Violet Abrams may have been a bridesmaid no less than seven times, but her wedding day was near–she could feel it. Until her longtime boyfriend left her for someone else. That’s just fine–she has her photography and a new project redesigning her sister’s bakery to keep her happy and fulfilled. Fast-forward to the day of his wedding, though, when Violet might have accidentally, totally not on … purpose, started a fire. And… Officially the worst day ever.
Firefighter Ford Maguire thought he’d seen it all. Until he’s called out because someone tried to set the local bakery on fire…with a wedding magazine? The little arsonist might be the cutest woman he’s ever seen, but he’s too career-focused to consider something serious. Still, Violet seems like a great person to help him navigate his upcoming “man of honor” duties in his best friend’s wedding.
Pretty soon, not only is Violet giving him lessons on all things weddings, she’s helping him train his latest rescue-dog recruit puppies and weaving her way seamlessly into his lone-wolf lifestyle. But forever is the last thing on Ford’s mind, and if there’s one thing a perpetual bridesmaid knows, it’s the importance of a happily ever after.
Each book in the Getting Hitched series is STANDALONE:
* Just One of the Groomsmen
* Always a Bridesmaid
more
If you are looking for a book filled with puppies, friendship, humor, family, and romance, then this is the book for you. This is the followup book to Just One of the Groomsmen but you don’t have to read the first book to read this one.
Violet arrives in Uncertainty to nurse her wounds from a failed relationship and to help her sister Maisey fix up her bakery. She didn’t count on starting a fire and meeting Ford, one of the firefighters for the town, and falling for him. He has his own issues when it comes to relationships and she was the last thing he expected when he responded to the call about the fire.
I laughed through the whole book. I didn’t mark any passages to share because I would have wanted to share the whole book. There are some touching moments, times when the characters are at odds, and some spicy scenes to round out the book. I thought it was brilliant to have Violet be so open about her ADHD and when one of the puppies training to be search and rescue dogs has the same affliction, she becomes attached to him and nicknames his Distracto before he is given his official name, Trouble. Ford has issues and almost ruins a good thing by not following his heart and listening to others. It’s a guy thing, but thankfully his best friend is Addie Murphy and she helps set him straight.
The book does leave something of a cliffhanger regarding one of the friends, Easton. I want to know his story but I’ll have to wait. sigh.
We give this book 5 paws up.
5 Star Review of Always A Bridesmaid (Getting Hitched in Dixie #2) by Cindi Madsen
Cindi Madsen is a relatively new author to me and I have no idea why that is. I loved this book. From the first to the last chapter one I was fully invested in the story that Ms.Madsen wove.
Having read the first book in the series, I jumped at the chance to read this book. It was just as entertaining, if not more so, than the first book in the series.
Violet Abrams, always the bridesmaid, never the bride, especially since her boyfriend dumped her. Now he’s getting married and what does she do? She decides to burn wedding dress photos and then has to explain to the hot fire fighter Ford Maguire what happened.
I loved Ford in Just One Of The Groomsmen and couldn’t wait to read his story. Although this can most definitely be read as a stand alone, why not one click the first book in the series as well.
The writing was strong and the story flowed well. It was humorous, with characters you cannot help but fall in love with. One click this little gem, you won’t be disappointed. I received a copy of this book through the publisher via NetGalley.
Violet is a mess. She’s receiving from a bad relationship, that she clung to bye the chest hairs till her man did something unforgivable. This shattered her world. She was a photographer, before the fall but has lost her mojo. She moves in with her half sister in a small town where she has been the object of speculation and judgement for many years. AS bad as it is she needs her family bond, while she recovers and figures out where to go from here. Her mother had and affair with a married man, her half sisters father. No she was not a welcome bundle of joy especially to his wife. So when she moves to this town she’s already not on steady ground, then it gets worse. She get flustered, distracted, and during her breakdown nearly destroys everything, till a sexy hunk of fireman shows up. Hubba Hubba 😛 Oh and he has puppies ! Oh yes he does !
This is a small town romance, sweet, cuddly puppies, nosy town folk, and baked goodies. It’s a wonderful summer poolside read.
I received a copy from the publisher for an honest review.
4 Well Earned Stars of Trouble!!! Well, I totally forgot how fun this series is. Book #2 in the Getting Hitched in Dixie series is another smashing hit in the rom-com genre. I fell in love with this group of characters in the first book and they are just as lovable and hilarious in this one. You don’t have to read the first book for this one to make sense, but your understanding of the interactions and relationships between these lifelong friends will be better if you do.
In Always a Bridesmaid, Ford meets his match. Violet Abrams, the “dirty little not-so-secret” of an affair that the mayor of Uncertainty, AL had 27-years ago is back in town. This time she may, or may not, be staying. The town is divided on their opinions. Regardless, she’s there to help out her sister, Maisy, and to get her muse back. She’s recovering from a very bad breakup and has sworn off men. Forever. However, she is also a hopeless romantic who carries around a sparkly purple binder of all things wedding. It’s enough to give a guy like Ford a heart attack. Well, that is IF he were interested in getting to know Violet better. Which he most definitely is not. Until maybe he is? It’s all so confusing! (not really, it’s actually hilarious)
Always a Bridesmaid is a book that is a fun, as well as funny, rom-com that will have you loving the time you spend with the miscreants of Uncertainty. Just ask Lottie, she’ll tell you all about their misdeeds….. Oh, and those Trouble stars? I could be referring to Violet or a certain adorable pup. You’ll have to figure it out.
Book 2 of the Getting Hitched in Dixie series was a fun, enjoyable, small town read. Violet Abrams is invited to stay with her half-sister, Maisy, in Uncertainty, Alabama, after a very bad breakup. In exchange for Maisy’s generosity, Violet agrees to redesign Maisy’s bakery for her. It’s a great plan, until klutzy, and sort of ditzy, Violet accidentally sets Maisy’s kitchen on fire, which isn’t exactly a great way to meet a new guy, who happens to be a firefighter, an EMT, and a member of a search & rescue team, who also trains search & rescue K-9 puppies. Ford McGuire has an instant attraction to Violet, but he has no interest or time for a permanent relationship. It is fun to see how Violet & Ford’s awkward relationship evolves. There’s lots of giggles and mishaps, and some embarrassing moments. Their story intertwines with the upcoming wedding of two of Ford’s closest friends as well as Violet’s family dynamic. You can’t help but love the important characters in this book.
Although it can be considered a standalone, you really should read book 1 – Just One of the Groomsmen – to fully understand the relationship between Ford and the couple getting married – Addie and Tucker – as well as their other close friends, Shep and Easton. This is my voluntary review of an ARC of this book.
*Everything is better with puppies.*
As I came to expect from Cindi, this book was funny, sweet and engaging, peppered with no-filter sass and feels.
This is a wonderful, light and happy read, sure to brighten up your day.
Oh, and there are puppies. Everything is better with puppies.
5 stars and a sparkly purple binder
4.5 Stars
This is the second book in the series and just as good as the first. I really liked Violet. I want to be friends with her. Plus I totally get her love of purple. It breaks my heart the way she has been treated most of her life. She has such a big heart that she deserves someone who will love her just the way she is. Now Ford has the potential to be that someone if he can get out of his own way. The humor of this book was one of my favorite parts. I can’t tell you how many times I found myself chuckling along while reading. Most of it is the banter between Ford and Violet. That another one of my favorite parts of the book. This was a hard book to put down because I wanted to see Violet get her HEA. The search and rescue puppies and dog were an adorably bonus. I would highly recommend this one because along with the humor it has plenty of heart
It was wonderful to visit the quirky little town of Uncertainty for Addie & Ford’s wedding and discover Ford’s love story. BTW, Cindi nailed the bachelorette party. I laughed so hard I cried!
I love a good wedding story, especially when it features engaging characters, an interesting plot and awesome banter. Always A Bridesmaid had all of that and more, thanks to great writing by Ms.Madsen. This book was an easy read that made me laugh but also frustrated me a bit.
Ford was a wonderful match for Violet. He was encouraging and patient with her often lack of focus, due to her ADHD. Yes, he had an almost allergic reaction to the word forever, while she had a sparkly wedding binder that she’s been adding to for 10 years. They seem like opposites but they have more in common deep down than they realize.
Each character had flaws that the reader is asked to overlook. While one character grew more than the other, in my opinion, I didn’t like the words that character used against the other. Not trying to be vague on purpose, but I’m trying not to give anything away, either.
Regardless, I enjoyed this book very much and definitely recommend it.
I love this series. This group of friends is hella-hilarious. Ford gets to play brides-dude to his best friend as she gets married to one of the guys from their tight knit group. This leads to all kinds of hi jinks and hilarious scenarios as wedding planning ensues. In the midst of that a new player drops into town. Violet is having the worst time of her life and is looking for a reset. She doesn’t expect it to start by almost burning her sister’s business to the ground. She has sworn off men, but is still attracted to the hot fireman. You will enjoy the adorable antics of the human and puppy characters that will make you laugh out loud. Cindi Madsen has a way of bringing her characters to life in a unique and lively way that makes them hard to forget. It is a truly wonderful series that is worth reading more than once.
Always a Bridesmaid by Cindi Madsen is a sweet and charming small town romance with very likeable characters and story. Violet is reeling after a bad breakup and is looking start fresh; but is also carrying a lot of baggage. Ford is a sexy and charming firefighter who wants nothing to do with commitment. Enter Violet. I loved watching them meet, fall and get to know each other. Such a delightful read with all the best feels.
Happy reading!
It’s no secret I’ve been a pretty big fan of Cindi Madsen’s writing for a couple of years now. And when I say it’s hard to go wrong with any of her books, I’m not saying that lightly. This is the second book in her Getting Hitched in Dixie series, but it can absolutely be read as a standalone. However, most of you know I’m a series junkie so if you’re on the fence about reading book one, I––for one––highly recommend it.
Ford’s BFF is getting married, and he’s her official man of honor. But he has no idea how to help plan a wedding. In fact, he’s about as clueless as the bride herself. Enter Violet…Uncertainty’s dirty (not so) little secret. She’s fresh off a disastrous engagement and has been planning her perfect wedding for ten years. In a small town like Uncertainty, is it even possible to heal and start over? Ford’s been fighting that battle for years and it’s not been any easier for him.
NICUnurse’s Rating: While most of Cindi Madsen’s books have some seriously steamy scenes, as does this one, there’s also a very light-hearted feel to her writing in Always a Bridesmaid. And it just seemed to hit my sweet spot with all that’s been going on in our world the last couple of months. There is a bit of angst, as well, but it’s not what I’d consider a truly angsty book. Especially when she adds in a character that totally steals each scene he’s in…as in an adorable puppy with ADHD like our heroine. And with quirky secondary characters, you don’t get too caught up in the angst, but there are some scenes that truly broke my heart. So, if you’re looking for a fairly light-hearted read that is contemporary romance and hits all the important pieces: romcom, angst, and small-town romance with a very HEA, you’re gonna love Always a Bridesmaid. There’s a reason I’ve been a fan of Cindi Madsen’s writing for a few years, and she did NOT disappoint! (But I wasn’t expecting her to, either!)
I give Always a Bridesmaid by Cindi Madsen 4.5 out of 5 stars!
Intimate, amusing, and sweet!
Always a Bridesmaid is an uplifting, humorous tale that takes us into the life of the energetic, wary Violet Abrams as she heads to Uncertainty, Alabama to mend her broken heart, help redesign her half-sister’s bakery, and navigate all the ups and downs of falling in love with the practically perfect, local K-9 trainer, paramedic/firefighter, Ford Maguire.
The prose is effortless and smooth. The characters are fun-loving, supportive, and endearing. And the plot is a charming blend of heart, hope, humour, family, friendship, tension, attraction, tender moments, communication, taking chances, and the craziness of wedding planning.
Overall, Always a Bridesmaid is an adorable, heartwarming, spirited tale by Madsen that’s a lovely addition to the Getting Hitched in Dixie series and the perfect choice for dog lovers, romance fans, and summer!
Poor Violet has been a bridesmaid at least seven times. I felt bad that she hasn’t had her father’s love and attention all her life. I am sure her father feels he has reason to be the way he is. Then to find your boyfriend of ten years who says he wants to marry some day, in a comprising position with another woman at her sister’s wedding—it was too much. It is funny that how hard she tries to do things right, something goes wrong. But I loved how smart, loving and helpful she is. I was so glad she had some time to be with her half sister and niece which gave them time to get close, which she never had. I was sad to see she wanted to give up on men because of her ex. I loved Ford and how he didn’t let the talk of what people said in town get to him. He sure didn’t have a good family to support and love him. I think he was unfortunate to see the bad side of marriage, fathers and brothers. His friends are such a wonderful support system. I loved that his best friend Addie was like a sister to him and how they supported each other. There are some really funny scenes in this book that I laughed out loud. Ford and Violet are not the only two people in the book that have to get over pasts and move forward. This is such an enjoyable book that I encourage you to read. I was given a copy of the book and voluntarily wrote a review.
This is my first book from the author and definitely won’t be the last. Actually I need to read the first book of the series immediately! Even though the story is written in third person, which is not my favorite, I’ve got the hang of the story pretty quickly and I loved it.
After Violet’s ex of 19 years does a number on her, she decides to spend some time with her sister and niece in Uncertainty. She needs to put her life together and find her muse at photography again. Also, she sworn off men. Then we have Ford, the local firefighter/paramedic/training K-9 units/part of the search and rescue team/kids baseball coach. Ufff… he also has great friends, but a terrible family who never support him or the city.
When both of them meet while he goes to save her from the fire she accidentally set on her sister’s bakery, their chemistry is instantly. But while both of them keeps trying to deny anything between them, they start to get closer and closer, becoming friends and helping each other, growing within each chapter their intimacy.
I loved a lot of things in the book, such as Pyro and the TNT puppies, especially Trouble, the whole wedding shenanigans, how the author treated Violet’s ADHD, going through all of Ford’s jobs and getting to know both of their backgrounds and what made them thick.
There was a lot of things they both had to work in their selves, but Violet and Ford made an awesome pair! I loved how Violet grow up her believes and how Ford helped her find again her self-worth and her muse back.
With saying this, it all made me more upset when Ford took into consideration what his father said. The one person who never brought anything good to Ford and that he doesn’t worthy a penny specially when considering good choices in life. So to say I was disappointed with Ford was putting mildly. His lack of trust and respect was enormous.
The ending was super cute and deserving, specially to Violet, after all she went through in life, she deserved everything good. However if I was her, I don’t know if I would forgive him. But who am I to say, right? Either way, I loved the end and it was super romantic.
I love that the author called the town Uncertainty. It sure does describe how Violet Abrams life is right now. Her muse is gone, her boyfriend is gone and her job is in limbo. Her sister Maisey is in need of help with her new baby and opening up her bakery. I swear this baby is so cute. Ford McGuire is a jack of all trades. He is a firefighter, EMT, coach and works with search and rescue dogs. Each have families that are difficult. Violet is trying to let the past go and Ford’s father keeps getting in his head. When all is said and done, a broken promise was the straw that broke the camels back. Uncertainty is not having that. It will use that sweet puppy Trouble to bring them back together. I love that the author made Violet’s favorite color purple!
ALWAYS A BRIDESMAID is the second instalment in Cindi Madsen’s contemporary, adult GETTING HITCHED romance series focusing on the people of Uncertainty, Alabama. This is paramedic/firefighter Ford Maguire, and photographer Violet Abram’s story line. ALWAYS A BRIDESMAID can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary.
Told from dual third person perspectives (Ford and Violet) ALWAYS A BRIDESMAID follows the building relationship between paramedic/firefighter Ford Maguire, and photographer Violet Abrams. Finding her boyfriend of ten years in the arms of another woman pushed Violet Abrams a little too far. Leaving Pensacola, Florida, heading to Uncertainty, Alabama, Violet has time to reconsider all that has happened. Taking some time for herself, Violet volunteers to refurbish her half-sister’s bakery where she will come face to face with Uncertainty, Alabama’s K-9 trainer, paramedic, fire-fighter Ford Maguire when she accidentally sets the bakery oven on fire. What ensues is the building relationship and romance between Ford and Violet, and the potential fall-out when Ford gets some unsolicited advice from several people forcing our hero to walk away from the woman with whom he had fallen in love.
Violet Abrams kept a binder of all things wedding having prepared for the day when she would fall in love but Violet was about to become a bridesmaid for the eighth and final time believing she would never be worthy of her own happily ever after. Meeting Ford Maguire gave Violet a hope for the future but Ford struggled with the direction of their current relationship. Ford Maguire thought Violet may be the one but a few well chosen words from others including a new revelation forced Ford to look at the bigger picture breaking Violet’s heart in the process.
The relationship between Violet and Ford is one of immediate attraction. Violet was only in Uncertainty, Alabama until she finished her sister’s bakery remodel, but falling for Ford had our heroine considering making Uncertainty her permanent home. Ford never considered himself a romantic having lived through his father’s numerous divorces, affairs and engagements. As the “best-dude” for Addison and Tucker’s wedding, Ford struggled with all-things wedding related further re-enforcing his lack of having a romantic side. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and energetic secondary and supporting characters. We are reintroduced to Addison Murphy and Tucker Crawford (Just One of the Groomsmen #1), as well as Will and Lexi, police officer Easton, Firefighter Darius, and Violet’s sister Maisy, and their father Mayor Hurst and his wife Cheryl.
ALWAYS A BRIDESMAID is a story of family, friendships, relationships and love. The premise is engaging and captivating; the romance is seductive; the characters are numerous, spirited and impassioned.
A Beautifully Imperfect Southern Falling In Love Romance
I loved it. This read carries a whole gamut of feelings throughout. Violet arrives to give a facelift to her half-sister’s bakery. After having sworn off men, she also needed a bit of time to regroup her thoughts, her job, and basically her whole life. No deets here, but totally worth the read to find out.
Fate really is fickle lol, and she meets up with Ford in the smokin-est way. She then gets caught up in, of all things, a weddin’ planning party. There’s this genteel way the South has, of saying oh fudge nuts, or bless his heart, that had me sniggering so many times.
Ford is also a K-9 trainer for rescue dogs, among Firefighting, Search & Rescue, and flat tire fixin’ he performs for this community, and I fell in love with his K-9 partner, Pyro, so expressive and smart. There were 3 little Pyros in training known as T-N-T, very clever here on the names. On a serious note, Trouble and Violet bonded in such a way, it brought on a few tears about life’s realities.
There are old characters, plus a few new ones as Violet and Ford navigate their journey of ups and downs. Finding themselves as much as each other and ending with their HEA, and my happy sigh. Love, Laughter, Heat and Puppies really are just what I needed to read.
I received an ARC from Entangled through NetGalley and am giving my honest thoughts and opinions
I am pretty much a sucker for books with animals, especially dogs, so this story was beautiful for me.
Ford and Violet are two souls with poor father figures that finally meet there someone. There are challenges from their pasts that lead to some ups and downs that keep the pace and intensity of the story going.
Some really awesome awwww moments though…
I wasn’t sure how this book would follow up to One of the Groomsmen, but I’m so glad I took a chance on it because I ended up loving it!
Violet, the illegitimate daughter of the mayor of Uncertainty, Alabama, takes a trip back to her hometown to visit her half-sister and to avoid her ex fiancé’s wedding. On her first day there, she accidentally sets the oven in her sister’s bakery on fire. Luckily, firefighter Ford and his dog Pyro make it to the bakery in time to put out the fire so there’s no real damage. Immediately, Violet and Ford feel an undeniable pull toward each other despite their own deep reservations about relationships. However, when Ford, Addy, and Lexi find out Violet has a knack for wedding planning, they enlist her to help with Addy’s use upcoming nuptials. Between wedding festivities, training three adorable puppies, chasing critters around the local school, and a whole lot of steam, Violet and Ford begin to fall for each other. But when Violet needs Ford to step up for her, will he be able to do so?
This book had a lot of sweet moments and had me smiling from start to finish.