Jenny L. Howe’s third novel, How to Get a Life in Ten Dates, brings a refreshing perspective to the contemporary romance genre, tackling themes of self-acceptance, mental health, and the complexities of modern dating with both humor and sensitivity.
Story Overview
Twenty-five-year-old Haleigh Berkshire is exhausted from a decade of dating disasters. As her sister’s engagement party approaches, pressure mounts to find the perfect plus-one. Instead of continuing her fruitless search for love, Haleigh devises a clever scheme with her best friend Jack: she’ll let her friends and family set her up on ten dates, proving once and for all that she’s better off single.
But plans rarely unfold as expected. Between a date with an emotional support cockatoo, another with a pompous academic who thinks thrillers are beneath him, and several other memorable misadventures, Haleigh finds herself caught between two potential matches – the charming veterinarian Brian and her long-time best friend Jack, with whom she shares a complicated history.
Writing Style and Character Development
Howe’s writing shines brightest in her authentic portrayal of modern dating challenges, particularly from a plus-size perspective. The narrative voice is conversational and engaging, peppered with clever observations and genuine emotion. Haleigh’s random facts and pop culture references add charm without feeling forced.
The author excels at creating multidimensional characters, each with their own quirks and flaws:
- Haleigh is relatable and genuine, struggling with anxiety while maintaining her sense of humor
- Jack’s perfectionism and mental health challenges are portrayed with nuance
- Side characters like Stanton and Joey feel fully realized rather than mere plot devices
Strengths
Authentic Representation
The novel handles plus-size representation thoughtfully, neither ignoring nor overly focusing on Haleigh’s size. Her experiences feel authentic without falling into common stereotypes.
Mental Health Discussion
The portrayal of anxiety, OCD, and depression is particularly well-done. Both Haleigh and Jack’s mental health struggles are treated with respect and understanding, showing how they navigate their challenges both individually and together.
Friend Group Dynamic
The interactions between Haleigh and her support system feel natural and lived-in. The banter flows effortlessly, and relationships evolve organically throughout the story.
Areas for Improvement
Pacing Issues
The middle section of the book sometimes drags, with certain dates feeling repetitive. The resolution, while satisfying, feels slightly rushed in comparison.
Predictable Elements
While the journey is enjoyable, the destination is fairly obvious from early on. Some readers might prefer more uncertainty about the eventual outcome.
Underdeveloped Subplot
Haleigh’s career struggles and job search could have been integrated more smoothly into the main narrative.
Memorable Elements
The novel includes several standout scenes that perfectly balance humor and heart:
- The disastrous brunch date featuring Scooter the emotional support cockatoo
- The competitive video game nights between Haleigh and Jack
- The tender bathtub scene that showcases the depth of their relationship
Comparison to Previous Works
Fans of Howe’s previous novels, The Make-Up Test and On the Plus Side, will recognize her signature blend of humor and authenticity. While maintaining similar themes of self-discovery and body positivity, Ten Dates shows notable growth in character complexity and emotional depth.
Target Audience
This book will particularly appeal to readers who enjoy:
- Friends-to-lovers romance
- Plus-size representation
- Mental health representation in romance
- Contemporary romance with strong friend groups
- Gaming and pop culture references
Similar Recommendations
Readers who enjoy How to Get a Life in Ten Dates might also appreciate:
- The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood
- Book Lovers by Emily Henry
- The Charm Offensive by Alison Cochrun
Final Verdict
How to Get a Life in Ten Dates is a heartwarming romance that successfully balances serious themes with lighthearted moments. While it occasionally falls into predictable patterns, the strong character development and authentic representation make it a worthwhile read.
Strengths:
- Authentic plus-size representation
- Well-developed characters
- Strong mental health representation
- Natural dialogue and humor
Areas for Growth:
- Pacing inconsistencies
- Predictable plot elements
- Some underdeveloped subplots
The novel’s greatest achievement lies in its ability to tackle serious subjects while maintaining an ultimately hopeful and uplifting tone. Howe demonstrates significant growth as an author, particularly in her handling of complex emotional dynamics and character development.
Despite its imperfections, the book offers a satisfying reading experience that will resonate with anyone who has navigated the challenges of modern dating while dealing with anxiety, self-doubt, or unrequited feelings. It’s a reminder that sometimes the best love stories aren’t about finding the perfect person, but about finding someone who accepts and supports you exactly as you are.
Impact and Relevance
The novel’s exploration of mental health, body image, and modern dating challenges feels particularly timely. Howe’s decision to address these issues within a romantic comedy framework makes them more accessible while maintaining their importance.
In an era where dating apps and social media have complicated the search for connection, Haleigh’s journey offers both comfort and hope. The book suggests that while finding love might be messy and unpredictable, it’s worth the effort – especially when you stay true to yourself in the process.
How to Get a Life in Ten Dates may not revolutionize the romance genre, but it adds a valuable voice to the growing body of inclusive, contemporary romance literature. It’s a reminder that everyone deserves their own love story, regardless of size, mental health struggles, or past relationship complications.
For readers seeking a romance that feels both realistic and uplifting, this book delivers a satisfying blend of humor, heart, and hope.