By Coral Gables Gazette staff
The glossy romance of Hollywood often suggests that beautiful people with glamorous careers have dating all figured out. Jaydi Samuels Kuba knows better.
This Saturday, Jan. 31, the founder of LJMatchmaking and one of the entertainment industry’s most sought-after dating coaches will bring her new book, Your Last First Date: Secrets from a Hollywood Matchmaker, to Books & Books in Coral Gables for an evening of stories, humor, and hard-earned wisdom about what really works — and what routinely goes wrong — in modern relationships.
Samuels Kuba will appear in conversation with television personality and comedian Corinne Olympios in an event that promises to blend behind-the-scenes Hollywood anecdotes with practical advice for singles, couples, and anyone fascinated by the complex world of dating today.
The program begins at 5 p.m. at Books & Books, 265 Aragon Ave., and runs approximately 90 minutes. Admission includes a copy of the book and entry for two guests.
Pulling back the curtain on Hollywood romance
In Your Last First Date, Samuels Kuba draws from years of experience working with actors, producers, writers, executives, and creatives who, despite fame and success, often struggle with the same dating habits and emotional roadblocks as everyone else.
Her central premise is both disarming and reassuring: Hollywood insiders are not better at dating. They simply have elite help.
Through a series of real-life client stories, Samuels Kuba explores the patterns that sabotage relationships and the mindset shifts that can finally lead to lasting connection.
Among the people readers meet in the book are Meera, a young film publicist whose intense romantic idealism leads her into combustible relationships; Kent, an award-winning director who approaches dating like a menu rather than a partnership; and Callie, a high-powered studio executive facing the pressure of time as she hopes to start a family.
Threaded throughout their journeys is Samuels Kuba’s own candid story — including lessons learned from a controlling relationship and the unexpected way she recognized her future husband when he entered her life.
The book balances storytelling with coaching insight, examining vulnerability, expectations, self-awareness, and the behaviors that shape romantic outcomes.
A conversation blending dating advice and pop culture
Moderating the evening will be Corinne Olympios, who rose to fame on The Bachelor before becoming a breakout personality across reality television and comedy.
Since her initial appearance, Olympios has built a multifaceted career that includes fashion ventures, live comedy shows, viral social media content, and recent appearances on E!’s House of Villains and Food Network’s Worst Cooks in America, where she took home the top prize.
Her perspective as someone who experienced dating in the public eye adds another layer to the discussion — one that blends humor, celebrity culture, and the universal awkwardness of romantic missteps.
Together, Samuels Kuba and Olympios will explore the myths of perfect romance, the realities behind dating shows and Hollywood storytelling, and the everyday behaviors that shape real relationships.
Organizers describe the evening as equal parts entertaining and eye-opening.
From television writing to matchmaking
Before becoming one of Hollywood’s most trusted matchmakers, Samuels Kuba built a career in television writing, with credits on shows ranging from Family Guy to Salem.
It was while working in the entertainment industry that she noticed a recurring pattern among colleagues: professional success paired with deep frustration in personal relationships.
That observation led her to launch LJMatchmaking, a boutique couple-curation service focused on helping industry professionals form meaningful, grounded partnerships.
Today, she and her business partner are known as the “Love Agents of Hollywood,” combining matchmaking with certified relationship coaching to guide clients through both the emotional and practical sides of dating.
Her work has resulted in dozens of successful matches — including, unexpectedly, her own.
Outside of matchmaking, Samuels Kuba cohosts the podcast Match Made in Hollywood and is a nationally rated table tennis player. She lives in Sherman Oaks, California, with her husband and daughter.
Early praise for a refreshing take on dating
The book has already drawn attention from major reviewers and well-known figures in the relationship world.
Publishers Weekly called it a lively debut that provides an unvarnished look into celebrity matchmaking, emphasizing that genuine connection grows from vulnerability and self-awareness.
Patti Stanger, famed matchmaker and television personality, described the book as a bold, unfiltered look at the dating industry that leaves readers feeling hopeful about finding love.
Kirkus Reviews praised Samuels Kuba’s focus on helping readers understand themselves while offering actionable social skills for forming healthier relationships.
Even entertainment powerhouse Seth MacFarlane weighed in, noting the book’s humor and relatable storytelling.
A timely topic in a dating landscape in flux
With dating apps, shifting social norms, and post-pandemic relationship dynamics continuing to reshape how people connect, Samuels Kuba’s insights arrive at a moment when many singles feel overwhelmed by choice, burned out by bad experiences, or uncertain how to build lasting intimacy.
Rather than offering quick fixes or fairy-tale promises, Your Last First Date focuses on patterns, habits, and self-reflection — encouraging readers to rethink what they want, how they approach dating, and why certain cycles repeat.
The Coral Gables appearance offers audiences the chance to hear directly from the author, ask questions, and engage in a lively discussion about love in the modern age.
Event details
An Evening with Jaydi Samuels Kuba in conversation with Corinne Olympios
Saturday, Jan. 31
5 p.m. to approximately 6:30 p.m.
Books & Books Coral Gables
265 Aragon Ave., Coral Gables
Tickets include admission for two guests and one copy of Your Last First Date: Secrets from a Hollywood Matchmaker. RSVP required.
For readers intrigued by Hollywood stories, real-world relationship lessons, and candid conversation about modern dating, Saturday’s event promises a smart and entertaining evening in the heart of Coral Gables.
