The Unhoneymooners

The combination of enemies to lovers and a fake relationship—with outstanding characters, fantastic writing, and a bit of a twist—made this book a quick favorite for me! This is the second book by Christina Lauren that I’ve read, and I enjoyed The Unhoneymooners even more than the last one! This is a must-read vacation book, or even just an after-work unwind sort of book. I can’t recommend it enough! In the spectrum of romance, this one is more rom-com than anything else. It has a bit of heat, a lot of laughs, and so much charm! I love how spunky the women in Christina Lauren books are—they always have that great mix of intelligence, sass, and imperfection. Olive and her sister Ami may be identical twins, but these two couldn’t be more different. Ami has it all together—the job, the man, the poise. Olive is a bit more of a mess—she is chronically unlucky, both in love and in life. She recently lost her job and she is in a skittle green satin bridesmaid dress serving as her sister’s maid of honor, when the entire wedding party gets food poisoning from infected seafood. Everyone, that is, except for Olive and Ami’s husband’s brother Ethan, both of whom avoided the seafood (Olive is allergic and Ethan is bougie about buffets, of course). Now they find themselves pushed into taking the all expenses paid honeymoon that Ami won in a sweepstakes, despite the fact that they pretty much loathe one another. But as they arrive in Maui as fake husband and wife, they soon realize that maybe they don’t hate each other quite as much as they thought. Maybe they misjudged one another, took signals the wrong way over the years. And pretty soon witty banter and teasing may start to turn towards something more… But there are some twists headed their way and it may throw a wrench in everything! One thing I really loved is that Olive and Ami don’t resent one another even a bit. Despite the fact that Ami had it all most of their life and Olive was the mess, only for things to turn the other way on them, these sisters love and support one another above all else! I’m a girls girl so I was so happy to see such a strong female bond! I also found their entire family to be absolutely hysterical and charming! Ethan is also a really great character. He was a bit hard to figure out at first, mostly because we see him through Olive’s eyes. Getting to know the real him throughout the story was wonderful. I’d have to say, really every character (even the ones I didn’t like) were outstanding! On my second book by Christina Lauren, it seems creating likeable characters that feel like people you’d know in real life is one of their strengths. I can’t recommend this book enough! Thank you to Gallery Books for my copy. Opinions are my own.

The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren is a fun and hilarious quick summer read that will have you turning page after page to find out what happens next. From the get go, this book grabs hold of your attention and doesn't let go until the third act, where I personally felt it had some problems. Not enough to ruin the entire effect though, and of course, we get our happy ending. Olive is the unlucky twin. Cursed, really. Ami is the one who seems to get any and everything she wants. So when Olive is (almost) the only one who doesn't get sudden and graphic food poisoning the night of Ami's wedding, and is the only one who can redeem the honeymoon to Hawaii Ami won, it seems too good to be true. And it is. The only other person at the wedding who didn't eat the tainted dinner, is the groom's brother, Ethan -- the one Olive has never gotten along with -- and he's taking his brother's spot on the honeymoon trip. They're reluctant to go together, but figure they can avoid each other and enjoy the tropics individually...that is, until they have a few run-ins with people they know and need to team up to navigate the complications. This thing is built on tropes, folks. Enemies to lovers, misunderstandings, forced proximity, fake dating, one bed (it is the honeymoon suite after all) -- I may even be missing a few. For me, sometimes the fake dating trope can be done real badly, but I think in this book the logic tracks, despite the extremely high likelihood they wouldn't run into anyone they know there, let alone two such someones...in the same day. It may require a bit of suspension of disbelief, but if you can get there, the antics are pretty sweet. It all works so well -- until it doesn't. When Ethan and Olive get back to real life and the unhoneymoon is over, things, of course, start to fall apart. I don't want to spoil anything, but the third act conflict rubbed me the wrong way in this one. The trust between the two characters was broken (no cheating though), and for me that's hard to recover from. However, it was one of the more fun, funny, and entertaining books I've read this summer. Compelling, too. If you're anything like me, you'll fly through it. If you're a fan of romantic comedy or just looking for a fun vacation read, this one is a great option!

I ordered this almost a year ago, and just finally got around to reading it. I have a habit of buying new books in “batches” and then getting overwhelmed and not sure what to read first, so I read none and they sit. This book was delightful. Is it predictable? Yes. Do you know how it’s going to end before even starting it? Yes. Was the journey of reading it still fun and well worth the time? Also yes. Do I love it a bit extra because of the snark and sarcasm between the main characters? Of course I do. I’m a huge fan of romcom type books, and The Unhoneymooners fits into that category perfectly. I absolutely loved the banter between Olive and Ethan, and the way their relationship developed in the book. It didn’t feel rushed or forced in any way; their relationship evolves naturally and the chemistry between the characters came through in the writing. This can sometimes be hard to do when you’re writing about a short timespan, but Christina Lauren handled it beautifully I thought and made the progression believable. This is the second book of Christina Lauren’s I’ve read and I fully intend to read more! This book had me actually laughing and I had a smile on my face at the end. It’s a lighthearted, sarcastic, fun read and I definitely recommend this if you also enjoy enemies-to-lovers, snarky bantered, romcom style books.

STORY | For her entire life, Olive Torres has been the “unlucky” one. The twin of a sister who’s the exact opposite, Olive is about to stand beside her sister, Ami as she says her ‘I Dos’ at a wedding made possible because Ami won it all almost entirely through contests or raffles. But things go from perfect bliss to worse when Ami, her new husband, and the *entire* wedding party and its guests become ill with food poisoning. Well, all except for two people. Olive is sparred, and Ethan, the best man, brother of the groom, and the one man Olive cannot tolerate. But Ami begs Olive to go on the honeymoon trip she is unable to take (because obviously, the trip is non-refundable), and just pretend to be her. Sounds doable, but Olive isn’t so keen on the idea (she cannot lie). Then Ethan is also urged to go, and he does… which in turn makes Olive change her mind. After all, she’s not about to let Ethan have all the fun! As the first book I’ve read by the team Christina Lauren, I’ll be honest and say I didn’t really know quite what to expect. I *liked* this one, but I don’t think I can say I <em>loved </em>it. Is it fun? Absolutely. But the payoff comes a little *too* late in my book. The novel begins in a kind of only-in-the-movies (or in this case, a fictional novel) would this scenario happen and morphs into a story that tries to be one part deeper character study. REVIEW | Like its cover art, "The Unhoneymooners" is a fun, frothy and silly little story written by the author duo that is Christina Lauren. With its summer-y vibes and a plot that sounds straight out of a laugh-out-loud romantic-comedy, this is one of those novels that is (or this is my image of the setting) perfect beach reading. I’m all for a novel that digs into something that packs more of an emotional punch (when needed), but I’m not sure this one does it quite right. I’m glad it goes down how it does with the ultimate conclusion (because, <em>really</em>, the dude in question needed to be given the business), but it falls a little flat for me. That said, what is fun about this one *is* quite fun. I like Olive and Ethan fine, and in fact feel like Olive is a smart, but sassy heroine unlike anyone I’ve met recently on the pages of a novel. Ethan is likable, but I cannot say I have feelings that are good or bad towards him either way. He does come full circle, which gives him a gold star, but I don’t really love how the whole we-have-to-break-up pages before the end trope goes down. Despite what this tirade may sound like, I did enjoy "The Unhoneymooners". It takes place in a really pretty setting, and features characters we can root for (along with one or two we loathe – for good reason!), and has a conclusion I suspect any reader will feel happy with. Do I think I’ll go out and purchase all of Christina Lauren’s books? No, but I also will give another of theirs a chance. Hopefully with a story that works a little bit better. Content note: The Unhoneymooners is secular fiction, so it’s a hard PG-13 rating. There’s sex, innuendo and other suggestive comments or descriptions. The F-word is used at least a dozen (probably more) time over the 350+ pages (both in and out of context), there’s other uses of profanity like sh*t, etc. The story deals with lying, and being unfaithful as well.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 🌶️.5 This was my 3rd book by these authors and I forget how much I love their books!! Let me start by saying I absolutely devoured this book!!! I started it and stayed up wayyyy past my bedtime and woke up at 6am on a Saturday to finish before work. Olive and Ethan? Immediate chemistry. Instant sparks. The kind of banter that makes you pause mid-read to appreciate the sheer craft of it—equal parts sharp, flirty, and laugh-out-loud funny. I was fully invested in the little bubble they built in Maui. Honestly, I would’ve stayed there indefinitely. Now let’s talk about Dane. I KNEW something was off. The suspicious trips, the convenient absences while Ami was still sick…. sir, the math was not mathing. So when everything unraveled, I was equal parts vindicated and emotionally wrecked. But what really got me was Ethan and Ami not believing Olive. That kind of hurt hits deep, especially when it comes from your own people, your twin, no less. Devastating. That said, I do love a well-executed grovel, and this one delivered. The redemption felt earned, the family involvement was chaotic in the best way, and I appreciated that everyone was fully invested in making things right. Bonus points for giving Ami her own fresh start and love story. I love when side characters get their moment. Overall: funny, addictive, emotionally messy in all the right ways, and exactly why I keep coming back to these authors.

Great summer read!

This author (actually, a writing duo) is incredibly uneven in the quality of their books. THIS ONE IS GREAT. A good story, realistic, flawed but likeable characters, not exhaustive internal monologue which I've seen in other of their books. (Bonus points for excellent, and accurate!, references to Minnesota!) Of course there are hiccups, but the only one worth mentioning is the questions regarding time lines. [spoiler alerts ahead!] How long are Olive and Ethan home before Olive starts her job? How long until Olive tells Ami about Dane? How long is it that Ami doesn't speak to Olive? [Spoiler alert over!] But those questions don't detract from the book overall. It's also refreshing to read about a large Latin family that is all kinds of supportive. I wasn't sure if the representation of extended family being so ... invasive? meddling? involved, but loving! -- was overdone, but it appears the authors did their homework. So I'll accept it, and enjoy this loud and colorful group.

I’m a HUGE fan of enemies to lovers. The animosity, the tension, and the banter is what makes me come back for more. Combine this trope with brilliant writing and unique subplots – and you got yourself a winner. Olive was delightful. Spunky, sassy and never lost for words, Olive owned my heart! Supposedly she had the worst luck ever, poor girl, and some of her stories were hilarious but also kinda sad. The claw machine incident was my favorite – you’ll know when you get to it. But all of the bad luck didn’t bring her down, she had an attitude that could have conquered everything. Ethan was a gem! Level headed, well balanced, and just the right amount of alpha to keep Olive grounded, he was her match. Ethan was boyfriend material – no question asked. He was adorable, extremely supportive, and just an all-around good guy. Olive’s bad “luck” finally took a break when she was forced to go on a honeymoon with her “enemy” Ethan. Interestingly enough, those two really clicked well – especially personality wise – when they both started opening up. And from there on I was in LOVE with them. Olive and Ethan were #couplegoals. They were like yin and yang. And their time together felt effortless. I’m truly honest when I say this – I was JEALOUS of how easy and comfortable their relationship was. Beautiful, touching, funny – they had it all. It’s really astounding how well these authors write their couples. They are always down to earth, charming, genuinely likable, funny and smart. A CL couple is by far my most favorite of all. Always well balanced and just awesome in everything that counts. I know I’m gushing, but I have a real crush on Olive and Ethan. That’s just fact!! There was only one subplot that rubbed me the wrong way. And that’s more a personal preference than anything else, but it almost ruined the last 1/3 of the book for me. Ethan's reaction, his decision not to believe Olive didn't sit well with me. I was so mad at him!!! I wanted to shake him and give him a piece of my mind - it was so frustrating. The resolution felt satisfying but I’m just not happy that it happened in the first place. But that’s just me. Except for that I adored this book.

Hello Ethan Thomas, “I knew he was a book lover, but to be the same kind of book lover I am? It makes my insides melt.” Olive is the unluckiest woman alive. Everything than can will go wrong. Olive’s twin Ami is the complete opposite. Her goal in life is to win everything she can. Her entire wedding had been won though various contests, you could say luck is on her side. Olive dislikes her new brother in laws brother Ethan, I’d almost say they are enemies. From the moment they met they didn’t like each other only growing over the years. On the wedding day she braces herself for the chaos that unfolds. Luck wasn’t on Ami’s side when the entire wedding gets stuck down with food poisoning. The only two escaping it was Ethan and Olive so Ami makes them go on their all expenses paid honeymoon in Hawaii. The only catch is they have to pretend to be newlyweds. Can they put aside their hate to enjoy paradise? Of course it wasn’t as simple as that Olive bumps into her future boss and Ethan runs into his ex causing both to be on edge. At some point the pretending becomes tolerable and their hate shifts to something more. Such a light and bubbly contemporary romance novel. I’m very quickly becoming a big fan of these love/hate stories! @becsbookshelf_

Excelente!! Uma leitura bem leve e engraçada. Se tornou um dos meus livros favoritos!! Inclusive já comprei dele para dar de presente rsrs maravilhosoooo e recomendo!

Nice easy book to read. Takes you by the hand. You really feel for the main character is the book.

حبيت الغلاف و اهم شي الكتاب وصل بحاله ممتازه جدا و نظيف (بعض الصفحات من الداخل فيها بقع وتلوث للأسف)ء كتاب جيد ، مو افضل شي قرأته لكن راضيه بأني أرضيت فضولي حولها بما انه نبذة الكتاب جذبتني حبي للثنائي و بالذات ايثان واحد من الأسباب اللي خلتني اصبر على هذا الكتاب في بعض اجزائه البطيئه ، و ايثان على ما نرفزني في اجزاء معينه الا انه صار افضل بالنهايه و اوليڤ احب شخصيتها و تضحكني هالكتاب ضحكني كثير بشكل ما توقعته بالذات لما ايثان و اوليڤ ينادون بعض بأسامي غريبه و بدأت اتحمس للكتاب اكثر لما صرنا نعرف عن ايثان و مشاعره و كنت اتمنى نشوف الأحداث من منظوره " على انه الشابتر الأخير كان من منظوره الا انه تمنيت لو يكون فيه اكثر من كذا" و شيء غريب خطر على بالي ببدايه الكتاب و هو انه ايثان يعطي انطباع شخصيه اوسوي تاكومي و هو حب طفولتي من شخصيات الأنمي😂🤍 الحبكة كانت غير متوقعه وفعلا صدمتني و على اني كنت منجذبه اقرأ الا انه بعد هالنقطه من القصه بدأت اماطل لأنه شهر العسل انتهى و هو كان افضل شي بالكتاب بالنسبه لي لأول مره اقرأ كتاب رومانسي-كوميدي و اظن انه مو نوعي المفضل من الكتب لأنه احب يكون فيه رساله عميقه بالقصص و ما حبيت احساس الفراغ لما خلصت الكتاب و مو عارفه اش استنبطت منه ، لكن اظن اني راح اقرأ هالنوع من الكتب ما بين فترة وفترة. درجة استمتاعي بالكتاب ٨ من ١٠ أنهيت كتابي السادس عشر⭐️

The Unhoneymooners is a new favourite. The enemies to lovers trope set in a tropical locale paired with Christina Lauren’s signature humour makes this a top summer (or dreaming of summer) read. The storyline starts at the wedding of Olive’s twin sister where everyone, except Olive and the best man Ethan, are felled by a bacterial-laden seafood buffet, leaving the non-refundable Hawaiian honeymoon up for grabs. A free vacation in Maui is exactly what Olive needs, except for the fact that Ethan is coming along, and they can barely tolerate each other. A low budget flight to Maui is the start an awkward and unforgettable trip for the two, where witty banter and undeniable chemistry keeps you hooked, cheering on their transformation to lovers. While the sex is hot, it isn’t the focus. Olive & Ethan’s journey from enemies to lovers brings the realization that there may be other aspects in their lives where their perception is off, bringing forth new dilemmas and opportunities for growth. As with all their books, Christina Lauren doesn’t disappoint, building realistic characters with a romance that is sigh worthy, yet sensical. Their love of location shines through their words, describing Maui and its scenery with careful detail. The Unhoneymooners is entertaining and endearing, earning its spot as one of my top reads of 2019.