While we were dating

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An instant New York Times bestseller!One of TIME Magazine's 100 Must-Reads of 2021!Two people realize that it’s no longer an act when they veer off-script in this sizzling romantic comedy by New York Times bestselling author Jasmine Guillory.Ben Stephens has never bothered with serious relationships. He has plenty of casual dates to keep him busy, family drama he’s trying to ignore and his advertising job to focus on. When Ben lands a huge ad campaign featuring movie star, Anna Gardiner, however, it’s hard to keep it purely professional. Anna is not just gorgeous and sexy, she’s also down to earth and considerate, and he can’t help flirting a little…Anna Gardiner is on a mission: to make herself a household name, and this ad campaign will be a great distraction while she waits to hear if she’s booked her next movie. However, she didn’t expect Ben Stephens to be her biggest distraction. She knows mixing business with pleasure never works out, but why not indulge in a harmless flirtation? But their light-hearted banter takes a turn for the serious when Ben helps Anna in a family emergency, and they reveal truths about themselves to each other, truths they’ve barely shared with those closest to them. When the opportunity comes to turn their real-life fling into something more for the Hollywood spotlight, will Ben be content to play the background role in Anna’s life and leave when the cameras stop rolling? Or could he be the leading man she needs to craft their own Hollywood ending?

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ISBN
9780593100844
9780593409817
9780593100868
9780593100851

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Also in this Series

  • The wedding date (Wedding dates Volume 1) Cover
  • The proposal (Wedding dates Volume 2) Cover
  • The wedding party (Wedding dates Volume 3) Cover
  • Royal holiday (Wedding dates Volume 4) Cover
  • Party of two (Wedding dates Volume 5) Cover
  • While we were dating (Wedding dates Volume 6) Cover

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Similar Series From Novelist

NoveList provides detailed suggestions for series you might like if you enjoyed this book. Suggestions are based on recommendations from librarians and other contributors.
Both of these charming multicultural romance series revolve around interconnected friends and co-workers who find love when they least expect to. Supportive friendships and the career aspirations of the likeable protagonists play a vital role in the storylines. -- Halle Carlson
Both steamy romantic comedies set mostly in California follow likeable characters from a South Asian American family (Marriage Game Novels) or a wedding party (Wedding Dates). Both depict multicultural romances and lighthearted relationship predicaments in engaging and upbeat storylines. -- Andrienne Cruz
With a variety of familiar tropes, each volume of both of these steamy contemporary romance series focuses on different well-developed and likable characters who find love where they least expect it. -- Stephen Ashley
Proposals and weddings are the instigating force behind blossoming romances in these upbeat contemporary romance series. Featuring intertwined groups of friends and family members, both series offer plenty of witty banter, independent, capable heroines, and steamy encounters. -- Halle Carlson
While readers may find a bit more humor in Wedding Dates than the higher drama Maybe, both contemporary romance series feature complex, sometimes challenging relationships and plenty of steamy moments. -- Stephen Ashley
These series have the appeal factors steamy and own voices, and they have the genres "contemporary romances" and "african american fiction"; the subject "sexual attraction"; and include the identity "black."
These series have the appeal factors own voices, and they have the genres "contemporary romances" and "african american fiction"; the subjects "dating," "sexual attraction," and "american people"; include the identity "black"; and characters that are "likeable characters" and "well-developed characters."
These series have the appeal factors own voices, and they have the genres "contemporary romances" and "african american fiction"; the subjects "men-women relations," "sexual attraction," and "american people"; and include the identity "black."
These series have the appeal factors steamy and own voices, and they have the genres "contemporary romances" and "african american fiction"; the subjects "sexual attraction," "american people," and "north american people"; and include the identity "black."

Similar Titles From NoveList

NoveList provides detailed suggestions for titles you might like if you enjoyed this book. Suggestions are based on recommendations from librarians and other contributors.
These books have the appeal factors feel-good and steamy, and they have the theme "fake relationship"; the genre "contemporary romances"; the subjects "flirtation," "commitment (psychology)," and "sexual attraction"; and characters that are "likeable characters," "sympathetic characters," and "well-developed characters."
NoveList recommends "Maple Hills" for fans of "Wedding dates". Check out the first book in the series.
Actors become irresistibly attracted to each other while on set in these steamy romances. But romance in the limelight comes with complications . . . can these couples overcome them to find everlasting love? -- Halle Carlson
These books have the appeal factors feel-good and steamy, and they have the theme "famous flings"; and the subjects "actors and actresses," "fame," and "american people."
These books have the appeal factors feel-good, steamy, and banter-filled, and they have the theme "fake relationship"; the genres "contemporary romances" and "romantic comedies"; the subjects "flirtation," "american people," and "north american people"; include the identity "black"; and characters that are "likeable characters" and "sympathetic characters."
NoveList recommends "Reluctant royals" for fans of "Wedding dates". Check out the first book in the series.
NoveList recommends "Marriage game novels" for fans of "Wedding dates". Check out the first book in the series.
These books have the themes "famous flings" and "road tripping"; the subjects "actors and actresses," "fame," and "sexual attraction"; and characters that are "sympathetic characters."
These books have the appeal factors feel-good and steamy, and they have the themes "no strings attached," "fake relationship," and "friends to lovers"; the genres "contemporary romances" and "african american fiction"; the subjects "flirtation," "african americans," and "sexual attraction"; include the identity "black"; and characters that are "likeable characters."
These books have the appeal factors well-crafted dialogue, and they have the theme "famous flings"; and the subjects "actors and actresses," "fame," and "sexual attraction."
These books have the genre "romantic comedies"; and the subjects "actors and actresses," "fame," and "flirtation."
NoveList recommends "Maybe (Colleen Hoover)" for fans of "Wedding dates". Check out the first book in the series.

Similar Authors From NoveList

NoveList provides detailed suggestions for other authors you might want to read if you enjoyed this book. Suggestions are based on recommendations from librarians and other contributors.
Both Jasmine Guillory and Alyssa Cole write fresh, feminist romance starring likeable characters and offering plenty of steam. -- Autumn Winters
Jasmine Guillory and Julie James write steamy contemporary romances starring fully developed characters and featuring well-crafted dialogue. Their heroines are smart, successful women who excel in their professional lives and refuse to sacrifice their standards in their romantic lives. Plausible impediments and authentic emotions drive the conflict between the central couple. -- Halle Carlson
Though Jasmine Guillory's writing is a touch steamier than Nora Roberts's, both are known for their compelling and heartwarming contemporary romances that explore the inner lives and desires of a variety of complex women. -- Stephen Ashley
Sally Thorne and Jasmine Guillory write modern romantic comedies featuring smart, relatable heroines and swoon-worthy heroes. Lively banter, humorous situations, and authentic emotional obstacles are all on offer as their likeable protagonists navigate the rocky path to happily ever after. -- Halle Carlson
Readers looking for heartwarming yet steamy romance starring characters who behave authentically will find it in the work of both Jasmine Guillory and her professed fan, Emily Henry. -- Autumn Winters
Jasmine Guillory and Helen Hoang write charming multicultural romances populated by astute characters figuring out life and love. A cast of supportive secondary characters adds humor as the leads find their way to each other and their happy ending. Hoang's stories tend to be more explicit than Guillory's steamy novels. -- Halle Carlson
Jasmine Guillory and Alexa Martin craft contemporary, inclusive romances about smart, capable heroines and the men who woo them. While both inject plenty of humor and sexiness in their stories, they also explore how real-life issues like interracial dating, career aspirations, and chronic traumatic encephalopathy in football players impact the relationship. -- Halle Carlson
Jasmine Guillory and Talia Hibbert's contemporary own voices romances have a thoroughly modern feel. Their novels star heroines who are passionate, intelligent, and committed to their loved ones and heroes who appreciate independent women. Both offer novels full of humor and sexy encounters and don't shy away from difficult topics. -- Halle Carlson
These authors' works have the appeal factors fun read, and they have the genres "african american fiction" and "romantic comedies"; the subjects "sexual attraction," "african american women," and "one-night stands (interpersonal relations)"; include the identity "black"; and characters that are "likeable characters."
These authors' works have the genre "romantic comedies"; and the subjects "interracial romance," "dating," and "african american women."
These authors' works have the genre "romantic comedies"; and the subjects "interracial romance," "dating," and "african american women."
These authors' works have the genres "african american fiction" and "romantic comedies"; the subjects "physicians," "one-night stands (interpersonal relations)," and "weddings"; and include the identity "black."

Published Reviews

Booklist Review

Guillory continues to thrill with her sixth multicultural contemporary romance, following Party of Two (2020). Ambitious ad man Ben Stephens just landed a huge account after his presentation thoroughly impressed the client's talent, Academy Award-nominee Anna Gardiner. Their chemistry sizzles, but they maintain a professional working relationship. Ben's usual MO is to love 'em and leave 'em, but therapy is helping him deal with his commitment issues. Anna has sought therapy for the anxiety brought on by sudden, unexpected fame, but she's able to keep it in check by "controlling the narrative" and carefully planning where and when she's photographed. Luckily, Ben is willing to appear as her fake boyfriend, with the understanding that they'll part ways after the premiere of her new blockbuster movie. But when romantic snapshots appear in People magazine, friends and family clearly see that their love is not an act. Readers who enjoy tales of the rich and famous will swoon over red-carpet dress fittings and paparazzi-dodging hijinks. Tender love scenes and a believable romantic awakening that builds slowly while taking mental health issues seriously further demonstrate Guillory's storytelling star power.

From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
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Library Journal Review

Ben Stephens is thrilled to be leading his first high-profile ad campaign. The fact that it involves working closely with the beautiful and charming Oscar-nominated actress Anna Gardiner doesn't hurt. Anna is hoping that this ad campaign, combined with her role in an upcoming superhero movie, will raise her profile enough to land a prestige role she has her heart set on; the harmless flirtation she and Ben engage in doesn't hurt either. Then a family emergency leads to an inpromptu road trip, and Anna and Ben act on their attraction, kicking off a full-fledged fling. To keep the good publicity coming, Anna suggests they pretend they're in a relationship after the shoot wraps, but as they spend more time together and share their concerns and insecurities, everything starts feeling a little too real. Guillory's latest "Wedding Date" series installment (after Party of Two) weaves serious issues, including mental health and parental abandonment, through a believable romance that features relatable, good-hearted protagonists. VERDICT Recommend to the author's many fans, and readers who enjoyed the film Notting Hill.--Stephanie Klose, Library Journal

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Kirkus Book Review

A famous actress begins a harmless flirtation with an advertising executive, but their casual dates are likely to have serious consequences. When Ben Stephens leads the pitch presentation for a commercial slated to feature Oscar-nominated actress Anna Gardiner, he never imagines he'll impress her enough that she'll demand he lead the project. He also doesn't expect his casual on-set banter with Anna to lead anywhere. But when she has a family emergency and he offers to drive her hundreds of miles, they wind up learning about each other's pasts: While Ben resents his father for abandoning him as a child and assiduously avoids serious relationships, Anna is recovering from severe anxiety. As Black professionals, they've both had to confront deep-seated racial prejudice in their fields, and Anna is now desperately hoping it won't keep her from landing a film role she believes will be career-defining. Guillory infuses ample charm and wit in Ben and Anna's interactions as she deftly highlights the lack of public sensitivity to mental health issues and the prevalence of sizeism and racism in popular culture. While several characters introduced in Guillory's previous works make interesting and welcome appearances, Ben and Anna remain conspicuously one-note. He is endlessly considerate, she leans on him repeatedly, and their struggles, imperfections, and vulnerabilities are dealt with perfunctorily. But the camaraderie among Ben, Anna, and their respective families is always entertaining and often heartwarming. A light, frothy, and fun concoction. Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
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Booklist Reviews

*Starred Review* Guillory continues to thrill with her sixth multicultural contemporary romance, following Party of Two (2020). Ambitious ad man Ben Stephens just landed a huge account after his presentation thoroughly impressed the client's talent, Academy Award-nominee Anna Gardiner. Their chemistry sizzles, but they maintain a professional working relationship. Ben's usual MO is to love ‘em and leave ‘em, but therapy is helping him deal with his commitment issues. Anna has sought therapy for the anxiety brought on by sudden, unexpected fame, but she's able to keep it in check by "controlling the narrative" and carefully planning where and when she's photographed. Luckily, Ben is willing to appear as her fake boyfriend, with the understanding that they'll part ways after the premiere of her new blockbuster movie. But when romantic snapshots appear in People magazine, friends and family clearly see that their love is not an act. Readers who enjoy tales of the rich and famous will swoon over red-carpet dress fittings and paparazzi-dodging hijinks. Tender love scenes and a believable romantic awakening that builds slowly while taking mental health issues seriously further demonstrate Guillory's storytelling star power. Copyright 2021 Booklist Reviews.

Copyright 2021 Booklist Reviews.
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Library Journal Reviews

In Bly's Lizzie & Dante, a Shakespearean scholar heads to Italy after an ugly breakup and an end-of-the-road health diagnosis and meets a handsome chef—but is this any time to start a relationship? In debuter Christie's The Rehearsals, Megan Givens and Tom Prescott plan to call off their wedding after a calamitous rehearsal dinner but wake up the next morning in a time loop, endlessly repeating the event until maybe they get it right (100,000-copy first printing). Clancy's Shoulder Season reveals what happens when shy young church organist Sherri Taylor switches paths after her parents' death to become a Playboy bunny (100,000-copy first printing). The New York Times best-selling Guillory's While We Were Dating features Ben Stephens, Theo's brother from The Wedding Party, who's trying to stay strictly professional while working with a famous actress. In Macomber's stand-alone It's Better This Way, Julia Jones has sold her business, moved into a condominium, and put her marital breakup behind her, but she isn't looking for love—until handsome resident Heath comes along. In Island Queen, romance writer Riley goes mainstream historical to reimagine the life of Dorothy Kirwan Thomas, who rose from enslavement to become a rich and powerful landowner in the colonial West Indies (100,000-copy first printing). Pretty Little Liars author Shepard's Safe in My Arms stars three out-of-the-loop moms who try to discover why the principal of the children's elite California preschool was attacked. If you've got Nine Lives, take this journey with Steel from Chicago and Paris to London and Monaco. In Hugo/Bradbury/Eisner winner Straczynski's latest, an unsuccessful young writer pulls together a crew of equally disaffected folks, buys an old bus, and proclaims Together We Will Go—straight to California, where they will then drive off a cliff (100,000-copy first printing). In debuter Yoder's one-of-a-kind Nightbitch, a woman who's convinced that she is turning into a dog ferrets out answers in A Field Guide to Magical Women and links up with a group of mothers with their own secret persuasions. Optioned for film.

Copyright 2021 Library Journal.

Copyright 2021 Library Journal.
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Library Journal Reviews

Ben Stephens is thrilled to be leading his first high-profile ad campaign. The fact that it involves working closely with the beautiful and charming Oscar-nominated actress Anna Gardiner doesn't hurt. Anna is hoping that this ad campaign, combined with her role in an upcoming superhero movie, will raise her profile enough to land a prestige role she has her heart set on; the harmless flirtation she and Ben engage in doesn't hurt either. Then a family emergency leads to an inpromptu road trip, and Anna and Ben act on their attraction, kicking off a full-fledged fling. To keep the good publicity coming, Anna suggests they pretend they're in a relationship after the shoot wraps, but as they spend more time together and share their concerns and insecurities, everything starts feeling a little too real. Guillory's latest "Wedding Date" series installment (after Party of Two) weaves serious issues, including mental health and parental abandonment, through a believable romance that features relatable, good-hearted protagonists. VERDICT Recommend to the author's many fans, and readers who enjoyed the film Notting Hill.—Stephanie Klose, Library Journal

Copyright 2021 Library Journal.

Copyright 2021 Library Journal.
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