A jilted girl… A wicked boy… A forbidden kiss... A happily ever after?
Lacey Ryan’s perfect life was well underway, until a betrayal blindsides her and changes everything. So the last person she expects to come to her rescue comes crashing back into her life.
The delicious bad boy from her past offers her a fresh opportunity- first class flights, the chance to see the world, and maybe a little harmless flirtation while she’s at it. Only there’s one glaring problem: Tristan happens to be her brother’s best friend. And he would be her new boss.
Which means he is completely off-limits. She knows it, he knows it. It’s completely forbidden. Even though she’s always followed all the rules, suddenly Lacey find herself wanting to break them all. Is he worth the risk?
Or will he only break her heart—and possibly her bed springs?
Maggie Way is the USA Today Bestselling Author who hails from Sydney, Australia. She loves drinking ridiculous amounts of wine, making her own beauty products from scratch, and traveling around the world while munching on cheese and chocolate. She lives with her real-life happily ever after, while fantasizing about all her hot fictional book boyfriends on the side.
She is also mommy to a little Maltese who may or may not be named after a famous vampire lover. In case you were wondering, no, she will never ever not in a million years write a vampire hero. She prefers her men to be true-to-life even when they just live inside her brain and on the pages of her books.
She writes stories with heat, humor, and lots of heart and is more than happy to say what the rest of us are thinking, and sometimes what we’re not.
This was a super fun and quick write for me - the idea for the series came to me in a dream while I was in the middle of writing Winter's Thorne. The inspiration came from my love of travelling - with the exception of the last two books I've been to all of the locations!
If you just discovering my books, the best way I would describe this series is it is more light-hearted compared to the future books I will be writing. Writing novellas is definitely a different experience to writing full-length novels, but I had so much fun with this and I hope you do too!
I was supposed to marry the man of my dreams, ride off into the sunset and live happily ever after, but somehow it all unraveled like a ball of yarn. I just don't know who pulled the thread.
She taught me that crying is not only ugly, but it is also a waste of mascara. The last time I cried was when my grandmother, Betty, died. I was wearing waterproof mascara, though.
To say it out loud is tragic. Maybe I just didn't notice, or I chose not to notice but our sex life over the years went from the Amazon Rainforest to the Sahara Desert - hot and exotic to dry and welled up.
Of course I have to talk like an idiot, how else are you going to understand me?
Gentle giant, they used to call him in high school. Huge, colossal tool is more like it.
My Review:
You would think a wedding planner would have THE perfect wedding, and she was on-track for just that... but during the rehearsal dinner, Lacey learned her love of six years had someone else in play. Cue record scratch. Despite the premise, the storyline also includes amusing banter and inner musings. I enjoyed the characters and Ms. Ways writing style. The story was entertaining and easy to follow. Written from the first person POV of Lacey, we are privy to her thought processes as she works her way through her anger, guilt, disappointment, memories, and drunken consolation. She doesn't stay miserable for long as she is immediately offered an unexpected business opportunity - cue set up for subsequent books - she will become a globe-trotter. Sydney is book one and I just so happened to notice the following five books are each labeled with a different exotic local such Paris, Tokyo, Vegas... hmm, sounds like the beginning of a big adventure.
Lacey Ryan is a wedding planner and with her best friend Gabe and assistant they are loving the new business. Adam and Lacey met in school and have been together ever since. Lacey and Adam’s wedding is tomorrow and everything is going great….. Until Lacey finds a letter from Adam’s girlfriend.
Now the wedding is off and Gabe and Lacey decide to take a job in London to get away from things and have some space.
But Lacey can’t stop thinking about a kiss on her wedding day that was not her almost husband but was her brothers best friend. What a kiss and Lacey is not even feeling guilty about it. That has to mean something.Lacey Ryan is a wedding planner and with her best friend Gabe and assistant they are loving the new business. Adam and Lacey met in school and have been together ever since. Lacey and Adam’s wedding is tomorrow and everything is going great….. Until Lacey finds a letter from Adam’s girlfriend.
Now the wedding is off and Gabe and Lacey decide to take a job in London to get away from things and have some space.
But Lacey can’t stop thinking about a kiss on her wedding day that was not her almost husband but was her brothers best friend. What a kiss and Lacey is not even feeling guilty about it. That has to mean something.
I received a free copy of this novella in exchange for an honest review. I normally do not read books that are not stand alones, but in this case I was intrigued and ultimately glad that I did.
That Wedding Girl – Sydney - had me at the first line! ‘Have you ever had a kiss that breathed life into your soul? That ignited a fire inside you? That sends you into the most beautiful free fall?’ Ahhhh, (sigh…) I love that description. Serious Goosebumps! This is a novella and I must add here that the wonderful story line, that hooked me from the get-go, is only the beginning of what promises to be a hot, must read, six book series.
Lacey Ryan is a wedding planner, a good one. She has worked her way up the wedding planner ranks and with the help from her friend and assistant, Gabe; she has made a nice name for herself in the uber competitive business. Her own wedding is about to take place, unfortunately the rehearsal dinner doesn’t quite go the way she has envisioned it. Lacey is such a likeable a character. The author brings her character to life with humor and honesty that will make you smile because her thoughts and reactions are so true-to-life. I love how the very endearing friend/assistant Gabe handles his friend’s crisis. Needless to say chocolate, ice cream, and chips are involved! Then we meet Tristan, Lacey’s brother’s best friend. How Lacey and Tristan meet is actually hysterical, especially the way he situates her in Gabe’s car. When you read that scene, raise your hand if you’ve been there, done that! I love it! Tristan is swoon worthy, and Lacey can’t believe she’s even noticing how attractive he is after the fiancé instigated debacle from the night before, but again, he’s hot, and she’s a woman, and he has a secret. Oh boy, here we go! And yes, there’s that kiss; you know the one that ‘ignites a fire inside’?
The story flows and is a fast read. It was easy to picture the locations with the author’s eloquent and colorful descriptions. Lacey, her family, Gabe, and Tristan come across as normal persons, making them easy to identify with. It’s very entertaining and I’m already rooting for Lacey! Congratulations to author Maggie Way, on her debut novella, I can’t wait for the next installment of this delicious romance.
Title: Sydney Author: Maggie Way Publisher/Year: Lucky Red Press 5/13/16 Length: 93 Pages Series: Entangle Me #1
Overview
A jilted girl… A wicked boy… A forbidden kiss... A happily ever after?
Lacey Ryan’s perfect life was well underway, until her fiancé blindsides her with a betrayal so deep it changes everything. Now her life’s gone to hell, and the only way out may be at the hands of the last person she’d have expected to come to her rescue, Tristan Keys—the deliciously sexy player she’s fantasized about her entire life.
Sure he’s arrogant, cocksure, and frustratingly handsome, but he’s also offering exactly what she needs, a fresh start planning destination weddings. First class flights, the chance to see the world, and maybe a little harmless flirtation while she’s at it. Yes, it’s just what she needs.
Only there’s one glaring problem: Tristan happens to be her brother’s best friend. Which means he is completely off-limits. She knows it, he knows it. It’s completely forbidden. Even though she’s always followed all the rules, suddenly Lacey find herself wanting to break them all. Is he worth the risk? Or will he only break her heart—and possibly her bed springs? There’s only one way to find out, and it’s going to involve a lot of suitcase packing, merlot and chocolate.
My Thoughts
Well, first off i should thank the folks at Instafreebie who gave me access to this sweet story. I don't know that i would have crossed paths with it so this was a nice trip off my usual. What we have here is a really sweet semi chick lit type story about a girl who's been forced to find herself and her own love now that she's found out that her fiance (and bf of 6 years) has cheated on her, the day before her wedding.
Where we go from there though, you have to keep in mind we really only see a span of less than 24 hours in the actual story (although there are jumps in the prologue and epilogue) but at least for those few hours, we see our leading lady Lacey go through stages of grief rather quickly, and make a determined decision to get back on her feet and sort herself out instead of wallowing.
The nice thing here is that while she does the drunken wallow well that first night, she also happens to come across the path of her brother's best friend from childhood and of course drunkenness and hot guys means that we're going to see complications come up in the story as it progresses.
If that weren't enough, there's a lot looming on the horizon for Lacey professionally both with her own company and an opportunity that said drunk brother's friend offers, so i think that where we go with this series will be a place where we can see how she comes into her own and then figures out how to make herself happy without her cheating ex.
All in all a sweet story - quite a quick read but that's kind of what i needed last night - so if you're able to get your hands on it, i'd say do it, and enjoy!
Lacey Ryan is a wedding planner, as said a really good one. She is running a business she never thought she would, along with her assistant and good friend Gabe. They are top of the top in Sydney, as Lacey is a control freak and they can undertake last minute weddings. Her latest project is her own wedding, which is a total disaster and a no go at all.
Tristan is Lacey’s brother best friend, who was abroad for a long time. Coming back in Sydney, he meets Lacey out of the blue, in a really difficult situation, and he takes her home to provide her some space to get herself together. Resulting in a breathtaking kiss and a cannot reject business proposition.
The author has created some real life characters. She is the girl next door, close to earth, yet working hard in achieving her goals. Adapting to what seems more appropriate in her environment, without giving away herself in the process. Friendship and human relationships in general, is a big part of the book, apart from the flourishing romance. How everyday routing and focusing on work is wearing down our relationships and the communication with friends and family, and how we select not to fight to strength those bonds and get out of this greedy swamp that takes us down to it.
This new generation is failing to fight for their right to live a decent life, in terms of relationships. People chose to put up with some behaviors and established situations rather than move their feet and claim what;s best for them. Thankfully, this is not the case with all humanity. Some of us still claim our spot in this world on our terms!
Twenty-five-year-old Lacey (Laylay or Cece, depending who is addressing her) Ryan is an efficient, organized, and shrewd business-woman. She is also a hopeless romantic and control freak; all the right traits to be a successful wedding planner. She takes great pride in making people’s BIG day perfect and memorable. When she discovers that her fiancé, Adam Belmonte, has been cheating on her with one of his colleagues, her wedding disintegrates during the rehearsal supper, her life is in shambles. This epiphany of deceit opens Lacey’s eyes to the reality of their situation; thankfully before tying the knot. A blast from the past changes everything. The man that always was, isn’t and the man that never was, is; enters Tristan Keys. Tristan has been a regular fixture in the Ryan household for almost as far back as Lacey can remember. He is her older brother, Hansley’s best friend, and her childhood tormenter.
The beginning was so promising and then it fell completely flat. I like my books like I like my meals; full and hardy. I expect a feast and Maggie Way serves crumbs. When the story starts to warm up and get interesting, she snatches it away like a spoiled child; leaving the reader wanting more. If I knew that this book was just a part of a serial, I wouldn’t have bothered with it; give me all or nothing. If somebody finds a book by this author that’s the real thing, let me know and I will be happy to read it.
First let me say that I was given a copy of this book for an honest review of it...with that being said this is also the first book I have read by this author. Be warned that this is the first in a series and ends with a cliff hanger! As the book starts we meet Lacey Ryan who is a wedding planner and a great one! Gabe is her friend, trusty sidekick and assistant...she is getting ready for her wedding or so she thought...we find out with in the first few chapters that her finance Adam has cheated and the wedding, life she thought she would have doesn't happen. Gabe and Lacey escape the chaos....Gabe helps her by getting her drunk, have some chocolate and they do some Adam bashing! Lacey still wants to give Adam a piece of her mind and attempts to do so...funny how things work out! She bumps into Tristan her brothers best friend, literally and funny scene...he helps her and makes her an offer she really can not refuse. We see sparks between the two of them and Lacey can not believe that this is happening especially with Tristan! With all of this happening Lacey and Gabe are off to Italy to plan her college friends wedding...hence cliffhanger...this book was a little slow getting going but once it did I really enjoyed it and would love to read the next in this series!
I received a pre-release copy of this ebook in return for a review. It's great when that happens and you actually love the book :-) I would have still given an honest review if I didn't like it but would have felt guilty :-D . This was an enjoyable, fun read, the plot goes at a decent pace while giving you enough time to connect with the characters. The protagonist is a young woman building a career doing something she loves, who suddenly realizes that the partner she chose to share her life with, has betrayed her. In removing him from her life, she begins to realize how much his presence has limited her personally, and professionally. My only regret regarding this book is that I can't wait for part 2 to come out.
Terrific short read and terrific characters! Lacy is someone to admire. She's smart, she's funny, she's competent. Okay, maybe she isn't a great judge of character, considering that she discovers the man she was about to marry the following day had been cheating on her, which is ironic considering that she is an amazing wedding coordinator and has planned the happiest weddings for countless people. This is part one of a continuing story that will follow Lacy and hopefully Tristan, the cad, into the next installment.
I was lucky enough to be able to read this book before its release date in exchange for an honest review and I really enjoyed it. I found the main character easy to engage with and I cant wait to continue her story with the rest of the mini-series.
If you are a fan of chick lit and romance then this is the book for you!
This was a fun read that make me chuckle it has a great plot which I totally enjoyed. One wedding planner coming right up with her trusty assistant along with one groom oops lets recheck that….. minus one groom he made one big mistake (What a total asswipe). Leaving the wedding planner going off with the assistant to tie one on and do some male bashing. One thing leads to another and she runs into her brother’s best friend who puts an offer on the table to good to walk away from. Wonder what he is offering hum I do hope it is something tasty and exciting. Things get pretty hot here with sparks flying. The chemistry is off the wall as these two take a walk along the wild side.
This was a fun read that gave me a few chuckles as one ex is put in his place as he is kicked to the curve with one man (Tristan) walking in making for some exciting read. I really liked Lacey she is a strong women who really grabs your attention. The characters are very likable, with a good plot. I thought this was well written keeping my attention. I did think it started out a little slow but didn’t take long to pick up getting me hooked in the story. It does end in a little of a cliffhanger. I am really looking forward to reading the rest of this series.
Chocolate & Wine can make the fact that you found out your fiancée was a cheating a** on the night before your Wedding go down a bit easier.
Lacey is a successful Wedding Planner - but her happily ever after comes crashing down with a single Piece of paper.
Loved the friendship between Lacy & Gabe! It was funny irreverent and so good.
Lacey hits rock bottom after too much wine and chocolate - and who should finder her there ... her old crush her brother’s childhood best friend Tristan
The sparks definitely fly between these two...
I’m ready for the next installment right now - hate cliffhanger ending but looking forward to more from Lacey and company
OK so I love a strong woman who doesn't let her circumstances bring her down. And that's exactly what our chocolate loving Ms Lacey does when she finds out the night before her wedding, her soon to be groom cheated on her. She doesn't get mad. . . she takes control. I love this female character and am excited to start this journey with her. This author has a unique way of telling a story that just sweeps you away with the fun and thrill of it all and I absolutely adore her sidekick he is a kick in the pants indeed.
The thrills never stop and with this new business it wont be slowing down either. Loving this author who I have experienced for the first time. I will be reading more
Sydney: A Wedding Planner Romance (Entangle Me Book 1) by Maggie Way is a short but very sweet first installment. I was pleasantly surprised as I'd not read Maggie Way before. It's one of those books you can sit down and read in an afternoon, not wanting to put it down and longing for the next in series. One gorgeous wedding planner, one super fab assistant, one ex fiancée that's not worth mentioning and one very hot, uber sexy blast from the past that is sadly off limits. How can you go wrong with this storyline? Highly recommended!
I so loved this book, especially the characters Lacey Ryan & Tristan Keys. I so can't wait to read more into this series...A special Thank you to the Author Maggie Way for all you do for us Readers :) I will be back to read more :)
I so loved this book, especially the characters Lacey Ryan & Tristan Keys. I so can't wait to read more into this series...A special Thank you to the Author Maggie Way for all you do for us Readers :) I will be back to read more :)
Hook, line and sinker!! I was hooked from the first page. I can't wait to find out what happens with Lacey and Tristan and what adventure will be next.
Didn't finish this. Got it as part of a boxed set. Not a lot of content that was plot-related and most of it seemed really unpolished like maybe the author needs a good editor and proof-reader.
Romance is a wonderful thing and I practically breathe through my books. This is a beautiful story, so emotional with the break up of a relationship, and the start of something new. This is part of a serial, so it ends on the brink of a new beginning. Maggie is looking for true love, well, I know she is, and Adam sure wasn't that for her. I can't wait to read part two and see what she gets up to in Italy.
Loved it from start to finish, I don't like to talk about spoilers but in a nutshell - really addictive story that I did not expect to like as much as I did. Love Lacey and Gabe, Tristan is a good male hero that I'm intrigued to explore more of. Really well-written.
I love it when I find a book where the plot completely draws me in. Enter Lacey Ryan, your run of the mill organised wedding planner. She's tough, sassy and brilliant and the book starts on the eve of her wedding day. Without going into gratuitous detail, things go topsy turvy and she finds her whole world turned upside down.
This is where the fun starts, and we get to meet Tristan Keys, her brother's best friend. Finding themselves reunited after years apart, the premise of the series is laid out: Lacey gets a chance to plan destination weddings. With each book being set in a new country, I love the idea!
Absolutely loved it. Have bought and read the four books in the series so far, cannot wait to get to the end of this series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Wonderful book, I couldn't put it down. As an avid traveller and romance lover, this is a perfect mix of everything I enjoy. Grabbed the rest of the books in the series.
This book is Sydney: A Wedding Planner Romance written by Maggie Way. It's also my first book by this author....and....I LOVED IT!! I would have loved it even more if it had been longer, of course. It's about Lacey, who is a wedding planner (I know, I know...you read the title of the book) who finds out some devastating news while attending her own wedding rehearsal. Would you make the same decision she did when faced with the facts? Where did that hot as heck sex God that rescued her come from? Where can I find one? Lol. Great book and can't wait to read the entire series!! I received a complimentary copy of this book and voluntarily chose to leave this review.