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Dodge Cove #3

No Second Chances

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Natasha was DEVASTATED when Jackson, her first love, disappeared without a word only to pop up months later as a famous DJ. But now she's over it―over him!―and ready to move on with her life! Isn't she?

Jackson thought he was leaving Dodge Cove behind forever when he set off to LA to start his career as a DJ. But the one thing he had never been able to leave behind was the memory of his first love, Natasha, and now that he's proven his success, he's coming home to win her back...

Get ready to stop time, defy gravity and bring down the stars in this final book in Kate Evangelista's Dodge Cove Trilogy!

224 pages, Paperback

First published May 16, 2017

5 people are currently reading
354 people want to read

About the author

Kate Evangelista

15 books875 followers
Kate Evangelista is a young adult writer, creative writing teacher, and a mother to six rambunctious cats. Born in the Philippines, she attended college in De La Salle University – Manila and holds a Bachelor’s of Arts in Literature and a Master’s in Creative Writing. She got her start publishing with small presses like the now defunct Crescent Moon Press until she moved on to medium presses like Entangled Teen and eventually being selected as part of Swoon Reads’ third season of authors. Her debut novel, TASTE, even became an Amazon bestseller. Her latest novel, THE BOYFRIEND BRACKET (Swoon Reads, 2018), was well received by NPR and is now in the running for a movie adaptation with the A&E Network.

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5 stars
34 (20%)
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52 (30%)
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57 (33%)
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21 (12%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
Profile Image for Chelsey with a y.
368 reviews113 followers
June 12, 2017
Perfect end to this series, although.... I want more! I love reading about these characters. I love reading about a man chasing a women to win her love and in this case win back her love. I'm glad Jackson came to his senses and decided to get her back. I really loved the creative grand gestures of his as well. I wish a man did that for me. I highly recommend this series!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Jo.
1,491 reviews12 followers
May 21, 2017
I'm sure that, had I read the other books in this story, and having been already acquainted with some of the characters in this book, I would have been chomping at the bit to read this story.

As it is, this is a book which is read perfectly well as a standalone, but would no doubt be enhanced by reading books 1 and 2 first.

That said, this wasn't a bad story. It felt like a much shorter book than the number of pages imply, given that it was such an easy read.

There was little drama, although I did feel that the characters and their interactions were grounded in reality. The humour and the dialogue all felt very organic.

For me, this is a book to read when you want a light, entertaining distraction.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
Profile Image for Paige.
381 reviews617 followers
November 8, 2017
Short and sweet. A bit corny, but that's okay.
Profile Image for Inah (Fueled By Chapters).
500 reviews116 followers
May 24, 2017
I dove into this book knowing only one thing, that it’s going to be about Natasha. I trust Kate Evangelista’s writing enough that I know I’ll end up loving this book, like I did with No Love Allowed and No Holding Back. I saw how this trilogy started and I’m a little sad that it came to a close. That being said, this was a solid conclusion to the trilogy. Although, technically speaking, the books can be read as standalones. Still, I am going to miss Dodge Cove!

Four chapters into the book and I already felt really emotionally invested with the characters and the story. The book started really well. I loved Natasha since the first book, she’s my favorite character and I loved her even more as I read this one. Jackson was lovely too! I have to admit that I really didn’t pay attention to him from the last book well, since he left Natasha (sisters before misters, yo!) but he definitely surprised me.

I read this book in one sitting, and it’s a pretty fast and light read. I wish I could’ve seen more into the story though. I felt like there could be more depth in terms of Natasha and Jackson’s break up. I don’t know if it was just me, or almost everyone seemed forgiving towards Jackson. Also, the conflict between Jackson and his family could’ve been explored further. Honestly, I think this book has a bigger potential, but I’m still glad that it delivered pretty solid.

Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book. It made me smile for a solid two hours of reading. I definitely recommend this book, and the rest of the trilogy in case you haven’t got to them yet! It’s a great mix of romance, drama, and friendships!
Profile Image for Jordan (The Heart of a Book Blogger).
336 reviews101 followers
May 25, 2017
This review and more can be found at The Heart of a Book Blogger.

No Second Chances is the final companion novel in the Dodge Cove Trilogy. I read No Love Allowed and No Holding Back last year, and I was excited to read Natasha's story next.

Natasha and Jackson were inseparable until Jackson left one day without a word to anyone. Jackson thought he could leave Dodge Cove without looking back in order to pursue his dream of becoming a successful DJ. Even though he has achieved his goal and had become a world-famous DJ, he realizes how much he needs Natasha and heads back to Dodge Cove in order to get her back.

Natasha was devastated after Jackson left her. A year later, Natasha's finally starting to get back to her normal self when Jackson pops back into her life. Still angry and not ready to forgive him, Natasha makes the grand statement that Jackson would need to "stop time, defy gravity, and bring down the stars" before she could forgive him. But what she doesn't know is Jackson is willing to do just that—the impossible—in order earn her forgiveness and win her back.

Jackson's grand gestures were fun and creative. I wasn't expecting these grand gestures when I first started reading the book, so I enjoyed seeing how they all played out. Even though these were a fun additions, I think Natasha and Jackson still needed a more serious conversation about their relationship. I hate to say it, but some parts seemed to be just a little too childish. I also enjoyed the cameos of the previous characters from the Dodge Cove Trilogy and glad they were incorporated.

Overall, I didn't enjoy No Second Chances as much as the other two books in the Dodge Cove Trilogy, but it was still a fun read.

*This ARC was provided to me by the publisher through Xpresso Book Tours and NetGalley in exchange for a honest review.*
Profile Image for Day.
1,095 reviews40 followers
August 31, 2017
3 1/2 stars!!!

Soo sad that this series is over....wanted an epilogue on where all of our favorites DoCo's are...
Profile Image for April ~ The Reading Belles  .
222 reviews40 followers
May 20, 2017
I volunteered to review an ARC.

For someone who has just read a Kate Evangelista book, I'd say my first time was okay. This book is the third in a series with characters from previous books, living in the same place–Dodge Cove, and is a standalone. There were things though that may have been clearer to me had I read the first two books but it's not something that really bothered me.

Jackson "DJ Ax" Mallory's been living the life DJ-ing his way to the world post-Dodge Cove. It's his dream to make music after all and being so young, he had to give up the one thing that brings life to his music–Natasha Parker. He knew he broke her heart when he left but he never really comprehended how miserable, broken she had been. One encounter in Amsterdam turned his whole world upside down and made him realized two things: she didn't want a second chance with him anymore and he's determined to win her back whatever the cost.

Jackson and Natasha have already established their chemistry from the first few pages of the book. They're childhood sweethearts so the book was peppered with a lot of cutesy memories of them together. I am so glad it's not done in flashbacks but more like they're reminiscing what they did in the now. Both characters' feelings for each other were heartfelt–even the hurt, the frustration, the confusion. The narrative and pacing of the story helped to make the emotions pop.

Jax is a successful DJ now and despite that, he still felt lost because he doesn't have the love of his life. He knew he wanted Tash back even when all of Dodge Cove people were mad at him for what he did. The thing I liked about Jax was his drive to make Tash forgive him, maybe even love him again and all the ways that he did to do just that (which were all very unique, by the way).

While Tash is a character I didn't really connect with that much, she's kindhearted, compassionate with people around her and not the prima donna type of girl despite her elite status. She wasn't herself when Jax left her. After a year of trying to heal the wound of the past, Jax is back and she still hated him. That feeling still resurfaced even when Jax did his best job on doing a few grand gestures. I understood why she still had doubts and why she needed a more concrete reason to justify his intentions.

The story was predictable and cliche but I liked the creativity of the grand gestures and the way it was written. I think I would've liked it even better if both characters had an in-depth conversation about their relationship. Like a mature talk, perhaps? It was like it's only on the surface and not explored well.

There was also a scene by the end where Tash attended a party in a maxi dress and then the people carried her, passed her on to get to the stage to see Jax. And I was like... woah girl??? Um... you're wearing a maxi dress???

Quoting from the book:

Yet she found herself dressing up anyway, choosing a maxidress and flats and braiding her hair.


Then...

Sleeveless guy shared a look with Dreadlocks, and they both grinned. In one heave, they hoisted Natasha onto their shoulders. She squeaked in surprise.

"What are you doing?" she asked breathlessly. "Put me down!"

"Pass her forward," someone shouted from below her.

As if on cue, a multitude of hands supported her weight.


Overall, I think it's a fun book and others may enjoy reading this more than I did.
Profile Image for Suze.
1,884 reviews1,298 followers
May 16, 2017
Natasha and Jackson used to be inseparable. Natasha thought he was her one true love, but then Jackson left without saying goodbye. He broke her heart. Jackson wanted to make it as a DJ, which is why he left Dodge Cove. He's successful at what he does, but there's no light and happiness in his life without Natasha. He regrets leaving everything he loved behind for the sake of his career and is going back to his hometown to make amends. However, Natasha doesn't want to spend any time with him. Will Jackson be able to make things right or has he gone too far to be allowed a second chance?

Natasha is a sweetheart. She's treating everyone with kindness and respect, until they hurt her. She's stubborn and doesn't want Jackson to approach her. He made her feel depressed and miserable and she isn't looking for a second round of utter devastation. Jackson made a selfish choice and I was sad for her because of how much she suffered. When Jackson realizes Natasha is much more important than fame and fortune it might be too late. I loved that he keeps trying to make things right and admits that he's been incredibly stupid. He clearly learned an important lesson, but at a terrible price, his heart. It's an amazing subject for a story and I read No Second Chances in one sitting because I couldn't wait to find out what would happen between Natasha and Jackson. It's obvious they still love each other, but is that enough?

Kate Evangelista has an easy flowing writing style. Her love stories are all interesting and unique, which is something I really like. Dodge Cove is a gorgeous setting and I enjoyed reading about it very much. I love how versatile Kate Evangelista's characters are. They have different character traits and they're a colorful group of people, but they have a few things in common as well, they love their hometown, they are incredibly talented and they have goals. I like that they are quite grownup for their age and that they have serious plans for the future. It's one of my favorite things about the Dodge Cove series. No Second Chances is another fantastic story about this fascinating setting. It's a terrific moving and romantic story and I highly recommend it.
Profile Image for Cindy Mitchell *Kiss the Book*.
6,037 reviews219 followers
July 13, 2017
Evangelista, Kate No Second Chances, 197 pgs. Swoon Reads (Feiwel and Friends), 2017. $10.99 Language – R (66 swears, 6 “f”), Mature Content – PG; Violence – G;

Jackson was only following his dream when he left Dodge Cove; he didn’t mean to cause so much heartache. Unfortunately, Jackson didn’t even take the time to say goodbye on his way out of town, which left his girlfriend, Natasha, broken. Now Jackson understands the feeling of being abandoned, and he will do anything to fix the damage he caused when he left behind everyone he loves.

While technically the third in a series, No Second Chances can stand alone (the series just focuses on different couples in the same group of friends). Throughout the entire book I was conflicted—I couldn’t decide whether or not I wanted Natasha to forgive Jackson. In the end, it was a cute afternoon read, but nothing extraordinary.

HS – OPTIONAL. Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2017...
Profile Image for Abigail Beckwith.
1,687 reviews
May 29, 2024
old post reposted


I stumbled upon this series in the if-you-loved this-book-check-out-these-awesome-reads section in one of the many many, many books I read recently.

Well, to be more accurate, I stumbled upon "No Holding Back" (the second, much-gayer book in the series). And to be true to the shelf, I had to read the first book first, then the gay-er book, and then the final one (you have to do it right, after all).


Go into the book knowing that there's a lot of first world problems in this book. Like some of Abbi Glines' books, most of the main characters are all uber wealthy (like each and every one of them have a super unique and crazy rare and extremely expensive, quirky car).

But they do have real people (poor and rich) problems as well as some serious romance issues (all of which, spoiler alert, get resolved).

A slightly torturous read at points (some of the characters and writing isn't super flushed out in the first novel--but Kate gets better and better as the series continues), but so worth the time (especially since they're such easy, relatively short reads).

#noloveallowed #noholdingback #nosecondchances #kateevangelista #dovecove #dovcoveseries #yaseries #swoonreads #books #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
Profile Image for Keanna (JustKey).
921 reviews159 followers
April 27, 2020
No second chances are what Natasha told Jackson about her ex who left town without a word. It's been 6 months to a year and when she goes one last time to rid herself of him at his show in Amsterdam; it has the complete opposite effect on him. Natasha's heart was broken and there's nothing that Jackson who left her another country to be a DJ could do. When he promises that he will do anything (yes, there is a lot of groveling involved) to get her back; he keeps his promise. He shows back up to Dodge Cove and if he has to pull down the stars, and the sky for her he will.

The determination of Jackson made me smile because he did a lot of groveling and he was self-aware that he was wrong and did everything in his power to make sure Natasha knew he was here to stay. She had to deal with an internal battle of wanting to give me a second chance. As his grand gestures got a little bit bigger each time, she couldn't help to take his apology and decide to either take a chance on love or leave him behind.
Profile Image for Kati.
457 reviews22 followers
May 22, 2017
In this conclusion to the Dodge Cove series that follows Natasha and Jackson. It was a fun and cute conclusion to the trilogy. Natasha is a character I really loved through the previous two books, her caring nature and obvious friendship with other characters in the series. It was a pleasure to read her book.

Natasha was in love before and her love left with not even a goodbye. This has left her distrusting and hurt. While she loves her family and friends she will never trust Jackson again. Jackson returns to Dodge Cove for his brothers engagement party when his music career is taking a downward turn. He must now prove how sorry he is for leaving Natasha is he wants her back.

The cute scenes that are in this book during Jacksons multiple attempts at an apology are gush-worthy. I loved reading about them and returning to Dodge Cove. This book was a fun read and a great conclusion to this series.
Profile Image for JLenCarstairs.
180 reviews
January 7, 2018
"...What can I do to get her to forgive me?”
There was another moment of silence until Nathan leaned his head back, both eyebrows raised.
"Have you tried apologizing to her?”

When I first encountered this series, I honestly thought "No Holding Back" would be my favorite. Turns out, this is.
Natasha isn't your typical rich-girl-stuck-up-princess character. She's strong, emotional, and has character. She wasn't the easy girl who you could easily sweep off your feet with grand gestures.
Though, I wish it could have been more real (like them not being so rich or Jackson attaining fame swiftly), this reconciliation period between Natasha and Jackson made me enjoy reading.

Simple and cute. Great conclusion to the series.
Profile Image for Winter Aragon.
Author 3 books19 followers
May 17, 2017
Hi Miss Kate Evangelista! I enjoyed Caleb and Didi’s Big Mac date, Nathan and Preston confession over the lake and yet, I’m over head in heels in love with Jackson! Why does this guy only exist in your book? And I hate that I have to compete with a DoCo princess! Unfair! Haha… I cherish the first two stories from this series, but this is my favorite and I’m so glad that you ended the Dodge Cove series with Jackson and Natasha’s love story. It was too perfect! I love you to the moon and back!

Thank you Xpresso Tours and Netgalley for the ARC!
Profile Image for °•°• xiɑn •°•°.
128 reviews1 follower
November 2, 2021
Everything's so cliche my mouth hurt from all the cringe I did. But I was so invested in Natasha and Jackson's story since reading Nathan's book, so I had to suck it all up. I felt like there really was little to no drama at all. So Jackson left without telling Natasha, and our girl was deeply hurt and our guy only realized he made a mistake months and months after. The grand gestures and all felt too unrealistic.

On the other hand, seeing Nathan and Preston, and Caleb and Didi being all lovey-dovey is what made this bearable.
Profile Image for abi burt.
426 reviews13 followers
September 18, 2020
I felt like this book was average. There were average characters and an average plot, but that’s all it was: average.

I had to force myself to finish reading it and I’m glad I got to find out what happened between them, but it was just. . . Boring. The plot was good but I think it could’ve been better.

⭐️⭐️⭐️
Profile Image for John Clark.
2,606 reviews50 followers
May 24, 2017
A satisfying and nicely paced addition to the Dodge Cove series. I liked the tension between the characters, how Jackson kept second-guessing his impulsiveness and how everything came together at the end.
Profile Image for Iya.
124 reviews28 followers
October 23, 2022
It was short and bearable. Nothing bad but also nothing special, so I found it hard to give it three stars when I really didn’t feel any connection between the characters.
I was quite disappointed since I liked the first book a lot, but at least I didn’t end up hating this lol.
Profile Image for Makenna Fournier.
336 reviews76 followers
January 25, 2018
I definitely did not hate this like I did the first book in this series, but I still wouldn't say I'm really a fan of it. It was short and quick which I enjoyed, but way too cheesy for my taste.
49 reviews
July 8, 2018
Pretty cute read. Only thing I don’t understand is how Jackson couldn’t just pick up the phone and give Natasha a call or something.
Profile Image for Teresa.
1,089 reviews13 followers
March 21, 2017
Natasha and Jackson should be together, but after Jackson broke Natasha's heart she isn't close to letting him back in her life. Jackson is struggling with his career (as a world famous DJ) thanks to Natasha's absence in his life. What can Jackson do to prove to Natasha that he made the worse mistake he could have possibly made? Will Natasha let Jackson back in, especially when she hasn't stopped loving him?
A fun ending to the Dodge Cove trilogy but if I am being honest, my favorite book in this series is still Nathan & Preston's story....I wish this book had more of them in it (*sigh).
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!
Profile Image for Maria Isabel Samonte.
244 reviews13 followers
June 10, 2017
Disclaimer: I receive a copy of this book in exchange for an HONEST review.
Read More Reviews and Book Related Posts on mindlessnesschatter.blogspot.com

This is probably my favorite book from the Dove Cove trilogy. I know I also said that with the other two books but I just love this trilogy so much and I am so sad to see it end. You can read this book as a stand-alone but I do recommend reading the first two books first because I love seeing the development of the characters from the beginning to the end of the series. I also like seeing old characters. I am the kind of reader that thinks about the characters I've read and the possible things that happened to them after the ending, which makes this trilogy perfect for me because I get to see glimpse of past main characters, such as Caleb and Didi, in this book despite them not being the center of the story.

Furthermore, I like how the main characters, Natasha and Caleb, were so relatable and fascinating to read. By reading Natasha's point of view, I felt her heartache and sorrows despite me having no experience of what she have gone through. She is also very strong woman but can be vulnerable at time, which makes her relatable. While Jackson is a very complex character. He is this cool DJ and a Harry Potter geek at the same time, which is attractive for me. I also get why he had to leave without telling anybody. In a way that he had to chase his dream and he was afraid of telling Natasha because she might ask him to stay, which he would do willingly because of his love to her. He avoided the confrontation and left instead, which is a fatal flaw shown throughout the book not just with Jackson but also Natasha. Natasha did not want to talk or see or talk to Jackson after he left her. I guess the value that I have learned from this book is the importance of conversation in a relationship. Whether it might be towards your parents, friends, or your boyfriend/girlfriend; it is important that you talk to one another to avoid confusions that could dampen your relationship with one another.

I also like the dynamics of the characters with one another. I like how Caleb, Didi, Nathan, and Preston were there for Natasha and how they are protective of her. In addition, Nathan never fails to make smile with his little antics throughout the book and I am glad that he has found happiness in the past book. To assert, I do recommend this book and the rest of the Dove Cove trilogy. It is a light and fast paced read; perfect if you are in a reading slump.
Profile Image for reenie.
585 reviews104 followers
September 21, 2017
Wow. Where to begin?
I was hesitant to read No Second Chances at first since I wasn't aware that it was part of a trilogy and I hadn't read the previous books. But for any of you doubters out there wondering whether or not it's a book for you, it's a perfect stand-alone. [And my streak of crappy books are over!]
Kate does a beautiful job describing what it feels like to be young and in love with an ex because, at one point in our lives, we will be there. She really dives deep into how painful a breakup can be, especially with lingering feelings, and how important an apology is, even if the relationship is over. Being insecure about your feelings over an ex is okay. Moving on isn't easy, and sometimes isn't meant to be done. Grand gestures aren't always going to win the girl over. [Take notes, guys.] Now I sound like a therapist. Flowers and chocolates won't make everything better, but a simple and sincere 'I'm sorry' can change the world.
I was breathless reading the scenes between Jackson and Natasha, swooning over the clear chemistry they have.
Characters:
Jackson. Strangely enough, No Second Chances reminded me of La La Land (with a happier ending), demonstrating that sometimes careers can get in the way of relationships, but it's not a crime to choose your career over a relationship. Jackson originally picked his career over his relationship with Natasha, and that's okay. I'm not condemning him for it because he was chasing his dreams, and in life, we don't always get what we want. Somehow, his persistence and determination over Natasha were endearing. In the end, he recognized where we went wrong and how unhealthy his manager was for his career. DJ Ax for the win.
Natasha. I thought it was a wise move for Natasha not to immediately take back Jackson but still recognize that she had lingering feelings for the boy who broke her heart. For anyone out there that had an ex wanting you back, I'm guessing the majority of you didn't take them back. Because a breakup really weakens the relationship. It was more than grand gestures that convinced Natasha to end up with Jackson. I applaud Natasha for sticking with what she knew was right the entire time and fighting her feelings.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Joaquin.
480 reviews3 followers
January 14, 2019
In the last book of the Dodge Cove trilogy, we dive into Natasha and Jackson’s love story, whom we already met in the previous books.

I don’t know but I didn’t really feel the book as much as the other two. It felt like something was missing, but I didn’t know what.

I also really didn’t feel Natasha and Jackson’s chemistry that much? It felt like it was just there for us to read about.

But nonetheless, it was still a good book. It had its swoon-worthy scenes, but most of it you’ve probably have already read before.

But if you want a quick and light read, then maybe this one is for you. Actually, the whole trilogy is for you! It’s just so sweet and cute.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews

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