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Bad Bridesmaids #1
The Mistake
Amanda Griffin has made a mistake. Or maybe a long series of them.
First, she gets drunk at her sister's wedding and shares all her guilty secrets with Robert Castleman, the worst possible man. Then, at her cousin's wedding, she ends up in bed with him. At her best friend's wedding, they have a big, embarrassing fight. And then she gets stuck with him on the world's most annoying road trip. Her heart has always belonged to a man she can never have, so it's not like she'll ever fall for Robert. It's just that she can't get away from him, and now she's not sure she wants to.
Robert has lived his life watching from a distance and never investing in relationships that will end up hurting him. So the last thing he should do is hook up with his niece's best friend. She's too young. Too beautiful. Too clever. And already in love with someone else. But since he can't keep his hands off her, he'll at least be smart with his heart. After all, it would be a huge mistake to let himself fall for her.
But it's a mistake he can't help but make.
First, she gets drunk at her sister's wedding and shares all her guilty secrets with Robert Castleman, the worst possible man. Then, at her cousin's wedding, she ends up in bed with him. At her best friend's wedding, they have a big, embarrassing fight. And then she gets stuck with him on the world's most annoying road trip. Her heart has always belonged to a man she can never have, so it's not like she'll ever fall for Robert. It's just that she can't get away from him, and now she's not sure she wants to.
Robert has lived his life watching from a distance and never investing in relationships that will end up hurting him. So the last thing he should do is hook up with his niece's best friend. She's too young. Too beautiful. Too clever. And already in love with someone else. But since he can't keep his hands off her, he'll at least be smart with his heart. After all, it would be a huge mistake to let himself fall for her.
But it's a mistake he can't help but make.
193 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 11, 2021
493 people are currently reading
522 people want to read
About the author
Noelle Adams
140 books2,677 followersNoelle handwrote her first romance novel in a spiral-bound notebook when she was twelve, and she hasn't stopped writing since. She has lived in eight different states and currently resides in Virginia, where she teaches English, reads any book she can get her hands on, and offers tribute to a very spoiled cocker spaniel.
She loves travel, art, history, and ice cream. After spending far too many years of her life in graduate school, she has decided to reorient her priorities and focus on writing contemporary romances.
She loves travel, art, history, and ice cream. After spending far too many years of her life in graduate school, she has decided to reorient her priorities and focus on writing contemporary romances.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
May 28, 2021
Is this really written by the writer of the Second Best series?
Really?
Oh God, this was so bad! It felt like written by a teenager who had no talent to write a book at all.
Where is the "Noelle Adams" of those books I have read before?
Is this what happens when the quantity of books published becomes the focus rather than the quality? Or was it just because it was a short book? I know novellas are never good enough, always lacking depth but some are still charming.
This book has an unlikable heroine who thinks being a rude and presumptuous ass is being cute. She keeps calling the hero an asshole while he is doing nothing of the sort. And the hero, for whatever God-damn reason, finds her adorable.
The hero in the book also doesn't make sense. He is 10 years older than her. He is intelligent and mature. He is smart enough to see through her about anything and everything (even about matters her close friends and sisters can't see) but when it comes to her feelings about him, he has no idea - no clue. When he thinks what she may be feeling, he becomes the dumbest idiot of all and then acts accordingly. So long story short, he thinks she doesn't want more than one night, she thinks he doesn't want more than one night... blah bla.
And what was that about weddings? There are so many weddings... And they only meet at weddings for a long while. I have never read about so many weddings in one book.
Nope, don't waste your time; not recommended at all.
Writing:
It is juvenile and superficial.
Dual point of view.
133 pages.
Safety:
First they meet when she is in love with her best friend. The hero goes on casual dates just for sex. He doesn't want a relationship.
Four years pass.
There is only safety after they first have sex.
Really?
Oh God, this was so bad! It felt like written by a teenager who had no talent to write a book at all.
Where is the "Noelle Adams" of those books I have read before?
Is this what happens when the quantity of books published becomes the focus rather than the quality? Or was it just because it was a short book? I know novellas are never good enough, always lacking depth but some are still charming.
This book has an unlikable heroine who thinks being a rude and presumptuous ass is being cute. She keeps calling the hero an asshole while he is doing nothing of the sort. And the hero, for whatever God-damn reason, finds her adorable.
The hero in the book also doesn't make sense. He is 10 years older than her. He is intelligent and mature. He is smart enough to see through her about anything and everything (even about matters her close friends and sisters can't see) but when it comes to her feelings about him, he has no idea - no clue. When he thinks what she may be feeling, he becomes the dumbest idiot of all and then acts accordingly. So long story short, he thinks she doesn't want more than one night, she thinks he doesn't want more than one night... blah bla.
And what was that about weddings? There are so many weddings... And they only meet at weddings for a long while. I have never read about so many weddings in one book.
Nope, don't waste your time; not recommended at all.
Writing:
It is juvenile and superficial.
Dual point of view.
133 pages.
Safety:
First they meet when she is in love with her best friend. The hero goes on casual dates just for sex. He doesn't want a relationship.
Four years pass.
There is only safety after they first have sex.
January 17, 2023
3 - 3.5 stars
RTC
Plot --- 3.5/5
Writing Style --- 4/5
Main Characters --- 4/5
Supporting Cast --- 3/5
Steam Level* --- 3.5/5
Violence --- nothing I can think of
Triggers --- none
Language --- some
POV --- 3rd
*Note that steam level is not a rating so much as a how hot was it: 0/5 - clean; 1/5 - mild (nothing descriptive); 2/5 - 3rd base action/1 home run; 3/5 - now we're getting somewhere (a couple of full-on steamy scenes); 4/5 - yes please! (erotica territory); 5/5 - they did EVERYTHING in this one, y'all
RTC
Plot --- 3.5/5
Writing Style --- 4/5
Main Characters --- 4/5
Supporting Cast --- 3/5
Steam Level* --- 3.5/5
Violence --- nothing I can think of
Triggers --- none
Language --- some
POV --- 3rd
*Note that steam level is not a rating so much as a how hot was it: 0/5 - clean; 1/5 - mild (nothing descriptive); 2/5 - 3rd base action/1 home run; 3/5 - now we're getting somewhere (a couple of full-on steamy scenes); 4/5 - yes please! (erotica territory); 5/5 - they did EVERYTHING in this one, y'all
May 9, 2021
This was such a fun read! I loved the humor and wit woven throughout the building relationship between Amanda and Robert. While she’s got “sharp edges”, Robert sees there is so much more to her. The way their banter was give and take had me laughing out loud. I can’t recall another Noelle Adams book that had me grinning this much.
I loved having this hero’s point of view and being allowed to see how the heroine affected him. It was totally delicious on every level. His attraction towards her was believable and I was completely caught up in the story and where this was all going to go.
While this was definitely a low angst read, it had enough drama to push the story forward at a pace that had me finishing before I realized it. This couple is definitely going down as one of my favorites. Can’t wait for the next one in the series!
Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
I loved having this hero’s point of view and being allowed to see how the heroine affected him. It was totally delicious on every level. His attraction towards her was believable and I was completely caught up in the story and where this was all going to go.
While this was definitely a low angst read, it had enough drama to push the story forward at a pace that had me finishing before I realized it. This couple is definitely going down as one of my favorites. Can’t wait for the next one in the series!
Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
July 15, 2021
I think I say this all the time with Noelle Adams, but even the not-so-great books are better than a majority of Romance that I read. How can she do this to me every time I read any of the books in her series?
And, amazingly, always in or around 200pgs. It boggles my mind the formula she has been able to strike each time she writes and publishes. I seriously wish there were more Authors like this where each book was a fascinating microcosm in of itself.
My only complaint was the heroine, Amanda, because half the time the massive chip on her shoulder caused her to snap on poor Robert just because he may have been too quiet and contemplative. Or looked at her sideways and wrong. Okay, maybe it was nice to see a female lead stick up for herself, but man, half the time Robert had done nothing [at least from my angle] to warrant a certain insta-nastiness she seemed to have with him, each time they met up.
And, Dear God, it felt like a nauseating Wedding Season where Amanda was always a Bridesmaid...and someone kept inviting Robert or he was his niece's Plus One...so, yeah, they kept Hate-to-Love bumping heads and having combative chats. Mostly ones where Amanda simply took her bad feelings out on Robert.
I loved Robert. I cannot explain why but maybe because he's that really attractive, inexplicably great guy who no one suspects could be a possible "catch". He has never made himself available and it looks like the more he and Amanda go toe-to-toe...the more he cannot get enough of her.
This is a age-gap, which is one of my favorite tropes. I never mind how big or huge the gap is, just as long as the Heroine shows a bit more maturity so she is near equal. And then with the Hero, I don't want him to "baby girl" or infant-tal-ize the Heroine. It's a kink, I know, but I like it more when it's obvious and upfront, for me to walk into a book where I WANT the kink. Not for me to stumble upon while I read an age-gap and the Author, themselves, has chosen to make it a Daddy/baby girl thing...it turns me away and sours my reading enjoyment.
Don't worry, this was not that. It was interesting because Amanda and Robert's niece, Taylor, are from a friends group...and he is close in age to ALL of them. I would almost say he is 10yrs older than 26...and, seems stuck in that early-stages of his hair going "silver" [yum! love me some Silver Fox!] He is the youngest of the brothers, also he is Taylor's FAVE Uncle...and she enjoys hanging out with him. Probably taking him with her to these weddings she is also a Bridesmaid of, too.
I loved their relationship, but there were a few times where Taylor got a bit, too...uhm, butt-in-ski with him. I'd like to think Robert was intelligent enough in the Romance department to know at what speed he should pursue Amanda, but yeah, the nudging from Taylor was bit wonky for me.
I liked watching Robert's progression of falling in love with Amanda, but not the other way around. Something was really OFF about Amanda. And I think Robert hit the nail on the head near the ending there, when he feared Amanda was still infatuated with her crush/adoration of Dave/David...her male best friend who ends up marrying her baby sister at the start.
I still happened to enjoy Amanda because of the background she was given...of being a slight beauty pageant contestant as a young child, but leaving THAT Life behind because she could detect this was more for her Mom and not Amanda. It still managed to make Amanda an interesting character to dig deeper into. This made Robert a bit more compassionate to whom Amanda was in private, at the present time, and why she tried so often to change herself whenever she felt ODD inside her own skin.
I liked that Amanda felt different than her other girlfriends. And couldn't figure out why she had felt she had almost gone stale or hit a stop-gap in her own Life...where she couldn't possibly know where to go next without fully realizing she was denying her feelings for Robert...and he was her obvious Next Step...
Good Romance and a sweet HEA, as always.
And, amazingly, always in or around 200pgs. It boggles my mind the formula she has been able to strike each time she writes and publishes. I seriously wish there were more Authors like this where each book was a fascinating microcosm in of itself.
My only complaint was the heroine, Amanda, because half the time the massive chip on her shoulder caused her to snap on poor Robert just because he may have been too quiet and contemplative. Or looked at her sideways and wrong. Okay, maybe it was nice to see a female lead stick up for herself, but man, half the time Robert had done nothing [at least from my angle] to warrant a certain insta-nastiness she seemed to have with him, each time they met up.
And, Dear God, it felt like a nauseating Wedding Season where Amanda was always a Bridesmaid...and someone kept inviting Robert or he was his niece's Plus One...so, yeah, they kept Hate-to-Love bumping heads and having combative chats. Mostly ones where Amanda simply took her bad feelings out on Robert.
I loved Robert. I cannot explain why but maybe because he's that really attractive, inexplicably great guy who no one suspects could be a possible "catch". He has never made himself available and it looks like the more he and Amanda go toe-to-toe...the more he cannot get enough of her.
This is a age-gap, which is one of my favorite tropes. I never mind how big or huge the gap is, just as long as the Heroine shows a bit more maturity so she is near equal. And then with the Hero, I don't want him to "baby girl" or infant-tal-ize the Heroine. It's a kink, I know, but I like it more when it's obvious and upfront, for me to walk into a book where I WANT the kink. Not for me to stumble upon while I read an age-gap and the Author, themselves, has chosen to make it a Daddy/baby girl thing...it turns me away and sours my reading enjoyment.
Don't worry, this was not that. It was interesting because Amanda and Robert's niece, Taylor, are from a friends group...and he is close in age to ALL of them. I would almost say he is 10yrs older than 26...and, seems stuck in that early-stages of his hair going "silver" [yum! love me some Silver Fox!] He is the youngest of the brothers, also he is Taylor's FAVE Uncle...and she enjoys hanging out with him. Probably taking him with her to these weddings she is also a Bridesmaid of, too.
I loved their relationship, but there were a few times where Taylor got a bit, too...uhm, butt-in-ski with him. I'd like to think Robert was intelligent enough in the Romance department to know at what speed he should pursue Amanda, but yeah, the nudging from Taylor was bit wonky for me.
I liked watching Robert's progression of falling in love with Amanda, but not the other way around. Something was really OFF about Amanda. And I think Robert hit the nail on the head near the ending there, when he feared Amanda was still infatuated with her crush/adoration of Dave/David...her male best friend who ends up marrying her baby sister at the start.
I still happened to enjoy Amanda because of the background she was given...of being a slight beauty pageant contestant as a young child, but leaving THAT Life behind because she could detect this was more for her Mom and not Amanda. It still managed to make Amanda an interesting character to dig deeper into. This made Robert a bit more compassionate to whom Amanda was in private, at the present time, and why she tried so often to change herself whenever she felt ODD inside her own skin.
I liked that Amanda felt different than her other girlfriends. And couldn't figure out why she had felt she had almost gone stale or hit a stop-gap in her own Life...where she couldn't possibly know where to go next without fully realizing she was denying her feelings for Robert...and he was her obvious Next Step...
Good Romance and a sweet HEA, as always.
November 29, 2022
This brought me back to those years where it seemed like I went to a million weddings. Luckily, I was not a bridesmaid as many times as Amanda. That adds up fast! In any case, this was quite the enjoyable read. It had a good amount of steam and it made me cry, per usual with this author. I would have liked to learn more about Robert and why he decided to avoid commitment all those years but it sure was great to see how hard he fell for Amanda.
Characters: Amanda is a 28 year old white retail marketing executive. Robert is a white man who is about 10 years older than her. This is set in Richmond, VA.
Content notes: minor car accident, past parental divorce, toxic mother (only present at beginning), past death of MMC’s father, unsafe sex practices (condomless sex without discussion of STI status or prevention; she’s at least on birth control), on page sex, alcohol, inebriation, gender essentialist language, ableist language
Characters: Amanda is a 28 year old white retail marketing executive. Robert is a white man who is about 10 years older than her. This is set in Richmond, VA.
Content notes: minor car accident, past parental divorce, toxic mother (only present at beginning), past death of MMC’s father, unsafe sex practices (condomless sex without discussion of STI status or prevention; she’s at least on birth control), on page sex, alcohol, inebriation, gender essentialist language, ableist language
December 11, 2021
A lovely romance with some steamy sex scenes. I enjoy this author's books because they seem so real to life, her characters are well thought out and the writing is excellent, but very easy to read.
November 28, 2024
Good ol' Noelle with her Harlequin-like stories. One can't read them one by one, but in small doses, it can even help with reading slumps 😜
One star down for too manwhorish H for my taste. Nothing too unsafe, but he definitely wasn't celibate since he met her. Noelle can do a bit better than that...
May 12, 2021
The Mistake flew by as a read for me. I loved the way it’s set up as a series of vignettes tied to different weddings, where the heroine Amanda is in the wedding party each time. And because he’s the uncle of her friend, Amanda keeps encountering the hero Richard at these celebrations. Richard’s a bit antisocial and primarily engages with women in a series of one-night stands. Amanda’s harbored a secret crush on a close friend for years only to have it dissolve in a rather harsh reality. Seeing this two slowly navigate together was truly a fun trip.
I liked that both protagonists had their own lives and interests and that it took them time to deal with the unexpected, magnetic pull they have towards one another. I like that they started with lust that slowly turns to love. There are some tropes in The Mistake around getting drunk at weddings that are used to their best advantage, as well as some wonderful repetitive themes, like Amanda and Richard meeting up at porch railings at every reception. I kept anticipating the moments when one would move towards that balcony off of every reception ballroom!
This is a strong start to a new series by Adams, set in her familiar southern Virginia territory. I would have liked a bit more detail about Richard’s life and interests; I think it would have rounded out his character more. But Richard and Amanda are interesting, mature characters who don’t scorn the possibilities they discover in one another. The Mistake is another wonderful offering from Noelle Adams.
I liked that both protagonists had their own lives and interests and that it took them time to deal with the unexpected, magnetic pull they have towards one another. I like that they started with lust that slowly turns to love. There are some tropes in The Mistake around getting drunk at weddings that are used to their best advantage, as well as some wonderful repetitive themes, like Amanda and Richard meeting up at porch railings at every reception. I kept anticipating the moments when one would move towards that balcony off of every reception ballroom!
This is a strong start to a new series by Adams, set in her familiar southern Virginia territory. I would have liked a bit more detail about Richard’s life and interests; I think it would have rounded out his character more. But Richard and Amanda are interesting, mature characters who don’t scorn the possibilities they discover in one another. The Mistake is another wonderful offering from Noelle Adams.
did-not-finish
March 18, 2025DNF at 5%
This guy is super annoying. I'm guessing he's the love interest and I'm not interested
This guy is super annoying. I'm guessing he's the love interest and I'm not interested
May 6, 2021
This is book one in The Bad Bridesmaids Series and it is Amanda and Robert's story. Amanda has had feelings for her best friend Dave only to be devastated when he married her sister Stacey so Amanda puts on a brave face and carries on but then she meets Robert who is her best friends uncle and things don't go very well as they argue and bicker all the time. Robert met Amanda four years and he has watched her so much that he feels like he really knows her really well even though she is beautiful and sarcastic so when they have a one night stand it really changed him as he doesn't do commitment of relationships but he can't stop thinking about her and he wants to spend more time with her. Amanda realised that she has developed really strong feelings for Robert but will she end up heartbroken yet again. Amanda and Robert's chemistry and connection between them was so strong that you could feel it sizzling of the pages and I couldn't put this book down as I had to see what would happen next between them. I absolutely loved this story so much and it was a really great start to a new series and I can't wait to read the next book. Noelle Adams is an amazing author and writer and I definitely recommend you read this book and others by her and you will definitely not be disappointed as she certainly knows how to keep her reader's attention right from the first page until the last one and it was so addictive.
I Voluntarily Reviewed an Arc Copy of this book.
I Voluntarily Reviewed an Arc Copy of this book.
August 18, 2024
I didn’t finish after about 35%. It’s probably an okay little ready but it just checks off too many romance novel cliches. Such as: every character is smoking hot and perfect, dual point of view so there’s no mystery, the dual point of view monologues are redundant as we listen to both characters lusting after the other, guy gets to be smirky and cool while the girl is annoyed at everything he does, and both are just inexplicably drawn to the other for reasons they can’t explain. I’ve read this set up in about 19 out of 20 romance novels so at this point I just want a little more originality. I think a lot of people must like this though or it wouldn’t be so widely used. I did like the characters okay though from what I saw of them and I liked the set up and was almost compelled to try and overlook the cliches so it does have some things going for it.
October 12, 2021
Not a fan of the older man-young woman romance.
January 29, 2023
3.5 🌟
Not much storyline, but an enjoyable quick read with well-formed characters.
When we meet Amanda she is a bridesmaid at her little sister's wedding. Unfortunately, her new brother-in-law is one of her closest friends, whom she has had an unrequited, secret crush on for years. It's too late now though, and she's trying to hold it together for the sake of her sweet and oblivious sister.
Someone does notice her distress though. Robert is the young uncle of one of Amanda's friends. He is ten years older than them, but has been at the periphery of their group of friends for a few months since returning from a career in finance in London to help support his ailing mother back home.
Robert doesn't do relationships, and is usually more than happy to date women casually. But there is something about Amanda that has intrigued him from the beginning. She is attractive and sassy. The two of them have had occasion to discuss a variety of subjects in passing and he likes to bait her because she is a bit prickly and returns the favour with gusto. He decides to keep her company at the wedding in a show of support. After she gets drunk, he drives her safely home and leaves.
Amanda is embarrassed by the whole thing, but she is drawn to the aloof Robert and seeks him out at the next wedding they both attend. (There are a lot of weddings happening in the few months this book takes place - must be the season). They have an amazing, passionate night together, but both think the other isn't interested in anything serious.
There are some miscommunication issues and hurt feelings, but once everything comes out in the open there is a satisfying HEA. Both the MC's have part in the blame for their issues, and they seemed a good pairing.
This book contains descriptive love scenes.
Not much storyline, but an enjoyable quick read with well-formed characters.
When we meet Amanda she is a bridesmaid at her little sister's wedding. Unfortunately, her new brother-in-law is one of her closest friends, whom she has had an unrequited, secret crush on for years. It's too late now though, and she's trying to hold it together for the sake of her sweet and oblivious sister.
Someone does notice her distress though. Robert is the young uncle of one of Amanda's friends. He is ten years older than them, but has been at the periphery of their group of friends for a few months since returning from a career in finance in London to help support his ailing mother back home.
Robert doesn't do relationships, and is usually more than happy to date women casually. But there is something about Amanda that has intrigued him from the beginning. She is attractive and sassy. The two of them have had occasion to discuss a variety of subjects in passing and he likes to bait her because she is a bit prickly and returns the favour with gusto. He decides to keep her company at the wedding in a show of support. After she gets drunk, he drives her safely home and leaves.
Amanda is embarrassed by the whole thing, but she is drawn to the aloof Robert and seeks him out at the next wedding they both attend. (There are a lot of weddings happening in the few months this book takes place - must be the season). They have an amazing, passionate night together, but both think the other isn't interested in anything serious.
There are some miscommunication issues and hurt feelings, but once everything comes out in the open there is a satisfying HEA. Both the MC's have part in the blame for their issues, and they seemed a good pairing.
This book contains descriptive love scenes.
May 18, 2021
I have read every single book by Noelle Adams and I owe every single book as well. The Mistake was such a wonderful book. Most of the time the person we are meant to love and be with is just starring us right in the face. The book starts with Amanda watching her younger sister marrying Dave the man she is in “love” with. Robert, the uncle of Amanda’s best friend who has a thing for her, figures out Amanda is getting wasted because she thinks she has a thing for the groom. Robert comes across as a guy who doesn’t want to commit but he takes care of Amanda at a few weddings because Amanda is sick and tired of always being a bridesmaid. When Amanda and Robert get together one night it is really beautiful and Amanda feels good but doesn’t hear from Robert for 5 weeks till the next wedding and they have a big fight but they both realize could they have something more. It was just a beautiful romantic book making you feel good in all the right places. The end was the usual you can expect from a Noelle Adams book, PERFECTION. I give this book at least 10 +++ stars. I received an ARC for this book but I always buy a copy of the book anyways.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 15, 2023
the mistake is an odd title
I guess her thinking she loved Dave was a mistake and that’s why it’s named that. The series being called Bad Bridesmaids is a strange name since it was pretty adamant that she was an exceptional bridesmaid and wedding planner for her sister to get married to the man she though she was in love with.
I’m not sure how old Robert was but they made him sound like some wizened old man with gray hair at first but then said her friend was marrying someone he went to grad school with so then it sounded like they were only 10-15 years apart perhaps.
It would have been nice to find that tidbit out and have Taylor come say something to Amanda about their relationship since she seemed to be a bigger part in the first part of the book. I know the second book is going to have Serena be a bridesmaid in Amanda and Robert’s wedding and end up marrying Keith, her best friend so we don’t have to read that one.
Overall this was ok but ultra predictable.
I guess her thinking she loved Dave was a mistake and that’s why it’s named that. The series being called Bad Bridesmaids is a strange name since it was pretty adamant that she was an exceptional bridesmaid and wedding planner for her sister to get married to the man she though she was in love with.
I’m not sure how old Robert was but they made him sound like some wizened old man with gray hair at first but then said her friend was marrying someone he went to grad school with so then it sounded like they were only 10-15 years apart perhaps.
It would have been nice to find that tidbit out and have Taylor come say something to Amanda about their relationship since she seemed to be a bigger part in the first part of the book. I know the second book is going to have Serena be a bridesmaid in Amanda and Robert’s wedding and end up marrying Keith, her best friend so we don’t have to read that one.
Overall this was ok but ultra predictable.
July 9, 2023
the wedding affair
I thought it was brilliant that all the times Amanda and Robert met was at weddings where she was a bridesmaid. They are both complicated people. He is a confirmed bachelor at least ten years older than her. She is rather out spoken but with a soft heart. She cares for her family even though her Mother is a pain. She organizes a wedding for her sister when she is marrying the man she has secretly in love with since high school.
Sometimes when an author introduces many characters it is difficult to keep them straight. Not so with this book. That's a big plus for me. The characters were interesting and their courtship somewhat unusual. They fought their attraction until they couldn't and that made it all the sweeter. I don't think I have read books by this author before but I will definately be looking for them in the future.
I thought it was brilliant that all the times Amanda and Robert met was at weddings where she was a bridesmaid. They are both complicated people. He is a confirmed bachelor at least ten years older than her. She is rather out spoken but with a soft heart. She cares for her family even though her Mother is a pain. She organizes a wedding for her sister when she is marrying the man she has secretly in love with since high school.
Sometimes when an author introduces many characters it is difficult to keep them straight. Not so with this book. That's a big plus for me. The characters were interesting and their courtship somewhat unusual. They fought their attraction until they couldn't and that made it all the sweeter. I don't think I have read books by this author before but I will definately be looking for them in the future.
July 25, 2021
I loved this up until the hero realized he was suddenly in love with the heroine after having spent exactly the following time with her (they were only acquaintances before then):
1. a few hours at a wedding sitting beside her while she got drunk
2. a few hours having hot sex before he left (didn't even stay overnight)
Really? What the hell did he fall in love with? Her hairstyle? Her efficiency planning the wedding? Because he never actually got any face time to get to know her.
The heroine was no better.
Ugh.
It's a shame because I liked the characters, they had chemistry, and the sex was steamy.
1. a few hours at a wedding sitting beside her while she got drunk
2. a few hours having hot sex before he left (didn't even stay overnight)
Really? What the hell did he fall in love with? Her hairstyle? Her efficiency planning the wedding? Because he never actually got any face time to get to know her.
The heroine was no better.
Ugh.
It's a shame because I liked the characters, they had chemistry, and the sex was steamy.
December 27, 2022
2.5 stars
A bit of a dud for me, was a great setup but didn’t get the story it deserved. By the time they’re saying I love you, they’ve only spent like four days together. He goes on this whole “I know you” spiel and it doesn’t really make sense because they haven’t spent enough time together or had enough build up to get there. Another one of Adams’s age gap novels (ten years) but more bland than any of the others. There was an attempt at backstory for the heroine (overly demanding mother) but so little attention given to it that it might as well have not been there.
Third person past tense dual POV.
A bit of a dud for me, was a great setup but didn’t get the story it deserved. By the time they’re saying I love you, they’ve only spent like four days together. He goes on this whole “I know you” spiel and it doesn’t really make sense because they haven’t spent enough time together or had enough build up to get there. Another one of Adams’s age gap novels (ten years) but more bland than any of the others. There was an attempt at backstory for the heroine (overly demanding mother) but so little attention given to it that it might as well have not been there.
Third person past tense dual POV.
January 22, 2023
It’s not that it wasn’t good, it just barely had any steam. I love Noelle Adams because she can really pack in the steam and gooey romance into a novella and it’s perfection, and that’s not the case here. I really wish this was longer and we could expand on their relationship because I needed more chemistry building moments before a major commitment phobic man is declaring love and wanting to be together forever. Now there was a Timelapse there of about 2 months, but in those 2 months they weren’t together or even speaking, so while I get him pining, I don’t get that time he’s brooding turning into something as intense as it’s portrayed.
To the point: I wanted more connection.
To the point: I wanted more connection.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 28, 2025
Dual POV, 3rd person, MF | age gap, quasi-forbidden, rich
Robert comforts Amanda at the wedding of her sister and her best friend who she has dreamed of being in love with. The problem is that Robert is her best friend’s Uncle. And while this sounds like a super spicy age gap, it is really just 10 years with the Uncle being the way younger brother of the friend. They continue to meet and lust after each other over a series of weddings. While a novella, the book had a decent amount of yearning and character development with the romance sprinkled in to be one of the more enjoyable Noelle Adams reads I’ve had.
*** Spoiler ***
The epilogue annoyed me the most because who proposes at someone else’s wedding. So tacky.
—
“But there was also something hot and uncontrolled about him. Like he couldn’t stop himself from doing what he was doing to her. And it was the headiest feeling she could remember. That there was something about her that was capable of snapping the threads of this man’s control.”
Robert comforts Amanda at the wedding of her sister and her best friend who she has dreamed of being in love with. The problem is that Robert is her best friend’s Uncle. And while this sounds like a super spicy age gap, it is really just 10 years with the Uncle being the way younger brother of the friend. They continue to meet and lust after each other over a series of weddings. While a novella, the book had a decent amount of yearning and character development with the romance sprinkled in to be one of the more enjoyable Noelle Adams reads I’ve had.
*** Spoiler ***
The epilogue annoyed me the most because who proposes at someone else’s wedding. So tacky.
—
“But there was also something hot and uncontrolled about him. Like he couldn’t stop himself from doing what he was doing to her. And it was the headiest feeling she could remember. That there was something about her that was capable of snapping the threads of this man’s control.”
May 9, 2021
This is a short book, but it packs a big emotional and romantic punch. Both Amanda and Robert have made firm decisions about what their lives should be like, so they are completely unprepared for love to find them. I loved Amanda's "gettin' stuff done" attitude and Robert's sense of humor. They had such a romantic connection and made each other better people. I was also glad to see cameos by Charles and Ariana Kensington because I was really hoping that they would get books. This is a great start to a new series, and I am really looking forward to the next books!
May 6, 2021
I enjoyed this book a lot and it was nice to meet some new and old characters again. Amanda and Robert’s banter was great and their connection was clear from the start. They fell in love pretty quickly but it felt right in the context. I loved the character of Amanda, Noelle has a knack for writing strong female MCs and I always enjoy them while seeing some vulnerability in her male MCs at the same time. Looking forward to the next instalment.
May 11, 2021
I love Noelle Adams books! I love how romantic they are, how the characters are sensitive and so real in their feelings. Noelle Adams has always been inspired by the classics authors and this book, in my opinion, is an homage to Jane Austen. The writing is so delicate and the characters Amanda and Robert are lovable and not a cliche. They fun in their banttle of words, but in the end adorable in the way they fit together.
A beautiful book to jump start this series!
I loved it!
A beautiful book to jump start this series!
I loved it!
May 14, 2021
3.5 stars
I really enjoyed diving into this one. I loved the premise, characters and chemistry between them. The book started off strong but ultimately it being a short story, I couldn’t help but feel that it was a little rushed towards the end and so the professions came off cheesy and sappy instead of swoon worthy. I really wished we got more time and pages to see Robert and Amanda’s relationship grow and weather through some conflicts.
I really enjoyed diving into this one. I loved the premise, characters and chemistry between them. The book started off strong but ultimately it being a short story, I couldn’t help but feel that it was a little rushed towards the end and so the professions came off cheesy and sappy instead of swoon worthy. I really wished we got more time and pages to see Robert and Amanda’s relationship grow and weather through some conflicts.
January 13, 2023
Not one Noelle Adams' better novels.
The story started off real strong - I loved the age gap, best friend's uncle situation (lol - he's not that much older though). And the sexual tension and angst were piled HIGH (as one can always count on Adams to deliver)! Unfortunately, things petered off really quickly at the 25% mark and so made for an uneventful rest of the book.
More pining and angst please!!! 🙃
The story started off real strong - I loved the age gap, best friend's uncle situation (lol - he's not that much older though). And the sexual tension and angst were piled HIGH (as one can always count on Adams to deliver)! Unfortunately, things petered off really quickly at the 25% mark and so made for an uneventful rest of the book.
More pining and angst please!!! 🙃
May 11, 2021
He best friend, the men she love is marrying her sister, what else can go wrong............she gets drunk, and tells all to Robert her friend's uncle. From there is even worse.
I loved how Robert explain things to Amanda, how he was right.
This is the book you start and finish in one sitting.
Enjoyed the storyline.
I loved how Robert explain things to Amanda, how he was right.
This is the book you start and finish in one sitting.
Enjoyed the storyline.
July 29, 2021
I enjoyed this a lot .
The maturity of the lead characters showed in their conversation. It’s absolutely not easy to let go of your dreams or take a plunge or even try to be vulnerable especially if you seem to have it together. Twas very relatable to me and probably why I had a good time with this.
The maturity of the lead characters showed in their conversation. It’s absolutely not easy to let go of your dreams or take a plunge or even try to be vulnerable especially if you seem to have it together. Twas very relatable to me and probably why I had a good time with this.
January 18, 2023
meh
Started off good, but then the FMC lost her street cred and just giggled and acted like an airhead for several chapters. She stopped acting like an almost 30 yo and started sounding like an innocent 18 yo, and it was weird.
I purchased this book for free on kindle. It’s a low-angst palate cleanser with a miscommunication trope and a slight age gap.
Started off good, but then the FMC lost her street cred and just giggled and acted like an airhead for several chapters. She stopped acting like an almost 30 yo and started sounding like an innocent 18 yo, and it was weird.
I purchased this book for free on kindle. It’s a low-angst palate cleanser with a miscommunication trope and a slight age gap.
July 9, 2023
Loved Amanda
The Mistake by Noelle Adams
Loved Amanda. She wasn't afraid to be direct and a bit brash with Robert. He's kind of cool & aloof, dates frequently but doesn't do relationships. She doesn't do casual so they both try to be standoffish. But the chemistry was strong and they kept getting thrown together.
The Mistake by Noelle Adams
Loved Amanda. She wasn't afraid to be direct and a bit brash with Robert. He's kind of cool & aloof, dates frequently but doesn't do relationships. She doesn't do casual so they both try to be standoffish. But the chemistry was strong and they kept getting thrown together.
June 1, 2024
Geezus, this was average.
Completely predictable. Characters were mediocre and the dialogue from the main male character was completely unrealistic. Men don’t think or talk like this. I think the author was going for “enemies to lovers” but it didn’t land. I found myself rolling my eyes so many times. This book is so blah - skip.
Completely predictable. Characters were mediocre and the dialogue from the main male character was completely unrealistic. Men don’t think or talk like this. I think the author was going for “enemies to lovers” but it didn’t land. I found myself rolling my eyes so many times. This book is so blah - skip.
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