Review: Always a Fake Bridesmaid by Carrie Ann Ryan (Clover Lake #1)


Note: An advance reader copy (ARC) was provided by the author.

We're making the move from Colorado to Wyoming as Carrie Ann Ryan introduces a new family and small town for readers to get to know with her just released series starter. Always a Fake Bridesmaid is a novella that features Livvy Montgomery, daughter of Shep and Shea Montgomery whose happily-ever-after can be found in Ink Inspired, the prequel to the epic Montgomery Ink series. She's a single mom to four-year-old Amelia, who is the center of her universe, and with a family who would do anything for them and a job she loves, there isn't much more Livvy could ask for. Then Ewan McBride comes along and rescues her daughter, and she promises to repay him--and the rancher collects by asking her to be his "fake" date to his best friend's wedding. The thing is, nothing about their connection feels fake, but how can there be a real happily-ever-after for them when Livvy's life is Colorado, and Ewan's is in Wyoming?

This was a pretty strong start to the Clover Lake series, with the Montgomerys being the family mostly in the spotlight, but with enough of an introduction to the McBrides and their hometown in Wyoming that piques one's curiosity. Livvy and Ewan's first meeting was certainly one that left quite an impression, but it also solidified the connection between Ewan and Amelia, which I think was vital if there was any hope of a future for the main characters. I wouldn't necessarily consider Livvy and Ewan an insta-love sort of couple. Was there a spark of sorts in the beginning? Yes, there was. Did things play out kind of quickly between them? Also yes, but then it's not as if they met, fell in love, and got married in the span of a few days. I liked that there was some time spent to weigh things out and consider what sort of future they could have. I look forward to geting to know the rest of the McBrides soon. Four stars for Always a Fake Bridesmaid.

Release Date: 17 March 2025

Date Read: 11 March 2025

Learn more about Carrie Ann Ryan.

Pre-order Always a Fake Bridesmaid on Direct from Author | Amazon | Apple Books | B&N | Google Play | Kobo.

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