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Truth Or Date
Falling for the man of her dreams�
Ruby Wood is perfectly happy playing the dating game � until she has a red-hot dream about her very attractive flatmate, Nick. He might spend every day saving lives as a junior doctor, but he’s absolutely the last man on earth that fun-loving Ruby would ever date!
The solution? Focus on all of Nick’s bad points. And if that fails, up her dating antics and find herself a man! So what if she manages to make disapproving, goody two-shoes Nick jealous in the process�
Only, after a series of nightmare first dates, there’s still just one man on Ruby’s mind. Maybe it’s time to admit the truth and dare to ask Nick to be her next date?
Kindle Edition
Published January 1, 2024
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1,009 people want to read
About the author
Portia MacIntosh
43books1,731followersPortia MacIntosh is the bestselling author of over 30 romantic comedy novels.
From disastrous dates to destination weddings, Portia’s romcoms are the perfect way to escape from day to day life, visiting sunny beaches in the summer and snowy villages at Christmas time. Whether it’s southern Italy or the Yorkshire coast, Portia’s stories are the holiday you’re craving, conveniently packed in between the pages.
Formerly a journalist, Portia has left the city, swapping the music biz for the moors, to live the (not so) quiet life with her husband and her dog in Yorkshire.
Find out more at
From disastrous dates to destination weddings, Portia’s romcoms are the perfect way to escape from day to day life, visiting sunny beaches in the summer and snowy villages at Christmas time. Whether it’s southern Italy or the Yorkshire coast, Portia’s stories are the holiday you’re craving, conveniently packed in between the pages.
Formerly a journalist, Portia has left the city, swapping the music biz for the moors, to live the (not so) quiet life with her husband and her dog in Yorkshire.
Find out more at
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 136 reviews
May 15, 2016
Ever since I've heard about this book I wanted to read it.
The cover is just adorable, it's like it shines with positivity and the premise sounded like something I'd enjoy.
The best thing about this novel was the writing style it was wrtitten with.
Even though this was my first time reading Portia Macintosh's work, the feeling I had while reading this book was like coming home, if you know what I mean.
It was like coming back to something familiar that makes you feel comfortable, if that makes sense.
I can't say if maybe Macintosh's voice sounded like the one from my favorite author Sophie Kinsella, or if it's only me who find the similarity between the two.
No matter what the case is, the point I'm trying to make is that I liked it.
The story follows Ruby, a quirky 28 years old girl who works in a cafe shop.
She doesn't take life too seriously and has no luck when it comes to guys. She does not give up, though. Going on dates reguraly is what she does. So what if most of them don't end up too well? One day maybe her dream guy worth keeping will show up, right?
My relationship with Ruby was, in the lack of better words, pretty complicated.
At times I loved her, I liked how silly and funny she was. But at other times, I wanted to shake her. It didn't help that I didn't approve what she was trying to do (her main goal) and to be honest, I questioned her morality.
Her best friend Millsy was an interesting character and I liked him better then Ruby. Reading about them together was really fun, but when in the story came Ruby's brother Woody, it was even better.
Nick was the guy I had a feeling we should all fall in love with.
And I did, for a second. I'm not gonna lie.
However, as the story progressed, that love faded and I ended up not liking him all that much anymore.
Nick's girlfriend Gwen was my favorite character. I can even say I understood her at some point (when it comes to being annoyed by Ruby and her non-stop presence). I think every girlfriend who's boyfriend had a roomate like Ruby would want to get rid of her.
I didn't like how Heather's character developed. It was like she suddenly lost a big precentage of her IQ level and I feel like the main thing about her personality was there just so we could start on hating her and maybe it was even there as an easier way for the author to make us root for Ruby and Nick.
I like how Ruby and Nick's relationship developed from „not like� to „more then like� trough the story.
The end was a bit rushed.
Overall, a quick and funny read that is perfect for chick-lit lovers.
Before reading
The cover is just adorable, it's like it shines with positivity and the premise sounded like something I'd enjoy.
The best thing about this novel was the writing style it was wrtitten with.
Even though this was my first time reading Portia Macintosh's work, the feeling I had while reading this book was like coming home, if you know what I mean.
It was like coming back to something familiar that makes you feel comfortable, if that makes sense.
I can't say if maybe Macintosh's voice sounded like the one from my favorite author Sophie Kinsella, or if it's only me who find the similarity between the two.
No matter what the case is, the point I'm trying to make is that I liked it.
The story follows Ruby, a quirky 28 years old girl who works in a cafe shop.
She doesn't take life too seriously and has no luck when it comes to guys. She does not give up, though. Going on dates reguraly is what she does. So what if most of them don't end up too well? One day maybe her dream guy worth keeping will show up, right?
My relationship with Ruby was, in the lack of better words, pretty complicated.
At times I loved her, I liked how silly and funny she was. But at other times, I wanted to shake her. It didn't help that I didn't approve what she was trying to do (her main goal) and to be honest, I questioned her morality.
Her best friend Millsy was an interesting character and I liked him better then Ruby. Reading about them together was really fun, but when in the story came Ruby's brother Woody, it was even better.
Nick was the guy I had a feeling we should all fall in love with.
And I did, for a second. I'm not gonna lie.
However, as the story progressed, that love faded and I ended up not liking him all that much anymore.
Nick's girlfriend Gwen was my favorite character. I can even say I understood her at some point (when it comes to being annoyed by Ruby and her non-stop presence). I think every girlfriend who's boyfriend had a roomate like Ruby would want to get rid of her.
I didn't like how Heather's character developed. It was like she suddenly lost a big precentage of her IQ level and I feel like the main thing about her personality was there just so we could start on hating her and maybe it was even there as an easier way for the author to make us root for Ruby and Nick.
I like how Ruby and Nick's relationship developed from „not like� to „more then like� trough the story.
The end was a bit rushed.
Overall, a quick and funny read that is perfect for chick-lit lovers.
Before reading
July 12, 2020
Such a good premise but it all went wrong. IMHO there was nothing endearing about any of the characters at all. And it’s not like I didn’t just not care about them ... I actually actively disliked them and, because of this, found it an unpleasant read. Ruby and her best friend are horrible, mean, petty, immature drunks. Didn’t get Nick. I ended up skimming through it to get to the totally anticlimactic ending.
December 29, 2017
Sadly, this one fell flat for me. I didn't 'get' the attraction between Ruby and Nick. It didn't jump off the page, wasn't even there for me. It felt more like - Ruby and Nick have to get together, and the author literally tells you this without showing and certainly without any good reason why, and you're supposed to go along for the ride. I couldn't even get behind the romantic pairing (that was anything but romantic to me - it felt forced, as in, "the blurb said this so I have to make it happen" from the author)
December 10, 2020
This book was just plain disappointing. It's advertised as "laugh out loud funny". I really didn't find much funny about it. I also found it incredibly repetitive. I don't know how many times you really need to describe a main character as being "just like a guy", due to growing up with her best friend and brother, but this book really went the distance. We get the picture!
The book also never really goes into why Ruby has all of these feelings, all of a sudden, for her roommate. Literally, she starts dreaming about him and then has to have him? I just couldn't buy in to this storyline at all. Plus several other points in the plot are pretty predictable. Take a pass on this book. Not really worth the time.
The book also never really goes into why Ruby has all of these feelings, all of a sudden, for her roommate. Literally, she starts dreaming about him and then has to have him? I just couldn't buy in to this storyline at all. Plus several other points in the plot are pretty predictable. Take a pass on this book. Not really worth the time.
April 29, 2019
Received an ARC for an honest review.
I'm not sure what I was expecting...but it wasn't this. Ruby was really hard to like. It got to the point that I didn't really care about her and Nick ending up together and at times, I didn't want them to. It's frustrating because I really wanted to like this. The roommates to lovers trope is one of my favorites, after all, but this didn't do it for me. I don't know if it was her condescending attitude or the way she was so flagrantly disrespectful, but it wasn't for me.
I'm not sure what I was expecting...but it wasn't this. Ruby was really hard to like. It got to the point that I didn't really care about her and Nick ending up together and at times, I didn't want them to. It's frustrating because I really wanted to like this. The roommates to lovers trope is one of my favorites, after all, but this didn't do it for me. I don't know if it was her condescending attitude or the way she was so flagrantly disrespectful, but it wasn't for me.
May 9, 2022
I found Ruby and her friend to be immature, and selfish. I did not understand why she even liked Nick in the first place.
Her original reasons for hating Heather were so baseless and full of jealousy and pettiness. I read rom-coms for their wholesome content and this one disappointed me.
Her original reasons for hating Heather were so baseless and full of jealousy and pettiness. I read rom-coms for their wholesome content and this one disappointed me.
August 22, 2016
Review's up!
August 30, 2024
1.75/5 The protagonist is insufferable and underwent no character development whatsoever.
November 23, 2024
Pick me girl vibes. Millsey and the brother deserve jail. Nick was too good for everyone ???
2 stars bc chaz enjoyed it
2 stars bc chaz enjoyed it
January 5, 2025
Könnte man 0 Sterne geben hätte dieses Buch diese 0 verdient. Macht einen Bogen im das Buch🫣
June 23, 2024
Take a shot everytime they mention Leeds and you will be blackout drunk by the middle.
Buddy audiobooked this one with my best friend while on a trip together. I think that made it quite a bit more amusing than it actually was. But we had a few good laughs.
The main couple was not very well built up. Didn't really see the attraction and it mostly felt like they ended up together just because "that's what is supposed to happen".
Personalities of characters changed from left to right. Motivations changed and they were mostly a bit mean and made questionable chocies.
But at least there was some good banter and I feel like the characters, mainly the main character grew a bit during the story so that's nice.
The ending was a bit too easy, things just fell into place without the main character having to make any effort. But I guess everything was nicely wrapped up.
Fast and easy to get trough, what can I say.
Buddy audiobooked this one with my best friend while on a trip together. I think that made it quite a bit more amusing than it actually was. But we had a few good laughs.
The main couple was not very well built up. Didn't really see the attraction and it mostly felt like they ended up together just because "that's what is supposed to happen".
Personalities of characters changed from left to right. Motivations changed and they were mostly a bit mean and made questionable chocies.
But at least there was some good banter and I feel like the characters, mainly the main character grew a bit during the story so that's nice.
The ending was a bit too easy, things just fell into place without the main character having to make any effort. But I guess everything was nicely wrapped up.
Fast and easy to get trough, what can I say.
February 7, 2021
Wasn't sure if I'd like this since I loved The Plus One Pact so much but I absolutely did. Love the characters and love the writing, seems so real and relatable. Think I'm going to have to read all of her books
March 6, 2025
The book started so strong, but it literally took the entire book for her to get her love interest, then it was over..boring
June 5, 2024
Not the best, but also not the worst 🤷🏻♀�
July 6, 2024
This was a fun lighthearted book. Some laugh out loud moments. Very enjoyable.
September 6, 2024
Helt ok bok att lyssna på en resa ned till Helsingborg. Men var den bra nja.
De har varit rumskamrater i flera månader men har aldring hittat varandra utan istället bråkat. Nu har hon från ingen stans fått känslor för honom och försöker nu få honom att förstår att hon kommer vara en bra flickvän. På sätt som jag inte förstår att hon själv tror på.
Att jag dock satt och typ skrattade rakt ut i tåget kl 6 på morgonen. Gör att de går upp en sjärna 🌺
De har varit rumskamrater i flera månader men har aldring hittat varandra utan istället bråkat. Nu har hon från ingen stans fått känslor för honom och försöker nu få honom att förstår att hon kommer vara en bra flickvän. På sätt som jag inte förstår att hon själv tror på.
Att jag dock satt och typ skrattade rakt ut i tåget kl 6 på morgonen. Gör att de går upp en sjärna 🌺
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 4, 2016
“To be honest, after my recent dreams, I could happily never dream again. I used to love my dreams, even my nightmares. For me they were like an escape from real life, an adventure where I could do anything and go anywhere and no one could hurt me. It was an awesome life that I’m never going to be able to have.� � Truth or Date by Portia MacIntosh
Ruby spends her time going to work at a coffee shop, going to nightclubs with her best friend Millsy and spending way too much time going on nightmare dates with guys she’s meeting on Matcher, a dating app. While searching for mister right and trying to enjoy life, she never would have thought her world would turn upside down until she starts to have the dreams. She starts having dreams about her flatmate, Nick, whom she hates absolutely hates and the feeling is mutual from both parties. More confused now than ever, she tries to get her mind off of it but what if there’s something there that she’s never realized until now?
I’d like to thank NetGalley and Carina UK for the opportunity of reading such a gem. Truth or Date by Portia MacIntosh was so cute and there were so many aspects that surprised me. I love that about stories. My first impression of this book was that this was probably another romantic dating book but this book really made me laugh. Dating is not always fun and games and her humor just made everything so funny. It’s very witty and the whole way through with many twists and turns and some pretty awkward moments. Oh, and the suspense! There was a scene that felt off at first but it just made you really want to see what happens next. The way that the author paced it was absolutely perfect. Portia did so well with the character development too. Ruby starts to realize that to truly be happy, she has to be true to herself and I really like that message. I think the only thing that I didn't like was the way that her hair color was finally mentioned almost mid-way into the story. It made me sit back for a second because I had already established an idea of what she looked like and I had a hard time changing her image in my head. Besides that, I read this one so quickly and I’m incredibly happy with the way it ended too. This was a very satisfying read and I highly recommend it.
It is definitely another book that I will have to find a print version of to add to my collection. I give this book a 4 out of 5!
Ruby spends her time going to work at a coffee shop, going to nightclubs with her best friend Millsy and spending way too much time going on nightmare dates with guys she’s meeting on Matcher, a dating app. While searching for mister right and trying to enjoy life, she never would have thought her world would turn upside down until she starts to have the dreams. She starts having dreams about her flatmate, Nick, whom she hates absolutely hates and the feeling is mutual from both parties. More confused now than ever, she tries to get her mind off of it but what if there’s something there that she’s never realized until now?
I’d like to thank NetGalley and Carina UK for the opportunity of reading such a gem. Truth or Date by Portia MacIntosh was so cute and there were so many aspects that surprised me. I love that about stories. My first impression of this book was that this was probably another romantic dating book but this book really made me laugh. Dating is not always fun and games and her humor just made everything so funny. It’s very witty and the whole way through with many twists and turns and some pretty awkward moments. Oh, and the suspense! There was a scene that felt off at first but it just made you really want to see what happens next. The way that the author paced it was absolutely perfect. Portia did so well with the character development too. Ruby starts to realize that to truly be happy, she has to be true to herself and I really like that message. I think the only thing that I didn't like was the way that her hair color was finally mentioned almost mid-way into the story. It made me sit back for a second because I had already established an idea of what she looked like and I had a hard time changing her image in my head. Besides that, I read this one so quickly and I’m incredibly happy with the way it ended too. This was a very satisfying read and I highly recommend it.
It is definitely another book that I will have to find a print version of to add to my collection. I give this book a 4 out of 5!
August 3, 2016
Reviewed for Chick Lit Central ()
Truth or Date was such a great example of how opposites can attract, and whether that’s ultimately a good thing, or a bad thing. There is nothing about Nick that Ruby feels she could ever be compatible with, considering how totally different they are. Yet, that doesn’t change the fact that she still feels drawn to him. I think that might have something to do with Ruby sharing a few characteristics with Nick, and not realizing it, or maybe she doesn’t want to. If they have anything in common, it might mean she’s boring, too.
Often, your deepest desires are illuminated in your dreams, which is exactly what Ruby experiences. She hates admitting to herself that Nick’s the only guy she’s ever truly felt herself around, allowing him to see her even when she feels at her worst. Well, other than Millsy, her best friend. He’s another guy in Ruby’s life who has seen her hit rock bottom, with only a smidge of judgement. When Ruby hatches a plan to win Nick’s heart, Millsy becomes one of her biggest supporters, offering up some of his own sage advice on the subject, as far off the mark as that may be. Ultimately, it won’t break his heart if things don’t work out with Nick. He can’t stand Nick, and doesn’t get why Ruby feels the way she does. In Millsy’s world, there are always plenty of fish in the sea. Why can’t Ruby adopt that philosophy?
This was an interesting take on relationships between friends, roommates, frenemies and even coworkers, and how sometimes the people you least expect to be in your corner shows up, and the ones you felt would always be there, isn't. Having read a few of Portia MacIntosh’s books (Bad Bridesmaid, How Not to be Starstruck, Drive Me Crazy), I felt this was a wonderful addition to the MacIntosh collection.
Truth or Date was such a great example of how opposites can attract, and whether that’s ultimately a good thing, or a bad thing. There is nothing about Nick that Ruby feels she could ever be compatible with, considering how totally different they are. Yet, that doesn’t change the fact that she still feels drawn to him. I think that might have something to do with Ruby sharing a few characteristics with Nick, and not realizing it, or maybe she doesn’t want to. If they have anything in common, it might mean she’s boring, too.
Often, your deepest desires are illuminated in your dreams, which is exactly what Ruby experiences. She hates admitting to herself that Nick’s the only guy she’s ever truly felt herself around, allowing him to see her even when she feels at her worst. Well, other than Millsy, her best friend. He’s another guy in Ruby’s life who has seen her hit rock bottom, with only a smidge of judgement. When Ruby hatches a plan to win Nick’s heart, Millsy becomes one of her biggest supporters, offering up some of his own sage advice on the subject, as far off the mark as that may be. Ultimately, it won’t break his heart if things don’t work out with Nick. He can’t stand Nick, and doesn’t get why Ruby feels the way she does. In Millsy’s world, there are always plenty of fish in the sea. Why can’t Ruby adopt that philosophy?
This was an interesting take on relationships between friends, roommates, frenemies and even coworkers, and how sometimes the people you least expect to be in your corner shows up, and the ones you felt would always be there, isn't. Having read a few of Portia MacIntosh’s books (Bad Bridesmaid, How Not to be Starstruck, Drive Me Crazy), I felt this was a wonderful addition to the MacIntosh collection.
May 1, 2016
Firstly i love the cover for this book, if that doesnt make you pick the book up and have a read of the blurb than nothing will.. It sounded a fun read and just up my street. This was a bit of a slow starter for me, i took a whille to get into it which was disappointing. I didnt warm much to Ruby, who is the main character but thankfully it did pick up.
So meet Ruby Wood, she works in a coffee shop with her best friend Millsy, he is very simular to Ruby and they both dont care for their job a great deal. They are both into acting, with Millsy starring in an upcoming show, Ruby likes to use her acting skills to get dates. So many dates!!.
Ruby shares a flat with Nick, they dont get on and have a dislike for each other. Ruby also hates his girlfriend Heather, who is a Vegan and just wants Nick for his money and good looks.
As Ruby starts to have vivid erotic dreams about Nick, she believes it is a sign and goes on a mission to make him fall in love with her.
I did find the whole Ruby falling for Nick very sudden, as one minute they hate each other, Ruby dreams about him, then she starts to flirt with him. I think this could of been more gradual.
This is a fun, quirky read and i found myself smiling in lots of parts. I love that Leeds is used as their home city. A lot of Fiction books use the same places over and over again so it was refreshing that a completely new place was used. I enjoyed the part about weird neighbour Ned, little extra things going on in a story make it all that more interesting. Looking forward to Portia's next book.
So meet Ruby Wood, she works in a coffee shop with her best friend Millsy, he is very simular to Ruby and they both dont care for their job a great deal. They are both into acting, with Millsy starring in an upcoming show, Ruby likes to use her acting skills to get dates. So many dates!!.
Ruby shares a flat with Nick, they dont get on and have a dislike for each other. Ruby also hates his girlfriend Heather, who is a Vegan and just wants Nick for his money and good looks.
As Ruby starts to have vivid erotic dreams about Nick, she believes it is a sign and goes on a mission to make him fall in love with her.
I did find the whole Ruby falling for Nick very sudden, as one minute they hate each other, Ruby dreams about him, then she starts to flirt with him. I think this could of been more gradual.
This is a fun, quirky read and i found myself smiling in lots of parts. I love that Leeds is used as their home city. A lot of Fiction books use the same places over and over again so it was refreshing that a completely new place was used. I enjoyed the part about weird neighbour Ned, little extra things going on in a story make it all that more interesting. Looking forward to Portia's next book.
Read
May 4, 2020DNF at 40%
The book was clunky, lacked the usual Portia charm in the characters. The best friend guy annoyed me so I was unable to get on further with it
Still love the author and I've enjoyed her other books , this one is not for me
The book was clunky, lacked the usual Portia charm in the characters. The best friend guy annoyed me so I was unable to get on further with it
Still love the author and I've enjoyed her other books , this one is not for me
October 5, 2020
I really couldn't connect with Ruby. One minute she hates Nick, the other she's totally in love with him. And she's so judgy all the time and the way she judged Heather for not wearing make up... Ugh.
December 17, 2016
this book was just brilliant. love all the characters. recommend this book to everyone
Read
April 5, 2024so the second half of this was a little better, but overall I was underwhelmed.
March 2, 2025
I've been on a bit of a Portia Macintosh spree,
reading or rereading my extensive collection of her books, including one of her first few, which reminded me that PM is a "nom de plume" following her career as a journalist. I am a strong fan of the way that she handles the various rom-com tropes as well as she does people from all walks of life.
She writes in the manner that my close friends, my wife, and I comment on those who believe that money allows one to drop common courtesy, including the very basic "please and thank you." It is always fun to be just as offensive as some of their utterances, whilst still appearing to be quite polite...
As usual, I enjoyed her trademark witty humour and banter, complete with great one-liners and zingers, and crazy situations popping up all over the place. Unfortunately, there were some slightly mis-worded, well-known turns of phrase, as well as a few typos, losing my vote its fifth star.
.
That said, she beautifully skewers certain types of people, just as she did the rich, self-entitled (old and) new money in her novel "Bad Bridesmaid."
If you have yet to read that book, I strongly recommend it, as much as I do this novel.
Her books are always laugh-out-loud funny, and one knows that there will be a good HEA at the end.
EDIT: 03-03-25
I totally missed that this novel is actually the first book of a trilogy, being followed by "The Plus One Pact," with "Fake It Or Leave It" rounding it out. I didn't realise until my rereading spree that has seen me read or reread eight of the thirty PM books in my library in the last ten days. It will be my first read of the final novel, starting later today.
reading or rereading my extensive collection of her books, including one of her first few, which reminded me that PM is a "nom de plume" following her career as a journalist. I am a strong fan of the way that she handles the various rom-com tropes as well as she does people from all walks of life.
She writes in the manner that my close friends, my wife, and I comment on those who believe that money allows one to drop common courtesy, including the very basic "please and thank you." It is always fun to be just as offensive as some of their utterances, whilst still appearing to be quite polite...
As usual, I enjoyed her trademark witty humour and banter, complete with great one-liners and zingers, and crazy situations popping up all over the place. Unfortunately, there were some slightly mis-worded, well-known turns of phrase, as well as a few typos, losing my vote its fifth star.
.
That said, she beautifully skewers certain types of people, just as she did the rich, self-entitled (old and) new money in her novel "Bad Bridesmaid."
If you have yet to read that book, I strongly recommend it, as much as I do this novel.
Her books are always laugh-out-loud funny, and one knows that there will be a good HEA at the end.
EDIT: 03-03-25
I totally missed that this novel is actually the first book of a trilogy, being followed by "The Plus One Pact," with "Fake It Or Leave It" rounding it out. I didn't realise until my rereading spree that has seen me read or reread eight of the thirty PM books in my library in the last ten days. It will be my first read of the final novel, starting later today.
September 13, 2024
Well, I don't know what happened with this one, but didn't do it for me. At all.
I found so many things about this annoying. The heroine, Ruby, was annoying. She was such a mess and I don't think she was the hot kind.
Her bestie Millsy was annoying.
The way Robin decided that she was in love with her roommate Nick, even though he was in a committed relationship and he was about to get married was annoying.
Although for Ruby's defense, Nick's fiance, with her passive agressive demeanor and her health obssesed ways, was even more annoying than Ruby herself. It made me think that I could have liked, even loved Nick in a completely different reality. Yeah, Nick was just fine, but the women he was surrounded with made him annoying in extention, too. Sorry.
It was annoying that Millsy suggested Ruby should make Nick jealous to show him what he is missing, and it was annoying that it actually worked? Also, the guys Ruby was seeing to make Nick jealous was downright hateful.
From my POV. I hated them with a passion.
And here is the thing. I could have overlooked all of these issues to some extent, if I were able to feel even the tiniest scrap of chemistry between Ruby and Nick, but guess what? It was non-existent. I didn't feel a thing.
All in all, this ended up being an experience I don't want to repeat again. I am nevertheless hopeful about MacIntosh's new books to come, but I will forget this one in particular ever happened.
I found so many things about this annoying. The heroine, Ruby, was annoying. She was such a mess and I don't think she was the hot kind.
Her bestie Millsy was annoying.
The way Robin decided that she was in love with her roommate Nick, even though he was in a committed relationship and he was about to get married was annoying.
Although for Ruby's defense, Nick's fiance, with her passive agressive demeanor and her health obssesed ways, was even more annoying than Ruby herself. It made me think that I could have liked, even loved Nick in a completely different reality. Yeah, Nick was just fine, but the women he was surrounded with made him annoying in extention, too. Sorry.
It was annoying that Millsy suggested Ruby should make Nick jealous to show him what he is missing, and it was annoying that it actually worked? Also, the guys Ruby was seeing to make Nick jealous was downright hateful.
From my POV. I hated them with a passion.
And here is the thing. I could have overlooked all of these issues to some extent, if I were able to feel even the tiniest scrap of chemistry between Ruby and Nick, but guess what? It was non-existent. I didn't feel a thing.
All in all, this ended up being an experience I don't want to repeat again. I am nevertheless hopeful about MacIntosh's new books to come, but I will forget this one in particular ever happened.
June 16, 2024
2,5 stars, rounded up to three, just to be nice and because I've been such a Macintosh-fan up until now. I haven't stopped being a fan, but I did find this book to be quite a let-down tbh. I can't really put my finger on it either , I think it's a combination of things:
1) I really disliked the main character, I found her to be enormously self-absorbed, childish/immature, selfish and just very not likable
2) everything in this book seemed to me to be recycling of precious books and also "just another enemies to lovers"-stories that I've seen so many times before, and this didn't bring anything new to the table
3) I didn't really get, or see, the attraction and chemistry between the two people that end up together
4) soooo predicable. Usually that doesn't bother be with rom-coms by with so many other things I disliked it really didn't help.
5) speaking of rom-coms, I didn't find much of either here. Not really romantic, and comedy wise, it had its moments but they are few and far between (there are contant small comedic episodes and clever language, but it just didn't work its usual magic the way I've enjoyed in Portia Macintosh's previous books).
And I almost feel bad and guilty for not loving this book, because, as I said, I've enjoyed almost every single other book from this author with only two exceptions, this being one of them
1) I really disliked the main character, I found her to be enormously self-absorbed, childish/immature, selfish and just very not likable
2) everything in this book seemed to me to be recycling of precious books and also "just another enemies to lovers"-stories that I've seen so many times before, and this didn't bring anything new to the table
3) I didn't really get, or see, the attraction and chemistry between the two people that end up together
4) soooo predicable. Usually that doesn't bother be with rom-coms by with so many other things I disliked it really didn't help.
5) speaking of rom-coms, I didn't find much of either here. Not really romantic, and comedy wise, it had its moments but they are few and far between (there are contant small comedic episodes and clever language, but it just didn't work its usual magic the way I've enjoyed in Portia Macintosh's previous books).
And I almost feel bad and guilty for not loving this book, because, as I said, I've enjoyed almost every single other book from this author with only two exceptions, this being one of them
November 5, 2022
What I read: Truth or Date by Portia MacIntosh
Why I picked it up: I read two of her most recent books last week and really liked them, so when I found a few more on Libby I grabbed them to read this week.
How I read it: On kindle.
What it’s about: Ruby is a mess, her life is full of matcher dates and drinking and hangovers and being late to her coffee shop job. Also her roommate drives her insane, until she starts having sexy dreams about him and is driven insane in a different way. So she decides she wants to date him � her methods are unorthodox and ridiculous.
What I liked: Almost nothing � there are a couple of times when Ruby isn’t trying to be ridiculous or steal Nick from his girlfriend where she seems like a kind person.
What I disliked: But also she’s awful, her best friend is too, Nick isn’t a handsome romance hero either � I disliked all of the people in this book and kept reading only because I was 30% in and I’ve got nothing else to do this week.
Genre: Rom com, closed door.
Rating & Recommendation: ⭐️⭐️ and no, I do not.
Why I picked it up: I read two of her most recent books last week and really liked them, so when I found a few more on Libby I grabbed them to read this week.
How I read it: On kindle.
What it’s about: Ruby is a mess, her life is full of matcher dates and drinking and hangovers and being late to her coffee shop job. Also her roommate drives her insane, until she starts having sexy dreams about him and is driven insane in a different way. So she decides she wants to date him � her methods are unorthodox and ridiculous.
What I liked: Almost nothing � there are a couple of times when Ruby isn’t trying to be ridiculous or steal Nick from his girlfriend where she seems like a kind person.
What I disliked: But also she’s awful, her best friend is too, Nick isn’t a handsome romance hero either � I disliked all of the people in this book and kept reading only because I was 30% in and I’ve got nothing else to do this week.
Genre: Rom com, closed door.
Rating & Recommendation: ⭐️⭐️ and no, I do not.
April 30, 2023
Liked it!
I recently read another book of Portia Macintosh. So when I saw on my kobo (ereader) that this book was recommended, I had to try it.
The storyline is easy to understand. There were a few things happening at the same time, and I liked that. And it was nice to read about multiple things at the same time.
The book is written through Ruby's POV, but there are 2 other main characters (Milsy and Nick).
Ruby has much going on in her life. She has her job that's quite a handful, her dating life that is a mess, and then there is Nick, her roommate. I liked him from the start of the book.
Then there is Milsy he is Ruby's best friend, and when reading, I often find his character annoying and immature.
Even when Ruby's character was developing throughout the book. I found her way of dealing with things immature and annoying.
I recently read another book of Portia Macintosh. So when I saw on my kobo (ereader) that this book was recommended, I had to try it.
The storyline is easy to understand. There were a few things happening at the same time, and I liked that. And it was nice to read about multiple things at the same time.
The book is written through Ruby's POV, but there are 2 other main characters (Milsy and Nick).
Ruby has much going on in her life. She has her job that's quite a handful, her dating life that is a mess, and then there is Nick, her roommate. I liked him from the start of the book.
Then there is Milsy he is Ruby's best friend, and when reading, I often find his character annoying and immature.
Even when Ruby's character was developing throughout the book. I found her way of dealing with things immature and annoying.
March 20, 2025
I recently finished Truth or Date and this is what I thought. The pacing? Spot on. Character development? Solid. Ruby's journey to self-acceptance was a strong point. This book delivers a lighthearted, quirky vibe with plenty of moments that'll make you smile. Portia's signature humour shines through with witty banter, sharp one-liners, and those delightfully absurd situations.
However, Ruby's personality didn't click for me. I found her quite self-centred, immature, and sometimes quite unlikeable. While there are undeniably funny parts, some of the characters grated on my nerves.
Overall, a mix of genuinely amusing moments and some character flaws that might test your patience. If you like a breezy, humorous read with a strong message of self-discovery, this could be for you. Just be prepared for a main character that might not be everyone's cup of tea.
However, Ruby's personality didn't click for me. I found her quite self-centred, immature, and sometimes quite unlikeable. While there are undeniably funny parts, some of the characters grated on my nerves.
Overall, a mix of genuinely amusing moments and some character flaws that might test your patience. If you like a breezy, humorous read with a strong message of self-discovery, this could be for you. Just be prepared for a main character that might not be everyone's cup of tea.
July 29, 2021
This wasn't one of my particular favorites of this author. It is relatively forgettable. I didn't really connect with the protagonist as much as I normally do. She definitely wasn't "fat," I did have to look up UK dress sizes, and I understand that NOT being overweight unfortunately doesn't mean you don't feel self-conscious. Still, I felt there was a preoccupation with food and weight that I didn't enjoy very much. I'm happy for protagonists to be various sizes though; I just didn't think there was a lot of resolution about her feelings on her own weight.
I also didn't find a spark between the main characters. Anyway, I'm a huge fan of the author, but if you haven't read her work before- I would not necessarily start with this one.
I also didn't find a spark between the main characters. Anyway, I'm a huge fan of the author, but if you haven't read her work before- I would not necessarily start with this one.
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