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Second Chances
Charlie Bennett is a rising star in the world of sports journalism, but her personal life is a mess. Still hung up on her college sweetheart, a one-night-stand gone wrong convinces her that she needs to make a change. An offer for a one-year guest lecturer position from a small private university provides her the opportunity she needs to escape, and she jumps at it. All Charlie expected to find when she left Manhattan for rural New Hampshire was a little peace. Instead, she finds Mackayla Thomas. Eight years have passed since Charlie foolishly walked away from Mackayla, and Mackayla is determined to never let anyone hurt her that way again. For Charlie, their serendipitous meeting is a sign that happily ever after might finally be within her reach. First, however, she needs to find a way to convince Mackayla to let the past go, and to give her a second chance.
271 pages, ebook
First published July 4, 2013
82 people are currently reading
327 people want to read
About the author
M.J. Duncan
20 books442 followersMJ Duncan is a Southern California girl who traded in her surfboard for hockey skates when she moved to Minnesota. When not writing, MJ enjoys reading, climbing, swimming, and spending time with her family. You can also follow her on twitter (@mj_duncan) and tumblr (mjduncan).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
February 23, 2020
The leads had okay chemistry. The pace was way too slow. Also the excessive use of blonde and brunette bothered me a lot. The book had some cute moments but overall it was repetitive and a bit dull.
January 16, 2018
Entertaining. 'The blond', 'the brunette' is driving me crazy. I didn't think I was that picky, but it turns-out... I am.
December 7, 2021
Very desappointed by this book. I usually like Duncan's work (i looooved the Symphony trilogy) but i didnt get on board with this one.
The MC were likable, but i didn't feel there where a story at all. Nothing happened really and i just rushed reading the last third of the book just to be sure I didn't miss any plot. It just wasn't for me.
The MC were likable, but i didn't feel there where a story at all. Nothing happened really and i just rushed reading the last third of the book just to be sure I didn't miss any plot. It just wasn't for me.
March 19, 2015
2.5
There's really not much to this story, is there? I mean, it's seriously boring. Well written, with some funny moments, some hot moments, some sweet moments, but overall: so incredibly DULL.
Basically the story is: Charlie runs into Mac in a small town, 8 years after breaking up (it has to be fate, right?), Charlie instantly thinks "I need to get back with Mac" while Mac instantly thinks "I can never get back with Charlie, she broke my heart" (very original characterisation there), and the next hundreds of pages are about Charlie unsubtly going after Mac (getting her coffee and candy every day, complimenting her, following her everywhere...) until Mac gives in, and then there's a bunch of chapters where sex is involved, I love you's are whispered a million times, parents are met and a happy ending is reached.
More concretely:
- There is no angst at all in this book, nothing that made me want to keep reading. Everything goes well and as expected, I was almost expecting a "they lived happily ever after..." at the end. The lack of originality made the experience ten times worse, too
- I like stories where long lost lovers find each other again, I find the idea really romantic, but when there are no flashbacks I feel like I'm missing half of the story. I NEED to know more about them being together in the past, how they fell in love, how powerful their love was and why it's still alive now. We only get a few pieces of info here and there in Second Chances that don't really say much
- I didn't quite like the characters. There's really nothing interesting about Mac except that she's a great writer, and Charlie's dorkiness is definitely not as charming as she thinks. She's sweet, but the whole wooing thing is boring and conservative, and really, a desperate girl is NOT attractive to me
- I didn't like the stereotypical perverted males in this story either
- There is too much playful flirty banter, it gets old and borderline cheesy at times
I wouldn't recommend this book, but then again I AM difficult when it comes to romance. So if you feel really down one day and need cheering up, if you have a few hours to kill and have absolutely nothing to do, then I guess you should(?) read Second Chances.
There's really not much to this story, is there? I mean, it's seriously boring. Well written, with some funny moments, some hot moments, some sweet moments, but overall: so incredibly DULL.
Basically the story is: Charlie runs into Mac in a small town, 8 years after breaking up (it has to be fate, right?), Charlie instantly thinks "I need to get back with Mac" while Mac instantly thinks "I can never get back with Charlie, she broke my heart" (very original characterisation there), and the next hundreds of pages are about Charlie unsubtly going after Mac (getting her coffee and candy every day, complimenting her, following her everywhere...) until Mac gives in, and then there's a bunch of chapters where sex is involved, I love you's are whispered a million times, parents are met and a happy ending is reached.
More concretely:
- There is no angst at all in this book, nothing that made me want to keep reading. Everything goes well and as expected, I was almost expecting a "they lived happily ever after..." at the end. The lack of originality made the experience ten times worse, too
- I like stories where long lost lovers find each other again, I find the idea really romantic, but when there are no flashbacks I feel like I'm missing half of the story. I NEED to know more about them being together in the past, how they fell in love, how powerful their love was and why it's still alive now. We only get a few pieces of info here and there in Second Chances that don't really say much
- I didn't quite like the characters. There's really nothing interesting about Mac except that she's a great writer, and Charlie's dorkiness is definitely not as charming as she thinks. She's sweet, but the whole wooing thing is boring and conservative, and really, a desperate girl is NOT attractive to me
- I didn't like the stereotypical perverted males in this story either
- There is too much playful flirty banter, it gets old and borderline cheesy at times
I wouldn't recommend this book, but then again I AM difficult when it comes to romance. So if you feel really down one day and need cheering up, if you have a few hours to kill and have absolutely nothing to do, then I guess you should(?) read Second Chances.
June 14, 2017
3,5 rounded up
May 19, 2020
A basic second chance romance story that wasn't very well fleshed out. Simplistic writing and events therein.
I found myself frustrated at the constant descriptors of people "swallowing thickly" to convey emotion. It was written 37 times, I kid you not!
Similar goes for the descriptor of each MC being simply called 'the blonde' and 'the brunette' over and over again.
Also now I think on it, I realise not a whole lot happened and I don't really know much about the characters except their past hurt and regret of missing eachother.
Oh and the end 'drama' of deliberate miscommunication really pissed me off. How the heck a girlfriend can see her partner struggling and think "oh well I'm fixing it up next week/month whatever, so I'll let her in on my plans then, no biggie!" Is beyond me.
I found myself frustrated at the constant descriptors of people "swallowing thickly" to convey emotion. It was written 37 times, I kid you not!
Similar goes for the descriptor of each MC being simply called 'the blonde' and 'the brunette' over and over again.
Also now I think on it, I realise not a whole lot happened and I don't really know much about the characters except their past hurt and regret of missing eachother.
Oh and the end 'drama' of deliberate miscommunication really pissed me off. How the heck a girlfriend can see her partner struggling and think "oh well I'm fixing it up next week/month whatever, so I'll let her in on my plans then, no biggie!" Is beyond me.
December 12, 2021
I was not wholy convinved by the plot and neither by the all too stubborn resistance of Mac. The other thing that bothered me was Charlies stubborn refusal yowards the end, to share what she was doing with Mac.
Nevertheless it was a reasonably pleasant read, so 3.75 stars rounded to four.
Nevertheless it was a reasonably pleasant read, so 3.75 stars rounded to four.
April 18, 2015
It's a romance, no surprises... No twists or major angst. It's two women rekindling an old love.
May 3, 2020
In one sitting!
Yep, this goes into the 'one sitting' category which means it was such a sweet story that I couldn't bring myself to leave. I really fell in love with the characters, their shared history and resulting romance. A very sweet read with enough going on to add depth to what is simply a 'get the girl' story.
Yep, this goes into the 'one sitting' category which means it was such a sweet story that I couldn't bring myself to leave. I really fell in love with the characters, their shared history and resulting romance. A very sweet read with enough going on to add depth to what is simply a 'get the girl' story.
May 29, 2015
Well, it could have been 4stars.... But..
Its kinda annoying to read
She Licked her lips,
Brunette, blonde like a million times.
But then again its her debut novel.. So
Its kinda annoying to read
She Licked her lips,
Brunette, blonde like a million times.
But then again its her debut novel.. So
June 13, 2020
3.75 stars, a throwback hea story about college sweethearts.
June 1, 2018
sweet story about ability to reunite with the one. Few up and downs, but what a great read.
July 16, 2025
Drop everything and read this book!
MJ Duncan does it again and knocks it out of the park with this second chance friends to lovers romance! I absolutely swooned for Charlie and I loved Mac just as much! I could not put this book down and I loved every moment, especially the tension between the two FMCs and the adorable flirting!! I highly highly recommend!!
MJ Duncan does it again and knocks it out of the park with this second chance friends to lovers romance! I absolutely swooned for Charlie and I loved Mac just as much! I could not put this book down and I loved every moment, especially the tension between the two FMCs and the adorable flirting!! I highly highly recommend!!
October 17, 2022
Abandoned. I tried giving this a second chance but I just don't care anymore. It's not holding my attention and I no longer feel compelled to push through stories that don't do it for me. It's not poorly written, the characters just aren't interesting to me.
March 28, 2019
Yes the hair colour thing gets a little tired but on the whole a good book. Maybe a tad long but in the high 3s rounded up
May 30, 2018
Good
I enjoyed this book. I would recommend it. It is a reminder of early love and the harshness of coming out of the closet and the beauty of it as well. Once I started this book I did not want to put it down
I enjoyed this book. I would recommend it. It is a reminder of early love and the harshness of coming out of the closet and the beauty of it as well. Once I started this book I did not want to put it down
May 11, 2014
Started Out Good
The story started out well enough, but became boring and repetitious. The story line was predictable but is to be expected in a romance so I did not have a problem with that. What drove me crazy was the reference to the blonde or brunette and the green or blue eyes. Also, how many times does one swallow thickly, coughs softly or bites their lip. I could not tell what character's point of view the story was coming from sometimes as well. I found very few typos so that was good.
The story started out well enough, but became boring and repetitious. The story line was predictable but is to be expected in a romance so I did not have a problem with that. What drove me crazy was the reference to the blonde or brunette and the green or blue eyes. Also, how many times does one swallow thickly, coughs softly or bites their lip. I could not tell what character's point of view the story was coming from sometimes as well. I found very few typos so that was good.
September 6, 2018
I didnt really care for this. I didn't think the characters had any chemistry what so ever. 3 stars for a good story line but not much else.
November 26, 2020
Another great one
I really liked this story. The characters are engaging and easy to imagine. I loved the steamy parts too. I would highly recommend this book and this author.
I really liked this story. The characters are engaging and easy to imagine. I loved the steamy parts too. I would highly recommend this book and this author.
March 2, 2024
Eh
The names of the two main characters are the blonde and the brunette. I'm sure they have names, but they were referred to in this way at least two to one. The story was a typical they broke up eight years ago and bumped into each other accidentally, arguing with each other until they decided to make a go of it again.
That's pretty much where everything went downhill. You know they love each other, because it was said back-and-forth at least once every page. (OK that might be a slight exaggeration) but, the story was extremely anti-climatic after that. There was just a lot of "I love you," and a lot of sex. The story could've easily been a Novella instead of a novel.
What's really disappointing is that I really like almost everything else I've ever read by this author. This has to be one of her earlier works, because it is nowhere near as good as any of the newer things I've read. if you've never read a book by MJ Duncan, don't read this one first. Read something else. I highly recommend her other stuff, but I can only just give this one in "Eh.
The names of the two main characters are the blonde and the brunette. I'm sure they have names, but they were referred to in this way at least two to one. The story was a typical they broke up eight years ago and bumped into each other accidentally, arguing with each other until they decided to make a go of it again.
That's pretty much where everything went downhill. You know they love each other, because it was said back-and-forth at least once every page. (OK that might be a slight exaggeration) but, the story was extremely anti-climatic after that. There was just a lot of "I love you," and a lot of sex. The story could've easily been a Novella instead of a novel.
What's really disappointing is that I really like almost everything else I've ever read by this author. This has to be one of her earlier works, because it is nowhere near as good as any of the newer things I've read. if you've never read a book by MJ Duncan, don't read this one first. Read something else. I highly recommend her other stuff, but I can only just give this one in "Eh.
March 15, 2025
After one too many one night stands, Charlie Bennett has decided to make a change. Taking a sabbatical from her news job, she's off to be a visiting professor at a small college. Then she literally runs into the one that got away....
Mackayla 'Mac' Thomas is happy with her life as a English Prof, and she does not need her ex appearing. Worse, they're right up the hall from each other!
(Charlie and Mac were college sweethearts, but Mac was so far into the closet she lived in Narnia. When Charlie found out Mac intended to stay in the closet until she got her PHd, Charlie couldn't take it anymore, and demanded she come out or Charlie was leaving.)
After they start to make up, Charlie finds out Mac's father disowned her, so she now gets why Mac stayed closeted. On the other hand Mac realizes she had taken it too far, and back then she had refused to show any affection to Charlie outside the bedroom.
The two make up, and eventually admit they still have feelings for each other....
Mackayla 'Mac' Thomas is happy with her life as a English Prof, and she does not need her ex appearing. Worse, they're right up the hall from each other!
(Charlie and Mac were college sweethearts, but Mac was so far into the closet she lived in Narnia. When Charlie found out Mac intended to stay in the closet until she got her PHd, Charlie couldn't take it anymore, and demanded she come out or Charlie was leaving.)
After they start to make up, Charlie finds out Mac's father disowned her, so she now gets why Mac stayed closeted. On the other hand Mac realizes she had taken it too far, and back then she had refused to show any affection to Charlie outside the bedroom.
The two make up, and eventually admit they still have feelings for each other....
September 1, 2023
A Wonderful Second Chance Romance
Charlotte “Charlie” Bennett and Mackayla “Mac” Thomas hadn’t made it together the first time back in college but neither woman ever really got over the other. And when Charlie takes a sabbatical from her job at Sports Illustrated to teach for a year at a small college in New Hampshire, the last person she expects to encounter is Mac.
But once she does, Charlie knows what she wants and she goes to work trying to get Mac back. This is no easy task, as Charlie broke Mac’s heart when she walked away ten years prior. But Charlie is relentless, and Mac begins to realize that she still loves Charlie too.
This is a beautiful second chance romance novel where the characters feel real, the pacing seems believable, and the outcome is delightful.
MJ Duncan is one of my favorite authors and this book reinforces that once again. I recommend it highly.
Charlotte “Charlie” Bennett and Mackayla “Mac” Thomas hadn’t made it together the first time back in college but neither woman ever really got over the other. And when Charlie takes a sabbatical from her job at Sports Illustrated to teach for a year at a small college in New Hampshire, the last person she expects to encounter is Mac.
But once she does, Charlie knows what she wants and she goes to work trying to get Mac back. This is no easy task, as Charlie broke Mac’s heart when she walked away ten years prior. But Charlie is relentless, and Mac begins to realize that she still loves Charlie too.
This is a beautiful second chance romance novel where the characters feel real, the pacing seems believable, and the outcome is delightful.
MJ Duncan is one of my favorite authors and this book reinforces that once again. I recommend it highly.
October 30, 2022
Success
I’m an easy target for second-chance romance authors, so MJ Duncan’s Second Chances was likely to win my recommendation from Page 1. While I thought the story could have been better if there had been more tension between the estranged main characters, the book didn’t disappoint.
I found Makayla (Mac) and Charlotte (Charlie) to be quite likable, earnest main characters whose emotions and motivations were easy to understand. Their best friends, Spencer and Adam, respectively, were both too rambunctious for my taste, but I did believe their affection and support for Mac and Charlie was authentic.
I thought the story was well-paced and the sex scenes were amply intense and illustrative of the women’s love for and attraction to each other.
I’m an easy target for second-chance romance authors, so MJ Duncan’s Second Chances was likely to win my recommendation from Page 1. While I thought the story could have been better if there had been more tension between the estranged main characters, the book didn’t disappoint.
I found Makayla (Mac) and Charlotte (Charlie) to be quite likable, earnest main characters whose emotions and motivations were easy to understand. Their best friends, Spencer and Adam, respectively, were both too rambunctious for my taste, but I did believe their affection and support for Mac and Charlie was authentic.
I thought the story was well-paced and the sex scenes were amply intense and illustrative of the women’s love for and attraction to each other.
May 11, 2018
Very enjoyable read
This book was filled with humorous, fun dialogue and very likeable characters, both primary and secondary. I enjoyed the way Charlotte and Mackayla literally bumped into each other after many years apart.
Omg! The sexual tension was palpable, but the author took her time in getting Mac and Charlie truly back together, but when she did, the payoff was sizzling!!! The special romantic touches were sweet and the reason why so many of us love romance books.
"Watch out for flying footwear" sure brought the book full circle. Nice job, MJ!
This book was filled with humorous, fun dialogue and very likeable characters, both primary and secondary. I enjoyed the way Charlotte and Mackayla literally bumped into each other after many years apart.
Omg! The sexual tension was palpable, but the author took her time in getting Mac and Charlie truly back together, but when she did, the payoff was sizzling!!! The special romantic touches were sweet and the reason why so many of us love romance books.
"Watch out for flying footwear" sure brought the book full circle. Nice job, MJ!
June 12, 2018
Everyone Deserves A Second Chance
Two very likable characters who had a relationship in college that fell apart when one couldn’t come out of the closet. Now a bunch of years later and much more maturity under the belt they meet again and slowly and surely they come back into each other’s orbit. Can they get past the reasons they broke up the first time and rebuild what they once had? Lovely writing, good storyline, and fun sidekicks in the form of best friends. Enjoyable light read.
Two very likable characters who had a relationship in college that fell apart when one couldn’t come out of the closet. Now a bunch of years later and much more maturity under the belt they meet again and slowly and surely they come back into each other’s orbit. Can they get past the reasons they broke up the first time and rebuild what they once had? Lovely writing, good storyline, and fun sidekicks in the form of best friends. Enjoyable light read.
May 10, 2021
Enjoyable read
Second chances, fate, kismet, call it what you like, this was an enjoyable read. Angst. Steamy. Very surprised to find out this was the author’s debut novel. Mac doesn’t want her heart broken again by Charlie and only wants friendship. Charlie reluctantly agrees, but just can’t help but try, in subtle ways, to turn things around. Never crossing the line, but always being around. Her daily coffee runs where she always picks up coffee for Mac and they chat in Mac’s office before their classes begin. I definitely recommend this novel.
Second chances, fate, kismet, call it what you like, this was an enjoyable read. Angst. Steamy. Very surprised to find out this was the author’s debut novel. Mac doesn’t want her heart broken again by Charlie and only wants friendship. Charlie reluctantly agrees, but just can’t help but try, in subtle ways, to turn things around. Never crossing the line, but always being around. Her daily coffee runs where she always picks up coffee for Mac and they chat in Mac’s office before their classes begin. I definitely recommend this novel.
October 11, 2022
3.5 Stars
I enjoyed this book a lot but there was a writing choice that took me out of the book. I liked both of the main characters and the second chance romance that was a slow burn romance. What I struggled with is that Duncan kept using the hair color to distinguished the characters. For example, Charlie will be thinking about Mackayla and instead of using "her" or Mackayla, Charlie would use the blonde. I am not a fan of that and it through me out of the story. If not for that, thi would have been easily a 4 or 4.5 star story.
I enjoyed this book a lot but there was a writing choice that took me out of the book. I liked both of the main characters and the second chance romance that was a slow burn romance. What I struggled with is that Duncan kept using the hair color to distinguished the characters. For example, Charlie will be thinking about Mackayla and instead of using "her" or Mackayla, Charlie would use the blonde. I am not a fan of that and it through me out of the story. If not for that, thi would have been easily a 4 or 4.5 star story.
October 26, 2023
I love an MJ Duncan novel....
And I really loved this one..... Except, it needed a thorough start to finish proof read, it was littered with grammatical errors, and that's a first for an MJ Duncan. It also bothered me with the excessively overused verb/adverb combo of 'swallowing thickly' - there are other descriptive phrases out there....
All that aside, the heart of an MJ Duncan novel was still there, beautiful moments between the MCs who take you on their journey, and I really enjoyed that the besties were both brilliant straight males!
And I really loved this one..... Except, it needed a thorough start to finish proof read, it was littered with grammatical errors, and that's a first for an MJ Duncan. It also bothered me with the excessively overused verb/adverb combo of 'swallowing thickly' - there are other descriptive phrases out there....
All that aside, the heart of an MJ Duncan novel was still there, beautiful moments between the MCs who take you on their journey, and I really enjoyed that the besties were both brilliant straight males!
October 24, 2020
I was kind of excited reading this since I knew Charlie from reading Unadulterated Something (which is totally one of my faves). I am becoming a fan of MJ Duncan and since I’ve read some of her books, I thought I should read her works by the year it was released(and also to may or may not understand all the references to the other books lol). This is an angsty novel which i truly love. I love both of the characters too. There are people these two somewhat remind me of. It was a good read overall. Can’t wait to finish the next one from MJ.
April 14, 2020
💗🌈 SECOND BOOK🌈💗
This being the 2nd one of your books that I've enjoyed . Not to mention the only two I've finished ✔ ! I'll be starting " Symphony in blue " after writing this review . My review is anyone that takes the time to indulge themselves in this or the other book I've already reviewed titled " Unadulterated Something " will definitely be glad they did !
KUDOS 💗 MJ !
This being the 2nd one of your books that I've enjoyed . Not to mention the only two I've finished ✔ ! I'll be starting " Symphony in blue " after writing this review . My review is anyone that takes the time to indulge themselves in this or the other book I've already reviewed titled " Unadulterated Something " will definitely be glad they did !
KUDOS 💗 MJ !
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews