The Wedding Date by Jasmine Guillory – Summary
Jasmine Guillory’s The Wedding Date is a charming contemporary romance novel that follows Alexa Monroe and Drew Nichols, two strangers who meet under unusual circumstances and unexpectedly fall for each other.
The story begins when Alexa, the chief of staff for the mayor of Berkeley, and Drew, a pediatric surgeon from Los Angeles, get stuck in an elevator together at a San Francisco hotel. Drew, who is in town for his ex-girlfriend’s wedding, impulsively asks Alexa to be his date for the weekend. To his surprise, she agrees.
What starts as a fake date quickly turns into something more. Over the wedding weekend, Alexa and Drew share undeniable chemistry. Despite their differences—Alexa is a driven Black woman focused on her career in politics, while Drew is a laid-back white doctor avoiding commitment—they begin a long-distance romance, flying between California cities to see each other.
However, their relationship is complicated by miscommunication, personal insecurities, and the challenges of maintaining a connection across cities. Drew, known for his casual flings, struggles to accept his deeper feelings for Alexa, while she hesitates to fully trust their relationship. As they navigate their growing emotions, they must decide if their love is worth fighting for.
Filled with witty banter, diverse representation, and heartwarming romance, The Wedding Date is a feel-good novel about love, taking risks, and embracing the unexpected.
The Elevator Meet-Cute
Alexa Monroe, a smart and ambitious Black woman working as the chief of staff for the mayor of Berkeley, is visiting her sister Olivia at a hotel when she gets stuck in an elevator. Also trapped inside is Drew Nichols, a charming and handsome white pediatric surgeon from Los Angeles. They strike up an easy conversation, and when Drew confesses that he needs a date for his ex-girlfriend’s wedding that weekend, he impulsively asks Alexa to join him. To his surprise, she says yes.
The Fake Date Turns Real
What starts as a simple arrangement quickly develops into something more. At the wedding, Alexa and Drew share undeniable chemistry, easily slipping into the role of a couple in front of his friends. Their fake date involves dancing, flirting, and even pretending to be a serious couple in front of Drew’s ex. But when their pretend romance leads to a passionate night together, it becomes clear that there might be something real between them.
Long-Distance Romance & Challenges
After the wedding, Alexa and Drew part ways, but neither can stop thinking about the other. They begin visiting each other on weekends—Alexa traveling to Los Angeles and Drew flying to the Bay Area—turning their fling into an unofficial long-distance relationship.
However, challenges arise as their relationship deepens. Drew has always avoided commitment, and while he enjoys being with Alexa, he struggles with the idea of a serious relationship. Meanwhile, Alexa, who is used to being in control of her professional life, finds herself unsure about where she stands with Drew. Their different backgrounds, careers, and personal insecurities create tension, leading to moments of miscommunication and doubt.
Conflict & Resolution
As their relationship progresses, Alexa starts to feel like she is more invested in their romance than Drew is. Meanwhile, Drew begins to panic, afraid of losing his independence. Their fears and unspoken emotions lead to a painful breakup.
But as time passes, both realize how much they mean to each other. Drew, in particular, understands that his fear of commitment has been holding him back from real happiness. In a heartfelt gesture, he goes to Alexa and confesses his love, proving that he is ready to make their relationship work.
Themes & Final Thoughts
The Wedding Date is a lighthearted yet meaningful romance that highlights the importance of communication, vulnerability, and taking risks in love. Guillory also weaves in themes of racial and cultural differences, showing how they can shape relationships in both subtle and significant ways.
With its witty dialogue, relatable characters, and swoon-worthy romance, The Wedding Date is a feel-good novel that captures the excitement and challenges of unexpected love. It’s the perfect read for fans of modern romance and anyone who enjoys stories about two people finding their way to each other despite the odds.
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