Review: 10 Blind Dates by Ashley Elston

Sophie Patrick is ready for winter break! With her parents away seeing her sister, Sophie finally has the freedom to spend time with her boyfriend. But when Sophie surprises him at a party, she overhears him telling his friend that he wants a break. He wants to have fun and Sophie isn’t fun.

Sophie leaves the party in tears and shows up at her nonna’s house for the holidays. Her nonna wants to help Sophie’s broken heart and devises a family plan: 10 days of 10 dates. Family members get to reserve days to set Sophie up on a series of blind dates. Art first Sophie is horrified, but then uses it as a way to spend quality time with her large Italian family. Besides, she’s missed her cousins Olivia Perkins and Charlie Messina, plus Charlie’s best (and cute) friend Wes.

These dates range from Christmas parties, to having to play Mary in a middle school nativity scene (Sophie is 18!), to joining a Game of Thrones themed bowling team. Some of them go better than others and certain family members should never set people up EVER again.

Despite the craziness, Sophie realizes that she missed her family and that her relationship with Griffin might have held her back. When Griffin comes waltzing back into her life begging for a second chance, Sophie has to decide whether to go back to her safe bubble, or take a chance on a guy who might not feel the same way.

This book was laugh out loud enjoyable. We loved Sophie’s family and their fun/over the top reunions. In fact, Christy can relate to having a million Italian cousins. There is never a dull moment!

Sophie’s dates range from extremely fun to get me out of here! Elston’s date ideas were insanely creative, making us wonder if a similar situation happened in her family. All of the wildness is what Sophie needed. She did not realize how stuck she felt and her family forced her out of her comfort zone. All of the dates taught her something, except for the one the evil Jos planned. Sophie has twin cousins, both with Jo in their name and they really are evil.

While this is going on, Sophie mends her relationship with Charlie, Olivia and Wes, who she used to spend more time with. Their name growing up was the fab four. Since Sophie lived further away, it cut into their quality time. Charlie, Olivia and Wes are determined to keep Sophie around more.

Finally, Sophie learns so much about herself and what she wants for her future. The blind dates are more about Sophie finding herself than finding a new guy. Luckily, she may be able to do both!

The ending might be a tad predictable. However, this is the feel-good romance that everyone needs for the holiday season. It will make you want to spend time with your crazy family and meet a cute new guy.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐