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The Wedding Date
‘Sprinkled with oodles of charm…I simply adored this book’ Christie Barlow
One ex.
One wedding.
One little white lie.
When Samantha Jenkins is asked to be the maid of honour at her best friend’s wedding, she couldn’t be happier. There are just three problems…
1) Sam’s ex-boyfriend, Liam, will be the best man.
2) His new girlfriend is pregnant.
3) Sam might have told people she has a new man when she doesn’t (see points 1 and 2 above)
So, Sam does the only sensible thing available to her… and hires a professional to do the job.
Actor Jake Porter is perfect for the single, gorgeous and cheap! Sam is certain it’s the perfect no strings, no heartbreak and hopefully no chance of being found out.
But spending a week in the Scottish Highlands with Jake is harder than she imagined. He is the perfect boyfriend, charming, sexy and the hottest thing in a kilt since Outlander! And his dog Harry is quite possibly the cutest things Sam has ever seen!
As the wedding draws closer, Jake plays his part to perfection and everyone believes he is madly in love with Sam. The problem is, Sam’s not sure if Jake is acting anymore…
One ex.
One wedding.
One little white lie.
When Samantha Jenkins is asked to be the maid of honour at her best friend’s wedding, she couldn’t be happier. There are just three problems…
1) Sam’s ex-boyfriend, Liam, will be the best man.
2) His new girlfriend is pregnant.
3) Sam might have told people she has a new man when she doesn’t (see points 1 and 2 above)
So, Sam does the only sensible thing available to her… and hires a professional to do the job.
Actor Jake Porter is perfect for the single, gorgeous and cheap! Sam is certain it’s the perfect no strings, no heartbreak and hopefully no chance of being found out.
But spending a week in the Scottish Highlands with Jake is harder than she imagined. He is the perfect boyfriend, charming, sexy and the hottest thing in a kilt since Outlander! And his dog Harry is quite possibly the cutest things Sam has ever seen!
As the wedding draws closer, Jake plays his part to perfection and everyone believes he is madly in love with Sam. The problem is, Sam’s not sure if Jake is acting anymore…
400 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 20, 2018
4498 people are currently reading
1458 people want to read
About the author
Zara Stoneley
34 books345 followersZara Stoneley is the USA Today bestselling author of The Wedding Date.
Born in a small village in the UK, she wanted to be a female James Herriot, a spy, or an author when she grew up. After many (many) years, and many different jobs, her dream of writing a bestseller came true.
She writes about friendship, dreams, love, and happy ever afters, and hopes that her tales make you laugh a lot, cry a little, and occasionally say 'ahhh'.
Zara now lives in a Cheshire village with her family, a lively cockapoo called Harry, and a very bossy (and slightly evil) cat called Saffron.
Zara’s bestselling novels include 'The Wedding Date', 'The Holiday Swap', 'Summer with the Country Village Vet', 'Blackberry Picking at Jasmine Cottage' and the popular Tippermere series - 'Stable Mates', 'Country Affairs' and 'Country Rivals'.
Born in a small village in the UK, she wanted to be a female James Herriot, a spy, or an author when she grew up. After many (many) years, and many different jobs, her dream of writing a bestseller came true.
She writes about friendship, dreams, love, and happy ever afters, and hopes that her tales make you laugh a lot, cry a little, and occasionally say 'ahhh'.
Zara now lives in a Cheshire village with her family, a lively cockapoo called Harry, and a very bossy (and slightly evil) cat called Saffron.
Zara’s bestselling novels include 'The Wedding Date', 'The Holiday Swap', 'Summer with the Country Village Vet', 'Blackberry Picking at Jasmine Cottage' and the popular Tippermere series - 'Stable Mates', 'Country Affairs' and 'Country Rivals'.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 412 reviews
May 20, 2018
4 Delightful Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟
This book was an absolute pleasure to read, filled with fabulous characters and lots of laughs.... The plot was pretty straightforward and has been done before, but the characters really brought this book to life...
Sam is not showing up to her BFF’s wedding alone, especially because her ex is the best man.... after telling a tiny lie to both her parents and BFF that she is dating somebody, Sam decides she needs to hire somebody to play the part... Jake is an actor needing a distraction and he will work cheap... i’m sure you can figure out what will happen.... but it is the humor, the pacing, and the wonderful characters that sets this book apart... in honor of Sam and her propensity to make a list... I will list my top five characters in this book....
Sam... loved her, especially her inner dialogue... she was one of those characters I’d love to hang out with and have a girls night out with...
2. Jake... just a good guy with a big heart... Who usually said the right thing, my favorite thing he said to Sam was ”you are the right size for you...”*sigh*
3. Ruth... Sam’s mom, she really had some of the best lines in the book.... she truly loved her daughter, but sometimes wanted to insert herself a little too much in her life, she is a mom after all...
4. Sarah... she didn’t have a big part in the book, but she was a good friend and I loved her stalking Waze...
5. Harry... the dog.... he brought humor to every part of the book he was in...
Absolutely recommend to all who Love a romance with a large dose of humor....
*** thank you to the publisher, the author,Net Galley, and Rachel at Rachel‘s Random Resources for my copy of this book ***
This book was an absolute pleasure to read, filled with fabulous characters and lots of laughs.... The plot was pretty straightforward and has been done before, but the characters really brought this book to life...
Sam is not showing up to her BFF’s wedding alone, especially because her ex is the best man.... after telling a tiny lie to both her parents and BFF that she is dating somebody, Sam decides she needs to hire somebody to play the part... Jake is an actor needing a distraction and he will work cheap... i’m sure you can figure out what will happen.... but it is the humor, the pacing, and the wonderful characters that sets this book apart... in honor of Sam and her propensity to make a list... I will list my top five characters in this book....
Sam... loved her, especially her inner dialogue... she was one of those characters I’d love to hang out with and have a girls night out with...
2. Jake... just a good guy with a big heart... Who usually said the right thing, my favorite thing he said to Sam was ”you are the right size for you...”*sigh*
3. Ruth... Sam’s mom, she really had some of the best lines in the book.... she truly loved her daughter, but sometimes wanted to insert herself a little too much in her life, she is a mom after all...
4. Sarah... she didn’t have a big part in the book, but she was a good friend and I loved her stalking Waze...
5. Harry... the dog.... he brought humor to every part of the book he was in...
Absolutely recommend to all who Love a romance with a large dose of humor....
*** thank you to the publisher, the author,Net Galley, and Rachel at Rachel‘s Random Resources for my copy of this book ***
May 20, 2018
5☆ A Fun and Engaging Rom Com I couldn't put down!!
The wedding date is a fun Rom Com that had me laughing out loud i couldn't wait to find out what would happen next..
Picture this.... your bestest friend is getting married. Your Ex boyfriend who your hopelessly in love is going to be there and the best man.
Oh and did I mention his new girlfriend who he cheated with on you will also be there.... she's very much pregnant!!
Oh and its not just a one day thing it's a week long event!
What would you do???
Go without a date?
Or get a date?
This is the predicament Sam finds herself in when her bestest friend Jess is getting married and her Ex Liam is going to be there!
Along comes Jake... fake date Jake!
He's an actor, very good looking, loves his family, loves animals... what's not to love his a perfect fake date and his up for it!
What could possibly go wrong....nothing right!!!
I absolutely adored this gorgeous book.
I have read books similar to this and I'm pretty sure there has been a film similar too.
But what Zara did was kept my attention, kept me laughing, I loved her lil pros and cons list at the start of several chapters.
She created fun, quirky, loveable characters that I fell in love with.
The romance fizzes along perfectly.
It's the perfect compelling read for lifting your spirits, its a Warm, very funny and feel-good read with a dialogue that is witty and engaging.Get ready to fall in love with The Wedding Date.
This book couldn't come at a better time, as we celebrate the Royal Wedding.
Thank you to Rachel Random Resources for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
My Review is also on my Blog Website:
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2018/0...
The wedding date is a fun Rom Com that had me laughing out loud i couldn't wait to find out what would happen next..
Picture this.... your bestest friend is getting married. Your Ex boyfriend who your hopelessly in love is going to be there and the best man.
Oh and did I mention his new girlfriend who he cheated with on you will also be there.... she's very much pregnant!!
Oh and its not just a one day thing it's a week long event!
What would you do???
Go without a date?
Or get a date?
This is the predicament Sam finds herself in when her bestest friend Jess is getting married and her Ex Liam is going to be there!
Along comes Jake... fake date Jake!
He's an actor, very good looking, loves his family, loves animals... what's not to love his a perfect fake date and his up for it!
What could possibly go wrong....nothing right!!!
I absolutely adored this gorgeous book.
I have read books similar to this and I'm pretty sure there has been a film similar too.
But what Zara did was kept my attention, kept me laughing, I loved her lil pros and cons list at the start of several chapters.
She created fun, quirky, loveable characters that I fell in love with.
The romance fizzes along perfectly.
It's the perfect compelling read for lifting your spirits, its a Warm, very funny and feel-good read with a dialogue that is witty and engaging.Get ready to fall in love with The Wedding Date.
This book couldn't come at a better time, as we celebrate the Royal Wedding.
Thank you to Rachel Random Resources for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
My Review is also on my Blog Website:
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2018/0...
May 17, 2018
Favorite Quotes:
The drinks are green. I’m never quite sure that anything I eat or drink should be green. Apart from M&Ms.
She giggles in what I can only describe as a flirtatious manner and I could swear she’s got a bum wiggle going on as she heads back towards the front door. Bum wiggles should be banned for all mothers, at least when their daughters are there. Particularly if the wiggle is for the benefit of their daughters’ boyfriends. Honestly, it’s indecent, even if he isn’t a proper boyfriend.
Dad knows the warning signs, he knows that sometimes, like after a bottle of wine, or a couple of cocktails, she gets stuck in and things can escalate. Like they did in Crete when Juliet said she’d dived in the Commonwealth games, so Mum said she’d dived for the Girl Guides and ten minutes later had to be rescued after a belly flop that half-emptied the pool of water. It added insult to injury when she recovered enough to find her saviour looked more Sumo wrestler than Hoff and he was determined to give her the kiss of life. For some strange reason we didn’t sit by the pool after that; it was all sea, ice-creams and historical monuments.
I haven’t had hot sex for at least three years, and that happened by accident when Liam accidentally put the air conditioning on a heat setting he didn’t know it had. I thought he was all hot and sweaty from excitement, and apparently he thought the same about me.
‘Steer well clear. I think she must be … what do they call it … vajazzled or something, to have led Liam astray like that… Well, the rest of her isn’t that pretty, is it? … Crystals for your crotch, it said in that magazine article I saw in the hairdresser’s. I’m not sure it would suit me though dear.’ From the look on Dad’s face it wouldn’t suit him either. ‘I’m quite sensitive down there and if you start using superglue you don’t know where it will all end up, do you?’
My Review:
I alternated between smiling and smirking while I read this amusing tale of relationship woe. Samantha had been unceremoniously dumped, shortly before her best friend’s wedding, where she was to be the maid of honor, and her ex the best man – awkward. The wedding festivities were to last a week, in Scotland, with friends and family, including the ex and his “hugely” pregnant girlfriend. Yikes - obviously his “double-dipping” had been going on for quite awhile, which crossed the intersection of Uncomfortable and Embarrassing and turned right onto Torture Street! Not wanting to be pitied and unable to find a suitable date, Samantha hired an actor, a sweet and gorgeous man, to be her pretend boyfriend. While the overall premise was not anything new - we’ve all read similar tales - the quirky characters, clever humor, and fresh storylines made this one unique. I adored the twinkly-eyed Jake Porter, who had relationship wounds of his own. Samantha’s mother was an original personality and her scenes provided considerable mirth and gleeful entertainment. I was brand new to Ms. Stoneley’s wily humor but I hope to rectify that oversight going forward; reading her clever words was good fun.
The drinks are green. I’m never quite sure that anything I eat or drink should be green. Apart from M&Ms.
She giggles in what I can only describe as a flirtatious manner and I could swear she’s got a bum wiggle going on as she heads back towards the front door. Bum wiggles should be banned for all mothers, at least when their daughters are there. Particularly if the wiggle is for the benefit of their daughters’ boyfriends. Honestly, it’s indecent, even if he isn’t a proper boyfriend.
Dad knows the warning signs, he knows that sometimes, like after a bottle of wine, or a couple of cocktails, she gets stuck in and things can escalate. Like they did in Crete when Juliet said she’d dived in the Commonwealth games, so Mum said she’d dived for the Girl Guides and ten minutes later had to be rescued after a belly flop that half-emptied the pool of water. It added insult to injury when she recovered enough to find her saviour looked more Sumo wrestler than Hoff and he was determined to give her the kiss of life. For some strange reason we didn’t sit by the pool after that; it was all sea, ice-creams and historical monuments.
I haven’t had hot sex for at least three years, and that happened by accident when Liam accidentally put the air conditioning on a heat setting he didn’t know it had. I thought he was all hot and sweaty from excitement, and apparently he thought the same about me.
‘Steer well clear. I think she must be … what do they call it … vajazzled or something, to have led Liam astray like that… Well, the rest of her isn’t that pretty, is it? … Crystals for your crotch, it said in that magazine article I saw in the hairdresser’s. I’m not sure it would suit me though dear.’ From the look on Dad’s face it wouldn’t suit him either. ‘I’m quite sensitive down there and if you start using superglue you don’t know where it will all end up, do you?’
My Review:
I alternated between smiling and smirking while I read this amusing tale of relationship woe. Samantha had been unceremoniously dumped, shortly before her best friend’s wedding, where she was to be the maid of honor, and her ex the best man – awkward. The wedding festivities were to last a week, in Scotland, with friends and family, including the ex and his “hugely” pregnant girlfriend. Yikes - obviously his “double-dipping” had been going on for quite awhile, which crossed the intersection of Uncomfortable and Embarrassing and turned right onto Torture Street! Not wanting to be pitied and unable to find a suitable date, Samantha hired an actor, a sweet and gorgeous man, to be her pretend boyfriend. While the overall premise was not anything new - we’ve all read similar tales - the quirky characters, clever humor, and fresh storylines made this one unique. I adored the twinkly-eyed Jake Porter, who had relationship wounds of his own. Samantha’s mother was an original personality and her scenes provided considerable mirth and gleeful entertainment. I was brand new to Ms. Stoneley’s wily humor but I hope to rectify that oversight going forward; reading her clever words was good fun.
April 23, 2018
Review available at Under the Pages.
March 31, 2018
This is a lovely and enjoyable story, that I think would make a great film. However that may be because I years ago watched a film with the same basic premise and in fact same title, ao although I enjoyed the journey and writing, I wasn't overly surprised about the overall story arc.
Ok there are differences between the film and the book as you would hope being completely different but there was that sense of familiarity with the thoughts that Sam was having throughout.
Putting all that to one side, this is a book filled with amusing moments, and I think I fell in love with Jake almost instantly. I do love a book with eye candy, and he is more than just a gorgeous actor willing to be a fake boyfriend.
He is hiding the true reason he is willing to go along with the the charade of being Sam's boyfriend and a date for a week long wedding in Scotland. I loved how he slipped into the role perfectly and seemed a natural at the various activities on offer, while also absolutely hating on sight Sam's ex-boyfriend who is the best man.
I really enjoyed the character of Sam too and completely understood her need to go to these lengths, showing just what a good friend she is.
And of course this wouldn't be a Zara Stoneley book if there weren't horses and dogs involved somewhere, and the two dogs featured are fabulous. Tank is exactly that and Harry is a larger than life dog who may be very keen on human food, despite the regime he may be apparently on. The scene involving horses too was great
Despite my initial thoughts this is easily a book I would recommend to others, it really has everything I look for in a romantic comedy - romance, comedy, gorgeous man, some fabulous scenes, an ex worth hating, funny parents and animals. This is pure enjoyable escapism and I did really enjoy the whole book.
Thank you to Netgalley and Harper Impulse for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
Ok there are differences between the film and the book as you would hope being completely different but there was that sense of familiarity with the thoughts that Sam was having throughout.
Putting all that to one side, this is a book filled with amusing moments, and I think I fell in love with Jake almost instantly. I do love a book with eye candy, and he is more than just a gorgeous actor willing to be a fake boyfriend.
He is hiding the true reason he is willing to go along with the the charade of being Sam's boyfriend and a date for a week long wedding in Scotland. I loved how he slipped into the role perfectly and seemed a natural at the various activities on offer, while also absolutely hating on sight Sam's ex-boyfriend who is the best man.
I really enjoyed the character of Sam too and completely understood her need to go to these lengths, showing just what a good friend she is.
And of course this wouldn't be a Zara Stoneley book if there weren't horses and dogs involved somewhere, and the two dogs featured are fabulous. Tank is exactly that and Harry is a larger than life dog who may be very keen on human food, despite the regime he may be apparently on. The scene involving horses too was great
Despite my initial thoughts this is easily a book I would recommend to others, it really has everything I look for in a romantic comedy - romance, comedy, gorgeous man, some fabulous scenes, an ex worth hating, funny parents and animals. This is pure enjoyable escapism and I did really enjoy the whole book.
Thank you to Netgalley and Harper Impulse for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
April 17, 2018
I tried so hard, and I almost just wanted to finish because I made it this far, but I couldn't take it anymore. This is really not the book for me.
Updated:
Well, it was a valiant effort, and I made it to 62% before I threw my Kindle across the room and finally accepted defeat.
Samantha Jenkins is asked to be the maid of honor for her best friend's wedding. Only problem is, her best friend is getting married to her ex-boyfriend's brother. Which means, of course, that he will also be there. With his new girlfriend. And Sam has already told her best friend Jess that she's dating someone new. But she's not. What to do, what to do? Oh, I know, hire a perfect stranger to pose as your boyfriend! What could possibly go wrong? Enter Jake, an utter and total and complete and absolute stranger. I'm assuming they end up together, even though they made the whole "don't fall in love with me" pact, but I couldn't actually tell you because I couldn't finish this book.
First off, there are SO MANY BOOKS called The Wedding Date, including one that was just released three months ago (which, to be perfectly honest, is the one I thought I was requesting because I've heard good things about it. That'll teach me to be more thorough before requesting).
Second, this was just terribly full of stereotypes and tropes, I couldn't take it. It was clearly meant to be a romantic comedy in book form, but it fell completely flat for me. Girl who thinks she's fat (though also thinks that losing 8 pounds before the wedding is just about right, so not at all fat); has been dumped by a shitty guy but then can't fathom going to her best friend's wedding along because in this day and age she can't be honest WITH HER BEST FRIEND and has lied to her and said that she's dating someone new; ex-boyfriend already has a new girlfriend who is "hugely pregnant" and of course the most harping, shrewish woman in existence; has a gay hairdresser who is the most flamboyant gay of all time—seriously, she actually describes several of his actions as "flamboyantly"—and that is literally the only LGBTQ+ representation (I'm not saying there aren't gay men like that because there absolutely are, but it was SUCH a stereotype); hires a guy who seems immediately enamored with her, who can't BELIEVE she doesn't already have a boyfriend, even though she has not one redeeming quality that I can find. He, of course, keeps insisting that she's Not Like Other Girls—you know, that old gem of a trope.
Beyond all of that, the writing was just so not my style. Honestly, there were some incredibly off-color, if not downright inappropriate and disgusting points, but I couldn't tell if they were just culturally acceptable phrases and it was just a cultural difference...The character is supposed to be in her mid-twenties (I think) and yet can't even THINK the term "fuck buddy" IN HER HEAD, and has to censor herself. She calls sex "rumpy-pumpy" and explains that her boyfriend was "poking her when he was still with me," referring to her ex-boyfriend's new girlfriend. Poking her. I can't.
This is followed shortly thereafter by one of the most vomit-inducing phrases, for so many reasons: "He's been sowing his seed like he was planning on feeding the third-world." (Emphasis mine, obviously.)
I'm sorry, I just threw up in my mouth a little bit.
And there were huge plot holes as a result of poor development/worldbuilding. (Is it even considered worldbuilding if it's ostensibly set in present day England?) For some reason, her best friend's wedding's festivities are scheduled to take place across a week of time. And then, though there's no back story of this, we find out that Sam and her best friend Jess have been friends since they were little, which is why (conveniently for the attempt at farce that this author is going for) Sam's parents are ALSO invited to the week-long wedding.
The dude that Sam hires, Jake, is an actor. His sister was in the hair salon at the same time as Sam and heard her woes, and offered up her brother, claiming that he always needed money. Yet, when Sam and Jake start discussing a fee structure for the "favor" that he's going to be doing for her (pretending to be her boyfriend), he insists that the money doesn't really matter because his uncle set up a fund for him specifically to support the lifestyle of an actor who might not always get work. So why did your sister seem to think you were desperate for money...?
AND CAN I TELL YOU THAT THIS GIRL GETS A BANK LOAN IN ORDER TO HIRE THIS GENTLEMAN?! I don't know how they do things on the British Isles, but here that would be considered fraud. Like, legally speaking. I don't care how desperately single you are, I do not believe you would be desperate enough to commit fraud.
There may be people who would enjoy this one, but it's really just not for me.
You know what you could do instead of reading this rage-inducing book? Watch The Wedding Date with Debra Messing and Dermot Mulroney. Similar premise, infinitely better. And much less creepy winking.
Thanks (I think?) to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
Updated:
Well, it was a valiant effort, and I made it to 62% before I threw my Kindle across the room and finally accepted defeat.
Samantha Jenkins is asked to be the maid of honor for her best friend's wedding. Only problem is, her best friend is getting married to her ex-boyfriend's brother. Which means, of course, that he will also be there. With his new girlfriend. And Sam has already told her best friend Jess that she's dating someone new. But she's not. What to do, what to do? Oh, I know, hire a perfect stranger to pose as your boyfriend! What could possibly go wrong? Enter Jake, an utter and total and complete and absolute stranger. I'm assuming they end up together, even though they made the whole "don't fall in love with me" pact, but I couldn't actually tell you because I couldn't finish this book.
First off, there are SO MANY BOOKS called The Wedding Date, including one that was just released three months ago (which, to be perfectly honest, is the one I thought I was requesting because I've heard good things about it. That'll teach me to be more thorough before requesting).
Second, this was just terribly full of stereotypes and tropes, I couldn't take it. It was clearly meant to be a romantic comedy in book form, but it fell completely flat for me. Girl who thinks she's fat (though also thinks that losing 8 pounds before the wedding is just about right, so not at all fat); has been dumped by a shitty guy but then can't fathom going to her best friend's wedding along because in this day and age she can't be honest WITH HER BEST FRIEND and has lied to her and said that she's dating someone new; ex-boyfriend already has a new girlfriend who is "hugely pregnant" and of course the most harping, shrewish woman in existence; has a gay hairdresser who is the most flamboyant gay of all time—seriously, she actually describes several of his actions as "flamboyantly"—and that is literally the only LGBTQ+ representation (I'm not saying there aren't gay men like that because there absolutely are, but it was SUCH a stereotype); hires a guy who seems immediately enamored with her, who can't BELIEVE she doesn't already have a boyfriend, even though she has not one redeeming quality that I can find. He, of course, keeps insisting that she's Not Like Other Girls—you know, that old gem of a trope.
Beyond all of that, the writing was just so not my style. Honestly, there were some incredibly off-color, if not downright inappropriate and disgusting points, but I couldn't tell if they were just culturally acceptable phrases and it was just a cultural difference...The character is supposed to be in her mid-twenties (I think) and yet can't even THINK the term "fuck buddy" IN HER HEAD, and has to censor herself. She calls sex "rumpy-pumpy" and explains that her boyfriend was "poking her when he was still with me," referring to her ex-boyfriend's new girlfriend. Poking her. I can't.
This is followed shortly thereafter by one of the most vomit-inducing phrases, for so many reasons: "He's been sowing his seed like he was planning on feeding the third-world." (Emphasis mine, obviously.)
I'm sorry, I just threw up in my mouth a little bit.
And there were huge plot holes as a result of poor development/worldbuilding. (Is it even considered worldbuilding if it's ostensibly set in present day England?) For some reason, her best friend's wedding's festivities are scheduled to take place across a week of time. And then, though there's no back story of this, we find out that Sam and her best friend Jess have been friends since they were little, which is why (conveniently for the attempt at farce that this author is going for) Sam's parents are ALSO invited to the week-long wedding.
The dude that Sam hires, Jake, is an actor. His sister was in the hair salon at the same time as Sam and heard her woes, and offered up her brother, claiming that he always needed money. Yet, when Sam and Jake start discussing a fee structure for the "favor" that he's going to be doing for her (pretending to be her boyfriend), he insists that the money doesn't really matter because his uncle set up a fund for him specifically to support the lifestyle of an actor who might not always get work. So why did your sister seem to think you were desperate for money...?
AND CAN I TELL YOU THAT THIS GIRL GETS A BANK LOAN IN ORDER TO HIRE THIS GENTLEMAN?! I don't know how they do things on the British Isles, but here that would be considered fraud. Like, legally speaking. I don't care how desperately single you are, I do not believe you would be desperate enough to commit fraud.
There may be people who would enjoy this one, but it's really just not for me.
You know what you could do instead of reading this rage-inducing book? Watch The Wedding Date with Debra Messing and Dermot Mulroney. Similar premise, infinitely better. And much less creepy winking.
Thanks (I think?) to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
April 4, 2018
As a big Zara Stoneley fan I was looking forward to The Wedding Date even though there was also a slight apprehension as the description seemed very different from her other books-even that scrumptious cover was a bit of a departure for her! And I had also seen a similar plot played out in a film a few years ago. But I have to say that I really disliked that film and think that the storyline used here by Zara Stoneley would have made a far funnier and more endearing film. I could just imagine Richard Curtis directing the screenplay of this book and I think it would be a huge hit!!
Sam reminded me a little of Bridget Jones if I’m honest. She was worried about her love life, her weight and all the other single girl problems of someone about to hit the big 3-0!!But when she receives an invite to her best friends wedding she knows she needs to attend looking the best she’s ever looked and that includes having a gorgeous man on her arm. Best friend Jess is marrying Sams ex boyfriends brother and Liam, the ex, is not only best man but is attending with his new PREGNANT girlfriend. In desperation, Sam decides to hire the new boyfriend she made up to save face and off they head to the week long wedding celebrations in the Highlands of Scotland. But Jake comes with his own baggage. How good are his acting skills really and will Sam be able to tell where his acting ends and real life emotions begin?
It wouldn’t be Zara Stoneley if there weren’t gorgeous men, cute dogs and beautiful countryside all wrapped up in a perfect package and tied with a pretty bow. The Wedding Date ticked all those boxes for me and I would even go as far as to say that this has now overtaken The Holiday Swap as my favourite of all her books! There seemed to be a different vibe to this one than with her previous books, it felt intrinsically relaxed and it flowed naturally with a perfectly pitched sense of humour. I felt that Sam and Jake were realistically portrayed, as were the other characters (especially Sams mother!!) and I really was cheering them on to get together on a less professional basis! But as always in the best romantic comedies, there were a few obstacles to overcome first!
I loved how the Scottish setting lent itself fully to the whole wedding experience, with the castle providing plenty of opportunities for illicit liaisons and misunderstandings. Again, I think it would make the backdrop of a great movie especially as everything Scottish is seen as very sexy at the moment (think Outlander! Men in kilts will always be very welcome in my eyes!!)
The Wedding Date is the perfect accompaniment for this years holiday (or honeymoon!) lounging around on a sunbed by the pool or even fishing by a Scottish Loch! It’s sublime cover draws you inside and then keeps you there with its easy going, humorous narrative and cast of relatable and likeable characters. Zara Stoneley has blown me away with her matrimonial mischief making and this book will hopefully gain this fabulous author plenty of new fans. If The Wedding Date were a wedding favour it would be a little bag of sugared almonds-beautifully charming, deliciously sweet but with an unexpected “bite”! I loved it!
Sam reminded me a little of Bridget Jones if I’m honest. She was worried about her love life, her weight and all the other single girl problems of someone about to hit the big 3-0!!But when she receives an invite to her best friends wedding she knows she needs to attend looking the best she’s ever looked and that includes having a gorgeous man on her arm. Best friend Jess is marrying Sams ex boyfriends brother and Liam, the ex, is not only best man but is attending with his new PREGNANT girlfriend. In desperation, Sam decides to hire the new boyfriend she made up to save face and off they head to the week long wedding celebrations in the Highlands of Scotland. But Jake comes with his own baggage. How good are his acting skills really and will Sam be able to tell where his acting ends and real life emotions begin?
It wouldn’t be Zara Stoneley if there weren’t gorgeous men, cute dogs and beautiful countryside all wrapped up in a perfect package and tied with a pretty bow. The Wedding Date ticked all those boxes for me and I would even go as far as to say that this has now overtaken The Holiday Swap as my favourite of all her books! There seemed to be a different vibe to this one than with her previous books, it felt intrinsically relaxed and it flowed naturally with a perfectly pitched sense of humour. I felt that Sam and Jake were realistically portrayed, as were the other characters (especially Sams mother!!) and I really was cheering them on to get together on a less professional basis! But as always in the best romantic comedies, there were a few obstacles to overcome first!
I loved how the Scottish setting lent itself fully to the whole wedding experience, with the castle providing plenty of opportunities for illicit liaisons and misunderstandings. Again, I think it would make the backdrop of a great movie especially as everything Scottish is seen as very sexy at the moment (think Outlander! Men in kilts will always be very welcome in my eyes!!)
The Wedding Date is the perfect accompaniment for this years holiday (or honeymoon!) lounging around on a sunbed by the pool or even fishing by a Scottish Loch! It’s sublime cover draws you inside and then keeps you there with its easy going, humorous narrative and cast of relatable and likeable characters. Zara Stoneley has blown me away with her matrimonial mischief making and this book will hopefully gain this fabulous author plenty of new fans. If The Wedding Date were a wedding favour it would be a little bag of sugared almonds-beautifully charming, deliciously sweet but with an unexpected “bite”! I loved it!
March 31, 2018
So, after reading the blurb, I was a little wary about reading this book. On paper, it sounds exactly the kind of book I would love, however, it’s a plot line that I’ve probably read before and definitely seen played out on the big screen. So what was Zara Stoneley going to do differently to make this book stand out from the rest?
The story follows Samantha (or Sam, but definitely not Sammy!) who has been asked to be the made of honour at her best friends wedding. The only problem is, the best man, happens to be her ex Liam, who dumped her after ‘finding someone else’. Not a problem, Sam has convinced everyone that she is so over him, and happily in love with her new man. Except, she has no man, and now must find someone to accompany her to the wedding so she can show Liam exactly what he’s missing. So how exactly does a woman find a man to be her ‘fake’ boyfriend for one whole week. Easy! You hire him…
I really, really wanted to like this book. As someone who had never read one of Zara Stoneley’s books, I had heard amazing things about them. She’s also from Staffordshire which is where I currently reside, so I really wanted to be supportive. However, this book just didn’t do it for me.
I found the main character Sam, so annoying and half way through I started to skim read the majority. I think the author was trying so hard to make her funny, that it just didn’t really work. Also, I really hate the idea that a woman has to lose weight to show her ex what he is missing. Every other sentence that came out of Sam’s mouth was about how ‘fat’ she is and it was really getting to me.
I think the male romantic lead Jake was okay. I just felt that the author tried too hard to make us like him that again, I just really didn’t.
I also didn’t really like the story line. I felt it dragged to be quite honest, a week together was too long and the activities were so unnecessary.
I’m not going to write much more on this book, because I feel it’s only fair that readers should make up their own mind. Whilst this book didn’t work for me, it might for someone else so please read it for yourself.
I’d only rate this book 2 out of five stars. Maybe I should try some of Zara Stoneley’s other books because I know they have received high praise.
The story follows Samantha (or Sam, but definitely not Sammy!) who has been asked to be the made of honour at her best friends wedding. The only problem is, the best man, happens to be her ex Liam, who dumped her after ‘finding someone else’. Not a problem, Sam has convinced everyone that she is so over him, and happily in love with her new man. Except, she has no man, and now must find someone to accompany her to the wedding so she can show Liam exactly what he’s missing. So how exactly does a woman find a man to be her ‘fake’ boyfriend for one whole week. Easy! You hire him…
I really, really wanted to like this book. As someone who had never read one of Zara Stoneley’s books, I had heard amazing things about them. She’s also from Staffordshire which is where I currently reside, so I really wanted to be supportive. However, this book just didn’t do it for me.
I found the main character Sam, so annoying and half way through I started to skim read the majority. I think the author was trying so hard to make her funny, that it just didn’t really work. Also, I really hate the idea that a woman has to lose weight to show her ex what he is missing. Every other sentence that came out of Sam’s mouth was about how ‘fat’ she is and it was really getting to me.
I think the male romantic lead Jake was okay. I just felt that the author tried too hard to make us like him that again, I just really didn’t.
I also didn’t really like the story line. I felt it dragged to be quite honest, a week together was too long and the activities were so unnecessary.
I’m not going to write much more on this book, because I feel it’s only fair that readers should make up their own mind. Whilst this book didn’t work for me, it might for someone else so please read it for yourself.
I’d only rate this book 2 out of five stars. Maybe I should try some of Zara Stoneley’s other books because I know they have received high praise.
September 17, 2019
This was cute, had some sweet and funny moments, and quirky characters. The main character wasn't always likable, though, and there were lots of communication issues that drove me a little crazy.
March 29, 2018
All reviews can be found on my blog at https://thewritinggarnet.wordpress.com
I have to admit that at first, I was a little bit wary about the concept of this book. I mean, we have all seen the film ‘The Wedding Date’ with Debra Messing and Dermot Mulroney, right? Plus, having read multiple books with a wedding date at the forefront of its storyline, I couldn’t help but wonder what was going to be different about Zara Stoneley’s interpretation of the theme seeing as it has been done multiple times…
But, after reading ‘The Wedding Date’, I can honestly say that whilst the theme may be familiar, nobody has written it in the way that Zara Stoneley has. Ever. And I don’t think that they will either. There’s writing a story based on a popular theme, and then there’s writing a story based on a popular theme and owning it ten times over. Zara Stoneley is the latter and by golly did she own it!
Samantha has been asked to be the maid of honour at her best friends wedding. The wedding where her ex-boyfriend (the one who dumped her after dipping his wick in new wax before the old wax had even dried) was going to be the best man. Samantha’s knee-jerk reaction is to hide under the covers and ignore the invitation ever arrived, just so that she doesn’t have to come face to face with the man who thinks his derrière doesn’t smell after a bout of diarrhoea. But, because Sam has a conscience and a heart, she is determined to not let her best friend down on her wedding day. With no boyfriend, no date, no man in question, Sam has to think outside the box when it comes to wanting to shove her ex boyfriend inside a box. How? Well, you’d better read the book then, hadn’t you!!
Oh my goodness gracious me! This book!!!! I think I resembled a pig more often than not whilst I was reading Zara Stoneley’s latest offering! The amount of snorting that came out of me really didn’t sound healthy at all, especially when faced with a border collie whose personality is larger than life. Seriously, the dog is a legend and I want his bandana for my own dog!
Now, as a person who finds themselves checking into ‘Zara Stoneley Anonymous’ after each book, I cannot help but think that ‘The Wedding Date’ is her best book EVER. Seriously! The humour was absolutely brilliant, unforced, and totally in keeping with the overall vibe of the storyline. Not only that, the energy throughout the entire story was mind-blowing and highly contagious. So much so, I couldn’t help but feel like I could conquer anything, even if it meant looking like a prat whilst doing it. ‘The Wedding Date’ is Zara Stoneley’s most energetic book yet, and one which kept me with a humongous smile on my face the entire time.
Everything the characters got up to was unique, brilliantly written and full of hilarious one liners which ended up creating vivid (and hilarious) imagery in my mind. One word – horse. When you delve into this book for yourself, remember the word ‘horse’ and you’ll see what I mean!
Whilst I have to admit that the author may have adapted her writing style slightly with ‘The Wedding Date’, I for one am not complaining and think that the slight change has brought more energy and oomph to an already accomplished author. I would LOVE to see these characters back in another story, and I would love to see Harry settle down with a Mrs Harry to find out whether they dress their pups in bandana’s. It has GOT to happen!!
‘The Wedding Date’ blew me away and threw all of my misconceptions out of the window straight away. These bunch of characters are truly fantastic, with personalities you cannot help but gel with. Well, apart from the two characters which are total asshats!!
I want to stand on my soap box with brightly coloured pom poms and shout about this book for the entire world to hear – that is how much I loved this book! Honestly, what a fantastic, high energy, hilarious novel – ‘The Wedding Date’ is my most favourite book of 2018 so far, and even in my ‘top books of all time’ list. I have found my new book boyfriend in ‘Jake’ and nobody is pinching him!!! ‘The Wedding Date’ is the best date I have ever been on, and the one I will remember for a very long time…especially seeing as I will be re-reading this book until I know it word for word. Out-fudging-standing. Zara Stoneley, you legend!!!
I have to admit that at first, I was a little bit wary about the concept of this book. I mean, we have all seen the film ‘The Wedding Date’ with Debra Messing and Dermot Mulroney, right? Plus, having read multiple books with a wedding date at the forefront of its storyline, I couldn’t help but wonder what was going to be different about Zara Stoneley’s interpretation of the theme seeing as it has been done multiple times…
But, after reading ‘The Wedding Date’, I can honestly say that whilst the theme may be familiar, nobody has written it in the way that Zara Stoneley has. Ever. And I don’t think that they will either. There’s writing a story based on a popular theme, and then there’s writing a story based on a popular theme and owning it ten times over. Zara Stoneley is the latter and by golly did she own it!
Samantha has been asked to be the maid of honour at her best friends wedding. The wedding where her ex-boyfriend (the one who dumped her after dipping his wick in new wax before the old wax had even dried) was going to be the best man. Samantha’s knee-jerk reaction is to hide under the covers and ignore the invitation ever arrived, just so that she doesn’t have to come face to face with the man who thinks his derrière doesn’t smell after a bout of diarrhoea. But, because Sam has a conscience and a heart, she is determined to not let her best friend down on her wedding day. With no boyfriend, no date, no man in question, Sam has to think outside the box when it comes to wanting to shove her ex boyfriend inside a box. How? Well, you’d better read the book then, hadn’t you!!
Oh my goodness gracious me! This book!!!! I think I resembled a pig more often than not whilst I was reading Zara Stoneley’s latest offering! The amount of snorting that came out of me really didn’t sound healthy at all, especially when faced with a border collie whose personality is larger than life. Seriously, the dog is a legend and I want his bandana for my own dog!
Now, as a person who finds themselves checking into ‘Zara Stoneley Anonymous’ after each book, I cannot help but think that ‘The Wedding Date’ is her best book EVER. Seriously! The humour was absolutely brilliant, unforced, and totally in keeping with the overall vibe of the storyline. Not only that, the energy throughout the entire story was mind-blowing and highly contagious. So much so, I couldn’t help but feel like I could conquer anything, even if it meant looking like a prat whilst doing it. ‘The Wedding Date’ is Zara Stoneley’s most energetic book yet, and one which kept me with a humongous smile on my face the entire time.
Everything the characters got up to was unique, brilliantly written and full of hilarious one liners which ended up creating vivid (and hilarious) imagery in my mind. One word – horse. When you delve into this book for yourself, remember the word ‘horse’ and you’ll see what I mean!
Whilst I have to admit that the author may have adapted her writing style slightly with ‘The Wedding Date’, I for one am not complaining and think that the slight change has brought more energy and oomph to an already accomplished author. I would LOVE to see these characters back in another story, and I would love to see Harry settle down with a Mrs Harry to find out whether they dress their pups in bandana’s. It has GOT to happen!!
‘The Wedding Date’ blew me away and threw all of my misconceptions out of the window straight away. These bunch of characters are truly fantastic, with personalities you cannot help but gel with. Well, apart from the two characters which are total asshats!!
I want to stand on my soap box with brightly coloured pom poms and shout about this book for the entire world to hear – that is how much I loved this book! Honestly, what a fantastic, high energy, hilarious novel – ‘The Wedding Date’ is my most favourite book of 2018 so far, and even in my ‘top books of all time’ list. I have found my new book boyfriend in ‘Jake’ and nobody is pinching him!!! ‘The Wedding Date’ is the best date I have ever been on, and the one I will remember for a very long time…especially seeing as I will be re-reading this book until I know it word for word. Out-fudging-standing. Zara Stoneley, you legend!!!
May 30, 2018
[READ AT YOUR OWN PERIL. IT MAY OR MAY NOT CONTAIN SPOILER.]
The writing is more like a journal entry than an actual point of view. There's not much to describe the characters, the views or what they were wearing. I only remember kilt. Sam, the MC kept on and on about knees. And there I was thinking, was the kilt short? I mean, the guy can get a kilt that cover his knees right? And they do wear long socks right?
The premise was interesting. Sam got dumped. She had to attend a wedding as the best maid and she couldn't do it alone as the best man was her ex who would be there with his new girlfriend. So what a 29 years old woman do in this situation? She let her co-worker convinced her of hiring an escort.
Before going to the wedding, Sam wanted to meet this guy first. This is where it bummed me out. Jake, the guy, suggested they meet at a pound so they can dog-walk. They met at the counter before Jake went off first. I very much like it if they meet for the first time when Sam was being dragged by the huge dog and Jake was there for the rescue. It's much more believable when and if Jake declare his undying love because he kept mentioning that moment was the moment he knew he wanted to help Sam.
So Sam kept mentioning about her being fat which I assumed more like Kim K rather than Precious. And it irked me. Like why bitch about it when Jake said she looked amazing. When your man is fine with your figure than take it as it is and live your life. When Jake suggested jogging, for health and not losing weight, she bitch about it again.
I lost interest when they were finally at the wedding and met her ex because there's nothing. There's no wow factor. Jake was the all rounder guy because he could practically do everything. He's the perfect guy while everyone is nothing compare to him.
The book could be edited into half. The other half was rubbish. I'm sorry it was harsh but it's reality. I know it take a lot to write a book but, it take a lot for me too to buy this; with money and not leaves. Because I like the premise even though the story was weird, I say a 3 was the best for me.
The writing is more like a journal entry than an actual point of view. There's not much to describe the characters, the views or what they were wearing. I only remember kilt. Sam, the MC kept on and on about knees. And there I was thinking, was the kilt short? I mean, the guy can get a kilt that cover his knees right? And they do wear long socks right?
The premise was interesting. Sam got dumped. She had to attend a wedding as the best maid and she couldn't do it alone as the best man was her ex who would be there with his new girlfriend. So what a 29 years old woman do in this situation? She let her co-worker convinced her of hiring an escort.
Before going to the wedding, Sam wanted to meet this guy first. This is where it bummed me out. Jake, the guy, suggested they meet at a pound so they can dog-walk. They met at the counter before Jake went off first. I very much like it if they meet for the first time when Sam was being dragged by the huge dog and Jake was there for the rescue. It's much more believable when and if Jake declare his undying love because he kept mentioning that moment was the moment he knew he wanted to help Sam.
So Sam kept mentioning about her being fat which I assumed more like Kim K rather than Precious. And it irked me. Like why bitch about it when Jake said she looked amazing. When your man is fine with your figure than take it as it is and live your life. When Jake suggested jogging, for health and not losing weight, she bitch about it again.
I lost interest when they were finally at the wedding and met her ex because there's nothing. There's no wow factor. Jake was the all rounder guy because he could practically do everything. He's the perfect guy while everyone is nothing compare to him.
The book could be edited into half. The other half was rubbish. I'm sorry it was harsh but it's reality. I know it take a lot to write a book but, it take a lot for me too to buy this; with money and not leaves. Because I like the premise even though the story was weird, I say a 3 was the best for me.
June 17, 2020
Paprasta su humoru! 👍🏼
May 12, 2018
This romance is as sweet as the piece of cake on the cover suggests. But it's not just a sweet story, it is also very real, and very funny. It was hard to put down. I was a little disappointed that there weren't actually any steamy scenes because it pretty much faded out as they began. It was just a little disappointing as there was a lot of really good sexual tension and build-up throughout, so I'd have loved to get the relief our characters did by at least reading about it. Other than that, I loved the story. Sam is so much like me in many ways, one line from the story that fits me perfectly was:
"I'm never quite sure that anything I eat or drink should be green. Apart from M&M's."
If you ask anyone in my family, they'll tell you I don't eat anything green. I loved her take on life, and how she felt also fit what it feels like to be single these days. And then there was Jake. I couldn't help but love him and want my very own Jake. He was playful, and perfect in how he thought Sam was perfect just as she was. The way the author played off the secrets he kept was perfect, and even kept me on the edge of my seat as I read, trying to figure out just what could actually be going on with him and his back story. The author also got me at the end with what I assumed meant there was not going to be a happily ever after, even though I just knew there had to be. And that made how it came about even better.
I'll probably go on to read more books by this author when I get the chance, and I recommend it to anyone who enjoys a sweet romance with a build-up of the sexual tension, but without getting into the actual sex itself.
"I'm never quite sure that anything I eat or drink should be green. Apart from M&M's."
If you ask anyone in my family, they'll tell you I don't eat anything green. I loved her take on life, and how she felt also fit what it feels like to be single these days. And then there was Jake. I couldn't help but love him and want my very own Jake. He was playful, and perfect in how he thought Sam was perfect just as she was. The way the author played off the secrets he kept was perfect, and even kept me on the edge of my seat as I read, trying to figure out just what could actually be going on with him and his back story. The author also got me at the end with what I assumed meant there was not going to be a happily ever after, even though I just knew there had to be. And that made how it came about even better.
I'll probably go on to read more books by this author when I get the chance, and I recommend it to anyone who enjoys a sweet romance with a build-up of the sexual tension, but without getting into the actual sex itself.
October 12, 2018
It is really easy to see why everyone is gushing over this book. It is such a lovely read, very fitting for wedding season (I am in fact bridesmaid to my best friend this weekend!). When I saw the book title my first thought did go to the film with the same said title and wonder if it would be the same. It has the same premise as the film but so much more. There is love, lust, heartbreak, twists and misdirections, and two people learning to trust and love again.
Sam is heartbroken, her ex-boyfriend Mr Boring, Liam just dumps her out of the blue as he has met someone else, someone who is 'HUGELY' pregnant. Heartbroken she now wants to find someone to go with to her best friend's wedding, where she is the maid of honour, to show that she is over Liam, the best man! Her friend Sarah suggests hiring someone, but they would cost an arm and a leg...literally. So whilst having a pick me up in the hairdressers, Amy suggests her brother, a broke actor called Jake. And so it begins...
The lies and deceit to her friends and family are hilarious, as Sam keeps 'accidentally' letting things slip out. They have to spend a week in Scotland together being a 'couple' (Strangest thing my best friend is also getting married in Scotland, I swear it is fate when I read these books!). Sam couldn't tell if Jake was acting as he was being paid or if he was being genuine about his feelings towards her. With Zara's writing style I believed he was genuine with how he felt, and to be honest who would not want a man like Jake, he sounded too good to be true!
It would not be right not to mention the cutest dog in the world - Harry! He provided so much laughter especially chasing Liam when the wedding photos were being done. That being said, I found all the minor characters so much fun, apart from Ruby (spoiled jealous brat sprung to mind), Sam's mum did provide the most laughs for me.
The twists in the book were refreshing and delightful, these sorts of storylines may have been done before but Zara brings something new to the table so it is far from a stale piece of wedding cake.
This book is such a lovely read, one for the wedding season, the summer, in fact, any time of the year. It is a book that makes you feel good, it made me laugh and cry(!!). It just shows that there is a true love out there for everyone, and sometimes you have to kiss a few frogs to find your perfect Wedding date.
Sam is heartbroken, her ex-boyfriend Mr Boring, Liam just dumps her out of the blue as he has met someone else, someone who is 'HUGELY' pregnant. Heartbroken she now wants to find someone to go with to her best friend's wedding, where she is the maid of honour, to show that she is over Liam, the best man! Her friend Sarah suggests hiring someone, but they would cost an arm and a leg...literally. So whilst having a pick me up in the hairdressers, Amy suggests her brother, a broke actor called Jake. And so it begins...
The lies and deceit to her friends and family are hilarious, as Sam keeps 'accidentally' letting things slip out. They have to spend a week in Scotland together being a 'couple' (Strangest thing my best friend is also getting married in Scotland, I swear it is fate when I read these books!). Sam couldn't tell if Jake was acting as he was being paid or if he was being genuine about his feelings towards her. With Zara's writing style I believed he was genuine with how he felt, and to be honest who would not want a man like Jake, he sounded too good to be true!
It would not be right not to mention the cutest dog in the world - Harry! He provided so much laughter especially chasing Liam when the wedding photos were being done. That being said, I found all the minor characters so much fun, apart from Ruby (spoiled jealous brat sprung to mind), Sam's mum did provide the most laughs for me.
The twists in the book were refreshing and delightful, these sorts of storylines may have been done before but Zara brings something new to the table so it is far from a stale piece of wedding cake.
This book is such a lovely read, one for the wedding season, the summer, in fact, any time of the year. It is a book that makes you feel good, it made me laugh and cry(!!). It just shows that there is a true love out there for everyone, and sometimes you have to kiss a few frogs to find your perfect Wedding date.
February 24, 2022
WOW, what a severely dull book. It started off with some potential, but quickly dove off into nonsense.
Our main character has zero personality, yet everyone around her is absolutely charmed by her…. Quirkiness? She’s bland, uninspired and unfunny, much like this book. The love interest is a gorgeous and perfect man who falls head over heels the moment he sees her. I’m not convinced, but spent the whole book hoping to see a relationship grow out of mutual understanding and “getting to know each other”. Nope. Love at first sight. How exciting.
The rest of the characters are stereotypes that don’t change or offer anything exciting to the plot. And the plot goes on and on and on and on and on and on and on and blah blah blah. I can get behind some cute and clever banter, but it’s so dull and lacking any humour. I found myself skipping over entire paragraphs consisting of people talking about NOTHING. So much of this book is just dialogue that moves nothing forward. It’s the definition of telling, rather than showing.
It’s 400 pages and feels like it. Do yourself a favour and find a rom-com to watch instead.
Our main character has zero personality, yet everyone around her is absolutely charmed by her…. Quirkiness? She’s bland, uninspired and unfunny, much like this book. The love interest is a gorgeous and perfect man who falls head over heels the moment he sees her. I’m not convinced, but spent the whole book hoping to see a relationship grow out of mutual understanding and “getting to know each other”. Nope. Love at first sight. How exciting.
The rest of the characters are stereotypes that don’t change or offer anything exciting to the plot. And the plot goes on and on and on and on and on and on and on and blah blah blah. I can get behind some cute and clever banter, but it’s so dull and lacking any humour. I found myself skipping over entire paragraphs consisting of people talking about NOTHING. So much of this book is just dialogue that moves nothing forward. It’s the definition of telling, rather than showing.
It’s 400 pages and feels like it. Do yourself a favour and find a rom-com to watch instead.
April 17, 2018
I'm a huge fan of Zara's books, love all of her stories and this one certainly didn't disappoint.
I absolutely loved the story from start to finish, thoroughly enjoyed getting to know all of the characters and I completely fell in love with Jake and the adorable cute Harry.
Given the concept of the story, I was worried that it would be predictable and I was intrigued to see how it would all play out. However I need not have been worried as the story was in no way predictable at all. The author Zara told the story well and kept me highly entertained throughout, there were even scenes that had me in giggles as they were so funny.
I absolutely loved it, so much so that I didn't want the story to end.
I absolutely loved the story from start to finish, thoroughly enjoyed getting to know all of the characters and I completely fell in love with Jake and the adorable cute Harry.
Given the concept of the story, I was worried that it would be predictable and I was intrigued to see how it would all play out. However I need not have been worried as the story was in no way predictable at all. The author Zara told the story well and kept me highly entertained throughout, there were even scenes that had me in giggles as they were so funny.
I absolutely loved it, so much so that I didn't want the story to end.
May 9, 2023
This was a dollar deal on Amazon. A new to me author.
Not too bad. A plus size heroine, whom everyone loves. A handsome, buff hero who is an actor. The heroine "hires" the hero for a wedding weekend (she's the maid of honor, the best man's her cheating ex). Lots of miscommunication. A cute dog.
I've read worse!
Not too bad. A plus size heroine, whom everyone loves. A handsome, buff hero who is an actor. The heroine "hires" the hero for a wedding weekend (she's the maid of honor, the best man's her cheating ex). Lots of miscommunication. A cute dog.
I've read worse!
May 14, 2018
Can I PLEASE be best friends with Samantha? She - and this book - were refreshingly delightful and good for the soul. Of course, the hired boyfriend is an old trope, but you don't care when you love the characters so much you just want them to be happy. I zoomed through the pages, literally LOL-ing - a perfect holiday read. As sweet and moreish as the cake on the cover.
June 11, 2020
I did Enjoy this but the MC Jake sometimes acted like a dad with the thumbs up and winking all the time.... And the weirs sister who seemed to be jealous to everything other than a toilet brush for no real reason.
Still a nice read if not a little drawn out.
good british humor......
wanker banker lol
Still a nice read if not a little drawn out.
good british humor......
wanker banker lol
October 16, 2020
What do you do if you are bridesmaid at your best friend's wedding and your cheating ex is best man? Well, you find the perfect boyfriend, of course. This is what Sam does, 'cept it's not quite so straightforward. Jake has baggage of his own (some of it is quite nice though) which he has to work through. One fun-filled week in Scotland will sort everything out. Won't it?
I recommend this book.
I recommend this book.
April 1, 2022
Easy read! We love love, I miss going to weddings, and British humour is always top tier
April 18, 2018
Loved this book, couldn’t put it down. Will be looking for more books by Zara.
May 8, 2018
The PERFECT super-funny read of the summer!
This was a laugh a minute read and kept me turning the pages! I love Zara Stoneley books but this was by far her best yet. I totally related to main character Sam and all her dilemmas and confidence issues... and what can I say about the stunning hero? It really was full of fun, softer romantic moments, a few sizzling hot ones and a gorgeous pooch called Harry! Highly recommended!
This was a laugh a minute read and kept me turning the pages! I love Zara Stoneley books but this was by far her best yet. I totally related to main character Sam and all her dilemmas and confidence issues... and what can I say about the stunning hero? It really was full of fun, softer romantic moments, a few sizzling hot ones and a gorgeous pooch called Harry! Highly recommended!
May 15, 2018
Although they are often predictable, I love romantic comedies. Even if I know how they are going to end, I enjoy reading them, especially if they are well-written and have engaging characters like THE WEDDING DATE by Zara Stoneley.
I adored this novel. I laughed from the first to the last page (there is a scene with horses that is particularly hilarious) and I loved all the characters, or at least the good ones. I really liked the character of Sam. She is loyal, funny, a good friend, and completely realistic. She likes to make lists and she doesn’t back down from difficult situations, like going to her best friend wedding and seeing her ex-boyfriend and his hugely pregnant new girlfriend with whom he cheated on her, or riding a horse when she is clearly not able to. I liked, Jake, the “fake” boyfriend. He is a struggling actor and he really gets into the role. He plays the perfect boyfriend and also the perfect man (it appears that there is nothing he can’t do), but he is also entertaining and smart, and I enjoyed his witty exchanged with Sam. Another character I loved is Sam’s mother. She has no filters, she is nosy, indiscreet, and every time Jake came out of the a lake completely wet (somehow this happened more than once) she shouted out for Mr. Darcy. Last but not least on the list of my favorite characters is Harry, the dog. He was the life of the party, always at the center of the attention and he created some of the most comic scenes in the book.
The Scottish and secluded castle is the perfect setting to this novel and the brilliant writing, the hilarious situations, and the witty exchanged kept me glued to the page. I read it in one day, trying to read as many pages as possible during my lunch break and reading (and laughing) well into the night.
I adored this novel. I laughed from the first to the last page (there is a scene with horses that is particularly hilarious) and I loved all the characters, or at least the good ones. I really liked the character of Sam. She is loyal, funny, a good friend, and completely realistic. She likes to make lists and she doesn’t back down from difficult situations, like going to her best friend wedding and seeing her ex-boyfriend and his hugely pregnant new girlfriend with whom he cheated on her, or riding a horse when she is clearly not able to. I liked, Jake, the “fake” boyfriend. He is a struggling actor and he really gets into the role. He plays the perfect boyfriend and also the perfect man (it appears that there is nothing he can’t do), but he is also entertaining and smart, and I enjoyed his witty exchanged with Sam. Another character I loved is Sam’s mother. She has no filters, she is nosy, indiscreet, and every time Jake came out of the a lake completely wet (somehow this happened more than once) she shouted out for Mr. Darcy. Last but not least on the list of my favorite characters is Harry, the dog. He was the life of the party, always at the center of the attention and he created some of the most comic scenes in the book.
The Scottish and secluded castle is the perfect setting to this novel and the brilliant writing, the hilarious situations, and the witty exchanged kept me glued to the page. I read it in one day, trying to read as many pages as possible during my lunch break and reading (and laughing) well into the night.
August 19, 2021
Man vėl reikėjo pailsinti smegenis. Ir kartais tam rasti knygas nėra lengva - vienos gali netikėtai nustebinti, kai aprašymas ir viršelis rėkte rėkia, kad čia viskas labai paprasta, o skaitant paaiškėja, kad yra niuansų, kurie būna slogūs ar sudėtingi. O būna knygų, kur tikiesi lengvo skaitinio, ir gauni labai labai lengvą. Ši knyga man pasirodė puikiai tinkama atostogoms, nelabai intelektuali, bet smegenims pravėdinti tiko puikiai.
Samanta išsiskiria po ilgos draugystės, tačiau jai verkiant reikia partnerio į vestuves, nes per ilgą liežuvį visiems prikarksėjo, kad jau susirado naują vyruką ir su juo pasirodys vestuvėse. Deja, realybė yra kitokia - Samanta jaučiasi stora ir nelaiminga, tad su draugų pagalba ji pasisamdo aktorių - žavų šunis mylintį vyrą Džeiką.
Visiškai nuspėjamas romanas, bet kartu tuo visai ir žavus - skaitai ir krizeni iš jos prisigalvojimų, nes, kaip skaitytojas, iškart jauti, kad viskas čia gerai baigsis. Kitaip tiesiog negali būti.
Labai patiko visi juokeliai, bet tik kol buvo subtilūs ir skaniai pateikti. Keistokai pasirodė moters šaipymasis iš kitos nėščios moters, nes ji laukiasi ir atrodo stora. Aš suprantu, kad čia buvo neapykanta dėl išdavystės, bet vis tiek. Moteriai šaipytis iš kitos moters? Kad ir kokia bjauri ji bebūtų, nėštumas nėra tas dalykas, dėl kurio galima taip tyčiotis.
Patiko chemija tarp Džeiko ir Samantos. Jų juokeliai, net ir nešvankūs - tiesiog jutosi, kad jiems gera.
Džeikas pasirodė tobulas vyras. Ypač dėl motyvacijos. Nuolat stūmė ir skatino Samantą daryti vieną ar kitą dalyką, buvo įdomu visa tai pergyventi kartu su jais, matyti, kaip Samanta tiesiog pražysta. Tokie santykiai ir turėtų būti, aš manau, kur žmonės vienas kitą besąlygiškai palaiko ir padeda judėti į priekį.
Visiškas pliažinis skaitinys, net mąstyti nereikės. Bus ir iš ko pasijuokti, ir dėl ko pasipiktinti, ir romantikos, ir gražių draugysčių, nors viskas man pasirodė naivoka.
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www.instagram.com/gretabrigita.lt
Visas apžvalgas rasite čia:
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Leidyklos dovana.
Samanta išsiskiria po ilgos draugystės, tačiau jai verkiant reikia partnerio į vestuves, nes per ilgą liežuvį visiems prikarksėjo, kad jau susirado naują vyruką ir su juo pasirodys vestuvėse. Deja, realybė yra kitokia - Samanta jaučiasi stora ir nelaiminga, tad su draugų pagalba ji pasisamdo aktorių - žavų šunis mylintį vyrą Džeiką.
Visiškai nuspėjamas romanas, bet kartu tuo visai ir žavus - skaitai ir krizeni iš jos prisigalvojimų, nes, kaip skaitytojas, iškart jauti, kad viskas čia gerai baigsis. Kitaip tiesiog negali būti.
Labai patiko visi juokeliai, bet tik kol buvo subtilūs ir skaniai pateikti. Keistokai pasirodė moters šaipymasis iš kitos nėščios moters, nes ji laukiasi ir atrodo stora. Aš suprantu, kad čia buvo neapykanta dėl išdavystės, bet vis tiek. Moteriai šaipytis iš kitos moters? Kad ir kokia bjauri ji bebūtų, nėštumas nėra tas dalykas, dėl kurio galima taip tyčiotis.
Patiko chemija tarp Džeiko ir Samantos. Jų juokeliai, net ir nešvankūs - tiesiog jutosi, kad jiems gera.
Džeikas pasirodė tobulas vyras. Ypač dėl motyvacijos. Nuolat stūmė ir skatino Samantą daryti vieną ar kitą dalyką, buvo įdomu visa tai pergyventi kartu su jais, matyti, kaip Samanta tiesiog pražysta. Tokie santykiai ir turėtų būti, aš manau, kur žmonės vienas kitą besąlygiškai palaiko ir padeda judėti į priekį.
Visiškas pliažinis skaitinys, net mąstyti nereikės. Bus ir iš ko pasijuokti, ir dėl ko pasipiktinti, ir romantikos, ir gražių draugysčių, nors viskas man pasirodė naivoka.
Susitikime instagrame:
www.instagram.com/gretabrigita.lt
Visas apžvalgas rasite čia:
www.gretabrigita.lt
Leidyklos dovana.
May 10, 2020
I’ve always enjoyed Zara’s books and was looking forward to this one and you won’t be disappointed at all. It is a laugh out laugh Rom com book and of course plenty about weddings it’s fun and full of love to you will find you can’t put it down.
Sam gets asks to be a maid of honour at her friends wedding but the biggest eat problem is her ex will be there and the new partner is pregnant to so she has kind of told everyone she has a new boyfriend. The only problem is she hasn’t so she has to pay to hire one called Jake. Problem is as they get nearer to the wedding Jake plays the role of the perfect boyfriend so well and everyone believes they are in love the biggest problem is that Sam is not sure if Jake is acting anymore so what will happen.
Sam gets asks to be a maid of honour at her friends wedding but the biggest eat problem is her ex will be there and the new partner is pregnant to so she has kind of told everyone she has a new boyfriend. The only problem is she hasn’t so she has to pay to hire one called Jake. Problem is as they get nearer to the wedding Jake plays the role of the perfect boyfriend so well and everyone believes they are in love the biggest problem is that Sam is not sure if Jake is acting anymore so what will happen.
July 6, 2018
Awww, this was such a fun rom-com! I felt like Sam was such a relatable character because NO ONE wants to show up single at a wedding their ex is attending too. Not sure most people would go to the lengths of hiring a fake boyfriend but Jake was such a delight as a character. Even though the story line sounds familiar, I thought the author added humor and warmth to it without the book being overly cheesy. It put me in a good mood, so there's no higher praise than that!
April 7, 2021
This book was such a cute and fun read! I enjoyed the characters, storyline, the fake dating, and was easily drawn to pick up the book. I was super invested up until the end of the wedding where I did lose a little bit of interest, however, I was still content with how it all ended.
November 12, 2019
This will teach me to read a book without checking reviews first! Sooo dull and boring with all the characters being spectacularly naff
April 9, 2018
The Wedding Date is a brilliantly light hearted story that is amusing from the offset as Sam deliberates what to do about not having a boyfriend for her best friends wedding. In from the wings steps Jake, Sam is in need a confidence boost in the lead up to the wedding and the gorgeous Jake is just the boost she needs to help her feel brave enough to face her ex boyfriend and his pregnant girlfriend.
A funny and romantic story set in the beautiful Scottish countryside and has characters that you instantly love and ones that you take a dislike too. It is a book that takes you on a brilliant journey as the date week progresses and Sam & Jake get to know eachother and Sam finds herself in territory that her rules don't include.
This story is light hearted, comical and captures all of the emotions that surround a wedding. I found myself captured by the story and I wanted to keep reading to see what the week held in store for Sam & Jake and whether the wedding date would progress further than what had been included in the hired date criteria.
A funny and romantic story set in the beautiful Scottish countryside and has characters that you instantly love and ones that you take a dislike too. It is a book that takes you on a brilliant journey as the date week progresses and Sam & Jake get to know eachother and Sam finds herself in territory that her rules don't include.
This story is light hearted, comical and captures all of the emotions that surround a wedding. I found myself captured by the story and I wanted to keep reading to see what the week held in store for Sam & Jake and whether the wedding date would progress further than what had been included in the hired date criteria.
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