Author: Christina Lauren
Rating: 7.5/10
Genre: Romance; Adult
When the entire wedding party comes down with food poisoning, only the two lone survivors could take the all-expenses-paid honeymoon. It’s just too bad they hate each other.
I am a big fan of ‘Enemy to lovers’ and ‘fake dating’, so when I read the synopsis of this book, I was understandably excited.
“Don't threaten me with a good time.”
One of my biggest complaints when it comes to the genre of ‘cute romance’ is when it lacks the elements of a story in order to push forward the romance. This book had relatively well developed and unique characters and plot. I felt that the set up and setting were also perfect for a good romance. Thus, it luckily did not fall into the above category.
Don’t get me wrong, the book still had all the elements of a ‘cute romance’. It had angst, perfectly choreographed romantic/cute scenes, cliches, predictable sequence of events and characters that are constantly overthinking. I find that this makes the story a bit unrealistic, but I also realise that it is for the sake of the genre. Having said that, I definitely enjoyed the scenes and banter between our characters.
Some of my favourite points of the book were firstly, the family dynamic. While not relatable to all, I find the closeness they share a very genuine and heartwarming component of the story. Secondly, I liked how the book included the growth of our characters, especially our main female protagonist. Through her, we were able to open a discussion on how one’s outlook on life could be just the thing to change it.
However, I do have my criticisms.
For the first small portion of the book, I felt that the writing was trying too hard to be quirky and humorous and the same can be said for how it tried to portray the characters. Personally it felt unnatural and forced, though, this problem did slowly absolve as the book went on.
Although I do think this book is a better example of ‘cute romance’ then most, it was definitely not the best. Admittedly I am not the biggest reader of this particular genre, so you can take my review with a pinch of salt. But, I felt like there were a few loose ends that I think would have been nice to see come full circle. Moreover, I thought that some of the conflict our characters experienced could have been so easily resolved or avoided. I don’t mind the occasional petty conflict but it is different when the solution is clear as day and would realistically, not have been a problem at all.
This book is a solid ‘cute romance’. I would actually love to see it translated into a romantic comedy, and I would recommend it for anyone who wants a simple and adorable romance to fly through.
Reviewed by: N.G.Rainwater (1st Reading)
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