The Dating Playbook by Farrah Rochon | Book Review

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When a personal trainer agrees to fake date her client, all rules are out the window in this "fun, heartfelt, and totally relatable" romantic comedy named one of the best of the year by USA Today, NPR, and Entertainment Weekly (Abby Jimenez, NYT bestselling author of Life's Too Short).

When it comes to personal training, Taylor Powell kicks serious butt. Unfortunately, her bills are piling up, rent is due, and the money situation is dire. Taylor needs more than the support of her new best friends, Samiah and London. She needs a miracle.

And Jamar Dixon might just be it. The oh-so-fine former footballer wants back into the NFL, and he wants Taylor to train him. There's just one catch—no one can know what they're doing. But when they're accidentally outed as a couple, Taylor's game plan is turned completely upside down. Is Jamar just playing to win . . . or is he playing for keeps?

USA Today Best Rom-Coms of 2021
NPR Best Romances of 2021
Kirkus Best Romances of the Year
Vulture Best Romances of 2021
SheReads Best of the Year nominee – Romance
 

When you start your reading for the year and are battling the rona, you want to ensure you are reading something really good. Enter The Dating Playbook by Farrah Rochon. I knew going in to expect excellence. Plus, I would be reading a book that is a romantic comedy with a trope that I just love. I knew I would enjoy the second of this series — but I did not realize how much! The Dating Playbook completely delivered on my expectations.

The second book of the trilogy follows Taylor. To recap — three Black women go out on a date with this guy named Craig — thinking he was exclusive to each one. The women find out about each other and somehow a video of what happens when they find out goes viral. They end up becoming a support system to each other and great friends. The first book, The Boyfriend Project was about Samiah. The second book is about Taylor Powell.

Taylor is a fitness expert. She has these work out routines that will whip you right into shape. Taylor is trying to get her business Taylor’d Conditioning off the ground, but hitting a brick wall. The bills are coming due and she’s broke. Enter Jamar Dixon. Jamar wants to get back into playing football professionally after having to leave the league early when he blew his knee out. He turns to Taylor for help getting back into sporting shape. This is awesome for Taylor, except that she needs to keep training him a secret. When the two are caught out, Taylor blurts the one thing that comes to mind – that they are dating. And thus one of my favorite tropes begins — FAKE DATING.

I genuinely loved The Dating Playbook. It made me want to work out, ha. Rochon makes it sound fun — same with shopping for vegetables. I found myself genuinely rooting for Taylor and Jamar. I wanted Taylor’s business to succeed and really get off the ground. When it came to a pivot that Taylor had made with her goals, I was so excited. Also, I loved the vulnerability she exhibited for feeling less than because of not being good at school or having her degree. Taylor compares herself to London and Samiah and doesn’t feel as together as they are. However, she sells herself short — overall, she is awesome. She is kind, passionate, and knowledgeable. Jamar is an admirable love interest with such drive. Recommend for a solid romantic comedy lead starring two Black leads.

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April (Books&Wine)

April is in her 30s and created Good Books And Good Wine. She works for a non-profit. April always has a book on hand. In her free time she can be found binge watching The Office with her husband and toddler, spending way too much time on Pinterest or exploring her neighborhood.

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