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No Second Chances
Gabi...When I was seventeen years old, I was told to stay away from Cole Devonport. Kids like him only ever meant trouble.I should have listened, but I didn’t, and surprise, surprise, I was the one who got hurt.But escaping Cole didn’t mean the end of my pain. Life has a way of screwing me over, and after joining the Army as a way of forgetting him, I suffered a loss I’ll never recover from.So now here I am, back in the town I ran away from, with my alcoholic father apparently looking after me. The last thing I need is Cole showing up on my doorstep because nothing has changed—with his prison tattoos and don’t-screw-with-me edge, Cole Devonport still means trouble...Cole...I let everyone down all those years ago. I made mistakes and I’m not proud of them, but I’ve done my time and now I just want to keep my head down and get on with my life.I thought I was doing exactly that until I heard Gabriella Weston was back in town. Despite what she thought, I was always in love with her. She might hate me, but whether she knows it or not, she also needs me.I want to make it up to her, but with my past still trying to pull me down, perhaps it would be best if I just stayed the hell away like she keeps telling me to.Problem is, I can’t seem to resist her, and I’m the type of guy who always gets what he wants... ‘No Second Chances’ is a stand-alone, second chance, contemporary romance. It is a full length novel with no cliff-hanger!
278 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 26, 2016
130 people are currently reading
1340 people want to read
About the author
Marissa Farrar
140 books1,102 followersMarissa Farrar is a multi-published romance and fantasy author. She was born in Devon, England, loves to travel and has lived in both Australia and Spain. She now resides in the countryside with her husband, three children, a crazy Spanish dog, two rescue cats and six hens. She has a degree in Zoology, but her true love has always been writing.
Marissa is the author of sixteen novels, including the dark vampire ‘Serenity’ series. Her short stories have been accepted for a number of anthologies including, Their Dark Masters, Red Skies Press, Masters of Horror: Damned If You Don’t, Triskaideka Books; and 2013: The Aftermath, Pill Hill Press.
If you want to know more about Marissa, then please visit her website at www.marissa-farrar.blogspot.com. You can also find her at her facebook page, www.facebook.com/marissa.farrar.author or follow her on twitter @marissafarrar.
She loves to hear from readers and can be emailed at marissafarrar@hotmail.co.uk.
Marissa is the author of sixteen novels, including the dark vampire ‘Serenity’ series. Her short stories have been accepted for a number of anthologies including, Their Dark Masters, Red Skies Press, Masters of Horror: Damned If You Don’t, Triskaideka Books; and 2013: The Aftermath, Pill Hill Press.
If you want to know more about Marissa, then please visit her website at www.marissa-farrar.blogspot.com. You can also find her at her facebook page, www.facebook.com/marissa.farrar.author or follow her on twitter @marissafarrar.
She loves to hear from readers and can be emailed at marissafarrar@hotmail.co.uk.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
January 3, 2018
Holy Shit this book was so stupid. Like I kept reading it and thinking to myself "man I should rip this book apart in my review but is it even worth writing a review for it?"
So you'll get my random ramblings instead.
-Only reason why this book gets 2 stars is because the hero was celibate for ten tears.
-No details on the heroines sexual experience.
-Ooo great a veteran heroine for once!! Anndddddd she's dumb as rocks
-How did this woman survive in Iraq, she's brainless
-Of course she didn't join the army to serve the country; she joined the army to "run away from her problems."
-The OW drama was completely unnecessary and made a stupid book even more stupid
-The villain is trash. He's like a cartoon of a cartoon of a villain.
-Why is everyone so melodramatic
- "He won't want a girl thats broken" is probably the most over used line in romance and its utter shit.
- Hero: "I have to push her away!" *kisses heroines best friend "yeah good plan."
Me: *facepalm*
- Literally every character in this book is dumb as shit.
So you'll get my random ramblings instead.
-Only reason why this book gets 2 stars is because the hero was celibate for ten tears.
-No details on the heroines sexual experience.
-Ooo great a veteran heroine for once!! Anndddddd she's dumb as rocks
-How did this woman survive in Iraq, she's brainless
-Of course she didn't join the army to serve the country; she joined the army to "run away from her problems."
-The OW drama was completely unnecessary and made a stupid book even more stupid
-The villain is trash. He's like a cartoon of a cartoon of a villain.
-Why is everyone so melodramatic
- "He won't want a girl thats broken" is probably the most over used line in romance and its utter shit.
- Hero: "I have to push her away!" *kisses heroines best friend "yeah good plan."
Me: *facepalm*
- Literally every character in this book is dumb as shit.
July 29, 2016
Meh. I need to stop reading second chance romance because they're always so goddamn awful. Hero fucks up royally and the heroine always forgives and forget....... way. too. easily. Hell no.
I always finish this type of book feeling incomplete and unsatisfied.
This book wasn't all that bad though. The author's writing style in this book way better than her previous book that I've read.
I loved the heroine, (even if she was dumb as hell) and it's my first time reading a book where the heroine is the Army Veteran. It's refreshing.
Overall, this book's an okay read. *shrugs*
I always finish this type of book feeling incomplete and unsatisfied.
This book wasn't all that bad though. The author's writing style in this book way better than her previous book that I've read.
I loved the heroine, (even if she was dumb as hell) and it's my first time reading a book where the heroine is the Army Veteran. It's refreshing.
Overall, this book's an okay read. *shrugs*
September 10, 2016
I have read a few books by this author, but No Second Chances is definitely my favourite so far.
I liked the main characters, especially Gabi, who felt very real. Cole won me over when he took Gabi on the perfect first date. Marissa Farrar is great at creating interesting characters and believable relationships.
No Second Chances is a romance with rough edges. Things certainly aren’t smooth sailing, and there are plenty of physical and emotional challenges thrown into the storyline too. This book focusses on the impact serious physical injury and guilt has on the main characters and their lives.
I was completely absorbed by this story. I didn’t want it to end, and actually really missed being a part of it for a couple of days afterwards.
I would like to thank the author for a copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review.
I liked the main characters, especially Gabi, who felt very real. Cole won me over when he took Gabi on the perfect first date. Marissa Farrar is great at creating interesting characters and believable relationships.
No Second Chances is a romance with rough edges. Things certainly aren’t smooth sailing, and there are plenty of physical and emotional challenges thrown into the storyline too. This book focusses on the impact serious physical injury and guilt has on the main characters and their lives.
I was completely absorbed by this story. I didn’t want it to end, and actually really missed being a part of it for a couple of days afterwards.
I would like to thank the author for a copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review.
July 23, 2016
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
Emotional and unique!! Loved it.
Full review to come!!
4.5 Stars!
Emotional and unique!! Loved it.
Full review to come!!
4.5 Stars!
July 18, 2016
I love sitting and reading a book in two sittings - which is exactly what I did with No Second Chances.
Ten years ago Gabi Weston left her life without looking back - she felt abandoned by her boyfriend, her father, her friends. Ten years later she is back after a life altering incident. The last thing she needs is Cole Devonport.
Cole Devonport spent his life in Foster homes - aged 17 he finds the love he thought would never be, Gabi Weston. Life was great then it wasn't.
The story is told through now and then chapters and alternative POV's which I loved. We get to see how their life together started and how it ripped them apart.
I had only read the authors Erotic suspense Monster Trilogy before this and didn't know what to expect from this contemporary NA romance. What I got was solid standalone, a great read, a fab story.
ARC kindly provided by the author.
Ten years ago Gabi Weston left her life without looking back - she felt abandoned by her boyfriend, her father, her friends. Ten years later she is back after a life altering incident. The last thing she needs is Cole Devonport.
Cole Devonport spent his life in Foster homes - aged 17 he finds the love he thought would never be, Gabi Weston. Life was great then it wasn't.
The story is told through now and then chapters and alternative POV's which I loved. We get to see how their life together started and how it ripped them apart.
I had only read the authors Erotic suspense Monster Trilogy before this and didn't know what to expect from this contemporary NA romance. What I got was solid standalone, a great read, a fab story.
ARC kindly provided by the author.
September 29, 2016
I would like to thank Helen at TBC and the author for giving me the opportunity to read this in exchange for an honest and open review.
This was a welcome change from my usual diet of blood and guts!
I have read other books by Marissa Farrar but this one is my favourite.
Gabi and Cole, the two main characters, are portrayed as very human. We are shown all of their traits, both good and bad.
I loved the way it was written, hearing about the past and present from Gabi and Cole.
This isn't just a romance, it's about coming to terms with past events and resolving them.
A thoroughly enjoyable read.
This was a welcome change from my usual diet of blood and guts!
I have read other books by Marissa Farrar but this one is my favourite.
Gabi and Cole, the two main characters, are portrayed as very human. We are shown all of their traits, both good and bad.
I loved the way it was written, hearing about the past and present from Gabi and Cole.
This isn't just a romance, it's about coming to terms with past events and resolving them.
A thoroughly enjoyable read.
August 25, 2016
I loved this book. It made me smile, it made me cry and it made me feel all warm and fuzzy . I will definitely read this again
July 26, 2016
I’ve been reading quite a few novels by Marissa Farrar lately, and they all kept me turning the page to find out more. No Second Chances is an intriguing view into the life of someone with a disability. It sheds new light on what it is like, and demonstrates that love can happen to anyone, no matter what the circumstances.
It’s also an inspiring story of just how your life can turn around, and sometimes ... you do get a second chance. The trick is in recognising that we have been given a precious opportunity and grasp it firmly. Cole and Gabi are no different, and they have some issues to work out.
The main characters are particularly likeable, and pleasantly developed. Perhaps the male lead is a little too perfect, but that is the stuff of romance novels. Sometimes a decade can change a couple, and prepare them for what lies ahead, but will it be enough?
If you enjoy romance, and one or two unexpected twists on the road to love, grab No Second Chances. It’s a great summer read.
It’s also an inspiring story of just how your life can turn around, and sometimes ... you do get a second chance. The trick is in recognising that we have been given a precious opportunity and grasp it firmly. Cole and Gabi are no different, and they have some issues to work out.
The main characters are particularly likeable, and pleasantly developed. Perhaps the male lead is a little too perfect, but that is the stuff of romance novels. Sometimes a decade can change a couple, and prepare them for what lies ahead, but will it be enough?
If you enjoy romance, and one or two unexpected twists on the road to love, grab No Second Chances. It’s a great summer read.
July 28, 2016
Cole and Gabi left their home town 11 years ago and have now returned. This is their story told from what happened 11 years ago and now. There are different chapters from both of their perspectives.
I really enjoyed this book. The story is unique and not something I have read a lot of recently. I thought the way the author wrote about the disability was very good and I found it quite refreshing to read about a woman who had been injured in the army. I found the twists and turns in the book very good and it kept me reading to find out what happens next.
The characters are well thought out and developed, however I thought that Cole was a little too perfect for me. Yes I know it's a romance novel, but I think I prefer my bad boys to be a little bit badder and more tortured than he was!
Overall it was an amazing story by a new to me author and I will definetly look out for more from this author.
I really enjoyed this book. The story is unique and not something I have read a lot of recently. I thought the way the author wrote about the disability was very good and I found it quite refreshing to read about a woman who had been injured in the army. I found the twists and turns in the book very good and it kept me reading to find out what happens next.
The characters are well thought out and developed, however I thought that Cole was a little too perfect for me. Yes I know it's a romance novel, but I think I prefer my bad boys to be a little bit badder and more tortured than he was!
Overall it was an amazing story by a new to me author and I will definetly look out for more from this author.
August 6, 2016
Wow, let me first start off saying Gabi is one bad ass chick!! I loved Coles character too and the chemistry the two shared. My heart went out for these two it just seemed like they could never catch a break something was always holding them back from embracing the love they shared for one another. I love military romance and I loved the twist Marissa Farrar out on this one. I liked the fact that the female lead was the service member. My heart broke for Gabi but not for long she doesn't want our pity she's too strong for that. I admired her character. This is a story that makes you think and thank your lucky stars for what you have in life. This is the first book I've read by Marriaa Farrar and it was phenomenal and def won't be the last.
July 26, 2016
***** I received this ARC for free from TBC on FB in return for an honest review *****
I very much enjoyed this book, this is one of my favorite authors and as usual she didn't disappoint! This is the first time I have read one of her stories that isn't paranormal and it was a refreshing change of pace for me. You can really tell how much research was put into the story to feel as if you are there, right next to each character. The evolution of the story flowed well, transitions were seamless, and it was well and thoughtfully written. Very well done!
I very much enjoyed this book, this is one of my favorite authors and as usual she didn't disappoint! This is the first time I have read one of her stories that isn't paranormal and it was a refreshing change of pace for me. You can really tell how much research was put into the story to feel as if you are there, right next to each character. The evolution of the story flowed well, transitions were seamless, and it was well and thoughtfully written. Very well done!
August 8, 2016
This book is told in past and present time and by Cole and Gabi. It's a story of teens who were lost and trying to find themselves as well as love. They lost touch, moved on with their lives and end up back in the same city. But a decade has changed these two very much. They both have their own demons and pasts they are working through. They aren't sure if they can rekindle what they once had. The author did a great job at keeping the story interesting and not confusing with the past and present.
This is my first Marissa book and def won't be my last!
Reviewed by Kaci
This is my first Marissa book and def won't be my last!
Reviewed by Kaci
July 23, 2022
I was hoping for more from this book. There was a great foundation for this story but it never quite met it’s full potential.
July 23, 2016
What girl doesn't fall for the bad boy who just wants to be loved? This is a well written story that sucks you in and holds you in it's grasp from the first word to the last. The characters are complex and likeable or hateable depending on what they're meant to be. You'll be hoping and hurting right son along with the main characters. If you don't believe in second chances now, you just might by the end of this journey. I would highly recommend this to everyone looking for a good read.
August 1, 2016
No second chances by marissa farrar is a romance read.
When I was 17 years old, I was told to stay away from Cole Devonport, kids like him only ever meant trouble.
Absolutely fantastic read.
I loved the story and the characters.
Devoured in less than 24 hours.
Simply unputdownable.
I loved Cole and gabi.
Didn't like Ryan at all.
I loved the ending too.
Highly recommended.
5* from me.
Thanks to tbc on fb for the arc.
#tbconfb.
When I was 17 years old, I was told to stay away from Cole Devonport, kids like him only ever meant trouble.
Absolutely fantastic read.
I loved the story and the characters.
Devoured in less than 24 hours.
Simply unputdownable.
I loved Cole and gabi.
Didn't like Ryan at all.
I loved the ending too.
Highly recommended.
5* from me.
Thanks to tbc on fb for the arc.
#tbconfb.
August 8, 2016
Me gusta la historia, pero creo que se podría haber sacado mucho mas de ella
August 22, 2016
A real page turner, couldn't put it down from start to finish!
Loved the characters, even Ryan...
5* read definitely :)
Loved the characters, even Ryan...
5* read definitely :)
December 20, 2022
Spoilers in my review
I didn't enjoy this book, it hurt me the whole time. But it's a good book, there are a lot of emotions...as I said, it hurt me. I think others would enjoy it although the miscommunication trope is not for me. I don't know what it is like to live without a limb but it seems the author did a lot of homework and I appreciated getting a new perspective, although I know someone who has lost a limb and that person has described a lot of what our main character has gone through I have a whole different level of empathy after experiencing it through the eyes of a character. And that was conveyed very well to someone who has not experienced it themselves.
But...if you are a veteran or love a veteran or have any form of PTSD, the ending MAY be disappointing. We would all love to have our traumas disappear in the blink of an eye. To suddenly be okay. (I'm not a veteran, but I do know what it is like to live with PTSD). Some readers might want to read a book that ends with the trauma being magically healed, but some of us want an example of what it is like to live with something that will never truly leave us. I just thought everyone should be able to decide for themselves.
I didn't enjoy this book, it hurt me the whole time. But it's a good book, there are a lot of emotions...as I said, it hurt me. I think others would enjoy it although the miscommunication trope is not for me. I don't know what it is like to live without a limb but it seems the author did a lot of homework and I appreciated getting a new perspective, although I know someone who has lost a limb and that person has described a lot of what our main character has gone through I have a whole different level of empathy after experiencing it through the eyes of a character. And that was conveyed very well to someone who has not experienced it themselves.
But...if you are a veteran or love a veteran or have any form of PTSD, the ending MAY be disappointing. We would all love to have our traumas disappear in the blink of an eye. To suddenly be okay. (I'm not a veteran, but I do know what it is like to live with PTSD). Some readers might want to read a book that ends with the trauma being magically healed, but some of us want an example of what it is like to live with something that will never truly leave us. I just thought everyone should be able to decide for themselves.
January 3, 2023
I dnf'd the book. It was not engaging, it was cliched, the way it was written kind of put me off, like the flash back scenes, unless they are done right, they tend to be jarring and in this book they were jarring.
I'm giving it an extra star for the representation of disability but that's it because it didn't seem that well written. Like I think the timeline for the incident and her up and walking around with her prosthesis was 3 months and based on what I know its upwards of six months to a year before people are able to use a prosthetic somewhat smoothly. Thats a massive injury to the leg and it can take up to 6 months for the stump to heal properly itself. So for the fact that she was not only completely healed but walking around in her prosthesis after only three months was a bit too far fetched for me to believe. There was no discussion about the rehabilitation and her having to go through intensive rehab just to walk using crutches, let alone the prosthesis.
I just couldn't get into it.
I'm giving it an extra star for the representation of disability but that's it because it didn't seem that well written. Like I think the timeline for the incident and her up and walking around with her prosthesis was 3 months and based on what I know its upwards of six months to a year before people are able to use a prosthetic somewhat smoothly. Thats a massive injury to the leg and it can take up to 6 months for the stump to heal properly itself. So for the fact that she was not only completely healed but walking around in her prosthesis after only three months was a bit too far fetched for me to believe. There was no discussion about the rehabilitation and her having to go through intensive rehab just to walk using crutches, let alone the prosthesis.
I just couldn't get into it.
December 31, 2025
The amputation disability in this book is done very well I really liked how it truly explained the struggles the main character was feeling and was nice to get the thoughts of a woman going through that as well.
I really wish that we saw a bit more of a stronger solider side to the FMC because in some part of the books when she’s being really dramatic about the MMC I just don’t think that’s the characteristics a solider would have learned or had.
I would have also liked some insight on the FMC’s dad and for them to have deeper talks about his addiction and why he suddenly decided to start getting it under control.
I also really didn’t like any of the drama between the FMC’s best friend and the MMC didn’t think to was necessary or good.
I really wish that we saw a bit more of a stronger solider side to the FMC because in some part of the books when she’s being really dramatic about the MMC I just don’t think that’s the characteristics a solider would have learned or had.
I would have also liked some insight on the FMC’s dad and for them to have deeper talks about his addiction and why he suddenly decided to start getting it under control.
I also really didn’t like any of the drama between the FMC’s best friend and the MMC didn’t think to was necessary or good.
October 2, 2023
If u want to read something just to read than I guess this is an ok book, but it wasn't that good. I had no attachment to the characters or plot line. It was weird with the flash backs cause it's supposed to be a surprise or something about what happened between them, but I guessed it all from the very beginning so it just felt useless and boring to read the flash back parts. Idk it was just a boring book, I didn't dnf because it wasn't horrible writing and I like to finish books but I almost did not finish reading, and I ended up skimming through lots of parts and not really fully reading it all.
October 16, 2023
This book was so well done, and treated with so much care. I loved that the disabled vet character was the female character. In the year 2023 that should not have surprised me, but it did, and I thought that to tell that story was brave an amazing.
Gabi has a lot of PTSD to work through and I think the depicition of that is done well. There's a lot she has been through already and a lot that she still needs to go through, and Cole being there is not to heal or fix her but to support her while she manages it herself. That's a genuine and string chemistry to have I fiction, that allows that connection.
Cole is amazing. The bad boy with the big heart. Such a sweet guy.
Gabi has a lot of PTSD to work through and I think the depicition of that is done well. There's a lot she has been through already and a lot that she still needs to go through, and Cole being there is not to heal or fix her but to support her while she manages it herself. That's a genuine and string chemistry to have I fiction, that allows that connection.
Cole is amazing. The bad boy with the big heart. Such a sweet guy.
July 29, 2022
I think I'm giving this 3 stars based on the disability representation alone. It is a very predictable story, and nothing came as a surprise.
However, it was really lovely to have the FMC have a disability that wasn't just a prop but was actually talked about and had an impact on the story. It was an ok read, but honestly, so much more could have been done with Gabi that I sort of feel it was a missed opportunity!
However, it was really lovely to have the FMC have a disability that wasn't just a prop but was actually talked about and had an impact on the story. It was an ok read, but honestly, so much more could have been done with Gabi that I sort of feel it was a missed opportunity!
August 4, 2022
3.5 stars!
This was such a cute, easy read!
Reading about Gabi’s trauma was so interesting and I loved watching her reconnect with Cole!
I wasn’t a fan of the back and forth between past and present and the past scenes seemed very childish, obviously since they’re in high school but the love story was sweet and Cole seemed like a dreamy guy 😆😍
I met Marissa and she’s an absolute sweetheart. Definitely going to be checking out more books, especially the mafia romance!
This was such a cute, easy read!
Reading about Gabi’s trauma was so interesting and I loved watching her reconnect with Cole!
I wasn’t a fan of the back and forth between past and present and the past scenes seemed very childish, obviously since they’re in high school but the love story was sweet and Cole seemed like a dreamy guy 😆😍
I met Marissa and she’s an absolute sweetheart. Definitely going to be checking out more books, especially the mafia romance!
December 26, 2022
okay so, heres the deal.
normally i like the books booktok recommend me, but this one was eh.
ive figured that second chance romance is not for mw and thats because of this book.
the story was eh, and the characters had little to no depth.
i hot catfished by one scene and nothing good happened after that.
this isnt a book i would recommend to my book friends, but if they choose to read it themselves, i wont stop them
normally i like the books booktok recommend me, but this one was eh.
ive figured that second chance romance is not for mw and thats because of this book.
the story was eh, and the characters had little to no depth.
i hot catfished by one scene and nothing good happened after that.
this isnt a book i would recommend to my book friends, but if they choose to read it themselves, i wont stop them
March 29, 2024
Audible
Story of childhood sweethearts Gabby and Cole.
They date at high school and fall in love.
Gabbi’s best friend was a bitch, she had eyes for cole. Cole kissed her to “protect” gabby from the bad man 🙄 back in school. then Cole delivered drugs and went to prison for 10 years. Gabby then joined the army and got her leg blown up, returned hm and they hooked up again. The best friend tried again at Cole when he was drunk but gabby forgave him and they lived happily ever after.
Story of childhood sweethearts Gabby and Cole.
They date at high school and fall in love.
Gabbi’s best friend was a bitch, she had eyes for cole. Cole kissed her to “protect” gabby from the bad man 🙄 back in school. then Cole delivered drugs and went to prison for 10 years. Gabby then joined the army and got her leg blown up, returned hm and they hooked up again. The best friend tried again at Cole when he was drunk but gabby forgave him and they lived happily ever after.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 14, 2024
The story was like-able, but the way the characters were described put me off. I don’t need to read every page how big Cole is, that he has multiple tattoos and big muscles. The way Gabi thinks also put me off. I understand that the things she went through were traumatic, but constantly saying “no one likes an amputee, I will never find love again, no one will want me” was overdone.
2.75⭐️ but I rounded it up to 3⭐️
2.75⭐️ but I rounded it up to 3⭐️
June 14, 2017
So good!
So good! I loved this story. While it jumps back and forth from present day to 11 years ago, it's clear and easy to follow. In addition, the present and the past mirror each other and keep you engaged till the end.
So good! I loved this story. While it jumps back and forth from present day to 11 years ago, it's clear and easy to follow. In addition, the present and the past mirror each other and keep you engaged till the end.
July 21, 2017
Good book
This book was good. Wish she would have punched that biatch in face though instead of just running away twice. It was a good read and couldn't put it down. Lot's of drama and PG sex though.
This book was good. Wish she would have punched that biatch in face though instead of just running away twice. It was a good read and couldn't put it down. Lot's of drama and PG sex though.
September 2, 2017
I loved that this featured a female perspective of PTSD and what happens when she came home missing limbs. Usually you find military romances with a wounded alpha male. It was wonderfully refreshing to read about an alpha female.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews