Calling Hazel Bradford a free spirit is an understatement of an understatement. She’s impulsive, lacks verbal filters and reflects her personality in her design choices. When she first met Josh Im in college, she was awed by him but their first encounter was memorable for all the wrong reasons. It’s now ten years later and they meet again in surprising circumstances but this time become fast friends.
I’m a fan of friends-to-lovers stories and this one is best in class. Hazel is a force and her antics were more than entertaining. Josh is a steadying factor who is almost polar opposite of her but has an appreciation for her uninhibited nature. When his romance falls apart, Hazel goes on a mission to get him back in the game and becomes his fiercest protector and friend. I loved their relationship as best friends and how it evolved, slowly without guile or subterfuge. It was fun being a voyeur and recognizing what they were creating before it occurred to them.
It was a delightful story that I was sorry to see end. Both of the narrators captured their characters’ personalities (though the male version of Hazel was quite a bit off). The epilogue was really wonderful, capping off an already great story. This author continues to be an auto read (listen) and I even started this one without even reading the book description. That’s how sure I was that this was going to be a good time.
Book Info
- Release Date: September 4, 2018
- Narrators: Todd Haberkorn & Jayme Mattler
- Audio Length: 7 hours, 16 minutes
Blue Mood Café 
I am hearing good things about this book. Glad you enjoyed it
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Thanks, Shalini! It lives up to the hype.
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Wonderful review, Jonetta! I would read or listen to this one without the description, and I haven’t read my first from Christina Lauren…but I’m inching closer with the ARC! ♥️
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Thanks, Jennifer! You’re in for a treat when you get there. My review doesn’t cover even a pittance of all that happens in this story and I do this deliberately. Every reader should experience the delights of this story as I did.
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Fabulous review Jonetta! Sounds great!! 💜💙
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Thanks, Lindsay!
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Another author for me to check out. Enjoyed reading your review, Jonetta!
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Thank you, Marialyce! This author is a writing team (I think mother & daughter). I love their books.
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Fantastic review, Jonetta! I can’t wait to read it! xx
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Thank you, Zoe! You’re going to love this one.
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Great review! I’ve enjoyed Todd Haberkorn’s narrations but haven’t heard of Jayme Mattler
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Thank you, Cathy! This was my first time listening to Haberkorn and he was excellent as Josh. His version of Hazel wouldn’t have been so bad if I hadn’t compared it to Mattler’s performance of Hazel, which was perfect.
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Excellent review! Exactly! I loved this so much. (I also felt the male version of Hazel was odd). This is the kind of romance I enjoy so much, because it is realistic with regular but distinct people, not billionaires / virgins. Anne – Books of My Heart
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Thanks, Anne! Their being just ordinary people made this even more entertaining.
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Great review! This is the only Christina Lauren book I’ve read, and now I can’t wait to read their other stuff. Such a fun story!
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Thank you, Darinda! Might I suggest you next try Love and Other Words. That story still is on my mind.
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Thanks for the recommendation, Jonetta! Hopped over to my library’s site and put it on hold.
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Yay!
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I have heard such great things about this book, and your review truly makes me want to pick up a copy! I think I’ll order it 💕 Great review, Jonetta!
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Thanks, Mackenzie! Oh, I hope you love it, too.
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I love it! I had no idea that was the premise of this book.Now I want to read it as well! Great review!
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Thanks Mackey! I only gave the bare bones so there’s a LOT more to this story.
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I actually have this book but haven’t read it yet for some reason! I always enjoy their books though, and I’m glad to hear you enjoyed it so much. Great review! =D
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Thanks, DG! I’m just so happy with this writing team. They are a guaranteed good reading time.
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This sounds like a really cute read. I’ll have to keep it in mind for when I’m in the mood for contemporaries.
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Suzanne, it’d be a perfect mood read!
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