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Bad Luck Bridesmaid
It’s official: Zoey Marks is the cursed bridesmaid that no engagement can survive. Ten years, three empire waist dresses, and ZERO brides have walked down the aisle.
After strike three, Zoey is left wondering if her own ambivalence towards marriage has rubbed off on those she loves. And when her building distrust of matrimony culminates in turning down a proposal from her perfect All-American boyfriend, Rylan Harper III, she and Rylan are both left heartbroken, leaving Zoey to wonder: what is it exactly about tying the knot that makes her want to run in the opposite direction?
Enter Hannah Green: Zoey’s best friend, who announces that she’s marrying a guy she just met (cue eye roll). At a castle. In gorgeous, romantic Ireland, where Rylan will be in attendance, and Zoey will be a bridesmaid. It’ll be fine.
Okay, the woman definition of fine (NOT FINE).
Determined to turn her luck around, Zoey accepts her role and vows to get Hannah down the aisle—all the while praying her best friend’s wedded bliss will allow her to embrace marriage and get Rylan back.
But as the weekend goes on, Zoey is plagued with more questions than answers. Can you be a free spirit, yet still want a certain future? Can you have love and be loved on your terms? And how DO you wrangle a bossy falcon into doing your bidding?
After strike three, Zoey is left wondering if her own ambivalence towards marriage has rubbed off on those she loves. And when her building distrust of matrimony culminates in turning down a proposal from her perfect All-American boyfriend, Rylan Harper III, she and Rylan are both left heartbroken, leaving Zoey to wonder: what is it exactly about tying the knot that makes her want to run in the opposite direction?
Enter Hannah Green: Zoey’s best friend, who announces that she’s marrying a guy she just met (cue eye roll). At a castle. In gorgeous, romantic Ireland, where Rylan will be in attendance, and Zoey will be a bridesmaid. It’ll be fine.
Okay, the woman definition of fine (NOT FINE).
Determined to turn her luck around, Zoey accepts her role and vows to get Hannah down the aisle—all the while praying her best friend’s wedded bliss will allow her to embrace marriage and get Rylan back.
But as the weekend goes on, Zoey is plagued with more questions than answers. Can you be a free spirit, yet still want a certain future? Can you have love and be loved on your terms? And how DO you wrangle a bossy falcon into doing your bidding?
320 pages, Paperback
First published January 11, 2022
102 people are currently reading
16290 people want to read
About the author
Alison Rose Greenberg
3 books420 followersAlison Rose Greenberg (she/her) is a screenwriter who lives in Atlanta, but is quick to say she was born in New York City. While attending The University of Southern California, Alison took her first screenwriting class and fell head over heels. A journey from screenwriting led to marketing jobs, before coming full-circle back to her first love. Alison speaks fluent rom-com, lives for 90’s WB dramas, cries to Taylor Swift, and is a proud single mom to her two incredible kids and one poorly-trained dog.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 889 reviews
April 11, 2022
Another sweet, entertaining but just a little disappointed reading journey left me trapped in limbo: I’m going back and forth between three and four stars!
I think three might be enough because I was expecting to read romance story after seeing marvelous cover and hints at the blurb but this is more women’s fiction/ chic lit about a young woman’s self realization and discovery about herself and what she should expect about love. And I also didn’t enjoy how her story concluded. This is kind of her happy ending but it was not the ending I hoped for her!
I also thought to give four stars because the cursed bridesmaid who brings bad luck to the brides she’s shepherding was interesting idea and at some parts reading a women’s fiction with romance vibes didn’t bother me at all as long as it has brilliant characterization and smart dialogues.
At some parts Zoey Marks was adorable, quirky, entertaining heroine but I think her attitude around Rylan who was so close to the definition of perfect boyfriend pissed me off.
The beginning of the book was a little elaborated: as wedding ceremonies begin to fail Zoey started to think of there was something wrong with her because she may be the reason why their marriages fail before beginning. She may be the one who is bringing bad luck to her friends who hoped to reach their HEAs.
When her longtime boyfriend Rylan proposes her, she rejects him and before she nurses her heartbreak, her BFF Hannah Green choses her as bridesmaid: can you believe she’s marrying a man she recently met and he’s related with Rylan ( dear cousin) !
Zoey crossed her fingers: maybe third time wasn’t a charm but at the fourth, she can beat her worst luck by attending the wedding she has to face her ex lover who is going his plus one! And he’s not her only concern. During the wedding so many unexpected things can make her rethink again about love, happiness and destiny.
Overall: I finally decided to give 3.25 stars! This doesn’t mean I didn’t enjoy this book! Even though main character’s indecisive attitudes and wrong choices, the way of ending things were a little disappointed for me, it was still above the average: feel good, entertaining, enjoyable reading experience for me! I think if the ending was different, I would give four stars without thinking.
I’m still curious to try other books of the author.
Special thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press / St. Martin’s Griffin for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest thoughts.
I think three might be enough because I was expecting to read romance story after seeing marvelous cover and hints at the blurb but this is more women’s fiction/ chic lit about a young woman’s self realization and discovery about herself and what she should expect about love. And I also didn’t enjoy how her story concluded. This is kind of her happy ending but it was not the ending I hoped for her!
I also thought to give four stars because the cursed bridesmaid who brings bad luck to the brides she’s shepherding was interesting idea and at some parts reading a women’s fiction with romance vibes didn’t bother me at all as long as it has brilliant characterization and smart dialogues.
At some parts Zoey Marks was adorable, quirky, entertaining heroine but I think her attitude around Rylan who was so close to the definition of perfect boyfriend pissed me off.
The beginning of the book was a little elaborated: as wedding ceremonies begin to fail Zoey started to think of there was something wrong with her because she may be the reason why their marriages fail before beginning. She may be the one who is bringing bad luck to her friends who hoped to reach their HEAs.
When her longtime boyfriend Rylan proposes her, she rejects him and before she nurses her heartbreak, her BFF Hannah Green choses her as bridesmaid: can you believe she’s marrying a man she recently met and he’s related with Rylan ( dear cousin) !
Zoey crossed her fingers: maybe third time wasn’t a charm but at the fourth, she can beat her worst luck by attending the wedding she has to face her ex lover who is going his plus one! And he’s not her only concern. During the wedding so many unexpected things can make her rethink again about love, happiness and destiny.
Overall: I finally decided to give 3.25 stars! This doesn’t mean I didn’t enjoy this book! Even though main character’s indecisive attitudes and wrong choices, the way of ending things were a little disappointed for me, it was still above the average: feel good, entertaining, enjoyable reading experience for me! I think if the ending was different, I would give four stars without thinking.
I’m still curious to try other books of the author.
Special thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press / St. Martin’s Griffin for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest thoughts.
April 28, 2022
this was pretty damn bad. i’ve been known to enjoy a chick lit/ non romance novel from time to time but there needs to be a point. this book was a circle.
February 24, 2022
Oooof. This book was a mess. Normally I love mess, but I pretty much immediately realized that Zoey's particular brand of hot mess express wasn't going to work for me, and I was (mostly?) right. Let's start with some positives because while I personally didn't love this one, I do think that this could end up really working for the right reader! Firstly, I listened to this via audio and thought the narration and the pace of the story was great! I definitely recommend grabbing the audio if it is accessible to you. Another thing I really liked? This book was surprisingly naughty, and never in a way that felt awkward or forced, which I very much appreciated lol. With those things being said...... I still was never really able to get over my general dislike of Zoey. She gave off big Not Like Other Girls energy right out the gate and never really stopped and it bugged the heck out of me. I do think I could like something else written by Greenberg in the future, but unfortunately this one was not at all the book for me. Big womp :(
cw: infertility, antisemitism, cheating
cw: infertility, antisemitism, cheating
December 22, 2021
If you are looking for a sweet romcom where a complicated woman discovers just the man for her, keep looking. This is not your book. If, however, you are looking for a book with a complicated heroine who spends several hundred pages deciding how she really feels about the sacrament of marriage, then this is your book. I can't say I am a big fan of Zoey Marks. She uses the F-word way too frequently and I just couldn't relate to her. Her decision-making is flawed and I find it hard to believe that she really is as highly placed in the career world as the plot indicates. There are some truths revealed regarding friendship and our relationships to our mothers that were worth catching. So, I am rounding up to 3 stars.
Thank you to St. Martins and NetGalley for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to St. Martins and NetGalley for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
January 10, 2022
Bad Luck Bridesmaid by Alison Rose Greenberg is a chicklit story that is heavier on the humor and lighter on the romance. This one is also more of a self discovery story with humorous situations.
Zoey Marks has always wanted to be there for her friends that have wanted to make the walk down the aisle and say I do even though Zoey wasn’t so sure of taking the plunge herself. However after three times in the last ten years Zoey had been asked to be a bridesmaid the wedding had been called off Zoey is sure she is the bad luck keeping her friends from happiness.
After all the failed attempts in Zoey’s life her boyfriend proposed and she could not bring herself to accept. This brings Zoey to attempt number four in her life to get a friend down the aisle. Hannah is Zoey’s best friend and she has decided to marry in Ireland to a man she just met and despite Zoey’s doubts she’s determined Hannah will make it down the aisle.
Bad Luck Bridesmaid by Alison Rose Greenberg wasn’t a bad story at all as it did have a lot of humorous moments along the way which I expected. The thing that brought my rating down to three stars and feeling this one was just an alright read in my mind was I expected more out of the romance side of the story. If looking for just humor and character growth it would rate a bit more. I will note too I was a bit disappointed in the location use in the story too as it really could have been taking place anywhere. Overall though this was just not everything I expected as it sort of just left me wishing for more.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
Zoey Marks has always wanted to be there for her friends that have wanted to make the walk down the aisle and say I do even though Zoey wasn’t so sure of taking the plunge herself. However after three times in the last ten years Zoey had been asked to be a bridesmaid the wedding had been called off Zoey is sure she is the bad luck keeping her friends from happiness.
After all the failed attempts in Zoey’s life her boyfriend proposed and she could not bring herself to accept. This brings Zoey to attempt number four in her life to get a friend down the aisle. Hannah is Zoey’s best friend and she has decided to marry in Ireland to a man she just met and despite Zoey’s doubts she’s determined Hannah will make it down the aisle.
Bad Luck Bridesmaid by Alison Rose Greenberg wasn’t a bad story at all as it did have a lot of humorous moments along the way which I expected. The thing that brought my rating down to three stars and feeling this one was just an alright read in my mind was I expected more out of the romance side of the story. If looking for just humor and character growth it would rate a bit more. I will note too I was a bit disappointed in the location use in the story too as it really could have been taking place anywhere. Overall though this was just not everything I expected as it sort of just left me wishing for more.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
February 11, 2022
I really want to like this book more than 3 stars. The idea of the story of cursed bridesmaid is appealing for chick lit. Like many chick lit I was expecting a journey of heroine's self discovery. And yes, Miss Greenberg done that.
I just feel the middle of the story is dragging to long. Some part is unnecessary. The book length can be shortened to 100 pages. Bad Luck Bridesmaid have hit and miss. At the end I do not hate it nor love it either. I feel OK.
3 stars
I just feel the middle of the story is dragging to long. Some part is unnecessary. The book length can be shortened to 100 pages. Bad Luck Bridesmaid have hit and miss. At the end I do not hate it nor love it either. I feel OK.
3 stars
August 24, 2021
*Thank you to Goodreads and St. Martin's Press for hosting the giveaway and sending me an ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*
I was really looking forward to reading this book. Based on the blurb and cover, I was expecting something along the lines of Made of Honor or Leap Year. However, it was a mess for me.
The main character (Zoey) is going to be the maid of honor at her best friend's wedding, but her ex boyfriend is her BF's cousin, so he'll be there too. They had barely broken up a few months prior (he proposed, she said no). He brings a date to this wedding, and it's hard for Zoey to be around that. There's some tension, which it typical for a rom-com like this. But then what happens during the wedding week is what had me so frustrated with the main characters. Their integrity is thrown out the window, the back and forth is just too ridiculous, and by the end of the book, they go their separate ways and then she ends up with a character that we have grown to hate throughout the book! The whole book she's pining over this guy and is in love with him, and then at the end she's kissing another guy like we were supposed to root for him the whole time. I get that she is struggling and growing and coming to terms with what she wants in life, but I wanted more of a happy-ish ending rather than a coming-of-age struggle.
The author has a lot of potential, so I'll try reading her future novels. But unfortunately I couldn't love the characters in this book, and there's barely any descriptive writing that makes me feel like they're in Ireland. Obviously the bird scenes and the "Loch Ness" scene plays into the setting, but other than that I would have no idea they were in Ireland! The location was a big selling point for me in wanting to read this book.
I was really looking forward to reading this book. Based on the blurb and cover, I was expecting something along the lines of Made of Honor or Leap Year. However, it was a mess for me.
The main character (Zoey) is going to be the maid of honor at her best friend's wedding, but her ex boyfriend is her BF's cousin, so he'll be there too. They had barely broken up a few months prior (he proposed, she said no). He brings a date to this wedding, and it's hard for Zoey to be around that. There's some tension, which it typical for a rom-com like this. But then what happens during the wedding week is what had me so frustrated with the main characters. Their integrity is thrown out the window, the back and forth is just too ridiculous, and by the end of the book, they go their separate ways and then she ends up with a character that we have grown to hate throughout the book! The whole book she's pining over this guy and is in love with him, and then at the end she's kissing another guy like we were supposed to root for him the whole time. I get that she is struggling and growing and coming to terms with what she wants in life, but I wanted more of a happy-ish ending rather than a coming-of-age struggle.
The author has a lot of potential, so I'll try reading her future novels. But unfortunately I couldn't love the characters in this book, and there's barely any descriptive writing that makes me feel like they're in Ireland. Obviously the bird scenes and the "Loch Ness" scene plays into the setting, but other than that I would have no idea they were in Ireland! The location was a big selling point for me in wanting to read this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 30, 2021
To avoid any disappointment, I think it's important to know this isn't a traditional romance. Filled with complicated characters and messy situations, this story was so raw and compelling. I sobbed through the last few chapters. They were tears for both a heartbreaking journey but also an uplifting conclusion. I loved this book.
After witnessing numerous failed weddings, Zoey has claimed herself the Bad Luck Bridesmaid. Until meeting Rylan, her independent and wild spirit had no plans for love, preferring to live her life alone. The first 30% or so is written like a fast-track prologue, moving through friendship details, bridesmaid woes, and eventually her relationship with Rylan. I was hesitant at first, but it really came all together when the story transitions to present day, Zoey once again a bridesmaid for a wedding in Ireland. And she's determined this one will succeed ...
Exploring the expectations of marriage and settling down, I appreciate the message in this story. And while I say it's not a traditional romance, the relationship between Zoey and Rylan ignited every single emotion I had. It was quite steamy, too! This book truly surprised me in the best way.
I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for review
After witnessing numerous failed weddings, Zoey has claimed herself the Bad Luck Bridesmaid. Until meeting Rylan, her independent and wild spirit had no plans for love, preferring to live her life alone. The first 30% or so is written like a fast-track prologue, moving through friendship details, bridesmaid woes, and eventually her relationship with Rylan. I was hesitant at first, but it really came all together when the story transitions to present day, Zoey once again a bridesmaid for a wedding in Ireland. And she's determined this one will succeed ...
Exploring the expectations of marriage and settling down, I appreciate the message in this story. And while I say it's not a traditional romance, the relationship between Zoey and Rylan ignited every single emotion I had. It was quite steamy, too! This book truly surprised me in the best way.
I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for review
January 24, 2022
This is not a rom-com! So that's the first thing you should know. The illustrated cover makes it look like one, but it is actually chick-lit. There is good banter and some steamy scenes, but this book is more about Zoey's growth and journey as a 31-year-old who doesn't know if marriage is for her, and we get to really see how she grows and is true-to-herself in this book.
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I felt like this could have gone several different ways, and I was able to guess correctly how this one ends. It's not your typical HEA, so just go into this book knowing that. I did get emotional at parts and I did 😭.
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Thank you @smpromance for the ARC, and to @netgalley for the eARC and audiobook ARC! I ended up listening to this on audiobook, and thought that the narrator (Sarah Naughton) did a great job!
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I felt like this could have gone several different ways, and I was able to guess correctly how this one ends. It's not your typical HEA, so just go into this book knowing that. I did get emotional at parts and I did 😭.
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Thank you @smpromance for the ARC, and to @netgalley for the eARC and audiobook ARC! I ended up listening to this on audiobook, and thought that the narrator (Sarah Naughton) did a great job!
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January 1, 2022
If you’re looking for a romcom about weddings with a HEA ending, then this book is not for you. The main character, Zoey, has been a bridesmaid 3 times when the bride got cold feet. She’s determined to stay single forever.
I wanted to like Zoey, but she’s an unlikeable character. She’s determined to go through life without being tied down, ie not married, and she doesn’t really care that she hurts people in service to her ideal. It’s truly “her way or the highway”, even for a wonderful guy she’s in love with and loves her.
I had a hard time believing that she could be as professionally successful as she was, success at that level requires flexibility, which Zoey does not possess.
There are too many references to her bad ass attitude, which does not excuse her prejudices and ultimately cruel behavior. She’s an entitled woman who, in 2 years of a relationship, apparently didn’t think it was important to let her bf know she wasn’t into long term commitment. Surprise!
She makes assumptions of people based on their looks, one friend’s fiancé was clearly unable to give his girlfriend an orgasm because he dressed like a southern preppy guy and played golf.
This could have been an enjoyable story of growth, showing why Zoe felt this way and how she moved past it, but instead the character’s selfishness rules the day.
I don’t like to give low ratings, because I know the author worked hard to produce this book, but this is deserved in my opinion. 2 stars. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I wanted to like Zoey, but she’s an unlikeable character. She’s determined to go through life without being tied down, ie not married, and she doesn’t really care that she hurts people in service to her ideal. It’s truly “her way or the highway”, even for a wonderful guy she’s in love with and loves her.
I had a hard time believing that she could be as professionally successful as she was, success at that level requires flexibility, which Zoey does not possess.
There are too many references to her bad ass attitude, which does not excuse her prejudices and ultimately cruel behavior. She’s an entitled woman who, in 2 years of a relationship, apparently didn’t think it was important to let her bf know she wasn’t into long term commitment. Surprise!
She makes assumptions of people based on their looks, one friend’s fiancé was clearly unable to give his girlfriend an orgasm because he dressed like a southern preppy guy and played golf.
This could have been an enjoyable story of growth, showing why Zoe felt this way and how she moved past it, but instead the character’s selfishness rules the day.
I don’t like to give low ratings, because I know the author worked hard to produce this book, but this is deserved in my opinion. 2 stars. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
April 22, 2022
Don't let the cute cover fool you; I had heard before I started Bad Luck Bridesmaid by Alison Rose Greenberg that it was going to be more of a heavy read than a romance, so I went in fully prepared. Like the reviews I had skimmed had said, this was indeed more about Zoey discovering who she was as a person, and it was a little lighter on the romance side of things. It had its funny moments for sure, but definitely not as many as I would expect from a full blown romcom, so in my mind, I am considering it more women's fiction with a dash of romance and humor. I enjoyed Zoey as a character for the most part (she is a little much at times), and I could fully appreciate her apprehension toward marriage and if it was something she would ever want at all. As a woman who doesn't want kids, I rather likened it to that, so I could understand how she felt and I already know the pressure that is placed on us as women, in general, to be a certain way and want certain things.
I also highly recommend listening to the audiobook which is narrated by Sarah Naughton. I have listened to a few books now that she has narrated, and she kills it every single time. I loved her as the voice of Zoey, and it is my opinion that she really helps the listener connect to this story as a whole. I really liked the pacing of the book, and I zipped through this one when I had the time to listen to it. For the voracious reader, it would be easily doable to listen to it or read it in one day, and the audiobook is just shy of being 10 hours long. I was really impressed with the characterization Greenberg was able to achieve in Bad Luck Bridesmaid, and each of the characters felt very real and whole. I was actually a little surprised that this is a debut, and based on how much I enjoyed it, I will definitely be reading whatever Greenberg comes out with next no matter what the genre.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I also highly recommend listening to the audiobook which is narrated by Sarah Naughton. I have listened to a few books now that she has narrated, and she kills it every single time. I loved her as the voice of Zoey, and it is my opinion that she really helps the listener connect to this story as a whole. I really liked the pacing of the book, and I zipped through this one when I had the time to listen to it. For the voracious reader, it would be easily doable to listen to it or read it in one day, and the audiobook is just shy of being 10 hours long. I was really impressed with the characterization Greenberg was able to achieve in Bad Luck Bridesmaid, and each of the characters felt very real and whole. I was actually a little surprised that this is a debut, and based on how much I enjoyed it, I will definitely be reading whatever Greenberg comes out with next no matter what the genre.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
July 25, 2023
Recommended: YES
For people who aren't sure love necessitates marriage, for folks who are working on figuring out what's important to them (and how to be honest about it), for a romance that handles some issues much bigger than just trying to get with the love interest
Thoughts:
ALRIGHT. I thought this would be a standard fair romcom. The premise of the bridesmaid whose brides never get married, which then makes her nervous about being in her best friend's wedding, sounds lighthearted and quirky and overall pretty gentle right? WELL THAT'S NOT THIS BOOK.
Here's how it differs. First, there's a whole third of the book dedicated to the main character's own relationship and life, all the things that shape her and her ideas of love, relationships, and marriage. Next, the lighthearted premise of the Bad Luck Bridesmaid has many more layers and impact than simply being a woman who's nervous in a silly way. Next, there are truly heavy questions included, like: IS love enough? do spouses need to know everything about each other before they get married? SHOULD they? is it okay to keep some things a secret? how do you truly commit yourself to FOREVER?
Personal side note: some of these are questions I'm currently asking myself now, so this all hit a little extra hard for me. Definitely affected my experience of the book, but I still think it was overall very well done.
I loved the deep dive into really painful and not-much-talked-about emotions and aspects of a relationship. The idea that at a certain age or amount of time together, people are just supposed to get married isn't one that I've ever seen a romance novel dissect and examine closely. If two people love each other, do they really have to get married? Can they just stay together and choose to stay together every day and see what happens? Looking at that feeling of being trapped brought an interesting angle to the usual sentiment of "commitment issues."
There were a few tropes, for sure: accidentally naked in front of The Guy, being trapped together, and a few other fun surprises. They were fun little tastes of familiar in a very raw story. And the ending? Loved it. Plans and expectations went out the window because I don't think I predicted a single element of this story, which I so look forward to. In this book, nobody is perfect.
Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's press for a free advanced copy. This is my honest review.
~See more reviews and book talk at MyBookJoy.com!~
For people who aren't sure love necessitates marriage, for folks who are working on figuring out what's important to them (and how to be honest about it), for a romance that handles some issues much bigger than just trying to get with the love interest
Thoughts:
ALRIGHT. I thought this would be a standard fair romcom. The premise of the bridesmaid whose brides never get married, which then makes her nervous about being in her best friend's wedding, sounds lighthearted and quirky and overall pretty gentle right? WELL THAT'S NOT THIS BOOK.
Here's how it differs. First, there's a whole third of the book dedicated to the main character's own relationship and life, all the things that shape her and her ideas of love, relationships, and marriage. Next, the lighthearted premise of the Bad Luck Bridesmaid has many more layers and impact than simply being a woman who's nervous in a silly way. Next, there are truly heavy questions included, like: IS love enough? do spouses need to know everything about each other before they get married? SHOULD they? is it okay to keep some things a secret? how do you truly commit yourself to FOREVER?
Personal side note: some of these are questions I'm currently asking myself now, so this all hit a little extra hard for me. Definitely affected my experience of the book, but I still think it was overall very well done.
I loved the deep dive into really painful and not-much-talked-about emotions and aspects of a relationship. The idea that at a certain age or amount of time together, people are just supposed to get married isn't one that I've ever seen a romance novel dissect and examine closely. If two people love each other, do they really have to get married? Can they just stay together and choose to stay together every day and see what happens? Looking at that feeling of being trapped brought an interesting angle to the usual sentiment of "commitment issues."
There were a few tropes, for sure: accidentally naked in front of The Guy, being trapped together, and a few other fun surprises. They were fun little tastes of familiar in a very raw story. And the ending? Loved it. Plans and expectations went out the window because I don't think I predicted a single element of this story, which I so look forward to. In this book, nobody is perfect.
Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's press for a free advanced copy. This is my honest review.
~See more reviews and book talk at MyBookJoy.com!~
January 12, 2022
Zoey Marks is a career-obsessed woman with a mission to chart her course regardless of the naysayers. As a fellow marketing professional, I loved her zeal for connecting brands with experiences and could relate to how the antiquated views and opinions of stuffy male-dominated management can stifle creativity.
I salute the author for penning such a highly relatable character. Zoey isn't just challenging the status quo of women in the workplace, but also their role in society. Too often romance novels pen marriage as the ideal, the end goal, the be-all of a woman's life, and I cannot tell you how satisfying it was to read about a woman who wanted love but not marriage. The author forces readers to ask the question, "Why must marriage be the ultimate form of commitment?"
I was impressed with how the author describes the union of marriage, not so much as a prison but as giving of a part of yourself over to another person. There is a vulnerability in giving someone the power to hurt you and we need to normalize the fears and anxieties associated with this.
What's really powerful about Bad Luck Bridesmaid is the fact that Zoey isn't just a character in a book, she's given a voice to the insecurities plaguing some women, "When the world tells you you're difficult, at some point, a little voice creeps inside and you start to ask yourself, Am I the mountain? Am I the very thing standing in my own way? Am I good enough"
Bad Luck Bridesmaid not only contained powerful lessons on female empowerment, independence, and love but featured some stellar characters. While I admit the beginning was slightly slow, once it picked up I laughed at Zoey's quirky dialogue and her impossibly hilarious life situations. I liked the different iterations of love- love at first sight, love lost and heartache, familial love, love of a lifetime, and love that burns you from the inside out.
Zoey Marks gave me everything I want to see from my female MCs in the romance genre for 2022 and I was 100% here for it! Here are the top things I have learned from Zoey when reading Bad Luck Bridesmaid:
- There is nothing wrong with jumping headfirst into your career or life if it ignites your soul, as Zoey says, "I do not need fixing, there is nothing wrong with a badass woman who didn't believe in mapping out her future."
- Embrace your individuality, don't ever let someone else control your fate, "There was comfort in knowing that by coloring outside the lines, I was in control of where I wanted my pen, and it was not where someone else told me to put it."
- Normalizing the fact that not all women want to get married, " want to wake up every day and make a decision to love you, without something wrapped around my finger telling me I'm supposed to..."
- You can be in love and not want marriage- Marriage was simply not for me, I wanted love, but I wanted choices."
- Your relationship with your parents as a child can affect your adult relationships. "The belief that everything bad surrounding me was my fault was a childhood trait"
- Love does not always make sense, "I don't want him back....I just- I don't want him to be happy with anybody else. And I want his body, like....all over my body"
- Chart your course and screw the world's perception of you, "How do you move forward with your head held high when the world tells you you're not living up to your potential as a woman?"
- It's ok to break a relationship even if you're engaged if your heart and soul aren't into it
Thank you to St. Martin's Griffin for providing me with an arc. All thoughts and opinions are my own
I salute the author for penning such a highly relatable character. Zoey isn't just challenging the status quo of women in the workplace, but also their role in society. Too often romance novels pen marriage as the ideal, the end goal, the be-all of a woman's life, and I cannot tell you how satisfying it was to read about a woman who wanted love but not marriage. The author forces readers to ask the question, "Why must marriage be the ultimate form of commitment?"
I was impressed with how the author describes the union of marriage, not so much as a prison but as giving of a part of yourself over to another person. There is a vulnerability in giving someone the power to hurt you and we need to normalize the fears and anxieties associated with this.
What's really powerful about Bad Luck Bridesmaid is the fact that Zoey isn't just a character in a book, she's given a voice to the insecurities plaguing some women, "When the world tells you you're difficult, at some point, a little voice creeps inside and you start to ask yourself, Am I the mountain? Am I the very thing standing in my own way? Am I good enough"
Bad Luck Bridesmaid not only contained powerful lessons on female empowerment, independence, and love but featured some stellar characters. While I admit the beginning was slightly slow, once it picked up I laughed at Zoey's quirky dialogue and her impossibly hilarious life situations. I liked the different iterations of love- love at first sight, love lost and heartache, familial love, love of a lifetime, and love that burns you from the inside out.
Zoey Marks gave me everything I want to see from my female MCs in the romance genre for 2022 and I was 100% here for it! Here are the top things I have learned from Zoey when reading Bad Luck Bridesmaid:
- There is nothing wrong with jumping headfirst into your career or life if it ignites your soul, as Zoey says, "I do not need fixing, there is nothing wrong with a badass woman who didn't believe in mapping out her future."
- Embrace your individuality, don't ever let someone else control your fate, "There was comfort in knowing that by coloring outside the lines, I was in control of where I wanted my pen, and it was not where someone else told me to put it."
- Normalizing the fact that not all women want to get married, " want to wake up every day and make a decision to love you, without something wrapped around my finger telling me I'm supposed to..."
- You can be in love and not want marriage- Marriage was simply not for me, I wanted love, but I wanted choices."
- Your relationship with your parents as a child can affect your adult relationships. "The belief that everything bad surrounding me was my fault was a childhood trait"
- Love does not always make sense, "I don't want him back....I just- I don't want him to be happy with anybody else. And I want his body, like....all over my body"
- Chart your course and screw the world's perception of you, "How do you move forward with your head held high when the world tells you you're not living up to your potential as a woman?"
- It's ok to break a relationship even if you're engaged if your heart and soul aren't into it
Thank you to St. Martin's Griffin for providing me with an arc. All thoughts and opinions are my own
November 2, 2021
2.5 ⭐️
It’s more of a rant that a review, but:
Bad Luck Bridesmaid was an emotional rollercoaster, but definitely not a good one. It’s messy and not to mince words, but the main character Zoey is awful and I kind of hate her 😬
After being a bridesmaid in 3 failed weddings, Zoey prides herself on dodging the bullet that is long term relationships. She eventually gets coerced by her best friend to go on a blind date with her cousin, which ends in her letting her commitment issues completely destroy their relationship when he proposes 2 years later and she turns him down. It seems that in all their time together she was never able to explain her extreme dislike of marriage or that their versions of forever are VERY different. Just so much unnecessary heartache that could have been avoided.
We spend all this time rooting for her and Rylan, feeling all that heartache, and for what?! Some post break up sex, admissions of still loving each other, and then realizing that love isn’t enough?! Neither were willing to compromise to make their relationship really work in the end….
Bah! I’m so frustrated with this book lol
It’s more of a rant that a review, but:
Bad Luck Bridesmaid was an emotional rollercoaster, but definitely not a good one. It’s messy and not to mince words, but the main character Zoey is awful and I kind of hate her 😬
After being a bridesmaid in 3 failed weddings, Zoey prides herself on dodging the bullet that is long term relationships. She eventually gets coerced by her best friend to go on a blind date with her cousin, which ends in her letting her commitment issues completely destroy their relationship when he proposes 2 years later and she turns him down. It seems that in all their time together she was never able to explain her extreme dislike of marriage or that their versions of forever are VERY different. Just so much unnecessary heartache that could have been avoided.
We spend all this time rooting for her and Rylan, feeling all that heartache, and for what?! Some post break up sex, admissions of still loving each other, and then realizing that love isn’t enough?! Neither were willing to compromise to make their relationship really work in the end….
Bah! I’m so frustrated with this book lol
December 6, 2021
I have received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I'll admit that Bad Luck Bridesmaid had its entertaining moments. Other than that, I wanted to put every character in a chokehold (or something). It just felt like a constant whiplash, and I didn't really care about the characters anymore.
In the beginning, sure, I guess I liked Zoey and Rylan's relationship. Then things went downhill, and on fire, pretty quickly. Long story short, it was a huge hot mess. One I couldn't look away from either. Once you think things will make the characters take a step back and reflect, another thing knocks you off your feet and you are just left dazed and confused.
As for the romance part, I just wasn't a huge fan of this. I could see it becoming a romcom movie on Hallmark or Lifetime though. Just because of the drama that unfolds throughout the entire thing. I think the ending could have been a bit better in my eyes since it doesn't really feel like a happy one to me.
Other than that, I'm glad that I got the chance to dive into this. It had potential to be something different but fell flat for me.
I'll admit that Bad Luck Bridesmaid had its entertaining moments. Other than that, I wanted to put every character in a chokehold (or something). It just felt like a constant whiplash, and I didn't really care about the characters anymore.
In the beginning, sure, I guess I liked Zoey and Rylan's relationship. Then things went downhill, and on fire, pretty quickly. Long story short, it was a huge hot mess. One I couldn't look away from either. Once you think things will make the characters take a step back and reflect, another thing knocks you off your feet and you are just left dazed and confused.
As for the romance part, I just wasn't a huge fan of this. I could see it becoming a romcom movie on Hallmark or Lifetime though. Just because of the drama that unfolds throughout the entire thing. I think the ending could have been a bit better in my eyes since it doesn't really feel like a happy one to me.
Other than that, I'm glad that I got the chance to dive into this. It had potential to be something different but fell flat for me.
October 2, 2021
I want to start by saying that I received an ARC of this novel from NatGalley in exchange for an honest review… so let’s do that!
I let this book completely consume me. I simply could not put it down. The writing was funny, witty, beautiful, and honest in a way that gave me that special feeling.. the one where I started to think this might be one of my favorite reads of the year. By the end, that notion was completely solidified.
The characters in this novel all feel so very real. Their actions and emotions are raw and relatable and it made me feel like I cared for each and every one of them. The various heartbreaks hurt me, and the love throughout made me happy-cry.
I think this book has made my top 5 reads of 2021 — and it technically doesn’t even come out until January 2022. I would recommend this book to anyone. Honestly, it could be as big as Beach Read and the like (despite not completely being a romance novel).
I let this book completely consume me. I simply could not put it down. The writing was funny, witty, beautiful, and honest in a way that gave me that special feeling.. the one where I started to think this might be one of my favorite reads of the year. By the end, that notion was completely solidified.
The characters in this novel all feel so very real. Their actions and emotions are raw and relatable and it made me feel like I cared for each and every one of them. The various heartbreaks hurt me, and the love throughout made me happy-cry.
I think this book has made my top 5 reads of 2021 — and it technically doesn’t even come out until January 2022. I would recommend this book to anyone. Honestly, it could be as big as Beach Read and the like (despite not completely being a romance novel).
January 1, 2022
Bad Luck Bridesmaid is women's fiction. Definitely go into this book knowing that it is women's fiction mixed with some romance vs a rom-com.
The narrator is 31 year old Zoey (1st person POV). She thinks of herself as a bad luck bridesmaid. This book is about her journey.
I thought that Zoey was a very interesting character and I enjoyed her very much. I absolutely loved her friendship with her best friend Hannah. And I loved everything about Ireland.
But the author did something at the beginning of this book that wasn't my favorite. Zoey had some trouble at weddings in the past. The author has her thinking about the past. I get why the author wanted to start off by showing us that Zoey had bad luck as a bridesmaid. But I don't like having the story told this way. And I could not wait to get to the present.
Truthfully this book was not really what I was expecting. There were parts that were light and funny. But there was also a much more serious side to the book.
The romance in this book was strong. And I liked the second half of this book. Zoey's thoughts about romance, life and weddings were different and intriguing. Also I was really not sure how this book was going to end. The end was definitely interesting.
Thanks to netgalley and St. Martin's Press for allowing me to read this book.
September 5, 2021
This book was so entertaining. I was drawn into the story from the beginning and was involved until the end. The characters were messy and interesting. If you want an entertaining book then this is it for you.
ARC kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
ARC kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
April 3, 2022
Late is better than never!
I initially had trouble getting into this book. Its curious narrative style, that I could only describe as a mix of info-dump and self-absorbed, but kind of funny and 'there' but not yet polished really put me off initially. Its plot is kind of silly, the heroine's hang-ups didn't convince me, but it was an interesting experiment in women's fiction and expectations.
The author is funny and writes sexy and straightforward dialogue that often sizzles-and great tension and love scenes, but it's just not polished to the extent I expect. It could've been a short book, but we need to be told often that the heroine is wide-eyed, and that she's a badass, so it took more trees than that.
This may seem scathing, but that's because I'm disappointed. The plot was catchy, it had a good hook, and I'm not upset for having read it.. However, I'm disappointed that I know it could have been more than it was, with a bit more refinement and discipline. With that I may have even seen a parallel to Mhairi McFarlane in so many ways, but without out it, it feels like a bit too much of a mess for even a glancing comparison.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for this ARC, which has not affected my review.
I initially had trouble getting into this book. Its curious narrative style, that I could only describe as a mix of info-dump and self-absorbed, but kind of funny and 'there' but not yet polished really put me off initially. Its plot is kind of silly, the heroine's hang-ups didn't convince me, but it was an interesting experiment in women's fiction and expectations.
The author is funny and writes sexy and straightforward dialogue that often sizzles-and great tension and love scenes, but it's just not polished to the extent I expect. It could've been a short book, but we need to be told often that the heroine is wide-eyed, and that she's a badass, so it took more trees than that.
This may seem scathing, but that's because I'm disappointed. The plot was catchy, it had a good hook, and I'm not upset for having read it.. However, I'm disappointed that I know it could have been more than it was, with a bit more refinement and discipline. With that I may have even seen a parallel to Mhairi McFarlane in so many ways, but without out it, it feels like a bit too much of a mess for even a glancing comparison.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for this ARC, which has not affected my review.
December 5, 2021
A RomCom that veers off the beaten track. Sign me up! This will be a frustrating read for some who read RomComs for the inevitable HEA. There is a HEA, but its different from the one you are thinking. What surprised me most about this book was the deep look into friendship and the people we find along the way in life who hold our happiness and our well-being as close to their heart as their own.
Zoey Marks is a free-spirited, confident, unapologetic, successful woman. Growing up in a secure household with intellectual parents that let her be herself without too many expectations thrust upon her, she prides herself on her comfort in being single. She loves her creative brain and is proud of the career she has built in advertising. She has a hard time understanding the "spell" her friends fall under called love, willing to mold their lives and change their dreams to suit a man.
"I think that too often, women take pieces of themselves they have no reason to hate, and they carry those pieces around like failures. If enough women stopped apologizing, then may there'd be less of an expectation for us to always burn bright and stand still. Maybe our complications would become our backbones instead of our scarlet letters."
As she inevitably hits the stage in her life where she is called to be a bridesmaid, she leaves a trail of alters without the desired endings. She sees herself as bad luck and starts to believe that there may not be a "happily ever after" forever. In walks Rylan and makes her second guess her outlook. When a heartbreaking outcome happens, she is again asked to be a bridesmaid, this time by her best friend from childhood. The one person who knows everything about her, the ones who tell each other everything. Except when it may devastate one of them.
In the end, this story is about finding strength in embracing who you are, not trying to fit in the mold others try to put you in, and being confident that when you follow your heart, you are headed in the right direction. I was obsessed with the way this book took a situation that was hurtling toward one outcome and threw it on its head. There were a few things that frustrated me, but overall I finished this book in just a day and once I closed the cover I thought, now that's how you redefine a relationship. Is your most important relationship with another, or with yourself??
"When the world paints you one way, it's hard to throw out that canvas and start over."
I was so excited to win this book through the Reading Group Gold Sweepstakes. Thank you to St. Martin's Press for the advance copy to read and review.
Zoey Marks is a free-spirited, confident, unapologetic, successful woman. Growing up in a secure household with intellectual parents that let her be herself without too many expectations thrust upon her, she prides herself on her comfort in being single. She loves her creative brain and is proud of the career she has built in advertising. She has a hard time understanding the "spell" her friends fall under called love, willing to mold their lives and change their dreams to suit a man.
"I think that too often, women take pieces of themselves they have no reason to hate, and they carry those pieces around like failures. If enough women stopped apologizing, then may there'd be less of an expectation for us to always burn bright and stand still. Maybe our complications would become our backbones instead of our scarlet letters."
As she inevitably hits the stage in her life where she is called to be a bridesmaid, she leaves a trail of alters without the desired endings. She sees herself as bad luck and starts to believe that there may not be a "happily ever after" forever. In walks Rylan and makes her second guess her outlook. When a heartbreaking outcome happens, she is again asked to be a bridesmaid, this time by her best friend from childhood. The one person who knows everything about her, the ones who tell each other everything. Except when it may devastate one of them.
In the end, this story is about finding strength in embracing who you are, not trying to fit in the mold others try to put you in, and being confident that when you follow your heart, you are headed in the right direction. I was obsessed with the way this book took a situation that was hurtling toward one outcome and threw it on its head. There were a few things that frustrated me, but overall I finished this book in just a day and once I closed the cover I thought, now that's how you redefine a relationship. Is your most important relationship with another, or with yourself??
"When the world paints you one way, it's hard to throw out that canvas and start over."
I was so excited to win this book through the Reading Group Gold Sweepstakes. Thank you to St. Martin's Press for the advance copy to read and review.
January 9, 2022
3.5
I enjoyed this one but I can tell it's not going to be for everyone. I found it got to a slow start and sort of dragged on a little too long in the beginning but once the story moved to Ireland the pace picked up and I got more invested in what the author was going for. If you're looking for a light-hearted rom-com this isn't that, it's much more of a women's fiction story about self-realization and accepting the way you are is perfectly fine even if it defies societal expectations.
Zoe is disillusioned about love and happily ever afters. When three weddings she's in end in disaster she starts to think maybe she's the common denominator. Then she gets her own wedding proposal and just can't bring herself to say yes causing heartbreak for both her and her boyfriend Ryland. Still nursing her broken heart, Zoe's best friend asks her to be a bridesmaid yet again in her destination Irish wedding, close friends and family only, except Zoe's ex is part of that family which means she's going to have to face him once again.
My favorite part of this book was all the action in Ireland as Zoe and the best man both feel the wedding isn't meant to be and try to find a way to stop it before the couple make a mistake they'll regret. Zoe is also fighting the feelings she still has for her ex and is conflicted when he seems to want to reunite too.
Overall I enjoyed this one but it wasn't the story I was expecting. Recommended for fans of books about women who aren't afraid to be their authentic selves, especially when it means traditional things like marriage or children aren't necessarily part of their idea of happily ever after. Much thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my advance review copies!
I enjoyed this one but I can tell it's not going to be for everyone. I found it got to a slow start and sort of dragged on a little too long in the beginning but once the story moved to Ireland the pace picked up and I got more invested in what the author was going for. If you're looking for a light-hearted rom-com this isn't that, it's much more of a women's fiction story about self-realization and accepting the way you are is perfectly fine even if it defies societal expectations.
Zoe is disillusioned about love and happily ever afters. When three weddings she's in end in disaster she starts to think maybe she's the common denominator. Then she gets her own wedding proposal and just can't bring herself to say yes causing heartbreak for both her and her boyfriend Ryland. Still nursing her broken heart, Zoe's best friend asks her to be a bridesmaid yet again in her destination Irish wedding, close friends and family only, except Zoe's ex is part of that family which means she's going to have to face him once again.
My favorite part of this book was all the action in Ireland as Zoe and the best man both feel the wedding isn't meant to be and try to find a way to stop it before the couple make a mistake they'll regret. Zoe is also fighting the feelings she still has for her ex and is conflicted when he seems to want to reunite too.
Overall I enjoyed this one but it wasn't the story I was expecting. Recommended for fans of books about women who aren't afraid to be their authentic selves, especially when it means traditional things like marriage or children aren't necessarily part of their idea of happily ever after. Much thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my advance review copies!
January 1, 2022
Zoey Marks is cursed. Ever a cynic in love, Zoey doesn't want marriage and every time she's a bridesmaid, the bride never quite makes it to the big moment of walking down the aisle. But when a man she didn't see coming rocks her world and what she thought she wanted out of love and life, Zoey is forced to make some tough decisions.
Prior to me reading this book, I read a friend's review letting me know this isn't a typical romance. Knowing that, I went in with open expectations and I am so glad I did. I picked this book up on a whim one morning and could not put it down. I had to know what was going to happen next and just when I thought I knew where the story was headed, it had twists and turns that had me second guessing everything. Were some of the situations over the top? Yes. But they added to the mess that was Zoey Marks.
I was enthralled with Zoey's character. She is not a typical romance heroine. Let me shoot you straight - Zoey is an absolute mess. She also doesn't believe in marriage. Not only is Zoey sassy, hilarious and gives zero F's, she is also super emotional and indecisive in life. She feels big and knows that the life she craves is not the stereotypical path people expect for women - marriage and babies.
I've seen a lot of wishy-washy reviews for this book, but I immensely enjoyed it. I loved the message of loyalty and friendship. I loved that Zoey was not a typical heroine. I loved that there was an unconventional ending that was super fitting for the main character. I loved how messy, emotional, and raw the story was.
Bad Luck Bridesmaid publishes January 11. Thanks to St. Martin's Press for an advanced copy of the book.
Prior to me reading this book, I read a friend's review letting me know this isn't a typical romance. Knowing that, I went in with open expectations and I am so glad I did. I picked this book up on a whim one morning and could not put it down. I had to know what was going to happen next and just when I thought I knew where the story was headed, it had twists and turns that had me second guessing everything. Were some of the situations over the top? Yes. But they added to the mess that was Zoey Marks.
I was enthralled with Zoey's character. She is not a typical romance heroine. Let me shoot you straight - Zoey is an absolute mess. She also doesn't believe in marriage. Not only is Zoey sassy, hilarious and gives zero F's, she is also super emotional and indecisive in life. She feels big and knows that the life she craves is not the stereotypical path people expect for women - marriage and babies.
I've seen a lot of wishy-washy reviews for this book, but I immensely enjoyed it. I loved the message of loyalty and friendship. I loved that Zoey was not a typical heroine. I loved that there was an unconventional ending that was super fitting for the main character. I loved how messy, emotional, and raw the story was.
Bad Luck Bridesmaid publishes January 11. Thanks to St. Martin's Press for an advanced copy of the book.
June 2, 2024
I wanted to love this one. At the start, I didn't love the main character. But the story really does have a lot of growth and funny moments, that I found myself endeared to her easily and enjoying the story. Although there was character growth, I also thought there would be a sweet romance. I found that part of the story lacking. I was also a bit surprised that, even though the location of the story feels like it would be unique and fun, this story felt like it could have taken place anywhere - there just wasn't anything that made it stand out as Ireland.
If you reset your expectation that this is a character growth story with really great funny moments, you'll probably love this one. Just don't grab this one for a mainly sweet romance story. You might just be disappointed.
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
If you reset your expectation that this is a character growth story with really great funny moments, you'll probably love this one. Just don't grab this one for a mainly sweet romance story. You might just be disappointed.
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
January 26, 2022
2.5 stars
*Possible spoiler*
I really wanted to love this book and thought for sure, based on the synopsis and other reviews by bookish friends, that I would yet it fell very, very flat for me. I almost DNF'd to be honest because there was nothing about Zooey, the MC, that I liked at all. She's got to be one of the most selfish protagonists I've read about. Seriously, I get that she's anti-marriage and all that, blah, blah, but it was so far-fetched for her to think just because she hated the idea of marriage that she was bad luck as a bridesmaid, especially to her friend who realized last minute that she didn't want to marry a man--kinda gross of the author to make calling off a wedding because the bride realizes she's a lesbian into something the bridesmaid tries to claim as *her own* fault. I was pretty done with the book at that point because who does that? It really didn't get any better from there in my opinion.
Yet, I'm clearly in the minority here so be sure to check out all the other reviews of readers who loved BLB more than I did. Thank you NetGalley and St.Martin's Press for the ARC in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
*Possible spoiler*
I really wanted to love this book and thought for sure, based on the synopsis and other reviews by bookish friends, that I would yet it fell very, very flat for me. I almost DNF'd to be honest because there was nothing about Zooey, the MC, that I liked at all. She's got to be one of the most selfish protagonists I've read about. Seriously, I get that she's anti-marriage and all that, blah, blah, but it was so far-fetched for her to think just because she hated the idea of marriage that she was bad luck as a bridesmaid, especially to her friend who realized last minute that she didn't want to marry a man--kinda gross of the author to make calling off a wedding because the bride realizes she's a lesbian into something the bridesmaid tries to claim as *her own* fault. I was pretty done with the book at that point because who does that? It really didn't get any better from there in my opinion.
Yet, I'm clearly in the minority here so be sure to check out all the other reviews of readers who loved BLB more than I did. Thank you NetGalley and St.Martin's Press for the ARC in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 8, 2022
Not a romance. This is a women's fiction novel but hey I still enjoyed the ride and liked the romance portion of the story. Unfortunately the publisher isn't doing this one justice by marketing it as a romance.
August 7, 2023
Zoey Marks has gained a reputation as an unlucky bridesmaid, witnessing numerous failed engagements. Her own doubts about marriage lead her to reject a proposal from her boyfriend, Rylan. When her best friend, Hannah, suddenly announces a whirlwind wedding in Ireland, Zoey reluctantly agrees to be a bridesmaid, hoping it will help her overcome her aversion to marriage. As the events unfold, Zoey grapples with her feelings about love, freedom, and commitment while navigating the challenges of the wedding weekend.
I thought this would be such a cute book based on the description but unfortunately it had cheating in it so for me that is always a hard no. Even besides that, I didn't like Zoey at all and thought she was extremely selfish. She was a hot mess but not in a good way. I was also confused at her whole love triangle scenario and it just felt odd and like I had no idea who to root for. Overall a miss for me.
I thought this would be such a cute book based on the description but unfortunately it had cheating in it so for me that is always a hard no. Even besides that, I didn't like Zoey at all and thought she was extremely selfish. She was a hot mess but not in a good way. I was also confused at her whole love triangle scenario and it just felt odd and like I had no idea who to root for. Overall a miss for me.
December 18, 2021
2 stars
While there were minor improvements toward the end, I found this book challenging to complete because of its insufferable main character. Had I not been listening to an audio version while doing many other tasks, I am certain I would have elected the DNF option, which I try to avoid at all costs.
Zoey Marks is the main character of this novel that - from its cover and title - may misdirect readers into thinking it's more romance than women's fiction. This character is...awful. The entire novel is told from her perspective, and readers cannot ever forget this because Zoey constantly refers to herself as "I, Zoey Marks," which is a small but infuriating detail. When you think to yourself, "I have a lot to do today. I need to pick up groceries, get gas before work, etc.," do you also insert your first and last name after every "I?" What's fascinating about this quirk is that it reflects a bigger issue with Zoey: her outrageous entitlement and self-centeredness. She comes from a particularly privileged upbringing and is quite put upon by her intellectual parents and her constant moves to various wealthy suburbs. It sounds HARD, Zoey Marks. Your struggle is real (in your mind only). While readers follow her, Zoey has one central romantic relationship and one friendship, and while she thinks her main problem is her self-proclaimed status as the bad luck charm in her friends' wedding parties, it is really what that idea highlights: unwavering self importance. What makes Zoey unique isn't unique at all. She fears certain kinds of commitments. Girl, preach. You have just labeled like half the adults I know here in 2021. You're not special. She also has this fascinating quality of creating a whole internal manifesto (and regular references to her book of rules - barf) but also never sharing even the smallest relevant details about her life with anyone who allegedly matters to her. Not to mention there are a lot of double standards here. She's allowed to do all kinds of outrageous stuff and be appalled at the audacity of others for existing while they inconvenience her in her warped plans. I could go on for a long, long time about the additional issues I have with this character, but I don't like spoilers, and I really just want to get away from her.
As a professor, nothing makes me sadder than to dislike a book I'm expressly reading for the purpose of reviewing. I understand what goes into producing one, and I am sure this author has so much attachment to this character and this world. That noted, this may win the award for my most frustrating read of 2021. For me, this is just a novel about an ultra privileged and short sighted woman pouting about how different and special and meaningful she - Zoey Marks! - is, and I found myself rooting against her from the jump. It is my express hope, Dear Reader, that your experience will be the opposite, but oof.
*Special thanks to NetGalley, St. Martin's Griffin (for the e-arc), and Macmillan Audio (for the audio arc). I received the arcs in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
While there were minor improvements toward the end, I found this book challenging to complete because of its insufferable main character. Had I not been listening to an audio version while doing many other tasks, I am certain I would have elected the DNF option, which I try to avoid at all costs.
Zoey Marks is the main character of this novel that - from its cover and title - may misdirect readers into thinking it's more romance than women's fiction. This character is...awful. The entire novel is told from her perspective, and readers cannot ever forget this because Zoey constantly refers to herself as "I, Zoey Marks," which is a small but infuriating detail. When you think to yourself, "I have a lot to do today. I need to pick up groceries, get gas before work, etc.," do you also insert your first and last name after every "I?" What's fascinating about this quirk is that it reflects a bigger issue with Zoey: her outrageous entitlement and self-centeredness. She comes from a particularly privileged upbringing and is quite put upon by her intellectual parents and her constant moves to various wealthy suburbs. It sounds HARD, Zoey Marks. Your struggle is real (in your mind only). While readers follow her, Zoey has one central romantic relationship and one friendship, and while she thinks her main problem is her self-proclaimed status as the bad luck charm in her friends' wedding parties, it is really what that idea highlights: unwavering self importance. What makes Zoey unique isn't unique at all. She fears certain kinds of commitments. Girl, preach. You have just labeled like half the adults I know here in 2021. You're not special. She also has this fascinating quality of creating a whole internal manifesto (and regular references to her book of rules - barf) but also never sharing even the smallest relevant details about her life with anyone who allegedly matters to her. Not to mention there are a lot of double standards here. She's allowed to do all kinds of outrageous stuff and be appalled at the audacity of others for existing while they inconvenience her in her warped plans. I could go on for a long, long time about the additional issues I have with this character, but I don't like spoilers, and I really just want to get away from her.
As a professor, nothing makes me sadder than to dislike a book I'm expressly reading for the purpose of reviewing. I understand what goes into producing one, and I am sure this author has so much attachment to this character and this world. That noted, this may win the award for my most frustrating read of 2021. For me, this is just a novel about an ultra privileged and short sighted woman pouting about how different and special and meaningful she - Zoey Marks! - is, and I found myself rooting against her from the jump. It is my express hope, Dear Reader, that your experience will be the opposite, but oof.
*Special thanks to NetGalley, St. Martin's Griffin (for the e-arc), and Macmillan Audio (for the audio arc). I received the arcs in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
December 31, 2021
I actually really loved this! If I sound surprised, it's only because it was so different from what I expected. Rather than being frothy and light, it felt substantial and sharp and thoughtful. It was still fun, though! I loved the characters and totally related to the MC. I laughed out loud several times. And I LOVED that I truly had no idea how it was going to end. It did work out how I hoped it would, but I could see it going a couple of different ways, and the uncertainty kept me totally hooked all the way through the last page. I look forward to reading more from this author!
December 9, 2021
Thank you to Netgalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
This one was something...not sure what kind of something though.
Zoey Marks is a cursed bridesmaids. Every time she's been someone's bridesmaid, they end up not going through with the wedding. After the third strike, Zoey is starting to wonder if her ambivalence towards marriage has began to rub off on her loved ones. Then her perfect boyfriend proposes and Zoey says no. The two are heartbroken and left wondering what went wrong. Months later, Hannah, Zoey's best friend, is getting married in Ireland and she's asked Zoey to be her bridesmaid. Zoey is determined to get her best friend down the aisle to prove to herself that she's not cursed and then she'll be able to accept Rylan's proposal. Nothing can go wrong, right?
This was such a strange story, but I did generally like it. A lot of my ambivalence towards this book is to do with the writing style and pacing. The first 20% we get like a crash course of Zoey and Rylan meeting, their first date and then they've been dating for a year. It was a lot to happen in the first chunk and we didn't even really experience all of it. Zoey tells us like a brief summary of her relationship. It felt so odd to have this super whiplash dating and then after that everything slows down and revolves around Hannah's wedding which is like a week long vacation to it.
Zoey has a very big hangup about marriage, but even I still struggle to understand why she has this hangup by the end. She could never really explain it to Rylan or herself. I don't truly care about marriage hangups, but it was made into such a central point of tension, that I felt like we should've gotten a clearer answer. Which also leads me to my headcanon that Zoey is aromantic. Her ambivalence towards marriage and generally romantic coded things really resonated with me and I think had Zoey heard that term it might help her understand some of her own feelings. Also when she was saying how important her friendship with Hannah was, that really got me. I need more platonic soulmates between women in my books.
Rep: Jewish aro-coded female MC, white cishet male love interest, white Irish cishet male love interest, white lesbian female side character, sapphic female side character.
CWs: Alcohol consumption, infidelity, infertility, injury/injury detail. Moderate: antisemitism.
This one was something...not sure what kind of something though.
Zoey Marks is a cursed bridesmaids. Every time she's been someone's bridesmaid, they end up not going through with the wedding. After the third strike, Zoey is starting to wonder if her ambivalence towards marriage has began to rub off on her loved ones. Then her perfect boyfriend proposes and Zoey says no. The two are heartbroken and left wondering what went wrong. Months later, Hannah, Zoey's best friend, is getting married in Ireland and she's asked Zoey to be her bridesmaid. Zoey is determined to get her best friend down the aisle to prove to herself that she's not cursed and then she'll be able to accept Rylan's proposal. Nothing can go wrong, right?
This was such a strange story, but I did generally like it. A lot of my ambivalence towards this book is to do with the writing style and pacing. The first 20% we get like a crash course of Zoey and Rylan meeting, their first date and then they've been dating for a year. It was a lot to happen in the first chunk and we didn't even really experience all of it. Zoey tells us like a brief summary of her relationship. It felt so odd to have this super whiplash dating and then after that everything slows down and revolves around Hannah's wedding which is like a week long vacation to it.
Zoey has a very big hangup about marriage, but even I still struggle to understand why she has this hangup by the end. She could never really explain it to Rylan or herself. I don't truly care about marriage hangups, but it was made into such a central point of tension, that I felt like we should've gotten a clearer answer. Which also leads me to my headcanon that Zoey is aromantic. Her ambivalence towards marriage and generally romantic coded things really resonated with me and I think had Zoey heard that term it might help her understand some of her own feelings. Also when she was saying how important her friendship with Hannah was, that really got me. I need more platonic soulmates between women in my books.
Rep: Jewish aro-coded female MC, white cishet male love interest, white Irish cishet male love interest, white lesbian female side character, sapphic female side character.
CWs: Alcohol consumption, infidelity, infertility, injury/injury detail. Moderate: antisemitism.
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January 16, 2022A love letter to complicated women. A love letter to friendship. A love letter to music. A love letter to ‘happily ever afters’ that don’t have to look like they do in the movies.
These are four of the things I love the most about Bad Luck Bridesmaid by Alison Rose Greenberg.
First, allow me to address the music. While listening to this audiobook, I wrote down “this book needs a playlist.”
So I made one: Literary Playlist Featuring Songs/Albums Mentioned in Bad Luck Bridesmaid:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0wO...
This book is also a love letter to the ‘90s, arguably one of the most fun decades for music.
Other notes I jotted down:
Very authentic.
This would make a great movie! When looking up the author, I see she’s a screenwriter, so hopefully a movie can happen in the future. I think it would be just as fun and heartwarming.
A huge shout-out for alternative happy endings – for happily-ever-afters that don’t always look like they do in the movies. That can look like different things.
Romantic love gets a lot of attention in books, movies, poetry, society. How beautiful to see a book place so much value on friendship. This is the content I often wish for in books but don’t see. Thank you for writing this into the book. It’s important to see value placed on other kinds of love.
A word on complicated women: YES. This is such an important and impactful thread in the book. Reminds me of Warsan Shire’s “For women who are difficult to love.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=53JYL...
Five glorious stars. I can easily think of friends I’d love to give this book to. It’s a celebration of authenticity, self-love, self-care and pride in being who you are.
Thank you to Netgalley and Macmillan Audio, for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook.
These are four of the things I love the most about Bad Luck Bridesmaid by Alison Rose Greenberg.
First, allow me to address the music. While listening to this audiobook, I wrote down “this book needs a playlist.”
So I made one: Literary Playlist Featuring Songs/Albums Mentioned in Bad Luck Bridesmaid:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0wO...
This book is also a love letter to the ‘90s, arguably one of the most fun decades for music.
Other notes I jotted down:
Very authentic.
This would make a great movie! When looking up the author, I see she’s a screenwriter, so hopefully a movie can happen in the future. I think it would be just as fun and heartwarming.
A huge shout-out for alternative happy endings – for happily-ever-afters that don’t always look like they do in the movies. That can look like different things.
Romantic love gets a lot of attention in books, movies, poetry, society. How beautiful to see a book place so much value on friendship. This is the content I often wish for in books but don’t see. Thank you for writing this into the book. It’s important to see value placed on other kinds of love.
A word on complicated women: YES. This is such an important and impactful thread in the book. Reminds me of Warsan Shire’s “For women who are difficult to love.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=53JYL...
Five glorious stars. I can easily think of friends I’d love to give this book to. It’s a celebration of authenticity, self-love, self-care and pride in being who you are.
Thank you to Netgalley and Macmillan Audio, for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook.
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