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Second Chance Station
A gritty, flirty and uplifting rural romance about taking risks, overcoming the past and standing up for the people you love.
Relationships on the station are forbidden ... but are some rules made to be broken?
At Windale Mountain Sheep Station there's only one don't sleep with the guests.
In her ten years living on the mountain, Indigo Mills has never once thought about breaking the rules. After a childhood of neglect and an adolescence that still haunts her, the opportunity to live and work on the sheep station was a lifesaver - literally - and Indy won't do anything to jeopardise her mountain family and home.
That is until Carter Hendrix, the best half-back in the game of professional rugby league, turns up.
The Scorpions have come to Windale for a pre-season training camp, fresh off the loss of last year's grand final - a loss Carter's teammates blame him for. Carter's plan is to keep his head down and his sponsors happy so he can continue playing the game he loves.
Until he meets Indy. Now is not the time for distractions and Indy is full of reasons why they shouldn't explore their their vastly different backgrounds, their age gap, the rules. But their chemistry is impossible to ignore. Can Carter prove to Indy that he's worth the risk, or will it all be left on the mountain?
Relationships on the station are forbidden ... but are some rules made to be broken?
At Windale Mountain Sheep Station there's only one don't sleep with the guests.
In her ten years living on the mountain, Indigo Mills has never once thought about breaking the rules. After a childhood of neglect and an adolescence that still haunts her, the opportunity to live and work on the sheep station was a lifesaver - literally - and Indy won't do anything to jeopardise her mountain family and home.
That is until Carter Hendrix, the best half-back in the game of professional rugby league, turns up.
The Scorpions have come to Windale for a pre-season training camp, fresh off the loss of last year's grand final - a loss Carter's teammates blame him for. Carter's plan is to keep his head down and his sponsors happy so he can continue playing the game he loves.
Until he meets Indy. Now is not the time for distractions and Indy is full of reasons why they shouldn't explore their their vastly different backgrounds, their age gap, the rules. But their chemistry is impossible to ignore. Can Carter prove to Indy that he's worth the risk, or will it all be left on the mountain?
- GenresRomance
376 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 2, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
July 14, 2025
EXCERPT: The teen had spent the first couple of weeks stomping around with a scowl on her face, muttering about stupid sheep and the dumb heat.
Indy got it. She'd been exactly the same when Nova had brought her to Windale Mountain Sheep Station just over a decade ago. The three-thousand-hectare property of rolling hills, gullies and flats on the other side of the steep peak of the mountain itself was far removed from anywhere Indy had been before. Not that that included many places. Like Mara, she'd been so pissed off at Sarge and Nova for setting her up and taking her choices away, but those feelings seemed so foreign now. She'd fallen in love with this place. The fresh air, the views from the mountain top, the green grass and even the sheep. The blisters she'd developed when she first arrived had become calluses she was proud of, and the isolation had become comforting. It was refreshing to know everyone in a thirty kilometre radius. Mara would grow to love this place too if she gave it a chance.
ABOUT 'SECOND CHANCE STATION': Relationships on the station are forbidden ... but are some rules made to be broken?
At Windale Mountain Sheep Station there's only one rule: don't sleep with the guests.
In her ten years living on the mountain, Indigo Mills has never once thought about breaking the rules. After a childhood of neglect and an adolescence that still haunts her, the opportunity to live and work on the sheep station was a lifesaver - literally - and Indy won't do anything to jeopardise her mountain family and home.
That is until Carter Hendrix, the best half-back in the game of professional rugby league, turns up.
The Scorpions have come to Windale for a pre-season training camp, fresh off the loss of last year's grand final - a loss Carter's teammates blame him for. Carter's plan is to keep his head down and his sponsors happy so he can continue playing the game he loves.
Until he meets Indy. Now is not the time for distractions and Indy is full of reasons why they shouldn't explore their attraction: their vastly different backgrounds, their age gap, the rules. But their chemistry is impossible to ignore. Can Carter prove to Indy that he's worth the risk, or will it all be left on the mountain?
MY THOUGHTS: Second Chance Station is a story about taking second chances when they're offered and not letting the past define you. There's a cracking hot romance (no open-door sex) as well.
Indy has never been tempted to break the most important rule of her workplace - that of no sleeping with the guests - until she meets Carter Hendrix. From the outset sparks fly between these two and as much as Indy keeps trying to maintain a distance between herself and Carter, circumstances keep throwing them together.
Carter was intent on improving his skills so that he would shine in the coming season and hopefully be able to earn the support of his teammates again, lost when he "ratted" out a fellow player for breaking the terms of his contract. However, his teammates don't know the full story and are busy taking out their disappointment at not winning the Grand Final on Carter.
Second Chance Station is a fast-paced and absorbing story dealing with several more serious topics such as the fates of children of drug addicts, street living, domestic violence, abuse and manipulation. All this plus a tempestuous romance - conducted in secret!
I liked both main characters, even though Indy has a chip the size of Australia on her shoulder. She doesn't always know what she wants and takes offence easily. She has a bite like a rattlesnake! Carter is a sweetie. He is kind and stands up for what, and who, he believes in.
If you are looking for an action-packed romance, look no further - especially if you are an Aussie NRL fan. Second Chance Station is an exciting and touching read.
Sound track - Take a Chance on Me - ABBA
⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
#SecondChanceStation #NetGalley
MEET THE AUTHOR - RENAE BLACK: My family stretches back to at least three generations of farmers on both my mum and my dad’s side. I spent my formative years, growing up on a property north of Wagga Wagga, NSW that bred cattle and hosted the odd ostrich sale. My childhood was littered with animals – working and house dogs, the odd run in with a brown snake or two, an injured cockatoo, a long neck turtle and later a cockatiel named Harry who called everyone “Gorgeous”. That’s only a handful!
I strongly believe that farm life, and small town living gets under your skin and never actually leaves you. (Source: renaeblack.com)
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Harlequin Australia, HQ & MIRA, via NetGalley for providing an e-ARC of Second Chance Station by Renae Black for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
Indy got it. She'd been exactly the same when Nova had brought her to Windale Mountain Sheep Station just over a decade ago. The three-thousand-hectare property of rolling hills, gullies and flats on the other side of the steep peak of the mountain itself was far removed from anywhere Indy had been before. Not that that included many places. Like Mara, she'd been so pissed off at Sarge and Nova for setting her up and taking her choices away, but those feelings seemed so foreign now. She'd fallen in love with this place. The fresh air, the views from the mountain top, the green grass and even the sheep. The blisters she'd developed when she first arrived had become calluses she was proud of, and the isolation had become comforting. It was refreshing to know everyone in a thirty kilometre radius. Mara would grow to love this place too if she gave it a chance.
ABOUT 'SECOND CHANCE STATION': Relationships on the station are forbidden ... but are some rules made to be broken?
At Windale Mountain Sheep Station there's only one rule: don't sleep with the guests.
In her ten years living on the mountain, Indigo Mills has never once thought about breaking the rules. After a childhood of neglect and an adolescence that still haunts her, the opportunity to live and work on the sheep station was a lifesaver - literally - and Indy won't do anything to jeopardise her mountain family and home.
That is until Carter Hendrix, the best half-back in the game of professional rugby league, turns up.
The Scorpions have come to Windale for a pre-season training camp, fresh off the loss of last year's grand final - a loss Carter's teammates blame him for. Carter's plan is to keep his head down and his sponsors happy so he can continue playing the game he loves.
Until he meets Indy. Now is not the time for distractions and Indy is full of reasons why they shouldn't explore their attraction: their vastly different backgrounds, their age gap, the rules. But their chemistry is impossible to ignore. Can Carter prove to Indy that he's worth the risk, or will it all be left on the mountain?
MY THOUGHTS: Second Chance Station is a story about taking second chances when they're offered and not letting the past define you. There's a cracking hot romance (no open-door sex) as well.
Indy has never been tempted to break the most important rule of her workplace - that of no sleeping with the guests - until she meets Carter Hendrix. From the outset sparks fly between these two and as much as Indy keeps trying to maintain a distance between herself and Carter, circumstances keep throwing them together.
Carter was intent on improving his skills so that he would shine in the coming season and hopefully be able to earn the support of his teammates again, lost when he "ratted" out a fellow player for breaking the terms of his contract. However, his teammates don't know the full story and are busy taking out their disappointment at not winning the Grand Final on Carter.
Second Chance Station is a fast-paced and absorbing story dealing with several more serious topics such as the fates of children of drug addicts, street living, domestic violence, abuse and manipulation. All this plus a tempestuous romance - conducted in secret!
I liked both main characters, even though Indy has a chip the size of Australia on her shoulder. She doesn't always know what she wants and takes offence easily. She has a bite like a rattlesnake! Carter is a sweetie. He is kind and stands up for what, and who, he believes in.
If you are looking for an action-packed romance, look no further - especially if you are an Aussie NRL fan. Second Chance Station is an exciting and touching read.
Sound track - Take a Chance on Me - ABBA
⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
#SecondChanceStation #NetGalley
MEET THE AUTHOR - RENAE BLACK: My family stretches back to at least three generations of farmers on both my mum and my dad’s side. I spent my formative years, growing up on a property north of Wagga Wagga, NSW that bred cattle and hosted the odd ostrich sale. My childhood was littered with animals – working and house dogs, the odd run in with a brown snake or two, an injured cockatoo, a long neck turtle and later a cockatiel named Harry who called everyone “Gorgeous”. That’s only a handful!
I strongly believe that farm life, and small town living gets under your skin and never actually leaves you. (Source: renaeblack.com)
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Harlequin Australia, HQ & MIRA, via NetGalley for providing an e-ARC of Second Chance Station by Renae Black for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
May 31, 2025
Indigo Mills lives and works at Windale Mountain Sheep Station, she loves her job and it saved her from going down the wrong path as a teenager. Indy has always followed her bosses Nova’s rules, and she doesn’t want do anything to lose her found family and home.
The Scorpions a rugby league team come to Windale for a pre-season training camp, they lost last year’s grand final, and they need to put in the hard yards to turn it around and some members blame their half back for the loss. Carter Hendrix plans to stick to himself, and as a professional athlete he doesn't know how long his career will last and he wants to make the most of the opportunities he’s been given and doesn’t take it for granted.
Indy and Carter meet, she’s a couple of years older and comes from a very different back ground and they feel an instant spark and connection and her bosses number one rule is don’t sleep with the guests and Indy’s hasn’t had any trouble obeying this one until now and wonders how she and Carter will not give into temptation and desire?
I received a copy of Second Chance Station by Renae Black from NetGalley and Harlequin Australia in exchange for an honest review. I was captivated by this narrative by the end of the first chapter, I really liked the characters and read the book in a day.
I like sport and as we know professional footballers are put up on a pedestal and don’t come across as everyday people and Carter made me think of them differently and in a good way.
A story about overcoming the past and getting a second chance, being scared, vulnerable and no longer afraid, standing up for what’s not right and survivor’s guilt, taking risks, types of team work, and a plot with smouldering chemistry.
Five stars from me, I highly recommend Second Chance Station and Renae Blacks previous book Red Dirt Home and she’s certainly making her name for herself in the realms of well written and page turning Australian rural romance.
The Scorpions a rugby league team come to Windale for a pre-season training camp, they lost last year’s grand final, and they need to put in the hard yards to turn it around and some members blame their half back for the loss. Carter Hendrix plans to stick to himself, and as a professional athlete he doesn't know how long his career will last and he wants to make the most of the opportunities he’s been given and doesn’t take it for granted.
Indy and Carter meet, she’s a couple of years older and comes from a very different back ground and they feel an instant spark and connection and her bosses number one rule is don’t sleep with the guests and Indy’s hasn’t had any trouble obeying this one until now and wonders how she and Carter will not give into temptation and desire?
I received a copy of Second Chance Station by Renae Black from NetGalley and Harlequin Australia in exchange for an honest review. I was captivated by this narrative by the end of the first chapter, I really liked the characters and read the book in a day.
I like sport and as we know professional footballers are put up on a pedestal and don’t come across as everyday people and Carter made me think of them differently and in a good way.
A story about overcoming the past and getting a second chance, being scared, vulnerable and no longer afraid, standing up for what’s not right and survivor’s guilt, taking risks, types of team work, and a plot with smouldering chemistry.
Five stars from me, I highly recommend Second Chance Station and Renae Blacks previous book Red Dirt Home and she’s certainly making her name for herself in the realms of well written and page turning Australian rural romance.
July 14, 2025
Big thanks to Harlequin for sending us a copy to read and review.
A powerful and emotive opening scene ensconce and excites the reader.
Indigo is hungry and desperate and survival mode kicks in.
A life changing opportunity is proffered.
Although she never had intentions to stay on the big sheep grazing farm with Nova and fellow cohorts she did.
A life, a safety net and solidarity to good to refuse.
A visiting Rugby League team use the farm and its facilities to train and team build.
An incident involving an ex player has left a polarising chasm that may jeopardise future success.
Carter is blatantly being bullied and does not regret that he called out the issue that has caused the ruckus.
A spark and flirtatious banter draw him and Indigo into a sphere where emotions osmotically flow.
Both have their guards up.
The title so aptly captures the narrative and conceptually illustrates that a mix of the right circumstances, care and opportunity can turn lives around.
The dynamic of an elite sports team and a budding romance enhance the plot and ensures reader delight.
A powerful and emotive opening scene ensconce and excites the reader.
Indigo is hungry and desperate and survival mode kicks in.
A life changing opportunity is proffered.
Although she never had intentions to stay on the big sheep grazing farm with Nova and fellow cohorts she did.
A life, a safety net and solidarity to good to refuse.
A visiting Rugby League team use the farm and its facilities to train and team build.
An incident involving an ex player has left a polarising chasm that may jeopardise future success.
Carter is blatantly being bullied and does not regret that he called out the issue that has caused the ruckus.
A spark and flirtatious banter draw him and Indigo into a sphere where emotions osmotically flow.
Both have their guards up.
The title so aptly captures the narrative and conceptually illustrates that a mix of the right circumstances, care and opportunity can turn lives around.
The dynamic of an elite sports team and a budding romance enhance the plot and ensures reader delight.
June 30, 2025
Second Chance Station is the first Renae Black book I've read, and it won't be the last!
An engaging read that captured my interest right from the first page.
Indigo Mills was given a lifeline when, as a teenager, she was given an altermation, go work at Windale Mountain Sheep Station, or go to juvi. Tens years later she's still there it's her home and her friends her family.
The Station hosts camps for sporting groups, there's just one important rule, don't sleep with the guests.
Indi has never been tempted before she would never jeopardise her safe place, that is until Carter Hendrix rocks up, a rugby league star, he's dealing with a team that blames him for their grand final loss the previous year, he's not after a distraction either.
Sparks fly from first interaction and try as they might their attraction seems hard to dismiss.
As well as the romance aspect, there was a range of topics that kept you keen to know more, and also some tough topics ie sporting 'heros' and domestic violence that I thought were explored well.
I was hooked from the first page, filled with apprehension of how they were going to get caught and the consequences when they were caught out breaking the rules.
A highly recommended read for Rural romance readers.
Thank you Harlequin for the copy to read and review.
Release date 2nd July
An engaging read that captured my interest right from the first page.
Indigo Mills was given a lifeline when, as a teenager, she was given an altermation, go work at Windale Mountain Sheep Station, or go to juvi. Tens years later she's still there it's her home and her friends her family.
The Station hosts camps for sporting groups, there's just one important rule, don't sleep with the guests.
Indi has never been tempted before she would never jeopardise her safe place, that is until Carter Hendrix rocks up, a rugby league star, he's dealing with a team that blames him for their grand final loss the previous year, he's not after a distraction either.
Sparks fly from first interaction and try as they might their attraction seems hard to dismiss.
As well as the romance aspect, there was a range of topics that kept you keen to know more, and also some tough topics ie sporting 'heros' and domestic violence that I thought were explored well.
I was hooked from the first page, filled with apprehension of how they were going to get caught and the consequences when they were caught out breaking the rules.
A highly recommended read for Rural romance readers.
Thank you Harlequin for the copy to read and review.
Release date 2nd July
June 11, 2025
This was my very first ARC and I was so excited to read it. Australian author writing rural romance mixed with NRL - sign me up! I actually own 2 of Renae's other books on my kindle but have yet to read them so I was looking forward to this.
16 year old Indigo Mills is saved by Nova from a life on the streets and taken to Windale Mountain Station, a 3000 hectare property run by an all female staff where she stays for the next 10 years as a farmhand. The property also runs as a camp for sporting teams to come and do pre-season training. There is just one strict rule the staff must abide by - no fraternising with the guests. Enter professional NRL team, the Scorpions, with the best half-back in the league, Carter Hendrix. As Indy and Carter seemingly find more ways to spend time together, Indy needs to decide if swoonworthy Carter will be worth breaking the rules for.
This was so sweet! I inhaled it in 2 days and loved reading about their love story. While full-on romance is not my preferred genre, there was enough alternative information about farming and sports to keep me turning the page. It was refreshing to read something positive and uplifting about a rugby league player for once!
If you are looking for a cosy rural romance set in regional Australia, this is a great read with a rugby league crossover you didn't know you needed!
Expected Publication Date: 2 July, 2025.
Thank you to Harlequin Australia for providing me with this ARC through Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
16 year old Indigo Mills is saved by Nova from a life on the streets and taken to Windale Mountain Station, a 3000 hectare property run by an all female staff where she stays for the next 10 years as a farmhand. The property also runs as a camp for sporting teams to come and do pre-season training. There is just one strict rule the staff must abide by - no fraternising with the guests. Enter professional NRL team, the Scorpions, with the best half-back in the league, Carter Hendrix. As Indy and Carter seemingly find more ways to spend time together, Indy needs to decide if swoonworthy Carter will be worth breaking the rules for.
This was so sweet! I inhaled it in 2 days and loved reading about their love story. While full-on romance is not my preferred genre, there was enough alternative information about farming and sports to keep me turning the page. It was refreshing to read something positive and uplifting about a rugby league player for once!
If you are looking for a cosy rural romance set in regional Australia, this is a great read with a rugby league crossover you didn't know you needed!
Expected Publication Date: 2 July, 2025.
Thank you to Harlequin Australia for providing me with this ARC through Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
May 20, 2025
Renae Black is my new favourite voice of Australian rural romance! I will read anything that Renae Black writes...I won't even bother with the synopsis because I just know the book will be fabulous.
Black has a way of beautifully capturing the landscape of rural Australia and the people that call it home and she has outdone herself with the setting of Second Chance Station. Black's writing style had me feeling the breeze on my face and hear the sheep bleating in the yards with the Windale Mountain sheep station setting as I read.
Indie is one of those FMCs that you instantly know you will love. You can't help but be proud of her for the way she turned her life around and the hard work she puts in, and you don't want anyone to disappoint her as you read.
I loved the cross over of NRL training camp and farming life. Carter, oh boy, what a male lead character he is! There is a lot of depth to this NRL star that I wasn't expecting and the way he treats Indie is *chef's kiss*!
This is a story of taking risks, second chances, following your heart and not letting your past dictate your future. The epilogue left me with the biggest smile on my face.
Second Chance station was brilliant...I give it infinity stars.
Black has a way of beautifully capturing the landscape of rural Australia and the people that call it home and she has outdone herself with the setting of Second Chance Station. Black's writing style had me feeling the breeze on my face and hear the sheep bleating in the yards with the Windale Mountain sheep station setting as I read.
Indie is one of those FMCs that you instantly know you will love. You can't help but be proud of her for the way she turned her life around and the hard work she puts in, and you don't want anyone to disappoint her as you read.
I loved the cross over of NRL training camp and farming life. Carter, oh boy, what a male lead character he is! There is a lot of depth to this NRL star that I wasn't expecting and the way he treats Indie is *chef's kiss*!
This is a story of taking risks, second chances, following your heart and not letting your past dictate your future. The epilogue left me with the biggest smile on my face.
Second Chance station was brilliant...I give it infinity stars.
June 30, 2025
A gorgeous Aussie rural romance. I loved the concept of all woman sheep station and it giving women in need a place to live and work. Renae’s writing and descriptions transported me there- I could picture everything. I’d love to know more about Nova, the woman who owns it all. The two main characters were both strong and I loved their chemistry. I enjoyed getting to know both Indy and Carter and their backstories. I saw professional footballers in a new light. Exploring the toxic masculinity of football as well as team work, survivors guilt and taking risks and second chances. For lovers of the reverse age gap, opposites attract and forbidden romance tropes.
June 18, 2025
If you’re looking for a nice, easy, relatable (even though you’re not from the outback) story then this is the book. From the first chapter you feel like you know the main characters, Indy and Carter, and are cheering for them both. The mix of farm life and NRL keep it interesting and you really feel you understand what life in those professions must be like and the challenges they face.
Another great read from Australian author Renae Black. 5 stars.
This was my first book reviewing for Netgalley so thank you to both Harlequin Australia and Netgalley for providing me with this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Another great read from Australian author Renae Black. 5 stars.
This was my first book reviewing for Netgalley so thank you to both Harlequin Australia and Netgalley for providing me with this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
September 11, 2025
Indigo 'Indy' Mills was sixteen and on the road to juvie when she was offered a lifeline. A decade on, Indy is still working at Windale Mountain Sheep Station and is enjoying her life in the mountain air. She'll always be grateful to her boss, Nova, and the family of co-workers that she found there.
There's one rule that every employee must follow, otherwise, it's termination. Don't ever get involved with a guest at the station. That's more than fine for Indy- she can't afford distractions. Until the football team, the Scorpions, arrives for an extended camp in preparation for the upcoming season. A whole group of fit men but Indy only has eyes for half back, Carter Hendrix.
Suddenly, that enforced rule is extremely difficult not to break. Carter is the first person whom Indy immediately feels safe with and trusts. There is no doubt that they have fallen in love despite only knowing each other for mere weeks.
Yet: that's not without hurdles to overcome. Carter needs to focus on his performance and prove that he's still an asset to his team, despite some blaming him for last year's controversy. There is also the issue that he and Indy come from very different worlds. Then comes the point that her job will be on the line if they get caught.
So, is their sneaking around worth it in the end?
Renae Black is fast becoming a favourite author of mine. Yet again, she's blown me away with the essential Aussie-ness of the plotline. A strong female farmhand falls for the tainted Golden boy of the NRL? Yes, please. Throw in the mountain setting and you're set for a top read.
Despite being a romance, important topics such as adolescent crime, attempted suicide, childhood abuse and domestic violence are explored well. Still, these are countered with themes of friendship, found family, solid teamwork and second chances.
I really loved Carter and Indy, who found each other despite coming from different sides of the track. Indy had a rough start to life yet managed to carve out a positive future for herself. Carter comes from a loving family, tainted with loss regardless, built a football career, but has still discovered that some adversity has come with status.
A lovely read. Thank you to Harlequin Australia for sending me a copy to read and review.
4.75 🌟
There's one rule that every employee must follow, otherwise, it's termination. Don't ever get involved with a guest at the station. That's more than fine for Indy- she can't afford distractions. Until the football team, the Scorpions, arrives for an extended camp in preparation for the upcoming season. A whole group of fit men but Indy only has eyes for half back, Carter Hendrix.
Suddenly, that enforced rule is extremely difficult not to break. Carter is the first person whom Indy immediately feels safe with and trusts. There is no doubt that they have fallen in love despite only knowing each other for mere weeks.
Yet: that's not without hurdles to overcome. Carter needs to focus on his performance and prove that he's still an asset to his team, despite some blaming him for last year's controversy. There is also the issue that he and Indy come from very different worlds. Then comes the point that her job will be on the line if they get caught.
So, is their sneaking around worth it in the end?
Renae Black is fast becoming a favourite author of mine. Yet again, she's blown me away with the essential Aussie-ness of the plotline. A strong female farmhand falls for the tainted Golden boy of the NRL? Yes, please. Throw in the mountain setting and you're set for a top read.
Despite being a romance, important topics such as adolescent crime, attempted suicide, childhood abuse and domestic violence are explored well. Still, these are countered with themes of friendship, found family, solid teamwork and second chances.
I really loved Carter and Indy, who found each other despite coming from different sides of the track. Indy had a rough start to life yet managed to carve out a positive future for herself. Carter comes from a loving family, tainted with loss regardless, built a football career, but has still discovered that some adversity has come with status.
A lovely read. Thank you to Harlequin Australia for sending me a copy to read and review.
4.75 🌟
November 7, 2025
Rural romance, set at Windale Mountain Sheep Station
December 13, 2025
Absolutely incredible! Carter and Indy were perfection. This book has everything you need. Do yourself a favour 🙌🏻
July 1, 2025
When we first meet Indy, she is a troubled kid. But ten years later she is a mature, strong willed and responsible adult working on an all girl station and loving it.
The rules are relationships with the quests are forbidden. But what do you do when the attraction is more than just checking out the opposite sex.
Renae has written a flirty story, that touches on moving on from the past, the memories and the process of growing up and becoming the person you knew that you could be.
I have received this book for a honest review.
The rules are relationships with the quests are forbidden. But what do you do when the attraction is more than just checking out the opposite sex.
Renae has written a flirty story, that touches on moving on from the past, the memories and the process of growing up and becoming the person you knew that you could be.
I have received this book for a honest review.
May 29, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Nova runs Windale Mountain Station, a station with only female employees and a place for girls to have a second chance. Indi first went there ten years ago when caught stealing money and given the choice of the station or the police being involved. Then the Sydney Scorpions rugby league team comes there for a training camp. In comes Carter Hendrix one of the best players in the league. I’ve read one of Renae’s books before and this one was delightful. The setting sounded great with the premise behind Windale Mountain Station. I loved the characters of Indi and Carter and loved their story from start to end.
Nova runs Windale Mountain Station, a station with only female employees and a place for girls to have a second chance. Indi first went there ten years ago when caught stealing money and given the choice of the station or the police being involved. Then the Sydney Scorpions rugby league team comes there for a training camp. In comes Carter Hendrix one of the best players in the league. I’ve read one of Renae’s books before and this one was delightful. The setting sounded great with the premise behind Windale Mountain Station. I loved the characters of Indi and Carter and loved their story from start to end.
February 2, 2026
Thank you so much Harper Collins Australia for the gifted physical copy in exchange for an honest review!
Fast-paced, intriguing and romantic.
Windale Mountain Station is an opportunity for second chances. At 16, Indy was stealing from people to make a living and planned to forever until Nova stepped in. Nova rescued Indy from a life of thief and misery and took her under her wing and gave her a home at Windale.
10 years later, Indy loves the station and couldn’t imagine being anywhere else. She’s close with Nova and Emery - who joined a few years after Indy - and Mara, the latest recruit. Life is simple at the station, with one golden rule: don’t sleep with the guests who stay on the property.
The property doubles as a farm and a place to stay. After a rough finish to the season, the Scorpions - a Sydney rugby league team - are in desperate need of team building and the property offers the perfect setting for it. From running laps to moving heavy logs together, the team slowly starts to knit itself back together.
Carter Hendrix, the team’s halfback, feels hopeless after the way the season ended and knows the camp is the best way to fix things. He just needs to focus and put in the hard work which would be easy if it weren’t for Indy, one of the farmhands.
Indy has never felt such a deep connection to someone before. But the relationship blooming between her and Carter is forbidden. If she pursues her feelings, she risks losing everything she’s worked her whole life for. Is one man worth risking her future? Or does the station hold too great a place in her heart for her to risk everything?
I didn’t expect to like this one as much as I did! I went into this not really knowing what it was about, but it was a quick read and I grew to like Indy despite how hard she was to deal with - stubborn, proud and a little lonely. Carter was much more likeable and so easy to understand. They balanced each other out really well!
Perfect for fans of a rural sports romance set in the Aussie bush!
⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
Fast-paced, intriguing and romantic.
Windale Mountain Station is an opportunity for second chances. At 16, Indy was stealing from people to make a living and planned to forever until Nova stepped in. Nova rescued Indy from a life of thief and misery and took her under her wing and gave her a home at Windale.
10 years later, Indy loves the station and couldn’t imagine being anywhere else. She’s close with Nova and Emery - who joined a few years after Indy - and Mara, the latest recruit. Life is simple at the station, with one golden rule: don’t sleep with the guests who stay on the property.
The property doubles as a farm and a place to stay. After a rough finish to the season, the Scorpions - a Sydney rugby league team - are in desperate need of team building and the property offers the perfect setting for it. From running laps to moving heavy logs together, the team slowly starts to knit itself back together.
Carter Hendrix, the team’s halfback, feels hopeless after the way the season ended and knows the camp is the best way to fix things. He just needs to focus and put in the hard work which would be easy if it weren’t for Indy, one of the farmhands.
Indy has never felt such a deep connection to someone before. But the relationship blooming between her and Carter is forbidden. If she pursues her feelings, she risks losing everything she’s worked her whole life for. Is one man worth risking her future? Or does the station hold too great a place in her heart for her to risk everything?
I didn’t expect to like this one as much as I did! I went into this not really knowing what it was about, but it was a quick read and I grew to like Indy despite how hard she was to deal with - stubborn, proud and a little lonely. Carter was much more likeable and so easy to understand. They balanced each other out really well!
Perfect for fans of a rural sports romance set in the Aussie bush!
⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
July 27, 2025
I loved the premise in Second Chance Station, a remote NSW sheep station owned and run by an all-woman team. Owner Nova is feisty, expects nothing but the best from her team but is also fair and genuinely cares about giving the women she recruits the training and care they need to make a fresh start with their lives. She picks up teenage Indy from a small café, where Indy has been successfully picking the pockets of the other customers. For Indy it’s either come to Windale Mountain Station to live and work or be sent off for juvenile detention. Fast forward around ten years and Indy is now a competent all-round station hand, able to muster sheep just as easily as sharpen the blades of a ride-on mower. The station’s secondary income comes from hosting sporting teams that need privacy and quality facilities to train away from the media and the latest team to arrive is the Sydney Scorpions, a first grade rugby league team including star player Carter Hendrix, who falls head over heels into lust with Indy on first sight. With strict “no fraternisation” rules in place, these two struggle to keep away from each other but the pull is too strung and they soon end up sneaking around to see each other whenever they can. The ensuing romance is sweet and with team drama playing out in the background, there’s plenty to keep readers entertained. Of course there are fireworks and the subsequent happy ever after that good romances deliver. Lots to love, whether it’s the gorgeous scenery, the rural setting or the good looks of the central characters.
August 18, 2025
I loved Renae’s last book so I was excited to pick up her new novel!
Indy Mills has lived and worked at Windale Station since she was 16 and the owner Nova gave her an out from the troubled path she was going down. She loves it and can’t imagine being anywhere else. Nova has a golden rule that the workers can’t sleep with the guests, and it’s never been a problem, until Indy meets Carter Hendrix. Carter is staying at the station with his rugby league team, The Scorpions, as they escape the city for training camp. When he sets eyes on Indy he instantly feels a spark, but he’s got his work cut out for him if he’s going to prove he’s worth the risk.
I loved this! It was an easy read, but had some great storylines with Indy’s past and how she came to be at Windale, and Carter’s situation with his team blaming him for losing the last grand final. The thought of those fit league players training at the Station had me sweaty 😂 I loved seeing Indy open up to Carter and slowing starting to trust him, and Carter just kept being a solid support for her which I adored - he was honestly perfection! I also loved the fact that Windale was run by a badass woman and the workers were all women that she had given opportunities to when they got into trouble. An overall great read from an author I will eagerly anticipate future releases.
Indy Mills has lived and worked at Windale Station since she was 16 and the owner Nova gave her an out from the troubled path she was going down. She loves it and can’t imagine being anywhere else. Nova has a golden rule that the workers can’t sleep with the guests, and it’s never been a problem, until Indy meets Carter Hendrix. Carter is staying at the station with his rugby league team, The Scorpions, as they escape the city for training camp. When he sets eyes on Indy he instantly feels a spark, but he’s got his work cut out for him if he’s going to prove he’s worth the risk.
I loved this! It was an easy read, but had some great storylines with Indy’s past and how she came to be at Windale, and Carter’s situation with his team blaming him for losing the last grand final. The thought of those fit league players training at the Station had me sweaty 😂 I loved seeing Indy open up to Carter and slowing starting to trust him, and Carter just kept being a solid support for her which I adored - he was honestly perfection! I also loved the fact that Windale was run by a badass woman and the workers were all women that she had given opportunities to when they got into trouble. An overall great read from an author I will eagerly anticipate future releases.
June 29, 2025
Second Chance Station by Renae Black was an absolutely very satisfying read.
I loved this book! It is a true second chance theme, with a plot that just kept on keeping me glued to the page. There wasn't a dull moment. Something was happening all the time.
Indy was a wonderful character, she'd had a rough upbringing but she'd been given a second chance by Nova who ran an all women sheep station. Indy was at the top of her game in the work environment and so far had kept her heart intact. Until Carter Hendrix came on the scene.
Carter is a very skilled rugby league player and a man with heaps of integrity. Part of the tension in this story is a stand that he made that was vastly unpopular with his team. He is a strong character and I loved how he handled anything thrown at him.
I highly recommend Second Chance Station, yet this book doesn't need any recommendation, it speaks for itself. I'll just say once again I loved it and I am only sorry I have finished it. My fault that I just had to gobble it down.
I loved this book! It is a true second chance theme, with a plot that just kept on keeping me glued to the page. There wasn't a dull moment. Something was happening all the time.
Indy was a wonderful character, she'd had a rough upbringing but she'd been given a second chance by Nova who ran an all women sheep station. Indy was at the top of her game in the work environment and so far had kept her heart intact. Until Carter Hendrix came on the scene.
Carter is a very skilled rugby league player and a man with heaps of integrity. Part of the tension in this story is a stand that he made that was vastly unpopular with his team. He is a strong character and I loved how he handled anything thrown at him.
I highly recommend Second Chance Station, yet this book doesn't need any recommendation, it speaks for itself. I'll just say once again I loved it and I am only sorry I have finished it. My fault that I just had to gobble it down.
July 24, 2025
Second Chance Station has everything I love about Aussie rural romances in spades. Toss in the swooniest of sporting heroes and Renae Black has delivered the must-read RuRo of the year. Black's ability to craft characters with such emotional depth and characterisation is a standout feature of all her books and Carter and Indi's story is no different. She deftly handles serious topics and traumas with a respectful and gentle hand, coaxing the reader on a journey that will stay with them a long time after they've finished reading. I can't wait to read her next story. Highly recommend.
May 28, 2025
Black paints rural Australia so vividly I could feel the sheep judging me from the paddock. Indie? An instant fave. Tough, hardworking, and absolutely someone I'd defend in a bar fight.
And Carter.....NRL star with the emotional depth of a poet? YES PLEASE 🙏 . Their chemistry = chef’s kiss. The footy/farming mashup totally works and now I weirdly want to attend a training camp on a sheep station.
And Carter.....NRL star with the emotional depth of a poet? YES PLEASE 🙏 . Their chemistry = chef’s kiss. The footy/farming mashup totally works and now I weirdly want to attend a training camp on a sheep station.
July 12, 2025
This was a heartfelt rural romance and an engaging story.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading the love story of Indy and Carter, and the other characters too. It was an easy feel good story from start to finish.
Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin Australia, HQ (Fiction, Non Fiction, YA) & MIRA for an amazing ARC.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading the love story of Indy and Carter, and the other characters too. It was an easy feel good story from start to finish.
Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin Australia, HQ (Fiction, Non Fiction, YA) & MIRA for an amazing ARC.
August 14, 2025
Loved this book
October 31, 2025
A thoroughly enjoyable read! I felt I was able to connect with both main characters (Indy and Carter). A heartwarming ending. Nice!!
November 13, 2025
I am not a real country romance reader, but this book is written by the daughter of good friends.
She has written quite a few books in the same style.
An easy read and I think the best so far
She has written quite a few books in the same style.
An easy read and I think the best so far
April 4, 2026
great story about an aussie country girl who gets a second chance
September 11, 2025
A dream romance for anyone who likes small town or sports. Totally bingeable and so descriptive.
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