The Wedding Date Disaster
Enemies to lovers destination romance
by Kate Mathieson
Publisher : One More Chapter (January 30, 2025)
Publication date : January 30, 2025
Print length : 303 pages
A 3 star review
"Gemma Evans goes from being on the brink of everything she’s ever dreamed of, to the brink of a nervous breakdown when she’s passed over for a promotion and forced to watch her work nemesis, Ben McDonald, become the new Chief Editor at Peacock Press.
To add insult to injury, she’s got to attend a family wedding in Italy and her date can’t make it. No way is Gemma showing up alone so she asks a friend to help her secure a ‘date’. But Gemma’s blind date turns out to be her worst nightmare…"
• Enemies-to-lovers
• Fake dating
• Destination romance
• Workplace
• Family dramas
• Self-awareness
Fairly cute and easy read. I did have a problem with the main character, Gemma being unlikeable for most of the first third of the book. She had a chip on her shoulder and a bad attitude underneath a desire to people-please. Kind of a doormat, not happy about it but not willing to rock the boat. When she starts to come around it makes for an interesting awakening. Gemma is very good at her editing job at a publishing house but of course wants to write her own book. There are family dynamics that are relatable if a bit over the top. It adds to her people pleasing while gritting her teeth behavior. I'd have given in for a chance to spend a week in Tuscany too. It's amazing and my favorite place on earth - at the moment.
Ben is the new guy at work and gets the job Gemma wants. He's nice, people like him and he's successful. This makes Gemma jealous and rude. Ben has no idea, he's such a good guy he doesn't get her thinly veiled contempt. It's a pleasure to watch him bring her out of her rut. His encouragement makes all the difference. Their HEA was a bit of a twist, I like the way it played out.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you to NetGalley and One More Chapter publisher.
