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Twice in a blue moon
As an adventurous send-off to her childhood, eighteen-year-old Tate Jones travels with her grandmother from their small town in Northern California to London. But the vacation of a lifetime is wonderfully derailed by the appearance of two charming Vermont farmers: grandfather Luther and his handsome grandson Sam.
Sam and Tate fall hard and fast. For two glorious weeks, the couple share their hopes, dreams, and secrets. Sam admits he suspects his grandfather is dying and that this could be the last trip they take together, and Tate reveals that she is the hidden daughter of one of the biggest film stars in the world—a secret she’s never told anyone before.
But when Tate is exposed by a crush of cameras and reporters, she knows she's been betrayed by the one person she thought she could trust. She is forced to decide whether she will return to her quiet life or embrace being in the public eye. So when Sam reappears in her world more than a decade later, can Tate forgive the past and rekindle the passion they shared on their magical trip abroad? And does she even want to?
Sam and Tate fall hard and fast. For two glorious weeks, the couple share their hopes, dreams, and secrets. Sam admits he suspects his grandfather is dying and that this could be the last trip they take together, and Tate reveals that she is the hidden daughter of one of the biggest film stars in the world—a secret she’s never told anyone before.
But when Tate is exposed by a crush of cameras and reporters, she knows she's been betrayed by the one person she thought she could trust. She is forced to decide whether she will return to her quiet life or embrace being in the public eye. So when Sam reappears in her world more than a decade later, can Tate forgive the past and rekindle the passion they shared on their magical trip abroad? And does she even want to?
Kindle Edition
First published October 22, 2019
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About the author
Christina Lauren
97 books100k followersChristina Lauren is the combined pen name of long-time writing partners/best friends Christina Hobbs and Lauren Billings. The coauthor duo writes both Young Adult and Adult Fiction, and together has produced twenty New York Times bestselling novels. Their books have been translated into 30+ languages. (Some of these books have kissing. Some of these books have A LOT of kissing.)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 8,866 reviews
October 7, 2019
By now, most of you probably know how much I was excited to read this book. Well, I've read it and it wasn't...great. As you can imagine, this has taken quite a toll on me. Please respect my privacy during this very difficult time. Thank you.
It pains me to say this but this was the pretty forgettable, and remarkably...unremarkable. It actually makes my love life seem more alluring in comparison and I don't even have a love life! I'm usually generous with my ratings when it comes to romance. It's like, oh a love story that made me feel more than a seething, vaulted indifference? Made me also acutely aware of the lack of wooeing and romancing I'm experiencing right now? 5 stars!
But this wasn't it.
It pains me to say this but this was the pretty forgettable, and remarkably...unremarkable. It actually makes my love life seem more alluring in comparison and I don't even have a love life! I'm usually generous with my ratings when it comes to romance. It's like, oh a love story that made me feel more than a seething, vaulted indifference? Made me also acutely aware of the lack of wooeing and romancing I'm experiencing right now? 5 stars!
But this wasn't it.
May 10, 2021
Another miracle happened! I’m giving two disturbing, annoying, pissed off, boiling, frustrated two stars to one of my favorite romance author duos! Sorry Lauren and sorry Christina! My hands are still shaky after I did this but I’m not sorry for that!
As a summary: I DON’T CARE about those unlikable characters!
I STILL DON’T CARE ABOUT their reunion on a movie set.
I DON’T CARE THEIR TEEN DRAMA PARTS ( nearly this part took half of the book! )
I DON’T CARE all those nonsense, immature, artificial twitter drama!
I DON’T EVEN CARE Tate’s complicates, problematic, stomach aching, absurdly dysfunctional relationship with her father. (I still wonder whaat’s this character’s contribution to this incredulous, artificial love story anyways!)
And of course I DON’T CARE how this book ends.
I always say that even a rom-com is full of cliches, designed with the same formula like enemies-friends- lovers- angsty breakup- groveling part and happy ending, tataaaa, that’s how the cookie crumbles, I still read them. Because I keep the silly part of my brain to enjoy those romances to keep my inner teenage alive and happy. (I feed her with selected wines and crunchy delicious snacks, greasy burgers and fries! But my inner, annoying teenager self who sings “girls just wanna have fun” aloud needs some romance!)
I’m sigh contest winner and on my special days I even cry when I watch Farmer Insurance commercials ( I got emotional because Oscar winner J.K. Simmons still plays at those nonsense, boring commercials!)
But this book didn’t satisfy any of my not sooo high expectations. So I recommend you to pass this one. Read “Unhoneymooners” , “Beautiful Bastard series” one more time or my all time favorite “Josh and Hazel’s Guide to Not Dating” !
I’m writing a thank you letter to NetGalley for harshly rejecting me to share this meaningless ARC COPY! Period.
As a summary: I DON’T CARE about those unlikable characters!
I STILL DON’T CARE ABOUT their reunion on a movie set.
I DON’T CARE THEIR TEEN DRAMA PARTS ( nearly this part took half of the book! )
I DON’T CARE all those nonsense, immature, artificial twitter drama!
I DON’T EVEN CARE Tate’s complicates, problematic, stomach aching, absurdly dysfunctional relationship with her father. (I still wonder whaat’s this character’s contribution to this incredulous, artificial love story anyways!)
And of course I DON’T CARE how this book ends.
I always say that even a rom-com is full of cliches, designed with the same formula like enemies-friends- lovers- angsty breakup- groveling part and happy ending, tataaaa, that’s how the cookie crumbles, I still read them. Because I keep the silly part of my brain to enjoy those romances to keep my inner teenage alive and happy. (I feed her with selected wines and crunchy delicious snacks, greasy burgers and fries! But my inner, annoying teenager self who sings “girls just wanna have fun” aloud needs some romance!)
I’m sigh contest winner and on my special days I even cry when I watch Farmer Insurance commercials ( I got emotional because Oscar winner J.K. Simmons still plays at those nonsense, boring commercials!)
But this book didn’t satisfy any of my not sooo high expectations. So I recommend you to pass this one. Read “Unhoneymooners” , “Beautiful Bastard series” one more time or my all time favorite “Josh and Hazel’s Guide to Not Dating” !
I’m writing a thank you letter to NetGalley for harshly rejecting me to share this meaningless ARC COPY! Period.
September 11, 2019
“It’s so crazy to think that things that I thought only lived in my imagination can be real.”
The one constant threaded throughout Christina Lauren’s body of work, chemistry-ridden love. From meet-cute to flirty banter and the intoxicating solidification of feelings, this dynamic writing duo delivers on what romance readers crave. Storylines that unfold through the thoughts, feelings, and vulnerabilities of an easy-to-adore cast, ready and willing to steal hearts.
What’s noticeably absent this time around, the snark or quirkiness fans have come to adore. The heady mix of humor and romance present in some of the writing duo’s past releases, have felt akin to magic (ahem, the BEST to-date being Josh and Hazel). With that said, bliss often comes from setting aside preconceived notions or the desire for a previous experience to be emulated and fully succumbing to the journey at hand. Different doesn’t have to be a dirty word. After all, second chance love stories of this caliber only come along every once in a blue moon.
On the precipice of college and freedom from the constraints of the small northern California town she calls home, Tate learns that sometimes the most life-altering things happen when we least expect it. By happenstance, while on a two-week trip to London with her grandmother, Tate meets Sam. A small-town guy from Vermont with plans to farm and a dream to write.
Tate and Sam’s connection tempts fate, releases inhibitions and inspires that elusive L-word to linger. Even post-heartbreak and disappearing act.
Fourteen long years after those impulsive London nights spent stargazing in the grass, Tate and Sam find their way back to one another. Not an ideal time for Tate, considering it’s on the set of the most demanding role of her acting career yet and the one chance she has to cement a connection with her Hollywood god of a father. Naturally, Tate’s feelings surrounding Sam are a confusing mix of disdain, assumptions, and to her complete and utter surprise, lust.
I won't deny, I was a little less than enthused with the Hollywood aspect of the storyline initially. My tune changed quite a bit once the characters stepped foot on set and were ingrained in the process. The deeper meaning behind the script and what it managed to provoke from Tate and Sam worked to pull the entire story together. To reignite, and solidify, those deep feelings the lovers caught way back in London.
While the two plots vary vastly, there are some notable similarities between Twice in a Blue Moon and Roomies. Both lack outright humor (of course, there are a few one-liners) and dual perspectives (this one is told solely through Tate’s eyes), but deliver leading couples that command the spotlight. In typical Christina Lauren fashion, devour-able writing meets intense connection, making a binge session imminent.
*Thank you to Gallery Books for providing a review copy.
The one constant threaded throughout Christina Lauren’s body of work, chemistry-ridden love. From meet-cute to flirty banter and the intoxicating solidification of feelings, this dynamic writing duo delivers on what romance readers crave. Storylines that unfold through the thoughts, feelings, and vulnerabilities of an easy-to-adore cast, ready and willing to steal hearts.
What’s noticeably absent this time around, the snark or quirkiness fans have come to adore. The heady mix of humor and romance present in some of the writing duo’s past releases, have felt akin to magic (ahem, the BEST to-date being Josh and Hazel). With that said, bliss often comes from setting aside preconceived notions or the desire for a previous experience to be emulated and fully succumbing to the journey at hand. Different doesn’t have to be a dirty word. After all, second chance love stories of this caliber only come along every once in a blue moon.
On the precipice of college and freedom from the constraints of the small northern California town she calls home, Tate learns that sometimes the most life-altering things happen when we least expect it. By happenstance, while on a two-week trip to London with her grandmother, Tate meets Sam. A small-town guy from Vermont with plans to farm and a dream to write.
Tate and Sam’s connection tempts fate, releases inhibitions and inspires that elusive L-word to linger. Even post-heartbreak and disappearing act.
Fourteen long years after those impulsive London nights spent stargazing in the grass, Tate and Sam find their way back to one another. Not an ideal time for Tate, considering it’s on the set of the most demanding role of her acting career yet and the one chance she has to cement a connection with her Hollywood god of a father. Naturally, Tate’s feelings surrounding Sam are a confusing mix of disdain, assumptions, and to her complete and utter surprise, lust.
I won't deny, I was a little less than enthused with the Hollywood aspect of the storyline initially. My tune changed quite a bit once the characters stepped foot on set and were ingrained in the process. The deeper meaning behind the script and what it managed to provoke from Tate and Sam worked to pull the entire story together. To reignite, and solidify, those deep feelings the lovers caught way back in London.
While the two plots vary vastly, there are some notable similarities between Twice in a Blue Moon and Roomies. Both lack outright humor (of course, there are a few one-liners) and dual perspectives (this one is told solely through Tate’s eyes), but deliver leading couples that command the spotlight. In typical Christina Lauren fashion, devour-able writing meets intense connection, making a binge session imminent.
*Thank you to Gallery Books for providing a review copy.
October 16, 2019
the only thing wrong with this book is that its WAY TOO SHORT! oh, what i wouldnt give for another 100 pages of this.
i honestly cant get enough of it - the romance of a second chance at love, the tender connection between tate and sam, the swoon-worthy motivation behind sams writing, the innocence of firsts and the desire to make them lasts, and the adoration for those who raised you - this story has it all.
while i love christina laurens trademark snark and humour, i cant help for fall head over heels and love with their more serious stories. it makes both the heartwarming and the heartbreaking parts feel more real, and this story is no exception. this has literally checked all my boxes and i couldnt be happier that CL has done it again.
↠ 5 stars
i honestly cant get enough of it - the romance of a second chance at love, the tender connection between tate and sam, the swoon-worthy motivation behind sams writing, the innocence of firsts and the desire to make them lasts, and the adoration for those who raised you - this story has it all.
while i love christina laurens trademark snark and humour, i cant help for fall head over heels and love with their more serious stories. it makes both the heartwarming and the heartbreaking parts feel more real, and this story is no exception. this has literally checked all my boxes and i couldnt be happier that CL has done it again.
↠ 5 stars
August 25, 2019
I'm kicking myself for not loving this as much as CL's previous novels. Perhaps it's just me? It's not a bad book by any means, it simply lacked the particular brand of charm I've come to adore when I pick up one of the duo's novels. The publisher stated ahead of time that Twice in a Blue Moon would have a different feel than their zany humorous vibe as of late, but it seemed still worth taking a chance on, and I'm glad I read this book. My main issues lie within my trouble connecting with the characters and not feeling that special spark until nearly the end of the story, but please take my opinions loosely and check out one of the many 5 star reviews before deciding for yourself whether this is the book for you.
*Many thanks to the publisher for providing my review copy.
*Many thanks to the publisher for providing my review copy.
July 18, 2019
The Magic Comes Late
Twice in a Blue Moon is a second chance romance about first love, heartbreak, and betrayal.
I am a huge CL fan. In no way shape or form is Twice in a Blue Moon Bad, it just lacked the magic of other CL books.
The beginning reads like a YA novel. In the first part of the book, the reader is introduced to 18-year-old Tate and her grandmother who are in London for two weeks, While dining at a restaurant near their hotel, they meet 21-year-old Sam and his grandfather, Luther. Tate and Sam quickly fall in love. She confides in him her greatest secret only to have him betray her in the most awful way possible. Fast-forward 14 years: Tate, now a famous actress, is about to begin filming her next role. When she arrives on location to begin filming,, much to her surprise, she discovers Sam on set. She now must face the man who betrayed her.
In some ways, Twice in a Blue Moon reminds me of my favorite CL novel Love and Other Words, but there are differences in narrative structure and plot line. In Love and Other Words, the tension between Elliot and Macy never waned, whereas with Tate and Sam it was lacking in intensity.
Twice in a Blue Moon was my Hurricane Barry read. I was hoping to escape into the blissful world that CL oftentimes creates, but I wasn’t able to get completely pulled in. While I liked Tate and Sam during their younger years, I didn’t feel the love of your life chemistry that was supposed to have developed. It wasn’t until I was at the 95% mark that I finally felt the magic I should have been feeling from the beginning. The ending saved it for me.
This is probably just a case of me and not the book--ignore my review and TIABM for yourself!
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Twice in a Blue Moon is a second chance romance about first love, heartbreak, and betrayal.
I am a huge CL fan. In no way shape or form is Twice in a Blue Moon Bad, it just lacked the magic of other CL books.
The beginning reads like a YA novel. In the first part of the book, the reader is introduced to 18-year-old Tate and her grandmother who are in London for two weeks, While dining at a restaurant near their hotel, they meet 21-year-old Sam and his grandfather, Luther. Tate and Sam quickly fall in love. She confides in him her greatest secret only to have him betray her in the most awful way possible. Fast-forward 14 years: Tate, now a famous actress, is about to begin filming her next role. When she arrives on location to begin filming,, much to her surprise, she discovers Sam on set. She now must face the man who betrayed her.
In some ways, Twice in a Blue Moon reminds me of my favorite CL novel Love and Other Words, but there are differences in narrative structure and plot line. In Love and Other Words, the tension between Elliot and Macy never waned, whereas with Tate and Sam it was lacking in intensity.
Twice in a Blue Moon was my Hurricane Barry read. I was hoping to escape into the blissful world that CL oftentimes creates, but I wasn’t able to get completely pulled in. While I liked Tate and Sam during their younger years, I didn’t feel the love of your life chemistry that was supposed to have developed. It wasn’t until I was at the 95% mark that I finally felt the magic I should have been feeling from the beginning. The ending saved it for me.
This is probably just a case of me and not the book--ignore my review and TIABM for yourself!
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
zSm9lq8">Book Expo in exchange for an honest review.
September 6, 2020
Many thanks to Rachel at Gallery Books for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review
This book was one of my least favorites of 2019. See the rest on my video, The WORST Books of 2019! ☕☕
--------------
”I want every wish he ever makes to be for this. A penny in a fountain. The first star. An eyelash. Eleven eleven. Just for one more time.”
Dear god, this book fell flat on its face.
We all know that I LOVED their recent novel, The Unhoneymooners. And so I was obviously disappointed when I ended up not enjoying this. It didn’t have any of the humor, romance or smut that The Unhoneymooners did.
So, what’s this book about?
When on a vacation in London, Tate Jones meets a charming young man named Sam Brandis. Over a few days, they become closer than friends (*cough*theyhavesex*cough*). But then, Sam betrays Tate by revealing her celebrity(ish) status to the media, breaking Tate’s heart. A decade later, Tate has embraced her celebrity lineage and is now a successful actress. When she joins a new project, she is horrified to find that Sam is working on it as well. She does her best to avoid him but troubled to find that she still has feelings for him.
That may sound romantic and funny but it. is. not. Don’t get me wrong. I love the enemies-to-lovers trope in rom coms. It’s probably my favorite trope in the entire genre because it’s so easy to do well and is super funny and entertaining. In Twice In A Blue Moon, Sam and Tate’s relationship was not only underdeveloped but also annoying. With the ETL trope, there is always an underlying feeling of love or appreciation but Tate completely hated Sam with every fiber of her being.
I also really didn’t like Sam or Tate. Tate felt like an exact copy of Olive from The Unhoneymooners but without any of the charm, wit or overall lovability. Sam wasn’t dislikable but I just couldn’t care about him. Sure, he was hot- Here’s what he looks like inside my head (your welcome):
[Credit: Eric LeBlanc]
-but I couldn’t find any reason to care about him. The only good characters were the side ones. Nana, for instance.
” I was having flashbacks to the time walked in on me and Jesse tangled on my bed, shirtless, and chased him out of the house with a spatula.”
Or Charlie:
” Knocking back the rest of her drink, she eyes me shrewdly before reaching my hand and pulling me toward the door. ‘Follow me, young lady.’”
See, that’s the humor I’m looking for in a Christina Lauren novel but the line from Nana was the ONLY line in the book that made me laugh.
Even the sex fell short. Now, I know that Christina Lauren has been watering down their sex scenes lately, which is fine but I’ve seen raunchier stuff in YA books. Every time it felt as though the scene was getting pretty smutty, it ended.
The only good aspect was the movie and filming parts. It was super interesting to get a behind the scenes look at the process of filming and how actors do what they do.
Overall, I was extremely disappointed by this novel but I’m hoping and praying that it was a dud. A fluke. Their next one will be better. I’m sure.
Bottom Line:
2.5 Stars
Age Rating: [ PG-13 ]
Content Screening (Spoilers) - Educational (2/5) - [Behind the scenes on film, movies, and acting.] ~ Positive Messages (0/5) ~ Violence (0/0) ~ Langauge (3/5) - [F**k, sh*t, b*tch, d*mn] ~ Drinking/Drugs (3/5) - [Legal drinking]
Trigger and Content Warning - Loss of loved one, social anxiety, racism
Reps: [NONE (they tried)]
Cover: 3/5 ~ Characters: 2/5 ~ Plot: 2/5
Publication Date: October 22nd, 2019
Publisher: Gallery Books
Genre: Romance/Comedy
***********
This was not funny. This was not sexy. This was not romantic. Christina Lauren, you have let me down
***********
To take away from the pain that is back-to-school season, I shall read a Christina Lauren novel
***********
It's crazy to think that a year ago, i didn't know who Christina Lauren was. now, i would trade a limb for their books.
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October 23, 2019
I love my Kindle more than anything that I own, and I've even been known to snuggle it (yes, my husband also thinks that's weird), yet this book make me seriously debate throwing my Kindle across the room with rage. I hated this book so much.
It's been a long time since I've felt this way about a (so-called) romance book.
I want to state for the record that I'm a total Christina Lauren stan. I met them recently at a book con, and they couldn't have been lovelier, and but I wish I could go back in time and un-read this book.
Twice in a Blue Moon starts off with a prolonged flashback, which, okay, I always hate, but I was willing to roll with it for the sake of these authors. But it felt so, SO juvenile. Just incredibly predictable and young, and not in an endearing way.
So, the meat of the story had to be better, right? Absolutely not.
My biggest issue, which can't be ignored, is the total lack of grovelling. I mean, what the hell, Christina Lauren?!? I know I'm a total sucker for grovel-porn, but in a book like this one, I need EXTRA grovelling. I need begging, pleading, nose-on-floor- style action. I got literally none of that. A few half-hearted apologies and a "I'm having a bad day, too" and that's all we get??? I DON'T FORGIVE HIM.
To top it off, the story was very one-note, just ho-hum and predictable all the way through. I was hoping for some intense emotions, intense chemistry, but I didn't get any of that. In fact, I felt like the story was vaguely familiar (kind of Swear on This Life vibes), and the book felt very junior, not like an adult romance. Twice in a Blue Moon not only didn't engage me, it angered me (could you tell??), which just compounds my negative feelings about the story.
Sadly, my least favorite Christina Lauren to date.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
goodreads|instagram|twitter|blog
It's been a long time since I've felt this way about a (so-called) romance book.
I want to state for the record that I'm a total Christina Lauren stan. I met them recently at a book con, and they couldn't have been lovelier, and but I wish I could go back in time and un-read this book.
Twice in a Blue Moon starts off with a prolonged flashback, which, okay, I always hate, but I was willing to roll with it for the sake of these authors. But it felt so, SO juvenile. Just incredibly predictable and young, and not in an endearing way.
So, the meat of the story had to be better, right? Absolutely not.
My biggest issue, which can't be ignored, is the total lack of grovelling. I mean, what the hell, Christina Lauren?!? I know I'm a total sucker for grovel-porn, but in a book like this one, I need EXTRA grovelling. I need begging, pleading, nose-on-floor- style action. I got literally none of that. A few half-hearted apologies and a "I'm having a bad day, too" and that's all we get??? I DON'T FORGIVE HIM.
To top it off, the story was very one-note, just ho-hum and predictable all the way through. I was hoping for some intense emotions, intense chemistry, but I didn't get any of that. In fact, I felt like the story was vaguely familiar (kind of Swear on This Life vibes), and the book felt very junior, not like an adult romance. Twice in a Blue Moon not only didn't engage me, it angered me (could you tell??), which just compounds my negative feelings about the story.
Sadly, my least favorite Christina Lauren to date.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
goodreads|instagram|twitter|blog
February 21, 2021
wanted to give this one the benefit of the doubt after seeing mixed reviews but unfortunately this was just a painfully shallow read.
it was going for a second-chance-childhood-friends-to-lovers thing but the past scenes were lackluster as hell and the present tense wasn't great either. this could have been kind of Simple Wild-esque with the focus on father/daughter relationship but it never fully WENT there emotionally. and the romantic relationship component was just... lacking to say the least. i didn't understand why these characters liked each other and what their personality traits were beyond their careers.
and the reason for their separation was just ick and kinda unforgivable since the hero didn't have enough development to make us care for him. overall, one of the weakest christina lauren books i've read.
it was going for a second-chance-childhood-friends-to-lovers thing but the past scenes were lackluster as hell and the present tense wasn't great either. this could have been kind of Simple Wild-esque with the focus on father/daughter relationship but it never fully WENT there emotionally. and the romantic relationship component was just... lacking to say the least. i didn't understand why these characters liked each other and what their personality traits were beyond their careers.
and the reason for their separation was just ick and kinda unforgivable since the hero didn't have enough development to make us care for him. overall, one of the weakest christina lauren books i've read.
May 30, 2019
I wish I could bottle the feelings I experience when I'm reading a book by Christina Lauren. First there's anticipation, as I've now read eight of their books, and I just love the way they tell a story. Then there's excitement, as the main characters encounter one another and begin the awkward dance of attraction and emotion, tinged with the reluctance of acknowledging their feelings.
Excitement gives way to complete emotional immersion, and I find myself rooting for the characters to find their happily ever after. Then, of course, there's satisfaction, which quickly gives way to sadness...because I realize I'll have to wait at least six months for their next book! (Boy, am I fortunate they've been giving us two books a year lately!)
Their newest book, Twice in a Blue Moon , has now become my favorite. There's a love story, of course, but it's coupled with complicated family issues and the added appeal of the entertainment world. It's ironic, too, that a book which in part takes place on a movie set is one of the books I'd most love to see adapted for the big or small screen!
Tate Jones and her grandmother are on a trip to London to celebrate Tate's 18th birthday and her impending departure for college. Apart from the early days of her childhood, Tate has lived with her mother and grandmother in a small Northern California town, where everyone knows everyone and tourists are plentiful in season. She's always longed for more, but since she bears a secret that the world would die to know—she's the long-lost daughter of a famous film actor—she has always had to live life quietly.
While Tate enjoys everything about London, early on in her trip she meets Sam Brandis, a handsome college student on a similar vacation with his grandfather, who raised him. Tate and Sam are drawn to each other immediately, and over the course of a few late nights spent talking (and more), they fall in love with each other. Tate gives Sam her heart, and at the same time, shares the secret of who her father is, and all of the facts and feelings she's kept hidden deep inside. Within a day or two, her truths are exposed for the world to see, and she never sees Sam again.
Fourteen years later, Tate has made a name for herself as an actress. She's been lucky professionally, but romantically, not so much. She is set to make a movie with her father for the very first time, a movie she believes might change the course of her career, and perhaps the dynamics of her relationship with her father. And when she steps on to the set, one of the first people she sees is the one who betrayed her trust all those years ago, leaving her life and heart in turmoil.
Twice in a Blue Moon is a story of whether love can withstand anything thrown in its path, and whether a second chance is really ever possible. It's a story of the complicated relationship between fathers and daughters, particularly when both are in a business where image is everything, as well as a story of the sacrifices parents are willing to make for their children. The book also explores the idea of whether there's really one true love out there for everyone, or whether you can find it in yourself to move on.
Christina Lauren's books are always full of humor, emotion, steamy sex, chemistry, and an immense amount of heart, and Twice in a Blue Moon is no exception. Most importantly, though, the way they tell a story (Christina Lauren is the pen name for the collaboration of two writers who are best friends) is so compelling that I can never seem to tear myself away, even though I know I might be left without one of their books for a while.
I can't recommend this or any of their other books enough. Love and Other Words was my favorite until now, mainly because, like this book, I tend to like love stories that have some emotional history to them. But every single one of their books that I've read have left me in awe of their talent and left me a little teary-eyed at the end.
NetGalley and Gallery Books provided me an advance copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. Thanks for making it available!
This book will be published October 22, 2019.
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.
Check out my list of the best books I read in 2018 at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2019/01/the-best-books-i-read-in-2018.html.
You can follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/the.bookishworld.of.yrralh/.
Excitement gives way to complete emotional immersion, and I find myself rooting for the characters to find their happily ever after. Then, of course, there's satisfaction, which quickly gives way to sadness...because I realize I'll have to wait at least six months for their next book! (Boy, am I fortunate they've been giving us two books a year lately!)
Their newest book, Twice in a Blue Moon , has now become my favorite. There's a love story, of course, but it's coupled with complicated family issues and the added appeal of the entertainment world. It's ironic, too, that a book which in part takes place on a movie set is one of the books I'd most love to see adapted for the big or small screen!
Tate Jones and her grandmother are on a trip to London to celebrate Tate's 18th birthday and her impending departure for college. Apart from the early days of her childhood, Tate has lived with her mother and grandmother in a small Northern California town, where everyone knows everyone and tourists are plentiful in season. She's always longed for more, but since she bears a secret that the world would die to know—she's the long-lost daughter of a famous film actor—she has always had to live life quietly.
While Tate enjoys everything about London, early on in her trip she meets Sam Brandis, a handsome college student on a similar vacation with his grandfather, who raised him. Tate and Sam are drawn to each other immediately, and over the course of a few late nights spent talking (and more), they fall in love with each other. Tate gives Sam her heart, and at the same time, shares the secret of who her father is, and all of the facts and feelings she's kept hidden deep inside. Within a day or two, her truths are exposed for the world to see, and she never sees Sam again.
Fourteen years later, Tate has made a name for herself as an actress. She's been lucky professionally, but romantically, not so much. She is set to make a movie with her father for the very first time, a movie she believes might change the course of her career, and perhaps the dynamics of her relationship with her father. And when she steps on to the set, one of the first people she sees is the one who betrayed her trust all those years ago, leaving her life and heart in turmoil.
Twice in a Blue Moon is a story of whether love can withstand anything thrown in its path, and whether a second chance is really ever possible. It's a story of the complicated relationship between fathers and daughters, particularly when both are in a business where image is everything, as well as a story of the sacrifices parents are willing to make for their children. The book also explores the idea of whether there's really one true love out there for everyone, or whether you can find it in yourself to move on.
Christina Lauren's books are always full of humor, emotion, steamy sex, chemistry, and an immense amount of heart, and Twice in a Blue Moon is no exception. Most importantly, though, the way they tell a story (Christina Lauren is the pen name for the collaboration of two writers who are best friends) is so compelling that I can never seem to tear myself away, even though I know I might be left without one of their books for a while.
I can't recommend this or any of their other books enough. Love and Other Words was my favorite until now, mainly because, like this book, I tend to like love stories that have some emotional history to them. But every single one of their books that I've read have left me in awe of their talent and left me a little teary-eyed at the end.
NetGalley and Gallery Books provided me an advance copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. Thanks for making it available!
This book will be published October 22, 2019.
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.
Check out my list of the best books I read in 2018 at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2019/01/the-best-books-i-read-in-2018.html.
You can follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/the.bookishworld.of.yrralh/.
August 12, 2019
3.5 stars
Twice in a Blue Moon is a second chance romance that I couldn’t put down!
Tate and Sam are two Americans traveling with a grandparent who meet in London. It’s like it's meant to be for them to meet. Tate has just graduated high school and is completely smitten with Sam. In a short time, they find them selves falling hard for one another. Tate spills all of her secrets, telling Sam things she's never told anyone. And it backfires in a huge way, shattering her trust completely.
Sometimes people do really bad things for good reasons, and that was the case with Sam. Sam was a likable character, as well as Tate. I really loved their time in London so so much. I also enjoyed the movie set/Hollywood aspect. I could have done without Tate’s dad, but I understood why it was necessary to the story.
I absolutely loved the first half. I was completely hooked. The second half I didn’t love as much. It felt rushed, especially the ending, and I wanted more from Sam’s character. I just needed more. There was such a huge gap in time (around 14 years I think) and things weren’t concluded the way I needed them to be. Honestly the first half was at least a 4 star, but the last half was a 2-3 for me. I wanted to love it, but I was let down.
Overall, I liked a lot of this book, but it wasn’t my favorite from this fantastic writing duo. I think an epilogue would have made it so much better. Still, I did enjoy a lot about it and I think it’s a book a lot of readers will love.
Twice in a Blue Moon is a second chance romance that I couldn’t put down!
Tate and Sam are two Americans traveling with a grandparent who meet in London. It’s like it's meant to be for them to meet. Tate has just graduated high school and is completely smitten with Sam. In a short time, they find them selves falling hard for one another. Tate spills all of her secrets, telling Sam things she's never told anyone. And it backfires in a huge way, shattering her trust completely.
“Can you believe me, though?” he asks quietly. “That the worst thing I ever did was for the best reason I ever had?”
Sometimes people do really bad things for good reasons, and that was the case with Sam. Sam was a likable character, as well as Tate. I really loved their time in London so so much. I also enjoyed the movie set/Hollywood aspect. I could have done without Tate’s dad, but I understood why it was necessary to the story.
I absolutely loved the first half. I was completely hooked. The second half I didn’t love as much. It felt rushed, especially the ending, and I wanted more from Sam’s character. I just needed more. There was such a huge gap in time (around 14 years I think) and things weren’t concluded the way I needed them to be. Honestly the first half was at least a 4 star, but the last half was a 2-3 for me. I wanted to love it, but I was let down.
Overall, I liked a lot of this book, but it wasn’t my favorite from this fantastic writing duo. I think an epilogue would have made it so much better. Still, I did enjoy a lot about it and I think it’s a book a lot of readers will love.
December 20, 2019
I get the conflicting reviews about this book now.
I mean, I will always love Christina Lauren and will dive head first when it comes to any novel they write. I adore them!
I think this story should’ve been longer. There was so much development that could’ve been added to make this second chance love story even more of a whirl wind.
I personally didn’t have a problem with the insta-love aspect of this story. That shit is possible to me. For someone to become that meaningful and close to you in a short amount of time. It can’t just be dismissed if one hasn’t experienced it.
What I did have a problem with though was with how the story was fleshed out. I think it could’ve worked better if we got dual-perspective. I wanted to see how Tate and Sam managed their lives after it changed. But we just got thrust into their lives years later, after they’ve lived so much of it, and were supposed to be on board? And even though we did get moments where there lives and feelings were expanded upon, it wasn’t enough for me to latch on.
A lot of what Tate was living was a lie and I felt the discomfort and facade that she had to live. I really would’ve enjoyed reading about her dropping that facade and coming to terms with her truth. Fully.
I wanted Sam’s perspective with his adoptive parents and his see how his writing developed. How he dealt with the aftermath of that time he spend with Tate and the passing of Luther.
There was so much to this story that could’ve been added. I don’t care if it would’ve been a 500+ page story. I would’ve easily devoured it because Christina Lauren know how to fuckin write and bring stories to life.
But, alas. I enjoyed it. Just didn’t fall head over heels in love.
—————————
Need this to be sorta kinda epic.
Buddy-reading with Karima! 💛
Thank you to BookSparks for sending me a copy of this book as part of their #HittheBookClub Fall campaign.
I mean, I will always love Christina Lauren and will dive head first when it comes to any novel they write. I adore them!
I think this story should’ve been longer. There was so much development that could’ve been added to make this second chance love story even more of a whirl wind.
I personally didn’t have a problem with the insta-love aspect of this story. That shit is possible to me. For someone to become that meaningful and close to you in a short amount of time. It can’t just be dismissed if one hasn’t experienced it.
What I did have a problem with though was with how the story was fleshed out. I think it could’ve worked better if we got dual-perspective. I wanted to see how Tate and Sam managed their lives after it changed. But we just got thrust into their lives years later, after they’ve lived so much of it, and were supposed to be on board? And even though we did get moments where there lives and feelings were expanded upon, it wasn’t enough for me to latch on.
A lot of what Tate was living was a lie and I felt the discomfort and facade that she had to live. I really would’ve enjoyed reading about her dropping that facade and coming to terms with her truth. Fully.
I wanted Sam’s perspective with his adoptive parents and his see how his writing developed. How he dealt with the aftermath of that time he spend with Tate and the passing of Luther.
There was so much to this story that could’ve been added. I don’t care if it would’ve been a 500+ page story. I would’ve easily devoured it because Christina Lauren know how to fuckin write and bring stories to life.
But, alas. I enjoyed it. Just didn’t fall head over heels in love.
—————————
Need this to be sorta kinda epic.
Buddy-reading with Karima! 💛
Thank you to BookSparks for sending me a copy of this book as part of their #HittheBookClub Fall campaign.
May 26, 2023
This is a simple, straightforward love story that many of the readers might have gone through in their life. Christina Lauren tells us the story of Sam Brandis and Tate Jones. Both were in deep love with each other. But one fine day, Sam betrayed Tate, resulting in their breakup.
Sam was Tate’s first love, and she finds it extremely hard to recover from it even after fourteen years.
Now Tate is building up a career in the film industry as an actress. One fine day she, unfortunately, has to confront Sam. How did Sam betray Tate? How will Tate talk to Sam when she meets him again? Will she be able to rekindle the relationship? Will she take revenge for Sam’s betrayal? Christina Lauren tells us all about it through this book.
My favorite three lines from this book.
This will be a decent choice if you are someone who loves to read romance.
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Sam was Tate’s first love, and she finds it extremely hard to recover from it even after fourteen years.
Now Tate is building up a career in the film industry as an actress. One fine day she, unfortunately, has to confront Sam. How did Sam betray Tate? How will Tate talk to Sam when she meets him again? Will she be able to rekindle the relationship? Will she take revenge for Sam’s betrayal? Christina Lauren tells us all about it through this book.
My favorite three lines from this book.
“A watched pot never boils, and a watched phone never rings.”
“For the first time in my life I get it: home isn’t always a space; it can be a person.”
“But I’m sure I’m the only one of the two of us who is so fixated on our brief affair. It was the single most defining moment in my life; no doubt it’s just one of many in his. I need to move on.”
This will be a decent choice if you are someone who loves to read romance.
—————————————————————————
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October 3, 2019
3.5*
I’m a newbie to the delightful, rom-com world of Christina Lauren, having only read three of their earlier works.
So from what I've experienced in their past reads, I was hopeful for something heart-felt to keep me smiling throughout. But lets just say, this book had a very different feel to it.
Tate and Sam have known each other since they were young. Traveling through Britain with their families. Tate, with her grandmother, and Sam with his dad. The two instantly hit it off. Sparks were flying! A whirlwind romance with all the brilliant stars in the sky that only a first love can present. But surely, all good things must come to an end.
And leave it to the cosmic fates that fourteen years later, their two love-struck paths cross once again. Will the spark ignite once again? Is it possible to rekindle the magic of first love? But a bigger immediate question is...can betrayals of the past be forgiven?
If you’re looking for the same chemistry that make their previous books unputdownable, be prepared. It’s a fun and charming read but it lacked the humor and heart I’d grown accustomed to.
A buddy read with Susanne!
Thank you to NetGalley, Gallery, Pocket Books and Christina Lauren for this ARC to read and review.
I’m a newbie to the delightful, rom-com world of Christina Lauren, having only read three of their earlier works.
So from what I've experienced in their past reads, I was hopeful for something heart-felt to keep me smiling throughout. But lets just say, this book had a very different feel to it.
Tate and Sam have known each other since they were young. Traveling through Britain with their families. Tate, with her grandmother, and Sam with his dad. The two instantly hit it off. Sparks were flying! A whirlwind romance with all the brilliant stars in the sky that only a first love can present. But surely, all good things must come to an end.
And leave it to the cosmic fates that fourteen years later, their two love-struck paths cross once again. Will the spark ignite once again? Is it possible to rekindle the magic of first love? But a bigger immediate question is...can betrayals of the past be forgiven?
If you’re looking for the same chemistry that make their previous books unputdownable, be prepared. It’s a fun and charming read but it lacked the humor and heart I’d grown accustomed to.
A buddy read with Susanne!
Thank you to NetGalley, Gallery, Pocket Books and Christina Lauren for this ARC to read and review.
February 25, 2020
I have written of Christina Lauren books, on more than one occasion, the kind of review that prompts people who liked the book to yell at me in the comments, as if I held them down and forced them to read a dissenting opinion, rather than their having done so utterly of their own volition.
And yet, from time to time, I continue reading their books.
I don’t really know why.
I mean, in this case, it was an experiment. Purely scientific purposes. My dear friend Tucker almost always likes Christina Lauren books, and I almost always dislike them, and so curiosity and a dedication to knowledge prompted us to ask the question: If Tucker disliked a Christina Lauren book, would I then like it?
The answer is no.
A less experiment-based explanation is that I enjoy the occasional rom-com, but I am bad at sourcing them and highly critical of them, so a few bad experiences with an author is, unfortunately, not necessarily enough to turn me off the stuff.
But I think I might be finally, permanently done putting in the effort.
I think my standards were pretty low here. I wanted a fluffy, cute story with some banter and some degree of chemistry.
Instead I got a book riddled with errors and determined to focus on every subplot I didn’t care about. It had stilted writing (especially when it came to dialogue) and absolutely no chemistry I could detect. Every character managed to feel half-baked, even after hundreds of pages.
Bottom line: This was just no fun.
-----------
experiment failed.
review to come / 2 stars
-----------
this is an experiment.
every time Tucker likes a Christina Lauren book, i do not like it.
now it's time to find out if i'll like the one he disliked.
i'm sure this'll go well
And yet, from time to time, I continue reading their books.
I don’t really know why.
I mean, in this case, it was an experiment. Purely scientific purposes. My dear friend Tucker almost always likes Christina Lauren books, and I almost always dislike them, and so curiosity and a dedication to knowledge prompted us to ask the question: If Tucker disliked a Christina Lauren book, would I then like it?
The answer is no.
A less experiment-based explanation is that I enjoy the occasional rom-com, but I am bad at sourcing them and highly critical of them, so a few bad experiences with an author is, unfortunately, not necessarily enough to turn me off the stuff.
But I think I might be finally, permanently done putting in the effort.
I think my standards were pretty low here. I wanted a fluffy, cute story with some banter and some degree of chemistry.
Instead I got a book riddled with errors and determined to focus on every subplot I didn’t care about. It had stilted writing (especially when it came to dialogue) and absolutely no chemistry I could detect. Every character managed to feel half-baked, even after hundreds of pages.
Bottom line: This was just no fun.
-----------
experiment failed.
review to come / 2 stars
-----------
this is an experiment.
every time Tucker likes a Christina Lauren book, i do not like it.
now it's time to find out if i'll like the one he disliked.
September 6, 2019
3.25 Ho Hum Stars.
Do you remember that moment when you met and got to know your first love? Those looks you exchanged, the heart stopping moments, the minute your breath caught and you got that that jittery feeling in your stomach that amounted to butterflies? I do.. it was a very long time ago but I remember it like it was yesterday.
“Twice in a Blue Moon” by Christina Lauren almost made me remember what it felt like to fall in love...almost.
Tate is eighteen years old when she and her grandmother take a two week trip of a lifetime to London. There, she meets twenty-one year old Sam. As soon as their eyes meet, it’s kismet. Sharing their most intimate hopes and dreams, they fall for each other. And then Sam does the unthinkable, he breaks her heart, in the most unbearable way.
Fourteen years later, Tate is a movie star. She’s about to make it big. Working on a movie set, with her best friend Charlie and her absentee movie star father. This should be interesting! Unfortunately for Tate, it’s about to get even more interesting - in fact, it’s about to get real. As in really difficult. The screenwriter of this movie is none other than Sam, her first love. Will Tate face her fears or run far away from them?
What could have been a sweet, romantic novel that made me connect with the characters, left me wanting. It wasn’t until I got to about 90% that I got that “feeling” where I almost remembered what it felt like to be young and in love. I had high hopes for this one but in the end think I was simply the wrong reader for this novel.
This was another buddy read with Kaceey!!
Thank you to NetGalley, Gallery, Pocket Books and Christina Lauren for an arc of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Published on Goodreads and NetGalley on 9.1.19.
Do you remember that moment when you met and got to know your first love? Those looks you exchanged, the heart stopping moments, the minute your breath caught and you got that that jittery feeling in your stomach that amounted to butterflies? I do.. it was a very long time ago but I remember it like it was yesterday.
“Twice in a Blue Moon” by Christina Lauren almost made me remember what it felt like to fall in love...almost.
Tate is eighteen years old when she and her grandmother take a two week trip of a lifetime to London. There, she meets twenty-one year old Sam. As soon as their eyes meet, it’s kismet. Sharing their most intimate hopes and dreams, they fall for each other. And then Sam does the unthinkable, he breaks her heart, in the most unbearable way.
Fourteen years later, Tate is a movie star. She’s about to make it big. Working on a movie set, with her best friend Charlie and her absentee movie star father. This should be interesting! Unfortunately for Tate, it’s about to get even more interesting - in fact, it’s about to get real. As in really difficult. The screenwriter of this movie is none other than Sam, her first love. Will Tate face her fears or run far away from them?
What could have been a sweet, romantic novel that made me connect with the characters, left me wanting. It wasn’t until I got to about 90% that I got that “feeling” where I almost remembered what it felt like to be young and in love. I had high hopes for this one but in the end think I was simply the wrong reader for this novel.
This was another buddy read with Kaceey!!
Thank you to NetGalley, Gallery, Pocket Books and Christina Lauren for an arc of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Published on Goodreads and NetGalley on 9.1.19.
November 25, 2019
This is another one that really missed the mark for me. I feel like this book had way too much set-up and not enough actual conflict or development. It was just.. really, really basic and honestly? The love interest sucked. I was considering giving this 2.5 but on further reflection this is staying a solid 2. I just.. was not a fan. BLAH!
June 1, 2021
"Twice in a Blue Moon" by Christina Lauren is more Romance than Humorous Fiction!
Do you believe in Love-at-First-Sight? I do. It happened to me and my husband. It happened to my dear mother and her husband. And, it happened to Tate Jones and Sam Brandis. Yep! It happens!
A trip to London, each with a traveling grandparent. Sam meets Tate. Tate is swept off her feet. Sam is smitten. Yep! Sam and Tate fall in love!
Then, secrets are shared. One's that have never been told to anyone else. There's a reason why secrets should always remain secrets, right? Unfortunately for Tate, she finds that out the hard way. In a most painful way!
Now it's fourteen years later and Tate occasionally thinks of Sam, but not often. Then Tate looks up and sees him. He's walking through a doorway and Sam sees her, too. What? Happens? Next?
This is my third CL book and although it's not my favorite it does pull at my heart! Memories of the first time I saw him. How our eyes were locked before we even met or knew each other's name. Oh, those eyes! That smile! Those memories that never fade, the one's I hold so dear in my mind's eye...that's what this book did to me!
The reason it wasn't my fave is the lack of characters development. I found it difficult to care for any of them and that's a serious deal breaker for me. Although, I will say, Tate's Dad? He's the worst!! What a b@$#@%d! Yep, that!
I listened to the audiobook which Erin Mallon narrated perfectly! Her gender voicing was realistic and her voice inflections were perfect. Her skills held my interest and it resulted in a great listening experience for me!
3.5 stars (unfortunately but appropriately) rounded down.
Do I recommend this book? Yes. Will I read another CL book? Absolutely!
Do you believe in Love-at-First-Sight? I do. It happened to me and my husband. It happened to my dear mother and her husband. And, it happened to Tate Jones and Sam Brandis. Yep! It happens!
A trip to London, each with a traveling grandparent. Sam meets Tate. Tate is swept off her feet. Sam is smitten. Yep! Sam and Tate fall in love!
Then, secrets are shared. One's that have never been told to anyone else. There's a reason why secrets should always remain secrets, right? Unfortunately for Tate, she finds that out the hard way. In a most painful way!
Now it's fourteen years later and Tate occasionally thinks of Sam, but not often. Then Tate looks up and sees him. He's walking through a doorway and Sam sees her, too. What? Happens? Next?
This is my third CL book and although it's not my favorite it does pull at my heart! Memories of the first time I saw him. How our eyes were locked before we even met or knew each other's name. Oh, those eyes! That smile! Those memories that never fade, the one's I hold so dear in my mind's eye...that's what this book did to me!
The reason it wasn't my fave is the lack of characters development. I found it difficult to care for any of them and that's a serious deal breaker for me. Although, I will say, Tate's Dad? He's the worst!! What a b@$#@%d! Yep, that!
I listened to the audiobook which Erin Mallon narrated perfectly! Her gender voicing was realistic and her voice inflections were perfect. Her skills held my interest and it resulted in a great listening experience for me!
3.5 stars (unfortunately but appropriately) rounded down.
Do I recommend this book? Yes. Will I read another CL book? Absolutely!
November 3, 2019
I’m 👏 so 👏 tired 👏 of 👏 being 👏 disappointed 👏 by 👏 my 👏 favs 👏
See the problem I have with this book is that its supposed to be this whirlwind, vacation romance that goes wrong and then the characters reconnect years later in passion and anger and angst which sounds GREAT
but the reality is, ITS SO DAMN FORGETTABLE
So to start, we have our main character tate, who has this big identity secret that she’s hiding from the world (I won’t say bc I’m not a spoiler), going on a vacation with her grandmother and there she meets nice boi sam and his grandfather
Cute, cute, cute.
They fall heavily into instalove and share lots of secrets and make lots of plans and then something BIG AND BAD happens and then poof, we’re taken into the future
And honestly up until that part I was very much focused on the story. The instalove was very present but I didn’t mind it bc the characters connected well and had lots of communication and IT WAS CUTE OKAY
But oh my god I hated the ‘present’ set chapters
In the present, the story heavily shifts to the characters on set of filming and SO MUCH OF THE STORY IS JUST THE SCRIPT OF THE MOVIE AND this is where I tell you, I DON’T CARE ABOUT THAT
I wanted the characters and theyre unlikely romance, I wanted to beautiful building of friendship that Christina Lauren is so famously known for, I wanted the witty dialogue and funny moments
But it just felt like everything was rushed
And after reading and LOVING the unhoneymooners, this feels like such a bust :/
1.5 stars
buddy read with marami
See the problem I have with this book is that its supposed to be this whirlwind, vacation romance that goes wrong and then the characters reconnect years later in passion and anger and angst which sounds GREAT
but the reality is, ITS SO DAMN FORGETTABLE
So to start, we have our main character tate, who has this big identity secret that she’s hiding from the world (I won’t say bc I’m not a spoiler), going on a vacation with her grandmother and there she meets nice boi sam and his grandfather
Cute, cute, cute.
They fall heavily into instalove and share lots of secrets and make lots of plans and then something BIG AND BAD happens and then poof, we’re taken into the future
And honestly up until that part I was very much focused on the story. The instalove was very present but I didn’t mind it bc the characters connected well and had lots of communication and IT WAS CUTE OKAY
But oh my god I hated the ‘present’ set chapters
In the present, the story heavily shifts to the characters on set of filming and SO MUCH OF THE STORY IS JUST THE SCRIPT OF THE MOVIE AND this is where I tell you, I DON’T CARE ABOUT THAT
I wanted the characters and theyre unlikely romance, I wanted to beautiful building of friendship that Christina Lauren is so famously known for, I wanted the witty dialogue and funny moments
But it just felt like everything was rushed
And after reading and LOVING the unhoneymooners, this feels like such a bust :/
1.5 stars
buddy read with marami
May 6, 2019
🌼review can be found on my blog! 🌼
do christina and lauren ever sleep?
March 20, 2021
“Can you believe me, though?” he asks quietly. “That the worst thing I ever did was for the best reason I ever had?”
Este es el libro más bonito y feel-good que he leído en mucho tiempo. Es una historia de amor preciosa y que sobrevive a las circunstancias más inesperadas. En serio, me fascinó. Y, como cosa rara, voy un poco en contra de la corriente porque he visto que este es uno de los libros menos populares de estas autoras.
En Twice in a Blue Moon nos encontramos con la historia de Tate, una chica que ha vivido siempre muy resguardada del ojo público, pues es la hija de uno de los más reconocidos actores de Hollywood. Sin embargo, después del divorcio, su madre se la llevó lejos de Los Angeles y de un padre ausente para que viviera de la manera más normal posible y, de hecho, cuando empieza el libro pocas personas saben quién es en realidad Tate. Después de cumplir 18 años, Tate y su abuela se van de viaje a Londres y allí conocen a dos personas muy peculiares también de Estados Unidos: Sam Brandis y su abuelo. A partir de ese momento, empezarán a explorar la ciudad británica juntos y, sin que ninguno lo planeara, Sam y Tate empiezan a enamorarse. Y así Sam se convierte en la primera vez de Tate en muchos sentidos, tanto que incluso le revela su verdadera identidad. La cosa es que, eventualmente, Tate termina con el corazón roto, su secreto traicionado y la obligación de volver al ojo público para controlar la narrativa de su vida.
Catorce años después del incidente de Londres, Tate es una de las actrices jóvenes más reconocidas de Hollywood y está a punto de empezar a grabar la película que catapultará su carrera al estrellato definitivo. Pero lo que Tate nunca esperó es que, al llegar al set, se diera cuenta de que el escritor de la película era Sam. El mismo Sam del que se enamoró. El Sam que le rompió el corazón y la traicionó. Pero ¿y si todo hubiera sido un malentendido y Sam hubiera traicionado su secreto por la mejor razón posible?
Ya había leído un libro de estas autoras, The Unhoneymooners, y me había decepcionado un poco, así que tenía un poco de miedo con este libro. Pero Twice in a Blue Moon me dio más de lo que esperaba, me hizo sonreír, llorar y querer abrazar el libro, todo al mismo tiempo. La historia de Sam y Tate es tan especial que no podía parar de leer. Me encantó ver cómo se enamoraron tan rápido el uno del otro, con largas conversaciones bajo la luz de las estrellas y en una ciudad tan mágica como Londres. Los momentos robados, las trampas para escapar de sus abuelos, las miradas y, sobre todo, las declaraciones que podrían sonar cursis pero que salían de tan dentro de sus corazones que eran absolutamente perfectas.
Y sí, luego llega el drama y el clímax del libro. Y es terrible ver cómo cambia radicalmente la vida de Tate por culpa de ello, pero eventualmente vas entendiendo todo lo que sucedió en esos años, los éxitos y los fracasos, y tienes una perspectiva más amplia de lo que estaba pasando. Y quizá lo mejor de la historia es cuando Tate y Sam se reencuentran en el set, pues ese momento refleja todo el shock, las dudas, el rencor y ese pequeño sentimiento de que todo podría volver a resurgir cuando entiendan sus motivos.
La verdad es que leer a Tate y Sam adolescentes es absolutamente tierno, pero leerlos cuando ya son adultos y han vivido tantas experiencias es otro nivel. Las emociones y los sentimientos son muchísimo más maduros, pero también más intensos. Ni siquiera puedo expresar lo que sentí cuando Sam reveló sus verdaderos motivos para hacer lo que hizo con los tabloides en Londres. Y luego ver todo el debate interno de Tate fue espectacular porque no volvió corriendo a sus brazos, sino que lo tomó a su ritmo y pensando en ella misma.
Y nada, son este tipo de libros los que me hacen sentir que los finales felices son posibles, que las cosas pueden salir bien y que quizá haya un Sam Brandis por allí afuera esperándome, jajaja. Sólo tengo que ir a Londres para encontrarlo. Pero, fuera de bromas, si les gusta el romance, este es el libro para ustedes.
Este es el libro más bonito y feel-good que he leído en mucho tiempo. Es una historia de amor preciosa y que sobrevive a las circunstancias más inesperadas. En serio, me fascinó. Y, como cosa rara, voy un poco en contra de la corriente porque he visto que este es uno de los libros menos populares de estas autoras.
En Twice in a Blue Moon nos encontramos con la historia de Tate, una chica que ha vivido siempre muy resguardada del ojo público, pues es la hija de uno de los más reconocidos actores de Hollywood. Sin embargo, después del divorcio, su madre se la llevó lejos de Los Angeles y de un padre ausente para que viviera de la manera más normal posible y, de hecho, cuando empieza el libro pocas personas saben quién es en realidad Tate. Después de cumplir 18 años, Tate y su abuela se van de viaje a Londres y allí conocen a dos personas muy peculiares también de Estados Unidos: Sam Brandis y su abuelo. A partir de ese momento, empezarán a explorar la ciudad británica juntos y, sin que ninguno lo planeara, Sam y Tate empiezan a enamorarse. Y así Sam se convierte en la primera vez de Tate en muchos sentidos, tanto que incluso le revela su verdadera identidad. La cosa es que, eventualmente, Tate termina con el corazón roto, su secreto traicionado y la obligación de volver al ojo público para controlar la narrativa de su vida.
Catorce años después del incidente de Londres, Tate es una de las actrices jóvenes más reconocidas de Hollywood y está a punto de empezar a grabar la película que catapultará su carrera al estrellato definitivo. Pero lo que Tate nunca esperó es que, al llegar al set, se diera cuenta de que el escritor de la película era Sam. El mismo Sam del que se enamoró. El Sam que le rompió el corazón y la traicionó. Pero ¿y si todo hubiera sido un malentendido y Sam hubiera traicionado su secreto por la mejor razón posible?
Ya había leído un libro de estas autoras, The Unhoneymooners, y me había decepcionado un poco, así que tenía un poco de miedo con este libro. Pero Twice in a Blue Moon me dio más de lo que esperaba, me hizo sonreír, llorar y querer abrazar el libro, todo al mismo tiempo. La historia de Sam y Tate es tan especial que no podía parar de leer. Me encantó ver cómo se enamoraron tan rápido el uno del otro, con largas conversaciones bajo la luz de las estrellas y en una ciudad tan mágica como Londres. Los momentos robados, las trampas para escapar de sus abuelos, las miradas y, sobre todo, las declaraciones que podrían sonar cursis pero que salían de tan dentro de sus corazones que eran absolutamente perfectas.
Y sí, luego llega el drama y el clímax del libro. Y es terrible ver cómo cambia radicalmente la vida de Tate por culpa de ello, pero eventualmente vas entendiendo todo lo que sucedió en esos años, los éxitos y los fracasos, y tienes una perspectiva más amplia de lo que estaba pasando. Y quizá lo mejor de la historia es cuando Tate y Sam se reencuentran en el set, pues ese momento refleja todo el shock, las dudas, el rencor y ese pequeño sentimiento de que todo podría volver a resurgir cuando entiendan sus motivos.
La verdad es que leer a Tate y Sam adolescentes es absolutamente tierno, pero leerlos cuando ya son adultos y han vivido tantas experiencias es otro nivel. Las emociones y los sentimientos son muchísimo más maduros, pero también más intensos. Ni siquiera puedo expresar lo que sentí cuando Sam reveló sus verdaderos motivos para hacer lo que hizo con los tabloides en Londres. Y luego ver todo el debate interno de Tate fue espectacular porque no volvió corriendo a sus brazos, sino que lo tomó a su ritmo y pensando en ella misma.
Y nada, son este tipo de libros los que me hacen sentir que los finales felices son posibles, que las cosas pueden salir bien y que quizá haya un Sam Brandis por allí afuera esperándome, jajaja. Sólo tengo que ir a Londres para encontrarlo. Pero, fuera de bromas, si les gusta el romance, este es el libro para ustedes.
October 13, 2019
Thanks to Gallery Books for an advanced review copy!
I'll be honest, whereas I was highly anticipating Christina Lauren's previous releases like The Unhoneymooners and Josh & Hazel, my excitement for this one was pretty low. Turns out, my hesitation had no grounds because I actually thought this was beautiful, soft, and had a lot of heart.
I like that this book was told in a then-and-now format, but those sections are entirely separate rather than frequently jumping back and forth. It was almost like two stories in one where you got to see their relationship develop at each stage in their life, both written exceptionally well. I did prefer the first half of the novel just because it had a Just One Day vibe (and also I'm not a huge fan of books about the film industry, so the second half lost me a little). But the two halves flowed seamlessly and played off of one another.
Even so, I feel like this book had an opportunity to be more than a second chance romance. The scope of it is HUGE with so many littler side plots, and I could see this book being so much more substantial if the authors hadn't only focused on the scenes where the two main characters were on page together. I know the authors intended to write this as a romance so I shouldn't be judging it as a different genre, but this book's conflict felt so surface level and basic compared to where I feel like this story could have gone in exploring character relationships deeper than just the main character and the love interest. It doesn't help that this book ended abruptly as soon as the relationship was sorted out and I wish we could have had some closure with the book's characters/plot lines other than the main relationship.
This book is different from other Christina Lauren books in a way that I can't pinpoint, and in a way I also can't say if I like better or worse. It was enjoyable to read and CL's writing continues to evolve and grow more and more beautiful, but I didn't feel super attached to the main character. It's difficult for me to sum up this review in only a few paragraphs because I have a lot of little things to say about it. It was sweet, just not my favorite of theirs.
I'll be honest, whereas I was highly anticipating Christina Lauren's previous releases like The Unhoneymooners and Josh & Hazel, my excitement for this one was pretty low. Turns out, my hesitation had no grounds because I actually thought this was beautiful, soft, and had a lot of heart.
I like that this book was told in a then-and-now format, but those sections are entirely separate rather than frequently jumping back and forth. It was almost like two stories in one where you got to see their relationship develop at each stage in their life, both written exceptionally well. I did prefer the first half of the novel just because it had a Just One Day vibe (and also I'm not a huge fan of books about the film industry, so the second half lost me a little). But the two halves flowed seamlessly and played off of one another.
Even so, I feel like this book had an opportunity to be more than a second chance romance. The scope of it is HUGE with so many littler side plots, and I could see this book being so much more substantial if the authors hadn't only focused on the scenes where the two main characters were on page together. I know the authors intended to write this as a romance so I shouldn't be judging it as a different genre, but this book's conflict felt so surface level and basic compared to where I feel like this story could have gone in exploring character relationships deeper than just the main character and the love interest. It doesn't help that this book ended abruptly as soon as the relationship was sorted out and I wish we could have had some closure with the book's characters/plot lines other than the main relationship.
This book is different from other Christina Lauren books in a way that I can't pinpoint, and in a way I also can't say if I like better or worse. It was enjoyable to read and CL's writing continues to evolve and grow more and more beautiful, but I didn't feel super attached to the main character. It's difficult for me to sum up this review in only a few paragraphs because I have a lot of little things to say about it. It was sweet, just not my favorite of theirs.
October 27, 2019
So I ............Loved it💕💕
Love at first sight? Well maybe. Tate can't help being swept off her feet when she meets a fellow American while on a trip to London. Tate has barely turned eighteen when she meets Sam who is twenty one. Tate finds herself completely enamored with him and he with her. Or so she thinks....until he screws her over!
Fast forward fourteen years and alot and I mean alot has changed. Tate is no longer the naive little girl hanging out with Nana Jude. Tate is assertive, successful and famous. There is nobody that can bring Tate down...until "he" walks through the door. Sam can still bring her to her knees, even after he betrayed her.
I loved, loved, loved this story. I am seeing alot of mixed reviews on this one. Put me down for the " I love this one team!" I have read two previous Christina Lauren books in the past and found them to be a little more silly and lighthearted. This one has a bit more depth to it in my opinion and personally I liked it more than the others. I enjoyed the others as well, but this one grasped me more and pulled me into the story more. I felt like I connected more with the characters and had empathy for them.
I was soooo flipping angry at Sam I couldn't see straight. I wondered how on earth Tate would deal with her emotions if she ever saw him again. I could feel Tate's pain as she thought she had been used by Sam when she was head over heels in love.
Fantastic, entertaining enduring story of young love, betrayal and finding yourself. I loved this story and can't wait for this duo's next one!!
Thank you so much to Gallery Books for this ARC via Netgalley!
Love at first sight? Well maybe. Tate can't help being swept off her feet when she meets a fellow American while on a trip to London. Tate has barely turned eighteen when she meets Sam who is twenty one. Tate finds herself completely enamored with him and he with her. Or so she thinks....until he screws her over!
Fast forward fourteen years and alot and I mean alot has changed. Tate is no longer the naive little girl hanging out with Nana Jude. Tate is assertive, successful and famous. There is nobody that can bring Tate down...until "he" walks through the door. Sam can still bring her to her knees, even after he betrayed her.
I loved, loved, loved this story. I am seeing alot of mixed reviews on this one. Put me down for the " I love this one team!" I have read two previous Christina Lauren books in the past and found them to be a little more silly and lighthearted. This one has a bit more depth to it in my opinion and personally I liked it more than the others. I enjoyed the others as well, but this one grasped me more and pulled me into the story more. I felt like I connected more with the characters and had empathy for them.
I was soooo flipping angry at Sam I couldn't see straight. I wondered how on earth Tate would deal with her emotions if she ever saw him again. I could feel Tate's pain as she thought she had been used by Sam when she was head over heels in love.
Fantastic, entertaining enduring story of young love, betrayal and finding yourself. I loved this story and can't wait for this duo's next one!!
Thank you so much to Gallery Books for this ARC via Netgalley!
December 1, 2019
*I was given a physical ARC of this novel from Book Expo in exchange for an honest review*
Twice in a Blue Moon‘s Insta-Love wasn’t Compelling or Endearing
First of all, Tate and Sam fall in love with each other within a week or so. I’m sorry, but I cannot take characters seriously when they say that they are meant for each other and love one another when they haven’t even exchanged phone numbers, yet. That alone made me question what I was getting into because I’m not a fan of insta-love and never find the romance to be compelling enough for me to fall for the story or the “love” blossoming between two characters.
I didn’t realize that this detail was mentioned in the synopsis before picking up the novel. I was hoping that it would have been less drastic than two characters confessing their love for one another during a two-week vacation to London, but alas…
Then, after Sam betrays Tate’s trust, 14 years pas before they bump into each other again on the set of a movie. There, Tate states that she has “nostalgic feelings” for Sam, but, honestly, how can you feel nostalgic for a person you only knew for a week? I’d really love to know, Tate.
One reason why I didn’t enjoy this novel was the fact that the love interest, Sam, doesn’t have a personality or any substance that would have made him a memorable character. The only intrigue he has is his grandmother and grandfather’s history which isn’t his story. He doesn’t have a personality of his own.
What are his likes and dislikes? Who are his friends? What was it like being a teen in Vermont? How was college? Did he attend college? He and Tate meet when she was 18 and he was 21, and he never mentions what it was like growing up. How did he end up being a successful screenwriter? I had so many questions about Sam’s past and personality, but all that was delivered was a one-dimensional character without any real interests or intrigue.
Due to Sam’s lackluster personality, that also affected his romance with Tate. Their romance is one of the least memorable romances that I’ve ever read. Both of these characters’ lack of personalities make it feel like two complete strangers suddenly saying that they love one another. They only share about three romantic moments with one another within the entire story. Other than that, it is mutual pining from a distance, so how can you say you love someone when you hardly know their likes, dislikes, quirks, etc.?
In most romances, the protagonist and love interest have banter, flirtations, moments where they get to know one another, but in Twice in a Blue Moon it always felt as if Tate was longing for the idea of Sam, the guy she knew for literally seven days, rather than actually being near, now 32-year-old, Sam.
Sam is always either in the background of the scenes Tate is filming on set, or he’s up-and-vanished when Tate needs him most (when the paparazzi hounds her for an exclusive about her personal life that is leaked to the press). Sam isn’t a present character, in my eyes, and I’ll be honest, I didn’t root for them as I read this book. How can you root for a couple that hardly has any romantic moments?
Smaller Details that Annoyed me About Twice in a Blue Moon
The number of times Tate comments about how “big, large, muscular, etc.” Sam is is astounding. I get it; the boy is reminiscent of Tom Hardy, but constantly commenting about that or how much room he takes up in a space is exhausting. Think of something else to comment about. Tell us details of his facial expressions, his eyes, his body language, not just the fact that Sam lifted often. We barely got any descriptions about the character’s features or expressions. All we got was Sam is a big guy who probably towers over Tate. Cool, next.
Next, for a book about Hollywood, we hardly see any details of Tate being an actress or how she even works to become an up-and-coming star. Sure, we see her moving onto set, filming one (1) scene, and then the wrap party, but that’s it. For a novel set primarily on a movie set, I wish we saw more details about being an actress and how much time, energy, and effort it takes to film a movie in a remote location.
Along with that, the screenplay for the movie in the book is said to be profound and moving when it’s mostly basic dialogue with no actual uniqueness that makes it stand out from the rest of the book. The lines are choppy and simple, and it didn’t make me feel as though it was a moving script that Tate could have fallen in love with like she claims she did. Sam is said to be a deep and emotional writer, but what I got from the screenplay was a simple story that didn’t leave me awe-inspired by his work.
I wish I had more fun with Twice in a Blue Moon, considering I previously loved Christina Lauren’s Beautiful Bastard series, but this really missed the mark for me. It felt rushed, basic, uninspired, and left me wondering if this is even considered a romance since both the protagonist and love interest only shared a few scenes together that could be counted as romantic moments.
I miss Christina Lauren’s raw, gritty, sensual romances filled with steamy moments, flirtations, and characters who fall towards one another and share a romance that makes my heart flutter, but I guess they’ve moved towards simplistic, unmemorable stories that are a quick weekend read.
READ MORE REVIEWS HERE https://storiesforcoffee.wordpress.com/
Twice in a Blue Moon‘s Insta-Love wasn’t Compelling or Endearing
First of all, Tate and Sam fall in love with each other within a week or so. I’m sorry, but I cannot take characters seriously when they say that they are meant for each other and love one another when they haven’t even exchanged phone numbers, yet. That alone made me question what I was getting into because I’m not a fan of insta-love and never find the romance to be compelling enough for me to fall for the story or the “love” blossoming between two characters.
I didn’t realize that this detail was mentioned in the synopsis before picking up the novel. I was hoping that it would have been less drastic than two characters confessing their love for one another during a two-week vacation to London, but alas…
Then, after Sam betrays Tate’s trust, 14 years pas before they bump into each other again on the set of a movie. There, Tate states that she has “nostalgic feelings” for Sam, but, honestly, how can you feel nostalgic for a person you only knew for a week? I’d really love to know, Tate.
One reason why I didn’t enjoy this novel was the fact that the love interest, Sam, doesn’t have a personality or any substance that would have made him a memorable character. The only intrigue he has is his grandmother and grandfather’s history which isn’t his story. He doesn’t have a personality of his own.
What are his likes and dislikes? Who are his friends? What was it like being a teen in Vermont? How was college? Did he attend college? He and Tate meet when she was 18 and he was 21, and he never mentions what it was like growing up. How did he end up being a successful screenwriter? I had so many questions about Sam’s past and personality, but all that was delivered was a one-dimensional character without any real interests or intrigue.
Due to Sam’s lackluster personality, that also affected his romance with Tate. Their romance is one of the least memorable romances that I’ve ever read. Both of these characters’ lack of personalities make it feel like two complete strangers suddenly saying that they love one another. They only share about three romantic moments with one another within the entire story. Other than that, it is mutual pining from a distance, so how can you say you love someone when you hardly know their likes, dislikes, quirks, etc.?
In most romances, the protagonist and love interest have banter, flirtations, moments where they get to know one another, but in Twice in a Blue Moon it always felt as if Tate was longing for the idea of Sam, the guy she knew for literally seven days, rather than actually being near, now 32-year-old, Sam.
Sam is always either in the background of the scenes Tate is filming on set, or he’s up-and-vanished when Tate needs him most (when the paparazzi hounds her for an exclusive about her personal life that is leaked to the press). Sam isn’t a present character, in my eyes, and I’ll be honest, I didn’t root for them as I read this book. How can you root for a couple that hardly has any romantic moments?
Smaller Details that Annoyed me About Twice in a Blue Moon
The number of times Tate comments about how “big, large, muscular, etc.” Sam is is astounding. I get it; the boy is reminiscent of Tom Hardy, but constantly commenting about that or how much room he takes up in a space is exhausting. Think of something else to comment about. Tell us details of his facial expressions, his eyes, his body language, not just the fact that Sam lifted often. We barely got any descriptions about the character’s features or expressions. All we got was Sam is a big guy who probably towers over Tate. Cool, next.
Next, for a book about Hollywood, we hardly see any details of Tate being an actress or how she even works to become an up-and-coming star. Sure, we see her moving onto set, filming one (1) scene, and then the wrap party, but that’s it. For a novel set primarily on a movie set, I wish we saw more details about being an actress and how much time, energy, and effort it takes to film a movie in a remote location.
Along with that, the screenplay for the movie in the book is said to be profound and moving when it’s mostly basic dialogue with no actual uniqueness that makes it stand out from the rest of the book. The lines are choppy and simple, and it didn’t make me feel as though it was a moving script that Tate could have fallen in love with like she claims she did. Sam is said to be a deep and emotional writer, but what I got from the screenplay was a simple story that didn’t leave me awe-inspired by his work.
I wish I had more fun with Twice in a Blue Moon, considering I previously loved Christina Lauren’s Beautiful Bastard series, but this really missed the mark for me. It felt rushed, basic, uninspired, and left me wondering if this is even considered a romance since both the protagonist and love interest only shared a few scenes together that could be counted as romantic moments.
I miss Christina Lauren’s raw, gritty, sensual romances filled with steamy moments, flirtations, and characters who fall towards one another and share a romance that makes my heart flutter, but I guess they’ve moved towards simplistic, unmemorable stories that are a quick weekend read.
READ MORE REVIEWS HERE https://storiesforcoffee.wordpress.com/
October 25, 2019
It's happened. I've finally rated a CLo book two stars (we won't count BEAUTIFUL BASTARD in this tally because reasons).
I don't really know where this trend of having a chunk, or even half, of a contemporary set in the past (aka making it YA) started but.. I don't want it, or like it. Is this because these books now qualify as women's fiction? Unsure. That said, if you want to write a YA romance, go for it. Flashbacks, fine. But not full, long, chapters of it. It's just not for me. Likewise, and in a related vein, second-chance romances aren't my favourite. But I thought CLo could make it work for me. And sometimes it felt like it could've, like it was almost there but, overwhelmingly, it didn't.
This story is about finding that one-true-love twice in a lifetime. And it's also about twice the betrayals.
I didn't like the hero because, let's be honest, he only served a purpose to the plot and as result had no real personality besides muscles. I only liked the heroine when she was confronted with said hero after said betrayal, and after fourteen years of time passing, and let him have it. She stood up for herself, she addressed the elephant in the room, and I rooted for her (we were all rooting for you!). Every other time she was just.. fine, I guess. But her family was made up of mostly frustrating concepts, and while she did have one good friend, she didn't get half as much page time as she deserved — and that's probably because so much page time was given over to the script of the movie that took up the focus of the story. And the catalyst for getting these two leads back together.
There just wasn't a lot to love here. Like many of CLo’s recent books, the heat factor is tame, they seem to only insert humour for every other release (so, this wasn't one that was funny), and nothing about it left any kind of impression. The whole thing felt kinda basic, pretty muted, and just.. standard.
Like another recent release by another favourite author, I think I'm getting off this train. Or at least the ARC list. I'd much rather wait for reviews, and borrow from my library, then be posting early about my disappointment or not knowing if it's even one I’ll want to read in the end.
** I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher (thank you!) in exchange for an honest review. **
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This review can also be found at A Take From Two Cities.
I don't really know where this trend of having a chunk, or even half, of a contemporary set in the past (aka making it YA) started but.. I don't want it, or like it. Is this because these books now qualify as women's fiction? Unsure. That said, if you want to write a YA romance, go for it. Flashbacks, fine. But not full, long, chapters of it. It's just not for me. Likewise, and in a related vein, second-chance romances aren't my favourite. But I thought CLo could make it work for me. And sometimes it felt like it could've, like it was almost there but, overwhelmingly, it didn't.
This story is about finding that one-true-love twice in a lifetime. And it's also about twice the betrayals.
I didn't like the hero because, let's be honest, he only served a purpose to the plot and as result had no real personality besides muscles. I only liked the heroine when she was confronted with said hero after said betrayal, and after fourteen years of time passing, and let him have it. She stood up for herself, she addressed the elephant in the room, and I rooted for her (we were all rooting for you!). Every other time she was just.. fine, I guess. But her family was made up of mostly frustrating concepts, and while she did have one good friend, she didn't get half as much page time as she deserved — and that's probably because so much page time was given over to the script of the movie that took up the focus of the story. And the catalyst for getting these two leads back together.
There just wasn't a lot to love here. Like many of CLo’s recent books, the heat factor is tame, they seem to only insert humour for every other release (so, this wasn't one that was funny), and nothing about it left any kind of impression. The whole thing felt kinda basic, pretty muted, and just.. standard.
Like another recent release by another favourite author, I think I'm getting off this train. Or at least the ARC list. I'd much rather wait for reviews, and borrow from my library, then be posting early about my disappointment or not knowing if it's even one I’ll want to read in the end.
** I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher (thank you!) in exchange for an honest review. **
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This review can also be found at A Take From Two Cities.
July 20, 2019
This was one of my most anticipated books of the year and I am so grateful to Gallery Books for sending me an ARC, but this book was not my jam.
This should’ve been right up my alley because I love books that follow actors working on sets and the behind the scenes of Hollywood vibes - but this book was such a snooze fest. I couldn’t connect with these characters at all, and this book reminded me a lot of the only other Christina Lauren book I didn’t enjoy: Love And Other Words.
This book starts with Tate and Sam when they are teenagers, and the first 120 pages feels like a YA novel as they fall in love within two weeks while on a trip in London. I was immediately bored because it felt very insta-love from the beginning, and I didn’t sign up to read a YA romance (this is the same problem I had with Love And Other Words - The YA sections take up way too much of the story and I lose interest.)
Then after 120 pages we finally get the present day when Tate is a successful actress and Sam finds his way back into her life. And to be honest - I still didn’t care about these characters. I didn’t care about the movie set and the Twitter drama, and Tate’s complicated relationship with her super famous Dad.
I love Christina Lauren’s writing so much, and I still think this book is beautifully written, but I didn’t give two shits about these characters sadly. I also realized something about my personal taste is that I usually don’t enjoy romance novels about first loves reconnecting. They just aren’t my jam. I’m still sad I didn’t love this book though because I really wanted to.
This should’ve been right up my alley because I love books that follow actors working on sets and the behind the scenes of Hollywood vibes - but this book was such a snooze fest. I couldn’t connect with these characters at all, and this book reminded me a lot of the only other Christina Lauren book I didn’t enjoy: Love And Other Words.
This book starts with Tate and Sam when they are teenagers, and the first 120 pages feels like a YA novel as they fall in love within two weeks while on a trip in London. I was immediately bored because it felt very insta-love from the beginning, and I didn’t sign up to read a YA romance (this is the same problem I had with Love And Other Words - The YA sections take up way too much of the story and I lose interest.)
Then after 120 pages we finally get the present day when Tate is a successful actress and Sam finds his way back into her life. And to be honest - I still didn’t care about these characters. I didn’t care about the movie set and the Twitter drama, and Tate’s complicated relationship with her super famous Dad.
I love Christina Lauren’s writing so much, and I still think this book is beautifully written, but I didn’t give two shits about these characters sadly. I also realized something about my personal taste is that I usually don’t enjoy romance novels about first loves reconnecting. They just aren’t my jam. I’m still sad I didn’t love this book though because I really wanted to.
November 19, 2019
A sweet but forgettable second chance romance, which just felt that it had something missing.
Tate Jones was just 18 when she met and fell in love with 21 year old Sam Brandis on a trip to London. They had a whirlwind romance for around two weeks, before Sam broke Tate's heart by revealing her identity of the daughter of a big film star to the media. Fourteen years later, Tate is an up-and-coming film star herself. When she gets to the set of her latest film, which she hopes will be her big break, the last person she expects or wants to see there is Sam.
I have a very hit and miss relationship with Christina Lauren. Some of their books I really loved, like Roomies, Josh and Hazel's Guide to Not Dating, and Love and Other Words. Others I didn't like so much. This one falls somewhere in between. I will still probably get excited about and buy their new releases though!
This was readable. It was fine. I even read it quite quickly. It just felt like there was something missing? I much preferred the present day part of the story on the film set, to the flashback in London. That part felt so rushed, I mean they fell in love so quickly! They didn't even know each other! The ending felt quite rushed to me. Also the film star dad storyline was a bit...odd?
So yeah, I quite enjoyed it, but I wouldn't read it again, or highly recommend it. CL have much better books out there.
*shrugs*
Tate Jones was just 18 when she met and fell in love with 21 year old Sam Brandis on a trip to London. They had a whirlwind romance for around two weeks, before Sam broke Tate's heart by revealing her identity of the daughter of a big film star to the media. Fourteen years later, Tate is an up-and-coming film star herself. When she gets to the set of her latest film, which she hopes will be her big break, the last person she expects or wants to see there is Sam.
I have a very hit and miss relationship with Christina Lauren. Some of their books I really loved, like Roomies, Josh and Hazel's Guide to Not Dating, and Love and Other Words. Others I didn't like so much. This one falls somewhere in between. I will still probably get excited about and buy their new releases though!
This was readable. It was fine. I even read it quite quickly. It just felt like there was something missing? I much preferred the present day part of the story on the film set, to the flashback in London. That part felt so rushed, I mean they fell in love so quickly! They didn't even know each other! The ending felt quite rushed to me. Also the film star dad storyline was a bit...odd?
So yeah, I quite enjoyed it, but I wouldn't read it again, or highly recommend it. CL have much better books out there.
*shrugs*
November 9, 2019
3.5 STARS
A second chance romance that was bittersweet with some unexpected curves.
My third by the authors and while it had a very different vibe, I was still invested in the characters and their "life" choices. The beginning felt a bit like YA to me with the coming of age "love" connection of Sam and Tate. They meet while vacationing with family in London. We get to know them and their backgrounds.
Will Sam break her heart? Did she share too much with him?
Fourteen years later, Sam and Tate meet in an unexpected reunion. I had mixed feelings about one of them and was hoping for more of a connection.
I missed the lighthearted, LOL humor that I was expecting from a CL novel, but I enjoyed the characters and the second chance theme.
Thanks to the publisher for my review copy. Published on October 22, 2019
A second chance romance that was bittersweet with some unexpected curves.
My third by the authors and while it had a very different vibe, I was still invested in the characters and their "life" choices. The beginning felt a bit like YA to me with the coming of age "love" connection of Sam and Tate. They meet while vacationing with family in London. We get to know them and their backgrounds.
Will Sam break her heart? Did she share too much with him?
Fourteen years later, Sam and Tate meet in an unexpected reunion. I had mixed feelings about one of them and was hoping for more of a connection.
I missed the lighthearted, LOL humor that I was expecting from a CL novel, but I enjoyed the characters and the second chance theme.
Thanks to the publisher for my review copy. Published on October 22, 2019
August 19, 2022
I’M FUCKING OBSESSED. Five stars ⭐️ Christina Lauren has me in a chokehold. I need every book by them now
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