"Save the Date" by Allison Raskin is a funny and emotional story about love, family, and mental health. It follows Ellie, a young woman who has OCD and anxiety, as she tries to get through her sister’s wedding weekend. While she’s dealing with family drama and relationship problems, she’s also trying to keep her mental health under control. The book takes place over just a few days, but a lot happens, and it keeps you interested the whole time.

One of the best parts of the book is how real Ellie feels. She’s not perfect—she overthinks things and makes mistakes—but that’s what makes her relatable. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed or anxious, you’ll probably see yourself in her. Raskin does a great job showing what it’s like to deal with mental health issues without making that the only thing about Ellie’s personality.

The story can feel a little over-the-top sometimes, almost like a movie with one dramatic moment after another. But it still works because the writing feels honest, and the characters are easy to care about. The family relationships are especially strong and realistic—they fight, they mess up, but they still love each other.

Overall, Save the Date is a fast and meaningful read. It’s perfect for people who enjoy books about complicated families, real emotions, and characters who are just trying their best. I’d give it a solid 4 out of 5 stars.

Hehehe this was so much fun. I had a fantastic time with this and will definitely be forcing my friends to read it when I get my hands on a physical copy!

Raskin has a talent for filling the container of the rom-com plot with a dialect specific to the therapy world. Those who have been in therapy, or know therapists, will have an extra-special experience with this book. She describes her heroine's emotional state with a "therapy-speak" that isn't grating or unwelcome by any means -- it's descriptive of the world of the character. I found the hero dashing and funny, and even though the plot was near-impossible, it still gripped me. I understood why the heroine made the choices she made. I'll be recommending it to library patrons.

I first heard about this plot on TikTok and I instantly put it on my radar! What a fun plot for a rom-com! I love a good second chance romance, and weddings always make for a good storyline in this genre. I love who she ended up choosing as her groom and found the slow burn to be realistic and compelling. I like how it tackled anxiety realistically as well. Anyone who enjoys a fun rom-com, a la 27 dresses I feel would enjoy this one! Perfect for a summer beach read.

Thanks so much to Netgalley for the ARC! This book started off super cute and it was a fun story. Then the author made a comment bashing Republicans. I can let one comment slide, but then she started bashing Trump and Fox News too. Seriously?! Is that reqlly necessary? People read books to have a fun escape from world stressors. It's very annoying and offensive when authors alienate people like that. Quick way to lose readers, and book sales!.

3.5 rounded up. At first I found myself appalled that I was reading such an absurd plotline. But I hate to DNF books, no matter how bad. Some books can really surprise you and people spend hours, days, yearrrs on these things. But then I couldn't put it down. I found myself sharing silly little moments with my bf that had me laughing or annoyed etc.. I needed to know what happened. We all know who she would end up with, like come on. And yet I got emotional. No, this is not one of the best books I've ever read, no, this book will not stay at the forefront of my mind and yet no, I do not feel like I wasted my time reading this book.
I will say I did like that almost no character was unlikeable. After everything these characters experienced, they tredged on and didn't drag themselves down. It was definitely admirable. I could have liked them more but despite the strange plot, I did not hate them.
Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this eARC.

When she is dumped six months before her wedding date our protagonist decides that she is going to marry someone else so that she can keep her blog going and her followers hooked. Will she be able to find the right person and have this go off without a hitch or will she be stuck with no one at the altar?

This was such an enjoyable read! It was definitely different, and I think that is why I enjoyed it. There were a few things that would keep me from giving it 5 stars but I would still recommend it to people!

Save the Date is a light, slightly chaotic rom-com about a therapist-turned-online influencer whose fiancé dumps her right before their wedding. Determined to "save the date," she searches for a new groom—and ends up with two unexpected contenders.

The premise is fun, and there are flashes of humor and heartfelt moments, especially around mental health and friendship. But the love triangle feels forced, and Emma’s journey leans more into impulsive drama than real growth.

Enjoyable in parts, but not particularly memorable.

Rating: 3/5

3⭐️ This book was absolutely fine. It had some cute moments and I really enjoyed the concept of the stand in groom. The story follows Emma, a couples therapist, as she is dumped by her fiancé. With her career on the line, she decides to fine a stand in. She has found two options. Will who is charming and the chemistry is very present with Emma. Matt is a recently divorced, very sweet man that just wants to settle down.

This is described as a slow burn, and I would argue it’s kind of insta lusty. Considering there was previous history, it played out better to me. Did love the second chance elements also.

Thank you to NetGalley, Harlequin Trade Publishing, and the author for the advanced reader copy.

First of all thanks to Netgalley for allowing me early access.
Imagine getting broken up with months before your wedding and no explanation as to why! Emma is a well rounded counselor dealing with that dilemma in this light, humorous could be true story.
Really enjoyed this and was really happy with the ending! Looking forward to other books by the author.

When Emma's fiancé unexpectedly calls off their quickly approaching wedding, Emma decides to find a new man to marry…on the original wedding date! While Emma goes after the life she wants, she'll find out if her potential new husband can get on-board.

The unconventional plot of this book seemed a little crazy at first, but it's what initially caught my attention. While on the surface the plot seems a little outrageous, I really enjoyed the underlying concept and approach to romantic relationships - it was refreshing! Instead of focusing on the notion that "we are meant to be", it highlights that relationships are hard work, and each person has to show up and actively grow with the partner they've chosen to be with. This is different than most romance books and I enjoyed exploring the thought-provoking concept with our FMC and MMC.

Overall, if you're looking for a quick, witty, and engaging read, I would recommend!

Thank you to NetGalley, author Allison Raskin and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the advanced digital copy and the opportunity to review this book.

NetGalley Review:
Published review on Goodreads - Posted on 04/20/2025

Read If You Like:
• Romantic comedies with unconventional premises
• Stories exploring modern relationships and mental health
• Strong female leads navigating personal and professional challenges
• Narratives featuring love triangles and self-discovery
• Humorous takes on societal expectations around marriage 

In Save the Date, Allison Raskin presents a witty and heartfelt exploration of love, identity, and societal pressures.

The novel follows Emma Moskowitz, a couples therapist whose life unravels when her fiancé abruptly ends their engagement six months before their wedding. Determined to maintain her carefully curated image and professional credibility, Emma embarks on “Operation: Save My Date,” aiming to find a new groom by her original wedding date.

As she navigates this unconventional path, Emma becomes entangled with Will, a charismatic podcast producer uninterested in a rushed marriage, and Matt, a recently divorced man eager to settle down.

Through Emma’s journey, Raskin delves into themes of self-worth, the complexities of modern relationships, and the courage it takes to forge one’s own path. This novel offers a refreshing take on romantic comedy, blending humor with poignant insights into the human experience.  

Thanks so much to the publisher for my ARC!

Omg! These characters, especially Emma, found their way into my heart and took up residence there. Emma is so relatable and as a neurodivergent woman I found myself remembering my own dating history and cringing quite a bit. I always thought I was a bit too much, but my husband apparently thinks I'm just right for him and that's what this story is all about. I had the delightful opportunity to listen to the audiobook, narrated by the author, and I would highly recommend it as a fantastic way to enjoy this special love story. It's going on my favorites shelf.

Enjoyed the story but had a hard time with the random spaces in between words and sentences. A few sentences were confusing to read but I did enjoy the overall story.

Thank you Netgalley for the chance to read this arc.

I looooooved Allison Raskin back in her Buzzfeed days, so this was very fun to recieve as an arc!

This was a fun read, but there were definitely times I wished for deeper character development and to feel more connected to the characters. The premise was fun!

"One person falling out of love with you doesn't make you unlovable: it makes you human," she wrote. "When things don't work out, all you can do is try again. And then maybe a third, fourth and fifth time because you owe it to yourself to not give up."

I give Allison Raskin major kudos on this book because it was inspired by a broken engagement in her own life, and I'm so impressed by the bravery and vulnerability she displayed! The premise behind this book hooked me, but the pacing and even some of Emma's character traits had it falling a little flat for me. It did get better once Will and Matt entered the story, though, and I really think this author has a lot of potential! I appreciated the banter and chemistry between Will and Emma, but I wish the ending hadn't felt so rushed. I think watching their relationship develop a bit more would have been great and added to the story and character development, but for a debut romcom, this was still a great start!

I hope to read more from this author in the future and to see how her writing continues to develop!

I really wanted to like this book, I kept trying to get into it, it took me a few tries before I just ended up quitting on the book.
Normally I have a high tolerance for ignoring unbelievable things, it's part of the escapism but I just had a hard time believing the couples counselor couldn't see the signs of a bad relationship.
I found the book to have wildly different views on relationships and that's okay but this book just wasn't for me.
DNF'd at 47%

This whole premise is wild but walking through the idea with the characters was fascinating and thought provoking and enlightening. Once I got into the story it was so hard to put the book down -- I had to know how it ended. And the end.... I was nervous for it but so perfectly satisfying.

Save the Date was a cute book about what happens when a woman reaches that taboo age of needing to get married. I won't lie... at first I was VERY worried. The story has a cute plot, the characters are adorable, and it provided some empowerment. The story takes a turn, and I found that plot twist, if you will, to be my favorite part! Great story.