Some of the best tension that I’ve ever read! The enemies to lovers trope was STRONG in this book. If you like witty back and forth and heavy will they won’t they vibes, then this one is for you!

Ben is definitely on my list for best book boyfriend. I would’ve loved a rated R version of this book.

Gemma’s own personal growth journey made the ending of the book even more satisfying.

4.5/5

DNF at 23%

I'm officially giving up on this book. I just realised that Ben is supposed to be the MMC. This horrible, awful, sexist assh*le is not redeemable, I can tell you that one for free.

I tried - I really tried since this is a ARC and I hate not giving a fully informed review, but I truly cannot bring myself to keep reading. Gemma, the FMC, is an absolute doormat and I really hope she finds a backbone at some point in the story... I'm just not going to be there to read it.

The premise of The Wedding Date Disaster intrigued me—rivals to lovers, fake dating—but the book lost some points due to questionable actions from Gemma and Ben while Gemma was still in a relationship, and a rushed ending that left me with questions and fell a little flat. Despite this, I enjoyed the banter and tension, character development, and workplace rivals to lovers vibe. It also had some good emotional depth.

It’s reminiscent of The Hating Game, and if you enjoyed that you’ll likely enjoy this too!

3.5/5 ⭐️
1/5 🌶
Thanks to Netgalley and One more Chapter for the ARC of "The Wedding Date Disaster" by Kate Mathieson.
This was a fun read and I highly enjoyed the Italian setting even though I would have loved more of it and more of an exploring aspect of Tuscany.
At the start of the book I didn't like either character, I felt like Gemma was a bit too much of a people pleaser and Ben was just rude, but as the story progressed the characters really grew on me. I loved Ben and the way he took care of Gemma, but I would have loved to see some more character development from Gemma earlier in the story, I felt like it took her a long time to realise that she couldn't keep saying yes to everyone and not taking care of her own needs.
I would highly recommend this if you want a fun and cute read with great banter and a great setting, just be aware that there is aspects of the cheating trope in this story.

First, thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I was very excited for this one based off the premise as I love fake dating & enemies to lovers. I liked the FMC (though she could have had a bit more backbone) as well as the MMC. I thought they had good chemistry and enjoyed their banter.

As far as the negative, I do think the writing was a bit juvenile and some of the scenes were a bit silly. Also, I've never seen so many horrid people in a single book. Gemma should just go no contact with her family, but I digress. I was glad to see there was some good communication and improvement by the end.

Overall, I enjoyed this one. Execution could have been a little bit better which would bring it up to 4 stars. Recommend to fans of "The Hating Game" for sure.

I really enjoyed this book. It's a fake dating, enemies to lovers rom-com. If you liked "The Hating Game" you will really like "The Wedding Date Disaster". When I first started reading this, I thought there is no way that I am going to be won over by the male main character Ben. He just seemed so awful. Which I think is a testament to the author's writing. But true to any good enemies to lovers, I was converted in the end. I loved the banter between Gemma and Ben. I also loved the growth in Gemma's character. A small thing, but the few mentions and comparisons to Hermione were so fun.
This is a solid 4.5 stars and I can't wait to read more of Kate Mathieson's backlist.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

The Wedding Date Disaster by Kate Mathieson is a delightful mix of enemies-to-lovers tension, fake dating antics, and family chaos, all set against the picturesque backdrop of an Italian wedding. Gemma and Ben’s chemistry is undeniable, and their journey from workplace rivals to something much deeper kept me hooked from start to finish.

The setup is classic rom-com gold: Gemma’s need for a wedding date collides with Ben’s unexpected role as her stand-in, leading to plenty of witty banter, laugh-out-loud moments, and swoon-worthy romantic tension. The enemies-to-lovers dynamic was perfectly executed, and the emotional layers revealed as they spent more time together added depth to their relationship.

I especially loved the family wedding drama and the charming Italian setting, which gave the story an extra dose of warmth and escapism. The spicy moments were well-placed and satisfying, complementing the story’s humor and heart.

While the plot is somewhat predictable, the witty writing and compelling character development make it a thoroughly enjoyable read. Fans of The Spanish Love Deception and Book Lovers will absolutely adore this fun, romantic escape.

If you’re looking for a romance with humor, heart, and all your favorite tropes, The Wedding Date Disaster is the perfect pick!

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Tropes: Enemies to Lovers, Fake Relationship, Workplace Rivalry
Spice Level: 🔥.5

Synopsis: Gemma Evans is devastated when she’s passed over for a promotion in favor of her work nemesis, Ben McDonald. Adding to her woes, she needs a date for a family wedding in Italy. When her arranged date falls through, Ben unexpectedly steps in as her plus one. As they navigate the romantic Tuscan setting, their professional rivalry begins to blur, revealing deeper feelings.

Thoughts: This is a delightful enemies-to-lovers romance reminiscent of The Hating Game, with sharp banter and sizzling tension. The chemistry between Gemma and Ben is electric, making every interaction a treat. The Italian setting adds a layer of charm, enhancing the romantic atmosphere. While the plot follows familiar tropes, you fall in love with the characters.

My Wedding Date Disaster delivers a delicious mix of romance, humor, and sparks that will keep you turning the pages.

The FMC (Gemma) is s a dedicated professional who puts everyone else’s needs before her own, often at her own expense. Let’s just say she has a people-pleaser personality, even though she has her reasons she’s still not quite ready to let go of old habits.

The MMC (Benjamin) is the new guy at work who’s turning heads with his good looks, charm, and smooth talking. But beneath the surface, there’s definitely more to him than meets the eye.

Gemma and Benjamin don’t exactly hit it off right away, and things only get more complicated when they’re pitted against each other at work. To make matters worse, Gemma’s family obligation adds another layer of tension. And what starts as an awkward disaster to another could just end up as the love story of a lifetime.

Do I recommend? Yes!

3.5/5 This book was such a cute lighthearted read. It follows Gemma, an editor at a publishing house, and her worst enemy. Gemma gets invited to her half-sister’s wedding but her boyfriend, can’t attend. Gemma’s friend finds her a plus one and it just so happens to be her arch nemesis. The characters have amazing banter and chemistry throughout the book. The book is so cute and has a fantastic ending. It is a great story of finding your voice and falling in love This enemies-to-lovers romcom is such a fun read!

The Wedding Date Disaster is a delightful rollercoaster of emotions, drama, and romance. With its perfect blend of enemies-to-lovers, fake dating, and a stunning destination romance set in Italy, this book is a recipe for a heartwarming and humorous escape.

Gemma Evans is a relatable, ambitious heroine who’s just been dealt a double blow: losing out on a dream promotion and being stuck with her nemesis, Ben McDonald, as her new boss. Things only get more chaotic when her blind date to a family wedding in Italy turns out to be none other than Ben himself! What ensues is a battle of wits, sizzling chemistry, and unexpected revelations that force both characters to confront their misconceptions about each other.

Amidst the lush Italian setting, readers will enjoy family dramas, laugh-out-loud moments, and a healthy dose of self-discovery. With witty banter, tender moments, and a sprinkling of spice, Kate Mathieson crafts a romance that’s as heartfelt as it is hilarious.

If you love romantic comedies with layered characters and a beautiful backdrop, The Wedding Date Disaster will sweep you off your feet.

ARC REVIEW

I had such a great time with this book. The tropes are silly and the book needs a TON more editing, but the FMC/MMC dynamic is really fun and I liked it a lot. Even though I often found myself rolling my eyes, I also giggled. This book is far from perfect, but if you just go into it expecting to have a good time, a good time is what you’ll have.

This book is a light, easy-to-read rom-com. It includes familiar tropes like colleagues-to-lovers, a fake boyfriend, a bridezilla’s destination wedding, a quirky family, and a slow-burn romance. While it may not stand out, it’s an enjoyable and entertaining read.

Thank you to NetGalley and One More Chapter for the eARC of this book.

This was a really well done romance novel, it had that element that I wanted and enjoyed the overall concept. The characters had that feel that I was looking for and enjoyed the storyline being told. Kate Mathieson wrote this perfectly and enjoyed the overall package in this novel.

The Wedding Date Disaster by Kate Mathieson is a delightful romantic comedy that delivers on all fronts. This charming novel follows the story of Gemma, our protagonist, as she navigates the treacherous waters of a wedding date gone awry.
Mathieson excels in crafting vibrant, relatable characters that leap off the page. Gemma's journey throughout the book is particularly noteworthy, showcasing significant personal growth that feels both authentic and satisfying. The supporting cast is equally well-developed, adding depth and richness to the narrative.
The author's writing style is a true highlight, effortlessly blending humor with heartfelt moments. The banter between characters is particularly enjoyable, sparking with wit and charm. The pacing is brisk, making for an engaging, page-turning experience that keeps readers thoroughly entertained from start to finish.
Mathieson masterfully builds tension between the main characters. The chemistry is palpable, with the air practically crackling during their interactions. This approach allows for a more nuanced exploration of the developing relationship, focusing on emotional connection and compatibility.
With its perfect blend of humor, character development, and romantic tension, "The Wedding Date Disaster" is a standout in the romantic comedy genre. Mathieson's skillful storytelling and engaging prose make this a highly recommended read for fans of contemporary romance.
Rating: 4.75/5 stars
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this arc in exchange for an honest review!

Kicking off 2025 with a bang, I've just finished my first five-star read of the year!

The Wedding Date Disaster by Kate R. Mathieson is a laugh out loud romantic comedy that follows Gemma, a pathological people-pleaser who’s always felt like the outcast of her family. Born in the UK but now living in Australia, Gemma works as an editor for a major publishing company and is on the verge of securing a big promotion. Enter Ben, the charming new guy who becomes her arch-nemesis and swoops in and takes the coveted Chief Editor role. As if that wasn’t bad enough, Gemma’s sister is getting married in Italy, her dream destination, but her boyfriend couldn’t care less about going. To avoid facing her family alone and looking like a failure, Gemma enlists the help of a friend to find a fake boyfriend for the wedding. Enter Ben, who secretly volunteers for the role, and Gemma has no choice but to present him as her real boyfriend, Adam.

There’s nothing I love more than a fake dating, enemies-to-lovers story, and The Wedding Date Disaster hit every note perfectly. From the witty banter to the electric chemistry between Gemma and Ben, I was giggling and kicking my feet throughout. I absolutely adored their journey from rivalry to romance, and the pacing was spot-on. Often in these kinds of books, the enemies dynamic fizzles out too quickly, or the fake dating aspect feels rushed, but this book took its time to develop both, making the story feel authentic and satisfying.

I couldn’t put this one down! Ben and Gemma’s evolving relationship had me eagerly flying through the pages, rooting for them every step of the way. The book balances humor, heart, and the occasional swoon-worthy moment with ease. I would highly recommend this to anyone who loves a feel-good rom-com with plenty of tension, sweet moments, and a dash of hilarity. This one is definitely going on my must recommend list!

Cute, light-hearted fake dating romance. Lovely book, not too challenging, perfect for a day by the pool.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I received this Advanced Reader’s Copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review, so Let’s get into it!

Gemma Evans has been working at Peacock Publishing in Sydney, Australia for years. One day, Benjamin McDonald walks in, and everyone swoons, except for Gemma. In 4 months, Ben has stolen her promotion and has been snarky to Gemma at every interaction.

Gemma is British, and her half sister (lots of family drama to unpack there!!) is getting married. Lulu Evans is a model for Vogue, and a crazy bridezilla. Lulu requires Gemma to bring her boyfriend, Adam, to Tuscany, Italy, where the wedding is, but Adam can’t make it. One blind set-up date turns into Ben being the Adam Stand-in for 4 days.

Through the festivities, Gemma’s hatred turns into something other, and secrets are revealed, nicknames are exchanged, characters are developed, and alcohol is downed. Dot. dot. dot. you can fill in the rest on January 30th, 2025, when this book is released.

Tropes:
1. Fake dating
2. Enemies to Lovers
3. Destination Romance
4. Workplace drama
5. Family Drama
6. Self-awareness

Similar Books:
1. The Hating Game
2. The Spanish Love Deception

Likes:
-I was KICKING MY FEET on most of these scenes
-I love the Aussie references, I just spent 5 months living there and hearing about the Ivy and toasties brought me back
-The nicknames are used exceptionally well. Not overdone, relatable, and used hilariously.
-The family drama is an incredible side plot and I need a spin off into Lulu and Chip
-The SPA SCENE

Dislikes:
-Gemma basically cheats on the real Adam in this book, which feels childish and unwarranted
-The Spice is actually YA-NA, definitely not dirty romance or even what I would consider smut, At most I would label it 1-1.5 spices on the 0-5 scale.

OVERALL:
A fantastic 5 star read and I am so grateful to get the chance to review exceptional ARCs like this!

What happens when your enemy gets the job over you and SURPRISE you need a last minute date to your sister’s wedding? A feisty enemies to lovers rom-com of course! Sign me up! I also didn’t expect to get as emotional as I did. I teared up a few times throughout this read! Gemma’s family treats her like an afterthought but Ben has always seen her. And when you realize (spoiler alert) that he fell first you will absolutely swoon! I also love how we got to see Gemma grow into her confidence and stand up for herself. While the spice was minimal it gave just the right amount. Overall a fantastic read!!

Let me start off by saying that i think the cover is beautiful. The cover and the description really caught my attention! Fake dating trope!? hello sign me up. The beginning of the book was good I loved how it was going, but once we got to the plot of the book it felt rushed and i didn’t feel a connection between the two. unfortunately it felt a little childish to me, it wasn’t angsty enough for someone who had a boyfriend and battling between her feelings.

thank you netgalley and HarperCollins UK for the advanced copy in turn for an honest review!