The Launch Date was likened to The Hating Game so my interest was immediately piqued. After reading it, I’d say that’s fair but it’s even better, with more depth and emotion. Coworkers forced to work together on a project to develop a new dating app geared at romantic first dates creates a lot of opportunities for their fiery dislike to combust into intense passion. But only if they lower their defenses and let love in.

To say that I'm obsessed with this book would be a vast understatement. Grace and Eric, you've joined my elite list of favorite book couples. Such great arcs and character development for them, both as individuals and a couple. Really loved Grace's coming into her own power narrative and Eric's exploration of his own vulnerability. There's so much nuance and depth to these two and their dynamic that I was genuinely hooked from the first chapter. Their chemistry and banter are electric. The writing was stellar and engaging. I truly did not want this to end!

I liked the connection between the two leads but I was honestly really frustrated with the female lead character but I loved the group of friends

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon/Harper Voyager for the ARC of The Launch Date.

This was a fun, easy read with a fresh take on workplace rivals turned reluctant daters. I enjoyed the premise of testing out an IRL dating app—especially the awkward and hilarious scenarios that followed. Grace and Eric had great chemistry, and their banter made the story fly by.

The workplace dynamics added just enough tension to keep things interesting, and I appreciated the way the story explored themes like imposter syndrome and redefining success in both career and relationships. While some plot points were a bit predictable, the overall execution was charming and satisfying.

If you’re in the mood for a light rom-com with heart, humor, and a creative twist on dating culture, this is a great pick.

This book is fun, full of snappy banter, awkward first dates, and just the right amount of steam. Grace and Eric’s rivals-to-lovers vibe totally works, and watching them stumble into something real is such a good time.

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

*3.5 Stars rounded up*

ARC provided by Publisher in exchange for an honest review.

I would like to thank Avon, Harper Voyager and Netgalley for a copy of this eARC. Rivals to lovers, forced proximity, workplace romance? I am sat.

Let me prefance my 3-star rating with, I read a lot of romance and I mean... A LOT, a lot. Most really good books fall into the 3-star range for me. Super enjoyable, would absolutely recommend to someone, but when I've read 20 in a few months, it's harder to make it to the short list of my favorites of the year, compared to if I read a book in a non standard genre for me.

NOW THAT IN MIND: This book was so much fun. even as I'm typing this I bumped it up half a star because I'm reminiscing on all the little moments that I loved. Notably, a punch in the face to a certain character at the end of this book.

If you give me two characters who refuse to call each other by their first name for emphasis of their rivalry, you can guarantee, I'm going to swoon when they start calling each other by their first names.

And while Eric is a cute name, rich boy Bancroft is always gonna be sexy.

The characters had more depth to them than I expected and I loved seeing the growth from Grace in asking for what she deserved, and for Eric in being more vulnerable about his family and sacrifices he has made.

At the end of the day, its a good romance, and if you want a quick fun read for this summer, you should pick it up.

The Launch Date was such a cute, good read! It has got all the workplace drama, flirty banter, and slow-burn tension you could ever want. If you’re a fan of enemies to lovers and awkward forced proximity, this one is gonna be so your vibe.

The FMC is Grace, a marketing manager at a dating app company called Fate, and after a messy breakup, she’s over the idea of love. But then her boss throws a curveball: if she wants to lead this new project, she has to team up with Eric Bancroft, the office heartthrob.

I love all the tropes done here, the history and resolution / growth of the characters. The tension, banter and testing of date scenarios, which I thought it was SO FUN to read! I loved watching Grace find her confidence and seeing Eric slowly drop the cocky facade and show his softer side. Their chemistry is so good, and their bickering turns into full-on flirting in the best way. All signs of a great read and I couldn’t put the book down. Will be on the lookout for this author in the future.

Thank you NetGalley, the publisher and author for providing me this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Dating apps, forced proximity, and a work rival who just might be more than a pretty face?

A clever, feel-good rom-com packed with sharp banter, chaotic “first dates,” and surprising heart. Grace and Eric’s chemistry crackles as they battle for a promotion—and accidentally fall for each other along the way. Perfect for fans of witty rivals-to-lovers stories with just the right amount of spice and soul. You’ll swipe right on this one instantly. 😉 If you liked The Hating Game, you'll love this!

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This was a cute, fun book. I enjoyed it a lot!

This was a cute read. I wanted to be a little more obsessed with it than I was, but it was fine. If you like workplace romcoms, you'll enjoy this one!

I really enjoyed this story. The characters were relatable and so sweet. I really want to read more by this author!

A wonderful read!
This novel drew me in from the very first page and kept me hooked until the end. The characters were vibrant and relatable, the writing was engaging, and the story had just the right balance of heart and humor. Highly recommend!
Many thanks to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for my ARC. All opinions are my own.

Thank you to NetGalley, Avon and Harper Voyager for an e-arc of this book!

The Launch Date is the debut novel from Annabelle Slator, and it had me hooked from the start! We meet Grace, who’s having the most terrible time, her boyfriend just dumped her, her boss is the worst, and nothing in her life feels like it’s going right. She’s stuck in a job that doesn’t spark joy… until a big promotion opportunity pops up. The only problem? She’s competing against her work nemesis, Eric Bancroft.

But here’s the twist, they weren’t always rivals. In fact, they used to be best work buddies (and maybe something more?). As they’re forced to team up for a major project, old sparks start flying, and let’s just say… enemies-to-lovers fans, you’re in for a treat.

I picked this book on a whim, not totally sure it was my thing but I ended up loving it. My heart broke for Grace with her awful ex and that terrible job, especially when you can tell she’s meant for so much more. And the chemistry between her and Eric? So good. At first, Grace’s grudge felt intense, but as little pieces of their past came to light, it was so easy to root for them. Plus, the fact that Eric had been quietly into her all along? 😍

This is such a sweet British romcom with all the cozy, heart-fluttery vibes. If you love a good workplace enemies-to-lovers story, definitely add this one to your TBR!

*Round up 3.5 stars* This book was fun! This charming and sharply written debut blends workplace rivalry, dating app antics, and slow-burn enemies to lovers, which is my absolute favorite trope! There is banter, tension, and a London backdrop that added to the charm. I also appreciated the subplots exploring ambition, self-worth, and vulnerability, especially from the female perspective.

Sincere thanks to NetGalley, Avon and Harper Voyager for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

Grace Hastings dream job at the popular “true love” dating app, Fate, has turned into a nightmare. Basically everything that can go wrong, has gone wrong. & to top it all off, her fiancé just ups and dumps her. (EEEEEESHHHHHH!)

Whenever the company's CEO approaches her with an opportunity that will get her a big promotion, she's ALL OVER IT! However...there's just a couple of catches...
1. She has to launch a brand-new app focusing on IRL dating and genuine connection...BUT
2. She must develop and test-drive a series of “first dates” with the other person gunning for the job: notorious socialite playboy and Grace’s biggest work rival, Eric Bancroft.
Sounds like a blast, RIGHT?!!?!
I absolutely loved the slow-burn dance between Grace and Eric. I used to hate slow burns, but done right, they are amazing!! The more time these two spend together, the more their boundaries soften. Grace starts to see that Eric, the man she thought was her #1 arch nemesis and also a huge womanizer, might not be the villain after all. (YAY, WE LOVE THIS!)

Tropes Included:
Friends to Rivals to Lovers ❌
Workplace Romance 👩🏽‍💻👨🏽‍💻
Forced Proximity ⁐
Slow Burn 🔥❤️‍🔥

Huge thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for a copy of this digital ARC! All opinions are my own.

This story follows two rivals who are forced to work together in order to win a promotion. This was a great storyline. I enjoyed the overall plot and the entire concept, especially as I enjoyed The Hating Game. This book was fun, but I felt that the story started to drag a bit. It kind of got to a point where nothing was truly happening. The book still had a great story of the FMC growing after her breakup and finding love. This book is told from Grace’s pov.

Grace is the FMC who is dumped and wanted to be promoted. I enjoyed her story and seeing her grow. However, her growth was a bit slower than I liked. Then we have Eric, who is the playboy but a hard worker. I loved seeing him care for his sister and he also grew. There are side characters in this book but none who truly captured my full attention. I did like Grace’s friends who were very involved with the story. The romance was cute with enemies to lovers and workplace romance. However, I hated the third act breakup as I just finally wanted them to be together when there was so much chemistry between them.

The ending was great and overall it was a great story. I think it the pacing and conflicts went through faster, I would have enjoyed this book a lot more. With the slow pacing, I would start losing focus especially as this is a romance novel. I still recommend checking it out especially because it is perfect for The Hating Game lovers.

*this arc was sent to me by the publisher to give an honest review in return*

I really loved the author voice in this rivals-to-lovers romance. The tone is light and fun. I enjoyed the audiobook narration.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC.

Thanks to NetGalley, Avon & Harper Voyager, and Annabelle Slator for the advanced copy of The Launch Date!

This book was so fun to read. Coworkers turned crushes turned work rivals turned lovers was a wild journey and I loved it. I also loved the journey Grace took with her relationship with her boss, having so much confidence to stand up to your boss is encouraging.

The Launch Date is a delightful, funny, and heartwarming book about learning what you are worth after accepting so much less for so long. What a fun ride from start to finish! I was so charmed by Grace and her people pleasing tendencies, and I swooned for Eric's misunderstood playboy antics. Together, they made the perfect match. SWIPE RIGHT!!!!!

I found the beginning hard to get into - the author was chewing at the scenery and packing in unnecessary descriptions. After a minute I got more invested but ultimately I never felt that close to the characters. I found the fmc to be hypocritical, annoyingly dense and at some points selfish. She came around in the end but the annoying phase and the initial miscommunication trope lasted too long for my taste.