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Never the Bride
‘Delightfully romantic, light-hearted and charmingly entertaining.’ What’s Better Than Books?
Definitely, maybe…yes?
Mia Valentina gave up her high-flying life in LA to move back to Kent over four years ago. But it turns out that life in the slow lane isn’t all it’s cracked up to be!
So when her boyfriend Leo proposes, she says yes, hoping it will bring some much needed sparkle back into her life. The trouble is, Mia never wanted a big white wedding, just the happy ever after…
The laugh-out-loud, uplifting book from Portia MacIntosh, author of It’s Not You, It’s Them . Perfect for fans of Rosie Blake and Sophie Kinsella.
Previously published as How Not to Be a Bride
10 hours and 14 minutes
Definitely, maybe…yes?
Mia Valentina gave up her high-flying life in LA to move back to Kent over four years ago. But it turns out that life in the slow lane isn’t all it’s cracked up to be!
So when her boyfriend Leo proposes, she says yes, hoping it will bring some much needed sparkle back into her life. The trouble is, Mia never wanted a big white wedding, just the happy ever after…
The laugh-out-loud, uplifting book from Portia MacIntosh, author of It’s Not You, It’s Them . Perfect for fans of Rosie Blake and Sophie Kinsella.
Previously published as How Not to Be a Bride
10 hours and 14 minutes
11 pages, Audible Audio
Published July 22, 2025
427 people are currently reading
618 people want to read
About the author
Portia MacIntosh
55 books2,124 followersPortia MacIntosh is the bestselling author of over 30 romantic comedy novels.
From disastrous dates to destination weddings, Portia’s romcoms are the perfect way to escape from day to day life, visiting sunny beaches in the summer and snowy villages at Christmas time. Whether it’s southern Italy or the Yorkshire coast, Portia’s stories are the holiday you’re craving, conveniently packed in between the pages.
Formerly a journalist, Portia has left the city, swapping the music biz for the moors, to live the (not so) quiet life with her husband and her dog in Yorkshire.
Find out more at www.portiamacintosh.com
From disastrous dates to destination weddings, Portia’s romcoms are the perfect way to escape from day to day life, visiting sunny beaches in the summer and snowy villages at Christmas time. Whether it’s southern Italy or the Yorkshire coast, Portia’s stories are the holiday you’re craving, conveniently packed in between the pages.
Formerly a journalist, Portia has left the city, swapping the music biz for the moors, to live the (not so) quiet life with her husband and her dog in Yorkshire.
Find out more at www.portiamacintosh.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
October 22, 2017
Heartwarming, amusing, and positively enchanting!
How Not to be a Bride is a lighthearted rom-com full of heart and humour that reminds us that life is often full of pressures, challenges, misunderstandings, and surprises and sometimes all we need to do to find happiness is communicate, compromise and find balance.
The writing is crisp and witty. The characters are flawed, lovable, funny and sincere. And the plot sweeps you away into the lives of Mia and Leo as they learn the importance of being true to one's self, family, friendship, trust, acceptance, and unconditional love.
Once again, MacIntosh has written a novel that I truly adore. How Not to be a Bride is wonderfully entertaining, enjoyable and has a storyline that will make you laugh, smile and most definitely leave you wanting more.
Thank you to Portia MacIntosh and HQ Digital for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
All my reviews can be found on my blog at https://whatsbetterthanbooks.com
How Not to be a Bride is a lighthearted rom-com full of heart and humour that reminds us that life is often full of pressures, challenges, misunderstandings, and surprises and sometimes all we need to do to find happiness is communicate, compromise and find balance.
The writing is crisp and witty. The characters are flawed, lovable, funny and sincere. And the plot sweeps you away into the lives of Mia and Leo as they learn the importance of being true to one's self, family, friendship, trust, acceptance, and unconditional love.
Once again, MacIntosh has written a novel that I truly adore. How Not to be a Bride is wonderfully entertaining, enjoyable and has a storyline that will make you laugh, smile and most definitely leave you wanting more.
Thank you to Portia MacIntosh and HQ Digital for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
All my reviews can be found on my blog at https://whatsbetterthanbooks.com
June 11, 2021
What a complete load of rubbish. Certainly not "romantic" or "charming" as the book is described.There was absolutely nothing likeable about Mia. She was amazingly self absorbed, rude, foul-mouthed, and just plain stupid. I have met 2 year-olds with better decision making abilities. What does Leo see in her anyways??? And Dylan was just as bad as Mia. Very disappointed in this book. I expect better from Portia Macintosh.
August 11, 2019
Not as good as another I read by her other author name but I still like Mia...and Dylan. Leo was good but we really get to know Dylan better and Leo is secondary...that's the weird part.
August 1, 2018
How Not To Be a Bride was a nice and enjoyable story,the words flow and the plot development kept me glued to my kindle.
This is my second Portia MacIntosh's book but she easily became one of my favourite romantic comedy author.
Following Mia journey from her boyfriend's proposal to her walk down the aisle was a whirlwind of feelings,I laughed at most of her predicaments and I have shed few tears too.
I could definitely feel her love for Leo and her excitements at the prospect to have him in her life for ever but at same time I could see how she was drowning under her family's expectations and the monotony and the loneliness of her writing job.
I only met these characters in this novel,sorry I've to catch up to the previous installment,but it didn't feel like I was missing something.
October 18, 2017
All reviews can be found on my blog at https://thewritinggarnet.wordpress.com
-raises hands up to the sky in the hallelujah pose-. YAS!!!!
I am a huge fan of Portia MacIntosh’s work. Her laugh out loud approach to real life situations is not only refreshing, it’s also weirdly heart-warming. MacIntosh takes situations (which some of us hide behind closed doors at, crying our eyes out with no idea of where to go from here) dissects them until they’re unrecognisable, and then coaches her characters to get through the emotional times – bit by bit. It’s pretty much like therapy. Except it’s a smudge of the cost and makes you laugh instead of crying out; ‘I DON’T KNOW WHY I’M HEREEEEEE’.
I have to be honest; I was slightly apprehensive about reading Portia MacIntosh’s latest novel as whilst I did enjoy the authors previous offerings, it didn’t feel like the author I had come to know and love. I had everything crossed that MacIntosh’s trademark, snort-worthy one liners were even more present in this book. Literally, everything crossed….probably why I didn’t know I needed the loo thinking about it now! Anyway…
So, the burning question – did I enjoy ‘How Not To Be A Bride’? Oh hell yeah I did! Guess who’s back, back again -shimmies-. The author’s iconic writing style had returned in her latest offering, and what a belter of a book for it to return in! If you’re thinking that every woman in the world has been planning their wedding since they were an embryo; think again. If you’re thinking that every engaged woman wants the big, white wedding with added meringue (the dress, not the dessert), then you’ve obviously not been watching enough ‘Say Yes To The Dress’! Mia is the voice of every woman out there who just wants to get married simply. No fuss. No fluff. No having to say yes to things she doesn’t want but is railroaded into agreeing with. I guess some readers might find Mia’s approach to her wedding a little unorthodox. I however, found it to be extremely refreshing, whilst also finding out that I should be a bobbly head/nodding dog in my next life – due to all the agreeing I was doing.
The main relationship in this novel is brilliant as it shows the two characters being just like every other couple out there! Couples who don’t communicate! I shouldn’t laugh, but I made my sides hurt from laughing when Mia decided to ‘go and feel young again’. Brilliant.
I love, love, LOVED this book. The whole storyline was written brilliantly and I managed to finish it in one sitting (obvs) it was that addictive! I loved how the characters lifestyles pulled me in from the very first page, keeping me hostage until the very last page. Now, seeing as the calibre of this novel is 100% Portia MacIntosh and FABULOUS, I didn’t really mind being kept hostage to be honest! Not a sentence I thought I would say, but oh well!
‘How Not To Be A Bride’ is a laugh out loud, warm, refreshing novel which is guaranteed to make you curl up on the sofa with, whilst also feeling like you’re gaining a 2D BFF in your PJs. Win-win! It’s modern, it’s relatable and it’s absolutely brilliant. Another fantastic novel from such a brilliant author.
Thanks HQ!
-raises hands up to the sky in the hallelujah pose-. YAS!!!!
I am a huge fan of Portia MacIntosh’s work. Her laugh out loud approach to real life situations is not only refreshing, it’s also weirdly heart-warming. MacIntosh takes situations (which some of us hide behind closed doors at, crying our eyes out with no idea of where to go from here) dissects them until they’re unrecognisable, and then coaches her characters to get through the emotional times – bit by bit. It’s pretty much like therapy. Except it’s a smudge of the cost and makes you laugh instead of crying out; ‘I DON’T KNOW WHY I’M HEREEEEEE’.
I have to be honest; I was slightly apprehensive about reading Portia MacIntosh’s latest novel as whilst I did enjoy the authors previous offerings, it didn’t feel like the author I had come to know and love. I had everything crossed that MacIntosh’s trademark, snort-worthy one liners were even more present in this book. Literally, everything crossed….probably why I didn’t know I needed the loo thinking about it now! Anyway…
So, the burning question – did I enjoy ‘How Not To Be A Bride’? Oh hell yeah I did! Guess who’s back, back again -shimmies-. The author’s iconic writing style had returned in her latest offering, and what a belter of a book for it to return in! If you’re thinking that every woman in the world has been planning their wedding since they were an embryo; think again. If you’re thinking that every engaged woman wants the big, white wedding with added meringue (the dress, not the dessert), then you’ve obviously not been watching enough ‘Say Yes To The Dress’! Mia is the voice of every woman out there who just wants to get married simply. No fuss. No fluff. No having to say yes to things she doesn’t want but is railroaded into agreeing with. I guess some readers might find Mia’s approach to her wedding a little unorthodox. I however, found it to be extremely refreshing, whilst also finding out that I should be a bobbly head/nodding dog in my next life – due to all the agreeing I was doing.
The main relationship in this novel is brilliant as it shows the two characters being just like every other couple out there! Couples who don’t communicate! I shouldn’t laugh, but I made my sides hurt from laughing when Mia decided to ‘go and feel young again’. Brilliant.
I love, love, LOVED this book. The whole storyline was written brilliantly and I managed to finish it in one sitting (obvs) it was that addictive! I loved how the characters lifestyles pulled me in from the very first page, keeping me hostage until the very last page. Now, seeing as the calibre of this novel is 100% Portia MacIntosh and FABULOUS, I didn’t really mind being kept hostage to be honest! Not a sentence I thought I would say, but oh well!
‘How Not To Be A Bride’ is a laugh out loud, warm, refreshing novel which is guaranteed to make you curl up on the sofa with, whilst also feeling like you’re gaining a 2D BFF in your PJs. Win-win! It’s modern, it’s relatable and it’s absolutely brilliant. Another fantastic novel from such a brilliant author.
Thanks HQ!
May 28, 2018
Well the title is not wrong, if you want to find out how to be the perfect bride for a big white wedding then you are looking in the wrong place. If you are wanting a fun romantic comedy about real people that aren't quite sure what they want or how to act then this is the book for you!
This is a typically amusing Portia MacIntosh book, incredibly funny and transports you to between the pages of the book for a few hours while you read it. Pure escapist fun and frolics.
Now who doesn't want to read a book featuring a hot fireman, who appears to be the perfect boyfriend. Leo is wonderful and I'm just a little bit in love with him myself.
Then there is rockstar Dylan who I ended up having a real soft spot for, as we learn his personal revelations and he is the subject of Mia's latest job.
What I did find frustrating was Mia and her constant comparisons of her LA life from before she met Leo, to her current life. She is a lovely girl but just can't seem to see what she has in front of her. All aspects of her life seemed pretty great to me and I did like her as a character, just wanted to knock some sense into her on occasion.
What really made me laugh is Mia's extended family, they sound like a complete nightmare, and I know how she feels. Doesn't seem to matter what she does there is someone around to upstage her, criticise her or blame her.
As I've been writing this review I have just checked the blurbs of a couple of this authors previous books and its confirmed a suspicion, that if you have read some of her earlier books then there are some recurring characters in this, and made me realise I really should read those books that are lurking on my kindle!
This is a really enjoyable romantic comedy that really made me smile.
Thank you Netgalley and HQ Digital for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
This is a typically amusing Portia MacIntosh book, incredibly funny and transports you to between the pages of the book for a few hours while you read it. Pure escapist fun and frolics.
Now who doesn't want to read a book featuring a hot fireman, who appears to be the perfect boyfriend. Leo is wonderful and I'm just a little bit in love with him myself.
Then there is rockstar Dylan who I ended up having a real soft spot for, as we learn his personal revelations and he is the subject of Mia's latest job.
What I did find frustrating was Mia and her constant comparisons of her LA life from before she met Leo, to her current life. She is a lovely girl but just can't seem to see what she has in front of her. All aspects of her life seemed pretty great to me and I did like her as a character, just wanted to knock some sense into her on occasion.
What really made me laugh is Mia's extended family, they sound like a complete nightmare, and I know how she feels. Doesn't seem to matter what she does there is someone around to upstage her, criticise her or blame her.
As I've been writing this review I have just checked the blurbs of a couple of this authors previous books and its confirmed a suspicion, that if you have read some of her earlier books then there are some recurring characters in this, and made me realise I really should read those books that are lurking on my kindle!
This is a really enjoyable romantic comedy that really made me smile.
Thank you Netgalley and HQ Digital for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
October 21, 2017
The Blurb :
Mia Valentina gave up her high-flying life in LA to move back to Kent over four years ago. But it turns out that life in the slow lane isn’t all it’s cracked up to be!
So when her boyfriend Leo proposes, she says yes, hoping it will bring some much needed sparkle back into her life. The trouble is, Mia never wanted a big white wedding, just the happy ever after…
My Thoughts :
Having loved previous book by Portia MacIntosh, I knew this new offering wouldnt be a disappointment.
We meet Author Mia Valentine, Mia used to live in LA but moved back to Kent to be with boyfriend Fireman Leo. When Leo proposes, Mia isnt too sure if its what she wants but decides to get on with the wedding plans in the hope it will take her mind off how boring her life has become in the UK. While most brides to be are thinking of huge white weddings and the full works, Mia just wants a simple fuss free wedding with no interuptions. Mia was refreshing and easily likeable. There were some great supporting cast, I especially liked Mia’s Grandad.
I really enjoy Portia’s writing style and I love how I always get lost in her books. This was an easy read filled with love, humour, family and decisions which will have you smiling and laughing throughout.
Mia Valentina gave up her high-flying life in LA to move back to Kent over four years ago. But it turns out that life in the slow lane isn’t all it’s cracked up to be!
So when her boyfriend Leo proposes, she says yes, hoping it will bring some much needed sparkle back into her life. The trouble is, Mia never wanted a big white wedding, just the happy ever after…
My Thoughts :
Having loved previous book by Portia MacIntosh, I knew this new offering wouldnt be a disappointment.
We meet Author Mia Valentine, Mia used to live in LA but moved back to Kent to be with boyfriend Fireman Leo. When Leo proposes, Mia isnt too sure if its what she wants but decides to get on with the wedding plans in the hope it will take her mind off how boring her life has become in the UK. While most brides to be are thinking of huge white weddings and the full works, Mia just wants a simple fuss free wedding with no interuptions. Mia was refreshing and easily likeable. There were some great supporting cast, I especially liked Mia’s Grandad.
I really enjoy Portia’s writing style and I love how I always get lost in her books. This was an easy read filled with love, humour, family and decisions which will have you smiling and laughing throughout.
December 1, 2017
I received an arc from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This book was quite funny! It was refreshing to read about a down to earth woman who wasn't obsessed with weddings and all of the hassle that comes with it.
Mia is so funny and likable that i couldn't put the book down. I would definitely 're read this book!
This book was quite funny! It was refreshing to read about a down to earth woman who wasn't obsessed with weddings and all of the hassle that comes with it.
Mia is so funny and likable that i couldn't put the book down. I would definitely 're read this book!
November 2, 2025
3.5 🌟
Not entirely necessary, but read Always the Bridesmaid and One Wild Nighy before this one.
Mia Valentina gets it together in this book. 🧡
Not entirely necessary, but read Always the Bridesmaid and One Wild Nighy before this one.
Mia Valentina gets it together in this book. 🧡
December 3, 2025
3.5 ⭐️ a very quick, funny and easy read.
January 28, 2018
The main character, Mia, gives up a glamorous life in LA to move back home to Kent and soon after her gorgeous, firefighter boyfriend proposes. Mia comes across as spoiled, self-centered, and not very likable. The attempt at humor was a bit juvenile for my taste but seems to appeal to many.
I was provided with an ARC by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I was provided with an ARC by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
November 16, 2017
I am a huge fan of Portia MacIntosh's novels and I was so looking forward to reading "How Not to be a Bride" - already the title made me smile and I really hoped that it's setting the mood for the rest of the story. And I absolutely got the fact that Mia didn't want to get married - I have never dreamed about fluffy bouncy wedding dress and only thinking about the first dance and all those traditions that are mandatory at the wedding made me cringe, and big weddings are a real nightmare for me, so yes, Mia, I know what you meant - when married, then in the simplest way!
Portia's writing style is, as usual, easy and light - hearted and this was a quick read full of great one - liners. A story about making decisions, small and huge and realising what it is that you want from your life. It was refreshing and of course brutally honest, but in a funny way, filled with situations all of us can relate to, cringe with embarrassment and whisper "I've been there, I've seen this". My only problem with this book were characters, I couldn't warm to them and probably I didn't "get" them enough to enjoy them more. I really wasn't sure about Mia, if she truly knew what it is she wants. The more I read about her relationship with the wonderful fireman Leo (her words, not mine. I personally didn't think Leo is wonderful), the more often I was asking myself the question why she's with him at all, is he the right person for her. I was starting to ask myself if they really are destined to be together, if there really are chances for them to be happy and wondering why are they together at all. There was something that was not working for me in this relationship and it bothered me the whole story.
"How Not to be a Bride" was filled with ups and downs of everyday life and problems, full of troubles in paradise and jumping to conclusions, and this all brought to us in a great, light way. There was all the time something happening in this story and I think it's great, as it kept me glued to the pages and I truly wanted to know what's going to happen and what kind of troubles is Mia going to get herself.
Copy provided by the publisher in return for an honest review.
October 19, 2017
Mia has her dreamed job and a charming boyfriend, but she still misses her oh-so-amazing life in LA. When her handsome boyfriend (Leo) asks her to marry him all of her fears return to her... is she ready to marry Leo?
Mia loves her boyfriend, she left LA to stay with him... but everytime anyone asks her about the wedding she feels compelled to change subject. It's because she is not yet ready for it or because she really doesn't want to marry?
I could understand the fear of weddings, I never dreamed about it and when it was my moment I didn't know what I wanted or if it was something I really wanted. Weddings are not for everyone but sadly not everyone can understand it...!
While Mia tries to confront her fears and has a bit of remember of what it was being near famous people and have a lot of money, we will meet her not very nice family (I am still not sure which one of them is worst with Mia), her lovely (and handsome, very handsome) boyfriend and her new job, the famous star Dylan. Let me say that none of them helps Mia, on the contrary, they make her being more scared of marriage if its possible.
I didn't like very much Mia's character in the beginning, she is very superficial and not very interested in discovering what's really behind the appearances, but as the book progresses, her character seems to grow and being more touching with all the people near her.
This was a quick and funny read, perfect to make you smile on your worst day, and to make you remember that if you share your fears, they loose the power to you and you gain confidence!
Are you planning to get married?
Mia loves her boyfriend, she left LA to stay with him... but everytime anyone asks her about the wedding she feels compelled to change subject. It's because she is not yet ready for it or because she really doesn't want to marry?
I could understand the fear of weddings, I never dreamed about it and when it was my moment I didn't know what I wanted or if it was something I really wanted. Weddings are not for everyone but sadly not everyone can understand it...!
While Mia tries to confront her fears and has a bit of remember of what it was being near famous people and have a lot of money, we will meet her not very nice family (I am still not sure which one of them is worst with Mia), her lovely (and handsome, very handsome) boyfriend and her new job, the famous star Dylan. Let me say that none of them helps Mia, on the contrary, they make her being more scared of marriage if its possible.
I didn't like very much Mia's character in the beginning, she is very superficial and not very interested in discovering what's really behind the appearances, but as the book progresses, her character seems to grow and being more touching with all the people near her.
This was a quick and funny read, perfect to make you smile on your worst day, and to make you remember that if you share your fears, they loose the power to you and you gain confidence!
Are you planning to get married?
February 7, 2018
Originally reviewed at Novel Escapes
I do love Portia Macintosh. Her heroines are often struggling with something and it's usually something that women are expected to embrace as part of our “make up”.
My last MacIntosh read had a main character who didn't get along with her in-laws and had to spend a weekend under their scrutiny. This novel has our modern leading lady feeling pressure to plan a big white wedding to go along with her engagement. Trouble is that she's just not that kind of girl and it takes her the entire novel to work out that she wants to be married but not have a wedding.
MacIntosh characters are instantly likeable and Mia is no exception. And though I occasionally found the first person voice a bit detached, I was still engaged in her journey of self-discovery. Her man is delightful, sweet and thoughtful and there's nothing to complain about from the reader or Mia. Her pressure comes solely from her meddling mother and sister. I couldn't find a redeeming quality in either of them, even at the end. I was actually most disappointed that they didn't come good in the end- they were still mostly rotten and I don't blame Mia at all for her detachment.
The unlikely friendship between Mia and Dylan was fun and added laughs to an otherwise stressful period in her life and I was particularly amused by the cake tasting scene with the prudish wedding coordinator.
Overall the story comes together happily and everyone ends up in their rightful place. A lighthearted read!
Thank you to HQ Digital for our review copy. All opinions are our own.
I do love Portia Macintosh. Her heroines are often struggling with something and it's usually something that women are expected to embrace as part of our “make up”.
My last MacIntosh read had a main character who didn't get along with her in-laws and had to spend a weekend under their scrutiny. This novel has our modern leading lady feeling pressure to plan a big white wedding to go along with her engagement. Trouble is that she's just not that kind of girl and it takes her the entire novel to work out that she wants to be married but not have a wedding.
MacIntosh characters are instantly likeable and Mia is no exception. And though I occasionally found the first person voice a bit detached, I was still engaged in her journey of self-discovery. Her man is delightful, sweet and thoughtful and there's nothing to complain about from the reader or Mia. Her pressure comes solely from her meddling mother and sister. I couldn't find a redeeming quality in either of them, even at the end. I was actually most disappointed that they didn't come good in the end- they were still mostly rotten and I don't blame Mia at all for her detachment.
The unlikely friendship between Mia and Dylan was fun and added laughs to an otherwise stressful period in her life and I was particularly amused by the cake tasting scene with the prudish wedding coordinator.
Overall the story comes together happily and everyone ends up in their rightful place. A lighthearted read!
Thank you to HQ Digital for our review copy. All opinions are our own.
October 18, 2017
Mia is the main character in 'how not to be a bride', when we join her she is living with Leo a hunky fireman in their house that needs gutting which is a million miles away from her American life. Leo proposes to Mia and although she says 'yes' with no doubts they start to creep in over time through some of the bad choices she makes. Mia is a writer so stays at home and feels she's missing out on the social side of work life so to help fund the house and the wedding she sets off to find an extra job. She starts to flap over her wedding when she finds that no-one wants to be her bridesmaid in her family, her mother organises a wedding planner that she never wanted and she starts ghost writing a famous persons autobiography that takes her back to her American life in a way and makes her question what she's doing.
This was a funny read and Mia is a bit of a one for making wrong choices and getting herself into a pickle but I did like her as a main character, I started off thinking Leo was too good to be true but I was wrong but he at times was a bit of a whittler but maybe I would be if my fiancé was going to parties with a rock star whilst I was at home!!
This was a light hearted read that I did enjoy and thought the ending was great and would definitely read more by Portia Macintosh.
I would like to thank Netgalley and HQ digital, Harpercollinspublishers Ltd for this ARC I received in exchange for an honest review.
This was a funny read and Mia is a bit of a one for making wrong choices and getting herself into a pickle but I did like her as a main character, I started off thinking Leo was too good to be true but I was wrong but he at times was a bit of a whittler but maybe I would be if my fiancé was going to parties with a rock star whilst I was at home!!
This was a light hearted read that I did enjoy and thought the ending was great and would definitely read more by Portia Macintosh.
I would like to thank Netgalley and HQ digital, Harpercollinspublishers Ltd for this ARC I received in exchange for an honest review.
October 27, 2017
If you have ever read a Portia MacIntosh book you know that you will get down to earth characters who feel like you could genuinely know. Along with a story that will completely wrap you up in the storyline all the way to the end. How Not to be A Bride is exactly that and it felt so easy to be pulled into Mia's life along with the ups and downs that she experiences along the way. It was really refreshing to meet a character who wasn't obsessed with weddings or even remotely hoping for an engagement ring from her boyfriend. I guess in a way it made Mia stand out just that little bit more.
The story is written in a way where I couldn't help but laugh and smile along at some of the situations. I could understand Mia's reluctance of having the dream big wedding I never wanted that for myself. I hate being the centre of attention so to have so many eyes on me would be my worst nightmare. The fact that Mia and Leo are an established couple really made this story extra special for me it was almost a story of what happens after the happy ending. When real life and other issues crop up making it feel so realistic in that sense. A special mention has to go to Mia's granddad I loved how he was always on Mia's side and just loved her for who she is.
A heart warming story that will leave you smiling away to yourself long after you have put the book down!
With thanks to Love Reading Romance and Portia MacIntosh for my copy. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.
The story is written in a way where I couldn't help but laugh and smile along at some of the situations. I could understand Mia's reluctance of having the dream big wedding I never wanted that for myself. I hate being the centre of attention so to have so many eyes on me would be my worst nightmare. The fact that Mia and Leo are an established couple really made this story extra special for me it was almost a story of what happens after the happy ending. When real life and other issues crop up making it feel so realistic in that sense. A special mention has to go to Mia's granddad I loved how he was always on Mia's side and just loved her for who she is.
A heart warming story that will leave you smiling away to yourself long after you have put the book down!
With thanks to Love Reading Romance and Portia MacIntosh for my copy. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.
May 25, 2025
probably more a three stars book but I read it again so it can't be that bad? like many of Portia Macintosh's books this one features a heroine who gets a make over boosting her confidence and then giving her life a new direction, furthermore some crazy rock star partying and lots of booze. the heroine's idea of a good time can't be further from my own, but nevertheless, I return now and again to these books.... I think it has to do with them being so intensely English with all the booze, drunken escapades and narrow self-reflection. this is how I remember England...
however, just to be clear, this is not true for all English books. I especially love the novels by Mhairi McFarlane which are very deep emotionally while covering similar story lines. here, I was confused a lot while reading because the main character is hired to ghostwrite a celebrity's autobiography. mhairi has the same plotline - but produces a very different book. in my memory, both got mixed up, but in a good way because I couldn't remember the end...
I guess I liked that this book is not very predictable. is it a budding romance between the writer and the celebrity or will she stay with her somewhat boring boyfriend?
however, just to be clear, this is not true for all English books. I especially love the novels by Mhairi McFarlane which are very deep emotionally while covering similar story lines. here, I was confused a lot while reading because the main character is hired to ghostwrite a celebrity's autobiography. mhairi has the same plotline - but produces a very different book. in my memory, both got mixed up, but in a good way because I couldn't remember the end...
I guess I liked that this book is not very predictable. is it a budding romance between the writer and the celebrity or will she stay with her somewhat boring boyfriend?
October 13, 2017
How Not to be a Bride is a fabulously sparkling fun read with an underlying message: do you get married for the wedding - or the marriage?
Mia and Leo are totally and madly in love, but outside influences don't make the ride an easy one - a house which takes all their time and money, madcap neighbours, Leo's shift pattern as a fireman, Mia's lack of a regular income - and that's without mentioning her overbearing and interfering family (which rang a very loud bell for me). All of these add up to a level of stress which is only just bearable .. and then Leo proposes!
This is my first Portia MacIntosh read and I look forward to searching out more of her novels. Great well-rounded characters, fabulous writing, travel, personal dilemmas, jealousy, family relations and, most importantly, love all make this a very easy to read rom-com of the highest calibre. And it's so funny!
Definitely a book and an author which I recommend. Trust me, this will lift your spirits and make you smile. Five sparkling gold stars without a doubt.
My thanks to HQ Digital for approving my request on NetGalley to read an arc of this novel in exchange for my honest, original and unbiased review.
Mia and Leo are totally and madly in love, but outside influences don't make the ride an easy one - a house which takes all their time and money, madcap neighbours, Leo's shift pattern as a fireman, Mia's lack of a regular income - and that's without mentioning her overbearing and interfering family (which rang a very loud bell for me). All of these add up to a level of stress which is only just bearable .. and then Leo proposes!
This is my first Portia MacIntosh read and I look forward to searching out more of her novels. Great well-rounded characters, fabulous writing, travel, personal dilemmas, jealousy, family relations and, most importantly, love all make this a very easy to read rom-com of the highest calibre. And it's so funny!
Definitely a book and an author which I recommend. Trust me, this will lift your spirits and make you smile. Five sparkling gold stars without a doubt.
My thanks to HQ Digital for approving my request on NetGalley to read an arc of this novel in exchange for my honest, original and unbiased review.
October 29, 2017
This book was OK. I liked the basic premise, and Mia was fine, but I had a few issues. For one thing, she says over and over and over how much she loves Leo, but we never really see that. Most of the scenes with the two of them, they're fighting. She doesn't consult him with major decisions, she doesn't think about how he might feel about planning the wedding, and she can't even tell him that she's not excited about a big white wedding. Whenever Mia thinks about her pre-Leo life, it's all about how fabulous it was, and she really seems to resent him for giving it up more than anything.
***I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review***
***I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review***
July 28, 2019
I originally read this as How Not To Be a Bride (uncorrected proof). It's a fantastic chick lit book with laugh out loud moments throughout.
Well the original title was not wrong, if you want to find out how to be the perfect bride this is not the book for you. However, if you fancy a fun giggle a minute romantic comedy this is definitely down your aisle.
I'd never read a book by Portia MacIntosh before but this certainly won't be my last. I love her writing style. It's easy to read and follow with humour intertwined throughout. I never realised that there was a book which went before this, you definitely don't need to read it first. This book flowed and gave no hint that a prequel had come before it.
All of the characters are extremely likeable and realistic, Mia especially. It's an honest and refreshing look at the pressure put on modern day brides to throw the perfect wedding. It also shows how when the bride's feelings aren't considered and family thinks they know best can be detrimental for all involved!
Overall, this is a thoroughly enjoyable light-hearted read that is a perfect summer holiday book!
Well the original title was not wrong, if you want to find out how to be the perfect bride this is not the book for you. However, if you fancy a fun giggle a minute romantic comedy this is definitely down your aisle.
I'd never read a book by Portia MacIntosh before but this certainly won't be my last. I love her writing style. It's easy to read and follow with humour intertwined throughout. I never realised that there was a book which went before this, you definitely don't need to read it first. This book flowed and gave no hint that a prequel had come before it.
All of the characters are extremely likeable and realistic, Mia especially. It's an honest and refreshing look at the pressure put on modern day brides to throw the perfect wedding. It also shows how when the bride's feelings aren't considered and family thinks they know best can be detrimental for all involved!
Overall, this is a thoroughly enjoyable light-hearted read that is a perfect summer holiday book!
September 16, 2021
What happens after happily ever after? Well, it turns out that things aren't always rosy.
This is the second novel featuring Mia Valentina, and it was just as compelling as the first. Once again we revisit her complex relationship with her parents, sister and aunt. Except now she no longer has the Atlantic Ocean as a buffer. Instead she is down the road in a fixer upper with her fiancee. Remember Leo from the first novel? Well, he is just as buff, but now he is coming across as controlling and vindictive! However, I think that as the reader we are meant to sympathise with him.
What saves the novel is the reintroduction of Dylan King. You may remember him from the Nicole Wilde series. His band has broken up and he is going alone. Furthermore, it turns out that he is no longer a drunk reprobate. Instead, he is a heartbroken drunk reprobate. He and Mia forge an unlikely friendship, even if he does get her into a few scrapes.
This is the second novel featuring Mia Valentina, and it was just as compelling as the first. Once again we revisit her complex relationship with her parents, sister and aunt. Except now she no longer has the Atlantic Ocean as a buffer. Instead she is down the road in a fixer upper with her fiancee. Remember Leo from the first novel? Well, he is just as buff, but now he is coming across as controlling and vindictive! However, I think that as the reader we are meant to sympathise with him.
What saves the novel is the reintroduction of Dylan King. You may remember him from the Nicole Wilde series. His band has broken up and he is going alone. Furthermore, it turns out that he is no longer a drunk reprobate. Instead, he is a heartbroken drunk reprobate. He and Mia forge an unlikely friendship, even if he does get her into a few scrapes.
October 19, 2017
I liked the book. The story was fun for the most part and the scenario's weren't outrageous or unbelievable which is a plus as chick lit and similar genre books can really push beyond what's believable and end up ruining what could have been a good book. I did find it hard to believe any guy, Leo, in this case could be so excited over an Ikea store. Granted I've never been to one but I do know what they are. Also Leo's a bit high maintenance at times and Mia isn't that far off either. I hated Mia's mom and sister however and that never changed. I did like Mia's granddad though. This was a book I'd been looking forward to this month and it didn't disappoint either, it was entertaining and just the right length without needing any page fillers just for the sake of it.
August 4, 2021
The sequel to bad bridesmaid. Great to read about what happened to Mia after her sister's wedding and whether she was still with Leo. I had high hopes her family would have improved in their behaviour after how bad bridesmaid ended, but they were just still quite vile, which made it hard to read. Loved Mia as a character, and enjoyed her exploits throughout this book. As in bad bridesmaid she always got into trouble without even trying, and I thought now that she was settled back in the UK that would change, but no the story was just as funny and her adventures just as funny. Great second book, and helped put the happily ever after that Mia wrote about in her movie scripts or books, firmly in her life. Enjoyable read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 25, 2025
exactly what I want from a rom-com and just what I expected from this author that's become a steady go-to for the times when I crave something light and fun in a rom-com way.
I enjoyed catching up with Mia and Leo from the previous book in this series, as well as Dylan (and Chloe, though only through references) from previous book series - he has a smaller role here that doesn't require any past knowledge, buy was a fun little easter egg for those of us who have read those earlier books
Some of these books I've read "the old fashioned way" and some I've listed to the audio book - which is so well narrated by Karen Cass. This was the audiobook. And, hand on heart, I cannot guarantee that I would have enjoyed the book-book quite as much as I did the audio.
I enjoyed catching up with Mia and Leo from the previous book in this series, as well as Dylan (and Chloe, though only through references) from previous book series - he has a smaller role here that doesn't require any past knowledge, buy was a fun little easter egg for those of us who have read those earlier books
Some of these books I've read "the old fashioned way" and some I've listed to the audio book - which is so well narrated by Karen Cass. This was the audiobook. And, hand on heart, I cannot guarantee that I would have enjoyed the book-book quite as much as I did the audio.
October 16, 2017
How Not to Be a Bride is such an enjoyable read! I loved reading about Mia, her life as a writer, and her relationship with Leo. And, I honestly wasn't sure how this book was going to end! While Portia Macintosh never threw out any true curve balls, there was enough doubt about Mia and Leo's relationship to keep me engaged to the last page. My only complaint about this novel is that it got a little repetitive at points. I think it would have been better if a few pages about how great Leo is were removed!
I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion.
I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion.
October 13, 2017
Poor Mia. What a mess wedding planning can be and she seems to take the brunt of all the problems. Leo, her fiancé, isn't always the most likable character (to me anyway) and her family- well they're just royal pains. Much of this plot will seem familiar but Macintosh has a sprightly writing style and the humor is welcome. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. This one could be entirely relatable if you've been through the process or a cautionary tale. No matter your perspective, it's an entertaining read.
October 21, 2017
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This book was so good!! I was literally laughing out loud at times and I adored the writing style used, so perfect for the story and it made it such an easy read!!
The characters were brilliant and the whole thing genuinely made me smile. Exactly the type of book I use to take myself away from the day to day norm or when I need a pick me up - 5 stars from me - an excellent book!!! Loved it xx
This book was so good!! I was literally laughing out loud at times and I adored the writing style used, so perfect for the story and it made it such an easy read!!
The characters were brilliant and the whole thing genuinely made me smile. Exactly the type of book I use to take myself away from the day to day norm or when I need a pick me up - 5 stars from me - an excellent book!!! Loved it xx
December 19, 2017
OH MY GOSH I loved this book!! I laughed out loud so many times during reading this that I was sure people were going to think I was crazy. Mia, the main character, was so funny and I felt for her so many times. This book is an honest look at the pressure put on modern day brides to throw the perfect, lavish wedding. It shows how quickly things can escalate when a bride's feelings are not considered, and family thinks they know what's best. I cannot recommend this book enough!
February 24, 2018
2.5 stars. Okay read - not bad, not super good but okay in a “reading by the pool” kind of way. For me, the book really kind of began when Dylan came into play and that was (I think) 40 % into the book. Mia is okay (kind of bored me with the whole “LA Mia/old mia”), Leo is (a bit too) perfect, her family is somewhat horrible. Dylan was the most interesting character and I liked the development of his and Mias relationship.
April 1, 2024
I saw the reviews were quite good and had high hopes for this book but it wasn’t one of my favourites. I found that it was quite slow and pretty repetitive in areas and almost left it at 48% but continued in the hope it would have some shocking twists but not really idk I didn’t hate it but I didn’t particularly like it either
Also wish we had a bit more into Leo’s life too rather than learning all about Dylan and Mias developing relationship
Also wish we had a bit more into Leo’s life too rather than learning all about Dylan and Mias developing relationship
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