We're Just Not That Into You: Dating Disasters from the Trenches Hardcover – February 10, 2015

I have been a fan of Karina Smirnoff for the many years she has been on DWTS so when I heard she and her BFF/Manager Lindsay Reilly had written a book, I ordered it. I've always thought Karina was funny as well as super talented and reading this book you just get the feeling that Karina & Lindsay are both so down- to- earth, funny & real "girls' girls" that they would be so much fun to hang out with & have no trouble fitting in with any group! Their "dating disaster" stories are told in "colorful, occasionally a little off-color" language just like real girlfriends talk to each other when they are hanging out and having a good time!The format they use to tell each story is very conversational and it feels intimate. Karina and Lindsay alternate relating their stories and the other one inserts how the "disaster" should have been avoided or what lesson should be learned from it! They also have comments/chapters from other female friends and from three of their close male friends. I thought the guys comments added a great touch and added to the fun. We should all be so lucky to have these three guys as friends!Underneath all of these fun "girl, you won't believe this!" stories, are the themes of trying to balance career, family, motherhood, egos and break-ups, and what really is important for relationships to survive. Who can't relate to those questions and struggles? It is also a story of a real, true friendship between these two women and how supportive they are of each other.Both Karina and Lindsay's Mothers share their advice on what characteristics/qualities they feel are important in finding a "true love/man of substance" and that section was one of my favorites in the book. Karina and Lindsay poke fun at themselves and give you the "what was I thinking" attitude as they tell a story from their past! This is a lighthearted, laugh- out- loud easy read and a reminder that the search for love requires a sense of humor above all else and how very lucky you are if you have a good girlfriend to share your stories with! I thoroughly enjoyed the book and I'm ordering a couple of copies for my BFF's!

You know that feeling when you and your best friend are telling a story about something hilarious that happened to you, but no one is laughing? That's a lot like what reading this felt like.Let me preface by saying I adore Karina Smirnoff. I think she's sweet and gracious in all she does and as such, I really wanted to like this. In her public struggles with romance, she always shows class and dignity and often comes out of a relationship smelling like roses. In that sense, she's certaintly earned the right to tell her war stories, however, her usual class is perhaps what makes this book a bit off-putting.Take for instance, a story early in the book where Karina bemoans the dreaded snapped heel on the one pair of sexy heels she could afford in her college years. Her date futility suggests she stop to buy a new pair which she cannot afford, and so she bravely hobbles onward. Not many pages later, we read a story about an (admittedly strange) environmentalist who must be picked up due to his lack of vehicle. The commentary beneath states that maybe he oughtta just buy a prius if he's so concerned about the environment - helloooo! Stories like these make me think this book will miss the target with its intended audience: those who cannot afford the luxury of turning their dating stories into a novel.Speaking of commentary, this is where we find another major issue. The commentary boxes peppered throughout each chapter are a cute idea meant to mimic a Sunday brunch (Friday night drinks?) with the girls. They appear far too often, offer little to no substance, and only serve to interrupt the flow of what might be a good tale.Co-author Lindsay Rielly seems like a perfectly nice gal, and a slightly more capable writer. I imagine that the book was her idea. She just needed a little more star power. That's not to say I don't believe Lindsay and Karina are truly pals (how would I know anyway?). Much the opposite, their play off each other throughout the book is endearing and honest.All in all, I gave two stars. I wanted to give one, but dammit, I really like Karina Smirnoff. My advice? Save your $10 (or $24 for the paper version - WHAT?) and put it towards a real night out with the girls. You know, the ones who will laugh at your stories.

As a fan of Karina's from Dancing With The Stars, I was fascinated to hear that she and her manager/BFF/look-a-like were collaborating on a book. It was a fun and enjoyable read full of stories that were hilarious and would make you say, "WTF?!?!" out loud. I love how the book infuses anecdotes along with some of their male friends' responses and perspectives to the dating disasters they share. I felt transported into their world as if I was sharing stories with some of my girlfriends. Overall, I would highly recommend this book. These are successful women who have struggled like we all have but have come out feeling empowered and emphasizing that women should not settle and value their worth. Why settle for crumbs, when we deserve the whole loaf!!!!

I loved this book. It's as if really cool, funny, bright women sat around a table with a few martinis and dished the dirt of their worst dates. It's true, it's delicious and hilarious....like reading about my life and my friends---the good, the bad, the mortifying, and some of the masterful revenge. You get tools here, too, like How to Escape Out of a Bathroom Window, How to Treat Mr. Gay When He Thinks He's Not, etc. etc. I had so much fun with this; I read it in one sitting. Could not put it down. Now I want to have friends over and have our own martinis and stories. Thanks, Karina and Lindsay. Get this book for all your friends!!!