Tropes: age gap; workplace romance; brother’s business partner; insta-attraction; forced proximity
In the final installment of Meghan Quinn’s Bridesmaid series, Bridesmaid by Chance, delivers a satisfying conclusion through the forbidden romance between Sloane and Hudson. Their chemistry—electric and complicated—drives a narrative that explores both personal growth and the delicate balance between family obligations and individual happiness.
The central relationship between Sloane and Hudson captivates from the first page. Their connection is forbidden on multiple levels—he’s her boss and her brother’s business partner—creating a tension that Quinn masterfully navigates. What makes this dynamic particularly compelling is the contrast between Sloane’s confident ownership of her sensuality and Hudson’s honorable resistance to his growing attraction to her. This push-and-pull creates moments that are both humorous and profoundly emotional.
Quinn weaves a narrative filled with complications that feel both authentic and engaging. When Hudson needs to appease a prospective partnership by volunteering Sloane as a stand-in bridesmaid, their professional relationship begins to blur. Their attraction eventually boils over, leading to a relationship that faces multiple obstacles: Hudson’s sense of obligation that temporarily drives him away from Sloane, her brother’s discovery of their relationship, and the eventual reconciliation that demonstrates significant character growth for all involved. Hudson’s realization of Sloane’s importance and her brother Jude’s acceptance of her autonomy create a satisfying emotional payoff.
The individual character arcs prove as compelling as the romance itself. Hudson, the perpetually responsible Hopper sibling who has sacrificed personal happiness for duty, finds himself transformed by Sloane’s influence as she teaches him to embrace life beyond his obligations. Meanwhile, Sloane battles perceptions about her age, underscored by the gap between her and Hudson, and fights for recognition of her emotional maturity. Her history—growing up in poverty and losing her parents—has forced an adulthood on her that others are slow to acknowledge. When she finally stands up to her brother and earns his respect, the moment resonates as a triumphant fulfillment of her character journey.
The appearance of characters from previous books adds both humor and emotional weight to the narrative, creating a sense of community that enriches the reading experience. The intimate scenes between Hudson and Sloane strike an effective balance—passionate without overshadowing the emotional core of their relationship. Quinn’s signature humor permeates the story, providing levity amid the more serious emotional developments.
Bridesmaid by Chance stands as the strongest entry in Quinn’s series, delivering the perfect blend of chemistry, character growth, and emotional resolution that romance readers crave. For those who have followed the series from the beginning, this conclusion offers a deeply satisfying payoff, while newcomers will find themselves immediately drawn into Quinn’s world of complex relationships and genuine emotion.
From New York Times, USA Today and Amazon Charts bestselling author Meghan Quinn. This steamy, laugh out loud, enemies-to-lovers, fake dating standalone romance is now available in all formats! Check out the excerpt below and one-click your copy today!
About BRIDESMAID BY CHANCE: When a chance at being a bridesmaid turns into a chance at being a bride, how can she possibly refuse? Hudson Hopper is in some trouble. After doing his business partner, Jude, a favor by hiring Jude’s younger sister, Sloane, Hudson very quickly finds out that she is a massive distraction―especially since she’s now his assistant. But when they are confronted with a situation where Sloane is told to fill in as a bridesmaid for one of Hudson’s business partners, she comes up with a trade. She’ll be a part of the regency wedding―corset and all―if Hudson marries her in return. Sloane knows the value of the trade: he needs her, and she needs his wedding ring to get her into a high-society club that will further her career. It’s an instant no from Hudson at first, but when she convinces him that no one will find out, including her brother, and that he will benefit from the marriage, too…well, Hudson might just find himself saying “I do.” down―and her heart along with it.
“Didn’t I fire you yesterday?” “I believe that you did.” She nods as if it’s no big deal. “Okay, so…care to tell me why you’re here, in my office, handing me a green drink with no sugar?” “I chose not to take part in the firing.” “What the hell does that mean?” I ask. And then to my surprise, she plops herself on top of my desk, crosses one leg over the other, and leans back on her hand, the pose incredibly too sexy, especially since the position makes the lapels of her suit jacket pop open, revealing that she’s not wearing a shirt under that blazer. Just a bra. Christ. “It means I chose not to be fired.” “That’s not a thing,” I say. “Oh, it is. You see, I’ve been taught to seize what I want, to take charge, and that’s exactly what I’m doing. Therefore, I’ve decided that I’m not fired.” “You can decide that all you want, but that’s not how things work. I’m the boss, you work for me; therefore, when I say you’re fired, you’re fired. There will be no point in coming into the office because I will not be paying you.” “Says who?” she asks.
I point to my chest. “Says me.” “And would you say that you’re the one that makes all the decisions?” “Uh, yeah. That’s what the term boss entails. The decision-maker.” “And your choice is to fire me?” What kind of fucking circus is this? Is this some sort of social media trend? Refusal to be fired? Am I actually old and I don’t realize it? “Yes, my choice is to fire you; that’s why I did it yesterday: I fired you.” “You did, but a part of me thinks that you might regret that decision.” I stick my hands in my pockets and ask, “What makes you think that?” “Because I have a proposal for you.” She hops off my desk and gestures toward my seating area. “Please, join me.” Skeptical but also intrigued by the fuckery, I follow her and take a seat on the couch as she does, only about a foot of space separating, close enough to catch the lavender scent that clings to her. “What’s going on, Sloane? I have things to do.” “I know; this won’t take too much of your time.” She places her hands on her lap and looks me in the eyes. “I was thinking about yesterday and everything that happened. And I know the right thing to do would be to come in here and tell you I didn’t mean any of the things that I said, but that would be a lie. I meant every single word.” Every single word? Because I remember specifically one thing in particular that she tried to deny saying, but I’m not going to bring that up, not when she’s sitting this close and smells this damn good. “Okay,” I say. “And an apology is not why I’m here. I’m here on business.” “Sloane, I don’t think I can give you your job back.” “Not looking to be your assistant,” she says, and then, to my surprise, she gets down on one knee in front of me, takes my hand in hers, and continues. “I’m looking to be your wife.” My WHAT? “Hudson Mitchell Hopper, will you marry me?” She smiles up at me. Blinks. Fucking winks… She’s kidding right? I look for something, anything, to tell me this is a joke. I glance around the room. Are there hidden cameras in here? Am I on a daytime talk show where someone is going to come out, have a gotcha moment, and say to the audience that I’ve been lusting after my too-young-for-me assistant? I wait a few seconds, and when I realize none of that is happening, I clear my throat. “Excuse me?”
“Look at you, in shock. How cute.” She pats my hand. “Hudson, it’s a simple question. Will you marry me?” “Uh…” I shake my hand out of hers and slide back on the couch, putting space between us. “Not to sound like an obtuse ass, but why the fuck would I marry you, Sloane?” She rolls her eyes. “And here I thought you were a smart businessman.” She gets off the ground and sits back on the couch. She straightens her clothes while I try to comprehend what the hell is happening this morning. This is why I need more coffee in the morning. Forget the green drink, I need a twenty-ounce cup of pure, unfiltered coffee, straight from the goddamn bean. “I’ll lay it out for you: you need a wife, and I’m the one for the job.” “I fail to see how I need a wife.” “Are you really that dense?” she asks. “Uh, are you really this delusional?” I counter. Another roll of the eyes. “Jesus, Hudson. You need to impress Archie’s father-in-law, right? What’s one way to do that? Slip into the Mayfair Club. And what is one of the requirements to get into the club? You must be married.” She holds out her hand and points to her empty ring finger. “All you’ve got to do is put a ring on it.” Wow. Okay. She’s lost it. I think the conversation I need to have with Jude is going to veer in a different direction that I’d thought. More like I think your sister might need some help . “You know, not really in the market for a wife at the moment, but thanks for the offer. Now, I think it’s time that you leave.” She shrugs. “Suit yourself.” She stands and starts heading toward the door. “By the way, your father called this morning. I took a message for you because I thought I might be helpful despite being fired. He said to tell you that he still plans on suing you, but he’s currently working on another investment, so he might be held up at the moment.” And then she heads out of my office, leaving my skin prickling with irritation. What the fuck just happened?
Jason Clarke and Vanessa Edwin narrate this steamy, marriage-of-convenience romcom in duet. BRIDESMAID BY CHANCE is now available on Audible!
ABOUT MEGHAN QUINN: New York Times Bestselling Author, wife, adoptive mother, and peanut butter lover. Author of romantic comedies and contemporary romance, Meghan Quinn brings readers the perfect combination of heart, humor, and heat in every book.
From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Meghan Quinn comes the next standalone romance in the Bridesmaid for Hire series, BRIDESMAID BY CHANCE! This steamy, marriage of convenience, grumpy/sunshine, forced proximity, workplace romantic comedy is full of the witty banter, sizzling hot scenes, and laugh out loud moments you’ve come to love from Meghan Quinn! Narrated in duet by Vanessa Edwin and Jason Clarke, BRIDESMAID UNDERCOVER releases April 15th in all formats!
Hudson Hopper is in some trouble. After doing his business partner, Jude, a favor by hiring his younger sister, Sloane, Hudson very quickly finds out that she is a massive distraction―especially since she’s now his assistant.
But when they are confronted with a situation where Sloane is told to fill in as a bridesmaid for one of Hudson’s business partners, she comes up with an equal trade. She’ll be a part of the regency wedding–corset and all–if Hudson marries her. Sloane knows the value of the trade; he needs her, and she needs his wedding ring to get her into a high-society club that will further her career.
It’s an instant no from Hudson at first, but when she convinces him that no one will find out, including her brother, and he will benefit from the marriage too . . . well, Hudson finds himself saying “I do.”
New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author, wife, adoptive mother, and peanut butter lover. Author of romantic comedies and contemporary romance, Meghan Quinn brings readers the perfect combination of heart, humor, and heat in every book.
From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Meghan Quinn comes the next standalone romance in the Bridesmaid for Hire series, BRIDESMAID BY CHANCE! This steamy, marriage of convenience, grumpy/sunshine, forced proximity, workplace romantic comedy is full of the witty banter, sizzling hot scenes, and laugh out loud moments you’ve come to love from Meghan Quinn! Releasing April 15th in all formats, check out the cover and blurb and pre-order your copy today!
Hudson Hopper is in some trouble. After doing his business partner, Jude, a favor by hiring his younger sister, Sloane, Hudson very quickly finds out that she is a massive distraction―especially since she’s now his assistant.
But when they are confronted with a situation where Sloane is told to fill in as a bridesmaid for one of Hudson’s business partners, she comes up with an equal trade. She’ll be a part of the regency wedding–corset and all–if Hudson marries her. Sloane knows the value of the trade, he needs her, and she needs his wedding ring to get her into a high-society club that will further her career.
It’s an instant no from Hudson at first, but when she convinces him that no one will find out, including her brother, and he will benefit from the marriage too . . . well, Hudson finds himself saying “I do.”
New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author, wife, adoptive mother, and peanut butter lover. Author of romantic comedies and contemporary romance, Meghan Quinn brings readers the perfect combination of heart, humor, and heat in every book.
Professor Romance 