Wed Like Wildfire

Happily Ever After, Inc. #1

by Lauren Helms

Once upon a time, there was a grumpy CEO who met a wedding planner who never stopped smiling… Cassie
You could say that I live and breath weddings and love, and as a wedding planner, a happily ever after is the main event. So when I learn that Theo Abbot absolutely hates weddings, that should be my clue to run for the hills as fast as my sexy little black stilettos will take me.

But I digress. I'm on the hunt for my own epic love story, one T-Swift herself could write a song about. Which means unavailable and seemingly uninterested CEOs are off limits. Even if the man oozes sex appeal and his grumpiness turns me to mush. A little flirting never hurt anyone.

Theo
Cassie Winters shines so bright I need a pair of Ray-bans to look directly at her. Problem is, once I've set my eyes on her, I can't seem to look away. The woman is a walking, talking promotion for all things love and happiness.

Hand me an antacid.

Counting, on one hand, the amount of times I've failed in my life, leaves me knowing I won't ever do "love" again. I'm set in my ways and not even this sexy little spitfire could sweet talk me out of my decision to never get married. Yet it only took one drink to derail that plan.

But, things aren't always as they seem and when real life gets in the way of this fairy tale, we're both forced to take a hard look at what we truly want.

Are we both ready to wed or is this a wildfire that's about to burn out?

Genres: Contemporary Romance, Romance

207 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 20, 2023

About the author

Lauren Helms is a romance author her nerdy and flirty contemporary words. Lauren has forever been an avid reader from the beginning. After starting a book review website, that catapulted her fully into the book world, she knew that something was missing. While working for a video game strategy guide publisher, she decided to mix what she knew best--video games and romance. She decided to take the plunge and write her first novel, Level Me Up. Several published novels later, Lauren, with her book bestie, also formed PR company, Forever Write PR, to help other authors promote their books.

Lauren lives in Indianapolis, Indiana sharing her love of books and video games with her own Gamer Boy husband and three little kid nerds who will hopefully grow up to share the love of things that united Lauren and her husband on their own happily ever after.

You can connect with Lauren in the following ways:

Read her Books on Amazon!
LIKE on Facebook!
Subscribe to her Newsletter
Follow on Instagram

Reviews

[Sierra ✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this as an advanced readers copy, it was the first book I've read by this author and it did not disappoint! It was actually much better than I thought it would be, it kept me interested and once I started, I read all the way through. They always say "opposites attract" and people think not but I believe so because you will bring out the best in each other just like these characters did. I think a grumpy person and a sunny person are perfect for each other. I can't wait for the next book!

[Denise Kulesa · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG this book was amazing and so sweet and funny. Theo is anti-marriage after being left at the altar. Cassie is the wedding planner his sister selects. Theo and Cassie clash from the first time they meet yet cannot deny something is happening between them.

They break up then both agree to be matched with people and only Theo knows his match is Cassie. When she arrives at the "blind date" she is mad at first but they work everything out and he wants the sunshine with her.

This book is a must read and I cannot wait to read more by Lauren Helms

[RomanceLand65 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful book. I really enjoyed Mr grumpy and Ms sunshine. I read this book as an arc and I can tell I will be reading more from this author. She writes her characters well and gives a wonderful hea. Take a chance and enjoy this read.

[Kari · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wed Like Wildfire is the first book in the Happily Ever After, Inc series. This one is Cassie and Theo's story. Cassie is a wedding planner and Theo is the brother of her client. He is paying for the wedding and that is all he wants to do with it. The problem is that despite wanting to stay alone and grumpy, he keeps getting thrown together with Cassie. Cassie clashes with him, yet she makes him smile.

Thought this was a very sweet romance. I loved both Cassie and Theo. They had great chemistry. Both of their backgrounds definitely shaped who they were in the present. I do love stories when, despite fighting it, the hero ends up falling for the girl. Along with the romance, the story has great characters, I loved Cassie's friends. I also loved Ruth. I look forward to their stories in the future. I highly recommend this one.

[Kari Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cassie is an event planner who helps others celebrate their love even if she hasn’t found it for herself. She knows that the right person is out there but due to her past she is determined to find him on her own, but she never expected he might be the bride’s grumpy brother who is determined to protect his heart.

Theo is a successful businessman who has been hurt by love in the past and it isn’t an experience he wants to repeat. He is equally intrigued and infuriated by Cassie, but will an interfering grandmother be enough for him to realize how he feels about her before it is late?

The interactions between them are humorous, the emotions are heartfelt, and the characters have you invested in them both as individuals and as a couple.

[Marilyn Diamond · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’d love to be sitting with a boring dinner date an 2 men send me a drink. You have to love Cassie Winters she is always walking into Sunshine. As a wedding planner she has a client whose grumpy Brother pays for everything as long as he doesn’t have to participate. Until Theo Abbott lays eyes on Cassie. Theo was left at the altar and despises weddings. However his Sister the Bride has other motives. Cassie sets up a dinner with her estranged family an messy Mother talks to much revealing Cassie left a man at the Altar. Theo Abbott bolts. I loved all the characters in this novel. Fast paced romantic an sweet. I could not put this book down. I read a advanced copy for a honest review.

[Gale Schwark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lauren Helms new series kicks off with a bang with Wed Like Wildfire! She is masterful with her characters and keeps you wanting more with ever page turned. This was my first read by this author and I will be watching/waiting for the next book in this series! I loved the characters and the storyline and you will too!

[Read.Review.Repeat Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Theo and Cassie's story. Their differing personalities - Cassie's infinite sunny optimism, Theo's grumpy pragmatism - makes them a perfect match. I loved Ruth and her influence on these two. The steam is instant between them, the falling into love, easy. I am excited for Layla's story.

[Aubree Valentine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lauren Helms is back with a brand new series that is guaranteed to make you swoon.

Wed Like Wildfire is a charming and flirty - grumpy/sunshine romance featuring a wedding planner and (gasp) her client's older brother.

This book checks off all of the boxes, setting this entire series off with a bang.

It includes an infusion of Lauren's signature nerdy/flirty undertone that she writes so well. I'm telling you, no one does the flirty/nerdy thing quite like her.

Wed Like Wildfire features some familiar faces as well as a few exciting hints about what might be happening next.

Oh, and did I mention Ruth? Who doesn't love a matchmaking "grandma" figure to round out some all-around great story telling?

Five out of Five stars for this one, y'all!

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a first read for me for this author and I was not disappointed. This was a lovely start to a new series, and is the ultimate sunshine meets grumpy love story. You have Cassie who loves love and plans weddings for a living, and then you have Theo who is a workaholic and hates all things marriage. A match made in heaven for sure lol. They do say opposites attract, and little do they know they are exactly what each other needs and they balance the other out perfectly.

There is also some fun side characters, I really enjoyed Theo’s sister as well as Ruth, the meddling grandmother figure and matriarch of HEA Inc. Who doesn’t need a little push in the right direction sometimes ;).

This book checks a lot of boxes for any romance reader; funny, feels, a little angst and a little spice! I would definitely recommend and will read more from this author and series in the future ☺️

*I received an ARC copy of this book for an honest review*

[Reading by Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cassie has been a wedding planner for ten years and is double-checking that everything for the reception is running smoothly when she gets a call saying the bride has been crying for the last two hours and they need her in the bridal suite. When weddings start to feel like each other she always prays for a distraction and today's wedding is definitely one to remember. Bride meltdown over her dress being too tight and two feisty grandmothers up to no good.

She loves her job and what makes it even more special is that her partner at Happily Ever After, Inc., Layla, is an actual matchmaker. She is Layla's one failure, although maybe not since she was almost to the altar before she called off her wedding.

She met the man she is currently dating on her best friend's Match Me app. The app is for those who want to meet the old-fashioned way with mingles and dates set up by a Matchmaker...and despite Layla wanting to personally choose for her Cassie is determined to find a match on her own without any interference.

Theo is the owner of a multibillion-dollar pharmaceutical company and doesn't have time or interest in helping his sister Nora plan her wedding. After being left at the altar he wants absolutely nothing to do with weddings but told Nora that he would pay for her happy day as long as she understood he wanted no other involvement.

When she calls him overwhelmed with planning a wedding while being a third-year medical student he agrees to hire a wedding planner. But despite his continued protests, Nora finds ways to get him and the wedding planner together.

I loved this book! It is very well written and the characters are fully developed and relatable. I really love the aside comments from both Cassie and Theo which make it seem like they are speaking directly to the reader. Not only are they hilarious but bring the reader closer to the characters.

Cassie loves romance and everything weddings. Theo wouldn't touch either with a ten-foot pole. Cassie is energetic and full of smiles. Theo is a workaholic grump. But, despite all of this the more they are thrown together the more they can't resist each other.

Just when Cassie accepts that in order to be with Theo she has to put aside her dreams of a wedding and a white picket fence her past threatens to take everything away.

This book is action-packed, full of angst and smoking hot. The matchmaking shenanigans of Layla's grandmother and Theo's sister will keep you laughing and turning the pages.

Highly recommend! Looking forward to Layla's story.

[Rebmay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I do love a good grumpy/sunshine relationship and this book provides just that. Cassie is a wedding planner and a big believer in love and relationships. It is a little ironic that she isn’t in love, engaged or married given her career, but she just hasn’t found her “One”. Her matchmaker friend has tried to help and unfortunately the match was unsuccessful, though her friend is always asking Cassie to let her try again. Cassie is determined to find the right man for her on her own, but there is a certain matchmaking grandmother who is on her case and believes she has found the perfect match for her. Both would-be partners are loathe to accept any help, so some discreet nudging and maybe some sneaky manoeuvring are in order.

Theo is rich, grumpy and wary of love and entanglements. Love and marriage are not on his radar after his last relationship ended badly. His younger sister is engaged to be married, however, and he is happy that she is happy. When she tells him she is feeling overwhelmed by wedding planning and her medical school studies he tells her to hire a wedding planner, not knowing that the chosen wedding planner will change his own life. Meeting Cassie for the first time knocks his equilibrium off kilter, so much so that he does his best to avoid any further meetings with her. Cassie isn’t exactly thrilled with dealing with Mr. Rude and Grumpy either, but a certain matchmaking grandmother is not about to let them avoid each other. Both say they find the other to be irritating, but the sparks and super hot chemistry are palpable and obvious to anyone who sees them together. How long will it take before they acknowledge their connection and give into the need to know each other more intimately?

This book is fun and very entertaining with a dose of snarky banter and angst. The grump and miss sunshine may struggle with their attraction at first, but find they have an intangible connection. Ruth, the matchmaking grandmother, knows her stuff and isn’t about to let these two ruin her perfect record for successful matches, those these two don’t make it easy at all. Job well done. I received an ARC of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Lynn Reynolds · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 4.5 Stars

The author has included a Playlist for your listening pleasure. If you’re not someone who likes to listen to music as you read, why not play it either before or after you read this book.

Cassie has a job where she has to juggle a lot of things all at once. Theo is a good brother who will do just about anything for his sibling. I loved how the author made so many scenes where these two had to be in the same space at the same time.

Cassie has a job where she makes things easier for couples that are getting married. Theo is a man who seems to be consumed by his work. But something has come his way that has him thinking of other things. Our author gave me plenty of tittering moments. A lot of those moments, thankfully, were when I was alone in the staff lounge - didn't want to have to explain the scene I was reading at the time.

There are a lot of “grumpy” books that are coming out. If you’re not sure if that’s your jam, check this book out first. Theo is the perfect character to break your teeth on. Cassie is a great counterpoint to his grumpy. It was a fun read from beginning to end and left me looking forward to Twist of Date.

I was not compensated nor was I required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

[Catherine (The Sassy Bookster) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is my first book by this author and the fun, colorful cover was the first thing that caught my eye. This was for the most part a cute and enjoyable read.

Cassie is a sunny and bubbly wedding planner who dreams of meeting her own dream man and settling down with the 2.5 kids and white picket fence, but she wants to do so organically, instead of being matched by a matchmaker. Theo is grumpy workaholic who channeled all his energy into his work and taking care of his younger sister after a series of unfortunate events in his life.

When these two meet, the inevitable explosion happens. However, beyond that is an attraction that they cannot resist, but with very different personalities and outlooks on life, do they have a chance of a future? 

This was a low angst, medium drama story and I like that the characters were both a little older than usual. I liked reading this book from the first page and I always enjoy the nice cast of secondary characters that round out a romance. However, I have two things that were not so enjoyable: 

the lack of professionalism in getting involved with the person signing the checks while on a job,
I personally do not enjoy pushy and meddlesome characters so while the sister's machinations were mildly annoying, the grandmother's more obvious pushiness was a little off-putting. 

I'm a bit interested in Layla and Cole's story and would love to read how that plays out. 

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

[Stephannie Tolitsky- Seppyreadsbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seppy's 5 Star Review:
Wow, this was an amazingly sweet read. About I guy who seems to be always grumpy and a woman who is full of sunshine. An amazing opposite attract book. Cassie is a wedding planner who just loves what she does and wants love and a beautiful wedding one day when she finds the "one".  Cassie tried her best friend's app and it didn't work out so this time she is determined to find a man on her own.  Cassie's best friends matchmaking grandmother desperately wants to find Cassie her perfect match.  But Cassie isn't interested. 

Theo is a grumpy, workaholic, rich guy whose sister is engaged to be married and hires Cassie.  Theo is paying for the wedding but doesn't want to be involved in the planning. Theo's heart was broken once he has sworn off love or married. Cassie is hired as the wedding planner and when they first meet sparks fly. But it's not hearts and rainbows at first.  These two have chemistry but are so different. They want different things, it sounds like a recipe for disaster. I loved this one and couldn't put it down. It's an amazingly good read. One-click this one to see what happens!  

[Amy M. (Amy Loves Reading Blog) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author has such amazing talent and I’m always eager to read anything she puts out!! I couldn’t wait to read this one about a wedding planner because it always puts me in an amazing mood!!

Cassie has her ideas of everything she wants and decides she doesn’t want to settle for less. I love how she has a business with her best friend and her best friends grandmother. They are all a hoot and just makes the book that much more enjoyable!!

Theo is a grump and I’m sure his picture would be next to the word in the dictionary but around Cassie it’s different. I could feel the change in them but I honestly didn’t think their pasts would make things shatter the way they did. I was angry, hurt and so annoyed all at the same time and couldn’t it happening.

Cassie’s mother seems to be consumed by her son and his accomplishments that she fails to see Cassie and I hurt so much during these moments. I wanted to be at that dinner and jump across the table to shove a sweet down her throat. I loved this story so much though and can’t wait to see more from these friends of Cassie!!

[Erica · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars! Such a great kickoff to a new series that will easily have me coming back!

We meet wedding planner Cassie who loves her job, but is stuck in her loveless love life. She agrees to take on a last minute client in Nora and learns that Nora's mysterious brother, Theo will be paying for the wedding. While trying to sort out budget logistics, Cassie learns that Theo absolutely hates weddings after being left at the alter by his ex-fiancé, making his grumpy demeanor hard to work with. However, when the two are left alone during a few meetings about Nora's wedding, they learn that grumpy and sunshine make excellent chemistry.


This could have been a 5 star read for me. Theo just crossed the line from grumpy to utter asshole one too many times and made me dislike him sometimes.
I still absolutely loved reading this and loved the banter between Cassie and Theo and Nora and Theo.
The spice was also so so so good!

The biggest thank you to Lauren Helms and BookFunnel for an eARC of #wedlikewildfire in exchange for an honest review!

[Ana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cassie is a wedding planner and Theo is the big brother of one of her brides. She believes in that happily ever after and he doesn't. Now they have to work together.

Cassie is good at her job, efficient and perfect sunshine. I liked how she treated with honey really difficult situations, that's a difficult but really good hability to have. 

Theo is the perfect image of a scorned man that can't see past his previous problems. Although he's successful in his job, he's lonely and bitter. I liked how he was able to open up to a big ray of sunshine.

When two character are so different It is very interesting seeing them going from express opposite opinions in almost everything to see how they fit and merge their characters.

The people surrounding them are quite interesting, do lots od meddling and help build a good world. Of course, now I'm really curious about Layla's story.

I received an advanced copy in exchange of an honest review.

[Romantic Reads and Such · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ford may be grumpy (and sexy), but it’s because he took a lot on his shoulders at an early age. Add in a romance gone wrong and he’s got reasons to be the way he is. His sister’s bubbly, happy (and sexy) wedding planner has him feeling all sorts of feels, both good & bad.

I loved these two together. Cassie brings out the best in Theo, the kind of guy he could have been before life handed him a lot of responsibility and heartbreak. She makes him laugh and their connection is definitely unmistakable. But with different outlooks on life, can they find a compromise?

Was it a predictable story? Yes. Was it an enjoyable read? OMG yes! Fun, funny, and full of feelings, I found it hard to put it down. It’s light-hearted, but also not, and easily moves you to that HEA ending you crave in a romance.

**I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**

[Tanja OMGReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved Cassie. She was smart, funny and knew how to handle a room. When she meets Theo she's not letting his grumpy attitude get to her in order to do her job. Theo is not happy with her. She was all sunshine compared to him, and she awoke something deep inside him that he thought was locked down tight. But doing his sister's wedding and a little bit of meddling from family and friends, they spent time together, where feelings got involved. But as soon as her happiness is revealed, he reacts upon past hurts and almost ends up losing the best thing that ever happened to him.

I'm not sure I'm a huge fan of Theo, but Cassie gets my vote very time. Overall this was a nice way to spend my evening, even though I wish she'd make him beg some more.

***Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads Blog***

[Naughty Nightie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cassie is a wedding planner and gets to plan a wedding for Nora. Theo who is Nora's grumpy brother and the owner & CEO of a billion dollar pharmaceutical company. He is happy to pay for her wedding but wants nothing to do with the organisation whatsoever. He detests weddings due to a bad experience in his life. Theo isn't impressed with Cassie at first she is too smiley and sunny for his liking. But is surprised when she manages to get a smile from him something he hasn't done in a long time. He finds himself thinking of her and wanting to have her. I don't like to tell you too much more or it will spoil the story for you.
I received an arc for my voluntary honest review for NNBB. If you love a sweet romance with two opposites who attract you will enjoy this story. Lauren is a new to me author and I loved this story so I will be checking out more of her books.

[Jennifer Pierson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cassie is a wedding planner who oozes everything sunshine, plus she loves weddings of course, while Theo is that growly bear who can't stand weddings because of being hurt in the past so he doesn't do love anymore. He comes face to face with Cassie since she's hired as his sister's wedding planner & the first meeting didn't go so well as he's irritated by her & she's not his biggest fan either. They don't work on paper at this time, and yet, they're drawn to each other despite their opposite personalities because the heart wants what the heart wants. I really loved this heartfelt story with a kicker of humor & witty banter as Lauren Helms is so talented in writing stories that make even the hardest heart happy. It was easy to devour Wed Like Wildfire in one sitting since I just couldn't get enough, and I believe everyone needs this story in their lives! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND! 

[N.D. Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I truly enjoyed reading Theo and Cassie’s journey to love. He was grumpy, like super grumpy and I have to hand it to my girl Cassie for meeting him with absolute sunshine and just a hint of snark.
She desperately wants a happily ever after and he is adamantly opposed to it for himself, which is just a shame because the chemistry between these two is off the charts. Throw a wedding between them and it was funny and sweet and sad and maddening.
Both of them, of course, have bad relationships behind them that color their perception of love and marriage which only makes their story more entertaining as it unfolds.
I had a very good time reading Wed Like Wildfire and I devoured it in a day or so because I was too curious how it all played out and I was not in any way disappointed.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet, funny, engaging book. I enjoyed these characters, both Theo and Cassie have had a difficult past regarding commitment. They are definitely opposites. He is grumpy and she is sunny. There were moments I was very frustrated with both of them because they could not admit to each other what they wanted. However, they did change. I adored his sister and her meddling. I truly loved how she finally agreed to be matched, and got everything she wanted. I can't say more; you have to read the book and find out how they get through this bumpy relationship to find happiness. I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first in a new series, and this is Theo and Cassie’s story. Theo is a grumpy CEO, who is the older brother of the bride Nora, and he is happy to pay for everything and that is it, and Cassie is a ray of sunshine and a wedding planner. These two may be opposites, but the chemistry between them is combustible and undeniable. This is a well written story which has romance, emotions, humor, witty banter, family, friendships, opposites attract, and love, which leads to an entertaining, sweet, and fun addictive page turner.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.

[Rowena · Rating 4 out of 5]

A delightful romance must read.

A delightful romance must read! Cassie a wedding planner and Theo a CEO couldn’t be more opposite, she’s all sunshine and his a grump but together they make some swooning chemistry. Both hardworking, they clashed from the start but that doesn’t stop the attraction and when they finally take the steps hotness galore! But it’s not the simple with this two and when push come to shove it was too much. What happens next was a romance that will push the characters to determine if love was worth it. One click this wonderful start to a new series that doesn’t disappoint. I can’t wait for more!

[H · Rating 1 out of 5]

The old lady matchmaker and the bride wwere supposed to be cute but in fact they were pushy and did not respect boundaries. Direct, clearly drawn boundaries. Not cool.

The FMC was supposed to be a boss babe but not once did she consider the ethics of sleeping around with the person paying for her services. I understand lust and chemistry but she could have at least debated having business ethics...

The FMC being in an open relationship at the beginning and CONSIDERING ending things with her "boyfriend" both before and after sleeping with the MMC was a red flag. Doesn't make me like her. Doesn't make me want to see her HEA. Just makes me want to offer her advice about herpes.

[Astrid Rudloff · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily review an ARC. This is the first book of the HEA Inc series. The books are standalones, but I'd read them in order.
I'm not the biggest fan of insta love, but I believe in instant chemistry. And the chemistry in this story is absolutely hot. I love the storyline, the believable characters and their development. The only thing I don't like is the misleading title of the book, the wedding planning and the wildfire are two different strings. But I'd absolutely recommend this great romance.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a sweet, sexy tale! Complete with a matchmaker grandma, Ruth, who is the best character ever. She works her magic without being on stage for more than a few minutes. Cassie, the sunshine wedding planner, is working for the sister of the grumpy billionaire CEO, Theo. Everyone knows they are meant to be together, but their past relationships get in the way. Lauren manages to make all this interesting, heartbreaking and wonderful. A treat!
I received an ARC via Bookfunnel and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Amy Reads Romance · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cassie is a wedding planner, and optimistic, sunny and personable. Theo is grumpy and closed off. With a little meddling, they spend time together, and both catch feelings. Feelings Theo swore he'd never feel again.

This book is funny, sweet, and just a little bit spicy. A good read, it is my first book by this author. I'm interested in looking into their backlist, and seeing the next book in this series. This is absolutely worth the one click.

I received a free advance review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.