This is a fun read that was better than I expected. Three good friends see ads for the 24 Hour Dating Agency, a dating agency that promises you’ll meet your soulmate or get your money back.
After they fill out extremely detailed questionnaires, they get a notification with the details of their upcoming date.
The dates were fun to read about, they were all very different but all of them were entertaining. One character says the match isn’t someone you’d pick, but it might be someone you need.
All in all a charming book that I really enjoyed, 4 stars.

Synopsis

Tinder, Hinge, Bumble – thirtysomething journalist Saffie has tried them all. Now she's wondering whether it's time to throw in the towel and give up on love for good – and she's not alone...

Saffie's boss Tamara has been single since her divorce four years ago, but at forty-five, running her own magazine and with three kids at home, she doesn't feel she has the time, energy or confidence to go through the dating mill again. Meanwhile, Saffie's best friend Milo has just been dumped – again. A hopeless romantic with terrible taste in men, this is his fourth break-up in six months. There must be a secret to finding Mr Right, surely – but what?

Step forward The 24-hour Dating Agency, a matchmaking service with a difference. Instead of wasting months on casual dates, they promise to send you on an intense twenty-four-hour date with your perfect match – like speed-dating but in reverse. And even better, the agency offers a soulmate guarantee: meet The One or your money back.

Figuring they have nothing to lose, the three friends sign up. But when their matches turn out to be not what they were expecting, it seems like even the soulmate guarantee can't find them what they're looking for. Or can it?

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed as in this review are completely my Own.

A very new concept indeed. Not a concept that some of us might not have thought of but a concept woven so beautifully into a tale that makes you smile as the last page of the story comes into view. Like the title suggests, the story revolves around a concept of a date that spans for 24 hours and guarantees a soulmate. There are other variables that get plugged into this date but if I had to summarize it in a line that’s what the date means.
It’s rare for us as humans to chuck our preconceived notions about qualities that we want in our partner. Very often the thin line between what we actually want and what we want so that the society regards us better mixes up and we might end up with a person who makes us feel look better in society but really doesn’t understand is. That’s what the story tells us. At times, we might need someone who is not biased and can match us to people who complement the true us, who really are the yum to our yang.
It took me a while to get into the story. But by one fourth of the book, I was pulled in and then it was hard to keep the story down. There are 3 main characters in the book; Saffie: a cool journalist who loves showcasing her mood as her hair color and loves tattoos; Milo: sibling to the editor of the journal and a hopeless romantic (if I can say) who just wants a man to love him as he is; Tamara: an editor to an amazing magazine and a beautiful single mom to three kiddies. They’re all working for The Throstler’s Nest which is a quirky little magazine and in their 40’s. With the constant date failures, an opportunity knocks on their door with the concept of 24 hour dating agency and they sign up for it. Through twists and turns, they find their partners but mind you there’s a fair lot of fun, drama and suspense in their journey to find them. This is what makes the book an amazing one! Thank you NetGalley and Aria books for this review copy!

I really enjoyed this book, all the characters are great but Tam holds a special place in my heart as the favourite. I loved the writing of the friendship, family, complex issues and love.

I liked Saffie more at the beginning than in the end just because I found her story a bit boring towards the end and there were so many misunderstandings and not enough development with the plot point. Although I was surprised at the twist for her story.

Milo is a loveable character and I really enjoyed his scenes but there just wasn't enough. I wish we had seen his relationship grow more with his partner as it felt confusing understanding how he felt the way he felt. Also their ending was really rushed.

I loved Tamara's story the most and I think its because we saw the most growth, plot and change which was really nice. I love her relationship with her kids. Her strong will to move past the awful moment that rocked her life and love that she got to have a word against her ex for walking out.

The reason I knock it two stars is because one I felt Saffie and Milo's stories needed a bit more substance and plot development. Two I hated the ending with a passion, like I was happy for them all but Natalie's ending was ridiculous, she should have left that man and everyone essentially had the same ending and although nice is a bit wasted on a chapter.

This was really cute. I enjoyed that the main characters weren't in their 20's any longer. There was a lot going on, but it kept moving and kept my attention.

Thank you to NetGalley and Head of Zeus for this ARC.

What a charming, sweet ensemble romantic comedy! I enjoyed the tripod of friends/family/coworkers each pursuing happily-ever-afters through a matchmaking service that promises to find your soulmate and have you fall in love over the course of a 24 hour date. Only Saffie, Milo and Tamara each cry foul - Milo is set up with Ana ex who despises him, Tamara is set up with a man she doesn’t think she has anything in common with, and Saffie thinks she’s found someone with potential - until she finds out it’s Tamara’s cousin, who lied about his name, marital status, and profession and just happens to be her new boss. Over the course of several months, each one of them has come to terms with their “soulmate” and that maybe they were set up with the person they needed, not necessarily the person they thought they wanted. It was interesting to see how each of them had to grow and evolve, and in doing so, what they really want and need in order to find their happiness.

I had a 24 hour reading date with this book! It was light and fun with quirky characters and a cute premise.

Saffie, Milo and Tamara are friends and coworkers at a small periodical that focuses on covering sort of weird local news. Milo doesn't have the best track record of choosing men he dates but is determined not to end up alone. Saffie has been experiencing the hell of online dating after leaving her fiance practically at the altar. And Tamara's ex-husband who abandoned her and her kids is back in her life attempting to reconnect with the kids and with some major news to boot. When Saffie and Milo come across an ad for a new dating agency with a different kind of premise - they set up their clients on just one 24 hour date promising a soulmate level connection - all 3 friends decide to sign up but for extremely different reasons.

The 24 Hour Dating Agency is the kind of rom-com I gravitate towards. The kind that makes me feel like I'm on vacation and I simply have to read "just one more chapter". If you're a fan of the genre or are simply looking for your next great beach read, I highly recommend the adventures of this trio of underdogs.

Grateful to NetGalley and Head of Zeus publishing for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review! Considering how much I enjoyed this one, I'll definitely be picking up some of Mary Jayne Baker's earlier works!

3 stars

You can read all of my reviews at Nerd Girl Loves Books.

This was an ok contemporary romance novel. It follows the exploits of three co-workers and friends at a monthly periodical (not a magazine, mind you) as they sign up with a dating service that promises to deliver your soulmate during one 24 hour long date. The service boasts a 100% success rate, and promises a money-back guarantee if the match is not successful.

Thirtysomethings Charlie and Milo are tired of the same old dating app failures. Milo finds an ad for the 24 hour dating service and begs Charlie to sign up with him. Charlie is more skeptical and decides to go "undercover" to write an exposé on the dating service. She's matched with someone she never would have chosen for herself, and yet...as the date progresses, the couple find themselves completely enamored with each other. Charlie quickly abandons her plans to write the story. Milo, having suffered 3 breakups in 3 months, is desperate to find Mr. Right and settle down. When he's matched with a man he had an unfortunate encounter with while he was in his 20s, he's certain the date is doomed. But, 24 is a long time and who knows what can happen in that time? Tamara, 43, divorced with 3 kids and a business to run, had decided that a love life for her was something in the past, but at the last minute decides to join Charlie and Milo. Her date is nothing like she expected at all. But, perhaps there is something to be said for someone choosing what you need, rather than what you want.

This all sounds like a great set-up, doesn't it? I thought so too. I was excited to read this book. Sadly, it fell short for me. Firstly, it's way too long for what it is. The book reads very slow, which was frustrating. I almost gave up about half-way through, although I'm glad that I finished it because it did pick up about 3/4 of the way through and I ultimately enjoyed the book. Secondly, there was too much stuff about the periodical. It halted the story in its tracks every time. A little bit for backstory is fine, but too much takes away from the romance story and that was the story the author was trying to tell (I think) - not one about a family's long-term magazine business.

I liked all of the main characters. Charlie was smart and ambitious, with just enough snark to be funny but not mean. Milo was a hoot and was by far my favorite character. He was loving and caring and earnest, but in a cool, not desperate, way. Tamara was a bad-ass boss lady who did the best she could with her kids and was too hard on herself. I'm sure a lot of people will relate to her. If the book was pared down to just the dating agency and romance storylines, I would have given it a higher rating. Sadly, all of the extra magazine stuff slowed the story down and hence, brought my rating down.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and Head of Zeus, Aria. All opinions are my own.

This was a quick and breezy read for anyone who has driveled in internet dating. I really enjoyed all of the characters in this book. Tamara being my favorite has overcome a bitter divorce meets "Harry", an unlikely match. The book seamlessly flips from character perspectives and their daily dramas at their magazine. This was a fun book to read and I look forward to reading more by this author.

I requested this book expecting it to be nothing like it turned out to be! I was pleasantly surprised and I really enjoyed this book! I love how wholesome and sweet this story was and how it followed three people who’s lives are intertwined in so many different ways. It just right all the cuteness spots for me and I think I’ll be checking out the others other works for a light feel good read in the future!

The 24hour Dating Agency sounds like the kind of thing you’d make up in a crazy moment. Conventional dating apps don’t seem to work, so for a £500 fee you are promised a 24hr date with a match and your money back if you don’t fall in love. Who would ever fall for such a scam?
At the start of the book we’re introduced to Tam, Milo and Saffie. All in their mid-thirties and all rather unlucky in love. Fed up with speed dates and awful experiences with exes, they decide to sign up for a new experience. Saffie, as she’s determined to get a good news story out of it, and the others because they want the love that’s eluded them so far.
The book follows the three in their daily lives as they navigate their dates and the fall-out. Not everything is quite what it seems, and it was hard not to get caught up in the drama surrounding them. It highlighted how much we prioritise appearances when choosing partners and it was a definite push for learning to put yourself first. There was little doubt we’d end happily, though they all had to work for it.

Thank you to NetGalley, Head of Zeus/Aria, and the author for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Unfortunately, this was a DNF for me. I understand how this could be intriguing to some, but this was not the book for me. Three good friends are given pretty shitty hands and decide to sign up for an unconventional dating agency where soulmates are guaranteed in 24 hours.

About 100 pages into this book, I found myself liking one storyline much more than the other two. It started off a little too slow for me and then felt slower as I progressed. The one story I preferred greatly outshined the others and I feel like at that point I just wanted to skip over the other two MCs stories.

It was also a little difficult to follow with the British slang and the different storylines as there were too many names and nicknames to remember that I often felt like I had to reread quite a bit.

Anyway, this book wasn’t terrible. It just didn’t keep me interested enough to continue. Maybe I’ll give this book another shot in the future?

When three friends have no luck finding “the one” through conventional means such has dating apps or speed dating they decide to sign up for The 24 hour Dating Agency, a match making service. This is not your typical rom-com and it is much deeper than three friends trying to find “the one”. You get to fall in love with each character by learning about their experience with The 24 Hour Dating Agency and how their lives intermingled. I love how the ending tied everything together. I do wish we got to learn more about Milo’s experience as I feel like the least amount of time was spent on him. It also might be a cool concept to have individual books that talks about each persons experience with The 24 Hour Dating Agency. Special thanks to NetGalley and publisher for a copy of the E-book in exchange my pure honest Review!

Another fantastic book. I love the humour in Mary’s books and her quirky, fun characters.
Always such a pleasure to read!
It was a fast paced read that was entertaining and fun.
A brilliant summer read for sure

The premise about a 24 dating agency that guarantees you a soulmate was very refreshing. It was a funny delightful read. It follows 3 main characters on their dating adventure and i especially loved Tamara's story. I did guessed some of the twists, but that didn't make the read less enjoyable. Ideal for romance lovers.

I got this arc in exchange for an honest review.

Thanks to NetGalley, Head of Zeus/Aria, and the author for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I went into the book expecting something a little different than what the books ends up being. It was a very pleasant surprise.
This was a heartwarming story and I loved learning about all three friends. It was nice to see characters a little bit older than your usual rom-com.
I don’t want to give too much away as there were twists in the book but I would highly recommend this read to anyone!

The perfect trio I didn’t know I needed. After feeling fed-up with the dating scene and past failed relationships, three friends and coworkers: Milo, Saf and Tamara, decide to sign up for the 24-hour dating agency, The agency guarantees that within 24 hours, you will have found your soulmate.

This was equally split up between all three protagonists and it was done very well. I learned so much about all three characters equally, understanding their past and what they wanted for their futures. There were quite a few twists in here that genuinely surprised me, which i appreciated. A super great rom-com and contemporary romance.

HAPPY PUB DAY & REVIEW

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The 24 Hour Dating Agency by Mary Jayne Baker

RUN 🏃🏻‍♀️ to go read this book!!!! It was so stinkin cute, I loved every minute of reading it!!!! Thanks NetGalley for giving me the chance to read this one early!

Mary Jayne Baker did a beautiful job of intertwining the stories of 3 friends in their search for love through an old school dating agency/ matchmaker. I read through this book quickly because I did not want to put it down. The only downside, which isn’t even that bad, it took a little time to get used to the British slang used in the dialogue, but eventually I caught on.

Also, side note…… this would be a super cute movie 😍😍

Really enjoyed this contemporary romance that follows three coworkers through their differing romantic (and just overall) lives! It is difficult in today's age to connect with people, especially considering most current couples often starts virtually through dating apps, but this book brings a fun twist of match making. This book was a great romantic comedy, especially at a perfect time when I needed one. Recommend this book for the summer, as it is a great beach, pool, or rainy day read as it provide humor through three different perspectives (and each character has been added to my "lets be friends!" shelf)!

Three best friends, all unlucky in love, have tried all the usual ways to find love - even speed dating which was a disaster! Milo has been looking for Mr Right for a long time, and has always settled for Mr Right Now - and scared him off by using the L word too quickly. His sister Tamara has 3 children and a completely useless ex husband who was never there for his children, and has just got his girlfriend pregnant - his girlfriend who is young enough to be his daughter! Milo's best friend is Saffie and she has also had a string of awful ex boyfriends behind her - including the one she left at the alter when she realised that she didn't love him.

They all work together on a tiny niche magazine that has been owned by Milo and Tamara's family for years. When they hear about the 24 Hour Dating Agency, the 3 of them decide to sign up - although Saffie is only doing so to write an article for the magazine.

They all meet very unexpected dates - certainly not ones they would have chosen for themselves. Which of them will find true love, and which will ask for their money back? You will have to read the book to find out!

A lovely, light, funny story with a very feel good ending and just a touch of magic making it a perfect summer read. I loved it.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4796918253

Thanks to Head of Zeus (Aria) publishing, Netgalley and the author for an ARC of this book. I am leaving this review voluntarily and have not been compensated for it.

I loved this story - it sort of reminded me of 'He's Just Not That Into You' with its ensemble circle of amazing characters with friendship at the centre. Milo, Tamara and Saffie are not just looking for their soulmates, they are rebuilding their confidence in love after life has sent them many challenges. They help each other to take risks and support each other in a way that illustrates how friendship is as deep a connection as romantic love.
While the love interests in this book are really delightful (especially Harry), the way these three evolve as people is the real joy in the story.

I also love the idea of the 24 Hour Dating Agency and, in particular, the mysterious Dr Sheldrake's incredible intuition. It's true that as humans we can be incredibly shallow and miss the opportunity to meet the person that is maybe not who we would have picked, but is still the right one.

A wonderful, heart-warming story that made me smile.