The Dating Bender

A hysterical dramedy about a woman unhinged and at a crossroad. "Julian's debut takes an unabashed look at a failed marriage, divorce, and dating under the scrutiny of a less than supportive family." --former San Francisco Chronicle columnist, Adair Lara.

Here I am, on my knees in front of the Trevi Fountain, hoping like hell the legend is true. That the fountain gives you solace and love by a mere toss of a coin.

Why am I here, exactly? Let's see...

It started with my parents telling me to get married. Of course, being the good Catholic girl I am, I did.

Needless to say, that marriage nosedived, and my parents weren't exactly happy about it.

Newly ditched and shamefully disowned, I decided to follow the advice of Babs, a tart-of-a-mentor, who offered me a job in Colorado.

Her advice? Sex...and lots of it.

The temptation of freedom, to do whatever--whoever--I wanted was too damn strong for me to say no.

And that's how it all started. The men, the sex, the journey...

The dating bender.

Because everybody deserves a do-over

THE DATING BENDER is a hilarious satire about dysfunctional family relationships, women who love the wrong men, and one epic hunt for happiness.

"With humor, wit, and a whole lot of sarcasm Julian's debut takes an unabashed look at a failed marriage, divorce, and dating under the scrutiny of a less than supportive family. She takes readers on a raucous ride that explores what it means to be a woman--gaping flaws and all." --Adair Lara, former San Francisco Chronicle columnist, author of Naked, Drunk, and Writing

"If you are a fan of Girls or Sex and the City, this is a beach read that you are not going to be able to put down." --Sara Skirball, on the CBS show We Are Austin

"A laugh out loud, don't read in public, and sometimes heartbreaking story." --United Indie Book Blog

"This one was adult satire at its finest."--The Pages In Between

"Samantha Serrano reminds me of a combination of all four Sex and the City girls rolled in to one. It was witty, laugh-out-loud funny, heart wrenching, and above all- hopeful."--The Novel Girl Reads blog

"If you're a fan of snarky, hilarious chick lit you're definitely going to want to check this one out." --Midwest Ladies Who Lit

"A fun, easy breezy book to pop into your beach bag." --My Pixie Blog

"There is nothing shameful about women's sexual desires and more stories about women gaining and enjoying sexual freedom are necessary, and appreciated." --Fan Girls Read it First

"Weeks after reading The Dating Bender Samantha Serrano still haunts me." --Building a Better Story blog

"This book had me laughing out loud at times, cringing the next moment and then sighing in the end. This is a great coming of age story about a woman that has been repressed her whole life." --Harlie's Books blog

"There was something very satisfying about this book. A great read for the end of summer for early fall." --Mrs. Mommy Book Nerd blog

"I think there is a part of every woman that can associate with Samantha Serrano at times. She can make you sad, mad and laugh all in the same book." --Holland Read's Reviews

"This book is a perfect example of how we can be looking for love in all the wrong places---and what some are willing to do in order to feel complete. THE DATING BENDER is a great book to get lost in and a reminder of recognizing your value whether others see it or not." --Conversations Live w/Cyrus Webb

"There are parts that may involve laughing out loud. In which case, roll your eyes at the people judging you because they haven't experienced the world you're living in."--A Kiss at Midnight Reviews