Member Reviews

I absolutely loved this book! It was so easy to follow, and I had no idea it was even part of a series until afterward—it works perfectly as a standalone! The Christmas theme added such a cozy, heartwarming touch, and I’m a sucker for holiday romances, so this was right up my alley. I also really enjoyed the dual POV. It made me feel so connected to both main characters, getting to see their thoughts and feelings as the story unfolded. If you're into festive romance stories with relatable characters, this one is a must-read!

Was this review helpful?

I love a fun holiday read. This was more than that and more than a silly rom-com. I didn't realize it was the second in a series, but I also don't feel like I was missing too much. I do wonder if I would have felt there was more depth to one of the main characters if I had read the first one. I like when books are more than just the couple that's going to end up together. There were different obstacles and storylines, which kept me interested. It was a quick, fun, holiday book and I actually want to go back and read the first one as well.

Was this review helpful?

To get to the altar on Christmas Eve will take more than just a stroll down the aisle. Gwen and Caleb have been through a lot as a couple and are finally about to get married, on Christmas Eve no less! Caleb is a film, stage, and restaurant star with millions of fans, about to get married to Gwen, a regular, normal medical resident who has never been anywhere near the limelight before.
With the wedding approaching rapidly Jenny, Gwen's best friend is covering the couple and the event for her reporting job. Of course, it can't be as easy as it sounds with Caleb's bodyguard Dean being a grumpy blockade at every turn. But could their dislike of each other actually be something else?
This duel romance set against the snowy holiday scene was adorable. I really enjoyed the realness of Gwen and Caleb's relationship with fights and compromises with love throughout the book. I have to say that Jenny and Dean's romance was my favorite of the book but I am partial to an enemies-to-lovers plot line. I've never read a book that had two romances happening simultaneously but I enjoyed it I think it kept the plot moving and had enough happening but wasn't too overwhelming or confusing. The sprinkling of mystery and intrigue within the story was perfect and made me keep reading to find out what was going to happen.
The pace was slightly fast for my liking with so much happening but I enjoyed it overall. Perfect cozy read to put you in the holiday spirit.

Was this review helpful?

I loved this book!!! After I read Holiday Star I knew this one was going to be great! Having Jenny's POV was so fun and welcomed, not to mention DEAN!! I didn't know what to ex-ect the entire time especially with the kidnapping! I will be recommending this book to everyone to get in the holiday spirit. Gwen and Jenny were so relatable and loved learning that they read ACOTAR together, that really sealed the deal for me and my love for them. I cant wait to read more of Dr. Melissa Dymond's books now!

Was this review helpful?

This book was a really fun mix of romance and suspense! I loved the duel POVs and character development. Also can’t go wrong with a fun holiday read! Throughly enjoyed it.

Was this review helpful?

There’s nothing boring or regular about you.
~
You’re just enough. Not too much and not too little.
~
If you’re looking for the perfect holiday book, look no further. And the best news? It’s set in the same world as ANOTHER perfect holiday book! I just gave you the best news ever! You can find my thoughts on Holiday Star from last year, but I’m here now to give you my thoughts on Holiday Wedding! It was the most perfect follow-up to Star (you don’t actually need to read HS either to read this one if you want to jump right in!), and I loved that not only did we get to see Caleb and Gwen dealing with the stress of their professional lives and being apart and planning this huge wedding that was also secret, we also got to see their families interact AND, most importantly, we got to see Jenny and Dean fight their love/hate for each other until they ended up trapped with nothing else to do but confront their feelings in the most beautiful and intimate way. I laughed, I cried, I gasped, I had to shut the book, I had to somehow read faster, my heart was beating out of my chest and feeling all warm and fuzzy, I felt the entire range of emotions with this book! Melissa’s writing is on another level and she ropes you in so quickly and doesn’t let you go until you’re clamoring for more after the last page. And the setting, wintery December in NYC, was just the icing on the (wedding) cake. And I absolutely caught that little Easter egg about whose story we’re going to see next, and I could not be more excited and intrigued. To sum up, this is all you could want and more in a holiday book and you would be remiss not to pick up ASAP for this season!

Was this review helpful?

A Heartwarming Romance to Light Up the Holidays

Holiday Wedding by Dr. Melissa Dymond is an absolute treat—a delightful and heartwarming novel that captures the charm, excitement, and complexities of holiday love. I had the pleasure of receiving an early release ARC, and from the very first page, I was drawn into the festive world Dr. Dymond has created. Her storytelling is wonderfully engaging, with relatable, well-drawn characters and a plot that effortlessly blends romance, family dynamics, and holiday magic. Especially loved the added suspense.

The protagonist's journey is heartfelt and authentic, capturing the bittersweet beauty of reconnecting with family and discovering love in unexpected places. Dr. Dymond weaves a rich tapestry of emotions, humor, and warmth that feels like a cozy, comforting escape. The holiday setting adds a sprinkle of magic to the romance, making this a perfect read for the season.

If you're looking for a book to warm your heart and lift your spirits, Holiday Wedding is an ideal choice. Dr. Dymond’s writing is a joy to read, and I highly recommend it to anyone who loves holiday-themed romances with depth, charm, and a happily-ever-after to remember.

Was this review helpful?

Such a great holiday romance, with a touch of mystery and action. Love is complicated in all relationships, but when you mix a famous Hollywood star and an up and coming doctor, fame has a way of making relationships even more challenging. Caleb and Gwen are trying to navigate mixing fame and romance while planning a Christmas wedding. Along the path to happily ever after, life has a way of throwing a few obstacles at them. Can their love overcome all?
I love the characters, and how the reader gets to see a deeper side to them. The side stories of their friends and family added some fun to the plot and made it even more enjoyable. Loved it from cover to cover. Looking forward to more from this author.
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Was this review helpful?

I love Melissa books, she didn’t disappoint at all with this book. It started off with spice and ended with spice. Definitely has me wanting to know more. I was more fascinated by Jenny and Dean story more than the main character Jenny. (Sorry but not sorry).. overall it was a great holiday vibe book. Love the Christmas theme. There was a turn in the book that I didn’t see coming at all. Love the mystery and thrill from the intensity. We all want a happy ending but of course nothing is that easy.
Thank you NetGalley and Dr. Melissa for the ARC! I truly enjoyed this book and looking forward to your next one!

Was this review helpful?

This book was such a great way to get into the Christmas spirit! I enjoyed so many things about this book. All the tropes created such a balance. A few of my favorites were enemies to lovers, grumpy x sunshine, & forced proximity.

Was this review helpful?

Emotional and Intriguing with a touch of spice

Holiday Wedding took me on a bit of a rollercoaster! After loving Holiday Star and seeing Gwen and Caleb’s growth, I wasn’t expecting the tension between them at the start of this book. It felt a little jarring, so I took a break before diving back in. But once I did, there were real gems that made this story shine. With a celebrity stalker, a kidnapping, and some steamy moments with a new couple, I was hooked again.

The dual perspectives of Gwen and Jenny add depth to both characters’ journeys. Jenny’s POVs were especially compelling, revealing her loyalty to Gwen and Caleb while wrestling with her own self-worth. Marjorie’s backstory also drew me in—her choices in Caleb’s career felt more understandable, and I found myself empathising with her on a new level. Alvina’s pearls of wisdom bring a warm touch to the story, making her a standout favourite.

While Gwen and Caleb’s relationship leans toward codependency at times, they manage to find honest communication by the end, paving the way to their holiday wedding.

I’d definitely recommend reading Holiday Star first, as much of the character backstory and relationships rely on events from the previous book—this isn’t one to read as a standalone. With how much I enjoyed this, I’m eagerly looking forward to the next story in the series.

If you’re looking for a layered, mystery-filled romance with memorable characters and heartfelt wisdom, Holiday Wedding is worth the read—even if it stirs up a few personal reflections along the way.

Was this review helpful?

I swallowed this one up. From the very first page, it was a straight up spice attack. Gwen and Caleb are going to be married soon. But first, they have jobs they have to finish up before the wedding. Caleb is famous and rich and Gwen is a doctor. She insists on making her own way and I loved that about the her. She wants her own identity. With the celebrity status comes the paparazzi, stalkers, nosy people, users, and a need for security 24/7. Gwen is sure she can handle this lifestyle. Caleb is worried.

Jenny is Gwen’s best friend and a news reporter. Dean is Caleb’s bodyguard. They are teaming up to do their jobs for Gwen and Caleb and it doesn’t always go smoothly. They are a bit prickly with each other. However, stalker pops into the picture so Dean and Jenny must come together to make sure all goes well for Gwen and Caleb.

Told in a dual POV between Gwen and Jenny, this holiday romance, with a good hint of mystery, hits the spot right before the holidays. The characters were good and likable and the stalker creates a whole new dynamic in the middle of the spice!

There are two versions of this book:

Spicy, Open-Door and Sweet, Clean, Closed-Door.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of this book.

Was this review helpful?

Bam! SPICY FROM THE FIRST PAGE! Luckily, this book has a great plot to go with the spice! Gwen is a doctor set to marry her mega super star boyfriend, who could ask for more right?! But every relationship has its struggles and as Gwen gets stuck in Denver days before her wedding and finds out some very unexpected news, will she and Caleb weather this storm and come out happily ever after? I love that this book has multiple love stories going on at once also. Jenny is Gwen's best friend and an entertainment reporter hired to cover the wedding. Can she find long distance love with Caleb's hot bodyguard, Dean or will this fizzle out since they're both stuck inside their own heads? There's a super intense action packed element tucked nicely in there too. Loved this fun book and excited to read more from this author!

Was this review helpful?

The idea behind this book seemed interesting, and I was excited to read it. However, I found the characters flat, the plot predictable, and the writing underwhelming. I think this story had potential, but unfortunately it fell flat.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you to NetGalley and Melissa Dymond for an Advanced Reader's Copy of this title!

Christmas is coming, and what better way to celebrate than with a holiday wedding! After the trials of the last few years, Gwen and Caleb are ready to tie the knot on the holiday that brought them together. Unfortunately, seen (blizzard!) and unseen (stalker!) forces stand ready to interfere with their holiday bliss, challenging their relationship in new and fearsome ways. Meanwhile Gwen's best friend and sister Jenny must team up with Caleb's tense (and tantalizing) bodyguard to save their wedding, without falling head-over-holiday-heels for him in the process.

"Holiday Star" was a very cute and satisfying (Christmas) bow on Gwen and Caleb's relationship, and I really enjoyed getting a dual POV from Jenny and Dean as well! It was fun bouncing between our "main" characters and the "side" characters and it really helped set the pace of the story, especially as things started getting dire. We don't always get closure with beloved side characters in stories, and from what I understand Dr. Dymond received enough feedback from readers that wanted to know what happened next that she wrote a whole book about them, which was really sweet of her and shows the love that authors have for their readers!

If you've enjoyed other books by Dr. Dymond, or you enjoy contemporary romance at all, you'll love this series. As a medial student I first started reading Dr. Dymond's books because she has a realistic approach to medicine that's also really fun to read without getting into Grey's Anatomy levels of drama (e.g. your characters aren't going to be in multiple plane crashes in the books), because medicine has enough drama without making extra things up! This series in particular will also appeal to anyone who loves Christmas and all the aesthetics and feels the holiday contains.

As always with Dr. Dymond's books, there's actually two versions available for your romance needs - an open-door (and the spice! was! spicy!!) and closed-door romance, which is something I wish more authors would do. AND, a proceed of the sales of this book also goes to colon cancer research if you needed even more reasons to support this author!

Thanks again for another cute holiday read (it was nice to picture somewhere that wasn't 80 degrees in winter, like where I live), and really looking forward to the third installment of this series (!!!!!) next year!

Was this review helpful?

I understand there are two versions of this book, I was able to read the spicy version and it was great! I was a big fan of the mix of romance and mystery as those are two of my favorite genres and you often don't find them both done this well in one book. The duel POV was well done and added to the overall story. This is a wonderful seasonal read.

Was this review helpful?

I really enjoyed this story. It was a fun story with some suspense thrown into the mix. Spicy, but not overly so. Overall a good story line with interesting characters and great chemistry between them. A fab Christmas read and definitely one to add to your Christmas reading list this year.

Was this review helpful?

This is the second book I’ve read by Dr. Melissa Dymond, and I can’t get enough of her stories now. I look forward to reading more! It’s Book 2 in her holiday series, but don’t worry if you haven’t read the first one—I thought I might feel lost, but I was pleasantly surprised. Dr. Dymond provided me with enough background to fully enjoy the story without missing anything.

This is told through dual POVs of best friends Gwen and Jenny. Gwen is about to walk down the aisle with her megastar fiancee Caleb, but there are roadblocks that threaten to derail her happily ever after. Meanwhile, Jenny, her maid of honor, gets paired with Caleb’s grumpy bodyguard and her rival, Dean, to hunt down a stalker. Could they really help Gwen and Caleb down the aisle despite being the worst match?

This book was cute, fun, cozy, and with just the right amount of suspense that won’t stress you out. It was exactly what I needed during a hectic month. I loved getting to know Gwen better through Jenny’s eyes, and watching Jenny and Dean’s relationship development was one of my favorite scenes. Dean definitely stole the show for me, so I’m looking forward to reading Book 1 during this holiday season. Also, just like Paging Dr. Hart, this book was interactive! I loved that Dr. Dymond had options to see other character’s POV without having to buy another book!

If spicy books aren’t your thing, there’s a sweet version available, which is the version I pre-ordered and to later experience. I had the honor to read the advanced e-galley in spicy version, thanks to the author and NetGalley.

Was this review helpful?

Omg this book gave me all the feels 😍🥰 I love how Dr. Melissa Dymond incorporates romance and suspense into her books. To me the book started off a little slow leading up to everything during Gwen and Caleb’s story probably because I’ve read the first book, but it was totally worth it in the end I promise you. I’m sorry 😅 I do love Gwen and Caleb but now my favorites are Jenny and Dean 💚 their story was EVERYTHING! Their banter from enemies to lovers was so cute. I knew he had feelings for her but tried his best to keep them from her. The part about the Hawaiian flower tradition stole my heart 🥹. I had so many moments where I wanted to skip Gwen’s chapters and read about Jenny! Both her and Dean showed so much growth both personally and romantically. I hope we get a novella or something just about them. I’m also excited to hear more about Teddy 👀 I love that it’s more to this series than just the original characters.

Was this review helpful?

There is nothing more beautiful than a Christmas wedding!

Holiday Wedding is easily that perfect "feel good, Christmas cheer, warm mug of hot chocolate" type of holiday romance. Gwen and Caleb are determined to have their wedding on Christmas Eve, surrounded by their friends and families. What they don't predict? A blizzard grounding all flights into and out of New York, where Gwen is now stuck halfway across the country! Not to mention, there is some crazy stalker watching Caleb, and his bodyguard Dean, coupled with Gwen's reporter friend Jenny, make it their goal to find the culprit and prevent them from ruining the wedding. But that's not as easy at it seems...

A sweet, thrilling, cozy-up-to-the-fireplace read, Holiday Wedding is sure to leave you feeling extra jolly!

Was this review helpful?