I so enjoyed this book! It is a fantastic romantic story with a unique approach to an often heard problem in movies and books - girl must go to friend’s wedding, exboyfriend will be there, girl hires actor to portray new boyfriend. The author handled the problem in a fresh way and nothing seemed all that contrived. I loved this book!

I expected this to be better than it actually was.

The story didn’t pull me in the way I was expecting and I just didn’t “get” why she liked Jake or why he liked her either.

None of the characters were particularly likeable or relatable.

I enjoyed the concept of the story, but not the execution of it unfortunately.

I'm a huge fan of Zara's books, love all of her stories and this one certainly didn't disappoint.

I absolutely loved the story from start to finish, thoroughly enjoyed getting to know all of the characters and I completely fell in love with Jake and the adorable cute Harry.

Given the concept of the story, I was worried that it would be predictable and I was intrigued to see how it would all play out. However I need not have been worried as the story was in no way predictable at all. The author Zara told the story well and kept me highly entertained throughout, there were even scenes that had me in giggles as they were so funny.

I absolutely loved it, so much so that I didn't want the story to end.

Well, it was a valiant effort, and I made it to 62% before I threw my Kindle across the room and finally accepted defeat.

this was just terribly full of stereotypes and tropes, I couldn't take it. It was clearly meant to be a romantic comedy in book form, but it fell completely flat for me. Girl who thinks she's fat (though also thinks that losing 8 pounds before the wedding is just about right, so not at all fat); has been dumped by a shitty guy but then can't fathom going to her best friend's wedding along because in this day and age she can't be honest WITH HER BEST FRIEND and has lied to her and said that she's dating someone new; ex-boyfriend already has a new girlfriend who is "hugely pregnant" and of course the most harping, shrewish woman in existence; has a gay hairdresser who is the most flamboyant gay of all time—seriously, she actually describes several of his actions as "flamboyantly"—and that is literally the only LGBTQ+ representation (I'm not saying there aren't gay men like that because there absolutely are, but it was SUCH a stereotype); hires a guy who seems immediately enamored with her, who can't BELIEVE she doesn't already have a boyfriend, even though she has not one redeeming quality that I can find. He, of course, keeps insisting that she's Not Like Other Girls—you know, that old gem of a trope.

Beyond all of that, the writing was just so not my style. Honestly, there were some incredibly off-color, if not downright inappropriate and disgusting points, but I couldn't tell if they were just culturally acceptable phrases and it was just a cultural difference...The character is supposed to be in her mid-twenties (I think) and yet can't even THINK the term "fuck buddy" IN HER HEAD, and has to censor herself. She calls sex "rumpy-pumpy" and explains that her boyfriend was "poking her when he was still with me," referring to her ex-boyfriend's new girlfriend. Poking her. I can't.

This is followed shortly thereafter by one of the most vomit-inducing phrases, for so many reasons: "He's been sowing his seed like he was planning on feeding the third-world."

I'm sorry, I just threw up in my mouth a little bit.

And there were huge plot holes as a result of poor development/worldbuilding. (Is it even considered worldbuilding if it's ostensibly set in present day England?) For some reason, her best friend's wedding's festivities are scheduled to take place across a week of time. And then, though there's no back story of this, we find out that Sam and her best friend Jess have been friends since they were little, which is why (conveniently for the attempt at farce that this author is going for) Sam's parents are ALSO invited to the week-long wedding.

The dude that Sam hires, Jake, is an actor. His sister was in the hair salon at the same time as Sam and heard her woes, and offered up her brother, claiming that he always needed money. Yet, when Sam and Jake start discussing a fee structure for the "favor" that he's going to be doing for her (pretending to be her boyfriend), he insists that the money doesn't really matter because his uncle set up a fund for him specifically to support the lifestyle of an actor who might not always get work. So why did your sister seem to think you were desperate for money...?

AND CAN I TELL YOU THAT THIS GIRL GETS A BANK LOAN IN ORDER TO HIRE THIS GENTLEMAN?! I don't know how they do things on the British Isles, but here that would be considered fraud. Like, legally speaking. I don't care how desperately single you are, I do not believe you would be desperate enough to commit fraud.

There may be people who would enjoy this one, but it's really just not for me.

Sam has just been dumped by Liam, he has met someone else. Liam’s brother Dan is marrying Sam’s best friend Jess and they are maid of honour and best man. When Sam discovers Liam new partner is hugely pregnant, she doesn’t want to go to the wedding on her own. Her friend Sarah suggests she hires someone as her plus one.

The story follows Sam as she meets Jake, a good looking actor, who agrees to spend the week of the wedding as her fake boyfriend. As the chemistry between Sam and Jake starts to sizzle, Sam is left to wonder whether Jake could become the real thing or is he still acting..

A thoroughly enjoyable read with a good mix of characters which has a nice touch of humour and is worth a read.

This is tale of every woman's worst nightmare. You're going to a wedding that your recently ex boyfriend is also going to but with his new pregnant girlfriend. Cue much panic and a few white fibs being told! So obviously she hires the actor Jake to take on the role of the new, fit and loving boyfriend. Perfect solution, right?
This book had me laughing right off from the start! A funny and charming tale that most woman can relate to (well maybe not hiring a boyfriend but the ex and feeling like we always need to look better!) Yes you are pretty much certain how it will end before you even start but sometimes that's a nice change! It can be refreshing to know which direction a book will head making this a light and easy read. This is such a believable and amazing read. Loved the characters, loved the story and loved the book!

Fun read centred around a wedding. Sam is maid of honour to her best friend Jess. Only problem is that the best man is Sam's ex. and he will be at the wedding with his pregnant girlfriend.
So Sam invents a boyfriend - and then she needs to find one. After a chance meeting with his sister, she meets Jake and he agrees to help her out. But once they get to know each other it isn't as clear as it seems.

Sam is such a likable character and you are on her side from the beginning, hoping that everything works out for her.

NB: I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. A major thank you to NetGalley, the publisher as well as the author.

Oh, British romance writers... Is there a novel that you can write that I'll hate? In short? No, there's not. I loved this! The Wedding Date was a gorgeously cute and funny novel that I thoroughly enjoyed reaading. I loved reading about Sam's journey to becoming "herself" again, and I loved Jake... swoon. While the idea may be a little cliche, I didn't care, I've always been a sucker for cliches and this was no different.

Great job to the author and publisher! I loved this novel!

A very good book , I found the main character very likable and was interested in her story. Very likable characters in general. A very pleasant read, would be great for holidays. Loved it

Sam works in her friend Sarah's aunt's travel agency. She is settled in her job and her relationship with Liam until he unceremoniously dumps her to shack up with local petrol station cashier Stella. As is the norm, Sam goes through the usual post-dumping ritual of going out partying a little too hard with Sarah in order to prove that she is still young, attractive and doesn't need a man anyway. Until she finds out that Liam's brother Dan is marrying her best friend since childhood Jess - and Liam is going to be Best Man with new girlfriend Stella as his plus one. The realisation that she needs not to be single by then kicks starts Operation rent-a-guy, which is the brain child of Sam's hairdresser who happens to know just the person for the gig: very dishy but "currently-between-jobs" actor Jake.
From the moment the plan is set in place I found myself either chuckling gently or properly laughing out loud at the situations Sam and her fellow characters found themselves in. Having arranged to meet up in a neutral venue, the local dog rescue, Jake's first sighting of Sam is of her being paired up with the most uncontrollable but loveable pooch named Tank courtesy of a rather jealous rescue centre worker. I won't spoil things by going into detail but suffice to say Sam doesn't end up looking her best when she gets to introduce herself. Despite this, Sam and Jake seem to rub along okay and Jake agrees to go to Scotland with Sam, posing as her new love interest - on the understanding that this is purely a business agreement.
I did find the story to be fairly typical of its genre by being a quite predictable storyline but this is totally forgivable with the quality of the writing and sheer quantity of comedy moments throughout, some of which left me quite literally crying with laughter.
The run up to the wedding provides plenty of opportunities for Jake to meet with Sam and Liam's families and friends which in turn throw up the question as to whether people believe them to be a genuine couple, with Sam worrying about lying to her best friend and being tempted to reveal the truth on more than one occasion. Jake's acting skills seem to be sufficient to have everyone convinced - including Sam - although I as a reader became rather irritated by his habit of winking so much that he appeared to have a nervous twitch at one point. But why should he be nervous? He's an actor so playing the role shouldn't be an issue, but what is it that is making Jake send Sam mixed messages when they are alone together? This guy clearly has hidden depths and Sam has a gut feeling that he has issues in his life which he is trying to avoid - but why should he confide in her when theirs is only a business arrangement?
With yet another comedy canine in the mix and unexpected events at the church threatening to spoil the day there's plenty going on to distract people's attention away from Sam and Jake's relationship - or should that be non-relationship? Is Sam reading more into things than she should as she spends more time with Jake or is he just a better actor than she thinks?
This is an easy to read, extremely fun novel which I would definitely recommend. I haven't read any of Zara Stoneley's previous work but will certainly be considering her when I am next looking for a good comedy read.
My review will feature on the blog tour at www.sandiesbookshelves.blogspot.co.uk on 20th April.

I started out a little apprehensive about this book, as it is of the 'chic lit' genre and told with a humorous vein raining throughout. At first I thought the humorous aspect was going to make this a tacky and cheesy read, but it really worked and I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and just a few pages in I was gripped.

Main protagonist Sam is off to a wedding where her recent ex-boyfriend will be attending with his new (pregnant) partner in tow. Therefore Sam recruits an actor, Jake, to play the part of her boyfriend so as to avoid feeling like the awkward singleton. From that information alone you can probably predict the outcome of the book, but despite the predictability of the plot it was enjoyable to see how the characters got there. I would highly recommend this book, and can't wait to read more from Zara Stoneley.

A real enjoyable story where the heroine becomes a strong confident woman after her ex dumps her. This book made me laugh out loud, it reminded me of a modern day carry on with a sensible, yet gorgeous hero ready to protect the honour of his pretend girlfriend, who has employed his services as an actor, to attend her best friend’s wedding as her boyfriend, for a week in a Scottish castle. My favourite moment has to be Jake’s, Mr Darcy impression in the Loch, but there are so many more. Amusing, believable and brilliant.

This is my first book by Zara Stoneley.

What I liked:
The writing style
Most of the characters
Harry
Standalone
HEA

I look forward to reading more from this author.

It was a fun read - which is what you want for a predictable romcom, however the story didn't particularly grab me and towards the end I was racing to finish.

2.5 Stars.

Thanks to NetGalley for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I was awarded an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Sam dreads her best friends wedding ever since her boyfriend, Liam cheated on her. The problem, Sam is maid of honor and Liam is the best man,

One of the obstacles is the wedding is in Scotland, for a week.

Sam knows she can’t go to the wedding solo. She decides to hire a boyfriend.

This book was the epitome of chick lit. I absolutely loved it. This is a perfect summer/beach read!

Samantha Jenkins needs a date for her best friend's wedding, the one where her ex, Liam ( the best man) and his HUGELY pregnant girlfriend Stella are attending. Sam' struggled with going to support her best friend ( Jess) and not because she doesn't want to confront her ex. When her work friend Sarah suggests she finds a guy and pays him to go, pretending to be her boyfriend, Sam's not for the idea. Then she meets Jake, an actor, who seems perfect for the part. What follows is a wedding week in Scotland filled with hi-jinks and angst as Sam struggles not to fall in love with her pretend boyfriend.
This was a cute little story, a little long on antics and short on romance, but satisfying none the less.

I genuinely dont know where to start with this one. I love, love, loved it and everything from here on out threatens to be just gushy words about how much I loved it so I'll try and reign that in a little... but really its so absolutely amazing that you NEED to pick it up and read it. Now!



This isnt the first book by Stoneley that i have read, so i knew going in what to expect from her writing and I was not disappointed. From the first pages I loved Sam, really felt for her and the situation she found herself in; with her cheating ex boyfriend being best man at her best friends wedding and her still single following their split. As the story progressed and we saw more of Sam, the real Sam, the one she was before the cheating Liam, the more I loved her. I loved watching her realise she was more than the sad girl she was at the beginning of this book.

And Jake! Wow! Stoneley definitely knows how to write a swoon worthy leading man.... and it wasn't just the ladies in the book swooning around Jake. But he wasn't just a pretty face, he was a real man of substance, a man who knows how to make a woman feel good about herself, and not the superficial kind but the real deep down stuff that sticks beyond a 'you look pretty'.

But the real star of the book has to be the adorable Harry.... and my most favourite of scenes that had me laugh out loud which involves a four poster bed and some sexy knickers and I can guarantee it is NOT what you're expecting.

I have to admit that the fake date/relationship is very possibly my favorite romance trope so as soon as I read the blurb of this book I knew I had to read it. It may be storyline that's been done to death in both books and numerous romcom movies but I just couldn't resist despite some concern that this would turn into just another okay-ish but nothing special read. Thankfully though this was not the case. I did have some doubts in the beginning of the story but soon became completely addicted and I think ended up finishing the whole thing in an evening.

Main character Samantha Jenkins is extremely relatable and fake boyfriend Jake makes for an incredibly sweet and swoon worthy leading man. He has more than a few secrets and keeps his motives for playing the doting boyfriend in the Scottish Highlands for a week pretty close to his chest but he certainly knows how to give a woman a boost of confidence and there is plenty of chemistry between him and Sam.

The other characters are also pretty well rounded and likable for the most part and for the less than nice ones (I'm referring to horrid ex boyfriend and new pregnant girlfriend) they generally get their comeuppance at some point in the story.

As you would expect there are more than a few laughs along the way and the author uses the setting of a country estate in the highlands to bring in a lot of the classics, horse riding for the inexperienced, shooting, an out of control dog (more than once), a dip in the lake and a fair amount of inebriated socializing. All of which make for very entertaining reading (there were more than a few occasions where I found myself laughing out loud).

It does occasionally venture a little too far into the stereotypical romcom read and if I'm honest I'm not entirely convinced that I'll remember it in a few months time as there wasn't quite enough about it that really stood out. It does however sit on the higher end of the scale and is one I'd recommend if you're looking for a light and fun romance.

This is one wedding you do not want to miss!  I LOVED it! As soon as I saw the book cover (cake... need I say more..!) and the synopsis I just couldn't wait to get my hands on it.  Thanks to Netgalley and Harper Impulse I was lucky enough to receive an early copy and  after reading a few reviews I couldn't wait any longer and this book shot up my 'to be read' pile.

This story made me think of the brilliant 2005 film 'The Wedding Date' with Debra Messing and the lovely Dermot Mulroney!  How was this film 8 years ago?! - I must re watch this!

This book has to be one of my fav books of 2018 so far, so good I was up till the early hours as I just couldn't put it down.

We meet Sam... good news is that her best friend is getting married, bad news is the best man is her ex boyfriend Liam.. The bad bad news is her ex boyfriend Liam has a new girlfriend and to make matters worse the bad bad bad news is the new girlfriend is pregnant!!  Arghhhh!!!

So Sam is the maid of honour to her best friend, Jess.  Unfortunately the groom's brother is Sam's ex boyfriend Liam.  The wedding is the last place Sam wants to run into Liam but Sam being Sam the most caring and wonderful friend she puts her feelings to one side and plans to attend.

To save loosing face in front of family and friends at the wedding she decides to tell everyone that she has moved on and has a new boyfriend, problem is said boyfriend does not exist.  After visiting her hairdresser Tim, she is presented with an idea of an escort or hiring an actor and here she comes away with a business idea that is Jake.. Sam and Jake meet and after hitting it off decide to confirm a contract with rules (rules are for breaking right?!) and off they leave for the wedding in the Scottish Highlands as 'pretend' boyfriend and girlfriend not long after Jake has played the perfect partner at dinner with the 'in laws'. (awww he's a keeper!)

Thank you Zara for Jake, I am sure I am not alone when I say he is the perfect date, such a charmer and I loved him from the first chapter he appeared in.  My list of chick lit hotties is rather long (what's a girl to do?!) but I have to say Jake is right up at the top!

I really liked Sam, she was very relatable, and I really wanted nothing but good things for her.  I did feel sorry for her in the beginning especially finding out that her ex boyfriend Liam (we hate him by the way) must have done the dirty deed on her but as I read further into the book I envied her for having such a hot date at the wedding of the year! (jammy dodger!!)  On a serious note this book was also a self discovery for Sam on what she wanted out of life 'AL' (After Liam!) and I must admit Liam most probably did her a massive favour!

I loved the lead up to the wedding, lots of funny scenes many including Harry, Jake's dog... The most cutest, curious dog ever!  I enjoyed reading the chemistry between Sam and Jake, Will Sam fall for Jake and just how good of an actor is Jake?! Arghhh questions.. questions...!

Well done Zara on such a blooming brilliant read, thank you for creating a story that kept me from sleeping, I love when a book does that!

Review: I would like to start by thanking the publishers and NetGalley for letting me review this book before publication. As soon as I saw that this book was by Zara Stoneley I knew I just had to read it knowing how much I have loved her last two books. 

So, where to begin, this is a cracker of a book. The first thing you notice is the cover. It is lovely, simple but effective and it stands out at you. The title is so fitting. Upon reading the blurb I couldn't stop but turn the page and start reading straight away. There goes my to be read pile and what was that? There is washing up to do? Nope, I don't think so! 

Sam is our main character and the story is told through her point of view. Now I think I would do exactly what she does in this story and hire a professional boyfriend. God, to face you ex at a wedding on you own, I don't think so! As for Jake well he sounds just perfect! Apart from the acting part, which can lead to confusion over what is real, don't think Sam thought that one through. Although, she should remember his acting career to date. No giveaways here this is a must read!

Zara has written a beautiful romance that had me laughing with tears. I loved it! 

I could so easily re-read this one.

Well done Zara its amazing.