Not the typical holiday romance, added suspense with a dash of spice! I didn't realize this was the sequel. It was written in that it was fine as a standalone.
I liked the characters, however had a tough time getting drawn into the story. It seemed unrealistic that Gwen was so sheltered that she didn't realize what her life would be like once married to Caleb. Also, that she would leave for a conference so close to her wedding.
I liked the sexual tension between Jenny and Dean!

Dr. Melissa Dymond has truly hit it out of the park with Holiday Wedding! 🌟 After loving the first book in the series, I couldn’t wait to dive into this one, and it did not disappoint. The characters are richer, the romance even more heartwarming, and the holiday setting adds the perfect touch of magic to the story. ❄️💍

What I love most is how the author blends heartfelt moments with just the right amount of tension and drama to keep you turning pages. It’s the perfect blend of cozy, romantic, and festive—making it impossible to put down once you start.

I can’t wait to see what happens next! Already counting down the days until the next book drops in 2025. 🥂 If you’re looking for a feel-good read with depth, this one is a must!

✨𝐀𝐑𝐂 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰✨

“𝙄 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙞𝙩 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙡𝙤𝙤𝙠 𝙖𝙩 𝙢𝙚 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩,” 𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙖𝙮𝙨 𝙨𝙤𝙛𝙩𝙡𝙮. “𝙇𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩?” “𝙇𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙄’𝙢 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙛𝙖𝙫𝙤𝙧𝙞𝙩𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜.”

𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫 𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐲 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬: 1, 7, 21 & 38
𝐒𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐛𝐮𝐫𝐧: 58%
𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬: Grumpy x sunshine, forced proximity, he falls first
𝐏𝐎𝐕: 1st person, Dual POV

This book is told in dual POV, following two couples: Gwen and Caleb, who are planning their wedding, and Dean and Jenny, who are just beginning their romance. The story has a bit of a Hallmark movie vibe, especially when the suspense element kicks in.

As this is the second book in the series, I’d definitely recommend reading the first book first to get the most out of this one. While the setting of Gwen and Caleb’s wedding on Christmas Eve adds a holiday touch, I didn’t feel the same holiday sparkle I was expecting from the cover.

That being said, I did enjoy revisiting these characters, though I found I connected more with the first book. I’m currently in a bit of a book slump, so that might have impacted my enjoyment of this one overall.

The epilogue was probably my favorite chapter—it was such a surprise! I wasn’t expecting another book in this world, but I’m so excited to see what’s in store for Teddy!

This is the first book I have ready from this author, and I loved it! This book literally has it all - mystery, romance, and some adventure! It will for sure leave you wanting to know what happens next. I couldn’t put it down.

This book helped get me into the Christmas Spirit and now I am on a mission to read all the holiday romances!

Tropes:
Grumpy/Sunshine
Forced proximity
Enemies to lovers
Holiday romance (duh)
Dual POV
Suspense (just a tad)

Trigger warnings:
PTSD
Death of a parent (mentioned)
Sexual Content
Pregnancy
Stalking
Gun violence
Kidnapping
Mental health issues - panic attacks

My favorite quote in the book was “ Don’t you understand that when I walk into a room, you’re the one I see? When I sleep at night, it’s you dancing through my dreams. You are my past and my future. You are the only one for me.” This quote made me fall so hard for the MMC.

I am looking forward to reading more bu Dr. Dymond and will for sure be getting a physical copy of this book!

⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (3.5/5)

If you’re searching for a nontraditional Christmas romance with a mix of wedding shenanigans, a dash of mystery, and some sweet moments, Holiday Wedding delivers just that!

First off, I loved the heartfelt dedication and thought it was such a thoughtful touch that the author offers two versions of the book—a spicy/open-door version and a sweet/closed-door version. I opted for the spicy version, and the spice was well done!

This story had Hallmark vibes, but with a twist - a sweet, festive romance with added mystery and angst. The dual POV from best friends Gwen and Jenny added a unique perspective. Instead of the typical romance leads’ POV, you get to experience the story from the bridesmaid and bride’s perspectives. That said, a part of me wished we got Caleb and Dean’s POVs too, as it would have added a little more depth to the love stories.

Jenny’s character especially stood out to me. She’s a relatable mix of strength and vulnerability, battling low self-esteem due to her past rejections. Watching her journey unfold with Dean, the grumpy bodyguard, was both entertaining and touching. Their enemies-to-lovers dynamic, paired with forced proximity and some classic rom-com situations, brought a lot of fun to the story!

The illustrations scattered throughout the ebook were a fun surprise, adding a visual element to the storytelling.

While this can be read as a standalone, I think reading the first book would have given me more emotional connection to Gwen and Caleb’s relationship.

Overall, Holiday Wedding was a cute and easy read that combined romance, suspense, and that magical holiday feeling. It’s a fun read for anyone looking for a cozy, unique Christmas read with a mix of love and mystery.

Recommended for fans of:
🎄 Holiday romance with wedding drama
✨ Grumpy/sunshine dynamics
💌 Dual POV with a twist
🔍 A dash of suspense

📖 Thank you to NetGalley and the author for the ebook in exchange for my honest feedback!

I’ve read so many Christmas themed books recently and Holiday Wedding is definitely one of my favourites! This is the second book in the Holiday Romance series however it can also be read as a stand alone.

Dean suffers with PTSD and Jenny was so supportive. It did get quite emotional at some points, I shed a few tears which is rare for me.

I hate third act break ups, and although there were a few disagreements between the characters, it wasn’t a major issue, in-fact it added extra layers to the story line (in a good way).

I would definitely recommend this book if you are looking for a slightly angsty read, a few (very) steamy scenes and light banter. I can’t wait to read the next book about Jennys brother

This is such a cute book. It’s got your romance, holiday cheer vibes, and suspenseful. Every page left me wanting to turn it. From learning about each character to finding out what happens next. I love that it was warm and fuzzy with some mystery and plot twists. Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.

Heartwarming and suspenseful holiday romance that tells two engaging love stories. Gwen and her celebrity fiancé, Caleb, navigate problems leading up to their Wedding. Meanwhile Gwen’s best friend, Jenny, navigates a enemies-to-lovers relationship Dean, the bodyguard.

This book offers festive charm, romantic tension, and mystery. Dual perspectives and tropes like forced proximity and grumpy-sunshine. Glad i got to read the spicy version thanks to NetGalley!

This was a great follow up to Holiday Star. This installment is centered on Jenny, our BFF from book 1, & Caleb’s bodyguard, Dean (if you read the descriptions of Dean & immediately go to Winchester, we should be friends). Jenny is sunshine, California, chatty, & fun. Dean is grumpy, stoic, & a man of few words. We get chapters from Gwen as well, this 📕 is centered around Christmas time & the upcoming nuptials of Gwen/Caleb. This was great because it means we also got more Alvina & I absolutely ADORE her, how can you not? I think Jenny’s inner monologue might be my favorite.
Along with the light heartedness, this one touches on some more serious topics, similar to the 1st. I truly love how the author highlights the box women are put into their whole lives. We aren’t allowed to be multifaceted, we’re what people want us to be & they don’t like when we choose not to fall in line. Jenny’s body issues are painful & relatable. The author painted a picture well, I felt like I was in the memory, as if it were my own. I will say there was something that happens in this one, a bit of a catalyst that seemed a bit far fetched to happen in 2024, but I get why it was utilized. This book included what is probably my most hated book trope (not included in the slides), but it was done in a way that I didn’t hate (I still didn’t love it) & I would never punish an author for that decision anyway, that’s a *me* thing. Overall, I’d give it 4.5⭐️, inline with the first. I look forward to the 3rd 📕 that I’m pretty sure we’ll be getting 😏

𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁: Binge worthy, I loved this one! It was so fun getting to continue on Caleb and Gwen’s romance while getting to see Jenny and Dean also fall along the way. As always these books are full of cuteness, spice and perfect level of suspense all wrapped up in a perfect read.

Caleb and Gwen are planning a secret wedding for close family and friends on Christmas Eve in NYC. It’s two weeks until the big day but Gwen needs to head to CA to give her cancer research presentation at a medical conference. It’s not ideal timing but it’s a big opportunity for her career. It will be the first time her and Caleb will be apart since they reunited 2 years ago.

Jenny is a journalist working the celebrity column, since she’s best friends with Gwen who’s marrying one of the most famous faces in Hollywood she was assigned their wedding. She will be in NYC the next two weeks helping all things wedding while Gwen is away. What she didn’t count on was all the time she would have to spend with Dean.

Dean is Caleb’s bodyguard so he is always around. They don’t really get along due to grudges from a past incident. However they will have to team up to help smash out wedding tasks and with the heightened threat of Caleb’s stalker who seems to be getting more aggressive as the wedding nears.

Come join the wedding of the century and see what it takes to get Caleb and Gwen down the aisle because it will be a whirlwind!

𝑳𝒊𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒓𝒚 𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒎𝒆𝒔 𝒀𝒐𝒖’𝒍𝒍 𝑭𝒊𝒏𝒅:

* Two Love Stories!
* Bodyguard x Journalist
* Celebrity x Doctor
* Forced Proximity
* Grumpy x Sunshine
* Snowed In and Only 1 Bed
* Split CA & NYC
* Two Weeks Leading to Christmas
* Suspense w/ Spice🔥

🎄⛪️❄️🩺 🎄⛪️❄️🩺 🎄⛪️❄️🩺 🎄

*Holiday Wedding* is a good mix of romance, mystery, and holiday charm. It tells the story of an actor/singer, and a doctor, as they navigate the whirlwind of wedding planning. Their relationship feels heartfelt and authentic, even though I did not read the first book in the series.

The real twist? (NO SPOILER THOUGH) The inclusion of Jenny, the FMC, Gwen’s, best friend, and Dean, the MMC, Collab’s brooding bodyguard, in a parallel enemies-to-lovers romance. The dual POV structure intertwines these two love stories, creating a unique narrative that balances sweet, emotional moments with suspense. However, I do wish there was more character development around Collab and Dean’s perspectives.

While the book keeps its Hallmark-style sweetness, it also tackles meaningful topics like cancer and includes a stalker subplot that adds a layer of mystery and tension. The stalker element is intriguing, but I couldn’t help wanting more from it and more of a resolution in this part of the story—it wraps up a bit too neatly and quickly for my taste.

Dr. Dymond really creates a festive holiday atmosphere, perfect for curling up with a cozy blanket and hot cocoa. The romance scenes are thoughtfully written, and the distinct personalities of Gwen and Jenny make it easy to shift between their perspectives. Bonus points for offering both spicy and closed-door versions of the book, catering to a variety of comfort levels. I love when authors do this!

Whether you’re here for the romance, the mystery, or the holiday vibes, *Holiday Wedding* is a delightful read.

NOTE: I read the spicy/open-door version :P

If you like rom-coms, you have come to the right place because not only is it a really fun book, but it was also ADDICTING! I wasn't quite sure what to expect going into it, but it definitely started off my holiday season right!

Something I was presently greeted with was the writing and storytelling in this. I genuinely loved the way that the author handled talking about sensitive topics and things that are more sensual, as well as her ability to weave storylines together and get me to care about characters. When I tell you I instantly fell in love with all the characters and was deeply invested in all of their lives I mean it.

Melissa Dymond, I want to be you when I grow up. Not me being a wannabe author and pre-med. Teach me your ways.

I'll admit to not having read the first book in this series (oops), but I don't think you need to in order to have an absolute blast planning a wedding and falling in love.

Overall, I'd give this book a 10/10.

Thank you so much to NetGalley for allowing me the opportunity to read this book for free in exchange for an honest review.

So this book had several cool things going for it outside the story itself! First up, the author has a spicy and a mild version of the book so you can choose your own adventure. I haven't seen this done before, and while I am always going to default to spicy I think this is a really cool option for readers! Secondly, the book comes with illustrations in the chapters! Hello!! This is so cool, more books should do this. It helps to give you visuals to go with the scenes (the only illustration I was missing was one from that dressing room scene...swoon!) The story itself, I wish I had read book one (that's on me I didn't realize it until I was already in too deep!). But I loved the dual perspectives and dual romance storylines. The tropes that would normally annoy me were well done here and I enjoyed them! Also loved the casual ACOTAR and ACOMAF references!

Thanks so much for a copy of this unique read, NetGalley!

What could be more fun than a Christmas Wedding? That’s the central focus of Holiday Wedding. I read Holiday Star last year so it was great to be back with Gwen and Caleb seeing them prepare to cement their HEA. However, you don’t need to have read the first book to enjoy this one as the author subtly weaves in enough back story to satisfy everything you need to know. While dual POV, this book is a little different as we see events unfold through the eyes of Doctor Gwen and her best friend Jenny, a reporter. This also lets us enjoy a second romance arc, as Jenny, still hurting over her loathsome ex, eventually gets her man too. Despite the suspense sub plot adding a sinister undertone, this is a lighthearted read and I breezed through it.
Thank you to author Dr. Melissa Dymond and NetGalley for this ARC.

Gwen and Caleb are finally ready to take the leap and start their promising future together. They can't think of a better way than to having their wedding during the Christmas Holiday season! But things go amiss when Caleb's non-serious stalker changes their tune. Caleb getting married is not acceptable and he must pay.

Jenny feels like after her previous slip-up that Caleb and Gwen will never trust her like they did before. She regrets compromising their trust for this dead in journalist job she is stuck in where her ex-boyfriend is inconveniently also her boss. When her and the grumpy Dean (Caleb's head of security and personal body guard) tag along for the wedding shenanigans, she discovers that there is more to Dean, as well as herself.

Key Tropes:
Enemies to lovers ⚔️
One bed 🛌
Grumpy ☀️ Sunshine
He falls first 🫠
Good Girl 💋
Snowed in ❄️
Forced proximity 👩‍❤️‍💋‍👨
Found family 👭
Soulmates 💞

There is a sweet version and a spicy version of this book. I received the spicy version, but I’d hardly consider it spicy in today’s market.

The turn of Dean and Jennys relationship was very touching; I found it more interesting than Gwen and Caleb. I especially liked the moments of compassion and understanding during the PTSD episodes.

I think the book would have been stronger without Gwens POV. I assume I felt less invested in Gwen and Caleb because I didn’t read book one, Holiday Star. Not reading book one did not impact my ability to enjoy Holiday Wedding; I was just more invested in the budding romance versus the committing couple.

Two things I always enjoy about this author’s books is her conscious decision to highlight issues that need more attention and that her romances always have a secondary plot line.

I am absolutely buzzing with excitement! This book is a delightful treasure trove of ideas that perfectly blend the magic of the holiday season with the romance of weddings.

From festive decor that sparkles like the twinkling lights on a Christmas tree to unique themes that embrace the spirit of the season, Dr. Dymond has truly outdone herself. I loved her suggestions for incorporating seasonal flavors into the menu—think spiced cider cocktails and gingerbread-inspired desserts that will leave your guests raving!

And let’s talk about the entertainment! The idea of a holiday-themed photo booth with props like Santa hats and reindeer antlers? Genius! It’s the perfect way to capture those candid moments that everyone will cherish.

What really stood out to me was her emphasis on creating a warm, inviting atmosphere that encourages guests to mingle and celebrate. The tips on cozy seating arrangements and festive games are just what you need to keep the energy high and the laughter flowing.

Holiday Wedding by Dr. Melissa Dymond is the first book I have read by her. It is a fun story that covers mystery, relationships and some adventure. This is a multi faceted holiday story that has a little something for everyone. It also has a dual POV that flows and mixes well.

Thank you netgalley for an arc of Holiday Wedding by Dr. Melissa Dymond

I really enjoyed reading this book! Holiday Wedding is a holiday romance with a mystery subplot. I loved the different POVs of both Gwen and Jenny, and getting to see both of their relationships and stories. This would be a great novel to read this holiday season! It definitely got me in the Christmas state of mind 🎄

I really loved the writing style, and I found myself impressed at the perfect mix of emotion, suspense, comedy, and compassion throughout the book.

There are a few heavy topics in the book, so check the trigger warnings beforehand! There are two versions of the book—one with spicy/open door scenes, and one with closed door scenes/only kissing.

*Holiday Wedding* by Dr. Melissa Dymond is a delightful, cozy holiday read packed with festive charm and classic romance tropes. The story brings together a perfect mix of grumpy x sunshine, forced proximity, and enemies-to-lovers—complete with a single bed situation that adds just the right amount of tension. I found the blend of spice and closed-door scenes to be both unique and intriguing, offering a refreshing take on romantic storytelling. Interestingly, I didn’t realize this was a sequel until after I finished the book, but I never felt lost or like I was missing any key plot details. With warm holiday vibes and engaging characters, this book was a joy to read!

This was a wonderful book to start the holiday festivities— I’m in such a holiday mood now! Holiday Wedding is sweet and lighthearted with a touch of emotion. As a lover of thrillers, I really appreciated the mystery within the story and I loved seeing it unravel alongside the characters while maintaining levity. I do wish we got to read more about the mystery and the characters involved (it would be interesting to see the POV of the stalker!). All the characters were likeable— Gwen and Jenny had distinct voices and personalities so it was easy to jump between their POVs. Dr. Dymond does a great job enwrapping readers in the snowy holiday atmosphere (it’s snowing where I live, and I like to think that it was because I read this book lol). If there isn’t enough reason to pick up this book, there’s both a spicy and closed-door version so everyone can feel comfortable with what suits them, and 10% of proceeds are donated to colon cancer research!