Review: Second chance romance at its finest
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 07 15, 2014
Complimentary copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.Ava is a part of a big group of friends that have all been together since their college days. They are now all approaching thirty and the dynamics of the group are starting to change. They’re either pairing off with other members of the group or finding others outside of the group, just making their social group bigger. It is at a party for one of the friend’s birthday that Ava’s world tilts on its axis. She finds out that Joel, her college love, is returning to London, having left for New York eight years previous.When Joel returns to London and meets up with his old college friends, he hardly recognizes Ava. In college she was slightly mousy, preferring sweats and pony tails; now, she is an urban professional, complete with the hair, make up and wardrobe. The first few times they are put into social situations with each other, things are very awkward, and they attempt to stay away from each other.In college, he was attracted to Ava for her intelligence and spirit, not to mention that he has found her beautiful from the start. Ava, not wanting to be gossip for their group of friends, asks Joel to keep their relationship on the down low, never going public, their friends never knowing that the two of them are together.When it comes time for graduation and Joel is given the opportunity to go to New York for a year for work, he asks Ava to go with him, putting her schooling off for a year. Unfortunately she easily bows to the pressure from her parents to continue on with her degree to become a lawyer. Joel and Ava never saw one another again, until eight years later, when he finally returned.Upon his return and a few awkward social events, Joel shows up at Ava’s door at three o’clock in the morning, it is time for them both to confront the mistakes of the past and see if they can move on and have a future together. When they are both able to finally air their feelings, sparks fly, and they pick up where they left off.Unfortunately though, once again Ava wants to keep their relationship on the down low, which is a non-starter for Joel. He wants everyone to know that they are together and some day, he wants to marry her. When finally given an ultimatum will Ava finally come around and admit to her other friends that they are together? Or will Joel grow tired of her refusal to take their relationship public?I absolutely loved the mixture of then and now scenes. It was a great mix that really helped to make the timeline flow and understand just how deeply their passion for each other ran, and how connected they were. The passion from the past easily finds itself in the present and the results are molten. The chemistry between the two is palpable and the evolution of their relationship, from first love in college, to a frenzied reunion all make for a steamy, steamy read.Hopeful is hands down a five star book. The characters were well developed and relatable and the book is well written. I love second chance romances and this was a perfect example of one. I loved the group dynamic and the fact that their relationships were so easy and comfortable. I really felt like I got to know them. Joel in particular has definitely made it onto my BBF wall of fame and I know I’m definitely looking forward to many more great things from Ms. Bay!