by Jessica Topper
Series: Much "I Do" About Nothing #1
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
From Jessica Topper, author of the “beautiful and engaging” (Open Book Society) debut novel Louder than Love, comes the story of second chances, missed flights, and a woman ruled by her mother’s wedding dress. As the dress-bearer for her mother’s wedding, comic book artist Laney Hudson has a lot more baggage than the bulky garment bag she’s lugging from New York to Hawaii. Laney is determined to prove she’s capable of doing something right, but running chores for her mom’s fairytale nuptials is proving to be a painfully constant reminder of her own lost love. So when she’s mistaken for the bride and bumped up to first class, Laney figures some stress-free luxury is worth a harmless white lie. Until the flight crew thinks that the man sitting next to her is Laney’s groom, and her little fib turns into a hot mess. The last thing Noah Ridgewood needs is some dress-obsessed diva landing in his first-class row. En route to his Vegas bachelor party, the straight-laced software designer knows his cold feet have nothing to do with the winter weather. When a severe storm leaves them grounded in Chicago and they find themselves booked into the last available honeymoon suite, Laney and her in-flight neighbor have little choice but to get better acquainted. Now, as her bridal mission hangs in the balance, perhaps the thing Laney gets right is a second chance at love.
Dictatorship of the Dress the first in a new series by Jessica Topper called, Much “I Do” About Nothing, was absolutely delightful. The tale offers two unique characters, banter, tender moments, life lessons and a touch of sweet.
Coffee dates with Dictatorship of the Dress
First Date: We meet Laney Hudson at the airport, toting her mother’s wedding gown. Right away, I liked this snarky, outspoken comic book artist. Laney clearly has some hang-ups and I slipped right into the tale. Things are going wrong which seems to typical for Laney, but as luck would have it she is mistaken as a bride to be and bumped up to first class where she finds herself seated next to successful, dressed to impress, Noah Ridgewood. Noah is on his way to Vegas for a weeklong bachelor party. His own but Noah has cold feet and is beginning to wonder how he got himself into this mess. The banter as these two engage is hilarious and I felt their connection.
Second date: Planes, weather and delays equal a shared honeymoon suite. Far-fetched? Perhaps but Topper made me believe. Things could have taken a wrong turn here, especially with Noah engaged but instead we receive a wonderful story…a budding friendship, a little sexual tension and two souls sharing their life stories. I laughed, got misty eyed, and genuinely loved every minute.
Third Date: Breakfast, a tour of the city and a little magic have me giddy, but than a misunderstanding has the two parting without a good-bye. Topper did a wonderful job of creating just enough tension and angst without overdoing it. We see personal growth from both characters, and I loved how the author handled messy loose ends before bringing it all home and making me smile.
Dictatorship to the Dress was delightful and I can imagine it on the big screen. The next book Courtship of the Cake shares Danica James’ tale and releases in June of 2015.
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Camille
This sounds like a good one, Kim. I just have one tiny misgiving with the male MC is engaged! I really am not a fan of cheating, in whatever form it might be.
kimbacaffeinate
I feel the same way, and no true lines were crossed in the making of their story.
Sharon - Obsession with Books
This sunds like fun! Glad you could connect to the MC, Kimba.
Great review 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
This was delightful Sharon
Jessica
This is the second stellar review for this book that I’ve seen this morning, but this:
“just enough tension and angst without overdoing it.” <—–MAJOR sell point. I've already added it to my wishlist 😉
kimbacaffeinate
squee…enjoy Jessica I cannot wait to see what you think
Red Iza
The title is catchy and your review makes me want to read this (AND the writer is an ex-librarian !)
kimbacaffeinate
It was fun…read it!
Bookworm Brandee
This does sound delightful! I like the sound of the banter between Laney and Noah. I like the series’ name too – the spin on Shakespeare. 🙂 I’ll have to give it a whirl.
kimbacaffeinate
It was such fun Brandee
Lauren
Glad to hear you enjoyed this and it worked out with all the loose ends being tied up in a satisfying way. Having Noah meet her while engaged could have been done badly, but it sounds like it was done wonderfully. I’ll have to read this! Great review 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
The author handled that aspect well and made it feel genuine.
Lark
Sounds like a charming, fun read for a gloomy winter’s day!
kimbacaffeinate
It was such fun and yes a perfect read for a dreary day!
Christy
I thought the same thing while reading it, that it could totally be a movie. It really is a fun book.
kimbacaffeinate
Agreed I smiled and laughed a lot..always a good sign
ShootingStarsMag
I just read a review of this the other day, and they liked it too. It sounds fun overall.
kimbacaffeinate
It was fun and cute..warm and fuzzy 🙂 Thanks Lauren
Brandi Breathes Books
Aw delightful sounds wonderful esp in their suite
kimbacaffeinate
It went to a nice place..and I loved their conversations
Diana Leigh
Ha! I love that they ended up in the last honeymoon suite together. Cute!
kimbacaffeinate
It was cute and well done Diana.
R_Hunt
Now I can so imagine this as a movie! (and I would go see it!) How cute! My younger daughter and I like to watch shows like Say Yes to the Dress and Three Weddings, etc. so I would enjoy this one. Thanks for showcasing it!
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Rita, it was fun and yes I think you would like this
Angela Adams
A premise involving a wedding dress — sounds like a different and original idea. Thanks for the post.
kimbacaffeinate
It was fun Angela 🙂
Mary
It turned out so cute! I did like how she tied everything in the end. Really, despite the far-fechedness of it all, this story really did work so well.
kimbacaffeinate
hehe..yeah as long as key aspects feel genuine I can swallow the other far-fetched aspects. this was fun and I am glad you liked it
Sophia Rose
Just a quick peek to see your overall impression since I grabbed this one for review too.
Oh good, you liked it! I loved her first book so I was hoping this would be good too.
kimbacaffeinate
Ooo hope you love it Sophia!
Linnae
I love the cover, the title, the tagline, and the premise sounds like fun. I can live with Noah being engaged because until the ring is on the finger…there is wiggle room. The engagement period is the final check off to HEA and it gives people breathing room. I saved the cover in my files for the 2015 cover contest next year and I’m adding this one to my wish list.
kimbacaffeinate
The thread concerning his engagement was well done and believable. I adore the cover Linnae
Hafsah
Oh, that cover is GORGEOUS. I love it so. And the book sounds like it was a great read for you, which means I should pick it up soon. I love the sound of the author tying together a bunch of messy ends. That’s great writing!
kimbacaffeinate
I love the cover too Hafsah. Yes she made it all work 🙂
braine
Read this the other day and enjoyed it as well. I didn’t connect with Laney right away but once the Allen story came about it was smooth sailing from then on.
kimbacaffeinate
Well I am glad you ended up connecting. Yeah Allen’s storyline made me melt
Tanja
What a pretty cover!!! I love it. I haven’t heard of this one but I already like MC just based on your descriptions of her. I also love how fun it sounds. I’m really glad you enjoyed it. Great review, Kim 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Tanja it made me smile 🙂
Katherine
I’m a little nervous about Noah already being engaged as that frequently doesn’t work for me. Every once in awhile the author can spin it just right and it sounds like this may be the case here. This sounds like a fun read and if the story is entertaining enough I can easily get past some unbelievablity. Thanks for sharing!
kimbacaffeinate
No worries..I am often the same way Kathrine but everything that happens felt very genuine with regard to that relationship.
Melissa's Eclectic Bookshelf
Wow that sounds so completely unbelievable..I think I’d love it. I love cheesy:)
kimbacaffeinate
Actually it had more depth then you think
Heidi
I read Christy’s review yesterday and this sounds lovely. Perfect for winter blues, right? I am going to go look this up, you two have me convinced.
kimbacaffeinate
I am glad this is such a feel good read
Candace
I just read another review for this yesterday and it sounds so fun!
kimbacaffeinate
Christy’s? Yeah we both loved this one!
Liz
That’s interesting that you say big screen, because in movies, I totally go for this genre. But in books, not so much. However between you and Christy, I’m thinking I may have to give this one a try!
kimbacaffeinate
LOL I am just the opposite and very rarely watch romantic anything on the screen, unless it is around Christmas and then I just go all sappy
Laurel-Rain Snow
Oh, I do love the sound of this one! I am a fan of snarky, and I like the hint of loose ends…sometimes we need things to be just a bit blurred.
Thanks for sharing…and I’ll be checking this one out.
kimbacaffeinate
It was such a fun read Laurel and yes I like an ending with possibilities.
Aubrey Wynne
This sounds cute and fun. Just like the cover.
kimbacaffeinate
It was all of the above, thanks Aubrey 🙂
Jenny
This is the second glowing review I’ve read for this one Kim, it’s going on my list for sure! I don’t mind a little far-fetchedness with my romances, and this is clearly a setup that works even if it’s just a touch outside the realm of believability. Can’t wait to read!
kimbacaffeinate
It was such fun Jenny..I hope it makes you smile 🙂
Lily
Aww Kimba this is the second review I’ve seen for this book today and I officially feel like I need to read it. It’s a sign. I feel like this one would be right up my alley. Love how the snarky female protagonist was a form are marvel comic writer and that lover boy is a tech genuis. THATS SO CUTE I CANT BEGIN TO EXPLAIN.
kimbacaffeinate
I loved the heroine and what an awesome job
Karen
A little nervous about him being engaged but it still sounds like the type of books I’ve been loving lately.
That cover is gorgeous!!!
kimbacaffeinate
No worries Karen..it felt believable and was handled well.
kindlemom1
There is just something about snark in a heroine that I love. I think she and I would really get along. I must read this one!
kimbacaffeinate
I hope it makes you smile as much as I did Ali
Nick
I saw this on Christy’s blog yesterday and I want to read it so badly! It sounds like such a cute read. And Banter! I’m all in of course. I love that their relationship starts off with a budding friendship.
I can’t wait to read this!
Lovely review, Kim.
kimbacaffeinate
Yes this is adorable, and funny ..you will love it
Debbie Haupt
Great review Kim and this sounds like just what I need on a cold winter’s day. You know I’ve read other novels staring comic book writers and they’ve resonated really well for some reason. Thanks for sharing!
kimbacaffeinate
I hope you enjoy it Debbie…i had such fun reading this
Ramona
I don’t normally read adult … anything (lol!), but this sounds good. And I’ve been meaning to pick up a contemporary romance for adults after this conversation I’d had last week with a lady author who said some things that really made me curious about this genre. I may as well start with this book. Thanks for posting!
kimbacaffeinate
This would be a lovely book to try the genre with
Madiha
BANTER! They’re the best part of any sizzling romance 🙂 Glad you could connect to the MC, Kim. Great review, as always!
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Madiha, I love when it all comes together and makes me smile
em
oo i think im swooning already!:) it sounds a brilliant book
xx
kimbacaffeinate
It was delightful Em
Melanie (YA Midnight Reads)
I remember reading a review for this book just a day or two a go and this book seems to be really promising with the high ratings it’s been receiving. You totally had me there at banter, Kimba xD
Lovely review, hun! <33
kimbacaffeinate
Oh I love good banter Melanie. Hope you decide to try it
Alreem
I love the cover but I don’t like books bout weddings and somehow this book sound good to me ,, I will add it to my TBR list and then decided if I ever going to read it 🙂 Great Review
kimbacaffeinate
Focus is not on weddings..so this would probably work for you, if it speaks to you
blodeuedd
The title kind of drew me in 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
It spoke to me too…
Jennifer Bielman
This sounds so cute. It’s funny how I like stories about weddings even though I don’t really believe in marriage.
kimbacaffeinate
I’ve been married for almost 27 yrs so I totally believe in forever, but this doesn’t really focus on the weddings like you think
Sarah
This book sounds like a wonderful book for the upcoming Valentine’s Day. It’s definitely a twist from the usually wedding themed romance. 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Oh yes this would be cute read for February and sure to make you smile