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Chances #2

Second Chance

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In this hot new angsty romance from USA Today bestselling author BJ Harvey, the once-burned-forever-commitment-shy best friend from One Shot faces her own moral dilemma of the heart

When life gives me lemons, I always make lemonade.

Living every day like it could be my last, I'm content with the choices I've made and do so unapologetically. With a relationship that makes me happy, and a job that I love, life is good.

But when the man I've just agreed to marry, has his estranged wife and four-year-old daughter turn up on his doorstep, I'm not the only one reevaluating things.

He didn’t plan for that—and I didn’t plan for my childhood sweetheart to return, wanting me back.

Sometimes lemons can be sour, sometimes they can be sweet, and sometimes, all it takes is a second chance to make things right again.

You just need to get that second chance in the first place.

195 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2018

319 people are currently reading
570 people want to read

About the author

B.J. Harvey

60 books1,818 followers
BJ Harvey is the USA Today Bestselling Author of the Bliss Series. She also regards herself as a smut peddler, suspense conjurer and a funny romance thinker upper.

An avid music fan, you will always find her singing some hit song badly but loving every minute of it. She’s a wife, a mom to two beautiful girls, and hails from what she considers as the best country in the world—New Zealand. Currently living in Perth, Australia.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bjharveyauthor
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Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
Sign up for her mailing list here: http://eepurl.com/MfpyP

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews
Profile Image for Nikki ღ Navareus.
1,096 reviews62 followers
January 31, 2019


I LOVED the heck out of this story, and I've officially discovered my newest Book Boyfriend. Man oh man! Bruno was such a filthy talking panty melter, and he was smoking HOT.

I adored Gaby and Bruno's characters. Gaby was completely gunshy about relationships after getting devastated so badly by her ex fiancée. Bruno knew what he wanted the first time he laid eyes on Gaby, but he was patient and willing to wait for her to come around. When these two finally got together they were freaking combustible. This story had some of the hottest sex scenes I have ever read before.

This story had it all: a smokin' hot Hero, a sweetheart heroine, angst from screwed up past relationships, phenomenal sex, a bit of drama , and a fabulous HEA. I loved it all!
Profile Image for Debbie "Buried in Her TBR Pile".
1,902 reviews298 followers
February 5, 2019
3 - 3.5 stars

One would think with the book description that this would be an angst and drama - fest. There is some drama and little angst though. So, the characters handled most situations with some maturity. I liked this one - so why not a higher rating? It took me a little while to read - to be fair, I was interrupted by a really good book and couldn't put it down. And, in comparison, this one suffered a bit.

The H is really very sweet. He grew from his past. Yes, he should've said something - it just tempts fate not to. The h has some immature moments - but having your first love, your first everything just leave before your wedding, not say anything, and find out from a reporter that you've been dumped can do that to a girl. After 6 years, she does let the H in and, even though his little drama interferes, they do overcome all for a HEA.
Profile Image for Lu Bielefeld .
4,304 reviews639 followers
April 9, 2019
3 ⭐⭐⭐ - OK decent reads.
======================
I still when I realize he called her by her name. He knows her.

With a pale face she looks back at Bruno. The room goes deathly quiet, and I stand there, waiting with bated breath for whatever is about to happen next. “Well, isn’t that a nice way to speak to your wife and the mother of your child?”

Bruno leaves soon after closing, waving to everyone as he goes before meeting my eyes and giving me a slow nod, and walking out the door to be met by the woman in red.

It took me a long time to get over the embarrassment of effectively being jilted at the altar, and also to focus on a future quite different from the one I’d anticipated.

“Life isn’t just smooth sailing and pretty sunsets, Gabs. There will always be rough seas and detours along the way. “

“This is the man who left Gaby two days before her wedding six years ago. The man who lied to her for months and hid a drug problem, fucking up his career, his life, and Gaby’s life right along with it,” Kenzie explains, matter-of-factly.

“Gaby, this is me telling you I wanna be the last man you’ll ever want and need. This is me telling the world that I love you and want my ring on your finger and yours on mine.”

I register an unrecognizable female voice behind me. “I’m looking for Bruno Duncan.”

“Well, isn’t that a nice way to speak to your wife and the mother of your child?”

This . . . this is why I never hope for forever. With anyone.

“Why would he do that to me?” I ask, my eyes blurring as the tears start to fall. I bury my face in my brother’s chest.

Bruno has a wife—a wife and a kid. What kind of man hides that? What kind of man lies about that?

And tonight just proved why it’s not in my destiny. I should never have hoped for anything. Not now. Not ever again.”

“Logically, I know that. But why would he keep something this big a secret? We all have pasts. You don’t get to our age without having one, be it good or bad. But you don’t keep secrets when you get down on bended knee and say you want to be with someone forever.”
Profile Image for Shayna.
1,812 reviews615 followers
June 30, 2018
“I don’t care how long it takes or how hard I have to work for it. Anything in life worth having is worth fighting tooth and nail for, and when it comes to you, I find myself willing to wage the war.”

BJ Harvey is quickly becoming the queen of angsty-goodness romance with her Chances Series. She has be craving MORE and MORE with every turn of the page! I knew Bruno was going to be a favorite of mine, but what I didn’t know is that he was going to end up being my ALL TIME FAVORITE HERO of Ms. Harvey’s. He was gruff, but tender. He was gorgeous, but not too cocky. But what I loved most about him was the depth of connection that he discovered with our heroine, Gaby. These two were so smokin’ hot with both their banter and their chemistry. I loved every single second!

I love it when I come across a love story where I relate SO MUCH with the heroine. It just makes the story that much more, ya know? I was rooting for these two from the very beginning and even though Ms. Harvey takes us on one sexy, emotional, and angsty ride, I wouldn’t have gotten off it for anything. I was captivated from the start, and once I cracked open the very first page, I knew, there was no going back! I absolutely LOVED One Shot, book one in the series, but this book, SECOND CHANCE, took me to a whole other level. I can’t wait to see what she brings us next!

ARC Tag
Profile Image for Jo - •.★Reading Is My Bliss★.•.
2,430 reviews239 followers
June 28, 2018
4.5 stars

Gaby is a non-commitment sort of girl. She never used to be but after being very badly burned by the guy she thought she had a future with she has spent the past six years project managing the carefully constructed walls around her heart.

When one of the guys she works with shows more than a passing interest in her she initially brushes it off but then her sole focus seems to fixate on him and what it would feel like to be beneath Bruno, just for one night. You know, scratch the itch and chalk it up as mutual satisfaction for both of them. However, Gabby completely underestimates this ‘idea’ of being with Bruno.

Bruno is an ‘all in’ sort of guy. Once he has his sights set on someone he really likes, he gives them everything he has. He is sexy, intense and very in tune with how to pleasure a woman. He has had his eye on Gaby since the moment he first met her but he has been waiting for her to catch up. He is willing to wait for her though.

Gaby definitely wants to do naughty things with Bruno but the fear of complicating things and making him think there could be more holds her back. Until the aching desire building inside her decides to make the decision for her. Off to the bedroom they go…

‘He lays there looking like sex and bad decisions, my body having a mind – hell, a life force – of it’s own where he’s concerned.’

Bruno is fully aware of Gaby’s defence mechanism of making smart ass comments to protect herself from revealing anything that resembles a ‘feeling.’ He can read her like a book though and just knows there is something there between and he is in it for the long haul.

When Gaby’s past comes charging back into town and things with Bruno take an unexpected turn she is forced to put on her big girl panties. Should she really let things that happened in the past affect the way things could be in the future? Maybe it’s time to give love a second chance?

I have loved every book written by BJ Harvey and my favourite reads from her are the fantastic chick lit she has managed to master with her unique writing style. Actually that is not completely true, chick lit isn’t completely accurate. She writes book with fantastic women in them who I would love to call my own friends, with their fun banter which often has me laughing out loud. To balance that off she brings in great male characters to pair off with these lovely ladies. Second Chance was a very hot and addictive read that I inhaled in one sitting.
Profile Image for Kelly.
1,216 reviews15 followers
June 23, 2018
Second Chance can be read as a standalone, however we are first introduced to Gaby and Bruno in One Shot, the first book in this series. As with Second Chance, One Shot is an angsty, well written story, definitely worth having a look if you've read and enjoyed this book, but not read One Shot yet.

Gaby and Bruno (*sighs* I love Bruno ) are immediately physically attracted to each other upon meeting, with Bruno being the bouncer at the bar where Gaby works. Unfortunately for Bruno, working together puts him into Gaby's No-Go Zone. Bruno - he's a smart man, he has Gaby all worked out and he is in it for the long haul. He manages to do what no other man has done for a long time, which is to get Gaby's attention and keep it. Poor Gaby - I felt so bad for her when she was blindsided by Bruno's past unexpectedly showing up, I couldn't wait to get to the part of the story that we were teased with in the prologue, I was dying to know what happened next!!

I loved seeing more of Kenzie and Millen, and also reading the Prologue for Drew's story, the next book in the series. Oh man - Drew has messed up so bad, I can;t wait to read his story and see how he manages to fix that giant mess.
Profile Image for Donna ~ The Romance Cover.
2,907 reviews323 followers
June 28, 2018
Second Chance (Chances #2) by BJ Harvey
5 stars!!!

“If we’re going inside, it’s to do one thing and one thing only. There’ll be no talking, no dating, and definitely no sleeping.”


Being someone that has read all of BJ Harvey’s books (and she has written a lot) I was itching to read this one. The more I read the more I loved, the more I loved, the more excited I got and that excitement never waned throughout and by the end I just sat back and thought to myself ‘damn, BJ Harvey, you nailed it.’ So…drum roll please…it is for the first time ever that I have handed this author a five-star rating, she has been so damn close, so many times, but this time she earned every single one of them and I couldn’t be happier. This book had EVERYTHING for me. The angst was addictive, the chemistry was seriously OFF THE CHARTS, the sex…well INFERNO and damn, she made the name Bruno sexy as fuck.

“I’ve been waiting for you to chase me, Gabs. What we shared meant something then and it’ll still mean something the day you finally give in to me.”


We were first introduced to Bruno and Gaby in One Shot, the first book in this series, but you can read this book as a standalone. However, if you have not read One Shot and are planning too, then I suggest you read it first as there are spoilers for One Shot in Second Chance.

Honestly, I could wax lyrical about this book, I loved it THAT much. The characters were perfectly flawed, the writing was exceptional, the plot addictive from start to finish and the execution was perfect. The prologue…OMG, that freakin prologue was KILLER and sets the scene perfectly, but is all as it seems?

“I know you, Gaby. I’ve watched you five nights a week for the past six months. I know you, even if I haven’t let you know me.”


Both Gaby and Bruno have been burned in the past, all in the name of love, and both have been left with their emotional scars. Both closed off, with walls like a fortress, their hearts are definitely impenetrable, but neither betted on falling for the other.

Gaby was one of my favourite heroines, she was hilarious, feisty and head-strong, yet underneath her sass and snark was a woman who had been hurt and hurt badly. Jaded is an understatement and her belief in herself had been incredibly dented. Her demeanour was her armour, when underneath was a woman still hurting, but there was a heart there wanting nothing more than to be loved, she just didn’t want to admit it.

“Of the two small glimpses of a different side to him he’s given me, I’m wondering if they were just snapshots with a limited lifespan rather than a sneak peek of what I was missing out on.”


Bruno, OMG, Bruno will have many a panty melting. Our quiet, intimidating bouncer who is the biggest enigma of them all had the patience of a saint. Bruno played the long game and played it incredibly well. The title says it all really, this was a second chance for both of them, at life and love and he wasn’t going to let Gaby get away.

“I’m going to kiss you, Gabs, and I need to know you get me when I say it’s going to mean something this time. It’s not gonna just be the touching of lips or just a physical act. It’s gonna be more than either of us have ever had before. So if you’re not ready for what kissing me again will mean, you’ve gotta say something now because in a few seconds, I’ll make the decision for both of us. Then I’ll probably make a few more decisions both of us will like a hell of a lot.”


This book will have you on the edge of your seat, the angst was so well played, perfectly timed and flowed naturally. No angst for angst sake. This felt like a real account of two people that saw the world in black in white…until they met, and then it all turned to murky masses of grey. BJ Harvey expertly brings them back to a life of technicolour even if the road to it was fraught along the way. But no two people ever deserved happiness like them and it was a killer to read waiting to find out if they found it. This is my favourite book by this author, everything just clicked, it worked and it all came together effortlessly. This will be a book I read time and time again and I cannot wait for the third book in this series, BJ Harvey queued it up brilliantly.

www.theromancecover.com
Profile Image for ✰  BJ's Book Blog ✰Janeane ✰.
3,031 reviews12 followers
June 19, 2018
ARC received for an honest review

This is the second book in the Chances series, however it can be read as a stand alone.

Now, if you have read my reviews, you know I had my issues with the first book, One Shot.Nothing to do with the writing, but to do with the leading man - to this day I still can't stand the guy! This seems to just be me though, as everyone else loved him.

However there are no such issues in Second Chance.

Bruno and Gaby's story I devoured in one sitting. I am a sucker for a second chance story, and this one had it all.

We are thrown into a world of hurt right at the beginning of the story and we watch as our lovelies struggle their way to a HEA - or do they?

I freaking adore Gaby. She is strong and feisty and full of sass and snark - I think she and I would be great friends.

Bruno is all kinds of amazing. Never wavering in what he wants. And he is now a favourite BJ Harvey man of mine.

Second chances of any kind can be a difficult road to take, and when it comes to matters of the heart, even harder. Gaby and Bruno tackle all these challenges head on, and act like the adults they are - none of this stupid whiney complaining and childish behaviour here thank goodness!

Beautiful, sexy, frustrating - Second Chance had me anxiously turning each page to find out what happens next.

Can't wait to see what Ms Harvey brings us next.

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Profile Image for Nerdy Dirty & Flirty.
3,985 reviews362 followers
July 16, 2018
description
BJ Harvey delivers an angsty, sweet, and crazy hot story! You can really feel the pull between Gaby and Bruno. Their connection is undeniable. I loved the excitement of a new relationship and the tension of the slow burn. This is definitely a fast paced and engaging story. Personally, I struggled with the way some aspects played out but I know that fans of angst and drama will absolutely love this one!

After reading this book, I wish I had read the first book prior. It really would have helped to better understand the dynamics since the time tables clearly overlap. That being said, it didn’t take away from my enjoyment of the story in any way. All that means is that I get the opportunity to spend some more time with these character by going back and reading it!!
Profile Image for Brianna bribookish.
1,848 reviews363 followers
June 23, 2018
I could not stop reading this! I have been so excited to read this book since I finished One Shot late last year. From the prologue I wasn't the biggest fan of Bruno - it took a long time to put things together and see that he really was a good guy. I was very hesitant with him... Gaby was amazing. She's been through a lot over the years so of course she's nervous about another relationship - I definitely would be too!
I loved Gaby and Bruno's chemistry - they are definitely cute! I think from the prologue, my mind just kept assuming the worst of Bruno and it kind of ruined it for me. I was waiting for the truth about him to come out and was getting frustrated with him.
Overall I really enjoyed this book! I'm excited to read the 3rd book when it releases!
Profile Image for Danny Lea.
772 reviews12 followers
January 10, 2025
A bit of a let down. Not very angsty and I didn't like the FMC all that much. Both h and H are sore over past relationships. They work their way towards their HEA. Very safe. No cheating
Profile Image for Cocky Reader.
465 reviews11 followers
July 25, 2018


Five cautious and addictive stars! This book takes the Second Chance Romance to a new level!



Oh holy heaven! B.J. Harvey has ruined me with this magisterial masterpiece! Second Chance is the second installment in the Chances Series. In my opinion this book is the hottest and most tempting book in the series. It has the right amount of sinful passion and forbidden temptation. All wrapped in a sizzling cover. This book is the kind of book that makes you believe in second chances (personally I'm not a fan of them) but if life gives you good books to read, you must devour them like the good book addict you are. Amen!

Sometimes all it takes to fall in love with a book is a well developed plot and wonderful characters. This book exceeds all expectations I had. The plot is refreshingly different and original. It has the right quantity of drama and the passion, lust and love is overwhelming! Everything screams perfection.

BJ Harvey has done an excellent work! She never disappoints her readers. She penned an all-consuming story that makes you want more and more. It hooks you from the beginning and at the end you will lose a piece of yourself because Gabrielle and Bruno's story is ardent, hot, forbidden and deeply strong. It is about second chances, friendship, trust, forgiveness and redemption. In the past both were battered by love however their souls mended in a fierce way without knowing it.

Trust and love are always complex. There is not love without trust and there is not trust without love. Both are earned one time and once you lost them you can't recover them. It takes time. Life is never easy and love is a tricky feeling that twists your insides in a powerful way.

Gabrielle and Bruno's journey is a discovery of trust, love and absolution. Gabrielle is an independent strong woman who knows what she wants. She doesn't trust easily and her soul and body betrayed her once and it lead her to a heartbroken. After that she built a wall to protect herself but Bruno will make her weak and strong at the same time. To trust or not to trust, that's her question when Bruno is near to destroy every wall that guards her heart. Bruno tempts her. He is overwhelming and sexy AF and she can't think straight when he is near. He clouded her mind with his possessive attitude. Will she fall into the temptation for a second chance? Will she be able to share her body and not her heart? He may hurt her, he may break her, but he could also be the key to a future she denied to herself all those years ago.



The chemistry between Gabrielle and Bruno is hot and reckless and totally addictive. Bruno is and addition, he is the kind of man that consumes you and makes you grow desperate to get another hit of him. He also has a broken heart but Gabrielle calm him and makes him desperate. Both are the perfect match. At first it was lust and attraction but later it will turn into something more deeply and powerful that will burn their insides.

Second Chance is definitely my favourite flavour of the month. I highly recommend you to read it. It is a must read for those readers who loves raw romance and strong and complex characters. BJ Harvey's writing is sizzling forbidden and brilliantly addictive. Once you start reading her book you won't be able to stop. She is a talented lady that knows how to play with her readers in a marvellous ways. Her male characters are always hot AF and her heroines are strong independent women. Insanely perfect!

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Profile Image for Juli.
1,585 reviews24 followers
June 24, 2018
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book (given by the author)...

I absolutely loved Bruno and Gaby. I was so worried how the relationship between them would play out especially with Gaby’s needs for no-string attachments. However, Bruno didn’t let her get away with anything and he patiently, well almost, patiently waited for her to be ready. Without revealing anything juicy I will say I loved their connection and progression, both of them had been terribly hurt in the past and tried to move forward. Their steamy moments and workouts definitely helped Gaby open her mind to Bruno, I mean how could it not he was totally hot ;)

Bruno never gave up on Gaby and that made him totally swoon-worthy. Now Bruno wasn’t perfect and had his share of mistakes especially keeping his past a secret, that came crashing into his present during a very big moment. Unfortunately, with Bruno’s past coming into the picture, Gaby has to make some big decisions in order to keep them together or give themselves a clean break.

I felt so bad for Gaby she was trying to live her life and finally when she might be able to try something real with Bruno, her past heartbreak comes back into the picture.

I didn’t want this book to end! I would have loved to have seen more interactions with Oakley.

Now we also get a sneak peek into Third Strike, which focuses on the lovely Drew, you know the guy who basically keeps ruining his friendship with Millen.
I have to say it’s not looking good for poor Drew and can’t wait to see what happens next. The man just can’t seem to stop being a crappy friend to Millen.

In case you didn’t read One Shot, Drew kind of dated Kenzie while knowing who she was to Millen then knocking up Lana (the devil) which led to some serious stuff for Millen.

I need Third Strike ASAP :)
Profile Image for Vanessa.
43 reviews4 followers
May 30, 2023
Bait and switch love interest; stopped reading at 85%

In the book details, the author makes it seem as if this story is about a woman who gives her childhood sweetheart a second chance after finding out her new fiancé has a secret wife and child. Given this, I was very confused when this opening led to another 65% of the book backtracking into the history of the current relationship and eventually circling back to the opening proposal scene. The FMC recalls how her ex hurt her and the new interest had to win her over and vow not to do the same. I thought things were back on track when the ex suddenly starts popping up everywhere, but she quickly realizes she's outgrown him and loves her new man. Her new man has gone on a mysterious trip while she's been refusing to let him explain his secret wife and child, and the FMC's family and friends weirdly chastise her for not hearing him out and blame her history with her ex as why she assumes the worst. Welp, turns out the current partner has been separated from his wife for years because she stole from him and cheated with his brother, and he had no clue about the child. He had many opportunities to tell the FMC, but basically says he's not really in the wrong because he officially filed for divorce prior to proposing to the FMC, and gets away with a "sorry I didn't tell you, it was just kind of embarrassing and you're also not the easiest person to talk to with your trust issues ya know." And she eats it up.
Profile Image for BookSmackedMel.
916 reviews385 followers
June 30, 2018
This is my second read from BJ Harvey, after reading Book 1 in this series and loving Millen and Kenzie’s story I knew that I would be reading the next one.

Second Chance starts off with a punch to the gut in the Prologue. I’m immediately needing to know WTF just happened. It definitely grabs my attention. Following a similar formula to Book 1, we are then taken back in the past and seeing the events leading up to that angst ridden scene.

Taking us back to the story of he hero and heroines beginning and we see the flirtiness, the stolen glances and the buildup of a relationship. Unfortunately this is where I somewhat get lost as this relationship develops. The pace having slowed right down, I had a tough time connecting my mind a bit too focused on that one defining WTF moment in the beginning.

There is a point eventually in this book where I’m once again glued to the story. And I can feel my heart and emotions started to grab a hold of me wanting to see how things do end up.

Second Chance definitely has the shock factor down pat, it’s got some angst ridden moments and emotions ride high throughout various moments in this book.

A enjoyable read and BJ Harvey gives you the HEA that will have your heart smiling.
Profile Image for Domini.
475 reviews
June 23, 2018
Ahhhhhh Bruno, he’s the silent watch’em type of guy, he’s kind and thoughtful but oh so deliciously dirty hot!!!
Gaby is funny, feisty and honest and guarded with good reason. These two together are perfect but it takes them some time to figure it out.
Second Chance is the 2nd book in this series but most of it runs parallel to One Shot. Bruno knows what he’s wants and it’s Gaby, Gaby is a little slow on the uptake but reading this book and watching these two evolve is awesome. There wasn’t as much intense angst as there was in One Shot but Second Chance does have its fair share of angst and ups and downs. I loved how once these two figured their relationship out they didn’t give up when the going got tough they needed time but didn’t give up.
It was awesome to see Kenzie be the rock for Gaby and to get to know Gaby’s family more who were bloody hilarious. Secondary characters can really make for a great read and BJ Harvey is good at including them in the story at the right times.
I cannot wait for Third Strike, the 3rd book in the series, there is a little snippet at the end and it had me on the edge of my seat.
Profile Image for Payne’s Bookworm Reviews (Samantha Payne).
596 reviews16 followers
June 29, 2018
ARC REVIEWER

‘Second Chance’ is book two in BJ Harvey’s Chances Series. This book can be read as a stand-alone, although we did originally meet Gaby and Bruno in ‘One Shot’ book one.

Second chances are no easy road to travel especially when it comes to matters of the heart. But when it’s the right one you will do whatever it takes to make sure you don’t miss out. Both Bruno and Gaby have been hurt in previous relationships, but seeing them grow together in this book is something to see. Bruno (oh Bruno!!!) he is my new favourite BJ Harvey male character.

‘Second Chance’ had me anxiously turning each page to find out what happens next.

I thought is was great to see Kenzie and Millen come back into this story. Secondary characters are always great to have appearances in books as we get to see more into their lives, which Ms Harvey is fantastic at doing.

After reading the Prologue for ‘Third Strike’ which is going to be book three and Drew’s story, I am super excited to see how Drew fixes the big mistake he has made.

Thanks again BJ Harvey for another fantastic book. PLEASE don’t ever stop putting words to paper as your books are such an enjoyment to read.
Profile Image for Meegz Reads.
1,532 reviews128 followers
December 10, 2019
*4 Stars*

I don't know what it is about the hero's in this series, but they don't always sit well with me. I really disliked Millen in book one, and I'm just not sure how I feel about Bruno.

After the whammy of a prologue, reeling things back and building up to the ultimate point again, frustrates me. The story was good, and there was plenty of getting to know the characters, but the lack of communication at times bothered the hell out of me. That said though, it's kind of one of the biggest things that the storyline deliberately deals with, so it's really just me and my own moods for reading that make me feel that way. I did like that both main characters had a lot of heart.

As always, BJ's writing is on point, and there are plenty of things we want to find out. In the end, I think everything wrapped up and was resolved nicely, and also sets up a tiny bit of an idea for the third book in the series.

Looking forward to seeing what that one holds.

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Profile Image for Tee loves Kyle Jacobson.
2,532 reviews179 followers
January 11, 2019
I am really loving this series because with each book it gets better and better for these couples. B.J. makes it so real that you feel like you are right there with each character feeling each emotion. I really loved the chemistry between Bruno and Gaby. The chemistry was so strong it jumped off of the pages at you while you are reading.

Gaby and Bruno's story is so amazing. You have two people who have been hurt in previous relationships but they are not bitter. They both have an open mind when it comes to being together. They go very slow which is what I loved because they have both been hurt and want to protect their hearts.

Your waiting for the ball to drop with these two because you know that their pasts are coming back and they are going to have to deal with it. So when it does come I was very proud of Bruno and Gaby as to how they handled the situation. They were both strong and firm in what they wanted and how they wanted to move on from what they had in the past to move on to the future.
Profile Image for Tanya.
854 reviews1 follower
June 18, 2018
Ok seriously after reading Kenzi and Millen book I wasn't sure how I was gonna like book 2. We met Gaby in book one and knew this would be her book but I didn't realize how much more I would love her after this book.

Both Gaby and Bruno were hurt in previously relationships. Hurt doesn't even begin to describe what was done to them before. To see Bruno willing and waiting to take a chance on Gaby and her realizing too late that she could only take a chance on Bruno. Unfortunately the past can't seem to stay there and when she finally begins to believe she can have it all, Gaby is thrown for a loop by not only her past but Brunos' too.

Can she learn to trust Bruno and give him another chance? Only honesty can give Gaby back to Bruno and for that he will need to talk about what he never wanted to share.
2,101 reviews24 followers
January 8, 2020
Very Disappointing.

I started Book 2 in the Chances series with a lot of anticipation and I was looking forward to getting into this one but the more I got into it the more I switched off from the plot and the FC.

No chemistry, plenty of angst, the sex was sex and the saving grace for me was Bruno the MC.

Gaby and Bruno have been burned by their previous partners and left to move on from the fall out of being treated pretty badly by the people they loved.

I wan't a fan of Gaby and I think that was my major issue with the story. Maybe she was wrapped in too much emotional armour and walls and I couldn't break through her character.

The title of the story pretty much sums up what this is about and how Gaby and Bruno have a second change of love and life.

Overall pretty predictable but if this is your trope then this will probably appeal to you.

off to read book 3
Profile Image for Kylee.
3,002 reviews56 followers
June 18, 2018
This is the second book in the Chances series but can easily be read as a stand-alone. Second Chances is all about exactly that with Bruno and Gaby. Two people who were broken in the worst possible way by the people who were supposed to be their everything. As these two find each other it will be their pasts that will hold them back from completely moving forward. Their story will have you on the edge of your seat as drama, chaos and secrets are revealed. You will find yourself anxious and frustrated at times but this emotional ride will be worth the destination. Their connection will be the definition of hot and steamy as it warms you from your head to your toes. These two will get under your skin and you will find them stealing a little piece of your heart.
Profile Image for Elena.
220 reviews2 followers
June 30, 2018
I absolutely devoured this one! I have to point out that the prologue is brilliant! Jaw dropping with a lovely twist that makes you turn page after page, desperate to find out what lead to that situation.

Gabby has been burnt in the past and over the years carefully built walls around her heart to never find herself being hurt again. But when Bruno makes up his mind that she's different, special and worth to fight for, the game is on!! Amazing banter and flirt and hot scorching scenes. Bruno is the most patient and stubborn person (in a good way) I met from BJ's heroes. As Gabby easily stated it: no woman shouldn't or wouldn't let him go. Swoon worthy!!

Second chance is fast paced, dramatic, sweet and sassy!!! 5 lemonades from me!!
Profile Image for Michell Hall casper.
924 reviews12 followers
June 28, 2018
I am loving this series!!!! Bruno will capture your heart.

Harvey knows how to deliver just the right amount of everything in her books. Where do I even begin? This book was fun and flirty with just the right amount of angst. It was fun to watch Bruno and Gaby's relationship grow. The chemistry was off the charts. Gaby was sassy and strong. And Bruno was sweet, funny, flirty and sexy with a dirty mouth. :) But underneath it all they both had vulnerable sides they tried to hide. Harvey had my attention from the beginning to the very end. I love the dynamics between all of her characters. They come to life as you are reading. This is definitely a MUST read!!!!
Profile Image for Natalie Miernicki.
768 reviews3 followers
June 23, 2018
What a fabulous story, the title says it all... a second chance at life and love! If you’ve read One Shot you would have met Bruno & Gaby.. this is their story and what a story it is! Gaby has sworn off love & marriage but Bruno likes what he sees and will wait for Gabs to realise they’re made for each other! This story is not your conventional love story though, as you’ve come to expect from BJ Harvey this story as well is filled with angst.. but it will keep you entertained and it will keep you reading right up to the last sentence to see how this great story plays out!!
Profile Image for Stacey (sassysreadingnook).
641 reviews77 followers
June 28, 2018
I just adore BJ Harvey and her ability to write such amazing stories. Second Chance was another wonderful story with feisty characters I couldn't get enough of. I just love me some second chance books and this one had me from the very first page. Even though this is the second book in the Chances series it can be read as a standalone.

Angst, secrets, romance and loads of drama, definitely a story that will keep you guessing and unable to put the book down.
Profile Image for Reading with 2 book lovers Sarah P -.
3,886 reviews47 followers
June 29, 2018
this second chance love story by Ms harvey is q great read.
I loved gabby and Bruno so much, they both have been hurt in past relationships and now have to deal with theres and there pasts.
this was a great story.
Profile Image for Taryn.
374 reviews5 followers
May 11, 2021
I'm in such a book slump right nowwww. bleh.

I initially marked this as a 2-star, but I think I'm just in a bitchy mood, so I'm going to change it to a 3/3.5... I enjoyed the first 70+ percent of this book. It's a pretty mindless read, and the sexy times were decent, so it was pretty decent up until the conflict. I'm sorry, but I feel like Bruno really fucked up by not mentioning his past to Gabs. She told him all of her past drama, and he failed to mention the quite LARGE issue lurking in his past??? mmmmmmmmmmm, not okay!
But you know what, I lervvvvvv drama and angst, and I live for the H to fuck-up so it can lead to some YUMMMYYY groveling. I want the grovellllllll....
Did I get the grovel??? Did it take him MONTHS to win Gabs back after he:
A. withheld pertinent information
B. ignored her for several weeks
C. WITHHELD PERTINENT INFORMATION



no. no it did not. He told her his sob story, and she was like "poor baby!!! oh let me hold you and reassure you that everything is fine!"
I just can't deal with it. I think a couple of years ago I would have really liked this book. But now my likes have changed, and I'm a crotchety bitch who wants men to SUFFER for their mishaps. SUFFER I TELL YOU!!!




Anyways. This is just my opinion, AND like I stated before, I'm in a stressed-out bitchy mood so that could be adding to my book slump... who knows? But for now, I will say this was not one of my favorites. As a matter of fact, I stopped reading after she forgave him in a flash, but since it was like the 86% mark, I'm not considering this a DNF.
okay, done with my rant. Let's see if I can find a book that I actually enjoy now!
On to the next!

*okay, I'm trying to add gifs for the first time here, and it's super complicated, so forgive me if it doesn't work, and it's just a bunch of jarble up there!!
Profile Image for Cassandra.
797 reviews
December 7, 2024
After reading this, the second book in this series, I now see a pattern in this author's writing that I do not enjoy. Why would you take the chapter where the big surprise reveal happens, and then make that the prologue? That ruins any shock value that the revelation may have had, and now that's pretty much all I can think of as a reader. Then, when we finally get there, I have to read the entire chapter again, but now it doesn't really hit as hard because I already know what happens.

Editing-wise, I didn't really come across any major issues. I did see a couple wrong pronouns used, but it was easy to skip over.

This book came across as bland to me. There wasn't much going on to begin with, and when you preempt the big dramatic moment as the prologue, there isn't much to look forward to, either. In the first book of the series, I did have some moment with the ugly crying, but I just didn't get that here. I couldn't really get into it all that much.

I am going to just skip the last book in this series, at this point (or maybe just read the prologue to get most of the action up front). I was not a big fan of Drew in the first book, and I just don't want to deal with him in his own book. Plus, I just don't want to get bored with a book again.
I was hoping for more with this book, but it just didn't come.

I would not recommend this book to others (or if I do, I will 100% tell them NOT to read the prologue) and I will not read it again.
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