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Second Chance Summer: A Sweet Beach Town RomCom
First love. Small town. The one who got away.
Thirty years later… he’s back.
Tessa
He was my first everything… until he left without a goodbye.
I stayed. Built a life in our small beach town. Raised a family. Learned how to live without the boy who broke my heart.
Now Brandon Rice is back—retired baseball legend, all charm and regret—and looking at me like I’m still the girl he never forgot.
But I’m not seventeen anymore. I don’t believe in forever… or second chances.
Even if my heart still remembers exactly how it felt to love him.
Bran
I chose the big leagues over the only girl I ever loved—and it’s the one mistake I’ve never been able to outrun.
Now I’m back in Tiny Beach with nothing left to prove… except to her.
Tessa Harrow isn’t the same girl I left behind. She’s all woman - strong, guarded, completely immune to my fame—and determined not to fall for me again.
Too bad I never stopped loving her.
Winning her back might be the toughest play of my life but this time, I’m not walking away.
Second Chance Summer is a clean, small-town beach romance featuring a retired baseball hero, a first love that never faded, and the kind of second chance that might just last forever.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
Sun, sand, and a second chance at love.
The Midlife Meet Cute Beach Reads Series brings small-town charm and heartwarming fun, with all your favorite tropes—from grumpy/sunshine to he falls first, hidden identity, and enemies-to-lovers. These sweet novellas prove it’s never too late for laughter, love, and a second-chance happily-ever-after.
The Beach Reads collection features eight standalone romcoms:
Stuck on the Beach With You by Ellie Hartwood
Second Chance Summer by Holly Kerr
Plot Twists and Pastries by Leah Busboom
Fake Dating for the Summer by Francesca Spencer
Melissa Abbott Catches the Bouquet by Grace J. Croy
Locking Up My Love Life by Cindy Ray Hale
The Summer of Starting Over by Amy Sparling
Second Chances on Sunrise Bay by Jess Hansen
So kick off your flip-flops, grab a sunhat, and dive into these sun-soaked, swoon-worthy tales of love at midlife!
Thirty years later… he’s back.
Tessa
He was my first everything… until he left without a goodbye.
I stayed. Built a life in our small beach town. Raised a family. Learned how to live without the boy who broke my heart.
Now Brandon Rice is back—retired baseball legend, all charm and regret—and looking at me like I’m still the girl he never forgot.
But I’m not seventeen anymore. I don’t believe in forever… or second chances.
Even if my heart still remembers exactly how it felt to love him.
Bran
I chose the big leagues over the only girl I ever loved—and it’s the one mistake I’ve never been able to outrun.
Now I’m back in Tiny Beach with nothing left to prove… except to her.
Tessa Harrow isn’t the same girl I left behind. She’s all woman - strong, guarded, completely immune to my fame—and determined not to fall for me again.
Too bad I never stopped loving her.
Winning her back might be the toughest play of my life but this time, I’m not walking away.
Second Chance Summer is a clean, small-town beach romance featuring a retired baseball hero, a first love that never faded, and the kind of second chance that might just last forever.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
Sun, sand, and a second chance at love.
The Midlife Meet Cute Beach Reads Series brings small-town charm and heartwarming fun, with all your favorite tropes—from grumpy/sunshine to he falls first, hidden identity, and enemies-to-lovers. These sweet novellas prove it’s never too late for laughter, love, and a second-chance happily-ever-after.
The Beach Reads collection features eight standalone romcoms:
Stuck on the Beach With You by Ellie Hartwood
Second Chance Summer by Holly Kerr
Plot Twists and Pastries by Leah Busboom
Fake Dating for the Summer by Francesca Spencer
Melissa Abbott Catches the Bouquet by Grace J. Croy
Locking Up My Love Life by Cindy Ray Hale
The Summer of Starting Over by Amy Sparling
Second Chances on Sunrise Bay by Jess Hansen
So kick off your flip-flops, grab a sunhat, and dive into these sun-soaked, swoon-worthy tales of love at midlife!
84 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 8, 2026
About the author
Holly Kerr
52 books268 followersHolly Kerr wants everyone to have a happily ever after, full of fun banter and friends to talk about it with.
She’s a lover of water, wine, and dirty martinis, prefers beach to mountain, Star Wars over Star Trek, and really wishes she liked chocolate.
She writes fast-paced, sweet romantic comedy with the door shut, action chick lit about sassy Canadian super spies, and women’s fiction about families and small towns.
Find out more when you sign up for her newsletter, and get a taste with Cupcake Connections, a short story featuring some of her favorite characters. www.hollykerr.ca
She’s a lover of water, wine, and dirty martinis, prefers beach to mountain, Star Wars over Star Trek, and really wishes she liked chocolate.
She writes fast-paced, sweet romantic comedy with the door shut, action chick lit about sassy Canadian super spies, and women’s fiction about families and small towns.
Find out more when you sign up for her newsletter, and get a taste with Cupcake Connections, a short story featuring some of her favorite characters. www.hollykerr.ca
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
June 12, 2026
Second Chance Summer
~Holly Kerr
Second Chance Summer by Holly Kerr warms you like the sun shining down on a warm July day – Canada Day maybe, eh? It's familiar, nostalgic, and carries the kind of “what if" that lingers long after the sun dips below the horizon. While it's a second-chance romance, it leans hard into the first-love kind of energy that never quite dissolved, just waiting for the right season to stir again.
Tessa Harrow has built a stable life in Tiny Beach. Brick by brick in a small beach town that knows her as well as she knows it. She never left. Married local, had kids, divorced, took over the family business, and became the backbone of her community. Brandon Rice left thirty years ago to chase the big leagues. Never said goodbye, not a glance in the rearview mirror as the sun rose over Tiny Beach. But after thirty years of circling success, regret, three marriages (and divorces), and everything in between, he's back. Not for just a visit, he's moved back. Retired from baseball, weathered, and still carrying a torch he never bothered to put out – the past doesn't knock, it walks straight into Tessa's shop and drops a baseball smack, dab in the middle of her freshly made fudge. But picking up thirty years later isn't going to be the stroll along the beach Bran imagines. What follows is a rekindling of hesitation, old wounds, and questions of whether a love that old can still grow into something new and promising.
Kerr has given us characters that carry this story with ease. Tess is grounded and relatable – strong without being completely hardened by life, independent without shutting the world out entirely. She is real and vulnerable. But the one trait given to her by Kerr that makes this story stand out is the maturity shown between her and her ex-husband. The ability to maintain a respectful relationship, more friendship, and not just for their kids adds a layer of emotional intelligence not always seen. Brandon, on the other hand, walks in with charm, regret, and just enough naiveté to make you question whether he is really just naïve or narcissistic. His belief that he can step back into Tess's life after three decades feels bold and borderline unrealistic – but not entirely impossible. People do circle back and sparks do reignite. The banter between the two works well, giving their connection that natural rhythm that keeps things engaging even when the premise raises an eyebrow or two. The supporting cast is strong, adds texture, and helps hold the story together. There were a few moments, though, where relationships blurred making me double-take to figure out who was related to who or who they weren't related to. It didn't deter from the overall story - that's the important part.
Transitioning and pacing was smooth allowing readers to fully immerse themselves, wanting to keep turning pages. I did feel a slight imbalance in the story. The past takes up a lot of ink. At times I felt more than necessary – especially when I wanted to know more of their current and future. This is going to sound wishy-washy, but in some instances I felt that the backstory could have been trimmed making room for deeper development of their rekindled relationship, BUT the heavy focus on the past did one thing very well: it roots you in who these characters were and how they became who they are now. You understand them. You feel their history. I just wish for a little more building of their future. A few moments did stretch believability – specifically Bran moving back to Tiny Beach slipping past Tessa completely despite the fact her finger is clearly on the pulse of the community. But that didn't derail the overall experience – it just sat in the back of my mind throughout the story waiting for the shoe to drop that explained it other than he didn't want her to know. I'm from a small-town and something like that doesn't make it past the one stop light, much less a single person.
Overall, Second Chance Summer is a quick, bingeable read that delivers exactly what it promises: a sweet, second-chance romance with heart. It might not have hit every beat with perfect precision for me, but it carried enough charm, emotional familiarity, and character strength to keep me turning pages and finish it in one sitting.
So, if you are someone who believes love can circle back despite being messy and delayed, yet still intact – this one is for you. A cute, engaging story with strong characters and nostalgic pull that releases on July 8, 2026 but available now for pre-order on Amazon!
I would like to thank Holly Kerr for the opportunity to Alpha/Beta/ARC for Second Chance Summer. As always, all opinions and reviews are of my own volition, The Tx Lit Chic. I have not been promised any compensation, current or future, by the author or publisher for a fair and honest review of Second Chance Summer.
~Holly Kerr
Second Chance Summer by Holly Kerr warms you like the sun shining down on a warm July day – Canada Day maybe, eh? It's familiar, nostalgic, and carries the kind of “what if" that lingers long after the sun dips below the horizon. While it's a second-chance romance, it leans hard into the first-love kind of energy that never quite dissolved, just waiting for the right season to stir again.
Tessa Harrow has built a stable life in Tiny Beach. Brick by brick in a small beach town that knows her as well as she knows it. She never left. Married local, had kids, divorced, took over the family business, and became the backbone of her community. Brandon Rice left thirty years ago to chase the big leagues. Never said goodbye, not a glance in the rearview mirror as the sun rose over Tiny Beach. But after thirty years of circling success, regret, three marriages (and divorces), and everything in between, he's back. Not for just a visit, he's moved back. Retired from baseball, weathered, and still carrying a torch he never bothered to put out – the past doesn't knock, it walks straight into Tessa's shop and drops a baseball smack, dab in the middle of her freshly made fudge. But picking up thirty years later isn't going to be the stroll along the beach Bran imagines. What follows is a rekindling of hesitation, old wounds, and questions of whether a love that old can still grow into something new and promising.
Kerr has given us characters that carry this story with ease. Tess is grounded and relatable – strong without being completely hardened by life, independent without shutting the world out entirely. She is real and vulnerable. But the one trait given to her by Kerr that makes this story stand out is the maturity shown between her and her ex-husband. The ability to maintain a respectful relationship, more friendship, and not just for their kids adds a layer of emotional intelligence not always seen. Brandon, on the other hand, walks in with charm, regret, and just enough naiveté to make you question whether he is really just naïve or narcissistic. His belief that he can step back into Tess's life after three decades feels bold and borderline unrealistic – but not entirely impossible. People do circle back and sparks do reignite. The banter between the two works well, giving their connection that natural rhythm that keeps things engaging even when the premise raises an eyebrow or two. The supporting cast is strong, adds texture, and helps hold the story together. There were a few moments, though, where relationships blurred making me double-take to figure out who was related to who or who they weren't related to. It didn't deter from the overall story - that's the important part.
Transitioning and pacing was smooth allowing readers to fully immerse themselves, wanting to keep turning pages. I did feel a slight imbalance in the story. The past takes up a lot of ink. At times I felt more than necessary – especially when I wanted to know more of their current and future. This is going to sound wishy-washy, but in some instances I felt that the backstory could have been trimmed making room for deeper development of their rekindled relationship, BUT the heavy focus on the past did one thing very well: it roots you in who these characters were and how they became who they are now. You understand them. You feel their history. I just wish for a little more building of their future. A few moments did stretch believability – specifically Bran moving back to Tiny Beach slipping past Tessa completely despite the fact her finger is clearly on the pulse of the community. But that didn't derail the overall experience – it just sat in the back of my mind throughout the story waiting for the shoe to drop that explained it other than he didn't want her to know. I'm from a small-town and something like that doesn't make it past the one stop light, much less a single person.
Overall, Second Chance Summer is a quick, bingeable read that delivers exactly what it promises: a sweet, second-chance romance with heart. It might not have hit every beat with perfect precision for me, but it carried enough charm, emotional familiarity, and character strength to keep me turning pages and finish it in one sitting.
So, if you are someone who believes love can circle back despite being messy and delayed, yet still intact – this one is for you. A cute, engaging story with strong characters and nostalgic pull that releases on July 8, 2026 but available now for pre-order on Amazon!
I would like to thank Holly Kerr for the opportunity to Alpha/Beta/ARC for Second Chance Summer. As always, all opinions and reviews are of my own volition, The Tx Lit Chic. I have not been promised any compensation, current or future, by the author or publisher for a fair and honest review of Second Chance Summer.
July 6, 2026
Book Review
Second Chance Summer
A Novella Written By Holly Kerr
Fiction - Romance
Published July 2026
84 Pages
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is a very quick read. At 84 pages I read it in an afternoon. This is a sweet closed door romance about two older people getting a second chance at love. I loved the two main characters in this story and want to know more about them.
Brandon Rice is a retired professional baseball player. He has three ex wives and a 14 year old daughter. He has moved back home to Tiny Beach, Canada.
Tessa Harrow is the owner of a candy store on the beach. She is divorced with two older children.
Bran and Tessa have not seen each other in 30 years. He is the one that got away. Bran has returned home for Tessa. The attraction between the two is undeniable.
“But some people only get one great love in a lifetime. I’m not about to walk away from mine.”
Second Chance Summer
A Novella Written By Holly Kerr
Fiction - Romance
Published July 2026
84 Pages
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is a very quick read. At 84 pages I read it in an afternoon. This is a sweet closed door romance about two older people getting a second chance at love. I loved the two main characters in this story and want to know more about them.
Brandon Rice is a retired professional baseball player. He has three ex wives and a 14 year old daughter. He has moved back home to Tiny Beach, Canada.
Tessa Harrow is the owner of a candy store on the beach. She is divorced with two older children.
Bran and Tessa have not seen each other in 30 years. He is the one that got away. Bran has returned home for Tessa. The attraction between the two is undeniable.
“But some people only get one great love in a lifetime. I’m not about to walk away from mine.”
July 27, 2026
Bran moved away to play professional baseball after kissing Tessa the night of the fireworks. Now 30 years and e ex-wife later he's back for good and destined to get a second chance with Tessa.
I really enjoyed this novella, it's sweet and the characters are easy to love.
Thanks for this chance Holly. I really need to see what the other authors of this summer series have in store now.
I really enjoyed this novella, it's sweet and the characters are easy to love.
Thanks for this chance Holly. I really need to see what the other authors of this summer series have in store now.
July 4, 2026
This is a sweet second chance romance for a middle-aged woman and a retired (same age) pro baseball star that was too short.
July 9, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️️⭐️/ ️🌶️
The Midlife Meet Cute Series: Beach Reads continues with book 2 from Holly Kerr. Second Chance Summer is a sweet romance, coming home story that features two MCs who were high school sweethearts until one decided to leave to chase what they thought were bigger dreams. I will always love a good coming story, especially when everything the person is searching for has been there all along. With our MCs being later in life, meaning 40 and above, this story once again perfectly captures what this series is all about. Romance does exist later in life.
Tessa is born and raised in her small, coastal hometown, Tiny Beach. She has never dreamed of leaving and has built a life she is proud of. She married someone local, had kids, and took over the family business. While her marriage may not have worked out, her business has allowed her to become very affluent within her community and give back to a town she loves. The only dim spot in her life is the local star to come out of Tiny Beach. Brandon was her high school love, someone she thought she would spend the rest of her life together. But when he decides to leave, without warning, to chase his baseball dreams, she is heartbroken. Now he’s back, having retired, and has one goal in mind; win her back.
Brandon knows he messed up. While his baseball career has been successful and everything he dreamed of, he has never forgotten the girl he left behind and has never gotten over. Deciding to move back to Tiny Beach he is determined to win her back and make up for leaving her all those years ago. Yet, Brandon doesn’t walk back to arms wide open for him, instead Tessa keeps her distance and isn’t thrilled to see him. One thing that Brandon knows well is that, when you’re in the last inning, down by 1, bases loaded, and it’s your turn to bat; you don’t think about what could go wrong. No, you swing for the fences with all your strength.
Holly brought so much to this story through Tessa and Brandon. Tessa is independent, steadfast, and happy in her life. Brandon needed to see life on the other side of the fence to fully realize what he gave up. I could understand Tessa being careful around him again, considering how they left things last time, but she can’t stay away for long. Giving readers a story that reminds us true love will remain through time, if you are willing to work at it. I will always love the feeling Holly brings to her stories, especially when the MCs have the chemistry that Brandon and Tessa have.
As always, review any author notes before reading.
What to Expect:
🩵Second Chance Romance
🏖️Love in 40s
🩵Later in Life MCs
🏖️Small Town Romance
🩵Coming Home
🏖️First Love Lost
The Midlife Meet Cute Series: Beach Reads continues with book 2 from Holly Kerr. Second Chance Summer is a sweet romance, coming home story that features two MCs who were high school sweethearts until one decided to leave to chase what they thought were bigger dreams. I will always love a good coming story, especially when everything the person is searching for has been there all along. With our MCs being later in life, meaning 40 and above, this story once again perfectly captures what this series is all about. Romance does exist later in life.
Tessa is born and raised in her small, coastal hometown, Tiny Beach. She has never dreamed of leaving and has built a life she is proud of. She married someone local, had kids, and took over the family business. While her marriage may not have worked out, her business has allowed her to become very affluent within her community and give back to a town she loves. The only dim spot in her life is the local star to come out of Tiny Beach. Brandon was her high school love, someone she thought she would spend the rest of her life together. But when he decides to leave, without warning, to chase his baseball dreams, she is heartbroken. Now he’s back, having retired, and has one goal in mind; win her back.
Brandon knows he messed up. While his baseball career has been successful and everything he dreamed of, he has never forgotten the girl he left behind and has never gotten over. Deciding to move back to Tiny Beach he is determined to win her back and make up for leaving her all those years ago. Yet, Brandon doesn’t walk back to arms wide open for him, instead Tessa keeps her distance and isn’t thrilled to see him. One thing that Brandon knows well is that, when you’re in the last inning, down by 1, bases loaded, and it’s your turn to bat; you don’t think about what could go wrong. No, you swing for the fences with all your strength.
Holly brought so much to this story through Tessa and Brandon. Tessa is independent, steadfast, and happy in her life. Brandon needed to see life on the other side of the fence to fully realize what he gave up. I could understand Tessa being careful around him again, considering how they left things last time, but she can’t stay away for long. Giving readers a story that reminds us true love will remain through time, if you are willing to work at it. I will always love the feeling Holly brings to her stories, especially when the MCs have the chemistry that Brandon and Tessa have.
As always, review any author notes before reading.
What to Expect:
🩵Second Chance Romance
🏖️Love in 40s
🩵Later in Life MCs
🏖️Small Town Romance
🩵Coming Home
🏖️First Love Lost
July 9, 2026
Tess and Bran sitting in a tree k.i.s.s.i.n.g …if only… Bran Rice was awfully nice and sweet kisses too but then Brandon Rice to give his full name ,packed up his baseball glove and it was sayonara to love for Tessa ,before he could confess to her that he cared ,what a shame. But what would it have mattered ,since he was going away anyway ,he thought.
Leaving her overwrought and shattered by the way he left and with whom. Filled her with doom and Tessa couldn’t understand why he left and with HER too!? It was like he never even cared for her at all…. And did she bawl! She married his best friend,had three wonderful children , Keith now her ex but it’s better that way in circumspection. There’s more affection as his friend than his wife and much less strife.
She’s mixing cake batter when there’s an almighty splash and her baked goods ingredients have a foreign body in them. What’s more there’s a batter from the past whose eyes mesmerise her. And that body ..ahem. Is she dreaming ? He’s beaming at her but she wears a frown . Bran? No one told her . This is news that hits her like a boulder in the belly . Winded I shouldn’t wonder after thirty years have passed and sight no hair except on tv playing ball but well let’s not go there at all…
Is there a Second Chance in the offing ? Well she’s not scoffing and it’s going to be a long Summer…. Holly Kerr ,I love this so much . It’s fully immersive from the start , never cursive and has heart. A human touch. All the characters playing their part for them to unite and such a delight to read their story in all its glory. Good times and bad ,choices made and the wonder of where they’d be now if he had stayed after that summer. Would it be beyond belief good or just as it was with Keith? Never would they know . But one thing is for sure they have some time to make up so onwards and forwards ,no looking back. There he is again looking for his Tess snack. Her kisses are delicious to this man especially after tasting her lips when her finger dips in the batter of her bakery’s sweet treats, while he does the dishes, because he can…. Fireworks on the roof has always been their truth ,but are they going off in her heart too for this man? Read and find out ,why don’t you?
Leaving her overwrought and shattered by the way he left and with whom. Filled her with doom and Tessa couldn’t understand why he left and with HER too!? It was like he never even cared for her at all…. And did she bawl! She married his best friend,had three wonderful children , Keith now her ex but it’s better that way in circumspection. There’s more affection as his friend than his wife and much less strife.
She’s mixing cake batter when there’s an almighty splash and her baked goods ingredients have a foreign body in them. What’s more there’s a batter from the past whose eyes mesmerise her. And that body ..ahem. Is she dreaming ? He’s beaming at her but she wears a frown . Bran? No one told her . This is news that hits her like a boulder in the belly . Winded I shouldn’t wonder after thirty years have passed and sight no hair except on tv playing ball but well let’s not go there at all…
Is there a Second Chance in the offing ? Well she’s not scoffing and it’s going to be a long Summer…. Holly Kerr ,I love this so much . It’s fully immersive from the start , never cursive and has heart. A human touch. All the characters playing their part for them to unite and such a delight to read their story in all its glory. Good times and bad ,choices made and the wonder of where they’d be now if he had stayed after that summer. Would it be beyond belief good or just as it was with Keith? Never would they know . But one thing is for sure they have some time to make up so onwards and forwards ,no looking back. There he is again looking for his Tess snack. Her kisses are delicious to this man especially after tasting her lips when her finger dips in the batter of her bakery’s sweet treats, while he does the dishes, because he can…. Fireworks on the roof has always been their truth ,but are they going off in her heart too for this man? Read and find out ,why don’t you?
June 26, 2026
Canada Day, July First has always been the summer highlight of the beach town of Tiny Beach. Keeping her fathers spot of the events for not just the residents, but for the tourists as well. Tessa, in charge of all including her family tradition of making fudge like grandma used to. Over the years the store as added a few more sweets to The Candy Store. Original no, But a popular stop on the Canada Day traffic proof splattered into Tessa's almost done batch of chocolate fudge when a baseball splats right into the fudge sending flying all over. She sees a face from the past, with a side face smile, dimple and all is the High School heart brake, Bran Rice,famous baseball player back in town. No one, not even her best friend Steph gave her a heads up. Why could she have and should have? Steph is married to Tessa's Ex husband, not to mention Steph is Ban's younger sister! Over the past 30 years Bran has snuck back to town and laid low. This time he stands in her shop announcing to her that he is home for good and the reason he came hom was for Tessa! During those 30 years Bran has married and divorced three times. During that stretch Tessa married Keith, Brans best friend in high school, and had a daughter and 2 sons. It took them some time to realize they made better parents as friend then married. Keith takes Brans return to admit to one then the other that Tessa never fell out of love with Bran. Has too much time passed them by? Hum, you are just going to have to enjoy this book!
July 3, 2026
ARC Review
Second Chance Summer by Holly Kerr
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
If you’re looking for a sweet, heartwarming summer romance, Second Chance Summer is the perfect afternoon escape.
Thirty years ago, Bran left town the morning after his first kiss with Tessa to chase his dream of playing professional baseball, leaving her heartbroken and convinced he’d chosen someone else. Now retired and back home after three divorces, Bran is determined to prove that walking away was the biggest mistake of his life and that Tessa has always been the one.
I absolutely adored this later-in-life, second-chance romance. The banter between Tessa and Bran was charming, their chemistry felt effortless, and I loved watching Bran work so hard to earn a second chance. Their Canada Day celebrations in the cozy beach town added the perfect summer atmosphere, and the author’s descriptions were so vivid I could practically smell the fudge shops along the boardwalk.
The writing made me feel like I was part of this community, and I wasn’t ready to say goodbye to these characters when the story ended. Sweet, hopeful, and completely swoon-worthy, this closed-door romance is perfect for anyone who loves small-town settings, mature characters, and second chances at love.
This book is available on July 8, 2026 and is part of the Midlife Meet Cute Beach Reads Collection. Thank you to the author for providing this advanced readers copy in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Second Chance Summer by Holly Kerr
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
If you’re looking for a sweet, heartwarming summer romance, Second Chance Summer is the perfect afternoon escape.
Thirty years ago, Bran left town the morning after his first kiss with Tessa to chase his dream of playing professional baseball, leaving her heartbroken and convinced he’d chosen someone else. Now retired and back home after three divorces, Bran is determined to prove that walking away was the biggest mistake of his life and that Tessa has always been the one.
I absolutely adored this later-in-life, second-chance romance. The banter between Tessa and Bran was charming, their chemistry felt effortless, and I loved watching Bran work so hard to earn a second chance. Their Canada Day celebrations in the cozy beach town added the perfect summer atmosphere, and the author’s descriptions were so vivid I could practically smell the fudge shops along the boardwalk.
The writing made me feel like I was part of this community, and I wasn’t ready to say goodbye to these characters when the story ended. Sweet, hopeful, and completely swoon-worthy, this closed-door romance is perfect for anyone who loves small-town settings, mature characters, and second chances at love.
This book is available on July 8, 2026 and is part of the Midlife Meet Cute Beach Reads Collection. Thank you to the author for providing this advanced readers copy in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 12, 2026
Second Chance Summer is a sweet, small town, contemporary romance. This novella features Tessa Harrow and Brandon (Bran) Rice.
The fictitious Canadian beach town of Tiny Beach is the setting for this love story. Tessa has lived there her whole life. She got married (ex-husband Keith), had kids, and continues to operate her family's candy shop. She also organizes the Canada Day celebrations.
As everyone prepares for the day's celebrations, Tessa receives a surprise visit from Bran, her first crush. The two had been friends forever and she (not so) secretly harboured a crush on him. Bran was a very talented baseball player and was drafted by the Seattle Mariners. The night before he left town, he kissed Tessa, flipping her world upside down. Then he was gone.
Bran hasn't seen Tessa in 30 years. He has lived a full life. He enjoyed his career as a baseball player, he got married (and divorced) three times, he has a 14-year old daughter.... and yet he has never forgotten Tessa. She's the one who got away. Bran returned to Tiny Beach in the hopes of getting her to give him a chance.
I enjoy small town romances. I also appreciate that this one has mature characters. I liked how Kerr wrote this story. I was strongly in Tessa's court and struggled to open our hearts to Bran after the pain he caused so many years prior, but the author got us there and delivered a sweet, heartfelt story. As a Canadian, I also appreciated the setting. I've seen many 4th of July stories but not so many Canada Day ones. That was an added treat.
I'm a fan of Kerr's work and always look forward to her new releases. This one was an unexpected surprise but was perfectly timed for the holiday. It was appreciated and enjoyed.
The fictitious Canadian beach town of Tiny Beach is the setting for this love story. Tessa has lived there her whole life. She got married (ex-husband Keith), had kids, and continues to operate her family's candy shop. She also organizes the Canada Day celebrations.
As everyone prepares for the day's celebrations, Tessa receives a surprise visit from Bran, her first crush. The two had been friends forever and she (not so) secretly harboured a crush on him. Bran was a very talented baseball player and was drafted by the Seattle Mariners. The night before he left town, he kissed Tessa, flipping her world upside down. Then he was gone.
Bran hasn't seen Tessa in 30 years. He has lived a full life. He enjoyed his career as a baseball player, he got married (and divorced) three times, he has a 14-year old daughter.... and yet he has never forgotten Tessa. She's the one who got away. Bran returned to Tiny Beach in the hopes of getting her to give him a chance.
I enjoy small town romances. I also appreciate that this one has mature characters. I liked how Kerr wrote this story. I was strongly in Tessa's court and struggled to open our hearts to Bran after the pain he caused so many years prior, but the author got us there and delivered a sweet, heartfelt story. As a Canadian, I also appreciated the setting. I've seen many 4th of July stories but not so many Canada Day ones. That was an added treat.
I'm a fan of Kerr's work and always look forward to her new releases. This one was an unexpected surprise but was perfectly timed for the holiday. It was appreciated and enjoyed.
July 3, 2026
I like having a strong female lead in a book and second chances are one of my favorite tropes. The heroine was strong in terms of running a business and town activities but I question her in relationships. I felt like these two never had a real first chance. He left what might have been a good thing but who knows if it would have been or if they just liked making out. And then to come back 30 years later and expect to pick up where their one make out left off? It just didn't work for me. I really wanted to like this story but I didn't feel like the hero showed me proof that he had matured enough to have a relationship. He'd already been through 3 marriages. If it had been a long term relationship in their youth it might have been more believable. And to have her fall right into his arms again without getting to know each other first? They seemed like they were still teenagers even though they were middle aged.
I think I would have liked the story better if it were longer so there was time to develop a real relationship. One not based on yet another make out session. But this is also intended to be a light, beach read so maybe it is just what the doctor ordered for relaxing on the beach.
I think I would have liked the story better if it were longer so there was time to develop a real relationship. One not based on yet another make out session. But this is also intended to be a light, beach read so maybe it is just what the doctor ordered for relaxing on the beach.
July 18, 2026
A mid-life, second chance at love, small town romance that was a cute short read that I finished in one sitting. After finally admitting feeling to one another, he leaves the following day for a baseball career and now we are 30 years in the future. Are the feeling still there and mutual?
Tessa owns the family candy shop after their mother and grandmother in the small town of Tiny Beach in Ontario. She is divorced from a man who was a good friend and now after the divorce they are even better friends. She is the town organizer and enjoys helping with events which includes this year’s Canada Day Celebration. Busy as usual and making fudge, the last person she expected to see was Bran.
Bran left town 30 years ago and only came back to visit for short periods and never had an opportunity to see Tessa again after they kissed the evening before he left town to begin his baseball career. 3 marriages and divorces later and he is back to stay.
This is book two of the Midlife Meet Cute Beach Reads 8 book series but can be read as a stand-alone.
Available on #kindleunlimited
#arcread #sweetromcom #midliferomance #secondchanceatromance
**I received an advanced copy of this book and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Tessa owns the family candy shop after their mother and grandmother in the small town of Tiny Beach in Ontario. She is divorced from a man who was a good friend and now after the divorce they are even better friends. She is the town organizer and enjoys helping with events which includes this year’s Canada Day Celebration. Busy as usual and making fudge, the last person she expected to see was Bran.
Bran left town 30 years ago and only came back to visit for short periods and never had an opportunity to see Tessa again after they kissed the evening before he left town to begin his baseball career. 3 marriages and divorces later and he is back to stay.
This is book two of the Midlife Meet Cute Beach Reads 8 book series but can be read as a stand-alone.
Available on #kindleunlimited
#arcread #sweetromcom #midliferomance #secondchanceatromance
**I received an advanced copy of this book and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I love a good second chance romance. To quote a favourite TV show of mine (Quantum Leap) they ‘put right what once went wrong’. That feeling, along with the characters immediate chemistry, always gives me warm fuzzies.
Brandon Rice was a baseball hero. He left his small Canadian town of Tiny Beach and went to play pro for the Seattle Mariners. Now retired, he’s back in Tiny Beach and face to face with the girl he left behind, Tessa Harrow. She’s not exactly thrilled to see him as he left right after kissing her for the first time and then ghosting her.
There was a lot of unpacking to do for these two when they meet up again. Brandon is three times divorced with a teenage daughter, Tess is also divorced, very amicably, from Brandon’s childhood friend, with two grown up children.
I loved the back and forth between them both, at first Tessa is full of animosity and bitterness but her deeper feelings eventually win through, and then the flirting and feelings start which were both heartwarming and funny. The scene trying to recapture their youth by climbing on the roof to watch the fireworks was so funny but then so romantic once they were up there.
I loved this book, Holly Kerr is one of my favourite authors and did not disappoint me. I can’t wait for more.
Brandon Rice was a baseball hero. He left his small Canadian town of Tiny Beach and went to play pro for the Seattle Mariners. Now retired, he’s back in Tiny Beach and face to face with the girl he left behind, Tessa Harrow. She’s not exactly thrilled to see him as he left right after kissing her for the first time and then ghosting her.
There was a lot of unpacking to do for these two when they meet up again. Brandon is three times divorced with a teenage daughter, Tess is also divorced, very amicably, from Brandon’s childhood friend, with two grown up children.
I loved the back and forth between them both, at first Tessa is full of animosity and bitterness but her deeper feelings eventually win through, and then the flirting and feelings start which were both heartwarming and funny. The scene trying to recapture their youth by climbing on the roof to watch the fireworks was so funny but then so romantic once they were up there.
I loved this book, Holly Kerr is one of my favourite authors and did not disappoint me. I can’t wait for more.
July 7, 2026
3.5 Stars
This is a cute second chance quick read. Part of the Midlife Meet Cute Series Beach Read, each book can be read as a standalone, but of course it's fun to read the full series.
In this book, we get Tess and Bran's story. Tess had a crush on him in high school, but he left without saying goodbye to pursue his baseball career. 30 years later, he is back and wants nothing more to get to know Tess again and see where things go.
I enjoyed that the characters each had a messy past - I may not have liked the particulars (Bran having 3 ex wives), but it made it more real. I also like books that have characters in their mid 40s finding love, or getting a second chance at love because it makes it a little relatable.
I also thought it was fun that this story is set in Canada, during Canada Day Celebration.
I received an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Quotes:
"Our second chance summer has been a very good one."
"I focus on the now these days, not what might have been. Who I am no, not who I was."
"...there's no point in regretting anything."
This is a cute second chance quick read. Part of the Midlife Meet Cute Series Beach Read, each book can be read as a standalone, but of course it's fun to read the full series.
In this book, we get Tess and Bran's story. Tess had a crush on him in high school, but he left without saying goodbye to pursue his baseball career. 30 years later, he is back and wants nothing more to get to know Tess again and see where things go.
I enjoyed that the characters each had a messy past - I may not have liked the particulars (Bran having 3 ex wives), but it made it more real. I also like books that have characters in their mid 40s finding love, or getting a second chance at love because it makes it a little relatable.
I also thought it was fun that this story is set in Canada, during Canada Day Celebration.
I received an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Quotes:
"Our second chance summer has been a very good one."
"I focus on the now these days, not what might have been. Who I am no, not who I was."
"...there's no point in regretting anything."
July 7, 2026
Tessa may not believe in second chances, but fate has other ideas. Second chance romance is my favorite genre in romance. This story was sweet and the beach scenery made it even more fun to read in the summer months.
Brandon Rice (Bran) left Tiny Beach and Tessa in Tiny Beach to pursue a pro baseball career. He broke her heart in the process. Though Tessa was heartbroken for a time, she built her own life with a husband and children in her small town never believing Brian would return.
Their first meeting after 30 years was definitely memorable. Baseball and chocolate do not mix you will soon learn while also getting a chuckle out of it.
I enjoyed both of these characters as they were easy to like and easy to root for. Their conversations were smooth as it was simple for them to fall back into a rhythm with two people who knew each other so well. It was as if they had never parted.
As I stated earlier, I love second chance romance, and this one was even sweeter because it was a later in life romance. This is another wonderful beachy/summer read in the midlife meet cute series.
Thank you to the author for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Brandon Rice (Bran) left Tiny Beach and Tessa in Tiny Beach to pursue a pro baseball career. He broke her heart in the process. Though Tessa was heartbroken for a time, she built her own life with a husband and children in her small town never believing Brian would return.
Their first meeting after 30 years was definitely memorable. Baseball and chocolate do not mix you will soon learn while also getting a chuckle out of it.
I enjoyed both of these characters as they were easy to like and easy to root for. Their conversations were smooth as it was simple for them to fall back into a rhythm with two people who knew each other so well. It was as if they had never parted.
As I stated earlier, I love second chance romance, and this one was even sweeter because it was a later in life romance. This is another wonderful beachy/summer read in the midlife meet cute series.
Thank you to the author for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 9, 2026
“It’s all good.” That could be written on Tessa’s tombstone. As she handles putting out fires for the town’s Canada Day festivities, it becomes her motto. But when she was a teenager in love with her best friend Bran, it was not all good when he kissed her on Canada Day and then left the next morning to follow his MLB dreams.
When Brandon comes back thirty years later and tosses a baseball into the fudge she is making, it’s not quite the second chance meet cute he envisioned. Throw in the line of “I came back for you” and it seems like Bran is trying to orchestrate his own rom-com to win back the girl of his dreams.
This book was a quick read and I found myself chuckling at Brandon’s lines and actions and his realization that he’s not quite as smooth as he thought - maybe you lose that after three ex-wives. I love that all of their friends, even Tessa’s ex-husband, are rooting for the two of them to figure it out.
If you need a quick read that will put a smile on your face and make you chuckle, this is definitely the book to check out.
When Brandon comes back thirty years later and tosses a baseball into the fudge she is making, it’s not quite the second chance meet cute he envisioned. Throw in the line of “I came back for you” and it seems like Bran is trying to orchestrate his own rom-com to win back the girl of his dreams.
This book was a quick read and I found myself chuckling at Brandon’s lines and actions and his realization that he’s not quite as smooth as he thought - maybe you lose that after three ex-wives. I love that all of their friends, even Tessa’s ex-husband, are rooting for the two of them to figure it out.
If you need a quick read that will put a smile on your face and make you chuckle, this is definitely the book to check out.
July 16, 2026
Here is another book in the Midlife Meet Cute series and it is a delight!. It is by one of my favorite authors and has everything I want in a beach read, beautiful beach setting, likable characters, a sweet second chance romance, plus it includes an adorable dog. Add in that it is a short, quick read and it is a perfect vacation escape.
The writing style showcases everything I adore about Holly Kerr, a quick reading story with characters I like and want to spend time with. The story instantly engaged me and I found myself rooting for the characters. Tessa and Bran are likeable characters and I wanted them to have a second chance at love. Tiny Beach is a small beach town I would want to visit with Tess’ Candy Store, the Canada Day celebration, and the long time connections between the community members.
If you enjoy sweet second chance romances I recommend adding this story to your summer reading.
Thanks to the author for the free, gifted copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The writing style showcases everything I adore about Holly Kerr, a quick reading story with characters I like and want to spend time with. The story instantly engaged me and I found myself rooting for the characters. Tessa and Bran are likeable characters and I wanted them to have a second chance at love. Tiny Beach is a small beach town I would want to visit with Tess’ Candy Store, the Canada Day celebration, and the long time connections between the community members.
If you enjoy sweet second chance romances I recommend adding this story to your summer reading.
Thanks to the author for the free, gifted copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 11, 2026
I am so conflicted about this book. I enjoyed reading it and thought there were some interesting issues brought up about the characters. Being married, having children and divorced but still friends? That's a lot to digest. 30 years totally out of touch and right back to teenage feelings? Your ex-husband still best friends with your crush? I am struggling to accept that possibility.
It's a well written story and the main character Tessa sounds like a great person, someone who could be a wonderful friend. She takes over managing town events and is obviously well respected. Bran is popular because of his baseball achievements after he left town. Somehow he had 3 wives but always wanted the girl back home.
So my personal conflicts aside, it was interesting, with many fun details, and definitely not an overdone plot!
It's a well written story and the main character Tessa sounds like a great person, someone who could be a wonderful friend. She takes over managing town events and is obviously well respected. Bran is popular because of his baseball achievements after he left town. Somehow he had 3 wives but always wanted the girl back home.
So my personal conflicts aside, it was interesting, with many fun details, and definitely not an overdone plot!
June 26, 2026
Midlife Meet Cute Series: Bran and Tessa
I’m going to be honest. This is a bit of a rage read to me.
“I thought you’d follow me.”
Childhood best friends, and he kisses her, then ghosts her for 30 years? Walks back into her life and just says, ‘I came for you’??
No. Freaking. Way.
Unacceptable.
“That’s why I came back: because Tessa is here, and I’m ready to be happy. All the time.”
I think there was enough in there to make a sweet read, but for me, it just didn’t sit right for me. I feel like if the reunion was shown to occur over the entire summer, and he actually tried to make amends, it may have been a bit more palatable.
“I feel like weeping because I’ve missed out on so much time with Bran. He was my friend—my best friend in so many ways—and being without that friendship affected me in ways I hadn’t realized.”
I’m going to be honest. This is a bit of a rage read to me.
“I thought you’d follow me.”
Childhood best friends, and he kisses her, then ghosts her for 30 years? Walks back into her life and just says, ‘I came for you’??
No. Freaking. Way.
Unacceptable.
“That’s why I came back: because Tessa is here, and I’m ready to be happy. All the time.”
I think there was enough in there to make a sweet read, but for me, it just didn’t sit right for me. I feel like if the reunion was shown to occur over the entire summer, and he actually tried to make amends, it may have been a bit more palatable.
“I feel like weeping because I’ve missed out on so much time with Bran. He was my friend—my best friend in so many ways—and being without that friendship affected me in ways I hadn’t realized.”
July 8, 2026
This book is quiet and beautiful and hits you right in the chest. A first love that never faded. A small beach town that remembers everything. And two people deciding if the past is worth fighting for. Sweet romance, kisses only, and all the nostalgic feels.
I love a second chance that feels like it was actually worth they time they had to spend apart. Tess and Bran check every box on the list! Bran left for a baseball career and Tess thought she could move on to a husband, kids, and the whole small town life without the first guy who broke her heart.
But when Bran comes back to town, they discover how life pulled them apart, only to bring them back together for a love that made all the time apart a stable footing for a "new" romance between them.
Such a quick read, but left me with a full heart and a big smile on my face. Loved this sweet read!
I love a second chance that feels like it was actually worth they time they had to spend apart. Tess and Bran check every box on the list! Bran left for a baseball career and Tess thought she could move on to a husband, kids, and the whole small town life without the first guy who broke her heart.
But when Bran comes back to town, they discover how life pulled them apart, only to bring them back together for a love that made all the time apart a stable footing for a "new" romance between them.
Such a quick read, but left me with a full heart and a big smile on my face. Loved this sweet read!
July 8, 2026
This book was an absolutely adorable and heartwarming read. Perfect for a summer escape read. There’s moments that will pull on your heartstrings so hard you aren’t sure if they will snap. And there’s moments that are so endearing you feel like you might be intruding. Bran and Tessa are perfection together. And I will not be told otherwise. I really appreciate the later in life setting for these two. It makes the finding each other again mean so much more. Their chemistry and connection never disappeared. And it is definitely intense. And the banter was on fire. It was hilarious. Things between them felt so natural and genuine. Plus you can’t go wrong with a man having to earn his second chance. I adored the fact she made him work for it. But once that door was open it was such an endearing and swoon worthy situation. And the ending was complete perfection for them.
July 10, 2026
Quote I enjoyed:
“That’s why I came back: because Tessa is here, and I’m ready to be happy. All the time.”
Thank you to the author for the gifted copy.
This was a cute second chance summer read that can be read in one sitting. Tess and Bran have known each since they were kids. While Tess has had a crush on Bran for years, life happened and they both moved on and lived life. Now Bran is back in their small town to stay and he wants a second chance. But after 30 years can things change? A light hearted read that helps get you in the summer mood. I enjoyed how Bran was honest with what had happened, and what he wanted in life now. They had such cute banter. Such a cute story.
This is book two in the Midlife Meet Cute Beach Reads series. A clean, closed door multi author series about characters getting their chance at later in life romances.
“That’s why I came back: because Tessa is here, and I’m ready to be happy. All the time.”
Thank you to the author for the gifted copy.
This was a cute second chance summer read that can be read in one sitting. Tess and Bran have known each since they were kids. While Tess has had a crush on Bran for years, life happened and they both moved on and lived life. Now Bran is back in their small town to stay and he wants a second chance. But after 30 years can things change? A light hearted read that helps get you in the summer mood. I enjoyed how Bran was honest with what had happened, and what he wanted in life now. They had such cute banter. Such a cute story.
This is book two in the Midlife Meet Cute Beach Reads series. A clean, closed door multi author series about characters getting their chance at later in life romances.
July 12, 2026
3.75 rounded to 4
I am BEGGING for more of this story!
I really enjoyed the plot and basis of the story! I love this series because us middle aged women deserve to feel like we will find love still! I loved the idea of this second chance romance & i really enjoyed the MCs as well.
My issue is that it didn’t have what i need from a second chance romance book because it was so quick! I wanted more yearning and more tension between the two MCs.
I liked the MCs separately. I found their characters to be charming and enjoyable. I just didn’t feel the chemistry between them! Novellas are so hard because you have to really punch out of the gate and wrap us immediately.
While i enjoy Holly’s writing, the story just needed a longer platform to really lay it out!
I would definitely recommend, but it just is a quick, low stakes romance with little stakes.
I am BEGGING for more of this story!
I really enjoyed the plot and basis of the story! I love this series because us middle aged women deserve to feel like we will find love still! I loved the idea of this second chance romance & i really enjoyed the MCs as well.
My issue is that it didn’t have what i need from a second chance romance book because it was so quick! I wanted more yearning and more tension between the two MCs.
I liked the MCs separately. I found their characters to be charming and enjoyable. I just didn’t feel the chemistry between them! Novellas are so hard because you have to really punch out of the gate and wrap us immediately.
While i enjoy Holly’s writing, the story just needed a longer platform to really lay it out!
I would definitely recommend, but it just is a quick, low stakes romance with little stakes.
July 6, 2026
Second Chance Summer by Holly Kerr is a summer holiday in the life of Tessa Harrow when Brandon Rice returns to town. While this story has an epilogue at the end the story concerns just a short period when these two reconnect. Closer to fifty than forty Tessa and Brandon work through some hurts and some misconceptions from almost three decades ago. A clean sweet romance in a small town where everyone knows everyone’s business.
I can say I loved this novella length story with the only complaint is that I want more. I want to see them next summer too. The first book I have read by this author, but it won’t be the last. I liked the ex-husband, Keith and hope that he finds someone who loves him totally in a future story.
I can say I loved this novella length story with the only complaint is that I want more. I want to see them next summer too. The first book I have read by this author, but it won’t be the last. I liked the ex-husband, Keith and hope that he finds someone who loves him totally in a future story.
June 12, 2026
A quick, fun read for summer
This quick read is so worth your time. Brandon or Bran had been Tessa’s first crush and first kiss. Then he left without a goodbye to follow his dreams of pro-ball. Tessa moved on, married, had kids, divorced, built a company, and became active in the community. Now thirty years later he returns with no warning and seems to expect Tessa to just take him back. But hurt remains even after time. Questions remain. And life is now very different. Will things work out or are too many obstacles in the way? I received an early copy and this is my honest review.
This quick read is so worth your time. Brandon or Bran had been Tessa’s first crush and first kiss. Then he left without a goodbye to follow his dreams of pro-ball. Tessa moved on, married, had kids, divorced, built a company, and became active in the community. Now thirty years later he returns with no warning and seems to expect Tessa to just take him back. But hurt remains even after time. Questions remain. And life is now very different. Will things work out or are too many obstacles in the way? I received an early copy and this is my honest review.
June 20, 2026
Tess and Bran have been apart for 30 years. Tess has always had a crush on him. Tess has been holding a grudge against him for leaving town the morning after their first kiss with his ex girlfriend.
Bran had a shot at the majors and took it. He's longed for Tess this whole time, even after three divorces. After retiring he's come home to stay and try to win Tess' heart.
This book was so well written, and I felt like I was friends with each character. I wanted to be more involved in their lives. The location was painted clearly in my mind, and I could almost smell the fudge. I loved this later in life, second chance romance
Bran had a shot at the majors and took it. He's longed for Tess this whole time, even after three divorces. After retiring he's come home to stay and try to win Tess' heart.
This book was so well written, and I felt like I was friends with each character. I wanted to be more involved in their lives. The location was painted clearly in my mind, and I could almost smell the fudge. I loved this later in life, second chance romance
July 2, 2026
Super cute summer novella about Tessa and Bran who, after one kiss thirty years ago, reconnect back in their hometown when Bran retires and moves back home and finds Tessa, divorced, with kids and running a business. Bran left town to play MLB baseball and, due to a misunderstanding on both of their parts, never asks Tessa to go with him but rather leads her to believe that he doesn't care for her so she moves on with her life and marries one of Bran's friends. Now, as he returns, he needs to figure out how to make her believe that leaving her behind was his greatest regret and he wants a second chance...
July 2, 2026
📚ARC Review📚
Second Chance Summer ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I so enjoyed this second chance, later in life romcom. The banter between Tessa and Brandon was so good. Brandon was so swoon worthy with Tessa and was determined to not let her get away this time, after the mistake he made in the past. I loved the setting and the festivities with them celebrating Canada Day in the small beach town. This was a quick read and perfect for the summer!
This book publishes on July 8, 2026 and it’s part of the Midlife Meet Cute Beach Reads Collection. Thank you to the author for my advanced audiobook copy. This is my honest and voluntary opinion.
Second Chance Summer ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I so enjoyed this second chance, later in life romcom. The banter between Tessa and Brandon was so good. Brandon was so swoon worthy with Tessa and was determined to not let her get away this time, after the mistake he made in the past. I loved the setting and the festivities with them celebrating Canada Day in the small beach town. This was a quick read and perfect for the summer!
This book publishes on July 8, 2026 and it’s part of the Midlife Meet Cute Beach Reads Collection. Thank you to the author for my advanced audiobook copy. This is my honest and voluntary opinion.
July 6, 2026
Sweet Second Chance Romance
Second Chance Summer was a fun read. I really like a good second chance romance, so I was looking forward to this one, and it didn't disappoint. I liked Tessa and Bran together, and because they had so much history, it was easy to root for them from the start.
I also liked the small town beach setting and getting to know some of the people around them. It all came together into a sweet, heartfelt story. If you enjoy first loves, mature characters, and clean romance, I'd definitely recommend giving this one a try.
I received an advanced copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Second Chance Summer was a fun read. I really like a good second chance romance, so I was looking forward to this one, and it didn't disappoint. I liked Tessa and Bran together, and because they had so much history, it was easy to root for them from the start.
I also liked the small town beach setting and getting to know some of the people around them. It all came together into a sweet, heartfelt story. If you enjoy first loves, mature characters, and clean romance, I'd definitely recommend giving this one a try.
I received an advanced copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 7, 2026
I felt like I actually knew all of the characters in this romantic, mid-life novella. Tessa stayed in the small town where she grew up and made a full life there. Bran was her first love, but he left town after high school to pursue bigger opportunities. This novella asks the question: what if your first love returns - and might actually be both eligible AND still interested? The story has well-written dual points of view as both Tess and Bran meet up again. This engaging novella gets five stars (I mean, five hearts!) and is definitely recommended. I received an advance copy and am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 9, 2026
Book 2 of Midlife Meet Cute Beach Reads. Can be read as a standalone.
'Second Chance Summer is a clean, small-town beach romance featuring a retired baseball hero, a first love that never faded, and the kind of second chance that might just last forever.'
The characters drove the storyline and they were so very appealing and likeable and absolutely perfect together. Plot was intriguing and well paced. World building was excellent and solidly drawn. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
'Second Chance Summer is a clean, small-town beach romance featuring a retired baseball hero, a first love that never faded, and the kind of second chance that might just last forever.'
The characters drove the storyline and they were so very appealing and likeable and absolutely perfect together. Plot was intriguing and well paced. World building was excellent and solidly drawn. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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