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Second Chances #2
Loving Again
One spring evening, at an art gallery opening, Portland police detective Sam Richardson meets Amanda St. Claire, a talented, young glass artist. He's immediately attracted to her. Trouble is, they're introduced by Amanda's boyfriend, restaurant and club owner Tom Webster.
Then, Webster is murdered and Amanda's accused of killing him. Amanda and Sam grow closer as they try to clear her name. Strange things begin to happen. Another glass artist publicly accuses her of stealing his ideas. She's stalked while out running errands. The sensor on the back door to her basement keeps going off, as if someone is trying to get into her house. Her studio is repeatedly broken into.
Then, two more people are killed and the evidence points, again, to Amanda as the killer. And this time, Sam's life is threatened, too. On her own Amanda comes up with a plan to protect him. A plan that means she will have to shut him out of her life. But she can't let anything happen to him, not after everything he did for her.
Even if it means losing the only man she's ever loved.
"Sensuality Level" Hot
Then, Webster is murdered and Amanda's accused of killing him. Amanda and Sam grow closer as they try to clear her name. Strange things begin to happen. Another glass artist publicly accuses her of stealing his ideas. She's stalked while out running errands. The sensor on the back door to her basement keeps going off, as if someone is trying to get into her house. Her studio is repeatedly broken into.
Then, two more people are killed and the evidence points, again, to Amanda as the killer. And this time, Sam's life is threatened, too. On her own Amanda comes up with a plan to protect him. A plan that means she will have to shut him out of her life. But she can't let anything happen to him, not after everything he did for her.
Even if it means losing the only man she's ever loved.
"Sensuality Level" Hot
224 pages, Paperback
First published November 12, 2012
2 people are currently reading
332 people want to read
About the author
Peggy Bird
40 books105 followersBorn in Philly, raised in the suburbs, I moved to the Northwest as an adult and, other than a year in England and a couple years in Montana, have happily lived here ever since.
My work life has been more complicated. I was a nurse, political staffer, lobbyist, association executive and community affairs consultant before I followed my passions to writing and art glass. Not as much money but a whole lot more fun.
In 2012 my life changed dramatically when several of the books I'd started out writing as mysteries were contracted for publication by Crimson Romance. Since June of that year I've had six books in the Second Chances series released as ebooks and trade paperbacks and a second series, A Holiday for Romance, begun.
Some of the characters in my books share my love of glass art--there's a gallery owner and a kiln-formed glass artist, a glass jewelry artist who has better luck making perfect beads than I do and, in the first Holiday for Romance book, a glass blower. It's an enjoyable way to share my love for glass art through my other love, writing.
All of the books take place primarily in the Pacific Northwest where I live but sometimes Philly, where I grew up. slips in. It's easy writing romances in such a beautiful setting!
I love to hear from readers so feel free to contact me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/peggybirdauthor
or Twitter: https://twitter.com/peggybirdwrites
My work life has been more complicated. I was a nurse, political staffer, lobbyist, association executive and community affairs consultant before I followed my passions to writing and art glass. Not as much money but a whole lot more fun.
In 2012 my life changed dramatically when several of the books I'd started out writing as mysteries were contracted for publication by Crimson Romance. Since June of that year I've had six books in the Second Chances series released as ebooks and trade paperbacks and a second series, A Holiday for Romance, begun.
Some of the characters in my books share my love of glass art--there's a gallery owner and a kiln-formed glass artist, a glass jewelry artist who has better luck making perfect beads than I do and, in the first Holiday for Romance book, a glass blower. It's an enjoyable way to share my love for glass art through my other love, writing.
All of the books take place primarily in the Pacific Northwest where I live but sometimes Philly, where I grew up. slips in. It's easy writing romances in such a beautiful setting!
I love to hear from readers so feel free to contact me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/peggybirdauthor
or Twitter: https://twitter.com/peggybirdwrites
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
May 30, 2013
This one had a Romance Suspense kick to it, still very good! We get to see how Amanda and Sam get together and I have to say, they are quite the sexy pair! Who doesn't like a Tall Handsome Detective who wears Cowboy Boots and Loves his Sons!
October 20, 2012
When glass artist Amanda St. Claire and Detective Sam Richardson meet, it's under dire circumstances. Her boyfriend, Tom Webster has been murdered and Amanda is apparently his killer. Throughout the investigation, Sam can't deny the growing attraction as they endeavor to clear her name.
One year later, the attraction has grown but neither have acted upon it. To escape the backlash of the murder trial she heads off to Seattle. They spend a passionate night together but make a deal - for her to come back to Portland and take a chance on developing a relationship. Months later after the usual exchanges of emails, text and phone calls Sam makes a surprise visit to Seattle to convince Amanda to come back and make good on the deal.
Moving back to Portland things have returned to normal, but odd situations start to crop up around her leading to the death of two people. Thrust back into a world of being accused of murder, Amanda has to again prove her innocence, only this time she can't include Sam in her quest. Her plan has to protect him especially as she's fallen in love with him, even if she hasn't quite said it out loud.
Who's behind these killings? Can Amanda save the only man she's ever loved? Will he understand her motives and what will the future hold for them?
In book two of her 'Second Chances' series, Bird's romance is still set in the art world, however this time from an artists point of view. Amanda and Sam are strong, determined people and their budding relationship blossoms into a gentle yet steamy affair. The story line is more involved and the author includes past events with enough detail so as not to lose the building main plot. The author has created great tension and drama but never losing sight of the importance of the growing partnership. With the descriptions of creating art from glass as well as police work, this book has great depth for a fairly short read.
Being able to explore the artsy world of Portland again was great. I really felt the chemistry between Sam and Amanda and liked the fact the story included a character from her previous book. Having said that, it can still be read as a stand alone novel. I liked Bird's use of language and simple descriptions and her love scenes are steamy but not crude. It's an easy read and thoroughly enjoyable. Another recommended read for the hopeless romantics out there.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author to review. The opinions expressed are my own and I am not required to give a positive critique.
One year later, the attraction has grown but neither have acted upon it. To escape the backlash of the murder trial she heads off to Seattle. They spend a passionate night together but make a deal - for her to come back to Portland and take a chance on developing a relationship. Months later after the usual exchanges of emails, text and phone calls Sam makes a surprise visit to Seattle to convince Amanda to come back and make good on the deal.
Moving back to Portland things have returned to normal, but odd situations start to crop up around her leading to the death of two people. Thrust back into a world of being accused of murder, Amanda has to again prove her innocence, only this time she can't include Sam in her quest. Her plan has to protect him especially as she's fallen in love with him, even if she hasn't quite said it out loud.
Who's behind these killings? Can Amanda save the only man she's ever loved? Will he understand her motives and what will the future hold for them?
In book two of her 'Second Chances' series, Bird's romance is still set in the art world, however this time from an artists point of view. Amanda and Sam are strong, determined people and their budding relationship blossoms into a gentle yet steamy affair. The story line is more involved and the author includes past events with enough detail so as not to lose the building main plot. The author has created great tension and drama but never losing sight of the importance of the growing partnership. With the descriptions of creating art from glass as well as police work, this book has great depth for a fairly short read.
Being able to explore the artsy world of Portland again was great. I really felt the chemistry between Sam and Amanda and liked the fact the story included a character from her previous book. Having said that, it can still be read as a stand alone novel. I liked Bird's use of language and simple descriptions and her love scenes are steamy but not crude. It's an easy read and thoroughly enjoyable. Another recommended read for the hopeless romantics out there.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author to review. The opinions expressed are my own and I am not required to give a positive critique.
December 28, 2012
My Review:
This is a very involved story which covers about a year's worth of time. In the beginning Sam and Amanda are newly dating, but she's just gone through a really tough time and is in the process of relocating for six months to Seattle to get her life straightened out. They've just discovered each other and Sam doesn't really understand Amanda's need to leave for such a long period. He doesn't want her to go. That's where the story starts, but then it covers the next year of Sam and Amanda's life as they grow into a relationship and then Amanda's world falls apart once again.
This is a romantic suspense, but the romance is different from what you normally find in romance novels. When the book starts, they are already dating. What you see instead of blossoming feelings, is the development of a loving relationship and all the growing pains and learning of each other that it takes to get there. Because in the midst of this new relationship, there is a new threat in Amanda's life and she has scars from her past especially when it comes to trust. When her world fell apart before, it was Sam who saved her from it all. This time she is determined to stand on her own two feet and be stronger than she was before. What she doesn't realize is that this is bigger than she can handle. She needs to trust her cop-boyfriend to help her out.
I liked this book.Even though Sam and Amanda spend a lot of the book at odds with each other, it never read as confrontational. I always felt like they were a strong couple regardless of the roadblocks thrown at them and I liked that. I liked Amanda and her independent spirit as much as I loved Sam and his need to protect her. There were times when the suspense seemed a little bit too easy, but overall it worked for me. It definitely kept me engaged with the story and dying to know what was going to come next.
Overall, it's definitely one I'd recommend and I'd even read again. I'll be watching for more of this author's books.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
This is a very involved story which covers about a year's worth of time. In the beginning Sam and Amanda are newly dating, but she's just gone through a really tough time and is in the process of relocating for six months to Seattle to get her life straightened out. They've just discovered each other and Sam doesn't really understand Amanda's need to leave for such a long period. He doesn't want her to go. That's where the story starts, but then it covers the next year of Sam and Amanda's life as they grow into a relationship and then Amanda's world falls apart once again.
This is a romantic suspense, but the romance is different from what you normally find in romance novels. When the book starts, they are already dating. What you see instead of blossoming feelings, is the development of a loving relationship and all the growing pains and learning of each other that it takes to get there. Because in the midst of this new relationship, there is a new threat in Amanda's life and she has scars from her past especially when it comes to trust. When her world fell apart before, it was Sam who saved her from it all. This time she is determined to stand on her own two feet and be stronger than she was before. What she doesn't realize is that this is bigger than she can handle. She needs to trust her cop-boyfriend to help her out.
I liked this book.Even though Sam and Amanda spend a lot of the book at odds with each other, it never read as confrontational. I always felt like they were a strong couple regardless of the roadblocks thrown at them and I liked that. I liked Amanda and her independent spirit as much as I loved Sam and his need to protect her. There were times when the suspense seemed a little bit too easy, but overall it worked for me. It definitely kept me engaged with the story and dying to know what was going to come next.
Overall, it's definitely one I'd recommend and I'd even read again. I'll be watching for more of this author's books.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
October 25, 2012
Reviewed for Hearts On Fire Reviews
Poor Amanda. She just can’t catch a break, can she? First she chooses a major loser boyfriend in the form of Tom Webster, who has the audacity to be killed. Worse, Amanda is accused of that killing and it takes a lot to prove she didn’t do it. The Portland police department is basically using her as a scapegoat it seems, since there are dirty police involved. When it is all over, she is moving to Seattle. Much as the police detective who is falling for her, Sam, wants her to stay for personal reasons, she needs to go off and prove she can put this behind her. I admit, I thought a little less of her for this. If you are out to prove you can take care of yourself, running away didn’t seem the way. Worse, she sleeps with Sam first, even as she is saying she doesn’t know she will ever return to Portland. I thought this callous of her. But she’s been through a lot, we can cut her some slack.
Sex in this book is more off page than on. It’s there, but it’s not overwhelming the plot or the story. There are some funny moments (such as when Sam decides it’s tacky to offer a woman dinner and offer her a hard-on and no food instead. Because he’s a keeper, he opts to go for food.
Amanda keeps a lot of secrets from Sam in the name of doing things on her own or protecting him. Maybe she is gun shy from the earlier tragedy, not sure. The mystery aspect of this, I wish the characters had been fleshed out a bit more, because we don’t really get to know them as they related to Amanda as well as I would have liked. I did lucky guess as to the “whodunit” but I can’t take any credit for solving, it was literally a guess.
The writing is smooth throughout the story. There are no jarring discrepancies to pull you out from the plot (something that makes it so hard to get back into). Amanda is definitely a flawed character but she’s one you can care about.
Poor Amanda. She just can’t catch a break, can she? First she chooses a major loser boyfriend in the form of Tom Webster, who has the audacity to be killed. Worse, Amanda is accused of that killing and it takes a lot to prove she didn’t do it. The Portland police department is basically using her as a scapegoat it seems, since there are dirty police involved. When it is all over, she is moving to Seattle. Much as the police detective who is falling for her, Sam, wants her to stay for personal reasons, she needs to go off and prove she can put this behind her. I admit, I thought a little less of her for this. If you are out to prove you can take care of yourself, running away didn’t seem the way. Worse, she sleeps with Sam first, even as she is saying she doesn’t know she will ever return to Portland. I thought this callous of her. But she’s been through a lot, we can cut her some slack.
Sex in this book is more off page than on. It’s there, but it’s not overwhelming the plot or the story. There are some funny moments (such as when Sam decides it’s tacky to offer a woman dinner and offer her a hard-on and no food instead. Because he’s a keeper, he opts to go for food.
Amanda keeps a lot of secrets from Sam in the name of doing things on her own or protecting him. Maybe she is gun shy from the earlier tragedy, not sure. The mystery aspect of this, I wish the characters had been fleshed out a bit more, because we don’t really get to know them as they related to Amanda as well as I would have liked. I did lucky guess as to the “whodunit” but I can’t take any credit for solving, it was literally a guess.
The writing is smooth throughout the story. There are no jarring discrepancies to pull you out from the plot (something that makes it so hard to get back into). Amanda is definitely a flawed character but she’s one you can care about.
November 14, 2012
Terrific mystery romance worthy of 4 and half stars!
LOVING AGAIN, book 2 in the Second Chance series by Peggy Bird is a gripping, fast-paced story that sucks in the reader very quickly and holds them there as the mystery surrounding Amanda St. Claire deepens even as the passion between her and Sam heats up substantially.
Having not read book 1 in the series, I was surprised and pleased by how quickly Peggy caught me up with the back story and kept me glued to this one. LOVING AGAIN by Peggy Bird works so well as a stand-alone that even if you haven't read BEGINNING AGAIN - which I plan to read as soon as I get a chance - you will want to after reading LOVING AGAIN.
I highly recommend this contemporary romance for its steaminess, it's thriving mystery and its characters who create a real world feel that many contemporaries tend to be lacking. Read LOVING AGAIN by Peggy Bird if you love a mystery that keeps you guessing right up to the last kiss.
***eARC provided by author in exchange for an honest and unscripted review.
LOVING AGAIN, book 2 in the Second Chance series by Peggy Bird is a gripping, fast-paced story that sucks in the reader very quickly and holds them there as the mystery surrounding Amanda St. Claire deepens even as the passion between her and Sam heats up substantially.
Having not read book 1 in the series, I was surprised and pleased by how quickly Peggy caught me up with the back story and kept me glued to this one. LOVING AGAIN by Peggy Bird works so well as a stand-alone that even if you haven't read BEGINNING AGAIN - which I plan to read as soon as I get a chance - you will want to after reading LOVING AGAIN.
I highly recommend this contemporary romance for its steaminess, it's thriving mystery and its characters who create a real world feel that many contemporaries tend to be lacking. Read LOVING AGAIN by Peggy Bird if you love a mystery that keeps you guessing right up to the last kiss.
***eARC provided by author in exchange for an honest and unscripted review.
April 16, 2013
I love delving in to the art world of downtown Portland, and Peggy Bird brings all its richness to life once again, in Loving Again. As in her first book in this series, Beginning Again, we are immersed in a world of beauty and passion . . . and treachery! In this well-turned story, our heroine, Amanda, is getting her life back together after having been framed for the murder of a boyfriend she didn’t know was a crook. She might even have the spark of a promising relationship getting underway. Unfortunately, there are others who seek to impede her progress, stifle her creativity, and derail everything she has sought to regain. It’s a good thing she is strong and determined, but will that be enough? This book is well written and compelling. Well done.
I purchased this book online and have given this review freely and without monetary compensation.
I purchased this book online and have given this review freely and without monetary compensation.
November 20, 2012
I enjoyed Peggy Bird's Loving Again very much but couldn't help kicking myself for not having read Beginning Again first. So I'm going to do things backwards because now I have to see every exciting thing that was merely alluded to in the follow-up. I want to see the first sparks of attraction, be witness to all the deception and danger that spilled over from that first book and propelled this one. And I don't mind learning more about art glass nor will I mind warming to the hero all over again. Yep, I'm Loving Again - but in reverse. Pick them both up.
I received an ARC of this story from the author but that in no way compels me to give anything other than an objective and unbiased review of the work in question.
I received an ARC of this story from the author but that in no way compels me to give anything other than an objective and unbiased review of the work in question.
October 31, 2012
I loved Amanda and Sam. They were attracted to one another from the beginning, but the timing was never right. Then they finally get together and she is set up for another murder and she doesn't want to feel like the damsel in distress, which causes problems. Amanda starts to put some distance between them to try to keep Sam safe. Smart? Of course not. But people do stupid things all the time. I wanted to give her a hug and tell her it would be ok. So, I liked this one. There is steam, suspense, and a hot cop. What more could you want? If you haven't read it, check out the first book in the Second Chances series, Beginning Again. It is Liz and Collins' story.
November 26, 2012
Peggy Bird's Loving Again focuses on the attraction between a very hot cop and a glass artist/murder suspect. When Amanda moves to Seattle, the attraction is strong enough for Sam to drive up to surprise her and has his own surprise when she admits to being willing to move home to give their relationship a chance. I love the glass making details that give depth to the story. When Amanda's threatened, she keeps silent, not wanting to make their relationship all about the victim and the protector, a motivation I get.
Great story, exciting pace, and, oh so hot, steamy sex.
Note: I was provided an ARC for review as a professional courtesy. No monetary or other compensation was involved.
Great story, exciting pace, and, oh so hot, steamy sex.
Note: I was provided an ARC for review as a professional courtesy. No monetary or other compensation was involved.
October 20, 2012
Peggy Bird’s Loving Again is the perfect way to spend an evening. Her smooth writing style carries the reader effortlessly through the developing story, and the romance between glass artist Amanda St. Clair and cop Sam Richardson is hot and fulfilling. Readers will root for both Amanda, a glass artist and murder suspect, and Sam, a cop who believes Amanda is innocent.
Loving Again is a well-developed, smoothly flowing romance that will leave you satisfied and eagerly awaiting her next book.
Loving Again is a well-developed, smoothly flowing romance that will leave you satisfied and eagerly awaiting her next book.
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January 13, 2013Yes, I read this book. I wrote this book. I'd love it if you'd read this book, too, and tell me what you think. That's much more interesting to me than what I think.
February 1, 2013
My opinion: This is not a very strong genre for me to review in. I find that I can review some in this area fine and I thoroughly enjoy them while others turn me off completely. Unfortunately for Loving Again, I found the latter. The book was VERY HEAVY on romance and sex versus using it to support the mystery storyline.Furthermore, minus the sexual scenes, I found the writing to be incredibly superficial in its' presence.
Source: Author for review
Would I recommend? : I would recommend this book to HEAVY romance/erotica readers. There is an audience for this type of book. Those who enjoy them would, I believe, enjoy the series.
Stand Alone or Part of a Series: Part of series
Source: Author for review
Would I recommend? : I would recommend this book to HEAVY romance/erotica readers. There is an audience for this type of book. Those who enjoy them would, I believe, enjoy the series.
Stand Alone or Part of a Series: Part of series
October 25, 2014
I liked this book much better then the first one
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews