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Second Chance at Us
I’m a billionaire rockstar taking a break in my sleepy hometown.
She’s my sister’s newly-single best friend.
I can’t stop staring at her.
But I need to focus.
This is my first solo gig without the band.
The way she bites her lip…
The way that outfit hugs her every curve perfectly…
The way our eyes lock, as if time itself stands still.
Now we’re alone in my dressing room.
Inches apart.
The air is electric with unspoken desire.
With every breath, I can almost taste her.
I can’t take it anymore.
I need her up against that wall.
But her barriers are up.
I’m running out of time.
Can I finally explain why I left her at that concert years ago?
This time, I won’t let our song remain unfinished.
She’s my sister’s newly-single best friend.
I can’t stop staring at her.
But I need to focus.
This is my first solo gig without the band.
The way she bites her lip…
The way that outfit hugs her every curve perfectly…
The way our eyes lock, as if time itself stands still.
Now we’re alone in my dressing room.
Inches apart.
The air is electric with unspoken desire.
With every breath, I can almost taste her.
I can’t take it anymore.
I need her up against that wall.
But her barriers are up.
I’m running out of time.
Can I finally explain why I left her at that concert years ago?
This time, I won’t let our song remain unfinished.
230 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 9, 2024
190 people are currently reading
97 people want to read
About the author
Emma Reese
12 books22 followersEmma Reese is an English author of steamy, billionaire, boss romances who loves a sexy male main character and sassy heroin to captivate readers and make them wanting more. She loves to travel and lives in London with her husband, daughter and son.
Creating romance books is Emma's escape from the craziness of mum life. It brings her delight knowing that her books also create an escapism for others from whatever it is they need to take a break from.
Coffee is an absolute must for Emma in the morning when she is thinking up new ideas for future page turning romance stories. What brings her most joy in life is being with her family and making others smile.
Follow Emma on Amazon to never miss out an upcoming release!
Creating romance books is Emma's escape from the craziness of mum life. It brings her delight knowing that her books also create an escapism for others from whatever it is they need to take a break from.
Coffee is an absolute must for Emma in the morning when she is thinking up new ideas for future page turning romance stories. What brings her most joy in life is being with her family and making others smile.
Follow Emma on Amazon to never miss out an upcoming release!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
August 20, 2024
Meh
Very very low angst no drama it was just meh. And second chance is a long stretch to really.
Very very low angst no drama it was just meh. And second chance is a long stretch to really.
August 29, 2024
Emma Reese's latest novel, "Second Chance at Us", weaves together heart-warming and deeply personal threads, showing that it is possible to find the light again from the shadows of the past. The story's two main characters, Darcy and Callum, both struggle with old memories and pain as they slowly realise that they may find in each other what they have long sought.
Darcy's character engages the reader almost immediately. As a strong, independent woman who inherited the family hardware store after her father's death, she finds it hard to let go of memories of the past. She also runs a thriving real estate agency with her childhood best friend Liz. Although successful at work, her personal life is dominated by the struggle of selling the hardware store and dealing with past regrets.
Callum, lead singer and songwriter of the world-famous band Horizon, is also a complex character. While living in the spotlight, her everyday life is dominated by loneliness. His return to Maplewood is not only out of love for his family but also out of a deep desire to find the peace and happiness he has been searching for in vain for years. As Liz's older brother and Darcy's first love, Callum's return stirs up old grievances from the past, but also creates an opportunity for both of them to confront them.
Throughout the story, Emma Reese masterfully keeps the reader's interest as the details of the high school date are only revealed at the end of the novel, creating constant suspense. The reader can feel the emotional pull between Darcy and Callum, their past wounds, and their struggle with themselves and each other.
The novel's portrayal of Darcy's struggle is particularly affecting: selling the hardware store, not just a business decision but also a step in coming to terms with grief, can resonate deeply with those who have ever struggled to let go of the past. For Callum, the search for peace of mind after constant touring and the longing for family – all without having to give up his music career or his beloved band – brings to life the question of what true happiness is.
"Second Chance at Us" is not just a romantic novel, but a reminder that despite the shadows of the past, there is still a chance for happiness if we can open up and trust in the future. Darcy and Callum's story is genuine and heartfelt; the reader feels for them on every page, eager to see them finally get their second chance – both to share a life together and to find themselves.
This novel will certainly touch those who believe that love and life always offer new possibilities, even if the journey is sometimes difficult and painful. Once again, Emma Reese has proved herself a master of how to portray heart-warming yet real emotions, while using all the elements of the romance genre to create a balance of tension and happiness.
Thank you, Emma Reese, for giving me a free copy of this book as a member of your ARC reader team.
Darcy's character engages the reader almost immediately. As a strong, independent woman who inherited the family hardware store after her father's death, she finds it hard to let go of memories of the past. She also runs a thriving real estate agency with her childhood best friend Liz. Although successful at work, her personal life is dominated by the struggle of selling the hardware store and dealing with past regrets.
Callum, lead singer and songwriter of the world-famous band Horizon, is also a complex character. While living in the spotlight, her everyday life is dominated by loneliness. His return to Maplewood is not only out of love for his family but also out of a deep desire to find the peace and happiness he has been searching for in vain for years. As Liz's older brother and Darcy's first love, Callum's return stirs up old grievances from the past, but also creates an opportunity for both of them to confront them.
Throughout the story, Emma Reese masterfully keeps the reader's interest as the details of the high school date are only revealed at the end of the novel, creating constant suspense. The reader can feel the emotional pull between Darcy and Callum, their past wounds, and their struggle with themselves and each other.
The novel's portrayal of Darcy's struggle is particularly affecting: selling the hardware store, not just a business decision but also a step in coming to terms with grief, can resonate deeply with those who have ever struggled to let go of the past. For Callum, the search for peace of mind after constant touring and the longing for family – all without having to give up his music career or his beloved band – brings to life the question of what true happiness is.
"Second Chance at Us" is not just a romantic novel, but a reminder that despite the shadows of the past, there is still a chance for happiness if we can open up and trust in the future. Darcy and Callum's story is genuine and heartfelt; the reader feels for them on every page, eager to see them finally get their second chance – both to share a life together and to find themselves.
This novel will certainly touch those who believe that love and life always offer new possibilities, even if the journey is sometimes difficult and painful. Once again, Emma Reese has proved herself a master of how to portray heart-warming yet real emotions, while using all the elements of the romance genre to create a balance of tension and happiness.
Thank you, Emma Reese, for giving me a free copy of this book as a member of your ARC reader team.
July 9, 2024
Darcy is a real estate agent in Maplewood. Darcy and Liz, Darcy’s best friend since grade school, opened a real estate business together. Darcy’s dad owned a hardware store and when he died from cancer the store was left to Darcy. Darcy broke her engagement to John because she realized that she didn’t want to be in a marriage with a man she didn’t really love. When Darcy was 15 she went on a first date with Callum Liz’s older brother. Darcy had a crush on Callum. The date was for a concert in the amphitheater and everything was going along great until Darcy went to the bathroom and came back to an empty blanket. Callum is the lead singer for the Horizon, he also writes all the songs. Callum remembers their first date differently. When Darcy went to the bathroom he went up on stage with a band from the town and he sang a song dedicated to someone very special. When Callum can down from the stage he couldn’t find Darcy and he thought that she didn’t like him. Ten years later Callum has come back to Maplewood to take a break from the grueling touring and to spend time with Liz and her children. Darcy is shocked when Callum comes to an open house and is mobbed by fans. Instead of talking to Callum, Darcy runs from him. Callum keeps trying to talk to Darcy because she is the only woman he wants and he would like a second chance. Callum goes to check out the hardware store and finds Darcy there. He helps her when the lights go out and they kiss. They have sex and it was fantastic. Callum wants to help Darcy out with the hardware store that she has up for sale. Callum sends a bid through his team for the hardware store and when Darcy saw it she was furious and accused him of trying to buy the store and then leave her again. Callum wants to spend more time with his sister, niece and nephew. He came up with the idea to turn the hardware store into a recording studio. Callum would also like to be more involved with Darcy. If only his agent Brady didn’t show up in Maplewood and demand that he do a summer tour, Darcy heard it all. Will Callum and Darcy finally get the straight scoop about their first date? Will Callum be able to stand up to Brady and tell him no summer tour? Will Callum and Darcy be able to convert the hardware store into a recording studio? Will Callum and Darcy find love and happiness together in Maplewood?
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book via Booksprout.
Marvelous Second Chance romance!
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book via Booksprout.
Marvelous Second Chance romance!
January 7, 2025
Something real in Maplewood
"Is that ...Callum Jones - in the flesh."
If Darcy didn't like Callum back then, why would she like him now? Times have changed.
Another amazing book in this series. It definitely kept my interest.
I like to put excerpts from the story in my review:
"Were you serious about the things you said on the radio?" Yes, Darcy heard everything he said.
"I meant it. Whatever this is between us, it's different than anything I've ever felt before. And I want to see what's here."
It sounds like Callum really wants to come home, to have a home studio to record his music and to have a life with Darcy. Finding the right place was the question.
But there is she father's hardware store. Darcy was so sure Callum's actions were somehow selfish and designed to hurt her. This is not the case. It was never about the money. Darcy was so sure he was going to dismantle the store and make plans for a studio. His plan is to keep so much of what the store has been all along.
"I'll have a home near the people I love."
Everything changed that one summer. Callum was starting to think there's room for other things in his life. Music wasn't enough anymore. He's ready to love more than just that.
Ironing out what caused Darcy and Callum to go their separate ways all comes out now. They can laugh now that it was one big misunderstanding. Can they pick up the pieces and claim the love for each other that was always there?
Enjoy and happy reading, everyone.
"Is that ...Callum Jones - in the flesh."
If Darcy didn't like Callum back then, why would she like him now? Times have changed.
Another amazing book in this series. It definitely kept my interest.
I like to put excerpts from the story in my review:
"Were you serious about the things you said on the radio?" Yes, Darcy heard everything he said.
"I meant it. Whatever this is between us, it's different than anything I've ever felt before. And I want to see what's here."
It sounds like Callum really wants to come home, to have a home studio to record his music and to have a life with Darcy. Finding the right place was the question.
But there is she father's hardware store. Darcy was so sure Callum's actions were somehow selfish and designed to hurt her. This is not the case. It was never about the money. Darcy was so sure he was going to dismantle the store and make plans for a studio. His plan is to keep so much of what the store has been all along.
"I'll have a home near the people I love."
Everything changed that one summer. Callum was starting to think there's room for other things in his life. Music wasn't enough anymore. He's ready to love more than just that.
Ironing out what caused Darcy and Callum to go their separate ways all comes out now. They can laugh now that it was one big misunderstanding. Can they pick up the pieces and claim the love for each other that was always there?
Enjoy and happy reading, everyone.
July 9, 2024
What a sweet romance *****
This is the story of Darcy and Callum. Darcy and Callum had one date in high school that ended in a big misunderstanding. The date left both feeling rejected. Callum is a big rock star, who has decided that he wants to settle down. He wants to explore the future with Darcy. Darcy thinks that he is just in town for a very short time and then will be gone.
The book had just enough conflict from their emotions. I loved having the story from both points of view. There are some steamy scenes along the way. The characters are very well developed. This is a sweet read. I recommend it.
I received a free advance copy, I give my review honestly and voluntarily.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is the story of Darcy and Callum. Darcy and Callum had one date in high school that ended in a big misunderstanding. The date left both feeling rejected. Callum is a big rock star, who has decided that he wants to settle down. He wants to explore the future with Darcy. Darcy thinks that he is just in town for a very short time and then will be gone.
The book had just enough conflict from their emotions. I loved having the story from both points of view. There are some steamy scenes along the way. The characters are very well developed. This is a sweet read. I recommend it.
I received a free advance copy, I give my review honestly and voluntarily.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 8, 2024
Enjoyable read with wonderful characters that have a past, misunderstandings and a little bit angsty. Callum is at a bit of a crossroads with his music and wants to try something a bit different, he also wants to spend time with family and a certain friend of his sister's. Darcy is still dealing with a breakup and grief after losing her dad, seeing Callum brings mixed feelings. Well written with a steady pace, it kept my interest and the characters were easy to like. Definitely an author I will keep a look out for in the future. Romance and chemistry
July 9, 2024
🔳 This was a fun, very easy to read book. If you are up for small town, he is a famous musician, some miscommunication, second chance, then this is your jam.
🔳 They new each other as teenagers, fell in love but he leaves her and went on to become the front singer of a famous band. Now, he is back for the summer, and sparks are flying. It is focused mostly on the two MC and Callum's sister, you don't get to see much of other town characters, but I think for a book this size works just fine.
🔳 I believe this is my favourite of Ms. Reese's books.
🔳 They new each other as teenagers, fell in love but he leaves her and went on to become the front singer of a famous band. Now, he is back for the summer, and sparks are flying. It is focused mostly on the two MC and Callum's sister, you don't get to see much of other town characters, but I think for a book this size works just fine.
🔳 I believe this is my favourite of Ms. Reese's books.
July 9, 2024
This is a really sweet easy read romance. He's her best friends brother, they went on a date as teens but there was a misunderstanding and they didn't talk again for years.
Now he's a rock star but back home for the summer and he wants to see if their connection is still there, can he convince her to give her a second chance at loving her?
There's a few blips along the way that are mostly miscommunication but it's a really enjoyable read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Now he's a rock star but back home for the summer and he wants to see if their connection is still there, can he convince her to give her a second chance at loving her?
There's a few blips along the way that are mostly miscommunication but it's a really enjoyable read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 6, 2024
I enjoyed reading this book. Once I started reading Second Chance at Us, I didn't want to put it down. The characters are great and the storyline hooked me from the start. I don't want to spoil this book for anyone so I won't go into details. Please read the book blurb for some information. I recommend reading this book. I really enjoyed it and I hope you do too.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 7, 2024
Callum and Darcy once had a disastrous date upon which Callum took to mean that she wasn't interested in him while she thought that it was meant to embarrass her. The miscommunication had them both way off field. Now he is home for the summer and find themselves connecting. Will Callum finally get his chance to have Darcy in his life and will it lead them to happiness.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 9, 2024
Darcy and Callum come back into each other's lives having known each other since childhood. Their connection sparks again instantly and intensely and the story takes the reader on their push and pull journey as they seek to work out whether what they have is real and if they can overcome their past. A gentle read with a little steam and enchanting characters.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 10, 2024
Second Chance at Us by Emma Reese is a good, and enjoyable steamy billionaire small town forced proximity enemies to lovers best friend's brother off limits rockstar second chance romance read. The story has a great entertaining world building story line with an easy to read story line. The characters are great, and they have great chemistry. This story is a very entertaining second chance romance read. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 12, 2024
This is the first book from this author have read and I loved it! I read it in one sitting! Cullum , the lead singer of the group Horizon , and Darcy , his sister BFF and professional realtor. I love the complicity between the characters and Liz( his sister )is so funny and wants them to be together. Their story is so romantic and the steamy scene are so steamy 🥵 I recommend it!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 16, 2024
This is a sweet contemporary romance with passion and music. The small town story is about Callum and Darcy. They had a first day at a concert but she thought he abandoned her and he thought she abandoned him. Years later, he is a rock star, home to visit his sister and her kids. His sister happens to be best friends with Darcy. This is a really good story. I love the characters and their ride to happiness and more.
July 17, 2024
The characters are well developed. The undeniable chemistry between them is intense and the steamy scenes are great. The storyline caught my attention from the very start and made it hard to put down. Callum and Darcy struggle to figure out how to navigate their relationship. This is definitely a recommendable book. Can't wait to read more from the author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 13, 2024
HEA
Enjoyed Callum and Darcy's story. Such a shame they met as teenagers, went on a date, both thinking the other had ditched them on the date, finding out years later this was not the case. They could have been together all those years if things had been different, but Callum coming back to his hometown for a vacation let him and Darcy find each other and fall in love. Looking forward to reading other books by this author.
Enjoyed Callum and Darcy's story. Such a shame they met as teenagers, went on a date, both thinking the other had ditched them on the date, finding out years later this was not the case. They could have been together all those years if things had been different, but Callum coming back to his hometown for a vacation let him and Darcy find each other and fall in love. Looking forward to reading other books by this author.
January 26, 2025
It was meh.
Not enough character development and time spent on making me care about these characters.
Darcy was pretty awful with her running away every single time. She and Callum had a physical connection, but I didn’t feel anything else between them.
And it ends with them dating a year and going to move in together. He has his studio and she has her real estate firm that’s expanded. Very ho-hum. It was a disappointing story.
Not enough character development and time spent on making me care about these characters.
Darcy was pretty awful with her running away every single time. She and Callum had a physical connection, but I didn’t feel anything else between them.
And it ends with them dating a year and going to move in together. He has his studio and she has her real estate firm that’s expanded. Very ho-hum. It was a disappointing story.
July 9, 2024
I started reading and couldn’t put it down. Callum is a rockstar who has come home to,his small town to spend some time with family, to get his head straight about what he wants to do and try to reconnect with the one girl who has had his heart but doesn’t know due to a misunderstanding when they were teens. Did I mention that Darcy is also his sister’s best friend and business partner.
The chemistry between these two is off the charts. Enjoy
The chemistry between these two is off the charts. Enjoy
July 8, 2024
This is a really sweet love story. Callum and Darcy had a rocky history but with improved communication skills, with age, they can now talk things through. It helps that his sister is happy about them and wants to see them together. There are a few obstacles to overcome but it ends with a HEA. I'm voluntarily leaving my review.
July 20, 2024
This was Collum and Darcy’s story. He’s a billionaire rockstar taking a break in his sleepy hometown.
She’s his sister’s newly-single best friend. He can’t stop staring at her. But he needs to focus.
This is his first solo gig without the band. They have sizzling chemistry. It was an intriguing second chance. And voluntarily leaving my review.
She’s his sister’s newly-single best friend. He can’t stop staring at her. But he needs to focus.
This is his first solo gig without the band. They have sizzling chemistry. It was an intriguing second chance. And voluntarily leaving my review.
August 16, 2024
This was a definite page turner with wonderful characters. This story shows how important communication is. It is understanding why she was hesitant to sell the hardware store. He thought he was doing a good thing but she didn't respond that way. I would love to read about all of their futures.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 23, 2024
TW: this is the fluffiest sh*t I've read in a hot minute
Spicy Level:🌶️🌶️/5
Overall rating: ⭐⭐⭐/5
This sh*t was tame....I'm going back to the bratva/Mafia romances. The most adventurous thing was public sex.....fingering? Idk it was ever truly admitted to. But they do bang in the first 5 chapters so sh*t is quick. It was in all seriousness cute, fluffy. Great pallet cleanser.
Spicy Level:🌶️🌶️/5
Overall rating: ⭐⭐⭐/5
This sh*t was tame....I'm going back to the bratva/Mafia romances. The most adventurous thing was public sex.....fingering? Idk it was ever truly admitted to. But they do bang in the first 5 chapters so sh*t is quick. It was in all seriousness cute, fluffy. Great pallet cleanser.
August 28, 2025
Callum and Darcy
Get ready for a summer of love, laughter, and second chances. Billionaire rockstar Callum Jones is back in town, and he's on a mission to win over his sister's best friend, Darcy Stevens. Their high school romance ended in a misunderstanding, but the chemistry between them is still undeniable. Can Callum convince Darcy to take another chance on love?
Get ready for a summer of love, laughter, and second chances. Billionaire rockstar Callum Jones is back in town, and he's on a mission to win over his sister's best friend, Darcy Stevens. Their high school romance ended in a misunderstanding, but the chemistry between them is still undeniable. Can Callum convince Darcy to take another chance on love?
July 8, 2024
This was an okay ready. Not much to call home about. It was interesting enough for me to read to the end, but that's it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 9, 2024
A different sweet story of misunderstanding. Interesting characters with depth into their background and their outlook into the future. A nice addition to anyone’s library.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 22, 2024
Small Town Secrets
I love a good romance second chance book any day. The characters and the storyline were top notch. This book had me smiling through out. Definitely going to read Book 2 of this series.
I love a good romance second chance book any day. The characters and the storyline were top notch. This book had me smiling through out. Definitely going to read Book 2 of this series.
December 2, 2024
A cute story about a rockstar looking for that something or someone missing! He goes home to the girl next door and has to really work at getting her back in his life. They have history that may or may not have been the best. Perseverance pays off. HEA! What more could you want?
July 8, 2024
Oh my goodness this was so good. It is a sweet love story with a couple of hurdles along the way. I enjoyed it very much.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
July 14, 2024
Second Chance at Us: A Small Town Billionaire Romance
by
Emma Reese
Well written. Great characters, brilliant journey and easy to read.
by
Emma Reese
Well written. Great characters, brilliant journey and easy to read.
August 14, 2024
Ok read. The last chapters were disappointing, with a strange abrupt ending.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews