Review of The Designated Date by Drew Taylor

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In The Designated Date, Drew Taylor tackles a topic that is often swept under the rug among Christians—sexual temptation, sin, and redemption. They are heavy topics, but as always Drew adds just enough humor and sweetness to keep the deeper things from becoming too much. She doesn’t gloss over the hard things either. She makes her characters work to get through their issues and when they come through their growth is evident.


You may never have dealt with sin in this area, but you likely have or have had your own battles—the things you think God will reject you for. This book reminds you that: If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9 (ESV)


Lucy May Spence works for Stone Harper who has been asking her out for months. He’s known for his lack of commitment, but Lucy is a romantic looking for her happily ever after. When she finally agrees to a fake date things get confusing for both of them. Ultimately both characters are forced to step back and work on their relationship with God, including repenting of their sins.


This story had me on an emotional rollercoaster in the best way. One minute I was giggling at their banter or inner thoughts, the next I was drawn into the turmoil of their situations. It’s a book that had me considering my own walk with God—especially what I hold back from Him and how I can trust Him with those things.


I love that Drew offers resources in the back of the book including books and scripture for those who struggle in this area or need encouragement in their walk with Christ for other reasons.


I highly recommend this book for anyone who loves romance, is a sinner (hint, that’s everyone), and/or doubts that God can forgive them for their sin. It is part of a series but can easily be read alone.


Get it here.

See synopsis below:


The tropes are:

- Fake Dating

- Boss x Employee

- Author/Love-Obsessed FMC

- Player/Non-Committal MMC

- Reverse Age Gap (2 years)

- Third Act Breakup

- He Saves Her

- Faith-Filled


A chance to experience dating my hot boss without commitment? Let’s call it “book research.”

Lucy

“Last Woman Standing” is a title I’d never thought I’d don, but when my sister moves to another country to marry a crown prince, it’s bestowed upon me without my consent.

To make matters worse? My hot playboy boss won’t stop pestering me to go out on a date with him. When all the stars align and I begrudgingly owe him a favor, he whisks me away to his hometown as his fake girlfriend where I… Have the time of my life.

So when he asks me to continue playing pretend with him for a list of future events, who am I to say no? Will I go down in a heap of burning flames? Probably.

Will it be worth it to escape dreadful, lonely boredom? You already know, babe.

Stone

The fiery lioness is making this the most drawn-out fight of my life, but I’m used to winning. The victory blow is a result of a plate of crabs, for which I have never been so thankful for.

Except I begin to falter on my no-commitment policy as she flirts and sasses her way into tearing down my expertly crafted walls. With every touch, kiss, and witty attack, I realize I’ve grown to care about and respect the woman I’ve been playing pretend with, but the past is a haunting devil, constantly reminding me of who I truly am.

Can I continue to fake-date Lucy when I know she’s falling for me? No.

Am I able to be the man she deserves when I carry more baggage than she does on a weekend getaway? I want to try, but I don’t know if it will happen.

The Designated Date is a sizzling closed door fake-dating rom-com with themes of redemption, restoration, and revitalization.


Get it here.


*This book contains multiple closed-door sexual encounters between two people who are unmarried. The message of this story is that God can and will redeem people ensnared in sexual sin. It explores church hurt and how females are often shamed into keeping their sexual sins closeted instead of talking about it. The faith content in this story is heavier than my previous works as it's integral to the storyline and theme. 


Level 2-3 Heat (make outs, no hands described in private areas, tongue implied but not described) 

Implied cursing but nothing explicitly stated


Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the page above are "affiliate links." This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."


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