Congratulations to Lauren for pulling off this beautiful book and a huge thank you for sending me the ARC to review.

My rating: 3.5⭐
What you can expect:
- Best friends to lovers
- Italian-American FMC
- Doctor MMC and he takes care of her
- LGTBI representation
- Dad jokes
- Italian food (TONS OF IT)
- Big city setting
- Mutual pining and denial
- Slow burn
- Spice and open doors scenes

My review:
This started out slow but once it picked up, it sure delivered what we were promised.
Sister of the Bride is a cute and fun romcom with a bit of toe-curling spice after the most delicious sexual tension between two best friends. I could definitely see this book being adapted to the big screen and I would be first in line to watch it.

Swoony MMC? Check. Mouth-watering Italian food? Check. A wedding to plan in 4 months and lots of comedy in the ridiculous form of dad jokes? Check and check.

The only reason I'm not giving it four stars is because Pippin, our FMC, felt a bit too selfish and self-centered at times and I couldn't stand to the way she was reacting and treating her family.

Sure, she had her reasons, but instead of coming across as relatable and likeable, I got the sense that sometimes she was just searching to be the victim.
(Kind reminder that this is my personal opinion and that it's okay to disagree with some of the choices and still like the book.)

Regarding Lauren's writing style, I can only offer praise. She's witty, funny, and though the pacing felt a bit slow at the beginning, it wasn't something that prevented me from enjoying the amazingly curated depiction of Italian-American culture and the lovely friendships built between Toby and Pippin.

The first book that I have read from the author and I loved it.
It's a friends-to-lovers trope which is one of my favs
Pippin and Toby are best friends. They became friends a long time ago when they were just kids. Now they went to college and have careers.
Toby's career is medical while Pippin is a chef at her father's dream restaurant
So many things are changing in Pippin's life to use we see that there is a better future for her but to her (and if you were going through all this you would def feel like her and be freaking out).
Tody went away to California for 8 years so college but he has decided to come back to Pippin their hometown for a few reasons. Oh, and he is single now.
Pippin is single again also, she can't seem to find the right guy or at least a guy that doesn't do something to bother/annoy her. She is kinda picky I guess you can say but that's really not all of it and she just doesn't realize it.

This book was a tiny bit slow in the beginning but it was setting the stage and it did a great job, we got some good background if. But more will also come later in the book.
I really loved this book, It felt like something that could happen in real life (not like a crazy scenario like some books have in it) and you just have to keep reading to see what happens next. Then you realize you can't stop til the end, and are sad it's the end.
The chemistry was amazing and it only got stronger and hotter.
I loved the secondary characters in this book as well, they all played such great parts in this book and made the whole story better. It's not too often that you really find that in many books. In my opinion, every character had an important role.
There were also soooo many Laugh out Laugh parts and that is always amazing in a book, plus the corny "dad" jokes were a great touch and showed you more about Toby's personality. Oh boy does he have a different side that he shows to Pippin as well.

I have read a few great reads recently and it makes me sooo happy this is another one that's a must-read if you love Rom-Com books and friends to lovers. :)

I would like to thank the publisher and NetGalley for the chance to read this (book) ARC. I am sooo happy to have read it. The above opinions/review is my own, honest and voluntary.

I love Father of the Bride, but this was not what I expected.

Thank you NetGalley and Yellow House for the ARC.

Pippin Marino helps her mom & grandmother run their family restaurant - it’s all that she has ever known. So when her twin sister, Polly, announces her engagement and her mom announces that they are selling the restaurant, Pippin feels like she’s losing everything in her life that is comforting. Even worse, she kisses her best friend Toby and doesn’t know if she can come to terms with how she truly feels about him or take the risk to find out how he feels about her.

Overall, I would give this a solid 3.5 stars. It was a cute book that started off a little slow and felt draggy. It picked up about the 50% mark and then was hard to put down.

I enjoyed the chemistry between the characters - I love Toby’s character most of all. I loved that he was always texting her bad dad jokes because it was clear that was his love language. I enjoyed the growth of the characters and the development.

Thank you so much to the author and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review. I will definitely be on the lookout for future books by Lauren Morril.

There isn’t much going right for Pippin at the moment. She recently broke up with her boyfriend. Her sister Polly returned from Europe with a fiancé no one has met, and she wants Pippin to help plan their wedding. Her mother is selling the family business that Pippin runs and is attached to where she lives, meaning she will be without a job and a place to live in a few short months. The only constant in her life is her best friend Toby, who has returned to finish his residency in their hometown. The more Pippin and Toby spend time together, the more her feelings for him develop, and she doesn’t know how to handle them. Should she remain just friends with the man she’s known her entire life, or is she willing to risk even more change for a chance at love?

I have been looking forward to reading this author’s adult romance debut since it was first announced. The cover is also by a favorite illustrator of mine, and it is perfection. Unfortunately, the writing style and overall story didn’t connect with me. I felt this wasn’t so much a romance as it was a story of two sisters, their changing relationship, and how they handled their father’s death. Admittedly, I don’t handle change well, but Pippin’s reaction to every change thrown her way was a lot. I would still recommend this to anyone who enjoyed the author’s previous YA books or if you are looking for a sweet fiends-to-lovers rom-com.

Thank you to Yellow House Media, NetGalley, and author Lauren Morrill for an eARC of Sister of the Bride in exchange for my honest opinion.

2⭐️

I want to start off by saying thank you to NetGalley and Yellow House Media for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. I did not enjoy this. I am all for a good slow burn, however, I feel like this was far too slow. There was so much inner dialogue, and not enough scenes of Pippin and Toby together. We were told a lot, but not shown a lot. We were told how great of friends they are. We didn’t get to see a lot of their personal connection, in my opinion. I felt like this book focused more on Pippin and Polly’s relationship with their mom and trying to reconcile their dad’s death. This just was not for me.

I really wanted to love this book since the plot was so cute and I was excited for a friends to lovers story. I wanted pining and tension, and I didn't really get that until about 70% through the book.

The beginning seemed a bit boring, like I didn't really care much about her family and her relationship with her sister. I also found the main character a bit annoying, especially how she initially reacted to her sister's wedding and her mom selling the restaurant. Not to mention freaking out on Toby and leaving him hanging. It seems like a lot of the issues could have been handled by just communicating.

The steam was probably the best part about this book and Toby was a sweetheart.

This is a single POV rom-com of childhood friends to lovers, Pippin and Toby. Pippin is determined that with everything changing in her life (her twin is getting married and the family restaurant/home is being sold) she’s going to hang on to the one thing that never changes- her friendship with Toby. Her thoughts, hormones, and Toby’s gentle persistence have a thing or two to say about that!

Things I enjoyed:
✔️ friends to lovers
✔️ slow(ish) burn

Thank you to @netgalley , Yellow House Media and @laurenmorrill for a chance to read this delightfully fun romance!

📖 I received a gifted e-book copy in exchange for an honest review ✍🏻

Read dates: 08/06/2023- 08/08/2023
Goodreads review posted: 08/08/2023
Instagram review posted: 08/09/2023

I have the distinct pleasure of knowing Lauren in real life but if I didn't already know her, I'd want to be her best friend after reading this book. The way she writes dialogue and her characters' thoughts is seriously next level. Some choice words I highlighted were "stretchitude", "Kool-Aid man my way through it", and "unfgh". My kindle is literally FULL of highlights from this book. And the dad jokes... oh the DAD JOKES.

You want a wedding book? You want a friends to lovers romance? You want a book that will make you crave bolognese and cannoli? This is IT. But more than that, you'll be bursting at the seams for Pippin and Toby to *fiiiiiiinally* get together. It's sizzling with sexual tension throughout that left me screaming "JUST KISS ALREADY!" while my partner was sleeping next to me. But they're playing the long game and it's what's necessary to get these characters to risk a long-term friendship. (But when it fucks, it fuuuuucks).

There's no way that this book won't get snatched up by a Big 5 publisher in the next few years. I want to eat at Marino's, go to therapy with Dr Nora, and finally force Mackenzie to watch When Harry Met Sally. Be ready for this book to become your personality.

*Thank you to Lauren Morrill and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review*

I really enjoyed this book! It was my first experience with this author and I was pleasantly surprised. I loved the touches of pop culture, but it’s really the characters that make the book. I fell in love with Pippin and Toby and the supporting characters were just as lovely! I look forward to further books from this author and really think there’s room for further books as a series with these characters!

I absolutely loved this book. It such a good friends to lovers with well developed characters. The pace was nice as well, I absolutely recommend!

In this retake on Father of the Bride, Pippin Marino is not good with change. When her twin sister returns from England with a fiancé and asks Pippin to plan the wedding and then her mom announces she wants to sell the 100 year old family restaurant that Pippin has been running since her father's death, she begins to panic. The only bright spot for Pippin is that her best friend Toby Sullivan is finally moving home to Boston, until one kiss changes everything.

I am a huge fan of the Father of the Bride movies. When I read that this book was a retake on it, I was intrigued. My hopes for the story were high and I was thrilled by the way Lauren Morrill wrote the story. The changes she made to the story both updated it and helped it feel restored. The homages she included to her source material were just enough for fans of the movies to notice, but not too much that it would take away from the story. My personal favorite was that Pippin's sister, Polly, was engaged to a woman named Mackenzie Bryan instead of a man named Bryan Mackenzie.

As a rom-com story, I loved the way Morrill took familiar and well-loved tropes and made them feel fresh again. Pippin and Toby are very clearly a friends-to-lovers relationship, but Morrill made their friendship feel so grounded in reality that when Pippin realized she was in love with Toby, it didn't feel forced. It felt like a completely natural change to their relationship. Morrill took an opportunity to use a miscommunication trope (which I absolutely hate) and made it into a way to show Pippin's character development instead.

Overall, I loved this book. I loved the retake on Father of the Bride and I really loved the way Morrill took these characters and made them feel so real. I'm looking forward to finding more of her work to read.

I loved this book! Lauren’s writing style is so breezy and fun. I found my reading head voice taking on a happy lilt. The dad jokes at the top of each chapter were groan worthy but really made you see the kind of friendship they had. I really felt for Pippin and all the changes that were happening at once. I was frustrated with her second and third guessing her thoughts on changing from friends to lovers and how their friendship might change. Toby was such a sweet guy there was no way that would’ve happened! Once she got past that things just seemed to evolve into a beautiful relationship. Great story! I loved the writing style when reading this it just puts you in a good mood!

This is such a simple story but I loved it so much.

Pippin and Toby have been best friends most of their lives. That is until Pippin's sister asks her about dating Toby since he's moved back to their neighborhood. Pippin laughs it off until ... wait, does she have feelings for Toby? Nah, she couldn't. Or could she??

Toby moves back across the country and quickly reconnects with his best friend, Pippin. Their friendship is exactly what you'd want and expect it to be, and more. I truly loved their friendship dynamic, bad dad jokes and all.

The family dynamic for Pippin & Polly is really heartwarming. There's so much love, trust and support. Toby fits right into the chemistry as well, the kind of friendship we all hope for.

The author wrote a doozy of a scene in the bridal shop when Pippin is trying on her dress for her identical twins upcoming wedding. I think I held my breath, it was SO GOOD!!!

Overall, this was a wonderful rom-com book that I would definitely recommend.

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book.

This book had some enjoyable moments, and it was a fairly easy read. If you like friends to lovers, dad jokes, family business, and close family dynamics. This book might be for you. And I do really believe that this book might be good for someone else.

To me, the main character was rude, immature, and annoying. It got a little bit better throughout the book, but not a lot. She was going through a lot, and I'm not sure I would have handled it any better, and I get that, but it took too much place.

There were a lot of things mentioned in this book, but some of it we never got to know more about. This was also supposed to be a romance, but we barely had any interaction between the future couple until over 50%. And it wasn't that much more after that. I wanted more romance and more interactions between them.

This book really had the potential, but for me, the execution wasn't there.

2,5⭐️

Oh, my bookish heart is all aflutter with excitement for Lauren Morrill's romcom retake, "Father of the Bride"! This tale promises to whisk us away on a delectable journey filled with heart, humor, and the most delightful servings of lasagna.

Meet Pippin Marino, a heroine who isn't too keen on change, and boy, does she find herself dealing with a whirlwind of it! From her twin sister's return with a fiancé and a wedding to plan, to her mom's announcement about selling the cherished family restaurant, Pippin's world is certainly spinning with surprises.

But fear not, fellow bookworms, for there's a bright spot amidst the chaos - the return of Pippin's best friend, Toby Sullivan. Toby's offer to help with the wedding planning is like a delicious ray of sunshine on a summer day. Ah, the joy of best friends stepping into a romantic dance! I can already feel the butterflies fluttering in my own tummy.

Yet, as we eagerly turn the pages, one kiss takes center stage and shakes up Pippin's world. Change can be quite the tricky foe, can't it? Oh, how I'm anxiously awaiting to see how Pippin navigates this newfound romance and all the emotions it stirs within her.

And let's not forget the mouthwatering promise of heat and plenty to eat! I can practically taste the scrumptious lasagna with each page I read. Morrill's vivid descriptions are sure to transport us to a culinary wonderland that leaves our taste buds begging for more.

In sum, dear fellow book lovers, "Sister of the Bride" is the perfect recipe for a heartwarming and hilarious romcom feast. With delectable doses of humor, a sprinkle of romance, and a whole lot of emotions, this book is destined to become a cherished addition to our ever-growing bookish family. So, let's prepare our cozy reading nooks, brew a cup of tea, and get ready for a delectable adventure that will leave us longing for love and lasagna!

I really enjoyed this book! I was obsessed with Meant to Be when I was in high school, I probably read it 10 times. So when I saw this book I got so excited and was dying to get my hands on it. I enjoyed the story and characters a lot, I just wish it was longer. The story moved pretty fast for me but it felt too short almost. I have nothing negative about content- I really enjoyed the family dynamics and Pippin’s friendship with Toby. But, like I said, I just wish it was longer!

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing this eARC.
This story was absolutely cute and delightful. I really enjoyed reading it. I was unable to put it down. I could relate to Pippin's struggles and problems. And her relationship with Toby was just amazing and cute while also being extremely hot and spicy. I loved every part of the book. It's full of love, family and friendship. And maybe you just have to follow your heart.

a very sweet story of friends to lover's romance, I really enjoyed the book, read it in two afternoons. I will definitely look for more books by this author.

I was really excited for this book but I have unfortunately had to DNF it. I tried starting it again four separate times because the premise was really interesting. However, sadly, the writing of the book didn't do the premise justice. I tried very hard to get past it but it did not agree with me in the slightest.