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

by Lauren Layne

[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