by Christina Lauren
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Heat Level:
Olive is always unlucky: in her career, in love, in…well, everything. Her identical twin sister Amy, on the other hand, is probably the luckiest person in the world. Her meet-cute with her fiancé is something out of a romantic comedy (gag) and she’s managed to finance her entire wedding by winning a series of Internet contests (double gag). Worst of all, she’s forcing Olive to spend the day with her sworn enemy, Ethan, who just happens to be the best man.
Olive braces herself to get through 24 hours of wedding hell before she can return to her comfortable, unlucky life. But when the entire wedding party gets food poisoning from eating bad shellfish, the only people who aren’t affected are Olive and Ethan. And now there’s an all-expenses-paid honeymoon in Hawaii up for grabs.
Putting their mutual hatred aside for the sake of a free vacation, Olive and Ethan head for paradise, determined to avoid each other at all costs. But when Olive runs into her future boss, the little white lie she tells him is suddenly at risk to become a whole lot bigger. She and Ethan now have to pretend to be loving newlyweds, and her luck seems worse than ever. But the weird thing is that she doesn’t mind playing pretend. In fact, she feels kind of... lucky.
The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren is the perfect summer romance to pack in your beach bag. It delivered a feel good “haters to lovers” romance that will have you laughing, swooning and falling in love.
Coffee Dates with the Unhoneymooners
- First Date: The story begins at the wedding of Olive Torres twin sister, Ali. Olive is the maid of honor, and the groom’s brother, Ethan Thomas is the best man. Olive can’t understand why Ethan dislikes her, but the two trade barbs as easily as siblings with enough spark to ensure you they are not. Despite, her hideous bridesmaid dress all goes well until everyone who partook in the seafood buffet ends up horribly sick. Everyone except Olive and Ethan. When Ali talks Olive into taking their ten-day honeymoon in Hawaii with Ethan..fate puts them on a plane posing as the married couple. Humor, snark and wicked chemistry have me all in….
- Second Date: Welcome to Hawaii! Can I just take a moment to say I am jealous. I would gladly share the honeymoon suite with my enemy. The two work towards being amicable and even help each other out when they run into new acquaintances and past lovers. I loved what unfolded during their ten days in the sun. I laughed and fell hard for Ethan. I enjoyed seeing Olive happy and watching her loosen up. We learned some things that kept me flipping the pages.
- Third Date: The honeymoon is over! The last third of the book dealt with the continued growth of their relationship, which is complicated by family and careers. The drama was realistic and I felt for all sides. Ethan finds himself in a difficult position. I ended up feeling sorry for him even if I expected more. I loved the pacing and buildup. The relationship felt genuine, and I needed an HEA. I admit I wasn’t letting anything interrupt me as I finished their last date.
I closed The Unhoneymooners smiling like a fool. I love when an author(s) allows me to fully connect with the characters. We even saw development and resolution for secondary characters without taking away from our primary couple. Fans of enemies to lovers, delightful banter, snark and swoons will love Olive and Ethan’s story.
#NewRelease The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren is the perfect summer romance to pack in your beach bag. #romance Share on X
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
Kay @ It's a Book Life
I just read this and loved it! It really is a perfect summer read. 🙂
Anne - Books of My Heart
I loved this and I could finally read your review. I think the audio added to the enjoyment for me. Wonderful review.
Olivia Roach
Ah, this one is high on my wishlist! I absolutely love the sound of it and includes a lot of tropes I know I really enjoy. As well as that, reviews are coming through just like yours. Very positive!!
Mary @StackingMyBookShelves!
I have read a few reviews just today on this one and it has caused me to add it to my TBR. I love this review as it makes me want to read it right now!
Mary
Debbie Haupt
Holy unmatrimony 😉 Kim this sounds like a hoot and your thoughts concur with the other rave reviews I’ve seen of this. Just my cuppa you know and yes Hawaii I’m all in. It’s on the list and will soon be in the pile LOL
Rachel
Yes! I loved Olive and Ethan’s story, too! Ethan was in a difficult situation at the end, but still. Glad he saw the error of his ways, though. Fab review, Kimberly! 🙂
Lily B
oh it takes place in Hawaii 😀 I love the setting, this sounds so good for the summer. I’m glad I am able to enjoy romances lately. Looking forward to trying their writing.
lisa thomson
This sounds so cute and would be a nice counter-point to the books I’ve been reading lately. Thanks for the review, Kim. Always appreciate hearing what you think. I LOVE the cover as well 🙂
Suzanne @ The Bookish Libra
Yay, I’m so glad you loved this one too! It left me with a big smile on my face too. I really need to go back and read more of their books.
Tanya @ Girl Plus Books
I enjoyed this one *so much*. It was so easy to fall for Ethan (yum!) and the banter between he and Olive was so spot-on. I loved Olive’s family (and need a book for Diego LOL). And the grand gesture at the end totally got me. 🙂
Lindy@ A Bookish Escape
I really enjoyed this one as well! I loved the snark and humor and agree that this would be the perfect beach/poolside read!
Katherine @ I Wish I Lived in a Library
Oh I need this one! I’ve been in a slump and just kind of grumpy with characters and this sounds like just what I need.
Sam@wlabb
Yes to all of this. The story really was plotted and paced well. I just adored every second of it. I loved Olive and Ethan and Olive’s family and it was all so funny. So, so good.
Mary Kirkland
Everyone seems to be liking this one. I might have to give it a go at some point.
Heidi
This is the third review I have read for this one today. Everyone is loving the antagonist romance. I just got the audio from my library today so I can’t wait to listen. Glad you enjoyed it.
Genesis @ Whispering Chapters
I’m part of the unpopular opinion because I wasn’t impressed with this novel. I liked it enough to rate it 3.5, but that’s it. I did love the vacation setting, though.
Lorna
I really enjoyed this one. My review was supposed to post today but didn’t? I don’t know. I love Christina Lauren books!
Melliane
Oh yes I had a good time with this one!
sherry fundin
great title and cute cover. perfect for the summer season
Angie Elle
Oh my gosh. You have me wanting to pick this book up. It sounds like so much fun!
Great review. 🙂
Tyler H. Jolley
Sounds like a lot of great tension! Nice review, Kimba!
Trish @ Between My Lines
Love the Hawaii setting and I agree it definitely sounds like a fun book to add to your beach bag.
kindlemom1
So happy you liked this as much as I did Kim. It really was just so much fun and had some of my favorite tropes in it, which is always a bonus!
Cynthia
I always have wanted to go to Hawaii! I can definitely get into this book , I am glad that you could connect with the characters. You have me adding this to my list with your great review!