How to Get a Life in Ten Dates

In this inclusive and charming contemporary, Howe (The Makeup Test) pairs two neurodivergent friends who try to deny their feelings for each other. Plus-size bisexual Haleigh Berkshire, who has generalized anxiety disorder, has long loved her best friend, Jackson Brooks, who has OCD. But after a disastrous try at a relationship years ago, they created a list of “rules for staying best friends after hooking up,” designed to keep them strictly platonic. Now Haleigh’s sister is pestering Haleigh about bringing a plus-one to her wedding, so Haleigh invites her mother, sister, Jack, and her roommate to set her up on two dates apiece. The outings range from disastrous (being force-fed oysters by an overeager man) to boring (hiking with a pop-culture averse woman)—until Haleigh meets Brian Lee, a hot and witty veterinarian. Things are looking good until Jackson throws a wrench in the works by putting himself into Haleigh’s dating pool and asking for a second chance. The love triangle feels well balanced and the cast is delightfully diverse. Readers in the mood for a big-hearted and amusing rom-com will want to check this out. (Dec.)