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sjmacwrites's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
This book was adorable from start to finish. It had all the beautiful elements of friends to lovers without the third act breakup. Add in some huge life changes that the main character needs to work through as well as grief, and all up it was a lovely, well rounded romance.
deluneth's review
4.0
4/5!
I can easily say that this was one of my favorite arcs that I have ever read! Usually it takes awhile for me to get into arcs, but Sister of the Bride had me hooked from the start! Maybe its my love for the Hulu show The Bear (which it does not resemble that show at ALL but I immediately loved the restaurant set up of it all) or that fact that you don't see very many Friends-to-Lovers books out there in a Enemies-to-Lovers market!
I definitely recommend Sister of the Bride for its charming portrayal of Pippin and Toby's friendship and for the smut scenes that did not immediately make me want to curl in a ball like most other popular romance books! I also saw a lot of myself in Pippin and I too LOVE checklists! If you love checklists and having mini panic attacks, this book is for you!
It does kinda unravel a bit towards the end, the plot speeds up a lot (compared to other parts that span for chapters at a time) and some of Pippin's earlier holdbacks are immediately resolved without much reasoning to why, but I did not think they took away from the overall appeal of the story!
Thank you NetGalley and the Publisher for providing this ARC!
I can easily say that this was one of my favorite arcs that I have ever read! Usually it takes awhile for me to get into arcs, but Sister of the Bride had me hooked from the start! Maybe its my love for the Hulu show The Bear (which it does not resemble that show at ALL but I immediately loved the restaurant set up of it all) or that fact that you don't see very many Friends-to-Lovers books out there in a Enemies-to-Lovers market!
I definitely recommend Sister of the Bride for its charming portrayal of Pippin and Toby's friendship and for the smut scenes that did not immediately make me want to curl in a ball like most other popular romance books! I also saw a lot of myself in Pippin and I too LOVE checklists! If you love checklists and having mini panic attacks, this book is for you!
It does kinda unravel a bit towards the end, the plot speeds up a lot (compared to other parts that span for chapters at a time) and some of Pippin's earlier holdbacks are immediately resolved without much reasoning to why, but I did not think they took away from the overall appeal of the story!
Thank you NetGalley and the Publisher for providing this ARC!
ambersbooknest's review
4.0
This book was so cute, I loved how much it focused on family and the different roles that it can play in your life. Toby was such a perfect and entirely respectful boyfriend for Pippen, I loved that he was happy to wait until she was ready for a relationship, and didn't pressure her into getting what he wanted. I did find the first half to be a bit slow, but once something between Pippen and Toby started to brew, I got completely sucked in. I saw that someone else commented, 'The ending felt rushed. I was at 90% of the book, and I still didn't read about the wedding or how Toby and Pippin's relationship/friendship would sort itself out.' Honestly, I couldn't agree more. I felt right where a major scene of the book might take place, just wasn't there. It just stopped, and then the epilogue started. Apart from that, the book was pretty good, I definitely recommend you read it.
"Toby's my person. My constant. You don't fuck with that - literally or figuratively. But as I drift off to sleep, my mind (that dirty asshole) suddenly takes me directly to a Grey's Anatomy on-call room. Only it's not McDreamy or McSteamy ... it's McToby."
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
"Toby's my person. My constant. You don't fuck with that - literally or figuratively. But as I drift off to sleep, my mind (that dirty asshole) suddenly takes me directly to a Grey's Anatomy on-call room. Only it's not McDreamy or McSteamy ... it's McToby."
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
lifeasmrsbaker's review
4.0
"Sister of the Bride" by Lauren Morrill is a delightful and entertaining young adult novel that explores themes of family, love, and self-discovery in the context of a chaotic and humor-filled wedding weekend.
The story follows the protagonist, a high school student named Nell, as she navigates the ups and downs of being her older sister's maid of honor. From bridal showers to bachelorette parties, Nell is thrust into a world of wedding planning that is both overwhelming and comical. Morrill's writing is witty and relatable, making it easy for readers to connect with Nell's experiences and her sarcastic sense of humor.
The novel also delves into Nell's personal growth as she grapples with her own insecurities and feelings of inadequacy compared to her seemingly perfect sister. Throughout the course of the wedding festivities, Nell learns valuable lessons about self-acceptance and the importance of being true to oneself.
"Sister of the Bride" is filled with entertaining and endearing characters, each with their own quirks and idiosyncrasies. The dynamics between family members are portrayed with authenticity, adding depth to the story. While the book centers around the chaos of wedding planning, it ultimately explores the complexities of sibling relationships and the bonds that hold families together.
Although the novel follows a somewhat predictable romantic subplot, it is the humor and relatable coming-of-age elements that make it stand out. Lauren Morrill's writing is engaging and light-hearted, making "Sister of the Bride" a fun and enjoyable read for young adult readers looking for a mix of humor, family dynamics, and a touch of romance.
In conclusion, "Sister of the Bride" is a charming and humorous young adult novel that captures the chaos and emotion of wedding preparations while delivering a message of self-discovery and family bonds. If you're a fan of contemporary YA fiction with relatable characters and witty dialogue, Lauren Morrill's book is a great choice for an entertaining and uplifting read.
The story follows the protagonist, a high school student named Nell, as she navigates the ups and downs of being her older sister's maid of honor. From bridal showers to bachelorette parties, Nell is thrust into a world of wedding planning that is both overwhelming and comical. Morrill's writing is witty and relatable, making it easy for readers to connect with Nell's experiences and her sarcastic sense of humor.
The novel also delves into Nell's personal growth as she grapples with her own insecurities and feelings of inadequacy compared to her seemingly perfect sister. Throughout the course of the wedding festivities, Nell learns valuable lessons about self-acceptance and the importance of being true to oneself.
"Sister of the Bride" is filled with entertaining and endearing characters, each with their own quirks and idiosyncrasies. The dynamics between family members are portrayed with authenticity, adding depth to the story. While the book centers around the chaos of wedding planning, it ultimately explores the complexities of sibling relationships and the bonds that hold families together.
Although the novel follows a somewhat predictable romantic subplot, it is the humor and relatable coming-of-age elements that make it stand out. Lauren Morrill's writing is engaging and light-hearted, making "Sister of the Bride" a fun and enjoyable read for young adult readers looking for a mix of humor, family dynamics, and a touch of romance.
In conclusion, "Sister of the Bride" is a charming and humorous young adult novel that captures the chaos and emotion of wedding preparations while delivering a message of self-discovery and family bonds. If you're a fan of contemporary YA fiction with relatable characters and witty dialogue, Lauren Morrill's book is a great choice for an entertaining and uplifting read.
themerylibrary's review
5.0
I got this as an ARC thanks to NETGALLEY. Thank you for the opportunity to read this banger.
Merged review:
I got this as an ARC thanks to NETGALLEY. Thank you for the opportunity to read this banger.
Merged review:
I got this as an ARC thanks to NETGALLEY. Thank you for the opportunity to read this banger.
evemarty22's review
2.0
Sister of the Bride follows Pippin Marino who cannot handle change, as microscopic as it might be. She's running her family's restaurant, living in her mother's attic in the room she used to share with her twin sister, and she has absolutely no plans to better her life.
Unfortunately, this book didn't work for me. I really could not find a redeeming quality in Pippin. She was so unsupportive and judgmental of everyone around her. Her sister's fiance was serious and Pippin just could not imagine how her sister could like her. She's barely met her and she's already calling her a robot and believes the relationship will end in a matter of days.
The pacing also didn't work for me. The engagement happened at around 20%, but we already knew about it from the synopsis. The book could have been better if the story started with it, but instead, we had to read about Pippin making lasagna for a whole chapter. The romance lacked depth and the ending felt very rushed. I feel like the book was more about the sister's relationship and Pippin growing up than about her and Toby.
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Merged review:
Sister of the Bride follows Pippin Marino who cannot handle change, as microscopic as it might be. She's running her family's restaurant, living in her mother's attic in the room she used to share with her twin sister, and she has absolutely no plans to better her life.
Unfortunately, this book didn't work for me. I really could not find a redeeming quality in Pippin. She was so unsupportive and judgmental of everyone around her. Her sister's fiance was serious and Pippin just could not imagine how her sister could like her. She's barely met her and she's already calling her a robot and believes the relationship will end in a matter of days.
The pacing also didn't work for me. The engagement happened at around 20%, but we already knew about it from the synopsis. The book could have been better if the story started with it, but instead, we had to read about Pippin making lasagna for a whole chapter. The romance lacked depth and the ending felt very rushed. I feel like the book was more about the sister's relationship and Pippin growing up than about her and Toby.
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Unfortunately, this book didn't work for me. I really could not find a redeeming quality in Pippin. She was so unsupportive and judgmental of everyone around her. Her sister's fiance was serious and Pippin just could not imagine how her sister could like her. She's barely met her and she's already calling her a robot and believes the relationship will end in a matter of days.
The pacing also didn't work for me. The engagement happened at around 20%, but we already knew about it from the synopsis. The book could have been better if the story started with it, but instead, we had to read about Pippin making lasagna for a whole chapter. The romance lacked depth and the ending felt very rushed. I feel like the book was more about the sister's relationship and Pippin growing up than about her and Toby.
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Merged review:
Sister of the Bride follows Pippin Marino who cannot handle change, as microscopic as it might be. She's running her family's restaurant, living in her mother's attic in the room she used to share with her twin sister, and she has absolutely no plans to better her life.
Unfortunately, this book didn't work for me. I really could not find a redeeming quality in Pippin. She was so unsupportive and judgmental of everyone around her. Her sister's fiance was serious and Pippin just could not imagine how her sister could like her. She's barely met her and she's already calling her a robot and believes the relationship will end in a matter of days.
The pacing also didn't work for me. The engagement happened at around 20%, but we already knew about it from the synopsis. The book could have been better if the story started with it, but instead, we had to read about Pippin making lasagna for a whole chapter. The romance lacked depth and the ending felt very rushed. I feel like the book was more about the sister's relationship and Pippin growing up than about her and Toby.
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
mfumarolo's review
4.0
Life cannot truly be lived standing still, but sometimes Pippin wishes it could be. Change can be uncomfortable and overwhelming and she's had more than her fair share of it so far in her life, most of which has ended badly. It's why she still lives in the same home she grew up in above the restaurant her family has owned in Boston for over 100 years. It's why when her father unexpectedly died, she took over running things - consistency is key. But in the blink of an eye, the changes start piling up. Her childhood best friend Toby moves back to the city and is a welcome sight for tired eyes, followed soon after by Pippin's twin sister. And her twin sister's fiance. And now all of a sudden, Mom wants to sell the restaurant which means Pippin has very quickly become someone on the verge of joblessness and homelessness and in her single-ness, who can help catch her as she's falling? Well, like we said, Toby IS back in town, and his offers to Pippin with her maid of honor duties turn into nights out and kisses and more if she'd let it.
I have been a Lauren Morrill fan for years, getting my hands on as many of her young adult titles as I could. This is her adult debut, and any YA collection curators out there should know: this is NOT a young adult book! This is adult. This is SPICY. This is romance slathered in siracha. This book is so steamy with sexy times that the author actually told her own mother to please not read it otherwise they'll never be able to look each other in the eye ever again. Now personally, I was down for it. I like the romance novels I read to have well-built worlds, a well-rounded cast of characters, and stakes that feel realistic. This can sometimes be a tall order for the genre, but Morrill takes on the challenge well. A blind person could see how wonderful Toby is even when Pippin fights it, and this was a clever take on a Father of the Bride type of story. I read this a while ago and posted about loving it on my Instagram, and a friend of mine immediately asked when she could get a copy. Not for the first time, I was appreciative of advance reader copies so I didn't have to wait, and I know I'll be recommending this one to my friends in need of a pick-me-up.
Merged review:
Life cannot truly be lived standing still, but sometimes Pippin wishes it could be. Change can be uncomfortable and overwhelming and she's had more than her fair share of it so far in her life, most of which has ended badly. It's why she still lives in the same home she grew up in above the restaurant her family has owned in Boston for over 100 years. It's why when her father unexpectedly died, she took over running things - consistency is key. But in the blink of an eye, the changes start piling up. Her childhood best friend Toby moves back to the city and is a welcome sight for tired eyes, followed soon after by Pippin's twin sister. And her twin sister's fiance. And now all of a sudden, Mom wants to sell the restaurant which means Pippin has very quickly become someone on the verge of joblessness and homelessness and in her single-ness, who can help catch her as she's falling? Well, like we said, Toby IS back in town, and his offers to Pippin with her maid of honor duties turn into nights out and kisses and more if she'd let it.
I have been a Lauren Morrill fan for years, getting my hands on as many of her young adult titles as I could. This is her adult debut, and any YA collection curators out there should know: this is NOT a young adult book! This is adult. This is SPICY. This is romance slathered in siracha. This book is so steamy with sexy times that the author actually told her own mother to please not read it otherwise they'll never be able to look each other in the eye ever again. Now personally, I was down for it. I like the romance novels I read to have well-built worlds, a well-rounded cast of characters, and stakes that feel realistic. This can sometimes be a tall order for the genre, but Morrill takes on the challenge well. A blind person could see how wonderful Toby is even when Pippin fights it, and this was a clever take on a Father of the Bride type of story. I read this a while ago and posted about loving it on my Instagram, and a friend of mine immediately asked when she could get a copy. Not for the first time, I was appreciative of advance reader copies so I didn't have to wait, and I know I'll be recommending this one to my friends in need of a pick-me-up.
I have been a Lauren Morrill fan for years, getting my hands on as many of her young adult titles as I could. This is her adult debut, and any YA collection curators out there should know: this is NOT a young adult book! This is adult. This is SPICY. This is romance slathered in siracha. This book is so steamy with sexy times that the author actually told her own mother to please not read it otherwise they'll never be able to look each other in the eye ever again. Now personally, I was down for it. I like the romance novels I read to have well-built worlds, a well-rounded cast of characters, and stakes that feel realistic. This can sometimes be a tall order for the genre, but Morrill takes on the challenge well. A blind person could see how wonderful Toby is even when Pippin fights it, and this was a clever take on a Father of the Bride type of story. I read this a while ago and posted about loving it on my Instagram, and a friend of mine immediately asked when she could get a copy. Not for the first time, I was appreciative of advance reader copies so I didn't have to wait, and I know I'll be recommending this one to my friends in need of a pick-me-up.
Merged review:
Life cannot truly be lived standing still, but sometimes Pippin wishes it could be. Change can be uncomfortable and overwhelming and she's had more than her fair share of it so far in her life, most of which has ended badly. It's why she still lives in the same home she grew up in above the restaurant her family has owned in Boston for over 100 years. It's why when her father unexpectedly died, she took over running things - consistency is key. But in the blink of an eye, the changes start piling up. Her childhood best friend Toby moves back to the city and is a welcome sight for tired eyes, followed soon after by Pippin's twin sister. And her twin sister's fiance. And now all of a sudden, Mom wants to sell the restaurant which means Pippin has very quickly become someone on the verge of joblessness and homelessness and in her single-ness, who can help catch her as she's falling? Well, like we said, Toby IS back in town, and his offers to Pippin with her maid of honor duties turn into nights out and kisses and more if she'd let it.
I have been a Lauren Morrill fan for years, getting my hands on as many of her young adult titles as I could. This is her adult debut, and any YA collection curators out there should know: this is NOT a young adult book! This is adult. This is SPICY. This is romance slathered in siracha. This book is so steamy with sexy times that the author actually told her own mother to please not read it otherwise they'll never be able to look each other in the eye ever again. Now personally, I was down for it. I like the romance novels I read to have well-built worlds, a well-rounded cast of characters, and stakes that feel realistic. This can sometimes be a tall order for the genre, but Morrill takes on the challenge well. A blind person could see how wonderful Toby is even when Pippin fights it, and this was a clever take on a Father of the Bride type of story. I read this a while ago and posted about loving it on my Instagram, and a friend of mine immediately asked when she could get a copy. Not for the first time, I was appreciative of advance reader copies so I didn't have to wait, and I know I'll be recommending this one to my friends in need of a pick-me-up.
azieyosabor's review
2.0
yeah, i bailed at 47%. it was just dragging, you know? boring, forced humor that felt like it was trying way too hard. i couldn't grasp what was happening – felt rushed and repetitive.
but, toby's (mmc) little joke text messages, at the beginning of each chapter? those were the highlight. some legit made me giggle. cute touch in the midst of all the meh. overall, not my jam
but, toby's (mmc) little joke text messages, at the beginning of each chapter? those were the highlight. some legit made me giggle. cute touch in the midst of all the meh. overall, not my jam
tales_of_a_bookbug's review
4.0
This was such a fun friends-to-lovers romance!❣️✨ The cover caught my eye on Netgalley at first(how cute!) before I realized that I'd read some of the author's YA books when I was a teen and I hit the request button. Anyway, I'm glad that I enjoyed this one too!
shankl's review
3.0
Sister of the Bride is a heartwarming romance where childhood friends find their way into each other's heart. This book took a bit to get to the romance, and it was more of Pippin coming of age. The banter was hilarious, especially the "Dad Jokes." This book is a quick read.
Sister of the Bride could've also used a bit more editing prior to sending the ARC - it contained numerous grammatical errors and misspellings which was a bit off-putting to the flow of the story.
Thank Yellow House Media for the complimentary copy.
Sister of the Bride could've also used a bit more editing prior to sending the ARC - it contained numerous grammatical errors and misspellings which was a bit off-putting to the flow of the story.
Thank Yellow House Media for the complimentary copy.