As a horror movie fan who has also endured the horrors of dating, I loved the construct of this book—comparing different kinds of dating experiences to the tropes, monsters, and villains we know from horror films. I worried the metaphor might wear thin after a few chapters, but it never did. That’s a credit to Rory Uphold’s sharp, funny, and powerful voice, which shines through on every page.

Each chapter is concise and easy to read, but what really elevated it for me was the structure: every section closes with actionable advice and prompts, making it as practical as it is entertaining. I also appreciated that Uphold doesn’t force a neat “happy ending” or Hollywood conclusion on the reader. Instead, she embraces the messiness of real dating while still offering thoughtful ways to reflect, learn, and move forward.

It’s witty, it’s cathartic, and it’s refreshingly honest—a guide that feels both validating and fun. A great read for anyone who has ever laughed, cried, or screamed their way through modern dating.

Thank you to NetGalley and Blue Lakes for providing me with this ARC.

When I read the description, I was captivated by the initial idea : transforming awful dates' anecdotes and dating trauma into spooky stories. I really loved the use of mythical and horror creatures to illustrate her dating life.

Rory Uphold has a flair for writing. She has a hilarious, and poignant written style.

Through her dating stories, the author also relates the traumas that can arise from bad dates, and the struggles to overcome these traumas. I could definitely categorise this novel as a self-improvement book for our romantic life.

The author is clearly not here to complain about her past relationships, but to share so that other women know that they are not alone in experiencing this or that situation. She invites us to look inward at our relationships (and to spot different red flags), and to do inner work. And to help us to do that, she gave amazing advice.

I recommend A Final Girl's Guide To The Horrors Of Dating to anyone going through a rough time in their dating life, to anyone who needs to learn their worth-self.

Book: Humored memoir/self help
Im a horror, and horror/romance fanatic so immediately the title and premise captured me. The construct was a novel idea yet ringing to "Hes Just Not That Into You" while comparing the experiences to horror tropes.
I really enjoyed the humor and self reflection the author has. The writing is very well done and edited. I enjoy this type of self help book, where you can relate to the author and what they have gone through.
The cover is lacking and needs a upgrade to really catch readers attention

As soon as I saw the concept for the book I knew I had to read it. I loved the idea of relating dating horror to the horror movie genre but was worried the metaphor could get dry and old fast. I didn’t have anything to worry about with this author, so funny and witty and kept me going until the end.


I wasn’t sure the exact layout the book would take going in. So I was a little surprised the book and advice was so reflective and helpful from the get go but I actually really liked that rather than the reader gaining knowledge and insight as the story progressed. Meant it took more of a self-help book style which really worked so you could drop in and out or chapters easily.

Definitely some really insightful and helpful commentary on modern dating and would be very helpful in an engaging manor for younger (and older) women to feel less alone in the horrors of dating.

This was really interesting to read and I like the voice of the author as well as the honesty she writes with. Non-fiction is still not my favorite, but that's a me thing and not anything to do with the book.