3/5 ⭐️
Loved the drama! Always enjoy a good enemies to lovers and some fake dating sprinkled in there.

this was a cute read and i enjoyed this and the rom-com was enjoyable. the book gives off feelings of the hating game and the Spanish love deception and it does a great job at the fake dating trope which is a fav trope of mine. The book has some great funny and heartfelt moments and i just fell in love with the two main characters

The Wedding Date Disaster sounded like it had everything I need in a romance novel.

• Enemies-to-lovers
• Fake dating
• Destination romance
• Workplace
• Family dramas

But this one wasn't my favorite. I didn't find either of the main characters to be likeable and the story just moved too slowly for me.

Thank you NetGalley and Harper Collins for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

The Wedding Date Disaster by Kate Mathiesoon

⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶

Things I enjoyed: the fake dating, enemies to lovers, and vacation romance. The scenario was cute, and I enjoyed the storyline

Things I did not enjoy: either main characters- Gemma was annoying and let everyone walk all over her, but not in an endearing "I want everyone to he happy way" But in a letting people take advantage of her way. Ben was too much of a jerk for way too long. Also, the chemistry was off, so instead of feeling swoony as the enemies became lovers, I just questioned why they were suddenly changing their minds.

I enjoyed this light hearted rom-rom set at a wedding in Italy, but it had some frustrating character dynamics. The story follows Gemma, who thinks that she is getting a long awaited promotion, only to have it stolen by Ben, her work enemy she’s nicknames ‘Weasel’. To get away from the disappointment she jets off to Italy for her sisters wedding, but when her boyfriend Adam bails on the trip she enlists her work bestie to set her up with a blind date to fill in as Adam. When the fill in turns out to be Ben, her heart sinks but she’s determined to keep up her pretence of everything being fine as well as make sure that the wedding goes well, helping with last minute demands from her sister whilst playing peacemaker with the family. The Italian backdrop and wedding chaos make an entertaining premise, and there were some great moments of banter and relationship building between Gemma and Ben. However the character development took a long time to land and the romance didn’t feel believable until the final third of the book.

I have to admit that I found the first part of the book hard to get through. The enemies-to-lovers setup relied on making Ben come across as arrogant, misogynistic and belittling. While I appreciated that the author really committed to creating a true enemies to lovers dynamics, something that I have found lacking in other books where it’s just been surface level misunderstandings, it was difficult to stick with a book where the main female character was a complete doormat, whilst the men around her, especially Ben the MMC, constantly talked down to her and treated her as a skivvy. As a feminist I was screaming at her to finally stand up for herself but it was a long time coming. The growth at the end of the book improves the relationship dynamic of Ben and Gemma, and Gemma with her family which felt needed, but it was a frustrating journey to go on with her. As I was reading I felt like some of the character interaction reminded me of books I would read in the 90s, or early 00’s rom-coms where women, which made the book feel a little dated at times.

On the whole the book was an enjoyable read, with a satisfying conclusion, if you enjoy enemies-to-lovers romance this might be worth picking up, sadly it didn’t quite stand out for me.

I liked this, although I didnt love it. It didnt fully click with me. I will read more from this author though.

This was such a fun read!

The tension, the banter, the snarky replies. I laughed out loud through most of this book!

I loved the main characters, all of the side characters played their roles in the story so well, + I feel like everyone ended the book better than they were when it started.

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for my advance copy!

Gemma is a people-pleaser in all aspects of her work and life, especially with her family. Family drama defined her early years and shaped the woman she became. Ben is ambitious and successful but seems superficial and uncaring, especially from Gemma's perspective. Gemma's relationship seems perfect, but she wonders if it is when her boyfriend won't accompany her to a glamorous family wedding in Italy. She needs a blind date, and when she meets him, her world implodes. This story's perfectly pitched romantic comedy aspect, with its unlikely slow-burn romance and witty dialogue, makes this an engaging read. I like Gemma's character development, the gradual emotional attachment between the couple, and the gentle romance and humorous conversations.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

Thank you to NetGalley and One More Chapter for providing the ARC.

This book was, unfortunately, all over the place. I feel like all of Gemma's issues could have been solved if anyone had just taken the time to talk to her and explain what was going on. Instead what you get is a thrown together story about a people pleasing woman who can't think of her own happiness, and the guy that manipulates her into doing what he wants her to do.

This book was not my favorite and I wish it had more substance to it than what it actually did. All of it seemed very disjointed and so shady, when it never had to be that. Not really excited about this one.

2.5-ish rounded up.

This book had some potential but I found myself not as engaged. I think I was somewhat excited for the last 20% of the book when there was actual dialogue and some chemistry happening between the MC's, Gemma and Ben.

The tropes were there but the story fell flat, the FMC, Gemma was not very lively and the MMC, Ben began to have some character after stepping up and taking care of Gemma when she was sick with a 24-hour bug.



Thanks NetGalley for a copy of an e-arc in return for a review.

A one-sided enemies to lovers where he’s been pining after her for years - and I fall for it every time.

This was very lighthearted but included moments of our girl Gemma finding herself and her voice. The writing was done and I loved the literary references throughout.

This was a great read. I absolutely love the whole enemies to lovers.

Gemma and Ben's relationship started off really rough and the way Ben was described made me hate him. Gemma is a sweetheart and I totally understand why she acts the way she does. I did not expect some of the big moments. They were a pleasant surprise and really developed each character with more details and emotions. I grew to love Ben, a passionate and sweet soul who was very quiet about his intentions!

I am absolutely satisfied with the ending and the entire story as a whole.
#AdamHaterClub

Fake dating? ✔️
Enemies-to-lovers? ✔️
Forced proximity at a dreamy Italian wedding? ✔️✔️✔️
From the moment Gemma and Ben collided (literally and figuratively) in the office, I knew I was in for a treat. Gemma—the ultimate people-pleaser trying to prove herself to a family that never quite gets her—just wants to survive her sister’s wedding without looking like a failure. Enter Ben, her workplace nemesis and the man who stole her promotion… who, plot twist, also volunteers to be her fake date. (And she doesn’t even realize it’s him at first—cue the chaos).
The tension? Immaculate. The banter? Sharp and hilarious. The slow-burn romance? Perfection.
Gemma and Ben’s chemistry had me kicking my feet and grinning like an idiot the whole time. Their rivalry was just the right amount of electric, and watching it evolve into something real was so satisfying. Plus, Ben? Absolute dreamboat—cocky in all the right ways but secretly so soft when it comes to Gemma.
Also, can we talk about the Italian wedding setting?! The drama, the meddling family, the tension of sharing a room with your “pretend” boyfriend?? LIVING for it.
This book was a perfect blend of laugh-out-loud moments, heartwarming romance, and just the right amount of swoon. If you love a smart, sassy rom-com with incredible chemistry and a totally unhinged fake dating scheme, this one’s for you!

Once I got going with this one I couldn’t put it down! I absolutely loved ‘Weasel’ aka Adam aka Ben! I loved the ways he’d been crazy about Gemma shown through his small acts of kindness and she didn’t even realise!! Her denial about his obvious love was so endearing!

Honestly Gemma’s family made me so mad! But I’m glad she had Ben to show her, her worth! His sneaky little plot and motive for being Italy was also adorable!

I laughed a lot, I thought the humour was extremely British so related to it so well, it was a joy to read.
Overall this was such a fun read and I’ll reread this for sure!

Light spice, male female, 1st person point of view, contemporary romance. This has an enemies to lovers fake dating storyline. The cover art really caught my eye. I liked the premise, but I didn't care for the main characters.

Quick Summary: An enemies to lovers, fake dating with a co-worker romance

My Review: The Wedding Date Disaster by Kate R. Mathieson is being released TODAY! It is a contemporary romance.

About the Book: "Gemma thought she had The One, but now her Plus One is making her realise there’s more to life than just ‘good enough’…"

In My Own Words: A young professional who has inadvertently functioned as a people pleaser for much of her life gets hit with three unfortunate events that concern her job, her family, and her relationship. When she suddenly finds herself in a pickle, she has to enlist the help of her work nemesis.

About the Characters:

Gemma - > Pushover, people pleaser, timid, inner lioness, hungry for more

Ben - > Arrogant, cheeky, charming, caretaker, driven, inner sweetness

I really liked that both leads were flawed and imperfect. I thought the backstory of each character was heartbreaking. Their family life situations and dysfunction shaped them so dramatically.

My Final Say: This had tones of an "ugly duckling" transforming into a swan. It was light on love and heavy on finding one's voice in life and relationships. It totally gave off a "rooting for the underdog" vibe.

Other: Readers who enjoy the following tropes will like this book.

• Enemies-to-lovers

• Fake dating

• Destination romance

• Workplace

• Family dramas

• Self-awareness

Rating: 3/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: A
Status/Level: ⭐⭐⭐
Cover: +
Title: +
Family Drama: Heavy
Conflict: Light
Romance: Light
Chemistry: Light
Spice: Light
Character Growth: Yes
Cast Diversity: Yes

Appreciation is extended to the author, to the publisher (HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter | One More Chapter), and to NetGalley. Thank you for granting access to a digital ARC of this title in exchange for an honest review. The words I have voluntarily shared are my own. I am grateful for the opportunity.

An enemies to lovers read, the story of Gemma and Ben. Workplace rivals and then he ends up as her blind date to a wedding Italy. I enjoyed reading but would have liked an epilogue to see what happens next.

The Wedding Date Disaster by Kate Mathieson was just what I needed!
Loved this book!! Perfect story and the characters were amazing to read.
This book simply put was just a lot of fun!
The characters were so much fun, and their chemistry was adorable.
I thought the writing was quick, fun and engaging.
Overall, I very much enjoyed reading this new title.
I’ve never read anything by this author before but I definitely want to now and can't wait to, honestly.

STORY
⭐⭐⭐⭐

SPICE
🌶️ closed door(ish)

RECOMMEND
💳 yes

Gemma is a chronic people pleaser and needs to find a stand-in for her boyfriend, Adam, when he cannot leave the country to attend Gemma's sister's wedding in Italy.

Her friend decides to help find her a replacement and he happens to be her work rival. The rival that just received the promotion she wanted.

Even though Gemma is a people pleaser, 85% of the story are her assumptions of Ben. Admittedly, she treats Ben poorly. As they spend more time together, Gemma begins to realize that Ben is not the person she presumed him to be and at the same time she reflects on certain encounters in a different light. Ben gives her the courage to find her back bone and tell her family how she truly feels about their treatment of her.

TROPES
• Rivals-to-Lovers
• Fake Dating
• Workplace Romance
• Family Drama
• Destination Romance
• Self-Awareness

Kate Mathieson's "The Wedding Date Disaster" is worth the read. Thank you One More Chapter and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review "The Wedding Date Disaster" in advance.

The amount of love I have for this story right now. Ben and Gemma were delightful. I adore the enemies to lovers / office romance / fake dating tropes and this had all of them.

Gemma is a people pleaser and just wants everything to remain calm even at risk of her own happiness. Ben is the complete opposite, he’s brutally honest not caring how the truth could impact someone. They fight and argue, they smile and laugh and their banter is hilarious.

I don’t want to go much into the story but I will say I loved it. There is so much more going on than what we see initially. Each character has depth to them that I just loved uncovering.

This book was a first to me from this author but this writing, it was so smooth. The author brought these characters to life so much that it all played out in my head so perfectly. I can’t wait to look up and check out the other books.

If you loved The Hating Game (Sally Thorne) or The Spanish Love Deception (Elena Armas) then this book would be a great next read for you.