*** My Review ***

The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren is a contemporary romance novel that tells the story of Olive Torres, a twin who is unlucky in love and Ethan Thomas, the groom’s brother, who she despises. When Olive’s sister Ami and Ethan’s brother Dane’s wedding takes a turn for the worse, Olive and Ethan are the only ones who are not affected by the food poisoning that takes out the rest of the guests. Ami, always the lucky one, wins an all-expenses-paid honeymoon to Maui, Hawaii.

However, she can’t go because of the food poisoning, so she hands the honeymoon package over to Olive and Ethan. As they travel to Maui, they discover that they have more in common than they originally thought, and they begin to fall for each other.

The Unhoneymooners is a fun, lighthearted romantic comedy that is perfect for anyone who loves a good love story. The characters are well-written and relatable, and their chemistry is undeniable. The story is well-paced, with just the right amount of humor, drama, and romance. The setting in Maui adds a beautiful backdrop to the story, making it easy to picture the characters on their honeymoon.

One of the things I loved about this book is the dynamic between Olive and Ethan. They start off hating each other, but as they spend more time together, they begin to see each other in a new light. Their banter is witty and clever, and their chemistry is electric.

The characters in The Unhoneymooners are one of the strongest aspects of the novel. They are well-developed, relatable, and their interactions with each other drive the story forward.

Olive Torres, the protagonist, is a refreshingly flawed character. She’s been dealt a lot of bad luck in life, and it’s made her somewhat pessimistic. But she’s also fiercely loyal and protective of her family, especially her twin sister Ami. Olive is relatable because she’s not perfect, and her struggles with self-doubt and anxiety are realistically portrayed. As the story progresses, we see her grow and learn to take chances and believe in herself.

Ethan Thomas, the male lead, is initially introduced as Olive’s nemesis. He’s handsome and charming, but he’s also cocky and a bit of a playboy. However, as we get to know him better, we see that he’s also dealing with some personal issues and trying to figure out his place in the world. Ethan is a complex character, and his interactions with Olive are often hilarious and endearing.

The secondary characters are also well-written and add depth to the story. Ami, Olive’s twin sister, is the complete opposite of Olive, and their relationship is a significant part of the book. Dane, Ethan’s brother, and the groom, is dealing with his own issues, and his relationship with Ethan is explored in detail.

The interactions between the characters are what make this book so enjoyable. The banter between Olive and Ethan is witty and clever, and their chemistry is electric. The relationship between Olive and Ami is heartwarming and realistic, and the sibling bond between Dane and Ethan adds a layer of complexity to the story.

Another aspect of the book that I enjoyed was the emphasis on family. Olive and Ami’s relationship is a significant part of the story, and their bond as sisters is heartwarming. Dane and Ethan’s relationship is also explored, and their dynamic adds a layer of complexity to the story.

Humor is a significant part of the novel, and there are many laugh-out-loud moments throughout the story. The banter between Olive and Ethan is witty and clever, and their antics will leave readers chuckling. The humor is balanced with more emotional moments, creating a well-rounded reading experience.

The book also explores themes of self-doubt and anxiety. Olive, the protagonist, is a relatable character because she’s not perfect. She struggles with her self-esteem and doubts her abilities, which is something many readers will relate to. These themes are handled delicately, and readers will appreciate the realistic portrayal of these emotions.

As the relationship between Olive and Ethan progresses, readers will feel a range of emotions. The chemistry between the two characters is electric, and their interactions are often filled with tension and anticipation. The book also explores the idea of taking chances and following your heart, which will leave readers feeling inspired and hopeful.

The emotional depth of the book is also highlighted in the relationships between the secondary characters. The bond between Olive and her twin sister Ami is heartwarming and realistic, and readers will feel a sense of warmth and comfort in their interactions. Dane and Ethan’s relationship is also explored in detail, adding a layer of complexity to the story.

While The Unhoneymooners is a highly entertaining and enjoyable novel, there are some negative aspects to consider.

One of the main criticisms of the book is that it relies heavily on tropes and clichés commonly found in romance novels. The enemies-to-lovers trope is a major part of the story, and some readers may find it predictable or overdone. Similarly, some of the plot twists and turns may be predictable for readers familiar with the romance genre.

Another criticism is that the characters, while well-developed, can sometimes come across as one-dimensional. Ethan, in particular, is often portrayed as a typical “bad boy” with a heart of gold, and his character can feel a bit stereotypical at times.

Additionally, some readers may find the pacing of the story to be slow in some parts, particularly in the beginning. The focus on setting up the premise of the book and introducing the characters can drag on for some readers, and it may take some time for the story to really pick up.

Finally, there are some moments in the book that may feel contrived or unrealistic. The situations that Olive and Ethan find themselves in can sometimes feel a bit forced, and some of the dialogue can come across as cheesy or unnatural.

Overall, The Unhoneymooners is a delightful read that will leave you feeling warm and fuzzy inside. It’s perfect for anyone who loves a good romance and wants to escape into a beautiful setting with well-written characters. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a lighthearted and enjoyable read.