It was a modern take on an arranged marriage that was supposed to lead to my happily ever after. The rules were simple:
1. Marry a complete stranger chosen for you by professionals. 2. Live together as man and wife for eight weeks while cameras record your every move. 3. Make a decision to stay together or get a divorce.
Call me crazy, but I had complete faith in the process, until I saw who was waiting for me at the end of the aisle.
Austin James has never met me, but that doesn’t mean I don’t know him. With no other choice, I say my vows and pray I can make it through the next eight weeks. Then I’ll leave. What connects us is my best kept secret, and I’ll protect it at all costs even if that means walking away from the only person I’ve ever cared about.
3 Stars! This was a sweet and slightly steamy read. Jillian decides to enter a reality tv show called First Comes Marriage. The participants of the show are put through several steps and asked many questions before they are picked to see if they can find a match for the show. If they match you with someone you will meet him or her on your wedding day. You will get married and be sent on a two week honeymoon. Then you have to move in together for six weeks while camera crews follow you both around. After eight weeks you both then decide if you want to stay married or divorce. Jillian has a secret though and when she is walking down the aisle she can't believe who is standing at the alter.
Austin is in this to find his true love. He will give the relationship everything he has. He wants to stayed married at the end of the eight weeks. He wants Jillian to let down her walls and trust him. Will he still want to stay married after he finds out Jillian's secret?
I liked this one but didn't love it. I figured out what the secret was pretty early in the book so I knew the drama was going to come. I was kind of shocked at how it all went down.
I liked both Jillian and Austin. But did I feel the love between them? Not really. I can't put my finger on what was missing for me but something was. Maybe it's because Austin was so sugary sweet. lol
If you like reality shows this book might be for you:))
☆ I received an ARC via the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!! ☆
This was a really sweet read although it did rile my feathers up at certain points of the book with some of the secrets and what I witnessed.
I have heard of plots with arranged marriages and tv shows, so I felt there was nothing new in that respect; but execution wise and actually reading it and seeing everything unfold and getting to know and invest in the characters, I ended up really enjoying this one as if had a fresh and an even more intriguing spin on unconventional romances and falling in love.
I've been reading author Rachael Duncan's books from her debut and this one has to be one of my favorites.
I'll be honest.. I picked this book based solely on the cover, I have never heard of the author and didn't even read the blurb. I know know that is soooo bad but hey at least I admit it. I'm a sucker for a beautiful cover!
I freakin loved this book! The concept of an arranged marriage was genius and it felt fresh and new. I fell in love with the characters as the story went on and was rooting for them to fall in love!
I loved the way the words just flowed off the page, it made it nearly impossible to put the book down!
I'll be reading more of this authors work in the very near future!
Loved it!!! What a cool concept. Marry a complete stranger, not knowing anything about them until your wedding day?? What the what? I was so intrigued by this blurb!!
Austin is hot, sexy and oh so charming. I wouldn't mind finding him waiting for me at the end of the aisle!
Jillian is smart, beautiful, and a little closed off. But she decides to take a leap of faith. She wants to find love. She believes in happy ever after. Then she sees Austin!!! HOLY SH@#!!!
This story is sweet, funny and sexy. There's also an underlying element of mystery. You know Jillian is hiding something, but then again, you get so wrapped up in their whirlwind romance that you forget about it... until it happens!!! Bam!! The angst! I was holding my breath wondering what the hell just happened??
And the tears! Yes, Rachael had me crying! It was heartbreaking! A couple of times, actually!
Overall, it was awesome. This story is different. A reality show with a twist!
Must read!!
*ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review
HOLY SHIT! I LOVE THIS BOOK LIKE SOOOO DAMN LOVE IT!!!
You see, I read this book blind, I didn't even know who Rachael Duncan is but holy shit I regret not reading the book sooner because seriously this book is the shit! I never thought I needed a box of Kleenex for this book. I mean seriously??I thought I just have read an easy going read based on the blurb and so is the the title but hell!! What awaits me??? Not what I expect.
I'm not gonna go on into thorough details, the blurb says what's in it. Both leads joined a reality show " First Comes Marriage" - A modernized arranged wedding / marriage. An unconventional process to look for your fate and living it up through the experts match making. After eight weeks they'll gonna decide to continue their relationship or go through with the divorce. Huh!! who does that by the way??? But hell if I say I did not like it because I do love it. At first I thought it was cute.. I was so addicted right from the start. It was a fun read all the same. And I was sooo in love with the characters. But then I was curious then I was thrown into that twist I never saw coming. When there they thought everything is smooth or so it seems came barging in the past .The past that changed it all!!! Urgghhhhh I just soooo hate how it happened!! I mean that was fast!!! I was not prepared. My heart was racing and my eyes were leaking as if I'm the female lead. I feel every emotion!!!
And Oh Rachael Duncan.. I hate you!!! I hate you because you gave this sweet story a different twist that made my heart aches. Made me broken like my heart was ripped into two. What a great story you just delivered!!! And you know what I hate too??For the first time, I read a book that I hate the female lead's best friend, like I wan to strangle and punch her because she's that kind of a b*tch. Arghhhh.. I hate you but I love you!!!
Overall, really this book is a must read!!! At the end, I can say, there really is no hopeless vows...
*ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review*
This book started really good. they get married without meeting each other but when the h sees the H for first time she gets scared that hes gonna find out her secret. I was loving Austin he was so sweet and patient with the h I was thinking that he's amazing but when he gets a realtor to look for an apartment so they can move in together he fails to mention to the h that he dated this ow how stupid can you be. he says that he only went on a date with this ow but this ow is acting like it was more than that. There's a scene when the h gets home and finds the H and this ow on the bedroom this ow is touching him and telling him that she's misses him he doesn't move or doesn't do anything to stop this woman when sees the h he's gets scared he gives the h a stupid explanation and I don't know the h just take explanation easily I would've ripped his fucking eyes out I hate when Hs try to downplay the situation saying "you're jealous" Yep this a DNF! He lied to her he slept with the ow when he told her he only when on a date with the bitch. I'm not even rating this shit it got me so mad. UGH!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I would have read Hopeless Vows anyway, given the author. I am a big fan of Rachael Duncan’s words after reading and falling in love with her Lies and Truth duet, but between that STUNNING cover and the intriguing blurb, I was hooked before I’d even started page one…
And I remained hooked throughout. I love this premise—marry a stranger as part of a social experiment, see if the relationship thrives or fails—and the added element of mystery was a HUGE bonus. What was it that connected Jillian and Austin, and how was it possible that she knew him, but he didn’t know her? I tried to reason it out beforehand, and had theory upon theory as I flew through the pages of this book, but it didn’t stop my heart from stopping, dropping, pounding and aching when it all came to a head.
Ms. Duncan did a wonderful job of making me care about these characters. Of making me believe that these two strangers could meet and marry in one moment. Of making me so invested in their story that I was unable to stop reading for want of getting the ending I needed this couple to have. And while there was one or two elements that I figured out early on, it didn’t take away from my immense enjoyment of this book. At. All.
Seriously, it was beautiful. As mad as I wanted to be at Jillian and Austin, I couldn’t be because… Oh, well, Austin was perfect. Charming, funny, sexy and invested in his blind relationship with his wife. And Jillian? I felt so bad for her. For what she’d experienced, and for the betrayals that kept coming. It was hard, at times, not to cuss at my Kindle, like these characters could hear my anger, and might take heed of my warnings…
I would love to see more from Ms. Duncan, regardless of the topic or the characters. I love the way her writing balances sexiness, humor and hurt, and I find myself able to relate to her characters, no matter how outlandish or unconventional their circumstances. However, I’d like to personally request the stories of the other couples involved in the social experiment that brought Jillian and Austin together. My mind is whirring with how those other relationships might have panned out—and I have no doubt that Ms. Duncan would captivate me with her cover, her blurb and her words once again. ~ Beth, 5 stars
~~~
“My mind starts spinning. Seven days. In seven days I’ll be a married woman. I feel like I should be freaking out more than I am.”
In just seven days, Jillian is going to marry a man she has never met. She has decided to sign up and be part of a social experiment called Married at First Sight. Through months of rigorous testing, she has a mate selected, and they have to marry immediately and stay married for eight weeks.
Austin is a cocky, swoon-worthy romantic. He knew something was missing in his life and he trusted that fate and the specialists from the show would choose the right wife for him.
“I might have only known her for six weeks, but I just know she’s it for me.”
So what happens after the eight weeks are up? Are the two a match made in Heaven or are the secrets that are revealed too much to handle?
This story was such a unique concept. While I read a book with a similar concept once before, the two books were very different, but both equally enjoyable. I found myself swooning often with Austin’s declarations of adoration. I loved watching the two fall for one another. However, the twists were not what I was expecting and I had my heart ripped out a few times. Luckily, it was healed even when I was sad. This was a perfect mix of sexiness, angst, drama, and most of all love! ~ Tiffany, 5 stars
This book wasn't what I thought it would be. It was even better. What I expected was a book patterned after the reality show just another interpretation but it was much more. As a fan of the show, I saw the title and blurb I was curious and thought how can it be different. Even if there were the similarities in the process and rules like the show each couple is different, circumstances, background , personalities and of course outcome. It was much like watching a new seaso and of coursesn and a new couple to love. I was hooked from the start and kept me invested.
We know right away from the blurb Jillian has a secret and you get there's something up but when it'll fully come in to play we don't know yet. We get the the normal routine leading up to the marriage itself. Watching them go through the ups and downs, heartfelt moments and disagreements you can't help but root for them. Even knowing Jillian's made decision eventually you forget about it and just enjoy the ride.
I love Austin and Jillian, they're good people despite their shitty pasts. Honestly such an interesting twist on the whole process. Austin is laid back, thoughtful and genuine, his personality is just fun and oh so sweet. Jillian maybe timid and reserved at first she has her apprehensions but slowly her walls break down you see she is strong, passionate, hardworking, all out kind of person and can be very loyal. Seeing them develop their story, their connection and interactions felt sincere and natural. I love their banter and the sexual tension. It was great to watch and be part of the journey, you fall with them. It was so wonderful then the truth gets revealed things get messy their vulnerabilities exposed, the hurt, anger and guilt. How will they deal with all of that to get through the other side? Can it still work out?
I love how this felt like an unedited, uncensored version of the show in which you get more character insight, more depth and understanding. What happens when the camera stops rolling. Yes more drama as it only focuses on one couple with jealous spiteful friend and ex. I think that this process is eye opening and fascinating, many factors involved, it has worked in the past. If it'll be a success or not, in the end you gain something wisdom about yourself and growth as a person. The angst, tears, emotions, laughter, tender and sweet moments it's all compelling. It's unpredictable, unusual and unnerving process but the rewards are great.
I've never read a book by Rachael Duncan before but I can say she knocked this one out of the park. From the build up to the angst, obstacles, romance to the ending I appreciated a lot. The characters were real and you could really empathize with and understand. The writing felt earnest and captured each instance and will keep you engaged. I will check out her other books and keep on the look out for the next.
To be honest, I wasn't expecting much of this book and not because I have heard something bad, but because romances are a hit or miss for me and lately I had such bad luck with them. But I really enjoyed it!
The idea of the novel convinced me to pick it up, more than the cover which is a bit too sweet for me *even though I like that dress a lot*, because it's unique. I haven't read a book like this before and yes, I know, there are books which have the same plot with someone marrying another person; but I think that at least they've met before or they know something about each other. And they are not on TV.
So, I liked the idea and the plot, because even though I saw some things coming, others surprised me and I stood numerous times with my mouth wide open and wide eyed, trying to understand what's going on. This is a romantic read and it's funny and warm and cute, but it also has its punching points and sad moments and moments when you want to stay with the characters and just hug them tight. It's a novel that seemed real to me and realistically written, from the plot point of view and also from the point of view of characters.
Jillian and Austin seemed to me very mature and honest, even though they have their secrets and their pasts, but they tried to talk and solve their problems. It wasn't a novel full of unnecessary drama and all the missunderstanding were solved pretty quickly. Also, every serious discussion had a reason, so be relieved as I was, because I'm so tired of crying and yelling and throwing stuff just for the show and for the book to be longer. Their relationship was nice and flowed nicely, also considering the situation, before and after the contract ended. And everything seemed honest, natural and flawed - because they are humans, we are humans and everyone makes mistakes and all deserve to be happy. Even for a bit.
I would recommend this to people who love and devour romance daily, but also to people who take a break from other genres. Because it's a love story, but it's not pink and full of glitter, it doesn't have drama and you won't roll your eyes. Also, it has some suspense and action, the dialogue isn't forced, the characters are very well shaped and the plot works. As silly as it sounds from the synopsis. It really deserves a chance!
Hopeless Vows is an emotional roller coaster. One of the best romance novel I've ever read. Story is quite interesting. I love all the characters as well. It kept me engrossed from the very beginning until the end. There are some twists and turns along the way which keeps it enjoyable. Some things are as expected but there are quite a few surprises too.
Jillian is taking part in a social experiment. She plans to marry a total stranger and let her life be recorded for a reality TV show. Obviously her best friends things this is a very bad idea. She will know nothing about her husband and very well end up getting hurt. But Jillian believes in this, she knows that it is time to settle down and have one thing she has always wanted to have; a family. So she is willing to put her doubts aside and take a leap of faith.
As soon as Austin sees his bride to be he feels lucky. They paired him well. He thinks they can make their marriage work. And when he gets to spend more time with her his belief solidifies. She gets his humour, she is hot. He finds himself falling for his wife. But will they be able to make this work or have they spoken "hopeless vows"?
For me it has been one of those books where you are so into the story that you laugh with the characters and you cry with them, so if you plan to read this book do keep a box of tissues near by, that's all I'm going to say.
First off let me start by saying that this is my very first Rachael Duncan read and I think I just fell in love. Between the storyline and the development of the characters I feel like Rachael did a wonderful job giving us a story on paper that I could have easily watched unfold in real life. The storyline is unique and the characters are both strong in their own ways.
Jillian and Austin are paired up on a TV show to marry each other site unseen and this is when everything becomes an “OMG” “WTF” “HOLY SHIT” and “ARE YOU FLIPPING KIDDING ME”. Jillian is beautiful, smart, kind, and sees things through. Austin is sexy, smart, determined, respectful, giving, and lovable.
"You, uh, I mean do you want me to..." I trail off and point to his problem.
"Nah, I'm good. That was for you." He winks and gives me another kiss before nipping my bottom lip and pulling away.
And that might have been the last wall defending my heart against Austin.
The synopsis alone intrigued me to want to read more and once I turned to page 1 I was hooked. There were so many twists and turns that left me guessing the what’s, who’s, whys, and how’s. There were numerous times that I thought I knew how and I was completely wrong. The sexual tension between Jillian and Austin was enough to make me cry for them for not releasing the desires they both clearly had.
I honestly didn’t want this story to end. I truly felt like I could keep reading about this couple forever and would never get tired of them. The bombshells that keep happening after the “I dos” was enough to keep me on the edge of my seat. The heartbreak was so tangible that it broke my heart. The passion was jumping off the pages when they finally decided to take the plunge and give in to their desires. Austin is the best of both worlds as he knows how to give and take but also possess a little alpha male in him as well which lights up the bed sheets.
Basically to wrap Hopeless Vows in a nutshell is that I loved it! If you are looking for a storyline that is addicting, captivating, unique, inspiring, sexy, snarky, humorous, intriguing, gutsy, passionate and every other amazing world you could apply to a story than I would most defiantly pick this one up and fall in love! I can’t rate Hopeless Vows high enough and I honestly feel like this will be Rachael’s breakthrough novel that will take her places and have her name known all around this community. Brilliant job!
As a huge fan of a reality show that has a similar premise, I knew when I saw this synopsis I wanted to read Hopeless Vows. The cover alone has drawn me to it every time it's popped into my news feed on Facebook.
Immediately, I was sucked into the story. Jillian's past haunts her, and she's run from it for a long time, so the notion of being expertly matched and placed in an arranged marriage on a reality show has an odd appeal to her. With only a single best friend, she certainly doesn't have much to lose and a whole heck of a lot to gain.
But she realizes it's a small world when the one person she's most compatible with is the last person she ever thought it'd be. Warning: Austin is an incredible book boyfriend who will leave you with a major book hangover.
And this is where a review gets tricky. As an author, it's hard for me to find a book that is unpredictable for me. Usually, I can see twists and turns coming from a mile away, but Rachael had a couple for me I never saw coming.
I thought Rachael did a great job of showing a reality television show. It was nicely paced and the characters were well developed. It was a book I thoroughly enjoyed, and I think you will too.
Rachael Duncan has most definitely hit it out of the park with Hopeless Vows! The premise sounded so intriguing I couldn't wait to see how it played out. As participants in a reality show called First Comes Marriage, the main characters have agreed to marry a complete stranger, live together for eight weeks, then decide whether to stay married or not. All while their every move (well, almost every move) is recorded by a team of camera-wielding nosy Parkers. Before you start sputtering that it's absurd for anyone to agree to this, just settle down (and remember there is indeed a reality show titled Marriage At First Sight). The four couples have been carefully vetted, and undergo weeks of rigorous tests before the actual wedding. We’re talking meeting with a sociologist, a psychologist, you name it. And this is all after thousands of applicants have been narrowed down, and four couples chosen based on, among other things, their compatibility factor. I have to say, Ms. Duncan covered every angle in order to make this story truly believable. Also, since the couple must continue therapy throughout the eight weeks, it gives us even more glimpses into what they are thinking and going through. Or what they are hiding. Yes, I said hiding.
Jillian is alone in the world. Up until now she’s preferred it that way. Her best friend Janey is the only person she confides in. Janey knows all of Jillian's dark secrets. Which I was dying to find out! I mean, I spent every minute trying to piece the Jillian puzzle together as I read this book. Since Janey knows Jillian so well, she's a bit shocked she would even consider putting herself out there on a reality show. But Jillian has reached a turning point in her life; her career at a fashion magazine is going well, her past (whatever that is, dammit!) is far behind her, and she wants to build the kind of life she never had growing up.
My parents were never home when I was a kid. When I was forced to live with my grandmother, I was so angry and upset with the world that most of my days were spent locked away in my room. I craved solitude then. Now, it only serves as a constant reminder of how lonely I really am.
At twenty-eight years old, I started losing hope I would find that one person made for me. If he even existed at all. Hence why I’m going through this insane, unconventional process. I just hope this isn’t a huge mistake.
Hopeless Vows is really Jillian’s story, and it's told primarily from her point of view. However, throughout the novel Ms. Duncan has cleverly sprinkled chapters told in Austin’s voice. These chapters are well written, perfectly timed gems. I felt Austin's growing love for Jillian, his confusion at her hesitancy yet obvious desire to move their relationship forward, and his determination to make her see they are perfect for each other.
Austin, Austin, Austin! Oh my goodness, I love this man! He instantly falls for Jillian as she makes her way down the aisle. His confidence in the process that has paired them together is without a doubt. But when Jillian hesitates halfway to the altar, his breath hitches, until she smiles and continues walking. Chalking it up to nerves, he resolves to do everything possible to show her they belong together. Austin is a dream come true for Jillian. He is calm, reasonable, and fun to her often too serious, driven personality. He’s gorgeous, successful, sexy, charming as hell, and thoughtful. Did I mention sexy? Well, it bears repeating.
Jillian is plagued by a dark secret. Whatever it is, it’s taken years and a lot of work to accept what happened. That doesn’t mean she will ever get over it. But she has chosen to be a survivor instead of a victim. Jillian is such a caring, and beautiful person, full of integrity, always concerned about doing the right thing. Which is why she’s kept to herself all these years. Just when life seems to be giving her a reprieve from those painful memories, Karma steps up and kicks her in the gut. The very thing she’s worked so hard to put behind her is now standing at the altar with a dazzling smile, directed at her.
Hopeless Vows had my emotions ping ponging all over the map! I sighed as the romance blossomed. The chemistry and sexual tension between these two gave me butterflies and hot flashes. I wanted to yell at Jillian: Just tell Austin your secret, whatever the heck it is!! I hoped with all my heart Austin would understand and forgive her when she finally does confess. And, I felt the heartbreaking, gut wrenching devastation when tragedy strikes. Ms. Duncan’s writing is beautiful, and her characters real. This story is unique, and so engaging I’m sure you will devour it as fast as I did, loving every minute of agony it puts you through. ****Reviewed for www.xtreme-delusions.com****
Hopeless Vows is the first book I have read by Rachael Duncan and I know for a fact it will not be my last. I thought it was fun, sweet, sexy, and with plenty of twists to keep you wanting more...
Jillian is twenty-eight and working as a columnist for a fashion magazine. She is ready to find the love of her life, she never thought she would be putting her fate in the hands of a reality tv show and their experts but she believes in the process. She will be marrying a man she has never met, she is excited, nervous, and hopeful. Then she sees him. She freezes and wants to run but can't. She has to do this. It's only eight-weeks, right? She can walk away then, she just can't fall...
Austin believes everything happens for a reason and you should always live without regrets. That is why he is dedicated to making this marriage to a stranger work. He wants her to be his forever. The moment he sees her, he knows it worked. He saw her freeze and senses that she has a wall around her. Now, that they are married he wants to be the one to break it down...
Jillian and Austin over the next few months have a whirlwind of a relationship. It had its ups and downs but Austin makes her feel like she is on cloud 9. Monday's are now her favorite day of the week and they have their routine. But, she knows it can't last. Austin was so happy that Jillian was comfortable and had a great relationship with his wife, they laughed, cuddled and talked but there was still something keeping her back, that last piece of wall he couldn't breakdown. He wasn't too worried though, he had a lifetime to figure it out. He found his forever but would it last? What if that last piece not only breaks her wall but also ruin them?
Well, looks like I have added another book boyfriend to my list of many. Austin is so sweet, handsome, supportive, and not pushy but not a push over either. Did he disappoint me at some point? Yes. Did Jillian? Yes!! But if it was easy, then it wouldn't be fun, right? I thought Jillian was a strong, beautiful woman that needed to feel loved. She deserved it. Would Austin be the man to give her that love?
Overall...I thought it was a beautiful, unique, fun, and emotional read with some twists.
Quotes:
“I call bullshit. In fact, I think you like that I’m cocky.”
“Should I call you out on checking me out again, or should I let you slide this time?” With his sunglasses on, I wasn’t aware he was watching me. Dammit. “Next time keep your mouth shut. You ruin it for me by speaking.”
“I don’t mean to rain on your parade, but we kinda passed the dating phase.” “That’s where you’re wrong. I plan to date you for the rest of my life.”
What a seriously adorable book. A while back, I read, reviewed and loved a book with a storyline that had the same ideas but let me tell you... Rachael Duncan took this book and made it her bit#&. She added some unique flair and crazy twists to make it original and so good.
This book was amazing. It was sexy, sweet, intriguing, intense, passionate, and gripped me from the beginning. I loved the suspense. I loved the build. I loved the anticipation of finding out what was going to happy next. This author really took this genre and gave it a great spin.
This is Jillian and Austin's story. It seems pretty simple for an unmarried man and woman. Marry a complete stranger based on expert testing and opinions. Stay married for eight weeks then decide if you want to stay together and make it work or divorce and go your separate ways.
Both Jillian and Austin are taking a big chance with this and some serious risks.... but what they don't expect is the future that lies ahead. No one could have predicted the aftermath of them signing up for this experiment. Secrets will be revealed. Truths will be had. Will they make it work?
Star Ratings: Heroine (Jillian): 3/5 Hero (Austin): 4/5 Plot: 4/5 Grovel: sort of Cheating: none HEA: yes! Triggers: none
Average score: 4/5
Best Lines: “I plan to date you for the rest of my life”
Worst Lines: “Nothing, you’re just really cute when you get all passionate on me.”
Personal Review: This was an angsty romance of love at first sight (couple first see each other when they get married as part of a social experiment). I was expecting this to be a light-hearted read but it was not!
Random Ramblings: •Totally agree with the blinkers! •From about 20% in I got major ‘hypocrite’ vibes from the heroine •The scene with Austin’s mum was heartbreaking
This is the first book I've read by Rachael Duncan, but it won't be my last. I absolutely loved this book from start to finish. In Jillian, Rachael created a realistically strong female lead who I could relate to. But, through Austin, Rachael had me falling in love one chapter in. She created a realistic love affair within a reality TV setting that most of the time seems so far-fetched. Yet, by the end of the book I felt the story of Jillian and Austin was completely believable, and could most definitely have happened in real life. In the fiction world, this is extremely difficult to pull off. Bravo, Rachael Duncan.
The plot was intriguing, but the story didn't satisfy my expectations. I couldn't feel all this love for these characters and, honestly, she was a little bit too boring and drama queen for me. He was always happy until he wasn't. The story for me was bland and plain until the big reveal. After that, it was actually interesting, finally! That's why I used the 3 stars vote instead of 2, even if the real rating is 2,5.
And don't let me start to talk about her friend. There were so many things that I didn't get, that last part (the angst) really saved this book from my 1 or 2 stars kill.
Another hit by Duncan! Duncan's writing and plot brought a breath of new life to a difficult & specific storyline. She wrote a hero that was easy to fall in love with. She wrote a heroine who not only made you feel with her but also for her. Enjoy this journey of fighting for the love you didn't know before you said "I Do". This story is filled with mystery, soft smiles, and personal struggle. I love Duncan's writing style and the world that she builds. She kept me smiling and curious with every turn of the page.
really loved this one, loved the story, loved the build up between them and I must say absolutely loved Austin. SO glad I picked this one up to review, what a really fabulous read that I truly struggled to put it down when real life called and I had to put it down. This may have been my first Rachael Duncan book, but it definitely won't be my last, really enjoyed her writing style and her creativity...check out my full review at
When I first read the blurb and saw the cover for this book, I was excited to read it - and the story did not disappoint! A bit of mystery kept me intrigued and unable to put it down until I knew how Jillian knew Austin and why Austin didn't know Jillian. The concept of the book was fun and entertaining, and Rachael Duncan is a great storyteller who kept me glued to my Kindle. Definitely worth the read!
I'm not just saying this because I beta read it. I truly LOVE this story! It's an unconventional romance that has many twists and turns and will leave you breathless, crying and cheering all at once!!! Put this on your MUST READ ASAP lists!!!!!
Loved this story. Loved these characters. What a unique twist thrown in to the mix of a love story. It's a book you really can't put down and so many twists and turns that you don't see coming. How will it all end? READ IT!! You won't regret it.
It was a cute read. Honestly I was planning on giving it a 3 stars but after reading the next half of the book did I give it a solid 4 stars because it got soooo much better. It was sweet
actually a 2.5 but the angst after the plot twist reveal—which we all can see coming from a mile—served. i just did not feel the love between the two protagonists. this needed more cutesy scenes and witty banters, especially since the setting had so much potential to make it a 4/5 stars read.