10 Must Read Second Chance Romances!

It's no secret that second chance romance is one of my top 3 favorite tropes. There is just something about a couple returning to each other years later, and finding their happily ever after together. Let's just say it's the romantic in me.

There were a couple of books that I wanted to put on this list, but they were the second half of duets. Therefore you'd have to read book one to get to the second chance romance in book two. If you're curious about what those recommendations were, well they are: The Love Duet by Xavier Neal, Next Life Duet by Brit Benson, and the Blood and Bone duet by Paula Dombrowiak. All three are fantastic, and I highly recommend them.

I'm not here to talk about duets though. Let's talk about the standalone romance novels that I think you should read. (full disclosure: these are standalones, but they are part of larger interconnected series.)

There are some authors who I could reference multiple times, but I'm going to do my best not to repeat. Well except for one time. But they are from different series, so I'm calling it good.

Do you read second chance romances? Any favorites? Have you read any of the books I'm about to mention? If you don't like the second chance trope, why not? I'm just curious. I know we all have our preferred tropes.

Happy Reading,
Laura

Southern Sunrise by Natasha Madison

I was absolutely smitten with Ethan and Emily's story. These two were high school sweethearts, but then something happened, and Ethan left to join the military. He's back now, and he ran into Emily at his mom's house. Or rather what was his mom's house. This book had me crying, laughing, swooning, and not wanting it to end. There was just something about getting to see Ethan all grown up, and falling in love that I just could not get enough of. Life hasn't been easy, but his sunrise is near, and he's determined to win her back.

Rules for Dating Your Ex by Piper Rayne

Sedona Bailey's story was one of my favorites of the series! We had watched this relationship happen throughout the series, and to finally get this was just perfect. Sedona and Jamison had been high school sweethearts. They moved away together when he became a professional soccer (football) player. Things had been going great, until they weren't. It was that difficult time when Sedona fled back to Lake Starlight. Her family welcomed her home, helped her through the heartbreak, and was by her side when Jamison reappeared. Don't worry there is no need to read the previous books in the series, but if you want to it's a fun read. This book was a quick read, it was emotional, and it had me loving this family even more. 

Making Spirits Bright by Aven Ellis

It is no secret that I am a big fan of Aven's storytelling. Jack and Aoife had been introduced in Connectivity 2.0, and we heard all about what went down in their relationship. We heard about the heartache, and learned why Aoife has the trust issues that she does. Making Spirits Bright is their second chance, and oh what a story it was. Now personally this one moved a bit slower for me than I'm used to, but it didn't detract from my enjoyment. Getting to watch these two reconnect, heal, and grow was just wonderful. Aven continues to blow me away with her books.

Mine to Have by Natasha Madison

Mine to Have is the first book in the Southern Wedding series, and it was fantastic. Yes there is a prequel called Mine to Kiss, and for the full effect you should read that first. Especially since it tells how Harlow and Travis met, fell in love, and ultimately broke up. Mine to Have is their reunion, and I could not put it down. This was my favorite of the series (thus far), and a lot of that had to do with the fact that it was a spin off of the Southern series. So I was familiar with Harlow. LOVE LOVE LOVE this book.

Missing Maverick by Anna Brooks

Oh Maverick! Snippets of his story were shared in the previous two Ryder Ranch books, but this is all about him and Cricket. She's returning home, and things are about to steam up. Well that is if forgiveness can happen. The heartache was strong, as was the feeling of abandonment. 

Never Too Late by Rue Lennox

Oh Rue...the ride you took me on with this book was good. Jake and Margot/Lilly have known each other for many years. They had a brief relationship in which hearts were shattered, and Lilly ran. Now she's back, and having to work near Jake on a frequent basis. Jake is determined to win her back, and keep her safe. The relationship happened fast in this book, so the storyline is really more about the suspense element, and that was intense. This was a binge read for me, and that's how it usually is when I read Rue's stories. Pack your bags, and head to Birch Maine to meet these characters. I'm sure you'll fall in love.

Saving Cate by Ellie Masters

I can't even fully put this book into words. Cate is a wilderness guide, and lives in a small town. Her ex, Caleb, is in the military and things did not end well between the two of them. Well now he's back, and he hears about some trouble. He is determined to protect Cate, and hopefully win her back. This book took me on an emotional rollercoaster. The suspense element was delightful, and I could not put the book down. Highly recommend books by Ellie Masters whether they are second chance or not.

The Trailblazer by Gina Azzi

I LOVE THE BOSTON HAWKS! This is the series that hooked me on Gina Azzi's writing, and has since caused me to read the majority of her backlist. (as well as staying on top of current releases.) The Trailblazer is all about Declan and Vivi. Vivi's grandpa has recently passed away, and in order for her to receive her inheritance she must marry. Henry is who she said she'd marry, yet on her wedding day she spots the man who broke her heart all those years ago. This freaking book had me BAWLING toward the end. So many emotions were felt, and I was fully immersed in the story. If you're a hockey romance fan, grab this one.

Vegas Aces: The Wide Receiver by Lisa Suzanne

Well would you look at that - a series is on my list. Not just any series though, oh no this is Tristan and Tessa's story. Yes it encompasses all 5 books. Yes there are 4 cliffhangers. Yes it is a wild ride. Yes it has emotional moments. Yes there are secrets. Yes there is drama. Yes it is small town at times. Yes it is steamy. Yes you'll fall for these two. Tristan and Tessa were neighbors, and then they fell in love. One day Tessa upped and moved to live with her Aunt, and cut off all communication with Tristan. He knew nothing except she left him when he was planning forever. Now it's years later, she's returning home and he's home for the offseason. Sparks are about to fly.

Wild About You by Rebecca Jenshak

Yep, another hockey romance made my list. I regret nothing. Heck this entire list probably could have been hockey related, so be thankful it's only two books that I'm featuring. Tyler and Piper have been broken up for 4 years now. He's a rookie with the Wildcats, and Piper is working at the nearby high school. Piper also happens to interact with Everly. Everly just moved in with her big brother (Tyler) after some issues back home in Iowa. It is a meeting about Everly that puts Tyler and Piper back on each other's radar. This relationship is one of my favorites of the Wildcat Hockey series. Rebecca Jenshak writes these amazing stories that are enjoyable, with relatable characters, and feature a bit of emotion. I can't get enough.

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These books were ALMOST 5 star reads

Yesterday I had shared the books I've rated 5 stars in 2023. I thought it would be interesting to see which books were ALMOST 5 stars. The books that I loved so much but were just missing that little something extra to give it that push to 5 stars. These stories captivated me. I fell for the characters. I immersed myself into the worlds. When the stories ended I definitely suffered from book hangovers.

I tell ya those book hangovers were intense. Some were stronger, and longer lasting, than others, but each made an impact. I would gladly return to these settings, and these characters. You know, if I was a re-reader.

What are the seven books that were almost 5 star reads?  Let's take a look.

Bent by Rue Lennox 

Listen I love Rue's writing, and the characters that are brought to life. The suspense that she adds into these books of hers are just amazing. So when reading Bent it was no different. We had these great characters, a enjoyable storyline, and spectacular suspense. All that with a happily ever after. So why wasn't it a 5 star? Honestly it was Avery and her stubbornness, her actions...I just couldn't fully connect. That doesn't mean that I didn't like her. I definitely sympathized with everything that happened. It was just a little something that was off, and so that held me back.

Bad Boy's Downfall by Gina Azzi

I LOVE the Thunderbolts. LOVE THEM. I had been anticipating this book since reading Brawler's Weakness. Knowing that Lola was getting her happily ever after, and the fact that it would involve one of her dad's teammates - it was just too good. River and Lola's relationship tugged on the heartstrings, hit me in the emotions, and I was waiting for Axel's reaction (which did not disappoint). Why 4.5 stars instead of 5? It came down to River and Lola. In this book they felt different from the characters we had come to know in previous books in the series. There was this shift, and it felt as though they were being held back, or just not as intense/dramatic/sincere as they should have been. Again it's this minor thing that had me realizing it wasn't a strong 5, but it also wasn't a 4, so I went in the middle.

Devious Obsession by S Massery

First things first, this book was such a trip. Steele is an intense man, and he found the perfect person to fall for. It's as though Aspen was made for him. Seriously. This book took us on such a journey, and I couldn't put it down. Now when it comes to the rating, this one is easier to explain, and I mentioned in my review of the book. My rating choice all came down to Steele's online activities, and one specific scene in the book. In all honesty I probably could have given it 5 if it had just been one of those reasons. That combination of the two though, had me realizing that I couldn't do it. My gut said no. Doesn't change my love of the book though.

Reclaiming Brave by Gina Azzi

Denver and Sierra were my favorite couple of this trilogy! Their story just hit a bit harder, and I felt this connection to the two of them. It was so opposites attract that I couldn't help but love it. Then add in the best friend's sibling trope, and it just heightened everything. My reasoning on the rating honestly came down to the fact that there were still questions that went unanswered. Those certain storylines throughout the trilogy that just had no closure. I don't like it when that happens in books, and so it does affect my rating.

Defensive Hearts by Alley Ciz

Chance, Gemma, and those dogs...I tell ya! Defensive Hearts had me laughing, I was swooning, and I wanted to knock some sense into our characters. Here's the thing that rubbed me wrong, and kind of had me wavering on my rating - Chance's reaction to that photo, and the words that spewed out of his mouth. That just put such a damper on it. I could not get over that situation. Maybe I'm being too nit picky, but I don't think so.

Made for You by Natasha Madison

Natasha Madison and her hockey romances bring me so much joy. There has not been a single one that I have not loved. It just makes sense that Xavier and Vivi continue on with that trend. Then there's the fact that Matthew Grant was there, and he brought his over the top ways into every scene. He just brings me such happiness. Let's get into what happened that I wouldn't give it 5 stars. It comes down to Xavier. Xavier changed his tune way too quickly (hate/enemies to lovers). I didn't necessarily know if his attraction to Vivi was authentic or opportunistic. I feel horrible saying that. Yet it was something that lived in my head while reading. A smaller part that affected the rating was the Grant/Horton/Stone family. I hate saying that because I love them. There was just too much of them in this book. 

The Owner by Xavier Neal

The Owner showed me what I've been unknowingly missing from other hockey romances. The chirping. The hockey lingo. I freaking loved that, and I talked about it in my review. However as much as I loved that, it also distracted a bit. Between the lingo (where I needed a glossary), and certain moments with Harper it just had me feeling 4.5 stars. Again not a 4, but not a 5 either. It's right in that sweet spot.

See I told you that my reasonings are minuscule, and not necessarily something that others would dock for. Yet I know, for me, I made the right choice. Also these books that I mentioned are some of my favorite reads of 2023 so far.  I've recommended all of these books numerous times on social media, and I stand by my ratings.

What are some books that you went back and forth on with ratings? If you've read any of the books I mentioned, how did you rate them? Were they 5 stars? 4? 4.5? Less than 4? I'm curious.

Happy Reading,
Laura

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I participate in the Amazon Affiliates program.

Purchases made through links above allow me to earn a small commission.

Thank you!

I Need These Books Immediately!

Happy March! Welcome to the third chapter of 2023. Those first two were interesting, so let's see how this one comes together.

One of my favorite things about a new month is all the new books that get released. There are so many to choose from, so many to add to my TBR, and so many authors to fangirl over. This month there are 12 books on my anticipated reads list. Two of them are POSSIBLY being released in March, as in they have March release dates on Amazon, but I haven't heard any updates from the author. So time will tell.

Last month the majority of my list was sports romance, and honestly March isn't looking too different. Eight of them are sports romance. I can't help it. Sports romance is just where my heart gravitates towards.

What is on your anticipated reads list for this month? Any books that you feel you absolutely MUST READ? Even if they're not new releases, let me know! Keep scrolling to see the books I can't wait to get my hands on. You may notice that a couple don't have book covers, and one doesn't have a link, that's because that info isn't out there yet. Once it is though I'll share it to my Facebook page. Make sure to follow me there.

Happy Reading,
Laura

Note: I have read a few of these already as I received advanced copies of them for review. I'm keeping them on my list though for others to get excited about. (and believe me, I'm still excited!)

What I Read Last Week

Happy Monday! After the snowstorm last week, we are back on our usual routines this week. Thank goodness! We ended up with about 12 inches of snow, and that is 12 more than I'd like. I'm ready for spring! It's winter in Minnesota though, so snow happens.

Last week I read 8 books! I finished up a series, continued on in another, and started a new one. If you know me, you know I'm wild about series. Love them! My favorite read of the week was Off to the Races by Elsie Silver. I could not get enough, and am continuing on with the series. Obviously. Also I made great progress on Gina Azzi's backlist titles! I have 5 books left (a series + a standalone), as well as a kindle vella story. I'm going to press pause on that mission though, as I also want to work through the other books on my kindle.

Before we get to the books I read, spill the details on what you've been reading. What was your favorite? Any flops? Read any new (or new to you) authors? What's the reading plan for this week?

Happy Reading,
Laura

One Last Chance by Gina Azzi {a review}

In December I read My Christmas Wish by Gina Azzi. This was a seasonal read, but it was also the beginning of Daisy and Finn's story. I have since finished the Kane Brothers trilogy, and it is time to dive into One Last Chance. I need to see what happens once Daisy is in Scotland, working at the same company as Finn, and see how friendship blooms into a happily ever after. I have a feeling Finn isn't going to be able to resist her for long.

My rating for One Last Chance:

Before we dive into my thoughts, let's go over the tropes. In this book we have friends to lovers, a workplace romance, a second chance of sorts, and an age gap (roughly 7 years).

Okay on to my long winded thoughts...

In all of the Kane Brothers books, I had a feeling that Daisy was a strong woman. One Last Chance proved that she is, and that she can do anything she puts her mind to. Her big brothers were just overprotective, and wanted to support/care for her. If you've read Reclaiming Brave, then you know that Sierra was on Daisy about submitting her resume to the family company. Daisy was against it at first, but ultimately gave in. Thankfully she did, and it allowed her to take on this new journey. Plus she had a pseudo-family waiting for her in Scotland, as Sierra's family considered her one of their own. Also when Daisy accepted the position, and was gearing up to leave, the conversation she had with Jax brought tears to my eyes. He understood what it meant to leave to an unfamiliar setting where you know virtually no one.

I was so glad to finally read Finn and Daisy's story. Especially since it seems so long ago that I read My Christmas Wish. (it wasn't that long ago, but I read so much that it just feels forever ago.) Now though here we are getting to see Daisy move to Scotland, reconnect with Finn, and have this new adventure. She's on her own without her brothers or her best friend, and it's a major change. Thankfully she has Finn, Aaron, Callum, and Lachlan nearby for support.

Things with Daisy and Finn started off slowly. He was fighting it for so long with really no explanation. It was honestly frustrating because you could see their mutual attraction. Yet he was still dealing with his past relationship issues, and perhaps doing a little projection. When it came to the point where I thought things were going to advance, it was actually the demise. I wasn't expecting it quite yet. When all of that went down it was a little much. I was shocked by the response, and how everything was handled.

After all of that went down I was even more grateful that Daisy had found a good group of friends shortly after arriving in Scotland. That sense of community was just what she needed, and she had someone other than Sierra's family. Of course there had to be one creeper in that first year group, and honestly that man was a walking red flag. At first I thought he was just a bit awkward, until the true colors were shown. That part of the book broke my heart, even more so than the break up, and I had tears rolling down my cheeks. Now I'll be honest, I debated how to bring this trigger/content warning to light as it is a bit of a spoiler for the story. I don't feel right though not disclosing it especially if it is something another reader has been affected by. So TW/CW for attempted SA and physical.

The work situation was really interesting to read about. I love the challenge that James came up with as a way to test out the new hires. The passion that these characters put into their work was impressive. I was honestly thankful that the competition didn't work out the way I envisioned.

I want to talk about how Daisy and Finn got back together! I do! But I can't because of spoilers. Just know that he is by her side when she needs him.

One thing I know from reading One Last Chance, as well as all the Kane Brothers books, I am absolutely loving this family! I do wish I had closure for one storyline that took place in Denver's book, but maybe one day Gina Azzi will address that. 

Have you read the Kane Brothers trilogy or the Finding Love in Scotland series? These books have been out for a while now, but I just discovered them and really enjoyed the stories. 

Happy Reading,
Laura
 

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I participate in the Amazon Affiliates program.

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What I Read Last Week

It's a new week! My kids are off from school two days this week, and honestly if the weather forecast is right, they could be off all week. It's looking like we could get hit with over a foot of snow. Let me tell ya, I am not excited about the snow. It seems like we had so much this winter, and it was just starting to melt. I told my husband that I'm fine with winter hanging on, but I'd like to unsubscribe to the snow and ice. If only it worked that way.

This week I read 6 books! Quite honestly they were all pretty fabulous. Broken Love Story by Natasha Madison was my favorite of the week. There was just something about those two characters, and all that they had been through, that hit me so hard. Between baseball romance and hockey romance, I read 3 sports romance books. It really is my favorite thing ever. Ever so slowly I am working my way through Gina Azzi's backlist, as well as Natasha Madison's. Their storytelling, and characters, are some of my favorites.

Fill me in on what you read last week. Did you have a favorite? Any duds? What's the reading plan for this week?

Happy Reading,
Laura

Brother's Best Friend Hockey Romance Recommendations

I feel like a broken record when it comes to the brother's best friend trope, but it truly is one of my top 3 favorite tropes. I can't help it. It's just so good. Plus I think a lot of people have their favorite tropes, so why not lean into it a bit.

Now when I posted my Brother's Best Friend Romance recommendations post the other day, I had mentioned that I could probably do an entire post just based on hockey. So here I am. 

I went through all of the hockey romances that I have read, with the exception of a few where tropes weren't crystal clear (ahem: Aven Ellis), and compiled a list. Turns out I have read 12 that feature the brother's best friend, or best friend's sibling, trope. Three of these I mentioned in my other post, therefore I won't repeat what I said about those. I will however still list them. 

What is your favorite trope? Or are you like me and have a top 3? Also, have you read any of these hockey romances? Any books that I should read? I'd love to know all the things.

Happy Reading,
Laura

Let's start with the three books I had previously mentioned. They were:

The Risk Taker by Gina Azzi

Something So Irresistible by Natasha Madison

Maxim by Samantha Whiskey

Now for the new recommendations!

Wheeler by Samantha Whiskey

I loved the Seattle Sharks series from Samantha Whiskey! I cannot think of a single book that I didn't enjoy. So many various tropes, and the characters were all amazing. Lukas and Faith's story was no different. Lukas hired Faith as his personal assistant after her brother suggested it. Well Lukas has had a thing for Faith for a while now, and this is going to make working in such close proximity interesting.  The goal is to keep things platonic and maintain that friendship. Well that is until the sparks fly.

Change on the Fly by Maren Moore

Change on the Fly was an emotional read. Not necessarily because of the relationship between Reed and Holland, but because of the situation with Reed's nephew. That storyline gutted me. But witnessing Holland assist Reed with caring for Evan was everything. Then Reed stepping up and taking care of the issues Holland was having as well? Yep, so good. Reed is a protector through and through, and this story just solidified that. These two characters pulled me, and I loved getting to know them, as well as all of the friends and family.

Sneaking Around with #34 by Piper Rayne

Oh Warner! This man has quite the past, and he tried to keep his upbringing a secret. Part of his past has to do with Imogen. Who is Imogen you ask? Ford's sister. Yes the same Ford who Warner is now teamed up with. This second chance romance was my favorite of the Hockey Hotties series. I loved how we learned about the past, how it was affecting the present (relationship/teamwork with Ford & Warner), and then witnessing the happily ever after in progress. This book had it's emotional moments, it's tense moments, and some passionate ones as well. 

Scoring to Win Duet by Maren Moore
The Scorecard & The Final Score

Oh what to say about this duet. Graham and Emery's story will take you through the wringer. Graham and Reed are good friends, and Reed is Emery's big brother. So things are tense in that situation. But when a night together leads to a pregnancy, their lives are about to flip upside down. Not only that, but they are now in a fake relationship. The problem with that is they don't get along. They are constantly butting heads. Yet somehow they end up falling. The Scorecard does end on a cliffhanger of sorts, so make sure to have The Final Score ready to go. Their story is going to take you on a ride. It will be emotional. You will want to smack one or both of them upside their fictional heads. Yet at the same time you may just fall for this couple, and find yourself cheering them on as they get their happily ever after.

Cross Checked Hearts by Cali Melle

Cross Checked Hearts is the very first book in the Wyncote Wolves series from Cali Melle. What better way to kick off a series than with the brother's best friend trope! Or maybe that's just my opinion. Anyway, Logan and Isla have known each other for years. That goes to show how far back Logan and August go. Now though Isla is starting college, and her brother is having her move into the apartment he shares with Logan. Surely nothing will happen with these two living in the same space. No way will they act on any feelings. Yeah right, of course they will. 

Splintered Ice by Cali Melle

Splintered Ice is the sixth book in the Wyncote Wolves series, and we are revisiting the trope! Except this time it is Sterling falling for his sister's best friend. Olivia just transferred to Wyncote, and she knows no one. So her bestie contacted Sterling, and told him to make sure Olivia has a good time, and finds some friends. Olivia's had a crush on Sterling for a while now, and all this time together might just cause the friendship to blur a bit. Even if Sterling thinks he should avoid at all costs. After all that crush might not be so one-sided. 

Covered by Elise Faber

If you know me at all you know that I am OBSESSED with the Gold Hockey team. It is seriously one of my favorite hockey series, and I will devour every book that is released. I will also devour every spin off (see: Rush Hockey). Ben is falling for his best friend's sister. Jordyn is a recently single mom, and Ben is stepping in to help her out. After all that single mom aspect is something he's familiar with, since it's how he grew up. I loved their relationship. I loved how the team surrounded Jordyn with love and community. Then there is Jordyn's kids who were adorable. One of my favorites from the series.

Bad Crush by Rebecca Jenshak

Oh look it's another college romance! This was my introduction to Rebecca Jenshak's storytelling, and it hooked me. Adam and Reagan's story tugged at my heartstrings. I went through a variety of emotions. I loved the setting, I loved the characters, and everything that happened in the book. Reagan falling for Ginny's big brother was so good.

Charming As Puck by Pippa Grant

This is the fourth book in the Copper Valley Thrusters series from Pippa Grant. If you're unfamiliar with Pippa's writing style, it is pure rom-com. The male characters are always an interesting group, and the females are typically smart, strong, and independent. It's a unique mix to say the least. Now it's been a few years since I've read this book so I can't remember much about it. What i do remember is that it was funny, it had a good storyline, and I put on Goodreads that it was my favorite of the series. Also when it comes to the trope, it's actually a version of that trope. Our heroine is falling for her best friend's brother. I always love how the best friend reacts, and the majority of the time I feel that they are all for it. 

Please note:

I participate in the Amazon Affiliates program.

Purchases made through links above allow me to earn a small commission.

Thank you!