This was a light hearted read that I would recommend. The characters were fun, if a little predictable and this was an enjoyable read.

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC.

thank you netgalley for the e-arc. stupid pull-in with naming an original character after a massively popular already existing fictional character. i did think the story was well written and thoughtfully done to make it a perfect lighthearted read

4.5 stars

I didn’t think it was possible for my heart to be simultaneously full to the brim and shattered into a million tiny pieces.

This is definitely one of the most unconventional romances I have ever read. Bridget Jones, like her namesake, is pretty unlucky in love. (Yes, eye roll, the Bridget Jones ‘bit’ was probably my biggest gripe with the book, but it was minor and only really cropped up when ‘Bee’ met new characters). Then all of a sudden her luck turns around when her dreamy Italian barista asks her out and they spark up a romance that seems too good to be true.

It feels pretty obvious by romance standards that Sig Fabio is not endgame. It’s the amount of time we spend with Bee and Fabio’s relationship that feels like such a departure from the classic formula. We see a relationship develop between them, knowing full well (as a romance reader), that the grumpy-sunshine ‘bad first impression’ to ‘maybe he’s not so bad’ relationship with the neighbour is really the one to watch.

This unusual pace builds an excellent level of suspense as you’re constantly waiting for the script to be flipped, and the twist is WILD when it lands. I recognise for some that it could be considered a little too ‘out there’, but I found it hilarious. The hints along the way had me leaving notes like ‘this is batshit -in a good way’. I will say though, while I appreciated the build up to the switch, it could have come a little sooner and still hit. If ~50 pages were cut from Bee’s combined single+Fabio era, it would’ve been 5 stars from me.

The plot isn’t the only way this book carries it’s humour though; it’s abundant in the writing too. I laughed out loud at multiple points, and found myself grinning at my e-reader at least once a chapter. The book references and inside jokes so obviously aimed at ‘readers’ were often the trigger points for my smirks. Bee’s ’superpower’ is her ability to recommend books to people. A character mentions they liked gaming as a kid? - have a guess at what she recs and I challenge you not to ‘hehe’ to yourself when you flip the page and see you got it right. Again, this could be annoying for some, but I found it incredibly fun. I cried through the whole epilogue and still managed to chuckle between sobs at a Fourth Wing reference.

Yes, this book made my cry as well as laugh. It really did it all because it has heart. The characters are funny (if a *little* cringey in the odd line of dialogue here and there) but they’re also warm. Its conflicts are dramatic and over the top at times, then the next they are gut wrenching and real. I’ll be buying myself a copy of this, because I need it on my shelf and I’ll almost certainly reread when I want all the feels.

I received an eARC of this book for free, and am voluntarily sharing my own opinions in this review.

I want to start by thanking the publisher and author for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book. This book was good, but it was predictable.

This book is captivating. It has everything - book talk, romance for all ages, women's friendships, and the mentorship of young girls by older women. It also delves into the writing process, tropes, mental health, and other serious themes.
The main character, Bridget, is like Bridget Jones. Bridget is often confused with the famous movie character she's named after, but she's given up on correcting people. Depending on the situation, she's quirky, sensitive, strong, outspoken, and reserved. She enjoys interacting with people, especially her library patrons, and is empathetic and a great listener. She's always on the lookout for a great romance, whether in real life or literature.
It is a feel-good read with something for everyone. The author's sunny outlook shines through effortlessly, and I found myself shedding tears, which is unusual for me. Reading this book made me cherish those around me even more. Rachael Johns has truly hit the mark with this book I was captivated from start to finish. It's uplifting and left me with a smile. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I'm eagerly anticipating the author's next work. I highly recommend it.

This book was everything. Bridget Jones is a librarian and a hopeless romantic. Yes you guessed it, she absolutely loves romance novels. You’ll find lots of book references in this tale and it is the perfect rom-com. What more could you want with a grumpy nextdoor neighbour called Sully and an attractive barista named Fabio? Bridget and Fabio start a whirlwind romance and he starts coming to her elderly bookclub to spend time with her. The banter between Bridgett and Sully was next level. I found myself laughing a lot in this book especially with what they come up with to annoy each other.

I loved all the book references, the library workers that are friends and the “nonnas” who are part of a book club at the library. I would absolutely recommend reading this one if you enjoy rom-coms. The short chapters had me flying through this one. I also enjoyed Bridget’s special knack of matching books to people.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bloodhound Books for an ARC in exchange for an honest book review.

This book had me hooked from the start—relatable, heartfelt, and full of those “OMG, I’ve been there” moments. Bridget’s journey of navigating life, love, and a little identity crisis is refreshingly real.

What I loved most? The balance of humor and emotional depth. It wasn’t all laughs, but it also didn’t get too heavy. And the romance? Super cute without being over the top. If you’re looking for a cozy, feel-good read, this one is a solid choice!

This story follows Bridget, a librarian and hopeless romantic who grew up surrounded by romance novels on a remote cattle station. Her passion for reading and romance shapes her life in Fremantle, where she runs a book club at the library. When Fabio, a charming Italian barista, moves from casual flirting to joining her book club, Bridget worries that her so-called "romance curse" might ruin her chances with him. However, she finds herself unexpectedly attracted to her grumpy neighbor, Sully. Torn between the two, Bridget devises a plan to test both men by selecting books tailored to their personalities, leading to unexpected and heartwarming outcomes.

The novel highlights the connection between romance and literature, with well-developed supporting characters who add depth to the narrative. It’s a beautiful exploration of love, self-discovery, and the power of books to influence our lives.

Bridget is a hopeless romantic. Having been named after the famous fictional character, Bridget was destined to love romance novels. Living on a remote cattle station, she grew up with only her mother's romance novels for company. In her job as a librarian in Fremantle, she believes that her role is to instill in others, her love of reading. When handsome Italian barista Fabio progresses from flirting with her to joining the book club she runs at her library, Bridget prays her romance 'curse' won't ruin things. However, she finds herself drawn to her cranky neighbour Sully rather than Fabio. So, Bridget decides to put both men to the test by finding just the right books to capture their very different hearts with very interesting consequences.
This is such a beautiful story, particularly with its connection to other romance novels. There are so many wonderful characters interspersed in this story beyond the main characters, each with their own individuality. The discussions around the books brought everyone to life and brought a smile to my face.
This book I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This is my first Rachael Johns book and it won’t be my last! I loved the premise, a 28 year old librarian named after the much loved Bridget Jones who swears off dating apps to meet her one true love. While this is a cute romance, we do encounter several sub plots that would require trigger warning such as death and eating disorders. I’m not sure they were truly necessary for the advancement of the novel. I enjoyed all the relationships between “Bee” and her co-workers and library patrons. I loved all the name drops of books so much I started looking up books as they were mentioned and adding to my “to read” list. The book was a little long, but I enjoyed the setting and build up to the romance.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bloodhound Books for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Thank you, Netgalley, for allowing me to read and review this book. These opinions are completely my own.

I love this other Bridget Jones and her friends. Funny and real, you want to hang out with them at the library.

I had my doubts about this book when I read Rachael Johns is team Morelli, but I forgave her after the meeting of the grouch and the bunny.

The only thing I would put another little warning about is the ED content. I forgot the plot of the book by the time I read it and it crept up on me.

This book was beautifully written with lots of references to books that I have read and loved, but the characters in this story win hands down. I could barely put this one down I loved it so much, I highly recommend this one I loved it from start to finish, this one is uplifting and left me smiling and it is a must read! I almost didn’t want it to end but the ending is fabulous so in a way I’m glad it did! Truly don't miss this one!!

The Other Bridget is a delightful romcom set in Australia. Although there are definite nods to the namesake, it's a unique tale that doesn't rely solely on the other novel. The author's love of fiction is clear in the book, offering a wide variety of selections that are fun to clock if you've read them and provide a nice tbr if you haven't.

I will say, there are a LOT of side plots from minor characters. I do think the novel would have benefitted from a few being cut, but they didn't stop me from having a fun time overall.

The epilogue was a CHOICE. A bold, bold choice.

What it lacks in spice it makes up for with heart and banter.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bloodhound Books for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

CW: references to previous eating disorder, references ptsd, cancer (minor character), stroke (minor character), pregnancy complications (minor character), child death (minor character)

This book is amazing!!! One of my favourite books. The main protagonist is just gorgeous and works in a library. She is a kind hearted disaster and I love her. Just be prepared with tissues because I sobbed and bawled my eyes out reading. I really can't believe it! It broke my heart. It's a fun filled read with tragedy.

Cute rom-com; Bridget’s book rec’s sprinkled throughout the book will delight book lovers.. The storyline could be tighter, but overall I enjoyed the characters & story.

Spoilers in this review:

The Other Bridget is a great Aussie bookish rom com. With a lot of similarities to its namesake "Bridget Jones' Diary" makes this a fun and bookstagram friendly story. It starts off super slow and the first 40% of the book really drags. The last 60% is great once it gets going. The epilogue is a strange addition as others mentioned as the POV of the ghost of the teenage cancer patient Bridget befriends during the book. Yes, spoiler, the teenager dies. I write this because it helped me to know ahead of time that it was coming.

Bridget is a librarian with a close-knit friend group in Australia, who is named for Bridget Jones' Diary (the book, before the movie came out). I love Bridget Jones' Diary and was a big fan of the book and the movie. I love the references to it as well as the many references to the current contemporary books, Bridget is recommending to her friends and patrons of the library. I love when she mentions a romance book I've read, while I add the books to my TBR that I haven't.

Sully is a great romantic lead, he starts off as her grumpy neighbor and eventually becomes more after she is duped by her coffee slinging boyfriend. You can't help rooting for Bridget and her friends and overall the book is great even though it starts off slow and is on the long side. I love how short the chapters are though.

Thank you NetGalley and Rachael Johns for an advanced digital copy of this book.

Loved this book, took a while to get going and a lot of characters to get used to but worth getting to know them all. Sully was definitely the best character and outshone Bridget. Two exciting romances in one book. Will look for other books by same author as really enjoyed it.

If Bridget Jones had a sister...this would be her! Love love love this book! You know that feeling you get when you finish the last page and you feel like you've just broken up with someone? This book did that to me. Highly recommend for chic lit, romance lovers

This one had me laughing out loud while reading and awwing over the romance! It's a super fun book!

She's Bridget Jones, yep just like the movie. She is a librarian that has a knack for picking out just the perfect book for anyone - until her new neighbor moves in next door. Bridget believes she has the "Bridget Jones curse" but she falls for the neighborhood barista, Fabio. and he soons joins her elderly book club. And her cranky neighbor, Sully, ends up there, too. All the characters are engaging and entertaining, and the gnome theft just left me laughing. It's a cute story, with a lot of serious parts, too.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for a temporary, digital ARC in return for my review.

this book was cute, but i felt like it was just kind of predictable and was hard to get into. Sully was by far my favorite character and would love to be friends with him in real life.