The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren

****

Now a classic enemies-to-lovers romance, The Unhoneymooners was alluded to in at least two other books I read recently, so I bought my own copy and re-read it, and it’s still a gem.

Olive is the unlucky foil to her perfect, lucky sister Ami–until Ami’s wedding day, when Olive’s shellfish allergy prevents her from getting food poisoning at the amazing seafood reception catered for free due to one of many contests Ami won to put on her wedding free.

Unluckily, the only OTHER person who avoids food poisoning is the Ethan, the best man and brother of the groom who is against bacteria-ridden buffets on principle. Luckily, Ami and Dane insist Olive and Ethan take the Hawaiian honeymoon so the trip doesn’t go to waste. Since Ami and Olive are twins and Ethan and Dane are brothers, it’s a believable lie. When Olive and Ethan run into Ethan’s ex and Olive’s soon-to-be boss at the honeymoon resort, they need to up their game and truly fake that they are newlyweds. Tension, hilarity and bonding ensue; bickering turns to banter turns to flirting; a sensual couples massage and #Just!One!Bed! eventually lead to the inevitable. Upon returning home, more secrets are revealed, including that Ami and Dante’s relationship is not all it seems, and the fledgling relationship seems doomed.

I like that the heroine is awkward and curvy, and I found the premise funny and the plotting solid. The single perspective narrative worked very well, and the writing is detailed and steamy.