Stories where former lovers reconnect and finally find their happily ever after.
I'll say it from the get-go, the Second Chance trope isn't one of my favorites. Maybe I am just an unforgiving cynic, but this trope more often than not grinds my gears too much to be enjoyable. But, contrary to popular belief, the world does not revolve around my preferences, and this trope is definitely popular for authors and readers alike.
Things I like about this trope when done right:
Time lapses or flashbacks for insight to conflict
Character development and maturity
Plenty of angst, feelings, and forgiveness
Things I don't like about this trope when done wrong:
Lack of groveling for BIG mistakes
Miscommunication for drama
Characters excusing bad behavior during the time of separation
So yes, this trope is very hit-or-miss for me but because it is so popular I knew I needed to make a Trope Tuesday Book List post for it regardless. The books below are either a mix of the Second Chance trope romances that I personally loved, or ones that I might have not been too fond of but everyone else seems to enjoy.
Happy Reading!
1. The Ex Hex
Author: Erin Sterling
Series: The Ex Hex Series book # 1
Category: Paranormal Romance
Blurb
Nine years ago, Vivienne Jones nursed her broken heart like any young witch would: vodka, weepy music, bubble baths…and a curse on the horrible boyfriend. Sure, Vivi knows she shouldn’t use her magic this way, but with only an “orchard hayride” scented candle on hand, she isn’t worried it will cause him anything more than a bad hair day or two.
That is until Rhys Penhallow, descendent of the town’s ancestors, breaker of hearts, and annoyingly just as gorgeous as he always was, returns to Graves Glen, Georgia. What should be a quick trip to recharge the town’s ley lines and make an appearance at the annual fall festival turns disastrously wrong. With one calamity after another striking Rhys, Vivi realizes her silly little Ex Hex may not have been so harmless after all.
Suddenly, Graves Glen is under attack from murderous wind-up toys, a pissed off ghost, and a talking cat with some interesting things to say. Vivi and Rhys have to ignore their off the charts chemistry to work together to save the town and find a way to break the break-up curse before it’s too late.
2. For You
Author: Kristen Ashley
Series: The 'Burg Series book #1
Category: Contemporary Romance
Blurb
Lieutenant Alexander Colton and February Owens were high school sweethearts. Everyone in their small town knew from the moment they met they were meant for each other. But something happened and Feb broke Colt’s heart then she turned wild and tragedy struck. Colt meted out revenge against the man who brought Feb low but even though Colt risked it all for her, Feb turned her back on him and left town.
Fifteen years later, Feb comes back to help run the family bar. But there’s so much water under the bridge separating her and Colt everyone knows they’ll never get back together.
Until someone starts hacking up people in Feb’s life. Colt is still Colt and Feb is still Feb so the town watches as Colt goes all out to find the murderer while trying to keep Feb safe.
As the bodies pile up, The Feds move in and a twisting, turning story unravels exposing a very sick man who has claimed numerous victims along the way, Feb and Colt battle their enduring attraction and the beautiful but lost history that weaves them together.
3. Meet Me at the Lake
Author: Carley Fortune
Series: Stand Alone
Category: Contemporary Romance
Blurb
Fern Brookbanks has wasted far too much of her adult life thinking about Will Baxter. She spent just twenty-four hours in her early twenties with the aggravatingly attractive, idealistic artist, a chance encounter that spiraled into a daylong adventure in Toronto. The timing was wrong, but their connection was undeniable: they shared every secret, every dream, and made a pact to meet one year later. Fern showed up. Will didn't.
At thirty-two, Fern's life doesn't look at all how she once imagined it would. Instead of living in the city, Fern's back home, running her mother's Muskoka lakeside resort--something she vowed never to do. The place is in disarray, her ex-boyfriend's the manager, and Fern doesn't know where to begin.
She needs a plan--a lifeline. To her surprise, it comes in the form of Will, who arrives nine years too late, with a suitcase in tow and an offer to help on his lips. Will may be the only person who understands what Fern's going through. But how could she possibly trust this expensive-suit wearing mirage who seems nothing like the young man she met all those years ago. Will is hiding something, and Fern's not sure she wants to know what it is.
But ten years ago, Will Baxter rescued Fern. Can she do the same for him?
4. Broken by the Horde King
Author: Zoey Draven
Series: Horde Kings of Dakkar Series book #4
Category: Fantasy Romance
Blurb
Nine years ago, he broke my heart and never returned. I vowed to forget him…if only I could.
When I was a child, I fell in love with a Dakkari boy. The prince of our clan. Rukkar, we called him. For he was destined to become the greatest horde king of our time.
He was Kiran of Rath Okkili. My friend. My strong, unyielding protector. His mischievous smile and golden eyes made my heart flutter and my soul sing. And just when I began to believe he returned my love…he shattered me so completely and never once looked back to see how I’d survived.
Nine years later, he’s returned.
Only, he’s not a prince anymore.
He’s a horde king. Cold and cruel. With molten eyes like sin and a body made for war.
I promised myself I’d never love him again.
He intends to make a liar out of me.
Because he not only wants my love again…he also demands me as his queen.
5. Still Not Over You
Author: Nicole Snow
Series: Enguard Protectors Series book #1
Category: Contemporary Romance
Blurb
I'm SO over that gorgeous, scary, heartbreaking man who hates my guts.
I'm just counting on him to save my life.
Never, ever fall for your brother's hot older friend.
I flunked the test the instant I laid eyes on Landon Strauss.
Tall. Ripped. Commanding. Irresistibly alpha.
He gave a damn like no one else did.
His soul-searing eyes saw me, not just a nerd girl next door.
I had my idol, my destiny, and names for our future kids picked.
Then I read Landon's little black book.
One nosy peek exposed the shock of a lifetime.
His confession. His pain. His plan.
The sweet boy I loved was gone.
Hero-turned-villain-turned-bad-memory overnight.
Five years later, an insane slip of fate puts us under the same roof.
Sweet closure, I think.
I almost forget he hates me.
I almost think we'll talk like normal adults.
I don't expect the shirtless behemoth who comes barreling through my door.
Landon's grown up. All snarls, testosterone, and lethal chemistry.
We're in trouble, he says.
Oh, Landon. Oh, baby, don't I know it?
6. Bound to Submit
Author: Laura Kaye
Series: Blasphemy Series book #1
Category: Contemporary Romance
Blurb
From the ruins of an abandoned church comes Baltimore’s hottest and most exclusive BDSM club. Twelve Masters. Infinite fantasies. Welcome to Blasphemy…
He thinks he caused her pain, but she knows he’s the only one who can heal her…
Kenna Sloane lost her career and her arm in the Marines, and now she feels like she’s losing herself. Submission is the only thing that ever freed her from pain and made her feel secure, and Kenna needs to serve again. Bad. The only problem is the Dom she wants once refused her submission and broke her heart, but, scarred on the inside and out, she’s not looking for love this time. She’s not even sure she’s capable.
Griffin Hudson is haunted by the mistakes that cost him the only woman he ever loved. Now she’s back at his BDSM club, Blasphemy, and more beautiful than ever, and she’s asking for his help with the pain he knows he caused. Even though he’s scared to hurt her again, he can’t refuse her, because he’d give anything to earn a second chance. And this time, he’ll hold on forever.
7. Resting Witch Face
Author: Juliette Cross
Series: Stay a Spell Series book #5
Category: Paranormal Romance
Blurb
Twelve years ago, Jules Savoie ended her relationship with the vampire overlord of New Orleans, Ruben Dubois. For good reasons. A woman in power must often make sacrifices to protect others. She knows the truth of it down to her aching heart.
When Ruben watches his best friend Devraj get married, a stinging realization hits him hard…he’s done waiting. They say time heals all wounds. In this case, it merely sharpened the pain and made one fact crystal clear. Jules Savoie is his soulmate, and nothing would keep him from her. Not anymore.
Forced to work side by side to fight for the werewolf cause, they campaign together at covens from New Orleans to London. The reignited spark burns hotter than ever before. But when a power-hungry vampire sets his predatory sights on Jules, will their love be strong enough against black magic? Or will he lose her again? And this time, maybe…for good.
8. Until Lilly
Author: Aurora Rose Reynolds
Series: Until Series book #3
Category: Contemporary Romance
Blurb
When Cash Mayson was forced to choose between the love of his life and his unborn child, he knew exactly what he had to do. No matter how broken it left him.
When Lilly Donovan was forced to accept that the guy she loved wasn’t who she thought he was and became a single mother, she knew exactly what she had to do. Proving just how strong she was.
What happens when years later you find out that everything you thought you knew was a lie?
Can two people who once loved each other overcome the obstacles that are thrown at them and fall in love all over again?
Cash Mayson had forgotten how it felt to be loved Until Lilly came back into his life. And now that he remembers, he will do everything within his power to keep not only the woman that he loves, but also his children.
The power of love is a beautiful thing.
9. Whispers of You
Author: Catherine Cowles
Series: Lost & Found Series book #1
Category: Contemporary Romance
Blurb
One night—a single bullet—cost me everything.
My body, broken beyond repair. The boy I’d thought was my forever. The life I’d always dreamt of.
Now, Holt’s back. And he’s no longer a boy, but a man with shadows in his eyes and demons haunting him.
He says he’s here to make things right. To get back a little bit of all we’ve lost. And he doesn’t show any signs of leaving the small town that has been my refuge.
As stolen moments turn to days, Holt’s around every corner. With his burning stare and lingering touches. Before long, my walls come crashing down and I’m just hoping that taking this second chance isn’t as reckless as it feels.
But not everyone is happy that Holt has returned. As tragedy strikes again, I’m the one left in the crosshairs. And Holt might not be able to save me this time…
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