Dating-ish (Knitting in the City Book 6)

Full disclosure--I adore Penny and pretty much everything she writes. I am always thinking that maybe I won't like one of her books as much as the last one, but it's never the case. Every damn time she surprises, delights and makes me think.
I was worried about Marie's book because I felt the least kinship with her, but boy oh boy was she a fabulous character. Such a smart, driven, and flawed woman. I love Marie.
I also love Dan, phew, who wouldn't?
I hope you pick up the whole series if you haven't already because even though it's a stand-alone, it is so much richer if you know the rest of the gang.
While you're reading, I'm just sitting here waiting for the next Penny book! ENJOY you smart smart people!!

I really enjoyed this book and all the references about using robotics or paid services to assuage loneliness. Marie and Matt met under a deceptive situation and though Marie found Matt attractive, she did not like his personality. After learning that he had commitment phobia, she built walls to protect herself from him. However they kept crossing paths and gradually became good friends. There was quite a bit of angst in this book and I felt very sympathetic towards Matt.

Oh Penny Reid - this book of yours, this smart, funny, sometimes sad, but always hopeful book has become my new favourite. This makes me a little sad about the fact I am betraying the awesomeness that is Cletus but I think if he read this book he'd understand. It would be his favourite too.

Last night I had to explain to my husband of 21 years that I might just be a little in love with someone else. Matt has stolen a little of my heart. He smiled at me and said ok babe. See he gets it. He understands my love for Penny's male characters. Oh and I might have a not so small girl crush on Marie too.

This beautiful book gave me many feels. So, so many feels. I was smiling like a loon (a lot), laughing loudly (a lot), quietly crying while holding my chest (a lot), feeling hopeful, feeling concern over the ethics of AI, laughing some more, remembering how important great friends are, and finally left with a strong desire to bake a coconut cake.

I feel that all great books make you think. This one gave me lots of what I call "pause and think" moments. It's when I have to physically put the book down, stop reading, and ponder the awesomeness of the words in a sentence or better still the meaning behind them. I love this in a book. Dating'ish is the first time I have also kept a notebook and pen handy so I could list all the topics I wanted to google later. This makes me smile. A lot.

I have sooooooo many favourite quotes and notes in my review folder but I have decided I am not going to use them - I don't want to risk ruining someone's reading experience. So I will allow myself just my three favourites -

Whoremones
You are the sine to my cosine
Because of Laws

So in ending my rambling review, I will say that I always try to be open minded about what people read - who am I to judge what others enjoy reading, but with this book I can't. I feel so enamoured with it I worry if one of my book friends doesn't love it unconditionally I may have to unfriend them. Consider yourselves warned

As always I absolutely love PR’s characters. Matt and Marie are both awesome and definitely suited, as my Winton boys would say. However there is something I didn’t love about this book, though I can’t put me finger on it. It could very well be that I didn’t understand a lot of the technology stuff. But I don’t think that’s it. Anyhow, and that being said, I was greatly entertained once again. Now the wait starts a new!

I would just say "thank you" but surely more words of gratitude & appreciation are required. I'll still start with thanks though: for making a week visiting with the family (mom & sis: love 'em to death but could kill them sometimes) much more agreeable than it would have been without Marie & Matt's heartfelt story. Thanks for the "deplorables", the "close but unseen onion", the news from the rest of the gang, the slow growth & burn, the permanent smile on my face, the anticipation, the truth, the sweetness, the sexiness, the cleverness of your book. I'm standing in a ridiculously long line in customs waiting for my passport to be vouched after 8 hours of flight, but my smile hasn't waivered... Thank you, Mrs. Reid <3

I have one MAJOR issue, with every single one of Penny Reid's books-- I am bummed out after I finish reading it. I want more!!! This was the case with Dating-ish. I got so attached to Maria and Matt, I wanted to hang out with them some more. Once again, Penny's smart, funny fiction entertained me, educated me and made me swoon. I felt like I was catching up with my whole knitting club cast of friends. I will say I am seeing AI references all over the place since finishing. Even one where you can replace someone with their AI version after they die (eeee gads)!

Love the characters in this series. Each gal in the knitting series has a delightful talent as does her love interest. This story is again so informative and intelligent and heartfelt. I got married at age 38 so I know how Marie was feeling as a single person looking for her 'right' person and Penny describes it all beautifully. Where is Marie and Mike's bonus story?

Penny Reid does it again with another installment about a group of women with whom I want to be friends. The subject - adult relationships - is laced with smart and witty dialogue as well as references to robotics that had me thinking about how compassion and connectedness are crucial to being human.
I am going to go back to re-read the other "Knitting in the City" books so I can remember how enjoyable solid writing and interesting characters can be. I re-read Ashley and Drew's story earlier in the spring which led to a re-read of the brothers Winston books.
Get to know these humans -

Penny Reid up-levels her writing in new and thoughtful ways with each book. So, it's easy to say that this is my new favorite PR book... since the last one. Things to expect: intellectual growth, thoughtful insight into values driven contemplation from the characters, creative and fun use of language, wit, yummy sauce, and finally a personal inner conflict about finishing or not finishing the book, knowing there is waiting time until the next PR book.

This is probably my least favourite Penny Reid novel. However, as her contemporary romance is head and shoulders above everything else I've read, that still makes it pretty good. I just found these characters less memorable than on previous novels. Possibly this relates to this being the second last novel in the series. A good part of the series but not a stand out like the earlier novels. 3:5 stars or 4.25 romance stars

Everytime i think Penny Reid can't surprise me anymore she goes and does it. I think she is one of the best authors in the genre. I love that in writing what is unexpected she gives us both what we want and didn't know we need in a book.
If you love characters that feel real but are also what you would never expect then this book is for you.
Marie was always the one character in the Knitting series that i couldn't get a sense of. She always faded into the backgroung and because of that i was not as excited for this book as the others in the series. But, boy, i was never so glad to be wrong. I loved that she was so normal and that's what made her so special. And that is the power of Penny's writing.
I hope you too give this book a chance and fall in love with the normal, the weird and the robots.?
I wish i had not read it so i could have the feeling of reading it again for the first.☺

What can I say about this book? It was wonderful. It was spot on about the dating world, and Marie was a character I could truly identify with. This series has been and will always be one of my favorites. I can reread these books at any time. I am looking forward to the next book, but at the same time I am a bit sad that this series will be coming to an end. I definitely recommend this book, this series and this amazing author.

Awesome continuation to the KITC books. If you haven't read them. Read them. Helpful to read them in order but not essential. Marie is a great, well rounded character. Helpful to read Happily Ever Ninja before her story though because it sets up her story nicely. Ms. Reid is a talented and witty writer. Characters are always entertaining and the dialogue sparkles.

I absolutely feel in love with Penny Reid's Knitting in the City series with Janie and Ashley's stories being my favorites. I am a little disappointed with this novel. In comparison to most authors in this genre, I still adore Ms. Reid's writing, hence the 3 stars.

I always feel smarter after reading a Penny Reid book. I love that the author never shies away from the intelligent conversations between the characters. The conversations are a highlight for me. They always have an underlying deeper meaning. Penny Reid is exceptional. The storylines are like no other, the characters are like no other. I will forever be in awe of this authors books.

A very worthy addition to the Knitting in the City series. I wasn't sure how much I'd enjoy this book, but Penny does another amazing job. Great characters that grow over the story. A totally satisfying ending. I can't wait for whatever Mrs. Reid writes next.

As always Penny Reid gives her readers massive feels for her characters!!!! You fall for the real life situation they have and the problems the encounter like it was told to you from a friend. Penny has a way to make your fall in love over and over again with her characters with their unique outlook in life!!! She makes you crave to have friends like that in real life and the fairy tale ending they all encounter!!!

Thank you for another amazing read!!!!

Received sample of this book, at the end of another enjoyable story and had to buy it to finish. First time I've spent over $2.99 for an E-book. Well worth the money. Characters were perfect and funny. Some big words included, I have no idea the meaning of but story line kept my interest till the last word. Will look into purchasing her other stories in the future.

Another great book from one of my favorite authors. Loved the main characters, both of them brilliantly written and developed. The banter had me grinning and chuckling, and reminded me of the great Rom-coms that we all watched in the nineties. What I love about Penny's heroines is that they're all smart, capable women, and Marie Harris is whip smart. Great, GREAT book and a repeat read for me.

I really enjoy reading contemporary romances with intelligent women in the main role. Penny Reid writes about interesting intelligent women who are just looking for mr right. The guys are flawed too, and their stories are wonderful. I’ve already preordered the last book of this series as well as the next book of the Winston brothers series.

Matt and Marie are a besotted pair that thinks the other has relegated them to the friendzone. They date without realizing it, fall love without realizing it, and lead each other on adventures with their job-related work.

A Penny Reid classic.

Very well written, clever romance with a lot of heart. Part of a series but standalone, adult characters with careers, hea. If you are interested in a sweet story that is fun and witty but still sincere and heartfelt, I do recommend this romance!

I enjoyed hearing more about Marie. I love the character development, learning Marie's challenges with communicating successfully with Matt and their growth as people and as a couple. I really appreciate the humor and real life events that are woven into the story. It makes the story so much richer, sweeter and more humorous.
I am a big fan of all books by Penny Reid.

Fabulous read, wonderfully funny, Penny simply never disappoints. If you like your characters smart, dialogue real and romance funny AND sexy then this is the book for you! I anxiously await each of Penny's books and she never lets me down (no pressure Penny (lol) - she never and I mean NEVER talks down to the reader in any way and it is such a refreshing thing. Her world is a wonderful one and one I encourage everyone to visit!

I found this book very fascinating, and different from Reid's other books. While you could read the romantic attraction, there were a lot less "hot scenes" than is typical. Overall, a fantastic Reid, I mean read.

My all-time favorite author does it again. Storytelling at its best, with humor and quirky characters that you can't help but fall in love with. This can be read independently of the series and out of order, but If you're new to Penny Reid start with the beginning Knitting in the City books.

This women.... Mrs. Reid you are so wicked.
You do those slow burn things that are so so good. And don't get me started on the intelligence and the sense of humor that is lol. It's just romance at its best.
I loved it. As in really loved it.
Please hurry. I need another one. Fast.
Pretty please.

Another quirky and fun romance from Penny Reid. Love the stories from this knitting group. Marie comes across as a plain Jane but her research into alternative ways to do romance are hilarious! Matt was a perfect match to her as her is all about science.

I find everything Penny Reid writes smart, funny, unique and charming. I would probably giggle at a grocery list she scribbled on a napkin. Matt and Marie (M&M) are adorable and they both have pretty clear beliefs about the world. They also trust what the other says about themselves which makes their path such a roundabout but ultimately worthwhile journey. I never tire of smart, funny, unique and charming!

From the first chapter until the last I cannot count how many times I laughed out loud or copied my favorite lines to share with friends!
These two manage to friend zone each when that's not what either needs or wants as in all good love stories love does find a way.

She did it again!! This is a beautiful, unique story about friendship and love that makes you feel happy that you read but sad it's over by the end. I think this is one of my top 2 of the Knitting in the City Stories as I can understand the characters and their fears. The friendship and dialogue between the friends is so great! It makes you wish they were real and has their own podcast! I would be a follower. Thanks Penny!!

Penny never fails to weave an expert story, but I have to say that Dating-ish is a complete standout!! Marie and Matt will have you in hysterics as well as hot around the collar, very hot! This is one of my top 3 favorites by Penny! It joins Friends Without Benefits and Beauty & the Mustache. ❤️❤️

Just finished "Dating-ish" and loved it! I highlighted so much text in this book; either for its cleverness or for its insightfulness. Penny Reid writes such smart books! I have absolutely loved the "Knitting in the City" series. Never fails, I experience regular bursts of out-loud laughter with every book! So enjoyable - always a good read! (...by: Renee Cornwell)

I love the characters and their introspection, flaws, and their kayak friends! Love how there's a lot of anticipation built up with the main characters in all of these books, but not over done. The only thing I don't love about these stories is having to wait for the next one! One of my fave authors!

I have thoroughly enjoyed Penny Reid's series. She develops her characters. She ties the stories together seamlessly. Datingish is good not her best (Love Hacked and Neanderthal Seeks Human). The book is good entertainment. It hints at the next book in the series which builds anticipation!

I really liked it. Marie is sneaky, cunning, smart and overall bold. She is self assured and gets attracted to Matt who is very different. He is nerdy, has self worth issues and very brilliant (academically speaking). I was apprehensive about their attraction, but it turned out to be quite smooth.

Loved this book. Smart, funny, emotional in ways you can connect to.

Word of caution: Stick to kindle or paperback for this one. The audiobook narration is awful. She's overly emphatic and taxing to listen to. The narrator tries too hard and it's unrelenting making the audible version of this truly wonderful book unlistenable.

Loved it! I really enjoyed reading about Matt and Marie. I can't wait for book 7 with Dan and Kat. Would definitely recommend. I just reread this and realized that Marie's brother is Abram from the Elements book!!!! Can't wait for more of the Elements series too!

Every book by Penny Reid is a interesting story with amazing characters. I loved Marie with her loyalty and dedication to her friends but also how she is facing her singleness. And Matt, what a caring person despite his insecurities and how he is trying to be a better man. A beautiful love story!!!

If I remember correctly this was my first book by Penny Reid and I avoided it for a little while before finally getting it and I sure was glad I did! I really love the characters she creates who are super down to earth and realistic but it still stays hot and does not get boring. You really see the characters falling in love.

Penny Reid has written another great book! I always enjoy a fun romance novel, but hers always have some bonuses, and this is no exception. I enjoy the humor, nerdiness, and her books as soon as I can get my hands on them and they are the few books I have read multiple times. Buy this and you won't be disappointed. Also, then you should get all the rest of her books and just soak up the goodness!

I switched between the audiobook and ebook. I really enjoyed the H/h and their story. I've been a fan of Ms. Reid for years knowing when I pick up one of her books I'm in for hours of entertainment that will make me smile.