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Last Girls Standing #2
The Dating Contract
Sports Agent Leah Nachman is knee deep in her sister’s wedding drama and inches away from her biggest career goal when she runs into the high school boyfriend who broke her heart. The last thing she needs is another confrontation with the man too many people are convinced is her bashert. But perhaps he can be of use. After all, she’s totally over him. Right?
Sofer and Comic Letterer Samuel Levine is at a professional crossroads when he runs into what he believes is a fated second chance. He hasn’t seen Leah in ages, but the guilt over how they broke up still eats at him. When Leah proposes a fake ‘dating contract’ to help her make partner at her agency, and thwart her sister’s matchmaking, Samuel agrees. His goal is forgiveness, after all.
But the more time they spend together as ‘plus ones,’ the more like fate the dates feel. Leah is convinced love and ambition can’t co-exist and Samuel’s convinced he’s losing her. Will they let their dating contract expire or give love another chance?
Sofer and Comic Letterer Samuel Levine is at a professional crossroads when he runs into what he believes is a fated second chance. He hasn’t seen Leah in ages, but the guilt over how they broke up still eats at him. When Leah proposes a fake ‘dating contract’ to help her make partner at her agency, and thwart her sister’s matchmaking, Samuel agrees. His goal is forgiveness, after all.
But the more time they spend together as ‘plus ones,’ the more like fate the dates feel. Leah is convinced love and ambition can’t co-exist and Samuel’s convinced he’s losing her. Will they let their dating contract expire or give love another chance?
Kindle Edition
First published March 21, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
July 10, 2024
The Dating Contract is a light and sweet story that involves a lot of Jewish geography and bashert. I found that relatable as I met my husband through Jewish geography and he is truly my bashert.
I enjoyed getting to know Leah and Samuel and watching them get to know each other all over again. There are also interesting tie-ins with sports and comic books and it was cool to learn more about both industries in this way. I loved all the Jewish references and rituals, as well. I always find it comforting to read about a Shabbat meal in a novel.
There were some concerns for me though. I felt like there were too many characters to keep track of (in terms of how they were connected to Leah and/or Samuel). Since this is part of a series (but can be read as a standalone), the previous novel was referenced a lot, which made me feel like I was missing something. I also felt like it was too happy-go-lucky and that the characters had it too easy most of the time. I would have liked to see the stakes raised higher for both Samuel and Leah.
If you're looking for something with a lot of Jewish joy, give this one a try!
Movie casting suggestions:
I enjoyed getting to know Leah and Samuel and watching them get to know each other all over again. There are also interesting tie-ins with sports and comic books and it was cool to learn more about both industries in this way. I loved all the Jewish references and rituals, as well. I always find it comforting to read about a Shabbat meal in a novel.
There were some concerns for me though. I felt like there were too many characters to keep track of (in terms of how they were connected to Leah and/or Samuel). Since this is part of a series (but can be read as a standalone), the previous novel was referenced a lot, which made me feel like I was missing something. I also felt like it was too happy-go-lucky and that the characters had it too easy most of the time. I would have liked to see the stakes raised higher for both Samuel and Leah.
If you're looking for something with a lot of Jewish joy, give this one a try!
Movie casting suggestions:
Leah: Gideon Adlon
Samuel: Zachary Gordon
May 14, 2024
4.5/5 stars
The Dating Contract is a contemporary romance with Jewish rep.
This is book two in the Last Girls Standing series. This is Leah's story (the first book was her sister Judith's book).
The Jewish rep in this book is amazing. There are so many Jewish characters. And I just love how truly Jewish the book is. That made me so happy.
The two main characters have two of the most fascinating jobs I've come across. Leah is a sports agent. Samuel does lettering (on posters, The Hebrew calligraphy for mezuzahs...).
I loved getting to see more of Leah's family. Her cousin Naomi and sister-in-law Shayna are in this book a lot. And I loved them both.
This book had such a fun premise. The dating contact aspect was super fun. I really enjoyed the romance, although I definitely wanted more of them together as a real couple.
The next book is the Dreidl Disaster. It's Olivia's book. I do wish that Olivia had been in this book more. And I also would have liked to see more of Judith.
But overall this book made me so happy. I love all of these characters. I am truly obsessed with Leah and Samuel's jobs. And I adore the Jewish representation. It is so important to have these amazing stories.
The Dating Contract is a contemporary romance with Jewish rep.
This is book two in the Last Girls Standing series. This is Leah's story (the first book was her sister Judith's book).
The Jewish rep in this book is amazing. There are so many Jewish characters. And I just love how truly Jewish the book is. That made me so happy.
The two main characters have two of the most fascinating jobs I've come across. Leah is a sports agent. Samuel does lettering (on posters, The Hebrew calligraphy for mezuzahs...).
I loved getting to see more of Leah's family. Her cousin Naomi and sister-in-law Shayna are in this book a lot. And I loved them both.
This book had such a fun premise. The dating contact aspect was super fun. I really enjoyed the romance, although I definitely wanted more of them together as a real couple.
The next book is the Dreidl Disaster. It's Olivia's book. I do wish that Olivia had been in this book more. And I also would have liked to see more of Judith.
But overall this book made me so happy. I love all of these characters. I am truly obsessed with Leah and Samuel's jobs. And I adore the Jewish representation. It is so important to have these amazing stories.
March 1, 2024
This was a sweet and soft second chance romance with great Jewish rep. It follows Leah who is a sports agent who teams up with her ex boyfriend mezuzah artist to fake date for their careers. As they spend time together they start thinking about the past and they work on forgiveness and healing. Aside from the romance which was cute I really love how the author spent time making her characters in depth and how she addressed the Jewish history and the indignation and knowledge about it. Overall this is my favorite in the series and I would recommend especially if you’re into second chance. Thank you to the author for this arc for an honest review.
Tropes/themes:
- Second chance
- Forgiveness and healing
- Jewish rep
- Fake dating
- Sweet romance
Tropes/themes:
- Second chance
- Forgiveness and healing
- Jewish rep
- Fake dating
- Sweet romance
March 20, 2024
A second-chance romance, The Dating Contract is another charming read from Stacey Agdern. Leah is a tough cookie who is holding onto a lot of resentment and fear but slowly learns to forgive. And patient and kind (and hot) Samuel is just smitten from the get-go and determined to win Leah over while always respecting her boundaries. They are fated! As always, the book is centered around a passionate, loving, and often meddling Jewish family.
March 20, 2024
Leah and Samuel's story was so freaking cute! I loved that it was second chance romance as well as fake dating because it was done so well. The idea of a dating contract was great and I liked that they were set to go to several things together even though we know the feelings were there from the beginning. Of course, I have to talk about the Jewish representation! It's always so nice that all the characters (I believe) in Stacey's books are Jewish. I can feel the familial aspects, love the Hebrew mixed in, and feel like I'm in the community when I read these stories. I also liked the romance a lot. Leah and Samuel were such a great match, however I would have loved more of them! Their development at the end felt slightly rushed and it was mainly because I wanted to see them together for real. Overall, this was a cute and enjoyable book! Thank you to Stacey for providing me with an e-ARC to read and review!
March 16, 2024
Second chance romance with great Jewish rep. I enjoyed learning about Samuel’s profession as a sofer. This was the second book in a series but the leads from the first book are hardly in it unfortunately so, this can easily be read as a stand alone.
Thank you for the ARC, Stacey!
Thank you for the ARC, Stacey!
March 21, 2024
Samuel is a calligrapher for Jewish documents such as marriage contracts and mezuzahs. He’s also involved in cartoon lettering. He’s highly talented, and has great promise.
Leah is a sports agent, specializing in hockey for men and women. She’s very successful and has a great future ahead of her. She also has busybody sisters and sister-in-laws.
Samuel and Leah grew up together and dated in high school. It was great, until Samuel did something that Leah couldn’t forgive. When they meet again at a bridal show, where her sister is looking for things for her upcoming wedding, that spark was still there. When Samuel is besieged at the show by large crowds of women. Leah can only do one thing, step in and pretend to be his girlfriend. Later, the two come to an agreement to pretend to date, to help each other through business events. Samuel even draws up a formal contract setting out the requirements of their participation.
I was so excited when this book came my way from the publisher. Unfortunately, it didn’t live up to its promise. This is the second book by this author that I’ve read that’s let me down. Samuel comes across as meek and wishy-washy, while Leah is dynamic and determined. Why would she still want him? I certainly couldn’t figure it out.
I also had trouble with figuring out what Jewish denomination they belonged to. They behaved as if they were Reform, working on Saturdays, going out to eat at restaurants. But then they all had names I’d expect to find in Orthodox families: Samuel, Leah, Judith, Shayna, Aaron. They also make a big deal about Shabbat. And Samuel’s profession as a Sofer isn’t one usually undertaken by Reform Jews. It’s a job that not only requires artistic ability, but it also demands that the artist know all the religious rules that pertain to all the various document he’d be creating. Overall, I found the characters to be flat and stereotypical. And a big thing in Samuel’s success, The Goldstone Saga, isn’t explained until the 62% mark in the book.
I found the writing to be choppy. It jumped around, repeated things over and over, requires the reader to be able to mind read what the author intends, for them to know what’s happening, who people are who pop up out of nowhere. Of course, there’s also a token LGBTQ character or two. So many things didn’t make sense and contradicted Jewish tradition.
Overall, this is a slow-burn second-chance romance. It didn’t impress me, and I’ll need to think really hard before I read another book by this author. I don’t recommend this book.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book from the publisher, Tule. I thank them for their generosity, but it had no effect on this review. All opinions in this review reflect my true and honest reactions to reading this book.
Leah is a sports agent, specializing in hockey for men and women. She’s very successful and has a great future ahead of her. She also has busybody sisters and sister-in-laws.
Samuel and Leah grew up together and dated in high school. It was great, until Samuel did something that Leah couldn’t forgive. When they meet again at a bridal show, where her sister is looking for things for her upcoming wedding, that spark was still there. When Samuel is besieged at the show by large crowds of women. Leah can only do one thing, step in and pretend to be his girlfriend. Later, the two come to an agreement to pretend to date, to help each other through business events. Samuel even draws up a formal contract setting out the requirements of their participation.
I was so excited when this book came my way from the publisher. Unfortunately, it didn’t live up to its promise. This is the second book by this author that I’ve read that’s let me down. Samuel comes across as meek and wishy-washy, while Leah is dynamic and determined. Why would she still want him? I certainly couldn’t figure it out.
I also had trouble with figuring out what Jewish denomination they belonged to. They behaved as if they were Reform, working on Saturdays, going out to eat at restaurants. But then they all had names I’d expect to find in Orthodox families: Samuel, Leah, Judith, Shayna, Aaron. They also make a big deal about Shabbat. And Samuel’s profession as a Sofer isn’t one usually undertaken by Reform Jews. It’s a job that not only requires artistic ability, but it also demands that the artist know all the religious rules that pertain to all the various document he’d be creating. Overall, I found the characters to be flat and stereotypical. And a big thing in Samuel’s success, The Goldstone Saga, isn’t explained until the 62% mark in the book.
I found the writing to be choppy. It jumped around, repeated things over and over, requires the reader to be able to mind read what the author intends, for them to know what’s happening, who people are who pop up out of nowhere. Of course, there’s also a token LGBTQ character or two. So many things didn’t make sense and contradicted Jewish tradition.
Overall, this is a slow-burn second-chance romance. It didn’t impress me, and I’ll need to think really hard before I read another book by this author. I don’t recommend this book.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book from the publisher, Tule. I thank them for their generosity, but it had no effect on this review. All opinions in this review reflect my true and honest reactions to reading this book.
March 25, 2024
The Dating Contract by Stacey Agdern is the second book in her Last Girl Standing series. I was given a copy by the publisher in exchange for my honest review. Book two features Leah Nachman and Samuel Levine. The two have a past history dating back to high school. They had been in a relationship and he had not supported her and ended up breaking her heart. Leah and Samuel ran into each other after many years at a wedding expo. Leah was there to support her sister who was getting married. Samuel was an exhibitor who made ketubahs and mezuzahs for wedding couples. It was an awkward meeting. I was confused as I don’t know what these items actually are. Samuel realized that he treated Leah badly when they were in high school and wants to try and make amends. The two realize they now need each other to attend events together and propose a dating contract to cover what each commits to. They agree to a fake relationship.
Leah is a sports agent and is in the process of trying to get a promotion to partner within her company. She needs to bring a plus one to a party her boss is throwing. Samuel needs to have a date as well for a party his mentor is hosting. They are both invited to a charity gala that is honoring one of Leah’s clients. Samuel also does lettering for posters and comics. His mentor contacts him about a collaboration which involves a girls hockey team that Leah’s niece is trying out for and is run by Leah’s client. The men involved in the project become work associates and friends of Samuel. Leah and Samuel’s lives start to become intertwined. She is not sure she can get involved with him again as she was so hurt before. Both of their families weigh in on their new relationship and both want them to let them handle it. There is a lot of angst as the two navigate their feelings and all the ties that keep appearing. As time passes both realize they want the real thing, no more fake relationship. Unfortunately neither knows how to change things.
This is a sweet reunion story. It includes many references to the Jewish culture and beliefs. I learned a lot and found it fascinating. It was well written and the author did a good job with her characters growing and maturing. Stacey provided links where the reader could learn more. I enjoyed the fact that both characters were flawed but they recognized that and tried to do their best for themselves and their friends. Leah and Samuel make a very sweet couple and I enjoyed their story very much.
Leah is a sports agent and is in the process of trying to get a promotion to partner within her company. She needs to bring a plus one to a party her boss is throwing. Samuel needs to have a date as well for a party his mentor is hosting. They are both invited to a charity gala that is honoring one of Leah’s clients. Samuel also does lettering for posters and comics. His mentor contacts him about a collaboration which involves a girls hockey team that Leah’s niece is trying out for and is run by Leah’s client. The men involved in the project become work associates and friends of Samuel. Leah and Samuel’s lives start to become intertwined. She is not sure she can get involved with him again as she was so hurt before. Both of their families weigh in on their new relationship and both want them to let them handle it. There is a lot of angst as the two navigate their feelings and all the ties that keep appearing. As time passes both realize they want the real thing, no more fake relationship. Unfortunately neither knows how to change things.
This is a sweet reunion story. It includes many references to the Jewish culture and beliefs. I learned a lot and found it fascinating. It was well written and the author did a good job with her characters growing and maturing. Stacey provided links where the reader could learn more. I enjoyed the fact that both characters were flawed but they recognized that and tried to do their best for themselves and their friends. Leah and Samuel make a very sweet couple and I enjoyed their story very much.
April 6, 2024
It is a truth universally acknowledged that a second chance romance must be based on a misunderstanding that is neither too serious nor too unserious to work. Luckily, @sagdern got this balance just right in the follow up to B’Nai Mitzvah Mistake. This book projects us five years after B’Nai Mitzvah and tells the story of sports agent to the Jewish hockey stars, Leah Nachman, and her high school ex-boyfriend, secular comic book letterer and "hot" sofer (Jewish letterer) Samuel Levine. They had a toxic breakup right before graduation because Samuel was an absolute dunderhead (to be expected at 17 from a boy — and lbr, who isn't at 17??)
In true post-high school breakup fashion, there are fervent members of each "team" based on the heartache felt by each party: Team Leah hates Samuel, and Team Samuel hates Leah (though the teams are mostly comprised of siblings and cousins determined to keep the hate alive). When Leah and Samuel have a chance meeting where Leah saves a-possibly-spectrum-coded Samuel from social ruin, it is the catalyst for a fake dating contract. They both think they’re safe from falling in love because they “know” they’re toxic, and if I have any complaints at all about this pairing, it’s that they are both too reliant on past experiences and family expectations to expediently get past their own internal drama about their immediately going-very-well relationship. Trying as hard as possible to deny it, Leah and Samuel are tied together in "bashert," or destiny, which is described in this book as the philosophical concept of the strings that tie us together. It’s the continual realization that the world is small, and that all roads lead Leah to Samuel, and vice versa.
This book took a lot of careful research to create a world that is so secularly Jewish in a way that seems almost casual, the way that the world actually is for people who are not-Jewish. Where everybody knows a little Yiddish, has Shabbat dinners, understands Tzedakah, eats knishes and bagels and gefilte fish (not I, though). It's also a world where Jewish contribution to comics and sports is a living, breathing thing. Thank you for this world where Jewish joy is just regular joy.
In true post-high school breakup fashion, there are fervent members of each "team" based on the heartache felt by each party: Team Leah hates Samuel, and Team Samuel hates Leah (though the teams are mostly comprised of siblings and cousins determined to keep the hate alive). When Leah and Samuel have a chance meeting where Leah saves a-possibly-spectrum-coded Samuel from social ruin, it is the catalyst for a fake dating contract. They both think they’re safe from falling in love because they “know” they’re toxic, and if I have any complaints at all about this pairing, it’s that they are both too reliant on past experiences and family expectations to expediently get past their own internal drama about their immediately going-very-well relationship. Trying as hard as possible to deny it, Leah and Samuel are tied together in "bashert," or destiny, which is described in this book as the philosophical concept of the strings that tie us together. It’s the continual realization that the world is small, and that all roads lead Leah to Samuel, and vice versa.
This book took a lot of careful research to create a world that is so secularly Jewish in a way that seems almost casual, the way that the world actually is for people who are not-Jewish. Where everybody knows a little Yiddish, has Shabbat dinners, understands Tzedakah, eats knishes and bagels and gefilte fish (not I, though). It's also a world where Jewish contribution to comics and sports is a living, breathing thing. Thank you for this world where Jewish joy is just regular joy.
March 27, 2024
This was a fun story to read. Of course I loved the second chance romance, but it was also so interesting to get the perspective of it being between two Jewish characters and to learn more about their faith, traditions, and culture. I’m afraid my previous knowledge was pretty much confined to tv and movie representations. Samuel, the “hot sofer” (Yes, I had no idea what a sofer was.), and sports agent Leah had a history. “‘You and Leah were a toxic high school disaster.’” Life suddenly kept dropping them into each other’s lives. “Us coming back into each other’s orbits, wasn’t an accident.” They decided to help each other by being each other’s (fake) dates to certain events for short period, made official with a contract. But as they spent more time together and coincidences piled up, it became difficult to deny their tug towards each other. “‘Feelings, emotions, love, are the complete opposite of rational. They show up when you least expect them or want them to. They’re a mess.’” I loved the concept of “bashert”. Another thing that was new to me. It’s a lovely way to look at the ideas of fate, soulmates, and so on. “Bashert, confirming they were tied together by threads, strings, or whatever plans drew people together.” Bashert was a cohesive thread running through the book, drawing Leah and Samuel together. This book is the second in a series but can be read as a standalone. This is a closed door story with mild innuendo and occasional moderate harsh language.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 1, 2024
The Dating Contract by Stacey Agdern, book two in the Last Girls Standing series, is a second chance story for former high school couple, Leah and Samuel. Sports Agent Leah Nachman, a woman in a man’s world, is a busy woman with no time for nonsense; especially as she's knee deep in her sister’s wedding drama and inches away from reaching her biggest career goal she runs into the high school boyfriend who broke her heart: sofer and comic letterer Samuel Levine. Sam grabs this moment, believing that it’s a fated second chance. Before she knows it, they've come to a mutually beneficial agreement: a fake dating contract. Leah believes it will help her make partner at her agency, while Sam's ultimate goal is her forgiveness. As they spend time together they start thinking about the past as they work on forgiveness and healing; as the strings of fate seem to tie them together.
Ms. Agdern wrote a sweet story of second chances and bashert centered on hockey and comic books; educating the reader about both, and their Jewish connections. A story about the endurance of young love and the power of forgiveness;, healing and hope, and the strength in not only honesty, but also in setting the right priorities. Lastly, it’s a story that shows that love, does indeed, conquer all.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Ms. Agdern wrote a sweet story of second chances and bashert centered on hockey and comic books; educating the reader about both, and their Jewish connections. A story about the endurance of young love and the power of forgiveness;, healing and hope, and the strength in not only honesty, but also in setting the right priorities. Lastly, it’s a story that shows that love, does indeed, conquer all.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
March 21, 2024
There is so much stuff to say about this book....... First I love this series so much, its like the author lives in my house and knows what is going on and what is important to my household. we are a hockey family it is the only sport we pay any attention to, so I love all the hockey stuff. Second, I went to a local Comic convention this week before reading this, so it was very fresh in my mind...... nowhere near as big as comic con but it was a fun outing for me and my marvel loving daughter. this book really inspired me to read more about Jewish Comics because I never really thought about it being a "thing" but it should be and I want to know more. third and fourth important thing about this book is the Characters, the chemistry and relationship between Leah and Samuel is both reliable and beautiful, PLUS you brought back some fun characters as an afikomen..... I was totally geeking out at the mention of other books in the last series. the last thing in this long review...... I love that the Jewish aspects of this book came up organically and are never forced, it is just life not trying to explain Jewish stuff to the readers. so much of the authors heart is on each page I just love it so much.
I totally recommend this book, this series and of course this author's body of work.
I totally recommend this book, this series and of course this author's body of work.
March 28, 2024
Samuel and Leah - Bashert love - Their arrangement was only supposed to involve a few specific pre-planned events, a due date clearly on the horizon. But they kept running into each other everywhere - at work, at play. The ties that bind their community together have entangled them and they can't seem to unravel themselves. That's good though, because deep down they never stopped caring about each other. They just needed the time to mature so their everlasting love could take hold.
This is the first book by this author I have read and I was not disappointed. All the characters are wonderful, and readers get to learn a bit about everyone. To dip a toe into the extras' lives even as we dive headfirst into the MCs' business. A great story that not only weaves a sweet tale of second chance romance but that offers unfamiliar readers an opportunity to learn a little about the faith of the chosen people.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is the first book by this author I have read and I was not disappointed. All the characters are wonderful, and readers get to learn a bit about everyone. To dip a toe into the extras' lives even as we dive headfirst into the MCs' business. A great story that not only weaves a sweet tale of second chance romance but that offers unfamiliar readers an opportunity to learn a little about the faith of the chosen people.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 29, 2024
Stacey Agdern has written a gem of a romance. Samuel and Leah are bound together in a web that stretches from their past through their respective careers. I loved watching the strings tighten around each of them as figured out a way to heal past scars and make a future together. But more than that, Stacey’s writing serves as a web that twines the story together with gossamer strings so emotions and feelings slide around the reader as well, drawing me into the story and never letting me go. Her writing is spare, but somehow paints a full picture of everything the reader needs to dive into the story. As I read it, I felt like I was standing on the precipice of…something, and I couldn’t stop reading until I got there. If you like second-chance Jewish hockey romance, you need to read this one.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 10, 2024
Forgiveness and a sweet second chance.
Former high school couple, Leah and Samuel, get a second chance at love when they decide to fake dare in order to advance in their careers. Spending time together reminds them of what they once had and how it might be possible to have it again. But they have to learn to put the past behind them and move into the future with a clean slate. I enjoyed seeing this sweet reunion. The story was easy to follow. I liked all of the Jewish faith woven into the story and I learned something about the world of lettering and sports agents. It really gave a good feeling of who these characters are and what their lives are like. I highly recommend this inspiring feel-good story.
Former high school couple, Leah and Samuel, get a second chance at love when they decide to fake dare in order to advance in their careers. Spending time together reminds them of what they once had and how it might be possible to have it again. But they have to learn to put the past behind them and move into the future with a clean slate. I enjoyed seeing this sweet reunion. The story was easy to follow. I liked all of the Jewish faith woven into the story and I learned something about the world of lettering and sports agents. It really gave a good feeling of who these characters are and what their lives are like. I highly recommend this inspiring feel-good story.
March 20, 2024
Fake Dating is the name of the game in The Dating Contract by Stacey Agdern. Sports Agent Leah Nachman and Comic Letterer Samuel Levine have a history that ended badly. After running into each other Leah sees a way he can help her make partner and get her sister to back off matchmaking. Her idea, Leah and Samuel should have a fake date contract, hence the name of the book.
I liked Samuel even though the breakup was a bad one for Leah but couldn’t see why he would want to agree to the plan. Then it became clear he may say he’s seeking forgiveness but what he wants is a second chance. Fake dating would include time together so he’s all in. A fun read where forgiveness and second chances are at the heart of the story.
I liked Samuel even though the breakup was a bad one for Leah but couldn’t see why he would want to agree to the plan. Then it became clear he may say he’s seeking forgiveness but what he wants is a second chance. Fake dating would include time together so he’s all in. A fun read where forgiveness and second chances are at the heart of the story.
March 22, 2024
A fun second chance romance revolved around a fake dating contract between Leah and Samuel. Neither of them is willing to revisit their past relationship, however, their fake dating serves their needs for public appearances and to keep their meddling families at bay. Leah and Samuel both have successful, interesting careers (I admit I had no idea what a sofer or a ketubah is) and I loved the intertwining of them. I especially enjoyed the Jewish background of the characters and the history of the people in the comic book world. Although the love story is a slow-burn and predictable it's still a fun read and I came away with a greater appreciation of Jewish culture. I recommend grabbing some knishes and savor this feel good story. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 22, 2024
I very much enjoyed this story. I'm not often a fan of second-chance romances but this sweet, slow-burn proved to be an exception. Though, to be fair, fake dating is like catnip to me and that alone made me excited to read it. I loved how Leah and Samuel's history was a major factor but it did not define them. The focus wasn't constantly on what broke them up as kids and they had both grown as individuals from that event. I also very much appreciated the Jewish culture and traditions that were woven into the story and the character's lives. The Dating Contract is a very slow-burning, heartwarming, sweet romance that will leave you feeling good.
May 4, 2024
Samuel broke Leah's heart in high school, and years later, when they are in their 30s, they meet again in a weeding expo. She's her sister's maid of honor and he is the "hot sofer" who offers his services writing mezuzzahs, ketubahs... and one thing lead to other so they start fake dating for several work dates.
Samuel accepts to her idea of a dating contract because he wants to win her back and try to keep her forever this time.
I really enjoyed their story and how Leah despite hating him can't keep her distance. And how just when they meet again all their family, friends and work connections keep connecting them.
- i got an arc and i'm leaving my honest review -
Samuel accepts to her idea of a dating contract because he wants to win her back and try to keep her forever this time.
I really enjoyed their story and how Leah despite hating him can't keep her distance. And how just when they meet again all their family, friends and work connections keep connecting them.
- i got an arc and i'm leaving my honest review -
February 23, 2024
A second chance at love comes to Leah and Samuel at a very opportune time. They see each other at a Wedding expo and he declares to the crowd waiting for him to sign posters that she is his girlfriend to make the crowd disperse. Leah is more than surprised seeing how their relationship failed in high school. She decides to go with the flow and fake date Samuel to several plus one events. Love starts curling around their hearts as fate continues to take charge.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 21, 2024
Samuel broke Leah’s heart in high school. Years later they need each other to be their fake partners for several events. Only it isn’t long before the lines between pretend and real attraction start to blur. I enjoyed reading about the Jewish traditions and Samuel’s lettering art with all his job opportunities. This was a bit of an opposites attract with artist Samuel who has doubts about his abilities and hockey agent Leah who is confident enough to ask for a partnership at work, but worried that her work will get in the way of a romantic relationship.
March 23, 2024
The Dating Contract ~ Last Girls Standing #2 by Stacey Ahdern. A wonderful story with wonderful characters. An easy book to read , Stacey is a new author to me,and I truly enjoyed this book. I found The Dating Contract to be written well, which kept me engaged from beginning to end. The storyline was easy to follow, and I found it interesting, by way of learning more about another faith than my own. I do intend to read more from Stacey in the future and I highly recommend this book.
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Easy-to-read
Entertaining
Happily Ever After
Informative
Inspirational
Page-turner
Realistic
Wonderful characters
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Easy-to-read
Entertaining
Happily Ever After
Informative
Inspirational
Page-turner
Realistic
Wonderful characters
March 20, 2024
I absolutely loved this second book in @sagdern Last Girls Standing series. Samuel and Leah’s story of second chances and fake dating was so good, I love the characters and watching their struggles and how they develop and grow their relationships with each other and their family and friends. I can’t wait for the next book!
March 21, 2024
The Dating Contract is a second chance romance. I thought from the very beginning that Leah and Samuel were great together. I loved the concept of fake dating. Their story was entertaining and very cute. I thought the author did a great job of telling their story. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 28, 2024
This is the second book in this series, and this is Samuel and Leah’s story.
This is a good story which has family, friendships, emotions, guilt, fake relationships, making amends, engaging characters, romance, and love, which leads to a sweet and enjoyable page turner.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a good story which has family, friendships, emotions, guilt, fake relationships, making amends, engaging characters, romance, and love, which leads to a sweet and enjoyable page turner.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 30, 2024
THE DATING CONTRACT
by Stacey Agdern
Release date March 21
I love a second chance, romance! Loved loved loved Leah and Samuels fake dating that led to real romance. I love the dating contract and the knowledgeable representation of the Jewish content.
Well done Stacey Agdern!
And thank you too Tule publication for this ARC in return for my honest review.
by Stacey Agdern
Release date March 21
I love a second chance, romance! Loved loved loved Leah and Samuels fake dating that led to real romance. I love the dating contract and the knowledgeable representation of the Jewish content.
Well done Stacey Agdern!
And thank you too Tule publication for this ARC in return for my honest review.
March 16, 2024
This was a sweet 2nd chance and fake dating romance. It was interesting to learn about Jewish traditions. I loved how Samuel was willing to do anything to win Leah back.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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August 9, 2023No clue how this popped up here
February 7, 2024
This was a sweet love story in which I learned a lot about the Jewish culture. I enjoyed the fact that the author made fun of the template for this type of romance.
March 17, 2024
Loved it! A really cute romance between fascinating characters who will have you rooting for them. Super cute, sweet romance and I'm excited for more. :)
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