Grump & Doc’s Second Chance Providence

by Nicki Pearls

Stuck next door to my ex, untold secrets emerge… After 8 years, I knew Beckett would resurface, when his dad was diagnosed with terminal cancer. Beckett’s been too angry with him to bother visiting. But that’s not why he left, it was our marriage ending, He left when I wanted off the emotional rollercoaster. Now here we stand, my heart pounding, my mind racing Then I hear car doors opening and footsteps coming, Caught between concern for my ex-father-in-law and panic over how Beckett will react when he discovers what I’ve been hiding for 8 years, it’s time for me to go. And I think I’ve escaped until I hear banging on my door, The pain in Beckett’s blue-gray eyes says it all, he knows.

205 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 1, 2023

About the author

Love writing clean romance novels. It's fun to imagine the plot and how the characters are going to interact, then throw in interesting facts, a splash of humor and a dash of mystery!

Reviews

[Lori · Rating 3 out of 5]

The storyline is filled with lots of tough emotions. If you are expecting a light-hearted romantic comedy, then this book may not be for you. Even though the characters are relatable, the overall tone was a bit sad for me. The writing is very good and tells of love rediscovered through challenging circumstances. If you want a book with more depth and struggle, I think you'll be pleased with this one; it just wasn't for me.

[Merry Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lily and Beckett were so in love and they eloped to get married on the spur of the moment. But when Lily had to take charge of everything including getting through her medical internship while Beckett is trying to find himself. He didn't know what he wanted to do with his life, so he wasn't doing anything. Lily had enough and told him she wanted a divorce and he left in his truck and didn't come back. That is until 8 years later when he came back to try and make amends with his father since his father was dying of cancer and he felt guilty of not staying in touch all that time. But much to his chagrin, Lily lives next to his father and the hate is still there between them. But it is 8 years later and Lily and Beckett's family have a big secret to share. When he finds out, he hates her even more and she still doesn't want him any where near her as well, Will this secret bring them together? Doesn't look like it. But is there a chance? This is a wonderful sweet second chance romance that will keep you turning pages until the end. I received and ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

[Lesley Barklay]

This book contains a second-chance romance between a divorce couple, a surprise child (the husband didn't know she was pregnant when they broke up), healthy family relations between the ex sister-in-law, ex FIL, and the FMC, and depiction of the FIL suffering from cancer. If any of those things sound good to you, you might want to check this out.

The author did introduce a bit of a mystery plot in the last ten percent, but I'm not really sure how it related to the story as a whole, except that the danger allowed the couple to realise (once and for all) how much they still love one another.

To be honest, this book wasn't for me. I struggled to get through it, and ended up skim reading to finish, but just because I didn't enjoy it, doesn't mean you won't.

[Mary Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this novel about a man and woman reuniting after being separated and divorced for eight years. Both had some maturing to do as they tried to work together for the sake of their young son and his terminally ill father. Both had to forgive past grievances and become responsible for their decisions and actions. My only concern about this book was the author's use of summary. There wasn't enough dialogue for the reader to be able to move quickly through the story. Her prose, however, is very good, her descriptions are well-thought-out, and her point of view gives the reader two sides of the story. I will look for other books by this author to see how they are written.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beckett and Lily had a whirlwind romance and got married young, then divorced. Beckett left and tried to find a life in New York. Lily stayed in Providence by Beckett's family. When Beckett's Dad gets really sick he finally decides to come home after 8 years. What he didn't expect to find was his ex-wife still there and that she has an 8 year old son.
Life has changed Beckett and Lily for the better. They might just have a shot at a second chance. This is a sweet romance and story of forgiveness and redemption.

[Rita Kunselman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book by Nicki! It made me shed tears while people were close to death, laugh & celebrate the happy time and hold my breath waiting for something to happen! The love between Beckett & Lily, the love of their family Tre, Kylie, Owen and Calla Rose makes everyone wish that everyone would have such a lovely family! Nicki has all kind of feelings in this book and I would recommend this to anyone who wants to read a good book! I received this book as an ARC but that has not influenced my review!

[Jane litherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lily and Beckett have a quick romance and quicker wedding but when she tires of always having to keep house while he doesn’t know what he wants ,she throws him out and asks for a divorce .. Eight years pass and when he comes back to his hometown to visit his father who is dying of cancer he gets a shock that a . She lives next door and b. She has an eight year old son! He’s angry and betrayed by his family but can he see past this to a second chance of getting it right? Read on and discover in this wonderfully written book
I read an arc of this book and my review is voluntary

[Wren Woodland · Rating 4 out of 5]

Their feelings never entirely went away

A nice second chance book of choices and consequences of those choices, of growing, learning, changing of perspectives and showing grace. I loved the secondary characters, they added to the story. The whole coin thing just seemed to be a gratuitous add. I have to admit, when I saw the title and the book cover I thought it was a rom/com, so when I read the prologue it really caught me off guard. It took me a minute to adjust my perspective of what I was going to be reading.
Clean.

[Merry Jelks-Emmanuel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beckett and Lily married young and divorced. While Beckett left town Lily remained and close to her now ex in-laws. When Beckett's father comes down with cancer he returns and finds out that he has a son. Now that he knows will it lead to him and Lily rekindling their love and a second chance for happiness. This story kept me in Beckett and Lily's corner to get their chance for happiness.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Margie · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is easy to try to second guess Lily’s decision to keep Tre a secret from his father, even while letting Beckett’s family in. Beckett definitely needed the 8 years to mature. I enjoyed this story and watching Lily and Beckett work through problems and issues that come when he returns to care for his dad. I really enjoyed this book.

[Alice · Rating 3 out of 5]

Preachy

Character's musing through out book explain what the reader should be concluding. At times statements are what character should have thought/ acted on earlier. Age brings wisdom?

[Lisa Mcginn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn’t put it down!

[Tracy Fritts · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought it was a really good second chance story. It's a page turner, enjoyable characters. It's well written and a good storyline.

[Jude · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed reading

[Kindle eldniK · Rating 5 out of 5]

In my opinion this book most definitely deserved the five stars I have given it. In all honestly I tend to read with a critical eye and I could only find minute quibble in regards to this book. It completely touched on all of the things that make a book great.

The characters were rich, filled with depth and background. Both the character's and there interactions with each other were believable and genuine. The topics of matter included were realistically common but, wide ranged. I could hear, smell and feel the surrounding settings throughout.

Just from the cover I came into this book expecting a second chance rom-com. This was a misconception on my part. I was pleasantly surprised with where it took me. I usually guage my like of a book on a couple of things like: Evidence of proofread and editing, a happy ending, smooth word flow, does the book and characters pull me in?

All aspects were positively met. I did also quite enjoy the little background, story within the story about the missing coin as well. I was a little bemused by the Grump part in the title. I totally didn't see that. If anything, more of a parodical son type to me. With that said I truly think there is something for everyone to enjoy in this book.
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC copy, but am leaving a voluntary personal and honest review.

[Rebecca Hill · Rating 3 out of 5]

Grump & Doc's Second Chance Providence is a second-chance clean, contemporary romance featuring neighbours Beckett Smith and Dr. Lily Perry.

Eight years ago Lily and Beckett were married. They thought it was the right choice for them but Lily needed someone she could rely on and come home to and Beckett had some growing up to do. When Lily broke it off, Beckett left and never came back.

Beckett's father has been diagnosed with terminal cancer and his time is running out. Even though his family has been asking for him to return, he's been busy working in construction, making a life for himself, in NYC. Knowing that his father's time is running out, he finally comes home. He is surprised to discover that Lily still lives next door having thought she would have moved upwards and onwards years ago. But that's not the only surprise.

Lily and Beckett find themselves spending more time together, learning how they've changed, and reconnecting.

From this reader's perspective, this was a bittersweet story about growing up, and having to make tough decisions about what is truly important in life. While the book offers a HEA ending, we also see the decline of the MMC's father's death, and learn more about his heartbreak.

[Jane litherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lily and Beckett have a quick romance and quicker wedding but when she tires of always having to keep house while he doesn’t know what he wants ,she throws him out and asks for a divorce .. Eight years pass and when he comes back to his hometown to visit his father who is dying of cancer he gets a shock that a . She lives next door and b. She has an eight year old son! He’s angry and betrayed by his family but can he see past this to a second chance of getting it right? Read on and discover in this wonderfully written book.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lori · Rating 3 out of 5]

The storyline is filled with lots of tough emotions. If you are expecting a light-hearted romantic comedy, then this book may not be for you. Even though the characters are relatable, the overall tone was a bit sad for me. The writing is very good and tells of love rediscovered through challenging circumstances. If you want a book with more depth and struggle, I think you’ll be pleased. Just wasn’t for me.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Fatima · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It had such a quaint almost Emily Henry feel to it. Also it made the point that we all make mistakes in life and I liked that, no character was perfect. I love that Nicki Pearl's books have a strong family theme running through it. It's quite refreshing and the little mystery is always a bonus. A good solid story and also an author I'm adding to my must read list. A solid story and a great second chance romance.

[LaRae Galloway · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty enjoyable second chance romance. I did not agree with the decision about keeping knowledge of their son from Beckett but I thought Lily was a strong character. Beckett's character was a bit harder to like for me. Maybe because his attitude after so long didn't seem very different but I enjoyed seeing the change in him finally. Good clean story.

[Jennifer H. · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love second-chance romance, this is the book for you! Lily and Beckett didn’t have a successful first marriage, as Beckett’s priorities were off. Give or take 8 years and people grow up. When Lily and Beckett bump into each other, and then Beckett finds out he is a dad, everything changes. Read their love story!!! You won’t regret it!

[Peggy Mangum · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Book of Second Chances and Big Surprises. Finding out what's Most Important in Life. Nicki writes wonderful clean books that anyone can enjoy. I Highly Recommend this Book. 😊