If I’m being honest, when I started reading this book, I really wasn’t in the mood for a rom-com. But, you just can’t help but like and empathize with Zoey Marks. And by the end of the book, you totally want to be in her circle of girlfriends.
This story literally made me cry. And then laugh. And that is the ultimate sign that a book has accomplished what it set out to do. It made me feel all the feels.
That is also explored the idea that somehow a woman is broken if she can’t find love or if she doesn’t get married was incredibly poignant. There were so many ah-ha moments for this character, moments that give voice to the confining expectations the modern world has on women. And it explores the idea that true happiness comes from loving yourself first.
And while this book doesn’t have the traditional HEA ending, it absolutely leaves you happy for Zoey and empowered to live like she does: unafraid to be who you are and allowed to be happy, even if that happiness doesn’t look like what other people think it should.
P.S. This is the debut book from this author. It was so good…I can’t wait to read more from her.
Book Details
Genre: Women’s Fiction/Romantic Comedy
Release Date: January 2022
It’s official: Zoey Marks is the cursed bridesmaid that no engagement can survive. Ten years, three empire waist dresses, and ZERO brides have walked down the aisle.
After strike three, Zoey is left wondering if her own ambivalence towards marriage has rubbed off on those she loves. And when her building distrust of matrimony culminates in turning down a proposal from her perfect All-American boyfriend, Rylan Harper III, she and Rylan are both left heartbroken, leaving Zoey to wonder: what is it exactly about tying the knot that makes her want to run in the opposite direction?
Enter Hannah Green: Zoey’s best friend, who announces that she’s marrying a guy she just met (cue eye roll). At a castle. In gorgeous, romantic Ireland, where Rylan will be in attendance, and Zoey will be a bridesmaid. It’ll be fine.
Okay, the woman definition of fine (NOT FINE).
Determined to turn her luck around, Zoey accepts her role and vows to get Hannah down the aisle—all the while praying her best friend’s wedded bliss will allow her to embrace marriage and get Rylan back.
But as the weekend goes on, Zoey is plagued with more questions than answers. Can you be a free spirit, yet still want a certain future? Can you have love and be loved on your terms? And how DO you wrangle a bossy falcon into doing your bidding?