I have.
Last year, I finally read Melissa Ferguson’s debut novel, The Dating Charade. By then, I’d already devoured a bunch of her newer books. Once I finished it, I went looking for what else she’d written and spotted The Cul-de-Sac War in my Libby library app.
Fast-forward twelve months and seventeen ebook borrow/return cycles later. Every time I put the book on hold, somehow time dissolved—thanks to life, other books, or sheer forgetfulness—and the “3 days left!” reminder would pop up on my phone. So I’d return it early, place the ebook back on hold, and repeat the vicious cycle.
Seventeen. Times.
Until last month. At long last, I read it. And you know what? I’m a little annoyed I didn’t make the time earlier since it was such a fun story!
The Cul-de-Sac War is Melissa Ferguson’s second book, and although it’s a standalone romance, it connects back to The Dating Charade as the leading ladies are best friends. If I could redo this seventeen-step experience, I’d read these two books back-to-back so all the character connections were fresh in my mind.
Whatever one calls this funny scenario (readers’ regret? TBR regret?), at least I can share both books with you!
The Dating Charade barrelled right in with Cassie’s terrible online dating history, so when she experienced her best first date with firefighter Jett, I knew something had to give. How could it not with a title like The Dating Charade?
Cassie and Jett’s overwhelming individual storylines could each have carried a book on their own, but together they made for such a riveting read. Amidst the chaos of having multiple children dropped on their doorsteps, there’s delicious banter, a ton of (often hilarious!) catastrophes, many heart-squeezing moments, and so much joy. As a mum, I felt seen and a little nostalgic remembering when my girls were tiny. A brilliant debut!
The Cul-de-Sac War started with a hilariously awkward meet-cute between Bree and Chip that spiralled into full-blown neighbour-warfare. What a ride! 😂 While some pranks were over the top, this was a clean, funny, slow-burn romance. I especially loved how Bree’s friendship with Cassie (from The Dating Charade) popped up throughout the book, tying the two stories together.
Chip was a standout for me with his work ethic and kind heart, despite Bree’s initial misgivings. My only quibble was how quickly Bree seemed to flick the “hate” switch to “love.” Thankfully, events in the story helped reality sink in, so I won’t spoil anything, except to say it was a fun, heartwarming read with a touch more depth than I expected.
The Dating Charade and The Cul-de-Sac War make for a fun duo of stories that balance humour, heart, and just the right dash of reality.
Have you read any of Melissa Ferguson’s books (I’ve shared reviews of several of her books on my blog if you’re curious!)? Do you have a favourite? Let me know in the comments below.
Until next time (hopefully before I borrow the same book seventeen times again!),
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