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sincerelyadi's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Well, I’m forever grateful that you’re such a weirdo.
First of all my rating should come as to no surprise with a Christina Lauren book. They are truly my fave writing duo. I must warn all my fellow people who deal with emetophobia, there are a lot of triggering moments especially at the very beginning. If you can get through that, the rest is very light. I’ve had this book on my bookshelf for a few years and kicking myself I didn’t read it sooner. It was such a laugh out loud funny read. I really do love the banter between Olive and Ethan, it’s pure gold, just like this book. This is a quintessential perfect summertime read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Vomit
Moderate: Vomit
Minor: Vomit
sarahsbookss's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity, Vomit, and Alcohol
riyagandhi's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren is a romance novel about Olive (the pessimistic twin) and Ethan who take their siblings' honeymoon after a large food poisoning epidemic during the wedding reception of Ami and Dane.
Particularly, I enjoyed the banter between Ethan and Olive, whether during their "enemies" phase or even more as they began to gain an attraction/like for each other. While a "miscommunication" caused their initial rift to enemies, I did love the drama that unfolded betweenAmi and Dane . The final 100 pages of the book were much more interesting than the initial 300. The other great aspect of this book was the beautiful display of family dynamics and the love and support amongst the twins, their mother, and their cousins.
While there were a lot of cute moments between Olive and Ethan, a part of it did not feel like he was truly head over heels for her, even though he claimed to have fallen in love with herfrom the first Mai Tais date. Part of it felt very superficial or physical, as every romantic moment ultimately boiled down to a lustful, physical attraction. Throughout the love story, it felt like Ethan would have been fine if they ended at any point, which bothered me, as his words did not match his actions. The ending was a little unrealistic, with Dane's exes appearing, the huge profession of love in an upscale restaurant surrounded by friends and family, and the presence of the Hamiltons, but perhaps that is just in true rom-com fashion.
In general, I enjoyed the book as a leisurely, entertaining, summer read. What started slowly ended as a cute resolution of the large miscommunication that led to two people hating one another. The epilogue redeemed Ethan for me, and I was pleased with the ending.
Tropes: fake marriage, one bed, enemies to lovers, forced proximity
Particularly, I enjoyed the banter between Ethan and Olive, whether during their "enemies" phase or even more as they began to gain an attraction/like for each other. While a "miscommunication" caused their initial rift to enemies, I did love the drama that unfolded between
While there were a lot of cute moments between Olive and Ethan, a part of it did not feel like he was truly head over heels for her, even though he claimed to have fallen in love with her
In general, I enjoyed the book as a leisurely, entertaining, summer read. What started slowly ended as a cute resolution of the large miscommunication that led to two people hating one another. The epilogue redeemed Ethan for me, and I was pleased with the ending.
Tropes: fake marriage, one bed, enemies to lovers, forced proximity
Content Warnings
Graphic: Vomit
widhxbr138's review against another edition
3.5
Overall enjoyable plot but the cheating brother subplot is so annoying
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity and Vomit
hollymileham's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
this was just fine like my overall feeling is that this was mediocre it didnt age well the way they talk about gay characters in this is extremely off but it was good to read on the plane/poolside
the conflict in this was so annoying
no wonder it took me two years to pick this up
the conflict in this was so annoying
no wonder it took me two years to pick this up
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity and Vomit
town_scar's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
This was a 5 star for me up until I got to the last 50-100 pages. The conflict didn't feel well resolved and the way certain characters behaved really unsettled me. Spoilery explanation below.
honestly I love Ethan but it feels like his brother was given the #metoo treatment and he just didn't believe his girlfriend? Which is absolutely horrifying?!? How can you trust he'll ever believe you again? And I'm sorry I don't care how cool Ami is with it is nobody gonna address the elephant in the room about Dane and Ami at Olive's wedding? No? Overall that was my beef. The stakes were actually pretty high for a conflict and should have had pretty massive consequences with irreparable damage done, but it was easily waved off. I also just don't like how they handled the infidelity. Even if it wasn't the romantic leads experiencing infidelity, it still feels weird to read in a romance
Pros: Very relatable and funny female lead. Really sweet relationship* between the two characters. For me, loved the MN representation. It's impressive considering neither author is from the area how local it felt. Sex scenes are implied rather than shown and it works well.
Cons: almost impossible to say without spoiling. But suffice to say some strange choices were made that I'm not enthusiastic about.
Pros: Very relatable and funny female lead. Really sweet relationship* between the two characters. For me, loved the MN representation. It's impressive considering neither author is from the area how local it felt. Sex scenes are implied rather than shown and it works well.
Cons: almost impossible to say without spoiling. But suffice to say some strange choices were made that I'm not enthusiastic about.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity, Vomit, and Gaslighting
Moderate: Toxic relationship, Alcohol, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Body shaming, Fatphobia, Sexual content, and Lesbophobia
moriahleigh's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Moderate: Vomit
Minor: Body shaming and Infidelity
annasamuels's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Vomit
Moderate: Infidelity
kaylee_kale's review against another edition
medium-paced
2.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Vomit
annakinsky's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
It was an easy read! Nice book☺️
WHEREAS AMI IS A FOUR-LEAF clover, I have always been unlucky. I don’t say that to be theatrical or because I only seem unlucky in comparison
Ami is an optimist who looks for the silver lining; I tend to assume the sky is falling
I wish I knew what was happening, both between us and inside my heart. It feels like the organ itself has gotten bigger, like it’s demanding to be seen and heard, reminding me that I am a warm-blooded female with wants and needs that go beyond the basics. Being with Ethan increasingly feels like spoiling myself with a perfect new pair of shoes or an extravagant dinner out. I just remain unconvinced that I deserve this daily . . . or that it can last.
He smiles over at me, and my heart does an uneasy somersault beneath my breastbone because I realize I’m wrong: for the first time in months—maybe years—I’m happy. And with Ethan, of all people.
Being an expert at self-sabotage, I revert back to old habits. “That must be hard for you.”
you’re the first one to mention this to me. I realize part of it is outlook, but honestly—it’s luck, too.”
“Okay, but . . . my lucky penny is just a coin. It doesn’t have any great power, it’s not magic, it’s just something I found before a bunch of awesome things happened. So now I associate it with those awesome things.”
I think it’s easier for you to believe that when things don’t go your way, it’s not because of something you did, it’s because you’re a pawn in some cosmic game of chance. But, news flash, Olive: you end up unemployed and alone because of the choices you make
"WHEREAS AMI IS A FOUR-LEAF clover, I have always been unlucky. I don’t say that to be theatrical or because I only seem unlucky in comparison"
Ami is an optimist who looks for the silver lining; I tend to assume the sky is falling
He smiles over at me, and my heart does an uneasy somersault beneath my breastbone because I realize I’m wrong: for the first time in months—maybe years—I’m happy. And with Ethan, of all people.
Being an expert at self-sabotage, I revert back to old habits. “That must be hard for you.”
you’re the first one to mention this to me. I realize part of it is outlook, but honestly—it’s luck, too.”
“Okay, but . . . my lucky penny is just a coin. It doesn’t have any great power, it’s not magic, it’s just something I found before a bunch of awesome things happened. So now I associate it with those awesome things.”
I wish I knew what was happening, both between us and inside my heart. It feels like the organ itself has gotten bigger, like it’s demanding to be seen and heard, reminding me that I am a warm-blooded female with wants and needs that go beyond the basics. Being with Ethan increasingly feels like spoiling myself with a perfect new pair of shoes or an extravagant dinner out. I just remain unconvinced that I deserve this daily . . . or that it can last.
I think it’s easier for you to believe that when things don’t go your way, it’s not because of something you did, it’s because you’re a pawn in some cosmic game of chance. But, news flash, Olive: you end up unemployed and alone because of the choices you make
"WHEREAS AMI IS A FOUR-LEAF clover, I have always been unlucky. I don’t say that to be theatrical or because I only seem unlucky in comparison"
Ami is an optimist who looks for the silver lining; I tend to assume the sky is falling
He smiles over at me, and my heart does an uneasy somersault beneath my breastbone because I realize I’m wrong: for the first time in months—maybe years—I’m happy. And with Ethan, of all people.
Being an expert at self-sabotage, I revert back to old habits. “That must be hard for you.”
you’re the first one to mention this to me. I realize part of it is outlook, but honestly—it’s luck, too.”
“Okay, but . . . my lucky penny is just a coin. It doesn’t have any great power, it’s not magic, it’s just something I found before a bunch of awesome things happened. So now I associate it with those awesome things.”
I wish I knew what was happening, both between us and inside my heart. It feels like the organ itself has gotten bigger, like it’s demanding to be seen and heard, reminding me that I am a warm-blooded female with wants and needs that go beyond the basics. Being with Ethan increasingly feels like spoiling myself with a perfect new pair of shoes or an extravagant dinner out. I just remain unconvinced that I deserve this daily . . . or that it can last.
I think it’s easier for you to believe that when things don’t go your way, it’s not because of something you did, it’s because you’re a pawn in some cosmic game of chance. But, news flash, Olive: you end up unemployed and alone because of the choices you make
As much as the size and presence of my family can feel oppressive at times, it’s the greatest comfort I have right now. Even if I pretend to be annoyed that they’re constantly checking up on me, they all see through it. Because if it were any of them struggling—and it has been, many times—I would find a reason to drop by at four o’clock wherever they work, too.
A fracture forms right down the middle of my heart. Half of it belongs to my sister, for what she’s about to go through; the other half will always keep beating for myself even when no one else will.
On the one hand, screw him for not having my back, for enabling his brother to be a terrible boyfriend/husband, for being obstinately obtuse about a serial cheater. But on the other hand, what would I do in the same situation to protect Ami? Would it be hard to see her as sketchy the same way it was hard for Ethan to see Dane?
There are two responses in me. One is a joyful Okay then, let’s do this! and the other is a fearful Oh hell no. The first feels breezy and light, the second feels comforting and familiar and safe. As good as it feels to be careful, and to risk boredom and loneliness over heartache, I don’t particularly want comfortable and safe anymore.
“I guess you deserve another chance
WHEREAS AMI IS A FOUR-LEAF clover, I have always been unlucky. I don’t say that to be theatrical or because I only seem unlucky in comparison
Ami is an optimist who looks for the silver lining; I tend to assume the sky is falling
I wish I knew what was happening, both between us and inside my heart. It feels like the organ itself has gotten bigger, like it’s demanding to be seen and heard, reminding me that I am a warm-blooded female with wants and needs that go beyond the basics. Being with Ethan increasingly feels like spoiling myself with a perfect new pair of shoes or an extravagant dinner out. I just remain unconvinced that I deserve this daily . . . or that it can last.
He smiles over at me, and my heart does an uneasy somersault beneath my breastbone because I realize I’m wrong: for the first time in months—maybe years—I’m happy. And with Ethan, of all people.
Being an expert at self-sabotage, I revert back to old habits. “That must be hard for you.”
you’re the first one to mention this to me. I realize part of it is outlook, but honestly—it’s luck, too.”
“Okay, but . . . my lucky penny is just a coin. It doesn’t have any great power, it’s not magic, it’s just something I found before a bunch of awesome things happened. So now I associate it with those awesome things.”
I think it’s easier for you to believe that when things don’t go your way, it’s not because of something you did, it’s because you’re a pawn in some cosmic game of chance. But, news flash, Olive: you end up unemployed and alone because of the choices you make
"WHEREAS AMI IS A FOUR-LEAF clover, I have always been unlucky. I don’t say that to be theatrical or because I only seem unlucky in comparison"
Ami is an optimist who looks for the silver lining; I tend to assume the sky is falling
He smiles over at me, and my heart does an uneasy somersault beneath my breastbone because I realize I’m wrong: for the first time in months—maybe years—I’m happy. And with Ethan, of all people.
Being an expert at self-sabotage, I revert back to old habits. “That must be hard for you.”
you’re the first one to mention this to me. I realize part of it is outlook, but honestly—it’s luck, too.”
“Okay, but . . . my lucky penny is just a coin. It doesn’t have any great power, it’s not magic, it’s just something I found before a bunch of awesome things happened. So now I associate it with those awesome things.”
I wish I knew what was happening, both between us and inside my heart. It feels like the organ itself has gotten bigger, like it’s demanding to be seen and heard, reminding me that I am a warm-blooded female with wants and needs that go beyond the basics. Being with Ethan increasingly feels like spoiling myself with a perfect new pair of shoes or an extravagant dinner out. I just remain unconvinced that I deserve this daily . . . or that it can last.
I think it’s easier for you to believe that when things don’t go your way, it’s not because of something you did, it’s because you’re a pawn in some cosmic game of chance. But, news flash, Olive: you end up unemployed and alone because of the choices you make
"WHEREAS AMI IS A FOUR-LEAF clover, I have always been unlucky. I don’t say that to be theatrical or because I only seem unlucky in comparison"
Ami is an optimist who looks for the silver lining; I tend to assume the sky is falling
He smiles over at me, and my heart does an uneasy somersault beneath my breastbone because I realize I’m wrong: for the first time in months—maybe years—I’m happy. And with Ethan, of all people.
Being an expert at self-sabotage, I revert back to old habits. “That must be hard for you.”
you’re the first one to mention this to me. I realize part of it is outlook, but honestly—it’s luck, too.”
“Okay, but . . . my lucky penny is just a coin. It doesn’t have any great power, it’s not magic, it’s just something I found before a bunch of awesome things happened. So now I associate it with those awesome things.”
I wish I knew what was happening, both between us and inside my heart. It feels like the organ itself has gotten bigger, like it’s demanding to be seen and heard, reminding me that I am a warm-blooded female with wants and needs that go beyond the basics. Being with Ethan increasingly feels like spoiling myself with a perfect new pair of shoes or an extravagant dinner out. I just remain unconvinced that I deserve this daily . . . or that it can last.
I think it’s easier for you to believe that when things don’t go your way, it’s not because of something you did, it’s because you’re a pawn in some cosmic game of chance. But, news flash, Olive: you end up unemployed and alone because of the choices you make
As much as the size and presence of my family can feel oppressive at times, it’s the greatest comfort I have right now. Even if I pretend to be annoyed that they’re constantly checking up on me, they all see through it. Because if it were any of them struggling—and it has been, many times—I would find a reason to drop by at four o’clock wherever they work, too.
A fracture forms right down the middle of my heart. Half of it belongs to my sister, for what she’s about to go through; the other half will always keep beating for myself even when no one else will.
On the one hand, screw him for not having my back, for enabling his brother to be a terrible boyfriend/husband, for being obstinately obtuse about a serial cheater. But on the other hand, what would I do in the same situation to protect Ami? Would it be hard to see her as sketchy the same way it was hard for Ethan to see Dane?
There are two responses in me. One is a joyful Okay then, let’s do this! and the other is a fearful Oh hell no. The first feels breezy and light, the second feels comforting and familiar and safe. As good as it feels to be careful, and to risk boredom and loneliness over heartache, I don’t particularly want comfortable and safe anymore.
“I guess you deserve another chance
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fatphobia, Infidelity, Vomit, and Alcohol