The Bad Bridesmaid
Read an extract
Play sample
  • Published: 28 January 2025
  • ISBN: 9781761341748
  • Imprint: Penguin
  • Format: Trade Paperback
  • Pages: 400
  • RRP: $34.99
Categories:

The Bad Bridesmaid

Formats & editions
Tr. Paperback
28 Jan 2025
EBook
28 Jan 2025
Audiobook
28 Jan 2025
Buy from…
Amazon Big W Booktopia Dymocks QBD Readings Your Bookstore Abbeys Find local retailers Find local retailers Boomerang Collins Fishpond Gleebooks Harry Hartog Kinokuniya Robinsons The Nile Mighty Ape

‘A good rom-com is a balm for the harshness of the outside world, and no one does romance and comedy better than Rachael Johns.’ Australian Women’s Weekly

When serial dater Winifred Darling – Fred – is asked to be the maid of honour at her mother’s sixth wedding, she’s determined to do everything in her power to stop it. As the author of a forthcoming book called 21 Rules for Not Catching Feelings, she knows better than most about the perils of falling in love.

On arrival at the island wedding destination, Fred is delighted to discover that the groom’s hot muso son Leo is just as set against the wedding as she is. Together, they come up with ‘Operation Break-Up’ to prevent their parents from making what they believe will be a catastrophic mistake.

But as Fred and Leo get to know each other better, their unexpected feelings for each other create further complications, and Fred is forced to rethink her own rigid rules about romance and family. Maybe not every relationship has to play by the book, and could Fred become the star in a romcom of her own?

A heart-warming friends-to-lovers romance about the magic and mayhem of weddings – and what happens when everything you thought you knew about love is turned upside down.

‘Prolific, entertaining and charming, Rachael Johns is arguably the best romantic writer in Australia.’ The Australian
  • Published: 28 January 2025
  • ISBN: 9781761341748
  • Imprint: Penguin
  • Format: Trade Paperback
  • Pages: 400
  • RRP: $34.99
Categories:

About the author

Rachael Johns

Rachael Johns was once (briefly) an English teacher, before turning her attention to writing – and never looking back. She now writes award-winning romance, women’s fiction, and the occasional awkward text. Her novel The Patterson Girls won the 2016 ABIA for General Fiction, and she’s a two-time winner of the Romance Writers of Australia RUBY Award.

When she’s not writing, Rachael can be found hanging out with her adorable Sheepadoodle, listening to audiobooks, or fuelling her latest obsession—reformer Pilates. She lives in the Swan Valley with her husband, two of her three sons (the other has flown the nest), and tells herself she’ll read more non-fiction every year—but let’s be honest, the novels always win.

Rachael is the co-host of two podcasts: Reading Between Deadlines and Dear Rach & Soph, and also runs the vibrant Rachael Johns Book Club on Facebook. You can find her at www.rachaeljohns.com or subscribe to her Substack, Pink Ink, where she shares behind-the-scenes bookish thoughts and writer life.

portrait photo of Rachael Johns

Also by Rachael Johns

The Other Bridget
See all

Praise for The Bad Bridesmaid

Rachael Johns has done it again. The Bad Bridesmaid is feel-good romcom perfection. I inhaled Fred and Leo's endearing love story, stopping everything to let myself get wrapped up in the romantic island vibe. Now I dare anyone to read it without a huge goofy smile on their face from cover to cover.

Tess Woods

A good rom-com is a balm for the harshness of the outside world, and no one does romance and comedy better than Rachael Johns.

Australian Women's Weekly

Such an irresistible premise it deserves a movie of its own.

The Australian

Funny and entertaining

The Age

The Bad Bridesmaid is a total delight! I devoured this book in just a couple of days and I can't stop talking about it. If you're a fan of romcoms, quirky characters and the ultimate wedding drama, this is for you!

Netgalley

The best laugh-out-loud moments I've had in so long while reading this book.

Netgalley

Discover more

Article
Some of the most anticipated books of 2025

Time to update your TBR for 2025.

Video
The Bad Bridesmaid by Rachael Johns

A heart-warming friends-to-lovers romance about the magic and mayhem of weddings – and what happens when everything you thought you knew about love is turned upside down. Find out more https://www.penguin.com.au/books/the-bad-bridesmaid-9781761341748