This book read like a motion picture screenplay, as many of Christina Lauren's stories do, but this one happened to be about a movie as well, how perfect is that?!?! I really enjoyed this unique second chance story. The back story was heartbreaking and the complexity of their reunion was perfectly layered with emotion and drama. Another fantastic CL novel!

When I started this novel I knew that there was a high chance I was going to have to clear out my day because many of the Christina Lauren novels have been books I can't put down once I start.

And this was no exception.

I pretty much read it from beginning to end in one spot in one day. Their ability to bring characters to life and have the reader empathize and root for them and cheer them on in unparalleled. Their books always seem to have the sweet romance that has strong chemistry between the characters. This book's first section has the characters at a considerably younger age than other books I've read by them (18 & 21) which I think sets the tone a bit for the novel. Even after almost 20 years, the characters still don't develop the more typical slightly snarky tone some of their novels have.

Which, for some, might have been a loss, but for me felt just right.

I loved the extra texture in the novel around trust, family, support, vulnerability. I also loved Luther and Roberta's story and how that layered here with small glimpses into some of the racism of the time. It did not at all address the issues around racism or feminist thinking or even really the drug/sex issues in the movie industry from the past. There are a bunch of mentions but no real depth in any of them.

At its core these novels are always about the romance, the redemption, the forgiveness and self-journey and this one was no different. I knew what to expect and it didn't disappoint. If you're a fan, I think you will enjoy this one.

⁣⁣Thanks to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

"I wanted to possess him and be possessed by him in a way that made me feel nearly wild"

Isn't that the truth? When you fall in love nothing else matters and it's just you and that person that consumes you forever.

There is just something that I crave about Christina Lauren novels and I always always love their novels. I don't think I've been disappointed once in the 4 books that I've read by them. From flirting to crazy love is what romance fans will crave in this one!

I have been seeing a lot of mediocre reviews for this one... which I do have to say the comical/quirkiness/sassy tone is missing from this one BUT this second chance romance story was oh so perfect in so many ways. Such an easy cast that will steal your heart multiple times!

It's a refreshing outlook on the heartaches of love, romance, and second chances with a mix of Hollywood lifestyle.

I devoured this book in a little over a day and cannot wait to read the next novel by this lovely duo!! <3

4.5 stars!

Thank you so much to Netgalley and Gallery Publishing for the arc in exchange for an honest review.

Published to GR: 9/23/19
Publication date: 10/22/19

I was so excited to receive an early copy of this book! I have read a couple other Christina Lauren books and had mixed feelings about them, romance just isn't my genre usually. But when I read the description of this one it really resonated with me so was eager to read it. I love the idea that timing is everything in a relationship, and I think everyone has that person who got away because the timing just wasn't right. This book gives the reader the idea that they could have a second chance at that relationship. This book gave me all the feels and lived up to my expectation, and felt more realistic than some of their other books.

Thank you to Gallery Books and Netgalley for the free ebook in exchange for an honest review.

Tate and Sam meet in London when they were on vacation with their respective grandparent--Tate with her grandmother and Sam with his grandfather. The attraction was immediate, and they fall hard and fast. So much so, that Tate tells Sam a little secret--she is the daughter of one of the most famous movie actors alive. Little does she know, when they return back home, her life is turned upside down.

Fast forward fourteen years, Tate is also a successful actress in her own right. She is cast in a movie in which she is the lead and her father has a supporting role. She is excited until she runs into Sam on the set, and finds out that he wrote the screenplay for the film.

This is my first book by the author duo, but I know it will not be my last.

The interaction between Tate and Sam was wonderful. But is there forgiveness for what happened on London? Well, you'll just have to read it to find out.

Likeable story and cast. I did wish that there was more development between the main characters because it felt rushed. Will be purchasing for the collection.

I was so excited to receive this book as I loved The Unhoneymooners which I thought though predictable was laugh out loud and just plain fun. I couldn't wait to get back to reading it. This book was the polar opposite save it too was predictable.

Some groan at the prose moments. ["I wanted to possess him and be possessed by him in a way that made me feel nearly wild." "My hands come to the front of his shirt... and I want to tear it off, dig my hands into the skin underneath and pull his heart free."] STOP. PLEASE!!

Everything was telegraphed. And seemingly contrived. A page turner only because I felt committed to finishing the book and wanted to do it as quickly as possible.

Did I even like any of the characters? I think not. Well, maybe Luther who had a very minor role and Nana. Tate and Sam--the main characters--not so much.

Additionally, I found the movie set dialog [no real spoiler alert] between Richard and Ellen a disconnect/distraction/abrupt. I'm in the distinct minority here, but this book just did nothing for me.

A struggle to finish. 1.5. This is my first 1* review. I was tempted to round up, but upon review, my 2* were far superior, so...

This book is a second chance romance kind of story. Tate and Sam meet as young adults and meet again several years later. We are treated to wonderful writing and the hope of a great story. Somehow, it wasn't the story I was hoping for. It is a good book but just not one of my favorites.

I love the writing of Christina Lauren. Twice in a Blue Moon was so good, had me flipping the pages literally all night. I would highly recommend this if you are looking to read a second chance romance!

Decent enough writing, but absolutely zero character development. Honestly, it was a chore for me to finish this book.

Oh boy, where do I start? I want to preface this review with the fact that Christina Lauren are one of my favorite romance writing duos and I will read anything they publish. However, Twice in a Blue Moon was not what I was expecting...it was not their best work.

This book lacked that special magic that’s always present in CL’s writing, it felt rushed, uninspired, and I was down right bored. Both Sam and Tate were underdeveloped characters and I didn’t believe in Tate as an actress at all. The timeline was all over the place and the ending wrapped up way too quickly in my opinion. Sadly, this book was not for me but I will happily read whatever CL publishes next.

Thank you to Netgalley and Gallery books for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher, for this free review copy.

✨

Christina Lauren is on of my favorite duo authors. Their books are always a quick read, and really enjoyable. Twice in a Blue Moon is so different from their other books, I feel, but I still enjoyed it!

✨

Sam and Tate met in London, while on vacation. She trusted Sam and told him what she never thought she would tell anyone: who her dad was. As a daughter of one of the biggest film stars, no one has heard of her whereabouts for years, until someone sells her story to the press.

✨

14 years later, Sam and Tate meet again, when she is on set filming. All those old feelings come rushing back, and we get to find out if they can once again, find their way back to each other.

✨

I would say I was way more interested in the beginning, rather than when they meet 14 years later. As soon as I got to the "now" part, I was a tad bored. This was one of their books that didn't make me laugh out loud, and I wasn't invested in either character. It could just be me reading this at the wrong time, and I'm sure a lot of people will love this book. It wasn't horrible, don't get me wrong. I still enjoyed it and am thankful to have been able to read it early. Christina Lauren will remain one of my favorite authors, and I can't wait to read what they write next. ☺

✨

Twice in a Blue Moon will be on sale, October 22nd, 2019!

Twice in a Blue Moon by Christina Lauren ... I loved the Unhoneymooners and hoped this would be as funny and easy to read. It seemed to drag a little for me... took to long to get through the past. I'm sure some will love it and I don't wish to turn anyone off....I just enjoy lighter reads...thanks to the publisher and #NetGalley for letting me preview this book.

This was a very enjoyable read, as all of Christina Lauren’s books are. Tate meets Sam in London when they’re young and both traveling with an elderly relative. They fall deeply in love and then Sam betrays Tate. Heartbroken, she gets on with her life and 14 years later she’s a movie star. She’s going to star in a movie with her selfish dad who has basically ignored her since she was a kid, and now only is interested in her for how she can help his career.

Surprise, surprise! Sam shows up on the movie set because he has written the script. It’s a lovely story about his grandmother and the black man she fell in love with and all the bigotry that they encountered in their small farm town for their mixed-marriage. It’s a very lovely story and Tate has been dreaming of playing the starring role. She’s set back when she encounters Sam because she has never forgiven him for his betrayal back when they were young.

Of course, there is more to the story of why Sam had so suddenly betrayed her. Once they get past that, they can work on finding their way back to each other. Of course, the father is going to sabotage things because he’s so self-centered that he doesn’t ever consider the impact his actions will have on others.

I really enjoyed Tate and Sam. Sam is such a honey and is just torn up by the guilt he feels for how he used Tate. Tate’s mother and grandmother are interesting and loving characters. My only complaint is that, once Sam and Tate reconnect, it’s rather quick to the end of the book. I would have liked a bit more time on how they come to deal with the changes in both 14 years later and the problems of an average person dating a superstar actress.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book that I received from Netgalley; however, the opinions are my own and I did not receive any compensation for my review.

Tate Jones and her grandmother visit London on a trip celebrating Tate's 18th birthday and her impending departure for college. During the trip she meets the dreamy Sam Brandis who is also on a trip with his grandfather. The duo grow close, sharing their hopes fears, dreams and secrets. Tate reveals to Sam a secret that she has kept close for many years, the fact that she is the daughter of an A-list actor in Hollywood. The information is leaked to the press and Tate heads back home to start her new life with a heavy heart. Fast forward 14 years and readers catch up with Tate once again. Now she is a making a name for herself in Hollywood as an actress. She has recently landed a career making role that also has the power to strengthen her bond with her estranged father, who is headlining the movie. As Tate steps out on set for her first day of filming, she is shocked to run right into the first boy to break her heart. What follows is an exploration of the strength of love and the possibility of second chances.
Twice in a Blue Moon hooked me early on and had me reading late into the night. The complicated family dynamics mixed with the heartbreak of first love made for an engrossing love story. While there was considerably less snark between the two main characters, this story felt a bit deeper than the duo's previous plots so it fit the story line perfectly. The fascinating sneak peek into the Hollywood life and the perks and drawbacks that come with that lifestyle were a departure from the usual boy meets girl plots and fit the complicated dynamics of the story perfectly. I highly recommend this story for fans of this romcom writing duo or for those looking for a love story with some added depth.

A second chance love story that slowly unfolds with the tone of anticipation of an old Hollywood film.

I love my author duo behind Christina Lauren. I first fell in love with their steamy and often humor laden contemporay romance books. When I read their more serious in tone LOVE & OTHER WORDS, my brain perked up and took notice. They do not just deliver comedic relief but pack series writing chops as well. This most recent foray into literary/women's fiction is just as well delivered.

In the offset of this story I wasn't sure that I would buy in to this idea of a second chance given the devastating scope of betrayal. With raw emotion delivered in characters vulnerable moments, I was quickly engrossed in this story.

I went back and forth until the very end of this book trying to decide if a Happily Ever After was coming or not. So well crafted.

I received a complimentary advance copy of this title from the publisher. All comments and opinions are my own.

Big thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this title!

4 un-put-downable stars!

I was so stinking thrilled to see this author/ title combo show up on Netgalley! I could tell immediately after reading the synopsis that I was going to absolutely love this story, and boy was I ever right! I read it in less than a day flat! It’s one of those beauties where the words just roll ever so smoothly and deliciously, and before you know it, it’s over. Bittersweet indeed.

The character development was superb, the emotions between protagonists from the heart, and the settings perfectly matched to the theme being portrayed. Absolutely loved the London scenes and the innocence involved in Tate and Sam’s meeting and exploration, followed by the finale set in a serene farming atmosphere. Perfection!

The only over thing I wanted to see was more of a final connection between Tate and Sam. A heart wrenching, tearful, sappy coming together and never parting sort of HEA. The emails just weren’t enough for what they’d been through. Still though, a fabulous read deserving a day completely cleared in your schedule!

I absolutely loved The Unhoneymooners, and it’s blend of saucy humor, witty banter, and well developed characters. This book lacked all of that. If I hadn’t read the cover I never would have guessed it was by the same authors.

It was overall a book I liked alright, but because of the authors I expected to love it. It seemed rushed and formulaic at points.

What I liked about it: Charlie was hilarious, and I loved the strong friendship between her and Tate. Yay for positive female friendships in a romcom! I also adored Nick’s character and found him to be the most well-written character of the book. Can we ask pretty please that he get his own book later?? The scenes during filming were hands down my favorite. Everything about Milkweed was wonderful too.

What I didn’t like: Sam and Tate were fine, but I never could see what made them fall so deeply in love in London. It wasn’t convincing at all, and their second chance seemed to come suddenly out of nowhere with no build up. The part taking place in London was too long and boring and resulted in the first 1/3 of the book reading like a YA novel. I also felt like the humor that is the authors’ trademark just wasn’t there this time.

Overall it was a like not a love for me. But I will still be waiting with anticipation for their next book!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for my free digital arc.

I really enjoyed the stories of Sam and Tate. I liked the format that this was written in. The characters were fun, and kept you wanting more !

⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 ... I always love Christina Lauren! I continue to be fascinated by two writers working together on one book. These ladies have it down! Thanks to Net Galley for the ARC!