Classic Pippa is back, and I am all for it! Quirky, funny, playful, and swoony, this best friend’s brother, good girl/bad boy romance felt like the rom coms that made Grant a one-click author for me. I loved that it felt like the start of something new too, so there weren’t a million characters to try to keep up with from previous books. It also plays up familiar tropes while incorporating a fresh and interesting storyline – that I absolutely was not expecting – and our (semi-reformed) bad boy of a hero is the kind who will steal your heart with ease. Bad boy/good girl is a classic pairing for a reason, and watching these two realize how much they can empathize with each other was really great. They’ve got enough history to build a solid foundation (even in such a short timeline), while still having plenty of new things to discover along the way. It was lighthearted and smile-inducing in a big way, and I had a lot of fun while reading.
The story follows Laney, a woman who is drowning under the weight of her parents’ high expectations. She’s always been a bit of an uptight parent pleaser, and people always expect the best from her. While in paradise for a week of wedding festivities, Laney’s best friend asks her to keep an eye on her troublemaking brother, Theo. He’s always leaned into his bad boy reputation, and the two have never seen eye-to-eye. But it’s been years since Laney has seen Theo, and it’s clear that he’s mellowed out some. He’s still an incorrigible flirt who seeks out trouble like it’s his business, but he’s also got a softer, more responsible side. People still expect the worst from him, and Laney can relate to living up (or down) to expectations, so the two find themselves bonding in a way that neither anticipated. But Theo knows that he’s got a secret that is sure to scare away a good girl like Laney, and it’s only a matter of time before all is revealed.
I’ve been a big fan of Grant’s work for years, but her newest releases haven’t quite hit the mark the way they used to. That was not the case with this one. It only took a few pages for me to realize that the vibe was right up my alley, and I’m all for an opposites attract/sibling’s best friend romance. It was also great that these two had the kind of history that makes the relationship feel richer, without any lingering resentment or unrequited love between them. Sure, there may have been crushes when they were younger, but both had written off the other as an option a long time ago. So they were almost starting fresh, and doing so while they learned about their adult selves. Theo makes a fantastic hero; he is such a sweetheart, so funny and the kind of bad boy you want to hug so he’ll feel better. Not that this wasn’t sexy – it definitely was. There’s tons of chemistry between these two, and a few super sexy moments. It also had me smiling and laughing, enjoying an easygoing time. And I was genuinely surprised by Theo’s secret, which took the story in an unexpected direction. If I have one complaint, it would be that it was slightly longer than it needed to be, but I cannot pinpoint a specific dull moment either. This was a very solid read, and gives me hope that it’s the start of great new series.
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3KBL3l8
Audio Note:
The audio is excellent! I’m not overly familiar with either Kit Swann or Ryan West, but they both do an outstanding job. Both voices were easy to listen to, and their performances were comedic and emotive. The narration added to the lighthearted feel of the story, and made it easier to get caught up in every moment. I also really enjoyed West’s voice, so I’ll have to be on the lookout for more from him. The only downside of the audio is that there are several scenes that involve crying or pre-wedding angst, which felt overly dramatic/cringy in this format. Everything else about the audio was great. The story itself is a slow burn, though there are plenty of moments that may not be suitable for a workplace listen – and there are also several scenes that may have you laughing out loud. The runtime is long enough that it took me a couple of days to get through, but I looked forward to diving back in every time I set it down. Definitely recommended on audio.
Audiobook: https://amzn.to/3GJ4iXP
Blurb:
I didn’t know bridesmaid was code for babysitter for the bride’s brother, but if that’s what my best friend needs of me for her dream wedding to go off without a hitch, that’s what I’ll do.
Even if Theo Monroe has been a pain in my rear since third grade.
Even if he should be responsible enough to not wreak havoc at his sister’s destination wedding.
Even if it means we have to share a hotel room in Hawaii, which might be the final duty that breaks me.
Not only does Theo know exactly how to push my buttons, but he never wears clothes, he’s hiding a litter of kittens in his room, and he keeps showing up with fresh-baked cookies that seemingly come from nowhere.
Also?
I have no idea what’s up with the tension between him and the groom.
Or why he’s so proud of the world’s strangest wedding gift.
Or why I suddenly want to know what makes him tick. The story behind his tattoos. How he can afford to rent a convertible in Hawaii. And if maybe all of that utter frustration and irritation I’ve felt for him for years is suppressed attraction that a good girl like me isn’t supposed to feel for the biggest bad boy of Snaggletooth Creek.
But I do know one thing.
When I find out his biggest secret and the answer to all of my questions, it will change everything.
The Worst Wedding Date is a frolicking good time of a destination wedding enemies-to-lovers romcom, complete with a good girl bridesmaid, her best friend’s troublemaking but secretly big-hearted brother, and more than one hitch on the way to happily ever after. It stands alone, has no cheating, and comes complete with ooey gooey goodness.
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3KBL3l8
About the Author:
Pippa Grant is a USA Today Bestselling author who writes romantic comedies that will make tears run down your leg. When she’s not reading, writing or sleeping, she’s being crowned employee of the month as a stay-at-home mom and housewife trying to prepare her adorable demon spawn to be productive members of society, all the while fantasizing about long walks on the beach with hot chocolate chip cookies.
AUTHOR LINKS
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pippagrantromance
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ThePipsquad
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/ReadPippa
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/pippagrant
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/pippa-grant
Website: http://www.pippagrant.com
Instagram: https://instagram.com/pippa.grant
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Jeeves Reads Romance 
I quite liked this one too. The beginning, not so much, but it grew on me. Drunk Laney was the best! I’m looking forward to more books in this series.
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Yeah, it felt like the Pippa Grant books I’ve loved in the past! I’m hoping she keeps going on this series next.
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