Brooklyn Meets Billionaire

Franchesca "Frankie" Baranski, a sharp-tongued, fiercely independent Brooklynite, is thrust into Manhattan's elite when her best friend Pru marries into high society. At the engagement party, Frankie meets Aiden Kilbourn, the enigmatic, cold, and devastatingly handsome best man. Their first encounter is a battle of sarcasm and class differences, setting the stage for a relationship built on mutual challenge and undeniable chemistry. Frankie's loyalty to Pru and her refusal to be cowed by wealth or status immediately put her at odds with Aiden, who is used to women fawning over him. The spark between them is electric, but both are determined not to let the other get the upper hand.

Clash of Wits

As wedding preparations ramp up, so does the tension between Frankie and Aiden. Their banter is laced with flirtation and barbs, each trying to outmaneuver the other. Aiden, jaded by privilege and responsibility, is both irritated and intrigued by Frankie's refusal to be impressed by his wealth. Frankie, meanwhile, is determined to keep her dignity and independence, even as she's drawn to Aiden's intelligence and vulnerability. Their interactions are a dance of attraction and resistance, with both secretly enjoying the challenge the other presents.

Paradise Wedding Chaos

The wedding party descends on Barbados, where the sun-soaked setting only amplifies the chaos. Frankie is out of her element among the rich and entitled, but her loyalty to Pru keeps her grounded. The bridesmaids and groomsmen are a circus of egos, secrets, and rivalries. Frankie and Aiden are forced into close proximity, their mutual annoyance simmering into something more dangerous. The island's beauty is a stark contrast to the emotional storms brewing within the wedding party.

Enemies in Barbados

Frankie and Aiden's antagonism reaches new heights as they're paired for wedding duties. Aiden's carefully constructed walls begin to crack as he's drawn to Frankie's authenticity and warmth. Frankie, despite herself, finds Aiden's vulnerability beneath the arrogance compelling. A series of mishaps—including a wild bachelorette party and a missing groom—force them to work together. Their partnership is uneasy but effective, and the line between enemy and ally blurs as desire takes hold.

Temptation and Tension

The search for the missing groom throws Frankie and Aiden together in a high-stakes adventure across Barbados. Their banter turns to confessions, and their physical attraction becomes impossible to ignore. In stolen moments—on the beach, in the shadows of the resort—their defenses drop. Aiden's need for control clashes with Frankie's demand for honesty and respect. When they finally give in to temptation, it's explosive, but both are left reeling from the intensity and the implications for their carefully guarded hearts.

Catfights and Confessions

The wedding devolves into chaos as secrets, jealousies, and old wounds surface. Frankie navigates the minefield of high society with wit and grit, standing up to snobbish bridesmaids and entitled groomsmen. Aiden, meanwhile, is forced to confront his own family's dysfunction and the expectations placed on him as a Kilbourn. Amid catfights and confessions, Frankie and Aiden's connection deepens, but so do the risks. Both must decide if they're willing to be vulnerable and trust each other.

Bachelor Party Gone Wrong

The night before the wedding, the groom is kidnapped in a scheme that exposes the dark side of privilege and power. Frankie and Aiden team up to solve the mystery, their partnership tested by danger and distrust. The search is a race against time, with the wedding—and Pru's happiness—hanging in the balance. As they navigate the underbelly of paradise, Frankie and Aiden's bond is forged in adversity, but secrets and old wounds threaten to tear them apart.

The Groom's Disappearance

The investigation into the groom's disappearance forces Frankie and Aiden to rely on each other. Their strengths and weaknesses complement each other, and they begin to see past their prejudices. The experience is transformative, revealing the depth of their feelings and the possibility of something real between them. But as the truth comes to light, so do the lies and manipulations that have shaped their lives.

Reluctant Partners in Crime

With the groom rescued and the wedding back on track, Frankie and Aiden are celebrated as heroes. But their victory is bittersweet, as the fallout from the ordeal exposes the cracks in their relationship. Aiden's family pressures and Frankie's fear of losing herself threaten to pull them apart. Both must confront their pasts and decide if they're willing to fight for a future together.

High Society, Low Blows

Back in New York, Frankie and Aiden's relationship is tested by gossip, betrayal, and the machinations of those who want to see them fail. Frankie's working-class roots and Aiden's family legacy collide in a series of humiliations and misunderstandings. When a scandal engineered by Aiden's half-brother and a jealous socialite threatens to destroy everything, Frankie must decide if she can trust Aiden—and herself.

Secrets and Sabotage

The truth about Aiden's role in Pru and Chip's breakup comes to light, shattering Frankie's trust. Old wounds are reopened, and both are forced to confront the ways they've hurt each other and themselves. The fallout is devastating, and Frankie walks away, determined to reclaim her independence and self-worth. Aiden, left alone, must reckon with the consequences of his actions and decide if he's willing to change.

The Worst Best Man

Time apart gives Frankie and Aiden the perspective they need. Both grow, learning the value of vulnerability, honesty, and partnership. When Frankie takes down Aiden's scheming brother and exposes the truth, she proves her loyalty and strength. Aiden, humbled and changed, fights to win her back—not with power or money, but with love and respect. Their reunion is hard-won, built on forgiveness and a new understanding of what it means to be a team.

Truths, Betrayals, Breakups

Frankie and Aiden's journey is marked by heartbreak and healing. Both must confront their deepest fears and insecurities, learning that love is not about winning or losing, but about showing up, even when it's hard. Their friends and families rally around them, offering support and tough love. In the end, it's Frankie's courage and Aiden's humility that bring them back together.

All In, All Out

Frankie takes the leap, proposing to Aiden and offering him not just her love, but her partnership. Aiden, finally ready to let go of control and trust in something bigger than himself, says yes. Together, they build a life that honors both their roots and their dreams. Their love is messy, passionate, and real—a testament to the power of forgiveness and the beauty of choosing each other, every day.

Redemption and Reunion

With the past behind them, Frankie and Aiden focus on building a future together. They support each other's ambitions, blending their worlds and creating a partnership based on respect and equality. Their wedding is a celebration of love, family, and the journey that brought them together. Surrounded by friends and family, they embrace the chaos and joy of life, knowing that together, they can weather any storm.

Love Wins, Brooklyn Style

Frankie and Aiden's story ends where it began—in the messy, beautiful collision of Brooklyn grit and Manhattan glamour. Their love is imperfect but unbreakable, forged in fire and laughter. They choose each other, not because it's easy, but because it's worth it. In the end, they prove that the worst best man can become the best partner, and that love—real, hard-won love—always wins.

Characters

Franchesca "Frankie" Baranski

Frankie is the heart and soul of the story—a smart, sarcastic, and deeply loyal woman who refuses to be defined by her circumstances. Raised in a working-class family, she's proud of her roots and determined to make her own way in the world. Her relationship with Aiden is a battle of wills, but beneath her tough exterior is a vulnerability she guards fiercely. Frankie's journey is one of self-discovery, learning to trust, forgive, and open herself to love. Her loyalty to her friends and family is unwavering, and her courage in the face of adversity is inspiring. She challenges Aiden to be better, and in doing so, finds her own strength.

Aiden Kilbourn

Aiden is the quintessential alpha male—rich, powerful, and used to getting his way. But beneath the surface is a man burdened by family expectations and a deep sense of loneliness. His attraction to Frankie is immediate and unsettling, forcing him to confront his own flaws and fears. Aiden's journey is one of humility and growth, learning that love cannot be bought or controlled. His relationship with Frankie challenges him to let go of his need for power and embrace vulnerability. In the end, Aiden becomes a true partner, willing to fight for love on Frankie's terms.

Pruitt "Pru" Stockton

Pru is the bridge between Frankie's world and Aiden's. Warm, generous, and sometimes naive, she is the emotional center of the wedding party. Her relationship with Chip is a model of forgiveness and second chances, and her unwavering support for Frankie is a testament to the power of friendship. Pru's own struggles with love and loss mirror Frankie's, and her journey is one of growth and self-acceptance.

Chip Randolph

Chip is Aiden's best friend and Pru's soulmate. His easy charm and loyalty make him the glue that holds the group together. Chip's kidnapping is the catalyst for much of the story's drama, and his relationship with Pru is a reminder that love is worth fighting for. He is supportive of both Frankie and Aiden, offering wisdom and humor in equal measure.

Elliot Kilbourn

Elliot is Aiden's foil—a man consumed by jealousy, entitlement, and a desperate need for validation. His machinations drive much of the conflict, from the kidnapping plot to the scandal that nearly destroys Frankie and Aiden's relationship. Elliot's actions are rooted in deep insecurity and a sense of being overlooked, making him both villain and tragic figure.

Margeaux

Margeaux is the embodiment of high society's dark side—beautiful, ruthless, and willing to do anything to get what she wants. Her jealousy of Frankie and alliance with Elliot create chaos and nearly ruin everything. Margeaux's actions are driven by insecurity and a need for attention, making her both dangerous and pitiable.

Cecily Kilbourn

Cecily is a stabilizing force in Aiden's life, offering wisdom, support, and unconditional love. She sees through the trappings of wealth and recognizes Frankie's worth. Cecily's own journey—from outsider to respected matriarch—mirrors Frankie's, and her acceptance of Frankie is a turning point in the story.

Ferris Kilbourn

Ferris is both mentor and obstacle for Aiden, embodying the weight of family expectations and the dangers of living for legacy over love. His insistence on tradition and control is a source of conflict, but his eventual acceptance of Aiden's choices is a testament to growth and change.

Gio and Marco Baranski

Gio and Marco are the embodiment of Brooklyn loyalty—loud, loving, and always ready to throw a punch for their sister. Their humor and warmth provide levity, and their support for Frankie and eventual acceptance of Aiden are crucial to the story's resolution.

Davenport, Cressida, and the Wedding Party

The rest of the wedding party—each with their own quirks, flaws, and secrets—serve as both obstacles and allies for Frankie and Aiden. Their antics, betrayals, and moments of honesty add depth and complexity to the story, highlighting the challenges of navigating love and friendship in a world obsessed with appearances.

Plot Devices

Enemies-to-Lovers, Forced Proximity, and Social Satire

The story employs classic romance devices—enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity, and the fish-out-of-water trope—to create a dynamic, emotionally charged narrative. The destination wedding setting amplifies the stakes, forcing characters to confront their differences and desires. Scandal, sabotage, and family secrets drive the plot, with each twist revealing deeper layers of character and motivation. The use of alternating perspectives allows readers to see both Frankie and Aiden's internal struggles, creating empathy and tension. Foreshadowing is woven throughout, with early conflicts hinting at later betrayals and redemptions. The story's humor and social satire—skewering both high society and working-class pride—add depth and relatability, while the emotional arc is anchored by themes of forgiveness, vulnerability, and the transformative power of love.

Analysis

Lucy Score's The Worst Best Man is a sharp, witty, and emotionally resonant exploration of love, class, and the messy realities of modern relationships. At its core, the novel is a celebration of vulnerability—the courage to let someone in, to forgive, and to choose partnership over pride. Through Frankie and Aiden, Score dismantles the fantasy of the perfect romance, showing that true love is forged in conflict, honesty, and mutual respect. The story's humor and social commentary elevate it beyond a standard rom-com, offering incisive critiques of privilege, gender roles, and the performative nature of high society. The supporting cast—each flawed and memorable—serves as both mirror and foil, highlighting the challenges of finding authenticity in a world obsessed with appearances. Ultimately, the novel's message is clear: love is not about winning or losing, but about showing up, even when it's hard. In a world that rewards power and control, The Worst Best Man reminds us that the greatest victory is choosing each other, every day, with all our imperfections.

Last updated: September 27, 2025