There's a lot of buzz around this debut romance, and I was super excited to get an e-galley from the publisher. The pretend-boyfriend trope is one of my favorites, especially when it involves complete strangers, so I had high hopes for this one.

Overall, the story was cute. The setup, while forced, worked well enough to make for a fun few chapters as the hero and heroine played boyfriend/girlfriend at his ex's wedding. The heroine's background in politics helped with the believability that she could walk into that situation, not knowing a single soul, and be charming and gracious and lovely ... and impress the pants off of the hero, literally.

Where I think things started to fall apart for me was with the pacing and plot of the last 2/3 of the story. There was a lot of repetition in terms of the romance (much more than I'd expected), and I found myself wishing there'd instead been more page time dedicated to character development. (I felt there was so much untapped potential there!)

One of the reasons why I'd been interested in this book was because of the PoC heroine. While I appreciated that the biracial aspect didn't dominate or overshadow (or define) the romance, it did feel somewhat clunky in how it was brought up at times. That said, it was refreshing to read a story with a diverse cast. (Carlos, the hero's BFF, was easily my favorite of them all.)

THE WEDDING DATE was a quick and easy read. The author's voice is maybe a little too sweet/cutesy/cheesy for my taste, and the conflict was one-dimensional. BUT, it was an enjoyable enough read that I know others will like it.

Rating: C+ (3½ stars)

THE WEDDING DATE was delightful from start to finish. I am not generally a fan of the "we're saying it's just 'hanging out' but really we're falling in love and can't admit it" setups. I need more assurance than that, and true, I wanted to smack Dr. Drew Nichols a time or two. But overall Dr. Nick and this book won me over. I think that is because of how much I liked our MC Alexa Monroe - the mayor's chief of staff and all around real-world badass making a difference in her community (well, in her fictional world).

I also adored how natural Alexa and Drew's romance felt. From insecurities to working through misunderstandings to learning each others lives and favorite foods (this story basically revolves around their meals), Alexa and Drew's romance grew in a way that seemed natural. Plus it was super swoony from their first meeting in the elevator, and I could definitely understand their connection. Alexa is black and Drew is white and they talk about being an interracial couple, including ways they view the world differently. For instance, Alexa asks Drew if she's going to be the only black person at the engagement party they attend at the start of the book, and it's something Drew hasn't even thought about before that moment.

This is a book you should put on your radar and make sure to pick up a copy when it releases in February.

Love Triangle Factor: None
Cliffhanger Scale: Standalone - I'd love to read more from this author

This is the first book by this author that I have read and after reading The Wedding Date it wont be my last.
This was a fun, sexy, easy to read book. The author pulls you in from the first page and makes you fall in love with the characters. It was nice to read a book with a heroine that was a bigger lady. Alexa is independent, fun and funny. Drew is sweet, charming and stubborn at times.
You could tell from the start where these two would end up but it didn't ruin the reading experience for me.
The story was fast paced, well written and lighthearted. It kept me reading, I needed to see where these two would end up. A few times I wanted to bang their heads together because they couldn't see how the other one felt and I just felt so frustrated with it.
I really enjoyed some of the side characters, like Carlos, Maddie and Olivia.
The story was realistic and the characters were very likeable which I really enjoyed.

Unfortunately, I didn't end up finishing this book. I started it and couldn't get into it. I thought the writing was a little immature. I tried a couple other books and went back to it and still couldn't get into it and now it's been a couple weeks and I just have no interest in it any longer. Since I did not finish he book, I won't be writing a review.

The Wedding Date is about Alexia, a 30 something woman who works for the Berkely Mayor chief of staff, and Drew, a pediatrician surgeon. They met in an elevator and the story take off from here - see what I did :D

It is a fun quick read about two adults and how they make distance relationship hot, I meant work. I really loved how the author tackled the race issues, which were all written respectfully and yet are all true. Especially the infamous "Where are you from from?" question. Plus I appreciate how she made Alexia and Drew story appealingly sexy without being blunt. Though the characters were too stubborn at times (hey it's part of their personality), they wasn't much surprise and everything was predictible.

Still though, all in all I'd say it's a cute romantic comedy that I'll recommend !

Review will be on the blog during release month.

NUMBER OF HEARTS: 4
Alexa Monroe never would have thought that visiting her sister to celebrate would lead to being stuck in an elevator with an amazingly hot and funny man. A man that asks her to be his savior for the weekend by attending a wedding with him. Alexa takes a chance and steps out of her comfort zone and says yes.
Drew Nichols does not want to be here for the weekend. But he is the best man at the wedding and it would look really bad if he didn’t show up. Fate is on his side but getting him stuck in an elevator with one of the most beautiful women he has ever seen. Then a plan forms into his brain, he will ask this amazing women! And surprisingly she says Yes!!!
I am grateful that Berkley Publishing sent this super sweet book to review. I am not sure I would have picked this book up otherwise, it was not on my 2018 list to read. But I am very grateful because I really enjoyed this book and am looking forward to more books from Ms. Guillory.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley & Berkley Publishing Group in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

Absolutely delightful. Charming. Smart. Real. Jasmine Guillory's debut is a fresh yet familiar romcom with a couple who meet cute in a hotel elevator, hit it off fantastically, and then find themselves falling into a long distance relationship. Skillfully and honestly addresses race and body positivity/anxiety issues. It’s the kind of rom-com we’ve needed for awhile. There may already be a movie called the Wedding Date, but we need this one.

Wow, I am completely blown away by this story. It's was funny, sexy and smart. The idea is not an original one but the writing is. Also I would like to say how refreshing it was to see non-blonde lead in a romance novel, even more so that she was a woman of color. The Wedding Date was so much fun, I loved every second. The characters were strong and interesting, and their connection felt genuine and sexy.

I really enjoyed this book! It was an charming and easy read, perfect for a weekend in or a snow day. I was impressed by the wit and the depth of Guillory's writing and how she was able to broach social and racial issues while still keeping the story entertaining and funny. I can definitely see a book like this being turned into a romantic comedy, one I'd enjoy watching. My only criticism is that the plot was a little too drawn out; it could have been wrapped up a little bit quicker, but overall a fun read!

This book had a cute concept: girl meets boy in elevator, they have chemistry. Girl becomes boy's date to a wedding. HOWEVER. I felt like this book took FOREVER to read. It could've been a lot shorter but have the same impact. One can only handle so many missed connections. Likable characters though, and apart from the length, it was fairly enjoyable.

*Disclosure: I was given a free electronic galley of this book in exchange for an honest review*

Oh my goodness, where to begin? First off, I don’t often laugh at books. But within less than 10 minutes, I was already laughing and fell in love with this book. The characters have so much charm and are extremely witty.
Take Alexa, a woman who knows what she wants and what she’s after. Then there’s Drew, who has sworn off girls with his bad luck. Neither of them are the relationship type. Alexa, shy of her body and insecure about other things, but not with Drew. Drew on the other hand just doesn’t know what he wants when it comes to women. All do that changes when they meet in that elevator. Their chemistry was practically oozing off the pages. The supporting characters were great as well in every aspect, cheering the main couple on in every way possible, pushing them closer together. Every character is a gem.
While this was a “cheesy” (ha, get my pun?) romance novel, I loved every second of it. Their ‘relationship’ seemed perfect from the start, and you’ll be rooting for them from the first few pages. Sure there are some ups and downs, but that’s any relationship. Considering they both don’t know what they want, I’m not surprised there were more downs. The sex seemed to be fantastic too. While from the very beginning the book’s ending seemed predictable, what happens in between wasn’t as much. Jasmine does a FANTASTIC job bringing these characters to life. This book has so much character, charm and emotions, you’re in for a ride.

Absolutely charming, fresh, fun, and compulsively readable -- I can't wait to recommend this one to readers.

I can’t remember if I’ve ever used this word in a review before, but every time I think back to reading author Jasmine Guillory’s debut novel The Wedding Date, “precious” is the first word that pops in my mind. This book reminds me of the way romance novels were before so many of them became edgy and dark and laden with gratuitous sex. Oh, don’t get me wrong . . . there is sex and it is hot, but we do get through several chapters before an instant attraction turns into something more.
When our couple Alexa Monroe and Drew Nichols get stuck in an elevator together, my first thought was “Oh no! Here it comes — the “sex in the elevator” formula. Not so with Alexa and Drew. Instead of stripping each other naked and having multiple orgasms, they actually have cheese and crackers and a conversation in which Drew reveals that he is dateless for his best friend’s wedding. Shamelessly playing on Alexa’s sympathy, Drew persuades her to save him from disaster by taking the place of his missing date. From that point, the author makes readers fall in love with these characters as they fall in love with each other.
Both Alexa and Drew are successful and career-minded and they live in different cities, but that doesn’t prevent them from embarking on a long distance relationship that is complicated and, at times, hilarious. The author adeptly creates two very likable characters who have flaws and insecurities as do we all. Alexa finds herself wondering what Drew could possibly see in her and Drew fears that his disastrous history with commitment will cause him to hurt a nice woman he really cares about. Of course, there will be bumps in the road, but I think readers will love the relationship they build with their quirky personalities and lively banter.
The Wedding Date is an engaging and well-written debut novel that will make you want to keep your eye on Jasmine Guillory. She takes a story that’s been done before and gives it a twist that will have you hooked from the cheese and crackers to the satisfying conclusion. If you are in the mood for a romance novel that is truly romantic, then treat yourself to a copy of this book when it publishes in January 2018. You won’t be disappointed!

I received an advance copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I requested an ARC of this book because Roxane Gay raved about it, and then Nicole Cliffe raved about it, and then I knew I had to read it. This is a sweet, funny, sexy contemporary romance about a mismatched couple who first meet when the elevator gets stuck, leaving them to split a bottle of champagne and some nice cheese. Drew is a pediatric surgeon, Alexa is high up in Berkely city hall. He's in town for his ex's wedding, and can't handle the idea of going by himself, so he asks Alexa on a whim. She says yes before her nerves can say no, and while it may be a fake relationship, the sparks are real.

I adored Alexa, she felt extremely real to me (especially her insecurities), and I loved that the realities of an interracial relationship weren't treated as This Is A Very Important Lesson, but rather as part of Alexa's reality, and something she can't dance around. Drew sounded cute but also, like, a bit dense about how good he has it as a hot smart white guy.

I'd recommend this to fans of Christina Lauren's contemporary romances any day.

Well I loved this book. Honestly I started it thinking it was just another romantic comedy book. I had no expectations. While it was a romance it ended up being so much more. I loved the deepness that the diversity and Alexa’s project brought to the story. Plus I LOVE a good fake relationship story. Seriously. It’s one of my favorite things.

I now see why all of the reviewers and librarians are raving about The Wedding Date. It is phenomenal. I received an early eArc via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Interestingly enough there were some surprises for me in this book which I will not reveal as they would be spoilery. I will say that there are some things that I normally would have avoided in a book, but, I found that they work for The Wedding Date and they are part of what makes this book so good. I want to take a different approach to reviewing The Wedding Date. I have been taking Italian lessons from an Italian guy that is actually from a small village outside of Firenze (Florence, Italy) and part of how I practice Italian verbally is to describe books that I am reading. We started out today's lesson where he asked me in Italian what book I am currently reading and I respond in Italian.

I have found that a lot of what American's talk about do not translate to Italian very well. This was the same with trying to translate the title The Wedding Date as the noun "date" is not something that exists in Italian. We had a pretty interesting conversation where I tried to explain that it was not date, as in the specific day of the year, but, date as in the person the guy was taking to the wedding. I had to backpedal and actually go into more detail so we could decide which words would be the closest to translating the title to Italian. He laughed as I tried to describe how Alexa was not really his "date" but really a fake date and how Alexa and Drew met. The topic may have been done before, but, this author's take on the topic was original, fun and well done. He was intrigued by what I was trying to describe and we found that there literally were no words that translated to Italian but the closest was Il Giorno del Matrimonio which actually is The Wedding Day and anyone who has read this book knows it is so much more. It tells how a "non-date" becomes so much more and all of the things that go into making a relationship work, especially a long distance relationship with two successful, busy professionals. I hope that one day The Wedding Date is translated into Italian so that I can use it for practice with my instructor and see how the story translates so many concepts that seem American but really happen everywhere but maybe we all just have different words to describe it. Review can also be seen at Lady Techie's Book Musings http://LadyTechiesbookmusings.blogspo....

I absolutely loved this synopsis and was quite eager to get to this story.

I love love loved Alexa and Drew. She’s smart and driven. He’s charming and charming. Together they’re all sort of flirting and banter and sweetness. I loved their weekends together. And can we please get a book about Carlos? He was fantastic.

Plot wise, it was what I expected: a lot of them speculating about what the other is feeling or thinking, but not actually asking. The problems that Alexa and Drew have are pretty much all due to a lack of communication. In the book’s defense, Drew is open about his relationships and I totally get Alexa’s reluctance, but still.

I did love the mentions about race and creepy guys and the fact that Alexa wasn’t a stick thin blonde. Her and Drew are both very likable characters and it was easy to love the last chapters and the epilogue.

**Huge thanks to Berkley for providing the arc free of charge**

I adored The Wedding Date and highly recommend it for contemporary readers who like a sweet and heartwarming story of two passionate people who meet each other in the oddest circumstance and find love through it. Alexa was a woman of my heart; she’s confident in her work environment and does her job well, but her love life wasn’t really going anywhere. Drew is the kind of guy to date a girl and break it off with her just when things were going well. They have instant chemistry and find themselves drawn towards the other, despite living across the state of California.

The book starts with Alexa and Drew getting stuck in an elevator and laughing over cheese and wine. The dialogue started out a bit clunky at first and awkward, but I got used to it after a couple of chapters. It really sets the tone for a light and flirty atmosphere. Drew has the great idea of getting Alexa to be his wedding date (hence the title, aha) for one of his exe’s weddings. She readily agrees (because come on? Hot guy asking you for help?) and their relationship begins from there.

“Come to the wedding, be my sandwich, protect me from poisoning and disaster. It’ll be your good deed for the year. And it’s only May – look at you, getting your good deed for the year done before the year is even half over!”

The book is told through the alternating limited third person POV’s of Alexa and Drew. I really adored Alexa as a character. She’s hard-working, but has self-doubts when she compares herself to skinnier women or the all-American blond looks. (Which, I understand on such an emotional level.) But she finds that she just has to be with the right person to make those doubts go away. She’s the mayor’s chief of staff and wants to create an arts program for at-risk teens – a program close to her heart. Alexa’s thoughts can also be pretty darn hilarious and I just related to her so much.

“Wait, should she really be eating this doughnut if she was going to have to be in a cocktail dress in a few hours? Shouldn’t she be drinking vitamin water or green juice or something?
Eh. She took another bite and went back to her emails.”

Another experience that the author added was the microaggressions Alexa faced as a black woman. The experiences were faced head-on and it’s really refreshing to see characters who don’t shy away from the subject. I love that she’s not afraid to tell Drew her thoughts, such as the discrepancy between behavior of adults for black and white at-risk teens (which he never really considered before). There was a scene where she asked if she would be the only black person at a party and he’s just like, “Wow, I hadn’t thought about that.” But Drew does learn and really listens to Alexa. Yay for men respecting their significant others and balanced relationships!

It took me a while to soften up to Drew. He’s a pediatric surgeon who likes to date around but is completely afraid of commitment. This all goes to test with Alexa, who he has a deep connection with. His character’s just very carefree with relationships, and that kind of made the book drag on a bit (although their texting dialogue was so cute!). As Alexa finds herself falling in love with Drew, he thinks their relationship is too good and is trying to give reasons to keep it going despite the fact that it’s usually near the time he breaks up with a girl.

“From the moment he’d first touched her, it had felt like she’d belonged there by his side, smiling at him, joking with him, confiding in him, listening to him, being silent with him. Everything about this had felt real from the beginning, even when he barely knew her.”

The conflict near the end of the book was a bit formulaic, and since the whole book was sort of a build-up to it, I felt it was quite underwhelming. But despite it all, I do enjoy the fact that both characters were willing to see their faults. Despite their charming and witty dialogue, they can also have mature conversations that resolves issues. Oh, another thing is that I wanted more sexy times. There’s always a fade-to-black when things are getting spicy. 😛 But of course, that’s just me.

The Wedding Date is just the date I would like for a sunny afternoon on a comfy couch or bed. Alexa is extremely relatable as she finds herself drawn towards an adventure with the charming Drew. Their relationship was extremely sweet and wholesome, making for an excellent contemporary romance that readers are bound to enjoy.

Thank you Netgalley and Berkley for the review copy!

A romantic comedy refreshing featuring an interracial couple who have a meet cute in an elevator and spend an unlikely weekend together. I enjoyed the banter between the characters and their struggle to balance their professional responsibilities and desire to be together. Misunderstandings ensue, but the Alexa and Drew are equal in the relationship. Readers will find themselves rooting for the characters. A winning debut.