What do you think?
Rate this book
At the Wedding
Livia’s been planning her wedding to Jed for ages. Now, at the venue in beautiful Barcelona, with her dress pressed and the guests all on their way, she’s only left one tiny detail until the last letting the groom know he’s about to get hitched.
But as far as Jed’s concerned, they’ve been bumping along just fine for ten years and even have a baby on the way, so why spoil things with an ‘I do’? Especially when he’d really rather not.
Meanwhile the guests are arriving with plenty of baggage of their own. Fading reality star Liam’s still on the lookout for a plus-one; Rachel’s has refused to come—and dumped her into the bargain; and divorcee Patrick’s date is more of the ‘mid-life crisis’ variety.
But as the ceremony approaches, and with no sign of Jed, there’s only one thing on all of their will there be a bride and groom at the wedding?
But as far as Jed’s concerned, they’ve been bumping along just fine for ten years and even have a baby on the way, so why spoil things with an ‘I do’? Especially when he’d really rather not.
Meanwhile the guests are arriving with plenty of baggage of their own. Fading reality star Liam’s still on the lookout for a plus-one; Rachel’s has refused to come—and dumped her into the bargain; and divorcee Patrick’s date is more of the ‘mid-life crisis’ variety.
But as the ceremony approaches, and with no sign of Jed, there’s only one thing on all of their will there be a bride and groom at the wedding?
302 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2018
464 people are currently reading
1702 people want to read
About the author
Matt Dunn
23 books369 followersMatt was born in Margate, but eventually escaped to Spain to write his first novel (in between working as a newspaper columnist, and playing a lot of tennis). Previously he has been a professional lifeguard, fitness equipment salesman, and an IT head hunter, but he prefers writing for a living, so hopes people will keep buying his books.
Matt is the author of four contemporary romantic comedy novels; Best Man, The Ex-Boyfriend's Handbook (which was shortlisted for both the Romantic Novel Of The Year award, as well as the Melissa Nathan Award for Comedy Romance), From Here To Paternity, and Ex-Girlfriends United. He's also written about life, love, and relationships for various publications including The Times, Guardian, Cosmopolitan, Company, Elle, Glamour, and The Sun.
Several of Matt's novels have been translated for various European markets (he's big in the Balkans, apparently), as well as as far afield as Malaysia and Indonesia. He's a regular on the literary festival scene, and rates the recent lecturing stint he did on the Creative Writing degree course at London Metropolitan University as one of the most rewarding things he's ever done - and not only because of the number of ideas he was able to appropriate from his students for his books.
Matt is the author of four contemporary romantic comedy novels; Best Man, The Ex-Boyfriend's Handbook (which was shortlisted for both the Romantic Novel Of The Year award, as well as the Melissa Nathan Award for Comedy Romance), From Here To Paternity, and Ex-Girlfriends United. He's also written about life, love, and relationships for various publications including The Times, Guardian, Cosmopolitan, Company, Elle, Glamour, and The Sun.
Several of Matt's novels have been translated for various European markets (he's big in the Balkans, apparently), as well as as far afield as Malaysia and Indonesia. He's a regular on the literary festival scene, and rates the recent lecturing stint he did on the Creative Writing degree course at London Metropolitan University as one of the most rewarding things he's ever done - and not only because of the number of ideas he was able to appropriate from his students for his books.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 125 reviews
December 26, 2018
Book Reviewed by Stacey on www.whisperingstories.com
Livia is six-months pregnant and decides that she wants to get married, the trouble is her unsuspecting partner Jed hates the idea of marriage so she tricks him into going to Barcelona on a last minute deal so they can spend some time together before the baby comes.
What she ‘forgot’ to tell Jed was that she had invited his brother and their friends along too and that she had arranged for them to get married whilst they were there.
At first, Jed is shocked, then he tries to get along with the idea, that is until he thinks too much about it and goes off for a jog to clear his head – but will he keep on running?
I’ve read a few books by Matt Dunn and they have all managed to make me laugh-out-loud and put a smile on my face and this book was no different. There was a real mixture of characters and at times it felt like they could have fitted into ‘The Hangover’ movie – just less crude.
As Livia is pregnant she wants some protection and she believes that come in the form of marrying her longtime boyfriend. They have been together for ten-years but Jed had a very unhappy childhood and blamed his father for most of it. He saw how unhappy his mother was and doesn’t want to go down the same path so he swore not to get married as he is scared of turning into his father.
As well as the possible bride and groom we meet Livia’s friend Rachel who has turned up in Barcelona newly single and ready to start living her life again. There is also Patrick and his much younger new girlfriend Izzy who seems to think he has an endless stash of money in his wallet. Then there is womaniser Liam – Jed’s brother. He certainly likes the ladies, any ladies, he’s not fussy. He’s also been on a reality TV show and thinks that he is a major star.
The plot takes place over the course of just two days and follows all of the characters as they lead up to the, ‘will they, won’t they’ moment of marriage. The book was a lot of fun, even if I disagreed with Livia’s actions. You can’t force someone to marry you, even if you have been together for a decade and are having a baby together. It has to be a joint decision. See, I even got emotionally involved with the story too!
Livia is six-months pregnant and decides that she wants to get married, the trouble is her unsuspecting partner Jed hates the idea of marriage so she tricks him into going to Barcelona on a last minute deal so they can spend some time together before the baby comes.
What she ‘forgot’ to tell Jed was that she had invited his brother and their friends along too and that she had arranged for them to get married whilst they were there.
At first, Jed is shocked, then he tries to get along with the idea, that is until he thinks too much about it and goes off for a jog to clear his head – but will he keep on running?
I’ve read a few books by Matt Dunn and they have all managed to make me laugh-out-loud and put a smile on my face and this book was no different. There was a real mixture of characters and at times it felt like they could have fitted into ‘The Hangover’ movie – just less crude.
As Livia is pregnant she wants some protection and she believes that come in the form of marrying her longtime boyfriend. They have been together for ten-years but Jed had a very unhappy childhood and blamed his father for most of it. He saw how unhappy his mother was and doesn’t want to go down the same path so he swore not to get married as he is scared of turning into his father.
As well as the possible bride and groom we meet Livia’s friend Rachel who has turned up in Barcelona newly single and ready to start living her life again. There is also Patrick and his much younger new girlfriend Izzy who seems to think he has an endless stash of money in his wallet. Then there is womaniser Liam – Jed’s brother. He certainly likes the ladies, any ladies, he’s not fussy. He’s also been on a reality TV show and thinks that he is a major star.
The plot takes place over the course of just two days and follows all of the characters as they lead up to the, ‘will they, won’t they’ moment of marriage. The book was a lot of fun, even if I disagreed with Livia’s actions. You can’t force someone to marry you, even if you have been together for a decade and are having a baby together. It has to be a joint decision. See, I even got emotionally involved with the story too!
August 6, 2018
I am a massive fan of Matt Dunn's books and this is up there with my present favourite (Home). The characters are fabulously drawn and great fun, there are plenty of the witty, killer lines that I expect from the author and an ending that satisfies and uplifts... plus added Spanish sunshine in this one that makes for the perfect relaxing read. Really really enjoyed it!
August 19, 2018
I have no idea how Matt Dunn manages it, but not for the first time has has written a book based around the events of a short space of time - this time around its 48 hours and manages to fit in so many twists and turns along the way to keep readers on their toes.
At times I was so engrossed in this book that a waitress made me jump out of my skin, as I hadn't seen her approach and I'm still not sure how I returned home as I don't recall seeing most of the stops!
The book is not the only thing that is fast paced, so is the time between proposal and wedding, for Livia's and Je. To say that Jed was rather surprised at the real reason they were in Barcelona, would be an understatement.
Followed up with the following day assorted friends and family arrive for the wedding, all of whom have been sworn to secrecy.
The focal point switches around between some of the main characters,so you were able to get to know them a bit better. I really did love all members of the main wedding part, and some of the supplementary people were also great to meet.
I love how clever this author is in creating a believable storyline, with plenty of action and humour but using such a small timeline. Each character shows some development in their view towards relationships over the course of the book. I loved Liam's continual flirting, Izzy's shopaholic tendencies, Patrick's father figure approach to the group, Rachel's sightseeing is particularly memorable as is Jed's reaction to the proposal
Another gem of a book from Dunn, reminding me once more of just how much I love this author. If you are already a fan then you will understand when I say it has all of his trademark style and is a must read. If you have never tried a Matt Dunn book, then this is certainly a great example of what he is capable of.
Thank you to Lake Union Publishing and Matt Dunn for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
At times I was so engrossed in this book that a waitress made me jump out of my skin, as I hadn't seen her approach and I'm still not sure how I returned home as I don't recall seeing most of the stops!
The book is not the only thing that is fast paced, so is the time between proposal and wedding, for Livia's and Je. To say that Jed was rather surprised at the real reason they were in Barcelona, would be an understatement.
Followed up with the following day assorted friends and family arrive for the wedding, all of whom have been sworn to secrecy.
The focal point switches around between some of the main characters,so you were able to get to know them a bit better. I really did love all members of the main wedding part, and some of the supplementary people were also great to meet.
I love how clever this author is in creating a believable storyline, with plenty of action and humour but using such a small timeline. Each character shows some development in their view towards relationships over the course of the book. I loved Liam's continual flirting, Izzy's shopaholic tendencies, Patrick's father figure approach to the group, Rachel's sightseeing is particularly memorable as is Jed's reaction to the proposal
Another gem of a book from Dunn, reminding me once more of just how much I love this author. If you are already a fan then you will understand when I say it has all of his trademark style and is a must read. If you have never tried a Matt Dunn book, then this is certainly a great example of what he is capable of.
Thank you to Lake Union Publishing and Matt Dunn for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
August 6, 2018
I found this book pretty tedious. There were definitely some amusing moments, but I think the fact that it is *only* about a group of people and their romantic relationships over 2 (or possibly 3) days makes it pretty boring for me. I also struggle to comprehend how it is possible for the central characters to have been in a meaningful relationship for TEN YEARS and not once discussed whether they want to get married or not and why. How does that happen?
In conclusion, not really for me!
In conclusion, not really for me!
September 23, 2025
In At the Wedding by Matt Dunn, the reader is introduced to Jed and Livia who are in Barcelona on their tenth anniversary and a few months away from the birth of their first child. They are there for a wedding, their wedding. Sounds lovely, except Jed isn’t aware that a wedding is on the horizon until Livia proposes to him on the morning of the planned nuptials. Unbeknownst to Jed, Livia has made all of the arrangements and have even roped all their best friends and Jed’s wayward brother into the scheme. To be honest, I really expected Jed to do a runner and the whole thing blow up in Livia’s face and I honestly wouldn’t have blamed him.
Yes, they’ve been together for ten years and have a baby on the way, which they planned, so why now, is there a rush to get married? Jed has never proposed before now and when he finds out that the marriage won’t be legal once they return to England, I found myself asking why the big deal? Saying the vows and cutting the cake does not guarantee a lifetime commitment so I struggled to wrap my head around Livia’s reasons more than Jed’s reaction. Additionally, he doesn’t like wearing jewelry so the whole wedding ring exchange is going to be a bit tricky.
In addition to Jed and Livia’s relationship, the reader gets to meet Patrick and his girlfriend, Izzy. Patrick is coming off of a twenty-year marriage himself that ended when his wife was unfaithful. He isn’t sure he will ever feel that way about someone again and certainly not enough to get married again. He’s also old enough to be Izzy’s father and I thought she was a complete bubble head only using him for his money.
Then there’s Livia’s best friend, Rachel, who finds herself attending the wedding suddenly single because her boyfriend, Rich, would rather watch football and get drunk.
Lastly, Jed’s playboy brother, Liam who has been riding his star status for too long after appearing on a season of Big Brother a while back. He has no interest in settling down and he’s finding it more difficult to charm the ladies as easily as he used to.
I really enjoyed this story and the perspective of a male author made it highly entertaining. I was so curious as to whether Jed would show up for his own wedding and the extra drama from the gathered friends made the entire situation very interesting. I was also quite surprised at the Izzy and Liam characters. Throughout the book, I was not impressed by either of them but by the end of the book, I realized I had misjudged them as they turned out not as bad as I originally assumed.
My Final Verdict: Overall, this was a very good story that I highly recommend to readers who enjoy stories where a wedding is the main focus. I think it better that both the bride and groom are aware what is happening and are in full agreement, but it was wonderful to see this play out.
Thank you to the publisher, Amazon Publishing UK / Lake Union Publishing, who provided an advance reader copy of this book via NetGalley.
Yes, they’ve been together for ten years and have a baby on the way, which they planned, so why now, is there a rush to get married? Jed has never proposed before now and when he finds out that the marriage won’t be legal once they return to England, I found myself asking why the big deal? Saying the vows and cutting the cake does not guarantee a lifetime commitment so I struggled to wrap my head around Livia’s reasons more than Jed’s reaction. Additionally, he doesn’t like wearing jewelry so the whole wedding ring exchange is going to be a bit tricky.
In addition to Jed and Livia’s relationship, the reader gets to meet Patrick and his girlfriend, Izzy. Patrick is coming off of a twenty-year marriage himself that ended when his wife was unfaithful. He isn’t sure he will ever feel that way about someone again and certainly not enough to get married again. He’s also old enough to be Izzy’s father and I thought she was a complete bubble head only using him for his money.
Then there’s Livia’s best friend, Rachel, who finds herself attending the wedding suddenly single because her boyfriend, Rich, would rather watch football and get drunk.
Lastly, Jed’s playboy brother, Liam who has been riding his star status for too long after appearing on a season of Big Brother a while back. He has no interest in settling down and he’s finding it more difficult to charm the ladies as easily as he used to.
I really enjoyed this story and the perspective of a male author made it highly entertaining. I was so curious as to whether Jed would show up for his own wedding and the extra drama from the gathered friends made the entire situation very interesting. I was also quite surprised at the Izzy and Liam characters. Throughout the book, I was not impressed by either of them but by the end of the book, I realized I had misjudged them as they turned out not as bad as I originally assumed.
My Final Verdict: Overall, this was a very good story that I highly recommend to readers who enjoy stories where a wedding is the main focus. I think it better that both the bride and groom are aware what is happening and are in full agreement, but it was wonderful to see this play out.
Thank you to the publisher, Amazon Publishing UK / Lake Union Publishing, who provided an advance reader copy of this book via NetGalley.
August 18, 2018
Amusing
This made me laugh. I could visualise the film. Maybe Hugh Grant is too old for the role of Jed.
This made me laugh. I could visualise the film. Maybe Hugh Grant is too old for the role of Jed.
January 3, 2019
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange of my honest opinion. Thank you for the book!
This book has many pov but the main story is about Jed and Livia who go to Barcelona to celebrate their 10th anniversary and to have a weekend away before they baby is born. Livia proposes to Jed and tell him their closest friends are flying from England for the surprise weeding. Jed its not so happy with the idea of marriage or being pushed into doing it, but anyway he says yes.
Then is where the other characters come into place. Liam, Jed´s brother and best man at the weeding, Patrick and her girlfriend Izzy and Rachel, whos Livia´s best friend. All the characters will be dealing with their own personal issues while trying to convince Jed and help Livia to get married.
I think is a fast paced story, it has its fun moments but there´s one particular thing I just can´t ignore because it bother me the hole book and that´s why I only gave it three stars. There might be spoilers below!
.
.
In the book we get to know Patrick, his gone through a divorce after finding her wife cheating. Now he´s 50 years old and its dating a 22 year old girl. (I think this is what this means the ‘mid-life crisis’ on the book description). So I get it, his old, dating a younger woman, nothing wrong with that, so WHY the author decided to use this kind of phrases?
"Like the car, Izzy had a maintenance cost too, and Patrick much preferred paying maintenance for something he could still enjoy rather than someone he couldn´t"
"Everything cost. My divorce certainly did, and that wasn´t even my fault! so if you´re going to be paying, you might as well get what you want"
HE´S TALKING ABOUT A PERSON, not a thing… nobody needs to be bought, and seems he is buying her things in exchange for sex because he explicitly says he does not want anything else rather than "have fun" with her, and even seems he sees it like an allowance he needs to pay to keep having it…
I dont know if it was just me, but that kind of things made me wanted to stop reading the book, although I do think its a fun rom-com and you can flight through it.
This book has many pov but the main story is about Jed and Livia who go to Barcelona to celebrate their 10th anniversary and to have a weekend away before they baby is born. Livia proposes to Jed and tell him their closest friends are flying from England for the surprise weeding. Jed its not so happy with the idea of marriage or being pushed into doing it, but anyway he says yes.
Then is where the other characters come into place. Liam, Jed´s brother and best man at the weeding, Patrick and her girlfriend Izzy and Rachel, whos Livia´s best friend. All the characters will be dealing with their own personal issues while trying to convince Jed and help Livia to get married.
I think is a fast paced story, it has its fun moments but there´s one particular thing I just can´t ignore because it bother me the hole book and that´s why I only gave it three stars. There might be spoilers below!
.
.
In the book we get to know Patrick, his gone through a divorce after finding her wife cheating. Now he´s 50 years old and its dating a 22 year old girl. (I think this is what this means the ‘mid-life crisis’ on the book description). So I get it, his old, dating a younger woman, nothing wrong with that, so WHY the author decided to use this kind of phrases?
"Like the car, Izzy had a maintenance cost too, and Patrick much preferred paying maintenance for something he could still enjoy rather than someone he couldn´t"
"Everything cost. My divorce certainly did, and that wasn´t even my fault! so if you´re going to be paying, you might as well get what you want"
HE´S TALKING ABOUT A PERSON, not a thing… nobody needs to be bought, and seems he is buying her things in exchange for sex because he explicitly says he does not want anything else rather than "have fun" with her, and even seems he sees it like an allowance he needs to pay to keep having it…
I dont know if it was just me, but that kind of things made me wanted to stop reading the book, although I do think its a fun rom-com and you can flight through it.
September 26, 2018
This was an entertaining book. Livia has organized a trip to Barcelona with her long-term boyfriend, Jed, and several friends. It's the tenth anniversary for Livia and Jed, and they are getting married! Everyone knows this is the plan - except Jed, who finds out the night before the ceremony. The story follows that day and the next for Livia, Jed and their guests. I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to others.
September 11, 2018
I have always enjoyed Matt Dunn's slightly clunky prose and this did not disappoint. It's about a surprise wedding in Barcelona and the tales of the three couples who attend. Some real laugh aloud moments here and touching insights into the friendships between those involved. There were parts that I thought overly sentimental but I did enjoy the portrayal of Barcelona as a weekend destination.
September 27, 2018
Livia invites her best friends to a destination wedding. But she hasn’t told her boyfriend yet. And they aren’t engaged yet. And the wedding is the following day.
Livia and Jed have been together for ten years. They are happy together but they haven’t talked about marriage. They didn’t talk much about kids either until they decided to stop trying not to have them.
Now Livia is 6 months pregnant and she wants to marry Jed. She can’t believe he’s never thought to ask, especially with their baby on the way.
So she took matters into her own hands. She proposes to Jed. Then she surprises him with the fact that their wedding is the following day. She had planned everything, she even invited their best friends and his brother.
The only problem is Jed’s cold feet.
It’s hard to imagine that these two could have been together for ten years without talking about Jed’s issues with marriage.
It’s also hard to believe that Livia thinks springing a surprise wedding on him is a good idea.
In the background we’ve got the characters:
Rachel—Livia’s friend who just broke up with her boyfriend of two years
Patrick—mutual friend of Livia and Jed—still damaged from his divorce and dating Izzy who is less than half his age
Liam—Jed’s brother—billed as a “lady’s man” but he’s actually pretty awkward around most women
Izzy—Patrick’s 23 year old girlfriend—loves to shop, has zero in common with Patrick, seems to make him reflect on his life and drive him crazy in equal parts
Most of the story is about relationship issues. Some parts of the story are a real stretch to find believable, I guess I can’t mention my example without calling it a spoiler.
That said, it’s a light, quick read. It’s interesting to see each of the characters trying to admit to and overcome their own issues.
I got to read an early e book edition through NetGalley. Thanks!
Livia and Jed have been together for ten years. They are happy together but they haven’t talked about marriage. They didn’t talk much about kids either until they decided to stop trying not to have them.
Now Livia is 6 months pregnant and she wants to marry Jed. She can’t believe he’s never thought to ask, especially with their baby on the way.
So she took matters into her own hands. She proposes to Jed. Then she surprises him with the fact that their wedding is the following day. She had planned everything, she even invited their best friends and his brother.
The only problem is Jed’s cold feet.
It’s hard to imagine that these two could have been together for ten years without talking about Jed’s issues with marriage.
It’s also hard to believe that Livia thinks springing a surprise wedding on him is a good idea.
In the background we’ve got the characters:
Rachel—Livia’s friend who just broke up with her boyfriend of two years
Patrick—mutual friend of Livia and Jed—still damaged from his divorce and dating Izzy who is less than half his age
Liam—Jed’s brother—billed as a “lady’s man” but he’s actually pretty awkward around most women
Izzy—Patrick’s 23 year old girlfriend—loves to shop, has zero in common with Patrick, seems to make him reflect on his life and drive him crazy in equal parts
Most of the story is about relationship issues. Some parts of the story are a real stretch to find believable, I guess I can’t mention my example without calling it a spoiler.
That said, it’s a light, quick read. It’s interesting to see each of the characters trying to admit to and overcome their own issues.
I got to read an early e book edition through NetGalley. Thanks!
September 8, 2018
Jed and Livia have been dating for ten years and are expecting a baby in a couple of months. She has planned a weekend in Barcelona, to celebrate their meeting ten years ago. She has invited Liam, Jed's brother who was the second runner-up on Big Brother and is still trying to live on that glory; newly divorced Patrick, who is jaded about love and marriage and has brought his much younger girlfriend, Izzy; and Rachel, Livia's best friend who has just been dumped by her boyfriend. What Jed doesn't know (but everyone else does) is that Livia is going to propose to him and has planned a wedding for the next day.
Needless to say, Jed is shocked with the proposal but goes along with it. But he doesn't see why they have to get married as things are fine as they are. He spends his wedding day deciding if he wants to go through with it or not and if he doesn't, how does he break it to Livia?
I've read many books by this author and liked this one. I enjoyed the writing style and found it amusing. It is written by an English author so their humour was there. It was written in third person perspective from various points of view (wherever the action was). I liked the characters, though I wasn't crazy about Livia at first ... she seemed selfish at first by putting Jed on the spot and pressuring him into marriage. It said a lot about their relationship if she couldn't be honest with him. I found Izzy a bit extreme and childish at times and don't know how the more mature Patrick would tolerate her. As a head's up, there is some swearing.
Blog review post: http://www.teenaintoronto.com/2018/09...
Needless to say, Jed is shocked with the proposal but goes along with it. But he doesn't see why they have to get married as things are fine as they are. He spends his wedding day deciding if he wants to go through with it or not and if he doesn't, how does he break it to Livia?
I've read many books by this author and liked this one. I enjoyed the writing style and found it amusing. It is written by an English author so their humour was there. It was written in third person perspective from various points of view (wherever the action was). I liked the characters, though I wasn't crazy about Livia at first ... she seemed selfish at first by putting Jed on the spot and pressuring him into marriage. It said a lot about their relationship if she couldn't be honest with him. I found Izzy a bit extreme and childish at times and don't know how the more mature Patrick would tolerate her. As a head's up, there is some swearing.
Blog review post: http://www.teenaintoronto.com/2018/09...
April 9, 2020
I received a reviewer copy of At the Wedding by Matt Dunn from the publisher Lake Union Publishing from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
What It’s About: Livia and Jed have been together for ten years and are expecting a baby together but they haven't gotten married and Livia has been waiting for awhile. So when the two take a trip to Barcelona, Livia proposes to Jed and lets him know that on Saturday they will be getting married. Only problem Jed never really wanted to get married and now he's on a whirlwind 24 hours that he's not sure he even wants. The book follows their close friends: Patrick, Rachel, and Jed's brother Liam.
What I Loved: This book was light and funny and was an easy distraction. The main couple who are getting married have a romance that is believable and reflective of a couple who has been together so long and love one another. I also loved the side story of Rachel who has the worst boyfriend and is unexpectedly single in Barcelona.
What I didn’t like so much: Again, we have the trope of, "if you guys just talk you can solve your problem easily." This can be frustrating. I also really found Patrick's partner Izzy a bit annoying and she is written as a typical millennial.
Who Should Read It: People who like light books. People who like books that take place over a short period of time. People who like long term couples dealing with real issues but not the end of the world.
General Summary: A man finds out he's getting married at the wedding and chaos follows.
What It’s About: Livia and Jed have been together for ten years and are expecting a baby together but they haven't gotten married and Livia has been waiting for awhile. So when the two take a trip to Barcelona, Livia proposes to Jed and lets him know that on Saturday they will be getting married. Only problem Jed never really wanted to get married and now he's on a whirlwind 24 hours that he's not sure he even wants. The book follows their close friends: Patrick, Rachel, and Jed's brother Liam.
What I Loved: This book was light and funny and was an easy distraction. The main couple who are getting married have a romance that is believable and reflective of a couple who has been together so long and love one another. I also loved the side story of Rachel who has the worst boyfriend and is unexpectedly single in Barcelona.
What I didn’t like so much: Again, we have the trope of, "if you guys just talk you can solve your problem easily." This can be frustrating. I also really found Patrick's partner Izzy a bit annoying and she is written as a typical millennial.
Who Should Read It: People who like light books. People who like books that take place over a short period of time. People who like long term couples dealing with real issues but not the end of the world.
General Summary: A man finds out he's getting married at the wedding and chaos follows.
September 12, 2018
At The Wedding on the surface seems to be a light-hearted novel about a pregnant girlfriend who proposes to her boyfriend of 10 years. The day before the secret wedding she's arranged with a few select friends as guests.
But its so much deeper than that. Each person at this secret wedding is dealing with issues relating to relationships and where they fit in in their life.
Liam - a playboy - preferring married/taken women so as to have no emotional ties to anyone.
Patrick - burnt by divorce - with a girlfriend almost the same age as his daughter.
Rachel - compromiser in her relationships - trying to find herself and be happy on her own without having to settle for second best.
Jed - the reluctant groom-to-be - scared of marriage due to his past and worried about getting married.
Livia - the pregnant bride-to-be - wants the security of marriage especially now that she's 6 months pregnant.
All of them boarded flights to Barcelona with just the thought of the wedding that lay ahead (okay not Jed as he was going to celebrate his 10 year anniversary - clueless as to the wedding). But as the weekend progresses each one makes a personal journey and in doing so, sort of let go of some of the things holding them back.
A lovely read. Small group of well developed characters. I really enjoyed this book.
But its so much deeper than that. Each person at this secret wedding is dealing with issues relating to relationships and where they fit in in their life.
Liam - a playboy - preferring married/taken women so as to have no emotional ties to anyone.
Patrick - burnt by divorce - with a girlfriend almost the same age as his daughter.
Rachel - compromiser in her relationships - trying to find herself and be happy on her own without having to settle for second best.
Jed - the reluctant groom-to-be - scared of marriage due to his past and worried about getting married.
Livia - the pregnant bride-to-be - wants the security of marriage especially now that she's 6 months pregnant.
All of them boarded flights to Barcelona with just the thought of the wedding that lay ahead (okay not Jed as he was going to celebrate his 10 year anniversary - clueless as to the wedding). But as the weekend progresses each one makes a personal journey and in doing so, sort of let go of some of the things holding them back.
A lovely read. Small group of well developed characters. I really enjoyed this book.
May 25, 2019
Originally reviewed at Novel Escapes
Truthfully as I was reading At The Wedding I was completely involved in the plot. It was intriguing and eventful throughout and I sped through it. But... it turned out mostly as you would expect which was a touch disappointing given the amount of suspense drawn into those couple of days.
My other issue was that I think it was partially supposed to be fun (as well as heartfelt). While funny in parts I can't actually say I was laughing out loud and I think there may have been room for some more silliness and shenanigans given the scene. I was also mildly concerned that I didn't really feel for the two main characters. I found them frustrating and could not get on board with the hold up in getting married. Perhaps this is because I am the marrying kind though and I should not expect others to be?
A good aspect was that I was as interested in the supporting characters as much as the main couple which is tricky to accomplish in a fast paced read and I appreciated that. I like Matt Dunn's writing and overall felt that this novel was entertaining and provided some food for thought about how people's minds work.
Thank you to Lake Union Publishing for our review copy. All opinions are our own.
Truthfully as I was reading At The Wedding I was completely involved in the plot. It was intriguing and eventful throughout and I sped through it. But... it turned out mostly as you would expect which was a touch disappointing given the amount of suspense drawn into those couple of days.
My other issue was that I think it was partially supposed to be fun (as well as heartfelt). While funny in parts I can't actually say I was laughing out loud and I think there may have been room for some more silliness and shenanigans given the scene. I was also mildly concerned that I didn't really feel for the two main characters. I found them frustrating and could not get on board with the hold up in getting married. Perhaps this is because I am the marrying kind though and I should not expect others to be?
A good aspect was that I was as interested in the supporting characters as much as the main couple which is tricky to accomplish in a fast paced read and I appreciated that. I like Matt Dunn's writing and overall felt that this novel was entertaining and provided some food for thought about how people's minds work.
Thank you to Lake Union Publishing for our review copy. All opinions are our own.
September 10, 2018
"At The Wedding" is an interesting 48-hour romp on Barcelona, with friends and family gathering for the ambush wedding of an unsuspecting groom and father-to-be.
The story delves not only into the relationship of the bride and her long-time boyfriend, but the guests who were sworn to secrecy and converge on Barcelona with their own personal baggage on display. Each of the guests, whether they be friend, family, or plus-one are at a differing stage of emotional life when it comes to marriage. One is done, maybe for good; another despaired of ever reaching that pinnacle, and another grasping on to new hope.
I enjoyed each of these stories and how they were interwoven through this strange set-piece of an ambush wedding. I was ultimately surprised at the central ending for our couple, especially in light of its author being a man himself. The emotional journey was not one I expected for our groom. I found myself sympathizing with his personal demons, but surprised in how he came out with them. I'm still wondering if I should feel a bit sorry for him or believe he's got life sorted out. Such is where the end of this event leaves the reader, but that's not a bad place to be - still wondering.
Thanks for Net Galley for the review copy.
The story delves not only into the relationship of the bride and her long-time boyfriend, but the guests who were sworn to secrecy and converge on Barcelona with their own personal baggage on display. Each of the guests, whether they be friend, family, or plus-one are at a differing stage of emotional life when it comes to marriage. One is done, maybe for good; another despaired of ever reaching that pinnacle, and another grasping on to new hope.
I enjoyed each of these stories and how they were interwoven through this strange set-piece of an ambush wedding. I was ultimately surprised at the central ending for our couple, especially in light of its author being a man himself. The emotional journey was not one I expected for our groom. I found myself sympathizing with his personal demons, but surprised in how he came out with them. I'm still wondering if I should feel a bit sorry for him or believe he's got life sorted out. Such is where the end of this event leaves the reader, but that's not a bad place to be - still wondering.
Thanks for Net Galley for the review copy.
November 15, 2019
At the Wedding... Home... Day at the Office... Matt Dunn is Matt Dunn: An ensemble cast of supporting players, an attractive setting and a central conundrum to be resolved, with a couple of complications and near-fails in 300-or-so pages. It's all very gentle, very nice and easy on the brain and emotions. In this one, Barcelona frames the action quite lusciously, though the backdrop is really just that, scenery that's really not more than a few postcards. The conundrum here, marriage and family, an eternal question of how much is enough love, has been and will continue to be treated in vehicles more promising but not less ambitious than this, and the answers will keep on coming, as varied as they do by the end of the titular wedding. The story affirms, whatever your view on love or marriage be, and whatever your taste in characters, you'll certainly find one to root for. A drawback of this and other of Dunn's offerings is the preponderance of internal monologue - characters seem to go around muttering whole articulated paragraphs to themselves in a way that slows the action to a crawl in numerous spots. It's perhaps necessary when taking on a large cast of characters like Dunn typically does, but it's an unattractive trait of the writing when leaned on so heavily.
September 17, 2018
Amusing and sweet
I found this book a refreshing change from court room dramas, psychological thrillers and heavy, worthy literary novels. I liked the characters although I would be furious as a parent if my child got married abroad and I wasn't invited. It was clear Liam and Jed had issues with their father, but no mention of their mum, or Livia's parents Even in small weddings on the beach I observed in Mexico there were parents beaming. Maybe this observation shows how invested I became in the characters. I enjoyed their individual journeys and the setting of Barcelona added a touch of realistic background magic. I liked the amusing dialogue. And the situations felt realistic. Warm hearted refreshing and amusing. And although it might appear to be a light hearted and easy read, but the light touch belies I am sure, the hard work it must take to achieve this. It also has much to say about modern relationships and dilemmas in a nicely packaged palatable way. I found it amusing and pleasant and fun. I haven't come across this writer before, but would read him again as a change from dense and heavy make you work hard books. It's so nice to read a book this enjoyable you can become absorbed in, make a you smile, takes you out of problems and just find to be pleasant and fun. Enjoyed it.
I found this book a refreshing change from court room dramas, psychological thrillers and heavy, worthy literary novels. I liked the characters although I would be furious as a parent if my child got married abroad and I wasn't invited. It was clear Liam and Jed had issues with their father, but no mention of their mum, or Livia's parents Even in small weddings on the beach I observed in Mexico there were parents beaming. Maybe this observation shows how invested I became in the characters. I enjoyed their individual journeys and the setting of Barcelona added a touch of realistic background magic. I liked the amusing dialogue. And the situations felt realistic. Warm hearted refreshing and amusing. And although it might appear to be a light hearted and easy read, but the light touch belies I am sure, the hard work it must take to achieve this. It also has much to say about modern relationships and dilemmas in a nicely packaged palatable way. I found it amusing and pleasant and fun. I haven't come across this writer before, but would read him again as a change from dense and heavy make you work hard books. It's so nice to read a book this enjoyable you can become absorbed in, make a you smile, takes you out of problems and just find to be pleasant and fun. Enjoyed it.
February 8, 2025
I got about half of the way through this book and hated the characters so much I couldn't continue.
Livia is 6 months pregnant and has arranged her and Jed's wedding, only Jed doesn't know about it until the night before. Livia has arranged for Jed's brother Liam (and his plus one), her best friend Rachel and her boyfriend, and their mutual friend Patrick and his much younger girlfriend Izzy.
However Liam arrives with no plus one and is incredibly self centred and egotistical in his search for a plus one. Rachel's boyfriend has dumped her and she's upset but determined to help her best friend marry Jed (she's the only character that had any redeeming features). Izzy is a good digging air head and Patrick buys her whatever she wants whenever she wants it just because he's hot for her despite the 20 year age difference. Jed really doesn't want to get married, even though he loves Livia and she's pregnant with their baby, and that's about all his personality involves. And Livia just springs the marriage on Jed, knowing full well he doesn't want to get married, but then spends her time peed off that he doesn't want to get married.
Awful bunch of people, laborious plot. Avoid.
Livia is 6 months pregnant and has arranged her and Jed's wedding, only Jed doesn't know about it until the night before. Livia has arranged for Jed's brother Liam (and his plus one), her best friend Rachel and her boyfriend, and their mutual friend Patrick and his much younger girlfriend Izzy.
However Liam arrives with no plus one and is incredibly self centred and egotistical in his search for a plus one. Rachel's boyfriend has dumped her and she's upset but determined to help her best friend marry Jed (she's the only character that had any redeeming features). Izzy is a good digging air head and Patrick buys her whatever she wants whenever she wants it just because he's hot for her despite the 20 year age difference. Jed really doesn't want to get married, even though he loves Livia and she's pregnant with their baby, and that's about all his personality involves. And Livia just springs the marriage on Jed, knowing full well he doesn't want to get married, but then spends her time peed off that he doesn't want to get married.
Awful bunch of people, laborious plot. Avoid.
September 13, 2018
I really, really enjoyed this romantic comedy. It was a fun and funny take on a surprise (to the groom) destination wedding. It had fun characters, moments of humor, moments of seriousness, and a certain amount of personal growth. I especially liked how all the characters had moments of wisdom and moments of stupidity; moments of silliness and moments of anger; none of them were one-dimensional or fully stereotypical.
One reviewer called this a "palate-cleanser", which I think is an apt description. The story was an excellent break from non-fiction and more serious gut-wrenching fiction. From reading other reviews, it seems as though the author typically writes this type of book and that he has a following of people who seek him out for this reason. This was my first experience reading a book by him, but I will definitely be seeking out his others.
Thank you to the publisher and to Goodreads Giveaways for an advance copy!
One reviewer called this a "palate-cleanser", which I think is an apt description. The story was an excellent break from non-fiction and more serious gut-wrenching fiction. From reading other reviews, it seems as though the author typically writes this type of book and that he has a following of people who seek him out for this reason. This was my first experience reading a book by him, but I will definitely be seeking out his others.
Thank you to the publisher and to Goodreads Giveaways for an advance copy!
September 20, 2018
A fun novel with two storylines intertwined: the surprise wedding and the football mad partner who takes his girlfriend for granted.
Now, as this novel was written by a bloke you can tell he knows the football mad personage - and even the potential reaction of a man who thought all was well in his world being thrust into a secret wedding.
So we have the story of the woman, with whom I can empathise, who wants to get married before she gives birth - which is getting ever more imminent - and her partner isn't taking the hints.
So she organises a secret proposal and wedding in Barcelona with even manages to bring along some guests without him being aware. One of whom has a partner who is totally football obsessed. And again, very unaware of what is going on in her mind.
Nicely written with enough humour and (stock) characters that you recognise.
Now, as this novel was written by a bloke you can tell he knows the football mad personage - and even the potential reaction of a man who thought all was well in his world being thrust into a secret wedding.
So we have the story of the woman, with whom I can empathise, who wants to get married before she gives birth - which is getting ever more imminent - and her partner isn't taking the hints.
So she organises a secret proposal and wedding in Barcelona with even manages to bring along some guests without him being aware. One of whom has a partner who is totally football obsessed. And again, very unaware of what is going on in her mind.
Nicely written with enough humour and (stock) characters that you recognise.
December 31, 2018
Sometimes the female has to take the bull by the horns or nothing will get done. Livia decides after 10 years and being 6 months pregnant, if she doesn't propose to Jed and get everything set up without him knowing, he will never ask her to marry him. This story takes place in 48 hours with several interesting characters. Some are very flawed, some are sad and some you wish would just go back home. This book reminds me a little bit of my relationship with my husband. I was the one who said let's get married. I don't know if he would have asked. I was the one that said let's have a kid, we might not have had one, I was the one that said let's buy a house. And so forth.
This is a fun and entertaining story that felt like it was over a week instead of 48 hours with everything that was happening to all the characters. I won this book on Goodreads.
This is a fun and entertaining story that felt like it was over a week instead of 48 hours with everything that was happening to all the characters. I won this book on Goodreads.
September 24, 2018
Won from a Goodreads giveaway.
The style of this book is reminiscent of British rom com movies I've seen such as 4 Weddings and a Funeral and Love Actually. There's a cast of characters that each have divergent storylines that occasionally intersect over the course of a getaway wedding weekend in Spain. For me, it fell a little flat. I felt I couldn't personally identify with any of the characters, and the main couple, the wedding couple, really were not likable. Overall, it was not my kind of novel but, with some rewrites could possible make an entertaining movie starring Colin Firth and Kate Winslet.
The style of this book is reminiscent of British rom com movies I've seen such as 4 Weddings and a Funeral and Love Actually. There's a cast of characters that each have divergent storylines that occasionally intersect over the course of a getaway wedding weekend in Spain. For me, it fell a little flat. I felt I couldn't personally identify with any of the characters, and the main couple, the wedding couple, really were not likable. Overall, it was not my kind of novel but, with some rewrites could possible make an entertaining movie starring Colin Firth and Kate Winslet.
December 8, 2018
So this couple who’ve been together for 10 years and are expecting their first baby are in Barcelona. Where Olivia springs a surprise proposal on boyfriend Jed. She’s organised the wedding and all.
A few other characters have been invited, all with their own relationship issues.
I found the first half rather tedious and a tad irritating. Olivia got on my nerves the way she treated Jed, and didn’t appear to know him at all ( after 10years , really ?)
The second half was more enjoyable for me, and easier to read.
Although I did get totally fed up with the supposedly misunderstood and made a joke of Spanish language the whole time. There’s only so many times that can be amusing.
A few other characters have been invited, all with their own relationship issues.
I found the first half rather tedious and a tad irritating. Olivia got on my nerves the way she treated Jed, and didn’t appear to know him at all ( after 10years , really ?)
The second half was more enjoyable for me, and easier to read.
Although I did get totally fed up with the supposedly misunderstood and made a joke of Spanish language the whole time. There’s only so many times that can be amusing.
September 21, 2018
At The Wedding is the first book by Matt Dunn that I have read. The description is the reason that I entered the Goodreads giveaway. As expected, the mess ensues right away. Jed is blindsided by Livia on what he thinks is a trip to celebrate when and where they first met ten years ago in Barcelona. She's planned their destination wedding and invited their closest friends. These friends (including Jed's brother) have interconnected stories with issues of their own.
This is an entertaining book about relationships. About discovering things about yourself and how you choose to participate in those relationships. There were some touching moments and some humorous moments. The movie playing in my mind as I read this book was filled with an ensemble cast and similar to a film like “Valentine's Day” or “He's Just Not That Into You”.
Many thanks to Amazon for the Kindle book.
This is an entertaining book about relationships. About discovering things about yourself and how you choose to participate in those relationships. There were some touching moments and some humorous moments. The movie playing in my mind as I read this book was filled with an ensemble cast and similar to a film like “Valentine's Day” or “He's Just Not That Into You”.
Many thanks to Amazon for the Kindle book.
September 18, 2018
Intelligent humour as usual!
If you're a fan on Matt Dunn you'll find his usual witty dialogues, flowing style, funny situations, amazing characters. You'll laugh ( a lot) and you'll cry (a bit).
Irony leads to amusement but never to shallowness and triviality. It's top class romantic comedy.
If this is the first book by Matt Dunn that you're reading, I am sure it won't be the last.
Loved it.
PS I was wondering if we may have a sequel with Liam as protagonist? I'd love to read more about him.
If you're a fan on Matt Dunn you'll find his usual witty dialogues, flowing style, funny situations, amazing characters. You'll laugh ( a lot) and you'll cry (a bit).
Irony leads to amusement but never to shallowness and triviality. It's top class romantic comedy.
If this is the first book by Matt Dunn that you're reading, I am sure it won't be the last.
Loved it.
PS I was wondering if we may have a sequel with Liam as protagonist? I'd love to read more about him.
March 24, 2019
I received a copy of the book from #NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
This was clearly an enjoyable wedding themed read. It highlights different kinds of people at various stages of relationships. At some point you can resonate with one of the characters. It had several interesting moments which kept the story moving forward and we learn more about each character. How they evolve over the course of the story and where they are by the end of the book.
If wedding themed romantic comedies are your thing, you should definitely pick this one.
Also find a detailed review of the book in my blog :
https://bookbugworld.com/review/at-th...
This was clearly an enjoyable wedding themed read. It highlights different kinds of people at various stages of relationships. At some point you can resonate with one of the characters. It had several interesting moments which kept the story moving forward and we learn more about each character. How they evolve over the course of the story and where they are by the end of the book.
If wedding themed romantic comedies are your thing, you should definitely pick this one.
Also find a detailed review of the book in my blog :
https://bookbugworld.com/review/at-th...
September 21, 2019
I didn't really enjoy this book - good story plot but the author goes on too much about the same thing
found myself skipping lots of paragraphs...so boring
characters good but once again author laboured what they thought etc.
this book definitely not a page turner I would say after all the rambling it all ended a bit abruptly in my opinion.
good story plot it would be a good chick flik but not a good read......much better books out there to read so not looking to this author for another book
found myself skipping lots of paragraphs...so boring
characters good but once again author laboured what they thought etc.
this book definitely not a page turner I would say after all the rambling it all ended a bit abruptly in my opinion.
good story plot it would be a good chick flik but not a good read......much better books out there to read so not looking to this author for another book
November 24, 2020
A “nudge”goes wrong/right
Pregnant Livia proposed to Jed after they had been together for ten years. They are in Barcelona where they met. Joining them are their closest friends and Jeds younger brother, Liam, to attend the wedding Livia has well planned but Jed had no idea was going to happen. This story takes us into the doubts, changes, and personal growth of each person coming to the wedding. At times I was dragging through Jeds ambivalence and Liams attempts to cash in on his nonexistent “stardom”. But I did enjoy this book, especially Patrick’s wisdom.
Pregnant Livia proposed to Jed after they had been together for ten years. They are in Barcelona where they met. Joining them are their closest friends and Jeds younger brother, Liam, to attend the wedding Livia has well planned but Jed had no idea was going to happen. This story takes us into the doubts, changes, and personal growth of each person coming to the wedding. At times I was dragging through Jeds ambivalence and Liams attempts to cash in on his nonexistent “stardom”. But I did enjoy this book, especially Patrick’s wisdom.
August 6, 2018
Easy Reading
Not bad, but I won't be rushing to read his other books. There was too much internal monologuing going on for my liking, although that's probably a plus point these days, with every other novel reading almost like a screenplay, the author's eye on the movie adaptation. I just felt it made the characters appear a little too self obsessed for one to warm to them. But still, a pleasant enough read.
Not bad, but I won't be rushing to read his other books. There was too much internal monologuing going on for my liking, although that's probably a plus point these days, with every other novel reading almost like a screenplay, the author's eye on the movie adaptation. I just felt it made the characters appear a little too self obsessed for one to warm to them. But still, a pleasant enough read.
August 29, 2018
Brilliant
Another written romcom.
From the first book I read to this one,they are excellent tales of love and humour,a snap shot of real life.
Favorite character has to be Liam,an aerial shagger,finding his own way in life,Patrick with the younger model frightened of love finds this again in Las Rambles.
Laugh out loud humour .
I wonder if they could make a film of this one.
Patrick would have to be Bill Nighly.
Another written romcom.
From the first book I read to this one,they are excellent tales of love and humour,a snap shot of real life.
Favorite character has to be Liam,an aerial shagger,finding his own way in life,Patrick with the younger model frightened of love finds this again in Las Rambles.
Laugh out loud humour .
I wonder if they could make a film of this one.
Patrick would have to be Bill Nighly.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 125 reviews