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By the Numbers #2
Second Chance: Ian
Reunited with his unrelentingly sunny soul mate, Penny Parker, Ian Pratchett finds her hopeless romanticism is catching. Her influence—and an unconventional pact—make him believe in happily ever after again, though they know their future won’t be free from hurdles.
But in the face of unpredictable changes, Penny’s bubbly optimism fades. As the woman he fell in love with slips away, Ian realizes he must share more of himself than ever before, or risk her happiness. And losing the love of his life is a mistake he won’t make twice.
*Contains content some readers who are pregnant, trying to conceive, or suffering a pregnancy loss may wish to avoid. For a more detailed disclaimer, please follow the link on the copyright page. Note: The extended warning will contain spoilers.
But in the face of unpredictable changes, Penny’s bubbly optimism fades. As the woman he fell in love with slips away, Ian realizes he must share more of himself than ever before, or risk her happiness. And losing the love of his life is a mistake he won’t make twice.
*Contains content some readers who are pregnant, trying to conceive, or suffering a pregnancy loss may wish to avoid. For a more detailed disclaimer, please follow the link on the copyright page. Note: The extended warning will contain spoilers.
243 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 29, 2016
17 people are currently reading
157 people want to read
About the author
Abigail Barnette
63 books1,277 followersAbigail Barnette is the pseudonym of Jenny Trout (alias Jennifer Armintrout, an author, blogger, and funny person. Jenny made the USA Today bestseller list with her debut novel, Blood Ties Book One: The Turning. Her American Vampire was named one of the top ten horror novels of 2011 by Booklist Magazine Online. As Abigail Barnette, Jenny writes award-winning erotic romance, including the internationally bestselling The Boss series.
As a blogger, Jenny’s work has appeared on The Huffington Post, and has been featured on television and radio, including HuffPost Live, Good Morning America, The Steve Harvey Show, and National Public Radio’s Here & Now. Her work has earned mentions in The New York Times and Entertainment Weekly.
She is a proud Michigander, mother of two, and wife to the only person alive capable of spending extended periods of time with her without wanting to kill her.
As a blogger, Jenny’s work has appeared on The Huffington Post, and has been featured on television and radio, including HuffPost Live, Good Morning America, The Steve Harvey Show, and National Public Radio’s Here & Now. Her work has earned mentions in The New York Times and Entertainment Weekly.
She is a proud Michigander, mother of two, and wife to the only person alive capable of spending extended periods of time with her without wanting to kill her.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
May 20, 2017
By semi reading/fast reading this one, Ian was more than charming but also careful, gentle, playful.
Somehow a middle age dream boat. Yes, I can't imagine him but he was thoughtful, their relationship fit and was made to work because they wanted it to work with sincerity.
Somehow a middle age dream boat. Yes, I can't imagine him but he was thoughtful, their relationship fit and was made to work because they wanted it to work with sincerity.
May 31, 2016
No one loves Penny and Ian more than I do. They're my OTP, the loves of my live, my everything! This book was great and dealt with some really tough topics in a really sensitive and interesting way. I love every little interaction between the couple and I love their love! The writing is engaging as it always is with Barnette and the characters really come alive. I could feel Ian's emotions like they were my own.
I was left feeling just the teeniest bit unsatisfied, mostly I think because I want them to have their HEA *right now*!!! They deserve it all and I want to see it, damn it! Not that it ended on a sad note, it definitely didn't, but I just want it all! I really, really hope there will be more books and sooooon! Overall a really great job and I can't wait to read Penny's side of the story!
I was left feeling just the teeniest bit unsatisfied, mostly I think because I want them to have their HEA *right now*!!! They deserve it all and I want to see it, damn it! Not that it ended on a sad note, it definitely didn't, but I just want it all! I really, really hope there will be more books and sooooon! Overall a really great job and I can't wait to read Penny's side of the story!
September 21, 2017
For some reason I enjoy Ian's POV more than Penny's.
July 5, 2018
Penny and Ian's story is indubitably sweeter than Neil and Sophie's (and much less...ahem...risque, although it has its moments). I also prefer Penny and Ian as characters so I like this series for a good naughty fluff read.
March 2, 2021
Just beautiful.
It’s hard to describe how good this book was. It was perfection. From the everyday life with such a large age gap, to the gut wrenching reality of such a loss, it was just amazing. I feel attached to Ian and Penny. I always rate a book once I’ve finished, but this was the first one I felt compelled to actually write a review. Read this series. You won’t be disappointed.
It’s hard to describe how good this book was. It was perfection. From the everyday life with such a large age gap, to the gut wrenching reality of such a loss, it was just amazing. I feel attached to Ian and Penny. I always rate a book once I’ve finished, but this was the first one I felt compelled to actually write a review. Read this series. You won’t be disappointed.
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May 5, 2021So I don't know how to rate these books, since I'm reading the series on Radish, but I absolutely love them!
January 22, 2022
Ian and Penny deal with some drama that hurts the soul. 😭
February 1, 2025
I have really loved every book I have read by Jenny (Abigail). This is no exception, though I felt like there were a few things missing from this story.
I feel as though the relationship they have with Annie was so strained even when Ian and she would reconcile their differences it was never really reconciled. I felt as though Annie placated him to avoid losing her brother. At the same time Ian ignored Annie's feelings to be certain Penny was ok. I feel like the character of Annie is too strong for that reaction.
I think Annie was a huge part of his life prior to Penny that a little sympathy should have been used. Annie felt so strongly about Penny and only one statement about them not wanting his family there when they married was not enough to show the emotion I knew Annie would have. It just felt unfinished to me.
I also felt that, even though Annie's behavior, regarding her brother, was not ideal it came from a good place so it makes me sad that Ian allowed Penny to be nasty to Annie. He did not allow his sister to get away with treating Penny this way.
Toward the end Annie had softened toward Penny. I would have loved to have seen how their relationship grew to that point. Maybe not to the extent of Sophie and Emma, but in that same manner. What took place between the two of them to get them where they were. I felt like the tension between them is why Ian stayed away from his sister.
The other thing I felt was unfinished was the 'secret' stuff. I would have loved to see how others reacted to their baby and marriage news. I felt like Penny wanted to keep him as her 'Dirty little secret'. I think most around them would have been happy for them. Would have liked to read that.
I surely hope more books are written for Penny and Ian as I do really love this couple. (I personally like to read them from Ian's POV)
I feel as though the relationship they have with Annie was so strained even when Ian and she would reconcile their differences it was never really reconciled. I felt as though Annie placated him to avoid losing her brother. At the same time Ian ignored Annie's feelings to be certain Penny was ok. I feel like the character of Annie is too strong for that reaction.
I think Annie was a huge part of his life prior to Penny that a little sympathy should have been used. Annie felt so strongly about Penny and only one statement about them not wanting his family there when they married was not enough to show the emotion I knew Annie would have. It just felt unfinished to me.
I also felt that, even though Annie's behavior, regarding her brother, was not ideal it came from a good place so it makes me sad that Ian allowed Penny to be nasty to Annie. He did not allow his sister to get away with treating Penny this way.
Toward the end Annie had softened toward Penny. I would have loved to have seen how their relationship grew to that point. Maybe not to the extent of Sophie and Emma, but in that same manner. What took place between the two of them to get them where they were. I felt like the tension between them is why Ian stayed away from his sister.
The other thing I felt was unfinished was the 'secret' stuff. I would have loved to see how others reacted to their baby and marriage news. I felt like Penny wanted to keep him as her 'Dirty little secret'. I think most around them would have been happy for them. Would have liked to read that.
I surely hope more books are written for Penny and Ian as I do really love this couple. (I personally like to read them from Ian's POV)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 2, 2016
4.5 stars
For full thoughts on the story in general see my review for Penny's side of the story.
I think I generally prefer reading Penny's side, mainly just because I'm able to identify much more with Penny than with Ian (unsurprising considering we're significantly closer in age and gender). I'm always feeling like I'm not getting quite enough from Ian. I want more in depth explanations of his emotions at every single line. But alas, no such luck. Of course that's partially because Ian's not exactly a "share your feelings" kinda guys and partially because a book that stated the exact thoughts and emotions the were behind every single line of dialogue would be 1000 pages long and probably exceedingly dull.
So yeah, loved it, loved Penny's story slightly more.
For full thoughts on the story in general see my review for Penny's side of the story.
I think I generally prefer reading Penny's side, mainly just because I'm able to identify much more with Penny than with Ian (unsurprising considering we're significantly closer in age and gender). I'm always feeling like I'm not getting quite enough from Ian. I want more in depth explanations of his emotions at every single line. But alas, no such luck. Of course that's partially because Ian's not exactly a "share your feelings" kinda guys and partially because a book that stated the exact thoughts and emotions the were behind every single line of dialogue would be 1000 pages long and probably exceedingly dull.
So yeah, loved it, loved Penny's story slightly more.
February 9, 2017
Ian and Penny continue to be utterly adorable in these two novels. While I was disappointed that there was such a heavy topic covered in this novel, I wasn't sure if it was because I wanted a sweet sappy romance novel or because I never want anything bad to happen to this sweet cinnamon roll of a couple. As per usual, I devoured this too fast and I can hardly wait for the next installment.
November 14, 2016
*** 4.5 stars ***
I think it's official to say that I like Ian's POV much better than Penny's. However, I'm still bothered by having two books to tell the same story. New info, yes. But nothing earth shattering.
But I really enjoyed it and can't wait to read more!
I think it's official to say that I like Ian's POV much better than Penny's. However, I'm still bothered by having two books to tell the same story. New info, yes. But nothing earth shattering.
But I really enjoyed it and can't wait to read more!
August 2, 2024
After finishing the first two books I couldn’t stop reading this series, while I enjoyed it I didn’t like it as much as the previous books. Not sure why, but I still enjoyed reading these two books, and I think reading a chapter of each book was a fun way to read the books.
May 31, 2016
i think the first book has some charm that this one doesn't have , but it was fantastic nonetheless
i really enjoyed this book , even if it was a bit sad :S
i really enjoyed this book , even if it was a bit sad :S
June 13, 2016
I read Penny's story first, but LOVED reading Ian's side. It's so enlightening reading what happend - from his point of view! AMAZING.
September 22, 2022
Rereads:
6 September 2022 - 22 September 2022
6 September 2022 - 22 September 2022
June 9, 2016
I really like Ian's side. :)
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews