Two Last First Dates

Cozy Cottage Café #2

by Kate O'Keeffe

To Paige Miller Two Last First Dates sounds like a disaster waiting to happen.

Paige is having a rough time. She's unhappy in her career, and her One Last First Date ended in total disaster. Now, she has to figure out what to do professionally and personally. Life as a spinster with fifteen cats doesn't sound too bad, though.

Deciding to give up on love, Paige begrudgingly befriends Josh Bentley, the friendly coffee delivery guy, while helping out at the Cozy Cottage Café. His T-shirts make her eyes roll, but their runs have become an important part of her day and a blessing to her waistline, because Bailey's cakes are too good to pass up.

Meanwhile, her best friends offer to find Mr. Right for her, and all Paige has to do is let them. Then, the man of her dreams walks through the door. Marcus Hahn is as good-looking as he is charming, and any thoughts Paige had of being alone with those fifteen cats fly out the window. Now, she just has to hope her friends choose him as her Last First Date.

But in the end, are Two Last First Dates enough to find The One?

Two Last First Dates is the second book in the Cozy Cottage Café series, but can be read as a standalone. It features fun and laughter, a swoon-worthy guy who will sweep you off your feet, and a lot of cake! And a feel-good, happy ending is guaranteed!

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Chick Lit, Contemporary Romance, Rom Com, Amazon, Ebooks

232 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 8, 2017

About the author

Kate O'Keeffe is a USA TODAY bestselling and award-winning author who writes exactly what she loves to read: laugh-out-loud romantic comedies with swoon-worthy heroes and gorgeous feel-good happily ever afters. She lives and loves in beautiful Hawke's Bay, New Zealand with her family and two scruffy but loveable dogs.

When she's not penning her latest story, Kate can be found hiking up hills (slowly), traveling to different countries around the globe (back when we used to be able to do that), and eating chocolate. A lot of it.

Get a free book when you sign up to Kate's newsletter at kateokeeffe.com.

Reviews

[Racheli Zusiman · Rating 4 out of 5]

הספר השני בסדרה, ההמשך של One Last First Date. כדאי לקרוא לפי הסדר. הספר הזה מתמקד בפייג'.
אהבתי את הספר הראשון, ולדעתי הספר הזה אפילו יותר טוב ממנו. ממש ממש נהניתי ממנו!
אחרי שבספר הקודם ליבה של פייג' נשבר, כי הסתבר לה שהגבר שהיא הייתה מאוהבת בו ויצאה איתו לדייט אחד, בכלל לא מעוניין בה אלא במישהי אחרת, היא מחליטה שנמאס לה מגברים ושלעולם תישאר רווקה בודדה. בנוסף לכך, היא ממש לא סובלת את עבודתה כעוזרת שיווק בחברת טלקומוניקציה, ומחליטה להתפטר. עד שתחליט מה לעשות עם חייה, היא עובדת כמלצרית בבית הקפה של ביילי, שסביבו סובבת עלילת הסדרה. היא עוזרת לביילי גם בשיווק בית הקפה, מקימה לו אתר אינטרנט ונוכחות במדיה החברתית, ועוזרת לה באפייה של העוגות והמאפינס השונים. החברות שלה משכנעות אותה להשתתף במרוץ של 5 ק"מ, וג'וש, הבחור שמביא משלוחי קפה לבית הקפה, מתנדב לעזור לה להתאמן.
פייג' מתלוננת שהיא תמיד יוצאת עם הבחורים הלא נכונים, אז ביילי ומאריסה (אחת החברות) מחליטות לעזור לה ולמצוא לה גבר שיתאים לה.
בינתיים פייג' פוגשת בבית הקפה את מרקוס, נדלקת עליו, ומתחילה לצאת איתו, אבל מערכת היחסים ביניהם ממש מוזרה.
יש עוד סיפור שסובב סביב אבא של פייג', שהתגלתה אצלו סוכרת ופייג' עברה לגור איתו כדי לטפל בו ולהשגיח עליו.
האם פייג' תמצא עבודה חדשה שתהנה בה? האם תמצא אהבה?
ספר פשוט מעולה. אהבתי מאוד את דמותה של פייג', היה ממש כיף לקרוא, והכתיבה מאוד טובה. פשוט מותק של ספר!! אני מקווה שגם ההמשכים יהיו ברמה הזו.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am definitely swooning right now and can barely catch my breath.

I went into this story expecting a sweet love novel and I came out with so much more.

Paige thought she met the love of her life when she met Will but soon got her heart broken when she came to realize, he wasn't hers to love. Bamn shot through the heart. Paige swore she was done with men and love was not something that was going to happen for her. She certainly wasn't going to play the game her two girlfriends wanted to. The Last First Date was a competition of sorts that her and her girlfriends thought up where the friends pick the guy you will have your last first date with. This will be the one you will marry. After her heartache over Will, Paige can't even imagine this happening for her.

In walks Marcus, who could be Channing Tatum's double. He's gorgeous and definitely swoon material. Paige is convinced he is her last first date.

The author does an amazing job at making this book stand on its own, even though this is the second book in the series. She also makes you fall in love with Paige easily and you find yourself routing for her to find herself and have her happily ever after.

I definitely think this author is one to watch and I will definitely be tearing into her books moving forward. Can't wait to read the first book in this series next.

This book is more than just an amazing romance. It's also about following your dreams and not letting others pigeon hole you into thinking you can't find a new career, a new life and a new guy all at the same time.

[Geralyn Corcillo · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you loved One Last First Date, you will love Two Last First Dates twice as much! And if you haven't started the Cozy Cottage Cafe series yet, no problem - Two Last First Dates is an amazeballs stand-alone read with its own heroine, her heroes, and a whole lotta fun. Paige Miller makes her move, steps across that line - and decides to shake up her humdrum, dissatisfying life. But ... is the change too much? Too big? And was it wise to swear off men and love? Will the gorgeous Marcus change her mind? And what about that nice guy Josh who looks like Harry Potter? Should Paige play it safe and just be an office drone spinster with a rose-munching goat ... or she she try to find out what ... and who ... makes her truly happy? Riding shotgun as Paige tries to figure it all out is a rollicking delight!

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first book by Kate O’Keeffe, I won it in her giveaway. Who doesn’t love a good giveaway.

I was hooked from the start…

“…the man of my dreams. Shame about his girlfriend. And just to add further agony to an already heartbreaking situation, she was one of my closest friends. Naturally.”

Ugh! Noooo. The. Worst. I couldn’t wait to see how this would play out.

Then I read about Cassie’s “punishment” for dating Will…as handed down by Paige. 😳🥶

Only thing is…now I need to read the first book because I must know the full scoop about “Will-gate!”

Only thing I wanted more of is Marcus to be handled at the end.

It was a super cute read about a great group of friends. The the characters and their interactions with one another made this novel so enjoyable.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

You can read the books in this series in any order but you want to read them all.
In the first book three best friends had given up on dating and vowed to find perfect mates and each have their final first date, resulting in a lifetime love.
This book is about Paige who unfortunately had a huge crush on Will. Quite unexpectedly, Will turned out to be the"final first date" for another of the best friends trio.

Paige decides that she will give up on finding a man totally. After all, it's been her and her dad almost as long as she can remember. He is enough of a responsibility for her. And her job takes up a lot of time giving her stress in return. Unwilling to accept a loveless life for Paige, her friends decide to choose a man for her.

Secrets and miscommunications come into play, along with some good intentions.
Paige thinks she knows who was chosen for her and agrees to a date, which nearly kills her!
Could this dating pact really be a curse?

I found Paige's dilemma more intense than Cassie's story but equally intriguing.
The story flows well at a quick pace with obstacle after obstacle rearing regularly.
You'll want to be friends with these characters. You'll become emotionally involved.
This story grabs hold and doesn't let go until the last page.

[Diane Michaels · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book by Kate O'Keeffe!
As tasty as a slice of carrot cake from the Cozy Cottage Café, Two Last First Dates is the perfect book to slip into your beach bag. Paige, still licking the wounds of her one last first date in Book 1 in the series, asks herself, “How many pacts to marry the next guy you date could a girl reasonably make? Two, it would seem.”

With her comic voice and upbeat personality, Paige is equipped to meet each challenge, be it a boss who could give Miranda Priestly a run for her money, meddling friends, a man even more irresistible than Bailey’s baked goods, or training for a 5K with a man she deemed “forgettable” who wears t-shirts emblazoned with coffee puns. Throw in caring for her roommate—a.k.a. her father and her issues with yachts, and Two Last First Dates will keep you laughing and turning the page.

[Nadine · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED IT! An absolute must-read for chick lit fans!!!

Paige is in love with Will, but he’s with Cassie from book 1. She’s losing her faith in love, convinced she’s gonna become a spinster… will she find her own true love?

It does feel a bit as if you start in the middle of a story, but that’s because it’s not really a standalone. But everything gets explained well and you can get into the story easily enough without having read book 1. I wouldn’t recommend it though. But even with missing book 1 (my bad… and I’m gonna correct it by buying all of Ms. O’Keeffe’s other books as soon as humanly possible) I just loooooooved this book. Feel-good, happy, light-hearted, fun, exactly the kind of story I like. The pages just turned themselves!

I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book.

[Jill B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Paige Miller just can't seem to find happiness with her job or her love life. Will she just give up? Her friends won't allow this to happen to her. After all she is the one who came up with the idea of them each having their One Last First Date (First in this series), even if it doesn't always turn out as planned. Follow Paige as she entertains us with her funny, sad and amazing experiences. Will the second time around be better than the first? Truly enjoyed this book and I'm looking forward to reading the next one.

[Bobbi · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an interesting concept, to make a pact to marry the next man you date. Of course, it led to hilarious results and was totally a bad idea. Or was it?? The main characters Paige, Bailey, Cassie and Marissa were fun and made the story come alive. You will enjoy this book, it is funny and sad and being human is shown in a very nice light.
Recommend this book to all cozy mystery lovers.

[Holly Kerr · Rating 5 out of 5]

For those who start the Cozy Cottage Cafe series with book 2, it's all good because Two Last First Dates works as a standalone. But it will make you want to go back and grab #1! A great group of girlfriends and a cute cafe with awesome cake - if this is how it is in Auckland, I'm coming to visit! Kate O'Keeffe has written a sweet, touching, funny book of friendship and finding love and knowing when it's right to take a chance on yourself.

[Makala · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another cutesy, quick read. Follows a similar pattern as the first one, I stand by this series as being a good palate cleanser! I like that we’re getting to see the whole group’s stories, they’re light and fun and realistic minus any spice. Good PG-type books :)

[Melissa Baldwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic

Loved , loved, loved this book as much as the first in the series! Excited to read book three! Highly recommend!

[romancejunkie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet, swoonworthy read that made me warm inside. I loved this book and Paige, she was a sweetheart <3

[Dee · Rating 3 out of 5]

For me no parts of this book were memorable but it’s a fast read.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love everything about these books, except the fact that the last two aren't out yet. I'll be easing the pain by reading O'Keeffe's other series while I wait.

Paige is wonderful and completely sympathetic before I even picked this up, because she does get a bit screwed in the first book of the series. The plot was a bit predictable, but I don't read rom com to be shocked. The writing is good, the story is fun, and darn it, I want cake.

[Kayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely LOVED this book (especially since there is a character named KAYLA!) I promise I am nothing like Character Kayla though LOL I enjoyed everything about this book - story flowed nicely, smooth writing, drama in love, and more! I didn't want to put the book down. A delightful read for the pool or girl's day in!

[Debbie Kowalczyk · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book couldn't put it down from start to finish such great detail I found myself getting drawn into each character - now off to hunt down other books by Kate O'Keeffe

[Sophie-Leigh Robbins · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author of this wonderful series did it again. Two last first dates is an engaging, captivating and heart-warming read that you won’t be able to put down. The story has such relatable characters and will have you swooning over Josh, the coffee beans delivery guy.

I’m going to keep this short and dive straight into Three last first dates!

[Jena Henry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I used to think there was one perfect guy out there for me…and that we would be together, happy forever.

Love, career, relationships, parents- these can all be tricky to handle. But when you have a group of four delightful friends and a favorite café, anything is possible. Cassie found her forever love in the first book of this series. Now, it’s up to the other three, Bailey, Melissa and Paige to find their own romances.

But, Paige has given up on the One Last First Date plan. This pact among the friends was explained in Book 1 of the series- and yes, it does help to read the first book, which I suggest to you as a very pleasant assignment!

Since Paige feels she is a loser at love, her friends Bailey and Marissa decide to choose for her. Paige the decision we are sharing with you today is going to change the course of your life.

But what if the friends vetted the wrong man? And what if Paige has accidentally-on-purpose already had her last first date with heart throb Marcus?

The first book in this series made me smile- but the second book in the series is even better. It can be hard for an author to top a successful first book, but Author O’Keeffe has done it. This book has interesting story lines. I liked that we get to know Paige’s Dad who also has some life changes to consider. And I liked how the characters considered whether it is ever right to settle for an “okay” job. Speaking of characters- each one guys and gals, are all well-drawn and vibrant, with witty banter. The book also features wonderful descriptions of Auckland

The main character in this book, Paige, is adorable- a bit timid and klutzy which makes for some great scenes. She is talented in marketing,too.

One of the best parts of the series continues to be the Cozy Cottage Café. The little shop is welcoming and warm, friendly, and positive with yummy treats- just like Kate O’Keefe’s book series.

[Grass monster · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Blurb :
Paige is having a rough time. She's unhappy in her career, and her One Last First Date ended in total disaster. Now, she has to figure out what to do professionally and personally. Life as a spinster with fifteen cats doesn't sound too bad, though.
Deciding to give up on love, Paige begrudgingly befriends Josh Bentley, the friendly coffee delivery guy, while helping out at the Cozy Cottage Café. His T-shirts make her eyes roll, but their runs have become an important part of her day and a blessing to her waistline, because Bailey's cakes are too good to pass up.
Meanwhile, her best friends offer to find Mr. Right for her, and all Paige has to do is let them. Then, the man of her dreams walks through the door. Marcus Hahn is as good-looking as he is charming, and any thoughts Paige had of being alone with those fifteen cats fly out the window. Now, she just has to hope her friends choose him as her Last First Date.
But in the end, are Two Last First Dates enough to find The One?

My Thoughts :
As I loved Book 1 in the Cozy Cottage Cafe series I couldnt wait to get started on Book 2.
Although this can be read as a stand alone, its best to read them in order so you know about the charactors and can appreciate the story a lot more.
As book 1 centres on Cassie, she has now found her happy ever after, So moving on in the second book we focus on Paige. Paige is ready to give up on love but with the help of friends Melissa and Bailey they decide to do the pact again and find Paige the love of her life. But has she already found the one and doesnt know it yet. Paige's adventures are a laugh a minute and will have you wanting to turn the pages just to get to the end.
I really enjoyed the involvment with Paige's dad. The great descriptions of the food at the cafe and The scenery in Auckland.
Kate O'Keeffe tops it again and I cant wait to get my hands on Book 3 for more adventures of the Cozy Cottage Cafe.

[Patty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two Last First Dates by Kate O'Keeffe is the 2nd book in the Cozy Cottage Cafe series, and a really fun book. Three friends are sick of dating the wrong man and make a pact to marry the next guy they date. This book contains Paige Miller's story. Paige is not only looking for her forever love, but also a career that makes her happy, If you enjoy fun romances, I recommend this book. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.


I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book with a wonderful story and well developed characters. The story flowed very well and was very enjoyable. This book will keep you reading long into the night and you will not want to put this book down until you finish. This was such a great read and full of surprises. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader’s copy of this book. The free book held no determination on my personal review.

[Ann-Maree · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 2 and is Paige’s story of Love, friendship, and personal growth. This time Marissa and Paige do the “One last First Date” pack again with Bailey as Cassie has found her happy ever after over a year ago. With the very one, Paige had been crushing on for the past 2 years Will. Paige has given up on finding her one true love but her friends have not.
This is a very fun and happy read that you will totally enjoy if you have not read the first one I would as you will get more back story on this lovely group of girls as they have adventures in the pursuit of love and happiness.
I received a free copy of the book and have voluntarily written an honest review.

[Ashli · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in a series about 3 women who make a pact that the next first date they go on will be their last and that guy will be their future husband. This book focuses on Paige, who has recently had her heart broken thanks to one of the other girls falling in love with the man she thought would be her last first date. Paige is the more shy and awkward of the 3 girls and though started as the strongest supporter of the pact, she becomes the most challenged by it. This whole series is so funny and full of totally swoon worthy moments as these ladies find out that love and life don't always go as planned.

[Laine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second book in the Cozy Cottage Café, definitely another hit by Kate O'Keeffe! Loved the book, Paige's story was really sweet and lovely. But you might want to grab a snack before reading it, otherwise all those yummy descriptions of the café's treats will have your mouth watering ;) Can't wait for what's next by K.O'Keeffe!

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super fun read! I loved book 1 and it was awesome to see Paige get her happy ending :)

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5.0

A sweet, light-hearted look at the power of believing and listening to the heart’s desires, "Two Last First Dates" is full of good friends, handsome men, heartbreak, and self-discovery.

Read full review in the 2018 September issue of InD'tale Magazine.

[Jackie · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an adorable story of Paige. She tries hard to choose the right one but it always ends up on the wrong side. Her friends try to help, but it doesn't always help. It's a not to be missed story. Received an ARC.

[Tracie Banister · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am loving this series and how each book picks up some loose thread from the previous one and weaves it into a story about another character. In Two Last First Dates, we find heroine, Paige Miller, brokenhearted from the events of One Last First Date. (And yes, if you haven't already read that book, you need to do so immediately!) Paige is bummed about her romantic prospects, her job, and just life in general. Things start to look up when she takes a temporary gig at the Cozy Cottage Café, where Paige finally feels at home and thrives. Meanwhile, her friends convince her to let them find the perfect guy for her. Paige reluctantly agrees, but soon her head is turned by Marcus, a handsome businessman who flirts with her at the café. Could this hottie be the same guy her friends want to set her up with? And what about Josh, the friendly guy who delivers coffee to the café and convinces Paige to go on regular runs with him? Could a romance be brewing (coffee pun--sorry, I couldn't resist!) between them?

Paige really blossoms professionally in this story, which is great to see because she was so unhappy at her previous job, but her inability to read men continues to cause her serious problems as neither of her potential love interests is what he appears to be. I will confess that I got very teary-eyed when she finally realizes who her Mr. Right is and kisses him. And I loved the setting for that smooch (it was so cinematic that I could picture it happening on a big screen!). Another aspect of this book I really enjoyed was learning about Bailey's backstory. It was nothing I would have guessed, so kudos to the author for surprising me! And now we have the perfect set-up for a future book with Bailey finding her own love. I will be very interested to see what kind of man can win her heart.

Two Last First Dates is an engaging, fast-paced read that is sure to charm lovers of RomComs. Kate O'Keeffe never disappoints, and I always end her stories with a smile on my face.

[Texas · Rating 4 out of 5]

One Last First Date - This is my first read by this author. I found the other three books to this series on Booksprout and discovered this one in my library. I did not know what to expect but I was pleasantly surprised. Well written in a conversational style. Enjoyable characters that came across as realistic and with some brains. Interesting storylines that moved along quickly and plenty of humor. I did not get bored as I usually do with many of this genre. I'll be read the three books to this series. 4*

Two Last First Dates - This book picks up ten minutes after One ends. This book is just as enjoyable and delightful as the first book. Still written in a conversational style with multiple storylines that merge and separate through the friends and their lives with the focus on Paige. The characters still have brains and are still realistic, including their thoughts and dialogs. The humor steady throughout. Mistakes are still made but not the stupidity formula that is common in this genre. The fast pace and interesting lives makes this book quickly read. I found this book on Booksprout. 4*

Three Last First Dates - I chain Three after finishing Two. This book picks up a few weeks after Two ends. It is so hard to write a review on this series without wanting to do spoilers; not a book report so it won't happen. The focus is on Marissa and she's probably the silliest of the bunch with her ideas, but she was fat as a kid and has that old mindset. The friends are still interesting and supportive, and the three dates were so different from each other. I thought she treated her first date badly, but some people look at jobs instead of the person. Anyway, the book was full of humor and interesting storylines and characters. I did not get bored with series since the storytelling never repeated or went stupid, but keep me immersed with the writing style and talent of Ms. O'Keeffe. I found this book on Booksprout. 4*