# Happily Never After

By Lynn Painter

Profile: https://hahafiction.com/books/happily-never-after-ce62bb20/

Sophie knows her fiancé is cheating, but calling off the wedding could endanger her father’s job. Max makes a sideline of objecting at ceremonies, giving people a way out. After he helps Sophie, she asks to join him on other assignments.

## What makes it funny?

Max arrives to collect his fee and expects tears. Sophie is busy throwing snack cakes off a balcony at a Volvo. His plan to take the money and leave lasts only until he sees the next throw.

### The comedy at work

Wedding objections become a service with fees to collect and customers to manage. Max’s impatient professionalism makes a useful foil for Sophie’s exuberant relief.

### Try this if…

The wedding-interruption setup suits readers who enjoy broad romantic predicaments and cynical leads who have reasons to mistrust love. Older roommates and troublesome cats add to the supporting cast.

### Good to know

Infidelity and a threat to a parent’s livelihood start the story. It alternates Sophie’s and Max’s perspectives; the excerpt includes drinking and profanity.

## What to expect

- Genre: Romance
- On the shelf: Contemporary romance · Romantic comedy
- Kind of humor: Situational comedy
- Format: Novel
- Length: 304 pages
- Audiobook: 7 hr 39 min
- Published: 2024

## A few distinguishing details

- Paid objections at weddings
- A relieved bride’s snack-cake revenge

## Sources & further reading

- Book information: [Apple Books lists Happily Never After (Unabridged) by Lynn Painter, narrated by Helen Laser, with length 07:39.](https://books.apple.com/ca/audiobook/happily-never-after-unabridged/id1695283950)
- Publisher: [Penguin Random House lists Happily Never After by Lynn Painter in paperback at 304 pages; ISBN 9780593638026.](https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/723446/happily-never-after-by-lynn-painter/9780593638026)
- Publisher: [Publisher-authorized excerpt](https://blog.freshfiction.com/lynn-painter-exclusive-excerpt-happily-never-after)
- Publisher: [Publisher](https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/723446/happily-never-after-by-lynn-painter/9780593638026)
- Review: [Publishers Weekly review](https://www.publishersweekly.com/9780593638019)