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Hopeless Vows
by
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, ...more
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, ...more
Published
February 2016
(first published 2016)
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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 ...more
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 ...more

☆ 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 ...more
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 ...more

May 04, 2017
Katie (Leave Me Alone I Am Reading)
rated it
it was amazing
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
top-reads-of-2017
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 impossib ...more
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 impossib ...more

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. The ...more
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. The ...more

4.5 HOPEFUL STARS!!!
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 b ...more
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 b ...more

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.


ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

...more

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 an ...more
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 an ...more

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
...more

Original post on Reading Addict
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 wit ...more
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 wit ...more

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 ...more
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 ...more

Jan 21, 2017
Rohina
rated it
it was amazing
Shelves:
adult,
romance,
reviews,
contemporary-romance,
friends-to-lovers,
standalone,
2017-favorites
*Review to come.*
5 Stars!
★ Buy Hopeless Vows (Kindle)
★ Buy Hopeless Vows (Paperback)
_________________________
For more reviews and recommendations:
✦ Facebook Page
✦ Main Blog
✦ Twitter
...more
5 Stars!
★ Buy Hopeless Vows (Kindle)
★ Buy Hopeless Vows (Paperback)
_________________________
For more reviews and recommendations:
✦ Facebook Page
✦ Main Blog
...more

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” ...more
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” ...more

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 mu ...more
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 mu ...more

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
...more

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 ...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 ...more

5 Stars!
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 n ...more
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 n ...more

https://romanticcynicblog.wordpress.c...
Beware of Spoilers!
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 ...more
Beware of Spoilers!
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 ...more

I haven't had a book hangover in so long and after reading Hopeless Vows, I did. This book is beyond good. It was surprising and full of romance, intrigue and the angst that I love.
When I read a romance novel, I want to feel with every ounce of my heart. I want to be able to connect with the characters and get lost in their story and that's exactly what happened. Rachael Duncan weaved a tale so perfectly that just when you though you knew what was going to happen, you were wrong...and I LOVE wh ...more
When I read a romance novel, I want to feel with every ounce of my heart. I want to be able to connect with the characters and get lost in their story and that's exactly what happened. Rachael Duncan weaved a tale so perfectly that just when you though you knew what was going to happen, you were wrong...and I LOVE wh ...more

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 d
...more

It's actually more 2,5 stars.
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. The ...more
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. The ...more

5 Stars for True Love
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 c ...more
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 c ...more

4.5 fabulous stars
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
http://lustfulliterature.com/hopeless... ...more
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
http://lustfulliterature.com/hopeless... ...more

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!
...more

HOLY SHIT! READ THIS BOOK!!
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!!!!! ...more
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!!!!! ...more

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.
...more

I've hit the Jack Pot of awesome reads this month. loved loved loved it!!
Review to follow. ...more
Review to follow. ...more

Beth's Review 4.5 STARS
The absolutely stunning cover of this book was the very first thing that grabbed me one day while scrolling on Facebook. I have never read anything by Rachael Duncan but the cover grabbed me enough to check out the synopsis and I must say after reading that, I knew I had to read this book.
Jillian hasn’t had an easy life. She lost her parents at an early age and was raised by her grandmother. She lived a very lonely life, never letting anyone truly get close except for her ...more
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