If you are a fan of women's fiction full of wit and humor then this book is for you. Bad Luck Bridesmaid is the story of Zoey and her path to discovering who she is what she truly wants out of life. I enjoyed a lot of aspects of this book. There is amazing friendship between Zoey and Hannah. The way these two support one another, despite their different views, is heartwarming and something we should all aspire to as a friend. I loved Rylan. He is sweet and charming and the chemistry between he and Zoey is great. The setting of Hannah's wedding festivities at Ashford Castle in Ireland was a lot of fun.

The part where I struggled with the book is that I never really understood or loved Zoey herself. While I applaud her journey to figure out what is important to her, I just couldn't relate to her at all and really felt very badly for Rylan. She didn't seem to want to compromise at all (to be fair, he didn't in the end either). She acts in a very self-important way throughout the book and, if this character was a male, I believe many would have a issue with her beliefs instead of championing her.

That being said, this is maybe that I'm more of a Hannah. Despite how I felt about Zoey, I appreciate reading a book where the ending is different and that paints a different story for others to see themselves in. I wanted to like this one more because I do think there is some good to it, but the book overall depressed me and just made me feel sad in the end.

I am so torn about this book because it was completely easy to read and I think Zoey and Hannah's friendship was beautiful, supportive, and endearing. On the flip side, I despised the romance. Granted, this isn't labeled as a romance, but the bulk of the book balances Zoey's big love for her ex with her big love for her best friend. See? Torn.
While Zoey and Hannah are complete friendship goals, Zoey and Rylan felt extremely toxic. Love to me can be all-consuming but lasting love is about compromise and looking out for the other's needs and best interests.
The character arc and ending reminded me quite a bit of Hannah Orenstein's Playing With Matches, even though the love stories are dissimilar. I'd say fans of either book would enjoy the other.
I read the first half and listened to the audiobook for the second half. I equally enjoyed (equally gave the romance major side-eye) both outlets. The narration is done by Sarah Naughton and her cadence perfectly suited Zoey's POV.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the advanced copy and MacMillan Audio for the alc. All thoughts in this review are my own.

If you go into "Bad Luck Bridesmaid" expecting a sweet and sexy romcom about a complicated woman falling in love and discovering the right man for her, this isn't that story. I went into "Bad Luck Bridesmaid" with the impression that it would follow the adult contemporary romance formula, but I'd actually consider this book more Women's Fiction where the focus is more so on a complicated woman going on a great self discovery journey.

I enjoyed Bad Luck Bridesmaid for a lot of reasons. It was funny, we did get those epic romance moments and some spice, there's a lot of positive Taylor Swift mentions (hi, swifitie here), and the overall theme about marriage and the way we think about it wasn't something I've read in a whole lot of books, so I loved that.

Zoey was a fun POV to read at times. She's a funny person and complicated, and I appreciate seeing someone like her on page. She did frustrate me at some points though. Not because of how she was written (I loved the writing), but because of who she is as a character. I'm not too sure where I stand on her inability to form the words she needed to say, because while it made the moment she finally can form words so gratifying, everything leading up to it had me rolling my eyes. Rylan also had me rolling my eyes constantly. And their drama eventually got to the point where you have to just let out a loud sigh because you know if they just sat down and tried to explain their points of view, they would have come to the conclusion they do at the end a whole lot quicker.

Now, not all our main characters rubbed me the wrong way. There was one who I eagerly awaited to appear on the page and every time she did, I couldn't get it out of my mind how badly I wanted her to have her own book. My favorite character was Hannah. Whenever Zoey talked about Hannah it made me best-friend-fall-in-love. I just want Hannah to be happy and I would pay so much money to actually see how she and Graham met and fell in love. They are perfection.

My favorite theme throughout the entire book was the idea of platonic soulmates. Zoey and Hannah are soulmates and they were easily my favorite relationship written in this book. We didn't get too much of them because we were primarily focusing on Zoey and her romantic drama, but when her and Hannah did appear on page? Together? Y'all, I'm in love. They are my bestie OTP.

Overall, I really liked "Bad Luck Bridesmaid." It gave me messy, complicated women characters who frustrated me to no end and made me love them all at the same time.

Bad Luck Bridesmaid is a woman’s fiction (not really a romance as I originally thought) book about Zoey, her bad luck and extreme fear of long term commitment.

I’m sorry to say that this book just wasn’t for me. I really wanted to like it and kept hoping the book would get better but it just didn’t. The setting and events were enjoyable, Zoey as a character though was so annoying and unrelatable to me. I still don’t understand why she’s so terrified of marriage or why instead of committing to the man she loves she’ feels she needs to be able to walk away at any time. Basically her character exhausted and annoyed me.

This is one of those books that will keep me thinking for a very very long time...

Hot Takes
- First of all, this is not a romance, so do not go into it thinking that. This is absolutely women's lit and while I would love to give my reasonings why, I would prefer not to spoil the ending so you can come @ me in my dm's
- That being said, I really loved this book. Admittedly I saw a couple reviews before reading that said this wasn't romance and I was really happy about that because if I would've thought it was romance, I would've screamed in anger at the end. However, go in knowing and I think this book is fantastic.
- This is the type of book that will sit with you a while. It's cute, swoony but HEAVY and the main character is a self proclaimed mess and I loved her for it. Zoey and Rylan's "reconnecting" at the wedding was done SO well, and you felt their love for each other.
- I'm ultimately happy with the ending and I think that it felt right for the main character. I have other thoughts but again, don't want to spoil so come into my dm's to discuss lolololol.

Read If You Like
- This kinda gave me Evvie Drake Starts Over vibes, but I could also be wrong about that, so don't quote me on that lol.
- MESSY PEOPLE

I’m so glad I didn’t judge this book by its cover. I usually skip illustrated covers because I know that book typically won’t work for me. This one, however, has some depth behind it. It’s funny, a little silly, a bit steamy, but also has a heartfelt story running throughout. Zoey and her friends were a great cast of characters. Ultimately I’d say this book is about honesty and being true to yourself, even when it’s really hard to do.

DNF

I feel like I am not having a good batting average the past couple of reads. I have not loved several of my last reads. What is happening? This was another one that was just not working for me. I tried. I really did, but this is not the read I thought it was going to be. The cover makes it look like it is going to be a quirky romcom and that is not what this is. It was not what I was expecting or looking for as a reader. I think there is definitely an audience for this book, but it is just not me.

I think with maybe some different marketing and a different cover, this book would end up in the right hands. If someone is like me and expecting it to be that quirky romcom, I think they will also be disappointed.

The writing was impeccable and witty. However, certain themes in this book didn't sit well with me, but I was still captivated (nosy), wanting to know where it was going. Although Zoey doesn't believe in marriage, her inability to be open and honest about them with her partner irritated me. Her journey is moving and emotional. It's about love, heartbreak, an amazing portrayal of female friendships, and staying true to yourself. The author threw a lot at me in the final chapter. It was heartbreaking, powerful, and it left me feeling a little depressed. I'm curious if there will be a second book based on the final chapter. I'd definitely read more from this author as long as there's a HEA for my romantic heart.

If you're a romance or romcom reader, there are some steamy and LOL moments, but Zoey's journey is really the central theme here.

Read if you like:
• complex female heroine
• heartwarming best friend relationships
• relatable characters with real life issues
• possible enemies to something more
• an emotional rollercoaster
• not your typical HEA or HFN
• laugh out loud wedding shenanigans
• Ireland, Ashford Castle, falconry
• Taylor Swift's All Too Well
• 🌶 18+ mild

cw: infertility, cheating

This book had everything! Tears, laughing, falcons and Loch Ness Monsters!!

"Always. What an ambitions word for a fickle world."

Zoey has always loved romance but has never allowed herself to take that leap of faith with someone. She also believes that marriage is not for her. To add to that hesitation is the belief that she’s the “Bad Luck Bridesmaid” since the three weddings she has been involved in, resulted in zero weddings actually happening. All this held try until she met Rylan, her best friends cousin….maybe….?

Every point that Zoey would have ended relationships in the past was met with a “Yes” when it came to Rylan. They have a passionate deep love for each other, but is it enough for Zoey to go all the way down the aisle?

This book was a roller coaster of emotions. It played right into my hopeless romantic heart. I was cheering for Zoey. I was sad. I was laughing. I was a little turned off by excessive amount of Zoey’s drama. Overall, I would still recommend this book by @alison.greenberg .

4 Stars

Thank you to @stmartinspress and @netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

I think one of the most important things about this book is to not go in thinking it’s strictly a romance. It is more about how complicated relationships can be, and growing to be comfortable with yourself. Zoey was such a human character, beautifully flawed. Of course, there were things she did that I absolutely hated, but the book was all about how we aren’t perfect. There are so many lines from this that I highlighted, since it emphasized that everyone has something going on in their lives. Zoey’s best friend, Hannah, was hands down my favorite character. She represented an important group of women and I found myself crying for her. I also found myself laughing at the ridiculous situations they got into. So yes, there was a romance aspect to this book, but weirdly, the human nature and empowerment was what made it a great book in my mind. For me, this was a 4.5/5.

If you like a love story where it’s not necessarily about loving another person, you’ve never felt the desire to get married, or you’ve ever felt you were cursed, this is the one for you.

I received a digital copy of this book free from St. Martin’s Press and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to Netgalley, Alison and St. Martin's Griffin for allowing me to read an e-arc for review.

I really enjoyed the ending but the middle dragged a bit for me, it definitely is not a full blown romance. It seemed to grab one idea and just rehatch the same replay over and over. [ If it would have focused on Ezra and Zoey and the romance they did/could have had earlier it would have easily been a 4 star read

This was a super cute romcom that had me cheering for a happy ending for main character, Zoey.

Zoe is an independent and fierce woman who struggles with what she truly wants in her life. She is content in her own skin and in being a single woman, until she isn’t. Enter Rylan, who sweeps Zoey off her feet but at the same time, rocking her indépendance and confidence. This story is a beautifully written romcom with all the good feels! I couldn’t wait to see what was in store for Zoey as she navigated her feeling and thoughts (and actions) as she watched her own close friends in their relationships. Definitely one I would recommend!

I wouldn't consider this book a romance, even though it is about love. Zoey has been a bridesmaid at three failed weddings, which adds to her reluctance to be in a long term relationship and get married. The book goes through what happened with the three failed weddings and covers Zoey's relationship with Rylan.
Then quite a bit of the book is when The exes end up in Ireland for Hannah's wedding. Zoey is determined to get Hannah married off as a way to prove to herself that marriage works.
So much heartache and tears and misunderstandings in this book. It was ultimately about Zoey coming to terms with her personal beliefs and accepting them.
I kept reading because I was interested in how things ended, but I didn't love it. There were funny moments that felt like their purpose was to lighten things up. There were lots of times I just wanted a character to get over it or grow up or just make a decision and stick to it.

DON'T JUDGE THIS BOOK BY ITS COVER!

I love the rom com cover on this book. However, it's not a rom com. It's not even chick lit. It's a women's fiction about a woman with a complicated relationship with love and marriage. The book ended up being a DNF for me—I was lured in by the cover and description, but I am not the target audience. The book is contemplative, whereas I prefer a fast pace. The tone is dark IMO, while I like the light and fluffy stuff. So if you're looking for a thinky, slow-paced, somewhat dark women's fiction, this book might be for you.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

When I read the title and the resume, I was intrigued. I am very happy to have read this first novel by Alison Rose Greenberg. This is a story about relationships of any kind, be it friendship, lover, husband/wife/partner in marriage.

When you are a bridesmaid 3 times and the wedding does not happen each time, you start to wonder if your thoughts about marriage have any incidence on the result. We follow Zoey on her road to her beliefs and what she really wants from life. A good mix of funny moments and more serious ones.

A very interesting read if you, yourself, are at a crossroads in your life. Maybe Zoey’s story will give you the final push to decide which way to go. If it is not your case, this is a beautiful story to read and reread.

Thank you to the publisher, St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for an Advanced Reader Copy.

4.5 stars

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press for providing me with an ARC in exchange from my honest review. BAD LUCK BRIDESMAID is scheduled for release January 11, 2022.

This is not your typical romance book. It doesn't have the banter that makes your heart flutter. It doesn't have your all-over-the-place heroine discovering her perfect man. It's not tied up nicely with a pretty bow.

Zoey Marks believes she's bad luck. All three times she's been a bridesmaid, not one of the brides made it down the aisle. She wonders if her doubts around Forever have contributed to the Gone Girl brides, and these instances don't necessarily help Zoey's stance on marriage. When Zoey starts dating Rylan Harper III, she thinks he might be the one to change her mind. But when he proposes to her, she can't do it. Both of them are heartbroken and confused about Zoey's wariness toward marriage. Then comes Zoey's best friend's wedding. Zoey is determined to get Hannah down the aisle. If she can get her best friend down the aisle, maybe she can get Rylan back, too.

This book is unconventional for a romance. It starts with a heartache, making you feel torn apart and broken, and then you sit with that heartbreak throughout the book. At first I thought Zoey was being unreasonable and leading Rylan on when she couldn't believe in love herself. But as you keep reading, you learn her thoughts and misgivings and why she is the way she is. You will be rooting for Zoey and Rylan the entire time. I didn't love the ending, but I get why it happened that way. I'm just someone who likes things tied up nicely.

I absolutely loved the writing style of this book. It was fun and witty. Zoey was a great narrator; I felt like she was living in my brain. There were also multiple Taylor Swift references, which is always a win for me. There was a lot of character development and talk about what is expected of women in society. It's a story of finding out what love means to different people, embracing your flaws and accepting who you are, and the power of best friendship.

If you like sweet romcoms with a Happily Ever After, this book isn't for you. But I would definitely recommend this book to everyone else, especially if you're a fan of badass female main character and independent women.

BAD LUCK BRIDESMAID by Alison Rose Greenberg is the story of Zoey, a happily single woman who believes she is responsible for a series of apparent marital disasters, dubbing herself the Bad Luck Bridesmaid -- choose her and your marriage is doomed. Her lifelong book of rules for living life is blown up when she meets up with her own dream partner and agonizes over her adamant refusal to promise forever to anyone other than herself. Wonderful characters and situations drive the story forward, complete with terrific passages and laugh out loud moments. I received an early reader copy of this novel and my opinions are my own and unbiased.

Will the fourth time be the charm? Will Hannah, unlike the last three women for whom Zoey was a bridesmaid, make it down the aisle? And what about Zoey's own relationship? Zoey turned down Rylan when he proposed- she has complicated feelings about marriage- and she hasn't seen him since but there's no way to avoid him at Hannah's wedding. While this has a lot of humor (and some steam) it's also got a heroine in Zoey who is reflective and thoughtful, if sometimes a bit baffling. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. Not exactly what I expected (especially the end) but it's a good read.

Thank you for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!

Genre: Contemporary Romance
Pub date: January 11, 2022
Star Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

This book started out really fun. I throughly enjoyed the backstory to why the female MC is a wedding jinx combined with the details of her relationship with Rylan. I felt like this was the part of the book that not only shined but also had a semblance of realism to it.

The rest of the book? It was just meh. It dragged a bit and just didn’t capture the same engagement as the first 1/3 or so did. I found Zoe exhausting at times and that made me not want to read the book.

Overall, it’s still worth a read if you’re looking for a solid contemporary romance. But, be prepared for the second half or so of the book to drag at times and have a noticeable tonal difference than the first half.

Thanks goes to #netgalley and #stmartinspress for this gem that comes out next week!

Zoey Marks must be cursed. I mean, why else would she be 0-for-3 in actually getting brides down the aisle when she's one of their bridesmaids? This curse keeps her from being willing to fully commit to her longterm partner, Rylan Harper III. They are forced to reunite when Rylan's cousin/Zoey's best friend is going to be getting married in Ireland after a whirlwind courtship, especially in Zoey's mind. Is her curse going to ruin her best friend's chances at happiness? Is she ever going to come around to wanting to be married herself? Read this one to find out!

I'm incredibly impressed that this is #alisonrosegreenberg 's debut novel because there is truly so much going on with it. I really expected it to just be absolutely cringey, another one of those "always a bridesmaid, never a bride" love stories but it wound up being so incredibly much more. I found this book had so much more to do with Zoey coming to terms with the fact that what she wants for her future might not be what the rest of the world expects her to want. I absolutely loved digging deep in the lifelong friendship of Zoey and Hannah and how they've grown together their whole lives. I was very highly impressed and want to suggest this one be added to your TBR. As I said, it comes out next week so get ready!

4/5 stars for me

#bookstagram #badluckbridesmaid #forceofnature #romanceread