My review from GuiltyPleasuresbookreviews.com
Anyone who reads this site and my reviews knows I'm a sucker for reunion romances. I can't help it, call it a character flaw but I am really big on do-overs, so when I saw the synopsis for Second Chances by Rita Oberlies, I knew I needed to read and review it. I'm so happy I did because this was a complicated, witty, and delicious story about two people who deserve a chance to get it right.
I'm going to start this review with my one complaint and to me it's a biggie, the author had the characters calling each other by both their first and last names throughout the book. I found it very difficult and a little confusing at first because I didn't realize what was happening. The heroine's name is Brenna Morgan (yep, basically two first names) and at one point I thought it had been changed and they missed changing it in a couple of spots during editing. This distracted from what is a very good story and I just didn't see the point.
The characters in this book were very well written with genuine flaws and believable personalities. I liked that they came across as very human and someone you might actually meet in real life. Brenna Morgan is one mixed up lady. Don't get me wrong, she's completely likeable, friendly, caring, and devoted. But she has a lot and I do mean A LOT of baggage. The thing is she knows this and even though it sometimes gets in her way, she doesn't make excuses. She's returned home to Boston so her great aunt can help her take care of her grandmother who is suffering from dementia. She has no job, her bank account is dwindling, and the ex-love of her life is bound and determined to win her back. Luke Braden is a high powered attorney in a family of high powered attorneys. It's never bothered him that he and Brenna come from different worlds even though he knows it bothers her. He has somewhat of a white knight complex but for her, he's really trying to tame it down. I love that early one; we know Luke is determined to get Brenna back. It shows that despite the little game he tries to play, he's invested in them even though she's determined to steer clear. What I really admire is that even when Brenna takes a job that is below her education level and not a "normal" job for a woman, he doesn't say a thing. Believe me, I'm not sure many men of his social standing and prominence would have been able to. To me this is very telling of Luke's true nature and one reason he's absolutely a stand up guy.
Even though these two have a history, the author lets their relationship build over time. Luke is really good at breaking down the walls Brenna has erected and not pushing her. When he chooses to spend time with her aunt and grandmother it melts my heart, even though I'm sure he does it to get closer to her. When a tragedy strikes he's there to pick up the pieces and help her deal with people and things she really doesn't want to deal with. When Brenna finally opens up, I love that he doesn't judge just offers support and his help. I appreciate that Brenna realizes she's taking more than she's giving in this relationship. I also admire that fact that even though she knows Luke would help her financially with anything she wants or needs, she doesn't expect it and refuses to let him. It humbles me when she shares things with Luke she's never told anyone because even though she's broken, it proves how strong she's been her whole life.
I found Second Chances to be an interesting, emotional, and enjoyable book filled with realistic characters, witty banter, and a fantastic opportunity to get it right the second time around. Enjoy!
