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?
A laugh-out-loud romantic comedy from top 10 bestseller Portia MacIntosh, guaranteed to brighten up your day.
Praise for Portia MacIntosh:
'A hilarious, roaringly fun, feel good, sexy read. I LOVED it!' Holly Martin
'This is a heartwarming fun story, perfect for several hours of pure escapism.' Jessica Redland
'Super-romantic and full of festive spirit. I loved it!' Mandy Baggot
'A feel good, funny and well written book. I read it in 2 days and enjoyed every second!' A.L. Michael
My Review:
No Ex Before Marriage by Portia MacIntosh is a delightful romp in London and Scotland that had me laughing out loud and perhaps a sniffle or two during the emotional scenes.
Poppy is the only one left of her four friends who isn’t married. It isn’t like she tried, she was the first of her four friends to marry, but the marriage ended in divorce several years ago. Then her father breaks the news to her that her divorce was never validated and she’s still technically married to Zac. But, Zac is headed to Scotland to marry a social influencer who is the daughter of a rock star. With only a couple of days before the wedding, Poppy heads up to Scotland to a remote castle to give Zac the papers so he can sign them before he gets married.
Poppy is a character that I can relate to. She’s fed up with her friends excluding her on their “Wives Only” nights out. She always has the best intentions, but some of her escapades go hilariously wrong. When she meets Kat, a distant relative of one of her friends, they hit it off immediately and Poppy and Kat together make a hilarious team.
This book is mostly about friendships and how they, like other relationships, need to be nurtured to be healthy. Although there is a romance, and it’s a good one, the book is mainly about the women around Poppy and how those relationships affect her.
The book is fun, with many laugh-out-loud moments, but also has some emotional moments that took me from laughing to tearing up. The scenes in the book are sometimes funny and sometimes very heartbreaking and I was on an emotional roller coaster (in a good way!) throughout the entire book. The settings are vividly described, and I felt like I was sneaking around the castle along with Poppy and Cat.
No Ex Before Marriage is perfect for anyone who enjoys women’s fiction and romantic comedy. I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
About Portia MacIntosh
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.
I enjoy stories about female friendships and this sounds like one where you see the good and the bad. I read a few other reviews on this book and was not impressed with Poppy’s so-called friends. I am glad to see that she moves beyond that. This one is available from my library, so will add it to my wishlist. Nice review Wendy.
Great review. Right off the bat, I don’t like the friends. Why would they have “Wives Only” get togethers? That’s just mean! It sounds like a fun book though; love having humor a part of my reading this year. I’ve added it to my TBR list.
Thank you for a great review! I have seen this book mentioned in other places, but I wasn’t sure if I wanted to read it. After reading your review, I know I want to read it!
I really wanted to say yes to this blog tour. I’ve read other Portia Macintosh books and enjoyed them. This sounds like an wonderful read. Excellent review!
Great review! This sounds like it was a fun book.
I enjoy stories about female friendships and this sounds like one where you see the good and the bad. I read a few other reviews on this book and was not impressed with Poppy’s so-called friends. I am glad to see that she moves beyond that. This one is available from my library, so will add it to my wishlist. Nice review Wendy.
Thank you, Carla. I do think it represents some real kinds of friendships.
This books sounds delightful. I love the cover. It looks like a fairy tale.
Thank you Kami, it was pretty good.
I love romantic comedies, this sounds like it would be a perfect read for me 😊
Thank you Jenny!
ngl this book sounds amazing! i love romcom styled books, and will definitely be putting this one on my tbr.
Thank you, Chelsea! It’s a good one!
This sounds like such a fun read! Poppy sounds like a great character, one I would like to get to know.
It was fun! Thank you!
Looks like a fun story!
Thank you Greg! It was fun.
Their divorce didn’t go through…that’s hilarious! I’m always up for a book that’ll make me laugh out loud. Especially these days. 🙂
It was super fun, Lark!
Fabulous review Wendy! This sounds really good!🤩💞📚
Thanks Kaceey!
Great review. Right off the bat, I don’t like the friends. Why would they have “Wives Only” get togethers? That’s just mean! It sounds like a fun book though; love having humor a part of my reading this year. I’ve added it to my TBR list.
Those friends were bad! But she found a new friend.
Good decision!
Thank you for a great review! I have seen this book mentioned in other places, but I wasn’t sure if I wanted to read it. After reading your review, I know I want to read it!
Thank you Pam, It’s a lot of fun!
What a nightmare! I’m putting myself in the character’s shoes, and I’m horrified. Sounds like a fun story.
It was fun! Thank you!
I really wanted to say yes to this blog tour. I’ve read other Portia Macintosh books and enjoyed them. This sounds like an wonderful read. Excellent review!
It was a fun book, thanks!
It was a fun book.
This sounds like such a hilarious read! Also can totally see it as a really fun romcom movie
Thank you, Stephanie! Yes, it would make a great romcom movie!