I feel like there could be a bingo card for Jasmine Guillory books, there's so many recurring images and ideas. Some of the details change - a movie star, a stylist, a politician, a marketer - but the underlying structure and nature of the relationships is always the same. And - honestly, sometimes, that's comforting. But it did just feel very predictable. Which is sort of the point of romance novels. But the sex scenes and the emotional conversations and the enjoyment of food and alcohol all also felt predictable. Characters from previous books making appearances felt crowded instead of friendly. It's not a bad book, but some of the others were so good, and it was just a little disappointing.

Although a very predictable ending (let's face it, this is why we read romcoms) it was still very interesting how it got there, and I really appreciated how real they made the main characters with anxiety problems and therapist visits etc. To be honest it had to many explicit sex scenes for me, which I felt added nothing to the story, and would've fit the overall flow of the story better with them just being alluded to. Otherwise a very enjoyable story and a good read

The queen of contemporary romance indeed!

I have been trying to find time to read a Guillory romance since I got back into being obsessed with reading again and this was my first one and I was not disappointed!

Guillory has written a heart warming story with the fake dating trope that had me smiling and tearing up at the same time. I loved Ben and Anna so much, I really enjoyed reading how they saw each other because I could really feel the sexual attraction they had towards each other but could also witness the genuine connection they built up throughout their interactions.

The story was realistically written and progressed naturally that it was just an easy feel good read that I devoured in two days. I can’t wait to read more of Guillory’s work

* 3.5 stars.

This was a solid romance novel featuring 2 Black protagonists, one of whom is a plus sized woman, a refreshing change from a genre dominated by white, slim bodied characters. The book was as frothy and lightly steamy as you'd expect from a romance novel, and I liked how established the world of celebrity culture was. My pet peeve of the third act conflict preventing the characters from getting together properly before the end that could be resolved by one conversation, was unfortunately also present here, but it was mercifully brief and relegated to the very end of the book.

(Many thanks to Netgalley and Headline for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.)

Ben and Anna what can I say.....wonderful!
Great writing, great characters and a great storyline. Time to clear your schedule for the afternoon, coffee pot on and phone turned off - you won’t want to put this one down. This was a compelling and thoroughly enjoyable read from start to finish with a great storyline, interesting cast of characters and all capped off by skilful writing. It's well worth your time if you appreciate great storytellers. Definitely a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

My second book from The Wedding Date series after reading Party of Two last year. Happy to report that this one was much more my kind of thing!

I'm quite picky about what I like in contemporary romance novels, but this ticked all the boxes: it was fun (without being cheesy), fast-paced, well-written, and had a good mix of tension and romance between the two main characters. The Hollywood setting was an excellent choice too and I appreciated how the author weaved therapy and discussions of mental health into the narrative seamlessly. The fake dating trope usually isn't my favourite but it worked well here. Recommended!

I loved the mental health representation in this book, that has to be off the bat because it's so vital for me to see MH rep, especially in trad pub books.. This was a fast read and super enjoyable. read and considering this is my first by this author I will be checking out the rest of this series for sure, even though it can totally be read as a standalone. I loved Ben and Anna’s relationship and how it was more than just them being together but growing as individuals. The way Anna loved her body but still struggled with the opinions of others specially in Hollywood resonated with me hard. The characters banter was fab. Thank you to Netgalley and Headline for allowing me the opportunity to read and review an early copy of this. All opinions are my own.

I was so excited to get my hands on the next Jasmine Guillory book and While We Were Dating didn’t disappoint. The best romance novels are the ones that make me laugh and make me emotional, and this one definitely ticked that box. The central couple really felt like they were made for each other and I couldn’t help but root for them, even though it was frustrating at times! It’s a cute spin on the movie star and ordinary person trope, if you like that kind of thing then definitely pick this book up!

Ben Stephens is working in advertising. When his co-workers have a delayed flight, he and his assistant have to give a big pitch to a large tech company. Ben’s not worried – he thrives when presenting and knows his stuff inside and out having done most of the work. But then the talent starring in the ad turns up unexpectedly and it’s an absolutely gorgeous actress, Anna Gardiner. Ben nails his presentation, even after his co-workers turn up and interrupt. Anna is so impressed that she convinces the tech company to take on his company, as long as Ben is the lead executive.

Ben and Anna bond as they work together on set of the ad shoot. Anna is impressed by Ben’s politeness, attention to detail and care for her. Ben is completely enchanted by Anna as they grow closer over the course of the first half of the book. When Anna’s manager sees their chemistry, he suggests Anna fake dates him to increase her publicity so she will be cast as the star in a new movie. Anna, wanting to move on from a couple of terrible years, agrees.

I loved both of these characters a lot. Ben is actually really mature for a guy with a reputation for playing the field – he’s been in therapy for a while and isn’t afraid to tell people, he’s really thoughtful when it comes to Anna, always putting her needs first whether it be to escape the paparazzi or drive her 7 hours in an emergency. Ben has an intuitive understanding of what it’s like for Anna to be famous – he empathises rather than judges. Anna is not your stereotypical superstar, she came to fame rather quickly which has led her to be guarded and anxious. What liked about Anna is even though she is ambitious and determined to get the roles she wants, she doesn’t throw people under the bus to get there. Mental health is a big focus for both characters and I loved the positive approach to therapy and speaking out about it.

There were some parts of the plot that made me uncomfortable, but most were resolved in a way that I was happy with. I really don’t like it when characters lie to each other but fortunately they realised in time that what they were doing was wrong. Both Anna and Ben have strong characterisation so their decisions were on the whole very believable. Mostly, I was just happy to enjoy a cute romance between two characters who clearly thought the world of each other.

Overall, While We Were Dating is cute, funny and a great take on the fake dating trope. I liked the central couple mostly for their honesty and the way they dropped their personas around each other. I think if you like romance novels, especially ones where the characters have a bit of depth to them, then this will be a good recommendation for you!

This was my first Jasmine Guillory book, and it won't be the last! For any one worried about having to read all the others in this series first, it absolutely stands alone and the one spoiler I think there is, is that another couple got together. Which, I mean, you're reading a romance, it isn't really a book ruining spoiler. So, read ahead!

I did like Ben much more than I liked Anna. Though there is a considered, realistic and responsible characterisation and storyline of Anna having a mental health condition which I thought was great, the behaviour she showed that wasn't regarding her Anxiety made me dislike her.

Ben however, Ben is wonderful. He completely made this book for me and his relationship with his brother is lovely! He is kind and smart and respectful until certain he can just be super sexy with you and I liked the way this book showed a positive example of consent being about more than just a sexual encounter but about tactile interaction generally, about knowing personal information about others and generally about being intimate with them in any meaningful way.

The question everyone will want the andwer too? This wasn't the steadies read throughout, there's there's fair bit of fade to black, but the steam there is starts at 29% which is refreshingly ideal 🤣

This book was so lovely (as all of Guillory’s books are). I read it in 2 days and it was the perfect tonic to a busy work week - fun and fluffy without being un-serious. Ben was a great romantic hero: sexy and smart but also kind and respectful. Anna was also sexy and smart, and I would love to be her friend. I also loved the passing references to other characters in Guillory’s book universe. Highly recommended!

A great summer read. A light, frothy romantic comedy. Open door. I always enjoy Jasmine Guillorys’ books and this did not disappoint.