Frothy fun. Seriously, there's a lot to love about frothy fun all on its own. I'm not going to criticize anyone for looking to read a plain ol' entertainment.

This book's got the frothy on top, and then a deep well of relationship fiction keeping it up. (So to speak.) The set-up...a prenuptial getaway together...is classic, and introduces the idea that there's something to get away from, which while it's shown as an external...life is always stressful...is really something intrinsic to the couple's couplehood.

That being, in this story, communication skills. Ray is someone who "shares" his entire life online and has used this as a substitute for communicating his deeper emotional reality. After all, he gets the positive reinforcement he needs so badly from his curated, online self's doings, so it's all good. His mom, a deeply indulgent parent who genuinely wants to support her ebullient son, encourages his extroversion without much examination. Then why does he choose older, deep-waters Kip as a partner, the savvy reader notes. Why indeed....

Kip, a buttoned-up young (forties) doctor with a certain kind of background, feels duty-bound to be the man his ancestral expectations lead him to be. The weight of Expectations is, I assume we all know by now, is untenably heavy to carry by yourself. But those expectations make Kip unwilling to ask Ray for badly needed help...it would be All Over The Internet, and what Kip does with Ray should be PRIVATE. (Read: Shame! Shame! Shame!) Kip is, though, loyal to his love, and his love is Ray. How far can Ray push his uncommunicative love before he suddenly, finally sees Ray's essential emptiness?

The stage is set.

What happens between these oddly assorted men at the glitzy resort (a setting that in one stroke assures the reader that shiny, pretty surfaces will be shattered yet the basic architecture will survive) is a very effective communication manual. I do not intend a knock or insult with this! The effectiveness of a story always depends on its logic. The logic of working through communication issues is universally compelling. No one I've ever known has not felt the need to communicate more effectively. These men, one ruled by fear of rejection, the other by shame, discover in their love the support each needs to confront their unique fear.

Because it's the same issue. At heart, "do you love me enough to be with me when I'm just myself?" is the one question every spouse must answer. The good news is, unlike a self-help book or a workbook, reading a novel where each of these two very relatable men answer this question with a resounding "yes, you silly oaf, I always HAVE!" is fun, not a chore. There's a moment in the story where an aperçu is delivered that I think should be part of anyone who's so much as considering the commitment's mental furniture: "The reality of a marriage is all the days that come after." The biggest success of this story is that I believed Ray in all his scattered glory really wanted Kip in all his weighty seriousness to know each of them was loved, accepted, and forgiven in advance for all the mistakes to come.

What fun to find in Nicolas DiDomizio a new gay-fiction writer whose work I want to go back and read, and follow from here on.

I really enjoyed this book - the concept of an earlymoon really hooked me and I loved seeing all of the different couples on their earlymoons alongside Ray and Kip, the two main characters.

Ray Bruno is an internet writer whose personal life is not off limits for his pieces, so much of his 20s can be found in the internet archives for all to see. But he got a serious writing job and has been more private about his love life since meeting Kip. Ray grew up wanting a picture perfect wedding and fairytale marriage, something his mom instilled in him, including wanting to spend an earlymoon at the resort in his hometown with his fiance. Dr. Kip Hayes is his fiance and is very much the opposite of Ray - he’s private, has no social media and would love to keep his personal life off of the internet completely. He’s older than Ray and doesn’t subscribe to the idea that he has to come out to everyone he knows despite embracing his sexual identity later in life. But he loves Ray and is willing to indulge him on a few things for their wedding, including the earlymoon.

While so much of this story is sweet and atmospheric with the seaside resort and happy couples on a trip together before they get married, I struggled a bit with the miscommunication and lack of communication between Ray and Kip at points. I wish they would have just talked things out and avoided a lot of the drama along the way. Overall, I had fun with this unique take on a romance novel and really love the idea of an earlymoon…I feel like this should be a thing!

This book was really good. I really enjoyed the characters and how the story was done. I will write more when I am not drowning on reviews.

Thanks @netgalley @sourcebookscasa and @nicdidomiziobooks for the chance to read an early copy of Nearly Wed. It released today (and you should pick it up ASAP).

Ray, an oversharing Internet writer and Kip, a buttoned-up doctor, spend an early honeymoon at the magical Earlymoon Hotel, the lux resort in Ray's hometown. But a surprise meeting with another couple where Kip pretends Ray is a golf buddy, makes Ray question how comfortable Kip is with being out. The trip brings up long-buried feelings about their pending nuptials, and might mean their relationship is over before the Big Day.

Nic writes with such humor and heart in this story. There were so many laugh-out-loud moments, but he balanced it perfectly with questions about identity and how we support each other in a relationship. I loved it!

Steam: 🔥🔥
Tropes: engagement in trouble, holiday

An interesting portrait of marriage. Reflecting on communication, the range of romantic relationships, and how messy being human feels.

#NetGalley #Nearlyweds

“And isn’t that the real beauty of allowing yourself to be seen?”

Ray and Kip’s story was a very interesting read. If I found the beginning of Nearly Wed very funny, the rest of the story gave me a lot to think about.
In appearance both characters couldn’t be more opposite. Kip is a brilliant and discreet doctor, 10 years older than Ray, his oversharing click-bait-writer insecure fiancé. Yet, as the story unfolds, we get to know them and learn that under the appearances, they could have more similarities than we thought.
However, these very fleshy characters aren’t even the most interesting in the novel. I adored the themes developed. How does it mean –and feel– to be openly yourself when you grew up in a society who didn’t even acknowledge your existence? What makes you valid? How do you deal with the buried shame and fears? Do you have to publicly show every single part of yourself? Who are we? Are we what we show, say, tell, hide, to others? Or are we how people perceive and shape us via their expectations? An answer to the stereotypes? If the main subject of the book is the adorable gay couple, all these questions made an echo to my neurodiverse mind about unmasking.
The reflection about marriage and how relationships stretch, change, and buried problems can surge again around the D-Day was another very interesting point.
If the HEA is guaranteed (it’s a romance!!), I loved that not every problem and character’s inner conflict were. Working on who we are, and to accept ourselves deeply is a life-long work, afterall.

Thank you NetGalley, Nicolas DiDomizio and Sourcebook Casablanca for this ARC. My opinions are my own.

Awwww this one grabbed me from the start and never let go. The pop culture references, the rapid fire millennial speak, the obsessive posting of oneself - it was all perfection.

Ray was a perfect MC - a serial monogamist who dreamt of a perfect wedding/marriage to rival what he saw from him parents. Does the groom matter? Maybe, maybe not? The thing that matters most is perfection in all the trappings of a glorious wedding - and the earlymoon of course. The early honeymoon his mother raved about and that his hometown resort is known for.

But from the moment he arrives for his - the earlymoon may spell early exit…between uncovering family truths and getting out of his own way - Ray has a lot to learn about real marriage.

I thought Nearlywed was the perfect mixture of humor with sincerity. I thought it would just be a forgettable beach read, instead I ended up really enjoying it. I generally hate the third act breakup in romances, but in this instance it only made the story even better. While this was the first Nicolas DiDomizio book I have read, it certainly will not be my last.

This was a great book. I connected with the characters. I felt engrossed with the plot. I would read another book by this author.

Words can’t explain how much I loved this book. I don’t think I’ve been this excited over a book in a while. It actually put me out of a reading slump. I loved the chemistry between the main characters, the way the story progressed. This could definitely feel stereotypical and like every other romance about a couple who is having some relationship and miscommunication problems but let me tell you it’s nothing like that. One thing that stood out for me was that unlike some romance books you could see how in love the two characters were even through their arguments and the problems that they were having. Would definitely recommend it to someone who needs a book that will get them out of a reading slump quickly. I would love to read more of Nicolas DiDomizio’s works in the future.

This book was cute for what it was. I dont think it was anything spectacular but still very good and something I would recommend.

Nearlywed is a wonderful queer age gap, relationship in trouble romance. Nicolas DiDomizio creates an angsty story full of entertaining characters and quips galore, and I couldn’t put it down.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Millennial Ray grew up in Seabrook, Connecticut, and has always been fascinated by a local resort’s Earlymoon concept: a getaway for engaged couples. So, when he and his Gen X fiancé Kip get engaged, he insists that they plan a visit a few months before their wedding. But as the two spend uninterrupted time together, some of their opposites attract differences become real issues. Will their Earlymoon be the key to their marriage’s success, or will it keep them from reaching the altar at all?

I enjoyed this book so much! The age gap works well here, showcasing differences between Ray and Kip, both in their upbringing and how they view their queerness. Ray’s ideas about romance and soul mates influence every bit of his life, and it’s interesting to see how his belief system developed. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of humor and quips too.

Marriage in trouble is a tricky trope to tackle, because the conflict has to be high enough stakes for believable tension, but not be too insurmountable for the couple to come back from. DiDomizio balances this line perfectly, and the reader knows that while Ray and Kip’s struggles are a real challenge, they’ll be able to hash out their differences.

Newlywed is a fantastic relationship in trouble romance. Ray and Kip are engaging characters who I was rooting for every step of the way. If you are a fan of an angsty story with tons of quips too, you’ll have a great time on Ray and Kip’s Earlymoon.

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

When I requested this book I was really hoping I would love it. And I had, in fact, loved it. I really need more romance books with already formed couples. I’m so in love with the evolution of a relationship!
In this case we have two men, Ray and Kip, who deeply love each other. They are in relationship and want to get married. But they also are very different people and they come to realise that when they come to an early honeymoon.
There is generational gap (Ray is a millennial and as a millennial myself oh my god he’s so relatable!!! Kit is a gen X) and age gap and miscommunication but it’s so well written I love everything!
I really enjoy this book and I just want more. I want to continue reading about those characters. Any chance for a sequel? I’m serious! I can’t loose them I want more of them, please!

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the arc!

Earlymoon what a great idea !

I didn’t think I’d love this book this much when I started it but damn it was so good !

First of all, I loved the character, Ray and Kip were so interesting and realistic. I love how the insecurities, the anxiety of doing something wrong, the ordeal of being known entirely and be enough for your partner is so well written. I love how the author portrayed the difficulties and differences a couple can come along with and how it can be resolved. The miscommunication trope was so well done I didn’t even blink an eye.

I really enjoyed discovering all of the stories and characters in this book. The idea of the honeymoon before the wedding, the atmosphere and the theme were also great !

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC, I love it !

Hello therapy? I have some new clients for you.

Ray Bruno and Kip Hayes are engaged to be married in two months. Ray, an internet writer, comes from a town known for early honeymoons before a wedding. Kip, a doctor, had a later in life coming out as he was married for many years to a woman. This book takes place during their earlymoon which is designed to allow couples a week of relaxation and reconnection during the stressful wedding planning process.

At this point in this book, Ray and Kip have been together for about four years. This book uses several flashbacks to help establish the relationship and give context for the current issues in their relationship that are popping up throughout the week. Kip is naturally an extremely private person but coupled with coming out later in life, he still struggles with sharing that part of his life with people who know. Ray is the complete opposite who used to publish every aspect of his life on the internet. He has since stopped since being in a relationship with Kip. However, Ray wants to write about the concept of an earlymoon and include his relationship in the article.

I enjoyed this book a lot. The characters were well-written and the relationship struggles are realistic. The book is in Ray’s POV only, and there are definitely some rose-colored glasses when love is involved. Ray has a lot of growth and introspection in such a short period of time. After quite a few fights during their earlymoon, their reconciliation is very quick. I did wish some form of couple’s therapy was mentioned as something to do in the future because there are some fundamental issues that were definitely glossed over. However, this book is just a snapshot of a week in their life and the earlymoon helped bring these issues to light and both parties are making the effort to work on themselves and the relationship.

I’m sure the concept of an earlymoon is a real thing, but I have never heard of one. After this book, I think that every couple should have one.

#netgalley #sourcebookscasablanca #nearlywed

Nearlywed is such an amazing story. Kip and Ray are engaged. They are complete opposites- Ray is a Millennial writer who is used to sharing his whole life through his writing while Kip is a Gen X doctor who prefers to keep his life private and doesn't have a social media presence. Ray and Kip have different opinions about their wedding too- Ray wants a large wedding and a huge celebration while Kip wants to go get married at the courthouse. Both Ray and Kip were previously married.

Instead of having bachelor parties, Ray wants to take an earlymoon in his hometown. An earlymoon is a trip that takes place before a wedding. Ray's parents had one, and he has always dreamed of having his own with his future husband. While on the earlymoon, Ray and Kip meet other couples, and they are forced to think about their relationship and have difficult conversations with each other.

I liked that the story took place over the course of their trip. It allowed the reader to see how things can change in a day. Ray and Kip went through so many emotions on their trip, and their journey showed the strength of their relationship.

Thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for an ARC.

A funny and heartfelt summer read about two gay men taking an 'earlymoon' before they get married which rather than being relaxing seems to bring up all the problems in their relationship they haven't dealt with before. Layered and great on audio narrated by Michael Crouch, this was an entertaining read perfect for fans of authors like Timothy Janovsky. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital and audio copy in exchange for my honest review!

It took me a minute to get into this story but then it took hold of me until the very end! If you love MM romance, give this a read/listen! Ray is a millennial and Kip is Gen X. The age gap might not seem that daunting but it is so interesting and eye opening to see the relationship dynamics between the two. And that’s just based on the stigma against gay men at the times they both grew up!

Lovely story!

Up until his divorce Ray was a click bait writer, marriage obsessed since childhood. Since then he’s a pinch more private, a lot more disillusioned.
That changes after a chance meeting with Kip, a bit older and a lot more private. Also divorced, but from a woman (and still mostly closeted, this will be a recurring issue for them)

But time has passed, and now they’re living together in the burbs, and engaged. During the compromises between Ray’s public wedding extravaganza dreams and Kip’s desire for a private courthouse formality, one sticking point was that Ray wanted to go to the same resort his parents did before their wedding for an ‘earlymoon’ - basically a pre wedding honeymoon, which I had never heard of, but sounds kind of awesome if you could swing it.

Ray’s boss wants him to report on it - of course - and to spite Kip’s resistance he goes for it. His interviews are not going as expected. Flirtations to full on propositions, faces from the past, and a series of fights that put his future marriage at risk, all make his earlymoon far from the perfect week he’d imagined.

For me, there were so many points where this read more rom-dram than the expected rom-com. In fact for a while I was actively rooting against this couple (and as someone that demands a HEA with every romance, I’m wasn’t sure what that said about me)
That said, the story was super interesting. I was fully invested in seeing how things turned out, and the ending did not disappoint. I especially liked the final essay/article in contrast to how the story opened.

Nearlywed is an enjoyable different approach in the romance genre. Ray Bruno and Kip Hayes are partaking in a resort's known earlymoon vacation prior to their own wedding. The idea of an earlymoon is an obsession of Ray's since childhood, having grown up near the resort, and his dream of a perfect wedding.
Ray and Kip are a typical opposites attract love story. Ray is the bubbly, social media oversharer and is employed in that field. Kip is a much more private doctor, 10 years older, who prefers to have nothing about his life on social media and has not loudly come out of the closet since his divorce from a woman. These differences come to a head while on their earlymoon, and Ray and Bruno finally learn to communicate the important stuff in order to find their forever HEA.
The author wrote this story entirely from Ray's POV. I normally like to have a dual POV, but the reader could closely identify with Rays's feelings by not knowing the thoughts in Kip's head. I thought the plot was well executed and was strongly written. I would definitely read more books from this author. Nearlywed is for readers who enjoy M/M fiction and do not mind the lack of spice, and for those who want to read about a couple who are years beyond that initial meet-cute and work on real issues about what it means to be committed.
Thank you to NetGalley and Casablanca for an ARC of this book.