For Better or Worse by Lauren Layne

September 13th, 2016 Kimberly Review 46 Comments

13th Sep
For Better or Worse by Lauren Layne
For Better or Worse
by Lauren Layne
Series: Wedding Belles #2
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
Goodreads
Rating: One StarOne StarOne StarOne StarHalf a Star
Heat Level: One FlameOne FlameOne FlameOne Flame

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.

ROMANCE Truffles

I am having an absolute blast reading the Wedding Belles series! For Better or Worse by Lauren Layne is book two and it delivered heart, laughter and swoons. I devoured this in a single sitting!

Coffee Dates with For Better or Worse

  • First Date: While the series is set in New York and has as Sex and the City vibe, the characters and their close connections to each other and family really give this a small-town feel. Heather Fowler is our heroine. She is an assistant wedding planner at Wedding Belles and is working hard for a promotion. Heather is a small-town girl who dreamed of living and working in Manhattan. She has worked hard to make her dreams a reality. Recently she made the move to her own apartment. Bliss! Or maybe not. Her neighbor Josh Tanner is an overgrown playboy who jams with his band all hours of the night. From the moment they meet, the zings are flying and the chemistry is sizzling. I am all in.
  • Second date: Oh man, I didn’t read the synopsis and Josh’s backstory and actions packed an emotional punch. I am swooning and wanting to hug him even if he is a player. Josh and Heather continue their dance in this “haters to lovers” romance. I love the banter, obsessive talk about coffee and obvious attraction. On the work front, Heather is dealing with a strange high-profile bride who wants a wedding at the Plaza in three months’ time and she wants it ON A SATURDAY! Epp! However, this is Heather’s chance to shine and she will enlist any help she can get. Layne took her time allowing us to get to know Heather and Josh. I enjoyed their budding friendship and teasing. When these two finally give into their attractions Layne heated up the pages making it was worth the wait.
  • Third date: These two are perfect together, only Heather has no idea about Josh’s past and he shuts down when she asks. We spend time with them,  their family and friends.  What began as a no-strings affair is turning into anything but. The last part of For Better or Worse had my heart in my throat. I experienced so many emotions as our couple had to grow, trust and more. Of course, in the back of mind I knew we would get our HEA, but I became swept up. All I can say is that, “It was worth the truffles.”

My dates with For Better or Worse left me smiling and eager for the next book. The next book To Love and to Cherish, releases in October and shares Alexis’s story. If you are looking for heart-warming, fun, and sexy romances set against the Manhattan skyline…The Wedding Belles series is the perfect place to start.

For Better or Worse by Lauren Layne delivered heart, laughter and swoons Share on X
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About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram

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46 Responses to “For Better or Worse by Lauren Layne”

  3. Lorna

    I bought the first one after reading your review but still haven’t read it. Kicking myself! This one sounds like it could verge on heartbreak so I am glad you said HEA! Cancer sucks!

  4. Genesis

    Yes to all the swooning in the world over the romance! I really loved this one so much! I don’t know how Alexis’ story will top this one, but I’m so excited for her story! I got the third book today and I’ll be picking it up soon!

  8. Braine

    She writes romantic suspense too right?

    I feel like I’m one of the very few who haven’t read her yet. #loser

  10. Michele

    Ahhh you put this series on my list with the previous book, and I hope I can get to it soon! I want to swoon with you! This just sounds so good, and I’m very happy this installment was a win for you. Love the dates review 🙂

  13. Rowena

    I adored this book too. I’m really enjoying the series and am so looking forward to Alex and Logan’s book. Great review!

  15. Lekeisha

    I knew this series was romance (obvious from the cover) but I didn’t know that it was this kind of romance. If you hadn’t mentioned NY and Josh’s bad boy ways, I’d have thought it was a sweet Southern romance. I really need to read descriptions more instead of being thrown off by covers.

  16. Heidi

    Everyone is gushing over this one, and I am thinking I need to read this author soon. I adored the hating game, and so I will give this a try.

  17. Leona

    This sounds really entertaining. I still haven’t read the Lauren Layne book I have on my kindle but I hope to get to that soon.

  18. Quinn's Book Nook

    I definitely want to read this. I read the first book a few weeks ago and really enjoyed it. I loved Heather in that one. I’m a tiny bit nervous about Josh, though. I just love these covers, too. They are sooo pretty.

  20. Jenny

    Hate to love and a swoony hero with a painful backstory? YES PLEASE! I’m adding this whole series to my list Kim!

  21. kindlemom1

    I’ve been avoiding this genre lately but I’ve found myself more and more interested in it at the same time. I might have to pick this up and give it a try. I do miss it. 😉

  22. Bookworm Brandee

    This sounds great, Kim. I love a romance where we get to watch a friendship build between the two first. And you have me very curious about Josh’s past. Layne’s books are on my tbr. I’ll have to find time to squeeze them in! 😉

  24. Maja (The Nocturnal Library)

    You’re reading a lot of romance lately! It can be great when the mood strikes. I love how lovely and light this sounds, especially since it’s a series.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      It feels like that, but actually I have been squeezing them in between darker thrillers. It just happens that a lot of arcs that release this month are romances. Since I schedule in advance it is hard to tell.