Everyone’s hounding her to find the perfect man—but date after date, she just seems to be flirting with disaster . . .
Jenny is just fine with being single and spending evenings with her cat, Bing Clawsby—even if he does have a habit of leaving dead mice, and other unpleasant things, in the most unexpected places. Besides, she has a friend with benefits to turn to when she needs company.
But her engaged best friend is nagging her to go on blind dates and get onto the dating apps. Not to mention her mother, who is desperate for Jenny to settle down. So she gives in to the pressure—and endures a string of disastrous and awkward encounters that make picking up after Bing seem fun in comparison.
Forget the guy who carries live rodents in his pocket. Forget the guy who showed up naked on FaceTime. The only man who really gets her heart racing is her workmate Zack . . . but she’s convinced he’s out of her league. Will Jenny ever find non-feline companionship—or is she destined to stay single for good?
BLIND DATE by Debbie Ioanna is a new romcom by a new to me author that kept surprising me and making me laugh out loud even in public. This is a lighthearted delight of a story for a short and easy-to-read escape especially in these difficult times.
Jenny is thirty years old and has everything a girl could want. She owns her home has a good job and the best BF ever, Sarah. She even at time likes her rescue cat, Bing Clawsby, who makes it his life’s duty to destroy and surprise.
But Jenny can never find “The One”. Sarah sets her up on a disastrous blind date and then encourages Jenny to try a dating app. Delete. Her mother even attempts to play matchmaker. Escape. Jenny is even finding her sometimes hook-up buddy, not really working out.
Jenny wants the perfect man from work, Zach. When the stars align and Zach finally asks Jenny out, not once, but twice the dates are aborted. Will Jenny get the man of her dreams, or is she destined to be single for the rest of her life?
I did not want this book to end! Jenny is relatable, realistic and I would love to be her friend. Ms. Ioanna has created a lovable main character and a fun set of secondary characters that completely whisked me away from my own life and had me laughing, unlady like snorting and completely entertained.
I highly recommend this romcon and dare you not to laugh!
Jenny is single, which automatically means everyone needs to set her up. How will all these dodgy dates compare, when she is already crushing on the perfect guy.
I bought a kindle copy after meeting the author at the UK Indie Lit Fest, which is always awesome.
This was fun. It was light and silly. The humour verged on crude in places, but it was still hilarious.
Jenny is great, she's an average woman who is happy with her life. She has an everyday job which pays the bills, she has her own place and a less-than-loving cat. She's not in any rush to be in a relationship, but between her pushy mother, and her engaged best friend (who is insisting she bring a date to the wedding), Jenny reluctantly decides to try a few dates, whilst coming to terms with the fact that she can't speak two words to the guy she really fancies.
It was so funny and so relatable, to follow Jenny's misadventures, trying to negotiate dreadful blind dates that had been set up by her well-meaning mother; or being set-up with a guy that her best friend has never even met. Never mind the new complications from old male friends who just can't seem to understand the term 'friend'. All the while, it's cute how she's finally talking to her crush, Zack, instead of staring and pining.
I love Bing the cat. I had to mention him. He is amazingly awesome and hilarious in his own way. Knowing my luck, he's the type of cat I'd end up with (if my fella wasn't allergic to them).
Overall, this was a fun, light read that doesn't take itself serious. It's a short book, following an everyday woman with everyday issues, but the author has turned this normal into something very entertaining.
5☆ Entertaining, Light Hearted, Fun, Laugh out Loud, Disastrous Rom Com!
Blind Date is a light hearted, laugh out loud, disastrous rom com and I absolutely loved it! Exactly what I needed something that I could lose myself in and laugh along with!
Jenny has had a her fair share of Disastrous dates and believe me there is plenty to read about!
Her Best friend Sarah has a way of persuading Jenny to do things out of her comfort zone. Especially when it comes to men and dating. Even signing her up on a dating App
But can Jenny ever find "The One", pluck up the courage to ask out the very elusive Zach, or is she destined to be on her own putting up with sleazy men, rubbish sex, mishaps and plenty of drama!
Jenny is such a relatable, warm, likeable character, I can see many people reading her story nodding their head in agreement or maybe even relieving even worse stories!
But the best character of all and the best name for a fur baby has to go to...Bing Clawsby.... what a fantastic name and such an adorable, mischievous, cheeky Kitty that had me laughing out loud! Just reminds me of my fur baby, although she doesn't leave dead mice in the toilet... she brings live ones into the house and let's them go and walks out leaving us screaming lol!
Blind Date is a thoroughly enjoyable and entertaining read, that had me laughing out loud, giggling and willing Jenny to find Love! It's such a relatable and current read that I think will appeal to so many readers for so many different reasons. The humour was my kind of humour, the dates were at times a lil bit cringeworthy but so bloomin funny as well. I can't recommend reading this book enough!
Thank you to Dampebbles Tours for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
You can Find this Review and all my Other Reviews on My Blog :-
I picked up another British novel told by a very frustrated and zany single woman trying to survive the most hilarious and awkward blind dates imaginable.
Jenny is your typical 30-year-old single woman with a cat from hell trying to weed out the duds and find her perfect man. Unfortunately, for her, the duds are winning. But what about her gorgeous co-worker, Zack, who she is drooling over from afar? At first, he is just friendly, but is that interest she sees in his eyes? When she finally gets an opportunity with him, it doesn't turn out as she plans.
Jenny and her friend Sarah are so close, they can finish each other sentences. In fact, Sarah is Jenny's phone call when a date is going bad which is happening a lot for Jenny lately. She wishes she could find a good man like Max, Sarah's fiance, but it is what it is. When Jenny finds out Sarah is moving to another country due to Max's new job, the tears fall and big changes are in store. But sometimes things are not all that they seem.
I laughed so hard at some of the extremely cringe-worthy scenes that I almost fell off my chair. The author has a brilliant way of describing the real and oh so awkward blind date encounters. In fact, you will never feel the same about Chinese food again. The book is a fast and refreshing read for these strange times. Recommend highly!
Thank you to Ms. Ioanna for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.
“Thirty-year-old Jenny has it all: a house, a job, great friends (one that comes with benefits), and a cat that is trying to kill her. What more could she want? Oh yes, the handsome hunk she shares an office with that she can’t stop fantasizing about.” Jenny is on a series of blind dates. Her friend has pushed her into a dating app and is also setting her up with dates as are others including her own mother. The dates range from odd to weird and all stops in between. All Jenny wants is a normal human being. She has always liked Zach who occasionally works from her office, however every single time she sees him she manages to do something disastrous which ruins any chances of him even thinking about her in a serious way. The last time she saw him she had had rather too much to drink and had tiramisu all down her. I liked Jenny and her down to earth approach. Her friend Sarah being always there for her is something to treasure. An enjoyable read, a fun read,one most women can relate to in one way or another. A little escapism in these troubled times and one that left me with a much needed smile.
I’ve been so excited for this one after seeing it on my list. As the romance lover of the group I was so excited when I finally got to this one. I haven’t been disappointed. The story is as gorgeous as the super appealing cover. This is witty and engaging with moments that have made me laugh so much I’ve snorted. The writer has also included moments which as a reader will make you cringe but it makes for a great read. I cannot say anything negative about this book. The author has pulled me in and made me want more. I knew from the cover that I was going to love this book. This is a book which I have devoured in one sitting, it is a truly amazing read which should be on everyone’s TBR. I’m excited to read the next instalment.
A real laugh out loud, romantic comedy. I had some really strange looks as I strolled into work reading this book and giggling to myself. I could not put the book down it was so funny. If I were not so tired I would have read the book in one sitting.
The main character Jenny is repeatedly going on blind dates, these being set up not only by her friend but her mother too. Poor Jenny, she never has much luck. The guy at work she fancies does not seem to be the least bit interested either.
Finally, Zack does notice but the date goes from one disaster to another. Will Jenny ever find her dream man?
Blind Date by Debbie Ioanna is literally HILARIOUS! 😂 As you can probably tell, it is a romantic comedy. Gosh, I loved this book so much. It was making me laugh the whole time and I really enjoyed this read! 😊
To be honest, I loved it even more than I thought I would. If you haven’t read this book yet then I think you should. I’m not that into comedy but this one has taken my heart. ❤️ Honestly, it wasn’t dull but it also wasn’t “too much” I’m very impressed with this!!!
Read this book in 3 days. Loved it . Such an easy read , some funny bits too. Can’t wait to read Holiday Date coming out soon. Would definitely recommend this book
I loved this audiobook not only was it a sweet story about unlucky In love Jenny who through a series of dating disasters I totally fell in love with. This book did not disappoint and I can’t wait for book two. Also I really enjoyed the narration. Very funny and warm book about how imperfect life can be.
This is a brilliantly funny book which actually made me laugh aloud at some of the antics that go on during blind dates. The story is a very funny look at dating for a 30 year old now. The story follows a 30 year old who is desperate to find love so allows her best friend and her mother to set her up on some awful dates, all the while pining over someone who works for the same company as her.
What do you get if you throw in a witty singleton, a fabulous bestie, an cat with an angry disposition, a nagging mother and a string of terrible blind dates?
Answer - An hilarious novella guaranteed to blow away the lock down blues.
This novella is just a breath of fresh air and was exactly what I didn't know I needed.
Jenny is single and fed up. Her mother and best friend constantly try to fix her up with a variety of men and the whole thing is just cringeworthy hilarious. The dates themselves are written in such a witty way and I get the feeling some of them are from experience of the writer knows people who have experienced these dates. I have to say, I was torn in two about how this novel would end and it wasn't the way I was rooting for but I still loved it.
The novel is written in first person from Jenny's perspective and for me I felt as though I was experiencing this from a little window in her head. I just completely got lost in her wonderful character and I love her sarcasm and sharpness but how she is always kind with it. She is down to Earth and the sort of person I would become best friends with instantly.
All the characters were written well but Bing Clawsby (the cat) deserves an extra special shout out. As a cat owner I fully identified with some of the descriptions of his behaviour and the relationship he has with Jenny. I think Bing totally stole the show and I often found myself giggling out loud at his antics.
Set in Halifax and other surrounding areas, it was great to see some places that I recognised and Debbie has obviously used the 'real' Halifax in her novel. I got a real sense of the places Jenny visited and it really added to the more realistic feel of the whole novel.
The writing is superb, it has a great pace and is full of wit and humour. Jenny is a wonderful character and this book really cheered me up. I cannot recommend it enough and I am looking forward to reading the next installment in the very near future.
I’ve been so excited to start reading this one for so long – a book written by a fellow Yorkshire lass! I should have known from that little fact alone that I was going to enjoy this story, and thankfully, she didn’t disappoint! Set in a Yorkshire town, I felt a little more attached to this book than I had any other. I think if I’d have read this in one sitting, my face would be hurting from smiling so much – the humour was right up my street and was consistent all the way through. We hear about Jenny’s numerous blind dates in the book which were truly awful, but made wonderful entertainment for us readers. She has some of the worst luck in the world! The book is so relatable to us on many levels, and the author has really focused on Jenny’s character, making her so lovable. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series already! Perfect for all rom-com lovers :)
Having lived in Halifax West Yorkshire (about 25 years ago) I was intrigued to read this book. I had a blind date too - from Heptonstall near Hebden Bridge- so fond memories. I loved the references to this industrial and reborn town - it took me right back.
Like Jenny the main character I too had some horrendous blind dates but the book is so funny she is continually going on the dates to find the perfect man (does he exist- fun trying) but this is not just her doing her mother and friend are setting her up too!
There is a chap at work and he appears disinterested, but when he does appear interested this goes from bad to worse. Will poor Jenny ever find the "right man"? readers you will need to read this fun book preferably in one sitting.
This was a fun read which was light and silly in some places with some laugh out loud cringe moments.
I think the main character Jenny is really relateable - she isn't perfect by any means and seems down to earth. I feel like she could be one of my mates actually!
Before I met my husband I had some horrendous blind dates just like Jenny does in this book.
Will Jenny ever have a good blind date? Will she meet the man of her dreams?
Maybe not with the rate of disaster dates she's being set up on by her mother and best friend!
Jenny fancies a bloke at work but are the feelings mutual?
Blind Date is definitely a book that will seriously cheer you up and perfect for a cold damp day to snuggle up with.
I absolutely adored this book. I have read a fair few rom-coms and I have to say this is up there with the best, very reminiscent of Zara Stoneley’s style. In my opinion it is flawless. The characters are so loveable. Bing the cat is awesome, I love it when an author adds an animal character to a story and especially one as lively as Bing. A totally relatable story that keeps you interested and laughing the whole way through. Definitely a book that will seriously cheer you up and perfect for a cold damp day to snuggle up with. 1000% recommended this book.
This is a really easy, fun read. Follow the months of Jenny who, in search of the perfect man (who she knows, but has never gone out with), goes on a load of blind dates. ranging from the sublime to the bonkers. Oh, and she has this cat! he isn't the most loving!
I’m a slow reader and I devoured this book in a weekend! This is so well written. There’s hilarious moments in every chapter, and jokes that are weaved through the book that get funnier ever time.
I loved so many of the characters. Bing is my all time favourite fictional pet. Sarah is an amazing BFF! The dream guy was perfection. I lived for every moment in his presence.
I had a friend that went on some entertaining blind dates and this book brought those stories back. Read it!
I listened to this on Audible and Really enjoyed it. It's funny and heartwarming, had me giggling and cringing. A great holiday read/listen and perfect for those lazy days in the sun.
I absolutely loved listening to the audio version of this story. It is a really funny rom com that had me laughing out loud at parts. The main characters was very likeable and relatable and I was rooting for her all the way through. The narrator was great and brought the story to life. I would definitely recommend this book and will be sure to look out for more by this author! 😀👍🏻
I wish this book had been around when I was in my 20s or early 30s, because I was (to some extent) Jenny, and know I would have loved it. Now in my (very early) 40s and settled down with kids, I found it hard to relate to her. However, there are lots of laugh out loud bits, and an enjoyable read. I'll definitely be checking out the follow up Holiday Date, and have just seen it's available on Kindle Unlimited - result!
Loved this book! I’m not a big rom-com person, but this book had me laughing and wanting to know more. I could not put it down and was sad when I finished reading it. The main character is witty, down to earth and very relatable. The end left a big smile on my face and I thought it was the perfect ending to a good story.
Great, light hearted read. Thoroughly enjoyed reading this. The lead character is relatable & likeable & the antics of her cat were highly amusing. I would have given 5 stars but did feel that the story came to a bit of an abrupt end - I wanted more!! Look forward to reading more by this author.
Blind Date is a perfect quick read for a flight, car ride, or a weekend of reading escape! Jenny’s story is funny, relatable, and predictable enough to be comfortable and un-put-down-able at the same time. I was disappointed with the abrupt ending, but enjoyed the book and hope there’s a sequel so I can find out what happens with Jenny and her dream guy!
I read Blind Date to provide an honest review for Bloodhounds Books.
Loved this book. Had me chuckling at the ridiculous scenarios Jenny found herself in while meeting the men that her mother and best friend set her up with. A heart warming easy read. I would love Jenny as my friend. I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest opinion.
Loved this book! I sat down to read it today and read the whole novel in one go. It's just such a fun, upbeat and quirky book. Jenny is a brilliant heroine - she's a bit awkward, a bit slobby (in a relatable way!), honest, endearing and genuinely funny. I found myself snorting with laughter at some of her lines and some of the situations she gets herself into - some of the sex scenes are hilariously relatable. The sex scene that seemed to go on forever was so funny and really well-written (might have experienced something similar...!). Also the flatulent aftermath of eating Chinese with a friend with benefits! Ah, so funny. I loved reading this book - it was like reading the kind of cringey, hilarious, intimate anecdotes you share with your close friends. Definitely recommend if you're looking for a laugh and to feel uplifted.
Debbie Ionna’s Blind Date was an easy, entertaining read which would be ideal for a holiday or weekend escape from reality! It took a couple of chapters to warm to the main character, Jenny, and after that, the writer kept it pacy with numerous anecdotes of her various blind date set-ups made by her mother of all people and her friend, descriptions of her single home life ( including the aggressive cat)and work dynamics which main,y includes her crush at work. Her writing style made it easy to get into the book and she did not drag any stories out like many do in a rom-com novel. I thought the story with her best friend and her fiancé was left unfinished, but I see in Amazon there is a second book to come which might be why it is left like that. Much recommended for a bit of escapism!
I enjoyed reading this funny romance story. This is still a newer author for me which I look forward to reading more from in the future. I found this book to be well written and fast paced. A story where Jenny takes you on an adventure through her crazy dates and sexual encounters. She makes the story funny to read especially the embarassing encounters with sex. I enjoyed how the author used details to make the story pop and kept me coming back for more. This is an engaging story that is hard to put down. It is one you don't want to miss, it will brighten your day for sure. This is a great story that I highly recommend.