'If We're Not Married by Thirty' is a romance story between two people who make a pact to marry each other, discovers that they do fancy each other but because of their personal lives, have never really gotten together until a holiday getaway that had Lydia and Danny rekindle their feelings and act on their pact. However, their plans of elopement fell apart when they had to wait for a couple of weeks, leading Lydia to think about her life and her relationship with Danny.

What I liked about the book are the secondary characters, as they bring so much life outside of the romance. These characters are not just peppered around Lydia and Danny to give them a semblance of a life, but they are entertaining and likable. If one is a fan of whirlwind romance, this is pretty much one. While they do know each other for most of their lives, and they keep track of each other's lives via mail (either electronic or physical), them jumping into marriage doesn't seem well-thought of. It was still an enjoyable read. There were some random tidbits dropped here and there that seems to be completely out of nowhere, but it does eventually make sense, so that's something to look for.

This book did make me want to book a flight to Barcelona to eat tapas and drink sangria.

Originally posted to www.katiealexandrablog.wordpress.com

I'm a bit torn about what I feel about this book. I read the first couple of chapters on Readers First and thought it sounded a fun and light read. I don't read a lot of romance, but thought the concept was cute and was ready for a funny book.

Don't get me wrong, it sure was cute. After keeping in touch via email for the last decade, and sending each other silly gifts in the mail as they keep missing each other wherever they live, Danny and Lydia finally meet by accident in what is supposed to be Lydia's 'find herself' holiday, and quickly fall under each others spell. They are absolutely smitten with each other, and are soon planning to act on that pact from so many years ago, that if they're not married by thirty, they'll marry each other.

One of my problems was that the two main characters both came across a bit immature. I liked their relationship - I'm a sucker for that childhood friend that you think you're not into but BAM - feelings! They obviously got along well and enjoyed each others company, but I would have liked to see a bit more of them being friends, not just both apparently great in bed.

I also didn't feel much for the secondary characters. I was underwhelmed with the inferred jealousy between Victoria and Lydia, Ross and Danny, and my only real favourite character was Hazel, Danny's mum. She had some cracking lines and provided much of the little comic relief. 

It was still a fun read, if you didn't read too much into the logistics and unrealistic factors of their at the drop of a hat wedding - despite some pact you made when you were younger, would you really rush into marriage like that? I found it unromantic, unnecessary, and like I said above, added to their immaturity. Overall, a 3 star rating.

If We’re Not Married by Thirty is the new book from Anna Bell. I absolutely loved this fun filled book.

Lydia and Danny have known each other all their lives, and after kissing at Lydia’s sister’s wedding they make a pact to marry if they are still single at 30. Over the years they have kept in touch with each other and when they unexpectedly meet up in Spain, fireworks sizzle between them and they realise they belong together. As they plan their future, will they find their happy ever after or will someone try to put obstacles in their way?

A wonderful feel good romantic comedy with an excellent cast of characters. Lydia and Danny are great characters but their mums, Linda and Hazel, were brilliant. This is an enjoyable entertaining book which I would recommend.

Childhood friends Lydia and Dan make a pact at a wedding that if either of them is single at 30 they would marry each other. 10 years pass and a chance encounter brings the childhood friends back together and giving their pact some consideration. How could it not be perfect when they know each so well?

Such a delightful book you cannot help but fall in love with Danny along with Lydia, For anyone who enjoys a great romance with a good heart.