there are so many things that work really well in this book, but i want to start by reiterating something from my review of The Gay Best Friend: Nicolas knows how to PLOT! i'm such a nerd for plot structure and this is perfectly paced, with the right about of rising action and obstacles that keep building until the climax. incredible!

my favorite part of this book was the emotional journey Ray and Kip went on. they are two very different people but have the same heart. the generational difference played well, and it was cool how it was used for laughs and used to show how differently people can experience queerness. there were a lot of tough conversations had and they were written beautifully.

and all the side characters were hilarious and memorable.

something really cool about this is how it validates differently kinds of relationships. there's a lot of unique dynamics portrayed or talked about and they're all discussed with reason and respect.

available may 21 :)

I usually try to read ARC’s within a month of the book’s release, but I was looking forward to this one too much to wait! It’s a very different vibe from The Gay Best Friend, and reminded me more of the kind of sad/emotional type of romances that I enjoyed from Taylor Jenkins Reid such as After I Do. I was all over the place throughout this book on whether I was rooting for Ray & Kip or not as I learned more and more info along the way. To keep this spoiler-free I won’t say more about the relationships in this book, but I really felt like I was growing along with Ray and learning with him. His sister was one of my favorite characters, and I was always happy to see her pop up in a scene. This isn’t a spicy read, but if you’re looking for a deeper emotional experience in a realistic romance, this is for you!!

"Nearlywed" is a relatable and heartwarming story about communication struggles in relationships. Ray and Kip, the main characters, navigate their love while grappling with unspoken fears and family expectations. Despite their deep affection for each other, they struggle to communicate openly. Ray fears he's not enough for Kip, while Kip grapples with his sexuality and familial obligations. Their flawed communication style leads to misunderstandings and tension, yet their love shines through. The story strikes a balance between humor and heartfelt moments, leaving readers rooting for Ray and Kip to overcome their communication barriers and find happiness together.

This book was not at all what I expected, but I really enjoyed it. Ray and Kip are engaged to be married and take a pre-wedding honeymoon. It's about learning to communicate in relationships and being open with your partner.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the digital ARC in exchange for an honest review!

"Nearly Wed" by Nicholas DiDomizio is a sidesplitting MM-romcom that sweeps readers into the whirlwind lives of Ray Bruno and Dr. Kip Hayes, two individuals whose personalities clash like a sequined jumpsuit at a funeral. Ray, a journalist dripping with sass and a penchant for oversharing, and Kip, a stoic doctor with a poker face to rival a statue's, stumble through the minefield of love, acceptance, and self-discovery during their "earlymoon".

The book's comedic brilliance shines in its portrayal of relatable insecurities, particularly through Ray's character. As an oversharing millennial who spins personal drama into viral sensations faster than you can say "viral sensation," Ray grapples with the constant need for validation and the challenge of balancing his public persona with his messy personal life. Meanwhile, Kip's journey of self-discovery, complete with a closet full of past insecurities and enough emotional baggage to rival any closet case (pun intended), adds layers of humor and relatability to his character.

Ray and Kip's love story, complete with their quirky habit of naming female artists who've graced the mainstage at Lilith Fair (Sarah McLachlan, Sheryl Crow, Tracy Chapman, Jewel would be proud), is a riotous romp that'll have you swooning and snorting with laughter in equal measure. Because, let's face it, their love for each other and their shared goal of keeping the other smiling is as heartwarming as a puppy cuddling a kitten in a rainbow-filled meadow.

The supporting cast of characters is seamlessly woven into the narrative, enriching the story's tapestry with their unique quirks and complications. Though some may be crazier than a bag of cats, they all contribute to the dynamic of Ray and Kip's relationship, adding depth to the plot and a sprinkle of mischief, just for kicks.

In summary, "Nearly Wed" is a riotously funny and insightfully written novel that'll have you rolling on the floor with laughter one minute and wiping away tears of joy the next. DiDomizio's skillful blend of romance, razor-sharp wit, and a healthy dose of sass makes this book a must-read for anyone in search of a good laugh and a heartfelt reminder that love is messy, imperfect, and utterly fabulous. Thank you NetGalley, Sourcebooks Casablanca, and Nicholas DiDomizio for this eARC.

📖 26 / 100 in 2024
✍️ Romance
⭐️ 3.5 stars (rounded up for Goodreads)

Nearlywed by Nicholas Didomizio

for readers who enjoy ....

beach vacations, second marriages, golf, LGBTQ+ romance, generational patterns, opposites attract, lobster, NYT wedding announcements, Dirty Dancing, miscommunication, Buzzfeed quizzes, complicated coming out, olive trees

(Thank you to @netgalley for the digital ARC copy!)

While on their New England earlymoon - which Ray, son of a lobsterman and a lifelong romantic, has been waiting for his whole life - he and his fiance Kip must reconcile both their differences and love for one another to turn a seafood meet-cute into their very own storybook ending.

Part coming of age and part coming out love story, Nearlywed is a fun contemporary romance that somehow made me tolerate a miscommunication trope - no small feat! I liked the layering of family relationships and old friendships into the main events of this novel and also the journalistic element of Ray’s article.

Challenging the expectations we have of ourselves and our partners was a strong theme here - watching Ray and Kip fall more in love with themselves as well as with each other was a highlight.

Love love love this book so much!

Need to collect my thoughts and write a proper review, but oh my! This is such a gorgeous book.

All the stars.

Nearlywed by Nicola DiDomizio is a delightful and thought-provoking romantic comedy that explores the challenges of modern relationships. Ray Bruno and Kip Hayes are two very different people who are somehow drawn to each other. Ray is a chaotic millennial ex-clickbait-writer who's been oversharing his every thought online since he was a teenager, and Kip is a pragmatic Gen X doctor who values privacy above all else. Despite their differences, Ray and Kip are deeply in love and planning to get married. However, their relationship is put to the test when they decide to take an early honeymoon at a famous lux resort in Ray's coastal New England hometown. A series of escalating mishaps and miscommunications forces Ray and Kip to confront their differences and decide if they are willing to work through them. DiDomizio's writing is sharp and witty, and she deftly captures the challenges of modern relationships. She explores the different ways that people communicate, the importance of trust, and the challenges of compromise. Nearlywed is a funny and heartwarming novel that will resonate with anyone who has ever been in a relationship. It is a reminder that love is not always easy, but it is always worth fighting for. One of the things that makes Nearlywed so special is the way that DiDomizio develops her characters. Ray and Kip are both flawed and complex, and they both have their own unique strengths and weaknesses. DiDomizio does an excellent job of showing how they grow and change over the course of the novel, and she makes the reader truly care about their relationship. Nearlywed is a great choice for fans of romantic comedies, and it is also a good choice for anyone who is interested in exploring the challenges of modern relationships. It is a funny, heartwarming, and thought-provoking novel that will stay with you long after you finish reading it.

An authentic book about a gay couple who goes on a "earlymoon" prior to their wedding, this novel is filled with humor, love, sarcasm & discusses obstacles that each person has faced in their relationships past & present. It really dives into the emotions & feelings & deeper issues about their relationship prior to embarking on a journey that will be married life. Really savored and appreciated the way this book its written. Nic, you are a very talented author and really capture the character's personalities & convey their raw feelings! Definitely recommend this book!

Nearlywed by Nicolas DiDomizio
GENRE: contemporary romance
TROPES & TOPICS: relationship drama, marriage and engagement, mm romance, communications, family ties, age gap, vacation and summer vibes, divorcee
RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
REALESE DATE: May 21, 2024

This is the second book from this author that I have read, and while with the first book, I made some conclusions. This book confirmed it. Nicolas DiDomizio is excellent at writing realistic characters.
And I can't tell you enough how that is important. I would even say fundamental in contemporary fiction books.


I also felt the same build-up as before. The story slowly socks you in, and then you just have to keep on reading.

If I didn't get enamored with charcters before, I would totally love them after Ally McBeal mentions. If you know you know!

If you are looking for a summer read that will give you that cozy feeling but also make you think about your relationships, perceptions, and beliefs about relationships and marriage, then READ this book.

Nearly Wed by Nicholas Didomizio is a fantastic read. This book is a quick & witty read about relationships. Roy & Kip,the main characters are a true story of opposites attraction. I truly enjoyed them involving and self-discovery. I wish I got to do a “Earlymoon”. Highly recommended to your summer reading list. Thank you to Net Galley and Sourcebooks Casablanca publishing.

Wow! What an incredible book. And why haven’t I heard about this author before? I need to grab their previous books. I honestly went into the book with zero expectations. An earlymoon (early honeymoon) was a cute concept, but I was nervous about the obstacles that Ray and Kip may have to go through. The book flowed so well and was fast paced. Ray and Kip have decided to go on this trip a couple of months before their wedding, There were some serious topics such as Kip not wanting a big wedding to Ray feeling unsecured due to past relationships that made this book really important and interesting to read. I won’t give too much away. There were many hilarious scenes and Ray was an amazing character! Most importantly, I cheered for Ray and Kip. They were an adorable couple that needed to just communicate honestly to each other. The ending was simply perfect. I wondered how the book would end and it was really beautiful. Overall, this was a fun and sweet book that if you love a sweet m/m love story you will love this book. I highly recommend it! A huge thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for my ARC in exchange for my review.

A delightful and candid exploration of relationships, validation, sacrifice, and how they all shape one's identity.

Despite what the cover might suggest, Nearlywed is not a sweeping light-hearted romance: there is love, yes, but it is messy and bumpy, crowded with insecurities, and raising multiple question marks throughout: whether any of these nearlywed couples would (or should even) get married.

My favourite part about this book was the realistic growth curve depicted in both Ray and Kip: how they were both flawed humans in their own ways, making a mess of things even while doing their very best not to. I loved how the author handled the “opposites attract”: not merely for the sake of the gap appeal, but also by showing how much work is required of two inherently different people to build something together.

I requested and received an ARC of Nearlywed by Nicolas DiDomizio via NetGalley. Ray Bruno is a millennial online columnist with a very strong sense of what love should look like. He has dreamed of his wedding day since he was a child and after a rather disappointing first marriage he is determined to get it right the second time around. Kip Hayes is a Gen X doctor who doesn’t understand the millennial impulse to share every detail of his private life online. After years of being married to a woman, Kip is ready to love authentically, but still struggles with the constant coming out process. We join Ray and Kip as an established couple, enjoying a “nearlymoon” (a pre-wedding honeymoon) at a resort in Ray’s coastal hometown. Can the pair navigate the differences in their relationship? Or are they too different to make it work?!

What a wild ride! I loved nearly every moment of it. The characters are complex and come alive on the page with easily distinguishable personalities and motives. Ray is a terrific narrator, filling the pages with a quick wit and loaded arsenal of pop culture references mixed with a vulnerability so real that it’s impossible not to want to hug (and strangle!) him at various turns. As a gay man of a similar age, at certain points diving into his thoughts and experiences felt like a mirror. This was both comforting and alarming!

And Kip? Ugh, what a frustrating and wonderful man! I say frustrating because there were moments when he really stoked my blood pressure. I say wonderful, because each time I managed to calm myself down I quickly found myself charmed by him once again. DiDomizio handles the age gap between the men in a thoughtful, realistic way. His view of social media is used as commentary on this generational difference, but also offers insight to a greater issue: the shame and anxiety queer folk face disclosing and celebrating the same things heterosexual folk can scream from the rooftop without batting an eye. Any annoyance I felt because of his character was smoothly transformed into compassion as the men fought and learned to actually listen to each other

Also, a quick word of praise for the well-developed supporting characters! Stef, Ray’s sister, was so fun when she appeared on the page with a unique blend of sarcasm and concern. Lucy was also fabulous. She also provided humor and I absolutely fell in love with her from the moment she arrived. There are a few twists and surprises that I won’t mention, for the sake of spoilers, that round out this narrative and made Nearlywed a book that I didn’t want to put down. DiDomizio writes love that is complicated and messy, but also heartwarming and well worth the investment. I look forward to reading this author’s past (and future!) works.

3.5 rounded up for how much I laughed.

Thank you Sourcebooks Casablanca and NetGalley for supplying this ARC.

I picked up this book because of the description; it sounded like a fun time and it was! I had a great time reading. There were plenty of laughs and some relatable feelings and topics that came up. Ray may be a few years older than me now but in another life I could have been him. A few times I caught myself rolling my eyes and groaning because of some of his behaviors, actions, and thought patterns. Potential for second hand embarrassment in abundance but also a relief that I’m not caught in this cycle of wanting validation through unhealthy means. There were a few times I got so annoyed with him and I’d frequently shout “To therapy! All of you!” at the book. To respond this way and laughing and reading lines aloud to my partner was a treat. Not a lot of books allow me to do that.

At times the book read like an opinion piece which was very fitting since the main character was a writer. It reminded me of the magazines and LONG tumblr posts I’d take the time to read through even if the subjects weren’t anything I was particularly interested in. I felt like the potential of this book only being cringy was high but it was the right amount, and I did enjoy myself.

The exploration of different types of relationships was pretty interesting. Getting to see an already established romance go through the tribulations isn’t something you usually see in romance; so very refreshing. Also get to see a range of different relationships, some a bit frustrating. They reminded me of some of the relationships in the show White Lotus. Nothing is perfect! I wouldn’t want to be these couples but to each their own! Which was one of the points in the book.

My only slightly negative note would have to be the emotional aspect of the book. If the story wanted to pull any tears out of me, it failed to do so. It was a little too cheesy for that to happen, and by the time the 75% mark came along, I was ready to be done with the story.

Despite that, this book makes a good beach read and I would recommend it for something to consume while on vacation, by the pool and sipping on a drink.

I really wanted to love this book. I was immediately drawn in by its cover and synopsis. Upon starting this book and repeatedly trying to continue my journey into this story, I was unable to connect with the characters or the plot line. I believe that this book will be perfect for some readers, but for where I am right now, this is a DNF. Thank you for the e-galley of this book, I appreciate the oppourtunity to continue to immerse myself in different novels!

I went into this expecting a rom-com full of hilarity and hijinks. What I received was more a rom-drama that felt way more real than I anticipated, in the best way too.

Ray and Kip escape off to the Earlymoon Hotel and expect a week of pre-wedding bliss. Almost immediately the trip derails with fights and issues that have been repressed for way too long.

These characters felt real. I was wishing that I could reach in and set the couple down for a heart-to-heart when communication issues arose. The narrative invites you in to the couples life and makes you feel like a friend. I was frustrated by their continuous miscommunication but was also routing for Ray and Kip to have their HEA, whatever form it may take.

✰ 3.25 stars ✰

“Of course love is never perfect, because humans aren’t.”

At some point, while reading Nearlywed, it started to feel like I was reading a relationship manual instead - the do's and don'ts of what to do to make any healthy relationship work. I was actually taking note of what those words of wisdom were rather than appreciating them as actual quotes of the book and that by the end of the book, I was exhausted! 😮‍💨 But, does that mean it's a bad book? Not at all; if anything, it was a very informative one that offers its heart to you in the form of Ray and Kip - polar opposites who while treating themselves to an exclusive and much-needed trip to the EarlyMoon Hotel resort, as is the tradition of Ray's family, discover that perhaps going on the actual honeymoon, there may be parts of their future marriage that need a look, before taking that walk down the aisle that promises forever. 💍

“As basic as it may sound, I genuinely believe that love is love. All romantic relationships have the same foundation at work—two people who want to feel seen, understood, and protected.”

Call me strange, but I always feel a real connection when a character fits the age that I would be at the time that the book is released or portrayed; like we have this unique bond that makes me feel closer to their portrayal. Rae being thirty-five years old made him so much more of a relatable character, because then, okay, yes, even if he was growing up gay, the experiences that he has around him is something that we share, and I can also relate to, as well. ☺️ And Ray really had the best intentions at heart; he did come to this hotel to live out his wedding ideals that he's always aspired to have - the whole blissful shindig that doesn't seem fair that only straight people get to enjoy it.. There is a lot of ground that this book covers and it's impressive how none of those ever seemed to overlap the other, but served their purpose in their own respective way. Because all these factors do have a hand in making a relationship work. Ray and Kip's dynamic is one of an age gap that reflects in not only the lifestyles and careers, but also their conflicting views on the importance of online presence vs. real life goals. 😥

A ten-year-age difference that defines experiences from generations which have differing views in upbringing and expectations of society norms and how you don't need validation from the unknown, and that the opinion that only matters is the ones closest to you. It's mirrored in the insecurities and uncertainties he may have over what Kip may really want from him and if he is enough to be worth his time and affections. 'I know he loves me, but there must be a part of him that believes he knows—or perhaps even is—better than me.' 🥺 Kip is one who prefers anonymity, while Ray feels so much more comfortable in his creative element by being more open and vocal with his social presence. But, that's the magic of being nearly wed; through messy moments and mix-ups, you are given the time to work it out and communicate! And even if it was one of the major causes of the rifts that stirred up between them - it's that inevitable falling apart that finally put them back together - healthier and stronger, and more in love than ever. ❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹

“It’s a song specifically for people who’ve been married and divorced, people who understand that making a relationship work requires a certain toughness, a willingness to get hurt.

The grit to stay committed when things inevitably get hard.”

The story sadly relies on two of my least favorite plot devices - miscommunication and misunderstanding - for the two of them to see the light. But, I'm forgiving of it, because if you take it into account that this really was a helpful means into making something work - then maybe those points were necessary to cover so that we can avoid them and know it's not the right way to go about it! I do think that it wasn't fair that Rae took all the blame on himself. 🙍🏻‍♀️ "That’s the other beautiful thing about letting yourself be seen. Sometimes it can open the hearts and minds of the people you’d least expect.' Yes, he was the narrator and we were not fortunate enough to have the perspective of Kip's, but I still think he was just as much responsible for the many unresolved conflicts that came to light on their early honeymoon.

As much as Ray's self-deprecating and understanding attitude mirrored my own, I didn't like that he was so quick to put all the blame on himself and paint Kip in such a forgiving light, when he deserved to shoulder just as much of a burden for why they were not seeing eye to eye on this fortuitous occasion. I know Kip had his own personal demons to overcome, his own fears and insecurities that also explained his behavior towards Ray, but I think it was forgiven a little too easily on Ray's part. Not that I wanted some groveling, just a little more closure for Ray to know that his feelings weren't completely invalidated. 🙎🏻‍♀️

But, is it fair of me to be so critical and judgmental when I've never been in a serious relationship or I don't know the sacrifices of what it takes to make a marriage work? Maybe. But, I do know that it's not a one-way street; regardless of how many people may be involved in the dynamic, no one deserves to bear the responsibility on their own. It's a mutual give and take, where it doesn't have to be a 'marriage being a resigned compromise based on a lifelong fear of dying alone', but a commitment of understanding and respect to each other's wishes that doesn't require any self-sacrifice from either of them. It was also nice to see the author include various takes on different couples; it showed that no one deserves to be devalued or criticized for what setup works for them. 👍🏻👍🏻

“I’d love you even if you weren’t tougher than the rest,” I quietly tell him. “You can be weak with me whenever you need to. I promise I can handle it.”

Mistakes make us human; but so, too, is learning from them. It comes in the form of us learning to be more empathetic and compassionate of others and to learn from our past views to be better people and treat others better, too. And this rendezvous may have led to disastrous results for the now, but it is what is to come that matters the most in life. 💓 'The reality of a marriage is all the days that come after.' The long run of commitment where you won't live a life of regret and think back that maybe if I had known then what I know now, I could have worked it out before that final stage. And the fact that the two of them were able to realize the potential harm in not addressing these issues now - then I guess, it was a success, after all. 💌

*Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you NetGalley for providing me with this eARC!

I really loved this one! It's a story about love and communication. While I'm normally not the biggest fan of the 'miscommunication trope', I felt like it was perfectly executed here and it helped in the character development. Kip and Ray had their struggles and even though I don't necessarily agree with them, I could see where both of them where coming from and sympathise with them.

Also, the setting was really cute and I loved the side characters!

I would definitely recommend this book!!

I looooved this book! Ray Bruno is the most relatable character I personally have ever read and seen through the POV of. As a wedding-obsessed 90s baby/millennial with a solid obsession with social media presence and an older boyfriend who is the exact opposite, I felt myself agreeing 1000% with Ray’s thought processes and questioning myself as Ray begins his introspection into why having his wedding so publicly available is important to him. Breaking down Kip’s strong exterior and realizing that others are sometimes struggling in ways we don’t even realize - this definitely hit home me hard! This romantic comedy had a great pace, laugh out loud one-liners, heartbreaking moments, and great lessons when it comes to IRL relationships. I loved the epilogue and getting Ray’s mom’s POV as well! What a great ARC.