ALWAYS A BRIDESMAID (Getting Hitched in Dixie #2) by Cindi Madsen-a review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: RELEASE DATE May 26, 2020

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.

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REVIEW: 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.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one JUST ONE OF THE GROOMSMEN

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy