Always the Bride

by Allison Speka

Ruby Mitchell has been daydreaming about her brother’s best friend for as long as she can remember. West Rivers. Charming, handsome, friendly, and most importantly, he understands her better than anyone. But she’s trying to build her own business and, with her feelings for him unrequited, Ruby is forced to avoid him to try and save her heart.

West likes his life as it is. He has a job that actually interests him, a house he loves, and he can’t think of anything more important to him than the Mitchell family. Especially Ruby. She’s one of his closest friends and the thought of losing her is more than he can stomach. But she’s pulled away from him lately and the distance has been slowly killing him.

Now in a strange twist of fate, they’ve found themselves stranded across the country. Desperate to get home for the holidays, they have no choice but to embark on the journey together, even as everything goes wrong.

Ruby is trying to keep her feelings in check while West is frantic to salvage something he’s terrified he’s already lost forever.

342 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication November 5, 2026

About the author

Allison Speka's stories are light on the spice and heavy on the banter. She delivers realistic characters that you'll instantly root for, taking you on a roller coaster of emotions. With moments of passion, humor, and a fast-paced plot, her books will keep you hooked from start to finish, making it impossible to put them down.

Follow her journey.
TikTok and Instagram: @AllisonSpeka

Visit her website AllisonSpeka.com for free bonus content and news on upcoming releases.

Signed Copies: https://www.allisonspeka.com/shop

Reviews

[Ally Porras · Rating 3.5 out of 5]

I want to start by saying that I absolutely loved the ending, West’s Epilogue. The moving together and proposal? So cute!!!!

However, this book was not quite for me. I felt like West and Ruby didn’t really have the chemistry, especially being long time best friends. And for being in their late 20s early 30s, they acted a bit like teenagers at certain moments. I didn’t feel the build up of best friends to lovers line. It went from banter to immediate love.

Ruby certain naive moments bothered me as well. The fact that you just go and get so comfortable with strangers so quick with no second thought? Don’t even get me started at the camping area, IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT??

I will end by saying I did enjoy it and loved the characters introduced along the journey.

[Andria Downs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always the Bride was such a sweet friends to lovers story! Was a great standalone- not having to read another book before jumping into the characters and their lives!
Really enjoyed escaping reality for a little while with this feel good story, a quick read you don’t want to put down!

Thank you to the author for the ARC!

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m obsessed with Alison’s books. What an amazing love story. Brothers best friend, friends first, all some of my favorite tropes. This book is full of travel adventures that aren’t exactly planned. Perfect for a chilly fall day, to curl up with a blanket, cat, and some hot tea.

[Sabrina · Rating 4.25 out of 5]

4.25 - An adventure, not just to get home, but to realizing where home really.

[Justice · Rating 4 out of 5]

📚 ARC REVIEW: ALWAYS THE BRIDE by Allison Speka 💍

Thank you Allison for allowing me to read this early! I am obsessed with everything you put out!

Best friends to lovers? Years of pining? Forced proximity? A cross-country travel disaster held together by snacks and delusion? BITCH, I was seated and I mean all the way with a cozy blanket and my coffee so you know it’s real.

Ruby’s trying to chase a big opportunity as a bridal hairstylist, and West is her longtime best friend who apparently thought the best way to handle his feelings was to pretend they didn’t exist. Sir. Be so for real. We knew long before he did where his feelings were at and I love this for us as readers. Never denied myself the opportunity to tell a man he’s an idiot 😅😂😭

Ruby had me rooting for her so hard. Like, yes girl! She’s been carrying those feelings for years, and watching her try to protect her heart while still loving this man? Painful. Relatable. I wanted to wrap her in a blanket and tell West to get his head out of his ass. Ruby felt so familiar to me for reasons we will leave alone 😅IFYKYK

And the travel chaos? Every time I thought these two might finally get where they were going, the universe said, “Absolutely not.” Flights, buses, trains, detours—these people were collecting transportation problems like souvenirs. 😂 Somehow, all that chaos gave Ruby and West plenty of time together, and I loved the sweet banter, the yearning, and the little found-family moments with the people they meet along the way. I LOVE a book where side characters become my family too!

I did give West the side-eye more than once. The payoff was worth the wait. 💘

This is a cozy, low-spice romance with big feelings and a whole lot of “JUST TALK TO EACH OTHER.” If best friends-to-lovers is your thing, add it to your list. And maybe pack snacks. You never know how long you’ll be stuck on that bus. 😅

[Niki · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Thanksgiving romance? Immediately yes! This gave me Planes, Trains, and Automobiles vibes with all the mishaps and everything that could go wrong does, yet at the end there is so much love.
As with all Allison Speka books, the characters are down to earth and extremely relatable. Ruby was a mix of confident and insecure; she knew who she was but still questioned where her life was going and what the future would look like for her. Her bubbly personality and ability to befriend anyone really won me over and made the story so much fun as she interacted with different people we met through the story. West was written perfectly as the typical guy who kind of knows what he wants but is scared to upset the balance of his life. He wants to be with Ruby (maybe?) but isn't sure how that would change the dynamic of the family that has claimed him as their own. Reid is Ruby's brother and West's best friend, and the Mitchell family has been a huge part of West's life for years before he realizes Ruby may just be the one for him. Being in West's head was helpful in seeing what his thought process was, yet at the same time I was screaming, "Go for it! What if this relationship is amazing and more than you hoped for?" Obviously, this being a HEA romance, he listened to his gut (and me), and the ending was super sweet.
I really love Allison's stories because to me they feel like a warm hug; the focus is on the journey, not the spicy scenes. With that being said- there are two minor open-door scenes that you could easily skip through that happen towards the end of the book if that's not your jam.
Thank you to Allison Speka once again for the advance reader copy! As always, I look forward to her next book!

[Nicole_Catherin · Rating 4 out of 5]

arc review: Thank you to the author Allison Speka for the arc copy.

As with all her books they are all a fun time and make me giggle. This premise is the younger sister who everyone knows is in love with the brother’s best friend. We know something happens; then we get a couple of flashbacks further into the first quarter of the book to explain the background of the situation.

The FMC is someone who is babied by all, and she absolutely hates it while the MMC is someone who just wants to protect and look out for the FMC. Always has been like that between them and you see that from the beginning.

This book also comes with a trip from hell where if anything could go wrong it did and the extra characters you meet along the way are hysterical. I really enjoyed this book, it’s something lighthearted that I needed (and thank goodness I’m also in a romance mood). Also the perfect timing because the setting is fall, around Thanksgiving.

As the author always says her books are strong on the banter and light on the spice. The spice is very light so if you need it in a book this won’t give you the explicit you are looking for, but if you don’t mind a little then give this author a go.

[Sheridan Mullen · Rating 4.25 out of 5]

I have been a fan of Allison’s work since I read Key Ridge a year ago and I have read every book of hers since. I feel that she has a unique writing style that envelopes you in the small and simple language of love. Her characters can have big personalities and sometimes big gestures but I find the subtle and small details woven in the relationships to have the biggest impact. Her stories are of their own kind and stand out to an avid reader like myself. They are unforgettable in my mind.

The pacing was perfect for this story. I was on the edge of my seat waiting to see what else could possibly happen on their journey. It added a great comedic element that keeps readers like me engaged. The different layers to the relationship between West and Ruby get many opportunities to be explored and it’s a treat to dive into that.

The epilogue was the perfect way to end their story. It was simple, sweet and everything that encompasses West and Ruby. This is definitely a book I would recommend for a brother’s best friend, unrequited love romantic comedy.

[Car Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

eARC copy received from Author

Reading a new Allison Speka book is always a treat, although I must admit that reading about the AI flights crash out while I was operating a flight was a bit trippy. Really hope I never have to live something like that as an FA.

That aside, I adored Ruby and West in Always the Boyfriend, and I loved getting to know them better in this book. I was so overjoyed when Allison announced that they would be the main characters of her next book, and as always, I was not disappointed with the result.

I do wish we could've seen a bit more of Ruby and West as a couple, but what we did get, I loved. The family dynamics between West and Ruby's family were amazing, and everyone's reactions to finding out about Ruby and West's relationship were so perfect.

I hope we get Regan's own story eventually too. Maybe she's the one that makes it out to California? I would love to see her story play out.

Thanks to Allison for the eARC as always.

[Tatiana · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cute palate cleanser with a twist I could have done without

I enjoyed this one! It was a nice, easy read and the perfect palate cleanser between heavier books. I really liked the banter between West and Ruby, and their interactions were definitely one of my favourite parts of the story.

That said, there were definitely moments when I wanted to grab these two, sit them down, and tell them to JUST TALK TO EACH OTHER. 😂

My biggest issue, though, was the final twist. In my opinion, it was completely unnecessary and left a bit of a sour taste in my mouth. Once it happened, I found myself rushing through the rest of the book just to finish it, which was a shame because I had been enjoying the story up until that point.

Overall, I did enjoy it! It was a light, easy read that served its purpose as a palate cleanser. I just wish the ending had taken a different direction.

ARC received in exchange for an honest review.

🌶️ Spice rating: 0.05/5 — barely a sprinkle!

[Katie Camden · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always with an Allison Speka book, I loved Always the Bride and found it a perfect escape from everyday life. It is a standalone and you do not have to have read Always the Boyfriend previously, though it is fun because you'll see recurring characters from that book. This is a brother's best friend romance that has a lovely slow burn that you know is going to end up exactly as it should.

Ruby and West's close friendship has been something they never wanted to risk losing, and it's become a problem, because at least one of them harbors romantic feelings for the other. When they find themselves on a cross-country road trip (with just about every mode of transportation and lodging included), it's clear they can no longer tiptoe around their emotions and what they truly want.

Loved this so much; thank you to the author for the ARC!

[Emily Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to be sent this by the Author as ARC reader, thank you so much Allison!

This was such a cute read!!! I loved the tiny bit of spice that was added once the characters announced their love for each other.


West and Ruby were basically destined for each other, and while Ruby originally told West about her feelings, West had to come to his senses. It took an absolute trip from hell together for him to figure himself out.

The roadtrip was so eventful, and I loved how it felt like you were right there on the roadtrip with them. Every event that happened on the trip was honestly written so perfect. An easy read, that kept you looking forward to the next thing!! Loveeee!!

[Pages Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spoiler~~


This book was so cute. West was described and sounded so dreamy. The best friend crush. Rubi was in love with West and finally told him how she felt. It ruined everything with West decided that he couldn’t do it. He convinced himself that it wasn’t a good idea. Fast forward to them going to California together and Rubi doing her best to be separated from him. Trying to give him space. Wear finally came to terms with being in love with her. They were on a road trip from hell!!! Literally the worst stuff that could happen happened to West and Rubi on this trip.

Ok but when they left West on the side of the highway. I was also thinking, wth, you aren’t apart of this “argument” why are you leaving someone. It’s not your life.

Anyways, definitely recommended this book!!

[Afreen Rahman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wizzed through Allison's books at the start of the year and always the boyfriend was my absolute favourite so I was waiting with baited breath for the second Mitchell family romance and it does NOT disappoint.

Ruby is so earnest and likeable, and West (while a little infuriating in his lack of understanding at the beginning) is still mega swoonworthy. Their love story is just super relatable and believable.

All great notes through the book, roadtrip, close proximity etc and spice is great. Just generally a gorgeous autumnal read and can't wait to see what's next!

Huge thanks for Allison for the ARC!

[Meghan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Allison for the ARC! In Always the Boyfriend, Hazel believes that she has the worst luck in the world. I think Ruby beats her by a mile. To have so many things go wrong in such a short amount of time is almost unbelievable but the way it’s written is completely believable. I’m not normally a fan of the forced proximity trope but this was done in such a unique and fun way that I loved it. Every time I stopped reading, I just wanted to pick the book back up to see what other kind of things were going to go wrong to Ruby and West. The way their relationship bloomed out of the mess was incredible. I loved their friendship and easy banter as the story went along.

[Bethany Dryburgh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book overall.

Very sweet friends to lovers tale while on an unplanned adventure!
I loved the longing and angst between the two characters and it was so amazing to see the connection build and strengthen through the changes in their relationship as the story progressed. The length of time it took West to admit his feelings was getting annoying, but that’s men for you 😂 maybe I just have no patience.

Thank you to the author for the ARC. I love her books so this was an amazing opportunity and I’m very thankful. I was eagerly awaiting this title and I really was not disappointed. Perfect cosy fall vibes. Grab a cup of tea and dig in!

[Trinity Gerke · Rating 4.75 out of 5]

This was my first Allison Speka book and it won’t be my last! I love that it’s an interconnected standalone so I didn’t have to read the other ones to enjoy this one. Ruby and West were such fun characters and I loved the twist and turns they had to deal with on their adventure home from California. I loved the slight inclusion of Ruby having migraines and how that affects her life. Also that West was always there to take of her when she had one. All the different characters that they encounter on their journey had me laughing and it was like you could picture people just like them. I can’t wait to read more of her books and see where she goes from here!

[Lynnmarie542_books · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a fun read, and I loved every chaotic minute of it! Even the slow burn, which I have a serious love hate relationship with! LOL.

The absolute chaos that unfolded had me laughing out loud. These characters seriously could NOT catch a break! Every time I thought things might settle down, NOPE! More shenanigans!

Everything came together perfectly, and the ending left me with the biggest smile on my face. Such a fun, hilarious, and entertaining read!

excuse me while I go back and read the first book in the series!

A huge thank you to Allison for this amazing ARC! ❤️

[Alexandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of advance copy received from the author. Thanks a lot Allison!

I’ve always enjoyed Allison’s books and this is one not an exception. The story is developed in such a way that it kept me hooked the whole time. I really enjoyed road trip stories and this one had a lot of entertaining elements.
It is an extremely fun and cozy read and I highly recommend it if you want to escape for a while and enjoy a well written story.
While it is a standalone, it’s great to have characters from Always the Boyfriend showing up. Hope we get to read Regan story at some point.

[Krysti · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

I have read several of Allison’s books before. I liked this book - it was engaging, the characters were likable, and the storyline had a “Planes, Trains, and Automobiles” feel (where my 80s babies at?!)

My only gripe was… the lack of communication felt a little forced. And West? At times, I loved his protectiveness. Other times, I wanted to be like, “yo, too much. Tone it way down.”

I loved the pining. The yearning. I loooove yearning.

[Rosi · Rating 3.75 out of 5]

Super thankful to have received an ARC copy of this book!
I've read most of Allison's books and I really enjoy her writing.

I was entertained reading the story unfold but in my opinion, the reason why the characters couldn't be together just wasn't enough. The cards were on the table the whole time from the FMC and it was really just up to MMC to get together.
It was a good and entertaining read but it just didn't give me the butterflies like other of her books :)

[Brianna Mcmurry · Rating 5 out of 5]

If your a sucker for an amazing romance read this book is definitely for you!! This books is about Ruby and West who have been friends since they were younger. There was a falling out due to one of the characters explaining their feelings but they end up trapped together in the same city due to work!!! The characters/storyline is so realistic and that’s one of the many things that made me enjoy it so much!
I want to thank you again to the author for the ARC.

[Megan Sedory · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this as an ARC, and Ruby and West just might be my new favorite couple! There’s just something about a brother’s best friend romance when she’s also friends with him that gets me every time. Their personalities meshed so well which is hard to find in a lot of books these days. And all I have to say is WEST. RIVERS. The cabin. Yes, yes, YES!

[Stephanie McElhinney · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

Boyfriend’s best friend is my favorite trope. I did really enjoy the love story. Ruby annoyed me a little throughout the book with how she was with things but I overall enjoyed it and would recommend it to others! This was my first book by this author and I will definitely be looking up her other books to read.

[Jessica Percival · Rating 4.25 out of 5]

This was an ARC copy and I enjoyed following them on the worst trip ever! I enjoyed the journey continuing after Always the Boyfriend and getting West POV. Speka please please please give us a Regan story next! If you like a brother's best friend slow burn this is the story for you!

Thank you Speka for my first ARC and I cannot wait for many more!

[Kelsey Wiese · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the perfect segway into holiday romance books! It had me giggling outloud and kicking my feet. I loved the forced proximity travel with issue after issue, just when you thought nothing else could go wrong well you woulf be incorrect.

[Myriah Roberts · Rating 4.25 out of 5]

ARC Review: Thank you Allison for giving me an arc of Always The Bride! I loved Ruby and West’s story. The fact they’d both been yearning for each other for years. Their trip from hell had me giggling and also brought back mannny memories of a similar situation with my husband a few years ago.

[Aurora · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC review!!
Truly another amazing book! I love both Ruby and West, though West did make me yell at his choses more than once. Also
Ruby having no sense of stranger danger! I understand Wests concern and anxiety!

Prefect romance with no love triangle or 3rd act break up!

[Allie Brown · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

ARC reader here!!
Such a cute friends-to-lovers / brothers best friend story! I loved the idea behind the trip being extended and making them feel all of the feelings. I love how Speka’s books are always so realistic and follow a timeline! Definitely recommend reading!!

[M.K. Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I simply COULD NOT put this book down until I finished. I had to know how Ruby and West would work things out. This was such a fabulous continuation after Always The Boyfriend. So well done! (And you don't have to read book 1 to pick this one up either. Get it now!!)