28 Dates

I’ve been a fan of the author since reading Fake Wife. So I was excited to get back into the Crazy Love world! 28 Dates was a refreshing read! It’s takes the classic scenario of a friends-with-benefits relationship, where the man usually has the fear of commitment, and reverses the roles. So when Jonas steps up and asks Caitlin for more, fear takes hold and she ends their once easy and uncomplicated relationship. This book was a sweet and emotional love story that makes you open your eyes to what’s right in front of you. While the story has plenty of hilarious dialogue and disastrous dates (i.e. toe guy….ew!), thanks in part to Caitlin’s boss coercing her into testing his new dating app, it was the interactions between Caitlin and Jonas that really tugged at my heartstrings. The chemistry between them may not have burned through the pages all the time, but it was always there—simmering and building with every interaction or tender moment or affectionate gesture they shared. The heart wants what the heart wants, and this story clearly shows that no matter how hard you try or do whatever it takes to move on, the heart can’t and won’t let go. I really enjoyed this book. As stated before, it didn’t contain as much steam as the previous books in the series. But where the story may have lacked in heat, it made up for with its emotional struggles each character endured. Even though it isn’t necessary to read the previous books, I highly recommend starting from the very beginning of the series. The author’s writing was wonderful, as always, with a relatable story line and narrative that blended nicely.

Welcome to your next dating app and the story of Jonas and Cait. What a story it is!! Holy hell I loved this book. I'm a big Stacey Lynn fan and love her books, this one just wowed me. She definitely didn't draw in a straight line in this one! One amazing turn after the other, what an insanely great story. Jonas and Cait are in a FWB relationship, two years running. She wants nothing more than that, afraid of commitment. When Jonas tells her he wants more, she freezes and he walks out. He also tells her he's met someone. Someone who will actually go out on a date with him. He's done and she's just lost the best thing that's ever happened to her. She has two best buds from college, she works for one of them as his assistant. He's an app developer, wealthy and very protective of Cait with good reason. Cait's backstory brings us the understanding of some of her behavior and is well written and woven through the story. His completion and wanting to do a test run of this dating app, the places people together who are looking for long term commitment and he wants Cait to be the guinea pig for the first run. Cait of course balks. Being apart from Jonas is killing her, Jonas owns a bar/restaurant that she frequents and it's an awkward balance there. He's usually holed up in his office when she comes in, she knows his schedule and she knowing he's seeing someone else and has met her. She finally caves and agrees to try the app. This sets the scenario for the body of the story and all the twists and turns this one takes. Wowza, did it ever. Loaded with angst and some breath holding moments, I wasn't sure if I wanted to throw my kindle or smack them both. Stacey had me right on the edge of crazy and kept me there. What a story she tells in this one, with two amazing characters; a cast of fantastic support characters that I have to say I want to see more of and what an ending. Yes indeed, she just knocked this one right out of the park. Normally I like my angst on simmer but this, this was so worth my hair pulling and death gripping the kindle. Well done Stacey! Fantastic story! arc from NetGalley and publisher for an honest review

The story begins with Caitlin and Jonas in a friends with benefits relationship. Caitlin has always been skittish when Jonas tries for more so he’s never brought up the fact that he wants MORE. He wants to see if they have what it takes for a committed relationship. Caitlin wants no part in a relationship. So Jonas walks out of her room and her life with hopes that she’ll stop him, give them a chance. No such luck. Six months later, Caitlin decides she needs to move on with her life. When her friend persuades her to beta-test the new dating app, she reluctantly agrees to a month of dating. She asks Jonas if she could use his bar as the “meeting” place for her dates as that’s the only place she feels safe. Jonas agrees, but also decides to put his own plan into motion. With the assistance of her friend, he sets up a profile and starts chatting with her via the app with hopes of proving how right they are for each other. While I truly enjoyed this novel, I didn’t get the title at all. Caitlin didn’t agree to 28 dates or go on 28 dates. With that said, I liked that Jonas (the guy) was actually the one who wanted more. There for awhile, I was hoping that Jonas would find someone that truly appreciated him and loved him. I’m glad that Caitlin finally realized that “the one” was right beside her the whole time. As a couple they completed each other. Apart, they were miserable. I read a gifted copy and all opinions stated are my own.