I read this a few years ago, and i kind of forgot that i had the arc. But it was as meh as i remember, sadly. I did not like this one.

Brilliant. This was a well written book that I greatly enjoyed and already plan to recommend. Believable characters and an inticing setting. Some parts were perhaps a little lengthy, but maybe because I was impatient to reach the novels conclusion! Thank you Netgalley for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

2.5 rounded up because I enjoyed some of the craziness enough to have me laughing out loud.

The opposites-attract trope is one of my favorites, so when I read the blurb I jumped at the chance to read this book. Marina Ford is a new-to-me author so I had no expectations about the book other than for it to be an entertaining romantic story. Unfortunately, the story fell flat for me.

First, I had a difficult time connecting to the MCs. The blurb describes Joe as a laidback, go with the flow kind of person, but I saw him more as lazy, unprofessional and sloppy. He paid no mind to people's time, nor how his words or his actions affected others. I didn't care for his rudeness or lack of consideration for other people, so I lost any vested interest in the outcome of the story from early on.

Second, try as I might I could not see how Harry and him could have a lasting relationship anyway. In the end, I felt Joe was way too immature and Harry was still hung up on his ex. In my opinion, the relationship wasn't really developed on the page. I didn't feel the connection between Joe and Harry, nor the chemistry. Yes, they were attracted to each other, but Harry was too aloof in the beginning for me to take his interest in Joe as genuine.

Last but not least was the way the story was told. One moment I'm on the day of the wedding, then I was back to when they met, then back to another time and so forth. By the time I got to the actual wedding, I had lost enough of the story and my interest not to care about the outcome. I've read other books that use this method of telling the story, I just think that there were too many of these jumps that made it difficult to follow along without losing interest, facts or people! I was utterly confused.

We begin the novel on Joe’s wedding day where everything that could go wrong has gone wrong. It’s absolute chaos. It was an interesting opening to the story, but excellent foreshadowing of the craziness that is featured in this novel.

Our main couple is Joe, an adopted carefree artist, and Harry, a more conservative marketing executive. These two are polar opposites who find each other when Joe is commissioned to create art for Harry’s company. This is when I wish the author expanded more on their backstories to build up their initial meetings. I felt it was rushed and could have included more of their inner thoughts of their attractions to the other rather than gloss over it and have the reader imagine their own details.

This novel time jumps and features “present” day (starting with their wedding day), their initial meeting five years ago, and in-between at 6 months before the wedding. I love time jumps to a point as I feel they can bring more details to the story without having to write about every single event in-between, but with all the jumping back and forth it was hard to keep up at times. I would find myself really getting into one storyline and then the chapter would end and we would jump time again so then I would have to remember what was going on during that part of the story again before going back to the initial event in another chapter. I wish the story did some time jumping instead – maybe following open on the wedding day, go back to the beginning, time jump to the wedding day so Joe can reminisce, then go back to six months before, and finally come back to present to finish up the story. (Just a thought.) The way it is written creates a detachment from the reader as you never get to fully connect to what is happening in the moment between Harry and Joe.

The writing itself was enjoyable and I would gladly read more from this author as the wording choices and style were great for each sentence. The lists were a great addition as it gave a fun summary of what was going through their minds during certain points of the story. Each chapter itself was enjoyable so by moving them around a little in my mind, I re-imagine the flow and it becomes a more cohesive story. I’m sure there are many readers that will disagree and think the current arrangement is great, but it’s just my personal preference for flow.

I can guess where the author was trying to go with Joe and create him as Harry’s opposite and fulfill the classic opposites attract belief, but I think he fell short as a character. Instead of being fun and carefree, he just came off as childish. It was hard to believe in places that I was reading about a full-grown adult who has his own career and life. I can deal with the crazy things that happen to him, but he lacked basic social skills in many scenes. There’s outgoing and fun, but then his character takes it to an unlikeable level. It was hard to believe that his personality and Harry’s would last together in the long-run and not fizzle out after the two personalities discontinue connecting.

The side plots of Joe attempting to find his birth family and Harry’s struggle to gain acceptance from his family were underdeveloped in favor of Harry’s ex-boyfriend Kieran. Even then, I feel like Kieran and Harry were underdeveloped as I felt that they kept talking about how Joe was insecure about Harry’s past relationship, but it’s never fully explored about why this relationship was hard to give up for Harry and also why Kieran was always around. It’s mentioned here and there to where some readers may be satisfied with what’s on the page, but I just felt like it could’ve been explored even more to make the reader understand the struggle that Joe and Harry faced to be together.

Overall, this story was a quick and easy read. There were many enjoyable bits, but sadly it just wasn’t for me. There was a lot of potential in this novel and I encourage any reader to give this book a try as there are tons of mixed reviews so who knows where you will live on the spectrum. Even though, I had my issues with the novel, I would still give this author many more chances and will try out any other books they have!

**Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this novel. Opinions expressed in this honest review are completely my own.**

very nice simple romance, was not too upset with any of the content and enjoyed myself would recommend this for romance fans

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy of this book. The review I'm leaving is being done voluntarily and contains my own thoughts, views, and personal opinions.

I wavered a bit with my star rating on this novel, as there were bits I loved and bits I cringed over. I settled on a 3.5 and am rounding up.

So... where to begin. I think I'll start with the areas that didn't work, just to get them over with. Firstly, Joe was a painfully childish character. I get where the author was trying for humor, but in many places, I had that cringey feeling where you feel sorry and uncomfortable for someone because they're trying too hard and really just making a fool of themselves. That happened more often than I'm willing to admit. In fact, quite a bit of the humor in this gave me that queasy feeling of being embarrassed for the character (and the author).

Then there was the flashbacks/time hopping. I get where the author was going with it, and it KIND of worked, but really it just irritated me. I can't stand when I'm reading a book and it's written like a movie. Yes, in movies, time hops like that work as a story telling tool. But books are a different medium that require a different and personalized approach.

Now, to discuss what did work for me, which was mostly everything else. I loved the side characters the most. While they did have their own moments of cringe, they were mostly delightful and unique and fun. I also found the storyline to be delightful and just fresh enough to keep me turning the page despite frustrations that might've ended my read had the rest of the book not been so wonderful.

It's a real thing when a reader says, "It's not you, it's me." Honestly, not every read is for everyone, and what one person might fawn all over, another might spend hours finding new ways to throw it under the bus. I think this book definitely came out the end as more positive than negative for me, but it might be something others will love beyond measure. So, I encourage you to give it a shot if it seems even remotely likely to be something you'd enjoy!

I picked this title because I am always on the for good LGBTQ stories. The cover was cute, the plot sounded fun. I was disappointed. I loved this book. I had actual tears in my eyes. I laughed so hard. So so so so Good. Then I got the end (which I was sad to see come) and I realized it was a Riptide Publishing book and was like ding ding ding. Of course this is fantastic M/M romance cause I have loved every Riptide book I have ever read and this one makes my 16th Riptide title. Check this book out and check out the publisher too. You will not regret it.

This was a little confusing when I didn't realize it was going to be back and forth so much, from present to past, etc.
However, all that being said, well written book. I liked that we got to see the character's relationship develop from basically hatred, to tolerate, to loving each other. We saw years with them, as well as funny and heart-breaking moments.
Very enjoyable read.

This was hilarious. I love the aspect of opposites marrying. It's a beautiful depiction of love between two people, and I love that it's literature representing LGBTQ couples and showing they are like anyone. It's a fun and sexy read.

I loved this book! I have to say I wasn’t too sure based on the premise of the story. This was a cute love story about Joe and Harry who are complete opposites. From the flashbacks presented throughout the book we see them first meet, to their first date, the funny wedding proposal, and to finally their wedding day. The author keeps you guessing on what will happened in the end. I found myself laughing throughout the whole book. Joe’s friends provided a lot of humor. I loved his friends. This was definitely a sweet, funny, and enjoyable love story.

I received an ARC from Riptide Publishing and Netgalley in exchange for my honest review. Thank you for my copy!!

I really loved the premise of this book and the cover and I loved reading about Joe and Harry's complicated relationship. I was really rooting for them to be happy. However, the time jump back in and forth and then up until their wedding day was not executed well by this author and it was irritating to the story. Joe is a mess and Harry is the sensible one but their opposites attract , it is everything around them driving them apart.

This story had so much going for it and it was very funny in some parts plus I loved their story. I just couldn't get beyond the jumping around so much in the storyline. I don't mind storylines that change but this was just bothersome AF.

Still worth the read if you can focus on Joe and Harry and not the timeline. Thanks to Netgalley, Marina For and Riptide Publishing for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Available: 3/20/20

•*´¨)✯ ¸.•*¨)
✮ (¸.•´The making of Joe & Harry...

"It was meant to be a one-night stand, not 'I do.'"

Jesus take the wheel. This was the most chaotic, over the top, can you believe that happened? book I have ever read and I want to thank the author for the most laughter in one sitting. Joe and Harry's story was a hoot and one that will have me exploring again when I want to exact this feeling.

It was all over the place, encompassing their relationship out of order and coming to the end with a happy ending. Joe and Harry's story is for anyone who has experienced a mishmash of emotions and uncertainty about being with someone and finally getting it right.

There were exes, break ups and make ups. There were other people whose stories entwined with theirs. Parents who were NOT the prime examples and friends whom, though you had to love, were just downright exhausting.

This may not be a book for everyone, but if you love over the top and HEA, one click and enjoy the confusion. This is one of those things that make you go, hmmm, books.

I voluntarily and honestly reviewed this book without bias or persuasion from the author through Netgalley.

Thank you NetGalley, Riptide Publishing and Marina Ford for gifting me an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion! All opinions are mine.
Joe Kaminski is an easy going artist living in London just landed a new job at P&B Designs. He struggles to find his place within in the high profile company while staying true to his laid back lifestyle. Harry Byrne is a man of planning and structure, but after ending a seven year relationship, he's finding himself on unstable ground. The chemistry is instant, but the two men couldn't be less alike. Flash forward five years and they are engaged and closing in on their wedding day quickly.
This one sounded super fun, but it just didn't quite hit the mark for me. I think Joe could've really shined in this story, but his personality was just over the line of annoying. I just really couldn't feel the spark between him and Harry, it didn't feel believable to me. Time jumps are hard to get right and I found them to just clutter the storyline here instead of help.

This is a cute male-male romance novel that has multiple timelines involved.

The times lines help you to understand what happened five years before they got married, five months before they go married, a few weeks before they got married, and on their wedding day. With the book starting off on their wedding day you always assume that they will actually be getting married but this writer is able to create that doubt with the jumping timeline. I will say that at some points I was annoyed because I wanted to stay in that timeline to figure out what happened. Or it would take me a few lines to remember where the timeline stopped in the previous chapter to understand what was going on. Regardless, overall this book was great! It not only talked about their romance, it also highlights a heterosexual couples romance which was a rollercoaster. Marina Ford also comments on how to deal with parents who may not be accepting of their children's sexual orientation.

This was a great book and I look forward to reading more from this author.

I liked this but I didn't love it. I felt parts were rushed and overall the story didn't flow well. There was definitely a lack of romance in this and i felt that keenly throughout.

Marry Him caught my eye with its cute, simple cover and the promise of a romantic comedy. I love opposites attract romances and the start of Marry Him felt like it was going to be a cute, fun ride filled with some silly bobbles. While I definitely got a lot of that, Marry Him ended up being a bit of a mixed bag for me.

It honestly felt as though the author tried too hard to make this into a comedy of errors rather than let the silly misadventures and missteps provide a more balanced humor. Additionally, the timeline shifting back and forth created a less cohesive storyline and kept me from really getting to watch these two come together, fall in love, and then move toward their happily ever after. I’m not usually one that gets stuck on these details, but I think this aspect combined with the uncertainty regarding Harry’s actions leading up to the big day, and the random occurrences that disrupted the couple’s plans made things much more chaotic than they needed to be. All that said, I did like these two together. I loved that Harry saw all the good in Joe, looking over the silliness that he and his friends often got into and embracing the person beneath all the misadventures. And while some of the stylistic choices didn’t work well for me, the overall style and character development was solid. I think fans of misadventures and silly comedic moments might enjoy Marry Him and all the craziness that leads up to Harry and Joe’s big day.

My initial response when I finished Marry Him: “Well, that was frustrating, but fun nonetheless. I think I need a break from angsty, miscommunication reads for a little while though….” Believe it or not, I (almost) stuck to that promise 😉

As frustrating as watching all the missteps (mainly by Joe) that happened along the way to their HEA, it was a fun trip. I know some readers were equally frustrated by the fact that much of the story went back and forth between the past and present. It may have been easier to just tell the story chronologically, but since the story took place during a 5 year span, for me, that approach kept things interesting. Just be forewarned…

On paper, Harry and Joe would be labeled the least likely couple to work, but they really complimented each other… eventually. The humor is what drove this story for me. The supporting characters were great, but not always helpful. More often than not, they added to the chaos. A lot of this couple’s problems would have been resolved with just a little bit of communication.

This was my first Marina Ford book, but I seriously doubt it will be my last.

Did I request this title solely because it promised a gay romance with a wedding according to the cover? Yes.
Was I disappointed even though it kind of delivered? Also yes.
I don't know, this book just was a miss for me. The characters felt incredibly flat and sometimes I wouldn't be able to distinguish between Joe and Harry because there was nothing that truly put them apart in my mind? Their voices 'read' the same in my head, their characteristics were only told and never actually shown.
The humor wasn't my cup of tea, either, it mostly felt immature or too forced, as if I could tell when the author wanted the reader to laugh, it just felt calculated.
There were also a bunch of secondary characters and the funny thing is that some of them were more fleshed out than the protagonists so that irked me a bit.
However, humor is incredibly subjective so this could very well just be a it's me not you type of situation.

This book was a total miss for me. I had multiple issues with it.

First off the time jumps did not work here. It goes back and forth from 5 years previously to the last few months before the wedding. Some authors can pull time jumps off but this one was disruptive to the story imo. We never get to see Joe and Harry's relationship develop. It's so back and forth I never felt any emotional attachment to them and never felt them falling for each other. It was also confusing in place. Worse yet, it kept breaking up the flow of the story. I'd just be getting in to the early days of their relationship and then it would time jump again.

I didn't like Joe at all. I thought he was immature and ridiculous and all of the things I was supposed to find funny annoyed the crap out of me. There were all these mishaps and things that happened that were supposed to make this a comedy (I think) but I didn't find one thing funny. I was rolling my eyes and then by 50% or so I started skimming cuz I just wanted this to be over.

Harry was ok but we don't get a real sense of him. There were a host of side characters.....many ulikable.....and we spend too much time with some of them. I cared even less for Joe's friend's relationship drama than I did for Joe and Harry's.

Unfortunately this was really not good for me. I'm not rating it lower, even though I disliked it immensely, because the writing and editing were fine. There are some good reviews out there so you should check those out. Maybe this is just me.

Story of two guys falling in love amongst all the odds and getting married. One carefree guy vs one organized planner. The romance quotient or the chemistry between them was insufficient. The carefree guy was way too childish at times. That seemed to be intentional. The story is told in two different timelines. One current day, wedding day and the other five years ago. Switching between timelines made it difficult for me to follow the story.