Three Little Words

Holiday’s third Bridesmaids Behaving Badly novel (after One and Only) combines pure fun with surprising depth for a contemporary rom-com. After a massive storm in New York City derails model Gia Gallo’s plans to transport her friend’s wedding dress to Florida for the ceremony, she joins forces with the best man, philanthropic chef Bennett Buchanan, who’s charged with delivering the wedding rings. Renting the last car available—an impractical turquoise Mini Cooper—the two set off for Florida on what might be the most important ride of their lives. Along the way, they wrangle with family estrangement and reconciliation, an eating disorder, relationship fears, and the desire to atone for the past, wrapping up with a thoroughly enjoyable happy ending. Gia is anything but the stereotypical vapid model, and Holiday’s sensitive portrayal of her multifaceted personality (particularly her penchant for Polaroids) is deeply enjoyable. Bennett’s riches-to-rags backstory tugs at the heartstrings, particularly when he and Gia make an unplanned stop to connect with his parents for the first time in more than a decade. Leavened with witty banter, Holiday’s sweet-hot tale captivates. Agent: Courtney Miller-Callihan, Handspun Literary. (Feb.)