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Whatever It Takes #1
Never Plan a Billionaire's Wedding
Rule #1: Don’t fall in love with the groom
Stalker exes. Momzillas. Drunk uncles. Hurricanes. Jealous siblings. Paparazzi.
You name it, Kari Whitevelt has seen it all.
And that’s why brides and grooms hire her.
Because she makes it all go away.
Wedding Protectors, Inc., is here to make sure that special day stays special.
Whatever it takes.
No matter what.
But when her newest client turns out to be her own long-lost high school sweetheart, rising tech star billionaire Caleb Mikelmas, suddenly Kari’s not sure whether she’s protecting the wedding couple —
Or her own heart.
Tech billionaire Caleb never thought he had a chance, much less a second chance with his first love and high school sweetheart, Kari. When a case of mistaken identity turns their reunion into one big misunderstanding, unraveling his feelings about the one who got away while supporting his brother’s nuptials means facing old demons.
And kissing Kari.
He likes kissing Kari far more than that whole demon thing.
But if kisses were enough, Kari would already be his wife.
Maybe it’s time to revisit the past and right some wrongs.
One vow at a time.
Welcome to the Whatever It Takes series:
Every bride needs something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue -
But you know what brides don't need?
Complications.
Welcome to Wedding Protectors, Inc. Have a spritzer or a latte or some lovely Zen tea and sink into a comfortable chair in our sunlit offices as we listen to your wedding problem – and form the perfect solution to every possible contingency.
We plan for everything.
Except our own love lives.
But that's not your problem. ;)
Stalker exes. Momzillas. Drunk uncles. Hurricanes. Jealous siblings. Paparazzi.
You name it, Kari Whitevelt has seen it all.
And that’s why brides and grooms hire her.
Because she makes it all go away.
Wedding Protectors, Inc., is here to make sure that special day stays special.
Whatever it takes.
No matter what.
But when her newest client turns out to be her own long-lost high school sweetheart, rising tech star billionaire Caleb Mikelmas, suddenly Kari’s not sure whether she’s protecting the wedding couple —
Or her own heart.
Tech billionaire Caleb never thought he had a chance, much less a second chance with his first love and high school sweetheart, Kari. When a case of mistaken identity turns their reunion into one big misunderstanding, unraveling his feelings about the one who got away while supporting his brother’s nuptials means facing old demons.
And kissing Kari.
He likes kissing Kari far more than that whole demon thing.
But if kisses were enough, Kari would already be his wife.
Maybe it’s time to revisit the past and right some wrongs.
One vow at a time.
Welcome to the Whatever It Takes series:
Every bride needs something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue -
But you know what brides don't need?
Complications.
Welcome to Wedding Protectors, Inc. Have a spritzer or a latte or some lovely Zen tea and sink into a comfortable chair in our sunlit offices as we listen to your wedding problem – and form the perfect solution to every possible contingency.
We plan for everything.
Except our own love lives.
But that's not your problem. ;)
260 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 28, 2023
284 people are currently reading
5,588 people want to read
About the author
Julia Kent
121 books7,967 followersSign up for my newsletter at: https://jkentauthor.com/newsletter/
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Julia Kent writes romantic comedy with an edge. Since 2013, she has sold more than 2 million books, with 5 New York Times bestsellers and more than 21 appearances on the USA Today bestseller list. Her books have been translated into French, German, and Italian, with more titles releasing in the future.
From billionaires to BBWs to new adult rock stars, Julia finds a sensual, goofy joy in every contemporary romance she writes. Unlike Shannon from Shopping for a Billionaire, she did not meet her husband after dropping her phone in a men's room toilet (and he isn't a billionaire in a rom com).
She also writes romantic suspense as Meli Raine, sexy shifter romances as DJ Jennings, billionaire shifters as half of the author team Diana Seere, and co-authors with Elisa Reed.
She lives in New England with her husband and three children in a household where she is the only person with the gene required to change empty toilet paper rolls.
She loves to hear from her readers by:
Email at jkentauthor@gmail.com
Twitter @jkentauthor
Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/jkentauthor
Instagram @jkentauthor
Visit her at http://jkentauthor.com
FORTHCOMING:
Love You Again (Love You, Maine, #2), July 19, 2022
Ten First Kisses (anthology with my story, Shopping for a Booty Call), August 12, 2022
Love You More (Love You, Maine, #3), October 11, 2022
Love You Now (Love You, Maine, #4), January 3, 2023
Author photo credit: Felix Rust http://www.felixrust.com
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Julia Kent writes romantic comedy with an edge. Since 2013, she has sold more than 2 million books, with 5 New York Times bestsellers and more than 21 appearances on the USA Today bestseller list. Her books have been translated into French, German, and Italian, with more titles releasing in the future.
From billionaires to BBWs to new adult rock stars, Julia finds a sensual, goofy joy in every contemporary romance she writes. Unlike Shannon from Shopping for a Billionaire, she did not meet her husband after dropping her phone in a men's room toilet (and he isn't a billionaire in a rom com).
She also writes romantic suspense as Meli Raine, sexy shifter romances as DJ Jennings, billionaire shifters as half of the author team Diana Seere, and co-authors with Elisa Reed.
She lives in New England with her husband and three children in a household where she is the only person with the gene required to change empty toilet paper rolls.
She loves to hear from her readers by:
Email at jkentauthor@gmail.com
Twitter @jkentauthor
Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/jkentauthor
Instagram @jkentauthor
Visit her at http://jkentauthor.com
FORTHCOMING:
Love You Again (Love You, Maine, #2), July 19, 2022
Ten First Kisses (anthology with my story, Shopping for a Booty Call), August 12, 2022
Love You More (Love You, Maine, #3), October 11, 2022
Love You Now (Love You, Maine, #4), January 3, 2023
Author photo credit: Felix Rust http://www.felixrust.com
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
December 8, 2023
2,5 🤔🤔⭐️s
A nicely written and lighthearted second chance romance read.
I found the romance bland and no passion or sparkles were in the air.
For me, the story regarding the mcs was overshadowed by the plethora of secondary characters and the focus on the heroine’s issues in respect of her business life.
A nicely written and lighthearted second chance romance read.
I found the romance bland and no passion or sparkles were in the air.
For me, the story regarding the mcs was overshadowed by the plethora of secondary characters and the focus on the heroine’s issues in respect of her business life.
November 28, 2023
4.5 stars.
Once again Julia Kent gave me so many laugh out loud moments! While the story kept a bit of the mistaken identity or who was getting married confusing at first, once that was cleared up, things got rolling! I liked how the author made even the characters that you thought you wouldn’t like, that could be the bad guys, have sides that maybe made them redeemable and understandable. I won’t say who, I’ll let you read and figure that out. The supporting characters, family, co-workers, friends, all were good for filling in the story and adding their own bright spots. Having characters brought in from the Shopping for a Billionaire series was also a lot of fun, whether they actually made any appearances or just were mentioned in passing.
My only issues that kept me from giving it a full 5 stars were that the third person storytelling at first kept me from getting into it quickly, but that is a personal issue at times for me. And there were times some of the chapter seemed a bit long maybe? But in the end I sped through the last half, needing to know how things were going to wrap up to give the couple their HEA.
Once again Julia Kent gave me so many laugh out loud moments! While the story kept a bit of the mistaken identity or who was getting married confusing at first, once that was cleared up, things got rolling! I liked how the author made even the characters that you thought you wouldn’t like, that could be the bad guys, have sides that maybe made them redeemable and understandable. I won’t say who, I’ll let you read and figure that out. The supporting characters, family, co-workers, friends, all were good for filling in the story and adding their own bright spots. Having characters brought in from the Shopping for a Billionaire series was also a lot of fun, whether they actually made any appearances or just were mentioned in passing.
My only issues that kept me from giving it a full 5 stars were that the third person storytelling at first kept me from getting into it quickly, but that is a personal issue at times for me. And there were times some of the chapter seemed a bit long maybe? But in the end I sped through the last half, needing to know how things were going to wrap up to give the couple their HEA.
November 19, 2023
The first in a new series and what a fun read. Kari (from the Shopping series) and Caleb reconnect after years apart and the misnomers are just keep on, keeping on. Loved this bright, fun and interesting story. Do not miss this one, a definite addition to your TBR list. And if you have not had the pleasure of Julia Kent’s Shopping for a Billionaire series, grab that one too.
November 21, 2023
The first book Julia's new series and oh man, I had so many giggles!!
Kari and her bestie Katie run a business that takes all the worries away for your big day and she rocks that job!
But when her newest clients walk in and she sees her childhood sweetheart, the one who still owns her heart, she is gutted!
Their story made me smile, they were perfect and then life happened!
Plenty of giggles, the new characters have me intrigued, they all gel perfectly and I can easily picture everything written - loves it!
Oh and I loved the name dropping from previous books!
*I voluntarily received an arc and this is my honest review.
Kari and her bestie Katie run a business that takes all the worries away for your big day and she rocks that job!
But when her newest clients walk in and she sees her childhood sweetheart, the one who still owns her heart, she is gutted!
Their story made me smile, they were perfect and then life happened!
Plenty of giggles, the new characters have me intrigued, they all gel perfectly and I can easily picture everything written - loves it!
Oh and I loved the name dropping from previous books!
*I voluntarily received an arc and this is my honest review.
June 3, 2024
I loved reading the ebook, so listening to Sophie Daniels and Lucas Dixon bring these characters to life was wonderful. This book is a rom-com worth a listen.
November 29, 2023
Never Plan a Billionaire's Wedding was a great start to Julia Kent's newest series!
Julia's writing was engaging and entertaining with lots of fun and funny moments. I loved Kari from the beginning and how dedicated she was to her business. She is thrown for a loop when Caleb comes back into her life. The two of them were well matched and I couldn't wait to see them get their HEA.
If you've read Julia's Shopping series you will recognize some characters, but if you haven't this can still be read as a standalone.
Thank you to the author for providing an ARC for an honest review.
Julia's writing was engaging and entertaining with lots of fun and funny moments. I loved Kari from the beginning and how dedicated she was to her business. She is thrown for a loop when Caleb comes back into her life. The two of them were well matched and I couldn't wait to see them get their HEA.
If you've read Julia's Shopping series you will recognize some characters, but if you haven't this can still be read as a standalone.
Thank you to the author for providing an ARC for an honest review.
November 24, 2023
YES!!! A new series by the talented Julia Kent! I am all over that like a bad rash!
The Wedding Protectors, an amazing business model, and a fantastic setup.
This is the story of one of the founders Kari and her foray into the world of the Micklemas family. Little does she know that an old flame is part of that.
Caleb Mickelmas is biting his tongue big time during the planning and coordination of the wedding between his brother and the mother of all bridezillas. A shining spot in this is seeing Kari again and trying to figure out what had gone wrong all those years ago.
As always you are going to get hilarity, heat, and oh the swoons with this new story. I loved seeing all the past characters make appearances. There are Easter eggs aplenty!
I am always happy after reading a Julia Kent story! I cannot wait for the next in this new series!
The Wedding Protectors, an amazing business model, and a fantastic setup.
This is the story of one of the founders Kari and her foray into the world of the Micklemas family. Little does she know that an old flame is part of that.
Caleb Mickelmas is biting his tongue big time during the planning and coordination of the wedding between his brother and the mother of all bridezillas. A shining spot in this is seeing Kari again and trying to figure out what had gone wrong all those years ago.
As always you are going to get hilarity, heat, and oh the swoons with this new story. I loved seeing all the past characters make appearances. There are Easter eggs aplenty!
I am always happy after reading a Julia Kent story! I cannot wait for the next in this new series!
August 4, 2024
Cute storyline. Dialogue between characters can be a little confusing to follow at times. Excessive unnecessary character descriptions. Love the tropes.
December 25, 2023
Great new series
I am so excited to read this new series. I loved this book. Can't wait to see what happens next.
I am so excited to read this new series. I loved this book. Can't wait to see what happens next.
January 19, 2025
Kari and Caleb were high school sweethearts...until they weren't. Move forward 12 years and they meet again. So many misunderstandings, hurt feelings and trust issues! I loved Kari's explanation of her feelings and how Caleb responded to that. Look forward to reading Katie's book.
November 6, 2023
Never Plan a Billionaire's Wedding is the first book in a new series, Whatever It Takes. It can be read as a standalone book, but the support characters to the hero and heroine make us want to hear their stories, also.
Caleb and Kari were high school sweethearts. They went to separate colleges, far apart. Then Caleb took an internship that helped him with a great career but had him working nonstop and sleeping under his desk when he was not working. Lost in his career goals, he drifted apart from Kari until one day she returned his promise ring. It broke both their hearts for very different reasons and neither ever really recovered emotionally to be involved in a new relationship.
Now Kari and her friend, Katie, have started a Wedding Protectors business. Not the usual planners but how to prevent some disaster from taking over the couple's big day. Caleb runs a very successful tech start-up company. His brother, Christian, and Carolina are hiring Katie and Kari for their wedding. Now Kari and Caleb will be together often and need to work through their past issues, to be able to work together on the wedding plans. What they find though, is that while they are angry with each other from past hurts, they still have very strong feelings for each other that they don't think they want to give in to. Flash forward, they get to the wedding and very little goes as planned but Kari and Katie work their magic to make the day beautiful in spite of all the things stacked against them. Kari and Caleb need a few helpful pushes together, but they do get their second chance.
Caleb and Kari were high school sweethearts. They went to separate colleges, far apart. Then Caleb took an internship that helped him with a great career but had him working nonstop and sleeping under his desk when he was not working. Lost in his career goals, he drifted apart from Kari until one day she returned his promise ring. It broke both their hearts for very different reasons and neither ever really recovered emotionally to be involved in a new relationship.
Now Kari and her friend, Katie, have started a Wedding Protectors business. Not the usual planners but how to prevent some disaster from taking over the couple's big day. Caleb runs a very successful tech start-up company. His brother, Christian, and Carolina are hiring Katie and Kari for their wedding. Now Kari and Caleb will be together often and need to work through their past issues, to be able to work together on the wedding plans. What they find though, is that while they are angry with each other from past hurts, they still have very strong feelings for each other that they don't think they want to give in to. Flash forward, they get to the wedding and very little goes as planned but Kari and Katie work their magic to make the day beautiful in spite of all the things stacked against them. Kari and Caleb need a few helpful pushes together, but they do get their second chance.
December 3, 2023
The latest by Julia Kent has two people, who well never forgot about each other when life got in the way. We have Kari, woman extraordinaire and secretly super hero to the brides to be of the world and Caleb, tech billionaire and way out of her league in many ways. These two have definitely come a long way from what they used to be and boy do they have a lot of work to get that spark again. The thing is these two used to be a couple but somehow lost their way. In her heart she knows Caleb was going to make it big one day and he didn't fail but thought in her heart she would be there for the ride. Seeing him again and no less at a wedding meeting never crossed her mind but dang all those feelings she bottled up are all back.I loved that no matter how hard she tries to be the strong, independent woman she is well Caleb makes her feel like the lovestruck girl she used to be towards him. As weddings go it can definitely get crazy and chaotic but Julia Kent shows us nothing can get pass Kari Wedding Protector even if means learning to trust her heart again. Now Caleb has definitely grown from what he used to be but in many ways like Kari he is still the same searching for his lost love again. This is the first book in a new series by Julia Kent and definitely one filled with romance, nostalgia and magic that only she can bring all the way to the end.
"I received an eBook copy from the publisher for the purpose of an honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own."
"I received an eBook copy from the publisher for the purpose of an honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own."
August 21, 2024
2.5 stars ✨️
I really wanted to like this, as I was enjoying how quirky, fun, and fast-paced the writing was... also I was really intrigued with the plot of the 3rd book so with them being interconnected standalones, in regards to them all working at the same business, I felt like I needed to start from book 1.
I'm unsure if because it was the first book, it was more centered around building up the characters and the business but it just felt like a massive information dump. I was finding it difficult to keep up with everything that was going on. It seemed to be focused more on the Wedding Protectors business, again with it being a series it could be due to this but I feel like it took away from the romance completely.
I didn't feel much chemistry and spark between the main characters, Caleb was bland and boring and all he did was inner monolouge about Kari and wax poetic. The time jump half way through was weird and also information about the characters appearance were conflicting. Early on in the book Caleb describes Kari as having brown hair but then later on when they're on the island he says it's blonde?
I just couldn't connect with them as a couple, it felt more like women's fiction than a romance which it seems to be marketed as. I do find the first book in a series I don't really click with sometimes as if they're interconnected there's a lot of info dump to set up the "world" and different relationships.
So with that being said I am going to try out book 2 as I'm a sucker for an age gap and I'm hoping there's more spotlight on the relationship!
I really wanted to like this, as I was enjoying how quirky, fun, and fast-paced the writing was... also I was really intrigued with the plot of the 3rd book so with them being interconnected standalones, in regards to them all working at the same business, I felt like I needed to start from book 1.
I'm unsure if because it was the first book, it was more centered around building up the characters and the business but it just felt like a massive information dump. I was finding it difficult to keep up with everything that was going on. It seemed to be focused more on the Wedding Protectors business, again with it being a series it could be due to this but I feel like it took away from the romance completely.
I didn't feel much chemistry and spark between the main characters, Caleb was bland and boring and all he did was inner monolouge about Kari and wax poetic. The time jump half way through was weird and also information about the characters appearance were conflicting. Early on in the book Caleb describes Kari as having brown hair but then later on when they're on the island he says it's blonde?
I just couldn't connect with them as a couple, it felt more like women's fiction than a romance which it seems to be marketed as. I do find the first book in a series I don't really click with sometimes as if they're interconnected there's a lot of info dump to set up the "world" and different relationships.
So with that being said I am going to try out book 2 as I'm a sucker for an age gap and I'm hoping there's more spotlight on the relationship!
November 24, 2023
Who knew there was such a thing as wedding protectors? No, not the planner, but an extra layer of protection to make sure everything goes perfectly. Kari Whitevelt and her partner run such a company out of Boston, corralling momzillas, fulfilling unique and bizarre requests, and mitigating any and all disasters for their high-profile, well-paying clients.
When they have their first meeting with a new client, it looks like the groom is Kari's ex from high school. This is the guy she thought was The One, until distance and career severed the bond completely. Now he's a tech start-up billionaire who's marrying a southern bell influencer diva. Fortunately, it's a big misunderstanding on Kari's part, but Caleb Mikelmas is part of the wedding and a part of Kari's life for the foreseeable future.
While every wedding has its challenges, this one is fraught with trouble right from the start. With hilarious antics, an act of Mother Nature, and a drama-queen bride, Keri and their team have their work cut out for them if they’re going to pull this wedding off without a hitch, but that's what wedding protectors do.
I always love when we start a new series from a beloved author, and Kent starts the Whatever It Takes series off with a bang. There's never a dull moment, and I devoured this one reading late into the night. As hilarious as it is heartfelt, this must-read second-chance romance is sure to become one of your new favorites!
When they have their first meeting with a new client, it looks like the groom is Kari's ex from high school. This is the guy she thought was The One, until distance and career severed the bond completely. Now he's a tech start-up billionaire who's marrying a southern bell influencer diva. Fortunately, it's a big misunderstanding on Kari's part, but Caleb Mikelmas is part of the wedding and a part of Kari's life for the foreseeable future.
While every wedding has its challenges, this one is fraught with trouble right from the start. With hilarious antics, an act of Mother Nature, and a drama-queen bride, Keri and their team have their work cut out for them if they’re going to pull this wedding off without a hitch, but that's what wedding protectors do.
I always love when we start a new series from a beloved author, and Kent starts the Whatever It Takes series off with a bang. There's never a dull moment, and I devoured this one reading late into the night. As hilarious as it is heartfelt, this must-read second-chance romance is sure to become one of your new favorites!
November 18, 2023
This is the first book in Julia Kent's new "Whatever It Takes" series in which we are introduced to Kari and Caleb. In true Julia Kent fashion this book takes place in Boston which I love as it is all familiar places to me. We find out that they dated while in high school and then once they went onto college things change and they drifted apart but not before Caleb gave Kari a promise ring. He in college got the internship he wanted that led him on a path to become the billionaire that he now is. Move ahead about 12 years and we see Kari and Kate running their business Wedding Protectors and in walks Caleb with Carolina. Carolina is looking to hire them to plan and secure her wedding, to make sure that noting happens. Kari is surprised to see him and even more surprised that her company will be planning his wedding or so she thinks! Can she handle this task without it bringing up old memories of what they had? Is this all a big misunderstanding? Will she get a second chance with Caleb? Does she want that second chance? To find out the answers to those questions you should really read this new book which I think you will really really enjoy! I would like to think that there is a company like Wedding Protectors because nothing about this wedding goes smoothly!
November 28, 2023
I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie's Book Reports.
This is the story of Kari and Caleb. Kari and her best friend Katie run a business that takes all the worries away on your big day. To say she is really good at her job would be an understatement. They are wedding protectors. I don't know if there is such a thing in real life. But wow how nice would that be. Now the time has come to meet some new clients it turns out the groom is Kari's ex from back in high school. The guy has always had her heart as she has never really gotten over him. The only reason they really broke up was because distance and career caused their bond to break completely. However she is completely understanding that Caleb the tech start up billionaire is not marrying the southern bell influencer but they are about to spend a whole lot of time together. This book is so funny. You will find yourself laughing out loud. To say the bride is a drama queen would be a understatement. Mother Nature has a big role and there are some hilarious antics going on. You do not want to miss this book. It really hooks you and I had the best time reading this book.
This is the story of Kari and Caleb. Kari and her best friend Katie run a business that takes all the worries away on your big day. To say she is really good at her job would be an understatement. They are wedding protectors. I don't know if there is such a thing in real life. But wow how nice would that be. Now the time has come to meet some new clients it turns out the groom is Kari's ex from back in high school. The guy has always had her heart as she has never really gotten over him. The only reason they really broke up was because distance and career caused their bond to break completely. However she is completely understanding that Caleb the tech start up billionaire is not marrying the southern bell influencer but they are about to spend a whole lot of time together. This book is so funny. You will find yourself laughing out loud. To say the bride is a drama queen would be a understatement. Mother Nature has a big role and there are some hilarious antics going on. You do not want to miss this book. It really hooks you and I had the best time reading this book.
December 3, 2023
Kari is part owner of Wedding Protectors. They think of everything so the bride and groom don’t have to. Most of the clients are famous. The weddings are out of the ordinary. Her team is on it. Her and Katie her business partner are headed to a meeting with a potential client. She thought she saw someone from her past. It couldn’t be. The client was telling them what her and her fiancé wanted. In walks Caleb Kari’s first and only love. Carolina hired her company. Kari was avoiding Caleb assuming he was the groom. Caleb couldn’t believe it was her. He never should have let her go. He went away to college got and internship and he put his career first. He has a second chance to win her over. With the scars on her heart Kari refuses to let him get close again. She has rules for her company. Her heart can’t let him get away. The wedding is suppose to happen but the missing bride and the weather put Kari and Caleb together. They can’t deny the spark between them. Julia works her magic again! This book doesn’t disappoint at all! I can’t wait for Katie’s story! Julia you have done it again!
November 26, 2023
This is the first book in a new series from Julia Kent and it does not disappoint. This story has all the humor, love, loyalty, heat and romance that made the Shopping series so awesome!
Who knew there was a need for wedding protectors - a service that adds another layer to that special day to overcome any problem that might arise. So when Kari and Katie go to meet their newest client, and it appears that the groom is Kari's high school sweetheart, the love of her life and the one that got away, it is a complete shock. But when it turns out that Caleb wasn't the groom, it was his brother, Christian, Kari tells Caleb that she cannot date a client, so Caleb promises to wait until after the wedding. This wedding has its fair share of obstacles to overcome, a weather event, a Bridezilla and comical antics that make you laugh out loud, so if the wedding protectors want this wedding to go of without a hitch, they are going to have to work extra hard!
This is a great start to a new series and I am super excited to get Katie's story next.
Who knew there was a need for wedding protectors - a service that adds another layer to that special day to overcome any problem that might arise. So when Kari and Katie go to meet their newest client, and it appears that the groom is Kari's high school sweetheart, the love of her life and the one that got away, it is a complete shock. But when it turns out that Caleb wasn't the groom, it was his brother, Christian, Kari tells Caleb that she cannot date a client, so Caleb promises to wait until after the wedding. This wedding has its fair share of obstacles to overcome, a weather event, a Bridezilla and comical antics that make you laugh out loud, so if the wedding protectors want this wedding to go of without a hitch, they are going to have to work extra hard!
This is a great start to a new series and I am super excited to get Katie's story next.
December 12, 2023
"Love that is so real, you strip yourself naked and reveal all the terrified pieces of you. You hand them over to the person you love and have to take a leap of trust." Words spoken by our MMC, Caleb, when he tries to describe the complicated feelings surrounding love. He and our FMC, Kari, suffered a love separation in college that caused them to drift apart. Twelve years later, and fate decided to give them a second chance. As with all Julia Kent books, this one definitely contains the feels, but the emotional parts are slightly hidden behind the introduction of the Wedding Protectors, and the circumstances, some comical, some serious, that Kari's company must deal with to ensure a seamless nuptial ceremony for their clients. Realtively speaking, Kari and Caleb hit a slight prolonged bump in the road to their happily ever after. I'm looking forward to the stories of her work colleagues finding their HEAs!
Fans of the author wll love the name dropping of other characters from her other series!
Fans of the author wll love the name dropping of other characters from her other series!
November 30, 2023
What a great start to a new series!! I love the premise of Wedding Protectors, Inc. and all of the hijinks that are sure to come from it in this series.
I'm not a big fan of billionaire romances like I once was but I appreciate that, while Julia used the money angle for beautiful settings and acces to endless resources, the characters didn't come across as pretentious or spoiled...well, at least most of them (you'll see).
I love how the hero, Caleb, didn't try to hide his desire to pick up with Kari where they left off during college but also knew when he needed to be patient and wait for her to be available/ready to even give it a try. I really like the dynamics between Kari, Katie and the whole Wedding Protectors crew. We love a good women-run, SUCCESSFULL business.
This book was funny, sweet and just really a delight to read and really set the stage for what should be another great series from Juia Kent!!
*I received an ARC from the author for voluntary/honest review
I'm not a big fan of billionaire romances like I once was but I appreciate that, while Julia used the money angle for beautiful settings and acces to endless resources, the characters didn't come across as pretentious or spoiled...well, at least most of them (you'll see).
I love how the hero, Caleb, didn't try to hide his desire to pick up with Kari where they left off during college but also knew when he needed to be patient and wait for her to be available/ready to even give it a try. I really like the dynamics between Kari, Katie and the whole Wedding Protectors crew. We love a good women-run, SUCCESSFULL business.
This book was funny, sweet and just really a delight to read and really set the stage for what should be another great series from Juia Kent!!
*I received an ARC from the author for voluntary/honest review
December 11, 2023
Hurricane hospitality
I am blown away by this first book in the new "Whatever It Takes" series by the amazing Julia Kent.
She has again created something truly special.
Kari is a founding member of Wedding Protectors, Inc. Her job is to make sure a wedding goes without hitch. Whether that be from, friend, foe, family, or act of God.
The last thing she expects to see at a client meeting is a groom who is her ex.
Thankfully for Caleb, he is not the groom.
This leads to a series of misunderstandings and realisations of how much his past effected those most dear.
Caleb and Kari’s relationship is beautifully written with insight and much humour.
I love the references to other characters in the Julia Kent universe. These nods really add to the depth of the world.
I can't wait for more in this series. I look forward to seeing how all these puzzle pieces fit.
I highly recommend this book, series, and author.
I am blown away by this first book in the new "Whatever It Takes" series by the amazing Julia Kent.
She has again created something truly special.
Kari is a founding member of Wedding Protectors, Inc. Her job is to make sure a wedding goes without hitch. Whether that be from, friend, foe, family, or act of God.
The last thing she expects to see at a client meeting is a groom who is her ex.
Thankfully for Caleb, he is not the groom.
This leads to a series of misunderstandings and realisations of how much his past effected those most dear.
Caleb and Kari’s relationship is beautifully written with insight and much humour.
I love the references to other characters in the Julia Kent universe. These nods really add to the depth of the world.
I can't wait for more in this series. I look forward to seeing how all these puzzle pieces fit.
I highly recommend this book, series, and author.
April 30, 2024
SO FUN!
This author is always good for a smile and a pick me up. I loved all the cameo mentions of our favorite characters from other Julia Kent series, and the way all of those series intertwine. The Highland "coos" were a hilarious touch. The best part of this series is Julia Kent's signature way of bringing into being the murphiest of Murphy's Law situations for her characters to navigate, and making those situations both hysterical, and also making them believable in a way that the reader can imagine these crazy scenarios actually happening. The results are always entertaining.
(Now, just a note in case Julia Kent actually stumbles across this review: More Random stories please! I need more Darla in my life. Also, Madge. And Madge's grandson, the chef, who is clueless that his sister's best friend is hopelessly in love with him. Actually, I need his siblings stories too. Get on it please!😉The world desperately needs more..."Random Acts of Obedience"!!! )
This author is always good for a smile and a pick me up. I loved all the cameo mentions of our favorite characters from other Julia Kent series, and the way all of those series intertwine. The Highland "coos" were a hilarious touch. The best part of this series is Julia Kent's signature way of bringing into being the murphiest of Murphy's Law situations for her characters to navigate, and making those situations both hysterical, and also making them believable in a way that the reader can imagine these crazy scenarios actually happening. The results are always entertaining.
(Now, just a note in case Julia Kent actually stumbles across this review: More Random stories please! I need more Darla in my life. Also, Madge. And Madge's grandson, the chef, who is clueless that his sister's best friend is hopelessly in love with him. Actually, I need his siblings stories too. Get on it please!😉The world desperately needs more..."Random Acts of Obedience"!!! )
October 24, 2023
An amazing beginning to a new series by Julia Kent. What are Wedding Protectors? Well we find out in the first book of the Whatever It Takes series. This story takes place in the Boston area (mostly) and as always, it is fun to read about familiar to me places. While the usual hi-jinx (I mean, we ARE talking about Julia Kent here lol) take place, there is also a certain seriousness and pain that needs to be overcome by our main characters. A great supporting cast of characters have me looking forward to other coming stories. Kari and Caleb have a second chance at love but nothing is ever easy and these two have more than their share of issues to deal with. Welcome to weddings many of us would LOVE to be invited to. Are Wedding Protectors a real thing? I hope so because I almost think I'd like to work for such a company lol.
November 20, 2023
Never Plan a Billionaire's Wedding, Whatever It Takes #1, written by the romcom goddess Julia Kent.
This book just cements the reasons that Ms Kent is one of my favorite authors! She is always able to make me laugh and leave me with an overall happy feeling when I walk away from her books. Hell, half the time, I instantly start over just so I can experience it again! This one is the beginning of a brand new series surrounding the Wedding Protectors business and just proves how much fun we are going to have with this crazy group! I also love that she always seems to throw a shout out back to some of my favorite people from past series as well. I can only imagine what being inside the mind of Ms Kent must be like! So if you are in the mood for a few belly laughs and a "feel good" kind of read, GRAB THIS ONE!!
This book just cements the reasons that Ms Kent is one of my favorite authors! She is always able to make me laugh and leave me with an overall happy feeling when I walk away from her books. Hell, half the time, I instantly start over just so I can experience it again! This one is the beginning of a brand new series surrounding the Wedding Protectors business and just proves how much fun we are going to have with this crazy group! I also love that she always seems to throw a shout out back to some of my favorite people from past series as well. I can only imagine what being inside the mind of Ms Kent must be like! So if you are in the mood for a few belly laughs and a "feel good" kind of read, GRAB THIS ONE!!
November 28, 2023
When Kari attends a meeting with their next client for the Wedding Protector business that she created with a friend she is surprised to see the man who broke her teenage heart there as well. Once they overcome the misunderstanding that he is groom the dormant feelings between them resurface but so does the pain of their past.
Caleb hasn’t forgotten Kari or the hurt he felt when she ended their relationship when they were in college. They may have both moved forward with their lives but having to work together on his brother’s wedding will either bring them closer or increase the rift between them.
The banter between them is humorous, the situations they find themselves in are entertaining and I enjoyed seeing them find their way back to each other and the life they should have always had.
Caleb hasn’t forgotten Kari or the hurt he felt when she ended their relationship when they were in college. They may have both moved forward with their lives but having to work together on his brother’s wedding will either bring them closer or increase the rift between them.
The banter between them is humorous, the situations they find themselves in are entertaining and I enjoyed seeing them find their way back to each other and the life they should have always had.
December 7, 2023
Kari is part owner in a very unique business! She, her partner Katie and the team protect weddings from all manner of disasters and trouble.
Caleb and his brother Christian are about to take their own business public and become billionaires!
The Wedding Protectors are hired to make sure the Mikelmas wedding goes off without a hitch. Problem is, Kari has a past with one of them.
A bridezilla, a huge misunderstanding and a not so perfect venue (to the bride at least), has Kari and the team working double time to keep this event drama free. Add in one determined ex-boyfriend, a dramatic breakup of sorts, a hurricane and a too perceptive intern, then you get giggles galore in true Julia Kent fashion! Oh, and of course some steamy hot romance.
This is book 1 of a new series and I for one, can't wait for the next one!
Caleb and his brother Christian are about to take their own business public and become billionaires!
The Wedding Protectors are hired to make sure the Mikelmas wedding goes off without a hitch. Problem is, Kari has a past with one of them.
A bridezilla, a huge misunderstanding and a not so perfect venue (to the bride at least), has Kari and the team working double time to keep this event drama free. Add in one determined ex-boyfriend, a dramatic breakup of sorts, a hurricane and a too perceptive intern, then you get giggles galore in true Julia Kent fashion! Oh, and of course some steamy hot romance.
This is book 1 of a new series and I for one, can't wait for the next one!
December 13, 2023
It is Not All About the Money!
Kari Whitevelt, Wedding Protector, with her partner Katie Gallagher are the best at keeping weddings safe. But when Kari's Ex is a part of one of their elaborate and exorbitant celebrations she finds keeping focus difficult. For his part, Caleb Mikelmas does not see the need for such an over-the-top ceremony, but it's what the bride wants, so that's that. But he can't get over that his long lost love, Kari, is here now and within his reach. This book is touching, while also reflecting Julia Kent's refreshing, unique and hilarious imagination and writing skills. This first book in the series, while referring to infamous situations and characters in previous series (especially the "Shopping for" books) makes you feel at home while also enjoying a new, careening ride. Bring on #2!
Kari Whitevelt, Wedding Protector, with her partner Katie Gallagher are the best at keeping weddings safe. But when Kari's Ex is a part of one of their elaborate and exorbitant celebrations she finds keeping focus difficult. For his part, Caleb Mikelmas does not see the need for such an over-the-top ceremony, but it's what the bride wants, so that's that. But he can't get over that his long lost love, Kari, is here now and within his reach. This book is touching, while also reflecting Julia Kent's refreshing, unique and hilarious imagination and writing skills. This first book in the series, while referring to infamous situations and characters in previous series (especially the "Shopping for" books) makes you feel at home while also enjoying a new, careening ride. Bring on #2!
December 30, 2023
"Welcome to Wedding Protectors, Inc." If ever there was a trope guaranteed to be full of hilarious situations, this is it. It also doesn't hurt that it's penned by Julia Kent, which pretty much guarantees lots of sarcasm and wit - two of my favorite things.
This first in the Whatever It Takes series focuses on Kari and Caleb for a second chance romance. This pair definitely has some unfinished business to work through, but they run into a fair few obstacles, including Kari getting out of her own way. I'll stop there and let you find out the rest for yourself. What I will say is Never Plan a Billionaire's Wedding is everything I've come to expect from Julia Kent. It's wonderfully written with characters that practically leap off the page. It's as witty and fun as it is swoony and sexy, and it's a great introduction to this new series.
This first in the Whatever It Takes series focuses on Kari and Caleb for a second chance romance. This pair definitely has some unfinished business to work through, but they run into a fair few obstacles, including Kari getting out of her own way. I'll stop there and let you find out the rest for yourself. What I will say is Never Plan a Billionaire's Wedding is everything I've come to expect from Julia Kent. It's wonderfully written with characters that practically leap off the page. It's as witty and fun as it is swoony and sexy, and it's a great introduction to this new series.
November 20, 2023
I am so excited about this new series.
I avidly read anything and everything by Julia Kent. She is still the reigning Queen of perfect book-boyfriends! This book confirms that!
This book reads slightly differently, I don't know how, it just does. I loved the mentions of characters from other books - it stopped me in my tracks (just briefly - the book is too good to be distracted for long) while I remembered those characters and their story lines.
I couldn't put this down and I'm seriously considering reading it again already in case I missed anything in my haste for more.
I'm very grateful to have received an ARC in return for an honest review. I honestly thoroughly enjoyed this book!! 😊
I avidly read anything and everything by Julia Kent. She is still the reigning Queen of perfect book-boyfriends! This book confirms that!
This book reads slightly differently, I don't know how, it just does. I loved the mentions of characters from other books - it stopped me in my tracks (just briefly - the book is too good to be distracted for long) while I remembered those characters and their story lines.
I couldn't put this down and I'm seriously considering reading it again already in case I missed anything in my haste for more.
I'm very grateful to have received an ARC in return for an honest review. I honestly thoroughly enjoyed this book!! 😊
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