It's Always Been You (The Wedding Planners, #1) in Austen Variations

Sep 07, 2019 Sheila Majczan rated it really liked it

As others have pointed out this story does show influences from Pride and Prejudice but it is not a variation of such. It ended at 86% on my Kindle and then we are treated to the first chapters of the next book in this series.

Ellie Barrett goes on a long-awaited tropical vacation (We are never told exactly where.) after spending years putting herself through college and putting money into a new business, Wedding Planning, with her sister, Jena, and best friend, Charlie. There she meets William D As others have pointed out this story does show influences from Pride and Prejudice but it is not a variation of such. It ended at 86% on my Kindle and then we are treated to the first chapters of the next book in this series.

Ellie Barrett goes on a long-awaited tropical vacation (We are never told exactly where.) after spending years putting herself through college and putting money into a new business, Wedding Planning, with her sister, Jena, and best friend, Charlie. There she meets William Davies who at first comes off as a rather rude man who pushes ahead of her at dinner. She ignores his manners and offers him a place at her table when she hears the hostess inform him that there are no tables available. So begins what turns out to be a whirlwind romance. At first it is just getting to know each other but as it warms up he shuts down saying his life is too complicated right now...until another man asks her out and he cannot let her slip away. Things progress heatedly until she learns a devastating secret and immediately ends her vacation and returns home to South Carolina. She is heart broken but refuses his attempts to get in touch with her. Her sister and friend are there for her and it is with their support that she goes on with life.

However, fate has another plan for her...and him and even though it is two years before they see each other again that chemistry they had is still there BUT there is a trust issue for her and NOW there is a betrayal he finds difficult to forgive.

Part of the trust issue for Ellie has been reinforced when a stranger, seeing an envelope she has next to her on a bench with the return address of William's company, tells her his sad tale of how the man fired him from a job just because he didn't like him (shades of Wickham). She is conflicted but not wanting to communicate with William disturbing doubts are thus planted in her mind.

There are parts of this story that are endearing but not wanting to spoil the pleasure for others I won't mention those here. One should be aware that there are also MA scenes.

I enjoyed this book and recommend it. ...more

6 likes · Like · see review

May 27, 2019 Elin Eriksen rated it it was amazing

Shelves: unexpected-twist-and-turns, elin-s-jaff-2019, steamy, thrilling, modern, darcy-has-a-mistress, darcy-s-parents-alive, unique-premises

Modern variation of Pride and Prejudice.

I loved the way Diamond had adapted PnP into the modern era. Plausible and engaging with unexpected twists and turns. Add sizzling heat and the profound hurt that our dear couple subjected each other to, I was on the edge of my seat for the entire ride.

Ellie had saved for an eternity for that once in a lifetime vacation. Bunking up with a hunk next door didn't diminish her expectations but the man had some devastating secrets.
Back home, Ellie made some ev ...more

5 likes · Like · see review

Jul 19, 2025 Nina rated it really liked it

3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
Great story, but Ellie was way too long in forgiving Will. ‘Wickham’ intervention was way to weak, to give credence.
I did not agree with Elizabeth's decision to keep a certain happening from Darcy. Not at all, it was very unfair/wrong.
I listened to the audio version ...more

1 like · Like · see review

Oct 22, 2022 Craftyhj rated it really liked it

Shelves: yes, mature, own-copy, mod-non-regency, zz2024jaff

A very enjoyable read - 4.5*

This modern Austenesque story, loosely based on Pride and Prejudice, from a trusted author was a definite success. The characters are believable, warts and all.

The are a few typos but they did not distract from the plot.

I will definitely be reading the sequel.

Like · see review