I adore Lauren Layne. I've been a new fan of hers after I discovered her books last year. And while I haven't picked up any of Lauren's back-list, I have been on a mission to read all of her new releases. I get so excited that I immediately jump in head first. To Have and to Hold had all of the fabulous elements that I've come to look forward to when picking up a new book. There was one tiny flaw... Brooke and Seth frustrated me. Now let me explain... I loved each of the characters as individuals. Brooke is a hardworking, intelligent woman that is healing after the devastation that her ex-fiancé left her in. I don't know how she was able to pick up the pieces and continue being a wedding planner. Kudos to you, Ms. Baldwin. If it were me, I'd probably hole up with a gallon of chocolate chip cookie dough. But she powered through and, with the help of her new friends, she's able to move past the pain. As overbearing as he is, I actually really liked Seth. You know that his heart is in the right place, he's just doing things all wrong. When he learns that he's actually pushing people away instead of helping them, it's a wake-up call for Seth. It was when Brooke and Seth were together that I got a bit frustrated, more so Brooke than Seth. I wanted Brooke to stop and think about what she's saying/doing before acting on impulse. She's so focused on keeping Seth at arms length that she's not aware of how hurtful her words can be. Seth is just as confused about his feelings, but at least he's trying. As weird as this may sound, he was sexy as hell when Brooke pushed him a bit too far. Images of him sending food flying at a closed door is hot, oddly enough.

Overall, To Have and to Hold was another fantastic Lauren Layne book. Even though there were moments when I wanted to throttled Brooke, I loved the characters. I loved meeting the other three Belles and I can't wait to get to know them better. Actually, I would love to get a novella with Maya. We're left wondering what happened between her and a certain fella and I want to know more. There's a story there, I know it. Lauren's writing was fun and sexy as usual. And it is the beginning of a new series. Score!

I received an arc copy in exchange for a honest review.