Skip to main content

Member Reviews

Caleb and Gwen are getting married and they are very happy . Gwen has to travel to be at a conference to talk about her colon cancer cancer researsh in LA . Jenny her best friend will help with the wedding preperations and she will also interview Caleb . When one of Caleb's stalkers sent him a gift Jenny and Dean his bodyguard work together to reveal his identity . As the days for the wedding coming closer the weather in NY is getting worse will she be able to fly to her own wedding ?
I received this book from netgalley , the author and the publicer as an ARC . Thank you . All thoughts and opinions are my own .

Was this review helpful?

I adored this sequel. It was great to see Caleb and Gwen's wedding. Typically, a dual POV story is from the two love interests. Instead in this book it was the two best friends and their individual love stories, which I really enjoyed reading. I absolutely connected with Jenny, the second POV in this book and was equally excited to read about both characters.

The story also wasn't your typical rom-com, there was a little bit of mystery/thriller aspect to it with finding Caleb's stalker, and I found myself trying to figure out whodunnit too.

Although this is a Christmas rom com, it wasn't over the top with holiday references, making it a great read at anytime of the year.

And, as always with Dr. Dymond's books, there was great representation of mental health, physical health (cancer screenings), and grief. I'll be reviewing this on my bookstagram page as well soon.

Thank you to Dr. Dymond and Netgalley for this advanced copy - a must read!!

Was this review helpful?

I loved this fluffy holiday romance that also has a bit of mystery. The mix in genres make for an entertaining plotline. The steaminess, the banter, and the suspense caused me to read this in one sitting. Definitely add this to your holiday TBR this year!

Was this review helpful?

Congratulations Gwen and Caleb!

I loved this so much! A great way to kick off the Christmas book season!

The wedding of the year and it’s supposed to go off without a hitch. But There’s chaos, there’s stress and there’s also a blizzard 🔥 can we just get these two married?!?! Caleb has a stalker and Gwen’s best friend/maid of honor; Jenny, and Caleb’s best friend/best man, Dean, team up to try and track down who it is even though they don’t exactly get along. So they have that going on while Gwen is across the country at a medical conference dealing with her own stressful stuff.

🎄 Ok fav parts! I LOVED the dual POV. But we get the POV between Jenny and Gwen. It’s like 2 books for the price of 1. You don’t see a lot of dual POV when it’s not the FMC/MMC. They have their own stories happening at the same time and I found myself really excited to switch back to Jenny’s POV.

🎄This is a romance but it’s also a suspense. There’s a stalker, you have a sleazy boss, and a nor’easter to boot.

🎄I connected so much to Jenny about feeling like she’s too much and too loud and not skinny enough. And the fact that she began to accept herself and grow in her confidence when she began seeing herself as Dean saw her was so relatable.

🎄The twist at the end had me like whaaaaat?!

Was this review helpful?

First off I want to say thank you to Netgalley and Dr. Melissa Dymond for giving me this arc, super super appreciated.

Now into my thoughts. This was a cute fun slightly stressful holiday read. I will not spoil anything, but the bad people in this were not the bad people I was expecting so good job on over my eyes. I love being wrong about who the bad person is and looks like this and makes it more fun. I also loved the dual POV done by the two females in each of the relationships represented in this book. I thought that was a super interesting way to tell the story. I haven’t seen dual POV done this way before and I really enjoyed it.

For me, my favorite character is Jenny. I just found her super relatable, she was fun and quirky, and multifaceted. Overall though,I did love all the characters, including the side characters.

I loved the holiday aspect of this cause I made Christmas junkie. I loved the force proximity in the grumpy sunshine trope with MMCs (Dean) background. I really enjoyed the banter between Dean and Jenny, really really love banter in romance books. It just makes it so much more fun and I think Melissa pulled that off perfectly.

I love how the author (Melissa) Always writes two versions of her books, one with spice and one without so that everybody can read the story and not feel like they have to skip over parts . I read the spicy version of this book.

If you were looking for a suite, romantic emotion filled lighthearted, holiday, romance, with suspense this is the one, just go, read it!!

Seriously, thank you again for allowing me to read this book early and I really can’t wait to read the next book that Melissa comes out with. ❤️

Was this review helpful?

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

“Dean kisses the way characters kiss in books or movies. A kind of kiss I thought only existed in Hollywood”

I loved this one!! Such a perfect conclusion to Caleb and Gwen’s story and a wonderful introduction to some new romances! I was a little disappointed we didn’t get a whole lot of Gwen and Caleb moments but I did really enjoy getting to see Dean and Jenny team up together!

I definitely was hoping to see more scenes with Gwen and Caleb together but it made sense not having as many since Gwen was out of town for her important doctor meeting. I was honestly super frustrating when Gwen told Caleb him living out his dream of being famous isn’t as important as Gwen being a doctor. They should find a better way to compromise so they can both have the jobs they want. I still love them together and I’m happy we got to finally see their wedding but I’m hoping to see some more of them in future books working this out.

Jenny and Dean were perfect! I love forced proximity tropes and they really test each other which I feel is something every good relationship needs. I felt it was a little rushed at times but I think their relationship ends off at the perfect point and I’m hoping to see their wedding next 🤞🏻I also am excited to see where the next book takes us!

I definitely think you should read this as well as Holiday Star this Christmas season! You can preorder the book on Amazon

Was this review helpful?

This book follows up on Gwen & Caleb’s story as they’re preparing for their wedding, but also included in the dual POV of best friend, Jenny as she enters her enemies-to-lovers romance with Caleb’s bodyguard, Dean, and damn, do I love them together. From fake dating to learning to calm panic attacks, they complement each other so well. Holiday Wedding is a must-read when it comes out, especially if you’ve read Holiday Star!

Was this review helpful?

I didn't like this book. Nor did I finish it. I probably should have read the book before this so I fully connected with the characters. But im not sure that would have helped. I found the writing to be a bit too much. The conversations didn't feel real and authentic.

Was this review helpful?

Muss up my emotions just like my hair ,do your worst I won’t care , as this is the best of romantic reads , sates my hunger and my needs. If you know what I mean….with the cute and the funny, the dark and the sunny keeping me keen. A wonderful holiday feel read, that’s full of zest and zeal and raw need. This anxiety filled journey nearly has one of them laid out on a gurney! I know ! It is thrilling and a little bit chilling , able and willing. Speaking of which Dean and Jenny are now working together to pull out the stopper to make the wedding go off with a whopper, without a hitch ( well you know what I mean) if only Gwen had Caleb’s tether. He’d already know whether she was alright ,because she gave them such a fright!. But in the end he can depend on his friend..Speaking of alright Jenny and Dean , you know the ones , well it seems that Jenny no longer thinks him mean , in fact she’s rather keen , he’s a bit of alright if you know what I mean. Jenny , I think Dean loves you…WOOHOO!! There’s a story for you! I really loved the ups and the downs , wink, wink , the anxiety too , the camaraderie , even the frowns . They’re all getting in the pink , ready for a bit of a do . Christmas Wedding anyone? I do …. I mean..Yes please I love a good wedding and after this , I need a stiff one , drink that is , so if you please mind out of the gutter what do you think I was meaning to utter….. Haha , so shed no tears , when you come back down to earth from anxious fears . Had me on the edge of my seat keen and not just because of the sex scenes. Hmmmm… where was I ? Oh yes! Next story ? It can’t come quick enough and nor can Dean … 😜 DR Melissa Dymond ? I think she’s pretty neat. Because her storytelling’s a treat that can’t be beat. This particular version it packs some heat as well as being a beautiful romantic treat. Sign me up if you have a reader’s club for the next book you write . I know I will surely love it. The spicy version please . Cos this was HOT alright …..and a heavenly tease. Loved every bit of this spicy love story , as I’m sure you can tell , in ALL of its glory….. Excellent writing and great characters who are swell. The whole of the storytelling flows so well and has been brilliantly and creatively thought out , I can tell. Bravo ! Heat ☑️ Romance ✔️ Christmas✔️ Storytelling ☑️ Excellent Writing ✔️ Edge of Your Seat✔️

Was this review helpful?

Absolutely amazing! It was so great to curl back up with some old friends. I love how seamlessly Dr Melissa Dymond connects the story and maintains the two different POVs. And while I came for Caleb and Gwen's story the story between Dean and Jenny is just perfect. Grumpy/ Sunshine is my favorite! I read the spicy version of this book because Dr Melissa Dymond is so great she writes two versions of her books so everyone is comfortable. This book is definitely one I will read and read again.

Was this review helpful?

Melissa Dymond does an incredible job at writing romance that is fluffy but filled with tension and mystery.

As the title suggests, the book is about a Holiday Wedding and it is book 2 in the Holiday Romance series but can be read as a stand alone. This book continues were Gwen and Caleb’s story left off. However, we also follow Jenny as she finds herself swooned by a broody bodyguard.

While Caleb and Gwen’s wedding is central in the book, getting there isn’t that easy. Stalkers, paparazzi and personal problems are all trying to get in the way of what is supposed to be an incredible event. This was also what made it impossible to put the book down since you just want to know how everyone is going to deal with these obstacles.

I loved that we not only followed Caleb and Gwen, but also Jenny and Dean. It did have one of my least favorite tropes but it fit the story so well, I just can’t be mad about it. Honestly, I would recommend this book to anybody who loves a christmas themed romance that also has some action in it.

Was this review helpful?

I binged "Holiday Wedding" in one day, it was so addictive. I thoroughly enjoyed revisiting all of these realistic, loveable characters. I was pleasantly surprised that there were side storylines supporting the main storyline, which kept me turning pages. This book truly has so many dimensions. It has so much heart, humor, and suspense. I chose the "spicy" version, so there were steamy scenes that completed the romantic reading experience for me. This book is so real with various topics to which a wide range of readers can relate. I adore this book and series so much! Can't wait for the next book!💖
---

Was this review helpful?

This was such a cute holiday read! I love Melissa Dymond’s writing!

I was impressed with her ability to balance emotion with lightheartedness, romance with suspense, sweetness with steaminess, and she handles mental health topics so well (this is high praise coming from someone who is a therapist by profession lol). I appreciate how her characters are complex and flawed which makes them relatable. They feel like they could be real people. I find her writing style to be really enjoyable and engaging. I have a hard time putting her books down!

As much as I love Gwen and Caleb, I’m kind of obsessed with Dean and Jenny! The banter, the tension, the grumpy x sunshine vibes? Loved them! 😍 I loved the dual POV format. It was kind of an interesting twist on this format because you get Gwen and Jenny’s POVs and get to follow two love stories (as opposed to having a MMC & FMC format for dual POV). I thought it was a great storytelling choice for this book!

I think readers who are familiar with these characters from Holiday Star will be thrilled with this worthy sequel. That said, I also think new readers will also be able to enjoy this book as a standalone as the author does a fantastic job recapping events and re-introducing characters in a way that would be easy to follow for people unfamiliar with the first book. With it being a holiday book, I felt like she incorporated the holiday elements tastefully…it wasn’t super in your face or cheesy, it was just the right amount in my opinion. This would be a great holiday read to pick up!

Was this review helpful?

I really enjoyed this book. It's a great story about two couples which you don't get often. The POVs from from Gwen and Jenny.

Caleb and Gwen from the first book are getting married. but does an accidental pregnancy complicates things? Caleb also has a stalker, but he doesn't want to alarm Gwen.

Jenny and Dean are an enemies-to-lovers, grumpy sunshine relationship. We get to learn more about Dean's background in the army and why he is the way he is. He blames himself for a not of the bad that happens in his life and doesn't want Jenny to see it. Jenny gets a redemption from the first book. She proves that she is a true friend and should be trusted. She would do anything for Gwen, Caleb and Dean. Although she feels like she is unlovable (so relatable).

We also see more of Teddy in this book, which sets the stage for book 3, That book will be about him and Helen (Gwen's new friend who is moving to California.

Was this review helpful?

Everything you need in a romance book! Story progression was at the perfect speed. Romance scenes were hot!
Totally recommend. I'm an avid romance book reader and this one does NOT disappoint! Love the album art!

Was this review helpful?

I picked up this ARC because I have heard so many good things about Paging Dr. Hart (which is on my TBR) and because of the cute holiday book cover.

Holiday Wedding is a holiday romance book that has a sweet/closed door and a spicy/open door option for readers to choose. This book can be read as a standalone but it mentioned things that happened in the first book (Holiday Star) which would have been helpful to understand what happened to the main couple, Gwen and Caleb if you read the first book. The other couple was Dean and Jenny. Learning about Dean’s past was so sad and I’m glad he has Jenny being so supportive and understanding. Overall, this book was a page turner. Not only are there romance and spice, but there is also a mystery/suspense component. It keeps me thinking who the stalker is and there is an unexpected twist at the end!
Thank you Melissa and NetGalley for letting me read this ARC for an honest review!
.

Was this review helpful?

This is a sequel to Holiday Star, but can be read as a standalone. I highly recommend that you read Holiday Star first though, it was so good. Also you will get some background as to how Gwen and Caleb got to this point (getting married). This book was a well-written, emotionally charged gem of a read. Not only do you get more of Gwen and Caleb but you also get the bonus of a whole other love story with Gwen's bestie Jenny and Caleb's friend Dean. The story is told from the POV of Gwen and Jenny. The two love stories are interwoven with such cleverness and skill, that it had me eating it up page by page. These characters are so relatable and lovable, you can't help but get engrossed in the story. The inner monologues delve into deep emotions, anxiety, past trauma and angst but yet was done with so well, due attention being paid to mental health being necessary in any relationship. There was comedy, swoony moments and drama. This was a real pleasure to read and I highly recommend it. (I also love how this author makes her books available in sweet or spicy versions- of course, I read the spicy version)

After reading two previous books by this author and really enjoying them, I was happy to be given an opportunity on Net Galley to get an ARC of this book and this is a voluntary review.

Was this review helpful?

Oh this book was JUST SO GOOD!!!!! I would love this to be made into a movie like tomorrow. It was so so so so sweet! I could not love the characters and their sweet love story more! It was such a fun read and I wanted more. Can't wait for the next book!

Was this review helpful?

I didn't know we have a second book coming, but when I did, I never requested for an ARC so fast!

From the title itself, we know there's a wedding. It's Caleb and Gwen's wedding but she was invited to speak in a conference where she gets to share her learnings from her research so she cannot get a lot of wedding plans. Enter Jenny, her best friend the an entertainment reporter who's gonna write a piece about Caleb and the maid-of-honor.

I love how we get dual POV but it's from our female leads. We follow Gwen when she's navigating her career and being a fiance to a celebrity at the same time, being long distance with Caleb. Jenny's balancing her work, helping plan the wedding, and exploring things with Dean, Caleb's body guard.

I flew through this book. I told myself I'm gonna stop at 50% so I can rest, but joke's on me as I devoured the entire thing in a few hours. I love seeing both women's point-of-view. They were in different point of their career and their life, that it was fun to see how they cope with all the things. I can even relate to both characters, surprisingly.

Gwen's been always relatable but this time, in a whole deeper level. I get her and I love that she's unlearning her trauma response and how she navigates balancing her career as a doctor but she's always gonna be some celebrity's wife. The author really put a lot of thought in handling Gwen's thought process.

Jenny was an interesting character right from the start. She seems so chaotic and fun, but we also saw how she became thoughtful and dealt with the consequences of her actions in the first book. She's still finding herself (REAL!) as she balanced her career while protecting Caleb and Gwen. Dean's a suprise because I am all for an insecure guy lol. He seemed standoffish and very broody, but Jenny cracked his wall. Their relationship was a great! It started off rocky because they 'hate' each other, but their banter and the way they balance each other was good.

The added fun of the mystery was also great. It kept me guessing and there's added action which was all in good fun.

There might be a third book, and I cannot wait!

Was this review helpful?

This book was really quite unlike most romances that I’ve read…delightfully so! First of all, it took me a few chapters to really get into it. (This is *not* the delightful part!) I’m not sure why, but it just didn’t grab me initially, BUT, I’m glad I pushed through, because I really LOVED this book! Here’s what I loved most:

>This book isn’t about *one* couple and their journey to love. In fact, the couple you assume are the main characters? I’m not sure they really *are* the main characters! ;) We don’t see them fall in love and go through all their angst in this story. It was really the *secondary* couple that engaged me most! Maybe that was the point of this book! (I’m making a guess here, and I have not read her previous novel.)

>These characters are very self-aware and mentally healthy. Even if they harbor unhealthy thoughts/actions, they acknowledge them. The characters speak to one another honestly, and talk about their feelings in a mature way. They examine their own motivations, and recognize patterns that developed when they were young. I LOVE me some mentally-healthy characters!!! When other authors use non-communication and withholding to create drama, it drives me crazy! That just didn’t happen in this story!

>Speaking of unnecessary drama, I didn’t feel like this book had it. There was no big third-act breakup/blow up. Yes, there was some drama, but it didn’t feel like it was contrived drama between the characters.

>There was a unique two-person point of view. I was surprised when I saw the name at the beginning of chapter two; I assumed the POV would be the typical M/F trade-off, but I was pleasantly surprised!

Overall, I really did like this book a lot! I love the plot, the style of writing, and the characters! I highly recommend it!

Was this review helpful?