Date Night with a Book: Last Couple Standing by Matthew Norman

Read for: Anticipated Release/ Netgalley/ Requested Review

Synopsis: "A couple determined not to end up like their divorced friends try a radical experiment—and get in way over their heads—in this hilarious, heartfelt novel from the author of We’re All Damaged.

The Core Four have been friends since college: four men, four women, four couples. They got married around the same time, had kids around the same time, and now, fifteen years later, they’ve started getting divorced around the same time, too. With three of the Core Four unions crumbling to dust around them, Jessica and Mitch Butler take a long, hard look at their own marriage. Can it be saved? Or is divorce, like some fortysomething zombie virus, simply inescapable?

To maximize their chance at immunity, Jessica and Mitch try something radical. Their friends’ divorces mostly had to do with sex—having it, not having it, wanting to have it with other people—so they decide to relax a few things. Terms are discussed, conditions are made, and together the Butlers embark on the great experiment of taking their otherwise happy, functional marriage and breaking some very serious rules.

Jessica and Mitch are convinced they’ve hit upon the next evolution of marriage. But as lines are crossed and hot bartenders pursued, they each start to wonder if they’ve made a huge mistake. What follows is sexy, fun, painful, messy, and completely surprising to them both. Because sometimes doing something bad is the only way to get to the heart of what’s really good."

My Review:  When I saw this book coming up this year, I knew I had to read it. Being someone approaching middle age, in a long established relationship with a kid and a house and a steady job, surrounded by friends in a similar situation, it is refreshing to find a book that I can relate to so much. I found this to be a both sobering and an entertaining read. I can't tell you how many times it had me laughing out loud, a fun and realistic look at trying to make a marriage work while so many others have called it quits. I loved the cast of characters, they were all well developed and unique. The story has some great ups and downs, and while you know where it is going, you stay fully invested and keep the pages turning. Such a real look at life but in a fun refreshing way that will make you want to revisit it.

My Rating: I had so much fun reading this book, I could relate to so many elements in this book, the constant struggle to find a way to make it all work, and yet the most stand out moments are how those struggles lead to memorable moments.  I give this one a rating of Four Paws!

I received a complimentary copy of this book via Netgalley. The above is my honest review and opinion.

You can find out more about Matthew Norman and his book on his Goodreads Page or Website.

Last Couple Standing releases on Tuesday, March 17th but you can pre-order your copy today in print or digital format from Amazon or Barnes & Noble or request it at your local library or independent bookstore.