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Hope #0.5
Hope Smolders
Jane Kline is a struggling divorcee and single mother with a social life on hold. Not only does Jane not have the time to date anyone, she’s not even going to consider making herself vulnerable to another man after being deserted by her husband. That’s why Will Griffin, her ex’s former best friend, takes her totally by surprise.
What would such a hot and sexy wild card see in a harried mother juggling two kids and two jobs? For starters, everything Jane no longer sees in herself. As she dares to take the flirtation to the next step, Jane finds herself back where she never wanted to be—falling for another man. Now it’s up to Will to convince Jane that she has everything he wants in a woman, and that the second time around can be the best time of all.
(Hope Smolders previously appeared in the Hot Summer Nights anthology.)
What would such a hot and sexy wild card see in a harried mother juggling two kids and two jobs? For starters, everything Jane no longer sees in herself. As she dares to take the flirtation to the next step, Jane finds herself back where she never wanted to be—falling for another man. Now it’s up to Will to convince Jane that she has everything he wants in a woman, and that the second time around can be the best time of all.
(Hope Smolders previously appeared in the Hot Summer Nights anthology.)
134 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 25, 2014
96 people are currently reading
1668 people want to read
About the author
Jaci Burton
157 books8,294 followersJaci Burton is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling, award-winning author of over 85 books. She lives in Oklahoma and when she isn’t on deadline (which is often), she can usually be found wrestling with her uncooperative garden, wrangling her dogs, watching an unhealthy amount of television, or completely losing track of time reading a great book. She’s a total romantic and longs for the happily ever after in every story, which you’ll find in all her books.. Visit her website at www.jaciburton.com for excerpts, book information and contests.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 128 reviews
September 21, 2017
1.5/5
The story started off very well, which I initially thought that this was going to be my first Jaci Burton’s 5-star read. But why, oh why, the more I read, the less I enjoyed it. The heroine really got on my nerves most of the times. Will was nothing but caring, and she was stupid enough to push him away. The drama was totally off.
Nah, not for me.
The story started off very well, which I initially thought that this was going to be my first Jaci Burton’s 5-star read. But why, oh why, the more I read, the less I enjoyed it. The heroine really got on my nerves most of the times. Will was nothing but caring, and she was stupid enough to push him away. The drama was totally off.
Nah, not for me.
April 22, 2014
I started reading the first book in this series before I realized there was a short novella preceding it (hadn't read more than a chapter). It didn't seem like a big deal but I rarely read out of order. Thankfully, this novella was available at my digital library so before I post the review of the first book, here's a short summary of this one.
Quick Summary
Jane Kline is a high school teacher working two jobs after her divorce from her husband. She has two young children and not much time (or money) for anything other than work and her family. Will Griffin notices her at the gym and sets out to convince her that her life can include a bit of romance.
Bottom line
This was a sweet but relevant love story and introduction to the series. Jane's issues related to her husband's abandonment of her and her children were awfully realistic. Protecting them was her primary goal and Will got caught up in all of this, even though he wasn't anything like the ex.
While novellas tend to leave me wanting, I was really pleased with how the story did it's job in introducing the town and the central characters we can look forward to reading about later in the series. And, Jane and Will's romance was both heartwarming and sensual. I'm looking forward to getting into this series.
Quick Summary
Jane Kline is a high school teacher working two jobs after her divorce from her husband. She has two young children and not much time (or money) for anything other than work and her family. Will Griffin notices her at the gym and sets out to convince her that her life can include a bit of romance.
Bottom line
This was a sweet but relevant love story and introduction to the series. Jane's issues related to her husband's abandonment of her and her children were awfully realistic. Protecting them was her primary goal and Will got caught up in all of this, even though he wasn't anything like the ex.
While novellas tend to leave me wanting, I was really pleased with how the story did it's job in introducing the town and the central characters we can look forward to reading about later in the series. And, Jane and Will's romance was both heartwarming and sensual. I'm looking forward to getting into this series.
January 24, 2014
3.5 stars. Novella, short and sweet. Good start to new series.
April 23, 2019
Jane Kline has no intentions of getting involved with another man. Her marriage turned out to be a nightmare, although she is left with two beautiful children. So, it wasn’t all bad but Jane would rather forget about her ex-husband and build a new life for herself and her two children.
When her ex-husband’s best friend, Will Griffin, comes around, she finds herself unexpectedly attracted to him. She tries to resist, but it’s not easy. Even her two children love the guy, but that brings Jane back to her first dilemma - does she really want another man in her life. She thinks the answer is no, but why is Will always on her mind?
I love novellas and series. I’m fortunate that this one is a fun one and the first in the series. I raced through this one. The two main characters, Jane and Will, are written so well. I could feel their pain and stress. I really cared about them. The author does a nice job of drawing the reader right into the story.
This one is a prequel to the Hope series and I’m looking forward to reading more.
When her ex-husband’s best friend, Will Griffin, comes around, she finds herself unexpectedly attracted to him. She tries to resist, but it’s not easy. Even her two children love the guy, but that brings Jane back to her first dilemma - does she really want another man in her life. She thinks the answer is no, but why is Will always on her mind?
I love novellas and series. I’m fortunate that this one is a fun one and the first in the series. I raced through this one. The two main characters, Jane and Will, are written so well. I could feel their pain and stress. I really cared about them. The author does a nice job of drawing the reader right into the story.
This one is a prequel to the Hope series and I’m looking forward to reading more.
November 29, 2016
Rating: 3.5 Stars
I am a Burton fan from reading the Play by Play series. Therefore, I was all for starting this series. I don't know why I started with the novella, when I usually am left slightly unsatisfied after reading novellas, but I did it anyway.
It was not bad. I met some of the inhabitants in Hope and got a feel for the town. I think this is a place I would like to know better. Though with the small town thing, it seems like they all have dated each other (sort of like a 90s TV show).
The story was very sweet. I loved Will and his need to be there for Jane. He really put it all out there, and I could not help but swoon.
Overall: short and sweet. I am looking forward to getting to know the people of Hope better.
I am a Burton fan from reading the Play by Play series. Therefore, I was all for starting this series. I don't know why I started with the novella, when I usually am left slightly unsatisfied after reading novellas, but I did it anyway.
It was not bad. I met some of the inhabitants in Hope and got a feel for the town. I think this is a place I would like to know better. Though with the small town thing, it seems like they all have dated each other (sort of like a 90s TV show).
The story was very sweet. I loved Will and his need to be there for Jane. He really put it all out there, and I could not help but swoon.
Overall: short and sweet. I am looking forward to getting to know the people of Hope better.
April 26, 2017
I think it was not quite a good idea to read this immediately after Storm's Heart. Compared to the heart-wrenching, intense love-story from Thea Harrison, this little novella seemed just... boring and superficial to me. (And Jane annoyed the heck out of me.)
not-interested
June 18, 2018It seems is general consensus that heroine is annoying. It looks like is the author’s pattern.
July 14, 2014
Inicio una nueva saga de ésta reina del género romántico para adultos con tintes más bien eróticos.
Hope Smolders es una novela corta de corte romántico contemporáneo que tiene lugar en el pueblecito de Hope.
Sus protagonistas, ambos adultos y con las vidas hechas, se reencuentran tras dos años especialmente duros para ella. Jane fue abandonada por su marido (que tenía problemas con el alcohol y las drogas) con sus dos hijos pequeños. Durante los últimos dos años, ha tenido que luchar por mantener un nivel de vida aceptable y para que no les faltara de nada a sus hijos. Por ello, se ha dedicado en cuerpo y alma a su trabajo como profesora y a echar horas extras donde pudiera para mantenerse a flote. Un divorcio doloroso, una herida profunda y unos años duros han endurecido también a Jane, quien tiene muy claro que sus hijos son su mayor prioridad. Así que no tiene espacio para hombres...
Sin embargo...Will reaparece.
Will es el ex-mejor amigo del ex-marido de Jane. Policía de profesión, soltero, vive una vida tranquila. Lleva sin hablar con Jane dos años, desde que el marido de ésta los abandonó a todos. Sin embargo, un día la ve en el gimnasio, aquellas piernas larguísimas le dejan anonadado y cuando se da cuenta de quién es ella, decide que ya es hora de retomar el contacto y hacer algo por ella.
Lo que ambos no se esperan es la química que surge rápidamente entre ellos.
Jane se resiste a salir con nadie. El miedo que tiene a que un hombre la haga daño de nuevo y su objetivo de ser la madre que necesitan sus hijos, la impiden lanzarse a una relación con Will. Demasiados miedos, demasiados riesgos. Pero Will no se rendirá así como así, y le demostrará que él no es su exmarido, que él no la hará daño y que estará siempre para ella, para protegerla a ella y a sus hijos, a los que adora.
Una relación que surge casi de repente pero que combustiona con fuerza y que los sorprende a ambos.
Una historia de amor tierna y bonita con sus toques eróticos para una novela que cumple con su cometido: entretener al lector, llevarlo al pueblecito de Hope y atarlo a sus personajes entrañables.
Me gusta mucho cómo escribe Jaci Burton. Es directa, pero si resultar vulgar, describe muy bien a los personajes y las situaciones, sin resultar recargada, y las tramas están bien desarrolladas, así como sus personajes. El erotismo que utiliza no desentona ni es lo más importante del libro (lo cual es un gran punto a favor) y sus historias - como ésta que estoy tratando - no son estrambóticas e irreales, sino todo lo contrario.
Si le pongo tres estrellas no es porque desmerezca algo la novela, es porque es una historia corta que SI, me ha gustado, me ha entretenido y me parece un buen inicio de saga. Pero, obviamente, NO, no es la novela del siglo ni me ha vuelto loca.
¿Recomendaría esta saga? De momento, esta novela corta sí me ha gustado, así que pinta bien...Pero hasta que no lea más libros, no podré decir nada más. Según los vaya leyendo os iré diciendo.
Colgaré la reseña con algún teaser del libro en mi blog, como siempre :)
Hope Smolders es una novela corta de corte romántico contemporáneo que tiene lugar en el pueblecito de Hope.
Sus protagonistas, ambos adultos y con las vidas hechas, se reencuentran tras dos años especialmente duros para ella. Jane fue abandonada por su marido (que tenía problemas con el alcohol y las drogas) con sus dos hijos pequeños. Durante los últimos dos años, ha tenido que luchar por mantener un nivel de vida aceptable y para que no les faltara de nada a sus hijos. Por ello, se ha dedicado en cuerpo y alma a su trabajo como profesora y a echar horas extras donde pudiera para mantenerse a flote. Un divorcio doloroso, una herida profunda y unos años duros han endurecido también a Jane, quien tiene muy claro que sus hijos son su mayor prioridad. Así que no tiene espacio para hombres...
Sin embargo...Will reaparece.
Will es el ex-mejor amigo del ex-marido de Jane. Policía de profesión, soltero, vive una vida tranquila. Lleva sin hablar con Jane dos años, desde que el marido de ésta los abandonó a todos. Sin embargo, un día la ve en el gimnasio, aquellas piernas larguísimas le dejan anonadado y cuando se da cuenta de quién es ella, decide que ya es hora de retomar el contacto y hacer algo por ella.
Lo que ambos no se esperan es la química que surge rápidamente entre ellos.
Jane se resiste a salir con nadie. El miedo que tiene a que un hombre la haga daño de nuevo y su objetivo de ser la madre que necesitan sus hijos, la impiden lanzarse a una relación con Will. Demasiados miedos, demasiados riesgos. Pero Will no se rendirá así como así, y le demostrará que él no es su exmarido, que él no la hará daño y que estará siempre para ella, para protegerla a ella y a sus hijos, a los que adora.
Una relación que surge casi de repente pero que combustiona con fuerza y que los sorprende a ambos.
Una historia de amor tierna y bonita con sus toques eróticos para una novela que cumple con su cometido: entretener al lector, llevarlo al pueblecito de Hope y atarlo a sus personajes entrañables.
Me gusta mucho cómo escribe Jaci Burton. Es directa, pero si resultar vulgar, describe muy bien a los personajes y las situaciones, sin resultar recargada, y las tramas están bien desarrolladas, así como sus personajes. El erotismo que utiliza no desentona ni es lo más importante del libro (lo cual es un gran punto a favor) y sus historias - como ésta que estoy tratando - no son estrambóticas e irreales, sino todo lo contrario.
Si le pongo tres estrellas no es porque desmerezca algo la novela, es porque es una historia corta que SI, me ha gustado, me ha entretenido y me parece un buen inicio de saga. Pero, obviamente, NO, no es la novela del siglo ni me ha vuelto loca.
¿Recomendaría esta saga? De momento, esta novela corta sí me ha gustado, así que pinta bien...Pero hasta que no lea más libros, no podré decir nada más. Según los vaya leyendo os iré diciendo.
Colgaré la reseña con algún teaser del libro en mi blog, como siempre :)
October 5, 2014
Huh. I started reading Hope Flames and liked it enough to decide to go back and read this, the novella-prequel, first. But I wasn't a huge fan of this. I liked both of the characters a lot, but they didn't have much chemistry together. And I often like romance novellas, but I think this probably needed to be a full length book. And the writing felt a little sloppy.
Well, let's see what I think of the full length book.
Well, let's see what I think of the full length book.
Read
February 7, 2016Jane and Will have known each other for a long time but now are starting to date. She has two kids, divorced and cautious. It seems like a pretty good start to this series.
February 23, 2016
3.5 Stars
Enjoyed this first book in the series.
Enjoyed this first book in the series.
June 8, 2016
Hope Smolders was a heartwarming and steamy story. Jaci Burton knows how to get her reader's attention from start to finish. She writes a darn good story.
June 20, 2016
I thought that I was missing my jaci Burton appreciation gene, but I found it with this series. Her other series kept missing the mark for me, but I like this Hope series.
November 26, 2016
nice start of series
June 20, 2025
#0.5 in the Hope romance series
I've read this after having finished all of the previous books in this series, so it's way out of place, but it didn't seem to matter since it feels like a story all on its own. Will was the best friend of Jane's ex husband, the guy who got into booze and drugs, then left his family. So Jane has a chip on her shoulder about him (understandably so). But Will turns out to be a great guy--very attractive, thoughtful, and dependable. When their relationship grows quickly, Jane is leery and pulls back again and again, at the risk of losing what is developing into something lasting. Nice characters, but I was frustrated with Jane's mixed messages--she wants to build a relationship but she's holding herself back.
I've read this after having finished all of the previous books in this series, so it's way out of place, but it didn't seem to matter since it feels like a story all on its own. Will was the best friend of Jane's ex husband, the guy who got into booze and drugs, then left his family. So Jane has a chip on her shoulder about him (understandably so). But Will turns out to be a great guy--very attractive, thoughtful, and dependable. When their relationship grows quickly, Jane is leery and pulls back again and again, at the risk of losing what is developing into something lasting. Nice characters, but I was frustrated with Jane's mixed messages--she wants to build a relationship but she's holding herself back.
November 21, 2020
Lo bueno de este libro es que ya conocemos a los personajes de los otros libros y nos hemos encariñado con ellos.
La verdad es que creo que le faltan páginas, porque todo pasa demasiado rápido y no consigo pillarle el sentido.
Para empezar, cuando se vuelven a ver Will y Jane, Will no puede dejar de pensar en el exmarido de Jane y en lo mal que se siente por no haber estado más pendiente de Jane. Y de ahí justo pasa a querer salir con ella en cero coma. No tiene sentido, no he visto una transición suficiente como para que sea creíble. Y el final es demasiado abrupto, se enamoran con cuatro citas.
Para mí este libro se queda corto, le faltan cien páginas o así.
La verdad es que creo que le faltan páginas, porque todo pasa demasiado rápido y no consigo pillarle el sentido.
Para empezar, cuando se vuelven a ver Will y Jane, Will no puede dejar de pensar en el exmarido de Jane y en lo mal que se siente por no haber estado más pendiente de Jane. Y de ahí justo pasa a querer salir con ella en cero coma. No tiene sentido, no he visto una transición suficiente como para que sea creíble. Y el final es demasiado abrupto, se enamoran con cuatro citas.
Para mí este libro se queda corto, le faltan cien páginas o así.
November 1, 2024
First date and he jokes about getting her drunk and thus being able to take advantage of her. Haha. Super fun. NOT.
Other than that, the two MCs are fine. I did not really get their chemistry, could not grasp why they liked each other but that is the case in many romance books nowadays so whatever.
Moreover, the kids don’t really play a big role in this one, which was a pity.
The drama… I don’t know, I was not very invested. Both MCs got on my nerve, she was questioning everything and tried to push him away and he was a bit too pushy. Their communication skills were off.
The ending of this novella is not really an ending, too much is left out in the open.
Other than that, the two MCs are fine. I did not really get their chemistry, could not grasp why they liked each other but that is the case in many romance books nowadays so whatever.
Moreover, the kids don’t really play a big role in this one, which was a pity.
The drama… I don’t know, I was not very invested. Both MCs got on my nerve, she was questioning everything and tried to push him away and he was a bit too pushy. Their communication skills were off.
The ending of this novella is not really an ending, too much is left out in the open.
October 19, 2018
If I had read this entry to this series first I would not have read any other books by this author. No wonder Vic drank !!! Jane was so irritating , immature- high school students could deal with dating far better . Will was far too understanding ,took blame for Jane's short comings and basically made excuses for her poor behavior towards him and her family . Skip this novella the first 2 books I read previous to this are better and worth reading
January 5, 2020
Hottie highway patrolman Will thinks divorcee Jane needs some fun in her life. Their physical chemistry is immediate, and it quickly becomes apparent they have a strong emotional connection too. Best part: when trouble hits, they don't take it over the top. Like the adults they are, they took a step back and then have a grown-up conversation. Emotional maturity can be so sexy.
Fantastic start to this series! Yes, I'm way behind--this series has been out a while--but better late than never.
Fantastic start to this series! Yes, I'm way behind--this series has been out a while--but better late than never.
July 22, 2023
Hmm 3.5 stars.
This was a cute novella and I immediately liked Will. Jane wasn’t bad but I knew I would get annoyed with her due to her baggage. Thank everything for Chelsea (while super awkward to date an ex of your best friend, it worked ok for them so I guess whatever). Chelsea was wisdom and exactly the slap in the face I wanted to give Jane. I do wish we had a little more from this story but since it was a prequel novella I’m hoping we’ll see glimpses of Will and Jane in future books.
This was a cute novella and I immediately liked Will. Jane wasn’t bad but I knew I would get annoyed with her due to her baggage. Thank everything for Chelsea (while super awkward to date an ex of your best friend, it worked ok for them so I guess whatever). Chelsea was wisdom and exactly the slap in the face I wanted to give Jane. I do wish we had a little more from this story but since it was a prequel novella I’m hoping we’ll see glimpses of Will and Jane in future books.
June 18, 2017
I was introduced to Jaci Burton through the first novel in her Play by Play series. Because I enjoyed the book and her style, O decided to give this series a try. It didn't disappoint! I enjoyed the characters and an excited to see what the town of Hope has to offer. The writing had a relaxed feel and drew me in within the first paragraphs. I'm excited to read the next story.
September 22, 2024
Jane and her 3 kids have been deserted by her husband. Will, a cop and best friend of the husband, after 2 years thinks he needs to help Jane out. Mowing, weed eating, helping with the kids etc. Will falls in love but Jane doesn't want to be hurt again and has a hard time trusting. Finally she sees that her heart hurts more without Will
October 22, 2018
Library Book. The only thing I didn't like about the book is that it was a novella. I really felt that Will deserved a longer story. I really liked Will's character and I liked Jane has well. Her time in the fitness center was classic. Like this series.
May 9, 2017
A really sweet story about finding love again and a great introduction to the series.
August 3, 2017
enjoyed the first book of the series.
November 30, 2017
I'm not a fan of novellas generally. Not enough plot or character development and I didn't care for this one.
February 9, 2018
Love alpha males.
Terrific story of finding love in all the wrong places. Well developed characters, excitement, sexy, loving, and romance. Enjoyed the story immensely.
Terrific story of finding love in all the wrong places. Well developed characters, excitement, sexy, loving, and romance. Enjoyed the story immensely.
March 28, 2018
This book should be book 1. I enjoyed Jane and Will's story, as I myself fell in love with someone that loved my children as his own.
July 31, 2019
I love her books. The lead woman was a bitch.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 128 reviews