In the third book of the Bridesmaid for Hire series, Meghan Quinn delivers another laugh-out-loud, tension-laced romantic comedy with Bridesmaid by Chance. This novel continues the high-concept, emotionally grounded charm that Quinn is known for—think enemies-to-lovers with a sharp splash of forced proximity and a dash of regency roleplay. Following Bridesmaid for Hire and Bridesmaid Undercover, this installment shifts the focus to the spirited Sloane Galloway and the deeply disciplined Hudson Hopper, immersing readers in an unplanned marriage of convenience that spirals into something hilariously, emotionally, and romantically complicated.
Plot Summary: When Duty Meets Desire
Hudson Hopper—a buttoned-up, billionaire business tycoon—is all about control and precision. Sloane Galloway—his assistant and the younger sister of his business partner—is spontaneous, sassy, and alarmingly charming. What starts as a reluctant favor to his friend Jude turns into a professional nightmare when Sloane not only distracts Hudson but becomes a crucial part of his strategy to win over a major investor. Cue the twist: she agrees to pose as a bridesmaid at a regency-themed wedding in London if Hudson agrees to marry her. The catch? It’s fake… supposedly.
With the Mayfair Club’s elite social circles and a regency-themed wedding looming, Hudson and Sloane’s faux marriage spins into a game neither of them expected to take so seriously. Each lie told for business becomes an emotional truth too close for comfort. What unfolds is a heart-achingly funny, sexy, and sharply written story about vulnerability, pride, and discovering love in the most inopportune moments.
Characters: Chemistry-Fueled Chaos
- Sloane Galloway is Quinn’s archetype of the modern rom-com heroine—young, self-aware, socially savvy, and unwilling to be underestimated. Her internal monologue is pure gold, a blend of humorous self-deprecation and bite. Though 22, her maturity and backstory (growing up in a financially struggling family, navigating grief and ambition) ground her youthful sass in lived experience. Sloane is not just quirky—she’s formidable.
- Hudson Hopper is every bit the straight-laced, emotionally constipated grump with a hidden gooey center. His arc from stoic, cold boss to a man crumbling under the weight of his own affection is deeply satisfying. His internal turmoil, especially as it relates to legacy, control, and failing to resist Sloane’s gravitational pull, is both hilarious and poignant.
Together, Hudson and Sloane’s dynamic is electric. Their banter crackles with tension—sexual and otherwise—and the push-pull between their fake roles and real feelings keeps the stakes high and the pages turning. Fans of “grumpy-sunshine” pairings will eat this up.
Strengths: Meghan Quinn’s Trademark Wit and Heart
Quinn’s strength lies in her ability to balance riotous humor with emotional vulnerability. She infuses this romantic comedy with laugh-out-loud moments (Regency dance training with a YouTube tutorial, anyone?), but doesn’t shy away from moments that sting—especially when Hudson undermines Sloane’s value or when Sloane calls out ageism and her own invisibility.
Some highlights that elevate this novel:
- Unfiltered female voice: Sloane’s narration feels deeply authentic. She’s smart, sexual, and has opinions—and Quinn lets her have the mic.
- Romantic pacing: The slow-burning intensity is perfectly timed. Even when the couple is physically close (married!), their emotional proximity takes time, making the payoff more rewarding.
- Comedic setup and execution: From green smoothies full of sugar to sneaking fruit snacks from Hudson’s office drawer, the humor is rich and character-driven.
- Side characters: Appearances by Maggie, Everly, Jude, and Hardy connect this book to the previous two novels, adding emotional continuity and community.
Critiques: Where the Garter Slips
Despite its numerous strengths, Bridesmaid by Chance isn’t without its hiccups. For a book that plays with age difference and power dynamics, it occasionally treads a little too safely:
- Power imbalance: The boss-assistant relationship, though acknowledged, is brushed over in favor of romantic fantasy. It would have been refreshing to see more internal reflection on how this impacts both characters’ professional identities.
- The “Fake Marriage” premise: While fun, the marriage-for-social-access feels slightly forced. In a world of modern networking, Sloane’s need to be married to join a businesswomen’s club stretches plausibility.
- Overextended banter: At times, the fast-paced wit threatens to overshadow emotional depth. Sloane and Hudson’s arguments sometimes devolve into sitcom-style exchanges, risking tonal inconsistency.
Still, these issues do little to derail the narrative’s momentum. If anything, they’re minor speed bumps on an otherwise delightfully unpredictable ride.
Series Connection: Bridesmaid for Hire and Bridesmaid Undercover
This book works well as a standalone, but readers who’ve followed the series will find rich rewards:
- Bridesmaid for Hire introduced us to the quirky world of fake bridesmaids-for-rent and the lovable Maggie Mitchell.
- Bridesmaid Undercover turned the tension up a notch with themes of secrets, spying, and unexpected romance.
- Bridesmaid by Chance ties it all together with Sloane’s behind-the-scenes role coming front and center, and Hudson—a side figure in previous books—taking the spotlight.
Quinn has cleverly developed her universe so that each story adds dimension to the world without being overly dependent on prior installments.
Writing Style: Sharp, Saucy, and Swift
Meghan Quinn’s prose is instantly recognizable: a fusion of saucy inner dialogue, quippy exchanges, and moments of raw, gut-punching honesty. There’s a rhythmic pulse to her storytelling, an undercurrent of mischief and heartache braided into every chapter. Her style is perfect for contemporary romance readers who want humor with heat, but also crave meaningful stakes.
Quinn also knows how to lean into modernity—text message interludes, pop culture references (from The Devil Wears Prada to Bridgerton), and candid discussions of class, grief, and ambition. These touches make her novels not just enjoyable but relatable.
Themes: Love, Legacy, and Letting Go
At its heart, Bridesmaid by Chance explores:
- Trust vs Control: Hudson’s inability to relinquish control and Sloane’s need to assert independence play out in both romantic and professional spheres.
- Appearance vs Reality: Sloane’s curated professionalism hides a rich emotional life, while Hudson’s emotional reserve conceals vulnerability and fear.
- Family & Expectation: As in previous books, familial obligations and emotional inheritance weigh heavily on the leads. Their need to prove themselves—Sloane to society, Hudson to his father—forms the emotional core.
These themes, while familiar in the genre, are delivered with freshness and wit, elevating the novel beyond the standard rom-com formula.
Final Verdict: Should You Say “I Do”?
Absolutely. Bridesmaid by Chance is a confident, charming closer to Meghan Quinn’s Bridesmaid for Hire trilogy. It brings heat, heart, and hilarity in equal measure, while tackling issues of identity, ambition, and trust with sincerity and nuance.
Whether you’re a long-time Quinn fan or a newcomer, this book offers exactly what you’re hoping for in a contemporary romance: flawed, lovable characters, laugh-out-loud dialogue, meaningful stakes, and a swoon-worthy HEA. While it doesn’t reinvent the romantic comedy wheel, it polishes it to a shine and gives it a regency-themed twirl around the ballroom.
Satisfyingly sweet and delightfully dramatic, with just enough spice to keep you turning pages late into the night.
Similar Titles You May Enjoy
- The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood – for boss-employee romantic tension with emotional growth.
- The Hating Game by Sally Thorne – for office-based slow-burn chemistry and witty banter.
- To Sir, with Love by Lauren Layne – for New York glitz, secret identities, and emotionally mature characters.
Bridesmaid by Chance doesn’t just close a trilogy—it throws the bouquet, grabs the mic, and dances until the early hours, proving that Meghan Quinn knows how to write a happily-ever-after worth celebrating.
