About The Book:
Title: Hopeful
Author: Louise Bay
Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance
Release Date: July 15, 2014
Guys like Joel Wentworth weren't supposed to fall in love with girls like me. He could have had his pick of the girls on campus, but somehow the laws of nature were defied and we fell crazy in love.For a short time, I thought it would be for infinity.
On July 10, 2006, immediately after graduation, Joel left for New York. And, despite him wanting me to go with him, I'd refused, unwilling to disappoint my parents and risk the judgment of my friends. I hadn’t seen him again. Never even spoke to him.
I've spent the last eight years working hard to put my career front and center in my life, dodging any personal complications. I have a strict no-dating policy. I've managed to piece together a reality that works for me.
Until now.
Now, Joel's coming back to London.
And I need to get over him before he gets over here.
Hopeful is a stand alone novel.
***Not suitable for younger readers due to sexual content and language.***
My Review:
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Hopeful by Louise Bay is the second book about a group of friends from university. While having never read the first book, Faithful, it wasn't necessary to really enjoy this book.
Hopeful focuses on the story of Joel and Ava. Ava feels constantly unworthy of the attentions Joel shows her and all through their budding friendship is oblivious to his attraction while her attraction to him is growing exponentially.
Told in a constant back and forth from Past to Present (present being 8 years after university) this story is mostly bittersweet and angst filled with a happy ever after.
Joel is hot - Ava is beautiful - both of them are smart, hard working individuals with major heat between them.
There's a lot of story and a lot of background and the whole thing was engaging and enticing throughout.
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Playlist:
Some Other Time by Jill Scott
I was obsessed with this song while I was writing Hopeful. I have a habit of finding a song I like and then playing it over and over until I wear it out. It's all about someone meeting a guy and then being suspicious of him. It reminds me of Ava as she starts to date in an attempt to get over Joel.
I Miss You by Kacey Musgroves
I'm a huge Kacey Musgroves fan and this song is so heartbreaking - it's all about someone who has everything she could ask for except for the love of her life. The opening lines remind me of when Ava sees Joel for the first time in eight years "I never thought I'd see you here. Looks like all is well, like you're having a hell of a good time." She goes on to sing about all the great things in her life except for one thing that's missing.
Brave by Sara Bareilles
This is Joel's song to Ava. It's kind of my song to her as well. Joel just "wants to see you be brave."
Living Inside My Heart by Bob Seger
This is such a beautiful song best know for being on the Soundtrack to About Last Night (such a great film). It's so emotional and all about how Joel falls for Ava.
Who Knew by Pink
If Hopeful had a theme song this would be it. It looks back to the past and talks in the present just as Hopeful does. The lyrics are perfect - "You took my hand, you showed me how.." This is all about Ava and Joel starting out.
"I'll keep you locked in my head, until we meet again." Ava has been keeping Joel locked in her head for eight years.
"I wish I could touch you again, I wish I could still call you a friend." Ava finds it difficult when Joel comes back and they are nothing to each other.
It's so emotional! I think Pink wrote it for Joel and Ava!
About The Author:
I write sexy, romantic, contemporary novels - the kind I like to read!
Ruined by romantic mini-series of the seventies and eighties, I love all things romantic. There's not enough of it in real life so I'll settle for books and films.
I love the rain, the West Wing, London, days when you don't have to wear make-up, being alone, being with friends, elephants and champagne.
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