There’s only one thing I want to unwrap this year… my best friend’s roommate. I’ve known Austin for years now, and crushed on him just as long. He’s smart, funny, and hot enough to melt an ice cap. I’d really like to stop fantasizing and finally visit his North Pole. So tonight’s the night. Charlotte and Austin are hosting the costumed Christmas party to end all costumed Christmas parties. Or perhaps the first to start the trend? Regardless, this is my chance to finally confess. This year, I’m going to hang my stocking on Austin’s door… and hope it’s not just his heart I convince to grow three sizes bigger. The prequel in the laugh-out-loud Dating Season series.

They say the best way to get over one man is to get under another one… and another. And another. I’m on the wrong side of my quarter-life crisis. Dead-end job, lease ending, and single af. It’s made all the harder by knowing exactly who the perfect man for me is: my super hot, incredibly kind, and extremely taken friend Austin. What’s a girl to do but drown her troubles in pinot and let her bestie open her an account on a dating app? If there are other men for me out there, I’m determined to find them. Spring is for new beginnings, and Finn’s abs are a perfect introduction to dating. Unless, of course, perfection is as overrated as my new app. Episode one of six in Dating Season.

They say no one knows you like your best friend… but she has a lot to answer for with Dune. As I follow a man named Hambone through a biker bar filled with ominous tattoos, impressive beards, and enough leather to cover the Rockies, only one thought is in my mind—I’m going to kill Charlotte when this blind date is over. But once I see Dune, covered in sexy tattoos, impressive muscles, and exactly the right amount of leather, it’s hard to think at all. The man has a bad-boy look that won’t quit and a good-guy job as an accountant. Even I can do this math: him plus me, minus clothes. This good girl is about to get a little bit bolder in search of truth, justice, and a rebellious phase. Episode two of six in Dating Season.

They say autumn shows us how beautiful it is to let things go… but I’m keeping Ryan’s beard. Past Chloe has a lot to answer for. She’s made a number of questionable decisions, but drunkenly turning Ryan down on a dating app? Currently top of my list. I love fall most of all, but oh my gourd, Ryan’s beard is fast becoming a close second. Luckily, he’s ready to give me a second chance. We have everything in common, from art to weird history facts to the correct opinions about Titanic. And boy, does he know how to pumpkin spice it up in the bedroom. We could easily be the cutest new couple in Boulder… if we ever leave his place. Episode three of six in Dating Season.

They say winter is coming… and thanks to Logan, I am too. If the past year has taught me anything, it’s that I am an idiot. Between The Incident, the upcoming nuptials, and finding a new place to live, I’m about ready to find a cave to hibernate in. Nearly murdering the lead singer of my favorite local band really should have been on everyone’s bingo card. Their drummer going from medic to love interest was a plot twist I didn’t expect. Logan has all the things I’ve been looking for—the newness of spring, heat of summer, comfort of fall, and the distraction I’d like. It may not be the traditional third date, but I’m bringing him to my best friend’s wedding anyway. Charlotte’s not the only one who can lock a good time down. Episode four of six in the laugh-out-loud Dating Season series.

It’s time for spring cleaning, but I’m not ready to toss Logan yet… Out with the old, in with the new… a new me, that is. Now that Charlotte’s married, I, too, have decided to be mature. So Logan isn’t Austin—that’s okay. Better than okay. That’s what I’d wanted all along, someone just as kind and loving and—okay, smoking hot—as my roommate. But a kind, loving, smoking hot someone who likes me back. Logan has basically been all my dreams come true. If I could stop stressing about work for five whole minutes to appreciate it, I’m sure I would be really happy. Thank God I have Austin to keep me grounded. Literally, because he makes me garden with him now. And maybe it’s just the stress talking, but it kind of seems like he wants to put down roots too. How come no one told me maturity would be this complicated? Episode five of six in the laugh-out-loud Dating Season series.

My dating season has come to a close, and I’m ready for a Hot Boyfriend Summer… Almost every single thing in my life has changed over the past year. New job. New me. New knowledge. Ah, to be young again, with the wisdom I have gained over a year’s worth of dating-as-a-competitive-sport. If only I’d had just about an inch more before I made my commitment... Episode six of six in the laugh-out-loud Dating Season series.