Don't Mind if "I Do"

Somehow Don't Mind If "I Do" is my first Everly Ashton book, and now I'm wondering how I've missed her. This was such a totally fun listen. Of course, there are feels too, and plenty of them, but the pacing and laughs turned out to be exactly what I needed this week. Enemies to lovers is one of my favorite romance tropes, and this one takes it a step further for a friends to enemies to lovers romantic comedy. Enemies to lovers is always good for some fun banter, and when you couple that with a pair that used to be friends, they really know how to generate some fire - of both kinds. Nick and Mazzy are a great couple, and all the feelings are there whether they want to admit them or not. Teddy Hamilton and Ava Erickson give voice to Nick and Mazzy, and while I've heard and enjoyed both before, this is the first time I've listened to them in the same book. Their voices suit these characters so well, and they do a terrific job of capturing the mood of the story. The author chose well with these narrators, and I look forward to more of her work as well as theirs.

It was okay, but totally forgettable. Mazzy and Nick were good characters. But I have mixed feelings about their relationship. Their teenage affection was cute, their college love could have been, until we learn that they both had been with other people between their moment together. What? How is this presented as true love? I seriously resented them after this revelation, and had trouble rooting for them. Fake marriage coupled with second chance was a nice enough combination, but the story was conventional. The only original element, that was just brushed over, was Mazzy and Nick’s families situation as rich and powerful, and what it implied–marriages between rich families, dynasties, the power of money, the idleness and lack of purpose… but especially the lack of accountability. Of course, it was a romcom, so the story had to stay light, sweet and funny. The funny was missing though. Not a great point for a romcom. On the other hand, the sexy was there. Narrators were their usual talented selves, but couldn’t manage to make the story more interesting. At least it was pleasant to listen to it.

4.5 Delightful Stars! I love a good fake marriage romance, and Don't Mind If "I Do" checked all the boxes. Mazzy Pembrooke and Nick Ryan were best friends while growing up. They were each other's first loves but never acted on it. When a misunderstanding happens, they part ways angry, and with broken hearts. Now years later, They both need a fake relationship/marriage for totally different reasons. Nick is the first person that Mazzy thinks of, and the only man she feels safe with to ask. Nick is surprised by her request, but agrees to the temporary marriage. Things are awkward and painful at first, and neither likes lying to their friends and family. But as they spend time together, the connection they once shared, and thought was long buried, is back and even stronger. They find their way back together and start to imagine a perfect life together. But Mazzy is keeping a secret she is unable to share. When the secret comes to light, will they be able to get past the truth or will they both feel betrayed and heartbroken? I loved how Mazzy and Nick slowly reconcile their flawed and complicated history to make a life together filled with contentment and love. Teddy Hamilton, and Ava Erickson narrate this moving, fun, and passionate story flawlessly. I loved how they nailed these characters so perfectly, making them their own. I was completely lost in their performance as they made me feel all the complex emotions both Mazzy and Nick felt, making this fun, emotional, heartwarming, and steamy romance even better!