Top critical review
3.0 out of 5 starsThe Bride Next Door
Reviewed in the United States on June 1, 2018
Review written by Marie for Ever After Book Reviews!
I have to be honest, this one was a little hard for me to chew for a while. But, as the story went on, I warmed a little bit to the characters and their storyline. I think it’d be difficult for me to write a true “review” of the novel, so I’ll break it down in to a more what I liked/didn’t like kind of format.
What I Liked
- The secondary characters. Throughout this book, they were the driving force that kept the storyline moving and added depth to the main characters. I enjoyed the interactions they had with one another and with Courtney and Matt, as well as being able to visit old friends from the previous novels in the series.
- The fun. Honestly, as much as Courtney and Matt grated on my nerves (more about that later), the fun that they had on their way to happily ever after was entertaining. I’m not usually one that likes stories where the main characters try to “one-up” each other, but in the spirit of it being a “light-hearted” romance, it worked.
- The happily ever after. Yes, it took forever to get there, but it was worth it in the end.
What I Didn’t Like
- Courtney and Matt. These two people are exactly the kinds of people I have very little respect for. They are egotistical, manipulative, and arrogant. Traits that turn me off about people. Put the two of them together, and their antics were, at times, horrible. Sadly, and yes, I say sadly, for this storyline, it worked.
- Matt being a “player” and legitimately trying to hurt Courtney. Uncool, dude. Regardless of it being a bet or not. Totally uncool.
- The road to the happily ever after. IT. TOOK. FOREVER. I’m not sure if it was the author’s intention to make this the longest and most cynical journey to a happy ending I’ve ever experienced, but if it was… she succeeded with flying colors.
Final Thoughts
While I wasn’t thrilled with a lot of the aspects of this story, it really did work. Matt and Courtney are two peas in a pod that deserve one another, and I have to be honest, I was delighted when they finally did get together. I’m still not 100% convinced that this is a “forever” kind of romance, but for the short-term, it definitely leaves you happy.
I voluntarily read a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and feelings are my own.
