Everly Plum is delighted to be heading up the Bridesmaid for Hire program at Magical Moments by Maggie. And when Hardy Hopper, one of their billionaire investors, approaches Everly for help with his friends’ wedding, she’s more than happy to step in. But Hardy has an extra assignment for her: his ex-girlfriend will be the maid of honor opposite his role as best man, and he wants Everly’s help getting her back.
There’s only one problem: Everly may have a tiny crush on the dashing businessman.
But despite the way Hardy makes her stomach flutter, she’s determined to prove herself, both as a bridesmaid and as a matchmaker. That is, until she finds her crush turning into real feelings. Not to mention, Hardy can’t help but notice how well he clicks with Everly, and before he knows it, he’s not looking for his ex’s attention anymore.
But even after their simmering attraction finally rises to the surface, they will have to contend with meddling friends, poor timing, and professional boundaries—and the risk that no one might get a second chance after all.
I loved these characters and everything about their story, from Tomothy, her most awful blind date, to JP’s obsessive dedication to saving birds. Everly is thrilled to be handling a wedding for Bridesmaid For Hire, especially one where her crush just happens to be the best man. She’s dedicated to giving clients the perfect day and always willing to go above and beyond, but she may be overextending herself when she agrees to help Hardy win back his ex. After all, helping her crush lock down another woman wasn’t on her bingo card but she can’t say no because she genuinely wants to help. Besides, his ex is pretty, sweet and dedicates her life to flamingoes, so she can hardly blame Hardy for wanting Maple back.
Hardy’s been watching everyone around him pair off into their happily ever afters so he can’t help but wish for his own, despite his utter lack of prospects. So when he learns his college ex will be the MOH for his besties’ wedding, he knows this is his chance to get Maple back. Too bad the bride tells him Maple is off-limits so he’d better stay away. But he’s not going to just give up and devises a plan where his new friend helps him win back the woman who had his heart years ago.
Everly agrees to play matchmaker and goes undercover to make the connection happen, but things don’t go as expected. Despite their careful plotting and secretive code names, Hardy and Maple don’t just fall into one another’s arms and Everly’s crush doesn’t fade away. If anything, she’s in deeper than ever as she and Hardy grow closer every day. The casual friends quickly become close but Hardy’s tunnel vision for his former love keeps him from seeing what’s right in front of him all along.
Their story made me laugh out loud and I couldn’t get enough of it. Everly is funny and sweet and insanely loveable in every way. Hardy is perfect for her but even when he starts to realize the attraction between them, their professional relationship is a new obstacle that could keep them apart. He’s in business with his bossy, meddling brother and their sister, who has her own set of professional rules of conduct. Everyone is inundated with emails from JP, imploring us all to make the world a better place for flamingoes and the poor, unappreciated pigeons most of us ignore. This is one of my favorite books by the author, which is no small feat and I highly recommend it, especially if you need a laugh. This book has everything from blind dates with men who proudly bemoan the complications of the female anatomy to pigeon porn, but I promise it’s so very worth it. I’d like to thank the author for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
