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Nugget #3
Second Chances
Nugget, California, is a spot-in-the-road that's easy to miss. But this little mountain town knows how to give the struggling and discouraged many paths back to happiness—and love…
Reporter Harlee Roberts is used to finding the story, not living it. Unfortunately, losing her dream job and glittering city life means she needs a serious rewrite. Downtime at her parents' cabin in Nugget is a break she could really use. But the less her rugged woodworker neighbor has to say to her, the more Harlee’s natural curiosity is piqued, and the more she wants exclusive access—to his heart…
Nugget's open spaces and mountain quiet are the perfect refuge for Colin Burke. All he wants is solitude, to mind his own business—and for Harlee to mind hers. Still, her live-wire personality and take-no-prisoners commitment to those she cares about are a temptation pulling him way too close. Is their connection strong enough to survive his secrets—and risk a future together?
Reporter Harlee Roberts is used to finding the story, not living it. Unfortunately, losing her dream job and glittering city life means she needs a serious rewrite. Downtime at her parents' cabin in Nugget is a break she could really use. But the less her rugged woodworker neighbor has to say to her, the more Harlee’s natural curiosity is piqued, and the more she wants exclusive access—to his heart…
Nugget's open spaces and mountain quiet are the perfect refuge for Colin Burke. All he wants is solitude, to mind his own business—and for Harlee to mind hers. Still, her live-wire personality and take-no-prisoners commitment to those she cares about are a temptation pulling him way too close. Is their connection strong enough to survive his secrets—and risk a future together?
285 pages, Paperback
First published April 13, 2015
148 people are currently reading
529 people want to read
About the author
Stacy Finz
37 books546 followersStacy Finz is an award-winning former newspaper reporter. After more than twenty years covering notorious serial killers, naked-tractor-driving farmers, fanatical foodies, aging rock stars and weird Western towns, she figured she finally had enough material to launch a career writing fiction. She is the author of the Nugget Romance series (Kensington/Lyrical Press) about a small mountain town that has a strange way of giving people unexpected reasons to start over--and find the most irresistible chances to fall in love. Look for her Garner Brothers series (Zebra) in 2017.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
September 4, 2019
Reviewed for Romancing the Readers Blog: https://romancingthereaders.blogspot....
What's a good year for a reader? Ton's of books read. What's a bad year for a reviewer? Ton's of books read and not reviewed yet. Yep, I have a ton of them to review. So let's get to it.
This is a series that I read the first two books and then let the rest fall to the side while I read others. At the beginning of the year, I picked them up and again and couldn't put them down. I had to read them all until I finished the series. I'm so glad that I did.
In Second Chances you have one of my favorite hero's, Colin Burke. Right away his character called to me from the second he was introduced to the series. I think it was because of the mystery that surrounds him. The less you know the sexier he becomes.
Messed up, I know.
I think the reason I thought these two are so perfect together is the fact that Colin has secrets about his past and Harlee needs to know....everything!
For them, it's a slightly bumpy road, for us a great read.
I really enjoyed the romance between Colin and Harlee. I liked how she supported him and he was there for her when she needed him. They just worked together. I also enjoyed how Harlee soon learned that there was more to life than the big city. She found people she liked and who liked her back and a man who loved her.
If you haven't yet read this series it's a must-read. Even though this is only the third book in the series it was a favorite of mine.
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What's a good year for a reader? Ton's of books read. What's a bad year for a reviewer? Ton's of books read and not reviewed yet. Yep, I have a ton of them to review. So let's get to it.
This is a series that I read the first two books and then let the rest fall to the side while I read others. At the beginning of the year, I picked them up and again and couldn't put them down. I had to read them all until I finished the series. I'm so glad that I did.
In Second Chances you have one of my favorite hero's, Colin Burke. Right away his character called to me from the second he was introduced to the series. I think it was because of the mystery that surrounds him. The less you know the sexier he becomes.
Messed up, I know.
I think the reason I thought these two are so perfect together is the fact that Colin has secrets about his past and Harlee needs to know....everything!
For them, it's a slightly bumpy road, for us a great read.
I really enjoyed the romance between Colin and Harlee. I liked how she supported him and he was there for her when she needed him. They just worked together. I also enjoyed how Harlee soon learned that there was more to life than the big city. She found people she liked and who liked her back and a man who loved her.
If you haven't yet read this series it's a must-read. Even though this is only the third book in the series it was a favorite of mine.
Follow me on:
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June 28, 2015
Harlee's life isn't going nearly the way she thought it would. Despite being the best investigative reporter at the paper, she's been let go due to declining sales combined with lack of seniority. The apartment she could barely afford is now completely out of her reach, and the credit cards she used so liberally to live it up in San Francisco are nothing more than a pile of bills she can't pay. Refusing to move back into her childhood bedroom — the ultimate symbol of failure — she takes her parents' offer of living in their vacation home in the small town of Nugget. But as much as she wants another job in journalism, the town is growing on her. Especially the people. Especially the rugged, quiet, incredible man next door.
Judging Covers: That's not how I picture Colin and Harlee, but it's definitely a step up from the previous covers in the series. Mind you, the other covers were actually pretty, including the paperback cover I first saw for this book. But photos of buildings, no matter how nice, don't exactly convey romance. So whether the couple here resembles the one in my mind or not, I'm glad to see the graphics pointing more toward the actual genre.
The Verdict: The books in this series just keep getting better and better! If you'll remember, I wasn't a huge fan of Rhys in the first book, but the writing and story were so good that I stuck with the series. The second one was great, and it included an important piece to the plot that I'm not sure I've ever seen in another romance — at least not the way it played out. But as much as I liked it, I think Second Chances is my new favorite Nugget romance!
Harlee's easy to like from the get-go. She's a bit out of sorts, having lost her job and, in a way, her independence. But she's doing everything she can to get back out there without taking too many handouts. She was a bit of a shopaholic before leaving San Francisco, but it's clear early on that she's no fashionista. She's just a woman who was enjoying life in a great city, and that included taking advantage of all the fashion while she was there. But she's pretty strong-willed and definitely capable of taking care of herself — and finding help when she needs it.
Colin has been a bit of an enigma since the first book. It was always clear that he's a good guy, but he's rather anti-social and never has too much to say. He's isolated himself in a cabin off the beaten path, interacting with the citizens of small-town Nugget only when he has to, but he's been there long enough and done such great carpentry work that the townsfolk have a high enough opinion of him.
Colin's past really surprised me, not only in what he'd been through, but also the gritty realism of it. Much like in Finding Hope, there was no neat, clean explanation that immediately cleared everything up. He was a man who made a terrible mistake, even though he never intended what happened, and he paid the price. Nugget is simply the small town he escaped to where he thought he'd be comfortable and could do his best to fly under the radar.
Aside from the fantastic writing, one thing that sets this series apart is the secondary stories. In other romance series, you meet additional characters, maybe get a general idea of what they want or are missing, and you can look forward to maybe getting their whole stories in future books. But in the Nugget series, you get your main story with a side of full secondary stories. While Harlee and Colin were stumbling toward what I hoped would be a happily ever after, Wyatt got his second chance (maybe) at love. At the same time, Sophie and Mariah continued building their family, and Griffin and Lina hit a few bumps in the road. And since we get the occasional chapter from their points of view, we get a really good look into what's happening outside of the main couple.
I so enjoyed the way Colin's story was slowly revealed, right down to the awful and tragic details, that I don't really want to give anything away in a review. Suffice it to say, though, that the Nugget series is quite unlike any other I've read, and I can't wait to get my hands on the next book! Stacy Finz has a way of spinning a plot into something three-dimensional and wonderfully realistic in a way you rarely find in the romance section.
***FicCentral received this book from Kensington Books (via NetGalley) for free in exchange for an honest review.
August 15, 2015
Like book 2 in the Nugget series, this book is technically better than Nugget book 1. Better pacing, better character development, tighter storytelling. But gosh do I miss the wonderfully eccentric tilt of that goofily fun first book!!
Still, a great series.
**sexually explicit in a few passages, but also has an actual story; not just about sex.**
Still, a great series.
**sexually explicit in a few passages, but also has an actual story; not just about sex.**
August 18, 2017
Second Chances is the third book in Stacy Finz Nugget Series and IMHO it is a worthy addition to the series. This is the story of Harlee and out of work investigative reporter with some shopaholic issues and Colin a carpenter/furniture maker with a secret dark past and is saddled with some social phobias as a result. Which Ms. Finz smartly makes us wait until the last portion of the story to discover.
The Good: Ms. Finz does a great job of humanizing her characters. They aren't perfect people. They don't always say or do the right things because they don't always know what the right thing to say or do is. This leads them to stumble in their lives and relationships just like real people do. The other thing I find uniquely special about Ms. Finz writing is that she has so many subplots going on among the minor characters in the story along with the main thread. Also she doesn't shy away from darker subjects in her characters lives. In the first book Rhys is dealing with his father's dementia while Maddy is dealing with her estranged husband's adultery with her best friend and going through a messy divorce. In the second book Emily is dealing with the horror of having had her six year old daughter abducted and never found while Clay is dealing with the effects of his late cheating wife's death on his two boys. In this book Colin's backstory is truly sad but I won't say anymore as to not give the story away. As with the second book all the wonderful characters of the small Sierra-Nevada town of Nugget Ca. are present and accounted for so we get to keep up with the goings on in their lives which is something I truly enjoy when I read a book series. And Ms. Finz doesn't just give them a casual mention to maintain the series link. Many of them get prominent roles in this story too.
The Bad: There isn't much. Harlee is running an investigative service for those who delve into online dating to verify if their perspective mates are on the up and up or have a shady background. Which makes you wonder how she never gets around to researching Colin's background until almost the end of the story. I also thought the reason Colin hadn't revealed his dark secret to Harlee was very understandable and she was too hard on him for keeping it to himself. And Colin's sudden turn-around in his decision to pursue Harlee reminds me of the first book in the way Rhys change of heart almost gave me whiplash. Its not that we as readers don't want or know it's going to happen. It's just the way it happens its as if the heroes were suddenly visited by an angel in a dream or had an overnight epiphany to change their minds. There's just no evidence leading up to it that they're contemplating a change of heart even if we all know it's the right thing to do.
I did truly enjoy this story just as I had the previous two. There are now ten books in the series and if Ms. Finz can maintain the writing quality in each of them that she has in the first three, she has me hooked as a loyal reader.
The Good: Ms. Finz does a great job of humanizing her characters. They aren't perfect people. They don't always say or do the right things because they don't always know what the right thing to say or do is. This leads them to stumble in their lives and relationships just like real people do. The other thing I find uniquely special about Ms. Finz writing is that she has so many subplots going on among the minor characters in the story along with the main thread. Also she doesn't shy away from darker subjects in her characters lives. In the first book Rhys is dealing with his father's dementia while Maddy is dealing with her estranged husband's adultery with her best friend and going through a messy divorce. In the second book Emily is dealing with the horror of having had her six year old daughter abducted and never found while Clay is dealing with the effects of his late cheating wife's death on his two boys. In this book Colin's backstory is truly sad but I won't say anymore as to not give the story away. As with the second book all the wonderful characters of the small Sierra-Nevada town of Nugget Ca. are present and accounted for so we get to keep up with the goings on in their lives which is something I truly enjoy when I read a book series. And Ms. Finz doesn't just give them a casual mention to maintain the series link. Many of them get prominent roles in this story too.
The Bad: There isn't much. Harlee is running an investigative service for those who delve into online dating to verify if their perspective mates are on the up and up or have a shady background. Which makes you wonder how she never gets around to researching Colin's background until almost the end of the story. I also thought the reason Colin hadn't revealed his dark secret to Harlee was very understandable and she was too hard on him for keeping it to himself. And Colin's sudden turn-around in his decision to pursue Harlee reminds me of the first book in the way Rhys change of heart almost gave me whiplash. Its not that we as readers don't want or know it's going to happen. It's just the way it happens its as if the heroes were suddenly visited by an angel in a dream or had an overnight epiphany to change their minds. There's just no evidence leading up to it that they're contemplating a change of heart even if we all know it's the right thing to do.
I did truly enjoy this story just as I had the previous two. There are now ten books in the series and if Ms. Finz can maintain the writing quality in each of them that she has in the first three, she has me hooked as a loyal reader.
March 20, 2021
Another Nugget book for the win! 3 books in and I'm a giant fan. I love the small town of Nugget and even though we meet a new couple every time, we still get to see our old favorites.
Harlee Roberts is a reporter from San Francisco who loses her job after she is downsized. She moves to her parents cabin in Nugget to grow her start up. Soon, she becomes fast friends with her rugged neighbor, Colin Burke. Colin Burke is a quiet man with a gift for creating furniture. He lives a life of solitude and Harlee coming into his life is the spark he needs to brighten his life, but he has secrets that he's been keeping since he moved to Nugget.
Harlee and Colin are wonderful together. Harlee brings Colin out of his shell and encourages him to continue to overcome his fears. She's always looking for ways to help me do more with his talent and is so supportive. I enjoyed watching them get to know each other but reading about the town and all it's residents makes me feel like I'm a part of Nugget as well.
Darla and Harlee's friendship should not go forgotten because it is a major part of the book and it was so nice to see a healthy relationship. They both push each other and have someone to lean on as they adjust back to the Nugget life.
The side stories - Darla and Wyatt, Lina and Griffin, Nate and Sam? - are very entertaining and gives you a glimpse into what's coming in the future. I don't typically enjoy reading about "side characters" but, in this case, it makes the books even better because, like I've said before, this isn't a book about the characters, it's more a book about Nugget.
Harlee Roberts is a reporter from San Francisco who loses her job after she is downsized. She moves to her parents cabin in Nugget to grow her start up. Soon, she becomes fast friends with her rugged neighbor, Colin Burke. Colin Burke is a quiet man with a gift for creating furniture. He lives a life of solitude and Harlee coming into his life is the spark he needs to brighten his life, but he has secrets that he's been keeping since he moved to Nugget.
Harlee and Colin are wonderful together. Harlee brings Colin out of his shell and encourages him to continue to overcome his fears. She's always looking for ways to help me do more with his talent and is so supportive. I enjoyed watching them get to know each other but reading about the town and all it's residents makes me feel like I'm a part of Nugget as well.
Darla and Harlee's friendship should not go forgotten because it is a major part of the book and it was so nice to see a healthy relationship. They both push each other and have someone to lean on as they adjust back to the Nugget life.
The side stories - Darla and Wyatt, Lina and Griffin, Nate and Sam? - are very entertaining and gives you a glimpse into what's coming in the future. I don't typically enjoy reading about "side characters" but, in this case, it makes the books even better because, like I've said before, this isn't a book about the characters, it's more a book about Nugget.
October 27, 2022
This one was more in the 4.5 star range. Colin has intrigued me from the first book although I had a feeling what was going on with him was partly what it turned out to be (no spoilers). I have loved his willingness to help, his talent not only for restoring buildings back to their glory but his furniture making, and the fact that he's a quiet man and doesn't run his mouth and say inappropriate things about women to other men (yes Rhys and Clay books 1 and 2 I'm side-eyeing your both). Harlee I wasn't so sure about but I did love how she wanted to help Colin from the start. They are complete opposites she is lively and outgoing and not used to peace and quiet and he is a loner and refuses to be in large groups of people (there is a good reason). I grew to like Harlee more and more as this book went on mainly because I loved the way she jumped in to befriend others and champion for them, while she seemed a bit immature at times (her spending habits and not always thinking through things before doing), I do believe more than anything helping others was a calling for her. Best of all we see intimacy in this book, not over done or overly graphic. This is my favorite in the series so far, I love this town and the quirky residents (well except for maybe the Bear people who are just effing crazy) and I feel like this series is improving with each book.
May 30, 2017
This book is a disappointment in this series. I didn't like Harlee at all and her job of checking people's backgrounds and totally being a snoop and getting paid for it. I liked Colin but thought that is really was a bit much to wait until the very last part of the book before his secret past was revealed. I just really did not care for this story in the Nugget series although I have liked others. Instead of using the term demophobia why not just use the term agoraphobia which is the more commonly known term for this condition. I am really not sure why I read the whole book except that I hoped it would improve...it didn't.
April 28, 2021
Terrific story
Second Chances is a great story that has two flawed but believable characters in Harlee and Colin that keeps you rooting for them. Plus all the supporting characters are just as good as can be. Loved every bit of this story. It’s my first Nugget romance and I’m going to start with Book 1 now and keep going. Then I’ll find anything else Stacy has written and read it, too! I’d suggest you do the same!
Second Chances is a great story that has two flawed but believable characters in Harlee and Colin that keeps you rooting for them. Plus all the supporting characters are just as good as can be. Loved every bit of this story. It’s my first Nugget romance and I’m going to start with Book 1 now and keep going. Then I’ll find anything else Stacy has written and read it, too! I’d suggest you do the same!
Did not finish
February 23, 2022So I was skimming a lot because the plot didn't seem to be progressing. We finally find what Colin was in jail for and it's this whole sob story about how he was convicted for something he didn't do because he was a poor little white boy in the wrong place at the wrong time and the "lynch-mob" needed to make an example of him for this crime that had "as many racial overtones as Rodney King's" . Seriously?
Yeah, that's when I decided I was done.
Yeah, that's when I decided I was done.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 1, 2021
These storys are so good. Love the town of Nugget an its kookie people wish I could live there. This book was really good but be aware unlike the books leading to it this book is slower paced an really really aggravating at times. But still a really good book.
December 5, 2025
Oh, Colin! I have really felt Colin's story building from the first book of the series and was so happy to find that this really was Colin's book.
I hope we get to keep following along with his journey in future books.
I hope we get to keep following along with his journey in future books.
August 18, 2017
Another golden nugget from the Nugget series. So far I have not been disappointed.
December 1, 2018
SECOND CHANCES
Book 3 in the Nugget Romance series, and the best one so far. Loved this book, loved the romance between Colin and Harlee- great characters.
Book 3 in the Nugget Romance series, and the best one so far. Loved this book, loved the romance between Colin and Harlee- great characters.
January 25, 2019
Wonderful characters in a wonderful community. Can't wait to read the next book in this series.
May 21, 2019
Really glad we got Colin's story.
January 21, 2021
Good series
The twists and turns that the reader experiences in these books keeps you guessing and then some! Don't miss this book
The twists and turns that the reader experiences in these books keeps you guessing and then some! Don't miss this book
December 20, 2021
4.3/5
An interesting and engaging romance novel set in a small mountainous town.
An interesting and engaging romance novel set in a small mountainous town.
May 5, 2022
Awesome Series
I have only read 3 of this series but I am loving all of her books! Ready for the next book!
I have only read 3 of this series but I am loving all of her books! Ready for the next book!
October 10, 2023
Harlee and Colin
October 10, 2023
Harlee and Colin
April 28, 2015
This is a nice, sweet romance highlighting a second chance at life for both the hero and heroine. I enjoy small town romances; they always seem full of hope and interesting characters.
Colin Burke has lived in Nugget, California for several years. He enjoys the quiet lifestyle and keeps to himself most of the time, and his passion for woodworking has gained him a reputation for quality furniture. The quiet comes to a close when someone moves into the cabin next door and he is a little leery, not sure what to make of a nosy ex-reporter.
Harlee is looking to start over; she lost her job as a newspaper reporter and decides to stay at her family’s cabin to regroup. While working in San Francisco she developed a small business as a detective of sorts, she digs up information on the profiles listed in Online dating services. She believes she can make this work full time, and begins to plan.
When she meets the sexy neighbor she is intrigued and glad for the helpful hand as her cabin has not been lived in for some time. The two have instant chemistry but Colin’s past prevents him from moving on and she is not sure she can overcome the obstacles.
When I read the blurb, I was intrigued; I enjoy a man of mystery and the promise of second chances. It is unfortunate that the reason he is living away from civilization by himself, is not my favorite trope to read. I won’t spoil the mystery but I usually avoid this premise.
Harlee is cute and very likable, reporters are usually portrayed as pushy in life but the author created a character that is nice and thoughtful as she reinvents her life. I enjoyed her interaction with the locals in town and of course with Colin. She likes him immediately and is happy whenever he shows up.
Colin is a man of mystery who likes to be alone, he has serious issues being in a crowd or small places, yet he can’t seem to stay away from the new neighbor. He is worried that as a former reporter she might find out about him, but still is drawn to her. And that was the question I had, I was confused by the fact that Harlee never looked up information on Colin until the end and then she was mad, usually reporters are inquisitive and try to find out everything they can, but she begins this intimate relationship with Colin and never investigates – she has a business looking up online daters, why not him?
Secondary characters play a huge role here, not only are we privy to Colin and Harlee’s story but there are several subplots going on throughout this small town. This is the third in the series and can easily be read as a standalone, I have not read the first two and had no problem keeping up. A cute small town romance full of hope and second chances.
Review at: Ramblings from a Chaotic Mind
Copy from publisher for an honest review
Colin Burke has lived in Nugget, California for several years. He enjoys the quiet lifestyle and keeps to himself most of the time, and his passion for woodworking has gained him a reputation for quality furniture. The quiet comes to a close when someone moves into the cabin next door and he is a little leery, not sure what to make of a nosy ex-reporter.
Harlee is looking to start over; she lost her job as a newspaper reporter and decides to stay at her family’s cabin to regroup. While working in San Francisco she developed a small business as a detective of sorts, she digs up information on the profiles listed in Online dating services. She believes she can make this work full time, and begins to plan.
When she meets the sexy neighbor she is intrigued and glad for the helpful hand as her cabin has not been lived in for some time. The two have instant chemistry but Colin’s past prevents him from moving on and she is not sure she can overcome the obstacles.
When I read the blurb, I was intrigued; I enjoy a man of mystery and the promise of second chances. It is unfortunate that the reason he is living away from civilization by himself, is not my favorite trope to read. I won’t spoil the mystery but I usually avoid this premise.
Harlee is cute and very likable, reporters are usually portrayed as pushy in life but the author created a character that is nice and thoughtful as she reinvents her life. I enjoyed her interaction with the locals in town and of course with Colin. She likes him immediately and is happy whenever he shows up.
Colin is a man of mystery who likes to be alone, he has serious issues being in a crowd or small places, yet he can’t seem to stay away from the new neighbor. He is worried that as a former reporter she might find out about him, but still is drawn to her. And that was the question I had, I was confused by the fact that Harlee never looked up information on Colin until the end and then she was mad, usually reporters are inquisitive and try to find out everything they can, but she begins this intimate relationship with Colin and never investigates – she has a business looking up online daters, why not him?
Secondary characters play a huge role here, not only are we privy to Colin and Harlee’s story but there are several subplots going on throughout this small town. This is the third in the series and can easily be read as a standalone, I have not read the first two and had no problem keeping up. A cute small town romance full of hope and second chances.
Review at: Ramblings from a Chaotic Mind
Copy from publisher for an honest review
Read
January 2, 2017I haven't been on Goodreads & forgot to UPDATED ALL MY READ BOOKS ... uggg I have been so naughty & have to get off my arse. Get back into gear!
April 2, 2015
I really enjoyed Finding Hope, book #2 in the series. Not only was the romance between the main characters well crafted, but so were the other inhabitants of the town of Nugget, CA. Each person I met added to the story and really added to the flavor and character of the town and had me wanting to plan a little vacation out there to meet everyone and Second Chances just drives home that feeling, though I may only visit in the summer time.
The main romance revolves around Colin and Harlee and I really liked both of them, though Harlee could be a bit much at times. The issues Colin faced, coupled how he felt about his past had my heart breaking for him and also understanding why he felt the need to be alone. But even with his demons, Colin still proved to be a good person and one who gave his all, whether it was with carpentry or helping a neighbor in need out. Harlee is a force of nature. Even though she feels beaten down, she picks herself up and keeps moving forward. She can be a little pushy, but it’s done because she has a good heart and wants to help those she likes. I liked how their relationship grew. There were many times I wanted to reach through my ereader, shake them both and tell them to just communicate with one another, but even if could have done that it wouldn’t have done any good. But as their story progressed you could see how well matched they were and how they balanced each other out.
As I said, the town of Nugget and it’s occupants are as much of a draw as the main HEA couple are and in this one it’s no different. Not only do we get to catch up with everyone from the previous books and find out what’s going on with them, but we get to meet a few new people and their impact on the good people of Nugget. And if you are new to the series, you can definitely pick this one up and not feel in the least bit lost, but reading the series in order would definitely be best.
Overall: I really enjoyed this book. It’s a sweet and well written romance with a great cast of characters, some quirky and some not, that I want to know more about with each turn of the page.
~ I received an ARC from Kensington Lyrical Press via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review ~
The main romance revolves around Colin and Harlee and I really liked both of them, though Harlee could be a bit much at times. The issues Colin faced, coupled how he felt about his past had my heart breaking for him and also understanding why he felt the need to be alone. But even with his demons, Colin still proved to be a good person and one who gave his all, whether it was with carpentry or helping a neighbor in need out. Harlee is a force of nature. Even though she feels beaten down, she picks herself up and keeps moving forward. She can be a little pushy, but it’s done because she has a good heart and wants to help those she likes. I liked how their relationship grew. There were many times I wanted to reach through my ereader, shake them both and tell them to just communicate with one another, but even if could have done that it wouldn’t have done any good. But as their story progressed you could see how well matched they were and how they balanced each other out.
As I said, the town of Nugget and it’s occupants are as much of a draw as the main HEA couple are and in this one it’s no different. Not only do we get to catch up with everyone from the previous books and find out what’s going on with them, but we get to meet a few new people and their impact on the good people of Nugget. And if you are new to the series, you can definitely pick this one up and not feel in the least bit lost, but reading the series in order would definitely be best.
Overall: I really enjoyed this book. It’s a sweet and well written romance with a great cast of characters, some quirky and some not, that I want to know more about with each turn of the page.
~ I received an ARC from Kensington Lyrical Press via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review ~
September 18, 2015
Harlee was trying to find her footing after losing her job as a reporter to a big city paper. Colin was just trying to live a quiet existence without anyone finding out the truth about his past. Their worlds collided over Harlee's U-Haul trailer hanging off the side of the road and never untangled.
Despite Colin's best attempts to keep Harlee at arm's length, she wormed her way into his life and his heart by simply being herself. She not only talked to him just because, she helped him out with his social anxiety disorder and claustrophobia without really knowing why he suffered from both. She gave him space and backed off when he closed down, but she didn't abandon him. She was still there when he came to his senses, still there despite his sending her away after she discovered his past.
Harlee was a force to be reckoned with but she knew a good person when she met one. Colin was a good person. Learning about his past didn't lessen her feelings for him or scare her away. She hung in there, moving ahead with life even though her life was with Colin in Nugget, hoping that he would realize what they had wasn't just a good thing, it was an incredible thing.
I really can't believe I haven't read any of the other books in this series. The town of Nugget is charming to say the least, and the characters give it more depth and personality than I thought possible. Colin and Harlee's story is sweet, sensual, and shows how worthy one person can be of a second chance at happiness despite their past.
(Received from NetGalley via Pump Up Your Book for an honest review)
Despite Colin's best attempts to keep Harlee at arm's length, she wormed her way into his life and his heart by simply being herself. She not only talked to him just because, she helped him out with his social anxiety disorder and claustrophobia without really knowing why he suffered from both. She gave him space and backed off when he closed down, but she didn't abandon him. She was still there when he came to his senses, still there despite his sending her away after she discovered his past.
Harlee was a force to be reckoned with but she knew a good person when she met one. Colin was a good person. Learning about his past didn't lessen her feelings for him or scare her away. She hung in there, moving ahead with life even though her life was with Colin in Nugget, hoping that he would realize what they had wasn't just a good thing, it was an incredible thing.
I really can't believe I haven't read any of the other books in this series. The town of Nugget is charming to say the least, and the characters give it more depth and personality than I thought possible. Colin and Harlee's story is sweet, sensual, and shows how worthy one person can be of a second chance at happiness despite their past.
(Received from NetGalley via Pump Up Your Book for an honest review)
April 23, 2015
Stacy Finz’s third book in her Nugget series Second Chances is a great book. I liked this much more than I liked Finding Hope. This one was lighter emotionally than the previous book but the two main characters I liked better. Harlee and Colin have an unlikely match; Harlee is outgoing and everyone likes her, Colin is reserved and pretty much keeps to himself. The story centers on Harlee and Colin but has a side story of another second chance love story between Nuggets newest hair stylist and town deputy.
Harlee just lost her dream job and to keep things afloat she moved in to her parents cabin rent free with only her part time internet job as income, but with credit card bills piled up to her ears she needs something more and being a journalist is her dream. Colin has a past he doesn’t want anyone to know because if they knew he was afraid of them turning away from them. Colin’s made a name for himself with his carpentry and his wood work and he’s afraid he would lose his business if people would find out. Harlee finds something irresistible out her mountain man neighbor. Colin can’t seem to resist Harlee even though he thinks she is too good for him and as much as he wants to tell her the truth he doesn’t want to lose her. Together Colin and Harlee must face Colin’s past and Harlee’s future and come to the realization that despite everything they can be happy together and that Colin is worthy of a second chance at a happy life.
ARC REVIEW
Harlee just lost her dream job and to keep things afloat she moved in to her parents cabin rent free with only her part time internet job as income, but with credit card bills piled up to her ears she needs something more and being a journalist is her dream. Colin has a past he doesn’t want anyone to know because if they knew he was afraid of them turning away from them. Colin’s made a name for himself with his carpentry and his wood work and he’s afraid he would lose his business if people would find out. Harlee finds something irresistible out her mountain man neighbor. Colin can’t seem to resist Harlee even though he thinks she is too good for him and as much as he wants to tell her the truth he doesn’t want to lose her. Together Colin and Harlee must face Colin’s past and Harlee’s future and come to the realization that despite everything they can be happy together and that Colin is worthy of a second chance at a happy life.
ARC REVIEW
February 28, 2015
4 STARS
I liked the town of Nugget so much I went and bought the first two books to read. Second Chances is book three of the series. There is a rich base of characters that I want to see more of and see what happens next in there lives. Lots of community, drama, romance and life. There is a few loves scenes but easy to skim over.
Harlee Roberts is a reporter that was fired. Not because she was bad but because the newspaper business is down. Harlee has a nice wardrobe with credit card debt. So why she waits to get a reporter job. She is moving into her parents cabin for rent free. She is going to build her start up company. Harlee is outgoing.
Colin Burke is a carpenter, makes wood furniture. He has a lot of phobias and secrets. He lives off by himself which is close to Harlee's cabin. He rescues her from her car going off the mountain. He is shy but keeps helping her. Colin is a loner.
Where this the third book in the series I think it stood alone fine but I am going to read the first two books real soon.
The setting is Nugget that is close to where the Donnor party got stuck. This is a mountain town in California one of the snowest town in the US.
I was given this ebook to read by Net galley and Kensington. In return I agreed to give a honest review of Second Chances.
I liked the town of Nugget so much I went and bought the first two books to read. Second Chances is book three of the series. There is a rich base of characters that I want to see more of and see what happens next in there lives. Lots of community, drama, romance and life. There is a few loves scenes but easy to skim over.
Harlee Roberts is a reporter that was fired. Not because she was bad but because the newspaper business is down. Harlee has a nice wardrobe with credit card debt. So why she waits to get a reporter job. She is moving into her parents cabin for rent free. She is going to build her start up company. Harlee is outgoing.
Colin Burke is a carpenter, makes wood furniture. He has a lot of phobias and secrets. He lives off by himself which is close to Harlee's cabin. He rescues her from her car going off the mountain. He is shy but keeps helping her. Colin is a loner.
Where this the third book in the series I think it stood alone fine but I am going to read the first two books real soon.
The setting is Nugget that is close to where the Donnor party got stuck. This is a mountain town in California one of the snowest town in the US.
I was given this ebook to read by Net galley and Kensington. In return I agreed to give a honest review of Second Chances.
April 21, 2015
I enjoy my visits to Nugget through Stacy Finz’s books, wishing I could visit in reality. In the latest book, Second Chances Harlee Roberts has gone there to stay in her family’s cabin while trying to remake her career. I admired her ability to overcome the roadblocks in her life. However, it is Colin’s story that I found the most intriguing. He becomes her love interest as their relationship progresses. While he helps her, he continues to struggle with his past, keeping to himself as much as possible. My heart went out to him as he tries now to live an honorable life. I so wanted these two to find closure for the past with acceptance and love for the future.
As usual with this small town, there are plenty of supporting characters. It is always good to catch glimpses of former characters met in previous books while meeting new ones. The town is full of unique individuals that add to the interesting flavor of the place. Each book reels me in more and more so that I am somewhat envious of these pretend people who live there. However, it is by no means necessary to have read the previous books. If this is the first you read of the series it will stand on it own. I really do not want to tell anymore that would spoil it for others. It is worth the time and cost to just enjoy Second Chances and the other books in the series on your own.
Net Galley provided a copy.
As usual with this small town, there are plenty of supporting characters. It is always good to catch glimpses of former characters met in previous books while meeting new ones. The town is full of unique individuals that add to the interesting flavor of the place. Each book reels me in more and more so that I am somewhat envious of these pretend people who live there. However, it is by no means necessary to have read the previous books. If this is the first you read of the series it will stand on it own. I really do not want to tell anymore that would spoil it for others. It is worth the time and cost to just enjoy Second Chances and the other books in the series on your own.
Net Galley provided a copy.
September 6, 2016
I was so excited to read Colin’s story finally, after getting glimpses of him in the earlier Nugget books. Getting the chance to find out what makes him tick and seeing him begin to open up was a joy. His history was heartbreaking, and I love how the people of Nugget (for the most part) all realize that everyone has a past and most deserve a second chance. They believe in Colin more than he believes in himself. Harlee has come to stay in her family cabin in Nugget to re-group and work on her DataDate startup after being downsized out of her job as a reporter in San Francisco. She is immediately drawn to her Harlee has such an open and giving heart, I was glad to see her make the right choice.
This is another great entry in the Nugget series, complete with the enhancement of tidbits of various characters’ side stories (Wyatt, Darla, Griffin, etc.) that we have come to expect and enjoy. I love how the characters are all flawed and yet have many redeeming qualities and experience personal growth (with the exception of a few throughout the series, but they usually get their comeuppance).
While each book in the series can definitely be read standalone, it is definitely worth reading each one to see how they all intertwine.
*I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
4 solid stars.
This is another great entry in the Nugget series, complete with the enhancement of tidbits of various characters’ side stories (Wyatt, Darla, Griffin, etc.) that we have come to expect and enjoy. I love how the characters are all flawed and yet have many redeeming qualities and experience personal growth (with the exception of a few throughout the series, but they usually get their comeuppance).
While each book in the series can definitely be read standalone, it is definitely worth reading each one to see how they all intertwine.
*I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
4 solid stars.
July 12, 2015
Definitely believe in Second Chances!
Really do enjoy this Nugget Romance series by Stacy Find. In this third book, Harlee comes to Nugget to live in her family's vacation home after losing her job at a newspaper. First person she meets is Colin, the craftsman, carpenter, construction worker that everyone knows and likes, but finds a bit quiet and strange. Harlee makes friends with the residents of the town, but her and Colin, who happen to live on the same road, become more. Problem is, Colin is hiding something. Will he open up and tell Harlee, will it make a difference, or keep them apart forever? Read this fun and interesting book that has more of the younger population of Nugget starting to come out.
Really do enjoy this Nugget Romance series by Stacy Find. In this third book, Harlee comes to Nugget to live in her family's vacation home after losing her job at a newspaper. First person she meets is Colin, the craftsman, carpenter, construction worker that everyone knows and likes, but finds a bit quiet and strange. Harlee makes friends with the residents of the town, but her and Colin, who happen to live on the same road, become more. Problem is, Colin is hiding something. Will he open up and tell Harlee, will it make a difference, or keep them apart forever? Read this fun and interesting book that has more of the younger population of Nugget starting to come out.
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