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Wedding Dashers
After a case of mistaken identity and an almost one-night stand, two stranded wedding guests have to find their way to their final destination together, in this riotously fun debut romance.
Ada’s little sister is getting married. Which should be a happy thought, right? But the once close sisters have been in a year long fight, the wedding is all the way in Ireland, and Ada is so broke that she just barely managed to get a ticket on a budget airline. And as if things couldn’t get worse, said airline just cancelled her connection. Which means Ada is stuck in London with no way to make it to the wedding.
Surely she’s hit rock bottom?
So, there’s no reason for her not to spill her heart out about the over-the-top wedding, her sister’s worryingly quick engagement, and the womanizing best man she’s dreading meeting to a handsome also-stranded stranger at the bar. Until she realizes the stranger is headed to the same wedding. Oh, and he’s the infamous best man.
Now, Jack and Ada must put their simmering attraction behind them to make it to Belfast before they miss the nuptials. But between flat tires, missed trains, and suspect hostels, Jack and Ada start to question whether their feelings are worth going the distance, or just a distracting detour along the way.
Ada’s little sister is getting married. Which should be a happy thought, right? But the once close sisters have been in a year long fight, the wedding is all the way in Ireland, and Ada is so broke that she just barely managed to get a ticket on a budget airline. And as if things couldn’t get worse, said airline just cancelled her connection. Which means Ada is stuck in London with no way to make it to the wedding.
Surely she’s hit rock bottom?
So, there’s no reason for her not to spill her heart out about the over-the-top wedding, her sister’s worryingly quick engagement, and the womanizing best man she’s dreading meeting to a handsome also-stranded stranger at the bar. Until she realizes the stranger is headed to the same wedding. Oh, and he’s the infamous best man.
Now, Jack and Ada must put their simmering attraction behind them to make it to Belfast before they miss the nuptials. But between flat tires, missed trains, and suspect hostels, Jack and Ada start to question whether their feelings are worth going the distance, or just a distracting detour along the way.
400 pages, Paperback
First published January 28, 2025
301 people are currently reading
27625 people want to read
About the author
Heather McBreen
2 books324 followersHeather McBreen currently lives in Seattle, WA, but spent the best year of her life living in London where she completed an MA degree in arts and cultural management. When she’s not writing or reading books about kissing, she can be found surfing the web for travel deals and plotting her next adventure. Wedding Dashers is her debut novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,712 reviews
June 12, 2025
˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗ 5 𝔽𝕒𝕟𝕥𝕒𝕤𝕥𝕚𝕔 𝔻𝕖𝕓𝕦𝕥 𝕊𝕥𝕒𝕣𝕤 ˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗
Hands down, this might be the most fun I've had with a book all year. I just knew from the first chapter that it was going to deliverrrr and oh man did it ever.
₊⊹⁀➴ We follow our FMC, Ada as she makes her way to Belfast for her younger sister's wedding. While at a layover in London, Ada discovers her flight has been canceled with the earliest flight out being the next morning. Tired, jet lagged, stressed and broke. Ada has no idea what she's going to do for the night. Where she's going to sleep or eat.
She accidently walks off with a strangers suitcase and as they get to talking and switching their cases back. They discover they have a whole lot in common. Both are off to a wedding that they don't really want to be a part of. Both have a canceled flight. After a couple of drinks, Jack (The stranger) invites Ada up to his room.
Ada takes this as an act of kindness, a place to crash for the evening given her terrible predicament. But Jack had other ideas - that of a little hookup.
Come to find out, Jack is the best man and on his way to the same wedding that Ada is desperately trying to get to. They make a pact to put the 'airport hotel mishap' behind them and travel together in order to make it to Belfast for the wedding.
₊⊹⁀➴ Besties. This book was SO MUCH FUN. I loved every single thing about it. When I tell you that I don't normally laugh in books, no joke. I'm usually over here with a resting bitch face, an occasional smile sure lol. But this story had me cackling and cracking up with bursts of laughter that I couldn't even help.
The characters, both Ada and Jack are so hilarious. They're smart and sarcastic, witty and easy going. I swear, Heather McBreen knocked it out of the part with this one.
Not only are the characters funny, but they're both the greenest flags ever. Compassionate, and understanding. Willing to communicate. I loved that not only did the author deliver on all the belly laughs, but she touched on some pretty emotional topics too and the story got very tender and heartwarming at times. Honestly such a good ride of emotions reading this one. It's the perfect feel good book.
Oh and lemme just say, there’s a whole “An Affair to Remember” type meeting. Omg. I can’t. 🥹❤️
˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ I'm blown away that this was a debut. I'm over here foaming at the mouth for McBreen's next book and this one hasn't even published yet!
˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ Highly recommend! I think readers who enjoy Lynn Painter and Katherine Center will enjoy this. Less corny/cheesiness, but similar vibes imo.
Thanks so much to Berkley Publishing for bringing this little gem to my attention and providing me with a gifted advanced digital copy. All thoughts are my own. - Looks like this is a debut rom-com novel, for fans of Jessica Joyce, Christina Lauren, and Sarah Adler.
Available Now!
⋆✴︎˚｡⋆ Connect with me on Instagram ˗ˏˋ★‿︵‧ ˚ ₊⊹
╰⪼ 🍀Ireland Setting
╰⪼ 💍Meet Cute/Rom-Com
╰⪼ 💘Slow Burn
╰⪼ ✈️Road Trip Romance
╰⪼ 🍀Humor and Banter
╰⪼ 💍Forced Proximity
╰⪼ 💘One Bed
╰⪼ ✈️Wedding Themes
Hands down, this might be the most fun I've had with a book all year. I just knew from the first chapter that it was going to deliverrrr and oh man did it ever.
₊⊹⁀➴ We follow our FMC, Ada as she makes her way to Belfast for her younger sister's wedding. While at a layover in London, Ada discovers her flight has been canceled with the earliest flight out being the next morning. Tired, jet lagged, stressed and broke. Ada has no idea what she's going to do for the night. Where she's going to sleep or eat.
She accidently walks off with a strangers suitcase and as they get to talking and switching their cases back. They discover they have a whole lot in common. Both are off to a wedding that they don't really want to be a part of. Both have a canceled flight. After a couple of drinks, Jack (The stranger) invites Ada up to his room.
Ada takes this as an act of kindness, a place to crash for the evening given her terrible predicament. But Jack had other ideas - that of a little hookup.
Come to find out, Jack is the best man and on his way to the same wedding that Ada is desperately trying to get to. They make a pact to put the 'airport hotel mishap' behind them and travel together in order to make it to Belfast for the wedding.
₊⊹⁀➴ Besties. This book was SO MUCH FUN. I loved every single thing about it. When I tell you that I don't normally laugh in books, no joke. I'm usually over here with a resting bitch face, an occasional smile sure lol. But this story had me cackling and cracking up with bursts of laughter that I couldn't even help.
The characters, both Ada and Jack are so hilarious. They're smart and sarcastic, witty and easy going. I swear, Heather McBreen knocked it out of the part with this one.
Not only are the characters funny, but they're both the greenest flags ever. Compassionate, and understanding. Willing to communicate. I loved that not only did the author deliver on all the belly laughs, but she touched on some pretty emotional topics too and the story got very tender and heartwarming at times. Honestly such a good ride of emotions reading this one. It's the perfect feel good book.
Oh and lemme just say, there’s a whole “An Affair to Remember” type meeting. Omg. I can’t. 🥹❤️
˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ I'm blown away that this was a debut. I'm over here foaming at the mouth for McBreen's next book and this one hasn't even published yet!
˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ Highly recommend! I think readers who enjoy Lynn Painter and Katherine Center will enjoy this. Less corny/cheesiness, but similar vibes imo.
Thanks so much to Berkley Publishing for bringing this little gem to my attention and providing me with a gifted advanced digital copy. All thoughts are my own. - Looks like this is a debut rom-com novel, for fans of Jessica Joyce, Christina Lauren, and Sarah Adler.
Available Now!
⋆✴︎˚｡⋆ Connect with me on Instagram ˗ˏˋ★‿︵‧ ˚ ₊⊹
╰⪼ 🍀Ireland Setting
╰⪼ 💍Meet Cute/Rom-Com
╰⪼ 💘Slow Burn
╰⪼ ✈️Road Trip Romance
╰⪼ 🍀Humor and Banter
╰⪼ 💍Forced Proximity
╰⪼ 💘One Bed
╰⪼ ✈️Wedding Themes
February 17, 2025
This romcom was everything I didn’t know I needed—gripping me from the very first chapter and holding my heart until the very last page. It’s been a long time since a story consumed me so completely.
As raw as it is heartfelt, this is more than just a love story—it’s a powerful testament to resilience when life veers off course. The characters are beautifully imperfect, their struggles deeply human, making it impossible not to root for them. Their journey is messy, hopeful, and achingly real, with a supporting cast that shines just as brightly, each on their own path of growth and self-discovery. But beyond romance, this story is about finding your way when the road ahead is uncertain, about holding on when everything feels lost. And above all, it’s about love—the kind that refuses to fade, even in life’s hardest moments.
You could look at Ada and think she’s a doormat, someone who lets the people around her dictate her thoughts, stuck in denial, breaking down at every inconvenience. But maybe that’s just the surface—maybe I see her differently because I understand her. Maybe it’s the eldest daughter, older sister thing—the role of the additional parent, the one who picks up the pieces for everyone else, always putting yourself last. Maybe that’s why I relate to her so deeply.
Spending your entire youth with one person, growing up alongside them, only to find yourself lost in the aftermath of a breakup—it changes you. It forces you to question what you truly want, who you even are outside of the role you’ve always played.
Jack might not be the textbook definition of a “perfect book boyfriend,” but to me, he is. I love the way he is—the way he sees Ada, the way he’s always there, quietly asking, “What’s wrong?” or simply holding her when she needs it. But most of all, the way he asks, “What do you want?” That simple, loaded question—a lifeline for someone who’s spent her whole life prioritizing others.
And speaking of Jack; he’s also fighting his own battles, navigating his own mess. On the outside, he might seem cold, emotionless, unreadable. But I understand him too. The need to feel yet keep everything buried, so you’re never a burden to anyone else. Maybe that’s why this book hit me harder than I expected. Maybe I see myself in both of them.
Or maybe I’m just overwhelmed by how much this story made me feel.
And the banter? Absolute magic. Witty, effortless, and brimming with chemistry, it made every moment between Ada and Jack even more electric. I was obsessed. These characters aren’t just memorable; they’re the kind you can’t help but root for, the ones who linger in your heart long after the last page.
And just to add—the side characters? I loved them all. Their own personal struggles, the way they brought warmth, humor, and heart to the story. They weren’t just background noise; they mattered. Each of them had their own path, their own heartbreaks and triumphs, and I felt just as invested in their stories as I did in Ada and Jack’s. They added so much depth, making this world feel even more real, and I couldn’t get enough of them.
I had an absolute blast with this book! It’s already cemented itself as one of my top reads of 2025, and I know I’ll be revisiting it before the year is over.
𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 𝘉𝘦𝘳𝘬𝘭𝘦𝘺 𝘗𝘶𝘣𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘕𝘦𝘵𝘎𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘺 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘰𝘱𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘵𝘰 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴. 𝘈𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘰𝘸𝘯.💐
As raw as it is heartfelt, this is more than just a love story—it’s a powerful testament to resilience when life veers off course. The characters are beautifully imperfect, their struggles deeply human, making it impossible not to root for them. Their journey is messy, hopeful, and achingly real, with a supporting cast that shines just as brightly, each on their own path of growth and self-discovery. But beyond romance, this story is about finding your way when the road ahead is uncertain, about holding on when everything feels lost. And above all, it’s about love—the kind that refuses to fade, even in life’s hardest moments.
You could look at Ada and think she’s a doormat, someone who lets the people around her dictate her thoughts, stuck in denial, breaking down at every inconvenience. But maybe that’s just the surface—maybe I see her differently because I understand her. Maybe it’s the eldest daughter, older sister thing—the role of the additional parent, the one who picks up the pieces for everyone else, always putting yourself last. Maybe that’s why I relate to her so deeply.
Spending your entire youth with one person, growing up alongside them, only to find yourself lost in the aftermath of a breakup—it changes you. It forces you to question what you truly want, who you even are outside of the role you’ve always played.
Jack might not be the textbook definition of a “perfect book boyfriend,” but to me, he is. I love the way he is—the way he sees Ada, the way he’s always there, quietly asking, “What’s wrong?” or simply holding her when she needs it. But most of all, the way he asks, “What do you want?” That simple, loaded question—a lifeline for someone who’s spent her whole life prioritizing others.
And speaking of Jack; he’s also fighting his own battles, navigating his own mess. On the outside, he might seem cold, emotionless, unreadable. But I understand him too. The need to feel yet keep everything buried, so you’re never a burden to anyone else. Maybe that’s why this book hit me harder than I expected. Maybe I see myself in both of them.
Or maybe I’m just overwhelmed by how much this story made me feel.
And the banter? Absolute magic. Witty, effortless, and brimming with chemistry, it made every moment between Ada and Jack even more electric. I was obsessed. These characters aren’t just memorable; they’re the kind you can’t help but root for, the ones who linger in your heart long after the last page.
And just to add—the side characters? I loved them all. Their own personal struggles, the way they brought warmth, humor, and heart to the story. They weren’t just background noise; they mattered. Each of them had their own path, their own heartbreaks and triumphs, and I felt just as invested in their stories as I did in Ada and Jack’s. They added so much depth, making this world feel even more real, and I couldn’t get enough of them.
I had an absolute blast with this book! It’s already cemented itself as one of my top reads of 2025, and I know I’ll be revisiting it before the year is over.
𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 𝘉𝘦𝘳𝘬𝘭𝘦𝘺 𝘗𝘶𝘣𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘕𝘦𝘵𝘎𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘺 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘰𝘱𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘵𝘰 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴. 𝘈𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘰𝘸𝘯.💐
May 26, 2025
✩ 4.25 stars ✩
What to Expect:
➼ Slow Burn
➼ Forced Proximity
➼ Only One Bed
➼ Witty Banter
➼ Misadventures
➼ Family/Wedding Drama
➼ Mistaken Identity
➼ Rom Com w/Emotional Depth
➼ Debut Novel
➼ First Person POV
What a stunning debut! This reminded me a lot of an early 2000s Rom-Com, aka, the BEST kind! 🙌🏻
Ada meets Jack when she accidentally walks off with his luggage after learning that her flight has been canceled. Unbeknownst to them, they are both heading to the same wedding so what seems like a random meet cute turns into an awkward situation fast. Neither of them are thrilled that the wedding is taking place and both share information about their personal feelings that they would have kept to themselves if they had realized who the other was (sister of the bride and best man). Their initial chemistry flips quickly to dislike and distrust but they decide to stay together as they struggle to make it to the wedding on time.
This book is full of misadventures and emotional depth and features so many of my favorite tropes done right! The banter was top tier, the forced proximity was perfectly executed, and all of their feelings surrounding the wedding were so relatable! I wholeheartedly recommend this book! 💖 Looking forward to reading this author’s future works!
✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼
Pre-read: Op… I started another book. 🙃 I’m not usually a mood reader, but the mood is mooding this weekend.
≪ ◦ ❖ ◦ ≫
Connect with me on Instagram
What to Expect:
➼ Slow Burn
➼ Forced Proximity
➼ Only One Bed
➼ Witty Banter
➼ Misadventures
➼ Family/Wedding Drama
➼ Mistaken Identity
➼ Rom Com w/Emotional Depth
➼ Debut Novel
➼ First Person POV
What a stunning debut! This reminded me a lot of an early 2000s Rom-Com, aka, the BEST kind! 🙌🏻
Ada meets Jack when she accidentally walks off with his luggage after learning that her flight has been canceled. Unbeknownst to them, they are both heading to the same wedding so what seems like a random meet cute turns into an awkward situation fast. Neither of them are thrilled that the wedding is taking place and both share information about their personal feelings that they would have kept to themselves if they had realized who the other was (sister of the bride and best man). Their initial chemistry flips quickly to dislike and distrust but they decide to stay together as they struggle to make it to the wedding on time.
This book is full of misadventures and emotional depth and features so many of my favorite tropes done right! The banter was top tier, the forced proximity was perfectly executed, and all of their feelings surrounding the wedding were so relatable! I wholeheartedly recommend this book! 💖 Looking forward to reading this author’s future works!
✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼
Pre-read: Op… I started another book. 🙃 I’m not usually a mood reader, but the mood is mooding this weekend.
≪ ◦ ❖ ◦ ≫
Connect with me on Instagram
April 8, 2025
Wow! This brazen, entertaining, and chemistry-filled close proximity romance combines elements of "Planes, Trains, and Automobiles" with a wedding chase set in Ireland, making it absolutely addictive!
I was so close to giving five stars if there weren't so many setbacks, angsty drama, and past relationship baggage for both the main and supporting characters! The banter, explosive chemistry, and hilarious situations Ada and Jack find themselves in were brilliant. If their long road trip could be an independent novel without so much past drama, trust issues, and self-exploration, I might even declare it my favorite romance of the year. But there were necessary conflicts, the maturing up, and learning to love yourself before jumping into relationships approach which is well executed, but I still wish there was more spice than inner conflicts and angst. Their attraction is palpable, but their love story's progression is slow burn! You keep asking yourself why they don’t just tear each other’s clothes off instead of being stuck on people who never deserved their trust or hearts.
Here's a quick summary of the plot: Ada, a young tattoo artist who recently closed her business and is taking a break from her boyfriend Carter (his decision after an 8-year relationship), finds herself carrying a special veil for her sister’s wedding in Ireland. Unfortunately, due to passport issues, she couldn't catch her family on time and is traveling alone, still checking her phone to see if her ex-boyfriend has reached out after her store's bankruptcy.
When her flight gets canceled, she finds herself at a London hotel lobby with a useless voucher from the airline, broke, with nowhere to sleep. She's bombarded with texts from her sister asking her whereabouts and on the verge of a breakdown, when a tall, handsome stranger offers her a drink until the rain stops.
The handsome stranger, Jack, is also heading to a wedding as the best man. Ada confides in him about not wanting to attend the wedding and her doubts about the groom, as well as her disdain for the groom’s womanizer best man (calling him a “pig”). Jack, in turn, questions the bride's intensity and their happily ever after.
After a few drinks, Jack offers Ada to share his room since she has nowhere to go. However, when they reach the room, Ada realizes he doesn’t just want to share his room but also his bed for a one-night stand. When they both get texts from the airline at the same time, they realize they’re heading to the same wedding. Jack is the womanizer pig her sister warned her about! Jack then makes an offer Ada can't refuse: to travel together using a ferry and train to reach Ireland, with all expenses paid by Jack (a hotshot lawyer with enough funds).
Beggars can't be choosers! Even though Ada is torn between punching him and kissing him passionately, she aims to reach the wedding destination. She can resist his charm for one day, can't she? Maybe she should rethink this as the sparks keep flying!
Overall, there are great themes like sharing the same bed and faking a marriage, which spice up the chemistry and heat up the chapters. Despite the past relationship baggage, I loved the conclusion and the characters’ final growth (including supporting characters and teary sisterhood moments). I wish the epilogue was a little longer, but the final witty line was well executed and smart!
I truly enjoyed this self-exploration, high-chemistry, forced proximity romance despite its extra angsty moments, and I'm looking forward to reading more works from the author. I’ve already added her to my auto-approved romance authors’ list.
P. S. :I’m definitely craving a Neapolitan pizza right now—checking flights to Naples!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for sharing this entertaining book’s digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.
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I was so close to giving five stars if there weren't so many setbacks, angsty drama, and past relationship baggage for both the main and supporting characters! The banter, explosive chemistry, and hilarious situations Ada and Jack find themselves in were brilliant. If their long road trip could be an independent novel without so much past drama, trust issues, and self-exploration, I might even declare it my favorite romance of the year. But there were necessary conflicts, the maturing up, and learning to love yourself before jumping into relationships approach which is well executed, but I still wish there was more spice than inner conflicts and angst. Their attraction is palpable, but their love story's progression is slow burn! You keep asking yourself why they don’t just tear each other’s clothes off instead of being stuck on people who never deserved their trust or hearts.
Here's a quick summary of the plot: Ada, a young tattoo artist who recently closed her business and is taking a break from her boyfriend Carter (his decision after an 8-year relationship), finds herself carrying a special veil for her sister’s wedding in Ireland. Unfortunately, due to passport issues, she couldn't catch her family on time and is traveling alone, still checking her phone to see if her ex-boyfriend has reached out after her store's bankruptcy.
When her flight gets canceled, she finds herself at a London hotel lobby with a useless voucher from the airline, broke, with nowhere to sleep. She's bombarded with texts from her sister asking her whereabouts and on the verge of a breakdown, when a tall, handsome stranger offers her a drink until the rain stops.
The handsome stranger, Jack, is also heading to a wedding as the best man. Ada confides in him about not wanting to attend the wedding and her doubts about the groom, as well as her disdain for the groom’s womanizer best man (calling him a “pig”). Jack, in turn, questions the bride's intensity and their happily ever after.
After a few drinks, Jack offers Ada to share his room since she has nowhere to go. However, when they reach the room, Ada realizes he doesn’t just want to share his room but also his bed for a one-night stand. When they both get texts from the airline at the same time, they realize they’re heading to the same wedding. Jack is the womanizer pig her sister warned her about! Jack then makes an offer Ada can't refuse: to travel together using a ferry and train to reach Ireland, with all expenses paid by Jack (a hotshot lawyer with enough funds).
Beggars can't be choosers! Even though Ada is torn between punching him and kissing him passionately, she aims to reach the wedding destination. She can resist his charm for one day, can't she? Maybe she should rethink this as the sparks keep flying!
Overall, there are great themes like sharing the same bed and faking a marriage, which spice up the chemistry and heat up the chapters. Despite the past relationship baggage, I loved the conclusion and the characters’ final growth (including supporting characters and teary sisterhood moments). I wish the epilogue was a little longer, but the final witty line was well executed and smart!
I truly enjoyed this self-exploration, high-chemistry, forced proximity romance despite its extra angsty moments, and I'm looking forward to reading more works from the author. I’ve already added her to my auto-approved romance authors’ list.
P. S. :I’m definitely craving a Neapolitan pizza right now—checking flights to Naples!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for sharing this entertaining book’s digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.
Follow me on medium.com to read my articles about books, movies, streaming series, astrology:
medium blog
February 25, 2025
**Many thanks to Berkley and Heather McBreen for an ARC of this book provided via NetGalley!**
Ada has always been the one to look out for little sister Allison...even when her choices are...well, questionable to say the least. So when Allison decides to marry Collin, a man Ada hardly feels CERTAIN about, in a destination ceremony in Ireland, Ada is justifiably nervous. She's also been given a crucial and important task: deliver the precious, one-of-a-kind wedding veil in one piece. It's Ada's chance to mend fences, as she and Allison have been drifting apart ever since Allison's relationship started...so the heat is ON. With her tattoo parlor business debts holding her back, Ada cannot AFFORD (quite literally!) for anything to hold her up on the way to the wedding.
So naturally, this is when fate decides to intervene in the most inconvenient way: her connecting flight has been canceled, leaving Ada stuck in London...and feeling lonelier than ever. With very little extra cash to spare, she has NO idea how she will make it to Ireland on time to deliver the veil, attend the wedding, and put out any fires that pop up along the way. Feeling broken and hopeless, when a handsome stranger sidles up to her in a bar with gorgeous eyes and a kind smile, she takes the opportunity (and what she believes is anonymity) to spill the tea...and then some. She even brings Collin's playboy best man (whom she's never met) into the conversation...and still, this stranger seems ready to keep the evening going...and Ada nearly obliges. But when the former stranger reveals he is ALSO headed to a wedding...oh and by the way, he just so happens to have the same name as the aforementioned playboy, ALL of the pieces click together.
THIS is the man she should be avoiding, but if she wants to get to the wedding...well, she might as well call him Obi-Wan...because HE is her only hope. 😱
With each determined to protect their loved one (and also fighting what seems to be a burgeoning attraction) the pair dash across Europe together as the days tick down and the wedding looms large. But as much as Ada is still nursing a broken heart after separation from her long-term boyfriend back at home and KNOWS about Jack's reputation as a 'love em and leave em' type, she can't help feeling those first night butterflies...and their shared bumps along the way seem to be bringing them closer, no matter how they try to keep their distance. But when the dust settles and the wedding bells finally ring, will all of the love swirling in the air give Ada and Jack the push they NEED to explore their feelings? Or will their complicated pasts, hesitation about the possibility of TRUE love, and their differences convince them that what happened in Ireland should STAY in Ireland? ☘️
It is always a bit of a gamble for me when it comes to romance debuts: aside from the cute cartoon-y cover and the promise of travel based hijinks, I had little to go on before starting this one. But since rom-coms that involve travel also tend to be my favorite (see: most of Emily Henry's catalogue, for starters) I had high hopes (and frankly high expectations) for the Little Rom-Com That Could...and you should absolutely make it a point to DASH off to read this one as soon as you can get your hands on it! 🏃♂️🏃♂️🏃♂️
It's hard to say what the 'best' aspect of this book was, because in all honesty, there were SO MANY reasons to love it. First off, McBreen's mentions of so many giants in the rom-com movie landscape (everything from Legally Blonde to Sleepless in Seattle!) was one of the first clues I was going to be in line with her characters, enchanted by her MCs, and LOVING every moment of their banter together. From their meet-cute at the bar onward, not only did these two have instant CHEMISTRY rather than insta-LOVE, but these opening scenes alone were enough to set the stage without necessarily giving anything away in terms of the plot progression. From Ada's brilliant purple hair to her love for tattoos, she was far from a boring or predictable heroine...but also stayed away from the 'subversive' cliches also. We learned about Ada through the lens of her pain, both from her past relationship that left her stuck emotionally, but also through her feelings of failure after her business troubles, her isolation from her family, and the insecurity that kept her mired in these feelings. Not only did this give McBreen plenty of room for character development, it kept her entire personality from being wrapped up in "Ooh, the devastatingly hot guy...he's SO perfect despite his flaws" which is a trap too many female MCs fall into across the board...and Ada is anything but a simple character...which makes her all the more REAL.
And then there's Jack, her counterpart and potential amour...and trust me, if you thought SHE was complicated, ratchet that up a notch. Jack's got his own complicated backstory and family dynamics, not to mention his sort of 'playboy persona' to shake...and he isn't going to make it TOO easy to get to know him. But despite this, the emotional walls and mixed messaging felt so AUTHENTIC...and for every time he gave me pause, he would turn around and show Ada the real him in the next breath through his actions AND the information he does choose to share...and over time, you'll feel yourself giving him more grace too. As much as I wanted to hate him (and trust me, there are moments where he WILL frustrate you and you'll wonder if he will TRULY come through), he is a MATURE enough counterpart to handle most situations with Ada in a way that will have you rooting for him...and DYING to go to Italy to try the oh-so-perfect pizza place he recommends to Ada. (Seriously...I have never wanted Italian pizza MORE than in that moment!)🍕
But perhaps the best aspect of this book came when I least expected it...the VERY ending of the book. As much as there is such warmth and familiarity in a HEA, this story isn't necessarily THAT at all. Rather than feeling anxiety-inducing, however, this again grounds the narrative in the relatable, the RATIONAL, and the real. It becomes very clear that McBreen values journeys of personal growth above 'pretty people in hyper-realized situations hooking up and instantly deciding they are soulmates', and as a married woman in my thirties, I find such a deeper and more meaningful connection to her characters and the overall story because of this focus. Having such an investment in where these characters ended up as individuals AND as a couple is such a breath of fresh air...and frankly, it's the kind of romance writing that keeps me coming back for more! If this is only McBreen's DEBUT, I'm already purchasing my ticket for her next flight of drama, intrigue, and okay, a LITTLE bit of fancy!
And since I promise I won't spoil whether an eventual HEA comes to fruition or not, this quote by Mark Groves fits these two MCs like a glove: "It's in the space between the love we've lost and the love we hope to find that we meet ourselves."
🥰
4 stars
Ada has always been the one to look out for little sister Allison...even when her choices are...well, questionable to say the least. So when Allison decides to marry Collin, a man Ada hardly feels CERTAIN about, in a destination ceremony in Ireland, Ada is justifiably nervous. She's also been given a crucial and important task: deliver the precious, one-of-a-kind wedding veil in one piece. It's Ada's chance to mend fences, as she and Allison have been drifting apart ever since Allison's relationship started...so the heat is ON. With her tattoo parlor business debts holding her back, Ada cannot AFFORD (quite literally!) for anything to hold her up on the way to the wedding.
So naturally, this is when fate decides to intervene in the most inconvenient way: her connecting flight has been canceled, leaving Ada stuck in London...and feeling lonelier than ever. With very little extra cash to spare, she has NO idea how she will make it to Ireland on time to deliver the veil, attend the wedding, and put out any fires that pop up along the way. Feeling broken and hopeless, when a handsome stranger sidles up to her in a bar with gorgeous eyes and a kind smile, she takes the opportunity (and what she believes is anonymity) to spill the tea...and then some. She even brings Collin's playboy best man (whom she's never met) into the conversation...and still, this stranger seems ready to keep the evening going...and Ada nearly obliges. But when the former stranger reveals he is ALSO headed to a wedding...oh and by the way, he just so happens to have the same name as the aforementioned playboy, ALL of the pieces click together.
THIS is the man she should be avoiding, but if she wants to get to the wedding...well, she might as well call him Obi-Wan...because HE is her only hope. 😱
With each determined to protect their loved one (and also fighting what seems to be a burgeoning attraction) the pair dash across Europe together as the days tick down and the wedding looms large. But as much as Ada is still nursing a broken heart after separation from her long-term boyfriend back at home and KNOWS about Jack's reputation as a 'love em and leave em' type, she can't help feeling those first night butterflies...and their shared bumps along the way seem to be bringing them closer, no matter how they try to keep their distance. But when the dust settles and the wedding bells finally ring, will all of the love swirling in the air give Ada and Jack the push they NEED to explore their feelings? Or will their complicated pasts, hesitation about the possibility of TRUE love, and their differences convince them that what happened in Ireland should STAY in Ireland? ☘️
It is always a bit of a gamble for me when it comes to romance debuts: aside from the cute cartoon-y cover and the promise of travel based hijinks, I had little to go on before starting this one. But since rom-coms that involve travel also tend to be my favorite (see: most of Emily Henry's catalogue, for starters) I had high hopes (and frankly high expectations) for the Little Rom-Com That Could...and you should absolutely make it a point to DASH off to read this one as soon as you can get your hands on it! 🏃♂️🏃♂️🏃♂️
It's hard to say what the 'best' aspect of this book was, because in all honesty, there were SO MANY reasons to love it. First off, McBreen's mentions of so many giants in the rom-com movie landscape (everything from Legally Blonde to Sleepless in Seattle!) was one of the first clues I was going to be in line with her characters, enchanted by her MCs, and LOVING every moment of their banter together. From their meet-cute at the bar onward, not only did these two have instant CHEMISTRY rather than insta-LOVE, but these opening scenes alone were enough to set the stage without necessarily giving anything away in terms of the plot progression. From Ada's brilliant purple hair to her love for tattoos, she was far from a boring or predictable heroine...but also stayed away from the 'subversive' cliches also. We learned about Ada through the lens of her pain, both from her past relationship that left her stuck emotionally, but also through her feelings of failure after her business troubles, her isolation from her family, and the insecurity that kept her mired in these feelings. Not only did this give McBreen plenty of room for character development, it kept her entire personality from being wrapped up in "Ooh, the devastatingly hot guy...he's SO perfect despite his flaws" which is a trap too many female MCs fall into across the board...and Ada is anything but a simple character...which makes her all the more REAL.
And then there's Jack, her counterpart and potential amour...and trust me, if you thought SHE was complicated, ratchet that up a notch. Jack's got his own complicated backstory and family dynamics, not to mention his sort of 'playboy persona' to shake...and he isn't going to make it TOO easy to get to know him. But despite this, the emotional walls and mixed messaging felt so AUTHENTIC...and for every time he gave me pause, he would turn around and show Ada the real him in the next breath through his actions AND the information he does choose to share...and over time, you'll feel yourself giving him more grace too. As much as I wanted to hate him (and trust me, there are moments where he WILL frustrate you and you'll wonder if he will TRULY come through), he is a MATURE enough counterpart to handle most situations with Ada in a way that will have you rooting for him...and DYING to go to Italy to try the oh-so-perfect pizza place he recommends to Ada. (Seriously...I have never wanted Italian pizza MORE than in that moment!)🍕
But perhaps the best aspect of this book came when I least expected it...the VERY ending of the book. As much as there is such warmth and familiarity in a HEA, this story isn't necessarily THAT at all. Rather than feeling anxiety-inducing, however, this again grounds the narrative in the relatable, the RATIONAL, and the real. It becomes very clear that McBreen values journeys of personal growth above 'pretty people in hyper-realized situations hooking up and instantly deciding they are soulmates', and as a married woman in my thirties, I find such a deeper and more meaningful connection to her characters and the overall story because of this focus. Having such an investment in where these characters ended up as individuals AND as a couple is such a breath of fresh air...and frankly, it's the kind of romance writing that keeps me coming back for more! If this is only McBreen's DEBUT, I'm already purchasing my ticket for her next flight of drama, intrigue, and okay, a LITTLE bit of fancy!
And since I promise I won't spoil whether an eventual HEA comes to fruition or not, this quote by Mark Groves fits these two MCs like a glove: "It's in the space between the love we've lost and the love we hope to find that we meet ourselves."
🥰
4 stars
March 19, 2025
1/28/25 happy pub day to this bad boy!!
this is for the beach read girlies. at our core, we truly are sunshine girlies who just want the grump to change and choose us (except it’s the version where they go to therapy and don’t expect us to fix them!)
thank you to netgalley and berkley for the arc!!
this is for the beach read girlies. at our core, we truly are sunshine girlies who just want the grump to change and choose us (except it’s the version where they go to therapy and don’t expect us to fix them!)
thank you to netgalley and berkley for the arc!!
January 24, 2025
Ada is down on her luck, down on her finances, and trying to get to her estranged sister’s destination wedding in Ireland, virtually no money in hand. When she misses her connecting flight, she and fellow passenger Jack commiserate as they work together to figure out how to each get to their respective weddings. After sharing with Jack just how much she dislikes her sister’s fiancee and how much she dreads meeting his womanizing best friend, they realize they are in fact heading to the same wedding, Jack being the best man.
Sometimes there are sweet romcoms you fly through that are light and fun and more surface level. But occasionally you encounter a romcom that offers so much more than the average, this being one of them. This story has grit, it has heart and while it is obviously a love story, it also includes themes of picking up the pieces when your life doesn’t go quite as planned.
Both characters struggle to figure out what comes next in a way that anyone can relate to. Both are fully fleshed out and feel incredibly real. And each has a heart of gold. It is hard not to root for them to have a happy ending, as well as the supporting characters who go through their own journeys of self discovery.
🎧 Whenever Brittany Presley narrates I feel as though that alone should be the review. She narrates it, therefore the audio is going to be terrific, and indeed it was.
Read if you like:
▪️road trip romance
▪️forced proximity
▪️one bed
▪️enemies to lovers
▪️wedding antics
▪️romance with heart
Thank you Berkley Romance and PRH Audio for the gifted copies.
Sometimes there are sweet romcoms you fly through that are light and fun and more surface level. But occasionally you encounter a romcom that offers so much more than the average, this being one of them. This story has grit, it has heart and while it is obviously a love story, it also includes themes of picking up the pieces when your life doesn’t go quite as planned.
Both characters struggle to figure out what comes next in a way that anyone can relate to. Both are fully fleshed out and feel incredibly real. And each has a heart of gold. It is hard not to root for them to have a happy ending, as well as the supporting characters who go through their own journeys of self discovery.
🎧 Whenever Brittany Presley narrates I feel as though that alone should be the review. She narrates it, therefore the audio is going to be terrific, and indeed it was.
Read if you like:
▪️road trip romance
▪️forced proximity
▪️one bed
▪️enemies to lovers
▪️wedding antics
▪️romance with heart
Thank you Berkley Romance and PRH Audio for the gifted copies.
December 11, 2024
Please note that I received this book via NetGalley. This did not affect my rating or review.
Definitely not an author I will read again. I gave this 3 stars for the trigger warnings at the front and some other things I won't get into because spoilers. That said, I was dancing towards a 1 and 2 star review for a while. The hero (Jack) is not fully developed until the 60 percent mark. The heroine (Ada) is aggravating as hell throughout this story. Probably because she keeps acting as if she's new to the world and her whole won't tell her family what is going on, but will take money from a stranger thing started to get old. It didn't help she kept lusting after Jack and I was screaming to myself, red flag, every other minute about the guy. I just thought that McBreen took an easy out to "explain" Jack and I was unimpressed.
"Wedding Dashers" follows 28 year old Ada who is on her way to Ireland for her younger sister, Allison's wedding. Ada is feeling stuck because her long-time boyfriend asked for a 3 month break, and she's currently jobless after her business went under. She's back leaving at home with her mom and stepdad and she is worried that her sister is jumping into her marriage too fast. After getting bumped from a flight, and dealing with an expired hotel voucher, Ada meets a man named Jack who is also trying to get to a wedding [you see where this is going right?]. Shenanigan's abound.
So the underlying plot (get thee to a wedding) should have been fun, but it wasn't. The stupidest stuff kept happening and it wasn't cute. It was annoying and you had Ada going look at how hot Jack is every five seconds.
Ada, eh. She's not the best romance heroine I have read. I just got tired of her obsessing over her sister and demanding that Jack spill his soul to her.
Jack was gross. Seriously. There's a lot of scenes in the first 25 percent that I was just baffled at McBreen including. I wondered if she wanted readers to even like Jack. Cause I did not. His comments were sexist, gross, etc. and the whole this is why he is the way he is made me want to yell. Somewhere a NY Times journalist is working on an article about why single women need to have more sex with terrible men. I don't need to read the same scenario in a romance book. There's a reason why I don't read "alpha" AKA asshole romances.
No one else has any personality in this thing until the 80 percent mark. I thought Allison was spoiled and awful from the way that she was written, and then we get a ton of scenes in the end that "reveal" her and I was like um okay. Same with the groom to be. It just felt like there was zero development of the hero and it was laughably bad regarding anyone else.
The setting of the book moves from London, Scotland, Ireland, Seattle, Italy, and then back to Seattle. I got zero sense of the settings really until the action moved to Ireland. And only a little bit there.
The ending was just okay. I think that the multiple endings just made me go eh. I just wasn't feeling it by the time I hit 50 percent and then I wanted to just finish this book and be done with it.
Definitely not an author I will read again. I gave this 3 stars for the trigger warnings at the front and some other things I won't get into because spoilers. That said, I was dancing towards a 1 and 2 star review for a while. The hero (Jack) is not fully developed until the 60 percent mark. The heroine (Ada) is aggravating as hell throughout this story. Probably because she keeps acting as if she's new to the world and her whole won't tell her family what is going on, but will take money from a stranger thing started to get old. It didn't help she kept lusting after Jack and I was screaming to myself, red flag, every other minute about the guy. I just thought that McBreen took an easy out to "explain" Jack and I was unimpressed.
"Wedding Dashers" follows 28 year old Ada who is on her way to Ireland for her younger sister, Allison's wedding. Ada is feeling stuck because her long-time boyfriend asked for a 3 month break, and she's currently jobless after her business went under. She's back leaving at home with her mom and stepdad and she is worried that her sister is jumping into her marriage too fast. After getting bumped from a flight, and dealing with an expired hotel voucher, Ada meets a man named Jack who is also trying to get to a wedding [you see where this is going right?]. Shenanigan's abound.
So the underlying plot (get thee to a wedding) should have been fun, but it wasn't. The stupidest stuff kept happening and it wasn't cute. It was annoying and you had Ada going look at how hot Jack is every five seconds.
Ada, eh. She's not the best romance heroine I have read. I just got tired of her obsessing over her sister and demanding that Jack spill his soul to her.
Jack was gross. Seriously. There's a lot of scenes in the first 25 percent that I was just baffled at McBreen including. I wondered if she wanted readers to even like Jack. Cause I did not. His comments were sexist, gross, etc. and the whole this is why he is the way he is made me want to yell. Somewhere a NY Times journalist is working on an article about why single women need to have more sex with terrible men. I don't need to read the same scenario in a romance book. There's a reason why I don't read "alpha" AKA asshole romances.
No one else has any personality in this thing until the 80 percent mark. I thought Allison was spoiled and awful from the way that she was written, and then we get a ton of scenes in the end that "reveal" her and I was like um okay. Same with the groom to be. It just felt like there was zero development of the hero and it was laughably bad regarding anyone else.
The setting of the book moves from London, Scotland, Ireland, Seattle, Italy, and then back to Seattle. I got zero sense of the settings really until the action moved to Ireland. And only a little bit there.
The ending was just okay. I think that the multiple endings just made me go eh. I just wasn't feeling it by the time I hit 50 percent and then I wanted to just finish this book and be done with it.
May 31, 2025
Tropes & What to Expect
🚞 90s rom com vibes
🚞 BANTER
🚞 forced proximity/one bed
🚞 road trip adventure
🚞 right person wrong time
🚞 family drama
I’m having a hard time with rating this because I truly did enjoy the characters and their development. I’m going with a 4.25 star 🌟 because I had a BLAST reading and had so many moments where I laughed out loud but would turn the page and be literally about to tear up🥹
As a huge believer in fate and luck I absolutely loved this theme being shown in the book 🍀 while they were truly meant for each other it was wrong timing and they needed to work through their problems and find themselves to be whole for each other😭
The epilogue was EVERYTHING!! Easily one of my top 5 ever written. I LOVED!!!! This is the authors debut and it was a beautifully written romcom that felt fresh and new. I can’t wait to see what she comes out with next ✨
🚞 90s rom com vibes
🚞 BANTER
🚞 forced proximity/one bed
🚞 road trip adventure
🚞 right person wrong time
🚞 family drama
I’m having a hard time with rating this because I truly did enjoy the characters and their development. I’m going with a 4.25 star 🌟 because I had a BLAST reading and had so many moments where I laughed out loud but would turn the page and be literally about to tear up🥹
As a huge believer in fate and luck I absolutely loved this theme being shown in the book 🍀 while they were truly meant for each other it was wrong timing and they needed to work through their problems and find themselves to be whole for each other😭
The epilogue was EVERYTHING!! Easily one of my top 5 ever written. I LOVED!!!! This is the authors debut and it was a beautifully written romcom that felt fresh and new. I can’t wait to see what she comes out with next ✨
March 21, 2025
Well this was a little cutie. Ada is on her way to her sister's wedding in Ireland and of course, her connecting flight gets canceled, the hotel doesn't accept her room voucher and she is swimming in debt with no money to spare as she attempts to solve this travel catastrophe. Cue Jack, the hot stranger who swoops in to save the day with a beer and a burger. Only thing is, Jacks not a stranger, he's the best man at her sister's wedding and they have opposing views on love, relationships and the couple tying the knot. The journey to the wedding is one of chaos, disaster, bad luck and maybe the start of something special.
Wedding Dashers is a feel good book, a shot of dopamine straight to the brain. The characters are fun and witty. The pop culture references were all early 2000's which in my opinion is the golden era for all things rom-com. There was a karaoke scene. Yep, you heard me, KARAOKE. Ya know, the thing everyone pretends to hate until they are doing it and having the time of their lives. I wanted to bottle all the happiness up. Reading this was a total delight, so pick it up and prepare for your face to hurt from smiling and more smiling and then even more smiles. 😊
Wedding Dashers is a feel good book, a shot of dopamine straight to the brain. The characters are fun and witty. The pop culture references were all early 2000's which in my opinion is the golden era for all things rom-com. There was a karaoke scene. Yep, you heard me, KARAOKE. Ya know, the thing everyone pretends to hate until they are doing it and having the time of their lives. I wanted to bottle all the happiness up. Reading this was a total delight, so pick it up and prepare for your face to hurt from smiling and more smiling and then even more smiles. 😊
February 10, 2025
A tattoo artist with only one mermaid tattoo legit pissed me off for real.
May 2, 2025
Thank you @heathermcbreenwrites @bookswithnopictures for the gifted copy of "Wedding Dashers" [Pub Date: OUT NOW]
I'm officially bowing down to Heather McBreen for writing one of my favorite books I've read this year. I A D O R E D this book so so so so so much.
I have so much that I absolutely l o v e d about this story. I loved Ada more than you'll ever know. I appreciated that she was an artist trying to find her way. The moments that we'd see through Ada's artistic brain and she would appreciate the beauty of a setting or a person by describing how she would sketch it through an inner dialogue. Chefs kiss writing. You're playing to this creative souls heart. I loved this small detail because I naturally catch myself doing this during moments that take my breath away.
Don't even get me started on her personality. Her sarcastic humor and her caring personality just shined through the pages.
Wait... do I have a girl crush on Ada???
Omg...and the themes of bad luck & fate. This just all just got me weak in the best kind of way.
Jack literally says it himself "Everything happens for a reason" & that basically sums up the magic that is "Wedding Dashers." One canceled flight leading to an adventure across Europe & a whole lot of personal growth.
Never did I think a plot about missing a flight would give me so much life. I loved all the hilarious antics Jack and Ada experienced to get to the wedding. Between the special blanket and the hefty debate about pizza... the accidental adventures were the best.
I am pretty sure Heather wove in romance magic with her words. Am I being extra? Maybe... but you should just read it & thank me later.
🧡 Travel and Adventures
🧡 Only One Bed
🧡 Road Trip
🧡 Mistaken Identity
🧡 Destination Wedding
🧡 Maid of Honor + Best Man
🧡 Sassy & Hilarious Dialogue
🧡 Fate
I'm officially bowing down to Heather McBreen for writing one of my favorite books I've read this year. I A D O R E D this book so so so so so much.
I have so much that I absolutely l o v e d about this story. I loved Ada more than you'll ever know. I appreciated that she was an artist trying to find her way. The moments that we'd see through Ada's artistic brain and she would appreciate the beauty of a setting or a person by describing how she would sketch it through an inner dialogue. Chefs kiss writing. You're playing to this creative souls heart. I loved this small detail because I naturally catch myself doing this during moments that take my breath away.
Don't even get me started on her personality. Her sarcastic humor and her caring personality just shined through the pages.
Wait... do I have a girl crush on Ada???
Omg...and the themes of bad luck & fate. This just all just got me weak in the best kind of way.
Jack literally says it himself "Everything happens for a reason" & that basically sums up the magic that is "Wedding Dashers." One canceled flight leading to an adventure across Europe & a whole lot of personal growth.
Never did I think a plot about missing a flight would give me so much life. I loved all the hilarious antics Jack and Ada experienced to get to the wedding. Between the special blanket and the hefty debate about pizza... the accidental adventures were the best.
I am pretty sure Heather wove in romance magic with her words. Am I being extra? Maybe... but you should just read it & thank me later.
🧡 Travel and Adventures
🧡 Only One Bed
🧡 Road Trip
🧡 Mistaken Identity
🧡 Destination Wedding
🧡 Maid of Honor + Best Man
🧡 Sassy & Hilarious Dialogue
🧡 Fate
July 19, 2025
In a dash, here’s my take on "WEDDING DASHERS".
What happens when planes get canceled and two strangers (and members of the same wedding party!) make a mad dash to get to a wedding on time?
Yes, this destination wedding story was super-engaging.
(No pun intended!)
What I loved about this love story:
❤️ Just like the female protagonist, the book was smart, beautiful, and funny
❤️ Nonstop LOL witty banter
❤️ Strong characterizations of two deeply flawed protagonists
❤️ The best man's speech was ultra-compelling
❤️ The author's note at the EOB was spot-on
What I didn't love:
❤️ It was waaaay too long.
Note to all authors: Sometimes, less is more.
I listened to the 11.5-hour audiobook that easily could have been an 8-hour book. There was no repetitive text. Instead, the storyline should have been streamlined.
❤️ At times, narrator Brittany Pressley's voice was grating. (Perhaps that is what happens when one reads an 11.5-hour book???)
Overall, this was a very, very impressive debut by a talented author.
It's not easy to write rom-coms, and this author's wit wowed me.
I look forward to Heather McBreen's future releases.
January 28, 2025
I loved this one so much omg. It was super cute and full of classic rom com vibes without being cheesy. It reminded me of a Lynn Painter book and she’s one of my faves so that’s high praise from me. Great chemistry, amazing characters that you’ll adore and it made me laugh and swoon. SO good! Audio is also narrated by my queen so that was a delightful bonus.
January 19, 2025
The romcom of my dreams! Seriously, I can’t remember the last time I read one that hooked me from the very first chapter and held my undivided attention all the way through.
It was genuinely funny! An almost one-night stand turns into an unplanned road trip as reluctant travel partners Ada and Jack realize they’re both heading to the same wedding. With 83 hours to spare—and a packed veil that must stay pristine—it’s a literal race against time, filled with chaotic pit stops that constantly threaten to derail their plans.
The banter was its own form of comedy! I was obsessed. Sarcastic, effortless, witty—the kind that leaves you giddy and grinning. Plus, the romance was such a satisfying slow burn!
Ada’s dealing with some lingering heartbreak and career doubts, while Jack is the very definition of a commitment-phobe. It may seem like a typical conflict, I know, but the way everything was explored felt so fresh, heartfelt, and real. The focus on healing, taking the time to work on yourself so you can be the best version of you for someone else, was just so lovely. All the stars!
(heat level: a couple open-door scenes, explicit details)
Thank you Berkley Romance for the gifted copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
It was genuinely funny! An almost one-night stand turns into an unplanned road trip as reluctant travel partners Ada and Jack realize they’re both heading to the same wedding. With 83 hours to spare—and a packed veil that must stay pristine—it’s a literal race against time, filled with chaotic pit stops that constantly threaten to derail their plans.
The banter was its own form of comedy! I was obsessed. Sarcastic, effortless, witty—the kind that leaves you giddy and grinning. Plus, the romance was such a satisfying slow burn!
Ada’s dealing with some lingering heartbreak and career doubts, while Jack is the very definition of a commitment-phobe. It may seem like a typical conflict, I know, but the way everything was explored felt so fresh, heartfelt, and real. The focus on healing, taking the time to work on yourself so you can be the best version of you for someone else, was just so lovely. All the stars!
(heat level: a couple open-door scenes, explicit details)
Thank you Berkley Romance for the gifted copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
February 2, 2025
this book felt like a nostalgic romcom movie and I had such a fun time with it.
when ada’s flight to her sister’s wedding gets cancelled, she runs into a hot stranger whose flight was also cancelled. after a near-ONS, they realize they are going to the same wedding because ada is the maid of honor and jack is the best man. so they decide to try to get to the wedding together. and they run into nearly every possible problem getting there.
the tension and banter in this was so fun. I loved how chaotic their travels were. heather’s writing made me feel like I was watching a movie in the UK. I loved how jack slowly opened up to ada and ada gained confidence after a bad breakup.
this was a bit insta-lovey and I didn’t see how they could’ve fallen so hard in four days but the way the third act was handled it felt so much better. I loved how it felt realistic and needed for the two of them.
what to expect
⟢ hopeless romantic fmc x jaded mmc
⟢ only one bed
⟢ road trip
⟢ maid of honor x best man
actual rating 4.25
when ada’s flight to her sister’s wedding gets cancelled, she runs into a hot stranger whose flight was also cancelled. after a near-ONS, they realize they are going to the same wedding because ada is the maid of honor and jack is the best man. so they decide to try to get to the wedding together. and they run into nearly every possible problem getting there.
the tension and banter in this was so fun. I loved how chaotic their travels were. heather’s writing made me feel like I was watching a movie in the UK. I loved how jack slowly opened up to ada and ada gained confidence after a bad breakup.
this was a bit insta-lovey and I didn’t see how they could’ve fallen so hard in four days but the way the third act was handled it felt so much better. I loved how it felt realistic and needed for the two of them.
what to expect
⟢ hopeless romantic fmc x jaded mmc
⟢ only one bed
⟢ road trip
⟢ maid of honor x best man
actual rating 4.25
March 16, 2025
It is hard for me to believe Wedding Dashers is Heather McBreen's debut and it makes me really excited for what will come next from her. I loved Ada and Jack as well as their fantastic banter and slow burn romance. They started as strangers, then became enemies, and after all that we got to see enemies to lovers. There is one scene that is a little spicy, but the majority of the book is fairly PG and reminded me of a Hallmark movie mixed with an Abby Jimenez novel. McBreen puts the triggers right at the front of the book and I would recommend checking those out if needed, but most things are mentioned and not described in detail which was nice.
The audiobook is narrated by Brittany Pressley with McBreen reading her ‘behind the book’ section and it was everything I needed. Pressley is one of my favorite narrators and her narration for Ada was spot on. We only have the one viewpoint which was fine by me, and Pressley was the perfect person to do it. I loved that the author read what inspired this book in the first place, and it definitely hits different when you can hear her tell you about it. There were so many heartfelt moments with plenty of humor mixed in, and I loved the adventure that came with Jack and Ada trying to make it to Ada’s sister wedding. So much bad luck ensues, and it was hilarious. Don’t be fooled by the cute cover though because there is just the right amount of serious subject matters mixed in as well.
Read this if you are looking for forced proximity, scorching chemistry, and adventure!
My Spice Rating: 🌶.5
Audiobook Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I received a complimentary listening copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
The audiobook is narrated by Brittany Pressley with McBreen reading her ‘behind the book’ section and it was everything I needed. Pressley is one of my favorite narrators and her narration for Ada was spot on. We only have the one viewpoint which was fine by me, and Pressley was the perfect person to do it. I loved that the author read what inspired this book in the first place, and it definitely hits different when you can hear her tell you about it. There were so many heartfelt moments with plenty of humor mixed in, and I loved the adventure that came with Jack and Ada trying to make it to Ada’s sister wedding. So much bad luck ensues, and it was hilarious. Don’t be fooled by the cute cover though because there is just the right amount of serious subject matters mixed in as well.
Read this if you are looking for forced proximity, scorching chemistry, and adventure!
My Spice Rating: 🌶.5
Audiobook Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I received a complimentary listening copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
March 4, 2025
What a fun refreshing read!! Full rtc
This arrived on my kindle today. I can't wait to read this one. I've heard it's a wonderful rom-com.
This arrived on my kindle today. I can't wait to read this one. I've heard it's a wonderful rom-com.
February 16, 2025
This book was not good. I tried so hard to make it through, but it is a DNF for me. This could be considered a spoiler but I’m not marking it as a spoiler review because I don’t read spoiler reviews before I read the book and I feel like anyone reading this should know this going in, so here’s your chance to stop reading…He’s literally married. Separated is not the same as divorced and the fact that he didn’t tell her before trying to hook up with her is beyond not okay. Ada is super annoying and not over her ex until she just suddenly decides she is. This was a cute premise and the banter was good at the beginning so I had high hopes. Plus he calls her “kiddo” after doing the deed. This book is not good. It is neither rom nor com, and I was in no way rooting for this relationship. It’s a no for me and that’s a huge bummer because I was excited about it.
February 21, 2025
No energy for reviews, part 2: Woodenly written, extremely clichéd and predictable, banal, trivial. A true dime novel.
February 7, 2025
I have to confess, I don’t understand the rave reviews? Ada is a doormat who lets the people around her determine her thinking (while denying it) and never once voices her thoughts coherently (usually she starts crying instead). She’s supposedly a problem solver, but Jack fixes every problem while she has a breakdown.
Speaking of Jack…I just don’t like him. If you’re going to make a guy into the “perfect book boyfriend” (let’s not pretend that’s not what he’s supposed to be), have him (at least offer to) take the floor when there’s only one bed—and don’t have him be the kind of guy who’s chill with going to a strip club for a bachelor party.
The relationship is insta-lust (seriously, one of the first things they think about during their grand reunion is sex). In fact, the theme of the whole book is fast relationships that happen shortly after a breakup but magically work out even though the people barely know anything about each other (Reader, would you marry someone if you didn’t know whether they were a cat or dog person?).
The plot is painfully predictable, but at least the happy ever after isn’t a pregnancy (for the main couple, that is).
Speaking of Jack…I just don’t like him. If you’re going to make a guy into the “perfect book boyfriend” (let’s not pretend that’s not what he’s supposed to be), have him (at least offer to) take the floor when there’s only one bed—and don’t have him be the kind of guy who’s chill with going to a strip club for a bachelor party.
The relationship is insta-lust (seriously, one of the first things they think about during their grand reunion is sex). In fact, the theme of the whole book is fast relationships that happen shortly after a breakup but magically work out even though the people barely know anything about each other (Reader, would you marry someone if you didn’t know whether they were a cat or dog person?).
The plot is painfully predictable, but at least the happy ever after isn’t a pregnancy (for the main couple, that is).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 26, 2025
What a pleasant read. I was surprise that I do enjoy Wedding Dasher. Although the plot is copied from the movie Leap Year, the banter is fresh.
Miss McBreen is certainly knowa how to make her characters having a good time delivering her story.
4 stars
Miss McBreen is certainly knowa how to make her characters having a good time delivering her story.
4 stars
dnf
February 4, 2025What I read had some great humor, in addition to relatable characterizations, and writing that felt stronger than a typical debut. The main characters had friction without being mean and the tension was being built well. As the book continued, I became concerned it was going in a direction that I’m personally not in the mood for and, after confirming some things, I decided to dnf for now. I might try this again in a different mood and I’m certainly looking forward to what else this author writes in the future.
March 8, 2025
if you love Leap Year you’ll eat this up
![Profile Image for [̲̅K̲̅][̲̅a̲̅][̲̅t̲̅][̲̅i̲̅][̲̅e̲̅] (semi-hiatus).](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1741628052i%2F159571314._UY200_CR0%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
March 23, 2025
✨5 stars✨
I love a road trip book with a scenic destination 🍀 I also love a healthy relationship that I can put on a pedestal and say 'this is how it should be.' 👏
Pre-review⁀➴
This book sounds so fun and I need some fun in my life right now
I love a road trip book with a scenic destination 🍀 I also love a healthy relationship that I can put on a pedestal and say 'this is how it should be.' 👏
Pre-review⁀➴
This book sounds so fun and I need some fun in my life right now
March 12, 2025
This was a cute rom com that would make a great movie. I especially loved that the relationship barrier/resolution was different than most of the genre (which are pretty formulaic overall). Ada is headed to her little sister’s wedding and she hits travel issues galore and is stranded with no money when she bumps into Jack. After some hilarious miscommunication they realize that they are traveling to the same wedding and are actually the best man/maid of honor. He agrees to help her get to the wedding since she doesn’t have the money to re-route on her own. The two of them get to know each other and change their perspectives on so much on their route to the wedding. The characters were good in this one and I enjoyed the book a fair bit, but this wasn’t a book that I struggled to put down.
February 8, 2025
I wanted to love this one—the setup had all the elements of a fun, chaotic road trip romance with a little enemies-to-lovers spark. Unfortunately, it never quite came together for me. The humour felt forced, and the chemistry between Ada and Jack never reached the tension or depth that would make their journey worth rooting for.
Ada’s frustration with her sister’s wedding and financial struggles were understandable, but they became repetitive, making her feel more whiny than endearing. On the other hand, Jack was supposed to be charmingly roguish, but he lacked the depth to make his redemption arc believable. Their banter often felt like it was trying too hard to be witty rather than flowing naturally.
The travel mishaps had the potential for comedic moments, but instead, they dragged, making the story feel longer than needed. When the emotional beats finally arrived, they didn’t hit as hard as they should have. The resolution felt rushed as if all the tension and misgivings evaporated rather than being meaningfully resolved.
There were glimpses of what could have been a great rom-com, but the execution fell short, leaving the story feeling more like a series of inconveniences rather than a heartfelt journey to love.
Ada’s frustration with her sister’s wedding and financial struggles were understandable, but they became repetitive, making her feel more whiny than endearing. On the other hand, Jack was supposed to be charmingly roguish, but he lacked the depth to make his redemption arc believable. Their banter often felt like it was trying too hard to be witty rather than flowing naturally.
The travel mishaps had the potential for comedic moments, but instead, they dragged, making the story feel longer than needed. When the emotional beats finally arrived, they didn’t hit as hard as they should have. The resolution felt rushed as if all the tension and misgivings evaporated rather than being meaningfully resolved.
There were glimpses of what could have been a great rom-com, but the execution fell short, leaving the story feeling more like a series of inconveniences rather than a heartfelt journey to love.
October 22, 2024
4.25/5
Ahh this was a really good and fun romcom. I loved most of the aspects of it especially the dash for the bridesmaid and groomsman to get to the wedding in Scotland on time. The fmc is rushing to get to her sister’s wedding on time since she has the veil. The fmc meets every obstacle possible with cancelled flights, missed trains etc. she meets the mmc after he sees her stranded and they get dinner and almost have a one night stand. She learns that he’s her sister’s fiancé best friend and they make a pact to get to the wedding on time together.
Both mc’s were clearly attracted to each other but the fmc has a boyfriend and even though they are on a break she still hopes to get back with him. The mmc is not into long term relationships and they both become closer and question their previous relationships and beliefs. I loved how fast paced the book was and both characters were cute as friends and when they finally got together. This is a slow burn and it’s steamy when they finally get together. Thanks to Berkley for this arc for an honest review.
Ahh this was a really good and fun romcom. I loved most of the aspects of it especially the dash for the bridesmaid and groomsman to get to the wedding in Scotland on time. The fmc is rushing to get to her sister’s wedding on time since she has the veil. The fmc meets every obstacle possible with cancelled flights, missed trains etc. she meets the mmc after he sees her stranded and they get dinner and almost have a one night stand. She learns that he’s her sister’s fiancé best friend and they make a pact to get to the wedding on time together.
Both mc’s were clearly attracted to each other but the fmc has a boyfriend and even though they are on a break she still hopes to get back with him. The mmc is not into long term relationships and they both become closer and question their previous relationships and beliefs. I loved how fast paced the book was and both characters were cute as friends and when they finally got together. This is a slow burn and it’s steamy when they finally get together. Thanks to Berkley for this arc for an honest review.
October 19, 2025
I started off really enjoying it and then the characters dashed my hopes.
When trying to get to her sister’s wedding ends up with a one-night stand and a cancelled flight, Ada ends up having to team up with the best man - her one-night stand. Turns out, bed talk shouldn’t include badmouthing your sister’s fiancé in case you later found out that is his best friend.
So, Ada - whose personality can be summed up as worrier and big sister and coming out of an eight-year relationship she keeps hanging on for.
Then we have Jack, who I swear the author named just to make jokes with his name: ‘he’s jacked’, ‘pass me the jack’ (fixing the tyre), ‘good thing he’s jacked’.
I loved their initial chemistry, spark, and banter. By the 40% mark, I was becoming fed up. I didn’t believe they were each other’s ‘The Ones’.
Ada had potential to do some real self-reflection, but it dragged on and she became almost whiny.
I also didn’t buy into the tattoo artist sub-plot.
I think this is high two stars 🌟. Maybe it would have been higher if I wasn’t forced to binge 60% of the audiobook in one day as my library hold was expiring (and I really wanted to get back to my fantasy audiobook).
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When trying to get to her sister’s wedding ends up with a one-night stand and a cancelled flight, Ada ends up having to team up with the best man - her one-night stand. Turns out, bed talk shouldn’t include badmouthing your sister’s fiancé in case you later found out that is his best friend.
So, Ada - whose personality can be summed up as worrier and big sister and coming out of an eight-year relationship she keeps hanging on for.
Then we have Jack, who I swear the author named just to make jokes with his name: ‘he’s jacked’, ‘pass me the jack’ (fixing the tyre), ‘good thing he’s jacked’.
I loved their initial chemistry, spark, and banter. By the 40% mark, I was becoming fed up. I didn’t believe they were each other’s ‘The Ones’.
Ada had potential to do some real self-reflection, but it dragged on and she became almost whiny.
I also didn’t buy into the tattoo artist sub-plot.
I think this is high two stars 🌟. Maybe it would have been higher if I wasn’t forced to binge 60% of the audiobook in one day as my library hold was expiring (and I really wanted to get back to my fantasy audiobook).
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January 30, 2025
But maybe that's not what love is. Maybe it's not hours clocked or years passed. It's a quiet certainty that you're not alone, that whatever comes may it be joy or tragedy, success or loss— you'll have someone by your side through it all. That you won't have to face it on your own. Maybe it's finding someone who makes you feel a little less alone in the world.
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