REVIEW: Love and Other Trials by Ava Miles

In Love and Other Trials by Ava Miles, When Ariel Holmes’ half-sister Tiffany basically blackmailed her into becoming her wedding planner in order to have the deed to their grandma’s house finally signed over to her, she knew it would be a trainwreck. But Ariel had no idea how many things would go wrong with the supposed Deverrell wedding curse in full swing. She’s not one to believe in woo woo. However, she’s been a part of way too many nuptials that have gone awry over the years to brush off the curse. Besides, maybe this will finally be the way to get included in her three half-sisters’ and their mother’s tight-knit circle. But starting with her arrival at the airport, it’s clear that nothing has changed. The best man, hunky Navy pilot Dax Cross, has to rescue her and drive her to the venue. Maybe it’s a good thing, though. Because Ariel has never been so swept off her feet by a guy–or felt so cared for, like someone finally has her back.

‘For once in her life, Ariel Holmes had everything she could ever want, and she was going to savor every minute.’

Dax was already looking forward to meeting the half-sister of his best friend’s fiancée after exchanging texts about their wedding duties as best man and maid of honor. But seeing Ariel in real life? Whew. Words can’t describe how beautiful, fun, and intelligent she is. Knowing he’s at risk of falling head over heels for her should scare him, yet Dax can’t help but feel like he’s exactly where he’s supposed to be. And that he could have a very happy future with Ariel–if they can make it out of the wedding week disasters unscathed. As one thing after another goes wrong, even he starts to believe maybe the universe is telling Rob and Tiffany that they might want to rethink their big day. Dax finds himself having to bite his tongue more than once about the bride-to-be’s behavior. But it’s her sister, his cohort in crime, Ariel, who has his undivided attention.

“Don’t worry. We’re going to kiss. When I set my sights on a target, there’s no stopping me.”
…”Am I in your sights, Captain Hotpants?”
“You’d better believe it, honey.”

Ava Miles’ LOVE AND OTHER TRIALS had an abundance of Southern charm and bad luck along with a cast of characters who were either incredibly wonderful or most decidedly *not* wonderful. But it all made for one heck of a good time.

‘The Deverrell wedding curse had struck again.’

Talk about entertaining! LOVE AND OTHER TRIALS was one drama-filled fiasco after another as Ava Miles threw everything she could think of at not just the bride and groom, Tiffany and Rob, but the main characters, Ariel and Dax. It was utter chaos from the first page thanks to the supposed Deverrell family wedding curse. Whether you believe in such things or not, by the end of the story I think readers will sympathize with Dax and Ariel as they tried their hardest to fix every issue while placating Rob and Tiffany. And don’t get me started on the rest of Ariel’s family. From her self-absorbed, catty half-sisters and mother to her 100% awesome half-brother, it was a whirlwind of personalities that had me alternating between cringing and cackling.

My favorite part by far was Ariel and Dax any time they were together. There was such an easy camaraderie between them that began the first time they met. And it led to a ton of mutual respect. I loved how Dax, aka Captain Hotpants, was a protective alpha guy without being overbearing as well as how easygoing and kind he was. A captain in the Navy, he was a pilot through and through. Dax had Ariel’s back the entire time they were sorting out whatever new catastrophe happened. Even his long-time friendship with the groom, Rob, took a few hits over the course of the disastrous week but he never stopped being there for his buddy.

Ariel was just as kind and capable as Dax was, and she was also quite simply a terrific person. She and her beloved bloodhound Sherlock worked in search and rescue so acting as her half-sister Tiffany’s wedding planner was certainly in her wheelhouse, being in charge of every little or big detail. But wow…Ariel’s family was a big old mess. I can’t say what I truly thought of the three half-sisters without cursing up a storm. (lol) And their mom wasn’t any better. Although Ariel’s half-brother Jeffrey more than made up for them as he brought laughter and charisma to the festivities. By the end, it all worked out as it should have and had a huge dose of emotional depth from Miles’ evocative writing that had my eyes tearing up. Highly recommended.

QOTD: Have you ever been to a wedding, an event, or even a vacation where there was a series of mishaps?

Book Info:

Publication: Published: April 28th, 2025 | Ava Miles Inc. |

“Ava Miles delivered one of the Best Romance Books of the Year.” — Twins Reading Books

“This is a must-read for every Emily Henry and Lucy Score fan.” – A Compulsive Reader

” This is a six stars book that every romance reader must read!” – Delightful Literary

International Bestselling Author of the #1 National Sensation NORA ROBERTS LAND delivers another hilarious family-focused rom-com about the power of love and the moments when those dearest to you make you want to tear your hair out.

Grandma always said life was composed of love and other trials, with family and men being at the heart of both.

So when Ariel Holmes’ sister says she’ll only deed their grandma’s house to her if Ariel helps make her wedding the event of the year in Charleston, Ariel knows love—with a heavy side of trials—will be on the wedding menu alongside crudités and canapés.

But she doesn’t account for the best man, the charming and mouthwatering Dax Cross, showing up and trying to stop the wedding, making her job impossible at every turn. Captain Hotpants might be used to having his way in the skies as a hotshot Navy pilot, but he doesn’t have a chance on the ground.

Or does he?