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3.93 AVERAGE
3.93 AVERAGE
I really liked this and their relationship but the ending was sooo rushed.
Caution: Those who do not like banana bread proceed with caution. There is an overabundance of banana bread references. You have been warned.
Heather is living her dream. She lives in NYC and is an assistant wedding planner. Ok, almost living her dream. She wants to be a full-fledged wedding planner. She just moved into a ridiculously priced new apartment under the dress for the job you want not the job you have mentality. So yeah, she is almost living her dream.
But do we always know what the whole dream is or do we find pieces to obsess over? When Heather meets 4A, she realizes the trouble he represents. She has no need for his brand of trouble and though tons of desire is present- she won't go there.
Until things get complicated, neither knew what they really wanted out of life. Now they are too stubborn to fight for it...or are they?
I loved Heather in book 1, To Have and To Hold, and was so glad to see the bachelorette workaholic find time for a little something more. A story about a selfish person holding off love in spite of themself and banana bread. the book was totally about banana bread.
Enjoy, you get extra points for eating banana walnut bread while reading. Careful Josh might try and steal it.
reviewed for Reviews From the Heart
Heather is living her dream. She lives in NYC and is an assistant wedding planner. Ok, almost living her dream. She wants to be a full-fledged wedding planner. She just moved into a ridiculously priced new apartment under the dress for the job you want not the job you have mentality. So yeah, she is almost living her dream.
But do we always know what the whole dream is or do we find pieces to obsess over? When Heather meets 4A, she realizes the trouble he represents. She has no need for his brand of trouble and though tons of desire is present- she won't go there.
Until things get complicated, neither knew what they really wanted out of life. Now they are too stubborn to fight for it...or are they?
I loved Heather in book 1, To Have and To Hold, and was so glad to see the bachelorette workaholic find time for a little something more. A story about a selfish person holding off love in spite of themself and banana bread. the book was totally about banana bread.
Enjoy, you get extra points for eating banana walnut bread while reading. Careful Josh might try and steal it.
reviewed for Reviews From the Heart
When you snort out loud at your desk trying to hold a laugh in at lunch break and you are only on chapter two you know it is going to be a great book! Also can we get some applause for this cover because oh my, it is gorgeous!! All of the wedding belle’s covers are gorgeous I can’t wait to have them all on my bookshelves.
This book is a frenemies to lovers story, the bickering back and forth was exactly right and perfect. I am so happy to be back in a girl power world that Lauren Layne creates. (I miss Stiletto) Since we are speaking girl power let’s start with Heather aka 4c . Heather is on the right track for her checklist in life. She has a great job, great friends, and now a great apartment. However her neighbor is not so great. Josh aka 4a is always having band practice when Heather needs sleep for work. Heather’s character had so much spunk and sass I just loved it. She acts like a prim and proper bridal consultant at work but deep down she is just like her apartment, shabby chic. I loved that Heather has an almost completely open relationship with her mom. Her mother has always supported her dream to come to NY and be a wedding planner.
Josh aka 4a has been dealt some heavy blows in his life, you can’t tell though. He lives life to the fullest or the fullest he needs to that day. He has a band and money in the bank so what’s to worry about. Except everything… Josh is in remission. (that is not a spoiler btw) He keeps this secret from a lot of people he doesn’t want to be the "sick guy” anymore. I love his attitude with Heather in the beginning when they first meet. How he thinks he can just get into her pants because well he’s hot… and charming… and drool worthy. He doesn’t want to like Heather as a friend but eventually their little bickering turns to a bickering friendship (that I adore). Then after a while it may turn into a little more. However when things get dicey Josh turns Heather away.
tid bit...
Heather glanced up and locked gazes with him. "Josh Tanner, are you trying to warn me off right now? Give me fair warning not to fall in love with you because you'll never fall back?"
He laughed. "That obvious, huh?"
The forward got me… as cancer has touched my life so very deeply. This book has made me laugh, made me cry, and I actually emailed the author about one of my favorite parts. I have highlighted so much of this book on my kindle I should’ve probably just held the highlight button all the way through. (On a side note I now know a new way to make bacon!) The way Lauren handled Josh living with the aftermath of surviving cancer was so well done! . The fact that she continually writes strong female characters makes me want to continue reading her books. The friendships of the guys and girls are fantastic. I love that the girlfriends know when to push and when to back off each other (ahem Alexis and Logan). If you haven’t read any of her books yet I honestly don’t know what you are waiting for.
I can’t tell you how much I love Lauren Layne’s books because I’m pretty sure I gush about her at least once a month. The first book that hooked me and is still my favorite is Broken. For Better or Worse almost knocked Broken down to number two favorite.
Thank you Netgalley, Pocket Books, and Lauren Layne for an egalley ARC of this book in lieu of my honest review.
This book is a frenemies to lovers story, the bickering back and forth was exactly right and perfect. I am so happy to be back in a girl power world that Lauren Layne creates. (I miss Stiletto) Since we are speaking girl power let’s start with Heather aka 4c . Heather is on the right track for her checklist in life. She has a great job, great friends, and now a great apartment. However her neighbor is not so great. Josh aka 4a is always having band practice when Heather needs sleep for work. Heather’s character had so much spunk and sass I just loved it. She acts like a prim and proper bridal consultant at work but deep down she is just like her apartment, shabby chic. I loved that Heather has an almost completely open relationship with her mom. Her mother has always supported her dream to come to NY and be a wedding planner.
Josh aka 4a has been dealt some heavy blows in his life, you can’t tell though. He lives life to the fullest or the fullest he needs to that day. He has a band and money in the bank so what’s to worry about. Except everything… Josh is in remission. (that is not a spoiler btw) He keeps this secret from a lot of people he doesn’t want to be the "sick guy” anymore. I love his attitude with Heather in the beginning when they first meet. How he thinks he can just get into her pants because well he’s hot… and charming… and drool worthy. He doesn’t want to like Heather as a friend but eventually their little bickering turns to a bickering friendship (that I adore). Then after a while it may turn into a little more. However when things get dicey Josh turns Heather away.
tid bit...
Heather glanced up and locked gazes with him. "Josh Tanner, are you trying to warn me off right now? Give me fair warning not to fall in love with you because you'll never fall back?"
He laughed. "That obvious, huh?"
The forward got me… as cancer has touched my life so very deeply. This book has made me laugh, made me cry, and I actually emailed the author about one of my favorite parts. I have highlighted so much of this book on my kindle I should’ve probably just held the highlight button all the way through. (On a side note I now know a new way to make bacon!) The way Lauren handled Josh living with the aftermath of surviving cancer was so well done! . The fact that she continually writes strong female characters makes me want to continue reading her books. The friendships of the guys and girls are fantastic. I love that the girlfriends know when to push and when to back off each other (ahem Alexis and Logan). If you haven’t read any of her books yet I honestly don’t know what you are waiting for.
I can’t tell you how much I love Lauren Layne’s books because I’m pretty sure I gush about her at least once a month. The first book that hooked me and is still my favorite is Broken. For Better or Worse almost knocked Broken down to number two favorite.
Thank you Netgalley, Pocket Books, and Lauren Layne for an egalley ARC of this book in lieu of my honest review.
For Better or Worse is Wedding Belle Assistant Wedding Planner Heather's story. Heather has wanted to be a wedding planner for as long as she can remember. So moving to New York and getting a job as assistant wedding planner with the Wedding Belles is almost her dream come true. She's just achieved the next step in her plan, getting a new apartment, now she's ready to move up from assistant to full-on wedding planner at work. That is, if her new neighbor's band can keep quiet enough to let her catch a few hours of sleep.
Josh Tanner is a confirmed bachelor who is happy being home, playing in his band, and keeping his relationship status in the one-night only category, or is he? These are all things Josh thought he wanted when his life had finally started to get back on track after being turned upside down, but after meeting Heather, he realizes that maybe he does want more. But will he allow himself to take the risks involved in falling in love?
I really liked the way Josh and Heater kind of dance around each other, their banter was great. But I really liked how even though they seem to oppose each other, they still don't deny their attraction to one another.
What I thought Lauren Layne did really well in this one was giving, unbeknownst to them, Heather and Josh both similar fears of falling in love and putting yourself out there the way you do when deciding to be in a serious relationship with someone. Heather's fears stem from seeing a lot of men come in and out of her mother's life when she was younger. None of these men stayed around and so Heather kind of forms this loved of the idea of marriage and love, therefore wedding planning is perfect for her, yet she doesn't want to open herself up for love.
Josh's fears, on the other hand, stem from a more recent issue. Lauren Layne kind of skirts around it throughout the book so I won't outright say what it is although it's not really difficult to figure out, it's not shared right away. But suffice it to say, Josh's fears also keep him from wanting to open himself up for love. Which is why what Heather and Josh develop is written so well. It's not in-your-face, it's subtle and sneaks up on them both. You just have to hope they get over their hang ups so they can get their HEA.
I will say that I think Heather's issues were more glossed over than Josh's. Understanding what his issues are I get it, but since this is inherently Heather's story, I felt there should have been more done on her side of things.
I loved getting to see the other Wedding Belles. I like that, through their job, the women's lives are all linked so we get to see what is going on in the other characters' lives. Obviously things are gearing up for Alexis and Logan's story which I'm super excited for.
I think if you haven't read any other books in this series yet, this one is really easy to pick up and read as a standalone. The references of the other characters won't confuse at all. I'd say, so far, this is my favorite series of Lauren Layne's that I've read.
*ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Josh Tanner is a confirmed bachelor who is happy being home, playing in his band, and keeping his relationship status in the one-night only category, or is he? These are all things Josh thought he wanted when his life had finally started to get back on track after being turned upside down, but after meeting Heather, he realizes that maybe he does want more. But will he allow himself to take the risks involved in falling in love?
I really liked the way Josh and Heater kind of dance around each other, their banter was great. But I really liked how even though they seem to oppose each other, they still don't deny their attraction to one another.
What I thought Lauren Layne did really well in this one was giving, unbeknownst to them, Heather and Josh both similar fears of falling in love and putting yourself out there the way you do when deciding to be in a serious relationship with someone. Heather's fears stem from seeing a lot of men come in and out of her mother's life when she was younger. None of these men stayed around and so Heather kind of forms this loved of the idea of marriage and love, therefore wedding planning is perfect for her, yet she doesn't want to open herself up for love.
Josh's fears, on the other hand, stem from a more recent issue. Lauren Layne kind of skirts around it throughout the book so I won't outright say what it is although it's not really difficult to figure out, it's not shared right away. But suffice it to say, Josh's fears also keep him from wanting to open himself up for love. Which is why what Heather and Josh develop is written so well. It's not in-your-face, it's subtle and sneaks up on them both. You just have to hope they get over their hang ups so they can get their HEA.
I will say that I think Heather's issues were more glossed over than Josh's. Understanding what his issues are I get it, but since this is inherently Heather's story, I felt there should have been more done on her side of things.
I loved getting to see the other Wedding Belles. I like that, through their job, the women's lives are all linked so we get to see what is going on in the other characters' lives. Obviously things are gearing up for Alexis and Logan's story which I'm super excited for.
I think if you haven't read any other books in this series yet, this one is really easy to pick up and read as a standalone. The references of the other characters won't confuse at all. I'd say, so far, this is my favorite series of Lauren Layne's that I've read.
*ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Least favorite of the series. Compared to the relationships in the other two and the characters, Josh and Heather did not resonate or make me want to find out about what happens to them.
In my most hopeless romantic state, I can tell you that I dream of finding a man who is as passionate in music as I am, intelligent, sweet, funny, and of course, yummy. (He he he). But then again the chances of having this daydream turn into reality is slim, or worse, none at all. Which is why I tend to lean on romance novels just to feed on my sentimental self. You bet I am always on the lookout for chick-lit novels whose characaters are, if not exactly, almost the same as the one I've been praying to meet. A novel that doesn't necessarily have to include typical ganster-type bad boys and timid, plain-Jane girls.
Good thing I came across this novel and found the blurb interesting, and fair enough, it did not disappoint!
Whew, girl, I loved it!
So Heather Fowler, an assistant wedding planner and on her way to become an actual wedding planner, recently moved to her new apartment in New York. It has always been The Dream for as long as she can remember: find a career in Manhattan and be really good at it. Her schedule becomes hectic and at the end of the day all she just wants is a good night sleep but she can barely have it, not especially when his neighbor decides to play his loud music in the wee hours. Very hassle. So she decided to confront her neighbor and ask him if she could get back to her sleep uninterrupted and all could be well. What she wasn't expecting to find is a man in boxers, with abs displayed all for its glory, and greenish-blue eyes amused at the sight of her at his doorstep. It doesn't matter that this guy has charming crooked smile because after all sleep > any good-looking man (well, not really. But seriously). What happens next is a kiss to make Heather shut up, and there we have it, irritating interactions with the overly friendly neighbor in the succeeding days.
Josh Tannerhas a weird obsession with banana breads but it's so adorable I just love it is a cancer survivor who decided to quit his job as hedge fund manager and be part of the band Weathered Gentlemen (lol). His diagnosis certainly had affected his personal life. The choices he makes are done just for the moment and whatever happens in the future would have to be dealt with on the day it comes. Most of the time, his thoughts are fun to explore, especially when he and Heather have endless exchange of banters. However, he is unconsciously lost too. He unconsciously struggles to find the one thing that can make him happy, contented, and whole again.
Do you guys sometimes get carried away when you read a certain part of a book and it definitely tugs at your heartstrings even though you know there is actually nothing you can compare it to in real life? Because Heather's conversation with her mother, as well as Josh's with his sister certainly did.
That's a major selling point for me. I'm definitely down for a light read that could give me butterflies, but it's always the life lessons explained carefully that always get me.
Lauren Layne, I know you are not active here on Goodreads, but if by any chance you come across this review, I just want to say you do you, girl! I started the series with this one and I loved the drama, the humor, the characters, everything! I'd make sure to read the other two when I have time. Hopefully I'd love them just the same.
Good thing I came across this novel and found the blurb interesting, and fair enough, it did not disappoint!
Whew, girl, I loved it!
So Heather Fowler, an assistant wedding planner and on her way to become an actual wedding planner, recently moved to her new apartment in New York. It has always been The Dream for as long as she can remember: find a career in Manhattan and be really good at it. Her schedule becomes hectic and at the end of the day all she just wants is a good night sleep but she can barely have it, not especially when his neighbor decides to play his loud music in the wee hours. Very hassle. So she decided to confront her neighbor and ask him if she could get back to her sleep uninterrupted and all could be well. What she wasn't expecting to find is a man in boxers, with abs displayed all for its glory, and greenish-blue eyes amused at the sight of her at his doorstep. It doesn't matter that this guy has charming crooked smile because after all sleep > any good-looking man (well, not really. But seriously). What happens next is a kiss to make Heather shut up, and there we have it, irritating interactions with the overly friendly neighbor in the succeeding days.
Josh Tanner
Do you guys sometimes get carried away when you read a certain part of a book and it definitely tugs at your heartstrings even though you know there is actually nothing you can compare it to in real life? Because Heather's conversation with her mother, as well as Josh's with his sister certainly did.
“But I don’t think that’s why you want me to come to New York so badly. You want me to come to New York so I can tell you that you’re doing the right thing, that you’ve made the right choices. So that I can reassure you that the goal you’ve been chasing all this time is the right one, and that you have everything you need to make you happy.”
“You don’t think I’m happy?” Heather asked.
“I think you’re on your way,” Joan said carefully. “But I think you know there’s a piece missing, and you’re hoping that I, or your boss, will assure you that you’re wrong.”
[..]“You’re looking for the same thing from her as you are from me. Validation.”
[..]“Her mom smoothed a hand over Heather’s hair, shoving the curls back. “I just worry you’re wanting the wrong thing. I worry you think happiness is your address and your job, and while those are important factors, you’ve pursued them at the expense of other things.”
That's a major selling point for me. I'm definitely down for a light read that could give me butterflies, but it's always the life lessons explained carefully that always get me.
Lauren Layne, I know you are not active here on Goodreads, but if by any chance you come across this review, I just want to say you do you, girl! I started the series with this one and I loved the drama, the humor, the characters, everything! I'd make sure to read the other two when I have time. Hopefully I'd love them just the same.
3% DNF No matter how hot a guy is or how good a kisser he is no one should just randomly kiss someone
Review: Another fantastic read from Lauren Layne!For Better Or Worse is the second book in the Wedding Belles series about a group of successful wedding planners in NYC.I loved To Have and To Hold and was dying to get my hands on Heather's book.As soon as I started reading, I was hooked!Josh swooped in and stole my heart <3.I didn't think I could love a book more than To Have and To Hold, but now do.
In this book we have Heather Fowler, assistant wedding planner at the Belles who has been tirelessly working in order to get promoted to wedding planner.She is a small-town girl who has been dreaming of planning weddings and making it big in the New York City since she was a little girl.Slowly they are starting to come true.She has finally gotten an apartment and the promotion also looks within reach.She has been assigned as the only wedding planner to socialite Danica Robinson's wedding.Her only problem is her neighbor who blasts music and practices with his band at odd hours, causing her to lose much needed sleep.
Josh Tanner just wants to live in the moment and enjoy life as it comes.He was the rising star on Wall Street before he was diagnosed with cancer.Going through the grueling process and beating it made him realize the error of his workaholic ways.So, he spends the days enjoying, playing music with his band, having short flings and spending time with his family.He isn't looking for a long term relationship since he doesn't want someone he loves to deal with the probability of losing him as the cancer might strike again.Too bad the old,deaf lady who used to bake banana bread is gone from 4C.
His new neighbor is would up as tight as a spring and spends her time working tirelessly or yelling at him for keeping her up.So, what does he do to shut her up?Kiss her of course ;)
Though, Heather and Josh have a little disagreement in the beginning, there is no denying the attraction between them.As they form a truce and start spending more time together, the closer they become.Josh helps Heather out with Danica's wedding(she is his ex-gf and he knows about her choices) as she is totally disinterested in the planning and has left everything upto Heather.Soon their friendship turns into something more.But, will Josh let down the walls around is heart and allow Heather in or will he push her away forever?
Heather and Josh were amazing in this book.I loved how Lauren Layne portrayed their hopes,dreams and fears.Josh's family was also a great addition.Everyone from Josh's mom to his twin sister and niece added wonderful dynamics to the story. Though some of his actions were irritating at times, you could understand the reason behind them.Points to Heather for supporting Josh but at the same time not taking crap from him when he got moody and shut her out.The relationship between Heather and her mom was also well done.It was wonderful seeing Brooke and Seth again!And the proposal was amazing!
So, what are you waiting for?Grab this book as soon as it releases on the 30th and read it!Believe me, Josh Tanner will have you swooning in no time!
P.S. I'm so excited for Alexis and Logan's story in To Love and To Cherish!The series keeps getting better with each book and I love the slow progression in the relationships.Can't wait to see how this sexy, Britsh accountant finally manages to make the stubborn wedding planner fall in love with him.Alexis appears to be so oblivious to Logan's feelings, but is she really?
In this book we have Heather Fowler, assistant wedding planner at the Belles who has been tirelessly working in order to get promoted to wedding planner.She is a small-town girl who has been dreaming of planning weddings and making it big in the New York City since she was a little girl.Slowly they are starting to come true.She has finally gotten an apartment and the promotion also looks within reach.She has been assigned as the only wedding planner to socialite Danica Robinson's wedding.Her only problem is her neighbor who blasts music and practices with his band at odd hours, causing her to lose much needed sleep.
Josh Tanner just wants to live in the moment and enjoy life as it comes.He was the rising star on Wall Street before he was diagnosed with cancer.Going through the grueling process and beating it made him realize the error of his workaholic ways.So, he spends the days enjoying, playing music with his band, having short flings and spending time with his family.He isn't looking for a long term relationship since he doesn't want someone he loves to deal with the probability of losing him as the cancer might strike again.Too bad the old,deaf lady who used to bake banana bread is gone from 4C.
His new neighbor is would up as tight as a spring and spends her time working tirelessly or yelling at him for keeping her up.So, what does he do to shut her up?Kiss her of course ;)
Though, Heather and Josh have a little disagreement in the beginning, there is no denying the attraction between them.As they form a truce and start spending more time together, the closer they become.Josh helps Heather out with Danica's wedding(she is his ex-gf and he knows about her choices) as she is totally disinterested in the planning and has left everything upto Heather.Soon their friendship turns into something more.But, will Josh let down the walls around is heart and allow Heather in or will he push her away forever?
Heather and Josh were amazing in this book.I loved how Lauren Layne portrayed their hopes,dreams and fears.Josh's family was also a great addition.Everyone from Josh's mom to his twin sister and niece added wonderful dynamics to the story. Though some of his actions were irritating at times, you could understand the reason behind them.Points to Heather for supporting Josh but at the same time not taking crap from him when he got moody and shut her out.The relationship between Heather and her mom was also well done.It was wonderful seeing Brooke and Seth again!And the proposal was amazing!
So, what are you waiting for?Grab this book as soon as it releases on the 30th and read it!Believe me, Josh Tanner will have you swooning in no time!
P.S. I'm so excited for Alexis and Logan's story in To Love and To Cherish!The series keeps getting better with each book and I love the slow progression in the relationships.Can't wait to see how this sexy, Britsh accountant finally manages to make the stubborn wedding planner fall in love with him.Alexis appears to be so oblivious to Logan's feelings, but is she really?
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I absolutely love this series. The stories are sweet but hot with great characters and great relationships. You can't help but feel good when you're finished.