Review: Better Date than Never Boxed Set (Books 7-10) by Susan Hatler

Better Date than Never Boxed Set (Books 7-10) by Susan Hatler

Kindle Edition, 437 pages

Published July 13th 2015 by Hatco Publishing 

Source: I received a copy in exchange for an honest review

My Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Description:

 “When I’m in the mood for a quick romance with tension and sizzle, Susan’s books are perfect.” — Getting Your Read On

“Hatler’s books keep me reading until the last page every time!” — Books Are Sanity!!!

“I am a huge fan of Susan Hatler!!! I have yet to read a book I did not absolutely love!” — Tifferz Book Reviewz

This book bundle includes four contemporary romance books (one novel and three novellas) from the bestselling series, Better Date than Never. Dating is so much easier when you have good friends to lean on. . . .

(Driven to Date, Book 7)
When Jill Parnell’s promotion is nabbed by nepotism, she is offered another position on the partner-track, by pretending to date Ryan—the man who got her job.

(Up to Date, Book 8)
Ginger Nielsen donates her decorating services to a charity auction and now must work for the one man with the power to break her heart.

(Déjà Date, Book 9)
Melinda Morgan must complete her dad’s challenging Carpe Diem list in time to buy her beloved neighborhood bakery, but her plan gets complicated when the owner’s son, who broke her heart, comes back to town.

(Date and Dash, Book 10)
Mary Ann Nielsen, an impulsive blonde beauty, accidentally bids on the wrong auction item and must use her winning bid to go on a reality TV dating show and pretend to be in love with sexy but irritating risk management analyst Trevor Brooks in order to win enough money to buy back her beloved grandmother’s bracelet.

Also be sure to get the USA Today Bestseller, Better Date than Boxed Set (Books 1-6). Happy reading!!

My Review:

I've read a couple of the books in this series and really enjoyed them, but I completely fell in love with this boxed set! The stories can stand alone, but characters from other books do make appearances, so don't be surprised if you know how a relationship does or doesn't turn out.

The set starts out with a bang with Jill's story in Driven to Date. There is so much chemistry going on, almost right from the first page. Jill is a lawyer and when she loses out on a promotion, she grabs a guy at her friend's wedding to try and impress a potential employer. Ryan doesn't mind going along with the game. Jill is very committed her to work and has a list to accomplish by a very young age. Ryan is more laid back--he still gets his work done, but balances work with family and fun. They're good for each other, but sometimes being too opposite has it's disadvantages. 

I love how the story is told in first person--it felt more intimate that way. Like I said, the romance is sizzling clean and I enjoyed the way the events unfolded, especially the ending. 

 *****

Book 8, Up to Date, is Ginger's story, told in first person. She's got a talent for decorating, but is hesitant to break out on her own, until fate almost forces her to. In the previous book, she met Greg, but wasn't willing to have a long distance relationship. When he moves back to town, she realizes that she has to overcome her fears or spend a lifetime alone.

I love the references to Gilligan's Island--so much fun! I enjoyed Ginger's personality--she's more serious, especially about relationships and the future. As much as she tries to fight it, she's got sparks going with Greg and he's willing to be patient with her, but won't wait around forever. Ginger has fears and expectations to overcome and with that, big decisions to make. I loved the journey!

 *****

Deja Date, Book 9, is Melinda's story, told from her point of view. Melinda is a very "perfect" character, one who used to work with Ginger, but they were both laid off at the same time. She's intimidating. Because of her past, she's very disciplined and controlled, which results in her coming off as perfect, which scares the other girls off. Her dad passed away years before in a freak accident and only now does she discover a Carpe Diem list--one that she must do before she can get her inheritance. As with the other stories, Melinda has a lot to do in order to discover herself, get over her fears, and really live life.

She goes back to the bakery where she worked when she was younger and sparks are rekindled with the owner's son, Nate. The problem is, they're too different--he's adventurous and she's boring. I loved the chemistry! Ms. Hatler is a master at weaving those clean, yet toe-tingling moments and I enjoyed every single one of them.

*****

Last, but not least, we get Mary Ann's story in Date and Dash. Mary Ann is the impulsive, crazy, and fun younger sister of Ginger (get the Gilligan's Island references yet?). Mary Ann makes a mad dash to an auction to buy her Grammy's bracelet that her mom sold off years ago and gets into a car accident. Good looking, but stuffy, Trevor makes things complicated for her and instead of bidding on the bracelet, she bids for a spot for a new reality show...and Trevor's her date! Now they have to convince the audience they're in love...but it may not be an act. 

I love the way Mary Ann and Trevor come to learn more about themselves, Mary Ann especially. It is possible to be content with who you are, but compromises and change are sometimes necessary. Once again, sparks were flying off the pages and I couldn't get enough. I've come to know and love these characters and thoroughly enjoyed getting a glimpse into their lives. So much fun!

I'm going to go back and read the ones I haven't yet, and probably re-read the ones I have. This is a great series for a reader who loves light, clean, contemporary romance. Each story is short enough to read in a day, which is perfect for me. I'll definitely be keeping an eye out for this author's future books!

Content: mild romance (kissing, sparks, some non-descriptive mentions tongue); no language or religious elements. One story (#10) briefly mentions a mild abuse situation, but it's not graphic. Clean!

 Buy Links:
Right now, it's only $0.99 on Amazon!!

About the Author: 

SUSAN HATLER is a New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author, who writes humorous and emotional contemporary romance and young adult novels. Many of Susan's books have been translated into German, Spanish, French, and Italian. A natural optimist, she believes life is amazing, people are fascinating, and imagination is endless. She loves spending time with her characters and hopes you do, too.

You can reach Susan here:

Facebook: facebook.com/authorsusanhatler
Twitter: twitter.com/susanhatler
Website: http://www.susanhatler.com
Blog: susanhatler.com/category/susans-blog