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The Maryland Shores #2
Second Chances
Readers said they wanted Book Two of The Maryland Shores women's fiction/contemporary romance series, and now the story continues...
Paul Romano once spent most waking hours fantasizing about Liz. More than 15 years later, he needs her again, only as a lifeline back from his broken world.
Liz Kramer would forever remember Paul as the Italian Stallion, off limits as her brother Steve's best med school buddy. He was—and maybe still is—four things: fussy about food, smug about his nationality, razor sharp with wit, and wild about women...well, he might have gotten tamed along the way. Oh, and a troubling fifth thing: He's a diehard Steelers football fan, and well...Liz could bleed purple, cheering her Baltimore Ravens. How's that for clashing loyalties?
When Liz's idyllic Chesapeake life takes a plunge, she needs Paul's friendship more than any fantasy. Liz must manage two children and one conniving, estranged husband. It’s hard to keep a smile on her face when two exacting bosses, one who eyes Paul, present daily challenges.
What’s more, Paul's Pittsburgh mother shares her name with a brewing hurricane. Fitting, as both head straight at Liz while someone heaps more hurt onto Steve, jeopardizing his future with Maren.
Will Liz ever relax again when she knows she's being fleeced, but can't prove it? And why would Paul want her tales of woe with his newly found pleasure literally chasing tail? Make that plural!
See who gets another shot at happiness—and possibly love—with this intertwining story of second chances in The Maryland Shores novel series.
Letting Go: Book One of The Maryland Shores led off this series. It was published in 2014 with a second edition published in 2015 that contained special previews of Second Chances: Book Two. Each edition features a Reading Guide for book clubs or personal perusal.
Paul Romano once spent most waking hours fantasizing about Liz. More than 15 years later, he needs her again, only as a lifeline back from his broken world.
Liz Kramer would forever remember Paul as the Italian Stallion, off limits as her brother Steve's best med school buddy. He was—and maybe still is—four things: fussy about food, smug about his nationality, razor sharp with wit, and wild about women...well, he might have gotten tamed along the way. Oh, and a troubling fifth thing: He's a diehard Steelers football fan, and well...Liz could bleed purple, cheering her Baltimore Ravens. How's that for clashing loyalties?
When Liz's idyllic Chesapeake life takes a plunge, she needs Paul's friendship more than any fantasy. Liz must manage two children and one conniving, estranged husband. It’s hard to keep a smile on her face when two exacting bosses, one who eyes Paul, present daily challenges.
What’s more, Paul's Pittsburgh mother shares her name with a brewing hurricane. Fitting, as both head straight at Liz while someone heaps more hurt onto Steve, jeopardizing his future with Maren.
Will Liz ever relax again when she knows she's being fleeced, but can't prove it? And why would Paul want her tales of woe with his newly found pleasure literally chasing tail? Make that plural!
See who gets another shot at happiness—and possibly love—with this intertwining story of second chances in The Maryland Shores novel series.
Letting Go: Book One of The Maryland Shores led off this series. It was published in 2014 with a second edition published in 2015 that contained special previews of Second Chances: Book Two. Each edition features a Reading Guide for book clubs or personal perusal.
360 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 2015
5 people are currently reading
513 people want to read
About the author
Lauren Monroe
3 books74 followersLauren Monroe is a novelist residing on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. A native of Pittsburgh, she grew up around boats and beautiful scenery in Western Maryland, later moving to the Washington, D.C. suburbs before settling across the Bay Bridge.
Various experiences shape her writing including marriage, family, friendships, a graduate degree in the social sciences, and her career paths.
In her spare time, the author enjoys reading fiction and non-fiction, boating, swimming, biking, good food, and travel.
The Maryland Shores has two books in the series, with Second Chances: Book Two launching spring 2015.
Letting Go: Book One of The Maryland Shores women's fiction series was published in 2014, and a second edition appeared April 2015.
Read more at
www.laurenmonroenovels.com and www.facebook.com/lauren.monroe.novels
Various experiences shape her writing including marriage, family, friendships, a graduate degree in the social sciences, and her career paths.
In her spare time, the author enjoys reading fiction and non-fiction, boating, swimming, biking, good food, and travel.
The Maryland Shores has two books in the series, with Second Chances: Book Two launching spring 2015.
Letting Go: Book One of The Maryland Shores women's fiction series was published in 2014, and a second edition appeared April 2015.
Read more at
www.laurenmonroenovels.com and www.facebook.com/lauren.monroe.novels
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
July 18, 2015
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for reading and posting my honest review. My only prior association with this author was the same agreement, (to read and post my honest review), regarding the first book in the Maryland Shore Series, "Letting Go".
It was wonderful to reconnect with the characters as I was wondering how their lives were playing out. "Second Chances" shows Maren and Steve in more true to life situations which cause tension in their relationship. It's never an easy road back to each other when one person in a romantic relationship makes an error or lapse in judgement.
Dylan's reaction to the tension in the home is a very realistic portrayal. Children see, hear and sense much more of what's going on than parents or other adults realize.
I really connected with the characters in both books as I personally have been through many of the same or very similar situations as those in the story. I truly liked these people/characters, as if we were old friends.
I laughed with them and I cried with them.
I hope I am able to also read other books in the series as they become available.
The story and the characters seem so real it is easy to be drawn right in and not want to put the book down.
I would recommend these books to anyone who likes realistic relationship stories. Definitely not a cookie cutter romance.
It was wonderful to reconnect with the characters as I was wondering how their lives were playing out. "Second Chances" shows Maren and Steve in more true to life situations which cause tension in their relationship. It's never an easy road back to each other when one person in a romantic relationship makes an error or lapse in judgement.
Dylan's reaction to the tension in the home is a very realistic portrayal. Children see, hear and sense much more of what's going on than parents or other adults realize.
I really connected with the characters in both books as I personally have been through many of the same or very similar situations as those in the story. I truly liked these people/characters, as if we were old friends.
I laughed with them and I cried with them.
I hope I am able to also read other books in the series as they become available.
The story and the characters seem so real it is easy to be drawn right in and not want to put the book down.
I would recommend these books to anyone who likes realistic relationship stories. Definitely not a cookie cutter romance.
July 22, 2015
Second Chances
After enjoying the author's first book in The Maryland Shores series, I anticipated more nautical scenery, steamy romance, and humorous interplay with these characters in a sequel. Lauren Monroe did not disappoint.
Second Chances: Book Two of The Maryland Shores begins very shortly after Letting Go: Book One left off -- here in early 2003. Valentine's weekend is ideal for the perfect storm and holing up in it, unless you've got a passive-aggressive husband like Liz does who stands you up for the season's and family's most important social event. And for this book's hero, Paul, nothing goes well. Absolutely nothing, which entices the reader to find out how much pain this once Lothario, now devoted man can endure.
Endure he does, but with the help of decades old friends and former classmates--elements that make this not your run of the mill love story but much more with these connections and themes of personal growth.
In a post-Fifty Shades era where many authors deposit gratuitous sex like a homeowner passes out candy at Halloween, it's refreshing to see how two educated people, yes with hot bodies, actually behave thoughtfully before coupling up. Those love scenes did not disappoint either.
I particularly liked the subplot and drama of sultry Maren and hot doc Steve, from Book One. The author delivered a few twists for them, and when Liz and Paul finally tangle in the sheets, and ah...no, no spoilers here...the story's made more real by the emotional bonds cultivated.
Many of the characters interact in sometimes surprising ways, but Monroe has been quoted that she writes real. And this novel comes across as very authentic. Every character seems to have a purpose. The Chesapeake setting is spot on. The medical detail seems authentic. Trips to Pittsburgh and overseas bring out the importance of both family and whimsical escape.
While not every female reader will take to the football rivalry, the author's inclusion of the Baltimore/Pittsburgh competition makes what would definitely be a beach read become a fantastic fall and winter novel as well. The reader guide gets you thinking as well.
All of these elements make Second Chances by Lauren Monroe a unique book, continuing a fun series she's started. Thoroughly enjoyed!
After enjoying the author's first book in The Maryland Shores series, I anticipated more nautical scenery, steamy romance, and humorous interplay with these characters in a sequel. Lauren Monroe did not disappoint.
Second Chances: Book Two of The Maryland Shores begins very shortly after Letting Go: Book One left off -- here in early 2003. Valentine's weekend is ideal for the perfect storm and holing up in it, unless you've got a passive-aggressive husband like Liz does who stands you up for the season's and family's most important social event. And for this book's hero, Paul, nothing goes well. Absolutely nothing, which entices the reader to find out how much pain this once Lothario, now devoted man can endure.
Endure he does, but with the help of decades old friends and former classmates--elements that make this not your run of the mill love story but much more with these connections and themes of personal growth.
In a post-Fifty Shades era where many authors deposit gratuitous sex like a homeowner passes out candy at Halloween, it's refreshing to see how two educated people, yes with hot bodies, actually behave thoughtfully before coupling up. Those love scenes did not disappoint either.
I particularly liked the subplot and drama of sultry Maren and hot doc Steve, from Book One. The author delivered a few twists for them, and when Liz and Paul finally tangle in the sheets, and ah...no, no spoilers here...the story's made more real by the emotional bonds cultivated.
Many of the characters interact in sometimes surprising ways, but Monroe has been quoted that she writes real. And this novel comes across as very authentic. Every character seems to have a purpose. The Chesapeake setting is spot on. The medical detail seems authentic. Trips to Pittsburgh and overseas bring out the importance of both family and whimsical escape.
While not every female reader will take to the football rivalry, the author's inclusion of the Baltimore/Pittsburgh competition makes what would definitely be a beach read become a fantastic fall and winter novel as well. The reader guide gets you thinking as well.
All of these elements make Second Chances by Lauren Monroe a unique book, continuing a fun series she's started. Thoroughly enjoyed!
April 20, 2018
Second Chances takes off where Letting Go leaves off, although each story can be read alone and has an ending, no cliffhangers.
Paul is happily married and they are expecting a child. Life is good! Then tragedy strikes. Can Paul go on? (I was heartbroken and could barely bring myself to continue, but I'm glad I did.)
Liz is in a troubled marriage, she and her husband never spend time together, he is so distant. She helps fix other people's marriages, but can she save her own?
Paul and Liz lean on each other for comfort, support and friendship. Add in Paul's 2 new rescue dogs and Liz's 2 kids, and you have quite a hectic mix! Life can be tragic, chaotic, full of love and fun...and this book has it all! I truly enjoyed this story and was glad to see people from the first book again.
Paul is happily married and they are expecting a child. Life is good! Then tragedy strikes. Can Paul go on? (I was heartbroken and could barely bring myself to continue, but I'm glad I did.)
Liz is in a troubled marriage, she and her husband never spend time together, he is so distant. She helps fix other people's marriages, but can she save her own?
Paul and Liz lean on each other for comfort, support and friendship. Add in Paul's 2 new rescue dogs and Liz's 2 kids, and you have quite a hectic mix! Life can be tragic, chaotic, full of love and fun...and this book has it all! I truly enjoyed this story and was glad to see people from the first book again.
December 23, 2018
Great series
This series captivated me from book one. The series is so well written and I finished so quickly wanting more. Lauren Monroe captures the audience from the first sentence. I recommend this series to anyone that loves second chances and loves Sherryl Woods. These two write so similar and I can’t wait for the next one.
This series captivated me from book one. The series is so well written and I finished so quickly wanting more. Lauren Monroe captures the audience from the first sentence. I recommend this series to anyone that loves second chances and loves Sherryl Woods. These two write so similar and I can’t wait for the next one.
October 2, 2016
After reading the first in this series, I wondered what would happen to its characters. Answers found here in Second Chances. Set on the eastern shore as well as near Annapolis, I found the writing spot-on in regard to the local scenery. I know that well since family has travelled to Annapolis and to Ocean City, where this book wraps up.
As in Letting Go: Book One, Monroe brings us glimpses of Pittsburgh (her hometown which she made character Paul's home as well). That he took Liz there delighted me, and especially since she had rough perceptions that got changed in the process. Making Liz a "diehard" Baltimore football fan made me chuckle, because both cities and residents take their football very seriously. Thank you for that unique angle in the back story of two people trying to start over again after loss.
Without ruining the read for others, I felt that Liz stood up to her marriage challenges with grace and assertiveness with a purely passive-aggressive ex. Some heroines going through marital separation lose themselves. She did not. And as I said, I welcomed the added storyline of Maren and Steve from the first in series. It wasn't what I expected at all, yet it kept me reading. This second book was much the page turner for me. I recommend for anyone who likes love stories with slightly more to them, Chesapeake and Pennsylvania scenery, and strong family ties. Hoping for another to read in series.
As in Letting Go: Book One, Monroe brings us glimpses of Pittsburgh (her hometown which she made character Paul's home as well). That he took Liz there delighted me, and especially since she had rough perceptions that got changed in the process. Making Liz a "diehard" Baltimore football fan made me chuckle, because both cities and residents take their football very seriously. Thank you for that unique angle in the back story of two people trying to start over again after loss.
Without ruining the read for others, I felt that Liz stood up to her marriage challenges with grace and assertiveness with a purely passive-aggressive ex. Some heroines going through marital separation lose themselves. She did not. And as I said, I welcomed the added storyline of Maren and Steve from the first in series. It wasn't what I expected at all, yet it kept me reading. This second book was much the page turner for me. I recommend for anyone who likes love stories with slightly more to them, Chesapeake and Pennsylvania scenery, and strong family ties. Hoping for another to read in series.
October 7, 2016
I read this book first in the series, and though it can be read as a stand alone book, in hindsight, I wished I would have grasped the back story of Maren and Steve before delving into the dramas and traumas of Liz and Paul in Second Chances.
This book starts with the intensity that will have you following what happens. Then it eases up and picks up steam (literally) again. I appreciated that it had a special sense of being real, to the heartbreak in the beginning to the Maryland details that made the book different and true to the Chesapeake Bay, such as the Baltimore Inner Harbor and the Ravens football rivalry with Paul's team the Steelers.
I like to cook/bake like Paul and Liz so things like the Smith Island cakes and Italian cuisine gave these characters depth and readers some humor. Won't spoil that part.
I enjoyed both books in this series. I felt that the dialogue was well done, and that dialect gave it as much depth as the characters' interests and backgrounds. If you try this series, my advice is to start with Letting Go, which is the first in The Maryland Shores series. It reminded me of books by Debbie Macomber, Nora Roberts or Mariah Stewart if you are familiar with theirs.
This book starts with the intensity that will have you following what happens. Then it eases up and picks up steam (literally) again. I appreciated that it had a special sense of being real, to the heartbreak in the beginning to the Maryland details that made the book different and true to the Chesapeake Bay, such as the Baltimore Inner Harbor and the Ravens football rivalry with Paul's team the Steelers.
I like to cook/bake like Paul and Liz so things like the Smith Island cakes and Italian cuisine gave these characters depth and readers some humor. Won't spoil that part.
I enjoyed both books in this series. I felt that the dialogue was well done, and that dialect gave it as much depth as the characters' interests and backgrounds. If you try this series, my advice is to start with Letting Go, which is the first in The Maryland Shores series. It reminded me of books by Debbie Macomber, Nora Roberts or Mariah Stewart if you are familiar with theirs.
November 18, 2016
Another heartwarming romance story along the Maryland coast. I am enjoying getting to know the characters. This time we get involved in Paul and Liz's lives. An enjoyable read!
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews