Second Chances

by M.S. Parker, Cassie Wild

My world imploded when a busted knee put a permanent end to my professional soccer career, but thanks to my buddy, Kaleb Hastings, I have a second chance at a decent life. Headlining Flames Down Under in fabulous Las Vegas wasn’t where I’d pictured myself at twenty-seven, but it’s steady work. Then, running into Kaleb’s baby sister, Camry, changes everything. She's off limits––which shouldn’t be a problem––except she’s no baby anymore. I know I should stay far away but when she asks for my help, how can I turn her down? Camry Hastings has been drug free for over a year, and is well on her way putting together a good life for herself. She knows it’s stupid to re-visit her dark past, but when a desperate friend calls for help, Camry takes the first flight back to Las Vegas where she runs into another blast from the past – her sexy childhood crush, Jacen Barbour, who offers to help finding her friend. Jacen has his own demons to fight, but Camry gives him hope for a better future...until he's forced to face down his fears so he can become the man Camry needs…or lose her forever. Don’t miss Second Chances, a stand-alone novel in M. S. Parker’s Married a Stripper series.

Genres: Romance

327 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 1, 2017

About the author

Step into the seductive and suspenseful world of M. S. Parker, a USA Today Bestselling author where dark romance meets thrilling suspense. If you crave stories that are both steamy and intricate, with characters that are as dangerous as they are desirable, you've found your next obsession.

M. S. Parker specializes in crafting addictive series that push boundaries and keep you guessing until the very last page. Expect to find dangerous mafia bosses and intense, grumpy billionaires clashing with smart, witty young women who, though perhaps out of their element, are quick to adapt and hold their own. Get ready for a rollercoaster of emotions, where passion is a weapon and love is the ultimate prize. Dive into the darkness. You might just find your new favorite escape.

Connect with M. S. Parker on Facebook at http://facebook.com/msparkerauthor

Reviews

[April Symes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jacen and Camry have demons to face and to overcome. Jacen is a dancer/stripper in Las Vegas, his promisingly football career which ends up destroyed by an injury. Camry is a recovering drug addict who turned tricks in Vegas to feed her habit even though she had a loving family back home who supported her, including a very overprotective brother. Camry ends up getting a call from a friend in Las Vegas who needed help and she ends up running into Jacen who she knew as a teen and had a huge crush on; from this, they strike up their friendship and from that an attraction flares. We see the seedy underbelly of Las Vegas and two people who have demons that they still need to face and overcome—will they unite and overcome the pain of their past and come out stronger ? I felt like Camry was misunderstood and not believed when she should have been, especially when she was telling the truth. I kind of felt like Jacen let her down so will their love have that 2nd chance or will their love wither away due to the cost of addiction and the misunderstandings that abound in this story. I enjoyed the story, the angst and the real life drama that made this story pulse and kept me reading. I would have liked to see more resolution between Camry and her brother, and would have liked to know more of how things ended up between Camry and Jacen but overall, great read!

My Rating: 4.5 stars *****
“I received an advanced copy of this book from the author at no cost to me."

[Kendra Needs · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I started reading this book I was like hey these names sound familiar, where have I read them before and then I realized that I was reading Camry's story, and I was like oh boy FINALLY.

When we met Camry in "So I Married a Stripper", she was at the bottom of everything, she was addicted to drugs and a hooker, that was till her brother rescued her (several times) and got her into rehab. In this book we are one year later, Camry is a recovering addict, she is no longer turning tricks and she is attending school and working part time. Camry's life has turned around 180degrees and things are great but she cannot forget the Daytin the young girl she befriended on the streets and worked with. So when Daytin calls saying she needs help Camry runs to give the help that her brother gave her, but what Camry didn't count on was Jacen her teenage crush being there.

I loved Camry and Jacen's story, it was filled with so many emotions and I couldn't help but feel for both of them.

As always a fantastic read from MS Parker and Cassie Wild

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a love story without frills and at the same time shows the devestation drugs and alcohol can cause. Jacen is a dancer/stripper in Las Vegas, his promisingly football career destroyed by an injury. Camry is a recovering drug addict who turned tricks in Vegas to feed her habit, but who had a loving family who supported her in L.A. even if her brother is a little too overprotective. When Camry gets a call from a friend she goes back to Vegas to help. She runs into Jacen, on whom she had a crush as a teenager and the love story starts.

This book shows the gritty side of Vegas and L.A. This is not a hearts and flowers romance but it is no less appealing because of it and Jacen and Camry end up as a couple stronger because of their pasts and the difficulties they have overcome. A satisfying book and a believable love story.

[Hanan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book delves into the devastation and destruction that addictions can cause and lead to.
Both Jacen and Camry have demons to face and battle. Both their lives took a turn that wasn’t planned or foreseen.
When Camry needs to return to where her darkness began she runs into Jacen.
He was her high school crush.
Jacen is in Vegas working as a stripper. He runs into little Camry who’s his best friends sister that’s no longer little.
Their journey is an emotional roller coaster. It’s a raw look into the dark side of the streets of Vegas and L.A. and the effects of addictions.
When two people with a painful past and obstacles to overcome unite can the heal and find comfort in each other or does their demons rule the future.
Great love story not just about finding a second chance at love but it’s so much more.
The characters are wonderful and the storyline is believable and plausible.

[Sue Ouellet-Cofsky · Rating 4 out of 5]

What would you do if you were given a second chance at life? A second chance at Love? Would you take it? Would you do anything to live your life to the fullest?

Jacen and Camry have technically known each other their entire lives. Born and raised in Australia, they both find themselves at the end of the proverbial rope...for different reasons. Both have allowed situations to dictate their lives and both seem to be finding their way out of the quagmire that they find themselves in. Neither ever expect to see the other again. They are no longer in Australia. But circumstances throw them in each other's path and what follows next could either be the beginning of a beautiful future together or the destruction that takes them back down into the quicksand they were living in.

Great story about second chance lives and second chance loves.

[Janice · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Review of Second Chances by M. S. Parker

Jacen and Camry - 4 Stars

This is one story that will break your heart multiple times, yet give you hope for a better tomorrow for these lovable, but damaged characters. Addiction is hard to deal with for the person going through the addiction as well as the people on the other side that are trying to help their loved one get through. This book also includes characters from the two other books in this series, which is always a plus in my opinion. The only drawback for me is with the number of grammatical issues. With the addition of another full length book, this is well worth the money.

**Honest review voluntarily provided from a Complimentary Copy**

[Angie Picardi-Hagerdorn · Rating 5 out of 5]

For me, the amount of emotion that I go through while reading a book is what makes it something I review, talk about, or even think about again. Second Chances is 1 of those books that I will remember for a long time. I have personal ties to addiction and the devastation it can and does cause everyone so this book definitely hits at the heart. I love Camry's struggle, you see that even in a book, it's not easy. She is a strong character, which I love. Their story is far from perfect but it's a story about love, life, and how to come out of the storm. I love when Cassie & M.S come together, the stories are so raw and exciting!! Great writing, great story, great book!!!

[Didi Ps · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have a problem with Jacen deciding to not wear a condom without discussing it FIRST with Camry - basically they started having sex & he made the decision for her, spouting some nonsense about trust... Ugh... It was a pretty good story, up until he decided to do that... Add to this how at the same time, Daytin (her friend) was passed out in the same hotel room? Hummm...
It was also disappointing to see Jacen also have misconceptions about Camry, right after he had seemed to understand how badly her brother made her feel for doing the same thing... it would have been nice if at least he was in her corner...

[Bailey Roszko · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was amazing! M.S. has a way with words. Always knowing how to capture the feel and thoughts that go along with love and put them so eloquently to create a truly compelling story. The story about how two people that meet through horrible odds in a place like Vegas, a place that chews people up and spits them out daily is a captivating dynamic. Aided by there shared past, unresolved love, need for hope and change is a story that will stand through time and resonate with many. **Adult Situations**

[Veronica LaRoche · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was excited to finally get Camry’s story. Camry is a recovering addict and will do anything to help her friend Daytin who happens to be an addict, but helping may ruin what good Camry has going on. Camry meets Jacen her childhood crush and sparks fly. Camry can’t help trying too help her friend but it my cost her Jacen and her family. This had the feels, you can’t help feel bad for Camry when her brother and Jacen think the worst of her and all she was doing was telling the truth. Really great story and love Camry & Jacen.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book more the further I got into it. Not having read Married a Stripper or L.A. Misbehaved, I think I was at somewhat of a disadvantage when I started the book because it seems Camry must have some backstory in one or both of those books. It took me a long time to connect to her, but by the events towards the end of the book, I was 100% feeling her. I ended up enjoying this steamy romance much more than I thought I would. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.

[Monifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second Chances Review

Camry has turned her life around having completed rehab and stayed clean. She hopes to once again gain her brother, Kaleb’s trust. Jacen, who grew up with Kaleb, runs into Camry while in Vegas and helps her in her search for someone. Things heat up between the two but neither know what to make of it. Jacen is torn between his strong attraction to Camry and his loyalty to his best mate Kaleb.

This is the third book in Married a Stripper series but can be read as stand alone. I️ enjoyed this book and how things turned out.

*ARC for honest review*

[Nancy Ward-keys · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg simply incredible...

M.S. Parker and Cassie Wild are two of my very favorite authors. As individual authors they are incredible. Together they are amazing. Jacen and Carmery's story pulled at my heart strings from the very start. Both had over come so much in their young lives. But having someone not believe in you, to doubt you will put a strain on anyones relationship. Will they be able to overcome both of their pasts? Will Kaleb and Camery repair their already fragile sibling bond? I highly recommend Second Chances..it will not disappoint.

[Stephanie Erickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Camry is a recovering drug addict. However, she leaves to go back to Vegas to help a friend who has called.

While trying to find her friend she runs into her old crush from when she was a child. She enlists his help in finding her friend.

Jacen is the one person that Camry seems to trust. But can he survive giving her a second chance?

Can Camry fight her addiction and continue to help her Friend?

[BP34 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Camry and Jacen's story was an emotional roller coaster. They had a teenage crush on each other but life had taken them in so many directions since then. Her protective brother rescued her and Camry has tried to turn her life around from being addicted and on the streets. We are shown the seedy underworld of Las Vegas. Lots of drama and twists. Emotional and draining at times, but a good read. Characters with lots of depth. I read an arc copy and voluntarily chose to review this book.

[Irene Marshall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

A brilliant book that takes the reader through a whole gammit of emotions. Camry and Jacen's story tackles a multitude of problems and the author approaches each with an open and honest view. Both the main characters are dealing with their own addictions and emotional issues and trying to sort out their feelings for each other along the way. The story is very emotional and I would have the tissues ready when you read some of it. Just a genuinely very good read.

[Deborah · Rating 4 out of 5]

So good. Camry is a character that I was hoping would get her own book. I'm so happy to have read about her journey and the positive outlook she has on life. Addiction comes in many forms and sobriety can be one of the toughest to keep up. Camry and Jacen have dark pasts. Can they heal each other? Will a second chance encounter reunited them or cause more heartache?

Such a fantastic read!

[Rhonda Brant · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy these two authors when they collaborate a book together. Well written book of addiction, first crush, and coming back from the dark side of life behind the scenes in Las Vegas. Very emotional in parts of the book, well worth the read.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC copy of this book.

[C. Gold · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book delves into the struggle to keep clean after drug and alcohol addiction which added a very real vibe to the story and a weight that is usually not present in romances. I really liked that about both main characters. The only reason I docked it a star is because there are several missing words/editing mistakes throughout that could use a bit of a cleanup.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aussie Hot

The story had heavy and light elements especially when dealing with a subject like addiction. I loved the history between the two characters and that they were able to work through their internal demons and find their way. Last but not least, Cam and Jacen’s chemistry was out of control. I’m never disappointed with an M S Parker story!

[Gina Burkart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow this is a first read for these authors and they did a outstanding job.. I was amazed by the writing and keep me from the first page through out the book.. this book will give you the chance at a second romance that will have you wanting that chance.. this book is amazing and you will falling in love with the writers as you can feel the emotion coming off the pages.

[Katy Dospoy · Rating 1 out of 5]

Couldn't finish

I usually don't rate a book I don't finish because o don't feel like that is fair, but I have to say I rated this because it was BORING! It just seemed to drone on and on in a pretty depressing way. Just couldn't keep going. I expected more and was severely disappointed. Unless you want a sad, depressing drawn out story, I'd pass this up.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jacen and Camry are the perfect example of bad decisions in your past shape how you are now. They both have gone thru addition and have come out on the other side. Not unscathed, but better for what they went thru. Now, they need to help each other move forward together.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an exceptional second chance romance that also touches on addictions. The H/h have chemistry and are relatable and along with an interesting storyline you have an entertaining book. I voluntarily read an ARC and this is my honest review

[Katrina · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the first 2 books better. In the first 2 books, Kaleb is very loving and supportive of his sister. I have a hard time believing he would just turn his back on his sister and be so cynical and mean to her.

[Brenda Claudio · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved Camry!

The entire series is amazing. This was the best one and the one I didn't want to end. It's best to read in order, you get a good grip on who is about her life. Wish there was more to read about all of them.

[SouthernAngel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A journey of emotional ups and downs and past and present demons to turn the pages. Overall a satisfying second chance at love read.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.

[Christina Oswald · Rating 5 out of 5]

The third standalone in the Married a Stripper series and just as fantastic as the other books. I love M.S. Parker and her writing. We met Camry in Married a Stripper. She's a recovering drug addict and going to school trying to prove she's better. But Kaleb still treats her like an addict.
Jacen lost his sports career due to an injury and is now the headliner stripper in Las Vegas. When his best friend Kaleb's lite sister shows up and turns his world upside down.
Told in both Camry and Jacen's POV.

[Madeleine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book. Beautifully written by two authors. I loved Jacen and Camry's story. I would recommend this book

I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.

[Iluvbooks44 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love these author’s books.

I loved this book from start to finish.

I love the characters and the story.