Book Review: Just Date and See

By Sara Steven

Billie is looking forward to a quiet, man-free Christmas. It’s just a shame her family doesn't feel the same way…

With a house full of unexpected (and unwanted) guests, Billie needs to find the perfect escape to get away from the chaos.

So when her dating app recommends a week of singles nights in her area, Billie decides that braving these events has to be better than making conversation with her dad’s new wife, dealing with her mum's mid-life crisis or witnessing her sister flirting with her insufferably arrogant next-door neighbour.

While this is definitely not the festive season she had planned, between disco bowling and boozy bingo, little does Billie know that she may find love this year after all - she'll just have to date and see… (Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads)

It’s nearly the holiday season for a funny romance caper! And Just Date and See is the perfect romance caper. In the beginning, Billie wants nothing more than to have a stress-free, drama-free Christmas. But plans quickly change, all against her original wishes. I could totally relate to the way she feels, having had my own last-minute changes to my own holiday plans, where a quiet night at home turns into so much more than I bargained for. Yet, there is often so much more to learn from that kind of experience, and the same can be said for Billie and what is thrown her way. I’d say that you can’t make this stuff up, but obviously you can, and it was brilliant!

Billie’s unexpectedly full house prompts her to find a way to escape it–leading her to dating events that really push her outside of her comfort zone. MacIntosh has a knack for creating characters who are often pushed beyond their limits, and Billie’s experiences didn’t disappoint. The majority of them lead her to some wacky and insane scenarios, one of my favorites being the restaurant scene where she moves back and forth from one table of guests to another, with neither table knowing about the other table. It felt very Mrs. Doubtfire without the costume changes, but it was just as funny.

By the time the holidays arrive, the reader hits the pinnacle of chaos and drama. Billie gets a lot more than she bargained for with surprise guests and connective relationships that she never even knew could be possible. I was just as flabbergasted as she was. But maybe she can turn things around? You never know for sure which way it might go or what the ending might be, which made the experience even more fun. 

With unique characters and even more unique situations, Just Date and See couldn’t have been a more enjoyable, fun experience. A definite five-star read!

Thanks to Rachel's Random Resources for the book in exchange for an honest review.

Purchase Links:
Amazon UK * Amazon US

Portia MacIntosh is the bestselling author of over 20 romantic comedy novels. From disastrous dates to destination weddings, Portia’s romcoms are the perfect way to escape from day to day life, visiting sunny beaches in the summer and snowy villages at Christmas time. Whether it’s southern Italy or the Yorkshire coast, Portia’s stories are the holiday you’re craving, conveniently packed in between the pages.

Formerly a journalist, Portia has left the city, swapping the music biz for the moors, to live the (not so) quiet life with her husband and her dog in Yorkshire.

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