Friday, April 3, 2015

Unwrapping My Favorite Second Chance Romance Novels...

Second Chance Romances are some of my favorite romance reads, whether in contemporary, historical, or even paranormal. After all, PERSUASION by Jane Austen is a classic second chance romance. I love the idea of two people recognizing how they’ve changed since the breakup, and who are now willing to prove themselves worthy of a second chance to win back love. We get to watch the spark that brought them together originally re-ignite and grow into something amazing. I’ve seen studies, which show how some couples who marry, divorce, and reunite in a second marriage usually have a stronger marriage and commitment to each other than the first time around. With experience, and age come wisdom, as well as maturity, I suppose, and those things in combination probably do make for better relationships.

When it comes to romance novels, it always seems to come down to the feeling that two people are truly meant to be together. If they’re not, no matter how connected they are, attracted to each other, or in love, the reader won’t get behind it.

I was watching a scene from THE NOTEBOOK, and got to thinking about Noah and Allie. If she hadn’t decided to face her misgivings about marrying Lon, she might never have met up with a Noah again. Then what? Would they have met again later in life? Is it fate or just luck when it comes to a second chance at love?


Of course, I’m still trying to figure out how he got up those stairs with his pants around his ankles. What an amazing man to be able to do that without falling. Hee Hee!

Of course, Mr. Sparks refuses to call his book a romance but we all know it has the sweetest happily ever after of any.

Some of my favorite second chance romances are:

The entire Second Chance series by Peggy Bird…all worth reading.

TEXAS WIDE OPEN by K.C. Klein…an amazing book which takes you to the past, back to the present, and back again, all while telling an incredible love story.

COLLIDE, a Barker Triplet novel by Juliana Stone…one of my all-time favorites.


ACADIAN WALTZ by Alexandrea Weis is 
not a traditionally second chance romance in that the relationship was unrequited but once they were together, it was explosive. Love this book.

SECRET MANEUVERS, an Ex Ops novel by Jessie Lane – I still love the way this was written, first person from two different points of view.



SWEETEST MISTAKE, a Sweet Texas novel by Candis Terry…it’s a Candis Terry novel, what more do I need say? Jackson and Abby forever.


VAMPIRE INTERRUPTED, an Argeneau novel by Lynsay Sands…it’s only fair that the family matchmaker get a second chance for romance with her beloved Julius. I really should write a review for this one…




And of course, PERSUASION by Jane Austen because Anne was a woman who grew with her years, and who learned to stand up for herself against family and society. Of course, had the Captain not been able to forgive, Anne and Elliot might never have had a second chance at love

So what are your favorite second chance romances? Movies work too!


Happy Reading Everyone! 

7 comments:

kipha said...

LOL That comment on Noah getting up the stairs was hilarious. Totally forgot about that scene.

But I have lots of second chance romances I read. I might have to make a list to see which ones are my favorites but I have read lots of them. =)

literarymeltingpot said...

These are great! I admit, though, the movie version of The Notebook blew me away!

Tasty Book Tours said...

Has to be ANY MAN OF MINE by Rachel Gibson...Always comes to my mind when I think of Second Chance Romance!!

Amy Valentini said...

I admit the movie, THE NOTEBOOK is one of my favorites. It's by far the best done of Nicholas Sparks's books.

I had never noticed in that scene that he still had his pants around his ankles when he climbed the stairs until I was watching this clip, and then I watched a couple of times to make sure. Why didn't he have to hop up the stairs? LOL!

Lisa, ANY MAN OF MINE by Rachel Gibson is definitely one for the list. xo

Elizabeth H. said...

I totally love Vampire, Interrupted! That is a HUGE second chance love story! I especially love the aprt where everyone is trying to help Julius woo Margaurite!

Second chance love stories are my favorite trope! I love that the characters have a history, it makes them more believeable.

Some of my fave second chance love stories are:

The Return of Brody McBride by Jennifer Ryan
Return to Me by Kelly Moran
Hunter Reborn by Katie Reus
Dylan's Redemption by Jennifer Ryan
Shelter Me by Catherine Mann
For The Longest Time by Kendra Leigh Castle
Branded by Laura Wright
Forgotten Sins by Rebecca Zanetti
Better Than Perfect by Kristina Mathews
Hope Burns by Jaci Burton
Talk Dirty to Me by Dakota Cassidy
Twisted by Rebecca Zanetti
Edge of Dawn by Lara Adrian
Blind Faith by Rebecca Zanetti
Darkness Awakened by Katie Reus

Just to name a few :-)

Elizabeth H. said...

I meant to say that it gives the characters more depth :-)

Amy Valentini said...

Oooh, Elizabeth, thanks for the adds to my already overpoweringly TBR list. I agree because of the history the characters share, second chance romances do allow characters much more depth.
Thanks for sharing your favorites. xox