Love's Second Chance on the Menu

by Brooke Benson

A billionaire returning to his small-town roots. A single mom. A reunion they never saw coming…

No one warned me that my ex high school sweetheart, Mr. Big-City Dreams, was back in town.

I almost had a culinary catastrophe when I saw him standing in the doorway of my restaurant.

He turned into a Wall Street tycoon, while I looked like a hot mess in my sauce-stained apron.

But let's be real, I can't deny it – he’s upgraded. And that smile could charm the pants off anyone.

So, you bet I caved! I got lost in his dreamy, blue eyes and melted into those big, strong arms when he leaned in for a hug.

As if he hadn't shredded my heart into a million pieces when he left me to go and chase those skyscrapers years ago.

Tomorrow's the high school reunion and I wasn't even planning on going. But I guess I got a date with nostalgia now.

He’s in town for a couple of weeks and wants to catch up. It’ll be fine. I’ll play it safe.

Well, not exactly. One thing leads to another and…

Cue the déjà vu – old flames, new sparks.

Will he jet back to the glitz and glam of New York, or is this the surprise sweet return I never ordered?

64 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 22, 2024

Reviews

[Maven Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review of Love’s Second Chance on the Menu by Brooke Benson

Love’s Second Chance on the Menu by Brooke Benson is a tender, second chance small‑town romance about reconnecting with someone you thought you’d left behind, set against the delicious backdrop of restaurant kitchens, childhood memories, and healing old wounds. Jacqueline, a single mom and passionate chef running her own cozy restaurant, unexpectedly comes face to face with Logan, her high school sweetheart and the man who once broke her heart when he vanished to chase big city dreams, only now he’s returned for their upcoming reunion, successful and undeniably familiar.

Reading this book made me feel that tug of nostalgia and hope that comes with a second chance story, especially when both characters have grown yet still carry the echoes of what once was. Jacqueline’s life feels grounded and real to me in the way she balances motherhood with her culinary dreams, and Logan’s return to town stirs that bittersweet blend of “what if” and “maybe this time.” Their banter and shared history simmer with warmth, and even though this is a shorter romantic comedy, the emotional beats are sincere and satisfying. I loved imagining the aroma of her kitchen, the sting of old memories softened by laughter, and the way familiar sparks can flit to life again when two people meet in a place they once belonged together. This is a sweet slow burn with heartfelt tension and a satisfying reunion that feels earnest without being rushed.

I would rate Love’s Second Chance on the Menu 4 out of 5 because it delivers exactly the kind of cozy, thoughtful romance that makes your heart swell in the best way: a story about forgiveness, rediscovery, and realizing that sometimes the love you thought was lost is just waiting for the right moment to return.

Jacqueline and Logan’s journey made me smile, swoon, and root for every heartfelt moment, and the small‑town charm and flavorful setting left me wishing I could step right into their world for a plate of pasta and a second helping of love.

[Hayley Gallant · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟

This is such a cute sweet romance, short read!

This was also my first Brooke Benson book & it definitely won't be the last.

I loved the second chance aspect to the main characters in this one. I could feel all the tension and I always enjoy a story where "it's always been you".

You get:
• Sweet Romance
• Closed Door
• Slow Burn
• Second Chance
• Single Mom
• Best Friend's Brother
• It's Always Been You

I highly recommend this one! Available on ebook and paperback.

[Feña · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was disappointed with the book. It had great potential, put half way through it went down hill. I felt like the main characters didn’t have any chemistry or real connection. And don’t get me started on the best friend/sister, if I had one like her, I would unfriend her. Sorry not sorry
I’m only giving two stars because of the beginning, because it was actually good. And I reserve one star reviews for really really bad stories, and this one was not one of them.

[Korkoi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Secrets Never Stay Hidden -
The feelings between Jacqueline and Logan came flooding back the moment the6 laid eyes on each other again, but Jacqueline wasn’t prepared to rekindle their relationship. However, Jacqueline let her guard down and enjoyed a night of unbridled pleasures, which led to the possibility of a relationship. Unfortunately, a misunderstanding neatly cost them their second chance at happiness, but Jacqueline realised she couldn’t live without Logan and made sure she got what she wanted.

This is an interesting short story about second chances, secrets and forgiveness, that you will definitely enjoy reading. You will definitely want to read it.

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

[Margaret Hejmanowski · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have never read anything by Brooke Benson before, OMG, this was a good short read. Jacqueline is a chef and owns her own restaurant. Logan now lives in New York City, he and Jacqueline were high school sweethearts. After high school Logan just disappeared without a trace and broke Jacqueline's heart. He is now back in town for their fifteenth year high school reunion. Is their a chance for them to try again? Love the plot, great setting, and strong intense interesting characters. I look forward to what Ms. Benson writes next!!

[Ashley marino · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would like to thank the author for sending me this copy. This book is about second chances, I have to say that I really appreciated the idea of ​​the writer, the story has a nice line and is very flowing, she is a single mother and owner of an Italian restaurant and he is a business man, the characters are well studied. I liked the cover but the female figure seems more like a maid than a chef, the only thing that bothered me a bit because it doesn't really make you understand the true story of the book. I would like to conclude by saying that overall I liked it and that I recommend it

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Both Jacqueline and Logan wanted a second chance at their relationship. Neither had stopped their love for one another.

They had been high school sweethearts. After graduation, he left for New York without telling her. He tells her he was stupid and didn’t realize what he had until he lost her. Now back for their 15th reunion, he is determined not to lose her. He almost does but she catches him at the airport and tells him how she feels. He tells her he loves her and he’s not going anywhere.

[Laura · Rating 2 out of 5]

Me esperaba otra cosa, la verdad.
Sé que es corto y no hay tiempo para mucho desarrollo, pero quizás esperaba que los personajes estuvieran más definidos o que tuvieran más tiempo para explorar lo que hay entre ellos.
Eso si, el comienzo está muy bien y me gusta que ella se tome su tiempo para pensarse las cosas y no se lance de cabeza.

[Lucia Valenzuela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good, quick read. The characters were interesting and the banter between Jacqueline and Logan was fun to read. Unfortunately, the ending seemed very rushed.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and this is my voluntary, honest review.

[Linda · Rating 2 out of 5]

Kinda blah. DNF. Ended up flipping quite a bit half way thru

[Stacie · Rating 5 out of 5]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[Marilyn Burrows · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a story. Small town high school romance, and love unrequited. Funny things happen in life watching the story unfold was cute and satisfying

[Sue · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a sweet, witty, whimsical, second-chance story with a HEA at the end.