Trois stupides mariages

by Ann Gallagher, Scarlett Chet (Translator)

Après une douloureuse rupture qui n’avait que trop tardé, Victor Nelson a besoin de temps pour panser ses blessures. Mais ce dont il n’a pas besoin, c’est que tous les membres de sa famille essaient de le caser avec quelqu'un d’autre… ce qu’ils vont certainement faire lors des trois stupides mariages auxquels il doit assister cet été.Heureusement, Dominic Lowe arrive à la rescousse. Dom est plus que disposé à assister à tous ces mariages en tant que « petit ami » de son meilleur ami… même s’il préférerait de loin être le véritable petit ami de Vic.Il est facile de convaincre les gens qu’ils forment un couple. Mais cette mascarade rend Dom misérable après des années passées à être fou amoureux de Vic. Peut-être ces trois mariages serviront-ils de répétition à la relation qu'il sait qu'ils pourraient avoir pour de vrai ?Cette romance asexuelle M/M fait environ 41 000 mots.Sujets sensibles : troubles de l'alimentation, discussions sur la maltraitance verbale et émotionnelle.

Genres: Romance, M M Romance, Contemporary, Friends To Lovers, LGBT, Audiobook, Queer

194 pages, Paperback

First published September 9, 2018

About the author

Ann Gallagher is the slightly more civilized alter ego of L.A. Witt, Lauren Gallagher, and Lori A. Witt. So she tells herself, anyway. When she isn't wreaking havoc on Spain with her husband and trusty two-headed Brahma bull, she writes romances just like her wilder counterparts, but without all the heat.

(Source: Amazon.com.)

Reviews

[Ami · Rating 5 out of 5]

TWO ASEXUAL MEN. SECONDARY AROMANTIC CHARACTERS. NO SEX ON OR OFF PAGE! BEST FRIENDS. FAKE BOYFRIEND TROPE

I feel like Ann Gallagher (a.k.a. L.A Witt) has written a story that is PERFECT for me in every way. I can't tell you how I appreciate that. Finding asexual romance story that are truly about asexuals -- as in, not having allosexual partner to the rescue -- is like needle in a haystack. Also one without SEX, either on or off page. So this is like precious, PRECIOUS, gem.

In addition, I thought Witt tackles that best-friends and fake-boyfriends trope REALLY, REALLY well. I ADORED both Dom and Vic -- INCLUDING Vic's struggle with body image issue. I enjoyed the three weddings with their own FIASCO. AND I ADORED THE LAST CHAPTER BECAUSE OMG!!!! I swear, I was crying happily when I reached those pages!!!



And to add cherry on top of the (wedding) cake, Gallagher wrote THIS passage, which I thought was so apt in describing what an aromantic feels about relationship. Because that's me... an ace/aro individual.

They were both aromantic, and while they understood relationships on an intellectual level, neither could wrap their heads around the utter obsession with needing to have a partner. Being with someone made sense, but the way people flailed and panicked over being single as if they were missing a vital organ was alien to them

YES, AUTHOR, YES!

SO THANK YOU for writing this one. It's definitely ONE of my MOST favorite ASEXUAL romance stories EVER!!! I'll cherish it FOREVER!!

[Ed Davis · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really didn’t like this book. It was boring and Vic was an idiot. I didn’t care that they were asexual (in fact other than stating the fact it was basically not an issue). No there just wasn’t much to this. If I was L. A. Witt I would have published under a pseudonym.

[Sunny · Rating 5 out of 5]

If fake dating and queer romance is your thing this one is Ace!

[Annika · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audiobook review

3,5 stars

Three weddings in one summer is a lot. Especially if you're single and still licking your wounds from your latest breakup and have a family bent on setting you up with any and all available men. Safe to say, Victor is not looking forward to it. Until his best friend Dom agrees to play his boyfriend for all three weddings.

Said and done. We follow this duo during wedding preparations, parties and the down times in-between. They fit seamlessly and effortlessly. Three Stupid Weddings is very low steam - how can it not be as both guys are ace - so no sexy times in sight. There are plenty of banter and sweet moments though. It's an uncomplicated and yes predictable story, in a good way. It was sweet as a wedding cake - well not the non-fat vegan kind they served at one of the weddings, but you know what I mean.

Michael Ferraiuolo (and nope, still can't spell his name) made this book with his wonderful narration. He captured Vic and Dom perfectly, the longing, quirks and the apprehension of food. While there's no sexual tension in this book there's plenty of longing, and that came through so clearly in Ferraiuolo's narration. You could feel the connection between Vic and Dom, the friendship and the wish for more from Dom's side and Vic's total obliviousness. It was cute.

All in all I enjoyed listening to this novella. It’s the perfect listen when you need some fluff and wonderful narration.

A copy of this book was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was fine? I don't really know what to say. I'm here for all the asexual books and while the rep was great and I love friends to lovers with fake dating, this was boring. I mean it literally consists of two friends going together to three weddings as fake boyfriends and that it. The epilogue was wonderful and I appreciated the eating disorder and sex repulsed ace rep, but the characters didn't have much to them. I just needed more to be fully invested.

That being said, having on page explicit sex repulsed ace rep was amazing. Because the two MCs are both ace and comfortable in their aceness, it's a very small part of the book itself (which maybe is a bit of a cop out by the author? Idk). Anyway I was here for that. There's also aromantic and nonbinary secondary characters. This one isn't lacking is rep, it's lacking in substance.

Rep: sex neutral asexual MC, sex repulsed asexual MC, aromantic secondary character, nonbinary aromantic secondary character, sapphic wedding, multiple queer tertiary characters.

CW: disordered eating, emotional abuse and manipulation from an ex, and conversations about having an eating disorder.

[Lillian Francis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is lovely. A relatively angst-free story about fake boyfriends and friends to lovers.

NB: There is talk of abusive relationships and eating disorders.

NB2: Both MCs are asexual to varying degrees. It was a pleasure to read about an asexual relationship where the main issue wasn't focused on why they don't want to have sex.

[Lori S. · Rating 3 out of 5]

An OK read. I like that Ms. Gallagher had some aromantics in the story - more please - and bring them to the fore!


One gripe: Star Wars and Star Trek are not the only SF brands in the multi-universe. It's much too easy to fall back on these two brands because everyone knows about them, but there really are other franchises out there. Seek them out. PLEASE.

[Axalia · Rating 4 out of 5]

AAAAAAH BEST FRIENDS TO LOOOOVERS ! Je sais, je sais, j'aime crier que je n'aime pas ça mais j'adore les faux couples aux mariages 🥹

Dom et Vic sont meilleurs amis depuis 10 ans, depuis leur rencontre dans un groupe de parole aro/ace (aromantique/asexuel). Vic sort d'une relation et n'a pas envie de faire les mariages seul. Il demande donc à Vic d'être son "petit ami" mais il ne sait pas que Dom est amoureux de lui.

Cette histoire est vraiment adorable, elle donne chaud au cœur. Attention, elle traite également de sujets difficiles comme les TCA. Malgré tout, la romance reste chaleureuse et douce !

Dom est le meilleur ami qu'on rêverait tous d'avoir, il est gentil, un soutien sans pareil et a toujours un mot pour donner de l'amour. Il est un soutien parfait pour Vic dont la relation vient de se terminer violemment. Son ex était une personne très toxique qui lui a donné une très mauvaise image de lui-même et de son corps, donc son image est devenue faussée.

Et puis, il y a tous ces mariages auxquels ils vont assister, c'est LA touche d'humour du roman. Trois mariages, trois ambiances. Cela nous permet de, également, nous rendre compte que de leur complicité, surtout entre ces deux grands fans de Star Wars !

Et bien sûr, en fond, le sujet de l'asexualité est abordée par les deux personnages. Ce n'est pas le sujet principal, mais c'est intégré de manière homogène au roman ! Le moyen parfait selon moi pour rendre le sujet naturel sans le minimiser ! Très bien fait 😁

Très belle découverte 🥰

[Fieke · Rating 3 out of 5]

The idea of this story (a fake-dating couple going to 3 weddings together) is really cute and nice. I thought the characters and especially their background and past relationships were very interesting. They also made a nice couple. However, the story lacked any kind of tension. It felt like there was nothing that actually stopped them from being a couple instead of fake dating. Although usually romance stories like this are predictable as well, there is something that keeps you interested and wanting to find out how they reach that ending. In this story it felt like that part was missing. There were no real obstacles or things that they had to work through in order to be together, apart from having one conversation. Although I liked the idea of this story, the representation, the chaos of the actual weddings and some of the cute moments, the overall story felt a bit boring.
I probably wouldn't have finished this if it weren't for the short story format.
Not horrible but not that memorable either.

TW: (conversations about) eating disorder, emotional abuse and manipulation from an ex

[K. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Trigger warnings: abusive relationship (in the past), eating disorder, homophobia

3.5 stars.

Pros:
- sweet ace romance between best friends
- they're both obsessed with Star Wars
- there's only one bed
- the discussion of the emotionally abusive nature of Vic's past relationship

Cons:
- literally couldn't tell the protagonists apart most of the time
- not helped by the fact that basically everyone's name had three letters
- I would have liked to see more of their friendship outside of the weddings
- could have been like 50 pages longer to flesh things out more thoroughly

[The_Book_Queen · Rating 4 out of 5]

CW: Eating disorder / problems with food and body image, emotionally/mentally abusive former ex


A quick, fluffy read (well, minus the CW mentioned above). No sex, as both are asexual (one is sex repulsed). Cute and charming and fun, with a good dose of geek (Star Wars, mostly).

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (4/17/2019)! 🎁

[Francis Alexander · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aw this was just the cutest and sweetest thing!

I think i wouldn't have minded if it was longer :)

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Super sweet fake boyfriend best friend to lovers tale! If you need something sweet and fluffy narrated by the ever fabulous Michael Ferrauiolo this book is a wonderful choice.

[Terri · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF!

I got to about 12%, and just couldn't anymore with the clumsy editing. My brain wants to correct those things, which makes the story take second place--that is not why I read fiction!

[Ela The Queer Bookish · Rating 3 out of 5]

An ace romance without the being ace conflict.

Add the fake relationship trope into that and rest assured that I am very excited to read such a book.

Sadly my excitement didn't survive very long. Now don't get me wrong, Three Stupid Weddings is a nice enough romance but I won't reread it I think. If you're looking for something easy between books it might be a perfect fit but there is not enough depth in it for me.

There would have been the possibility of depth though because Vic's ex boyfriend really left a lasting impression on him regarding his weight and eating habits. At first I thought that would get more... well simply more. And it kinda got more, at least it was not forgotten somewhere along the story and it was not downplayed but it still felt to me to be coped with too easily. Others might find them in that portrayal though.

Having them starting out as friends makes it easier to believe Vic and Dom's romance but that as well could have gotten more depth. It too was too fast and easy and I didn't feel their love. I did enjoy their geekyness and I loved how the different wedding invitations were put as a picture into the book.

Last Words: That detail added to the aspects I talked about before and I think I would have been very happy with this book.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy through the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you.


Diversity: LGBTQIA+ (m/m, asexual characters, aromantic characters, non binary characters, f/f), mental health (eating disorder, body image issues)

Trigger Warnings: emotional abuse, eating disorder, body image issues, slight LGBTQIA+phobia

[Lina · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all: I recommend you all to listen to the audiobook. Michael Ferraiuolo does an amazing job giving life to all the characters, something I suspect isn’t as well done if you just read it. Idk, I have only listened to it but it is just amazing.

Now then; This book is just the coziest most wholesome book I’ve read in a while. I want to put both Vic and Dom in my pocket and carry them around so much I love them. Sure, it handles som heavy topics like mental/ verbal abuse, body image issues, eating disorders, bigotry. But it’s done well I think and it doesn’t take away from that warm feeling at least I get from this book. I cried and I laughed and I got a little mad one time. It’s just one of those books that gets a special place in my heart.

The absolutely best thing about this book is the ACE REP!! Yes, there is ace rep. And it’s done properly, not just as a character on the side or a character who is part of a couple with a sexual partner. They are both aces and Dom is even sex repulsed. So there is no issues. And it’s so refreshing, not to mention relaxing, to not have to deal with sex scenes every other paragraph or any sexual tension between the mcs. You have no idea how precious books like these are for aces like me. So yay!!

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A simple yet lovely story which I loved. I loved the friendship between Dom and Vic, the fact that they were both asexuals (you don't get much of that on a regular basis), and how the story was developed. Certainly, I think the author could have elaborated on certain issues to give more "depth" to the book and the relationships presented (some things felt kind of... "too easy or too fast"); I would have loved that as well. However, it's a light reading that made me feel happy; not every book has to have their focus on the dramatic side (actually it's nice to read something without struggling a lot with the problems themselves). I was really excited and happy for them at the end, AND I also fell completely in love with Dom. He's everything I ever wanted to be.

[Shawna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall, a cute story about best friends in a fake relationship. It was nice to see asexual representation. I don't think Dom realized how bad Vic's previous boyfriend was until they started this caper, and the resolution of that part of the storyline just about serves. I'm also a sucker for a pair of nerds in love. :)

[Steiner · Rating 1 out of 5]

I think this had good intentions but I didn't buy into the story. The characters were types. The story was old-hat. I am interested in the themes but I didn't love this one.
I gave up... maybe it would have got better but so many books to read. I no longer push through

[Tinnean · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute story, worth the read. :-)

[Karla Hrz · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Resulta que es posible caer más duro por ti."

3.5 ⭐

Debemos ser sinceros que la historia no estaba convenciendome de darle una calificación alta, pero conforme fui avanzando me fue imposible no hacer una conexión con Dom y con Vic.

Me siento muy reflejada en ambos protagonistas, soy una mezcla de estos dos con sus defectos e inseguridades y me encantó ver que muchas inseguridades y miedos que una persona puede llegar a sentir con relación al amor y al desamor son reales y no solo mías, es entrañable saber que ese sentimiento es real y que se expreso en un libro.

Hablamos de protagonistas asexuales y es interesante el saber que alguien se enfoco en este tema y lo manejó de una manera respetuosa, pero sobre todo nos mostró que no siempre es necesario hablar de relaciones sexuales para que un libro sea interesante.

Me ha gustado mucho el desarrollo de la trama y sobre todo que no es pesado de leer, aunque admito que lo deje abandonado un poco, me gustó leerlo, es un cliché rosa qué terminó en eso, un cliché rosa y no tengo problema en ello, por que fue dulce pero no empalagoso y eso esta bien.

Ahora y ALERTA SPOILER!!!

El que trate un tema delicado como lo son los desórdenes alimenticios son cosas que debes tocar consciente y con conocimientos concretos y correctos de ellos, o no tocarlos ya qué, son temas de una gran impacto y de los que no se deben tomar a la ligera.
Y aunque no se del tema me ha gustado que lo manejarán correctamente, aunque se mencionan sobriamente y no se involucran a profundidad, resaltan bastante que no se debe tomar a la ligera y sobre todo que se debe acudir con un profesional que sepa del tema por ayuda.
Y eso es muy importante cuando se habla de temas delicados.

Así que me gustó el libro y valió la pena darle una oportunidad.

[OrlyY · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very sweet. Very fluffy. So very wholesome. A little boring and repetitive. Could have stopped and fast-forward for the cutest fluffiest HEA at about 50%. I don't really complain, because it's cute and wholesome etc., but it wasn't very intriguing. There are also some body image and eating disorder issues, which were handled compassionately, but I'm not sure it was very thorough.

I do have one minor uncertainty about the ace representation - both MCs are a-sexual, and are also best friends who are very affectionate and cuddly, but they're NOT in a relationship (until the HEA obviously). Minor spoiler: At the big (aka very small and very cute) finale crisis, one of them figures out they've actually been in a relationship all along, and he just didn't notice. I'm not sure if this is an accurate representation, but if it is, it left some uncertainty about the difference between two very affectionate best friends who are very committed to each other, and an ace relationship (besides the [lack of] jealousy from their actual boyfriends at the time. and some kissing. but it didn't feel like a major difference from what they already had). I probably should read more about this, and maybe my expectations were different, but I just didn't feel like I got the main conflict/issue regarding this, which was very distressing for one of then throughout the book.

[Walter Roper · Rating 4 out of 5]

REVIEW ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Three Stupid Weddings by Ann Gallagher is a delightful m/m romance with the ever popular “fake date” trope. Victor Nelson is trying to heal from a very painful breakup. He has three weddings to attend over the course of the summer and the last thing he needs is his well meaning family attempting to play matchmaker. Dominic Lowe, Vic’a best friend, offers to step into the role of “boyfriend” and be his plus-one at these weddings. But Dominic has a secret, he would much rather be by Vic’s side as his real boyfriend. They play the part of a couple to perfection, but the line between reality and make-believe begins to blur for Dom. Can he somehow get Vic to see that what he is looking for has been right in front of him all along?⠀
⠀
This is a story featuring two asexual characters who still long for a loving relationship. Vic and Dom, two adorable Star Wars nerds at heart, are so much fun even though the story does tackle topics such as eating disorders and verbal and mental abuse. The author does an excellent job of hooking the reader when they know before beginning the first page what the ultimate outcome will be. The depiction of emotionally abusive relationships and the aftermath is quite authentic, a fact to which I can personally attest since I spent too much time in such a relationship. This author has always been a favorite whether she is writing as Ann Gallagher or under her other assorted pen names. If you are looking to lose yourself in a witty and funny romance on a chilly winter afternoon then this would be the perfect oasis.⠀

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, I hate when books make me cry

Second, Admiral Holdo? Really? Well, everyone has their faults and I didn't even take off a star for it.

This book was fun. Dom and Vic spending all summer long attending weddings as fake boyfriends. Only there was unrequited love. A long, slow process of coming to terms with it.

The guys as are asexual/aromatic. I don't really know what that means. I know for these two it doesn't mean they don't date. They do, which is pretty much a requirement for a romance book. I can tell you that aside from thr references, you'd never know it by their behavior.

They're both Star Wars needs, which I can relate to. It was a big part of why they fit so well together even before they both knew they belonged together. They were also fun guys! Yeah, Vic was spending some time wallowing in self-pity but when Dom distracted him the real Vic reared his pretty head.

Happily ever after? You bet. Despite the tears, Holdo, and anyone thinking TLJ was a good middle part of the most recent Star Wars Trilogy, I adored this book. I can see these boys having a long and happy marriage and, just maybe, some kids to raise.

[Donna Getzandanner · Rating 5 out of 5]

10 Stars EASY!!
One of the absolute best books I have read recently. That is saying something! Because I read a LOT.
I wasn't sure what to expect since I was not overly familiar with Ann Gallagher's work. I was so pleasantly surprised at just how good this story was.
Vic and Dom are best friends. Okay, you can see where this is going, right? You're not wrong. The big BUT is how we get from point A to point 'THE END.'
Vic has to go to three stupid weddings in his family one summer. His family is always trying to set him up with a partner. Vic is unhappy about their meddling. So Dom volunteers to be his 'boyfriend' for all three weddings to keep the meddling family off Vic's back. It works. Until it doesn't.
THREE STUPID WEDDINGS is one of the sweetest love stories I have ever read. The emotions are off the charts. These two men's love for each other clearly shows thanks to the author's excellent writing skill. We get to watch Vic and Dom figure it out. What a rare find.
Again, 10 Stars from me.

[Ben Kocsar · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’d totally recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a laid-back, easy-to-read wholesome budding romance story.

As a heterosexual male I had a really great time reding this MM love story and yes, the story doesn’t show us a lot more than just the days of the three weddings that take place all during the same Summer (small lol moment) and there were literally 0 plot “twists” or tropes that I could not see coming from a mile away.

However, even if I don’t consider myself a quick reader I’ve finished the book in less than three days. It didn’t make me cry. It didn’t take my breath away. It wasn’t steamy. It made me smile... faintly... sometimes. But that was all; a quick, wholesome love story to read in your coffee breaks.

I gave it a 2/5 but I’d give it a 4,5/10 if that would be a thing

[✿~Danielle~✿ · Rating 4 out of 5]

VICTOR NELSON
DOMINIC LOWE

Read 4/2/19 | 4 stars

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Book synopsis: On the heels of a painful and long overdue breakup, what Victor Nelson needs is time to lick his wounds. What he doesn’t need is everyone in his family trying to play matchmaker so he can find someone new… which is exactly what they’ll do at the three stupid weddings he has to attend this summer.

Fortunately, it’s Dominic Lowe to the rescue. Dom is more than willing to come along to all the weddings as his best friend’s “boyfriend”… even if he’d much rather be there as Vic’s real boyfriend.

Convincing people they’re a couple is easy. The charade is miserable for Dom, though, after years of being madly in love with Vic. But maybe those three weddings are a rehearsal for the relationship he knows they could have for real.

[Shannon]

Vic and Dom

Vic and Dom are sweet, adorkable guys who really deserve their awesome HEA.
This book was a quick read and has a bunch of really great characters but could have been developed a wee bit more.
The seriousness of the lingering mental abuse Vic suffered from his ex and the sadness Dom feels about faking a relationship with the man he secretly loves is balanced by their amazing and supportive friendship, laughs, the eye opening revelation of a deeply genuine love, and their HEA that will leave you smiling.

[Annabel · Rating 3 out of 5]

CW: Past abusive relationship, eating disorder, homophobia
Rep: Ace x Ace mlm, background wlw, 2 side aroace characters.

I just couldn't get invested in this. it's so tropey, trying so hard to prove its nerdy and as much as I love that Dom is there book Vic back up post abusive relationship and encouraging healthy coping strategies it didn't leave a while lot of room for them to grow *together* so it felt a bit hollow when Vic finally stopped being oblivious and was suddenly in love. Also calling going out with someone a 'friendship upgrade' is just weird.