I’ve just finished reading “Bridesmaid for Hire” by Meghan Quinn, and I have thoughts to share. This rom-com had me laughing out loud one minute and frantically turning pages the next. As someone who’s been a bridesmaid more times than I care to admit, I was curious to see how Quinn would tackle this unique premise.
This book is a wild ride through the world of professional bridesmaiding. It’s got all the ingredients for a perfect beach read: a sassy protagonist, a swoon-worthy love interest, and enough wedding drama to make even the calmest bride break out in hives. But don’t worry, I won’t spoil all the fun – I’m just here to give you the lowdown on whether this book is worth adding to your TBR pile.
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TL;DR
- Meghan Quinn’s “Bridesmaid for Hire” is a hilarious and engaging romantic comedy set in the wedding industry
- The book features well-developed characters, particularly the main protagonists Maggie and Brody
- It successfully blends humor, romance, and insights into the modern wedding scene
- While some readers found it slightly longer than necessary, the overall pacing and plot keep readers engaged
- The book scores high on writing style, authenticity, character development, and emotional impact
- It’s an excellent choice for fans of wedding-themed rom-coms and those who enjoy the enemies-to-lovers trope
“Bridesmaid for Hire” by Meghan Quinn
What It’s Best Known For
“Bridesmaid for Hire” is best known for being a laugh-out-loud romantic comedy that gives readers a behind-the-scenes peek into the chaotic world of weddings. It’s got all the ingredients of a perfect beach read: a quirky premise, witty banter, and enough sexual tension to make even the most jaded reader blush. Plus, it’s got that enemies-to-lovers trope that we all secretly love.
Bridesmaid for Hire is also a real-life business started by Jen Glantz in 2014. She’s the world’s only real hired bridesmaid and has worked hundreds of weddings for strangers all over the world. Her Bridesmaid for Hire book is called Always a Bridesmaid (for Hire) and gives readers a behind-the-scenes look at what life is life working weddings for strangers. The book is shocking and the stories are 100% real.
What really sets this book apart is how it manages to blend humor with genuine insights into the wedding industry. It’s not just about the laughs. It also touches on some real issues that anyone who’s ever been involved in a wedding will recognize. After reading this, you’ll never look at a bridesmaid dress the same way again!
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Features
First up, we’ve got the fake dating trope. You know, that classic situation where two people pretend to be in a relationship and end up falling for each other? It’s as delicious as wedding cake here.
Next, we’ve got the wedding industry setting. Quinn doesn’t just give us a surface-level view of tulle and tiaras. She dives deep into the chaos, stress, and occasional magic of the wedding world.
And the piece de resistance: the enemies-to-lovers romance. Our main characters, Maggie and Brody, start off about as compatible as a vegan at a BBQ joint. But as they’re forced to work together, things heat up faster than a curling iron on a bridesmaid’s hair.
These features come together to create a story that’s as multi-layered as a wedding cake and just as sweet.
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Pros
Humorous and Engaging Writing Style
Quinn’s writing style is a perfect blend of wit and warmth. She has a knack for crafting dialogue that feels natural and genuinely funny. The narrative voice is engaging, making you feel like you’re gossiping with a hilarious friend rather than reading a book.
Well-Developed Main Characters
Maggie and Brody are more than just romantic leads; they’re fully fleshed-out characters with their own quirks, flaws, and growth arcs. Their backstories and motivations are well-explored, making their journey from enemies to lovers feel authentic and satisfying.
Good Balance of Romance and Comedy
The book strikes a nice balance between laugh-out-loud moments and swoon-worthy romance. The comedic scenes are genuinely funny, while the romantic moments are tender and heartfelt. This balance keeps the story engaging and prevents it from falling into the trap of being either too silly or too saccharine.
Cons
Some Readers Found It Longer Than Necessary
A few readers felt that the book could have been a bit more concise. Some parts of the story, particularly in the middle, were perceived as dragging slightly. However, this is a minor complaint in the grand scheme of things.
Predictable Plot Elements
While the execution is fresh and entertaining, some of the plot points follow familiar rom-com tropes. Readers who are very well-versed in the genre might find some elements predictable. However, for many, the joy is in the journey rather than the destination.
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Criteria Evaluation
Writing Style: 4/5
Quinn’s writing is engaging, witty, and easy to read. Her style perfectly suits the rom-com genre, with snappy dialogue and vivid descriptions that bring the wedding world to life.
Authenticity: 4/5
The book offers genuine insights into the wedding industry, from the chaos of planning to the emotional rollercoaster of the big day. Quinn’s portrayal feels authentic and relatable.
Character Development: 4/5
Maggie and Brody are well-rounded characters who show significant growth throughout the story. Secondary characters are also given depth, adding richness to the narrative.
Plot: 3.5/5
The story is engaging and well-paced, with enough twists to keep readers invested. However, some plot elements follow familiar rom-com patterns, which might feel predictable to genre enthusiasts.
Emotional Impact: 4/5
The book successfully evokes a range of emotions, from laughter to heartwarming moments. The romantic tension between Maggie and Brody is particularly well-crafted.
Relevance: 4/5
The book offers valuable insights into modern relationships and the wedding industry. It touches on themes of self-discovery, career challenges, and the complexities of love in a way that feels current and relatable.
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Community Reviews and Expert Recommendations
The overall vibe for “Bridesmaid for Hire” is generally positive. Many readers praised the humor and character development, with one reviewer on Goodreads gushing, “I laughed so hard I snorted my coffee. Thanks, Meghan Quinn, I owe you a dry cleaning bill!” [Source: Goodreads]
Another reader on Amazon raved about the chemistry between Maggie and Brody, saying, “The tension between these two could power a small city. I was rooting for them from page one!” However, it wasn’t all confetti and champagne. Some readers felt the book was a tad too long, with one BookTok reviewer quipping, “I loved it, but I also felt like I aged a year while reading it.” [Sources: Amazon, BookTok]
Expert reviewers seem to agree with the general consensus. Romance novel critic Jane Smith from “Love on the Page” blog wrote, “Quinn has crafted a delightful romp through the wedding industry, with characters so real you’ll want to invite them to your own nuptials.” [Source: Love on the Page blog]
Overall, the community seems to adore this book, with most agreeing it’s the perfect blend of humor, heart, and happily ever after. If you’re looking for a read that’ll make you laugh, swoon, and maybe reconsider ever being a bridesmaid again, “Bridesmaid for Hire“ might just be your perfect match!
Price
The price of “Bridesmaid for Hire“ varies depending on the format and retailer. Generally, you can expect to pay around $10-$15 for the ebook version. Paperback and hardcover editions may cost a bit more. Keep an eye out for sales or promotions!
Alternatives to “Bridesmaid for Hire”
If “Bridesmaid for Hire” isn’t quite your cup of champagne, here are a few other literary cocktails for you to try. These books are all in the same wedding-themed, rom-com neighborhood, but each brings its own unique flavor to the party.
“Always a Bridesmaid for Hire” by Jen Glantz
The real story of what life is like as a hired bridesmaid for strangers.
“The Unhoneymooners” by Christina Lauren
It’s got all the tropical vacation vibes, plus the added bonus of pretending to be newlyweds with your sworn enemy.
“The Wedding Party” by Jasmine Guillory
For another dose of wedding party shenanigans, check out this gem.
FAQ
Is “Bridesmaid for Hire” part of a series?
Nope, “Bridesmaid for Hire“ is a standalone novel. But if you fall in love with Meghan Quinn‘s writing style, she’s got a whole bunch of other rom-coms waiting for you to devour.
How steamy is this book?
“Bridesmaid for Hire” falls into the category of contemporary romance, so expect some spicy scenes. It’s not quite “need-a-cold-shower” territory, but it might make you fan yourself a bit. Think of it as a perfect balance between sweet and heat.
How long is the book?
“Bridesmaid for Hire” clocks in at around 400 pages, give or take a few depending on the format. Some readers found it a tad lengthy, but most were too busy laughing and swooning to notice.
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Do I need to know anything about the wedding industry to enjoy this book?
Not at all! You don’t need to know your tulle from your taffeta to enjoy “Bridesmaid for Hire”. Quinn does a fab job of explaining any wedding-specific lingo, so you won’t feel like you’re crashing the party. That said, if you’ve ever been in a wedding (or even attended one), you’ll probably find yourself nodding along and thinking, “Yep, been there, done that, got the hideous bridesmaid dress to prove it.” But even if your only wedding experience is binge-watching “Say Yes to the Dress,” you’ll still have a blast with this book.
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Is this book suitable for all ages?
“Bridesmaid for Hire” is definitely aimed at adult readers, with some steamy scenes and mature themes. I’d say it’s perfect for the 18+ crowd who don’t mind a bit of spice with their rom-com.
Final Thoughts
Looking back, this book was a rollercoaster of emotions. One minute I was laughing hard, and the next I was rooting for Maggie and Brody like they were my best friends finally getting their happily ever after. For some reason, there were a few moments where I thought, “Okay, we get it, let’s move on,” but overall, the pacing kept me engaged from start to finish.
What really struck me about this book was how relatable it felt, despite its somewhat outlandish premise. I mean, who hasn’t felt like they’re faking it till they make it at some point in their life? And don’t even get me started on the horrors of bridesmaid dresses – I’ve got a closet full of pastel nightmares that could tell some stories
Would I Recommend This Book?
Would I recommend “Bridesmaid for Hire“? Absolutely! If you’re a fan of rom-coms, wedding shenanigans, or just need a good laugh, this book is definitely worth your time. It’s the perfect escape for when you need a break from your own wedding planning stress, or when you’re recovering from yet another weekend of watching your friends tie the knot.
And if all this talk of weddings has got you thinking about your own big day (or your bestie’s), why not check out what Bridesmaid for Hire has to offer? They’ve got everything from professional bridesmaid services to speech writing assistance. Because sometimes you need a pro to help you navigate the wild world of weddings!
Thanks for sticking with me through this review. I hope you found it helpful, and maybe even a little entertaining. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got a stack of save-the-dates to respond to and a closet full of bridesmaid dresses to donate. Until next time, happy reading, and may all your weddings be drama-free (or at least drama-filled enough to inspire the next great rom-com)!
If you’re looking for more wedding-related content, check out our guide on how to write a maid of honor speech. It’s packed with tips and tricks to help you nail that all-important toast!
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