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Second Chances #3
Catch a Falling Star
The last thing Jo Burkhart ever thought she’d do was have a one night stand…
But when a little harmless, coffee shop flirting with high-powered Broadway and television director Benjamin Paul leads to a steamy proposition, how could a romance novelist like Jo resist?
The last thing Ben Paul needed was to fall in love…
But when he lands in bed with a down-to-earth, genuine Jo—a woman who doesn’t want anything from him but an afternoon of passion—his heart gets carried away. He can’t let it end with one night.
The last thing either of them needed was for their worlds to collide…
But when Ben’s career implodes under the weight of salacious rumors, and Jo finds herself on the verge of losing her family’s house in Maine, they may be the only people who can save each other from disaster…
…unless being together creates an even bigger disaster for both.
PLEASE BE ADVISED: Steam level – VERY hot.
But when a little harmless, coffee shop flirting with high-powered Broadway and television director Benjamin Paul leads to a steamy proposition, how could a romance novelist like Jo resist?
The last thing Ben Paul needed was to fall in love…
But when he lands in bed with a down-to-earth, genuine Jo—a woman who doesn’t want anything from him but an afternoon of passion—his heart gets carried away. He can’t let it end with one night.
The last thing either of them needed was for their worlds to collide…
But when Ben’s career implodes under the weight of salacious rumors, and Jo finds herself on the verge of losing her family’s house in Maine, they may be the only people who can save each other from disaster…
…unless being together creates an even bigger disaster for both.
PLEASE BE ADVISED: Steam level – VERY hot.
242 pages, Paperback
Published October 27, 2015
39 people are currently reading
984 people want to read
About the author
Merry Farmer
272 books1,131 followersUSA Today Bestselling author Merry Farmer lives in suburban Philadelphia with her two cats, Justine and Peter. She has been writing since she was ten years old and realized she didn't have to wait for the teacher to assign a creative writing project to write something. It was the best day of her life. Her books have reached the top of Amazon's charts, and have been named finalists for several prestigious awards, including the RONE Award for indie romance.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
March 17, 2025
This is the third novel in the Second Chances series, and it was available from the Hoopla app from my local library.
I enjoy the story Farmer tells about the relationship between Jo and Ben. I was rooting for them to work it out even when I thought she should have kicked him to the curb.
Contemporary romances are too graphic for me to recommend them to my friends.
I enjoy the story Farmer tells about the relationship between Jo and Ben. I was rooting for them to work it out even when I thought she should have kicked him to the curb.
Contemporary romances are too graphic for me to recommend them to my friends.
February 8, 2017
enjoyed the story of jo and ben,read the book in one day,the story moves right along and keeps you interested,loved the story
September 24, 2023
This is the third book I the series. I have enjoyed every part and line of this story. I cannot wait to read a story aboutAdelaide and Nick
November 24, 2015
Copy received via Netgalley for an honest review
This is the 3rd in the Second Chances book, but could be read as a standalone.
Jo is a romance writer with no romance in her life. Ben is her very own book hero/manwhore. And they could just be what each other needs.
Catch A Falling Star is a sweet contemporary romance with a bit of heat. Yes, there are some sexy times, but this is more a story of two people learning to love, trust, believe in not only each other but themselves.
We got some snippets of characters from the other books in the series, but you could read this as a stand alone.
I was drawn into Jo and Ben's story, and was cheering for them to get their HEA.
I am looking forward to more in this series in the future.
This is the 3rd in the Second Chances book, but could be read as a standalone.
Jo is a romance writer with no romance in her life. Ben is her very own book hero/manwhore. And they could just be what each other needs.
Catch A Falling Star is a sweet contemporary romance with a bit of heat. Yes, there are some sexy times, but this is more a story of two people learning to love, trust, believe in not only each other but themselves.
We got some snippets of characters from the other books in the series, but you could read this as a stand alone.
I was drawn into Jo and Ben's story, and was cheering for them to get their HEA.
I am looking forward to more in this series in the future.
November 28, 2015
***I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are 100% my own.***
We find Jo in New York on a trip to visit her book agent. She heads into a coffee house, and unknowingly sits at Ben’s table. He comes over and they hit it off, well enough that when he propositions her for a quickie at his apartment, she, uncharacteristically, agrees. While in New York, she was given not-so-great news, and she heads back to Maine. Meanwhile, Ben’s career is taking a major nose-dive because of some salacious financiers. Ben heads to Maine and that’s when things get interesting…
I liked Jo. She struggled. She was simple in her needs, complicated in her thoughts, and true to her emotions. I liked Ben, though he was not simple in his needs, he was likable. He was truly that likable rake. You didn’t really WANT to like him, but he was honest about himself and he was charming. He had this almost little boy charm about him. We see Spence and Tasha, and Simon and Jenny, and of course we see Yvonne. I love Yvonne. You don’t want to, she’s bossy, over-stepping, and almost always right. And in this story, we’re watching the start of another between….well, you’ll have to read it. I won’t give that away for you. :)
Ms. Farmer’s Second Chances tv show world is growing more complex with each book. And it’s wonderful that we’re getting slowly more immersed in it. It’s like watching a tv series. You hyper focus on one set of characters for an episode, but before the season is over, you’ve met them all, seen several different dramatic moments, and get an idea of the theme and purpose of the entire show, and how all these different people are more alike than different. These books have been that way for me. So, would I recommend them for you to read? Yes, I would. They’re steamy, more so than many of her other books. So, if the nookie bothers you, I would refrain.
We find Jo in New York on a trip to visit her book agent. She heads into a coffee house, and unknowingly sits at Ben’s table. He comes over and they hit it off, well enough that when he propositions her for a quickie at his apartment, she, uncharacteristically, agrees. While in New York, she was given not-so-great news, and she heads back to Maine. Meanwhile, Ben’s career is taking a major nose-dive because of some salacious financiers. Ben heads to Maine and that’s when things get interesting…
I liked Jo. She struggled. She was simple in her needs, complicated in her thoughts, and true to her emotions. I liked Ben, though he was not simple in his needs, he was likable. He was truly that likable rake. You didn’t really WANT to like him, but he was honest about himself and he was charming. He had this almost little boy charm about him. We see Spence and Tasha, and Simon and Jenny, and of course we see Yvonne. I love Yvonne. You don’t want to, she’s bossy, over-stepping, and almost always right. And in this story, we’re watching the start of another between….well, you’ll have to read it. I won’t give that away for you. :)
Ms. Farmer’s Second Chances tv show world is growing more complex with each book. And it’s wonderful that we’re getting slowly more immersed in it. It’s like watching a tv series. You hyper focus on one set of characters for an episode, but before the season is over, you’ve met them all, seen several different dramatic moments, and get an idea of the theme and purpose of the entire show, and how all these different people are more alike than different. These books have been that way for me. So, would I recommend them for you to read? Yes, I would. They’re steamy, more so than many of her other books. So, if the nookie bothers you, I would refrain.
July 5, 2016
Catch a Falling Star is book three in the Second Chance series by Merry Farmer. It is just as good as the first two books.
Jo Burchhart is a romance novelist who has hit a wall. She loves writing romances from the past; but her agent tells her she needs to try contemporary romances to be able to sell her work. Jo really doesn’t want to; but she knows she has to sell another book because she has to pay the mortgage and taxes on the family home in Maine. Her brother tries to help; but he doesn’t make a great deal of money either. While in New York visiting her agent, Jo makes the acquaintance of Benjamin Paul and has a one-night romance with him. This is totally out of character for Jo.
Benjamin Paul is a Broadway and television director. Currently he is directing a film in Maine near her home. However, his world is falling apart due to rumors that are erupting saying that he bought an award by sleeping with women close to the judges. The rumors were started by the Pollock twins who want Benjamin to give them dirt on the people he knows and the women he sleeps with so the twins can write a tell all book. Benjamin may be a player; but he doesn’t tell all. When he goes to a party and gets snubbed by nearly everyone, he gets drunk and ends up at Jo’s home in Maine. While here he sees that her home is almost exactly like the home in his movie. He could film here, save money on the set, and help her out with her money crunch while at least saving this film.
Can the Pollock twins make even this fail? Can Jo write her book in a contemporary setting or will she go back to her tried and true tales?
Jo Burchhart is a romance novelist who has hit a wall. She loves writing romances from the past; but her agent tells her she needs to try contemporary romances to be able to sell her work. Jo really doesn’t want to; but she knows she has to sell another book because she has to pay the mortgage and taxes on the family home in Maine. Her brother tries to help; but he doesn’t make a great deal of money either. While in New York visiting her agent, Jo makes the acquaintance of Benjamin Paul and has a one-night romance with him. This is totally out of character for Jo.
Benjamin Paul is a Broadway and television director. Currently he is directing a film in Maine near her home. However, his world is falling apart due to rumors that are erupting saying that he bought an award by sleeping with women close to the judges. The rumors were started by the Pollock twins who want Benjamin to give them dirt on the people he knows and the women he sleeps with so the twins can write a tell all book. Benjamin may be a player; but he doesn’t tell all. When he goes to a party and gets snubbed by nearly everyone, he gets drunk and ends up at Jo’s home in Maine. While here he sees that her home is almost exactly like the home in his movie. He could film here, save money on the set, and help her out with her money crunch while at least saving this film.
Can the Pollock twins make even this fail? Can Jo write her book in a contemporary setting or will she go back to her tried and true tales?
November 8, 2015
Romance author Jo Burkhart, never thought she’d have a one night stand, but that's just what she did one day when she met theatre & tv director, Benjamin Paul while sitting unbeknownst to her, at his regular table in a New York coffee shop.
Jo has been suffering from 'writers block' & needed a bit of inspiration & Ben could help her get her book back on track as she has a house in Maine that requires a lot of upkeep & she desperately needs the money to keep it.
Ben has his own problems. His career is being threatened by salacious rumours & he needs to get away for his own sanity & decides that Jo is the only one who can help him.
He comes to realise he just doesn't want one night with her, he wants her for keeps!
'Catch a Falling Star' is Merry Farmer's 3rd book in the 'Second Chances' contemporary series.
Some of the characters & places in this are also mentioned in previous books & if you have read them, you will know & love them already, but it's not really necessary as they are all stand alone novels & are a great read & believe me, you won't want to put them down!
After being a longtime fan of Merry's period novels/series, I must say I love that these are contemporary books in this series, as they have modern, believable storylines & the characters are all very likeable & you get lost in the stories.
I can't wait for the next one!
Jo has been suffering from 'writers block' & needed a bit of inspiration & Ben could help her get her book back on track as she has a house in Maine that requires a lot of upkeep & she desperately needs the money to keep it.
Ben has his own problems. His career is being threatened by salacious rumours & he needs to get away for his own sanity & decides that Jo is the only one who can help him.
He comes to realise he just doesn't want one night with her, he wants her for keeps!
'Catch a Falling Star' is Merry Farmer's 3rd book in the 'Second Chances' contemporary series.
Some of the characters & places in this are also mentioned in previous books & if you have read them, you will know & love them already, but it's not really necessary as they are all stand alone novels & are a great read & believe me, you won't want to put them down!
After being a longtime fan of Merry's period novels/series, I must say I love that these are contemporary books in this series, as they have modern, believable storylines & the characters are all very likeable & you get lost in the stories.
I can't wait for the next one!
November 18, 2015
Jo Burkhart didn't enjoy time spent in the city. Meeting her agent was a necessity though. She needed the money through her books to keep the family home in Maine. Meeting a gorgeous man in the coffee shop was a plus. Agreeing to go back to his place, well that was something she didn't do. But how could she resist him. Benjamin Paul was used to women trying to meet him in all different ways. being director in the theater. meeting Jo in the coffee shop and her not even recognizing his name was a definite plus. That was something that never happened. Along with wanting to see her again after their one night together. AS his life falls apart he finds himself running to Jo.
This is book 3 in the Second Chance series but can be read as a standalone. Love the characters. Jo was a solitary person. Staying home and writing her books. Ben Paul was immersed the theater and television world. Yet together they blend wonderfully. Ben wasn't sued to the feeling of not being on top of the world and felt his whole life was falling apart. Jo was used to trying to keep things together. You get to revisit with characters from the first two books, which hopefully lead to more books in the series. I received an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is book 3 in the Second Chance series but can be read as a standalone. Love the characters. Jo was a solitary person. Staying home and writing her books. Ben Paul was immersed the theater and television world. Yet together they blend wonderfully. Ben wasn't sued to the feeling of not being on top of the world and felt his whole life was falling apart. Jo was used to trying to keep things together. You get to revisit with characters from the first two books, which hopefully lead to more books in the series. I received an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.
October 30, 2015
A Romance for a romance writer
I have read 9 Merry Farmer books in the last 6 months, 8 in the Hot on the Trail Series and The Advisor from the Fabulous Dalton Boys series. I enjoyed them. However, the writing in this book is better than any of the others. Witty. Smooth. Well edited and proofread. Emotionally intense at times. Just better.
The story revolves around a romance writer named Jo and a sexy Broadway director named Ben. They meet in a coffee shop and have a steamy beginning. Things sort of roller coaster from there to the end.
“I’ve been in this business long enough to see that the people who ooze honey tend not to see how many flies they’ve attracted until they’re covered in them.” Yvonne talking about Ben.
This is the third book in the series, but I have not read the other two. It was a $.99 special, so I got it and read it. If you have read The Advisor, those characters watch Second Chances, the TV series made in this series.
I have read 9 Merry Farmer books in the last 6 months, 8 in the Hot on the Trail Series and The Advisor from the Fabulous Dalton Boys series. I enjoyed them. However, the writing in this book is better than any of the others. Witty. Smooth. Well edited and proofread. Emotionally intense at times. Just better.
The story revolves around a romance writer named Jo and a sexy Broadway director named Ben. They meet in a coffee shop and have a steamy beginning. Things sort of roller coaster from there to the end.
“I’ve been in this business long enough to see that the people who ooze honey tend not to see how many flies they’ve attracted until they’re covered in them.” Yvonne talking about Ben.
This is the third book in the series, but I have not read the other two. It was a $.99 special, so I got it and read it. If you have read The Advisor, those characters watch Second Chances, the TV series made in this series.
November 8, 2015
* I have received an ARC for my honest review. All opinions are my own. *
Merry Farmer has a hit series with these contemporary stories. In this book, Jo is a writer struggling with writers' block, advance payment for her book, and keeping her family home afloat. Ben is an award-winning theatre director, Mr. Big-Shot to struggling actors, the man to sleep with to get ahead.
Their worlds collide in a coffee shop and a steamy one-night stand ensues. Jo plays the part of one of her romance heroines and knocks Ben senseless with her kisses! Just about that time, Ben's world begins unraveling and falls apart. Rumors abound and New York is a cutthroat place to be.
Can Ben and Jo make a relationship grow under these stressful accusations? Can Jo find the money to save her family home and her sanity? Can Ben survive the false, and hateful, rumors being spread as his career spirals downward quickly? Read the newest book in this series to find out!
Merry Farmer has a hit series with these contemporary stories. In this book, Jo is a writer struggling with writers' block, advance payment for her book, and keeping her family home afloat. Ben is an award-winning theatre director, Mr. Big-Shot to struggling actors, the man to sleep with to get ahead.
Their worlds collide in a coffee shop and a steamy one-night stand ensues. Jo plays the part of one of her romance heroines and knocks Ben senseless with her kisses! Just about that time, Ben's world begins unraveling and falls apart. Rumors abound and New York is a cutthroat place to be.
Can Ben and Jo make a relationship grow under these stressful accusations? Can Jo find the money to save her family home and her sanity? Can Ben survive the false, and hateful, rumors being spread as his career spirals downward quickly? Read the newest book in this series to find out!
January 21, 2016
Love, love, love Merry Farmer & the whole Second Chances series.
Jo was sassy and strong willed, which I loved.
Ben was a hot mess LOL Life is seriously kicking his butt! I felt so sorry for him and a little grossed out by his man-whore lifestyle he was leading before he met Jo.
The chemistry was awesome, so many laughs as well. I adore the whole cast of characters, they are all so supportive and hilarious.
Well rounded and sweet, a great read when you are craving something sweet & sexy.
Jo was sassy and strong willed, which I loved.
Ben was a hot mess LOL Life is seriously kicking his butt! I felt so sorry for him and a little grossed out by his man-whore lifestyle he was leading before he met Jo.
The chemistry was awesome, so many laughs as well. I adore the whole cast of characters, they are all so supportive and hilarious.
Well rounded and sweet, a great read when you are craving something sweet & sexy.
November 8, 2015
Wonderful romance where the characters learn to lean on each other and find strength and trust. A great addition to the Second Chances series, yet it can be read as a stand alone. Jo Burkhart inspires me to be stronger and Yvonne comes back bolder than ever. I love her! Book provided by Badass Marketing in exchange for an honest review.
October 15, 2016
As Above
I have read all Three Of These Books. They Were Amazing, I am not one for Open Sex ,Being A Little Old Fashion. But This Lady Is Good At What She Does. I Will Be Looking For Book 4
Shirley Ketcham
I have read all Three Of These Books. They Were Amazing, I am not one for Open Sex ,Being A Little Old Fashion. But This Lady Is Good At What She Does. I Will Be Looking For Book 4
Shirley Ketcham
November 7, 2015
3.5-4 stars
review to come
review to come
November 17, 2016
Ben Paul, the Broadway detector, and Jo,, the romance novel author. Set in Maine, third in this great series. This one was a bit rushed, I thought. I liked it, but I liked the first 2 better.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews