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alwaysbooking's review against another edition
4.0
This is the fourth book in the Hope series. This book involves the characters Bash and Chelsea. If you have been reading this series then you probably know them already. If you are starting the series with this book no worries they can all be read as stand alone books.
Chelsea is looking for the perfect man she has even made a list. A list with perfect man qualities and we all know how well that will play out with real life men. Bash see's the list she is making and offers to help her find the perfect man. They both think they know each other, Bash thinks Chelsea may be a little uptight and high maintenance . Chelsea thinks that Bash is a little to laid back and not motivated enough. As Chelsea struggles to find the perfect man she starts to realize that maybe he has always been right there for her. Bash has a not so great history with women and can't seem to get past that...
It seemed to be a to typical HEA for me. A little lacking in the angst or chemistry, or maybe I just couldn't connect to these characters in the series. I'm not giving up hope (see what I did there haha) in this series I really enjoyed the first three. I can't wait to see who's book is next! Maybe Reid?
Chelsea is looking for the perfect man she has even made a list. A list with perfect man qualities and we all know how well that will play out with real life men. Bash see's the list she is making and offers to help her find the perfect man. They both think they know each other, Bash thinks Chelsea may be a little uptight and high maintenance . Chelsea thinks that Bash is a little to laid back and not motivated enough. As Chelsea struggles to find the perfect man she starts to realize that maybe he has always been right there for her. Bash has a not so great history with women and can't seem to get past that...
It seemed to be a to typical HEA for me. A little lacking in the angst or chemistry, or maybe I just couldn't connect to these characters in the series. I'm not giving up hope (see what I did there haha) in this series I really enjoyed the first three. I can't wait to see who's book is next! Maybe Reid?
bookloverchelle's review against another edition
4.0
A fun continuation of the Hope series by Jaci Burton. Chelsea is tired of finding only the wrong man so she creates a list of all the qualities she wants. Too bad sexy bartender Bash meets almost none of them especially since they seem to have such steamy chemistry. Bash is amused by Chelsea's list and while she hits bad date after bad date he's ready to show her that maybe it's time to throw that list in the trash. Great story and I'm excited to continue the series. Fun read!
erinnejc's review against another edition
4.0
Another enjoyable journey to Hope, familiar faces we love appeared and two of my favourites fell in love. Fantastic!!
scoutmomskf's review against another edition
4.0
Good combination of friends to lovers and opposites attract. Chelsea is a high school math teacher and one of a group of friends. She's seen several of them fall in love and wants that for herself. But after years of dating guys that just don't work out, she has developed a list with her requirements for the "perfect man". If she sticks to that, surely she'll find the man that can give her the future she wants.
Bash is a member of the same group of friends. He owns the bar No Hope at All. Having been married and divorced once when he was younger, Bash has no desire to make the same mistake. He keeps his relationships strictly casual. He finds out about Chelsea's list and thinks it's ridiculous, but Chelsea is a friend so he offers to help.
Bash and Chelsea have been friends for a long time. Like her other friends, he teases her about her list, but he does introduce her to a couple guys that meet her criteria. Unfortunately for her, there's absolutely no chemistry with these "perfect" men. But there is amazing chemistry between Chelsea and Bash. They are thrown together during events for Logan and Des's wedding (Hope Ignites) and their sparks burn hotter. Bash knows that Chelsea is looking for something permanent, which isn't him, but he really wants her. Chelsea knows that Bash doesn't do commitments and he doesn't match any of her requirements, but he sure gets her motor running. She thinks that her fascination with him is interfering with her ability to connect with other men, so she proposes a quick fling to get each other out of their systems.
I enjoyed seeing their relationship develop. Bash is a really nice guy and more complex than Chelsea gives him credit for at first. She begins to see him differently when an ex-girlfriend dumps a dog on him. The closer she gets to him, the more she tries to remind herself that he doesn't match her list. But though the head agrees, the heart and body are ready to toss out the list. I really enjoyed seeing Bash basically court her, though he didn't realize that's what he was doing at first. There are some really sweet and romantic scenes between theme, as well as some really steamy ones. Each of them finally realizes their feelings, but when Chelsea speaks of hers, Bash panics and pushes her away. He knows immediately that he screwed up, but fixing the problem proves to be harder than he expected. I loved the support that Chelsea got from their friends, and ached for her pain at the split. I really enjoyed seeing how Bash had to work to get his chance to make things right. His big moment at the end was sweet and romantic.
I liked seeing more of the gang of friends. The lead up to Logan and Des's wedding was great. There were plenty of chances to see what everyone is up to. I also liked the scene with Luke and Logan's brother Reid, as they all consult about renovating an old building in the town. I'm looking forward to his story. I also loved the little dog, Lou, and how quickly she and Bash took to each other. It was pretty sweet to picture the big tough guy with the little bitty dog.
Bash is a member of the same group of friends. He owns the bar No Hope at All. Having been married and divorced once when he was younger, Bash has no desire to make the same mistake. He keeps his relationships strictly casual. He finds out about Chelsea's list and thinks it's ridiculous, but Chelsea is a friend so he offers to help.
Bash and Chelsea have been friends for a long time. Like her other friends, he teases her about her list, but he does introduce her to a couple guys that meet her criteria. Unfortunately for her, there's absolutely no chemistry with these "perfect" men. But there is amazing chemistry between Chelsea and Bash. They are thrown together during events for Logan and Des's wedding (Hope Ignites) and their sparks burn hotter. Bash knows that Chelsea is looking for something permanent, which isn't him, but he really wants her. Chelsea knows that Bash doesn't do commitments and he doesn't match any of her requirements, but he sure gets her motor running. She thinks that her fascination with him is interfering with her ability to connect with other men, so she proposes a quick fling to get each other out of their systems.
I enjoyed seeing their relationship develop. Bash is a really nice guy and more complex than Chelsea gives him credit for at first. She begins to see him differently when an ex-girlfriend dumps a dog on him. The closer she gets to him, the more she tries to remind herself that he doesn't match her list. But though the head agrees, the heart and body are ready to toss out the list. I really enjoyed seeing Bash basically court her, though he didn't realize that's what he was doing at first. There are some really sweet and romantic scenes between theme, as well as some really steamy ones. Each of them finally realizes their feelings, but when Chelsea speaks of hers, Bash panics and pushes her away. He knows immediately that he screwed up, but fixing the problem proves to be harder than he expected. I loved the support that Chelsea got from their friends, and ached for her pain at the split. I really enjoyed seeing how Bash had to work to get his chance to make things right. His big moment at the end was sweet and romantic.
I liked seeing more of the gang of friends. The lead up to Logan and Des's wedding was great. There were plenty of chances to see what everyone is up to. I also liked the scene with Luke and Logan's brother Reid, as they all consult about renovating an old building in the town. I'm looking forward to his story. I also loved the little dog, Lou, and how quickly she and Bash took to each other. It was pretty sweet to picture the big tough guy with the little bitty dog.
shannon_cocktailsandbooks's review against another edition
4.0
Jaci Burton is a newer author to me and having read one of the earlier books in the Hope series, I was excited about the opportunity to read Love After All, the 4th entry. I was thrilled to discover that reading all of the books in the series was not necessary to enjoy this book; it works great as a stand-alone novel. Having read one or more of the prior books in the series only makes this book stronger as it gives the reader more back ground on some of the secondary characters and also provides an opportunity to get an update on what they are doing now.
In Love After All, we are spending time with Chelsea and Sebastian (Bash). I could relate to Chelsea. She’s in her early thirties, she’s got a job that she loves, has great friends, but feels that “something” is missing. Chelsea is determined to find the “perfect” man and firmly believes that is not Bash. Even though I could relate to Chelsea, I have to admit to actually liking Bash more. He’s a good guy and I struggle with why Chelsea resists her attraction to him as much as she does. They have been friends for a long time, but it seems like she doesn’t know him all that well.
I was glad with Chelsea and Bash finally connected, even if it felt a little cold on her side. It really seemed that Bash accepted his growing feelings for Chelsea before she was willing to acknowledge that he might be a great guy for her. They had a period of really smooth sailing and fantastic sexy times and it appeared that they were on track for their happy ever after when Bash got scared and was a jerk.
Both Chelsea and Bash handled the post jerk time period with class. The way her friends, also his friends, handled it seemed a little high school-ish, but it is a small town where everyone is in everyone else’s business so that can be forgiven.
I am definitely looking forward to reading the other books in the Hope series both to learn the stories behind some of the people I “met” in this book and to see what happens next.
Reviewed by Elizabeth B for Cocktails and Books
In Love After All, we are spending time with Chelsea and Sebastian (Bash). I could relate to Chelsea. She’s in her early thirties, she’s got a job that she loves, has great friends, but feels that “something” is missing. Chelsea is determined to find the “perfect” man and firmly believes that is not Bash. Even though I could relate to Chelsea, I have to admit to actually liking Bash more. He’s a good guy and I struggle with why Chelsea resists her attraction to him as much as she does. They have been friends for a long time, but it seems like she doesn’t know him all that well.
I was glad with Chelsea and Bash finally connected, even if it felt a little cold on her side. It really seemed that Bash accepted his growing feelings for Chelsea before she was willing to acknowledge that he might be a great guy for her. They had a period of really smooth sailing and fantastic sexy times and it appeared that they were on track for their happy ever after when Bash got scared and was a jerk.
Both Chelsea and Bash handled the post jerk time period with class. The way her friends, also his friends, handled it seemed a little high school-ish, but it is a small town where everyone is in everyone else’s business so that can be forgiven.
I am definitely looking forward to reading the other books in the Hope series both to learn the stories behind some of the people I “met” in this book and to see what happens next.
Reviewed by Elizabeth B for Cocktails and Books
merlin_reads's review
3.0
Chelsea Gardner is tired of dating the wrong man. She just wants to find someone who will treat her right, someone she can see a future with, and someone who is perfect for her. So she decides to make a list of qualities that her perfect man must possess. While deep down she knows that there is no perfect man, this doesn't halt her in her mission.
Bash Palmer (real name Sebastian) has known Chelsea since high school and recently he's felt this intense sexual chemistry between them. However, he knows that he's not right for it, in fact he's the exact opposite of everything on her list. So, of course he offers to help her find her perfect man.
Yes, you read that right.
This was not the first Burton book I've read, but this is the first from this series. I find that her writing style is easy to read and has a nice, smooth pace. Her characters are well defined and I enjoy the dialogue she writes. I especially enjoyed the sexual tension between Bash and Chelsea. Whoa baby, it was definitely steamy. There was never a doubt of their chemistry.
I adored Bash. Here was a man who knew who he was, and he was successful to boot. He owned his own bar and had plans for expansion. He also was the type of guy who rolls with the punches. When a pyscho ex dumps a tiny dog on him, he just takes her into his life. And let me tell you, a manly man with a little purse dog was just too adorable for words.
My main frustration with the book was Chelsea herself. I liked that she knew what she wanted and wasn't afraid to go after it. She was also an independent, successful woman herself. What bothered me was her constant need to find the "perfect man". Every page we were reminded of her list and her search. She spends so much time wasted, focusing on these little details that she doesn't notice how Bash, while not perfect, is perfect for her.
This book was filled with banter, sexual chemistry, and some swoonworthy moments. I enjoyed reading it and am now actually very interested in reading the rest of this series.
I received an e-copy of this novel from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion and review.
Bash Palmer (real name Sebastian) has known Chelsea since high school and recently he's felt this intense sexual chemistry between them. However, he knows that he's not right for it, in fact he's the exact opposite of everything on her list. So, of course he offers to help her find her perfect man.
Yes, you read that right.
This was not the first Burton book I've read, but this is the first from this series. I find that her writing style is easy to read and has a nice, smooth pace. Her characters are well defined and I enjoy the dialogue she writes. I especially enjoyed the sexual tension between Bash and Chelsea. Whoa baby, it was definitely steamy. There was never a doubt of their chemistry.
I adored Bash. Here was a man who knew who he was, and he was successful to boot. He owned his own bar and had plans for expansion. He also was the type of guy who rolls with the punches. When a pyscho ex dumps a tiny dog on him, he just takes her into his life. And let me tell you, a manly man with a little purse dog was just too adorable for words.
My main frustration with the book was Chelsea herself. I liked that she knew what she wanted and wasn't afraid to go after it. She was also an independent, successful woman herself. What bothered me was her constant need to find the "perfect man". Every page we were reminded of her list and her search. She spends so much time wasted, focusing on these little details that she doesn't notice how Bash, while not perfect, is perfect for her.
This book was filled with banter, sexual chemistry, and some swoonworthy moments. I enjoyed reading it and am now actually very interested in reading the rest of this series.
I received an e-copy of this novel from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion and review.
cgroup6's review against another edition
3.0
This is one of my favorite authors and I liked Bash's character a lot, but I found Chelsea's character to be really annoying. I understand her wanting to find a good guy after dating a string of bad ones, but the insistence on the list got to be a bit much. It is only getting 3 stars because of Bash :)
lauribooks's review against another edition
4.0
3,75
Esta saga mejora con cada novela. Cada libro me gusta más que el anterior y este no ha sido una excepción.
Para empezar, el final. ¡No me puedo creer que hayamos tenido un epílogo! Las tres novelas anteriores acababan de forma demasiado abrupta, y esta ha acabado mucho mejor.
Los personajes han estado bien, me gusta Chelsea aunque me hubiera gustado que les dieran más profundidad, se me han quedado un poco superficiales, pero aún así lo he disfrutado. La historia también me ha gustado, el clásico “friends to lovers” que no es mi cliché favorito pero de vez en cuando me gusta leerlo.
Sé que el siguiente libro será el de Sam y Reíd y me apetece leerlo, pero no puedo esperar a leer a Megan. Este personaje me ha enamorado y necesito leer su historia desde su punto de vista.
Esta saga mejora con cada novela. Cada libro me gusta más que el anterior y este no ha sido una excepción.
Para empezar, el final. ¡No me puedo creer que hayamos tenido un epílogo! Las tres novelas anteriores acababan de forma demasiado abrupta, y esta ha acabado mucho mejor.
Los personajes han estado bien, me gusta Chelsea aunque me hubiera gustado que les dieran más profundidad, se me han quedado un poco superficiales, pero aún así lo he disfrutado. La historia también me ha gustado, el clásico “friends to lovers” que no es mi cliché favorito pero de vez en cuando me gusta leerlo.
Sé que el siguiente libro será el de Sam y Reíd y me apetece leerlo, pero no puedo esperar a leer a Megan. Este personaje me ha enamorado y necesito leer su historia desde su punto de vista.