How to find and keep your perfect gentleman (and yes, he does exist!)
The Very British Rules of Dating takes a refreshing and light-hearted approach at how to date the perfect British gentleman (and getting him to do all the wooing!). It explores the answers to ever-so-common questions such as:
- Where are all the quality men hiding? Why do they never approach me? - Why do men only seem to ‘flirt’ after a bit of Dutch courage? - How do I know where I stand when he never says what he means? - How do I know when we’re an official item? He hasn’t said anything. - Why is he acting strange? He suddenly just stopped messaging me!
Looking at every aspect of both traditional and modern dating, including advice for online dating, apps and texting, this book will become the go-to guide for your dating life! It will help you navigate your way through the minefield that is dating in the UK to find the ambitious and charming gentleman of your dreams, who exudes that world-famous British charm and will sweep you off your feet (or very nearly).
This is an absolute first for me; a review of a non-fiction book. I really looked forward to doing something completely different and it certainly has been that. The Very English Rules of Dating by Lady Lara Avery has something for everyone. It is an extremely useful guide, an analytical, entertaining read with a lot of common sense advice. I loved the way men were referred to as ‘chaps’ too. No way is it dull or boring. It explores every facet of the subject, no stone is left unturned. Everything is arranged in sections which follow on from each other in an easy flow. The observations are interesting and quite forthright. I wasn’t sure what I expected when I agreed to review this, but I found it to be a thought-provoking, useful and engaging read; practical, yet with humour. So whether you are looking for advice on finding a mate or simply wanting something completely different to read, this ticks all the boxes
As a book 'The Very British Rules of Dating' already quite clearly shows us what it will be all about with just its title; the world of dating, and then particularly the British world of dating. While some might think dating can't be that different in the UK, think again, because Lady Lara Asprey is quick to explain how British men really are a species of their own that come with their own set of rules and expectations. Dealing with topics such as the background to British dating, the modern British gentleman, first dates, and how to hold onto a good man, the book covers all aspects of British dating and how to be successful at it.
I have to be honest and say I am not familiar at all with non-fiction books about topics such as dating, or self-help books in general. Therefore, I can't compare this book to others of the same genre; yet, I think Lady Lara Asprey has written an entertaining account of one side of the British world of dating, and I thought it was a fun read. I really liked how the novel focuses on the British man as a unique species and tries to provide the reader with tips to start a successful relationship with one. The author does this in a playful and fun way and deals with all kinds of topics related to the main subject.
The writing style of the book is well-paced and easy to get through, but I did think it was a bit dry at times and I would have liked it if the book had had more examples of do's and don'ts. I had a bit of trouble finishing the book, because I was missing a captivating storyline, something to keep me reading. Maybe it's because I'm just more a fiction kind of person, or because I have been in a happy relationship for quite a while now and am not a part of the dating scene, but I found it difficult to really enjoy this book. That being said, though, I do think a lot of people will be able to get something out of this book and Lady Lara Asprey has written an entertaining and helpful addition to the collection of dating books that's already out there.
I so wanted to nab this book! I mean, come on - yes, I am happily married and I'm not out to nab a man, in Britain or anywhere else. But...I'm a romance author, and many of my stories take place in Britain, with - you guessed it - British heroes! What does the British dating scene look like, and of course, what's the dating etiquette that regents this sphere? And why on Earth do men behave in the way they do??? (Eternal question, right?)
So on I go, picking up my review e-copy and just absorbing everything Lady Lara Asprey has to say about dating in modern Britain.
And lo and behold, has this book been an eye opener! Because while British men are Alpha males...they are not the kind we all imagine people romance novels. The British man/hero is NOT someone who will take charge and just barge in right away like he owns the world and everything is owed to him (this is how we define romance tycoons/magnates/billionaires, innit?) He's an Alpha male but he does it all in his own particular way, with proper manners and etiquette, and a somewhat self-effacing streak on the dating scene though he might be eating a different boardroom every breakfast.
I really enjoyed this book and I think it should be required reading not just for all women out in the dating scene out there (the tips apply to ALL nationalities - you will always be the best woman for sticking to the rules and guides Lady Asprey delivers).
But here's the kicker - and I'm not sure this was Lady Asprey's or even the publisher's intention - this is the perfect, must-have book for every romance author who writes or hopes to write about British men as her heroes. Said author will know what to do and not do, how to go about it, and bring this much-needed accuracy and realism to her tales by looking at the ground rules and explanations featured in this book.
I was provided with a free copy by So Vain Books in exchange for an honest review.
As an old (ahem!) married woman, I'm not what you'd think of when it comes to the target market for a book about dating. However, as a romcom author, this book has proven to be absolutely invaluable. Written with a hefty dose of humour, it's a very easy read and contains a wealth of information and inspiration for any romance writer, especially when it comes to crafting the ideal and not-so-ideal man. There's even examples of dialogue you could use as the basis for scenes!
The historian in me absolutely loved the cultural history of British dating, although I would have loved further information about sources and even suggested reading to know more about why the British are so uptight. Still, that's a very minor niggle for a book I'll definitely be returning to time and again in the future.
Though I don't plan on dating in the UK, and as such probably don't need dating advice specifically written for the British, I though it would be worth the read. My first thought was this book was rather humorous- it was witty, and I found myself laughing aloud many times throughout the book. Once I got past the humor, I found this to be a rather informative book (though some things that the author claims to be typical of British men I will take on faith). There were a few things in the book that I didn't completely agree with- but I don't really have the experience to back it up. Despite this, the rest of the book made excellent points and gave thoughtful advice with examples.
This book is a dry read. I didn't feel connected to these rules at all. Perhaps because I'm a commoner living in the rural north of England and I'm not a sloan ranger, debutante or socialite lady. It did not appeal to me and I'm struggling to imagine who it would appeal to as this is just not my scene. Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book
the first copy I got from Netgalley on 7th of July was unreadable because the formatting was fubar. 2nd copy readable format