But the pay off in terms of physical intimacy was…not so great. I love how the concept of safe space was used in the context of romantic love. I really liked the build up of the romance the pay off in terms of emotional intimacy was great. But it works out really well here thanks to the well-written character arcs. Both Lina and Max have internal conflicts, which is not necessarily my favourite type of conflict in a romance novel. His feelings of inadequacy felt authentic and the resulting character growth is everything I could have asked for. Max’s characterization was also really well-written. And her relentless need to not disappoint her family, who has sacrificed a lot for her, really hit close to home. As a woman of colour, the way Lina’s race intersects with her struggle to navigate her emotions in public and in the workplace echoes my own personal experiences. Through Lina’s excellent characterization, the author works to subvert the Angry Black Woman stereotype and the Feisty Latina woman stereotype. Mia Sosa does a really good job digging into the complexities surrounding women’s emotionality.

I know exactly what she was going through. Lina’s struggles with controlling her emotions hit me deep in the heart. It’s been a long time since I read a book about a character that I can actually relate to. The supporting characters are also a whole lot of fun!! I love Lina’s friends and family and Max’s best friend, Dean. Mia Sosa nailed Lina and Max’s characterization at a time when even the most veteran romance authors are failing to write good character arcs.

The Worst Best Man is a slow burn enemies to lovers romance, but it is the top notch characterization of the main characters, the vibrant supporting characters, and the diversity of it all that make this book so enjoyable to read. The problem is that Max was the one who convinced his brother to not go through with the wedding, which ultimately left Lina jilted at the altar.

Lina Santos has to work with her ex-fiancé’s brother, Max, for a lucrative job opportunity. It also helps that this book gave me My Big Fat Greek Wedding vibes, Brazilian version, of course.

Luckily, I ended up enjoying my very first Mia Sosa book. I was really nervous to read this book because of the mixed reviews. I received an ARC from Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.

Read the worst best man