The Dating Game by Sandy Barker #Review

 

Today I am happy to have such a fun book on the blog. The Dating Game by Sandy Barker was published by One More Chapter on 10th September. 

‘Hilarious and highly original’

Julie Houston, bestselling author of A Village Affair

Once upon a time, twelve women joined the hottest reality TV show looking for love. Except one had a secret identity . . .

Abby Jones is a serious writer. Or at least she will be, one day. 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 don’t just want Abby to write the recaps, they 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 . . .

 My Thoughts

When I read at the beginning that there are many characters in the book and there would be a glossary of them at the end, I must admit I was a bit worried but I didn't need to be! The different people were all distinctly drawn and stood out in their own right. This is a fun read which entertains and certainly will make you smile. I especially enjoyed all of Abby's personae. 

    Friendship is a major part of the story and it is interesting to see what some people will do to 'win' a reality show. My absolute favourite part was when Abby's Mum featured. She certainly provided some laugh out loud moments. Several of the contestants are proven to have a double life and are not all what they seem. As you see the characters being manipulated by the production team, it does make you question what you see in some of these programmes and I am sure I will watch them with a quizzical eye. This warm, witty writing which fizzes with fun.

In short: Warmth and humour in spades 

About the Author

Sandy is a writer, traveller and hopeful romantic with a lengthy bucket list, and many of her travel adventures have found homes in her novels. She’s also an avid reader, a film buff, a wine lover and a coffee snob. She lives in Melbourne Australia with her partner, Ben, who she met while travelling in Greece. Their real-life love story inspired Sandy’s debut novel One Summer in Santorini, the first in the Holiday Romance series with One More Chapter, an imprint of HarperCollins.

You can follow Sandy here:  Twitter

                                            |  Facebook  |  Instagram   |  Website

Book links: Amazon UK   |  Kobo  |  Apple Books   |  Nook

                                           |  Google Books

Thanks to Sandy Barker, One More Chapter and Rachel of Rachel's Random Resources for a copy of the book and a place on the tour.  

 

Check out the rest of the tour!