Reviews

Always a Bridesmaid by Marina Adair

ava_bean1717's review against another edition

3.0

It was a good story to pass the time. But the love was kinda unbelievable to me. The epilogue was kind of a whiplash. It went really fast. Not exactly my favorite part. 

icecoffeeavalance's review against another edition

adventurous emotional funny hopeful lighthearted sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.75

The story takes us into the world of Jane Drisdol, a professional bridesmaid who manages hundreds of weddings each year. Adair masterfully creates an entertaining and heartwarming romance that captivates the reader from the very beginning.The characters are multi-dimensional and authentically portrayed. Their chemistry is palpable, and their personal developments throughout the story are both believable and engaging. The author brings the characters to life and makes their motivations easy to understand.Rachel L. Jacobs' narration is impressive. Her pleasant voice and sense of timing and emphasis perfectly support the story. She gives each character a distinct personality and skillfully captures the emotions and nuances of the plot."Always a Bridesmaid" is a successful blend of humor, romance, and personal growth. The story is well-structured and offers a balanced mix of light entertainment and deeper moments.Overall, I give this charming and entertaining audiobook 4.75 out of 5 stars. It is the perfect companion for fans of contemporary romance novels with depth. 

Thanks to Netgalley and  Dreamscape Media, I had the pleasure of reviewing an advance copy of the audiobook "Always a Bridesmaid" by Marina Adair. 

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Sexual content

Moderate: Death of parent

Minor: Car accident

llehouser's review

4.0

Such a cute and quick listen!

I really enjoyed the storyline--Formula 1 driver?! I'm in. This is miscommunication at its finest. While I understood the basis for the miscommunication, I really did think it could have been cleared up a lot easier. But isn't that the general gist for miscommunication? Also a very solid slow burn with good spice.

Narration: Great narration. There were times the accent would drop off, but the narrator really did a great job with the different voices and keeping everything consistent. Well done! Made the story go so quick.

lululovesbooks77's review

adventurous emotional funny hopeful informative lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

My Awwwww can be heard around the world! 😍 this was such a a cute fun spicy rom com!  Loved Rachel as the narrator!  She did a fantastic job portraying the characters.  I love how she was able to really emulate everyone’s emotions and it was such a fun listen.

This book for me wasn’t just a standard rom com because I loved the F1 twist and the story was so smooth and well written!  You can really relate to Jane and Henry and their stories.  But the best part was their chemistry! 💋 i cant wait for you to go listen to this audiobook!

𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸…

🏎️Close Proximity 

🏎️Secret identity 

🏎️Found Family 

🏎️Great Banter

🏎️Dual POV

🏎️Open Door

I received an advance listening copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. 

madisonwfairbanks's review against another edition

hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

Always a Bridesmaid by Marina Adair

A Revved-Up Romance series #1. Contemporary sports related romance. 

Jane Drisdol is a Bridesmaid for Hire. She owns a company that allows a bride to hire someone to stand in and help organize a wedding from within the bridal party. Jane has been hired to pretend to be a specific socialite at a wedding in England, a long time friend of the bride. After an unfortunate squabble with a pushy male at the airport, Janet finds out he is the brother of the bride and one of the main people that’s she’s supposed to fool with the socialite identity. Jane is used to performing, so spins story and after story to keep Henry Norris from guessing what’s going on. He’s used to fast cars and fancy women as a Formula One driver living in Monaco but Jane has him tied up in knots. Something about her just doesn’t add up and for every question he asks, she’s able to spin another explanation. Henry is both frustrated and revved up. 

🎧 I listened to an audiobook of this story which is narrated by by Rachel L Jacobs. There are specific and discernible voices for the male and female leads as well as the bride. Emotions such as anger, annoyance, and passion can be clearly heard as the story progresses. I feel like the audio version of this story is able to bring the characters alive. 

I listened at my usual speed of 1.5 to more closely match my reading and talking patterns. 

Fun concept and story idea. I enjoyed the conflicts between Jane and Henry because you could hear the underlying flirting between the two. There was more attraction than either of them could hide. 

I received a copy of this from NetGalley and Dreamscape Media. 

hharkins's review against another edition

4.0

3.5⭐
1

kats_got_your_bookstagram's review

funny lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

This was a very cute and quick listen! I enjoyed the concept of the bridesmaids for hire.

The relationship between Jane and Henry was cute and spicy but I felt like it was rushed. I was really hoping for more wedding drama. 

I did enjoy the audiobook and the performance Rachel L Jacobs was good.

momma_needs_to_read's review

fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

2.0

Honestly, I didn't like this one. It just didn't work for me. I felt that the story was kind of boring and lacked any depth. I couldn't find myself getting interested in the characters, I'm not sure what exactly it was, but I found them a bit unlikeable. I think it had to do with the fact that it was about rich and famous people, and it just didn't work for me. Elle/Jane and Henry didn't have any natural chemistry; all their interactions felt so forced, and I just couldn't get behind it. This is a spicy book, but I also didn't like these scenes; they felt uncomfortable or something. 
 
I listened to the audiobook, and I really like this narrator. She did a great job with her voice and accent change with each character. I would definitely listen to another book narrated by her.
 
Unfortunately, this book just isn't something I would recommend. I didn't like it; it just wasn't for me.

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Sexual content

darbter's review

3.75

Forced proximity + Fake friend + Forbidden romance = A recipe for success! 

This was so cute! Easy to listen to & get lost in the storyline. 
Would have loved to have rated higher, but for that, I needed a longer book! Storyline felt rushed at times & could have used a little more character backstory/development. 
All in all, a sweet romance with a few well written spicy scenes. 
Looking forward to the next in the series! 

Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for access to this ARC audiobook! 

kirstiiin_89's review

emotional funny lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

*♡Thank you to NetGalley and Marina Adair for the ARC of this audiobook in exchange for my honest opinion♡*

First of all, Rachel L Jacobs was an excellent choice of narrator, made the book such an easy and enjoyable listen ♡
Always a Bridesmaid is a cute, emotional rom-com, with just the right amount of spice, that follows the romance equation perfectly :)
From the get go you can feel the chemistry between Jane and Henry. The natural way they progress from major dislike to playful insults to straight out flirting was a delight to read.
As much as I enjoy an epilogue, I felt the timings of where they were at seemed very rushed and it badly made me want to deduct a star. The one downside to the entire book!!

****Spoiler****



Props to the airport declaration of love, always a winner in my eyes!!