💜Match Your Scarf & Book Review💜

Thank you to @netgalley and @stmartinspress for the eARC of Bad Luck Bridesmaid. I tried really hard to finish this one by pub date, January 11th, but real life had other plans. 🥴

@missbeckagee also tagged me in the #matchyourscarf challenge and so…not to sound like a broken record here…I grabbed a matching scarf I crocheted from my @etsy shop: @crystalclearetsy to picture with this cover. Yep, I crochet not only hats, but scarves too!

As for Bad Luck Bridesmaid, this book was written extremely well and I really enjoyed the author’s writing style. The premise is that a woman, Zoey, who has been a bridesmaid to 3 different brides and NONE of them have managed to make it down the aisle. Zoey decides she must be a bad luck charm.

Without going into further details about the plot and how it plays out, I’ll be honest. Zoey annoyed the crap out of me. Now, this is coming from a woman who has been married to her husband for 11 years, but I cannot relate to Zoey’s fear of commitment and how she constantly sabotages herself relationship-wise.

With that being said, I did really like the moral of the novel. Something along the lines of loving yourself exactly the way you are and not considering yourself broken simply because you don’t want what 90% of people might want. And it’s ok to be a complicated woman.

I really liked the writing style and the moral, but Zoey I just wanted to strangle. 🤣

For those of you planning to read Bad Luck Bridesmaid by Alison Rose Greenberg, I highly recommend going into this book without any preconceived notions. And especially don’t try to pigeonhole it into a specific genre. I say this because I’ve seen reviews where readers try to figure out what type of book it *should* be based on the blurb or cover or whatever the case may be. My advice is to sit back and enjoy the roller coaster of a narrative, which will take readers on an unexpected, unpredictable, but ultimately fulfilling journey. 
 
In short, Bad Luck Bridesmaid is about a woman named Zoey whose three turns as a bridesmaid has resulted in zero walks down the aisle. Convinced she’s cursed, Zoey shies away from commitment, to the detriment of her relationship. But when her best friend gets engaged, Zoey is determined to ensure her fourth time as bridesmaid culminates in wedded bliss. Unfortunately for Zoey, the arrival of her ex-boyfriend, and a scheming best man are just a couple obstacles she faces along the way.  
 
Bad Luck Bridesmaid could potentially be described as two books in one. It seemed as if there’s an entire narrative that unfolded, which I expected to end a certain way, yet when I glanced down, I realized I was only halfway through the book! Not only was Zoey’s story far from over when I had assumed it was going in a certain direction, but she’s such a wild card that it became impossible to predict her next word or action or how they’d impact the next sentence, the next page, or the next chapter.  

The narrative is complicated. It’s messy. It’s raw. It’s imperfect. The same could be said for the characters, especially Zoey. She’s confident, successful, and sticks with her convictions, even when it means making sacrifices. But she’s also human. She makes mistakes. She experiences jealousy, indecision, hope, happiness, heartache, and a whole range of complex emotions. Zoey has dreams and desires that may not align with what society expects, which is something she comes to terms with over the course of the narrative.  
 
The hopeless romantic in me may have had certain expectations about Zoey’s romance storyline, but my more pragmatic side cheered as Zoey navigated the twists and turns of life and love. Bad Luck Bridesmaid is ultimately a journey of self-discovery, and I enjoyed every step of the way. It’s an eventful, drama-filled, emotionally turbulent, and incredibly entertaining story, and I recommend going in with an open mind and heart.  
 
Having listened to the audiobook, I also have to mention the spot-on narration by Sarah Naughton. As the narrator, she fully embodies Zoey, voicing the book’s protagonist with cool, sardonic aplomb. I typically listen at the highest speed, but I slowed down to fully appreciate her calm, matter-of-fact delivery, even in the midst of chaos. The audiobook was such a pleasure to listen to, and I was grateful to have had that experience.  

*audiobook review copy provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review

“𝘐’𝘥 𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘣𝘦 𝘥𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯 𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘤𝘵𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦” I absolutely adored the writing style and the brilliant message [author: Alison Rose Greenberg] effortlessly breathed throughout the book.

“When you know, you know” When a complicated woman by her own definition, presumes she is anti-love/commitment due to her passed failed attempts as being a bridesmaid. She finds herself head over heals in love with a man. There is mid level steam action happening throughout. After a year into their glorious courtship, he asks her to marry him…will she get her happily ever after?

The ending is one you will be surprised with, but will have you cheering in delight!

Do not miss! I listened to the audio and the narrator was phenomenal!
Thanks @netgalley @smpromance for the gifted copy in exchange for my honest review.

a hilarious rom-com I enjoyed every page!
thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an earc of Bad Luck Bridesmaid in exchange for an honest review.

Before I write my review, I wanted to give my disclaimer-this book is not a romance novel but instead should be marketed as women's literature. I think if I'd thought of it as a romance, it would be have been a 3.5 star review for me.
Zoey is like a force of nature. She's impossible to tame and she sets high goals for herself in her career. Where she falters is in her personal life. She doesn't want commitment at all. Then she meets Rylan. Rylan is perfect for her and has her contemplating marriage. At around the same time, she is bridesmaid for a third failing time. Three friends of hers have not gone down the aisle after asking her to be a bridesmaid.
Zoey's best friend Hannah gets engaged and asks Zoey to be her bridesmaid. Will Hannah make it down the aisle? Will Zoey make it down the aisle?
About 50% of the way through this story, I didn't understand Zoey's inhibitions and motivations. I let go of the impression that this was a romance novel and it became more about a woman's complicated journey. This and the ending (not giving it any spoilers) made it a 5 star for me. Karen the falcon was my favorite character-those scenes with her were hysterical.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in return for my honest review.

Thank you SMP Romance and Netgalley for an arc in exchange for an honest review.
I saw reviews noting that this is not a rom com and I think that was really helpful and helped me to enjoy Zoey's story. I think it was really interesting to see her journey and her relationship with Rylan develop. I'm not sure I really understood her fear of weddings not happening because she was a bridesmaid and how much it hit. I think it's good to read stories about women who don't necessarily want the big wedding and the typical happy ever after. I really wished Rylan could have loved her and accepted her as she was. I am hopeful she will find someone to love her and spend time by her side.

Bad Luck Bridesmaid is about one woman who has failed to see three brides walk down the aisle, so now she doesn’t believe in marriage and Forever despite being head over heels in love with her boyfriend, who soon becomes her ex-almost fiance. Now they’re both in Ireland for her best friend’s wedding, who also happens to be her ex’s cousin. What has the makings to be a fun rom-com style story is actually very much women’s fiction. We really get to know the main character, Zooey, and her fear of marriage as she comes to terms with what it all means to her. Overall, I felt the story behind her being bad luck was flimsy at best, but her relationships with some of the characters were a lot of fun and it was nice to see her come into her own, to see her stand on solid feet about her feelings on marriage.

I wanted to like this one more. The synopsis had it sounding like a sweet rom-com. But it just didn't deliver. There wasn't much humor and it was more serious than I expected. The main character was annoying and I found myself wanting to shake her. There were some cute parts and I really enjoyed the setting since the book takes place in Ireland.

Overall, this was just okay and I was a bit let down. As long as you go into this knowing it's more women's fiction than a rom-com, you might be pleasantly surprised.

I really enjoy those always a bridesmaid never a bride stories so I was happy to have received and ARC of Bad Luck Bridesmaid via NetGalley from St. Martin's
This one is categorized as a fictional rom-com It's definitely a it's complicated vibe rom-com.
If it was Alison Rose Greenberg's intention to write characters you laugh at one minute and get frustrated with the next she definitely succeeds with The Bad Luck Bridesmaid. Zoe had me laughing one minute and completely frustrated with her the next minute.
Family, friendships, love and all the drama of weddings is at the heart of this one. Life is complicated, I was happy to have been along for Zoe's complicated journey.
I look forward to reading more books by this author in the future.

Based on the title & book blurb, I expected more of a Romcom. I should have known when we flew through the dating of Zoey & Rylan that this wasn't the case.

SPOILERS possible from here on: I knew Zoey had a problem with marriage, but I never felt like she gave a reason for this problem, or at least not a good one. It didn't seem like she could really articulate it herself. Rylan seemed too good to be true, but he wasn't. I don't understand giving this up & not figuring out how to make it work after she actually experienced missing him when he was gone. I guess I am too much of a romantic to get into a book like this.

I do like the strong female friendship, so maybe if this had been sold as more of an emphasis on the friendship then as a romantic novel, I might have liked it better.

Thanks to NetGalley & the publisher for advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

Wow, this poor girl. Her self esteem takes a beating. I love how she eventually twisted her perception and saw that she want the issue. Cute book that I really enjoyed.

“Always a bridesmaid, never a bride.”

Zoey is cursed. In the three weddings in which she has been a bridesmaid, zero brides have walked down the aisle. Being the common denominator, she begins to wonder if her uncertainty toward marriage and happily ever after is rubbing off on those around her.

Enter Rylan, the textbook definition of prince charming. Zoey and Rylan are ooey gooey for a time…until Rylan proposes, and Zoey slams on the breaks.

This was such a fun one. I loved Zoey's personality and snarky inner monologue. There were several times I actually laughed out loud.

Without saying too much, I wasn't sure I'd end up liking it overall until the very end.

3 to 3.5

This is exactly the sort of book that makes me glad I don't do stars, for I'd tie myself in knots over the "yes, buts" even knowing that nobody really gives a hoot.

That said, this was a fast read, though I think toward the end the author forgot about the "com" in "romcom" and took a left turn into women's fiction. Which is okay, except I felt a bit like someone had pulled a switcheroo on me, especially as I didn't really get where she was coming from (avoiding spoilers here).

The first half had plenty of the fun I looked for, especially these days, as first person narrator Zoey is bridesmaid for three friends, though none of the brides actually make it to the "I do." What happens then is lots of character interaction, strong female friendship, and some problematical bits with the guys.

Author is a good writer--I liked the characters as characters, and the pacing moved along. But when I reach for a romcom I want a romantic comedy all the way through, with the implied happy ending, roses and veils.

I have some mixed feelings about this one, to be honest. It's more of a romance (though there are certainly some rom-com moments) than I typically pick up. But, overall, I did like it and thankful that the publisher directly invited me to read this one. The titular character, Zoey, has been a bridesmaid three times at the opening - and not once has the bride made it to the "I do." This provides the basis for Zoey's own approach to dating - casual only. But soon she meets someone who has her questioning everything.

My main issue is the premise - it's just not convincing that Zoey is so marriage adverse just to continue her own teenage rebellion... This is also a lot steamier than the romances that I tend to gravitate towards. Greenberg really pushes hard for the central romance... and this just makes it unsatisfying.... There were definite moments when I contemplated setting this one aside without finishing it. But, there were also moments that made me laugh and even a few times when I was surprised to find tears in my eyes. In the end, I did like it - even if I didn't always like the main character. It's an interesting debut and I am curious to see what she will follow this one up with!

I went into this thinking it was a cross between a rom-com and a mystery. However, it was more like a contemporary drama than anything else. I probably would have liked it more if it was summarized closer to what it was.

Zoey Marks is certain she’s cursed. Every time she’s a bridesmaid there ends up not being a wedding. She’s not big on commitment herself either, if she’s being honest. This is a story about forging your own path, found family, and realizing that your soul mate may very well not be someone you’re romantically interested in.

Oh and there’s also a run-in with a falcon, a few dead mice, an Irish castle, the Loch Ness Monster (yes, in Ireland) and so many more hilarious adventures.

This book made me snort laugh but also had me shedding a tear or two. I loved Zoey’s character. She was real, and flawed, but striving to become the best version of herself. I loved the Jewish rep too.

If you haven't grabbed a copy of this one already you need to. Right now, go!

I don’t read a lot of rom-coms, but, after reading Bad Luck Bridesmaid, I will certainly be making an exception for debut novelist Alison Rose Greenberg.

I have a feeling that Alison is probably a super fun person to be with, because her book is full of wit and snark and all things laugh worthy. I can only assume that her sense of humor shines through in Zoey, who is everything a modern female character should be. 💗

If you’re looking for a way to amuse yourself by the pool or in the Arctic tundra where I’m currently located (with 5 inches of new snow and still snowing hard) Bad Luck Bridesmaid just might be it!

Thank you so much for the opportunity to review! Link to post:

https://www.instagram.com/p/CY17PmJLDyH/

Zoey Marks can't decide how she feels about the institution of marriage.

It doesn't help that she had a front row seat to not one, not two, but three close friends pulling a Runaway Bride and breaking off their engagements in the midst of their wedding celebrations.

This book isn't really a rom com --- its a true celebration of what happens when women confront hard truths and choose their own course for their lives, even when the journey is messy and conflicting and complicated and hard.

Zoey was so relatable to me and I loved her growth throughout this book! If you like strong heroines and strong writing, you'll enjoy this one.

While this book was not my glass of Zinfandel, I can see that it may appeal very much to others, perhaps those younger than I.

F-bombs abound! A lot of hot sex, but not so much that this can be considered erotica.

All I could think of when I read this book was that it was the 1980's all over again but in reverse. Instead of the men not wanting to get bogged down with love and permanent relationships, now women (well, at least our MC Zoey!) didn't want to be in that position. Women are now being hard-@sses in their roles as business owners. Let the good times roll, as it were.

I am reading this book with the hope that it will stop being one long angsty monologue and evolve into something a little more absorbing. The idea of a bridesmaid being bad luck at weddings is good and had a lot of laughter potential, but that is not the path this author chose.

Minor Spoiler-don't think of this book as a romance. If you do, you will be disappointed.

* ARC was supplied by the publisher, St. Martin's Griffin, NetGalley, and the author.

This was an easy read and enjoyable, but not one I was super invested in. I felt like the pacing at the beginning was fast. Around 25% of the way in, I felt like so much had happened and was curious if it would continue like that. Luckily it didn’t, and I felt like the last half was better. I’m sure a lot of people won’t like the ending because it’s not what you would typically expect. I didn’t love it or hate it, but thought it was a nice way to wrap up Zoey’s story.

I went through a few years where I was constantly a bridesmaid in multiple weddings. It's always a fun time for the most part but every bride has different expectations for what they need from you... and it's super expensive. I was SO burnt out on weddings and bridesmaid duties by the end of 2019. During that busy bridesmaid period of life, I generally refused to read books involving weddings or bridesmaids.... and now that it's all over (including my own wedding last year), I'm down to read these books again. And thank god, because I usually liked them!

BAD LUCK BRIDESMAID sold me from the beginning. Three weddings as a bridesmaid, three friends who didn't make it down the aisle. Zoey is convinced she's the reason for these failed weddings. After all, she's never cared about finding love and commitment from someone. She even turns down her great fiance when he proposes. Cue the regret. During an overseas wedding that her ex, Rylan, will be at, she determines THIS bride will make it down the aisle, and hopefully she'll figure out what the hell is wrong with her.

This was truly a bizarre reading experience. I was pretty addicted to it and loved the first half of the book. Once she gets to Ireland after breaking up with Rylan though... things went off the rails. I will be the first to tell you that imperfect, messy characters are totally fine by me. People make mistakes and usually I can understand. I generally did for this one. However, the ending really threw me for a loop. It's really hard to discuss without spoiling everything but I will just say: don't go into this thinking it's a classic romance or even romantic comedy. There are some amazing parts and very fun writing (I'd definitely read this author again!) but seriously... embrace the mess and take the romance label with a big grain of salt. 


All in all... I mostly liked this but I also kind of hated it. It was a quick read from a new author I'm interested in reading more from, but I'm glad I had skimmed a couple of reviews and knew to lower my expectations a little bit.