ALWAYS A BRIDESMAID

A photographer who has given up on love strikes sparks with a commitment-phobic firefighter in this romance.

After serving as a bridesmaid seven times over, Violet Abrams was finally about to have a wedding of her own—until her fiance, who’d been staving off the big day for 10 years, left her for another woman. Until then, Violet loved weddings, whether photographing them for work or planning them for fun, saving pictures and ideas in a sparkly “purple binder.” Now, her heart broken and enthusiasm for photography drained, Violet is returning to her hometown of Uncertainty, Alabama, where she plans to recover her equilibrium while redesigning her half sister Maisy’s bakery. When Violet, whose ADHD makes her easily distractible, decides to set the binder aflame, a minor fire ensues. Called to the scene is firefighter Ford McGuire, an adventure junkie who also performs search-and-rescue missions and trains puppies for the task. Though Ford doesn’t want to be tied down and Violet has sworn off men, the two share an attraction that can’t be denied—unless their fears get the better of them. In this second volume of her Getting Hitched in Dixie series, prolific romance novelist Madsen offers a tried-and-true mix of elements. A woman who’s sexy but doesn’t think she is? A hunky man? Trust and commitment issues? A relationship that starts with bickering? Check, check, check, and check. But the author is a diverting writer who also offers humor, well-conceived backstories, an ensemble cast with pleasing camaraderie, and some adorable puppies. The story has a few snags; for example, in several scenes, Violet—supposedly lacking in romantic self-confidence—boldly flirts with Ford not long after they’ve met. Still, the erotic scenes have heat and are varied and nearly free of wince-inducing descriptions.

Often predictable but fun and steamy feel-good entertainment.