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My Ex's Wedding
"You're going to pay me two-thousand dollars to go to a wedding??"
Alex
I was engaged to the girl of my dreams.
Then a tragic accident took away my whole life.
Now she’s going to marry another man. Not just any man--the biggest asshole I ever met. But he can give her the life I can’t. Time to accept it and move on.
Except why did I agree to go to the wedding? And worse, why did I tell her I was bringing a date??
Nellie
I am so freaking broke.
My gigs as a comedian don't pay the bills. Not yet, anyway. So when I get canned from my waitressing job, I'm in big trouble.
But then a stranger in a business suit offers me a wad of cash. The job? Pretend to be his brother's girlfriend for a wedding in Vegas.
Except it turns out my fake boyfriend and I have met before.
He’s a different man now, but he’s still as drop-dead handsome as I remember. He still makes my knees weak. And there’s one other thing that hasn’t changed:
He’s still hung up on his ex.
Alex
I was engaged to the girl of my dreams.
Then a tragic accident took away my whole life.
Now she’s going to marry another man. Not just any man--the biggest asshole I ever met. But he can give her the life I can’t. Time to accept it and move on.
Except why did I agree to go to the wedding? And worse, why did I tell her I was bringing a date??
Nellie
I am so freaking broke.
My gigs as a comedian don't pay the bills. Not yet, anyway. So when I get canned from my waitressing job, I'm in big trouble.
But then a stranger in a business suit offers me a wad of cash. The job? Pretend to be his brother's girlfriend for a wedding in Vegas.
Except it turns out my fake boyfriend and I have met before.
He’s a different man now, but he’s still as drop-dead handsome as I remember. He still makes my knees weak. And there’s one other thing that hasn’t changed:
He’s still hung up on his ex.
239 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 6, 2020
91 people are currently reading
184 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
April 20, 2021
✰ 4 Stars ✰
*× ᴛʜᴇ ɪɴᴛʀᴏ ○*
Forewarning, this is going to be a bit of a "quickie" review (LOL). That's not to say I didn't like this book, but I didn't like this book enough to write a super long winded review, if that makes sense?
Anywho, I have now deemed My Ex's Wedding to be my favorite in, Annabelle Costa's , catalogue. Okay more like I it as much as her other book Crazy in Love . They're both my favorite books of hers, huzzah!
Of the books I've read by MS. COSTA I'd say this one is the least. . . problematic? GAH, I hate to throw that term around (as i think when you label something problematic you best have the salt to back it up), but it kinda fits? See, I've noticed a lot of her books have a few. . . shall I say, similarities in the way they portray women. Basically, any character who happens to have a vagina (that's not the heroine) is a bitch. Seriously, almost every woman in all of her other books either 𝓪. treats the hero like trash, 𝓫. treats the heroine like trash, and 𝓬. generally has a trash personality. And this has been my reaction pretty much every time -
Now MS. COSTA's books have a lot of positives, especially the way in which she consistently showcases MCs that have disabilities. Not many romance authors allow their MCs to be anything less than "perfect" and it's always nice to see some diverse representation in romancelandia.
*× ᴏᴠᴇʀᴀʟʟ ᴛʜᴏᴜɢʜᴛs ○*
✅ THE REPRESENTATION was really great. I'm always on the hunt for romance books that showcase main characters who are something other than white & attractive 20 somethings. Now, that's not a knock against those types of books, but sometimes it's nice to see a hero who *gasp* doesn't have a six-pack. eh, who am i kidding, I LIVE for the details of a heroes six pack. BUT, you know what they say, variety is good for the soul. . . okay "they" don't say that, I made it up. However, my point still stands, I enjoyed reading about a hero who had a disability (he was a quadriplegic). I liked that he was represented as a person who happened to have a disability. While his every day struggles and challenges weren't magically glossed over, MS. COSTA generously highlighted other aspects of his character.
✅ THE ROMANCE was actually really sweet. While it did get aggravating at times *cough* they kept assuming things about the other *cough* as a whole it was pretty darn sweet. I loved the way Nellie wholeheartedly accepted Alex, no hesitation or anything. They really complimented each other well and pushed one another to be their "best selves". I mean the scene where Alex was willing to ride a gondola for Nellie was just. . . gah, P-E-R-F-E-C-T-I-O-N✨
🆗 THE EX's WEDDING as a location // plot was. . . okay. I liked how everyone who wasn't Alex acknowledged how bad of an idea it was to show up his ex's wedding, and I liked how FOR ONCE MS. COSTA didn't wholly vilify said ex. That being said, wayyyyy too much time, mental energy, and plot waswasted focused on Alex & his ex. It was just. . . unnecessary and it made Alex's ３６０° turn around in regards to his feeling about Nellie a bit head scratching.
❌ THE PROGRESSION OF THE RELATIONSHIP was a bit disappointing. Due to a majority of the book taking place at the aforementioned ex's wedding there was little time to actually show the relationship between Alex and Nellie outside of the wedding. I would have loved to have been SHOWN what them dating looked like ＊𝐕𝐒＊being TOLD what them dating looked like. IMO, it was one of the biggest missed opportunities of the book.
*× ɪɴ ᴄᴏɴᴄʟᴜsɪᴏɴ ○*
MY EX's WEDDING was a quick fun read that I enjoyed immensely. It stands out as not only one of ANNABELLE COSTA's best books, but as a really fun romantic comedy. The heroine was down-to-earth and funny, and the hero was kinda an asshole but also pretty charming when he wanted to be. The romance was a real highlight and even though I wasn't a huge fan of the whole "let's crash my ex's wedding" plot, I DID enjoy the Vegas setting. Seriously, more books need to be set in Vegas. All in all, I recommend MY EX's WEDDING and deem it a great use of (if you have it) your KindleUnlimited subscription.
➽ ᴇᴅɪᴛ // ᴘsᴀ - this review was originally intended to be a "quickie review", but who am i kidding, i may be lazy but i almost always have something to say. . . basically this "quickie review" quickly went from "short & sweet" to "long winded as fuck". ʅ(°ヮ°)ʃ
*× ᴛʜᴇ ɪɴᴛʀᴏ ○*
Forewarning, this is going to be a bit of a "quickie" review (LOL). That's not to say I didn't like this book, but I didn't like this book enough to write a super long winded review, if that makes sense?
Anywho, I have now deemed My Ex's Wedding to be my favorite in, Annabelle Costa's , catalogue. Okay more like I it as much as her other book Crazy in Love . They're both my favorite books of hers, huzzah!
👏✨what an accomplishment 👏✨
Of the books I've read by MS. COSTA I'd say this one is the least. . . problematic? GAH, I hate to throw that term around (as i think when you label something problematic you best have the salt to back it up), but it kinda fits? See, I've noticed a lot of her books have a few. . . shall I say, similarities in the way they portray women. Basically, any character who happens to have a vagina (that's not the heroine) is a bitch. Seriously, almost every woman in all of her other books either 𝓪. treats the hero like trash, 𝓫. treats the heroine like trash, and 𝓬. generally has a trash personality. And this has been my reaction pretty much every time -
Now MS. COSTA's books have a lot of positives, especially the way in which she consistently showcases MCs that have disabilities. Not many romance authors allow their MCs to be anything less than "perfect" and it's always nice to see some diverse representation in romancelandia.
*× ᴏᴠᴇʀᴀʟʟ ᴛʜᴏᴜɢʜᴛs ○*
✅ THE REPRESENTATION was really great. I'm always on the hunt for romance books that showcase main characters who are something other than white & attractive 20 somethings. Now, that's not a knock against those types of books, but sometimes it's nice to see a hero who *gasp* doesn't have a six-pack. eh, who am i kidding, I LIVE for the details of a heroes six pack. BUT, you know what they say, variety is good for the soul. . . okay "they" don't say that, I made it up. However, my point still stands, I enjoyed reading about a hero who had a disability (he was a quadriplegic). I liked that he was represented as a person who happened to have a disability. While his every day struggles and challenges weren't magically glossed over, MS. COSTA generously highlighted other aspects of his character.
✅ THE ROMANCE was actually really sweet. While it did get aggravating at times *cough* they kept assuming things about the other *cough* as a whole it was pretty darn sweet. I loved the way Nellie wholeheartedly accepted Alex, no hesitation or anything. They really complimented each other well and pushed one another to be their "best selves". I mean the scene where Alex was willing to ride a gondola for Nellie was just. . . gah, P-E-R-F-E-C-T-I-O-N✨
🆗 THE EX's WEDDING as a location // plot was. . . okay. I liked how everyone who wasn't Alex acknowledged how bad of an idea it was to show up his ex's wedding, and I liked how FOR ONCE MS. COSTA didn't wholly vilify said ex. That being said, wayyyyy too much time, mental energy, and plot was
❌ THE PROGRESSION OF THE RELATIONSHIP was a bit disappointing. Due to a majority of the book taking place at the aforementioned ex's wedding there was little time to actually show the relationship between Alex and Nellie outside of the wedding. I would have loved to have been SHOWN what them dating looked like ＊𝐕𝐒＊being TOLD what them dating looked like. IMO, it was one of the biggest missed opportunities of the book.
*× ɪɴ ᴄᴏɴᴄʟᴜsɪᴏɴ ○*
MY EX's WEDDING was a quick fun read that I enjoyed immensely. It stands out as not only one of ANNABELLE COSTA's best books, but as a really fun romantic comedy. The heroine was down-to-earth and funny, and the hero was kinda an asshole but also pretty charming when he wanted to be. The romance was a real highlight and even though I wasn't a huge fan of the whole "let's crash my ex's wedding" plot, I DID enjoy the Vegas setting. Seriously, more books need to be set in Vegas. All in all, I recommend MY EX's WEDDING and deem it a great use of (if you have it) your KindleUnlimited subscription.
May 17, 2021
This was a really well written quick read. It's definitely different to what I normally read.
It's the story of a man who on the night of his engagement has his whole life torn apart.
Not going to lie, this book massively upset me at times and I felt terrible for being sad because I know people in wheelchairs don't need pity but reading about this vibrant man at the peak of his life who seemingly had it all and then had it all ripped away was incredibly hard to read at times.
I think this author did such a fantastic job of writing the realities of someone who is a quadriplegic. How they are treated (talked over, looked at as oddities and pitied), what we take for granted as able bodied people but she captured the fact that everyone deserves a chance at love and despite it being quite hard to read at times, the love story in this book was really touching.
It's the story of a man who on the night of his engagement has his whole life torn apart.
Not going to lie, this book massively upset me at times and I felt terrible for being sad because I know people in wheelchairs don't need pity but reading about this vibrant man at the peak of his life who seemingly had it all and then had it all ripped away was incredibly hard to read at times.
I think this author did such a fantastic job of writing the realities of someone who is a quadriplegic. How they are treated (talked over, looked at as oddities and pitied), what we take for granted as able bodied people but she captured the fact that everyone deserves a chance at love and despite it being quite hard to read at times, the love story in this book was really touching.
July 8, 2020
Annabelle always brings all the feels and I love every one of her stories. Not only is she a one-click author for me, but many of her books I re-read, which is rare for me.
This story was phenomenal.
We meet Alex and Nellie right away and they’ve got chemistry, but sadly Nellie learns that Alex isn’t single, and he’s about to propose to his long-term girlfriend.
Then the unthinkable happens. A tragic injury steals everything away from him, including his fiancée.
Four years later, his ex is getting married to a horrible man. Alex knows he probably won’t win her back, but he needs to try and save her from making a horrible mistake.
So, as fate would have it Nellie and Alex meet again. I won’t spoil how it all happens. The two of them wind up going on a mission to the wedding to rescue his ex from a bad marriage. And that is when Alex and Nellie’s love story begins to bloom.
The thing that I love about Annabelle’s stories is that she shows that life is always worth living, regardless of the circumstances. Yeah, Alex’s injury is a tough pill to swallow, and he doesn’t fit the mold of a traditional hero in a love story. Which is why it makes the story so wonderful. Annabelle gives us hope. You can always find a happily ever after.
Yes, this book does start out with a bit of a punch to the gut. But this is an Annabelle story, so we know she’s gonna bring all the laughs, tears and feels along the way to give us a very satisfying read, with very happy ending.
All the feels. Love, love, love this book.
This story was phenomenal.
We meet Alex and Nellie right away and they’ve got chemistry, but sadly Nellie learns that Alex isn’t single, and he’s about to propose to his long-term girlfriend.
Then the unthinkable happens. A tragic injury steals everything away from him, including his fiancée.
Four years later, his ex is getting married to a horrible man. Alex knows he probably won’t win her back, but he needs to try and save her from making a horrible mistake.
So, as fate would have it Nellie and Alex meet again. I won’t spoil how it all happens. The two of them wind up going on a mission to the wedding to rescue his ex from a bad marriage. And that is when Alex and Nellie’s love story begins to bloom.
The thing that I love about Annabelle’s stories is that she shows that life is always worth living, regardless of the circumstances. Yeah, Alex’s injury is a tough pill to swallow, and he doesn’t fit the mold of a traditional hero in a love story. Which is why it makes the story so wonderful. Annabelle gives us hope. You can always find a happily ever after.
Yes, this book does start out with a bit of a punch to the gut. But this is an Annabelle story, so we know she’s gonna bring all the laughs, tears and feels along the way to give us a very satisfying read, with very happy ending.
All the feels. Love, love, love this book.
July 9, 2020
Another engaging story by Annabelle Costa. It is hard to read about a hero who has sustained a severe, life-altering injury, but I love that she portrays them with dignity and the strength to go on with life. To me, that's what makes them a true hero, the fact that they still want to go on living and make the best of life, no matter what. They do not want to be objects of pity and shouldn't be seen that way by the rest of the world. They just want to move on and live their lives just like anyone else.
Alex was the perfect example of this, and his interactions with Nellie were so well done. I loved their relationship! And, as usual, Costa's dry wit made this an even better read.
Alex was the perfect example of this, and his interactions with Nellie were so well done. I loved their relationship! And, as usual, Costa's dry wit made this an even better read.
July 8, 2020
This story will have a rough beginning, but there is a point to it and the most amazing story you will read. Just hang in there. Nellie Levy was really short on money when a man offered her a large amount of cash to pretend to be his brother's girlfriend for a wedding in Vegas. It turns out her fake boyfriend client won’t be a stranger to her after all. In fact, he was a pretty terrific guy and she met him in the men’s room when her bladder just couldn’t wait any longer in the long ladies room line. She really liked him and she vowed to do something special for him that he would never forget. This was the night Alex would propose to Isabelle, and his womanizer co-worker Parker Ashmont had told him what an idiot he was to marry her, he would never be happy. But he proposed at Nellie’s comedy show, and Isabelle said yes, even though the wedding never happened.
Nellie Levy and Alex Warner were wonderful characters who exhibited so much chemistry between them. Nellie was caring, outspoken, had the perfect personality and humor she needed; and Alex, always loyal to those he loved, wanted to rescue his ex, Isabelle, from making a very bad mistake marrying a horrible man who would hurt her – Parker Ashmont -- even if his actions put him in an uncomfortable, embarrassing, or awkward situation. It had to be painful for him, but he is a good person and puts others first. The goodness in him was attractive to Nellie and allowed their own love story to begin. This is such an incredible story that wrings every last emotion from the reader. It is so sincere and heartfelt, and I adore Alex and the people who love him. Don’t pass this book by – it is remarkable and inspiring. Definitely one of my top favorites.
Nellie Levy and Alex Warner were wonderful characters who exhibited so much chemistry between them. Nellie was caring, outspoken, had the perfect personality and humor she needed; and Alex, always loyal to those he loved, wanted to rescue his ex, Isabelle, from making a very bad mistake marrying a horrible man who would hurt her – Parker Ashmont -- even if his actions put him in an uncomfortable, embarrassing, or awkward situation. It had to be painful for him, but he is a good person and puts others first. The goodness in him was attractive to Nellie and allowed their own love story to begin. This is such an incredible story that wrings every last emotion from the reader. It is so sincere and heartfelt, and I adore Alex and the people who love him. Don’t pass this book by – it is remarkable and inspiring. Definitely one of my top favorites.
July 9, 2020
Entertaining and enchanting romance with fun and interesting characters. Great dialogue and interaction between characters on their way to love and romance. Witty and fun. Good read!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 18, 2020
Alex and Isabelle seemed to have the perfect life, financial stability, a loving loyal relationship, and a bright future ahead once they got engaged thanks to a chance meeting with comedian Nellie. But everything changed that night that finds them years later apart, him a quadriplegic and her about to marry the biggest jackass and player Parker from his old I-Banking firm. The world of the four main players from that fateful night collide separately in NY and again in Vegas for that wedding when Alex tries to warn Isabelle about her cheating fiancé. Will they end up back together or is he meant to be with someone else.
I love how the storylines play out in this Costa romance as it's not your typical boy meets girl, boy loses girl, boy wins girl back. You will find yourself rooting for something that is not perfect, but one that is real since life is no fairytale. But that does not mean you can't have a happily ever after.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I love how the storylines play out in this Costa romance as it's not your typical boy meets girl, boy loses girl, boy wins girl back. You will find yourself rooting for something that is not perfect, but one that is real since life is no fairytale. But that does not mean you can't have a happily ever after.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 14, 2020
I received a copy from BookSprout; this is my honest review.
-It's hilarious, it's sad, it's touching, it's close to what I've went through myself, it's really good.
-I loved both epilogues but Alex's left me finishing the book laughing out loud, really loud.
-The ups and downs of four people. Will they end up in the correct couple? Alone? Mixed-up or all separated at the end? I can't tell you; just read the book!
-My husband always refers to my bladder as a thimble and right at the beginning of the book, Nellie explains why it's so tiny.
-I had a terrible accident that was followed by rehab and physio for 12 years. I had to be fed, dressed and washed (and anything else you can think of) for about 6 months. I know just how Alex felt, except, like his brother Doug, I was able to walk away.
-Alex felt awkward by having leftover food around his mouth. Everyone has that; this is why we use napkins while eating, wiping our face all the time, and we don't even notice we do that. Granted he can't do it himself and probably why he feels that way.
-I learned something: The Beatles sing "While My Guitar Gently Weeps". I always thought it was Eric Clapton, which is the version I have on my MP3.
-It's hilarious, it's sad, it's touching, it's close to what I've went through myself, it's really good.
-I loved both epilogues but Alex's left me finishing the book laughing out loud, really loud.
-The ups and downs of four people. Will they end up in the correct couple? Alone? Mixed-up or all separated at the end? I can't tell you; just read the book!
-My husband always refers to my bladder as a thimble and right at the beginning of the book, Nellie explains why it's so tiny.
-I had a terrible accident that was followed by rehab and physio for 12 years. I had to be fed, dressed and washed (and anything else you can think of) for about 6 months. I know just how Alex felt, except, like his brother Doug, I was able to walk away.
-Alex felt awkward by having leftover food around his mouth. Everyone has that; this is why we use napkins while eating, wiping our face all the time, and we don't even notice we do that. Granted he can't do it himself and probably why he feels that way.
-I learned something: The Beatles sing "While My Guitar Gently Weeps". I always thought it was Eric Clapton, which is the version I have on my MP3.
July 8, 2020
I loved this story, it’s a quick, fun, light read.
Very enjoyable characters and the flow of the story is smooth even though the story itself is a cliché hiring a fake girlfriend to go to an Ex’a wedding.
The comedy in the book is smooth as well that you can find your self smiling without knowing.
I like that the main character was quadriplegic, even though the story wasn’t heavy and didn’t really dive deep on what it means to be a quadriplegic but at least it was a form of representation to disabled people and that on it’s own is refreshing.
#Quarantine read
Stay safe, Stay at home 🏡
Very enjoyable characters and the flow of the story is smooth even though the story itself is a cliché hiring a fake girlfriend to go to an Ex’a wedding.
The comedy in the book is smooth as well that you can find your self smiling without knowing.
I like that the main character was quadriplegic, even though the story wasn’t heavy and didn’t really dive deep on what it means to be a quadriplegic but at least it was a form of representation to disabled people and that on it’s own is refreshing.
#Quarantine read
Stay safe, Stay at home 🏡
July 6, 2020
I loved everything about this story. From the first page, both Nellie and Alex were characters that had such chemistry. Nellie was so real and Alex so perfect. Even so, we soon learned why Alex was going to his ex-fiancé’s wedding instead of marrying her himself.
This is the first book I have read with this particular central theme (which I am purposely not revealing) and Annabelle Costa made it real. She made us feel what Alex was feeling in a way most of us never have or never will. She gave Nellie the wisdom to be the person Alex needed but only after she knew without a doubt Alex was who she needed.
If it has been awhile since you have read a refreshing and unique story that will more than just warm your heart, you need to read MY EX’S WEDDING.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is the first book I have read with this particular central theme (which I am purposely not revealing) and Annabelle Costa made it real. She made us feel what Alex was feeling in a way most of us never have or never will. She gave Nellie the wisdom to be the person Alex needed but only after she knew without a doubt Alex was who she needed.
If it has been awhile since you have read a refreshing and unique story that will more than just warm your heart, you need to read MY EX’S WEDDING.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 7, 2020
Just a great completely ‘unputdownable’ story from start to finish!!
So freaking amazingly written! I loved this book, it was a roller-coaster of emotions and what a ride, I couldn't put it down and totally fell in love with both characters.... Just a great completely ‘unputdownable’ story from start to finish. Read this when you have plenty of time, you won’t be able to put it down. Happy reading everyone!!
So freaking amazingly written! I loved this book, it was a roller-coaster of emotions and what a ride, I couldn't put it down and totally fell in love with both characters.... Just a great completely ‘unputdownable’ story from start to finish. Read this when you have plenty of time, you won’t be able to put it down. Happy reading everyone!!
July 9, 2020
Very Cute Rom/Com
This is a very cute romantic comedy. It is not clean in that it does have swear words and sexual commentary. There is no 'on-screen' sex, only kissing. The story involves a quadriplegic man which may be a trigger for some readers. Beyond that, it is a cute romance that takes the reader to unexpected places. I received this ARC book for free from Booksprouts and this is my honest review.
This is a very cute romantic comedy. It is not clean in that it does have swear words and sexual commentary. There is no 'on-screen' sex, only kissing. The story involves a quadriplegic man which may be a trigger for some readers. Beyond that, it is a cute romance that takes the reader to unexpected places. I received this ARC book for free from Booksprouts and this is my honest review.
July 8, 2020
Such a sweet fun story
Not my favorite Costa read....but I loved it just the same. It was sweet. Heart warming. And fun. My favorite thing about her novels are that the characters have flaws. Every single one. It makes the love story read like one of my favorite movies. Nellie and Warner were amazing. I genuinely felt for his pain. But they found their happy ending anyways. Even if it isn’t perfect it’s perfect for them. Thanks for the book! I devoured it.
Not my favorite Costa read....but I loved it just the same. It was sweet. Heart warming. And fun. My favorite thing about her novels are that the characters have flaws. Every single one. It makes the love story read like one of my favorite movies. Nellie and Warner were amazing. I genuinely felt for his pain. But they found their happy ending anyways. Even if it isn’t perfect it’s perfect for them. Thanks for the book! I devoured it.
July 7, 2020
Another great book
Another amazing book by Annabelle! I love all her books, they make me laugh and cry and smile!
I fall in love with the characters and this one isn’t any different.
Another amazing book by Annabelle! I love all her books, they make me laugh and cry and smile!
I fall in love with the characters and this one isn’t any different.
July 8, 2020
Funny and poignant
Great characters. Author has a fantastic sense of humor that makes the entire story so much more enjoyable to read. Finished the book in one sitting since I had to know how it ends but I did not want to cheat myself from faithfully following every dialog and monologue that took me there. Recommend everyone to try this book.
Great characters. Author has a fantastic sense of humor that makes the entire story so much more enjoyable to read. Finished the book in one sitting since I had to know how it ends but I did not want to cheat myself from faithfully following every dialog and monologue that took me there. Recommend everyone to try this book.
July 8, 2020
Super cute.
It was fun, entertaining and super cute. I loved Nellie. She was strong and confident. She was hilarious and I want to be her best friend. Alex was also very relatable. although he was struggling with adapting to his new life after a tragic accident, he was strong and determined to do the best he could.
It was fun, entertaining and super cute. I loved Nellie. She was strong and confident. She was hilarious and I want to be her best friend. Alex was also very relatable. although he was struggling with adapting to his new life after a tragic accident, he was strong and determined to do the best he could.
July 8, 2020
Loved it!
Great book, sweet without being sickly. Annabelle’s books are always well researched and developed. My only issue with the book is that it wasn’t longer. I could read about Alex and Nellie a lot more.
Great book, sweet without being sickly. Annabelle’s books are always well researched and developed. My only issue with the book is that it wasn’t longer. I could read about Alex and Nellie a lot more.
July 8, 2020
I really enjoyed this story by Annabelle Costa. It's super sweet and so funny at times! Another great read, which I finished in a day.
July 11, 2020
Omg this book was freaking amazing and probably one of my top 10 books of this year (and I've read over 180 books so far!) This is one that I will remember for a long time. It as so unique. I loved the story concept and I hated when it came to an end. I want more of Alex and Nellie. I need more!!
Annabelle Costa is a new author to me, and I will definitely be looking for more of her books to come.
Super strong story line. Awesome characters (both main and supporting). Amazing detailed descriptions that were so easy to visualize because they were written so well. Engaging dialogue that made me feel as if I was a part of the story.
Absolutely amazing!
Would I recommend this book? Oh heck yes!!
Would I read more from this author? Yes!
Sassy Beta Reading and Review
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Annabelle Costa is a new author to me, and I will definitely be looking for more of her books to come.
Super strong story line. Awesome characters (both main and supporting). Amazing detailed descriptions that were so easy to visualize because they were written so well. Engaging dialogue that made me feel as if I was a part of the story.
Absolutely amazing!
Would I recommend this book? Oh heck yes!!
Would I read more from this author? Yes!
Sassy Beta Reading and Review
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 7, 2020
Couldn't put it down
Read it in one sitting. Excellent book. Another win for Annabelle Costa. Such a talented author. Can't wait to read more of her stories
Read it in one sitting. Excellent book. Another win for Annabelle Costa. Such a talented author. Can't wait to read more of her stories
July 24, 2020
A lovey book which addressed very real issues. I loved how Nellie saw the actual person rather than what everyone else saw. Everybody deserves a chance at real love. I wanted to know what would happen next but it’s a stand alone book unfortunately.
February 10, 2022
My favorite of the many Annabelle books I've read. I have read this one over at least five times including once out loud to my husband.
July 11, 2020
Wow!
I never guessed where this book was headed when I started reading. After Alex turns up in a wheelchair(a paraplegic), he ends up being invited to his ex-fiance's wedding in Vegas. His brother finds him a fake girlfriend to go along, and things don't work out as expected.
A great book filled with emotion and some pretty interesting characters. I ended up really liking the story! Laughs and tears, and a couple times I wasn't sure what would happen. So glad I decided to read this.
I never guessed where this book was headed when I started reading. After Alex turns up in a wheelchair(a paraplegic), he ends up being invited to his ex-fiance's wedding in Vegas. His brother finds him a fake girlfriend to go along, and things don't work out as expected.
A great book filled with emotion and some pretty interesting characters. I ended up really liking the story! Laughs and tears, and a couple times I wasn't sure what would happen. So glad I decided to read this.
July 26, 2020
I loved Alex and Nellie's story. The fact that Alex and Nellie meet before his accident, albeit briefly, allowed us to see how Nellie treated him; no differently. Characters in Annabelle Costa books are always so real. And whilst you feel a great sadness at the hand Alex has been dealt, it doesn't last, as Alex and Nellie together will make you laugh and smile. Highly recommend.
February 13, 2021
I was disappointed in this story. I felt the build-up to a GREAT HEA ending but it never came, it fell flat. I have enjoyed other non-sex romances but those stories were more powerfully written. Perhaps if the humour had been better, I would not be regretting this read. (Cute and amusing closing sentence).
July 7, 2020
Jfc what an awful, dismal excuse for a romance. I have liked the few books by this writer that I've read, and she has a particular 'quirk' included in most - if not all - of her books.
But in reading this one, I came to a few conclusions.
First, I think the writer hates men and uses her writing as an outlet for her hostility.
Second, there should be a limit to how dismal a person's circumstances are if you're going to pimp your book as a romantic comedy or even a romance. Unless a person enjoys the suffering and misery of others I can't fathom how they would enjoy this.
Third, I'm about to spoil the shit out of this downer of a romance novel.
***SPOILERS***
Many are not old enough to remember Christopher Reeve from his Superman days, so they are likely only familiar with the man he was after the tragedy that left him a quadriplegic. But he was my first little girl crush and I literally adored that man. Seeing what happened to such a strong, vital individual, seeing what that tragedy did to him was gut-wrenching. It hurt my heart to see it. It never changed my fondness for him but it made it very bittersweet. I can't even fathom - nor do I desire to - what it would be like to wake up after an accident unable to move, breathe eat or literally do ANYTHING without human or mechanical assistance. I can't imagine what that would do to a person's psyche. How watching your muscles atrophy and your once strong limbs and healthy appearance waste away whilst you are trapped in the prison of your own body. How humiliating it would feel to know you were in diapers and had a tube in you so you could pee. What a cruel and unfair fate for anyone.
The hero in this book is left a quadriplegic following a mugging. He saved his fiancée's life but may as well paid for it with his own. And then the cow dumped him. And then she got engaged to a guy the hero hated because the guy was a complete wankstain. And then the hero paid a girl to pose as his girlfriend and accompany him to the wedding so he could stop it.
But I won't lie, I wasn't invested here and had no intentions to be after I clocked what the writer had done to the hero after meeting him in the prologue.
She took a virile, successful and very attractive man and ruined his life. She included his POV so we could know just how miserable this poor guy's life was, and how much we lost. How he was unable to perform the simple act of lifting a finger. How he could no longer feel another's touch. He would never be able to have sex, experience an orgasm or father children. And people with spinal cord injuries that severe die yiung from complications - just like Christopher Reeve did.
And yet this writer thought she could dress up this hero's hopeless circumstances in hearts and flowers and somehow make it a good basis for a romance.
I think if you're going to write a book you should write what you want. But you should also be prepared to be questioned for your reasoning as to why you thought it was a good idea to write about certain things. There are subjects that aren't great choices for a specific genre and I think this book qualifies as bad judgement. I also think that someone who consistently maims or cripples their heroes in their books should probably look into why they feel it's necessary to do so.
I made it well past halfway of this story before I was too saddened to go on, before I DNF'ed it. So the one star rating stays because I earned the right for it.
This is the romance genre. I think this book is even marked as a romantic COMEDY if you can believe that. But it doesn't belong in either category in my opinion, and this writer no longer belongs on a list of writers I trust.
I would never recommend this book.
But in reading this one, I came to a few conclusions.
First, I think the writer hates men and uses her writing as an outlet for her hostility.
Second, there should be a limit to how dismal a person's circumstances are if you're going to pimp your book as a romantic comedy or even a romance. Unless a person enjoys the suffering and misery of others I can't fathom how they would enjoy this.
Third, I'm about to spoil the shit out of this downer of a romance novel.
***SPOILERS***
Many are not old enough to remember Christopher Reeve from his Superman days, so they are likely only familiar with the man he was after the tragedy that left him a quadriplegic. But he was my first little girl crush and I literally adored that man. Seeing what happened to such a strong, vital individual, seeing what that tragedy did to him was gut-wrenching. It hurt my heart to see it. It never changed my fondness for him but it made it very bittersweet. I can't even fathom - nor do I desire to - what it would be like to wake up after an accident unable to move, breathe eat or literally do ANYTHING without human or mechanical assistance. I can't imagine what that would do to a person's psyche. How watching your muscles atrophy and your once strong limbs and healthy appearance waste away whilst you are trapped in the prison of your own body. How humiliating it would feel to know you were in diapers and had a tube in you so you could pee. What a cruel and unfair fate for anyone.
The hero in this book is left a quadriplegic following a mugging. He saved his fiancée's life but may as well paid for it with his own. And then the cow dumped him. And then she got engaged to a guy the hero hated because the guy was a complete wankstain. And then the hero paid a girl to pose as his girlfriend and accompany him to the wedding so he could stop it.
But I won't lie, I wasn't invested here and had no intentions to be after I clocked what the writer had done to the hero after meeting him in the prologue.
She took a virile, successful and very attractive man and ruined his life. She included his POV so we could know just how miserable this poor guy's life was, and how much we lost. How he was unable to perform the simple act of lifting a finger. How he could no longer feel another's touch. He would never be able to have sex, experience an orgasm or father children. And people with spinal cord injuries that severe die yiung from complications - just like Christopher Reeve did.
And yet this writer thought she could dress up this hero's hopeless circumstances in hearts and flowers and somehow make it a good basis for a romance.
I think if you're going to write a book you should write what you want. But you should also be prepared to be questioned for your reasoning as to why you thought it was a good idea to write about certain things. There are subjects that aren't great choices for a specific genre and I think this book qualifies as bad judgement. I also think that someone who consistently maims or cripples their heroes in their books should probably look into why they feel it's necessary to do so.
I made it well past halfway of this story before I was too saddened to go on, before I DNF'ed it. So the one star rating stays because I earned the right for it.
This is the romance genre. I think this book is even marked as a romantic COMEDY if you can believe that. But it doesn't belong in either category in my opinion, and this writer no longer belongs on a list of writers I trust.
I would never recommend this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 11, 2023
I love Annabelle Costa's work. This one really grabbed me from the get go with the best meet cute I've ever read. Based on her past work and the blurb I knew what would be coming and that it would hurt, but Ms. Costa always has a way of making me okay with it. It's real life after all and her descriptions and details are enlightening. It's not fantasy. Everything in this story—both good and bad—can happen.
The main characters in this story are super appealing. Alex had it all—good looks, charm, intelligence, success... and valiance. And because of that valiance tragedy strikes and changes everything. Fortunately Nellie being a stand-up comedian is exactly what Alex needs to see the lighter side of his life. She likes and accepts him for everything he is and doesn't dwell on what he is not. She's an artist—creative, open-minded and adaptable, and certainly wouldn't let a disability hold her back.
This is a skillfully written story that flows like a dream with perfect pacing and interesting scenarios, and it's really hard to put down. The characters are beautifully defined, both the mains and the secondaries. I'm impressed by the dialogue written for Parker (the bad guy). Very authentic to devious mean users that we've all run across from time to time. Also well done was the demonstration of how Isabelle's personality was changed as a result of the circumstances. She lost confidence in herself and was willing to be a push over, but in the end I think she was on the way to finding herself again. So the good guys in the story grew into themselves... and Parker? Well, that could be a story unto itself.
I see this as a very uplifting story. There can still be joy after tragedy. People need each other. Those who feel “less than” can rise above and welcome others into their lives. And those who are blessed to know them should embrace the opportunity. Everyone's lives are enriched when that happens.
The main characters in this story are super appealing. Alex had it all—good looks, charm, intelligence, success... and valiance. And because of that valiance tragedy strikes and changes everything. Fortunately Nellie being a stand-up comedian is exactly what Alex needs to see the lighter side of his life. She likes and accepts him for everything he is and doesn't dwell on what he is not. She's an artist—creative, open-minded and adaptable, and certainly wouldn't let a disability hold her back.
This is a skillfully written story that flows like a dream with perfect pacing and interesting scenarios, and it's really hard to put down. The characters are beautifully defined, both the mains and the secondaries. I'm impressed by the dialogue written for Parker (the bad guy). Very authentic to devious mean users that we've all run across from time to time. Also well done was the demonstration of how Isabelle's personality was changed as a result of the circumstances. She lost confidence in herself and was willing to be a push over, but in the end I think she was on the way to finding herself again. So the good guys in the story grew into themselves... and Parker? Well, that could be a story unto itself.
I see this as a very uplifting story. There can still be joy after tragedy. People need each other. Those who feel “less than” can rise above and welcome others into their lives. And those who are blessed to know them should embrace the opportunity. Everyone's lives are enriched when that happens.
July 8, 2020
3.5
This book kind of took me by surprise. It was a quick read for me and had little to no sexual heat, but I found that I quite liked it. To me this was like a happier version of JoJo Moyes' Me Before You.
Alex met Nellie when he was a healthy and whole man. About to get married to the woman of his dreams, Alex didn't think life could get much better.
Thing is...it couldn't. But it could get much worse.
It's been years since Nellie last saw Alex, the shy, yet arrogant, but totally sweet man who she wished had rocked her world. When she last saw Alex, he was whole, happy, and about to start his life with the woman of his dreams---someone that wasn't Nellie. However, that man no longer exists. The Alex she is reintroduced to is damaged, angry, and still hung up on that same woman.
While Nellie is being paid to be Alex's "girlfriend", she can't help but realize how much she really likes Alex....scars and all.
And while Alex finds himself more and more attracted to Nellie, can he see past the dream that he held onto for so long and give himself a chance to create another one?
Had this book scratched the surface just a little bit more or given me a more thorough and fleshed out ending, then this could have easily been a 5 star read for me.
As is though, it's a 3.5.
This book kind of took me by surprise. It was a quick read for me and had little to no sexual heat, but I found that I quite liked it. To me this was like a happier version of JoJo Moyes' Me Before You.
Alex met Nellie when he was a healthy and whole man. About to get married to the woman of his dreams, Alex didn't think life could get much better.
Thing is...it couldn't. But it could get much worse.
It's been years since Nellie last saw Alex, the shy, yet arrogant, but totally sweet man who she wished had rocked her world. When she last saw Alex, he was whole, happy, and about to start his life with the woman of his dreams---someone that wasn't Nellie. However, that man no longer exists. The Alex she is reintroduced to is damaged, angry, and still hung up on that same woman.
While Nellie is being paid to be Alex's "girlfriend", she can't help but realize how much she really likes Alex....scars and all.
And while Alex finds himself more and more attracted to Nellie, can he see past the dream that he held onto for so long and give himself a chance to create another one?
Had this book scratched the surface just a little bit more or given me a more thorough and fleshed out ending, then this could have easily been a 5 star read for me.
As is though, it's a 3.5.
December 31, 2022
Honestly I didn't like either character, when they were with other people and with each other I liked them just okay but reading their inner monologue made me really really dislike them.
The plot was okay but I really would love it if they had spent more time together.
Their first interaction was weird but apparently everyone loves it and then when they see each other again.
In general their banter and how she treats him and how his disability to her is like whatever, she respects him and treats him like a human being and he is kind of an asshole but he is really supportive of her career and encouraging and that is why I keep reading and what I really love about the book.
The writing was okay but I don't think I connected too much with this author, especially how she writes their inner monologue, their banter and chats with other people were really good but since most part of the book is inner monologue, it irks me a little too much to read.
Would I be reading more books by the author? Maybe I'm not sure
The plot was okay but I really would love it if they had spent more time together.
Their first interaction was weird but apparently everyone loves it and then when they see each other again.
In general their banter and how she treats him and how his disability to her is like whatever, she respects him and treats him like a human being and he is kind of an asshole but he is really supportive of her career and encouraging and that is why I keep reading and what I really love about the book.
The writing was okay but I don't think I connected too much with this author, especially how she writes their inner monologue, their banter and chats with other people were really good but since most part of the book is inner monologue, it irks me a little too much to read.
Would I be reading more books by the author? Maybe I'm not sure
March 21, 2024
There are some feelgood stories that make you smile, it's one of that Books. I simply loved it. I loved Alex, Nellie & Doug. I liked Isabelle & I simply hated Parker (well, he deserves it).
Nellie is a strong girl. She speaks up for herself. She doesn't feel pity for Alex & loved him for who he is. She is a sweet girl & I liked her decisiveness.
Alex is a person who every girl would love to date for his personality. When he was with Isabelle he was dedicated to her. When he was falling for Nellie he refused even Isabelle. He saved Isabelle from a mugger & himself become a quadriplegic the day he proposed to her. Even when she left him, he never regret saving her. He is one of the strong person I've ever read.
I liked Doug too & it would have been nice to get his own story. He loved his brother & cared for him a lot. I just loved their chemistry.
This is one of the story where there is no physical relation written between the lead pair but the story is still sexy as hell. I loved the book through & through.
Nellie is a strong girl. She speaks up for herself. She doesn't feel pity for Alex & loved him for who he is. She is a sweet girl & I liked her decisiveness.
Alex is a person who every girl would love to date for his personality. When he was with Isabelle he was dedicated to her. When he was falling for Nellie he refused even Isabelle. He saved Isabelle from a mugger & himself become a quadriplegic the day he proposed to her. Even when she left him, he never regret saving her. He is one of the strong person I've ever read.
I liked Doug too & it would have been nice to get his own story. He loved his brother & cared for him a lot. I just loved their chemistry.
This is one of the story where there is no physical relation written between the lead pair but the story is still sexy as hell. I loved the book through & through.
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