A Second Chance

The Chances #2

by Emily E.K. Murdoch

John Chance, Marquess of Aylesbury, has most unfortunately run out of second chances.

That’s why he’s turning up at a house party in search of a wealthy wife. Anyone will do. The Aylesbury coffers are empty, and his older brother has given him a second chance to set gambling aside and find some respectability. John doesn’t expect Miss Florence Bailey to be there.

Florence Bailey. The woman he courted two years ago. The woman he kissed passionately and felt—felt…

The woman he should have proposed to…and ran away from. Florence Bailey is a wallflower, and proud of it. Hating every moment of the house party, she watches the Marquess of Aylesbury arrive with shock and a strange, ridiculous idea.

It would never work—John had already proven he couldn’t be trusted. But a second chance could be the healing of her heart, and Florence is determined to try—try—to trust him.

As long as John can keep it quiet that he’s only wooing Florence for her money, this second chance could be just what he needs…

Continue the highly anticipated Chance family drama, with four brothers and just as many problems. Tropes black sheep, wallflower, second chance romance, and of course, Emily E K Murdoch’s tried and true method of sizzling, joyful romance.

This full length novel is a steamy Regency romance with a happily ever after, no cliffhangers, and is part of a series that can be read in any order.

Read in Kindle Unlimited!

The Chances Series
Book 1: A Fighting Chance
Book 2: A Second Chance
Book 3: An Outside Chance
Book 4: Half a Chance
Book 5: A Chance in a Million
Book 6: Not a Chance in Hell
Book 7: An Eye for the Chance
Book 8: A Sporting Chance
Book 9: Any Chance You Can Take
Book 10: Chance Would be a Fine Thing
Book 11: Take a Chance on You
Book 12: Don’t Fancy Your Chance
Book 13: Give Him a Chance
Book 14: A Chance of a Lifetime
Book 15: In with a Chance
Book 16: Jump at the Chance
Book 17: Let the Chance Slip By
Book 18: Why Take the Chance?
Book 19: A Calculated Chance
Book 20: Leave it All to Chance

Genres: Historical Romance, Second Chance

278 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 2, 2024

About the author

Emily E.K. Murdoch is also known as Emily Murdoch.

Emily Murdoch is a medieval historian and writer. Throughout her career so far she has examined a codex and transcribed medieval sermons at the Bodleian Library in Oxford, designed part of an exhibition for the Yorkshire Museum, worked as a researcher for a BBC documentary presented by Ian Hislop, and worked at Polesden Lacey with the National Trust. She has a degree in History and English, and a Masters in Medieval Studies, both from the University of York. Emily is currently working on a new four part Regency novella series, two of which are now published.

You can follow her on twitter and instagram @emilyekmurdoch, find her on facebook at www.facebook.com/theemilyekmurdoch, and read her blog at www.emilyekmurdoch.com

Reviews

[🐝 Shaz 🐝 · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story started off well. It had good characters.The ending was okay too, but sadly for me, I thought it went flat in the middle.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

John Chance, Marquis of Aylesbury, has most unfortunately run out of second chances. That’s why he’s turning up at a house party in search of a wealthy wife. Anyone will do. The Aylesbury coffers are empty, and his older brother has given him a second chance to set gambling aside and find some respectability. John doesn’t expect Miss Florence Bailey to be there. The woman he courted two years ago. The woman he should have proposed to…and ran away from.
The second book in the series & a fun entertaining romance. I really liked both John & Florence, the chemistry sizzled & they both had feelings for each other but she’s shy, he’s charming. This is a delightful, witty romance. I loved how they came to really know each other on their way to a HEA
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own

[Cassandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Our second chance brother is supposedly a rake but he just seemed charming. Florence, I think she has social anxiety not just shyness but I liked her quite a bit. Seeing her grow in confidence of having John in her life was really so sweet too. I do think the book was a little repetitive and I understand the third act break up but I don’t know how she didn’t see that as the potential when they both admitted to each other how happy they were that what started as a marriage of conviene ended up being so much more to both of them. Our next brother, I do wish it was Pen, but I will just have to wait.

[Alexandra G · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second book in Emily E.K. Murdoch’s 'The Chances' series, and a funny, sweet and spicy second chance at love for Florence & John!

She’s a very bright but painfully shy young heiress. Her inability to string three words together when in company has relegated her to wallflower row - not that she minds, at least it’s quiet there. But what she really wants, is to be loved - for herself, flaws and all and not her dowry, and preferably by him, the marquess who stole her heart two years ago…
He’s that marquess - a bit of a careless brat, a himbo and the king of second chances. His coffers are empty and his older brother, the duke, is finally done picking up his tab. He wants him to clean-up his act, find a wife and give his title some respectability… at a house party… where he runs into her, the girl who made him feel and scared him witless two years ago.

This story follows their untraditional courtship - she offered him a marriage of convenience, now all his has to do is not screw it up… and of course he does.
It's a trainwreck waiting to happen and I simply couldn’t look away!
He’s this adorable charming screw-up and she’s not just a wallflower, but an entire bouquet once she opens up. Their chemistry is through the roof, and sticking to those well-defined rules surrounding their union quickly becomes more than a little inconvenient. These two are secretly so head-over-heels for each other, leaving them endearingly awkward and uncomfortable. That and the fact they truly see and understand each other - at their best and at their worst - make for a deliciously sizzling and fascinating tale!

With a fair bit of conflict, conquering and grovelling to do, this book was heartwarming, witty and fast. A true page-turner, an excellent read and a great stand-alone!
Even better when you’ve read book 1 A Fighting Chance: A Regency Historical Romance and I can hardly wait to find out what life has installed for the other Chance brother and a half!

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

Miss Florence Bailey had four seasons and no proposals. Extremely shy, she has difficulty having a conversation with anyone, especially the man who broke her heart two years ago. John Chance, Marquess of Aylesbury, is a scoundrel, gambler, drunkard and womanizer. At a house party he encounters Florence again. As drawn to her as he was before, he realizes he was a fool to walk away. Maybe this is his second chance. He takes it and woos the woman that makes him feel like he never has before, until he makes a mistake.
A very emotional love story with two people hoping for a happy ending.
Descriptive sex.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book from NetGalley.

[Kristin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would like to thank Netgalley and Dragonblade Publishing for a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

Really enjoyable, and I love how the shy heroine was portrayed.

[Marion Löw · Rating 4 out of 5]

4,5 stars

I really enjoyed this new installment in the Chances series. As the title suggests, it's literally and figuratively about the second Chance brother and the second chances he needs/gets. The plot is well written, witty and heartwarming. Both main characters are endearing. I liked the sizzling chemistry between them, how they accepted their weaknesses and supported each other and how their characters and their relationship developed as the story progressed. I also enjoyed meeting the characters from the previous book and the dynamic between the Chance brothers, although I thought Cothrom was a bit hard on John.

The book can be read as a standalone, but I recommend reading it in order as all the Chance brothers have been introduced previously and their interactions are therefore easier to understand.

John Chance, Marquess of Aylesbury, is a notorious rake, addicted to gambling and just like his younger brother Lindow and to the displeasure of his older brother Cothrom, happy when he can cause another scandal.
He lives a carefree life with the allowance and financial support of his older brother Cothrom and has no intention of looking after his own estates. Until Gothrom suddenly refuses to continue paying for his lifestyle and debts and declares that this is John’s second chance.
John doesn't want to disappoint Cothrom and accepts an invitation to a house party. There, however, he unexpectedly meets Florence Bailey, a young lady he wooed two years ago but then dumped before their relationship became more serious. Circumstances change when John learns that Florence has a large dowry that he could put to good use.

Florence has always been an almost painfully shy wallflower who can't talk to anyone without stuttering with nervousness, but her strict mother always forces her to attend social gatherings. She is shocked when she meets John again at the Knights' house party, the man she fell in love with two years ago and who broke her heart. But what is even more shocking is that she is still attracted to John, he is flirting with her again and John seems to be the only person who understands her shyness.
But he could also be the solution to her problems. Florence is willing to give him a second chance as she does not want to become the victim of a fortune hunter or continue being forced to attend future societal events, so she offers John a marriage of convenience: Respectability for him in return for her peace...

If you like books with scandalous rakes, shy wallflower, lots of banter and great character development, you are sure to enjoy this one.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Janet Denise Ross]

4 STARS REGENCY HISTORICAL ROMANCE

Emily E K Murdoch gives us a 4 STARS interesting & exciting storyline in Book 2 of her Series: The Chances plus she also provides a good BLURB. Her main characters are detailed pretty well especially our young wonderful debutante who purposely made herself one a wallflower because she is extremely shy & it puts her system full on nerves around people & especially having to do the usual back and forth expected in conversation. Of course I am speaking of Florence Bailey the woman that had expected a proposal 2 years past from John Chance, the Marquess of the 4 Chance boys. When William became Duke of Co the on he also became Marquess of Aylesbury, Earl of Lindow, & even decided further it was only fair to include their brother, Frederick Chance who was the illegitimate son of William's late father, the former Duke. So, he was made the Viscount Pernrith, yet he feels it's a pity title from the family. They accept him or part of them do but being a bastard leaves him pretty much left out from most of Ton society. The titles all came with houses of there own.

John, was not ready to settle down when he had his amazing soul marking episode with Florence, 2 years ago. Now that William has forced him to find a bride because he was cut off from money & arriving at a House party to see Florence there & find out she had a huge dowry that had been kept hush hush. John thought he had won the lottery in a way.

Unfortunately, sometimes people like John are so busy trying to prove he isn't a chump that he ends up ruining everything he has come to realize was important to his daily life.

The reason I left the 5th STAR off is because I was anticipating the Chance Brothers all 4 to gather at John's house this time or I guess they could always meet at William's house. To toast John & at least have a family conversation like he does with one of his brothers; not negating that great visit. Furthermore, the incident Florence has finding her Mother in the kitchen, there needed to be maybe one after the fitting of the wedding dress & the conversation there so she built up a little bit of trust to have her mother with her on her outing in public after they were all waiting knowing her wedding was cancelled. Other than that it is a good read.

RECOMMEND

[Natalia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found the premise super engaging and that's why I decided to read it, but along the way I got lost in descriptions of emotions that seemed repetitive to me.
.
I felt the slow in the pace at which things happened. I loved Florence and every time I read a chapter from her point of view I was waiting for something to happen, thinking something was going to happen and that hooked me on continuing to the next chapter.
.
After three years in society, Florence is tired of being dragged to parties and social gatherings. Her shyness and stuttering do not help her much when it comes to defending herself. That's why when she is at a house party she is counting the days until she could return home where she can take refuge in her books. But that's when something unexpected happens and the Marquess of Aylesbury arrives.
.
Jhon is on his second and last chance with his family.He has to behave, stay away from the betting tables and forget his rogue behavior. But when he sees Florence at the same house party he can't believe that two years have passed and as he gets closer he realizes that they didn't part ways on the best terms. Indebted and unable to draw on his family's money, getting married could be his only solution, that is if Florence decides to talk to him again.
.
It was entertaining and I enjoyed reading the story of Florence and Jhon, I think Emily E.K. Murdock is one of those writers in which her characters capture you from the beginning and once her characters got you, you need to know what is going to happen next, and the book is impossible to let go until you reach the end.
.
Thanks to Emily E. K. Murdock and Dragonblade Publishing team for give me a copy of this beautiful book in exchange for my hones and voluntary opinion.

[Anonymous 5 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second installment of The Chances series and is a delightful second-chance romance that skillfully blends heartfelt emotion with steamy chemistry. This story follows John Chance, the Marquess of Aylesbury, and Florence Bailey, a self-proclaimed wallflower, as they navigate their tangled past and uncertain future at a lavish house party.
After a reckless past, John is desperate to secure a wealthy wife. His return brings him back into Florence's life. Two years ago he had courted her and left her broken-hearted and now he seeks her hand again, albeit under dubious motives. Florence, on the other hand, is no meek victim. She’s determined to protect her heart this time while testing whether John is truly deserving of a second chance. Their dynamic is electric, balancing vulnerability with sharp wit and undeniable attraction.

The characters are well-crafted, with real flaws and aspirations. John’s guilt and longing are palpable, and Florence’s blend of strength and insecurity makes her a heroine you can't help but root for. It was satisfying to see the growth both characters particularly as John grapples with his dishonesty and learns to prioritize love over convenience.

The story is well-written with sparkling and witty dialogue and vivid descriptions. The romance builds slowly, but the payoff is worth the wait, culminating in a heartfelt and satisfying happily-ever-after.

I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing and am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Margaret Watkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

In spite of Miss Florence Bailey suffering from overwhelming shyness and a stutter when agitated, she does seem to be the more mature party to this couple. John Chance is witty and charming and his playfulness carries him through most difficult situations, however, he did have some growing up to do and Florence is the one woman who makes him examine himself. The novel is a mixture of comedy and tragedy and evoked a number of feelings in me, especially when Florence had to suffer her abrasive mother's tirades. After accidental exposure, it seemed that any second chances Florence and John may have had were blown to pieces, but in some ways, it was a good thing as it brought clarity of thinking and new beginnings for both of them. The novel is a standalone and comes to a sweet and happy conclusion. I received a copy of this romance as a gift through Dragonblade Publishing and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Cherie S · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Dowry, Sweet Kisses, the Letter:
First off house parties are not fun for everyone, especially Florence who has a speech impediment when nervous., but it was nice to get away from her demeaning mother and try to relax.
Then there is John, the second Chance who needed more than a second chance with Florence. I say he really did some growing up throughout this love story
The Wallflower and the Rake made this an enjoyable story with a lot of emotions between several of the characters. Their romance story moved along with the usual bumps, ups, and downs. It did hold my interest well enough but last few chapters did pick up speed and finished off the story with great satisfaction.
There's another Chance brother just waiting for his story to come along, and I certainly will be looking forward to his story.
💋Mature Advisory🔥🔥
🙋‍♀️I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy for my honest thoughts and opinion.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second or Third Chance!

John Chance, Marquess of Aylesbury always needed a second chance. He needed to change his ways and quickly, meeting Florence Bailey again after he had run away from her two years ago was an opportunity he couldn’t miss. What started out as a proposed marriage of convenience soon became something he wanted with all his heart.

Florence, a wallflower who was painfully shy and stuttered had been devastated after John had left her wanting two years ago couldn’t believe it when he turned up at the last house party she was to attend.

Wonderful characters with personalities that shine and lots of steamy moments make this an entertaining romantic read.

I always enjoy Ms Murdoch’s books. She takes romance to the limit and gives everyone a chance at a HEA.

I voluntarily read and reviewed this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Petula · Rating 5 out of 5]

This historical romance is part of a series concerning siblings. That means that while you can read any of them on their own, the series is better read in order.
Our hero in this one is the second son who has made it mission in life to annoy his older brother and scandalise the ton. This has landed him in a lot of bother. Now it's time to get his a** in gear, and fix his own problems.
Our heroine is painfully shy. So much so she can hardly speak. Her overbearing mother just makes matters worse. She does have to courage to refuse the fortune hunters who just see a plie of coins.
You will need the tissues out for this one. It is a steamy read with more than a few giggles. I do like these mischievous Chance brothers but would not want to try and love one. That takes a very courageous heart.
Great fun.

[Rod · Rating 3 out of 5]

A steamy story. A shy lady , Florence, and her developing relationship with the Marquis. I quite liked the storyline but felt it dragged, and there were maybe too many internal thoughts. The manner they decided to marry was unusual and not really covered, and then after becoming betrothed there are no references to banns being called or time until the wedding. I am also surprised that given she is attractive and has a massive dowry, albeit very shy, there are no references to other suitors or declined proposals. She is supposed to be a wallflower but whilst she does not wish to be sought for her dowry I am sure she would have plenty of interested gentlemen, whereas the story implies it has only been the Marquis, and did we ever really understand why they were so close 2 years ago, when John was so obviously a rake and womaniser. To me the story felt a little odd, but it is readable.

[Texastwang · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second of the chance brothers needs more like a 20th chance. But he is also looking for a 2nd chance with his first love but how many chances is she willing to give him?
The girl in this story is hard not to love. A blue stocking/wallflower but not really. She is just very shy and has a hard time communicating. Having read the first novel in this series was enlightening but not necessary to enjoy this book. I found it as most other 2nd brothers books as it goe he is a rake (of course) but he is only looking for a purpose. A good read that is not terribly hard to read and is a romantic get away that I love from Emily Murdoch.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with guidelines

[Sahar's Honest Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Marquess, a Wallflower, and a Second Chance

The kiss between them was unlike any other, and it made him run. He wanted nothing to do with marriage. Then, he saw her again at a house party and realized that the spark he had for her had never died. Then, shy Florence did something neither had expected; she proposed a marriage of convenience. Marriage would allow her to escape the social scene she despised, and her harridan of a mother. It would allow him to gain respectability. John did not share with Florence that he desperately needed her dowry. Could a marriage of convenience become a marriage of love? Should Florence discover that John wanted her dowry, could she give forgive him? Would a second chance turn into a third?

This is a story about love, redemption, and second chances. I enjoyed it and would recommend it to those who like historical romance.

[DD · Rating 4 out of 5]

John Chance second of the Chance bothers holds a honorary title of Marquess of Aylesbury. He's a charmer, rake, gambler and totally irresponsible, not to mention bankrupt. On meeting Florence Bailey at a house party for the second time, he starts to wonder why he walked away the first time users ago.
Florence hates society, balls, house parties well anywhere she has to interact with other people. Cowed by an overbearing mother, who doesn't understand she's shy and hates crowds Florence attends these to keep her mother quiet. So when she sees John Chance again a few years after she started to fall for him, she's worried he'll walk away again when the party ends. So she gathers her courage and does something scandalous.

Liked this so much more that the first book in the series.

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Florence was beautiful yet so painfully shy that she would stutter. Until John can a long, captured her heart and then left her. A lovely twist to second chances, this second book in the series is about John Chance getting a do over in life all the way around. By a talented author, who's stories allows are fun, filled with creative ideas and fabulous characters. If you are a true intervert, like me, you will love Florence and appreciate her struggles. She's smart, intelligent, clever, wise and utterly glorious. John has a lot to do to live up to and needs to mature that is until he runs into Florence again. Don't miss book two.

[SplkdancerReviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second brother needs additional second chances, including a few with the woman he wasn't ready to marry before and now comes around to not wanting to live without. Solid story, no cheating or kidnapping and keeps things almost entirely within the main relationship. LOTS of emotional processing and maturing happening with the characters. A heroine who's so shy and stressed she stutters, a hero with a gambling problem who's finally turning things around and enough family emotional baggage to unfold through several ebbs and flows. Clearly second in the series, but easily read standalone.

Thank you Netgalley and Dragonblade Publishing for a free copy of the ebook. This is my honest review.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wallflower Florence stutters when she is around strangers and crowds. Having her heart broken several years ago, she hopes to not attract any attention and become a spinster. When John, the rake who walked away from Florence years ago, shows up at the house party she is at she panics even more. John can’t forget Florence and wants to reunite with her, especially when he learns of her large dowry. Can Florence give them a second chance? I received an ARC from NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing.

[Kathy Garcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

could stand & clap

Oh what a lovely couple. Yes, John is a spoiled man, but he transforms and it’s beautiful. Also beautiful is Florence’s transformation finding her strength to speak up for herself. Oh how I love each character, yes even flawed John. The final page read and I leave these characters behind with a sign, but glad there’s yet another Chance brother maybe 2 more?

This book exceeded my hopes based on the first.

[Heather · Rating 2 out of 5]

I felt like this started off decently well but ultimately Florence has absolutely no reason to love him. He's not smart, he's not funny, he's not really much of anything. She says it herself, she chose him because he's not cruel. Like, that's truly all he's got going for him.
Also this whole novel Florence stutters. Then other characters start doing it too! It was particularly painful to read chapter after chapter full of dashes.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dealing with fears

Florence stutters due to anxiety. John makes idiotic remarks, which might be because he always needs extra chances. The story reunites the two as they explore their fears and their desires. Many more chances are required, but the end is worth everything it took. A delightful story with a depth of emotions as the characters face themselves and learn to grow.

[Layne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unworthy

She is so shy that she stammers in a crowd. He is a rake Marques that loves gambling so much tat his brother the Duke has cut him off. But they met two years ago and she fell for him and he ran. Now they've met again only this time he discovers she has a very large dowry. Oh let the games begin !!

[Ernielee · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved it!!!

The sweetest love story. John and Florence. This book will bring you to your knees. This book has it all romance, love, passion, heartache and second chances on so many levels with different characters. Also a HEA. You won’t be sorry you read this book.

[Rebekah Carulli Hanson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read!

This is the second book in the Chances series and it’s great. The dialogue is witty and the characters are interesting. It’s a story of second chances and then some. If you are looking for a sweet/clean regency romance story you will love this one.

[AmazingJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Wonderful, Entertaining & Romantic Story.

I enjoyed reading this book.

Florence & John were wonderful characters.

I am looking forward to reading George's story in the next book in this series.

[Roxanna Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Second Chance

Book two in The Chances series is everything that is awesome. I love groveling when one deserves to grovel. On to # 3!

[Star · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25