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Second Chance on the Shore
A broken heart. A second chance. A coastal town where love might be worth the risk.
Carson Andrews is still learning how to breathe again. Two years after his wife’s murder, the single father pours everything he has into raising his spirited four-year-old daughter, Lily. When a new job brings them to Driftwood Bay as the town’s head basketball coach—and soon after, its athletic director—Carson hopes the quiet rhythm of this Texas coastal town will give them both the fresh start they need.
Mila Perry is done with dating. A dedicated high school volleyball coach and the superintendent’s daughter, she’s content focusing on her career and her community. Love feels messy, complicated, and far too easy to lose. She never expects to be drawn to the reserved newcomer—or to the little girl who quickly captures her heart.
As Carson settles into Driftwood Bay, his connection with Mila deepens from friendship into something fragile and profound. Mila brings warmth and laughter back into Carson’s life, forming a bond with Lily that feels both healing and terrifying. But their growing feelings come with real consequences. As athletic director, Carson is responsible for Mila’s evaluations, forcing them to navigate professional boundaries just as their hearts become involved.
When an influential community member questions their relationship, pressure mounts. Fearing the fallout could threaten their careers—and Lily’s sense of security—Mila suggests they step back before everything they’ve built is torn apart.
But some second chances are worth fighting for.
Can Carson and Mila overcome grief, expectations, and fear to create a family of their own—or will the past keep them from the future they both long for?
Meet the men and women of Driftwood Bay, a Texas coastal town where neighbors know your name and couples discover a second chance at life—and love. Warm, heartfelt, and emotionally grounded, Alexa Aston’s Second Chance on the Shore opens the Coastal Dreams series with a tender story of grief, healing, and the courage it takes to love again. Perfect for readers who cherish small-town settings, found family, and romances that unfold with depth and hope.
Carson Andrews is still learning how to breathe again. Two years after his wife’s murder, the single father pours everything he has into raising his spirited four-year-old daughter, Lily. When a new job brings them to Driftwood Bay as the town’s head basketball coach—and soon after, its athletic director—Carson hopes the quiet rhythm of this Texas coastal town will give them both the fresh start they need.
Mila Perry is done with dating. A dedicated high school volleyball coach and the superintendent’s daughter, she’s content focusing on her career and her community. Love feels messy, complicated, and far too easy to lose. She never expects to be drawn to the reserved newcomer—or to the little girl who quickly captures her heart.
As Carson settles into Driftwood Bay, his connection with Mila deepens from friendship into something fragile and profound. Mila brings warmth and laughter back into Carson’s life, forming a bond with Lily that feels both healing and terrifying. But their growing feelings come with real consequences. As athletic director, Carson is responsible for Mila’s evaluations, forcing them to navigate professional boundaries just as their hearts become involved.
When an influential community member questions their relationship, pressure mounts. Fearing the fallout could threaten their careers—and Lily’s sense of security—Mila suggests they step back before everything they’ve built is torn apart.
But some second chances are worth fighting for.
Can Carson and Mila overcome grief, expectations, and fear to create a family of their own—or will the past keep them from the future they both long for?
Meet the men and women of Driftwood Bay, a Texas coastal town where neighbors know your name and couples discover a second chance at life—and love. Warm, heartfelt, and emotionally grounded, Alexa Aston’s Second Chance on the Shore opens the Coastal Dreams series with a tender story of grief, healing, and the courage it takes to love again. Perfect for readers who cherish small-town settings, found family, and romances that unfold with depth and hope.
257 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 19, 2026
About the author
Alexa Aston
150 books493 followersAward-winning and USA Today bestselling author Alexa Aston lives with her husband in a Dallas suburb, where she eats her fair share of dark chocolate and plots out stories while she walks every morning. She enjoys travel, sports, and time with her family.
Her historical romances bring to life loveable rogues and dashing knights, while her contemporary romances are light and flirty and sometimes contain a bit of suspense.
Stay in touch with Alexa at:
Website: https://alexaaston.com/
Newsletter Sign-Up: https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/form...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authoralexaa...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AlexaAston
BookBub Follow: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/alexa...
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/author/alexaaston
BingeBooks Author Page: https://bingebooks.com/profile/AlexaA...
Goodreads Author Page: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
Her historical romances bring to life loveable rogues and dashing knights, while her contemporary romances are light and flirty and sometimes contain a bit of suspense.
Stay in touch with Alexa at:
Website: https://alexaaston.com/
Newsletter Sign-Up: https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/form...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authoralexaa...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AlexaAston
BookBub Follow: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/alexa...
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/author/alexaaston
BingeBooks Author Page: https://bingebooks.com/profile/AlexaA...
Goodreads Author Page: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
May 19, 2026
Second Chances on the Shore is a heartfelt story about loss, healing, and the courage to embrace happiness again, enriched by the author’s own heartfelt storytelling that shines through every page. Carson Andrews is still reeling from the devastating loss of his wife, struggling to rebuild his life while caring for his four-year-old daughter, Lily. His journey takes him to Driftwood Bay, a small coastal town where he begins a fresh chapter as the head basketball coach and athletic director.
Mila Perry, the town’s high school volleyball coach, has sworn off dating for a while—but from the moment she meets Carson, a spark quietly ignites. Their connection is tenderly built, grounded in mutual respect and shared passions, as they slowly open their hearts to the possibility of love.
The novel transitions beautifully from heartbreak to hope. Carson’s emotional awakening is handled with grace, and watching him grow closer to Mila feels genuine and earned. I was deeply invested in both Carson and Mila, and little Lily adds a touch of warmth and charm to every chapter. Their journey has its share of bumps, but the story never loses sight of its theme: that love can find you again when you least expect it. The author’s heartfelt approach makes each scene feel intimate and authentic, inviting readers to walk alongside the characters in their moments of grief and triumph.
The epilogue provides the perfect, satisfying glimpse into their future. This book left me with a full heart. It’s a gentle reminder that even after life’s deepest losses, new beginnings are possible—and sometimes, love shows up like the tide, quietly reshaping the shoreline of your life. If you’ve ever needed reassurance that hope can follow heartache, this story, told with such personal sincerity, will resonate deeply.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Mila Perry, the town’s high school volleyball coach, has sworn off dating for a while—but from the moment she meets Carson, a spark quietly ignites. Their connection is tenderly built, grounded in mutual respect and shared passions, as they slowly open their hearts to the possibility of love.
The novel transitions beautifully from heartbreak to hope. Carson’s emotional awakening is handled with grace, and watching him grow closer to Mila feels genuine and earned. I was deeply invested in both Carson and Mila, and little Lily adds a touch of warmth and charm to every chapter. Their journey has its share of bumps, but the story never loses sight of its theme: that love can find you again when you least expect it. The author’s heartfelt approach makes each scene feel intimate and authentic, inviting readers to walk alongside the characters in their moments of grief and triumph.
The epilogue provides the perfect, satisfying glimpse into their future. This book left me with a full heart. It’s a gentle reminder that even after life’s deepest losses, new beginnings are possible—and sometimes, love shows up like the tide, quietly reshaping the shoreline of your life. If you’ve ever needed reassurance that hope can follow heartache, this story, told with such personal sincerity, will resonate deeply.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy
Right at the start, my heart broke. Having small babies myself, the prologue hit very close to home. The rest of the book was far more gentle with my heart.
Alexa Aston delivers first sight jolts that don't disappoint. Her writing is easy to follow and makes sense logically as a reader, making her novels a joy to read.
As a parent I really connected with the maturity and perspectives around the protectiveness of Lily. Alexa Aston captures the nuances of parenthood extremely well, but I wonder if I would have connected the same with this book if I hadn't been a parent while reading it. Carson and Mila have a great love story with lots of their own growth and healing happening. A lot of the novel revolves around Lily (Carson's daughter) and sports versus the relationship itself, in my opinion.
If I'm being honest, I've read enough of Alexa Aston's books to be keeping an eye out for references to sons/daughters/friends who have left town who might just have an unexpected return to town to find love and friendship in future books. I've seen this play out in other series she has written, and I am here for it!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Alexa Aston delivers first sight jolts that don't disappoint. Her writing is easy to follow and makes sense logically as a reader, making her novels a joy to read.
As a parent I really connected with the maturity and perspectives around the protectiveness of Lily. Alexa Aston captures the nuances of parenthood extremely well, but I wonder if I would have connected the same with this book if I hadn't been a parent while reading it. Carson and Mila have a great love story with lots of their own growth and healing happening. A lot of the novel revolves around Lily (Carson's daughter) and sports versus the relationship itself, in my opinion.
If I'm being honest, I've read enough of Alexa Aston's books to be keeping an eye out for references to sons/daughters/friends who have left town who might just have an unexpected return to town to find love and friendship in future books. I've seen this play out in other series she has written, and I am here for it!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 19, 2026
I enjoyed this story of two teachers/coaches falling in love. There were times I was conflicted.
Carson is dad to four year old Lily. He is widowed and his wife was killed in a carjacking gone bad. He relocates to Driftwood Bay to take the Basketball head coach position and also will be the new athletic director.
Mila is the Driftwood Bay girls Volleyball head coach. Her dad is school superintendent. Her former boyfriend, also a coach, left with little warning so Mila is never going to date a coach again!
Instant attraction to each other for both Carson and Mila. They do everything right, letting the powers that be know they are dating. Of course, the first time there is a conflict between an athlete and a parent, they are targeted.
A good book, but I did have some issues with Mila being a bit wishy washy, and Carson trying to always be the good guy I loved the epilogue! It didn't leave the reader wondering what happened!
Carson is dad to four year old Lily. He is widowed and his wife was killed in a carjacking gone bad. He relocates to Driftwood Bay to take the Basketball head coach position and also will be the new athletic director.
Mila is the Driftwood Bay girls Volleyball head coach. Her dad is school superintendent. Her former boyfriend, also a coach, left with little warning so Mila is never going to date a coach again!
Instant attraction to each other for both Carson and Mila. They do everything right, letting the powers that be know they are dating. Of course, the first time there is a conflict between an athlete and a parent, they are targeted.
A good book, but I did have some issues with Mila being a bit wishy washy, and Carson trying to always be the good guy I loved the epilogue! It didn't leave the reader wondering what happened!
May 20, 2026
Second Chance on the Shore (Coastal Dreams Book 1) by Alexa Aston is a great beginning to a new series. Well written with two coaches/teachers. One's a widow, and the other swore to never date a coach again. They are mature, and considerate. Four year old Lily brings a realistic strength to the story. Ms. Aston provided a well thought out plot, with realistic characters in a small town setting.
I did feel the MMC and the FMC were interesting , I think one was a little more mature than the other. Small town conflict occurs that has big time consequences. Fans of Small Town Romance, School Conflict, Coaches dating, Second Chance Romances will enjoy SECOND CHANCE ON THE
SHORE. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bookspout and am voluntarily leaving an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Rating: 4
Heat rating: Sweet
Rating: AprilR
I did feel the MMC and the FMC were interesting , I think one was a little more mature than the other. Small town conflict occurs that has big time consequences. Fans of Small Town Romance, School Conflict, Coaches dating, Second Chance Romances will enjoy SECOND CHANCE ON THE
SHORE. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bookspout and am voluntarily leaving an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Rating: 4
Heat rating: Sweet
Rating: AprilR
May 20, 2026
Sweet small town romance set on the Texas coast
This is the first book in the new series set in Driftwood Bay, a small town on the coast of Texas. It's a sweet contemporary romance. Mila is the high school volleyball coach and Carson is a single dad who's relocating to town to coach the high school basketball team. The pair has to work through potential workplace conflicts of interest and a challenge by a local grouch. The book includes many of the hallmarks of previous Aston novels - a picturesque town square with a diner and quaint retail, a couple who communicate very earnestly with each other, close families with backyard gatherings, and a cast of colorful local characters. It's kind of predictable but Aston keeps you turning the pages and gives you characters you will like and empathize with. It's the book equivalent of comfort food.
This is the first book in the new series set in Driftwood Bay, a small town on the coast of Texas. It's a sweet contemporary romance. Mila is the high school volleyball coach and Carson is a single dad who's relocating to town to coach the high school basketball team. The pair has to work through potential workplace conflicts of interest and a challenge by a local grouch. The book includes many of the hallmarks of previous Aston novels - a picturesque town square with a diner and quaint retail, a couple who communicate very earnestly with each other, close families with backyard gatherings, and a cast of colorful local characters. It's kind of predictable but Aston keeps you turning the pages and gives you characters you will like and empathize with. It's the book equivalent of comfort food.
May 21, 2026
Carson and Mila both have known loss of love, but I can’t imagine losing one while they were protecting their child. After how her previous coach boyfriends abandoned her for their own promotions, I get why Mila would be reluctant to date another coach, especially one who is essentially her boss as the new athletic director. But it isn’t long before they are both all in regardless of what they must do to pursue a romantic relationship. If only disciplining one of his players who is not showing leadership on the court and in the classroom doesn’t derail their relationship and careers. Carson’s daughter Lily was adorable. I love that Mila has a close relationship with her two best friends and I’m hoping they feature in future books in this series. This was a steamy second chance small town coastal romance.
Review of advance copy
This is a fun, entertaining read. Carson and Mila are intriguing characters who captured my attention from the start and held it until the very end. I enjoyed their romance and the path it took to get to their HEA. I loved the small town and the unique characters who make it up. The secondary characters added to the fabric of the story and my enjoyment. The story is easy to read and get into.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Review of advance copy
This was a really sweet romance with Mila and Carson. And of course Lily. But both are learning to navigate life again. Him after losing his wife, and her not wanting to date again. I thought this was a really touching and heartfelt story about the two of them and living in a small town and also both being in the sports department at the school. The town doesn’t like their relationship. Carson thinks stepping back is the answer. She doesn’t. I loved that they both continued to move forward for their love. This was a really sweet story.
May 19, 2026
Second Chance on the Shore by Alexa Aston has likable characters, a realistic plot and rich emotions that you can feel along with the characters. The first book in the Coastal Dreams Series. Carson and Mila have maturity in their thinking so that their perspectives and goals are the kind that I appreciate and approve. Carson’s daughter and the students at the high school come first which shows integrity and wisdom. I know that once the friendship developed into something more that the work position and small-town setting would affect it. However, I was rooting for them all the way.
June 20, 2026
I really wanted to love this book, but unfortunately I just couldn't get past the third-person point of view. That's completely a personal preference of mine, and I found it difficult to fully connect with the story because of it.
The book may be wonderful for readers who enjoy third-person narration, but it just wasn't the right fit for me. Because of that, I ended up DNFing it, and my rating reflects my personal reading experience rather than the quality of the writing itself.
I'm sorry I couldn't finish it, and I truly believe other readers may have a very different experience.
The book may be wonderful for readers who enjoy third-person narration, but it just wasn't the right fit for me. Because of that, I ended up DNFing it, and my rating reflects my personal reading experience rather than the quality of the writing itself.
I'm sorry I couldn't finish it, and I truly believe other readers may have a very different experience.
Review of advance copy
The prologue is heartbreaking but lays the groundwork for the following romance.
Carson loses his wife Angie and devotes himself to raising their daughter.
He has a fresh start in anew community as a coach with administrative responsibilities.
He meets Mila and his heart awakens.
Their romance and work relationship are intermeshed and just fun.
Epilogue is sweet and a satisfying ending.
Enjoyable read with more to come.
I received an ARC but the honest opinion is my own.
Carson loses his wife Angie and devotes himself to raising their daughter.
He has a fresh start in anew community as a coach with administrative responsibilities.
He meets Mila and his heart awakens.
Their romance and work relationship are intermeshed and just fun.
Epilogue is sweet and a satisfying ending.
Enjoyable read with more to come.
I received an ARC but the honest opinion is my own.
May 20, 2026
This small town is so interconnected and family-minded. Not to mention sports-minded also. Carson and Mila complement each other, and their families and friends are always there to help and support. The sadness of Carson's background has helped form him into the responsible, caring person he is. Mila meeting Carson and Lila shows how much more her life can be.
May 22, 2026
I enjoyed reading this book which is the first in a new series. This was a story that quickly pulled me in and offered a great escape. I am looking forward to finding more by this author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5 Stars
This is a really good start to a new series! I really liked both Carson and Mila, their instant connection, and the way they navigated getting to know each other.
This is a really good start to a new series! I really liked both Carson and Mila, their instant connection, and the way they navigated getting to know each other.
July 8, 2026
Great read!
Great characters and story ad me curious about what was coming next!
I look forward to reading more from this author.
Great characters and story ad me curious about what was coming next!
I look forward to reading more from this author.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews