by Christina Lauren
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Heat Level:
Sam Brandis was Tate Jones’s first: Her first love. Her first everything. Including her first heartbreak.
During a whirlwind two-week vacation abroad, Sam and Tate fell for each other in only the way that first loves do: sharing all of their hopes, dreams, and deepest secrets along the way. Sam was the first, and only, person that Tate—the long-lost daughter of one of the world’s biggest film stars—ever revealed her identity to. So when it became clear her trust was misplaced, her world shattered for good.
Fourteen years later, Tate, now an up-and-coming actress, only thinks about her first love every once in a blue moon. When she steps onto the set of her first big break, he’s the last person she expects to see. Yet here Sam is, the same charming, confident man she knew, but even more alluring than she remembered. Forced to confront the man who betrayed her, Tate must ask herself if it’s possible to do the wrong thing for the right reason… and whether “once in a lifetime” can come around twice.
Twice in a Blue Moon by Christina Lauren delivers a second chance romance. It’s a story of family, betrayal and healing.
When Tate Jones is fresh out of high school, she travels with her Nan on a whirlwind vacation to London. At their hotel she meets Sam Brandis who is on vacation with his grandfather. It’s the perfect vacation. A handsome boy, conversations under the stars, strawberry, crepes and firsts… that is until he betrays her.
Fast Forward fourteen years. Tate is about to star as the leading lady in a film alongside her father. The last person she expected to see was Sam.
At its heart the tale that unfolds is a second chance romance, but it also deals with an absentee father, secrets and abandonment issues. The first twenty-five percent is spent in London when Tate is eighteen. We don’t meet Sam again until about the forty-four percent mark. Which is all fine and good, but it made the novel feel more women’s fiction or chick-lit and that vibe remained.
I enjoyed filming on location. It was fun being a part of the different scenes, and the movie had relevance to the overall story. I felt the story being filmed was relevant and address issued from today’s headlines. It also made the betrayal feel genuine and gave it life.
Tate herself is working through a lot of issues, from her mega-movie star father and her feelings of abandonment to the betrayal she experienced with Sam. I felt connected with her emotionally. Sam’s story is one that will tug at your heartstrings.
Twice in a Moon was a touching story and perfect for a lazy fall afternoon.
Twice in a Blue Moon by Christina Lauren #secondchance #romance #NewRelease perfect for a lazy fall afternoon Share on X
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Anne
Finally I have written my review and can read yours. It’s fascinating you say didn’t come up until the 44% in the book and maybe that/ or all the daddy issues/ make him less part of the emotional story. I did like the inclusion of the emails he wrote even if it was later. I didn’t like the feeling he didn’t fight for her at all. I liked Tate and I felt bad for the insecurity her world because of her father, Sam and her chosen career make everything a bigger deal than necessary. At least, she had great women in her life: Nana, her Mom and Charlie.
Anne – Books of My Heart
Jen
I have this one on my kindle – I just need to find the time to read it. I do love second chance romances.
Olivia Roach
I have heard of Christina Lauren romance books being pretty good and while this one does sound good, it doesn’t sound like it is the best place for me to break into their books with. So I think I won’t start here, but a sweet second chance romance is always a good read for once I’ve broken into their books.
Carla
I have this one to read and it sounds like I will enjoy it when I get the chance to read it. Wonderful review Kimberly.
Lindy@ a Bookish Escape
I like it when a story pulls at my heartstrings. I don’t like that Sam doesn’t reappear until the 44% mark. I’m glad you enjoyed this one Kim :). Great Review!
sherry fundin
not really my cup of….coffee, but thanks for sharing
Silvia
I like this duo a lot, I always end up having fun with their books, so I’ll probably give this new novel a go even if it has the chick-lit vibe.
Ethan
I really like the sound of this one. It seems like the authors layered in just enough depth to elevate it from your average romance novel. Also, I’m noticing more and more tag team authors lately, and I’ve enjoyed most of the results so far!
Heidi
I am glad you enjoyed this one. It is getting mixed reviews. I have it coming up for review soon.
Berls
I really enjoy second chance romances, so that appeals to me immediately. The whole being on set and all the other themes definitely makes it sound like a book worth reading. Great review!
Melliane
I haven’t read this one but I really like the authors and I’m curious to try this one as well!
Suzanne @ The Bookish Libra
Great review and I agree with you about the women’s fiction/chick lit vibe.
Lorna
I agree with you about most everything you feel. I did enjoy the book, perhaps a bit mote than you. I also don’t think it’s their best book.
kindlemom1
Really all their books are pretty good and while this wasn’t a favorite of mine either, it was still a really fun read.
Debbie Haupt
great review as always Kim I’ve enjoyed her in the past and well second romances are my drug of choice but yeah if the hero disappears for that much time it does reduce the romance aspect. Thanks