Still haven't read THE BAD BRIDESMAID?
Here’s why you need it on your TBR, like, yesterday…
If you haven’t read The Bad Bridesmaid yet, this is your sign with 10 Reasons why you should :)
It’s not your average romance - Fred isn’t dreaming of her big day—she’s just trying to survive her mum’s sixth. She’s writing a book (literally) on why love is a bad idea, and she’s ready to sabotage this wedding with the help of the groom’s hot, equally cynical son, Leo.
It’s equal parts funny and heartfelt - you’ll laugh at the bad behaviour in Operation Break-Up - but you’ll also find yourself thinking about the big stuff: identity, belonging, forgiveness, and what it really means to open your heart when you’ve spent years protecting it.
The love interest is pure swoon - Leo is British, charming, plays in a band, and lives on a houseboat. He’s not here to fix Fred or force her to change - he just sees her in a way no one else has before. With a calm confidence and quiet charm, he challenges Fred in all the right ways.
The setting is a character in itself—the story starts in Freo, then heads to Norfolk Island, with a finale in London. Freo’s Fred’s comfort zone: good coffee, friends who are like family, and plenty of places for fabulous first dates. Norfolk Island is not exactly the resort holiday she envisaged but also more magic than she could have imagined. And London… well, London might just hold the part of her heart she didn’t know she was missing!
Found family for the win - Fred never thought she needed more people in her life. But Leo’s family crashes into her world like a glitter bomb of warmth, wit and unexpected loyalty. Against her better judgment, she finds herself getting attached.
There’s a second chance romance - between two people who really should know better. But somehow, their history, heartbreak, and willingness to try again hits Fred harder than she expects. And I think you’ll enjoy it too.
If you loved The Other Bridget, you’ll enjoy the crossover - in Bad Bridesmaid you get a sneak peek at what Bridget, Sully and the rest of the librarians have been up to since the end of that book.
I have three teenage boys (okay, one’s twenty, but he still lives at home) - and they’re REALLY expensive to feed. Buying this book might literally help fund my next grocery shop. So if you’re not doing it for Fred, do it for the snacks.
It’s about how love doesn’t have to look the way you thought it would - and sometimes happy ever after starts with a very bad idea.
Because it’s already a fan-favourite - don’t take my word for it. Scroll down to see what readers are saying about The Bad Bridesmaid. Spoiler: she may be bad at weddings, but she’s pretty great at winning hearts.
‘A good rom-com is a balm for the harshness of the outside world, and no one does romance and comedy better than Rachael Johns.’ Australian Women’s Weekly on The Bad Bridesmaid.
‘Again Johns gives us the types of characters we know and love without them falling into cliches. “Ah yes, the workaholic.” “Ah yes, the larger-than-life gay boyfriend.” And so forth. They all work well and I loved the ‘journey’ (sorry!) Johns takes Fred on – particularly from her disdain and horror at the behaviour of her (potential) step-nieces – to begrudgingly being won over without sacrificing her personality in any way,’ Debbish.
‘The best laugh out loud moments I've had in so long while reading this book! What an absolute gem!’ All Booked Out with MJ.
A Look Inside Fred's Brain:
I am totally against love, romance, and everything that represents it.
Damn it, Mum! Are you engaged AGAIN? Don't you ever learn? I REALLY don't want to pick up the pieces AGAIN. I mean, I only want to protect you from being hurt!!
YOU WANT ME TO BE MAID OF HONOUR? REALLY??!! WHY PUT ME IN THIS POSITION???
Okay, you're offering a week long holiday in Norfolk Island. I suppose it's the perfect opportunity for a writing retreat. Let's go, I suppose.
WHAT DO YOU MEAN? WE'RE ACTUALLY GOING TO HAVE ENFORCED FAMILY TIME? UGH.
Who's the hot guy at the airport? DAMN IT, HE IS MARRIED.
Okay, so not married. He's going to be my stepbrother. Maybe this trip won't be so bad after all.
HAHAHAHA. Leo is also against this marriage. Let's try and ruin it!!
( Interim) *evil laughing*Okay, that's blown up in our faces. Oops. I shouldn't have fallen hard for my future step brother.
THIS REALLY GOES AGAINST EVERYTHING I BELIEVE IN!!! DILEMMA!!’ BeccabeccaBooks.
If you have read it, do let me know what you think how much you loved it in the comments below :)
And if you want to grab a signed copy, there are still some available from Booktopia.
PS. I FINALLY finished THE LUCKY SISTERS - can’t wait to reveal the cover to you next month!!
I'm waiting to see The Bad Bridesmaid appear in my Library - I have to remind myself to be patient and that my fellow Library members love you and your books as much as I do!