FOR BETTER OR WORSE by Lauren Layne: Review

For Better or Worse by Lauren Layne
Series: The Wedding Belles #2
Published by Pocket Books
Publication Date: August 30th 2016
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Pages: 368
Source: Publisher
Format: eARC
Goodreads
Buy Online: Amazon ♥ B&N ♥ Kobo

Disclaimer: I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely mine.

Will a budding wedding planner and her bad boy neighbor stop banging heads and start hearing wedding bells in the sexy second novel in USA TODAY bestselling author Lauren Layne’s irresistible new series that marries Sex and the City with The Wedding Planner?

When small-town girl Heather Fowler finally gets promoted from assistant to actual wedding planner, she’s determined to make it as one of Manhattan’s elite Wedding Belles. Unfortunately, her first client demands an opulent black-tie affair at the Plaza…in five months’ time. Heather’s days quickly become a flurry of cake tastings, dress-fittings, RSVP cards, and bridal tantrums. But what she’s really losing sleep over is the live music blaring from her playboy neighbor’s apartment all night.

Five years ago, Josh Tanner was an up-and-comer on Wall Street, complete with the penthouse and the migraines. But a grim cancer diagnosis made him realize there is more to life than the corner office. If only he could convince his pretty, workaholic neighbor to let loose, too. As Heather lets down her guard, Josh is surprised when he starts falling for the sweet, vulnerable woman hiding beneath those power suits. Soon, it’s Heather’s turn to convince Josh to take the biggest risk of all: love.

 

Review

This is exactly the story I was looking forward to in this series: fun, cute, entertaining dialogue and very low on the angsty drama.

Heather Fowler is the stereotype of small-town girls, making her dream of living in the big city a reality when she moved to the Big Apple to become a wedding planner. Landing a high profile wedding for a very influential and wealthy client as her first solo assignment is a daunting task but Heather is up to it. Just as long as she can get some sleep in her own apartment, something that appears to be difficult since her next door neighbor has an affinity for playing his drums at odd hours.

Josh Tanner is an aspiring musician, but before that he was an investment banker on Wall Street, with the fast life and all the trappings of success. Until a life-changing medical diagnosis forced him to reassess his priorities. These days he’s content with a low key lifestyle, except he’s not interested in long term relationships anymore. But the temptation his neighbor presents is hard to resist. And why does he take so much pleasure in annoying her? 

Why did I enjoy this book so much? 

First of all, the characters. Heather is a small-town girl at heart and living in NYC hasn’t changed that. She’s sweet but feisty and very independent, but she’s also a dreamer and romantic, which is fitting for her job. Josh is a really great guy who hides a lot behind his friendly and easygoing exterior and his man-whore ways but he is always ready and willing to step up and help.

Second, the witty repartee. This is what I always look forward to any time I pick up a Lauren Layne book and she did not disappoint. The dialogue is fast, lively and enjoyable. And if sometimes Josh reminded me of the little boy pulling the girl’s pigtails on the playground to get her attention, well sue me because I thought it was cute.

Third, the relationships. I always enjoy the friendships and the new connections formed among the characters, something Ms. Layne does so well and watching Josh connect with Seth and Logan melted my heart.

Speaking of Logan, the chemistry he generates with Alexa can power a small town and I cannot wait for their story.

In FOR BETTER OR WORSE, Ms. Layne delivers a charming story of passion, friendship, family and second chances, definitely one for the keeper shelf.

 

 

 

 

Related Posts