Nearlywed is a romance that follows Ray & Kip on their "earlymoon" a sort of honeymoon before the wedding.

This was supposed to be a beach read, but I found it to be a lot more serious than the typical romantic comedy. While the book was focused on Ray & Kip's relationship, most of it was about them both overcoming their issues and growing together.

It did focus a lot on internalized homophobia from different relationships & social media's role in a relationship. I personally wish there had been a little bit more levity in this one, but it was really well written.

I listened to the audiobook & the narrator did a great job with Ray's voice and brought the character to life.

Thanks to NetGalley, Dreamscape Media, and Nicolas DiDomizio for the chance to read and review!!

I have a complaint with this book, in that the cover makes it look like the book is titled "Nearly Wed", two words. But if you try to add it to Goodreads Nearly Wed does not come up at all, and it's listed as Nearlywed, one word. This is just bad book advertising, and people are going to get frustrated looking for this book. I know I did.

I requested this one because I enjoyed The Gay Best Friend. Like that book, I don't think of this story as necessarily being a romance genre story - or, well, it is, but it's more like the sequel to a romance book. You know, the second book where your favs who had a happy ever after in the first book now have to deal with some new stressor that makes them worry they might have to break up? Yeah, that's what this book is.

There were some bits I didn't like. Like, most of this story feels like one giant anxiety attack for our main character, and it stressed me out. But I was still very entertained and liked the over all story. I am usually someone who will say "this is 2024, we don't need any more stories about trying to force someone out of the closet so you can date them", but this book presents a very interesting grey area with that concept: what if you've been dating someone for 5 years, you live together and are going to get married soon, and then find out they're lying to people saying you're just their buddy?

Overall I did enjoy this book and will be interested to read more by the author.

This was a quick easy read, and ultimately a cute HEA. The communication and success found by the couple was honestly quite touching, but felt just short of unbelievable. Some of the disagreements the MMCs had and especially one fight to at verged on victim blaming seemed much larger and deeper and needed a lot more discussion and parsing through. Overall it touched on some heavier topics but didn’t seem to delve into any one topic very deeply, but I do think some of the commentary of gay (cis white) male experience was interesting.

3.5 ⭐️

I feel like I went THROUGH IT with Ray and Kip during this whole book and was so invested in the outcome of their relationship.

The concept of an "early moon" as a romanticized little getaway to de-stress before your wedding is such a cute idea, but as you dive deeper into each couple's personal experience it turns out it's a space for them all to grow and truly communicate any outstanding issues and hang ups.

I enjoyed the perspectives from all the secondary characters and think they really helped to shape the outcome for Kip and Ray.

This felt like a real life deep dive into real issues couples work through, and wasn't a long, drawn out affair. The timeline was over the course of one week of vacation so it made it nice and succinct.

The audiobook narration by Michael Crouch was fun and I could really hear Ray in his voice.

This was such a fun book. I don't how many people do early moon in real life but honestly, way better way to destress before a big day, and think it should be a thing. I love how when you only look at the surface level at Ray and Kip. They shouldn't work. The story isn't the whole opposite attract. They have much more depth than that. This story explores more of what a relationship is, and how easy to forget a person is so much more than what they show. I loved this book and will be checking out other books by this author.

4.5 ⭐️Thank you, NetGalley, for the access to this audiobook! This was outside my usual genre, but the synopsis and cover piqued my interest. Ray, a hopeless romantic, sets off on an early honeymoon in his hometown with his fiancé Kip, who is private and avoids social media. Their ‘early moon’ challenges their love and commitment through various twists and turns. The story and characters were a captivating adventure on their own!

I am happy that I gave this one a chance. I did almost DNF a couple of times...but I stuck it out. My issues had to do with the juvenile communication tactics. I would have liked to have more of Kip's perspective, rather than just pieces of him during the arguments.

But on to the positives.
This book was a commentary on relationships between different generations. It is also a discussion of social media and how it affects relationships with the need for validation from anonymous people.

This is a hilarious book with many pop culture references and quips that kept me hanging on.

A cute LGBTQ+ rom com that tackles real life issues. This definitely has summer vacation vibes too, perfect for a beach read! I listened to the audiobook and I loved the narrator!

“𝐀𝐬 𝐛𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐜 𝐚𝐬 𝐢𝐭 𝐦𝐚𝐲 𝐬𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝, 𝐈 𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐮𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐛𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞. 𝐀𝐥𝐥 𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩𝐬 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐭 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤—𝐭𝐰𝐨 𝐩𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐥 𝐬𝐞𝐞𝐧, 𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐨𝐝, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝.”

I received an ALC from #NetGalley and Dreamscape Media and this review is for the audio version.

It's narrated by Michael Crouch and he's performance alone gets 5 stars. There wasn't a better voice out there for Ray.

The story itself is really good. It's full of emotion and heart and two people trying to meet each other half way, but resisting because of what they want.

So why the 3 stars? I think I'm so used to reading the "before" parts of a relationship that it took me a while to get into a story about people already together and having issues right before a wedding. Typically we see people in the meet cute and the falling in love phase that it took a while for me to wrap my head around why these two were together in the first place.

That said this story about Ray, a millennial columnist with a tendency to overshare, and Kip, a Gen X doctor that values his privacy above all else is really well written and the communication between the two characters is refreshing even if it takes the entire book to get a resolution.

I enjoyed it and thought the audio version well done, even if it's not the type of romance I usually pick up.

I picked this up without knowing much of anything because I loved DiDomizio's last release, The Gay Best Friend, so much. This was a great follow-up that discusses the closet, marriage, and compromise. I can see myself reading this again closer to getting married and taking even more away from it.

Nicolas Didomizo's "Nearlywed" is a smart, dazzling, and provocative summer comedy that delves into the complexities of modern relationships, especially the stark differences between online personas and real-life dynamics. Set against the backdrop of a luxurious coastal New England resort, the story follows Ray Bruno, a chaotic millennial ex-clickbait-writer, and Kip Hayes, a pragmatic Gen X doctor. Their early honeymoon turns into a series of escalating mishaps that test their compatibility in unexpected ways.

One of the most compelling aspects of "Nearlywed" is its exploration of how online perceptions can clash with reality. Ray, who has been oversharing his life online since his teenage years, embodies the chaotic transparency of the digital age. In contrast, Kip, valuing privacy above all, represents the more reserved and guarded approach to personal life. Their dynamic is fascinating, as Didomizo skillfully navigates the tension and humor that arises from their differing worldviews.

The plot is driven by a surprising encounter with another couple at the resort, leading to a cascade of miscommunications and mishaps. These moments are both hilarious and poignant, showcasing Didomizo's knack for blending comedy with deeper emotional truths. The resort setting provides a picturesque yet pressure-filled environment, heightening the stakes for Ray and Kip as they confront their issues head-on.

Didomizo's writing is sharp and witty, with a keen eye for the absurdities and challenges of contemporary romance. The dialogue sparkles with authenticity, and the characters are well-drawn and relatable. Ray's chaotic energy and Kip's steady pragmatism create a compelling contrast that keeps the reader engaged from start to finish.

While "Nearlywed" is undoubtedly a comedy, it also offers thoughtful commentary on the nature of love and commitment in the digital age. The novel asks important questions about how well we can truly know someone in an era where so much of our interaction is mediated through screens. Can a relationship that seems perfect online withstand the pressures and realities of everyday life?

Overall, "Nearlywed" is a delightful and insightful read that will resonate with anyone who has ever navigated the complexities of a modern relationship. It's a perfect summer read, offering both laughs and moments of reflection. Nicolas Didomizo has crafted a memorable story that is as entertaining as it is thought-provoking.

For fans of "People We Meet on Vacation" and those who appreciate a clever, character-driven comedy, "Nearlywed" is a must-read. It's a testament to the idea that love, in all its messy and unpredictable glory, is worth fighting for—even when it seems like everything might be falling apart.

I really enjoyed the audio of this LGBTQ romantic comedy. First, the setting of a quaint New England town since I am from New England was perfect. The characters were lovely and overcame many challenges over the story. The ending was perfect and they understood each other. Compromise is important and I think this story did a great job of emphasizing that.

This book might not be for everyone, but it really was for me. Despite kind of being a romance, it still managed to keep be guessing about where the plot would go at several points during the book. The difference here, is that our main character is divorced and engaged to someone else. They've already been together for 6 years when the story starts, but we still manage to become invested in the relationship by way of flashbacks.

There are struggles to be faced though, as you might expect. Both characters have their own issues and you might find yourself siding with one over the other during their conflict moments. And this is why I think I loved this so much. I identified with Kip in a lot of ways and I was concerned that, as he was not our POV character he would be proved to be wrong, but....well more would be spoilers.

All this to say that, while it might not be as fun as you might expect, it does have moments of levity in amongst really having something to say about gay relationships.

I was given access to the audio of this book by the publisher, via Netgalley. I couldn't have been more delighted to learn that it's narrated by Michael Crouch. He's potentially my favourite narrator. Excellent work, as always.

🎧Song Pairing: Always Be My Baby - Mariah Carey (this book needs Mariah)

💭What I thought would happen:

I thought it was 2 men meeting at a destination wedding. A trope I’m always down for

📖What actually happens:

Ray + Kip are off to Seabrook for an early-moon as their glam Hamptons wedding is coming up quick!

Ray starts to have some feels as Kip seems to still want to be in the closet, seems embarrassed of him and is feeling more like a golf buddy than a life partner. There’s lots to unpack on this trip (very little being the luggage).

🗯Thoughts/sassy musings:

Ok I live under a rock because I didn’t know an early-moon was really a thing. When you’re dropping $$ soon the last thing I thought was alas let’s splurge on a vacation right before 🙃 rich peoples

Nicholas’ last book was my fav of June 2023! The man writes excellent gay romance.

I was a little skeptical when the couple was already together at the start..my thoughts were ugh well this can only go downhill or it’ll be dreadfully dull😂

I enjoyed it! It won’t be a favourite of the year

First thing’s first: thank you Netgalley for the ALC of this book!
Nearlywed was a bittersweet and hopeful love story about Ray and Kip as they prepare to get married. Set at a New England resort in the town Ray grew up, the couple face fears and have hard conversations about their future.
I thought at first that I wasn’t really going to like this book. It was advertised as a rom com and I really wouldn’t classify it as such. Compare anything to People We Meet on Vacation and I’m going to have high standards!! Neither of the main characters were particularly likable at first and I’m going to be honest: it’s really hard for me to read books with unlikable characters. However! The journey they went on separately and together ended up being hopeful and beautiful which pulled the rating up for me. I actually ended up enjoying this one a lot!
3.5 ⭐️

4.5 stars - this was an absolute delight! I loved the main characters and the side characters. The story was great with no long drawn out 3rd act situation. There is one it’s just nipped up pretty quickly. Absolutely 100% will be reading more by this author. Also the narrators and audio production were top notch. Highly recommend picking this up via audio but honestly just read it anyway that works for you!!!!

I went into this book blind and it took me by surprise! The concept of a couple, who are opposites on paper, going on an early honeymoon only to hit a series of speed bumps along the way that force them to examine their past and shared history, relationship, communication, and the bonds that unite them was intriguing, captivating, and oh so messy. These characters’ stories and vulnerabilities were incredibly relatable and DiDomizio’s writing was full of so much heart that the characters’ emotional journeys and experiences left me teary and breathless.

This story was romantic and tender and very layered as it examines how our past, family, friends, hopes, and fears mold and influence our future and present relationships. I loved getting to follow Ray and Kip as they worked on their communication, shared their hearts, encouraged each other, and loved each other in both times of blissful and difficulty while fighting for the love and relationship of their own making.

The audiobook was SUPERB and I adored Michael Crouch’s narration. The listening experience was incredibly moving and I felt every emotion Crouch so expertly delivered in his performance as Ray and Kip.

Ray Bruno, ultimate oversharer, internet extraordinaire, and journalist, is only in his 30s and hates that he has already had one failed marriage. Ray has finally found the man of his dreams - someone who loves him, cherishes him, and does anything he can to make Ray happy, Kip Hayes.

ISSUE!!!! Dr. Hayes is a doctor but is also extremely closeted. Not only that, but he obviously doesn't want Ray to profess their love for each other like he has done in the past.

Ray's parents went on an "earlymoon" before they got married, and Ray had always wanted an earlymoon of his own. Kip agreed to this trip and made several other compromises on both parts of the wedding.

Ray's boss offers a fully paid trip if he agrees to write a piece about the earlymoon vacation and hotel. Kip, ever so weary of being outed to the public (and to his dentist, IYKYK), wants their relationship to be private, even though it was one of the assignment's requirements to mention their trip. It becomes increasingly clear that Kip and Ray couldn't be more different, and he begins to wonder if they'll be able to make it or if he should back out before he risks another failed marriage.

There are several bumps to see whether Ray and Kip are as compatible as Ray thought or if they should call the wedding and the relationship off.


OKAYYYYYYY I loved this book. I love most books, so I'm not a reliable source for picky readers, but I just loved everything about this book. The banter, the characters' personalities, and the overall writing were so well-done, and I have to shout all my praise from the rooftops.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the ARC!

A funny and heartfelt summer read about two gay men taking an 'earlymoon' before they get married which rather than being relaxing seems to bring up all the problems in their relationship they haven't dealt with before. Layered and great on audio narrated by Michael Crouch, this was an entertaining read perfect for fans of authors like Timothy Janovsky. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital and audio copy in exchange for my honest review!

Nearlywed by Nicolas DiDomizio in audiobook format with narration by Michael Crouch was absolutely wonderful. It follows engaged couple Ray Bruno and Kip Hayes on their getaway to the idyllic resort Ray had been dreaming about since his mother filled his childhood head with romantic notions of picture perfect weddings. With the 5 star resort known for the romantic concept of a getaway before the wedding to set aside the stress of planning, right behind the gates of a sprawling property in his hometown of Seabrook, CT, Ray had always known his Earlymoon would be the most romantic event of his life. When his turn for finally came, he talked up
his perfect week so much that his boss urges him to write a piece on the magic of his Earlymoon, with interviews of other guests and his own experience. He agrees, even knowing his fiancé is incredibly protective of his own privacy.
When Ray and Kip arrive at the resort and run into an old college buddy of Kip's and his fiancée, tiny cracks start to work their way through Ray and Kip's plans. And as Ray interviews other guests of the resort, he begins to become disillusioned by his conversations.
DiDomizio's novel puts a spotlight on Ray and Kip's struggle to truly communicate and break down the barriers that had been in place throughout their 6 year relationship. And yet, Nearlywed is still an unputdownable beach read. Ray and Kip's love for eachother comes out in every word DiDomizio writes. This book is one of the most honest looks at communication I've found in the romance genre. It goes beyond the surface level miscommunication and brings the listener in as Kip and Ray get to know one another all over again and have to decide if their authentic selves are as compatible as the couple who avoided the scary conversations they once were seemed to be. Narrator Michael Crouch perfectly captures the personality of Ray Bruno as the character dreams big dreams and confronts big truths. Again, I could not put this audiobook down until I knew how Ray and Kip would make their love work and get to their perfect wedding day.

Thank you to Dreamscape Media and Netgalley for the ALC of Nearlywed by Nicolas DiDomizio.