For wedding planner Everly Vaughn, her best friend’s high-profile Caribbean island wedding could be her big break. The good news? She’s starting her own business. The bad news? Well…
One client. The wedding of the season. Twelve days to pull it off. No staff. A bride who’s been engaged four times but never makes it down the aisle. And the bride’s brother who she’s trying desperately to resist…to no avail.
What could possibly go wrong? (Seriously? Absolutely everything.)
Jen Meyers grew up in Vermont, spent three years in Germany when she was a kid, and now lives in central New York. When she’s not reading or writing, she’s chasing after her four kids, playing outside, relishing the few quiet moments she gets with her husband, and forgetting to make dinner.
She is the author of the highly-rated Intangible series, a young adult contemporary fantasy, and numerous contemporary romance novels.
This is a VERY cute romance story that incorporated my two favorite things; Friends to Lovers and Second Chances. Throw in a little wedding planning, some amazing characters (and secondary characters), a swoon worthy hero, best friends, and a tropical island, you have yourself a VERY LOVELY book. Overall, I really, really, REALLY loved this book. Its a light and fast read (only about 150 pages), light on the dramatics, and totally adorable. I definitely recommend this one! This is a new author for me but will definitely be picking up the second book in the series.
Please Note: This IS a series, BUT a series of STANDALONES. Each book features a different BFF. How cute is that??
**Happily Ever After generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.**
3 "Right here. Right now." Stars
Fun. That's what this story was for me. It was nice to just sit down and indulge in a good ol' happy love story. The friendships and camaraderie of these characters are composed of loyalty based in vast histories and the main characters of the story are intriguing because of their friendship.
Austin Noble, a playboy extraordinaire, and Everly Vaughn, neurotic wedding planner, make quite the pair in this zany friends to lovers romance. Set in a tropical locale for the wedding of Austin's sister/Ever's best friend, we see this playboy falling hard for his long time friend. Everly isn't convinced his ways have changed though as the two dance around their history while together working to pull off Lucky's wedding. Some hilariously outrageous laugh out loud moments happened between not only Austin and Everly but with all the girls together. It was fun to experience the friendship moments.
Meyers writes to give her reader a fun story. I thoroughly enjoyed the fast pace of the story and the overall theme of friendship. There were parts when Everly's musings and thoughts drove me crazy as Austin was doling out charm only for her and proving he was stepping up his game. Her lack of admittance of her feelings toward Austin at times felt too cliche as it drove the plot for a great portion of the book and I wanted a major break through.
Overall, if you're looking for a fast and fun romance with characters who will endear themselves to you try Happily Ever After. It's the first book in a series of stand alone novels to come. To learn a little more about the history of the two main characters check out the prequel novella, Happily Ever Now.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review
After reading the prequel novella I was really excited for book one in this series and it definitely didn't disappoint. Happily Ever After is a cute, sweet and light hearted romance novel that deals with a few more serious topics as well, but still manages to keep a happy and light feel overall. One of my favourite things was the writing style and the inner dialogue of Ever, it felt realistic and natural and I really liked the way the story was written. It felt like I was right alongside her as she freaked out, landed herself in another mess or was thinking what to do about the hot guy she has a crush on. I did predict the small plot twist in this book, but I didn't mind that too much.
I mentioned in my review of the prequel that I wanted to get to know all the characters more and this book definitely delivered that. While the focus is on Ever as this is her story, there's also a lot we learn about the other 5 friends and I loved getting to know them better. Each of them has their own personality and it became easier to remember who was who. They all have their own quirks and I am looking forward to read their stories! And the one's who's story I am most curious about will be the main character of the next book, so that made my day! I loved spending time with this awesome group of friends, getting a feel for everyone's personality and seeing Ever find her happily ever after at the same time.
Ever was a character I could easily relate to, she's a planner like me and while she plans weddings and I plan online blog tours, I did understand her passion for planning and seeing an event she planned come together. Ever was a great character and I really liked her. Although whew I wish she had the chance to take a break sometimes as she's really busy in this book planning the wedding for one of her best friends and falling in love next to that. I did like how she was honest, cared for her friends and worked hard.
The romance was great too! I loved Austin and Ever together. There are some really sweet and even some hot scenes and it was fun to see them spend some time together and trying to figure out how to go further after what happened a few months ago. I liked that there wasn't much if any angst and the romance felt very realistic. Their relationships had some bumps and it takes them some time to figure out what they want, but the romance moved along at a natural pace. There's also a scene later in the book where Austin does something really thoughtful for Ever and in that moment I knew those two were great for each other. It's a friend to lovers romance, which is one of my favourite tropes and it's obvious Ever and Austin have known each other for a long time and they have a strong connection because of that. They know and understand each other and that formed a solid basis for their romance as well.
To summarize: This was such a fun and sweet romantic story. The writing style was great and I had a lot of fun reading this book. The series follows a great group of friends and while this is Ever her story, we also get a feel for all her friends and their personalities and I can't wait to read their stories! I could easily relate to Ever as we're both planners. The romance was a low angst friends to lovers romance and I really liked Austin and Ever together. I appreciated there wasn't any angst and how the romance developed felt natural and realistic. All in all I really enjoyed this book and I can't wait to read the rest of this series!
Trigger warnings: death of a parent (in the past),
2/1/2019 Lol, remember when romance books weren't really my thing? Anyway, this was hella cute. Again.
17/2/2016 In the interests of full disclosure, I beta read this for Jen, but that doesn't change the fact that it's pretty damned great. Contemporary romance books aren't really my thing, as I said when I reviewed the prequel, but these characters are so fun and there were so many moments that made me laugh out loud that I couldn't help but love it.
Yes, it's sort of cheesy and predictable. But it's also stupidly cute and thoroughly enjoyable, and I'm pretty damned excited to get my grubby little hands on the next book in the series, because I can't wait to read Willow's story.
This book was like being swept away by a magical daydream! From the perspective of the hard working and successful Everly, an up and coming wedding planner, who do to circumstances she could not control, needs to plan her best friend's (and major socialite) wedding - the event of the year. Beaches, wealth, comedy and romance - this quick page turner book is perfect for a dreamy escape!
I don’t know about your house (or more specifically your reading habits) but in my house I have two very distinct reading seasons.
Cold weather = serious books. Hot weather = easy reads.
It’s not that I’m opposed to switching it up a bit (I have been known to dive into some fairly serious books during the spring/summer months) but not all that often.
Why?
Because when the weather heats up, my life morphs into a weird alternate reality. My kids break from school. We spend an exorbitant amount of time around the pool (or on the road) and my level of concentration decreases. Reading something like…say…high fantasy while trying to keep an eye on my kids (so they don’t drown) is difficult. I’ll lose my place, or have to reread a passage multiple times to remember what was happening. (Boo.)
That’s exactly why books like Jen Meyers’ “Happily Ever After” are so important to me. Though they are predictable, and often repetitive (which is the case in HEA) they are also cute, easy to read, and always end on an up-note. (No one wants to read about death and dismemberment while chilling on a beach in Maui. That is what one would call: a major bummer.) But, I digress…
Like I said above, this book is a tad predictable, but…that’s ok. When I pick up something like HEA, I’m not looking for a life altering plot. I want an entertaining one. That is exactly what Meyers’ story delivered. Easy breezy entertainment.
Everly (who’s name is actually shortened to Ever in the story; I’ll give you a second to process the semblance behind that.) has done the unthinkable. She horizontal mambo’d the world’s most notorious man-whore. Said man-whore (who’s name is actually Austin) just so happens to be the brother of her best-friend. Now, insert a bunch of obvious plot points here…and you get the drift. Things are about to get incredibly awkward for Everly.
It’s not the plot though that had me flipping pages, it was the characters. They are what actually make this book work. Everly and Austin are surrounded by a bunch of coo-coo birds. (Said with love of course.) There’s the business woman, the hippie, the promiscuous one. There’s the intolerable mother-in-law, She-Devil boss lady, and the King of Douchbagery Land himself…the groom. They each play a part in the eventual climax of the story, and they do so in very fascinating ways. (ie: naked yoga, or…becoming members of the mile-high club.) Without them the story would feel flat. Everly alone is a very boring character, she is 100% focused on work and denial. The same could be said for Austin. His focus lies heavily on trying to prove to Everly what type of man he is, not moving the story along. Which means it’s up to the supporting cast to drive the pace.
Now, I could keep going…point out exactly what didn’t work and what did, but I think I’ve said enough to get my point across (without spoiling the whole book.)
“Happily Ever After” is a beach read. It’s what you download on your kindle or throw in your bag when you are racing out of the house. It’s not overly serious (though, admittedly..there were a few touching moments) and can be read in a few hours. The plot is not going to surprise you (even the twist at the end isn’t too hard to guess) but that doesn’t detract from it’s fun laid back intent.
If you want an easy read, or even a happy one, this is the book for you. Think of it as a Harlequin without a swoony dude on the front cover.
After the adorable prequel, this was fun, ridiculous, and predictable read, which made for a very entertaining Monday night. I will totally read however many of these Jen Meyers writes.
It's cute and entertaining. A light story that will make your day. The story is short and it only focuses on Ever being a wedding planner of her best friend, Lucky (Austin's sister). Ever seems to be a know-it-all and keeps insisting that Austin is a playboy (which may be true) but nonetheless, she needs to stop saying that Austin is a playboy because the guy has feelings and is a human being, he's hurt and all that Ever did was assume the worst in Austin. Meanwhile, Austin has never done anything wrong to Ever for her to accuse him that. I just want to punch Ever.
Picks up 4 months after the ending of Happily Ever Now Without too many spoilers (I hope) Ever is fired from her job because of a massive screw-up with her best friend Lucky's wedding. Ever forms her own wedding planning business and her best friend becomes her first client. Meanwhile, Ever hasn't seen Austin since That Night and she keeps trying not to think about it or that she misses him.
The first time Ever sees Austin again is at the airport when she's waiting to get a flight to the private island that Lucky & Austin's father owns with a hotel. They talk on the plane during the flight and admit that they missed each other. Austin volunteers to work as Ever's assistant while she tries to fit 2 months of planning into a week.
Ever starts to wonder if Austin might just be her Happily Ever After instead of just a Happily Ever Now.
Favorite parts:
When Ever realizes she loves Austin.
Will tells The Girls about a guy she had a one night stand with on the plane to the island & spent the night with him without exchanging names. I started to get a feeling who it might be and I was right.
The wedding on the beach. No spoilers. Read the book. Trust Me. ;-)
Overall, this was a quick fun read and (I think) a pretty great start to a new series. I've already pre-ordered my copy of the next book in the series (Yours Truly) on Amazon.
It is so nice to grab a book and read it in one sitting. Have received this copy for an honest review ( honestly i did a pre-order and received it from the author 3 days before it comes out) and so happy i got been waiting for it for 2 weeks.
The book starts off where the novel Happily Ever Now is left of and explain what happened that night and what will change from now. Ever is over her head in planing weddings when for some reason she actually gets fired and ends up planing the most important wedding in America (the first one in her own company). The plot runs around her and if she can pull this wedding by herself when Austin happens to be an amazing help. Now that Everlyn is trying to find her Ever After but tries to denies it when everyone says is right in front of her, however she says she does not have time for herself only to help Lucky (Austin sister). She is very happy that has her friends with her when she needs them the most in this hard times.
I can say a big wedding will happen but we do not know who's in the end something changes and we are left to read it till the end to see how amazing the book is. We can really find a fast reading book that is amazing and to enjoy ever page you read.
OMG! This was one of the best follow-up novels that I have ever read. First I read the prequel, Happily Ever Now and I was immediately pulled into this book that I couldn't wait to read Happily Ever After. I read the book in about two hours and it was AWESOME! The characters became even more complex as the book went along. I can't tell you enough how much I enjoyed these two books. I was disappointed that Happily Ever Now ended so quickly but it did exactly what it was designed to do-pull the reader in. I couldn't wait to read this and I am so happy to be one of Jen Meyers ARC Readers, I was able to obtain these two books for free for my honest review in exchange. I have to say that I ave never read a book by Jen Meyers that was bad. Jen is definitely an author that delivers every single time you read a new book. Since receiving Happily Ever Now and Happily Ever After, I have already read both books twice. I absolutely LOVED these books and I hope that you will give Jen Meyer's books a chance. She will not let you down, she has been rock steady in her writing and delivers new and exciting reads as soon as she possibly can. I can't wait to read another one of Jen's books and I really hope that you give this book a chance...I promise you will enjoy it!
With Happily Ever Now, we got introduced to Ever and her posse, and Happily Ever After takes place a few months down the road. Ever has been avoiding the swoon worthy Austen, but it doesn't last, since his sister is getting married, and Ever is the planner. Not only is she THE planner, but she really needs to do a good job and nail this event because it is the first solo job to jump start her own business! Lucky for her, she has Austen to fall back on and help her get everything just right, in time for the big day. And luckily for Ever (and us) she gets to hash some things out with Austen and finally gets the guy! I love a good HEA, and I think this whole series is going to be just as fun!
After reading the prequel and really enjoyed it, I was afraid that the book 1 will not be as good as the prequel. But thanks to Jen Meyers mad skills, it turned out better than the prequel. The turn of events were so not expected. Austin was still the sweetest that makes you wish for a real one that will make you swoon in every minute of your life.
I won't go into details but if you're looking for a fun, sweet and amazing plot, then read this one and you will not regret it
I receive this copy in exchange of an honest review
A very cute and enjoyable story. I do think the author should've combined the prequel and this novella into a single book. But besides that, the story was well written, nicely paced, and although I predicted how it would end after all the girls finally meet Ben, I very much enjoyed the story and felt like it was a breath of fresh air from all the same garbage I've been reading lately. Highly recommend if you are looking for a quick read with some steam and comedy.
I recived an ARC for honest review and I love it every single moment.This book was perfect Valentine'd Day read and realy great and funy romance. I loved Austin so much , he was perfect boyfriend and great main caracter.I did had some issues with Ever but all in all it was fun , nice and fast read perfect for relaxing and daydreaming.
Will everything work out fairy tale happy for Ever? Was the night with Austin a mistake or the start of happily ever after. Could the playboy really change? Will Lucky's wedding go ahead and Ever's career take off. A lovely story that keeps you hooked to the end.
I loved this story! Such a great Valentine's Day read. I loved reading about Everly from handling her "big mistake" to losing her job and starting a whole new life....all in the matter of a few days. I love a good HEA and this book delivers. I can not wait to read about the rest of The Girls!
A great story that was honest about itself and the characters. It didn't feel forced and there wasn't a "I dislike him so much I love him" moment. I like this kind of romance because it feels more realistic and less scripted.
I enjoyed the story but the language was too raunchy for me. I would like a version without the gutter language. Jen Meyers is a gifted story teller. Probably the book is for a younger reader.