When Olivia’s boyfriend, of a few months, proposes, she sees a couple of red flags but maybe this is meant to be and they are meant to live happily ever after. However, while planning her wedding she may find love with someone else.

I have read novels by this author before and really do enjoy their writing, this novel started off great but the issue I had was that I wanted the main character to be more independent and question things rather than go with the flow and be so naive; because of this, I found bits a little irritating. However, this does not take away from the author and the previous novel they have written.

The narrative was a little predictable but this did not remove from the overall read and of course, this ended with the outcome that everyone wanted.

Olivia and Teddy have just gotten engaged and because she wants to get married at the place her grandfather built, they have to get married soon. The catch- they will have to get married in a double wedding with her sister. As Olivia tries to plan her wedding, she finds Teddy is too busy to help and her sister makes all the decisions.

I have read several of MacIntosh’s books and I love her style. Her books have great characters, witty banter, and lots of romance. You also see a growth with the characters, which is something I always look for. Olivia is basically a doormat through this entire book, but she puts her foot down and does a complete overhaul at the end.

Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for this ARC! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Better Off Wed is the 13th book by Portia MacIntosh that I read (and I still have many more left) and that has to mean something. If I feel a bit down her stories always manage to lift my spirits up with their fun and cute plots, her realistic heroines and the charming cast of characters she usually creates. Better Off Wed was not the exception.

Olivia’s boyfriend Teddy proposes out of the blue. Even though she thinks it’s a bit soon, after dating for nine months only, she says yes as her dream is to get married in a dream location with family ties. The only available date is a few weeks away, and she will find herself in a whirlwind, planning a double wedding as she starts questioning if she’s marrying for the right reasons and why Teddy’s proposal was so sudden.

Although the start was a bit of a slow burn, once the wedding preparations get underway, the story picked up its rhythm and I read it in two sittings. I like it when there’s some Bridezilla character, as it’s always so much fun to see the lengths to which some people can go to get their dream wedding. Add that said Bridezilla is an influencer and you have a time bomb in your hands! The author takes the opportunity to take a dig at influencers who do everything for the views and the likes. Despite all her drama it was nice to see her redeem herself at the end.

Liv’s arc was a pretty interesting one. It took her a while to speak up for herself, but once she did, nothing could stop her. She was going with flow, living for others instead of living for herself, so it was great when something made click in her head and she started going for what she really wanted or needed instead of whatever others wanted to impose. The story really makes you reflect about your true desires, what you really want, and points the finger at how sometimes we agree with decisions we’re not 100% sure about just because we’re scared of what might happen in case we say NO.

At first Teddy sounds like the perfect man, but after the proposal he does a complete 180º, showing a complete different side. I predicted the why and I may or may not (definitely MAY) have called him names. Although I didn’t like him, I think his conversation with Olivia was really mature and honest, not blaming one another and just coming to realize they simply were at different points in their lives, with different goals and future’s expectations.

The chemistry between Olivia and Hugo was fantastic but, based on his description and how he acted with Liv, who wouldn’t have chemistry with him???

A few days ago I was thinking about the romcom genre and its happy endings, and how we usually equal a happy ending with ending up with the love interest. I’m the first one that likes when things go well at the end, a happy ending is always welcome, but life isn’t always like that. I liked how the ending here felt pretty realistic, although I missed an epilogue a few months later to see where they were at.

Better Off Wed was a light read that had some interesting reflections and a great add to Portia’s body of work.

Thanks to NetGalley, Boldwood Books and Rachel’s Random Resources for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review and my spot on the Blog Tour.

Liv’s life is moving very fast. Her boyfriend of a few months proposes on the way to her brother’s engagement party. Then if they want to get married at her dream location they have to get married in 4 weeks. A funny romcom that will transport you to Cornish for family fun. I loved Liv’s story. A perfect feel good romcom.

This is my first book by this author and it definitely won’t be the last I really enjoyed it. I was drawn to this book by the plot it grabbed my interest.

I really liked the setting of Cornwall where the wedding was set. I could picture it in my mind it all sounded so beautiful.

I loved the close relationship between Olivia and her family. I really wasn’t a fan of Teddy, but I loved Olivia. I didn’t warm to Eden initially but as the story progressed she grew on me.

I found the book hilarious at time it had me laughing out loud. I liked how the story turned out in the end too. I do kind of wish there had been an epilogue set maybe a year or so in the future though just to see what happened.

𝘐𝘵 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘨𝘰𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵, 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘪𝘧 𝘪𝘵 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭𝘴 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶'𝘷𝘦 𝘮𝘦𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘰𝘯 𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦, 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦𝘴 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘦𝘦𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘰𝘯 𝘧𝘪𝘳𝘴𝘵 𝘴𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘦, 𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦, 𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘦𝘦𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘰𝘯.

Thank you to Rachel’s Random Resources and the publisher for having me on the tour and for my gifted ebook.

Teddy has just proposed to Liv which was a huge surprise to her to say the least and wants the wedding to happen asap.
Livs brother has also just proposed to his girlfriend
Someone comes up with the bright idea that they should have a joint wedding. Not wanting to argue Liv agrees but finds herself over ruled with every decision by her sister in law to be who is a total bridezilla.
Fast forward to a conversation Liv over hears she finds out Teddy only proposed so he could become CEO of his grandmother's business.
Will there be a wedding or will Liv find she has more in common with a stranger she met who works / owns the hotel ?

An unexpected proposal is the start
But is it too sudden, Olivia asks her heart.
Her Grandfather's barn is where she wants to marry
But there's only one date so they mustn't tarry!

A double wedding with her brother and his bride,
Whilst her mother-in-law to be her decisions deride.
The pressures mount as the wedding date nears,
Will it all suddenly end in laughter or tears?

A heartwarming story, a fun romance,
Is rushing in giving them any chance?
Especially when her husband-to-be is so busy,
And her choices only one other person seems to see.

Wanting someone to support her, on her side,
A stranger is there to help this bride.
He seems to get her and knows what to do
But is he also too good to be true?

Dilemmas, decisions, bridezilla and future mother-in-law
Add to Olivia's stress as others seem her views to ignore.
With Teddy's absence adding to the mix
Is this something their love for each other will fix?

A stressful time but with laughter, too,
A lovely romcon I recommend to you!
For my complementary copy, I say a huge thank you,
As I share with you this, my honest review.

What a fabulous book introducing the readers to the characters of Liv and Hugo.
When Teddy proposes to Liv, it's a shock to her but she goes with the flow.
They then agree to a joint wedding with her brother whose fiance is a bridezilla, having been planning her wedding since her GCSES.

Suddenly Hugo appears on the scene along with Teddy's notable absence in wedding arrangements and Liv begins to doubt if this marriage is for her.

A great read.......funny and real. I enjoyed it immensely.

Better Off Wed is another sweet rom-com from Portia MacIntosh. Olivia and Teddy hadn’t really been dating all that long when Teddy suddenly pops the question. Taken totally by surprise, she says yes. After all she thinks she loves him, doesn’t she? Her family is thrilled for her, though the timing of them finding out is less than ideal…at her brother’s own engagement party. Due to where her family wants to have the wedding and them only having a single date available it turns out it’s going to be a double wedding for her and he brother. As things roll along, Olivia starts questioning if she and Teddy are really meant to be together. (He definitely gives her reason to wonder.) It’s a cute set up and a fun story with genuinely humorous moments. The one thing that somewhat irritated me (and this was likely intentional) is how Olivia seemed to let others ‘push’ her around, tell her what to do her for much of the story. (Again, it was likely intentional and was probably meant to bother the reader.) I’d like to thank Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an eARC of Better Off Wed.

https://www.amazon.com/review/R36677U9DC5EQP/ref=pe_1098610_137716200_cm_rv_eml_rv0_rv

Better Off Wed by Portia Mackintosh is another delightful contemporary offering that will warm your heart and leave you smiling.
There is a wonderful light-hearted tone to the story as we follow the preparations for a double wedding.
All the characters are realistic and likable, creating a warm atmosphere that envelops the reader.
The leading lady is charming and hilariously funny with her jokes and one-liners. There was a wonderful chemistry between her and the leading man.
We see that new friendships have big hearts. Characters bond over food and companionship.
Family is important. We see a big-hearted family who contrast sharply with a cold, business-like family who make calculated alliances for personal gain.
We are treated to the Cornish coast where the sun shines and the beaches are beautiful.
I thoroughly enjoyed Better Off Wed. I always adore Portia Mackintosh’s novels.
I received a free copy from Rachel’s Random Resources for a blog tour. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.

I think this one is my favourite one by Portia so far. Olivia is a pushover/people pleaser, but she thinks about standing up for herself, but is fearful and as a people pleaser mtself I can relate, the thought of disappointing people even to my detriment horrifies me.

Her family was so supportive of her, they had her back.
I really didn't like Ted. He was way too arrogant, too fixated on his perfect life.

I was so relieved when Olivia finally admits things to herself and in this way stands up for herself. The truth while it hurts, sometimes it has to hurt to kick your head and heart into gear.

I loved that she was a writer who aspired to write her own work and found her story.

To avoid spoilers, I loved a second MC, loved how he believed so much in Olivia, laughed at and told just as 'lame' jokes as she did and was just plain yummy!

And besides that everyone needs someone who thinks they're amazing, hilarious, the best thing since sliced bread, who supports you and your quirky ways.

It was just a sweet, feel good read that has me believing in the future.

This quirky romance novel starts of with a joint wedding of the MC Olivia and her fiancée with her brother and his fiancée. They both have their heart set on a beloved barn and only one date. The story revolves around the planning of this wedding set in the beautiful and picturesque back drop of Cornwall.

I found this novel gripping and funny, the challenges and the obstacles are definitely original, I was really rooting for the MC who goes through a personal transformation, with plenty of epiphanies and really comes in to her own towards the end. I found I really connected with the MC halfway through the book, there were some laugh out loud moments as well as some very emotional parts too. All in all, a very sweet, cute and heart-warming novel.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this as an ARC.

When Olivia is surprised by a proposal from her boyfriend, Ted, it seems natural that she and her brother have a double wedding at the venue she has always dreamed of. This was a place built by their grandfather.

Only her brother’s bride is not too pleased to be sharing a wedding day and venue and tries to control the way it is. But something is keeping Olivia back from putting her whole heart into wedding planning. Could it be that Ted is way too busy with work and seems to left is all to her and worse his interfering mother! When she meets up with Hugo, who works at the hotel, and is happy to help her make decisions about her wedding, she starts to wonder about Ted’s lack of involvment and interest. Why propose, fix a date so early and then leave?

This is a story of a woman, diffident and sweet, who slowly comes into her own and discovers what she really wants in life.

Another book by this author that I enjoyed – she has a way of bringing humour and lightheartedness to her stories and yet keeps the reader engaged.

#BlogTour

After only nine months of dating, Olivia is shocked when Teddy proposes to her. They're not even living together yet, but she does love him...of course, right? But it's tradition for everyone in her family to be married in the barn her grandfather built in the Cornish coast and it's only available in a few weeks. It's a whirlwind of wedding planning, Teddy refuses to help with any of it, and her future in-laws are making things worse. Why is Teddy in such a hurry? All of a sudden she's having doubts and questioning his motives, and to make matters worse, the man she roped into helping her is suddenly feeling like more than friends.
I love this author's witty banter and funny scenes Though the story was a bit predictable, the comedy kept me interested enough to finish. My biggest problem was Olivia always trusting everyone, then acting the damsel when she should stand up for herself. I recommend this book if you're looking for something lighthearted and funny.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

When her fiancé's job takes precedence over their upcoming wedding, Olivia wonders if he's as committed to their relationship as he claims to be.

I loved this book: the humor, the captivating setting on the Cornish coast, the unique and fully developed characters, the romantic and fast-paced plot. It's a smart, emotional, relatable story of people trying to do their best and sometimes failing. Overall, it's a fun and satisfying read that left me smiling.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

I want to thank Netgalley and the author for gifting me the ebook. I really have enjoyed most of the novels from this author. I did enjoy this little romcom a lot. I enjoyed the story and the characters. So if you are looking for a light hearted summer read you are going to love this novel. Perfect for fans of Sophie Kinsella.

Better Off Wed is my fifth Portia MacIntosh novel. I love how each novel has the same ease while reading yet the stories feel unique. She has written a ton more novels, so I have a long way to go before I can experience all of them. This novel follows comedian and romance ghostwriter, Olivia (Liv), who lives in London and dreams of writing a romance novel under her own name. She has been dating her workaholic boyfriend, Teddy, for the past nine months and is shocked when he proposes out of the blue while they are on their way to her brother’s engagement party. Doug (Dougie) and his fiancé, Eden, are on the same page as Liv where there is a tradition in their family to get married at a barn their grandfather built in Cornwall. As there is only one date available, the two couples decide to have a double wedding and there are only a few weeks left to plan the whole affair.

Dougie, Liv, Eden, and their families arrive at Porthian Sands to begin the wedding planning, however, Teddy needs to stay behind for work. This means that Liv is on her own against Eden who wants her dream wedding, which may not match Liv’s. As Teddy is not there to back her up, Liv constantly finds herself against Eden and Dougie (although Dougie just agrees with Eden). Throughout the story, I felt bad for Liv as she kept saying that the decision making would go differently if Teddy was there to take her side. I had a difficult time understanding this as she did not need Teddy and instead just needed to stand up for herself as this is her wedding, too. Throughout the entire novel Eden was a mystery to me as she wanted her engagement to be all about her, yet she was willing to share a wedding date. It was not a major part of the story, but it was difficult to figure out how I felt about her.

While in Cornwall, Liv meets Hugo, who works at the venue and the two end up being friends. Liv is excited finally have an ally as her family took a shine to Hugo and the two even enter a contest to win the services of a famed photographer. The dynamic between Hugo and Liv was sweet and I enjoyed how Hugo fit into the rest of the wedding group. As the two had great chemistry, it was apparent that they would make a great couple, but I liked that MacIntosh kept the focus on Liv’s journey with trying to get through the wedding preparations. Through the reading process, I had trouble picturing the double wedding in my head based on the prep as I started to picture both couples together at the same time at the altar, but I could not understand why they couldn’t do two ceremonies one after the other with a single reception. It seemed Liv and Eden were on different pages for both the ceremony and reception, but I think this would have solved one issue while still leaving Liv to deal with trying to get her way in the reception. There may have been a lot of ideas running through my head to see how it could have worked with Liv and Eden and their two visions, but I realize that this was not the point of the story. Instead, the focus was on Liv and her journey to realize what she would make her happy and the story does accomplish this. Overall, I think this story had great ideas but needed a little more work to properly execute the details. It may not have been my favorite read by the author, but I still love her style and will continue to read more from her in the future.

**I give a special thank you to Netgalley and the publisher, Boldwood Books, for the opportunity to read this entertaining novel. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.**

I would firstly just like to say a big thank you to NetGalley who very kindly forwarded me an arc copy of this book, for my kindle, in return for my honest review.

This is Portia Macintosh’s brand new, laugh-out-loud friends-to-lovers romantic comedy and it is well worth a read!

I’ve read quite a few books from this author and she never disappoints and this book was definitely no exception - I really enjoyed it.

Portia really knows how to write characters and she creates them perfectly. I fell in love with Olivia right from the start book took quite a bit of a dislike to Teddy. I really loved being immersed in Olivia’s life and this book was beautiful and heartwarming but also full of fun too…….

Marry in haste, repent in leisure. There is something to these old adages.
Olivia seemed more enamored of the wedding planning, venue setting, and the day rather than the prospect of marriage to Terry.
I wasn’t surprised how it turned out.
It’s better not to have gone down that path than try to undo it all later.
It’s a good book on what not to do in pre-wedding prep.

3.5 stars

Liv has been dating her boyfriend for 9 months, and things are going well. They are on their way to a family dinner, when he suddenly proposes to her. She feels it's too soon, but fears that her choices are either say yes and stay together, or say no and separate, so she says yes and hopes a long engagement will give them the time they need. Unfortunately for her, Teddy seems to be in a rush to tie the knot. They end up planning a double wedding with Liv's brother and his fiancee, in barely a month's time, in order to secure the barn on the coast of Cornwall that was built by her great grandfather and has since become THE place to get married for movie stars and influencers. As her parents and grandparents were married there, she has always expected to do the same, but the hotel and barn have been sold, and the new owner plans to stop hosting weddings. When they arrive at the hotel's posh beach house and the planning for the wedding begins in earnest, Teddy is conspicuously absent, leaving Liv to do all the work she thought they'd do together. She strikes up a friendship with Hugo, one of the hotel's employees, and he offers to help her with the planning. In the process, Liv starts to question her relationship and whether she really wants to get married. Will Liv go through with the wedding and her one chance at having the event at the special barn?

I feel that this book would make a great beach read, a light and fluffy romcom. It has some good comedic moments that had me giggling, but not a lot of spice. I really liked Liv and Hugo together, and I wish there had been more of just the two of them in the book. In all honesty, I like the thought of the job she was applying for in the very beginning of the story; I think that would have made for an interesting book. As far as what actually does happen in the book, it's fairly obvious and you know what's going to happen, but it's still a sweet, fun time getting there.

Thank you to NetGalley for the free ARC; I am voluntarily writing this review.