After being dumped six times in a row, 28 year old Sass decides that dating and relationships aren’t worth the trouble and goes on a dating sabbatical, which means that she can’t date (obviously), kiss or flirt with men. To her surprise she finds it enjoyable, and becomes more assertive and proactive in her life. The only problem is the rather gorgeous and funny Jake, who Sass keeps running into and against all her own rules, finds very sexy.
Now, chicklit is not really my favourite genre, but I like it sometimes if I fancy a nice easy read. However, this is the second book I’ve read by Gemma Burgess (although The Dating Detox was the first one to be published), and I have really enjoyed both of them.
Sass’s experience was less about waiting for any half-decent man to come along, and more about growing as a person and deciding what she wants from life. The story is told in first-person present-tense, and Sass is an engaging and likeable narrator. I also loved her totally believable friendships with best mates Bloomie and Kate, who are dealing with their own personal and professional problems. The characters – Sass particularly – are very relatable. We all know people like Bloomie and Kate. (And yes, Jake is rather lovely!)
The story moves along nicely, with some genuinely funny moments. It makes a pleasant change to read a book about dating and relationships, that also focuses on the positive side of being single and learning to stand on your own two feet. It’s definitely aimed at female readers, and yes it is very ‘chicklitty’ but it’s fresh and pacy, and gave me lots to smile at.
(Author’s website can be found here.)
Between the Pages 
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