Second Chance

BYC #1

by Nadia Neale

An ex-hockey player craving control. A single mom on a mission. A dangerous game.

Rina
The goal was simple—cross off my spicy bucket list and revive my boring sex life.
Which would be easy enough, considering the man helping me tick off said checklist just so happens to be my hot, famed NHL star ex, Connor Thompson.
Getting back into bed with the man who broke my heart is a dangerous game to play . . . but how do you say no when your kid loves him, your body craves him, and he’s made it clear he’d do anything to fix the past?

Connor
Ever since the accident that ended my career, life’s been a struggle. That is, until fate tempts me with a chance to rewrite history.
I know I’m playing with fire by helping Rina discover her kinks . . . especially because they fit so perfectly with mine . . .
But I’m not about to let her put my heart in the penalty box again. This time, I’m playing for keeps, and if there’s one thing I’m good at, it’s winning the game.

* Spicy contemporary romance
* Second Chance
* Single mom
* Hockey romance
* Lots of spice
* He falls first
* Friends with benefits

Genres: Sports, Second Chance, Romance, Hockey, Sports Romance, BDSM, Hockey Romance

300 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 16, 2024

Reviews

[Frédérique Pageau · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5 ⭐️

Second Chance is as you guessed it, about second chances! Ever think back on your high school sweet heart and how much you loved them? Both Connor and Rina do!

I loved not only loved the spicy scenes (yes, very spicy 🌶️) between the FMC and MMC but also the banter they had!

I loved really like the secondary characters and how much they cared about the main characters.

This is a DUAL POV book that basically reads itself. I saw one comment saying it was a slow burn which i didn’t even realize it was as I was hooked! 🪝

If you’re into:

Second Chance Romance 💘
BDSM 🪢
Hockey Player Romance 🏒
Single Mom 🧸🧑‍🧒
Spice 🌶️

This book is for you!!

(Basically, i def recommend!)

[Melissa Thyen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I truly enjoyed this read. I decided to take a chance and try a new author. I am a fan, and I'm so glad I did. I thought it was going to be a second Chance small town romance. It was, but the spice!!!!! It gave me Sara Cate Praise series vibes! I'm a forever fan.

[Seana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fantastic read! I loved the single mom, hockey, bdsm, HEA, tropes. I also love the mixed cultures and learning about a place and culture I knew next to nothing about! Overall a great read!

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bit of a slow burn but when it heats up it heats up. I need me a Conner Rina is very lucky

[Kendra · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had my heart captured from the first chapter. The story itself was fun and genuinely enjoyable to read. This book caused quite a few late nights where I just had to stay up and find out what happened next. There were a few places where the story seemed a tad fast, but not to the point where the story lost the plot or it took away from the experience.

I felt the characters were well fleshed out and translated well from paper to real life. Not only was the dialogue humorous but the conversations felt organic and relatable. It feels like the perfect mix of comfortable and awkward conversation that comes with being exes getting a second chance. I enjoyed how the author handled Connor, Rina, and Eric’s relationship throughout the story and how she portrayed Rina’s desire to protect Eric from heartbreak.

Even though Connor and Rina were the main characters, I felt like the side characters also had their moments to shine. They didn’t feel like boring props to move the story along, but it felt as though they were pivotal to the characters development. Having the relationships fleshed out in the way they were made all the characters that much more entertaining. I’m really hoping the next book or one down the line will give us more info on Natalie and Matt’s situation or delve into their interconnected lives.

It was refreshing to see BDSM and sexual situations that depict a deep level of care and compassion between characters, even while fictional. I feel like it is really easy to forget about boundaries and safety, especially when it’s not discussed. A lot of books will simply dive into situations that have very real impacts in real life and that simple reminder is incredibly important.

[Justina Staniforth · Rating 4 out of 5]

As far as second-chance romance novels go - this is sweet and spicy and a helluva slow-burn… but I was hooked!
Katarina (Rina), an independent single-mum, is whipped back through all of the emotions, thoughts and feelings of her first love, when they cross paths again, 11 years after they broke up.
For Connor, it’s like a slap to the face to remind him of everything he lost.
Add an adorable 5 year old into the mix and you have a mountain of things that could go south, fast. And RIna’s s3x bucket list is just the beginning of it all.
What a strong debut novel for indie author Nadia Neale. Loved every minute! And can’t wait for the second novel in the trilogy!
4 ⭐️
4 🌶️

[Aussie · Rating 5 out of 5]

-I love this dedication  so much "To all the girls with romantic hearts and a degradation kink. This one’s for you! Who says we can’t be caring mothers, strong, independent women, and dirty little whores?"
-this does have content warnings
- I love hockey romance books
- who doesn't love second chances in books
- I love how he falls first  especially with a single mom
- first book seeing friends with benefits Trope in it
- it's a slow burn but the story is really good
-🌶🌶🌶🌶
- omg the ending was soo beautiful !
- I devoured this  book in a day as it was so addictive  !
- this is Connor and Rina story

[Caitlin 🎀🕷️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Nadia is a new to me author, but I’m definitely a fan now. The story follows Rina and Connor as they navigate their “second chance.” Rina is a single mom, originally from Croatia, who comes to the US as a teenager. Connor is an ex-professional hockey player with a deep need to find his purpose sans hockey. I loved getting to know these characters, and seeing their growth both separately and together. The side characters are interesting too, so I’m excited to get into those stories with the rest of the series. The pacing was perfect, and the spice was delicious.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I really enjoyed this one. Not your typical hockey romance. MMC is an ex pro hockey player figuring out what to do next. The second chance romance between Connor and Rina was so cute to watch and grow over time. Although I honestly think the best part was seeing Connor with her son. Will def be continuing this series

[Victoria CG · Rating 1 out of 5]

oh this was such a let down, the writting needs work and the flow is just off

[✨Sandra✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great second chance, ex-hockey player, single mom, sex club, romance book.

Loved the aspect of this book, and it did not disappoint.
Rina is such a strong, amazing woman. Raised her son alone for 5 years, and mastered it beautifully.

Connor was a great man, who lost so much meaning and passion in life when he lost his hockey career due to an injury.

Rina wished to experience more in her sex life, and agreed to get help from her ex boyfriend Connor. Sparks flew, and misunderstandings and distrust were aired. Their relationship developed beautifully, and Connor’s relationship with Rina’s son Eric, was amazing. Loved them together.

Great book, with so many great spicy scenes. One that included another female. I wasn’t sure I would like it, but it was so well written, and hot 🥵
I highly recommend reading this one 🫶🏻✨

[Kindle And A Cuppa · Rating 5 out of 5]

First off that dedication! Second: ex hockey player, single mum and a sex club, yes please!
Rina and Connor broke up over a decade ago when they went to college and she found out he cheated on her. When they meet again Rina is a single mum to cute hockey obsessed Eric and Connor is trying to find himself after a career ending hockey injury. What hasn’t changed is the attraction between them. Nadia brilliantly showed tells the story of two people reconnecting as adults, finding forgiveness, making your own family, finding your purpose and letting in love. I loved Rina (the sex bucket scene 😂 IYKYK) and her journey of sexual awakening with Connor by her side and although it was a slow burn the spicy scenes were worth the wait! I cannot wait to find out what on earth went down with Matt and Nat in the second book.

[Chai · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick read! Great stoyline. I rarely read second chance romance not because I don’t like it but because I don’t encounter it much 😅

Hockey romance but didn’t focus much on hockey because of the MMCs situation. I loved how the story shows us the journey of both the MC finding their purpose, acceptance, forgiveness, love, trust.

I my fave characters were Eric and Nat 😁 Eric’s adorable and Nat’s personality is so freaking lovable I need her as a friend 😉

The spice is really gooooood! 🥵 I just hoped there were more because I’m a sucker for it. Especially with Connor? *melting*🫠

I’m really really looking forward for Matt’s and Natalie’s story because I’m curious to know what happened lol she’s a fave!

ARC read. Honest review left voluntarily

[Laura-Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

DAMN NADIA!!!! This was your debut novel 😮‍💨 I was not expecting this when I came across your book on a facebook page!! This is easily a 4⭐️ for me, it hit in all the right places and it was just what I needed!!

The spice in this book hit the right spot 🥵 but it paired well with the wholesome family vibes as well. I loved the way the book talked about their past and it broke my heart when I found out why they broke up 🥺

I loved the relationship between Connor and Eric, it did move fast but it felt natural. I also loved the found family aspect of the book, the way Nats and Eric interacted 🥹 I loved how they spent Christmas and how Rina still had support around her even though she was a single mother. Cornelia also seemed like an amazing grandmother/mother and I loved hearing about this at the end of the book!

All in all, this was an amazing fast paced read, the spice was perfect, the wholesome vibes were immaculate and I cannot wait to pick up Give Me A Chance 😍🥰 I 110% would recommend this book!

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alright, I’ll admit it: I’m usually not a fan of second-chance romances. I mean, if someone broke your heart once, why risk giving them another shot, right? But Second Chance by Nadia Neale made me rethink that stance, big time. This isn’t your run-of-the-mill “let’s kiss and make up” story; it’s way more complicated, and way, way hotter.

Rina is a single mom who’s decided it’s finally time to bring some excitement back into her life—and she’s got a bucket list of steamy goals to prove it. And who better to help her out than her ex, Connor Thompson? Yep, the same Connor who was once a big-name NHL star and the guy who broke her heart. Now, he’s back in her life, willing to do whatever it takes to fix the past and give her what she needs, both in and out of the bedroom. It’s risky, it’s intense, but oh boy, the chemistry between them is undeniable.

I’ve got to say, the BDSM elements here are chef’s kiss. They’re done in a way that feels exciting without making you roll your eyes or feel like it's over the top. It’s not perfect, but it’s close enough to real that it doesn’t give you the ick factor, and the dynamic between Rina and Connor just works.

As for the spice level? Solid 5 out of 5, and I’m not kidding. Neale does not hold back, and honestly, I could’ve gone for even more—because let’s face it, when you’re reading smut, you can never have too much spice.

The best part? This book didn’t leave me just waiting for the next sexy scene. I found myself genuinely invested in Rina and Connor’s story, rooting for them to make it work this time around. And I’m seriously pumped to dive into Matt’s story next!

So, if you’re on the fence about second-chance romances, Second Chance might just change your mind.

[Jessi Brandt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second Chance by Nadia Neale is the first installment of her BYC series. We are introduced to Conner an ex-hockey player who craves control and Rina a single mom who seems on a mission. That mission is to cross off her spicy bucket list and revive my boring sex life. The man who has insisted on helping her check off this list is no other than her hot, famed NHL star ex, Conner. Connor knows he is playing with fire but when he discovers Rina’s kinks fall in line with his. He is playing for keeps. Rina on the other hand is struggling with going back into bed with the guy that broke her heart. But what do you do when your kid adores him, your body craves him, and he’s made it clear he’d do anything to fix the past?

I could not put this book down from the very start. I might have a new favorite trope after reading this - second chances. The characters you soon fall in love with each one as it is a dual point of view. Since we know that Conner and Rina have a past the author did an amazing job not letting any detail be left out on their past. It breaks your heart in two once you learn everything. Conner’s possessiveness but also simp for Rina in every way possible. Whereas Rina hangs on to every word of his even when she doesn’t want to fully dive in. The banter between Rina and Conner is amazing. It was also refreshing to see the BDSM side as it is made to be. A deep level of care and compassion between partners. There are so many scenes in this novel that are SPICY!

The author does an amazing job of not only establishing the main characters but also the secondary characters. I love the relationship that Conner develops with Eric throughout the storyline. Not to mention the relationship that Nats has with both Rina and Eric makes your heart melt. I can not wait to read the rest of the series. I would recommend this book to any spicy romance reader out there. If you like sports romance including hockey romance this would be perfect for you too.

[Eurynome · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started to sob while reading!

This book is Nadia Neale's debut novel, and I enjoyed every second of reading it! I love learning about other countries, so reading about Croatia was a nice touch.

Rine is our FMC, and she has a 5-year-old son, Eric. She works for an NGO, and Connor, MMC, is an ex-hockey player due to a severe injury. They used to date when they were in high school, but they broke up. Seeing each other after 11 years reignited their sparks.

The gala and club scenes were amazing. 🔥🔥🔥 Connor's introduction to the club and his discussion about aftercare right after a scene are big green flags; these are the things I look for in a book, and I love seeing them represented.

Eric and Connor's scenes melted my heart. Eric's little hugs, his determination, his dreams, and Connor's willingness to please him, be there for him, help him, and take care of him. He might not be a father (at least not in this novel), but he is a very good dad.

Lilac bathrobe 💜💜💜

Overall, I really loved that the book had so many different ideas and was creative in many aspects.
Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ and half

I received this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Chloe Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Run don’t walk because if you don’t pick this book up and read it you’re doing yourself a disservice. Seriously why did I not pick this up sooner 😅

I swear I’m in hell because holy hell is it hot, if you’re looking for closed door then keep on scrolling because the spice in this book will have you walking to another room to compose yourself. Where has Connor been all my life? I feel like I missed out on so much by not picking up this book sooner. Connor you dirty talking man. I didn’t think I had a thing for degradation kink or voyeurism but just like Connor and Rina I’m learning new things about myself everyday 🤭 Sex clubs, bdsm and group scenes? Yes please, give me it all. I was not expecting the spice in this book but let me tell you it did not disappoint.
Now don’t get confused this book isn’t all just about the spice, it’s also about second chances and happily ever after. Connor and Rina dated in High School and after their breakup didn’t see each other until years later. Rina is a single mum and let me tell you Connor would do anything for Eric. He may be dominant in the bedroom but he is a softy when it comes to Eric.

[Brooke · Rating 4 out of 5]

When the dedication is that good, you just know you’re about to be in for a ride.

4.5/5⭐️
4/5🌶️

“He is really nice. But you don’t need nice, baby, you need someone to set you on fire—to set you free.”

-Singe Mom
-Ex-Hockey Player
-He Falls First
-Second Chance
-Spicy Bucket List
-Friends with Benefits
-Praise & Degradation

Rina is a single mom to five year old Eric who has recently picked up hockey. She spends all of her time with Eric or working as a program manager at BYU, a nonprofit organization that works with immigrant families in the U.S.

Connor is an ex-NHL hockey star turned bad boy who recently suffered a career ending injury. He also happens to be Rina’s high school love who broke her heart ten years ago.

After a long over due apology, they agree to be friends once again. Not long after, Connor finds Rina’s “sex bucket” and offers to help her cross some things off her list. But will they be able to keep the friends with benefits line from blurring?

Rina and Connor’s relationship is SPICY. I usually don’t care for a second chance romance, but this one is done so well. Their relationship grows beautifully and does not feel rushed at all. Connor is able to help Rina discover new things about herself, all while helping her grow her self confidence. I genuinely wanted them to end up together.

I loved Eric and Connor’s relationship. Eric is so genuine and absolutely adored Connor. Connor made Eric feel important and was so attentive to him. I definitely caught myself “awwwing” over the two of them a few times. The relationship between Rina and her friends is so heart warming. She certainly found her family within the BYU.

I cannot wait to read Matt and Natalie’s story next!

[Jessica ♡ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Second Chance: A Spicy Contemporary Romance Novel
By Nadia Neale

•Second chance romance
•Hockey player
•Single mom
•BDSM
•Slow burn

This is the story of Rina and Connor. They dated in high school, Connor cheated on Rina. Now 10 years later, Rina is a single mom and Connor his a famous hockey player. She wants to experience more in her sex life and he wants a second chance.

Good pre-talk about kinks and consent, easy read with no drama 👌 Smex scenes + BDSM + sex club 🥵 🥵 but I wanted more emotions, I did not feel a depth connection between the main characters beside des smex scenes. I wanted Connor to work hard for what he did to Rina all those years ago; it is as the plot was brush off with the 🌶️ scenes. In addition, I feel like the ending felt unfinished.

« Let them hear you, dirty girl. Let them hear how much my dirty whore likes to get used by me.”

Overall, I enjoyed the story. Thank you author for the opportunity to read and review this book. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.

[Dianna F · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nadia Neale is a new to me author and I’ll definitely be looking for more of their books. This book had a few of my favourite troupes: second chance, hockey, single mom, and a reformed bad boy. This is an awesome book and I could not put it down.

I loved how Connor tried to make amends for how he ended things and came clean about not cheating and only making it look that way. He worked hard to regain Rina’s trust and be a solid role model for Eric. I loved how Rina even though she’s a single mom was trying to explore new sexual experiences with someone she trusts (Connor). It was awesome to see how resilient Rina was with all the challenges she faced. It was awesome to see even though her family isn’t close by she has a strong found family who support both Rina and Eric.

This book constantly had me guessing what’ll happen next and how it’ll be handled which is part of why I enjoyed this book so much. This is an awesome book and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

[KindledWithRomance · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pros:
-Positive representation of a single mom falling in love.
-Connor being the cutest dad that stepped up (not stepdad!)
-Hot
-I love the dynamic of the BYC and the strong female friendships.
-HEA


Cons:
-Preachy about condoms, but not safe, sane, and consensual kink. It just seemed weird that there was no discussion or limits or aftercare when Connor allegedly has been in this lifestyle for a while.
-There are some typos and editing errors.
-Maybe just a personal thing, but they're in bars a lot? Where is your son?


This book is for you if: You want a nice story about a single mom falling in love with a hot man who will do anything to provide for her and take care of her and her son.

Would I re-read?: No.

In conclusion:
I loved the sweet relationship between Connor and Eric, and how fiercely protective Rina was of her son. The portrayal of a single mom trying to date was excellent.
I can suspend disbelief on some of the intricacies of kink, but why be so adamant about some safety measures and not others? It would've been more consistent to just ignore it all or highlight it all.
Altogether, a very sweet and enjoyable book if you want a light read.

[Mara Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

URGH
I absolutely adored this book. It has everything you could ever hope for with found family, love, friendship, figuring out adult life and relationships, and of course the smexual concepts.

I am admittedly a huge fraud, I LOVE hockey romances, but literally know nothing about the sport and this book was so fun to get that fix in and still learn things!
Rina and Conner are to DIE for. Eric, Rina's son, is the funniest little booger with the kindest soul. Natalie and Matt are hilarious and I hope we found out more about them in book two of BYC!

OH and how could I forget the sex club?!?! (*drooling*)

I am so sad that I finished this book so fast, it is immediately going on my re-read list (which I almost never do). Highly recommend!!

[Hannah May · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as an arc in exchange for an honest review.

I love how caring Connor is with Eric, like he would drop everything for him in a heartbeat. It was amazing to watch how Rina was struggling with trusting Connor because of there past and how freeing it was when she decided to trust him. The ending was amazing and I wish the book was longer. I am already excited for book 2 because I need to know who it is about (I have an inkling of who it will be) and would love to see more of Connor, Rina and Eric. Before reading please check the trigger warnings when it comes to the spicy level

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I actually love how patient and respectful Conner is, not only with Rina but you can tell that’s just the type of person he is. My favorite parts in the story are when Eric (Rina’s son) acts like a mini Conner; their relationship grew quickly and I loved every second of it.

All of the side characters were well written and I loved them individually, especially Natalie. The dynamic between her and Rina is everything 💖

Everything flows well and makes sense eventually and I could feel the love they both have for each other throughout the entire story and the spice scenes were EXTREMELY spicy with hella BDSM ;) but not at ALL taking away from the plot 😮‍💨

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just finished reading an advanced copy of a book that was just released on July 16th called, Second Chance. This was about high school sweethearts who thought they would be together forever, but then college and careers/life got in the way. Now 11 years later, they end up back in each other's lives. He wants nothing more than to have a second chance with her, but she can't trust him and doesn't want to get hurt again, especially now that she's a single mom. This was the author's debut novel, I really enjoyed it her writing and totally flew through this story! 🩷📚

Thank you to the author and to the publisher for this ARC of Second Chance, exchange for an honest review.

[Kelly Quirin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rina’s a single mom who’s had her heart broken, and she’s not thrilled to be surprised by the man that broke her heart at her son’s skating lesson. Connor is a former hockey player who is re-evaluating his life after an injury cut his career short. In this spicy hockey themed romance, Neale balances plot and spice well. Rina and Connor explore themselves, and each other, but the plot definitely drives the story. Second chance romances are not always my favorite, but this one drew me in from the beginning. There’s a lot of emotion, along with a lot of sexual exploration and BDSM aspects. This book was a good read, and a great kickoff to a series.

[Amanda Sewell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sexy ex hockey player .... single mom... former lovers reuniting ....sex club & a sex "bucket" list make for a steamy, sweet and spicy debut book from Nadia Neale.

Second Chance was a fun, easy read that left me wanting more from BYC series! (Luckily a second book is on the way). I fell in love with single mom Rina as a FMC and loved seeing her sexual awakening unfold as she learns to let go of the shame society puts on sex.

The rekindling of Rina & Cooper's relationship is charming but sensual and I was 100% here for the ride. 😉

[Readwithlace · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book. Wow. It had everything and more that I look for in a book. I love that Rina is a strong independent FMC who sticks to her boundaries and does not let anyone walk all over her. I love that Connor takes responsibility for his part in their tumultuous past. Their story is so good. I love the bond that Connor builds with Eric. I hope the second book explains Natalie and Matt!
Also the spice in this book was amazing. It did not overpower the plot at all. 10/10 recommend this book! I cannot wait for book 2.

[Beata Beatrix · Rating 4 out of 5]

Steamy, second chance romance.

🔸️The story has a very realistic romance build up, filled with many high school memories. Both FMC and MMC are in their early 30ties and have behind them good and bad moments in life. Their re-connection after 10 years was interesting to read.

🔸️The spice is very consensual, with good examples of pre-talk about desires and kinks. In result there is honest communication and juicy, steamy scenes.

🔸️Well written and smooth to read.
No-stress, non-demanding, kinky romance.