Always the Bridesmaid

By: Portia MacIntosh

Narrated by: Karen Cass

'One of the funniest books I've read in ages' Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Rom-com writer Mia Valentina has it all — money, success and a glamorous LA lifestyle. But when a wedding invitation arrives, demanding her presence as chief bridesmaid for her sister Belle, chaos ensues.

Mia’s barely been back in England before she accidentally injures the groom, unintentionally ‘curses’ the wedding, and finds herself in a compromising position with her sister’s soon-to-be brother-in-law.

With the wedding of the year spiralling out of control and best man and fireman Leo by her side, will Mia use her rom-com expertise to save the day?

Readers LOVE Portia MacIntosh:

'A fab feel-good book – definitely worth a read, you won't be disappointed' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'This is a great read for those ready for a little fun and romance, loved every page and it ended far too fast!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'Absolutely loved this book, loads of twists and turns and some laugh out loud comedy thrown in. This book had me smiling like an idiot but it is a real good read!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'A fabulous witty romcom with plenty of cringe, swoon and laugh out loud moments' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'A light-hearted read which is flirty and fun and a guaranteed pick me up, I think everyone should read this.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Previously published as Bad Bridesmaid.

©2025 Portia MacIntosh (P)2025 HarperCollins Publishers

Critic reviews

Praise for Portia MacIntosh:

'Smart, funny and always brilliantly entertaining, every book from Portia becomes my new favourite rom com.' Shari Low

'I laughed, I cried – I loved it.’ Holly Martin

'The queen of rom com!' Rebecca Raisin

‘This book made me laugh and kept me turning the pages.' Mandy Baggot

'A fun, fabulous 5-star rom com!' Sandy Barker

'Loved the book, it's everything you expect from the force that is Portia! A must read' Rachel Dove

'Fun and witty. Pure escapism!' Laura Carter

'A heartwarming, fun story, perfect for several hours of pure escapism.' Jessica Redland

Bring on the wedding!

Family drama - Sister’s a bridezilla - Hot fireman - and a girl just wants to have fun! Entertaining rom com that flows well w excellent character narration and well written story.

Not her best

It seems a bit fast to get that close to so many people yet hate others/them be horrible to you. I’d never go back if my fam acted like that

I used to like Portia McIntosh

But she's can really create unlikable characters. The family is awful, but the main character is even worse. I couldn't make it thru the entire book.

My least favorite

I love Porsche MacIntosh’s humor and ridiculous situations, but I really didn’t appreciate this book. I love her earlier books that are funny without being crass. This one was just so gross and all about sex. I appreciate that she isn’t fully explicit, but she’s been pushing the boundaries more and more and her more recent books, This book was just more uncomfortable than funny. The resolution at the end also didn’t make any sense. Everyone just all of a sudden changed their whole attitudes and stance so that the book could resolve. Very disappointed.