Missi's Dating Adventures by Carol Balawyder

I started Missi's Dating Adventures with the intention to read a few pages and then shut down my Kindle for another day. That didn't happen. 

Author, Carol Balawyder had me hooked from the first few pages and I read the whole book in one session! 

This is an original story filled not just with wit, but also with wisdom and lessons to be learned too.

First, the wit:

The main character in this book is Missi Morgan, a 45 year old divorced woman who writes romance novels and is an online dating columnist. From her own life experiences, Missi shares what she has learned of the perils of dating in the 21st century for women 40 +

And wow, the stories she shares!

I couldn't believe some of the losers that she wrote about in this book.

I shook my head, smiled, teared up a couple of times too. 

But most of all,  I laughed and laughed. ;-) 

For example:

* Mead, a heart surgeon who never shuts up. Trying to capture Missi's attention from the beginning with comparisons of the valves of the heart to the underground pipes of the city of Boston.

In spite of being a doctor, he's also a big time cheap-o who loves to talk about the bargains he's recently found for himself such as: his new Ralph Lauren PJs, $38. no tax!

* Bruce, who lasted 2 months with Missi. When it came time to break up, Missi hands him a list of "whys" that includes: you scratch yourself in front of me, you pile blankets on the bed when I'm having a hot flash, you take my photo when I have my mouth full...

*Hugh (now this one was a REAL loser) who goes everywhere with two cameras slung around his neck. One for portraits, one for scenery. (you had to ask why????).

Hugh also likes to wear his old "fat clothes" even though he is no longer fat, simply to wear them out.

And CHEAP, beyond belief. Expecting Missi to bring her own food or to pay for it at restaurants. When he's really feeling generous, he even offers Missi a BITE of his chicken sandwich.

And about those cameras, he loves to snap all kinds of photos but never one of Missi.

*Stuart, who is partial to wearing an ascot around his neck but that is where any kind of "class" ends.

Again, this is another guy who gives a whole new meaning to the word CHEAP. Expecting Missi to bring wine with her to restaurants and asking waiters for discounts and early bird specials.

the list goes on and on.

Along with the laughter (my husband, Joe was trying to read over my shoulder btw, while I was reading because of how often I was laughing) I found myself wondering as I read these stories:

Do guys with this little going for them really exist?

 This was bad behavior, no class and then some.

I was a divorced woman myself in my late 30's and early 40's and I thought I had met some "frogs" along the way. But looking back now, these guys all look like saints compared to the motley crew that Missi has the misfortune of hooking up with, time after time.

The wisdom:

There many reminders for readers along the way, what to look for when it comes to finding a suitable partner/mate in the roller-coaster world of middle-aged dating. 

Even more important, to always be mindful of respecting ourselves enough not to settle for just anyone to keep us company or to warm up a bed. It's not worth it, it never works out and we are left even lonelier at the end of the day, when they move on.

Missi was starting to learn that lesson but in the meantime, wow...that woman sure did kiss a whole lotta' frogs!!!

Especially if you are 40 or older, divorced and dating (and MEN should read this book too)....this is one you won't want to miss. 

But even if you aren't part of the dating scene right now, this is a worthwhile, entertaining and oh so funny book. 

Overall rating for this eBook: Excellent. 5 out of 5