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Second Chances #4
Trusting Again
Imagine Cynthia Blaine’s surprise when she walks into the bar at the Heathman Hotel in Portland Oregon and sees the man she’s been trying to forget for weeks after he commissioned an expensive piece of her jewelry for “a friend’s birthday.” There was no point fantasizing about him. He was taken.
But over a cup of coffee, he convinces her to give this relationship a try. Marius woos her on a sailing trip through the San Juan Islands and their romance seems on solid grounds. But during his six-week business trip to Central America, Cynthia gets a shock. And when she goes to Portland to pour out her heart to her best friend, she has another shock—Marius, in Portland, not where he said he would be and with another woman.
It’ll take more than a good cup of coffee this time to get Cynthia and Marius to their happily-ever-after.
But over a cup of coffee, he convinces her to give this relationship a try. Marius woos her on a sailing trip through the San Juan Islands and their romance seems on solid grounds. But during his six-week business trip to Central America, Cynthia gets a shock. And when she goes to Portland to pour out her heart to her best friend, she has another shock—Marius, in Portland, not where he said he would be and with another woman.
It’ll take more than a good cup of coffee this time to get Cynthia and Marius to their happily-ever-after.
- GenresRomanceContemporary
158 pages, Paperback
First published June 3, 2013
2 people are currently reading
264 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
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
May 25, 2013
Oh my goodness!! I LOVED this book!! It had just the right amount of drama, chase, love, and steamy sex! A very big CONGRATULATIONS to Peggy Bird for writing a book that grabbed and held my attention from word 1, page 1!!
Cynthia is an upcoming successful glass jewelry designer, has a tight circle of friends, is making the social circuit for an artist, but has a non existent personal life outside of her girlfriends. She is overcoming a heartbreak of not feeling good enough for successful men, thanks to a jerk who dumped her to climb his own social ladder. It seems that she has figured that she will be a lonely home body and will have to learn to accept her fate.
Now enter Marius Hernandez... a successful, absurdly wealthy, amazingly HOT, and seemingly attached man that she has not one, but two chance encounters with. Marius commissioned Cynthia to design a Cleopatra collar for a lady "friend" a couple of months ago. On a night out with her girlfriends they run into Marius all alone at a table for four. They needed three seats, and he had three empty seats... perfect solution!! Chemistry between Cynthia and Marius is obvious to anyone in the room, but Cynthia is determined she will not give her heart to another man she considers on a different social tier than she is.
Marius is immediately attracted to Cynthia and has been thinking of a way to get in touch with her since meeting her when he bought the necklace from her. He sees that she is guarded and plots his plan on how to get her to open up to him and possibly go on a date. His work is more cut out for him than he planned once he gets her alone and he knows this relationship is going to take time and effort... which he is determined to have with her. They hit it off once Cynthia lowers her guard and they spend an amazing summer traveling and loving each other.
From the start, Cynthia believes this will only be a summer fling... or so she tells her heart and tries not to invest emotionally into Marius.. which is a feat in itself! She prepares herself for the infinite goodbye that she knows will come.... but Marius has quite a different view on how they will end. He plans to travel to Central America for business and come home to Cynthia. If only she can believe him. Towards the end of his trip, Cynthia believes he is in California. She has quite a shock when she sees him at a fund raising event in Portland.... with another WOMAN!!! This is the 2nd shock of her night, so she immediately loses her temper and refuses to talk to him.
I could not help but root for Cynthia and Marius in this love story. They were a perfect match for each other and balanced one another out so well. Peggy Bird did an amazing job at describing each character to make you fall for each of them and made it difficult of who you wanted to be he "winner". I give Trusting Again 4.3 stars on the knock my socks off scale!!
Cynthia is an upcoming successful glass jewelry designer, has a tight circle of friends, is making the social circuit for an artist, but has a non existent personal life outside of her girlfriends. She is overcoming a heartbreak of not feeling good enough for successful men, thanks to a jerk who dumped her to climb his own social ladder. It seems that she has figured that she will be a lonely home body and will have to learn to accept her fate.
Now enter Marius Hernandez... a successful, absurdly wealthy, amazingly HOT, and seemingly attached man that she has not one, but two chance encounters with. Marius commissioned Cynthia to design a Cleopatra collar for a lady "friend" a couple of months ago. On a night out with her girlfriends they run into Marius all alone at a table for four. They needed three seats, and he had three empty seats... perfect solution!! Chemistry between Cynthia and Marius is obvious to anyone in the room, but Cynthia is determined she will not give her heart to another man she considers on a different social tier than she is.
Marius is immediately attracted to Cynthia and has been thinking of a way to get in touch with her since meeting her when he bought the necklace from her. He sees that she is guarded and plots his plan on how to get her to open up to him and possibly go on a date. His work is more cut out for him than he planned once he gets her alone and he knows this relationship is going to take time and effort... which he is determined to have with her. They hit it off once Cynthia lowers her guard and they spend an amazing summer traveling and loving each other.
From the start, Cynthia believes this will only be a summer fling... or so she tells her heart and tries not to invest emotionally into Marius.. which is a feat in itself! She prepares herself for the infinite goodbye that she knows will come.... but Marius has quite a different view on how they will end. He plans to travel to Central America for business and come home to Cynthia. If only she can believe him. Towards the end of his trip, Cynthia believes he is in California. She has quite a shock when she sees him at a fund raising event in Portland.... with another WOMAN!!! This is the 2nd shock of her night, so she immediately loses her temper and refuses to talk to him.
I could not help but root for Cynthia and Marius in this love story. They were a perfect match for each other and balanced one another out so well. Peggy Bird did an amazing job at describing each character to make you fall for each of them and made it difficult of who you wanted to be he "winner". I give Trusting Again 4.3 stars on the knock my socks off scale!!
May 5, 2013
Reviewed for Hearts On Fire Reviews
In this fourth installment of Second Chances, we get the story of Cynthia, the jewelry designer, but we also get to revisit Amanda, Liz, Collins and Sam, which I loved. Cynthia has been burned by an upwardly mobile, ambitious boyfriend and she’s gun shy about getting into that situation again. The fact that Marius, a beautiful man who commissioned an expensive piece of jewelry for a “friend” has been on her mind since she met him is beside the point.
Cynthia is almost neurotic sometimes with her “can’t get close” attitude and she’s funny other times (worried if she has to sit at the table much longer with Marius she’ll start drooling like a St. Bernard). The two of them share an attraction but things just don’t go smoothly for them. When they meet the first time Cynthia is doing the jewelry and won’t say anything because it’s for his girlfriend. When they accidentally meet again, she’s with the posse of girls and his attempt to get her to call falls by the wayside by accident. Another chance (sorta) encounter at an auction has both of them thinking the other is with a date. Finally, they can sit and talk and they don’t jump into bed on the first hour, yay! Appreciated that, because it was consistent with how Cynthia seems to be.
Going away on vacation together showed them how good they could be together, and not just sex, although the scene where her hair is tangled was very cute. Theirs is mostly a dance of Marius trying to show he is serious and Cynthia believing she’s going to take off. I could see where Marius would be offended sometimes that she has so little faith in him.
There were things I really needed to flesh out this story. For example, Cynthia has a lot of baggage caused by her ex, Josh. We run into Josh with a witch of a wife, the one he left Cynthia for, but we don’t get too much detail on it. Josh was a social climber but here he looks confused. The end was a little too rushed for me and Amanda, I was completed ticked that she spilled such a big secret so fast. I’d have expected way more from her.
The misunderstanding was easily seen, though not by Cynthia, who had emotional upheaval going on. Although to be fair, Marius says “I’m not responsible” and it was the only time I wanted to shake him and say, “oh yes you are”. Family friend is a major bitch, wow.
This is not an action packed story, just a woman trying to find her way again and the man who wants to help her. It’s sweet, romantic and Marius is truly drool worthy.
In this fourth installment of Second Chances, we get the story of Cynthia, the jewelry designer, but we also get to revisit Amanda, Liz, Collins and Sam, which I loved. Cynthia has been burned by an upwardly mobile, ambitious boyfriend and she’s gun shy about getting into that situation again. The fact that Marius, a beautiful man who commissioned an expensive piece of jewelry for a “friend” has been on her mind since she met him is beside the point.
Cynthia is almost neurotic sometimes with her “can’t get close” attitude and she’s funny other times (worried if she has to sit at the table much longer with Marius she’ll start drooling like a St. Bernard). The two of them share an attraction but things just don’t go smoothly for them. When they meet the first time Cynthia is doing the jewelry and won’t say anything because it’s for his girlfriend. When they accidentally meet again, she’s with the posse of girls and his attempt to get her to call falls by the wayside by accident. Another chance (sorta) encounter at an auction has both of them thinking the other is with a date. Finally, they can sit and talk and they don’t jump into bed on the first hour, yay! Appreciated that, because it was consistent with how Cynthia seems to be.
Going away on vacation together showed them how good they could be together, and not just sex, although the scene where her hair is tangled was very cute. Theirs is mostly a dance of Marius trying to show he is serious and Cynthia believing she’s going to take off. I could see where Marius would be offended sometimes that she has so little faith in him.
There were things I really needed to flesh out this story. For example, Cynthia has a lot of baggage caused by her ex, Josh. We run into Josh with a witch of a wife, the one he left Cynthia for, but we don’t get too much detail on it. Josh was a social climber but here he looks confused. The end was a little too rushed for me and Amanda, I was completed ticked that she spilled such a big secret so fast. I’d have expected way more from her.
The misunderstanding was easily seen, though not by Cynthia, who had emotional upheaval going on. Although to be fair, Marius says “I’m not responsible” and it was the only time I wanted to shake him and say, “oh yes you are”. Family friend is a major bitch, wow.
This is not an action packed story, just a woman trying to find her way again and the man who wants to help her. It’s sweet, romantic and Marius is truly drool worthy.
May 8, 2013
Walking into a restaurant with friends to catch up and bumping into the man who set her heart racing, was the last thing Cynthia Blaine expected.
He's a walking cliche - tall, dark and handsome. Marius Hernandez had it all and Cynthia was caught up in his appeal. Unfortunately, he had a girlfriend. After all that's how they met, he bought the handmade glass Cleopatra necklace for this lucky woman. Imagining she was some tall, lithe, stunning beautiful woman, how could Cynthia compete?
Marius hasn't forgotten the first time he met Cynthia. He dropped huge hints that the necklace he was buying was for a friend. Did she take the hint? Keen to meet her again he was unsure how to, especially as his work took him away much of the time - being in the coffee business was hard work. He can't believe his luck when he sees her approaching the table.
Convincing her over a cup of java, Marius takes Cynthia on a date. It soon blossoms into a hot, passionate liaison but try as he might, Marius can't break down a barrier that Cynthia is intent on keeping up. Why does she seem to embrace their relationship one minute and then pull away the next?
Cynthia is convinced that Marius is out of her league. But the more time she spends with him, she sees that they have more in common than she first believed. Yet, she dated someone like him before - wealthy, handsome - and it didn't turn out so well. Can she trust her heart to this Adonis? Or will she end up taking that walk down heartache lane again?
The fourth in the series, Bird's 'Second Chances' set of books continue with another absorbing, romance filled story. With the original characters from the series popping up, it set an immediate comfortable background scene. Cynthia and Marius' burgeoning relationship starts off sizzling with passion and just intensifies. The author has captured the essence of budding love and has created another engrossing story.
Another brilliant chance to meet the people from the Portland, Oregon area. This time around the focus is purely on a couple whose strong attraction leaps off the pages. An utterly romantic, sensual story with little interference from the outside world. The fears faced by Cynthia are genuine and as 'cliched' as Marius is, he has an appealing charm that endeared me to him. A highly recommended read for anyone after an 'old-fashioned' romance with the volume turned up.
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.
He's a walking cliche - tall, dark and handsome. Marius Hernandez had it all and Cynthia was caught up in his appeal. Unfortunately, he had a girlfriend. After all that's how they met, he bought the handmade glass Cleopatra necklace for this lucky woman. Imagining she was some tall, lithe, stunning beautiful woman, how could Cynthia compete?
Marius hasn't forgotten the first time he met Cynthia. He dropped huge hints that the necklace he was buying was for a friend. Did she take the hint? Keen to meet her again he was unsure how to, especially as his work took him away much of the time - being in the coffee business was hard work. He can't believe his luck when he sees her approaching the table.
Convincing her over a cup of java, Marius takes Cynthia on a date. It soon blossoms into a hot, passionate liaison but try as he might, Marius can't break down a barrier that Cynthia is intent on keeping up. Why does she seem to embrace their relationship one minute and then pull away the next?
Cynthia is convinced that Marius is out of her league. But the more time she spends with him, she sees that they have more in common than she first believed. Yet, she dated someone like him before - wealthy, handsome - and it didn't turn out so well. Can she trust her heart to this Adonis? Or will she end up taking that walk down heartache lane again?
The fourth in the series, Bird's 'Second Chances' set of books continue with another absorbing, romance filled story. With the original characters from the series popping up, it set an immediate comfortable background scene. Cynthia and Marius' burgeoning relationship starts off sizzling with passion and just intensifies. The author has captured the essence of budding love and has created another engrossing story.
Another brilliant chance to meet the people from the Portland, Oregon area. This time around the focus is purely on a couple whose strong attraction leaps off the pages. An utterly romantic, sensual story with little interference from the outside world. The fears faced by Cynthia are genuine and as 'cliched' as Marius is, he has an appealing charm that endeared me to him. A highly recommended read for anyone after an 'old-fashioned' romance with the volume turned up.
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.
May 27, 2013
Trusting Again
was a sweet contemporary romance. Not only will the story enchant, but the detailed description of picturesque Seattle, will enthral as well. That is the gift, you as reader, will receive as a consequence of Peggy Bird’s provocative prose.
As a distinctively talented artist, Cynthia Blaine was confident and poised. Her confidence as a woman, however, was shattered. Her libido, non-existent. That was until she met absurdly striking and sexy Marius Hernandez. ‘Tall, dark and handsome’ may be cliché, but this man was all that, and more! Despite the fact that she melted each time she looked into his beautiful eyes, and found his scent irresistible, she was determined to resist him, keeping her heart’s impenetrable wall raised.
After their first kiss, she believed he should come with a warning label:
Coffee connoisseur and lover of all things refined, Marius was completely captivated by the sexy, beautiful, and vibrant Cynthia. She was becoming more than just a welcome distraction from his normal tedium. He knew she was disillusioned from past hurt. From the minute he met her though, he wanted her; her passion, her fire, her unassuming yet sensual nature.
Peggy Bird writes her scenes with an impressive combination elegance and heat. Some scenes were simply sizzling.
Was Marius all that he seemed, or would he be yet another man to dismiss Cynthia as easily as her previous man had?
Trusting Again is the sort of book you reach for when you need a hearty meal of delicious romance. With lascivious sex scenes, witty and clever dialogue, with just a splash of tension, this book was a treat. Written in third person, the story was well paced, had wonderful supporting characters, and a believable, predictable plot. (As a light contemporary romance, that was intended and welcome.)
Grab it, sit and relax; be prepared for a sensual voyage through Seattle and its scenic environs, and Cynthia and Marius, and their sweet, romantic tale.
No compensation was received for this review. ARC received from Peggy Bird in exchange for honest review
As a distinctively talented artist, Cynthia Blaine was confident and poised. Her confidence as a woman, however, was shattered. Her libido, non-existent. That was until she met absurdly striking and sexy Marius Hernandez. ‘Tall, dark and handsome’ may be cliché, but this man was all that, and more! Despite the fact that she melted each time she looked into his beautiful eyes, and found his scent irresistible, she was determined to resist him, keeping her heart’s impenetrable wall raised.
After their first kiss, she believed he should come with a warning label:
“Exposure to this man can result in confusion, dizziness, and erratic behavior. Women who kiss him should not operate machinery immediately afterwards.”As a lover:
“He knew exactly where to touch, what to caress, to elicit a sigh, a moan, a response from her. He knew when to be tender and when to be assertive, when to let her lead and when he should.”
Coffee connoisseur and lover of all things refined, Marius was completely captivated by the sexy, beautiful, and vibrant Cynthia. She was becoming more than just a welcome distraction from his normal tedium. He knew she was disillusioned from past hurt. From the minute he met her though, he wanted her; her passion, her fire, her unassuming yet sensual nature.
Peggy Bird writes her scenes with an impressive combination elegance and heat. Some scenes were simply sizzling.
Was Marius all that he seemed, or would he be yet another man to dismiss Cynthia as easily as her previous man had?
Trusting Again is the sort of book you reach for when you need a hearty meal of delicious romance. With lascivious sex scenes, witty and clever dialogue, with just a splash of tension, this book was a treat. Written in third person, the story was well paced, had wonderful supporting characters, and a believable, predictable plot. (As a light contemporary romance, that was intended and welcome.)
Grab it, sit and relax; be prepared for a sensual voyage through Seattle and its scenic environs, and Cynthia and Marius, and their sweet, romantic tale.
No compensation was received for this review. ARC received from Peggy Bird in exchange for honest review
June 17, 2013
Trusting again
Cynthia has baggage, she has been burned. She is afraid and hesitant. She is all the things I would expect from a woman who has been hurt. Josh did a number on her for sure.
(Let me say too.. His wife $&@#%!! OMG!)
Cynthia designs jewelry and has a great flavorful variety of friends.
They add to the story nicely. Several laughs along the way..
Marius, sexy, beautiful Marius. Chance encounters and bad timing seem to plague the story .. Lol!
He commissioned a piece of jewelry for a "friend". Cynthia cannot get him from her mind. Although is the "friend" his girlfriend? She could never compete with the woman she has imagined he would be with, right? Hmmm!!
Cynthia is scared. Really scared almost to a fault. She keeps everyone at arms length. The fates have other plans and this man keeps getting put on her radar! Eventually the time is right. Once they allow themselves to meet one another, spend time together the chemistry can no longer be denied.
Marius is not just about sex. He is serious and wants to prove himself.
Cynthia at times.. She wore on me. I get scared babes but give this man a break. Don't always think the worst!
Maybe he is different? Just maybe!!
Trust issues..much? This story has a sensual sexy feel..it's very well written.
In the end what I found in the pages was a good love story. Full of sweetness and love. Can you allow love in and trust in love? Is love worthy of the risk? Sometimes, yes sometimes it is...❤Marius!
Cynthia has baggage, she has been burned. She is afraid and hesitant. She is all the things I would expect from a woman who has been hurt. Josh did a number on her for sure.
(Let me say too.. His wife $&@#%!! OMG!)
Cynthia designs jewelry and has a great flavorful variety of friends.
They add to the story nicely. Several laughs along the way..
Marius, sexy, beautiful Marius. Chance encounters and bad timing seem to plague the story .. Lol!
He commissioned a piece of jewelry for a "friend". Cynthia cannot get him from her mind. Although is the "friend" his girlfriend? She could never compete with the woman she has imagined he would be with, right? Hmmm!!
Cynthia is scared. Really scared almost to a fault. She keeps everyone at arms length. The fates have other plans and this man keeps getting put on her radar! Eventually the time is right. Once they allow themselves to meet one another, spend time together the chemistry can no longer be denied.
Marius is not just about sex. He is serious and wants to prove himself.
Cynthia at times.. She wore on me. I get scared babes but give this man a break. Don't always think the worst!
Maybe he is different? Just maybe!!
Trust issues..much? This story has a sensual sexy feel..it's very well written.
In the end what I found in the pages was a good love story. Full of sweetness and love. Can you allow love in and trust in love? Is love worthy of the risk? Sometimes, yes sometimes it is...❤Marius!
June 7, 2013
Marius is to die for sexy and this story is romance from beginning to end!
TRUSTING AGAIN, book four in the Second Chances series by Peggy Bird is sensual, addicting, and mesmerizing with wonderful descriptions of the islands that Marius and Cynthia tour. It's enticing with romantic scenes that feature such lines as the following:
"“Marius, this is the most amazing…”
He traced her cheekbone with his index finger. “Say that again.” His voice was warm and husky.
She moved back a step and gave him a puzzled look. “This is the most amazing…?”
“No, the first part. Say my name again.”
“Why?”
“I like hearing you say it.” He lifted her hand from the railing and, overcoming her initial resistance, brought it to his mouth and kissed it. “I’ll like it even better when you’re in my arms and say it. When you’re in my bed.”
Folks, he hadn't even kissed her yet - is that hot or what?
TRUSTING AGAIN is from beginning to end, one of the most romantic, the most scintillating, and the most endearing stories I’ve read in this series. Marius is every kind of man rolled into one and Cynthia is his perfect match.
I highly recommend TRUSTING AGAIN by Peggy Bird to everyone who loves romance. Simply, easily, and most honestly, it will make you sigh and wish you were in Cynthia Blaine’s shoes.
***eARC provided by author in exchange for an honest and unscripted review. Peggy, thank you for creating Marius. xoxo
TRUSTING AGAIN, book four in the Second Chances series by Peggy Bird is sensual, addicting, and mesmerizing with wonderful descriptions of the islands that Marius and Cynthia tour. It's enticing with romantic scenes that feature such lines as the following:
"“Marius, this is the most amazing…”
He traced her cheekbone with his index finger. “Say that again.” His voice was warm and husky.
She moved back a step and gave him a puzzled look. “This is the most amazing…?”
“No, the first part. Say my name again.”
“Why?”
“I like hearing you say it.” He lifted her hand from the railing and, overcoming her initial resistance, brought it to his mouth and kissed it. “I’ll like it even better when you’re in my arms and say it. When you’re in my bed.”
Folks, he hadn't even kissed her yet - is that hot or what?
TRUSTING AGAIN is from beginning to end, one of the most romantic, the most scintillating, and the most endearing stories I’ve read in this series. Marius is every kind of man rolled into one and Cynthia is his perfect match.
I highly recommend TRUSTING AGAIN by Peggy Bird to everyone who loves romance. Simply, easily, and most honestly, it will make you sigh and wish you were in Cynthia Blaine’s shoes.
***eARC provided by author in exchange for an honest and unscripted review. Peggy, thank you for creating Marius. xoxo
June 4, 2013
See full review here: http://www.tobethode.com/2013/06/book...
I read this book in an evening. While a quick read, there was quite a bit going on and it really did keep my attention throughout. I fell in love with Marius from the beginning. A true romantic, he woo'ed me from the first time we met him. Cynthia, on the other hand, really had me frustrated. The "can't get over her ex's treatment" female role seems to be a common one for my reading lately and it truly irks me. There were several times in this story that Cynthia nearly blew it with Marius because of her inability to see what a great guy he is.
While there are some HOT scenes in this book, there is much more than just that. You see the up and down of their relationship. My one wish is that we had more time to see what happened with them when Marius was gone on business. It seems we went from him leaving and everything being great to all HELL breaking loose and no idea why. I would have liked to see more story development in that area. But, overall I think this was a great read with romance and drama mixed in perfectly. I gave this book 4 stars and would highly recommend to others. There are more books in this series but it is truly not necessary to read them in any order. This book can easily stand alone. That said, I am for sure going to be looking into the other books. Peggy Bird did a great job with this one and I am eager to read more by her.
I read this book in an evening. While a quick read, there was quite a bit going on and it really did keep my attention throughout. I fell in love with Marius from the beginning. A true romantic, he woo'ed me from the first time we met him. Cynthia, on the other hand, really had me frustrated. The "can't get over her ex's treatment" female role seems to be a common one for my reading lately and it truly irks me. There were several times in this story that Cynthia nearly blew it with Marius because of her inability to see what a great guy he is.
While there are some HOT scenes in this book, there is much more than just that. You see the up and down of their relationship. My one wish is that we had more time to see what happened with them when Marius was gone on business. It seems we went from him leaving and everything being great to all HELL breaking loose and no idea why. I would have liked to see more story development in that area. But, overall I think this was a great read with romance and drama mixed in perfectly. I gave this book 4 stars and would highly recommend to others. There are more books in this series but it is truly not necessary to read them in any order. This book can easily stand alone. That said, I am for sure going to be looking into the other books. Peggy Bird did a great job with this one and I am eager to read more by her.
May 17, 2013
4 ½ stars, Trusting Again is a fabulous romance by Peggy Bird. This is the fourth book in her Second Chances series and although I haven’t read any of the other books, I had no trouble understanding the secondary characters or their relationship to the heroine. This book is the story of Cynthia, a jewelry artist and Marius, who initially commissions her to create a piece of jewelry for a woman friend. Cynthia thinks the gift is for a girlfriend or wife and fights the mutual attraction. When Marius claims the present is for a family friend, they begin a relationship, although Cynthia doesn’t think that she is sophisticated enough to keep Marius amused for long. Still hurt from a past relationship, she expects that Marius will leave her as soon as he tires of her.
Although Trusting Again is spicier than I normally read, the love scenes are written with such emotional intensity that I never once felt that the book was just about the sex. I would recommend this book to anyone that likes an emotional, intense and sexy read.
I read an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Although Trusting Again is spicier than I normally read, the love scenes are written with such emotional intensity that I never once felt that the book was just about the sex. I would recommend this book to anyone that likes an emotional, intense and sexy read.
I read an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 4, 2013
This story was one of those rare romances that really tugs at my heart strings. If you've been around Paws and Print for awhile, you know that I read a LOT of romance. I love a good happy ending and watching people fall in love. Love stories are pretty much my bread and butter (or my chocolate and Sangria), but even I will admit they can be a bit formulatic. Occasionally, the stories are so cheesy they border on tedious. Reading Trusting Again was like a new, tasty treat in my diet of romance novels.
Cynthia and Marius were my favorite kind of couple. There is definite heat between the two, and eventhough the romance begins as a physical encounter, there is real emotion there. Bird is a highly talented writer. She crafts the emotion between the two in a beautifully elegant way. You can feel them fall in love, the reader falls in love right alongside them.
This book made me smile, made me tear up and made me want to cheer them on. Well done, Ms. Bird, well done indeed.
Disclaimer: I was gifted a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. However, all opinions are my own.
Cynthia and Marius were my favorite kind of couple. There is definite heat between the two, and eventhough the romance begins as a physical encounter, there is real emotion there. Bird is a highly talented writer. She crafts the emotion between the two in a beautifully elegant way. You can feel them fall in love, the reader falls in love right alongside them.
This book made me smile, made me tear up and made me want to cheer them on. Well done, Ms. Bird, well done indeed.
Disclaimer: I was gifted a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. However, all opinions are my own.
June 22, 2013
This book was part of a blog tour I received an ARC for my honest review
3 1/2 stars
Cynthia has already been in one bad relationship with a rich playboy and she is not about to be played again, when she meets Marius she is wants. The two of them go on a sailing trip and Cynthia starts thinking the two of them might have a chance, when she sees him with another woman everything changes and Marius has to work hard to convince Cynthia that she is really the one he wants. This was a good quick read for me with lots of sexy scenes and some serious romancing, but there were a few things that bugged me. Cynthia while it was great that she was outspoken and didn't hide how she was feeling, I think she overreacted to things a little too much. It would have been nice to have a little more back story on how bad her old relationship really was because after awhile her hang ups and insecurities started to get a little bit annoying. Marius had the patients of a saint; he worked really hard to show Cynthia he really cared about her. Overall Trusting Again is a fast hot read and definitely something romance readers should check out.
3 1/2 stars
Cynthia has already been in one bad relationship with a rich playboy and she is not about to be played again, when she meets Marius she is wants. The two of them go on a sailing trip and Cynthia starts thinking the two of them might have a chance, when she sees him with another woman everything changes and Marius has to work hard to convince Cynthia that she is really the one he wants. This was a good quick read for me with lots of sexy scenes and some serious romancing, but there were a few things that bugged me. Cynthia while it was great that she was outspoken and didn't hide how she was feeling, I think she overreacted to things a little too much. It would have been nice to have a little more back story on how bad her old relationship really was because after awhile her hang ups and insecurities started to get a little bit annoying. Marius had the patients of a saint; he worked really hard to show Cynthia he really cared about her. Overall Trusting Again is a fast hot read and definitely something romance readers should check out.
July 19, 2013
Peggy Bird is a new to me author and though this is the fourth book of the series, it can be read as a stand-alone. I haven’t read any of the other books and wasn’t lost whatsoever. I really liked the premise of this book and the cover is smoking. I just couldn’t get into how insecure the heroine is. I understand she’s been hurt, but I think she takes her insecurities a little too far. That being said, I completely understand where she was coming from when she catches him out with another woman, being in a completely different state than where he had told her he would be. I still think that was kind of her fault too. Who drives from Seattle to Portland and leaves their cell phone at home – not very safe.
That being said, the chemistry and heat these two generated burned up the pages. Ms. Bird definitely knows how to write and write well. She drew me in, and had me loving the secondary characters as much as the hero and heroine. I will definitely read more from her. I just hope that not all of heroines are as insecure and wishy-washy as this one was.
That being said, the chemistry and heat these two generated burned up the pages. Ms. Bird definitely knows how to write and write well. She drew me in, and had me loving the secondary characters as much as the hero and heroine. I will definitely read more from her. I just hope that not all of heroines are as insecure and wishy-washy as this one was.
June 6, 2013
I received a review copy in exchange for my participation in the review tour. All thoughts are my own.
I knew from the beginning that I was going to love this book. I was right.
This is not a cheesy romance novel by any means. The sex scenes are sizzling and you often feel like you're right there in Seattle with them. Marius you fall for almost from the beginning, how he manages to stay with Cynthia at times is beyond me; she's all about self-sabotage at times. She has a hard time getting over the way she was treated by her previous boyfriend and goes to great lengths to try and keep her heart safe. I think Liz is my favorite character as she doesn't hold anything back and will tell it like it is.
Though this is the fourth in a series, you don't have to read the others first. Though, I must admit that I am a series girl and I now want to go back and read from the beginning.
If you like your romances hot with great characters, I definitely recommend this book.
I knew from the beginning that I was going to love this book. I was right.
This is not a cheesy romance novel by any means. The sex scenes are sizzling and you often feel like you're right there in Seattle with them. Marius you fall for almost from the beginning, how he manages to stay with Cynthia at times is beyond me; she's all about self-sabotage at times. She has a hard time getting over the way she was treated by her previous boyfriend and goes to great lengths to try and keep her heart safe. I think Liz is my favorite character as she doesn't hold anything back and will tell it like it is.
Though this is the fourth in a series, you don't have to read the others first. Though, I must admit that I am a series girl and I now want to go back and read from the beginning.
If you like your romances hot with great characters, I definitely recommend this book.
June 17, 2013
O, to revisit our good friends in the art worlds of Portland and Seattle once again – such a treat and not to be missed! Right from the start we get to see a couple of old friends, Amanda St. Claire and Liz Fairchild, hanging out with their friend and the focus of this story, Cynthia Blaine, an up-and-coming jewelry designer out of Seattle. When the three have the good fortune of running into one of Cynthia’s past clients, Marius Hernandez, the ambient temperature turns to hot and hopeful, and her girlfriends wisely find excuses to slip away and leave the two to get re-acquainted. The story is strong, steamy and full of charm, as are all in the “Second Chances” series. 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.
June 3, 2013
I have loved all of the books in the Second Chances series, but I think this was my favorite. The connection between Marius and Cynthia just sizzles from chapter one. His certainty and her insecurity made a great combination. He is sweet and thoughtful, not to mention hot, and is the perfect man to convince her that not all men are like her ex. And Cynthia's friends, Liz and Amanda played a role as well. It was fun to see some characters from other books in the series, though each stands alone just fine. I devoured this one. For a quick romance fix, this was perfect.
May 16, 2013
I sat down to read Trusting Again and didn't get up again until I finished it! Peggy Bird delivers again--the fourth book in her Second Chance series is a searingly hot spicy romance with a beautiful, emotional love story at its core. Perhaps that's why Ms. Bird's books are so satisfying--it's not just about the sex. Oh it's there, and there's lots of us, but in the end the gorgeous relationship that develops between Marius and Cynthia is positively sigh-worthy.
July 15, 2013
I really enjoyed this book. Marius is a sensual man that sees what he wants and goes after it. In this case it was Cynthia that brought out the desire. Cynthia is a talented jewelry designer and I would love to see what her Cleopatra necklaces look like.
Her self-esteem is so low that it can’t take the hits that come her way. It will take a strong lover to convince her to take another chance and trust again.
Her self-esteem is so low that it can’t take the hits that come her way. It will take a strong lover to convince her to take another chance and trust again.
June 6, 2013
Quick Read...Very Sweet...VERY Spicy! Loved the chemistry between Marius and Cynthia! Peggy did a wonderful job at grabbing me at page one and keeping my attention till the last page!
Now I have to go back and read the rest of the series!!
Now I have to go back and read the rest of the series!!
May 29, 2013
Trusting Again is a sweet romance with enjoyable characters that suck you into the story. It's a must read.
July 7, 2013
I've read all four of the Second Change books, and I've thoroughly enjoyed every one of them. I'm looking forward to the next book! Great job, Peggy Bird!
November 16, 2013
Night Owl Review
***4 1/2 Stars***
Original Review Published here: http://www.nightowlreviews.com/v5/Rev...
‘Trusting Again’ is the fourth book in the Second Chance series by Peggy Bird. While this book is part of a series, it can be read and enjoyed as a standalone novel.
Cynthia has been trying to forget the man that commissioned an expensive piece of jewelry from her. He is involved with someone else. Marius convinces her to go on a sailing trip just the two of them. Cynthia is shocked by not just what she finds in San Juan weeks later when Marius is off on a business trip. Do these two have what it takes to make it work?
Cynthia is an artist who works very hard. Her ex-boyfriend gave her such a hard time she is slow to get in a relationship again. She does not want to be hurt. Marius is a strong and sexy character. He know what he wants when he sees it. Cynthia is a puzzle to him because she keeps giving him an out when he does not want one.
The chemistry between Cynthia and Marius is off the charts. The sex scenes are hot and steamy. These two are very well matched in the bedroom. I loved that while they both want the same things Cynthia was more careful to jump in.
The only thing I would have changed was to make the story longer. These were two very realistic characters in a very realistic situation. Overall, I loved this story. While I have not read the other books in the series, I will be reading them shortly.
***4 1/2 Stars***
Original Review Published here: http://www.nightowlreviews.com/v5/Rev...
‘Trusting Again’ is the fourth book in the Second Chance series by Peggy Bird. While this book is part of a series, it can be read and enjoyed as a standalone novel.
Cynthia has been trying to forget the man that commissioned an expensive piece of jewelry from her. He is involved with someone else. Marius convinces her to go on a sailing trip just the two of them. Cynthia is shocked by not just what she finds in San Juan weeks later when Marius is off on a business trip. Do these two have what it takes to make it work?
Cynthia is an artist who works very hard. Her ex-boyfriend gave her such a hard time she is slow to get in a relationship again. She does not want to be hurt. Marius is a strong and sexy character. He know what he wants when he sees it. Cynthia is a puzzle to him because she keeps giving him an out when he does not want one.
The chemistry between Cynthia and Marius is off the charts. The sex scenes are hot and steamy. These two are very well matched in the bedroom. I loved that while they both want the same things Cynthia was more careful to jump in.
The only thing I would have changed was to make the story longer. These were two very realistic characters in a very realistic situation. Overall, I loved this story. While I have not read the other books in the series, I will be reading them shortly.
January 6, 2017
I was disappointed in this book. The entire time Cynthia was denying that there was anything between her and Marius. Even when he tried to convince her of his feelings for her. After spending the night together, she was convinced he would never want her again, no matter what he said. While this may be an understandable emotion for someone, there was no real reason given except that an ex had hurt her before. Again, maybe understandable, but the characterization was just really poor. The entire book centered on her being insecure and him trying to convince her, chapter after chapter, with nothing new happening and no character development.
Read
June 11, 2013Yup, read this one too. Lots of times. Wrote it.
April 4, 2015
Eu não conhecia a autora e achei legalzinho!
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