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The Dating series are standalone romances with interconnecting characters. Each novel completely stands alone (no cliffhangers!) and can be read in any order, but you’ll enjoy reading them as a series!

The Dating Series by Monica Murphy

Save The Date: Dating Series Book 1 by Monica Murphy

A new standalone contemporary romance about a first kiss that turns into a second chance…

Caroline Abbott knows her way around bridezillas.

Working at a stationery store means helping engaged couples pick out the perfect save-the-date cards and invitations for their dream weddings—a dream job.

Until the bridezilla of the day belongs to her first kiss, Alexander Wilder. He’s all grown up now, running his family’s luxury hotel chain, and even hotter than she remembers from that scorcher of a smooch.

So when Caroline catches his fiancée half-naked with another man, she has to tell him. And Alex has to break it off. And of course, the ex-bridezilla goes completely bonkers.

Good thing Caroline has plenty of experience—and friends to help save her.

She also has the sudden interest of Alex, who has a proposal of his own for her. Is it just a rebound for him, or does he also feel the same spark that drew them together all those years ago?

Totally Booked UK Review: Early mornings are not something that agrees with Caroline, thankfully her best friend and roommate works in her family cafe. Caroline managed to cut the line to grab her much-needed caffeine intake before an early morning appointment at Noteworthy. A handsome stranger makes small talk/flirts with her about getting served first before she dashes off to work. Whilst she loves her job assisting couples to find wedding stationery there are some brides who make this difficult, Tiffany is certainly one of those with her fiance arriving late to the early morning appointment.

Arriving at Noteworthy to choose the save the date cards with Tiffany for their upcoming wedding, Alex was held up at the coffee shop and then on a call. However, he was surprised to see that the girl from the coffee shop was his old best friend’s little sister and his first kiss. Not only that she is the person showing the wedding stationery, with Alex only adds his input where absolutely necessary. Agreeing with Tiffany to get out of there as soon as possible, Fast-tracking the save the date cards as the wedding is only a few months away.

Caroline can’t get Alex out of her head but know that she shouldn’t think about him. However, when she catches his fiancée cheating and tells him about it she feels bad for him. With a major hotel deal on the line, Alex’s newly single status could pose an issue. Managing to convince Caroline to go with him to Paris as a fake fiancée – what happens in Paris, stays in Pari, right? But what happens when the truth comes out?

Fake Date: Dating Series Book 2 by Monica Murphy

A standalone contemporary romance about a relationship that starts out fake, but soon starts to feel way too real…

Sarah Harrison is used to strange customers.

Working at a lingerie store, she helps bored housewives, spicy sorority girls, repentant husbands — and everyone in between. Yet no one sparks her interest more than Jared Gaines, the ultra-rich, ultra-sexy businessman who frequents her shop, buying delicate little “gifts” for the women in his life.

But one day, Jared sends her a gift from Bliss. Then another–and another. It doesn’t matter how thoughtful he is, or how well-chosen the gifts are, or how sexy he is. It’s inappropriate, and Sarah is determined to put a stop to it. Or at the very least, she wants to know why.

It’s the oldest one in the book, of course. He needs a fake girlfriend for the weekend while attending his brother’s engagement party. It’s a terrible idea. She’s certain it could even get her fired. So she absolutely takes him up on it.

Next thing Sarah knows, she’s in San Francisco, pretending to be in love with Jared. Not that it’s a hardship.

Except that the real feelings in their pretend relationship soon have her in over her head. Is he just faking it, or do they have their own shot at bliss?

Totally Booked UK Review: Four years ago, Sarah Harrison’s parents died in an accident and she has been helping to raise her two younger siblings ever since. Working at Bliss a lingerie store she has progressed from the stick room to the shop floor, to completing private appts with clients. For the past six months, she has had a regular appointment with Jared Gaines who is very particular and always purchasing gifts for his mistresses. He is handsome but manages to annoy Sarah every time she sees him.

The assistants at Bliss have been known to be more than a little forward with Jared when he comes into the store. All except Sarah, who for the most part has treated him with a calm, professional attitude. But little does she know that he has been booking appointments just to see her. Finally making headway to crossing the line by sending her gifts which she has so fr not acknowledged – that is until she bursts into his office to confront him.

Having pushed his family away time and time again, Jared realised that he needs to stop and agreed to attend his brother’s engagement party. Getting Sarah to accompany him as his fake date. Introducing her to his sister Candice ahead of time they hit it off and become firm friends. Whilst Jared is still aloof and somewhat abrupt, Sarah calls him out on his attitude which pushes their chemistry up a notch or two. But Jared has neglected to mention that the girl who broke his heart is the sister of the bride-to-be – what happens when Sarah finally finds out?

Holidate: A Dating Series Holiday Novel by Monica Murphy

A standalone holiday romance with a grumpy, holiday hating Christmas tree farmer and a woman who embraces the holiday season with her whole heart…

Candice Gaines loves Christmas. Not only does she bask in the twinkling lights, sing Christmas carols and go crazy with the decorations, she’s also in the giving spirit, donating much of her time and wealth to various charities in the local area.

Charlie Sullivan despises Christmas. Though it keeps his family afloat, considering they own Sullivan Family Christmas Tree Farm, the main provider for Christmas trees on the Monterey peninsula. He’d much rather work among the trees versus have to deal with people.

But Charlie’s parents are taking on more philanthropic projects—and as their oldest child, they want him to be their official public representative. He just has to play nice and convince everyone he’s not a total holiday hater.

When Charlie’s mom asks Candice to accompany him to a variety of holiday parties and events, she reluctantly agrees. She thinks Charlie is a big ol’ Grinch, but is determined to change his mindset and help him spread Christmas cheer. Charlie finds Candice is too chatty, too sweet, too much. Do people like her really exist?

Why yes, yes they do. The more time they spend together—along with a few kisses under the mistletoe—the more they start to like each other. Hopefully Charlie can convince Candice he doesn’t have a heart that’s two sizes too small before the ball drops on New Year’s Eve.

Totally Booked UK Review: Losing her mom at a young age has left a hole in Candice’s life. Attempting to be positive and act how her mom would she has thrown herself into volunteering and charity work – thanks to the trust fund her mom left her. Christmas is the time when she is busiest throughout the year, helping to take her mind off missing her mom. Meeting to discuss decor for a charity fundraiser she is introduced to Isabell Sullivan whose family own the local Christmas tree farm and donate trees each year. When she asks Candice to help her out by introducing her son to the social scene this Christmas.

Charlie (Charles) is busy, busy, busy with his family multi-million dollar Christmas tree business. Just the way he likes it, that way he doesn’t have to commit to things he’d rather not. Although his mom is not taking ni for an answer on him becoming the face of the business – especially as he’ll be taking over the reins in a few years. Accidentally meeting Candice as he arrived late for a meeting, he is shocked to discover she is the girl his mom has been telling him that will be taking him to festive events.

Polar opposites at first glance as Candice is so amenable, eager to help and chat to anyone. Whilst Charlie is grumpy, closed off and just doesn’t have the time. Yet as they each try their best to make or break this arrangement they find themselves drawn to each other. A Hallmark Christmas movie in the making with them overcoming hurdles to see what is right in front of them.

Hate to Date You: Dating Series Book 4 by Monica Murphy

A funny, sexy love story about what happens when your best friend’s brother becomes your new roommate. Oh, and you two still haven’t talked about that one night stand you had a year ago…

Stella Ricci isn’t normally the kind of girl who does one-night stands–especially with her best friend’s brother.
It’s a secret she plans to take to the grave.

She’s certain Carter feels the same, since they haven’t talked about it once in the past year. Not that they’ve ever been much on talking. The two can hardly stand each other on a good day.

If there is a single worse idea than sleeping with her off-limits enemy, it’s inviting him to move in with her.

What can she say? She’s bored. Her barista job is her passion, but it seems to be all she has in her life these days. Even fighting with Carter would be preferable to another night alone. Besides, he needs a place to crash after burning out on the Los Angeles grind.

Neither of them expected the chemistry to come roaring back.
Should they admit that one night wasn’t enough? Or will secretly dating each other turn into the epic fail Stella feared?
Only one way to find out…

Totally Booked UK Review: It has been a year since Stella last saw her best friend’s older brother, Carter. A one-night stand they shared together after a meal out with everyone at Tuscany. Seeing Carter sneak out in the early morning with no note, no messages or anything for an entire year. Needless to say, she is a little taken aback to find him standing in her family café, Sweet Dreams. With Caroline appearing too it makes the encounter slightly – even more so when Caroline announces that she is moving in with her fiancé Alex and that Carter would make the perfect temporary roommate.

After leaving his real estate job back in LA, Carter has finally decided to move back to his hometown. His sister and best friend are getting married, and he wants to be in their lives more. Although the prospect of seeing Stella again offers a mixed bag of emotions. Still very much attracted to her, however, he knows that he should never have hooked up with his sister’s best friend. Moving in and sharing an apartment together is a recipe for disaster.

Still reeling from being left after their night together Stella hopes to avoid Carter as much as possible. The chemistry between them is palpable with all her friends realising their history except Caroline. Whilst they aren’t sure how Caroline would take the news of their night of passion – it doesn’t stop them from being pulled together again and again, but only behind closed doors.

Rate A Date: Dating Series Book 5 by Monica Murphy

A flirty, fun romance featuring a sweet hairstylist and the sexy pro football player she meets on a dating app…

Eleanor Murray is tired.

Tired of going on awkward dates. Tired of meeting men who just aren’t that into her. Tired of being set up on blind dates by her well-meaning friends.

She is a believer of true love, of finding that happily ever after, and she wants it. She deserves it. But at the rate she’s going, she’s pretty sure it’s never going to happen.

Until a friend creates a profile for Eleanor on a new dating app. At first, she’s reluctant. Dating apps aren’t the way to finding true love, are they? But then she makes a connection on Rate a Date, and this gorgeous, confident guy almost seems too good to be true…

Mitch Anderson has a secret.

He’s just moved to Las Vegas for his high profile job and after years of playing the field, he’s looking for a serious relationship. He wants to find a woman who likes him for who he is, not what he does. Meeting Eleanor on the dating app, he’s intrigued. Meeting her in real life while she’s in town for a bachelorette weekend, he completely falls for her. Now he’s in way over his head.

Their chemistry is combustible. They can’t keep their hands off each other. But will Eleanor forgive him when she finds out who he really is?

Totally Booked UK Review: A romantic at heart Eleanor Murray wants to meet the man of her dreams in some cute way. Maybe grabbing the wrong coffee cup in Sweet Dreams leading to a first date etc Getting set up with an online dating profile by her friend Kelsey was not something she wanted but agreed to do with her friend for added safety (double dates etc). Finding herself getting a message from Mand she is unsure whether this is a man or a woman but is pleasantly surprised to find a football profile picture.

As an NFL pro footballer finding someone to warm his bed is not a problem for Mitch. However, after years of partying he is tired of it all. Wanting to find a relationship with someone who wants him rather than what he can get them, do for them etc. Setting up a profile on the Rate A Date app he is drawn to Eleanor’s profile and is thrilled when they start chatting on a regular basis- including FaceTime chats so that they can see each other.

A long-distance relationship was never something Eleanor had considered but is happy to find that Mitch is moving to Vegas right before when she will be there for a bachelorette party. Meeting up they have a wonderful connection with Mitch hiding his pr footballer status he finds comfort in their passion-filled weekend. But what happens when Eleanor finds out that he has hidden things about himself?

Wedding Date: Dating Series Book 6 by Monica Murphy

A sexy friends-to-lovers romance…

Kelsey Phillips is over the dating scene.

All that time and energy perfecting your profile and taking just the right picture and articulating exactly what you’re looking for, only to get the same sleazy propositions? No thanks. She’s doing just fine on her own, so there’s no point in a fruitless hunt for “the one” that doesn’t exist.

Besides, she already has the perfect man in her life. Theo is the type of friend who’s always there for a laugh, a hug, or a drink– and no propositions.

So when he somehow manages to agree to be a groomsman in his ex-fiancée’s wedding to his cousin, the least Kelsey can do is be his date.

But why stop at doing the least?

Pretending to be in a relationship is easy. They already know everything about each other. And it sure isn’t hard to fake attraction to a guy as gorgeous as Theo. Soon enough, the only pretense left is that they haven’t fallen for each other for real… and the very small matter of the secret Kelsey’s been keeping. Can a fake relationship survive this real revelation?

Totally Booked UK Review: Kelsey has given up on men, especially after her last disastrous double date she went on via the Rate A Date app. One good thing that came from it was finding friendship with her date’s best friend Theo. After bumping into each other again at a function they hit it off and have become firm friends – just friends!

Theo was betrayed by his fiancee Jessica two weeks before their wedding. Finding her in bed with his cousin! Since then he has sworn off women, just not in the right mindset to deal with the hassle of it all. Kesley provides all the chat and companionship that he needs (and there is always porn for the other side of things). However, when he is invited to his ex-fiancée’s wedding to his cousin he feels he has to attend to show that he’s over it all. Kesley suggests taking her along as a fake date, which Theo isn’t sure about at first but goes along with it.

Not wanting it to look like a fake date they head out to dinner together, get drunk, watch a movie – sleep together and attend a family BBQ before the wedding so that his family have at least met her. Suddenly the lines between them are blurring, however, Kesley is hiding a secret (or two) which could mean the end of their blossoming romance.

Blind Date: Dating Series Book 7 by Monica Murphy

Amelia Lee is in desperate need of a change.

Finally free from her controlling ex-boyfriend, she’s not looking to date someone new, even though all of her friends are encouraging her to do exactly that. One in particular believes she’s found the perfect guy for Amelia. So she sets her up on a blind date.

At a wedding.

Amelia has no idea the guy she bumped into at her friend’s Christmas tree farm is the same one she’s been set up with at a wedding reception. Isaac Jones is a nice guy. A good looking guy. A younger guy. No way could they be compatible – they have nothing in common.

The more time Amelia spends with Isaac though, the more she realizes he just might be perfect for her. He makes her laugh. He’s a complete gentleman. And they’re definitely compatible between the sheets…

But is he only the rebound guy? Or can they actually make this newfound romance work?

Totally Booked UK Review: Amelia has no idea what she is doing with her life or where she wants it to go. Working in her family fine jewellery store feels like a life sentence, no longer feeling the joy of helping customers find that right purchase. Her love life is also down its luck, finally escaping a toxic relationship that was on and off again for far too long. Surrounded by the festivities and her happily coupled-up friends she realises she pushed everyone away from her previous relationship and has missed their support.

Working at the Sullivan’s Tree Farm for the past three years Isaac (Jonesie) enjoys what he does. Unsure whether this is a long-term plan he is happy to greet customers and assist them with their Christmas trees. Bumping into one of Miss Candice’s friends at the lot he kicks himself when he gets tree sap on her denim jacket. Seeing her again at his boss Charlie’s wedding to Candice. He is pleased to find himself sitting at her table and they fall into easy conversation.

Finding out that Candice had set her up on a blind date with Jonesie, Amelia was relieved to see Isaac heading towards her table at the wedding (not clicking that they were the same person). Catching the bouquet and the garter the pair pose of photos and share a kiss too. Dancing together they kiss some more with the promise of a date next week.

But Isaac is younger than Amelia plus her family is quite traditional and look for a person’s life plan. Scared to enter another relationship after the toxic one she got out of. But Isaac keeps showing up and being there for her until he gets a dose of cold feet too. Can they make this into something more than a wedding fling?

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If you loved the Dating Series, please take a look at what other book series I have been reading for further inspiration on what to add to your reading list.

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