Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.52 AVERAGE
3.52 AVERAGE
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
emotional
funny
reflective
medium-paced
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I have enjoyed other books by the author duo Christina Lauren, and I’ve had Twice in a Blue Moon on my bookshelf for a while. Recently, I’ve been opting for audiobooks because life has thrown me some curveballs, and I haven’t had much time to sit down with a physical book or my Kindle. Thankfully, Libby had the audiobook for this title. Erin Mallon, the narrator, did a fabulous job and definitely made the book enjoyable, even though I wasn’t thrilled with the direction the story took at the end.
The story is narrated solely from the perspective of the FMC, Tate. It begins when she is eighteen and on vacation in London with her grandmother. There, she meets Sam and his grandfather. Tate and Sam quickly grow close and fall for each other. However, when Tate reveals her true identity, Sam takes advantage of this information.
Fast forward fourteen years: Tate is now working with her father on a film and unexpectedly encounters Sam, who betrayed her and broke her heart all those years ago. As the story unfolds, secrets are revealed about Sam’s betrayal, and Tate discovers that the film she is acting in is deeply connected to Sam’s family’s past.
This book started amazingly, and I loved the instant connection and attraction that Tate and Sam felt while on vacation. However, when Sam betrayed her, I completely understood why Tate was so angry with him when they later reunited in life. He not only broke her heart, but he also betrayed her trust, and he really should have been groveling to win her back. While it was clear that he still had feelings for her and regretted what he did, if he truly cared, he would have addressed the situation with her before betraying her all those years ago. I really believe he should have made a greater effort to apologize during the ending. More groveling, perhaps. Lots of groveling, actually.
I had another issue with Tate’s father, who I felt was unnecessary to the story. He contributed to the conflict between Tate and Sam toward the end of the book, and I really didn’t like his character. He was not there for Tate during her childhood and treated her poorly. While they were working together on the film, he belittled her. Tate didn’t even need his guidance, as she was an amazing actress, and everyone around her kept telling her that.
I loved Tate’s character and seeing how she followed her dreams, even after what Sam did and how her father treated her. Her father didn’t deserve her. Tate truly shined in whatever she did. I’m happy that she ended up with Sam and got her happily ever after, but I think she should have made him work harder for her forgiveness.
Unfortunately, this isn’t my favorite book by the author duo. However, that doesn’t mean I won’t recommend it to other readers. I’ve actually passed my physical copy of the book to my college friend so she can read it. She might enjoy it much more than I did.
If you enjoy Second Chance Romance stories, then this book may be something you want to add to your TBR.
What to Expect:
💙Second Chance Romance
💙Forced Proximity
💙Celebrity Romance
💙Second Chance Romance
💙Forced Proximity
💙Celebrity Romance
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
This book had a lot of elements I really thought would make for a greaet reaed for me but sadly it was not it.
I found the whole thing to be quite boring, the plot, the characters and just this huge ordeal over such a brief encounter so many years ago seems extreme. I used to love these authors a few years back but I think my reading style has evolved and they just don't do it for me anymore. Their characters all feel very samesy with real lack of personality. Sadly this may be my last book by them.
I found the whole thing to be quite boring, the plot, the characters and just this huge ordeal over such a brief encounter so many years ago seems extreme. I used to love these authors a few years back but I think my reading style has evolved and they just don't do it for me anymore. Their characters all feel very samesy with real lack of personality. Sadly this may be my last book by them.
Thank you, Simon & Schuster Canada for providing me with an advanced reader copy of this book!
Unfortunately for this book, I also read Christina Lauren's [b:The Unhoneymooners|42201431|The Unhoneymooners|Christina Lauren|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1548201335l/42201431._SY75_.jpg|65813986] this year which ended up being one of my favourite books of the year. Therefore, I was really excited about this one! While I'm trying not to compare the two too much, this book didn't quite do it for me in the same way.
Things I liked:
- The two different time periods the story was told through and how they happened one and then the other instead of flipping back and forth.
- The main characters relationships with everyone else in her life besides the love interest! I loved her best friend, her relationship with her mom and grandma, her complicated relationship with her dad. I really wish the book went more into all of these aspects instead of focusing on the tension between the love interests.
- I don't think I've really read any books about filming a movie before but I really liked it! I loved how the setting was secluded and everyone was stuck together.
Things I didn't like:
- I wasn't a big fan of the relationship. While I definitely don't think it was bad, it just didn't do anything for me or excite me in any way. At the end of the day, I didn't care if they got together or not and I was more interested in all the other character relationships instead. Since this is a romance, I definitely felt like the romance aspect of this book was lacking.
- The pacing. It felt like all the climax and excitement happened in the last 10% of the book and I would have loved to see the ending drawn out more. Especially with regards to Tate and her father, as well as more about how the movie they filmed turned out.
Overall, I enjoyed this and it was a nice, quick read. I will still continue to pick up anything else that Christina Lauren writes!
I received a copy of this book from Simon & Schuster Canada in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Unfortunately for this book, I also read Christina Lauren's [b:The Unhoneymooners|42201431|The Unhoneymooners|Christina Lauren|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1548201335l/42201431._SY75_.jpg|65813986] this year which ended up being one of my favourite books of the year. Therefore, I was really excited about this one! While I'm trying not to compare the two too much, this book didn't quite do it for me in the same way.
Things I liked:
- The two different time periods the story was told through and how they happened one and then the other instead of flipping back and forth.
- The main characters relationships with everyone else in her life besides the love interest! I loved her best friend, her relationship with her mom and grandma, her complicated relationship with her dad. I really wish the book went more into all of these aspects instead of focusing on the tension between the love interests.
- I don't think I've really read any books about filming a movie before but I really liked it! I loved how the setting was secluded and everyone was stuck together.
Things I didn't like:
- I wasn't a big fan of the relationship. While I definitely don't think it was bad, it just didn't do anything for me or excite me in any way. At the end of the day, I didn't care if they got together or not and I was more interested in all the other character relationships instead. Since this is a romance, I definitely felt like the romance aspect of this book was lacking.
- The pacing. It felt like all the climax and excitement happened in the last 10% of the book and I would have loved to see the ending drawn out more. Especially with regards to Tate and her father, as well as more about how the movie they filmed turned out.
Overall, I enjoyed this and it was a nice, quick read. I will still continue to pick up anything else that Christina Lauren writes!
I received a copy of this book from Simon & Schuster Canada in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
When Tate's grandmother takes her to Europe her one rule is 'don't tell anyone who you are'
Carrying the secret of her parentage throughout her life, Tate finally breaks and reveals her one secret to Sam Brandis, a boy she meets and falls head over heels with.
When her secret is exposed and her life is changed forever Tate must navigate thought the loss of trust and her new found fame.
This book was really cute.
You obviously know whats happening and whats going to happen, but it was still an enjoyable read.
A light and engaging read you can power through in an afternoon
Carrying the secret of her parentage throughout her life, Tate finally breaks and reveals her one secret to Sam Brandis, a boy she meets and falls head over heels with.
When her secret is exposed and her life is changed forever Tate must navigate thought the loss of trust and her new found fame.
This book was really cute.
You obviously know whats happening and whats going to happen, but it was still an enjoyable read.
A light and engaging read you can power through in an afternoon
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Usually after the initial gimmick wears off in a romance book, it can feel like filler, but that didn’t happen here. Seeing the stark contrast between the characters as 18/21 and then meeting them again in their early/mid thirties was a great way to keep the conflict fresh and keep the plot moving.
I liked the premise and the settings, the world of the set was so real and immersive. I also loved the way that our main character Tater had real and impactful relationships with people other than the MMC Sam.
The main point of conflict is that Tate’s secret (that she is the daughter of a movie star) is revealed by Sam to the press, right after their brief teenage romance. Yet, once they are older, Sam’s reasoning felt stale and their new relationship seems mostly based on physical chemistry and nostalgia. I’m not sure I’m 100% sold on them as a couple, but I was enjoying myself reading this, and will definitely keep picking up Christina Lauren books.
I liked the premise and the settings, the world of the set was so real and immersive. I also loved the way that our main character Tater had real and impactful relationships with people other than the MMC Sam.
The main point of conflict is that Tate’s secret (that she is the daughter of a movie star) is revealed by Sam to the press, right after their brief teenage romance. Yet, once they are older, Sam’s reasoning felt stale and their new relationship seems mostly based on physical chemistry and nostalgia. I’m not sure I’m 100% sold on them as a couple, but I was enjoying myself reading this, and will definitely keep picking up Christina Lauren books.
A teensy little part of me (a big part actually but i love christina lauren so i let it slide) is upset that there isn't more. I felt like there wasn't a lot of Tate and Sam reunited, which was all I was waiting for the whole book
emotional
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix