Ben and Anna are deeply attracted to each other from the start, but I liked how the author doesn’t fall into an insta-lust equals insta-couple trap ... I’ve read all of Ms. Guillory’s books and I found this one to have the highest heat factor ... Ben is fantastic—sweet, humorous, smart, caring—I absolutely loved him. A lot of times when I read a player/rake character, I wonder what, outside their stellar looks, a woman could possibly see in them because they tend to be such jerks. Not Ben. I could easily see why women would be lining up for a fling—he’s just so fun and hot and wonderful ... Anna comes across as kind of high maintenance. I liked her but when the book was finished, I felt she still had some growing to do before she became a perfect partner for Ben. That’s a quibble, though, in an otherwise excellent novel. I think fans of the author’s will absolutely love While We Were Dating.
... this book tells a story that goes deeper than just physical attraction, to explore what it means to be emotionally intimate with another person ... From discussions about mental health and anxiety to intricate family relationships that shape Ben's views on commitment, While We Were Dating make its reader appreciate the memorable story ... This book is also a quick read with fun characters and an alluring plot, so you can enjoy it whenever you're looking to let your mind escape.
... a lovely addition to Guillory’s Wedding Date canon ... Anna and Ben’s story features the same blend of banter, sexual tension, and mutual support that Guillory has perfected, and the book’s emphasis on mental health is also a poignant touch ... There’s also a Maddie and Theo cameo, which series fans are sure to enjoy.
A subplot about Ben’s newly discovered biological sister can feel like a bit of an afterthought, though it does lead him to revisit some of his childhood demons. But his story prompts more insights into these characters who are unafraid to be honest with each other about the benefits of therapy. Longtime fans will love settling back into this familiar world, especially when they get glimpses of beloved characters from previous titles. Just like opening one of Guillory’s novels feels like taking a trip to a more rose-colored version of the world, encountering these characters feels like reuniting with old friends.
Guillory's latest...weaves serious issues, including mental health and parental abandonment, through a believable romance that features relatable, good-hearted protagonists ... Recommend to the author's many fans, and readers who enjoyed the film Notting Hill.
Guillory continues to thril ... Readers who enjoy tales of the rich and famous will swoon over red-carpet dress fittings and paparazzi-dodging hijinks. Tender love scenes and a believable romantic awakening that builds slowly while taking mental health issues seriously further demonstrate Guillory’s storytelling star power.
Guillory infuses ample charm and wit in Ben and Anna’s interactions as she deftly highlights the lack of public sensitivity to mental health issues and the prevalence of sizeism and racism in popular culture. While several characters introduced in Guillory’s previous works make interesting and welcome appearances, Ben and Anna remain conspicuously one-note. He is endlessly considerate, she leans on him repeatedly, and their struggles, imperfections, and vulnerabilities are dealt with perfunctorily. But the camaraderie among Ben, Anna, and their respective families is always entertaining and often heartwarming. A light, frothy, and fun concoction.
