Wedding Issues is a little 27 Dresses meets Bride Wars, with a dash of Legally Blonde sprinkled in, and it made for the most delicious debut.

Olivia Fitzgerald can talk her way in and out of anything, which is perfect because she’s going to be a lawyer practicing Big Law in NYC when she finishes 3L in Nashville. When she finds herself as maid of honor for not one, but two weddings mere weeks apart, Olivia must put her negotiation skills to the test to secure one of her lucky brides a coveted cover on Southern Charm magazine. But which one will she help win?

Throw in a scheming aunt, her best friend’s dreamy brother and double the bridal event drama and you have yourself Elle Evans’ hilarious debut. I especially enjoyed the fresh takes on the bridal shower and bachelorette parties, and the sprinkles of romance to break up all the bridal drama. While this is being released as a rom-com, I think there’s not really enough emphasis on the rom to make it one. Rather, I think this is definitely a strong women’s fiction novel. Perfect for your beach bag, this one comes out April 2nd from your favorite local indie.

Thank you to Elle Evans, Zibby Books and NetGalley for an early e-copy of the book for an honest review.

Every so often I will read a book then find myself checking to see what genre it's listed under. In this case, Wedding Issues is listed as a contemporary romance and I've got to admit, I don't agree with this at all. The is it, isn't it that plagues this book is going to leave romance readers disappointed. I think Wedding Issues is a woman's fiction book.

The overall story is ridiculous and funny. Liv has planned her life out to the final detail but when she becomes the Maid of Honor to her best friend Leighton and her cousin, Kali, with the cover of a big magazine on the line; nothing ever seems to go the way Liv envisions it. Liv is a Type A person, as a fellow Type A person I didn't find her as grating as other reviewers mentioned. I also thought the queer representation was done well throughout the book, but I would have liked to see less assumptions behind Aunt Charlotte's motives being made and more dialogue. The real standout character in Wedding Issues was Adithya. Down to earth, witty and charming, I really enjoyed his ability to pop Liv's balloon and call her out. I felt Will, the romantic interest, was unnecessary. Their conversations bordered on something I'd expect out of a middle grade romance---wholly unlikable and zero chemistry with Liv, I just couldn't connect.

If you enjoy reality TV show, loads of family drama and manipulation then Wedding Issues is for you. But be warned, this isn't going to be the romance of your dreams and the ending leaves entirely too much unsaid.

Thank you Zibby Books for the gifted ARC!

****Publishing April 2, 2024****

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Olivia’s life is hectic, trying to finish law school and securing her job offer. She is also helping her best friend, Leighton, win the opportunity to be the bride for the cover for Southern Charm Magazine. When her Aunt Charlotte hears about the opportunity, she decides to make it a competition, so her daughter Kali can win it. Her Aunt pressures Olivia to be maid of honor for both brides. Depending on who wins, it will either help Olivia to boost her career or help secure her relationship with her boyfriend, Will. With Aunt Charlotte sabotaging Leighton’s wedding planning, will this affect her chance to win? Who will win in the end? Will it be as easy as it seems? This highly entertaining read will have you turning the pages to find out.

If you are looking for a fun, light and entertaining read that will make you laugh, then add this book to your TBR list! If you are fans of wedding-themed TV shows, then this book will be appealing! A great book to take on vacation!

Thanks to Zibby Books, I was provided an ARC of Wedding Issues by Elle Evans via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. #WeddingIssues #NetGalley

Elle Evans' debut novel is an absolute joy to read! A true romcom that I devoured quickly. I will say that I felt a bit anxious reading some of the mishaps that were happening which is great because it evoked the emotion that a reader should have when they invest themselves into the characters. I loved Elle's writing and felt I was experiencing exactly what the characters were going through in the moment.

This is a fun read that has twists which don't seem plausible and yet, you'll be wondering if some of these things could really happen...and I'm sure they could and probably have!

Book Review: Wedding Issues: A Novel
Stars: 4 X 5
Author: Elle Evans
Publisher: Zibby Books

Olivia “Liv” Fitzgerald is a driven young woman. She keeps her life structured and planned. She has one more year of Law School to complete. All is going well until her nasty aunt decides to play a game with Liv’s best friend Leighton and her cousin Kali. They are both contenders for the cover of Southern Charm Magazine. Liv wants to keep the Aunt Charlotte happy and doing her best to help with Kali’s wedding. Liv is also doing everything she can to ensure that Leighton gets the cover the magazine. It is a bit chaotic for Liv as she is trying to finish law school, be a great friend to Leighton and work diligently with Kali for her wedding. She has many engagements she has to attend. She had engagement parties, rehearsal dinners and so much more wedding planning to navigate. Liv does her best to balance it all together without going nuts. Liv goes through so much as she learns to navigate all of this. During this time she learns about true friendship, happiness, family dynamic and love.

If you have ever been involved in planning any part of a wedding, you will hugely relate to everything in this book. It was a great fun read.

The premise of the book was fun, two brides trying to win the cover of a magazine. I loved Olivia’s character but could have cared less for the romance, which made me a little sad because it’s suppose to be a rom com. But regardless it was fun to read

2.5⭐️ and ONLY because some of the stuff that happened in this book was mildly hilarious.
I struggled to get through this book as there was no real plot and it was slow moving/repetitive.

maybe i didn’t love it because it felt like i was watching an episode of housewives and i usually save that type of chaos for my tv watching instead of book reading?
there is only a little romance, it mostly follows Olivia who is the MOH of two weddings a week apart and the two brides are competing to be on the cover of a magazine.
Thank you Zibby and NetGalley for the arc of this book!

Wedding issues is a funny, smart coming-of-age story perfect for readers of Emily Henry or Christina Lauren.

Liv finds herself maid of honor for two weddings each competing for the bridal cover of a magazine. She tries to pitch her best friend for a magazine cover, then gets pulled into a family rivalry and now the two brides are competing for the issue. Liv prides herself on being able to talk anyone into anything, a trait she’s counting on for her future as a lawyer, so this task should be easy for her. What follows is a clever unveiling of engagement parties, cake tastings, wedding dress shopping and rehearsal dinners that will have you rooting for Liv as she balances all these demands.

Full of unique and crazy characters, this story sends the reader on a ride full of ups and downs as Liv learns about herself along the way. The representation of an LBBTQ+ couple, dysfunctional family dynamics and a forbidden love interest fill out the plot in this entertaining and fast debut novel.

Thanks to NetGalley and Zibby Books for the advanced copy in return for my honest review.

At first, I found the premise so far-fetched that it seemed unrealistic. However, as the story went on, I found myself wanting to find out how it unfolds in this Bride Wars duel.

The cover catches your eye quickly, and the story accurately captures the organized chaos that is wedding planning. The romance wasn’t my favorite but it still remains a fun rom com for other readers.

Thank you to Zibby Books and NetGalley for this ARC.

I wanted to like this book, I really did. Interesting premise, in trying to pitch her best friend for the cover of a southern living magazine, Liv gets tied up in a family rivalry and the cover turns into a competition, except Liv is also the maid of honor for her cousin who is competing for her own reasons. I liked that the book explored so many family dynamics and pushed for LGBT inclusion, but Liv is such a manipulative character and only really “redeems” herself in the end by manipulating those around her. Will is right to call her out, and they ending up together seems like a convenient wrap up rather than a fitting end to the story. As much as Liv hates her controlling Aunt, she’s exactly like her and I didn’t buy her “ forgiveness tour” With her friend and cousin.

Can you imagine being the maid of honor in two weddings just weeks apart and also being a full time law student? That is the basis of this fun, topsy-turvy novel. Then throw in a few mean girls and a crazy family for even more adventure.
I loved this book and the craziness of these characters. While a few of the scenarios were a bit over the top, the characters were true to form and easy to root for.
Wedding Issues is a fun romp through the wedding season and all the over the top events that surround it. We can all connect to the idea of bride-zillas and the stress of a wedding. Elle Evans has captured the way this affects people and made it funny and fun!

Wedding Issues was a cute story filled with wedding planning drama. The main character was not the most likable person to me so I found it hard to get invested in the story. Would be a good beach read. Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.

This story started out as a written Bridal Wars, but as it progressed, like the movie, morphed into more. Liv started out as focused on getting a job in big law and pursuing her best friend's brother. But as the story goes on, more sides emerge for Liv--she realizes that she maybe can't control everything, although when she does disaster happens. This book has a litter bit of everything--a lot of humor, (poison ivy in the flower crowns), romance (although I admit, I thought it was going to go another way), an)vil aunt (well kind of an evil step-mother) and a perfect ending for everyone.

Somehow Olivia went from a chance encounter with a fashion magazine editor to coordinating and planning two weddings all while she navigates her third year of law school. She only wanted to help promote her bestie's clothing line but when her Aunt Charlotte hears of the coveted meeting, she crashes the luncheon and hijacks all of Olivia's plans for getting Leighton on the June bridal issue cover. Threatening to sabotage Olivia's chances at getting a job offer from the high powered law firm she's been interning at; Aunt Charlotte blackmails Olivia into planning her daughter's wedding too--and insuring that her daughter graces the bridal issue cover. The editor at the magazine decides to make it a competition between the brides and then the true sabotage work begins!
Mix in a forbidden childhood crush who is showing interest in her and a bestie law buddy who lives across the hall (who also wants to be more than friends) and Olivia has got her hands full.
Aunt Charlotte's character is a bit over the top and is comparable to Cruella deVil. Olivia seems self centered at times although she denies it. If you can keep the hi-jinks in check, you'll have a good read ahead of you!

Okay but first can we talk about the cute cover? I instantly requested when I saw it, and then read the blurb and just had to have it! This is such a cute story if you love anything with to do with the chaos of wedding planning. A competition of best friends is also one of my favorite tropes but what I appreciated most is Liv coming into her own and realizing what she wants out of life. There were so many funny laugh-out-loud moments that made me so happy. This is the first time I've read Elle Evans and can't wait for more- 4/5 stars!

I really enjoyed this book! The main character, Liv, is a maid of honor in two rival weddings competing for a magazine cover. It was a really cute and unique concept and a great story! I loved the dueling wedding storyline and reading about Liv’s growing relationship with her cousin. I didn’t love the romance, but everything else in the book made up for it! I’d definitely read more from this author in the future!

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for this ARC!

I am going to start this review by telling you that I will likely read every book that Zibby Books publishes. I find so many of them to be bright, engaging, fresh, and unique. And all of that was the case with Wedding Issues by Elle Evans! As a debut author, Elle Evans has done something special here! Her writing leaps off the page and makes you feel delighted that you spent your time with.

In Wedding Issues, we are introduced to Olivia "Liv" Fitzgerald, an ambitious young woman whose life is planned to perfection. Liz is about to become a lawyer and has the power to be able to persuade anyone into almost anything. However, her structured life is about to take an unexpected turn when her scheming aunt decides to pit Liv's best friend, Leighton, against her cousin, Kali, in a competition for the cover of Southern Charm magazine.
Now Liz is the one that has to perform miracles to ensure Leighton wins the cover, Kali's wedding plans progress smoothly, keep that pesky Aunt Charlotte happy, complete her final year of law school, and win over the man of her dreams. No problem!!

I love how the book takes us on quite the rollercoaster ride, from engagement parties to rehearsal dinners, as we watch Liz try to balance all her responsibilities. I could totally identify with Liz's relentless desire to be successful with all she is managing, and her uncomfortableness of realizing her own vulnerability and authenticity. You don't need to ever have been a bride to connect with Liz. I think every woman will! She is a protagonist we all can learn from, as she learns about herself. At the end of that day, isn't that what we are all doing on this earth - learning and growing through experiences?

I enjoyed Evans writing style and am always thrilled to read debut authors and react to how their words make me feel. This is a five star win for me!

Wedding Issues by Elle Evans is set to release on April 2, 2024. Thank you to Zibby Books and NetGalley for the chance to preview it!

This book was cute, funny, and it really captured my attention right off the bat. The second half was a little slow but I did enjoy it.

Wedding Issues! A more appropriate title might be "I have serious control issues and compelled to fix everyone else's issues but my own". A familiar condition to many of us, so I hope this doesn't come across as a criticism, because I really enjoyed this book. It exposes the conflicting emotions and motives we all feel when our friends achieve the milestones we were raised to believe to be the end all and be all of our lives, and how we may not necessarily elegantly navigate these events.

Ultimately this is an entertaining romp through southern wedding culture, southern traditions, and southern (mostly mildly) dysfunctional families and expectations, revealing the need we have for connection with friends and family..

A fun (and funny) read that will resonant with anyone that has hoped or loved, and why it's always advisable to put on your face mask first. The author is an entertaining writer and keeps the reader anticipating the next page turn.

This book was so cute! Thank you Zibby book and Netgalley for an ARC of this darling story!
Let's start off with the pros:
These characters were very well developed. I felt like I really understood all of them, their intentions, their motivations, and they were all very real characters with flaws and all. Even the sides characters were really developed. Even though I didn't love all of our main character's flaw, she did feel like a very real person.
This was a very unique plot. It didn't feel tired, overdone, or like anything I had read before. It kept me engaged, it was so entertaining, and I never felt like it fell into the "okay yes I've read this, I know how this is going to go." The pacing was great, the events were fun and really helped us know the main players, know the events, and progress the story. I really enjoyed this read.
The only things that stopped me from giving this 5 stars was the romance in the story and our main resolution. I felt like the main plot was so strong that I just did not care for the romance plot line. I wanted more brides! More events! Less Will! His reaction to Olivia's actions felt very sudden and even a little out of character, like it out a very abrupt halt onto their romance before it ever really got going.
Now the resolution. Our main character, who I get is flawed as people are, resolved her issues with her best friend at her wedding!!!!!!! That's so insane to me! And she framed it as "She would want me to do this, I need to resolve this for her." And maybe I just don't know these characters like she does but man did I think this was out of line. I would be furious if I told someone "do not do this here" and then they went and caused all of this havoc on my WEDDING DAY like 15 minutes before I'm supposed to leave! I know in the book they didn't care, but I cared so much it drove me crazy.

Overall, this book was really enjoyable and a cute read. I would absolutely recommend it! It was unique and relatable and very well done!