Mallory Bradford Is Not Having a Breakdown: A Sweet Romantic Comedy

by Jordan Millsaps

I know what I want, and it’s pretty simple—a husband.

Maybe I sound a tiny bit like a desperate wannabe-housewife, but I like to think of myself as goal-oriented about this situation. Because, unfortunately, I can’t do any of the other things on my five-year plan until I’ve checked that one off.

Thankfully, I have great friends who convince me that I don’t need a man to do all the things on my list. At their encouragement, I’m jumping into the fun parts of planning a wedding—tasting cake samples, trying on beautiful dresses, and taking dance lessons.

I expect it to be a fun distraction to keep me sane while I continue my hunt for a husband. What I don’t expect is for my coworker Daniel to volunteer when I need a partner for some of these activities, or for people to continuously mistake him for my fiancé.

Or how much I start to like him as I get to know him better.

Has the perfect guy for me been sitting three feet away this whole time? And have I realized this too late since he’s already interested in someone else? If I wasn’t about to have a breakdown before, I might be now…

The first book in the Marriage on My Mind series, Mallory Bradford Is Not Having a Breakdown can be read as a standalone and is perfect for fans of sweet, cozy rom-coms with lots of banter and humor. You can expect chemistry and kisses but no spice, and a guaranteed happily ever after!

What to romanceCinnamon roll heroFriends to moreSecret admirerSlow burnDual POVKissing only

268 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 15, 2025

Reviews

[Jessica Harrison · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good book and I enjoyed it. It gets a little cheesy at times and the writing style isn’t my favorite, but I liked the characters and the overall story. It’s a contemporary, workplace-romance, with a side of opposites-attract and he-falls-first. The story is ultimately about a very average, nerdy guy trying to win over his sunny and extroverted co-worker. It’s cute and has good character and relationship development.

I actually really appreciated the MMC being a normal guy. I found him refreshing, and his inner dialogue hilarious. Such as…

“Not much.” I return her smile and wish I had a better response to her upbeat greeting. Something clever that would make her laugh. Or better yet, something manly to impress her, like, “Oh, just ordering parts for my motorcycle that I’m fixing up myself when I’m not lifting heavy things or watching contact sports.”

Too funny 😁

Content:
There’s no foul language, sex, or violence. The romance is limited to lightly descriptive kissing. There are some references to God, prayer, and church, but I wouldn’t say the book has a strong Christian message.

[Leah Koskinen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet romantic comedy is exactly what it was. The author did a great job with Daniel and Mallory’s personalities and then creating the relationship between the two of them. Mallory’s best friends were also great additions to the storyline. I think there could have been a little more expansion on Mallory’s life growing up since it wasn’t great and was talked about frequently but overall it was a cutsie read. Thanks for the ARC!

[Alicia (aliciasbooksanctuary) · Rating 5 out of 5]

OVERALL STAR RATING: 5/5
CLEAN RATING: 5/5

If you haven’t picked up a RomCom by Jordan Millsaps…trust me, it’s time to get her onto your TBR! I read and fell in love with her Boyfriend in the Bargain books and was so excited to see she had a new series launching this year. This one DID NOT disappoint! Jordan’s character development is always amazing, and she brings the perfect amount of humor and relatability to her stories that keep you wanting more.

Office romance…friends to more…and the SWEETEST MC you’ll probably ever meet. Daniel absolutely stole my heart, but let’s start with Mallory. Mallory Bradford has always had a very particular life plan, but she’s realizing that nothing on that list is going to come to fruition without the one key component – a husband. Time is ticking for her to meet her personal life goals. She’s become a bit sad and depressed over her single status, but her best friends encourage her to just go out on a limb and embrace the fun of wedding planning, with or without a man in her life! Crazy idea, perhaps, but why not!?

Daniel is Mallory’s co-worker and cubical neighbor. He’s in accounting, shy, quiet and has secretly had a crush on Mallory for a couple of years. He’s overheard Mallory mention her “type” and knows for a fact that he doesn’t fit her checklist for the perfect man. He’s written off the idea of them ever becoming an item, but when Mallory needs a little help with her faux wedding plans, Daniel steps in – as a friend, of course. Mallory’s besties are sensing more than friendship, but Mallory seems blind to the reality of the deeper connection forming between them.

I just adored the journey between these two characters so much. Thank you, Jordan, for always writing such full and heartfelt characters and clean romances that consistently leave me smiling.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

*For more reviews and bookish content, be sure to follow me on Instagram @aliciasbooksanctuary

[Tasha (the_clean_read_book_club) · Rating 5 out of 5]

'I try to sink into the familiarity of a Monday morning at the office, concentrating on the tasks I have slated for today. There will be plenty of time to freak out or sink into a bottomless pit of despair when I get off this evening.'

Honestly? Relatable. LOL.

Mallory Bradford is officially one of my favorite romcom heroines this year. She’s on a mission (find a husband, stat), but the ride she takes us on? Unhinged, adorable, laugh-out-loud funny, and unexpectedly swoony. This book is the romcom equivalent of your favorite cozy blanket and a big bowl of popcorn—you’ll laugh, swoon, and maybe cringe just a little at Mallory’s desperate-but-determined plan to manifest her five-year goals. 😂💕

This is a slow burn, friends-to-more, he falls first office romance with a cinnamon roll hero who will steal your heart before you even know what’s happening. Add in fake wedding prep shenanigans, one adorably awkward heroine, and a group of hilarious friends—and you’ve got a story that feels like the perfect romcom movie we’re all waiting for someone to make.

5 stars from me and a solid reminder that Jordan Millsap continues to be an auto-buy author whose stories never miss. I loved every minute.

Mallory Bradford Is Not Having a Breakdown is available now—don’t wait to add this one to your cart and your weekend reading lineup!

“I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.”

Content/Trigger: parent abandonment, mentions of past drinking behaviors, romance—kisses only.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mallory thought she would’ve had several of her life’s goals achieved at this point in her life. But, things don’t always work out the way you want and her dream of being married and having a family hasn’t taken place. In fact, she isn’t even dating anyone! With caring friends seeing her saddened by where she is in life, they decide to help her. This includes planning a no-groom wedding, setting her up on dates, and throwing a big birthday party. Entering into the mix is her unassuming office mate, Daniel Lawson. Mallory is so focused on what she doesn’t have that she almost misses a man who is just right for her and has been waiting for her.

Things to love about the story:
dual POV
he falls first
cats
question the day
book club of two
dance classes
prank challenge
being courageous

This is a cute, clean romance that readers young and mature alike will enjoy.

I received a complimentary copy of the book. All opinions are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review.

[Tiffany W · Rating 4 out of 5]

I believe I’ve read every book Jordan has written, and I’ve never been disappointed! This story was super cute and the fact that they not only worked at the same company but also sat right next to each other just added an extra layer of fun.

Beyond being cute and fun, it was also really relatable. We all know what it feels like to get older and have that nagging feeling that you’re not where you’d like to be in life and, of course, the endless overthinking that comes with it.

I also loved how easily Mallory and Daniel fit into each other’s lives, with Daniel connecting with Mallory’s friends and Mallory blending in with Daniel’s family. I especially appreciated how Daniel stepped out of his comfort zone so often to get to know Mallory better and how Mallory encouraged Daniel to stay true to himself, even though she didn’t realize he was making those changes because he thought that what she wanted.

And if that’s not enough to get you excited, Daniel has the most adorable kitten, Stella!

[Marcie Robinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Mallory Bradford Is Not Having a Breakdown” by Jordan Millsaps is a sweet romantic comedy and the first book in her Marriage on My Mind series.

Everyone makes goals and Mallory is no exception. The only problem – she isn’t on target for her 5-year plan. To help ease her anxiety, her friends come up with a different one.
Her co-worker, Daniel (who secretly has a crush on Mallory) volunteers to help.

This is a cute story, giving us characters that show courage to take chances, and that sometimes the person you’re meant to be with has been there all along.

[Meredith · Rating 5 out of 5]

❤️❤️

I loved that all the stars. Way more than five.
The whole progression of colleagues to friends to more is absolutely adorable and I loved watching it play out between Mallory and Daniel.

If you like lists, workplace romances, cats, cake, and pining, read this one immediately!

[Lindsay Rankin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book!

I enjoyed reading this sweet story, and I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series when it releases.

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love this cute romcom of taking chances. It was a simple storyline but I lost count at how many times I was cheesy grinning from their banter and was always eager to pick up where I left off.

[Tamara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story! A slow burn at least for Mallory! I loved Daniel’s character growth. He takes his time and has bursts of braveness that eventually get him the girl. It was fun and sweet and keeps you on the edge of your seat! I am definitely excited to get more stories from this friend group!

[Ashley Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t have enough adjectives to describe my feelings for this book. I adored it! Each and every page was entertaining and enjoyable! Jordan Millsaps is so gifted at crafting true to life characters and compelling plots while infusing each story with witty humor that hits at exactly the right moments in precisely the right ways. I loved Mallory and Daniel. Their friends to more, slow burn romance was such a fun story to read! Each of these characters was magic on the page when they were together, but I loved how they also had individual personal growth journeys that enhanced this story and their romance! I absolutely loved this book!