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Sarasota Sharks #1
Stealing a Second Chance
One crack of the bat drove us apart...
And also binds us together—forever.
The silence and rejection stings.
But, at some point, I have to quit fighting for her—for us.
Wils:
I’ve been pretending for so long, it’s become normal.
To the average person, I have it all…a multi-million-dollar contract to play baseball, four homes, and if I choose—my pick of any gorgeous woman on my arm.
The only problem?
The one woman I want—no, need—in my life completely erased me from her memory when we were only teens.
I’d give everything up for a second chance with Kenni Davis, my best friend’s little sister.
Kenni:
When a ghost from my past is traded to the Sarasota Sharks—where I’m the Public Relations Director—I’m hit with the realization that I cannot keep running from my past, no matter how desperately I want to.
The moment our eyes meet, I know he still loves me…
And I can’t deny that I still love him, too. But betraying my brother isn’t an option.
It’s been eight, long years since I’ve seen my soul mate. Wils thrusts himself back into my life and makes me second-guess everything. And honestly, I’m tired of running. Being near him again, after all this time, still brings me to my knees.
And also binds us together—forever.
The silence and rejection stings.
But, at some point, I have to quit fighting for her—for us.
Wils:
I’ve been pretending for so long, it’s become normal.
To the average person, I have it all…a multi-million-dollar contract to play baseball, four homes, and if I choose—my pick of any gorgeous woman on my arm.
The only problem?
The one woman I want—no, need—in my life completely erased me from her memory when we were only teens.
I’d give everything up for a second chance with Kenni Davis, my best friend’s little sister.
Kenni:
When a ghost from my past is traded to the Sarasota Sharks—where I’m the Public Relations Director—I’m hit with the realization that I cannot keep running from my past, no matter how desperately I want to.
The moment our eyes meet, I know he still loves me…
And I can’t deny that I still love him, too. But betraying my brother isn’t an option.
It’s been eight, long years since I’ve seen my soul mate. Wils thrusts himself back into my life and makes me second-guess everything. And honestly, I’m tired of running. Being near him again, after all this time, still brings me to my knees.
304 pages, Paperback
Published May 27, 2024
451 people are currently reading
1221 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 213 reviews
February 20, 2023
4.25⭐
Featuring ~ dual 1st person POV, baseball, brothers best friend, best friends sister, childhood sweethearts, friends to lovers, slow burn, death of a sibling, characters in their early 20's, second chance
Wils is an All Star baseball player on the injured list. He had a contract drafted to do his rehab close to his former girlfriend, Kenni. (I didn't love some of the things written in his contract, but I suppose I see why he did it.) He is the cinnamoness of all cinnamon rolls. He's so down to earth for being a celebrity in the baseball world. In fact all the baseball players in this book give off the same vibe.
Kenni has a great job as the PR rep for the Sarasota Sharks, a minor league team. She is still hurting 8 years after her brother, Jack's, death. Grief had her ghosting her only love, Wils, so she's shocked to see him step into her office after all this time.
I loved these two so much. They were adorable and totally meant to be. They seemed very mature for their ages of 22 and 24, and they drink wine. At that age you could find me shooting Alabama Slammers, not sipping a bold Cabernet.
What happened to Jack is HEARTBREAKING and what Wils and Kenni do to honor him is amazing! There was a delightful surprise that happened towards the end that really brought the whole story to home plate.
A wonderful start to a series. All the side characters were a great addition to the story and I can't wait to read more about them. Next up ~ Patricks's book, which was set up perfectly at the end of this one.
*Thanks to Kristin Lee and BookSirens for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Follow me here ➡ Blog ~ Facebook
Featuring ~ dual 1st person POV, baseball, brothers best friend, best friends sister, childhood sweethearts, friends to lovers, slow burn, death of a sibling, characters in their early 20's, second chance
Wils is an All Star baseball player on the injured list. He had a contract drafted to do his rehab close to his former girlfriend, Kenni. (I didn't love some of the things written in his contract, but I suppose I see why he did it.) He is the cinnamoness of all cinnamon rolls. He's so down to earth for being a celebrity in the baseball world. In fact all the baseball players in this book give off the same vibe.
Kenni has a great job as the PR rep for the Sarasota Sharks, a minor league team. She is still hurting 8 years after her brother, Jack's, death. Grief had her ghosting her only love, Wils, so she's shocked to see him step into her office after all this time.
I loved these two so much. They were adorable and totally meant to be. They seemed very mature for their ages of 22 and 24, and they drink wine. At that age you could find me shooting Alabama Slammers, not sipping a bold Cabernet.
What happened to Jack is HEARTBREAKING and what Wils and Kenni do to honor him is amazing! There was a delightful surprise that happened towards the end that really brought the whole story to home plate.
A wonderful start to a series. All the side characters were a great addition to the story and I can't wait to read more about them. Next up ~ Patricks's book, which was set up perfectly at the end of this one.
*Thanks to Kristin Lee and BookSirens for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Follow me here ➡ Blog ~ Facebook
January 31, 2022
This sports romance completely stole my heart. Kenni and Wils were each other’s first crushes back in middle school when she would tag along to her brother Jack’s baseball games where Wilson was on the team, too. I loved the prologue scene with that first kiss and the memory of the sweet summer nights they shared. ❤
Fast forward ten years and now Kenni does PR for a baseball team. Wils is a major baseball player and he’s been traded to the team Kennison works for. They have a complicated history and their back and forth as they flirted their way back into each other’s lives heated up the pages. They also have a shared tragedy they’re both still grieving. I liked the side characters in this book and hope we may see some of them in future books in the series. Some of my favorite moments: raising money for the trauma centers, sunflowers, Garth Brooks and Shania Twain. Kenni is grieving and it takes a little while for Wils to break down her walls, but once she lets him in, it’s so sweet! 5/5 stars.
Fast forward ten years and now Kenni does PR for a baseball team. Wils is a major baseball player and he’s been traded to the team Kennison works for. They have a complicated history and their back and forth as they flirted their way back into each other’s lives heated up the pages. They also have a shared tragedy they’re both still grieving. I liked the side characters in this book and hope we may see some of them in future books in the series. Some of my favorite moments: raising money for the trauma centers, sunflowers, Garth Brooks and Shania Twain. Kenni is grieving and it takes a little while for Wils to break down her walls, but once she lets him in, it’s so sweet! 5/5 stars.
January 25, 2022
4.5 stars
Wow! This story is worth the emotions and time to read. It is one of those books that needs to be read. Yes, it is a sports romance, but SO much more. The author takes the time to address grief, how we all grieve differently, and that not all can get past it alone or without help. It is a beautifully written story, it will tug at your heart and emotions, but in the end, puts a smile on your face.
Kenni and Wils were everything you expect from youth in love. But they have a secret from her brother. As tragedy pulls them apart, eight years pass. Kenny uses his success to make moves to bring Kenni back into his orbit. She is still hurting; will he find a way to let her heal?
This is the first time I have read this author, but not the last. Her words and details are captivating, and the story is hard to put down.
Thank you to Booksprout and the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
Wow! This story is worth the emotions and time to read. It is one of those books that needs to be read. Yes, it is a sports romance, but SO much more. The author takes the time to address grief, how we all grieve differently, and that not all can get past it alone or without help. It is a beautifully written story, it will tug at your heart and emotions, but in the end, puts a smile on your face.
Kenni and Wils were everything you expect from youth in love. But they have a secret from her brother. As tragedy pulls them apart, eight years pass. Kenny uses his success to make moves to bring Kenni back into his orbit. She is still hurting; will he find a way to let her heal?
This is the first time I have read this author, but not the last. Her words and details are captivating, and the story is hard to put down.
Thank you to Booksprout and the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
October 2, 2023
sports romance with some depth
Kristin Lee pulled me in from the beginning on an emotional roller coaster. She made me feel Wils and Kenni’s frustrations, grief, and happiness, and introduced great side characters who will hopefully get their own stories. Give this a try if you want an emotional, second chance, brother’s best friend baseball romance with a cinnamon roll hero.
Kristin Lee pulled me in from the beginning on an emotional roller coaster. She made me feel Wils and Kenni’s frustrations, grief, and happiness, and introduced great side characters who will hopefully get their own stories. Give this a try if you want an emotional, second chance, brother’s best friend baseball romance with a cinnamon roll hero.
July 31, 2022
Kenni Davis, director of public relations for the Sarasota Sharks baseball team is working in her office when she is blindsided by a ghost from her past. Wilson “Wils” Shepherd is joining the Sharks while he is completing rehab on his shoulder. Wils was Kenni’s brother’s best friend and her teenage boyfriend. Wils never stopped loving Kenni and is determined to have a second chance with her.
This book was a roller coaster for my emotions, I laughed and cried. The main characters Wils and Kenni both are broken in their own ways. They are likable characters. You can’t help but root for Wils to win Kenni’s heart again and hope they can help heal one another’s heart. I also like Patrick. I think he was just the right person to help mend Wils and Kenni’s relationship. I don’t want to give spoilers so I will not say what made me tear up but these were both sad and sweet moments. I recommend this book to romance readers.
All thoughts and opinions are my own, and I have not been influenced by anyone.
This book was a roller coaster for my emotions, I laughed and cried. The main characters Wils and Kenni both are broken in their own ways. They are likable characters. You can’t help but root for Wils to win Kenni’s heart again and hope they can help heal one another’s heart. I also like Patrick. I think he was just the right person to help mend Wils and Kenni’s relationship. I don’t want to give spoilers so I will not say what made me tear up but these were both sad and sweet moments. I recommend this book to romance readers.
All thoughts and opinions are my own, and I have not been influenced by anyone.
July 17, 2022
I went through quite the emotional journey reading this book. Kenni gets the shock of her life when her first love Wils gets traded to the baseball team she works for. It turns out that perhaps the love they felt back had never gone away. These two still have so much chemistry and feelings between them, but the ghosts from their past interfere with them re-starting this relationship. I thought Kenni was a sweetheart, but can't help but to be frustrated with sometimes. Wils was quite the sweetheart and so swoon-worthy - just the kind of man you dream of! I admit I teared up throughout parts of this story, and thought this was such a heart-felt and emotional read.
I received a free advanced reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my fair and honest opini
I received a free advanced reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my fair and honest opini
June 6, 2022
Review
Stealing a Second Chance
Out Now
Wow this was a rollercoaster of emotions.
In a good way.
I was crying my eyes out while reading this story.
This story deals with heavy topics in a really realistic way and I appreciated that.
I also liked that it didn't demonize people for being selfish because of their pain/trauma but it also didn't excuse them. Which is very important.
Kenni was a very real character flaws and all. Her emotions and trauma were very real and was handled very well. She had her moments of levity but there was always that hurt she carried. I had my issues with her as a character, she was frustrating and I understood why she was that way but I also understood that it was selfish. She was again very real and when she finally understood what she was doing you saw glimpses of how great she was and I loved that we got to see it. She's a reminder that you shouldn't give up on people.
Wils was very very sweet and that's probably why it was frustrating to see what was happening between Wils and Kenni. He was understanding and very patient too. He had what Kenni didn't and that really made a difference in how they dealt with their trauma and the pain.
I liked that he stood up for himself at one point when things got too be too much. I also think that the realizations he has here were great, the need for friendship was very heartwarming.
Wils and Kenni has a lot of history, they belonged together it took a while but they got there.
Loved seeing their time together in the past and I hope to see bit and pieces of their future as the series continues.
Speaking of the series, I'd like so say that Patrick is BEST BOY and I love him. Hands down the best friend these two could ask for. He was the voice of reason for these two and they really needed it.
I can't wait to read his story because my boy needs to be happy!
Overall this was a great read, it was emotional and heartfelt. If you like slow-burn, friends to lovers, sports romance and you don't mind some crying this is the way to go. & even if you don't like crying you should still read it cause we all need a little crying.
Stealing a Second Chance
Out Now
Wow this was a rollercoaster of emotions.
In a good way.
I was crying my eyes out while reading this story.
This story deals with heavy topics in a really realistic way and I appreciated that.
I also liked that it didn't demonize people for being selfish because of their pain/trauma but it also didn't excuse them. Which is very important.
Kenni was a very real character flaws and all. Her emotions and trauma were very real and was handled very well. She had her moments of levity but there was always that hurt she carried. I had my issues with her as a character, she was frustrating and I understood why she was that way but I also understood that it was selfish. She was again very real and when she finally understood what she was doing you saw glimpses of how great she was and I loved that we got to see it. She's a reminder that you shouldn't give up on people.
Wils was very very sweet and that's probably why it was frustrating to see what was happening between Wils and Kenni. He was understanding and very patient too. He had what Kenni didn't and that really made a difference in how they dealt with their trauma and the pain.
I liked that he stood up for himself at one point when things got too be too much. I also think that the realizations he has here were great, the need for friendship was very heartwarming.
Wils and Kenni has a lot of history, they belonged together it took a while but they got there.
Loved seeing their time together in the past and I hope to see bit and pieces of their future as the series continues.
Speaking of the series, I'd like so say that Patrick is BEST BOY and I love him. Hands down the best friend these two could ask for. He was the voice of reason for these two and they really needed it.
I can't wait to read his story because my boy needs to be happy!
Overall this was a great read, it was emotional and heartfelt. If you like slow-burn, friends to lovers, sports romance and you don't mind some crying this is the way to go. & even if you don't like crying you should still read it cause we all need a little crying.
October 11, 2022
Stealing A Second Chance
This was my very first sports romance, and it stole my heart. Kristin did a fabulous job writing, and addressing grief and trauma. The characters were so charismatic, funny and dreamy. There were tears, laughs, and smiles, from me! Lol
Kenni tries to put her past in the past. She does a good job about forgetting her trauma and memories for 10years until it come’s back full force by the name of Wils. Her brothers best friend and her ex!
Wils uses his success to bring Kenni back into his life and tries to help her heal. Will she allow him to though?
I was so impressed with the amount of sweet, romantic quotes I got out of this amazing story!! I will be thinking about these two for weeks!
Thank you Krisitn for this amazing read!
A few of my favorite quotes.
“I don’t want to scare you. You’re already spooked, but I’m going to be honest.I do want you, more than ever.”
"But he still melts me like butter on a hot roll"
This was my very first sports romance, and it stole my heart. Kristin did a fabulous job writing, and addressing grief and trauma. The characters were so charismatic, funny and dreamy. There were tears, laughs, and smiles, from me! Lol
Kenni tries to put her past in the past. She does a good job about forgetting her trauma and memories for 10years until it come’s back full force by the name of Wils. Her brothers best friend and her ex!
Wils uses his success to bring Kenni back into his life and tries to help her heal. Will she allow him to though?
I was so impressed with the amount of sweet, romantic quotes I got out of this amazing story!! I will be thinking about these two for weeks!
Thank you Krisitn for this amazing read!
A few of my favorite quotes.
“I don’t want to scare you. You’re already spooked, but I’m going to be honest.I do want you, more than ever.”
"But he still melts me like butter on a hot roll"
September 14, 2022
Okay but this made me tear up multiple times and I adore it🥺 second chance romance and brothers best friend AND BASEBALL?!?! I loved it 💕
“Our love story, the most heartbreaking, breath-taking, uplifting, happily-ever-after, love story ever told.”♥️
“Our love story, the most heartbreaking, breath-taking, uplifting, happily-ever-after, love story ever told.”♥️
May 12, 2025
Holy cheese fest. I probably should’ve given this two stars but I felt bad. It would’ve been cute if it hadn’t been so over the top. All the cheesy lines from this pro baseball player coupled with all the talk about best friends…it was hard to finish.
January 25, 2026
I loved the plot of this
April 3, 2022
Loved this book from the very beginning. The love Kennison and Wilson share is so intense, even after 8 years apart. It is so emotional but beautifully written. I love a good second chance romance and this one did not disappoint.
I received a copy from Booksirens and leave my review voluntarily.
I received a copy from Booksirens and leave my review voluntarily.
July 30, 2022
— 𝟐 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬 ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆
⚾️ 𝘣𝘳𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳’𝘴 𝘣𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘧𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘥
⚾️ 𝘣𝘢𝘴𝘦𝘣𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘳���𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦
✿.｡.:* ☆:**:. 𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 .:*☆*.:｡.✿
𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐡𝐞𝐩𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐝 (H) gets traded in by the Cobras, and requests to play for the Kodiaks in efforts to reconnect with 𝐊𝐞𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐃𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐬 (h) the Public Relations Director and the love of his life. When her brother passed away from a baseball injury, she shut Wils out from her life and eight years later they find themselves in the same environment again because of his doing. She feels responsible for her brother’s death because she thinks Jack got distracted during his final game, after discovering she was with his best friend. Therefore, she is in denial about her feelings about Wils years later and refuses to love him because all she sees is the mistake they made years ago. However, Wils is persistent and is willing to fight for her, until he leaves it up to her to fight for him. The book focuses on loss, feelings of guilt, and allowing yourself to get closure after losing a loved one — moving on but not forgetting. Wilson started the 23 Trauma Center in tribute to Jack to specialize in head traumas and severe sports injuries. He set out to have grief counseling for families and anger counseling for the families and victims.
*•.¸♡ ★·.·´ 𝑹𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆 ★·.·´¯`·.·★ ♡¸.•*
“𝙅𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙚𝙣𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝 𝙩𝙤 𝙗𝙚 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙢𝙚? 𝙉𝙤𝙩 𝙜𝙤𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤 𝙡𝙞𝙚; 𝙄 𝙛𝙚𝙚𝙡 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙄’𝙢 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙣-𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙩 𝙨𝙪𝙧𝙜𝙚𝙧𝙮｡ 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙙 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙮 𝙨𝙖𝙬 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙗𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙩𝙗𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙣｡ 𝙒𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙖𝙢 𝙄 𝙜𝙤𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤 𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙣? 𝙒𝙝𝙮 𝙙𝙤 𝙄 𝙠𝙚𝙚𝙥 𝙗𝙚𝙜𝙜𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙩𝙤 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙢𝙚?”
The main reason I didn’t like this book was because Kenni was so indecisive and it felt like she was messing with Wils feelings. She would tell him she loved him, sleep with him and push him away the very next moment. She did that repeatedly and it was unfair to him because he fought for her so many times and put himself in a vulnerable position, only for her to reject him again. I’m not saying she didn’t love him because she did, but the way she approached her fear of loving him was standoffish. It took him crashing and being in the hospital for her to fight for him. I hated that he had to have an almost near death experience for her to realize that she really loved him. While I understand that she still blamed herself for her brother’s death and everyone grieves differently, she should have had a conversation with Wils instead of making him feel like the problem. He told her every second that he loved her, and she still doubted it and made him feel guilty when he didn’t want to fight for her anymore. She gave him mixed signals, she wanted to be with him but didn’t want to fight for him. When she did admit her feelings, she would run off but didn’t want to see him happy or moving on. She made him feel guilty for moving on and making new friends because she thought it was unfair to her brother Jack.
“𝙃𝙚 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙢𝙮 𝙗𝙧𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧. 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙨｡ 𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙙𝙤𝙣’𝙩 𝙜𝙚𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙢𝙖𝙠𝙚 𝙢𝙚 𝙛𝙚𝙚𝙡 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙄 𝙙𝙤𝙣’𝙩 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙝𝙞𝙢｡”
I hate that she made him feel like his relationship with Jack meant nothing. It was unfair of her to judge him for trying to move on with his life and form new relationships. When he developed the friendship with Patrick and he was finally allowing himself to have a best friend, she said that she was replacing Jack. It was eight-years, he was just trying to live his life, it’s not like he would ever forget his best friend. Jack will no doubt be apart of his life forever, but Kenni had no right to act like they weren’t brothers because they were, not blood but still family. It was moments like these where I didn’t like her character because she made everything about how she was feeling but never stopped to think about how Jack’s death impacted everyone else. It’s okay that she was dealing with his death her own way, but she cut off Wils with no explanation to the point where he had to transfer schools when he was younger because he had no support system anymore. She also thought about all the time they lost, but things could have been different if they had talked to each other during that rough patch — they did get closure with knowing that Jack accepted them together and the day he passed he wasn’t distracted by them. Turns out, Avery, his girlfriend at the time, told him she was pregnant so he has a kid :(( It feels like I know Jack’s character because of how present he was in the story through memories, and he deserved a better ending.
𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐥, the book could have been better without the entire story being miscommunication and on and off indecision about their relationship. Wils knew he wanted to be with her all along, it’s just Kenni that didn’t realize she truly loved him until the 80% mark.
⚾️ 𝘣𝘳𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳’𝘴 𝘣𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘧𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘥
⚾️ 𝘣𝘢𝘴𝘦𝘣𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘳���𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦
✿.｡.:* ☆:**:. 𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 .:*☆*.:｡.✿
𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐡𝐞𝐩𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐝 (H) gets traded in by the Cobras, and requests to play for the Kodiaks in efforts to reconnect with 𝐊𝐞𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐃𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐬 (h) the Public Relations Director and the love of his life. When her brother passed away from a baseball injury, she shut Wils out from her life and eight years later they find themselves in the same environment again because of his doing. She feels responsible for her brother’s death because she thinks Jack got distracted during his final game, after discovering she was with his best friend. Therefore, she is in denial about her feelings about Wils years later and refuses to love him because all she sees is the mistake they made years ago. However, Wils is persistent and is willing to fight for her, until he leaves it up to her to fight for him. The book focuses on loss, feelings of guilt, and allowing yourself to get closure after losing a loved one — moving on but not forgetting. Wilson started the 23 Trauma Center in tribute to Jack to specialize in head traumas and severe sports injuries. He set out to have grief counseling for families and anger counseling for the families and victims.
*•.¸♡ ★·.·´ 𝑹𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆 ★·.·´¯`·.·★ ♡¸.•*
“𝙅𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙚𝙣𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝 𝙩𝙤 𝙗𝙚 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙢𝙚? 𝙉𝙤𝙩 𝙜𝙤𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤 𝙡𝙞𝙚; 𝙄 𝙛𝙚𝙚𝙡 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙄’𝙢 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙣-𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙩 𝙨𝙪𝙧𝙜𝙚𝙧𝙮｡ 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙙 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙮 𝙨𝙖𝙬 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙗𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙩𝙗𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙣｡ 𝙒𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙖𝙢 𝙄 𝙜𝙤𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤 𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙣? 𝙒𝙝𝙮 𝙙𝙤 𝙄 𝙠𝙚𝙚𝙥 𝙗𝙚𝙜𝙜𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙩𝙤 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙢𝙚?”
The main reason I didn’t like this book was because Kenni was so indecisive and it felt like she was messing with Wils feelings. She would tell him she loved him, sleep with him and push him away the very next moment. She did that repeatedly and it was unfair to him because he fought for her so many times and put himself in a vulnerable position, only for her to reject him again. I’m not saying she didn’t love him because she did, but the way she approached her fear of loving him was standoffish. It took him crashing and being in the hospital for her to fight for him. I hated that he had to have an almost near death experience for her to realize that she really loved him. While I understand that she still blamed herself for her brother’s death and everyone grieves differently, she should have had a conversation with Wils instead of making him feel like the problem. He told her every second that he loved her, and she still doubted it and made him feel guilty when he didn’t want to fight for her anymore. She gave him mixed signals, she wanted to be with him but didn’t want to fight for him. When she did admit her feelings, she would run off but didn’t want to see him happy or moving on. She made him feel guilty for moving on and making new friends because she thought it was unfair to her brother Jack.
“𝙃𝙚 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙢𝙮 𝙗𝙧𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧. 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙨｡ 𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙙𝙤𝙣’𝙩 𝙜𝙚𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙢𝙖𝙠𝙚 𝙢𝙚 𝙛𝙚𝙚𝙡 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙄 𝙙𝙤𝙣’𝙩 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙝𝙞𝙢｡”
I hate that she made him feel like his relationship with Jack meant nothing. It was unfair of her to judge him for trying to move on with his life and form new relationships. When he developed the friendship with Patrick and he was finally allowing himself to have a best friend, she said that she was replacing Jack. It was eight-years, he was just trying to live his life, it’s not like he would ever forget his best friend. Jack will no doubt be apart of his life forever, but Kenni had no right to act like they weren’t brothers because they were, not blood but still family. It was moments like these where I didn’t like her character because she made everything about how she was feeling but never stopped to think about how Jack’s death impacted everyone else. It’s okay that she was dealing with his death her own way, but she cut off Wils with no explanation to the point where he had to transfer schools when he was younger because he had no support system anymore. She also thought about all the time they lost, but things could have been different if they had talked to each other during that rough patch — they did get closure with knowing that Jack accepted them together and the day he passed he wasn’t distracted by them. Turns out, Avery, his girlfriend at the time, told him she was pregnant so he has a kid :(( It feels like I know Jack’s character because of how present he was in the story through memories, and he deserved a better ending.
𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐥, the book could have been better without the entire story being miscommunication and on and off indecision about their relationship. Wils knew he wanted to be with her all along, it’s just Kenni that didn’t realize she truly loved him until the 80% mark.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 15, 2022
AMAZING! I was hooked from the prologue 🎣
I’m pretty sure I experienced every emotion while reading Stealing A Second Chance. Between laughing so hard I was crying to crying so hard I needed the tissue box. Don’t let the lovey scenes fool you, though. Wils knows how to add the spice🌶
I fell completely in love with Kenni & Wils! Also rooting big time for Patrick (it’s not often you also love a “side character”)!
Kristin Lee’s writing kept me entertained and not wanting to put my kindle down throughout the entire book.
I’m pretty sure I experienced every emotion while reading Stealing A Second Chance. Between laughing so hard I was crying to crying so hard I needed the tissue box. Don’t let the lovey scenes fool you, though. Wils knows how to add the spice🌶
I fell completely in love with Kenni & Wils! Also rooting big time for Patrick (it’s not often you also love a “side character”)!
Kristin Lee’s writing kept me entertained and not wanting to put my kindle down throughout the entire book.
January 15, 2023
the dust in here….
I am bawling. Such an amazing and hard roller coaster of emotions in this book. Great read for anyone looking for a heartfelt and amazing story.
I am bawling. Such an amazing and hard roller coaster of emotions in this book. Great read for anyone looking for a heartfelt and amazing story.
June 16, 2022
STEALING A SECOND CHANCE has everything I look for in a second chance romance - long separation, misunderstandings, and never really recovering from the love.
It’s clear from the start that whatever it was that kept Kenni and Wils apart was big. The author did not take an overly long time revealing just enough of the secret to have me intent on figuring out how it resulted in a split. It isn’t the only misunderstanding or secret, though so our couple exists in a majorly angsty environment.
Kenni and Wils jumped back and forth about their feelings throughout the book - “should I stay or walk away?”. It got to be a bit much. I thought there were sections throughout the story that didn’t move the story forward and it became tedious at times.
I am curious about some of the other guys on the team, so will read another book in this series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
It’s clear from the start that whatever it was that kept Kenni and Wils apart was big. The author did not take an overly long time revealing just enough of the secret to have me intent on figuring out how it resulted in a split. It isn’t the only misunderstanding or secret, though so our couple exists in a majorly angsty environment.
Kenni and Wils jumped back and forth about their feelings throughout the book - “should I stay or walk away?”. It got to be a bit much. I thought there were sections throughout the story that didn’t move the story forward and it became tedious at times.
I am curious about some of the other guys on the team, so will read another book in this series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 7, 2022
So good
Let me start by saying that not only do i love a good sports romance, but so much better when its baseball. There's not a whole lot of them out there so when I see a baseball romance, I'm in! Buy this one was so much more.... It had heart breaking moments, heart warming moments, swoon worthy moments and so much more! My heart hurt for theses two souls! Wils and Kenni were soulmates, they were a forever kind of love! The past 8 years wrecked them both in so many ways, but watching them heal together was an amazing journey!
Let me start by saying that not only do i love a good sports romance, but so much better when its baseball. There's not a whole lot of them out there so when I see a baseball romance, I'm in! Buy this one was so much more.... It had heart breaking moments, heart warming moments, swoon worthy moments and so much more! My heart hurt for theses two souls! Wils and Kenni were soulmates, they were a forever kind of love! The past 8 years wrecked them both in so many ways, but watching them heal together was an amazing journey!
April 7, 2022
(I received a copy of this book from the author to review)
Trigger Warnings include:
death, trauma, grieving
The only time I’ve been nervous about stealing second was when I came here—stealing a second chance with you.
This is SO much more than just a sports romance! This is a beautiful story about a second chance at love after loss. Kennison and Wilson grew up together. Her brother was his best friend. The three musketeers. But when tragedy strikes, instead of Kenni and Wils holding on to each other, Kenni pushes him as far away as possible. Nearly a decade later, Wils walks into Kenni’s office with a shiny new contract with the baseball team she works for. And there’s nothing coincidental about it! Wils lays everything out on the table, but Kenni isn’t as ready as he is. He’s all in, while she’s still hanging out the ledge. Wils never hesitates to be vulnerable with her. It’s both second nature and a habit. But the pain Kenni cares won’t let her free. But Wils isn’t ready to give up. He knows the woman he loves is right there in reach. And we get such an amazing full circle, complete closure ending! It’s truly a beautiful story about being buried in grief, and not knowing how to dig your way out, fearing to let someone else close enough to help.
My Favorite Quotes:
• “We aren’t done, not by a longshot.
• “I need people to care about, and that care about me. If that makes me some kind of pussy then so be it.”
• “People say you don’t know what love is when you are young. But I knew Wils. I knew how much I loved you. Still love you. Never going to quit loving you.”
• “You. I want you.”
• “I’m completely in love with you. Whatever we do, it’s because I love you.”
• “I will give you everything you never knew you wanted.”
• “I’ve been waiting my whole life for you to make love to me.”
• “Do you know how good this feels, being inside the only girl I have ever loved?”
• “I will never be done with you.”
• “My heart has only ever had room for you.”
10/10 Brother’s Best Friend
6/10 Dirty Birdy
10/10 Second Chance
9/10 Sports Romance
8/10 Tearjerker
Trigger Warnings include:
death, trauma, grieving
The only time I’ve been nervous about stealing second was when I came here—stealing a second chance with you.
This is SO much more than just a sports romance! This is a beautiful story about a second chance at love after loss. Kennison and Wilson grew up together. Her brother was his best friend. The three musketeers. But when tragedy strikes, instead of Kenni and Wils holding on to each other, Kenni pushes him as far away as possible. Nearly a decade later, Wils walks into Kenni’s office with a shiny new contract with the baseball team she works for. And there’s nothing coincidental about it! Wils lays everything out on the table, but Kenni isn’t as ready as he is. He’s all in, while she’s still hanging out the ledge. Wils never hesitates to be vulnerable with her. It’s both second nature and a habit. But the pain Kenni cares won’t let her free. But Wils isn’t ready to give up. He knows the woman he loves is right there in reach. And we get such an amazing full circle, complete closure ending! It’s truly a beautiful story about being buried in grief, and not knowing how to dig your way out, fearing to let someone else close enough to help.
My Favorite Quotes:
• “We aren’t done, not by a longshot.
• “I need people to care about, and that care about me. If that makes me some kind of pussy then so be it.”
• “People say you don’t know what love is when you are young. But I knew Wils. I knew how much I loved you. Still love you. Never going to quit loving you.”
• “You. I want you.”
• “I’m completely in love with you. Whatever we do, it’s because I love you.”
• “I will give you everything you never knew you wanted.”
• “I’ve been waiting my whole life for you to make love to me.”
• “Do you know how good this feels, being inside the only girl I have ever loved?”
• “I will never be done with you.”
• “My heart has only ever had room for you.”
10/10 Brother’s Best Friend
6/10 Dirty Birdy
10/10 Second Chance
9/10 Sports Romance
8/10 Tearjerker
July 27, 2022
What a captivating first book in this new series by Kristin Lee I am still tingling from the overload of emotions that cascaded through me while reading this second Chance sports romance, Kenni and Wils stole my heart.
Sometimes you are lucky to come across an author that you know whatever they write you will want to read and I have found this with Ms Lee, I must admit it had taken me sometime to check this of my TBR list and I am now kicking myself as to why it took so long.
Kenni, Wils and Jack (Kenni’s brother) were childhood friends and as they grow into teenagers the boys played baseball and Kenni feel in love with Wils her brothers best friend, when tragedy strikes life as they knew it is gone forever, 9 years later Wils is back from the major league for a few weeks to play for The Sarasota Sharks, and to finally try and win back Kenni, PR director for the Sharks, but pain and hurt still surrounds Kenni like a blanket can Wils finally make the only woman he ever loved break free from the grieve that bounds her, the connection and chemistry is strong, very strong but will Kenni final let go of the past or will Wils final surrender to defeat and let her go once and for all?
I loved Ms Lee’s attention to detail and the little twist near the end a perfect finish to a brilliant story.
Sometimes you are lucky to come across an author that you know whatever they write you will want to read and I have found this with Ms Lee, I must admit it had taken me sometime to check this of my TBR list and I am now kicking myself as to why it took so long.
”Kenni, do you ever wish time would stand still?”
“Yes,right now”.
Kenni, Wils and Jack (Kenni’s brother) were childhood friends and as they grow into teenagers the boys played baseball and Kenni feel in love with Wils her brothers best friend, when tragedy strikes life as they knew it is gone forever, 9 years later Wils is back from the major league for a few weeks to play for The Sarasota Sharks, and to finally try and win back Kenni, PR director for the Sharks, but pain and hurt still surrounds Kenni like a blanket can Wils finally make the only woman he ever loved break free from the grieve that bounds her, the connection and chemistry is strong, very strong but will Kenni final let go of the past or will Wils final surrender to defeat and let her go once and for all?
I loved Ms Lee’s attention to detail and the little twist near the end a perfect finish to a brilliant story.
March 22, 2022
A huge thank to the author for reaching out to me after I read and reviewed an ARC of book 2 in this series. Kristin Lee mentioned she is an author who builds worlds and that reading Kenni and Wils’ book first would have really helped with understanding book 2 much better.
Oh wow, was she ever right! The storyline that starts in book 1 (this book) is so poignant and heartbreaking, but how she pulls these two characters back together is beautiful. The characters have a significant amount of emotional angst and drama, but it fits the age of the characters (young 20’s), the tragic event in their past, and the emotional aftermath.
This story had me up until 2 a.m. because I so wanted to read about the introduction of a specific character who is a big part of book 2 and then I just had to finish the book. Having read book 2 first, I knew this particular character and event was going to be a significant emotional payoff and extremely exciting - it definitely was, but my alarm at 5:45 a.m. was definitely not very welcome or exciting to my bleary-eyed self. Ugh!
I don’t want to spoil any of the special moments of this book or what comes next, so I’m going to leave it at this: definitely read book 1 first, if you get emotional or teary over books with powerful emotions then definitely have a few tissues handy, plan on falling in love with Wils (he is amazingly awesome), and enjoy Kenni for the incredibly strong young woman her character is and becomes.
I received an ARC free from the author via Book Siren; and I am voluntarily leaving a review. I have definitely found another author I want to read more from and follow - yeah!
Oh wow, was she ever right! The storyline that starts in book 1 (this book) is so poignant and heartbreaking, but how she pulls these two characters back together is beautiful. The characters have a significant amount of emotional angst and drama, but it fits the age of the characters (young 20’s), the tragic event in their past, and the emotional aftermath.
This story had me up until 2 a.m. because I so wanted to read about the introduction of a specific character who is a big part of book 2 and then I just had to finish the book. Having read book 2 first, I knew this particular character and event was going to be a significant emotional payoff and extremely exciting - it definitely was, but my alarm at 5:45 a.m. was definitely not very welcome or exciting to my bleary-eyed self. Ugh!
I don’t want to spoil any of the special moments of this book or what comes next, so I’m going to leave it at this: definitely read book 1 first, if you get emotional or teary over books with powerful emotions then definitely have a few tissues handy, plan on falling in love with Wils (he is amazingly awesome), and enjoy Kenni for the incredibly strong young woman her character is and becomes.
I received an ARC free from the author via Book Siren; and I am voluntarily leaving a review. I have definitely found another author I want to read more from and follow - yeah!
May 25, 2022
4.25 stars
I love sports romances!! Kristin does a fabulous job with this one! She deals with some heavy topics including a siblings death that traumatizes our 2 MC. I laughed, I cried, I was so happy and mad!! This book has all the feelings. I love that she doesn't shy away from hard topics. Kenni really struggles to deal with her emotions and sometimes I wanted to hit her upside the head but that's real life. It's messy and hard and frustrating. But it's worth it in the end! Wils went to therapy and seems to handle it a little better. It was refreshing to see a man go to therapy and address the emotional turbulence. I really appreciated that! The joy and happiness was more than I thought possible! Truly this story has it all and I really enjoyed it! I'm already diving into the next one! Gotta see what happens to my Patrick!!
I love sports romances!! Kristin does a fabulous job with this one! She deals with some heavy topics including a siblings death that traumatizes our 2 MC. I laughed, I cried, I was so happy and mad!! This book has all the feelings. I love that she doesn't shy away from hard topics. Kenni really struggles to deal with her emotions and sometimes I wanted to hit her upside the head but that's real life. It's messy and hard and frustrating. But it's worth it in the end! Wils went to therapy and seems to handle it a little better. It was refreshing to see a man go to therapy and address the emotional turbulence. I really appreciated that! The joy and happiness was more than I thought possible! Truly this story has it all and I really enjoyed it! I'm already diving into the next one! Gotta see what happens to my Patrick!!
September 10, 2022
4/⭐️ • 2/🌶
Kenni and Wils. This story checks off so many boxes:
•Sports Romance
•Second Chance
•Brother’s best friend
•Workplace- PR and Player
Kenni and Wils loved each other since they first met at 14 and were torn about by tragedy by 18. Their story is heart breaking, angsty, full of tension, and a million reasons on why they shouldn’t be together.
Wils has always fought for Kenni, and everything he has ever done has been for her. He was the ultimate book boyfriend when it came to sacrificing and living for a girl he very well knew he may always be without. This man didn’t back down without a fight and was so so possessive over his girl- he knew Kenni was always his.
Kenni. I loved her and I hated her. Wils was checking all the boxes and fighting so hard for her while she constantly pushed him away. She was hateful while being loving, spiteful while trying to not be, and she was constantly pushing Wils away.
Kenni and Wils. This story checks off so many boxes:
•Sports Romance
•Second Chance
•Brother’s best friend
•Workplace- PR and Player
Kenni and Wils loved each other since they first met at 14 and were torn about by tragedy by 18. Their story is heart breaking, angsty, full of tension, and a million reasons on why they shouldn’t be together.
Wils has always fought for Kenni, and everything he has ever done has been for her. He was the ultimate book boyfriend when it came to sacrificing and living for a girl he very well knew he may always be without. This man didn’t back down without a fight and was so so possessive over his girl- he knew Kenni was always his.
Kenni. I loved her and I hated her. Wils was checking all the boxes and fighting so hard for her while she constantly pushed him away. She was hateful while being loving, spiteful while trying to not be, and she was constantly pushing Wils away.
June 11, 2024
great start to the series
This was a great second chance baseball romance with just the right amount of emotion and a sprinkling of steam.
Kenni is the PR rep for the Sarasota Sharks baseball team, and the last thing she expects is for a ghost from her past to walk into her office. She hasn’t talked to her childhood love, Wils, in 8 years, after tragedy forced them apart. But now Wils is in Florida to win her back - if they can both forgive themselves for their part in what’s kept them separated for so long.
The book highlights how the path to overcoming trauma is not easy but is something that should be hard fought for in order to find happiness again. Kristin also threw in a great plot twist I didn’t see coming, and that helps lead into the next book, which I am now very excited for!
I also listened to this on audio and it was great. I always love CJ Bloom, and Lee Samuels was a new to me performer and I thought he did a great narration. They both brought out the emotion of the story beautifully.
This was a great second chance baseball romance with just the right amount of emotion and a sprinkling of steam.
Kenni is the PR rep for the Sarasota Sharks baseball team, and the last thing she expects is for a ghost from her past to walk into her office. She hasn’t talked to her childhood love, Wils, in 8 years, after tragedy forced them apart. But now Wils is in Florida to win her back - if they can both forgive themselves for their part in what’s kept them separated for so long.
The book highlights how the path to overcoming trauma is not easy but is something that should be hard fought for in order to find happiness again. Kristin also threw in a great plot twist I didn’t see coming, and that helps lead into the next book, which I am now very excited for!
I also listened to this on audio and it was great. I always love CJ Bloom, and Lee Samuels was a new to me performer and I thought he did a great narration. They both brought out the emotion of the story beautifully.
April 6, 2024
I don’t think I was emotionally prepared for this one. It will run you through a gamut of emotions. Wilson and Jack are childhood best friends. Kennison is Jack’s little sister and as teenagers, she and Wilson become more than friends. They lose Jack and that loss pulls them apart. Eight years later, Wilson inserts himself back into her life to recapture the great love of his life. Kenni is still in love with Wils but struggles to reconcile her grief and guilt with love and happiness. Sweet romance, steamy scenes, bittersweet moments, tears, laughter, love of friends and family- this one has it all.
June 14, 2024
A first from this author and she has me hooked . This story touched my heart. Make sure you have some tissues because you will laugh, cry and everything in between . The story pulls you into the characters and their emotions. It takes a great writer to make you feel the pain, loss, happiness, silliness, the smiles, the love of a character in a story, and she did that . You are pulled onto the field with the team, your pulled into the locker room . Perfect story that I would read again!
January 21, 2023
Love for life
Tragedy strikes three friends and that builds a huge hole for eight years for Wils (Wilson) and Kenni (Kennison). They each have so much guilt and are afraid to share so they let their hearts and love for each other suffer. Working on a project together helps mend their broken hearts and the gap between them begins to close in.
This is the first book I have read from this author and this book is the first in the series. I can’t wait to read the next book.
Tragedy strikes three friends and that builds a huge hole for eight years for Wils (Wilson) and Kenni (Kennison). They each have so much guilt and are afraid to share so they let their hearts and love for each other suffer. Working on a project together helps mend their broken hearts and the gap between them begins to close in.
This is the first book I have read from this author and this book is the first in the series. I can’t wait to read the next book.
May 20, 2022
4.5 stars
This Sport romance was a great choice. I enjoyed each chapter and let me tell you Kenni and Wills are simply lovely. Friends to lovers trope are the best and the author did a great job with their past and present story. I'm looking forward to see what's next in this series.
This Sport romance was a great choice. I enjoyed each chapter and let me tell you Kenni and Wills are simply lovely. Friends to lovers trope are the best and the author did a great job with their past and present story. I'm looking forward to see what's next in this series.
July 16, 2022
This book is AMAZING!!! The author reached out to me after finding out I love Colleen Hoover and she told me she was similar, and I have come here to say, she did not disappoint this book was emotional like Coho but also had more spice that I wish coho had so this is definitely a 5 star read! I can’t wait to read the rest of the series
July 19, 2022
A home run hitter
This book was heart-felt and wonderfully written. You get to know a little bit of what this is about. But honestly I loved how this story comes out and so many emotions and how they are attempting to help others while healing.
This book was heart-felt and wonderfully written. You get to know a little bit of what this is about. But honestly I loved how this story comes out and so many emotions and how they are attempting to help others while healing.
August 22, 2025
Kenni and Wils story was beautifully written. You see how much they care and love one another. You see all the highs and lows. All the roller coaster of emotions between. And in the end you see they finally get all the love and happiness they deserve. 💜
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