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The Courting of Charlotte Cooper #2

Ask Me Again: A Second Chance Romance: The Courting of Charlotte Cooper

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Would you jump for a second chance at love?

Unhappily married, Charlotte fears the man who shares her bed. When a water line bursts in their kitchen, the unimaginable occurs and the one guy who still owns her heart comes flooding back into her life as the Project Manager.

It’s not just her home he’ll repair; he’s going to fix his past mistakes. With her.

One moment after another, they spend time reminiscing, laughing and fighting their intoxicating chemistry as if thirteen years hadn’t passed between them. But her husband—a wonderful, generous man to the outside world, and the nightmare she’ll never wake from—forbids further contact. He’s worked too hard to mend the original damage, and he’ll fight to the death to stop her.
There will be no leaving.
There will be no happily ever after. Not with him. Not with anyone.

Does she accept where her past choices have brought her, or does she risk her life for a chance at a new beginning?
Scroll up and start reading this emotional, second chance romance today.

Content deals with domestic abuse

329 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 18, 2015

10 people are currently reading
362 people want to read

About the author

H.M. Shander

46 books504 followers
H.M. Shander is an award winning and USA TODAY bestselling author who is a hopeless romantic and lover of chocolate, coconut and a damn good cup of coffee.

She's the author of several reader's choice books (Bronze medal for Return to Cheshire Bay and the Gold Medal for Living La Vida Mocha). An upcoming release was also a Kobo Writing Life finalist - so watch for that to release soon.
She writes swoon-worthy, gentle beta heroes, in sweet or steamy storylines that all end with a happily ever after.

When not writing, she is a part-time librarian and Educational Assistant to a group of kindergartens, a devoted mother to her two kids, and believes she's married the sweetest man and the greatest inspiration for her heroes.

Sign up for the newsletters: https://h-m-shander.eo.page/z5tgg

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5 stars
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14 (28%)
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
Profile Image for Andrea Cooper.
Author 40 books328 followers
October 22, 2015
This is the first novel I've read from H.M. Shander, but I'm now a fan. Shander has a way of bringing characters to life and lures you in. The pace and stakes kept increasing until I couldn't put the book down until I knew the ending and it was gripping, satisfying, and heartfelt. Charlotte's pain was executed with precision and the draw of her to Andrew was palpable.

I can't wait to read more of H.M. Shander. I recommend this book to romance lovers and readers who enjoy a great story.
Profile Image for Paula.
1,281 reviews7 followers
October 15, 2016
A very emotional novel. Some of the things Charlotte had to deal with were absolutely horrific! As hard as she tried to remain committed to her marriage, the worse things happened! As much as I enjoyed this read, I have to note that there are several grammatical errors throughout which distracted from the story. Therefore, rating 4 - 4 1/2 stars. I definitely want to read more! I think I would have liked to read Run Away Charlotte first.
Profile Image for JoyLynn Adams.
47 reviews3 followers
October 24, 2015
Romance stories deserve a happy ending. It's what you expect from the beginning, what gets you over the hurdle of the trauma/catastrophe the characters face, and what you read for until the end. And, if a happy ending is what you're looking for while reading Ask Me Again, H. M. Shander's powerful sequel to Run Away Charlotte, you're going to find it. Just understand the road to that happy ending is a sad, emotional path for everyone involved.

It's been more than a dozen years since Charlotte walked away from Andrew, the love of her life, and married someone else. Now unhappily married to controlling, and just as unhappy, Jack, Charlotte has lost her spunk, her fire, her strong-willed personality. Instead, she's living the Stepford Wife life, silently doing whatever it takes to try and make Jack happy. And she hates it, almost as much as she hates him.

When a home flooding situation requires expert help? We, once again, Cue Andrew Wagner.

Now the owner of Second Call Restoration, and Project Manager for Charlotte's home repairs, Andrew makes it his mission to repair the damage in Charlotte's life...in more ways than one.

Watching their love grow and develop in Run Away Charlotte was beautiful. Seeing it transcend the time and changes each have gone through during their years apart gives you hope that maybe, just maybe, they'll find their happy ever after.

When one loss breaks Charlotte's heart, she hurts. When a devastating second loss rocks the core of her very being, she's left adrift in a sea of pain she's not sure she can (or wants) to survive. As secrets are revealed and lies are exposed, the betrayals surrounding her push her to the very edge. Will she jump? Or can Andrew's undying love be the one thing that keeps her fighting?

Again, I laughed, and I cried and I hurt, and I hoped and wished and begged for a happy ending for Charlotte - and Andrew. If Run Away Charlotte and Ask Me Again are a sign of what's to come from H. M. Shander, I may have just found my new favorite author!
Profile Image for Rebecca Lovell.
Author 31 books55 followers
March 24, 2016
I was lucky enough to receive a copy of HM Shander’s Ask Me Again, a follow up to her previous novel Run Away Charlotte. She told me that I didn’t need to have read the first book to follow along, but now that I’ve finished Ask Me Again I definitely want to pick up Run Away Charlotte to see how it all began.

From the very beginning we got hints of how bad Charlotte’s life was with her husband, but it seemed like it could all be put down to a couple who was falling out of love with one another. Once we got a glimpse of who Jack really was, I was hoping that she’d leave him and every time she talked herself into staying I was frustrated.

Shander really portrays the character of a woman who is a victim of domestic violence, both verbal and physical, honestly. While it made the story hard to read at times it felt very real and I was frightened for Charlotte on a lot of occasions. Everything seemed to happen to the poor woman, from a flood in her kitchen to the death of someone very dear to her, and I didn’t blame her one bit for trying to escape into the past with Andrew.

Andrew, the man she never really fell out of love with, was everything Jack wasn’t and he was a breath of fresh air. I loved how relaxed Charlotte was able to be when she was with him, and it made her going back to her husband all the sadder. When things came to a head later, I honestly wasn’t sure who she would choose and for that I give Shander a huge thumbs-up.

All in all, I really enjoyed Ask Me Again. The characters were flawed but likeable (except Jack, who was just the worst), the story was paced really well, and when I was able to let out the breath I’d been holding for two chapters the ending was satisfying. Charlotte really grew as a person and I was proud of her. Definitely recommend this book to fans of women’s fiction and romance.
Profile Image for Teresa.
889 reviews
February 28, 2016
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. This was the first book I read by Ms. Shander and it was a great read. Although this was not the first book of the series, based how Ms. Shander intertwined information about Charlotte into the book so you had an idea of how things transpired. Charlotte gave up her heart to someone many years ago and her husband knew it. Now that person is back into her life by happenstance. Jack, Charlotte’s husband, does not like that fact. Between their story, Gabe and Miranda (Brother- and sister-in-law), her best friend Joe and his wife, all intertwining, it was a great read. I wonder if Nurse Wendy is going to be talked about more. I hope there is going to be more because I really want to know what is going to happen to Gabe, Miranda, and Chelsea. Thanks for the great read Ms. Shander!
Profile Image for Shelly Davis.
Author 10 books16 followers
October 20, 2015
What a fantastic sequel to Run Away Charlotte. H.M. Shander hit a home run with this book. Ask Me Again follows Charlotte's life years after Run Away Charlotte. A married woman in a relationship with someone she doesn't love, she spends her life being the perfect wife in every way possible. When here first true love comes back into her life, Charlotte is surprised to find that instant connection she found with him so many years ago is still alive and well.

I loved Charlotte in this story and found that instant hate for her husband. There's no doubting the chemistry between Charlotte and Andrew. And Andrew is definitely a loveable and perfect hero. Totally swoon-worthy!
Profile Image for Jennifer.
80 reviews7 followers
August 2, 2017
As Me Again is the second book in the series. I did not read the first book, but was still able to follow along, though there were some things I believe the background from book 1 would of helped me more with. That being said this was a great book.

Charlotte has been married for 14 years to Jack and Jack owns his own legal practice and they live in a big home with family all around. Right from the beginning you can tell that Charlotte is afraid of Jack, but you only get hints as to why. A big house repair has to be done and this brings Andrew back into Charlotte's life.

Andrew was the one man who ever held Charlotte's heart, even though she married Jack. He know owns he own contracting business and is in charge to oversea the repairs done to her house.

Cat and Drew talk and catchup and start up their old friendship. Jack does not seem to like this, though he spends most of his time away from home anyway.

There is just so much that happens to Cat through out this book, most of it very sad. My heart bled for her throughout this book. I just wanted her to get her HEA and it just never seemed to happen. Every time you would think something good would happen, BAM another whammy happens to Cat. I really thought that the seen on the bridge was how the book was going to end because of how her life was going. I was so happy, though, after that scene to see how she took back her life.

This was not a book I would normally read, but I truly loved it and could not put it down. It took me two days to read only because I forced myself to go to sleep as I had work the next day! I highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a sweet romance but can stomach lots of pain and conflict. I would warn though that if rape is a trigger for you to trend carefully while reading as there are hints and talks about it in the book.
Profile Image for Tiffany.
461 reviews40 followers
August 22, 2017
In Ask Me Again we meet Charlotte and her husband Jack. Charlotte isn’t very happy with her life but doesn’t know how to change it and unknown to Charlotte things are about to change. Charlotte and Jack have a flood at their home and someone from their past enters their life life again. Charlotte cannot believe she is seeing her first love again after all this time but Jack isn’t so happy about all of this. Charlotte and Jack live the perfect live to the outside world but all is not what it seems to be. Will Charlotte have it in her to leave or stay and play the perfect part.

This was the first book that I’ve read by this author. This book is the second book and I would suggest reading the first book to get the back story. Charlotte was all about appearances when she was out with her husband Jack. Jack wasn’t all what he appeared when they were alone together. Charlotte ends up seeing her fist love again and Jack isn’t too happy about it but he has to deal with it. Throughout this book you will see Charlotte go through a number of different things that will either break her or make her stronger. Overall I thought this book was a good book and I am looking forward to reading other books from this author.
46 reviews1 follower
August 7, 2017
What a great book!
This book deals with some pretty serious issues that are happening in our society more and more these days. The author has the emotions flowing throughout this book you will smile, laugh, cry, get angry and many more!

We first find charlotte in a marriage where she is "stuck", she finds herself with a man she detests but stays for 2 reasons, fear and her teenage step daughter. When a household disaster strikes, a past love is the man who is assigned to fix the house. Charlotte realises that she made a huge mistake walking away from him many years ago!

Having her old love back in her life helps Charlotte gain a little confidence but she is a pure victim of domestic violence both in a physical and emotional way and vows she will never be unfaithful and realises she is stuck in a marriage she chose and she will suffer the consequences.

After a few personal tragedies Charlotte gains more confidence and with the help of her friends and brother in law she makes the break from her abusive husband! Which I must say has a whole other twist I didn't see coming! I highly recommend this book you will thoroughly enjoy it!
Profile Image for a collective of books.
1,523 reviews4 followers
April 24, 2017
Wow. Just wow. So many emotions running through me after reading this book. Another great read from H.M. Shander.

It had some heart wrenching, painful moments where I felt frustrated with Charlotte and at the same time felt so sad and sorry for her. It really made my heart ache reading about her life. From the outside looking in, you just don't always know what happens behind closed doors, what really goes on in a person's head, and why they pretend and protect.

I wasn't into these types of books before, or maybe I just didn't care for them, but Shander did a hell of a job pulling me in and getting me hooked. Bravo!
Profile Image for Cindy Fong.
2,053 reviews
August 15, 2017
This is Charlotte's second chance story. She choose Jack over Andrew 13 years ago and everyday she has questioned that decision! Jack is an ass to Charlotte and by having his family constantly around he can keep his tabs on her. A water leak in Charlotte and Jacks kitchen provides the catalyst that puts Charlotte face to face with Andrew and those old feelings. When Charlotte's life spins out of control who will be there to pick her up and move forward. This is a story about living with regrets and lies, being rock bottom and about striving to let the past go and moving forward towards your dreams.
Profile Image for Dawn Cipressi-Snyder.
170 reviews2 followers
August 19, 2017
Ask Me Again was my first Shander book. This book was emotional but inspirational. I think most people will find that Charlotte is extremely relatable. I think we all have things we regret in our past, but we don't all have a second chances. Will Charlotte choose to stay in a damaging marriage or will she choose happiness? Andrew is like a knight on a white horse. He is there at the perfect time, and is undying love for Charlotte is breathtaking! I'm always a sucker for a second chance romance.























Profile Image for Jessica .
1,047 reviews21 followers
August 17, 2017
I read this book as part of #QuirkyBlindDateWithABook. This is an emotional read. Charlotte goes through hell. She loses many family members and is struggling to find a happy place in life. Betrayal is a big part of this story.

I felt some parts of this story were rushed but overall a great read.
Profile Image for Courtney Moctezuma.
44 reviews2 followers
August 4, 2017
Crazy Ride

I really enjoyed this book. It had a good pace. Not too fast, but kept you guessing and thirsty for more. The story was Crazy! So much happend. I was caught off guard and thrown for a loop. Fantastic.
Profile Image for Kate.
77 reviews5 followers
August 5, 2017
Wow this book was a shock I went in blind not knowing anything about the book or the author. I loved it. It kept me glued to the pages and had some OMG shock moments I loved it fantastic read
278 reviews1 follower
September 21, 2017
I thought it was good I just wished her husband and her could have made it. It was very vague as to what went on of why he started acting the way he did.
Profile Image for Mommaleena.
678 reviews14 followers
November 13, 2016
Love or Logic

Please be ADVISED before reading this book it may have some valid triggers. So PLEASE if you have a prejudice viewpoint regarding sexual, physical and/or emotional abuse, that you cannot set aside while reading a fictional story, then please STOP reading and find another book. It would be unreasonable & unfair to the author if you read and then rated their work poorly based on personal feelings instead of the fictional work the author has produced to tell a story. If you do decide to continue reading, HAPPY READING!

What a fine mess of tangled lives and emotions throughout this second story of Courting Charlotte Cooper. Although it COULD be read as a standalone story, I highly recommend reading RUN AWAY CHARLOTTE first. You’ll get more background information on Charlotte, Andrew and Joe’s lives, and see where their story began. But this story ASK ME AGAIN, by itself was intense! There are many emotions you’ll have while reading, you’ll smile, be extremely angry, sad, scared/worried, shed MANY tears (good and bad), but you’ll also come away with the feeling of love, and laughter. Life isn’t fair, and it deals us all some pretty hard things to deal with. But some of us get dealt a sh**ier deck than most. How you deal with it and who is somehow miraculously put in your life in the process is entirely up to you. Which is how H.M. Shander portrays Charlotte, she’s had an extremely tough life from the beginning and has some tough choices to make which will not only effect her life, but those around her as well. She was lucky enough to have a few special people cross her path to show her unconditional love. This book picks up about 14yrs after RUN AWAY CHARLOTTE ends. The facade on the outside are definitely not what’s really happening on the inside. This is one of those stories that’ll have you thinking about the subject matter well after you’ve finished reading. I enjoyed reading what and how Charlotte deals with what’s been dealt to her. I look forward to seeing what else H.M. Shander writes next. I received an ARC via Tasty Book Tours through Smashwords in exchange for an honest blog tour review. Due to sexual situations, this book is recommended for readers 17 and older!
FAVORITE PASSAGES ~
- When it comes to matters of the heart and mind, which direction do you follow? Love or Logic?
- ”Ask me again… later. For now, just love me for who I am, despite what I’ve done.”

**AUTHOR NOTE**
All events described herein are of a fictional nature, although some may be triggering to readers who have suffered through domestic abuse. First and foremost, Ask Me Again is not a story about the abuse, but a rather a beautiful romance story about second chances. For the first two weeks in November 2016, all profits from the sale of Ask Me Again will be donated to SAIF (Stop Abuse in Families); a local organization that provides services to it’s clients and their families. It’s an organization near and dear to my heart. If you purchased this novel between November 1 –15, 2016, I personally thank you for the bottom of my heart. The money raised will provide counselling services and more. Sincerely, H.M. Shander
Profile Image for Drita.
452 reviews36 followers
July 5, 2016

Not sure how many times i said this but my feelings will still remain the same.....again not a love triangle fan. I just can't hate one character because the other was in the picture too.....However sometimes authors are so good at making you not like one or the other character, and in this case i was pleased with the outcome.
I try not to follow the reading trend these days, it feels like i'm reading same story over and over again "Ask Me Again" was different. This author did her homework on this one. The characters; it felt as if she brought them to life, the platform was strong and story so authentic. Also enjoyed the authors style so easy on us readers, it felt real!
I enjoyed this read and i would continue and read more of this author!

I also would like to say...Thank you to H.M. for the free copy in return for an honest review!
Profile Image for Shawna.
12 reviews
August 29, 2016
H.M. Shander - WOW - just WOW.
What a great story to read. I'm so glad that Charlotte's overall character arc was so satisfying. You make a nasty bad guy in Jack and he made me shudder with disgust. I didn't like him at all. Jerk. And Gabe and Joe and Miranda and Chelsea. Will there be more on most of these people? I'd really like to think that I haven't read the end of them. Please...

I WANT MORE.

Tell me there will be more? I'd like to know more about what happens after - I have so many questions...
But overall, an exceptional story, well written and engaging. I couldn't put it down until I reached the end. And even then... I want more. Did I mention that already? Hah.

I look forward to reading more of your stories.
Profile Image for Colette.
574 reviews7 followers
November 5, 2020
This really is an emotional read and there are triggers. It's book two and while you can certainly follow along. I think reading book one in the series, Run Away Charlotte would give further detail in Charlotte's reasoning for marrying the control freak, Jack.

Charlotte needs repairs on her house and who comes to do the repairs, Andrew. We learn that Andrew is the man Charlotte gave up to marry Jack who at the time seemed perfect. He had money, social standing and even loving towards Charlotte. Through the years, Charlotte thinks about what her life could have been had she remained with Andrew.

There are some trigger warning of domestic abuse so be forewarned but overall a really good story.
Profile Image for Angie.
9 reviews
March 29, 2016
OMG!! If I thought Charlotte was frustrating in Run Away Charlotte, she was infuriating in Ask me Again. She became so meek and she took so much crap from so many people in this book, it was kind of annoying. But then she grew some balls. Oh yes, she became bold and brave and she learned how to stand up for herself and not take people's crap anymore. Tragedy and abuse forced her to change, but Andrew coming back into her life and making her feel again was what drove her to want to make that change. He breathed life back into her dead world. He made her feel again. I'd definitely recommend reading this sequel by HM Shander.
10 reviews
November 14, 2015
This book is a sequel to " Run Away Charlotte " but is a terrific stand alone read. Every character has a distinct and developed personality. There are some tough " life and social issues " woven into the story and the author does an excellent job of ensuring that they are pertinent to the story and does not cross the line where the " issue " becomes a personal platform or a moral teaching. All in all it is a page turner and I had to keep getting back to my book to find out what was going to happen next. I'm already waiting for the next sequel in Charlotte's life !
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