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Second
The first time he saw me fall was in pain. The second was in love--with him. It wasn't meant to happen. But he was there for me. A bad boy I had nothing in common with. He was trouble. And he saved me. But as secrets have their way of unravelling, truth came to light. It always does.
176 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 20, 2016
27 people are currently reading
2128 people want to read
About the author
Chantal Fernando
92 books5,355 followersNew York Times, Amazon & USA Today Bestselling Author Chantal Fernando is thirty years old and lives in Western Australia.
Lover of all things romance, Chantal is the author of the best selling books Dragon's Lair, Maybe This Time and many more.
When not reading, writing or daydreaming she can be found enjoying life with her three sons and family.
Chantal loves to hear from readers and can be found here:
<3
FB author page:
https://www.facebook.com/authorchanta...
Lover of all things romance, Chantal is the author of the best selling books Dragon's Lair, Maybe This Time and many more.
When not reading, writing or daydreaming she can be found enjoying life with her three sons and family.
Chantal loves to hear from readers and can be found here:
<3
FB author page:
https://www.facebook.com/authorchanta...
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
September 19, 2016
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review
Life is one of those journeys where unexpected bumps come along the way and for one young woman, her life took a major detour. The unexpected death of her husband left her widowed at a young age of twenty four years old. So how does one move on when the only man you loved is buried six feet under? Well, for Sabina she had to learn how to breathe again and possibly learn how to love again.
Sabina is still grieving the death of her husband, Ben and so when Ben's cousin, Dean shows up to help Sabina, feelings soon begin to develop between them. Dean and Sabina have always been friends but always kept it platonic. Since high school, Dean was attracted to Sabina but never acted on it. And when Dean arrived to help Sabina, life took them on a new course. A course that led to a second chance. Do you believe in second chances? For Dean, his second chance with the girl that got away is standing in front of him. Will Dean be able to mend Sabina's heart and give her that second chance at love that she truly deserves?
Second by Chantal Fernando is a quick, emotional and sweet love story. Like life, love is also an unexpected journey. For Sabina, life led her to this path so she can rediscover a love like no other. A love that was more. A love that was meant to be. So if you are looking for a love story that blends second chances, steam, and romance in a beautiful manner then this book might be for you.
Chantal Fernando
Life is one of those journeys where unexpected bumps come along the way and for one young woman, her life took a major detour. The unexpected death of her husband left her widowed at a young age of twenty four years old. So how does one move on when the only man you loved is buried six feet under? Well, for Sabina she had to learn how to breathe again and possibly learn how to love again.
Sabina is still grieving the death of her husband, Ben and so when Ben's cousin, Dean shows up to help Sabina, feelings soon begin to develop between them. Dean and Sabina have always been friends but always kept it platonic. Since high school, Dean was attracted to Sabina but never acted on it. And when Dean arrived to help Sabina, life took them on a new course. A course that led to a second chance. Do you believe in second chances? For Dean, his second chance with the girl that got away is standing in front of him. Will Dean be able to mend Sabina's heart and give her that second chance at love that she truly deserves?
Second by Chantal Fernando is a quick, emotional and sweet love story. Like life, love is also an unexpected journey. For Sabina, life led her to this path so she can rediscover a love like no other. A love that was more. A love that was meant to be. So if you are looking for a love story that blends second chances, steam, and romance in a beautiful manner then this book might be for you.
Chantal Fernando
Want to read
October 25, 2014#Ooh! Looking forward to this!!
The first time he saw me fall was in pain.
The second was in love--with him.
It wasn't meant to happen.
But he was there for me.
A bad boy I had nothing in common with.
He was trouble.
And he saved me.
But as secrets have their way of unravelling, truth came to light.
It always does.
The first time he saw me fall was in pain.
The second was in love--with him.
It wasn't meant to happen.
But he was there for me.
A bad boy I had nothing in common with.
He was trouble.
And he saved me.
But as secrets have their way of unravelling, truth came to light.
It always does.
September 23, 2016
https://romanticcynicblog.wordpress.c...
Beware of Spoilers!
Star Ratings:
Heroine (Sabina): 24yrs old
Hero (Dean): 25yrs old?
Plot: 3/5
Grovel: none
Cheating: yes – h’s deceased husband cheated on her several times
HEA: yes but no babies
Triggers: dead first love
Average score: 3/5
Best Line: “I’m going on a mother fucking adventure.”
Worst Line: “I don’t know who I am without Ben.”
Personal Review:
This was an ok romance between a grieving widow and a guy who has been in love with her forever. This has one of Chantal Fernando’s better and sweetest heroes.
Random Ramblings
•Dean was so sweet to her when she was grieving
•I started to hate Ben because Dean saw her first and Ben knew this
•I wish Dean had told her about the cheating
•The h was way too understanding, I wanted her to be more angry
Overall Feeling:
The pain of unrequited love!
Beware of Spoilers!
Star Ratings:
Heroine (Sabina): 24yrs old
Hero (Dean): 25yrs old?
Plot: 3/5
Grovel: none
Cheating: yes – h’s deceased husband cheated on her several times
HEA: yes but no babies
Triggers: dead first love
Average score: 3/5
Best Line: “I’m going on a mother fucking adventure.”
Worst Line: “I don’t know who I am without Ben.”
Personal Review:
This was an ok romance between a grieving widow and a guy who has been in love with her forever. This has one of Chantal Fernando’s better and sweetest heroes.
Random Ramblings
•Dean was so sweet to her when she was grieving
•I started to hate Ben because Dean saw her first and Ben knew this
•I wish Dean had told her about the cheating
•The h was way too understanding, I wanted her to be more angry
Overall Feeling:
The pain of unrequited love!
November 22, 2022
I listened to this on Audiobook right after I finished Thief by the same author.. . And man, I really do like Chantal's work.
In this novel, we meet FMC Sabina and MC Dean. Dean is a rockstar, and Sabina's husband's cousin. When we first meet Sabina and Dean, it's back in school. And it seemed like Dean was trying to tell Sabina something important about her husband Ben, but Ben walked up before he could.
Sabina and Ben get married and live a pretty good life until something tragic happens... leaving Sabina in pain... Dean enters her life again at that point.
And if you guessed they fall in love, you'd be right.
This was a wholesome book for the most part. Not much spice, but a great engaging storyline. I really felt for Dean.
In this novel, we meet FMC Sabina and MC Dean. Dean is a rockstar, and Sabina's husband's cousin. When we first meet Sabina and Dean, it's back in school. And it seemed like Dean was trying to tell Sabina something important about her husband Ben, but Ben walked up before he could.
Sabina and Ben get married and live a pretty good life until something tragic happens... leaving Sabina in pain... Dean enters her life again at that point.
And if you guessed they fall in love, you'd be right.
This was a wholesome book for the most part. Not much spice, but a great engaging storyline. I really felt for Dean.
December 13, 2016
I'm not a huge fan of second chance romance. And I don't like lengthy separations, or long time lapses. This book has both.
The book reminded me of the movie "Catch and Release" with Jennifer Garner.
It was a sweet and short story about a second (first) chance of love. I liked how the hero wasn't wavering in his love for the heroine. I loved his protectiveness, he was always there for her. But on the other hand, he hid many things from her, about her husband.
I couldn't get a read on the heroine. One minute she was grieving her soulmate and only love in her life, and then she went and travelled the world, and then she began her relationship with the hero. It all happened so fast and so much time flies by. The story was only scratching the surface of it all.
The ending was sweet and everyone got their HEA.
The book reminded me of the movie "Catch and Release" with Jennifer Garner.
It was a sweet and short story about a second (first) chance of love. I liked how the hero wasn't wavering in his love for the heroine. I loved his protectiveness, he was always there for her. But on the other hand, he hid many things from her, about her husband.
I couldn't get a read on the heroine. One minute she was grieving her soulmate and only love in her life, and then she went and travelled the world, and then she began her relationship with the hero. It all happened so fast and so much time flies by. The story was only scratching the surface of it all.
The ending was sweet and everyone got their HEA.
August 31, 2016
The scene where Dean forgets his towel has to be one of my favorites in this book, Sabina was just so awkward, “big,” she says again, still looking south. I put my hand over myself and smirk. “Well, I’m just going to… yeah.” Dean was such a caring man, “jet lag, babe,” he says. “You must be exhausted. Can I get you something to eat or drink? Eff, I should have fed you before I effed you, but I just had to have you. I missed you so much, and seeing you show up here…. You have no idea, Sabina.” I loved this book.
Read
February 6, 2017same story.....same plot... why write something same.. why not try to be different from others..
really REALLY DISAPPOINTED WITH THIS STORY BESIDE THIS WRITER...
Just dont make waste our times with these Please!!!!!!
really REALLY DISAPPOINTED WITH THIS STORY BESIDE THIS WRITER...
Just dont make waste our times with these Please!!!!!!
September 30, 2016
★2 Stars★
Meh.
That pretty much sums up how I feel about this book.
It wasn't gritty enough, or angsty enough, and even the romance wasn't passionate enough.
I was annoyed by the stupid heroine for being so blind and weak. I was offended by the expectation that you have to box a loved ones possessions up, merely a month after they pass - stuff anyone who things you have to. The hero was supposed to be a famous musician, but other than a few fangirls in a supermarket, this was hardly touched upon. Why even bother with that storyline if you're not going to exploit it?
Honestly, I could go on about the things that irked me, but I can't be bothered.
On to the next one...
Meh.
That pretty much sums up how I feel about this book.
It wasn't gritty enough, or angsty enough, and even the romance wasn't passionate enough.
I was annoyed by the stupid heroine for being so blind and weak. I was offended by the expectation that you have to box a loved ones possessions up, merely a month after they pass - stuff anyone who things you have to. The hero was supposed to be a famous musician, but other than a few fangirls in a supermarket, this was hardly touched upon. Why even bother with that storyline if you're not going to exploit it?
Honestly, I could go on about the things that irked me, but I can't be bothered.
On to the next one...
July 24, 2017
Rate: 4,5 / 5 stars
This was super fast and super sweet read. I really enjoyed Sabina and Dean's story.
This was super fast and super sweet read. I really enjoyed Sabina and Dean's story.
June 18, 2021
3.5 stars!!!
September 17, 2016
This book! Let me tell you this book comes SECOND to None !! Five first place stars !!
Sabina is deeply depressed and struggling to come to terms with losing her Husband to a horrible tragic accident. She just cannot seem to gain the strength to move on, although she knows at some point she will have to, but how can you let go of love and hopes and dreams. So when Dean (her husband Ben's cousin) turns up at her door step and takes control, giving her the much needed push onto the right path, she is a bit stunned. Not because she is beginning to find her way again, it's because her old friendship with Dean falls right back into place, along with new feelings. Feelings that she thought were long buried. After all she did marry Ben, Dean left to further his music career and had become amazingly successful.
Ben had left when Sabina and Ben got married, he had to, and although he had it all, success wise, what he didn't have and has always wanted was Sabina. He left because he couldn't watch her be with Ben. But now this time, he wasn't going to let her go, But he carried secrets that could destroy any chance he had to show Sabina that loving him and being with him was the right thing for both of them.
OMG THE FEELS!! This book is the most beautiful love story. It doesn't take you on an easy path, it doesn't let you breathe !! Your heart will be captured by both Dean and Sabina. Dean never falters, he's the kind of guy we dream of Ladies !!! Through all the rough and into the smooth they both fight so hard, not only with their own feelings, but with grief, bickering family, and life kicking butt. Chantal takes us on a journey of loss that none of us want to face, but she also takes us on a journey that clenches your heart and restores your faith. Follow your heart !!! Love IS worth it !!!
This book comes highly recommended by us Bangor Belles !!
Sabina is deeply depressed and struggling to come to terms with losing her Husband to a horrible tragic accident. She just cannot seem to gain the strength to move on, although she knows at some point she will have to, but how can you let go of love and hopes and dreams. So when Dean (her husband Ben's cousin) turns up at her door step and takes control, giving her the much needed push onto the right path, she is a bit stunned. Not because she is beginning to find her way again, it's because her old friendship with Dean falls right back into place, along with new feelings. Feelings that she thought were long buried. After all she did marry Ben, Dean left to further his music career and had become amazingly successful.
Ben had left when Sabina and Ben got married, he had to, and although he had it all, success wise, what he didn't have and has always wanted was Sabina. He left because he couldn't watch her be with Ben. But now this time, he wasn't going to let her go, But he carried secrets that could destroy any chance he had to show Sabina that loving him and being with him was the right thing for both of them.
OMG THE FEELS!! This book is the most beautiful love story. It doesn't take you on an easy path, it doesn't let you breathe !! Your heart will be captured by both Dean and Sabina. Dean never falters, he's the kind of guy we dream of Ladies !!! Through all the rough and into the smooth they both fight so hard, not only with their own feelings, but with grief, bickering family, and life kicking butt. Chantal takes us on a journey of loss that none of us want to face, but she also takes us on a journey that clenches your heart and restores your faith. Follow your heart !!! Love IS worth it !!!
This book comes highly recommended by us Bangor Belles !!
September 27, 2016
This book! Let me tell you this book comes SECOND to None !! Five first place stars !!
Sabina is deeply depressed and struggling to come to terms with losing her Husband to a horrible tragic accident. She just cannot seem to gain the strength to move on, although she knows at some point she will have to, but how can you let go of love and hopes and dreams. So when Dean (her husband Ben’s cousin) turns up at her door step and takes control, giving her the much needed push onto the right path, she is a bit stunned. Not because she is beginning to find her way again, it’s because her old friendship with Dean falls right back into place, along with new feelings. Feelings that she thought were long buried. After all she did marry Ben, Dean left to further his music career and had become amazingly successful.
Ben had left when Sabina and Ben got married, he had to, and although he had it all, success wise, what he didn’t have and has always wanted was Sabina. He left because he couldn’t watch her be with Ben. But now this time, he wasn’t going to let her go, But he carried secrets that could destroy any chance he had to show Sabina that loving him and being with him was the right thing for both of them.
OMG THE FEELS!! This book is the most beautiful love story. It doesn’t take you on an easy path, it doesn’t let you breathe !! Your heart will be captured by both Dean and Sabina. Dean never falters, he’s the kind of guy we dream of Ladies !!! Through all the rough and into the smooth they both fight so hard, not only with their own feelings, but with grief, bickering family, and life kicking butt. Chantal takes us on a journey of loss that none of us want to face, but she also takes us on a journey that clenches your heart and restores your faith. Follow your heart !!! Love IS worth it !!!
This book comes highly recommended by us Bangor Belles !!
Sabina is deeply depressed and struggling to come to terms with losing her Husband to a horrible tragic accident. She just cannot seem to gain the strength to move on, although she knows at some point she will have to, but how can you let go of love and hopes and dreams. So when Dean (her husband Ben’s cousin) turns up at her door step and takes control, giving her the much needed push onto the right path, she is a bit stunned. Not because she is beginning to find her way again, it’s because her old friendship with Dean falls right back into place, along with new feelings. Feelings that she thought were long buried. After all she did marry Ben, Dean left to further his music career and had become amazingly successful.
Ben had left when Sabina and Ben got married, he had to, and although he had it all, success wise, what he didn’t have and has always wanted was Sabina. He left because he couldn’t watch her be with Ben. But now this time, he wasn’t going to let her go, But he carried secrets that could destroy any chance he had to show Sabina that loving him and being with him was the right thing for both of them.
OMG THE FEELS!! This book is the most beautiful love story. It doesn’t take you on an easy path, it doesn’t let you breathe !! Your heart will be captured by both Dean and Sabina. Dean never falters, he’s the kind of guy we dream of Ladies !!! Through all the rough and into the smooth they both fight so hard, not only with their own feelings, but with grief, bickering family, and life kicking butt. Chantal takes us on a journey of loss that none of us want to face, but she also takes us on a journey that clenches your heart and restores your faith. Follow your heart !!! Love IS worth it !!!
This book comes highly recommended by us Bangor Belles !!
Read
October 12, 2019Can't rate it because I didn't read it cover to cover...
I loved the premise - I love the second chance "forbidden" romance - mostly because I love the smitte hero unrequited love that becomes realized/requited.
Which ... obviously was the case.
It bothered me I couldn't freaking figure out where they lived originally. I did various book searches but ... WHATEVER.
Anyway - it was already so obvious at the wedding.
Dylan and Sabina are good together but it's mostly because Dylan is so great.
Ben I think was her husband? And he was a total tool.
I almost wish there hadn't been because it would've been nice to see a well written second chance where her marriage actually WAS good - it felt this was written/Ben was tarnished to "excuse" the second love.
Granted again - a lot I just couldn't get into/care about - Sabina and Ben getting married at 20. Just :X
And then four years later when she just spends a month in bed. I don't know - she didn't read very sympathetic to me, and also she's still practically an [adult] child so ... yeah.
Then also Dylan being "super uber rock star" but that never really coming through...
And also if he is - HOW DID SHE JUST GET TO HIS HOUSE.
Hello gated community?
And then the gate to his actual house was just open?
And he just LEAVES A RECORDING SESSION to meet her?
Like ... that's not so much sweet as a total dick asshole unprofessional move for EVERYONE THERE - and for her to just ... ugh.
So ... yeah.
:|
The ~ending was kinda sweet but ... the whole "oh I'll just never go home"
>.> although low key I'd move a 15 hour flight away if I had an evil [former] mother in law like that bitch.
I loved the premise - I love the second chance "forbidden" romance - mostly because I love the smitte hero unrequited love that becomes realized/requited.
Which ... obviously was the case.
It bothered me I couldn't freaking figure out where they lived originally. I did various book searches but ... WHATEVER.
Anyway - it was already so obvious at the wedding.
Dylan and Sabina are good together but it's mostly because Dylan is so great.
Ben I think was her husband? And he was a total tool.
I almost wish there hadn't been because it would've been nice to see a well written second chance where her marriage actually WAS good - it felt this was written/Ben was tarnished to "excuse" the second love.
Granted again - a lot I just couldn't get into/care about - Sabina and Ben getting married at 20. Just :X
And then four years later when she just spends a month in bed. I don't know - she didn't read very sympathetic to me, and also she's still practically an [adult] child so ... yeah.
Then also Dylan being "super uber rock star" but that never really coming through...
And also if he is - HOW DID SHE JUST GET TO HIS HOUSE.
Hello gated community?
And then the gate to his actual house was just open?
And he just LEAVES A RECORDING SESSION to meet her?
Like ... that's not so much sweet as a total dick asshole unprofessional move for EVERYONE THERE - and for her to just ... ugh.
So ... yeah.
:|
The ~ending was kinda sweet but ... the whole "oh I'll just never go home"
>.> although low key I'd move a 15 hour flight away if I had an evil [former] mother in law like that bitch.
June 6, 2018
Dean fell for Sabina the minute he saw her and asked his cousin Ben who she was. He hesitated and Ben asked her out, IMO just because Dean expressed interest, even though nothing was ever mentioned about it.
Dean loses the girl to Ben and then four years later she is Sabina is mourning the death of her husband. Dean still wants her but she isn't ready. She takes off for a year to discover who she is and when she comes back out of the blue her and Dean hook up. Now they are building a relationship and then you find out that Ben had a secret.
What I didn't like is that Dean kept the secret. Also when Sabina confronted him he tells her he didn't want to hurt her. That he only found out when Ben died. Which leaves you to wonder, why didn't he tell her when Ben cheated when they were first dating. Also why was it Dean's responsibility to support Ben's child? I don't understand why Ben's mom would think that Dean needed to spend his money on her considering she was married to a wealthy man?
Love this author but this was not one of my favorites from her. I will continue reading her books because I have enjoyed more than not.
Dean loses the girl to Ben and then four years later she is Sabina is mourning the death of her husband. Dean still wants her but she isn't ready. She takes off for a year to discover who she is and when she comes back out of the blue her and Dean hook up. Now they are building a relationship and then you find out that Ben had a secret.
What I didn't like is that Dean kept the secret. Also when Sabina confronted him he tells her he didn't want to hurt her. That he only found out when Ben died. Which leaves you to wonder, why didn't he tell her when Ben cheated when they were first dating. Also why was it Dean's responsibility to support Ben's child? I don't understand why Ben's mom would think that Dean needed to spend his money on her considering she was married to a wealthy man?
Love this author but this was not one of my favorites from her. I will continue reading her books because I have enjoyed more than not.
November 5, 2016
I really loved Dean.
Sabina, I wasn't sure of; how can anyone be that stupid to not realize not only her husband was a cheater but that he had a child with someone else. How can she be that clueless?
It really ruined things for me, having Ben die and not get any answers on why he was the way he was; the way he done her. That wasn't fair and I didn't like how it was just brushed over.
I also couldn't stand Ben's mom. Why didn't anyone put her in her place? Why did Sabina just let her treat her like crap? She was taught to respect her elders? Sure, so was I... but in order to get respect you have to earn it and that bitch DID NOT. She was awful.
Other than that, my heart hurt for Dean because it was obvious how much he loved Sabina, always had. I'm glad he got his happy ending I just wish it was with someone more deserving how great he is.
Sabina, I wasn't sure of; how can anyone be that stupid to not realize not only her husband was a cheater but that he had a child with someone else. How can she be that clueless?
It really ruined things for me, having Ben die and not get any answers on why he was the way he was; the way he done her. That wasn't fair and I didn't like how it was just brushed over.
I also couldn't stand Ben's mom. Why didn't anyone put her in her place? Why did Sabina just let her treat her like crap? She was taught to respect her elders? Sure, so was I... but in order to get respect you have to earn it and that bitch DID NOT. She was awful.
Other than that, my heart hurt for Dean because it was obvious how much he loved Sabina, always had. I'm glad he got his happy ending I just wish it was with someone more deserving how great he is.
Want to read
March 2, 20152015
Want to read
November 11, 2014March 2015
September 24, 2016
You know what I don't like about this book? Is that I waited so long for the release and only read it in one day! I wish it were longer, it was a sweet read, heartwarming
December 17, 2018
3.5 stars!
I really wish it was longer or if there was more to the ending but nonetheless, it was still great:)
I really wish it was longer or if there was more to the ending but nonetheless, it was still great:)
October 2, 2016
Loved it
This is a great quick read with a few surprises thrown in to keep it fresh. Loved it. Great characters and an excellent story.
This is a great quick read with a few surprises thrown in to keep it fresh. Loved it. Great characters and an excellent story.
October 18, 2016
love when an unrequited love makes a great comeback. Love even more that Babyface's "What If" was a featured song in the book.
did-not-finish
October 26, 2016I wanted to finish the book, but the writing style just didn't work for me :-/
November 21, 2016
Really good story of second chance at love
November 22, 2017
It was a good read. It was a little on the short side but the story didn't feel rushed. Rated very good
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews