Review: The Wedding Shake-Up - J.J. Knight

I was lucky enough to receive this book as an ARC.

This is book 2 of the Wedding Meet Cute Series.

A destination wedding on La Jarra Island for Tillie James’s sister has its drawbacks: hair-wrecking ocean spray and pincher crabs. And its perks: sexy, hotheaded beachfront bartender Gabe Landers, who brings out the competitive streak in fellow drinkslinger Tillie. When the rivals get together for a cocktail-making challenge, the blend is pure bliss, leaving them shaken and stirred. The spirited blue-eyed tourist from Georgia makes Gabe’s head spin faster than his signature drink, the mermaid sunrise. But he’s determined not to obsess—out-of-towner love stories never last. Tillie agrees. They’ll just enjoy each other for now and make a clean break. No strings. No attachments. No chance. But when Tillie’s kiss goodbye comes with an invitation for Gabe to visit Atlanta, he can’t resist. As fate has it, it’s home to a heartbreaking piece of his own past. As Tillie and Gabe face new challenges, destiny could tear them apart…or turn an intoxicating romance on the rocks into more than they ever expected.

Enemies to Lovers

I could not put this book down!! I loved the angst and tension between the characters!

I really loved Gabe and Tillie’s characters!! I loved how well these characters worked together and the atmosphere they created at the bar together!

I definitely recommend this book!!

Rating: 4 / 5⭐️’s

This is a fun, entertaining, good read. Gabe and Tillie are interesting, captivating, relatable characters. I enjoyed this story, the romance and the character building that went into it. Both Gabe and Tillie have interesting childhoods that sculpted them into who they are. I enjoyed the various secondary characters and they added to the fabric of the story. This story is a good beach read but also a good read any time you want a vacation.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Romance and swanky panky cocktails on the beach🍸🌅🍹

3.5-4🌟stars
The romance between bartenders here was good and the opening chapter was chaotic and fun. I liked the bonding fun-in-the-sun activities and the dilemma brought on by American tourist Tillie and islander Gabe's separate responsibilities in different countries that put an expiration date on their relationship from the get-go. The author included a spark of realism by outlining the work permit and residence complications of moving to a foreign country. It kept the suspense going through to the climax as I wondered how they could find a solution that didn't leave anyone, especially Tillie's sister Lily and baby Rose, out in the cold.

There's a lot of content focusing on bar culture and mixing drinks, something that does not interest me. But both MCs make their living from bartending so all of the discussion of liquor and cocktail ingredients made sense.

Tillie and Gabe had challenging family backgrounds that played well in gaining my sympathy, especially for Tilly and her sisters. I liked this story's characters, the general direction of the plot and the romance. But I thought the story after the climax was drawn out unnecessarily with a holiday scene that had limited relevance.

Thanks to Montlake and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.

I found this novel similar to others I have read. There wasn't anything too special about it sadly. Just couldn't get into it.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book! I devoured it in a few hours.

I have a love-hate relationship with fast-paced novels, mainly because the couples often fall deeply in love within a very short period of time. However, with this book, even if that were the case, I didn't have an issue with it because it was so well-written. Not only are the main characters lovable but also the side characters. Tillie and Gabe knew what they were getting into and what needed to be done at the end of their two-week love affair. They communicated with each other very effectively in order to reach a desirable outcome.

Although The Wedding Shake-up can be read as a stand-alone, I recommend reading the first book to get to know Tillie better.

This is the first book by this author that I have read. I find her writing style appealing, and her stories are attention-grabbing. I will definitely read more books by this author.

I wish I could've given this book a higher rating, but it just didn't do it for me. To me, the book was light-hearted...but also really heavy. The romance felt like it came out of literal left field, and was hot and heavy from that point on. We never really see their romance blossom past the camaraderie they have behind the bar, and their sexual attraction. I wanted so much more.

I had three main issues with this story. One of them was how angsty it felt. Both of our main characters, Gabe and Tillie, supposedly go into this "fling" knowing that it will only last as long as she is on the island, but almost immediately they get super into their feelings and are emotional about it not lasting. I would expect this behavior from teenagers, not a business owner and a couple who are both in their late twenties.

Another issue I had was this supposed "sisterly bond". For someone who talk about how much she cares for her sisters, Tillie sure did not spend much time with Lila once she discovered Gabe. Additionally, the way her sisters reacted when they found out about Tillie's relationship with Gabe was out of pocket, and I was absolutely shocked by their behavior. I'm also not clear on how it was fair that Lila was okay with Ensley getting married and moving to ALABAMA, but not okay with Tillie also finding happiness was ridiculous. All three of them acted like petulant children. It bothered me, also, at the end of the story that Gabe's bio Mom - who he wasn't sure how he felt about - is there for their engagement, but not any of Tillie's sisters or her brother. What gives?

The final issue I had with this story relates to Gabe going to Atlanta to find his biological Mom. To be clear, as someone who was technically adopted, I think that everyone is allowed to feel what they feel. There is no right or wrong way to feel, and you are not required to like your biological parents or want anything to do with them. HOWEVER, with that being said, I think it is absolutely ridiculous and overdone to place all blame solely on the mother. I get being angry towards her and feeling all the emotions - but your biological dad is equally to blame, and yet he seemed to get off scott free. We also hear - repeatedly - in the story about Tillie's Dad and how he is basically a shell...but nothing more ever really comes from that point.

I just wanted so much more from this story. Maybe if there had been any indication anywhere on NetGalley that this was the second in a series, I would have been able to read the first and relate more to the second. As that was not the case, my review is what it is.

Thank you to Montlake Publishing and NetGalley for giving me the chance to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

In a breathtaking island paradise, it’s easy for a handsome local and a sexy tourist to get swept away in a tart and tempting romance by a USA Today bestselling author.

A destination wedding on La Jarra Island for Tillie James’s sister has its drawbacks: hair-wrecking ocean spray and pincher crabs. And its perks: sexy, hotheaded beachfront bartender Gabe Landers, who brings out the competitive streak in fellow drinkslinger Tillie. When the rivals get together for a cocktail-making challenge, the blend is pure bliss, leaving them shaken and stirred.

The spirited blue-eyed tourist from Georgia makes Gabe’s head spin faster than his signature drink, the mermaid sunrise. But he’s determined not to obsess—out-of-towner love stories never last. Tillie agrees. They’ll just enjoy each other for now and make a clean break. No strings. No attachments. No chance. But when Tillie’s kiss goodbye comes with an invitation for Gabe to visit Atlanta, he can’t resist. As fate has it, it’s home to a heartbreaking piece of his own past.

As Tillie and Gabe face new challenges, destiny could tear them apart…or turn an intoxicating romance on the rocks into more than they ever expected.

Loved it from the start. Will recommend to others

this was just such a fun and delightful read! i really liked this and it was so much fun!! if you're into this type of book, you should definitely check this one out!!!!

Adorable story! I thoroughly enjoyed this island story with a bit of competition and loads of chemistry. I will be patiently waiting for more! Tilly and Gabe engaged in a fling as part of her vacation while keeping up all the wonderful banter that underlined their connection. As a bonus, it makes the reader think about how fun it would be to go on an island holiday. I recommend this story and the earlier work in the series!

Tillie James finds herself for two weeks in La Jarra Island for her sister Ensley's wedding to Drew, courtesy of Drew. While most of the island is pure bliss, well maybe except for the land crabs, Tillie finds herself drawn to Gabe Landers, the local bartender on the beach. Since they are both bartenders, the end up being squared off against each other in a Booze Brawl. Of course this just keeps the chemistry sizzling between these two until they finally give in and decide to have a short time fling. Tillie finds herself pulled between her feelings for Gabe that are getting stronger, and her duty to help out her sister Lila with her young daughter Rosie. After the upbringing that the James' family had, Tillie knows she has to go back to Atlanta to help out Lila. Still doesn't make their goodbye any easier. Tillie tells Gabe to come to Atlanta, GA to visit but something in his past is causing him to not want to do that. When Tillie is gone for only 2 days, Gabe rethinks his plans and ends up going to Atlanta. While everything with Tillie is just perfect, Gabe knows he needs to confront his past if he wants any chance of happiness with Tillie. After Gabe returns to La Jarra a hurricane hits the island and this causes Tillie and Lila to rethink their whole lives. Once decisions are made, Tillie finds the happy ever after she has always longed for.

I just adored this steamy, quick affair that turned into forever. Gabe and Tillie together where a hoot. I loved their banter back and forth. Both of these two had so many things in common it was easy to see how they were so drawn to one another. I loved how together they were able to confront their pasts and move on to happier times.

I ended up reading this book first which is the second book before the first book in the series. I found myself connecting with this story more for many reasons. First, the two main characters are easy and though they appear to take things seriously they don’t take themselves that way. They look out for other people and I could relate to Gabe being adopted and looking for his birth mom, since that is me, his experience was different than mine. Overall I just liked everything about this book from the different characters to the contest of making drinks Everything was a good story and worth the read.

This is a wonderful holiday romance with all the feels! I loved Tillie and Gabe’s story.
I straight away felt the connection to Tillie and her sisters, they’ve had a lot going on in their lives and deserve to find their individual happiness.
Tillie is a carefree fun person, weighed down by life’s responsibilities, She doesn’t expect a lot, but wouldn’t it be nice to do something for herself, live a little!
Gabe is happy living on the island, running his bar and being around the people who make him complete.
This is a story of hope, of believing and of family. The storyline flows, is relatable and takes the reader to a relaxed place where you can dream!
A must read, don’t miss this gem!

Thanks so much to Montlake, NetGalley and the talented author for the opportunity to read this special book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The Wedding Shake-Up is the second in a series of wedding meet cute. Imagine a destination wedding and your sister is getting married. Tille is the sister of the bride, and the wedding is about to take a crabby turn. When crabs find their way to the beach ceremony and Tillie tries to stomp and shoe them away a very large growly man swoops in to safe the crabs and the day. Gabe is a local businessman, and he has just spied a very crazy gal trying to injure his native wildlife. This is the beginning of a crazy whirlwind adventure with this couple. It is sweet, sassy, funny and cute with a nice dose of mystery inserted!
~~Michele McMullen~~

"The local and the Georgia hottie drinkslinger. I like it."

On vacation during her sister's wedding, Tillie James ends up meeting Gabe Landers and after the wedding, they end up in a bartending competition. And when their competition sparks feelings, what was supposed to be a two-week fling, turns out to be way more than they both thought.

My first book by JJ Knight, and it didn't disappoint. This is one of those books that you want to read again for the first time.

Their story sucks you in from the first interaction with crabs to the very last moments written. I enjoyed reading their relationship, and seeing them play off each other.

Note: This is the 2nd in the Wedding Meet-Cute series, but the first is not needed to be read, to understand The Wedding Shake-up.

"Some things you always remember, even when there is no evidence the moment happened."

Omg! This is the perfect fantasy representation of what every girl wants for a vacation romance. This book is adorable. It’s very well written and the characters are sublime. What starts out as the eldest sisters wedding on a tropical island turns into a vacation whirlwind romance. This book has everything. A little grumpy sunshine, a tight knit family healing from traumas they’ve been subjected to since their youth, and a wild crew of islanders who know how to have a good time and make a girl blush. Such a fun read and it’ll suck you in from the very first page. The pace is perfect and the plot is great, the characters are relatable and it’s just fun overall.

(3.5 Stars) This is the second in the Wedding Meet Cute series. Ensley and Drew, from The Wedding Confession (June 2023) are having their wedding on La Jarra Island. While there Tillie James, sister of the bride, meets bartender Gabe Landers. Tillie also is a bartender at home in Georgia. As sparks fly between them they enjoy a cocktail making challenge. And when they are not making drinks they are enjoying the island setting and each other.

I like that Tillie and Gabe know going into this it is an island fling. They are confident in themselves and their passion. A big chunk of the first half of the book is them mixing drinks and the competition. It is a way for them to challenge each other, flirt and get to know each other better. Gabe prolongs their goodbye by coming to Georgia to face some personal issues. That time is only glazed over and i didn’t see it as growing the relationship. I was also disappointed in the sister story. A big part of the history of the sisters is they take care of each one another. But Tillie only does a few things while on the island with her sister Lila and niece Rosie. And they don’t seem to talk and share confidences much.

I enjoyed the story but I think I wanted something that make me melt either in the sisterhood or romance department. I do care enough to look forward to Lili’s romance. Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for the ARC and I am leaving a voluntary review.

I’m all about rom coms! I probably should have read the first book but when I requested this on NetGalley, I didn’t fully realize this was a second in a series. Either way, without reading the first book, I still enjoyed it.

The banter between tillie and gabe is cute. They kind of move fast paced BUT who doesn’t want to do that when you’re in paradise? Because if I was younger and single, YES PLEASE!

Long story short without giving spoilers, I thought it was worth the read!

Very cute read! I am now starting to use "subtle as a rainbow unicorn farting cotton candy." That is my most favorite line of the whole book. I didn't know it was 2nd in a series. I'm hoping to snag book#1 soon.

3.75 stars

I've been lucky enough to get approved for an ARC of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review of the book.

I have to admit I wasn't quite as swept away with this couple as I was the previous however J.J Knight has such an easy way of writing.

This was the perfect holiday book to read in the sunshine and I enjoyed the steadiness of the book through out.

Definitely praying there's a 3rd book to finish off these 3 sisters stories

I grinned my way through the first chapter of this one and progressed to laughing out loud for much of the story. In between the times I was swooning, choked up, and blushing from the steamy scenes, of course. I really liked the first book in this series, but I completely adored everything about Tillie and Gabe's romance.

Tillie is the youngest of four siblings and visiting La Jarra Island for her sister Ensley's destination wedding to Drew, from Wedding Confession. It's a beautiful tropical island, complete with crabs that seem determined to interrupt the nuptials. The bartender from the beachside bar sweeps in rescuing the crabs, and muttering something about “tourists.”

Next thing we know, Tillie James and Gabe Landers are trading barbs and trash talking, and somehow find themselves in a competition where they both flex their bartending skills. But soon their competitive nature’s are mixing together making the most beautiful, um, drinks, and a two-week vacation isn’t nearly long enough.

This is one of those books I wish I could read again for the first time, and make it last forever. It felt like my own island vacation and reminded me of some great times I had on my own trips in the Caribbean. And Gabe’s friends, especially Mendo, added so much color and charm that they felt like long-lost friends.

While the pace is quick and the words economical, the descriptive setting came alive as these characters took me on a roller coaster of feelings. I love everything about this, and it's my new favorite of the series. Quirky, charming, funny, and heartfelt, this is the perfect summer read. You absolutely won’t want to miss this fun, phenomenal romcom!