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

by Lauren Layne

[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.