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Aisle Bound #1
Planning for Love
In the harsh spotlight of reality television, a romance-a-holic wedding planner tries to snare the anti-Cupid.
Chicago wedding planner Ivy Rhodes lives and breathes romance. She won’t let anything burst the perfect bubble of happiness she creates for her clients. So she’s immediately on guard when a reality television crew appears to tape one of her weddings. Tall, blonde and sexy, the cameraman’s a relentless flirt, and Ivy follows his easygoing charm straight into the bedroom.
Ever since a scandal ended his career as a news videographer, Bennett Westcott is relegated to filming reality catfights and bridezillas. His latest assignment comes with the bonus of a gorgeous wedding planner. But Ivy ruins their one-night stand by turning too serious too quickly. Although a big fan of lust, Ben’s allergic to love. He rejects her and everything she holds dear, leaving her brokenhearted.
The network builds a reality show around Ivy, Planning for Love. She signs the contract before learning the man who shredded her heart into confetti will spend the next three months filming her. Suddenly Ben has to spend every day with the woman he knows he shouldn’t be with, but can’t resist. And Ivy’s stuck wondering, how do you plan for happily ever after when the guy you want doesn’t believe in it?
Chicago wedding planner Ivy Rhodes lives and breathes romance. She won’t let anything burst the perfect bubble of happiness she creates for her clients. So she’s immediately on guard when a reality television crew appears to tape one of her weddings. Tall, blonde and sexy, the cameraman’s a relentless flirt, and Ivy follows his easygoing charm straight into the bedroom.
Ever since a scandal ended his career as a news videographer, Bennett Westcott is relegated to filming reality catfights and bridezillas. His latest assignment comes with the bonus of a gorgeous wedding planner. But Ivy ruins their one-night stand by turning too serious too quickly. Although a big fan of lust, Ben’s allergic to love. He rejects her and everything she holds dear, leaving her brokenhearted.
The network builds a reality show around Ivy, Planning for Love. She signs the contract before learning the man who shredded her heart into confetti will spend the next three months filming her. Suddenly Ben has to spend every day with the woman he knows he shouldn’t be with, but can’t resist. And Ivy’s stuck wondering, how do you plan for happily ever after when the guy you want doesn’t believe in it?
286 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2012
182 people are currently reading
1776 people want to read
About the author
Christi Barth
60 books779 followersUSA TODAY bestselling author Christi Barth earned a Masters degree in vocal performance and embarked upon a career on the stage. A love of romance then drew her to wedding planning. Ultimately she succumbed to her lifelong love of books and now writes award-winning contemporary romance, including the Naked Men and Aisle Bound series.
Christi can always be found either whipping up gourmet meals (for fun, honest!) or with her nose in a book. She lives in Maryland with the best husband in the world.
Christi can always be found either whipping up gourmet meals (for fun, honest!) or with her nose in a book. She lives in Maryland with the best husband in the world.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 140 reviews
August 6, 2012
Review originally posted here: http://thebookpushers.com/2012/08/06/...
I am such a sucker for weddings, and contemporary romance, so when I saw this new author and book from Carina Press, I requested it immediately. I have to say, not only am I so glad that I got this book, it will probably be one of my favorite contemporary romances of the year!
Ivy is a wedding planner and a hopeless romantic. She believes wholeheartedly in love, and loves going to work every day doing the thing she loves: helping couples show and share their love through their wedding. When she finds out at the last minute that one of her brides will be on a sleezy reality show, she worries that her career as a respected wedding planner is down the drain. Instead, the network executives were so impressed with her they tap her to do her own wedding show.
Ivy never expected her one-night stand Ben to show up as her cameraman for the new show, especially after their disastrous and fabulous first date. But the more time they spend together, the more Ivy knows Ben is the one, and the more determined she is to make him fall in love with her. The only problem is that Ben is so jaded, he might not be able to stick it out, regardless of if he falls for her right back.
I can not say enough good things about this book. All of the things I loved the most about the Bride Quartet series by Nora Roberts: the friendship between co-workers, the elegant and amazing weddings, and the beautiful core romance were all just as fabulous in Barth’s story. Add in the playful writing and sexy interludes, and it was an all around incredible contemporary romance read.
One of the things I loved most about this book was Ivy’s unwavering belief in love. She was so optimistic, so set in her faith that love really can conquer all, and she lives her life to the fullest with that belief every day. Many times when heroines are so obsessed with love, they can come across as desperate, however Ivy was so genuine and sweet and caring and loving with every single person she came across, and it felt so refreshing for me while reading. I loved that she loved her job, that she treated each and every person she met with the utmost respect and care, and that she was just such a loveable heroine.
While Ben was a complete opposite in his beliefs, constantly quoting the divorce rate and all the horrors a wedding day can bring – bridezillas, heinous mother-in-laws, etc – he was also a romantic in disguise. He never seemed to realize that he was sweeping Ivy off her feet with every small and sweet gesture, every helpful hand, every supportive shoulder. He talked big about never wanting to fall in love, never wanting to get married, and yet his actions were always loving and caring and supportive toward Ivy, the exact opposite of his words. It was kinda sweet to see him be so clueless, and yet such a fabulous hero at the same time.
Their romance was great as well. It started off with a bang (literally) and after they knew they could heat up the sheets, Ivy backed off and tried so hard to get Ben to fall for her emotionally as well. the sexual tension that went along with their dates and interactions at work blew me away and had me giggling and smiling at every page. I absolutely adored their journey together and can’t wait to see more of them in future books as they settle more into their relationship.
The supporting cast of characters is absolutely AWESOME as well. I loved Ivy’s business partner and team, as well as the group of guys that Ben finds himself falling in with. I liked that Barth added male characters who were part of the wedding scene, and yet manly and strong hero material as well. I never thought I’d be so excited to read about a male cake decorator, but I am swooning for more of Sam!
All in all this was such a fabulous contemporary read. The hero and heroine are both deep and wonderful characters in their own right, and when brought together they light up the book. Their friends and family are wonderful supporting characters as well, and make for a wonderful foundation for a series I know will be at the top of my to-buy list. Contemporary romance fans need to go out and read this book immediately, I promise you won’t be disappointed.
I give Planning for Love an A-
I am such a sucker for weddings, and contemporary romance, so when I saw this new author and book from Carina Press, I requested it immediately. I have to say, not only am I so glad that I got this book, it will probably be one of my favorite contemporary romances of the year!
Ivy is a wedding planner and a hopeless romantic. She believes wholeheartedly in love, and loves going to work every day doing the thing she loves: helping couples show and share their love through their wedding. When she finds out at the last minute that one of her brides will be on a sleezy reality show, she worries that her career as a respected wedding planner is down the drain. Instead, the network executives were so impressed with her they tap her to do her own wedding show.
Ivy never expected her one-night stand Ben to show up as her cameraman for the new show, especially after their disastrous and fabulous first date. But the more time they spend together, the more Ivy knows Ben is the one, and the more determined she is to make him fall in love with her. The only problem is that Ben is so jaded, he might not be able to stick it out, regardless of if he falls for her right back.
I can not say enough good things about this book. All of the things I loved the most about the Bride Quartet series by Nora Roberts: the friendship between co-workers, the elegant and amazing weddings, and the beautiful core romance were all just as fabulous in Barth’s story. Add in the playful writing and sexy interludes, and it was an all around incredible contemporary romance read.
One of the things I loved most about this book was Ivy’s unwavering belief in love. She was so optimistic, so set in her faith that love really can conquer all, and she lives her life to the fullest with that belief every day. Many times when heroines are so obsessed with love, they can come across as desperate, however Ivy was so genuine and sweet and caring and loving with every single person she came across, and it felt so refreshing for me while reading. I loved that she loved her job, that she treated each and every person she met with the utmost respect and care, and that she was just such a loveable heroine.
While Ben was a complete opposite in his beliefs, constantly quoting the divorce rate and all the horrors a wedding day can bring – bridezillas, heinous mother-in-laws, etc – he was also a romantic in disguise. He never seemed to realize that he was sweeping Ivy off her feet with every small and sweet gesture, every helpful hand, every supportive shoulder. He talked big about never wanting to fall in love, never wanting to get married, and yet his actions were always loving and caring and supportive toward Ivy, the exact opposite of his words. It was kinda sweet to see him be so clueless, and yet such a fabulous hero at the same time.
Their romance was great as well. It started off with a bang (literally) and after they knew they could heat up the sheets, Ivy backed off and tried so hard to get Ben to fall for her emotionally as well. the sexual tension that went along with their dates and interactions at work blew me away and had me giggling and smiling at every page. I absolutely adored their journey together and can’t wait to see more of them in future books as they settle more into their relationship.
The supporting cast of characters is absolutely AWESOME as well. I loved Ivy’s business partner and team, as well as the group of guys that Ben finds himself falling in with. I liked that Barth added male characters who were part of the wedding scene, and yet manly and strong hero material as well. I never thought I’d be so excited to read about a male cake decorator, but I am swooning for more of Sam!
All in all this was such a fabulous contemporary read. The hero and heroine are both deep and wonderful characters in their own right, and when brought together they light up the book. Their friends and family are wonderful supporting characters as well, and make for a wonderful foundation for a series I know will be at the top of my to-buy list. Contemporary romance fans need to go out and read this book immediately, I promise you won’t be disappointed.
I give Planning for Love an A-
August 9, 2012
I am a sucker for wedding romances. Have always loved wedding themed movies, even if they weren’t such great quality films I very much enjoyed getting a behind the scenes glimpse at the wedding industry and how wedding planners and all the little fairies work behind the scenes to provide the bride and groom with their perfect wedding. So when I glimpsed the cover of Planning for Love my interest was piqued, then I read the blurb and I was hooked and when I saw it was the latest novel of Christi Barth, whose two novels (Act Like We’re in Love and Cruising Toward Love) I enjoyed I knew I would be reading it.
The blurb gives you a fairly good idea of what you can expect of Planning for Love: lots of pastel coloured frosting and wedding bells with a side of sexy banter and sweet romance.
Ivy is the perfect wedding planner: not only is she crazy organized (in her agenda she has “Pink tabs for showers, lilac for engagement parties and deep purple for weddings.”), can keep her cool even when faced the most disastrous wedding problems, but most of all she is the kind of person who believes in romance and happy ever afters 100%. She was such a sappy romantic, seeing the world through her rose coloured lenses that she even sounded a bit like a disney cartoon heroine, with birds braiding her hair and her constantly bursting into song and Hallmark card worthy lines.
Ben on the other hand was black to Ivy’s white (or rather rose& lilac combo), the complete opposite of Ivy. He is the epitome of commitment phobic. Not only he can’t and won’t commit to a woman, he doesn’t even spend more than a few weeks in a city. Paired to his revulsion of relationships and romance is his profound disillusionment and cynism.
“All kidding aside, I don’t believe romance is evil.”
“Really? ’Cause you do a pretty convincing impression. You see a guy walking down the street with a dozen roses, and you all but whip out the holy water, garlic and crosses.”
Christi Barth couldn’t have created two more different characters. Just a line which perfectly portrays their different outlook on life (and love):
“I don’t know how anyone can stay dry eyed at a wedding.”
“Easy. Know the divorce stats.”
I loved the easy bantering repartee between Ben and Ivy, it was fun and so sexy. Come to think of it, it was Ben who was sexy. He was dripping with sexual innuendos which at times were chuckle worthy but at times so hot I had trouble swallowing:
“We could tiptoe around for another hour, throw back a few more drinks. Give us both a chance to relax…and realize how exhausted we are. Instead of wasting that time, let me say that I want you. I want us to go upstairs to my room, right now. I want to take you, fast and hard. While you’re still coming down, I want to lick every inch and spiral you right back up to the stars. Then, if you’re still game, I really do want you on top.”
Christi Barth gave a whole array of wonderful secondary characters, whom I can’t wait to read more about! There was the sexy British charmer playboy, the considerate and warmhearted delicious cake-maker baker, the flashily dressing gay fashionista friend along with the Ice Queen redhead, the sassy sugaraholic best friend florist just to name a few of the most memorable ones. They were all unique and interesting, and the group chemistry was one I wouldn’t mind experiencing in person it was so entertaining:
Why on earth was Daphne putting on lipstick and belting the oversized jersey?
“Or is there a hook-up potential here I don’t know about?”
“What?” Daphne abandoned her obsessive preening and whirled to face Ivy. “Of course not. This is our crew, our regular guys. We’re all in the trenches together. I wouldn’t touch any of them if they came laid out and oiled up on a silver platter.”
“Oiled up, huh? Methinks the horny lady doth protest too much.”
Despite the melting chemistry between Ben and Ivy and the colourful palette of supporting cast the story moved rather slowly, and it took a dive for me at the big quarrel Ben and Ivy had at the anniversary party of Ivy’s parents. I just thought it so out of character for Ivy the perfect wedding planner to ruin a happy couple’s (especially her own parents) night by airing the dirty laundry in front of the festive party. (And it’s also a personal pet peeve of mine, I just don't like public scenes.)
I had ambivalent feelings regarding the resolution of the big crisis: I thought that Ben realized his feelings in no time at all, two days to face his feelings and make a whole emotional u-turn is way too early for a commitment phobic guy like him. Though I loved the way he made his declaration to Ivy, and his words were sigh-inducing:
“My joy is standing right in front of me. You are my joy. The question is, will you be my wife?”
I found that proposing marriage after having lived 30something years as a commitment-phobic with no transition through dating, living together, etc was unrealistic, especially seeing how cynic he was about the institution of marriage. I get that he realized he loved Ivy and didn’t want to spend his days without her, but why couldn’t he propose dating/moving in together instead of proposing right away? Sorry, this is another one of my personal pet peeves.
Despite the resolution I think Planning for Love has one of the best last lines:
“I never planned for love,” Ben said. “But I’m so damn grateful you did.”
Verdict: Planning for Love is the whole package: from the blissful cover to the delicious description and the aptly chosen title you know that you’ll get a deliciously sweet and romantic love story that will make you feel warm and fuzzy and sigh with happy contentment.
The hero is dreamy and his commitment phobia very realistic, while the heroine’s like a strawberry creamy cupcake with pale pink frosting: she is so sweet you might even get toothache. These two were truly fire and ice opposites and though their time together was fun and sexy I’m just not convinced of their longterm happiness and wedded bliss. I don’t get it why they couldn’t have a “happy for now” by being together in a committed relationship, which would have suited much more the character of the hero instead of this rushed proposal and wedding plans.
Christi Barth’s writing flows smoothly, there are enough details to give you a technicolor setting with well fleshed out and interesting characters and the quick repartee in the dialogues will keep you entertained and chuckling.
I can’t wait to read the next Aisle Bound novel and revisit the characters I grew to love in Planning for Love.
Plot: 7/10
Characters: 8/10
Writing: 8/10
Ending: 7/10
Cover: 10/10 cover is perfect, so frothy you can almost taste the bubbles in that apricot champagne!
Overall, I give it 3.5 stars!
The blurb gives you a fairly good idea of what you can expect of Planning for Love: lots of pastel coloured frosting and wedding bells with a side of sexy banter and sweet romance.
Ivy is the perfect wedding planner: not only is she crazy organized (in her agenda she has “Pink tabs for showers, lilac for engagement parties and deep purple for weddings.”), can keep her cool even when faced the most disastrous wedding problems, but most of all she is the kind of person who believes in romance and happy ever afters 100%. She was such a sappy romantic, seeing the world through her rose coloured lenses that she even sounded a bit like a disney cartoon heroine, with birds braiding her hair and her constantly bursting into song and Hallmark card worthy lines.
Ben on the other hand was black to Ivy’s white (or rather rose& lilac combo), the complete opposite of Ivy. He is the epitome of commitment phobic. Not only he can’t and won’t commit to a woman, he doesn’t even spend more than a few weeks in a city. Paired to his revulsion of relationships and romance is his profound disillusionment and cynism.
“All kidding aside, I don’t believe romance is evil.”
“Really? ’Cause you do a pretty convincing impression. You see a guy walking down the street with a dozen roses, and you all but whip out the holy water, garlic and crosses.”
Christi Barth couldn’t have created two more different characters. Just a line which perfectly portrays their different outlook on life (and love):
“I don’t know how anyone can stay dry eyed at a wedding.”
“Easy. Know the divorce stats.”
I loved the easy bantering repartee between Ben and Ivy, it was fun and so sexy. Come to think of it, it was Ben who was sexy. He was dripping with sexual innuendos which at times were chuckle worthy but at times so hot I had trouble swallowing:
“We could tiptoe around for another hour, throw back a few more drinks. Give us both a chance to relax…and realize how exhausted we are. Instead of wasting that time, let me say that I want you. I want us to go upstairs to my room, right now. I want to take you, fast and hard. While you’re still coming down, I want to lick every inch and spiral you right back up to the stars. Then, if you’re still game, I really do want you on top.”
Christi Barth gave a whole array of wonderful secondary characters, whom I can’t wait to read more about! There was the sexy British charmer playboy, the considerate and warmhearted delicious cake-maker baker, the flashily dressing gay fashionista friend along with the Ice Queen redhead, the sassy sugaraholic best friend florist just to name a few of the most memorable ones. They were all unique and interesting, and the group chemistry was one I wouldn’t mind experiencing in person it was so entertaining:
Why on earth was Daphne putting on lipstick and belting the oversized jersey?
“Or is there a hook-up potential here I don’t know about?”
“What?” Daphne abandoned her obsessive preening and whirled to face Ivy. “Of course not. This is our crew, our regular guys. We’re all in the trenches together. I wouldn’t touch any of them if they came laid out and oiled up on a silver platter.”
“Oiled up, huh? Methinks the horny lady doth protest too much.”
Despite the melting chemistry between Ben and Ivy and the colourful palette of supporting cast the story moved rather slowly, and it took a dive for me at the big quarrel Ben and Ivy had at the anniversary party of Ivy’s parents. I just thought it so out of character for Ivy the perfect wedding planner to ruin a happy couple’s (especially her own parents) night by airing the dirty laundry in front of the festive party. (And it’s also a personal pet peeve of mine, I just don't like public scenes.)
I had ambivalent feelings regarding the resolution of the big crisis: I thought that Ben realized his feelings in no time at all, two days to face his feelings and make a whole emotional u-turn is way too early for a commitment phobic guy like him. Though I loved the way he made his declaration to Ivy, and his words were sigh-inducing:
“My joy is standing right in front of me. You are my joy. The question is, will you be my wife?”
I found that proposing marriage after having lived 30something years as a commitment-phobic with no transition through dating, living together, etc was unrealistic, especially seeing how cynic he was about the institution of marriage. I get that he realized he loved Ivy and didn’t want to spend his days without her, but why couldn’t he propose dating/moving in together instead of proposing right away? Sorry, this is another one of my personal pet peeves.
Despite the resolution I think Planning for Love has one of the best last lines:
“I never planned for love,” Ben said. “But I’m so damn grateful you did.”
Verdict: Planning for Love is the whole package: from the blissful cover to the delicious description and the aptly chosen title you know that you’ll get a deliciously sweet and romantic love story that will make you feel warm and fuzzy and sigh with happy contentment.
The hero is dreamy and his commitment phobia very realistic, while the heroine’s like a strawberry creamy cupcake with pale pink frosting: she is so sweet you might even get toothache. These two were truly fire and ice opposites and though their time together was fun and sexy I’m just not convinced of their longterm happiness and wedded bliss. I don’t get it why they couldn’t have a “happy for now” by being together in a committed relationship, which would have suited much more the character of the hero instead of this rushed proposal and wedding plans.
Christi Barth’s writing flows smoothly, there are enough details to give you a technicolor setting with well fleshed out and interesting characters and the quick repartee in the dialogues will keep you entertained and chuckling.
I can’t wait to read the next Aisle Bound novel and revisit the characters I grew to love in Planning for Love.
Plot: 7/10
Characters: 8/10
Writing: 8/10
Ending: 7/10
Cover: 10/10 cover is perfect, so frothy you can almost taste the bubbles in that apricot champagne!
Overall, I give it 3.5 stars!
October 29, 2012
Reviewed on: http://readyourwrites.blogspot.com
For Read Your Writes Book Reviews
Planning for Love is the first book I’ve read by Christi Barth. I am SOOOO glad this book is part of a series. This will so NOT be the last book by Christi I will read.
Ivy Rhodes is a twenty-nine year old wedding planner and co-owner of Chicago’s Aisle Bound, a wedding consulting company, with her best friend Daphne Lovell. Ivy is a hopeless romantic and believes in happily ever after, long-lasting love. Her parents have been happily married to each other for forty years.
Ben Westcott is a cynic who doesn’t believe in marriages lasting past the “I Do’s”. Bennett’s entire family is full of un-happy ever afters. He believes his family has been cursed by his great-great-grandmother a hundred years ago. Interestingly enough, Ben is the cameraman for a wedding reality tv show.
When I started reading this book, I actually found the author on Twitter and asked if I was supposed to be laughing as I was reading it. I was expecting a romance, but I wasn’t expecting to find myself laughing at the characters. This was one of those rare books where I actually liked ALL of the supporting characters. By the end of the book, Ben and I both realized that this statement was true, “Family isn’t always blood. It’s the people in your life who want you in theirs; the ones who accept you for who you are. The ones who would do anything to see you smile, and who love you no matter what.”
I loved that the book started each chapter off with an advice quote like, “Life is what happens to us while we’re busy making other plans. - John Lennon” or “Love is an ideal thing, marriage a real thing. - Goethe”. Yes, I’m a planner and a hopeless romantic as well.
This isn’t one of those books that’s going to make you cry. But it is one of those books which will make you go, “Awwww.” Ernest Hemingway said, “It is good to have an end to journey toward; but it is the journey that matters, in the end.” To that I can say, Ivy and Ben do realize that they love each other and Ben is finally willing to put down roots and take a chance on love and the elusive happy ending that his family has never had. The journey that this book takes you on to get there is the magical part of romance that I love.
Did I mention that I was doing the happy dance, when I found out that this was part of a series? I can’t wait for the next book, A Fine Romance.
I was lucky enough to receive this book through NetGalley, but it was also on my personal reading wish list.
For Read Your Writes Book Reviews
Planning for Love is the first book I’ve read by Christi Barth. I am SOOOO glad this book is part of a series. This will so NOT be the last book by Christi I will read.
Ivy Rhodes is a twenty-nine year old wedding planner and co-owner of Chicago’s Aisle Bound, a wedding consulting company, with her best friend Daphne Lovell. Ivy is a hopeless romantic and believes in happily ever after, long-lasting love. Her parents have been happily married to each other for forty years.
Ben Westcott is a cynic who doesn’t believe in marriages lasting past the “I Do’s”. Bennett’s entire family is full of un-happy ever afters. He believes his family has been cursed by his great-great-grandmother a hundred years ago. Interestingly enough, Ben is the cameraman for a wedding reality tv show.
When I started reading this book, I actually found the author on Twitter and asked if I was supposed to be laughing as I was reading it. I was expecting a romance, but I wasn’t expecting to find myself laughing at the characters. This was one of those rare books where I actually liked ALL of the supporting characters. By the end of the book, Ben and I both realized that this statement was true, “Family isn’t always blood. It’s the people in your life who want you in theirs; the ones who accept you for who you are. The ones who would do anything to see you smile, and who love you no matter what.”
I loved that the book started each chapter off with an advice quote like, “Life is what happens to us while we’re busy making other plans. - John Lennon” or “Love is an ideal thing, marriage a real thing. - Goethe”. Yes, I’m a planner and a hopeless romantic as well.
This isn’t one of those books that’s going to make you cry. But it is one of those books which will make you go, “Awwww.” Ernest Hemingway said, “It is good to have an end to journey toward; but it is the journey that matters, in the end.” To that I can say, Ivy and Ben do realize that they love each other and Ben is finally willing to put down roots and take a chance on love and the elusive happy ending that his family has never had. The journey that this book takes you on to get there is the magical part of romance that I love.
Did I mention that I was doing the happy dance, when I found out that this was part of a series? I can’t wait for the next book, A Fine Romance.
I was lucky enough to receive this book through NetGalley, but it was also on my personal reading wish list.
September 11, 2012
Planning for Love by Christi Barth
ISBN: 9781426894213
Ivy Rhodes is the wedding planner and no mishaps ever occur at them, as per her order and calm.
The bride won the contest where the Wild Wedding Smackdown was to film her wedding. When Ivy falls down a few steps Bennett Westcott from True Life Productions rescues her and hopes she won't sue them as it was his camera bag she had stumbled over.
As the day goes on he dwells into how she can remain so calm throughout all the mishaps that occur and she tells and explains how she is able to do the whole thing without any visible signals to her other staff.
He loves the behind the scenes information from her.
After hot steamy sex that they connect on all levels she takes him out for the day and they thoroughly enjoy themselves and learn more about one another. He leaves in a hurry as he knows it's only a one night deal.
Love the scenery and landmarks that are highlighted of Chicago.
The TV company does track her down with an offer to follow her around the tape the weddings she plans for others. It will give her enough to fund her store which she already has ideas for. It's a gamble and even her associates think it's a good one.
She is more than surprised when she finds that Ben and his assistant will be the ones to tape the show. Her assistant has to step in and inform her that she needs to stop wanting to go to bed with Ben and concentrate on the weddings.
He is there to see how problems are handled and he asks later how she does it and she tells him. She does not want to have a replay of his earlier one night stand, she says he's a player and she doesn't want to be played.
Ben tries to out run his problem, and then the manager finds him trying to outrun his problems and he's not a runner. Talking to the manager helps a bit but he can't get her out of his mind.
Love how there are essentially just the two of them and a handful of other workers in this book, very easy to keep track of who's who.
Love all the marriage quotes from famous people at the start of every chapter.
Potential disaster from the TV show and now the wedding, she can't take much more but Ben has something up his sleeve...
He tells her about the family curse and she kinda thinks it not believable at all...
ISBN: 9781426894213
Ivy Rhodes is the wedding planner and no mishaps ever occur at them, as per her order and calm.
The bride won the contest where the Wild Wedding Smackdown was to film her wedding. When Ivy falls down a few steps Bennett Westcott from True Life Productions rescues her and hopes she won't sue them as it was his camera bag she had stumbled over.
As the day goes on he dwells into how she can remain so calm throughout all the mishaps that occur and she tells and explains how she is able to do the whole thing without any visible signals to her other staff.
He loves the behind the scenes information from her.
After hot steamy sex that they connect on all levels she takes him out for the day and they thoroughly enjoy themselves and learn more about one another. He leaves in a hurry as he knows it's only a one night deal.
Love the scenery and landmarks that are highlighted of Chicago.
The TV company does track her down with an offer to follow her around the tape the weddings she plans for others. It will give her enough to fund her store which she already has ideas for. It's a gamble and even her associates think it's a good one.
She is more than surprised when she finds that Ben and his assistant will be the ones to tape the show. Her assistant has to step in and inform her that she needs to stop wanting to go to bed with Ben and concentrate on the weddings.
He is there to see how problems are handled and he asks later how she does it and she tells him. She does not want to have a replay of his earlier one night stand, she says he's a player and she doesn't want to be played.
Ben tries to out run his problem, and then the manager finds him trying to outrun his problems and he's not a runner. Talking to the manager helps a bit but he can't get her out of his mind.
Love how there are essentially just the two of them and a handful of other workers in this book, very easy to keep track of who's who.
Love all the marriage quotes from famous people at the start of every chapter.
Potential disaster from the TV show and now the wedding, she can't take much more but Ben has something up his sleeve...
He tells her about the family curse and she kinda thinks it not believable at all...
September 13, 2012
I'm sorry, it seems I'm of a different mind of everyone else who read this book. I honestly didn't love it. I loved the secondary characters! They were wacky. lovable and entertaining and I hope some of them get their own stories. Ivy on the other hand I could do without. Throughout my reading of this book I developed a love/hate relationship with Ivy's character. Her enthusiasm for her job and all things romantic is everything a wedding planner should be like. I can tell you that, as a former event planner, it's exactly what brides look for in their coordinators. However, in Ivy's case, she just goes overboard. Why is it ok for her to hold true to her idea of romance and happily ever after just because everyone in her family for centuries has been engaged on Valentine's day and has had their HEA, but it's not ok for Ben to have his own beliefs about somehow his family not being meant to do the love thing?
Ivy childishly goes about “planning” ways to get Bennet to fall in love with her. However, what she calls a plan, every other sane person with half a brain would call a trap. And I was astounded that none of her friends found it disturbing. Personally, friend or not, I would have been calling Ben and telling him to run and run fast. It is obvious from the start that Ivy just wants to be in love. It doesn't matter who she's in love with, so long as she's in love. Can we say self centered, selfish and immature?
I just felt that throughout the book you could see Ben slowly falling for Ivy. However, all you see of Ivy is her manipulating both Ben and the situation. I likes the storyline, I enjoyed the secondary and monor characters, but Ivy was just annoying and personally not worth a 277 page book.
Ivy childishly goes about “planning” ways to get Bennet to fall in love with her. However, what she calls a plan, every other sane person with half a brain would call a trap. And I was astounded that none of her friends found it disturbing. Personally, friend or not, I would have been calling Ben and telling him to run and run fast. It is obvious from the start that Ivy just wants to be in love. It doesn't matter who she's in love with, so long as she's in love. Can we say self centered, selfish and immature?
I just felt that throughout the book you could see Ben slowly falling for Ivy. However, all you see of Ivy is her manipulating both Ben and the situation. I likes the storyline, I enjoyed the secondary and monor characters, but Ivy was just annoying and personally not worth a 277 page book.
August 6, 2012
Summertime goes hand in hand with wedding season. The flowers, the food, music and dresses. And what better job to have than that of a wedding planner. Ivy Rhodes is the wedding planner to have, she doesn't crack under pressure and actually manages to begin weddings on time. She plans for everything, even love...though the love that finds her still manages to surprise her.
Ivy meets Ben in true wedding blooper fashion. And the fun doesn't stop there. You get to follow along with Ben as he films the numerous crazy things that happen to Ivy at weddings. For Ivy the idea of revealing the behind the scenes workings on national tv is nerve wracking, but not more than the fact that it is Ben behind the camera.
You will be pulled into Ben and Ivy's story from the beginning. From their hot passion filled night to the surprised anger at having to work together. You will want to believe in love as strongly as Ivy does, and you will keep hoping that Ben can learn how to accept her view as well.
Christi Barth has written another fun summer hit with Planning For Love. Fun characters, great story line, and a perfect happily ever after. It is a book about weddings after all, you need a great HEA.
Review to be posted at Reading Between the Wines blog.
Ivy meets Ben in true wedding blooper fashion. And the fun doesn't stop there. You get to follow along with Ben as he films the numerous crazy things that happen to Ivy at weddings. For Ivy the idea of revealing the behind the scenes workings on national tv is nerve wracking, but not more than the fact that it is Ben behind the camera.
You will be pulled into Ben and Ivy's story from the beginning. From their hot passion filled night to the surprised anger at having to work together. You will want to believe in love as strongly as Ivy does, and you will keep hoping that Ben can learn how to accept her view as well.
Christi Barth has written another fun summer hit with Planning For Love. Fun characters, great story line, and a perfect happily ever after. It is a book about weddings after all, you need a great HEA.
Review to be posted at Reading Between the Wines blog.
August 29, 2014
I actually really liked the book, and truly enjoyed reading it. I expected a bit more of the ending. It was pretty average and I would've liked more than just him spontaneously realizing he was wrong and she was the one. Not sure what kind of more I wanted, but I just did.
December 20, 2014
Two-haiku review:
She's wedding planner
He films reality show
Do sparks ever fly!
Didn't love the start
Then finally got better
Nice happy ending
She's wedding planner
He films reality show
Do sparks ever fly!
Didn't love the start
Then finally got better
Nice happy ending
December 31, 2022
Being an event planner if more than a career it is Ivy’s calling. She believes in fairy tales, happy ever afters and that her and her prince are destined to meet. She doesn’t expect that he will be the cameraman sent to record the wedding she is planning or that what she believes is the beginning he believes will end after their night together.
When it comes to romance and love Ben couldn’t be more different than Ivy. He likes to keep his interactions with women casual and he thought the same would hold true for Ivy. After their night together he finds out that they will have to work together for the next three months but he never thought the biggest challenge would be denying his feelings for her.
When it comes to Ivy appearances are deceiving as she is a woman who knows what she wants and isn’t about to accept any less as she slowly breaks through Ben’s walls and shows him how wonderful love and life can be with the right person.
When it comes to romance and love Ben couldn’t be more different than Ivy. He likes to keep his interactions with women casual and he thought the same would hold true for Ivy. After their night together he finds out that they will have to work together for the next three months but he never thought the biggest challenge would be denying his feelings for her.
When it comes to Ivy appearances are deceiving as she is a woman who knows what she wants and isn’t about to accept any less as she slowly breaks through Ben’s walls and shows him how wonderful love and life can be with the right person.
August 23, 2012
Slick's review posted on Guilty Pleasures
I have to admit that I get a little “thrill” every time I read a new to me author. It’s kind of like meeting a new person and wondering if you’ll be able to be friends with them or if it’s better to stick them in the “acquaintance” corner. I’m pretty excited that after reading Planning for Love, I plan to put Christi Barth into the friend’s column. Planning for Love is an intriguing tale of a wedding planner, Ivy Rhodes, who not only believes in happily she promotes it day in and day out and Bennett Westcott, a journalist/cameraman, who doesn’t believe in romance or marriage. Yes, these two are on opposite ends of the spectrum and watching them is one fun, sexy, and rewarding task.
Right off the bat I fell in love with these characters, both completely locked in to only seeing things their way but instant attraction that can’t be denied. Ivy is shocked to learn one of her brides has agreed to be on a reality show Wild Wedding Smackdown and while she’d love to kill the bearer of that news, Bennett (Ben) she knows it’s not his fault. She manages to get through the day with her ever present grace and charm and then Ben manages to charm her panties right off. Ivy although completely likeable seems to be a bit naïve when it comes to men and relationships, but I’m guessing it might come with the profession. When you are around happy couples and weddings all the time, it’s probably a safe bet that you sometimes see what you want. After spending a night and a day with Ben, he starts to pull back and while he thinks he did the right thing by walking away, Ivy is crushed.
When Ben returns for work purposes, it becomes even more evident the chemistry is still there but so is the hurt and uncertainty. Both Ivy and Ben, being professionals, manage to come to agreement about their past not interfering with their working relationship. Soon Ben, whether he realizes it or wants to admit it, is romancing Ivy. Ivy of course picks up on it and decides to try and win Ben’s affections once and for all. With the help of her crazy and nutty staff she starts planning her mission. Ben on the other hand who’s been a loner most of his adult life finds himself with an odd assortment of friends; friends who not only figure out his professional shame, but sympathize with him because of it.
Ben and Ivy spend a lot of time together and really get to know each other well but they never end up back in bed. That is something Ivy has decided against and Ben although not totally on board with the decision, respects it. Ivy’s feelings continue to grow and she admits to herself she’s fallen in love with Ben, she of course doesn’t tell Ben because she knows it will flip him out. We know Ben feels something for Ivy but he’s so closed off and so anti love that it’s hard to know what he’s thinking or feeling.
This is a romance pure and simple but this story is about all kinds of relationships and that makes it special. The story line is amazingly complex and interesting, the dialog moves at a good pace and it’s funny when appropriate and serious when it needs to be, but it’s the entire cast of characters that makes this book so intriguing. This is absolutely a group of people that I would like to know and spend time with. Planning for Love is the first book in The Aisle Bound Trilogy and I am already anticipating the next release.
I have to admit that I get a little “thrill” every time I read a new to me author. It’s kind of like meeting a new person and wondering if you’ll be able to be friends with them or if it’s better to stick them in the “acquaintance” corner. I’m pretty excited that after reading Planning for Love, I plan to put Christi Barth into the friend’s column. Planning for Love is an intriguing tale of a wedding planner, Ivy Rhodes, who not only believes in happily she promotes it day in and day out and Bennett Westcott, a journalist/cameraman, who doesn’t believe in romance or marriage. Yes, these two are on opposite ends of the spectrum and watching them is one fun, sexy, and rewarding task.
Right off the bat I fell in love with these characters, both completely locked in to only seeing things their way but instant attraction that can’t be denied. Ivy is shocked to learn one of her brides has agreed to be on a reality show Wild Wedding Smackdown and while she’d love to kill the bearer of that news, Bennett (Ben) she knows it’s not his fault. She manages to get through the day with her ever present grace and charm and then Ben manages to charm her panties right off. Ivy although completely likeable seems to be a bit naïve when it comes to men and relationships, but I’m guessing it might come with the profession. When you are around happy couples and weddings all the time, it’s probably a safe bet that you sometimes see what you want. After spending a night and a day with Ben, he starts to pull back and while he thinks he did the right thing by walking away, Ivy is crushed.
When Ben returns for work purposes, it becomes even more evident the chemistry is still there but so is the hurt and uncertainty. Both Ivy and Ben, being professionals, manage to come to agreement about their past not interfering with their working relationship. Soon Ben, whether he realizes it or wants to admit it, is romancing Ivy. Ivy of course picks up on it and decides to try and win Ben’s affections once and for all. With the help of her crazy and nutty staff she starts planning her mission. Ben on the other hand who’s been a loner most of his adult life finds himself with an odd assortment of friends; friends who not only figure out his professional shame, but sympathize with him because of it.
Ben and Ivy spend a lot of time together and really get to know each other well but they never end up back in bed. That is something Ivy has decided against and Ben although not totally on board with the decision, respects it. Ivy’s feelings continue to grow and she admits to herself she’s fallen in love with Ben, she of course doesn’t tell Ben because she knows it will flip him out. We know Ben feels something for Ivy but he’s so closed off and so anti love that it’s hard to know what he’s thinking or feeling.
This is a romance pure and simple but this story is about all kinds of relationships and that makes it special. The story line is amazingly complex and interesting, the dialog moves at a good pace and it’s funny when appropriate and serious when it needs to be, but it’s the entire cast of characters that makes this book so intriguing. This is absolutely a group of people that I would like to know and spend time with. Planning for Love is the first book in The Aisle Bound Trilogy and I am already anticipating the next release.
September 9, 2012
Planning for Love is Christi Barth’s first novel in her Aisle Bound trilogy. This is a contemporary romance with the theme being Wedding Planners. I picked up this book because I loved Nora’s Bride Quartet series, and thought this might be a good relaxing and fun read. Having finished this book, I am happy to say that I really enjoyed Christi Barth’s take on Love, Romance, and Weddings.
Our awesome heroine is Ivy Rhodes, whom we meet at the start, having fallen on the steps, during her preparation for an upcoming wedding. Little did she know, her rescuer, would become the man of her own dreams, the very handsome and sexy Bennett Westcott.
Ivy is the perfect heroine, who also makes a super wedding planner, as she is all about romance & love. Ivy grew up in a family filled with happiness and successful marriages. Ivy runs Aisle Bound Wedding Planning business with her best friend Daphne, and they are considered the best in the business. Ivy with her strong belief in marriage, is also a miracle worker, as she always is a step ahead, being prepared for any mishap that might occur.
When she meets Bennett, she is appalled that he works for the trashy reality tv show that makes it business to show wedding disasters. But by the time the wedding is over, the two find themselves attracted to one another. Their chemistry clicks immediately, and they spend the night Bennett’s hotel room, having mindless intense sex. The next day, Ivy takes Bennett on a tour through Chicago, and the fun day comes to an immediate halt, as Ivy discusses her belief in love and marriage. Bennett, who is a believer of one night stands, immediately walks away and flies home. Ivy stunned, realizes Bennett was against relationships, and though very hurt, she pushes herself back into work mode to forget him.
A couple of months later, Bennett returns as a producer of a different, but nice wedding planning reality show. Ivy having agreed to participate in this show, she needed the money, did not know Bennett was part of it. They agreed to work together, but no relationships. As Ivy begins to realize, Bennett has a fear of any kind of relationship, knowing his family has been cursed on any chance of happiness. She sets on a plan to make Bennett open himself to love, and a chance at happiness. Bennett wants Ivy back in his bed, and Ivy plans to make Bennett fall in love with her by holding back the one thing he wants…sex.It was a lot of fun watching Ivy work her charms and seduction on Bennett, and at the same time, shut the door on him, causing him to go back to his hotel and take cold showers. The ending was exciting, emotional, and fun. It will take everyone,including friends to try and help Ivy & Bennett have a HEA.
One of the nice things about this story, is that Barth has created some very likable secondarily characters. She has a great group of friends, some of whom are her co-workers. They are fun, and add to the story. There are two more books to come, and it should be interesting to see whom will be the leads.
If you love romance, and want an enjoyable read, the Planning for Love is the book for you. Christi Barth has done a wonderful job in writing this novel, and I for one look forward to book 2 of Aisle Bound.
Barb
Our awesome heroine is Ivy Rhodes, whom we meet at the start, having fallen on the steps, during her preparation for an upcoming wedding. Little did she know, her rescuer, would become the man of her own dreams, the very handsome and sexy Bennett Westcott.
Ivy is the perfect heroine, who also makes a super wedding planner, as she is all about romance & love. Ivy grew up in a family filled with happiness and successful marriages. Ivy runs Aisle Bound Wedding Planning business with her best friend Daphne, and they are considered the best in the business. Ivy with her strong belief in marriage, is also a miracle worker, as she always is a step ahead, being prepared for any mishap that might occur.
When she meets Bennett, she is appalled that he works for the trashy reality tv show that makes it business to show wedding disasters. But by the time the wedding is over, the two find themselves attracted to one another. Their chemistry clicks immediately, and they spend the night Bennett’s hotel room, having mindless intense sex. The next day, Ivy takes Bennett on a tour through Chicago, and the fun day comes to an immediate halt, as Ivy discusses her belief in love and marriage. Bennett, who is a believer of one night stands, immediately walks away and flies home. Ivy stunned, realizes Bennett was against relationships, and though very hurt, she pushes herself back into work mode to forget him.
A couple of months later, Bennett returns as a producer of a different, but nice wedding planning reality show. Ivy having agreed to participate in this show, she needed the money, did not know Bennett was part of it. They agreed to work together, but no relationships. As Ivy begins to realize, Bennett has a fear of any kind of relationship, knowing his family has been cursed on any chance of happiness. She sets on a plan to make Bennett open himself to love, and a chance at happiness. Bennett wants Ivy back in his bed, and Ivy plans to make Bennett fall in love with her by holding back the one thing he wants…sex.It was a lot of fun watching Ivy work her charms and seduction on Bennett, and at the same time, shut the door on him, causing him to go back to his hotel and take cold showers. The ending was exciting, emotional, and fun. It will take everyone,including friends to try and help Ivy & Bennett have a HEA.
One of the nice things about this story, is that Barth has created some very likable secondarily characters. She has a great group of friends, some of whom are her co-workers. They are fun, and add to the story. There are two more books to come, and it should be interesting to see whom will be the leads.
If you love romance, and want an enjoyable read, the Planning for Love is the book for you. Christi Barth has done a wonderful job in writing this novel, and I for one look forward to book 2 of Aisle Bound.
Barb
December 29, 2012
Heroine and wedding planner Ivy Rhodes believes in love and happily ever after. Hero Bennett Westcott, a reality show camera man, not so much. Fortunately these two don’t let that minor detail stand in the way of a smokin’ weekend encounter during which Ivy realizes he’s her man. But Bennett takes note of the sappy love-and-forever direction Ivy has in her sights and flees. (No, really, he’s outta there.)
When Bennett returns, this time producing and filming Ivy in a new reality show she hopes will fund her next business venture, she plots to make him hers. Of course, with Bennett’s deep-seeded opposition to all things romantic, Ivy has her hands full: she needs to make him not only fall in love with her, but to realize, admit, and EMBRACE it. This sounds like a monumental task, but Ivy is convinced she can handle it, and considering her ability to solve OMG-wedding-day problems for her clients, there’s room for hope.
Her colleagues? Not so much believers. Ivy’s friends and coworkers — who rock so hard I want them for myself — have seen this all before. To put it nicely, they remain unconvinced. Adding to the oft-hilarity of having Bennett in constant proximity with a world of circling hearts is the group dynamic, which is practically a character in itself. At some point during the reading, I realized I would probably recognize most of these guys if I saw them on the street, which either says a lot about Ms. Barth’s writing or my own mental state. (Eh…probably a little of each.)
Needless to say, Ivy’s well-sculpted plans don’t go as … planned. The first notable kink in her streak of perfection comes at the worst time — an important family event — during which Bennett makes a cringe-worthy scene in front of pretty much everyone Ivy knows. (No, really, I cringed. And might have offered some him unsolicited advice, which he naturally ignored, apparently because scolding the screen of a Kindle isn’t an effective method of communication).
I loved this story. To say it’s delicious is an understatement (oh, yeah, there are some calories involved), and when I say I want to hang out with these characters I am SO not kidding. Some of my favorite moments are those when Bennett realizes this group of awesome doesn’t just belong to Ivy anymore … they’re his friends, too, and genuinely so. As as genuine friends are prone to do, they don’t lead him to this conclusion by being polite. They do so with some well-aimed brutality, hitting him, like Ivy, where it hurts-so-good: his heart.
If you enjoy lighthearted contemporary romance, PLANNING FOR LOVE belongs at the top of your reading pile. I’m SO looking forward to the next installment in Ms. Barth’s Aisle Bound series!
(copy provided by the author for review)
When Bennett returns, this time producing and filming Ivy in a new reality show she hopes will fund her next business venture, she plots to make him hers. Of course, with Bennett’s deep-seeded opposition to all things romantic, Ivy has her hands full: she needs to make him not only fall in love with her, but to realize, admit, and EMBRACE it. This sounds like a monumental task, but Ivy is convinced she can handle it, and considering her ability to solve OMG-wedding-day problems for her clients, there’s room for hope.
Her colleagues? Not so much believers. Ivy’s friends and coworkers — who rock so hard I want them for myself — have seen this all before. To put it nicely, they remain unconvinced. Adding to the oft-hilarity of having Bennett in constant proximity with a world of circling hearts is the group dynamic, which is practically a character in itself. At some point during the reading, I realized I would probably recognize most of these guys if I saw them on the street, which either says a lot about Ms. Barth’s writing or my own mental state. (Eh…probably a little of each.)
Needless to say, Ivy’s well-sculpted plans don’t go as … planned. The first notable kink in her streak of perfection comes at the worst time — an important family event — during which Bennett makes a cringe-worthy scene in front of pretty much everyone Ivy knows. (No, really, I cringed. And might have offered some him unsolicited advice, which he naturally ignored, apparently because scolding the screen of a Kindle isn’t an effective method of communication).
I loved this story. To say it’s delicious is an understatement (oh, yeah, there are some calories involved), and when I say I want to hang out with these characters I am SO not kidding. Some of my favorite moments are those when Bennett realizes this group of awesome doesn’t just belong to Ivy anymore … they’re his friends, too, and genuinely so. As as genuine friends are prone to do, they don’t lead him to this conclusion by being polite. They do so with some well-aimed brutality, hitting him, like Ivy, where it hurts-so-good: his heart.
If you enjoy lighthearted contemporary romance, PLANNING FOR LOVE belongs at the top of your reading pile. I’m SO looking forward to the next installment in Ms. Barth’s Aisle Bound series!
(copy provided by the author for review)
August 5, 2012
Review written for www.books-n-kisses.com
Have you ever heard the line “Chase him until he catches you”? Well that is the best way to describe this storyline. While some of the story could be a bit cliche’ it was really a good story. Ivy is the typical wedding planner who believes in romance, love and forever. Ben is the typical cynical man who believes in reality, lust and for now. But there is something about Ivy that he can not ignore.
What I enjoyed about this book was the characters were very real and relatable. Both Ivy’s romantic heart and Ben’s scared one are something people can relate to. The background stories are interesting and some of the scenes are very sweet between these two characters. I thought they were written very well together and enjoyed watching Ben do romantic things without even knowing he was being romantic. We have all met people like these two people. The woman who falls in love with every man she has one date with and the man who is afraid of commitment. They are the perfect characters to write a love story about.
However, they are also the same “couple” we read about in a lot of books. While they were enjoyable and it was a good version of the story it was the same story I have read before. Her the hopeless romantic woman and him the commitment-phobic man. There did not seem to be much difference in so many other books as far as storyline goes. I wanted something different, just any part of the book to be different, but it never happened.
I did enjoy the background characters. I would have loved to read more about the guys getting together. I loved the poker game and would have loved a couple more scenes of that throughout the book. Daphne is an interesting character and I hope the next book is about her. She is egotistical (when it comes to work), loyal (when it comes to friends) and funny (ok maybe snide is a better word). While I am sure her story is already written I would love to see Daphne with a man who is color-blind and can not view her floral “masterpieces” the way she does (just a hint to Barth in case her book is not written).
If you love the romance genre, as I do, then you will enjoy this book. Yes, it is something we have all read before but it is beautifully written and enjoyable. I look forward to Barth’s next book.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Have you ever heard the line “Chase him until he catches you”? Well that is the best way to describe this storyline. While some of the story could be a bit cliche’ it was really a good story. Ivy is the typical wedding planner who believes in romance, love and forever. Ben is the typical cynical man who believes in reality, lust and for now. But there is something about Ivy that he can not ignore.
What I enjoyed about this book was the characters were very real and relatable. Both Ivy’s romantic heart and Ben’s scared one are something people can relate to. The background stories are interesting and some of the scenes are very sweet between these two characters. I thought they were written very well together and enjoyed watching Ben do romantic things without even knowing he was being romantic. We have all met people like these two people. The woman who falls in love with every man she has one date with and the man who is afraid of commitment. They are the perfect characters to write a love story about.
However, they are also the same “couple” we read about in a lot of books. While they were enjoyable and it was a good version of the story it was the same story I have read before. Her the hopeless romantic woman and him the commitment-phobic man. There did not seem to be much difference in so many other books as far as storyline goes. I wanted something different, just any part of the book to be different, but it never happened.
I did enjoy the background characters. I would have loved to read more about the guys getting together. I loved the poker game and would have loved a couple more scenes of that throughout the book. Daphne is an interesting character and I hope the next book is about her. She is egotistical (when it comes to work), loyal (when it comes to friends) and funny (ok maybe snide is a better word). While I am sure her story is already written I would love to see Daphne with a man who is color-blind and can not view her floral “masterpieces” the way she does (just a hint to Barth in case her book is not written).
If you love the romance genre, as I do, then you will enjoy this book. Yes, it is something we have all read before but it is beautifully written and enjoyable. I look forward to Barth’s next book.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
May 14, 2013
I loved both characters, Ben and Ivy. However, each of them had issues that cause me to rate this as a 4-star read, rather than 5.
I love Ivy's basic character, her resourcefulness, her optimism and enthusiasm, and especially, her belief in happily-ever-after. Her propensity for believing every man is "the one", though, didn't quite fit with the rest of her character. That, and her borderline obsessive desire to get married, seemed a little immature, and just didn't mesh well with the image I had of Ivy.
Then there's Ben. Wow. Could the man have said any more romantic things than so much of what he said to Ivy? Even without the physical description, which was pretty yummy, I'd have been drooling over this guy! Again, though, he had that one trait, that one flaw, that didn't quite fit everything else about him. This is a man who's stared death in the eye, but he's afraid to give love a chance? This is a man who's very, very intelligent and logical, but he believes in a stupid family curse? Wait, what? Yes. Let me say it again. A man who doesn't believe in romance, love, marriage and happily-ever-after, but he believes in a family curse.
Overall, I truly did like this story. I'd read it again. But even if I read it again, I'll be thinking that Ivy should be a little more relaxed about getting married, and Ben needs to man up and take a chance on love and happiness, because, after all, love and marriage aren't for the faint of heart, are they?
I love Ivy's basic character, her resourcefulness, her optimism and enthusiasm, and especially, her belief in happily-ever-after. Her propensity for believing every man is "the one", though, didn't quite fit with the rest of her character. That, and her borderline obsessive desire to get married, seemed a little immature, and just didn't mesh well with the image I had of Ivy.
Then there's Ben. Wow. Could the man have said any more romantic things than so much of what he said to Ivy? Even without the physical description, which was pretty yummy, I'd have been drooling over this guy! Again, though, he had that one trait, that one flaw, that didn't quite fit everything else about him. This is a man who's stared death in the eye, but he's afraid to give love a chance? This is a man who's very, very intelligent and logical, but he believes in a stupid family curse? Wait, what? Yes. Let me say it again. A man who doesn't believe in romance, love, marriage and happily-ever-after, but he believes in a family curse.
Overall, I truly did like this story. I'd read it again. But even if I read it again, I'll be thinking that Ivy should be a little more relaxed about getting married, and Ben needs to man up and take a chance on love and happiness, because, after all, love and marriage aren't for the faint of heart, are they?
June 17, 2013
I downloaded this book for free from amazon. I'm not sure how long the promotion is going to last (or if it still is), but this is a great book and well worth the time to download it or even purchase it. Every once in a while there comes a book where it is like a crossover between romance and chic lit. This one strikes a perfect balance. I don't think it is a traditional romance because the book is populated with lots of secondary characters that each play a role in the story. There is friendships--and not with the girls. The guys get time there as well, which points to emotionally healthy people in general. This book also touches on careers, which play a major role, as well as dreams and goals. These things are balanced with the romance of the book, and somehow, the romance does remain the central theme. Many other reviewers have gone into information about the main characters, and the blurb does it justice. I will say that I liked the hero and heroine. The story was great and Barth did an excellent job. Again, this book is worth the read.
August 7, 2012
3.5 stars.
Hm, well, this would have easily been a four star book if it hadn't been for the ending. I don't know if it's a matter of the book needing more words or if it's that the author and I disagree strongly about the heroine's actions and the fact that no one is weirded out by them (. But I really did find the book and the set up great and I liked the side characters a lot and the tour of Chicago that you get to take while reading. But the ending, man. I just couldn't do it.
Hm, well, this would have easily been a four star book if it hadn't been for the ending. I don't know if it's a matter of the book needing more words or if it's that the author and I disagree strongly about the heroine's actions and the fact that no one is weirded out by them (. But I really did find the book and the set up great and I liked the side characters a lot and the tour of Chicago that you get to take while reading. But the ending, man. I just couldn't do it.
Read
August 1, 2012I DNF'd this one around 60%. I found it really slow and the dialogue not realistic.
Also had a hard time finding Ben sexy. I'll try to be more specific - When they first kiss -
She puckered up and planted a soft kiss. And then Ben quite expertly elbowed his way back into the driver's seat......Under the spell of the spring night, she'd yearned for nothing more than a touch, a quiet kiss. She'd wanted a sip of water to slake her lustful thirst.
then - "You really are like cotton candy. Every layer I find is pink and soft and melts in my mouth."
I don't know - these phrases stuck out at me and made it hard for me to get into the sexy scenes. Would someone really say that cotton candy line?
Also expected Ben's dark secret to be something bigger when it was revealed.
Also had a hard time finding Ben sexy. I'll try to be more specific - When they first kiss -
She puckered up and planted a soft kiss. And then Ben quite expertly elbowed his way back into the driver's seat......Under the spell of the spring night, she'd yearned for nothing more than a touch, a quiet kiss. She'd wanted a sip of water to slake her lustful thirst.
then - "You really are like cotton candy. Every layer I find is pink and soft and melts in my mouth."
I don't know - these phrases stuck out at me and made it hard for me to get into the sexy scenes. Would someone really say that cotton candy line?
Also expected Ben's dark secret to be something bigger when it was revealed.
August 17, 2012
This book have two characters with different belief and each holding tightly to their belief. Ivy is a strong believer of love and romance hence her career as a wedding planner and Ben who believed that his generation is cursed from love. The attraction between them is so strong that Ivy strived to prove to Ben that he is capable of love and the mission of Planning for love was being cultivated.
I find the story progressed rather slowly, and at times, i begin to feel bored reading it. The book only hit its momentum when i reaches almost the end of the book where both Ivy and Ben confronted each other about their future at Ivy's parent wedding annisversary.
I find the story progressed rather slowly, and at times, i begin to feel bored reading it. The book only hit its momentum when i reaches almost the end of the book where both Ivy and Ben confronted each other about their future at Ivy's parent wedding annisversary.
August 14, 2014
An extremely sweet and romantic addition to the romance world!
Read full review in the 2012 September issue of InD’tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2012 September issue of InD’tale Magazine.
May 19, 2017
Easy, fun, sassy read.
September 14, 2012
“Hopeless romantic Ivy Rhodes and anti-Cupid Bennett Westcott request the pleasure of your company for their disaster of a courtship” (direct quote from Amazon.com)
With a hook like that, I had high hopes for Planning for Love. Filled with an entertaining cast of wacky supporting characters, I had hoped for a stronger female lead. Planning for Love begins phenomenally with Ivy’s accident being caught on camera. This leads the reader to believe this will be a book filled with one mishap after another, all leading up to a grand happy ending for our two main characters. Instead we get a female lead who is very reminiscent of a 15 year old. Ivy’s enthusiasm for all things romantic is sweet, and as a former Event Planner myself, it’s exactly what brides want to see when they hire a coordinator. However, at times Ivy was so sweet I could feel the cavities forming.
Ivy has had her wedding planned since she was a child. And whereas, yes, most little girls do have their happily ever after planned, however vaguely, in Ivy’s case the groom is interchangeable and comes in second to the idea of being in love. It’s so laughable that even her own employees have an office pool going about her walking in the morning after a FIRST date and going on and on about how “this one” is perfect and he’s the one. A pool, which by the way, she has yet to ever actually win since every guy is the “the one”. Bennet put it best when he said, “Ivy, you don’t love me. You’re in love with love itself.” That pretty much sums up Ivy in a nutshell.
Bennet is indeed portrayed as a man running from love. He doesn’t believe in happily ever after, even avoids it at all costs. However, I’ve read thousands of romance novels and I have yet to ever read one where the main male character is running towards the alter instead of away. So Bennet’s character comes as no surprise.
If I am to be completely honest, I’d have to admit to cheating. I tried to enjoy this book. I really did. But my enjoyment was hampered by my love/hate relationship of Ivy. I went as far as doing something I never do when reading a book for review… I looked up other reviews. I hoped that by reading what others found so enjoyable I would pick up on things I did like. Here’s what I’ve found… Planning for Love does have some redeeming qualities. As aforementioned, the secondary characters were to die for. I would love to see a couple of them get their own stories in the near future. They added a humor and dimension to the story that may have otherwise fallen flat. The book was very well written and concise. The characters, no matter how annoying, stayed true to form throughout up until the very end. On character development and entertainment value alone, I’d have to give it a higher rating that I had first thought to. However, there are many who have enjoyed this book and I hope will continue to do so, regardless of my opinion on it.
Reviewed for Cocktails and Books by Iris. Review copy received from Publisher via NetGalley.
With a hook like that, I had high hopes for Planning for Love. Filled with an entertaining cast of wacky supporting characters, I had hoped for a stronger female lead. Planning for Love begins phenomenally with Ivy’s accident being caught on camera. This leads the reader to believe this will be a book filled with one mishap after another, all leading up to a grand happy ending for our two main characters. Instead we get a female lead who is very reminiscent of a 15 year old. Ivy’s enthusiasm for all things romantic is sweet, and as a former Event Planner myself, it’s exactly what brides want to see when they hire a coordinator. However, at times Ivy was so sweet I could feel the cavities forming.
Ivy has had her wedding planned since she was a child. And whereas, yes, most little girls do have their happily ever after planned, however vaguely, in Ivy’s case the groom is interchangeable and comes in second to the idea of being in love. It’s so laughable that even her own employees have an office pool going about her walking in the morning after a FIRST date and going on and on about how “this one” is perfect and he’s the one. A pool, which by the way, she has yet to ever actually win since every guy is the “the one”. Bennet put it best when he said, “Ivy, you don’t love me. You’re in love with love itself.” That pretty much sums up Ivy in a nutshell.
Bennet is indeed portrayed as a man running from love. He doesn’t believe in happily ever after, even avoids it at all costs. However, I’ve read thousands of romance novels and I have yet to ever read one where the main male character is running towards the alter instead of away. So Bennet’s character comes as no surprise.
If I am to be completely honest, I’d have to admit to cheating. I tried to enjoy this book. I really did. But my enjoyment was hampered by my love/hate relationship of Ivy. I went as far as doing something I never do when reading a book for review… I looked up other reviews. I hoped that by reading what others found so enjoyable I would pick up on things I did like. Here’s what I’ve found… Planning for Love does have some redeeming qualities. As aforementioned, the secondary characters were to die for. I would love to see a couple of them get their own stories in the near future. They added a humor and dimension to the story that may have otherwise fallen flat. The book was very well written and concise. The characters, no matter how annoying, stayed true to form throughout up until the very end. On character development and entertainment value alone, I’d have to give it a higher rating that I had first thought to. However, there are many who have enjoyed this book and I hope will continue to do so, regardless of my opinion on it.
Reviewed for Cocktails and Books by Iris. Review copy received from Publisher via NetGalley.
May 12, 2020
A charming and enjoyable contemporary romance that pits together two polar opposites who find themselves falling head over heels in love, Planning for Love is an utterly delightful read by Christi Barth.
As a wedding planner, romance is Ivy Rhodes’ bread and butter. She loves her job and adores making other people’s romantic dreams an absolute reality. Her career means absolutely everything to her and nothing makes her happier than tulle, confetti and wedding cake. However, when a reality television crew appears during one of her weddings and proceeds to film the whole ceremony, she is immediately on her guard. Ivy is not about to let anyone ruin the happiness of one of her couples, but her initial reserve and prickliness crumbles when she claps eyes on handsome, laidback and oh so sexy videographer, Bennett Westcott. Sparks begin to fly from the moment they meet and pretty soon they find themselves tangling up the sheets and having the night of their lives…
Bennett’s thriving news career had come to a sudden end after a scandal had almost destroyed him. Since then, the videographer spends his days filming catfights and bridezillas for reality TV. Love and romance might not usually be high up on Bennett’s priority list, but wedding planner Ivy soon proves impossible to resist. Bennett is the kind of man who has never had any qualms about sharing his bed – it’s just his heart that is the problem. Bennett likes to keep his relationship short, sweet and casual, so when Ivy begins to get a little bit too serious for his liking, he is not exactly overjoyed and immediately realizes that he simply cannot give the beautiful wedding planner what she needs, so he bolts.
Ivy is heartbroken at Bennett’s rejection, but things seem to be looking up when she is given her own reality show, Planning for Love. Only her joy gives way to dismay when she finds out that she is going to be spending the next few months with the man who shattered her heart into tiny little pieces: Bennett. Keeping him at arm’s length soon proves to be absolutely impossible, but with the flame of desire that refuses to be extinguished sizzling between them, will Bennett and Ivy keep their relationship strictly professional? Or will they realize that they should not squander this second chance at happiness?
Christi Barth’s contemporary romances are a must-read for fans of the genre. Sparkling with heat, wit, charm, pathos and heart, Planning for Love is a book that will entertain readers with a riveting blend of sizzling chemistry, hilarious repartee and compelling emotional drama and will have them falling in love with Ivy and Bennett, two brilliantly nuanced and wonderfully written protagonists.
A terrific romance guaranteed to make readers smile, Planning for Love is a heart-warming and uplifting tale readers will find themselves completely enchanted by!
As a wedding planner, romance is Ivy Rhodes’ bread and butter. She loves her job and adores making other people’s romantic dreams an absolute reality. Her career means absolutely everything to her and nothing makes her happier than tulle, confetti and wedding cake. However, when a reality television crew appears during one of her weddings and proceeds to film the whole ceremony, she is immediately on her guard. Ivy is not about to let anyone ruin the happiness of one of her couples, but her initial reserve and prickliness crumbles when she claps eyes on handsome, laidback and oh so sexy videographer, Bennett Westcott. Sparks begin to fly from the moment they meet and pretty soon they find themselves tangling up the sheets and having the night of their lives…
Bennett’s thriving news career had come to a sudden end after a scandal had almost destroyed him. Since then, the videographer spends his days filming catfights and bridezillas for reality TV. Love and romance might not usually be high up on Bennett’s priority list, but wedding planner Ivy soon proves impossible to resist. Bennett is the kind of man who has never had any qualms about sharing his bed – it’s just his heart that is the problem. Bennett likes to keep his relationship short, sweet and casual, so when Ivy begins to get a little bit too serious for his liking, he is not exactly overjoyed and immediately realizes that he simply cannot give the beautiful wedding planner what she needs, so he bolts.
Ivy is heartbroken at Bennett’s rejection, but things seem to be looking up when she is given her own reality show, Planning for Love. Only her joy gives way to dismay when she finds out that she is going to be spending the next few months with the man who shattered her heart into tiny little pieces: Bennett. Keeping him at arm’s length soon proves to be absolutely impossible, but with the flame of desire that refuses to be extinguished sizzling between them, will Bennett and Ivy keep their relationship strictly professional? Or will they realize that they should not squander this second chance at happiness?
Christi Barth’s contemporary romances are a must-read for fans of the genre. Sparkling with heat, wit, charm, pathos and heart, Planning for Love is a book that will entertain readers with a riveting blend of sizzling chemistry, hilarious repartee and compelling emotional drama and will have them falling in love with Ivy and Bennett, two brilliantly nuanced and wonderfully written protagonists.
A terrific romance guaranteed to make readers smile, Planning for Love is a heart-warming and uplifting tale readers will find themselves completely enchanted by!
June 12, 2014
Let me start this by saying I'm normally not a fan of those people who in real life are like Ivy. Those are the people in real life I want to just strangle... but for some reason in this book I liked her.
Ivy is one of those women who is in love with love. She has rose-colored glasses on when it comes to love which makes her chosen profession a good fit. She is a wedding planner who is blindsided by a reality show at one of her events. She of course is very concerned when she finds out as this show is known for hyping the trash factor and making it look more scandalous than it often is. She meets Ben and they have a very intense one-night stand - day after until she makes a comment that makes Ben freak out on her a bit... Just a wee bit.. but picks up the scraps and goes back to reality until..
Ben is not in the market for any sort of relationship other than the no commitment type.. aka sex and just sex but nothing more. He doesn't even really have a home but has his stuff floating from place to place with his sister. He believes his family is cursed when it comes to love since that is an old family legend. Plus I mean if no-one in your family for a few generations has been able to have a relationship work there has to be something to the whole curse thing right??? He comes back in to Ivy's life by virtue of another show that the network has decided to do on wedding planners. He was going to leave the network but the other job fell thru so now back to reality TV. The crew fell thru and back to the grind he goes. He and Ivy come to an understanding that they will have to work together so deal with it.
This is where the fun begins... you see their chemistry is off the charts but Ivy does relationships only and Ben doesn't so we can't act on it.. nope not going to act on it... but *sigh* I have to act on it but it doesn't mean what you think it means Ivy so lets just go out. --- Note how clueless he is ---
Ivy plays along but hopes that he will come around as long as she keeps sex out of the equation he'll realize that he really loves her and finally join the land of the committed.
I'm going to be good and stop at this point so I don't give it all away but take a chance and read this. I enjoyed watching the clueless Ben fumble his way thru this and the supporting cast was enjoyable. Please give us more of these people in the future... Please... LOL
Thanks to NetGalley.com and Carina Press for the chance to read this in exchange for my honest review.
Ivy is one of those women who is in love with love. She has rose-colored glasses on when it comes to love which makes her chosen profession a good fit. She is a wedding planner who is blindsided by a reality show at one of her events. She of course is very concerned when she finds out as this show is known for hyping the trash factor and making it look more scandalous than it often is. She meets Ben and they have a very intense one-night stand - day after until she makes a comment that makes Ben freak out on her a bit... Just a wee bit.. but picks up the scraps and goes back to reality until..
Ben is not in the market for any sort of relationship other than the no commitment type.. aka sex and just sex but nothing more. He doesn't even really have a home but has his stuff floating from place to place with his sister. He believes his family is cursed when it comes to love since that is an old family legend. Plus I mean if no-one in your family for a few generations has been able to have a relationship work there has to be something to the whole curse thing right??? He comes back in to Ivy's life by virtue of another show that the network has decided to do on wedding planners. He was going to leave the network but the other job fell thru so now back to reality TV. The crew fell thru and back to the grind he goes. He and Ivy come to an understanding that they will have to work together so deal with it.
This is where the fun begins... you see their chemistry is off the charts but Ivy does relationships only and Ben doesn't so we can't act on it.. nope not going to act on it... but *sigh* I have to act on it but it doesn't mean what you think it means Ivy so lets just go out. --- Note how clueless he is ---
Ivy plays along but hopes that he will come around as long as she keeps sex out of the equation he'll realize that he really loves her and finally join the land of the committed.
I'm going to be good and stop at this point so I don't give it all away but take a chance and read this. I enjoyed watching the clueless Ben fumble his way thru this and the supporting cast was enjoyable. Please give us more of these people in the future... Please... LOL
Thanks to NetGalley.com and Carina Press for the chance to read this in exchange for my honest review.
September 2, 2012
Description
Hopeless romantic Ivy Rhodes and anti-Cupid Bennett Westcott
request the pleasure of your company for their disaster of a courtship
Wedding planner Ivy Rhodes is the best in the business, and she's not about to let a personal problem stop her from getting ahead. So when she's asked to star in the reality TV show Planning for Love, it doesn't matter that the show's videographer happens to be a recent—and heartbreaking—one-night stand.
Bennett Westcott admits he didn't handle his encounter with Ivy very well. But looking at her beautiful smile—and great body—through a camera lens every day? He can't be faulted for suggesting they have some no-strings fun.
The more time they spend together, the more Ben realizes Ivy isn't the wedding-crazed bridezilla he'd imagined. But if he doesn't trust himself to make a relationship last, how can he convince Ivy to give him another chance?
My Thoughts
SO ADORABLE! Planning for Love was steamy, yet romantic. I enjoyed it immensely.
Ivy was such a happy, optimistic person. Being around her would undoubtedly make me a positive, springy person for the rest of my life. And the more laughter and positivity you have in your life, the longer you live! Well, at least I think that's how the saying goes. Ivy was such a romantic, and I am right up there with her. The friends she surrounded herself with were great, and they complimented her personality well. Ben was such a pessimist at first. But, he slowly comes to his senses--thank god.
"Whoa. This is my undying declaration of love. Wait your turn." Ben grinned.
This book had a dash of humor in it, but it was mostly based on love and overcoming your fears.
I really enjoyed it, and i highly recommend it if you want a sweet, romantic read. (:
Hopeless romantic Ivy Rhodes and anti-Cupid Bennett Westcott
request the pleasure of your company for their disaster of a courtship
Wedding planner Ivy Rhodes is the best in the business, and she's not about to let a personal problem stop her from getting ahead. So when she's asked to star in the reality TV show Planning for Love, it doesn't matter that the show's videographer happens to be a recent—and heartbreaking—one-night stand.
Bennett Westcott admits he didn't handle his encounter with Ivy very well. But looking at her beautiful smile—and great body—through a camera lens every day? He can't be faulted for suggesting they have some no-strings fun.
The more time they spend together, the more Ben realizes Ivy isn't the wedding-crazed bridezilla he'd imagined. But if he doesn't trust himself to make a relationship last, how can he convince Ivy to give him another chance?
My Thoughts
SO ADORABLE! Planning for Love was steamy, yet romantic. I enjoyed it immensely.
Ivy was such a happy, optimistic person. Being around her would undoubtedly make me a positive, springy person for the rest of my life. And the more laughter and positivity you have in your life, the longer you live! Well, at least I think that's how the saying goes. Ivy was such a romantic, and I am right up there with her. The friends she surrounded herself with were great, and they complimented her personality well. Ben was such a pessimist at first. But, he slowly comes to his senses--thank god.
"Whoa. This is my undying declaration of love. Wait your turn." Ben grinned.
This book had a dash of humor in it, but it was mostly based on love and overcoming your fears.
I really enjoyed it, and i highly recommend it if you want a sweet, romantic read. (:
August 9, 2012
Reviewd by: HarlequinJunkie Romance Reviews
I have never been one for reading books about wedding planners, I am more a bride and groom's road to the altar kind of girl but with this one I was pleasantly surprised and very much delighted. The book was a perfect 10!
The book told of Ivy the super organized wedding planner and her sexy as sin one night stand photographer,Ben. Reading about these two tip toeing around each other after their super hot encounter heated up the pages and I could not get enough!
The blurb will give you a very good idea what is to come but what follows is more than just your average story of love. The extreme passion and pure emotion that the author packed into this one is simply put superb!
Favorite Quote:
This book took me behind the scenes of what all goes into planning a wedding. I never actually thought about all the little details that are needed to bring a wedding together for a bride and groom.
I adored the glimpse into the world of wedding planning and the unfolding relationship between between Ben and Ivy is explosive!
Having never read anything by this author before I can with all honesty say that I will definitely be a returning reader and I am glad to have been introduced to the author's captivating style of writing.
I have never been one for reading books about wedding planners, I am more a bride and groom's road to the altar kind of girl but with this one I was pleasantly surprised and very much delighted. The book was a perfect 10!
The book told of Ivy the super organized wedding planner and her sexy as sin one night stand photographer,Ben. Reading about these two tip toeing around each other after their super hot encounter heated up the pages and I could not get enough!
The blurb will give you a very good idea what is to come but what follows is more than just your average story of love. The extreme passion and pure emotion that the author packed into this one is simply put superb!
Favorite Quote:
"I don't know how anyone can stay dry eyed at a wedding." Easy. Know the divorce stats."
This book took me behind the scenes of what all goes into planning a wedding. I never actually thought about all the little details that are needed to bring a wedding together for a bride and groom.
I adored the glimpse into the world of wedding planning and the unfolding relationship between between Ben and Ivy is explosive!
Having never read anything by this author before I can with all honesty say that I will definitely be a returning reader and I am glad to have been introduced to the author's captivating style of writing.
September 1, 2012
I loved almost everything about the book Planning for Love! The characters—both main and supporting—were fun and quirky, and the dialogue and situations had me laughing out loud more than once. I absolutely didn't want to put this one down. Even though Ivy was so put together and organized (and skinny, even though she daily brought he co-workers bakery items and BBQ—how is this possible? Oh, right; fiction) as to make me feel woefully inadequate, I couldn't help but love her. How can you dislike a character who loves B&J's Phish Food? I know, it's just not possible. Plus, she did have to put up with bridezillas galore and MOBs (mothers-of-the-bride) from hell literally daily as a wedding planner, so I guess she deserved the rest of it. And Ben…perfect blend of hotness, gallantry, and snark. Sigh. 99% of the book was totally unputdownable. I only had two little issues with this book. First—I'm fine with a jaded commitment-phobe who sees failed marriages everywhere and therefore doesn't believe in love. Totally believable. But an otherwise rational guy who honestly believes in a family cursed by a gypsy? A bit of a stretch. Second—the resolution of the story was reached just a bit too quickly and easily (though Ivy probably wouldn't agree, for the reader it comes off as pretty badda-boom, done). Neither really detracted from my ultimate enjoyment of the story, though—I will definitely be looking for more from this author as well as the next book in the series.
January 8, 2013
Planning for Love is a light flaky pastry with heavy cream inside. Ivy and Ben are at the opposite ends of the marriage spectrum. She’s all about weddings and romance and love; he wants nothing to do with any of that, especially the love part. Ivy is wedding planner extraordinaire and just happens to end up featured on “Wild Wedding Smackdown”, a reality TV show about bad weddings, the worse the better, because of one of her brides. Ben happens to be behind the camera for it. After the wedding, Ben and Ivy burn up the night only for Ben to walk away.
Now Ivy is being featured on a new reality TV show “Planning for Love” and is working toward her dream shop. Without warning, Ben is thrown back into her life as the stand in cameraman for her new show. Though hurt by Ben’s previous actions, Ivy can’t stop herself from falling in love all over again.
But Ben has some skeletons in his closet – a family curse, a ruined career, and a whole lot of pride. Ben’s angsty brooding is more than a match for Ivy’s sweetness. It is this tug of war that keeps Planning for Love from becoming overly saccharine and too light and airy. Ben and Ivy complement each other very well. Along the way, we meet a set of secondary characters all of whom could easily be protagonists in their own books. They are as well crafted and finely drawn as Ivy and Ben.
RATING: 4
REVIEWED BY: Monique Neaves,My Book Addiction Reviews
Now Ivy is being featured on a new reality TV show “Planning for Love” and is working toward her dream shop. Without warning, Ben is thrown back into her life as the stand in cameraman for her new show. Though hurt by Ben’s previous actions, Ivy can’t stop herself from falling in love all over again.
But Ben has some skeletons in his closet – a family curse, a ruined career, and a whole lot of pride. Ben’s angsty brooding is more than a match for Ivy’s sweetness. It is this tug of war that keeps Planning for Love from becoming overly saccharine and too light and airy. Ben and Ivy complement each other very well. Along the way, we meet a set of secondary characters all of whom could easily be protagonists in their own books. They are as well crafted and finely drawn as Ivy and Ben.
RATING: 4
REVIEWED BY: Monique Neaves,My Book Addiction Reviews
April 5, 2013
At the beginning of this story, I was pretty certain that Ivy Rhodes, all pink and girly and glass waaaaay half full, was going to eventually get on my nerves. She is in love with love and is committed to having her brides get the most perfect experience on their wedding days. But, it eventually became clear that, while she seemed a bit starry-eyed and simplistic, Ivy lives what she speaks. Behind all that froth is a woman who is extraordinary at what she does because she believes in herself and would do anything to have her brides' days be perfection.
Ben Westcott has plenty of reason to be cynical and his pairing with Ivy at first seemed headed for eventual disaster. But, even he couldn't resist her pull as she was a real force to be reckoned with. Eventually, he could see the grit and determination of Ivy underneath the girly exterior and you had to admire how she was a stand for her beliefs. Their group of friends, all somewhat connected to the business, added comic relief as well as intrigue for coming stories.
I couldn't believe that Ivy had won me over in the end and she will you if look closely and see what really lies beneath. She handled Ben and his cynicism about love and romance, their banter being one of the highlights of the story. I enjoyed the story, the romance and being slain by Ivy.
Ben Westcott has plenty of reason to be cynical and his pairing with Ivy at first seemed headed for eventual disaster. But, even he couldn't resist her pull as she was a real force to be reckoned with. Eventually, he could see the grit and determination of Ivy underneath the girly exterior and you had to admire how she was a stand for her beliefs. Their group of friends, all somewhat connected to the business, added comic relief as well as intrigue for coming stories.
I couldn't believe that Ivy had won me over in the end and she will you if look closely and see what really lies beneath. She handled Ben and his cynicism about love and romance, their banter being one of the highlights of the story. I enjoyed the story, the romance and being slain by Ivy.
April 27, 2014
Contemporary, Chicago
Ivy Rhodes is a hopeless romantic and the best wedding planner in the business. She isn’t going to let anything get in the way of getting ahead and most certainly not a personal problem. She isn’t about to let a heartbreaking and recent one-night stand get in the way when she is asked to star in the reality show Planning for Love.
Bennett Westcott is a videographer that didn’t handle his encounter with Ivy well at all. Watching her smile and great body through the camera every day makes him want to try for some no strings attached fun with her.
The more time they spend together shows Ben that Ivy isn’t at all what he imagined her to be namely a wedding-crazed bridezilla. He has never trusted himself to make a relationship work let alone last. Now he has to try and convince Ivy to give him another chance.
This is a romance that takes the reader on a very fun ride. The situations at times are comical and seeing how the character react makes for a very enjoyable read. It is also interesting to see how the characters overcome their respective pasts to get the future that they find that they really want to have with each other. This story kicks off a series that if they rest live up to this one should prove to be a wonderful series to read and enjoy. It also gives a fun spin to both weddings and reality shows.
Ivy Rhodes is a hopeless romantic and the best wedding planner in the business. She isn’t going to let anything get in the way of getting ahead and most certainly not a personal problem. She isn’t about to let a heartbreaking and recent one-night stand get in the way when she is asked to star in the reality show Planning for Love.
Bennett Westcott is a videographer that didn’t handle his encounter with Ivy well at all. Watching her smile and great body through the camera every day makes him want to try for some no strings attached fun with her.
The more time they spend together shows Ben that Ivy isn’t at all what he imagined her to be namely a wedding-crazed bridezilla. He has never trusted himself to make a relationship work let alone last. Now he has to try and convince Ivy to give him another chance.
This is a romance that takes the reader on a very fun ride. The situations at times are comical and seeing how the character react makes for a very enjoyable read. It is also interesting to see how the characters overcome their respective pasts to get the future that they find that they really want to have with each other. This story kicks off a series that if they rest live up to this one should prove to be a wonderful series to read and enjoy. It also gives a fun spin to both weddings and reality shows.
September 19, 2012
I know that I should wait to write a review on this because I was in a weird mood while reading but...I'm going to soldier on and write one.
I did enjoy this book but it felt like three separate parts to one overall story. If someone told me that they started as novellas, I would believe them. Now, I'm not complaining, because the story was good...that's just my opinion/observation. The first part was their initial meeting . The second part was when they were unexpectedly thrown together for an extended period of time. . The final part was Ben admitting that he was happy then throwing it all away because he was scared. If it wasn't a novella, it was definitely the break between the "major" plot points.
Like I said, even though it was obvious (to me), it was still extremely enjoyable. I loved the contrast of opinions between Ivy and Ben on her job. She truely was a miracle worker.
I did enjoy this book but it felt like three separate parts to one overall story. If someone told me that they started as novellas, I would believe them. Now, I'm not complaining, because the story was good...that's just my opinion/observation. The first part was their initial meeting . The second part was when they were unexpectedly thrown together for an extended period of time. . The final part was Ben admitting that he was happy then throwing it all away because he was scared. If it wasn't a novella, it was definitely the break between the "major" plot points.
Like I said, even though it was obvious (to me), it was still extremely enjoyable. I loved the contrast of opinions between Ivy and Ben on her job. She truely was a miracle worker.
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