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!

This was such a nice read, I was going to try to make a brief summery on this book but it was hard to do without giving so much away. There was so much going for this book with the wedding problems, the romance, the family issues. I enjoyed seeing how everything played out. I mean there was the wedding issues where Violet loves weddings and wants one herself while Ford isn't the type. Problem is a Man of Honor and needs to help and guidance that Violet can bring. I just loved how they worked together, there was plenty of situations where they needed eachother help and it was cute watching that relationship from. Then theres the family drama on both sides and it was tough seeing things as they happens. Overall this was a pretty great contemporary romance, I really enjoyed it.

Although Always A Bridesmaid is part of a larger series, you do not have to read the previous book to enjoy this one. It totally stands alone. If you have ever read any other Cindi Madsen book and loved it, this one will not disappoint. It is full of her quirky writing style (that's a compliment!) and her tremendous humor. If you're new to her writing, know that this book is full of humor, heart, and fantastic side characters who add so much to the story without overwhelming it.

Violet and Ford make very little sense on paper, which is what makes their romance so fabulous. Violet's quirks takes Ford's rigidity and gives it a hearty shake, while Ford loves Violet for who she is, while adding a little stability to her life. I loved watching these two trying to deny their feelings and finally having no chance but to fall head over heels with each other. They didn't just jump into bed and declare that they love each other, they developed a genuine relationship and I so appreciate that.

I also really adored Violet and Maisy's relationship. Obviously the romance is the main story, but the side story of a “full” sibling loving and accepting the “half” sibling (I really hate those terms so please don't jump on me for using them) in such a complete and totally honest way was amazing and it made me love Maisy so hard. (I did NOT love Violet's extremely thoughtless “friends”, though.)

With the foreshadowing at the end of the book, Easton's story cannot come out soon enough for my liking.

Loved both characters, especially Ford! I was looking forward to reading his story in this book! Adored the small town setting!

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

Cute, Sweet Romance!

Always a Bridesmaid by Cindi Madsen, is book 2 in the Getting Hitched in Dixie series. This book reads perfectly as a stand alone, so no worries if you haven’t read book 1.

Violet is the daughter of Uncertainty’s mayor, but the town never welcomed her and her stepmother always made Violet feel like an embarrassment (which is how she felt being the child of her father’s affair). Violet and her stepsister Maisy however have discovered their own relationship and Violet turns to Maisy when she discovers her ex cheated on her. She begins to live with Maisy and Violet’s new niece Ilsa while Maisy’s husband is away on duty. She is there to redecorate Maisy’s bakery, but she was a photographer (mainly wedding photos) looking to jump start her mojo.

Ford has grown up in Uncertainty, and he’s been tainted by the actions of his past and his family members. He has since shown himself to be a reliable, trustworthy man, but the residents of Uncertainty don’t forgive or forget. Ford is now a firefighter and paramedic. One of his roles is training puppies to assist in rescues. He has been chosen to be the man-of-honour in his best friends wedding. But Addy is a tomboy and has no idea what to do for her own wedding. Violet falls into helping plan the wedding as she spends more time Ford and his adorable 4 legged crew.

I enjoyed this book finding the H and h very compatible when they allowed themselves to open up to the other. Their banter and relationship journey was thoroughly enjoyable. The other characters in the town make the story enjoyable and believable. And the puppies are fabulous! Especially Trouble!

I received an ARC copy of this book courtesy of NetGalley and Entangled Publishing and am voluntarily reviewing it. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and given freely.

Always a Bridesmaid was an excellent second book in this series (though I waited for it quite impatiently). Violet and Ford are an angsty couple who definitely need their friends' help to seal the deal. I loved the ensemble feel to this book the same way I liked it in Just One of the Groomsmen.

Ford and Violet both have serious family issues. In Ford's case, his family is the town/county mess. His father and his brothers are always in trouble and always making things difficult. It's hard to be a stand up citizen when your family is always trying to drag you down. But Ford is an amazing person and he resists their influence at every turn. I liked Ford as we come to know him better. He's got a hero complex but is super sweet. He loves dogs! But he's also terrified of his feelings. No surprise there given his family.

Violet is... a hot mess. But not really in a bad way. She has every reason to be a mess. Her family situation sucks! She's the illegitimate daughter of the mayor from his one affair. She's never been welcomed by him or his family (and I do understand how hard that can be on a wife). She's always felt like the embarrassment in the closet and really, they treat her exactly like that. On top of that, her dream wedding has just exploded in her face when she found her fiance cheating on her. The one bright spot is her sister who has decided she wants Violet in her life.

But it's Addison and Tucker's turn to tie the knot and geez, Addison just isn't feeling all the fancy wedding vibes. She's made Ford into her "best man" and so poor Ford is running around knowing nothing about weddings. Violet gets dragged into the wedding planning quite by accident and it's a wild romp from there.

I loved how she was so accepted by the circle of friends. I loved how those friends helped Ford and Violet and I loved seeing her blossom. I'm so eager for the next book too, given the teaser for it.

Always a Bridesmaid is the 2nd book in the “Getting Hitched in Dixie” series. I love the 1st book in this series and honestly thought this book couldn’t be better. Well, I was wrong, way wrong! I loved all the characters in the first book and they were just was great as supporting characters in this one.

Always A Bridesmaid is about Ford McGuire Who is going to be the Brides Man/Dude of Honor for his best friends Addison “Addie” and Tucker. Ford is a firefighter, paramedic and dog trainer. So he is always busy saving lives. He also just got 3 new German Shepherd puppies to train. So his life is a little hectic. He is also relationship and marriage adverse.

Violet Abrams is back in Uncertainty to see her half sister Maisy. Violet isn’t new to Uncertainty but being the love child of the mayor she also doesn’t really visit that much. Violets dad was married to Maisy’s mom when he met Violets. Although Violets dad was unfaithful to Maisy’s they never divorced and Violet would come and visit every summer but she always felt kind an outsider. Violet’s boyfriend of 10 years is marrying the girl he cheated on her with. Violet is a photographer and she also lost her muse when her boyfriend cheated on her. She decided to come to Uncertainty to visit her sister and niece and help redecorate her sisters bakery.

Violet and Ford meet when Violet accidently catches her sister Maisys oven on fire while baking cupcakes. There was instant attraction on both side. However Violet is on a break from men and Ford is anti-relationship. Like small times they keep running into each other they finally give into their attraction.

This is a sweet romance with dual POV, laugh out loud moments, romance and sexy scenes. As always Ms. Madsen has lovable quirky heroine with a sexy alpha hero and fun supporting characters. I loved this book and so can’t wait for Eastons book.

I received an advanced copy for an honest review.

Romance with humor is always welcome but during these uncertain days it is even more greatly appreciated. Always a Bridesmaid by Cindi Madsen delivers that much like the first book in the series Getting Hitched in Dixie. Often the second book in a series is less than the first but not this time, Always a Bridesmaid is even better. It is a wonderful captivating read.

Violet Abrams is a hopeful flawed character. She is so human; it is easy to love her whether you identify with her or not as far as her desire to be a bride. I think all f us have had a long hold dream that just didn’t happen. Acceptance can be difficult. For Violet she decides to destroy the evidence of that dream. Perhaps she goes about this in a less than practical way, still because of this Ford Maguire. That turns out to be not so bad for either one.

We are all flawed and life is messy, finding the humor as well as love and happiness is necessary. Learn to do so along with Violet Abrams and Ford Maguire in Always a Bridesmaid by Cindi Madsen is an enjoyable way to do so. This Southern gal can tell you that getting hitched in Dixie doesn’t hurt either.

4.5 Stars
An ARC of the book was given to me by the publisher through Net Galley which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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!

3+ Stars

I’ve loved most of the books I’ve read by Ms. Madsen, and when I saw this new one was about a firefighter who trained puppies I just couldn’t keep away. Even though it ended up being quite the cute, sweet romance it was not exactly the gripping story I was hoping for.

Violet was obsessed with everything wedding. And although I’ve come to realize that many people could connect to this very defining aspect of her, sadly I could not. She was sweet and kind of funny but had ginormous daddy issues, as well as low self-esteem stemming from her family dynamics and the asshole loser she had been with for the last decade. I did love how she, very slowly, came to realize some stuff about her life and opened herself up to seeing things in a new light.

Ford was the epitome of hunky firefighter with a slight savior complex. Being part of an S&R troop, as well as a K-9 S&R trainer and EMT just gave him more tools to act on that. Once we get a bit of backstory into his childhood, we understand why he is the way he is and where all his trust issues come from. Unfortunately, his hot and cold (dare I say cowardly) approach to being with Violet drove me absolutely bonkers.

There were some serious family issues for both of them that needed resolving, and I’m not completely sure I liked how it was handled on Violet’s case. But hey, I’m all for forgiving and starting fresh… I just would have liked to see some slapping of the stepmother, that’s all I’m saying.

Violet and Ford shared a powerful attraction but were set on fighting it, each for their own reasons. I loved how they were together once they both pulled their walls down but was put off when they built those walls back up. It was so annoying!!! Fortunately, there was a gaggle of active puppies, great friends, sassy banter and one adorable baby niece to even things out.

While Always a Bridesmaid didn’t blow me away, I loved some parts and really enjoyed reading it.

*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book*

I loved this book! I loved this group of friends in the first book and was so excited to get Ford’s story. Ford and Violet were the perfect set of main characters. They didn’t seem to have much in common on the surface but it didn’t take long for us to realize they were more alike than it seemed. I laughed and cried and definitely recommend this one! I cannot wait for Easton’s book!

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.

What a great follow-up to Just One of the Groomsmen. This is a great small-town romance, and it leaves you feeling good without being an over-the-top sweet romance. And as much as we experience the relationship with Violet and Ford, we also get to delve into their friendships. A well-rounded, really well-developed romance.

Violet certainly has some past hurts that she needs to learn to move past, and it definitely causes a few stumbles on their road to happily-ever-after, but the journey is well-written, emotional and satisfying. Definitely recommend this read.

3.5 Stars!

Always a Bridesmaid by Cindi Madsen, is an interesting and engaging novel that takes place in Uncertainty, Alabama. This small town romance is replete with an entertaining plot, nicely-defined characters, and a meaningful story.

While growing up, Violet spent her summers with her father and his family. Unfortunately, her stepmother belittled her and the small town of Uncertainty was very unwelcoming. Years later, after a horrific break-up, Violet decides to spend some time with her sister Maisy and her new niece Isla. Maisy owns a bakery in Uncertainty and Violet will be helping Maisy redecorate the drab interior. Violet is a professional photographer and so she has a keen eye. She is also an expert on all things bridal, since she has photographed many weddings, been a bridesmaid seven times, and spent years planning her own wedding that never happened. She is not looking for love, but luckily she finds it when Ford comes to her rescue.

It has taken Ford years to live down his family's uncouth reputation, and yet from time to time the elders of the town can't resist a quick barb. Nevertheless, he loves being a firefighter, a paramedic, and training puppies to assist with rescue missions. He and his dog have had great success locating the lost. Ford always thought that his work and friends was all he needed to be happy. Then Violet comes into his life and he realizes that she is what makes him whole.

I enjoyed this book, however, the plot lacked depth in the beginning and dragged a bit. Violet and Ford are a sexy couple, and I liked getting to to know them. Despite being bullied throughout their respective childhoods, they are caring individuals that will do anything for the people they love. The secondary characters, especially Violet's sister Maisy, and Trouble, the cutest puppy ever, are the heart of the story.

Complimentary copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley.

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.

Without a doubt, every male lead character in a book that I have read named Ford is a favorite. Not just any favorite, but one to love. This Ford is no exception. The fun way he pursued Violet will melt your heart. And the way she responded, being a a smile to your face and big hope in a happy ending. Violet deserved her happy ending after a lifetime of feeling like she wasn't enough. Ford gave that to her and all was right in my fairy tale land. However, frustration had to occur at some point, and some characters needed to be dealt with. But once that was figured out, our Ford and Violet were back on track. Not too many books hit me in the heart and bring sad tears to my eyes, but this one got me, and I could feel my heart sink. I love when a story does that. I am enjoying this series and these friends. And especially nonna Lucia.

I received this book in exchange for an honest review from the publisher through Netgalley.