What do you think?
Rate this book
Better Off Wed
Olivia can’t believe it when her boyfriend, Teddy, proposes out of the blue. She loves him (of course she does!) BUT it does seem sudden, especially when they don’t even live together yet…
There is only one place that Olivia has ever wanted to get married - a gorgeous venue on the Cornish coast, built by her grandfather. The problem is they only have one date available - and it's only a few weeks away! Olivia isn't so sure about rushing but Teddy jumps at the chance to be married within the month.
Thrown into a whirlwind of wedding planning, alarm bells start to ring for Olivia. Are they doing this for the right reasons? Why is Teddy in such a rush? And when he fails to help with any part of the preparations, Olivia must find help elsewhere, with unexpected results...
As the countdown begins, will the wedding go ahead? Or will Olivia find that her future happiness lies elsewhere...?
Don't miss bestseller Portia MacIntosh's brand new laugh-out-loud friends-to-lovers romantic comedy, guaranteed to put a smile on your face.
There is only one place that Olivia has ever wanted to get married - a gorgeous venue on the Cornish coast, built by her grandfather. The problem is they only have one date available - and it's only a few weeks away! Olivia isn't so sure about rushing but Teddy jumps at the chance to be married within the month.
Thrown into a whirlwind of wedding planning, alarm bells start to ring for Olivia. Are they doing this for the right reasons? Why is Teddy in such a rush? And when he fails to help with any part of the preparations, Olivia must find help elsewhere, with unexpected results...
As the countdown begins, will the wedding go ahead? Or will Olivia find that her future happiness lies elsewhere...?
Don't miss bestseller Portia MacIntosh's brand new laugh-out-loud friends-to-lovers romantic comedy, guaranteed to put a smile on your face.
318 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 10, 2023
922 people are currently reading
1871 people want to read
About the author
Portia MacIntosh
47 books2,039 followersPortia MacIntosh is the bestselling author of over 30 romantic comedy novels.
From disastrous dates to destination weddings, Portia’s romcoms are the perfect way to escape from day to day life, visiting sunny beaches in the summer and snowy villages at Christmas time. Whether it’s southern Italy or the Yorkshire coast, Portia’s stories are the holiday you’re craving, conveniently packed in between the pages.
Formerly a journalist, Portia has left the city, swapping the music biz for the moors, to live the (not so) quiet life with her husband and her dog in Yorkshire.
Find out more at www.portiamacintosh.com
From disastrous dates to destination weddings, Portia’s romcoms are the perfect way to escape from day to day life, visiting sunny beaches in the summer and snowy villages at Christmas time. Whether it’s southern Italy or the Yorkshire coast, Portia’s stories are the holiday you’re craving, conveniently packed in between the pages.
Formerly a journalist, Portia has left the city, swapping the music biz for the moors, to live the (not so) quiet life with her husband and her dog in Yorkshire.
Find out more at www.portiamacintosh.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 378 reviews
December 14, 2023
Some funny and sweet moments in this one, but too many coincidences to underline that it was ‘meant to be’ and the characters felt a bit flat.
April 5, 2023
Olivia (Liv) is shocked when her boyfriend, Teddy proposes out of the blue. It was a complete shocker, they have not been together that long, but they are happy, right? So why not? The one place she has always dreamed of getting married is available next month and Teddy jumps at the date. Why so soon, Mr. Groom??
Planning a wedding, takes time but when there is a rush, Olivia must throw herself into it. Teddy, on the other hand isn't. Plus, Olivia must deal with Teddy's family which is not easy by a long shot. But she does find help in an unlikely source and along the way begins to question some things....
I must put this in the liked but didn't love category. I have seen this trope before and there is nothing too new. It was enjoyable but nothing stood out to set this book apart from other books in this genre. But I did enjoy how the author had Liv questioning things and learning to go for what she wants.
Again, enjoyable, and entertaining, I just wanted a little bit more. I'll still be open to reading more books by this author as I read another of her books, Your Place or Mine? and enjoyed it.
#BetterOffWed #NetGalley #Boldwoodbooks
Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
Planning a wedding, takes time but when there is a rush, Olivia must throw herself into it. Teddy, on the other hand isn't. Plus, Olivia must deal with Teddy's family which is not easy by a long shot. But she does find help in an unlikely source and along the way begins to question some things....
I must put this in the liked but didn't love category. I have seen this trope before and there is nothing too new. It was enjoyable but nothing stood out to set this book apart from other books in this genre. But I did enjoy how the author had Liv questioning things and learning to go for what she wants.
Again, enjoyable, and entertaining, I just wanted a little bit more. I'll still be open to reading more books by this author as I read another of her books, Your Place or Mine? and enjoyed it.
#BetterOffWed #NetGalley #Boldwoodbooks
Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
April 9, 2023
Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher an the author for an arc in exchange of an honest review!
I've never read a Portia MacIntosh book before, but I will start now!
This book was funny and I devoured it in one night and I gotta say that it was worth it.
Cornwall is my next destination in life if I ever get out of this damn country.
I've never read a Portia MacIntosh book before, but I will start now!
This book was funny and I devoured it in one night and I gotta say that it was worth it.
Cornwall is my next destination in life if I ever get out of this damn country.
June 24, 2023
I had a big problem with the main character being such a doormat.
January 21, 2025
I’ve read other books by this author that I enjoyed better.
Olivia and her family stay onsite for two weeks at the resort where her grandfather built a wedding venue – an iconic barn that has become the posh place to get married - to plan her nuptials before the barn is demolished to make way for a new building. While Olivia (Liv) pours her heart into the planning to make the day special, her fiancée, Teddy (rich workaholic) keeps pushing back the date he can join her because some thing or another with his work is more urgent than helping with the plans. As the days pass sans Teddy, Liv questions her decision about marrying him. Will the wedding continue as scheduled?
I had a tough time identifying the romance tropes used here. I know the blurb says it’s friends-to-lovers, but it didn’t feel that way to me. It was all a jumble without enough time focused on the couple. The ending was more of ‘happy ever after’… for now, which was less satisfying too.
At least the audiobook format narrated by Karen Cass was lovely.
Overall, it wasn’t horrible, yet it wasn’t rememberable either. That just leaves meh. Others have rated this one higher than I did, so you be the judge.
Olivia and her family stay onsite for two weeks at the resort where her grandfather built a wedding venue – an iconic barn that has become the posh place to get married - to plan her nuptials before the barn is demolished to make way for a new building. While Olivia (Liv) pours her heart into the planning to make the day special, her fiancée, Teddy (rich workaholic) keeps pushing back the date he can join her because some thing or another with his work is more urgent than helping with the plans. As the days pass sans Teddy, Liv questions her decision about marrying him. Will the wedding continue as scheduled?
I had a tough time identifying the romance tropes used here. I know the blurb says it’s friends-to-lovers, but it didn’t feel that way to me. It was all a jumble without enough time focused on the couple. The ending was more of ‘happy ever after’… for now, which was less satisfying too.
At least the audiobook format narrated by Karen Cass was lovely.
Overall, it wasn’t horrible, yet it wasn’t rememberable either. That just leaves meh. Others have rated this one higher than I did, so you be the judge.
April 30, 2023
Thank you NetGalley for giving me an Arc of this book in exchange for a honest review.
Okay, listen, they really need to put more work into books’ blurb because this book wasn’t what I thought. If I knew it was going to be a city girl goes to small seaside small town and meets a guy who suddenly makes her realise that her city boyfriend is an asshole and the key to her happiness is moving to said small town, I would have definitely skipped this one.
The FMC is SUCH a pushover I was itching to get into my kindle and smack some sense into her. It took her 60% to realise that Teddy doesn’t care one bit about her. And honestly, how much disrespect can one sigle human bear from her family and fiancé and his family??
It physically hurt to read this book, I swear. I absolutely hate this kind of stories because they feel flat, clichés and give me nothing. And so did this book.
Read in one sitting but it left me feeling itchy and nervous. Also, it’s not that funny. And finding someone who’s your spitting image? It’s not chemistry it’s make believe.
I’m sorry but this just wasn’t for me.
Okay, listen, they really need to put more work into books’ blurb because this book wasn’t what I thought. If I knew it was going to be a city girl goes to small seaside small town and meets a guy who suddenly makes her realise that her city boyfriend is an asshole and the key to her happiness is moving to said small town, I would have definitely skipped this one.
The FMC is SUCH a pushover I was itching to get into my kindle and smack some sense into her. It took her 60% to realise that Teddy doesn’t care one bit about her. And honestly, how much disrespect can one sigle human bear from her family and fiancé and his family??
It physically hurt to read this book, I swear. I absolutely hate this kind of stories because they feel flat, clichés and give me nothing. And so did this book.
Read in one sitting but it left me feeling itchy and nervous. Also, it’s not that funny. And finding someone who’s your spitting image? It’s not chemistry it’s make believe.
I’m sorry but this just wasn’t for me.
August 1, 2023
*The Proposal*
**3.5 Stars**
Olivia has been dating Teddy for a year when he proposes which is a lovely surprise, isn’t it?…
She happily says yes and probably hoping for a long engagement but Teddy wants to get it done, why the rush. The trouble is her brother and sister in law to be are also getting married. The deal breaker is getting married In Cornwall. There are sentimental reasons as her grandad built a gorgeous venue and all the family have been married there.
When checking out dates the venue only has one date available which is in a month’s time. Before Olivia knows it a double wedding is being planned and she can barely get head around getting engaged.
As time goes on the less Olivia & Teddy talk and he is rarely interested in talking as his job in London with his family firm which puts her firmly in the second place department.
Soon Olivia is facing a decision, where does her heart lie???
Not my favourite of Portia’s books but still entertaining if a touch predictable but a very easy read
**3.5 Stars**
Olivia has been dating Teddy for a year when he proposes which is a lovely surprise, isn’t it?…
She happily says yes and probably hoping for a long engagement but Teddy wants to get it done, why the rush. The trouble is her brother and sister in law to be are also getting married. The deal breaker is getting married In Cornwall. There are sentimental reasons as her grandad built a gorgeous venue and all the family have been married there.
When checking out dates the venue only has one date available which is in a month’s time. Before Olivia knows it a double wedding is being planned and she can barely get head around getting engaged.
As time goes on the less Olivia & Teddy talk and he is rarely interested in talking as his job in London with his family firm which puts her firmly in the second place department.
Soon Olivia is facing a decision, where does her heart lie???
Not my favourite of Portia’s books but still entertaining if a touch predictable but a very easy read
May 3, 2023
Well - the plot and everything was predictable from page 10. I’m kinda annoyed bc it was so platonic 😭😐
March 10, 2023
⊰ 3,25 stars
Happy publication day!
First of all, I would like to thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read an e-arc of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Better Off Wed tells the story of Olivia, who is a comedian. Olivia’s boyfriend of 9 months, Teddy, proposes to her out of the blue and, even though she thinks it is very sudden, says yes. There is a tradition in Olivia’s family to marry in the gorgeous barn her grandfather built at the Cornish coast. There is however a big problem, there is only one more date available for the venue and it is only a few weeks away. During these weeks, Olivia starts to second guess her decision of accepting Teddy’s proposal. Are they marrying for the right reasons? And why is Teddy in such a rush?
When Teddy fails to help with the wedding planning and preparations, Olivia gets help from an unexpected stranger.
Will Olivia go ahead with the wedding, or will she find her future happiness somewhere else?
The plot of this book is quite obvious, but that doesn’t make it any less entertaining. The synopsis pretty much already introduces this other love interest, so I wasn’t that surprised when Olivia and Hugo started to get feelings for one another. I will say that in my opinion, jumping from one relationship into a new one isn’t the best. You mirror behavior from your former partner onto your new partner and they get the heat for something they didn’t cause. I know they mention taking it slow at the end of the book, but it still gives me an itchy feeling.
Something that really made me roll my eyes was the whole “everyone is rich, my parents weren’t rich but somehow now own a pile of money but I am a poor [insert profession]”. Yes, being rich was a character trait for some of the characters. But I never get why everyone but the FMC needs to be rich?
Something that REALLY annoyed me was Olivia being very naïve/dependent of others. Olivia literally sees the best in everyone, which is a good thing, but if I were to overhear my shady to be-SIL talking to my boyfriend about cheating? That would make me question things, even if he tells me it’s about my to be-SIL. Also, Teddy allowing his mother to let his ex tag along to whatever they are doing is gross, mayor red flag and douchebag behavior.
Besides being naïve, Olivia also depends on literally all of the people in her life to make a decision for her. There are quite a few times where it literally says people “jump to her defense”. ALSO: Oh, I am going to have a duo-wedding with my brother and his girlfriend? I should invite this random guy I just met to outweigh their vote. GIRL NO. It’s your wedding too, you’re allowed an opinion without bringing some dude that isn’t even in the wedding! The whole damsel in distress things was a bit much at times.
Hugo is… Hugo? I don’t particularly have something to say about him. He’s hot, kind, funny. What more can a person ask for? Getting deeper into his backstory was nice, because I felt like the backstory of some of the characters were kind of rushed.
Teddy is a douchebag, deserves nothing but the very worst and his company needs to go bankrupt. Is it obvious how much hate I harbor for the cheating, lying and gaslighting boyfriends in the world?
So I have quite a few irks about this book, mainly the FMC but oh well. This was still quite entertaining to read. This book stays true to it’s trope, which is something I can appreciate. I would have loved to see some more character development from Olivia as well as other characters.
Happy publication day!
First of all, I would like to thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read an e-arc of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Better Off Wed tells the story of Olivia, who is a comedian. Olivia’s boyfriend of 9 months, Teddy, proposes to her out of the blue and, even though she thinks it is very sudden, says yes. There is a tradition in Olivia’s family to marry in the gorgeous barn her grandfather built at the Cornish coast. There is however a big problem, there is only one more date available for the venue and it is only a few weeks away. During these weeks, Olivia starts to second guess her decision of accepting Teddy’s proposal. Are they marrying for the right reasons? And why is Teddy in such a rush?
When Teddy fails to help with the wedding planning and preparations, Olivia gets help from an unexpected stranger.
Will Olivia go ahead with the wedding, or will she find her future happiness somewhere else?
The plot of this book is quite obvious, but that doesn’t make it any less entertaining. The synopsis pretty much already introduces this other love interest, so I wasn’t that surprised when Olivia and Hugo started to get feelings for one another. I will say that in my opinion, jumping from one relationship into a new one isn’t the best. You mirror behavior from your former partner onto your new partner and they get the heat for something they didn’t cause. I know they mention taking it slow at the end of the book, but it still gives me an itchy feeling.
Something that really made me roll my eyes was the whole “everyone is rich, my parents weren’t rich but somehow now own a pile of money but I am a poor [insert profession]”. Yes, being rich was a character trait for some of the characters. But I never get why everyone but the FMC needs to be rich?
Something that REALLY annoyed me was Olivia being very naïve/dependent of others. Olivia literally sees the best in everyone, which is a good thing, but if I were to overhear my shady to be-SIL talking to my boyfriend about cheating? That would make me question things, even if he tells me it’s about my to be-SIL. Also, Teddy allowing his mother to let his ex tag along to whatever they are doing is gross, mayor red flag and douchebag behavior.
Besides being naïve, Olivia also depends on literally all of the people in her life to make a decision for her. There are quite a few times where it literally says people “jump to her defense”. ALSO: Oh, I am going to have a duo-wedding with my brother and his girlfriend? I should invite this random guy I just met to outweigh their vote. GIRL NO. It’s your wedding too, you’re allowed an opinion without bringing some dude that isn’t even in the wedding! The whole damsel in distress things was a bit much at times.
Hugo is… Hugo? I don’t particularly have something to say about him. He’s hot, kind, funny. What more can a person ask for? Getting deeper into his backstory was nice, because I felt like the backstory of some of the characters were kind of rushed.
Teddy is a douchebag, deserves nothing but the very worst and his company needs to go bankrupt. Is it obvious how much hate I harbor for the cheating, lying and gaslighting boyfriends in the world?
So I have quite a few irks about this book, mainly the FMC but oh well. This was still quite entertaining to read. This book stays true to it’s trope, which is something I can appreciate. I would have loved to see some more character development from Olivia as well as other characters.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 19, 2023
When I want to feel happy and read about some swoony love, Portia MacIntosh is my go to. She writes amazing rom-coms that always put a smile on my face. Better Off Wed is no exception.
Olivia is shocked when her boyfriend Teddy proposes, it seems a hit fast but she decides to go with it. It was say yes or breakup and she definitely didn't want to breakup. When a wedding is canceled at Olivia's dream venue, right before the venue closes to all weddings forever, the couple decides to get married there. In a month.
There are definitely warning signs about Teddy but Olivia is getting swept up in the preparations. It was life was happening to her, she wasn't guiding her ship.
I was immediately pulled into the story full of AMAZING supporting characters. I love how unique Portia's characters are. Some are charming, some are swoony, some are annoying. I especially loved all the amazing family members and the unconditional love between them all.
Olivia is shocked when her boyfriend Teddy proposes, it seems a hit fast but she decides to go with it. It was say yes or breakup and she definitely didn't want to breakup. When a wedding is canceled at Olivia's dream venue, right before the venue closes to all weddings forever, the couple decides to get married there. In a month.
There are definitely warning signs about Teddy but Olivia is getting swept up in the preparations. It was life was happening to her, she wasn't guiding her ship.
I was immediately pulled into the story full of AMAZING supporting characters. I love how unique Portia's characters are. Some are charming, some are swoony, some are annoying. I especially loved all the amazing family members and the unconditional love between them all.
March 30, 2023
I was really excited to read this book after really enjoying Your Place or Mine? Whilst the story was decent, I sadly didn't find it as engaging as the author's previous novel, even to find myself skimming paragraphs at one stage. The first half of the book was slow and I kept wondering why Liv was putting up with things the way she did. Any normal person would have thrown the hat in a lot earlier but still, she stuck it out. The second half was better with the new love interest but I was sad at the rushed and uncertain ending. In my opinion, the book would have benefitted with an epilogue.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
May 2, 2023
A cute British romcom that has a woman getting all caught up in rushed wedding plans for a double wedding with her brother only to find her fiancée might not be the one for her after all. Sweet and funny, I enjoyed the Cornwall setting and the strangers to friends to lovers plot that felt natural and not rushed (a tricky line to tow when one of the leads is supposed to be getting married). I liked that it was left open ended with the intention that the MCs would take their time seeing where things would go. Good on audio too and recommended for fans of authors like Lindsey Kelk.
🔥Steam level: kissing only
🔥Steam level: kissing only
September 23, 2025
As entertaining as this was, I cant believe that the fmc is being pushed aside on all of the decisions about her life - unbelievable 😬
August 16, 2023
Better Off Wed is the 13th book by Portia MacIntosh that I read (and I still have many more left) and that has to mean something. If I feel a bit down her stories always manage to lift my spirits up with their fun and cute plots, her realistic heroines and the charming cast of characters she usually creates. Better Off Wed was not the exception.
Olivia’s boyfriend Teddy proposes out of the blue. Even though she thinks it’s a bit soon, after dating for nine months only, she says yes as her dream is to get married in a dream location with family ties. The only available date is a few weeks away, and she will find herself in a whirlwind, planning a double wedding as she starts questioning if she’s marrying for the right reasons and why Teddy’s proposal was so sudden.
Although the start was a bit of a slow burn, once the wedding preparations get underway, the story picked up its rhythm and I read it in two sittings. I like it when there’s some Bridezilla character, as it’s always so much fun to see the lengths to which some people can go to get their dream wedding. Add that said Bridezilla is an influencer and you have a time bomb in your hands! The author takes the opportunity to take a dig at influencers who do everything for the views and the likes. Despite all her drama it was nice to see her redeem herself at the end.
Liv’s arc was a pretty interesting one. It took her a while to speak up for herself, but once she did, nothing could stop her. She was going with flow, living for others instead of living for herself, so it was great when something made click in her head and she started going for what she really wanted or needed instead of whatever others wanted to impose. The story really makes you reflect about your true desires, what you really want, and points the finger at how sometimes we agree with decisions we’re not 100% sure about just because we’re scared of what might happen in case we say NO.
At first Teddy sounds like the perfect man, but after the proposal he does a complete 180º, showing a complete different side. I predicted the why and I may or may not (definitely MAY) have called him names. Although I didn’t like him, I think his conversation with Olivia was really mature and honest, not blaming one another and just coming to realize they simply were at different points in their lives, with different goals and future’s expectations.
The chemistry between Olivia and Hugo was fantastic but, based on his description and how he acted with Liv, who wouldn’t have chemistry with him???
A few days ago I was thinking about the romcom genre and its happy endings, and how we usually equal a happy ending with ending up with the love interest. I’m the first one that likes when things go well at the end, a happy ending is always welcome, but life isn’t always like that. I liked how the ending here felt pretty realistic, although I missed an epilogue a few months later to see where they were at.
Better Off Wed was a light read that had some interesting reflections and a great add to Portia’s body of work.
Thanks to NetGalley, Boldwood Books and Rachel’s Random Resources for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review and my spot on the Blog Tour.
Olivia’s boyfriend Teddy proposes out of the blue. Even though she thinks it’s a bit soon, after dating for nine months only, she says yes as her dream is to get married in a dream location with family ties. The only available date is a few weeks away, and she will find herself in a whirlwind, planning a double wedding as she starts questioning if she’s marrying for the right reasons and why Teddy’s proposal was so sudden.
Although the start was a bit of a slow burn, once the wedding preparations get underway, the story picked up its rhythm and I read it in two sittings. I like it when there’s some Bridezilla character, as it’s always so much fun to see the lengths to which some people can go to get their dream wedding. Add that said Bridezilla is an influencer and you have a time bomb in your hands! The author takes the opportunity to take a dig at influencers who do everything for the views and the likes. Despite all her drama it was nice to see her redeem herself at the end.
Liv’s arc was a pretty interesting one. It took her a while to speak up for herself, but once she did, nothing could stop her. She was going with flow, living for others instead of living for herself, so it was great when something made click in her head and she started going for what she really wanted or needed instead of whatever others wanted to impose. The story really makes you reflect about your true desires, what you really want, and points the finger at how sometimes we agree with decisions we’re not 100% sure about just because we’re scared of what might happen in case we say NO.
At first Teddy sounds like the perfect man, but after the proposal he does a complete 180º, showing a complete different side. I predicted the why and I may or may not (definitely MAY) have called him names. Although I didn’t like him, I think his conversation with Olivia was really mature and honest, not blaming one another and just coming to realize they simply were at different points in their lives, with different goals and future’s expectations.
The chemistry between Olivia and Hugo was fantastic but, based on his description and how he acted with Liv, who wouldn’t have chemistry with him???
A few days ago I was thinking about the romcom genre and its happy endings, and how we usually equal a happy ending with ending up with the love interest. I’m the first one that likes when things go well at the end, a happy ending is always welcome, but life isn’t always like that. I liked how the ending here felt pretty realistic, although I missed an epilogue a few months later to see where they were at.
Better Off Wed was a light read that had some interesting reflections and a great add to Portia’s body of work.
Thanks to NetGalley, Boldwood Books and Rachel’s Random Resources for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review and my spot on the Blog Tour.
June 22, 2023
Blah. A book where your protagonist has to be an idiot to set up the conflict is not a character I’m going to love, and especially not when the book basically excuses itself all the way through (for example, by saying “she can’t say f-off to her mother in law”. No, you don’t say f-off, but there is a giant world between cussing out your MIL and having a spine that means you don’t buy a wedding dress you hate. You can smile and say that you want to take a night to think on it, because you’re so happy to be getting married and you want it to be perfect and NOT BUY IT)
So, the beginning was awful. The middle part was kind of amusing (bar again, the lack of spine. To be a comedian you genuinely have to be willing to be uncomfortable, to put yourself out there and try content, and be willing to fail. This job she has she wears like a scarf, but it’s not embedded into who she is, or her identity, other than shitty one liners). Genuinely, I don’t understand how she has gotten through life being an epic people pleaser, who is so wildly uncomfortable with conflict she ends up in a double wedding with nothing reflecting her.
Not to mention the shotgun wedding, only nine months after you’ve been dating, with a fiancé who no shows for the entire two weeks before the wedding. She didn’t need verity for their relationship to be an issue, she had enough wrong already.
Basically, all the protagonists problems stem from her personality… I’m all for a flawed character, but not one that is an absolute idiot with basically no redeeming qualities.
Pass on this. I kept putting it down because it was so bad. There are so many wonderful romcoms that are significantly better written. Read one of those!
So, the beginning was awful. The middle part was kind of amusing (bar again, the lack of spine. To be a comedian you genuinely have to be willing to be uncomfortable, to put yourself out there and try content, and be willing to fail. This job she has she wears like a scarf, but it’s not embedded into who she is, or her identity, other than shitty one liners). Genuinely, I don’t understand how she has gotten through life being an epic people pleaser, who is so wildly uncomfortable with conflict she ends up in a double wedding with nothing reflecting her.
Not to mention the shotgun wedding, only nine months after you’ve been dating, with a fiancé who no shows for the entire two weeks before the wedding. She didn’t need verity for their relationship to be an issue, she had enough wrong already.
Basically, all the protagonists problems stem from her personality… I’m all for a flawed character, but not one that is an absolute idiot with basically no redeeming qualities.
Pass on this. I kept putting it down because it was so bad. There are so many wonderful romcoms that are significantly better written. Read one of those!
April 15, 2023
I really feel like this story was very different and unique! I picked it up and didn’t want to put it down! Unfortunately as I was reading some big things happened in my life, so I didn’t get to finish it as quickly as I could have normally. But every spare moment I had I was reading, even if that meant sitting in the hospital waiting room and scrolling on my tiny phone screen.
While it started out with Olivia going to an interview for a tv show, I was definitely intrigued as it went down the little detour with that not really playing any more into the story. There were a lot of great characters, and even the ones that I didn’t like for how they treated Olivia actually, most of them anyway, had some redeeming qualities in the end, especially one, that I won’t mention because I won’t spoil the little moments that made me smile towards the end.
And then the big “darkest night” moment at the end, what started to come between the two at the end, well, I hated it, but in the best way. I totally understood Olivia’s reasons, even if I wish she’d stayed and heard or asked him for clarification. But, yeah, misunderstandings are a big part of romances.
Probably my only complaint is that I wished for an epilogue! For a while I was kind of thinking who cared about those, but I think lately I’ve gotten spoiled with all the authors that give epilogues. Not that this needs it, there was a definite happy ending.
I have to say I’m becoming more and more a big fan of Portia MacIntosh!
Review first posted on Lisa Loves Literature.
While it started out with Olivia going to an interview for a tv show, I was definitely intrigued as it went down the little detour with that not really playing any more into the story. There were a lot of great characters, and even the ones that I didn’t like for how they treated Olivia actually, most of them anyway, had some redeeming qualities in the end, especially one, that I won’t mention because I won’t spoil the little moments that made me smile towards the end.
And then the big “darkest night” moment at the end, what started to come between the two at the end, well, I hated it, but in the best way. I totally understood Olivia’s reasons, even if I wish she’d stayed and heard or asked him for clarification. But, yeah, misunderstandings are a big part of romances.
Probably my only complaint is that I wished for an epilogue! For a while I was kind of thinking who cared about those, but I think lately I’ve gotten spoiled with all the authors that give epilogues. Not that this needs it, there was a definite happy ending.
I have to say I’m becoming more and more a big fan of Portia MacIntosh!
Review first posted on Lisa Loves Literature.
June 29, 2023
Oooof. Not a fan of the writing at all.
Just wanted to get through it to see where the author was going…. Annnnnnd ugh.
What a disappointment.
It’s almost laughable.
I seriously need to stop reading books I don’t like.
What a waste of time.
Just wanted to get through it to see where the author was going…. Annnnnnd ugh.
What a disappointment.
It’s almost laughable.
I seriously need to stop reading books I don’t like.
What a waste of time.
April 20, 2023
Thanks to netgalley, the publisher and the author for giving me an opportunity to read this arc in exchange for an honest review.
This book starts off with a couple who you already in the first chapters decide are not right for one another but are they planning to marry? Bingo. There starts our story. I found the plot of this book quite predictable but overall enjoyable. Liv gave me vibes of a Bridget jones type and I found myself rooting for her at the end of the book. Teddy was very enjoyable to hate, everything he did gave me the ick or made me mad but that was great as it made you like liv even more. The only two downsides I had with this book, was I felt the wedding Scene itself quite rushed. I would have preferred to stay a little bit longer in the wedding moment as the whole book did elude to this event. The other thing was unfortunately Hugo. Hugo was a nice guy but beyond being a nice guy, that was kind of it. It would have been nicer to see more of him and maybe a bit more depth then just him helping liv. That being said this book was a quick and overall enjoyable read.
This book starts off with a couple who you already in the first chapters decide are not right for one another but are they planning to marry? Bingo. There starts our story. I found the plot of this book quite predictable but overall enjoyable. Liv gave me vibes of a Bridget jones type and I found myself rooting for her at the end of the book. Teddy was very enjoyable to hate, everything he did gave me the ick or made me mad but that was great as it made you like liv even more. The only two downsides I had with this book, was I felt the wedding Scene itself quite rushed. I would have preferred to stay a little bit longer in the wedding moment as the whole book did elude to this event. The other thing was unfortunately Hugo. Hugo was a nice guy but beyond being a nice guy, that was kind of it. It would have been nicer to see more of him and maybe a bit more depth then just him helping liv. That being said this book was a quick and overall enjoyable read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 28, 2023
Cornwall has been added to my list of places to visit.
This book is beautiful, heartwarming and hilarious. Everything I know I will always get from a Portia Macintosh book.
I really warmed to Olivia and took an instant dislike to Teddy. Portia has written the characters really well. I would love to know what happens in Olivias life next.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book is beautiful, heartwarming and hilarious. Everything I know I will always get from a Portia Macintosh book.
I really warmed to Olivia and took an instant dislike to Teddy. Portia has written the characters really well. I would love to know what happens in Olivias life next.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
November 2, 2023
This is the story of Olivia, a sometimes-comedian who moonlights as a ghostwriter for celebrities. Her boyfriend, Teddy, proposes unexpectedly, and while she's surprised, she does say yes. (But really only because she senses her options are to be engaged or to break up.) Despite her feelings of uncertainty, her wedding has been scheduled to take place in 2 weeks in the barn her grandfather built and where all her family has been married before her. Oh, and did I mention it's a joint wedding with her brother Dougie and soon-to-be sister-in-law Eden?
I hated this book. It is described as a friends-to-lovers romcom, but it's actually a painfully boring narration of two strangers who may become lovers some day in the future. Look, I don't expect any great masterpiece of literary genius when I'm hunting for a light, fun book in the free section on Kindle. But this was just...it read more like a first draft than a finished book.
I hated this book. It is described as a friends-to-lovers romcom, but it's actually a painfully boring narration of two strangers who may become lovers some day in the future. Look, I don't expect any great masterpiece of literary genius when I'm hunting for a light, fun book in the free section on Kindle. But this was just...it read more like a first draft than a finished book.
April 3, 2023
Better Off Wed- Portia Macintosh 4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
She’s done it again! Portia MacIntosh’s writing is like chicken soup for the soul. Light, smooth and full of love and comfort. Reading her books is like coming home and curling up by the fire with your favourite book. She really is such a comfort author for me.
Now to the story, ‘Better Off Wed’ follows Olivia who gets proposed to completely out of the blue by her boyfriend Teddy after 9 months of dating. But the problem is her dream wedding location only has one date available and it’s within one month- but the catch is her brother and his fiancé also want that date. Whilst they all scramble around to make weddings happen, things don’t always make out to be what they seem and why is Teddy pushing for such a fast wedding? And why is a person helping plan your wedding seem rather delightful?
True to Portia’s writing I was laughing, swooning and cringing alongside Olivia. I also love how as a British writer she makes all her work very British which I very much appreciate being British myself.
This RomCom is perfect escapism and made me smile and giggle throughout. So easy to read and left me feeling all cosy and warm.
Highly recommend!
Thank you NetGalley for my advanced e-copy for an honest review.
She’s done it again! Portia MacIntosh’s writing is like chicken soup for the soul. Light, smooth and full of love and comfort. Reading her books is like coming home and curling up by the fire with your favourite book. She really is such a comfort author for me.
Now to the story, ‘Better Off Wed’ follows Olivia who gets proposed to completely out of the blue by her boyfriend Teddy after 9 months of dating. But the problem is her dream wedding location only has one date available and it’s within one month- but the catch is her brother and his fiancé also want that date. Whilst they all scramble around to make weddings happen, things don’t always make out to be what they seem and why is Teddy pushing for such a fast wedding? And why is a person helping plan your wedding seem rather delightful?
True to Portia’s writing I was laughing, swooning and cringing alongside Olivia. I also love how as a British writer she makes all her work very British which I very much appreciate being British myself.
This RomCom is perfect escapism and made me smile and giggle throughout. So easy to read and left me feeling all cosy and warm.
Highly recommend!
Thank you NetGalley for my advanced e-copy for an honest review.
August 6, 2023
This book was so disappointingly bad. The story line had such potential but the book was sooo boring. It was actually hard work to read. The main character being such a door mat was so frustrating too.
June 2, 2024
PMs books are such a good time! Great beach read, palate cleanser or fun book when you need a quick escape.
Having read 9 (?) now I do find she relies on or reuses some plot points (eg there always seems to be a trivia game) but the characters are so charming and adorable I don’t care.
SUMMARY: comedian/romcom ghost writer Olivia is on her way to her brother’s engagement party when her rich businessman boyfriend of a few months, Teddy, pops the question. Although it feels a bit fast, Olivia says yes.
At first Olivia tries to hide her engagement to avoid stealing the spot light, but her family finds out anyway. Then there’s the hiccup: they all find out the place they’ve all dreamed of getting married (a beach location their grandfather built) will no longer be holding weddings. However there is a last minute cancellation so both couples agree to share the day and have a double wedding in 1 months (2 months?) time. yowsa!
The other bride Eden is an “influencer” and a real bridezilla, pushing her wants and agendas, often making decisions without giving Olivia any say.
wanting to feel involved in her own wedding, olivia sets out to find a cake and a photographer for the bjg day and meets Hugo, a hunky local bar manager who has connections and offers his help to olivia.
meanwhile Teddy is hardly involved in the planning (claiming "work" keeps him too busy) which makes Olivia start second guessing her wedding… plus hugo is cute…
Having read 9 (?) now I do find she relies on or reuses some plot points (eg there always seems to be a trivia game) but the characters are so charming and adorable I don’t care.
SUMMARY: comedian/romcom ghost writer Olivia is on her way to her brother’s engagement party when her rich businessman boyfriend of a few months, Teddy, pops the question. Although it feels a bit fast, Olivia says yes.
At first Olivia tries to hide her engagement to avoid stealing the spot light, but her family finds out anyway. Then there’s the hiccup: they all find out the place they’ve all dreamed of getting married (a beach location their grandfather built) will no longer be holding weddings. However there is a last minute cancellation so both couples agree to share the day and have a double wedding in 1 months (2 months?) time. yowsa!
The other bride Eden is an “influencer” and a real bridezilla, pushing her wants and agendas, often making decisions without giving Olivia any say.
wanting to feel involved in her own wedding, olivia sets out to find a cake and a photographer for the bjg day and meets Hugo, a hunky local bar manager who has connections and offers his help to olivia.
meanwhile Teddy is hardly involved in the planning (claiming "work" keeps him too busy) which makes Olivia start second guessing her wedding… plus hugo is cute…
April 12, 2023
I received an advance review book for free and am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you Portia MacIntosh and Rachel's Random Resources. I'm excited to be a part of this tour.
This is my first book by this author and won’t be my last. The plot of this book had me curious and it did not disappoint. I enjoy friends-to-lovers rom coms. Olivia is shocked when her boyfriend, Teddy, proposes out of the blue. She loves him and is suspicious of his motives give they don’t live together.
Olivia has her heart set on one venue, owned by her grandfather and on the Cornish coast. The problem? They have one date available and It’s only a few weeks away. Whirlwind wedding planning have alarm bells going off for Olivia. When Teddy fails to help with planning, Olivia finds help with unexpected results.
This book is hilarious. I found myself laughing out loud, even in public. The characters are well developed. Teddy and Olivia’s dynamic works well for this story. The book is a slow burn with well developed scenes. Once the story takes off, it takes off and you won’t want to put this book down. I enjoy fully immersing myself in this fun story that will have you thinking about what you really want.
I look forward to reading more from this author!
This is my first book by this author and won’t be my last. The plot of this book had me curious and it did not disappoint. I enjoy friends-to-lovers rom coms. Olivia is shocked when her boyfriend, Teddy, proposes out of the blue. She loves him and is suspicious of his motives give they don’t live together.
Olivia has her heart set on one venue, owned by her grandfather and on the Cornish coast. The problem? They have one date available and It’s only a few weeks away. Whirlwind wedding planning have alarm bells going off for Olivia. When Teddy fails to help with planning, Olivia finds help with unexpected results.
This book is hilarious. I found myself laughing out loud, even in public. The characters are well developed. Teddy and Olivia’s dynamic works well for this story. The book is a slow burn with well developed scenes. Once the story takes off, it takes off and you won’t want to put this book down. I enjoy fully immersing myself in this fun story that will have you thinking about what you really want.
I look forward to reading more from this author!
May 8, 2023
3.5 stars rounded up to 4
April 20, 2024
Nice romance 😊
February 7, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
March 26, 2025
4.5 rounded up. I’ve read three Portia MacIntosh books in a row, and this one was my favorite of the three.
I’m begging you, Portia, pleeeease give us a quick epilogue 😩
I’m begging you, Portia, pleeeease give us a quick epilogue 😩
February 21, 2024
Sometimes you just need a feel-good book about a wedding at the beach. I enjoyed the main characters, the choices made, and the way everything turned out. I really enjoyed the escape.
April 10, 2023
Thank you Boldwood publishers ans Netgalley for this arc. I can not be more grateful. This book brought me emotions I forgot I have. It is perfect for broken hearts. A second chance we all get after something not pleasent happens to us. Yes it was a slow beggining but it was such a nice second part to warm you and hug you so deep. And offcourse a special humor of Portia Macintosh bring you to be so glad to read an other of her wonderful books. The life has to go down to bring you up
Displaying 1 - 30 of 378 reviews