Review – Second Chance Summer by Jill Shalvis (from MinnChica)

Second Chance Summer cover imagePublisher: Forever
Publish Date: Out Today
How I got this book: NetGalley
Reviewer: MinnChica

RESCUE ME

Cedar Ridge, Colorado, is famous for crisp mountain air, clear blue skies, and pine-scented breezes. And it’s the last place Lily Danville wants to be. But she needs a job, and there’s an opening at the hottest resort in her hometown. What has her concerned is the other hot property in Cedar Ridge: Aidan Kincaid-firefighter, rescue worker, and heartbreaker. She never could resist that devastating smile . . .

The Kincaid brothers are as rough and rugged as the Rocky Mountains they call home. Aidan has always done things his own way, by his own rules. And never has he regretted anything more than letting Lily walk out of his life ten years ago. If anyone has ever been in need of rescuing, she has. What she needs more than anything are long hikes, slow dances, and sizzling kisses. But that can only happen if he can get her to give Cedar Ridge-and this bad boy-a second chance . . .
*Blurb from Goodreads*

**Life got away from me, so I missed out on doing a joint review with E. You can read her review here.**

I’m a huge fangirl of Shalvis, and was so sad when she wrapped up the Lucky Harbor series. I loved the small town setting and unique cast of characters. I’m so excited to get another small town series from her, and am really looking forward to falling in love with this town and these characters. 🙂

I adored Lily and Aidan. I’m a big fan of second chance romance stories, and I liked that this one was a little different from the typical story within the trope. Lily and Aidan never really had their first chance. However, they never forgot one another, and were always thinking of one another throughout their lives. It was a sweet twist, and one I found I really liked.

A big things I liked about this book, and one aspect I think will stick out as this series continues, is the relationship between the Kincaid brothers and sister. With their dead-beat dad and different upbringings, they each bring something different to the table. They each have their own unique views of their father, their family, and their relationship to one another. The dynamics between them are complicated and convoluted and messy. But at the same time, they are stronger together than they are apart, and they love each other totally and completely. I love watching them interact, and I think as the series continues, their relationships with each other will continue to be a huge driving force in the series.

For me, the romance was a little on the slow side. While it really worked for Lily and Aidan as a couple, I felt like it was a bit sluggish at times as a reader. I wanted them to get over their past, put their egos aside, and really commit. They both struggled with that though, and because of it, I felt like their relationship was slow to develop and never reached the potential I wanted to see them at.

Let me just say that Shalvis has some AMAZING secondary characters in this series. Jonathan, Lily’s best friend and boss is one of my favorites. He’s wild and crazy and in-your-face and I absolutely adore him. Another favorite was Penny, who is the oldest Kincaid brother, Gray’s, fiance. She is fun and sexy and so sweet. I wish that Penny and Lily would have had the chance to bond more, hopefully it’ll come in future books. 🙂

I’m super excited for the next in the series, as Shalvis did an amazing job teasing us about Hudson’s character. I can’t wait to see him get his happily ever after, and maybe be teased a little by his heroine!

All in all, Shalvis is kicking off another great series that I can’t wait to glom onto. I love the relationship between her heroes, and with the added family dynamics, I know this series is going to blow me away. I’m anxious to read more!
I give Second Chance Summer a B-

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