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Loving David
What would you do if someone like Ryan Reynolds or Robert Pattinson jumped into your car?
All David King wants is to enjoy a private escape from his celebrity status as a prominent and successful Hollywood actor. After a zealous fan detects David’s presence, he immediately seeks refuge in a most unconventional and comical place.
Charlotte, a romance writer, simply wants to enjoy a private retreat with her friends. She is eager to begin her quiet, secluded vacation in picturesque Lake Arrowhead with her fellow authors. Never did she expect to have a strikingly handsome celebrity accompany her on her trip as a surprise stow-away.
Soon, Charlotte and David begin a friendship that develops into a loving relationship. Although to some their love may seem effortless and perfect, their journey is not without obstacles.
Olivia, a beautiful Hollywood actress and former lover of David’s, wants David back in her arms and her bed. Although David tries to reassure Charlotte of his feelings for her, Charlotte’s insecurities continue to resurface and threaten their relationship. David and Charlotte continue to overcome many struggles until they are faced with one of life’s most bitter trials. As the story unfolds, their tale becomes something different, with much higher stakes. Will love be worth the risk of heartache?
Loving David is a tender story about taking risks in love and discovering beauty in tragedy. Gina Hummer writes with brilliant intensity about how bittersweet life and love can be. Her pronounced message carries a powerful lesson about the joy that comes when we offer ourselves a chance to love. The result is a deeply moving account of the tender moments in life that affect us all. Refined with a beauty that is rarely found in today’s contemporary fiction, Loving David establishes Gina Hummer as a classic author with a brilliant insight into the emotions of her audience, while connecting them to the only emotion that ever really matters.
Kathryn – www.romanticreadingescapes.com
All David King wants is to enjoy a private escape from his celebrity status as a prominent and successful Hollywood actor. After a zealous fan detects David’s presence, he immediately seeks refuge in a most unconventional and comical place.
Charlotte, a romance writer, simply wants to enjoy a private retreat with her friends. She is eager to begin her quiet, secluded vacation in picturesque Lake Arrowhead with her fellow authors. Never did she expect to have a strikingly handsome celebrity accompany her on her trip as a surprise stow-away.
Soon, Charlotte and David begin a friendship that develops into a loving relationship. Although to some their love may seem effortless and perfect, their journey is not without obstacles.
Olivia, a beautiful Hollywood actress and former lover of David’s, wants David back in her arms and her bed. Although David tries to reassure Charlotte of his feelings for her, Charlotte’s insecurities continue to resurface and threaten their relationship. David and Charlotte continue to overcome many struggles until they are faced with one of life’s most bitter trials. As the story unfolds, their tale becomes something different, with much higher stakes. Will love be worth the risk of heartache?
Loving David is a tender story about taking risks in love and discovering beauty in tragedy. Gina Hummer writes with brilliant intensity about how bittersweet life and love can be. Her pronounced message carries a powerful lesson about the joy that comes when we offer ourselves a chance to love. The result is a deeply moving account of the tender moments in life that affect us all. Refined with a beauty that is rarely found in today’s contemporary fiction, Loving David establishes Gina Hummer as a classic author with a brilliant insight into the emotions of her audience, while connecting them to the only emotion that ever really matters.
Kathryn – www.romanticreadingescapes.com
304 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 3, 2011
2 people are currently reading
489 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
September 17, 2012
MY NEW MISSION IN LIFE--- TO SPREAD THE WORD ABOUT THIS BOOK. I had a week off work and decided to read.(and I joined this site-yeah!) All the books I read were really good, but this is the one that will stick. From what I could research, Gina Hummer is a self published author and I believe this is her first book (If anyone finds another, let me know!) With all the other self published books going viral (On the island, Fifty Shades etc.) this one should be right there with them. I was laughing, crying and attacking my man (in a good way) all throughout this read. A fun, emotional rollercoaster and I enjoyed the ride! INDEED!
August 25, 2012
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review, and let me say, WOW! I am one big blubbering mess right now. From laughter to tears SOBS, this book raised every possible emotion to the surface. I had read somewhere that the author, Gina Hummer, has been compared to Nicholas Sparks in her writing...well, let me assure you that it is my belief that Nicholas Sparks must be channeling his inner Gina Hummer when he writes, not the other way around, because she is the queen at eliciting that WOW response from me.
David King, a well known British Hollywood actor in his early 30's, is trying to enjoy a private vacation in Southern California away from the hustle and bustle of L.A. When a fan catches a glimpse of him, David is forced to hide away in the most convenient place he can find at the time....the back floorboard of Charlotte's jeep. Charlotte is a romance writer in her mid 40's and is on a writer's retreat with her divorcee and widowed fellow writer friends. Before David has a chance to escape the uncomfortable floorboard, Charlotte takes off down the highway, almost wrecking her jeep when she notices a pair of piercing emerald eyes staring at her through the rear view mirror. After getting past the point of almost macing David to blindness, a beautiful friendship develops. Don't be misled by thinking this is just another Hollywood celebrity focus...it definitely is not. As a matter of fact, David's celebrity status is rarely touched...the focus remains on Charlotte and "Loving David."
"Loving David was the easiest thing I've ever done. It was effortless. I fell more in love with him every day to the point where I thought I would burst."
I love the slow-building relationship between Charlotte and David that Gina Hummer gave me. She allowed me, the reader, to really develop a strong connection with the main characters and envelope them in such a way as to invoke in me every smile, tingle, pain, and angst that Charlotte felt when interacting with David. Charlotte is a very strong woman who has experienced love and loss of love in life before. However, Charlotte didn't let her circumstance break her. She has such compassion for those whom others would spit on had they experienced the betrayal Charlotte experienced in life. But, she tends to make lemonade out of lemons and moves on in life....enter David, the sexy and handsome Brit who can have any blonde bombshell he wants, but he just wants to find someone to love him for who he is and not for his high celebrity status. He is what I would call a hot and sexy hometown boy with love for his family and strong roots to keep him grounded. He is definitely a swoon-worthy hero. He is perfect for Charlotte, no matter the age difference.
The secondary characters in the novel are stellar as well:
Emma - the near 80 year old widowed writer with a libido made me laugh out loud with her first impressions of David and her flirtatious banter.
"Nice huh?" Emma said. "I may have a whole new reason to change my Depends today," she said as she nudged Karen, who shrieked.
Karen and Hendra - the straight-laced, no nonsense, 'play by our ya ya sisterhood rules' women whose strength and resolve melts when exposed to David's natural charms. They are complete busy-bodies when it comes to Charlotte, but completely acting - and advising - out of love and in Charlotte's best interest.
"It's not like you're gonna have some great romance with him. Have a fling with him. A little sex never hurt anybody." Karen paused. "I mean safe sex."
Olivia - the selfish *bleep* I really enjoyed hating. She is a blonde Barbie-doll who will stop at nothing to manipulate and use others in the name of love, but with her, there is a fine line between love and revenge for not loving her back. She is completely hate-worthy.
This book is chocked full of love, romance, angst, heartache, and sadness. I don't normally comment on a book cover or title, but both, in this case, are so significant to the story of Charlotte and David, they are perfect. The 'happily ever after' in this book is in the eye of the reader. Gina Hummer brings to the table a big-screen worthy novel that is touching and sensitive to anyone with compassion and feeling. The writing is smooth and fluent, making it a fast read. But, don't mistake this novel for being just another romance; it contains its share of steamy sex, angst, heartbreak, and hurt to keep this story with you a long time after finishing. I give this book 4.5 stars and recommend it to all the Tissue-Owner's Book Clubs with a hankering for that next great read.
David King, a well known British Hollywood actor in his early 30's, is trying to enjoy a private vacation in Southern California away from the hustle and bustle of L.A. When a fan catches a glimpse of him, David is forced to hide away in the most convenient place he can find at the time....the back floorboard of Charlotte's jeep. Charlotte is a romance writer in her mid 40's and is on a writer's retreat with her divorcee and widowed fellow writer friends. Before David has a chance to escape the uncomfortable floorboard, Charlotte takes off down the highway, almost wrecking her jeep when she notices a pair of piercing emerald eyes staring at her through the rear view mirror. After getting past the point of almost macing David to blindness, a beautiful friendship develops. Don't be misled by thinking this is just another Hollywood celebrity focus...it definitely is not. As a matter of fact, David's celebrity status is rarely touched...the focus remains on Charlotte and "Loving David."
"Loving David was the easiest thing I've ever done. It was effortless. I fell more in love with him every day to the point where I thought I would burst."
I love the slow-building relationship between Charlotte and David that Gina Hummer gave me. She allowed me, the reader, to really develop a strong connection with the main characters and envelope them in such a way as to invoke in me every smile, tingle, pain, and angst that Charlotte felt when interacting with David. Charlotte is a very strong woman who has experienced love and loss of love in life before. However, Charlotte didn't let her circumstance break her. She has such compassion for those whom others would spit on had they experienced the betrayal Charlotte experienced in life. But, she tends to make lemonade out of lemons and moves on in life....enter David, the sexy and handsome Brit who can have any blonde bombshell he wants, but he just wants to find someone to love him for who he is and not for his high celebrity status. He is what I would call a hot and sexy hometown boy with love for his family and strong roots to keep him grounded. He is definitely a swoon-worthy hero. He is perfect for Charlotte, no matter the age difference.
The secondary characters in the novel are stellar as well:
Emma - the near 80 year old widowed writer with a libido made me laugh out loud with her first impressions of David and her flirtatious banter.
"Nice huh?" Emma said. "I may have a whole new reason to change my Depends today," she said as she nudged Karen, who shrieked.
Karen and Hendra - the straight-laced, no nonsense, 'play by our ya ya sisterhood rules' women whose strength and resolve melts when exposed to David's natural charms. They are complete busy-bodies when it comes to Charlotte, but completely acting - and advising - out of love and in Charlotte's best interest.
"It's not like you're gonna have some great romance with him. Have a fling with him. A little sex never hurt anybody." Karen paused. "I mean safe sex."
Olivia - the selfish *bleep* I really enjoyed hating. She is a blonde Barbie-doll who will stop at nothing to manipulate and use others in the name of love, but with her, there is a fine line between love and revenge for not loving her back. She is completely hate-worthy.
This book is chocked full of love, romance, angst, heartache, and sadness. I don't normally comment on a book cover or title, but both, in this case, are so significant to the story of Charlotte and David, they are perfect. The 'happily ever after' in this book is in the eye of the reader. Gina Hummer brings to the table a big-screen worthy novel that is touching and sensitive to anyone with compassion and feeling. The writing is smooth and fluent, making it a fast read. But, don't mistake this novel for being just another romance; it contains its share of steamy sex, angst, heartbreak, and hurt to keep this story with you a long time after finishing. I give this book 4.5 stars and recommend it to all the Tissue-Owner's Book Clubs with a hankering for that next great read.
September 17, 2012
Review: 5 stars
I am so excited that I had a chance to read this book. This has been one of my faves this year.
Ms. Hummer sent me a copy of Loving David, and I was excited for a light hearted read after the whole erotica phase I went through. Starting out, the book is sweet and romantic. I was excited to see the lust and passion unfold.
It was about a third of a way through that I fell in LOVE with the characters, David and Charlotte and the entire story line. I was pleasantly surprised with the older woman-younger man relationship.
Ms. Hummer did a fantastic job with character development. Readers can not help but empathize with Charlotte and lust after David. Their unexpected love is apparent and the series of events will bring tears to your eyes, keep you laughing out loud, and a smile on your face.
I wish Gina Hummer lots of success with Loving David and I can not wait for the next release.
I am so excited that I had a chance to read this book. This has been one of my faves this year.
Ms. Hummer sent me a copy of Loving David, and I was excited for a light hearted read after the whole erotica phase I went through. Starting out, the book is sweet and romantic. I was excited to see the lust and passion unfold.
It was about a third of a way through that I fell in LOVE with the characters, David and Charlotte and the entire story line. I was pleasantly surprised with the older woman-younger man relationship.
Ms. Hummer did a fantastic job with character development. Readers can not help but empathize with Charlotte and lust after David. Their unexpected love is apparent and the series of events will bring tears to your eyes, keep you laughing out loud, and a smile on your face.
I wish Gina Hummer lots of success with Loving David and I can not wait for the next release.
June 25, 2012
Fabulous read.....have a box of kleenex handy...thats all I'm sayin'.
July 4, 2012
I received a copy of Loving David in exchange for an honest review. I will say off the bat that I really enjoyed this novel, and was engrossed throughout the two days it took me to read it. The MC is Charlotte, a forty-something romance writer who is content to be independent. She caught her husband in an affair, and shortly after he and his girlfriend were killed in a car accident. David King, a thirty year-old heartthrob actor, jumps into Charlotte’s vehicle one day while trying to escape the paparazzi. Charlotte helps him escape the photogs, and the two quickly fall in love. Even though they have many obvious differences – age and lifestyle topping that list – the pair are quickly jet-setting around the country, moving in together, and tying the knot. Charlotte thinks she has it all, but her fairy-tale comes to a heartbreaking end.
When I first picked up the book, I’ll admit that I thought both the title and cover were just a tad on the safe side. Once I started getting into the story, I understood where the title was coming from and even more so the cover, and I quickly got over the qualm! For the actual story, I thought it was really beautiful, even though sometimes I thought the dialogue was too stuffy. Charlotte and David made such a wonderful couple, and seeing their relationship grow was special to me as a reader. Gina Hummer has a great talent for building unique characters and scenes. One thing I will say – I don’t think the synopsis fully covers what this story is about. After I read the back cover, I thought it would be a celebrity/non-celebrity relationship that deals with Hollywood. It’s really nothing like that. Not a whole lot gets touched on Hollywood or the celebrity part of David’s life. The ending is incredibly sad, and I was crying when I finished the book. I just wanted to be sure to include that part so readers aren’t so thrown off like I was. There is also a lot of romance between the pages and very detailed sex scenes. Overall, I really enjoyed this novel and hope you read it!
**Rating: 4.5 stars**
When I first picked up the book, I’ll admit that I thought both the title and cover were just a tad on the safe side. Once I started getting into the story, I understood where the title was coming from and even more so the cover, and I quickly got over the qualm! For the actual story, I thought it was really beautiful, even though sometimes I thought the dialogue was too stuffy. Charlotte and David made such a wonderful couple, and seeing their relationship grow was special to me as a reader. Gina Hummer has a great talent for building unique characters and scenes. One thing I will say – I don’t think the synopsis fully covers what this story is about. After I read the back cover, I thought it would be a celebrity/non-celebrity relationship that deals with Hollywood. It’s really nothing like that. Not a whole lot gets touched on Hollywood or the celebrity part of David’s life. The ending is incredibly sad, and I was crying when I finished the book. I just wanted to be sure to include that part so readers aren’t so thrown off like I was. There is also a lot of romance between the pages and very detailed sex scenes. Overall, I really enjoyed this novel and hope you read it!
**Rating: 4.5 stars**
August 23, 2017
I received this book as a first reads winner. I really enjoyed this book a lot. I couldn't put it down and ended up reading it in an evening. When I read the description I thought it would be a fun summer read. Pretty much was but what was enjoyable was the relationship between Charlotte and David. How it showed even though he was an international movie star, he was just a regular guy wanting to find someone to spend the rest of his life with. To have a relationship like his parents. Some of the women at the retreat made me laugh, the characters were very different individuals. This book teaches you, when you find someone you deeply love, whether you have known each other a lifetime or a short time, you need to grab onto that love because it's very rare. I would recommend this book. I wish I hadn't read it so fast so I could have savored the characters a little more. They were so likable and so enjoyable to read. I would read more by this author. Very well done. These characters and story will stay with me for a while. I'm missing them already.
June 23, 2012
I don't usually read "normal" romance books, I tend to stick to paranormal romances, but the line "What would you do if someone like Ryan Reynolds or Robert Pattinson jumped into your car at a stoplight" caught my intrest. Though, it wasn't a stoplight, "International movie star" David King hid from a mob of fans in the backseat of her Jeep, and after being serenaded by Charlotte singing along with the radio, she looks in the rearview mirror to see Emerald Green eyes staring back at her, she screams, swerves off the road, and grabs her mace. After the initial shock, she invites David to join her at her month long retreat with Divorcee's and Widows, and you can imagine how that went. A handsome, charming movie star in the midst of those ladies. This book will make you laugh, cry, and think about life, and what is important. I highly reccomend that you read this book, even if you think that it's not your style. I took a chance, and I'm so glad that I did.
September 3, 2012
I was pleasantly surprised with this book! I purchased it because I'm a sucker with stories involving celebrities. Loving David has a beautiful story line. I really enjoyed watching Charlotte and David's relationship grow. Charlotte is a very likeable character who's quite easy to identify with. Make sure to keep tissues handy because it's definitely a tear-jerker. I look forward to reading more by Hummer!
September 6, 2012
OH MY GOODNESS! Just finished this book and I know it will stay with me for a long time. (I've read it twice)
Humorous, Sexy and extremely emotional and sexy (needs repeating). If this book doesnt touch you and make you think about it after you have finished, you are a robot! AHHHHH! (and I totally pictured Robert Pattinson as David which made a great visual ;)
Humorous, Sexy and extremely emotional and sexy (needs repeating). If this book doesnt touch you and make you think about it after you have finished, you are a robot! AHHHHH! (and I totally pictured Robert Pattinson as David which made a great visual ;)
May 2, 2012
I love this book and highly recommend it. I see a movie of it in the future.
Well written with bits of humor, saddness and romance.
Well written with bits of humor, saddness and romance.
September 17, 2012
Check out my review http://www.confessionsofnoveljunkies....
September 19, 2012
Charlotte is a woman in her forties not looking to change her life in any shape or form. She has a successful career, good friends, she’s comfortably set in her ways, single by choice and she is “often happiest sitting at home alone with a good book, a glass of wine, and her phone turned off”. But Fate has different plans for Charlotte - a chance encounter between two kindred spirits, a galloping love affair and she soon finds herself deeply enamoured with one of the biggest movie stars in the world, David King.
David is fourteen years her junior but age plays no part in this unlikely romance between two people from two completely different worlds. David is uncomfortable with his lifestyle - he loves being an actor but his constant lack of anonymity troubles him. He meets Charlotte in a moment of pure desperation, never expecting that his ‘saviour’ would also end up being the love of his life. Charlotte offers him normalcy, comfort, unconditional love. She is kind and generous, selfless and compassionate. He falls in love with everything that she is, completely and easily. They might have been an unlikely match in the beginning but their beautiful romance develops quickly and suddenly.
Charlotte and David are loveable characters from the start - they are genuinely nice people and we can’t help but want them to get their happy ending. This is a story with minimal levels of angst for the vast majority of it, it portrays a love story untainted by lies, deception or games, and built on genuine acts of love and fondness. However, I struggled with the pace of their growing affection for each other - it felt rushed, forced, hard to believe. They make intense love declarations to each other and use the word “forever” after only one week of knowing each other, crediting “love at first sight” for what they are feeling. But I didn’t feel it with them.
One of my biggest difficulties with this book, possibly the main reason I didn’t love it, were the unconvincing dialogues between the characters. The words felt odd and often artificial. They did not depict the way two people would normally talk to each other, the expressions used were slightly stuffy and overly formal at times - “I love doing things for you. It makes me delirious.” - not to mention that some expressions were unnecessarily vague and philosophical - “I'm proud of you for having the courage to step outside of yourself.”
Another distracting element of this book were the painstakingly developed scenes loaded with an unnecessary amount of details - “he slowly removed her gray Jockey panties” - and exhaustive descriptions of events or things - “piercing green eyes, which shone like emeralds”. Furthermore, I felt that several romantic moments in the story were spoiled by unromantic and cringe-worthy expressions - “Charlotte felt him tense up, and she held him as he let out a cry. He wobbled inside her, and for a moment all he could do was hold himself above her, his face contorted like a crying newborn.” That definitely did not satisfy my hot lovin' criteria at all.
Charlotte and David’s story is a lesson about cherishing every moment in life and allowing love into your heart. Having said that, I did not see the need for the ending. It was a surprising turn of events but I didn’t think it was justified or emotionally charged enough to just have it there, making it seem random and uncalled-for. I love stories that are equally filled with sadness as well as happiness, I believe in needing to have a good balance of both to make a story credible and moving, but I did not believe that the feeling we were left with in the end was a positive one or one of hope. Maybe I define my happily-ever-afters differently but it was needlessly heart-breaking.
I really really wanted to love this book, I kept reading it hoping to get more out of it, to be moved more, to fall in love with the characters just a bit more, to see it all come together in a believable and touching way, but that moment never came for me. I had too many objections along the way, too many disagreements with the storyline. It was still a pleasant read for the most part of it but I really wish it had been developed a bit better.
~ N ♥
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David is fourteen years her junior but age plays no part in this unlikely romance between two people from two completely different worlds. David is uncomfortable with his lifestyle - he loves being an actor but his constant lack of anonymity troubles him. He meets Charlotte in a moment of pure desperation, never expecting that his ‘saviour’ would also end up being the love of his life. Charlotte offers him normalcy, comfort, unconditional love. She is kind and generous, selfless and compassionate. He falls in love with everything that she is, completely and easily. They might have been an unlikely match in the beginning but their beautiful romance develops quickly and suddenly.
Charlotte and David are loveable characters from the start - they are genuinely nice people and we can’t help but want them to get their happy ending. This is a story with minimal levels of angst for the vast majority of it, it portrays a love story untainted by lies, deception or games, and built on genuine acts of love and fondness. However, I struggled with the pace of their growing affection for each other - it felt rushed, forced, hard to believe. They make intense love declarations to each other and use the word “forever” after only one week of knowing each other, crediting “love at first sight” for what they are feeling. But I didn’t feel it with them.
One of my biggest difficulties with this book, possibly the main reason I didn’t love it, were the unconvincing dialogues between the characters. The words felt odd and often artificial. They did not depict the way two people would normally talk to each other, the expressions used were slightly stuffy and overly formal at times - “I love doing things for you. It makes me delirious.” - not to mention that some expressions were unnecessarily vague and philosophical - “I'm proud of you for having the courage to step outside of yourself.”
David: “My, my, my. Don’t you look scrumptious.”
Charlotte: “Thanks. You don’t look so bad yourself.”
David: “I'm humbled to be in the presence of such sexiness.”
Charlotte: “I could say the same thing, you know.”
Another distracting element of this book were the painstakingly developed scenes loaded with an unnecessary amount of details - “he slowly removed her gray Jockey panties” - and exhaustive descriptions of events or things - “piercing green eyes, which shone like emeralds”. Furthermore, I felt that several romantic moments in the story were spoiled by unromantic and cringe-worthy expressions - “Charlotte felt him tense up, and she held him as he let out a cry. He wobbled inside her, and for a moment all he could do was hold himself above her, his face contorted like a crying newborn.” That definitely did not satisfy my hot lovin' criteria at all.
Charlotte and David’s story is a lesson about cherishing every moment in life and allowing love into your heart. Having said that, I did not see the need for the ending. It was a surprising turn of events but I didn’t think it was justified or emotionally charged enough to just have it there, making it seem random and uncalled-for. I love stories that are equally filled with sadness as well as happiness, I believe in needing to have a good balance of both to make a story credible and moving, but I did not believe that the feeling we were left with in the end was a positive one or one of hope. Maybe I define my happily-ever-afters differently but it was needlessly heart-breaking.
I really really wanted to love this book, I kept reading it hoping to get more out of it, to be moved more, to fall in love with the characters just a bit more, to see it all come together in a believable and touching way, but that moment never came for me. I had too many objections along the way, too many disagreements with the storyline. It was still a pleasant read for the most part of it but I really wish it had been developed a bit better.
~ N ♥
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December 19, 2012
Initially, I rated it three stars because it ended with me crying. Seriously, sobbing at 0230. I was so disappointed there wasn't the typical happily ever after I expected and wanted after the sadness of last week. " I wanted to escape!" I thought "How dare she get me this emotionally invested and end it this way."
But I found myelf thinking of these two characters again and again and realized that Ms.Hummer did provide me escape and one bea-u-tee-ful and romantic love story. It has all the formula of a good book makes you smile, laugh, sigh, and cry (both good and bad cry). I loved these characters! I loved that despite initial reservations Charlotte didn't miss out on true love by being superficial or worrying too long on what others thought. And David is sexier than both Robert Pattinson and Ryan Reynolds put together! The natural way their relationship fell into shape was wonderful. The supporting characters added additional depth to the story.
This book totally envelopes you and leaves you good for nothing but that story because you can't shake it loose from your memory. Despite the turn of events it will stay on my keeper shelf. Similar to a Walk to Remember its worth emotional rollarcoaster to experience even for a little while a romance made in heaven. At least I'll be prepared when I reread it. :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 18, 2012
I just finished this book, I'm a wreck now! read it in one day because I couldn't put it down. loved the characters Charlotte and David, for once the girl in the book didn't annoy me to death! She was in her 40's and happy, then David an international movie star was very romantic! I liked that fact that this story didn't focus only on the hardship of dating a famous actor but more on the "love" and that they were truly "soul mates" - not giving to much away, this emotional roller coaster of a story will stay with me for a while! overall, great book! loved it!
okay.... finished this book last night.. and let me tell you- I woke up twice last night with this book on my mind. it looks like it will take me a few days to recover from this!
okay.... finished this book last night.. and let me tell you- I woke up twice last night with this book on my mind. it looks like it will take me a few days to recover from this!
January 5, 2013
A gut wrenching emotional roller coaster of a ride! I like the books I read to have some sort of HEA and I finished this book and wondered "why did I do this to myself?". But then I think that is the sign of a fantastic author who can leave you a blubbering mess over people who do not exist! The main characters, David and Charlotte, were wonderfully written and lacked any annoying traits that make you want to beat your head against the wall. A beautiful love story but keep your kleenex handy and prepare to be blind sided!
April 22, 2012
After reading 50 Shades (Decent - I get the hype) I needed a change. The older woman/younger man theme concerned me at first but then I got so engrossed with all the characters (the two main: David and Charlotte and their friends - especially Karen, so funny) that I found myself wanting to finish as soon as possible. I was not expecting the explicit sex scenes, but I am not complaining. (After 50 shades, nothing surprises me.) I GAVE A SIMILAR REVIEW ON AMAZON AND WOULD DO IT AGAIN!
July 4, 2012
Do not let the description on the back of this book cause you to bypass it. Its wonderful. I so appreciate a lead female character who is not in her early twenties, but a woman. Its funny, romantic and heartwarming.I read this and On the Island back to back and loved them! Please read and pass to a friend, they will love you for it.
May 16, 2014
I have just finishing reading this and what a delightful surprise it was! A beautifully written love story that takes the familiar trope ( older woman younger man) and makes it hear trending and believable. Lovely characters( OMG how wonderful is David?!) , great story I couldn't put it down. I eagerly await Ms Hummers next book- a star in the making !
September 15, 2012
This book is wonderful. It was charming and funny and cute and heartbreaking. How can you not love Charlotte and David and Emma was just a hoot. I am not sure why I just noticed this book and it came out in Decembermof 2011 but this book is a must read for everyone.
April 1, 2014
Love it!!! End it, crying my eyes out at 12am in the morning
September 27, 2013
Simply beautiful...brought heartbreaking tears to my eyes ~
***POSSIBLE SPOILERS PRESENT WITHIN REVIEW***
Okay, so I’ve finally stopped sobbing after reading this heartbreaking love story to write this review. This was a beautiful romance that developed when two people decide to “throw fate to the wind” and go with their true and honest feelings when encountering a love so special and electric. It’s about taking chances and “turning a blind eye” as to what other people may say when displaying an abnormal behavior of sorts.
Charlotte Taylor is an erotic romance writer just looking to spend some quiet time away from the bustling crowds of Los Angeles. She’s on her way to a retreat that brings women writers together that are either divorced or widowed, and they discuss any struggles that they may be having. What she doesn’t realize is that while in a small bistro, English actor, David King, has hidden away in her jeep to avoid the mob scene collecting outside on the usually vacant street. All he wanted to do was browse the bookstore and grab a cup of coffee, but that was out of the question once someone recognized him. So, he hides out in Charlotte’s jeep, but before he can get out, she gets in and drives off with him still hidden in the backseat. When his hiding place is discovered, Charlotte decides to let him accompany her to the retreat so he can hide out for a while, which promises to be quiet and private. David takes her up on her offer, and so begins their special friendship and eventually their very unique and exquisite romance. You see, Charlotte is forty-four years old and Davis is thirty. The age difference doesn’t bother David in the least, but it does take time for Charlotte to accept it. David is very adament that their age has no bearing on their relationship, and Charlotte should trust him completely.
As they embark on this incredibly magical love affair, their feelings grow immensely until both are totally swept away in this irresistibly scintillating love. They were meant to be together, and David acknowledges this by asking Charlotte to marry him. Questions arise as to how can this beautiful, smart, and amazing man could want her. But, David manages to convince Charlotte that he loves her and he will always love her. Can she please just say “yes”? They finally marry and life for the couple is wonderful. Enchanting. Perfect – until a health issue plagues one of them. It’s devastating. Agonizing. Tragic. I just was so surprised as to what the author was going to do to this amazing couple. I guess I understood the reasoning why. No life is ever perfect even when one has everything material – wealth, a great job, beautiful homes. It’s still apparent that anything good or bad can happen regardless of who one is socially or morally. The unexpected can prevail, but it’s important to not second guess one’s life’s choices. Live life fully and happily, and one will be rewarded with serenity and gratification.
I enjoyed both main characters tremendously. Charlotte, the more older and wiser, who looked ten years younger than her actual age, was honest and caring. She helped others even when they didn’t deserve it, and that just allowed David to fall in love with her more and more. And, David, what can one say about a guy who is more than handsome with his black hair, glimmering green eyes, while sporting that sexy British accent? Wow! But, he was more than just that sensual male movie star. He was endearing. He was smart, And, he was exciting. But, most of all, he loved his wife completely and solely. “Loving David” was Charlotte’s acknowledgment to his memory.
All I can say, is if you decide to read this novel, make sure that you have plenty of tissues. The ending is just that emotionally poignant. You will not be disappointed with this stunning debut by author, Gina Hummer. I guarantee it...
“Loving David was the easiest thing I’ve ever done. It was effortless. I fell more in love with him every day to the point where I thought I would burst. I’m so fortunate to have known a love like that, even for a little while.”
***POSSIBLE SPOILERS PRESENT WITHIN REVIEW***
Okay, so I’ve finally stopped sobbing after reading this heartbreaking love story to write this review. This was a beautiful romance that developed when two people decide to “throw fate to the wind” and go with their true and honest feelings when encountering a love so special and electric. It’s about taking chances and “turning a blind eye” as to what other people may say when displaying an abnormal behavior of sorts.
Charlotte Taylor is an erotic romance writer just looking to spend some quiet time away from the bustling crowds of Los Angeles. She’s on her way to a retreat that brings women writers together that are either divorced or widowed, and they discuss any struggles that they may be having. What she doesn’t realize is that while in a small bistro, English actor, David King, has hidden away in her jeep to avoid the mob scene collecting outside on the usually vacant street. All he wanted to do was browse the bookstore and grab a cup of coffee, but that was out of the question once someone recognized him. So, he hides out in Charlotte’s jeep, but before he can get out, she gets in and drives off with him still hidden in the backseat. When his hiding place is discovered, Charlotte decides to let him accompany her to the retreat so he can hide out for a while, which promises to be quiet and private. David takes her up on her offer, and so begins their special friendship and eventually their very unique and exquisite romance. You see, Charlotte is forty-four years old and Davis is thirty. The age difference doesn’t bother David in the least, but it does take time for Charlotte to accept it. David is very adament that their age has no bearing on their relationship, and Charlotte should trust him completely.
As they embark on this incredibly magical love affair, their feelings grow immensely until both are totally swept away in this irresistibly scintillating love. They were meant to be together, and David acknowledges this by asking Charlotte to marry him. Questions arise as to how can this beautiful, smart, and amazing man could want her. But, David manages to convince Charlotte that he loves her and he will always love her. Can she please just say “yes”? They finally marry and life for the couple is wonderful. Enchanting. Perfect – until a health issue plagues one of them. It’s devastating. Agonizing. Tragic. I just was so surprised as to what the author was going to do to this amazing couple. I guess I understood the reasoning why. No life is ever perfect even when one has everything material – wealth, a great job, beautiful homes. It’s still apparent that anything good or bad can happen regardless of who one is socially or morally. The unexpected can prevail, but it’s important to not second guess one’s life’s choices. Live life fully and happily, and one will be rewarded with serenity and gratification.
I enjoyed both main characters tremendously. Charlotte, the more older and wiser, who looked ten years younger than her actual age, was honest and caring. She helped others even when they didn’t deserve it, and that just allowed David to fall in love with her more and more. And, David, what can one say about a guy who is more than handsome with his black hair, glimmering green eyes, while sporting that sexy British accent? Wow! But, he was more than just that sensual male movie star. He was endearing. He was smart, And, he was exciting. But, most of all, he loved his wife completely and solely. “Loving David” was Charlotte’s acknowledgment to his memory.
All I can say, is if you decide to read this novel, make sure that you have plenty of tissues. The ending is just that emotionally poignant. You will not be disappointed with this stunning debut by author, Gina Hummer. I guarantee it...
“Loving David was the easiest thing I’ve ever done. It was effortless. I fell more in love with him every day to the point where I thought I would burst. I’m so fortunate to have known a love like that, even for a little while.”
September 24, 2012
“Loving David” was another title recommended if you like “Fifty Shades,” and I was intrigued. Just by looking at the cover, you wouldn’t even think this had anything close to Fifty and in my opinion it wasn’t, but I can see the comparisons. The intense emotional journey you go on through this tale is similar but very different, but in a good way, I promise!
Charlotte and David meet one afternoon as David is running from fans and the rabid paparazzi in a small town. Charlotte is a forty something romance writer (Yay!) and David is a 30-something up and coming actor known throughout the world. In an effort to hide David from crazy fans, Charlotte allows him to stay with her and her friends at a writer’s retreat.
Over the course of a couple of weeks, David insinuates himself into Charlotte’s quiet life. She is interested in David, but finds their age difference a bit daunting to get around. It doesn’t bother David in the least, but he worries Charlotte’s insecurities won’t ever let them be together.
Other reviewers have said it and I’m going to repeat it, “Loving David” is an emotional rollercoaster. I loved it, I wanted to shake Charlotte and say, what are you thinking; and at other times I just sighed myself lovin’ David a little bit. And the ending! Oh my gosh! The ending...I don’t want to spoil it but I will admit, I didn’t see it coming and it left me with a tear and a smile.
The secondary characters in this novel help create an environment for both romance a bit of hilarity. Emma was by far my favorite friend of Charlotte's! She was a 70+ widowed writer who doesn’t care what anyone thinks, so she speaks her mind. Here’s a conversation between David and Charlotte that made me giggle...and its about my favorite character, Emma!
“I have to say; I can’t imagine being bored around such an outspoken group.” David snuggled down into the chair a bit and looked at Charlotte. “Plus it’s nice to be around women who don’t want to pull my hair or rip my clothes off.”
Charlotte let out a huge laugh. “I think Emma may have wanted to rip your clothes off!”
David chuckled. “God bless, Emma.”
“Loving David” is an excellent romance for folks dying for an emotional connection. Funny, loving, at times frustrating, but above all else enjoyable, I found Charlotte and David’s journey to be heartbreaking and sweet. It sounds like a mess of contradictions I know, but when you read the book, you’ll know exactly what I mean. It may leave you with a tear but underneath it all there will be a smile.
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
The review originally was published and is viewable in its entirety at The Brunette Librarian's Blog
Charlotte and David meet one afternoon as David is running from fans and the rabid paparazzi in a small town. Charlotte is a forty something romance writer (Yay!) and David is a 30-something up and coming actor known throughout the world. In an effort to hide David from crazy fans, Charlotte allows him to stay with her and her friends at a writer’s retreat.
Over the course of a couple of weeks, David insinuates himself into Charlotte’s quiet life. She is interested in David, but finds their age difference a bit daunting to get around. It doesn’t bother David in the least, but he worries Charlotte’s insecurities won’t ever let them be together.
Other reviewers have said it and I’m going to repeat it, “Loving David” is an emotional rollercoaster. I loved it, I wanted to shake Charlotte and say, what are you thinking; and at other times I just sighed myself lovin’ David a little bit. And the ending! Oh my gosh! The ending...I don’t want to spoil it but I will admit, I didn’t see it coming and it left me with a tear and a smile.
The secondary characters in this novel help create an environment for both romance a bit of hilarity. Emma was by far my favorite friend of Charlotte's! She was a 70+ widowed writer who doesn’t care what anyone thinks, so she speaks her mind. Here’s a conversation between David and Charlotte that made me giggle...and its about my favorite character, Emma!
“I have to say; I can’t imagine being bored around such an outspoken group.” David snuggled down into the chair a bit and looked at Charlotte. “Plus it’s nice to be around women who don’t want to pull my hair or rip my clothes off.”
Charlotte let out a huge laugh. “I think Emma may have wanted to rip your clothes off!”
David chuckled. “God bless, Emma.”
“Loving David” is an excellent romance for folks dying for an emotional connection. Funny, loving, at times frustrating, but above all else enjoyable, I found Charlotte and David’s journey to be heartbreaking and sweet. It sounds like a mess of contradictions I know, but when you read the book, you’ll know exactly what I mean. It may leave you with a tear but underneath it all there will be a smile.
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
The review originally was published and is viewable in its entirety at The Brunette Librarian's Blog
May 31, 2018
This is a beautiful story about taking risks in love and discovering beauty in tragedy, how bittersweet life and love can be. About the joy that comes when we offer ourselves a chance to love, no matter what the obstacles.
Charlotte is 43 year old writer, who by miracle if you will, meets David who is 30 years old. Besides the age difference, David is a gorgeous, famous actor. He can have any woman he wants. But when he gets to know Charlotte, he loves everything about her. She's not like the stalker fans, that throw themselves at him. Regardless of the age difference they really do have quite a lot in common and they just click and hit it off.
He falls in love with her almost immediately, but she doesn't trust him, because of her insecurities. She feels old compared to him, doesn't feel beautiful or glamorous like all the actresses he's worked with. But she finally takes that chance, and it's the happiest she's ever been in her life. David loves her with his soul.
It really was a beautiful story, I cried, sobbed, and wept. I lost all control with this story.
It made me think about taking risks, and chances, sometimes it's so worth it, no matter the pain.
Sometimes it is better to feel pain then to feel nothing at all. Better to have loved and experienced that love back even if for just a while, then to have never experienced those feelings at all.
I'm ending this now, because I feel the tears starting to stream back down.
Charlotte is 43 year old writer, who by miracle if you will, meets David who is 30 years old. Besides the age difference, David is a gorgeous, famous actor. He can have any woman he wants. But when he gets to know Charlotte, he loves everything about her. She's not like the stalker fans, that throw themselves at him. Regardless of the age difference they really do have quite a lot in common and they just click and hit it off.
He falls in love with her almost immediately, but she doesn't trust him, because of her insecurities. She feels old compared to him, doesn't feel beautiful or glamorous like all the actresses he's worked with. But she finally takes that chance, and it's the happiest she's ever been in her life. David loves her with his soul.
It really was a beautiful story, I cried, sobbed, and wept. I lost all control with this story.
It made me think about taking risks, and chances, sometimes it's so worth it, no matter the pain.
Sometimes it is better to feel pain then to feel nothing at all. Better to have loved and experienced that love back even if for just a while, then to have never experienced those feelings at all.
I'm ending this now, because I feel the tears starting to stream back down.
March 14, 2013
This book made me experience all kinds of emotions! What a beautiful love story.... The title is also a very good way to describe my reading experience because it is just impossible to not like David.
[If you haven't read the book, stop reading now.]
Let's just say, like the characters, this book is full of surprises.
[If you haven't read the book, stop reading now.]
Let's just say, like the characters, this book is full of surprises.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
March 4, 2015I couldn't decide on how to rate this book so I've left it blank.
2.5 stars for the writing and backstory.
why?
The writing itself is ok. A fast and sweet read. David was a movie star with a heart of gold. Charlotte was a funny woman. Reading this book was like seeing their love story in fast fast forward. Everything happened too fast for me to appreciate the story.
0 stars for how the book made me feel.
why?
I hated how the book was built up to be this once in a lifetime love story then it felt that by the next page after they were married he was diagnosed with a terminal disease. That's a once in a lifetime tragedy right there and I hate that I spent my money and time reading about something wonderful only for the ending to take it away. I never minded shedding tears with books I've read but I don't like being blindsided. It just makes me feel like crap instead of appreciating their story.
2.5 stars for the writing and backstory.
why?
The writing itself is ok. A fast and sweet read. David was a movie star with a heart of gold. Charlotte was a funny woman. Reading this book was like seeing their love story in fast fast forward. Everything happened too fast for me to appreciate the story.
0 stars for how the book made me feel.
why?
I hated how the book was built up to be this once in a lifetime love story then it felt that by the next page after they were married he was diagnosed with a terminal disease. That's a once in a lifetime tragedy right there and I hate that I spent my money and time reading about something wonderful only for the ending to take it away. I never minded shedding tears with books I've read but I don't like being blindsided. It just makes me feel like crap instead of appreciating their story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 30, 2013
A few small spoilers****
I really wanted to like this book. the storyline was fantastic,a young hot movie star falls in love with an older woman... what a great story that can be! but I was so disappointed while reading it. don't get me wrong: I read it all, it a couple of days, but I really struggled to finish it.massive chunks of it I found super boring with nothing interesting really happening.
First of all the characters... I just didn't find believable. everything happened so fast, like it was fast forwarded. it didn't build up in a believable way for me to really feel it. they were just too perfect. fell in love really quickly and she just fitted into his life really easily.
In my point of view it wasn't well written too.
But to top it all was the end. it was just not necessary.
again - very disappointing
I really wanted to like this book. the storyline was fantastic,a young hot movie star falls in love with an older woman... what a great story that can be! but I was so disappointed while reading it. don't get me wrong: I read it all, it a couple of days, but I really struggled to finish it.massive chunks of it I found super boring with nothing interesting really happening.
First of all the characters... I just didn't find believable. everything happened so fast, like it was fast forwarded. it didn't build up in a believable way for me to really feel it. they were just too perfect. fell in love really quickly and she just fitted into his life really easily.
In my point of view it wasn't well written too.
But to top it all was the end. it was just not necessary.
again - very disappointing
February 26, 2013
What a beautiful love story packed with so much emotion. I am still crying and finished the book almost an hour ago. I didn't know what to expect when I began reading this book. I thought it would be the traditional "I'm a celebrity...get used to the craziness of my life" kind of love story. I wasn't expecting the love and emotion this book evoked. I clearly felt the intensity of their love coming off the page. Again, it was a beautiful love story. It will go into my re-read shelf so I can experience the love between Charlotte and David whenever I need it.
March 10, 2013
Can I first say how surprised I was that this was indeed a good book? And not just a good book but a great book. The cover is quite dull and it's not published by a major publisher but don't let that fool you. I can't emphasis enough how good Loving David is. It reminded me a lot of Me Before You by Jojo Moyes. Have your tissues handy because you will be in tears by the end! DO NOT MISS IT!! Sorry I can't give more away but you really have to read it and come to each dramtic turn yourself...
March 24, 2013
Well, I spent the better part of the middle of this book thinking this was going to be a dud. Boy was I wrong. While it didn't evoke the emotions in me that I would like a 5 star book to, I did catch myself teary eyed at several points. It's a great story of romance, lust, love and loss. I thought I would throw this book in the mix as a light fluffy read before digging into a book that I've been told I need a buddy to read with, boy was I wrong. This isn't a filler book by any means. I recommend it, but have some kleenex nearby while reading.
January 12, 2014
This story blew me away. The motto to this story is to love like there is no tomorrow. Don't let anything hold you back from your soulmate. I totally did not expect what happened to happen. So sad, but the ride they had was unforgettable.
I would recommend this story to anyone who doesn't always expect and can deal with a book that doesn't have a HEA. This will stay with me for a while.
I'm sure Charlotte will always be glad she didn't miss the dance.
I would recommend this story to anyone who doesn't always expect and can deal with a book that doesn't have a HEA. This will stay with me for a while.
I'm sure Charlotte will always be glad she didn't miss the dance.
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