Monday, June 23, 2025

HER INCONVENIENT WEDDING DATE by Liwen Y. Ho, Reviewed by Trixi Oberembt #ReleaseDay

UNEXPECTED DATES SERIES #2

TRIXI'S REVIEW:

We're all a little weird. And life is a little weird. And when we find someone whose weirdness is compatible with ours, we join up with them and fall into mutually satisfying weirdness—and call it love—true love. ~Robert Fulghum

Okay, if you're looking for some comedy relief, there's no better author in my book (pun intended) to deliver the perfect read! Not only that, there's a deeper faith thread to bind everything together. Liwen Ho is my go-to Rom-Com writer when I need a break from real life, and a few laughs (maybe even some guffaws). Her characters never fail to charm me; they're the kind you root for and wished were real.

Lily is a devoted older sister and wants her younger sister to marry her long-time boyfriend. But according to Chinese tradition—and her mother's wishes—Lily must marry first. There's a problem however, she isn't currently dating nor does she have a love interest. Thus ensues pursuit of marriage (or at least a pretend one) she'll even settle for one of convenience.

Hunter has been secretly in love with Lily for about a year. Working in the same office building as her has put him in an awkward position—so he decides to at least befriend her. He can't believe his luck (or should I say God's providence) when she proposes a plan that benefits both of them, how could he possibly say no?

He literally just married me without expecting anything in return. Who does that?! Apparently, a non-Chinese guy who speaks Mandarin, rescues me from PowerPoint presentations, and hates pineapple on his pizza. I suppose two out of three ain't bad.

I've read Liwen's Fab-Forties series (and loved each one), and I have to say, this has got to be my favorite yet. Hunter has a funny/cute side that Lily hasn't ever seen before that perfectly fits with her personality. These two complement each other in so many ways and it was fun to see each layer unfold. I loved how the author had these two “date” after they are inconveniently married (you'll understand when you read this). Lily's family added to the charm of this story....her mom was a hoot & her younger sister was the sweetest. 

The faith theme felt natural; Lily learned that she doesn't have to be “perfect” to be loved because she already is in God's eyes and Hunter reminds her that she has the freedom to be who God created her to be—sometimes that looks like being irresponsible (at least in some areas). This story ticked a lot of boxes for me, one being I love marriage-of-convenience, so it's always fun when I can read it in a modern-day setting. There's a lot of depth, laughter, and profound moments to discover in the pages. I never pass up the chance to read a book by Liwen!
* I received a complimentary copy from the author and wasn't under any obligation to leave a positive review. All opinions expressed here are my own. *

BackCover Blurb:

I always thought I’d marry for love… not because of a family tradition.

As the eldest daughter, my life’s basically one long checklist of responsibilities—especially when it comes to making sure my younger sister gets her happily ever after. And apparently, that means I need to tie the knot first.

Groan.

I’m an engineer by day, a beauty blogger by night, and a problem-solver 24/7. But even I wasn’t prepared for the solution to my marriage problem to show up in the form of Hunter Payne—my tall, charming, and goofy coworker who just so happened to save me from the world’s most awkward date.

Out of the kindness of his heart, he offers to marry me. For three months only. Just until the family pressure eases up. Totally platonic, totally practical.

Until it’s not.

Because three seconds into our union, a surprise kiss makes some very inconvenient emotions rise to the surface.

How am I going to survive this marriage without falling for the one guy I promised I wouldn’t catch feelings for?
June, 2025



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