The 12 Bad Dates Before Christmas: A Holiday Ultimatum

5 Star Review

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Editorial Book Review:

By Marah Chandler

Okay, let's be honest. A holiday romance about a woman being forced to go on twelve dates by her well-meaning mother and a squad of church matchmakers sounds like it could go either way. But NL DiDeo makes it work, and she makes it work beautifully, because at its heart this isn't really a story about bad dates. It's a story about a woman who thought she had everything figured out finally meeting someone who scrambles all her plans in the best possible way.

Evie is the kind of character you root for immediately. She's smart, she has a career she loves, a great best friend, and a cat named Raven who sounds absolutely delightful. The last thing she needs is her mother and the Church Cupids deciding her love life needs a deadline. The twelve dates that follow are exactly as wonderfully chaotic as you'd hope, and DiDeo has a real gift for finding the funny without making her characters look foolish.

And then there's Ryan. A police officer who puts his daughter first, watches Evie stumble through one bad date after another, and quietly falls for her anyway. That slow build is genuinely sweet. You feel it happening in real time, which is exactly what a good holiday romance should do.

What makes this book linger is the warmth underneath all the festive chaos. St. Augustine is a gorgeous setting, the friendship between Evie and Lanie feels completely real, and the romance earns its ending without rushing there.

If you're looking for something cozy and charming to curl up with this holiday season, this one absolutely delivers. Grab it, make some hot chocolate, and enjoy every single bad date.

About the Author

NL DiDeo

N.L. DiDeo is a two-time award-winning author known for crafting engaging romance novels that blend heart, humor, and unforgettable characters. A former graphic designer and high school teacher, she has worn many creative hats throughout her career. Inspired by a challenge from her daughter, she ventured into clean romance with The 12 Bad Dates Before Christmas, a charming small-town love story filled with holiday cheer and second chances. She lives in Florida with her husband, two rescued cats, and two energetic puppies.