I enjoyed this book. I thought the plot and characters were well written. I would recommend this book to others.

Taylor Powell is a talented personal trainer who is going through some rough financial times. Jamar Dixon is a former NFL player who wants to train his way back into the NFL and wants Taylor to be his new trainer. However, he wants to keep things a secret, and they soon get accidentally outed as a couple.

I absolutely love love LOVED the friendship between Taylor, London, and Samiah. Sometimes solid friendships are formed super quickly, and I appreciate both the wacky circumstance in which the three of them met and the way that they decided not to let that get in between them and formed a strong friendship that way. Seeing how they reacted to Taylor's confession of her financial situation despite only having known each other for three months tells me how much of that ride-or-die kind of friendship is here, and I love seeing that. I love learning about each of the three girls and their pursuits of milestones in their very different careers, and the way they uplift each other and hold each other accountable. I'm interested to see London's story in the next book.

I enjoyed Taylor and Jamar's dynamic - cynical about love meets sunshine, with plenty of banter between the two. Combined with fake dating and huddling for warmth? Their romance was so much fun to read. I loved their grocery store "date" - whirlwind fantastical dates are always fun to read, but there's something charming about the domesticity in this scene. It very much feels like something you'd see these characters do as a well-established relationship far off in the future.

I also loved all the more serious themes that were discussed in the book. Taylor's anxiety, especially when compared to family members or her more successful friends, and the effects it might have on her relationships with those people in question were done really well. There was a great exploration of grief in various forms that it might take - loss of a loved one, loss of a dream, and how to grapple with these feelings and try to move forward, however that might look for different people. Seeing a character with a learning disability, especially one who is diagnosed as an adult, was also something that isn't represented very often, and I appreciate that it was shown here.

Thank you to Forever (Grand Central Publishing) and NetGalley for the ARC.

I truly loved The Boyfriend Project, so I was eager to keep up with the girls. I can say that I enjoyed the story, but did not love it. It was very heavy on the nutrition and diet aspect of the book to the point that it would take me out of the story. The love story did not feel as natural as in the first book. Overall, it was still entertaining and I will of course be reading the next book in the series.

Taylor Powell is a fantastic personal trainer, but she is getting her butt kicked by debt after a failed business venture. She is starting to lose hope when she meets Jamar Dixon, a former NFL player who wants to play pro football again after an injury ended his career.

Jamar offers Taylor enough money to solve her financial crisis if she trains him in secret. After a slip of the tongue, Taylor and Jamar are accidentally outed as a couple. Dating isn’t part of Taylor’s playbook, but she can’t deny the chemistry she has with Jamar.

I absolutely loved The Dating Playbook. Any book that can make me swoon in one scene and cry in the next is a home run in my book.

I love the friendship that Samiah, London, and Taylor have formed. Their interactions were so fun and it was cool to see more of Samiah and Daniel’s relationship. I cannot wait to get London’s story in the next book! I have my suspicions about who she will end up with based on the trio’s conversations in this book. 😉

Taylor is my favorite character of the series so far. Her strength and tenacity are clear and my heart broke every time she questioned herself and struggled with anxiety.

This may be a romantic comedy but there was also a lot of depth, particularly when Rochon writes about Jamar’s grief and guilt.

Both books in this series have been pretty spicy and contain a fair amount of language, so if those things are not your cup of tea this series may not be for you!

If you haven’t read The Boyfriend Project, you’ll want to read that before reading The Dating Playbook!

This was one of my most anticipated summer reads! I fell in love with the friend trio of Samiah, Taylor, and London in The Boyfriend Project. In The Dating Playbook, we get Taylor’s story, as she struggles to forge a path for herself that lives up to her family’s sky-high expectations.

Taylor is:
-struggling to keep her fitness business afloat
-struggling with the decision to go back to school and get a degree
-struggling to prove her “worth” in her friend group
-struggling to keep things with her new client as professional as possible

This new client--Jamar--could be the solution to MOST of her problems. He’s given her a lucrative private training offer to help him reclaim an NFL spot he lost after a potentially career-ending injury. However, there are plenty of roadblocks--the chemistry between the pair, Jamar’s insistence that no one can know he’s a client, and a long-buried secret that’s been holding Taylor back educationally.

Bless her, through it all, Taylor tries her best to stay positive, but everyone has their breaking point, right? I love that Taylor was able to be vulnerable to Jamar, her friends, her family, and eventually, herself to try to achieve her dreams. By showing Jamar those raw and authentic parts of herself, she was able to form a deeper connection with him and really everyone she loves.

The Dating Playbook lived up to expectations and made me even more excited to read London's story next summer! Thanks to Forever for a digital review copy.

Rating: 3/5
Genre: Contemporary Romance and Adult Fiction
Warnings: Grief, death of a friend, learning disability
Steam: 2/5

Thank you to Netgalley, Forever and Grand Central Publishing for this advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion. The Dating Playbook will be released on August 17th.

Things I loved: The Austin references where on point, my best friend used to live in Georgetown so I literally knew where things were. The grocery store + other date scenes were cute. I loved the strong female friendships. The attention brought to learning disabilities in adults.

Things I didn’t care for: The chemistry/relationship/steam between Taylor and Jamar didn't flow well for me. It was a lot of showing not telling (which I felt from the Boyfriend Project too). Disney and comic book loving is not a personality trait. It was also heavy on the pop culture references + workout/nutrition talk...I wanted more of them and not this. There was also a lot of build up to Taylor's relationship with her family and it was not resolved in the end.

Overall, I am very meh about this series...It dragged for me and I wasn't rushing to finish it/invested in the story.

I’m relatively new to the world of sports romance — Check, Please is the only other “sports romance” that comes to mind, actually, but I couldn’t help but find the description of The Dating Playbook to be incredibly intriguing!

The Dating Playbook is the second book in The Boyfriend Project series, although it stands completely on its own, and has some of the best rom com tropes! The Dating Playbook follows personal trainer, Taylor, who is struggling to get her business off the ground. When former footballer Jamar Dixon approaches Taylor to be his personal trainer, she figures it’s the perfect opportunity to make a deal: she’ll be his personal trainer for two months if he’ll endorse her company at the end. It’s a steadfast way to pay off her debt, and get herself back on her feet — Jamar’s only catch is that no one can know what he’s doing. And when they get spotted together in public, it’s only natural that their cover is that they’re dating.

There was so much to love about The Dating Playbook, but what I want to start with is how much I appreciate the way Taylor was written with so much care and compassion. Taylor is undoubtedly a heroine that you can’t help but love, even though some of her choices had me a little frustrated at times. One of my favorite things about The Dating Playbook is how Taylor didn’t go to college, and didn’t need to start her business — as well as how it mentioned how people are quick to judge based on if someone goes to college or not. Throughout The Dating Playbook, Taylor is considering the idea of going back to college, but often hits a mental roadblock at the thought of more education. Without giving too much away, Taylor realizes that she has a learning disability, as well as ADHD, and it was really powerful to see that representation on paper.

Taylor and Jamar were wonderful to read about. There was so much tension and chemistry between them, and while I’m not a fan of insta-love, I felt like this one wasn’t reminiscent of a typical insta-love, and they felt properly developed. I loved their banter, but more importantly, I felt like they really wanted the other person to succeed, and be truly happy. Taylor and Jamar weren’t afraid to give each other the hard-hitting truths they needed to hear, and came together as a team. And the fake-dating, forced proximity, hurt/comfort tropes? Just absolutely lovely.

One of my favorite things about The Dating Playbook was the message about how sometimes your initial career plan isn’t what’s right for you, and how there are multiple ways to best use your skill set. Following Taylor and Jamar on their journey to figuring out what was the right path for them was wonderful to read about.

I read the entirety of The Dating Playbook all in one sitting, and couldn’t put it down! I felt like it was well-paced, and resonated with the way Rochon writes. As I’m not a sports person (far from it), I was surprised at how much I enjoyed The Dating Playbook, and all it had to offer. I wasn’t turned off by any of the sports conversations, and I appreciated that any conversations about football or sports were contextualized quite often. I don’t think my lack of sports-knowledge pulled me out of the book, nor did I have to stop and google concepts!

I also loved reading about Taylor’s friends, and am so excited to go back and read The Boyfriend Project to find out more about Samiah’s story — and I cannot wait for London’s story as well. As I’m not Black, I highly recommend also checking out ownvoices reviews.

I adored The Boyfriend Project, so I was thrilled when NetGalley and the publisher were kind enough to give me an advanced copy of The Dating Playbook!

This book follows Taylor, a fitness trainer and nutritionist trying to get her company Taylor'd Conditioning off the ground. Unfortunately, this isn't going well, and she's struggling to make ends meet and wrestling with the decision to go to college and get her degree, since school has never been her strong suit.

In comes Jamar, a former running back who injured his knee in his rookie season. He wants to try to make a comeback, but needs help to get himself over the hump and back into NFL caliber shape. After seeing Taylor's online videos, he comes to one of her classes because he thinks she'd be perfect. They reach an agreement where she will help him get ready for a tryout in total secrecy -- and if he makes it in the NFL, he'll credit her. Thanks to an unfortunate run-in, they end up in a fake dating scenario to cover for the real reason they're spending time together, and have to fight their very real attraction to each other.

This book was fantastic! I loved Taylor and Jamar. They both were very fleshed out characters, with their own issues and obstacles to overcome throughout the novel. I found myself rooting for them the entire time. We also get more of the powerful lady friendship forged in the first book, which is excellent! And the ending was so sweet.

I adored this book, and can't wait for everyone to be able to read it. It's made me even more excited for London's story to finish off the trilogy!

Another terrific read from Rochon! Taylor's beautiful but insecure because of issues with school. Jamar's rich and talented, but he feels guilty for having the career his best friend never would. Another tale of well-rounded characters finding themselves and each other. I loved it.

Literally my only complaint is that Taylor said she needed to make banana bread while the bananas were still ripe.

**Review based on ARC**

(I'll post on Amazon when the book goes live)

I loved the boyfriend project and was so excited for the 2nd book in the series. Taylor did not disappoint, and I devoured this book as fast as I could. I thought the premise was great, and loved the football and personal training aspects. It was also great to see London and Samiah again in this book as well. They are a great friend trio that I would love to be a part of.

Thanks NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for this ARC!

Thank you to @readforeverpub and @netgalley for my gifted copy of The Dating Playbook, by Farrah Rochon. This sweet book about a trainer who agrees to fake date her football player client comes out on August 17th, and if you’re a romance reader, prepare yourselves!

In my opinion, fans of The Boyfriend Project will be absolutely delighted by Taylor’s story. She’s such a fun, real woman - with relatable issues! And, Rochon knows how to inject the perfect amount of humor in there with the romance to keep you laughing as you swoon. Jamar is definitely a swoon-worthy book boyfriend too. He had some great scenes in the book that made me want to jump into the pages and tell Taylor “WAKE UP! HE’S SO INTO YOU!” And then, as the cherry on top, this book is set in Austin. And, any book set in Austin makes me so nostalgic for my college days.

Farrah Rochon's THE DATING PLAYBOOK is a compelling fake dating, "hands-off" romance between Taylor, an uncertified personal trainer with money troubles, and Jamar, an injured pro football player preparing an NFL comeback. As the couple individually work towards their career goals, they try their best (and fail) to resist their mutual physical attraction.

This low-conflict love story features endearing protagonists, amusing supporting characters, and lessons in conquering fear and self-forgiveness.

The Dating Playbook is the incredibly charming follow up to The Boyfriend Project that follows Taylor a down on her luck personal trainer and Jamar an injured ex-NFL player who’s trying to get back into the league. After watching her workout Jamar hires Taylor to train him and sparks fly between the two but Taylor doesn’t want to cross the professional line. One day the two are mistaken for a couple and decide to continue the rouse but can they fake a relationship for the sake of publicity or will their very real feelings bring the whole stunt crashing down.

What I liked:

The characters really make this book. Taylor and Jamar were so relatable. Taylor was so independent and strong. Jamar was so loyal and supportive. I loved the banter between them.

I really loved the continuation of strong female friendships in this book. Taylor, London and Samiah’s close bond and support for each other was heartwarming.

I also loved the representation for adult learning disorders in the stories narrative. I don’t often read stories that feature this and if I do it’s usually a child with a learning disorder so it was especially refreshing to read about an adult struggle and coping with the news of a learning difficulty.


What I didn’t like:

Let me start out by saying I love a fake dating troupe but in this case it was hard to believe.
The relationship between Taylor and Jamar seemed underdeveloped and maybe this has to do with the writing style but I felt like the author kept skipping over passages of time and scenes that would have validated the feelings that the two had for each other. We never really “see” them doing anything other than work out. Yes, they are getting to know each other through working out but I would have also loved if we got a little less exercise and a bit more romance.

Overall, this was a good follow up to a debut and I will definitely read London’s book. Thank you to NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

I did enjoy this book. It was easy to read and the characters felt so real and lived in. But, the chemistry between Taylor and Jamar wasn't there. It just felt like their relationship with no spark. They were sexual attracted to each other but I just didn't see that romantic chemistry.

I will be the first to say that while I love romantic comedies, I'm very hyper-critical of each one I read. The Dating Playbook by Farrah Rochon is one of the good ones. I rarely laugh out loud at jokes in books because they're usually corny or awkward, but I was actually laughing in this book. This is a great follow up book for Farrah and look forward to many more!

Farrah Rochon is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors in the modern romance genre, and The Dating Playbook continues her success of creating believable, fun and heartwarming characters.

5 ⭐️
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Thank you so much to NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book! I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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This book was such a genuine surprise! As someone who was lukewarm on the first book in this series and isn't a sports or fitness person, I wasn't expecting to connect to this book, but Taylor and Jamar's romance definitely sucked me in. (I'm such a sucker for a fake dating trope!)

The Dating Playbook is the second story in The Boyfriend Project series. (Important to note, in the first book Samiah, Taylor, and London are three-timed by their mutual scheming boyfriend, Craig, and they all go viral in a YouTube video when they confront the cheater together.) This book picks up after Samiah's love story and focuses on Taylor, a personal trainer/fitness instructor/food prep wizard who is struggling to keep her small business afloat, dig herself out of debt, and get the kind of success she wants without having a college degree. She meets Jamar, a former NFL player who had to leave the game because of a shattered knee he sustained during a game. He wants to get back in shape to play again and wants Taylor to be his personal trainer due to her no-nonsense approach. After a rocky start, the two decide that working together may be the best thing that could happen to both of them.

I was really surprised how connected I felt to these two characters. The first book was a 3 for me, so I didn't go into this one with high expectations, but I was so charmed by their relationship. The fake dating trope, the just-one-bed trope...I'm such a sucker for all of it. I don't want to give too much away, but the way they clicked and cared for each other was just such a delight to get lost in. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and was so glad to have a chance to read it early.

I can't wait to read London's story next year!

I will be the first to say that while I love romantic comedies, I'm very hyper-critical of each one I read. The Dating Playbook by Farrah Rochon is one of the good ones. I rarely laugh out loud at jokes in books because they're usually corny or awkward, but I found myself laughing out loud SIX TIMES. I had to keep track in my phone because I was so surprised!

The Dating Playbook follows the budding relationship between Taylor Powell, a fitness coach and general jack-of-all-trades when it comes to health and wellness, and her new client, ex-NFL player Jamar Dixon. Together they navigate the rollercoaster that is the media, the growing tension between them, and personal heartbreak.

Although packaged as a classic romcom, Rochon is exceptionally talented at weaving in serious emotions like grief and anxiety to create the perfect balance of light and heavy. The range this story holds keeps it from being just another formulaic romcom, instead favoring themes of healing, both physically and mentally.

One thing I did think could be stronger was the developing relationship between Taylor and Jamar. It seemed a bit fast-paced and I would've loved a slower burn and more resistance, but I understand the constraints of the timeline.

All in all, I really enjoyed this book and I'm excited to read London's story next year!

4.5/5, rounded up

Talk about books that have you HOOKED! I literally could not put The Dating Playbook down once I got into it. Fake dating and forced proximity have to be two of my favorite troupe and so this was a delight to read!

Farrah Rochon has done a fantastic job of drawing you into the story and making it feel like your own. From the character's backstories to the individual characters arcs for Taylor and Jamar to the flirting and teasing, everything was spectacular. I cannot recommend this book enough.

The Dating Playbook is just the cute Adult Romance you need to get you out of a slump.

I didn't realise that this was book 2 in a series so I will definitely be visiting the bookstore to grab a copy of Samiah's story.

This was such a delightful read! I loved Taylor and Jamar's story - they both have interesting backstories and I really enjoyed reading both and learning more about them. I enjoyed the realness of the book - there's one part where they come across a dilemma and in true form, there's no magic answer - the issues and themes in this book just made it seem a lot more real and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I liked how Farrah wrote about Taylor's struggle with money, and her learning disabilities - and how she wrote about Jamar's guilt and how it shaped his life. I loved seeing Samiah and Daniel happy and I cannot wait for London's book next year - even though it was Taylor/Jamar's story, it was great seeing how the girls were doing. This book was exceptionally written and I think everyone should read it!!!