“Here for the Cake” by Jennifer Millikin is a cute romantic comedy filled with witty banter, instant chemistry, and a beachy romance that ends with a happily ever after.
Poor Paisley’s in a predicament. Her younger sister is marrying her ex-boyfriend and Paisley’s expected to show up to the wedding and serve as the maid of honor. During a night of drunken debauchery in the bride’s name, Paisley runs into her college crush and one-time snogger, Klein. Saving Paisley some unwanted embarrassment, Klein poses as Paisley’s new beau in front of the female wedding party.
Not wanting to look like a loser, Paisley enlists the help of Klein for the upcoming nuptials. What ensues is your typical fake-dating trope set against a beachy, island backdrop, complete with the dysfunctional family tomfoolery thrown in.
I enjoyed seeing Paisley go from a Grade A people pleaser to a woman redefining her boundaries and someone no longer wanting to be “the floor,” as Paisley’s friend Paloma would say. Her complicated and complex relationships with her family members - from her distant father to her selfish sister - made Paisley very relatable. (Her sister reminded me of Tess from 27 Dresses - the narcissistic, overindulged bride-to-be. Actually, Paisley and Sienna’s relationship is very much reminiscent of Tess and Jane’s from 27 Dresses.)
Klein is the typical cinnamon roll boyfriend - even more so when Paisley and Klein admit that their fake feelings are anything but that. He encourages her to stand up for herself but is also her protector when needed. (I loved that Klein was mere seconds away from putting Paisley’s ex on his ass any time he bad-mouthed her.) They also pushed each other to be better individuals.
This book was an easy read and I was eager to see how Paisley and Klein’s story played out. The chemistry between them was palpable and the spice hit just right (the hide-and-seek scene!) It was a cute and enjoyable read and fans of 27 Dresses will be delighted with Paisley and Klein’s love story.
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