What Not to Do on Vacation: A Slow-Burn, Fake Dating Rom-Com

Ten Things I Hate About You meets the charm (and sisterly shenanigans!) of Netflix's Nobody Wants This.

"I give it five umbrella drinks!" --Nancy Naigle, bestselling author

"Perfect, sweep-me-away summer beach read!" --Anna Grace, award winning author

"Don't leave this book behind." --Jennifer Shirk, bestselling author

Savannah is on a mission to reconnect the Prestly sisters the best way she knows how: reliving their carefree childhood summers at the beach. She's booked the same beach house, convinced her sisters to take the month off, and even made a bucket list to fit in all their favorite coastal fun. It's going to be perfect . . . or else. (And if planning this trip has anything to do with a certain secret she's hiding . . . well, let's not dwell on that.) Sun, sand, and some sisterly bonding--what could possibly go wrong?

Enter Bianca, the baby of the family, with a huge announcement: she's getting married! And her sisters' reactions are . . . not exactly what she hoped for. But Bianca is on a mission to prove that she's not the mess they think she is. Her grand plan? To find love for Cora, her perpetually single sister, on the same dating app where she found her fiancé. The stakes? A bet that if Cora can't find her 'One' on the app, Bianca will call off her engagement. A challenge Bianca is all too ready to tackle head-on, even if it means a little conniving. Cora's about to get swept off her feet, whether she likes it or not!

Meanwhile, Cora is rolling her eyes so hard they might get stuck. Love is a fairy tale for other people, not her. As she's filling out her dating profile, she thinks--nope, she knows--it'll be easy to show her sisters just how absurd this whole love thing is. So what if this Jax guy Cora just matched with is Hemsworth-brother hot? And, if his messages could be believed, maybe even slightly charming? None of this is real, anyway--love just doesn't come easily Cora. And she's getting ready to prove it. She's got this under control.

(Spoiler alert: nothing is under control.)

What Not to Do on Vacation is a charming and lighthearted rom-com that promises low spice but high laughter. Join the leading ladies as they navigate through beach vibes, dating app drama, fake dating, and a playboy hero with a heart of gold in this modern reimagining of The Taming of the Shrew. A must-read for those who enjoy adorable romance sans the steam, a healthy dose of family drama, and a fair share of humor.

So, if you're ready to dip your toes into this sun-kissed, feel-good read, don't wait! For fans of Jenny Hale, Emma St. Clair and Melissa Ferguson. Book club discussion questions are included!

© 2025 Thomas Nelson (Audiobook): 9780840716996

Release date

Audiobook: 20 May 2025