Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks-Bloom Books for an ARC copy to read and review!

I really thought I was going to love this book. This is the first Lucy Score book I did not give 5 stars to. The book seemed like it tried to be a Rom-Com, but it just didn't hit right.
I loved 95% of the characters individually, but together they just did not mix.
I did love how Francesca aka Frankie spoke up and had no filter. We rarely see that in FMC anymore. She reminded me a bit like myself and it was a bit refreshing.
They story was a but unbelievable, therefore it was hard to stand by.
Just when I was really starting to get onto the book it ended abruptly.
P.S. This book is written in 3rd person POV.

However, this will not deter me into no longer reading a Lucy Score book as adore her righting.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

Frankie and Aiden were the best!! This was such a fun book to read and I couldn’t put it down! That’s how all of Lucy’s books are though. She is an auto read author for me and never ever disappoints. Frankie and Aiden were written so perfectly! This book was laugh out loud funny and I will definitely be reading it again! Loved this book!


📘: The Worst Best Man by Lucy Score
🗓️: January 16, 2024

Thank you to NetGalley, Lucy Score, and Sourcebooks Bloom Books for this ARC!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

*Reviewed on NetGalley, Amazon, and Goodreads.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book.

I have so many mixed emotions about this book. My biggest complaint is that it was too long; it just seemed to drag and then everything wrapped up way too quickly at the end. My other complaint was how "cookie cutter" the supporting characters were --- the brothers, the bridesmaids, the rich people. The plot itself was a bit predictable and a bit convoluted.

With that being said, I liked the main characters and their dialog. I also appreciated both the male and female friendships. Overall, not my favorite.

Lucy Score’s “The Worst Best Man” is a Billionaire-enemies-to-lovers romance. Billionaire and forever bachelor Aiden Kilbourn, age forty, meets middle-class MBA student and small business woman, Franchesca “Frankie” Baranski. Chip and Pruitt “Pru” are getting married after reuniting after a long break-up. Aiden is Chip’s best man and Frankie is Pru’s maid-of-honor. Aiden and Frankie’s relationship starts off rocky when Chip makes fun of her nickname and she overhears him referring to her as a stripper.

When Chip is kidnapped for a ransom, the unlikely pair team up to find Chip in time for the wedding ceremony. The physical attraction and promise of multiple orgasms entice Frankie to let half her guard down and entertain Chip’s offer to be friends-with-benefits, with no future promises.

This novel tried to be more than just a simple rich and poor, overcoming social class and norms romance. The abduction scene and rift between Aiden’s entire family: brother, step-mom, and father, were over the top. The wedding party women were rude and cruel. It is apparent Score has no experience with the one percent because the stereotypical women she has written in this book, are not indeed how the one percent act. Women will compete for men and bring women down for their own advantage, but the comments the bridal party make about Frankie are not realistic. If we look at the one percent of people in America and who they are married to, more often than not the spouse is not some ivy league, trust fund baby.

Aiden has never had the view of a long lasting married based on love. His dad married his mom and cheated on her with a younger model. His father Ferris views marriage as a business transaction, one to keep the blood line pure. When Aiden meets Frankie, she is unlike any woman he has ever met. Money doesn’t influence her behavior and he finds himself wondering if he could potentially throw his bachelor life away. I would have enjoyed seeing Aiden’s character more vulnerable. This novel was missing that insecurity and uncertainty that a full-time bachelor would have when they start to develop feelings that they have never had.

Most of the interactions between the two are filled with flirtatious banter and the descriptive sex scenes Score is known for, yet I never found the couple connecting and growing that bond that they end up having. Most of their dates happen off the page so their goals, insecurities, motivations, life views, etc., are never mentioned. These conversations allow the reader to fall for the characters and believe their love story, but when omitted, it becomes a story of lust and a “happily ever after” ending that isn’t to be believed.
I liked Aiden’s feminist character. He fired employees for a lack of diversity and believed women who alleged sexual assault and harassment against their male employers. He acquires a firm and fires its CEO when the man grabs Frankie and attempts to assault her.

Frankie was very anger-oriented and resentful for the life she has endured. She is constantly making remarks about Aiden’s money and using terms like gajillionare and other letters in front of billionare. It is clear she is insecure about the difference in their social classes, but she takes an immature response to everything involving money in their relationship. Eventually this complaining would lead to a fallout in any relationship. It is annoying and while the insecurities of not fitting in and not being enough are truthful and realistic, the execution reads more like a kid throwing a temper tantrum for not getting their way.

The last few chapters were unrealistically farcical. Everything is wrapped up in a neat little bow. All the controversial players are taken care of and the couple get to have their happily-ever-after. This isn’t a spoiler. All of Score’s novels, unless part of a series, end with every hole filled (pun intended).

I received an ARC from Netgalley and BloomBooks for an honest review. I will continue to support Lucy Score and read her novels, despite this review.

Rating 2.5/5

"Don't argue about not belonging to me. I belong to you. I'm yours. All in, remember? It goes both ways."
"All in," Frankie murmured.

-opposites attract, strong fmc, best man/maid of honour
-Aiden (40) and Frankie (34) had good chemistry and I really enjoyed how thoughtful Aiden was 🥹🩷
-I understood Frankie’s skeptism but felt she doubted Aiden’s intention too much, especially after he had proven time and time again that she mattered and it was genuine (thank goodness for Pru and her pep talks!!)
-thank you to NetGalley and SOURCEBOOKS Bloom Books for this read ✨

3.6⭐️

Made me think of Pride and Prejudice as I was reading. Interesting cast of characters, never a dull moment in this book. Great story, love this author.

I absolutely adored immersing myself in this timeless journey of enemies turning into lovers and friends tiptoeing towards something more. The thrilling start with a groom's kidnapping set the stage for a rollercoaster of emotions, making my weekend truly enchanting. As I delved deeper, echoes of "Pretty Woman" vibes emerged, weaving a spell that enveloped me in warmth, leaving my heart aglow with love.

In the tender moments, I felt a yearning for characters whose essence lingered in my thoughts, and this story delivered in abundance. The protagonists, with their genuine interactions and heartfelt moments, became the heartbeat of my weekend read. Their dance of emotions was not just a delightful experience but a captivating voyage into a world where love blossomed unexpectedly.

This novel became a cherished part of my heart—an utterly enchanting and heartwarming escape. It was the perfect companion for a weekend filled with the tender embrace of love, genuine laughter, and the timeless allure of a romance tale that resonated deeply with the desires of my heart.

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

This was an enjoyabale read. It started out a bit different than I expected (not in a bad way) then tapered off to a normal humor filled rom com type story with a bit of spice. I enjoyed the quick wit of the main character though sometimes her personality left something to be desired (however there was great character growth-and even the annoying parts, were understandable why she behaved the way she does). I absolutely loved the supporting characters Chip and Pru as well as a few others. I felt totally immersed in their world and enjoyed the ride. Overall will recommend to others!

Maid of Honor Francesca is ready to tackle anything for this wedding. Everything except a best man with a big ego and bigger pockets. After chaos ensues at the rehearsal dinner, the two of them keep getting thrown together. Getting to know Aiden wasn’t part of the plan, but it just might have to at this rate.
I really enjoyed this book! Although it wasn’t my favorite Lucy Score, it still had that signature charm that all of her books have. The elements she added into this book made it different than the other books that I’ve read from her. I loved the writing style, as well as the plot and the characters.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bloom Books for an eARC of this book

What a fun, sweet story about love between two people from different "worlds".
When Frankie meets Aiden for the first time, there is no love lost between them. He is the ultra rich best man, while she is the maid of honor who worked two jobs to be able to afford attending the wedding. This book is their story, and it is a fun and wild ride. Lots of humor, friends, love, and forgiveness.
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Oh man, this book was so unhinged and chaotic, and I loved it. This was the first book that I've read by Lucy Score and it definitely won't be my last. I wasn't sure how I was going to feel about this book initially--basically all of the characters (except for Frankie) were entitled, rich brats and I hated them. I suppose having those types of characters was pretty much the intention of the book, but we could have gotten the same story out of less-annoying characters. I thought the wedding aspect would take up much more of the book, but I'm so glad it didn't. I enjoyed everything after the wedding. The spice was spicin', I loved the banter, and it was just so fun. Frankie was definitely hit or miss at times and a lot of her decisions didn't really make much sense to me, but I'll forgive it because overall I really enjoyed it.

Thank you NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

Lucy Score knows how to bring the spice. Her books don’t disappoint if you’re looking for a quick enemies to lovers trope. The two main characters in this story had tons of witty banter to keep you on edge throughout the story. This one started quick with an interesting plot line following a wedding party of the 1%. I also love how her books are rooted in family, trust, and overcoming differences.

Putting this one down was very challenging. 5 ⭐️, I never feel like I’m actually reading a Lucy score book but watching a series unfold.

In The Worst Best Man, Lucy Score crafts a hilarious and heartwarming tale of a wedding party gone wrong, featuring a Maid of Honor, Franchesca, determined to save the day from the Worst Best Man, Aiden Kilbourn. With a doll-like bride, a perfect groom, and a nightmarish wedding party, Franchesca takes on the challenge with wit and sass.

Aiden, a successful businessman with commitment issues, meets his match in the smart-mouthed Franchesca from Brooklyn. The story unfolds with kidnapping antics, rude attendees, and a Best Man with a big attitude. Despite Aiden's playboy past, the sparks fly, and the reader is taken on a journey filled with humor, drama, and unexpected love.

Despite initial reservations about the hero's past, which came off as a bit of a serial monogamist, I found myself enjoying the dynamic between Aiden and Franchesca. The heroine's strength and intelligence were refreshing, and their evolving relationship was surprisingly sweet. The title may suggest a focus on wedding antics, but thankfully, that aspect is limited, allowing the story to delve into the complexities of the main characters.

The narrative transitions from a faux wedding scenario to a friend with benefits relationship, exploring the challenges of dating a wealthy and high-profile individual. While I wished for more depth in character intricacies and a departure from the typical rich-arrogant-man-meets-scrappy-woman plot, the humor and chemistry between Aiden and Franchesca kept me engaged.

In the end, The Worst Best Man delivers an enjoyable romantic comedy, blending humor, drama, and a touch of unexpected sweetness. If you're in the mood for a lighthearted read with a strong and witty heroine, this might just be the book for you!

Lucy Score has the ability to suck you in with her writing, wondering where time has gone. "The Worst Best Man" was such a delight to read. The dynamic of the wedding party was so vast and funny it made for a quick read. The romance was perfection and left me smiling. Loved this book!

Thank you to NetGalley and Bloom Books for the ARC!

Lucy Score has done it again! I flew through Frankie's and Aiden's story. I enjoyed the tropical setting and action in the first part of the story (it warmed me up in the middle of this cold winter). Can't wait to add another Lucy Score book to my library's collection.

Aiden is my new favorite book bf. An adorable story of two hard headed strong people who find each other and make it work even when everything is against them. Yes I realize it’s a billionaire bf trope but I can’t hate on that dream. I might go so far as to say my favorite Lucy Score bf yet!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Adult • Romance

💍 billionaire romance
💍 close proximity
💍 opposites attract
💍 dislike to love
💍 best man/maid of honor
💍 found family
💍 HEA

📍 “I’ll be whatever it is you want me to be.”

My goodness, Aiden Kilbourn is the original book boyfriend *sign* *swoon* *fan*

But let’s rewind a bit. This book started with me laughing my rear end off. To say the dialogue between Aiden and Frankie is hilarious might be the understatement of the year. I wasn’t just smiling. No. I was full blown laughs reading Frankie’s comebacks 😂

📍”It felt like something had broken inside him, and now there was light getting in through the cracks.”

The way they go from best man/maid of honor to spies to stealth recovery mission was the literary gold I didn’t know I was missing in my life.

And when they go back to “real life” and we get Frankie’s brothers?! Ah. Pure perfection. I was fiercely rooting for Aiden. For him to get his girl but also friends like her brothers. I was rooting for him to tell his family all the things they needed to hear.

But that he didn’t. No. Frankie did. Because she might be Frosty the Snow B sometimes, but she’s ALWAYS the feistiest defender of those she loves. She goes to battle for every single one of them. Frankie doesn’t live in halves. She doesn’t care in moderation. Her heart is as ruthless as it is big.

📍 “Don’t argue about not belonging to me. I belong to you. I’m yours. All in, remember? It goes both ways.”

From Lucy’s “before TWNGO,” this is probably my new favorite 🥹

Lucy Score knows how to do a spicy romance! I loved how this book developed from a rom com to a billionaire romance. And Aiden’s character arc from most eligible bachelor to all in with Frankie was beautiful!
The banter is strong between these two and doesn’t let up! Frankie holds her own and I love a FMC who takes care of herself.
Strong 4.5 stars from me! I love an enemies to lovers trope and Lucy Score knows how to did it well!
View my full review on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/p/C2XYE8QLrfd/?igsh=MXVoMGowcnhodDJnOQ==

Frankie is the sole “regular” bridesmaid in her best friend’s wedding. The others are pampered socialites written as charicatures but stays on this side of the line of going too far so it’s funny. Aiden is the best man who typically goes for shallow relationships but sparks fly when Frankie overhears him insulting her early on. At the destination wedding they’re forced to work together to try to save the wedding day and get closer. As they meet each other’s families and try to figure out if they can overcome their past hurts and blend very different lifestyles there’s a diverse group of supporting characters, which I enjoy. The bride doesn’t mind telling her MOH when she’s messing up.

A great, fun and easy read! Not my favourite book by Lucy Score but still enjoyable. As someone who has been to Barbados, I appreciated how accurate some parts were. As many books don’t take the time to research the destination like in this one.