Available Oct 22: Twice in a Blue Moon
***** 4 stars: Loved it: Another great Christina Lauren novel - with a focus on a personal journey.



Recommended readers:

If you like Christina Lauren
If you like modern, witty writing
If like a good romantic drama
Here's my Rankings:

4/5 for characters
4/5 for plot
4/5 overall
REVIEW FROM BOOKS FOR HER:
Tate Jones has hidden her whole life from the world, being the daughter of a famous father. Finally on her graduation day, Tate takes a trip with her grandmother, where she meets the sweet, caring Sam Brandis, and they fall in love until Sam betrays her. Years later Tate is one of the most popular TV actresses trying to make her way as a lead actress and must face her past.

Twice in a Blue Moon has early heartbreak and personal challenges throughout for both characters. Another great Christina Lauren read, Twice in a Blue Moon has less comedy than their usual novel, and focuses more on a strong personal journey for Tate and Sam.

Available Oct 22: Twice in a Blue Moon

I had such high hopes for this book, but in the end, it didn't totally deliver for me. That said, I'm still glad I read it; it just wasn't my fave Christina Lauren book despite the fact it got off to a strong start!

I'm really not that big of a YA fan and especially "insta love" YA, but for whatever reason, I got sucked into the first part of this book. It could, in part, be because the characters were a bit older than typical YA at 18 and 21. While traveling to London with her grandmother, Tate meets Sam who is on vacation with his grandfather. The two hit if off and spend much of the two weeks together, quickly falling in love. But he suddenly breaks her heart and betrays her trust, leaving her totally confused. While the "love" didn't feel totally believable to me, I understood those feelings of excitement being away from home and majorly crushing on someone. And when Sam leaves, I was just as confused as Tate... How the heck could he do that?

Flash forward 14 years and Tate is now a well-known actress. She's still single and it seems she hasn't even been in love since Sam. But he's suddenly back in her life and she has to deal with all kinds of unexplored feelings. I don't want to give away too much and honestly, I feel like the synopsis of this book basically tells you the whole story (I luckily didn't see it before reading the book)... It just didn't feel like that much else happened. The second part of the book felt pretty slow and the movie script sections seemed totally unnecessary and out of place. I also couldn't fully understand why Tate couldn't let go of this 10 day "relationship" she had at age 18 or why these two still had such a strong pull to each other.

One of the reasons I generally really like Christina Lauren books is because the characters are so strong and their relationships are so personable and believable. They also know when to add humor in. This book was just a little bit empty in terms of those strong bonds and humor. I'll still read everything the authors come out with, but this one won't go down as one of my favorites!

3.5 “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.”

Twice in a Blue Moon was a good read from Christina Lauren. This book takes place in the past and present of our main characters lives. In the past Tate and Sam meet while each on a London vacation celebrating life milestones. Sam turning 21, and Tate turning 18 and preparing to start college. I loved this part of the story because you could honestly feel the sweet tingly excitement of first love that Tate was experiencing with Sam. This part of the story takes place over two weeks, but it was very easy to fall for and invest in these characters feelings for each other. I loved every pillowy soft, with a dash of angst, new adult minute of it.

Then, comes the betrayal. Tate has a big secret that she shared with Sam. She’s the long time hidden away daughter of one of the most famous actors in the world, Ian Butler. While Sam has supported Tate on this subject during their time spent together, in the end he essentially rats her out to the press. Everything she thought about him has been stepped on by this betrayal. It was only two weeks, but she just KNEW she could trust him. Her first love ends with sudden and unexplained heartbreak. It takes the “unexpected people coming into your life and changing it forever” idea to the next level, because Sam changes the course of Tate’s life in so many ways.

The next part of the story is a fast forward. Here is where things get a little tricky. The story essentially goes from a sweet new adult romance, to chick lit. Which there is nothing wrong with that at all! It was just simply less about romance and more about Tate’s journey from 18 and in love in London, to becoming a Hollywood starlet seemingly overnight, and then finally being cast in the role of a lifetime. A role that not only brings her a second chance at love, but allows her to have new eyes on her life in general.

Don’t get me wrong I ENJOYED the story immensely. How Tate dealt with life through everything. Her relationships with men. Her relationships with her family and friends. The set and message of the movie and all that good stuff. Her second chance with Sam. It was a good read over all, but I will say that the romance aspect kind of let me down in the second half. It was almost not enough about it, and too easy once things start rolling. What I will say is that some of the additional characters were an absolute JOY to read. I wanted more and more of them. Some were frustrating as all get out, but that lends to the fact that it was just an outstanding cast of characters given to us by these authors.

All in all this was a great read. If you’re looking for romance heavy, this may not be it, but if you’re looking for a young woman’s journey from first love to figuring out a successful and happy adult life, then Twice in a Blue Moon is where it’s at!

This is a hard review for me to write because I so wanted to like this book and it just didn't work for me.

I was looking forward to another Christina Lauren book with their trademark humor and steamy romance. Alas, this book wasn't that

It reminded me of their adult contemporary Love and Other Words, but not for the good reasons I liked it.

The story starts off and both of the main characters are teenagers who meet on a trip in Europe. Of course, there's attraction and then young love and then betrayal. Fast forward years later, and they are thrown together again. The beginning part was too long and while I understand that the beginning was the big set up for the rest of the book, it could have moved along faster in some ways and slowly develop in others. It felt like I was reading a YA (not bad, but not what I was looking for). Also, the characters weren't developed enough for my taste.

I kinda wonder if it was the premise that took me out of it. Of course the young good looking boy (Sam) betrayed her (Tate) all those years ago, but he had a really good reason! (sigh.) And of course she can't stay way from him now, even though she thinks he is married with kids. (of course he is not, btw. duh.) Tate is now a super successful actor who is starring with her incredibly successful father in a new film! The entire second part of the book takes place on set as Sam the screenwriter watches Tate act out his very personal script. Sigh.

The ending was anticlimactic. The most interesting part of the book was actually her relationship with her famous father (think Tom Cruise) and that thread tapered off into nothingness with no closure. I really wanted something to happen there and it just didn't. Meanwhile, wet mop boy and scattered main female had their ending which was less happy and more accepting. Their recent ones haven't been as good as their earlier works so I think I'll go back and read <em>Beautiful Bastard.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this digital arc.
I LOVE Christina Lauren and will gobble up any book up written by these ladies so it's hard to say that this book wasn't my favorite. It honestly felt like their weakest story to date.
Tate (18) and Sam (21) meet in London while on vacation. They quickly get to know each other and seemingly fall in love. She confides in him that her dad is a famous actor and she's been out of the spotlight for many years. Sam betrays her and sells her story to the tabloids and her life is flipped upside down. Fourteen years later, she's filming a movie with her dad and the screenwriter happens to be the one and only Sam.
Something was off about this book and I can't put my finger on it. I really enjoyed reading Tate and Sam when they were young and the build-up was classic Christina Lauren. You get a mixture of YA romance and regular romance in this book but it doesn't feel even to me. Young Tate and Sam's story gets nearly half the book so the second half, set in the present, doesn't get nearly as much depth and detail as I would have liked. There are a fair amount of supporting characters to keep track of that I didn't feel that I could be invested. The story could use probably 50 more pages to really build the chemistry back up with Sam and Tate as adults because it feels a bit rushed. I didn't particularly like how the format of filming scenes was written either. I like that they tried and wrote movie scenes but it could have been cleaned up. The ending worked well and that's what earns the rating. There wasn't the same kind of comedy and snappy dialogue in this one as their other stories. While I appreciate the attempts to put more heartfelt moments in the plot, it doesn't work as well as Love and Other Words. I also wish there was an epilogue to this one because the story would have greatly benefitted from it. The story was middle of the road and I enjoyed the story as a whole (enough to read it in two sittings) but it's not one I would re-read and come back to. I would recommend other Christina Lauren books over this one but I will still be reading any future books published by them.

A wonderful second chance romance novel from a duo I greatly enjoy. Full of heart, passion and great characters, it felt like I was watching a rom-com in my head as I read. I loved the story line and the premise. Some great swoon worthy moments too! Can't wait to see what these authors come up with next. Thank you netgalley for this arc in exchange for my honest opinion.

I have enjoyed Christina Lauren's other books. However, this was a different novel. Ultimately, in a romance, I do not enjoy characters that are ill suited or immoral coming together in the end. Her writing is it's usual quality, but the story turned me off this novel.

I absolutely loved this book. The characters had depth and true personalities that came out in the great writing. The story was terrific with tension and so well written.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I have absolutely loved everything I've read from this writing duo. My hopes for this book were super high. I was bummed that this title didn't quite match my expectations. The premise seemed far fetched and the male love interest wasn't quite as dreamy as some of their previous characters. That being said, this is still much better than most of the other romance titles that are out there. This book isn't spectacular, but is still worth the time it took to read it.

Twice in a Blue Moon reads like an alternate version of Christina Lauren's Love and Other Words (a book I absolutely adored). Intoxicating first love goes wrong and the main characters meet again 15 years later. This second chance story focuses heavily on forgiveness, but left me wondering what kind of saint Tate Butler is to be able to give Sam Brandis another chance. Sometimes love just makes you stupid for a person.

For me, this is more contemporary fiction with romantic elements. Although the first half focuses on Tate and Sam's relationship at 18 & 21, family issues loom large throughout.

"Can you believe me, though? That the worst thing I ever did was for the best reason I ever had?"

A second chance romance that will have you dreaming of stars, quiet places, and love!

Sam and Tate met while traveling abroad and fall in love while stargazing. They trust each other with their dreams and secrets, but unfortunately, Tate soon learns she trusted Sam with too much.

14 years later, the two come face to face again when she's cast into the role in a play Sam's written. The play is about his grandparents and their struggles they experienced navigating a biracial relationship.

I enjoyed the scene within a scene aspect of this book. We have the story of Sam and Tate as a couple as they try to come to terms with the betrayal that kept them apart for 14 years, and figure out if life is truly black and white, or if sometimes, the end does justify the means. All the while, we are shown the story of his grandparents through the script. (This made me REALLY want a book about his grandparents. I want to read their story.)

I have got to talk about Charlie, Tate's friend. I adored her, she was more than a secondary character, she was a supporting character and she was amazing!

I only a few quibbles. I wish the HEA would have been more fleshed out. I wish we could have enjoyed Sam and Tate together in an adult relationship. I also wish Sam's character would have been more developed. I was left wondering about him, who he was, what he'd been through - was his life difficult when he returned to the States, how did he make a career out of writing, etc.

CLO write the kinds of stories I want to read. I love this writing duo's style and combined voice.

“The worst thing I ever did was for the best reason I ever had.”
Heartbreaking and heartwarming. This is a story of first love and betrayal. But also about “free-range, bottomless love”.

I received this book from Net Galley. I really enjoyed this book and it is unputdownable. The book covers tow timelines. When Tate was 18 she and her Grandmother went to London and Tate had her 1st head over heals in love until he betrayed her. Then later as an adult actress she runs into Sam again. Tate must decide if she can move on and trust him again. Very Good Read.

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!

I went into this novel not really knowing much because at this point if Christina Lauren wrote it I’m going to read it. Period. So I was intrigued to find that we were beginning in the past and that it would not be an alternating past and present type of situation but a lot of past and then a jump to the present. This wasn’t a format I expected but I was into it and it made sense for the plot.

The story is told solely in Tate Jones’ POV. She is the daughter of a big movie star, but when she was a kid her mom left her father and they moved back to her mother’s hometown where they kept Tate’s true identity a secret. Thus, Tate grew up out of the spotlight but she also had to keep this major secret from pretty much everyone in her life.

Enter Sam Brandis. While on vacation in London with her grandmother Tate meets Sam and it’s basically love at first sight. And as one is wont to do when they’re in love (or so I’ve heard) Tate bared her soul to Sam, which included telling him her the truth about her identity. Unfortunately, Sam, along with his grandfather, then left London and Tate’s secret was leaked to the tabloids.

Fast forward to the present and now Tate is a well known actress in her own right. Her relationship with her absentee father is strained at best but Tate is hoping that by working on a movie together that’ll bring them closer. However, what Tate wasn’t expecting was to run into Sam on the set of the film. Now Tate is stuck on location with her father and the guy who sold her secret. What’s a girl to do? Fake it until you make it, amirite?

I really loved this story because it wasn’t black and white. What Sam did to Tate was wrong but it launched her career in a way. Additionally, he of course had his reasons. Whether or not those reasons were valid…well I’ll let you read the book and decide for yourself. The more important question is whether or not Tate is able to forgive him and then trust him.

Obviously, the book dealt a lot with forgiveness and trust, but this wasn’t just through Sam and Tate but also with Tate and her father, which I found really interesting. I also loved learning Sam’s backstory and the movie that Tate was working on was just as interesting as Tate’s own story. The film dealt with racial prejudice and it was really well done. Honestly, I wish it was a real movie. I’d watch it.

But anyway, my point is I enjoyed this book. I wanted a bit more from the ending because it didn’t feel totally resolved to me, but otherwise it was a great read.

On a trip to London with her grandmother, Tate meets Sam and her life changes forever. 18 year old Tate has never experience true love but feels an instant connection to Sam and tells him her biggest secret, that her father is a famous movie star. Sam ends up selling Tate out, and her heart never recovers despite her acting career taking off and becoming a star. Years later, the two meet up again on a movie set, and their chemistry is off the charts. Can Tate forgive Sam for his betrayal and allow her heart to open up once more?

I was pleasantly surprised by this book.

I enjoyed the storyline and the love story happening. I wished there had not been so many other characters involved and that the author focused solely on Tate and Sam. I also would have loved to have learned more about Tate's mom and dad's past as it would have added to the story and to add to Tate's backstory.

That said it was a good read and I enjoyed it.

“Twice in a Blue Moon” is a story of Tate and Sam, as they meet in London when they are 18 and 21, respectively. Over the next few weeks they fall in love like only teenagers can, but when Tate tells Sam her biggest secret, and he betrays her, everything changes. Fast forward fourteen years, when they meet up again unexpectedly on a movie set. Cue the tension, misunderstandings, and DRAMA!.

I love the writing style of Christina Lauren’s novels, and in this case it was no different. However, I really didn’t connect with the characters, and the “thing” that usually draws me into these books just wasn’t there this time. I did enjoy the first half of the book, and probably would have loved it more if it continued as a YA novel. For me, when the switch happened and the characters were older, I sort of lost interest. I did appreciate how the ending came full circle (but who wants to lie down in damp grass? I mean really. ANYWAY) Fans of Christina Lauren will probably enjoy this novel, but for me, it sort of fell flat. It was still fairly enjoyable.

I was given an advanced reader's copy via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This book is split into two parts with the beginning being 14 years before present day. This split made the novel feel like two books and both parts left me a bit unsatisfied. The romance was fine...but I would have much rather seen the story focus on Tate and her family. The movie set was a fun setting for the story and I enjoyed Nick and Tate's friendship.

Also, what was that ending? There were like three plot lines that did not get wrapped up.

Overall, it was a little bit lackluster, but I enjoyed it well enough. Plus, the cover is GORGEOUS!

I have not been able to make much progress with this latest Christina Lauren title. It may pick up once the characters are in the "present" but I can't get there. I dislike Tate, and all the characters feel underdeveloped. This reads differently from the other books, which are a bit more light-hearted.