FOR BETTER OR WORSE is book two in Lauren Layne's "Wedding Belles" series. When former Wall Street hotshot Josh Tanner and wedding planner extraordinaire Heather Fowler meet, it is when they are at very different points in their lives. Josh is a cancer survivor, and part of his coping has been to give in to his impulses and not be restrained by any set plans. Heather, by contrast, is very goal-oriented and striving to get a promotion and go from assistant wedding planner to full-fledged wedding planner. When they wind up as next door neighbors in their apartment building sparks fly.

From the moment Josh and Heather meet, there is a definite physical attraction, but they initially clash over his noisy wild ways. I don't normally like stories in which the hero and heroine argue, but Lauren Layne quickly moves Josh and Heather's teasing from being snarky to being more playful and flirtatious. The sexual tension between Josh and Heather skyrockets in a very short amount of time and makes for some truly electric moments between the two. Heather's loneliness is palpable in FOR BETTER OR WORSE. Lauren Layne perfectly captures how seductive Heather finds Josh's support and friendship. Josh's amusing antics and sympathetic ear mean more to Heather than any sexual technique.

Since Josh's true feelings are often an enigma to Heather, it's great to have part of the story told from his perspective. The appearances of Josh's sister and parents give a little more insight into what makes him who he is, and why he feels as though he has to keep his past a secret from Heather. The friendships between all the "Wedding Belles" provide a little humor in a story that has some very serious moments. Lauren Layne manages to balance sexiness with tear-jerking moments and keep me reading way past my bedtime.

FOR BETTER OR WORSE is a story of family, friendship, and an unexpected but utterly fabulous romance. Josh and Heather are both characters you delight in getting to know better, and their love story is thoroughly engrossing. Josh is a guy whose charm grows on the heroine and the reader. I can't wait to read about what's in store for Alexis, and enjoy the next "Wedding Belles" story!

Book Summary

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.