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Borrow-A-Bridesmaid
When life hands you lemons, make lemonade—or, in Piper Brody’s case, make a Craigslist ad offering yourself up as a hired bridesmaid! A hilarious, touching, coming-of-age novel from debut author Anne Wagener.Piper is a recent college grad who decides to sell her body on Craigslist—as a hired bridesmaid. Her airport bookseller job just isn’t bringing home the turkey bacon, and no one’s going to pay her to analyze Milton’s poetry. Turns out, having an English literature degree from an upstanding university isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Piper’s Craigslist endeavor soon picks up steam, netting her clients such as Southern peach Stacey, whose interracial marriage causes a family feud, and Alex, a bride-to-be who’s so type A she’s type A-plus. Between fighting off matching T-shirt–wearing teams of “bustle bitches” at gown sales and learning more about fondant than the Cake Boss, Piper falls for Charlie Bell, the brother of a client. A fellow aspiring writer, Charlie’s the only person recently who’s encouraged Piper to follow her dreams. Not to mention, he’s pretty darn cute. But when Charlie turns out to be the groom in one of her gigs—and set to marry the craziest bridezilla of them all—Piper must band together with her newfound friends and stop Charlie from making the biggest mistake of his life.
308 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 8, 2015
53 people are currently reading
307 people want to read
About the author
Anne Wagener
2 books28 followersI'm a serial bridesmaid, amateur ukulele player, and dessert addict living in western New York.
My first novel, Borrow-A-Bridesmaid, was partially inspired by my experiences bridesmaiding throughout my 20s. In total, I've been a bridesmaid 10 times, in 6 different states (and England!). In the book, my main character is paid to be a stand-in bridesmaid. Just to clarify, none of my friends hired me, unless you count chocolate fountains and delicious gourmet food as payment...
When I'm not writing, I'm watching too much Netflix or reading.
My first novel, Borrow-A-Bridesmaid, was partially inspired by my experiences bridesmaiding throughout my 20s. In total, I've been a bridesmaid 10 times, in 6 different states (and England!). In the book, my main character is paid to be a stand-in bridesmaid. Just to clarify, none of my friends hired me, unless you count chocolate fountains and delicious gourmet food as payment...
When I'm not writing, I'm watching too much Netflix or reading.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
July 15, 2015
Once in a while I come across a book with a very unique premise that instantly grabs me. Borrow-A-Bridesmaid is such a book.
Piper Brody is a recent English Lit graduate stuck in a thankless job shelving books at an airport bookstore. In order to pay her seemingly insurmountable student loan debts, she decided to sell her body...as a bridesmaid on Craiglist. She met Charlie in the very first wedding she was hired in and immediately hit it off. Their connection was instant and Piper is more than willing to see where it leads. But then Charlie disappears. After a month, Charlie reappears in her life as the groom of the same wedding Piper is working in.
Poignant, sweet and hilarious. Borrow-A-Bridesmaid takes a candid look at life after college. That point in your life that says, "You're an adult, start figuring stuff out now." Piper doesn't have her life together. She quickly figured out that four years in college pouring over great literature does absolutely nothing to prepare her for life in the real world. She desperately wants to write and make a living at it, instead she’s stuck at a dead-end job with a horrible boss.
The book focuses on Piper as she navigates her life as bridesmaid for hire picking up friends along the way. Piper is an endearing heroine. She’s not perfect and she’s overwhelmed a lot. But slowly, Piper started finding her voice thanks in part to her experiences of being a bridesmaid for hire.
The romance between Charlie and Piper was the weakest part for me. But since this is chick-lit, I’m not going to rate this based on how strong the romance is. It’s okay and it does play a big role in the plot but the romance is just the icing for me. When it came to this book, the cake was Piper’s journey. And that’s okay because I still get the romantic ending I craved. So win-win!
I had fun reading this book. I laughed my ass off so many times because the dialogue and Piper’s inner monologue is hilarious. And the secondary characters were delightful. Alex and Lin were probably my favorite secondary characters. Lin because he’s always been there for Piper and Alex for just being a badass, OCD former client of Piper turned friend and confidant.
Overall, it’s a very solid debut for Anne Wagner. If you’re in the mood for some light-hearted chick lit, I’d definitely recommend to Borrow-A-Bridesmaid.
ARC provided by the publisher.
Piper Brody is a recent English Lit graduate stuck in a thankless job shelving books at an airport bookstore. In order to pay her seemingly insurmountable student loan debts, she decided to sell her body...as a bridesmaid on Craiglist. She met Charlie in the very first wedding she was hired in and immediately hit it off. Their connection was instant and Piper is more than willing to see where it leads. But then Charlie disappears. After a month, Charlie reappears in her life as the groom of the same wedding Piper is working in.
Poignant, sweet and hilarious. Borrow-A-Bridesmaid takes a candid look at life after college. That point in your life that says, "You're an adult, start figuring stuff out now." Piper doesn't have her life together. She quickly figured out that four years in college pouring over great literature does absolutely nothing to prepare her for life in the real world. She desperately wants to write and make a living at it, instead she’s stuck at a dead-end job with a horrible boss.
The book focuses on Piper as she navigates her life as bridesmaid for hire picking up friends along the way. Piper is an endearing heroine. She’s not perfect and she’s overwhelmed a lot. But slowly, Piper started finding her voice thanks in part to her experiences of being a bridesmaid for hire.
The romance between Charlie and Piper was the weakest part for me. But since this is chick-lit, I’m not going to rate this based on how strong the romance is. It’s okay and it does play a big role in the plot but the romance is just the icing for me. When it came to this book, the cake was Piper’s journey. And that’s okay because I still get the romantic ending I craved. So win-win!
I had fun reading this book. I laughed my ass off so many times because the dialogue and Piper’s inner monologue is hilarious. And the secondary characters were delightful. Alex and Lin were probably my favorite secondary characters. Lin because he’s always been there for Piper and Alex for just being a badass, OCD former client of Piper turned friend and confidant.
Overall, it’s a very solid debut for Anne Wagner. If you’re in the mood for some light-hearted chick lit, I’d definitely recommend to Borrow-A-Bridesmaid.
ARC provided by the publisher.
May 23, 2015
ARC provided by publisher in exchange of an honest review
So are you looking for a fun, light carefree romantic comedy read that will have you devouring it in one sitting? Then look no further than Borrow-A-Bridesmaid by Anne Wagener. In Ms. Wagener's debut book, takes a whole new spin on always a bridesmaid theme when she makes hiring a stand-in bridesmaid a whole new job venture where secrets, laughter, lies, and possible romantic connection ensues..
For any graduate, college loans can be like a shot to the heart when limited funds are scarce especially when landing the dream job is not in sight just yet. So what does any smart and resourceful graduate does, she makes a Craigslist ad and offers her bridesmaid services. Who knew hiring a bridesmaid can be a hit? So when Piper lands her first bridesmaid gig, she didn't knew she would hit off with the bride's younger brother Charlie Bell. When Piper thought there was a possible romantic connection brewing between the two, she soon learns that she was hired by Charlie's fiance to be a stand-in bridesmaid. So will Piper be able to make Charlie see that he will be making the wrong decision in marrying the wrong the woman? So will Piper be able to fulfill her bridesmaid responsibilities?
I must say that I really enjoyed this light romantic comedy debut book by Anne Wagener. So if you are looking for a book that had a cast of characters that were funny, sassy, and entertaining then I would recommend this book.
Review can also be found on Four Chicks Flipping Pages Anne Wagener
So are you looking for a fun, light carefree romantic comedy read that will have you devouring it in one sitting? Then look no further than Borrow-A-Bridesmaid by Anne Wagener. In Ms. Wagener's debut book, takes a whole new spin on always a bridesmaid theme when she makes hiring a stand-in bridesmaid a whole new job venture where secrets, laughter, lies, and possible romantic connection ensues..
For any graduate, college loans can be like a shot to the heart when limited funds are scarce especially when landing the dream job is not in sight just yet. So what does any smart and resourceful graduate does, she makes a Craigslist ad and offers her bridesmaid services. Who knew hiring a bridesmaid can be a hit? So when Piper lands her first bridesmaid gig, she didn't knew she would hit off with the bride's younger brother Charlie Bell. When Piper thought there was a possible romantic connection brewing between the two, she soon learns that she was hired by Charlie's fiance to be a stand-in bridesmaid. So will Piper be able to make Charlie see that he will be making the wrong decision in marrying the wrong the woman? So will Piper be able to fulfill her bridesmaid responsibilities?
I must say that I really enjoyed this light romantic comedy debut book by Anne Wagener. So if you are looking for a book that had a cast of characters that were funny, sassy, and entertaining then I would recommend this book.
Review can also be found on Four Chicks Flipping Pages Anne Wagener
June 7, 2016
My weakness is nerdy romance. I love any kind of story where the main characters geek out. So as I began reading Borrow-A-Bridesmaid I was super excited to find out that both characters are big English nerds and I’m not talking “I like to read a lot of books and know some Shakespeare quotes” nerds, Piper and Charlie are full-fledged “get excited when they find a typo in a book nothing turns me on like the crisp pages of the newest edition of Poets & Writers” nerds.
Being with Charlie had awakened something dormant in me, something akin to the spark I used to feel when cracking open a Norton anthology.
Besides the nerdy-ness of the book how could anyone say no to such a fun premise? Piper’s experiences as a hired bridesmaid range from the controversial wedding between a cellist and a trumpet player (the scandal!) to a traditional Indian ceremony. I really liked getting to see how each bride handled her big day as well as where Piper fit in as a bridesmaid. I do wish we were given a little more time with Charlie and Piper. Even though the book is a romance, the story really focuses on Piper finding herself. I enjoyed watching her work through awful jobs and disastrous dates, but I also wish we would have been given more scenes with just her and Charlie. The author did such a good job creating a sweet romance between the two it was unfortunate we didn’t get a chance to watch them interact more.
To my horror, I wink at him. I wink at him!
His cheeks flush again and then he winks back. He winks back!
Borrow-A-Bridesmaid is a story about a woman finding herself in the real world after college, the realization that love isn’t as easy as it looks in the movies, and the hope that the guy in the Yeats tie is as dorky as you. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to seeing what this young author will create in the future.
Review posted at Romance at Random and Love Between the Sheets
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February 15, 2016
You can check out my review here on http://bookschocolateandwine.com/borr...
What a fun read! First of all, I found Anne Wagener’s writing to be catchy. There wasn’t a section of the book that I thought seemed out of place, whether it is a conversation between characters or a description of a scene. Secondly, though this may seem like a cliché storyline it was actually very well thought out and planned, becoming its own tale. I have read several novels with this concept before and will admit that this was my absolute favorite.
We meet the main character Piper, a woman juggling an egotistical ex-boyfriend teetering on celebrity, a dead end job with an assortment of friends who love and support her. She is highly lovable with her quirky attitude and a zest for the new career venture she has put herself on; Hire a Bridesmaid.
Anne was able to create a variety of characters that kept you on your toes. There was an eccentric demanding bride, a dashing love interest who made you swoon and even a cringe-worthy but laughable first date you hope you never have to experience. Throughout this story we see Piper grow into a stronger woman, who forms bonds with people who meant to only be a passing chapter in her life. This was a feel good novel, and I guarantee that you will laugh out loud. I highly recommend it to all lovers of Chick Lit.
What a fun read! First of all, I found Anne Wagener’s writing to be catchy. There wasn’t a section of the book that I thought seemed out of place, whether it is a conversation between characters or a description of a scene. Secondly, though this may seem like a cliché storyline it was actually very well thought out and planned, becoming its own tale. I have read several novels with this concept before and will admit that this was my absolute favorite.
We meet the main character Piper, a woman juggling an egotistical ex-boyfriend teetering on celebrity, a dead end job with an assortment of friends who love and support her. She is highly lovable with her quirky attitude and a zest for the new career venture she has put herself on; Hire a Bridesmaid.
Anne was able to create a variety of characters that kept you on your toes. There was an eccentric demanding bride, a dashing love interest who made you swoon and even a cringe-worthy but laughable first date you hope you never have to experience. Throughout this story we see Piper grow into a stronger woman, who forms bonds with people who meant to only be a passing chapter in her life. This was a feel good novel, and I guarantee that you will laugh out loud. I highly recommend it to all lovers of Chick Lit.
September 21, 2015
Cute Concept
I liked the concept of the story and the personality of Piper and how she sympathized with her brides even if they were crazy. I also really liked the friends she made along the way. However, I get tired of chick lit with the token gay best friend and the endless commentary and cliché actions of the token gay best friend. I felt like that added nothing to the story, and it really detracted from all the good life lessons Piper was supposed to be learning. It dropped my review from 4 to 3 stars because I didn't find that part of the story original or even a creative take on an over-used sub-plot. I also got really tired of the endless commentary on Christian parents and how they treat their children. Although at least the author decided to extend that opinion to Hindi and Muslim parents, as well. That dropped it down to 2 stars for me. I get so tired of books painting all people devout in their faith with the same negative broad brush. I really could have liked this book a lot more if the author hadn't included all the commentary on religion.
There is a little language in this book, but there isn't any sex. However, the characters do talk about it ALOT.
I liked the concept of the story and the personality of Piper and how she sympathized with her brides even if they were crazy. I also really liked the friends she made along the way. However, I get tired of chick lit with the token gay best friend and the endless commentary and cliché actions of the token gay best friend. I felt like that added nothing to the story, and it really detracted from all the good life lessons Piper was supposed to be learning. It dropped my review from 4 to 3 stars because I didn't find that part of the story original or even a creative take on an over-used sub-plot. I also got really tired of the endless commentary on Christian parents and how they treat their children. Although at least the author decided to extend that opinion to Hindi and Muslim parents, as well. That dropped it down to 2 stars for me. I get so tired of books painting all people devout in their faith with the same negative broad brush. I really could have liked this book a lot more if the author hadn't included all the commentary on religion.
There is a little language in this book, but there isn't any sex. However, the characters do talk about it ALOT.
June 23, 2015
I thought this book was quite funny. After all, who would have thought to offer their services as a rented bridesmaid on Craigslist? But sometimes you just gotta do what you gotta do to make a living while paying back all those student loans.
This book has a lot of good things going for it:
Romance - girl meets boy, falls for boy and then boy leaves but not without good reason, or so he thinks.
Humor - Piper's roommate Lin is a crack up but what would be expected if you follow the stereotypes of gay roommates that we see in books. Plus there is Sam, the best friend of Charlie, who manages to diffuse several situations.
Deception - is Holly really as she seems, or is there something else going on?
Self-discovery - through all of her experiences, Piper learns a lot about herself and what she is truly capable of in life.
Friendship - that good friends can come from a myriad of situations.
Definitely well worth the read and I will be looking for other books by this author in the future. Maybe she'll write one about the best friend Sam.
This book has a lot of good things going for it:
Romance - girl meets boy, falls for boy and then boy leaves but not without good reason, or so he thinks.
Humor - Piper's roommate Lin is a crack up but what would be expected if you follow the stereotypes of gay roommates that we see in books. Plus there is Sam, the best friend of Charlie, who manages to diffuse several situations.
Deception - is Holly really as she seems, or is there something else going on?
Self-discovery - through all of her experiences, Piper learns a lot about herself and what she is truly capable of in life.
Friendship - that good friends can come from a myriad of situations.
Definitely well worth the read and I will be looking for other books by this author in the future. Maybe she'll write one about the best friend Sam.
June 1, 2015
I think we have all had a time in our life where nothing we seemed to do was working right. Jobs, money, love life. When things get desperate, we tend to get creative and that is just what happens in this fun read.
The author took a neat job idea, plus a quirky English major, with a lacking love life, and combined them for a fast, lighthearted read that will keep your attention all the way through. I love when the gift of gab includes a knowledge of words and this story has plenty of new ones for you to learn, plus a sweet guy that is just perfect for Piper... not withstanding a few issues to clear up! lol
This fun read offered plenty of humor along the way. It was a delight up until the last bridezilla - then my mind was saying No, No, No... Could Piper really stop a wedding??? WOULD YOU? COULD YOU? I was a bit disappointed in the ending though. I wanted more of the happy ever after... I felt it stopped too soon. But regardless, I did enjoy this new offering from Anne Wagener.
The author took a neat job idea, plus a quirky English major, with a lacking love life, and combined them for a fast, lighthearted read that will keep your attention all the way through. I love when the gift of gab includes a knowledge of words and this story has plenty of new ones for you to learn, plus a sweet guy that is just perfect for Piper... not withstanding a few issues to clear up! lol
This fun read offered plenty of humor along the way. It was a delight up until the last bridezilla - then my mind was saying No, No, No... Could Piper really stop a wedding??? WOULD YOU? COULD YOU? I was a bit disappointed in the ending though. I wanted more of the happy ever after... I felt it stopped too soon. But regardless, I did enjoy this new offering from Anne Wagener.
May 27, 2015
Anne Wagener’s debut opens hard. And no, I don’t mean the pratfalls that kick the story off. I felt the story started off too strong, so aggressive and in your face with the character’s voice and winsomeness that it didn’t feel natural or real. In fact, it repelled me. Frankly, Piper Brody seemed so desperate for us to like her that I didn’t like her.
As the story went along, the writing mellowed a bit more and it got better.
It’s a ridiculous concept to rent yourself out as a bridesmaid for $ and the romance/story was predictable. However, the saving grace in this story was her meet cute with Charlie. The writer so clearly loved Piper’s Charlie and Lin that you can’t help but want these men in your own lives.
As the story went along, the writing mellowed a bit more and it got better.
It’s a ridiculous concept to rent yourself out as a bridesmaid for $ and the romance/story was predictable. However, the saving grace in this story was her meet cute with Charlie. The writer so clearly loved Piper’s Charlie and Lin that you can’t help but want these men in your own lives.
May 18, 2015
I really enjoyed the concept of this book and the story. I even had some laugh out loud moments while reading it. There were also times when I wanted to slap a couple of people, not because they got on my nerves, but because they deserved it. Ha! This was really a fun, lighthearted and entertaining book and I especially liked the fact that the main character wasn't whining all the time. Do I like him or do I not like him? I mean she did it a few times in the book, but it wasn't on and on and on.
This one I would definitely recommend.
I want to thank the publisher and Net Galley for providing me this free e-galley in exchange for an honest review.
This one I would definitely recommend.
I want to thank the publisher and Net Galley for providing me this free e-galley in exchange for an honest review.
June 25, 2019
Anne Wagener has written a wonderful romance that was a pleasure to read from start to finish.
Piper Brody, a smart young woman with a degree, finds herself riven by guilt that her hardworking middle class parents spent their life savings to pay for her university education, only to find herself in the same boat as so many grads today. She's in a dead end job, no prospect for a satisfying future profession, and barely able to pay her student loans and other bills, let alone having anything left over for food and repairs to her car. She and her roommate and BFF, Lin, cook up a scheme for her to market herself as a bridesmaid. Bizarre, you say? Maybe, but Piper is good at it and finds innovative and sympathetic ways to help these desperate women have the best wedding possible.
Enter Charlie, brother of her first rent-a-bridesmaid client. They're instantly drawn to each other, and have no inkling of the barriers that will be thrown before them in a very short time. The reader is kept on pins and needles as the story unfolds. There are moments of deep despair followed by laugh-out-loud scenes. You won't be able to stop turning the pages.
The book is populated by many beautifully drawn, complex characters in this well written romance. Wagener makes it possible for the reader to empathize with even the most unlikable characters. All the time cheering for the impossible possibility that Piper and Charlie will ever be able to find happiness together. We need, we want, that elusive Happy Ending!
I highly recommend this book that is so much in touch with today's reality.
Piper Brody, a smart young woman with a degree, finds herself riven by guilt that her hardworking middle class parents spent their life savings to pay for her university education, only to find herself in the same boat as so many grads today. She's in a dead end job, no prospect for a satisfying future profession, and barely able to pay her student loans and other bills, let alone having anything left over for food and repairs to her car. She and her roommate and BFF, Lin, cook up a scheme for her to market herself as a bridesmaid. Bizarre, you say? Maybe, but Piper is good at it and finds innovative and sympathetic ways to help these desperate women have the best wedding possible.
Enter Charlie, brother of her first rent-a-bridesmaid client. They're instantly drawn to each other, and have no inkling of the barriers that will be thrown before them in a very short time. The reader is kept on pins and needles as the story unfolds. There are moments of deep despair followed by laugh-out-loud scenes. You won't be able to stop turning the pages.
The book is populated by many beautifully drawn, complex characters in this well written romance. Wagener makes it possible for the reader to empathize with even the most unlikable characters. All the time cheering for the impossible possibility that Piper and Charlie will ever be able to find happiness together. We need, we want, that elusive Happy Ending!
I highly recommend this book that is so much in touch with today's reality.
June 27, 2019
A chuckleicious fun read that’s also surprisingly touching
Piper Brody finds herself in the unenviable position many college grads do: plenty of education and nowhere to work. In a rash act of desperation, she devises a new business—hire herself out to be a bridesmaid. Her roommate thinks it will never work. Who would hire a stranger to be their bridesmaid? But surprisingly, she gets a request to interview right away from her Craigslist ad. Turns out, there are brides who need the unique kind of help Piper offers, and they’re willing to pay good money to fill in for her services. Of course, there are lots of bumps along the way. Piper has a knack for helping that she didn’t realize she had. And a way of making friends. Can she turn her weird idea into a way to do what she really wants to do—write—or will she fall flat?
I enjoyed this book sooo much! Piper is such fun as well as endearing, as are her friends and roommate. I highly recommend this book.
Piper Brody finds herself in the unenviable position many college grads do: plenty of education and nowhere to work. In a rash act of desperation, she devises a new business—hire herself out to be a bridesmaid. Her roommate thinks it will never work. Who would hire a stranger to be their bridesmaid? But surprisingly, she gets a request to interview right away from her Craigslist ad. Turns out, there are brides who need the unique kind of help Piper offers, and they’re willing to pay good money to fill in for her services. Of course, there are lots of bumps along the way. Piper has a knack for helping that she didn’t realize she had. And a way of making friends. Can she turn her weird idea into a way to do what she really wants to do—write—or will she fall flat?
I enjoyed this book sooo much! Piper is such fun as well as endearing, as are her friends and roommate. I highly recommend this book.
April 17, 2020
Cute chick lit book about a recent college graduate who decides to rent herself out as a bridesmaid. New premise, same sort of story about a young 20-something trying to figure out her one and love problems.
Overall 3.5 stars, 4.0 if you are looking for the rating on the chick lit scale.
Overall 3.5 stars, 4.0 if you are looking for the rating on the chick lit scale.
March 17, 2021
Incredibly funny and true to life. Delightful.
November 15, 2015
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review. When I read the description for Borrow-A-Bridesmaid, I was instantly interested. I have been in SIX weddings myself and will be in a seventh next summer, so I definitely wanted to read about someone who made a career out of it!
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review. Main character, Piper, works in an airport selling books. It's not exactly what she dreamed of after majoring in English in college and having intellectual, academic discussions all day. She is struggling financially, which is why she decides to rent herself out as a bridesmaid. First, Piper fills in for an injured cousin for an OCD musician's wedding. She meets the bride's brother, Charlie, who also has literary aspirations beyond his work as a barista. They have an instant chemistry and connection, but then he leaves unexpectedly to go back to California. Nursing her broken hear, Piper becomes a bridesmaid to perfectly-put-together, successful Alex. Piper's next bride is Stacey, who is marrying a Hindu man and having two ceremonies and needs a bridesmaid for one of them. Then, bride number one, Susan, calls Piper and tells her she has a job for her. Piper is surprised to find herself a bridesmaid for hire in a wedding to her love connection, Charlie. Susan asks Piper to be undercover and figure out why he is marrying the woman he is marrying. Oh boy!
I liked Piper and reading about all the weddings she was in was hysterical. All of her brides were so different with such differing personalities and tastes. Piper had to navigate it all with a smile. I love the tale of going to a sample sale and trying to find the perfect dress. I also liked the book's focus on the gap between college and a job that actually relates to your career. Sadly, many people nowadays end up taking a job just to pay the bills even though their passions and college studies were something totally different. Piper's love connection with Charlie was so sweet and enjoyable to read about. They were such a perfect match and I wanted them to end up together! I also liked the secondary characters and Piper's hilarious adventures unrelated to her bridal work.
This book caught my interest right away and never lost it. I felt invested in Piper's life and future and was very interested in the secondary characters. I liked that it covered so many different aspects of Piper's life, while there was still one main plot, there were a lot of other things going on, too. It was very funny and I really had no complaints about it! I would certainly recommend this book as a fun, chick lit read! I hope to see more from this author in the future!
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review. Main character, Piper, works in an airport selling books. It's not exactly what she dreamed of after majoring in English in college and having intellectual, academic discussions all day. She is struggling financially, which is why she decides to rent herself out as a bridesmaid. First, Piper fills in for an injured cousin for an OCD musician's wedding. She meets the bride's brother, Charlie, who also has literary aspirations beyond his work as a barista. They have an instant chemistry and connection, but then he leaves unexpectedly to go back to California. Nursing her broken hear, Piper becomes a bridesmaid to perfectly-put-together, successful Alex. Piper's next bride is Stacey, who is marrying a Hindu man and having two ceremonies and needs a bridesmaid for one of them. Then, bride number one, Susan, calls Piper and tells her she has a job for her. Piper is surprised to find herself a bridesmaid for hire in a wedding to her love connection, Charlie. Susan asks Piper to be undercover and figure out why he is marrying the woman he is marrying. Oh boy!
I liked Piper and reading about all the weddings she was in was hysterical. All of her brides were so different with such differing personalities and tastes. Piper had to navigate it all with a smile. I love the tale of going to a sample sale and trying to find the perfect dress. I also liked the book's focus on the gap between college and a job that actually relates to your career. Sadly, many people nowadays end up taking a job just to pay the bills even though their passions and college studies were something totally different. Piper's love connection with Charlie was so sweet and enjoyable to read about. They were such a perfect match and I wanted them to end up together! I also liked the secondary characters and Piper's hilarious adventures unrelated to her bridal work.
This book caught my interest right away and never lost it. I felt invested in Piper's life and future and was very interested in the secondary characters. I liked that it covered so many different aspects of Piper's life, while there was still one main plot, there were a lot of other things going on, too. It was very funny and I really had no complaints about it! I would certainly recommend this book as a fun, chick lit read! I hope to see more from this author in the future!
June 4, 2015
This was an enjoyable, fun tale of a summer in the life of Piper Brady, an English graduate who’s struggling to match her degree up with real life. She knows the meaning of big and obscure words, can argue the merits of existentialism against postmodernism, but since that doesn’t pay the bills she finds herself working for a Mountain-Dew breathed tyrant in an airport bookshop. Which doesn’t really pay the bills either.
Luckily for Piper, no matter how mundane and crushing her everyday life is, she’s also blessed with an awesome best friend, Lin, who provides hugs, support and imaginative conversations that make no sense to anyone but them. That same imagination is how Piper ends up advertising her services on Craigslist. And so begins a round of weird, wonderful, fun and rather awful weddings involving new friends, new experiences, an enemy or two and even a little bit of love.
I really enjoyed this book. Piper is a likeable character, she’s fun and funny, prone to wild flights of imagination that help her get through the day. She’s also a little insecure, has no faith in her abilities as a writer, has an enfeebled car named Beowulf: the Road Warrior and is actually a really nice person. Her experiences from bad jobs to awful dates and of course the brides and weddings range from funny to cringe-worthy and even a little emotional. I loved reading about her.
The other characters are wonderful too, from amazing Lin to Alex the crazy/beautiful new friend, not to mention lovely Charlie, who is perfect for Piper but also too good a man for his own good. This book made me smile a lot, laugh a fair bit and even sniffle back a few tears – when I wasn’t raging at certain characters. It’s not all about weddings either – mostly it’s about Piper, just Piper going through her daily life, letting her imagination run free while she in turn hides from her dreams.
It’s light, lovely and fun and a perfect summer read. If you’re in love with words and have the sort of imagination that will run wild if left unchecked for too long, you’ll likely enjoy this. If you like weddings, then there’s plenty to enjoy here too. Mostly read this if you enjoy good characters finding friends and living life the best way they can. I’ll definitely be looking out for more from this author.
(I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)
Luckily for Piper, no matter how mundane and crushing her everyday life is, she’s also blessed with an awesome best friend, Lin, who provides hugs, support and imaginative conversations that make no sense to anyone but them. That same imagination is how Piper ends up advertising her services on Craigslist. And so begins a round of weird, wonderful, fun and rather awful weddings involving new friends, new experiences, an enemy or two and even a little bit of love.
I really enjoyed this book. Piper is a likeable character, she’s fun and funny, prone to wild flights of imagination that help her get through the day. She’s also a little insecure, has no faith in her abilities as a writer, has an enfeebled car named Beowulf: the Road Warrior and is actually a really nice person. Her experiences from bad jobs to awful dates and of course the brides and weddings range from funny to cringe-worthy and even a little emotional. I loved reading about her.
The other characters are wonderful too, from amazing Lin to Alex the crazy/beautiful new friend, not to mention lovely Charlie, who is perfect for Piper but also too good a man for his own good. This book made me smile a lot, laugh a fair bit and even sniffle back a few tears – when I wasn’t raging at certain characters. It’s not all about weddings either – mostly it’s about Piper, just Piper going through her daily life, letting her imagination run free while she in turn hides from her dreams.
It’s light, lovely and fun and a perfect summer read. If you’re in love with words and have the sort of imagination that will run wild if left unchecked for too long, you’ll likely enjoy this. If you like weddings, then there’s plenty to enjoy here too. Mostly read this if you enjoy good characters finding friends and living life the best way they can. I’ll definitely be looking out for more from this author.
(I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)
June 24, 2015
A romantic comedy with some serious stakes.
It's nice to discover a story that presents a stance of optimism and fun while maintaining that actions have consequences. At last, something worth reading!
A young woman living a post-college, low wage existence of waiting and disorientation decides to change her life for the better. She comes up with a scheme to make money by hiring herself out as a bridesmaid. This moves her into the fray of varied human existence and out of her experiences a new life and identity take shape.
The author brings to the text a gift for laugh out loud humor, an eye for intimate observation, and a sharp sense of the absurdities of life. The protagonist, Piper, is likably steadfast and daring as she struggles to find her confidence. She interacts with a compelling cast of both wonderful and awful people. Some of them, like Alex or the Grover Cleveland impersonator, could easily have their own book.
There's romance, of course. A handsome, warmhearted, and supportive 'prince' who needs a resourceful and gutsy ally to help him against the people hoping to exploit him for their own benefit. Our illustrious bridesmaid heroine has great friends and a caring heart (her totem is Cheer Bear) to match against the forces of psychotic lifelessness. Talk about one heck of a struggle.
While Piper moves from one wedding gig to the next, she finds new friends and a new sense of self-respect. She finds the gold in herself. All while moving towards the big wedding and boss battle at the end. In between, there are countless moments of fun. The zombie bride apocalypse has got to be read to be believed.
I also appreciated the introspection. Piper has moments to hang out with the people she cares for and reflect on her experiences. There's considered poetic musings mixed with sassy small talk. You get to know how she thinks and feels, what she values--you relate to her struggle.
What's at stake? Fellowship...hope...happiness. You know, the big stuff. Being yourself is still one of the most subversive acts there is. And you can do it with fun, laughter, and caring even as the glorps surround you and try to cut you off from your life.
That message is still out there for people to hear. Thank goodness for authors who approach it with sincerity.
It's nice to discover a story that presents a stance of optimism and fun while maintaining that actions have consequences. At last, something worth reading!
A young woman living a post-college, low wage existence of waiting and disorientation decides to change her life for the better. She comes up with a scheme to make money by hiring herself out as a bridesmaid. This moves her into the fray of varied human existence and out of her experiences a new life and identity take shape.
The author brings to the text a gift for laugh out loud humor, an eye for intimate observation, and a sharp sense of the absurdities of life. The protagonist, Piper, is likably steadfast and daring as she struggles to find her confidence. She interacts with a compelling cast of both wonderful and awful people. Some of them, like Alex or the Grover Cleveland impersonator, could easily have their own book.
There's romance, of course. A handsome, warmhearted, and supportive 'prince' who needs a resourceful and gutsy ally to help him against the people hoping to exploit him for their own benefit. Our illustrious bridesmaid heroine has great friends and a caring heart (her totem is Cheer Bear) to match against the forces of psychotic lifelessness. Talk about one heck of a struggle.
While Piper moves from one wedding gig to the next, she finds new friends and a new sense of self-respect. She finds the gold in herself. All while moving towards the big wedding and boss battle at the end. In between, there are countless moments of fun. The zombie bride apocalypse has got to be read to be believed.
I also appreciated the introspection. Piper has moments to hang out with the people she cares for and reflect on her experiences. There's considered poetic musings mixed with sassy small talk. You get to know how she thinks and feels, what she values--you relate to her struggle.
What's at stake? Fellowship...hope...happiness. You know, the big stuff. Being yourself is still one of the most subversive acts there is. And you can do it with fun, laughter, and caring even as the glorps surround you and try to cut you off from your life.
That message is still out there for people to hear. Thank goodness for authors who approach it with sincerity.
June 9, 2015
Piper is living “The Dream” if that entails subsisting on PB&J, a dead end job pushing books to uninterested travelers at the airport, a car that is fast approaching the junkyard and a narcissistic ex who is now on the radio in heavy rotation with his band. With a bank balance that toes the line between not enough and zero, her roommates offhanded comment about selling herself leads her to list herself as a Bridesmaid for Hire.
All of the usual weirdness ensues: inappropriate responses to her advert, email addresses that hint (some more directly than others) to the personality of the bride, and desperation toss Piper into the bridal melee, and the story is off and running. Piper is funny, clever and empathetic, allowing her to be solidly supportive. She truly WANTS to be liked and accepted, which occasionally makes her appear spineless and her lack of a solid sense of her own worth: could have devolved into maudlin immature moments, but that humor and positive hope that she solidly grabs with both hands saved her from the emo cliché.
With brides that range from delightful to delirious, Piper navigates the demands and make friends, even as those demands lead her into an ‘insider’s perspective’ to save her first bride’s brother from a terrible mistake. A flirtation and tentative relationship that goes silently pear shaped, a leap from a balcony to escape a date gone horridly wrong and the wonderful interaction with her best friend / roommate Lin and his new love interest, the story moves forward quickly with plenty of humor and laughter. While you hope for a happy ending as Piper learns, grows and finds a love to call her own, it is the journey that wanders forward, circles and leaps about like a cat with catnip: always amusing and fun to watch, with a few moments of downtime to regroup.
Wagener’s sense of the absurd yet plausible situations, her humor and knack for character development and voice make this a wonderful debut romantic comedy novel, giving readers a new author to look forward to reading.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
All of the usual weirdness ensues: inappropriate responses to her advert, email addresses that hint (some more directly than others) to the personality of the bride, and desperation toss Piper into the bridal melee, and the story is off and running. Piper is funny, clever and empathetic, allowing her to be solidly supportive. She truly WANTS to be liked and accepted, which occasionally makes her appear spineless and her lack of a solid sense of her own worth: could have devolved into maudlin immature moments, but that humor and positive hope that she solidly grabs with both hands saved her from the emo cliché.
With brides that range from delightful to delirious, Piper navigates the demands and make friends, even as those demands lead her into an ‘insider’s perspective’ to save her first bride’s brother from a terrible mistake. A flirtation and tentative relationship that goes silently pear shaped, a leap from a balcony to escape a date gone horridly wrong and the wonderful interaction with her best friend / roommate Lin and his new love interest, the story moves forward quickly with plenty of humor and laughter. While you hope for a happy ending as Piper learns, grows and finds a love to call her own, it is the journey that wanders forward, circles and leaps about like a cat with catnip: always amusing and fun to watch, with a few moments of downtime to regroup.
Wagener’s sense of the absurd yet plausible situations, her humor and knack for character development and voice make this a wonderful debut romantic comedy novel, giving readers a new author to look forward to reading.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
February 20, 2016
Somewhere between romance and chicklit. Piper is out of college and in limbo about her life - and this story ends up being, I think, more about her journey of self-discovery than it is about romance. Although there is that as well. While renting herself out as a bridesmaid, she meets Charlie, a fellow lit-geek and brother of the bride and she hits it off with him. But things get stalled before they get off the ground and before she knows it she's a bridesmaid in Charlie's wedding to a real bridezilla. Only she's being offered money by Charlie's sister to spy and uncover the real reason Charlie is marrying her and to bust up the wedding, because she knows he can't be happy with her. Piper is motivated, in part by a selfish desire to want to be with Charlie, but also an unselfish desire to see Charlie and his bitch of a fiance happy as well.
This really is a humorous and clever story. And the humor wasn't corny or slapstick - it came across as very genuine. I had laugh out loud moments. The angst was pretty up there as well. But this wasn't exactly my cup of tea, despite my enjoyment of the story. I tend to prefer an more outright happy ending - this was ended on a positive note, but nothing specific about how things ended for the couple. And there was also a lot of separation angst - which is not my favorite kind. There was an initial connection, hope for a future and then separation. During which, neither of the couple is 100% faithful to the other, not that there was any declaration of intent. Even at the end of the story, we get the sense that they are good friends and they will try a relationship, but they didn't fall in love (if they did, neither of them admitted to it). Which kind of takes this, for me, out of the romance category...which was what I was expecting when I picked it up
This really is a humorous and clever story. And the humor wasn't corny or slapstick - it came across as very genuine. I had laugh out loud moments. The angst was pretty up there as well. But this wasn't exactly my cup of tea, despite my enjoyment of the story. I tend to prefer an more outright happy ending - this was ended on a positive note, but nothing specific about how things ended for the couple. And there was also a lot of separation angst - which is not my favorite kind. There was an initial connection, hope for a future and then separation. During which, neither of the couple is 100% faithful to the other, not that there was any declaration of intent. Even at the end of the story, we get the sense that they are good friends and they will try a relationship, but they didn't fall in love (if they did, neither of them admitted to it). Which kind of takes this, for me, out of the romance category...which was what I was expecting when I picked it up
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 9, 2015
See more reviews at: http://karissasbookblog.blogspot.com/
Actual Rating: 3.5 Stars
Borrow-a-Bridesmaid starts out so strong that I was convinced it was a 5 star book. Then it got really slow and it wasn't as funny and I found myself getting kind of bored. The final wedding is when the story picked back up.
The concept for the book is pretty unique; Piper Brody, in need of some extra cash, rents herself out as a bridesmaid. She meets some very interesting people, including the love interest, Charlie, and her close friend, Alex, during various weddings. She works at a dead-end job in the meantime.
There is a slew of interesting characters throughout the story. Some of them you love, and some you love to hate. They all remain pretty memorable, however. The best part of this story is the characters by far.
Piper as a character was fascinating and I love the growth and revelations she has about herself. They weren't obnoxious and unrealistic, they actually were valid realizations that I could see when she did. She starts as a meek young woman who does what she's told while trying to avoid any conflict. By the end she's standing up for herself and doing things you and I probably wouldn't dream of.
There are a few different twists thrown into the book here and there. While there are some that really blew my mind, the final plot twist, or "secret", was very predictable to me. I wasn't shocked in the slightest, I was mostly just waiting for everyone else to find out.
There's really not much else to say about the book. It was good. It was cute. It was fun. It's something I would totally suggest if you were going to the beach and wanted something to read.
Actual Rating: 3.5 Stars
Borrow-a-Bridesmaid starts out so strong that I was convinced it was a 5 star book. Then it got really slow and it wasn't as funny and I found myself getting kind of bored. The final wedding is when the story picked back up.
The concept for the book is pretty unique; Piper Brody, in need of some extra cash, rents herself out as a bridesmaid. She meets some very interesting people, including the love interest, Charlie, and her close friend, Alex, during various weddings. She works at a dead-end job in the meantime.
There is a slew of interesting characters throughout the story. Some of them you love, and some you love to hate. They all remain pretty memorable, however. The best part of this story is the characters by far.
Piper as a character was fascinating and I love the growth and revelations she has about herself. They weren't obnoxious and unrealistic, they actually were valid realizations that I could see when she did. She starts as a meek young woman who does what she's told while trying to avoid any conflict. By the end she's standing up for herself and doing things you and I probably wouldn't dream of.
There are a few different twists thrown into the book here and there. While there are some that really blew my mind, the final plot twist, or "secret", was very predictable to me. I wasn't shocked in the slightest, I was mostly just waiting for everyone else to find out.
There's really not much else to say about the book. It was good. It was cute. It was fun. It's something I would totally suggest if you were going to the beach and wanted something to read.
May 29, 2020
“A bemused smile appears on his face. “We’re all lost in the woods.” “You’re being deep, aren’t you? I don’t follow.” “Philosophically speaking. Human existence is irrational, absurd, and we have no objective guidelines. No life manual. We’re all lost in a deep, tangled wood where there’s no clear path.” “Yeah. This isn’t helping.” He lifts a finger. “There is hope, my bookselling friend. We can blaze our own path through the trees. Embrace the absurdity. Do your best to live a life of meaning in an uncaring, absurd universe.”
Witty fun and care-free! This is a great beach or vacation read. I love this story because Piper is fresh out of college and has no clue what she wants to do or where she's going. Much like any of us. So stretched for money, she finds herself on Craigslist offering to be a bridesmaid to a number of different and quirky brides.
There's a lot of fun with the side characters in this story and then of course the on-again off-again love story that we see as Piper goes on one adventure to another.
I love some of the phrases that were coined in this story as well as the array of personalities each bride possessed. It was a great combination of My Big Fat Greek Wedding, Bridezillas and 27 dresses all rolled into one. If love a great wedding rom-com, then look no further!
I definitely recommend this as a top book for the summer.
4 solid stars
January 21, 2016
Oh my gosh! What a fun, hilarious story. I LOL'd throughout the entire book. When Piper decides to 'sell herself' on Craigslist as a bridesmaid-for-hire, I knew this was going to be a unique and amazing adventure. I mean really, who would think of doing something like that? But she needs some money coming in and this idea seems like a perfect fit for her.
'Lin is distracted, eyeing my childhood companion Cheer Bear, who has a pair of pink lacy underwear draped over his face. "What happened to him?" "He was smiling at me like—like he could fix my financial crisis with a song about rainbows.'
Piper puts herself out there and in the process meets some very interesting people, some who become friends, and then some who she is more than happy to be done with. And I loved her roommate, Lin, the gay guy, who is there to support her all the way.
And then Piper meets the man of her dreams. But wait, she is hired to be a bridesmaid, in his wedding? Did she read the signals wrong? I loved the way this dilemma was resolved—hilarious!
There are so many great, fun parts in this story, as well as it being a wonderful escape. I loved every minute of it and it was such a treat to read. This is Anne's debut novel and I am really looking forward to reading more from her. I know I will be entertained!
'She is officially the empress of badassery.'
'Lin is distracted, eyeing my childhood companion Cheer Bear, who has a pair of pink lacy underwear draped over his face. "What happened to him?" "He was smiling at me like—like he could fix my financial crisis with a song about rainbows.'
Piper puts herself out there and in the process meets some very interesting people, some who become friends, and then some who she is more than happy to be done with. And I loved her roommate, Lin, the gay guy, who is there to support her all the way.
And then Piper meets the man of her dreams. But wait, she is hired to be a bridesmaid, in his wedding? Did she read the signals wrong? I loved the way this dilemma was resolved—hilarious!
There are so many great, fun parts in this story, as well as it being a wonderful escape. I loved every minute of it and it was such a treat to read. This is Anne's debut novel and I am really looking forward to reading more from her. I know I will be entertained!
'She is officially the empress of badassery.'
November 5, 2015
Piper Brody's life is a mess. She thought post college life would be easy - do what you love, rake in the dough, get married, etc. But right now the only thing easy is her relation ship with her gay best friend and roommate, Lin. Her boss at the airport bookstore loves to terrorize her and her budget consists of ramen and peanut butter. When she realized her car may not make it another day, she took the initiative to become a hired bridesmaid. Advertising on Craigslist brought her a ton of creeps but also landed her some serious gigs. It should be easy and filled with fun and booze, right?
Still mourning the loss of her first real love, Piper never thought she would find love at wedding. She falls for a hired bride's brother and realizes he could be the one. The two have a ton in common and he has dimples the size of the Grand Canyon. However, there's just one problem...
I LOVED this book. I knew from the title that this was going to be a good read. I love chick lit books that can make me laugh out loud and this one definitely did. Piper's character was fantastic along with her relationship with Lin. This book was full of fun and great characters. I highly recommend this book to any chick lit lover who loves a good laugh.
Still mourning the loss of her first real love, Piper never thought she would find love at wedding. She falls for a hired bride's brother and realizes he could be the one. The two have a ton in common and he has dimples the size of the Grand Canyon. However, there's just one problem...
I LOVED this book. I knew from the title that this was going to be a good read. I love chick lit books that can make me laugh out loud and this one definitely did. Piper's character was fantastic along with her relationship with Lin. This book was full of fun and great characters. I highly recommend this book to any chick lit lover who loves a good laugh.
May 10, 2015
I received a copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed this book. The main character Piper is very relatable and likable. She’s struggling in life trying to make ends meet. She gets an idea to offer her services as a bridesmaid. Many of the brides she meets also are likeable characters. At the first bride’s (Susan) wedding she is introduced to Susan’s brother Charlie. They hit it off and spend a great few days together. Charlie ends up abruptly leaving and not telling her why. A little while later Susan asks her to be a bridesmaid for someone else and it turns out to be Charlie’s fiancé! We learn Susan has ulterior motives for hiring Piper though and doesn’t trust the fiancé, Holly. She wants Piper to be like an inside person because she feels Holly is just roping her brother into marriage. The rest of the book plays out with them trying to find out exactly what is going on.
I anticipated more humor to be involved, but I still did like the book overall.
I really enjoyed this book. The main character Piper is very relatable and likable. She’s struggling in life trying to make ends meet. She gets an idea to offer her services as a bridesmaid. Many of the brides she meets also are likeable characters. At the first bride’s (Susan) wedding she is introduced to Susan’s brother Charlie. They hit it off and spend a great few days together. Charlie ends up abruptly leaving and not telling her why. A little while later Susan asks her to be a bridesmaid for someone else and it turns out to be Charlie’s fiancé! We learn Susan has ulterior motives for hiring Piper though and doesn’t trust the fiancé, Holly. She wants Piper to be like an inside person because she feels Holly is just roping her brother into marriage. The rest of the book plays out with them trying to find out exactly what is going on.
I anticipated more humor to be involved, but I still did like the book overall.
May 13, 2015
3.5 stars*The ARC was kindly provided to me via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.*
This book was fun! It was fun, laugh out loud funny and all of the characters were pretty likable and while it may have been predictable in the way RomCom novels tend to be it never fell into the usual tropes i.e. the heroine lies about something or has a big secret that she is keeping from our hero and when he finds out the sh** hits the fan. There were secrets and lies to be sure (and a dive off of a second floor balcony) but overall I found Anne Wagener's debut Borrow-A-Bridesmaid to be a refreshing change of pace.
The only thing that held me back from giving it the full 4 stars was that I felt it took a little too long to find its footing and move the story along. I wanted much more Piper and Charlie!!! Sadly, however, he was absent for a good chunk of the book. Aside from that Borrow-A-Bridesmaid is a pretty solid debut novel and I would absolutely pick up Ms. Wagener's follow up. I think she may be one to watch!
This book was fun! It was fun, laugh out loud funny and all of the characters were pretty likable and while it may have been predictable in the way RomCom novels tend to be it never fell into the usual tropes i.e. the heroine lies about something or has a big secret that she is keeping from our hero and when he finds out the sh** hits the fan. There were secrets and lies to be sure (and a dive off of a second floor balcony) but overall I found Anne Wagener's debut Borrow-A-Bridesmaid to be a refreshing change of pace.
The only thing that held me back from giving it the full 4 stars was that I felt it took a little too long to find its footing and move the story along. I wanted much more Piper and Charlie!!! Sadly, however, he was absent for a good chunk of the book. Aside from that Borrow-A-Bridesmaid is a pretty solid debut novel and I would absolutely pick up Ms. Wagener's follow up. I think she may be one to watch!
July 30, 2015
I had the good fortune to read an early version of this super fun book (full disclosure: I'm friends with the author). If you need a quirky, thoughtful romantic comedy with a big dollop of early-20s angst, this is the book for you.
Piper is just out of college, working in an airport bookstore, and trying to figure out how it is that people even figure out what they want to be doing with their lives. After bombing some interviews for "real" jobs, she gets the idea to try to capitalize on one of her secret skills: being an amazing bridesmaid. And of course her position as a paid bridesmaid has to be completely secret ... which causes complications when she meets the adorable Charlie on one of her early jobs. After an amazing night together, she thinks she'll never see him again ... when he shows back up in her life as the groom to the worst bridezilla she's seen yet.
If you're looking for a good beach or Saturday afternoon read, try this one out.
Piper is just out of college, working in an airport bookstore, and trying to figure out how it is that people even figure out what they want to be doing with their lives. After bombing some interviews for "real" jobs, she gets the idea to try to capitalize on one of her secret skills: being an amazing bridesmaid. And of course her position as a paid bridesmaid has to be completely secret ... which causes complications when she meets the adorable Charlie on one of her early jobs. After an amazing night together, she thinks she'll never see him again ... when he shows back up in her life as the groom to the worst bridezilla she's seen yet.
If you're looking for a good beach or Saturday afternoon read, try this one out.
August 3, 2015
OK, let me start off by saying that I loved Piper's voice. Editors, writers, agents are always on about voice. Anne really hit the nail on the head in the way Piper thinks, interacts with others, and speaks. She's witty, clever, and someone you'd want for a friend. I read a lot of romance (like a. lot.) and I can easily say Piper is one of the best written characters I've come across in quite a while.
OK, on the the story. Loved it. As an English major myself, I totally felt Piper's job frustrations and what would lead her to Craigslist. And then the brides she found. I laughed out loud. Not even kidding. Without spoiling too much, the story is funny, poignant at times as Piper learns more about herself, and then (my fave) hella romantic. A really well-rounded chick lit/romance/hot guy!/happy ending sort of story. I can't wait to read her next one. :)
OK, on the the story. Loved it. As an English major myself, I totally felt Piper's job frustrations and what would lead her to Craigslist. And then the brides she found. I laughed out loud. Not even kidding. Without spoiling too much, the story is funny, poignant at times as Piper learns more about herself, and then (my fave) hella romantic. A really well-rounded chick lit/romance/hot guy!/happy ending sort of story. I can't wait to read her next one. :)
June 16, 2015
After reading this book I was curious to see if anyone came up with genius idea to rent themselves out as a bridesmaid. I'll admit I went to craigslist and checked. Piper Brady graduated with a degree in English and since she can't find a job in her field, she subjects herself to a mountain-dew breath tyrant while working at an airport bookstore. While having a conversation with her best friend Lin, he suggests she sell herself on craigslist, in a jokingly way. Piper having bills to pay and a car that's just about ready to visit car heaven, decides its not a bad idea. She just has to find inspiration. She comes up with the idea to rent herself out as a bridesmaid-for-hire. full review here: http://southernbooknerd.blogspot.com/...
July 21, 2016
An enjoyable enough read. I appreciated that the story was as much about Piper figuring out how to stand up for herself and be an adult as it was about romance. I particularly appreciated the moments that she realized her time with friends can be fleeting as their lives change.
Living in the DC area, I appreciated that it was set around here, though I got irrationally annoyed at slight inaccuracies. (Couldn't find a parking spot on the top deck of the parking garage at the Tysons Macy's on a weekday afternoon? Really? But COULD find a parking spot by Elephant & Castle downtown with no problem?)
The romance, though, felt a bit pat, and I didn't quite buy aspects of it. The pacing of the book also felt off.
Living in the DC area, I appreciated that it was set around here, though I got irrationally annoyed at slight inaccuracies. (Couldn't find a parking spot on the top deck of the parking garage at the Tysons Macy's on a weekday afternoon? Really? But COULD find a parking spot by Elephant & Castle downtown with no problem?)
The romance, though, felt a bit pat, and I didn't quite buy aspects of it. The pacing of the book also felt off.
September 16, 2015
Borrow a Bridesmaid is a nicely done romance/comedy novel. I am impressed that the author did such a good job writing her first novel.
I especially enjoyed how the humorous moments were juxtaposed with sadness and poignance. The plot was original; the heroine becomes a bridesmaid for hire to earn extra money.
The Hero just didn't appeal to me. He was much too passive and easily manipulated. I felt that the spunky heroine could do better than him.
Overall, a fun read, a strong first novel, but with some character development problems.
I especially enjoyed how the humorous moments were juxtaposed with sadness and poignance. The plot was original; the heroine becomes a bridesmaid for hire to earn extra money.
The Hero just didn't appeal to me. He was much too passive and easily manipulated. I felt that the spunky heroine could do better than him.
Overall, a fun read, a strong first novel, but with some character development problems.
June 18, 2015
Anne Wagener has a way of capturing our familiar experiences, expressing the moment's hurt, magic or humor within. So much more than a quirky meet cute but a compliment to finding the friends and companions who encourage you to become the best version of yourself. Can't wait for more from this author!
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