How to Get a Life in Ten Dates is a cute second-chance romance. I thought the grappling with mental health was well done, but I thought Haleigh’s relationship with her sister was a little flimsy. I was desperate for more substance. The bad dates were hysterical, and Brian was a really sweet guy, I would love to see him get his own book. This had highs and lows but overall, I enjoyed it.

This book was well-written and entertaining. Haleigh's bad dates ranged from ridiculous to hilarious to just awkward, and it was a fun ride. There was one bad date that was so reminiscent of one of my own that for a moment I wondered who told the author my story!

It's clear throughout the book that the only person Haleigh wants is Jack, her best friend since 2nd grade. But due to one dark time in their friendship after a hookup, they've sworn each other to strictly platonic friendship. Haleigh's a bit of a mess (sorry!) and Jack cannot handle mess (literally or figuratively.)

There is one bright star in the black hole that is Haleigh's dating experiment, and that's her roommate's suggestion, Brian. He is so nice, and thoughtful, and funny, and honestly, I feel like he was perfect for her in a real, practical sense. He didn't make her feel bad about her messy life, or let her wallow when things didn't go her way. BUT, his fatal flaw is... he's not Jack.

I have to say, I am a sucker for a friends to lovers storyline, but this book actually had me rooting for the new guy! I liked Brian so much, and it annoyed me that Jack only expressed interest once she found a great guy that she was really into. Like, wtf? Sounds sort of like the childish classic *don't touch my favorite toy even though I haven't played with it in ages*. BUT, in the end, many of Jack's flaws have been addressed (maybe not yet *fixed*), and I feel like they have a chance at lasting happiness.

4⭐ 2🌶️

I read an advanced copy of this book, and these are my honest opinions. Thank you to NetGalley, St Martin's Press, and author Jenny L. Howe for the ARC!

Thank you to the author, Jenny L Howe, for my ARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

She’s done it again folks. This book has made me feel so seen as a plus-size woman. The way that Haleigh’s appearance is included in the story without being a major plot point that stopped her from having certain experiences is masterful and all writers should take notes about how to represent a group. Same for the mental health representation! Jack’s OCD and anxiety is a factor in the story but does not define him.

Not only is there great representation in this book, but it is so entertaining! I was lol’ing throughout the book and rooting for Haleigh’s happiness the whole time. I love the speed dating aspect of it all and the different characters we meet throughout.

I didn’t want this book to end and I can’t wait to see what Jenny comes up with next.

Book Review: How to Get a Life in Ten Dates by Jenny L. Howe
⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3/5 stars)

Jenny L. Howe's How to Get a Life in Ten Dates is a light-hearted rom-com with an endearing premise that explores friendship, self-worth, and the chaotic world of modern dating. Haleigh Berkshire, a plus-sized heroine with a witty sense of humor and a relatable outlook on love, embarks on a whirlwind dating experiment orchestrated by her meddling loved ones. Along the way, she discovers not just potential suitors but also new dimensions to her long-standing friendship with Jack, the best friend she's secretly loved for years.

What Works:

Haleigh’s Voice: Haleigh is an engaging protagonist with sharp humor and a relatable perspective on dating struggles, body image, and familial expectations. Her journey toward embracing her worth is heartwarming.
Best-Friends-to-Lovers Trope: Jack's evolution from protective best friend to a bold romantic contender adds emotional tension, especially as their shared history complicates their dynamic.
Fun Dating Escapades: The ten dates bring a variety of humorous and heartfelt moments, offering a mix of quirky characters and sweet surprises that keep the pace lively.
What Could Be Better:

Jack’s Behavior: While his romantic intentions are eventually clarified, his interference with Haleigh’s other dates sometimes felt possessive rather than charming, making their dynamic less balanced.
Predictable Plot: The story follows a familiar rom-com formula, and while enjoyable, it lacks the narrative surprises that could have elevated the romance.
Missed Depth: Themes like body positivity and Haleigh’s insecurities are touched upon but not fully explored, leaving some emotional resonance on the table.
Overall, How to Get a Life in Ten Dates is a breezy, feel-good read perfect for fans of friends-to-lovers romances. While it doesn’t break new ground, it’s a fun exploration of love, friendship, and self-acceptance with plenty of laugh-out-loud moments.

Best for: Readers looking for a quick, heartwarming rom-com with a relatable heroine and light emotional stakes.

How to Get a Life in Ten Dates is a charming book that explores the challenges of dating and self-confidence for women. It was a quick, albeit not super memorable read. With a fresh take on a typical romance story, the two main characters have been best friends for years. They once crossed the line from friendship, but it led to a fallout that lasted months. To prevent history from repeating itself, they created rules to keep their relationship intact. Fed up and ready to find love, Haleigh enlists her friends and family to set her up on blind dates – some of which are horrendously bad! It was relatable for sure, but I think my biggest issue with this book is I didn’t really like most of the characters. Haleigh’s family wasn’t very supportive of her and was actually not very nice at times. If you’re looking for a slow burn friends-to-lovers book with a plus-size FMC, give this one a try!

Thank you to NetGalley and SMP for the opportunity to read this digital ARC. All opinions expressed are my own.

Thank you, TLC Book Tours, Netgalley, the author, and St. Martin's Press for the gifted audiobook and e-book! ❤️ #gifted. My review is comprised of my honest thoughts.

Read this if you like: Plus size MC, best friends, mental health representation

This was cute. It was laugh out loud funny at times. The bad dates were great. It was a bit predictable, but I enjoyed it. My issue was it was hard for me to like Haleigh. I just didn't connect with her enough. She seemed like a child and a grandma at the same time. I will read more by this author.

I actually didn't finish this one. I just was bored and didn't really care if I went on or not. I could see other people might enjoy it more though.

Haleigh and Jack gave us the slowest of slow burns. There were so many moments I just wanted to yell at my phone to “just tell her/him how you feel!!” But some of those disaster dates were worth the wait! Redacted Name (not that one)(iykyk), whew I would have left as soon as he walked in those doors so Haleigh is braver than me for sticking that one out!!! Overall I loved this book so much and felt the main takeaway was to stop comparing yourself and your path to someone else’s.

Haleigh is fed up with bad dates, but she's also weary of her family pestering her to find a relationship. And with a family event approaching, Haleigh is determined to find a plus one. So she allows her friends and family to set her up on ten dates--mainly to prove to them how pitiful the field is.

Sure, some of her dates are laughably bad, most notably the one with a man who brings along an emotional support bird. But she really hits it off with veterinarian Brian. Their relationship seems to have potential--until she can no longer ignore her feelings for her lifetime best friend, Jack.

This was an entertaining, different romance. (unless you've read Jenny Howe's other book). Haleigh is curvy (fat, by her own admission) and both she and Jack bond over their anxiety. It's refreshing to have protagonists who are not perfect. I didn't love this book as much as other readers--mainly because I'm troubled with the idea of finding happiness through a relationship, but maybe I'm just old and bitter. #HowtoGetaLifeinTenDates #NetGalley

This book was so good!

Haleigh is tired of dating, so she concocts a scheme with her best friend to allow 5 of her closest friends and family choose 2 guys for her to date. If she wins and they all suck, they have to get off her back about dating and finding Mr Right.

So stinking cute. The banter and wit from the FMC is so amazing. The bad dates were truly hilarious. It was so nice to read a book about a plus size girl who was confident in her size and not always worrying about what others thought of her. She owns it! Such a cute book, but definitely more fade to black than I was hoping for. Still DEFINITELY worth a read so you can meet your next book boyfriend 😍

4.5 ⭐️

This was a great read! The main character is so likable and easily relatable and the personal growth is very well done. The dates are funny in themselves and I think the story is really well thought out.

I enjoyed the book but probably wouldn't read it again - though I so appreciate the ARC from NetGalley and the publisher! Thanks so much.

How to Get a Life in Ten Dates
By Jenny L. Howe

Haleigh and Jack have been best friends since second grade. They had a "thing" that didn't end well, so they now have friendship rules. She's at the end of her rope dealing with bad after worse date. So what better way to avoid more than letting your family and friends set you up on yen dates. Buckle up friends, these are not for the faint of heart. Makes you wonder if these people actually like her when you realize how colossally bad some of them go.
I love how well this book portrays the everyday coping with various mental illnesses. It's a struggle and just because you can't "see it" doesn't make the effects sometimes debilitating.
You will laugh out loud, maybe yell at them a bit, smile and go aww, then hopefully be happy with the last date.

I absolutely love Jenny Howe’s other books so I was very excited to read her next one! How to Get A Life in Ten Dates was honestly so much fun and perfect for fans of 90’s and 2000’s rom coms. I think Haleigh is now my favorite MC of Howe’s and I loved seeing a few familiar faces from On the Plus Side like Stanton, Logan and Everly! The bad dates Haleigh went on were hysterical (not Bradley Cooper was THE WORST) and I liked how she was very firm about what she wanted/needed in a relationship. Full disclosure, I knew going in exactly how this would end because, well I’ve read a lot of romance books and while I do think it came together extremely well…I was rooting for the other team to win. Even though it didn’t go the way I wanted it to, I still loved reading this book and was really happy with the characters, humor and the mental health representation. I think this is a must read for any rom com fan!
CW: fatphobia, anxiety, mental illness

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for an advanced digital readers copy in exchange for an honest review.

This book was a fun read! I ended up really liking Haleigh and couldn’t help but laugh and cringe at some of the dates she goes on. She felt so relatable trying to deal with the pressures of dating and adulting. We definitely get some good character growth - I was rooting for her. Yes she has her moments, but honestly who doesn’t?

I liked the chemistry between Haleigh and Jack - I really loved how he would try and find flaws with all of her dates. He slowly started to break all of his “rules.”

So she also makes a connection with someone else, and I have to say I really liked him! I was torn on who she was going to pick…

✨What to Expect:
💖Romantic Comedy
💚Friends to Lovers
2️⃣Second Chance
💋Plus Size FMC
🔥Slow burn
🔺Love Triangle
😂Laugh Out Loud
💜Anxiety & OCD Rep
🏳️‍🌈LGBTQIA+
👗Body Positivity

Intriguing title. Haleigh has had a not so great track record in dating. Her over achiever sister is having a celebration (can't say more without giving away a spoiler) and Haleigh needs a plus one. Tired of her family and friends intervening, she invites them to set her up with the proviso that if it doesn't work out, ... You can imagine the disasters, which were well planned by Ms. Howe. But enter the ex boyfriend who is still a friend. Well done Ms. Howe. I really enjoyed this story and look forward to more!

Thank you to @smpromance for my early copy of How to Get A Life in Ten Dates by Jenny Howe which released yesterday 🎉.

If you’re looking for a fun romance with sparkling banter/wit, best friends to friends with benefits to end game, then this is your next read!

I adore a strong plus-size FMC, and Howe writes great heroines! The premise of having your friends and family set you up on 10 dates was so fun, and watching Haleigh’s bestie, Jack, absolutely lose his sh*t when she starts having fun on these dates, was a joy! Eventually his jealousy and date crashing antics leads him to throw his name into the ring, and I was a goner watching Haleigh decide if friendship was groundwork for HEA.

3.5 ⭐
.25🌶️
Tropes Friends to lovers, it’s always been you, coming of age, second chance, anxiety rep, OCD rep, fade to black
Dual POV, 3rd person
This book was pretty predictable with low angst, but for the most part I enjoyed it. As a 40 something married woman I’ve moved past this coming of age part of my life and I don’t really know what the dating scene is like out there so it was harder for me to connect with the FMC. I did appreciate how Haleigh’s character was written as a plus size woman though. I have very high standards for curvy FMCs, and haven’t come across many I think are done well.
The gist of this story is that Haleigh is trying to find a plus one for her sister’s wedding, and agrees to let her friends and family pick out 2 people for her to go on a date on to prove to said fam/friends that the world “out there” is actually as difficult as she’s saying, and not because she’s being picky.
It’s a cute storyline, and it was fun to tag along on her dates (some were hilariously bad), but her unwillingness to attempt adulthood really irritated me. I felt like she knew what she needed to do and had the answers but just refused to even try. I realize a big part of that issue is caused because of her anxiety/mental health but I found it frustrating. It also needs more spice.
My assumption is that this is a “not for me” book, and will be best for the college/recent graduate/early 30s crowd.

Haleigh's Heartstrings- Would you rather?
Live under the sea or on a cloud?
Hear people's thoughts or be able to fly?
Be on the Bachelor or Survivor?
Meet an Alien or a Dinosaur?


This was a true Rom-Com, Friends to Lovers, Found Family treat.

Haleigh who is tired of finding her person on her puts her fate of a plus one to her next family event in the hands of her friends and family. This group includes Jack that she has been life long friends with and had a short emotional and physical affair with on a trip some years back. Haleigh friends and family play a huge role in her life, emotionally and mentally and the story really showed all of this and why she put her fate in their hands.

We take this wild ride along with Haleigh, the questions at the beginning of this post are completed by the potential dates. So many funny moments including a third wheel bird, a Bradley (Not Cooper), Brian who just might be the one as he helps Haleigh in personal life too and Jack who throws himself in the mix.

It was fun taking the journey with Haleigh and I highly recommend you do the same if you are looking for a good rom-com read!

Read if you like
❤️ Found Family
💚 Friends to Lovers
💛 Rom-Com Fun
🤍 Finding yourself
💙 Second Chance Romance

This was an entertaining, well-written book. It was fun, steamy, fast-paced and I didn't want to put it down. I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more books by this author.