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Always a Bridesmaid
A sunny bridesmaid-for-hire and a grumpy best man put love to the test in this laugh-out-loud romantic comedy.
Meet Randi Burnett—she’s brilliant, she’s beautiful, and she works for the bride. Missing groom? Intoxicated in-laws? Crying ring-bearer? You name it, she wrangles it. Too bad her personal life isn’t thriving like her side gig as a bridesmaid for hire. Recently dumped, Randi throws herself into her biggest challenge yet when she’s hired as a maid of honor and pretend best friend for an ice queen bride. There’s just one problem—the best man is infuriating, overprotective, and anti-marriage.
High school principal Will Valentine doesn’t believe in love. But his best friend is getting married after a whirlwind romance and has asked him to be the best man. So here he is, a man named for the patron saint of lovers, who doesn’t believe in the institution of marriage yet is somehow color coordinating for the event. No one is more surprised than Will when he starts falling for the bubbly and vivacious maid of honor who loves all things love, but strangely doesn’t seem to know the bride all that well.
But what happens when he discovers Randi’s undercover identity? What begins as a battle of wills between the two soon turns into a flirtatious game. Between cake tastings and dress fittings, will these two opposites find their own once-in-a-lifetime love?
Meet Randi Burnett—she’s brilliant, she’s beautiful, and she works for the bride. Missing groom? Intoxicated in-laws? Crying ring-bearer? You name it, she wrangles it. Too bad her personal life isn’t thriving like her side gig as a bridesmaid for hire. Recently dumped, Randi throws herself into her biggest challenge yet when she’s hired as a maid of honor and pretend best friend for an ice queen bride. There’s just one problem—the best man is infuriating, overprotective, and anti-marriage.
High school principal Will Valentine doesn’t believe in love. But his best friend is getting married after a whirlwind romance and has asked him to be the best man. So here he is, a man named for the patron saint of lovers, who doesn’t believe in the institution of marriage yet is somehow color coordinating for the event. No one is more surprised than Will when he starts falling for the bubbly and vivacious maid of honor who loves all things love, but strangely doesn’t seem to know the bride all that well.
But what happens when he discovers Randi’s undercover identity? What begins as a battle of wills between the two soon turns into a flirtatious game. Between cake tastings and dress fittings, will these two opposites find their own once-in-a-lifetime love?
8 pages, Audible Audio
Published January 30, 2025
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409 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 500 reviews
February 6, 2025
the writing wasn’t bad, it was actually pretty good!
my main issues were are the romance was nonexistent, the guy seems like an ass - like did he even like her?, and the story wasnt centered around the two of them. it was just two separate plots that occasionally collided.
there were too many subplots for a short book and there weren’t really any heart-warming moments between the main characters. since not a lot of time could be dedicated to them individually, they all fell flat.
my main issues were are the romance was nonexistent, the guy seems like an ass - like did he even like her?, and the story wasnt centered around the two of them. it was just two separate plots that occasionally collided.
there were too many subplots for a short book and there weren’t really any heart-warming moments between the main characters. since not a lot of time could be dedicated to them individually, they all fell flat.
February 7, 2025
I am conflicted about how to rate this book.
Hero was a bad friend because he didn't care about anything but having a "gotcha moment" by exposing the bride and how his friend didn't "adhere" to their childhood pact; heroine was all "me-me-me" on how her friends didn't want to have certain things (like a wedding) the heroine wanted for them. Overall both MCs were too selfish and self-absorbed. The bride was an AH at times, groom was such a pushover. Also, some things were too on the nose with the descriptions and to be quite honest romance was pretty nonexistent.
Hero was a bad friend because he didn't care about anything but having a "gotcha moment" by exposing the bride and how his friend didn't "adhere" to their childhood pact; heroine was all "me-me-me" on how her friends didn't want to have certain things (like a wedding) the heroine wanted for them. Overall both MCs were too selfish and self-absorbed. The bride was an AH at times, groom was such a pushover. Also, some things were too on the nose with the descriptions and to be quite honest romance was pretty nonexistent.
February 10, 2025
The story is cute and a fun read while not being wildly original. What makes this book special is its inclusivity. The main character is a 200+ lb woman who refers to herself as sexy, lives her body, and never once is trying to lose weight mentioned. Her best friend is in a wheelchair and there are several LBGTQ characters. And it’s all matter of fact, not plot points. These characters exist with every day problems and excitements just like they do in the world. It’s a sweet story with character that reflect people who don’t always get the represented in books and movies. As a woman I appreciated reading about a woman who was happy with her body and completely accepted herself as we all should.
February 20, 2025
Not worth the listen. The way the FMC was so hung up on her best friend's wedding was so weird. Like no one would be that hung up about their best friend eloping -- even if they worked in the wedding industry. And then her speech during their after party? Ewww. You can say it's not about you all you want, but every time you say it, it's making it be about you! OMG it was driving me nuts.
And I'm not sure I really bought into the love of the best man and MOH... It was only based on initial attraction and the fact that the MOH was so caring and the arrogant best man wanted to be cared for. Ewwww. So much growth needs to happen within these characters.
And I'm not sure I really bought into the love of the best man and MOH... It was only based on initial attraction and the fact that the MOH was so caring and the arrogant best man wanted to be cared for. Ewwww. So much growth needs to happen within these characters.
February 28, 2025
No. Just…no
March 25, 2025
Well that was a waste of my time.. 🤠
March 29, 2025
You know how people spray a cat with a spray bottle of water when they do something bad? That's how I felt reading this. Like I wanted to spray the author with water and shout "no!".
The main character neglected her friends and family, even through a cancer scare, and it was just brushed off. The mmc was an immature idiot with no emotional maturity or communication skills.
The idea of this story had so much potential. The execution? Awful. Not a single character was enjoyable or enticing.
Absolutely not interested in any more from this author.
The main character neglected her friends and family, even through a cancer scare, and it was just brushed off. The mmc was an immature idiot with no emotional maturity or communication skills.
The idea of this story had so much potential. The execution? Awful. Not a single character was enjoyable or enticing.
Absolutely not interested in any more from this author.
February 17, 2025
Yet another chick-lit story falsely advertised as romance
I received free access to this audiobook through my Audible membership. The FMC is a burned out go-getter who is constantly overbooking herself. It is hard to feel sympathy for someone who causes her own problems. In addition, the backstory of her recent breakup with her live-in, female lover seems like performative LGBTQ inclusion, since the rebound romantic partner the FMC ends up with is a man.
For my taste, there are far too many characters in this short novella to keep track of, and I did not particularly like any of them, including the FMC and the male love interest.
I received free access to this audiobook through my Audible membership. The FMC is a burned out go-getter who is constantly overbooking herself. It is hard to feel sympathy for someone who causes her own problems. In addition, the backstory of her recent breakup with her live-in, female lover seems like performative LGBTQ inclusion, since the rebound romantic partner the FMC ends up with is a man.
For my taste, there are far too many characters in this short novella to keep track of, and I did not particularly like any of them, including the FMC and the male love interest.
February 20, 2025
This is the worst story line ever and both the principales are pick me girl/boy everything most be about them. She is mad that her best friend got married without her, like her marriage is nothing about her! But she was all caught up on not being there (they elope, they where alone) and being so condescending about it and it just made me so mad, that has nothing to do with her. And the man was just like her, his best friend was getting married and they made a pact to never get married because of the trauma that their parents divorced caused on them but now his bff is getting married and he is throwing a fit about it. He does not want them to get married and making everything about the bff wedding about him, also Bffr. This book was truly awful and so pick me bye
February 14, 2025
*ugh*
This book reminded me of watching a soap opera like Days of Our Lives or General Hospital. Too many side stories for characters I didn't care about and just glimpses of the main storyline. The MMC was totally unlikeable and whiny. And the spice...?! What spice??? NONE!!! Boring! I was only able to finish this book as it was an audiobook and I was able to tune out most of the boring bits while working.
This book reminded me of watching a soap opera like Days of Our Lives or General Hospital. Too many side stories for characters I didn't care about and just glimpses of the main storyline. The MMC was totally unlikeable and whiny. And the spice...?! What spice??? NONE!!! Boring! I was only able to finish this book as it was an audiobook and I was able to tune out most of the boring bits while working.
May 22, 2025
I enjoyed the premise behind this audiobook, it was a quick listen for me.
This wasn't my favorite book. I liked the premise behind the book, but I could not stand Will. He was such a jerk and always wanted things his way. He got mad because his friend, who grew up with him, didn't want to work with kids who have trauma like he does. I totally get being disappointed because you thought that's what your friend wanted, but people are allowed to change their minds. I also didn't like that he was so upset about his best friend getting married so soon.
I liked Randi, and her job. I think that it would be so cool to help brides like she does. She was always just trying to make other people's lives easier. I could tell that she loved the work that she did and wanted to make brides' lives easier. I didn't like how, at the end, Randi's friend, who got married, apologized to her for not having a wedding. Why would someone need to say sorry for not having a wedding that their friend can plan? It seemed self-absorbed to me, but I guess when it comes to weddings, everyone feels like their input is important. When I had my wedding, everyone and their mother had an opinion on it.
The book had some funny moments that will have you laughing. I wish that the pacing had allowed for their relationship to bloom more because I felt like their relationship was a bit rushed. Overall, not a bad read! 3/5 stars.
This wasn't my favorite book. I liked the premise behind the book, but I could not stand Will. He was such a jerk and always wanted things his way. He got mad because his friend, who grew up with him, didn't want to work with kids who have trauma like he does. I totally get being disappointed because you thought that's what your friend wanted, but people are allowed to change their minds. I also didn't like that he was so upset about his best friend getting married so soon.
I liked Randi, and her job. I think that it would be so cool to help brides like she does. She was always just trying to make other people's lives easier. I could tell that she loved the work that she did and wanted to make brides' lives easier. I didn't like how, at the end, Randi's friend, who got married, apologized to her for not having a wedding. Why would someone need to say sorry for not having a wedding that their friend can plan? It seemed self-absorbed to me, but I guess when it comes to weddings, everyone feels like their input is important. When I had my wedding, everyone and their mother had an opinion on it.
The book had some funny moments that will have you laughing. I wish that the pacing had allowed for their relationship to bloom more because I felt like their relationship was a bit rushed. Overall, not a bad read! 3/5 stars.
May 3, 2025
Just okay. A free audible listen to cleanse the palette
February 25, 2025
I really liked how we got to see two sides of the story. Most books leave it for our own imagination but this one bounced between two people.
September 6, 2025
Obviously homegirl isn’t LDS and doesn’t have a friend getting married what feels like every month and is a bridesmaid a thousand times…but I appreciate how she tries to romanticize the experience of being a bridesmaid. It was cute and I appreciated the cute
May 6, 2025
I thought this started off promising, but it ended up so terrible! Both main characters are so beyond selfish I couldn't stand it. The romance was almost non existent and by the end I hoped they would end up alone. I'm not sure how I finished this book because by the end I was rolling my eyes every two seconds while listening.
March 1, 2025
Was a typical cheesy romcom type story.
I honestly wasn’t super invested in the FMC and MMC together so it wasn’t as entertaining to me.
I also didn’t like how the bride was so rude to Randi, it’s seemed like such a contrast to how nice a person she ended up being in the end.
I honestly wasn’t super invested in the FMC and MMC together so it wasn’t as entertaining to me.
I also didn’t like how the bride was so rude to Randi, it’s seemed like such a contrast to how nice a person she ended up being in the end.
March 2, 2025
I went into this imagining the film “27 dresses” and honestly, that is exactly what it was. Unlike “27 dresses” however, the two main characters (Will and Randi) are quite hard to root for and their thoughts and actions are genuinely infuriating. Justice is needed for every single one of their friends.
May 20, 2025
she was chill, I liked the story a lot, the characters weren't as fully fleshed as i would like.
May 12, 2025
Both the FMC and MMC were deeply self-centered and codependent in their relationships. He experienced some growth, but she really didn't. She consistently said "I know this isn't about me" and then proceeded to make every situation about her.
He was aggressive and mean, and tried to "not all men" his own mother, while absolutely being the kind of man she warned against. Oh the irony.
I also can't think of a single thing they have in common other than being hot and toxic.
He was aggressive and mean, and tried to "not all men" his own mother, while absolutely being the kind of man she warned against. Oh the irony.
I also can't think of a single thing they have in common other than being hot and toxic.
May 2, 2025
I have no idea who I hate more.
Her and her sick obsession with her friend's none existing wedding?
Her friends who have zero understanding?
The bride?
Him who makes everyone miserable because how dare his friend fall in love?
The none existing romance?
The lets-throw-everything-in-because-I-have-no-plot- actually?
No clue. But I hate it all
Her and her sick obsession with her friend's none existing wedding?
Her friends who have zero understanding?
The bride?
Him who makes everyone miserable because how dare his friend fall in love?
The none existing romance?
The lets-throw-everything-in-because-I-have-no-plot- actually?
No clue. But I hate it all
March 3, 2025
So much happened in this book, but at the same time, nothing happened? For a decently short book, there were so many sub plots.
The story bounced back-and-forth between Will and Randi, the male and female of interest. Well, as a principal, and Randy runs a business with her friends, but is also a bridesmaid for higher. Their stories intersect when Randy is hired to be the maid of honor and Will‘s best friend‘s wedding, so Randy is made of honor and Will is the best man.
You don’t really get much of a backstory as far as how their relationship developed, it kind of goes off on separate plots within their individual lives and they sometimes intersect? Like OK well is the principal, he’s dealing with a kid who’s struggling, then the kid runs away, and they have to go and find the kid. For Randy, she’s struggling with not being part of her best friend‘s wedding because she eloped, and also her mom has cancer. All of these storylines plus more are briefly touched on, but not gone into in depth enough to get the full story.
Will finds out right away that Randy is a bridesmaid for higher, and it’s very suspicious. He really doesn’t believe in love, and doesn’t think that his friend should be getting married at all. Randy helps the bride with all of the dress shopping, during which she fat shame, Randy, and basically tells her that she can’t wear the dress that she wants to because it makes her look too curvy.
Will goes off on his friend that he doesn’t think he should be getting married, and then the friend uninvite him from the wedding. Like 12 hours later, he calls and says actually you’re not my best man, but can you be the officiant? So random ?
And Randy and Will make up at the wedding, apologizing again basically acting like they didn’t just scream at each other about how fake the other one was literally a day ago. But at the end, they’re in love and everything is tied up with a pretty little bow. Even though the entire book, you don’t really see them getting to know each other very much or why they like each each other.
The story bounced back-and-forth between Will and Randi, the male and female of interest. Well, as a principal, and Randy runs a business with her friends, but is also a bridesmaid for higher. Their stories intersect when Randy is hired to be the maid of honor and Will‘s best friend‘s wedding, so Randy is made of honor and Will is the best man.
You don’t really get much of a backstory as far as how their relationship developed, it kind of goes off on separate plots within their individual lives and they sometimes intersect? Like OK well is the principal, he’s dealing with a kid who’s struggling, then the kid runs away, and they have to go and find the kid. For Randy, she’s struggling with not being part of her best friend‘s wedding because she eloped, and also her mom has cancer. All of these storylines plus more are briefly touched on, but not gone into in depth enough to get the full story.
Will finds out right away that Randy is a bridesmaid for higher, and it’s very suspicious. He really doesn’t believe in love, and doesn’t think that his friend should be getting married at all. Randy helps the bride with all of the dress shopping, during which she fat shame, Randy, and basically tells her that she can’t wear the dress that she wants to because it makes her look too curvy.
Will goes off on his friend that he doesn’t think he should be getting married, and then the friend uninvite him from the wedding. Like 12 hours later, he calls and says actually you’re not my best man, but can you be the officiant? So random ?
And Randy and Will make up at the wedding, apologizing again basically acting like they didn’t just scream at each other about how fake the other one was literally a day ago. But at the end, they’re in love and everything is tied up with a pretty little bow. Even though the entire book, you don’t really see them getting to know each other very much or why they like each each other.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 17, 2025
This was a pretty cute story.
Maybe like 1/2 of a chili pepper 🌶️ spice rating.
Randy was pretty relatable but the author could have cut back on some of her mental dialogue and repetition of some points. ESPECIALLY when something big is about to happen. We get a buildup…. Then a plateau of Randi’s anxiety-thoughts. Sigh.
Over all I did enjoy the story and it was a nice lil feel good palate cleanser from the last book I read. I’ve also never read a story with the fmc being a “bigger” girl and it wasn’t a POV that bothered me at all. She was confident and that was honestly so refreshing in contrast to other FMC’s who are described as devastatingly beautiful but have the confidence of Dobby.
The characters all grew and that was nice too, and everyone communicated pretty well towards the end of the book. It was healthy relationships all around! One for you… One for you… and one for YOU!
It wasn’t perfect of course. Will - the MMC - was just kind of over the top with his opinions and holding onto a childhood pact with his best friend not to get married… like bro, grow up. Also him blurting out that he was also bi after Randy said she was first felt like forced diversity. His character gave zero bi vibes.
The end.
Maybe like 1/2 of a chili pepper 🌶️ spice rating.
Randy was pretty relatable but the author could have cut back on some of her mental dialogue and repetition of some points. ESPECIALLY when something big is about to happen. We get a buildup…. Then a plateau of Randi’s anxiety-thoughts. Sigh.
Over all I did enjoy the story and it was a nice lil feel good palate cleanser from the last book I read. I’ve also never read a story with the fmc being a “bigger” girl and it wasn’t a POV that bothered me at all. She was confident and that was honestly so refreshing in contrast to other FMC’s who are described as devastatingly beautiful but have the confidence of Dobby.
The characters all grew and that was nice too, and everyone communicated pretty well towards the end of the book. It was healthy relationships all around! One for you… One for you… and one for YOU!
It wasn’t perfect of course. Will - the MMC - was just kind of over the top with his opinions and holding onto a childhood pact with his best friend not to get married… like bro, grow up. Also him blurting out that he was also bi after Randy said she was first felt like forced diversity. His character gave zero bi vibes.
The end.
February 28, 2025
Yep, it's okay
This is my first book by these two authors and it was short with a very interesting blurb. I mean, who would not be piqued by a character whose side job is to be a bridesmaid for hire? Anyway, the characters felt like a roller coaster ride as they have this rise and fall of mood swings. Regardless, they were interesting as it made me realize that sometimes, it pays not to judge a book by its cover.
Another thing that made this reading interesting is the setting. I was luckily able to visit the state of Minnesota late year and the mention of Como Park and Conservatory, one of the places I have visited, pretty much gave me this rare giddy feeling of familiarity, if you know what I mean.
As for the love story itself, it was interesting. We see two MCs with contrasting characters and it works, in some sort of way. But I was more invested in one of the secondary characters I felt bad it did not give us an epilogue for that one. Either way, I will definitely be putting these writing duo in my radar.
This is my first book by these two authors and it was short with a very interesting blurb. I mean, who would not be piqued by a character whose side job is to be a bridesmaid for hire? Anyway, the characters felt like a roller coaster ride as they have this rise and fall of mood swings. Regardless, they were interesting as it made me realize that sometimes, it pays not to judge a book by its cover.
Another thing that made this reading interesting is the setting. I was luckily able to visit the state of Minnesota late year and the mention of Como Park and Conservatory, one of the places I have visited, pretty much gave me this rare giddy feeling of familiarity, if you know what I mean.
As for the love story itself, it was interesting. We see two MCs with contrasting characters and it works, in some sort of way. But I was more invested in one of the secondary characters I felt bad it did not give us an epilogue for that one. Either way, I will definitely be putting these writing duo in my radar.
February 16, 2025
I am all for romance novels but the beginning of the book didn't really grab me in as I initially thought it would. It can be a bit of a slow burn however as the book progressed, I do enjoy the different sides of the story and how all of the side stories came together. How Will became a hero in his personal and professional life along with showing Randy becoming confident and brave with emotions and owning what she wants with her life. Both of the protagonists mirrored each other in so many ways and it was nice to see how they both solved their own problems individually but they were able to figure out what each person needed to do to achieve it. I also enjoyed the layering of the complexity as the story progressed and how sometimes letting go and not caring what someone else thinks is really the key to being successful. If you're looking for a 27 dresses-esque book that allows you to remember that you don't need to control everything, I would definitely recommend listening to it.
March 10, 2025
Story: 2 ⭐️
Steam: 2 🔥 FTB
Audio: 2 🎧
So I thought this would be cute but it’s super boring. Got to about 60% and when the first sex scene faded to black I dipped ✌🏻
The romance is subpar. There are so many side stories I just don’t care about. The female lead was all sorts of torn up about her friend getting married without her and I just don’t care 😂 it was annoying she kept bringing it up. And then the side story with the male leads student didn’t seem to have anything to do with the main story (it might later I don’t know 🤷🏻♀️).
Audio: I do not like the FMC narrator.
Steam: 2 🔥 FTB
Audio: 2 🎧
So I thought this would be cute but it’s super boring. Got to about 60% and when the first sex scene faded to black I dipped ✌🏻
The romance is subpar. There are so many side stories I just don’t care about. The female lead was all sorts of torn up about her friend getting married without her and I just don’t care 😂 it was annoying she kept bringing it up. And then the side story with the male leads student didn’t seem to have anything to do with the main story (it might later I don’t know 🤷🏻♀️).
Audio: I do not like the FMC narrator.
July 8, 2025
3.5 rounded down just because the MMC was such a selfish, ridiculous, character in my opinion. I loved Randi, the FMC, but she and Will did not seem to have the tension I so love in a rom-com, nor did they seem to have any chemistry. It wasn't evident to me anyway... The story was cute and I had a good time though. It was perfect because I have been reading a lot of heavy stuff recently and this was just what I needed to cleanse the palate. Shout out to Julia - https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/1... for being my reading buddy on this one.
March 24, 2025
Such a cute little audio… confused by the reviews as there was definitely sparks and romance between will and Randy.
This book tells a story of Randy who’s moody her friend got married abroad and starts a side hustle as a bridesmaid for hire and takes on a private job as a maid of honour where she meats groomsman will and they basically hit it off… it’s cutesy and refreshing! 4.5 ⭐
This book tells a story of Randy who’s moody her friend got married abroad and starts a side hustle as a bridesmaid for hire and takes on a private job as a maid of honour where she meats groomsman will and they basically hit it off… it’s cutesy and refreshing! 4.5 ⭐
April 5, 2025
While I don’t think this 2 rating is completely fair, because my reasons are that a lot of the book hit too close to home and it made me uncomfortable, I still didn’t really like it. So for me personally, a 2. The writing was okay. It was just meh.
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April 7, 2025DNF around halfway through the book.
I didn't like the characters, the FMC was all about herself and egotistical and the MMC was just a bad friend. The story wasn't all that great either. I tried, but just nope.
I didn't like the characters, the FMC was all about herself and egotistical and the MMC was just a bad friend. The story wasn't all that great either. I tried, but just nope.
May 9, 2025
Listen, this is SOOO corny and silly, but I liked it! The characters are overly quirky, but they work. The awkwardness was so funny, and it was still cute. Randi had a lot of annoying moments, though. Loved William
Displaying 1 - 30 of 500 reviews