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Second Chances #1
Second Act
When a member of the board of a non-profit arts agency in Fort Worth turns up dead, the homicide detective assigned to the case looks at everyone involved in the organization, including the Executive Director.
Addison Jones Greer, divorced mother of two teens, is the Executive Director of Cowtown Theatre. When a board member is found in the costume room murdered, suspicion rests on everyone involved with the theatre, including Addie. She has angered some board members because she wants to fire the Artistic Director. Although she’s warmed him several times, he continues to go over budget for productions.
Mike Riley, Fort Worth homicide detective, hates that he caught this case. His sister-in-law dragged him to a theatre fundraiser where he met Addison, the first woman he’s wanted to pursue a relationship with in a long time. Not about to happen now.
Addison hasn’t ventured into romance since she caught her now ex-husband in their bed with his secretary. As a result she doesn’t do trust. How could she trust someone who seems determined to think she’s capable of murder? Or worse, thinks her kids might be involved.
SECOND ACT is Book 1 of the Second Chances Series. We meet four women, now in middle age, who’ve been friends since they met at summer camp after second grade. Whether they realize it or not, they all need a second chance.
Addison Jones Greer, divorced mother of two teens, is the Executive Director of Cowtown Theatre. When a board member is found in the costume room murdered, suspicion rests on everyone involved with the theatre, including Addie. She has angered some board members because she wants to fire the Artistic Director. Although she’s warmed him several times, he continues to go over budget for productions.
Mike Riley, Fort Worth homicide detective, hates that he caught this case. His sister-in-law dragged him to a theatre fundraiser where he met Addison, the first woman he’s wanted to pursue a relationship with in a long time. Not about to happen now.
Addison hasn’t ventured into romance since she caught her now ex-husband in their bed with his secretary. As a result she doesn’t do trust. How could she trust someone who seems determined to think she’s capable of murder? Or worse, thinks her kids might be involved.
SECOND ACT is Book 1 of the Second Chances Series. We meet four women, now in middle age, who’ve been friends since they met at summer camp after second grade. Whether they realize it or not, they all need a second chance.
- GenresRomance
363 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 26, 2015
3 people are currently reading
43 people want to read
About the author
Marsha R. West
14 books74 followers A retired elementary school principal, a former school board member, and theatre arts teacher, Marsha R. West writes Romance, Suspense, and Second Chances. Experience Required. She lives in Texas with her supportive lawyer husband and Charley, a deaf, Chihuahua/Jack Russell Terrier. Their two daughters presented them with three delightful grandchildren all who live nearby.
The theme of Marsha’s eight books is always second chances. She even has a four-part series titled The Second Chances Series. She believes in Happily Ever Afters. Her husband picked up a plaque for her on one of their several trips to Maine that states her philosophy exactly. Everything will be all right in the end. If it’s not all right, it’s not the end. The Heroines and Heroes in her books are in their 40s and 50s with their parents and children often playing supporting roles.
She’s a member of Romance Writers of America, the North Texas local chapter, NTRWA, Authors Marketing Guild LLC, the WORD BY WORD BLOG, and has her own weekly blog and monthly newsletter. Marsha loves making presentations to groups and has twice taught a Silver Frogs class on Indie Publishing for Texas Christian University. Her books can be found on AMAZON, B & N, KOBO, and iTunes. Print books are also at Indie Lector Stores and Amazon. Blurbs for each of her books with links can be found on her website https://authormarsharwest.wordpress.com/ Where you can also sign up for her NEWSLETTER and BLOG
Contact her at marsha@marsharwest.com , and follow her on… https://www.facebook.com/?ref=tn_tnmn
https://www.twitter.com/Marsharwest @Marsharwest
https://wordbyword.net/category/blog/
https://www.pinterest.com/marsharwest/
https://www.instagram.com/marsharwest
The theme of Marsha’s eight books is always second chances. She even has a four-part series titled The Second Chances Series. She believes in Happily Ever Afters. Her husband picked up a plaque for her on one of their several trips to Maine that states her philosophy exactly. Everything will be all right in the end. If it’s not all right, it’s not the end. The Heroines and Heroes in her books are in their 40s and 50s with their parents and children often playing supporting roles.
She’s a member of Romance Writers of America, the North Texas local chapter, NTRWA, Authors Marketing Guild LLC, the WORD BY WORD BLOG, and has her own weekly blog and monthly newsletter. Marsha loves making presentations to groups and has twice taught a Silver Frogs class on Indie Publishing for Texas Christian University. Her books can be found on AMAZON, B & N, KOBO, and iTunes. Print books are also at Indie Lector Stores and Amazon. Blurbs for each of her books with links can be found on her website https://authormarsharwest.wordpress.com/ Where you can also sign up for her NEWSLETTER and BLOG
Contact her at marsha@marsharwest.com , and follow her on… https://www.facebook.com/?ref=tn_tnmn
https://www.twitter.com/Marsharwest @Marsharwest
https://wordbyword.net/category/blog/
https://www.pinterest.com/marsharwest/
https://www.instagram.com/marsharwest
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
December 28, 2015
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
YOU CAN ALSO READ MY REVIEW ON MY BLOG
Hold on. This is too sweet. For a novel full of blood and accidents, this sure is a drama and romance.
Okay, I'll say this now while I still remember it: I found a few typo mistakes here and there which made me think this might be an eARC but I'd need to check on that first.
But really now, WOW. Yeah, well the last scenes were pretty much hot. Not as hot as the uhm, [bbbeeeeeeeeepppp] but oh my.
I hope this won't be a spoiler but the actual murder act was not hidden to the readers. It was one of those where we see everyone do their best to gather all evidences to get it all out.
Now, for my first sentence. Look, the book was a series of unfortunate events after the other. It must have been hard and all.
The writing was good though it had the tendency to change from one POV to another with zero warnings and since this is written in third-person, it was kinda hard. Not confusing hard but just what-hard.
Anyway, the whole uhm act was not what I expected from the cover... but I think the cover is close enough. I should say that the whole story was not all predictable. There were a twist or two that caught me off-guard, but that's all. It was like watching a show you fell you're already familiar with but you're not sure either.
If that made sense.
Now, on to the ridiculously sweet romance. I swear - it shouldn't have been like this but dammit, I'm hipping them and they're kinda cute. Well, it was all based in lust and the funny feeling in the stomach but it progresses to something that would fall under love.
The characters were al lovable. Though Clay was good enough to be irritating at most. He's kinda persistent.
To me, Addie was the type of woman who always thinks about everything. She started out as someone who can work under pressure but after everything, she was a human being after all. And I loved that. I love how West's writing showed her emotions and thoughts about what's happening. Everyone get's a little out of head and with that, Addie felt more real to me.
Mike, on the other hand, was good in keeping his emotions in tact. He's actually the reason why I can say that the "relationship" (at the beginning it was "relationship" but it ended as a relationship.) was based on lust. But the story kept moving on and sooner or later, we got into his POV and well, turned the tables. He's quite charming.
Elizabeth had to be the realest thing. At start, she was really annoying, being self-centred and all, but I love how her character grew.
Her twin, Jer, on the other hand, showed little of his real emotions. He got little of the attention that I think he deserves. I just hope he got a little bit more.
Overall, Second Act is a great read. It went in a pace that continuously flows. It had a mix light drama, and sweet/steamy romance that spiced up the story.
YOU CAN ALSO READ MY REVIEW ON MY BLOG
Hold on. This is too sweet. For a novel full of blood and accidents, this sure is a drama and romance.
Okay, I'll say this now while I still remember it: I found a few typo mistakes here and there which made me think this might be an eARC but I'd need to check on that first.
But really now, WOW. Yeah, well the last scenes were pretty much hot. Not as hot as the uhm, [bbbeeeeeeeeepppp] but oh my.
I hope this won't be a spoiler but the actual murder act was not hidden to the readers. It was one of those where we see everyone do their best to gather all evidences to get it all out.
Now, for my first sentence. Look, the book was a series of unfortunate events after the other. It must have been hard and all.
The writing was good though it had the tendency to change from one POV to another with zero warnings and since this is written in third-person, it was kinda hard. Not confusing hard but just what-hard.
Anyway, the whole uhm act was not what I expected from the cover... but I think the cover is close enough. I should say that the whole story was not all predictable. There were a twist or two that caught me off-guard, but that's all. It was like watching a show you fell you're already familiar with but you're not sure either.
If that made sense.
Now, on to the ridiculously sweet romance. I swear - it shouldn't have been like this but dammit, I'm hipping them and they're kinda cute. Well, it was all based in lust and the funny feeling in the stomach but it progresses to something that would fall under love.
The characters were al lovable. Though Clay was good enough to be irritating at most. He's kinda persistent.
To me, Addie was the type of woman who always thinks about everything. She started out as someone who can work under pressure but after everything, she was a human being after all. And I loved that. I love how West's writing showed her emotions and thoughts about what's happening. Everyone get's a little out of head and with that, Addie felt more real to me.
Mike, on the other hand, was good in keeping his emotions in tact. He's actually the reason why I can say that the "relationship" (at the beginning it was "relationship" but it ended as a relationship.) was based on lust. But the story kept moving on and sooner or later, we got into his POV and well, turned the tables. He's quite charming.
Elizabeth had to be the realest thing. At start, she was really annoying, being self-centred and all, but I love how her character grew.
Her twin, Jer, on the other hand, showed little of his real emotions. He got little of the attention that I think he deserves. I just hope he got a little bit more.
Overall, Second Act is a great read. It went in a pace that continuously flows. It had a mix light drama, and sweet/steamy romance that spiced up the story.
April 9, 2015
The heroine, Addison, is a mature woman who likes her coffee strong. West does an excellent job of showing us both her strength and her vulnerability. The love scenes are filled with passion. I quote: "The emptiness in her cried out for his body. For his touch. For his kiss..." The bad guy is... really bad. A great romantic suspense with surprising plot twists, fully developed characters, passion and a touch of humor.
June 24, 2023
Backstabbing is commonplace in theatre, but murder? A board member is murdered, and poor Addie is the number one suspect. Oooh, I love a juicy romantic suspense. Add in the setting and the cast of characters being a part of a community theater, and it has all the makings of an unputdownable read. I love everything about Second Act, from the gripping plot to the setting to the budding romance to the loathsome creative director to the murder. I couldn’t stop reading this book and neither will you.
Let’s start with the characters. I connected with Addie right away. She’s a divorced mom trying her best to revive the local theatre while raising two teen boys. She’s sworn off love but there’s something about Det. Mike she can’t resist. She’s also dealing with a truly horrible person at work who makes her life miserable. The more I read, the more my heart went out to Addie. The rest of the characters are so well-written and add depth to the overall story.
Marsha R. West is a prolific author who writes romantic suspense readers clamor for. Her ability to balance suspense and romance is second to none. Her writing is filled with emotion, making it easy to connect with the characters. I enjoy each of her stories, each one better than the last.
If you love romantic suspense, pick up Second Act. Brilliant from start to finish, this book will leave you satisfied.
My Rating: 5+ stars
Reviewed by: Nancy
This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...
Let’s start with the characters. I connected with Addie right away. She’s a divorced mom trying her best to revive the local theatre while raising two teen boys. She’s sworn off love but there’s something about Det. Mike she can’t resist. She’s also dealing with a truly horrible person at work who makes her life miserable. The more I read, the more my heart went out to Addie. The rest of the characters are so well-written and add depth to the overall story.
Marsha R. West is a prolific author who writes romantic suspense readers clamor for. Her ability to balance suspense and romance is second to none. Her writing is filled with emotion, making it easy to connect with the characters. I enjoy each of her stories, each one better than the last.
If you love romantic suspense, pick up Second Act. Brilliant from start to finish, this book will leave you satisfied.
My Rating: 5+ stars
Reviewed by: Nancy
This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...
August 26, 2023
Addison Greer is flying as fast as she can. Running a theater, mothering her 18 year old twins, trying to keep her personal and business finances in the black. Her ex is pain who ignores their daughter while lavishing praise on their son. Why is she so attracted to the Detective brother in law of one of her board members? Why is Jonathon Harding so interested in her? Is there any way to reconcile with her Goth daughter? The action happens quickly and so does the sexual attraction. A great mystery even though you know from the beginning who the bad guy is! A great read. Looking forward to more Marsha West books!
April 20, 2015
The plot of Second Act is interesting and catchy. I like it when the author can write it so that the reader knows the who, but not the why, and still manage to hold the readers interest - which is what Marsha has done. We go along for the journey as the mystery is unravelled for the characters in Second Act, and there are all sorts of turns that even had me questioning what I thought I knew.
The main characters are unexpectedly attracted to each other, but circumstances force them to keep their relationship professional. This can be a challenge and it was intriguing to watch them try to do this, and fight their attraction. I like that they are both more mature characters, and the relationship issues are believable for a mature couple because there is so much more going on than just the two of them!
Addison in particular has a lot going on in her life from her job to her kids. Addison is a good main character, but she was difficult for me to relate to because of some of her characteristics. She seems a little too trusting, a little too naive at times for a mature adult woman with life experience to draw on. I did feel like I got to know her well though, and I did like how she evolved in Second Act. I really liked our hero Mike. He is determined to do the right thing, even if he feels conflicted...until tragedy strikes again, then will he follow his heart? I liked the conflict he went through and watching how he dealt with it and tried to come to terms with possible outcomes.
The title of this story, Second Act, is so appropriate for the plot and general setting! Second Act is primarily a mystery book with romance elements woven in at times where it fits with the plot. I liked how this was done and that neither the romance or mystery overwhelmed each other.
There are a lot of secondary characters in Second Act who are great supporting characters, each with a little something to offer up, pulling you in and adding great dynamic to Second Act. I look forward to seeing more of these people in future books in this new series. I'd recommend Second Act to any reader looking for a good mystery with some romance to spice it up!
The main characters are unexpectedly attracted to each other, but circumstances force them to keep their relationship professional. This can be a challenge and it was intriguing to watch them try to do this, and fight their attraction. I like that they are both more mature characters, and the relationship issues are believable for a mature couple because there is so much more going on than just the two of them!
Addison in particular has a lot going on in her life from her job to her kids. Addison is a good main character, but she was difficult for me to relate to because of some of her characteristics. She seems a little too trusting, a little too naive at times for a mature adult woman with life experience to draw on. I did feel like I got to know her well though, and I did like how she evolved in Second Act. I really liked our hero Mike. He is determined to do the right thing, even if he feels conflicted...until tragedy strikes again, then will he follow his heart? I liked the conflict he went through and watching how he dealt with it and tried to come to terms with possible outcomes.
The title of this story, Second Act, is so appropriate for the plot and general setting! Second Act is primarily a mystery book with romance elements woven in at times where it fits with the plot. I liked how this was done and that neither the romance or mystery overwhelmed each other.
There are a lot of secondary characters in Second Act who are great supporting characters, each with a little something to offer up, pulling you in and adding great dynamic to Second Act. I look forward to seeing more of these people in future books in this new series. I'd recommend Second Act to any reader looking for a good mystery with some romance to spice it up!
August 27, 2016
I thoroughly enjoyed the mystery of Second Act written by Marsha West and looked forward to my reading time each evening. From the beginning of this novel, the author drew me in and kept my interest until the last page.
I liked Addison Greer, the protagonist and could easily relate to her. All of the characters were well-developed and believable. I also liked that Ms. West brought in characters from her other novels. The action was fast paced and there were so many twists and turns. When things were finally settling down, then something else happened for this reader to worry about.
Second Act (The Second Chances Series Book 1) was an appropriate title. The book was filled with second chances for everyone. I look forward to the next novel in this series.
I liked Addison Greer, the protagonist and could easily relate to her. All of the characters were well-developed and believable. I also liked that Ms. West brought in characters from her other novels. The action was fast paced and there were so many twists and turns. When things were finally settling down, then something else happened for this reader to worry about.
Second Act (The Second Chances Series Book 1) was an appropriate title. The book was filled with second chances for everyone. I look forward to the next novel in this series.
July 3, 2016
I thoroughly enjoyed the mystery of Second Act written by Marsha West and looked forward to my reading time each evening. From the beginning of this novel, the author drew me in and kept my interest until the last page.
I liked Addison Greer, the protagonist, and could easily relate to her. All of the characters were well-developed and believable. I also liked that Ms. West brought in characters from her other novels. The action was fast paced and there were so many twists and turns. When things were finally settling down, then something else happened for this reader to worry about.
Second Act (The Second Chances Series Book 1) was an appropriate title. The book was filled with second chances for everyone. I look forward to the next novel in this series.
I liked Addison Greer, the protagonist, and could easily relate to her. All of the characters were well-developed and believable. I also liked that Ms. West brought in characters from her other novels. The action was fast paced and there were so many twists and turns. When things were finally settling down, then something else happened for this reader to worry about.
Second Act (The Second Chances Series Book 1) was an appropriate title. The book was filled with second chances for everyone. I look forward to the next novel in this series.
April 21, 2015
From the beginning of the book, West gets you into the head of several characters and artfully draws you into a very complicated plot. For such a complicated plot, and with so many POVs included you would think the story might get rather confusing. This is absolutely not so. My only complaint would be that I wished the swear words, and vulgar language was skipped. I can see why the author felt some of it was essential for her characters, but I don't care for it. Fantastic job, Ms West!
August 3, 2016
Romantic suspense at its best...likeable, multi-dimensional protagonists, a truly detestable villain, well-developed secondary characters, fast-paced and filled with enough twists and turns to keep us reading well into the night. Ms. West has introduced an intriguing new series that will appeal to anyone contemplating a second act or hoping for a second chance at love.
I read this book in two sittings and had trouble putting it down.
Well done, Ms. West!
I read this book in two sittings and had trouble putting it down.
Well done, Ms. West!
June 9, 2015
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. It was better than her first. It held my attention and kept me interested the entire time. I like that her characters are always "grown ups" instead of the typical barely old enough to buy beer characters that are popular in today's literature.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews