Tag Archives: Laura Hankin

One Star Romance by Laura Hankin – Review & Giveaway

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One Star Romance by Laura Hankin – Review & Giveaway

 

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Description:
Natalie and Rob couldn’t have less in common. Nat’s a messy artist, and Rob’s a rigid academic. The only thing they share is their devotion to their respective best friends—who just got engaged. Still, unexpected chemistry has Natalie cautiously optimistic about being maid of honor to Rob’s best man.

Until, minutes before the ceremony, Nat learns that Rob wrote a one-star review of her new novel, which has them both reeling: Nat from imposter syndrome, and Rob over the reason he needed to write it.

When the reception ends, these two opposites hope they’ll never meet again. But, as they slip from their twenties into their thirties, they’re forced together whenever their fast-track best friends celebrate another milestone. Through housewarmings and christenings, life-changing triumphs and failures, Natalie and Rob grapple with their own choices—and how your harshest critic can become your perfectly imperfect match.

After all, even the truest love stories sometimes need a bit of rewriting. 

 

 

Review:

One Star Romance by Laura Hankin is a standalone enemy to lovers rom-com novel. The story focuses mostly on Natalie, who has just published her first book; she lives with her bff, Gabby.  Natalie meets Rob, who happens to be Angus, bff; and during a party, where Angus asks Gabby to marry him. Natalie learns that one person gave her book 1 star, and after a bit of investigation, she realizes that Rob was the one who gave her the 1 star.  From that moment on, both of them got off on the wrong foot, and as the years passed, both Natalie and Rob, only saw each other only due to their respective best friends.

At times they were forced to be together, such as when Gabby and Angus got married, Rob was the best man and Natlie was the maid of honor. Throughout the passing years, they met at their friend’s parties, housewarming, birth of baby, life changing or another milestone; as both of them dealed with their own life and ambitions.

This was a slow burn romance, with years having passed, and a tragedy will bring both Natalie and Rob together.  The friendship between the foursome (Gabby, Angus, Natalie, Rob), as well as other secondary character was lots of fun, and wonderful to get to know them over time. It was very well done, as we got to see the journey between the four of them during that period.  I got a kick out of Christina (Gabby/Angus) daughter. I did like some other secondary characters that played a nice part in this book. I did in time enjoy the love-hate relationship between Rob and Natalie.

One Star Romance is a fun story that focuses on friendship, romance, growth and humor over a number of years. It is a charming, witty, fun story that seamlessly combines life’s complexities and growth, as we change over a period of time.  If you enjoy slow burn romances, with lots of humor; you should read One Star Romance, with was very well written by Laura Hankin.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

Laura Hankin’s publishe,Berkley is graciously offering a hardcover copy of  ONE-STAR ROMANCE to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

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8. Giveaway is open to USA only

9. Giveaway runs from June 18- 22, 2024

 

 

 

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The Daydreams by Laura Hankin – a Review

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The Daydreams by Laura Hankin – a Review

 

Amazon / B&N / Kobo / Google Play / Apple / BAM / Bookbub

 

Description:
A deliciously entertaining novel about the stars of a popular teen show from the early 2000s–and the reunion special, thirteen years after their scandalous flameout, that will either be their last chance at redemption, or destroy them all for good.

Back in 2004, The Daydreams had it all: a cast of innocent-seeming teenagers acting and singing their hearts out, amazing ratings, and a will-they-or-won’t-they romance that steamed up fan fiction forums. Then, during the live season two finale, it all imploded, leaving everyone scrambling to understand why.

Afterward, the four stars went down very different paths. Kat is now a lawyer in Washington, DC. Liana is the bored wife of a famous athlete. Noah, the show’s golden boy, emerged unscathed and is poised to become a household name. And Summer, the object of Noah’s fictional (and maybe real-life) affections, is the cautionary tale.

But now the fans are demanding a reunion special. The stars all have private reasons to come back: forgiveness, revenge, a second chance with a first love. But as they tentatively rediscover the magic of the original show, old secrets threaten to resurface–including the real reason behind their downfall.

Will this reunion be a chance to make things right? Or will it be the biggest mess the world has ever seen? No matter what, the ratings will be wild.

 

 

 

Review:

The Daydreams by Laura Hankin is a standalone novel, with POV’s from 2004 and 2018.  In 2004, four unknown teenagers were chosen to star in a musical drama, Daydreams, where they will be singing, dancing and acting, with terrific ratings in the first season. Summer is the beautiful girl next door, Noah is the handsome leading man, Kat plays the mean girl, and Liana istheir best friend, who also has an amazing voice. During the season two finale, all hell broke loose, and the show was cancelled. All four of them went their own ways, unable to handle some betrayal, competition, stress, paparazzi and fans.  13 years later, they all agree to return in a new reunion that has fans excited.

As the four of them reunite, they learn how so much has changed for all of them. Noah became a famous movie star, as he was the only one truly unscathed from the show.  Kat is now a lawyer in Washington, DC, hoping to become a partner.  Liana is a trophy wife influencer, married to a famous sports athlete.  Summer, who in 2004, was the rising star, but her life now was a meltdown, with her going to rehab.

What follows has the four of them rekindling their friendship, working together to sing and dance even better now, as they fall into the magic of the original show; but secrets are revealed, including betrayal, revenge, and love. I truly liked all four of them, as they were flawed and somewhat broken in many ways, especially owning up to mistakes they made years ago. Noah and Summer were still very much attracted to each other. Will there be a second chance to love?

The Daydreams was a thought-provoking emotional and fun story, with wonderful characters.  I loved the epilogue, which was very good.  The Daydreams was an entertaining story that was so very well written by Laura Hankin.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

 

 

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