Bridesmaid for Hire

Bridesmaid for Hire #1

by Meghan Quinn, Erin Mallon (Narrator), Jason Clarke (Narrator )

Sometimes the wedding of the century calls for desperate measures.
And sometimes those desperate measures are to pretend the person you hate most is actually your boyfriend.

After years of working her tail off at her event-planning business, Maggie Mitchell is ready for a vacation. With nothing on her mind but R & R, she’s enjoying the warm weather of Bora Bora when in saunters Brody McFadden, her brother’s best friend and also her sworn enemy. Thanks to years of tension between the two—kicked off by a make-out session at her brother’s wedding that ended horribly—Maggie has sworn to stay away from the man. That is, until she finds out he’s in Bora Bora for his boss’s daughter’s wedding, hoping to use the trip to win a real future at the company.

Maggie promised herself she wouldn’t even think of work on the island, but as word spreads about the “wedding of the century” taking place in the midst of her vacation, she realizes offering her services as a bridesmaid and planner could bring her business to the next level. The only catch? She needs to pose as Brody’s girlfriend to get the job…while letting him stay in her peaceful bungalow.

Tensions rise, irritation flairs, and despite years’ worth of bickering behind closed doors, Maggie can’t quite squash the sparks building between her and her new fake boyfriend, especially when she learns the real reason their first kiss was cut short. But as the wedding day draws closer and everything starts to go wrong, it just might be Brody who sends Maggie’s business crashing down—and her heart along with it.

Genres: Romance, Enemies To Lovers, Fake Dating, Rom Com, Contemporary, Audiobook, Forced Proximity

Audiobook

First published April 2, 2024

About the author

Like me on FB: https://www.facebook.com/meghanquinna...

When I was in high school I occasionally read books but was consumed by other teenage things so I didn't take the time to appreciate a good book on a cloudy day, wrapped up in a blanket on the couch. It wasn't until I received a Kindle for Christmas one year that my world completely flipped upside down. When looking for books I came across the Contemporary Romance genre and was sold and I haven't turned back since.

You can either find my head buried in my Kindle, listening to inspiring heart ripping music or typing away on the computer twisting and turning the lives of my characters while driving my readers crazy with anticipation.

​I currently reside in beautiful Colorado Springs where the sun is always shining and there is a trail waiting to be hiked on every corner. I share a lovely and warm home with the love of my life and my five, four-legged children.

Reviews

[Casey Reads 🌸 · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first quarter of this book - it was absolutely a 5 star read. I laughed out loud so many times. It reminded me of the unhoneymooners which is one of my favs.

Then… there were a lot of situations that were happening with the MMC that made him seem very weak and outrageous, very accident prone. It made him extremely less sexy in my eyes. BUT I still could have gotten past that.

My biggest problem was the unnecessary length of this book. I felt like there was A LOT of unnecessary moments that ruined a magical beginning of a book and made me start skimming through certain parts. I almost felt like 3/4 of the way through, this author was trying so hard and it wasn’t working.

Overall, I rate the first 1/4 of this book 6 stars and the rest like 2-3 stars. I wish it kept the magic of the first part. I still suggest people read the first part, because that was great.

[chan ☆]

even the $7 i spent on the audiobook couldn’t convince me to finish this

[Maddie · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF at 40%… I’m officially done with Meghan Quinn’s books, they’re just not for me

Every single book I’ve read (5) the fmc is the EXACT same. Blonde, big boobs or big butt, “quirky” personality, obsessed with dick. Scenes where it’s supposed to be funny are so immature and cringy. She SOMEHOW wakes up every morning cuddling his dick (yup), she sneezed into his ass crack (really wish I was joking), she, a tiny girl, threw a ball at his crotch so hard he puked (really?), and the icing on top of the cake, he fainted from a snake bite, tongue hanging out and everything but it was just a scratch… from a little branch

Both these characters have really important stories! They’re both struggling with their jobs, Maggie feels like she’s a workaholic with no life, Brody is gunning for this promotion. Put more detail into these topics because so many people could relate to that! Not many can relate to aggressively fondling your brothers best friends dick in Bora Bora

[Yana · Rating 3 out of 5]

I literally LOVE LOVE LOVE all Meghan Quinn books, but this was was out NOT it. Brody gave me an ick from the beginning and it just kept getting worse, like can he just not stand up for himself?!? Ugghhhh

[bree · Rating 1 out of 5]

she sneezed into his ass crack.

[Grace Quan · Rating 3 out of 5]

RTC this was so ridiculous but I guess that’s pretty on brand for MQ
~•~•~•~
I’ve genuinely enjoyed all of the MQ books I’ve read so far so hopefully this ones no different! 💐🙃

[Miranda · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF 43% Main female character is very annoying. She was acting so immature, I think the grudge she holds against Brody is lame and gives her no excuse to act that way. She owns a biz ffs! Act like it! If there is more to the story that explains why well… I’m not interested to know. Also Brody not telling her why they couldn’t be together, come on! Bad communication is a turn off! These fools acting like they are in Elementary school is a turn off! Ugh.
A couple of funny moments but I knew this would only give me anxiety and second hand embarrassment if I kept reading.
I’ve loved other books from Meghan but this was a miss for me.

[Sharleen · Rating 1 out of 5]

I read one chapter and couldn’t do it. Why on earth would grown ass people ever talk or think like this come on

[Bella · Rating 1 out of 5]

This put me in a reading slump and I deserve an award for finishing it

[Carly · Rating 1 out of 5]

I have the biggest ick from this man getting injured every other chapter please go find a new hobby

[Grace Btrs · Rating 3 out of 5]

Comedy Gold… with a Side of “Hmm”
I laughed so hard but was also a bit underwhelmed.

💐 The Concept? Loved. Truly.
I really enjoyed the whole setup and the “bridesmaid for hire” angle.
There were so many laugh-out-loud moments, genuinely cracking up, cackling, the whole thing.
So many exchanges were hilarious and delivered exactly what I wanted.

🙃 But Then… Brody. Oh Brody.
Here’s the issue.
So many of those laughs came at Brody’s expense , and he ultimately read as emotionally immature, subdued, and very… inactive.
I cannot tolerate passive characters — especially passive main characters — and yet “passive” is precisely the word I'd use for him, even with everything happening around him. 😬

😵‍💫 To Add Insult to Injury... We Have Maggie
On the opposite end of the emotional-immaturity spectrum , we have Maggie, who is so oblivious to how her behaviour affects Brody that it actually becomes part of the antagonistic actions towards him.

Ultimately....
It was a fun, laugh-riddled ride… but nothing particularly memorable.

--
Pre-read:
Let's see if this does the work.
I'm here for the tension, rom-com vibes, and fake dating. 🤞🏻

[Tiffany Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG, this romcom was such a FUN time and I’ve never laughed out loud so much for an audiobook!! It might be the funniest book I’ve listened to from Meghan yet! It’s a spectacular storyline with the backdrop of Bora Bora and is just hilarious, fun, sexy and a heartfelt read! The touching moments were just the perfect addition to the story that made me fall in love with it even more. I already cannot wait to re-listen to this audiobook out in the sun this summer with a drink in hand!!

👥Brother’s Best Friend
😂Romantic Comedy
👩‍❤️‍👨Fake Dating
🔥Enemies to Lovers
🏝Bora Bora

📖Maggie, is a wedding planner and after being so busy, she goes to Bora Bora to enjoy a vacation by herself. While there, she finds out a huge wedding is happening that could help her grow her business and wants an in. Then she happens to runs into, Brody her brother’s best friend who is attending that wedding for his boss’s daughter. Maggie ends up rescuing him by pretending she’s his girlfriend and despite the fact they are enemies they end up in an agreement to fake date for the wedding week to help each other out. What could go wrong?

The side characters in this book were just a phenomenal addition to the story! Brody’s best friend relationship with Gary was one of the sweetest bromances I’ve ever seen! There were also amazing cameos from other characters we love and many new additions that just added so much to this story. I’ve got my eye on those Hopper men and would love to see stories in the future for them!

This book is an extension of the Almond Bay series and can be read in between The Way I Hate Him & The Reason I Married Him. However, Meghan does an incredible job making her book so easy to understand and follow as a standalone as well!!

🎧AUDIO REVIEW
This audiobook felt like I was watching an actual romcom movie play out live!!! It’s a duet narration by Jason Clarke and Erin Mallon who were truly two actors putting on a performance as they gave the story so much LIFE!! They flawlessly delivered every comedic and heartfelt moment as I was laughing out loud so many times and just having a great time while listening! Overall, it is a HIGHLY entertaining audiobook that is a must listen if you are looking for a fun, sexy and hilarious story!!

I have to talk about how amazing Erin and Jason are in this audiobook! First, Erin was perfectly casted for Maggie as she completely brought out her energetic personality. She used so many different inflections in her voice to articulate exactly what Maggie was feeling at the moment which made her character so enjoyable! Then there is Jason Clarke whose portrayal of Brody was one of my favorite performances by him! The growly tone to his voice perfectly captured Brody’s frustrated demenour as he changed to tone of his voice to convey everything happening to him. Jason had me dying of laughter so many times during his performance! Overall, just an outstanding performance by these two incredible narrators!!

[** Lucie ( Taylor's version ) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3/5

That was cute. Wait, not cute, but CUTE AS I WAS GIGGLING LIKE A TEENAGER. But the writing was a little disturbing.

[Emma.catherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was exactly the FUN I needed 🤩🙌🏽💖

"Sometimes we’re dealt cards in our life that are harder to shuffle through than expected. And sometimes you’re stuck on a small Polynesian island with no other option than to pretend the person you hate most in the entire world is actually your boyfriend…" 🏝️

If you are looking for a hilarious rom-com, set in a spectacular backdrop, this is the book for you 🤌🏽 Perfect for that end of summer weekend reading ☀️📚💖🌟

Maggie - an instantly likeable character. She is a female BOSS, who has been working hard for years at her event-planning business, and she NEEDS a vacation! Bora-Bora calls, and she is ready for nothing but some good old R and R.

"I’m single because I’m a workaholic who has based her entire life and self-worth around her business.”

That is until her long-term enemy, Brody McFadden turns up. Oh yes, and he just so happens to be her brother’s best friend 🤭 After years of tension, she is not amused, however, she quickly puts him to good use when she sees a business opportunity on the horizon 😏

"I can either be your assistant in this insane mission…or I can be your worst enemy. Take your pick.” 😈

Brody - not so likeable at first…is hiding a little buried secret: "Yup, you’ve guessed it, Maggie Mitchell is my dream girl. The crush I’ve harbored and repressed for years slips free…" 👀 BUT, he can also see a potential career opportunity with Maggie posing as his girlfriend.

And so, they draw up a business contract 📑

I loved how they were both equally career driven; It definitely wasn’t a one sided ‘fake date’ deal. Over the course of the book, tension rises and years worth of bickering is released. But, what I really loved was that this book was FULL of endless hilarious scenes. So much so that I actually started to feel sorry for Brody because he seemed to get the brunt of every single one of them 😂 We are talking everything from snake bites to spear-fishing gone wrong 😅

Meanwhile, their fake relationship flips a switch from enemies to lovers. Touching moments reveal years of secrets. And, big changes are on the horizon regarding personal and business ties…the BIG question is: will they both SURVIVE the drunken attics of the bachelorette/bachelor parties? 🤨🫣😬

"That’s the kind of person she is. There’s a purpose behind everything with her. Sometimes it’s really annoying..but then there are moments like this, where it’s truly endearing." 🥰

Aside from the two main characters, this book had some other fantastic characters that were just as important to the plot as Maggie and Brody. Some I loved, some I HATED! Maggie’s brother, Gary’s best friend, is an obvious one. Although I had my doubts about him at the start, I grew to like him and he turned out to be a really decent guy 👏🏽 There were so many other great roles, but Hattie was a favourite of mine. She was Maggie’s best friend, and a great one at that! She was so supportive but also very funny. She was the first to remind Maggie of great truths and boost her confidence 🙌🏽

"First things first, everyone in this world is different. Our goals, our values, they’re all different and there is no right or wrong to them." 🤌🏽💖✨

Overall, this was an enjoyable and VERY entertaining read. It was the perfect mix of lighthearted fun and complex plot. Aside from having great main characters, there were also many cameo roles and other characters that I suspect we will see in the rest of this series…📚💖✨

“The only thing that I care about is you. I’m distracted by you. I can’t think with you around. And whenever I see you, my mind goes blank, my heart thumps in my chest, and all I want to do is hold you…even when we’re not pretending.” 🥰💖✨

4 🌟🌟🌟🌟

[Destiny Omovie · Rating 3 out of 5]

(This was originally 4 stars but I have now reduced it to 3.5 ⭐️)

This was my first romcom and honestly it did not disappoint.

The romance between Maggie and Brody was so sweet and honestly so natural and I was laughing from start to finish. The concept was great, the chemistry was immaculate and I’m so glad I read it.

If I had to pick a fault it would that sometimes I felt a little bored/ uninterested whenever we were with the side characters. Don’t get me wrong I had a few laughs but idk, it just dragged a little at points.

And the 3rd act just annoyed me. It all came out of nowhere and the reasoning for their fight made sense but at the same time if Maggie just thought about it for 2 seconds she would realise it genuinely wasn’t his fault.

I still enjoyed the book and I would recommend it to anyone looking for a romcom book to put them in a better mood :)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Alaina · Rating 1 out of 5]

Normally I like Meghan Quinn books but this one was not for me. I didn't like either of the characters and the book was waaaaay too long, mostly filled with silliness and repetitive inner monologues that failed to advance the plot. I read this on Kindle unlimited and there were several times punctuation was missing or the wrong word was used in a sentence. By 25% I was doing some major skimming to get through this one. I liked the side characters more than the main characters, who were kind of just blah. I didn't really like Maggie and the comments she made about her best friend's boyfriend were kind of disturbing.

[Maya · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this might be my new fav Meghan Quinn book...ever??. When I tell you that I laughed so hard tears were streaming down my face I am not exaggerating!! This book had me laughing my ever-loving ass off. Also it was fantastic on audio!

This has all the brothers best friend, fake dating, enemies to lovers goodness packaged together in an adventure full of second-hand embarrassment and swoon-worthy moments.

Brody & Maggie had one of my favorite character dynamics, where one is effortlessly charming and magnetic and the other is grumpy and socially obtuse (I'll let you guess which is which here).

Highlights:
- the snake that wasn't a snake
- spear fishing
- they sleep better together
- the sneeze to end all sneezes
- flag football

Please do yourself a favor and read this if you're in need of a sweet but spicy romance or just top notch entertainment!

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

—fake dating
—brothers best friend
—Henry Cavill lookalike MC
—rom com

This was a fun summery read that I finished in basically one day. It was like watching one of those rom-coms from the early 2000s, such a nostalgic feeling. The chemistry between the MCs was spot on along with the dual POV, and the jokes were there as well.

Meghan Quinn knows how to keep a reader interested in her books, the relationship within them, and the side characters too. I loved reading the cameos from the characters from other books, it was so good to read them again, and it kept me interested throughout the story.

I did give this a 3.5/5 star ⭐️ for a few reasons. This book felt very similar to the movie Anyone But You and I don’t think that was intentional but it threw me off a bit, some of the things the MCs did put me off as well, idk how to explain it but it just wasn’t hitting the right spot.

But for the most part I did enjoy myself reading this and finished it quickly too. If you’re looking for a rom com that’s part funny, part spïcy, then add Bridesmaid for Hire to your TBR!

[Victoria · Rating 1 out of 5]

I like trashy romcoms every once in a while, but I fear I now need *substance* (gasp) in order to get through these poorly edited “rom coms” bc what in the Cody Ko, creepy, age gap, misogynistic shit was this?

Could not wait for it to be over. I had to skim the middle/end due to how repetitive this book got. A scene would happen then the MC would then go speak/text someone else and literally recount the entire scene that just happened again. It happened so many times I felt like it was whiplash.

There were so many unrealistic scenarios that happened that were just so strange
1. Fmc sneezed into the MMC ass crack… like this might be the only original thought left in this world bc I’ve never even imagined this scenario could exist
2. The MMC was so afraid of snakes he fainted after being “bit by a snake” turns out he was SCRATCHED BY A BRANCH. The ick I felt made me physically convulse. This is supposed to be a “manly man” and he’s lowkey a lil bitch
3. The FMC waking up every morning to cuddling the MMC’s dick.. idc how horny you are no one fucking does this let’s bffr.
4. The anti nausea medicine part didn’t make sense either bc if you know sea sickness at all, taking anti nausea after you’re already sick literally won’t do anything.. and then for it to turn out to be psychedelics and everyone knows it’s just lets you take it???


Not to mention the psychotic behavior that the college man wanted to bang his best friends underage sister. But don’t worry they at least waited until she was of age but Jesus Christ she was in high school when he “fell in love” with her. The shit this “man” was saying was so unhinged but not in a ha ha kinda funny ironic way, more of an ew I want to erase my memory and wish I never picked this book up kinda way.

Quotes I highlighted that the author thought were supposed to be “sexy”

“I try to move past him, but he stops me, his hand to my stomach. “Do not fucking walk away from me.””
….girl RUN, bc this is not the sexy commandeering type of shit you think of it as and more of a I’m an alpha male you will listen to me type, and frankly ew if a man who’s afraid of a branch ever said this to me, immediately JAIL.

“But the sight makes my mouth water, because I know exactly how big that bulge can get.”
she says this to him and listen you’re gross if you ever say “I know how big that bulge can get” and get turned on so you know what? I guess it makes sense she’s turned on by this weirdo

“Here,” he says. “What’s this?” “My sweatshirt,” he says. “You can wear it.” “Oh, this one is fine,” I say as I pluck at Hudson’s. “It’s not fine,” he says as he stares me down. “It belongs to another man.”
Again the MMC just proving he’s has no self confidence and is a little boy bc he gets weird as shit and irrationally angry over his gf wearing another man’s sweatshirt I’m literally gonna vom


Republican behavior!!!
Boooooo!!! tomato tomato!!!!

[Aya ☕︎ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

The beginning of their relationship is very toxic. I don't even know how they can have feelings for each other. I mean she literally humiliated him in front of his boss, then she blamed it all on him 🤦🏻‍♀️ she didn't even give him a chance to explain himself and then again blamed him for not contacting her. The best thing in this book is Gary and Brody's relationship it's hilarious 😂

[Travelogged Blogs · Rating 4 out of 5]

“I hate you so much.” He grins the most annoying grin ever presented to another human. “Not as much as I hate you.”

The begging of the book was very interesting, I could feel the hate chemistry between Brody & Maggie. Their banter was fantastic and those little adventures they went on with the bride's family were really funny but it put Brody in so many embarassing situations. Brody & Maggie were both meant to be funny and quirky characters and while I liked Brody, I hated Maggie equally. Brody was just innocent and his humour was over the top. Whatever came out of his mouth just made me laugh but Maggie on the other hand was insufferable. She was mean, rude, unacring and the way she tried to portray as if she stood by Brody's side throughout it all was so astounding because all she did was taken advantage of him being invited to the wedding and impose herself upon him, telling embarrassing stories about him to his work colleagues (she did not even think how it'll affect his image in front of his boss) and was always fighting with him. All she did was misunderstand him at every chance and then run away without letting him explain. I feel like this book was very unserious and filled with comedy so everything was taken lightly but what happened with Brody and his boss made me feel so sad for him. The boss was a real piece of shit and constantly kept jeopardizing and ridiculing him. I sympathized with Brody which is why I liked him more but to be honest, he was quite cringey and practically a man child. So no characters were perfect in the book but the humours situations saved it's essence. While I enjoyed reading some parts, the book just wasn't as good as I was expecting it to be tbh. Overall, it was a 3.25 star read for me.

I received an ARC in exchange of an honest review

[cosette · Rating 5 out of 5]

aaaaaaa i just love a good fake dating and brother's best friend. this was such a cute, fun read. i loved it!!! the perfect cute, summery read

brody and maggie were too funny, i was giggling and kicking my feet the whole time. their development and all of his confessions were heartwarming. I am in love with them. also, can we talk about the fact that brody instantly called her brother to tell him about them????? SUCH A KING.

i loved all the characters, except freakingdaddyreggie.

[Mackenzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5⭐️
3/5🌶️

If there’s one thing you should know about me, it’s that when it comes to Meghan Quinn… I’m a fan. I’m a Stan. I’m an AMBASSADOR. MQ can do no wrong in my eyes & this book was no exception. I laughed so hard at times I was crying & loved every second of it. Add in the fact that this book has some of my absolute favorite tropes? Sold.

Thank you to Meghan & her team for the ALC 🩷

Tropes:
- Brother’s Best Friend
- Hate to Love
- Fake Dating
- Rom Com
- Forced Proximity
- One Bed
- Top tier banter

[Noi (in & out) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Stuff I liked:
- The start, the way everything started, was funny and made sense
- The concept
- The smut
- The brothers (Yay for books 2+3 being about them)
- That phone call, with the guys, that was cool
- The end (not because, like, it was over, but how it ended)

Stuff I liked less:
- The length, it's dragging a bit, why is it 450 pages?
- The reason the MMC is 'staying away' (stupid and pointless)
- The MMC is going through the ringer, which, yes, is kinda funny, but it also makes me dislike him

------------
Please be funny, please be funny, PLEASE

[Wobilba · Rating 3 out of 5]

Update:
I know this is a romantic comedy but everything was dramatic and over the top. I did enjoy certain parts of the story though

Story: 3 stars
Narration: 3 stars

**********

I need of some laughs. I hope this delivers 🤞🏾

[Rea Clair .⋆♡⟡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. It dragged on a bit, but I honestly couldn’t stop laughing. It was charming, spicy, and heartfelt. All of the antics and witty banter made me fall hard for this rom-com 💕

[Amy Dolce · Rating 1 out of 5]

This may be the catalyst to delete kindle unlimited

[Berit☀️✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Megan Quinn is a master of creating the most memorable characters. I absolutely adored the fake relationship trope in this book, and it was executed flawlessly. The witty banter, wedding vibes, and tropical vacation setting made it a perfect blend of my favorite romance elements. Despite a challenging year for me in terms of finding enjoyable romances, I’m so glad I picked this one up. I can’t wait to dive into the other books in this series because the secondary characters were absolutely fantastic. And the audiobook narration was top-notch, with a spicy twist that added an extra layer of excitement. 💍🔥🌴

[Jamie Engel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m serious when I say every new Meghan book I read becomes my new fave. This book was so much more than I expected. The banter, the spice…absolute perfection.

This story follows Maggie and Brody. Maggie heads to Bora Bora for a much needed work vacation from her wedding planning business. Brody, her brother’s best friend, is at the very same resort attending his boss’s daughter’s wedding. They end up bickering their way into a fake dating agreements for the benefit of both of their careers.

Meghan is seriously one of the only authors that has me cackling like a damn hyena. Everything that Brody went through on this damn trip…ugh I feel for him and I love him so much. The humor as always was top tier.
The bickering and banter between the two had me laughing the entire time! They really were hilarious together, even if I did get a bit annoyed with Maggie at times. Eventually, their passion takes over and sparks fly!
Loved the new characters that Meghan introduced and fingers crossed they get a book!

Thank you to Meghan and GoodGirls PR for eARC.

Overall: 4.5
Spice: 3

Tropes:
-Rom Com
-Brother’s Best Friend
-Age Gap
-Hate to Love
-Fake Dating
-Forced Proximity
-One Bed
-Cinnamon Roll MMC

[Lisa · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF @ 13%. Brody is a wet noodle and Maggie is a bitch. What is it with the FMC’s of MQ’s books lately that they’re all so incorrigible?? Ugh. And Maggie’s comments about her best friend’s boyfriend are gross. I used some of my no-rush rewards balance to buy this so I’m glad I didn’t waste actual money on it.

Bring back the MQ style of writing that gave us the Brentwood Boys and the Stroked series. Please? 🙏🏻