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Planning a wedding with the man you’re secretly in love with… what could go wrong?
Liv Holland has a she’s been crushing on Arran Adebayo, her brother’s best friend, for years. They’re ‘just friends’ but she can’t help the butterflies in her stomach whenever she’s around him.
When they’re asked to help plan festivities for Liv's brother's wedding, Liv and Arran can no longer deny the sparks between them. But with both having their own chequered romantic history, risking everything for love could mean losing each other forever…
As the wedding bells ring, will Liv and Arran finally find their own happy ever after?
Liv Holland has a she’s been crushing on Arran Adebayo, her brother’s best friend, for years. They’re ‘just friends’ but she can’t help the butterflies in her stomach whenever she’s around him.
When they’re asked to help plan festivities for Liv's brother's wedding, Liv and Arran can no longer deny the sparks between them. But with both having their own chequered romantic history, risking everything for love could mean losing each other forever…
As the wedding bells ring, will Liv and Arran finally find their own happy ever after?
First published October 8, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 135 reviews
February 21, 2025
**3.5-stars rounded up**
The Wedding Engagement is a Romance by Zoe Allison. This story follows MCs, Liv and Arran, and is set in Scotland.
Liv is a preschool teacher and Arran is an up-and-coming painter, as well as a single-Dad to a sweet little boy that Liv will soon have in her classroom.. Arran is Liv's brother's best friend, so the two have known each other for a long time.
They have a very tight knit group of friends, but when Arran occasionally needs help with his son, it's Liv who really starts showing up for him.
Her excuse is that she doesn't have much of a life otherwise and she doesn't mind at all. The truth is more complex. She's crushing hard on Arran, but yeah, also loves his son too. She wants to help him and definitely enjoys the extra time with her bro's handsome-BFF.
Arran notices Liv showing up for him, and in truth, he's been noticing a lot more than that. The sexual tension is boiling and their banter is just so cute.
When the two end up set-up together on a blind date, they have the opportunity to finally express what they've been feeling, but they both fail. Big time.
Even though it felt frustrating in the beginning, because miscommunication, this cast of characters did really grow on me. Arran was such a sweetheart and I empathized with Liv and her very real struggles and self-doubts.
I loved Arran and Liv's banter, and more importantly, just the way they were with each other; how they considered each other's feelings so much.
My favorite thing though was the friend group. I loved how supportive and open they all were with one another, both the men and the women.
A lot of the plot of this revolves around Liv's brother, Sam, and his engagement and upcoming marriage to one of her best friends. Arran and Liv are both involved in the wedding planning and the stag and hen do.
I did enjoy that as well. Those types of set-ups are always fun to read about, IMO, and it helped to bring about a lot of necessary time for Arran and Liv to spend together.
Additionally, I appreciate the real-life issues that Allison explored with these MCs. For Liv, there was a lot of back story having to do with her bio-Dad and him basically being a shitbag. For Arran, there was a lot of drama involving his ex-fiance, Jess.
Granted, I don't read a ton of Romance, but the Romance I do read and enjoy tends to tackle some heavier topics for the MCs. I need more than just sex and attraction. I want them working through things together, as a team and providing both emotional support and protection for one another.
I felt like Allison did a great job of channeling that into this story. This budding relationship had substance. I could walk away feeling like it wasn't going to fizzle out in 8-10 years when the sexual attraction may have started to take more of a backseat in comparison with other issues.
Overall, while I'm not sure how memorable this story will be for me in the long-run, I still really enjoyed it and the journey that I went on with these characters.
Thank you to the publisher, Berkley, for providing me with a copy to read and review. This is the first that I have read from this author, but I'm definitely looking forward to more.
The Wedding Engagement is a Romance by Zoe Allison. This story follows MCs, Liv and Arran, and is set in Scotland.
Liv is a preschool teacher and Arran is an up-and-coming painter, as well as a single-Dad to a sweet little boy that Liv will soon have in her classroom.. Arran is Liv's brother's best friend, so the two have known each other for a long time.
They have a very tight knit group of friends, but when Arran occasionally needs help with his son, it's Liv who really starts showing up for him.
Her excuse is that she doesn't have much of a life otherwise and she doesn't mind at all. The truth is more complex. She's crushing hard on Arran, but yeah, also loves his son too. She wants to help him and definitely enjoys the extra time with her bro's handsome-BFF.
Arran notices Liv showing up for him, and in truth, he's been noticing a lot more than that. The sexual tension is boiling and their banter is just so cute.
When the two end up set-up together on a blind date, they have the opportunity to finally express what they've been feeling, but they both fail. Big time.
Even though it felt frustrating in the beginning, because miscommunication, this cast of characters did really grow on me. Arran was such a sweetheart and I empathized with Liv and her very real struggles and self-doubts.
I loved Arran and Liv's banter, and more importantly, just the way they were with each other; how they considered each other's feelings so much.
My favorite thing though was the friend group. I loved how supportive and open they all were with one another, both the men and the women.
A lot of the plot of this revolves around Liv's brother, Sam, and his engagement and upcoming marriage to one of her best friends. Arran and Liv are both involved in the wedding planning and the stag and hen do.
I did enjoy that as well. Those types of set-ups are always fun to read about, IMO, and it helped to bring about a lot of necessary time for Arran and Liv to spend together.
Additionally, I appreciate the real-life issues that Allison explored with these MCs. For Liv, there was a lot of back story having to do with her bio-Dad and him basically being a shitbag. For Arran, there was a lot of drama involving his ex-fiance, Jess.
Granted, I don't read a ton of Romance, but the Romance I do read and enjoy tends to tackle some heavier topics for the MCs. I need more than just sex and attraction. I want them working through things together, as a team and providing both emotional support and protection for one another.
I felt like Allison did a great job of channeling that into this story. This budding relationship had substance. I could walk away feeling like it wasn't going to fizzle out in 8-10 years when the sexual attraction may have started to take more of a backseat in comparison with other issues.
Overall, while I'm not sure how memorable this story will be for me in the long-run, I still really enjoyed it and the journey that I went on with these characters.
Thank you to the publisher, Berkley, for providing me with a copy to read and review. This is the first that I have read from this author, but I'm definitely looking forward to more.
October 6, 2024
Not bro ADMITTING to using weaponized incompetence, and we’re still supposed to root for him????
April 24, 2024
This is my review and rating based on how far I’ve read into the book so far. It is a DNF, but I plan on coming back to it in the future.
I absolutely loved that this book was set in Scotland, one of my favorite places in the world. The book gets off to a slow start and I’ve said before that I’m not big on slow burn. I’m not sure if it’s the fact that I haven’t been reading as much lately, or if it was this book. But the pages seemed to blend together a bunch. Recently, I’ve been in the mood for more fast paced books I believe, and this one is definitely slow. The two main characters are both in love with each other, and have been but they won’t act on their feelings even though it can be assumed that they’re perfect for each other and everyone around them thinks so except for them. They’re matched on a blind date with each other, have everything in common as well. I ended up not finishing the book, but is something that I will come back to in the future. It could possibly be a bit shorter; there is a lot of fluff in the book I believe.
I absolutely loved that this book was set in Scotland, one of my favorite places in the world. The book gets off to a slow start and I’ve said before that I’m not big on slow burn. I’m not sure if it’s the fact that I haven’t been reading as much lately, or if it was this book. But the pages seemed to blend together a bunch. Recently, I’ve been in the mood for more fast paced books I believe, and this one is definitely slow. The two main characters are both in love with each other, and have been but they won’t act on their feelings even though it can be assumed that they’re perfect for each other and everyone around them thinks so except for them. They’re matched on a blind date with each other, have everything in common as well. I ended up not finishing the book, but is something that I will come back to in the future. It could possibly be a bit shorter; there is a lot of fluff in the book I believe.
September 14, 2024
I really love a good best-friend-to-lovers trope. After all, secretly many of us may have experienced that in our own love life. This one is super entertaining but very true to form of the genre. Not a whole lot of surprises here, but wonderfully entertaining.
I am not usually fond of romances with kids involved, however, Allison did this one right. The MMC is fabulous and really made the story for me. I think I love him too! His son is a doll and while his ex is a pain at times, she is not horrible.
Both characters have been in love with each other for years, but circumstances, ya know? Fair warning in that this is a super slow burn and that got me frustrated at times. But, the balance between them is great and worth the read. I enjoyed all of the characters and their interactions together.
Allison delivers a steamy second half in The Wedding Engagement that is worth the wait and frustration. Know that much of this book also involves dealing with narcissistic attitudes which can be stressful for some. And we are delivered the third act drama too. Sigh...
All in all, this book is sweet and entertaining. Definitely a good one for those who love a traditional best-friends-to-lovers read.
~~~
* I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
* Full review - https://amidlifewife.com/the-wedding-...
I am not usually fond of romances with kids involved, however, Allison did this one right. The MMC is fabulous and really made the story for me. I think I love him too! His son is a doll and while his ex is a pain at times, she is not horrible.
Both characters have been in love with each other for years, but circumstances, ya know? Fair warning in that this is a super slow burn and that got me frustrated at times. But, the balance between them is great and worth the read. I enjoyed all of the characters and their interactions together.
Allison delivers a steamy second half in The Wedding Engagement that is worth the wait and frustration. Know that much of this book also involves dealing with narcissistic attitudes which can be stressful for some. And we are delivered the third act drama too. Sigh...
All in all, this book is sweet and entertaining. Definitely a good one for those who love a traditional best-friends-to-lovers read.
~~~
* I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
* Full review - https://amidlifewife.com/the-wedding-...
April 30, 2024
about 100 pages too long, and just never really captured my interest. this was fine. fairly standard friends to lovers romance with a plot moppet kid, mostly vibes, and the setting was more interesting than the romance itself. there was some steam. I was glad the ex-fiancee of the hero wasn't really villainized in the end (but i was worried there for a bit), and overall i didn't hate the book. I personally don't enjoy such a fluffy, low-stakes friends to lovers romance, but if that is your vibe you will probably really like it!
Content notes: the hero is biracial (Black, father from Nigeria; white mother from Scotland). heroine is assaulted on the way home from a night out (arm grabbed and violence threatened).
professional review to come for Library Journal. ARC provided by the publisher, thank you.
Content notes: the hero is biracial (Black, father from Nigeria; white mother from Scotland). heroine is assaulted on the way home from a night out (arm grabbed and violence threatened).
professional review to come for Library Journal. ARC provided by the publisher, thank you.
did-not-finish
August 1, 2024I received this for free as an advanced reader copy.
Look, I really enjoy this author on tiktok. She's creative and does some funny videos. But this book ain't it.
The writing is so bland. I can't put my finger on it, but it's a boring read. I made it to 4% but will not be finishing this book.
This woman is crushing on her friend. Do you know how many times she thinks "oh, he's so attractive" or some variation on that in just this 4%? Way. Too. Many. I was rolling my eyes so hard.
I cannot waste my time with a book that sucks this badly in the beginning. I have VERY little hope that this is going to be a good time. On to the next!
Look, I really enjoy this author on tiktok. She's creative and does some funny videos. But this book ain't it.
The writing is so bland. I can't put my finger on it, but it's a boring read. I made it to 4% but will not be finishing this book.
This woman is crushing on her friend. Do you know how many times she thinks "oh, he's so attractive" or some variation on that in just this 4%? Way. Too. Many. I was rolling my eyes so hard.
I cannot waste my time with a book that sucks this badly in the beginning. I have VERY little hope that this is going to be a good time. On to the next!
October 5, 2024
A steamy, friends to lovers single dad, dual POV, Scottish romance that I absolutely loved!!! Set in the same world as The ex-mas holidays, two best friends band together to help their friends organize and plan their wedding. Full of emotional depth and lots of spice, I couldn't get enough of this book by a new auto-buy author. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy and @prhaudio for a complimentary ALC in exchange for my honest review!
October 29, 2024
I enjoyed parts of this romance, but it felt like it took a long time to get past the mixed signals between Liv and Arran, which was frustrating. The story seemed to drag; I feel like it would’ve benefited from some editing down. I did appreciate the struggles Liv was dealing with and was happy she confronted the issues for her long term happiness.
I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy courtesy of the publisher. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.
I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy courtesy of the publisher. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.
March 12, 2025
I fairly enjoyed this book but it did feel too long and I did get frustrated by Liv’s behaviour. Despite it being a stand-alone, Allison has written other books featuring this group of friends. Consequently, it felt like I was missing a bit of a back-story, even if this is supposed to be independent.
For me, the writing moved quite slowly. Liv has serious father issues and this has impacted how she views relationships. Convincing everyone around her that she is happy being alone, she has a massive crush on her best friend, Arran, who also happens to be her brother’s best mate, too. As you would expect, the story demonstrates how this friendship can turn into something else – although there are the usual bumps in the road along the way.
I thought that the wedding planning took a significant backseat in this story. It was less about the characters helping organise a hen-stag event/wedding, and more about the unresolved feelings between Liv and Arran. I thought this reduced the variety of the plot because it felt like the narrative was just the “will they? Won’t they?” guessing game between the protagonists. In my opinion, it would have been better if the wedding plot was a bit stronger.
Liv’s indecisiveness over her feelings became quite irritating. She is clearly haunted by her father’s actions during her childhood yet, cannot bring herself to stop communicating with him. In my opinion, Liv seemed to enjoy having her vulnerabilities being exploited, not even being able to hit the ‘Block’ button when things turn particularly vitriolic. It felt like Allison was playing a bit too much with the ‘damsel in distress’ look for Liv, even if she is a pretty mean martial arts expert.
However, there is no denying the cute and warm fuzzy feelings that the story creates with its happy ending. Despite the cliched appearances of Liv and Arran, you can’t deny that there is a definite spark between them. Jayce, Arran’s son, adds warmth to the plot and I loved the relationship that existed between him and Liv, making them the picture of an perfect family. Furthermore, the frequent references to scones and cream tea had me hankering after my own – even if I am in support of Maya and the Devonshire way!
Overall, I don’t think this story did too much in being memorable. It felt really slow in getting to developing Liv’s relationship with Arran and I felt like I had come in mid-point in the story between the friends. I would have preferred if Allison had not padded the story out so much, whilst also adding further emphasis to the wedding sub-plot.
With thanks to HQ and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
For me, the writing moved quite slowly. Liv has serious father issues and this has impacted how she views relationships. Convincing everyone around her that she is happy being alone, she has a massive crush on her best friend, Arran, who also happens to be her brother’s best mate, too. As you would expect, the story demonstrates how this friendship can turn into something else – although there are the usual bumps in the road along the way.
I thought that the wedding planning took a significant backseat in this story. It was less about the characters helping organise a hen-stag event/wedding, and more about the unresolved feelings between Liv and Arran. I thought this reduced the variety of the plot because it felt like the narrative was just the “will they? Won’t they?” guessing game between the protagonists. In my opinion, it would have been better if the wedding plot was a bit stronger.
Liv’s indecisiveness over her feelings became quite irritating. She is clearly haunted by her father’s actions during her childhood yet, cannot bring herself to stop communicating with him. In my opinion, Liv seemed to enjoy having her vulnerabilities being exploited, not even being able to hit the ‘Block’ button when things turn particularly vitriolic. It felt like Allison was playing a bit too much with the ‘damsel in distress’ look for Liv, even if she is a pretty mean martial arts expert.
However, there is no denying the cute and warm fuzzy feelings that the story creates with its happy ending. Despite the cliched appearances of Liv and Arran, you can’t deny that there is a definite spark between them. Jayce, Arran’s son, adds warmth to the plot and I loved the relationship that existed between him and Liv, making them the picture of an perfect family. Furthermore, the frequent references to scones and cream tea had me hankering after my own – even if I am in support of Maya and the Devonshire way!
Overall, I don’t think this story did too much in being memorable. It felt really slow in getting to developing Liv’s relationship with Arran and I felt like I had come in mid-point in the story between the friends. I would have preferred if Allison had not padded the story out so much, whilst also adding further emphasis to the wedding sub-plot.
With thanks to HQ and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
October 10, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc!
3.8 stars, rounded up
I really enjoyed this book! I previously liked Zoe Allison's other book, so I had a feeling this would be good as well, and I am happy to have been right! I love the single-dad trope and friends to lovers, so this was right up my alley. I do wish there had been some better communication between Liv and Arran, but I did overall like them together. As with "The Ex-Mas Holidays," I found that the pacing was a bit off at times with this one, but I enjoyed the story nonetheless! I liked how much of this book revolved around Sam and Maya's wedding planning as well, as I like getting to see the whole friend group together. Overall I would recommend this book, and I'm excited for Zoe's next book!
3.8 stars, rounded up
I really enjoyed this book! I previously liked Zoe Allison's other book, so I had a feeling this would be good as well, and I am happy to have been right! I love the single-dad trope and friends to lovers, so this was right up my alley. I do wish there had been some better communication between Liv and Arran, but I did overall like them together. As with "The Ex-Mas Holidays," I found that the pacing was a bit off at times with this one, but I enjoyed the story nonetheless! I liked how much of this book revolved around Sam and Maya's wedding planning as well, as I like getting to see the whole friend group together. Overall I would recommend this book, and I'm excited for Zoe's next book!
February 1, 2025
I really wanted to love this book, but it ultimately fell flat for me. There was too many Doctor Who references (even for me who is obsessed with the show). I also just couldn’t get into the dialogue and miscommunication. There was a conflict scene that’s just so common that really put me off too.
The only redeeming quality for me was that the book discussed some serious topics and was dealt with well.
The only redeeming quality for me was that the book discussed some serious topics and was dealt with well.
August 16, 2024
A story about Liv who is in love with her friend’s brother and is now helping him to plan his sister’s wedding.
A found this book slow in parts but it has some amusing banter and a few interesting characters.
Thank you to NetGalley and HQ for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
A found this book slow in parts but it has some amusing banter and a few interesting characters.
Thank you to NetGalley and HQ for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
August 19, 2024
omg i loved this!! such a good book with a really decent storyline. I loved the supporting characters and i really feel like they help you understand Arran and Liv better. I love the comedic element and romantic spicy stuff too which really makes it an easy read 😊 The book is comprehensive throughout and i love the way it’s written! I guess i knew what we was going to happen from the start hence why the 4/5 stars, a few twists and turns would have deffo been cool but nonetheless a great read!
June 18, 2024
Thank you to HQ Digital and Zoe Allison for gifting me a digital ARC of The Wedding Engagement in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I couldn't wait to get my mitts on The Wedding Engagement after loving Zoe Allison's book last year. Finally, we have Arran and Liz's story in our hands! Arran was my favourite character from The Ex-Mas Holiday, so I've been dying ever since to read his love story and wasn't disappointed.
Zoe Allison has written a book full of passionate longing, unrequited love, and dysfunctional family ties. It's a pot of boiling emotions, fears, and slow-burn romance. The writing is a gorgeous, beguiling, and aching love story about two friends who long to be more to one another but deny it out of fear of ruining the precious friendship that underpins their lives. The pacing is a bit chopping as the intensity of the longing and desires ebbs and flows with Arran and Liv's fears and denial holding them back. I loved the scenic descriptions of the places in Scotland that were visited in the story. Zoe Allison has a talent for vividly bringing the awe of the Scottish landscape to life in the reader's imagination.
The romance is a very slow burn (a little frustrating at times). Still, you have to appreciate the demons both Liz and Aaron are battling. Ultimately, I was grateful for how Zoe Allison staged and set up the pacing for their journey to falling in love as it brought the characters to life as compelling, 3-dimensional people who overcame their obstacles and doubts with healthy communication, respect, and giving each other time and support. Heightening their affection and love for me as they proved they could go the distance with each other no matter what challenges might be thrown their way during a relationship.
There is a tiny flicker of a miscommunication trope – but it focuses on the things unsaid between Arran and Liv that drive distance between them. Both are afraid of crossing the line between friendship and love due to their internal wounds, as the thought of losing their friendship stops them in their tracks. I'm not a fan of miscommunication usually – but I think The Wedding Engagement cleverly uses it to compliment Arran and Liv's character arcs to push them out of their comfort zones on their journey of self-discovery to allow them to embrace their deep-rooted feelings for one another.
The Wedding Engagement is a fun, cute read with a swoony-friends-to-lover romance story at its velvety core full of found family vibes, sweet, intimate moments, and some hot-damn spicy scenes. I devoured this book in a matter of hours – I loved seeing how Sam and Maya's relationship has grown from the last book and the big moment of seeing Arran and Liv come together. Check out The Wedding Engagement from the 7th of October 2024.
I couldn't wait to get my mitts on The Wedding Engagement after loving Zoe Allison's book last year. Finally, we have Arran and Liz's story in our hands! Arran was my favourite character from The Ex-Mas Holiday, so I've been dying ever since to read his love story and wasn't disappointed.
Zoe Allison has written a book full of passionate longing, unrequited love, and dysfunctional family ties. It's a pot of boiling emotions, fears, and slow-burn romance. The writing is a gorgeous, beguiling, and aching love story about two friends who long to be more to one another but deny it out of fear of ruining the precious friendship that underpins their lives. The pacing is a bit chopping as the intensity of the longing and desires ebbs and flows with Arran and Liv's fears and denial holding them back. I loved the scenic descriptions of the places in Scotland that were visited in the story. Zoe Allison has a talent for vividly bringing the awe of the Scottish landscape to life in the reader's imagination.
The romance is a very slow burn (a little frustrating at times). Still, you have to appreciate the demons both Liz and Aaron are battling. Ultimately, I was grateful for how Zoe Allison staged and set up the pacing for their journey to falling in love as it brought the characters to life as compelling, 3-dimensional people who overcame their obstacles and doubts with healthy communication, respect, and giving each other time and support. Heightening their affection and love for me as they proved they could go the distance with each other no matter what challenges might be thrown their way during a relationship.
There is a tiny flicker of a miscommunication trope – but it focuses on the things unsaid between Arran and Liv that drive distance between them. Both are afraid of crossing the line between friendship and love due to their internal wounds, as the thought of losing their friendship stops them in their tracks. I'm not a fan of miscommunication usually – but I think The Wedding Engagement cleverly uses it to compliment Arran and Liv's character arcs to push them out of their comfort zones on their journey of self-discovery to allow them to embrace their deep-rooted feelings for one another.
The Wedding Engagement is a fun, cute read with a swoony-friends-to-lover romance story at its velvety core full of found family vibes, sweet, intimate moments, and some hot-damn spicy scenes. I devoured this book in a matter of hours – I loved seeing how Sam and Maya's relationship has grown from the last book and the big moment of seeing Arran and Liv come together. Check out The Wedding Engagement from the 7th of October 2024.
April 25, 2024
this was a really cute and fun book! i loved that it was set in Scotland and there were so many laugh out loud moments. however, this book was a slooooow burn and i was really hoping for something a little more fast paced.
a huge thanks to berkley publishing group and netgalley for the arc!!
a huge thanks to berkley publishing group and netgalley for the arc!!
October 4, 2024
A big thank you to Berkley Romance and PRH audio for the gifted print and audiobook of this delightful brother’s best friend-to-lovers romance. (prhaudioinfluencer, berkleypartner)
Liv has been harboring a secret crush on Arran Adebayo, her brother’s best friend, for fifteen years. But she’s always been stuck in the friend zone, especially after Arran got engaged and became a father. Now, he’s a single parent and life keeps throwing Liv and Arran together—Liv is not only his son’s kindergarten teacher but also helping out with childcare on weekends. On top of that, they’re the best man and maid of honor at her brother’s wedding. And just when things couldn’t get more complicated, a blind dating app pairs them up! It’s as if the universe is screaming at them to finally acknowledge what Liv has felt for years. However, with Liv’s complicated past and Arran’s recent struggles, they both need to confront some deep-seated issues before considering a future together—oh, and there’s also a wedding to plan!
This was a fun twist on the best friend’s brother trope, without the typical “touch her and die” overprotective brother. In fact, Liv’s black belt makes her more than capable of defending herself! I especially appreciated how Arran’s son and the realities of single parenthood were integral to the story, adding depth and warmth. The balance between Liv’s long-standing crush and Arran’s sudden realization of his feelings played out in a fun slow-burn, with both of them tiptoeing around their attraction to preserve their friendship. I hadn’t realized this book is part of a series until after I finished—it works perfectly as a standalone—but after seeing how fun Liv’s brother and his fiancée are, I’ll definitely be adding their 2023 holiday-themed book to my winter reading list!
The audiobook, narrated by Mia Hutchinson-Shaw, was fantastic! With a large cast of friends and family, she brought each character to life and added personality to the story, making it an absolute joy to listen to.
Liv has been harboring a secret crush on Arran Adebayo, her brother’s best friend, for fifteen years. But she’s always been stuck in the friend zone, especially after Arran got engaged and became a father. Now, he’s a single parent and life keeps throwing Liv and Arran together—Liv is not only his son’s kindergarten teacher but also helping out with childcare on weekends. On top of that, they’re the best man and maid of honor at her brother’s wedding. And just when things couldn’t get more complicated, a blind dating app pairs them up! It’s as if the universe is screaming at them to finally acknowledge what Liv has felt for years. However, with Liv’s complicated past and Arran’s recent struggles, they both need to confront some deep-seated issues before considering a future together—oh, and there’s also a wedding to plan!
This was a fun twist on the best friend’s brother trope, without the typical “touch her and die” overprotective brother. In fact, Liv’s black belt makes her more than capable of defending herself! I especially appreciated how Arran’s son and the realities of single parenthood were integral to the story, adding depth and warmth. The balance between Liv’s long-standing crush and Arran’s sudden realization of his feelings played out in a fun slow-burn, with both of them tiptoeing around their attraction to preserve their friendship. I hadn’t realized this book is part of a series until after I finished—it works perfectly as a standalone—but after seeing how fun Liv’s brother and his fiancée are, I’ll definitely be adding their 2023 holiday-themed book to my winter reading list!
The audiobook, narrated by Mia Hutchinson-Shaw, was fantastic! With a large cast of friends and family, she brought each character to life and added personality to the story, making it an absolute joy to listen to.
October 18, 2024
Thanks for the free e-arc and ALC @berkleyromance #BerkleyPartner #Berkley & @prhaudio #prhaudiopartner
Liv Holland is a Scottish schoolteacher who has had a crush on Arran Adebayo, her brother’s best friend, for years. Liz and Arran get along well and have so much in common, so much so that they actually end up matching on a dating app and going out once on what turns out to be a terrible date. Needless to say it’s a bit awkward for Liv when her brother decides to marry Liv’s best friend and calls on Liv and Arran to help plan the festivities together. It turns out that Arran has been harboring secret feelings for Liv as well, so what starts out awkwardly for them both starts to evolve into something wonderful.
I really enjoyed this one! There’s plenty of fun and flirty banter and a nice touch of spice as Liv and Arran start to realize they have more than just friendly feelings toward one another. But at the same time, there’s also some emotional depth to the story as Arran is still reeling from having been left at the altar by the mother of his child. Liv is also working through some issues of her own, specifically revolving around her awful father. Liv and her father are estranged but he has spent her whole life making her feel like she doesn’t matter and those emotional wounds run deep. I would definitely classify this one as a slow burn, but I enjoyed watching both Liv and Arran work through their issues and get to a point where they’re ready to be in a healthy relationship. The ending of the story is just the cutest too and so worth the wait!
I did an immersive read with the e-arc and the audiobook and it was just such an enjoyable experience. Mia Hutchinson-Shaw narrates and does such a nice job creating unique voices for this cast of characters.
Liv Holland is a Scottish schoolteacher who has had a crush on Arran Adebayo, her brother’s best friend, for years. Liz and Arran get along well and have so much in common, so much so that they actually end up matching on a dating app and going out once on what turns out to be a terrible date. Needless to say it’s a bit awkward for Liv when her brother decides to marry Liv’s best friend and calls on Liv and Arran to help plan the festivities together. It turns out that Arran has been harboring secret feelings for Liv as well, so what starts out awkwardly for them both starts to evolve into something wonderful.
I really enjoyed this one! There’s plenty of fun and flirty banter and a nice touch of spice as Liv and Arran start to realize they have more than just friendly feelings toward one another. But at the same time, there’s also some emotional depth to the story as Arran is still reeling from having been left at the altar by the mother of his child. Liv is also working through some issues of her own, specifically revolving around her awful father. Liv and her father are estranged but he has spent her whole life making her feel like she doesn’t matter and those emotional wounds run deep. I would definitely classify this one as a slow burn, but I enjoyed watching both Liv and Arran work through their issues and get to a point where they’re ready to be in a healthy relationship. The ending of the story is just the cutest too and so worth the wait!
I did an immersive read with the e-arc and the audiobook and it was just such an enjoyable experience. Mia Hutchinson-Shaw narrates and does such a nice job creating unique voices for this cast of characters.
October 6, 2024
Oh my, Zoe Allison, what spice!
I was thrilled to read The Wedding Engagement and to learn what happened to Liv and Arran, whom I had already met in her previous book, The Ex-Mas Holidays.
Liv and Arran have known each other since childhood. Arran is Liv's twin brother's best friend, and she's been holding somewhat of a candle for him for a while.
Arran has not long got out of a relationship, with a broken engagement, and a gorgeous little boy, Jayce, in his life.
There is chemistry between these characters, though they both have their reasons for not taking the first step towards admitting any attraction. Then they get thrown together to help arrange the Sten do for Liv's brother, Sam, and her best friend, Maya.
The sizzle starts and can be felt intensely, coming to an (ahem) climax in the second half of the book.
A typical friends-to-lovers story filled with slow-burn chemistry that a reader can really feel! I raced through this book in a couple of sittings and LOVED it!
Many thanks to NetGalley and HQ Digital for an ARC.
I was thrilled to read The Wedding Engagement and to learn what happened to Liv and Arran, whom I had already met in her previous book, The Ex-Mas Holidays.
Liv and Arran have known each other since childhood. Arran is Liv's twin brother's best friend, and she's been holding somewhat of a candle for him for a while.
Arran has not long got out of a relationship, with a broken engagement, and a gorgeous little boy, Jayce, in his life.
There is chemistry between these characters, though they both have their reasons for not taking the first step towards admitting any attraction. Then they get thrown together to help arrange the Sten do for Liv's brother, Sam, and her best friend, Maya.
The sizzle starts and can be felt intensely, coming to an (ahem) climax in the second half of the book.
A typical friends-to-lovers story filled with slow-burn chemistry that a reader can really feel! I raced through this book in a couple of sittings and LOVED it!
Many thanks to NetGalley and HQ Digital for an ARC.
November 13, 2025
Scottish romance I mean towards parts and ends yes but a real Scottish romance not like you think perhaps in this setting. Zoe Allison delivers a playful romantic story and the MC, Liv is a delightful, cute, nerdy girl who has been crushing on this artist hunk of a guy, Arran for quite some time and winds up having to plan her brother’s and her best friend’s wedding with that very same dude who turns out may even like her too. I wanted to give this four stars, but laid on too thick at end, but maybe that was the point.
Irregardless, Allison gives you a good story, with nerds unite pieces strewn in with the element of a feels cheesy, but just what you want to read/hear kind of book.
Didn’t read her first story, Maya and Sams story The Ex Mas Holidays, not sure if you have to read in order, but anyhow this was a read for if you dont care to guess how it ends and like a curl up cozy at home kind of book.
Irregardless, Allison gives you a good story, with nerds unite pieces strewn in with the element of a feels cheesy, but just what you want to read/hear kind of book.
Didn’t read her first story, Maya and Sams story The Ex Mas Holidays, not sure if you have to read in order, but anyhow this was a read for if you dont care to guess how it ends and like a curl up cozy at home kind of book.
October 8, 2024
Liv's twin brother and her best friend are getting married. As she helps them plan their wedding with her brother's best friend Aaron, who is also a very good friend of hers, feelings a surfacing that they both have been trying to push down for a long time.
This is a brother's best friend, friends to lovers romance with secret pining. It was a cute and fluffy read, about 100 pages too long for my taste and for what it was.
I received an advance review copy of this book for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is a brother's best friend, friends to lovers romance with secret pining. It was a cute and fluffy read, about 100 pages too long for my taste and for what it was.
I received an advance review copy of this book for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
did-not-finish
November 3, 2024DNF %22
I love the premise! A friends to lovers, single dad story sounds great. Unfortunately I wasn't feeling the friendship or any romantic chemistry either. For a friends to lovers story I needed to be more invested in their friendship to truly feel why it's such a bad idea for them to lose that. Right now it only seems like he stands to lose free childcare which isn't really selling me on their connection. For readers looking for something lower stakes this might be a hit. Unfortunately for me I had trouble connecting to the characters.
Thanks to Berkley for the ARC!
I love the premise! A friends to lovers, single dad story sounds great. Unfortunately I wasn't feeling the friendship or any romantic chemistry either. For a friends to lovers story I needed to be more invested in their friendship to truly feel why it's such a bad idea for them to lose that. Right now it only seems like he stands to lose free childcare which isn't really selling me on their connection. For readers looking for something lower stakes this might be a hit. Unfortunately for me I had trouble connecting to the characters.
Thanks to Berkley for the ARC!
February 4, 2025
I found this book to be very pleasant! I’d give 3.5 🫶🏼
It was a light-hearted and optimistic book. I like the very real discussion around attachment, family dynamics, vulnerability and love while also leaving me feeling hopeful and getting to see people GROW.
I am excited for a better look into Elise and Nico!!! This friend group is just very wholesome.
It was a light-hearted and optimistic book. I like the very real discussion around attachment, family dynamics, vulnerability and love while also leaving me feeling hopeful and getting to see people GROW.
I am excited for a better look into Elise and Nico!!! This friend group is just very wholesome.
May 20, 2025
3.5 stars, rounded up to 4 because the audio version was so fun! This was a cute little romcom that had more depth than I was expecting. It follows the main characters through some challenges and growth and the development of their sweet and deep attraction to each other. If you're looking for a slow burn, tender characters, and a cozy Scottish setting, this is the book for you
June 2, 2025
So cute! Fiends to lovers is my favorite trope and these two were adorable. I love that there wasn’t that cliche thing with her being in love with her brother’s best friend. Everyone was supportive and worked on their personal growth. Love!
avoid-not-safe
October 8, 2024self note - friends to lovers, h has a crush and pines after him her entire life, he gets engaged, has a son w ow and gets left at the altar. h sees a chance and takes it 🫠
October 29, 2024
-Libby 🎧
August 5, 2025
3.5/5
August 27, 2024
This was such a cute friends-to-lovers. Sometimes I can struggle with this trope but this book handled it perfectly! I really like that the characters admitted their feelings early enough that we could see the progression of their relationship and see how they dealt with the conflicts that arose. I felt like the setting of Liv's brother's wedding was the perfect backdrop for the story. I love the friendship group and this book made me super interested in reading Nico and Elise's story next!.
July 3, 2025
Enjoyed the inclusivity, the friendship group vibes, and the main character growth.
That said, wtf was with the Dad? He was a caricature of an evil villain, not believable in the slightest.
And I know Zoe Allison is Scottish, but the way this was written I would have guessed she'd never been there and relied on stereotypes alone to build the setting.
That said, wtf was with the Dad? He was a caricature of an evil villain, not believable in the slightest.
And I know Zoe Allison is Scottish, but the way this was written I would have guessed she'd never been there and relied on stereotypes alone to build the setting.
June 16, 2025
I wanted to like this one but i only finished it from obligation. I don’t know why, it started well enough but I guess just felt a little flat and predictable.
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