Second Shot

Enigma #10

by Shandi Boyes

Five years ago, my life was tragically upended when my wife and unborn son were killed by a drunk driver. People often quote that as the years move on, so will my grief.

It hasn’t.

Every breath I take without Jorgie feels like I'm betraying her, so shouldn’t even a second without her on my mind make it hard for me to breathe?

For the past five years, that's exactly how I felt. . . until I glanced into a pair of pretty green eyes clouded with mistrust. For the quickest moment, she made me wish I could be the man I was before I lost everything. To know what it felt like to breathe without the heaviness on my chest. To smile without guilt. I would have given anything to become the man I once was just for the chance to ease the pain in pretty stranger’s eyes, and for her to see the man I was before I was broken.

My wife’s favorite saying was that you can’t fight fate, however, fate only brings people together, your heart chooses who gets to stay. But can a man without a heart help a stranger heal hers? Or will my grief break her more? I guess only time will tell.

From the author who brought you the Perception and Enigma series comes the next heart-thumping story. Can Hawke find love after years of tragedy? Or will his grief be too great to set him free? This book deals with emotional elements that may cause triggers for some readers. * For TWs please visit the author's website.

Genres: Romance

298 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 21, 2017

About the author

Shandi Boyes is a USA Today Bestselling Author who was an avid reader for many years before she discovered the love of writing in February 2016. Her first penned novel 'Perception of Life’ is a new adult rockstar romance that will have you sitting on the edge of your seat until the very last word.

In September 2016, her focus shifted to hot alpha men in steamy contemporary reads that sizzle off the pages. Shandi’s novel ‘Enigma of Life’ is an award-winning story on an FBI agent and the subject she was assigned to investigate. Her men are swoon-worthy, devoted, and alpha; and her heroines are strong-willed, determined, and loveable. You should start her stories first thing in the morning, or you may not sleep.

You will laugh and you will cry, but Shandi's characters will stay with you for a lifetime!

Join my newsletter: subscribepage.com/authorshandi

SERIES ORDER:
Perception of Life (Noah and Emily #1)
Reality of Life (conclusion of Noah's story #2)
Fight of Life (Jacob's story - standalone #3)
Player of Life (Nick & Jenny - standalone #4)
Beats of Life (Slater's story - standalone #5)

Enigma:

Enigma of Life (Isaac #1) - ** FREE **
Unraveling an Enigma (Isaac #2)
Enigma: The Mystery Unmasked (Isaac #3)
Enigma: The Final Chapter (conclusion of Isaac's story #4)
Beneath the Secrets (Hugo #1)
Beneath the Sheets (Hugo #2)
Spy Thy Neighbor (Hunter's Story)
The Opposite Effect
I Married a Mob Boss
Second Shot

Bound:

Chains
Links
Bound
Restrained

Russian Mob Chronicles:

Nikolai: A Mafia Prince Romance
Nikolai: Taking Back What's Mine
Nikolai: What's Left of Me

You will laugh and you will cry, but my characters will stay with you forever!

I love writing and reading. They are both my passion. My genre is generally set to new adult and contemporary, with a few twists thrown in.

Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/Author-Shand...

Amazon Author Page:
http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B01D8C13WU

Enjoy reading!

Reviews

[Sara Oxton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second Shot by Shandi Boyes a five-star read that is worth a second and third look. This is the tenth book in the Enigma series but they can be read as stand-alone but you do get the whole picture reading them all. The main pair in this book are Hawke and Gemma and if you have read the series you would know both of these characters as they have appeared before in Hugo’s books mainly. Both characters have faced tragedy in their lives, Hawke lot his wife and unborn son in a tragic accident and he guilt and anguish he feels is making him feel like he is underwater, making it hard to take a breath each day he’s alive. The past five-years Hawke has spent life not living and hiding from the guilt and remorse he feels each day. Can a man as broken as Hawke ever get a second chance, his wife had a mantra that you can’t fight fate, will Hawke ever come to realise that she was right all along? Or will he keep fighting this uphill battle.
Hawke was a character that I had always had strong feelings about, he was such a strong powerful man who fate had played a terrible hand, as a character he was so much more than the words on a page, he became someone that you wanted to shake hands with and give the biggest pat of the back as he is so much stronger than he gives himself credit for. Gemma as well was a woman who has done what so many aren’t able to and for that I raise a glass to her, they both have a story to tell and you need to read this story to find out what it is.

[Shandi Boyes]

Second Shot is live.

Please remember this is an emotionally raw book, but still beautiful.

After talking to readers, I realised Hawke deserved to have his story shared.

I hope you enjoy it!

Shandi xx

[Elsie Pitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second Shot is one of those stories that could go on forever because you just can't get enough of the characters! Hawke and Gemma. Oh they both have their own stories to tell but I think that Hawke has a bit more to handle. Gemma is the epitome of beautiful but she doesn't always feel that way. Hawke and her have chemistry. Both have gone through unspeakable calamities and are just trying to get through those moments. This can be read as a standalone but it is so MUCH better when read in line with the series! I love the Enigma series!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.ith the series! I love the Enigma series!

[Stacey Schneller · Rating 5 out of 5]

A tough emotional read that blew me away. I couldn't believe how well this story was written so well. A first time read and I definitely want to go back and read from the beginning of the series.

Carey and Gemma were great characters. I did fee6sorry for both of them since they have been through a lot in life. I was rooting for them the whole time and wanted to have them both feel happy. They were both good people and deserved to be happy.

A easy read but heartwarming at times this is a book that you would want to pick up. Shandi Boyes may be my new favorite author.

[Yvette89 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is another emotional read. Carey/Hawke lost everything important to him. After 5 years he still as broken as the day it all happened. Losing his wife and infant son almost destroyed him. He feels guilty a time he finds a little joy. Gemma also is broken. She is just starting to get her confidence and life in order. Her circle is small. When she meets Carey they both keep the secrets and enjoy a free night of fun and passion. Two strangers making memories for a lifetime. The story takes you slowly through their process of trying to move on. It respects the pain and grief of the past hurts both characters experienced. no instant love, no quick move to romance. A real journey that took months and still continues.

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

[Audrey Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow what a book. I went through so many emotions while reading this book, and devoured it all in one day it was that good.

Hawke and Gemma are both broken people. Hawke lost his wife and unborn baby boy in an accident while he was deployed over seas 5 years ago, and he's been living with the grief and guilt of not being able to save them, which has pretty much sucked all the life out of him, leaving him a hollow shell of a man who doesn't enjoy anything in life anymore. Gemma was attacked 6 years ago and although she has come a long way in her healing journey, she still has a lot of mistrust in her eyes, and struggles with large crowds, men, and learning how to trust people. When they meet at their mutual friends wedding, they both are uncomfortable to be there with so many people, but they spend the night hanging out after the wedding, just living for the moment and creating core memories neither of them will forget. Throughout this book, they both deal with their grief of what happened to each of them, as they also learn to open up and lean on one another and be honest in how they're feeling and how the other can support them.

This book was beautifully written. My heart broke for both of them for all they had to go through, but it was beautiful how they grieved, and both came together to support each other and help each other. The only thing I thought was kind of weird was in the first half of the book where Gemma told Hawke she was the daughter of a famous NASCAR driver and it seemed like the book was going in that direction, which was really interesting to me even though I don't care for NASCAR and then half way through, it totally goes another direction where she's photographing a band and her bestie Wesley gets a record deal, so she's doing all the music industry stuff. Don't get me wrong, it was good and it worked, but it felt kind of random. I wish the last chapter would have given us a little more closure, it felt incomplete to me or if we could have gotten two extra chapters. I just felt like I was left hanging a little, after Hawke comes to terms about his true feelings about loving Gemma, and it left me scratching my head that he hadn't said he loved her before then, especially when they both confided in one another, and spent so much time with one another. But overall, this was a great book and was a really enjoyable read about two people overcoming grief, finding one another and overcoming their grief together to create something new and beautiful.

[Laura Furuta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second Shot (Enigma Book 10)
By: Shandi Boyes
5 out of 5 stars

The story Second Shot (Enigma Book 10) by Shandi Boyes is a contemporary romance book. This is a story that I absolutely loved reading. It is part of a series that just keep getting better with every book I read. This is a story that is very emotional and had my emotions going up and down with every chapter that I read. It is heartwarming as well as heartbreaking. This book hooked me in from the beginning and I didn’t want to put it down until I had read the last page. I love that Hawke now has his own story. He is a character that is introduced in another book in the series and I always wanted to read more about him. Hawke’s story is a sad one as he has lost both his wife and unborn son. He is a man that is existing, not living. The description of the remorse, guilt, and pain that he has lived with for the last five years and is still living with broke my heart. He also has met a woman that he feels a connection to. She has him feeling things that he hasn’t for a long time. Hawke believes he is a broken man. Is this woman the one that can help him pick up the pieces of his heart and start putting it back together? The woman that he feels connected to is a wonderful photographer, a kind person, and also has been through a situation in the past that has affected her life every day since. She also finds that they share a similar interest. She feels herself being drawn to him. One thing that she does fear is that when he hears about what happened to her that he will walk away. What does the future hold for these two? Will they find that together they are what each other needs in order to start healing? This story does have many other additional characters. Most of them are crossover characters from the author’s other books. I love when an author does this as I love catching up on what has been happening in their lives. This is an author who writes amazing stories and I have never read a book by her that I didn’t love. This story does have mature content, love scenes, adult language, and scenes that could cause triggers for some readers. It would be recommended for those over the age of 18.

[Bobbi Wagner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second Shot (Enigma Book 10) by Shandi Boyes is part of her Enigma series. These books can be read as a standalone but I highly recommend that you read them all from the beginning in order to get the full effect of the stories. One of the things I love about this series is that no matter which book it is in this series, you will get to see characters from previous books. This author does this so well. She will pull you in from the first word and keep you engaged until the end. Her characters are creative, connectable and lovable. Her attention to details are such that she will make you feel like you are right there with the characters with very little effort. In this installment of this series, we get to see what Hawke's story is. Hawke thought he had it all, wife and a baby on the way until one phone call that will take it all away. Now, Hawke is left clinging to memories and a picture of what he had. He is broken and can't seem to move forward until he meets her. Is it possible that he can find healing in someone else? When he is with her, she makes him feel complete. Will they find healing together? Will he let guilt kill his chance for a second chance at love? Will Hawke finally be able to let go of his grief? Hawke's story really is full of compassion and heart felt feelings. He is a character that is just so broken and has been left with an empty feeling inside. But when he finds someone who is just as broken and is in need of healing, there may be hope for them after all. When all is exposed what will happen? The secondary characters in this story is just as connectable and lovable. Some we have seen before and some we are just introduced to. For the most part they are connectable and you will love them just as much. I highly recommend this story. I couldn't put it down and was totally wrapped up in this story. This is one of my favorites from this series. I can't wait to see what will happen next and who will get their story next!

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second Shot
By Shandi Boyes
5 stars

Shandi Boyes is officially my favourite author! Her books are just absolutely PHENOMINAL!!! I know as soon as she releases a book there is no point in me making any plans because as soon as I start it the world around me ceases to exist!
I always knew that Hawkes story was going to be emotional but I didn’t expect to be in tears at the end of the first chapter! I also didn’t expect to fall in love with him more and more as the book went on. I actually wanted to get into the book and give him a big hug (well a hug amongst other things!! Wink wink!) This book was far more emotional than I anticipated and definitely one of my favourites from this series. I don’t think any words will be able to express just how much I loved this book and in fact how much I love this series.
This story was just so raw and about two amazing characters Hawke and Gemma. Both with pasts that have hurt them emotionally and frightened to move on. I agree with what the author says about this book – It is emotional raw but so beautiful and it truly was. Amongst the beauty, the sadness, the emotions there was some amazing sex scenes that almost set my kindle on fire. I will always remember the way Gemma described Hawke to her friend after their first night together! These two definitely deserved a ‘Second Shot’.
If you haven’t read this series I implore you to do so, every single book is outstanding, each character will make you fall in love (or lust) with them and they will stay with you forever!
I CANNOT wait for whatever Shandi comes out with next – her books really do brighten up my day!

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shandi Boyes has done it again with the latest installment to the Enigmas Series, Second Shot. I have been waiting for such a long time for Hawke’s story, or at least since I have read Hugo’s story. While it can be read as a standalone I personally recommend reading the rest of the Enigma series before Second Shot or at minimum Hugo’s books, why not read them all though? Experience the goodness that is a Shandi Boyes novel!!
After losing his wife and unborn son five years ago Hawke has been living a half-life, going through each day in a fog just existing. He wasn’t there to protect them when they needed him most and now he doesn’t think he can ever live a full life without them. Then fate steps in and he meets Gemma, a woman with a past as tragic if not more tragic than his own. Gemma shows him that he didn’t die with his wife and its okay to try to live again and it is possible to do it without guilt holding you back.
I don’t think I can adequately express just how much I loved this story. I felt so bad for Hawke, seeing what happened the day of his wife’s death through his eyes was tragic. And learning everything he went through after that point in time had me tearing up over and over again. I was so glad when Gemma popped up, her personality and the way she could see through Hawke was a breath of fresh air. I loved seeing Hugo and Ava as well as the rest of Hugo’s family, not to mention the guys from the Perception of Life series. It almost felt like a homecoming and makes me want to go back and re-read all Ms. Boyes’ books all over again. I can’t wait to see what we will be treated to in the next Shandi Boyes book.

[Michelle Mulvey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second Chance is Book 10 of the Enigna Series by Shandi Boyes. The book does have its own story so it can be read as a stand alone but you will want to read the books in the series because all of them are so well written.

This book explains what has happened with Carey Hawke. No one should ever have to go through what he has endured in their lives but unfortunately some people do.

The other main character is Gemma. She seems a little off at the beginning. She seemed like a hot mess when she gets to the church for a friends wedding. She is nearly knocked over on the church steps when someone rushes out attempting to flee the wedding. Gemma also, has been through something tragic and has her own daily struggles.

Something happens at that wedding where somehow there is a connection between Carey and Gemma. They don't talk much at the wedding but Carey ends up taking Gemma home ( back to the hotel she's staying at )when she realizes a taxi isn't an option at that time of night. So much happens that night. They drive around, go racing on a NASCAR practice track...go to an arcade to play every game there, you name it. Then theybend up spending the night together. Carey hopes it's a one night stand because he cannot openly be with anyone. The next morning at brunch they come face to face again. You can't fight fate!

No one can truly believe another's pain until they have experienced it.

One selfish heart can break another, but two broken hearts can only join to become one
There's a lot of push and pull in the book. It was well written and had a great storyline.

[CS · Rating 5 out of 5]

4 1/2 Stars


As Hawke/Carey struggled with his traumatic loss of his newlywed wife an unborn son, Gemma had already been traumatized by her own brutal past.
While I liked these two very strong but broken characters, it was a bit frustrating as Hawke/Carey was resistant to his feelings to Gemma even though he knew she sparked something deep inside of him. Gemma on the otherhand was way more courageous and willing to put herself out there even though she had trauma of her own. I empathized with Hawke and his loss, but I didn’t like the way his loss had Gemma apologizing again and again when it was inadvertently brought up in their relationship. I guess I felt the pain of his rejection of Gemma time and time again while she was always willing to go to him first it and it seemed a bit unfair.
The side dynamics with their friendships and mutual connections were handled well as this author has the talent to develop deep personal emotions with a few words.
The words of worldly wisdom full of life lessons were abundant and had my eyes rolling at times. Seemed like Gemma wasn’t the only one with multiple guru like phrases that kept popping up. As the storyline developed, all the characters seemed to inject their words of wisdom and while appreciated (some were keepers), the sheer number minimized their overall worth.
Another well written, meaty romance full of content and well thought out feels.

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

[Dawn Daughenbaugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Star

Second Shot (Enigma Book 10) By Shandi Boyes

 

 

Second Shot ( Enigma Book 10)By Shandi Boyes  is the tenth book in her Enigma Series.Although these books can be read as standalone, I highly highly recommend you read the whole series.You get to see characters from previous books and I kinda like that.i really like this author and her writing style, she just pulls you in at the beginning and keeps you engaged till the very end.I love all her characters. I loved this book, I'm a bit emotional anyway but I found my emotions to be all over with this very hearkbreaking story.This story is about Hawke,he thought he had it made,had a wife,a kid on the way,that is until one phone call  took it all away.Hawke is now broken and surving barely on memories and a vivid picture if what he used to have. He's broken and having a terrible time moving forward that is till he meets Gemma.Can Gemma help him heal?Can they help heal each other? When Hawke is with Gemma she makes him feel more complete. Will Hawke let his guilt ruin his second chance at love? He's so broken he broke my heart I found myself tearing up in spots.Its extremely hard to lose somebody you loved with your  whole heart.The thing is she's broken to and needs healing as much as he does.Whew what an emotional journey these two  take us on.I highly recommend this book, and I look forward to reading more from this author .

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second Shot
Enigma Series Book 10
Shandi Boyes
☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆
Romance and second chances at love. Hard subjects will be talked about in this book. But so worth your time. Full length novel as well.

Carey Hawke fell in love. Life was going well until that fateful night. When he loses everything. Now he is walking through life an empty man. Riddled with guilt for not being there for his family. Jorgie his wife and a son he will never see again, are all he thinks about. Life is just another day, as he moves along. Then he meets Gemma!

Gemma struggling with her secrets and lies. She is damaged and feels she will never recover, nor will she ever be loved. She is not a victim, she is a survivor. She has tried to move on and has her dream job. Living with her best friend and protector, life is finally coming around. Such a beautiful damaged woman. Keeping her walls up, being strong and fighting the will power to move on.

Shandi Boyes has kept this series running. She has so much to tell, so many reality-based discoveries. Her story is being told and in the meantime, she is taking her readers on a roller coaster ride. My feels are all over the place. But one thing for sure I want more! Not for those under 18 due to adult content, and emotional elements that may cause triggers for some readers. Well Done Shandi Boyes!

[Mom's Guilty Pleasure · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second Shot written by Shandi Boyes
5 stars

“I had nothing to lose, so I had nothing to fear.”


This series has truly been one of my favorites. Just when you think Shandi has written your favorite...don't underestimate her...she will top it in her next book. Hawke’s story tugged on my emotions and heart just a bit harder than any of the other stories. Something about the raw emotions, hurt, grief, struggles, despair and hope he has is so tangible and real you feel it in your core. Your heart will break with his and it will breathe easier when you think he may take a chance of easing his guilt to live.

“Rejection doesn’t mean you aren’t good enough; it means the other person failed to notice what you have to offer.”


While reading Hawke’s story Shandi wrote so many words of wisdom. I felt like I was trying to heal right alongside him. Some quotes were so empowering and ah-ha moments. It truly felt like you were watching real life struggles of a friend you get so drawn into the story. I felt I was living and breathing her words not reading them.

“Dreams are like memories. No matter how old you get, you never stop creating them. You just have to decide if you’re strong enough to pursue them.”

[Jana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second Shot by Shandi Boyes is the 10th!!!! book in her Enigma series and it is the one I had been waiting for impatiently for a long time! It is Hawke’s story!!! The writer says you can read it as a standalone but please, do not do that! At minimum read Hugo’s stories before tackling Hawke’s book! You will miss out on so many nuances if you have not read any of the other Enigma books before.
As Hawke’s wife said “You cannot fight fate” and it is so true about Hawke’s story! How do you give life to a man who has lost everything, who only breathes with a heaviness that is crushing his chest? How will you give lightness and sunshine back to Gemma who had it torn from her in such a cruel way? Will two people who have lost all be able to help each other to find a way back to this side of the grief and despair?
I could not put the book down once I started … Shandi keeps spinning those amazing stories that take us away from our daily grind and make us feel, feel the despair and heartbreak and horror and fear and range, and lust and … love and hope … so much hope … Thank you for taking us on this beautiful ride! I will be impatiently waiting for the next book! I have no doubt it will be another smashing story that will be haunting us for a while after finishing it!

[Tracy Wilkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, that was a highly emotional read. Second Shot is book ten in the Enigma series by Shandi Boyes. Yet another captivating, yet heartbreaking read from a stellar author.

Both Carey and Gemma have known tragedy firsthand. Their pain was a papable being, jumping from the pages and squeezing my heart. They came together battered and broken, leaving me as a reader guessing as to how everything was going to eventually play out for them. Second Shot is a raw, brutally honest tale of two shattered beings, finding a little joy and peace in a relentlessly nightmarish existance. Thier story was tragic, but beautiful, and they found a way to stumble along together.

Second Shot is a must read. It isnt an easy read, but nothing brilliant ever comes easy. You work for it. Shandi Boyes works hard to deliver these stunning stories. It is obvious how much effort goes into these stories. It spills from every page. I cannot get enough of these second chance stories. Shandi Boyes is one of the best authors I have ever read and will always be in my top ten, as her books are unforgettable. 5 stars

[Ashleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazingly heartbreaking tale of love and loss. Second Shot is the 10th installment in the Enigma series by Shandi Boyes and I can’t sing enough praises about this story! This story is packed with so much emotion that more than once I found myself wiping tears from my eyes and cheering for Carey and Gemma to find a way to be together. This book was draining for me, from the emotional upheaval that is Carey’s life to the broken woman that Gemma is trying to hide inside herself. I had already been in love with this series from book 1 and so when I finished this book I just knew that I had to share my thoughts on it so that others will pick up this series and support this author. I haven’t read any of Boyes other works but if they are even half as good as her Enigma series than they will be coming to my e-reader soon so I can revel in them. If you are looking for a great second chance love story with emotional gut wretching than this is the book for you. The other books in this series don’t have to be read in order, but be prepared to be hooked on her writing and wanting to pick up any and all of her works that you can get your hands on.

[Anne Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG AN OUTSTANDING READ SO EMOTIONAL
WOW THIS BOOK BROKE MY HEART. TO READ THE UTTER DESTRUCTION FROM HAWK'S POV AFTER LOSING HIS BELOVED WIFE AND UNBORN SON. I KNEW THIS BOOK WOULD REALLY EFFECT ME AFTER READING ALL OF THE BOOKS IN THIS SERIES I KNEW I WOULD BE CRYING THROUGH THIS BOOK. BUT GEMMA IS JUST AMAZING. SHE COULD BRIGHTEN ANYONES DAY. SHE HAS GONE THROUGH HER OWN LIFE ALTERING EVENTS AND STILL BATTLES HER WAY THROUGH SOME DAYS. BUT SOMETHING CHANGES WHEN SHE MEETS CAREY.
WHEN HAWK MET GEMMA HE DIDNT WANT HER TO LOOK AT HIM THE WAY EVERYONE ELSE DID WHO KNEW WHAT HAD HAPPENED TO HIM. SO HE TOLD HER HIS REAL FIRST NAME. I REALLY DONT WANT TO TELL YOU WHAT HAPPENS IN THIS BOOK BECAUSE YOU REALLY DO NEED TO READ IT YOURSELF.
THIS BOOK IS A REAL HEARTBREAKER BUT ITS ALSO A BOOK THAT SHOWS YOU THAT YOU SHOULD NEVER JUST GIVE UP BECAUSE YOU DONT KNOW WHAT IS AROUND THE CORNER IF YOU ARE BRAVE ENOUGH TO GO WITH THE FLOW AND BELIEVE IN FATE!!!!
IF I COULD GIVE THIS BOOK MORE STARS I WOULD!!!!! A FANTASTIC READ THAT I COULDNT PUT DOWN!!!!

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

[Milena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another stellar read! Hawke and Gemma are two of the most touching characters in this series. They are all great but something about the tragedy these two have suffered really touched me. I was right there with them as they felt their pain and as they began to feel their joy. When I first met Hawke I knew that when we got his whole story it would gut me and it did. Then when we met Gemma I knew her story would be full of the same angst. Initially I did not expect these two to end up together but they make a fantastic pair. This book hooked me in from the beginning and I didn’t want to put it down. Part of what made it a great book is that the characters from previous books show up and we get to see not only where they are in life but also how they tie into the couple that is the main focus of the story. I love that these characters don’t just inhabit the same universe but are part of each other’s worlds. Shandi does an amazing job of bringing us into the lives of her characters as if we were talking about an old friend.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second Shot by Shandi Boyes is a four star novel. This book is book ten of the Enigma series. I have read many books by this author. The Perception series was good but nothing like the Enigma series. I have loved every single book in this series. I gave this book a four, because it was very difficult to follow at first. Until all the characters are clearly introduced, I felt lost, even though I have read all the other books in this series. I highly recommend reading the entire series before reading this book. I couldn’t wait to read this book because I knew that Hawke was getting a second chance at love. His first experience was amazing while it happened but when his life was ripped away from him in a car accident, I thought that was the end of Hawke’s story. Thank you to the author for allowing Hawke to have more to his life than the pain we have seen him in in the previous books in the series.

[lf · Rating 5 out of 5]

An emotional journey of two broken people

Second Shot is an emotional rollercoaster of a story that you need to have a full box of tissue with you before you start. The story of Carey Hawke is completely heartbreaking at times as are the emotional scars that Genna Calderon-Levesque carries. This is not a fast burn romance but instead takes time to build once these two take the first tentative steps towards each other. Both are dealing with loss, grief, hurt and while he is barely living she is attempting to start again.
This is a well written book that has an intricately woven story-line dealing with several potentially very emotionally heavy topics and characters that are broken. But what happens during the story as the author takes the reader on their journey, both individually and together, is emotional but well worth it.

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. My opinions are all my own.

[Mauaqui · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally Meeting Gemma

We first learned about Gemma from Hugo. She was violated and Hugo found her lying in an ally. He took care of her and took her to the hospital. During the trial, the lawyer defending the rapist made it seem that it was her fault and Hugo was the violator- that traumatized her so much she attempted suicide- Hugo once again was her savior and he pleaded guilty to the charge so she wouldn’t have to stand trial. It is now 6 years later. Hugo is getting married and she will be his photographer. Before the actual ceremony she meets Hawke. He introduces himself as Carey because once anyone hears the name Hawke they instantly pity him. He is Hugo’s brother in law. His wife and unborn child were killed in a hit and run. He has never recovered - until now. Somehow meeting Gemma begins to change him as her too. This is their story. 2 broken people meeting and finally trusting there is still hope.

[Dori cousley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second Shot is the tenth book in the Enigma Series by Shandi Boyes. Though it is the tenth book in the series, it can be read standalone. The Enigma Series is so good I recommend reading them all.

Carey Hawke has been through so much in his life, that is totally not fair. Then there is Gemma, who as well, has been through so much in her life. They met at a wedding, and they both had a connection. Carey was not looking for a relationship, but you just never know. Will there past get in the way of a future they may have?

Shandi Boyes has another book that will leave you feeling highly emotional. You definitely will be on a roller coaster ride reading Second Shot. If you like second chance love stories this is the perfect book. Shandi Boyes has a writing style that flows and she will have you hooked from the first word. I cannot wait to read more from this amazing author.

[Marilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second shot by Shandi Boyes is book number 10 in the Enigma Series. It is such a great second chance at love story. I have read books by this author in the past and I love the way she can tell a story. This story was no exception. We meet Carey and Gemma in this story. Carey has gone though a tragedy that no one ever wants to face. Gemma is a broken woman. The way the author writes helps the reader feel all the emotions the character goes through. My heart hurt knowing how conflicted the characters felt. I honestly felt as if I wanted to go find these characters and give them a hug. From the moment you open this book to read the story grabs you and won't let go. Even after you finish reading you still want to know more of the characters story. I give this book a 5 star rating. I for one will definitely go back to read the previous books from this series.

[Maria (Ri) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.4 stars

I have enjoyed this series immensely. As usual the author does an exceptional job at setting a scene, and building the foundation of a story. I loved this story until the last 25%. I was frustrated at how rushed it felt. I wanted more of the where these characters were at during this part of their life and and how they moved forward. It felt glossed over instead of digging into the nitty gritty. The way the book ended left me feeling like it was lacking too. I felt jipped.i had been so invested in these characters that it felt like a disservice.

That being said, this book was still powerful and tackled some pretty heavy topics. I still recommend this book and this series. I love how everyone is all so interconnected while still being completely separate.

[Vicki Stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second Shot is the tenth Enigma book by Shandi Boyes and I could not put it down until I finished the novel. It features the story of Carey Hawke, who lost his wife and unborn son in a car accident five years ago and remains in horrible grief, and Gemma Calderon-Levesque, a photographer who has also suffered a tragic past as well. While Hawke barely exists from day to day, Gemma is attempting to put herself out to find love again. Their romance is slow to develop as each character is dealing differently with their tragedy. I highly recommend this well written book with its heartfelt characters and emotional plot.

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

[LZW · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second Shot (Enigma Book 10) by Shandi Boyes is not your normal contemporary romance. It was emotional on a sorrow/grief level, and I found that it was such a powerful read! It’s written in alternating first person POVs by the two main characters which made this novel even more emotional. Hawke has gone through the most severe loss one can experience, that of his wife & his unborn son. He is just going through the motions, until he meets someone that makes him feel again…which he never considered possible. The book snatches you in from the start, never letting go. What an emotional ride it is! Read this, feel it, love….you won’t regret it!

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love reading this author, she is not afraid to tackle some serious and sensitive topics and always writes with grace. This book is no exception. My opinion, this is a book best read at home with a box of tissues, a cozy blanket and your favorite beverage. Hawke has found love and lost it when his wife and son were killed in an accident. It has been five years and he is still lost. Fate brings Gemma across his path who is equally lost. Can these two help one another be found? Can they find happiness and a second chance at love?
Amazing story. Enjoy!

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

[Carol ann hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second shot

This book was absolutely heartbreaking actually that doesn't even cover it!!!
Hawke and Gemma both have bern dealt a really really bad hand and both are finding their own ways to live through that but not completely living just surviving. But the connection these 2 share is unreal and like Gemma says they are like thunder meeting lightning they go hand in hand a perfect storm.
Some parts of the book were tough to read but im glad i powered through, it was the most beautiful story and while they still have far to go they make a great couple.
Can't get enough of the enigma series just absolutely amazing.