Always the Bridesmaid by Laura Carter is a heartwarming contemporary romance set in the lively backdrop of London. The story follows the unlikely pairing of Charlie, a witty comedian, and Sarah, a selfless widow, as they navigate the chaos of pre-wedding festivities and discover an unexpected connection. While their initial animosity gradually transforms into friendship and love, the book captivates readers with its well-crafted characters, witty banter, and vivid descriptions of London's iconic landmarks. Despite occasional inconsistencies in character development, the book delivers a charming and satisfying romance that leaves readers with a warm and fuzzy feeling, making it a must-read for fans of contemporary romance and those seeking an engaging, quick read. Laura Carter's storytelling talent shines through, leaving readers eager to explore more of her work.

I was looking to reading this book as it sounded like it was along the plot of a friend who was always the bridesmaid and never the bride but unfortunately I had a really hard time getting into the story as the main female character had in fact had her own wedding.

For me Sarah comes across as someone who focuses on her friends then having to admit how she is coping with life years after the death of her husband. She says at one point she is a good person but has spent the week only caring about her feelings and been hot and cold towards Charlie for example on the day of the wedding she doesn’t want to acknowledge Charlie at the wedding even when stood next to him yet later on in the evening when all the others are dancing as couples she is more than willing to acknowledge him when he offers to dance with him. The next day when she finds out Charlie has already left the house they was staying at she decides that she wants to go see him just so she can make herself feel better about the way she treated him and not thinking about how Charlie might have left because he didn’t want to see her.
I wished at times Charlie would have had a bit more backbone and called her out on things but with his past you can understand why he might not have to that.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this arc.

I wasn’t aware this was a book in a series but is easily read on its own. Filled with a bunch of sweet characters, this was a quick and fun read.

This was a very quick read too, but I have to say it was my least favorite. I struggled for a while on Sarah and Charlie’s connection, and didn’t feel the romance building. I also hated that the entire series ended and I feel it needed an epilogue like 5 years into the future. When you spend 4 books building a world and characters, you want the end! I do love this one was set in London, and the Jess/Jake wedding! Overall, I highly recommend this series for light easy romcom reading.

I didnt realise this was a series but it read lovely as a standalone! The characters were great and the separate narratives felt very distinctive.

I love that this can be read as a standalone, as I had no clue this was a series!

With that said, I enjoyed this and will be reading the others as well

It was such a cute and feel good book. The group of friends matched up perfectly with their personalities and all their quirks!

I can see this being a comfort read!

I really enjoyed this little read! It was cute and romantic and I loved the build up between Charlie and Sarah and I just couldn’t wait for them to finally realise what we all could see from the get go!

It was a quick read at only around 250 pages and definitely gets you feeling all warm and fuzzy inside! I also loved the fact it was an American exploring London and as a Londoner myself hearing all the touristy spots being described just reminded me why I love my city as much as I do!

Would definitely recommend as a quick and easy read and look forward to getting some of the other books from Laura Carter!

Oh I loved it and now want to go visit London again. The sight seeing was my favourite part. I loved Charlie he’s funny one of. A kind and soft like a marshmallow. Sarah is sweet she’s always putting everyone else first and she had a broken heart. Together they are adorable from their first meeting of dislike to their sight seeing falling in love. The ending felt so prefect.

Always the Bridesmaid is a cute, funny and sweet romance. I couldn't put it down. Literally, I read it in one sitting. It is a really sweet story along with the two fanstic personalities matching each other wit for wit in banter. Their snarky back and forth brings so much lightness to some of the heavier topics that comeup. Simply wonderful.