There are three things you need to know about Marie Harris: 1) She’s fed up with online dating, 2) She’s so fed up, she’s willing to forego the annoyance and consider more creative alternatives, and 3) She knows how to knit.

After the most bizarre and irritating first date in the history of humankind, Marie is looking for an alternative to men. With the help of her friends, she quickly identifies a few possibilities:

Need a cuddle? Use a professional cuddler. Need affirmation? Get yourself a life coach. Need an orgasm? Try orgasm meditation! Why does she need the hassle of a romantic partner when she can meet all her needs with paid services?

But then her irritating date resurfaces. And he’s not at all the person she thought he was. And he suggests a different—and crazier—solution to her dilemma . . .

As everyone knows (or will soon come to realize), traditional relations between humans are a thing of the past. Robots are our future. And if robots are our future, then why do we need other people at all?

Overall, a fun read with main characters enjoyed in first book plus all the side characters. Full-length ( despite series numbering "1.5" ) novel that probably could have been better as a novella.

No huge surprises beyond some family drama raised and some resolved.

The reason I didn't rate higher was a mix of moments that were almost too sappy and other moments that should have been deemed horrid that these characters just breezed right past accepting. By horrid, I don't just mean rationalizing blackmail to get real justice or putting up with family issues. It bothered me -- not a spoiler for the ending, happens mid book at bachelorette trip, nor any huge plot point but I'll put it in a spoiler in case could ruin someone's surprise:

Fun, but disturbed by the spoiler and other moments. I have more books in series free and library has others so may or may not eventually finish series.

Ratings scale used in absence of a booklikes suggested rating scale:

Cool - this picks up immediately after ending of first book.  Which I liked but would recommend only if you like the main character (okay, so that's true of most humorous chicklit).

Why didn't I continue the series sooner?  Because (A) I mistakenly thought this book featuring same main characters labeled "#1.5 in series" was a short story (it's not, full length novel) and (B) back-of-book synopses of next books sound like other characters/couples are featured only loosely tied to first book rather than continued storyline with same main characters (still suspect that's true, meaning I'll eventually read them but no hurry).

#1.5 full-length (despite the fraction) book in chicklit series Knitting in the City.

(after  #1, Neanderthal Seeks Human: which I liked)   -- and as Yodamom posted today #4 of series, Beauty and the Mustache, is currently free for kindle.)

Note:  A tiny caution with author's other Hypothesus series that starts with Elements of Chemistry: ATTRACTION -- those are not what I consider full-length novels (and cliffhanger ending for the book).  You'll want to either get the whole series or skip it.