Review: He’s Cancelled by Sophie Ranald

About the Book

Genre

Contemporary Romance

Format

E-ARC

Publisher

Bookouture

Release Date

June 23, 2021

Synopsis from Goodreads:

When he proposed, I had to pinch myself. Up until then, his most romantic gesture was buying me a 128-piece tool kit.

It’s normal to get cold feet, right? But what about a case of frozen get-me-the-heck-out-of-here feet?

When Natalie’s boyfriend gets down on one knee (even if it’s because he trips and drops the ring) it’s meant to be the start of their happy ever after. But planning a wedding to Archie feels like she’s competing in the Hunger Games…

She’s up against a mother-in-law who enforces a pre-wedding diet with portions you need a microscope for.

She’s cornered by a bridesmaid-zilla sister-in-law who forces her old wedding dress on Nat, featuring satin bows, way too much tulle and a bodice that Nat doesn’t even have the boobs for.

She fends off a best man who tries to kiss her by kneeing him in the crotch.

And she has to defeat a pushy wedding planner who insists on peacocks, doves and pink flamingos at the ceremony.

Nat would wear her battle scars with pride if Archie was by her side. But her fiancé is missing in action, refusing to help her deal with his diva family and going AWOL on the stag do. With just weeks to go, she might have to do the unthinkable… Is it too late to cancel? And if she’s not Archie’s bride-to-be then who on earth is she?

A totally addictive romantic comedy for anyone who has a phobia of bridezillas and who makes the happiest memories during Happy Hour. Fans of rom coms by Sophie Kinsella, Shari Low and Mhairi McFarlane, and TV shows like Emily in Paris will be glued to the pages of this feel-good page-turner.

My Review

Natalie is more than excited and thrilled when her boyfriend, Archie, proposes marriage.  She doesn’t hesitate to accept his proposal, but from the moment she does, her life is turned upside down.

There’s no way Archie’s mother will let them have a small wedding.  In fact, there’s no way she will let Natalie have anything to say about the wedding.  Even the wedding dress decision is taken out of her hands by Archie’s sister.  

Natalie doesn’t want to cause problems, but she’d like to have a say in her own wedding.  Archie is no help as he manages to always find something to keep him away and out of this mess.  He’s perfectly happy letting Natalie deal with his domineering family.  

With all the craziness going on, Natalie is ready to throw in the towel and cancel the whole thing.

There are so many  “laugh out loud” moments in this one.  I just kept shaking my head and screaming at Natalie to tell them all off and walk way from it.  Of course, that’s always easier said than done.  Part of me could understand her wanting to keep the peace, but the other part of me kept thinking it’s her big day and she should be part of the decisions.

Archie really annoyed me.  He didn’t seem to be able to stand up to anyone.  His answer was to hide and leave Natalie to face everything on her own.  However, he does have a soft spot for cats so that kind of won me over 😀

I enjoyed the author’s writing style. She has a great talent for writing both humor and emotional moments.  There were some scenes with Natalie and her own family that warmed my heart and were poignant.  Very sweetly done.  

It’s a “feel good” type of story that makes you smile and even brings a few tears along the way.  I’ve never read anything by this author before so I’ll be sure to check her backlist.   It looks like I have some fun books to look forward to reading.

For reading challenges:

NetGalley and Edelweiss Reading Challenge 2021

FTC Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed a free Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review.  All opinions expressed are my own.