What do you think?
Rate this book
McMaster the Disaster #1
Bridesmaid Lotto
Book 1 in the USA Today Bestselling McMaster the Disaster series. Josephine McMaster is pretty and smart, but very much a klutzy mess. Finally, at 26, she may have actually lost the dreaded ‘McMaster the Disaster’ nickname that has followed her around her whole life. Josie’s quite content to be single, much to her mother’s disappointment. So when a bizarre contest is announced where a socialite is holding a lottery to pick her bridesmaids (and rake in a little extra cash), she can’t roll her eyes fast enough, even if it does mean meeting Jake Hall, her one and only movie star crush. Obviously, Josie doesn’t enter the bridesmaid lottery, so you can imagine her surprise when her picture pops up among the winners, thanks to Mom. With a little prodding -- okay bribing -- Josie agrees to participate. The wedding turns into the event of the year, and Josie finds herself in the middle of a paparazzi feeding frenzy, which gets even crazier after Jake Hall takes a special interest in her. Can Josie handle the pressure in the spotlight? Is it possible she might really have a chance with Jake Hall? And if she’s busy worrying about all that, how in the heck is she going to keep ‘McMaster the Disaster’ from showing up in front of the entire world?
230 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 3, 2011
636 people are currently reading
2544 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Astor
23 books257 followersRachel Astor is a twin (yes, probably the evil one), a stepmother (not as wicked as you'd think), and a USA Today Bestselling Author who spends a suspiciously large portion of her days correcting the word "the".
She's had a lot of jobs (bookseller, realtor, 834 assorted admin roles), but none as, ahem, interesting, as when she waitressed at a small-town bar named after a dog. 🐶
When she’s not crafting romantic comedies that blend heat, humor, and heart, Rachel splits her time between the city, the lake, and as many made-up worlds as possible.
She's had a lot of jobs (bookseller, realtor, 834 assorted admin roles), but none as, ahem, interesting, as when she waitressed at a small-town bar named after a dog. 🐶
When she’s not crafting romantic comedies that blend heat, humor, and heart, Rachel splits her time between the city, the lake, and as many made-up worlds as possible.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 894 reviews
August 1, 2021
I truly cannot understand how this book could have become a USA Today bestseller. There must be another version out there that I couldn't download, because the book I got was so riddled with typos, grammatical errors, and just plain old lousy dialogue, that I can't imagine it going anywhere on any kind of list.
Not only did this book have the above problems, but the simple fact was the protagonist Josie was plain old rotten - most of the time she was just horribly mean, witchy, cruel, childish, and whiny! Yes, this was a book about Josie winning this lottery and you come to find out that she never wanted to enter and yet - she won! Out of hundreds of thousands (or whatever) of entries - she won. Did she ever seem a little grateful? Was she at all kind to the bride? Did she treat the bridesmaids that were a little different, with the respect she demanded? An emphatic NO to all of those questions. And let's not even start with the character of Jake Hall...ugh.
The premise sounded good, but that was it. It SOUNDED good. I did not work under this author's attempt. What was supposed to be a funny, light, and light-hearted book, turned into a painful experience for most of the people who actually read it.
The dialogue was trite and cliched and written as if the characters were living in the late '80s or 90's not the 21st century. I can't believe that women in this age bracket still talk this way or act this way.
Hopefully, this author got a proofreader for the next two books, because quite frankly, even my simple Word program would have cleaned up most of the problems with this manuscript.
This was a painfully disappointing read.
Not only did this book have the above problems, but the simple fact was the protagonist Josie was plain old rotten - most of the time she was just horribly mean, witchy, cruel, childish, and whiny! Yes, this was a book about Josie winning this lottery and you come to find out that she never wanted to enter and yet - she won! Out of hundreds of thousands (or whatever) of entries - she won. Did she ever seem a little grateful? Was she at all kind to the bride? Did she treat the bridesmaids that were a little different, with the respect she demanded? An emphatic NO to all of those questions. And let's not even start with the character of Jake Hall...ugh.
The premise sounded good, but that was it. It SOUNDED good. I did not work under this author's attempt. What was supposed to be a funny, light, and light-hearted book, turned into a painful experience for most of the people who actually read it.
The dialogue was trite and cliched and written as if the characters were living in the late '80s or 90's not the 21st century. I can't believe that women in this age bracket still talk this way or act this way.
Hopefully, this author got a proofreader for the next two books, because quite frankly, even my simple Word program would have cleaned up most of the problems with this manuscript.
This was a painfully disappointing read.
November 6, 2012
Eh. I skimmed a lot. It was like listening to one of those people that you feel like telling, "yeah, yeah, get to your point already.."
September 5, 2012
I wanted to read a lighthearted romantic comedy, and that's exactly what this is. If someone is looking for more here, they're not going to find it. This is a simple, cute, funny story about something that would probably never happen. You just have to read this with an imagination and try not to judge too much. I'm a proofreader, so all the mistakes bothered me quite a bit, but I was still able to enjoy the story. I wish there were a little more details. I can't recall very many descriptions about the characters and what they looked like; that would have been nice to know, for visualization purposes. One part I was disappointed in was *SPOILER ALERT* the first kiss between Josie and Jake. There was literally no description of it. I wanted to know how it felt! It was sort of anti-climactic. Other than being slightly let down by that, I highly enjoyed this story. I was thinking of giving this four stars because of the detail thing, but then I remembered how I COULDN'T PUT THIS BOOK DOWN. I read it in two nights. It would have been one, but my light was disturbing my toddler (who still sleeps in bed with us), so I had to call it quits. Any book that keeps you up until 2 a.m. deserves five stars. I actually chuckled in a few parts, and it's not easy to get me to chuckle at a book!
July 16, 2012
Poor editing, poor characterization, and a cliched story line made this a struggle to finish. The manipulative ending just deducted another star. Josie McMaster is one of those beautiful women who doesn't know she's beautiful but everyone around her tells her so, which means, we the readers must believe it. Despite her refusal to participate, she winds up winning a bridesmaid lottery where she'll become the bridesmaid for a wealthy society woman. As an added bonus, the groom's brother is movie star Jake Hall, who's just announced he's looking for a girl to settle down with. Littered with such cliched characters as the spoiled, bitchy model; the gay best friend; and the down home farm girl who talks too much, as well as poor punctuation, repetitive words, and misspellings, this story seriously required some guidance from an editor. Guidance that was obviously never given. This may have been the author's first attempt at writing a romance. If that's the case, I commend her for trying but she clearly needs more education and practice before publishing.
September 21, 2012
This is NOT a romance. Sorry, but it's not. A romance means the story revolves around both the hero and the heroine. This story was all about the heroine with the 'hero' as more of a supporting character. The romance that was there was minor, and when the characters finally did have sex... I wasn't even sure it happened. One minute they were kissing, the next minute they are waking up on the couch. There wasn't even a 'fade to black' really, it was more of a 'cut' and on to the next morning. If the author hadn't mentioned that they were getting dressed the next morning, I still wouldn't have been positive anything had happened.
Was the story bad? Not exactly, although I went into the book thinking this was going to be a quirky romantic comedy based on reading the book summary. Instead I got a story about this woman who won a bridesmaid lotto, and how it changed her life. I'm not saying some people won't like this book (actually I found out after I finished reading it that it's a triolgy), but it wasn't for me.
Was the story bad? Not exactly, although I went into the book thinking this was going to be a quirky romantic comedy based on reading the book summary. Instead I got a story about this woman who won a bridesmaid lotto, and how it changed her life. I'm not saying some people won't like this book (actually I found out after I finished reading it that it's a triolgy), but it wasn't for me.
July 7, 2019
This is the first book in a series about 'McMaster the Disaster.' She is a sweet girl who had lots of bad luck in her teen years. We all know its a tough time, but hers was really bad. Poor thing. Anyway, in highschool she acquired the nick name and it stuck.
Now she is an adult, and has her life in order. Granted she doesn't have a lot of romance, (which is a problem for her mother, friends and the continuation of a love story) but she is basically happy. Her one dream is to travel the world, and she is working diligently on her savings so she can.
Enter a Bridesmaid Lotto. Our heroine has no intention of entering. It's silly and she could never win, anyway. Even if it did mean she could finally meet her idol and crush, Jake Hall, the movie star.
What she didn't count on was her mother's determination. Not only did she win the lotto but her mother will finance her trip abroad if she agrees to participate.
Our heroine is forced into the spot light and the paparazzi frenzy. Especially when it looks like the movie star has taken an interest in her.
Now she is an adult, and has her life in order. Granted she doesn't have a lot of romance, (which is a problem for her mother, friends and the continuation of a love story) but she is basically happy. Her one dream is to travel the world, and she is working diligently on her savings so she can.
Enter a Bridesmaid Lotto. Our heroine has no intention of entering. It's silly and she could never win, anyway. Even if it did mean she could finally meet her idol and crush, Jake Hall, the movie star.
What she didn't count on was her mother's determination. Not only did she win the lotto but her mother will finance her trip abroad if she agrees to participate.
Our heroine is forced into the spot light and the paparazzi frenzy. Especially when it looks like the movie star has taken an interest in her.
June 27, 2013
Whimsical and at times boring, the story is mainly pure dialog and tells of a girl who is entered into a competition to be a "bridesmaid" at a celebrity wedding by her overbearing mother where of course she meets the Brides soon to be brother-in-law, a Hollywood hunk whom she has had a crush on for quite some time.
There are no real descriptions of any of the characters or settings, and for some reason despite having only just over $300 in her bank account (apart from her holiday account, which we aren't told how much is in there), the hero with her cliche gay male workmate and bestie, somehow manage to score at least 3 designer dresses for $200 each plus accessories.
Plot can be summed up as: Girl gets entered into competition and wins. Meets her crush and he falls instantly in love with her. Hero whisks her away in his private plane for a romantic evening at his secluded cabin where of course he owns the lake and surrounding countryside and there are no neighbors to invade their privacy - apart from the circling press helicopter that captures their first kiss and of course it becomes headlining news.
There are some trials along the path to true love, most notably the bitchy model competition winner who has her eyes on the man of everyone's dreams. But on a whole the story line just does not seem to have that real ring of truth about it or real emotion between the characters.
OK for a free book to read on a rainy afternoon if you have nothing else to do. At almost 800 pages (on the iPad) roughly 300 pages if printed, it could have had a lot more depth.
There are no real descriptions of any of the characters or settings, and for some reason despite having only just over $300 in her bank account (apart from her holiday account, which we aren't told how much is in there), the hero with her cliche gay male workmate and bestie, somehow manage to score at least 3 designer dresses for $200 each plus accessories.
Plot can be summed up as: Girl gets entered into competition and wins. Meets her crush and he falls instantly in love with her. Hero whisks her away in his private plane for a romantic evening at his secluded cabin where of course he owns the lake and surrounding countryside and there are no neighbors to invade their privacy - apart from the circling press helicopter that captures their first kiss and of course it becomes headlining news.
There are some trials along the path to true love, most notably the bitchy model competition winner who has her eyes on the man of everyone's dreams. But on a whole the story line just does not seem to have that real ring of truth about it or real emotion between the characters.
OK for a free book to read on a rainy afternoon if you have nothing else to do. At almost 800 pages (on the iPad) roughly 300 pages if printed, it could have had a lot more depth.
July 20, 2013
GET A BETTER EDITOR!!!
I would have rated this much higher if there weren't so many typos and inconsistencies. Unlike some of the other harsh critics of this book, I liked the main character. Yes, there were a lot of clichés (the gay best friend that does hair and shopping like a pro, the clumsy heroine, the gorgeous nice guy. To be honest, I read books like this as an escape from the real world and I love those characters.
My biggest issue was the timeline. For example, there is an engagement party on a Saturday. The next thing you know she is commenting on how work was weird the next day. What?!? And it wasn't a rare she happened to want to go in on a Sunday to catch up on some work...the whole office was working. It's like the author forgot it was supposed to be Sunday. This happens multiple times. Not to mention that there was supposed to be three months between the bridesmaid announcement and the wedding. By the timeline that was actually used it was less than two months. Now I know that when you have a novel spanning three months you're not going to write about every single thing that happens. I'm going by the author's words...the next day, a few days later, that evening, etc.
I seriously considered only one star on this one, but I did like the concept and enjoyed the actual story. I will not be purchasing the next in the series unless Kindle has it added to their free books section (where I got this one, btw). There are just too many problems with the editing for me to do that.
I would have rated this much higher if there weren't so many typos and inconsistencies. Unlike some of the other harsh critics of this book, I liked the main character. Yes, there were a lot of clichés (the gay best friend that does hair and shopping like a pro, the clumsy heroine, the gorgeous nice guy. To be honest, I read books like this as an escape from the real world and I love those characters.
My biggest issue was the timeline. For example, there is an engagement party on a Saturday. The next thing you know she is commenting on how work was weird the next day. What?!? And it wasn't a rare she happened to want to go in on a Sunday to catch up on some work...the whole office was working. It's like the author forgot it was supposed to be Sunday. This happens multiple times. Not to mention that there was supposed to be three months between the bridesmaid announcement and the wedding. By the timeline that was actually used it was less than two months. Now I know that when you have a novel spanning three months you're not going to write about every single thing that happens. I'm going by the author's words...the next day, a few days later, that evening, etc.
I seriously considered only one star on this one, but I did like the concept and enjoyed the actual story. I will not be purchasing the next in the series unless Kindle has it added to their free books section (where I got this one, btw). There are just too many problems with the editing for me to do that.
January 13, 2013
Every time I read a book like this I want on start writing books. The cliches... ugh. Why do so many American women cling to the same crappy, unrealistic love story?! The girl is dorky, clumsy, self-deprecating, hates wearing dresses, has one friend and an overbearing mother; she also happens to be beautiful and smart. The boy is a tall, rich, and handsome celebrity who overlooks every other girl. Not hard to predict where the story goes. I gave it two stars instead of one because aside from the awfulness, some parts had me laughing out loud.
GOOD:
-Interesting premise
-Humor
-Fast read
BAD:
-None of the relationships are well developed
-Unrealistic relationships (Emma never really talks to her bridesmaids; a mother stops talking to her child over something stupid)
-Poor backstory for many characters
-Poor physical descriptions of the characters (some may see this as a pro as you can create whatever fits your fantasy)
-Numerous grammar errors and typos
-Too much repetition (Josie has the same thoughts and goes through the same scenarios throughout the book)
GOOD:
-Interesting premise
-Humor
-Fast read
BAD:
-None of the relationships are well developed
-Unrealistic relationships (Emma never really talks to her bridesmaids; a mother stops talking to her child over something stupid)
-Poor backstory for many characters
-Poor physical descriptions of the characters (some may see this as a pro as you can create whatever fits your fantasy)
-Numerous grammar errors and typos
-Too much repetition (Josie has the same thoughts and goes through the same scenarios throughout the book)
June 30, 2011
Bridesmaid Lotto was a really fun and lighthearted read. I loved Josie as a main character and she just felt so real to me. I loved that she was prone to accidents and embarrassing herself in public – who isn’t? – and her Disaster Diary provided some welcome comic relief. Josie really did not want to be a part of the Bridesmaid Lotto but eventually the glitz and glamour (and of course the chance to meet her long time movie star crush) wins out and she surrenders to the parties and the designer dresses. While she does get caught up in the excitement preparing for the wedding I was happy to see that she didn’t completely loose herself. She still reminded herself of who she was by writing about her misadventures in her Disaster Diary and she remained relatively grounded considering the situations she found herself in. I absolutely loved Josie’s friend Matty, he was the token gay best friend, but his character was done so well. He wasn’t too over the top and added just the right amount of humor.
The love story was a little predictable but it was well done so I didn’t mind. It was nice for a change to read of a main character who isn’t completely tortured and damaged and suffering in an emotionally draining relationship. Josie’s relationship was the kind of story that makes you *sigh* and wish you were in her shoes. Sometimes we all need a little bit of a fairy tale.
I don’t often read Chick LIt but I am so glad that I read Bridesmaid Lotto. It was the perfect combination of humor, wit, and a little bit of romance. I can honestly say that I am looking forward for the release of the next book in the series Gamble on Engagement, which is expected to be released in August, 2011. I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a light and fun romantic comedy.
I received a free copy of Bridesmaid Lotto from the author (thank you!) in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
The love story was a little predictable but it was well done so I didn’t mind. It was nice for a change to read of a main character who isn’t completely tortured and damaged and suffering in an emotionally draining relationship. Josie’s relationship was the kind of story that makes you *sigh* and wish you were in her shoes. Sometimes we all need a little bit of a fairy tale.
I don’t often read Chick LIt but I am so glad that I read Bridesmaid Lotto. It was the perfect combination of humor, wit, and a little bit of romance. I can honestly say that I am looking forward for the release of the next book in the series Gamble on Engagement, which is expected to be released in August, 2011. I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a light and fun romantic comedy.
I received a free copy of Bridesmaid Lotto from the author (thank you!) in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
September 13, 2012
I loved this book because of three reasons:
1. Josie (the main character)
2. The dialogues are fast paced and you don't get bored reading them-it's like listening to a lively conversation.
3. The story line: Yes, it is predictable especially when the other guy is depicted as Prince Charming and the lady just a normal girl who doesn't own a pair of great heels! But this one didn't have a happily ever after complete ring to it.
So, if you have friends and want to have a laugh-read Bridesmaid Lotto.
If you are thinking you need to fantasize about the perfect guy-read it!
If you think you hate Chick Lit and they should be scrapped off, read Bridesmaid Lotto then write a thumbs down review for it!
But just read the book because it's lively and you need something like that to freshen up your brain after overworking it!
1. Josie (the main character)
2. The dialogues are fast paced and you don't get bored reading them-it's like listening to a lively conversation.
3. The story line: Yes, it is predictable especially when the other guy is depicted as Prince Charming and the lady just a normal girl who doesn't own a pair of great heels! But this one didn't have a happily ever after complete ring to it.
So, if you have friends and want to have a laugh-read Bridesmaid Lotto.
If you are thinking you need to fantasize about the perfect guy-read it!
If you think you hate Chick Lit and they should be scrapped off, read Bridesmaid Lotto then write a thumbs down review for it!
But just read the book because it's lively and you need something like that to freshen up your brain after overworking it!
October 23, 2013
I hate it when I write a review on a book that I was so hoping would be cute and romantic and just a quick fun read. Well, it was quick. Although it took me "3 days" to read it, it just didn't hold my attention so I only read it a little each day. In fact, if I hadn't been reading it for a challenge I probably would have abandoned it.
The errors in the book were just far too many for me to overlook. It was extremely distracting! The "heroine" simply had no self-esteem and it felt like she was an adolescent in her young teens. Since I didn't care for her I was hoping I'd fall in love with Jake, but that didn't happen either. In fact, I didn't fall for any of the characters.
Cute premise but it just didn't work for me.
The errors in the book were just far too many for me to overlook. It was extremely distracting! The "heroine" simply had no self-esteem and it felt like she was an adolescent in her young teens. Since I didn't care for her I was hoping I'd fall in love with Jake, but that didn't happen either. In fact, I didn't fall for any of the characters.
Cute premise but it just didn't work for me.
July 13, 2013
Cliche, Cliche, Cliche....
I wanted to scream in agony by the time I finished this one.
The book is riddled with typo's, missing words, and dumb, dumb dialog. The cover says that Astor is a best selling author....gee...maybe I should try that trick on my next book. I don't know who thinks she's best selling...when you give your books away (and that's the only way I would have ever looked at this book)I guess you can say whatever you want.
Every character in this book is a cliche - from the bumbling leading lady to her best friend, flamboyantly gay co-worker, to the calculating evil fashion model, to the bumbling, over-chatty, hillbilly country girl. Think of every caricature you've ever seen on TV and you have the characters in this book. Even the 'hot' movie actor doesn't hold up.
There is no description of anything in this story--well, except for the exceptional outfits the gay character puts together--and then it's over explained. We have no idea what color hair our leading lady has, what color the movie stars eyes are, or anything...are they fat? Skinny? Tall? Short? Sharp-featured? Round-faced? Give me a break....if you want me to care about a character--tell me what they look like!!!! I want to know everything about these people! Not just how stupid they sound because of the lame dialog.
And as for plot - again predictable and mind numbing....wish I had the brain cells back that I just lost.
Okay...enough said...needless to say, I won't read the sequels...I will not read another book by Astor...and I would recommend anyone considering this book to take a deep breath and find another book.
I wanted to scream in agony by the time I finished this one.
The book is riddled with typo's, missing words, and dumb, dumb dialog. The cover says that Astor is a best selling author....gee...maybe I should try that trick on my next book. I don't know who thinks she's best selling...when you give your books away (and that's the only way I would have ever looked at this book)I guess you can say whatever you want.
Every character in this book is a cliche - from the bumbling leading lady to her best friend, flamboyantly gay co-worker, to the calculating evil fashion model, to the bumbling, over-chatty, hillbilly country girl. Think of every caricature you've ever seen on TV and you have the characters in this book. Even the 'hot' movie actor doesn't hold up.
There is no description of anything in this story--well, except for the exceptional outfits the gay character puts together--and then it's over explained. We have no idea what color hair our leading lady has, what color the movie stars eyes are, or anything...are they fat? Skinny? Tall? Short? Sharp-featured? Round-faced? Give me a break....if you want me to care about a character--tell me what they look like!!!! I want to know everything about these people! Not just how stupid they sound because of the lame dialog.
And as for plot - again predictable and mind numbing....wish I had the brain cells back that I just lost.
Okay...enough said...needless to say, I won't read the sequels...I will not read another book by Astor...and I would recommend anyone considering this book to take a deep breath and find another book.
Read
January 3, 2014Can't give it any stars
February 22, 2020
For a romance, there was very little interaction between the main character and her partner. I have no idea why they like each other when they've barely spoken. In three months, they had one date, a couple emails, and some eye contact. Okay.
There was more time devoted to her various outfits than making the relationship believable.
There was more time devoted to her various outfits than making the relationship believable.
April 1, 2019
Fun. Liked it enough that I'd buy the other books if they were on sale.
May 26, 2021
This book wasn't very good. It sounded like a fun book to read, but it was just not great. I didn't care for the "Disaster Diary" portion. I didn't connect with any of the characters. I wish I had liked it more because it was a great idea for a plot.
December 20, 2018
3.75 stars
February 18, 2015
At 26 years old, Josephine aka Josie has her life finally on track, there is just one thing missing according to her mother - a boyfriend. Josie is content with her life and happy so why can't everyone else be. When a contest is announced that a Socialite is getting married and hoping to have ten lucky women as her bridesmaids , a bridesmaid lottery is opened and each girl gets their fifteen minutes of fame. Josie but can't help roll her eyes at this, who would be so desperate for fame and attention that they would sign up and join a stranger's bridal party. The whole world around Josie is buzzing , what happens next though will send Josie's life on a spin as her mother has gone behind her back and entered her into the lottery. Josie is one of the ten chosen bridesmaids and this may also be her chance at winning a date with the hunky actor Jake Hall - a actor crush of hers. The thing though is that Josie has a secret - she is an absolute klutz and right through school her nickname was McMaster the Disaster. Will Josie find a way to embarrass herself in front of her new crowd ? During this book we also are presented with diary entries of Josie's which detail some of her klutzier moments and relate to her inner feelings about Jake. What will happen though when someone Josie trusted leaks her dirty laundry and private thoughts to the media ? Will this be the end of Josie and Jake or will he be the gentleman and shrug it off and go any publicty is good publicty ?. What I liked about Bridesmaid Lotto, is that despite the light-heartedness of the story, it does give readers the view of what can happen when one of you becomes famous and that often someone you trusted or thought was your friend, will get jealous and turn their backs on you. If you are wanting a fun light-hearted romance that has the feel of Reality TV to it , then check out Bridesmaid Lotto by Rachel Astor. Alot of reviewers have written about how they found this book to be cliched, but in my view sometimes we readers need something cliched and light to read and sometimes the treasures hide in the cliched piles.
August 9, 2023
I really enjoyed this. Josie is a relatable character with funny disasters from her past and a tedious relationship with her overbearing mother. She’s thrust into the world of celebrities and paparazzi when said mother enters her in the bridesmaid lotto. Picked as one of four bridesmaids to a well-known socialite, marrying the brother of a famous actor. An actor Josie has harbored a secret crush on.
Jake, the famous actor, comes across as many an actor romance hero. He’s outwardly confident, kind, not one to follow along with the status quo and looking for someone to love him for himself, not his stardom. He's a great character though and fits well with Josie's character.
As Josie navigates the role of bridesmaid, her work, friendships, and family relationship pay a price. With her mother, Josie has the patience of a saint.
The entries in the Disaster Diary were funny to read and empathize with.
I was truly shocked at the disintegration of her friendship with Calla and hoped we’d see her confront Calla, or Calla would get all stalker on Jake.
Mattie is fantastic. He’s full of energy and reminds me a lot of one of my own friends. His energy is frenzied, and I found myself reading his parts at breakneck speed to keep up with him. The fact that he’s a pivotal character and gay is a plus in my book. I love good LGBT+ representation in mainstream romance novels.
Reading the developing friendship between Josie and fellow bridesmaid Jennifer was nice.
As this is a series about Josie, the first book obviously ends with her branching out on a new adventure, which I’m looking forward to reading in book 2.
This was a sweet, laugh out loud, engaging read, and I look forward to more.
I found this in iBook’s free first in a series collection.
Jake, the famous actor, comes across as many an actor romance hero. He’s outwardly confident, kind, not one to follow along with the status quo and looking for someone to love him for himself, not his stardom. He's a great character though and fits well with Josie's character.
As Josie navigates the role of bridesmaid, her work, friendships, and family relationship pay a price. With her mother, Josie has the patience of a saint.
The entries in the Disaster Diary were funny to read and empathize with.
I was truly shocked at the disintegration of her friendship with Calla and hoped we’d see her confront Calla, or Calla would get all stalker on Jake.
Mattie is fantastic. He’s full of energy and reminds me a lot of one of my own friends. His energy is frenzied, and I found myself reading his parts at breakneck speed to keep up with him. The fact that he’s a pivotal character and gay is a plus in my book. I love good LGBT+ representation in mainstream romance novels.
Reading the developing friendship between Josie and fellow bridesmaid Jennifer was nice.
As this is a series about Josie, the first book obviously ends with her branching out on a new adventure, which I’m looking forward to reading in book 2.
This was a sweet, laugh out loud, engaging read, and I look forward to more.
I found this in iBook’s free first in a series collection.
Read
September 7, 2016Downloaded a free version for Kindle
I'll start off by saying that I really liked the premise of this book and it is just the sort of escapism I love reading. I really, really wanted, really TRIED to like this book. However, I must agree with several other readers that there are a lot of cliché characters in this book and the dialogue left me wanting. Here are the good points and negative points in a nutshell:
Good things
- interesting premise
- one or two likable characters
- delightful escapism
Negative things
- far too many grammatical mistakes and typos
- not enough focus on the romance "facet" of the story
- several annoying & unlikable characters
- characters lacked unique voices; they all sounded the same
- no real character development
- lacked character physical descriptions
- story seemed very choppy & inconsistent; lacked editing
I felt that the story had lots of merit and the premise was great, but it was sorely lacking in execution. I'm not even sure if this is Young Adult or Chick Lit, but the dialogue seemed to be more YA level and the characters were way too underdeveloped to be considered Adult -- disappointing really.
I thought that it was such a shame that the reader doesn't really get to know the characters motivations -- this should be the driving force of the plot. I like the author's clear and concise writing style, but the book really should have been professionally edited -- it would have made a world of difference. (And PLEASE -- if you are going to name-drop, make sure you spell the name correctly!! Dolce & Gabbana -- NOT Dolce & Gabana)
I'll start off by saying that I really liked the premise of this book and it is just the sort of escapism I love reading. I really, really wanted, really TRIED to like this book. However, I must agree with several other readers that there are a lot of cliché characters in this book and the dialogue left me wanting. Here are the good points and negative points in a nutshell:
Good things
- interesting premise
- one or two likable characters
- delightful escapism
Negative things
- far too many grammatical mistakes and typos
- not enough focus on the romance "facet" of the story
- several annoying & unlikable characters
- characters lacked unique voices; they all sounded the same
- no real character development
- lacked character physical descriptions
- story seemed very choppy & inconsistent; lacked editing
I felt that the story had lots of merit and the premise was great, but it was sorely lacking in execution. I'm not even sure if this is Young Adult or Chick Lit, but the dialogue seemed to be more YA level and the characters were way too underdeveloped to be considered Adult -- disappointing really.
I thought that it was such a shame that the reader doesn't really get to know the characters motivations -- this should be the driving force of the plot. I like the author's clear and concise writing style, but the book really should have been professionally edited -- it would have made a world of difference. (And PLEASE -- if you are going to name-drop, make sure you spell the name correctly!! Dolce & Gabbana -- NOT Dolce & Gabana)
July 27, 2012
This book was funny and made me laugh in more than one occasion! Sure, it was not very surprising in general, but there were some shocking events in there as well that I did not see coming! Perfect for a light easy reading after something heavier, emotionally deep books. At least was for me! But if you don´t like silly girls´ books, then this is not a book for you.
So this is what it´s about:
A random normal girl gets a chance to meet a movie star. A hot movie star. But it´s not just a date she´s getting. No.. there´s a lot more she has to endure before anything like that could happen! Go ahead and get yours. And read about Disaster Diaries..
P.S. When I got it, it was free from amazon :)
ch.1-6
Ah a little bit of light reading after Fifty Shades. Two chapters done, seems like a quick and easy read.
Hah, I'm loving the Disaster Diaries idea. And they are fun.
I am quite liking this book!
ch 7-13
Fart disaster! A date with the movie star. Bachelorette party with riches..
ch 14-
Oh come on, they keep missing eachother. Oh come on what an ending! I need to find out more!
I noticed some spelling mistakes o. the book, but not all the time.
So this is what it´s about:
A random normal girl gets a chance to meet a movie star. A hot movie star. But it´s not just a date she´s getting. No.. there´s a lot more she has to endure before anything like that could happen! Go ahead and get yours. And read about Disaster Diaries..
P.S. When I got it, it was free from amazon :)
ch.1-6
Ah a little bit of light reading after Fifty Shades. Two chapters done, seems like a quick and easy read.
Hah, I'm loving the Disaster Diaries idea. And they are fun.
I am quite liking this book!
ch 7-13
Fart disaster! A date with the movie star. Bachelorette party with riches..
ch 14-
Oh come on, they keep missing eachother. Oh come on what an ending! I need to find out more!
I noticed some spelling mistakes o. the book, but not all the time.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 17, 2012
By almost the end of the book, I am sure I was going to give it 3 stars but the ending just totally ruined the whole book. I know this is a trilogy but it doesn't give such a lousy excuse for that open ending. It's not even an ending! I felt like I have wasted my time on this book. If I was holding a hardcopy of this book, I might have just threw it across the room or even burned it.
There are lots of typos & grammar mistakes throughout the whole book that left me wondering whether the author even re-read her own work before publishing it.
The reason why I didn't give this book a one star rating is because the plot is a fresh one which is different from all the bridesmaid chick lit out there. However, characters development is very very poor. The author made some characters like Rebecca seems so important in the beginning but by the middle of the book, she has already faded away and seems like a nobody.
I don't think I will pick up another book by the author.
There are lots of typos & grammar mistakes throughout the whole book that left me wondering whether the author even re-read her own work before publishing it.
The reason why I didn't give this book a one star rating is because the plot is a fresh one which is different from all the bridesmaid chick lit out there. However, characters development is very very poor. The author made some characters like Rebecca seems so important in the beginning but by the middle of the book, she has already faded away and seems like a nobody.
I don't think I will pick up another book by the author.
October 5, 2012
Needed a quick, fun read between some really heavy reading and this was sitting on my kindle, as I had downloaded it for free. Fun plot although outrageous, quality characters, but the misspellings (ought, not aught...happens twice) and the many continuity issues really tripped it up for me. Let's see...date is at 8 p.m., they fly to Maine which takes an hour and there is still sunlight? A week after the July 21 wedding the local coffee shop is offering peppermint mochas and pumpkin lattes? The book was supposedly over 3 months yet when calculating all the events, it couldn't have been more than five weeks.
Just because a book is self-published doesn't mean it has to be full of errors. Find a good editor. Get a cadre of trusted friends to read your drafts and find the errors. That is what will separate a good book from all the garbage out there.
Just because a book is self-published doesn't mean it has to be full of errors. Find a good editor. Get a cadre of trusted friends to read your drafts and find the errors. That is what will separate a good book from all the garbage out there.
February 23, 2013
This is kind of book you read when you're waiting for the-next-big-thing book to come out.
If you can look past poor spelling & bad conversational grammar there's a somewhat cute story in there... somewhere. I felt there was a lot of unfinished business for some of the side characters but maybe that's taken care of in the other books... Because, yeah, there's more. Some of her friendships suffer through out but I found that to be similar to real-life, the author didn't sugar coat it. But I guess thats what happens when you put your friends on a side-burner for a new guy in your life. It just sucked for the main character to realize publicly that you never know exactly who you can trust!
At less than 400 pages its a quick read. So all together it's a light-hearted read that's a good filler while waiting for the next book to come along.
If you can look past poor spelling & bad conversational grammar there's a somewhat cute story in there... somewhere. I felt there was a lot of unfinished business for some of the side characters but maybe that's taken care of in the other books... Because, yeah, there's more. Some of her friendships suffer through out but I found that to be similar to real-life, the author didn't sugar coat it. But I guess thats what happens when you put your friends on a side-burner for a new guy in your life. It just sucked for the main character to realize publicly that you never know exactly who you can trust!
At less than 400 pages its a quick read. So all together it's a light-hearted read that's a good filler while waiting for the next book to come along.
January 18, 2016
Well this book certainly turned out to be what it advertised. For that I cannot fault it. I can fault it, however, for bad grammar and little character development. If you've been trained in the amazing art of grammar and punctuation like I have, this book is a blow to your soul to read. Hopefully the next two had a better copy editor. As for the story itself- the other reviews say it better. You get what you maybe paid for.
Oh. I lied. I do have one big question. Either I completely missed it or it didn't happen, but there was never a mention about anyone's cell phone. They got all their info from the newspaper. Hello, it is the 21st century. Even in 2011 or whenever she wrote these, people were still attached to their phones. I don't know why these characters weren't either. (And an AOL email? Come on.)
Oh. I lied. I do have one big question. Either I completely missed it or it didn't happen, but there was never a mention about anyone's cell phone. They got all their info from the newspaper. Hello, it is the 21st century. Even in 2011 or whenever she wrote these, people were still attached to their phones. I don't know why these characters weren't either. (And an AOL email? Come on.)
April 30, 2019
I downloaded Bridesmaid lotto when it was out free on IBooks.
I'd give this novel about a 3.5 out of 5.
Personally I found it to be a good little fun read. Sure it was fairly Predictable and You could nit pick at a few Spelling or grammatical errors, but I'm not reading books for the English or Grammar. I'm reading it to enjoy myself and pass some time and this book was great for it.
Throughout the story I Laughed and found myself wanting to shake some characters ( I mean Josie! How silly and ungrateful can you be!) Whilst the story line is predictable it all flowed well and I didn't find myself getting bored.
So if your keen on reading an easy to read, lighthearted book.. Bridesmaid lotto is a good pick.
I personally can't wait to read the next book!
I'd give this novel about a 3.5 out of 5.
Personally I found it to be a good little fun read. Sure it was fairly Predictable and You could nit pick at a few Spelling or grammatical errors, but I'm not reading books for the English or Grammar. I'm reading it to enjoy myself and pass some time and this book was great for it.
Throughout the story I Laughed and found myself wanting to shake some characters ( I mean Josie! How silly and ungrateful can you be!) Whilst the story line is predictable it all flowed well and I didn't find myself getting bored.
So if your keen on reading an easy to read, lighthearted book.. Bridesmaid lotto is a good pick.
I personally can't wait to read the next book!
April 29, 2013
This actually quite hilarious, I loved Jose's embassing moments...absolutely priceless.
I was also totally rooting for her blosoming romance with easy-on-the-eyes celebrity Jake Hall, which totally panned out into an awesome relationship.
I also loved her crazy bestie Mattie, he seriously made my day with his over the top statements and attitude. I would totally hire him as a stylist, the boy knows his looks.
The villians in this story; Calla and Rebecca, really annoyed me at how low they'd stoop to attempt to ruin what Josie and Jake had going on.
Jennifer, Josie's unlikely new friend was also a fab addition to an amazing read. XD
I was also totally rooting for her blosoming romance with easy-on-the-eyes celebrity Jake Hall, which totally panned out into an awesome relationship.
I also loved her crazy bestie Mattie, he seriously made my day with his over the top statements and attitude. I would totally hire him as a stylist, the boy knows his looks.
The villians in this story; Calla and Rebecca, really annoyed me at how low they'd stoop to attempt to ruin what Josie and Jake had going on.
Jennifer, Josie's unlikely new friend was also a fab addition to an amazing read. XD
August 20, 2013
2.5*
This was an easy read. There are some typos/errors, but they weren't glaring. I was disappointed in Josie a few times throughout the book- she was self-pitying and too busy at times to be a friend to those she considered her friends (even though one did stab her in the back). There are a lot of cliques: the gay best friend (who also is excellent with fashion and hair) and the mother from hell. I think all those stood out for me, more than they usually would have, because of the overall writing/storyline. That being said, this book was free. However, I have no interest in continuing for more of Josie and Jake's adventures.
This was an easy read. There are some typos/errors, but they weren't glaring. I was disappointed in Josie a few times throughout the book- she was self-pitying and too busy at times to be a friend to those she considered her friends (even though one did stab her in the back). There are a lot of cliques: the gay best friend (who also is excellent with fashion and hair) and the mother from hell. I think all those stood out for me, more than they usually would have, because of the overall writing/storyline. That being said, this book was free. However, I have no interest in continuing for more of Josie and Jake's adventures.
August 12, 2012
Not ooey gooey romance at all!
More like trying for funny - light - romance. Very light. So light that there's hardly any interaction between the girl & the guy. Hard to cheer for them.
I felt like the story was more about Josie's relationship w/ her friends than building her relationship w/ Jake. So I'll give the credit/3 stars for that. I loved Mattie. Wish I had a Mattie in my life. Every girl needs a Mattie. :*)
Open ended so we'll read the next books in the series but I've decided to live the rest of my life out w/o knowing what happens to Josie next. :p
More like trying for funny - light - romance. Very light. So light that there's hardly any interaction between the girl & the guy. Hard to cheer for them.
I felt like the story was more about Josie's relationship w/ her friends than building her relationship w/ Jake. So I'll give the credit/3 stars for that. I loved Mattie. Wish I had a Mattie in my life. Every girl needs a Mattie. :*)
Open ended so we'll read the next books in the series but I've decided to live the rest of my life out w/o knowing what happens to Josie next. :p
Displaying 1 - 30 of 894 reviews