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Hope Trilogy #1

Hope Breaks

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Hope Jones has two problems: one is new, the other is depressingly old.

The new problem: the bestselling author the publisher she shoots romance novel covers for hates her newest batch of covers. She has until the end of the week to come up with a breathtaking shot or she’ll be replaced. And there’s a sudden model shortage; they’re out of season.

The old, depressing problem: she hasn’t had a date, sex or a relationship in over two years.

She also has one hell of a headache.

Hope finds the cures for her two problems during a search through Walmart for a painkiller to kill her headache.

Turns out the aisles of the retail giant are rampant with hot young model worthy specimens. And when her trusty Ford Taurus breaks down in the parking lot, a hunky mechanic in the Tire and Lube Express department fixes more than just her car.

Seemingly her troubles are good as gone…but then her new, fabulous cover is rejected, and in a desperate moment she has to choose between keeping her job and keeping the man she’s just starting to fall in love with.

118 pages, ebook

First published April 29, 2013

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Alice Bello

77 books102 followers

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5 stars
167 (21%)
4 stars
259 (33%)
3 stars
245 (31%)
2 stars
63 (8%)
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35 (4%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 117 reviews
Profile Image for Vanessa.
Author 6 books104 followers
June 24, 2013
Well, that was NOT the ending I was hoping for...where is the rest of it?!?

Review:

“You actually don’t remember a hunk like that? Were you on drugs or religion as a child?”

Olivia Lovelace, famous author, hates her current book cover. Hope has to find something hot, steamy and best-seller worthy or she can kiss her little photography job goodbye. Facing the truth that she has nothing to go on is difficult; and her model liaison has no one for her to use on such short notice. Knowing this would normally cause Hope to freak out but surely there’s someone out there (who is young, sexy and willing to make a cool $200 just for taking a few pictures) she can find on her own. Never would she have thought all her dreams could come true at the local Wal-Mart!

After approaching a young hottie inside (and freaking him out a little), her car breaks down in the parking lot. Just her luck that the tow-truck driver is sexy too—who needs a talent agent anyway? Hope is doing just fine on her own? While drumming up models is great for her career, it doesn’t fix her car. Thankfully, there’s a shop and according to the tow driver; if Jake Troy is working, her car will be too.

Jake Troy has known Hope since High School. She doesn’t remember him but he remembers her…

“Lord have mercy, he was just gorgeous. But not like all the hot young men I’d just seemed to run into today. No, Jake was broad and solid and hard as a crowbar.”

Okay, so he’s hot, and her age (if not a little older) and he’s interested…maybe. Problem is her body says “hell yeah” while her mind is saying “um, no”. Thankfully he doesn’t push her. Hope says no and Jake backs off, even if there is nothing more he would like to do than her.

Taking things one step at a time sounds great in theory but Hope still has a deadline to meet for a very demanding author. Taking her first potential (and his cute little girlfriend) isn’t going as well as planned…until they sneak off to fool around and she catches it on film—score! Thinking she’s finally gotten her money shot makes it easier to focus on Jake. He always says the right things and pushes all of her hot buttons. (They are quite steamy).

“His face had the expression of a man with a single-minded ambition. Lucky me; that goal was to give me pleasure. Go single-minded men!”

Being with this man was unlike anything Hope had ever experienced before…cloud nine is an understatement. Nothing could ruin Hope’s state of bliss until she gets that phone call from her boss; Olivia STILL hates the photos! Craptastic news that sends Hope back to her camera in search for ANYTHING to give Olivia for review. When the pictures load onto her computer she sees an unexpected and absolutely breathtaking photo…one she can’t take credit for taking. Now, the real question is: does she sell out and hand it over or does she figure out something else?

“The Nikon had captured every stunning detail…”

What a way to end; my heart is broken. I hope this is just the beginning of Hope and Jake’s story. Hope is funny and beautiful. Jake is rugged and real. I loved them and think they are exactly what the other needs. I really enjoyed getting to know them and can only hope there is more…keep it coming Ms. Bello, I cannot wait for what happens next!

**4 Click-Click Stars**
Profile Image for Mandi.
2,299 reviews722 followers
June 26, 2013
When I read the blurb for this one and noticed the hero was a car mechanic for Walmart, I knew I had to try it. That type of hero is very appealing to me. The first 80% of this book is okay, but the last chapter or so really frustrated me and angered me so much, I can’t recommend this one.

Hope Jones is a photographer that designs romance book covers for a small publisher. She recently has been in a drought though, with a lack of models and no motivation to get a cover done for one of the bigger authors. Going to Walmart with a headache, her car breaks down in the parking lot. Luckily, skilled mechanic Jake Troy is working that day. She actually went to high school with Jake and his sister, but doesn’t remember him very well. They hit it off – Jake gives her a lift home as he works on his car, and eventually they go on a date. They start to fall for each other.

Most of this book was okay. Hope acted a bit immature for my tastes sometimes and Jake really could have had any profession. He didn’t necessarily come off as a car mechanic..more just a hunky guy who has the hots for Hope. The author labeled this as a New Adult, but I disagree. The heroine is in her later twenties and both Hope and Jake are established in their careers.

But then something ridiculous happens at the end that made me want to throw my kindle across the room. I’ll put it under a spoiler tag.




So lame cliffhanger ending. Lame way to force conflict into the story. Not a fan.
Profile Image for Alison.
3,105 reviews122 followers
July 26, 2013
Wow, I have no idea how to categorise this ...

So this starts off like a standard light-weight romance. Something has happened in her past and she has come back to her home town to lick her wounds (metaphorically). She was an artist but is now a photographer, having branched out from weddings and graduations to covers for e-books.

Looking for a new cover for her employer's most demanding author she meets Jake, apparently an old friend of her brother, she doesn't remember him but he remembers her. Much sweet PG romancing follows.
Then, at around 77% of the e-book they have sex which was rather more graphic than I had expected given the aforementioned PG status of the book to date. Also note to author is NOT a word I ever want to be used in relation to a sex act ever again! The spoiler tags are for the delicate amongst us. Also the use of the afore-mentioned spoilered phrase seemed at odds with her writing: kudos for the use of fellatio and clavicle in a novel.

Then of course, the big "thing" happens. . What's that all about?



Ok, so going back to my opening line, I don't know how to classify/rate this book. It is nice and sweet, something I could let me grandma read, until it isn't. It is well-written, dare I say articulate, until she uses that phrase. It is a light fluffy romantic comedy with references to the bible and popular culture, until that ending.

Do you know what? For the intrigue factor I'm going to stick my neck out and award it 3.5 stars.
Profile Image for Flavs is Mrs David Gandy♥~♥’.
2,877 reviews2 followers
December 17, 2013
I received a copy from the author for an honest review

OMG!!! I loved this book!
It was a quick read, but I loved every page every thing about it.

You meet Hope who is a photographer taking pictures for book covers. So her editor calls and says the author was not happy with the pics she has submitted, so she needs to find something new. So she goes to the store to get pain killers as after his news she has a terrible headache and oh boy did she make the right decision to go to the store.
And I just want to say that I would love to have men like that working at my store...lol

Her car breaks down and she has to get someone to fix it and she meets Jake.. Hotty alert.
And they just have this chemistry... That makes you hot and bothered reading what happens next.
(can't reveal too much)

First book ends on a bit of a can't say cliffhanger but just keeps the reader guessing what is going to happen with these two.

I can't wait to read the next books.

Thank you for letting me read this book it was really really good!
Profile Image for Heather andrews.
9,520 reviews148 followers
June 17, 2013
It was good to Hope shopping at Wal-Mart as I live in hick town and well Wal-Mart is everything to us haha, "Really, I can just have it done here?" I was amazed. Wal-Mart really did have everything: Tylenol, hot young studs, and even mechanics to change your starter." Jake I loved him he's southern I love me some southern men, "Jake smile and shrugged. "Okay then. We can stop and grab some dogs on the way. As I said, this is my lunch." Jake is such a smooth talker, "I was trying to look for a reason to spend more time with you...and not drag you upstairs to bed." You can totally drag me anywhere you want Jakey! He's such a gentlemen as well, "wait till you hear me burp the Pledge of Allegiance and my ABCs. You'll see I'm just as immature and macho as the next Texan." He's cocky, "now that we've got that out of the way - and wow, you can really kiss - we'll have a real, scheduled date next." Being in Hope's mind sure is eventful, "and I saw he had gone commando to the concert - and what was in his jeans was very much commanding... commanding my full attention." Then ending hurt, but I can't wait for the next installment of the series.
Profile Image for Lydia's Bookshelf.
859 reviews181 followers
June 16, 2013
SEE COMPLETE POST HERE: http://heabookshelf.blogspot.com/2013...

"Hope Breaks" is a funny, witty, and very sexy novella!

Once I started, I seriously did not wanna stop reading. I kept on reading well into the night until I was literally falling asleep.. and even then, I kept reading with one eye open!
It's that good!!Right from the beginning I fell in love with the characters and the story line.. seriously, I was hooked!

Hope Jones is so funny and witty!!! LOVED her inner dialogue!! I laughed and giggled a lot while reading this novella. The way it was written was so natural, that I connected with her right away.

Basically, Hope is now an e-book cover photographer and some work-related stress, causes her a very bad migraine which makes her go to Wal-Mart to buy meds. On her way out from the store, her car decides to break down. Enter sexy mechanic, Jake.

"I tried not to stare too hard at his really firm, tight ass. But he was leaned under the hood while I turned the key in the ignition, and well... there was his ass."

They've known each other since high school, though Hope didn't really remember him since he was in her older brother's class.. but he definitely remembered her. Their strong attraction obviously leads to them dating. And I just have to say.. They are so cute together!! I found myself reading with a grin on my face.. love them!

As the story develops and certain things happen.. some questions regarding Hope's past are brought up to the reader's attention.. there is more to her than meets the eye. I can tell that a long the next two installments in this series, we will get to see more about it. I'm definitely looking forward to it.
"I was feeling out of control, like I had back then, with him."

"..I held up my right hand and showed him a star shaped scar on the back of my wrist.'I shake too much to hold a paintbrush. But I'm fine at clicking a camera.'.."

Ok, so now about Jake... can I just say.. YUM!!!???? Cause that pretty much summarizes what I think of him *wink* Man!! He's just so sexy, hot, sweet, funny.. and YUMMY!
"He pushed his soaked jeans down off his hips, and I saw he had gone commando to the concert- and what was in his was very much commanding... commanding my full attention."

As I was getting closer to the end... I was getting a bit antsy cause I knew Hope was going to do something stupid... and BINGO! she did. So, regarding the ending.. all I'm gonna say is..
I-NEED-TO-READ-MORE! i NEED that second novella!!!!! like yesterday :)

I recommend this novella!!!


***ARC of 'Hope Breaks' was given by author in exchange for an honest review, Thanks Alice :)
Profile Image for Aarati.
340 reviews71 followers
September 15, 2013
Hope Breaks follows Hope as she tries to save her job and along the way almost loses her hearts. It is a well written, fun, easy to read book.

Hope Jones is a photographer. She usually does covers for romance novels. The latest photographs she took did not appeal to the author and since it’s the off season, she can’t find any models for the cover. This means that if she doesn’t come up with a great cover the week, she’ll lose her job. Oh, by the way, she also hasn’t had a date in over two years.

The stress of her job is giving her a headache and she is out of painkillers. Lets go to Wal-Mart. But who knew Wal-Mart was the perfect place to find some yummy model materials. There is meets Drew, who thinks she is out “on the prowl” to score her next conquest. Next, right outside when her trusty Ford Taurus breaks down in the parking lot, a hunky mechanic in the Tire and Lube Express department fixes more than just her car.

Now Hope has a sexy guy and his girlfriend who have agreed to model for her and she has scored a date. All in one day. Seems like a good day. Sparks fly between Jake and Hope. They have known each other since their high school days, but Hope doesn’t remember him. What’s more, Jake is the brother and son of her two high-school nemeses.

After she scores three dates in a night and a wonderful Jimmy Buffet concert , Hope and Jake take their relationship to the next level. But what neither of then realize is that, while they were busy doing the deed, Hope accidentally clicked a scorching hot picture of Jake.

What’s the big deal you ask? Well the author does not like Hope’s latest covers. She says they are too young. Now Hope is in a bind . She has to choose between either saving her job and keeping her boyfriend. What is she going to choose?

Hope Breaks is an overall fun read. Loved the chemistry between Jake and Hope, which was pretty much hot and sweet. There are a few answered questions though. There is a constant reference to Hope’s past but we are not told what exactly happens. Then there is also the fact that Jake knew Hope from high school and Hope doesn’t remember him. There is a story there too, but we don’t know what. The ending was totally unexpected, and we are left with many questions. Though it is a funny and easy read.

Overall I’d rate the book 3.5/5.
Profile Image for ShoSho .
991 reviews105 followers
June 10, 2013
4.5 stars

This was a short and funny story that I finished in no time and with its ending I can't wait to get my hands on the next one.
What I liked about this book was the quirky Hope and Jake , the crazy neighbour and the two studs ;)

Seeing more of Hope's past would have made the book better , there were tiny glimpses of her past here and there but nothing that showed why she was the way she was.I know there is supposed to be another 2 books in the series but just a bit more info would have been better.

I started reading this thinking it was a "New Adult" book which it wasn't , in MHO it was a contemporary romantic comedy and I had so much fun reading it.
Profile Image for Wendy'sThoughts.
2,645 reviews3,216 followers
July 30, 2013
Was enjoying this little romp of sexual banter and fun... Jake was dreamy, sly and very male- Hope had a strong point of view- some hidden experience- never discussed- but still there was fun between these two characters. Then out of the blue- it takes a stupid turn, has no resolve, and it is like your driving,missed the turn off only to go off the cliff with no way to be saved! It was so disappointing... and no redemention with the author having at least the grace to have the follow up book ready for the reader.
Will not look for follow up
Profile Image for Anna.
53 reviews
June 17, 2013
I really really really liked this book. it was funny, easy to read and ... alive. what I mean is I could relate to characters, it was like Hope was my neighbor :)going to Wal-Mart, car problem, nosy neighbor/friend... I could relate to that.
Novella is about simple life but Hope isn't as simple as your everyday neighbor next door. she is funny, observant, good person and she's brave(she was scared, she had bad experience but she gave chance to Jake). she has problems and insecurities but that's why she is so likable character. she is 26 but feels like she's older.
Now Jake - he is super cool guy. he's hot, know his way around cars, good sense of humor, doesn't minds that Hope eats TONS of food(really how can she eat so much and don't get sick?). I loved this scene at Wal- Mart when he doesn't kiss Hope and then when he leaves after their "third" date. sneaky bastard:)so as i was saying I like him.
And about ending?I almost cried. I'm kinda emotional reader so last several pages I was shouting: don't do it! please don't do it!
what I didn't like in this book was cover.For me this couple aren't Hope and Jake. and what is the water doing there? I think this cover doesn't relate to this novella at all.
All in all I liked this book. Thanks Alice for giving a chance to read it.I hope next book will be soon.
Profile Image for Kate.
789 reviews32 followers
June 15, 2013
I wanted to read this one because the author was calling it New Adult - it isn't. It's a contemporary adult romance. In fact, it felt as if the main character was originally older in previous drafts and then the author made her 26 years old just to try and catch a ride on the New Adult bandwagon.

But that is my only criticism. I really enjoyed this novel featuring Hope, a photographer of ebook romance covers. After her car breaks down in a WalMart carpark, I don't think Hope ever thought that WallyWorld would be her one stop shop to cementing her place as a first class photographer and possibly bring her the man of her dreams.

Usually instalove bothers me but I loved the pace of Hope and mechanic Jake's relationship. They're perfect for each other - and I think it's testament to a great author that I believe this despite this whole book only spans a couple of days.

And the sex scene - one of the best I've read lately. It was hot and playful and best of all, funny.

I had a ball reading Hope Breaks and I desperately hope that there's another book - I anxious to find out what happens next for Hope, Jake and the fantastically bizarre next door neighbour, Bette.
Profile Image for Dyndyn.
638 reviews34 followers
July 10, 2013
Hope & Jake's perfect for each other! Sparks flew even when they've only been together for a short while. I love their chemistry!
I really, really enjoyed this novella! Well... up to last few pages! The only reason why I didn't give this 5 stars is because of the ending. Didn't see that coming! I wanted MORE! No, I NEEDED more! Argh... what happens next? This can't be it?! But... but... they're good together. What now? Why??? I'm deep breathing here. Can I have the next book now, PLEASE?
There were also some things that I needed clarified. Like, what happened to Hope 3 years ago? And I don't understand why she can't remember Jake from high school. I mean, who can forget a man like that right? Plus, he's supposedly friends with her brother. Hmmm...
I'm anxiously waiting for the next book. Hope it won't be a long wait!
And oh... I LOVE Bette! Just had to mention her! :)
Thank you, Alice, for the ARC. I really liked it!
Profile Image for Laurie.
Author 1 book15 followers
November 21, 2014
Freaking Off-The-Charts Hot, Tender, and Funny Romance

I loved this book! The humor was great…and WOW do Jake and Hope have a hot attraction to one another. The passion leaps off the pages, as I got a glimpse into the life of a cover artist-Hope-trying to make ends meet in the creative and demanding field of e-book cover design, and Jake-a hunkadorable mechanic whose tenderness for Hope made my heart ache and swoon, all at once! If you love conversational humor, an entertaining read with LOTS and lots of sexual tension and just the right amount of erotic romance…you will love this book!

Ahem…one note: Has a a cliffhanger! You’ll want to buy the entire series, for sure, so you aren’t left hanging. But with heroes like these, who could read just one!

~ Laurie Kozlowski
www.bookescapereviews.wordpress.com
Profile Image for Deb Dee (autumn delaney).
184 reviews31 followers
June 24, 2013
FOUR STARS

*Got an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.*

Okay... I totally did not frickin' expect that! WTH!?

At first I had mixed emotions about this book but on the last few chapters I got invested. Then, I did not expect the ending. (Dear Alice, when will you release the second part?)

h: I liked Hope's character. Her internal monologues were witty and funny and she's not one of those broken, self pitying type of heroine.

H: I was confused with some of Jake's actions. I'm a little torn if I like him or not but man he sounds hawt!

Would I recommend this book? Yes! It's a quick and fun read.
Profile Image for Wendy.
81 reviews16 followers
June 10, 2013
This was a funny and sexy novella. it kept me engaged and wanting. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series since this ended in a bit of a cliffy... but all in all a great read... there also some unanswered questions that were not fully addressed... how well did he know her from high school??? how did she get the scar??? who was the asshole that did her wrong in California??? looking forward to the next book and hope the wait isn't too long...
Profile Image for Laura Smith.
37 reviews6 followers
June 10, 2013
What a brilliant book, the only criticism I have is that it was wasnt longer! Don't get me wrong, i knew it was a novella when I started reading it but I was so caught up in hope and jakes story that I couldn't believe that the book was finished already. This is a good criticism believe me! The author had me enraptured! Hopes random thoughts are so like my own, and due to the skill of the author it felt that she had somehow stepped inside my head! Loved this and can't wait for the next one!
Profile Image for Jackie Lynn.
707 reviews
January 11, 2015
I loved it! Alice sent it to me I read and review and I have nothing but good things to say about it; besides the fact that I hated the ending because it didn't end on a happy note and now I'm very sad haha.
Profile Image for Jaclyn.
5 reviews
July 26, 2013
Well I saw this book as a freebie so I thought why not. I was excited by the blurb. It was great. Funny with just enough steam. I don't want to give anything away, but, lets just say I'm sitting on the edge of my seat waiting for more
Profile Image for Renee.
1,192 reviews17 followers
June 24, 2013
The best thing s an unexpected ending. I loved ending because it was NOT what everyone would expect or want
Profile Image for Sandra Lopez.
Author 3 books317 followers
February 19, 2023
Hope was the cover designer for a romance publisher. An urgent project called for a new model asap. Then she finds the stud at the Walmart.
Story had a witty and candid narrative that I enjoyed.

“I could just take a ride down to Walmart and hunt down my own pretty, fresh faces.

Of course, that was before she set eyes on the hot mechanic named Jake. Be still my heart. A handsome-verging-on-gorgeous man that’s good with his hands. Now we’re getting somewhere. Or…so I thought.

The so-called date was rather long and slow even though there were some good quips here and there.

Overall, this was a nice read with a sweet romance, but it really didn’t do much for me.
Profile Image for Wendy.
45 reviews2 followers
May 25, 2017
I cannot finish this book ( and for those who know me, I hardly ever do not finish a book, always hoping for some redeeming qualities). This one is just too soppy romantic...reminds me of a Harlequin Romance. I have other books I am looking forward to and can not wade through this any further.
September 21, 2021
I liked this book except for the ending although the ending leads to wanting to read the next book in the series. I searched for the remaining books in the series but was unable to find a way to purchase them. Would like this book better if I was able to continue Hope's story.
952 reviews1 follower
June 7, 2020
Brilliant

Great book well written and a great cast of characters loved this book I couldn't put it down felt sorry for her

Profile Image for Gail.
1,171 reviews18 followers
July 14, 2020
This was a fun and fast read.. but that ending... WTF.. was not expecting that at all.. hope to find the rest of the books in the set so I can find out how it all turns out. :)

Profile Image for Stephanie Pires.
18 reviews6 followers
September 10, 2013
In Hope Breaks, you’ll find that yes, you can find a hot, single, swoon-worthy mechanic of at all places… WALMART

Hope has a job most women who love books would envy, that of a cover photographer. Unfortunately she has a SERIOUS problem in that the company she works for is trying desperately to preserve their relationship with their biggest author, who’s exacting new standards are giving the e-book company, and Hope, a run for their money.

Hope is on a mission to find a new cover model for the author, but having exhausted the stable of models from her usual agency and all of her back catalog of previous modeling shoots, she’s in panic mode at having NOTHING to keep the author happy, creating the mother of all headaches and sending her on a run to Wal-Mart for a little medicinal relief. This is where we find Hope ogling cute stock boy Drew, and trying to convince him that she’s not out to proposition him for sex, but for a modeling gig. She hands off her card to him, telling him to bring along his girlfriend (kill two birds with one stone, right?).

Unfortunately for our heroine, not all is well. The click click click of her car’s starter alerts Hope that her precious Ford Focus is in fact dead, prompting her to finally put to use that AAA card she carries. Hope has no idea where she needs to take her car to be fixed, so Billy, the handsome Texas tow truck driver, recommends his buddy, Jake, the mechanic at the Wal-Mart Tire & Lube Express.

Finally, we meet Jake.

Oh sweet Jake, you are yummy and swoony and sweet! His leaving Hope “high and dry” after a veritable snog fest quickly reminded me of when Hubs and I first started seeing each other… Thank goodness both came back for more!

I did have several issues with this novella, despite the fact that I really liked the story.

Issue #1 – This really could have used more editing in my opinion. The author used the highly clichéd phrase “his hands found purchase…” I REALLY dislike this as it’s overused in nearly every romance novel ever written. What did his hands buy? It’s time to use some creativity, authors!

Issue #2 – The love scene, specifically the language used to describe what’s heating up the characters. **Insert language warning here**

Cocks have tips, not lips, as the author wrote. Va-jay-jays have lips in case you’ve forgotten.

“Then I pulled back and dug my tongue into his piss slit, roughing up the tip.” Piss slit? REALLY? That’s not hot, romantic, sexy, or smexy AT ALL! I was actually kind of offended by this.

“He pulled his hips back, ripping his manhood jarringly from my lips.” Oww! Hopefully he didn’t knock out any teeth!


Issue #3 – The ending of the novella. There wasn’t one. I understand leaving a cliffy at the end to encourage your readers to want to purchase more books in a series, but here the author allows the ending to flounder like a fish out of water. It’s jarring and abrupt and really could have been done much better.


I’ve had a really difficult time lately finding myself flouncing a lot of the free novellas and novels that I’ve been finding lately; I flounced seven this weekend alone! I almost threw my Kindle against the wall after I finished reading Hope Breaks, but after a little research I discovered my fears were probably unfounded. According to Alice Bello’s author page on Amazon, this is book #1 in a three book series. Despite my disappointment at the ending, this book was a cute quick read with several comedic moments thrown in.

description**Originally reviewed at Night Reads.
Profile Image for Jessica.
269 reviews85 followers
June 18, 2013
Hope Jones wishes she could start the day over again. Not only has her car broken down, but her job is in jeopardy. As a photographer of romance novel covers, she loves her job and she’s one of the best in the business. When the publisher she works with orders new book cover mock-ups because the bestselling author they want to retain has threated to sign elsewhere, Hope realizes she needs to take new photographs, but she’s under a time constraint. Heading into the local Wal-Mart for painkillers, she comes across a few men who are model potential, but it’s the mechanic at a local repair shop that steals her breath. Jake is attracted to Hope on sight and he sets out to woo her. There’s one slight problem, Hope isn’t sure about her feelings and she’s too focused on her job. Will Hope take a chance on Jake and save her job?

I loved Hope Breaks! Alice Bello has done a great job with this engaging and witty novella. Narration is first person perspective told through Hope. First person narration can be tricky because you miss the thoughts of the other characters including their actions. In this case, Bello does an excellent job detailing exactly what is going on around Hope that you don’t miss not knowing what Jake is thinking, doing, etc. She’s pretty detailed about it. I won’t go into detail, but there’s a heart wrenching scene at the end and the way Bello describes it, you can pretty much imagine you’re in the room and Jake’s body language is pretty apparent. We get that all through Hope’s eyes. Some reviewers have commented on the ending, but I think it’s perfect because it opens up knowing more about Hope in the second installment and it’s no different from other books ending on a cliffhanger.

Character development is strong and I feel we get to know Hope and Jake equally despite it being told in first person narrative. Hope has closed herself off from dating and she’s cautious. We aren’t told exactly why nor do we know all of her past history, but this is part one in a trilogy and therefore it makes sense that we get to know Hope as the story progresses. As for Jake, he’s very open and even admits to knowing Hope in high school, but she doesn’t remember him. They know several people in common and it will be interesting to see if any of them make a future appearance. We have several secondary characters, but one stands out. Bette is Hope’s neighbor and she’s nosy so you’ll be thanking your lucky stars she isn’t your neighbor!

I have several favorite scenes but the ones that stand out the most are Hope’s trip to Wal-Mart and the time Jake and Hope spend together. You’ll be laughing and enjoying every minute of it. It was great to see Hope open herself up to the possibility of love and Jake is just swoon worthy.

My favorite quote:
“Wal-Mart really did have everything: Tylenol, hot young studs, and even mechanics to change your starter.”

Hope Breaks is a wonderful read! If you’re looking for a funny contemporary romance with a mouth watering hero, then this is your must summer read. I do have to warn you, you won’t look at Wal-Mart or hear a Jimmy Buffett song the same way after reading this. I can’t wait to read the rest of the series.

This review is posted at Literary, etc.
Profile Image for Karla Mae (Reads and Thoughts).
696 reviews142 followers
June 24, 2013
Is it too weird to say that one of my dreams is to visit a Walmart store? I know, it's weird but since I'm not living in the United States and I'm located all the way to the other side of it, I guess it’s not that weird. Well, here in Manila we have a store chain called WalterMart which as you can see is near the name Walmart, such an original right?

So, anyway, if I could find things, stuffs and people that Hope managed to meet and find at Walmart maybe I would need to buy a plane ticket now. Is that how really things are there? ;)

One thing is for sure on this book; Hope Jones is the epitome of wittiness and humor. I loved her internal monologues and Brad Pitt daydreams. She's a really funny character and the way she acted is all so natural to look and see. I love her job as a book cover photographer. With a lot of awesome and gorgeous book covers that surfaces these days, I never thought it would be that hard and that there would be too much work involve in doing those. Jake, on the other hand, is such a southern man. He's a smooth talker and all and despite of his age I still find him real attractive.

Hope doesn’t seem to recognize him from High school but it was pretty apparent that he remembered a lot of her from then. I have this certain feeling that Jake is still hiding something maybe from their High school days or so.

This is another case of insta-love presented to us in a silver platter, But as I've said insta-love or not, it’s all about the chemistry and how it was presented. Hope and Jake have this undeniable spark and I think they’re just simply perfect for each other.

Speaking of ages, what really is the age of Hope and Jake? On my copy which was provided by the author, it was told that Hope was 26 (Loc. 241 on Kindle) but then around the middle of reading I encounter another age which says she's 37 (Loc.346 on kindle)? Hmm. Please be kind to clear this thing up to me for that is the only issue I encounter here.

In all, it was a fun and great reading experience. I love the humor that accompanies the story. I can't seem to find any hint about the second novella but I do hope it come out soon. I'm excited to see what would happen next.

*Thanks to the author for kindly providing the copy for review.*
Profile Image for Lori Myers.
73 reviews7 followers
April 27, 2014
I, like some of the others here, just could not stand the immaturity of the lead character. She just didn't act like she was responsible enough to have 1) bought a house-2) kept up the mortgage on said house 3) had her own business. It was just too unbelievable given the way she acted.
the way some of the minor characters were...I really don't think that a 19 yr old will call a 26 yr. old a cougar...really???? And the fact that just out of the blue, she would offer to let the young female model drive her car...another eye brow raiser for me....
I was concerned when I read about the cat....in one place, she refers to it as Clive...a big grey haired, yellow eyed cat...now I am a hardcore Harry Dresden fan, and a cat named Mister plays a big part in those books...Mister is large, grey and yellow eyed and has a bit of an attitude....Clive speaks to the lead female chr with his eyes, just like Dresden's cat (okay, I am a cat lover, and I do know that their eyes can speak tons, so that part is forgivable) and also JUST LIKE DRESDEN'S cat, comes and goes as he pleases. The one scene (which leads me to ask why the cat is important if it is only in one scene) he collides with her shins on the steps of the porch (I hate to sound like a broken record here....JUST LIKE DRESDEN'S CAT does all the time) and then she proceeds to call him...get this....Mister....NOT CLIVE....she has a feeling he is part mountain lion...Dresden claims his cat is part Bob Cat...wow...at this point I could not continue...so I don't care if the rest of the novel was pristine....I was highly disappointed to have seen this and I do not support anything that even rings of plagiarism. I hate writing one star reviews...in fact this is my first...I try to find something positive about the books, but I just could not with this one.
Profile Image for April.
233 reviews4 followers
July 30, 2013
I loved most of this book. Hope was realistic and thoughtful; however, I actually thought she was older until she said how old she was. I thought this because of the way she talked about herself and now I realize that 26 probably is really old when it comes to modeling so it makes much more sense. Plus, I think her feelings of inadequacy have a base in her past that we just don't know much about yet. (I hope that a follow-up book gives us more information on this.) The story was funny and steamy which I truly appreciated. Jake was a great male lead for the story because he projected so much masculinity and charm. Who doesn't love a nosy neighbor like Bette? I bet a lot of us have at least one in our lives although I hope mine don't have earpieces that enhance their hearing because they might get more than they bargain for in the end. There was only one thing that I absolutely disliked about the whole book. The ending! I don't need a happily ever after in every book I read, but I need some type of closure....even if it is just the definite knowledge that there will be a follow-up that finishes the story. If that is coming, I can live with the ending, but I need to know that it is coming. Just add a page saying coming soon...more of Hope and Jake's story or something like that. Overall, the story was funny, cute, steamy, and a complete WTH at the end and I am very glad I had the opportunity to read it.

*I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
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