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nitzanschwarz's review
3.0
Fun book, passed by quickly. However, it felt a bit too insta love, there wasn't a lot of the two of them getting to know each other, I didn't feel like him hiring a PI was such a bad thing to be made such a huge deal out of and it was just... not enough.
thepaige_turner's review
4.0
Reminded me so much of Nora Robert's Bride Quartet series (which I adore). I can't wait to read the rest of this series
jnwunder's review
4.0
I first read this as a Chapters short story... was great to see it all fleshed out in a real novel! Great but th back and forth was a little much.
beckyrendon's review
4.0
We all know the phrase...To have and to hold, for richer and poorer, in sickness and in health, in handcuffs and in jail?!?
Definitely not the version that Brooke imagined on her wedding day, but fortunately the FBI got there before the vows and I dos. Lost in a chaotic haze, Brooke decides to leave her life, her now failing/defunct business, and her home for NYC. As a wedding planner whose own nuptials went up in flames so spectacularly and publicly, Brooke is trying to spread her wings again.
Joining the Wedding Belles is either going to make or break Brooke. Especially when her first client is "him". "HIM" would be the brother of the bride, the wallet holder, and overprotective stubborn ass. Aka Seth Tyler.
Fighting her feelings towards Seth, towards her ex, and fighting her need to believe in a happily ever after, Brooke is quickly finding she's losing on at least one front.
I look forward to seeing more fun with the Wedding Belles. I am hoping it will include a future look at these two. But of course I need to know about the other Belles, as long as there some room for Grant's story too.
If you too, are a sucker for a sweet story with some major foot in mouth action, one click now. If you need a super rich dude with an arrogant knowing attitude and a huge control issue, one click now. If you need a woman scorned but holds her head up high, hey, we have one of those too- one click now. If you want an inside look at the Wedding Belles, the premier wedding planners in NYC and even the east coast, one click now.
Reviewed for Reviews From the Heart
Definitely not the version that Brooke imagined on her wedding day, but fortunately the FBI got there before the vows and I dos. Lost in a chaotic haze, Brooke decides to leave her life, her now failing/defunct business, and her home for NYC. As a wedding planner whose own nuptials went up in flames so spectacularly and publicly, Brooke is trying to spread her wings again.
Joining the Wedding Belles is either going to make or break Brooke. Especially when her first client is "him". "HIM" would be the brother of the bride, the wallet holder, and overprotective stubborn ass. Aka Seth Tyler.
Fighting her feelings towards Seth, towards her ex, and fighting her need to believe in a happily ever after, Brooke is quickly finding she's losing on at least one front.
I look forward to seeing more fun with the Wedding Belles. I am hoping it will include a future look at these two. But of course I need to know about the other Belles, as long as there some room for Grant's story too.
If you too, are a sucker for a sweet story with some major foot in mouth action, one click now. If you need a super rich dude with an arrogant knowing attitude and a huge control issue, one click now. If you need a woman scorned but holds her head up high, hey, we have one of those too- one click now. If you want an inside look at the Wedding Belles, the premier wedding planners in NYC and even the east coast, one click now.
Reviewed for Reviews From the Heart
alwaysbooking's review
5.0
Every time I read a Lauren Layne book I feel like I’m diving into a giant hot fudge sundae. I want to savor each bite, and somehow devour it at the same time!
These characters had me crying, happy tears, frustrated tears… just tears. I don’t even know which character to start with I loved them both so equally which usually doesn’t happen while I read a novel. I tend to like one character more than the other.
Okay let’s start with Seth who was such a complex character. While of course being obviously hot, he was also very controlled. Everything in his life has to be controlled by him; he has a timeline for everything. Seth takes controlling everything in his life over the top. When he decides to propose to his then girlfriend and she turns him down he realizes that happily ever after does not exist. Then his sister comes to him and tells him that she is engaged to someone he hasn’t even met! This blows Seth’s mind because yes they are wealthy so automatically this guy is out to get Maya’s money. The way Seth demands things of people instead of just asking really goes to show how controlling his character is. He doesn’t learn how to ask for things until he meets Maya’s wedding planner. While Seth does come off as a person with severe “my way or the highway” attitude, he does have a real loving connection with those around him. That includes his best friend Grant who tells him like it is and calls him on all of his bull crap. My favorite person that he doesn’t realize he loves like a family member is Etta his assistant. When she is first introduced in this book and Etta brings in her intern to call Seth on his sappy lovesick face I almost died of laughter. I feel like in the beginning Seth has almost a frozen heart and as he continues to meet with Brooke it slowly un-thaws.
While’s Seth’s ex may have been a little cold and off putting Brooke’s ex did a gigantic number on her. Honestly if I could’ve reached through the book and smacked her ex I would have. Brooke is new to the Belle’s and the East coast. She originated from the west coast as a wedding planner, and then planned her own wedding which fell through in the most horrific way possible. Brooke’s happy go lucky perseverance is what got me to like her instantly. Of course she is running away from what happened back home but I think the Belle’s are the perfect fit for her. I am always in love with how Lauren Layne writes female friendships. These are real friendships, heck these are my friendships. Everyone has everyone else’s back which is fabulous. Brooke is denying her breakdown about her ex and things start to steam up with Seth. Can she maintain a one night stand or will she fall head over heels. How Brooke reacts to all of her true feelings is of course highly emotional (cue tears), however I love how she is woman enough to apologize when she is wrong. She is stronger than she realizes which is one of her best qualities.
One question to Mrs. Layne … how long until we get to see the accountant again??? I can’t stop thinking about him!!! UGH… don’t make me wait long!
These characters had me crying, happy tears, frustrated tears… just tears. I don’t even know which character to start with I loved them both so equally which usually doesn’t happen while I read a novel. I tend to like one character more than the other.
Okay let’s start with Seth who was such a complex character. While of course being obviously hot, he was also very controlled. Everything in his life has to be controlled by him; he has a timeline for everything. Seth takes controlling everything in his life over the top. When he decides to propose to his then girlfriend and she turns him down he realizes that happily ever after does not exist. Then his sister comes to him and tells him that she is engaged to someone he hasn’t even met! This blows Seth’s mind because yes they are wealthy so automatically this guy is out to get Maya’s money. The way Seth demands things of people instead of just asking really goes to show how controlling his character is. He doesn’t learn how to ask for things until he meets Maya’s wedding planner. While Seth does come off as a person with severe “my way or the highway” attitude, he does have a real loving connection with those around him. That includes his best friend Grant who tells him like it is and calls him on all of his bull crap. My favorite person that he doesn’t realize he loves like a family member is Etta his assistant. When she is first introduced in this book and Etta brings in her intern to call Seth on his sappy lovesick face I almost died of laughter. I feel like in the beginning Seth has almost a frozen heart and as he continues to meet with Brooke it slowly un-thaws.
While’s Seth’s ex may have been a little cold and off putting Brooke’s ex did a gigantic number on her. Honestly if I could’ve reached through the book and smacked her ex I would have. Brooke is new to the Belle’s and the East coast. She originated from the west coast as a wedding planner, and then planned her own wedding which fell through in the most horrific way possible. Brooke’s happy go lucky perseverance is what got me to like her instantly. Of course she is running away from what happened back home but I think the Belle’s are the perfect fit for her. I am always in love with how Lauren Layne writes female friendships. These are real friendships, heck these are my friendships. Everyone has everyone else’s back which is fabulous. Brooke is denying her breakdown about her ex and things start to steam up with Seth. Can she maintain a one night stand or will she fall head over heels. How Brooke reacts to all of her true feelings is of course highly emotional (cue tears), however I love how she is woman enough to apologize when she is wrong. She is stronger than she realizes which is one of her best qualities.
One question to Mrs. Layne … how long until we get to see the accountant again??? I can’t stop thinking about him!!! UGH… don’t make me wait long!
kate_and_books's review
5.0
Lauren Layne is one of my favorite authors. She manages in comparison to other authors to hit the right spot in it being sweet & funny but with a pinch of angst and a plus not so much fluff. Some authors tend to go overboard with the fluff which kind of makes me cringe. I am NOT a fluffy person.
Brooke Baldwin has moved from the West Coast to the East Coast due to some unfortunate event that made her flee. My heart went out to Brooke what with the embarrassment and the humiliation of the situation. So she starts over in New York as a Belle.
Her first big wedding is the wedding of Maya Tyler, a heiress of Hotels that belong to the Tyler Group. The thorn in her side? Seth Tyler the brother.
Seth Tyler the CEO of the Tyler Group is controlling and after the death of his father he has become even more so. When his little sister confesses that she is getting married after only three months? His temper is hard to contain. So what is a possessive, controlling yet adorable big brother to do but tag along to damage control the situation. What also doesn't help is that he is also an absolute cynic when it comes to love. But understandably so when he but his well you can't really say heart but was rejected in a cruel manner that has colored many an aspect of his life.
The mission for Seth is to implement stop sister marrying a dodgy bloke but the ditzy, bubbly wedding planner is in the way. He never expected to be instantly attracted to her. Brooke has in her opinion a conflict of interest and that conflict is Seth Tyler and his domineering ways. In the end they give into their attraction to one another and well they are a great couple. Seth did take some things a little too far.
The secondary characters are just as fleshed out as the main characters and I love how we get a feel for them to see them in their upcoming books. What I find pretty cool is that Ms. Layne has a writing bucket list. So expect more awesomeness from the author.
I am of the opinion that when I like an author I don't always like all of her books but so far the books that I have read by LL have been a winner for me.
Book received from Threshold, Pocket Books via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Review can also be found @ http://jerisbookattic-reviewblog.blogspot.de/2016/07/to-have-and-to-hold-wedding-belles-1-by.html
norwayellesea's review
5.0
I was eager to begin this series after reading the novella taster From This Day Forward. Who doesn't love a wedding and a happy ever after?
Seth Tyler became CEO of Tyler Hotel Group after his father died from a heart attack. It's a career move he aspired to, but not so soon and now he's head of the family too. When his younger sister announces her engagement, he's suspicious about the true intentions of the groom. After all, Maya Tyler is a rich woman and the timeline for a wedding heightens his doubts about Neil Garrett's integrity. When the wedding planner mistakes him for the groom, he hopes the stunning blonde will help him prove his suspicions, only the outcome has consequences he never envisaged.
When her ex-fiancé is arrested at the altar just as they were about to say their wedding vows, Brooke Baldwin is left humiliated. With a new job at The Wedding Belles, she's determined to make a fresh start in a new city. Her first assignment is to arrange the wedding for the Tyler family, an opportunity to organise the nuptials with an opened ended budget. Only she doesn't expect the man holding the purse strings to have a strong influence over her too.
As heroes go, Seth is flawed, cynical to relationships and likes to take control. He makes choices based on his belief of doing the right thing but somehow his best-laid plans are opposite to the desired effect. His imperfection are adorable and deep down his heart is always well meaning and sincere, if only he could change his way of doing things...he's direct and too opinionated.
I adored the fact Brooke tried to look past any negativity about Maya's fiancé Neil. She's a woman who had her dreams destroyed by a fraudster, yet she still believes in love...at least for clients.
"No man at all, really. No falling in love. Not ever again."
Seth and Brooke have an instant, intense attraction that neither can deny. I like that both the protagonists are honest about the sizzling chemistry between themselves.
"I'm not looking for anything...romantic. Or sexual. This thing between us-I'm not going to pretend it's not there, but I'm also not going to act on it….."
Both are often blunt with their opinions of situations and each other.
"What?" she asked.
"A dirty vodka martini...Somehow that seems to be exactly the perfect drink for you."
Brooke tilted her head. "Do you always mean for things to sound the way they do when they come out of your mouth?"
"How's that?"
"Provocative."
"What's provocative about repeating your drink order?"
"The dirty part," she muttered, looking away.
To Have And To Hold is full of the elements that I've come to expect when reading a Lauren Layne novel. The witty dialogue, sexy scenes and secondary characters that pull together to create a wonderful literary scene. I'm left with an overwhelming feel good feeling and a desire to read more from the series...Hello, Logan!
4.5 stars
***arc generously received courtesy of Pocket Books via NetGalley***
Seth Tyler became CEO of Tyler Hotel Group after his father died from a heart attack. It's a career move he aspired to, but not so soon and now he's head of the family too. When his younger sister announces her engagement, he's suspicious about the true intentions of the groom. After all, Maya Tyler is a rich woman and the timeline for a wedding heightens his doubts about Neil Garrett's integrity. When the wedding planner mistakes him for the groom, he hopes the stunning blonde will help him prove his suspicions, only the outcome has consequences he never envisaged.
When her ex-fiancé is arrested at the altar just as they were about to say their wedding vows, Brooke Baldwin is left humiliated. With a new job at The Wedding Belles, she's determined to make a fresh start in a new city. Her first assignment is to arrange the wedding for the Tyler family, an opportunity to organise the nuptials with an opened ended budget. Only she doesn't expect the man holding the purse strings to have a strong influence over her too.
As heroes go, Seth is flawed, cynical to relationships and likes to take control. He makes choices based on his belief of doing the right thing but somehow his best-laid plans are opposite to the desired effect. His imperfection are adorable and deep down his heart is always well meaning and sincere, if only he could change his way of doing things...he's direct and too opinionated.
I adored the fact Brooke tried to look past any negativity about Maya's fiancé Neil. She's a woman who had her dreams destroyed by a fraudster, yet she still believes in love...at least for clients.
"No man at all, really. No falling in love. Not ever again."
Seth and Brooke have an instant, intense attraction that neither can deny. I like that both the protagonists are honest about the sizzling chemistry between themselves.
"I'm not looking for anything...romantic. Or sexual. This thing between us-I'm not going to pretend it's not there, but I'm also not going to act on it….."
Both are often blunt with their opinions of situations and each other.
"What?" she asked.
"A dirty vodka martini...Somehow that seems to be exactly the perfect drink for you."
Brooke tilted her head. "Do you always mean for things to sound the way they do when they come out of your mouth?"
"How's that?"
"Provocative."
"What's provocative about repeating your drink order?"
"The dirty part," she muttered, looking away.
To Have And To Hold is full of the elements that I've come to expect when reading a Lauren Layne novel. The witty dialogue, sexy scenes and secondary characters that pull together to create a wonderful literary scene. I'm left with an overwhelming feel good feeling and a desire to read more from the series...Hello, Logan!
4.5 stars
***arc generously received courtesy of Pocket Books via NetGalley***
nellesnightstand1's review
4.0
Wow talk about trust issues. There serious ones in this story. Betrayal can have a lasting effect on you and this is about recovering from that to find a lasting relationship. I enjoyed the whole Sex in the City meets Wedding Planner aspect. I wasn't ever big on Sex in the City but I watch the reruns sometimes. LOVED the Wedding Planner though!!! ;)
jen286's review
4.0
This review was originally posted to Jen in Bookland
To Have and To Hold was such a fun, cute read. I loved Brooke and Seth and everything in this story.
Brooke is new to New York. She just moved from LA to get away from the disaster that was her life. Her fiance was arrested by the feds on the alter. He is a conman and she almost married him. If only the arrest had happened a little sooner maybe she could have salvaged her wedding planning business, but afterwards no one wanted to be associated with her. She was dealing with heartbreak plus the loss of her business and it was not good. When she gets the opportunity to work for The Wedding Belles she jumps at the chance. They are the cream of the crop, the best of the best.
Seth is the sister of Maya, a hotel heiress who is getting married. He is not at all happy that she springs this on him especially since he doesn't even know the guy she is marrying. Seth is a planner. He is organized and has to have everything in its place, and Maya's sudden marriage doesn't fit. It is a surprise and he doesn't like it. His gut says he shouldn't trust this guy, that he is just after her money, so he plans to be there every step of the way to try and figure out this guy. What he is really after and to save Maya from herself.
When Seth and Brooke first meet they are both instantly attracted to the other. But then Seth opens his mouth and he can come across as quite rude. He is not happy and everyone knows it. But still there is something there. Sure, Brooke could never act on the attraction, he is the one paying her, but she can't quite ignore it either. These two were so much fun! And super hot! I loved Seth and how he tried to keep everyone safe. Sure, he doesn't always do it the right way, he messes up, but it is only because he cares so much. And Brooke is so conflicted. She hasn't really dealt with the fact that her fiance was a criminal and is going to trial soon. She was one who always pushed aside the bad things and only focused on the good. Well you can only do that for so long. Thankfully Seth is always there for her. They have their ups and downs, especially at first, but they were amazing. I loved this story and can't wait to read more.
To Have and To Hold was such a fun, cute read. I loved Brooke and Seth and everything in this story.
Brooke is new to New York. She just moved from LA to get away from the disaster that was her life. Her fiance was arrested by the feds on the alter. He is a conman and she almost married him. If only the arrest had happened a little sooner maybe she could have salvaged her wedding planning business, but afterwards no one wanted to be associated with her. She was dealing with heartbreak plus the loss of her business and it was not good. When she gets the opportunity to work for The Wedding Belles she jumps at the chance. They are the cream of the crop, the best of the best.
Seth is the sister of Maya, a hotel heiress who is getting married. He is not at all happy that she springs this on him especially since he doesn't even know the guy she is marrying. Seth is a planner. He is organized and has to have everything in its place, and Maya's sudden marriage doesn't fit. It is a surprise and he doesn't like it. His gut says he shouldn't trust this guy, that he is just after her money, so he plans to be there every step of the way to try and figure out this guy. What he is really after and to save Maya from herself.
When Seth and Brooke first meet they are both instantly attracted to the other. But then Seth opens his mouth and he can come across as quite rude. He is not happy and everyone knows it. But still there is something there. Sure, Brooke could never act on the attraction, he is the one paying her, but she can't quite ignore it either. These two were so much fun! And super hot! I loved Seth and how he tried to keep everyone safe. Sure, he doesn't always do it the right way, he messes up, but it is only because he cares so much. And Brooke is so conflicted. She hasn't really dealt with the fact that her fiance was a criminal and is going to trial soon. She was one who always pushed aside the bad things and only focused on the good. Well you can only do that for so long. Thankfully Seth is always there for her. They have their ups and downs, especially at first, but they were amazing. I loved this story and can't wait to read more.