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Always the Bridesmaid
The hilarious new summer bestseller from Lindsey Kelk, bestselling author of the I Heart series.
Everyone loves a bridesmaid - except Maddie, who’s perpetually asked to be one.
Everyone loves a wedding - except Maddie’s best friend, who’s getting divorced.
And everyone loves the way Maddie’s so happy behind the scenes - except Maddie herself.
One best friend is in wedding countdown while the other heads for marriage meltdown. And as Maddie juggles her best chance at promotion in years with bridezilla texts and late-night counselling sessions, she starts to wonder – is it time to stop being the bridesmaid?
Everyone loves a bridesmaid - except Maddie, who’s perpetually asked to be one.
Everyone loves a wedding - except Maddie’s best friend, who’s getting divorced.
And everyone loves the way Maddie’s so happy behind the scenes - except Maddie herself.
One best friend is in wedding countdown while the other heads for marriage meltdown. And as Maddie juggles her best chance at promotion in years with bridezilla texts and late-night counselling sessions, she starts to wonder – is it time to stop being the bridesmaid?
389 pages, Paperback
First published May 7, 2015
264 people are currently reading
4936 people want to read
About the author
Lindsey Kelk
50 books5,568 followersLindsey Kelk is the Sunday Times bestselling author of books including the I Heart series, On A Night Like This, The Christmas Wish, and One in a Million, along with the middle grade Cinders & Sparks series.
As well as writing books, Lindsey co-hosts the award-winning beauty podcast, Full Coverage, and Tight and Fights, a pro-wrestling podcast on the Maximum Fun network.
Born and raised in South Yorkshire, Lindsey lived in Nottingham, London and New York before settling in LA, where she lives with her husband and two very rude cats.
As well as writing books, Lindsey co-hosts the award-winning beauty podcast, Full Coverage, and Tight and Fights, a pro-wrestling podcast on the Maximum Fun network.
Born and raised in South Yorkshire, Lindsey lived in Nottingham, London and New York before settling in LA, where she lives with her husband and two very rude cats.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 417 reviews
September 28, 2023
Writing: great as usual | Plot: classic chicklit | Ending: hmmmmmm | Spice: fade to black (I believe this is the right term?)
SYNOPSIS
Events organizer, Maddie Fraser, is in the trenches: her boss is shite, her friends are shite, her family is shite, and her love life is basically non existent.
MY OPINION
I would LOVE to see this as a movie!! It's really giving classic early 2000s romcom. Even though the plots are different, it gave me the vibe of 'He's Just Not That Into You' which is a certified banger and you can not convince me differently!!!!!! I'm sure it's problematic by today's standard but during the wasteland of the 2000s it had me in a chokehold!!!
Anyways, this was a fun read but you can't think too hard about it. As per usual, there's A LOT of pop culture references, which I've learned that a lot of readers feel very strongly about. It doesn't bother me because it's kinda like a trip down memory lane. My fave joke was Maddie screaming 'kiss!' while Will and Tom engaged in a stare-off. When I'm watching TV, I LOVE screaming 'NOW KISS!!!!' at angry men about to fight. Yes I'm very mature! Thank you!
If you really wanna be critical about it—Maddie needed some new friends. Okay, I'll give Sarah a pass because she was going through her own shit, but Lauren wasn't doing any favours for the American stereotype. The fact she never though to pay Maddie for organizing her shot-gun wedding, even AFTER the big blow up, was truly appalling. I'd be sending a bill to her, her mama, and any other blood relative until she ran me my money. Absolutely not.
And then there's Will. I'm not sure why Maddie thought he was her boyfriend... she seemed a lil too old to be making big assumptions like that, especially when he refused to be seen in broad daylight with her. Maybe hookup culture is different in London, but I'd be hard pressed to throw around the word 'boyfriend' unless it's written in a document that's been notarized by a supreme court judge. Also, I felt like there was too much time spent on Will the Wanker and not enough one-on-one scenes between Maddie and Tom. Mans really developed BIG feelings for Maddie based on three interactions. Slow down there cowboy.
Anyways, my rating overlooked the above because it made me laugh #GIRLMATHS #PEMDAS!!!!!
PROS AND CONS
Pros: Kelk's trademark punchy, quirky writing, legit funny, gave me classic romcom vibes, great beach read
Cons: don't think too deeply about the dynamics of Maddie and her family, friends, and f#ckbuddies and you'll be all good 😂
SYNOPSIS
Events organizer, Maddie Fraser, is in the trenches: her boss is shite, her friends are shite, her family is shite, and her love life is basically non existent.
MY OPINION
I would LOVE to see this as a movie!! It's really giving classic early 2000s romcom. Even though the plots are different, it gave me the vibe of 'He's Just Not That Into You' which is a certified banger and you can not convince me differently!!!!!! I'm sure it's problematic by today's standard but during the wasteland of the 2000s it had me in a chokehold!!!
Anyways, this was a fun read but you can't think too hard about it. As per usual, there's A LOT of pop culture references, which I've learned that a lot of readers feel very strongly about. It doesn't bother me because it's kinda like a trip down memory lane. My fave joke was Maddie screaming 'kiss!' while Will and Tom engaged in a stare-off. When I'm watching TV, I LOVE screaming 'NOW KISS!!!!' at angry men about to fight. Yes I'm very mature! Thank you!
If you really wanna be critical about it—Maddie needed some new friends. Okay, I'll give Sarah a pass because she was going through her own shit, but Lauren wasn't doing any favours for the American stereotype. The fact she never though to pay Maddie for organizing her shot-gun wedding, even AFTER the big blow up, was truly appalling. I'd be sending a bill to her, her mama, and any other blood relative until she ran me my money. Absolutely not.
And then there's Will. I'm not sure why Maddie thought he was her boyfriend... she seemed a lil too old to be making big assumptions like that, especially when he refused to be seen in broad daylight with her. Maybe hookup culture is different in London, but I'd be hard pressed to throw around the word 'boyfriend' unless it's written in a document that's been notarized by a supreme court judge. Also, I felt like there was too much time spent on Will the Wanker and not enough one-on-one scenes between Maddie and Tom. Mans really developed BIG feelings for Maddie based on three interactions. Slow down there cowboy.
Anyways, my rating overlooked the above because it made me laugh #GIRLMATHS #PEMDAS!!!!!
PROS AND CONS
Pros: Kelk's trademark punchy, quirky writing, legit funny, gave me classic romcom vibes, great beach read
Cons: don't think too deeply about the dynamics of Maddie and her family, friends, and f#ckbuddies and you'll be all good 😂
March 24, 2017
Hands down, this is the best Lindsey Kelk's standalone I have read so far (I still have to read We Were On a Break and guess what - I'm starting it tomorrow).
This book is not only fun, but is also i miracle worker - it pulled me out of the reading slump that overtook my life for the last three weeks.
How do I know I'm finally out of it?
Because I finally can't wait to read all of the books in the world, and my to-be-reviewed pile looks appealing, not intimitating.
I enjoyed reading this book. Maddie's job was also one of my favorite parts of the story. I just loved reading about everything that was going on, even the stressful stuff.
If I'm not mistaken, I think this novel is also Lindsey's favorite, or at least it means the most to her.
I will write a proper review for this novel soon.
It definitely deserves to have a full, sparkling review!
This book is not only fun, but is also i miracle worker - it pulled me out of the reading slump that overtook my life for the last three weeks.
How do I know I'm finally out of it?
Because I finally can't wait to read all of the books in the world, and my to-be-reviewed pile looks appealing, not intimitating.
I enjoyed reading this book. Maddie's job was also one of my favorite parts of the story. I just loved reading about everything that was going on, even the stressful stuff.
If I'm not mistaken, I think this novel is also Lindsey's favorite, or at least it means the most to her.
I will write a proper review for this novel soon.
It definitely deserves to have a full, sparkling review!
May 15, 2015
Did I really just read a Lindsey Kelk novel? That can't be right...
But it is. Let me clarify something first; I really really love all of Lindsey's books. She is my favorite chicklit author. And then this book came along and I'm just really disappointed.
Spoilers ahead, obviously. And I tend to write in capslock a lot, nasty habit of mine, sorry!
The book is just a bit boring, to be honest. The plot is cliche and I know that chicklit plots usually are, but there was just something missing. Like, elements that would be hilarious, or had me on the edge of my seat while reading, or just made me FEEL something?
Maddie is naive. There is this man in her life that only wants to shag her, never takes her out on a date, doesn't want to be seen in public with her, doesn't communicate with her (because sending pictures of your genitals and sexting in general doesn't countt, it just doesn't okay)... AND SHE THINKS OF HIM AS HER BOYFRIEND. Really, Maddie, is that how we define a relationship these days? Do boyfriends not talk to you, but only come around when it suits them to shag you senseless and then LEAVE? Are you really that dumb? I wanted to bang my head against the wall. Are there seriously women around who let men treat them this way but still think they have a boyfriend? Friends with benefits relationships between people are fine by me, but there's an obvious difference between that and a real relationship.
Maddie's friends are annoying and I disliked them both. The friendships didn't feel genuine and I was rooting for Maddie dumping both of them and becoming besties with Sharoline (an underdeveloped character, sadly). I just couldn't care about what happened to them AT ALL.
And then this other guy that barely knows her declares that he loves her. SERIOUSLY? They haven't even had a first date yet. But he LOVES her. Yeah right. I know it's a book but this isn't realistic at all. In some parts Maddie seems like a really clever woman that is extremely good at what she does, but when it comes to the people around her, she's like a totally different person.
The ending is rushed and not satisfying at all. Neither is the 'villain'. I wanted to love this book, I tried to love this book, but I just did nothing for me.
This book just lacks the sparks and charm Lindsey's other books have, but I'm looking forward to 'A girl's best friend' because I can't imagine not liking a book in that series.
Now I will stop saying mean things and eat a cookie.
But it is. Let me clarify something first; I really really love all of Lindsey's books. She is my favorite chicklit author. And then this book came along and I'm just really disappointed.
Spoilers ahead, obviously. And I tend to write in capslock a lot, nasty habit of mine, sorry!
The book is just a bit boring, to be honest. The plot is cliche and I know that chicklit plots usually are, but there was just something missing. Like, elements that would be hilarious, or had me on the edge of my seat while reading, or just made me FEEL something?
Maddie is naive. There is this man in her life that only wants to shag her, never takes her out on a date, doesn't want to be seen in public with her, doesn't communicate with her (because sending pictures of your genitals and sexting in general doesn't countt, it just doesn't okay)... AND SHE THINKS OF HIM AS HER BOYFRIEND. Really, Maddie, is that how we define a relationship these days? Do boyfriends not talk to you, but only come around when it suits them to shag you senseless and then LEAVE? Are you really that dumb? I wanted to bang my head against the wall. Are there seriously women around who let men treat them this way but still think they have a boyfriend? Friends with benefits relationships between people are fine by me, but there's an obvious difference between that and a real relationship.
Maddie's friends are annoying and I disliked them both. The friendships didn't feel genuine and I was rooting for Maddie dumping both of them and becoming besties with Sharoline (an underdeveloped character, sadly). I just couldn't care about what happened to them AT ALL.
And then this other guy that barely knows her declares that he loves her. SERIOUSLY? They haven't even had a first date yet. But he LOVES her. Yeah right. I know it's a book but this isn't realistic at all. In some parts Maddie seems like a really clever woman that is extremely good at what she does, but when it comes to the people around her, she's like a totally different person.
The ending is rushed and not satisfying at all. Neither is the 'villain'. I wanted to love this book, I tried to love this book, but I just did nothing for me.
This book just lacks the sparks and charm Lindsey's other books have, but I'm looking forward to 'A girl's best friend' because I can't imagine not liking a book in that series.
Now I will stop saying mean things and eat a cookie.
May 2, 2015
I'm never not in the mood for Lindsey Kelk. When I heard that she had a new book coming out I was so excited. Lindsey's books always make you feel good and I've had so many inappropriate tube-cackles thanks to this book. Always the Bridesmaid is as fabulous as the I Heart series and About a Girl. I loved it so much. It's one of those books that you could read again and again and never get bored of it.
Kelk has created such likeable and relatable characters once again. Maddie is just a normal woman and I found myself nodding along to so many of her disasters. I felt like Always the Bridesmaid was a little more slapstick than Kelk's usual work, but this didn't take away from the story. I feel like this could be an amazing Rom-Com film. It's one of those books that you can see unfolding before you as clearly as if you were watching it. I was so sucked into the lives of Maddie, Lauren and Sarah that I really didn't want to leave it.
If you love your books with plenty of feel-good vibes, a huge dose of humour with a slapstick edge, I'd definitely say pick this book up. It's guaranteed to make you laugh out loud on many occasions. Always the Bridesmaid is the perfect pick-me-up and I can't recommend it enough!
Kelk has created such likeable and relatable characters once again. Maddie is just a normal woman and I found myself nodding along to so many of her disasters. I felt like Always the Bridesmaid was a little more slapstick than Kelk's usual work, but this didn't take away from the story. I feel like this could be an amazing Rom-Com film. It's one of those books that you can see unfolding before you as clearly as if you were watching it. I was so sucked into the lives of Maddie, Lauren and Sarah that I really didn't want to leave it.
If you love your books with plenty of feel-good vibes, a huge dose of humour with a slapstick edge, I'd definitely say pick this book up. It's guaranteed to make you laugh out loud on many occasions. Always the Bridesmaid is the perfect pick-me-up and I can't recommend it enough!
January 16, 2019
Maddie story and everything going wrong for her reminds me so much of Bridget Jones. Even the notes at the start of many chapters are like Bridget's diary instead with Maddie it follows Today I feel and Today I am Thankful for.
Lauren and Sarah are Maddie's two best friends the girls often fall out and kiss and make up again. Sarah is getting divorced while Lauren is planning on getting married (Having many changes of mind along the way)
Maddie's ex is Seb and her boss is a vile cow called Shona. I felt myself again comparing to Bridget Jones in Bridget Jone's baby when the vile boss turns up, she was like Shona in many ways.
At one of her events (I love Maddie's job) she meets two guys named Will and Tom. She takes an instant liking to Will, I didn't trust him at all. Tom to me is much nicer and he proves that on many occasions. I love Tom Wheeler he should have featured a little more.
I like the connection with the other stand alone book A Single Girl's best friend reading about Dan and Rachel again was brilliant. He's the one of Maddie's family i find least annoying the others were all so annoying.
The notes at the end were excellent it was a different way to set out an ending than just text.
Final note on this book is how much I love Tom again.
Lauren and Sarah are Maddie's two best friends the girls often fall out and kiss and make up again. Sarah is getting divorced while Lauren is planning on getting married (Having many changes of mind along the way)
Maddie's ex is Seb and her boss is a vile cow called Shona. I felt myself again comparing to Bridget Jones in Bridget Jone's baby when the vile boss turns up, she was like Shona in many ways.
At one of her events (I love Maddie's job) she meets two guys named Will and Tom. She takes an instant liking to Will, I didn't trust him at all. Tom to me is much nicer and he proves that on many occasions. I love Tom Wheeler he should have featured a little more.
I like the connection with the other stand alone book A Single Girl's best friend reading about Dan and Rachel again was brilliant. He's the one of Maddie's family i find least annoying the others were all so annoying.
The notes at the end were excellent it was a different way to set out an ending than just text.
Final note on this book is how much I love Tom again.
September 11, 2016
SHARALINE. o.O
Loved this book, a cute romcom with plenty of humor and some friendly bitchiness.
Loved this book, a cute romcom with plenty of humor and some friendly bitchiness.
January 7, 2018
When you see couples dancing together on TV, all you see are sweeping camera angles and lush dips, but when it’s happening to you, it’s completely different. I was painfully aware of every step, every stumble, every time I swore and then immediately apologized for swearing. Audrey Hepburn, I was not. The one thing that was just how you would imagine was when I leaned in and let myself rest against Tom’s chest. I could hear his heart beating.
Reading a chick-lit can never NEVER go wrong, i mean, who doesn't want to laugh his ass off, find humour in the most shitty situation, and and fall in love? WHOOO? TELL ME WHOOO?
The Story is from Maddie's perspective, an Assistant event planner, she has two ( rather a handful) bestfriends, one of them is getting married in 3 months and the other one is getting divorced in a few weeks.
FYI: She organizes all kind of events, and NOT ONLY WEDDINGS!
I rejected the call, brushed my hair out of my face and looked over at the fathers to be.
‘Of course, there’s always the option to hire me as a clown,’ I suggested. ‘That would cut back some of the budget.’ Things were going better than I could have ever imagined.
Lauren the bride, sent her a little bridesmaid diary, or a notebook, or like whatever; so every chapter entry is a new page of this notebook. and it starts with these 2 lines:
Today I feel:
Today I am Thankful for:
And every damn entry is just more Hilarious than the previous one! the Whole book was pretty fucking hilarious tbh!
Here is my Favorite <3:
Today I feel: like everything happens for a reason if that reason is that I AM CURSED
Today i am thankful for: i don't even know. kittens?
Maddie isn't your average Heroine, she's not perfect and ignorant to every one falling in love with her, she doesn't have a line of guys waiting on her.
she's US, ladies. She's as normal as heroine's could be, regardless of how unlucky she can be, LMFAO!! i liked how i could relate to her, how humble and funny she was. ALSO! she speaks sarcasm fluently.
‘Oh, that is it.’ She turned quickly, ducking under Tom’s arm − one of the perils of being so tall: he was easy to sneak around – and lunged at me, fists flying. In all my thirty-one years, brotherly and sisterly slaps aside, I’ve never actually been hit. Turns out, it really, really hurts.’
Reading a chick-lit can never NEVER go wrong, i mean, who doesn't want to laugh his ass off, find humour in the most shitty situation, and and fall in love? WHOOO? TELL ME WHOOO?
The Story is from Maddie's perspective, an Assistant event planner, she has two ( rather a handful) bestfriends, one of them is getting married in 3 months and the other one is getting divorced in a few weeks.
FYI: She organizes all kind of events, and NOT ONLY WEDDINGS!
I rejected the call, brushed my hair out of my face and looked over at the fathers to be.
‘Of course, there’s always the option to hire me as a clown,’ I suggested. ‘That would cut back some of the budget.’ Things were going better than I could have ever imagined.
Lauren the bride, sent her a little bridesmaid diary, or a notebook, or like whatever; so every chapter entry is a new page of this notebook. and it starts with these 2 lines:
Today I feel:
Today I am Thankful for:
And every damn entry is just more Hilarious than the previous one! the Whole book was pretty fucking hilarious tbh!
Here is my Favorite <3:
Today I feel: like everything happens for a reason if that reason is that I AM CURSED
Today i am thankful for: i don't even know. kittens?
Maddie isn't your average Heroine, she's not perfect and ignorant to every one falling in love with her, she doesn't have a line of guys waiting on her.
she's US, ladies. She's as normal as heroine's could be, regardless of how unlucky she can be, LMFAO!! i liked how i could relate to her, how humble and funny she was. ALSO! she speaks sarcasm fluently.
‘Oh, that is it.’ She turned quickly, ducking under Tom’s arm − one of the perils of being so tall: he was easy to sneak around – and lunged at me, fists flying. In all my thirty-one years, brotherly and sisterly slaps aside, I’ve never actually been hit. Turns out, it really, really hurts.’
July 6, 2018
I tried to get into this, but think I may need to take a romance break. This and some other books I started and didn't finish ended up irking the life out of me. There's a love triangle, or whatever you want to call it when one person is dating/sleeping with someone else, but still thinking of another person. The two best friends are not really there for the main character and I wondered at how they were supposedly all friends when it seemed that Maddie did more for them. The family was a non-entity for pretty much the whole book.
Maddie, does event planning and is finally given an opportunity to be promoted after working as an assistant to a woman who is a nightmare to work for. Maddie is forced to be a waitress at a wedding and ends up meeting two guys who we follow throughout this book. Guy number one (Will) practically held up a sign saying that he is not trustworthy. I was annoyed for how obtuse she was being through the whole book about him. Guy number two (Tom) was not a good guy due to him knowing some details that he doesn't divulge in order to be the good guy.
Maddie's two friends are going through life changing events. Lauren is engaged and Sarah is going through a divorce. I did feel sympathy for Sarah, but Lauren is a bridezilla from beginning to almost the very end of this book.
Maddie's parents are dismissive of her life and her brother and sister are pretty much jerks too.
The writing was okay, I just didn't feel myself drawn in as I usually am with romances.
The ending wrapped things up too neatly. I didn't like the guy that Maddie chose to be with since I felt no chemistry or connection between them.
Maddie, does event planning and is finally given an opportunity to be promoted after working as an assistant to a woman who is a nightmare to work for. Maddie is forced to be a waitress at a wedding and ends up meeting two guys who we follow throughout this book. Guy number one (Will) practically held up a sign saying that he is not trustworthy. I was annoyed for how obtuse she was being through the whole book about him. Guy number two (Tom) was not a good guy due to him knowing some details that he doesn't divulge in order to be the good guy.
Maddie's two friends are going through life changing events. Lauren is engaged and Sarah is going through a divorce. I did feel sympathy for Sarah, but Lauren is a bridezilla from beginning to almost the very end of this book.
Maddie's parents are dismissive of her life and her brother and sister are pretty much jerks too.
The writing was okay, I just didn't feel myself drawn in as I usually am with romances.
The ending wrapped things up too neatly. I didn't like the guy that Maddie chose to be with since I felt no chemistry or connection between them.
April 29, 2019
I really like this book. Its sweet, funny, have “real” characters and its a quick read (finished it in 4 hours)
The only thing I could have needed is a little more character developement of Tom, Shona and Elinor.
I hope to see a 2nd book about these people :)
The only thing I could have needed is a little more character developement of Tom, Shona and Elinor.
I hope to see a 2nd book about these people :)
May 5, 2015
5 sparkling stars to this sparkling book.
http://iheart-chicklit.blogspot.com/2...
I guess it’s nothing worth announcing at the top of my lungs with a loudspeaker that I adore Lindsey Kelk’s books (as if the name of blog isn’t obvious enough..), but I look forward to her books every year. Without fail. A huge fan of her I Heart.. series, her standalones are a bit of a rare treat, her last one being in 2011. So I was thrilled to be reading an entirely new story with a brand new heroine and fall in love with the book, from start to finish.
http://iheart-chicklit.blogspot.com/2...
I guess it’s nothing worth announcing at the top of my lungs with a loudspeaker that I adore Lindsey Kelk’s books (as if the name of blog isn’t obvious enough..), but I look forward to her books every year. Without fail. A huge fan of her I Heart.. series, her standalones are a bit of a rare treat, her last one being in 2011. So I was thrilled to be reading an entirely new story with a brand new heroine and fall in love with the book, from start to finish.
April 14, 2017
What a wonderful story.
I love it when you actually get what the description promises. It's humorous and has a really nice course of action with some great turns and outcomes.
I liked the main character, Maddie, a lot. I liked the humour, the love part and her friends. (Except for bridezilla Lauren, maybe. She was a little distressing.) But generally, I kind of liked everything.
At some point, Maddie complains about Lauren texting and calling her all night so she's permanently knackered - how about muting your stupid phone at night? Works perfectly well in my experience
I love it when you actually get what the description promises. It's humorous and has a really nice course of action with some great turns and outcomes.
I liked the main character, Maddie, a lot. I liked the humour, the love part and her friends. (Except for bridezilla Lauren, maybe. She was a little distressing.) But generally, I kind of liked everything.
At some point, Maddie complains about Lauren texting and calling her all night so she's permanently knackered - how about muting your stupid phone at night? Works perfectly well in my experience
May 7, 2015
I can't even put into words the excitement I felt when this book arrived early. Lindsey Kelk is the Queen of this genre. In fact, let's make her the Queen of everything, she is pretty amazing after all. Seriously though, I read her books and wonder just how she does it. Picking up a Lindsey Kelk novel is the ultimate pick me up, I swear even just holding one in my hands makes me feel better about myself when I'm feeling down. Always the Bridesmaid was no different, I loved every single page of it. I finished it and immediately wanted to read it again.
Our main character is Maddie and she has a real time of it throughout Always the Bridesmaid. Just how many things can go wrong for one person? Answer: a lot. Maddie is a party planner finally being given the chance to receive a long overdue promotion. Meanwhile one best friend, Lauren, has just gotten engaged and of course expects Maddie to help organise it, and to be on call 24/7, while the other, Sarah, is getting divorced. Bad time to be asked to be a bridesmaid. Maddie documents the months that follow in her bridesmaid journal, and some of the stuff in that journal left me incredibly grateful that it's something I could never be asked to do.
I remember when About a Girl was announced and it wasn't an Angela Clarke book. I was apprehensive to say the least, would it be as good? Well, we now know that it was just as good and so I wondered just how Maddie would compare with Angela and Tess. I love how Lindsey manages to make each of her main characters so different but equally lovable at the same time and with a couple of similarities. I just loved Maddie to the point where I wished she was an actual person, that I knew her in real life, that we were best friends. Yes, I found myself wanting to stalk a fictional character. Everybody just took her for granted, her family and her two best friends and I wanted to kick the lot of them because she is brilliant. In fact she reminded me of my own best friend at times. I think female readers will have no trouble relating to her and everyone will be rooting for her throughout the book as she is just such a believable character.
Lindsey always achieves the perfect balance of humour (laugh out loud, obviously) and drama and there's also some truly heartfelt scenes between certain characters in Always the Bridesmaid. The friendship between our three characters was a highlight, totally believable especially in the arguments they all have throughout. Of course, there's a love interest (or two). And as much as I wish I could talk in detail about the romance elements in Always the Bridesmaid, it really is impossible to do so without giving away spoilers apart from to say everything about it is so accurately realistic and believable that I wondered just how I failed to see some of the plot twists coming. And I love how everything came together and resulted in one of my favourite endings to one of Lindsey's books yet.
I finish a Lindsey Kelk novel and immediately get my sulk on because it's over. Luckily we don't have too long to wait for more with another release scheduled just before Christmas. I am already wishing my life away. I feel it is important to say that I am a blogger that doesn't automatically love every book from my favourite authors (see Peter James) but honestly, the day I don't enjoy a Lindsey Kelk novel is the day the world ends, and the day that I stop reading forever. So, trust me when I say that Always the Bridesmaid is one of her best yet, and you will love it. If you don't? Well then I'm sorry but we can no longer be friends.
Our main character is Maddie and she has a real time of it throughout Always the Bridesmaid. Just how many things can go wrong for one person? Answer: a lot. Maddie is a party planner finally being given the chance to receive a long overdue promotion. Meanwhile one best friend, Lauren, has just gotten engaged and of course expects Maddie to help organise it, and to be on call 24/7, while the other, Sarah, is getting divorced. Bad time to be asked to be a bridesmaid. Maddie documents the months that follow in her bridesmaid journal, and some of the stuff in that journal left me incredibly grateful that it's something I could never be asked to do.
I remember when About a Girl was announced and it wasn't an Angela Clarke book. I was apprehensive to say the least, would it be as good? Well, we now know that it was just as good and so I wondered just how Maddie would compare with Angela and Tess. I love how Lindsey manages to make each of her main characters so different but equally lovable at the same time and with a couple of similarities. I just loved Maddie to the point where I wished she was an actual person, that I knew her in real life, that we were best friends. Yes, I found myself wanting to stalk a fictional character. Everybody just took her for granted, her family and her two best friends and I wanted to kick the lot of them because she is brilliant. In fact she reminded me of my own best friend at times. I think female readers will have no trouble relating to her and everyone will be rooting for her throughout the book as she is just such a believable character.
Lindsey always achieves the perfect balance of humour (laugh out loud, obviously) and drama and there's also some truly heartfelt scenes between certain characters in Always the Bridesmaid. The friendship between our three characters was a highlight, totally believable especially in the arguments they all have throughout. Of course, there's a love interest (or two). And as much as I wish I could talk in detail about the romance elements in Always the Bridesmaid, it really is impossible to do so without giving away spoilers apart from to say everything about it is so accurately realistic and believable that I wondered just how I failed to see some of the plot twists coming. And I love how everything came together and resulted in one of my favourite endings to one of Lindsey's books yet.
I finish a Lindsey Kelk novel and immediately get my sulk on because it's over. Luckily we don't have too long to wait for more with another release scheduled just before Christmas. I am already wishing my life away. I feel it is important to say that I am a blogger that doesn't automatically love every book from my favourite authors (see Peter James) but honestly, the day I don't enjoy a Lindsey Kelk novel is the day the world ends, and the day that I stop reading forever. So, trust me when I say that Always the Bridesmaid is one of her best yet, and you will love it. If you don't? Well then I'm sorry but we can no longer be friends.
June 14, 2016
Release Date: April, 2016
Genre: Chick Lit & Romantic Comedy
:: 5 Pretty Little Stars ::
This book is FABULOUS! I won this book on twitter from the author (thank you!) and hadn’t had a chance to read it… Until now. AND OMG I am so glad I read this book. I am now officially hooked on all things Lindsey Kelk and I cannot WAIT to read more of her novels. This one in particular is LAUGH OUT LOUD FUNNY. It’s also sweet, fun, charming, and totally adorable. I loved the characters, the plot, and all the shenanigans that go on throughout the novel. And while I have never been in Maddie’s shoes before, I can totally relate to her character as I (like her) have a hard time saying no to people EVEN WHEN they have ridiculous expectations. Gah, I totally fell in love with this book from the minute I started reading it and I can’t wait for others to read it either! This is a wonderful chick lit novel!
So this book is about Maddie and her two best friends (Sarah and Lauren). Maddie is the main character and Sarah and Lauren are mostly secondary characters but they sure add a lot to the story- without them, it wouldn’t be the same! Anyway, so Maddie finds herself in a bit of a pickle (or quite a few pickles) when she becomes her friend Laurens bridesmaid. This should be amazing right? After all, it’s wonderful to see your very best friend fall in love and marry the man of her dreams. But things get sticky because, while this should be a fun time in their friendship to bond, their other best friend Sarah is getting divorced… Dun dun dun… [Cue sad music]. Even more than this, poor Maddie is working for the boss from hell, she is trying to remain a constant companion for her grieving friend, helping her best friend plan her perfect wedding, going through a new relationship, AND working nonstop on other parties (she is a party planner after all). Gah… there is so much going on in Maddie’s life and she has to keep up with everything. But can she do all this? Can one truly balance a hard job, demanding friendships, and a new suitor? Well she damn well tries!
Readers will laugh out loud throughout this journey as Maddie finds ways to balance all of the things that are going on in her life. After reading you may have some withdrawals (I do, wah!) and want to see more of Maddie. I am HOPING that Maddie gets more stories as I feel she deserves it! I would love to see her take on more adventures… even her own adventures of love!!! Anyways, this book is one of those books that should be on everyone’s TBR (especially if you love romantic comedies and chick lit novels like I do). I highly recommend giving this one a go. Readers will be delighted with the British charm and mannerisms of the characters and have a fun time with Maddie as she navigates her hectic life. Oh yea, this is a MUST READ!!!
Genre: Chick Lit & Romantic Comedy
:: 5 Pretty Little Stars ::
This book is FABULOUS! I won this book on twitter from the author (thank you!) and hadn’t had a chance to read it… Until now. AND OMG I am so glad I read this book. I am now officially hooked on all things Lindsey Kelk and I cannot WAIT to read more of her novels. This one in particular is LAUGH OUT LOUD FUNNY. It’s also sweet, fun, charming, and totally adorable. I loved the characters, the plot, and all the shenanigans that go on throughout the novel. And while I have never been in Maddie’s shoes before, I can totally relate to her character as I (like her) have a hard time saying no to people EVEN WHEN they have ridiculous expectations. Gah, I totally fell in love with this book from the minute I started reading it and I can’t wait for others to read it either! This is a wonderful chick lit novel!
So this book is about Maddie and her two best friends (Sarah and Lauren). Maddie is the main character and Sarah and Lauren are mostly secondary characters but they sure add a lot to the story- without them, it wouldn’t be the same! Anyway, so Maddie finds herself in a bit of a pickle (or quite a few pickles) when she becomes her friend Laurens bridesmaid. This should be amazing right? After all, it’s wonderful to see your very best friend fall in love and marry the man of her dreams. But things get sticky because, while this should be a fun time in their friendship to bond, their other best friend Sarah is getting divorced… Dun dun dun… [Cue sad music]. Even more than this, poor Maddie is working for the boss from hell, she is trying to remain a constant companion for her grieving friend, helping her best friend plan her perfect wedding, going through a new relationship, AND working nonstop on other parties (she is a party planner after all). Gah… there is so much going on in Maddie’s life and she has to keep up with everything. But can she do all this? Can one truly balance a hard job, demanding friendships, and a new suitor? Well she damn well tries!
Readers will laugh out loud throughout this journey as Maddie finds ways to balance all of the things that are going on in her life. After reading you may have some withdrawals (I do, wah!) and want to see more of Maddie. I am HOPING that Maddie gets more stories as I feel she deserves it! I would love to see her take on more adventures… even her own adventures of love!!! Anyways, this book is one of those books that should be on everyone’s TBR (especially if you love romantic comedies and chick lit novels like I do). I highly recommend giving this one a go. Readers will be delighted with the British charm and mannerisms of the characters and have a fun time with Maddie as she navigates her hectic life. Oh yea, this is a MUST READ!!!
May 25, 2017
Me aburrí PROFUNDAMENTE. Ni siquiera sé por qué llegué al final. Creo que porque lo fui leyendo en pedacitos, cada vez que había terminado con otra cosa y entonces no tenía la energía mental para empezar con algo nuevo. Fue como el cuento latero de alguien que a una no le queda otra que escuchar porque, bueno, ya está ahí y qué más va a hacer.
O sea que no me gustó nada, jajaja. Lo encontré cliché, y aburrido, y lleno de personajes fomes. Además, todo lo que hace, a mi parecer, es seguir vergonzosamente lo que podríamos denominar la fórmula tipo del género chick lit, pero de una manera somnífera y sin gracia, lo que convierte a esta novela casi en un insulto para quienes apreciamos el género.
Las reseñas, sin embargo, son buenas, así que quizá es solo cosa mía. Y además, el libro no es entero malo. Alcancé, de hecho, a subrayar un fragmento que me hizo reír. Lo adjunto, así, como una ofrenda de amistad:
De cuando la protagonista acompaña a su amiga a comprar un vestido de novia:
"Sarah y yo nos levantamos de un salto, encantadas de poder estirarnos después de llevar casi dos horas sentadas en un sofá realmente duro. Las tiendas de novio eran lugares verdaderamente extraños. De un blanco cegador, con todo carísimo, y llenos de mujeres gritando. Me pregunté si el gobierno se habría planteado alguna vez la posibilidad de llevar a un terrorista a uno de aquellos establecimientos para interrogarle".
O sea que no me gustó nada, jajaja. Lo encontré cliché, y aburrido, y lleno de personajes fomes. Además, todo lo que hace, a mi parecer, es seguir vergonzosamente lo que podríamos denominar la fórmula tipo del género chick lit, pero de una manera somnífera y sin gracia, lo que convierte a esta novela casi en un insulto para quienes apreciamos el género.
Las reseñas, sin embargo, son buenas, así que quizá es solo cosa mía. Y además, el libro no es entero malo. Alcancé, de hecho, a subrayar un fragmento que me hizo reír. Lo adjunto, así, como una ofrenda de amistad:
De cuando la protagonista acompaña a su amiga a comprar un vestido de novia:
"Sarah y yo nos levantamos de un salto, encantadas de poder estirarnos después de llevar casi dos horas sentadas en un sofá realmente duro. Las tiendas de novio eran lugares verdaderamente extraños. De un blanco cegador, con todo carísimo, y llenos de mujeres gritando. Me pregunté si el gobierno se habría planteado alguna vez la posibilidad de llevar a un terrorista a uno de aquellos establecimientos para interrogarle".
February 15, 2018
Eigenlijk dacht ik dat ik een eind klaar was met chicklits, alles is zo voorspelbaar. Hoewel het verloop van dit boek ook vrij voorspelbaar was, ik vond vrijwel alles klinken alsof het zomaar in je dagelijkse leven zou kunnen gebeuren. Ook al heb ik die leeftijd (31) voorlopig nog even niet bereikt, ik kan mij best voorstellen dat die problemen zich daadwerkelijk voordoen in het leven.
Ik geef dit boek vier sterren, omdat ik sommige dingen toch wel heel erg onrealistisch vond en dat vond ik jammer. Ook vond ik dat het einde misschien wel iets anders had gemogen, misschien iets meer uitgewerkt. Ik had het wel leuk gevonden om iets meer over Shona te lezen namelijk. Voor de rest echt een top boek en heb om sommige dingen echt lopen lachen.
Ik geef dit boek vier sterren, omdat ik sommige dingen toch wel heel erg onrealistisch vond en dat vond ik jammer. Ook vond ik dat het einde misschien wel iets anders had gemogen, misschien iets meer uitgewerkt. Ik had het wel leuk gevonden om iets meer over Shona te lezen namelijk. Voor de rest echt een top boek en heb om sommige dingen echt lopen lachen.
May 24, 2015
This book was SO good. I love Lindsey Kelk, her About A Girl series is freaking awesome (is it time for book 3 yet???) so I was dead excited for Always The Bridesmaid. It was so much fun, and I loved Maddie - and I wanted to bash her over the head a few times, when she was letting her friends walk all over her ugh. I was so ready for her to stand up and be counted, because Lauren really overstepped her mark a few times.
There were a few moments that made me shake my head in disbelief - typical Chick Lit cliches, like when Maddie is organising a baby naming party for a gay couple and ends up breaking her iPad, throwing her iPad at the customer and then throwing a cup of tea in their living room. It made me want to growl.
Apart from that I loved the book. I loved hearing about Maddie's job, as an event planner and I loved Will and Tom. I was totally team Tom, though. Yes, Will was a hunk but Tom was literally lovely and I like a lovely man. Sigh.
I'm so excited for Lindsey's next book. She's just so good. I love her books, she can do no wrong and her writing is just so good. She mentions in her acknowledgements that this was a hard book to write but her writing flows so gorgeously that it's hard to believe her books take any effort. She was born to write, and I thoroughly enjoyed Always The Bridesmaid.
There were a few moments that made me shake my head in disbelief - typical Chick Lit cliches, like when Maddie is organising a baby naming party for a gay couple and ends up breaking her iPad, throwing her iPad at the customer and then throwing a cup of tea in their living room. It made me want to growl.
Apart from that I loved the book. I loved hearing about Maddie's job, as an event planner and I loved Will and Tom. I was totally team Tom, though. Yes, Will was a hunk but Tom was literally lovely and I like a lovely man. Sigh.
I'm so excited for Lindsey's next book. She's just so good. I love her books, she can do no wrong and her writing is just so good. She mentions in her acknowledgements that this was a hard book to write but her writing flows so gorgeously that it's hard to believe her books take any effort. She was born to write, and I thoroughly enjoyed Always The Bridesmaid.
October 29, 2019
Its a nice book, mostly well written. A bit obvious, but that was expected.
The biggest downsides in this book, in all contemporary romance books written in this century is that we have 300 or so pages of miserable stories and just two pages of happiness. I wish I could read more about what happens AFTER everything is alright, not before. Or would that be too boring?
The biggest downsides in this book, in all contemporary romance books written in this century is that we have 300 or so pages of miserable stories and just two pages of happiness. I wish I could read more about what happens AFTER everything is alright, not before. Or would that be too boring?
May 31, 2015
I have been a huge fan of the I heart series and since then will read anything and everything that Lindsey Kelk writes. I was really excited when I got the chance to read Always the Bridesmaid and couldn't wait to start.
To be honest this book took me some time to read - this is not something that happens when I read her books, but for some reason I found this pretty tricky to get into. This could have been my own fault, I was unfortunate to not have the time initially to really get into this book and I think maybe that was where the problem lied for me.
This is a fun book, it centres around Maddie, who has been working as an assistant at an events and planning company. She has been there pretty much all her working adult life, she decides that she wants a promotion, but her boss is a nightmare and things for promotion seem bleak. Maddie's two best friends are very different, Lauren has just announced her engagement to a bloke she has only been going out with for just over a year, Sarah drops a bombshell about her marriage and Maddie has been single for two years. She has to endure her parents keep going on about her ex boyfriend and the fact he has just had a baby with his new wife. Maddie as an events planner is keen to help Lauren plan her big day, even though stress levels are rising and she also needs to have the responsibility of being a bridesmaid.
Maddie gets encouraged to go for a promotion at work by the HR department, this would be great for Maddie to finally get out of the role she is currently in, however her friend Sarah also is keen to apply. Maddie, begins to prove herself at the company she is at by taking on a christening, soon she realises perhaps she has taken on more than she can cope with but cannot back down now.
The story is a bit chaotic is places, with Maddie juggling her job, friendships and a new relationship on the horizon, in places I actually felt worn out reading about it. I felt that maybe Kelk could have focused more on one or two of the aspects, as I feel although I enjoyed the story - especially the second half, there was a lot going on.
I think that this is a fun read and although from the blurb and the cover it didn't stand out to me I am glad I took the time to read it. There are funny lines in the novel, not as many as I would have hoped but it still made it an enjoyable read. I loved the format of the book, written as a journal and I enjoyed the last few pages where the text was laid out in different formats. I think it was also a good stand alone, however I don't think it is up to the standard of the I heart series or What a girl wants. I hear Lindsey is bringing out another book from the What a girl wants series, which I cannot wait to get my hands on!
I would like to thank the publisher for sending this in exchange for an honest review.
To be honest this book took me some time to read - this is not something that happens when I read her books, but for some reason I found this pretty tricky to get into. This could have been my own fault, I was unfortunate to not have the time initially to really get into this book and I think maybe that was where the problem lied for me.
This is a fun book, it centres around Maddie, who has been working as an assistant at an events and planning company. She has been there pretty much all her working adult life, she decides that she wants a promotion, but her boss is a nightmare and things for promotion seem bleak. Maddie's two best friends are very different, Lauren has just announced her engagement to a bloke she has only been going out with for just over a year, Sarah drops a bombshell about her marriage and Maddie has been single for two years. She has to endure her parents keep going on about her ex boyfriend and the fact he has just had a baby with his new wife. Maddie as an events planner is keen to help Lauren plan her big day, even though stress levels are rising and she also needs to have the responsibility of being a bridesmaid.
Maddie gets encouraged to go for a promotion at work by the HR department, this would be great for Maddie to finally get out of the role she is currently in, however her friend Sarah also is keen to apply. Maddie, begins to prove herself at the company she is at by taking on a christening, soon she realises perhaps she has taken on more than she can cope with but cannot back down now.
The story is a bit chaotic is places, with Maddie juggling her job, friendships and a new relationship on the horizon, in places I actually felt worn out reading about it. I felt that maybe Kelk could have focused more on one or two of the aspects, as I feel although I enjoyed the story - especially the second half, there was a lot going on.
I think that this is a fun read and although from the blurb and the cover it didn't stand out to me I am glad I took the time to read it. There are funny lines in the novel, not as many as I would have hoped but it still made it an enjoyable read. I loved the format of the book, written as a journal and I enjoyed the last few pages where the text was laid out in different formats. I think it was also a good stand alone, however I don't think it is up to the standard of the I heart series or What a girl wants. I hear Lindsey is bringing out another book from the What a girl wants series, which I cannot wait to get my hands on!
I would like to thank the publisher for sending this in exchange for an honest review.
August 12, 2015
Lindsey Kelk is always up for a fun and entertaining story, having read her I Heart Series and her About A Girl series and I just love her style of writing. No wonder, I was really excited about this book!
The story follows Maddie. Maddie is such a likable and relatable heroine. She is full of energy and passion. She is writing a Bridesmaid journal throughout this story, since she is going to be bridesmaid at her best friend Lauren’s wedding. She is also organising the wedding in her spare time for free. You’d say that this is not really something special… Normally I’d agree with you, but Maddie is also an events organiser. When she’s up for promotion she does everything to finally get away from her assistant position.
The journal entries are hilarious and so entertaining. It was so much fun reading them, they gave the story an extra sparkle. Lindsey really knows how to engage the reader and she always nails the 1st person perspective. It feels like being there in the character’s head, experiencing everything as well.
Maddie is not only busy organising events, no she might also have a new love interest. That part of her story develops in an interesting way, some drama included, but definitely with the ending I was hoping for.
While Lauren has her wedding coming up, Maddie’s other best friend Sarah is getting divorced, so two very opposite situations and Maddie is in the middle. The three friends are quite something as well! They have a very special friendship, they fight, but they are so much fun as well, I loved their scenes.
Of course at one point everything that could go wrong goes wrong from Maddie’s perspective. I felt that it was a bit too much, but I understand that it had to be pat of the story and Lindsey included it all in a dramatic and entertaining way.
Lindsey has done it again and written a FABULOUS story!!! Her writing is unique and very special, with a flowing storyline, memorable characters and true voice. I hope this is not the last time we hear from Maddie ;)
The story follows Maddie. Maddie is such a likable and relatable heroine. She is full of energy and passion. She is writing a Bridesmaid journal throughout this story, since she is going to be bridesmaid at her best friend Lauren’s wedding. She is also organising the wedding in her spare time for free. You’d say that this is not really something special… Normally I’d agree with you, but Maddie is also an events organiser. When she’s up for promotion she does everything to finally get away from her assistant position.
The journal entries are hilarious and so entertaining. It was so much fun reading them, they gave the story an extra sparkle. Lindsey really knows how to engage the reader and she always nails the 1st person perspective. It feels like being there in the character’s head, experiencing everything as well.
Maddie is not only busy organising events, no she might also have a new love interest. That part of her story develops in an interesting way, some drama included, but definitely with the ending I was hoping for.
While Lauren has her wedding coming up, Maddie’s other best friend Sarah is getting divorced, so two very opposite situations and Maddie is in the middle. The three friends are quite something as well! They have a very special friendship, they fight, but they are so much fun as well, I loved their scenes.
Of course at one point everything that could go wrong goes wrong from Maddie’s perspective. I felt that it was a bit too much, but I understand that it had to be pat of the story and Lindsey included it all in a dramatic and entertaining way.
Lindsey has done it again and written a FABULOUS story!!! Her writing is unique and very special, with a flowing storyline, memorable characters and true voice. I hope this is not the last time we hear from Maddie ;)
June 10, 2015
Well she’s back, and she’s back with a BANG! (Literally too) (I don’t mean Lindsey like. I don’t think it would go down to well if she opened up a book with a little erotica about herself do you? Oh god, just read it and you’ll get what I’m saying. I’m such a knob)
Moooving on… Lindsey Kelk has outdone herself with Always the Bridesmaid. It’s extra funny. It’s extra sarcastic. It’s extra sweary. It’s extra romantic. It’s extra everything.
With a plot not too heavy, but still with great twists. And a heroine as laid back and down to earth as Maddie Fraser. All them extra’s up above. And, not one but two fit men results in a classic rom-com mixed with normal girls lives. And what could be better than that?
It’s actually so much better reading about a heroine like Maddie isn’t it? Because let’s face it, we all aren’t gorgeous rom-com actress’s who have everything, and have everything going for us, and everyone falling at our feet. We are normal everyday girls aren’t we? So Maddie Fraser and her friends lead lives just like ours. That is reading gold to us readers isn’t it? It’s always so much better when we can relate to the characters and take pleasure or pain in understanding certain situations that we have also been in.
It’s such a great book.
Do you know what the best thing is though? It just so happens to be what Kelk does best. Honesty in real life and real situations. No bullshit just fun and feels. She truly is the queen of realism/escapism/amazingness.
Couldn’t recommend a better book for you all to read this summer. It is perfect for every occasion.
Moooving on… Lindsey Kelk has outdone herself with Always the Bridesmaid. It’s extra funny. It’s extra sarcastic. It’s extra sweary. It’s extra romantic. It’s extra everything.
With a plot not too heavy, but still with great twists. And a heroine as laid back and down to earth as Maddie Fraser. All them extra’s up above. And, not one but two fit men results in a classic rom-com mixed with normal girls lives. And what could be better than that?
It’s actually so much better reading about a heroine like Maddie isn’t it? Because let’s face it, we all aren’t gorgeous rom-com actress’s who have everything, and have everything going for us, and everyone falling at our feet. We are normal everyday girls aren’t we? So Maddie Fraser and her friends lead lives just like ours. That is reading gold to us readers isn’t it? It’s always so much better when we can relate to the characters and take pleasure or pain in understanding certain situations that we have also been in.
It’s such a great book.
Do you know what the best thing is though? It just so happens to be what Kelk does best. Honesty in real life and real situations. No bullshit just fun and feels. She truly is the queen of realism/escapism/amazingness.
Couldn’t recommend a better book for you all to read this summer. It is perfect for every occasion.
November 28, 2016
Lindsey Kelk is back. For me, at least ♥
'Always the Bridesmaid' is about Maddie, who has been single for two years. She lives in London and has two best friends, one of whom is getting married and the other one getting a divorce. So with her one best friend turning into bridezilla and the other being heartbroken and sad, and herself being the wedding planner in her free time, Maddie's life turns out to become quite turbulent. Above all, a new man comes into her life and things get even more messy..
Ooooh, I loved it. I just seemed to have forgotten how much I actually like Lindsey Kelk's writing. It's just so easy and witty and lovely! I procrastinated reading 'I heart Vegas' for a hundred years for example and I didn't think I would be reading any of her books soon, but am I glad I did! It was really wonderful. I liked Maddie, and I liked both of her best friends, I liked the one new guy and disliked the other one, just as it should be. ♥
I also like the fact, that the book isn't part of a series or something, but I might actually finally continue the 'I heart'-series. I am back in Lindsey-Kelk-mode. ♥
The ending was lovely, of course and there was also some kind of epilogue. You could read e-mails, notes and text messages between Maddie, her friends and some other people, which were a cute way of showing what the characters got up to after the finale. I loved it. ♥
I can only recommend 'Always the Bridesmaid' to anyone who likes chick-lit. ♥
'Always the Bridesmaid' is about Maddie, who has been single for two years. She lives in London and has two best friends, one of whom is getting married and the other one getting a divorce. So with her one best friend turning into bridezilla and the other being heartbroken and sad, and herself being the wedding planner in her free time, Maddie's life turns out to become quite turbulent. Above all, a new man comes into her life and things get even more messy..
Ooooh, I loved it. I just seemed to have forgotten how much I actually like Lindsey Kelk's writing. It's just so easy and witty and lovely! I procrastinated reading 'I heart Vegas' for a hundred years for example and I didn't think I would be reading any of her books soon, but am I glad I did! It was really wonderful. I liked Maddie, and I liked both of her best friends, I liked the one new guy and disliked the other one, just as it should be. ♥
I also like the fact, that the book isn't part of a series or something, but I might actually finally continue the 'I heart'-series. I am back in Lindsey-Kelk-mode. ♥
The ending was lovely, of course and there was also some kind of epilogue. You could read e-mails, notes and text messages between Maddie, her friends and some other people, which were a cute way of showing what the characters got up to after the finale. I loved it. ♥
I can only recommend 'Always the Bridesmaid' to anyone who likes chick-lit. ♥
May 19, 2015
I am very disappointed. All the 'I heart' books were solid 5 stars books for me so I expected the same for 'Always the Bridesmaid'. But in the end it was more a 2.5 stars book. Why?
----- If you read further there a spoilers!--------------
Because it was more or less the same as the 'I heart' books but unfortunately a cheap imitation:
- Heroine meets two guys in the beginning. One is the good guy and one is the not so good guy. Guess which one she dates first? Exactly.
- She is not happy with her job situation and of course the boss is an evil person. Sounds familiar?
Furthermore I had also problems with
- The best friends, which are real bitches.
- The moaning that 31 year old women without a husband are so pitiable and will never find a nice guy.
The best thing of the book is that Mrs. Kelk can really write a good book even when the story is boring/nerve-racking. A contradiction you say? You are right. But I can't explain it better. Would I have read the book, if I had known the details about it? Sadly no!
----- If you read further there a spoilers!--------------
Because it was more or less the same as the 'I heart' books but unfortunately a cheap imitation:
- Heroine meets two guys in the beginning. One is the good guy and one is the not so good guy. Guess which one she dates first? Exactly.
- She is not happy with her job situation and of course the boss is an evil person. Sounds familiar?
Furthermore I had also problems with
- The best friends, which are real bitches.
- The moaning that 31 year old women without a husband are so pitiable and will never find a nice guy.
The best thing of the book is that Mrs. Kelk can really write a good book even when the story is boring/nerve-racking. A contradiction you say? You are right. But I can't explain it better. Would I have read the book, if I had known the details about it? Sadly no!
January 10, 2016
Maddie is two characters at once, one is dumber than a rock, and the other is a confident capable career woman. Her "best friends" are useless parasites, her family is cruel and unsupportive, her boss is a manipulative bitch, and her love life? Don't get me started on that.
Will is an asshole, Tom is a confused lonely doormat.
2 stars for making me laugh a couple of times over the utter ridiculousness of it all.
Will is an asshole, Tom is a confused lonely doormat.
2 stars for making me laugh a couple of times over the utter ridiculousness of it all.
February 1, 2016
5*
There's two main things that this book has an advantage:
1) I heart Lindsey Kelk
2) I fancy the pants off any (fictional) men named Will or Tom.
There's nothing about this book I disliked. I finished it in two days and loved it from beginning to end. Maddie is a great main characters. She's so incredibly lovable. Lindsey Kelk has the power of creating the perfect main characters for her books, it's impossible for me to dislike any of her main characters, they have a certain flair about them.
full review on: http://silkereadsandwrites.blogspot.b...
There's two main things that this book has an advantage:
1) I heart Lindsey Kelk
2) I fancy the pants off any (fictional) men named Will or Tom.
There's nothing about this book I disliked. I finished it in two days and loved it from beginning to end. Maddie is a great main characters. She's so incredibly lovable. Lindsey Kelk has the power of creating the perfect main characters for her books, it's impossible for me to dislike any of her main characters, they have a certain flair about them.
full review on: http://silkereadsandwrites.blogspot.b...
January 29, 2016
3.5 stars
I liked this but didn't love it. There were some real laugh out loud moments in this book. Many characters in this book seemed to be very childish and naive - and they were supposed to be over 30 years old! And the so-called best friends make me shudder! They were awful friends. Except Tom whom I truly liked from the first second, all the other characters just weren't my cup of tea (her friends were really totally unlikeable and so selfish and just horrible).
Solid writing as always from Kelk. Definitely a friend-centric story with some boys thrown in on the side. Not my favorite, but still fun as hell.
I liked this but didn't love it. There were some real laugh out loud moments in this book. Many characters in this book seemed to be very childish and naive - and they were supposed to be over 30 years old! And the so-called best friends make me shudder! They were awful friends. Except Tom whom I truly liked from the first second, all the other characters just weren't my cup of tea (her friends were really totally unlikeable and so selfish and just horrible).
Solid writing as always from Kelk. Definitely a friend-centric story with some boys thrown in on the side. Not my favorite, but still fun as hell.
July 4, 2018
Love it.
March 27, 2016
I’m never not in the mood for a Lindsey Kelk book. I can’t put into words the excitement when I heard Lindsey was releasing a new standalone book, and when the book arrived early I couldn’t wait to get stuck in.
Maddie is an events assistant, she doesn’t like to say “no”. Not only is she working a project to secure a very long over due promotion at work, allowing her to take control and get away from her dragon of a boss. Her best friend Lauren is getting married and Maddie is planning the wedding, and has only three months notice to make it the perfect wedding for Lauren. Lauren expects Maddie to be on call 24/7. All the while she is supporting her other friend Sara, who is going through a divorce. Maddie is also back on the dating scene after splitting with her ex-boyfriend a long time ago.
Everyone takes Maddie for granted, family and best friends. Maddie is a bubbly character, she is all heart. She isn’t perfect and doesn’t make out to be. I think readers will have no trouble relating to her and everyone will be rooting for her, just as much as I was.
There is a good balance of humor, drama and heartfelt moments. Relationships, friendships and work drama as well, and of course there is a love interest (or two). The friendship between Maddie, Lauren and Sara is totally believable especially with some of the arguments they have with one another throughout. Very raw and realistic.
I’ll admit I saw where one part of the story was going, but none of the rest, a lot of it really surprised me. I love how everything came together at the end. Lindsey always creates such likeable and relatable characters. Characters in this book, are different from her previous characters, but they’re equally loveable.
I couldn’t put this books down, finished it in two sittings. I LOVED this book. I urge you to buy this book if you looking for an easy read. It’s definitely one of her best yet. You don’t want to miss out on this one!
Maddie is an events assistant, she doesn’t like to say “no”. Not only is she working a project to secure a very long over due promotion at work, allowing her to take control and get away from her dragon of a boss. Her best friend Lauren is getting married and Maddie is planning the wedding, and has only three months notice to make it the perfect wedding for Lauren. Lauren expects Maddie to be on call 24/7. All the while she is supporting her other friend Sara, who is going through a divorce. Maddie is also back on the dating scene after splitting with her ex-boyfriend a long time ago.
Everyone takes Maddie for granted, family and best friends. Maddie is a bubbly character, she is all heart. She isn’t perfect and doesn’t make out to be. I think readers will have no trouble relating to her and everyone will be rooting for her, just as much as I was.
There is a good balance of humor, drama and heartfelt moments. Relationships, friendships and work drama as well, and of course there is a love interest (or two). The friendship between Maddie, Lauren and Sara is totally believable especially with some of the arguments they have with one another throughout. Very raw and realistic.
I’ll admit I saw where one part of the story was going, but none of the rest, a lot of it really surprised me. I love how everything came together at the end. Lindsey always creates such likeable and relatable characters. Characters in this book, are different from her previous characters, but they’re equally loveable.
I couldn’t put this books down, finished it in two sittings. I LOVED this book. I urge you to buy this book if you looking for an easy read. It’s definitely one of her best yet. You don’t want to miss out on this one!
March 27, 2016
3.5 Stars
That was a fun read! :)
The story does not really tell anything new, as usual we have:
- the cute, clueless, clumsy and super adorable protagonist
- the totally self-centred, selfish but in the end totally awesome best friends
- the horrible family that does not understand her lifestyle, but who love her very much anyway
- the awful, bitchy boss who's life mission is to make hers completely miserable
- the so hot, but oh so wrong love interest
- the not so hot, but oh so right love interest
So from this description you might think that I did not enjoy the book, but I did! Mainly because Maddie is so funny that I spent most of the book laughing out loud, and it has been a while since I read a chick-lit book capable of that. What makes this book different is that, although you have all the stereotypical characters you expect to find in this kind of book, they are well written, and you care about them, which is not something many books accomplish.
Very mild spoilers ahead! (seriously, if you have read chick-lit books before these don't count as spoilers at all)
Some of the things the baby sister and the boss say to Maddie were absolutely outrageous, but in the end Maddie stands up for herself, so it's not too bad... I wish she would have told them where to stick it right away instead of exploding at the end, but still, better than nothing.
The conflict with the two love interests was obvious to everyone except Maddie, but I liked that when she found out the truth she did not blame herself, as I've seen in a lot of books... she reaches the bottom, allows herself a week of self-pity and crying and then decides to start making things right instead of waiting for everything to be magically solved.
So that's basically it, I'd definitely recommend this book when in need of something light and fun! I'll be reading more Lindsey Kelk books in the future, that's for sure (thank you Emer!!) :)
That was a fun read! :)
The story does not really tell anything new, as usual we have:
- the cute, clueless, clumsy and super adorable protagonist
- the totally self-centred, selfish but in the end totally awesome best friends
- the horrible family that does not understand her lifestyle, but who love her very much anyway
- the awful, bitchy boss who's life mission is to make hers completely miserable
- the so hot, but oh so wrong love interest
- the not so hot, but oh so right love interest
So from this description you might think that I did not enjoy the book, but I did! Mainly because Maddie is so funny that I spent most of the book laughing out loud, and it has been a while since I read a chick-lit book capable of that. What makes this book different is that, although you have all the stereotypical characters you expect to find in this kind of book, they are well written, and you care about them, which is not something many books accomplish.
Very mild spoilers ahead! (seriously, if you have read chick-lit books before these don't count as spoilers at all)
Some of the things the baby sister and the boss say to Maddie were absolutely outrageous, but in the end Maddie stands up for herself, so it's not too bad... I wish she would have told them where to stick it right away instead of exploding at the end, but still, better than nothing.
The conflict with the two love interests was obvious to everyone except Maddie, but I liked that when she found out the truth she did not blame herself, as I've seen in a lot of books... she reaches the bottom, allows herself a week of self-pity and crying and then decides to start making things right instead of waiting for everything to be magically solved.
So that's basically it, I'd definitely recommend this book when in need of something light and fun! I'll be reading more Lindsey Kelk books in the future, that's for sure (thank you Emer!!) :)
October 25, 2016
This book made me laugh out loud! Maddie was a hoot.
One of Maddie's best friends, Lauren, is getting married! Oh my! She wants Maddie, who is an assistant event planner to plan and execute her wedding. Not just a wedding, but a WEDDING .... and in three months.
This story revolves around Maddie, the bride to be, Lauren and the last of the group, Sarah who works for a law firm and who is having a marriage crisis of the worst kind.
Maddie is the main character. She has worked for the same company and the same woman for 10 years. And, a woman she strongly dislikes, I might add. She lives alone in a messy, cluttered apartment and she FB stalks her ex who is now married and has just had a baby!
Things just get more interesting as this story rolls along ... turning white rabbits pink in the bathtub in just her underwear, burning her tongue the morning of an important interview, having the vodka fountain catch on fire, being punched in the face at a bar thanks to her kinda boyfriend and his real supermodel girlfriend, planning a baby naming event for a gay couple complete with storks ... and many more hysterical moments.
This book had me laughing and cheering for the zany, quirky trio of friends living their lives and figuring it out as they go along! I will definitely recommend this book and think I'll grab another by this author! ;)
One of Maddie's best friends, Lauren, is getting married! Oh my! She wants Maddie, who is an assistant event planner to plan and execute her wedding. Not just a wedding, but a WEDDING .... and in three months.
This story revolves around Maddie, the bride to be, Lauren and the last of the group, Sarah who works for a law firm and who is having a marriage crisis of the worst kind.
Maddie is the main character. She has worked for the same company and the same woman for 10 years. And, a woman she strongly dislikes, I might add. She lives alone in a messy, cluttered apartment and she FB stalks her ex who is now married and has just had a baby!
Things just get more interesting as this story rolls along ... turning white rabbits pink in the bathtub in just her underwear, burning her tongue the morning of an important interview, having the vodka fountain catch on fire, being punched in the face at a bar thanks to her kinda boyfriend and his real supermodel girlfriend, planning a baby naming event for a gay couple complete with storks ... and many more hysterical moments.
This book had me laughing and cheering for the zany, quirky trio of friends living their lives and figuring it out as they go along! I will definitely recommend this book and think I'll grab another by this author! ;)
May 8, 2015
Loved this! Will probably keep reading Kelk's books until the end of time! (or until she stops writing - but let's hope that won't happen any time soon)
This book was such a lovely balance of relationship (problems), friendships and work drama. Finished it rather quickly, as well. Great read if you just want your brain to switch off for a bit, knowing you'll enjoy the book and there won't be too many great conflicts in it.
This review makes no sense, but let's just say I really, really enjoyed it.
This book was such a lovely balance of relationship (problems), friendships and work drama. Finished it rather quickly, as well. Great read if you just want your brain to switch off for a bit, knowing you'll enjoy the book and there won't be too many great conflicts in it.
This review makes no sense, but let's just say I really, really enjoyed it.
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