If you’re looking for a rom-com that’s equal parts hilarious, swoon-worthy and full of relatable chaos, The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren is the perfect pick. Packed with enemies-to-lovers tension, tropical mishaps and heartwarming moments, this book will keep you turning the pages and wishing for your own getaway. Minus the drama, of course.
Summary of The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren
The story centers around Olive Torres, the ever-unlucky twin sister who can’t seem to catch a break. Especially compared to her perpetually lucky sister, Ami. Things take an unexpected turn when Ami’s entire wedding party, including herself and her new husband, come down with a nasty bout of food poisoning. The only ones spared? Olive and Ethan, the best man and Olive’s nemesis.
Forced to take Ami’s non-refundable honeymoon trip to Maui together (because who wants to waste a luxury vacation?), Olive and Ethan embark on an adventure neither expected. What starts as an uncomfortable agreement quickly turns into a series of laugh-out-loud moments, some fake-dating antics to fool Olive’s boss and a few surprising truths about themselves and each other. As their “just survive this together” pact starts turning into sparks, Olive must face new revelations, family secrets and her own insecurities about luck and love.
Review of The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren
Where do I even start with The Unhoneymooners? This book checks off so many boxes for a fun, addictive read. The enemies-to-lovers trope is at its best here. Christina Lauren does an incredible job of building the tension and chemistry between Olive and Ethan. Their banter is sharp, witty and filled with moments that made me chuckle out loud. Olive’s inner monologue is equal parts relatable and funny, painting her as a refreshingly real protagonist.
The plot’s setup—two people forced to share a dream vacation—is entertaining enough, but what really makes this story shine is the character development. Olive’s journey from feeling unlucky and undervalued to realizing her own strength and worth is as engaging as her growing romance with Ethan. And speaking of Ethan, let’s just say he’s not your typical rom-com male lead. There’s more to him than meets the eye and seeing his layers unfold was a pleasant surprise.
Christina Lauren also knows how to balance humor and heart. For every playful moment or misunderstanding, there’s an equally touching scene that shows the deeper side of love, trust and personal growth. One thing I particularly enjoyed was how the authors handled family dynamics. Olive’s relationship with her large, loving, but sometimes overbearing family added depth and authenticity to the story. It’s easy to see why she feels overshadowed by Ami. Her moments of realization about her own happiness are some of the most satisfying in the book.
That said, the story isn’t without a few predictable turns. While the main twist—involving Ethan’s loyalty—wasn’t entirely surprising, it didn’t detract from the overall enjoyment. The authors kept the pace lively and the dialogue snappy, making even the more predictable moments fun to read.
About the Author, Christina Lauren
Christina Lauren is actually the pen name for writing duo Christina Hobbs and Lauren Billings. The dynamic writing duo is known for their compelling romantic comedies and contemporary fiction. They’ve delighted readers with a slew of must-read novels. The Paradise Problem showcases their signature blend of humor, heart and relatable characters. If you’re a fan of witty dialogue and love stories with depth, this book is sure to capture your interest. It’s one you’ll want to add to your TBR!
Other notable books by Christina Lauren include:
• My Favorite Half-Night Stand
• Josh & Hazel’s Guide to Not Dating
Each title highlights their knack for creating unforgettable stories and complex relationships that resonate with readers.
Final Thoughts on The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren
The Unhoneymooners is more than just a rom-com set in paradise. It’s a story about finding love when you least expect it, embracing your own worth and realizing that luck isn’t everything—sometimes, it’s about making your own. With witty dialogue, memorable characters and plenty of hilarious twists, this book is perfect for anyone who wants a feel-good read that delivers both laughs and heart.
Whether you’re a die-hard romance fan or just looking for a story to brighten your day, The Unhoneymooners is one you won’t want to miss. Grab a cozy spot, settle in, and prepare for a getaway that’s full of unexpected surprises—and, of course, love.
Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Humor
