Speak now or forever rest in peace . . .

THE PERFECT FIANCÉ

When Victoria’s best friend Gwen announces she is marrying the rich and handsome Michael, celebrations are strained. Victoria doesn’t trust Michael – he’s hiding something. And he reminds her of someone she needs to forget.

THE DREAM WEDDING PLAN

Too loved up to see Michael’s dark side, Gwen drags Victoria into a whirlwind of dress shopping, engagement drinks and elaborate maid-of-honour duties. Meanwhile, a mysterious visitor is leaving unwanted gifts in Victoria’s home, and Michael is becoming aggressive: no one gets between me and Gwen.

TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE?

The clock is ticking until the big day. Will Victoria expose Michael’s secret, and save her best friend from a marriage made in hell? Or will her past catch up with her first?

My Review

What a cast of unlikeable characters! With friends like these, who needs enemies, as they say. Selfish, untrustworthy, nosy, flaky, violent, jealous, the list of endearing traits is endless. I am glad to say I have never had friendships like this – my friends know when to help and when to back off. If I said (like Greta Garbo) I want to be alone, they’d simply say ‘I’m at the end of the phone if you need me,’ not follow me home and insist on staying.

First we have Victoria – she’s a therapist (God help her clients) – and flaky as hell. Not that I blame her after her past relationship with Dylan, but I don’t think she is ready to help anyone – for about the next ten years at least.

Then there’s Gwen, Vic’s selfish ‘best friend’ who is getting married to Michael. So busy organising an art exhibition, she just dumps it all on her friends. Jessica is a right bitch – telling everyone what to eat before the wedding so they don’t get fat, how to style their hair, what to wear. P*&s off Jess. I need chocolate for stress. Samira is nice but can we trust her?

Michael is rich and handsome but secretive. What is he hiding from Gwen? I’m not sure I cared after a while, she is that selfish and appearingly as dim as a TocH lamp (as my late father-in-law used to say).

What about Isaac? As far as my fellow book club readers were concerned, the jury’s out.

I loved this book. I so enjoyed the madness. All that metaphorically shouting at Victoria, ‘JUST TELL HER!!’ And that ending! Totally unexpected. Sometimes I was exhausted just reading it.

Many thanks to The Pigeonhole, the author, and my fellow Pigeons for making this such an enjoyable read.

About the Author

Nasheema Lennon is a writer of Mauritian heritage based in Nottingham. She studied psychology and criminology at university before nine years working in the prison service, where she facilitated cognitive behavioural therapy programmes. She then changed paths to complete her PGCE, becoming a primary school teacher. Her first novel, The Engagement, was shortlisted for the Owned Voices Novel Award 2022.