The Launch Date

January 1, 2025

DEBUT Marketing manager Grace Hastings has worked tirelessly to increase the popularity of Fate, the dating app she works for, to the detriment of her own love life. A recent breakup and major case of imposter syndrome only add to the growing fear that Grace will never find her happily-ever-after, even as she convinces others that Fate will deliver. When an opportunity for a promotion arises, Grace finally feels hope--until she's paired with her nemesis from rival app Ignite (which is more hookup-centric than the commitment-focused Fate); they are asked to collaborate to figure out how to combine the two apps and attract new users. For Grace, wealthy, handsome, and truly irritating Eric Bancroft epitomizes the casual-dating app he works for, ever since he destroyed their friendship. Despite being determined to keep him at a distance, Grace finds herself falling for Eric as they prospect fun and romantic dates around London. VERDICT Slator, a former marketing manager for real-life dating app Bumble, debuts with a slow-burn romance that will satisfy readers who enjoyed Sally Thorne's The Hating Game.--Elizabeth Gabriel

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Starred review from December 1, 2024
Things have been rough for Grace Hastings. Her fianc� abruptly called things off and her job at Fate, a dating app, hasn't been as rewarding as she hoped. But in a sudden turnaround she's offered the career opportunity of a lifetime, and Grace isn't about to let anything, or anyone, get in her way. The CEO of Catch Group is planning to launch an entire new approach with an IRL dating app; something Grace has been working on for ages. The problem is that Grace isn't the only candidate in the running. Eric Bancroft, Grace's former workplace friend turned corporate rival, is also up for the promotion. To make things even worse, Catch's CEO proposes that Grace and Eric work together, since he thinks they bring out the best in each other! Slator makes her debut with a deliciously smart and fun rom-com that cheekily channels the dryly witty charm of Bridget Jones's Diary while also demonstrating her own mastery of snappy banter and sizzling sexual chemistry. With its thoughtful characterization and important message about embracing one's own sense of self-worth, this is an absolute delight.

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January 6, 2025
In this fun if somewhat uneven workplace romance, debut author Slator pairs two ambitious and antagonistic coworkers, Grace and Eric, as they compete for a promotion at a London dating app company. Grace has a manipulative creep for a boss and wrestles with low self-esteem, having recently exited a bad long-term relationship. Meanwhile, Eric is followed relentlessly by the paparazzi due to his prominent family, which both annoys and titillates Grace. Formerly friends, their relationship now consists of nonstop sniping—until they’re assigned to work together on a new project that requires them to evaluate potential romantic outings as a pretend couple. The sizzle between these two is obvious from the jump, but for most of the book Grace comes across as whiny and struggles to get out of her own way. Fortunately, the far more appealing Eric works to improve her self-esteem and encourages her to stand up for herself. Once she finally becomes more assertive—and more open to his overtures—the story picks up steam and becomes a lot more entertaining. Despite its few flaws, this is sure to please fans of Sally Thorne and Christina Lauren.

February 15, 2025
Two workplace rivals fight for a promotion while researching first-date activities for their company's next big app. Grace Hastings feels as if she's clawed her way to the role of marketing manager for a London dating app called Fate, struggling with imposter syndrome every step of the way. Meanwhile, she writes off her workplace rival Eric Bancroft's effortless rise as a result of his popularity, family name, and good looks. When the upcoming launch of a new kind of dating app forces them together--and with a promotion dangling for one of them--Grace and Eric set aside their frequent jabs for the sake of their research and hopefully a successful launch. The new app has an unusual focus on in-person experiences, pairing up compatible users and sending them on curated dates. But before it can launch, Grace and Eric are asked to assess each experience--from hikes to cooking classes to yoga--as if they were two people going on the date themselves. Grace is a frustrating character; though she frequently tells herself that she's worked hard to get where she is and deserves her position, outwardly she acts like a doormat. Her boss frequently takes advantage of her, and it's only through Eric's encouragement that she gains confidence and begins setting boundaries. Her journey would have felt more impactful if she'd mustered the courage to stand up for herself rather than relying on a love interest to be the catalyst for change. The opposites-attract romance is cute, albeit a bit slow until nearly the end of the book. The litany of inventive dates is what propels the book forward, as the reader looks forward to seeing what sort of adventure Eric and Grace will be subject to next. A playful setup, but surprisingly lackluster in the romance department.

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