Review: 3.5 stars -  Misunderstandings delay the HEA
Rating: 3 out of 5
Date: 08 4, 2012
There are interesting parts to the story and a decent cast of characters but The Reluctant Date really didn't end up being what I expected from the blurb. I was expecting something a bit more chicklit-y with the internet-date-a-month-challenge the leading lady Claire has reluctantly taken on, but that is pretty much behind her as much of the story happen after Claire's final date - a date which is a surprise for the leading man Daniel whose brother signed Daniel up for the date.Since both of the pair aren't really interested in pursuing a relationship and make that clear to the other on their first meeting - and since neither are willing to admit that by the end of the evening that is no longer on the case as both are quite taken with each other - the whole story ends up being a series of misinterpretations by Claire and Daniel of the other's actions and feelings.  These misunderstandings serve to keep the pair apart until the absolute end of the story and as such, even though I liked both of the characters, the romance just didn't work for me.Still, while 'big misunderstanding' as the source of conflict is not a favorite trope for me, if you are looking for an old-school romance, this story is put together well and the author has a decent pedigree - she apparently wrote a lot of romances in the 80's as Anne Beverley.(One really minor nit that I just have to mention is that the American contingent of the cast use some not so American expressions and terms in their speech as the author is from the UK 'side of the pond'.)