To Have and to Hold (The Wedding Belles, #1)

by Lauren Layne

USA TODAY bestselling author Lauren Layne is the "queen of witty dialogue and sexy scenes" (Rachel Van Dyken)! Now, Sex and the City meets The Wedding Planner in The Wedding Belles, her sizzling brand new contemporary romance series about three ambitious wedding planners who can make any bride's dream come true...but their own.

Discovering her fiance is an international con man just moments before they exchange vows devastates celebrity wedding planner Brooke Baldwin's business--and breaks her heart. Now a pariah in Los Angeles, she seeks a fresh start in New York City and thinks she's found it with her first bridal client, a sweet--if slightly spoiled--hotel heiress. Then she meets the uptight businessman who's holding the purse strings.

Seth Tyler wishes he could write a blank check and be done with his sister Maya's fancy-pants wedding. Unfortunately, micromanaging the event is his only chance at proving Maya's fiance is a liar. Standing directly in his way is the stunning blonde wedding planner whose practiced smiles and sassy comebacks both irritate and arouse him. He needs Brooke's help. But can he persuade a wedding planner on a comeback mission to unplan a wedding? And more importantly, how will he convince her that the wedding she should be planning...is theirs?

• ISBN10: 1501135139
• ISBN13: 9781501135132
• Publish Date: 26 July 2016
• Publish Status: Active
• Publish Country: US
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster
• Imprint: Pocket Books
• Format: Paperback (US Mass Market)
• Pages: 384
• Language: English

Reviews

[Sam@WLABB]

Still working my way through Layne's backlist, and enjoying it immensely. As always, this book had a hero and a heroine I could root for, as well as some side characters, who added to the fun. I loved waiting for Seth to find his "A-HA" moment, when he realized he was head over heels for Brooke. And I LOVED the grand gesture. It was unexpected, but obvious, once it happened.

I am looking forward to meeting more of the Belles.

BLOG | INSTAGRAM |TWITTER | BLOGLOVIN | FRIEND ME ON GOODREADS

[e_rodz_leb]

Quite the Novel Idea https://quitethenovelidea.com https://quitethenovelidea.com/liza-reviews-hold-lauren-layne/

I knew I was going to love this one and I sure did.  Why did I know?  Well, because almost everyone that's read the Wedding Belles series absolutely adores it (Yes, I'm looking at Gen and Nereyda).  Anyway, let's start with the gushing, shall we?

I will not go over the premise of To Have and to Hold again since I fell like the synopsis does an excellent job.  You might think that a novel about a wedding planner falling in love with her client's brother has been done before, and you might be right.  This just shows how a story that has been done before can be done well and make it unique and just plain awesome.

Let's start with the characterization as it's outstanding.  Seriously, what a great cast of characters.  Brooke is a romantic at heart, even after the huge scandal of her ex-fiancee getting arrested at the altar.  She starting anew in New York and in the best wedding planner firm in the city: the Belles.

Seth is uptight, very serious, filthy rich, down to earth, hard working and a control freak.  Loosing control, not knowing, not able to protect are very hard on him.  He's also been burned romantically and he's cautious and insecure about another relationship. I loved him and how shy and sweet he turned out to be.

"Etta made a crowing noise. “I knew it. My little Seth does have a crush. Who is this Ms. Baldwin, pray tell?” “It’s a business meeting, Etta. She’s Maya’s wedding planner, and we’re simply getting together to discuss the financials of the upcoming nuptials.” “Oh, honey. I know you’re in trouble when you start using words like nuptials.”

Brooke and Seth have an instant attraction that develops into something life altering, real, sweet and permanent.  It changes them both for the better and I love that they tried to be honest with each other.  Their relationship didn't felt rushed and it certainly had its ups and downs.

“I’m hungry, and I’m here, and if you don’t have plans, I’d like to take you to dinner.” She swallowed. “To discuss wedding stuff?” He shook his head once. “No. Because I want more, too.”

The plot is not complicated but very well done.  This is my first book by Layne and you can bet it won't be my last.  I enjoyed how the romance played out, how the writing was funny, heartfelt, hot, sexy, insightful and more.  The ending was so sweet and I'm sure we'll see more of them in the rest of the books.

Overall, To Have and to Hold turned out to be one of my favorite adult romances from this year and an amazing start to the Wedding Belles series.  I cannot wait to read For Better or Worse, Heather's story.  This review was originally posted on Quite the Novel Idea

[lizarodz]

Quite the Novel Idea https://quitethenovelidea.com https://quitethenovelidea.com/liza-reviews-hold-lauren-layne/

I knew I was going to love this one and I sure did.  Why did I know?  Well, because almost everyone that's read the Wedding Belles series absolutely adores it (Yes, I'm looking at Gen and Nereyda).  Anyway, let's start with the gushing, shall we?

I will not go over the premise of To Have and to Hold again since I fell like the synopsis does an excellent job.  You might think that a novel about a wedding planner falling in love with her client's brother has been done before, and you might be right.  This just shows how a story that has been done before can be done well and make it unique and just plain awesome.

Let's start with the characterization as it's outstanding.  Seriously, what a great cast of characters.  Brooke is a romantic at heart, even after the huge scandal of her ex-fiancee getting arrested at the altar.  She starting anew in New York and in the best wedding planner firm in the city: the Belles.

Seth is uptight, very serious, filthy rich, down to earth, hard working and a control freak.  Loosing control, not knowing, not able to protect are very hard on him.  He's also been burned romantically and he's cautious and insecure about another relationship. I loved him and how shy and sweet he turned out to be.

"Etta made a crowing noise. “I knew it. My little Seth does have a crush. Who is this Ms. Baldwin, pray tell?” “It’s a business meeting, Etta. She’s Maya’s wedding planner, and we’re simply getting together to discuss the financials of the upcoming nuptials.” “Oh, honey. I know you’re in trouble when you start using words like nuptials.”

Brooke and Seth have an instant attraction that develops into something life altering, real, sweet and permanent.  It changes them both for the better and I love that they tried to be honest with each other.  Their relationship didn't felt rushed and it certainly had its ups and downs.

“I’m hungry, and I’m here, and if you don’t have plans, I’d like to take you to dinner.” She swallowed. “To discuss wedding stuff?” He shook his head once. “No. Because I want more, too.”

The plot is not complicated but very well done.  This is my first book by Layne and you can bet it won't be my last.  I enjoyed how the romance played out, how the writing was funny, heartfelt, hot, sexy, insightful and more.  The ending was so sweet and I'm sure we'll see more of them in the rest of the books.

Overall, To Have and to Hold turned out to be one of my favorite adult romances from this year and an amazing start to the Wedding Belles series.  I cannot wait to read For Better or Worse, Heather's story.  This review was originally posted on Quite the Novel Idea

[nitzan_schwarz]

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.

[whisperingchapters]

This review was originally posted on Latte Nights Reviews.


Brooke's life made the top news when a scandal broke out about her fiance being a con-man. Her wedding day was ruined when the FBI arrested the guy at the altar! Seeking a fresh start, she moves from LA to NY to be a part of the Wedding Belles team. She wasn't expecting her fresh start to come in the form of her client's brother.

Brooke is a very relateable character. She's definitely not perfect and makes mistakes, but she's also a great woman who searches for the good in all the bad. Despite what happened to her, she still believes in happy ever afters. And she tries to show Seth that these happy endings do exist.

She was pretty sure the man next to her was every bit as intoxicating as the vodka. Maybe more so.

After getting his heart broken, Seth doesn't believe in happy ever afters. It's why his focus is always on work or his sister, whom he truly loves. He owns a chain of very successful hotels, and he's actually very rich. At first, Seth came off as a little arrogant when he met Brooke, and later we see his very controlling side. He wants the best for the people he loves, but sometimes his way isn't the best. Seth has a caring nature for everyone in his life and it was endearing to read about.

Seth didn't think Brooke was worth it. He knew she was.

When it came to Brooke and Seth, right from the start their chemistry was electrifying! Just by their bickering alone, you could feel the sexual tension between them. Brooke and Seth are so perfect together. She's the one who isn't afraid to tell him just how controlling he is and how it can affect his relationships with the people he cares about the most.

"I had to try to be more, because you made me want to be more."

You know there's always a scene when either the man or the woman has to win the other back. The way that Seth tried to win Brooke back melted my heart. I would keep messaging Lacey from Booklovers for Life all to get to that scene because I couldn't bear to read it alone. I needed to share my feels with someone else. It was the best thing he could have done for both of them.

"I'll take whatever you're giving. A drink. Dinner. A walk. Maybe a movie. Joint custody of the dog. Keys to the same home. [...] A wedding. Babies. Things like that."

I need to highlight Maya's character (Brooke's client). I want her as my best friend! Lacey and I kept saying how amazing she was. When she got friendly with Brooke, we just loved her even more! It's obvious Maya and Seth are siblings since they are the most caring characters in this book. Also, the women from the Wedding Belles received Brooke with open arms and they immediately clicked and became friends. I can't wait to read more of this friendship in the rest of the series!

"I don't think you realize just how much trouble you're in. [...] Let's just say when my brother wants something, he gets it. Always."

I'm pretty sure you guys have memorized what I'm about to say. Lauren Layne is the boss! I keep saying this because she always delivers with her stories. They are some of the best Contemporary novels I've read. Lauren Layne has a way with words that engages the reader and makes them feel so giddy and happy. If you're in need of a good dose of Contemporary novels that are cute, sexy, and with a fantastic cast of characters, never hesitate to read a book by this author. You will never be disappointed.

Overall, To Have and To Hold was all kinds of romantic—a romance that will tug at your heartstrings and make you fall hard.

I received an eARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.This review was originally posted on Latte Nights Reviews.

[Lynn]

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***

[kimbacaffeinate]

Coffee dates with To Have and To Hold

• First Date: Brooke Baldwin has recently arrived in New York after her wedding business fizzled in Los Angeles not because she isn’t a competent and fabulous planner but because of the disastrous events at her own ceremony. I will leave you to discover those details. She has secured a spot with the Wedding Belles and due to unexpected complications, she ends up handling the Tyler wedding. Seth Tyler hotel tycoon’s sister is getting married and he is none too happy about it. One cannot blame him, since he has never met nor heard of the fiancé’ until his sister asks for a fairy tale wedding. Brooke may have a ton of baggage in her personal life, but I loved her initial meeting with Seth and his sister. Chemistry and snark let me know we are going to have fun.


• Second date: Seth is a bit of a control freak or perhaps that is too harsh, let us call him a fixer. Yep, that's better. The man is also lonely although he probably will not admit that. Brooke and Seth tango verbally as the attraction between them continues. These two will tangle between the sheets and the anticipation was delightful. I loved the dance, the little jabs and enjoyed the buildup. Side threads regarding Seth’s best friend, Brooke’s ex and time with the girls at Wedding Belles all added depth giving this “Sex in the City” story a small town feel.


• Third date: Between Seth’s lustful thoughts about Brooke and his concerns over his sister we know he is going to muck things up. However Seth is adorkable so be patient with him. The relationship experiences some hot and cold moments. Brooke struggles with her emotional scars and Seth tries to fix things. Need I say more? Thankfully, Layne kept the angst to a minimum. Side threads regarding the owner of the Wedding Belles and those regarding Seth’s sister will make readers all warm and fuzzy.

Copy provided by publisher. This review was originally posted on Caffeinated Book Reviewer