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The Wedding Planner's Secret

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Two weeks to plan a valentine’s day wedding with a man she shouldn’t want.Kelsey Armstrong Waters is a wedding planner who doesn’t believe in happily ever after. Every mishap, tear shed, and marriages that end up in divorce, she’s seen them all.When Will Addison shows up at Kelsey’s office right before she’s supposed to leave for a well-needed vacation, he asks her to plan a fifth wedding for his sister. All that work again just to have it go to waste? Not again.Except after his mom’s stroke, Kelsey is the only one trusted to plan this wedding. Kelsey can’t say no to Mrs. Addison. Especially when Will sweetens the deal by offering to be her ribbon-tying-partner-in-crime.If anyone can make Kelsey believe in tying the knot, it might be Will, a widower who still believes in true love.The Wedding Bliss series features four friends who met during sorority recruitment and have kept their sisterhood strong over the years. The Wedding Planner's Secret is the first in a four-book standalone series with opposites attract, love after loss, wedding planning, family issues, a Lake Tahoe inn, and a cat named Midas. The book picks up where The Accidental Princess ends.This is a revised and updated version of a book previously published as His Band of Gold.

189 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2001

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226 people want to read

About the author

Melissa McClone

287 books2,479 followers
I live in the Pacific Northwest with my husband, two daughters, son, dog and too many cats! I write "sweeter" contemporary romance novels for Harlequin and Tule Publishing.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
Profile Image for ItaPixie.
1,277 reviews149 followers
December 1, 2023

The Wedding Planner's Secret follows wedding planner for the rich and famous, Kelsey, into her latest project, to arrange a secret wedding in two weeks for Will's sister, who will help her with the the tough request.
While Kelsey is disenchanted towards marriage, Will is a believer of the happily ever after, so their coexistence isn't always smooth. Will they organize a perfect wedding on time for the arrive of the engaged couple?

Kelsey and Will feel an instantly attraction for each other, but they think they can't act on it because they have opposite views of love and marriage. I've enjoyed to see them grow fond of each other, and slowly change their mind, confronting and undersanding where their different opinions come from.
I really liked these characters, they are lovely, humorous and never rude, I wished them to get their happy ending.

This was a nice, sweet, fun story.
Thanks to the easy writing of Melissa McClone it's a pleasure to get lost in her stories and the settings. I can't wait to read her next book.


Copy kindly provided by the Publisher/Author.

Profile Image for Debby.
1,940 reviews5 followers
August 26, 2024
A great wedding story.

Just when you think things are going sideways…..NOT. But, the story is lovely and the characters create a warm richness to this. Happily, no hating of a character. Everyone is who they are supposed to be and nothing more. Just love these sweet romantic stories. No language, no scenes I have to skip over. Just a good story with great dialogue.
Profile Image for Gramedia Pustaka Utama.
275 reviews198 followers
August 15, 2008
Kelsey Armstrong benar benar tidak mempercayai sebuah pernikahan. Karena kedua orang tuanya yang kawin cerai. Walaupun ia adalah sebuah seorang konsultan pernikahan. Sampai ia bertemu dengan Will kakak Faith Starr yang meminta bantuannya untuk merencanakan pernikahan adiknya entah untuk yang ke berapa kalinya.
Kelsey uang sudah punya pengalaman buruk dengan Faith berusaha untuk menolaknya tapi dengan bujuk rayu Will, akhirnya Kelsey menerimanya.
Tapi ketika sedang merencanakan pernikahan Faith, Kelsey mulai mengenal kepribadian yang sesungguhnya dari Will. Sehingga perlahan Kelsey pun mencintai Will. Walaupun Kelsey harus berjuang karena Will tetap mengingat istrinya yang telah meninggal.
Bahkan ketika Faith akhirnya tetep membatalkan pernikahannya. Kelsey pun merasa inilah saatnya untuk meninggalkan Will,karena Kelsey tidak ingin bersaing dengan hantu Sara.
Sampai Will harus sekuat tenaga menyakinkan Kelsey kalau ia mencintainya dengan setulus hati.
Profile Image for Christi.
1,166 reviews36 followers
November 11, 2023
Melissa McClone is a master when it comes to creating a world and characters that you instantly fall in love with and that’s exactly what you get with The Wedding Planner’s Secret, the first novel in the Wedding Bliss series. From the beginning I got serious The Wedding Planner vibes (hello Matthew McConaughey and Jennifer Lopez!) and whether that was intentional or not I was living for it!

Kelsey is the “Wedding Planner to the Stars” and is a woman that is closer to a realist than a romantic. When she is propositioned to plan the fifth wedding for a runaway bride that she’s refused to work with she is steadfast that this is the last and final time. If it weren’t for the charming man doing the asking, and his family, Kelsey wouldn’t say yes, but she does, and the whirlwind wedding planning commences. She has only weeks to pull off the impossible but lucky for her Will, the brides brother, is there to help lend a hand, and what happens goes beyond a normal wedding planning job and enters fate territory.

I felt absolutely enchanted as I read this novel. It is obvious there is something magical happening between Kelsey and Will and I adored every sweet moment, and every swoon-worthy kiss. What starts out as planning an impossible wedding ends up being a journey of two people who find dreams that they didn’t know existed within themselves, and it was such an enjoyable journey to watch. Honestly, I could easily see this as a Hallmark movie and it would be one I would definitely watch. I devoured this novel and honestly cannot wait for the next book to release. Melissa did a great job as it is another strong start to what looks to be a super cute series.

*I have voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher. All views and opinions expressed are completely honest, and my own.
Profile Image for CarolKat.
2,280 reviews29 followers
November 4, 2023
In the prologue of this book we see Kelsey catch the bridal bouquet of Her Serene Highness Christina Armstrong de Thierry of San Montico.

Christina is Kelsey's cousin, and she is now a firm believer in the magic of love. Kelsey however does not believe in everlasting love. She's seen too many marriages end in divorce. With that in mind every wedding she plans is created to form a perfect happy memory of the day. She isn't going to believe that just because she caught the bouquet, she's going to be the next to get married.

In the first chapter, we see Kelsey pairing an antique lace veil from her partner Serena, with a diamond, pearl and porcelain flower wreath headpiece. The pairing is perfect as Kelsey settles the combination on her own head in the mirror. She looks and feels like a bride wearing it and that's saying something.

She's caught off guard when a voice replies to her own monologue question.

When Will gives her his sister's name she's even more adamant she's not doing the wedding. He only manages to convince her because of his mother. She's someone Kelsey respects and that's the only reason she finally agrees.

I love the way these two come together, that Will finally is able to admit that true love can happen more than once in a lifetime. That Kelsey is able to see how marriages can and do last.

Full of laughter, some tears, some disappointments, plenty of romance, and a bit of a surprise ending. I couldn't put this book down.
1,008 reviews34 followers
November 1, 2023
Kelsey has seen too many of the couples she's planned weddings for fall apart to believe in forever, but she prides herself in making weddings something good to look back on regardless of what happens afterwards. But when she's coerced into planning a fifth wedding for Faith, after four no-shows, the short notice requires her to work closely with Will, Faith's brother. And Will has very different ideas about marriage. She's attracted to him from the start, but can he convince her of the possibility of lasting love and marriage?

Kelsey and Will are such a great couple. Her cynicism feels somewhat understandable given the people she's working with, but I love the way he's willing to call her out on things when needed - but also his supportiveness and care for both his family and her. The story is a good mix of humour, emotion and relationships - romantic, friend and family. As for Faith, well, I'm not convinced that Kelsey's right about it being her family's fault, but I do feel sorry for her looking for love in all the wrong places. Hoping she finally gets her own happily ever after soon...

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Eileen.
2,692 reviews
November 4, 2023
Kelsey and Will’s story in The Wedding Planner's Secret by Melissa McClone is a delightful story that brings together a widower hero and a heroine who has lost her faith in love. They meet as Will tries to convince Kelsey to plan his sister’s fourth wedding after three unsuccessful trips to the altar. Will has suffered his own loss when his wife passed away; wearing his wedding band as a shield. Kelsey has seen love crumble firsthand, leaving her skeptical and guarded. While planning the wedding they each let down their walls to open their hearts to love.

Ms. McClone wrote a wonderfully sweet and heartwarming story with all the feels that should not be missed. This story contains amazing chemistry, magnetic attraction, clever banter, the magic of love, and endearing characters as we follow Kelsey and Will as they attempt to fight off their feelings before submitting to them and getting their own happily ever after. I highly recommend The Wedding Planner's Secret to other readers.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
2,687 reviews19 followers
November 3, 2023
I really enjoyed this second book in the series. I liked that Kelsey and Will were opposites on their views of marriage. Will and his family believed there was one perfect soulmate for everyone and unfortunately Will's wife died eight years ago. Kelsey did not believe in marriage as her parents divorced when she and her brother, Cade were children. Her dad has been married eight times and her mom was engaged to man #7. Everything seemed to change however after she caught her cousin's bouquet in the last book.

Now Kelsey was helping to plan Faith's wedding and Faith's brother, Will had to help her pick out the wedding cake, flowers, gifts, and even write the wedding vows. Kelsey even did something a wedding planner should never do. It must be leftover magic from her cousin's wedding, at least that was what Kelsey kept telling her cynical self. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review
803 reviews18 followers
November 5, 2023
Despite her career as a successful wedding planner, Kelsey, with memories of her dysfunctional family life while growing up, does not believe in marriage; on the contrary: she insists there is no ‘happily ever after’ after the wedding.
Will, on the other hand, has only ever experienced family stability and unity and is thus a firm believer in marriage after the wedding, even to remaining faithful to the memory of his deceased young wife …
Melissa McClone has created a fairytale setting of a snow-covered resort which lends itself to romance for Kelsey and Will despite their opposing beliefs. The writing style is easy to read and the plot flows well, with a few extra twists to the story which keep it from being too sweet.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Kari Hansen.
12.3k reviews92 followers
November 18, 2023
Kelsey has not had the best examples of love and relationships which has solidified her opinion that they aren’t possible even if Kelsey’s career helps others plan their special day. When a previous client’s brother approaches her as she is about to embark on another attempt at marriage she wants nothing to do with it until he agrees to help.

Even though his wife passed away Will believes love and happy ever after do exist. He wants to help her sister find happiness but the more time he spends with Kelsey the more he begins to wonder if he is ready to let another woman and love into his life.

When it comes to love Kelsey and Will couldn’t be more different however with if you’re with the right person that is all that really matter. Humorous banter, a heartwarming romance and all the feels.
19 reviews
October 30, 2023
I enjoyed the first 80% of the book. The writing is fantastic the flow was working well. Will has a discussion with his sister about his first marriage being a honeymoon marriage(basically) and then after 8 years of not considering marriage he’s jumping right in . Kelsey has a negative view on marriage because of her parents. Her view changes and she decides she’s ready to settle with Mr Right and it’s Will, it’s just fast and made all of her mindset and her entire character arc pointless really takes you out of the story which was disappointing. Over a light quick read just disappointed how rushed and unrealistic the ending was.
Profile Image for Shari.
1,862 reviews24 followers
November 3, 2023
A sweet romance between wedding planner, Kelsey and brother of the bide to be, Will. Kelsey does not believe in happily ever after but does love to plan the perfect wedding. Will is a widower, and doesn't think he will ever find that true love that he once had. Will has offered to help plan this wedding for his sister, since they want it to happen in 2 weeks and she has been a no show for her 4 previous weddings. As they work together, they share a fun sweet chemistry between. Along with his mother's help that might find their HEA.

Loved these characters! Great banter and humor between them. I read through my kindle unlimited.
454 reviews5 followers
November 8, 2023
Kelsey's cynical views of marriage are a product of her upbringing, yet she is a wedding planner! They are further strengthened due to a bride to be having cancelled her wedding four times! It also doesn't help that she is The Wedding Planner to the Stars where there are just as many divorces as weddings.
She has no trouble staying single & happy until she meets Will. There is an instant attraction between them and having to work together to plan his sister's wedding only makes the attraction stronger.
Will is a widower who has immortalized his love to his perfect wife & marriage and has no desire to remarry.
Can Kelsey recognize when love is authentic and can will let go of his perceptions regarding his first marriage?
I found this clean romance to be a delight to read. I found the story realistic and the characters charming.

I received a free copy of this book courtesy of Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
3,645 reviews17 followers
November 6, 2023
Will needs Kelsey give up her vacation to plan his multiple runaway bride sister’s wedding when she planned the previous ones and wants nothing to do with this one. Not even the promise of extra money, only his mother’s health and future wedding site opportunities sways her. With all the time spent together planning the wedding the closer Will and Kelsey become but he won’t let his heart be open to love again after losing his wife and Kelsey doesn’t believe in marriage after seeing her parents divorce and remarry others several times. They’re both stubborn and their relationship escalates quickly. I loved his three legged cat.
Profile Image for Angie.
2,454 reviews3 followers
July 3, 2024
This was such a good book about Kelsey and Will. Kelsey gets roped into planning his sister, Faith's fifth wedding. Will volunteers to help Kelsey since they only have two weeks to plan the wedding. Will's mom said she has everything arranged, but it turns out some of it didn't get done. It's up to Will and Kelsey to make decisions about the wedding. Since it's Faith's fifth wedding that hopefully happens Kelsey has a back up plan in case it doesn't happen. Faith and Will grow close and learn a lot about each other. When things happen and the back up plan needs to be changed Will and Kelsey are prepared. This was such a good book!! Looking forward to reading more of this series!
Profile Image for Anne.
680 reviews1 follower
October 16, 2023
The Wedding Planners Secret is a delightful romance novel that brings together a widower hero and a heroine who has lost her faith in love. They meet as Will tries to convince Kelsey to plan his sisters 4th wedding after three unsuccessful trips to the altar.

Will still carries the love for his wife and wears his wedding band as a shield. Kelsey has seen love crumble firsthand, leaving her skeptical and guarded. While planning the wedding they each let down their walls to open their hearts to love.
Profile Image for Linda Elliott.
1,584 reviews9 followers
January 6, 2025
I enjoyed the story And had to read it till I finished it

I love the characters in the story they were 2 totally opposites Her family his family 2 total opposite points of view And the author took the story and merged together coming out with a happy ever after ending. That takes a lot of talent. It was a story that you felt the It was a story that you felt the emotions it wasn't so dramatic and what happened but it was the emotions that you got caught up in it. If you read it I'm sure you will agree with me.
1,605 reviews9 followers
October 27, 2023
This was a very sweet and entertaining read. Kelsey and Will are not looking for love. They have both been hurt in their past. Will asks Kelsey to help plan his sisters wedding and Kelsey agrees. The planning begins and walls begin to crumble! I love the story and the characters were great. You will have a constant smile on your face.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
236 reviews
November 4, 2023
I so enjoyed reading this book and had a hard time putting it down. It is a light read full of laughs, past heartache, personal and emotional growth and a touch of magic. Although a bit unrealistic, the magic is what makes it possible. A clean romance, this is a not to be missed book, that will leave you feeling happy and satisfied.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,242 reviews9 followers
November 7, 2023
I liked this book. Kelsey was easy to like and a sympathetic character, and Will was, too. I loved their interactions and their chemistry. What I wasn’t crazy about was how it concluded. It was too quick. If there had been some time between her declaration and the end, where he realizes his mistake, I could get on board. Still a cute read!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,177 reviews4 followers
November 7, 2023
Kelsey is a wedding planner who focuses on making a special day for the bride. She doesn’t believe in happily ever after a.
Yet when she working on a wedding she can’t deny the spark with the brides brother.
Will shares Kelsey’s take on love but as they spend more time together it becomes hard to deny.
Sweet read with likable characters and low drama.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
10.8k reviews125 followers
November 8, 2023
I've read several books written by Melissa McClone; she is becoming one of my favorite authors. I can’t wait to read more of her books.

This is the first book in the Wedding Bliss Series; it is a stand-alone book. The story is about Kelsey & Will; she’s a wedding planner; he hires her to plan his sisters wedding.

I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
1,281 reviews10 followers
October 15, 2023
Would you give up your vacation to plan a wedding in two weeks?
Kelsey finally agreed to plan this wedding - because she knew the bride-to-be from planning another one. Only this time, she was working with Starr's brother instead of Starr. Will had had the perfect marriage - or had he?
You will chuckle all through this book.

Good job, Melissa.
Profile Image for Nethanja.
843 reviews9 followers
October 25, 2023
Will needs Kelsey’s help but she doesn’t want to help to organize his sister’s wedding ….. again. But then he explains why they need her help.
Now they have to work together. After working with Kelsey Will wonders why she has become a wedding planner when she doesn’t believe in happy marriages?
This is an entertaining story with great characters and a sweet HEA.
Profile Image for Cindy y.
166 reviews
October 26, 2023
This book had a lot of potential and caught my attention from the very beginning. And I could see the way Kelsey and Will’s core philosophies about love and marriage were challenged. But it was so abrupt at the end. I mean, Will walks away, goes outside and thinks, and then comes back in and is ready to be married? And Kelsey’s change of mind was just as abrupt. It just did not seem realistic.
Profile Image for Nadine.
1,906 reviews2 followers
October 28, 2023
Highly recommend!

I love McClone’s style. If I want to read a good romance, I know I can always read one of her books. It’s the sweetness, the way she builds the story, that gives me that much-needed escape. There is often humor to be found, too, subtle but omnipresent. This book was no different. I liked both Kelsey and Will. I felt their connection, fell in love with their story. Great book!
Profile Image for megan.
271 reviews
October 29, 2023
This was a sweet story of Will and Kelsey. Kelsey is a wedding planner and doesn’t believe in love/getting married. Will hires Kelsey to plan his sisters 5th wedding. Will has suffered his own loss when his wife passed away. Kelsey and Will have chemistry and an attraction to each other but fight it a bit, they give love a chance to get a happily ever after.
866 reviews8 followers
October 31, 2023
A sweet whirlwind love story! This is a quick read with likeable characters. I liked Kelsey a lot. Will is a sweetheart and I had a bit of a crush on him. The story left me feeling warm and fuzzy. I look forward to more stories from the ladies in her chat group. This was a perfect romance to curl up with on a cold fall or winter day. I received an advance copy and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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