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Hollywood Hearts #1

If I Loved You

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Does love always mean total truth? Successfully shunning the limelight was one way for Megan Davis to keep her family secret. The press intruded on her life when her twin brother, Mark, became the star quarterback for the Delaware Demons. A smart, successful financial advisor, disrespectful of tabloid superstars, Meg was shocked when she was selected to launch a celebrity division in the prestigious investment firm, Dillon & Weed and overwhelmed by the charisma of her first client.

Gorgeous, magnetic movie star, Chaz Duncan, wary of women who wanted to bask in his fame or sell his secrets to the media, valued privacy above all else. Would attractive Megan Davis, his new financial advisor charm the truth from him or would he continue his high profile but lonely existence to keep his secret safe? Jealousy, deceit and scandal threaten two careers and the quest for true love and trust in this roller-coaster-ride contemporary romance.

250 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 27, 2012

35 people are currently reading
418 people want to read

About the author

Jean C. Joachim

108 books588 followers
I've been making up stories for as long as I can remember. When other kids wanted to be doctors, teachers or firemen, I wanted to be a writer.
As soon as I could read, I began devouring books. I'd read anything I could get my hands on, but Louisa May Alcott's "Little Women" and Nancy Drew mysteries were early favorites.
In school, term papers were my favorite homework. While others bemoaned the amount of work involved, I jumped in, burying myself in research and writing the document with care.
Still fiction was my first love. After college and a degree in English, I fell into the world of advertising. After many years in corporate America, I went my own way. Working and raising two kids took all my energy and creativity. But when the youngest went off to school, all the stories ideas in my head came to life. Mac Caldwell and Callie Richards landed in my head and refused to leave. So I told their story. What started as one book has become six. Now I greet my characters every morning at six and jump back into their story, enjoying every minute. I'm blessed to be able to work at something I love. More than 70 books later, I'm still up at the crack of dawn, crafting the tales of the people who live in my head while nursing a cup of tea and a few pieces of black licorice.

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5 stars
53 (31%)
4 stars
44 (26%)
3 stars
46 (27%)
2 stars
20 (11%)
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6 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
Profile Image for Beth.
771 reviews123 followers
August 25, 2013
3.75 Tabloid Stars



Remember the Monkees and Beatles clips where they are running through the street chased by screaming girls crying for them? This book reminds me of that. Not that I cried or screamed, but the characters were chased. And talked about. And written about.

Megan is a financial analyst. Nothing too sexy or tabloid worthy there. She is smart and driven. She is starting a division of her company to invest famous people's money. She has a famous brother and therefore has at least one client. She is willing to work hard and is not really all that excited or fangirling about any of her potential customers. She is confident of her abilities.

I don't need charms; I have brains.

Chaz is famous. Like people chasing him down the street famous. He is darling of silver screen and wants to be on Broadway. And...luckily for him...needs someone to look after his investments. But he understands that his life is lived in a fish bowl. He doesn't like it, but knows its part of the package deal that comes with making millions of dollars to play pretend.

Meg and Chaz, of course, get together. But can she put up with the gossip column writings about Chaz with his co-stars? Can a long distance romance work when he is on set and she is in the office? Megan is self confident, but hello?....when you see your boyfriend splattered all over the papers, anyone gets a little worried. She provides him with normal. More normal than his life has ever been. They each have their secrets and must learn to trust each other. But they live in a world where one slipped secret is tomorrow's headlines.

Fun book and the first in the series. Whose heart will be on the line next?









This is a sweet, not too steamy, but fun read.
Profile Image for Tanya Witt.
191 reviews129 followers
January 1, 2013
What a great, light and romantic read you will enjoy here. A love story full of realistic drama and publicity that comes with being a star. The characters, Megan Davis, an intelligent, financial adviser and Chaz Duncan a very handsome and famous actor, first meet when Chaz decides to invest his money with the company Meg works for. The attraction is instantly mutual but of course there are those typical good things and bad things that come along with being a celebrity, especially a very attractive one!

Chaz and Megan are both private people and just like all of us they have secrets about their past. They want to trust each other so much and Chaz loves everything about Megan but can he trust her? Will these two share there secrets with each other and how on earth will they navigate through the difficult world of cruel celebrity gossip magazines and very jealous people? Will their relationship stand all the hurt?

Jean Joachim writes a very tasteful romance with heartwarming tenderness and passionate love scenes that can very much be a reality. I smiled and enjoyed their story very much. A wonderful romantic read for me to finish 2012 with and I recommend you check this out. She has several books out there so if you are looking for romance with HEA'S you will certainly find it with her work! The author provided me with a copy for an honest review.

Profile Image for Theresa Needham fehse.
447 reviews16 followers
April 28, 2015
Free book for honest review. juliesbookreview.blogspot.com

Does love always mean total truth? Successfully shunning the limelight was one way for Megan Davis to keep her family secret. The press intruded on her life when her twin brother, Mark, became the star quarterback for the Delaware Demons. Disrespectful of tabloid superstars, financial advisor, Meg, was shocked when she was tapped to launch a celebrity division in the prestigious investment firm, Dillon & Weed. The biggest surprise: the charisma of her first client.
Gorgeous, magnetic movie star, Chaz Duncan, wary of women who wanted to bask in his fame or sell his secrets to the media, valued privacy above all else. Would attractive Megan Davis, his new financial advisor charm the truth from him or would he continue his high profile but lonely existence to keep his secret safe? Jealousy, deceit and scandal threaten two careers and the quest for true love and trust in this roller-coaster-ride contemporary romance




I absolutely loved this book. I love the characters & the storyline. Absolutely amazing author that keeps me coming back for more of her books. I almost feel like the people in her books are friends. I've read several books by this author & can't wait to read more.




I rate this book 5 stars

Jennifer
Profile Image for Stella.
Author 4 books3 followers
January 22, 2013
The story is sweet but just TOO GOOD to be true. I'm an old-fashioned romance reader and I like stories with more UPs AND DOWNs and more 'character changing' - for the good, of course.Everything was too perfect since the beginning...
There was also something regarding too much dialogue, it made the reading kinda tiring sometimes.
579 reviews17 followers
January 2, 2015
I loved this story of Megan and Chaz (Dunc). Megan is a witty and smart financial advisor who is put in charge of developing a celebrity division in her firm and Chaz is a gorgeous actor who becomes her first client. Megan has a famous football star as her twin, so the celebrity status doesn’t faze her, nor is it a scene she wants any part of. Chaz prefers to stay out of the lime light and because of his status, he hasn’t been big on dating because how does he know if someone wants him for him or wants him because of his fame.
Their initial meeting was great, especially when Megan put his status on the table stating: “I don’t give a damn you’re famous, okay. Can we get that straight? I’m not impressed, not going to grovel at your feet. You’re simply a potential client whose money I may be managing. No more and no less. I’m not going to swoon and ask for an autograph or throw myself at you. Of course, I’ll do my best to take care of your money as if it was my own, but that’s as far as it goes.” As far as it goes….famous last words. The attraction between them is instant. As they begin their professional relationship, a personal connection begins and the most difficult bond of trust is formed when they both share private and painful stories of their past. The meatloaf dinner was heartwarming and really showed us the loving, caring side of Dunc from the Bronx.
Jean tells a realistic love story with the trials and tribulations a celebrity couple endures from the celebrity gossip rags and people who are jealous of what others have. When the jealousy of others rears its ugly head, a scandal is created and threatens the careers of both Megan and Chaz and their budding relationship. Is their love for one another strong enough to overcome the obstacles thrown at them?
This is definitely a book I highly recommend and I look forward to more in the series.
Profile Image for Twinsie Talk Angie J.
1,809 reviews
August 14, 2013
Check out this review and others at
www.Twinsietalk.blogspot.com
www.facebook.com/twinsietalk
@twinsietalk

I received this book from the author for an honest review.
I actual rating is a 3.75 but I rounded up.

I met this wonderfully kind author while at a book convention. She is so warm and friendly that when she reached out to me after the convention, I had to read these books. The blurbs of the books seemed "up my alley". Who DOESN'T follow the heart breaks and loves of celebrities.

Chaz is the celebrity that everyone wants and everyone assumes (ya know you should'nt do that right???) is a mega playboy. He meets Megan/Meg to talk to her about investing his money. He is totally taken with her and had to convince her to go out on dates. Meg has a famous brother and she wants NOOOOO part of a celebrity relationship.

Well the couple feel an attraction. Meg is so insecure that she cant believe this hottie really wants her. Chaz is sooo broken he cant believe someone as kind and caring actually likes him for him and not his money.

Well the two end up falling in L.....wait not the L word...friends with benefits. Neither will admit their love for the other out of fear. When they finally do, they are arguing and I had to laugh about it. The couple is happy and trying to figure out the logistics of how to make it work when...grrrr....the conflict of the story hits. a co-worker frames Meg and sets off a bunch of bad press for Chaz which is turns threatens his career. Poor Chaz has to decided love or a career. Poor Meg has to decide Love for me or let him go for his own career.

I enjoyed the story and the overall plot. I am very excited to meet and read about Quinn, Chaz's best friend, in book 2.
Profile Image for Sassy Beta Reading & Review.
1,239 reviews24 followers
July 25, 2014
This is book 1 of the Hollywood Hearts series and it did not disappoint. This is the love story of Meg (sister of Mark from the Prequel) and Chaz (Dunc) who is an actor.

Meg is a financial adviser for celebrities and her first assignment is to convince Dunc to let her be his money adviser. More than money exchanges hands with these two. They start to have feelings for each other but are determined that anything they have would be non committal.

Like any normal romance story...the road to love is not an easy one (that would be boring if it was anyway). Soooo....as you can guess, there is Joy and Agony, Loyalty and Deceit, Jealousy and Redemption, and my all time favorite...Love and Hate.

The story line was great, the descriptions to detail where fantastic. The dialogue between the character was good...but the internal dialogue would have benefited from being a lil bit less. I love knowing the characters thoughts but it doesn't always need to be put in a "thought bubble" Italics. You don't always have to show me what they are thinking...you can tell me by gestures, vocal cues, etc. It did not distract me from enjoying the story but was noticeable.

This is a multi pov (my favorite kind) I could have used a wee bit more of Duncs pov in a few areas but all in all it was pretty detail oriented.

I liked how this brought in Mark and Penny from the prequel. I like a series that keeps us up to date on what the characters from previous books are doing. I am looking forward to Quinn's story next. He shows up a few times in this story.

Would I recommend this book? Yes!

Would I read more from this author? Yes (already have book 2 waiting for me)

Profile Image for Crystal Marie.
1,483 reviews68 followers
September 15, 2013
If you’re a reader a like I am, you have read a ton of books. The different genres that are out there for you to choose a book from can seem daunting at times. But, no matter what you read, there is always that one genre that is your ‘go-to’ when it comes to books. For me, I am a sucker for romances, crazy I know!
There is just something about the romances that brings a smile to me and can always make me feel better after reading the story. In this book, it is what I would consider a gentle romance. Although there is a ton of drama that takes place during the story, it is done completely well in my opinion. One thing that I did enjoy about Chaz and Meg’s relationship is that they worked for it. It wasn’t an easy relationship for either of them, but they worked together to try.
I enjoyed that factor a lot because real life relationships take work, and by them having to fight to be together it gave the book a real life quality to it. Chaz and Meg seem like complete opposites in the beginning, yet as you learn more about each of them you find out they have more in common than they realized.
My only complaint about this book would be that it’s about an actor and the unsuspecting woman. It feels like this type of story has been done many times before, but on the same token, I really liked the fact that Meg isn’t a naive innocent 18 year old!
All in all, I really enjoyed reading this book and I would recommend it to anyone who loves romance.
Profile Image for Nadene  (Totally Addicted to Reading).
1,520 reviews218 followers
February 28, 2013
This is my first time reading a book from this author and I was not disappointed. If I Loved You is a sweet romantic read set in NYC. It's filled with drama and depicts the ups and downs faced by persons who are in the public eye.
The lead male character, Chaz, who is an actor, was the epitome of sexiness and confidence. He was a very private person and tried his best to keep his personal life away from the press. He had a past that he trusted no one with, that was until he met Megan.
Megan was a brilliant financial adviser who was given the task of handling Chaz’s finances. The attraction between them was instantaneous. Megan hated any form of publicity but being apart of Chaz’s life plunged her into a world she had tried so hard to avoid. This had some devastating effects on their budding relationship. Megan was self-confident when it came to her career but as a person she is insecure and could not believe that someone like Chaz could be genuinely interested in her.

This story depicts that persons should live their lives the best they can for no matter what there will always be persons who are jealous of you for no reason and will try to ruin your happiness. This story was an easy read. It flowed beautifully from beginning to end. I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait for the next one in the series. This is a must read for readers who enjoy a sweet and fun romantic read.
Profile Image for Carrie.
3,660 reviews36 followers
April 5, 2014
Meg & Chaz - I think I enjoyed this one even more than Mark & Penny's story, which I also loved! Meg & Chaz, or Dunc, both have trust issues, but they pretty quickly come to trust each other for the most part. They have chemistry right away, and they don't fight it very hard. *laugh* Meg tries, but she cannot resist the light in his eyes. Can't blame her - Chaz is super confident & sweet & takes care of Meg even before either of them realize that's what he's doing.

We get to see glimpses of Mark & Penny, too, and even though Mark is being kinda a jerk through part of the story, it's coming from a place of love for his twin, so I'll cut him some slack.

My only complaint is that parts of the "complications" felt like they were in there by obligation, rather than because that's what the characters would do/feel. However, things are resolved fairly quickly, and we're back to focusing on these two characters and their love. It's a battle for them to admit to their feelings, but it feels real. And the last couple chapters/epilogue - LOVE! : )

From the synopses of the other books in this series, I may read the next one, but after that the storylines sort of jump my own personal shark, so I'll probably stop with Quinn's story.
Profile Image for Jen.
710 reviews5 followers
December 4, 2013
Cute story - I enjoyed getting to know Meg and Chaz -
Chaz is a Big time actor, and he's well known for his looks -
But when he meets Meg, his Financial Adviser, his whole word as he knows it changes.

Meg is use to the star struck famous guys .Her twin brother Mark is pretty far up there. So when good looking Chaz comes into her office, she has to think twice about the looks he's giving her.

Chaz moves pretty fast, so I was a little taken back by the way he kissed her at their meeting/dinner. But that one kiss seemed to let Meg know that he wanted her for more than just her Harvard brains and his money.

Things start to progress well when Chaz comes over to practice for his next audition. And Meg helps him with tuning up his vocal cords.

When Chaz does something he thought would be nice, turns into a disaster, things start to turn south for the two that are so much in love.

Cute story - they started off fast, which made it a quick paced book to read :)
Profile Image for Mayas.
2,418 reviews48 followers
September 6, 2013
I will start off by asking, "How in the HELL did Brielle think she was getting away with that dumb old plan?"

Chaz Duncan was a smart individual who knew it was hard to trust but when coming in face with the right person there was no use in fighting it. His good deed went a long way in destroying what was so right and in the end HE knew what was best for him and listened to no one but the wise words of good old Bobby.

He and Megan was great together and when paired together was a force of brain, drive, good looks, and a hell of a lot of sex appeal. I so could have choked Mark and his manager for their negativity in the book. It was like Mark didn't want Megan to be happy or put another MAN before him.

I LOVED this story and I do believe it had me hooked at the meatloaf as well. This is a GREAT romantic quick read.
Profile Image for Cathy Brockman.
Author 5 books95 followers
January 3, 2013
: Jealousy, deceit and scandal threaten the two careers and personal lives of Megan Davis and Chaz Duncan. Megan is selected to start a celebrity division in her financial firm. Chaz her first client is a sexy movie star. Sparks burst into flames between the two, putting both their lives and careers on shaky ground.
You at me at the first paragraph! I was absolutely taken in by both Chaz and Megan. The description of Chaz at the beginning had me swooning. I couldn’t put the book down. Not only was the characters captivating so was the story. One twists after another left me breathless. The end leaves me begging for the next book in the series!! I am hooked!
Profile Image for Neela.
84 reviews30 followers
January 13, 2013
Hmmm!!! haha! A sweet love story!
Not always perfect but its filled with perfect moments! Megan Davis and Chaz Duncan are fantastically amazing together! Such a pair!

Not willing to trust people in their life...at first reluctant to trust each other but grew a lot after they finally did!

Not like any other celebrity love story books! This is different but it has its own twists!
Cant wait for the 2nd book!! The ending was pushing but Hell they deserve it!

I love the other characters too! Quinn! Bobby! Mark!! OHHH PENNNYYYYY!!! <3 her!

sweet and short romance story!
4 STARS WORTHY! =D
14 reviews1 follower
November 3, 2013
This is the first book,I've read of Jeans.But I loved her writing style and wanted to read more.She writes with intriguing characters and a writing style I love.This is a Hollywood series and once you read this one you will definitely want more.This book is written about New York and loveable characters,I would want as my friends She writes about love and passion and once you finish this book you will want your own happy ever after.So fall in love with Jeans book's and fall in love with love.Makes you want your own happy ever after.
Profile Image for Troy Storm.
Author 25 books8 followers
November 10, 2013
Couldn't be a more heartwarming and hopeful romance. Jazzy New York setting, Hollywood Hunk and a hard-working financial adviser get caught up in all the pain and fun that being a celebrity can bring to two people trying to get to know each other. Joachim writes with an authenticity that carries the reader along on an exciting and maddening adventure before the final curtain -- and there's a nice tease for the sequel. And if there's meaningful meatloaf in your life, the the meatloaf scene will bring you to tears. Heartwarming, hot and meatloaf! A terrific read.
Profile Image for Lisa Gregory.
23 reviews2 followers
January 7, 2015
I received this book for my honest review. I have to tell you it is just amazing. I have never been to New York but Jean's writing makes me want to go. Chaz and Megan have instant chemistry you can just feel it oozing off the pages. I have to admit I cried several times. I couldn't put it down though. Jean really can right an awesome story and she shows just how mean and deceitful people really are. I enjoyed this book and can't wait for the next one.
Profile Image for Irayda Moran (Quezada).
520 reviews20 followers
January 9, 2013

This is beautiful love story and very true for those that live in the public eye. From the very beginning, I found Chaz to be confident, direct and sexy. Meg had me in her corner till the very end. Chaz the actor strives to keep his life private. Meg has never been in the lime light but their business/private relationship may fall apart for trusting the wrong person.

Profile Image for Sarah Cass.
Author 45 books147 followers
March 22, 2013
I'm not good at reviews, so I'm just going to say a few things.

The book grabbed me quick, and I really enjoyed the characters. It was a fast-read with definite (if minimal) conflict.

In the end it had me grinning like a goober and very happy, and last impressions always get my star points - especially since this one left me wanting to add book 2 to my TBR pile quickly.
Profile Image for Sheri.
352 reviews
January 18, 2013
This was my first Jean Joachim book and it wont be my last! I got this book from the author on a blog hop and I'm glad I had the opportunity because this is surely a new TBR (to be read) author. If I Loved You was a fun, sweet, realistic story that kept my interest from page one.
Profile Image for Tricia.
Author 64 books52 followers
July 6, 2013
Incredible!! I couldn't put this book down! I fell in love with the characters. I loved Meg's fire and my heart melted as Dunc fell in love with her. I can't wait to start the next book. A must read!!
Profile Image for Patricia Blevins.
515 reviews2 followers
January 25, 2016
The story of Chaz and Megan is such a joy to read. Two sort of lost souls looking to find what is right in the world for them. Will they be able to get past all the hatred people have for them and the paparazzi? Will the get their Happily Ever After?
Profile Image for Diana Tan.
270 reviews8 followers
January 3, 2013
I love this book. I found it endearing when Chaz & Megan pretend that's it's business only yet secretly steaming with jealousy
Profile Image for Zandra .
318 reviews35 followers
January 15, 2013
light and romantic read. i found it too fast but wth, it's love! :)
Profile Image for Molly.
Author 34 books27 followers
May 20, 2013
Loved this story!!! Looking forward to the other books in this series:)
Profile Image for Gail.
5 reviews
September 10, 2016
Romantic Story.....looking forward to reading the series.
Profile Image for Vicki.
61 reviews3 followers
March 8, 2014
Such a fun read!

Loved this story, loved the characters. I read it all in one day! Can't wait to read the next one!
Profile Image for Dianne.
852 reviews
February 6, 2015
I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading book 2 soon.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews

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