BOOK REVIEW: The Wedding Party by Jasmine Guillory @thebestjasmine @berkleypub @berkleyromance #theweddingparty #bookreview

Jasmine Guillory’s third book The Wedding Party is in my opinion her best yet! In her signature style, this book is steamy, sweet, sassy, and has depth to it that will help us all learn a bit more about what it is like to be a minority in a majority industry. I thought the enemies-turned-lovers storyline worked so well, with the added element of their personal connection through their mutual friend Alexa. This is a perfect summer book!

About the Book

Professional style consultant Maddie doesn’t need a man to feel fulfilled. Especially not a man like Theo. Theo is her best friend Alexa’s work bestie. Several years ago when they first met, Theo asked Maddie what she did for a living and it was clear from his reaction to her job that he found her shallow and beneath him. Maddie has never told Alexa the specifics, but suffice it to say Maddie isn’t interested in befriending Theo.

When Alexa begs Maddie to go with her to Theo’s birthday party, Maddie begrudgingly agrees. Little did she know that despite her hate for Theo and his uptight beliefs, a series of events may lead them to bed with one another. But no matter how good it was, Maddie and Theo remain enemies. It was a mistake, not to be repeated.

Alexa’s engagement may through a wrench in the works, though, when she names them both as part of her bridal party. Forced to work together, they agree that some sleeping together on the side is only a way to alleviate the tension between them. And only when Alexa isn’t looking—there’s no way she can find out.

Rules must be followed. Don’t tell Alexa. This ends when Alexa gets married. Only get together when they’ve already been with Alexa. No dates. Don’t fall in love. But they may find some of these rules are harder to keep than they realized…

Reflection

Maddie and Theo are both complex, well-developed characters that I absolutely loved! When I read this book, I couldn’t help but think how wonderful it is that Jasmine Guillory consistently pushes the boundary of the genre. This is part romance, part contemporary fiction, and a must-read books.

I learned a lot from Maddie and Theo’s characters. As different as they are, they both are people who feel they have to put on a certain demeanor to be taken seriously in their careers—a feat that is made more difficult by the color of their skin. While I think a lot of us can relate to feeling pressure to be a certain way, Maddie and Theo brought to light an interesting and unfortunate societal truth that is important to discuss. When you’re the minority group in the industry you work in, you don’t have a chance for slip ups. There is more pressure to work harder, dress the right way, and be perfect than your majority counterparts.

I don’t want to get preachy, nor does this book read that way at all! This book is fun, steamy, and touching. The chemistry between Theo and Maddie is HOT. I also loved their relationship with Alexa, and how they both put aside their differences to support her. And the ending is SO fun! I won’t spoil it but it left me with a huge smile on my face.

This book should be next on your summer reading list!

Thank you Berkley for my copy. Opinions are my own.