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!

I really enjoyed this book.

Violet returns to the town of uncertainty after her long term boyfriend cheats on her! While trying to keep a low profile violet accidentally sets fire to her sisters bakery. Oops not going according to plan! Nonetheless, Ford shows up to save the day and continues to save the day ever since? Problem is this firefighter/paramedic/ k9 trainer/ search and rescue/coach and all-around hero is a commitmentphobe.

Similarly to book number one I loved the friendship element throughout. Fords best friend is a tom girl he grew up with. As she is getting married he is her man on honour and this brings trouble in itself. Ford is loyal, loving and so sweet but he has a lot of issues he has to face. Violet is the girl he didn't know he needed in this life. Even though Violet has a lot of fears and needs help getting her "spark back" she is a very strong character which I admire. I loved the chemistry between these characters. Their dates were no way traditional which I loved and they could be themselves without caring what other people thought.

Overall I really enjoyed this book and I will definitely be adding it to my collection.

3.5 stars

Violet returns to Uncertainty, Alabama, after being strung along for many years with the promise of marriage by her ex to him marrying someone else. She’s come to stay with her half sister for a month or two and she causes quite a stir in the small town on her first day. That’s where she meets hot firefighter, Ford.

Ford is the Dude of Honor in his best friend, Addie’s wedding and is clueless about wedding stuff. Violet has been a bridesmaid seven times and agrees to help with the planning, which puts her and Ford together often.

This is a cute, quick read. I enjoyed Violet and Ford’s story. It was somewhat predictable, but I was okay with it. I enjoyed the banter between Violet and Ford, the friendship between all the friends, and the cute German shepherd puppies-in-training!

This is book two in the series. I have not read the first book and didn’t feel like I was missing any necessary information to enjoy this book.

Thank you to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing for a digital arc in exchange for my honest review.

At a time where getting through a book has at times felt like a chore, this book was an enjoyable funny breath of fresh air. I loved both characters. Violet has some what recently come out of a 10 year long somewhat emotionally abusive relationship, and she's struggling to get her sense of self back. Ford is a caring upstanding citizen that gives to the community in so many ways, but still lives in the shadow of his families bad behaviour. Loved the friendships, the blossoming relationship and the humour throughout the book. Overall, and excellent romance. *I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and this is my voluntary and honest review.

3.5 Stars
So you just had your soon-to-be groom call off the wedding. Then you are friends with the bakery that is doing things for His Wedding and Oops, a little fire happens...Lucky you, there is a hunky cute fireman who takes you aside to question what you may have done Not on Purpose.

This is cute, fun, and just right.

Omg I loved this book! I loved the characters after the first story (Just One of the Groomsmen ) and fell in love even more after this book. I was actually disappointed to have it end, I was enjoying it so much. It was fun, and sweet, and actually more romantic than you'd expect from Ford. And puppies! I could have read another dozen chapters. Violet was such a great character, flawed but so loveable, u can't say enough good about this story. I already can't wait for the next book.

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.

I could not get enough of Ford and Violet. There was a lot of sweet, flirty teasing, and the way they both tried to stay away from each other but ended up finding ways to spend time together. Violet shows up in Uncertainty to try to get over her ex and start fresh, and to develop a better relationship with her sister. Ford and Violet both have family drama, and it makes them relate to each other better. There were scenes in the book that had me laughing out loud, and others that made me swoon. It was also really fun watching them interact during wedding planning for Addie, Ford's tomboy best friend. Hoping there is more to come in this series!
The books work as standalones, but this story is more fun if you've read Just One of the Groomsmen.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Photographer Violet Abrams has become a cliche. She’s been a bridesmaid for her six best friends and her half-sister, but her own relationship just imploded and she’s now stuck with a glitter-covered wedding ideas binder and a creative block. When her sister Maisy offers a place to stay in Uncertainty, Alabama, Violet decides why not. But she’s sworn off men. For real.

Ford McGuire is a thrill-seeking small town guy who trains search and rescue dogs and serves as a firefighter, among many other jobs. He’s lived in Uncertainty his whole life, and tried to live down his family’s wild reputation. He’s a definitely not looking for a long-term relationship, but he can’t stop thinking about the new girl in town, who talks a mile a minute and accidentally set a bakery on fire on her first day.

This was a cute story. I thought Ford was a bit of a jerk in the previous book (Just One of the Groomsmen), but he redeemed himself here. Violet and Ford are good for each other. I did feel like the story dragged a bit toward the end. But there are three German shepherd puppies here, including one named Trouble, so that gave it some extra points.

Always A Bridesmaid by Cindi Madsen is the second book in her Getting Hitched in Dixie series. This book was so much fun to read! The dialogue between Ford and Violet and the conversations among the guys, the guys including Addie as one of them, are so very entertaining. I laughed a lot as I read this story. I felt for both Violet and Ford when things went sideways and blew a sigh of relief and rejoiced with both of them for their Happily Ever After.

Always a Bridesmaid by Cindi Madsen is the second book in the Getting Hitched in Dixie series. It’s a standalone novel, but if you read Just One of the Groomsmen, which I highly recommend, you’ll recognize Ford Maguire and his group of friends.

Always a Bridesmaid was a very fun and quick contemporary romance. It was fun watching Violet, a girl that had her plans of a dream wedding with her ex-boyfriend crushed, and Ford, a man all about adventure and not settling down, become friends, and fall in love. Throughout all this Ford was helping Addie, from Just One of the Groomsmen, prepare for her wedding as her “man of honor.”

The story itself was a bit predictable. I could foresee the eventual conflict that was coming between Violet and Ford. I also had an idea as to how they would patch things together. Regardless of its predictability, Cindi Madsen crafted characters I liked and had me invested in the journey of their story. Plus it definitely helped to have some very cute German Sheperd puppies thrown into the mix and hilariously watching Ford be placed into situations as “man of honor” many men wouldn’t want to go.

I did wish there was more depth of plot regarding Violet’s issues with her father and family. I thought the resolution wasn’t very fleshed out considering the fact that there were years of issues built up, but the author did manage to tie everything up nicely.

If you’re looking for a light-hearted, quick romantic read this summer, I highly recommend Always a Bridesmaid by Cindi Madsen.

This is the second book in this series. Violet has just found her fiance in a compromising position and goes to her sister's to get her bearings and do some work on her bakery. While there she has an unfortunate accident with the oven, almost burning the place down. Enter in Ford, the volunteer firefighter who takes the call.

Ford has always felt like he wasn't accepted from the town, since his family has caused a lot of drama. Ford has tried to separate himself, and flies under the radar. He trains his search and rescue dogs, and also coaches a local baseball team. With all his jobs, he stays out of trouble.

When he meets Violet he has instant chemistry. Violet tries to not get her hopes up since she doesn't know she is staying in town, but Ford might just give her a reason. Super cute, lots of dogs, and plenty of romance, and a smidge of drama.

Violet Abrams could be a professional bridesmaid… After seven times up the aisle and finding her long-time boyfriend in the arms of another at her sisters wedding, she decides to give up men and weddings for good! Now, she is taking a break from her life, staying with her sister in small-town Alabama when weddings and men keep coming back to her…

Well, not men, but man, one sexy fireman catches her eye and keeps coming to her rescue! Ford Maguire needs her help, so it’s time to rescue him! Ford has agreed to be the best-dude in his best friends wedding. The tomboy bride and Ford are in over their heads and need Violet’s expertise to pull this off. It doesn’t hurt that it means that they will have to spend a lot of time together planning this wedding!

Ford and Violet bot have issues from their past relationships and families that pulls them apart.Trust issues factor heavily in this romance where both have been burned in the past. As Ford and Violet move forward and grow, they both see that the other might just be the piece that’s been missing all along.

I really enjoyed reading this book. I was able to root for both Ford and Violet. They were genuinely good characters that deserved their happily ever after. Ford was the hero that dreams are made of and his adorable litter of puppies just made him that much more lovable! This was. Fun, light read and I highly recommend it!

Always a Bridesmaid by Cindi Madsen was release May 26th, 2020.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Entangled Publishing through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Blog: https://pinkcowlandreads.blogspot.com/2020/05/always-bridemaid.html

#AlwaysaBridesmaid #CindiMadsen #NetGalley #pinkcowlandreads

"Aways a Bridesmaid" was a great standalone book to "Just One of the Groomsman" from the Getting Hitched in Dixie series by Cindi Madsen. I enjoyed the first book and then reading more about the characters in this book and the introduction of Violet was perfect! A charming town, charming characters, and a charming romantic read.

Violet has been a bridesmaid seven times. She was sure her wedding day was near until she found her fiance with another woman in his arms. She heads to Uncertainty to help her sister redesign her bakery, spend time with her niece and to try to find her muse again. Upon arriving she almost starts a fire.

Ford Macguire does search and rescue, trains puppies and fights fires, so he doesn't have time for distractions. But she's a really cute distraction. And he gets her to help him with the puppy training and his "man of honor" duties just to spend more time with her. As they begin to fall in love he lets his insecurities push her away.

Loved their banter and how he just accepted who she was, unlike her ex. The scenes with the puppies are of course adorable. Especially Trouble.

This is the second book in the Getting Hitched in Dixie series and can be read as a standalone.
I'm looking forward to the next book and now I'm going to go back and read Addie and Tucker's book.

ARC provided by Entangled Publishing via NetGalley

The perfect story for this bleak times: sweet, entertaining and engrossing.
I liked the lovely setting and puppies, the likeable characters and I couldn't help rooting for them, the well crafted plot that flows.
I can't wait to read another story by this author.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.

Our story continues with Addison and Tucker who are getting married from the first book, "Just One of the Groomsmen". Addison knows nothing about wedding, she is a tomboy all the way. Ford is her best friend and Dude of Honor in her wedding. Violet is coming to Uncertainty to help remodel her sister’s bakery, besides recovering from her ex-finance. One distraction from Violet, brings the fire department to her sister’s bakery.

From the first time Ford and Violet meet you can feel the attraction between the two main characters. They both come with baggage one from a previous relationship, another from a rescue mission gone bad. Two people who are destined to be together, but hold back a little. As with the previous book from this writer, it was an easy read but it hooks you really quick. I could not put it down when I first started reading it. Then for me to do this review, I had to re-read the book so I could put into words how much I loved this book. I love the continuation from the previous book, with the other characters. It’s like an old friend coming to visit. Well worth the read!

I loved everything about Ford and Violet's story. They were both realistic characters dealing with issues that are easy to relate to as a reader. Their wonderfully developed personalities pulled me right into the story with them. Not only was their relationship sweet, romantic, and a bit steamy, but their interactions with each other and with their friends were both humorous and endearing.

I enjoyed that this story was well-rounded, meaning that it wasn't simply focused on Violet and Ford and their romance. Revisiting Addie and being entertained by her trying to plan her wedding was great. Revisiting all of the characters from book 1 and getting to know them a bit better pulls the reader in as part of the group. Seeing Violet bond with her half-sister and her niece after a difficult up-bringing was a beautiful addition to the story. Finally, you can't go wrong with puppies, and there were three little k-9 in training along with the veteran k-9 having to help and share attention - adorable and entertaining.

Overall, this was a fantastic read. I love when the writing is so real that I can put myself in the middle of the book, and this is definitely written that way. I would highly recommend this book. Meanwhile, I will be anxiously awaiting Easton's story.

Ford as a bridesmaid?

Violet Abrams never planned to return to Uncertainty, Alabama but she has promised her half-sister that she would help renovate her bakery so she would avoid the wedding of her former almost fiancé/boyfriend getting married. Violet had made many mistakes but she wanted to get rid of everything that reminded her and burning the binder of wedding ideas was just the thing, only problem was she was supposed to keep an eye on her sister’s bakery leading to a small fire with Violet meeting firefighter Ford Maguire and just maybe falling love.

I loved Always a Bridesmaid by Cindi Madsen because having Violet helping the bride plan a wedding with Ford as a male bridesmaid because he was the bride’s best friend and it was a lesson for both.

I loved Just One of the Groomsmen (first book in the series) and now Always a Bridesmaid is the perfect addition to the series and I’m looking forward to the next book.

P.S. I loved Pyro and Trouble!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I really liked this one! It was super cute. I loved Violet and Ford. I really liked Maisy and Isla, and seeing all the other characters from the first book too. I related to Violet a little too well and that did hurt to read sometimes. I don't really have a ton of qualms about Violet and Ford - I thought they were super cute together and I really enjoyed their relationship. Ford probably overreacted a little when he freaked out, but that's really the only issue I have with those two.
My main issue with the book is the drama with the wedding and Addie - I know Addie's changes are 'explained' in the book, but it felt so not authentic to me. Addie was a completely different character and though it worked for this book and plot, it felt like when authors change previous/future characters just to suit the current book without taking into account that we already 'know' these characters. It just felt really phoney to me. I wish Addie had been truer to herself, or at least the herself I thought I knew from the first book. Like I said, the wedding worked for this book and this plot, but just think it could have been handled differently.
Also, totally unrealistic reconciliation between Violet and her father and stepmom. Also, who is cleaning up all that mud. That's all I could think about. The dogs were cute. The porcupine incident was a bit odd.
Anywho. I really, really, really liked Violet and Ford and their relationship. This was super cute and I loved their story, I really did. I really loved the first book - and friends to lovers is *so* not my favourite - so I was just a bit bummed about that aspect of this story, and because I loved the first so much I expected to love this one as much, but the Addie changes soured it a bit for me. But in regards to Violet and Ford, lovely, delightful, adorable. Cannot wait for the next one!