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More Than a Second Chance
Ava Jacobs had the love of her life at seventeen. But when a terrible
tragedy happens, a difficult decision rests on her shoulders. Enduring
this hardship into adulthood, she’s sure she’ll never find love again,
not that she wants to.
When she encounters Dr. Declan Ryan at work, she is well aware of
an attraction there but has no intention to act on it. As time goes on,
Ava realizes there might be more for her out there when she finds out
the single dad has also suffered a loss and has built up walls of his
own.
As their lives collide, the tornado of emotions they face brings secrets
to the surface neither of them are quite ready to face. When they
realize loving isn’t the risk, losing each other is, can they face their
storms together and build their relationship one brick at a time?
The feelings they have been avoiding just might be what they both
needed all along.
tragedy happens, a difficult decision rests on her shoulders. Enduring
this hardship into adulthood, she’s sure she’ll never find love again,
not that she wants to.
When she encounters Dr. Declan Ryan at work, she is well aware of
an attraction there but has no intention to act on it. As time goes on,
Ava realizes there might be more for her out there when she finds out
the single dad has also suffered a loss and has built up walls of his
own.
As their lives collide, the tornado of emotions they face brings secrets
to the surface neither of them are quite ready to face. When they
realize loving isn’t the risk, losing each other is, can they face their
storms together and build their relationship one brick at a time?
The feelings they have been avoiding just might be what they both
needed all along.
394 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 6, 2025
9 people are currently reading
47 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
March 6, 2025
If you read one book this year, let it be this one! From the moment I started reading, I couldn’t put it down and finished it in one day. It’s beautifully written and immediately hooks you. You will cry, laugh, cry again, fall in love and feel like you are truly apart of the story. Elizabeth and Amanda created characters that broke my heart and put it back together all within the pages of this beautiful romantic novel. I can honestly say that this is already in my Top 5 reads of 2025 and it’s gonna stay there!
February 21, 2025
More Than a Second Chance is the debut novel from the writing duet of Amanda Smith and Elizabeth Gray and these two came to throw down with this tragically emotional story of heartbreak and new love in the most complicated of circumstances.
This book is an emotion provoking story that deals with some heavy and harsh topics including death/loss/grieving of a spouse/active duty military, adoption and health/medical issues- you may need to read with care.
4.5 ⭐
This book had me SOBBING for the first handful of chapters and again later on but I could not put it down. At 17, Ava had the perfect boyfriend in Gavin and my heart was absolutely shattered for these two fictional teenagers that were undoubtedly soulmates as life became so cruelly unfair. I felt like I was living Ava's devastation as my own while she tried to hold the broken pieces of her heart together only to shatter them all again in the name of selfless love and continue on as though she were any other college freshman.
It's years later that Ava is introduced to Dr. Declan Ryan while working as a nurse and I love the little spark that ignites between them even if Ava is clueless to it at first. Declan comes with a poor attitude and his own broken heart as he navigates his new life as a single father. I enjoyed the pull of fate with these two- like their broken pieces found comfort and understanding in each other before even really knowing that they shared this unfortunate kinship.
There are quite a few time jumps that happen in this story- some of them are clearly spelled out while others are kind of inferred in a way but really some of the math didn't quite math. It's in some of these little jumps that I wish the story was delved into a little more. I was emotionally gripped by so much of what was happening on the pages but I missed getting to have some more of that less dramatic but important building of the relationship between the MCs among other things.
As an avid romance reader- could I spy some of the twists and surprises that were coming from a mile away? Sure. Did that make the story any less enthralling or enjoyable? Not in the slightest. Amanda and Elizabeth did a fabulous job of writing the emotion and mental dilemmas in a way that still had me wholeheartedly invested in what was going to happen on the next page.
Fabulous debut novel- can't wait to see what else these ladies will be able to do!
This book is an emotion provoking story that deals with some heavy and harsh topics including death/loss/grieving of a spouse/active duty military, adoption and health/medical issues- you may need to read with care.
4.5 ⭐
This book had me SOBBING for the first handful of chapters and again later on but I could not put it down. At 17, Ava had the perfect boyfriend in Gavin and my heart was absolutely shattered for these two fictional teenagers that were undoubtedly soulmates as life became so cruelly unfair. I felt like I was living Ava's devastation as my own while she tried to hold the broken pieces of her heart together only to shatter them all again in the name of selfless love and continue on as though she were any other college freshman.
It's years later that Ava is introduced to Dr. Declan Ryan while working as a nurse and I love the little spark that ignites between them even if Ava is clueless to it at first. Declan comes with a poor attitude and his own broken heart as he navigates his new life as a single father. I enjoyed the pull of fate with these two- like their broken pieces found comfort and understanding in each other before even really knowing that they shared this unfortunate kinship.
There are quite a few time jumps that happen in this story- some of them are clearly spelled out while others are kind of inferred in a way but really some of the math didn't quite math. It's in some of these little jumps that I wish the story was delved into a little more. I was emotionally gripped by so much of what was happening on the pages but I missed getting to have some more of that less dramatic but important building of the relationship between the MCs among other things.
As an avid romance reader- could I spy some of the twists and surprises that were coming from a mile away? Sure. Did that make the story any less enthralling or enjoyable? Not in the slightest. Amanda and Elizabeth did a fabulous job of writing the emotion and mental dilemmas in a way that still had me wholeheartedly invested in what was going to happen on the next page.
Fabulous debut novel- can't wait to see what else these ladies will be able to do!
February 22, 2025
As someone who served in the Military, I never saw myself as someone who would read military inspired books. Seeing as how I served my country I didn’t find it intriguing to read (fictional or not). But if you had to pick one indie author and read their story, let it be this one!
I took a leap when I saw the opportunity to read an indie authors book, and I fell in love! This book is beautifully written, my heart strings were pulled in ways that I wasn’t sure if I should be happy, mad, or cry!! I didn’t want to put this book down! It really felt like a string was wrapped around my heart and kept tugging my back to this book every second of the day. It haunts my dreams but in such a good way. I highly recommend this book to anyone stepping into military themed stories for the first time! Bonus, the cover is absolutely stunning!!
Take a chance on this book like I did (no pun to the title intended)
I took a leap when I saw the opportunity to read an indie authors book, and I fell in love! This book is beautifully written, my heart strings were pulled in ways that I wasn’t sure if I should be happy, mad, or cry!! I didn’t want to put this book down! It really felt like a string was wrapped around my heart and kept tugging my back to this book every second of the day. It haunts my dreams but in such a good way. I highly recommend this book to anyone stepping into military themed stories for the first time! Bonus, the cover is absolutely stunning!!
Take a chance on this book like I did (no pun to the title intended)
February 17, 2025
5⭐️5⭐️5⭐️ This book was incredible. The way it was written and the way the characters were portrayed tapped into every single emotion. Ava and Gavin’s young love story started and tragically ended. Then the book went into Ava and Declan’s love story. It portrayed love, strength and commitment to an exceptional degree. It was very early on in the book that I was balling like a baby and it continued to happen throughout this story. Thank goodness it ended with a HEA but emotions ran high until it got to that point. If you like a true love story, then this book is for you.
March 6, 2025
In this story we kinda have 3 main characters! It starts off with high school sweethearts, Ava and Gavin, they are so in love and plan to spend the rest of their life together. They are truly soulmates. When Gavin graduates a year ahead of Ava he joins the military and goes off to basic training, coming home to visit and call when he can. While Ava is finishing high school with plans on becoming a nurse. On one of Gavin’s visits home Ava gets pregnant, at such a young age and Gavin having been sent off to war, she decides to put the baby up for adoption. But then things happen and there dreams are crushed, life just isn’t the same after that. That’s when we meet Dr Doom, a grumpy dr at a hosp Ava gets a job at. There are many surprises and twists and turns in this story, you can’t put it down. I cried several times while reading this, but also cackled at points while reading! I cannot wait for this book to release so everyone can read it! It’s amazing. I love the character building and the banter between the characters, but also the storyline, we get drama but we also get characters who aren’t afraid to say and show their true emotions!
February 15, 2025
From the very beginning I couldn’t put it down! This book brought on so many different emotions for me! I can’t even remember the last time I read a book that made me cry let alone made me cry multiple times. It was very well written. I really hope there is more to come!!! I would love to hear some more about other characters in this book.
February 18, 2025
I knew this book would be an emotional journey I just wasn’t expecting it to be THIS emotional. I was hooked from the get go I swooned, I laughed, and I cried, oh how I cried, the emotional journey of finding a new love when you’ve lost your soulmate not just Ava but Declan as well. The burdens they carry from the past as they navigate to forge a new future. I finished this in a day even though I had to stop more than once because I was crying so much both sad tears at their anguish and happy tears at their healing.
February 21, 2025
As a military spouse with children I felt I was living this book. So many unexpected coincidences. Such love and emotions. I cried, laughed and cried again. Definitely a must read!!! Amanda and Elizabeth you ladies are amazing!!!!
February 19, 2025
I absolutely loved this book!! I was hooked from the very beginning. You will cry, cheer and cry some more. This is definitely one of my favorite books so far this year!! Wish I could give it more than 5 stars!!
February 17, 2025
If you’re looking for a good cry this is it. This book took me through so many emotions. I started off crying, then giggling and kicking my feet, back to crying, laughing and finally the happy tears. This was so well written I was hooked from the beginning.
November 26, 2025
Thank you @author_elizabeth_gray for the #gifted copy!
Ava faces heartbreak way too young, and the walls she builds? Sky-high. She’s not trusting, not letting anyone get close… until Dr. Declan Ryan strolls in and flips her whole world upside down. 👀✨
Can she finally let go of the past and lean into this unexpected joy, or is it all just a little too much, too soon?
This book had me in my feelings from page one. I was laughing one minute, grabbing a tissue the next, and fully invested the whole way through. It’s fast-paced, a little predictable in the best comforting way, and honestly the perfect break from my usual thriller
May 13, 2025
OMG I'm still in tears here after finishing this book. What an emotional ride it was. Love it!!!
April 12, 2025
⭐️5🌶️3💧3
📗 Single Dad
📕 Dr MMC & Nurse FMC
📘 Love After Loss
📙 Age Gap
📚 Content Warning
Oooof. This book hit hard! I loved this book and was very quickly drawn in. I was even crying with in the first hour of reading it! Fate works in mysterious ways and this book is a testament to that! The coincidences that happen in this story will leave your brain exploding and mouth agape! I did predict one major spoiler quite early on, but another I never saw coming and caused an audible gasp!
This was such a beautiful heartbreaking story, definitely recommend reading!
#morethanasecondchance #amandasmith #elizabethgray #steamybooks
#bookrecs #steamyreads #audiobook #bookaholic #readingtime #bookshelf #instabooks #bookblogger #bookreview #booktok #reading #booklover #bookworm #booknerd #goodreads #aussiebookstagrammers #aussies #australianreaders #darkromance #reading #beyondoverbooked #bookstagrammer #readersofinstagram #instabook #booksofinstagram #booksarelife#darkromance #spicybooklover
📗 Single Dad
📕 Dr MMC & Nurse FMC
📘 Love After Loss
📙 Age Gap
📚 Content Warning
Oooof. This book hit hard! I loved this book and was very quickly drawn in. I was even crying with in the first hour of reading it! Fate works in mysterious ways and this book is a testament to that! The coincidences that happen in this story will leave your brain exploding and mouth agape! I did predict one major spoiler quite early on, but another I never saw coming and caused an audible gasp!
This was such a beautiful heartbreaking story, definitely recommend reading!
#morethanasecondchance #amandasmith #elizabethgray #steamybooks
#bookrecs #steamyreads #audiobook #bookaholic #readingtime #bookshelf #instabooks #bookblogger #bookreview #booktok #reading #booklover #bookworm #booknerd #goodreads #aussiebookstagrammers #aussies #australianreaders #darkromance #reading #beyondoverbooked #bookstagrammer #readersofinstagram #instabook #booksofinstagram #booksarelife#darkromance #spicybooklover
March 1, 2025
I had the pleasure of receiving this book as an ARC.
This book. Just wow. I did not see it coming. It did not disappoint!
Ava is a strong woman who works hard and is passionate about her job. Dr. Doom is a hard ass that people stay away from. At least until he gets closer to Ava. Then we see a softer side of the good ol doc.
This book hits you in the feels. Losing loved ones, sick children and the stress that it can cause on a family, love and love after loss, and so so much more.
I highly recommend this book!
This book. Just wow. I did not see it coming. It did not disappoint!
Ava is a strong woman who works hard and is passionate about her job. Dr. Doom is a hard ass that people stay away from. At least until he gets closer to Ava. Then we see a softer side of the good ol doc.
This book hits you in the feels. Losing loved ones, sick children and the stress that it can cause on a family, love and love after loss, and so so much more.
I highly recommend this book!
October 16, 2025
Tissues Required 🥹
This romance novel is an emotional ride. Be prepared to cry, laugh, and cheer for the characters. Ava's journey is heartbreaking, and Declan's story is just as devastating. But as fate intervenes, their lives become intertwined, leading to their eventual happiness. This beautiful story stole my heart, and I'm excited to recommend it to fans of military and hospital romances.
This romance novel is an emotional ride. Be prepared to cry, laugh, and cheer for the characters. Ava's journey is heartbreaking, and Declan's story is just as devastating. But as fate intervenes, their lives become intertwined, leading to their eventual happiness. This beautiful story stole my heart, and I'm excited to recommend it to fans of military and hospital romances.
April 14, 2025
Amazing definitely in my top 5 of books of 2025! This book had me laughing, crying, and falling in love with the characters of this novel. Thea main characters are so relatable and real you can feel their joy and pain. Their love and sorrow. The guilt and the pride. The shame and the courage. This one had me from page one and the twists were not something I expected or could predict
July 13, 2025
A must-read.
Oh my, this story is so poignant. I just finished it, and I am struggling with my emotions. I can't imagine the difficulty these characters had to struggle through with everything that happened. All I can say is if after you read the reviews, you should really read it. I haven't read a story like this, and it pulled
me right in.
Oh my, this story is so poignant. I just finished it, and I am struggling with my emotions. I can't imagine the difficulty these characters had to struggle through with everything that happened. All I can say is if after you read the reviews, you should really read it. I haven't read a story like this, and it pulled
me right in.
August 6, 2025
Emotionally rich and beautifully heartfelt, this poignant romance explores love after loss with tenderness and depth, reminding us that healing is possible when two broken hearts find strength in each other.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 11, 2025
More than a second chance! ❤️
Wow! “More than a second chance” was one of the most beautifully written books I’ve ever read! Get read for all the feels, sad tears 😭 and happy tears 🥲! I highly recommend reading this book 📖 you will not be disappointed!
Wow! “More than a second chance” was one of the most beautifully written books I’ve ever read! Get read for all the feels, sad tears 😭 and happy tears 🥲! I highly recommend reading this book 📖 you will not be disappointed!
February 12, 2025
Absolutely beautiful story. Captures your attention from the first chapter. The story is personal and relatable. I read a lot of different style books and was extremely captivated by this one!
February 14, 2025
Absolutely love!!! Kept you hooked from the beginning and love the storyline. Hopefully Erin and John will be next.
March 30, 2025
So cute, so sad, so good. Definitely have those tissues near by!!
April 19, 2025
This book was such a roller coaster of emotions. I cried more than I’ve ever cried at a book. The way the storyline intertwines and connects is amazing and it kept me wanting to read more and more.
May 5, 2025
Just recently read this book and really enjoyed it! It had a bit of everything and a few surprises that I did not expect it was also pretty fast paced and easy to read.
November 20, 2025
I wish I could give this more than 5 stars. I will forever think about this book. It’s so emotionally investing and I feel so connected to the characters. What a great story and amazing ending
March 7, 2025
Ava Jacobs had the love of her life at seventeen. But when a terrible
tragedy happens, a difficult decision rests on her shoulders. Enduring
this hardship into adulthood, she’s sure she’ll never find love again,
not that she wants to.
When she encounters Dr. Declan Ryan at work, she is well aware of
an attraction there but has no intention to act on it. As time goes on,
Ava realizes there might be more for her out there when she finds out
the single dad has also suffered a loss and has built up walls of his
own.
As their lives collide, the tornado of emotions they face brings secrets
to the surface neither of them are quite ready to face. When they
realize loving isn’t the risk, losing each other is, can they face their
storms together and build their relationship one brick at a time?
The feelings they have been avoiding just might be what they both
needed all along.
Thoughts
Wow this book BROKE ME right from the start. The way the author wrote about the grief hit home real hard. I was not prepared for the amount of tissues I went thru. I think I cried from 10-30% of the beginning of this book. And then it’s slowly starts to put me back together. And then BAM possible amazing crazy never in a million year woulda thought plot twist. I didn’t see it coming! And then another one had me wanting to throw my kindle across the room! And then more thrown at me leaving me with my mouth hanging open saying STFU out loud!
I can say I cried at least 90% of the way through this book. Even the happy had me crying. I loved this book so much. I really can’t even find a way to explain this book and I don’t think I’ll be able to talk about it out loud. If you love a book that will break your soul over and over then I 100% recommend this book!
I can hole heartedly say this is my top read of the year so far.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
tragedy happens, a difficult decision rests on her shoulders. Enduring
this hardship into adulthood, she’s sure she’ll never find love again,
not that she wants to.
When she encounters Dr. Declan Ryan at work, she is well aware of
an attraction there but has no intention to act on it. As time goes on,
Ava realizes there might be more for her out there when she finds out
the single dad has also suffered a loss and has built up walls of his
own.
As their lives collide, the tornado of emotions they face brings secrets
to the surface neither of them are quite ready to face. When they
realize loving isn’t the risk, losing each other is, can they face their
storms together and build their relationship one brick at a time?
The feelings they have been avoiding just might be what they both
needed all along.
Thoughts
Wow this book BROKE ME right from the start. The way the author wrote about the grief hit home real hard. I was not prepared for the amount of tissues I went thru. I think I cried from 10-30% of the beginning of this book. And then it’s slowly starts to put me back together. And then BAM possible amazing crazy never in a million year woulda thought plot twist. I didn’t see it coming! And then another one had me wanting to throw my kindle across the room! And then more thrown at me leaving me with my mouth hanging open saying STFU out loud!
I can say I cried at least 90% of the way through this book. Even the happy had me crying. I loved this book so much. I really can’t even find a way to explain this book and I don’t think I’ll be able to talk about it out loud. If you love a book that will break your soul over and over then I 100% recommend this book!
I can hole heartedly say this is my top read of the year so far.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews