This is a book review of The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren.
Quick Facts
Authors: Christina Lauren (Christina Hobbs & Lauren Billings)
Release Date: May 14, 2019
Genre: Contemporary romance, Fiction
Main Characters: Olive Torres & Ethan Thomas
Number of Pages: 416
SJ Rating: 73%
The Synopsis
Ami and Olive Torres are like every other identical set of twins: complete opposites. Where Ami has a checklist for literally everything, Olive goes with the flow. But what happens when Ami’s check list-approved wedding gives everyone in attendance food poisoning? Well, everyone except her twin sister Olive and brother-in-law Ethan Thomas, two people who can’t stand each other. With seemingly no choice, the two people who survived the wedding are sent on the bride and groom’s honeymoon in Maui. Will they leave the island still feeling immense hatred for each other? Or will there be something more?
The Good
I am a very big fan of the cover art and how it captures your attention, but that could also be my love for yellow speaking.
The first thing I noticed about this book, besides the cover, is every chapter starts on an odd-numbered page, and I love it. I also loved the television references, especially since they’re shows I know, such as 90210 and Big Bang Theory.
There was one moment when Olive Torres was relatable, and it’s when she said, “But to be frank, at this point I was ready to apply to Hooters if that’s what it would take to cover rent.” All I could think when I read that line was “Me looking for a job.”
Lastly, I love love love the pov change for the epilogue. It gave us a brief, cheesy, look into Ethan’s perspective.
The Bad
This book is very descriptive but not where it’s necessary. It’s lacking description in the areas of the plot where it’s most important, like the first kiss. There’s no build up, and some of the plot points are a little bland; something small was made a big deal, which was the basis for the conflict but not a good one.
All of the arguments were annoying. Most of them were unnecessary, and considering Ethan was always confused about why they were happening, I totally side with him.
The text bubbles take up so much real estate on the pages. I feel like there was a better way to incorporate them to match the vibe of the story.
It felt more than a little wrong to be reading about a book taking place in Maui during a time when they were still trying to recover bodies from the devastating fires in Maui.
The Overall
Once Olive and Ethan went on vacation, it was hard for me to put the book down. The tension, the progression, the quick wit…
Any other time, I simply wanted to be done with the book. The more I read, the more I disliked the overall plot.
I love a good happily ever after, but the journey to get there was… meh.
At the end of the day, Ethan is the most superior character in this semi-complete story. I would honestly do anything to be on the receiving end of his warmth and affection.
Next book to be read and reviewed: Opposite of Always by justin a. reynolds
“‘It’s so exhausting pretending to hate you.'”
– Ethan
