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Canyon Beach #1
Queen of First Dates
30 dates in 30 days. Seems like fun right? Yeah, not so much...
When my boss asked me to write an article about online dating and more specifically the do’s and don’ts of first dates, I expected it to be a mess. I hadn’t expected it to be a complete and utter disaster, though. How was I to know that I’d be paired up with arrogant, cocky, and too ‘handsome for his own good’, Nolan Montgomery? Nolan had always treated me as his little sister’s annoying best friend and I couldn’t stand his bossy ways. The last thing I needed was him following me around with a video-camera and lecturing me on all the things I was doing wrong. I certainly didn’t need him showing me how I could improve; even if his lips and hands were recurring images in my dreams. He may have been my first kiss, but there was no way I was going to let him get his hands on me again.
When my boss asked me to write an article about online dating and more specifically the do’s and don’ts of first dates, I expected it to be a mess. I hadn’t expected it to be a complete and utter disaster, though. How was I to know that I’d be paired up with arrogant, cocky, and too ‘handsome for his own good’, Nolan Montgomery? Nolan had always treated me as his little sister’s annoying best friend and I couldn’t stand his bossy ways. The last thing I needed was him following me around with a video-camera and lecturing me on all the things I was doing wrong. I certainly didn’t need him showing me how I could improve; even if his lips and hands were recurring images in my dreams. He may have been my first kiss, but there was no way I was going to let him get his hands on me again.
190 pages, Paperback
First published June 30, 2019
216 people are currently reading
1506 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 140 reviews
May 22, 2022
2 😞😞⭐️s
A cute romance read, not well enough delivered, with no sparkles or emotions, failing to hold my interest high.
A cute romance read, not well enough delivered, with no sparkles or emotions, failing to hold my interest high.
August 25, 2019
I received a copy of this from the author in exchange for my honest review. It was a short, cute story. I would have loved to see a few more dates. We only got to see 2 of 30 lol. The main male character was super rude in the beginning but ended up being a nice guy. She had amazing friends and I would love to hear more about them
September 2, 2019
4 Star review of Queen of First Dates by Jamie Case
Audio Review:
Jamie Case is a new author to me as is narrator Bethanie Good and I have no idea why that is. Queen of First Dates is a quick, fun, romantic story which I enjoyed.
Nolan gave Jules her first kiss and she has always been in love with him. Unbeknownst to her Nolan has always had feelings for Jules too and even went so far as trying to tell her. However fate works in mysterious ways and she never found out.
When her boss puts forward an idea for an article Jules, a reporter is teamed up with Nolan as her videographer/photographer; the idea 30 dates in 30 days. The dates are a comedy of errors and nothing like what one would hope for. Nolan is there at every turn and it is obvious to everyone but the woman in question that there is more to Nolan’s feelings than meets the eye.
I loved the story and Bethanie Good has a pleasant voice to listen too but I do feel that her male voices let her down with the narration which impacted on the story.
Audio Review:
Jamie Case is a new author to me as is narrator Bethanie Good and I have no idea why that is. Queen of First Dates is a quick, fun, romantic story which I enjoyed.
Nolan gave Jules her first kiss and she has always been in love with him. Unbeknownst to her Nolan has always had feelings for Jules too and even went so far as trying to tell her. However fate works in mysterious ways and she never found out.
When her boss puts forward an idea for an article Jules, a reporter is teamed up with Nolan as her videographer/photographer; the idea 30 dates in 30 days. The dates are a comedy of errors and nothing like what one would hope for. Nolan is there at every turn and it is obvious to everyone but the woman in question that there is more to Nolan’s feelings than meets the eye.
I loved the story and Bethanie Good has a pleasant voice to listen too but I do feel that her male voices let her down with the narration which impacted on the story.
June 29, 2019
I received Queen of First Dates by Jaimie Case as an ARC for my honest review.
This is a cute and charming love story.
As the story starts we meet Jules a beautiful, smart journalist.... We then we meet the handsome and arrogant Nolan Montgomery. He's a photographer and video recorder. To save the paper that's Jule's is working for she agrees to do a dating article which will filmed.
The catch Nolan will be filming Jule's 30 dates... 1 date each night for a month. Jules isn't to thrilled. Not only is Nolan her best friend's brother he's always managed to turn her away after some special moments especially to her not him anyway.
The story is fun loving, cute and sweet. From setting up dating app profiles ,documenting date etiquette, Nolan's little kisses here and there, and the letters from a secret admirer...
Intrigued then must read. I highly recommend this story. I enjoyed this book very much.
This is a cute and charming love story.
As the story starts we meet Jules a beautiful, smart journalist.... We then we meet the handsome and arrogant Nolan Montgomery. He's a photographer and video recorder. To save the paper that's Jule's is working for she agrees to do a dating article which will filmed.
The catch Nolan will be filming Jule's 30 dates... 1 date each night for a month. Jules isn't to thrilled. Not only is Nolan her best friend's brother he's always managed to turn her away after some special moments especially to her not him anyway.
The story is fun loving, cute and sweet. From setting up dating app profiles ,documenting date etiquette, Nolan's little kisses here and there, and the letters from a secret admirer...
Intrigued then must read. I highly recommend this story. I enjoyed this book very much.
April 27, 2020
Jules has been best friends with Betsy since they had braces and pigtails. Jules had this huge crush on Betsy's elder brother Nolan. As Nolan and Betsy grow up they begin to have a hate-love relationship. Their banter is amazing. Jules is a creative writer in a newspaper company, now she has been asked by her boss to go on 30 dates in 30 days and for this, she has to work with the person she doesn't want to work with at all Nolan. Nolan the amazing photographer is now a co-worker of Jules this only gives him reasons to spend time with her. Spending time together may get them to hate each other or fall head over heels.
This a very short book but it has it all. You can see the attraction between Nolan and Jules. The only that disappointed me was the ending, I felt it was very abrupt, it happened so fast. I am a sucker for epilogues and sadly this did not have one. I love how Jules and Betsy have this undying friendship. Betsy bakes Jules eats! Jules is also a book nerd, during her childhood, Jules knew every single line of a Jane Austen or Shakespeare books. It is an amazing short romantic story.
This a very short book but it has it all. You can see the attraction between Nolan and Jules. The only that disappointed me was the ending, I felt it was very abrupt, it happened so fast. I am a sucker for epilogues and sadly this did not have one. I love how Jules and Betsy have this undying friendship. Betsy bakes Jules eats! Jules is also a book nerd, during her childhood, Jules knew every single line of a Jane Austen or Shakespeare books. It is an amazing short romantic story.
July 4, 2019
Julia "Jules" Gilbert works for her hometown newspaper. Canyon Beach is a small town where everyone seems to know everyone else and everyone else's business. Her latest assignment is writing a series of articles on dating -- more so first dates. She's supposed to go on 30 dates in 30 days and write about her experiences along with dating tips. All the articles will be posted on the paper's web site along with pictures and video of the dates. She's not happy about the assignment and complains, but gives in when she gets the idea that the paper will go under if this stunt isn't successful. She's even less happy when her photographer walks in and it's Nolan Montgomery, a childhood nemesis. Nolan, brother to her best friend Besty, is three years older and has lived his life treating Jules like he treats his sister -- well, mostly. Jules has been in love with Nolan for longer than she can remember, but he's never shown any real interest in her. The few times anything romantic could happen, he shut it down. Now, she has to work with the "jerk" while he makes snide comments and sends mixed messages. Will Jules get her 30 dates? Will she and Nolan work out their differences? Is there an HEA for the two of them together?
I'm trying to decide if this is more 2 1/2 stars or an actual 3. It's not that it's bad. The story, though VERY predictable, is actually pretty cute overall. However, there were things about it I didn't like.
First, I didn't particularly care for Jules. She's pretty one-dimensional throughout most of the story. There are some scenes thrown in to reinforce her distrust of Nolan, but her constant bickering with him was worse than interactions among tweens. (Her repeated -- and I mean re.pea.ted. -- jibe to him was "You're so rude.") I don't understand why she couldn't act more mature around Nolan. I get that he teases her, but can't you take the high road? Maybe the interactions we're given are supposed to cement the "sees me as a little sister" theme, but all it served to do was annoy me whenever the two were in the same scenes together. That doesn't bode well for a romantic couple.
Then, there were inconsistencies in the story and a couple of edits that were missed. I could understand why Jules isn't privy to the money issues with the newspaper, but everyone else seems to be. Is she that bad of a reporter? Does she only pay attention to herself? Jules is assigned the dates story, but neither she nor the newspaper editor put any thought into the legalities of filming and writing about these first dates BEFORE the article is set in motion. (I guess it's no wonder the paper is failing.)
Her editor slips and tell Jules the series was her mother's idea. That's never followed up on, but near the end of the story, Nolan's grandmother mentions SHE told Jules' parents that it was a good idea to have Jules and Nolan work together. (Actually, this and a couple of other things in the first quarter of the book had me thinking the story was going in a whole different direction than it did. That might have been a good story with a funny twist.)
Nolan keeps sending mixed messages -- or at least they seem that way to me. First he teases Jules and throws his love life in her face while making jokes about her non-existent dating life. Then he's coming on to her. sometimes subtly, sometime overtly. We all know he's in love with Jules, but I can understand why she thinks he's looking for a quick roll in the hay. Why can't he be a bit more mature in HIS dealings with her. There's a misunderstanding on Jules' part throughout the book. Nolan knows this, but never corrects her (and she never seems to pick up on how he'd know the things he does). Plus, you'd think he would have said something in two years.
I get that with romances one must throw some logic out the window, but really...
I wish we got more "dates" than we do, or at least write-ups of dates we didn't get to see first hand. She's supposed to do 30 in 30, but only has one for the paper (then one for herself). That's not 30 in 30. I think the author could have had some fun with the dates, the write-ups, and/or scenes with the the two main characters. It would have been fun and funny.
This book is the start of the Canyon Beach series written by J. S. Cooper under the Jaimie Case pseudonym. I have read other items by J.S. Cooper and have enjoyed them. And, overall, I liked this. It just wasn't as good as I expected it to be.
The next book in the series is supposed to deal with Nolan's sister, Betsy, and Jeff, who is Nolan's best friend. I kind of wish the series had started with their story -- it seems simpler overall -- giving Jules and Nolan's beginning a back seat. This would have allowed the 30 in 30 to start -- with bickering, etc. -- while centering on Betsy and Jeff. Then, book two could have picked up on Jules and Nolan with a background established around the article. Their full story wouldn't have to change at all, just be lengthened a bit by the back story in Betsy and Jeff's story. Oh well...
I liked this story overall and will read future pieces to the series. (There are at three or four people who can have stories at this point.) I just hope they're executed better than this was.
I'm trying to decide if this is more 2 1/2 stars or an actual 3. It's not that it's bad. The story, though VERY predictable, is actually pretty cute overall. However, there were things about it I didn't like.
First, I didn't particularly care for Jules. She's pretty one-dimensional throughout most of the story. There are some scenes thrown in to reinforce her distrust of Nolan, but her constant bickering with him was worse than interactions among tweens. (Her repeated -- and I mean re.pea.ted. -- jibe to him was "You're so rude.") I don't understand why she couldn't act more mature around Nolan. I get that he teases her, but can't you take the high road? Maybe the interactions we're given are supposed to cement the "sees me as a little sister" theme, but all it served to do was annoy me whenever the two were in the same scenes together. That doesn't bode well for a romantic couple.
Then, there were inconsistencies in the story and a couple of edits that were missed. I could understand why Jules isn't privy to the money issues with the newspaper, but everyone else seems to be. Is she that bad of a reporter? Does she only pay attention to herself? Jules is assigned the dates story, but neither she nor the newspaper editor put any thought into the legalities of filming and writing about these first dates BEFORE the article is set in motion. (I guess it's no wonder the paper is failing.)
Her editor slips and tell Jules the series was her mother's idea. That's never followed up on, but near the end of the story, Nolan's grandmother mentions SHE told Jules' parents that it was a good idea to have Jules and Nolan work together. (Actually, this and a couple of other things in the first quarter of the book had me thinking the story was going in a whole different direction than it did. That might have been a good story with a funny twist.)
Nolan keeps sending mixed messages -- or at least they seem that way to me. First he teases Jules and throws his love life in her face while making jokes about her non-existent dating life. Then he's coming on to her. sometimes subtly, sometime overtly. We all know he's in love with Jules, but I can understand why she thinks he's looking for a quick roll in the hay. Why can't he be a bit more mature in HIS dealings with her. There's a misunderstanding on Jules' part throughout the book. Nolan knows this, but never corrects her (and she never seems to pick up on how he'd know the things he does). Plus, you'd think he would have said something in two years.
I get that with romances one must throw some logic out the window, but really...
I wish we got more "dates" than we do, or at least write-ups of dates we didn't get to see first hand. She's supposed to do 30 in 30, but only has one for the paper (then one for herself). That's not 30 in 30. I think the author could have had some fun with the dates, the write-ups, and/or scenes with the the two main characters. It would have been fun and funny.
This book is the start of the Canyon Beach series written by J. S. Cooper under the Jaimie Case pseudonym. I have read other items by J.S. Cooper and have enjoyed them. And, overall, I liked this. It just wasn't as good as I expected it to be.
The next book in the series is supposed to deal with Nolan's sister, Betsy, and Jeff, who is Nolan's best friend. I kind of wish the series had started with their story -- it seems simpler overall -- giving Jules and Nolan's beginning a back seat. This would have allowed the 30 in 30 to start -- with bickering, etc. -- while centering on Betsy and Jeff. Then, book two could have picked up on Jules and Nolan with a background established around the article. Their full story wouldn't have to change at all, just be lengthened a bit by the back story in Betsy and Jeff's story. Oh well...
I liked this story overall and will read future pieces to the series. (There are at three or four people who can have stories at this point.) I just hope they're executed better than this was.
July 1, 2019
This book is really charming, great characters, good development, a touch of humor that leaves you wanting more. I would have loved to have a bit more to the ending, but hoping that there is more about the conclusion of her articles and the paper in Betsy's book.
June 1, 2020
Queen of First Dates by Jaimie Case is a best friend's brother romance with just the right amount of drama, suspense, mystery, jealousy, a touch of heartbreak, attraction, witty banter, humor, and it all wraps up with a great happily ever after.
I volunteered to review an advance reader copy of this book.
I volunteered to review an advance reader copy of this book.
July 9, 2019
This was such a sweet love story, funny and heartfelt, but with a little bit of heartbreak along the way!
Julia and Betsy are best best friends and have been since childhood. Betsy’s older brother is always mean to Julia and treats her like another little sister. What Nolan doesn’t realise if that Julia is in love with him and always has been, he was her first kiss, and her first for a few other things as well, but he just makes fun of her.
For her job Julia has to go on 30 dates in 30 days for an article for the paper she works for. Nolan is the photographer who has to record the whole thing, and he is not happy about it. He is jealous of some letters she is receiving from a secret admirer and jealous when she shows interest in the dates she is going on! So he tries to get close to her, and she lets him.
What happens Julia finds something from years earlier that could have changed both their lives forever! Can Nolan and Julia realise their feelings for each other or has too much time passed.
Julia and Betsy are best best friends and have been since childhood. Betsy’s older brother is always mean to Julia and treats her like another little sister. What Nolan doesn’t realise if that Julia is in love with him and always has been, he was her first kiss, and her first for a few other things as well, but he just makes fun of her.
For her job Julia has to go on 30 dates in 30 days for an article for the paper she works for. Nolan is the photographer who has to record the whole thing, and he is not happy about it. He is jealous of some letters she is receiving from a secret admirer and jealous when she shows interest in the dates she is going on! So he tries to get close to her, and she lets him.
What happens Julia finds something from years earlier that could have changed both their lives forever! Can Nolan and Julia realise their feelings for each other or has too much time passed.
July 10, 2019
Queen of First Dates by Jaimie Case is such a quick, steady, fun read. I devoured this story. I loved the characters and the dilemma they found themselves in. You'll find yourself smiling, laughing and just so full of joy while reading. This book is definitely a must for anyone that loves romance.
Queen of First Dates has that rom-com feel and will leave you a happy mess. Julia is a great character to read. I loved her spunk and how she would do anything to help her boss keep where she works opened. When the story begins and you learn what her boss has in mind you'll be blown away and to make matters worse she has to work with her best friends brother, Nolan.
Julia has been crazy over Nolan for the longest time. Watching these two work together and spend time together is blissful. I love how they interacted with each other and that the chemistry was inevitable. So be ready for lots of bantering, lots of romance and a great story.
I give Queen of First Dates by Jaimie Case 4 out of 5 STARS!
Queen of First Dates has that rom-com feel and will leave you a happy mess. Julia is a great character to read. I loved her spunk and how she would do anything to help her boss keep where she works opened. When the story begins and you learn what her boss has in mind you'll be blown away and to make matters worse she has to work with her best friends brother, Nolan.
Julia has been crazy over Nolan for the longest time. Watching these two work together and spend time together is blissful. I love how they interacted with each other and that the chemistry was inevitable. So be ready for lots of bantering, lots of romance and a great story.
I give Queen of First Dates by Jaimie Case 4 out of 5 STARS!
July 14, 2019
Meh
I didn’t hate this one but I didn’t love it. The premise was really cute and I love the idea the letters. The issue is that the entire story is overly simplified and somewhat sophomoric. I don’t understand why the author made the characters 26 and 29. If I went strictly by the behavior and conversations between the two MC’s, I would assume this was a high school or early college romance. The miscommunications make the story frustrating and worthy of a few eye rolls, not the feeling of an epic love suggested by the MC.
I didn’t hate this one but I didn’t love it. The premise was really cute and I love the idea the letters. The issue is that the entire story is overly simplified and somewhat sophomoric. I don’t understand why the author made the characters 26 and 29. If I went strictly by the behavior and conversations between the two MC’s, I would assume this was a high school or early college romance. The miscommunications make the story frustrating and worthy of a few eye rolls, not the feeling of an epic love suggested by the MC.
June 24, 2020
Nolan Comes Across As A Jerk, But By The End He Is Adorable! Jules Is A Big Mess, But Blossoms When She Finally Finds Love. Nolan And Jules’s Story Is A Light And Playful Small Town Slow Burn Romance.
This is book one of The Love Plan series by J.S. Cooper, previously released as Queen of First Dates. The series is set in Canyon Beach, a small beach town in which everyone knows one another and gossip travels fast. For the last two years, though, newcomers have been moving into the area, attracted by the beach. This is Nolan and Julia’s story.
Julia Garwood, twenty-six, is focused on her career in journalism. She had expected to find herself writing serious stories by now. She has worked at the Canyon Beach Chronicle since college. Dissatisfied, she asks her editor, Malcolm, to be assigned a serious story, but soon comes to regret it. Thirty dates in thirty days. She is to write about her online dating experience and gin up online clicks for the Chronicle, which is struggling in a changing industry. Moreover, her best friend’s brother will be the photographer on the assignment. He will accompany her on all her dates, filming and taking pictures to accompany the article online.
Jules and Betsy have been best friends since childhood, and she has consequently spent a great deal of time around Betsy’s older brother, Nolan. Nolan brings out the worst in Jules. They argue like siblings, and he criticizes her incessantly. He was her first kiss ten years ago. But she was three years younger than him and he was graduating. Nothing ever became of it, but the kiss meant everything because Nolan was her first crush. She hasn’t had a great kiss since, and her dating life has been rather non-existent for some time. She decides it is time for her to finally move on. Her current assignment, as much as she would rather pass on it, presents a perfect opportunity to get out of her comfort zone and find true love, but with Nolan watching every minute of her dates and criticizing her every move, it promises to be the worst assignment ever.
Nolan Montgomery, twenty-nine, is a photographer with a budding career as a filmmaker, too. He could move to Hollywood, but chooses to stay in Canyon Beach, his small hometown. He declared he wouldn’t marry when he was young, and today his relationships never last more than a month or two. But he enjoys hanging out his with his best friend, Officer Jefferson Evian, and occasional meals with his family. He often sees his sister and her best friend at those meals. He can’t help himself when he gets near Jules. She complains he is mean, but she is so immature that she is asking to be put in her place.
Nolan and Jules have a very complicated relationship. They share a strong bond due to their shared history. Jules has spent much time in the Montgomery household over the years, so the two are practically like siblings. They have a unique level of comfort with one another, but they also share a few secrets. As obvious as it is to close observers that Nolan and Jules have chemistry underneath the jabs, neither of them is proactive. Left to their own devices, they might never find one another. The dating assignment, though, brings them in close contact and provides an opportunity so that the conversations that need to happen can finally take place. Nolan comes across as a jerk, but by the end he is adorable. Jules is a big mess, but taking the next step with Nolan should allow her to move beyond her defensive stance when around him and help her shed some of her immaturity. The couple gets their brief happy ending.
The next book is Betsy Montgomery and Jefferson Evian’s story – Nolan’s sister and his best friend. They begin flirting in this book, and the story ends with Betsy in crisis.
Nolan and Jules’s story is a light and playful small town romance. Drama is kept to a minimum in this slow burn. Seeing the couple finally open up after so many years of misunderstanding is very rewarding. The story is nicely written. The plot is fairly simple; the history is slowly revealed. The characters are nicely developed. The story is written in first person from Julia’s POV. I rate this book four stars.
I received a free advance copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is book one of The Love Plan series by J.S. Cooper, previously released as Queen of First Dates. The series is set in Canyon Beach, a small beach town in which everyone knows one another and gossip travels fast. For the last two years, though, newcomers have been moving into the area, attracted by the beach. This is Nolan and Julia’s story.
Julia Garwood, twenty-six, is focused on her career in journalism. She had expected to find herself writing serious stories by now. She has worked at the Canyon Beach Chronicle since college. Dissatisfied, she asks her editor, Malcolm, to be assigned a serious story, but soon comes to regret it. Thirty dates in thirty days. She is to write about her online dating experience and gin up online clicks for the Chronicle, which is struggling in a changing industry. Moreover, her best friend’s brother will be the photographer on the assignment. He will accompany her on all her dates, filming and taking pictures to accompany the article online.
Jules and Betsy have been best friends since childhood, and she has consequently spent a great deal of time around Betsy’s older brother, Nolan. Nolan brings out the worst in Jules. They argue like siblings, and he criticizes her incessantly. He was her first kiss ten years ago. But she was three years younger than him and he was graduating. Nothing ever became of it, but the kiss meant everything because Nolan was her first crush. She hasn’t had a great kiss since, and her dating life has been rather non-existent for some time. She decides it is time for her to finally move on. Her current assignment, as much as she would rather pass on it, presents a perfect opportunity to get out of her comfort zone and find true love, but with Nolan watching every minute of her dates and criticizing her every move, it promises to be the worst assignment ever.
Nolan Montgomery, twenty-nine, is a photographer with a budding career as a filmmaker, too. He could move to Hollywood, but chooses to stay in Canyon Beach, his small hometown. He declared he wouldn’t marry when he was young, and today his relationships never last more than a month or two. But he enjoys hanging out his with his best friend, Officer Jefferson Evian, and occasional meals with his family. He often sees his sister and her best friend at those meals. He can’t help himself when he gets near Jules. She complains he is mean, but she is so immature that she is asking to be put in her place.
Nolan and Jules have a very complicated relationship. They share a strong bond due to their shared history. Jules has spent much time in the Montgomery household over the years, so the two are practically like siblings. They have a unique level of comfort with one another, but they also share a few secrets. As obvious as it is to close observers that Nolan and Jules have chemistry underneath the jabs, neither of them is proactive. Left to their own devices, they might never find one another. The dating assignment, though, brings them in close contact and provides an opportunity so that the conversations that need to happen can finally take place. Nolan comes across as a jerk, but by the end he is adorable. Jules is a big mess, but taking the next step with Nolan should allow her to move beyond her defensive stance when around him and help her shed some of her immaturity. The couple gets their brief happy ending.
The next book is Betsy Montgomery and Jefferson Evian’s story – Nolan’s sister and his best friend. They begin flirting in this book, and the story ends with Betsy in crisis.
Nolan and Jules’s story is a light and playful small town romance. Drama is kept to a minimum in this slow burn. Seeing the couple finally open up after so many years of misunderstanding is very rewarding. The story is nicely written. The plot is fairly simple; the history is slowly revealed. The characters are nicely developed. The story is written in first person from Julia’s POV. I rate this book four stars.
I received a free advance copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 8, 2019
I received an ARC of “Queen of First Dates” from the author in exchange for my honest review of the story. Well, this is my first Jaimie Case story, so I was really excited to see what she had to offer. What can I say about it? Hmm…let’s see.
Julia or Jules is 26 years old and has a long-standing crush on her best friend’s older brother, Nolan, who was 29. Nolan was actually her first kiss when she was a high school freshman, and there were flashbacks within the story to show that there was some element of magic between them. Things didn’t progress from them back then because they had some sort of cat-and-dog vibes betweent them.
Fast forward to the present, Jules is now working as a reporter for the local paper and has been assigned to work on a series of articles focused on dating. There’s a catch, though. Jules had to go on those dates herself – 30 dates over 30 days – with Nolan shadowing her to document the dates on video. Despite Jules telling herself and her friends that she’s long gotten over her crush on Nolan, it’s obvious the chemistry is still there. How will Jules go on 30 dates with Nolan present on each one of them without things getting out of control between them?
That’s basically the premise of the story. It’s actually short, less than 300 pages, but it could have been longer. I honestly think if it were longer, the story wouldn’t have felt rushed after 75% into the book. The author could have explored the story between Jules and Nolan a bit more especially since the story had all the elements I enjoy in a book – slow burn, friend-to-lovers/frenemies-to-lovers, humor, quirky banters, etc. – it was also a second chance romance, which always seems to get me somehow. Oh, and how could I forget the Jane Austen references coming from Nolan himself? There was also some sort of secret admirer element thrown into the mix, by the way.
However, I found Jules somewhat annoying because for a 26-year-old, she actually thinks and talks like a teenager! It’s like she got so consumed by her crush on Nolan that bloomed when she was a teener that she somehow forgot to move forward mentally. I would have loved to see Jules’ character develop into someone strong given the things she went through with Nolan throughout the course of their “friendship”.
There were some elements in the book that would have been better if left out of the plot; then the author might have been able to develop the story further. Even the physical interactions between Jules and Nolan seemed rushed and open-ended, for lack of a better word. Moreover, only one of the 30 dates was featured, so there was no resolution as to the “experimental” article series. It would have been nice if snippets of the 30 dates were included .
It was a cute, fun story overall. It wasn’t boring, but it felt rushed. It could have been better as it has lots of potential, but I am not really sure why Jaimie Case didn’t explore those potentials. Anyway, I still enjoyed the book and would definitely be watching out for more from this writer.
Julia or Jules is 26 years old and has a long-standing crush on her best friend’s older brother, Nolan, who was 29. Nolan was actually her first kiss when she was a high school freshman, and there were flashbacks within the story to show that there was some element of magic between them. Things didn’t progress from them back then because they had some sort of cat-and-dog vibes betweent them.
Fast forward to the present, Jules is now working as a reporter for the local paper and has been assigned to work on a series of articles focused on dating. There’s a catch, though. Jules had to go on those dates herself – 30 dates over 30 days – with Nolan shadowing her to document the dates on video. Despite Jules telling herself and her friends that she’s long gotten over her crush on Nolan, it’s obvious the chemistry is still there. How will Jules go on 30 dates with Nolan present on each one of them without things getting out of control between them?
That’s basically the premise of the story. It’s actually short, less than 300 pages, but it could have been longer. I honestly think if it were longer, the story wouldn’t have felt rushed after 75% into the book. The author could have explored the story between Jules and Nolan a bit more especially since the story had all the elements I enjoy in a book – slow burn, friend-to-lovers/frenemies-to-lovers, humor, quirky banters, etc. – it was also a second chance romance, which always seems to get me somehow. Oh, and how could I forget the Jane Austen references coming from Nolan himself? There was also some sort of secret admirer element thrown into the mix, by the way.
However, I found Jules somewhat annoying because for a 26-year-old, she actually thinks and talks like a teenager! It’s like she got so consumed by her crush on Nolan that bloomed when she was a teener that she somehow forgot to move forward mentally. I would have loved to see Jules’ character develop into someone strong given the things she went through with Nolan throughout the course of their “friendship”.
There were some elements in the book that would have been better if left out of the plot; then the author might have been able to develop the story further. Even the physical interactions between Jules and Nolan seemed rushed and open-ended, for lack of a better word. Moreover, only one of the 30 dates was featured, so there was no resolution as to the “experimental” article series. It would have been nice if snippets of the 30 dates were included .
It was a cute, fun story overall. It wasn’t boring, but it felt rushed. It could have been better as it has lots of potential, but I am not really sure why Jaimie Case didn’t explore those potentials. Anyway, I still enjoyed the book and would definitely be watching out for more from this writer.
July 3, 2019
This is my first time reading anything by Jaimie Case and I was really excited to seeing what she could do and honestly I have mixed feelings about this book. Don’t get me wrong, this book had all the elements that you look for within a book, but at the same time I saw that this book had a lot of potential and could go quite far, but I felt that towards 70% of the book it felt a little rushed and I hated seeing that because it seemed that at that point there was so much going on, it had character and instead of getting to explore what was going on you end up feeling a little deflated. You could see the build up happening in the first half of the book and that was pretty incredible, you got to see how Jules and Nolan were around each other, and it made sense as to why he treated her a lot differently than he should of, but who was to know that after all these years he would still have feelings for her? I’m hoping that at some point Jaimie goes back and either adds to this or writes another book but from Nolan’s point of view because I feel there’s so much left unsaid between the two characters. It would have been interesting to see how the other dates would have gone instead of only seeing the one for her work and then the other one for her personal life, there was so much build up but we didn’t get to see much of the results, there’s a lot of questions lingering in the background….
Other than that, I do think it was a good read, the plot/ storyline was there and the characters were interesting. I’ll be interesting in seeing what her next book will be like as I do think she’s got some great ideas and her writing is good.
Jules has had a huge crush on Nolan for years, he was her first kiss but at the same time he was her best friends brother. She knew for a fact that he didn’t like her in that way, but it didn’t stop her from when she was younger trying to get him to see her as more than his sisters best friend.
Now years later, she’s single, got a great job in journalism just like she dreamed of but there’s a slight issue….. Nolan. She now has to do a new project for work and it involves going on all these dates to give tips on what to do and what not to do on first dates, this all happens with Nolan recording everything that takes place. You can see how much it’s a pain for her as she still has lingering feelings for him, but she refuses to speak or do anything about them. And with Nolan still giving her a hard time, will she see that there’s more between the lines or will someone sweep her off her feet during her work dates?
Other than that, I do think it was a good read, the plot/ storyline was there and the characters were interesting. I’ll be interesting in seeing what her next book will be like as I do think she’s got some great ideas and her writing is good.
Jules has had a huge crush on Nolan for years, he was her first kiss but at the same time he was her best friends brother. She knew for a fact that he didn’t like her in that way, but it didn’t stop her from when she was younger trying to get him to see her as more than his sisters best friend.
Now years later, she’s single, got a great job in journalism just like she dreamed of but there’s a slight issue….. Nolan. She now has to do a new project for work and it involves going on all these dates to give tips on what to do and what not to do on first dates, this all happens with Nolan recording everything that takes place. You can see how much it’s a pain for her as she still has lingering feelings for him, but she refuses to speak or do anything about them. And with Nolan still giving her a hard time, will she see that there’s more between the lines or will someone sweep her off her feet during her work dates?
July 2, 2019
3.5 stars.
This is a cute short story that could have been so much more than it ended up being. It had all my favourite tropes in one book: slow burn, friends to lovers to hate to lovers again, it's a second chance kind of romance, it's funny, there is lots of banter, there are flashbacks to the past...
Jules is a young journalist that works for a town newspaper that needs a little push to avoid closing. For that, Jules is forced to write an article about dating, that ends up being her having 30 dates in 30 days while Nolan, her first-everything turned arch-enemy and best friend's older brother, is the videographer who's going to document the whole process. We learn that Nolan and Jules have some back story in which Jules always ends up being rejected by Nolan.
The story is cute, funny at times, and annoying at other times. Jules speaks and acts like a really young girl, not a twenty-something, and in her interactions with Nolan it's like watching two teenagers bickering, though Jules always ends up telling him "you are so...rude". You'd expect a journalist would be a little more eloquent, but not Jules.
I'd have loved to actually witness more dates, but in the end we only get two, one for the article and another one in her real life. Imagine the possibilities of Nolan, , witnessing all those dates, trying to sabotage them or fuming in jealousy... but that didn't happen either.
I love the jane Austen references, and it was quite predictable who was that secret admirer that sent her those lovely letters. This was my favourite part of the story.
The part I liked less was Jules' character. She talks like a teenager during the whole book with no real character development. I was hoping for her to actually talk to Nolan about their feelings, even if they wouldn't admit them to each other, but as it is, I find their sexual interactions are a little bit out of place.
Anyway, this is a short, charming story that I received as an arc in exchange of my honest opinion.
This is a cute short story that could have been so much more than it ended up being. It had all my favourite tropes in one book: slow burn, friends to lovers to hate to lovers again, it's a second chance kind of romance, it's funny, there is lots of banter, there are flashbacks to the past...
Jules is a young journalist that works for a town newspaper that needs a little push to avoid closing. For that, Jules is forced to write an article about dating, that ends up being her having 30 dates in 30 days while Nolan, her first-everything turned arch-enemy and best friend's older brother, is the videographer who's going to document the whole process. We learn that Nolan and Jules have some back story in which Jules always ends up being rejected by Nolan.
The story is cute, funny at times, and annoying at other times. Jules speaks and acts like a really young girl, not a twenty-something, and in her interactions with Nolan it's like watching two teenagers bickering, though Jules always ends up telling him "you are so...rude". You'd expect a journalist would be a little more eloquent, but not Jules.
I'd have loved to actually witness more dates, but in the end we only get two, one for the article and another one in her real life. Imagine the possibilities of Nolan, , witnessing all those dates, trying to sabotage them or fuming in jealousy... but that didn't happen either.
I love the jane Austen references, and it was quite predictable who was that secret admirer that sent her those lovely letters. This was my favourite part of the story.
The part I liked less was Jules' character. She talks like a teenager during the whole book with no real character development. I was hoping for her to actually talk to Nolan about their feelings, even if they wouldn't admit them to each other, but as it is, I find their sexual interactions are a little bit out of place.
Anyway, this is a short, charming story that I received as an arc in exchange of my honest opinion.
July 9, 2019
This is the first book of the Canyon Beach series written by J. S. Cooper under the Jaimie Case pseudonym. I love J.S. Cooper books and have enjoyed reading . I loved this one. I loved the chemistry of the two characters.
Julia who is a reporter for a failing newspaper and Nolan who is Betsy's older brother are the main characters. Betsy is Julia best friend since childhood. Nolan is Julia ( Jules) first kiss and Julia has been in love with him since before their kiss. Nolan is older and his teasing comes off as making fun of Julia.
Years later, Julia is suppose to go on 30 dates in 30 days for an article for the paper she works for. Nolan is the photographer assigned to follow her around on said dates to record everything. Nolan doesn't realize that Julia has been in love with him forever. Nolan isn't happy about following around Jules while she on dates. Jules has had a secret admirer since high school who started writing her again. Nolan shows jealously and interest in Jules and she gives hints that she wants him to continue to pay her attention. So he 30 dates in 30 days idea falls apart because Jules focus becomes finding who her secret admirer and enjoying the attention Nolan is giving her. Who is Jules secret admirer? Can Nolan and Jules figure out that they both have feelings for each other?
The next book in this series is about Nolan's sister, Betsy, and Jeff, who is Nolan's best friend.
I liked this story overall, it was a cute fun summer read. I love JS Cooper books and will always read her books. I felt the connection and enjoyed reading about Nolan and Jules. I am interested to see what is next with Betsy and Jeff. If you love a good romance and not a stickler for details that don't matter if your reading to enjoy a fun romance book. This book you will enjoy.
June 30, 2019
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC copy from this very talented author. This review is my complete and honest opinion.
Julia works at her home town newspaper. She is tasked with writing an article about first dates, 30 to be exact, but the catch is she has to go on all 30 dates. All of her dates have to come from dating websites/apps. Oh yes and all the dates must be photographed and video taped for the newspapers website. Julia was against this from the first mention of the article. She’s really against it when she finds out Nolan, her best friend’s older brother and her long time crush, will be the photographer and videographer. Julia enlists not only her best friend Betsy, but also her cousin Stella to help her with the whole processes. A girl needs advise and encouragement. Julia is noticing that Nolan is acting strange more and more, but has no clue why. She has had a crush on him for as long as she can remember, but he’s never shown her he has interest or feelings for her until now. Julia doesn’t know what to do about Nolan and Betsy is the last person she can talk to about it.
I really loved this book. Many girls never feel like they’re good enough for a hot guy, especially one they share a past with and they don’t want to be forced into dating no matter what it’s for. This book shows that sometimes it takes a man seeing you move forward with your love life, even if it is for work, to realize that he is possibly running out of time to make a move. I hope to see more of Julia and Nolan’s story in the future.
Julia works at her home town newspaper. She is tasked with writing an article about first dates, 30 to be exact, but the catch is she has to go on all 30 dates. All of her dates have to come from dating websites/apps. Oh yes and all the dates must be photographed and video taped for the newspapers website. Julia was against this from the first mention of the article. She’s really against it when she finds out Nolan, her best friend’s older brother and her long time crush, will be the photographer and videographer. Julia enlists not only her best friend Betsy, but also her cousin Stella to help her with the whole processes. A girl needs advise and encouragement. Julia is noticing that Nolan is acting strange more and more, but has no clue why. She has had a crush on him for as long as she can remember, but he’s never shown her he has interest or feelings for her until now. Julia doesn’t know what to do about Nolan and Betsy is the last person she can talk to about it.
I really loved this book. Many girls never feel like they’re good enough for a hot guy, especially one they share a past with and they don’t want to be forced into dating no matter what it’s for. This book shows that sometimes it takes a man seeing you move forward with your love life, even if it is for work, to realize that he is possibly running out of time to make a move. I hope to see more of Julia and Nolan’s story in the future.
July 1, 2019
Julia and Nolan have been in each other's lives forever, she was his sister's Betsy best friend.
She'd had a crush on him and I think he was just as smitten with her. They had this chemistry between them that was undeniable, I felt it through my kindle. Lol. Of course there were road blocks because why should love be simple, right?
When her boss wanted her to do an article about dating, going on actual dates with Nolan taking pics and documenting everything. Ha! I knew it was going to be good.
Their back and forth banter was both funny and annoying. It was like high school all over again. At the same time, you felt their affection for each other even though they tried to hide it. When they were alone, they couldn't hold it in, it was like a volcano waiting to erupt. They were so complicated, I mean Communication is key ppls. If they would have been honest about their feelings and didn't assume things (Julia) this would have gone a lot smoother.... (She was so Dramatic).
Let me just say those dates had me like 😯😱🙉🤬😂... I can't with them, thank goodness I'm married and out of the dating world. Lol!
When everything came together I was so thrilled! BUT there are still questions. Hmmmm, What will his sister/her best friend say about everything? Speaking of Betsy, what the heck happened? I need to know!
🚫I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC copy of this book.🚫
She'd had a crush on him and I think he was just as smitten with her. They had this chemistry between them that was undeniable, I felt it through my kindle. Lol. Of course there were road blocks because why should love be simple, right?
When her boss wanted her to do an article about dating, going on actual dates with Nolan taking pics and documenting everything. Ha! I knew it was going to be good.
Their back and forth banter was both funny and annoying. It was like high school all over again. At the same time, you felt their affection for each other even though they tried to hide it. When they were alone, they couldn't hold it in, it was like a volcano waiting to erupt. They were so complicated, I mean Communication is key ppls. If they would have been honest about their feelings and didn't assume things (Julia) this would have gone a lot smoother.... (She was so Dramatic).
Let me just say those dates had me like 😯😱🙉🤬😂... I can't with them, thank goodness I'm married and out of the dating world. Lol!
When everything came together I was so thrilled! BUT there are still questions. Hmmmm, What will his sister/her best friend say about everything? Speaking of Betsy, what the heck happened? I need to know!
🚫I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC copy of this book.🚫
July 1, 2019
Queen of First Dates is a captivating love story that will grab you by the heartstrings.
This is a fantastic read between best friends Julie (Jules) Gilbert and Betsy Montgomery. Nolan Montgomery is Betsy’s obnoxious handsome older brother and Jules first kiss while studying to be Shakespeare’s Juliet in high school.💋
Who is this mystery man writing letters to Jules named Fitz? He’s sent letters to her at varies times in her life? She has no clue who he is!
Now working as a writer for the local newspaper she has been given the daunting task from her boss to go on several dates and have them documented and videoed by her nemesis, Nolan Montgomery. Her thorn in her side. This starts the Thirty dates in thirty days giving Jules the title, “Queen of first dates.”
The sexual build up between the Nolan and Jules is intense. The chemistry is there but she has a hard time defining what it is - Love??? Nolan has always know his feelings! Will she ever find the book Nolan gave her while in college? Will she realize the inscription in the first addition book Pride and Prejudice lets her know who Fitz really is.💞
This is a well-written book by Jamie Case. I highly recommend. I read as an ARC reviewer.
This is a fantastic read between best friends Julie (Jules) Gilbert and Betsy Montgomery. Nolan Montgomery is Betsy’s obnoxious handsome older brother and Jules first kiss while studying to be Shakespeare’s Juliet in high school.💋
Who is this mystery man writing letters to Jules named Fitz? He’s sent letters to her at varies times in her life? She has no clue who he is!
Now working as a writer for the local newspaper she has been given the daunting task from her boss to go on several dates and have them documented and videoed by her nemesis, Nolan Montgomery. Her thorn in her side. This starts the Thirty dates in thirty days giving Jules the title, “Queen of first dates.”
The sexual build up between the Nolan and Jules is intense. The chemistry is there but she has a hard time defining what it is - Love??? Nolan has always know his feelings! Will she ever find the book Nolan gave her while in college? Will she realize the inscription in the first addition book Pride and Prejudice lets her know who Fitz really is.💞
This is a well-written book by Jamie Case. I highly recommend. I read as an ARC reviewer.
July 1, 2019
Cute love story
Queen of First Dates is a cross between a friends-to-lovers and second chance romance. Jules and Nolan have known each other since childhood. Jules's best friend is Nolan's sister. So, there has always been a closeness, attraction, and frustration between them. We get flashbacks of their past throughout the story, which helps develop their chemistry. The story gives us lots of banter between all the characters, which I love because Jules and Nolan's interaction is sometimes romantic, sometimes teasing, sometimes like brother/sister. There are funny parts related to the dates, but the focus of the story is really about Jules and Nolan. There's a secret admirer situation that I figured out pretty early, but was one of the most touching reveals in the story. Another love story was hinted at with Jules's best friend and Nolan's best friend, which I really want to know more about. Hope there's a Book 2 to follow up. There are some sexy moments, but more towards the latter part of the story so it takes time to heat up, but it's worth it. I received an ARC for my honest review.
Queen of First Dates is a cross between a friends-to-lovers and second chance romance. Jules and Nolan have known each other since childhood. Jules's best friend is Nolan's sister. So, there has always been a closeness, attraction, and frustration between them. We get flashbacks of their past throughout the story, which helps develop their chemistry. The story gives us lots of banter between all the characters, which I love because Jules and Nolan's interaction is sometimes romantic, sometimes teasing, sometimes like brother/sister. There are funny parts related to the dates, but the focus of the story is really about Jules and Nolan. There's a secret admirer situation that I figured out pretty early, but was one of the most touching reveals in the story. Another love story was hinted at with Jules's best friend and Nolan's best friend, which I really want to know more about. Hope there's a Book 2 to follow up. There are some sexy moments, but more towards the latter part of the story so it takes time to heat up, but it's worth it. I received an ARC for my honest review.
July 4, 2019
I absolutely loved this book ,a real page turner and hard to put down I devoured it in one sitting. There’s a great chemistry with lots of sexual frustration and not to mention humour and laughter. Julia had held a huge crush on Nolan most of her life, he was her best friend Betsy’s older brother, but he treated her more like a kid sister and continually teased her, even though he was her first kiss. Julia worked for a flailing newspaper when the editor suggested she writes an article of her exploits of her having thirty dates in thirty days using dating apps, she wasn’t overjoyed especially when she found out Nolan was also tagging along as the videographer to document everything, but she agreed to go along however it wasn’t long before Nolan and Julia realises there true feelings for each other and when an incident forgotten from there pasts comes to light only then do they realise what there futures should have been. At first I thought Nolan was a bit of a jerk but he was a true romantic at heart. It will be interesting for Betsy to have her own story and to see how Julia and Nolan develop. I was given this as an ARC by the author in exchange for for a voluntary honest review.
June 30, 2019
This was a fun, cute, heartfelt read. Jules and Nolan have a past and she’s been crushing on him since freshman year in high school, the kicker is he’s her besties brother, and he’s only ever saw her as his sister best friend that is up until now. Julia is tasked with a job at her paper she reluctant to do it and when she finds out who will be her side kick it’s a definite NO. Her boss has asked her to go on 30 dates on 30 days and be filmed doing it. Nolan is realizing that there is more to Jules than he knew and now with this new project he’s feeling things for her and she’s enjoying her dates. One person can only stand being picked on for so long before they give up any hope of something real with that person and move on, and that’s what’s happening with Jules and he doesn’t know what to do. Can a few stolen moments make up for time missed? Who is this secret admirer that Jules has, and how far will it drive Nolan before he makes a big move? Loved this book, I received an advanced copy for review.
July 7, 2019
Queen of First Dates by J.S. Cooper
Very quick read, totally delightful. You ever have that one relationship that wished had worked out differently? That one time where you said something, did something that changed the direction of your life? Well that is the story of Jules and Nolan.
They grew up together, Jules was Nolan’s younger sister’s friend. Like all younger siblings and their friends he treated her like a pest or nuisance. But theirs was a Punch and Judy relationship. They both picked on, riled and egged each other on. They both hid what they really felt and thought about each other.
Years go by and thru many twists and turns they are thrown together for work. How will they handle working together day in and out? Will they stay trapped by their past or move forward to a new reality?
The only thing I wished is that the story was a litter longer. I just didn’t want to leave them but I’m sure they will be in future books. So I will look forward to reading more of this delightful group of charaters.
I received an ARC via Bookfunnel, which I voluntarily reviewed.
Very quick read, totally delightful. You ever have that one relationship that wished had worked out differently? That one time where you said something, did something that changed the direction of your life? Well that is the story of Jules and Nolan.
They grew up together, Jules was Nolan’s younger sister’s friend. Like all younger siblings and their friends he treated her like a pest or nuisance. But theirs was a Punch and Judy relationship. They both picked on, riled and egged each other on. They both hid what they really felt and thought about each other.
Years go by and thru many twists and turns they are thrown together for work. How will they handle working together day in and out? Will they stay trapped by their past or move forward to a new reality?
The only thing I wished is that the story was a litter longer. I just didn’t want to leave them but I’m sure they will be in future books. So I will look forward to reading more of this delightful group of charaters.
I received an ARC via Bookfunnel, which I voluntarily reviewed.
July 7, 2019
The queen of first dates is about Julia “Jules” Gilbert, and her latest assignment as a reporter of the Canyon Beach Chronicle, where she must go on 30 dates in 30 days, joined by her best friends annoying yet handsome older brother Nolan. I found the premise of this book very intriguing, as I continued to read it I became more intrigued to find out what happens next. The main character jules is witty, funny and easy to relate to. The relationships that she has with the secondary characters are endearing and enjoyed reading about them too. The story was exciting and page turning, couldn’t wait to finish it. I feel that the last part of the book was a little rushed to reach the climax, and could have played out a little slower. Maybe that is of just my opinion as I didn’t want it to end! Overall, a great heartwarming read, and a nod to classic romances of the ages from Jane Austen and William Shakespeare. A very enjoyable novel from Jaimie Case, hoping to hear more from Canyon Beach soon!
July 2, 2019
Queen of first dates is a funny, romantic story that you won’t want to put down. Jules is a journalist assigned to a story about dating. She isn’t thrilled since she doesn’t have much luck in that department on a good day; much less having to do a story about the do’s and don’ts of it! As If the assignment isn’t bad enough she’s told it will be published weekly online and video taped. She didn’t think things could get worse until her boss informs her that the photographer she’d be working with would be none other than her lifelong crush Nolan (her best friends older brother). With 30 dates in 30 days AND Nolan following her she has her work cut out for her.
Unfortunately, Nolan isn’t a help. He keeps sending her mixed signals and she fears her feelings r coming back and she can’t handle another heart break from Nolan. After lots of flirting and maybe crossing some lines, will Jules profess her love to Nolan? Or this time is it Nolan that reveals a secret?
Unfortunately, Nolan isn’t a help. He keeps sending her mixed signals and she fears her feelings r coming back and she can’t handle another heart break from Nolan. After lots of flirting and maybe crossing some lines, will Jules profess her love to Nolan? Or this time is it Nolan that reveals a secret?
July 4, 2019
Julia's boss at the newspaper has the perfect assignment for her, according to him. She should sign up for dating sites and write about her adventures in the dating world. Julia isn't happy about the assignment. Then the kicker comes, Nolan, her best friend's older brother, is going to be documenting the whole experience. What started out as a couple of dates turn out to be 30 dates within a month Tada! Julie's new title "Queen of First Dates." Let the adventures begin.
This book is a riot at parts. I love how Julia and Nolan tease each other. They have known each other for years and it shows. But, there is also a sweetness to it. Each try to fight against and hide their feelings from each other, but that doesn't always work. Ms. Case captures the different moments of growth and development of the relationship. This a perfect book for a lazy day.
I received an ARC for a fair and honest review.
This book is a riot at parts. I love how Julia and Nolan tease each other. They have known each other for years and it shows. But, there is also a sweetness to it. Each try to fight against and hide their feelings from each other, but that doesn't always work. Ms. Case captures the different moments of growth and development of the relationship. This a perfect book for a lazy day.
I received an ARC for a fair and honest review.
July 7, 2019
3,5* funny, silly, romcom stars
After reading this book I had to take some time to get my head around the review I wanted to give. On the one hand I really enjoyed how it was a little bit of the modern twist of the Jane Austen and how the hero was "not Mr. Darcy" but in fact was acting very similarly, beside the silly and not really mature banter with heroine. And here is the other hand where I hoped the dialogues and situations would be more mature. But sometimes just some people have this way with words that we act and react in not really mature way.
This is very funny and enjoyable quick romcom read but I was hopping to see more scenes where main characters are going to those 30 dates and I hoped for many more hilarious situations emerging out of this assignment.
So while I really enjoyed reading it I had and the end feeling that something was lacking and that with this really good writing author could do better with the story line itself.
After reading this book I had to take some time to get my head around the review I wanted to give. On the one hand I really enjoyed how it was a little bit of the modern twist of the Jane Austen and how the hero was "not Mr. Darcy" but in fact was acting very similarly, beside the silly and not really mature banter with heroine. And here is the other hand where I hoped the dialogues and situations would be more mature. But sometimes just some people have this way with words that we act and react in not really mature way.
This is very funny and enjoyable quick romcom read but I was hopping to see more scenes where main characters are going to those 30 dates and I hoped for many more hilarious situations emerging out of this assignment.
So while I really enjoyed reading it I had and the end feeling that something was lacking and that with this really good writing author could do better with the story line itself.
November 4, 2019
3.5 Stars
This was a fun rom-com style read. I listened to the audiobook for this story. The narrator's did a great job of adding the feelings and emotions to the story and bringing it to life.
Julia is put on a mission to have 30 first dates and document it for the paper she works for. She is not super excited about the project and a little less excited about having to work with her best friends brother Nolan. Over the years she has had some situation with Nolan that have caused her to shy away from him and hide her feelings.
Nolan is trying very hard to be the professional and do the job he was hired to do. But the more time he spends with Julia listening to all the set up for this date gig. The more he has trouble fighting the feelings he has had for her for many years. Maybe it is time to let the cat out of the box and tell her how he really feels.
Is it time for Julia and Nolan to have a real chance at happiness?
This was a fun rom-com style read. I listened to the audiobook for this story. The narrator's did a great job of adding the feelings and emotions to the story and bringing it to life.
Julia is put on a mission to have 30 first dates and document it for the paper she works for. She is not super excited about the project and a little less excited about having to work with her best friends brother Nolan. Over the years she has had some situation with Nolan that have caused her to shy away from him and hide her feelings.
Nolan is trying very hard to be the professional and do the job he was hired to do. But the more time he spends with Julia listening to all the set up for this date gig. The more he has trouble fighting the feelings he has had for her for many years. Maybe it is time to let the cat out of the box and tell her how he really feels.
Is it time for Julia and Nolan to have a real chance at happiness?
June 29, 2019
Jules has always had a thing for Nolan, her best friend's older brother, but he rejected her on more than one humiliating occasion (but passionately kissing her from time to time) and poked fun at her over the years. Now a journalist whose newspaper is in trouble, her boss informs her that she is going to star in a new series online to get ratings up: 30 dates in 30 days, chronicling her adventures in dating. Oh, and the worst news is that Nolan is going to photograph and film each of those dates, putting him front and center to all of the mishaps her dating inexperience will surely yield. Sigh. With a secret admirer writing her actual snail-mail letters and a host of swiping, Jules is excited, anxious, confused and frustrated in equal measure. And Nolan's habit of kissing her at the most inopportune times doesn't help her state of mind. A thoroughly charming story!
July 8, 2019
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
This book is a Pride and Prejudice-ish romance about two people in a small town, Jules and Nolan, who have know each other forever but are slow to recognize the love they feel for each other. Nolan is the brother of Jules’ best friend Betsy. They have had a love/hate relationship all along but so many of Jules’ important romantic firsts belong to Nolan. When they are thrown together for a writing assignment their chemistry comes to a head.
I liked that the characters in the book were largely people that you would know - small business owners, people who work hard for a living. I happen to like small town romances as well. I thought the ending of this book came rather quickly but it was very sweet.
I assume there will be more books in the series since a plot twist surrounding Betsy is left unresolved.
This book is a Pride and Prejudice-ish romance about two people in a small town, Jules and Nolan, who have know each other forever but are slow to recognize the love they feel for each other. Nolan is the brother of Jules’ best friend Betsy. They have had a love/hate relationship all along but so many of Jules’ important romantic firsts belong to Nolan. When they are thrown together for a writing assignment their chemistry comes to a head.
I liked that the characters in the book were largely people that you would know - small business owners, people who work hard for a living. I happen to like small town romances as well. I thought the ending of this book came rather quickly but it was very sweet.
I assume there will be more books in the series since a plot twist surrounding Betsy is left unresolved.
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