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SECOND CHANCES
To Louisa, the idea of hope is just that. An idea.
After a chance encounter Louisa’s Cinderella story begins, and no fairytale is complete without a Prince Charming – enter handsome, charismatic gentleman, Damien.
As he falls to her feet, Louisa prepares herself to ride off into the sunset.
Before Louisa can say ‘happily ever after’ the dream she never asked for, disintegrates into a nightmare.
The girl, who once upon a time, couldn’t even conceive the notion of hope, has to find some for herself.
Cinderella has to slay her own demons from now on, starting with Damien ….
After a chance encounter Louisa’s Cinderella story begins, and no fairytale is complete without a Prince Charming – enter handsome, charismatic gentleman, Damien.
As he falls to her feet, Louisa prepares herself to ride off into the sunset.
Before Louisa can say ‘happily ever after’ the dream she never asked for, disintegrates into a nightmare.
The girl, who once upon a time, couldn’t even conceive the notion of hope, has to find some for herself.
Cinderella has to slay her own demons from now on, starting with Damien ….
- GenresRomance
288 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 7, 2014
1 person is currently reading
4 people want to read
About the author
Phoenix Rainez
4 books14 followersBorn and raised in Zimbabwe, and now living in England. I’m a wife and mother of two daughters and four adorable young grandchildren. I’m an incurable romantic and a total chocoholic.
Favourite colour - purple.
Favourite time of the day - sunset.
Favourite pass time - long walks on the beach.
Poetry is my first love and passion and I’ve been writing poems since the age of ten. My family and friends kept encouraging me to write and publish my first book and I am so glad I have finally achieved this goal.
It is by no means my last book either as I have many more romantic stories to tell.
Favourite colour - purple.
Favourite time of the day - sunset.
Favourite pass time - long walks on the beach.
Poetry is my first love and passion and I’ve been writing poems since the age of ten. My family and friends kept encouraging me to write and publish my first book and I am so glad I have finally achieved this goal.
It is by no means my last book either as I have many more romantic stories to tell.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
February 5, 2015
SECOND CHANCES by P. Rainez - my review
It's been quite a while since I last read a proper romance novel, but the author soon set me on the right path, reminding me with her very first, fairytale-like chapters, what this genre represents and what its fans expect. This novel ticks all the boxes in that respect. The heroine's initial chapters were so reminiscent to me of how I would feel when I was that age (17-18), still dreaming of Prince Charming and the excitement of growing up into a woman I wanted to be. The author's style is light, reading flows easily, and it would make an excellent summer's read, especially considering its gorgeous African island setting. I know romance fans who would just relish at this story. I loved the authors descriptions of people and setting - never too long, but vivid and easy to imagine, the final runway scenes especially spectacular(fantastic cover to match). The main characters, especially Louise, are so young and romantic, the author makes you wish nothing bad happened to them, although you know it will. The physical, intimate details of their relationship are described in a rather traditional way, with a balance of emotion and sex, just enough to make an eager romance reader feel and see some 'spice', but never vulgar or over the top.
When the plot twists come, and they do come down heavy, they change the fairytale into a tragedy. I admire the author not reaching for an easy way out by introducing scandal or a third person. Life just happens to the very young married couple, and somehow, along the way, they lose their direction. Love is grand when it's all for the better, but when it comes to the worst, everything is put to the test. A long distance marriage, troubled by successful careers, illness of close friends, being parents too soon and lovers before friends... it all comes to an ugly, painful climax, and happiness is shattered. But like any proper romance author, Phoenix Rainez is an incorrigible romantic who proves that redemption is possible where real love is concerned, that time does heal where there is a will, and that open and honest communication, above all else, is the key to a mature, loving relationship. I am sure romance fans will love this story, and look forward to more from Phoenix Rainez.
It's been quite a while since I last read a proper romance novel, but the author soon set me on the right path, reminding me with her very first, fairytale-like chapters, what this genre represents and what its fans expect. This novel ticks all the boxes in that respect. The heroine's initial chapters were so reminiscent to me of how I would feel when I was that age (17-18), still dreaming of Prince Charming and the excitement of growing up into a woman I wanted to be. The author's style is light, reading flows easily, and it would make an excellent summer's read, especially considering its gorgeous African island setting. I know romance fans who would just relish at this story. I loved the authors descriptions of people and setting - never too long, but vivid and easy to imagine, the final runway scenes especially spectacular(fantastic cover to match). The main characters, especially Louise, are so young and romantic, the author makes you wish nothing bad happened to them, although you know it will. The physical, intimate details of their relationship are described in a rather traditional way, with a balance of emotion and sex, just enough to make an eager romance reader feel and see some 'spice', but never vulgar or over the top.
When the plot twists come, and they do come down heavy, they change the fairytale into a tragedy. I admire the author not reaching for an easy way out by introducing scandal or a third person. Life just happens to the very young married couple, and somehow, along the way, they lose their direction. Love is grand when it's all for the better, but when it comes to the worst, everything is put to the test. A long distance marriage, troubled by successful careers, illness of close friends, being parents too soon and lovers before friends... it all comes to an ugly, painful climax, and happiness is shattered. But like any proper romance author, Phoenix Rainez is an incorrigible romantic who proves that redemption is possible where real love is concerned, that time does heal where there is a will, and that open and honest communication, above all else, is the key to a mature, loving relationship. I am sure romance fans will love this story, and look forward to more from Phoenix Rainez.
May 24, 2017
This story is about juvenile passion, not Zimbabwe. I think it makes for a likeable YA novel. The tale delivers a modern day romance set in the rural, tourist region of Zimbabwe. Initially, it is void of scenic description, which is a pity. That particular area teams with an array of birds and wildlife. I have visited the area Phoenix wrote about so I could envision it, but people who have not visited Zimbabwe would not be any wiser after reading this. Towards the end, there was a small description but it came too late. The story is about two young people who are successful public figures in their own right, the one is a music star and the other a fashion star. They experience modern problems that older people may not necessarily sympathise with, considering the young couple's prosperity. Their love is based purely on physical attraction. They try hanging onto their independent lives while still married with the fruit of their union. A detour ensues before they realise what it is they want.
December 2, 2017
A painful journey through loss and love ensues in this romance. I won’t give any spoilers, but it is a rollercoaster of events.
Wonderful characters who make you cheer or cry for them, a writing feat that isn’t easy to pull off, but Rainez does so artfully.
I am glad I read this and could see it as a movie!
Wonderful characters who make you cheer or cry for them, a writing feat that isn’t easy to pull off, but Rainez does so artfully.
I am glad I read this and could see it as a movie!
December 8, 2019
A love story but far from simple, about a beautiful girl with a difficult past who falls in love with who she imagines is the perfect man. I won't give anything away only to say I had no idea how it was going to end. It was so gripping I couldn't wait to find out, but I resisted going to the back page.
January 31, 2016
A Lovely Romance That Delves Into Life's Serious Issues--A Must Read!
This debut novel by Phoenix Rainez is a beautiful story that starts out like a fairy tale for a poor orphan taken under the wings of Sally, a mature ex-model, now running a fashion boutique, and her photographer friend, Raymond. Prince Charming (Damien) falls head-over-heels in love with the young, innocent model, Louisa. A whirlwind romance and a baby is on the way. They are quickly married and so much in love.
It is a dream come true for Louisa until the pressures of life set in. Damien is the lead singer with a successful band, traveling all the time. Louisa understands until death and depression overwhelm her life. Damien is on an extended tour, and she cannot even get a phone call to him when she needs him most. Everything falls apart when Damien takes an angry, desperate action that destroys his young wife's mental health and threatens her life while Louisa is lost in mourning for her mother figure. This is where Phoenix Rainez comes into her own as an outstanding writer, handling serious life experiences in a meaningful, emotional way that is realistic and truly well-written. You literally see this author blossom as the plot unfolds.
And this is just the beginning of this unique romantic and explosive story that will steal your heart! Based in the global settings of Zimbabwe and England, there are cultural accents that flavor the art of storytelling, at which Rainez excels, weaving her plot into a MUST-READ adventure ... including the story behind the sexy picture on the cover of a beautiful woman wrapped in an exotic snake.
I wished I could have rated this debut novel higher, but there are some editorial issues that need to be resolved. Not enough to detract significantly from the overall book, but enough to warrant mentioning since editing is my primary profession. Still, I highly recommend this book to those who love romance, an inspiring female character, and a unique reading experience. I look forward to Ms Rainez' next book.
This debut novel by Phoenix Rainez is a beautiful story that starts out like a fairy tale for a poor orphan taken under the wings of Sally, a mature ex-model, now running a fashion boutique, and her photographer friend, Raymond. Prince Charming (Damien) falls head-over-heels in love with the young, innocent model, Louisa. A whirlwind romance and a baby is on the way. They are quickly married and so much in love.
It is a dream come true for Louisa until the pressures of life set in. Damien is the lead singer with a successful band, traveling all the time. Louisa understands until death and depression overwhelm her life. Damien is on an extended tour, and she cannot even get a phone call to him when she needs him most. Everything falls apart when Damien takes an angry, desperate action that destroys his young wife's mental health and threatens her life while Louisa is lost in mourning for her mother figure. This is where Phoenix Rainez comes into her own as an outstanding writer, handling serious life experiences in a meaningful, emotional way that is realistic and truly well-written. You literally see this author blossom as the plot unfolds.
And this is just the beginning of this unique romantic and explosive story that will steal your heart! Based in the global settings of Zimbabwe and England, there are cultural accents that flavor the art of storytelling, at which Rainez excels, weaving her plot into a MUST-READ adventure ... including the story behind the sexy picture on the cover of a beautiful woman wrapped in an exotic snake.
I wished I could have rated this debut novel higher, but there are some editorial issues that need to be resolved. Not enough to detract significantly from the overall book, but enough to warrant mentioning since editing is my primary profession. Still, I highly recommend this book to those who love romance, an inspiring female character, and a unique reading experience. I look forward to Ms Rainez' next book.
August 11, 2015
I was given an ARC of Second Chances in exchange for an honest review. This is a Amazing Book from this first time Phoenix Rainez. Louisa grew up in an orphanage and came to live with Sally when she was sixteen. Raymond discoveries her in Sally'e dress shop on her eighteen birthday. She agrees to model for him and Sally will be her manager. When Damien sees her he immediately falls in love and with Sally's permission he begins to court her. Because of her upbringing it is hard for her to imagine someone as handsome and wealthy as Damien interested in her. They both fall madly in love and everything goes smoothly until Sally becomes sick. Damien cannot handle the illness and death of her beloved friend. Each of them do things that hurt the other, maybe not intentionally. They drift further and further apart. Damien decides that the best thing is for him to file for divorce. When they meet for the hearing, because of their son, they decide to have a friendly relationship. Louisa has returned to modeling and is even more successful then before. Louisa returns to Zimbabwe to do some charity fashion shows and spends a lot of time with Damien and their son Daniel. She realizes that her feelings for him have changed. She has grown and matured and so has Damien. Can this growth and maturity lead to Louisa and Damien taking a second chance at love? Is it possible to regain the love they had and make it even better with maturity? The cover alone, would make me want to read this book.
April 24, 2016
A perfect Romance set in Africa
In Second Chances we meet young Louisa, who was orphaned as a baby but found a wonderful mother figure in Sally. In Sally's dressmaking shop she is 'discovered' by Sally's former lover, Raymond, a photographer. With her beauty and gorgeous red hair, he is sure Louisa could become a famous model. She is naive but a natural in front of the camera. Her beauty is soon spotted by Damien, the local wealthy young hunk. They fall in love and very quickly have to marry as Louisa becomes pregnant. Within a very short space of time, she experiences love, death, depression and heartache.
Second chances is a delightful romance that captured my attention from the first page. I could not turn the pages fast enough as I went on the journey with the characters.
I love the cover and the fact that the novel has a
In Second Chances we meet young Louisa, who was orphaned as a baby but found a wonderful mother figure in Sally. In Sally's dressmaking shop she is 'discovered' by Sally's former lover, Raymond, a photographer. With her beauty and gorgeous red hair, he is sure Louisa could become a famous model. She is naive but a natural in front of the camera. Her beauty is soon spotted by Damien, the local wealthy young hunk. They fall in love and very quickly have to marry as Louisa becomes pregnant. Within a very short space of time, she experiences love, death, depression and heartache.
Second chances is a delightful romance that captured my attention from the first page. I could not turn the pages fast enough as I went on the journey with the characters.
I love the cover and the fact that the novel has a
September 7, 2016
I'm not much for romantic stories anymore, but I did feel a lump in my throat at the conclusion of Louisa and Damien's journey from Zimbabwe to England. Their paths take them through passionate young love, heart-wrenching loss, betrayal and breakdown to recovery, rebuilding and redemption. Their story kept me reading to the end!
February 21, 2015
Phoenix Rainez did a great job of grabbing my attention from the start of this book. Her main characters were engaging and Lou held inner depths that I felt would come out before the end of the novel. Damien did not disappoint as a leading man. I look forward to reading more from this author.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews