Audiobook review: The Accidental Dating Experiment by Lauren Blakely
The Accidental Dating Experiment is a sweet second chance romance. Due to their backgrounds and work on a romance podcast, both Juliet and Monroe are very in tune with the other and their own feelings. That doesn’t mean they know how to approach the other or trust them with their heart.
Juliet is the eternal optimist, constantly dating to find the one, yet she always picks duds. Monroe offers professional help through a dating experiment where he pretends to be the man Juliet picks for a date, and then takes her out. The whole thing is a bit odd and corny. I can see how he could help Juliet pick better guys, but there is no reason for him to pretend to be that person on a date. It makes no sense, however, it is the springboard to a physical relationship which blossoms into love.
Narration: The story is shared via the alternating first person POVs of Juliet and Monroe. Both performers are well suited to their main character. Morgan is deep and gravelly. Arndt is upbeat and perky. Both adjust their dialogue based on gender and age with success, although both are best with characters that match the performer’s gender.
The Accidental Dating Experiment is an enjoyable listen. I laughed a few times and even got choked up at a couple more emotional moments. Overall it’s an easy journey filled with some self-reflection, amazing sex, and deepening connections.
My Ratings
Story: B
Narration: B
Jen
About the Book:
Eight years ago I fell into a secret summer fling with my best friend’s little sister before our lives went in different directions. Now, I’m the grumpy to Juliet’s sunshine on a popular dating podcast we host, and when a wealthy fan gives us a charming coastal cottage as the biggest thank you ever, we head to the town where I grew up to give it a makeover.
And find the house has only one bed.
Located under a mirrored ceiling.
To make matters even harder, the bright, big-hearted woman I’ve been pining for tells me she wants to try to find the one and would I please be her dating coach for the week?
Like hell I’ll let her date other men. I’ll coach her on three dates with me.
But the second I take her out, I don’t feel like her teacher. I feel like she’s mine, especially when the first night ends with us tangled up together in that bed.
Each night we grow closer, but this dating experiment forces me to face my greatest fear—whether a man like me is worthy of her love.
Even though I’m already head over heels for her.
Author: Lauren Blakely
Narrator: Andi Arndt, Jacob Morgan
Series: How to Date #4
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Audiobook Release Date: April 11, 2024
Publisher: Audible Originals
Length: 6 hrs and 55 mins
Source: purchased
Audio Speed: 1.35x