Guys like Joel Wentworth weren’t meant 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. And for a short time I thought it would be for infinity.
On July 10, 2006, straight after graduation, Joel left for New York and despite him wanting me to go with him, I refused, unwilling to disappoint my parents and risk the judgment of my friends. I never saw 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.
*Not suitable for younger readers due to sexual content and language.*
Publication Date: July 15 2014
Review by Cathy
Hopeful is book 2 in a series but it can definitely be read as a standalone. Ava and Joel connect in university. Although they have the same group of friends, they had never really hung out together. Everyday library sessions turn into them falling for each other, but Ava has issues of “going public”. Something happens that makes Joel leave and they don’t talk or see each other again eight years.
This story is written with the use of flashbacks. Although I am usually not a huge fan of a book with so much flipping back and forth between past and present, I absolutely loved Joel as well as the supporting characters of Daniel and Leah. I certainly would love to read more about them! I also enjoyed the author’s writing style.
Ava in the present was a little aggravating and I don’t want to spoil anything other than to say that she had lots of insecurities which kept her from really having what she truly wanted. All in all, this was a very captivating story and I am looking forward to reading more from Louise Bay.
About the Author
I write sexy, contemporary romance novels. My first novel Faithful was released in April 2014 and the second, Hopeful, was released July 15 2014.
Ruined by romantic mini-series of the 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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