Sometimes you want a novel that is rich in world building and has stakes that are intense and sometimes you want a story about two unlikely people getting together against all odds. Only a bridesmaid is strictly in the second category and while I normally like my romance with a side of vampire slaying, I found myself charmed by its simple premise.
Meli is a struggling actress who is offered one of her most unexpected roles, that of a bridesmaid to a quiet and shy bride Hannah. Meli is hired by Hannah’s fiancé to play the part of a long-time friend to keep up appearances at the wedding but from the moment the two meet there is a spark. The feelings are mutual but for it to go anywhere Hannah is going to have to overcome not only the expectations of her family and fiancé but also the inner doubts that plague her in social situations.
Only a bridesmaid is not a perfect book. The author tell the story using first person perspective for both main characters with them alternating between chapters and I found it took away from the book as the two characters interior voices and the fact that both of them were constantly worried about the thoughts of the other character kind of pulled me out of the story. Also, most of the side characters are not particularly developed but all of this is balanced out by the sheer charm of the banter between the Hannah and Meli. Almost from the start we are rooting for the two of them to get together and for Hannah to be saved from the nightmare that would be her marriage. Donnell also does a masterful job of portraying someone with social anxiety and how that can keep you from sometimes even realizing what could make yourself happy. The book is a light read and is great for anyone who is a fan of the will they or won’t they school of Rom-Coms. This is Helen Donnell’s first novel and I look forward to checking out her future work.
Paper Phoenix ink 