Will is our main character, and we join the action a few years after he broke up with his ex-boyfriend, Olly, who had asked him to marry him, twice, with Will turning him down both times. Will gets a bit of a gut-punch when he’s invited to Olly’s wedding, which is scheduled to take place in Athens, one of their favourite places and where they were originally supposed to get married.

After some deliberating and too much wine, Will decides to go. He inadvertently books a very fancy 25-day stay, way beyond his work holiday allowance, deciding he'll just deal with it by calling in sick repeatedly. He is determined to win Olly back and prove they are destined to be together… like that ever works out!

Naturally, his plans start falling apart from hour one when his taxi from the airport breaks down. Will is rescued by an old school friend, Sam, who happens to be a stacked, handsome blonde now, not at all the nerdy boy he used to play Pokémon with. They rekindle their friendship and enter into a fake-dating arrangement as part of Will's overall ploy to win Olly back, but of course they end up falling in actual love along the way.

It is well-written, with rich characters that practically leap off the page and into your heart. The friends-to-lovers trope works really well between Will and Sam, and as the reader, you find yourself wishing them together, wondering when Will is going to realise that what he wants is right in front of him.

The book is fast paced with snappy, short chapters that you can dive right into. There are hilarious, laugh-out-loud moments, awkward situations, and brilliant comedic timing. The hotel receptionist character is so well-written she needs a spin-off book of her own (Jack, can you go and write that, please?).

Despite all the messy wedding drama, the real heart of the story is Will’s journey to confront what he’s seeking in life, move on from clinging to a past he viewed through rose-coloured spectacles, and learn to let go. Athens is gloriously used as a backdrop and gives off a real holiday vibe; think Mamma Mia!, but absolutely no Pierce Brosnan!

The story builds from a steady start toward a crescendo at the end, and you’ll find your reading speed picking up to match the drama unfolding before you.

I adored this story. It’s heartfelt and wholesome, with great comedy payoffs and a brilliantly observed set of characters who are all on a journey of self-discovery. There’s even a spider in it, and yes, even the spider gets a happy ending!

A satisfying, entertaining, funny, and heartfelt read. I cannot recommend it enough!