I’d never read a Christina Lauren book before and I’m not sure how typical this was, but this was a second-chance-at-love romance that felt a bit like a hybrid YA/romance book and was chock full of tropes: love with a celebrity, love on holiday, second chance at love, celebrity in disguise, forbidden love….

The story begins as teenage Tate and Sam meet in London – she’s the daughter of a famous film star, but has a difficult relationship with her father and been living with her mom under a different last name in a small town. Sam is also on holiday and staying at the same London hotel. When these two meet, they fall hard for each other, and Tate decides to trust Sam with her secret. But then he abruptly disappears, breaking her heart, and reporters show up, revealing her identity. Years later, Tate is an actress in her first starring film role when she sees someone on set who looks startlingly familiar. Could it be Sam, was he the one who betrayed her, and can she trust him a second time?

In a way this felt like two separate stories: teenage Sam and Tate and their drama, and adult Sam and Tate. Maybe I’ve been reading YA too long, but I preferred the first half and I’m trying to figure out why.

I liked all the themes and tropes in here – some of my favorites! I love second chance at love stories. And I liked the family aspects of the story – Tate’s relationship with her father, her mother and her grandmother. But I also felt like there was something about the second half of the story that didn’t quite work as well for me as the first half. I felt like Tate always had the stronger half of the power dynamic (in part one, she’s the daughter of the famous actor, and in part two, she’s suddenly the up-and-coming young actress now working with her famous father.) She always felt sort of perfect and untouchable to me. Also, the second pat of the book spent a long time having Tate and Sam avoid each other (and a long time of Sam insisting that he did try to warn Tate that he’d be on set) and I felt the magic of their romance in the first part of the story was never quite reproduced in the second.

But there was also a lot here to like, and I will definitely try more Christina Lauren books!

Ever since I read Love and Other Words I have been a huge fan of books by Christina Lauren. These women know how to develop relatable characters while also introducing a variety of scenarios for their engaging novels to take on. I think because I loved Love and Other Words SO much, the bar has been set high for me. While the premise of Twice in a Blue Moon was promising, and I do enjoy the idea of "second chance romance" this one fell flat.

I really struggled to connect or find any believability with these main characters and their romance. Knowing each other for a couple of weeks as teenagers...becoming lovers and sharing their deepest darkest secrets and then there being a HUGE betrayal just didn't work for me. It was all just too quick and then way too dramatic. I get it, teenager love can work in many storylines (hello Love and Other Words!!), but in this situation, it just didn't.

This lack of believability and connection with Tate and Sam made it hard to really feel engaged with the storyline and felt myself rolling my eyes more than feeling engrossed in the writing. Maybe it's just me, but I just didn't love this one.

Thank you to NetGalley and Gallery Books for an advanced copy. All opinions are my own.

Twice In A Blue Moon is the newest hit by dynamic duo Christina Lauren. This one is a second chance love story, rather than one of their RomComs. It’s also not a typical romance as it deals with our heroine’s personal baggage and her journey towards coming to terms with it all. It is written in past/present. It is angsty, sweet, sexy with some unexpected twists. While I must admit I prefer their quirky characters and the hysterical situations they get themselves into all in the name of love, I really enjoyed this one, especially the ending. I love that authors Christina Lauren cannot be put in a box and are versatile in their writing. It’s one of the things I love about them. Their immeasurable talent is another.

Unfortunate this one was a no go for me. The characters lacked chemistry and the story was dull. Which makes me sad cause I really normally enjoy their work!

Twice in a Blue Moon by Christina Lauren follows Tate at 18 when she's on vacation across the pond in London with her grandmother. There she meet's Sam and the two have a instant connection. They sneak away to spend time together and soon Tate is experiencing many firsts with Sam. She divulges a secret to him in private one night and she feels like she very well may be falling in love. Towards the end of their vacation Sam vanishes and Tate soon learns he betrayed her..

Fourteen years later, Tate is a successful actress and about to embark on a movie role that could change the trajectory of her career. She's been preparing for this and hoping to also use this role to become closer with her estranged father. She's thrown when none other than Sam arrives on set and she's forced to confront their relationship and his betrayal from all those years ago. Could their love story have a second chance or will Sam hurt her all over again?

Okay, I love a second chance romance. It is my favorite trope outside enemies to lovers. However this one wasn't my absolute favorite from them and I think it's because I struggle with insta-love type stories. I was much more invested in Tate, her friends and her story than I was in her and Sam's love story. If you like romance with only a little steam this one may be a good place to start as it doesn't fade to black but it's not too over the top. I'd still encourage giving it a shot because I know some people who are absolutely raving about it and I did like it! I love CLo and will continue to read whatever they write (you bet I'm COUNTING DOWN for The Honey Don't List already!) // ☕☕☕

Thanks to Gallery Books and NetGalley for providing me a complimentary copy to review! All opinions are my own!

Amazing story! I love how diverse these authors are with their stories. It had great pacing. Unique plot. And enough to keep you fully engaged!

<em>Twice in a Blue Moon</em> is such a sweet, engaging love story. We start off fourteen years in the past, as 18-year-old Tate takes a rare vacation with her grandmother to spend two whole weeks in London after Tate's high school graduation. Tate lives in a  small Northern California town with her mother and grandmother, and has never been anywhere! She's thrilled at the idea of the adventure ahead of them, especially knowing that this trip is a total splurge for her grandmother.

And then, they meet Sam, a 21-year-old Vermont farm boy traveling with his grandfather Luther. In a switch worthy of <em>A Room With a View</em>, Tate's grandma is vocally unhappy about their street-view hotel room, so Luther gallantly offers the women a trade. As the four chat, they find lots of common ground, and become travel buddies, enjoying the sights of London together.

And unbeknownst to the grandparents, Sam and Tate have also been sneaking out at night to hang out in the secluded hotel gardens, stargazing and sharing secrets. Tate has a whopper of a secret to share, one that she's never told anyone: She's secretly the daughter of Ian Butler, only THE biggest star in Hollywood (I'm thinking Brad Pitt-level superstar), but ever since her mom left her dad when she was 8 years old, Tate has had no contact with him. And while it's been burned into Tate's every waking moment that this is a secret that can't ever be told, she trusts Sam so deeply that she shares the entire story with him... as the two fall deeply into an all-consuming first love.

Of course, it all comes crashing down when Tate discovers that Sam and Luther have checked out of the hotel early, and she proceeds to go outside only to be mobbed by papparazzi. The quiet, anonymous life Tate has treasured is over, and her heart is shattered by Sam's betrayal.

The story picks up in the present, 14 years later, as 32-year-old Tate, now a successful Hollywood actress, is about to begin filming the movie that may final propel her career from supernatural/action genres into award-level recognition. Plus, the new movie is the first time Tate will be making a movie with her father, and the press is just eating it up. but when she arrives on location, she sees that the screenwriter is none other than Sam, the man who broke her heart so long ago. Tate has to figure out how to pull herself together in her most important career moment without causing a scandal or reverting back into the helpless teenager she left in her past.

Ah, such a terrific story! I think I loved the teen sections even more than the parts about grown-up Tate and Sam. For the first ten chapters, we're living through a story of first love, and it's gorgeous. The authors capture the highs and lows of falling in love for the first time, showing the sparks, the wonder, the uncertainty, and then the joy of realizing that feelings are reciprocated, knowing that a connection exists unlike anything else, and feeling so sure that it's the right time to venture into a physical relationship. All of Tate's emotions felt spot-on, and I really believed her thought processes as well as the chemistry with Sam and her worries about her future.

I enjoyed the adult storyline as well, but connected with it perhaps a little less. After all, it's hard to really understand the pressures of a Hollywood star if you're not actually a part of that world, whereas the ups and downs of first love is pretty universal, I think. Still, the story of the movie-making process, Tate's emotional investment in the role, and the truth about Sam's past and his betrayal are all fascinating. I loved the plot of the movie they were filming, and wish the real-life equivalent existed!

<em>Twice in a Blue Moon</em> is a lovely, funny, emotional read -- and while I'm not typically drawn to Hollywood stories, this one had enough grounding in everyday human experiences and emotions to make it relatable and real. Highly recommended! At this point, I will definitely read whatever these authors write next.

Thanks Net Galley for the preview!

This book took a little to get into but once I did I was hooked. I loved Tate's character and could relate so much to her trusting and loving personality. My heart broke for her in London when the reporters swarmed. Part of me was not surprised that Sam never reached out after the scandal. I loved the intricacies behind their reunion and the small details for the movie. I can see myself reading this book again and still loving it!

3.5 stars. A fun romance. I liked Tate and Sam. I was pleasantly surprised at how much of the book was devoted to the beginning of the story when the two first meet in London. I expected a chapter of set up and the rest to be the reunion, but the reader really gets to see the relationship develop before the fracture, which was great. I would have liked more information from the 14 year gap, but I enjoyed the story of how they find each other again and try to see if they can overcome the past. (Language, sex)

I love second chance romance and was so excited to read this story! Tate and Sam meet in London while both are on vacation with their grandparents. They are young adults who connect and fall in love while sharing their hopes, dreams, and secrets. But when Sam and his Grandfather disappear without a word, and Tate's most guarded secret is exposed, her whole world comes crashing down along with her heart. But Tate is a survivor who makes a new, successful life for herself at the expense of a closed off heart. Fourteen years later, she is blindsided when she and Sam begin working together. It is hard to forget your first love and overcome so many years of miscommunication, betrayal, and pain. The beginning of their story was sweet but slow for me. I really loved how they reconnect over the screenplay and their work colleagues. I love Tate's strength and resilience and Sam can be so swoony, but I didn't feel their connection as much as I wanted to. This is my first experience with this writing duo and I loved their writing style. They created a touching, sweet and heartfelt romance and I will definitely look for more of their work.

I did not love this book, only liked it. Definitely not my favorite book by this author & I've read a lot of books by CL. It's not bad, just missing something. It seem slow at times and forced at other times. I did like the characters, but wasn't vested in them. If you like second chance love stories this is a sweet & sometimes complex book for you.

Wow. This story was so different from others I've read by this author duo, but it's up there as being one of my favorites. The tone, the writing, the emotion ... at times, it took my breath away.

I don't want to give away anything about the story. I actually read it blind, without reading the blurb or any reviews, and it was so great to experience it all unfolding alongside the protagonist, Tate. The story is told entirely from her first-person POV, and while there definitely is romance, I'd categorize it as women's fiction.

My main quibble is that the ending felt really rushed. I could've used an epilogue, too, to see how everything worked out for them post-Milkweed.

That said, this story gave me so many feels. It had more angst than I'd expected, but that also meant it was more moving. I couldn't put it down, reading until 4 AM this morning to finish it. I think the last time I read into the wee hours of the morning was when I read (and loved) MY FAVORITE HALF-NIGHT STAND.

BOTTOM LINE
If you're expecting another CL snarky romcom, à la JOSH & HAZEL or THE UNHONEYMOONERS, you will be disappointed. This story is very different in tone, but it still showcases their ability to pen a compelling love story, one that I found really unique and moving.

RATING: A-/B+ (4½ stars)

Many thanks to NetGalley, Gallery Books, and the writing duo Christina Lauren for the opportunity to read and review their latest novel. I really enjoyed the Unhoneymooners - this latest book wasn't quite the same read for me but still a light, romantic novel with lots of feeling.

Tate Jones meets Sam Brandis while on a vacation in London with her over-protective grandmother and falls madly in love. She put all her trust in Sam, confiding her family secret that she is the daughter of one of the most famous current Hollywood stars. When he breaks that trust, her world is shattered. Fourteen years later, Tate is following in her father's footsteps and is beginning to shoot a film that is destined to make her career. Then she sees that the screenwriter is none other than her first love.

A nice romantic story filled with all those human emotions that go along with family, love, betrayal, forgiveness.

Christina Lauren really knows how to pull you in and keep you on the edge of your seat. I think I’ve found a new favorite author.
I was completely shredded after Tate’s return from London. I wasn’t sure how Sam was going to redeem himself. Did he do it? Will we find out it was someone else who betrayed Tate? And how will she react when she sees Sam again after 14 years?
So good. 5 stars!!!

Based on the blurb, I expected Twice in a Blue Moon to strictly be a second chance romance by an author pair whose work I’ve enjoyed in the past. There are elements of that here, but the real story is about Tate embracing and taking ownership of her life and relationships.

When we first meet young Tate (and Sam) on their London adventure, it’s a sweet first love that seems to be fated. It was a pleasure to watch them dance around each other and begin to make plans.

Adult Tate stuck me as somewhat isolated, a little lonely, and very easy to like. This well written piece shows her struggle with her feelings/relationship with her father, we see her in the midst of friendships both old and new, and the shock of reuniting with Sam.

This is not a fast paced book, but given the complexities of the relationships involved the pacing worked. I enjoyed watching Tate figure things out and decide where her future lies.

Every Christina Lauren book I read makes me look forward to the next one more and that is definitely the case here.

3.5 Stars. I try to not write spoilers but this might slightly qualify. I think it would be obvious that some of this happens as it's a romance. You been warned. Okay, so I loved Tate and Sam but I also wanted to shake them and say 'what the hell?' I get why Sam did what he did, but really just disappear? Is that forgivable? I don't know. For someone like Sam as he appears to be, maybe. Now, Tate... I really liked her and yet I felt she was so stupid. It was mentioned a couple of times about being spineless and yeah, I think she was and a DOORMAT! I get wanting your dad to be better than he was but seriously? How many times did he have to shit on her to get a clue? I wanted her to shout out and tell it like it was and quit taking crap. It seemed like she kind of did in the end, but it wasn't really spelled out in my mind. So underlying good story with some problems. I love Christina Lauren books and I guess just looking for a better ending. It had an HEA but still...

At last, I have read a Christina Lauren book! Twice in a Blue Moon is the duo’s newest book and is out 10/22/2019.

Tate Jones meets Sam Brandis during a trip to London with her grandmother when she is 18, and Sam is 21. Tate and Sam have immediate chemistry and hit it off during their time abroad, but then a betrayal arises that ends their relationship.

Fast forward 14 years, and Tate is an actress whose star is on the rise. Tate and Sam are unexpectedly reunited, and Tate must examine what went wrong and how she really feels. Did they truly have something special? The two are forced to confront one another and their history together.

My thoughts: I enjoyed this, as it was a quick, light read, but it didn’t do anything for me. The characters and storyline were just okay, and I was expecting much more from all the amazing things I hear about Christina Lauren. Based on other reviews I’ve seen online, it seems like this is not their best work, so I’m still definitely looking forward to reading their other books. ⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for a free digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Huge thanks to NetGalley and Gallery Books for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
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I feel in love with Christina Lauren when I read The Unhoneymooners back in June. So of course when I heard they had a new book coming out I knew I HAD to read it. Needless to say they didn’t disappoint. Twice in a Blue Moon was a cute love story about first love, betrayal and that rare occurrence of them coming back around a second time. This story captured my attention from the very first page. We can all remember our first love and the pain from it not lasting, I know I can.
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So what happens when that first love not only betrays you and exposes you to the world but comes back into your life a decade later? Will Tate forgive Sam and rekindle their romance or will she walk away? Can she even trust him?
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Despite being a huge thriller lover I do enjoy a good romance novel here and there. I have found that when I need a cute and fun love story I can count on Christina Lauren to deliver. Make sure to go grab your copy romance lovers!! I look forward to seeing what they come out with next!

Second Chance at Happiness
This book started off so slow and boring that I nearly quit reading it. I'm glad that I persevered. Once the book got to the 'today' area, it was a knockout. As a romance and more-so as Women's Fiction, this story has great depth and emotional range. I was pleasantly surprised and plan on reading more of this author's work. I received this ARC book for free from Net Galley and this is my honest review.

I’m not sure what to make of Twice in a Blue Moon. I certainly didn’t hate it; in fact there are parts I quite enjoyed, but I wouldn’t call it Christina Lauren’s strongest work.

The first quarter of the book is one long flashback, and it’s very surface level young adult material. Tate and Sam fall in love unbelievable fast, all the characters are pretty one-dimensional, and the amount of drama surrounding Tate seems like much ado about nothing. I stopped and started so many times I began to wonder if I would finish.

The story finally jumps forward fourteen years to present day and that’s when the pace picks up. Tate is on the cusp of career greatness as she prepares to star in a high-budget film. I loved feeling immersed in the process of film making, and the set is a great backdrop for a reunion between the ex-lovers. Lots of wonderfully conflicting emotions are stirred up when Tate and Sam are forced to work together publicly while privately there is so much unresolved baggage between them. I definitely became more invested in the story, but I couldn’t help feeling like their breakup could have easily been avoided in the first place. I also grew frustrated by Tate’s inability to put pretty basic puzzle pieces together.

The tension between Tate and her estranged father is potent and painful. Their complicated relationship is one of the more interesting facets of the story. However, Tate is very meek and I was disappointed by the lack of accountability.

This book is in desperate need of an epilogue. It’s a shame to follow the cast and crew throughout the creative and emotional challenges of making a movie but then never see the end result.