REVIEW: I Do by A.J. Pine

I Do by A.J. Pine: This third story in the If Only series is a wonderful conclusion to the romances begun in the first two books (which are standalones and had happy and satisfying endings on their own). If you haven’t read those two prior to this one, there is still a good introduction to the couples of interest and one new romance to add to the mix. It’s rare to have a romance with more than 3 or 4 points of view, and in this one we get seven! Though you might think that would make for a more complicated reading, the points of view were clearly marked and definitely made for a richer experience. Reading this book also made me think of the movie Four Weddings and a Funeral (without the funeral part), with its general madcap antics and proper Scotsmen (wink wink). I loved that movie, and I loved this story equally.

The central focus of the story is Duncan and Elaina’s wedding. Having been introduced to these two in the first book in the series as secondary characters, their romance was just getting underway and it was wonderful to get to see things as they take the plunge into committing to spending their lives together, and for Duncan, moving away from his Scottish home to live with Elaina in Greece. They made for such an interesting couple, definitely a case of opposites attract, but a most delightful one. Duncan has always come across as a very down to earth, friendly man with a big heart. He lives hard and he loves hard, making mistakes along the way. His decisions have consequences though, and I enjoyed seeing him and Elaina work through them before their big day.

For Noah and Jordan who’ve been living together happily for the past three years, it’s a chance to reconnect with their old friends and consider making things more permanent between them. As the couple who started the series off, I loved seeing them together and finding that they are still wholly committed to each other. Griffin and Maggie are the newer couple, Griffin having dated Jordan briefly before she ended up with Noah, and now having found Maggie. Maggie has some unique health problems, and these have resulted in Griffin being overprotective of her, to the point that they still have communication problems in their relationship. They had some issues to deal with on this trip to the wedding, but it was a good example of the work that’s involved in a relationship once the initial starry eyed romance has settled down.

The new romance in this one ( a male/male romance) is with a favourite secondary character from Maggie and Griffin’s book, Maggie’s best friend Miles. He’s been invited along to the wedding, to be there for Maggie in case she needs any assistance as Griffin is busy with his duties as part of the wedding party. On the plane, Miles meets a gentleman with whom he shares an instant attraction – and who by luck or fate, ends up being a chef at Elaina’s family restaurant. Miles is such a fun character but more of a playboy than a man of commitment. A vacation fling is something he’s pretty comfortable with – only he discovers as he spends time with Alex that maybe, this time, he’d be willing to commit to more. I loved seeing him find someone willing to challenge him and keep him on his toes.

With all of these couples we get some sexy scenes, lots of humour (including some airplane shenanigans) a wonderful sense of their friendships and I thought this was a fitting end to the series.

Book Info:

Publication: Nov 16 2015 | Entangled Publishing | If Only #3

A new adult romance from Entangled’s Embrace imprint…

Sometimes you have to trust your heart to find out what home really means.

Duncan McAllister is marrying Elaina Tripoli tomorrow. Except–he’s missing. Jordan, Noah, Griffin, Maggie, and Miles arrive in Greece for the festivities to find frantic messages from both the bride and groom. Noah and Griffin set off to find Duncan while Jordan, Maggie, and Miles try to salvage what should be a day of celebration before the wedding.

But the Americans have their own baggage. Noah’s got a surprise planned for Jordan that has to go perfectly. Griffin’s keeping life-changing news from Maggie. And Miles–well, he wasn’t looking for love on this trip until a Greek sous chef named Alex rocks his world.

The race is on for Duncan to make it back to Elaina before she decides not to take him back at all. For Noah to make sure his monumental plan goes off without a hitch. For Griffin to tell Maggie the truth without losing her. For Miles to admit that letting himself fall in love is worth the risk.

Happily Ever After waits at the finish line…if the four couples can make it on time.