Chasing a Second Chance

by Brenda Jackson

A daredevil lawyer meets a gorgeous single mom with a guarded heart in this sizzling second chances romance from New York Times bestselling author Bremda Jackson!


After uncovering a slew of family secrets—including his Westmoreland cousins—single dad Matthew Caulder’s life has turned upside down. The only thing he knows for sure is how drawn he is to Iris Michaels, the gorgeous single mom with mile-high walls around her heart. Iris’s daredevil late husband taught her how dangerous love can be. She’s not in the market for another try, or for anything beyond a fling. But Matthew won’t let her run from all they could be. With every kiss, every touch, he’ll prove to her that love might be worth the risk…

From Harlequin Special  Believe in love. Overcome obstacles. Find happiness.

The Westmoreland Legacy

Book 1: The Rancher Returns
Book 2: His Secret Son
Book 3: An Honorable Seduction
Book 4: His to Claim
Book 5: Duty or Desire
Book 6: One Steamy Night
Book 7: Chasing a Second Chance

Genres: Audiobook

Kindle Edition

Published June 30, 2026

About the author

In 1994, Brenda Jackson’s first novel, Tonight and Forever, was released. Since then she has had more than 100 novels and novellas published (the first African-American author to accomplish such a feat) and has over 3 million books in print.

A native of Jacksonville, Florida, Brenda is the first African-American author to have a book published by Harlequin Desire and the first African-American romance author to make the New York Times and USA TODAY bestseller lists within the series romance genre.

In 2012, Brenda received the Romance Writers of America’s Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award—one of the highest literary awards a romance author can receive. In 2013, she was recognized by the mayor and the city of Jacksonville as being a Trailblazer in the literary field.

In 2010, she collaborated with Five Alive Films to turn her Truly Everlasting title into a feature film. Brenda’s 2011 novel A Silken Thread is scheduled to be filmed with Debbie Allen attached as director in 2015.

Email Brenda at authorbrendajackson@gmail.com or visit her on her website at brendajackson.net.

Reviews

[Tina Loves To Read]

This is a Steamy Second Chance Romance, and this is the 8th book in the Westmoreland Legacy. I have read some of the other books in this series. I tried to listen to the audiobook for this book, and I really did not love the narrator for this audiobook. I ended up DNFing this book around 24% into this book. I just could not get into this book, and I also did not love the narrator for this audiobook. I received an ARC of this book. This review is my own honest opinion about the book like all my reviews are.

[Turtleberry Turtleberry · Rating 5 out of 5]

One thing that is sure to get me hype is a new Brenda Jackson novel. This one happens to be from my favorite family, the Westmorelands. It is a part of the Westmoreland Legacy series. As soon as I could, I preordered the paperback to add to my collection. Then I jumped at the chance to get the audiobook from Net Galley.

Matt was in previous books at a friend of the Steele family and also a friend of the Westmorelands. Iris is best friend to Pam Westmoreland. They met at a Westmoreland family function and the sparks were flying from that very first encounter. Iris had been in a relationship at the time so Matt didn’t pursue his immediate feelings. Later, when he finds out that she is now single, he doesn’t hesitate to try to get her to be a part of his life. First through a business arrangement and then as something much more personal.

They both are in their forties. Matt has one daughter who is a new lawyer and Iris has a son in college. Matt had a horrible first marriage but feels like Iris is his second chance at love. Iris lost her husband after less than a year of marriage. She has a rule that she wants an exclusive relationship but that it will only last as long as she wants. She had no intention of ever marrying again. Matt was on a mission to change her mind.

From the beginning, these two had the most explosive kisses. It was very clear how this story was going to end from those kisses. The two of them burned very hot for each other. He fell first but she wasn’t too long after him. It just took her some extra time to admit it to herself.

I enjoyed this book so much. Matt and Iris’s love story was very well done. It was also great to check in with all of the characters that I had grown to love in this series. The audio narration was very well done.

Absolutely a 5 star read.

[Coffee&Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

As always, Ms Brenda delivers a steamy, dreamy Black romance told in only the way she can tell it. She keeps telling us to let her know when we are ready to let the Westmorelands go. Not quite yet, Ms. Brenda!

[Gwendolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loving those sexy Westmoreland men and Pam and Iris's long- standing best friend/sistehood. Matt and his daughter, Deena, were an added bonus to the family!

Matt and Iris together was absolutely a grown folk couple in their 40's, who definitely had hot flames towards each other after their initial introduction. They both held desires that they didn't even realize had been tucked away.

Fast forward to two years later, Iris was no longer dating and Matt finding out gave him the perfect time to pursue Iris. Iris had some issues and rules to resolve in letting go & opening here heart to love again.
I loved that Matt's confidence didn't waver in his strategic pursuit of Iris. Her fighting him about her feelings & stipulations was a loosing battle. He was intentional and patient!
Iris chose "Quality time over Quantity time"

Fun, cozy, romantic, feel good read!

[Bridgette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Love Second Chance Romance!

Matt didn't have a great memory of his marriage, and Iris lost her husband in a tragic accident. Matt knew Iris was the one for him when he first saw her. Iris was gun shy about getting involved with another man. She was still holding on to her late husband's memory. Matt was such h a patient man. He was willing to wait for Iris to change her mind about giving them a chance at happiness. They spent so much time together, she couldn't help but to fall in love with him. They only had eyes for each other. I love how the Westmorelands all come together to support not only their family, but also their friends. Thank you Brenda Jackson for another great Westmoreland legacy book! ❤🔥

[Linda Epps - Dillon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful second chance at love from Ms. Jackson. Iris and Matt were both very likable and relatable characters. Their attraction to each other was instant and never waned especially since Matt was determined to win over the reluctant Iris. I was glad Iris finally let her guard down and opened up heart to Matt. It is always great to reconnect with the Westmoreland and Steele families and friends from prior books. I also enjoyed that Matt is best friends and godbrother to one of my favorite characters Domonic Saxon. I think it's time to do another reread of the entire Westmoreland Series to update all the new children born to the couples.

[Charlotte Bembry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful Second Chance Romance Story!

Two 40+ year old single parents meet and is immediately smitten with each other. Matt has a daughter from a marriage from a woman who divorced him and left them. Iris has a son from a husband who was killed in a car stunt. In true Brenda Jackson form, this book was well written, flowed well and was filled with celebrations, parties and fun. Although Iris said that she would never remarry, Matt changed her view and opinions on love and marriage. Absolutely loved this book.

[Vonetta Augustine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great was more than legacy novel by Mrs. Jackson. I remember when Matt walked into that event and the triplets were thinking he looked way too much like our uncle Sid. I also remember Iris showing up and allowing Dylan to do his thing to steal Pam away from that unscrupulous guy that tried to hoodwinked her into marrying him.

The fact that they got together was beautiful. Even though Iris had some hang ups getting involved in falling in love again after losing her husband in such a devastating way, I was happy she was able to get out of her own way to lasting happiness. It also helped that her son and Matt‘s daughter thought they were a great couple and liked each other for their parents.

Another great thing is that you get to catch up on all the Westmoreland from Denver, Texas, Atlanta, Alaska, and Montana. As a fan of this series, to see that Alidare (AJ) is a grown man working for the FBI and I love his “friendship” with Deena, Matt‘s daughter. 🥰 He was so happy she was related to triplets from their Mom’s side. 😏😘

[Carmelita Clardy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome read

This is a great book, this is about 2 people finding a second chance at love. Both had been hurt and was leery of loving again. The h had lost her husband in a work injury and it left her devastated. The H was married and his wife left him and his daughter. They were attracted to each other but wasn’t ready for something real. The H recognized that he wanted more with the her but she was afraid. The more time they spent together the more in love they fell. Great seeing previous characters in the plot. In the end they got their HEA. Great epilogue.

[Tiffany Ahmad · Rating 3 out of 5]

Chasing a Second Chance by Brenda Jackson was a cute read. Iris and Matt are both single parents navigating life on their own, but they’re in very different places emotionally. While one is open to finding love again, the other is doing everything possible to avoid it because of past heartbreak.

The story moves at a steady, medium pace and includes a few hot-and-heavy moments throughout. Overall, it’s a sweet second-chance romance about healing, family, and opening your heart to love again.

[Lee Holden, E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

Great read, I enjoyed the characters and storyline. At a Westmoreland function Matt and Iris had an instant connection. Their chemistry was undeniable, unfortunately, Iris was in a relationship. At this time, Matt found out his father was Sid Roberts a famous rodeo star and horse trainer who was the uncle of the Westmoreland triplets from Texas. This is Matt’s navigation of his new found family and his journey to love with Iris.

[Wynona Cooper · Rating 3 out of 5]

I believe this is the first time I have ever had the thought of DNF a Brenda Jackson book and I've read at least 95% of her work. It was something about Iris that annoyed me from the start of the book. It was good to see mention of the different family members, and I enjoyed the children in their teen/young adult lives. I started with the audio of this on as I was on a road trip and had to switch to the book as the narrator was dry on top of dry!

[Marlene Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chasing a Second Chance: A Spicy Single Mom Romance Novel (The Westmoreland Legacy Book 8)

I loved the book, the title fits the story line. This was a very spicy and awesome novel, kept my interest the whole time. Will back track to read more about the Westmoreland men. Was so happy with the ending and Iris's decisions. Love reading Brenda Jackson's books, she's one of my favorite authors.

[Anne Wilcox · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love books written by Brendan Jackson and have read many, but it took me a while to get into this one. I struggled in the first few chapters to get past all the names mentioned. I had trouble linking this one to that one and who she was and who he was, but eventually I got there and thought Matt was gorgeous.

[Ruth Lynne Kane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second chance

After having disastrous first marriages and being gun shy. True love hits Iris and Matt again. Some obstacles with Iris as to not being to close. But Matt jumped right over them. And love strikes again.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second Chance

Matt was sure about what he wanted. Iris allowed I her fears to control her. Thank God for a good friend who tells you the truth. Helping you get on track. Good quick read.

[Barbara Beasley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chasing a second chance

Many don't have a second chance at love. I look at all the young people who don't get to live out their 20s or 30s. Death is a promise to all of us, you have to make good choices to get it.

[Freda J McDonald · Rating 4 out of 5]

Glad Iris and Matt figured it out

I understand fear and pain and the need to protect your heart. I’m glad Iris figured out how to move forward. Matt was the guy for her. I loved their story.

[Sharlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

A 5 star

Ms Brenda Jackson thank you!! Chasing a second chance: A spicy Single Mom book is a MUST read. You outdid yourself

[Angela Devouse · Rating 5 out of 5]

love at first site

Matt and iris attraction was beautiful and Matt fought for what he believe was true love and in the end it happened

[Johnnie L Carey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Read

Great to have middle age second chance love. Both characters deserved this chance for what they had been through. Looking forward to Deena and Garlans story.

[Arnissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fire

This was such a great story. Iris was fearful of engaging in a new relationship and Matt was her remedy. I loved everything about this story.

[Carolyn Ginyard · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 and 1/2 stars

[RaeReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brenda Jackson has delivered another masterpiece with Chasing A second Chance,, a beautifully layered, sizzling addition to the Westmoreland Legacy series! This story masterfully intertwines the vulnerability of Matthew Caulder—whose world was recently upended by a wave of shocking family secrets—with the fierce independence of single mom Iris Michaels, a woman who has built mile-high walls around her heart after the tragic loss of her daredevil first husband. When Matthew’s path crosses with Iris’s at a vibrant Westmoreland family gathering, their electric, spicy chemistry is immediate, but it is Matthew’s unwavering, patient determination to prove that love is worth the ultimate risk that truly anchors the emotional weight of this book. Watching these two protective parents let down their guards, navigate their past hurts, and learn to blend their lives makes for an intensely passionate, deeply moving five-star read that I could not put down!


Thank you for this advanced reader copy. All opinions are my own

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨ ARC Audiobook Review — Chasing a Second Chance by Brenda Jackson
Advanced Listener Copy provided by Harlequin Special Edition & Harper Audio , thank you!

Brenda Jackson is the reason I started reading romance and the reason I fell in love with it. If she writes it, I’m reading it , that’s simply gospel. And this newest Westmoreland Legacy novel reminded me exactly why her catalog stays undefeated.

🖤 Brenda writes Black men and Black love with intention
One of the things that hooked me on Brenda’s writing from the very beginning is how she writes Black men. In her books, Black men are thriving, successful, family‑centered, and deeply loving. Even the ones who start off rough grow into men who show up. That’s exactly what we get here.

👏🏾👌🏾 Matthew Caulder is classic Brenda
Matthew is a lawyer, a single dad, and a man who raised his daughter on his own. Now that she’s almost grown, he’s finally ready to feel that spark again. And the moment he meets Iris? He’s drawn in. Completely.

💐 Iris is guarded, grieving, and deserving of softness
Her late husband lived life on the edge, and loving him came with fear and uncertainty. She’s not looking for another risk. She’s not looking for another heartbreak. She’s barely looking for a fling.

But Matthew doesn’t push.
He proves.

🔥 A true slow burn — tender, patient, grown
This is 100% a slow burn in the way Brenda does best:

- Real dates
- Real conversations
- Real yearning
- Real emotional intimacy

Nothing is rushed. Nothing is forced. They build something intentional, something earned, something that feels like two adults choosing each other with clarity.

And yes, there’s spice ,but Brenda’s spice always feels real, mature, and purposeful.

🎧 Audiobook Notes — Ron Butler is HIM
This was an audio‑only ARC, and honestly? That’s all it needed.

Ron Butler has become the voice of Brenda Jackson’s universe. He narrates so many of her books, and he brings a consistency and emotional depth that makes every story feel like home. His pacing is flawless. His delivery is warm, confident, and expressive. And even though this is a single‑narrator audiobook, he makes it feel like a full cast.

He knows Brenda’s rhythm.
He knows her men.
He knows how to carry the emotional weight of her stories in a way that feels lived‑in and intentional.

He doesn’t just read , he performs.

🌱 Their love story blooms beautifully
Watching Matthew and Iris move from guarded to open, from hesitant to hopeful, felt tender and deeply satisfying. Brenda knows how to write yearning that sits right in your chest.

🏡 The Westmoreland universe always feels like coming home
This is book 8 of 8 in this branch of the series, and if you know Brenda, you know there’s always more coming. The Westmorelands, the cousins, the extended family... stepping back into this world always feels familiar in the best way.

🌟 Final Thoughts
Chasing a Second Chance is Brenda Jackson doing what she does best:
Black love, Black family, and Black men written with dignity, depth, and desire.
It’s tender, slow, intentional, and full of that signature Brenda yearning that keeps me coming back every single time.

[Autumn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for the Audio ARC

Brenda Jackson's Chasing a Second Chance, part of the Westmoreland Legacy series, is a heartfelt second-chance romance. I truly enjoyed the instant chemistry between Matthew Caulder and Iris Michaels. Both are single parents who have shied away from love for different reasons, but neither can deny the undeniable attraction between them.

I really enjoyed Matthew and Iris's journey to finding love, and there was just the right amount of spice. It was also great catching up with some of my favorite Westmorelands and Steeles throughout the story.

The narration is performed by Ron Butler, who is well known as the voice of the Westmorelands, and he once again delivers a wonderful listening experience.

[Andrea Morgan · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75⭐This book truly had it all: wealthy Black elite families, ranches, cowboys, deep family secrets, and a beautiful mature romance. As an older adult—navigating grown children, divorce, and becoming an empty nester—I loved seeing characters tackle the complexities of finding a new path in life.

Matthew and Iris were absolutely perfect, and their chemistry was spot-on without the spice level ever overpowering the story. I also have to shout out the audiobook narrator; he told the story flawlessly!

My only critique is that the complicated family tree situations made it hard to keep track of who was who, causing me to occasionally zone out during those explanations. However, I’m not usually a short story fan, but this one completely won me over. It didn't leave me wanting more; it wrapped up perfectly.

Thank you Net Galley for this advance audio

[Atoshia · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐ 3-Star Review
This Black romance featuring a single mom and single dad had a lot of heart. I enjoyed seeing two mature characters navigate love, family, and the challenges that come with starting over later in life. The representation, emotional moments, and the way both characters cared for their children added a meaningful layer to the story.
The chemistry between the couple was enjoyable, but I felt the relationship development and some of the conflicts could have been explored more deeply. At times, the pacing felt a little slow, and I wanted more emotional connection between the characters as they worked through their pasts and built their future together.
Overall, this was a sweet and relatable romance about second chances, family, and finding love when you least expect it. It had some beautiful moments, but it didn’t fully stand out for me. A solid three-star read.

[January · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chasing a Second Chance by Brenda Jackson (2026)
Westmoreland Legacy #8
related series: before - Westmorelands, Westmoreland Trilogy, after - Westmoreland Legacy: The Outlaws
related books Westmoreland's Way - Westmorelands #16 AND Irresistible Forces - Forged of Steele #5
6h 45m narrated by Ron Butler, 279 pages
ALC courtesy of Harlequin Audio and NetGalley

Genre: African-American Romance, Western Romance

Rating as a movie: XX for strong sexual content

Featuring: Author’s Note - Supporting Characters From Other Series books get Spotlight as MMC and FMC, Lawyer, Epigraphs, Divorcé, Widow, Adult Children, PR Consultant, Quadragenarians, Workplace Setting, Secret Baby, Los Angeles, California; Washington D. C., Single Parents, Dual POVs, Weddings and Parties, Denver, Colorado; Outlaw Family, Babies Everywhere, Burned Out vs The Believer, Skeptic’s Surrender Trope, Steele Family, Sex - Graphic Details, Trust Issues, Second Chance Trope

My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️½📢⚖️

My thoughts: Having read 21 books by Brenda Jackson, I’ve long enjoyed the world-building she creates, and I was excited to dive into Chasing a Second Chance. It was a blast seeing familiar faces from Taming a Heartbreaker, and I was even caught off guard by a surprise appearance from the Delaney's Desert Sheikh crew. ​However, while I appreciate how Brenda makes sure new readers won't feel lost, I found the constant commercials for other Westmoreland books a bit distracting this time around. At times, the story felt less like a focused narrative and more like a series of updates on the wider universe. Between all the background info on side characters and the endless string of social events, it got pretty hard to stay invested in the main couple's journey. Honestly, I find her Catalina Cove series more immersive; she manages to keep those connections without needing to give the full rundown on every single backstory, which keeps the pacing tight and the focus where it belongs, on the love interest and the main character. ​At the end of the day, it's impressive how Brenda weaves such a huge, connected world together, and her signature charm is definitely still there. I’m already looking forward to her next release, and I’m definitely hoping she leans back into the intimate, character-driven vibe that made me fall in love with her writing in the first place.

Recommend to others: Yes. Even with the pacing issues, it’s a solid pick for anyone who loves intense romantic tension and bold, explicit scenes.

Westmoreland Legacy
1. The Rancher Returns (2016)
2. His Secret Son (2017)
aka A Secret Son
3. An Honourable Seduction (2018)
4. His To Claim (2019)
5. Duty or Desire (2019)
6. One Steamy Night (2023)
7. Taming a Heartbreaker (2024)
8. Chasing a Second Chance (2026)

Songs for the soundtrack: "Boots on the Ground" by 803Fresh

[Haerlee · Rating 4 out of 5]

The combination of Brenda Jackson's steam and Ron Butler's narration cannot be beat. This "friends of Westmoreland" novel features guarded people in their 40s, who are professional have had relationships, and are very clear on what they want. The book breezed by and was a great way to spend an afternoon,