This post was originally published at Novelicious.com and is now at WritingTipsOasis.com. WritingTipsOasis.com acquired Novelicious.com in June 2022.
If you can't date anyone nice, don't date anyone at all…Dating is a dangerous sport. So after her sixth successive failed relationship, romantically-challenged 20-something Sass decides she's had enough. The Dating Detox is born. No men, no break-ups, no problem. The result? Her life — usually joyfully/traumatically occupied with dates, clothes and vodka — is finally easy. Chastity rocks. No wonder nuns are always singing. Everything falls at her feet. Especially men. Will Sass break the rules? Why does fate keep throwing her in the path of the irritatingly amusing — and gorgeous — Jake? Will she ever roll the dice and play again? Or is a love-free life too good to risk losing? For the post-Carrie Bradshaw, post-Bridget Jones, post-credit crunch generation of singles, life isn't beautiful, a bitch, or a beach. It's a party.
I bought this book after happening upon Gemma Burgess’ Name That Bastard website (a call out for help with naming the bastard of her next book) and it made me snort loudly with mirth. This was encouraging.
The Dating Detox marks itself as an ‘anti romantic comedy’. And while this is true in the sense that the main focus is not purely about the protagonist finding a man, there are plenty of romantic goings-on within the pages, for those of you who like to read about lurve.
What stood out for me while reading this book was the voice. Its witty, conversational tone made me feel as if I knew the character of Sass and experienced the journey of the dating detox alongside her. It was kind of like chatting to a mate. A hilarious mate. The supporting cast were fun, unique and a joy to read.
I like my novels with a large dose of comedy. And The Dating Detox really delivers the laughs. Gemma has a brilliant way with words. The dialogue was sparkly and sharp, the situational comedy well observed, and the various bastardos (in particular, Rick) total comedy brilliance.
This book is slightly left of chick lit. While it contains all the elements of the genre, it does so with a fresh, unabashed take on the lives of women. I loved it. I’m pretty sure you will too.
10/10
You can buy The Dating Detox here
Visit Gemma's website here!