What do you think?
Rate this book
Win a free print copy of this book!
9 days and 03:47:20
30 copies available
U.S. only
How to Find a Guy in Five Weddings
Not yet published
Expected 12 May 26Win a free print copy of this book!
9 days and 03:47:20
30 copies available
U.S. only
It’s 27 Dresses meets Sonya Lalli’s The Matchmaker’s List in this delightful romcom where she doesn’t believe in love…he’s determined to prove her wrong -- by being her matchmaker!
Kimiko Halim thinks happy endings only exist in fairy tales. But her late grandmother’s will specifies settling down as a condition to inherit her yarn store, and the family’s legacy is the only thing that matters. Kim’s plan is find a guy, date him until the store is hers, then gently uncouple from the poor, unsuspecting victim.
But the clock is ticking, and her dates have been more frogs than princes. When Rob Carmichael, a perpetual groomsman and self-proclaimed proponent of happily-ever-afters, overhears Kim’s cynical view of love, he’s baffled. Having been surrounded by happy relationships all his life, Rob convinces her that he can find her a soulmate in one of the next five weddings he’s going to.
What can possibly go wrong?
At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.
Kimiko Halim thinks happy endings only exist in fairy tales. But her late grandmother’s will specifies settling down as a condition to inherit her yarn store, and the family’s legacy is the only thing that matters. Kim’s plan is find a guy, date him until the store is hers, then gently uncouple from the poor, unsuspecting victim.
But the clock is ticking, and her dates have been more frogs than princes. When Rob Carmichael, a perpetual groomsman and self-proclaimed proponent of happily-ever-afters, overhears Kim’s cynical view of love, he’s baffled. Having been surrounded by happy relationships all his life, Rob convinces her that he can find her a soulmate in one of the next five weddings he’s going to.
What can possibly go wrong?
At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.
Kindle Edition
Expected publication May 12, 2026
6512 people want to read
About the author
Cynthia Timoti
4 books83 followersCynthia Timoti writes fun multicultural romcoms with plenty of heart and snark, where happy endings are always guaranteed. She was born and raised in Jakarta, Indonesia, and moved to Australia when she was seventeen. She later studied Commerce and spent too many years working in finance, even though numbers aren’t her strongest suit.
When she isn’t writing, she's probably trying to make a dent in her TBR pile, hunting for the perfect cup of bubble tea, and collecting pretty notebooks that she’ll never use. Cynthia currently resides in Melbourne with her husband and two sons.
Find her on Instagram: @cynthiatimoti
When she isn’t writing, she's probably trying to make a dent in her TBR pile, hunting for the perfect cup of bubble tea, and collecting pretty notebooks that she’ll never use. Cynthia currently resides in Melbourne with her husband and two sons.
Find her on Instagram: @cynthiatimoti
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
March 30, 2026
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for this e-Arc of this title releasing in May 2026.
I was lucky enough to get to ARC read the first of the series “Salty, Spiced and a little bit Nice”, and it was fun to be back in that world again. This is an interconnected stand alone.
Kim has been on a lot of bad dates. Like a lot. But with a stipulation in her grandmothers will coming up, she has to either find someone to settle down with or lose her grandmothers yarn store. Wanting to carry on her legacy, Kim pushes on trying to find Mr.Right. But in reality, Kim doesn’t believe in love and commitment, having been burned by a previous relationship and having other family baggage. On one of these horrible dates, she gets saved by none other than Rob. Rob is the charismatic best friend of her best friend’s partner- and also one of Kim’s bad dates. Well I mean as bad as a date can be when he no shows. Rob is a romantic, but is not looking for love after coming out of a messy break up himself in the last year. But after hearing about Kim’s struggles - he decides to be her matchmaker and help her find a good guy. In return, Kim will attend the five weddings he has coming up so he won’t run into his ex alone. The more time they spend together, the more she starts to trust and depend on Rob. And for two people who don’t want a relationship, they are together a lot. But staying within the “just friends” boundary, will they miss out on what’s been in front of them all along. Or will Kim take a leap of faith and start to believe in a fairy tale love?
I was lucky enough to get to ARC read the first of the series “Salty, Spiced and a little bit Nice”, and it was fun to be back in that world again. This is an interconnected stand alone.
Kim has been on a lot of bad dates. Like a lot. But with a stipulation in her grandmothers will coming up, she has to either find someone to settle down with or lose her grandmothers yarn store. Wanting to carry on her legacy, Kim pushes on trying to find Mr.Right. But in reality, Kim doesn’t believe in love and commitment, having been burned by a previous relationship and having other family baggage. On one of these horrible dates, she gets saved by none other than Rob. Rob is the charismatic best friend of her best friend’s partner- and also one of Kim’s bad dates. Well I mean as bad as a date can be when he no shows. Rob is a romantic, but is not looking for love after coming out of a messy break up himself in the last year. But after hearing about Kim’s struggles - he decides to be her matchmaker and help her find a good guy. In return, Kim will attend the five weddings he has coming up so he won’t run into his ex alone. The more time they spend together, the more she starts to trust and depend on Rob. And for two people who don’t want a relationship, they are together a lot. But staying within the “just friends” boundary, will they miss out on what’s been in front of them all along. Or will Kim take a leap of faith and start to believe in a fairy tale love?
2026
November 21, 2025📱 Thank you to NetGalley and Bramble
December 6, 2025
This was such a fun read! Kim has been unlucky in love and has lost hope in finding her person. After her grandmother passed away she took over her yarn store with the stipulation that she would find a partner within two years. Enter Rob who offers to play matchmaker for her if she’ll agree to be his date to five weddings. The chemistry is undeniable from the start. I love a matchmaker romance! Opa (her grandfather) is adorable and the way that Kim cares for him is amazing. The writing style was easy to read and enjoy! There are a few Indonesian sayings sprinkled throughout the story that reinforced the multi-cultural influences.
Thanks to NetGalley, Tor Publishing Group, and Cynthia Timoti for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
P.S. If you liked Sarah Adams book “Practice Makes Perfect” chances are you’ll like this too with its charming main characters and memorable side-characters.
Thanks to NetGalley, Tor Publishing Group, and Cynthia Timoti for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
P.S. If you liked Sarah Adams book “Practice Makes Perfect” chances are you’ll like this too with its charming main characters and memorable side-characters.
March 26, 2026
This is the first book I’ve read by Cynthia Timoti. I was very intrigued by the title and thought it would give off 2000’s romcom vibes which it absolutely did. This romcom had everything I wanted and I’m so happy that I took a chance on a new to me author. The idea of Kim not believing in love but needing a partner to keep her grandmother’s yarn store was such a fun concept that I loved reading about. Rob was such a great character for this story to help Kim find her person while also accidentally becoming that person. I really enjoyed this book and now I want to go back and read her other book Salty, Spiced, and a Little Bit Nice. I rate this book 4/5 stars and recommend it to anyone who likes a slow burn, friends to lovers romance.
November 30, 2025
i absolutely adored this book! this was my first cynthia timoti novel, and i can confidently say i’m hooked. the plot, the characters, the writing style — i loved every part of it.
kim and rob won my heart from the moment they met. their connection felt so genuine, and their chemistry grew in such a natural, beautiful way. watching their journey from friends to lovers was incredibly satisfying. there’s just something special about a story where you fall for your matchmaker — it makes the whole thing so fun and charming.
i also loved the strong focus on family in this book. opa was hilarious and added so much warmth, humor, and guidance to the story.
overall, this is a lighthearted, warm, feel-good rom-com that will leave you smiling. i recommend it to everyone!
thank you netgalley for the arc <3
kim and rob won my heart from the moment they met. their connection felt so genuine, and their chemistry grew in such a natural, beautiful way. watching their journey from friends to lovers was incredibly satisfying. there’s just something special about a story where you fall for your matchmaker — it makes the whole thing so fun and charming.
i also loved the strong focus on family in this book. opa was hilarious and added so much warmth, humor, and guidance to the story.
overall, this is a lighthearted, warm, feel-good rom-com that will leave you smiling. i recommend it to everyone!
thank you netgalley for the arc <3
Review of advance copy received from Author
Bear with me, because I have an official, non-spoiler-y review for this book, and an unofficial one, very spoiler-y one, and both involve me gushing about the author and the characters way too much, because this is the sweetest romcom I’ve had the pleasure of reading in a long while!
So here goes, the ✨official, non-spoiler-y review✨
“How to Find a Guy in Five Weddings in everything one could want in a romcom. Through the POV of Kim, I didn’t just return to the bustling, dreamy city of Port Benedict that I adore (along with its residents), I also got to see this headstrong, cynical, beautifully complicated woman experience love and friendship that’s more than perfect . . . but utterly ungrudging, selfless, and swoony. Rob and Kim’s romance reminded me of why it’s worth believing in love, even after a comically heavy dose of failed dates and heartbreaks. Each plotline is treated with the love and care it deserves, and the Asian representation had my heart swelling with joy. Packed with endless chuckles, fun dates (from go-karting to skydiving), long, heartwarming conversations, and a slow burn romance, How to Find a Guy in Five Weddings is the quick fix book you need, especially if you miss the magic of 90’s romcoms!”
And now, the unofficial, ridiculously long, rambling, and spoiler-y one (there are lots of SPOILERS, so please don’t read beyond this if you haven’t read the book):
For context, Cynthia’s first book, Salty, Spiced, and a Little Bit Nice is one of my favourite romcoms ever written. I read it during a time where I was in a rough place, but that book gave me the escape I so desperately needed, and once again, this book did it for me!
Port Benedict is like one of those fictional places that I’d love to keep going back to, again and again, like Stars Hollow from Gilmore Girls! I could read a hundred romcoms set here, I swear.
The writing and humour had me in stitches from the very first page, Kim and Rob’s chemistry, banter, and slow burn romance had me squealing and literally begging for them to kiss with all the moments of tender yearning they had, and reading Ellie, Alec, and Jenna’s cameos was the highlight of the book for me. And a certain wedding scene in the epilogue? I SQUEALED at that.
One of my favourite scenes in the book is the skydiving one, because it was so dreamy and swoony, and I truly was begging Kim to open her damn heart and see Rob for the wonderful man that he was, and I screamed and kicked my pillow off my bed when they finally kissed. Because god I waited so damn long for that!
Kim’s relationship with her Opa was one of my favourite dynamics and storyline in the book. I love the cinnamon roll of a man that was Opa, and how funny and familial all the scenes with them were. Rob really has to be the greenest flag man possible because he was so perfect with Opa.
Speaking of perfect, the fact that the first chapter was titled The Perfect Kim and the last line was Rob talking about who he thinks is the perfect Kim? Cynthia’s a literal genius, that was such a delightful callback!
She masterfully dealt with all the plots, because there was so much going on I was in awe of how she balanced all of it: Kim’s dates, the will, her relationship with Opa and her friends, her dad, Kim’s romance with Rob, the Goodwin property plot, Rob’s relationship with his dad and his family members, all the weddings, the Port Benedict fair that they decide to organise, and more. And every single plot was neatly wrapped up.
The writing was stunning; I annotated so many lines, but I especially loved the bits where Kim would try to match the colour of Rob’s eyes with a yarn colour. And when she called it her favourite colour? My heart!
Kim and Rob’s romance was so slow burn that the romantic payoff felt well-earned and had me rooting for them throughout. Their preparatory dates (golfing, go-karting, coffee dates? So fun!), their non-preparatory dates (Hunger Games watch, dinner with Opa, picking dresses for Kim), the weddings, banter, long conversations, and how they felt like they were actually meant for each other.
I also adored the format of the five weddings / five dates, and the way Kim confessed to Rob in the fifth wedding. It was so romcommy! I was so annoyed when I read that Kim saw Lucy next to Rob in that moment – like I think it actually shattered my heart.
Fans of Emily Henry, who love long conversations + slow burn + how the world feels like a character on its own in her books, will absolutely love Cynthia’s books.
I can’t wait to place this book on my shelf next to Salty, Spiced, and a Little Bit Nice! And Emily Henry!
So here goes, the ✨official, non-spoiler-y review✨
“How to Find a Guy in Five Weddings in everything one could want in a romcom. Through the POV of Kim, I didn’t just return to the bustling, dreamy city of Port Benedict that I adore (along with its residents), I also got to see this headstrong, cynical, beautifully complicated woman experience love and friendship that’s more than perfect . . . but utterly ungrudging, selfless, and swoony. Rob and Kim’s romance reminded me of why it’s worth believing in love, even after a comically heavy dose of failed dates and heartbreaks. Each plotline is treated with the love and care it deserves, and the Asian representation had my heart swelling with joy. Packed with endless chuckles, fun dates (from go-karting to skydiving), long, heartwarming conversations, and a slow burn romance, How to Find a Guy in Five Weddings is the quick fix book you need, especially if you miss the magic of 90’s romcoms!”
And now, the unofficial, ridiculously long, rambling, and spoiler-y one (there are lots of SPOILERS, so please don’t read beyond this if you haven’t read the book):
For context, Cynthia’s first book, Salty, Spiced, and a Little Bit Nice is one of my favourite romcoms ever written. I read it during a time where I was in a rough place, but that book gave me the escape I so desperately needed, and once again, this book did it for me!
Port Benedict is like one of those fictional places that I’d love to keep going back to, again and again, like Stars Hollow from Gilmore Girls! I could read a hundred romcoms set here, I swear.
The writing and humour had me in stitches from the very first page, Kim and Rob’s chemistry, banter, and slow burn romance had me squealing and literally begging for them to kiss with all the moments of tender yearning they had, and reading Ellie, Alec, and Jenna’s cameos was the highlight of the book for me. And a certain wedding scene in the epilogue? I SQUEALED at that.
One of my favourite scenes in the book is the skydiving one, because it was so dreamy and swoony, and I truly was begging Kim to open her damn heart and see Rob for the wonderful man that he was, and I screamed and kicked my pillow off my bed when they finally kissed. Because god I waited so damn long for that!
Kim’s relationship with her Opa was one of my favourite dynamics and storyline in the book. I love the cinnamon roll of a man that was Opa, and how funny and familial all the scenes with them were. Rob really has to be the greenest flag man possible because he was so perfect with Opa.
Speaking of perfect, the fact that the first chapter was titled The Perfect Kim and the last line was Rob talking about who he thinks is the perfect Kim? Cynthia’s a literal genius, that was such a delightful callback!
She masterfully dealt with all the plots, because there was so much going on I was in awe of how she balanced all of it: Kim’s dates, the will, her relationship with Opa and her friends, her dad, Kim’s romance with Rob, the Goodwin property plot, Rob’s relationship with his dad and his family members, all the weddings, the Port Benedict fair that they decide to organise, and more. And every single plot was neatly wrapped up.
The writing was stunning; I annotated so many lines, but I especially loved the bits where Kim would try to match the colour of Rob’s eyes with a yarn colour. And when she called it her favourite colour? My heart!
Kim and Rob’s romance was so slow burn that the romantic payoff felt well-earned and had me rooting for them throughout. Their preparatory dates (golfing, go-karting, coffee dates? So fun!), their non-preparatory dates (Hunger Games watch, dinner with Opa, picking dresses for Kim), the weddings, banter, long conversations, and how they felt like they were actually meant for each other.
I also adored the format of the five weddings / five dates, and the way Kim confessed to Rob in the fifth wedding. It was so romcommy! I was so annoyed when I read that Kim saw Lucy next to Rob in that moment – like I think it actually shattered my heart.
Fans of Emily Henry, who love long conversations + slow burn + how the world feels like a character on its own in her books, will absolutely love Cynthia’s books.
I can’t wait to place this book on my shelf next to Salty, Spiced, and a Little Bit Nice! And Emily Henry!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 9, 2026
4.75 ~ I LOVED this. Perfect rom-com vibes. The premise of the MMC playing match maker for our FMC set us up for a really well built-up slow burn. The chemistry and the banter were so well done, the relationship felt genuine and like it progressed at a natural pace, and I was rooting for them so hard.
I also love so dearly how much the author brings in elements of Indonesian culture. The FMC’s relationship with her grandfather, and the subsequent relationship the MMC built with him was such a heartwarming part of the story.
Both main characters were well fleshed out with backstories and motivations that felt substantial for a shorter contemporary romance. The cast of characters and all the little running jokes added to the charm, and every side plot wrapped nicely. My only wish is we got a bit more of the plot point of the FMC working through her relationship with her farther, but that didn’t take away from my overall enjoyment!
Thank you to Tor Publishing group for this advanced copy! Cynthia is cementing herself as an auto-read romance author for me!
I also love so dearly how much the author brings in elements of Indonesian culture. The FMC’s relationship with her grandfather, and the subsequent relationship the MMC built with him was such a heartwarming part of the story.
Both main characters were well fleshed out with backstories and motivations that felt substantial for a shorter contemporary romance. The cast of characters and all the little running jokes added to the charm, and every side plot wrapped nicely. My only wish is we got a bit more of the plot point of the FMC working through her relationship with her farther, but that didn’t take away from my overall enjoyment!
Thank you to Tor Publishing group for this advanced copy! Cynthia is cementing herself as an auto-read romance author for me!
December 18, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½
This book was so cute! It had a classic rom-com feel, but the predictability didn’t take away from how much I enjoyed it. Timoti really pulled me in and kept me emotionally invested the whole way through.
I was rooting for Kim and Rob from the start. Their banter was fun and natural, and I loved the friends-to-lovers dynamic. Even the moments of backpedaling had me frustrated in the best way because I wanted to see them grow. Kim’s inner monologue was a highlight and made her feel very relatable.
Overall, this was a charming, feel-good read that rom-com fans will love.
I received an advance copy via NetGalley; all thoughts are my own.
This book was so cute! It had a classic rom-com feel, but the predictability didn’t take away from how much I enjoyed it. Timoti really pulled me in and kept me emotionally invested the whole way through.
I was rooting for Kim and Rob from the start. Their banter was fun and natural, and I loved the friends-to-lovers dynamic. Even the moments of backpedaling had me frustrated in the best way because I wanted to see them grow. Kim’s inner monologue was a highlight and made her feel very relatable.
Overall, this was a charming, feel-good read that rom-com fans will love.
I received an advance copy via NetGalley; all thoughts are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Many thanks to Bramble for the #gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️ very mild
Kim Halim has a deadline imposed by her late grandmother: she has to find love in order to inherit the family legacy yarn store. Kim was raised by her grandparents and still cares for her grandfather, including driving him to dialysis every other day; she can’t let them down by losing the yarn store. When she meets self-proclaimed master matchmaker, Rob Carmichael, the two strike a deal: Kim will be Rob’s +1 to the next five weddings he’s attending, and he’ll ensure she finds her soulmate at one of them. Can Rob’s plan actually work, or will Kim lose it all?
I loved reading Cynthia Timoti's debut Salty, Spiced, and a Little Bit Nice, and was so eager to read this sophomore novel. It certainly didn’t disappoint! There’s so much to love: the Indonesian diaspora and language representation, the PNW love (even if set in a fictional city called Port Benedict), the representation of grandfamilies (grandparents raising their grandchildren), and of course the #FriendsToLovers trope. Kim and Rob have such great banter and the premise of Rob as a matchmaker (#wingman) for Kim was just so swoon-worthy. Rob himself is such a golden retriever MMC and the perfect character foil to the stressed out Kim. You’ll love their chemistry and the sidequests of dating other people; after all, you’ve got to kiss some frogs to find the prince!
Reviewed as part of an #ARC from #NetGalley.
Read this book if you:
👴🏻 were raised by your grandparents
🧶 love visiting the yarn store
⛳️ are secretly really good at mini-golf
Follow me on Instagram for more book reviews!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️ very mild
Kim Halim has a deadline imposed by her late grandmother: she has to find love in order to inherit the family legacy yarn store. Kim was raised by her grandparents and still cares for her grandfather, including driving him to dialysis every other day; she can’t let them down by losing the yarn store. When she meets self-proclaimed master matchmaker, Rob Carmichael, the two strike a deal: Kim will be Rob’s +1 to the next five weddings he’s attending, and he’ll ensure she finds her soulmate at one of them. Can Rob’s plan actually work, or will Kim lose it all?
I loved reading Cynthia Timoti's debut Salty, Spiced, and a Little Bit Nice, and was so eager to read this sophomore novel. It certainly didn’t disappoint! There’s so much to love: the Indonesian diaspora and language representation, the PNW love (even if set in a fictional city called Port Benedict), the representation of grandfamilies (grandparents raising their grandchildren), and of course the #FriendsToLovers trope. Kim and Rob have such great banter and the premise of Rob as a matchmaker (#wingman) for Kim was just so swoon-worthy. Rob himself is such a golden retriever MMC and the perfect character foil to the stressed out Kim. You’ll love their chemistry and the sidequests of dating other people; after all, you’ve got to kiss some frogs to find the prince!
Reviewed as part of an #ARC from #NetGalley.
Read this book if you:
👴🏻 were raised by your grandparents
🧶 love visiting the yarn store
⛳️ are secretly really good at mini-golf
Follow me on Instagram for more book reviews!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I really wanted to like this book but alas… I think Timoti’s writing and characters are really not for me. In How to Find a Guy in Five Weddings, Kim is determined to save and inherit her family’s yarn store, motivated by her late grandmother’s clause that she must first “settle down” or else the shop will be sold. And so Kim goes on dreadful after dreadful first date, until she is reconnected with Rob, who has a “brilliant” idea to introduce her to single men at all his upcoming weddings.
It’s hard to describe Kim as a person: she’s a wild mix of snarky yet needlessly polite, determined but off-base, and punny yet not actually funny. She is someone hard to root for, but to be fair, girl was stressed for the entire book. As for the MMC… Rob was honestly pretty boring and was carrying unresolved, full-blown daddy issues at ripe age of 34 years old. The two worked together to prepare for dates, on renovation projects, and seemed to develop chemistry, despite the barrier to real romance was confusing to me.
What I did appreciate were the multiracial backgrounds and complex narratives of some of our characters, and how it shaped them as adults. I adored Kim’s sweet and tech-savvy grandpa, and his fun antics.
But the pacing of the story was confusing, some storylines not fully wrapped up, while the whole third act was a mad scramble of huge miscommunication and inappropriate grand gestures. Also, the dialogue came off as stiff, sometimes inorganic and even cringey. Phrases from both our protagonists, like “it’s an Asian thing” (like the Asian diaspora is supposedly a monoculture?) or “I’m not most guys” (just stop), honestly give me the ick.
This romance wasn’t for me… but maybe it’ll resonate with someone else?? Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC.
It’s hard to describe Kim as a person: she’s a wild mix of snarky yet needlessly polite, determined but off-base, and punny yet not actually funny. She is someone hard to root for, but to be fair, girl was stressed for the entire book. As for the MMC… Rob was honestly pretty boring and was carrying unresolved, full-blown daddy issues at ripe age of 34 years old. The two worked together to prepare for dates, on renovation projects, and seemed to develop chemistry, despite the barrier to real romance was confusing to me.
What I did appreciate were the multiracial backgrounds and complex narratives of some of our characters, and how it shaped them as adults. I adored Kim’s sweet and tech-savvy grandpa, and his fun antics.
But the pacing of the story was confusing, some storylines not fully wrapped up, while the whole third act was a mad scramble of huge miscommunication and inappropriate grand gestures. Also, the dialogue came off as stiff, sometimes inorganic and even cringey. Phrases from both our protagonists, like “it’s an Asian thing” (like the Asian diaspora is supposedly a monoculture?) or “I’m not most guys” (just stop), honestly give me the ick.
This romance wasn’t for me… but maybe it’ll resonate with someone else?? Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you, NetGalley and Tor Publishing Group | Bramble, for this galley. I was under no obligation to leave a review. All opinions are my own.
How to Find a Guy in Five Weddings
by Cynthia Timoti
Pub Date: May 12 2026
Great storyline, good pace, and relatable problems. 3.5 stars. FMC Kimiko is looking for a guy to date to inherit her late grandmother's yarn store. She was raised by her grandparents and loves them very much. They gave her a wonderful childhood. It is important to Kim to keep her grandmother's legacy. Her Grandfather is a wonderful man who is kind and loving. Kim has been abandoned and betrayed by people, and she doesn't believe in happy endings. Kim is encouraged by friends to try apps for dating. The dates she had were pretty over-the-top bad. Almost unbelievable. Granted, I have no experience. Kim can be a bit annoying but no one is perfect.
The dates are so bad that Rob, a friend who does believe in soul mates and happy endings, decides to help her. I am not sure of the history between the two. It is mentioned that they had a date, and Rob never showed up. Nothing else was mentioned after that. Rob is just an all-around good guy. Or maybe the bar is in hell because, honestly, he's just kind and thoughtful.
All in all this was a fun read.
How to Find a Guy in Five Weddings
by Cynthia Timoti
Pub Date: May 12 2026
Great storyline, good pace, and relatable problems. 3.5 stars. FMC Kimiko is looking for a guy to date to inherit her late grandmother's yarn store. She was raised by her grandparents and loves them very much. They gave her a wonderful childhood. It is important to Kim to keep her grandmother's legacy. Her Grandfather is a wonderful man who is kind and loving. Kim has been abandoned and betrayed by people, and she doesn't believe in happy endings. Kim is encouraged by friends to try apps for dating. The dates she had were pretty over-the-top bad. Almost unbelievable. Granted, I have no experience. Kim can be a bit annoying but no one is perfect.
The dates are so bad that Rob, a friend who does believe in soul mates and happy endings, decides to help her. I am not sure of the history between the two. It is mentioned that they had a date, and Rob never showed up. Nothing else was mentioned after that. Rob is just an all-around good guy. Or maybe the bar is in hell because, honestly, he's just kind and thoughtful.
All in all this was a fun read.
November 29, 2025
This book is so charming, swoonworthy, romantic, funny, heartwarming. It was such a delight to read. What a classic romcom! it sure feels like one, anyway! It made me feel, it made me smile, laugh, giggle, feel sad back and forth and I was immersed.
The writing was super strong, both main characters were really well rounded and had good development.
Plus the chemistry was just sparkling! The way they got closer through the matchmaking plans felt so authentic as they let their walls down around each other. Their dialogue and banter was fun and you could just tell how much they genuinely like each other and wanted to be around each other. Something I also love in romance is when the relationship feels mutual with the care and support and this book had that and had it so so well.
The other parts of the story were really enjoyable too, like Kim's relationship with her grandfather (he is such a joy and a fun character), the plot about the developers and saving the store. I also loved the community they had with the shops and customers.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher and author for the chance to read the advanced copy!
The writing was super strong, both main characters were really well rounded and had good development.
Plus the chemistry was just sparkling! The way they got closer through the matchmaking plans felt so authentic as they let their walls down around each other. Their dialogue and banter was fun and you could just tell how much they genuinely like each other and wanted to be around each other. Something I also love in romance is when the relationship feels mutual with the care and support and this book had that and had it so so well.
The other parts of the story were really enjoyable too, like Kim's relationship with her grandfather (he is such a joy and a fun character), the plot about the developers and saving the store. I also loved the community they had with the shops and customers.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher and author for the chance to read the advanced copy!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I thought this romance was really sweet — the premise of the MMC agreeing to be a matchmaker to set up the FMC, only for them to fall for each other, is a pretty irresistible one, and the book devotes a lot of wonderful, captivating time to Kimiko and Rob's evolving dynamic in ways that make their eventual romance feel earned. I also really loved Kimiko's relationship with her grandfather and the ways in which the book really felt like a love letter to Indonesian culture through their close-knit dynamic. I did have a few quibbles with the inheritance element, which felt like it was introduced and not really circled back to until the third act, as well as the fact that some of Kimiko's potential matches had some pretty intense red flags that didn't really reveal themselves until the narrative needed them to, presumably to emphasize Rob as the right choice in front of her the entire time. Overall, though, I really enjoyed my first rom-com read from this author!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this edition from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this edition from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was my first time reading Cynthia Timoti and it delivered a fun, engaging story with humor and heart, and I am glad I took a chance on a new author.The premise stands out. Kimiko does not believe in love but needs a relationship to inherit her late grandmother’s yarn store. Her strong bond with her grandparents and desire to preserve her grandmother’s legacy add emotional depth. Her past experiences with abandonment explain her reluctance to believe in happy endings, even if she can be a bit frustrating at times. Her dating attempts lead to a series of over-the-top bad dates that are entertaining.Rob, who believes in soulmates, steps in to help her and ends up becoming exactly what she needs. He is kind, steady, and easy to root for, though more background on their past would have added depth. Overall, this is a fun, slow-burn friends-to-lovers romance with a strong concept, good pacing, and relatable themes. I am interested in reading Salty, Spiced, and a Little Bit Nice next.
Final Rating: 3.5 to 4 stars ⭐
Thank you Netgalley for the ARC
Final Rating: 3.5 to 4 stars ⭐
Thank you Netgalley for the ARC
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I want to start off by saying thank you for having the opportunity to read this book as an ARC!
How To Find A Guy In Five Wedding is a beautifully written romance with lovable characters and swoon worthy connections. No only was the chemistry between Rob and Kim amazing, but Kim's connections with her friends, family, and community made her feel real and even more lovable. Rob was the perfect spot of light in a shade of darkness and his optimistic personality fit well with Kim's realism.
I was able to sit and soak this book up in a sitting, and I loved every second of it. The book is paced well and the writing is amazing.
This book is a reverse Grumpy X Sunshine and i absolutely recommend it for everyone who struggles to believe in love!
I enjoyed this book so much and can't wait to read other pieces by Cynthia!
How To Find A Guy In Five Wedding is a beautifully written romance with lovable characters and swoon worthy connections. No only was the chemistry between Rob and Kim amazing, but Kim's connections with her friends, family, and community made her feel real and even more lovable. Rob was the perfect spot of light in a shade of darkness and his optimistic personality fit well with Kim's realism.
I was able to sit and soak this book up in a sitting, and I loved every second of it. The book is paced well and the writing is amazing.
This book is a reverse Grumpy X Sunshine and i absolutely recommend it for everyone who struggles to believe in love!
I enjoyed this book so much and can't wait to read other pieces by Cynthia!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 stars
Format: 📱 Kindle
This was such a cute read. It was pretty predictable, and no over-the-top wow moment. Typical "I'm going to keep a secret that I know will make you mad so we can have a third-act breakup and then get back together".
Loved the characters and found myself laughing a lot. The plot was fun, inheritance clause trope. Opa was amazing and I loved the bromance between him and Rob.
The wedding scenes were fun and the "candidates" were icky, which made the story even more fun.
I feel like Aiden kind of fell off the face of the earth.
Otherwise, the book was great. Will definitely recommend!
Thank you Tor Publishing Group | Bramble and Netgalley for providing this book for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Format: 📱 Kindle
This was such a cute read. It was pretty predictable, and no over-the-top wow moment. Typical "I'm going to keep a secret that I know will make you mad so we can have a third-act breakup and then get back together".
Loved the characters and found myself laughing a lot. The plot was fun, inheritance clause trope. Opa was amazing and I loved the bromance between him and Rob.
The wedding scenes were fun and the "candidates" were icky, which made the story even more fun.
I feel like Aiden kind of fell off the face of the earth.
Otherwise, the book was great. Will definitely recommend!
Thank you Tor Publishing Group | Bramble and Netgalley for providing this book for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you Cynthia for an ARC of this book. Like your first romcom, Salty, Spiced, and a Little Bit Nice, I devoured it in a day.
Cynthia's multicultural romcoms are charming, with swoonworthy heroes and strong, sassy heroines.
You'll be captivated by Rob, the best cinnamon roll hero I've read in ages (my new book boyfriend for sure!)
Cynthia has a talent for creating realistic characters, and surrounding them by flawed families you can relate to. Her secondary characters will captivate you as much as the protagonists.
If you enjoy funny, heartwarming romcoms that make you smile, How to Find a Guy in Five Weddings is for you.
Cynthia's multicultural romcoms are charming, with swoonworthy heroes and strong, sassy heroines.
You'll be captivated by Rob, the best cinnamon roll hero I've read in ages (my new book boyfriend for sure!)
Cynthia has a talent for creating realistic characters, and surrounding them by flawed families you can relate to. Her secondary characters will captivate you as much as the protagonists.
If you enjoy funny, heartwarming romcoms that make you smile, How to Find a Guy in Five Weddings is for you.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Before Kim can inherit her grandmother's yarn store, she has to find love. Enter Rob- a friend who introduces her to single men at weddings they attend together. Will Kim find love with one of these men...or with Rob?
This was a super cute story and was super fun! I loved Kim and Rob's banter with each other throughout the entire book. The premise of why Kim needs to find love is kind of silly, but who doesn't love silly reasons in a romantic comedy? It just makes the book even more fun in my opinion.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
This was a super cute story and was super fun! I loved Kim and Rob's banter with each other throughout the entire book. The premise of why Kim needs to find love is kind of silly, but who doesn't love silly reasons in a romantic comedy? It just makes the book even more fun in my opinion.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
If you love rom-coms with a multicultural twist, some snark and plenty of heart with a HEA, I cannot recommend this book enough. It is such a fun, quick read, almost guaranteed to put a smile on your face and some pep in your step.
I would like to thank Tor Publishing and NetGalley for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own and my review is voluntarily given. As always, I wish you happy reading!
I would like to thank Tor Publishing and NetGalley for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own and my review is voluntarily given. As always, I wish you happy reading!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was a great book. If you love romance and slow burns, this is a perfect book for you. The story walks through many aspects of grief, loss, abandonment, and complicated family relationships in a mindful way. These themes are not lost in the plot but a key driver of the plot. Kim is finding herself and Rob guides her along the way. Perfect example of a black cat and golden retriever romance.
*netgalley ARC*
*netgalley ARC*
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Fun slow burn friends to lovers. Thanks to NetGalley and Bramble for the e-arc to read and review for free. All opinions are my own and freely/happily given.
January 28, 2026
4.25/5
This was such a cute and wholesome read that I really enjoyed! This story had a classic romance plot of a friend acting as the main character's matchmaker only for them to fall for each other, and the author does an incredible job with it! The characters were so cute, and their interactions had me giggling, kicking my feet, and at points even tearing up. I loved Kim's growth throughout the story, and would have loved to see more of Rob's development as they grew closer and taught each other more about love. Also the Indonesian representation and integration of the culture and customs was so great to see!! This was such an easy, feel-good read, a perfect uplifting romcom-esque story!
Thank you to Tor Publishing Group for the eARC!
This was such a cute and wholesome read that I really enjoyed! This story had a classic romance plot of a friend acting as the main character's matchmaker only for them to fall for each other, and the author does an incredible job with it! The characters were so cute, and their interactions had me giggling, kicking my feet, and at points even tearing up. I loved Kim's growth throughout the story, and would have loved to see more of Rob's development as they grew closer and taught each other more about love. Also the Indonesian representation and integration of the culture and customs was so great to see!! This was such an easy, feel-good read, a perfect uplifting romcom-esque story!
Thank you to Tor Publishing Group for the eARC!
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews