Gavin is a struggling writer with a complicated past, who’s reeling from the loss of the only woman he’s ever loved. More than a year after the breakup, he’s still suffering major heartbreak and a serious case of writer’s block. In an attempt to help him out of his funk, Gavin’s best friend and fellow writer, Bobby, sets up an account for him on the new dating app SwipeDate.
After a few unsuccessful dates, Bobby challenges him to thirty more dates in thirty days. If Gavin can complete the challenge, Bobby will give him a check for twenty-five thousand dollars.
Does Gavin have what it takes to complete the challenge? Or will the trials and tribulations of modern dating prove to be too much?
BT Urruela was an infantryman in the US Army from August 2004 until February 2011. At the end of a year long tour to Baghdad, Iraq, his vehicle was hit by two roadside bombs, which took his right leg below the knee and the life of his commander. He was awarded a Purple Heart for his wounds, an Army Commendation Medal, and Combat Infantryman's Badge. He medically retired from the Army in 2011 and moved to Tampa, FL where he currently works as a Director and Brand Ambassador for VETSports, a veteran community sports nonprofit he co-founded in 2012. He also conducts motivational speeches, works as a cover and fitness model and he's a personal performance trainer. He's a co-author of the military romance novel A Lover's Lament and the upcoming romantic thriller and his debut solo novel, Into the Nothing.
A book by a new-to-me author that I enjoyed very much. Note the 'Part One' in the title, as this one does end on a bit of a cliffhanger! This very raw and honest story is funny in parts, very emotional in others, and overall just felt very relatable.
Gavin is an author who is struggling with writer's block and trying to get past a nasty break-up. He just can't seem to drag himself out of his depression.
"Never have I been so captured by someone like I was by Joanne. Past breakups have been ugly, yes, but two weeks later, I’d realize I was better off without them and move on with my life. Now, here I am, a year and a half after she left me for him, and it feels like it was yesterday, the pain still raw and nagging. I want to move on…I just can’t."
Gavin's buddy challenges him to join a dating app and to go on one date every day for thirty days. Interesting premise, no? I liked the novelty of the story line, and Gavin's foray into the world of modern dating was often nerve-racking but always fresh and funny.
I found the author's POV to be refreshingly honest and I liked the fast-paced writing. I was rooting for Gavin to make a connection with someone and I was pleasantly surprised at where the book ended up. Not only is this book filled with plenty of humor, it also deals the heavy topic of PTSD. I am not sure how much of the writing included BT Urruela's real experiences but the situations and the plot felt very genuine. I can't imagine where Part Two will take Gavin but I am cheering for him to find his HEA!
"And no matter how long I’ve known this woman, no matter how much more there is to learn, I know I’ve found her. I’ve found my cure."
Thirty Days, Part One is my third read from BT Urruela and it does not disappoint. It's a story about Gavin, a down and out author who is dared by his friend to go on 30 dates in 30 days via a swipe dating app. It is a heartfelt dramadey about what it's like to deal with depression and how the people around you rarely understand it or relate to it.
BT has successfully combined comedy with raw emotion, Gavin's inner dialogue giving insight into what this mental illness can do to you. As per usual, this author gives it his all, but this time around, it's a lot more personal, and this shows through the prose. 5 stars.
I was kindly gifted this ebook through a FB giveaway by Michelle!
Reading this book I saw BT in Gavin. I knew from the beginning through the humor, the realness, the darkness and depression. That's all BT's style. I enjoyed this book because it's so relatable and it's real life.
This novella is written in Gavin's POV, an author struggling with depression and PTSD. Having enough of this, his friend dares him to sign up for a dating app and go on 30 dates in 30 days. I guess this book just was not what I was expecting it to be as I felt like it was just going through the motions. The fact that what has actually happened to Gavin is not fully disclosed and keeps you guessing, but otherwise I found it to be a bit dry.
Excellently depicted story, Gavin is all about shooting from the hip and telling it like it is . There is Laughter and sadness. Joy and pain. Friendships and I can't wait to get away from you's. There is also the F word in it's many incarnations. (insert smile here.) And this is only part one 5 stars and a recommendation that EVERYONE get this and experience Gavin's journey.
You know when you read a book and you just... feel it?
You feel the author's words, experiences, emotions and… it hits you.
The way the story eventually overtakes all of you, and you lose sight of everything around you because you’re soo sucked into this other world that you just don't notice.
When you can relate to a character not only be the way they are described or by the way the act talk, or even look…not even by the thoughts that run through their minds’… but by ALL of it!
When the story line and subject matters hits you soo deep: when you’re reading a chapter at one in the morning and realize that you’re sobbing and holding your heart because of how true, honest, heart-breaking and raw the words written are….
Because of how raw vulnerable it is: you can not only see but feel the author connecting with you… That was this book for me.
I know it’s extremely hard to not only create a good story that has not been done many times before but to make readers connect with you r characters and illicit this kind of emotion in them… that’s rare and just as BT’s words always do with me…it hit my soul and I thank him for that tremendously!!
The words that were written…you just felt them hit you one at a time in this wonderfully crafted novel and it resonated with you.
It was honest as always and powerful- you could just FEEL IT!
I wish I had another way of explaining that but I can’t it just…WOW!
I truly cannot wait for more! Amazing job! I am absolutely BLOWN AWAY!
Gavin is trying to get trying to get his life back on track. He is a published author who hasn't written anything in almost 2 years and really isn't living. His best friend convinces him to try swipe dating and so begins his adventure. His challenge 30 dates in 30 days, if he wins $25,000.
This is a cliff hanger for sure which I was expecting but still was like "that can't be the end". I enjoyed this story very much, as I have some experience with on line dating so I can relate to some of the feelings that Gavin expresses after a few dates. The story also deals with depression which I am familiar with so I appreciated how BT handled the subject. I am excited for the new part to see not only if Gavin wins the challenge but maybe finds his happiness again. This is a great quick read.
This author is on my one click list! I don't even need to read the blurb before I commit to purchasing his work! He has a writing style that I love and he draws you in from the first page with his words........I could not put Thirty Days down.......in fact I read it in one sitting.......with my partner looking on in concern at times! I invest heavily at times, emotionally when I read and this.......got me......when I wasn't laughing out loud at the banter and the interactions with Gavin, his friends and the odd stalker date!........I was crying and hugging my kindle.......I just wanted to hold Gavin close. This book felt incredibly personal, and when you read the Dedication and the Acknowledgements, you know why, you can feel the emotions pouring off the page. Thank you BT, for sharing your words with us. If you haven't already, you need to one click this!!
Normally I stay far away from serial type novellas until all parts are released, but since I really like this author's work, I decided to give it a try. I am so glad I did. It had me sucked in right from the beginning with Gavin's story. I'm definitely looking forward to reading more of his journey. Can I please have book two now??????
A cleverly written story that had me laughing out loud and reminiscing over my dating years. Yet, I was also reminded that not everything is roses and unicorns. Gavin is struggling with his life. It's been a long time since he's been in a relationship. So can his best friend help him out? Will Gavin finally pull out of his funk?
BT's extremely talented. This man CAN write and write very well. He took a 'simple' topic like dating and added real emotion and depth to the pages. I just wish it didn't end with a cliffhanger! A definite must read!
I love Gavin's story. His journey is just beginning in this book. Mr. Urruela's characters draw you in and grab ahold of your heart and mind, and Gavin is no different. I had tears in my eyes several times while reading this book, some because the emotions described hit a little too close to home and some because I was laughing so hard. Can't wait for Part 2 of this series so I can see where Gavin goes from where Mr. Urruela left him. Cliffhangers kill me, but I can't recommend this one highly enough.
This is a story about Gavin who is still heartbroken over his break up with Joanne. His friend Bobby convinces him to try the SwipeDate app and go on a few dates. When the dates don't work out, Bobby is convinced Gavin is not trying hard enough to get himself out there and offers Gavin a challenge to go on 30 dates in 30 days for a check in the sum of twenty five thousand dollars. Will Gavin complete the challenge? There is so much more to this book than the lighthearted journey of Gavin's first few dates. BT Urruela shines the light on PTSD, anxiety, depression and Alzheimer's and the struggles of living with it. His words are from the heart, compelling, insightful, heartbreaking and at times hilarious. Thirty Days ends in a cliff hanger that leaves you wanting more of Gavin's story, hoping he can overcome his demons and find the love he deserves.
This story is raw and emotional with a bit of humor. Its well written, and from the heart!
This story is about Gavin. He is struggling to move on from a past relationship and a bet has him going on 30 dates in 30 days. His story is just beginning and I can't wait to find out where it goes.
So far a couple of the dates have been good and one was so horrible. I felt bad for Gavin and wanted to punch the bitch in the face!
As you can tell by the title this is just part 1 in the series. It leaves you hanging. I can't wait for part 2!
Thank you BT Urruela for giving us another great story, I look forward to more!
An author Gavin is having a major case of writers block and is battling a depression from it seems like a variety of things. His best friend since childhood Bobby, who is also an author challenges him to 30 dates in 30 days and then he'll give him 25,000.00.
BT is a new author to me and I'm extremely happy to say that I'm glad I found his books 📚. I feel as though the words just flowed into the page because I feel as if part of this story is him. I love when an author gives bits of themselves through a story. When they can take us as readers on an adventure with them and make it seem as though we are on that journey with them it just makes their books that much more.
4 1/2 stars. The book is very well written and the humor throughout helps to lighten things up when dealing with heavy subjects like mental illness. I was able to relate to Gavin right from the beginning and there is great insight into the inner struggles people face. I also found Tabitha from Day Seven relatable. We don't get a lot of info about her but it's obvious she is socially ackward. What's sad to see is Gavin's reaction to her and the fact that he jumps to conclusions and assumes the worst about her. There are any number of reasons a person can be socially awkward and from the way she is discribed I would guess she hasn't had many friends. Was she out of line? Sure, but did she deserve to be "torn a new a**hole" as was later mentioned? No. Most people are familiar with depression, anxiety, PTSD, but what most forget is there are also mental illnesses that affect the personality and make it difficult for people to interact with others. When Tabitha says she didn't like the sex and swearing in Gavin's books his response is “sex and cursing are very much a part of everyday life for most people. Normal people.”. This hit very close to home. As someone living with Borderline Personality Disorder I can assure you anyone dealing with a personality disorder or something else that affects their ability to interact with others, we want nothing more than to be "normal". I hope anyone that reads the book will take away one thing, you never know what someone else is going through, or what struggles they have. Instead of assuming the worst in others please show them the same kindness and compassion you want to be shown.
Dating is hard enough, we all know it. The dreaded first date is the worst, awkward and uncomfortable. Especially being an introvert, it's like standing in front of an audience and trying to talk about something you aren't comfortable with. Dating one person everyday for 30 days feels painful and just crazy and the concept made me laugh out loud. This read not only incorporated what it's like to date and what a dating site could be like, the author puts his own life experiences into it and brings his readers closer to who he is and what he lives through on a bigger plane. Gavin brought out so many feelings I have felt on first dates, life and so much more. I felt like I was Gavin at some points, I laughed and cried. His compassion was undeniable, his life's experiences brought him more then he thought he could handle. Having great friends, getting help and working through each day is all one can do. I thought this was a great read and the ending made me feel like I was watching a television series, leaves you wanting more, but you have to wait for the next week to see what will happen next. Loved it and look forward to the next install.
OMG, I literally just finished reading this and, although I usually hate reading cliffhanger books (yes this is one, hence the part one in the title) until I can read all the parts together, I just want more like right now. You will seriously not be disappointed in this book at all. BT uses his words to draw the reader straight in to the story of Gavin, an author who has hit a rough patch dealing with a break-up and writers' block. His best friend tries to get him out of his lingering funk by challenging him to go on 30 dates in 30 days. Hilarity ensues with the first few dates, including a couple of stalker types, until he meets 2 different women that peak his interest (and that is just in the first few days). The life experiences and bouts of depression that Gavin experienced actually had me wiping tears from my eyes. It all felt so real! Can't wait to see how many more women he meets and if his life actually improves (it seems to be eye-opening for him so far)through the novelty of the experience. Loved this book!!
Thirty Days: Part One is so much more than a look at a man’s adventures into the “new” world of dating while trying to bounce back from a break up that he didn’t want nor see coming.
Gavin’s story is a raw, real and honest look at the struggles to live with and attempt to overcome the affects of anxiety, depression and PTSD, told as only someone who’s experienced them can.
Thirty Days: Part One is also real and honest with the humor that comes with dating and Gavin’s interactions with his friends who’ve stuck by his side and have done what they could to support him through his struggles.
I am a firm believer that when an author pens a story, they include a piece of themselves in at least one of their characters and I have no doubt that BT Urruela has included a HUGE chunk of himself in Gavin, and for that I say, “thank you”. It’s not easy to cut yourself open and reveal those dark places inside, and I respect you for doing just that so others can see they truly are not alone.
I look forward to seeing where Part Two takes Gavin.
I recently finished Thirty Days Part One by BT Urruela. This is a fantastic story about navigating the mine field of online dating. The story is about Gavin a writer who is still dealing with a bad breakup and suffering from writer’s block. His friend challenges him to try online dating as a way to try and get him out of his rut and back into the land of the living. The story deals with more than just online dating, there is also the subject of depression and the very real effects of depression. Gavin is trying to fight his way out of that darkness. I loved that this is a major part of the story and is not glossed over. The descriptions of how Gavin is feeling and the stops and starts on his journey are dealt with in a very real and touching way. The lightness of the hilarity of some of his dates creates a good balance to the story providing some angst and some comedy. Anyone who has ever tried online dating, and those of us that have can totally understand the horror that can come from it, should absolutely read this story. This does end on a cliff hanger, it is a part one after all. The second part of the story is scheduled to be released sometime next month I believe so hopefully it won’t take too long to find out what happens next. Thirty Days Part One is available now. This is a quick read novella so it worth picking up. It would make a great weekend read.
This was an incredible book experience for this reader; the genuine emotion and experiences of the author as he presents Gavin with PTSD, anxiety and depression. BT is as Gavin is portrayed; he is a real man, funny and with a zest for life that just needed a few friends to remind him what life is all about. The premise of the story is also unique and originally drew me into purchasing this book. My own personal struggles with depression and anxiety kept me reading from start to finish; I could not put this book down. "I've got a writer's brain, and with that, there's a whole imaginary world going on around me at all times." "We so often forget to look inward, to see who we really are, and to own up to the flaws we have." "She holds each weathered book in her hands, running her trembling fingers down the binding and over the title; connecting with the book fully." "When your life and past is so overwhelming you can hardly make sense of it, it's hard to realize there are other people out there suffering too. And people who care." I am touched by the love Gavin's friends had for him and the love he shared with his Gram. Alzheimer's disease will touch most of our lives as it becomes more prevalent as our population ages. It is a challenge and the disease will bring out the best in us in our attempt to understand the symptoms and to care for those who struggle to live with it.
I actually finished this book in two days and all I could say is wow and I can't wait to start book 2. BT Uruella does an amazing job in portraying Gavin and the inner struggles he is dealing with while taking on the online dating world. I loved the fact that the character was so relatable and that made the book such a pleasure to read! Gavin is a struggling writer who has a history of depression and has signed up for online dating mainly a challenge brought up by his best friend Bobby. I would highly recommend this book and anything BT Uruella has written you will not be disappointed! There is a reason why BT Uruellas has become one of my favorite male authors and this book is no exception!
Thirty Days, Part One is my third read from BT Urruela and it does not disappoint. It's a story about Gavin, a down and out author who is dared by his friend to go on 30 dates in 30 days via a swipe dating app. It is a heartfelt dramadey about what it's like to deal with depression and how the people around you rarely understand it or relate to it.
BT has successfully combined comedy with raw emotion, Gavin's inner dialogue giving insight into what this mental illness can do to you. As per usual, this author gives it his all, but this time around, it's a lot more personal, and this shows through the prose. 5 stars.
i i would have to say that BT Urrillua did a fantastic job development of the characters. as you go through the book you can see how Gaven deals with the challenge that his friend Bobby gives him with online dating with the ups anf downs and how he takes in his feelings as he learns about each person he meets. Gaven also learns how ti deal with PTSD from his childhood. this is a book i would recommend to everyone. it is a fast reading book that keeps your interest as you can't wait to see what happens next.
This book is my first read from BT. I loved loved this book. Even though Gavin is in a dark place and not able to like himself there's something extremely loveable about him! i laughed at his banter with his friends but also at the realness of Gavin's character! We've all been in his shoes one way or another and maybe not all at once like he's experiencing but the character is so relatable. I wish I could have a beer and share some meatballs with him! I can't wait for part two and to read more of BT! I will definitely be recommending this book!
You meet, Gavin, an author who had success with his first book then a flop with his second this is part of his spiral down. His marriage breakup wasn't pretty or his idea, adding to his funk. His best friend Bobby tries to bring him out of his pot and alcohol depression by challenging him to get out into the world, thirty dates in thirty days. Very colorful characters, well written story of a man fighting with his demons to feel if it's worth the fight.
I am a huge fan of Mr. Urruelas, his commitment to those who've served their country, his other books, and him as a human being. I was a little disappointed with this story, however. I think I might have been expecting too much because as I said, I loved his other books. I WILL read the second book in the series when it comes out. Who knows, maybe I just wasn't in the mindset for this story or like I said I was expecting too much. Here's too future stories!!!
When I picked this one up I wasn't sure how I would feel about it. BT is a new author to me. I had come across this when he was talking about Part 3. Well, you can't read 3 until you read 1 & 2, right? It was a genuine story. The characters were realistic. The events were realistic. And while it wasn't gripping, you want to keep reading it. You want to see how it moves along. I love that it wasn't rushed nor was there an instant anything in it.
BT did an amazing job with this one. So well written you could feel every emotion Gavin was living and since I follow him on FB it was easy too see that he put so much of himself in this book. Only down side is it ended too soon! This is a must read and you can't help but love Gavin!!
Simply amazing. I love the way BT comes through in this book as Gavin. Haven't come across another book like this yet. I can't wait for more dating.g antics to ensure. Such a fantastic quick read that makes you want grab the next book. BT is an amazing writer and I can't wait for more of Gavins story.