. I would definitely recommend this book!

Another cute book in the Boyfriend Project series by Farrah Rochon. In this book we follow Taylor who is kind of down and out, her business isn't really thriving and she's broke. In comes Jamar with an offer that Taylor can't refuse. After they get outed as a couple to save face the forge a plan for a "dating playbook" but things get out of control quickly and as we know the fake dating trope always leads to more! I really like Jamar and Taylor's chemistry and how well developed both of their characters are. Can't wait to read London's story!
Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for providing me with an arc for an honest review!

Fake dating trope for the win! Farrah is back with another meet cute. Taylor is a personal trainer in debt up to her eyeballs, Jamar is a former football player who was injured and needs to get back into game mode. Taylor reluctantly agrees to train him, not quite sure if he’s legit. Oh, but it has to be done in secret! With a strong female lead, sweet friendships, and steamy romance you won’t want to miss what happens when things don’t go according to plan!

Thank you to the publisher for my gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.

4.5 TayJar Stars!

I enjoyed THE DATING PLAYBOOK immensely! The characters are genuine, relatable, and had amazing chemistry and banter throughout. This is a definite win!

AudioBook Review:
Stars: Overall 5 Narration 5 Story 5

When we first met friends Samiah, Logan and Taylor after they bonded over a viral video and a horrible man – we see just how wonderfully the three have come together to support, cheer and even console one another as their friendship grows. This is Taylor's book, and she’s trying to maintain ‘appearances’ while everything about her world is falling apart – and she can’t seem to get that boost in social media presence that she wants, because while she has ALL the knowledge – she doesn’t have the college degree. Spending hours sharing tips and tricks on Twitter, IG, and YouTube is only going so far, and her latest pop-up bootcamp workout did bring a few new people to the mix – and one who may be the answer to her troubles.

Jamar Dixon tried out London’s Boot Camp pop up workout class and approached her to discuss his own personal fitness goals and how she could help. A former NFL player who was injured in his first season, Jamar is determined to rehab his way back into the NFL based on his own needs to support family members, and the members of his deceased best-friend's family. His injury, while not classified as career ending by the Orthopedist who did the work, was dramatic, and getting himself ready for a showcase and return is his goal. But he never counted on Taylor – nor did he count on the fact that she’s not only skilled at training, but her flirting game (and looks) aren’t bad.

Yet Taylor comes with her own set of issues – not the least of which is not having that degree. While she’s got great ideas, and some seriously clever plans, without the degree she’s just stalled – until a chance encounter with a reporter leaves the door open for Taylor and Jamar to flaunt a ‘relationship’ - that is fake – until it isn’t. Of course, having been burned by men before, and struggling with her own issues as being seen as the ‘underachiever’ in the family leaves Taylor, who can be as solid and confident as the next person, easily influenced by the little negative voice in her head that says she’s not enough.

There is so much to unpack in this story – from the grief and guilt that Jamar feels, to Taylor’s own struggles with finding the confidence to return to school for a degree, with the importance of later-aged diagnoses of learning difficulties – from ADHD to dyslexia, that left Taylor feeling like she ‘couldn’t’ do, rather than needed alternative learning methods – that just bring this story into the light. With Rochon’s ability to write both dialogue and comedic moments, bringing a bit of “everyone you know” into each character’s moments – and the friendship between the women becoming that sort that we all long for – the growth for both Jamar and Taylor – along with the realizations they come to discover about themselves, their relationship and their potential is wonderful.

Now, I had the opportunity to BOTH read and listen to this story – and for a listen, Rebecca Lee manages to encapsulate Taylor and Jamar with the little moments that everyone understands when someone speaks – adjustments in tone, pitch and accentuation allow for the frustration, longing, laughter or plain out anger to stand solidly as an audio accompaniment to the words. In addition, each of the three women: Samiah, London and Taylor have their own distinct speaking styles that Lee captures with a distinct voice, and the flow, pacing and dialog makes it hard to believe that only one narrator is managing each person in the text. If you want one series that will both entertain and encourage you to find a group of friends like we see here – this is the one. A great ‘kids are back to school now it’s time for me” series to kick back with and just enjoy. You won’t regret it.

I received an eArc copy from the publisher via NetGalley, and an AudioBook copy from the publisher from Libro.fm for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

Review first appeared at <a href=” https://wp.me/p3OmRo-aXh /” > <a> I am, Indeed </a>

Big thanks to Read Forever Publishing for the e-ARC of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

Overall 4 stars

CW: guilt/grief, financial anxiety, academic anxiety, dealing with/diagnosing a LD

This is book 2 in Farrah's Boyfriend Project series and features Taylor who we were introduced to in book one. Though this can be read as a standalone, it would be beneficial to read book one where the friends meet.

I honestly really loved this book and had to keep checking how long the book actually was because I just kept speeding through it. Taylor and Jamar were a really cute couple and I found myself smiling a lot at some of their scenes. This book also really made me emotional due to the financial and academic anxiety Taylor faces throughout the book because it hit a little too close to home. It was also really great to see how the friendship between Samiah, Taylor, and London has progressed.

I will admit that I was really not feeling the chemistry between Jamar and Taylor. I believe part of this is that Farrah used the method of telling us what happened without showing us what happened. I also felt that the progression of their feelings/relationship had a weird pace that continued throughout the whole book.

I do plan to continue the series and can't wait to see London's story!

A worthy successor to The Boyfriend Project. You definitely don't have to have read the previous book in the series but if you do happen to read it out of order, this book has the same heart, sense of humor, and deftly drawn characters and so, if you liked this one, you should definitely check out the other.

Taylor Powell was able to parlay her fifteen minutes of fame into a little bump in her personal training business but it wasn't quite enough to keep her afloat. Working with NFL player (well, he was and now he's hopeful to return, Jamar Dixon, might be the boost she needs. The interesting thing? She tells him they CAN'T appear to be in a relationship. It will make her look bad and just bring out the trolls. Of course, that goes out the wayside quickly and they are soon in a fake romance that is starting to turn distressingly real.

Three and a half stars
This book comes out June 9th
Follows by The Boyfriend Project
ARC kindly provided by Forever (Grand Central Publishing) and NetGalley
Opinions are my own

I the only person in existence who did not like the first book in this series (The Boyfriend Project), but I am happy to report that I loved this book!

THE DATING PLAYBOOK is a swoony and sexy story with great female friendships (a hallmark of this series) and a seriously hot NFL Player.

Taylor was a total badass with a heart of gold! I loved how she was smart, driven, and passionate about her career while also having made a few mistakes along the way. She is a wonderfully complex character and the way she took no sh*t from people she was training was epic.

Jamar and his gentlemanly behavior killed me (in the BEST way). I loved him and his good manners and sensitive soul. His personal conflict is one I feel I have read in romances A LOT so it felt a bit overplayed for me. It wasn't a huge issue for me, but I did definitely notice it.

The trio of girlfriends in these books are wonderful, supportive, and relatable! You want to be in their friend group.

Overall, THE DATING PLAYBOOK is a great read!

I have been trying to find a way to describe Rochon's writing because it's different than most of the stories I've read the last few years. The best I can do is: You know how there are friends who you have a margarita with and lose all filters while you share all the dirty details of your love life on the living room floor and then there are other friends (honestly just as much bffs as the first group, just different) who you dress up for and meet in a glitzy wine bar and whisper hot details about your love life...Rochon's writing is the refined friend who sips wine, laughs elegantly, but has all the dirty deets about her last night out. She is truly different than most of the authors I've ever read. Very descriptive in her style (not so much the steamy parts...that's medium steam) but it's not just drawn out for word count, because it adds so much life and detail to Rochon's world and characters. You almost have a sensory experience just through her descriptions of places, people, and actions and that is such a special treat for her readers to enjoy!
I loved how kind and genuine Jamar Dixon was and his love for his family. Taylor Powell is a kickass bff you'd love to have in your corner and together they just really work! I also thought it was very impressive how Rochon made space for each character to really grow throughout the novel. Mental Health, disabilities, addiction, and recovery are all beautifully discussed in healthy ways. Great new to me author!

Taylor Powell has tried everything to get her fitness program, Taylored Conditioning, off the ground. After catching a cheating date last year made Taylor (and the other two women Samiah and London) go viral, she saw a slight uptick in clients, but not enough to stave off the ever-increasing amount of bills she has. Then luck throws Jamar "Diesel" Dixon in her path.

Jamar is a local football legend and played about half a season with the pros before an injury sidelined him. Now, Jamar is looking to make a comeback and sees Taylor as the perfect person to up his workout game. Taylor sees this as the perfect chance to get her name out there, but Jamar wants to keep their sessions a secret. He's not ready yet to let the world know he's planning a comeback. Taylor agrees, but when the press gets a little too close to guessing the truth, Jamar and Taylor pretend to be dating.

I really enjoyed the first book in this series which featured Samiah, but I have to say Taylor really brought her A-game in this one. I liked getting a better in-depth look at these three women who form this friendship out of unusual circumstances - to say the least, but I wasn't really sure, going in, what to expect out of Taylor.

Taylor just felt so real as a character. Her struggles, her perseverance, her can-do personality just jumped off the page. I understood Taylor where she's coming from, where she wants to go. I got Taylor more than I got Samiah.

When you add Jamar's character to Taylor's, it's like kismet. They just clicked so well together. I found myself multiple time while reading just sitting there with a big smile on my face at their interactions.

But again, I could feel Jamar's need to get back onto the field. I could feel the disappointment he had at his career being cut short and the near-desperation to get it back.

Jamar and Taylor were two characters that you really root for - together and alone. I loved that Farrah Rochon really makes readers want to see these characters succeed at their goals, but that doesn't necessarily mean their goals remain the same throughout. Life happens and The Dating Playbook skillfully showcases all the ups and downs that life can throw and shows us how they can still be satisfactorily navigated.

Of course, as mentioned, one of the standout pieces of the book was seeing the three women continuing their friendship. This is something I wanted more of from the first book and I think we certainly got it this time around. I like learning more about these women, seeing their differences, yet still seeing how they show up for each other.

Of course, we're at book 2 and that means there's only one more book left. I am excited to get London's story as well as continuing to see the bond between these strong successful women grow.

I thoroughly enjoyed this romantic comedy about a former- NFL player trying to make it back to the big leagues and a personal trainer trying to take her business to the next level while fighting her anxieties about school and trying to overcome her debt. Farrah Rochon’s second book in her The Boyfriend Project series is just as much of a hit as her first book! I really enjoyed the fake dating storyline as Taylor and Jamar juggle their personal career goals and their feelings for each other. I seriously enjoyed this one!

from someone who didn't love love The Boyfriend Project, pls read this book. I think it is much much better than the first book in many ways. the characters seemed very mature and the conflicts were based in real issues and flushed out in a way that really made sense. I really enjoyed the inclusion of the learning disorder rep and the insider look at NFL training and deals. I don't think you necessarily need to have read The Boyfriend Project to read The Dating Playbook and will be recommending this to like all contemporary romance readers!

4.5 stars rounded up!

I seriously loved the first book in this companion series and was super excited to read from all of the girls' POVs. The setup for this (three girls dating and being played by the same guy get together as besties after their confrontation with him goes viral) is perfection. 

Jamar, the ex-football player trying to make it back in the league after a major knee injury, and Taylor, the perfect fitness coach for his needs, had a ton of chemistry. I love a fake dating situation and these two did a good job with my favorite trope. I like how open they were throughout the book about their feelings and wishing they could be together, but not wanting to risk their professional lives just yet. They always planned to make it work though.

I usually get nervous about proper football terminology when it exists in books, but this was well-done and logical... even a quick reference to my Panthers too!

My one complaint about this book is more of a personal one - I've been trying to get out of the diet culture mindset and reading a lot about counting macros/calories and so much exercise was a bit triggering for me, based on where I am in my journey right now. I was able to mostly compartmentalize that this dude was an elite athlete who had to pay more attention to those things than the average person, but still - it was a little tough at first!

As is usually the case these days with romance novels, the black moment was logical and not based on miscommunication. The two of them had always been honest with each other about where they were at so I love getting to the end of the book and have them work through something reasonable and real.

Cannot wait to get to London's story - I'll be sad to see this girls go, though!

Football and fake dating - two of my favorite things come together in this romance between Taylor, a woman struggling to get her fitness business of the ground and drowning in debt and Jamar, a former football player willing to do whatever it takes to get back in the game. The relationship between Taylor and Jamar was full of chemistry, vulnerability and understanding. I felt like they truly saw each other and were able to push one another to get out of their own heads, push through their mental roadblocks and seek out their best future. I appreciated that the characters were going through challenges that were so true to real life, it did not feel like a fairy tale, it was very relatable. I also love reading books set in Austin so that was an extra treat.

Recommend this book for fans of Friday Night Lights, Catching Jordan and sports romances.

Ah this book was so fun! I loved the male lead and he made it for me! This was a perfect follow up to the first one and it makes me love her more! The characters were well developed and he romance was sweet as pie!

The follow-up to Rochon's widely acclaimed The Boyfriend Project, The Dating Playbook centers the story of Taylor, a struggling personal trainer/nutrition expert, and Jamar, an injured NFL player who needs to get back in shape. To cover for the fact that they're training together, they begin a long fake romance cover, which I was all set to love, except I found the language and framing around working out, pushing one's body, and negative value assigned to "bad" foods like baked goods distracting from the story at heart. While I love the emphasis on female friendships as a tool for accountability and camaraderie in adult women's lives, this one ultimately fell flat. Still looking forward to the third in this friend trio's story, though!

3.75 stars

After reading The Boyfriend Project last year, I was curious about Taylor and was pleased when I found out her book would be next.

Taylor is driven and tenacious. She’s determined to succeed in her personal training business, and she’s been doing the best she can, but she’s deeply in debt and she keeps getting turned down for amazing job opportunities because she doesn’t have a degree in fitness and nutrition. That doesn’t stop her, though, and when she gets the opportunity to work with former football star Jamar, she knows it’ll not only help her dig her way out of debt but also get her name out there in a much-needed way.

This book was a lot of fun. I liked Taylor and related to her financial struggles and her desire to succeed no matter what. Fake dating is one of my favourite tropes, and I enjoyed how it played out for Taylor and Jamar. Their interactions were fun and their banter was great, although there were times when I thought their chemistry was lacking a bit. As with The Boyfriend Project, I enjoyed the friendship between Taylor, Samiah, and London. I felt for Taylor because while Samiah and London were super supportive and had her back no matter what, it’s difficult to have friends who are basically geniuses with thriving careers while you’re puttering along and nothing seems to be working. I also appreciated how this book openly talked about learning disorders and grief.

With The Boyfriend Project, I felt there was too much detailed tech stuff that was way over my head. With The Dating Playbook, it felt like too much health/fitness/nutrition stuff. I love books that deal with food, but not necessarily in this way; there were times when it stressed me out because I got stuck on all the things I’m ‘doing wrong’ with my own nutrition. I read to escape, not to feel bad about something that stresses me out enough as it is in real life!

Overall, I enjoyed The Dating Playbook, and it's my favourite of the two books so far. I’ll look forward to seeing these characters again in London’s book.