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Seaside Cowboys #1

Seaside Cowboy's Second Chance

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A woman with broken dreams and promises. A cowboy with a broken—by her—heart. A stray dog with a possibly broken paw. And everyone with a dangerous secret. Even the dog.
When free-spirited Skylar Rafferty left her beachside hometown, she promised her high school sweetheart she’d return soon and marry him. Fifteen years later and no longer free-spirited, she returns to plan the wedding—her grandmother’s. When her grandmother’s fiancé goes missing, Skylar turns to her former sweetheart for help while aching for a second chance.
Cowboy Dallas Lawrence can’t believe the woman who crushed his heart has wandered into his life again. But strange things connected to her family are happening in their quaint tourist town, and when her life is in danger, he can’t walk away. But he can’t get his heart broken again, either.
Welcome to Port Sunshine, a small coastal town where a family of cowboy brothers discover the treasures of love and uncover the mysteries of their pasts.

Book 1: Seaside Cowboy's Second Chance
Book 2: Seaside Cowboy's Best Friend
Book 3: Seaside Cowboy's Marriage of Convenience

241 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 15, 2023

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About the author

Alexa Verde

122 books319 followers
Alexa Verde writes feel-good small-town romances with a smile. She'd love it if you subscribed to her newsletter https://dl.bookfunnel.com/gitieu15ex. Every subscriber gets a free Christian romance after confirming the subscription as a thank-you gift.
She penned her first literary "masterpiece" (a rhymed poem) at the ripe age of eight, and since has had over forty books and 200 short stories, articles, and poems published in the five languages that she speaks. Over 60 million pages of her books have been read worldwide. She has bachelor's degrees in English and Spanish, a master's in Russian, and enjoys writing about characters from diverse cultures. She's worn the hats of reporter, teacher, translator, assistant, model (even one day counts!), and caretaker, but thinks that the writer's hat suits her the best. She hopes and prays that her stories will bring joy to her readers. Heartfelt thanks for your interest in her books!

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5 stars
607 (63%)
4 stars
226 (23%)
3 stars
92 (9%)
2 stars
19 (1%)
1 star
10 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
Profile Image for Rebmay.
3,030 reviews48 followers
July 24, 2023
Alexa has deftly blended a sweet second chance at love romance with an intriguing mystery. As teenagers, Dallas and Skylar were sweethearts and engaged to be married until the day she left him behind. Then she said she needed time and she would be back. Now fifteen years later, Skylar is back in town, but she is a shadow if the vibrant young woman she used to be. Dallas tells himself to stay clear of the woman who broke his heart, but that is not to be. It seems God, along with a few helpers, both humane and canine, is determined to bring Dallas and Skylar back together. Both have never forgotten the other or been able to give their hearts to another. Resurfacing memories of a horrifying incident in her childhood led her to leave her grandmother and the man she loved behind behind fifteen years ago in an attempt to protect them. Now, a dangerous incident and her grandmother’s missing bridegroom have Skylar on edge. Steadfast, loyal and big-hearted, Dallas is determined to help and protect Skylar and her grandmother, even though Skylar seems to push him away one moment, then draw closer the next. He needs to know why she left, why she has changed so much and what has burdened her soul. Will he get his answers? Could Dallas and Skylar have a happily ever after this time around or will there be more heartbreak?

I received an ARC of this book and I am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
668 reviews
May 21, 2024
Skylar and Dallas

Skylar can't believe she's back home, home after 15 years. She just hopes that she hasn't made a big mistake. After all, the voice that day warned her not to come back unless she wanted something to happen to her grandmother and Dallas. Dallas, the man she loved and was going to marry. Oh, how she knew she had hurt him breaking off their engagement. How will he react to her being back? Only how can she not come home with her grandmother getting married? After all she did for Skylar when not only her mother but her father disappeared all those years ago. Her grandmother was all she had left by way of family except for her many cousins. Skylar is nothing like what she had been growing up. She hasn't painted since she left town, and now she wears muted colors, not pastels, and definitely not dresses! Only has trouble followed her? Will what she remembers from that day and "that" cabin haunt her? What about her grandmother's fiance, Earl? Why isn't he there? The wedding is supposed to be in just a few short weeks. How will things fall into place? Or will they? Only one way to find out is to read this great story by Alexa Verde.
1,089 reviews22 followers
July 24, 2023
Seaside Cowboy's Second Chance has truly likable characters. I was definitely rooting for the romance between Skylar and Dallas to work out. Despite the hurt that Skylar had caused him, Dallas still treats her kindly and helps her. Skylar's grandmother and Dallas's mother might just meddle a little. The plot had some twists that completely caught me off guard. I enjoy author Alexa Verde's easy-to-read writing style. . Also, the author seamlessly weaves faith into her story. I would definitely read more of this series, Seaside Cowboys, and more from this author. I recommend this to readers of clean and of Christian romance and for readers who like mystery and a little suspense in their books.
I received a complimentary copy and am sharing my opinion of this well-written story.
Profile Image for Paula Hein.
95 reviews
July 23, 2025
DNF - did not finish because life is too short to torture myself trying to finish this insipid book!
There is some hidden event that caused the main character to flee town and pretend to be someone else, but I made it 60% through the book and still don't know what it is, and sadly, I do not care. The lack of information did not build tension or make me curious, it had me checking to see if this was actually the first book in the series because I was missing something. I did not care for that writing device at all. The characters are forever whining in the heads about how much they want each other ad nauseum and the author spells out things that she already illustrated - as if her illustration wasn't enough to make the point. It's boring. Big NOPE for me.
2,440 reviews15 followers
July 23, 2023
Marvelous beginning to the new series by Alexa Verde. It is a book full of danger, mystery, and secrets. Skylar witnessed something terrible as a child and her memories of the event were suppressed until she was in college and threatened vy someone knowing what she witnessed. The threats made her return her engagement ring to her soulmate and leave her grandmother in the care of the community. Fifteen years later her grandmother is getting married and wants her to return to help with the details. When the groom disappears and Skylar seems to be targeted she turns to her ex fiance, Dallas, for help. Will Dallas be able to help her discover who has targeted her before it is too late?
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
1,189 reviews
July 24, 2023
Seaside Cowboy’s Second Chance ( Seaside Cowboy’s Book #1 )
By Alexa Verde
Seaside Cowboy’s Second Chance is a brand new start to a new series, Seaside Cowboy’s.
A woman with broken dreams and promises, a cowboy with his heart broken, and a dog with maybe a broken paw. Second chances, kept secrets, mystery, and suspense will keep you reading way in the night. Alexa Verde has a way of keeping you on the edge of your seat with her clean romance and suspense. Love the story and the characters. Looking forward to reading the next book in this series. I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions army own.
10 reviews
July 24, 2023
A page turner of a mystery revolving around “that house” with captivating characters and a romance just for grins! Who doesn’t love second chances? Most of us have needed them in life and I’ve heard of many who have experienced second chance romances. Good for a little heart pounding as well as some heart throbs, this Seaside Cowboy series opener creates a mystique around a house with a tragic history as well as a tragic present. High school sweethearts trust one another while striving to peel layers of mystery as a cook would peel an onion. Not only did I thoroughly enjoy this stand alone book, but I anticipate the next in the series. Alexa Verde just gets better and better!
1,165 reviews26 followers
May 30, 2024
Great small town romance

I love this story because not only a small town romance but it has a mystery with twists and turns. Skylar Rafferty has returned home for her Grandmother's wedding. But she fears her return can cause old troubles to return. Also she was afraid to meet her old fiance. Dallas Lawrence. Skylar left 15 years ago thinking that by leaving she was protecting her Grandmother and Dallas. Now she's back and her Grandmother's fiance has disappeared. Did this have anything to do with what happened many years ago when her father disappeared? Will the past effect the present? Can Skylar and Dallas find their love again?
141 reviews
August 2, 2023
The first book in a new series by Alexa Verde, Seaside Cowboy's Second Chance is a sweet, romantic suspense story. Skyler and Dallas were high school sweethearts and had their life planned out together. But then tragedies and secrets drove them apart. Years later, Skyler returns, and they discover that their love is stronger than ever. But the tragedies and secrets still need to be resolved. The suspense keeps you reading and guessing all the way to the end. This is a delightful start to a new series.
Profile Image for Renate Deutsche Oma.
1,460 reviews
July 25, 2023
Alexa Verde’s new series Seaside Cowboys is part mystery and part romance and makes the reader ponder life, relationships between friends and family, and a theme: Is hope a dangerous thing? Or can it be the source of our greatest love? Seaside Cowboy’s Second Chance is a story with a twist and turn plot, with relatable characters (a free spirit granddaughter, a grandmother, a dog named Breeze, a cowboy and family), red herrings and a believable resolution. An inspirational summer read.
1,418 reviews8 followers
July 26, 2023
Alexa Verde’s book Seaside Cowboy’s Second Chance:
In this book you will read about secrets kept to protect loved ones, dangers faced and a love that lasts forever. Skylar and Dallas’s story will have you on the edge of your seat waiting to see what happens next. When Sklar returns home to help her grandmother get everything ready for her wedding she is worried about seeing Dallas again. I had the honor to review this book for the author for a honest review.
Profile Image for Lucia Valenzuela.
2,090 reviews13 followers
August 8, 2023
A sweet second chance with a healthy dose of mystery and suspense. Skylar and Dallas are very interesting characters that Alexa Verde has created that will draw you into their feelings and lives. Despite their resolve not to, their love is rekindled; but their HEA might still elude them.
Great story that will keep you tuning the pages.
I received a free copy of this book and this is my voluntary, honest review.
1,509 reviews26 followers
August 28, 2023
Second Chance Romance

I loved this second chance romance between Skylar and Dallas. The characters were wonderful and the suspense of a murder mystery that happened fifteen years earlier kept me reading. The HEA ending and the epilogue are perfect and I highly recommend this book by Alexa Verde. This book is the first in her Seaside Cowboys series. It is a standalone with the final chapter leading into the next book which I look forward to reading.
637 reviews
November 10, 2024
Never neglect the one you Love

Skyler neglected Dallas because she was afraid. Little did shpe realize until years later that she needed the time to mature. Dallas was crushed when she canceled thier wedding, due to fear. This was a very poignant story and lessons learned. Alexa grabs your attention within the first page and you can't help but try to keep up and protect Skyler throughout the story. Definite five star
564 reviews2 followers
December 17, 2024
I enjoyed this romance with big doses of mystery, suspense, and danger. Skyler has lots of secrets and Dallas has reason to be careful around her. The problem is he is still in love with her and he can’t stay away. There were times when I felt the story slowed with repetition, but I wanted to know the outcome so kept reading. I’m intrigued by Dallas’ brother Kai, so will probably pick up the second book in the series.
Profile Image for Katheryn Bargas.
379 reviews
March 22, 2026
This Author is new to me and I Love her! I just read her first book in the series Seaside Cowboys! Seaside Cowboy's Second Chance and fell in love it! Now I need to read all of them! Second chance at love with some suspense in the mix! Wow! What a combination! Alexa Verde keeps you on your toes!
You're rooting for the lovers and cheering them on and trying to keep them safe all at once! Great read!
Profile Image for MaryEllen.
3,148 reviews33 followers
July 24, 2023
Despite the mystery and the scene of its rehashing being really intense, the story was mostly a lighthearted second chance romance. Plenty of will-they/won't-they moments interspersed with investigating and remembering.

We also get to meet a couple of Dallas' brothers, that I'm sure we'll see more of in the series!
498 reviews2 followers
August 25, 2023
A do over for a couple who were in love many years ago.

Loved being with this author again. Dallas and Skylar story was sweet with some suspense. Dallas became, her love protector and hero all over again. They had a lot from their past to wade through. But with the help of their family and a special dog all turned out well.
Profile Image for Linda Klager.
1,057 reviews49 followers
September 9, 2023
Alexa asked her readers to name the town in this book. I suggested Port Sunshine and she took my suggestion. I was so happy!

I loved the story and a bit of a mystery was involved, too. The author really kept me guessing. It is so great to know that sweethearts also have a second chance for love.

I hope you like this book as much as I did!


315 reviews1 follower
May 20, 2024
Nice characters

The story had sweet characters. But it was very slow moving.
Same anguished emotions played out with no communication about what happened. Only "I'll talk about it when I'm ready."
And all the time there are murderers running around.
In reality, it didn't make sense.
Profile Image for Suzette Lawes.
137 reviews
May 23, 2024
A Second Chance at Love and Life

Skylar and Dallas story was extraordinary. Not many people find their love so early and know what to do with it. I kept reading just to find out what happened at the cottage and so will you. Would recommend as the reason for the second chance was a little different.
17 reviews
June 11, 2024
A story that has everything....

This great story has love, suspense,tales of murder, heart breaks and finally a happy ending ....to say I enjoyed this book is an understatement... I loved it and could not find a good stopping place. Thank you so much for the wonderful entertainment...
1,643 reviews16 followers
August 14, 2024
A mystery I could not solve. She had a lifetime of secrets that she could not reveal because of the danger. But what danger was in this small town? The threat was old and she almost didn’t believe it anymore and then there was her love whom she jilted years ago without explanation. It’s a great mystery
856 reviews8 followers
September 29, 2024
A great mystery romance. Skylar and Dallas grew up together and were planning to get married after graduation. Several unexpected deaths happened in their families that broke up their lives. Skylar left her grandmother's home and didn't return for fifteen years. This is where the story picks up. A surprise ending with many questions answered.
Profile Image for Michaela (Reading in the Heartland).
3,838 reviews96 followers
July 24, 2023
I enjoyed this second chance romantic suspense. The suspense wound through the book and had me constantly on edge and guessing. I like the small town and family aspects. It was a nice read.

I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
587 reviews3 followers
August 6, 2023
Great book!

This book has everything! Mystery, intrigue, romance and second chances. It also has an adorable dog, a cottage with bad memories attached, and a secret cove. It draws you in and keeps your attention to the very end. Can't wait for the next book in this series.
148 reviews
August 23, 2023
Another enjoyable read!

As expected Alexa Verde has brought her readers into a mystery along with a sweet romance. She provides entertaining characters, intriguing storylines a and suspense. Try it you'll like it!
Profile Image for Rebecca White.
1,603 reviews8 followers
October 3, 2023
Thrilling

As always Alexa's books keep me on the edge of my seat. This one was filled with intrigue that slowly unfolded through the book. I enjoyed the characters. Begin reading early in the day so you don't have to sleep before you finish.
26 reviews
November 3, 2023
Too Formal

Good storyline BUT it’s written too formally. What guy in his 30s on a ranch talks like Dallas did? Please and thank you were very overused as was lemonade. It should’ve been written more realistically.
842 reviews5 followers
May 13, 2024
Enjoyed!!!

The mysteries kept you guessing, the love story kept you swooning! There is a good flow to the story with wonderful detail about what is happening. You will truly enjoy this story!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews