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Cozy Cottage Café #4
Four Last First Dates
What do you do when you've agreed to a pact with your friends to get married, but neither you nor the guy in your sights is quite ready to fall in love?
Bailey De Luca is the last of her friends to complete the Last First Date pact--to marry the next guy she dates. But lady luck must be in a bad mood because so far, it's all come to nothing.
Everywhere she looks people are in love. Everyone except her. Is she fundamentally unlovable? Or is it that she's already found--and lost--The One? Whatever the reason, one thing's for sure: Bailey never expected to be alone at thirty.
When one of her friends announces her engagement with a rock that could eclipse the sun, Bailey throws herself into a new business. Starting up Cozy Cottage Catering seems like the perfect way to bury her head in the sand. But fate has other ideas, and soon Bailey is swept off her feet by the oh-so cute Ryan Jones.
Ryan may seem like the perfect combination of Prince Charming meets Thor (without the hammer), but is Bailey ready to be with him?
Or will the ghost of her past love prevent her from finding happiness again?
Four Last First Dates is a full length novel and can be read as a stand-alone title.
Bailey De Luca is the last of her friends to complete the Last First Date pact--to marry the next guy she dates. But lady luck must be in a bad mood because so far, it's all come to nothing.
Everywhere she looks people are in love. Everyone except her. Is she fundamentally unlovable? Or is it that she's already found--and lost--The One? Whatever the reason, one thing's for sure: Bailey never expected to be alone at thirty.
When one of her friends announces her engagement with a rock that could eclipse the sun, Bailey throws herself into a new business. Starting up Cozy Cottage Catering seems like the perfect way to bury her head in the sand. But fate has other ideas, and soon Bailey is swept off her feet by the oh-so cute Ryan Jones.
Ryan may seem like the perfect combination of Prince Charming meets Thor (without the hammer), but is Bailey ready to be with him?
Or will the ghost of her past love prevent her from finding happiness again?
Four Last First Dates is a full length novel and can be read as a stand-alone title.
213 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 12, 2018
475 people are currently reading
810 people want to read
About the author
Kate O'Keeffe
65 books836 followersKate 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
August 18, 2018
This review was originally posted on karaneleni.com
You guys!! Before you read my quick review for FOUR LAST FIRST DATES by Kate O'Keeffe, MAKE SURE YOU ENTER THE GIVEAWAY BELOW! I absolutely loved Bailey, and the speed dating scene totally cracked me up. Definitely not something I'll ever attempt to endure. I'd probably end up laughing in their faces (I'm not that mean, I promise...I just don't have a filter when it comes to that). This is the fourth book in the Cozy Cottage Café series, but the first I've read, which is usually a no-no for me (I like reading a series in order), but Kate did well dropping bits in about the girls from the first three books so everything made sense for Bailey's story. And you can bet I'm going to binge read the first three books when I get a chance. Can't wait to see what Kate has cooking up next!!! Thanks for another great story, Kate!
October 8, 2019
It occurs in Auckland, New Zealand but had a brit lit chick lit feel to the story. Nice clean sweet romance with humor and just enough agnst.
August 20, 2018
It is no surprise to me, how much I fell for this book. I read all the last first date books, and I couldn't wait for this one to come out. This is Bailey's story and she is the last of the friends who made a pact to find their "Last First Dates".
Bailey runs the Cozy Cottage Cafe that all her friends drink coffee and eat cakes at. It is a place where the four ladies get together and discuss their careers, and men of course! When it comes to love Bailey knows that she promised her friends to give the last first date idea a chance, that's why she's doing the most horrible speed dating night of her life. However, Bailey's already had the love of her life in Dan her fiancé, who died almost 3 years ago today. She simply cannot imagine giving her heart to anybody else.
These books are the perfect feel good romance to curl up with. I devoured it, with in hours. I would highly recommend it to all of you!
Bailey runs the Cozy Cottage Cafe that all her friends drink coffee and eat cakes at. It is a place where the four ladies get together and discuss their careers, and men of course! When it comes to love Bailey knows that she promised her friends to give the last first date idea a chance, that's why she's doing the most horrible speed dating night of her life. However, Bailey's already had the love of her life in Dan her fiancé, who died almost 3 years ago today. She simply cannot imagine giving her heart to anybody else.
These books are the perfect feel good romance to curl up with. I devoured it, with in hours. I would highly recommend it to all of you!
August 12, 2018
Four friends Cassie, Marissa, Paige and Bailey all made a pact that the next date that they went on would be their last first date because they would marry this person. Bailey is the last of them to go on her date but although she runs her own cafe she never seems to meet anyone suitable....... apart from Ryan, Ryan is the brother of a friend and has his own relationship issues....... can they overcome this and make a go of it.
A good final book to this series, tying up a few loose ends, and although predictable was a warm lighted hearted story perfect for the beach
A good final book to this series, tying up a few loose ends, and although predictable was a warm lighted hearted story perfect for the beach
August 16, 2018
Emotional and Satisfying end to a wonderful series
Satisfying end! Not the best book that was still Cassie and Will for me, but the last chapter with Dan was emotional and earned the extra star! It was more emotional than romantic but enjoyable and was read in one sitting. Looking forward to more such series from the author!
Satisfying end! Not the best book that was still Cassie and Will for me, but the last chapter with Dan was emotional and earned the extra star! It was more emotional than romantic but enjoyable and was read in one sitting. Looking forward to more such series from the author!
August 3, 2018
“This could not be more perfect.” So said one of the lovable characters from this equally lovable book, as she opined about romance and life. But she could have also been commenting about this Book #4- it is indeed a perfect ending to the Cozy Cottage series.
I’m sure all of you have been keeping up with Cassie, Paige, Marissa and Bailey at the Cozy Cottage Café. In the first book in the series, these best friends pledged that their next first date would be their last date. They agreed to find the last man they’d ever go out with, the man they would marry. Cute, right?
Cassie, Paige and Marissa each had their own time in the spotlight of this series and each did find their Last First Date. Now it’s Bailey’s turn. As Bailey said, “I was good-enough looking, I ran my own business, I didn’t do mean things to kittens.”
Bailey is the owner of the Cozy Cottage Café and her warm, comfortable shop and even warmer personality ties this group of friends together. Or maybe it’s the delectable desserts that are tantalizingly described.
“To me, love was the pinnacle-what we were all looking for, what we all wanted in this life.” When speed dating, which is a hilarious scene, doesn’t come through for Bailey, she turns her eyes to a familiar guy. But, he’s been through a terrible breakup, how could he be Last Date material? Endearing plucky Bailey listens to her friends and tries to follow her own heart, which has also been broken.
Author O’Keeffe deftly mixes clever, spot-on dialogue, with whimsical happenings and sweet love as we gather at the Cozy Cottage Café. The author gives us fresh, vibrant characters- they are so well created that it’s been easy for me to remember who they are and what makes them special. I was especially excited to get a quick glimpse of a cameo appearance by another memorable character.
The finale to this book and series surprised me, but it will make you happy ever after, just like our good friends at the Café. Highly recommend.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and Karan & Co. Author Solutions for an ARC.
I’m sure all of you have been keeping up with Cassie, Paige, Marissa and Bailey at the Cozy Cottage Café. In the first book in the series, these best friends pledged that their next first date would be their last date. They agreed to find the last man they’d ever go out with, the man they would marry. Cute, right?
Cassie, Paige and Marissa each had their own time in the spotlight of this series and each did find their Last First Date. Now it’s Bailey’s turn. As Bailey said, “I was good-enough looking, I ran my own business, I didn’t do mean things to kittens.”
Bailey is the owner of the Cozy Cottage Café and her warm, comfortable shop and even warmer personality ties this group of friends together. Or maybe it’s the delectable desserts that are tantalizingly described.
“To me, love was the pinnacle-what we were all looking for, what we all wanted in this life.” When speed dating, which is a hilarious scene, doesn’t come through for Bailey, she turns her eyes to a familiar guy. But, he’s been through a terrible breakup, how could he be Last Date material? Endearing plucky Bailey listens to her friends and tries to follow her own heart, which has also been broken.
Author O’Keeffe deftly mixes clever, spot-on dialogue, with whimsical happenings and sweet love as we gather at the Cozy Cottage Café. The author gives us fresh, vibrant characters- they are so well created that it’s been easy for me to remember who they are and what makes them special. I was especially excited to get a quick glimpse of a cameo appearance by another memorable character.
The finale to this book and series surprised me, but it will make you happy ever after, just like our good friends at the Café. Highly recommend.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and Karan & Co. Author Solutions for an ARC.
August 6, 2018
Wow, this one is my favourite out of this series that I have read. I have read 3 of the 4 books of the Cozy Cottage Café series, this one had me reading and not wanting to stop. I found Bailey to sweet, caring and a loving person that I so badly want her to find her happy ever after again. I received an ARC copy of this book and this is my honest and voluntary review of it. You can read this as a stand-alone or as part of the series as I have missed one and still found I was not missing anything that would make this last book hard to understand. This book gave me that happy feeling when I finished well done Kate O'Keeffe on a wonderful series.
Bailey is the owner of the Cozy Cottage Café and with her friends Cassie, Paige, and Marissa they all made a pack in book one to make the next man they date to be their last date. The other three have already found they happily ever after and they final last date but Bailey was still on the lookout for hers.
Bailey had recently been on a speed dating night where her friends thought would work but she didn’t find her true love there. Was the problem with her, was she still not over the one she lost 3 years ago? Why did Marissa’s brother remind her of Thor and her heart beat a little bit faster every time she sees him?
Will Bailey find her one and only or will she live in the past with the one she had?
In this book, we get to see the first Marriage of one of the girls while Paige and Bailey take the next step with their business together to grow the café into something more.
Bailey is the owner of the Cozy Cottage Café and with her friends Cassie, Paige, and Marissa they all made a pack in book one to make the next man they date to be their last date. The other three have already found they happily ever after and they final last date but Bailey was still on the lookout for hers.
Bailey had recently been on a speed dating night where her friends thought would work but she didn’t find her true love there. Was the problem with her, was she still not over the one she lost 3 years ago? Why did Marissa’s brother remind her of Thor and her heart beat a little bit faster every time she sees him?
Will Bailey find her one and only or will she live in the past with the one she had?
In this book, we get to see the first Marriage of one of the girls while Paige and Bailey take the next step with their business together to grow the café into something more.
August 6, 2018
This is a sweet version of friends-to-lovers romance. The heroine, Bailey, runs a successful cafe, but she is a failure at love ever since her fiance died in a tragic accident. She can’t find a new guy in their small town even though her friends all seemed to find the love of their lives. She keeps trying since she and her friends had made a pact to find the man they’d have their last first date with. Unfortunately, the only guy whom she is attracted to is Ryan, the older brother of one of her friends. Unfortunately, Ryan has had his own bad experiences with love and can’t get over it. But he keeps showing up at her cafe and even coming by her house to hang out.
It’s clear where this is heading, but these both seem like nice people so you can’t help pulling for them to figure things out.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book that I received from Netgalley; however, the opinions are my own and I did not receive any compensation for my review.
It’s clear where this is heading, but these both seem like nice people so you can’t help pulling for them to figure things out.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book that I received from Netgalley; however, the opinions are my own and I did not receive any compensation for my review.
August 10, 2018
A big thank you to NetGalley and Wild Lime Books for the ARC. I am voluntarily reviewing this book. This is book 4 in the Cozy Cottage Cafe series. It is set in Auckland which made for a fun change. 4 friends decide to marry the next guy they date, I found this sort of over the top. This is Bailey's story. I found her relationship with Ryan unbelievable. I didn't buy into the whole conflict. That is not to say that this isn't a cute book. I believe I have read the first book in the series. This book brings things together nicely. I give this a 3.5. I enjoyed the wedding and the cafe more than the romance.
August 4, 2018
I really enjoyed this last book in the Cozy Cottage Cafe. These girls have been on an amazing journey and now it is Bailey's turn to find he last first date. Bailey thought she had found her last first date and then her fiance was killed. She struggles to be true to him but would still like to find love. I'm sure speed dating works for some people, but poor Bailey really started the night with some unusual "dates." This story is both witty and poignant. I was sucked into Bailey's life from page one.
August 29, 2018
I just loved this book! In fact, I think it might be my favourite in the Cozy Cottage series (and mind you, I've loved the 3 previous ones as well). It's a super sweet, romantic story, a great holiday read! I love Bailey's character and her story is the perfect way to round off the series.
I reveived an arc of the book and being a big fan of Kate O'Keeffe's, I can't wait for what she comes up with next!
I reveived an arc of the book and being a big fan of Kate O'Keeffe's, I can't wait for what she comes up with next!
August 16, 2018
Bailey, Cassie Marissa and Paige are great friends who made a pact. The pact was that their first date will be their last and that they will find their "the one". Bailey had that 3 years ago and has been by
busy running her café, the Cozy Cottage Café and keeping her friends in coffee, cake and gossip. There's a speed dating event at a pub and they all go along. This book is Bailey's story and she is the last of her friends to try her luck at finding her Mr Right.
The friends all get on and everyone but Bailey is in their own happy relationship. As she meets Fake Jamie, Lt Reginald Barclay (a Star Trek enthusiast- why is Star Trek always seen as so boring/ geeky in books? I LOVE it). Adam or Ryan, who will be the one? Will she find her own Thor? There is a sad reason behind why she is single and not wih Dan, her ex-fiancé, anymore.
The book is detailed and has a quick pace. I could really get the speed dating/ pub vibe from the descriptions and the anticipation of a wedding and people finding their soulmate. The book is set in New Zealand which is a different setting to anything I have listened to in this genre before. It's very romantic and realistic. I liked Adam and was swept up by the atmosphere in the pub. Bailey's friends are all supportive and the kind of friends I like.
Marissa has an older brother named Ryan. Will sparks fly between them? Bailey is fun, quirky and honest and I really liked her "voice." She and Paige run the Cozy Cottage Café, an idea born of Bailey's visit to Devon and her love of the quaint area a short time before she decided to open it. I was ravenous with the descriptions of the snacks and sweet treats and whizzed through this book.
Would Bailey ever find the man of her dreams? How does she feel when one of her friends announces she is getting married?
Thanks to Kate O' Keeffe Wild Lime Publishing and Karan and Co Author Solutions for my ARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review. I took part in the Release Blitz and Blog Tour for this book.
busy running her café, the Cozy Cottage Café and keeping her friends in coffee, cake and gossip. There's a speed dating event at a pub and they all go along. This book is Bailey's story and she is the last of her friends to try her luck at finding her Mr Right.
The friends all get on and everyone but Bailey is in their own happy relationship. As she meets Fake Jamie, Lt Reginald Barclay (a Star Trek enthusiast- why is Star Trek always seen as so boring/ geeky in books? I LOVE it). Adam or Ryan, who will be the one? Will she find her own Thor? There is a sad reason behind why she is single and not wih Dan, her ex-fiancé, anymore.
The book is detailed and has a quick pace. I could really get the speed dating/ pub vibe from the descriptions and the anticipation of a wedding and people finding their soulmate. The book is set in New Zealand which is a different setting to anything I have listened to in this genre before. It's very romantic and realistic. I liked Adam and was swept up by the atmosphere in the pub. Bailey's friends are all supportive and the kind of friends I like.
Marissa has an older brother named Ryan. Will sparks fly between them? Bailey is fun, quirky and honest and I really liked her "voice." She and Paige run the Cozy Cottage Café, an idea born of Bailey's visit to Devon and her love of the quaint area a short time before she decided to open it. I was ravenous with the descriptions of the snacks and sweet treats and whizzed through this book.
Would Bailey ever find the man of her dreams? How does she feel when one of her friends announces she is getting married?
Thanks to Kate O' Keeffe Wild Lime Publishing and Karan and Co Author Solutions for my ARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review. I took part in the Release Blitz and Blog Tour for this book.
April 26, 2019
While this was a good book, it’s my least favorite of the series. I felt Bailey made things a lot harder than it needed to be, but Ryan and Josh really came through. The male characters made this book work for me. There is a lot of emotion, overwhelming at times, but this was a good way to end the series. Everything came full circle and there were no loose ends.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 10, 2018
Happy!
Bailey is my favorite character in this series and now, finally, she gets her own happy ending <3
I think this is just an absolute must-read for lovers of romcom! Whenever I had to stop reading for a while I was already looking forward to the next couple of chapters. I LOVED IT! Feel-good, fun, happy, light-hearted!
Bailey is my favorite character in this series and now, finally, she gets her own happy ending <3
I think this is just an absolute must-read for lovers of romcom! Whenever I had to stop reading for a while I was already looking forward to the next couple of chapters. I LOVED IT! Feel-good, fun, happy, light-hearted!
March 30, 2023
הספר הרביעי והאחרון בסדרת Cozy Cottage Cafe' על ארבע החברות קייסי, פייג', מאריסה וביילי, שעושות הסכם ביניהן למציאת בן זוג, שאיתו הדייט הראשון יהיה גם האחרון.
כל שלוש החברות של ביילי בזוגיות מאושרת, וגם היא רוצה להיות במצבן... אך גם כשהיא מתחילה לצאת עם גבר שמושלם בשבילה, ביילי עדיין מתאבלת על ארוסה שנהרג לפני 3 שנים, ומתקשה לתת לליבה להתחבר למישהו אחר.
זה הספר הכי מרגש מכל ספרי הסדרה המתוקה והמקסימה הזו. נהניתי מאוד לקרוא את כולה, ואני ממשיכה לסדרת הספין-אוף שלה, High Tea.
כל שלוש החברות של ביילי בזוגיות מאושרת, וגם היא רוצה להיות במצבן... אך גם כשהיא מתחילה לצאת עם גבר שמושלם בשבילה, ביילי עדיין מתאבלת על ארוסה שנהרג לפני 3 שנים, ומתקשה לתת לליבה להתחבר למישהו אחר.
זה הספר הכי מרגש מכל ספרי הסדרה המתוקה והמקסימה הזו. נהניתי מאוד לקרוא את כולה, ואני ממשיכה לסדרת הספין-אוף שלה, High Tea.
August 11, 2018
Such a wonderful story of Bailey and her last first date. I laughed and cried and absolutely loved the cameo of Addison from One Way Ticket.
December 9, 2019
Wonderful book, it was sweet and touching to see Bailey getting another chance at love.
June 28, 2020
Really good, she really knows how to communicate emotions...
June 22, 2022
Definitely my favourite of the series!
It was beautifully written and really captured the essence of grief perfectly. I loved the characters and the storyline, especially how it referenced the previous books in the series!
Totally recommend!
It was beautifully written and really captured the essence of grief perfectly. I loved the characters and the storyline, especially how it referenced the previous books in the series!
Totally recommend!
August 28, 2018
I've read 3 out of four of the Cozy Cottage Cafe series and I want these women as my friends!! Bailey's heartbreaking past gives the fourth books a more emotional, poignant feel, but still has lots of smiles and romance. Loved the balloon scene and the special appearance by Addison. Such a sweet read!
April 17, 2025
It was really good until halfway
April 17, 2019
It's Baileys time now to find the man of her last first date but she's having doubts as she already found who she thinks was the one but life got in the way. Can Ryan, someone go can give Thor a run for his money, be the guy for her? Nice friends to lovers story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 7, 2018
Enjoyed all of these books. Try them for yourself, I think you'll be glad you did
August 22, 2018
Sweet little read
Great book. Really sweet and light reading. Cute ending and really great characters. Another fabulous book by this author. A+
Great book. Really sweet and light reading. Cute ending and really great characters. Another fabulous book by this author. A+
August 14, 2018
It’s finally Baileys turn!
After losing her fiancé in a motorcycle accident three years ago, opening up her Cozy cottage cafe and making three awesome friends and seeing their first last dates become their boyfriends, Bailey is getting antsy and wants to join in on the pact!
Little does she know that her first last date has been around for a while....
Baileys past is discribed in this book, her Nona, Dan and her almost mother-in-law Meredith and their connections to her. In this book I was not fond of pushy Paige and Marissa who it felt like didn’t want to share her brother.
All in all this is a good ending for all 4 ladies!
I received this ebook copy from the publisher and NetGalley for an honest review.
After losing her fiancé in a motorcycle accident three years ago, opening up her Cozy cottage cafe and making three awesome friends and seeing their first last dates become their boyfriends, Bailey is getting antsy and wants to join in on the pact!
Little does she know that her first last date has been around for a while....
Baileys past is discribed in this book, her Nona, Dan and her almost mother-in-law Meredith and their connections to her. In this book I was not fond of pushy Paige and Marissa who it felt like didn’t want to share her brother.
All in all this is a good ending for all 4 ladies!
I received this ebook copy from the publisher and NetGalley for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 10, 2019
Fourth in the series, and still going strong
Sometimes a series will get old and tired, but I'm still enjoying this one. Finally it is Bailey's turn to find love. I felt like I identified with Bailey a lot, I also know what it is like to see everyone around you (seemingly) in love, and you still not even know where to look to find someone who is your type... and also wonder if you've lost your chance. Luckily for both me and Bailey, there was at least one more chance for each of us, lol.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Sometimes a series will get old and tired, but I'm still enjoying this one. Finally it is Bailey's turn to find love. I felt like I identified with Bailey a lot, I also know what it is like to see everyone around you (seemingly) in love, and you still not even know where to look to find someone who is your type... and also wonder if you've lost your chance. Luckily for both me and Bailey, there was at least one more chance for each of us, lol.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 7, 2018
We first met Bailey in book 1 of this series. Not a member of the original trio of women who had pledged to marry the man with whom they had their next first date, she kept Cassie, Marissa, and Paige’s coffee cups full and supplied the cakes that lured them into her café on a regular basis. She intrigued me then, and when Bailey made the same pact to marry her next first date after Cassie had found her One, I couldn’t wait to read her story.
Bailey is grounded, full of style and warmth, and no one—including her friends—would ever doubt her lovability except for Bailey. It’s not for lack of options that she remains single. O’Keeffe writes beautifully of the experience of love and loss that prevents Bailey from opening her heart to another man. Her tender, emotional journey toward healing makes this a very special book. Add in a tasty hero, humor, and, oh, those cakes! and Four Last First Dates proves to be a most delicious top layer on the confection that is the Cozy Cottage series.
Bailey is grounded, full of style and warmth, and no one—including her friends—would ever doubt her lovability except for Bailey. It’s not for lack of options that she remains single. O’Keeffe writes beautifully of the experience of love and loss that prevents Bailey from opening her heart to another man. Her tender, emotional journey toward healing makes this a very special book. Add in a tasty hero, humor, and, oh, those cakes! and Four Last First Dates proves to be a most delicious top layer on the confection that is the Cozy Cottage series.
April 8, 2019
Four Last First Dates - I enjoyed the first two books immensely, but the third slipped a little with Marissa's behavior, but this one just jumped off the cliff into the abyss of stupidity with a big helping of idiotic. Bailey has been my favorite character, followed closely with Paige (my favorite book, Two) in the other three books. Over half way through Four, I got to the point where I could not stand her anymore with her erratic, childish behavior. It is just too far an extreme from the successful, intelligent character she portrayed in the first three and 1/3 books.
I did not believe in Bailey's character anymore; not realistic. This time Ms. O'Keeffe used the stupid formula that is so common in this genre. Instead of an original idea of creating chaos in B. and Ryan's romance, she falls on making B. stupid, childish and irrational. Oh, she's all crazy for R. until they fall for each other, then it's a dead guy used as excuse to cause the riff.
While I didn't care for Marissa's behavior in Three, I could still finish the book, reading each page. With Four, I skimmed for the highlights because the other storylines were interesting and there were happenings that held my interest. I was disappointed that Bailey had to suffer this stupidity, but I could not read another word about her thoughts and actions against Ryan. Ryan is my favorite of the romantic male characters, which is difficult to pick since they're all great guys. I found this book on Booksprout. 3*
Cozy Cottage Cafe Series:
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*
Cozy Cottage Cafe Series End.
I did not believe in Bailey's character anymore; not realistic. This time Ms. O'Keeffe used the stupid formula that is so common in this genre. Instead of an original idea of creating chaos in B. and Ryan's romance, she falls on making B. stupid, childish and irrational. Oh, she's all crazy for R. until they fall for each other, then it's a dead guy used as excuse to cause the riff.
While I didn't care for Marissa's behavior in Three, I could still finish the book, reading each page. With Four, I skimmed for the highlights because the other storylines were interesting and there were happenings that held my interest. I was disappointed that Bailey had to suffer this stupidity, but I could not read another word about her thoughts and actions against Ryan. Ryan is my favorite of the romantic male characters, which is difficult to pick since they're all great guys. I found this book on Booksprout. 3*
Cozy Cottage Cafe Series:
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*
Cozy Cottage Cafe Series End.
April 6, 2019
Learning to Appreciate the Past and Live in the Present
I think that I love this episode the best of all four. This is a wonderfully sweet and clean story. The series is best read in order. In this episode, the final girl finds her last first date. While this is still a romantic comedy, Bailey has to let her dead fiance go so she can have a life. There are some tearful parts of this story that make the joy just that much sweeter. In all, I loved the entire series. I received this ARC for free from Booksprouts. This is my honest opinion.
I think that I love this episode the best of all four. This is a wonderfully sweet and clean story. The series is best read in order. In this episode, the final girl finds her last first date. While this is still a romantic comedy, Bailey has to let her dead fiance go so she can have a life. There are some tearful parts of this story that make the joy just that much sweeter. In all, I loved the entire series. I received this ARC for free from Booksprouts. This is my honest opinion.
July 24, 2018
I first discovered this series right before the third book was released, and I devoured it. I've been impatiently tapping my foot, waiting for the fourth book ever since then. I love the idea of the series. I love cake. I love Bailey - she's been one of my favorite characters from the beginning, maybe because I identified immediately with how she felt in being left out of the original pact. Or maybe because she bakes a lot of cakes. I don't know.
Anyway, speed dating has always intrigued me, yet I never managed to do it. Bailey's experience made me feel like that's OK. :-) Vicarious speed dating was good enough for me. After reading Three Last First Dates, I was hoping that Bailey and Ryan would get together, so I was very happy to see him make a reappearance in this book.
The writing is good, the inner conflict heart-wrenching and raw, yet the book overall light-hearted and fun. I adored it. Very highly recommended!
Thank you to the author for providing me with a free review copy (but I've got it on preorder anyway).
Anyway, speed dating has always intrigued me, yet I never managed to do it. Bailey's experience made me feel like that's OK. :-) Vicarious speed dating was good enough for me. After reading Three Last First Dates, I was hoping that Bailey and Ryan would get together, so I was very happy to see him make a reappearance in this book.
The writing is good, the inner conflict heart-wrenching and raw, yet the book overall light-hearted and fun. I adored it. Very highly recommended!
Thank you to the author for providing me with a free review copy (but I've got it on preorder anyway).
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