Bridesmaid for Hire by Meghan Quinn

Love, Lies, and Laughter in Paradise

You know that feeling when you’re all set for a relaxing vacay, cocktail in hand, toes in the sand, and then BAM! Your sworn enemy shows up? Yeah, that’s pretty much the premise of Meghan Quinn’s latest rom-com, “Bridesmaid for Hire.” And let me tell you, it’s a wild ride from start to finish.

The Lowdown

Maggie Mitchell, our plucky protagonist, is a hardworking event planner who’s finally taking a much-needed break in Bora Bora. Enter Brody McFadden, her brother’s best friend and the bane of her existence. Cue the fireworks, folks!

But here’s the kicker: Brody’s there for his boss’s daughter’s wedding, hoping to score some brownie points. Maggie, ever the opportunist, sees a chance to boost her own business by offering her services as a bridesmaid and planner. The catch? She needs to pretend to be Brody’s girlfriend. Oh, the irony!

The Good, The Bad, and The Hilarious

What Works

First off, Quinn’s writing style is as refreshing as a piña colada on a hot day. She’s got a knack for witty banter that’ll have you snorting with laughter. The chemistry between Maggie and Brody is off the charts, even when they’re at each other’s throats. It’s that classic enemies-to-lovers trope we all secretly (or not so secretly) adore.

The setting is to die for. I mean, who wouldn’t want to be stranded in Bora Bora with a hot nemesis? Quinn paints a vivid picture of paradise that’ll have you googling flight prices faster than you can say “fake relationship.”

Room for Improvement

Now, don’t get me wrong, I loved this book. But if I’m being picky (and isn’t that what reviews are for?), there were a few moments where the plot felt a tad predictable. Some of the secondary characters could have used a bit more depth, too. But hey, when you’re having this much fun, who’s really counting?

The Characters: A Lovable Mess

Maggie Mitchell

Our girl Maggie is a force to be reckoned with. She’s ambitious, sassy, and has a heart of gold underneath all that snark. Her dedication to her business is admirable, even if it sometimes gets her into sticky situations. And boy, does she get into some situations!

Brody McFadden

Ah, Brody. He’s the kind of guy you want to shake and kiss in equal measure. He’s got that whole brooding-but-secretly-sweet thing going on, and it works. His struggle between his career ambitions and his growing feelings for Maggie adds some nice depth to his character.

The Supporting Cast

From the bride-to-be to the eccentric wedding guests, the secondary characters add flavor to the story. The Hopper family, in particular, brings some interesting dynamics to the table. I just wish we’d gotten to know them a bit better.

The Plot: A Rollercoaster of Romance

Quinn keeps the story moving at a brisk pace, with plenty of twists and turns to keep you on your toes. The fake relationship trope is handled well, with enough tension and misunderstandings to make you want to smoosh Maggie and Brody’s faces together and yell “Just kiss already!”

The wedding planning subplot adds a nice layer of chaos to the proceedings. Who knew choosing between eggshell and ivory could be so dramatic? (Spoiler alert: apparently, it can be!)

The Writing: Laugh-Out-Loud Funny

Quinn’s writing style is the real MVP here. It’s snappy, irreverent, and downright hilarious at times. She has a talent for one-liners that’ll stick with you long after you’ve finished the book. Case in point: “I have no problem going all night, all morning, and right now. This body is finely tuned and ready for anything you try to throw at it.” I mean, come on!

The Verdict

“Bridesmaid for Hire” is a perfect beach read, whether you’re actually on a beach or just wishing you were. It’s got romance, humor, and enough sexual tension to power a small island. Sure, it might not be reinventing the wheel, but sometimes you just want a fun, flirty read that’ll leave you with a smile on your face.

Who Should Read This?

• Fans of enemies-to-lovers romances
• Anyone who’s ever been a bridesmaid (or dodged being one)
• People who enjoy witty banter and steamy scenes
• Those who need a mental vacation to a tropical paradise

Who Might Want to Skip It?

• Readers looking for a deep, introspective novel
• Those who prefer their romance without humor
• People who can’t stand wedding-related drama

The Bottom Line

“Bridesmaid for Hire” is a solid 4 out of 5 stars for me. It’s not perfect, but it’s pretty darn close to the ideal summer read. Quinn has set up a promising start to her new series, and I’m already looking forward to the next installment.

What’s Next?

If you’re left wanting more after finishing “Bridesmaid for Hire,” fear not! Quinn has two more books planned in the series: “Bridesmaid Undercover” and “Bridesmaid by Chance” (expected April 2025). Something tells me we’re in for more wedding hijinks and steamy encounters.

Final Thoughts

In a world that can sometimes feel a bit too serious, “Bridesmaid for Hire” is a breath of fresh air. It’s the literary equivalent of a romantic comedy movie night with your best friends, complete with laughter, swoons, and maybe a few tears (happy ones, of course).

So grab your favorite beverage, find a comfy spot, and dive into this delightful romp. Just don’t blame me if you end up booking a spontaneous trip to Bora Bora afterward. Hey, stranger things have happened in the name of love!