When I started this audiobook, I thought I was going to get a lighthearted, fluffy, laugh out loud romcom, but it ended up being politically charged, childish and boring. There really wasn’t anything I liked about the book. There was a lot of political opinions and republican bashing. I don’t care what the author viewpoint is, I just wish she didn’t have to make it such a focal point in her book. The main character was awful. She is supposed to be a relationship counselor, but she has many things which she could benefit from counseling. I found her to be annoying, childish and extremely inconsiderate of others feelings. The audiobook with narrated by the author, and I felt that she did a great job. She really was reading her own story the way that she wrote it and I enjoy that part. I just wish I enjoyed the story.

I got this as both the ebook and audio book.
I actually enjoyed the audiobook more than the ebook. I DNF'd the ebook but I wanted to power through the audio. Since I listened to the whole book(I DNF'd the book at 47%)

It might have been the audio( I did enjoy the narrator, that might have helped me get through this.)

It was such a rollercoaster -pretty sad at first, then a jumble of feelings, but in the end, it was so heartwarming! Thanks to NetGalley, the author, and Harlequin Audio for this ARC.

Thank you NetGalley for this Audio Arc in exchange for my honest thoughts.

This was a okay story. Breaking off your engagement and doing a marriage plan to find a new groom to marry on the same date was interesting but I don't think it was executed with the story. It had a some highlights it just didnt work for me and I wasn't rooting for the main character and then the end just made it seem kinda pointless.

This book has such a fun premise, and made for a quick weekend read. I really enjoyed the chemistry with the MMC and the cute twists and turns of the story, particularly with the family. I had a few hangups with it (I’m anxious enough on my own — I don’t need to marinate in the FMC’s anxiety too) but this was one of my favorite therapist main characters (she’s pretty reasonable without being too over analytical).

3 stars

ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you Harlequin Audio and NetGalley for an ARC to review.

This was a fun little rom-com beach read. The main character Emma is interesting and her journey towards love and second chances after her heart is broken was surprisingly fun. I appreciated the witty banter of the main characters and the chemistry they had in the book. I also appreciate the reality that just because you are good at something (being a therapist) does not mean you don't have blind spots into your own life.

It was definitely worth the read and the entertainment!

DNF at 30%. I was given this as an audiobook, the pacing was good and since the author was the person reading it was read well.

I could not keep going with this book and I do not like to give a review on a book I do not finish.

Thank you for the ARC

2 ⭐️ ⭐️

Well I loved the book and plot line. I didn’t like all the political stuff in it. Just write and leave it out. We get enough of it from all sides everyday! Just wanna read/listen to a book and not have to listen to political sides 🤷🏼‍♀️

I want to thank Netgalley and the author for gifting me the audio book. Oh dear, where do I start. I was instantly drawn to the cover. And the synopsis sounded interesting. I was looking for something lighthearted and well... this book was very disappointing. First off, can we guess what views the author has? Liberal feminist at hear this one is. The MFC is extremely annoying and self-centered.
I am not sure why she can't just cancel the wedding instead of trying to find a guy to marry in 6 months... it just seems very unrealistic. Oh, and guess what all the political bashing. Can you tell the author doesn't like Trump, Republicans or quote "privilege white men"? After a while, it was like I was listening to a whiny liberal feminist. Had to finish halfway through, and I could not take the MFC anymore. Sorry, this was a no for me.

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.

4⭐️ for the narration by the author herself. I honestly love when authors narrate because they can express then intended emotions.

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

A witty twist to your not-so-ordinary romance novel! As someone who struggles with mental health, it was refreshing to have the story told through a mental health lens, but at times it felt like it went overboard with the number of times anxiety or struggle was mentioned. Trust me, I understand how intertwined mental health and anxiety can be in every aspect of your day, but it came across as cheesy or stereotypical. Still, I love Allison Raskin from her time at BuzzFeed, so this was a quick and enjoyable read overall.

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.

While I thought the idea of this book was charming at first, it quickly lost its luster as the story went on. Emma’s insistence on getting married even after the man she clicks with has the sense to say no was immature. Instead on being content with cancelling her original wedding and moving on like a sane person would, she tries to replace her ex fiance and pushing back on anyone who points out how problematic that is. Also there was too much therapist talk in this. I can’t understand how a character can be both self aware and insufferable

This book was incredibly predictable with a few humorous moments sprinkled throughout. The female main character lacked common sense, substance, and likability. The male main character was much more likable, although once again predictable.

This enjoyable rom-com follows the quest of Emma who is determined to get married on her date even after her fiancé dumps her 6 months before the date. To make matters worse Emma is a couples therapist with a large social media presence and a book deal. Emma tries all sorts of things to meet a man and make Operation Save My Date a reality but will she marry a man she doesn’t love to reach her goal? I found myself going through all of the emotions with Emma. Her friends, family, and men she dates were interesting and added depth and interest to the story. I listened to the audiobook and the author narrated the book and did a good job giving the characters a voice. It felt like I was listening to friends talk and I found myself joining the conversation. I highly recommend this to readers that enjoy books about weddings and finding your true happily ever after.

I just love books about dating and relationships and I highly recommend this book to all my friends who are single and dating in their 30s and those who just recently got out of a relationship.

This is a good book to read if you’re in search of finding the Vice President of your life - aka your life partner.

So our female lead is a couple’s therapist with a huge online following. Months before her wedding, her fiance blindsided her and called the wedding off. But with all the money they spent on the wedding, she decided to keep her original wedding date and go through with the wedding. She just needed to find the groom!

And that is pretty much the plot. The main argument of the book is that there is no “The One”. Everybody can fall in love with anyone as long as someone is willing to give their time, effort, and commitment.

I love books about dating! It opens up so many conversations about relationships. With the female lead being a couples therapist, the conversations about marriage felt like relationship tips. I mean granted finding someone to marry in 6 months is a little out there for me but that’s also one of the book’s argument: your time together in a relationship doesn’t determine the success of your marriage.

Anyhoo, it definitely was an interesting plot and I flew through this one so quickly. The author was also the narrator of the audiobook so I mostly finished this via audio because I love it when the author narrates their own book!

Thank you @htp_hive for the free book! Thank you @netgalley for the audiobook!!

𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁:

I love how the idea for this book hatched from the author’s real life, I think it brings an extra layer to the story. It was a fun book chalked full of great relationship advice and ah ha moments. I love seeing characters grow and evolve and this story definitely had lots of that. Great read!

𝐒𝐲𝐧𝐨𝐩𝐬𝐢𝐬:

Emma is a couples therapist and is writing a book on relationship advice, she is engaged and getting married in six months. But out of nowhere her fiancée just ended things leaving Emma’s world shattered. Her credibility on understanding relationships is now in jeopardy and that can harm her book deal, her private practice and her online creator status. So she must pick up the pieces of her heart and life and move on.

So Operation “Save The Date” was born. Emma is keeping her wedding in six months, she just now needs to find a groom in the SoCal dating scene. After a few dates that didn’t make it past the end of the night.

Emma tries online dating. She connects with Will, a podcast producer. They immediately hit it off and Emma can see a future with him. But when she shares her plans, he makes it clear he’s isn’t interested in being a replacement groom. So with Emma not wanting to abandon her plan they friendship zone their feelings. But Emma’s story sparks an idea for Will and they start a podcast featuring Operation Save The Date.

In the meantime the clock is clicking down and Emma needs to find a groom. Enters Matt a recently divorced fiance guy, he wants a wife and kids. Emma and Matt align on their goals and get engaged quickly. But Emma is still working with Will and she feels herself being pulled from in multiple directions.

Read this one to see how it all unfolds.

𝙁𝙖𝙫 𝙌𝙪𝙤𝙩𝙚:

“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.”

𝑳𝒊𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒓𝒚 𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒎𝒆𝒔 𝒀𝒐𝒖’𝒍𝒍 𝑭𝒊𝒏𝒅:

* Broken Engagement - Six Months Before Wedding
* Couples Therapist FMC
* Operation Save My Date - Hunt For a New Groom
* Two Groom Prospects - Mini Love Triangle
* Podcast Producer (Will)
* Recently Divorced Finance Guy (Matt)
* Personal Growth & Self Discovery
* Anxiety & Mental Health Rep
* Great Banter & LOL Moments
* Slow Burn & Closed Door

Emma Moskowitz has just been dumped by her fiancé, only six months
before their wedding day. However, instead of canceling the venue, the caterer, and the flowers, she resolves to find someone to marry on her planned wedding day! — Thus begins Operation Save the Date.

This is a charming, lighthearted romance with humorous moments throughout. Emma, a couples therapist dealing with anxiety, provides a fun perspective on the daunting world of dating. I wish it had been written in the first person; that would have made it feel more intimate, though. Will, a podcaster and potential husband, contributes witty banter and sexual tension. I should mention that this is not a particularly spicy read; it focuses more on Emma's journey to discover what it means to find the right person for her, evoking all the warm and fuzzy feelings.


🎧 The author narrates the audiobook, and when I learned that the story is based on one of her own breakups, I felt a connection while listening to her, as if I wanted to hug her.

Thank you @harlequinbooks @htpbooks and @allisonraskin for this gifted ebook.
Thank you #harlequinaudio for the gifted audiobook via #NetGalley.

Sorry had to DNF this one. The narrator is fine, but the character seems so focus on how to uphold herself as an influencer instead of a therapist. I get having to re-write your book filled with gush is hard, but it was harder to hear the frantic of it all. The political bit was meh. While I get the sentiment, but not sure how it's applicable to the book moving forward. DNF about 30%