It's Always Been You

The Wedding Planners, Book 1

By: L.L. Diamond

Narrated by: Christine Behymer

All Ellie ever dreamed of was the perfect vacation.

Ellie Barrett’s first glimpse of the island resort is everything she dreamed when she planned her long-awaited tropical getaway—sun, sand, and miles of brilliant aquamarine water. She’d made it! Two whole weeks to explore paradise. What could possibly be better?

Perhaps an athletic man in board shorts with a body to die for and a pair of stunning blue eyes? On her first evening, she meets William. Intelligent, amazing to talk to, and hot as sin, he’d never be interested in her, but it didn’t mean she couldn’t enjoy the view while it lasted!

But perfection isn’t bound to last. What if William isn’t everything he seems? When love persists over all obstacles, is it enough? How can Ellie trust William and protect her heart at the same time?

*Contains scenes with adult content.*

©2018 Leslie L. Diamond (P)2025 Leslie L. Diamond

Modern “P&P” with beach time!

I first bought & read this story several years ago and then picked it up again when the audiobook came out.

For me, the big thing with modern pride and prejudice variations or ones that are inspired by it are hard to pull off but LL Diamond has done it. For those that need the warning this book is for mature audience as there is open door activity.

We get to meet our main characters during their separate individual tropical vacations. Because they’re each alone they decide to do some of the activities at the resort together. This leads to a fast friendship that progresses quickly. A secret is then revealed in an almost a 2 year separation ensues. Much has changed in that time. Will talking through their issues to rebuild trust work? What additional things will pop up?

Clearly, this is a story that I will read again as I already have. For the audiobook this is a new to me narrator, and it was good but not great. I would have liked more definition with each character voice as at times it felt more as the narrator was reading the story not bringing the story to life with more distinct voices. Overall, I’m thrilled to have another LL Diamond book in audio format.

Love the story!

Great story with a modern Pride and Prejudice vibe for the two main characters. I loved the way they meet—on a paradise vacation. The two make huge mistakes, but it all works out nicely. Not too much angst. I liked how William’s dad was alive and part of the story. Sweet mature read.

Narration was good, but not excellent. I wished Ellie’s voice didn’t sound like a young teen at times. I felt there was more reading and less performance, and I thought some emotional scenes were rushed.