Honeymoon for One by Portia MacIntosh is a romantic comedy of the fake dating trope, set in a private island off the coast of Naples, Italy.
Available on Kindle Unlimited.
My Overview
Lila Rose planned every detail of her wedding and expected it all to go without a hitch. As a rom-com author who has planned many fictional weddings, she’s convinced nothing will get in the way of her perfect day. Unfortunately, she never anticipated she’d find out her fiancé (Daniel) was cheating on her … just minutes before their wedding ceremony. What should’ve been the happiest day of Lila’s life, turned out to be a disaster 😖.
Not wanting to stay at the home she shares with Daniel, Lila decides to go on their honeymoon alone. So, she flies out to San Valentino island, a luxury resort for couples only, off the coast of Naples. It’s the perfect location for a honeymoon, as it offers plenty of events and romantic settings for couples only. Too bad Lila’s there on a honeymoon for one.
Lila’s honeymoon soon turns less lonely, when she meets Freddie, a fellow solo traveler. Together, they decide to become a fake couple, in order to partake in the resort’s activities. One of the events is a “best couple” competition, and Lila and Freddie choose to compete in it. It’s from then on that the story becomes repetitive and at times ridiculous. That, along with Lila’s low self-esteem and self-deprecating comments throughout, turned a story I expected to love into one that liked ok.
My Recommendation
I’ve enjoyed many books by this author, but this one was far from my favorites. I read the Kindle edition and also listened to the audiobook at times. If you’re planning to give this story a try, I highly recommend the audiobook which is narrated by Karen Cass.
Recent books I’ve enjoyed by Portia MacIntosh:
Have you read this book?
Lindsey @ Lindsey Reads
The premise sounds great, but I can definitely see how a character’s constant low self-esteem and self-deprecating remarks can become a downer when it goes on too long.
Lucy
Yes, it surprised me. I hadn’t experienced that in the author’s other books I’ve read.
Rachel @Waves of Fiction
It’s difficult to read a story when the character’s low-self esteem is featured a lot. It’s a downer. Sorry to hear this was only an okay read.
Lucy
You’re right. It becomes a downer, which is the opposite of what I expect in a rom-com.
Cindy's Book Corner
Yeah, that would annoy me too! Characters who are constantly down on themselves drive me crazy! I read for an escape, not for negativity.
Lucy
I agree, especially when it comes to rom-coms.
Lark
The premise of this one is so cute. I’m sorry you didn’t end up liking it more.
Lucy
I like the premise. The story actually started out great, but fizzled towards the middle for me.