The Wedding Party is the third book is The Wedding Date series and it showcase Maddie and Theo's story. We met both of these characters in The Wedding Date, Maddie and Theo are respectively Alexa's best friends. While they both love Alexa they don't get along with each other. Until the chemistry between them gets to be too much.

I really liked this book! I think it's awesome to see diversity in a field that tends to be quite white-washed! I find that each Jasmine Guillory books get a bit better and I can't wait to read the Royal Holiday!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for providing me with an ARC of this book for an unbiased review! :)

Such a lovely and lighthearted story, I love this author writing so much her stories are addictive and fun to read!The Wedding Party was so enjoyable, I loved the storyline and I adored Theo and Maddie. Maddie is funny. Their relationship is sexy and I liked how things went for them! It felt realistic to me and I like it a lot for it! This series is getting better and better I can’t wait to read the next book!

The Wedding Party by Jasmine Guillory is a hilarious hate to love, secret romance that charmed me from the beginning!

A few things you should know... although sex is brought up and talked about frequently... it's actually fade to black and eluded to more than on the page. I personally appreciate that because sex on page can get a tad trite, but I know that you might want on the page sex. That's not to say that it wasn't still sexy as hell, because the tension between these two just leapt off the pages.

Often times I can get frustrated with secret romances because I feel like they go on for too long and something should have been done or the relationship should have gone public way before they did. BUT, as soon as The Wedding Party could have got to that point WHAM! Plot twist!

And the perfect timing of that twist is what kept me engaged in what otherwise would have been an over played trope.

Theo and Maddie were such authentic people and I related to Maddie on several layers. OH! Also. The Wedding Party is my first book by Jasmine, but if you read either The Wedding Date or The Proposal you will get a taste of characters from those books.

My biggest complaint and this a personal preference was that we didn't get an epilogue, because... I LOVE weddings and proposals and babies in epilogues. I need to know what happens later! I much prefer HEAs to HFNs.

Otherwise, I loved The Wedding Part, it was the perfect mix of lighthearted fun and drama!!

Another sweet, if conventional, opposites attract romance from Guillory, this time featuring two secondary characters from her first novel as leads. Theo, the press secretary for the mayor of Berkeley CA, has met his co-worker Alexa's BBF Maddie several times at parties, but serious Theo knows that they would never get along —"she was the cool, hot, party type, and he was the kind of guy everyone thought watched C-SPAN in his spare time" [Kindle Loc 244]—even if Maddie had not hated him on sight for some reason Theo can't begin to fathom. For her part, Maddie's first encounter with cute and well-dressed Theo leads her to believe that the guy is a nerdy, arrogant man-splainer, far too condescending about her career (as a image/fashion consultant and personal shopper) to make her want do anything about the attraction that sparks between them.

Until one night, they find themselves in bed together. And a few months later, they do it again, even after vowing not to. And then it happens a third time...

The pacing here is rather strange—lots of gaps in time for no apparent reason, except maybe to make the story align with previous books in the series—until Alexa becomes engaged, and asks Maddie and Theo to be in her wedding party. At this point, Maddie and Theo decide they'll deliberately agree to keep having sex, but will keep it a secret from Alexa, and will stop sleeping together after the wedding. It feels like contrivance for the sake of matching romance tropes, rather than an agreement that makes sense for the characters and the situation.

The development of Theo and Maddie's relationship is stronger, with each gradually ndiscovering that there's more to the other than first impressions suggested, and that they have far more in common with one another than they might ever have expected. Those initial impressions, though, still hover, and leave each feeling vulnerable, which makes it unsurprising when both pull back into attack mode the instant the other seems to be reverting to (mis)judging the other.

The subplot about how much Maddie should give in to others' expectations in trying to win a job hosting a television show where women who have been homeless or in rehab learn how to dress for success serves as a great way to reveal Maddie's character, a strong, self-confident black woman with an often biting, and occasionally cruel, wit, but one who has real empathy for those coping with more difficult life situations than her own (as did her mom when she was growing up). Theo's need to constantly display his intelligence, as well as the demands for perfection he places on himself, also stem not only from his personality but from his life experiences as a black man trying to prove himself in a world of white privilege.

Please, even if people in real life do eat takeout pizza as often as Maddie and Theo do, we don't want to read about it EACH AND EVERY TIME... (I counted 78 instances of the word in this ARC!)

This is the third in the Wedding Date series. I enjoyed it! The enemies to lovers isn't my favorite theme but I did like this one. I really liked the chemistry between Maddie and Theo. I would recommend it!

Jasmine Guillory’s third book The Wedding Party is in my opinion her best yet! In her signature style, this book is steamy, sweet, sassy, and has depth to it that will help us all learn a bit more about what it is like to be a minority in a majority industry. I thought the enemies-turned-lovers storyline worked so well, with the added element of their personal connection through their mutual friend Alexa. This is a perfect summer book!

Professional style consultant Maddie doesn’t need a man to feel fulfilled. Especially not a man like Theo. Theo is her best friend Alexa’s work bestie. Several years ago when they first met, Theo asked Maddie what she did for a living and it was clear from his reaction to her job that he found her shallow and beneath him. Maddie has never told Alexa the specifics, but suffice it to say Maddie isn’t interested in befriending Theo.

When Alexa begs Maddie to go with her to Theo’s birthday party, Maddie begrudgingly agrees. Little did she know that despite her hate for Theo and his uptight beliefs, a series of events may lead them to bed with one another. But no matter how good it was, Maddie and Theo remain enemies. It was a mistake, not to be repeated.

Alexa’s engagement may through a wrench in the works, though, when she names them both as part of her bridal party. Forced to work together, they agree that some sleeping together on the side is only a way to alleviate the tension between them. And only when Alexa isn’t looking—there’s no way she can find out.
Rules must be followed. Don’t tell Alexa. This ends when Alexa gets married. Only get together when they’ve already been with Alexa. No dates. Don’t fall in love. But they may find some of these rules are harder to keep than they realized…

Maddie and Theo are both complex, well-developed characters that I absolutely loved! When I read this book, I couldn’t help but think how wonderful it is that Jasmine Guillory consistently pushes the boundary of the genre. This is part romance, part contemporary fiction, and a must-read books.

I learned a lot from Maddie and Theo’s characters. As different as they are, they both are people who feel they have to put on a certain demeanor to be taken seriously in their careers—a feat that is made more difficult by the color of their skin. While I think a lot of us can relate to feeling pressure to be a certain way, Maddie and Theo brought to light an interesting and unfortunate societal truth that is important to discuss. When you’re the minority group in the industry you work in, you don’t have a chance for slip ups. There is more pressure to work harder, dress the right way, and be perfect than your majority counterparts.

I don’t want to get preachy, nor does this book read that way at all! This book is fun, steamy, and touching. The chemistry between Theo and Maddie is HOT. I also loved their relationship with Alexa, and how they both put aside their differences to support her. And the ending is SO fun! I won’t spoil it but it left me with a huge smile on my face.

This book should be next on your summer reading list!

Thank you Berkley for my copy. Opinions are my own.

After hating <i>The Wedding Date</i>, I've been hesitant to read both Guillory's second and third books, but actually I do think they're improving with each one. Admittedly, this was definitely still a three star read for me, but a highly enjoyable one. So, if you didn't like where Guillory started out either, maybe don't give up?

First off, let's just admit that the hate to love in <i>The Wedding Party</i> is highly unconvincing. Supposedly they've loathed each other for ages, but anytime they're together in this book, they have an amazing time? And they have basically everything in common? Really, the only hate is the idea Maddie has that they hate each other and it's an incontrovertible fact. That said, I didn't mind their dynamic. Actually, I think they're cute together, but I do think the attempt to make it hate-to-love undermined their actual relationship a bit because it just wasn't what they were.

Maddie and Theo have hated each other for years, but when she goes with Alexa to his birthday party and Alexa leaves with Drew (this is from <i>The Wedding Date</i>), Maddie ends up driving Drew home. Under the weirdest, least convincing of pretenses, she goes into his home with him because she's challenged him to a dance off (???), and then oops they have sex. Supposedly, the book is about them hate banging their way to love, but they basically like each other immediately. So I think it was good but also it's a little weird that the book clearly didn't really understand them?

Anyway, what I did really like about Maddie and Theo was that their relationship (minus all that "hate" folderol) was such a realistic one. I'm not sure I've read a more relatable romance tbh, because they bond over how much they prefer staying home, eating pizza, and watching reality tv to going out and partying. Like, yes, you have just described my relationship perfectly, and I highly recommend it.

<i>The Wedding Party</i>, much like <i>The Proposal</i>, is pretty low drama, which I personally like. That said, the attempts at drama were largely very manufactured. This all pretty much comes back to Maddie and Theo really seeming like good friends from the get-go. Also, there's something kind of distancing and awkward about the writing style that I still can't put my finger on specifically.

This is easily my favorite of Guillory's books so far, and it has officially convinced me to keep reading her books. Maybe someday I'll love one. I hope so.

Theo and Maddie have disliked each other from the start. They are only cordial to one another because of their mutual best friend, Alexa. After attending one event together, they find themselves entering a secret relationship. The two former enemies wonder how their blossoming romance will last and will it change the dynamics of their friendship.

This is the third book in the wedding date series and I will admit it is probably the best one so far. I haven’t been the biggest fan of the series but Maddie and Theo’s relationship is fun and light. Guillory’s world also shows diversity among the characters in a realistic manner without throwing up glaring neon signs.

I couldn’t really find any logic in the reason behind Maddie and Theo’s “hatred” of one another. They both made assumptions about each other after their initial meeting and held on to it. I would not call this an enemies-to-lovers romance because it was all so trivial and they moved past it pretty quickly.

Theo and Maddie seem to have a lot of sexual chemistry. Though the author is hesitant or shy to display the intimacy, I found it interesting that they got it on so many times throughout the story while denying that they were falling for one another. The tug and pull dramatics are a bit repetitive but it didn’t annoy me as I was following their relationship plus the friendship with Alexa.

The author uses Alexa’s relationship with Drew to help coax Maddie and Theo’s story line. The problem with this is that if I had not read the previous books, I may have felt a bit lost, as if I was thrown in this world without any knowledge of the characters and their stories.

I strongly recommend reading the other books just to get a feel for everything. Overall, a cute story with light romance.

~ Samantha

Before I start with my New book Review , I would like to thank @PRHGlobal @prhinternational for Providing me with a free E-galley copy of this book for my Honest Review . Thanks a lot for giving me the opportunity to read this novel .
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" Like you said , I've been working my entire life against people like this . And they do win . A lot . But the only thing we can do is keep on fighting and keep on helping people who need us . At least , that's the only thing that makes life worthwhile for me ."
Book : The wedding Party .
Author : Jasmine Guillory .
Genre : Fiction , Romance , Contemporary .
Rating : 3/5.
Review in one word : Alright .
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Actually , this is not the first book I read for Jasmine Guillory , I've read the Proposal last year , and my opinion about her writing hasn't changed, even though I expected to like this book better , from all the reviews , hype and opinions on social media and goodreads . Jasmine Books discuss ideas and concepts which we don't usually read about in romance novels and that's something great , But , I've read a lot of romantic books and I can totally say that the plots , events and dialogues aren't that much gripping and entertaining . The stories have huge potential , unfortunately , I didn't sense anything different or unique in her novels , which almost everyone is talking about .
Now for The Wedding Party , I can't say that the storyline is new , nah , there are many books with the same plot . But having main characters that aren't the " perfect couple "as most of romance authors think they should include in their stories , is something refreshing and so amazing for the future of this genre , Maddie and Theo characters are kinda realistic , they have faults , they do wrong , they are humans , not perfect , and the story talked about their character's development in a good way , I don't have any thing to say about the main characters because actually , I liked them . Their story as I've already said had a lot of potential to make Awesome and changing novel .
My problem was with the story , it was supposed to be a " hate to love " story , but the characters didn't have the banter and the cute angry arguments , characters who have confused feelings about each other, usually have , their Arguments were hurtful and they said words to each other that were unforgivable , but they simply shrug them off with " I'm sorry " , I wanted to read about their thoughts while they were hating each other ( how their minds were processing their confusion ) But the story was so fast-paced , and had a lot of "Time-jumps " that were unexplainable and it would have been much better If I read about the characters lives , thoughts and feelings during those periods . Their jobs are really interesting , and that again confirms " the amazing way with which they were created " .
I didn't like the writing style at all , couldn't connect with the characters feelings and lives , even shipping the main couple , I wasn't that excited to see them together .
that's my honest opinion , but For romance lovers , who like their reads to be fast-paced , this will be a good book for you .

I've wanted Maddie and Theo's story since I read The Wedding Date. This book did not disappoint. A fun, romantic, and sexy addition to the series.

Alexa Monroe found love in Guillory's "The Wedding Date." In "The Wedding Party", she has asked her two best friends to stand up with her. The biggest problem for her friends, Maddie and Theo? They don't really like each other. They started off on a bad foot at their first meeting years ago when Theo talked only about himself except to denigrate Maddie's job. Years later, they still aren't fond of each other... even the night that they have sex. Ten months later, it happens again. Realizing that they are probably going to end up in bed over and over again (despite not particularly liking each other), they decide to be Enemies With Benefits. And NOT to tell Alexa who is sure to go overboard about them being in a... well, they're sure not in a relationship.
Except, that life has ways of throwing people together in ways that could make them see each other in a different light. Maybe even love.
This was definitely a slow start kind of book. And there are some very odd time jumps that took me out of the romance a bit. But it ended strong and I enjoyed it a lot.

Four stars
This book came out July 16th
ARC kindly provided by Berkley and NetGalley
Opinions are my own

The Wedding Party by Jasmine Guillory is third in her Wedding Date series and features Alexa’s best friends Maddie and Theo. Friends, I love love love this series. If I had to push a romance series for people who are maybe a little bit hesitant to try out romance, this would be the series I would press into their hands. Basically everything about this series is compelling to me.

So, this book has one of my favorite tropes: HATE TO LOVE. I will always always always read a hate to love book. So, anyways, Maddie is a personal stylist. Theo works for the mayor’s office with Alexa. Maddie thinks Theo is a bit pompous and arrogant and condescending. Theo thinks Maddie is a party girl. The two, however, are thrown together as part of Alexa’s wedding party. They end up sleeping together and the sparks are there. So, it becomes an impermanent arrangement that they’ll sleep together until all of the wedding stuff is over. As luck would have it, they have a lot in common. And unfortunately/fortunately Alexa’s wedding gets pushed up faster than expected and something has got to give.

I love this book! It’s charming and refreshing. Maddie and Theo are excellent well rounded characters. I liked seeing Alexa and Drew again. I even liked the cameo from Carlos and Nick. At this point, I am obsessed. The audiobook is a good listen too. I physically read the first two books, but I also have nothing but good things to say about the audiobook version of The Wedding Party narrated by Janina Edwards. It’s nine hours and fifteen minutes long and perfect for long drives.

Unfortunately, I will not be leaving a review for The Wedding Party. I really struggled to connect with these characters. I think possibly, having the intimate scenes fade to black made it difficult to connect to the characters and feel any kind of chemistry at all. I just couldn't find it in my to invest in their story. I apparently the opportunity to read this book.

Well this was fun! I loved that I got more Alexa (and stressed wedding Alexa was great. Especially the Wedding day Caffeinated version). Maddie and Theo were such great side characters in The Wedding Date, and I had a feeling they would end up as enemies-to-lovers. I liked that this story partially took place within the events of the other two novels. All in all, another fun story.

I had very high expectations that I would love Jasmine Guillory's The Wedding Party, but when I started reading it, I was immediately spoiled for Guillory's other novel, The Wedding Date—so much so that I traveled to a library with an available copy just so I could read it asap. But once I'd finished The Wedding Date, I read another book in lieu of The Wedding Party. And once I'd finished that book, I basically did everything else but read. Because The Wedding Party was so incredibly boring, repetitive, and I didn't care about any of the characters. (Like, at all.)

I tried, y'all, I really, really tried. I gave this book three separate reading sessions. I kept at it for a full 50%. I even told myself that it would only take an additional 90 minutes to finish and that wasn't very much and maybe it would get better—but then I read for five minutes and couldn't do it. Maddie and Theo felt like cardboard cutouts, I was never sold on how they were supposed to "hate" one another, didn't particularly buy their half-hearted pleas that their relationship didn't mean anything and they could definitively stop whenever they wanted to, and also never felt like they even had that much chemistry. Guillory relied heavily on characterization she'd provided in The Wedding Date—which is perfectly fine due to this book being a sequel—but I shouldn't need background information to get the full picture. Guillory also does that thing where she'll describe an event from one character's perspective and then, one line break later, describe the same event from another's (which btw I hate).

The one saving grace in both The Wedding Date and The Wedding Party was Carlos, who brought both zest and levity to otherwise dull books, and I was reminded how much I loved him and wanted more of him. I took one note while reading and it said 'I really love Carlos ok' and I guess my main takeaway from reading Jasmine Guillory books is that The Proposal is the only one you should care about.

Stopped at 50%

The Wedding Party By Jasmine Guillory is about Maddie and Theo, who hate each other but are constantly thrown together by their mutual friend, Alexa.
Then, One drunken night after Theo’s birthday party, the unthinkable happens... They hook up. After an amazing night together, the 2 decide that they can be friends with benefits, but they have to keep it a secret from everyone, including Alexa.
How could this possibly go wrong?

I was very excited to get an advanced copy of this book from netgalley because I really enjoyed Jasmines first book, and this book is a continuation of Alexa and Drews story. However, I feel that this is the exact same book as the first one with slightly different characters. I got bored about half way through.

I loved this book! The enemies-to-lovers journey between Maddie and Theo really worked for me, although the third act conflict/break-up felt a little regressive for them considering how close they’d gotten over the course of the book. But the characters were super cute and I was definitely rooting for them along the way! Guillory’s becoming a favorite for me in contemporary romance (even if her books ALWAYS make me hungry; those food descriptions are mouthwatering!).

I've really enjoyed Jasmine Guillory's previous work, but The Wedding Party fell short. Enemies-to-lovers is one of my favorite tropes, but Theo and Maddie just didn't have the chemistry, or at least I didn't believe it. The book is 95% about their short-term fling, but somehow lacks the heat and tension to keep the fires burning (Theo also seems to have 1 or 2 moves, used over and and over again).

Ultimately, for me, it was a mismatch between the trope and Guillory's brand of romance.

Maddie and Theo are both chosen to be in the wedding party of their best friend, Alexis. Trouble is, they hate each other. Trouble is, also, that they shared an incredible night together. Big mistake; must never happen again. Trouble is, it does. So they decide to have a secret affair, with the wedding as its expiration date. The best laid plans....

This was definitely my favorite of the series.

I loved Maddie and Theo. They’re both perfectionists and maybe a little prickly, but their banter was fun. Even if I spent the entire book alternating between wanting to slap the stupid out of them and mashing their faces together. Of course it was fun to see Alexa and Drew and Nik and Carlos again.

Plot wise, it was easy and comfortable and that may have been the best part. I loved how compatible Maddie and Theo were. It was great to see the beginning of this story overlap a bit with things that happened in the other books. As always, this sort of story would be easily fixed if they would sit down and have a conversation, but the fun in this one is how each of them recognize that and argue with themselves about actually doing it.

Overall, it was a quick and fun read with an excellent ending {and maybe the best scene of being locked in a closet}. I would have loved an epilogue, but I think I’m just being greedy now.

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