Second chance romance done right, this has a small town feel with characters you’ll like – even with the amount of history between them. Anyone who follows my reviews knows that I am tough on second chance romances, so the fact that I strongly considered giving this 5 stars speaks volumes. No, this couple’s relationship isn’t perfect, but I could feel the love and I could also understand the reason for their separation. There was no major drama between them, just two people who sincerely loved each other until (or perhaps after) their lives went in separate directions.
Essentially, the story follows Delaney, the host of an HGTV-like show whose career is in question because of a recent medical diagnosis. He’s back in the town he once called home, set to film the last episode of his show… and the property is owned by his ex-fiancée. Delaney and Addison have known each other for most of their lives, were friends and then lovers until Delaney’s career put a wedge between them. Now that he’s back in town (and 10 years have passed), it’s obvious that neither one has fully put their relationship behind them.
I was introduced to this author with the first book in the series, Trouble Me, and I was blown away by the quality of the writing. For that reason, I didn’t hesitate to pick up this second chance romance – and it did not disappoint. It’s got some angst, some sexiness, some small town charm. But the heart of the story is the connection these two continue to share after all their years apart. I love that it didn’t linger on the heartache or the relationships they’ve had in the time they were apart. They’re both genuinely likable people, and I was rooting for them to find their way back to each other.
You’re probably wondering why this didn’t receive a 5-star rating from me, and that’s because I’ve got two minor complaints. One, I was confused about Delaney’s intentions, and it was more than just him being unsure. There seemed to be some contradictory thoughts going on. Two, Delaney and Addison must’ve been together for YEARS before breaking up, given their current ages. I think the author needed to make the circumstances of their breakup clearer prior to the final act so that the reader understands how such a strong relationship would crumble. Again, these are minor complaints; I enjoyed the book quite a bit and won’t hesitate to continue with the series. Each book stands on its own but pairs better together, and we’re introduced to some characters I’d love to read stories about. I received an ARC via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review of this sexy/sweet story.
Release Date: March 31st
Kindle Edition: https://amzn.to/2UJPoaR
BLURB:
The fact was he wasn’t over her at all. Nowhere near it.
Life’s been a wild ride for Delaney Reynolds, the sexy home renovation star Property Ace. But a setback lands him home in Madison Ridge, working with his first love turned enemy.
Real estate mogul Addison Davenport must fulfill her late father’s legacy. Unfortunately, his will requires she work with her ex-fiancé, the man who left her for reality stardom.
Delaney is persuasive, reminding Addison why she once loved him, but shadows of their past haunt their present bliss. Can the scorned lovers rebuild a lasting foundation or will it fall like a house of cards?
Author’s Warning: A second chance romance with a feisty heroine, a generous hero in a tool belt, a protective yet lazy dog, a very public grand gesture, and sexy times involving a sturdy dining room table.
BONUS REVIEW!!!
Trouble Me came out before I created my blog, so I’m including my review here in case you want to start the series from the beginning. The books absolutely stand on their own, but Trouble Me features some of the same characters, and is a great read.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Sexy and emotional
Well that was pretty great. I wasn’t sure what to expect from this book because it’s written by a new author and the premise is one that could easily veer off course, but I was hooked from start to finish. The writing style is solid, the characters are flawed but likeable, the chemistry sizzles, and the romantic connection runs deep. It’s a great start to a promising new series (of standalones), and I would definitely read more by this author.
The story follows Emma, a recovering alcoholic who hit rock bottom two years ago and has fought to reclaim her life since. She’s in a good place with her sobriety, but is having some major financial issues and risks having her family’s B&B foreclosed on soon. Since she was once a successful businesswoman before things came crashing down, she interviews for the highest paying job she can find in her small town…. even though it happens to be for a winery. Shane meets Emma before the interview and is immediately attracted, but once he discovers that she’s the best candidate for the job at his family’s winery, he knows any sort of relationship is off the table. As the two begin working together, the chemistry between them is obvious and though they know it’s a terrible idea to pursue anything, neither one seems to be able to fight the attraction. But both Shane and Emma have major secrets they’re keeping from the other, which threaten the relationship they’re slowly building from sex to serious.
It would be so easy to dislike both of these characters, but the author does a great job making them relatable. Emma knows she’s messed up in the past, but she’s getting her life back together now. And Shane is a widower who struggles to find the right balance between commitments to his family and Emma. It’s a unique premise and a story that moves quickly from start to finish. I loved the connection between these two and though there is plenty of steam, there’s also something deeper as well. Kudos to the author for finding the right balance between angst and lightness, making this an emotional book without feeling overly heavy. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout (then purchased it for my collection) and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Kindle Edition: https://amzn.to/2UKHJsV
Amazon Paperback: https://amzn.to/2WURcQX
BLURB:
“I like the way you’re made, Emmaline Reynolds. I’m going to enjoy every inch of you.”
Emma Reynolds is ready to start her life over—clean and sober. Unfortunately, the only job in Madison Ridge that can save her family’s estate is an executive job at a local winery. Her sexy new boss only complicates matters.
Shane Kavanaugh is the billionaire heir to a wine empire. But when his integrity is questioned, he has to redeem himself and protect the family legacy. However, redemption doesn’t include the distracting curvy brunette he hired as his new executive.With each passing day, their intense chemistry grows. But when secrets are revealed and her sobriety is tested, Emma and Shane will have to let go of the past if they want a future.
Author’s Note: A steamy, small town, workplace romance with a brilliant heroine, swoonworthy hero, and a sizzling poker scene.
Jeeves Reads Romance 
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