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I Have to Laugh So I Don’t Cry
Adventures in Online Dating is a humorous chronicle of your plunge into the unpredictable world of online dating, sharing the good, the bad, and the utterly bizarre encounters you have had while swiping. What inspired you to share your journey into the shallow end of the pool?
Honestly? I needed to laugh about it or I’d cry! After diving into online dating, I quickly realized I wasn’t alone in experiencing the absurd, awkward, and occasionally wonderful moments that come with swiping through profiles. Every bizarre encounter felt like a story that needed to be told — not just for entertainment, but to help other women feel less alone in the chaos.
I wanted to create something that said, “Hey, this is messy, it’s weird, and sometimes it’s downright ridiculous — but you’re not crazy for trying.” If my misadventures could make someone laugh while they’re navigating their own dating journey, then every awkward coffee date was worth it.
How did you decide what stories to include and leave out in your book?
Great question! I focused on stories that highlighted the full spectrum of online dating — the hilariously bad, the surprisingly good, and everything in between. I wanted readers to see themselves in these experiences, so I chose encounters that illustrated common themes: catfishing, ghosting, first-date disasters, unexpected connections, and those moments where you question your life choices.
I left out anything that felt mean-spirited or too personal to the other person involved. The goal was to share my perspective and lessons learned, not to embarrass anyone (except maybe myself! Okay, and Steve – F*ck that guy!). If a story made me laugh out loud while writing it or taught me something valuable about dating or myself, it made the cut.
What advice do you have for women who are looking to jump into the dating pool?
Keep your sense of humor and your standards high. Online dating can be overwhelming, but remember — you’re not shopping for a discount couch; you’re looking for a genuine connection. Don’t settle just because you’re tired of swiping.
Here’s my practical advice:
● Trust your gut. If something feels off, it probably is.
● Meet in public places. Always. Safety first.
● Don’t take rejection personally. It’s not about your worth; it’s about compatibility.
● Take breaks when you need them. Dating fatigue is real.
● Laugh at the absurdity. You’ll have stories to tell, I promise.
● Know your dealbreakers. And stick to them.
Most importantly, remember that you’re already whole. You’re not looking for someone to complete you — you’re looking for someone to complement the amazing life you’re already building.
What do you hope is one thing readers take away from your story?
That you can laugh your way through life’s messiest moments — and come out stronger on the other side. Online dating is just one chapter in the bigger story of figuring out what you want and who you are. Whether you find love, find yourself, or just find some hilarious stories to share with friends, the journey is worth it.
I hope readers close the book feeling less alone, more empowered, and ready to embrace whatever comes next — whether that’s another swipe, another date, or the decision to take a break and focus on themselves. Life’s too short not to laugh at the chaos.
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By S.E.Linn
Forget saving the world—she’s just trying to survive dating apps.
Join author S.E. Linn on a wild and hilarious journey through the chaotic world of online dating in her new memoir, “Adventures in Online Dating.” From the cringe-worthy encounters with a man and his cat-hair-covered adult toy, to the emotionally unavailable “Viking” with a wife and spa plans, this book is a rollercoaster ride of modern love. But amidst the laughter and relatable moments, lies a cautionary tale of the dangers of swiping right.
Meet the fearless and unapologetic main character as she navigates the treacherous waters of online dating, armed with biting wit and brutal honesty. If you’ve ever said, “there are no normal men left,” or Googled “how to exit a date without faking your death,” this book will make you feel grateful for never going on that second date.
And for those who have survived the trials of dating apps, you will feel less alone and less likely to respond to that guy holding a fish.
Adventures in Online Dating: True Stories from the Shallow End of the Dating Pool
Adventures in Online Dating is a hilarious and raw chronicle of one woman’s plunge into the unpredictable world of online dating. Through a series of short, punchy stories, S.E. Linn lays out the good, the bad, and the utterly bizarre encounters she’s had while swiping, matching, and meeting strangers. Each chapter reads like a cautionary tale, equal parts outrageous comedy and quiet confession, with lessons tacked on at the end that feel both tongue-in-cheek and hard-won. The tone is cheeky and confessional, and it never takes itself too seriously. Still, beneath all the cringe-worthy moments and wild characters, there’s a steady thread of resilience and humor that ties it together.
I found myself laughing in places, then wincing in secondhand embarrassment in others. The writing is sharp, conversational, and brutally honest. There’s no glossing over details, even when they make the storyteller look vulnerable or naïve, and that’s what makes it feel so real. Some stories had me howling, like the cat-hair-covered horror show, while others left me shaking my head at how bad people can be at basic decency. At times, it felt like swapping stories with a friend over wine, where the laughter helps mask the sting of frustration underneath. That intimacy pulled me in.
What I especially liked is how the author doesn’t play the victim. She frames these trainwrecks of dates as both ridiculous and educational, a way to laugh at what would otherwise be disheartening. That perspective made the book oddly uplifting. I’ll admit, though, there were moments where the humor veered into the absurd, and I had to pause to decide if I was amused or disturbed. That unpredictability is part of its charm. It’s messy and chaotic, just like dating itself, and it’s refreshing to see it told without the usual sugarcoating or cliché happy endings.
I’d recommend this book to anyone who has braved the trenches of online dating or is curious about what really happens when you dive into the apps. It’s perfect for readers who like their memoirs raw, funny, and a little outrageous. If you’ve ever needed reassurance that your own dating misadventures aren’t the worst ones out there, this book will make you feel seen and keep you laughing all the way through.
Pages: 105 | ASIN : B0FFNQ8NY9
Pleasure to Purpose: Based on the True Story of Sex Worker Scarlett Pereira
Pleasure to Purpose by Elizabeth B. Splaine, narrates the compelling, gritty, and deeply personal story of Scarlett Pereira, a sex worker whose journey intertwines struggles, empowerment, and a complex exploration of identity and humanity. Drawing from Scarlett’s real-life experiences, the book delves into her professional and personal life, including her nuanced relationships, encounters with clients, and moments of introspection. The narrative also includes Scarlett’s connection to her “heart horse,” Franco, symbolizing healing and transformation amid chaos.
Splaine’s writing is engaging, and the vivid portrayal of Scarlett’s experiences struck a chord with me. One striking scene involves Scarlett managing a client’s health crisis during a session. Her quick thinking juxtaposed with her colleague Steph’s indifference highlights Scarlett’s deep sense of humanity and professionalism, even in precarious circumstances. The storytelling effectively balances raw, unflinching honesty with moments of vulnerability, making Scarlett a relatable and multifaceted protagonist. Some chapters delve into explicit details that, while integral to the narrative, might not resonate with all readers.
What I appreciated most was the blend of resilience and self-reflection throughout Scarlett’s story. Her decision to rescue Franco, despite her challenging financial and personal circumstances, was both heartwarming and symbolic. The connection between Scarlett and Franco serves as a metaphor for rediscovering purpose and hope. The descriptions of Franco’s initial wariness and eventual trust mirrored Scarlett’s own journey, forging a poignant parallel between human and animal recovery.
It is worth noting that the transitions between Scarlett’s professional encounters and personal life are sometimes sudden, particularly when the emotional depth of her introspection shifts abruptly into transactional interactions. I believe these contrasts, while reflective of Scarlett’s dual existence, occasionally disrupted the story’s flow. Nonetheless, the depth of her character and her eventual pivot toward advocacy and self-reliance redeemed any narrative inconsistencies.
Pleasure to Purpose is a gripping and courageous exploration of an often-stigmatized profession, offering insights into resilience, empathy, and personal growth. It’s a perfect read for those who enjoy character-driven stories with a mix of realism and redemption. I would recommend it to readers looking for a raw, thought-provoking tale that doesn’t shy away from life’s complexities. Potential readers should be aware of its explicit content and heavy themes.
Pages: 287 | ASIN : B0DHLFXRMF
Psychological Knots
Whose Hearts Align follows a woman who becomes engaged to the man of her dreams, though not everyone is happy for her, and things get complicated with their families. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
In this book, and in my entire series, I wanted to honor a woman’s own sense of fulfillment. It used to be common for society to assume that the right marriage would solve most of life’s problems for women. But no one can know a woman’s heart but herself. My protagonist Miranda Jones is an artist who has worked hard to find her professional voice, despite her family’s feeling that pursuing a career in the arts can never succeed financially. Since they already tend to believe she makes poor choices, they wrongly assume she’s done it again in choosing an astronomer to marry. After all, are the income prospects for a scientist any better than for an artist? Yet Miranda and her fiance are listening to their own sense of guidance. Both their personal and their professional lives are unfolding with far more joy and success than expected because they stood for their own identities.
What are some things that you find interesting about the human condition that you think make for great fiction?
What fascinates me are the choices people make. All of us have emotional or psychological knots to untie. Do we tackle these issues head-on? Do we try to skirt them, skip over them, and pretend they aren’t there? In my novel, we see a range of choices made by my characters. Miranda is morally courageous and tends to face things as soon as they’re recognized. Her friend Samantha, who’s twenty years old, put some major choices on hold years earlier and has to face them now when it’s harder with more at stake. Miranda’s sister Meredith feels some choices are unfairly out of her hands and Zack Calvin has been in denial about his own behavior, and now these two characters are drawn together, partly because of how the issues they have in common are helping to illuminate new possibilities. I often have very lively discussions about these issues with members of various book clubs.
Were you able to relate to your characters while writing them?
To most of them, yes, though there are some who are too far outside or beyond my own experience. This is where research and imagination help flesh out characters. Many of my readers describe moments, choices, and experiences they can relate to, and this is so important to me. As an author, I observe and listen closely to how people navigate their lives. I feel I owe it to my readers to bring authenticity to my stories. My characters won’t let me write them any other way!
What is the next book that you’re working on, and when can your fans expect it out?
Two new books are upcoming. Next spring a new adventure novella titled “When Birds Sing” will chronicle one of Miranda’s painting adventures. As a wildlife artist, she visits locations and studies creatures in their native habitats. And these stand-alone novellas also include a couple of humorous characters who manage to show up every time. Next autumn, the fifth novel will debut, When Hearts Heal. This will be the last in the pentalogy so a lot of excitement is building up. Now that Miranda is happily married, what’s next? And what’s to become of her sister and Samantha and several other characters? It’ll be fun to find out!
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She’s over the moon with her astronomer, and her close friends are thrilled. With a deep, romantic relationship, and increasing success in her career as a painter, all the stars seem to have aligned for Miranda at last.
But that leaves her sister jealous, her parents concerned, and her artist’s representative Zelda scrambling to realign her schemes. Meredith is now dating the man Miranda used to date, creating complexities for the both families. Meanwhile, Samantha is closer to finding her lost son, and Sally is making room for big changes in her life. Will all these relationships stay aligned?
Whose Hearts Align
Whose Hearts Align, by Mara Purl, takes us to Milford-Haven, a quaint, yet complex small town on California’s Central Coast during the late 1990s. The story focuses on Miranda Jones, an artist navigating the joys and complexities of her recent engagement to Cornelius, an astronomer. Their union, though seemingly perfect, creates ripples through Miranda’s family and friendships, especially with her sister, Meredith. Layered with secrets, unresolved tensions, and shifting relationships, the book weaves personal stories with the socio-environmental backdrop of a rapidly changing community.
One of the novel’s standout features is its vivid setting. Purl’s descriptions such as “breathtaking vistas” and “quaint shops” drew me in. I especially loved the scenes set at Ragged Point for the wedding planning. The details painted a postcard-worthy picture but also hinted at the tension between progress and preservation.
The heart of the novel is its characters. Miranda is relatable in her insecurities and her desire to please everyone, but her interactions with Meredith often feel strained. Their dynamic is compelling, though; Meredith’s blunt, sometimes abrasive personality contrasts with Miranda’s more idealistic demeanor. Their conversation about Zack, the man they both had connections with, was raw and revealing, though I believe it felt a bit heavy-handed in resolving past misunderstandings. The story’s structure, interwoven with mystery and romance, kept me invested, but at times, the pacing seemed a bit slow. The journal entries and slow reveal of clues intrigued me, but I wished they had tied more seamlessly into the main narrative.
Whose Hearts Align is a heartfelt exploration of relationships, family dynamics, and personal growth. It’s perfect for readers who enjoy small-town tales with complex characters and a touch of mystery. Fans of character-driven stories like Gilmore Girls or Chesapeake Shores will find themselves right at home in Milford-Haven. While it’s the fourth book in the series, it can stand alone, though you may find yourself curious enough to explore the rest. The writing’s warmth and charm make it an enjoyable read.
Pages: 386 | ASIN : B0CZ7NP2FF
The Secret Journey
The Secret Journey, co-authored by Brian Barnes and Judith Briles, delves into the tumultuous life of Lisa, the sole daughter of a port commander in Marseilles, France. This young adult historical fiction paints a vivid picture of Lisa’s complex familial dynamics, highlighting her estrangement from her mother and brother in contrast to the adoration of her father, Alexander. Alexander, recognizing Lisa’s acute understanding of human intentions, is a pillar of support in her life. However, the narrative takes a dark turn with his untimely death, attributed to poisoning by Lisa’s mother. In the wake of this tragedy, Lisa’s life undergoes a drastic transformation. She flees her opulent life, taking on the disguise of a teenage boy named Nichol, and sets out for Paris, pursued by unseen threats. This journey is a flight for survival and a quest for a greater purpose, shadowed by the need to address past injustices.
The narrative captivates from the start, with a rhythm that dynamically shifts to reflect the varying phases of Lisa’s journey. This variance in pacing adds a unique flavor to the story, especially in the rapid development of Lisa’s romance with Robert. This brisk unfolding introduces an element of surprise and spontaneity, which can be particularly appealing to readers who enjoy unexpected turns in a storyline. The dialogue and narrative structure are skillfully crafted, laying a solid foundation for the story. There’s an exciting opportunity here to deepen this already engaging narrative. By exploring the characters’ emotions and motivations in more detail, the authors have the potential to enrich the reader’s experience, making it even more immersive. This enhancement in character development promises to strengthen the reader’s connection with the characters, adding an extra layer of intimacy and engagement to an already captivating tale.
The Secret Journey is a commendable choice for those interested in a story featuring a strong female lead overcoming familial strife in a medieval setting. The novel’s exploration of resilience and self-discovery, set against a historical backdrop, makes it a noteworthy addition to the young adult historical fiction genre.
Pages: 478 | ASIN : B0BMM14LYK
LITERARY TITAN 