THE INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER! Starred reviews from Kirkus Reviews * Publishers Weekly * Library Journal Named a “Must-Read” by TODAY, Us Weekly, Bustle, BuzzFeed, Goodreads, Entertainment Weekly, Publishers Weekly, Southern Living, Book Riot, Woman’s Day, The Toronto Star, and more! For two sworn enemies, anything can happen during the Hawaiian trip of a lifetime–maybe even love–in … Toronto Star, and more!
For two sworn enemies, anything can happen during the Hawaiian trip of a lifetime–maybe even love–in this romantic comedy from the New York Times bestselling authors of Roomies.
Olive Torres is used to being the unlucky twin: from inexplicable mishaps to a recent layoff, her life seems to be almost comically jinxed. By contrast, her sister Ami is an eternal champion…she even managed to finance her entire wedding by winning a slew of contests. Unfortunately for Olive, the only thing worse than constant bad luck is having to spend the wedding day with the best man (and her nemesis), Ethan Thomas.
Olive braces herself for wedding hell, determined to put on a brave face, but when the entire wedding party gets food poisoning, the only people who aren’t affected are Olive and Ethan. Suddenly there’s a free honeymoon up for grabs, and Olive will be damned if Ethan gets to enjoy paradise solo.
Agreeing to a temporary truce, the pair head for Maui. After all, ten days of bliss is worth having to assume the role of loving newlyweds, right? But the weird thing is…Olive doesn’t mind playing pretend. In fact, the more she pretends to be the luckiest woman alive, the more it feels like she might be.
With Christina Lauren’s “uniquely hilarious and touching voice” (Entertainment Weekly), The Unhoneymooners is a romance for anyone who has ever felt unlucky in love.
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3.5 Stars. Enemies to lovers is usually my favorite of all tropes, and I really fell in love with Olive and Ethan, I just wish this moved a long a little faster. Ethan was really between a rock and a hard place but I felt like Olive was a kindred spirit of mine so I was upset when everyone thought the worst of her. I wish we would have had a lot more of Ethan’s perspective, especially when they were in Maui.
Olive and Ethan are one of my top couple of the year!
A great enemies to lovers story! This book will definitely be in my top reads for 2019. The banter between Olive and Ethan was brilliant and smart. I had some great laugh out loud moments and was rooting for the two “enemies” from the moment they started their fake “honeymoon”.
If you’re looking for a sexually tense, fun-filled, entertaining, quick-witted read – Pick this book up.
The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren was a fun and entertaining read. An enemies-to-lovers story that had me laughing and captivated. Olive believes she is one unlucky person, while her sister is very lucky. But when the wedding party at her sister’s wedding falls ills, her luck may be changing…or not, when she finds out her she is traveling to her sister’s planned honeymoon with the man she hates, Ethan.
What follows is two people who dislike each other spending time getting to know each other. Though this is a fun story, it was also a touching one. Ethan and Olive have one hilarious encounter after another, and you can’t help but just love their story. They were great characters who were not perfect, but somehow perfect for each other. The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren was fun and captivating.
Happy reading!
Ami and Olive Torres are twins, but they couldn’t be more different. Ami is known for her good luck. She wins everything (seriously, everything–her entire wedding is basically free thanks to her winnings) and is known for her charmed life. Olive, on the other hand, has chronic bad luck. Olive is known for getting stuck in a toy claw machine at the age of six (people still google the YouTube video). As of late, her roommate moved out, forcing Olive to find a new, more expensive place, and she lost her job and hasn’t found a new one. Now Ami’s getting married to Dane, and therefore Olive must face her worst nemesis: Dane’s older brother, Ethan, aka the best man. For some reason, Ethan seems to hate Olive, and the feeling is mutual. But then everyone at Ami’s wedding gets sick–really sick–after eating the buffet, except for Olive and Ethan. So Ami encourages Olive–and Dane, Ethan–to take the couple’s free honeymoon to Maui. The two reluctantly agree, and Olive’s luck seems to be turning. She’s even offered a new job while waiting at the airport. But at the resort, she and Ethan run into Olive’s new boss, forcing them to continue the lie of being a happy newly married couple. But Olive finds she doesn’t really mind pretending to be married to Ethan. Maybe this trip won’t be so bad after all, right?
“You know what they say about self-fulfilling prophecies, I’m sure. Winning makes you feel like a winner, and then somehow… you keep winning. It has to be true, because Ami wins everything.”
This was such an enjoyable romance. For me, I have to take to the couple from the start, and it was so easy to fall for Olive, who is such a sweet and easy protagonist to root for. The witty banter between her and Ethan begins at Ami’s wedding and never stops. There’s immediate sexual tension and chemistry between these two, and you can’t help but want them to get together and totally love this adorable couple. It’s even easier to love them when poor Olive feels as if she’s been plagued by bad luck her entire life–she’s labeled by most as a cynic and pessimist. But I found myself cheering her on, inspired by her bravery and ability to face any situation thrown at her.
“Whereas Ami is a four-leaf-clover, I have always been unlucky.”
There are definitely some crazy situations in this book, but it still felt very real and true. There are real heartfelt moments, and Olive and Ami’s twin relationship is an anchoring piece of the entire novel. So is their crazy extended family of the twins’ (dysfunctional) parents, cousins, aunts, and uncles, which provide great comic relief, but also love and tender pieces.
“It wasn’t until I was in the fifth grade that I realized not everyone has nineteen first cousins.”
This is a delicious, sexy romance and also a lovely coming-of-age story for Olive. I loved both sides of the book. It’s downright hilarious in parts, and it’s impossible not to love Olive. Even better, Olive and Ethan are a great, memorable couple. The ending is also amazing, and I found myself literally cheering at parts of it. This would make a great movie, truly. Honestly, there was really nothing I didn’t love about this one. Highly recommend. 4.5+ stars.
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher and Netgalley in return for an unbiased review (thank you!).
When Olive Torres is getting ready for her twin sister’s wedding, she still sees herself as the unlucky half of their duo. Once the wedding party gets sick and she ends up heading to Hawaii to enjoy the all-expense paid honeymoon trip her sister won, things will start changing for her and she won’t consider herself that unlucky. Well, except for the fact that the catch to this trip is that she has to go with the groom’s brother, Ethan Thomas, and they’re not precisely on friendly terms since, well…ever.
Once in Maui, Olive and Ethan will find themselves thrown into each other’s space in order to cash the free trip they hoped to enjoy away from one another. The circumstances of their newfound intimacy will make them raise a white flag and get to know the other as they should have when their siblings started dating.
I really enjoyed this book from the story line to the crazy antics of the Latin family the girls belong to. The authors really painted an amazing portrait of the culture, from the way of interacting with to each other to the inherent need from every family member to be in their personal business.
And what can I say about the characters. Olive, despite her pessimistic nature, is a force to be reckoned with and I loved her strength and the fact that she will not be silenced when the happiness of her loved ones is at stake. I really liked the dynamics between her and Ethan, their banter and the love-hate relationship that creates the perfect foundation for their passion.
I found The Unhoneymooners fresh, fun and filled with love both romantic and familial. I highly recommend readers to take this trip.
This was definitely cute and fun. Did quite a bit of chuckling throughout the story.
I’ve seen some mixed reviews for The Unhoneymooners, so I was a little nervous going into this one. I think that’s part of the reason I put it off a little bit, if I’m being honest. But, it turns out I had absolutely nothing to worry about. Christina Lauren’s streak continues of amazing reads continues for me!
Y’all, The Unhoneymooners was such a fun read. I mean, first off, the setup is amazing and original. The maid of honor and best man — who just happen to hate each other — are the only two who don’t get a wicked bout of food poisoning so they take the bride and groom’s honeymoon? I’m here for it. Olive and Ethan were so freaking good together. Oh, the banter! I enjoyed watching them get to know each other and realize maybe everything wasn’t quite as it seemed. But, I won’t get into all that. You just need to discover it for yourself.
The Unhoneymooners doesn’t have the steam factor I’m accustomed to with CLo books, but I didn’t have an issue with that. The sex scenes were virtually non-existent, but there was plenty of good build up and it worked for me. I didn’t really need the sexy times between Olive and Ethan to love the story. They were both fantastic characters who were easy to root for in so many ways. Olive was relatable. Ethan was swoony, if stubborn and frustrating at times. This book gave me the fun times and romance I want when I read, and a healthy dose of feels to go along with it.
It’s been a while since I’ve laughed out loud while reading a book, and I did that often in this one, so I appreciated that a lot. I also really liked the way Olive’s flaws came back to bite her during the crisis–it had to be a tough storyline to write (it would be easy to dislike her sister and boyfriend in the aftermath), but I thought it was handled really well–and with surprising depth.
Absolutely loved this book.
I loved the characters. I love-love-loved the enemies to lovers tension and slow burn. I loved the sister-love between Olive and Ami, and the brother-love between Ethan and what’s his name. (Lol)
There was this character/story arc that started with two identical twin sisters who were completely different, with Ami being the lucky one and Olive being the unlucky one in every imaginable situation. But Olive’s luck is about to change when literally everyone except for her and the groom’s brother gets food poisoning from the “free buffet” that Ami won in some contest for her wedding – Olive being allergic to shellfish and Ethan being completely disgusted and utterly grossed out by buffets in general.
So they end up going on this free honeymoon to Maui in place of the food-poisoned bride and groom, and a host of shenanigans happen there before the swoony stuff ensues. But then there’s life on a fake honeymoon, and then there’s life in the real world. And I loved that this was not as predictable as it easily could have been. In fact, I was pleasantly surprised on more than once instance throughout the story where super-cliche things I thought would happen totally didn’t, and I thought, nice!!
I breezed through this book. It was very fun, I really liked the dialogue, I really liked how Ami brought justice down on what’s his name. He was a douche-bag, so I don’t feel the need to go back and look up what the name was. He wasn’t the main character anyway. Lol
I definitely recommend this book to rom-com fans who like their characters flawed and quirky, and their Heroes utterly adorable.
Loved it!
What better way to start a story than with food poisoning at a wedding that results in two people (who seemingly hate each other) being thrust together to enjoy a free honeymoon? The honeymoon that was not meant for them.
I loved Olive and Ethan. Their hateful banter made me laugh more than one time.
While I was dying to read something from Ethan’s point of view, Olive makes up for it in the way she can read his facial expressions.
I would recommend this a hundred times over.
5 stars!!
This is the perfect (almost) summer read. Once again, Christina Lauren serves up a delightful rom-com. When food poisoning sends the bride and groom to the hospital, they offer their non-refundable honeymoon to their best man and maid of honor (the only two people who did not partake of the all-you-can-eat seafood buffet at the reception). Olive and Ethan can’t stand each other but neither of them is about to pass up an all expenses paid trip to Hawaii. They fully intend to go their own way when they get to the island but paradise has another plan for them.
4.5 Stars!
Olive Torres is a scientist from Minnesota who considers herself unlucky in love and most aspects of her life. Where everything seems to always go great for her twin Ami, Olive seems to forever be under a black cloud. Her twin is getting married, so Olive is busy trying to make sure her sister’s wedding day is perfect. Then the entire wedding party comes down with food poisoning. That is everyone but Olive and Ethan, the best man and older brother of the groom. As the only two not affected or sick they are suddenly given a free trip for ten days. They will have to pretend to be newlyweds in love in order to take their dream vacation to Maui.
Olive wonders if she’s finally having some good luck for the first time in her life. The only obstacle is being stranded on a tropical island with her nemesis, Ethan Thomas. It’s no secret they can’t stand each other, and the insults continue to fly as they try to annoy one another until they decide on a temporary truce. As they spend more time together they really get to know each other better. Olive thought Ethan was just a gorgeous, judgmental jerk, but now she see’s he’s also charming and fun to be with. Suddenly they don’t mind playing pretend, and they are having more good moments together than bad. It feels unfamiliar, but exciting and new as they explore what they are feeling. Sworn enemies find romance in paradise, and realize anything can happen, even finding true love.
The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren was a fabulous enemies to lovers romantic comedy where fighting is just as much fun as making up. I really enjoyed this cute story and all the hilarious banter and sexual tension. It was a super sexy fun read!
ACK, y’all! This book just left me in a state of “Squee! Squee! Triple Squee!”
I’ll try to coherently share what that actually means, but suffice to say that my heart is so happy right now after all the fluttering and swooning and double time racing it’s been doing. I went into this book a little apprehensive because enemies-to-lovers is a trope that doesn’t always work for me. There was no need to worry, though. While I definitely think it’s a true enemies-to-lovers tale, the antagonism is doled out in equal measure and it’s smart, witty, and biting in a way that doesn’t quite make it mean and, indeed, sometimes feels a little bit like foreplay.
And it’s funny. Funny in a smart way, which is my exact favorite kind of funny. The chemistry between Olive and Ethan was sparky in an almost palpable way. But it was the banter that stole the show. It was impossible for my heart not to attach itself to them, even as they engaged in verbal sparring matches. They were adorable, unexpectedly sweet, and so much fun to read!
I also loved the added layer of the family dynamic(s) here. I adored Olive’s overwhelming and often overbearing family, and found her relationship with her sister to be authentic and touching – even as it occasionally frustrated me (as is the way of sibling relationships). I also loved how they supported each other, lifted each other up, and cheered each other on. It was just an extra special layer in this already special story and I loved it so much.
I loved everything, really. I had so much fun reading this book. I fell crazy in love with Olive and Ethan’s love story, and I didn’t want to put it down. I laughed with them, I ached for them, and was ultimately rewarded with one very happy heart and a giant lovesick grin. An easy five stars.
4.5 stars
The Unhoneymooners is laugh out loud funny and cringe inducing awkward all at the same time. Between bought of snort like laughter and honestly cringe inducing moments (like a certain reception), you will be too busy speeding through the book to realize you’ve already got the end. I almost cried when I realized it was over. I had so much fun and am still shaking my head at certain scenes.
The Unhoneymooners is definitely a rare treat. Awkward humor, wildly inappropriate meetings, and hilarious injuries/bathroom moments are just the tip….
(Where did you think I was going with that!?! It is a honeymoon after all!)
Fun, funny, and snort inducing The Unhoneymooners is worth your time, coupons, and all the sweepstakes entries ever! Luck has nothing to do with it! Christina Lauren own your heart, mind, and funny bone in this book. No lucky pennies needed!
The Unhoneymooners is a fun and flirty read by coauthors Christina Lauren. This story primarily takes place on the Hawaiian island of Maui, and the sights and sounds of the tropics are described perfectly. Through the marriage of their respective siblings, Olive Torres and Ethan Thomas are now in-laws. They were attracted to each other the first time they met, however, Ethan’s brother purposely created an animosity between them. Overtime, this friction evolved into pure hatred.
For the first time ever, Olive is lucky. She did not eat from the seafood buffet that caused everyone at her sister’s wedding to get food poisoning. Coincidentally, Ethan did not eat from the buffet as well. As a result, the nonrefundable honeymoon is up for grabs. Since Olive is her sister’s identical twin, and Ethan is able to pass for his brother, they call a temporary cease fire and go on vacation together. Pretending to be a loving couple proves to be quite difficult at times, yet as Olive and Ethan truly get to know each other, their hostilities dissipate and they fall madly in love.
This is an nicely written novel, and Olive and Ethan are interesting, complex and genuine. Olive’s extended family is a real hoot, and the way they support each other through thick and thin is beyond heartwarming. Ethan turns out to be a really nice guy, and I really liked how his self-confidence influenced those around him. If you enjoy a story with a lot energy and some funny moments, then pick up a copy of Unhoneymooners. This book may be enjoyed as a standalone.
Complimentary copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
Humorous enemies-turn-lovers romance meets several late-blooming climaxes. Overall, The Unhoneymooners is enjoyable and will surely satisfy Christina and Lauren’s many fans. Check it out.
This was such a fun, relaxing read. I loved Ethan and Olive and all their crazy.
Olive has the worse luck ever. Her sister does not. But when the tables turn and Olive’s sister and brand new brother-in-law are laid low from food poisoning, it’s possible her luck has changed. With a new job lined up and her relationship with Ethan moving from enemies to something more, things are looking up. Now if they can hold it together once the honeymoon is over.
I absolutely adored this heroine, which is rare for me as I’m all about the hero. Olive had such a great, quirky outlook at life, even if it did seem a bit Eeyore-ish at times, a condition she eventually realizes and corrects. She’s the type of person I’d totally hang out with and love every minute of it. Her inner thoughts had me grinning and laughing as well as shaking my head at some of her antics. I would reread this book all over again because of her.
We don’t get a look into Ethan’s thoughts until the epilogue and I really missed having it. It wasn’t easy to tell what he was thinking and his actions didn’t always speak louder than words. As the story unfolds and we are given information from him I grew to love him. He’s not an alpha hero, but something, dare I say…better? He’s the type of man you’d want in your life always. He’s just a regular guy with regular reactions and some insecurities as well as being fallible. In the end, with that epilogue, I was sold completely.
This is such an entertaining read, a little lengthy but never boggy and with some drama that didn’t consume the whole story. The chemistry between these two was felt but not sizzling and I’d consider this a bit lite on the smexy times. Nevertheless, it was a wonderful book and I’d recommend it to anyone who enjoys a light hearted, low angst, enemies-to-lovers romance.
The most outrageously funny, heart-wrenching trip ever told by the dynamic duo Christina Lauren. You will fall in love with the siblings of the bride and groom. Olive and Ethan are arch enemies, but when everyone falls ill from eating toxic shrimp from the wedding, they go on their siblings the all-inclusive honeymoon trip to Maui, Hawaii. When they return Olive and Ethan are stuck star lovers until their family finds out. All bets are off, and Olive’s new life spins out of control.
Final Score – 4.5 Stars!
This book was a Laugh out lough, Oh my goodness what am I reading, winner winner chicken dinner one for the records that was just so good, I could not put it down. I would have read it one sitting, but of course real life and that pesky J.O.B. got in the way. If you are looking for some much need high jinx and need to get out of your head for a moment or two – look no further than The Unhoneymooners. I high recommend this latest gem from the marvelous writing team of Christina Lauren.
Olive is considered the unlucky twin while Amy is the one who gets what’s she wants. But that all changes at Amy’s wedding … due to an unfortunate event. Now, Olive is the only one left not only standing, but the only one able to take her sister’s honeymoon trip lest she loose it. But there’s a catch – she has to take it with her her nemesis and the brother of the groom – the Best Man Ethan. How can they bear to spend two weeks together, without killing one another? Therein starts a journey neither one expected – a FUN, sexy, and oh-so hilarious adventure that I found myself giggling nonstop! Told with wit and banter, The Unhoneymooners is a perfect standalone for those looking for weekend read, or just book to read on that commute home on the subway. Just a fare warning – keep the LOL’s to a minimum or else be be prepared to be looked at funny from fellow commuters.