4.5/5⭐️ Thank you Berkley for the free earc of this book! I adore Lynn painters writing and her books never fail to make me laugh. This one specifically was so unique and I absolutely loved the storyline. This book was also super fast paced and short which made it easier to read! Also the spice was great!

Sophie finds herself becoming friends with the man who disrupted her wedding, joining him on his wedding disrupting adventures for hire in this latest banter filled romcom from one of my very fav authors. Lynn Painter can do no wrong and Happily Never After is no exception. I adored this dual POV, friends to lovers romance that sees two jaded friends falling for one another. Fresh, funny and heartfelt, this was great on audio and huge hit for me. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital and audio copy in exchange for my honest review.

Steam level: open door

Paid to object weddings, Max Parks saves Sophie Steinbeck from a lifetime of unhappiness by exposing her soon-to-be husband as the cheating douchebag he was. With this belief that true love does not exist, Max and Sophie go down an unexpected journey of friendship when they start objecting weddings together. Unfortunately, the chemistry that draws them to each other cannot be ignored and when lines get blurred, would they continue this so-called friendship or take a leap into something more?

Painter always sucks me in with her writing—funny dialogue and banter, likable main and characters, amazing chemistry. I loved how this was just purely a fun rom-com without any severe heaviness roped in. Yes, there was cheating in relationships, but not as bad as coping with the grief or loss of a loved one. This just hit the spot! I was supremely amused the entire time and just loved the easy-going friendship that developed between Max and Sophie. Surefire treat if you’re into Painter’s books! On the plus side, it’s less than 300 pages and it’s got short dual POV chapters!

Short Synopis:
Sophie’s getting married. But she just learned her fiancé is cheating on her. Her Maid of Honor then hires Max to breakup her wedding. Months later Max contacts Sophie to help at another wedding and they become Objectors.

My Thoughts:
Lynn Painter always brings the humor, the heat and the warm fuzzy feelings. Max and Sophie were just the cutest. Their personalities just jumped off the pages. I loved them both so much. Their banter was next level. The chemistry burned off the pages. And Sophie’s roommates were hysterical.

I mostly listened to the audio of this one and Helen Laser and Sean Patrick Hopkins might now be on my list of favorite narrators. They both nailed it.

Though this one was fun, the wedding planner in me was cringing most of the book. Objections at weddings aren’t a thing. They haven’t happened since marriage licenses become widely distributed …. especially built into the ceremony itself. It’s not just outdated, it’s never done. And once upon a time was only done for legal purposes. I know this book is fiction, but it’s something I couldn’t let go of. 🤷🏼‍♀️ And I wish more books about wedding were better researched and actually talked with someone in the industry. Okay, rant over. If you’re not a wedding professional you’ll enjoy it more. 😂

Read If You Like:
💒 Friends to lovers
💒 Banter
💒 He falls first
💒 Fake Dating
💒 Laugh out loud moments
💒 Swoony book boyfriends

The first time Sophie sets eyes on Max, he stands up at her wedding and objects to it going forward, sharing information about her fiancé’s infidelity. The crowd is shocked, the groom denies any wrongdoing—but Max tells Sophie the proof is on her fiancé’s phone. And then the wedding is called off.⁣

⁣In the end, Sophie isn’t really surprised by Max’s appearance at her wedding, perhaps because her best friend paid him to stop it. Max has a part-time gig as an objector—he is hired to stop weddings, usually by one of the intended or a close friend or relative, because they don't usually feel they can call it off themselves.⁣

⁣Sophie thinks being an objector sounds like a pretty cool job, especially because she no longer believes in love. In her post-wedding drunkenness, she offers to help Max if he ever needs her. And although she is surprised when he resurfaces, her reluctance gives way to enthusiasm when he explains why they were hired to stop this particular wedding. (And then she got to put the bride in a headlock.)⁣

⁣Of course, the more time they spend with one another, the more their chemistry intensifies. But even though they’re attracted to one another, there aren’t any romantic feelings attached, right? Yeah, sure, okay.⁣

⁣Swoon. I love Lynn Painter’s books and this may be my new favorite. These characters are amazing and their banter rocks, plus the steam is utterly sizzling. The supporting characters are a hoot, too.

My thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Romance for the advance copy; the book publishes 3/12.

I absolutely loved this book! Lynn Painter has such a talent for infusing her characters’ dialogue with humor. As a result, her books are all feel-good romances that we need with so much wrong going on in the world. In Happily Never After, she employs the fake relationship trope…that isn’t.

Sophie meets Max, a architect/engineer, when he is hired by her best friend and maid of honor to object to her wedding to Stuart on the grounds that he’s cheating. (It’s a side gig he fell into by accident.) Since she didn’t actually love him, she’s able to work out her aggressions by lobbing Twinkies at his car from the balcony of the bridal suite. When Max comes to collect payment, they end up spending hours drinking and talking. A couple of weeks later, he calls out of the blue to remind her of her offer to be the Objectress to his Objector, thus starting a beautiful friendship fueled by “halting a lifetime of misery, one wedding at a time.” When her boss tells her she needs a better work-life balance if she’s going to recommend her for promotion and his father says he can’t retire until his mother is convinced he’s “taken care of” (i.e., in a committed relationship), they play up the “friendship” with cosy photos posted on social media and conveniently-timed FaceTime calls in front of witnesses that hint at a deeper relationship, while stressing they’re just friends. With Max believing in love but avoiding it after a painful break-up (figuring the risk is greater than the reward) and Sophie convinced it doesn’t exist at all (especially after being cheated on in every relationship she’s had), a friends with benefits scenario is awfully tempting. Will they be the exception to the rule and manage to not fall in love?

The chemistry between these two delightful characters is scorching, in large part because of the respect they have for each other, their honest communication, and the laughter and lightness they share. Max is the perfect book boyfriend, and Sophie is a smart, successful businesswoman who actually does manage to find time for a social life. To add even more levity to this delightful story, Painter introduces Larry and Rose, Sophie’s meddling, irreverent, geriatric roommates who move in to help with rent after she kicks Stuart out. They’re like cool, protective grandparents who live to embarrass her but who also dole out sage advice on her love life.

If you’re looking for a convincing, witty, light-hearted romance that doesn’t rely on tired tropes, you’ll love this book. Highly recommended!

I received a complimentary ARC of this book from Berkley through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.

This was a really fun read! I really enjoyed my time and the idea behind the story. Definitely original and creative. This had everything you’d want from a happy, go lucky, fluffy rom-com from Lynn Painter, including a swoon worthy MMC. The only thing that frustrated me towards the end was Sophie’s character / the miscommunication (or lack of communication) trope for the last 20% or so. I also would’ve loved to see more tension between the two, but that still didn’t take away from the story.

Max and Sophie’s banter was top-notch, and I actually loved that the romance was open door but not over the top. Lynn, this was such a great one! Thank you SO much for an early copy - it did not disappoint!

No one is writing banter like Lynn Painter!! Everything I’ve read from her has dialogue that is so fun and quick and flirty. It’s *chefs kiss*

I flew through this book, it’s pretty fast paced and an easy read. Starting the story with Sophie literally at the alter hooked me right from the start, and I thought the concept of professional wedding objectors was so unique and fun.

The friendship between Sophie and Max felt so natural and easy. Sophie’s roommates were such a fun addition, too. It was a fun twist that her best friends in the city weren’t actually her age but much older.

This was a perfectly enjoyable romcom - a unique premise, great writing. But for some reason her YA books are always so superior in my opinion! The audiobook was great, I enjoyed the light read, but I wasn’t blown away.

Thanks to Berkley Publishing, NetGalley and PRH Audio for the ARC/ALC.

"Happily Never After" by Lynn Painter is a charming and whimsical romantic comedy that blends humor with heart. The premise of a professional objector hired to disrupt weddings adds a delightful twist to the usual romantic plot. Sophie and Max's banter is both entertaining and endearing, and their evolving friendship before romance adds depth to their connection. The absurdity of the weddings they crash provides laughs, and the chemistry between the characters feels genuine. The book navigates the line between practicality and selfishness in the characters' choices, occasionally leaving room for interpretation. The conflict at the end may feel a bit forced, but it serves its purpose in prompting the pivotal conversation about their relationship. Overall, "Happily Never After" is a fun and cute read that delivers on its promise of a unique and enjoyable romantic adventure.

This was pretty cute! The overall concept was really fun, a little bit goofy, and felt unique. A bride desperate to cancel her wedding, but can't because of the potential fallout, hires a professional objector to stop everything and save her.

The beginning of this book hooked me right away and I was excited to get in to it. Sophie and Max were fun together and their first bits of banter were a delight. I loved how it felt like Sophie and Max genuinely became friends throughout the course of the story before getting together. The different weddings they went to were ridiculous but fun and I did feel like their chemistry together was real. There were a couple moments when I couldn't tell if the characters (Sophie in particular) were being practical or selfish in terms of their physical relationship. While they were always up front with each other about what they wanted, there were times that I didn't totally agree with their perspective/choices.

The conflict at the end felt slightly forced but I understood that they needed a push to have the BIG conversation about their relationship. Overall, I liked how everything was resolved and thought it was a fun and cute book!

If you're looking for a rom-com with fake dating, friends-to-lovers, and two MC's who have ruled out love, Happily Never After deserves a spot on your TBR, asap!

As with all of Lynn's books, this was fun, charming, and filled with laugh-out-loud banter. Both characters were super likable, the whole "objector" concept, while obscure, was unique and quirky, and the chemistry between the MC's is undeniable.

Overall, if you want a funny, light-hearted romance with some spice, I definitely recommend this one!

I received an advanced copy from Berkley Romance, but all opinions are my own!

4.25

Things I was thinking while reading the first twenty percent of this book:

“Do I need to re-rate all the other books I’ve reviewed, because this book is awesome, and they were nowhere near this funny.”
“Why does ‘The Voice’ have to start tonight when I just started reading this?!”
“I remember liking them, but were the Mr. Wrong Number books this awesome? Maybe I should reread them.”
“Karen and Joanne. Hilarious! We should have had one and named it My Friend Marie.”
“Blonde? Really?!”
“Bunco driver. Priceless!”
“Nobody writes banter this good.”
“I really want cowboy boots now.”
“Am I going to read this too fast and wish I had more to read?”

So, was the rest of it this good? This isn’t Wine and Twenty. You’ll have to find out for yourself.

I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley and Berkeley Publishing Group in exchange for providing an unbiased review.

Omg this book was adorable. Sophie and Max met in an unconventional way, but it was so perfect. Their banter was, fantastic right from the start and I loved the development of their relationship. It certainly wasn't typical, but I like how neither of them changed themselves. It kind of happened naturally even though Sophie was a little love-averse. I was hysterical at so many parts and I loved the humor as well as the idea of respectfully crashing weddings. The love story was a slower burn and not as in your face but I really liked how it was done. I also loved the secondary characters. Rose and Larry were everything and they had me snorting at moments. This was super cute and a perfect quick read. Thank you to Berkley for the gifted finished copy!

This book is so fun and I fell in love with Sophie and Max as they fell in love. The witty banter, the fantastic secondary characters (including Karen and Joanne), and the idea of wedding objectors (is this a real thing?) blended to create romcom perfection. Lynn is one of my favorite authors that does romantic comedy so well and this novel is pure joy. I listened to the audiobook and the narrators do a fabulous job of bringing these characters to life.

Witty banter your jam? Then look no further! This book has hilarious banter between the two main characters and in their inner dialogue with themselves. I was happily entertained from the first page to the very last which I am sad to say was way too soon as I just couldn't put the book down, so I finished way faster than I had intended! Realistic yet quirky characters made this book the perfect book to while away the day with. If you like a fun rom com with lots of giggles, then this is absolutely the book for you. That isn't to say there aren't some angst-ridden moments, but then to be a good rom com you also have to have the angst to overcome to reach the happily ever after. Both of our main characters have been heartbroken by love and both swear they will never do love again.....or will they? You'll have to read to find out, but trust me this is absolutely the read you are looking for if you want a fun time finding out if the main characters will let themselves fall in love again!

Short synopsis: Sophie is set to get married, but finds out her fiancé has been cheating on her. Her best friend hires a “wedding objector” to stop the wedding. Months later, she joins Max “the objector” in stopping weddings.

My thoughts: After reading and loving the Love Wager, I immediately fell in love with Lynn Painter’s banter, character development, and fun storylines. Lynn, i will just read everything you write…. Including but not limited to your adult books, YA Books, and your grocery lists.

Starting on chapter 1, I was immediately hooked. The banter had me laughing out loud. I loved the chemistry between Sophie and Max, and the way their friendship developed. They were both extremely hurt in the past, and watching them open up and be vulnerable with each other was everything.

My next favorites…. Sophie’s roommates Larry and Rose. I am a huge fan of elderly side characters especially when they are hilarious. And Sophie’s cats Karen and Joanne.

Read if you love:
- Weddings
- Elderly friends (roommates)
- Fake Friends to Lovers
- Great Banter
- Character growth, vulnerability and learning to trust

The book has a serious but comedic premise. People don't want to go through with their marriage but they don't want to face the risk or consequences of breaking it off; so they hire someone to object at their wedding. I thought the explanations of both Sophie and Max's motivations for doing this job were well done and worked into a well-balanced story instead of just being all laughs.

3.5 stars rounded up

When I first heard the premise of this book I was all in. Who doesn't want a guy for hire to break up your soon-to-be-disasterous-wedding-to-a-serial-cheater? Max has a side gig. He'll object at your wedding using evidence you give him and get you off the hook. You won't look like the bad guy stopping your own wedding, no one can slander you, AND your fiance gets stuck with the bills. When he rescues Sophie from her big mistake, she wants in. They'll do it together, that way there's back up. What could go wrong, right?

This book is funny, and sexy but sometimes I wanted more from their wedding hijinks than I got. Max and Sophie have chemistry but I needed a bit more emotion from them. The ending delivered, for sure!

Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Lynn Painter has done it again! I’ve been a huge fan of her writing and storytelling after I first picked up ‘Accidentally Amy’ in April of last year. I’ve been going through her entire collection since then, so to be granted an eARC for her latest Adult Romance nearly made me cry.

Sophie’s wedding ceremony is interrupted by an objector, and she’s absolutely relieved by it. Desperate to get out of her engagement, her best friend hires Max to step in and air out her fiancé’s mess so she can walk out scot-free. Months later, Max reaches out to Sophie to offer her the opportunity to do the same for another groom in distress. And it all spirals from there.

Sophie and Max just might be my new favorite Adult Romance couple from Painter. They’re both complex with their individual reasonings as to why they’re willing to put themselves in the line of fire in order to help others escape a life they no longer want. I relate to Sophie’s stubbornness and had so much fun watching Max fall harder and harder for her. I love a good Dual POV and could feel my heart pound waiting for the two of them to figure themselves out. I was kicking my feet and squealing the entire time while reading this one, and I cannot wait to get my hand on a physical copy.