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sed1026's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
hanjan2006's review against another edition
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
mathenam's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
hayleysnextpage's review against another edition
4.5
"I wanted the old parts of our hurts to be drowned by the new discovery of our happiness. I wanted him. All of him. Every piece, every drop. I wanted to drown in his love."
- Small town
- Grumpy (him) x sunshine (her)
- Hate to love
- Fake dating
- Black FMC & Latine MMC (grew up in Spain)
- Doggy daycare & restaurant owners
- He calls her Goldie
- Slow burn
- Kissing only
- No breakup
- Dual POV
I am OBSESSED with Brittainy Cherry. Everything she writes is just magic ✨. The Problem With Dating follows successful chef Alex, who moves to small-town Honey Creek when his beloved great-aunt passes and leaves him a restaurant space next door to Yara's doggy daycare.
They do NOT get off on the best foot. Alex is so grumpy and closed-off, bordering on rude. His friend literally says, "Alex isn’t much of an open book. Honestly, I’m pretty sure he superglued his pages shut." But you know that underneath is a man grieving the loss of the one person who loved and saved him.
Meanwhile, Yara is all sunshine and understanding, bordering on being a pushover, which rubs him the wrong way. The pair clash, but Alex brings out Yara’s fire, and it's fun to see! They lean into this dynamic, with Yara referring to him as Mr. Black (a black cat) and Alex calling her Goldie because she reminds him of a golden retriever.
As the pair reluctantly become friends, fake dating enters their relationship so they can show their exes they've moved on. I love how the fake dating smoothly transitions into a real relationship without any drama or breakup.
Gah, they were just so cute! While this is very much a slow-burn, closed-door romance, there was enough simmering tension and tender moments that you won't miss the spice, I promise.
You'll be too busy enjoying the amazing character development, and seeing Alex let Yara in and act all protective. Meanwhile, he gives Yara the confidence to stand up for herself with both customers and her ex.
"Being around her was making me better. Being near her was making me whole again."
This was also meant to be a more lighthearted romance for Brittainy, but we all know I teared up at the end 🥺. Honestly, she can do no wrong and I'm so glad we get more Kingsleys soon.
- Small town
- Grumpy (him) x sunshine (her)
- Hate to love
- Fake dating
- Black FMC & Latine MMC (grew up in Spain)
- Doggy daycare & restaurant owners
- He calls her Goldie
- Slow burn
- Kissing only
- No breakup
- Dual POV
I am OBSESSED with Brittainy Cherry. Everything she writes is just magic ✨. The Problem With Dating follows successful chef Alex, who moves to small-town Honey Creek when his beloved great-aunt passes and leaves him a restaurant space next door to Yara's doggy daycare.
They do NOT get off on the best foot. Alex is so grumpy and closed-off, bordering on rude. His friend literally says, "Alex isn’t much of an open book. Honestly, I’m pretty sure he superglued his pages shut." But you know that underneath is a man grieving the loss of the one person who loved and saved him.
Meanwhile, Yara is all sunshine and understanding, bordering on being a pushover, which rubs him the wrong way. The pair clash, but Alex brings out Yara’s fire, and it's fun to see! They lean into this dynamic, with Yara referring to him as Mr. Black (a black cat) and Alex calling her Goldie because she reminds him of a golden retriever.
As the pair reluctantly become friends, fake dating enters their relationship so they can show their exes they've moved on. I love how the fake dating smoothly transitions into a real relationship without any drama or breakup.
Gah, they were just so cute! While this is very much a slow-burn, closed-door romance, there was enough simmering tension and tender moments that you won't miss the spice, I promise.
You'll be too busy enjoying the amazing character development, and seeing Alex let Yara in and act all protective. Meanwhile, he gives Yara the confidence to stand up for herself with both customers and her ex.
"Being around her was making me better. Being near her was making me whole again."
This was also meant to be a more lighthearted romance for Brittainy, but we all know I teared up at the end 🥺. Honestly, she can do no wrong and I'm so glad we get more Kingsleys soon.
reminiscences's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Body shaming, Bullying, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Panic attacks/disorders, Toxic relationship, Stalking, and Gaslighting
sydneysreads__'s review against another edition
1.0
ARC REVIEW: THE PROBLEM WITH DATING BY BRITTAINY CHERRY
RATING: DNF
PUB DATE: 10/12
SYNOPSIS: Welcome to Honey Creek, Illinois, where life was as sweet as the town’s name suggested. That was, until Mr. Fine Dining himself, Alex Ramírez, rolled into town with a permanent scowl. Even worse, he decided to park his snooty five-star restaurant across from my cozy dog daycare. He was tall, dark, and about as warm as a frozen entrée.
After one too many unpleasant interactions, I was determined to stay out of his way and to keep him out of mine.
But fate had a quirky sense of humor. When Alex inherited his great-aunt’s cranky canine, he had no choice but to come to me, the local dog whisperer, for help. As for me? I needed a fake boyfriend to ward off my ex-husband, who was determined to win me back.
So, we struck a deal: I’d turn his dog into the town's best-behaved pet, and in return, he’d be my arm candy for a few family events and social gatherings. Simple, uncomplicated, and absolutely not romantic—at least, that was what we told ourselves.
As we played house, I couldn't help but notice that underneath Alex’s prickly shell was a dash of charm that wasn't listed in the ingredients. Our pretend dates started to feel a little too real. And our feigned kisses? They were getting laughably close to crossing the line. Suddenly, our interactions felt less like a food fight and more like foreplay.
With every playful touch and lingering glance, I couldn't help but wonder: Was this fake relationship with Alex secretly penning its own authentic ending? Or was I risking it all for someone who was nothing more than make-believe?
i’m not having the best luck with ARCs recently. this story seemed like it had me in the beginning, but i made it 25% in and the MMC and still a complete d*ck. and not even in a charming way, he’s just straight up childish and rude. i know that’s supposed to be his character, but i can’t keep reading about it. it’s driving me insane.
RATING: DNF
PUB DATE: 10/12
SYNOPSIS: Welcome to Honey Creek, Illinois, where life was as sweet as the town’s name suggested. That was, until Mr. Fine Dining himself, Alex Ramírez, rolled into town with a permanent scowl. Even worse, he decided to park his snooty five-star restaurant across from my cozy dog daycare. He was tall, dark, and about as warm as a frozen entrée.
After one too many unpleasant interactions, I was determined to stay out of his way and to keep him out of mine.
But fate had a quirky sense of humor. When Alex inherited his great-aunt’s cranky canine, he had no choice but to come to me, the local dog whisperer, for help. As for me? I needed a fake boyfriend to ward off my ex-husband, who was determined to win me back.
So, we struck a deal: I’d turn his dog into the town's best-behaved pet, and in return, he’d be my arm candy for a few family events and social gatherings. Simple, uncomplicated, and absolutely not romantic—at least, that was what we told ourselves.
As we played house, I couldn't help but notice that underneath Alex’s prickly shell was a dash of charm that wasn't listed in the ingredients. Our pretend dates started to feel a little too real. And our feigned kisses? They were getting laughably close to crossing the line. Suddenly, our interactions felt less like a food fight and more like foreplay.
With every playful touch and lingering glance, I couldn't help but wonder: Was this fake relationship with Alex secretly penning its own authentic ending? Or was I risking it all for someone who was nothing more than make-believe?
i’m not having the best luck with ARCs recently. this story seemed like it had me in the beginning, but i made it 25% in and the MMC and still a complete d*ck. and not even in a charming way, he’s just straight up childish and rude. i know that’s supposed to be his character, but i can’t keep reading about it. it’s driving me insane.
robynrambles's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25