Book Review: The Dating Playbook by Farrah Rochon

The Dating Playbook by Farrah Rochon is a contemporary romance. When it comes to personal training, Taylor Powell kicks serious butt. Unfortunately, her bills are piling up, rent is due, and the money situation is dire. Taylor needs more than the support of her new best friends, Samiah and London. She needs a miracle. And Jamar Dixon might just be it. The oh-so-fine former footballer wants back into the NFL, and he wants Taylor to train him. There's just one catch -- no one can know what they're doing. But when they're accidentally outed as a couple, Taylor's game plan is turned completely upside down. Is Jamar just playing to win or is he playing for keeps?

I absolutely adored the last book I read from Rochon, so I have no idea why it took me so long to read The Dating Playbook. It is another great book, and I look forward to giving it a second read. I love the set up for the series, and the friendlies and support between Taylor, Samiah, and London always makes me happy. Taylor is at the end of her rope and doing the best she can to stay afloat. Jamar is desperate to save his football career, and working with Taylor seems like his best shot. I really enjoyed the honesty between the pair about their attraction between them, and why it is not a good idea to go from fake dating to real dating. The conflicts and stumbling blocks felt every real, and I could empathize and relate to many aspects and could understand where they stood even when I could not relate. I thought the internal battles they each needed to face were realistic and I enjoyed their banter and they way they worked toward a better future, even when things were hard and they thought they would be alone. They each grew as people, and were not only better because of the relationship. I really love when a romance takes every character on a growth journey rather than attaching all good things to the state of the couple. I cannot wait for more from Rochon. 

 

The Dating Playbook is a fantastic read on several levels. This author is now on my must read list, and I am eager to see what they do next.