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Blind Dates, Bridesmaids, and Other Disasters
On the surface, Rachel Stevens's life looks perfect.
One great job, two awesome roommates, and a supportive family. But when her roommate Hannah announces her engagement, Rachel sees eternal singleness and innumerable cats in her future. When the bride-to-be issues a challenge--go on six blind dates and before the "I do's" --Rachel isn't convinced her imagined future is that bad in comparison. The dates are predictably horrible and the situation further complicated by the return of James, Rachel's first, long-lost love. James says he is over her . . . but is Rachel over him?
One great job, two awesome roommates, and a supportive family. But when her roommate Hannah announces her engagement, Rachel sees eternal singleness and innumerable cats in her future. When the bride-to-be issues a challenge--go on six blind dates and before the "I do's" --Rachel isn't convinced her imagined future is that bad in comparison. The dates are predictably horrible and the situation further complicated by the return of James, Rachel's first, long-lost love. James says he is over her . . . but is Rachel over him?
252 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 7, 2019
237 people are currently reading
760 people want to read
About the author
Aspen Hadley
17 books260 followersAspen Hadley loves nothing more than a great story. She has devoted herself to story-telling for the majority of her life, writing her first novel at her kitchen table in the 8th grade. Aspen writes what she wants to read: clean, sassy, romantic comedy novels that give you a break from real life and leave you feeling happy.
Outside of writing, Aspen's number one hobby is reading. Number two is sneaking chocolate into and out of her private stash without being caught. Other favorite things include: playing the piano, listening to classic rock, telling jokes around the dinner table, eating ice cream, traveling, a good case of the giggles, and riding on ATVs over the trails around her home in Utah.
Aspen shares her life with a patient husband, 4 hilarious children, and 1 grumpy dog in a quiet suburb next to her beloved mountains.
Given the choice she would road trip her life away, singing along to the radio and sleeping in every morning.
You can also find her on Facebook at facebook.com/aspenthewriter and Instagram @aspenhadley_author.
Outside of writing, Aspen's number one hobby is reading. Number two is sneaking chocolate into and out of her private stash without being caught. Other favorite things include: playing the piano, listening to classic rock, telling jokes around the dinner table, eating ice cream, traveling, a good case of the giggles, and riding on ATVs over the trails around her home in Utah.
Aspen shares her life with a patient husband, 4 hilarious children, and 1 grumpy dog in a quiet suburb next to her beloved mountains.
Given the choice she would road trip her life away, singing along to the radio and sleeping in every morning.
You can also find her on Facebook at facebook.com/aspenthewriter and Instagram @aspenhadley_author.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 127 reviews
July 19, 2019
This book is my very favorite type! I love contemporary romance with humor and this author did a great job with this one!
Rachel is such a great character! I loved seeing things through her eyes. She’s just a bit quirky in a good way. It was fun seeing how the blind dates came about. And the dates she had, wow! I never had any dates that were anywhere near as bad as hers. I had to laugh out loud at her dates.
The reader doesn’t see things through anyone’s eyes but Rachel’s in this one. There were times it might have been really interesting to know what some of the guys she dated were thinking. How in the world did they think it was a good idea to do the things they did?!
I liked the way the plot line of this one follows Rachel helping Hannah with her wedding plans. That kept the plot moving and gave an extra focus for the reader.
I loved the way this one ended. I had hoped that it would turn out at least kind of like it did. But the way it came about was just perfect for Rachel and for this book.
One thing I really want to know is what about the other roommate, Val. I’m really hoping there’s someone for her. She was kind of gruff and maybe a bit grumpy during the book. It might be kind of fun to see her get something happy.
Rachel is such a great character! I loved seeing things through her eyes. She’s just a bit quirky in a good way. It was fun seeing how the blind dates came about. And the dates she had, wow! I never had any dates that were anywhere near as bad as hers. I had to laugh out loud at her dates.
The reader doesn’t see things through anyone’s eyes but Rachel’s in this one. There were times it might have been really interesting to know what some of the guys she dated were thinking. How in the world did they think it was a good idea to do the things they did?!
I liked the way the plot line of this one follows Rachel helping Hannah with her wedding plans. That kept the plot moving and gave an extra focus for the reader.
I loved the way this one ended. I had hoped that it would turn out at least kind of like it did. But the way it came about was just perfect for Rachel and for this book.
One thing I really want to know is what about the other roommate, Val. I’m really hoping there’s someone for her. She was kind of gruff and maybe a bit grumpy during the book. It might be kind of fun to see her get something happy.
February 2, 2025
This was a fun read! Rachel has a series of incredibly ridiculous blind dates, all witnessed by her former fiancé. I was anxious for the first half of the book for her to connect with James in a deeper way, but the focus was on her attempts to find someone else, which were admittedly full of humor. The pace and depth of the book increased as Rachel and James confront their lingering romantic feelings for each other, exploring regrets, forgiveness, and if a second chance is possible. I enjoy this author's writing style and look forward to reading more!
Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.
Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.
July 31, 2019
This book was really funny, and had it's sassy moments! The blind dates had me laughing out loud! This book reminded me of a modern Jane Austen retelling, won't say which one because that could give things away. The best part of this novel was the friendship between the roommates. I would read a book based solely on Rachel, Val,& Hannah. Just loved them!!!
In the end of this novel it felt a little rushed, some things we didn't get to experience with the characters but were told they happened.
* something to know going into this one.*
Overall I still would recommend this book to people who enjoy good clean books with friendships, blind dating and a lot of laughing!
In the end of this novel it felt a little rushed, some things we didn't get to experience with the characters but were told they happened.
* something to know going into this one.*
Overall I still would recommend this book to people who enjoy good clean books with friendships, blind dating and a lot of laughing!
May 27, 2025
A great read
March 1, 2020
Rachel has been out of the dating loop for years. After she broke off her engagement to James 7 years ago, she hasn’t had any heart left to put into finding someone else. James was perfect, but she’d been a scared 20 year old who had run when her doubts go the better of her. But now, just as she agrees to go on 6 blind dates before her roommate (James’s sister) get married, James moves back into town and her heart is walloped again. As Rachel goes on her blind dates, disaster after disaster happens. It’s quite hilarious all the lame dates she endures. And then there’s quiet James in the background, reminding her of all she gave up. She figures she deserves the disasters happening to her after breaking his and her hearts all those years ago. But things aren’t always as they seem, and maybe, just maybe, a happily ever after awaits Rachel if she just keeps trying to put her heart out there. I don’t want to give anything away, but this story was a gem. I couldn’t put it down once I started it. I loved every character in the story, the main and the side characters. It made me laugh. It made me swoon. It made me cry. I highly recommend this one if you are longing for a great romance to make your heart feel happy.
March 1, 2020
Blind Dates, Bridesmaids, and Other Disasters by Aspen Hadley is an excellent contemporary romance. I had SO much fun reading this one. I was engaged in this story so much that the pages flew by. The characters are outstanding. The camaraderie and deep friendship between Rachel, Val, and Hannah is beautifully illustrated. I love how they are there for each other no matter what, and they don’t shy away from being open and honest too.
James is my new favorite hero. He is definitely handsome and intelligent, but what I loved the most is his strength, patience, and quietude. James is a man who knows when to be present and speak his mind, and when to be absent and give a little space. And, his love for Rachel is perfect. It’s true, it’s real, and it’s super sweet. James really is the best kind of hero!
While I adore pretty much everything about Blind Dates, Bridesmaids, and Other Disasters, I have to say that the blind dates are the best part of this story. I laughed out loud so heartily that I may have cried a little. The blind dates are so awful and awkward and mind-blowing they’re unforgettable. I shook my head so many times and wanted to hug poor Rachel. What a hilariously rough go at finding love!
Blind Dates, Bridesmaids, and Other Disasters is a contemporary romance I highly recommend. It’s well written, vastly engrossing, and so, so sweet. This is a story that I won’t soon forget.
I purchased a copy of this novel in eBook form from Amazon.com on December 16, 2019, in order to review. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
James is my new favorite hero. He is definitely handsome and intelligent, but what I loved the most is his strength, patience, and quietude. James is a man who knows when to be present and speak his mind, and when to be absent and give a little space. And, his love for Rachel is perfect. It’s true, it’s real, and it’s super sweet. James really is the best kind of hero!
While I adore pretty much everything about Blind Dates, Bridesmaids, and Other Disasters, I have to say that the blind dates are the best part of this story. I laughed out loud so heartily that I may have cried a little. The blind dates are so awful and awkward and mind-blowing they’re unforgettable. I shook my head so many times and wanted to hug poor Rachel. What a hilariously rough go at finding love!
Blind Dates, Bridesmaids, and Other Disasters is a contemporary romance I highly recommend. It’s well written, vastly engrossing, and so, so sweet. This is a story that I won’t soon forget.
I purchased a copy of this novel in eBook form from Amazon.com on December 16, 2019, in order to review. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
July 12, 2019
This book has a different feel from her first novel. Though witty humor is still to be found, this book digs a bit deeper into one's emotions. The characters are fun to get to know. The blind dates are unbelievable--seriously, if I didn't know better. . . . In the end this novel is a solid, feel-good romance. I'm already excited to read her next book.
February 3, 2020
The title says it all
This book took me a while to read, but only because I couldn't find time to get back to it. And when wasn't reading I was thinking about Rachel and her blind dates. I wanted her to find love and not be a cat lady. It's such a fun book with hilarious moments interspersed with Rachel's personal growth. It's a gem.
This book took me a while to read, but only because I couldn't find time to get back to it. And when wasn't reading I was thinking about Rachel and her blind dates. I wanted her to find love and not be a cat lady. It's such a fun book with hilarious moments interspersed with Rachel's personal growth. It's a gem.
February 21, 2024
I read this quickly while I was sick and enjoyed the humor. I especially liked that all the bad blind dates were taken from real life. I'm not a big fan of 1st person because I like seeing both povs. The amount of times the fmc said the mmc was "unreadable" only made my preference stronger. But it's a sweet story overall.
January 20, 2020
This book was so cute. A really quick, clean read. I loved all the funny date stories, and that they all came from the author's fan's stories they submitted. Even though it was pretty predictable it was still enjoyable getting there. Basically a hallmark movie in a book.
March 5, 2020
Funny yet meaningful
I really enjoyed reading this. I laughed out loud many times and one time was so much that I was worried I was going to wake my husband. It kept me up reading way later than any recent book has. It was just a plain fun escape. It was clean and I appreciate that. I highly recommend this if you are looking for a light-hearted, fun book.
I really enjoyed reading this. I laughed out loud many times and one time was so much that I was worried I was going to wake my husband. It kept me up reading way later than any recent book has. It was just a plain fun escape. It was clean and I appreciate that. I highly recommend this if you are looking for a light-hearted, fun book.
January 5, 2020
(3.5 stars) - Dates that make you want to stay single!
So this is the story of Rachel's disastrous attempt to start dating again, played out over the framework of her best friend's wedding planning.
I didn't care much for the beginning. It felt like it was trying to be funny, but was trying too hard. Still, lots of books have trouble finding their stride during the story's setup, so I persevered.
Once the dates begin, it's a mix of funny and cringe. These were based on real dates that went wrong? Oh those poor, poor women! By the time Rachel ends up melting down, my heart totally went out for her.
Nevertheless, I did like that James didn't come running back at the first opportunity - that was realistic, how could he not be afraid to trust her again? - though it did feel a little dragged out to get it to effectively work out with the wedding.
I LOVED the way it ended! It was kinda funny and so sweet!
*Clean romance level: passionate kisses
So this is the story of Rachel's disastrous attempt to start dating again, played out over the framework of her best friend's wedding planning.
I didn't care much for the beginning. It felt like it was trying to be funny, but was trying too hard. Still, lots of books have trouble finding their stride during the story's setup, so I persevered.
Once the dates begin, it's a mix of funny and cringe. These were based on real dates that went wrong? Oh those poor, poor women! By the time Rachel ends up melting down, my heart totally went out for her.
Nevertheless, I did like that James didn't come running back at the first opportunity - that was realistic, how could he not be afraid to trust her again? - though it did feel a little dragged out to get it to effectively work out with the wedding.
I LOVED the way it ended! It was kinda funny and so sweet!
*Clean romance level: passionate kisses
November 15, 2019
4.5 ⭐️
Second grade teacher Rachel is ready to straight up be a cat lady, having exiled herself from dating for years after breaking off her engagement with James. But, when her best friend Hannah gets engaged, she’s whisked into wedding planning as her maid of honor, and James? He’s actually Hannah’s older brother, yikes he just moved to the same town, and turns out, he’s in the wedding, too. Rachel agreed to serial blind dates to help get over the mistake she made years ago, which actually helped straighten out her true feelings.
Ain’t gonna lie, I loved Simply Starstruck more. But, Hadley delivers all the feels in this one, especially in the second half. I felt emotionally invested with Rachel, and throughout, I just wanted her to have her happy ending. It’s quite the second chance romance.
Second grade teacher Rachel is ready to straight up be a cat lady, having exiled herself from dating for years after breaking off her engagement with James. But, when her best friend Hannah gets engaged, she’s whisked into wedding planning as her maid of honor, and James? He’s actually Hannah’s older brother, yikes he just moved to the same town, and turns out, he’s in the wedding, too. Rachel agreed to serial blind dates to help get over the mistake she made years ago, which actually helped straighten out her true feelings.
Ain’t gonna lie, I loved Simply Starstruck more. But, Hadley delivers all the feels in this one, especially in the second half. I felt emotionally invested with Rachel, and throughout, I just wanted her to have her happy ending. It’s quite the second chance romance.
August 4, 2021
It liked it ok. I think it's not really my type of book, but it kept me to the end, so not bad.
Half quirky adventures with bad dates, half emotional drama that in my opinion was never fully explained. I was told that they were in love years ago but I didn't really feel it at any point in the book. I guess it was a slow burn except I never felt any burn. So a no burn?
I'd call this more of a quirky chick-lit than romance. Which isn't a bad thing, but in this case, I just didn't really feel it.
Half quirky adventures with bad dates, half emotional drama that in my opinion was never fully explained. I was told that they were in love years ago but I didn't really feel it at any point in the book. I guess it was a slow burn except I never felt any burn. So a no burn?
I'd call this more of a quirky chick-lit than romance. Which isn't a bad thing, but in this case, I just didn't really feel it.
May 25, 2021
Cute!
This is such a fun book! I was really looking forward to this one with the storyline. James is just the nicest guy! I wish the timeline was a little bit different but it was still enjoyable and I’m grateful there was this fun and enjoyable book here to read! Thank you, Aspen Hadley! Your voice in your books is amazing!
This is such a fun book! I was really looking forward to this one with the storyline. James is just the nicest guy! I wish the timeline was a little bit different but it was still enjoyable and I’m grateful there was this fun and enjoyable book here to read! Thank you, Aspen Hadley! Your voice in your books is amazing!
October 24, 2020
This story was so fun to read! The dates Rachel goes on are hilarious and even more so because they are based on true experiences. The chemistry between Rachel and ... was perfectly executed!! ❤️ I felt the pacing was perfect; I couldn’t have waited any longer for the happy ending.
November 13, 2020
I enjoyed yet another one of this authors books completely! I hope she keeps writing as she has talent for a great book.
October 26, 2020
This was a fun book! I loved how she got all the bad date ideas from her readers. Crazy to think those stories are true! How could there be so many weirdos out there that think those dates are normal?! I loved to read about the friendship of the roommates. I’m totally jealous of that type of friendship. The ending did seem a little rushed, but it kind of had to be to keep the rest of the dating story flowing. Very fun, clean read when I needed it.
June 25, 2020
Blind Dates, Bridesmaids & Other Disasters was a fun and very cute read! I stayed up late to finish reading it, much to my husband's dismay.
Rachel Stevens is 27 and still single, living with her two best friends in the city. Her dating life has been nonexistent since her breakup with her first love seven years ago. Her roommate issues her a challenge to start dating again, right as James (as in heartbreak, ex-fianceé James) walks back into her life.
The series of blind dates and other first dates we follow in this book were a bit extreme for me -- believe me, I've been on my share of horrible dates (involving police, my date literally crying about being rejected, thinking I was on a date with a different person, I have some crazy stories!) But I think it would have been more realistic to throw in a couple of normal dates in the mix.
Definitely recommend this book for a cute, funny, feel good read!
Rachel Stevens is 27 and still single, living with her two best friends in the city. Her dating life has been nonexistent since her breakup with her first love seven years ago. Her roommate issues her a challenge to start dating again, right as James (as in heartbreak, ex-fianceé James) walks back into her life.
The series of blind dates and other first dates we follow in this book were a bit extreme for me -- believe me, I've been on my share of horrible dates (involving police, my date literally crying about being rejected, thinking I was on a date with a different person, I have some crazy stories!) But I think it would have been more realistic to throw in a couple of normal dates in the mix.
Definitely recommend this book for a cute, funny, feel good read!
August 27, 2019
I have so much GOOD to say about this book! From start to finish, I was dying to know what happened next. I related to Rachel in so many ways! It felt like I was personally in her shoes on those cringeworthy dates and intimate moments. The depth of her situation made it hard to put the book down! It was so different from her first book but it was just as captivating! Passionate, emotional, hysterical, relatable. LOVED IT!
August 13, 2019
I felt like I waited forever for this book, but it was worth the wait. I really enjoy Aspen Hadley’s feel-good romances. I hope book 3 isn’t far away.
October 22, 2019
3.5 star rating. This book had a pretty slow start for me. It was fairly predictable. The best part of this book for me was the end. It was so great!
June 28, 2020
This was a cute story. LOTS of funny mishaps. One true love.
One of my favorite parts of this book were the "love" quotes at the beginning of each chapter.
For example:
"You don't love because, you love despite;
not for the virtues, but despite the faults."
- William Faulkner
"Love doesn't make the world go 'round.
Love is what makes the ride worthwhile."
- Franklin P. Jones
One of my favorite parts of this book were the "love" quotes at the beginning of each chapter.
For example:
"You don't love because, you love despite;
not for the virtues, but despite the faults."
- William Faulkner
"Love doesn't make the world go 'round.
Love is what makes the ride worthwhile."
- Franklin P. Jones
October 26, 2020
Fun read!
Crazy blind dates, good friends who care enough to be honest with you and the opportunity to root for love—this is a winning trio!
Crazy blind dates, good friends who care enough to be honest with you and the opportunity to root for love—this is a winning trio!
April 25, 2021
This was a fun chick lit, I laughed out loud a number of times over the quirky dates Rachel ended up on. I did not love the epilogue...I didn’t feel it was a necessary add.
March 4, 2020
Absolutely hilarious! You'll be tugged into one disaster or challenge after another which will seem impossible yet I've experienced one very similar date. The growth of the story and the characters was perfect and balanced with a well rounded cast.
October 18, 2020
Cute and swoony
I laughed a great deal and rooted for them all the way. I appreciated the maturity and depth that I, frankly, was not expecting in a light, romantic comedy.
I laughed a great deal and rooted for them all the way. I appreciated the maturity and depth that I, frankly, was not expecting in a light, romantic comedy.
August 16, 2019
I loved this story! Rachel’s decision to put herself out there in the dating world again and then all the crazy she endures — I was laughing so hard! This was entertaining, heart wrenching, and I was aching for the outcome I was hoping for. I loved her relationships that keep her going, and learning all she did during the story. I loved it!
January 12, 2021
The name of this book is so fitting! The story was full of hilarious and disastrous blind dates that made me laugh out loud. I had a really good time with this one.
December 30, 2020
I don’t typically read fluffy rom-com type books, but this one was gold. Clean, hilarious, and perfectly predictable, it was a great diversion from my more serious reading.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 127 reviews