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Road to Romance #2
Second Chance Cowboy
Dancer Larissa Martine is ready to start over and Las Vegas seems like the perfect city for a shiny new beginning. But first, to honor her pact with her girlfriends, she wants to make a quick stop in Cheyenne, WY to make amends with her first love, the guy she left to chase her dreams of Broadway fame. Except rancher Matt Briggs isn’t nearly as interested in her regrets as he is in keeping her in town for his sister's wedding. It’s a request she can’t deny when his family takes up the cause to make her stay for just one more week, but it’s difficult to maintain her friends-only boundaries with a man who attracts her as much as ever.
After losing his father and inheriting the family ranch in addition to the one he’d bought on his own, Matt’s life is all about obligations. But Larissa’s unexpected arrival during the wedding mayhem is a bright spot he won’t ignore, even if that means tempting her into far more than just a dance. He figures one night with her will bring them both some peace with their past, which is all she said she wanted. But one night leaves Matt wanting a whole lot more and this time, he’s willing to gamble everything to make her stay.
After losing his father and inheriting the family ranch in addition to the one he’d bought on his own, Matt’s life is all about obligations. But Larissa’s unexpected arrival during the wedding mayhem is a bright spot he won’t ignore, even if that means tempting her into far more than just a dance. He figures one night with her will bring them both some peace with their past, which is all she said she wanted. But one night leaves Matt wanting a whole lot more and this time, he’s willing to gamble everything to make her stay.
194 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 21, 2017
904 people are currently reading
479 people want to read
About the author
Joanne Rock
570 books1,455 followersJoanne Rock is a USA Today bestselling author of over one hundred works of popular fiction, including domestic suspense and romantic suspense. A frequent speaker at regional and national writing conferences she enjoys giving back to the writing community that nurtured and inspired her early career. She has a Masters degree in Literature from the University of Louisville and has taught fiction, film, and writing at the college level. When she's not writing, Joanne enjoys travel to gather new ideas.
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July 19, 2017
RATING 4.5 STARS
Second Chance Cowboy is book two in the Road to Romance series by Joanne Rock. I’ve read several of Joanne’s books but didn’t know about this series. But the cover caught my attention. It kept calling me back until I decided I needed to read the book and now I’m so glad I did.
Larissa Martine left college and the only man she had ever really loved, Matt Briggs, eight long years ago. She broke things off with a text message, something she has always regretted. She needed to honor her mother’s wishes and pursue dancing so she was off to New York and Broadway. She had lost her mother many years before to cancer. Her father held on to their sheep ranch for as long as he could but he just couldn’t make it work without the love of his life.
“Cheyenne might have been home once, but it was a long way from the future she still craved.”
Things hadn’t been going well as of late so she needed to make a change, well, several changes actually. So she was off to Las Vegas for some auditions. But first, she needed to visit Cheyenne and see Matt. Even though it had been eight years, she needed to apologize for how she left him. She needed closure. Maybe then she could start over in Vegas with a clean slate.
“She needed to do something to change her life’s downward spiral.”
Matt can’t imagine he could spread himself any thinner. Since his father died a year ago, he has been stepping in to help his mother with their ranch. And he is also running his own ranch next door. On top of all that, his little sister, Callie, is getting married. Matt will be the one walking her down the aisle.
Callie won’t take no for an answer and Larissa finds herself roped in to staying a while longer for Callie’s wedding. As soon as she and Matt see each other, it’s evident that the old attraction is still there. The longer Larissa is in Wyoming, she starts to realize that she really did miss it. That perhaps she should stop chasing something and take a good look at what she has right here.
Matt can’t believe she’s back. Is this another chance? Or just the opportunity to spend as much time as possible with Larissa before she leaves again. A move he knows will break his heart all over again. The sparks are flying between these two but I loved watching Larissa get reacquainted with the beauty of Wyoming. With a life she loved and perhaps left for all the wrong reasons.
These two were so perfect. Neither of them are good with their words so their road to reconciliation is a rocky one because no one says how they are feeling. I missed the first book in the series, Last Chance Christmas but definitely want to go back and read it. And I definitely want to read the third book in the series as well, A Chance Encounter at Christmas. I’m so glad I decided to read this and I look forward to what Joanne has in store for us next.
Second Chance Cowboy is book two in the Road to Romance series by Joanne Rock. I’ve read several of Joanne’s books but didn’t know about this series. But the cover caught my attention. It kept calling me back until I decided I needed to read the book and now I’m so glad I did.
Larissa Martine left college and the only man she had ever really loved, Matt Briggs, eight long years ago. She broke things off with a text message, something she has always regretted. She needed to honor her mother’s wishes and pursue dancing so she was off to New York and Broadway. She had lost her mother many years before to cancer. Her father held on to their sheep ranch for as long as he could but he just couldn’t make it work without the love of his life.
“Cheyenne might have been home once, but it was a long way from the future she still craved.”
Things hadn’t been going well as of late so she needed to make a change, well, several changes actually. So she was off to Las Vegas for some auditions. But first, she needed to visit Cheyenne and see Matt. Even though it had been eight years, she needed to apologize for how she left him. She needed closure. Maybe then she could start over in Vegas with a clean slate.
“She needed to do something to change her life’s downward spiral.”
Matt can’t imagine he could spread himself any thinner. Since his father died a year ago, he has been stepping in to help his mother with their ranch. And he is also running his own ranch next door. On top of all that, his little sister, Callie, is getting married. Matt will be the one walking her down the aisle.
Callie won’t take no for an answer and Larissa finds herself roped in to staying a while longer for Callie’s wedding. As soon as she and Matt see each other, it’s evident that the old attraction is still there. The longer Larissa is in Wyoming, she starts to realize that she really did miss it. That perhaps she should stop chasing something and take a good look at what she has right here.
Matt can’t believe she’s back. Is this another chance? Or just the opportunity to spend as much time as possible with Larissa before she leaves again. A move he knows will break his heart all over again. The sparks are flying between these two but I loved watching Larissa get reacquainted with the beauty of Wyoming. With a life she loved and perhaps left for all the wrong reasons.
These two were so perfect. Neither of them are good with their words so their road to reconciliation is a rocky one because no one says how they are feeling. I missed the first book in the series, Last Chance Christmas but definitely want to go back and read it. And I definitely want to read the third book in the series as well, A Chance Encounter at Christmas. I’m so glad I decided to read this and I look forward to what Joanne has in store for us next.
September 2, 2017
Check out all of my reviews at: http://www.avonnalovesgenres.com
SECOND CHANCE COWBOY (Road to Romance Book, #2) by Joanne Rock is a second chance contemporary romance that demonstrates this author’s seamless ability to immediately allow you to become emotionally invested in her characters and immerse you in the beauty and uniqueness of her settings. Even though this is the second book in this series, it is easily read as a standalone.
Larissa Martine left Cheyenne, Wyoming eight years ago for the bright lights of Broadway and a career in dance. It was a promise she made to her dying mother. But as she leaves, she also devastates the boy she loves in a text message.
After a possible career ending injury and on her way to an audition in Los Vegas, Larissa is detouring to her hometown to honor a pact between girlfriends, to make peace with past wrongs and hopefully clear the future to turn bad luck to good.
Matt Briggs thought he had it all. He purchased Split Fork Ranch next to his family spread and was ready to move ahead with the girl he loved. That was not how it worked out. Now Larissa is back and he does not want to hear about her regrets, but he does want her stay for his sister’s wedding next week. The intense attraction is still there and maybe if they have one more night together it will give them both the peace with the past they seek, or they could repeat past mistakes all over again.
Larissa and Matt are both trying to live up to what they perceive that others wanted for them. The love and attraction has always been an easy part of their relationship, but the emotional communication between the two is difficult and lacking. Even though eight years has passed, they almost repeat their past and the author leads them towards their HEA in a realistic and believable way. The sex scenes are steamy and also emotional. The secondary characters where as well fleshed out and entertaining as the H/h. This is a quick read packed with emotion and what I expect when I read a book by this author.
Written for and posted first on The Romance Reviews.com.
SECOND CHANCE COWBOY (Road to Romance Book, #2) by Joanne Rock is a second chance contemporary romance that demonstrates this author’s seamless ability to immediately allow you to become emotionally invested in her characters and immerse you in the beauty and uniqueness of her settings. Even though this is the second book in this series, it is easily read as a standalone.
Larissa Martine left Cheyenne, Wyoming eight years ago for the bright lights of Broadway and a career in dance. It was a promise she made to her dying mother. But as she leaves, she also devastates the boy she loves in a text message.
After a possible career ending injury and on her way to an audition in Los Vegas, Larissa is detouring to her hometown to honor a pact between girlfriends, to make peace with past wrongs and hopefully clear the future to turn bad luck to good.
Matt Briggs thought he had it all. He purchased Split Fork Ranch next to his family spread and was ready to move ahead with the girl he loved. That was not how it worked out. Now Larissa is back and he does not want to hear about her regrets, but he does want her stay for his sister’s wedding next week. The intense attraction is still there and maybe if they have one more night together it will give them both the peace with the past they seek, or they could repeat past mistakes all over again.
Larissa and Matt are both trying to live up to what they perceive that others wanted for them. The love and attraction has always been an easy part of their relationship, but the emotional communication between the two is difficult and lacking. Even though eight years has passed, they almost repeat their past and the author leads them towards their HEA in a realistic and believable way. The sex scenes are steamy and also emotional. The secondary characters where as well fleshed out and entertaining as the H/h. This is a quick read packed with emotion and what I expect when I read a book by this author.
Written for and posted first on The Romance Reviews.com.
July 29, 2021
Second Chance Cowboy is a short romance (like, right around 180 pages). While I’m a sucker for cowboy romances, this one didn’t impress me much.
When done well, shorter reads are crafted to move the plot along at a quickened pace, but the character/relationship developments are not sacrificed in the process.
This book kinda failed at that.
In fact, I found the entire book to be a bit messy. It was as if the author couldn’t decide on the plot. Character motivations and feelings continued to change throughout the story and that irritated me.
In this book, the heroine, Larissa, returns to Wyoming to apologize for abruptly ending her relationship with the love of her life eight years ago for secrets that are later (but quickly) revealed. The “secret” is brushed over by both characters almost immediately, which I found SUPER weird. Then, Matt forgets about all of his previous resentment and forgives Larissa.
Then, he propositions her for a week-long booty call.
For two people that had some serious hang ups regarding their relationship and had been apart for a long time, that plan didn’t make any sense.
But it's not like Matt is just wanting to hook up with Larissa. In many of the scenes, it's as though he's courting her…. But we are reminded that it isn't to actually rekindle a real relationship.
Again….. very confusing.
Pick a lane, Matt.
Both Larissa and Matt battle their feelings internally. The reasons for their relationship failing kept changing, which was irritating, as was the “miscommunication” card that was played OVER and OVER again.
Also, the dialog between the characters was super awkward at times.
Eventually, the couple gets their HEA, but not before reading pages and pages of descriptive scenery and interior design choices.
The author even went as far as to describe the color and pattern on the pillowcases while h and H are doin’ the deed.
Seriously?!?!?
Speaking of which, the steamy scenes are super vanilla and breezed over (similarly to the Wyoming wind that was mentioned OVER and OVER again).
I wanted to enjoy this story, but it was pretty blah.
2 stars, all things considered.
When done well, shorter reads are crafted to move the plot along at a quickened pace, but the character/relationship developments are not sacrificed in the process.
This book kinda failed at that.
In fact, I found the entire book to be a bit messy. It was as if the author couldn’t decide on the plot. Character motivations and feelings continued to change throughout the story and that irritated me.
In this book, the heroine, Larissa, returns to Wyoming to apologize for abruptly ending her relationship with the love of her life eight years ago for secrets that are later (but quickly) revealed. The “secret” is brushed over by both characters almost immediately, which I found SUPER weird. Then, Matt forgets about all of his previous resentment and forgives Larissa.
Then, he propositions her for a week-long booty call.
For two people that had some serious hang ups regarding their relationship and had been apart for a long time, that plan didn’t make any sense.
But it's not like Matt is just wanting to hook up with Larissa. In many of the scenes, it's as though he's courting her…. But we are reminded that it isn't to actually rekindle a real relationship.
Again….. very confusing.
Pick a lane, Matt.
Both Larissa and Matt battle their feelings internally. The reasons for their relationship failing kept changing, which was irritating, as was the “miscommunication” card that was played OVER and OVER again.
Also, the dialog between the characters was super awkward at times.
Eventually, the couple gets their HEA, but not before reading pages and pages of descriptive scenery and interior design choices.
The author even went as far as to describe the color and pattern on the pillowcases while h and H are doin’ the deed.
Seriously?!?!?
Speaking of which, the steamy scenes are super vanilla and breezed over (similarly to the Wyoming wind that was mentioned OVER and OVER again).
I wanted to enjoy this story, but it was pretty blah.
2 stars, all things considered.
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August 22, 2017
This is a delightful second chance contemporary romance set in beautiful Cheyenne. Larissa Martine promised her dying Mum that she’d try to make her dreams of being a Broadway dancer come true. Following her mother’s death and her father selling the family ranch, Martine left her first love, Matt Briggs, behind with only a text before trying to do as she’d promised her Mum. Now, eight years later, she’s heading to Las Vegas for auditions but stops en route to try to explain to Matt why she really left . . . .
Since she left so unexpectedly Matt's father has died, so Matt has been trying to run both his own ranch and the family one. He’s never forgotten Larissa and, when she returns, wants her to stay long enough to attend his sister’s wedding. Reconnecting with all the members of the Briggs family and the community to which she used to belong makes Larissa re-evaluate her life choices and future options but is she too late? The attraction between the two is as magnetic as ever but communications for the two are still difficult. Will they repeat the mistakes from the past or learn from them?
This is a moving, sometimes steamy, second chance romance packed with emotional turmoil and dilemmas. Their road to reconciliation is fraught because both shy away from really expressing to each other just how they are feeling because they fear the consequences of rejection. It is about re-thinking the past, motivations and decisions to help move on to a happier future. She may have come to Cheyenne to put Matt and her original life into the past but maybe they should be her future, too?
I requested and was given a copy of this book via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion after choosing to read it.
Since she left so unexpectedly Matt's father has died, so Matt has been trying to run both his own ranch and the family one. He’s never forgotten Larissa and, when she returns, wants her to stay long enough to attend his sister’s wedding. Reconnecting with all the members of the Briggs family and the community to which she used to belong makes Larissa re-evaluate her life choices and future options but is she too late? The attraction between the two is as magnetic as ever but communications for the two are still difficult. Will they repeat the mistakes from the past or learn from them?
This is a moving, sometimes steamy, second chance romance packed with emotional turmoil and dilemmas. Their road to reconciliation is fraught because both shy away from really expressing to each other just how they are feeling because they fear the consequences of rejection. It is about re-thinking the past, motivations and decisions to help move on to a happier future. She may have come to Cheyenne to put Matt and her original life into the past but maybe they should be her future, too?
I requested and was given a copy of this book via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion after choosing to read it.
August 15, 2019
When dancer, Larissa Martine, was heading from New York to Las Vegas to attend a dancing audition she planned to make a stop in her hometown of Cheyenne, WY. She had abruptly left the young man she met in college and fell in love with saying goodbye in a text. He was devestated. She's been gone eight years and she wanted to apologize for the way she left him and explain why she did what she did.
Now, maybe I'm much too selfish to make the sacrifice she did. Her mother was dying of cancer and her mother made her swear to her on her death bed that she would pursue her dream of dancing professionally in a major city and not stay in their little ranching town. (This was the mother's dream for her daughter, not the daughter's dream. Hers was something else all together.) So she up and leaves the man she loves because of that promise. I may look at things differently but this was not the heroine's dream. Her dream was marrying the man she loved and ranching with him. So she gives up her life and her love to dance so her dead mother can be...what...satisfied, proud? The mother is dead...as in never to see the light of day again on this earth. Now eight years later she still feels she has to keep doing whatever it takes to be a dancing success for mama, even though now she dances with an injury and is in continual pain....how could she possibly let her mother down by taking the time to heal. If she did that she may miss her big break... I thought this was ridiculous. No one of my acquaintance would ever consider giving up their real dream to fulfil the dream her mother had for her.
It takes her almost losing the love of her life for the second time to realize her mother's dream has come and gone.
Now, maybe I'm much too selfish to make the sacrifice she did. Her mother was dying of cancer and her mother made her swear to her on her death bed that she would pursue her dream of dancing professionally in a major city and not stay in their little ranching town. (This was the mother's dream for her daughter, not the daughter's dream. Hers was something else all together.) So she up and leaves the man she loves because of that promise. I may look at things differently but this was not the heroine's dream. Her dream was marrying the man she loved and ranching with him. So she gives up her life and her love to dance so her dead mother can be...what...satisfied, proud? The mother is dead...as in never to see the light of day again on this earth. Now eight years later she still feels she has to keep doing whatever it takes to be a dancing success for mama, even though now she dances with an injury and is in continual pain....how could she possibly let her mother down by taking the time to heal. If she did that she may miss her big break... I thought this was ridiculous. No one of my acquaintance would ever consider giving up their real dream to fulfil the dream her mother had for her.
It takes her almost losing the love of her life for the second time to realize her mother's dream has come and gone.
September 7, 2017
Second Chance Cowboy is a sweet, sexy, second chance romance. Larissa has always regretted leaving Matt with just a text as a breakup. Now, years later she and some friends have made a pact to resolve their pasts, make up some wrongs, so she's off to Cheyenne to tell Matt just how much she regrets leaving him the way she did.
When she gets back to town, Matt's sister is about to get married and she insists Rissa stay for the wedding. Matt's all for it, too, because it means he'll get another chance with the woman he's always loved. Now, if only he can get his words out and tell her that, get over the hurt he still has over how she left him without a second glance. As they fall into a casual but sexy affair, both know it comes with an expiration date. But, can Matt convince her to stay? Convince her that she can have her dream of dancing and have him, too? Can Larissa tell Matt just how much she loves him, too? Will she realize that just maybe the passion her mom always pushed her to chase isn't dancing on Broadway, but dancing locally in Cheyenne and enjoying a life on Matt's ranch too? Since neither Matt nor Larissa is good with words, neither is good with communicating how their hearts feel, it was looking bleak for awhile there. Thank God for a push from Matt's grandma and Matt's sister, because these two make a great couple!
If you like your cowboys sexy with sweet, tender hearts, Second Chance Cowboy is just the story for you. I recommend you 1-click now.
I received an ARC through NetGalley for an honest review.
When she gets back to town, Matt's sister is about to get married and she insists Rissa stay for the wedding. Matt's all for it, too, because it means he'll get another chance with the woman he's always loved. Now, if only he can get his words out and tell her that, get over the hurt he still has over how she left him without a second glance. As they fall into a casual but sexy affair, both know it comes with an expiration date. But, can Matt convince her to stay? Convince her that she can have her dream of dancing and have him, too? Can Larissa tell Matt just how much she loves him, too? Will she realize that just maybe the passion her mom always pushed her to chase isn't dancing on Broadway, but dancing locally in Cheyenne and enjoying a life on Matt's ranch too? Since neither Matt nor Larissa is good with words, neither is good with communicating how their hearts feel, it was looking bleak for awhile there. Thank God for a push from Matt's grandma and Matt's sister, because these two make a great couple!
If you like your cowboys sexy with sweet, tender hearts, Second Chance Cowboy is just the story for you. I recommend you 1-click now.
I received an ARC through NetGalley for an honest review.
August 5, 2017
In Joanne Rock’s Road to Romance series, four friends listen to a self-help guru and resolve to make peace with their past. In the second installment, Second Chance Cowboy, Larissa Martine goes home to Montana to apologize to the “one that got away.” As things are never as easy as they seem from a distance, Larissa is dragged into the Briggs family and realizes that there is more to life than following her mother’s dreams. This is a quick, second chance read. It is trademark Rock humor and storytelling. I look forward to the next installments in the series.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this novel.
July 13, 2017
A tender story that completely took me by surprise. Never having read this author before...and not knowing what to expect (I enjoy reading new authors to expand my reading repertoire)...I have been totally captivated by her writing.
The description of characters is so vivid and realistic that I can picture their every move and expression, not to mention their body language. Matt and Larissa were so real in my mind that I could envision their passion for each other...as well as their heartbreak...as it unfolded for them at their second chance at love. Very well done.
I applaud Ms Rock's genuine caring of her characters, this comes through in her writing and storytelling methods. When I can't put a book now, I am hooked on the author's writing...I am looking forward to seeing more of her work.
This ARC book was complimentary, I am voluntarily providing my honest review.
The description of characters is so vivid and realistic that I can picture their every move and expression, not to mention their body language. Matt and Larissa were so real in my mind that I could envision their passion for each other...as well as their heartbreak...as it unfolded for them at their second chance at love. Very well done.
I applaud Ms Rock's genuine caring of her characters, this comes through in her writing and storytelling methods. When I can't put a book now, I am hooked on the author's writing...I am looking forward to seeing more of her work.
This ARC book was complimentary, I am voluntarily providing my honest review.
August 20, 2017
How sweet is. Sentiment, sisterhood and second chances make for a hard to put down romance. Joanne Rock tempts the heart with this stroll down memory lane. Larissa and Matt's history consists of regrets. She left him behind to follow her dreams. He lost his heart the minute she walked away. Years later, memories and a promise bring them face. Will a wedding give them the chance to start again? Second Chance Cowboy is a first rate romance.
September 16, 2019
Second Chance Cowboy was an okay read. I enjoyed it even if I had a couple quibbles along the way.
The Gist: 8 some years ago Larissa high tailed it out of town doing the classy thing and breaking up with her boyfriend via text. Now she's coming home to mend fences before she starts her life over in yet another city. Matt? Poor lug that's along for the ride.
I liked Matt. The guy doesn't have an easy life. He's managing two large ranches after his father died and trying to survive his baby sister's wedding planning and he's nursing a long ago broken heart, too. He's a good guy and hard working. Larissa. I did appreciate she was going about fixing the past. I thought her reasoning was pretty dumb for her running originally but I didn't hate her in the least.
The romance was okay. I love the second chance trope and seeing them together was nice. It missed on a few points for me and I thought she needed to grovel a bit more before he was like oh okay no worries on all that.
Overall Second Chance Cowboy was entertaining but not quite memorable. Okay for when you need a quick read one night.
The Gist: 8 some years ago Larissa high tailed it out of town doing the classy thing and breaking up with her boyfriend via text. Now she's coming home to mend fences before she starts her life over in yet another city. Matt? Poor lug that's along for the ride.
I liked Matt. The guy doesn't have an easy life. He's managing two large ranches after his father died and trying to survive his baby sister's wedding planning and he's nursing a long ago broken heart, too. He's a good guy and hard working. Larissa. I did appreciate she was going about fixing the past. I thought her reasoning was pretty dumb for her running originally but I didn't hate her in the least.
The romance was okay. I love the second chance trope and seeing them together was nice. It missed on a few points for me and I thought she needed to grovel a bit more before he was like oh okay no worries on all that.
Overall Second Chance Cowboy was entertaining but not quite memorable. Okay for when you need a quick read one night.
August 17, 2019
This started off well but then the pacing died and I got bored. Pushed on for a little ways hoping it would pick up but then I started getting frustrated with the hero. He just got over everything--her leaving the way she did, never telling him about the baby she lost--without even getting upset and, even though he doesn't think she's staying, he starts pursuing her.
I also don't understand her reason for leaving. I mean, she left BECAUSE she was pregnant. Huh? That makes no sense.
It's also too easy to see the big revelation coming. All this time she's been chasing her dead mother's dream, not hers. You know, just because it's a romance doesn't mean there shouldn't be any surprises.
It's just too easy. DNF at 27%
I also don't understand her reason for leaving. I mean, she left BECAUSE she was pregnant. Huh? That makes no sense.
It's also too easy to see the big revelation coming. All this time she's been chasing her dead mother's dream, not hers. You know, just because it's a romance doesn't mean there shouldn't be any surprises.
It's just too easy. DNF at 27%
August 15, 2017
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley and voluntarily reviewed it.
I enjoy a good second chance romance and enjoyed the first book in this series, so I jumped on the chance to read and review this one. Second Chance Cowboy is a book about making peace with your past, healing, second chances and that following your dreams also means reevaluating those dreams now and then. My favorite part of this book probably was the setting, I loved visualizing the nature in this place and land filled with ranches and animals.
Second Chance Cowboy follows the story of Larissa and Matt. When she was younger Larissa left Matt and her home town behind to chase her dreams of becoming a Broadway star. Now she is back to make amends with the past, but as soon as she's done that she's leaving for Las Vegas. What she doesn't expect is to be reminded about what she loved about this place and stir up feelings again for the cowboy she left behind.
I always enjoy Joanne Rock's romances. I like how she paints her characters, makes the setting come alive and pulls off a believable romance. This book was a lot of fun to read, although at times I missed that feeling of getting completely pulled into the story. Nevertheless I quickly read through this one and the epilogue made for a great ending. And I am curious about the next book in this series.
I liked how we got a feel for Larissa and Mat and saw them connect again. But I also have the same issue I had with the first book, that the story feels a little bit too short at times. Like it would've been even better if it was a bit longer. I especially would've liked a scene or two more to see Larissa fall in love with this place again and maybe see a bit more of the ranching work and the animals.
While I thought their romance was belieavle, I didn't fully feel it at times. I did really like the pieces we learned about their past and how they first fell in love. I just felt a bit sad how they both held back a bit this time and that's probably while I didn't was fully happy about their romance until the end of the book. Larissa doesn't want to put too much pressure on their new awakened romance and holds back a bit, while Matt doesn't want to get fully invested in case she runs away again.
They both made mistakes the first time and they come close to repeating those here. But I liked how they both realized what they were doing eventually and changed. But they have a long road to go before they get there and I have to admit to rolling my eyes a few times when for the reader it was so obvious to see what they weren't saying and how their lack of communication gave the other the wrong idea.
I did like how both characters had their flaws. Matt was too stubborn and prideful at times, while Larissa was to hung up over a promise she made her mother to fully realize what her mother really wanted for her. It did make me a bit sad how they missed out on some years of happiness, but at the same time it's amazing to see them have their second chance now.
I liked the cast of side characters, especially Matt's grandmother. And I liked the role she played in making Larissa realize that she had to rethink some things. I also liked the hint we got of Rachel, one of Larissa's past friends and who will be the main character of the next book.
One of my favorite parts of this book is the setting. How the author described this piece of Wyoming made it sound so beautiful and I had a hard time imagining why larissa would leave that for the busy city. I just wish we would've seen a bit more of the ranching life and the animals.
To summarize: This was a fun second chance romance! I quickly read through it and I had fun reading about these two characters re-connecting again. For some reason I didn't really feel their connection or chemistry until the end. I loved the epilogue though and it was a perfect way to wrap up the story. I would've liked to get to know the characters a bit more, but I do like how we got a feel for them and they felt believable and real with how they had their flaws and made their mistakes. Their lack of communication and holding back their real feelings almost threaten to tear them apart again and it frustrated me at times as it was so easy to see as the reader what they were doing. But I did like how things got wrapped up. I especially liked the side character Matt's grandmother and how she played a role in this story as well. The setting was also great and I enjoyed visualizing this beautiful place. I am looking forward to the next book in this series!
I enjoy a good second chance romance and enjoyed the first book in this series, so I jumped on the chance to read and review this one. Second Chance Cowboy is a book about making peace with your past, healing, second chances and that following your dreams also means reevaluating those dreams now and then. My favorite part of this book probably was the setting, I loved visualizing the nature in this place and land filled with ranches and animals.
Second Chance Cowboy follows the story of Larissa and Matt. When she was younger Larissa left Matt and her home town behind to chase her dreams of becoming a Broadway star. Now she is back to make amends with the past, but as soon as she's done that she's leaving for Las Vegas. What she doesn't expect is to be reminded about what she loved about this place and stir up feelings again for the cowboy she left behind.
I always enjoy Joanne Rock's romances. I like how she paints her characters, makes the setting come alive and pulls off a believable romance. This book was a lot of fun to read, although at times I missed that feeling of getting completely pulled into the story. Nevertheless I quickly read through this one and the epilogue made for a great ending. And I am curious about the next book in this series.
I liked how we got a feel for Larissa and Mat and saw them connect again. But I also have the same issue I had with the first book, that the story feels a little bit too short at times. Like it would've been even better if it was a bit longer. I especially would've liked a scene or two more to see Larissa fall in love with this place again and maybe see a bit more of the ranching work and the animals.
While I thought their romance was belieavle, I didn't fully feel it at times. I did really like the pieces we learned about their past and how they first fell in love. I just felt a bit sad how they both held back a bit this time and that's probably while I didn't was fully happy about their romance until the end of the book. Larissa doesn't want to put too much pressure on their new awakened romance and holds back a bit, while Matt doesn't want to get fully invested in case she runs away again.
They both made mistakes the first time and they come close to repeating those here. But I liked how they both realized what they were doing eventually and changed. But they have a long road to go before they get there and I have to admit to rolling my eyes a few times when for the reader it was so obvious to see what they weren't saying and how their lack of communication gave the other the wrong idea.
I did like how both characters had their flaws. Matt was too stubborn and prideful at times, while Larissa was to hung up over a promise she made her mother to fully realize what her mother really wanted for her. It did make me a bit sad how they missed out on some years of happiness, but at the same time it's amazing to see them have their second chance now.
I liked the cast of side characters, especially Matt's grandmother. And I liked the role she played in making Larissa realize that she had to rethink some things. I also liked the hint we got of Rachel, one of Larissa's past friends and who will be the main character of the next book.
One of my favorite parts of this book is the setting. How the author described this piece of Wyoming made it sound so beautiful and I had a hard time imagining why larissa would leave that for the busy city. I just wish we would've seen a bit more of the ranching life and the animals.
To summarize: This was a fun second chance romance! I quickly read through it and I had fun reading about these two characters re-connecting again. For some reason I didn't really feel their connection or chemistry until the end. I loved the epilogue though and it was a perfect way to wrap up the story. I would've liked to get to know the characters a bit more, but I do like how we got a feel for them and they felt believable and real with how they had their flaws and made their mistakes. Their lack of communication and holding back their real feelings almost threaten to tear them apart again and it frustrated me at times as it was so easy to see as the reader what they were doing. But I did like how things got wrapped up. I especially liked the side character Matt's grandmother and how she played a role in this story as well. The setting was also great and I enjoyed visualizing this beautiful place. I am looking forward to the next book in this series!
August 15, 2017
Second Chance Cowboy by Joanne Rock
Road to Romance #2
Quick easy second chance at love romance that takes place eight years after college sweethearts abruptly separate with Larissa Martine heading off to Broadway to dance after her sophomore year in college while her boyfriend, Matt Briggs, graduates and heads home to live on the ranch he bought next to the family spread.
On her way to Las Vegas for a dance audition Larissa stops to make amends to Matt for the way she departed and tell him why she did so. Matt’s sister, Callie, is getting married in a week and invites Larissa to stay for the wedding and by staying Larissa gives herself another chance to spend time with Matt and his family. During that week the relationship rekindles but without open communication there is little hope of a HEA for the two of them…
I enjoyed the backstory of Matt’s grandmother and the idea that sometimes what we think our dream is – the one we pursue steadfastly – might not be our own but someone else’s dream instead. Being mature enough to realize this and make changes is essential to live a happy life.
Thank you to NetGalley and Tule Publishing for the ARC – This is my honest review.
4 Stars
Road to Romance #2
Quick easy second chance at love romance that takes place eight years after college sweethearts abruptly separate with Larissa Martine heading off to Broadway to dance after her sophomore year in college while her boyfriend, Matt Briggs, graduates and heads home to live on the ranch he bought next to the family spread.
On her way to Las Vegas for a dance audition Larissa stops to make amends to Matt for the way she departed and tell him why she did so. Matt’s sister, Callie, is getting married in a week and invites Larissa to stay for the wedding and by staying Larissa gives herself another chance to spend time with Matt and his family. During that week the relationship rekindles but without open communication there is little hope of a HEA for the two of them…
I enjoyed the backstory of Matt’s grandmother and the idea that sometimes what we think our dream is – the one we pursue steadfastly – might not be our own but someone else’s dream instead. Being mature enough to realize this and make changes is essential to live a happy life.
Thank you to NetGalley and Tule Publishing for the ARC – This is my honest review.
4 Stars
September 3, 2017
Dancer Larissa Martine is back in her home town Cheyenne Wyoming on her way to Las Vegas for a try out. Her career is over in New York after eight years. She now wants to make things right with the only man she has ever loved and she broke up with him through a text message. Matt Briggs is working to ranches is own and his families after his father died in an accident. He is now also dealing with helping his sister getting ready for her wedding. He is stressed but it is okay that is until he sees Larissa walk into a bar he thought for sure he would never see her in again. Now all of the old feelings are coming back along with the hurt. On top of everything else his sister has seen her and has made her agree to stay for her wedding. He wants to be mad at her but he can’t he still loves her but he must get out of his own way and figure out how he can tell her he wants her to stay and not go to Vegas. She is going through her own emotions towards him and why she even left to begin with. Now actually not knowing what she wants to do is confusing her when she thought she had it all figured out? Then he surprises her by saying that he will follow her to Vegas because she did not give him that chance the last. What will happen to them? Read this good story about love and family. A very good book. I got this book from Netgalley.com I gave it 5 stars. Follow us at www.1rad-readerreviews.com
August 22, 2017
She had left him years ago with a cold text message good bye, she left to follow her dream of dancing on Broadway, she left with a secret and no plan to return.
Now eight years later she is back to apologize to ease her conscience for the way she had left Matt, she is only planning a quick stop and then to move on, but will circumstances make it so she has to stay a few days and will she and Matt try for a second chance for love? Or will pride and old hurts stand in their way?
Now eight years later she is back to apologize to ease her conscience for the way she had left Matt, she is only planning a quick stop and then to move on, but will circumstances make it so she has to stay a few days and will she and Matt try for a second chance for love? Or will pride and old hurts stand in their way?
October 4, 2017
Larissa Martine is starting over in Las Vegas after a failed career in New York. Along the way, she’s promised her friends she would stop by her hometown in Cheyenne, WY and make peace with her ex, Matt Briggs, whom she left without an explanation.
This book started out good but once the interactions between Larissa and Matt began, very quickly they were bypassing the whole crux of her leaving. This happens a lot with second chance romances and it’s a big irritation of mine with this genre.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed this book
This book started out good but once the interactions between Larissa and Matt began, very quickly they were bypassing the whole crux of her leaving. This happens a lot with second chance romances and it’s a big irritation of mine with this genre.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed this book
April 2, 2020
The beginning didn’t feel very smooth, the ending felt like a sudden wrap up. But the middle of the story was sweet, I liked a few select characters and the author did a good job with the descriptions, I could visualize it all.
August 28, 2019
3.5 stars for enjoyable plot but inaccurate setting details
While the romantic relationship development in this novel is fairly believable and the character growth especially insightful toward the end, I am annoyed that the setting details are poorly researched. I live in the corner of Wyoming where this fictional story takes places, and I dislike that the author inaccurately describes key features.
First, one cannot see mountains from Cheyenne. If a person is close enough to see the rocks of Veedauwoo, then those are considered part of the Laramie Range (in another county than the one in which Cheyenne is located) known as “hills” to the locals. True mountains are to the west of Laramie and are not visible from Cheyenne. Also, there are numerous gigantic wind turbines dotting the rolling hills of the grassy landscape between Cheyenne and the “hills” —no woods in sight until you get to the Laramie Range, and those are full of beetle-killed dead trees and quite sparse on healthy pine trees right now. And new properties are not going to have large trees growing nearby.
There are no wolves around Veedauwoo; they are mostly in the northwest corner of the state near Yellowstone. Elk are quite reclusive, and it would be rare to see them. There are coyotes, deer, cows, horses, a bison ranch with a few camels, maybe a mountain lion, eagles (which get killed by the turbine blades spinning at 172 mph), fox, and lots of pronghorn near Cheyenne. Not a lot of sheep between Cheyenne and Laramie. They are more likely found grazing on BLM prairie in other counties where sagebrush dominates. Most folks I know in southeastern Wyoming who raise sheep now are hobbyists.
Also, for Larissa to go shopping for a dress to wear to the wedding would require a trip to a box store, probably in Colorado, which would likely dismay someone from New York.
If readers are intrigued by the setting of this book, they should visit Laramie, Wyoming, and the Snowy Range or towns along the western slope in Colorado to experience what this author mistakenly describes as existing around Cheyenne.
Regardless of the setting discrepancies, the love story is one of healing and second chances, and I enjoyed that part of it. There are a few grammar errors, but otherwise the story is mostly error-free. The sex scenes are typical for this genre in terms of details; they are sensual but not overwhelmingly graphic. The characters’ deepening relationship and level of commitment makes the love scenes more meaningful instead of casual. There are references to a character having a miscarriage, so some readers may be bothered by how the author deals with this issue—which is too casually in my opinion.
While the romantic relationship development in this novel is fairly believable and the character growth especially insightful toward the end, I am annoyed that the setting details are poorly researched. I live in the corner of Wyoming where this fictional story takes places, and I dislike that the author inaccurately describes key features.
First, one cannot see mountains from Cheyenne. If a person is close enough to see the rocks of Veedauwoo, then those are considered part of the Laramie Range (in another county than the one in which Cheyenne is located) known as “hills” to the locals. True mountains are to the west of Laramie and are not visible from Cheyenne. Also, there are numerous gigantic wind turbines dotting the rolling hills of the grassy landscape between Cheyenne and the “hills” —no woods in sight until you get to the Laramie Range, and those are full of beetle-killed dead trees and quite sparse on healthy pine trees right now. And new properties are not going to have large trees growing nearby.
There are no wolves around Veedauwoo; they are mostly in the northwest corner of the state near Yellowstone. Elk are quite reclusive, and it would be rare to see them. There are coyotes, deer, cows, horses, a bison ranch with a few camels, maybe a mountain lion, eagles (which get killed by the turbine blades spinning at 172 mph), fox, and lots of pronghorn near Cheyenne. Not a lot of sheep between Cheyenne and Laramie. They are more likely found grazing on BLM prairie in other counties where sagebrush dominates. Most folks I know in southeastern Wyoming who raise sheep now are hobbyists.
Also, for Larissa to go shopping for a dress to wear to the wedding would require a trip to a box store, probably in Colorado, which would likely dismay someone from New York.
If readers are intrigued by the setting of this book, they should visit Laramie, Wyoming, and the Snowy Range or towns along the western slope in Colorado to experience what this author mistakenly describes as existing around Cheyenne.
Regardless of the setting discrepancies, the love story is one of healing and second chances, and I enjoyed that part of it. There are a few grammar errors, but otherwise the story is mostly error-free. The sex scenes are typical for this genre in terms of details; they are sensual but not overwhelmingly graphic. The characters’ deepening relationship and level of commitment makes the love scenes more meaningful instead of casual. There are references to a character having a miscarriage, so some readers may be bothered by how the author deals with this issue—which is too casually in my opinion.
August 9, 2017
Second Chance Cowboy is the second book that I've read by Joanne Rock. I was amazed by her talent with her other book that I read before this one. Her characters literally pop off the pages. Bringing the story to readers in live motion. I felt like I was there experiencing it all in both the main characters' shoes. I got the best perspectives from the leading female and male protagonists. Their thoughts, actions, and words could easily be felt and understood.
Joanne Rock made me cry happy tears while reading this contemporary romance novel. I also laughed a lot. Cowboy rancher, Matt, just has affect on women. Especially, Larissa, aka Rissa. Sexy as hell, Mattcan make any woman swoon on spot. But the one woman he wanted left him eight years ago. Now, he finds her back in their ranching world. This time, he's not ready to let her go...
Larissa is having a crappy life. Her dancing career did hit it off until her injury. Her hips still give her pain. But she still wants to audition in Las Vegas. However, on her way there, she stops home to seek forgiveness and a fresh start. Little does Larissa know that fate has more in stored for her than she planned. Like resurfering sparks between her and Matt. Matt...looked even better than she remembered. She wants him again. Feeling a bit jealous of the girl hitting on him, Larissa skates her feelings. Then, Matt's sister ends up forcing them together for her wedding. Close proximity with each other will set off memories they never forgot...
Second Chance Cowboy is the latest novel by Joanne Rock. I love how she created so many raw emotions within me. The journey was epic. Addictive, hot, and charming. Every page was well-written. The entire story went by faster than I thought. The actions of the protagonists sped up my reading. I was so eager to find out what happened between them that I soon found the last page. And it was so good. Better than good. Superb. I have fallen in love for the second time with Joanne Rock's writing. She delivers only the best for her readers every time. Overall, I recommend this sexy cowboy romance to all.
I received this copy from Tule Publishing. This, is my voluntary review.
Joanne Rock made me cry happy tears while reading this contemporary romance novel. I also laughed a lot. Cowboy rancher, Matt, just has affect on women. Especially, Larissa, aka Rissa. Sexy as hell, Mattcan make any woman swoon on spot. But the one woman he wanted left him eight years ago. Now, he finds her back in their ranching world. This time, he's not ready to let her go...
Larissa is having a crappy life. Her dancing career did hit it off until her injury. Her hips still give her pain. But she still wants to audition in Las Vegas. However, on her way there, she stops home to seek forgiveness and a fresh start. Little does Larissa know that fate has more in stored for her than she planned. Like resurfering sparks between her and Matt. Matt...looked even better than she remembered. She wants him again. Feeling a bit jealous of the girl hitting on him, Larissa skates her feelings. Then, Matt's sister ends up forcing them together for her wedding. Close proximity with each other will set off memories they never forgot...
Second Chance Cowboy is the latest novel by Joanne Rock. I love how she created so many raw emotions within me. The journey was epic. Addictive, hot, and charming. Every page was well-written. The entire story went by faster than I thought. The actions of the protagonists sped up my reading. I was so eager to find out what happened between them that I soon found the last page. And it was so good. Better than good. Superb. I have fallen in love for the second time with Joanne Rock's writing. She delivers only the best for her readers every time. Overall, I recommend this sexy cowboy romance to all.
I received this copy from Tule Publishing. This, is my voluntary review.
September 7, 2017
Reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf
Eight years ago Larissa made a decision. One that haunted her ever since for without closure on her past she cannot move forward to a questionable future as she’d planned. In order to honor a mother’s dying request she’d had to break a young man’s heart, and her own as well. Now she’s coming home to find the closure she desperately needs. What she didn’t expect was that home truly is where the heart is… and her heart belongs right here with Matt.
One text message was all it took to destroy Matt’s dreams. Now the sender of that message is back in town. He needs Larissa here with him, the past is just that, behind them. One night, one week and maybe a life time is on the line. He needs the love of his life back beside him and even if he’s stretched as thin as a person can get with responsibilities… he’s gong to get back the one person he needs to make all the rest worthwhile.
There’s something about second chance romances that always draw me in. The risk of going back and trying to make a wrong turn out right is probably a risk that nine out of ten people would take. Second Chance Cowboy gives Larissa and Matt a do-over moment. Maybe a bit older, a bit wiser, and a lot more in love this time around will bring them the happy ending they missed out on their first time together. I liked this couple, they’re realistic and simply horrible at really talking to each other. What might have been long ago is a decision that Larissa now deeply regrets. She made the wrong choice for the wrong person. Now she has the chance to exchange one dream for another but she and Matt have to really talk to each other before their happy ending can become a reality.
Looking for a great second chance romance to get caught up in? Then Second Chance Cowboy is the book for you. I’d recommend this story or the entire series to any Romance reader.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
Eight years ago Larissa made a decision. One that haunted her ever since for without closure on her past she cannot move forward to a questionable future as she’d planned. In order to honor a mother’s dying request she’d had to break a young man’s heart, and her own as well. Now she’s coming home to find the closure she desperately needs. What she didn’t expect was that home truly is where the heart is… and her heart belongs right here with Matt.
One text message was all it took to destroy Matt’s dreams. Now the sender of that message is back in town. He needs Larissa here with him, the past is just that, behind them. One night, one week and maybe a life time is on the line. He needs the love of his life back beside him and even if he’s stretched as thin as a person can get with responsibilities… he’s gong to get back the one person he needs to make all the rest worthwhile.
There’s something about second chance romances that always draw me in. The risk of going back and trying to make a wrong turn out right is probably a risk that nine out of ten people would take. Second Chance Cowboy gives Larissa and Matt a do-over moment. Maybe a bit older, a bit wiser, and a lot more in love this time around will bring them the happy ending they missed out on their first time together. I liked this couple, they’re realistic and simply horrible at really talking to each other. What might have been long ago is a decision that Larissa now deeply regrets. She made the wrong choice for the wrong person. Now she has the chance to exchange one dream for another but she and Matt have to really talk to each other before their happy ending can become a reality.
Looking for a great second chance romance to get caught up in? Then Second Chance Cowboy is the book for you. I’d recommend this story or the entire series to any Romance reader.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
July 28, 2017
So a New York dancer walks into a Wyoming cowboy bar on her way to Vegas? Sound like the set up of a joke? It's not. That's where Joanne Rock begins "Second Chance Cowboy," as Larissa returns to the town where she graduated and the man she left behind in her hasty flat flight to New York.
Larissa needs to revisit the past in order to truly let go of the past and move on. Matt is everything she remembers and so much more. Just being near him has every nerve snapping to attention.
She reminds herself she's there to apologize for breaking up with him via text message and fleeing. She tries but t he won't hear it.
When his now grown up baby sister stumbles across them at her bachelorette party, she insists Larissa stay for her wedding. She plans to hunt Matt down the next day and head to Vegas for a tryout to hopefully revive her dancing career.
But she has to explain why she lit out of town those years ago. And it's a doozie.
Then his grandmother, the feisty retired rodeo star, insists she has to come see her before she leaves , and Callie insists she has to stay for her wedding.
She gives in to the once sweet young girl who hero worshipped her. She can't say no to her anymore than she cam refuse Matt's offer of a short no-strings affair to last only until Larissa leaves -—just to exorcise the chemistry tingling between them. Staying in the old foreman's house where she and Matt once met for some pretty passionate nights is no picnic. But the new memories....
Really enjoyed this one. No fancy setting or intrigue, just plenty of sizzle as this pair learns to move past the past. Love that it focused on the couple, and didn't let their story and growth get lost. Back to basics, a beautiful story of two people trying to make peace with the past so they can truly live in the present and plan for the future.
Larissa needs to revisit the past in order to truly let go of the past and move on. Matt is everything she remembers and so much more. Just being near him has every nerve snapping to attention.
She reminds herself she's there to apologize for breaking up with him via text message and fleeing. She tries but t he won't hear it.
When his now grown up baby sister stumbles across them at her bachelorette party, she insists Larissa stay for her wedding. She plans to hunt Matt down the next day and head to Vegas for a tryout to hopefully revive her dancing career.
But she has to explain why she lit out of town those years ago. And it's a doozie.
Then his grandmother, the feisty retired rodeo star, insists she has to come see her before she leaves , and Callie insists she has to stay for her wedding.
She gives in to the once sweet young girl who hero worshipped her. She can't say no to her anymore than she cam refuse Matt's offer of a short no-strings affair to last only until Larissa leaves -—just to exorcise the chemistry tingling between them. Staying in the old foreman's house where she and Matt once met for some pretty passionate nights is no picnic. But the new memories....
Really enjoyed this one. No fancy setting or intrigue, just plenty of sizzle as this pair learns to move past the past. Love that it focused on the couple, and didn't let their story and growth get lost. Back to basics, a beautiful story of two people trying to make peace with the past so they can truly live in the present and plan for the future.
August 19, 2017
I'd consider this book a must read if you're a Joanne Rock fan but I'd also totally recommend this book to lovers of the romance genre, I really enjoyed this story, it was very charming and sweet.
Second Chance Cowboy is the story of Larissa and Matt, and as you might guess from the title, this is a second chance romance story, which I should say is one of my favorite tropes. By the way this is book two from the Road to Romance series but it can be read as a standalone.
The premise is simple enough; our heroine Larissa is on her way to a dancing audition in Las Vegas but first she wants to make a stop in her hometown, hoping to make amends with her former boyfriend after she left pursuing her dancing career. Larissa is hoping that by doing this she could free herself from past guilts and demons and have a new start. But this is won't be a simple sorry and goodbye; she ends up caught up in the wake of the wedding of Matt's sister.
Matt for his part isn't also looking to complicate things, specially since he was really hurt by that first time that Larissa left him. But as they start spending time together, they start to realize that their feelings haven't dispensary completely, like they've merely been dormant and now they seem to be stronger than before, more intense. Still they'll both have to really look inside themselves and figure out what they want.
The story is very moving, yes this is a romance but there's also a really good message in the story, about fulfilling your dreams and also ultimately deciding what you want in life.
Joanne Rock's characters are believable and easy to relate to and care for; the story engages you and there's a good pacing to the book, it's a very quick read but also a delightful one.
Again, absolutely recommendable.
Second Chance Cowboy is the story of Larissa and Matt, and as you might guess from the title, this is a second chance romance story, which I should say is one of my favorite tropes. By the way this is book two from the Road to Romance series but it can be read as a standalone.
The premise is simple enough; our heroine Larissa is on her way to a dancing audition in Las Vegas but first she wants to make a stop in her hometown, hoping to make amends with her former boyfriend after she left pursuing her dancing career. Larissa is hoping that by doing this she could free herself from past guilts and demons and have a new start. But this is won't be a simple sorry and goodbye; she ends up caught up in the wake of the wedding of Matt's sister.
Matt for his part isn't also looking to complicate things, specially since he was really hurt by that first time that Larissa left him. But as they start spending time together, they start to realize that their feelings haven't dispensary completely, like they've merely been dormant and now they seem to be stronger than before, more intense. Still they'll both have to really look inside themselves and figure out what they want.
The story is very moving, yes this is a romance but there's also a really good message in the story, about fulfilling your dreams and also ultimately deciding what you want in life.
Joanne Rock's characters are believable and easy to relate to and care for; the story engages you and there's a good pacing to the book, it's a very quick read but also a delightful one.
Again, absolutely recommendable.
November 1, 2017
Larissa Martine's life hasn't worked out quite as she expected. She left Cheyenne years ago to fulfill a promise to her mother, breaking things off with her boyfriend with just a text. After she and her friends listen to a self-help guru, they decide that they need to make amends in order to move on with life. Larissa stops in Cheyenne to apologize for the way she broke things off and then she can head to Las Vegas to reboot her career as a dancer. It should be quick and easy, right?
Matt Briggs had bought a ranch and was ready to settle down when he received the text that changed his life. With the unexpected passing of his father, Matt has more responsibilities than he can handle between taking care of his family and two ranches. The last thing he needs is the girl that broke his heart coming back to town trying to make herself feel better. When his family works to keep Larissa in town for another week...to be his date for for his sister's wedding, no less, these two have no choice but to spend time together. As they spend time together, Larissa has to figure what her dream really is and whether she belongs in Cheyenne.
I enjoyed this story and these characters. Both have had a tough time and things haven't worked out quite as expected. They have taken some emotional hits and have to learn to trust themselves and each other to find the future they deserve.
This was a sweet second-chance romance with main characters and secondary characters that worked well together and propelled the story line with ease. The writing is fun, and I found myself rooting for Matt and Larissa to figure things out. Though it is part of a series, the story can easily be read as a stand alone.
Matt Briggs had bought a ranch and was ready to settle down when he received the text that changed his life. With the unexpected passing of his father, Matt has more responsibilities than he can handle between taking care of his family and two ranches. The last thing he needs is the girl that broke his heart coming back to town trying to make herself feel better. When his family works to keep Larissa in town for another week...to be his date for for his sister's wedding, no less, these two have no choice but to spend time together. As they spend time together, Larissa has to figure what her dream really is and whether she belongs in Cheyenne.
I enjoyed this story and these characters. Both have had a tough time and things haven't worked out quite as expected. They have taken some emotional hits and have to learn to trust themselves and each other to find the future they deserve.
This was a sweet second-chance romance with main characters and secondary characters that worked well together and propelled the story line with ease. The writing is fun, and I found myself rooting for Matt and Larissa to figure things out. Though it is part of a series, the story can easily be read as a stand alone.
August 16, 2017
*** ARC provided by the author for an honest review ***
Second Chance Cowboy is the second book in the Road to Romance series by author Joanne Rock. A pact with friends leads to a detour on the way to Vegas and a possible second chance at love in the Wyoming countryside.
Larissa Martine is a Broadway dancer. Things have sort of slacked off, so she has packed up and is moving to Las Vegas. However, the pact she made has her stopping in Wyoming to apologize to an old flame she broke up with by text 8 years ago.
Matt Briggs is a Wyoming cowboy. He owns a ranch right next to his father’s that he bought when he was younger. With his father having passed recently, he now has the responsibility of not only his own farm but his father’s also. For the past eight years, he has mourned the loss of his relationship with Larissa and has always questioned what happened.
When Larissa comes back to town, her first stop is to see Matt. The revelations that she brings with her, turn Matt’s life upside down. Now she must choose what to do with her life. She questions the choices that she made and wonders if she made the right decisions.
Will Matt and Larissa be able to overcome their past? Or are the decisions of their past too much to take?
The relationship between Matt and Larissa was beautiful. Even though there was a lot of pain from the past for both of them, they wanted better for themselves and each other and it was inspiring.
The hope of a second chance at love is a glorious motivator, for readers and characters alike. Joanne Rock takes this hope and spins a alluringly captivating story.
Second Chance Cowboy is the second book in the Road to Romance series by author Joanne Rock. A pact with friends leads to a detour on the way to Vegas and a possible second chance at love in the Wyoming countryside.
Larissa Martine is a Broadway dancer. Things have sort of slacked off, so she has packed up and is moving to Las Vegas. However, the pact she made has her stopping in Wyoming to apologize to an old flame she broke up with by text 8 years ago.
Matt Briggs is a Wyoming cowboy. He owns a ranch right next to his father’s that he bought when he was younger. With his father having passed recently, he now has the responsibility of not only his own farm but his father’s also. For the past eight years, he has mourned the loss of his relationship with Larissa and has always questioned what happened.
When Larissa comes back to town, her first stop is to see Matt. The revelations that she brings with her, turn Matt’s life upside down. Now she must choose what to do with her life. She questions the choices that she made and wonders if she made the right decisions.
Will Matt and Larissa be able to overcome their past? Or are the decisions of their past too much to take?
The relationship between Matt and Larissa was beautiful. Even though there was a lot of pain from the past for both of them, they wanted better for themselves and each other and it was inspiring.
The hope of a second chance at love is a glorious motivator, for readers and characters alike. Joanne Rock takes this hope and spins a alluringly captivating story.
July 28, 2017
Have you ever wished you could go back in time and right a wrong?
Larissa Martine, the heroine in Joanne Rock’s “Second Chance Cowboy”, does just that when she returns to Wyoming to see Matt Briggs – the guy she broke up with eight years before.
Matt had convinced himself he was over Larissa and the hurt she caused. Well, until he saw her. Now, with his sister about to get married, asking Larissa to stay for the wedding was the perfect opportunity for Matt to work through the memories so when Larissa leaves again it won’t hurt like last time.
Even with eight years apart the chemistry is still there between them. As feelings grow stronger Larissa has to decide if leaving to continue her dance career is her dream or if she’s following through on a promise she made to her mother.
Matt also has career decisions to make. Does he follow his father’s legacy with the handling of Briggs Ranch or does he try something new that could potentially save not only his father’s ranch, but his own?
“Second Chance Cowboy” is just like the title suggests – a second chance at love. The chance to have a do-over, put who they once were in the past, and move into the future with a hopeful and love-filled heart.
Though “Second Chance Cowboy” is book 2 of Ms. Rock’s Road to Romance series, you can absolutely read – and enjoy! – this book without having read the first one, “Last Chance Christmas”.
However, you’ll probably find yourself wanting to!
Larissa Martine, the heroine in Joanne Rock’s “Second Chance Cowboy”, does just that when she returns to Wyoming to see Matt Briggs – the guy she broke up with eight years before.
Matt had convinced himself he was over Larissa and the hurt she caused. Well, until he saw her. Now, with his sister about to get married, asking Larissa to stay for the wedding was the perfect opportunity for Matt to work through the memories so when Larissa leaves again it won’t hurt like last time.
Even with eight years apart the chemistry is still there between them. As feelings grow stronger Larissa has to decide if leaving to continue her dance career is her dream or if she’s following through on a promise she made to her mother.
Matt also has career decisions to make. Does he follow his father’s legacy with the handling of Briggs Ranch or does he try something new that could potentially save not only his father’s ranch, but his own?
“Second Chance Cowboy” is just like the title suggests – a second chance at love. The chance to have a do-over, put who they once were in the past, and move into the future with a hopeful and love-filled heart.
Though “Second Chance Cowboy” is book 2 of Ms. Rock’s Road to Romance series, you can absolutely read – and enjoy! – this book without having read the first one, “Last Chance Christmas”.
However, you’ll probably find yourself wanting to!
October 27, 2023
A charming story about making peace with our pasts to move forward!!
This is Larissa's and Matt's story. This is the 2nd book in the Road to Romance Series. Pls note that while this is the second book, the characters from book one don't play a role in this storyline.
This series does wrap around a group of girls, Shea, Larissa, and Rachel, that have all reached a crossroads in their lives and want to make peace with their pasts to be able to move forward.
I'd also call this a "one that got away" romance as Lariassa left him by a text. And he spent the next 8 years wondering why!!
It's a second chance romance because Larissa has come to find Matt, make peace with him and move on. But instead of moving on, she sticks around to make peace with more than just Matt. She needs to come to terms with her leaving a place she loved and people she loved.
I like the underlying theme to this story. Where we all need to come to terms with our past, past choices, past mistakes, past events to be able to really move forward no regrets and a sense of calm that comes.
I'd also call this a cowboy romance as Matt owns and runs a huge ranch. His sister's wedding is at the ranch. They're all wearing cowboy boots to the wedding!!! And he's a sexy cowboy that still makes her drool!!
I did enjoy this story. It leads us right into the next book where we find out Rachel's story. Definitely worth reading!
This is Larissa's and Matt's story. This is the 2nd book in the Road to Romance Series. Pls note that while this is the second book, the characters from book one don't play a role in this storyline.
This series does wrap around a group of girls, Shea, Larissa, and Rachel, that have all reached a crossroads in their lives and want to make peace with their pasts to be able to move forward.
I'd also call this a "one that got away" romance as Lariassa left him by a text. And he spent the next 8 years wondering why!!
It's a second chance romance because Larissa has come to find Matt, make peace with him and move on. But instead of moving on, she sticks around to make peace with more than just Matt. She needs to come to terms with her leaving a place she loved and people she loved.
I like the underlying theme to this story. Where we all need to come to terms with our past, past choices, past mistakes, past events to be able to really move forward no regrets and a sense of calm that comes.
I'd also call this a cowboy romance as Matt owns and runs a huge ranch. His sister's wedding is at the ranch. They're all wearing cowboy boots to the wedding!!! And he's a sexy cowboy that still makes her drool!!
I did enjoy this story. It leads us right into the next book where we find out Rachel's story. Definitely worth reading!
August 15, 2017
4 1/2 STARS!
Sometimes, you really can go home again! College sweethearts torn apart by one's ambition meet up again in the gentle countryside that was the backdrop of their relationship. One seeks forgiveness and clarification that she did the right thing ... the other seeks answers as to why they weren't enough and possibly a second chance. Great setting, fun supporting characters and a sweet love story that keeps us crossing our fingers for a happy ending!
When Larissa Martine decides to leave her life dancing on Broadway to start over in Las Vegas, she lets her best friends talk her into stopping off in Cheyenne, Wyoming to try to make amends for her one true regret in life. She's enjoyed her career over the years, but she's always regretted the way she left.
Rancher Matt Briggs isn't going to make it easy on her to apologize for leaving him hanging in the wind when she took off New York. He thought they had a future planned out, but evidently he was only fooling himself. Now his life is one big obligation of trying to run his own ranch along with his family ranch after losing his dad. Seeing Rissa again just makes him wish things had ended differently for them. Will she get the forgiveness she came here to get, or will he hang on to the pain she left him with all those years ago?
Sometimes, you really can go home again! College sweethearts torn apart by one's ambition meet up again in the gentle countryside that was the backdrop of their relationship. One seeks forgiveness and clarification that she did the right thing ... the other seeks answers as to why they weren't enough and possibly a second chance. Great setting, fun supporting characters and a sweet love story that keeps us crossing our fingers for a happy ending!
When Larissa Martine decides to leave her life dancing on Broadway to start over in Las Vegas, she lets her best friends talk her into stopping off in Cheyenne, Wyoming to try to make amends for her one true regret in life. She's enjoyed her career over the years, but she's always regretted the way she left.
Rancher Matt Briggs isn't going to make it easy on her to apologize for leaving him hanging in the wind when she took off New York. He thought they had a future planned out, but evidently he was only fooling himself. Now his life is one big obligation of trying to run his own ranch along with his family ranch after losing his dad. Seeing Rissa again just makes him wish things had ended differently for them. Will she get the forgiveness she came here to get, or will he hang on to the pain she left him with all those years ago?
July 27, 2017
Second Chance Cowboy is book 2 of Ms Rock’s series, Road to Romance. Rest assure it’s a stand alone.
Ms. Rock gives us a very touching story about second chances in love, when one least expect them.
Larissa, left her hometown and her boyfriend not only because she promised her mother in her deathbed that she would follow her passion, which meant going to NYC to become a Broadway dancer, but also because she was scared. She broke up with her boyfriend via text.
Now, after an injury and deciding to pursue a career as a Vegas dancer, she stops in her hometown to ask for forgiveness from her ex-boyfriend, Matt.
He is now a man, but still remembers how her departure and her breakup methods nearly destroyed him. However, Matt’s family still cares for her and Larissa gets invited to Matt’s sister’s wedding . They have a week to make amends before she leaves again.
It’s a lovely story that is heartbreaking, but also heartwarming. A story about parent’s expectations, and about family loyalties. About the love between two individuals than even after eight years, might become their second chance. And this time around, it will be stronger and forever.
I was gifted this copy by Netgalley and Tule Publishing. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
Ms. Rock gives us a very touching story about second chances in love, when one least expect them.
Larissa, left her hometown and her boyfriend not only because she promised her mother in her deathbed that she would follow her passion, which meant going to NYC to become a Broadway dancer, but also because she was scared. She broke up with her boyfriend via text.
Now, after an injury and deciding to pursue a career as a Vegas dancer, she stops in her hometown to ask for forgiveness from her ex-boyfriend, Matt.
He is now a man, but still remembers how her departure and her breakup methods nearly destroyed him. However, Matt’s family still cares for her and Larissa gets invited to Matt’s sister’s wedding . They have a week to make amends before she leaves again.
It’s a lovely story that is heartbreaking, but also heartwarming. A story about parent’s expectations, and about family loyalties. About the love between two individuals than even after eight years, might become their second chance. And this time around, it will be stronger and forever.
I was gifted this copy by Netgalley and Tule Publishing. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
August 21, 2017
Eight years ago, Larissa Martine left Wyoming to follow her dream of becoming a dancer on Broadway. She broke up with her boyfriend, Matt Briggs, by just leaving a note. Matt never got over the way Larissa left.
When Larissa’s dreams came to a crashing halt after an injury left her sidelined, she decided to try Las Vegas. But before she could go to Las Vegas, she needed to fulfill a promise she made with her friends. She needed to make a detour to Cheyenne and make amends with Matt for how she left him.
Larissa may only be staying longer than she planned because Matt’s sister is getting married, but Matt doesn’t plan on letting her get away so easily this time. Will Matt’s plan along with the help of his sister and grandmother be enough to change Larissa’s mind about leaving again?
The chemistry between Larissa and Matt was off the charts. The story was easy to visualize from the descriptions and moved along at a good pace. The secondary characters really added to this story too. This is the second in the Road to Romance series, but can definitely be read on its own.
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