Introduction
Few authors do romantic comedy as effortlessly and irresistibly as Christina Lauren, and The Unhoneymooners might just be their crown jewel. This bestselling Kindle favorite is the perfect blend of snark, steam, and sunshine—with a classic enemies-to-lovers twist that readers can’t get enough of.
Set against the backdrop of a tropical paradise, this fake-honeymoon-gone-wrong (or so right!) rom-com is ideal for anyone who wants to laugh, swoon, and maybe cry just a little.
Plot Summary
Olive Torres has always felt like the unlucky twin. Her sister Ami, on the other hand, wins contests, gets dream jobs—and even scores a free, all-expenses-paid wedding and honeymoon in Maui.
But when the entire wedding party, including the bride and groom, is struck down by food poisoning, only Olive and her nemesis Ethan—aka the groom’s brother—are left standing. With Ami insisting they take her honeymoon so the trip doesn’t go to waste, Olive and Ethan reluctantly agree to play the happy couple.
The only catch? They have to pretend to be married the entire time.
What begins as a fake honeymoon quickly morphs into something more complicated—and more real—than either of them expected. Between beachside banter, forced proximity, and unexpected revelations, Olive and Ethan discover that love can bloom even when you least expect it.
Character Dynamics
The heart of this story lies in the sparkling chemistry between Olive and Ethan.
Olive is refreshingly relatable—sarcastic, stubborn, and delightfully skeptical about romance. She’s the kind of heroine you’d want to be friends with, full of quirks and real-world insecurities.
Ethan is her perfect foil—aloof, picky, and annoyingly attractive. But as the story unfolds, we see the layers beneath his stoic exterior: kindness, protectiveness, and a hidden vulnerability.
Their banter is gold. Think Lizzy Bennet meets Ben Wyatt—with zingers, misunderstandings, and sexual tension that builds deliciously until it boils over.
The supporting characters—particularly Olive’s eccentric family and Ami’s chaotic charm—add heart and humor, grounding the story with a strong sense of love and loyalty.
Writing Style and Themes
Christina Lauren’s writing is bright, breezy, and hilariously sharp. The pacing is perfect, with each chapter flowing smoothly into the next. Dialogue is a standout strength—funny, fast-paced, and dripping with personality.
Themes explored include:
- Second chances and first impressions
- Self-acceptance and letting go of control
- Family loyalty and personal growth
- How love often grows in unexpected soil
Though lighthearted on the surface, the novel also tackles deeper issues like workplace sexism, honesty in relationships, and owning your truth.
Memorable Moments
- The awkward airport check-in where Olive and Ethan are forced to pretend to be madly in love
- The hilarious bikini malfunction poolside scene (classic rom-com gold)
- A surprisingly tender snorkeling trip that softens both characters’ walls
- The twist involving Ethan’s brother and a major confrontation
- The heartfelt (and steamy!) hotel room scene where honesty finally wins
Each of these moments sparkles with humor and heart, showing off Christina Lauren’s signature blend of sass and sweetness.
What Readers Are Saying
The Unhoneymooners has become a beloved favorite among romance readers, BookTok fans, and Kindle reviewers alike.
Reader reactions include:
- “This book had me laughing out loud in public. And blushing.”
- “Enemies to lovers at its best. The chemistry is unreal.”
- “Christina Lauren does it again—funny, sexy, and surprisingly moving.”
It’s frequently recommended as a beach read, a mood booster, and a comfort book for tough days.
Who Should Read This
This book is perfect for:
- Fans of rom-coms and enemies-to-lovers tropes
- Readers looking for a vacation vibe without leaving the couch
- Anyone craving a romance with humor, heat, and heart
- Book clubs wanting a fun, feel-good pick with hidden depth
Whether you’re a long-time Christina Lauren fan or new to their world, this is the ideal place to fall in love.
Similar Books You Might Enjoy
- Beach Read by Emily Henry
- The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood
- People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry
- Josh and Hazel’s Guide to Not Dating by Christina Lauren
Rom-Com Tropes Done Right
The Unhoneymooners is a love letter to rom-com tropes: the fake relationship, forced proximity, mistaken identity, and slow-burn tension. But what makes it stand out is how fresh and grounded it feels, thanks to the emotional depth and fully realized characters.
It’s not just about laughs—it’s about two people learning to see each other (and themselves) in a whole new light.
Final Thoughts
The Unhoneymooners is a sunshine-filled, laugh-out-loud romantic comedy that will warm your heart and leave you smiling long after the last page. Christina Lauren strikes the perfect balance between humor and heart, delivering a fake honeymoon that feels anything but fake.
