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Second Chance Saloon
Not yet published
Expected 30 Mar 27Your next cowboy romance obsession now, perfect for fans of Lyla Sage, Elsie Silver and Jessica Peterson!
It's not their first rodeo …
Mitch had the perfect life, right up until he’s jilted at the altar. Heartbroken and left with a non-refundable honeymoon to Cancún, he decides to brave a solo adventure. Mitch was expecting a week of lonely dinners and time to heal, but fate had other plans.
Enter Jackie: the sassy Texan cowgirl and manager of the honeymoon hotel … who just so happens to be Mitch’s long-lost first love. After a decade of running away, she’s not exactly thrilled to see her ex check in.
Mitch knows he should keep his distance and save himself from more heartbreak, but the chemistry between them is immediate, undeniable and hotter than ever.
Mitch wants her back, but Jackie left for a reason. She has a secret and she’s not sure if she’s ready to let love back in.
Will Mitch and Jackie be able to let true love take the reins, or will fear keep them apart once again?
💫 Second Chance Romance
💕Forced Proximity
🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️SPICE!
💖 💖Dual POV
It's not their first rodeo …
Mitch had the perfect life, right up until he’s jilted at the altar. Heartbroken and left with a non-refundable honeymoon to Cancún, he decides to brave a solo adventure. Mitch was expecting a week of lonely dinners and time to heal, but fate had other plans.
Enter Jackie: the sassy Texan cowgirl and manager of the honeymoon hotel … who just so happens to be Mitch’s long-lost first love. After a decade of running away, she’s not exactly thrilled to see her ex check in.
Mitch knows he should keep his distance and save himself from more heartbreak, but the chemistry between them is immediate, undeniable and hotter than ever.
Mitch wants her back, but Jackie left for a reason. She has a secret and she’s not sure if she’s ready to let love back in.
Will Mitch and Jackie be able to let true love take the reins, or will fear keep them apart once again?
💫 Second Chance Romance
💕Forced Proximity
🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️SPICE!
💖 💖Dual POV
384 pages, Paperback
Expected publication March 30, 2027
About the author
Maggie Eckersley
2 books65 followersMaggie Eckersley is a Polish romance author living in Scotland with her husband and two terriers. She had moved to the UK when she was 19 years old and fell in love. She isn’t sure if it was more with her favourite person who she ended up marrying or the country itself. Maybe a little bit of both. When Maggie isn’t daydreaming about the next love story she wants to type out, she’s studying Medicine or working as a medical writer. Her weaknesses are great books, food, and single malt whisky. She has a bucket list of Scottish Castles’ and she will never pass a chance to visit historical landmarks. In 2023, Maggie won I Am In Print Award for the book that became Back in the Saddle. In 2024, she has been shortlisted in I Am In Print Romance competition and longlisted in Penguin Michael Joseph Undiscovered Writers’ Prize with another contemporary romance novel.
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June 13, 2026This one's for the romantics whose mind gets too loud—I wrote it for us. Hope you have as much fun reading it as I had writing it x
Content considerations can be found on my website: eckersleywrites.com
Content considerations can be found on my website: eckersleywrites.com
August 8, 2026
Thank you go Net Galley & Avon books for the arc.
This was sweet story. It follows Mitch and his whirlwind of a life after being left at the altar by his cheating finance. He’s convinced to still go on his honeymoon trip and escape the chaos that is his life - only to run into his first love from 10 years ago. I appreciate the dual POV to fully get a better understanding of his relationship with Jackie, however I feel like the entire story fell a little flat for me. The dual timeline and constant back and forth was a little hard to follow, and the built up reason for her leaving all those years ago fell a little flat for me.
This was sweet story. It follows Mitch and his whirlwind of a life after being left at the altar by his cheating finance. He’s convinced to still go on his honeymoon trip and escape the chaos that is his life - only to run into his first love from 10 years ago. I appreciate the dual POV to fully get a better understanding of his relationship with Jackie, however I feel like the entire story fell a little flat for me. The dual timeline and constant back and forth was a little hard to follow, and the built up reason for her leaving all those years ago fell a little flat for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 16, 2026
This was a nice enough read but to me nothing to shout about.
I think it should come with some trigger warnings for fertility.
I enjoyed the dual timelines but I do think things were rushed in the present timeline, your wife to be has been cheating on you for 6 months and you just jump into unprotected sex a week later? Nope.
I wasn't really sold on the way she left, even though it was all explained, Idk I think it could have been written a bit better.
I did like Mitch though the amount of times he asked if it was okay during the very instructional first time scene, irritated me.
I think it should come with some trigger warnings for fertility.
I enjoyed the dual timelines but I do think things were rushed in the present timeline, your wife to be has been cheating on you for 6 months and you just jump into unprotected sex a week later? Nope.
I wasn't really sold on the way she left, even though it was all explained, Idk I think it could have been written a bit better.
I did like Mitch though the amount of times he asked if it was okay during the very instructional first time scene, irritated me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 13, 2026
STEM MMC: equine veterinarian
I'll start off by saying that this book was definitely an improvement over her first book. The connection between the MCs was much stronger, and she definitely worked on some of the language to make it sound better... but there were still issues with it. This is an interconnected stand alone, so you don't have to read the first book to get into this one, in fact, I recommend that you don't read the first book. The rest of this review is going to be full of spoilers, so stop here if you don't want to know what happens.
There needs to be clearer content and trigger warnings on this book before you pick it up. The first book had a childfree (by choice) FMC... this book has a childless (by reluctant choice due to medical condition) FMC, and it's a core theme in the book that you don't get to learn about until very late. If you're sensitive to reproductive/medical issues, then skip this one.
Issues that I had with book 1 that continued to be an issue: the language is clear that the author isn't American, and the way that she writes Texas and cowboys is very cliche, and some of the turns of phrase and word choices she uses are kind of distracting because Americans would never use them... although this was a bit improved over the first book.
The timeline for this book makes me a bit uncomfortable. He gets left at the altar but decides to still go on his honeymoon by himself the next day, where he runs into the one that got away. After just a week, they are in bed together... did you ever love the woman you were supposed to be marrying a week ago? Cringe. Also, the wedding didn't go through because she cheated on you for 6 months before the wedding and on the wedding day, but you're cool sticking your bare dick inside of another woman one week later without a condom or testing or anything to think of possible disease? No thank you.
You have to wait a LONG time in the book to get to this current time line spice, but since this is a dual timeline, you get spice quite a bit earlier from their first time when they were in college. He's a virgin, she's not, so it turns into almost a lecture on how to have sex? It felt very clinical and instructive instead of having a fun time figuring it out together. I had this issue in the first book too, but at least she didn't use all of the clinical terminology for body parts that she did in that one here.
Now on to the FMC's issue... I still don't understand her rationale for doing what she did. She literally quit school 2 months before graduation and just left everything behind. I don't understand why she wouldn't just stick it out and then disappear. She never spoke to anyone about it, which was strange for the person we get to know, it feels out of character. I'm also a bit baffled about her decision to just tie her tubes... if you're really worried about getting pregnant, why wouldn't you do something more permanent like full tube removal (a tubal ligation can come undone on its own in the body sometimes). And then she like didn't even consider the alternatives or talk to the MMC about any of this and just made a unilateral decision about what he would want out of his life.
In the end, I again (just like book 1) don't really believe in their HEA. We don't get far enough in the future to see what they decide to do with their lives together, and she makes him take 6 months "to think" before she'll really take him back, but we don't get to see him doing any thinking at all, it just skips to 6 months ahead and them getting back together without a discussion.
I think this author just isn't for me, and that's ok.
2.5 stars
I'll start off by saying that this book was definitely an improvement over her first book. The connection between the MCs was much stronger, and she definitely worked on some of the language to make it sound better... but there were still issues with it. This is an interconnected stand alone, so you don't have to read the first book to get into this one, in fact, I recommend that you don't read the first book. The rest of this review is going to be full of spoilers, so stop here if you don't want to know what happens.
There needs to be clearer content and trigger warnings on this book before you pick it up. The first book had a childfree (by choice) FMC... this book has a childless (by reluctant choice due to medical condition) FMC, and it's a core theme in the book that you don't get to learn about until very late. If you're sensitive to reproductive/medical issues, then skip this one.
Issues that I had with book 1 that continued to be an issue: the language is clear that the author isn't American, and the way that she writes Texas and cowboys is very cliche, and some of the turns of phrase and word choices she uses are kind of distracting because Americans would never use them... although this was a bit improved over the first book.
The timeline for this book makes me a bit uncomfortable. He gets left at the altar but decides to still go on his honeymoon by himself the next day, where he runs into the one that got away. After just a week, they are in bed together... did you ever love the woman you were supposed to be marrying a week ago? Cringe. Also, the wedding didn't go through because she cheated on you for 6 months before the wedding and on the wedding day, but you're cool sticking your bare dick inside of another woman one week later without a condom or testing or anything to think of possible disease? No thank you.
You have to wait a LONG time in the book to get to this current time line spice, but since this is a dual timeline, you get spice quite a bit earlier from their first time when they were in college. He's a virgin, she's not, so it turns into almost a lecture on how to have sex? It felt very clinical and instructive instead of having a fun time figuring it out together. I had this issue in the first book too, but at least she didn't use all of the clinical terminology for body parts that she did in that one here.
Now on to the FMC's issue... I still don't understand her rationale for doing what she did. She literally quit school 2 months before graduation and just left everything behind. I don't understand why she wouldn't just stick it out and then disappear. She never spoke to anyone about it, which was strange for the person we get to know, it feels out of character. I'm also a bit baffled about her decision to just tie her tubes... if you're really worried about getting pregnant, why wouldn't you do something more permanent like full tube removal (a tubal ligation can come undone on its own in the body sometimes). And then she like didn't even consider the alternatives or talk to the MMC about any of this and just made a unilateral decision about what he would want out of his life.
In the end, I again (just like book 1) don't really believe in their HEA. We don't get far enough in the future to see what they decide to do with their lives together, and she makes him take 6 months "to think" before she'll really take him back, but we don't get to see him doing any thinking at all, it just skips to 6 months ahead and them getting back together without a discussion.
I think this author just isn't for me, and that's ok.
2.5 stars
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to Netgalley and Maggie Eckersley for the Arc of Second Chance Saloon.
If i could describe this book in one word it would be "nice" it is a nice book. Just a little bit "too nice." There was alot of happy and very little adversary. There seemed to be lacking the rollercoaster highs and the heartbreaking lows. Sure being left at the alter on your wedding day is a low, but I dont feel it was very well explored. I would have liked more context in to why Eve thought Mitch wasnt over his college girlfriend, Jackie. It would have been great to have seen some evidence of this prior to the wedding. It kind of feels like a loose end here. On the subject of the failed wedding I would have liked to have had a larger break up fight. It felt to contained, too neat and tidy. Especially for a break up.
Mitch went on his honeymoon, alone (as he should, no use wasting a good holiday) He ended up booking at the hotel his college ex owned. And here is where our second chance romance starts to come in. I would have loved to have seen some scenes where Jackie spots Mitch at the hotel and then actively tries to avoid him. Similar to how Meg Ryan's character tries to avoid Tom Hanks character in the movie "youve got mail" before she inevitably runs into him. This would have built up suspense and excitement at the two meeting again.
Let's skip a few chapters and meet in the past at the couples first sex together in college. Honestly this felt a little clunky, and unnatural. Mitch being unexperienced and vocalising this was a bit of a mood killer. Then the whole act itself felt too sentimental for me. I would have liked to have seen some raw passion.
Over all I enjoyed Second Chance Saloon it was soft light read and if youre looking for happy, loved up feels, this is the book for you.
If i could describe this book in one word it would be "nice" it is a nice book. Just a little bit "too nice." There was alot of happy and very little adversary. There seemed to be lacking the rollercoaster highs and the heartbreaking lows. Sure being left at the alter on your wedding day is a low, but I dont feel it was very well explored. I would have liked more context in to why Eve thought Mitch wasnt over his college girlfriend, Jackie. It would have been great to have seen some evidence of this prior to the wedding. It kind of feels like a loose end here. On the subject of the failed wedding I would have liked to have had a larger break up fight. It felt to contained, too neat and tidy. Especially for a break up.
Mitch went on his honeymoon, alone (as he should, no use wasting a good holiday) He ended up booking at the hotel his college ex owned. And here is where our second chance romance starts to come in. I would have loved to have seen some scenes where Jackie spots Mitch at the hotel and then actively tries to avoid him. Similar to how Meg Ryan's character tries to avoid Tom Hanks character in the movie "youve got mail" before she inevitably runs into him. This would have built up suspense and excitement at the two meeting again.
Let's skip a few chapters and meet in the past at the couples first sex together in college. Honestly this felt a little clunky, and unnatural. Mitch being unexperienced and vocalising this was a bit of a mood killer. Then the whole act itself felt too sentimental for me. I would have liked to have seen some raw passion.
Over all I enjoyed Second Chance Saloon it was soft light read and if youre looking for happy, loved up feels, this is the book for you.
July 11, 2026
ARC Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Second Chance Saloon is a heartwarming, emotional second-chance romance that had me hooked from the very first chapter.
The story opens with Mitch heading off on his honeymoon... alone. A technical error on his wedding day ends up saving him from making the biggest mistake of his life, even if he doesn't realise it at the time. After a very drunken flight and refusing to check into the honeymoon suite without a bride, the hotel staff call in the hotel manager for help—and that's where everything changes. The manager is Jackie, the woman Mitch never truly got over.
I loved how the story seamlessly moved between the past and the present, gradually revealing the history between Mitch and Jackie. Watching their younger romance unfold alongside their reunion ten years later made their journey even more emotional. As the heartbreaking reason Jackie left all those years ago is uncovered, it becomes impossible not to root for them both.
Mitch and Jackie's chemistry never faded, and seeing them work through old hurts, misunderstandings, and lingering feelings made their second chance feel completely earned. Their journey was filled with emotion, hope, and plenty of heartfelt moments, making their happily ever after all the more satisfying.
If you enjoy emotional second-chance romances with dual timelines, believable characters, and a rewarding HEA, Second Chance Saloon is definitely worth picking up.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Second Chance Saloon is a heartwarming, emotional second-chance romance that had me hooked from the very first chapter.
The story opens with Mitch heading off on his honeymoon... alone. A technical error on his wedding day ends up saving him from making the biggest mistake of his life, even if he doesn't realise it at the time. After a very drunken flight and refusing to check into the honeymoon suite without a bride, the hotel staff call in the hotel manager for help—and that's where everything changes. The manager is Jackie, the woman Mitch never truly got over.
I loved how the story seamlessly moved between the past and the present, gradually revealing the history between Mitch and Jackie. Watching their younger romance unfold alongside their reunion ten years later made their journey even more emotional. As the heartbreaking reason Jackie left all those years ago is uncovered, it becomes impossible not to root for them both.
Mitch and Jackie's chemistry never faded, and seeing them work through old hurts, misunderstandings, and lingering feelings made their second chance feel completely earned. Their journey was filled with emotion, hope, and plenty of heartfelt moments, making their happily ever after all the more satisfying.
If you enjoy emotional second-chance romances with dual timelines, believable characters, and a rewarding HEA, Second Chance Saloon is definitely worth picking up.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC 😊
4 ⭐️
🫶 Second chance romance
🌶 Spice
💒 Jilted groom
👀 Forced proximity
A technical error on his wedding day saves Mitch from making a huge mistake! His caught red handed wife to be decides to remind him that while she is in the wrong, Mitch never got over his one true love Jackie who disappeared after leaving a measly note years ago.
With Jackie back on his mind and the humiliation burning deep, he decides to go on his paid for honeymoon alone to Cancun - i would too babes dont worry!
What Mitch doesn't know is the hotel he picked out for his honeymoon is owned by Jackie! Tired of running and still keeping plenty of secrets, how will Jackie react to seeing Mitch again after all this time? Especially when the chemistry is still very much alive.
With enough of a storyline to keep it from being predictable, i grew to really like Jackie. At first I was a bit annoyed with her leaving so suddenly but once we learned her story I really felt for her and was back rooting for the pair!
We have the perfect length romance novel with a dual POV and different timelines giving us flashbacks in Second Chance Saloon. I just wish it was written in 1st person 😞 I really struggle to stay engaged with 3rd person reading im sorry!
I did enjoy the storyline overall though especially the opening chapters at the wedding! I was hooked 🙈
4 ⭐️
🫶 Second chance romance
🌶 Spice
💒 Jilted groom
👀 Forced proximity
A technical error on his wedding day saves Mitch from making a huge mistake! His caught red handed wife to be decides to remind him that while she is in the wrong, Mitch never got over his one true love Jackie who disappeared after leaving a measly note years ago.
With Jackie back on his mind and the humiliation burning deep, he decides to go on his paid for honeymoon alone to Cancun - i would too babes dont worry!
What Mitch doesn't know is the hotel he picked out for his honeymoon is owned by Jackie! Tired of running and still keeping plenty of secrets, how will Jackie react to seeing Mitch again after all this time? Especially when the chemistry is still very much alive.
With enough of a storyline to keep it from being predictable, i grew to really like Jackie. At first I was a bit annoyed with her leaving so suddenly but once we learned her story I really felt for her and was back rooting for the pair!
We have the perfect length romance novel with a dual POV and different timelines giving us flashbacks in Second Chance Saloon. I just wish it was written in 1st person 😞 I really struggle to stay engaged with 3rd person reading im sorry!
I did enjoy the storyline overall though especially the opening chapters at the wedding! I was hooked 🙈
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Forehead kisses and pinky promises 💜
Thank you for the chance to review this book. I loved Back in the Saddle and couldn't wait to read this one!
Mitch and Jackie were meant to be but life got in the way. Second Chance Saloon tells their whole story - then and now - and shows you how true love finds a way. I loved this book from start to finish! Especially the start, the jilted fiance was very well written and hilarious (side note: I really hope Lionel gets a book!). It was great to have our wee cameos from Hunter and Caroline too.
I loved how the country girl x city boy was reversed and even at college how Mitch was the shy inexperienced one. He also falls harder and is a man obsessed! My favourite part about this book is how you have the perfect soundtrack woven throughout the story! Maggie adds a song for every emotional rollercoaster that fits it perfectly! Also love that she said the story came to her when listening to the country song 'Drunk on a plane'. Perfect for fans of Abby Jimenez, Jessica Joyce and Sloane Fletcher for those cowboy romance feels entertained with deeper moments that pull on the heart strings 🩷
Highlights:
🏵️Dual timeline
🌷Third person dual pov
💜Second chance romance
🐎Cowgirl x City boy
🐴Equine vet x hotel heiress
🌸Secret tattoo
❤️Medical rep
🌶️Spice
Thank you for the chance to review this book. I loved Back in the Saddle and couldn't wait to read this one!
Mitch and Jackie were meant to be but life got in the way. Second Chance Saloon tells their whole story - then and now - and shows you how true love finds a way. I loved this book from start to finish! Especially the start, the jilted fiance was very well written and hilarious (side note: I really hope Lionel gets a book!). It was great to have our wee cameos from Hunter and Caroline too.
I loved how the country girl x city boy was reversed and even at college how Mitch was the shy inexperienced one. He also falls harder and is a man obsessed! My favourite part about this book is how you have the perfect soundtrack woven throughout the story! Maggie adds a song for every emotional rollercoaster that fits it perfectly! Also love that she said the story came to her when listening to the country song 'Drunk on a plane'. Perfect for fans of Abby Jimenez, Jessica Joyce and Sloane Fletcher for those cowboy romance feels entertained with deeper moments that pull on the heart strings 🩷
Highlights:
🏵️Dual timeline
🌷Third person dual pov
💜Second chance romance
🐎Cowgirl x City boy
🐴Equine vet x hotel heiress
🌸Secret tattoo
❤️Medical rep
🌶️Spice
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I really liked Back in the Saddle, so I was super excited for this book! Cowboy romances are a dime a dozen these days, so when I find one that really stands out and makes me care, I LOVE it. Unfortunately, this wasn't that book for me personally.
It was cute and is probably the definition of an easy read, but it didn’t wow me. I think my biggest issue was that everything felt very surface level. I wanted more depth, more substance, and more of those messy emotions and obstacles that make a romance feel realistic and like it could actually exist in the real world. There was very little conflict, and at times it felt a little too happy go lucky and easy, especially for a second chance romance where there was SO much potential for more.
Mitch and Jackie had chemistry, and I liked the second chance/forced proximity setup but it was just fine and that was it. Nothing more, nothing less. I’m sure a lot of people are going to really enjoy this book and I get that, but for me, I think it fell short. I wanted more and unfortunately didn’t love it as much as I was hoping to.
I am OBSESSED with this cover and the whole style of it though but I do not exactly like that that is my only real highlight from this book.
It was cute and is probably the definition of an easy read, but it didn’t wow me. I think my biggest issue was that everything felt very surface level. I wanted more depth, more substance, and more of those messy emotions and obstacles that make a romance feel realistic and like it could actually exist in the real world. There was very little conflict, and at times it felt a little too happy go lucky and easy, especially for a second chance romance where there was SO much potential for more.
Mitch and Jackie had chemistry, and I liked the second chance/forced proximity setup but it was just fine and that was it. Nothing more, nothing less. I’m sure a lot of people are going to really enjoy this book and I get that, but for me, I think it fell short. I wanted more and unfortunately didn’t love it as much as I was hoping to.
I am OBSESSED with this cover and the whole style of it though but I do not exactly like that that is my only real highlight from this book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
If you love forehead kisses and pinky promises, Second Chance Saloon is for you!
Second Chance Saloon is the story of a girl and a boy whose paths crossed in a meeting that felt destined. After growing apart, fate pulls them back to one another; unable to deny their feelings they learn that love isn’t easy and it’s not just luck - it’s a choice that has to be chosen every single day.
From the beginning, Mitch and Jackie’s connection was undeniable. The story is dual POV and flows back and forth between the beginning of Mitch and Jackie’s story and the present day. This is a classic love story that will deeply resonate with readers who enjoy books with yearning, swoony second-chance romance. There’s something incredibly special, almost sacred, about finding your way back into the arms - and heart - of the one your soul loves. Second Chance Saloon made me giggle and squeal and that also gripped my heart with emotion leaving me with the strong reminder to never let fear truly dictate what my life looks like.
Thank you to Maggie Eckersley, AvonUK, and NetGalley for early access to read and share my honest review.
Second Chance Saloon is the story of a girl and a boy whose paths crossed in a meeting that felt destined. After growing apart, fate pulls them back to one another; unable to deny their feelings they learn that love isn’t easy and it’s not just luck - it’s a choice that has to be chosen every single day.
From the beginning, Mitch and Jackie’s connection was undeniable. The story is dual POV and flows back and forth between the beginning of Mitch and Jackie’s story and the present day. This is a classic love story that will deeply resonate with readers who enjoy books with yearning, swoony second-chance romance. There’s something incredibly special, almost sacred, about finding your way back into the arms - and heart - of the one your soul loves. Second Chance Saloon made me giggle and squeal and that also gripped my heart with emotion leaving me with the strong reminder to never let fear truly dictate what my life looks like.
Thank you to Maggie Eckersley, AvonUK, and NetGalley for early access to read and share my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was so fortunate to receive an early copy of Second Chance Saloon from Maggie, and I highly recommend you pick up this book when it releases! It has everything that I love in a second chance romance—tender vulnerability, a romance that makes you swoon, and laugh out loud moments to balance with the gut wrenching angst of young love.
Second Chance Saloon is a beautifully heartfelt, achingly tender cowboy romance with characters you can’t help but fall for from the very first page. The dual timeline, while devastatingly emotional at times, gave so much depth to the characters and their relationship, both past and present.
Mitch and Jackie completely captured my heart. Mitch is so thoughtful, caring, and truly a man down bad, and through her tough exterior, Jackie is so magnetic—you can’t help but be drawn to her. Together, they’re the definition of soulmates who were always meant to come back in each other’s orbit and beat the odds.
This is a second chance romance that will stick with readers long after the final page.
Second Chance Saloon is a beautifully heartfelt, achingly tender cowboy romance with characters you can’t help but fall for from the very first page. The dual timeline, while devastatingly emotional at times, gave so much depth to the characters and their relationship, both past and present.
Mitch and Jackie completely captured my heart. Mitch is so thoughtful, caring, and truly a man down bad, and through her tough exterior, Jackie is so magnetic—you can’t help but be drawn to her. Together, they’re the definition of soulmates who were always meant to come back in each other’s orbit and beat the odds.
This is a second chance romance that will stick with readers long after the final page.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Second Chance Saloon by Maggie Eckersley was a heartwarming and engaging read that perfectly captured the charm of small-town romance and the power of second chances. The characters were relatable and well-developed, and I found myself invested in their journey from beginning to end.
The emotional depth was balanced beautifully with lighter moments, creating a story that was both touching and enjoyable. The chemistry between the main characters felt genuine, and I loved watching their relationship unfold as they navigated past hurts and new beginnings.
Maggie Eckersley has created a cosy, feel-good romance filled with warmth, community spirit, and hope. If you enjoy stories about love finding its way back when you least expect it, this is definitely one to add to your TBR.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Second Chance Saloon by Maggie Eckersley was a heartwarming and engaging read that perfectly captured the charm of small-town romance and the power of second chances. The characters were relatable and well-developed, and I found myself invested in their journey from beginning to end.
The emotional depth was balanced beautifully with lighter moments, creating a story that was both touching and enjoyable. The chemistry between the main characters felt genuine, and I loved watching their relationship unfold as they navigated past hurts and new beginnings.
Maggie Eckersley has created a cosy, feel-good romance filled with warmth, community spirit, and hope. If you enjoy stories about love finding its way back when you least expect it, this is definitely one to add to your TBR.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Second Chance Saloon is a second chance romance about Jackie, a hotel heiress and Mitch, an equine vet. Jackie and Mitch were in love throughout college until she mysteriously left him in the middle of the night without a trace. Mitch's bride(not Jackie) is caught having an affair the day of their wedding but he goes on their honeymoon anyway. Jackie's family just happens to own the hotel that he is staying at and she is working as the manager.
This book is a dual timeline, going back to their college days and alternating with the present. I think this book has a great premise. I really appreciated college Jackie and Mitch. The conflict in this story is really a communication issue and Jackie's family and the way she talks about them is a little strange.
I loved Mitch and I love them together. I think that this is a fun cowboy romance if you are looking for a lot of yearning and some fun in Mexico!
Thank you NetGalley and Avon Books UK for the ARC!
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
This book is a dual timeline, going back to their college days and alternating with the present. I think this book has a great premise. I really appreciated college Jackie and Mitch. The conflict in this story is really a communication issue and Jackie's family and the way she talks about them is a little strange.
I loved Mitch and I love them together. I think that this is a fun cowboy romance if you are looking for a lot of yearning and some fun in Mexico!
Thank you NetGalley and Avon Books UK for the ARC!
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley.
I liked the book. It was just nice and ok. I wanted a little more of problem and conflict. I felt like it was just ok. The MMC gets dumped on his wedding day but a technical fluke that exposes his fiance and another man. The ex fiance tells him that he never opened up and that he never got over his ex which is the FMC. But nothing was given to make me understand how she arrived to that conclusion and neither did him in trying to understand the ex fiance. The FMC is a heiress and she ends up working in the hotel where the MMC is taking his solo honeymoon at. They still have undeniable chemistry. They work out the misunderstandings and why she left him all those years ago in college. I wanted more from the book and the characters, still a good read.
I liked the book. It was just nice and ok. I wanted a little more of problem and conflict. I felt like it was just ok. The MMC gets dumped on his wedding day but a technical fluke that exposes his fiance and another man. The ex fiance tells him that he never opened up and that he never got over his ex which is the FMC. But nothing was given to make me understand how she arrived to that conclusion and neither did him in trying to understand the ex fiance. The FMC is a heiress and she ends up working in the hotel where the MMC is taking his solo honeymoon at. They still have undeniable chemistry. They work out the misunderstandings and why she left him all those years ago in college. I wanted more from the book and the characters, still a good read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Mitch wedding doesn't go as planned and he sees himself boarding a plane to Cancun alone for his honeymoon. Jackie is a hotel manager that needs to deal with a drunk guest. Jackie did not expect that the drunk guest was her college boyfriend Mitch.
The chemistry between Mitch and Jackie is undeniable even if she refuses to see it. I loved how Mitch does everything to get to know Jackie for a second time, as she continues to say she is not the same person. The story is told in two time lines, when they met and now in Cancun. In the present timeline, you can see how Jackie changed Mitch. I loved reading how Jackie handled shy Portland Mitch in the past and how Mitch handles Jackie presently. The emotional connection between both is so depth, and everyone around can sees it
Thank you Avon, Maggie Eckersley and Netgalley for the advance copy.
Read
August 2, 2026Mitch estaba a punto de caminar al altar, pero todo cambia cuando descubre que su prometida le ha sido infiel apenas unos minutos antes de la ceremonia. Sin fuerzas para enfrentar la humillación, toma la decisión de desaparecer por un tiempo y viaja solo a la luna de miel que habían planeado juntos.
Cuando llega a Cancún, se reencuntra con Jackie, la mujer que marcó su juventud y quien le rompió su corazón desapareciendo de un día para otro. Ahora es la oportunidad de tener un cierre y saber porque lo abandono.
_____
Me daba un tic cada que leía que la familia de ella era dueña del resort. Odio cuando extranjeros se apropian de terrenos y explotan a mi país (países latinos en general).
Cuando llega a Cancún, se reencuntra con Jackie, la mujer que marcó su juventud y quien le rompió su corazón desapareciendo de un día para otro. Ahora es la oportunidad de tener un cierre y saber porque lo abandono.
_____
Me daba un tic cada que leía que la familia de ella era dueña del resort. Odio cuando extranjeros se apropian de terrenos y explotan a mi país (países latinos en general).
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Mitch Craigton is a man on a mission, determined to let off some steam after his disastrous almost wedding. Sounds nice, but a love from the past is about to turn his upside down life right side up again.
🌶️🌶️/5
When he catches his fiancée cheating, Mitch is in need of a getaway. Good thing is luxury honeymoon was waiting to whisk him away to paradise. Only, the minute he arrives at his hotel, he discovers the impossible. The woman he's been yearning for all these years (10) is running the hotel. Surprise Mitch! Jackie is in major disaster prevention mode as she wrangles long suppressed feelings, a paparazzi scandal and trying to resist the one who got away. These two needed to work through a lot of pain and trauma together, in order to find their happy ending. But when they did, it was magical.✨ Pick up this book if you love second chance romance, a runaway groom, cowboys, a tropical setting, MCs in their 30s, pinkie promises and deals sealed with forehead kisses.😍
Thank you to publisher for the ARC!
Favourite quote from Jackie:
"She'd been living a half-existence for the last decade and now her heart was whole again."
See my full review @mimigunnbooks
🌶️🌶️/5
When he catches his fiancée cheating, Mitch is in need of a getaway. Good thing is luxury honeymoon was waiting to whisk him away to paradise. Only, the minute he arrives at his hotel, he discovers the impossible. The woman he's been yearning for all these years (10) is running the hotel. Surprise Mitch! Jackie is in major disaster prevention mode as she wrangles long suppressed feelings, a paparazzi scandal and trying to resist the one who got away. These two needed to work through a lot of pain and trauma together, in order to find their happy ending. But when they did, it was magical.✨ Pick up this book if you love second chance romance, a runaway groom, cowboys, a tropical setting, MCs in their 30s, pinkie promises and deals sealed with forehead kisses.😍
Thank you to publisher for the ARC!
Favourite quote from Jackie:
"She'd been living a half-existence for the last decade and now her heart was whole again."
See my full review @mimigunnbooks
June 28, 2026
***advanced reader copy review***
Thank you to NetGalley, Avon Books, and Maggie Eckersley for this e-arc.
4.5⭐️
Okay. Wow wow wow!! I absolutely loved this book!! I love a second chance romance and this one hit the spot! It was emotional, cute, and funny. Luckily it patched my heart back up by the end.
I’m a sucker for a flashback and this book had plenty. I loved the back and forth from the past to the present, getting to see how different Mitch and Jackie were, how they grew and changed.
And can we talk about the cover art? I’m obsessed!! Cannot wait to grab a physical copy upon release!
Thank you to NetGalley, Avon Books, and Maggie Eckersley for this e-arc.
4.5⭐️
Okay. Wow wow wow!! I absolutely loved this book!! I love a second chance romance and this one hit the spot! It was emotional, cute, and funny. Luckily it patched my heart back up by the end.
I’m a sucker for a flashback and this book had plenty. I loved the back and forth from the past to the present, getting to see how different Mitch and Jackie were, how they grew and changed.
And can we talk about the cover art? I’m obsessed!! Cannot wait to grab a physical copy upon release!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Second chance romance
Forced proximity
The story starts of at mitches wedding which ends in disaster, he caught his wife to be cheating, she told mitch even though she was wrong he never got over his first love Jackie who disappeared years ago after leaving him a note.
Mitch felt humiliated and stupid as he looks back on his time with Jackie. He then decides to use his honeymoon and go to cancun alone. (why not).
But the hotel he picked is run by the one and only Jackie. This is when you see the chemistry and how Jackie reacts to him.
I did predict alot of the story but it still had me interested and wanting to read more.
This was such a fun cute read.
Forced proximity
The story starts of at mitches wedding which ends in disaster, he caught his wife to be cheating, she told mitch even though she was wrong he never got over his first love Jackie who disappeared years ago after leaving him a note.
Mitch felt humiliated and stupid as he looks back on his time with Jackie. He then decides to use his honeymoon and go to cancun alone. (why not).
But the hotel he picked is run by the one and only Jackie. This is when you see the chemistry and how Jackie reacts to him.
I did predict alot of the story but it still had me interested and wanting to read more.
This was such a fun cute read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Second Chance Saloon has everything I love about second-chance romance – yearning, ‘it was always you’ and characters who’ve grown and matured.
I loved the dual POV and dual timeline because I got to see the characters fall in love as teenagers and then navigate their emotional history to come together for a second chance as adults. I was hooked from the start and dying to understand what happened in the past.
Mitch is a loyal and tender-hearted MMC, and I want to give Jackie a big hug.
Highly recommend!
I loved the dual POV and dual timeline because I got to see the characters fall in love as teenagers and then navigate their emotional history to come together for a second chance as adults. I was hooked from the start and dying to understand what happened in the past.
Mitch is a loyal and tender-hearted MMC, and I want to give Jackie a big hug.
Highly recommend!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3 stars
Second Chance Saloon by Maggie Eckersley is a sweet second chance romance with an enjoyable premise.
I liked the concept and the romance, but I found the story lacked a little spark to really pull me in. The dual timelines were interesting, but at times they made the pacing feel a little slow and the story slightly disjointed.
Overall, it was an easy, enjoyable romance and a nice read if you’re looking for a cosy second chance love story.
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. 💙
Second Chance Saloon by Maggie Eckersley is a sweet second chance romance with an enjoyable premise.
I liked the concept and the romance, but I found the story lacked a little spark to really pull me in. The dual timelines were interesting, but at times they made the pacing feel a little slow and the story slightly disjointed.
Overall, it was an easy, enjoyable romance and a nice read if you’re looking for a cosy second chance love story.
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. 💙
Review of advance copy received from Author
Mitch and Jackie have a past--and they were supposed to have a future, but Jackie left without explanation ten years ago. When fate brings them crashing back into each other's lives at a resort in Mexico after Mitch is humiliatingly jilted at the altar, a spark rekindles.
If you enjoy witty banter, lots of (hot pepper) spicy scenes, and second chances, this book is for you.
If you enjoy witty banter, lots of (hot pepper) spicy scenes, and second chances, this book is for you.
September 10, 2026
Mitch and Jackie met at university and fell in love. Then Jackie suddenly left without explanation . 10 years later, they meet at the hotel in Mexico where Mitch should be spending his honeymoon, but his marriage never happened. Will their love get a second chance? Perfect holiday/wet weather reading, a raunchy read..
Review of advance copy received from Author
If you like your cowboys smart, swoony, and full of growth - this one's for you! A sweet and empathetic second chance romance filled with steam, gorgeous landscapes, emotion, and a hot equine vet (!!)
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Listen, I’m a cowboy connoisseur. I’ve read A LOT of cowboy romances, so when I tell y’all Second Chance Saloon felt completely different from anything else I’ve read in this space, I mean it. I absolutely devoured this one.
I mean, starting a cowboy romance with the MMC’s wedding imploding and then sending him on his honeymoon ALONE?! Maggie, you had me immediately. And then that honeymoon just happens to bring Mitch face to face with Jackie, the woman he loved years ago and never truly got over. The woman who left him with nothing but a note and a whole lot of unanswered questions.
What really got me though was the way their story unfolds. We’re not just told that Mitch and Jackie have history, we actually get to experience it. The story moves between who they were then and who they are now, and with every piece of their past, I became more invested in them. You see them fall in love, you know something went terribly wrong, and you’re slowly waiting to find out WHY.
And when we finally learn why Jackie left? Yeah, I was sobbing!
There is so much more happening beneath the surface of this story than I expected. It’s second chance, but it’s also about loving someone enough to think you’re protecting them, the choices we make when we’re scared, and realizing that maybe the person you were ten years ago doesn’t get to decide what the rest of your life looks like.
And MITCH. This man has basically been down bad for Jackie for a decade. The chemistry between them never disappeared, but I loved that their second chance wasn’t simply about picking up where they left off. They had grown. They had hurt each other. There were things that needed to be said and healed before they could figure out whether the love they had then could become something new now.
I laughed, I swooned, I cried, and I could not put this freaking book down. It gave me the cowboy romance I love while feeling completely fresh at the same time, and THAT is not easy to do when your girl has read approximately 84 billion cowboys!
Thank you so much to Avon Books UK, NetGalley, and Maggie Eckersley for this e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I mean, starting a cowboy romance with the MMC’s wedding imploding and then sending him on his honeymoon ALONE?! Maggie, you had me immediately. And then that honeymoon just happens to bring Mitch face to face with Jackie, the woman he loved years ago and never truly got over. The woman who left him with nothing but a note and a whole lot of unanswered questions.
What really got me though was the way their story unfolds. We’re not just told that Mitch and Jackie have history, we actually get to experience it. The story moves between who they were then and who they are now, and with every piece of their past, I became more invested in them. You see them fall in love, you know something went terribly wrong, and you’re slowly waiting to find out WHY.
And when we finally learn why Jackie left? Yeah, I was sobbing!
There is so much more happening beneath the surface of this story than I expected. It’s second chance, but it’s also about loving someone enough to think you’re protecting them, the choices we make when we’re scared, and realizing that maybe the person you were ten years ago doesn’t get to decide what the rest of your life looks like.
And MITCH. This man has basically been down bad for Jackie for a decade. The chemistry between them never disappeared, but I loved that their second chance wasn’t simply about picking up where they left off. They had grown. They had hurt each other. There were things that needed to be said and healed before they could figure out whether the love they had then could become something new now.
I laughed, I swooned, I cried, and I could not put this freaking book down. It gave me the cowboy romance I love while feeling completely fresh at the same time, and THAT is not easy to do when your girl has read approximately 84 billion cowboys!
Thank you so much to Avon Books UK, NetGalley, and Maggie Eckersley for this e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I enjoyed this second chance romance. It was cute. Mitch and Jackie were cute. I wanted Jackie to say why she left so much earlier for some reason. Probably because I wanted to know.
Thank you to netgalley and Avon book for a copy of the ebook.
Thank you to netgalley and Avon book for a copy of the ebook.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Loved this book!! Swoony and smart and romantic, with the perfect escapist setting.
July 1, 2026
second chance saloon arc review from netgalley
4✨
I love how this is mainly from the mmc’s point of view and it starts off from his prospective, at the start you get bits of the fmcs pov but it then develops more throughout the story which fits perfectly with the timeline, the emotions and the storyline progression. I also love the little flash backs between past and present day it helps you get a better understanding of who these characters were when they younger and how they grow into the people they are in the present.
I think second chance romances may be becoming my thing, this was written so beautifully and I absolutely fell in love with the characters so easily.
I laughed, I cried, I giggled!!! this book was so good! honestly surprised at how much I loved this!!! it was easy to read, easy to follow and everything about the main and side characters was so lovable! I had the best time reading this from start to end
4✨
I love how this is mainly from the mmc’s point of view and it starts off from his prospective, at the start you get bits of the fmcs pov but it then develops more throughout the story which fits perfectly with the timeline, the emotions and the storyline progression. I also love the little flash backs between past and present day it helps you get a better understanding of who these characters were when they younger and how they grow into the people they are in the present.
I think second chance romances may be becoming my thing, this was written so beautifully and I absolutely fell in love with the characters so easily.
I laughed, I cried, I giggled!!! this book was so good! honestly surprised at how much I loved this!!! it was easy to read, easy to follow and everything about the main and side characters was so lovable! I had the best time reading this from start to end
Review of advance copy received from Author
Yearning, a dual timeline and a cowboy to ride. Maggie’s done it again with a brilliant romance!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Somehow loved this one even more than the first one. I'm obsessed with Mitch and Jackie!!! And that tropical setting is PERFECT for summer.
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