(book review)

The Basics
Title: The Unhoneymooners
Author: Christina Lauren
Published: 2019
Publisher: Gallery Books — Simon and Schuster
Pages: 395
Format: Paperback
Genres: Fiction — Romance, Contemporary, Contemporary romance

‘The Unhoneymooners’ is a delightful romantic comedy novel by the writing duo Christina Lauren. The story follows Olive Torres, a self-proclaimed unlucky person who has always lived in the shadow of her identical twin sister, Ami. Olive’s luck changes when she wins a free honeymoon trip to Maui for herself and her new brother-in-law, Ethan, who she dislikes intensely.

The catch? Olive’s sister and Ethan got food poisoning at their wedding reception and can’t go on the trip, so Olive and Ethan must go in their place. Despite their initial animosity towards each other, Olive and Ethan must pretend to be newlyweds in order not to waste the all-expenses-paid trip. As they spend more time together, they start to develop unexpected feelings for each other.

What makes this book so enjoyable is the humor and banter between the two main characters. Olive and Ethan’s sarcastic and witty exchanges provide plenty of laughs and entertainment throughout the book. The chemistry between them is also palpable, making their slow-burning romance all the more satisfying.

Another strength of the book is the author’s portrayal of the Torres family dynamics. The complicated relationships and quirks of Olive’s extended family add depth to the story and make the characters feel more realistic.

In addition to being a charming romance, ‘The Unhoneymooners’ also touches on important themes such as self-discovery, family dynamics, and societal pressures. Olive, who has always felt like the “unlucky” twin compared to her perfect sister, must learn to embrace her own unique qualities and let go of her insecurities. Similarly, Ethan, who has been living under his brother’s shadow for years, must confront his own fears and aspirations.”The Unhoneymooners” is more than just a light and entertaining romance novel. It also has valuable insights into self-discovery and societal pressures, making it a well-rounded and thoughtful read.

While the plot may be predictable at times, ‘The Unhoneymooners’ still manages to be a fun and engaging read. It’s perfect for anyone looking for a light and entertaining romance novel that will leave them feeling good. Overall, I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good rom-com with plenty of laughs and heartwarming moments.

My rating is 9/10.