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Is the cost of a second chance at love too steep when the currency is their own lives?

In the close-knit town of Bell Ridge, Texas, Jackson Boone has settled into his role of serving others as a firefighter. While on a trip to Miami, a chance encounter reunites him with his first love, and sparks ignite. Their night together kindles an explosive chemistry, but by the time he wakes the next morning, she's gone.

Back in Bell Ridge, Jackson remains oblivious to the life-altering secret she carries—a baby that may be his.

Grace Miller is ensnared in a perilous web of abuse, trapped in a relationship with a man who concealed his true wickedness until it was too late for her to escape. When she endures a brutal beating for uncovering the dark secrets behind his wealth and status, Grace risks everything to flee from her life in Miami, seeking refuge in the town she loved visiting each summer growing Bell Ridge, Texas.

Returning with bruises and a shattered spirit, Grace remains tight-lipped about the true extent of her troubles. Jackson, immediately determined to protect Grace and her unborn child, confronts the shadows that threaten to tear their second chance at happiness apart. As Jackson unravels the danger surrounding Grace's life, they quickly discover that her ex will stop at nothing to reclaim what he perceives as his.

Will Jackson and Grace realize in time that in the heart of Clarence County, family isn't merely a tie that binds— it's actually the ultimate source of strength and support?

346 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 22, 2024

559 people are currently reading
802 people want to read

About the author

Tilly H. Colson

16 books134 followers
Tilly H. Colson is a contemporary romance author who enjoys writing stories filled with emotion, heartache, and happily ever afters for men who range from golden retrievers to alpha protectors, and the amazing women they love!!

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5 stars
334 (30%)
4 stars
362 (33%)
3 stars
258 (23%)
2 stars
98 (9%)
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27 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
Profile Image for Emma.
177 reviews
September 8, 2024
It was basically a constant cycle of the fmc crying, the mmc being completely lovely and constantly reassuring and the fmc not telling anyone anything, dragged a lot, couldve easily cut it down with a bit less crying
Profile Image for Karmen.
1,023 reviews33 followers
November 8, 2024
Sorry but Grace is annoying AF! Terrible character.
Profile Image for RateTheRomance.
1,023 reviews118 followers
March 14, 2025
endlessly annoying main characters

I liked the first book in this series, but JACKSON has the worst main characters ever. Both of them are just whiny AF.

This entire book is non-stop convos like this...

"You don't have to be sorry. I'm the one who's sorry"
"No, you're not a burden, I'm the burden"
"I don't want to talk about it— it's in the past"
"I'm no good for you. You'd be better off without me"
"You can't possibly love me when I'm so unlovable"
"Did I mention I'm a burden today yet?"

It's so incredibly annoying.
Profile Image for Katie.
289 reviews17 followers
June 19, 2024
After the last chapter of Hank, I had to continue to the next book in the series to make sure that Grace was ok. And Grace was very far from ok. I struggled to put this book down until I ensured everyone was safe. And while many of the twists were predictable, I still found myself really enjoying this book. The lead into the 3rd book wasn’t quite as intense, but I know I will need to continue and see if Emma can get her happy ending.
Profile Image for Candece.
61 reviews1 follower
October 20, 2024
Lost stars for Grace being annoying. Jackson saved this book.

Profile Image for Jodie Lauren.
1,960 reviews3 followers
May 27, 2024
Grace needs to escape now or the next time will be the last time. Finally able to get away she heads towards her cousin but she only makes it to the edge of town and the fire station where her ex Jackson works. To say he is surprised to see her is an understatement as she gave him the slip about 8 months previous but even more shocking is that she seems to be about 8 months pregnant and very bruised! He let her go once before but he won’t make the same mistake again. Regardless of who is coming after her!

I didn’t like how she wouldn’t admit the truth about the baby being either her ex or Jackson’s. I am little disappointed that even after all they had been through, she wouldn’t tell him anything. Also annoyed the death of his bff was kinda glossed over. It was also frustrating with the stupid ending and how she went anyway!

Xx
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for ThEAnGrYrEaDeR55.
160 reviews20 followers
November 20, 2024
Gosh it was pretty boring. Sweet but predictable. I mean I finished it. I didn't hate it. But it seemed super repetitive until I skimmed.

Trigger Warnings- miscarriage and on page abuse

Grace is living in Miami with Carter. Her boyfriend of almost three years who is beating her while she's heavily pregnant. We learn he's a rich guy with a shady past who treated her like absolute gold (in her mind- you can see controlling behavior in flashbacks) until she told him she was pregnant. He started hitting her immediately, isolating her, stole her credit/debit cards and broke her phone. Essentially she was living in a prison until the last time he beat her so bad she almost died. She's high risk pregnancy now (like 7ish months?) along and finally leaves so he doesn't kill the baby.

She runs with some slight help. Runs all the way to Texas where we learned she has a house she shares/inherited with her cousin Daisy (first book). Almost all the way there she gets dizzy, pulls over and faints in front of a firehouse. Enter in Jackson- her high school boyfriend. Who gets all he man huffy puffy protective of her immediately as it's obvious Grace is on the run. She's also bruised and beat head to toe.

We learn about 8 months ago (hint, hint) Grace found out Carter was cheating on her. She breaks up with him over the phone and heads to a bar where she sees Jackson again for the first time in ten years. (They were HS sweethearts, got pregnant, lost the baby and went separate ways). They have a one night stand. One Grace immediately regrets because she goes crawling back to Carter the next morning.

And of course, duh duh duhhhhh she doesn't know who the baby's father is.

This book is ruined IMO by Grace. She's a very difficult character to like even if she's a scared, beaten down and abused woman. That sounds terrible but she literally refuses for the entire first half of the book to tell ANYONE what happened to her because she's scared. Okay, I get that but she's in another state, being threatened and harassed, has her baby to think about, her cousin is married to a cop, Jackson is a firefighter and former military, Jackson's brother is a cop... you see where I'm going?

She cries. Panic attacks. Cries. Then stubbornly goes NO I won't tell you! Cries. Sobs. Panic attacks. NO I won't tell you! Cries. Panic attacks. Sobs.

Literally. She doesn't even want to admit to Jackson, who is instantly in love with her again, wants the baby no matter what, is majorly OTT protective of her and thinks she's the one that got away, that he MIGHT be the father. She's selfish as shit and whiny as fuck. Her solution to everything is to have a panic attack, cry, refuse to talk and try to run away because somehow she thinks running until her psycho ex captures and kills her is better than telling anyone literally anything. Every time she's threatened, which is a lot, and someone asks her what's wrong she lies.

Jackson saved the book- what a character of a man. It's his baby FYI. He's ridiculously sweet and caring and protective and cuddly and yum.

Predictable as far as the ex going crazy goes, I knew what was going to happen before it happened and Grace /Jackson getting together but a quick and easy read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Joanne Barton.
472 reviews1 follower
March 18, 2024
Is the cost of a second chance at love too steep when the currency is their own lives?



In the close-knit town of Bell Ridge, Texas, Jackson Boone has settled into his role of serving others as a firefighter. While on a trip to Miami, a chance encounter reunites him with his first love, and sparks ignite. Their night together kindles an explosive chemistry, but by the time he wakes the next morning, she's gone.



Back in Bell Ridge, Jackson remains oblivious to the life-altering secret she carries—a baby that may be his.



Grace Miller is ensnared in a perilous web of abuse, trapped in a relationship with a man who concealed his true wickedness until it was too late for her to escape. When she endures a brutal beating for uncovering the dark secrets behind his wealth and status, Grace risks everything to flee from her life in Miami, seeking refuge in the town she loved visiting each summer growing up: Bell Ridge, Texas.



Returning with bruises and a shattered spirit, Grace remains tight-lipped about the true extent of her troubles. Jackson, immediately determined to protect Grace and her unborn child, confronts the shadows that threaten to tear their second chance at happiness apart. As Jackson unravels the danger surrounding Grace's life, they quickly discover that her ex will stop at nothing to reclaim what he perceives as his.

This is the second book in the “Men of Clarence County” and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The first book, “Hank”, is a must read - even though not required, I would read this one first. The book has so many twists and turns - from page to page, chapter to chapter, you will not be able to put it down! The story is intriguing from the start and I could not put it down. At times I was “figuratively” on the edge of my seat at times!

You cannot fall in love with Gracie and Jackson - teenage sweethearts 💗 Will they get a second chance and if so, will it work out this time? You will have your fingers crossed 🤞 especially with so many twists and turns! I cannot wait for the next book in the series. Highly recommended 😊😊
Profile Image for Rebmay.
2,811 reviews50 followers
March 21, 2024
Jackson and Grace’s story has everything I like in romance. First he is ex military and a firefighter. (Men in uniform are hot!). Second, he is a very protective alpha male with giant heart that belongs to only one woman, his Gracie. Third, this is a second chance at love story with the angst and suspense that I love because it makes a story even more fascinating. As well, the main characters are realistic, fallible and fascinating. They easily evoked both my empathy and admiration and I couldn’t wait to see them get their second chance at love and a happily ever after.

Jackson and Grace knew each other as teenagers, made mistakes and parted. Ten years later they spent a very passionate night together, but she left him before he woke believing they could never have a future together. Now, very pregnant and terrified, she has fled her abusive and dangerous ex to come to the small town where she spent much her childhood. The first person Grace runs into is Jackson, the man she hasn’t been able to forget and who could well be the father of her baby.

Even though her situation is complicated, Jackson doesn’t hesitate to step up and offer her both his support and protection. He is determined to reclaim her and is willing to raise the baby she is carrying whether or not it is his. But Grace is afraid to put him in harms way, afraid to put her heart on the line again and also afraid to trust her own judgment sometimes. She has made so many mistakes that have cost her dearly and now she has a baby counting on her to make the right choices. Grace soon realizes that she and Jackson belong together and make a formidable team with a whole lot of friends and family close by to offer them unconditional support.

I loved reading this captivating book and would be happy to recommend it.
Profile Image for Carrie.
159 reviews8 followers
October 29, 2024
Heart Pounding

Based on the ending of book 2, I don’t think mentioning the domestic violence aspect of this book will come as a surprise.
Domestic violence is a hard topic, either to live through, or to write about. I don’t have personal experience with it myself, but I’m sure I know people who do. It seems to be one of the biggest unspoken topics between friends. People in those situations feel like they deserve what’s happening because of their own actions (dinner not ready, house not clean, rambunctious kids, etc.), or they feel they aren’t worthy of love and care and compassion.
EVERYONE IS WORTHY OF LOVE AND CARE AND COMPASSION!
I’m not sure of the mindset of an abuser, if it’s due to their upbringing, or if they’re “wired wrong/different” or if something in their daily life happens and the switch flips. Either way, hitting another human being is wrong. Some people may feel justified, but there are other ways to work out frustrations. There are other ways to resolve differences. Controlling someone, isolating them from their family and outside life, physically and emotionally harming them, is not the way to solve anything.
This was a good book, well written, and kept me wanting to finish. I had to put it down to sleep and deal with hungry people in my house, but it was worth the wait to finish. I am enjoying this series!
Profile Image for Gwen Shafer.
2,208 reviews39 followers
March 26, 2024
This is the first book that I have read by this writer and in the series. But I will be reading more. Grace is fighting for her life and the life of her unborn child. She is with a man that is trying to destroy her. She takes the leap and runs. She runs back to her hometown. The one and only place she feels safe. Instantly she runs into someone that she has always had feelings for and shared quite a night with. But trouble and danger follow up. Jackson will do whatever it takes to protect Grace and her child. But will it end up taking his life? This story was intense, page turning and down right gripping. I loved it from beginning to end. Twists and turns you never see coming. Jackson and Grace will fight for happiness but will it be enough. Tilly has gained a fan and I will be reading more from her.
Profile Image for Karen B.
1,476 reviews24 followers
November 17, 2024
Intrigue and suspense. Protectiveness and vulnerability. Second chance at true love. Danger in a small town. It was so good to return to Clarence County! Jackson is all for letting his fierce protective, yet teddy bear-ish kind nature shine for Grace, his high school sweetheart, after she returns to their hometown pregnant and having fled an abusive situation. Their second chance at love is so enduring and sweet…but not perfect. Such a captivating, small town romantic (with the perfect amount of open-door spice) suspense book. Mental health matters-please review for potential content warnings. So thankful to the author for an electronic version of this book but it in now way affected my review. 4.25 stars!!
Profile Image for books.w.tiff.
64 reviews3 followers
March 31, 2025
JACKSON THE MAN THAT YOU ARE 👏🏻

📚 tropes:
Second chance
You came you called
Protective MMC
Emotional trauma / loss
Firefighter MMC


My favorite quotes:

“Grace, you’re done with your meal, but I’m not ready to say goodbye. Walk with me?”

“Who the hell did this to you?”

“And there’s no one that you need to be jealous of, either. I haven’t been interested in anyone for a long time. And definitely not since I saw you in Miami.”

“Of course I did. I told you, no matter what, no matter when, I’m here for you if you need me. There will never be a time when I won’t come running for you.”

“Can’t or won’t, Grace?” His tone was fierce. “Because if that’s my baby in your belly, then you don’t really have a choice, do you?”

^^^^
GUYS I WAS FANNING MYSELF OVER THAT LAST QUOTE
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
2 reviews
May 1, 2024
I couldn’t put this book down! It hooked me from the start and was a page turner until the very last page- just like every one of Tilly’s books that I’ve read. I was captured by the story of Grace and Jackson- they are so likeable and their chemistry was off the charts! This book had the right amount of spiciness to keep me hooked and the romance was perfectly balanced by the thrilling storyline of Grace’s ex weaved throughout to keep me guessing. Needless to say I absolutely loved Jackson, and his personality- he is such a romantic hero! And, I am already hooked into the next book from the last chapter of this one… I am anxiously awaiting the release of Sebastian!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Shalaina Conner.
3 reviews1 follower
November 2, 2024
sweet but boring

Jackson is sweet, and he’s definitely a protective, “I’ll do anything for my woman” kinda guy. The love story between Jackson and Grace is very fluffy and it moves fast. The spice is minimal. This is definitely not a book for those looking for heavy spice or “breeding” (I found this book rec in a breeding group, probably because she’s pregnant through most of the book). Personally, I felt like a lot of it was drawn out and boring. Even the tense story line of the abusive ex was predictable and while Grace tried to play a strong heroine, she did not present that way to me. It was well-written, but not my cup of tea.
Profile Image for Libby Fowler .
605 reviews3 followers
November 8, 2024
3.5 stars

I loved Jackson he’s the main reason I kept reading this book.
I did struggle with this as it was written in third person, it definitely would have been better in first person I believe.
This was definitely an emotional rollercoaster of a book.
Honestly the birth annoyed me!! Like don’t start the birth and not finish, one minute she’s being taken for a Caesarian then the next page the baby is already here and family members holding him.
Also the police in this book are shocking!! It was he won’t escape to oh he’s escaped and he’s on the loose.
Overall an average read to be honest. Wouldn’t be on my recommendation list.
2,295 reviews16 followers
March 22, 2024
Jackson and Grace. Hes a small town firefighter who is in Miami and happens to see his past. They share a night to remember but when he wakes shes gone. After he returns he cant help but wonder about Grace. Some time later she appears in Bell Ridge all black and blue seeking refuge. Hes determined to get to the truth about her and her secret and protect her against all odds but her ex isnt about to lose what he thinks is his. Great love story at a second chance.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Floraljoy.
1,132 reviews
March 24, 2024
Emotional and gripping:
This was such a sweet and tender little story despite the threats lingering in the background. I thought Grace and Jackson made an adorable couple and I was so glad that they got a second chance at love. I loved all the pregnancy and birth scenes and thought that they were portrayed well.
It was a great addition to what is turning out to be a fabulous series. Now I can't wait for the next book!
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.
Profile Image for Jordan Helfrich.
18 reviews
December 1, 2024
The FMC sucks

This book is boring, not gonna lie it doesn’t get better either. The really big issue that I had with the book was Grace. She just annoyed the heck out of me. The not telling anyone what happened, which I understood to a point but it goes on for way to long to the point where it’s just too annoying to ignore. The romance was fine, nothing to write home about. I didn’t finish this book, stopped at 50% because I couldn’t imagine wasting anymore time reading it. I would most likely not finishing the series as I don’t think I have the patience for it
Profile Image for Emma (thecaffeinatedbookaholic).
607 reviews11 followers
March 5, 2025
Hit the spot when I wanted some suspense! I adore Jackson and the way he continuously showed up for Grace. I enjoyed Grace and her determination to do whatever she needed for her baby–I can’t lie though, she did annoy me a bit with how hard she pushed back against Jackson despite him continuously showing up and proving he was all in. But overall, I enjoyed this one and seeing Jackson & Grace push through their history and the pain to get their happily ever after! I’m excited for the next book after the glimpse we got at the end of this one!
Profile Image for Denise.
150 reviews2 followers
May 17, 2025
A major disappointment. Grace is the most annoying female lead character I’ve read in ages, and seems determined to contribute to her own downfall at every turn. Not an ounce of logic in her. Jackson is lovely, and insanely patient with the difficult Grace. All the characters behave rather stupidly during the barn fire, failing to recognize the likelihood of it being a trap and allowing Grace to be taken. Grace is an even bigger idiot when she races out after Carter without calling out to the others in the house at the ending. The whole story was drawn out and forced.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Jesmin Nawaz.
1,127 reviews15 followers
September 27, 2025
Ok read for me. I'm not a fan of instalove usually and this book was no different. Yes, Grace and Jackson have a past but we get so little of it. My heart broke for what Grace went through and how scared she was. It did get annoying that everyone wanted to help her but she kept saying she couldn't say anything. The same type of scenario kept coming up over and over, and over again - it got old fast. I did love seeing Hank and Daisy, and their growing family. Also, loved all the pregnancy/baby drama. Also loved how welcoming everyone in Jackson's family was of Grace.
Profile Image for Alvara.
42 reviews1 follower
March 28, 2024
A second chance romance in a small town. Grace and Jackson are childhood sweethearts and difficult circumstances means they go down different paths. A chance encounter many years later ends after one night. Now months later Grace is trying to escape her abusive ex and Jackson is ready to step in and protect her, if he can convince her to tell him what she is running from. Could the baby she's carrying be his?.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
6,136 reviews17 followers
March 28, 2024
This is an intriguing and captivating second story in the "Men of Clarence County". This read is about Grace and Jackson. The story is an emotional blend of suspense, danger, action, romance and so much more. The story is so good and may contain a trigger for some. I don't want to give anything away in this one. It is so intriguing and had me emersed and engaged from the very beginning. I love the characters and how the story develops.
Profile Image for Wendy Livingstone.
20.1k reviews257 followers
March 30, 2024
This is the second book in this incredible series, and this is Jackson and Grace’s story.
This is a well written action packed, emotional roller coaster, with first love, danger, suspense, intrigue, determination, angst, intense chemistry, romance, tension, second chances, and love, which leads to an entertaining, twisted, and unpredictable page turner.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
2 reviews
December 28, 2024
Had potential

I love surprise baby and protective hero books. This one had the potential but was very predictable. I don’t get all the 4-5 star reviews.

The abused heroine running for her life while pregnant irritated me with her denial every time she was asked to tell her family what was happening. She was a moron and her family was made up of a bunch of idiots who wouldn’t push the issue.
Profile Image for Amanda.
409 reviews25 followers
July 30, 2025
3.75⭐️

Enjoyable story, if you want drama and constant back and forth, this is for you.

I always enjoy Tilly’s books and I enjoyed this one as well. The constant back and forth wore on me after a while and I wish we got more of an HEA after the climax came to an end. I would have liked to have actually seen them happy and free of worries. I get the last chapter setting up for the next book. But I would have loved having a chapter or two of their HEA.
Profile Image for Millie Payne.
171 reviews
September 2, 2025
Loved This!

What a guy Jackson is!
I loved this one more than the first in the series. Jackson is such a sweetheart and cares so so so much for Grace. The way he automatically falls in love all over again as soon as he sees her just melted my heart. I was hooked from 10 till 2 in the morning reading this in one block. Incredible. The action and the trauma just sucks you in time and time again! Great read!
Profile Image for Jennifer Lee.
76 reviews1 follower
October 17, 2025
Redundant

I fell in love with the first book of this series so I was incredibly disappointed with this one. 85% or more of the book was the main female character going back and forth between, do I do this or do I do that? And the main male character having to reassure her. After a certain point it just became unrealistic and frustrating. It was difficult to finish.
I will give the third book a try though because the first one was so good. I'm hoping it redeems the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews

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