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The Second Tryst: A Spicy, Second Chance Romantic Comedy (Alessi Brothers Book 3)
She ran when he needed her most, but now she needs him.
Sydney
Since my diagnosis, my family did everything they could to smooth the edges of life for me. When I met Adrian Alessi the summer before college, it was like coming up for desperately needed air. I wanted that one thing for myself. One thing that wasn't consumed by doctors and meds and concern. Adrian treated me like every other girl, because he didn't know I wasn't—and that's how I liked it. Years of secret rendezvous and deepening feelings made walking away from him the most difficult thing I'd ever done. Now I'm back in his orbit, and he suddenly knows every secret I've kept from him. Every secret except the ones I refuse to admit to myself.
Adrian
I was always the class clown. The reckless, impulsive youngest brother who no one took seriously. Then, at twenty-two years old, the death of my mother plunged me into a dark place. My brothers did their best to be supportive, but they couldn't substitute for the one person I truly needed—Sydney Byrne. We spent every summer sneaking away, falling in love, only to separate when fall came. When my mom got sick and I needed Sydney more than ever, she left me. No explanation, no remorse. Now that she's popped back into my life, she owes me an explanation and the life we could have had.
The Second Tryst from Shannon Saunders is a standalone romantic comedy featuring a trio of brothers with plenty of family banter. The Second Tryst follows their free spirited youngest brother as he reconnects with his summer love. Readers will love it for the crazy side characters, deep connections, sarcasm, steam, and happily ever after! For fans of Claire Kingsley and Lucy Score, this short romance gives you everything you want in a compact package.
Sydney
Since my diagnosis, my family did everything they could to smooth the edges of life for me. When I met Adrian Alessi the summer before college, it was like coming up for desperately needed air. I wanted that one thing for myself. One thing that wasn't consumed by doctors and meds and concern. Adrian treated me like every other girl, because he didn't know I wasn't—and that's how I liked it. Years of secret rendezvous and deepening feelings made walking away from him the most difficult thing I'd ever done. Now I'm back in his orbit, and he suddenly knows every secret I've kept from him. Every secret except the ones I refuse to admit to myself.
Adrian
I was always the class clown. The reckless, impulsive youngest brother who no one took seriously. Then, at twenty-two years old, the death of my mother plunged me into a dark place. My brothers did their best to be supportive, but they couldn't substitute for the one person I truly needed—Sydney Byrne. We spent every summer sneaking away, falling in love, only to separate when fall came. When my mom got sick and I needed Sydney more than ever, she left me. No explanation, no remorse. Now that she's popped back into my life, she owes me an explanation and the life we could have had.
The Second Tryst from Shannon Saunders is a standalone romantic comedy featuring a trio of brothers with plenty of family banter. The Second Tryst follows their free spirited youngest brother as he reconnects with his summer love. Readers will love it for the crazy side characters, deep connections, sarcasm, steam, and happily ever after! For fans of Claire Kingsley and Lucy Score, this short romance gives you everything you want in a compact package.
- GenresRomanceSecond Chance
213 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 10, 2026
1 person is currently reading
5 people want to read
About the author
Shannon Saunders
3 books4 followersShannon Saunders writes spicy, bingeable romantic comedies with characters that are navigating the complexities that life often serves us. Her books reflect what we all experience—laughter, heartbreak, and triumph. All topped with a heavy dollop of banter.
Shannon has been a romance reader since she was a little ten-year-old. Problematic? Maybe. The Tyler series circa early 90s really made an impact. Now she writes the same stories that shaped her.
If you are a fan of Lucy Score, Claire Kingsley, or Sloane St. James, you’ll love her compact stories that are perfect for a vacation read, a palette cleanser, or to drag you out of a reading rut.
She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband and two sons. When she's not wrangling small children, she's probably in her garden. Possibly gardening, possibly making someone else look at everything while she says "Look!" repeatedly.
Shannon has been a romance reader since she was a little ten-year-old. Problematic? Maybe. The Tyler series circa early 90s really made an impact. Now she writes the same stories that shaped her.
If you are a fan of Lucy Score, Claire Kingsley, or Sloane St. James, you’ll love her compact stories that are perfect for a vacation read, a palette cleanser, or to drag you out of a reading rut.
She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband and two sons. When she's not wrangling small children, she's probably in her garden. Possibly gardening, possibly making someone else look at everything while she says "Look!" repeatedly.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
Talk about a quick, compact read! The story of Sydney and Adrian's rekindled love was sweet, with a good measure of humor and banter injected, much like the other Alessi Brothers books. While I anticipated a happy ending, it wasn't without acknowledgement of pain and difficult times in the characters lives. There was quality family dynamics that helped shaped the scenes for our characters and added a layer of complexity to character choices.
I would have loved some more details on Sydney and Adrian's backstory and how their college summer love came to be, but overall this was a cute, funny, feel-good, short romance read.
Thank you to the author for the ARC opportunity!
I would have loved some more details on Sydney and Adrian's backstory and how their college summer love came to be, but overall this was a cute, funny, feel-good, short romance read.
Thank you to the author for the ARC opportunity!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
ARC REVIEW: The Second Tryst by Shannon Saunders
Overall Rating: 3.5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️½
Enjoyable, easy romance read
Open door but mild spice
This book’s strengths lie firmly in the strong yearning and sense of lost time felt by both characters. Written in dual POV, you can really feel the grief that they each carry about their past relationship, as well as personal history and emotional baggage. Despite dealing with some heavier topics (see content warnings at the bottom) it still reads like a light romance overall. The pacing was comfortable, with a slight slowdown after the midpoint but not enough to ruin the experience, and a sweet and expected happy ending that felt like the right payoff to this story.
If you like MEN WHO YEARN (bookstagram and booktok, I’m looking at you), this book has a sweet, golden retriever yearning boy MMC who - no joke - gets compared to a kitten in a leather jacket. The second chance and marriage of convenience tropes feel classic and sweet, with light small town vibes sprinkled in.
Full disclosure, this book is part of a series and I haven’t read the books that precede it (yet, but I do intend to) so I may be lacking some context regarding supporting characters for this novel. However, it reads very comfortably as a standalone as well without the sense that you’re missing large chunks of information.
Some honest critiques: while the MMC was a winner for me, I did feel the FMC was frustrating at times because she was so stagnant in her growth arc right up until the end – though the other characters in the book seemed to share the same sentiment. There were moments where the writing style felt a little clunky or the tone didn’t feel quite right, and one particular plot beat didn’t do it for me. However, none of this deterred me from finishing the book and still coming out of it with a sense of overall enjoyment.
CONTENT WARNINGS / THEMES: This book deals with the death of a parent as a result of terminal illness (not a direct plot point, but it is discussed).
The FMC lives with a chronic illness that causes pain and discomfort in her daily life, and this is a significant part of the story.
There is mention of depression and anxiety, though the book doesn’t delve too deeply into these themes.
Readers who want a lighter romance that still holds emotional depth, who love pining and want a second chance story without heavy drama or intense spice, this book is for you. 💘
Overall Rating: 3.5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️½
Enjoyable, easy romance read
Open door but mild spice
This book’s strengths lie firmly in the strong yearning and sense of lost time felt by both characters. Written in dual POV, you can really feel the grief that they each carry about their past relationship, as well as personal history and emotional baggage. Despite dealing with some heavier topics (see content warnings at the bottom) it still reads like a light romance overall. The pacing was comfortable, with a slight slowdown after the midpoint but not enough to ruin the experience, and a sweet and expected happy ending that felt like the right payoff to this story.
If you like MEN WHO YEARN (bookstagram and booktok, I’m looking at you), this book has a sweet, golden retriever yearning boy MMC who - no joke - gets compared to a kitten in a leather jacket. The second chance and marriage of convenience tropes feel classic and sweet, with light small town vibes sprinkled in.
Full disclosure, this book is part of a series and I haven’t read the books that precede it (yet, but I do intend to) so I may be lacking some context regarding supporting characters for this novel. However, it reads very comfortably as a standalone as well without the sense that you’re missing large chunks of information.
Some honest critiques: while the MMC was a winner for me, I did feel the FMC was frustrating at times because she was so stagnant in her growth arc right up until the end – though the other characters in the book seemed to share the same sentiment. There were moments where the writing style felt a little clunky or the tone didn’t feel quite right, and one particular plot beat didn’t do it for me. However, none of this deterred me from finishing the book and still coming out of it with a sense of overall enjoyment.
CONTENT WARNINGS / THEMES: This book deals with the death of a parent as a result of terminal illness (not a direct plot point, but it is discussed).
The FMC lives with a chronic illness that causes pain and discomfort in her daily life, and this is a significant part of the story.
There is mention of depression and anxiety, though the book doesn’t delve too deeply into these themes.
Readers who want a lighter romance that still holds emotional depth, who love pining and want a second chance story without heavy drama or intense spice, this book is for you. 💘
February 5, 2026
✨️ARC Review ✨️ – The Second Tryst by Shannon Saunders - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
I absolutely loved the first two books in this series, and I flew through this one in less than a day.
Adrian was already one of my favourite side characters in his brothers’ stories, so getting to finally see his story — and truly understand the man behind the quiet strength — made this book even more special.
Adrian completely has my heart. He’s a beautifully broken man who chooses to put himself back together — not just for himself, but so he can be the man she deserves. Watching his growth, his patience, and the quiet strength in the way he loves was everything. His journey felt earned, emotional, and deeply satisfying.
And while I adored him, my heart broke just as much for her. She carries so much guilt for things that were never truly in her control and genuinely believes she’s a burden to the people around her. Because of that, she constantly makes choices for others, convinced it’s what’s best for them, even when they tell her and show her that they don’t see her that way at all. That emotional push and pull felt so raw, so human, and so beautifully written.
Little Eleanor added such a special extra layer of heart and representation to the story, making an already emotional book feel even richer.
One of the strongest underlying themes in this story is how damaging secrets and unspoken feelings can be. Some people may be better at hiding things than others, but in the end, those hidden truths often cause more harm than good. Healing only really begins when honesty and love are allowed to be louder than fear, and this book portrayed that so well.
I actually found this series by accident… or maybe it found me. The family dynamics, the emotional healing, and the love woven through every story have cemented this as one of my favourite series to date. There’s something really special about the way these characters grow, forgive, and show up for each other.
I won’t hesitate to pick up another book by Shannon Saunders. I would love to revisit this world again ... more milestones, more weddings, and maybe even second chances for Marcus and Helen? I’m not ready to say goodbye to this family just yet. 💕
I absolutely loved the first two books in this series, and I flew through this one in less than a day.
Adrian was already one of my favourite side characters in his brothers’ stories, so getting to finally see his story — and truly understand the man behind the quiet strength — made this book even more special.
Adrian completely has my heart. He’s a beautifully broken man who chooses to put himself back together — not just for himself, but so he can be the man she deserves. Watching his growth, his patience, and the quiet strength in the way he loves was everything. His journey felt earned, emotional, and deeply satisfying.
And while I adored him, my heart broke just as much for her. She carries so much guilt for things that were never truly in her control and genuinely believes she’s a burden to the people around her. Because of that, she constantly makes choices for others, convinced it’s what’s best for them, even when they tell her and show her that they don’t see her that way at all. That emotional push and pull felt so raw, so human, and so beautifully written.
Little Eleanor added such a special extra layer of heart and representation to the story, making an already emotional book feel even richer.
One of the strongest underlying themes in this story is how damaging secrets and unspoken feelings can be. Some people may be better at hiding things than others, but in the end, those hidden truths often cause more harm than good. Healing only really begins when honesty and love are allowed to be louder than fear, and this book portrayed that so well.
I actually found this series by accident… or maybe it found me. The family dynamics, the emotional healing, and the love woven through every story have cemented this as one of my favourite series to date. There’s something really special about the way these characters grow, forgive, and show up for each other.
I won’t hesitate to pick up another book by Shannon Saunders. I would love to revisit this world again ... more milestones, more weddings, and maybe even second chances for Marcus and Helen? I’m not ready to say goodbye to this family just yet. 💕
February 9, 2026
📚Arc review 📚 4.5 🌟🌟🌟🌟
I was so excired to return to the Alessi brothers. i can now safely say that after reading all three books that Mama Alessi can be one proud mother 💖
This book we get to know Adrian who everyone knows as the youngest wild card of the family who is always laughing and joking around. As we get to know Adrian we see a much deeper side to him and all the work he has put into himself after dealing with two major loses - parent death -off page and in the past - and getting left behind by the one person who he loved and needed in that time.
Its written with a duo pov between Adrian and Sydney. Sydney suffers from an auto immune decease that effects her day to day life. i personally know someone who has the same illness and can say Shannon handled it with care and understanding on how it is portrait on page.
After not seeing eachother for years they run into one another and Adrian comes up with the solution to both their professional obstacles-get married so he can appear as a family man and she can get health insurance so her parents can retire.
Adrian of course has alterer motives and plans on winning back the heart of the one who got away, and in all fairness he is very open about this.
The book is fast paced and the story flows easy with perfect balance between funny and witty moments but also deals with heavier topics and a lot of character growth.
There is some great spice, a traitors cat and a lot of yearning so if you are looking for a quick (213 pages but also quick because you can put it down) book that follows a second chance romance that will leave your heart full this is the book for you.
It is part of a series it but can be read as a standalone but i just recommend reading all 3 as the Alessi brothers are golden retivers with hearts of gold who all needed a sassy women in their lives.
Excited to see what Shannon Saunders writes next!
I was so excired to return to the Alessi brothers. i can now safely say that after reading all three books that Mama Alessi can be one proud mother 💖
This book we get to know Adrian who everyone knows as the youngest wild card of the family who is always laughing and joking around. As we get to know Adrian we see a much deeper side to him and all the work he has put into himself after dealing with two major loses - parent death -off page and in the past - and getting left behind by the one person who he loved and needed in that time.
Its written with a duo pov between Adrian and Sydney. Sydney suffers from an auto immune decease that effects her day to day life. i personally know someone who has the same illness and can say Shannon handled it with care and understanding on how it is portrait on page.
After not seeing eachother for years they run into one another and Adrian comes up with the solution to both their professional obstacles-get married so he can appear as a family man and she can get health insurance so her parents can retire.
Adrian of course has alterer motives and plans on winning back the heart of the one who got away, and in all fairness he is very open about this.
The book is fast paced and the story flows easy with perfect balance between funny and witty moments but also deals with heavier topics and a lot of character growth.
There is some great spice, a traitors cat and a lot of yearning so if you are looking for a quick (213 pages but also quick because you can put it down) book that follows a second chance romance that will leave your heart full this is the book for you.
It is part of a series it but can be read as a standalone but i just recommend reading all 3 as the Alessi brothers are golden retivers with hearts of gold who all needed a sassy women in their lives.
Excited to see what Shannon Saunders writes next!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I want to thank the author for the privilege of reading this as an arc.
Overall, this was an okay, enjoyable, quick read. I enjoyed both characters, and didn't really hate anything about this book, but there were some things that made this a 3 star for me. Everything will be spoilered until sometime after it's release date, and there will be actual spoilers.
Overall, a good book. I enjoyed it, but didn't love it.
Overall, this was an okay, enjoyable, quick read. I enjoyed both characters, and didn't really hate anything about this book, but there were some things that made this a 3 star for me. Everything will be spoilered until sometime after it's release date, and there will be actual spoilers.
Overall, a good book. I enjoyed it, but didn't love it.
January 27, 2026
💔⏳ Sometimes, first love never really leaves… it just waits for a second chance.
📖 The Second Tryst by Shannon Saunders
⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
🌶️🌶️
Contemporary Romance
Tropes:
💞 Second Chance
💍 Marriage of Convenience
🐶 Golden Retriever MMC
🤫 Secret Marriage
Sydney and Adrian fell in love as teenagers during stolen summer moments, hiding their relationship from their families. But Sydney was keeping a bigger secret—she had an autoimmune disorder and never told Adrian. When Adrian’s mother became terminally ill, Sydney made the painful decision to leave him, believing she would only become another burden in his life. Years later, fate brings them back together when Adrian’s brother hosts his wedding at Sydney’s family inn, forcing them to confront everything they left unresolved.
I liked this book, but I didn’t feel as emotionally connected to the characters as I hoped. Sydney constantly saw herself as a burden, even when everyone around her reassured her otherwise. She often made big decisions without considering how they affected others, which came across as selfish at times. While I understood her motivations, her big “epiphany” moment felt a bit flat and not as powerful as it should have been.
Adrian, though… he completely had my heart. He was just a man deeply in love—heartbroken, depressed, and struggling, yet still willing to seek help and grow. I really admired him for that. I honestly felt angry on his behalf at times because of how Sydney treated him, especially when she failed to see how deeply he loved her and how far he was willing to go for her.
Overall, this was a decent second-chance romance with emotional themes and a lovable MMC, but it didn’t fully hit for me in terms of character connection and emotional payoff.
Thank you Shannon Saunders for this ARC. 🤍
📖 The Second Tryst by Shannon Saunders
⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
🌶️🌶️
Contemporary Romance
Tropes:
💞 Second Chance
💍 Marriage of Convenience
🐶 Golden Retriever MMC
🤫 Secret Marriage
Sydney and Adrian fell in love as teenagers during stolen summer moments, hiding their relationship from their families. But Sydney was keeping a bigger secret—she had an autoimmune disorder and never told Adrian. When Adrian’s mother became terminally ill, Sydney made the painful decision to leave him, believing she would only become another burden in his life. Years later, fate brings them back together when Adrian’s brother hosts his wedding at Sydney’s family inn, forcing them to confront everything they left unresolved.
I liked this book, but I didn’t feel as emotionally connected to the characters as I hoped. Sydney constantly saw herself as a burden, even when everyone around her reassured her otherwise. She often made big decisions without considering how they affected others, which came across as selfish at times. While I understood her motivations, her big “epiphany” moment felt a bit flat and not as powerful as it should have been.
Adrian, though… he completely had my heart. He was just a man deeply in love—heartbroken, depressed, and struggling, yet still willing to seek help and grow. I really admired him for that. I honestly felt angry on his behalf at times because of how Sydney treated him, especially when she failed to see how deeply he loved her and how far he was willing to go for her.
Overall, this was a decent second-chance romance with emotional themes and a lovable MMC, but it didn’t fully hit for me in terms of character connection and emotional payoff.
Thank you Shannon Saunders for this ARC. 🤍
February 9, 2026
“It doesn’t matter who did what. The point is, we aren’t involved anymore. We’re adults now, with adult lives and adult problems. Ones that don’t involve each other.” “Fck that. We’ll be ‘involved’ for the rest of our lives, Red, whether you like it or not. You may not be actively mine, but if something’s wrong, I want to know.”
The Second Tryst | Shannon Saunders | Alessi Brothers #3
Review: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5, 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
“Get married? Like I’ll-love-you-forever, til-death-do-us-part, married. We hadn’t spoken for seven years. I could not possibly do that. Especially not with Adrian Alessi, the guy I was heartbroken over for years. I’d never survive. I’d end up right back in love with him and be crushed all over again.”
Read this if you love: young love lost | second chance | golden retriever MMC | auto-immune disorder rep | marriage of convenience | secret marriage
“Tell me that ride meant something, Syd. Tell me I can kiss you. That I can touch you. Because I’m dying to.” Always so earnest. His eyes bore into mine with zero shame about admitting how much he wanted me. It gave me the courage to do the same. “It meant something. I want you. Please touch me.”
This one is sweet, with a little angst, and great banter. I enjoyed this second chance romance with two characters who really never wanted to be apart, but thought that’s how they needed to be. I loved that their secrets weren’t exactly so secret and how each character’s struggles were represented.
Thank you @shannonsaundersauthor for the eARC. I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.
The Second Tryst | Shannon Saunders | Alessi Brothers #3
Review: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5, 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
“Get married? Like I’ll-love-you-forever, til-death-do-us-part, married. We hadn’t spoken for seven years. I could not possibly do that. Especially not with Adrian Alessi, the guy I was heartbroken over for years. I’d never survive. I’d end up right back in love with him and be crushed all over again.”
Read this if you love: young love lost | second chance | golden retriever MMC | auto-immune disorder rep | marriage of convenience | secret marriage
“Tell me that ride meant something, Syd. Tell me I can kiss you. That I can touch you. Because I’m dying to.” Always so earnest. His eyes bore into mine with zero shame about admitting how much he wanted me. It gave me the courage to do the same. “It meant something. I want you. Please touch me.”
This one is sweet, with a little angst, and great banter. I enjoyed this second chance romance with two characters who really never wanted to be apart, but thought that’s how they needed to be. I loved that their secrets weren’t exactly so secret and how each character’s struggles were represented.
Thank you @shannonsaundersauthor for the eARC. I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thanks to author Shannon Saunders for selecting me to receive an ARC copy of this book!
Finally, Adrian's story! He was honestly my favorite brother in the previous two books. I enjoyed his playfulness and teasing nature. And after reading his story and learning more about his history, he has solidified himself as my favorite Alessi Brother. He continued to be his outgoing happy self from the previous two books, but you appreciate it more learning on how much effort and work he did on himself to become that way, including going to therapy. He is considerate of Sydney, and cares for her and her condition in a very loving way.
I enjoyed the FMC Sydney, she felt relatable and was your average girl next door (as much as I enjoyed Olivia and Callie, they had super successful higher profile jobs, which Syd doesn't). Her and Adrian have a sweet past, and watching them work through that history to come together again was so great.
Overall, this was a sweet, fun, quick read that was a nice conclusion to the three Alessi Brothers and their stories.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Finally, Adrian's story! He was honestly my favorite brother in the previous two books. I enjoyed his playfulness and teasing nature. And after reading his story and learning more about his history, he has solidified himself as my favorite Alessi Brother. He continued to be his outgoing happy self from the previous two books, but you appreciate it more learning on how much effort and work he did on himself to become that way, including going to therapy. He is considerate of Sydney, and cares for her and her condition in a very loving way.
I enjoyed the FMC Sydney, she felt relatable and was your average girl next door (as much as I enjoyed Olivia and Callie, they had super successful higher profile jobs, which Syd doesn't). Her and Adrian have a sweet past, and watching them work through that history to come together again was so great.
Overall, this was a sweet, fun, quick read that was a nice conclusion to the three Alessi Brothers and their stories.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 11, 2026
This man is the GREENEST of green flags!!! Adrian Alessi. The youngest child. The happy goofball. The one no-one takes seriously. Until he fakes a marriage to help out the family business... or so he says. Sydney Byrne was the love of his life for four summers... and then she was gone. She's back, but she's not looking to rekindle their romance... she could be talked into an arrangement to help her own family though, by way of a fake marriage. What she doesn't know is that Adrian may talk the talk, but he's not going to walk the walk - he's going to jump all the obstacles she puts in his way to their happy ever after. Will he get the girl at the finish line, or be left picking up the pieces of his heart once again??
Spicy and sweet with all of the emotional and funny moments in between. Love seeing Marcus, Lucas and Olivia, and Leo and Callie again throughout Adrian and Sydney's journey. Highly recommend reading this series in order for best enjoyment!!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Spicy and sweet with all of the emotional and funny moments in between. Love seeing Marcus, Lucas and Olivia, and Leo and Callie again throughout Adrian and Sydney's journey. Highly recommend reading this series in order for best enjoyment!!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy
The Second Tryst by Shannon Saunders is the third book in a series, but it can absolutely be enjoyed as a standalone—it shines all on its own.
This book made me smile at the characters’ personalities, laugh out loud, and even shed a few tears. As a mom, some moments hit especially close to home—loving your babies so deeply, fiercely, and endlessly is something you feel
From start to finish, I was completely locked in. I devoured this book because the pacing, emotions, and connection between the characters kept pulling me in. Adrian’s love for Sydney is the kind everyone deserves—unconditional, endless, patient, and deeply caring. It’s the kind of love that feels safe, steady, and real.
If you’re looking for a story that makes you feel, keeps you hooked, and leaves your heart full, this book is absolutely worth reading.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This book made me smile at the characters’ personalities, laugh out loud, and even shed a few tears. As a mom, some moments hit especially close to home—loving your babies so deeply, fiercely, and endlessly is something you feel
From start to finish, I was completely locked in. I devoured this book because the pacing, emotions, and connection between the characters kept pulling me in. Adrian’s love for Sydney is the kind everyone deserves—unconditional, endless, patient, and deeply caring. It’s the kind of love that feels safe, steady, and real.
If you’re looking for a story that makes you feel, keeps you hooked, and leaves your heart full, this book is absolutely worth reading.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 8, 2026
Adrian + Sydney
The Second Tryst was funny, witty, and entertaining. When we meet these two they are sharing their last summer together. They've kept their relationship hidden and from what we find out Sydney decides to break things off with Adrian because she feels she is a burden. We don't find out why until much later. We also find out that Adrian suffers from depression (which he is managing).
While The Second Tryst contains a second chance between these MCs when Adrian runs into Sydney during his brother's wedding weekend. He demands answers and these two come to an agreement.
While it's not conventional I believe this adds to the story and gives them an opportunity to sift through their feelings for each other (which never really went away) and be honest with one another.
No secrets. No more hiding. & let their love blossom.
Thank you to Booksirens and the author for an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
The Second Tryst was funny, witty, and entertaining. When we meet these two they are sharing their last summer together. They've kept their relationship hidden and from what we find out Sydney decides to break things off with Adrian because she feels she is a burden. We don't find out why until much later. We also find out that Adrian suffers from depression (which he is managing).
While The Second Tryst contains a second chance between these MCs when Adrian runs into Sydney during his brother's wedding weekend. He demands answers and these two come to an agreement.
While it's not conventional I believe this adds to the story and gives them an opportunity to sift through their feelings for each other (which never really went away) and be honest with one another.
No secrets. No more hiding. & let their love blossom.
Thank you to Booksirens and the author for an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
How can you not love Adrian. He comes off like the family goofball, the one who jokes his way through every situation and never seems to take anything seriously, but this book finally shows the reasons behind that whole façade. In this third trip into the Alessi world, you get the full picture of what happened between him and Sydney, and it makes their history be more than the “summer hookup” label they tried to give it back then.
It really was just the wrong time for them back in college. They were young and both needed to figure out who they were before they had any chance that they could be together. Watching them circle back to each other now being older but still connected is what makes this one work, even with Sydney still trying to push Adrian away because of her health issues.
I love Shannon Saunders’ style, and I was excited to be picked for another ARC from her and this series.
It really was just the wrong time for them back in college. They were young and both needed to figure out who they were before they had any chance that they could be together. Watching them circle back to each other now being older but still connected is what makes this one work, even with Sydney still trying to push Adrian away because of her health issues.
I love Shannon Saunders’ style, and I was excited to be picked for another ARC from her and this series.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Adrian is such an interesting character. He is known as the happy go lucky guy but we can see that he has that as a front from the heartbreak he experienced. But as soon as he heard that Sydney needed help and that he could provide it, he instantly offered it and convinced her to accept it. Adrian is just the sweetest person and his dad describes him perfectly. " watching you ride that motorcycle around is like seeing a kitten in a leather jacket."
This is such a sweet book. It was just so relaxed when I was reading this and I just knew that there would be a happily ever after. I also loved the humor throughout.
Some of my favorite quotes:
"No walking around this place half naked," she ordered. "Only fully naked, got it."
"Sometimes in lust, sometimes in hate, always in love."
This is such a sweet book. It was just so relaxed when I was reading this and I just knew that there would be a happily ever after. I also loved the humor throughout.
Some of my favorite quotes:
"No walking around this place half naked," she ordered. "Only fully naked, got it."
"Sometimes in lust, sometimes in hate, always in love."
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC review for The Second Tryst (3.5 ⭐)
Awww, Sydney and Adrian were so cute. I loved that we got to see a more serious side to Adrian in this book and see his character development kind of round out. Sydney's sauciness was great and she isn't afraid to stand up for herself. Even if sometimes she chooses the incorrect path, her intentions are sincere and I really felt like her sacrifices (misguided though they may seem) was the best way she knew to protect those she cared about.
Also, big shoutout to the boys' dad, he was a fantastic addition and scenes where he participated definitely had me doing a little giggle.
Thank you so very much for the opportunity to ARC for you Shannon Saunders and I really hope to do so again soon!!
Awww, Sydney and Adrian were so cute. I loved that we got to see a more serious side to Adrian in this book and see his character development kind of round out. Sydney's sauciness was great and she isn't afraid to stand up for herself. Even if sometimes she chooses the incorrect path, her intentions are sincere and I really felt like her sacrifices (misguided though they may seem) was the best way she knew to protect those she cared about.
Also, big shoutout to the boys' dad, he was a fantastic addition and scenes where he participated definitely had me doing a little giggle.
Thank you so very much for the opportunity to ARC for you Shannon Saunders and I really hope to do so again soon!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was an amazing addition to the Alessi brothers story!
Sydney has a chronic illness and some of the trauma that can come with that. She wants to be independent but chronic pain and needing rest does not always lend itself to being as independent as one would hope.
Adrian is the joking playboy of his family. The baby brother with secrets (well maybe secrets). He fell hard for Sydney when they were younger and hard again when fate (and a wedding) brought them back together.
A fun story about missed opportunities, adults maturing, and meeting people where they are.
Do you enjoy:
Marriage of convenience
Years of yearning
Characters growing
Traitorous pets
Some caring loving smut?
If so I think you would enjoy this book!
4 Stars for the plot
5 Stars for characters growth
3 🌶️ for the loving/caring scenes (Adrian checking in was 👍🏼
4.5 overall IMO
Sydney has a chronic illness and some of the trauma that can come with that. She wants to be independent but chronic pain and needing rest does not always lend itself to being as independent as one would hope.
Adrian is the joking playboy of his family. The baby brother with secrets (well maybe secrets). He fell hard for Sydney when they were younger and hard again when fate (and a wedding) brought them back together.
A fun story about missed opportunities, adults maturing, and meeting people where they are.
Do you enjoy:
Marriage of convenience
Years of yearning
Characters growing
Traitorous pets
Some caring loving smut?
If so I think you would enjoy this book!
4 Stars for the plot
5 Stars for characters growth
3 🌶️ for the loving/caring scenes (Adrian checking in was 👍🏼
4.5 overall IMO
Review of advance copy
This book had me in a good mix of laughter and tears. The story was beautifully written and I got pulled in fast. Adrian with his positive attitude and his own struggles, Sydney with her feelings of responsibilities and her self growth. Also very happy we got to see Adrian's family again. I really felt with the characters, both good and bad. And the open door spice was so sweet and giggle worthy. Really loved the dual pov, it made me connect more with the characters and also sometimes had me side eyeing the wall in a good way. This was a real rollercoaster ride, and I loved it!
I recommend this book to someone who loves second chance romance, sweet spice, deep loving MMC and warm family.
I got this book for free as I'm an ARC reader, for an honest review.
I recommend this book to someone who loves second chance romance, sweet spice, deep loving MMC and warm family.
I got this book for free as I'm an ARC reader, for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to Shannon Saunders and team for giving me the opportunity to read this in advance of its release!
This is a super sweet romantic comedy with a golden retriever MMC and a FMC who’s sassy and strong while fighting her autoimmune disease
I really loved the family aspect in this story, and the rekindling of an old love. I also really loved that the author put so much effort into giving a real life feel of dealing with trauma and anxiety and depression.
This was a delightfully easy read and good to pick up when you’re struggling to find something to read. I would definitely recommend for all romance lovers!
This is a super sweet romantic comedy with a golden retriever MMC and a FMC who’s sassy and strong while fighting her autoimmune disease
I really loved the family aspect in this story, and the rekindling of an old love. I also really loved that the author put so much effort into giving a real life feel of dealing with trauma and anxiety and depression.
This was a delightfully easy read and good to pick up when you’re struggling to find something to read. I would definitely recommend for all romance lovers!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is such a great second Chance romance.
Adrian Aleesi is by far my favorite Alessi brother; he's soft and mushy, a huge heart, the cutest damn cinnamon roll book boyfriend that happens to have a dirty mouth and is a little bit reckless.
Sydney is a sweetheart that wants to stop everyone for putting her and her illness first, she doesn't want to be a burden anymore.
I laughed so much with the banter between the two MC's, it flowed so well.
This story is my favorite of the series so far and would recommend it as a standalone or part of the series as a whole.
I loved how they built trust from a new beginning.
Adrian Aleesi is by far my favorite Alessi brother; he's soft and mushy, a huge heart, the cutest damn cinnamon roll book boyfriend that happens to have a dirty mouth and is a little bit reckless.
Sydney is a sweetheart that wants to stop everyone for putting her and her illness first, she doesn't want to be a burden anymore.
I laughed so much with the banter between the two MC's, it flowed so well.
This story is my favorite of the series so far and would recommend it as a standalone or part of the series as a whole.
I loved how they built trust from a new beginning.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Review – The Second Tryst
Some books are meant to be analyzed. The Second Tryst is meant to be felt.
I flew through this one and didn’t annotate a single page, not because it lacked anything, but because I was completely vibing the entire time. The pacing worked, the chemistry delivered, and the story kept me hooked from start to finish without ever pulling me out of the moment.
This was one of those reads where you just sit back and enjoy the ride, and honestly, those are my favorite kinds of books.
⭐ 5 stars
🌶️ 3 chilis
🎧 Song that sounds like this book: “Sugar” – Sleep Token
Some books are meant to be analyzed. The Second Tryst is meant to be felt.
I flew through this one and didn’t annotate a single page, not because it lacked anything, but because I was completely vibing the entire time. The pacing worked, the chemistry delivered, and the story kept me hooked from start to finish without ever pulling me out of the moment.
This was one of those reads where you just sit back and enjoy the ride, and honestly, those are my favorite kinds of books.
⭐ 5 stars
🌶️ 3 chilis
🎧 Song that sounds like this book: “Sugar” – Sleep Token
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is my second ARC read from Shannon Saunders! She was deliciously sweet.
Adrian and Sydney’s story is one many of us have heard, or experienced personally, before. Sydney is cared about, but she doesn’t Adrian to uproot his whole life just to help her. Adrian proves that he will do everything and anything he can to keep Sydney. After accepting her life as is, Sydney truly starts to accept everyone’s support.
Second chance romance, marriage of convenience, golden retriever biker MMC, mental health rep, and dual POV.
Adrian and Sydney’s story is one many of us have heard, or experienced personally, before. Sydney is cared about, but she doesn’t Adrian to uproot his whole life just to help her. Adrian proves that he will do everything and anything he can to keep Sydney. After accepting her life as is, Sydney truly starts to accept everyone’s support.
Second chance romance, marriage of convenience, golden retriever biker MMC, mental health rep, and dual POV.
February 7, 2026
I wish I could say I loved this book because I was looking forward to it. However, it just wasn’t for me. Sydney was honestly so annoying and the “I broke up with you for your own good” after he told her his mom is dying??? I don’t think I could ever forgive someone for that. Adrian did a major 180 from meeting her to insisting they get married and I felt like I had whiplash. Overall, it just felt rushed. 200 pages was not enough for parts of the plot to be fully done and the flashback scenes were few and far between and almost irrelevant
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
The Second Tryst was all about second chances. I absolutely loved the characters and what this story had to offer. While it is the third book in an inter-connected series, I was able to read it as a standalone. However, I did feel like I was missing some information on prior events, which I'm not used to in inter-connected standalones. While I was not missing anything major, I do want to follow this series and read the other books.
Thank you so much to the Booksirens for letting me read this as an ARC. This has been my voluntary review.
Thank you so much to the Booksirens for letting me read this as an ARC. This has been my voluntary review.
Review of advance copy received from Autor
The Second Tryst – Shannon Sanders
(Book 3 in the Alessi Brothers series)
A lovely second chance romance with a great balance of emotion and spice. 🔥
Adrian and Sydney are both big-hearted characters: she tries not to be a burden, and he is determined to be part of her life no matter what. Their story is about reconnecting, healing, and giving love another chance when the timing is right.
Sweet, emotional, and full of chemistry, a beautiful story about love and second chances.
(Book 3 in the Alessi Brothers series)
A lovely second chance romance with a great balance of emotion and spice. 🔥
Adrian and Sydney are both big-hearted characters: she tries not to be a burden, and he is determined to be part of her life no matter what. Their story is about reconnecting, healing, and giving love another chance when the timing is right.
Sweet, emotional, and full of chemistry, a beautiful story about love and second chances.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This one left me wanting so much more. I feel like there could have easily been another 100 pages of their happily ever after. But maybe I’m just greedy and wanted more Sydney and Adrain. I love the honest, open dialogue of a man with depression! And I related to so much of Sydney’s mental struggle of being a burden for things out of her control.
Second chance romance with a fake marriage? What more could you ask for!?
Second chance romance with a fake marriage? What more could you ask for!?
February 11, 2026
This book is tear jerker. Sydney and Adrian shared a first love. Their love was quiet, private and a secret from their families. Sydney pushed Adrian away when they could have supported each other. Life and fate step in for them. Truths come out. Now where do they go?? How do they move forward? You MUST read for the touching details. Adrian is such a sweetheart, I loved his character.
This BookSiren ARC is book that will grab you heart as it did mine.
This BookSiren ARC is book that will grab you heart as it did mine.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Five 🌟Spice🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
This is my first time reading a book by this author. I recieved this book as an ARC read . I am so glad that I did. The story of Sydney and Adrian was filled with love,hope, great banter and made me feel so many emotions. I couldn’t put it down once I started. I look forward to reading more books by this author.
This is my first time reading a book by this author. I recieved this book as an ARC read . I am so glad that I did. The story of Sydney and Adrian was filled with love,hope, great banter and made me feel so many emotions. I couldn’t put it down once I started. I look forward to reading more books by this author.
2026-completed
February 6, 2026🌟Advance Reader Copy review🌟
I did really enjoy this book! The flash backs, the small moments noticed by each character. The down side I didnt feel like it was long enough to really get to know Sydney and Adrian well enough. I wanted to read more about them and the small moments that build their stories. Very light spice great for people just getting into spicy books.
I did really enjoy this book! The flash backs, the small moments noticed by each character. The down side I didnt feel like it was long enough to really get to know Sydney and Adrian well enough. I wanted to read more about them and the small moments that build their stories. Very light spice great for people just getting into spicy books.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I DEVOURED this book. The story between Adrian and Sydney was so good. I love a book that doesn’t rely on the enemies to lovers trope and this delivered. The background, the romance, the laughs, the crying. I really loved this book. Definitely recommend!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC REVIEW: Loved this book! Quick read and mild spice but told a great story and kept my interest. It was funny, sad but overall very cute. This was the first book I read by the author and look forward to going back and reading the rest of the series.
Review of advance copy
This second chance romance was a cute read, loved the setting and the representation from both main characters.
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