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Wanted: A Second Chance Romance
Wanted is a spicy second-chance romance that follows Lorenzo Marino, a widowed single father who believes his heart died with his wife. Focused entirely on raising his son and protecting what remains of his family, Lorenzo keeps love at a distance. Until Elena, the warm and determined nanny caring for his child, quietly slips past the walls he built around himself.
When a painful mistake shatters their fragile bond, harsh words and broken trust drive Elena away, leaving Lorenzo to confront emotions he never intended to feel again.
Months of silence force him to face a truth he tried to deny; he has fallen in love again.
Blending emotional intensity with themes of grief, forgiveness and healing. Wanted explores the courage it takes to open one's heart after loss.After Elena goes missing, Lorenzo is forced to act, pushing all reservations aside to save the woman he loves.
Second Chance Romance
Found Family
Forced Proximity
Single Dad/Nanny Romance
Wanted is a Second Chance Romance with no 'other woman' drama and a HEA. If you like your man strong, slightly aggressive and Italian, Lorenzo is about to become your next book boyfriend.
When a painful mistake shatters their fragile bond, harsh words and broken trust drive Elena away, leaving Lorenzo to confront emotions he never intended to feel again.
Months of silence force him to face a truth he tried to deny; he has fallen in love again.
Blending emotional intensity with themes of grief, forgiveness and healing. Wanted explores the courage it takes to open one's heart after loss.After Elena goes missing, Lorenzo is forced to act, pushing all reservations aside to save the woman he loves.
Second Chance Romance
Found Family
Forced Proximity
Single Dad/Nanny Romance
Wanted is a Second Chance Romance with no 'other woman' drama and a HEA. If you like your man strong, slightly aggressive and Italian, Lorenzo is about to become your next book boyfriend.
379 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 27, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
September 6, 2026
Okay… Wanted surprised me in the best way.
Elena? LOVED her. Strong, emotional, vulnerable, but absolutely not a pushover. And Enzo…That man is controlled, protective, guarded, and carrying way more grief than he lets anyone see.
But honestly? Enzo with his son absolutely wrecked me.
The chemistry between Elena and Enzo was hot, the banter was fun, and the story gave me enough twists and turns to keep me turning pages because I needed to know what was coming next.
And that balcony scene…
EXCUSE ME,
For a debut novel, I genuinely enjoyed this one. Emotional, romantic, a little chaotic, and packed with characters that stayed in my head after I finished.
4⭐️ from me!
🌶️🌶️
Elena? LOVED her. Strong, emotional, vulnerable, but absolutely not a pushover. And Enzo…That man is controlled, protective, guarded, and carrying way more grief than he lets anyone see.
But honestly? Enzo with his son absolutely wrecked me.
The chemistry between Elena and Enzo was hot, the banter was fun, and the story gave me enough twists and turns to keep me turning pages because I needed to know what was coming next.
And that balcony scene…
EXCUSE ME,
For a debut novel, I genuinely enjoyed this one. Emotional, romantic, a little chaotic, and packed with characters that stayed in my head after I finished.
4⭐️ from me!
🌶️🌶️
July 20, 2026
This was such a good read. I love when authors work bookish elements into their stories. Our FMC being a writer.
Elena and Enzo both suffering from loss and trauma, but in different ways. Finding a different type of love with each other than they did in their past. The chemistry was fire 🔥 🔥. The balcony OMG 🥵🌶.
Elena and Angel's relationship was so pure and beautiful.
Tony and Evie were amazing side characters. I love an overprotective friend with no filter.
I lost a little love for Enzo with the vanity wardrobe scene as well as the hospital outburst.
But the man made up for it at least.
I enjoyed the surprise pregnancy trope and that they eventually found their way back to each other but in a real life time frame.
Elena and Enzo both suffering from loss and trauma, but in different ways. Finding a different type of love with each other than they did in their past. The chemistry was fire 🔥 🔥. The balcony OMG 🥵🌶.
Elena and Angel's relationship was so pure and beautiful.
Tony and Evie were amazing side characters. I love an overprotective friend with no filter.
I lost a little love for Enzo with the vanity wardrobe scene as well as the hospital outburst.
But the man made up for it at least.
I enjoyed the surprise pregnancy trope and that they eventually found their way back to each other but in a real life time frame.
August 31, 2026
Goosebumps
This was such an enjoyable read with plenty of spice and some really sweet moments along the way.
I loves watching the relationship develop between Ellie and Enzo and there were definitely scenes that had me smiling and there were also moments that gave me that little knot in my stomach because I wasn’t quite sure where the story was going to take me.
The author has a wonderful way of bringing humour into her story - I genuinely laughed. Her writing is so easy to sink into that I found myself flying through the pages.
'Wanted' is a steamy romance with plenty of heart - and the ending left me with goosebumps
This was such an enjoyable read with plenty of spice and some really sweet moments along the way.
I loves watching the relationship develop between Ellie and Enzo and there were definitely scenes that had me smiling and there were also moments that gave me that little knot in my stomach because I wasn’t quite sure where the story was going to take me.
The author has a wonderful way of bringing humour into her story - I genuinely laughed. Her writing is so easy to sink into that I found myself flying through the pages.
'Wanted' is a steamy romance with plenty of heart - and the ending left me with goosebumps
July 20, 2026
Wanted completely pulled me in from the very first page. It had the perfect balance of emotion, romance, and healing, and I found myself so invested in the characters and their journey. The emotions felt genuine, and every step of the story had me hoping they'd find their way back to each other.
For a debut novel, this was such an impressive start. Sam has created a story that's heartfelt, easy to connect with, and leaves you thinking about the characters long after you've finished.
Now I'm counting down the days until Undone. I can't wait to follow Tony and Evie's story and see where Sam takes us next. If it's anything like Wanted, I know I'm in for another emotional ride!
For a debut novel, this was such an impressive start. Sam has created a story that's heartfelt, easy to connect with, and leaves you thinking about the characters long after you've finished.
Now I'm counting down the days until Undone. I can't wait to follow Tony and Evie's story and see where Sam takes us next. If it's anything like Wanted, I know I'm in for another emotional ride!
August 30, 2026
Wow
This was one amazing read. It is heartfelt, filled with enough drama and passion. I love how the MMC and FMC works through their own brokenness and meets each other in the end.
If you are into soft love and broken hearts mending, then this is definitely for you...
This was one amazing read. It is heartfelt, filled with enough drama and passion. I love how the MMC and FMC works through their own brokenness and meets each other in the end.
If you are into soft love and broken hearts mending, then this is definitely for you...
September 9, 2026
Such a great read
I enjoyed this and knowing it's a fellow South African author! I am so proud of you and you debut novel, Enzo was perfect his character and Elena were exactly what I needed to get out my reading slump! Can't wait for the next book 5 stars darling!
Wanted is everything you could WANT!
I enjoyed this and knowing it's a fellow South African author! I am so proud of you and you debut novel, Enzo was perfect his character and Elena were exactly what I needed to get out my reading slump! Can't wait for the next book 5 stars darling!
Wanted is everything you could WANT!
September 10, 2026
Wanted was a rollercoaster of emotions.
It still baffles me how brilliantly written this debut novel truly is. S. C. Bella's writing is intense, raw, and humanistic to the point that it makes you feel as though you, yourself, are the FMC/MMC.
Normally, I despise second-chance romances. However, Wanted completely changed my perspective on how incredible a book can be when the trope is executed correctly. The story explored so many tropes that meshed together seamlessly, allowing everything to flow naturally without ever feeling forced or disjointed.
I loved every single character we were introduced to, with the exception of Matt. (I hope he is castrated and off'ed.)
Every character felt so intricately thought out, each possessing a distinct personality while still showcasing their own flaws and struggles. Elena's character growth, from a people-pleasing individual who allows others to walk all over her into a stronger, independent woman who learns to establish and uphold her boundaries, was beautifully executed. The internal struggles she experiences throughout the story make her incredibly relatable. Enzo having to confront his grief and wrestle with his own struggles was just as compelling.
What impressed me most was the ability to develop a side couple with equally palpable chemistry without taking anything away from the main couple. That, to me, is superb writing. My personal favourite is Evie, and I am eagerly looking forward to her book.
The chemistry between Elena and Enzo was electric from the get-go. The build-up from their attraction being “forbidden” to them finally giving in was perfection. The tension and banter between them were so tangible that I had to put the book down a couple of times. The spice was immaculate; the intimacy between them was a mixture of exploration and this underlying hunger that perfectly complemented their dynamic as a couple.
I would have committed murder if a man called me by his dead wife's name. (Since you miss her so much, I'm about to send you to meet her.) Elena is an angel, and she accepted his “disrespect” for far too long.
I was also incredibly satisfied with how the book ended. The ending felt almost open-ended, allowing the MMCs to have their happy ending without giving us the traditional version where everything is suddenly rosy and perfect. It showcased the reality that healing and rebuilding trust takes time. Not every happy ending means a couple has to end up married, nor does having a child magically make a relationship work. I appreciated that the story allowed its characters to find happiness without tying their lives up in an unrealistic bow.
The pacing of the book felt realistic to me. The blissful, happy moments seemed fleeting and momentary, whereas the moments filled with dread and sorrow seemed to drag on for eternity. It mirrored the way time feels when you're experiencing those emotions yourself, which made the story feel even more immersive.
Wanted has a special place in my heart. It was the first piece I ever beta-read for S. C. Bella, and getting to watch this eloquent novel come to life was such a special experience. I can't wait to see what else she has in store for us.
It still baffles me how brilliantly written this debut novel truly is. S. C. Bella's writing is intense, raw, and humanistic to the point that it makes you feel as though you, yourself, are the FMC/MMC.
Normally, I despise second-chance romances. However, Wanted completely changed my perspective on how incredible a book can be when the trope is executed correctly. The story explored so many tropes that meshed together seamlessly, allowing everything to flow naturally without ever feeling forced or disjointed.
I loved every single character we were introduced to, with the exception of Matt. (I hope he is castrated and off'ed.)
Every character felt so intricately thought out, each possessing a distinct personality while still showcasing their own flaws and struggles. Elena's character growth, from a people-pleasing individual who allows others to walk all over her into a stronger, independent woman who learns to establish and uphold her boundaries, was beautifully executed. The internal struggles she experiences throughout the story make her incredibly relatable. Enzo having to confront his grief and wrestle with his own struggles was just as compelling.
What impressed me most was the ability to develop a side couple with equally palpable chemistry without taking anything away from the main couple. That, to me, is superb writing. My personal favourite is Evie, and I am eagerly looking forward to her book.
The chemistry between Elena and Enzo was electric from the get-go. The build-up from their attraction being “forbidden” to them finally giving in was perfection. The tension and banter between them were so tangible that I had to put the book down a couple of times. The spice was immaculate; the intimacy between them was a mixture of exploration and this underlying hunger that perfectly complemented their dynamic as a couple.
I would have committed murder if a man called me by his dead wife's name. (Since you miss her so much, I'm about to send you to meet her.) Elena is an angel, and she accepted his “disrespect” for far too long.
I was also incredibly satisfied with how the book ended. The ending felt almost open-ended, allowing the MMCs to have their happy ending without giving us the traditional version where everything is suddenly rosy and perfect. It showcased the reality that healing and rebuilding trust takes time. Not every happy ending means a couple has to end up married, nor does having a child magically make a relationship work. I appreciated that the story allowed its characters to find happiness without tying their lives up in an unrealistic bow.
The pacing of the book felt realistic to me. The blissful, happy moments seemed fleeting and momentary, whereas the moments filled with dread and sorrow seemed to drag on for eternity. It mirrored the way time feels when you're experiencing those emotions yourself, which made the story feel even more immersive.
Wanted has a special place in my heart. It was the first piece I ever beta-read for S. C. Bella, and getting to watch this eloquent novel come to life was such a special experience. I can't wait to see what else she has in store for us.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 12, 2026
I was honored to be an alpha reader for this book. I just finished the reread and I enjoyed it just as much as the 1st time. The way she makes you feel the grief, man I was balling my eyes out at the heartache. The meet cute of the FMC and MMC was funny. I absolutely love Evie, I believe everyone should have a friend like her, the mouth she has on her, she had me in stitches at some of her sayings. And little Angelo just melts my heart. I didn't know I could love the surprise/accidental pregnancy trope so much, but I'm a sucker for it now. This book makes you feel all the highs and all the lows, all the emotions, the joy, the heartache, the grief, the angst. The tension and slow burn was perfection. And that balcony scene 🥵 I need a bucket of ice please, it's hot as sin. The groveling that Enzo had to do was epic, and Elena made sure he grovelled (he deserved it). There was a lot of character development for both characters, which I loved. I would recommend this book to everyone. A must read!! Can't wait for Evie and Tonie's story.
July 19, 2026
Trigger warning:
The terminal illness is cancer which is a significant sub-storyline throughout the book. This could be a potential trigger for future readers. If this is a trigger for you as a reader you may want to know this before you read “Wanted”.
Wanted is a book full of raw emotion and passion! Both the FMC and the MMC have serious demons they have to come to terms with. Elena breaks up with her fiancé and accepts an unexpected job offer as a live in nanny for a little boy that just steals your heart from the very beginning! His daddy, Enzo, is a broody grumpy Italian who mourns the passing of his wife.
This book is not a warm, fuzzy insta love romance novel. Wanted has a lot of depth, passion and character development. Life is messy and hard! Both MMC and FMC go through introspection which draws you in from the very begging. The attraction between Enzo and Elena builds over time, both questioning their own intentions.
Elena is an author, which was a heartwarming addition!
Rating: 3.75 ⭐️
The terminal illness is cancer which is a significant sub-storyline throughout the book. This could be a potential trigger for future readers. If this is a trigger for you as a reader you may want to know this before you read “Wanted”.
Wanted is a book full of raw emotion and passion! Both the FMC and the MMC have serious demons they have to come to terms with. Elena breaks up with her fiancé and accepts an unexpected job offer as a live in nanny for a little boy that just steals your heart from the very beginning! His daddy, Enzo, is a broody grumpy Italian who mourns the passing of his wife.
This book is not a warm, fuzzy insta love romance novel. Wanted has a lot of depth, passion and character development. Life is messy and hard! Both MMC and FMC go through introspection which draws you in from the very begging. The attraction between Enzo and Elena builds over time, both questioning their own intentions.
Elena is an author, which was a heartwarming addition!
Rating: 3.75 ⭐️
July 10, 2026
Book review of ‘Wanted’.
Ahh what a rollercoaster of emotions filled in these chapters.
At first I thought it would be like a mafia story between an Italian gangster and nanny.( sorry i read too many dark romance books🫣)
I was pleasantly surprised this was not the case.
First Elena, this story reminds us that everywhere in the world women do settle and unfortunately some have partners that are just not worth it.
A blessing in disguise she was able to leave only to be thrust in the world of Lorenzo.
A broody man who made vows, but he never expected Elena.
Sometimes his ways got to me and I got annoyed because of his reactions at times which causes a lot of drama together, sigh their drama. But a HEA is always beautiful.
Their chemistry is of longing and desire. 🌶️ is very well described, seriously enjoyed their scenes!
Well done for a debut book.
4/5⭐️
Ahh what a rollercoaster of emotions filled in these chapters.
At first I thought it would be like a mafia story between an Italian gangster and nanny.( sorry i read too many dark romance books🫣)
I was pleasantly surprised this was not the case.
First Elena, this story reminds us that everywhere in the world women do settle and unfortunately some have partners that are just not worth it.
A blessing in disguise she was able to leave only to be thrust in the world of Lorenzo.
A broody man who made vows, but he never expected Elena.
Sometimes his ways got to me and I got annoyed because of his reactions at times which causes a lot of drama together, sigh their drama. But a HEA is always beautiful.
Their chemistry is of longing and desire. 🌶️ is very well described, seriously enjoyed their scenes!
Well done for a debut book.
4/5⭐️
September 8, 2026
Is it possible to love the side characters more than the mains? I mean don't get me wrong, I like them, but damn Tony. The absolute smooth talking.
I loved the want, and need, the yearning and the angst. My heart was breaking for what Angelo had to go through at his age, and I am happy that he loves Elena.
Also, Enzo and his desires? Yes, absolutely.
I loved the want, and need, the yearning and the angst. My heart was breaking for what Angelo had to go through at his age, and I am happy that he loves Elena.
Also, Enzo and his desires? Yes, absolutely.
September 4, 2026
I really enjoyed this book. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series!
June 16, 2026
5 Gripping STARS✨
This ARC gripped me right from the start. I think it’s safe to say I was emotionally invested almost immediately. One thing I LOVED was how the author’s descriptions brought humor into so many scenes. It made the story feel even more engaging.
Our FMC Elena is strong, emotionally layered, and when the moment calls for it, she stands on business. With her own past and trauma, she feels grounded, real, and incredibly easy to connect with. I absolutely LOVED her.
Our MMC Lorenzo AKA Enzo, is a controlled, private man who is used to always having a plan. He is a widower and single father carrying immense grief. He comes across as someone powerful yet deeply human. Watching him navigate loss, guilt, and fatherhood is heartbreaking, especially in moments where his control slips and the weight of everything hits him all at once. I am fully OBSESSED with his emotional depth, especially when it comes to his son. It adds such a raw and powerful layer to his character.
The book balances emotional damage and comfort in a way that really depends on your own personal experiences, some moments will hurt, others will heal.👏🏼
The chemistry between Elena and Enzo is IMMEDIATE. The tension is there from the beginning and I loved the banter between them. This definitely leans more toward an intense, fast-paced connection rather than a slow burn.
Sidenote: Little A and those Italian men have my heart. And everyone needs a bestie like Evie!!!!
If you enjoy the tropes: single dad, second chance romance includes forced proximity and a dash of healing than this is the book for you.
Sneaky little quote: “I think I just wanted to like it because of what it represented.”
My final note: Book 2 cannot come sooner.
This ARC gripped me right from the start. I think it’s safe to say I was emotionally invested almost immediately. One thing I LOVED was how the author’s descriptions brought humor into so many scenes. It made the story feel even more engaging.
Our FMC Elena is strong, emotionally layered, and when the moment calls for it, she stands on business. With her own past and trauma, she feels grounded, real, and incredibly easy to connect with. I absolutely LOVED her.
Our MMC Lorenzo AKA Enzo, is a controlled, private man who is used to always having a plan. He is a widower and single father carrying immense grief. He comes across as someone powerful yet deeply human. Watching him navigate loss, guilt, and fatherhood is heartbreaking, especially in moments where his control slips and the weight of everything hits him all at once. I am fully OBSESSED with his emotional depth, especially when it comes to his son. It adds such a raw and powerful layer to his character.
The book balances emotional damage and comfort in a way that really depends on your own personal experiences, some moments will hurt, others will heal.👏🏼
The chemistry between Elena and Enzo is IMMEDIATE. The tension is there from the beginning and I loved the banter between them. This definitely leans more toward an intense, fast-paced connection rather than a slow burn.
Sidenote: Little A and those Italian men have my heart. And everyone needs a bestie like Evie!!!!
If you enjoy the tropes: single dad, second chance romance includes forced proximity and a dash of healing than this is the book for you.
Sneaky little quote: “I think I just wanted to like it because of what it represented.”
My final note: Book 2 cannot come sooner.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an ARC of ‘Wanted’ by S.C. Bella, and I honestly can’t believe this is a debut novel. From the very first page, the story pulled me in and never let go. There were no dull moments, every chapter felt engaging and impossible to put down.
What I loved most was how organically the romance developed. Rather than focusing solely on physical attraction, this story takes the time to show two people truly getting to know one another. Their relationship grows through friendship, trust, grief and emotional healing. Watching them lean on each other and slowly fall in love felt authentic, heartfelt, and incredibly rewarding.
The FMC was one of my favorite parts of the book. She is strong, independent, and refuses to lose herself, even when she falls deeply in love. I appreciated that she never simply fell at the MMC’s feet. Her strength and self-respect made her such a compelling character to root for.
This book was everything I wanted and the writing was so vivid and cinematic that I could picture every scene unfolding like a movie in my mind. S.C. Bella has created a story that feels memorable and far beyond what you’d expect from a debut.
I cannot recommend Wanted enough!!!
Congratulations on your debut, Sam! You should be incredibly proud of what you’ve created. I’m so grateful I had the opportunity to read this story and even more grateful to know you. I can’t wait to see what you write next.
What I loved most was how organically the romance developed. Rather than focusing solely on physical attraction, this story takes the time to show two people truly getting to know one another. Their relationship grows through friendship, trust, grief and emotional healing. Watching them lean on each other and slowly fall in love felt authentic, heartfelt, and incredibly rewarding.
The FMC was one of my favorite parts of the book. She is strong, independent, and refuses to lose herself, even when she falls deeply in love. I appreciated that she never simply fell at the MMC’s feet. Her strength and self-respect made her such a compelling character to root for.
This book was everything I wanted and the writing was so vivid and cinematic that I could picture every scene unfolding like a movie in my mind. S.C. Bella has created a story that feels memorable and far beyond what you’d expect from a debut.
I cannot recommend Wanted enough!!!
Congratulations on your debut, Sam! You should be incredibly proud of what you’ve created. I’m so grateful I had the opportunity to read this story and even more grateful to know you. I can’t wait to see what you write next.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I truly loved reading this book
The plot of the story is told really well and so relatable for every man/ woman who is looking for their life long partner
The story doesn’t just focus on romance, it also leans into friendship and grieve from the loss of a spouse
It's spicy transporting the reader into a world of erotic and intimate moments with raw passion of lust and seduction filled with moments that stick
Each chapter adds something new, without rushing the pace. It's captivating, exciting, thrilling and has humor. The writer S. C Bella has a playful play list of soundtracks for selected chapters which sets the scene with the perfect blend of ambient music while reading
I would recommend this this book to all men and women who have loved, lost, divorced, single or married
Even men out there could learn a few things about how to treat a women and pleasure her sexual desires, cos that is all we ever "Wanted"
The plot of the story is told really well and so relatable for every man/ woman who is looking for their life long partner
The story doesn’t just focus on romance, it also leans into friendship and grieve from the loss of a spouse
It's spicy transporting the reader into a world of erotic and intimate moments with raw passion of lust and seduction filled with moments that stick
Each chapter adds something new, without rushing the pace. It's captivating, exciting, thrilling and has humor. The writer S. C Bella has a playful play list of soundtracks for selected chapters which sets the scene with the perfect blend of ambient music while reading
I would recommend this this book to all men and women who have loved, lost, divorced, single or married
Even men out there could learn a few things about how to treat a women and pleasure her sexual desires, cos that is all we ever "Wanted"
June 23, 2026
For a first time author it was an amazing read. Just enough naughty 😉 to keep you wanting more. I loved the characters and how they influenced each other's lives in the most positive way. This book made me want to start reading again and I know that she has great things in store for her readers and I for one cannot wait to see what's next. Absolutely amazing and well done. Review written by Santham Kannie friend and fan 👌👌👌👌👌
Review of advance copy
The book is absolutely a work of art, truly. I would recommend this book to a romance reader🩷
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews