Second Chances

Lessons in Love #2

by Andrea Pickens

The wonderful talent of Andrea Pickens shines with added lustre in her engaging new novel of Regency England.

The widowed Earl of Wrexham is absolutely appalled. Not only has his adolescent son hired his own tutor without consulting his parent, but his new employee is a woman! Even more outrageous is her attitude Miss Allegra Proctor seems to think that she is eminently qualified to mold the mind of a young gentleman.

It simply will not do, even if the lady has all the requisite knowledge for the position. But when the earl tries to dismiss the impertinent chit, he is shocked by by his son s refusal to accept his ruling. And he discovers that even he is not immune to her bright intelligence and gallant courage when he discovers the real reason for Allegra s presence in his household.

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Historical, Regency, Regency Romance

246 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2000

About the author

Andrea Pickens is a pseudonym for an author who has also written as Cara Elliott for Grand Central and Andrea Penrose for Kensington and NAL. Her historical mysteries and romantic novels are set in Regency England, an era that has fascinated her ever since she picked up a copy of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice.

A graduate of Yale, she has won numerous writing awards, including two Daphne Du Maurier Awards for historical mystery, the Golden Leaf, and she’s been a three-time finalist for the prestigious RITA Award. Her books have been translated into nine different languages.

Reviews

[Cheesecake · Rating 1 out of 5]

I read this ages ago and just can't bring myself to read it after reading the shitastic ending.
safety is BAD
In the last 80% he yells at her for interfering in how he raises his son. So then when he calms down and offers her money instead of her missing father's book, she won't take it because he didn't respect her so it felt like a pay off and not a gift. Anyways he goes off in a huff to gamble and schtup a prostitute. Over react much?! (and that wasn't the first time in the book either!!!)
He rubs the prostitute's lovely charms in Olivia's face when he gets back. She runs off in tears and he sits in the library to wallow in self pity. Hours later he comes back to get a book and they make up. She won't let him apologize. His words ,"I've said any number of idiotic things" manages to brush under the carpet all the sh*t that spewed out of his mouth throughout the story, and they proceed to kiss...
...with the perfume and juices of the prostitute still all over him.
For god's sake! Could the author not have had him take a bath or something first???
How could she just blithely forgive that overboard betrayal? What's he gonna do next time he's mad at her?...

[Rebecca · Rating 1 out of 5]

For the most part I enjoyed the mystery but the romance was TERRIBLE! He screwed a random whore with about a quarter left of the book and then with like 5 pages left he screwed ANOTHER random whore and then he tells her all about how great it was! And she doesn't even care and isn't jealous at all. WTF? I feel so betrayed by the way the romance played out and won't be reading another of this author's books.

If that hadn't happened I would give the book a 3 or 4 stars but I can't get over the fact him fucking a whore hours before he asks her to marry him. What kind of romance is that?

[Linda (NOT RECEIVING NOTIFICATIONS) · Rating 3 out of 5]

SECOND CHANCES is about a stuffy wealthy gentleman with complacent thoughts. What is different from this Regency romance than others is how strong and intelligent the heroine is.

Allegra Proctor is a widow who had an heirloom book stolen from her. The sale of this valuable tome would give her the means to live comfortably for the rest of her life. She needs help and comes up with a plan.

She arrives at the the home of the Earl of Wrexham to accomplish her task. She acquires the job of tutor to the Earl of Wrexham's son, Max, in order for her to retrieve the article of value. Allegra plans for everything to go smoothly without hurting her employer. Instead, Max finds out about her situation and 'blackmails' her into letting him help her.

Of course, Wrexham eventually gets involved. Set in his ways and not trustful of women, he gives Allegra a run for her money. Along the way they feel the pull of attraction to each other.

Not as good as THE HIRED HERO from this same author, be prepared for some slow reading. This story lacked the humor that made THH so enjoyable. Also, Ms. Pickens slipped in a brief incident with another woman that I felt wasn't necessary.

On the plus side, Allegra's refreshness made you want to care for the mulish aristocrat. And Max pulls the story together with his honesty and innocence. 2.75/5 stars

[Lavender Jade · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is a no-brainer to recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Regency romances. The story is extremely enjoyable with adorable characters, and I loved the romance between Leo and Allegra. A five-star must-read.

A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All of the above opinions are my own..

[Fanosse23 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second Chances, the third book in the Intrepid Heroines Series, continues to captivate me with its engaging characters and compelling storyline. This tale appears to have been refreshed since its initial publication, as some previously mentioned steamy scenes seem to have been toned down or omitted.

We are introduced to Allegra Proctor, a resourceful widow fluent in several languages and well-read, who applies for a tutoring position with ulterior motives. She is hired by Max Sloane, the bright teenage son of Leo, the Earl of Wrexham. Leo is initially skeptical about hiring a woman, but Allegra’s sharp intellect and ability to pass all his challenges and his ability to engage his son, wins him over. Despite his moody, cold, and arrogant demeanor, he agrees to give her a chance.

Beneath Allegra’s poised exterior lies a secret: she accepted the position to be near an old adversary and reclaim a stolen family heirloom. As she forms a close bond with Max—who is both charming and in need of companionship—their friendship blossoms. Meanwhile, her interactions with the enigmatic and undeniably attractive Earl of Wrexham grow increasingly complicated.

When Max uncovers Allegra’s secret, he insists on accompanying her on her mission, leading to an unexpected partnership. Their plans are thwarted when the Earl catches them mid-heist. Despite his initial fury, Allegra’s heartfelt confession softens his stance, and against his better judgment—but driven by his growing feelings—he agrees to assist her.

I absolutely adored Max; his charm, honor, and respectful defiance made him endearing, and I’d love to see a future story centered around him. Allegra’s dynamic determination and nurturing qualities, especially as a tutor, were inspiring. Leo, the Earl of Wrexham, emerged as a multifaceted character—initially enigmatic but ultimately revealed as a devoted father and honorable man.

As Leo and Allegra’s relationship deepens, their undeniable chemistry leads to a heartfelt romance that triumphs over their initial resistance. Pickens masterfully weaves intrigue, suspense, witty banter, and heartfelt moments into this delightful tale. With an adorable son, engaging plot twists, and characters that linger in your heart, Second Chances is a truly satisfying read. I eagerly anticipate the next installment in the series.

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

[Nanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read a couple of Andrea’s books and find them full of wonderful characters and great descriptions of both people and the places they are. Allegra Proctor is a widow and has answered an ad for a tutor for the Earl of Wrexham's son. Leo has told his son, Max he could pick this person, and he has found one all the way from London! There are several requirements that must be met. When Max returns with the teacher his father is shocked! He brought home a woman as his tutor what was he thinking. Even a lad of fifteen should know better. Unknown to both guys is Allegra secret for wanting this job more than the money which she also needs. She is out to right the wrong done to her father before he passed away. The person lives close to the Earl home. Leo puts her though a rough set of questions in four different languages too. She passes with flying colors. Let the games began. As Max and her set up lessons and get to know each other he learns her secret. Now the danger and mystery take off. This is a great read with both Leo and Allegre growing together as they need to work together. Both have secrets in their pass, and a lot to overcome. I found this an interesting read with just the right amount of wit, humor, pain and sorrow. I must note other reviews have left bad reviews due to Leo supposedly having affairs during this story. I am a Hugh reader and some of the books had steamy scenes. I found none of this in this one. I do not know what they are speaking about. Leo is a great father and friend and more. He does tell her of a barmaid's kiss to upset her as he very drunk. I received and ARC from the author and wish to thank her. Grab a copy, settle in for a wonderful read and judge for yourself. I think you will like this one. I know I did. This is my honest opinion and am freely giving it.

[Susan Klipp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me say right off the bat that I received an ARC of this story. It's important to this review.

I believe in honoring your commitments when you agree to review a book. You see, I had misread the date that my review was due and I was in a total panic. I work two jobs and I had two days and very little time to read the book and I hadn't even started! I sent a message to Pickens' team all in a dither explaining what was going on. (I'm sure they were very confused by my panic as the due date was a few weeks away) I sat down and started reading right away.

Well, when I looked up next, it was late and I was more than halfway through the book and, I know you know how this one goes, I just couldn't stop reading! It was so good!!

The next time I managed to look up it was very late, the story had me by the throat and I had only a couple hours before the 4am alarm went off for work. I finished the book at lunch.

I loved the plot, the setting, and the pacing was good. I loved that all three of the main characters were drawn together by intellectual interests first. I loved that Max chose a woman for his tutor based on her ability to challenge him intellectually and how his father struggled with how unconventional it was.

The suspense was just as good as the romance so I never felt the need to rush through the suspense to get to the romance or vice versa. I had doubts about the suspense plot, but I let it play out before making any determinations and ended up satisfied. I just really enjoyed the read. Please note that I am stingy with my five stars. They are reserved for books that I keep thinking about long after I've finished the book. This one hit just the right notes.

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

[Charmaine Fernando · Rating 5 out of 5]

This new offering from Andrea Pickens is another enjoyable read that kept me interested in the plot and characters from start to finish and I thoroughly enjoyed the ride. We meet Alegra Proctor, a widow who speaks several languages, is well read and applies for a job as a tutor to be near an old foe. She is hired by Viscount Max Sloane, the precocious the teenage son of Leo, the Earl of Wrexham. Max hires Alegra as she challenges him intellectually.

Alegra has an heirloom book stolen from her. When it is sold, it will provide sufficient means for her to live comfortably. She contrives a plan on how to retrieve said tome and, unfortunately, when Max her young student comes to know of her plans, he blackmails her into involving him. Things go horribly wrong, and Max is gravely injured in the process.

Enter the Earl of Wrexham, who though cold and brooding and dashingly handsome, has never turned his back on a lady in distress and proceeds to get involved in assisting Alegra in her mission. Them being in proximity adds to the attraction they both feel for one another and are fighting it but in the end, love wins. Suspenseful, witty, lovely romance with some laugh out loud moments will keep the reader interested. I received an ARC from the publishers and Booksprout and submit my honest review voluntarily.

[AnnMarie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the plot of this book. It has a nice mix of drama, humour, and romance, and I particularly liked that some time is spent both in and out of 'society' settings.

An intelligent widow, Allegra, seeks to right a serious wrong against her. Not least, the theft of a very expensive book that belonged to her late father. To enable her have proximity to the criminal in question, Allegra takes a job as tutor to Max. His father is the Earl of Wrexham, Leo.

What begins as a lone persuit soon has Leo and Max helping her and I enjoyed watching the drama unfold. I also enjoyed the change of relationship between Leo and Allegra especially as both of them are widows and vowed to never marry again.

For the most part, I enjoyed this book, but unfortunately, I was disappointed with the justice dealt to the villain of the story. It happened quickly and without leaving me with a sense of satisfaction.

The climax of the romance between Leo and Allegra was also disappointing. It seemed very rushed which in turn made it seem a little unbelievable. Perhaps an epilogue may have helped, but there wasn't one.

There were a LOT of editorial errors in the book, which made it a little difficult to read at times. I am hoping they will be corrected before publication of the book.

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

[Sahar's Honest Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second Chances and Secrets in a Charming Historical Romance
Widowed Allegra Proctor accepts a post as tutor to an earl’s son—not a typical role for a woman, but she has her reasons. A wrong was done to her father, and she’s determined to set it right. Her mission was supposed to be quiet and temporary, but everything changes when her secret is discovered, and a reckless plan pulls not only the boy but the Earl of Wrexham himself into the fray.
Leo, the earl, is cold, principled, and far too handsome for Allegra’s peace of mind. He’s also vowed never to marry again. But as their dangerous scheme brings them closer together, old wounds give way to unexpected connection. The romance unfolds gradually, with tension and tenderness in equal measure—a true second chance neither of them saw coming.
I appreciated the balance of suspense, emotional stakes, and slow-burn romance. Allegra’s independence and Leo’s integrity made them easy to root for. And for readers concerned about fidelity: despite what some reviews suggest, Leo does not have affairs with prostitutes. There’s one scene where he ends a past relationship with respect—after that, he’s fully devoted to Allegra.
Fans of historical romance with intrigue, heart, and strong character arcs will find plenty to love here.

[Slwd · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Earl and the Tutor

“Second Chances” by Andrea Pickens is book three in her series Intrepid Heroines. Indeed, the main female character, Allegra, is intrepid, exceptionally smart, and brave. The son of Wrexham, Max, hires Allegra to be his tutor without his father’s knowledge or blessing. The Earl of Wrexham feels uncomfortable hiring a female to fill the position. The earl tests Allegra and is surprised by her intellect, since there is no one else, she begins tutoring Max. Allegra’s appearance in the Earl’s household dramatically changes dynamics of the household for the better. But she is hiding something which the reader learns about piece by piece. This is a second chance romance as both the earl and the tutor have been widowed. It is a very slow romance since the earl is very thick headed. This is a good story, but not great. The characters were slightly underdeveloped. The plot was interesting and well thought out. It is good to read about a smart female main character who is comfortable with who she is. I’ve given this story by Andrea Pickens 4 stars.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review, my thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.

[Peggy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Earl of Wrexham had a very unhappy marriage, and since his wife died, he has become reclusive. The one good thing that came from the marriage was his son Max. Max is a very intelligent and very precocious teenager. He has even taken it upon himself to hire a new tutor. Allegra Proctor is a perfect tutor for Max. His father is not thrilled at his choice. Allegra is pleased that her position puts her close to the estate of the person who stole a valuable family heirloom. Her plan to retrieve the book was good, until Max discovered it. The two of them embarked on a troublesome adventure that ended in quite a bit of excitement and an angry Earl. The Earl, Max, and Allegra are off to London for a variety of reasons, including finding a new tutor. The villains are confronted and get a bit of what they deserved. This is a well-written, enjoyable story with a bit of suspense and danger, a good dose of humor (thanks largely to Max), wit, family dynamics, and a surprising slow burn romance.
I received an ARC of this book via BookSprout and voluntarily reviewed it.

[Margaret Watkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this novel somewhat suspenseful, very witty, and sweetly romantic. Certainly, young Max, the Earl of Wrexham's precocious teenage son, added hilarious moments to the plot. Wrexham is something of a recluse after his disastrous marriage, and he avoids society as much as possible. However, desperate times call for desperate measures, and Max takes it upon himself to employ a tutor. That the tutor turns out to be a widow has Wrexham gritting his teeth. Allegra's fortuitous employment puts her right where she wants to be in order to solve her own problems. Plotting her course, she does not take Max into account, and before she knows it, he blackmails her into taking him along, an adventure that goes somewhat awry. The novel comes to a lovely conclusion, although I really would have liked to see the perpetrators properly punished! I received a copy of this enjoyable book as a gift through Oliver Heber Books and Booksprout, and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Pat Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leo is no-nonsense , organized earl raising his teenage son. Allegra is the tutor his son hired without Father’s approval. The shenanigans that result set off a series of “problems” that would put any no-nonsense man in Bedlam. Leo and Allegra’s relationship is a slow burn, but heats up like a fire-cracker at the right time. I adored how the author portrayed Max, the son, in his teens as I remember those days vividly. Her writing was spot on and watching Allegra smooth the way was motherly instinct , to be sure. The plan was very different than what I expected and the climax very exciting and scary. Leo’s fight within himself was hard to watch, but the result was precious. I will be reading more from her. (No crass language and mild kissing were a plus as well).

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

[Bridget Love to read Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

We have Allegra Proctor a widow but skilled in several languages, attractive and well read! Well enough to be a tutor!
She has been hired by a very young Viscount Max Sloane son to the Earl of Wrexham.
Allegra has her own reasons for taking the position so far from London but in close proximity to an old foe!
When things go awry in their first attempt it is with great shock that she’s not sacked and Wrexham and Max champion her cause!
Max is gravely injured by same enemies that strengthens their resolve to go to London and set a bigger trap!
But along the way Allegra starts to fall for the grumpy, handsome compassionate Earl! But Wrexham is stubborn and it’s not until after a literal knock on the head that he comes to his senses!
I would love an epilogue into the future?!.

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

[Jenny · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a sweet story about second chances at love. Both the hero and heroine have set their life paths and futures without love. Both are somewhat content but not happy until they find each other. I found Allegra charming and relatable but I never really warmed up to Leo. I can be a bit of an idealist but I didn't like that he continued to visit prostitutes and his mistress after meeting Allegra and falling in love.

The three star rating is mostly for the ending that felt rushed and a bit of a let down and for the horrendous editing. It was a doted worse than my fourth grader's essays.

But otherwise it was a fun story filled with heartwarming scenes between Allegra and Max. It was a perfect fact read while on vacation and all I wanted was some easy fluff.

[Sonia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the story of a widowed governess named Allegra. Max, a lonely teenager, hired Allegra behind his father Leo's back. Leo was disturbed by the fact that his son's tutor was female, but he reluctantly had to admit that she was qualified. There was a secondary plot involving the theft of a precious family heirloom and it meshed well with the romance. I was rooting for Allegra and Leo to get past their apprehensions and realize that they had developed feelings for one another. The story simmers but has very little steam. Given the context of the employer/employee relationship, the lack of steam is appropriate for the story. The book was engaging and had a satisfying HEA.

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

[Dominique Englebert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Revenge is a dish best served cold
Allegra Proctor gets a position as a tutor of the Earl of Wrexham’s son. The Earl was expecting a man – of course – but is prepared to give her a chance until he finds a male tutor with the same qualifications. The Earl is very surprised when Allegra manages to wake and keep the interest of her young charge. However, Allegra has a hidden agenda, which she will pursue by all means necessary, even when the young man discovers her secret and blackmails her into accepting his help. That can only end in disaster … or not?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[L. M. Cote · Rating 3 out of 5]

Editing Desperately Needed

I thoroughly enjoy the author's intrepid heroines. Each of them are unique and well fleshed out. But in this, her third book, the editing is truly atrocious! It is appalingly unprofessional. Whole words are missing or repeated, phrases nonsensical. Is the publisher pushing too hard at deadlines, perhaps.? The errors are glaringly obvious and numerous enough to throw the reading experience completely and jarringly off. At least hire a high schooler who likes English to give your drafts a read-through. The errors are so in-your-face that they are impossible to miss.

[Cynthia Houser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second Chances

Discovering Andrea's literary world has been a delightful revelation. Her romance novels offer a refreshing departure from conventional narratives, presenting nuanced characters that resonate deeply. The heroine emerges as a multifaceted, intelligent protagonist, defying stereotypical genre expectations. The Earl, a compassionate and devoted father, brings emotional depth to the story, while his son Max's intellectual curiosity and desire for companionship add compelling layers to the narrative. Each page reveals a rich, engaging story that transcends typical romantic tropes, making Andrea's work a true literary gem.

[Marie Bourgery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Allegra sees the perfect opportunity to reclaim what as stolen from her when she see’s Max’s advertisement for a tutor. But she didn’t expect it to be written by a teenage boy and he didn’t expect her to be a woman. Plus his grumpy father Leo isn’t very welcoming until she proves her intelligence and his son is happy to learn with her but her secret could get them all in hot water. There’s an attraction between Leo and Allegra as they work to flush out the bad guys and some suspense near the end.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Allegra Proctor took the job tutoring the Earl of Wrexham's son for two reasons. She's an excellent teacher, even if she is a woman, and the location is in Yorkshire. Allegra is looking for something stolen by the earl's neighbor belonging to her father. Close calls, quick wit and lively conversations keep the pace going with a grumpy earl, his inquisitive son and a woman not afraid to speak her mind. How the Earl will fall!
With only one kiss, it's a clean romance.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book from Booksprout.

[Lyn D Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

This version is now the third book in The Intrepid Heroines series. It is a very entertaining and well written second chance at romance. It was full of drama, action, intrigue, adventure with many close calls, and precariously dangerous incidents, loss, and emotional issues and twits. I enjoyed this captivating Cowan romance about a grumpy, reclusive widowed earl, an intelligent and bold, passionate widow, and an inquisitive, kind-hearted teenage boy. Their humor, wit, and family dynamics were lovely, and the ending was delightful. I highly recommend reading!

[Lolovesbooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was pretty tame, but still an entertaining read. And at 215 pages, it felt like it had been removed. I loved the characters' interplay, and the little family dynamic. Andrea was just a bit unbelievably naive about sex, which was cute, but also a little annoying. The B plot was fun if a little convoluted, I just mainly wish this was longer and sexier.

I recommend to fans of romance looking for a tame but engaging read.

[Jessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a sweet story with quite a few adorable and funny moments. The interactions between the main two characters and the son was endearing as it was very clear they all cared for each other. It wasn’t as heavy with angst/lust or sexually graphic but instead had focused more on love that is built on growing respect and friendship.

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

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Allegra is a widow who takes a job as a tutor for Leo's son Max. The plot has a couple slow spots but is overall very enjoyable. Leo is a bit stuffy and grumpy but his son Max is such a delight that you wonder where he got it from. Allegra holds her own when things start going south, so altogether the characters are well developed. I enjoyed the story overall and will continue to read from this author.

[Dina · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Allegra comes to tutor his son, Leo is surprised. He had thought the tutor was a man. She immediately showed him that she was more than capable of the task. They slowly get to know each other better, but still keep to their ideas of not marrying again. Then Allegra's true reason for taking the position comes out and Max determines to help her. Their trip to London turns dangerous and they must save each other.

[Nan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really liked this book! The right amount of sizzle without anything salacious. Loved both these main characters, and especially Leo’s son Max. A little too much dragging out without communication at the end, for sure…I always want MORE book after all the misunderstandings are cleared up. At least an epilogue?? Anyway…I’ve read a few in this series, and the stories are good with some u usual surprises and funny moments. However, there are some serious issues with editing. 😬

[Pamela Blatter · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting love story that at times felt drawn out.
Allegra takes a position as a tutor to Max who is the son of Leo the Earl of Wrexham.
She schemes to retrieve a book from his neighbor eventually pulling both of them into the plot.
I enjoyed the read and the twists involved with an eventual HEA.
I received an ARC but the honest opinion is my own.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed reading Leo and Allegra's story of an Earl in desperate need of a governess, what Leo doesn't know is the real reason why she is there tutoring his son. She needs evidence to prove her father’s innocence of the dastardly crimes his neighbour is accusing him of. What starts out as a quest could turn out to be a whole lot more.