i enjoyed My Best Friend's Honeymoon by Meryl Wilsner; it's perfect for springtime and for getting the protagonists out of snowy Minnesota. Not only is it a romance, but a rather spicy one at that, so be warned ahead of time if spicy is not to your taste. You've got two best friends, Elsie and Ginny, with quite a long history of friendship, dating back to elementary school, a fiance, Derek, and a Caribbean honeymoon at a very upscaled resort. Who ends up with whom? Who gets what he/she/they asked for? Who got the deserved happiness? A must read for answers.

2.5 stars

This is a classic friends to lovers romance. Elsie is a pansexual cis woman who is best friends with Ginny, who is nonbinary and definitely likes women, but I can't actually remember how their orientation was described--sorry! Anyway, in the beginning of the book we learn that Elsie's fiancé, a well meaning but annoying cis man has planned their entire wedding as a surprise without getting any input from Elsie. She calls off the wedding and he says that she should still go on the honeymoon with her best friend Ginny. They go on it together. You can imagine what happens next. There weren't really any surprises.

This book was not it for me.

I've read other romance by Meryl Wilsner and really enjoyed them, but something about the friends to lovers dynamic in this particular book didn't resonate to me. It seemed very clear that the main characters were friends who discovered they liked to have sex with each other a lot. What was less clear to me was what their romantic connection was, why they were friends, why we should connect with them. They do return from the honeymoon during the course of the book and I felt that we got a tiny bit more during that part, but it still fell flat.

Thank you to McMillan Audio for this advance listening copy for an unbiased review.

I felt like this book started off strong but the story completely lost me about half way through. The spice was spicing but after the miscommunication and the breakup, it just completely fell flat for me - which I was super bummed about. I pushed through because I'm incapable of DNFing a book, but felt the ending and resolution felt rushed and I just couldn't get back into the story.

Thank you to Net Galley, MacMillan Audio, and Meryl Wilsner for an ALC of this book.

NetGalley + Macmillan Audio Review
3 stars — Unexpectedly steamy and slightly rushed, but still glad I gave it a listen.

My Best Friend’s Honeymoon by Meryl Wilsner had a lot going for it: a fun setup, a solid narrator (shoutout to Macmillan Audio + NetGalley!), and I always love seeing LGBTQ+ representation, especially with a non-binary main character like Ginny.

That said… this one was way spicier than I expected(but that’s totally on me- this was my first Meryl Wilsner book, so I wasn’t aware of the spice level), and that definitely threw me off a bit. I totally get that these characters had been in love for a long time, but the emotional pacing felt a little sudden—especially with Elsie just calling off her wedding. I found myself wishing for more vulnerability and heart-to-heart moments to balance all the physical connection.

Still, if you’re in the mood for a steamy, queer friends-to-lovers story with a fast pace, this could be your vibe! Just know going in: the heat level is high.

This book was a fun setting and followed the expected romance arc and plot points we romance readers expect. The character development fell a bit flat for me outside of their sexual growth. The amount of sex scenes exceeded my personal spice: plot ratio preference but I can see where the story would really speak to an individual grappling with their own romantic and sexual exploration and identity. I appreciate what the book celebrates but wish to have seen more growth outside the proverbial bedroom.

Meryl Wilsner knocked another out of the ballpark. In this dual POV and dual narration, we explore the evolving relationship between Ginny and Elsie. They have been friends since their sophomore year of high school, barely keeping the friendship intact after Ginny asked Elsie out to a school dance, and Elsie declined. In " My Best Friend's Honeymoon, " Wilsner beautifully navigates the relatable quandary of 'I don't want to ruin our friendship with romance.

At this stage in life, Elsie has just graduated from college and is engaged to her college boyfriend. She is in for a massive surprise when he arranges their wedding and honeymoon without her input or knowledge. It's no surprise that his attempt goes over like a lead balloon.

While it is also not surprising that Elsie decides to bring her best friend, Ginny, on the honeymoon, the sparks they make as they allow Elsie to make all her own decisions for the week are nothing short of surprising for both individuals.

Wilsner touches on so many things in her stories, and this one was no different. We see Ginny, a non-binary person with a best friend, the biggest LGBTQ+ ally ever - Elsie. Elsie is a femme, a self-described pansexual. Elsie's fiance, while a bit of a doofus, is the biggest supporter of his fiance and her best friend, and you can't help but fall in love with his constant attempts at inclusivity and tenderness. We also have the journey of self-discovery and balancing self-love and love for another - boundary-keeping.

The honeymoon that was intended for Elsie and her now estranged fiance becomes a testing ground of sexual fantasy between Elsie and Ginny both. Even though it is a "first" for Elsie with a woman, there are many "firsts" for both partners. Wilsner touches on sexual activities that may be considered taboo in a very thoughtful and lovely way.

Emily Shaw and Blair Barker both narrated this story and did a stupendous job. I was especially touched by Elsie's "daintiness" mixed with self-assuredness and strength—a real powerhouse of emotions. This was evident in the narration and grew as the story continued.

I am not sure that there is a Wilsner book I haven't recommended, and I won't start with this one; that's for certain. I am in love with both Ginny and Elsie, and I hope they continue to live happily ever after.

My first book by this author. This one is a spicy queer romance in the Caribbean! I love a tropical setting. This one was a best-friends to lovers story line. Apparently these best friends have crushed on each other for awhile. Elsie who is engaged breaks things off and a week later is on a plane to the Caribbean for her non-refundable honeymoon with her best friend Ginny. On this honeymoon, you get lots of spice from Ginny and Elsie who dive right into their relationship. In the end, I'm not sure I was totally there for their journey.

Thank you to Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for this advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

I loved that Jenny was them they and her pronouns were respected throughout the book. I did not see them being in love with their best friend coming so that was a great plot twist. The storyline was great. The sessions and scenes were blazing in the best way as possible. One scene was a little much, but the rest was great. I was sad when they were not together overall the book was great. I would absolutely listen to this one again. The narrator was good and kept me engaged.

Meryl Wilsner’s My Best Friend’s Honeymoon is a spicy queer romance that follows lifelong best friends Elsie and Ginny as they embark on a non-refundable honeymoon after Elsie calls off her engagement. With Ginny in love with Elsie for years, the trip quickly becomes an opportunity for both to explore their feelings in a tropical paradise. What starts as a fun getaway takes a steamy turn as they engage in passionate encounters, drenching each other in desire.
While the romantic chemistry between the two is undeniably hot—think steamy, thigh-clenching moments—there's a glaring lack of substance in their emotional development. The narrative rushes into physical intimacy, but it takes a backseat to genuine conversations about their feelings until a third-act conflict arises, which feels stretched and somewhat unbelievable. The story's pacing suffers due to this, leaving readers yearning for a deeper exploration of their relationship beyond just hooking up.
Despite these concerns, Wilsner evokes strong representation through Ginny, a non-binary main character, and captures the complexities of friendship and desire. However, Elsie’s indecisiveness and lack of backbone left me frustrated, as did the reliance on miscommunication tropes. Coupled with unclear flashbacks and shifting POVs, the pacing kept me from fully embracing the narrative.
Overall, while My Best Friend’s Honeymoon offers an enjoyable and fiery jaunt into queer romance, it falls short of delivering the emotional depth I was hoping for. If you’re looking for a light, spicy rom-com with adorable characters, this book may still hit the spot; just don't expect it to dive deeply into the relationship's richness.

I listened to this as a audiobook and maybe that’s partially why I gave it two stars but I often got confused with the timeline. My biggest issue with this book was the lack of communication. There was no growth for the characters out side of sexual growth. Elsie breaks off her engagement to her fiancé who she realizes she doesn’t actual love. He lets her go on the paid honeymoon with her best friend Ginny and they end up basically on a sex trip. The description of their resort was 10/10.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

Meryl Wilsner delivers a heartfelt and spicy romance with "My Best Friend's Honeymoon," a story that flips the classic honeymoon trope on its head. When Elsie calls off her wedding, she finds herself on a non-refundable Caribbean getaway with her lifelong best friend, Ginny—who happens to have been in love with her for over a decade. Cue the mutual pining, steamy revelations, and personal growth we all crave in a queer romance.

The “best friends to lovers” trope is done justice here, with a dash of mutual pining and a sprinkling of miscommunication to keep the tension alive. Elsie’s journey to finding her voice and figuring out what she truly wants is equal parts frustrating and satisfying. Ginny, with their supportive nature and patient love, is undeniably the star of the show. The chemistry between them sizzles, and the spice? Next-level.

While the pacing feels unconventional, it adds a refreshing touch of realism. The third-act breakup is painful but serves as an emotional turning point that allows both characters to grow individually and as a couple. The non-binary representation is beautifully handled, seamlessly woven into the narrative without over-explaining.

This book is a celebration of self-discovery, supportive love, and asking for what you truly deserve. A perfect summer read! 🌈✨

Edited to add info on the Audiobook - I was provided by NetGalley as well: the narration was fantastic. I thoroughly enjoyed how the characters were brought to life by the performance of the narrators. Blair Baker and Emily Shaw brought emotion and depth.

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC copy of this novel.

Thank you to @macmillan.audio for providing me an early copy of this audiobook. All opinions are my own.

Whew! What a spicy little friends to lovers romance. 🥵

Elsie has finally come to the realization that she cannot marry her fiancé, but even though she broke up with him, he tells her to take their non-refundable honeymoon trip anyway, and to take her best friend with her. (Seriously, I felt kind of a lot bad for him, poor guy. 😂)

I really, really loved the vacation part of this book, with all those romantic tropical getaway vibes. I loved Elsie learning to ask for what she wants, and then getting exactly that. 😘🔥

I will say the back half of the books was definitely a bit weaker for me. While I understand that there was some important character development that needed to happen, it happened in a way I didn’t feel quite worked for me, but that said, that final scene was very cute, and I loved where the characters ended up.

Audiobook notes: I thought both narrators did an excellent job! Both felt distinct enough, but also seamless with their shared voices. 👍

What this book is giving:
✅ Romance
✅ Dual POV
✅ Best Friend’s to Lovers
✅ Nonbinary MC
✅ Non-refundable Honeymoon Trip

Rating:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 5
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ / 5

I really liked the premise of this story, but the smut level and overly descriptive smutty scenes were more than I had bargained for. I love a good romance, but personally prefer a slightly more closed door romance. As part of the LGBTQ community, I appreciate the representation, but also already feel that so much of our society is focused on hypersexualizing us, so I had wished the spice wasn’t quite so… spicy. Overall, loved the idea and the dynamic.

I went into this book with a little bit of excitement as I love a good friends to lovers trope but this fell a little flat for me. The third act breakup wasn’t great because for what it was I wouldn’t end my relationship let alone my best friendship over it. But I was entertained which is why I gave it 3 stars still.

2.5/5
Two best friends go on a honeymoon together and it turns into a whole lot more... but not in the way I was hoping. This one was tough to get through. I didn’t expect so much plot-less smut and really wanted more actual relationship or character development. Ginny was great (huge piner energy), but Elsie? Kinda the worst. She got more unlikeable the further I read. Cute concept, just not for me. 😬💔 Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

I did not care for this book at all. The storyline was obnoxious and the characters unlikeable. I couldn't get into it and wouldn't recommend it.

You’ll probably enjoy My BFF’s Honeymoon if you’re into…
• friends-to-lovers
• tropical destination romance
• f/nb pairing with LGBTQ+ rep
• spicy scenes
• second chances

It’s playful, queer, & while some of the drama felt a little forced and certain character choices didn’t always feel okay with me, it still delivers a fun, beachy escape with heart and heat.

If you’re in the mood for a tropical romance with emotional growth and queer joy, this might be your next vacation read.

Special thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for the ALC in exchange for an honest review.

⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc and alc.

Overall, this was a cute queer/lgbtqia+ book. I do agree with some of the other reviews that said this book went too fast at some times. I definitely did not hate this book though. I also enjoyed the audiobook narrators and I found both of their voices to be quite pleasant. Definitely a cute read for the summer for sure!

best friends forever, secretly pining for each other, go on a honeymoon together and fall in love. recipe for a perfect summer rom com right?

if you go into this expecting an easy breezy bingable beach read you will have a fantastic time! there's lots of LGBTQ+ rep, a friends to lovers arc in a sunny place, a little dose of "how do you figure out your place in the world and what you want to do with your life???", and a HEFTY dose of spice (warning: extremely hot!!!)

the only thing I found this missing was a genuine connection between our characters that I could feel. the spice was spicin', but it really felt more like a freinds with benefits situation than long unrequited love finally being reciprocated on booth ends. but! as I said this was very bingable and perfect for an easy beach read.

thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for this alc!

Meryl Wilsner continues to knock the romance genre out of the park. I loved Elsie and Ginny so much! They made me laugh out loud several times, and I was SO HOOKED that I listened to this whole book in one day. I'm only mad it wasn't longer!