I've been having some misses with ARCs lately, and I'm glad to say this wasn't one of them. Yes, the rom-com OTT-ness got to be a bit much for me at times, and I wanted to pitch Sam's mom out the window. But when this book was good, it was really, really good.

I highlighted several paragraphs in one scene, because they were so powerful. I'm not going to type them all in here. ;) But: "'Bragging is showing off to people or over-inflating yourself. This is not bragging. This is believing in yourself. There's a difference.'" That scene was gold.

Spoiler: I did wish the author had had Sam make his final choice without Paul turning up and showing himself (again) to be a horrible person. I wanted Sam to have the strength to make that choice by believing in himself (see above) rather than having it thrust on him.

The use of (some) British punctuation styles in a book set in New York was a bit odd, and there were plenty of typos that I hope will be fixed before publication. But what else is new?

If you can handle rom-com antics, I don't think you'll go wrong with this story.

My thanks to the publisher/NetGalley for an advance copy of this book.

I just finished reading "My Mother’s Ridiculous Rules for Dating" by Philip William Stover and it was such a delightful read! The book was described as an uplifting fake dating, opposites attract rom-com, and it definitely lived up to that description.

The story follows Sam, a heartbroken writer who feels rejected and lost professionally. When his mother, Gloria, reminds him of a childhood bet that she made to oversee his love life if he's still single at 35, Sam reluctantly agrees to let her set him up with dates. Despite feeling uncertain about his mother's zany choices, Sam goes along with it.

Additionally, during this dating spree, Sam meets Finn, an artist with whom he collaborates for work. They hit it off instantly but also challenge each other, leading Sam to question his choices, self-identity, and beliefs.

The novel features an inclusive cast of characters and focuses on themes of growth, self-love, and finding one's family and voice. The humorous yet sincere approach made me eager to explore the author's other works. Overall, this book was a breath of fresh air in what can feel like a grim world.

I want to express my gratitude to NetGalley and Hera for providing me with the heartwarming ARC.

I found myself laughing quite a bit through this book! It is one of those fun, lighthearted romances that will uplift your soul. Sam is one of those characters that readers connect with easily. The book also follows a theme of self love and acceptance.

This is what I want from romantic novels!

I really connected to Sam, his struggles and his personality and his love for all things classical Hollywood. His relationship with Paul was very recognizable and his romance with Finn was beautifully built up.

Reading this book felt like a warm hug - like a breath of fresh air. It was so nice to read a queer love story that was not YA, and that grappled with real questions of what community means and what it means to be oneself.

Omar, Glory, Kai and co were a delightful bunch of side characters and despite it being the soft, comforting world of a rom-com, it fely very real. Glory reminded me of a mix of the Golden Girls and the mum from Queer as Folk. I also really enjoyed the elements of craft and arts that queer communities can really thrive in.

Some might say this book does hit you over the head with social justice and queer activism but quite frankly, I think it's something we can and should revel in, especially now.

Thank you Hera and Netgalley for the digital ARC.

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this arc!

This book was great! I loved the writing style and I loved the characters and their chemistry. I laughed a lot on this book. It was a very good romcom!

I just finished My Mother's Ridiculous Rules for Dating, and I have a huge smile on my face. I'm not going to lie. It took me a hot minute to get into a rhythm with this book. Well, in reality, I never found my flow. Maybe I was in a reading slump, but I had to push myself to read it every day, something that doesn't usually happen. However, I am so glad that I read it all the way through.

It's categorized as a romance, but it's a romance with your own identity. Yes, there is a couple that you root for throughout the whole story, and they do end up finding their HEA in the end, but the book is so much more than that.

This book is about self-acceptance and self-confidence. It's about putting yourself out there and believing in what you can do and who you can be. Sam, our MC, is surrounded by a group of people who all see his worth, how wonderful he is, and the potential he has to achieve his dreams. Sam, unfortunately, is the only one who doesn't see it, and he doesn't believe he deserves it. Until you can learn to love yourself, you can't expect anyone else to love you.

Gloria, or Glory, is a wonderful mother. I had so many laugh-out-louds (literally snorting while I was laughing) because of her. First off, she is so authentic. She is that mother that we all know, hopefully all have. There are so many relatable things that she says and does. She is also a FIERCE advocate for equality and acceptance. At the end of the day, Sam is her son and she loves him unconditionally. She does everything she can to demonstrate and advocate for who he is, the right to love whoever you want, without judgement. Not only is she an advocate for the LGBTQA+, but she is also an ally.

I recommend this book to anyone who needs a reminder to love themselves and accept others or just wants a good laugh.
Thank you to NetGalley, Hera, and Canelo Publishing, and Philip William Stover for the opportunity to read this ARC copy.

"My Mother's Ridiculous Rules for Dating" by Philip William Stover is an absolute joy—a rom-com that blends family drama, quirky humor, and heartfelt romance into a captivating read.

Sam’s journey of personal growth, supported by his friends and his well-meaning mother, is both touching and hilarious. His navigation of a difficult past relationship, aided by a swoon-worthy love interest, adds a delightful blend of warmth and humor.

Although the mother’s antics might occasionally be over-the-top and make you roll your eyes, she perfectly captures the essence of a meddling mom who genuinely wants the best for her son. Her relentless online research to support her queer son and his community adds a hilarious and endearing touch to her character.

What really stood out to me was the diverse group of characters around Sam, which many gay men will find both familiar and relatable.

Overall, this book is a wonderful mix of comedy and heart, showcasing how much growth is possible with a solid support system—if you’re willing to embrace it and believe in yourself.

I think this book is so cute. I loved the characters and the chemistry between them and all that happens with the relationship that forms between them. It such a cute book

Sam is in a rut, despairing of finding true love after his long term boyfriend conveniently gets back together with his ex-husband and moves away. His 35th birthday is coming soon and he is shocked to find that his mother, Gloria, is keeping him to a promise extracted from him after a disastrous prom experience. She will be in charge of his dating for the next few months from profiles, dates and appearance. He finds that she is invading every part of his life from his friends to his favourite hangout. I just loved this colourful story, Sam's mother is amazingly larger than life but has her heart in the right place and just wants to get even closer to her son, if that's possible. I was swept up in the story and was really interested in what was going to happen next with Gloria’s crazy plans.

---

😂✨ **My Mother's Ridiculous Rules for Dating** by Philip William Stover ✨😂

*A heartwarming and hilarious romantic comedy that will make you laugh out loud and melt your heart!*

🌟✨ **Review:** ✨🌟

*My Mother's Ridiculous Rules for Dating* by Philip William Stover is a delightful rom-com that blends family meddling, quirky humor, and tender romance in a way that keeps you thoroughly entertained. The protagonist finds himself navigating his love life under the ever-watchful eye—and absurd dating rules—of his well-meaning but overbearing mother. Add in a swoon-worthy romantic interest and plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, and you’ve got a recipe for a lighthearted, feel-good read.

Stover’s writing is witty and engaging, with characters who are charmingly flawed and relatable. The dynamic between the protagonist and his mother is both endearing and exasperating, as she insists on applying her “rules” to his dating life, leading to plenty of comedic misadventures. The romance itself is sweet and slow-burn, building as the characters get to know each other beyond the surface.

This is a rom-com with heart, perfect for readers who enjoy stories about love, family, and finding your own path.

---

🌟 **Highlights:** 🌟
- **Hilarious Premise**: The absurd dating rules imposed by the protagonist’s mother add a layer of comedy and chaos.
- **Sweet Romance**: The slow-burn romance is tender and heartwarming, making you root for the characters.
- **Family Dynamics**: The relationship between the protagonist and his mother is a central part of the story, providing both humor and heart.

---

💌 **Favorite Quote:**
*"Sometimes, the best rule to follow is the one you make for yourself."* - A perfect reflection of the book’s theme about charting your own course in love.

---

🌟 **Rating:** 🌟
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 stars)

---

*My Mother's Ridiculous Rules for Dating* is a laugh-out-loud romantic comedy with plenty of heart. Philip William Stover delivers a charming and funny story about love, family, and finding your way—while navigating a few ridiculous rules along the way!

See more reviews at:
<a href="https://www.caslareads.com">Casla Reads</a>

---

What I loved about this book wasn't necessarily the romance between Sam and his client at the marketing agency, social justice campaigner and photographer, Finn, but all the side characters, based around the plant shop and cafe, Plant Daddy, run by queer Kai who uses a wheelchair, and is grumpy to everyone but doesn't mean it; there's Sam's best friend, Omar, who has backed him up forever and lives upstairs from him, and of course Glory, Sam's mum, who puts into place their ancient agreement that once he hits 35 and is single, she will organise his dating life.

Cue disastrous dates but also the growing realisation that his ex, who is trying to tempt him back, might not be The One and that it's worth embracing community and activism and trusting himself more rather than relying on an older, quite boring, man to be the grown-up. Glory couldn't be prouder of Sam and is a relentless social justice campaigner herself, particularly around LGBTQIA+ issues, with a nice line in T-shirts, and she helps him to realise how important that is, too. Although there's some serious self-development and learning and lots of role modelling and helping younger people, it's a lighthearted and positive novel that I loved, and I will be seeking out the author's other books asap.

Blog review will be published 22 October https://librofulltime.wordpress.com/2024/10/22/book-review-philip-william-stover-my-mothers-ridiculous-rules-for-dating/

This is the first book from this author, and I have to say, he will now be on my to buy list. It’s a classic trope with a twist—if you’re still single by a certain age you’ll pair up with someone. In this case, we have Sam who promised his mother he’d let her pick. I loved the main character and seeing his relationship with his mother—and all the dates. It was witty and funny and very easy to read.

This was such a funny and cute read omg, I had a lot of fun reading it. I did so in one sitting, I was waiting for my car at the dealer and started to read,.it a cute read, it quick and to the point. the banter is top tier and the friends, family dynamics are spot on. I def recommend this one.

This is a slow paced hallmark movie type of a romantic comedy. The focus is more on Sam's relationship with his mother and his group of friends than on his budding romance with Finn. Sam is stubbornly adamant that he feels nothing for Finn even though they are perfect for each other (just ask his mother) and trying to rebuild his relationship with his lying, cheating ex because he believes that things have changed now. Or at least he wants to believe that. There are multiple dialogues that will make you burst into laughter, mainly the dialogues between Sam and his mother. That woman would not know subtlety and boundaries if they smacked her in the face wearing rainbow makeup and a unicorn tiara. And I love her for it.

*4.5

This book is a delight! It’s funny, witty, a real romcom. I’m not surprise, if I have to be honest, it’s not my first book by Philip William Stover. I really enjoy is writer.
Gloria is my favorite character, but I love all of them. They are all so well written! The banters are so funny, really I cannot stop laughing!
O think I will re-read soon!

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the arc!

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC! This was such a cute read. I loved his relationship with his mom, his friends, and his community. I want a Plant Daddy where I live. I laughed out loud and some of the shenanigans his mom put him through. If you are looking for a sweet, cute, fun read this is for you!

I received this book for free for an honest review from netgalley. Thank you for the opportunity.

So romantic I loved every minute of it. I will be buying it

Initial heads up for readers: this book is written in first-person present tense. If that bothers you, this may not be the book for you. It bothered me at first, but by the end I ignored it.

When I started this book, I wasn't sure I would be able to finish it. Sam's mom, Gloria (Glory) has such an intense personality, particularly when it comes to being mom to a gay son. While she doesn't really calm down, I felt more comforted by her as the story goes along. She's just a mom who loves her son and wants him to love himself.

Another part of this book I really liked was the Found Family. That trope is so important to me, and I know it's important to a lot of other queer people. Sam is constantly surrounded by people who love him and want the best for him. Yes, that includes his mother. But it also includes a fun cast of characters from the coffee shop he lives above.

The whole time, I was rooting against Sam's ex-boyfriend/sort-of boyfriend Paul. What an a**hole who uses Sam because he's young and good looking. I rooted for Something to happen with Finn the whole time. He truly wanted to get to know Sam and push past the walls he put up.

"I want to be with a guy who is honest with himself. Honest about who he is and what he wants."

If you can handle the initial intensity of Glory, the rest of the book is a page turner.

**I received an advance review copy for free from NetGalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.**

3.75
My Mother’s Ridiculous Rules for Dating is a fun, lighthearted read with plenty of humor and quirky, over-the-top characters. While entertaining, the story’s pacing felt uneven, and some jokes became repetitive. I appreciated the humor but wished for more depth in the characters and relationships. Overall, it’s an enjoyable casual read, though it left me wanting more substance.

This book brings a delightful blend of humor and heartfelt moments as Sam navigates the chaos of his mother’s matchmaking efforts while figuring out love and self-acceptance. The dynamic between Sam and his over-the-top mother adds a layer of warmth and hilarity that will resonate with anyone who’s ever faced a meddling parent. If you’re in the mood for a lighthearted romcom that also explores deeper themes of identity and community, this is a charming pick!

I’ve gotta be honest, my first thought when introduced to Gloria, Sam’s mother, was that if she was my mother, I’d probably be moving far away, lol.

Despite it all, Gloria really loves her son, even if he’s frustrated with her meddling.

This really was a fun story, as Sam tried to fight off his mother’s arranged dates every step of the way. Only time will tell if mother does know best.

If you’re looking for something fun, I think you’d enjoy this one!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher/author for this copy of the book.

This covers promises a joyous queer romcom, and boy does this book deliver! I had such a fun time with funny and book that is what I affectionately call “a hug of a book” -if you’re looking for something that will make you laugh and feel good, this book is it!