A cute, quick and easy read based around reality shows, dating shows and the culture that goes with that. A whole cast of characters and some genuinely funny, laugh out loud parts make this a fab summer read

Genuinely Amusing Romcom…
Genuinely amusing romcom for the reality television show generation. With well drawn characters, a fun premise, much toxicity and often acerbic narratives this is full on, enjoyable and entertaining escapism. Perfect holiday reading, from armchair or otherwise.

After reading the amazing 'One to Watch' by Kate Stayman-London and 'The Shelf' by Helly Acton, I was excited to get my hands on another novel centred around a reality TV show, particularly one which promised an intriguing romance. In Sandy Barker's 'The Dating Game', we follow Abby Jones, who is a contestant on the latest series of The Stag. She is one of the 'Does' flown over to an incredible £20 million house in Sydney to compete for the heart of eligible bachelor Daniel. The only problem is that Abby is an undercover journalist (pen name Anastasia Blabbergasted naturally), who is incredibly attracted to Jack, the hot producer. Plus, Daniel turns out to be a total banker (wanker). With Abby undercover and guaranteed to reach the final four, she may as wall try and enjoy the experience...

The concept in this is a really fun take on the use of the bachelor style series. Because Abby is both a contestant and a journalist, we get to see a lot of the machinations behind the scenes, including developing the 'storylines' and the capturing of footage which will be 'good TV'. I liked this insight into the show and was interested to see how Abby played certain scenarios when she was much more 'in the know' than her fellow contestants.

There are a couple of issues with the book. The first is the fragmented style of storytelling. Some of the revelations come from Abby experiencing the events in first person whilst we see others through the eyes of her persona Anastasia's bitchy 'recaps. Whilst I thought her journalistic style was sarcastic and entertaining, there were certain events which would have been more enjoyable shown and experienced through Abby's eyes than as a detached recap. (For example, Womble the horse. You'll see.) I also found Abby and Jack so frustrating. Abby could not have made it clearer she thought Daniel was a total dick, yet Jack repeatedly got jealous. Rather than repeating the same fight over and over, just communicate like adults. Please.

Overall, it may not have lived up to its reality TV novel predecessors but 'The Dating Game' was a fun read and the ending was a good choice. I would have liked Daniel to have slightly more redeeming features and more of a chance with Abby (but I guess the point of the book is about Abby's bond and friendships with the other contestants, not a love triangle!). I give this one 3.5 stars (rounded up to 4).

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher who provided an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This synopsis gave me Unreal vibes, but a much more chaste version. I kept waiting for things to go down and they stayed at a pretty low simmer. Still an enjoyable take on reality dating shows. I did think the author used “OTT” way too much though.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC

If you love a good reality tv dating show then you need to pick up this book!

Abby is a talented writer, but is stuck in the gossip writing column while she waits for her big break. When her boss offers her the chance to join a reality tv show for the behind the scene footage for her column. Abby sees her opportunity to write a tell all piece on reality tv and jumps at the chance. The only problem is, she’s fallen for a crew member and the tv star has fallen for her. As her web of lies continues to spread, Abby has to figure out how to save her career and her budding romance.

I really loved all the concepts of this book and the female friendships despite the toxic environment of reality tv. I thought Abby was a great character. I loved Jack as well, but sometimes he was a tad too possessive despite being the reason that Abby was often in those situations. I would’ve liked a bit more romance and maybe some more information about Abby post show (an epilogue maybe?). It was a cute and quick read with good pacing!

I loved this! I couldn't put it down. A genuinely funny book with just as much 'rom' as 'com', and a premise that's so good I can't believe no one's done it before. I enjoyed Ms Barker's previous books, but this one is the best so far - her writing goes from strength to strength. The relationship between the two leads is sweet and lovely and completely believable, while the friendships (and otherwise) between the 'Does' is by turns hilarious and heartwarming. I'm not really one for TV reality dating shows, but that didn't matter - the fictional show is clearly explained and you don't have to be a fan of the Batchelor to get the jokes. Highly recommended for anyone who likes a swoon-worthy hero and an intelligent, witty heroine.

Abby Jones is a serious writer but right now, she spends her time writing recaps of reality television under a secret identity.

When a recap for The Stag – the must-watch dating show – goes viral, her editor thinks she should be on set, writing the drama as it happens. The good news: the next season will be filmed in Sydney. Sun, sea and a glamorous trip abroad, this could be Abby’s big break.

The bad news: the producers want her to be on the show. Abby can’t think of anything worse than being undercover and followed around by cameras. But her career depends on it, and when she meets gorgeous producer Jack, Abby begins to wonder if this job might not be so bad after all . . .

A truly funny book. :) I love the take on dating shows especially. I like Abby and Jack. They have lots of chemistry together. Love the ending too. :) A great rom-com.

Thanks to the publisher for providing an arc.