The Unhoneymooners is your next perfect beach read. I originally toyed with giving it a brief mention in my recent Quick Look Books post on Vacation Destination reads. However, in the end, I had to write a full review — and, of course, give the book its own book-inspired recipe!
This newest novel from writing duo Christina Lauren is your quintessential rom-com: two characters who loath one another somehow find themselves on a vacation in paradise together, and, of course, end up falling in love. Because, life is funny. While this time-honored plotline has been beaten to death by many a Hallmark movie, Lauren breathes fresh life into an overly familiar story with an excessive use of wit, humor, and entertainingly snarky banter between frenemies Ethan and Olive.
I thoroughly enjoyed the hilarious moments and awkward situations in which Olive and Ethan find each other, as well as the continuous verbal barbs they throw at one another. I also found their growing romance over the course of the novel to be believable. Ethan and Olive have a bit of an Elizabeth Bennet/Mr. Darcy thing going on — she felt slighted by him when they first met, so she’s standoffish and rude (dare I say, prejudiced?) whenever they’re forced to interact, which is alarmingly often since their siblings are getting married.
There are a lot of issues regarding first impressions (incidentally, the original title of Pride and Prejudice), but they’re soon eradicated during the “unhoneymoon.” Ethan and Olive gradually spend more and more time together in Maui, come to hate each other less, and eventually succumb to a mounting attraction that neither of them can deny. While I’m not a believer in “love after 10 days,” I am a believer in being attracted to someone once you drop your defenses and really get to know them, and that’s exactly what you have here in The Unhoneymooners.
And, let’s not forget the setting in which these two unlikely lovebirds fall for one another: Maui. Talk about a great summer read; this book made me yearn for a gulp of fresh Hawaiian air and a pineapple right off the nearest palm tree. (Yes, I’m aware that pineapples don’t grow on trees, but you get where I’m going with this: ALL the tropical vibes.) Ethan and Olive go “snuba-ing”; they take a road trip along the winding, volcanic coastline; and theyhave some amazing-sounding dinners on the beach. And, ahem, copious alcoholic beverages to help them overcome that friend-zone barrier. *wink wink* Even though I’ve had a honeymoon, Ethan and Olive’s “unhoneymoon” sounds like the perfect tropical escape that EVERYONE wants to dive into.
Something that I also really found appealing about The Unhoneymooners? Our heroine hails from a Mexican-American family. Now, I read a lot of chick lit, and an Hispanic female lead is not one I often come across. I loved the big, loud, all-up-in-your-business family that is a huge part of Olive’s life, particularly near the end of the novel. Most romantic comedies feature only a best friend as the support system for the romantically befuddled heroine, but Lauren hands over an entertaining and robust cast of characters to stand by Olive throughout her adventures. As a result, the novel is infused with the importance of family and culture that I found endearing and refreshing.
Fair warning: I read this book in one day. Yup, one day. From start to finish. The story just zips along so quickly and completely engrosses you. Before I knew it, I was at the very last chapter. So! If you’re looking for a fun, relaxing, breezy read for this summer, pick up The Unhoneymooners. You won’t be disappointed.
Be sure to check back in for my book-inspired recipe: Pineapple Mint Agua Fresca.
Reading this by the pool right now. You hit the nail on the head. I totally agree about the Mexican American family touch. I don’t typically love this genre….but might have found my exception.
Yeah, the writing really is good in this one. I feel like it’s such a refreshing take on a storyline we all know and love, which can really bring in the fringe readers like yourself to this genre. 😊 Enjoy reading by the pool!!
This sounds really good! The Unhoneymooners wasn’t really on my radar so far because it seemed like the typical “been there done that” rom-com. But what you said about the heroine and her family makes a big difference. I might give it a try after all 🙂 And your book photo is amazing!
Eline, that’s what I had expected, too, but I was pleasantly surprised! And, thanks for the compliment on the book photo.😊 Wisteria makes everything beautiful!
I’ve been debating if I want to read this one. It’s on all the hot lists right now, but romance isn’t usually my thing. Does it lean more toward steamy or cute?
Def more cute than steamy. I think it’s better than most of the rom coms out there. Definitely wittier! I loved the snark. 😁