Summary

Lottie just knows that her boyfriend is going to propose, but then his big question involves a trip abroad—not a trip down the aisle. Completely crushed, Lottie reconnects with an old flame, and they decide to take drastic action. No dates, no moving in together, they’ll just get married . . . right now. Her sister, Fliss, thinks Lottie is making a terrible mistake, and will do anything to stop her. But Lottie is determined to say “I do,” for better, or for worse.

Review

This book reminds me just how much I can’t stand family sometimes. Making plans with your boyfriend, that you had organized months ago, only to have to cancel because your mother decides to have quality family time (i.e. movie night). Or never being able to enjoy Labor Day because it’s mandatory you go to the family reunion. That’s right, mandatory. Of course there are ways I’m sure I annoy my family. Over dramatizing a break up or putting emphasis on my reading over that movie night. But in the end, it’s everyone’s happiness that matters. And nothing could be further from the truth with Fliss and Lottie. Except one problem, Fliss is trying to stop Lottie from consummating her marriage.

That’s right, you read that correctly. Fliss is trying to stop her younger, yet adult thirty-three year old sister from making an “unfortunate choice,” which would leave her with nothing but pain and suffering. Now you can see my frustration with family. However, Fliss’ heart is in the right place and she only wants what’s best for her sister. No matter how old your loved ones get, you still want to take care of them. They are family after all.

But our story doesn’t begin with sibling sabotage. It begins with a proposal that never came. Lottie is thinking Richard, her boyfriend of three years, is going to ask her to marry him. Despite the fact that she bought a ring, she knows Richard is going to propose. However, instead, he asks her for her opinion on what to do with his frequent flyer miles.

Fed up, Lottie storms off and decides it’s time to earn another degree. Just something to distract her from the heartache she is currently. Then she gets a call from an old flame named Ben and Lottie is thinking this could also be a distraction she needs. At least it wouldn’t hurt to hear what Ben has to say.

What Ben has to say is, “Lottie, will you marry me?” Not exactly that verbatim but you get the gist. Thrilled, Lottie agrees and off they go get married. But Lottie being Lottie, makes the mistake of telling her over-protective, know-it-all sister and Fliss takes it upon herself to stop this wedding at all cost.

Well it would appear that her costs weren’t as effective as Fliss hoped. Lottie is married to Ben and they are off to the Ikonos Island in Greece. However, Fliss is sending commands to the hotel concierge to stop Lottie and Ben’s wedding night no matter what. And so far it is working. Lottie and Ben’s room has two single beds, instead of a giant double; they are bombarded with compliments of the management; and two butlers they will never give them an ounce of privacy. Lottie can technically get an annulment from Ben, and leave this “unfortunate choice” behind and never be none the wiser that Fliss was involved. It’s brilliant.

Still, Fliss isn’t taking any changes and is booking a flight to Ikonos as Lottie’s honeymoon falls to pieces, when suddenly Richard returns, confessing his undying love to Lottie. Fliss is moved and considers telling Richard, having him tag along, in hopes that he can talk some sense into Lottie. Deep down Fliss knows Lottie’s marriage was a knee jerk reaction to Richard not proposing. And clearly Richard loves her. If only Lottie could see, then maybe she can get her happy ending. Hopefully, Fliss can get there in time and Lottie and Ben haven’t consummated their marriage. Hopefully, Lottie will still want Richard, consummation or not.

Wedding Night is more so about family than actual marriage. Because isn’t marriage like choosing who you’ll want to be in your family the rest of your life. Unfortunately or sometimes fortunately, your pre-existing family will have a say in who you decide to make the newest addition. But as I have stated before, family loves you and only wants what’s best for you and for you to be happy. However, Wedding Night is also about learning to let go and allowing your loved ones to lead their own lives. Even if that means watching them make “unfortunate choices.” And learning that all you can do is be there when they fall and pick your loved ones back up again. Yet I would say most importantly, Wedding Night is about just plain not marrying someone because you feel broken hearted. Allow your heart to be broken and mend before you make any life altering decisions. If you learn nothing else from this book, please take that piece of advice with you.

Reviewed by Camia Rhodes

Publisher: Random House Publishing Group
Publication date: 5/13/2014
Pages: 464

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