This is one spicy and fun book. Absolutely love the main characters and the journey they went on to find true love. Add this to your tbr right now. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy.

This book was a very fun read. Elsie and Ginny are both very relatable characters, and I think the pacing was really great throughout the book. My least favorite part of romance novels is always the miscommunication trope, but I thought that it was done a lot better here than in a lot of books that I've read. It was clear and understandable why Elsie and Ginny made the choices they did, and their motivations for their actions, even when they weren't the best choices. I would have liked to see a little bit more of their relationship outside of the setting of the honeymoon, but even without that, there was good development between Elsie and Ginny and in their relationship. I enjoyed Cleat Cute, but I enjoyed My Best Friend's Honeymoon even more. If you were a fan of Cleat Cute, then you'll definitely like My Best Friend's Honeymoon.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advanced copy!
Rating: 4.25/5, rounded to 4/5

I couldn’t finish this. The characters didn’t resonate with me, the spicy scenes were good but something about the romance and everything else just felt off for me.

"My Best Friend's Honeymoon" is a fun and spicy beach read that explores the classic best-friends-to-lovers trope with a modern twist. The story kicks off with Elsie ditching her surprise wedding plans and jetting off to the Caribbean with her best friend Ginny, who has secretly loved her for years. The dynamic between Elsie and Ginny is full of tension and humor, especially as Elsie starts to realize what she truly wants. While the romance felt a bit rushed at times, the chemistry between the characters was undeniable. The book shines in its representation, featuring a bi main character and a non-binary character, which added depth to the story. Although I wished for more development in their friendship before the romance took off, it was still an enjoyable read perfect for a lazy afternoon. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!

Elsie Hoffman has been engaged to her college boyfriend for a year and a half. Ginny Holtz has been in love with Elsie for almost a decade and a half. When Elsie discovers her fiancé already planned their wedding and honeymoon as a surprise and she’s expected to be in a white dress in seven days, she swiftly realizes she’s let herself become too comfortable with a future she never wanted. She breaks things off, and a week later is on a plane to the Caribbean for her non-refundable honeymoon with her best friend Ginny instead.

Ginny thinks it’s high time Elise learned how to speak up for herself. So, they make a deal with her. For the next week, Elsie can have whatever she wants, wherever, however, and whenever she wants it, as long as she asks. They never expected Elsie to want them.

I'll read anything Meryl Wilsner writes! Overall, I enjoyed this one, but it fell a little flat for me, if I'm honest. It started out strong, there was tons of great 🌶️ in it, but the ending didn't hit me right. I prefer an emotional story, and I feel like the physical overshadowed that. 3.5⭐ rounded up!

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the advanced digital reader's copy (ARC) in exchange for an honest review!

thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC!

2.5 🌟 I took some time to digest before writing my review. even in 2024, quality sapphic media is (disappointingly) sparse and it can put disproportionate weight into what "good" representation means. while Meryl Wisner's literature has always been hit or miss for me, i was very hopeful upon reading the plot summary and excited to read this on my vacation.

unfortunately, this book just didn't do it for me. the characters lacked the maturity to truly work through the challenges presented in the novel - i mean come on, we have a 22-year-old breaking off her engagement and feeling like her life is over? as a midwestern married girlie i'm not one to judge, but it felt like an odd timeline to establish in the adult romance genre. the whole story would've held more weight - emotionally and practically - by aging the MCs up to their 30s... or jeez, maybe 28 to start?

Elsie's b-plot made no sense and frankly, caused me pain to read. we spent 300+ pages establishing her toxic family dynamic and narc mom, only for her to marginally gain her father's respect and "make it work" by the end of the novel? i found it odd to spend so much time with this plotline and arrive at a fledgling resolution, especially given the lack of character development among side characters and Elsie's throughline being "asking for what she needs".

this was quintessential sapphic rep in the sense that the MCs were incredibly chaotic, moved way too fast, and overlooked glaring relationship issues for the sake of "love". and yet, writing yet another lesbian couple incapable of discussing their feelings just feels tired and out of touch. i'd like to think we've grown past the "she's so pretty but totally in a friend way nothing else", but then again sabrina carpenter can kiss a woman in a music video and still have stans screaming about speculating on her sexuality 🙄

Sometimes you're just deeply in love with your life-long best friend, and you should never do anything to risk them not being in your life - right?

My Best Friend's Honeymoon is a cute beach read full of plenty of spice and will-they-won't-they moments.

vacation romance | asking for what you want | spicy | best-friends-to-lovers | bi mc | dual POV | non-binary mc

SPOILERS: I enjoyed how this book actually got better at the third act breakup because it forced the main characters to recognize some of their own codependency and in realizing things about themselves separately and how they wanted to exist in the world as individuals, they were still able to decide that they wanted to continue growing together.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for sending me an advance copy in exchange for a fair and honest review.

ACTUAL RATING 3.6
STEAMY RATING 4

Ginny and Elise are best friend's since childhood, Ginny has been in love with Elisa since they were teens. Elise just called off her engagement and is now off on the nonrefundable honeymoon with her best friend Ginny. Ginny will give anything to Elise so long as she asks, what could go wrong?

I wish i loved this book, as a nonbinary lesbian i love the representation, but the actual romance felt flat to me. Ginny and Elise are best friends but I feel like we see none of their actual adult friendship before they start fucking. The sex scenes were good though they did feel a little crushed together I wish they had done more on the actual trip besides fucking. It also felt a touch short maybe another 50 or so pages to flesh out the characters more.

Overall a very popcorn style book, good for a lazy day on the couch or a beach read.

The premise of this book had me so intrigued. If you're looking for a cute & steamy story, this is it.

After reading some of this author's previous work I was super surprised by how hot this book was! There were so many spicy scenes! With that said, I do wish there were more emotional moments between these two. It felt like a lot of spice for the sake of having spice. Which is why the conflict towards the end of the book made total sense to me. I think I just needed more special moments between all the steamy scenes.

This book is very fast paced and will keep your attention. I liked the vacation spot. Totally wished I was there.

Overall, I enjoyed this but wanted a little more from the romance.

Before we get into this review, I want to start by saying that as soon as Meryl announced this book and gave us the synopsis, I knew I would absolutely love this book. That being said, I was super thankful to have been given the opportunity to read this early. We start off with Elsie and Ginny, childhood best friends making the decision to go on Elsie’s honeymoon together because Elsie had just broken up with her fiancé Derrick. Derrick suggested that Elsie take Ginny on the honeymoon because it was non refundable and if he went it would make him too sad. Ginny agreed because they would do anything for their best friend. On the day they leave Ginny tells Elsie that she can have whatever she wants while on this trip, all she has to do is ask for it. Elsie starts off light, asking for five dollars, to swap seats on the plane, and even going as far to ask a flight attendant if they’ve caught anyone joining the mile high club. That being said, I loved the whole dynamic of Ginny giving Elsie the ability to truly feel comfortable asking for what she wanted. I love how their relationship bloomed from friendship to something more. In the best way possible you could see their relationship coming from a mile away because of the level of chemistry that they had. Meryl truly has a way of depicting their characters chemistry in every book. They way that they both jump to bat for each other, defending each other really warms the heart. I found myself really annoyed with Elsie and how she snapped and lost her mind at Ginny for leaving their job, and I felt that she was a bit to harsh. Elise was definitely being an over dramatic baby about the situation which I really did not enjoy. Bonus points to Meryl for naming Ginny’s dog Rufus because I had a dog named Rufus lol. Back to the main point of the review. I love the dynamic between Elsie and her sister Danielle, and how she seems to be the only one who really listens to her and sees her, and knows what to say and when to say it. I wish that we had gotten more chapters with the two of them together. I loved their final confession so much and I was so glad that they were able to work everything out in the end. This book was an amazing read and I highly recommend it.

My Best Friend’s Honeymoon by Meryl Wilsner has a cute premise, but it didn’t fully grab me. The idea of two best friends ending up on a honeymoon together has so much potential, and while there were sweet and *spicy* moments, the chemistry and story didn’t quite hit the mark for me.
I wanted more depth and emotional payoff, but instead, parts of the story felt a little surface-level.
It’s a decent, light read if you’re into friends-to-lovers romances, but it didn’t leave a lasting impression. Not bad, just not amazing either!

I love Meryl Wilsner's books! This one was amazing just like the others. I didn't want to put this one down. I am so glad the characters had the growth they did. I can't wait for the next book!

I was really excited to pick up this book and overall I enjoyed the read. I did however have some problems with it that I just couldn't get over.

Positives! I really enjoyed Ginny and their character! They are truly devoted to Elsie and their friendship. I am very proud of them for taking the space they needed to establish themself and what they want in life outside of their friendship with Elsie.
I enjoyed the discussion that friendships, just like relationships, take a lot of work from both parties. It is very clear that both of them care deeply for each other.

My issues with the book stem from Elsie and her character. The majority of the book I found it hard to root for her. I did enjoy how her arc wrapped with her family and the store but think she is still a bit immature for my taste. Also the pacing was a lot. It went from 0 to 100 and back to 0 very quickly. I needed a little more yearning and pinning instead of inner monologues about how they never acknowledged/ communicated their feelings.
I wish we got more honeymoon content other than sex honestly. The smut was good but I wanted more time on the island exploring and adventuring together.

Thank you to St. Martins Press and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Alright, alright, alright.

As an iconic actor would say.

Here's how I would classify this read.

Cleat Cute-excellent
Mistakes Were Made-excellent
Something to Talk About and now, My Best Friend's Honeymoon-ok

Author reveal that Ginny pined for Elsie for years is included in the blurb. So, that's no surprise. The author offers up childhood experiences and family dynamic to explain Elsie's inner turmoil over her identity. For me, that was not enough to truly root for her as felt she was too self-involved to give Ginny what they deserved after years of devotion.

This ARC was provided by the publisher, St. Martin's Press, via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Godni love being gay, I love being nonbinary, I love sapphic love so goddamn much, I love a romance that is so hot and can also have me on the brink of tears. I loved Ginny, and Elsie. Meryl Wilsner shot to the top of my favorite authors with Cleat Cute and this did not disappoint at all.

I enjoy every book I read by Meryl Wilsner more than the last. I loved this book, and I honestly think it’s a contender for “perfect romance novel” (at least based on my subjective criteria). It had the ideal blend of sexiness and sweetness, plus well-developed characters with compelling backstories.

Elsie (the best friend to whom the honeymoon belongs) recently broke up with her fiancé Derrick. I was impressed by the author’s ability to demonstrate why Elsie loved him and was willing to stay with him for so long, while simultaneously making it clear why their relationship wouldn’t work. Elsie is proudly pan and Derrick is supportive of her identity no matter what.

Ginger is a fat non-binary lesbian. Ginger is such an amazing character. I was rooting for them the whole time! The book, including all the sex scenes, are body positive.

Speaking of the sex scenes, they were so hot and well-written! Perfection! I also appreciated that the author includes activities that aren’t normally described in romance novels (including but not limited to period sex).

I highly recommend! The only downside to this book is how long we all need to wait before it is published (April 2025).

Highlights:
- friends to lovers
- 🔥 amazing spice 🔥
- tropical vacation
- Pan Woman x Non-Binary Lesbian

Thank you to NetGalley for a free copy!

My Best Friend’s Honeymoon by Meryl Wilsner is a heartfelt, steamy, and beautifully nuanced exploration of love, friendship, and self-discovery. Wilsner’s signature charm shines in this friends-to-lovers romance, making it a standout, especially with its thoughtful representation of a nonbinary lead.

The story centers on Elsie, who abruptly calls off her engagement after realizing she’s been drifting toward a future she doesn’t want. Enter Ginny, her lifelong best friend and secret admirer, who accompanies Elsie on her nonrefundable honeymoon to the Caribbean. What starts as an idyllic escape and a pact to help Elsie rediscover her voice soon ignites into something far deeper—an undeniable chemistry that neither of them can resist.

Wilsner expertly balances tenderness and tension, delivering swoon-worthy moments and sharp, emotionally resonant dialogue. Elsie’s journey of reclaiming her agency, paired with Ginny’s quiet but steadfast love, creates an achingly beautiful dynamic. The pacing feels natural, with flashpoints of passion giving way to vulnerability, while the lush setting adds an extra layer of escapism.

At its heart, My Best Friend’s Honeymoon is about learning to ask for not only what you want but what you deserve. It’s a celebration of love in all its forms—messy, honest, and transformative. Fans of slow-burn romances with spice, complex emotions, and authentic LGBTQ+ representation will devour this book and find themselves rooting for Elsie and Ginny long after the final page.

I thought this book was really silly and fun. I thought the connection between the characters was really genuine. This book was maybe too spicy for my taste, but I know that there is an audience that will LOVE it for that reason.

I’m a fan of Wilsner’s previous works, but I just cannot get into this one. It’s living in this weird middle ground for me that the characters are too realistic, but the concept and story are too unrealistic that it’s not relatable or interesting enough to read as “an escape”. This isn’t really good criticism, more just a personal explanation on why it’s not for me.
The relationship moves really fast. The “it’s always been you” doesn’t really work when you’ve rejected them before and you’ve just gotten out of a three year relationship. Doesn’t matter that you didn’t want to marry him, you’re on the honeymoon.

This would be a much, much shorter book if they had tried to talk to each other over the previous fifteen to twenty years of being best friends. But they don't, and that is the only think keeping them apart.

In addition, the book is massive chunks of internal monologue, all dithering and worrying. Even things that could be dialogue and action get sucked into the internal voices. While going over the resort's activities, one of them could have looked at horseback riding and said "Remember how horse crazy were were in 5th grade?" But instead we get a bunch of explained memories on the way to the stables. People don't explain their memories to themselves, so it just reads as fake.

The major dialogue and action is the part where with zero buildup they jump into bed together and don't get out for four days. Or maybe five. I was skimming after several chapters of sex scenes, eager to get back to some plot and character development. I've read sex scenes that did move the romance arc and character arcs forward, but this over-long section brought the book to a screeching halt while they screwed like bunnies.

Then it is back to more internal monologues and moping. Actual romance? None to be found in this book, just self-inflicted angst.

By the time they get together, it was a relief because I could be done with the book. I'd stopped caring about Elsie and Ginny long before.

Meryl Wilsner seems to have an odd/even book thing going. Her first book, [book:Something to Talk About|52915426], was a tense trip through caring deeply about someone at work, but avoiding MeToo, plus discrimination in Hollywood. Then [book:Mistakes Were Made|59808269] was a big pile of red flags about power imbalance, secret guilty hookups, deceiving your daughter, and an unconvincing HEA. It wasn't taboo, rather creepy AF. Then [book:Cleat Cute|65214313] was just fine, balancing the individual, group, and romance in a soccer team. Now we have this book, which isn't bad so much as weak, very weak. So that is two five-star books interleaved with a one-star and a two-star book. At this point, I have no idea what to expect from her.

St. Martin's Griffin was kind enough to provide me with an advanced reading copy via NetGalley for an honest review.