The Unhoneymooners
by Christina Lauren
When food poisoning strikes an entire wedding party, the only two people who can use the honeymoon trip are the bride's sister and the groom's brother—who can't stand each other.
Spoiler Warning
This review may contain spoilers. Read at your own discretion if you haven't finished the book yet.
Paradise with Your Enemy
The Unhoneymooners is a hilarious, swoon-worthy rom-com about a free trip to Hawaii with the one person you can't stand.
The Story
Olive is convinced she's the unlucky twin—her sister Ami wins everything while Olive can't catch a break. When the entire wedding party except Olive and Ethan (the groom's brother) gets food poisoning, someone has to use the non-refundable Hawaiian honeymoon. Pretending to be the happy couple is hard enough, but Olive and Ethan have hated each other since they met. Or have they?
What Works
Banter
Olive and Ethan's verbal sparring is delightful.
Hawaiian Setting
The backdrop is gorgeous and aspirational.
Comedy
Genuinely funny situations and dialogue.
Fake Relationship Trope
Executed perfectly.
Olive's Voice
Relatable and entertaining narrator.
Chemistry
The tension builds satisfyingly.
Considerations
Formulaic
Hits all the expected beats.
Miscommunication
Some conflicts could be solved by talking.
Light Read
Pure entertainment, not deep.
Final Thoughts
The Unhoneymooners is pure rom-com joy. A perfect beach read or pick-me-up.
Rating: 4.0/5
Best for: Rom-com fans, lovers of enemies-to-lovers and forced proximity tropes
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