Finally liberated after decades of marriage, to a man she now refers to only as Voldemort, NHS sexual health doctor, Daisy Mae is ready to embark on a new life of adventure, dating and ‘protected’ fun. Unfortunately, the last time she was asked out on a date was in the 1980’s before Whatsapp, Tinder, Happn and Bumble existed, all meaningless words to her frankly middle-aged ears.
As a sexual health doctor Daisy Mae, more than most, has reason to be cautious about throwing herself head first into 21st century dating. With a little guidance, and encouragement, from her seventeen year old daughter Imogen, the ‘Amigos’ — her surrogate parents with a swanky house and swimming pool
— her friends Pinky and nonagenarian Jeannie, who sends her insightful romantic advice from their nursing homes, Daisy sets herself up on an online dating website in the hope that romance will soon follow.
But dating in the 21st century isn’t always easy and what begins as an innocent foray into the online world unravels in spectacular fashion. From decoding tech-language —did you know 531 meant sex?— to awkward first dates at Costa Coffee not to mention the odd, and unwelcome, explicit photo— Daisy is about to find out the exciting, cringeworthy and downright bizarre realities all too soon. Is the price of finding love online too high? Or can Daisy Mae swipe her way to success?
Join Daisy on her hilarious yet heartfelt adventure into modern dating for the middle-aged woman. Written as a personal diary Dating Daisy juxtaposes the mundane realities of getting older, and of the changing dynamics of relationships and marriage, with our never ending dreams of romance, affection and adventure. Having survived her own separation, the author brings a refreshing realism and depth to the character of Daisy, a woman who will delight fans of comedy and commercial fiction, making Dating Daisy the perfect companion this summer.
Published 27th July 2017 by Clink Street Publishing
When I first heard about this book, it sounded like a lot of fun. Having dabbled very briefly into the world of internet dating a few years ago (under the influence of lots of wine and a helpful ‘pal’) and hearing stories from friends who’d also given it a go, I decided quickly it wasn’t for me! However, there’s many a funny story to be told from the online quest for love, and also some real fairy tales, so I was pretty much sold on giving this book a go.
Fifty something Daisy is newly divorced, mum to an older teenager and missing companionship. When she decides to give internet dating a go, she isn’t sure what to expect. But, over a couple of months and a steady stream of inappropriate suitors, Daisy begins to loose hope. Dating Daisy follows her journey through the strange world of internet dating sites and is funny, cringy, endearing, a little bit sad and ever hopeful.
I loved the chatty, conversational tone of this book. It reads like a good old gossip with friends a lot of the time. Written in the first person, there’s a very personal note to the writing, making it feel that Daisy is talking to the reader herself. This means I found myself really attached to Daisy, she’s very very likable and I wanted the best for her.
Her observations and experiences of the site itself and the men she meets up with are hilarious. There’s a real charm and wit to this book, having me snorting out loud with laughter regularly. Most of the men are the somewhat predictable, not how they look in their photo’s, older and disappointing in real life with an air of desperation about them. I couldn’t help but feel sorry for a couple of them – they were really only lonely themselves and a bit desperate! It kind of drove home to me how people these days are constantly trying to present themselves as someone they are not online, and it made me a bit sad. Daisy’s own expectations when she met some of the guys in real life were also a bit unrealistic I feel and it felt a bit superficial, yet very, very real and relevant to our currant attitudes.
I really loved Daisy’s stories from her work as a Sexual Health Doctor. They were hysterical. Working in healthcare for many years, this type of humour REALLY appeals to me, and she managed to get the mix of hilarity and compassion just right so it didn’t feel she was mocking people. It was just very honest and yes. Funny.
Dating Daisy is a fun book, ideal for holiday reading. The chatty style is engaging and easy. There were a couple of times when I thought the chattiness veered into rambling as Daisy flits off topic, but on the whole this was an enjoyable quick read with lots of laughs and an endearing character you’ll be cheering on throughout.
About the author: Living in the South of England Daisy_234 shares many similar professional, life, and dating, experiences as her protagonist; for this reason she has chosen to write under a pen name.
