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.

Please note:

I participate in the Amazon Affiliates program.

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

Thank you!

6 Baseball Romance Recommendations

Two years ago I wrote a similar post to this. In that Baseball Romance Series recommendations post I listed 4 series that I thought all baseball romance lovers would enjoy. I stand by those recommendations to this day. I loved all of those books, and still think of them fondly. Heck I still recommend them to people who are looking for baseball romances!

So here we are in 2023 and I'm back with new recommendations. These titles have come out in the last 18 months or so. They all captured my attention for various reasons, and I think you should read them.

Since spring training is currently in full force it is the perfect time to grab a baseball romance, and immerse yourself into the world of baseball. Which books do I suggest? Let's head to the field and find out.

Vegas Heat by Lisa Suzanne

This series should come as no surprise. I've read the first four books, and am eagerly awaiting the fifth to arrive on my kindle. This first season of the Vegas Heat follows Cooper and Gabby. They met at a blackjack table in Vegas on Gabby's 21st birthday. Gabby had no clue who Cooper was, all she knew was that she was instantly attracted to him. It was only later that she found out that 1) there is a 12 year age gap, 2) he's moving to Vegas for his job, and much much later she found out that 3) he's her dad's best friend. Naturally they are keeping this relationship quiet because Troy does not want his daughter with a baseball player, nor does he want her dating someone THAT much older than she is. Yet the attraction is strong, and these two cannot stay away from each other. Should you choose to pick up this series, I actually suggest waiting until April 13 or at least pretty close to that. Why April 13? That is the day that Hardball, book 5, releases. If you wait until then, you don't have to really subject yourself to the cliffhangers, as you'll have all the books available to you.

The Wrong Pitch by Brittany Taylor

This college romance from Brittany Taylor was SO GOOD! I loved the meet-cute, I loved the hate-to-love, then there was the brother's best friend trope as well, and I was just hooked. The Wrong Pitch just released today, and if you'd like to read my full review you can do so here.

The Third Baseman by Lulu Moore

Full disclosure...this book isn't out yet. It comes out on March 29, and I read an advanced copy of the book. My review can be read in this blog post. I'll be honest and say that I had mixed feelings with The Third Baseman. I enjoyed many aspects of it, but there were others I didn't enjoy as much. Part of that I attribute to the fact that this was my introduction to the author, and the content of this book really carried over to previous titles. So why should you read it if I had mixed feelings? The obvious answer is that everyone experiences books differently, and my feelings won't be yours. Alternately it's a good second chance romance. It's set 14 years after the heartbreak, and the storyline bounced between modern day and the past. It was interesting to see how the characters have changed, and in some ways how they've remained the same.

Fake Love by Jocelyne Soto

This book was a bit of an emotional roller coaster. From the drug issues, to his mom’s health issues, to being traded, to meeting Jen, to coming up with this fake relationship plan, to everything that happened next, I was hooked. Jocelyne Soto created a wonderful story. While Maddox wasn’t always my cup of tea, in the end I came around to him. This book was emotional, it was steamy, and I could not put it down.

Wild Card by Ashley Munoz

This college sports romance was a doozy! There's drama, suspense, and of course a romance. Mallory is a school journalist, and she just got the tip of a lifetime. Talk about being in the right place at the right time! Only this potential story is going to cause some issues. Decker happens to be on the baseball team, and while he knows a bit about this card game he doesn't know the full story. He's also not keen on Mallory digging into it. Yet they work together. The connection these two had was impressive, even with them trying to deny it. Should you read Wild Card, be prepared for slow burn. Although I will say it is worth it. I absolutely loved Wild Card from start to finish. Loved the book. Loved the characters. 

Caught Looking by Aven Ellis

It's no secret that I am a major fan of Aven's storytelling, as well as her characters. There is just something about the way she brings these people to life that has me wanting to befriend them. Chase and Meghan were no different. I was drawn to them, and just wanted to stay with them for as long as possible. This may have started as a fake relationship, but it quickly morphed into something real. Yet things were not going smoothly. There were issues to be discussed, to be worked through, and trust to be built. Caught Looking is the FOURTH book in the DC Soaring Eagles series, and while you can read them out of order, I think it gives the best effect to start at the beginning.


So tell me, have you read any of these titles? If you did, how did you rate them? If you haven't, do you think you'll pick them up? What are some of your favorite baseball romances? Give me some recommendations!

Happy Reading,
Laura

Please note:

I participate in the Amazon Affiliates program.

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

Thank you!

Book Recommendation Tag

As I was scrolling through booktube, I came across a video from Novel Life. They were doing a new book tag called Book Recommendations. As I watched the video I liked what I was seeing, and then went to watch the video from the person who originated the tag. Steph Bohrer's video was also really good. I loved all the different books both of these individuals recommended. Have I read a lot of those books? No, but I still wrote down some titles to check out.

After watching both of those videos, I decided to bring the tag here to my blog.  I'd love to know how you would answer these questions. Especially since I am always open to new books recommendations.

Happy Reading,
Laura

5 of my Favorite Fictional Characters

It takes a lot for a character to stand out for me. I need them to grab hold of my attention, and wish for more of their story, or wish to see them appear as major side characters in future books in the series. I want to celebrate their happy moments, I want to cry with them during their sad moments, and I want to be by their side during the difficult times. When that happens these are often the characters that I wish I could befriend in their fictional worlds.

I read a lot of books. A LOT. Therefore choosing favorites is always a difficult task. However there are some characters that stand out more than others. It's these characters who are just screaming "I'm your favorite", and "don't you forget about me". Believe me when I say there are quite a few that stand out. Today though I'm only going to share five of them. Maybe I'll revisit this in the future and do a secondary post. Time will tell.

Who are some of your favorite characters? Any specific reason they stand out?

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!

10 of My Favorite Brother's Best Friend Romances

It should come as no surprise that I ADORE the Brother's Best Friend (and/or sister's best friend) trope. I've spoken about that before. Maybe it goes back to the fact that I grew up with two older brothers, and had a crush on a few of their friends way back then. That could play a small part in it. Maybe. No matter what though I'm obsessed and I find myself gravitating toward those stories. I think another part of it is similar to the friends to lovers trope. It's this person that you know, that you see on the regular, and an attraction just builds, or has the potential to build.

As brother's best friend is one of my top three favorite tropes I figured I'd share a few recommendations. Those that I selected are 10 of my favorite books that feature this trope. Of course there are other tropes that these books fall into as well, but I selected them for the brother's best friend trope. (psst: one is actually a sister's best friend book.) Be proud of me, I only shared 3 hockey romances. In all reality I could have probably had an entire post dedicated to hockey.

Have you read any of these titles? Do you have any recommendations for the brother's best friend trope? Fill me in on your favorites!

Happy Reading,
Laura

5 Football Romance Series You Should Read

With the "Big Game" quickly approaching, now is the perfect time to read some football romances!

If you know me at all, you know football isn't my first choice for sports romances. However I do still read them, and I have 5 series that I think you should read! You know, if you haven't already. I also want to mention that the majority of these recommendations do not have cliffhangers. I love a good standalone series where each book focuses on a different couple! That being said, the Vegas Aces series is full of cliffhangers! Prepare yourself for that because they leave you wanting. But also loving the characters.

The Playbook by Alexa Martin

Number of books: 4
Released: 2018-2020

Now I'm sure most people have read this series. If not though, I highly suggest you do! This series focuses on four different relationships. It's the meet cute, it's the adjusting to dating a professional athlete, it's the drama that ensues, the heartache, the reunion, and the ultimate fall. Each book gives you a happily ever after, and I loved all of them.

Raleigh Raptors by Samantha Whiskey

Number of Books: 3
Released: 2020

Samantha Whiskey writes some wonderful sports romances. I fell for her hockey romance series, and when the Raleigh Raptors came out, I immediately read them. Now full disclosure; Nixon wasn't my favorite. I struggled with the storyline big time. I didn't vibe with Liberty at all, so that played a big part in it all. Roman and Hendrix though, loved those two stories. I am holding out hope that Samantha Whiskey will return with another addition to the series. That being said it has been over 2 years since Hendrix released, so I'm a little doubtful.

Denver Mountain Lions by Emily Silver

Number of books: 5
Released: 2022

This series features so many different tropes! From friends to lovers, to forbidden, to second chance romance, to enemies to lovers, to age gap, there is something for everyone. I fell hard for some of these players, as well as Emily Silver's storytelling. I cannot wait to read more from her. 

Kingsmen Football Stars by Piper Rayne

Number of books: 2.5
Released: 2022-present 

It's no secret that I'm a fan of Piper Rayne's small town romances. So when I heard about them branching off into football, I knew I'd have to give it a read. So far I've read the prequel, as well as You Had Your Chance, Lee Burrows. I will be reading Brady's story yet this month, and I cannot wait to dive into that single dad and the nanny romance. With Piper Rayne's books, you'll get a wonderful story, a bit of drama, a good dose of steam, and a happily ever after. You may also find yourself hoping other characters will get their story told.

Vegas Aces by Lisa Suzanne

Number of seasons: 4
Number of books: 20 (5 per season)
Released: 2021-present

In 2021 I read the first two seasons of the Vegas Aces, and I was hooked. Now here's the thing, you're going to want to read these books in order. You learn things in season one that carry over to season two, and then onto season three. I will say season four is a bit different, but it still helps to have the knowledge of previous seasons in your head. Luke Dalton kicks things off with his story, and our introduction to Ellie is one you won't forget. Jack Dalton is up next, and I went from hating this man to falling for him. Ben Olson is featured in season 3, and that was by far my favorite season. Tristan Higgans is up in season 4, and a familiar face appears (and attempts to mess things up). One thing I love about these seasons is that there is always a villain you love to hate. Each season has at least one, and I'm here for it. I cannot wait to see who the villain is in season 5. (and yes, season 5 is happening later in 2023.) Prepare yourself to swoon, laugh, cry, and want to throw your kindle.

There was one other series that I wanted to recommend, but I really wanted to keep my list at 5. So instead I'll list it as a bonus recommendation. That series is The Lone Stars by Katie Graykowski. There are seven books in this series, and I enjoyed so many of them. I remember tearing up at a few, swooning over a couple, and falling hard for a few players. If you're looking for a lesser known series, then check that one out too. The first book was published in 2013, and the last in 2021. The first six are offered with Kindle Unlimited, so if you have a KU subscription consider downloading one of the titles.

Have you read any of these series? Do you have any recommendations for me? I'm always up for another sports romance to read.

Happy Reading,
Laura

Please note:

I participate in the Amazon Affiliates program.

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

Thank you!