FANCY MEETING YOU HERE

A florist and a caterer juggle a high-profile California wedding, their complex connections to the wedding party, and an unexpected romantic attraction.

Elise Ngo has been selected to be a bridesmaid and the florist for three of her close friends' weddings. The business opportunities presented by one are especially important; Rebecca Yu has let her assemblywoman mother hijack the guest list to include some big names in politics. Impressing this crowd could mean bigger and wealthier clients for Elise's floral business and jobs that don't include a friends and family discount. Joining her in the list of wedding vendors as caterer is Rebecca's younger brother, Ben. Quiet and a little prickly, Ben doesn't take kindly to Elise barging into his kitchen to refresh some flowers. Bristling at his rude demand to see her ID, Elise wipes a wet hand across her white tank top and realizes with chagrin that she's inadvertently giving Ben the impression she “was trying to win a spring break wet T-shirt contest.” Their banter cracks and stings, exacerbated by the growing stressors of the impending wedding day. Elise desperately needs the word-of-mouth recommendations and networking Rebecca's wedding and family connections can provide. Ben appears rudderless, trying to find his passion and direction while sidestepping the spotlight as much as possible. The author's decision to use political background material, however, muffles the impact of their developing romance. With nosy reporters and rumors of campaign scandals hanging like a cloud over the wedding, Elise and Ben's chemistry doesn't get a chance to reach anything higher than a simmer. There's little conflict to keep them apart, save for wedding day emergencies, and while those amp up the comedy, they also hamper any sort of will-they-won't-they tension.

Two relatable and funny main characters in desperate need of a more compelling and exciting romance.