Book review stop! Today I’m delighted to be the host for No Ex Before Marriage, a rom-com novel written by P. MacIntosh.
First thing first, let me thank Rachel and the publisher, Boldwood Books, for providing me with an e-copy of this book. Much obliged *hat tip*
MEET THE BOOK
It’s not over until someone says ‘I do’…
While her friends join the “Wife Club” one by one, Poppy feels like that part of her life is done and dusted. Already married and divorced she’s not desperate to go through all that again.
But what if her divorce never actually went through…?
After a shock revelation Poppy not only discovers she is still married, but that Zac is about to have his second wedding!
Coming face to face with her (almost) ex-husband after six years apart is never going to be easy. And when Zac panics and tells his new wife-to-be that Poppy is family, things can’t get much worse as she is welcomed with open arms as part of the wedding party!
As the memories flood back, can Poppy really leave the past where it is? And can she watch the first love of her life walk down the aisle to say ‘I do’ once again?
293 pages
Rom-com, women’s fiction
Publication date: 11/01/22
Purchase links
READ MY REVIEW
Cover: Nice, but the three characters have a body language that doesn’t match their personality in the story.
No Ex Before Marriage is a cute, heart-warming story. Just what I needed as I recover (not there yet, but almost).
I do love MacIntosh’s prose, for example. It’s funny without going over-the-top—very genre-appropriate, so that’s good—and it’s serious when the plot requires it. The plot itself is a little silly, considering, but sometimes realism needs to take the backseat. I mean, I had to suspend my disbelief a little more than usual, no biggie.
Poppy is a fantastic MC. She’s quite relatable, even if she’s a lot nicer than me, and well-written. Zac and Lilac, the other MCs, are interesting too. They have pleasant personalities overall, and I’m glad MacIntosh didn’t paint Lilac with a nasty brush just because she’s the third wheel. Well done.
I also like the cast of characters. They support the three MCs and have their own voices. Plus, the first-person POV filters them, so that they don’t steal the spotlight.
For once, there isn’t really any flaw worth of a mention—yay!—but rather, a personal preference. I’m not that wild about the flashbacks, as I believe that incursions in the past should be woven into the text rather than have entire chapters dedicated to them. It’s too easy, you know? As I said, tho, this is a mere personal preference so take it with a grain of salt.
4.5 stars on GR.
MEET THE AUTHOR
Portia MacIntosh is a bestselling romantic comedy author of over 15 novels, including Stuck On You and The Plus One Pact. Previously a music journalist, Portia writes hilarious stories, drawing on her real life experiences.
Social Media Links
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/macintoshportia/
Twitter https://twitter.com/PortiaMacIntosh
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/portiamacintoshauthor/
Newsletter Sign Up Link http://bit.ly/PortiaMacIntoshNewsletter
Bookbub profile https://www.bookbub.com/authors/portia-macintosh
Bookshelves & Teacups 