When Noemi Huxley was forced to choose between love and duty…she chose duty. Three years later, the last thing she expects when she accepts the invite to attend the Thalanian royal wedding is to come face to face with her ex—or to find out he’s assigned as her security detail for the event.
Isaac Kozlov let the love of his life get away once before, and he’ll be damned before he does it a second time. He’s got three days to bring Noemi around to his way of thinking, and Isaac’s pulling out all the stops to make it happen. He’ll play dirty to convince Noemi that happily ever after doesn’t just belong in fairy tales.
Katee Robert is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of spicy romance. Entertainment Weekly calls her writing “unspeakably hot.” Her books have sold over two million copies. She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, children, a cat who thinks he’s a dog, and two Great Danes who think they’re lap dogs.
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Since this is a second chance romance, their history is already established. This helped it to feel like a full book even though it’s so short, and it didn’t end with me feeling like I needed more.
I really enjoyed seeing these two find their way back together. You really felt how both of them just couldn’t move on and that made their love believable. Loved the ending!
Their Second Chance was a pretty good story for a quick read or listen. Maybe a little too quick since Noemi and Isaac had some pretty big obstacles to overcome yet not enough page time to show any kind of details on how they were going to overcome them, other than that they'll live Happily Ever After. Also the male narrator was absolutely not a favorite of mine and he kind of disconnected me from the story at times. Not that I'm going to complain too much about a free audio-story. So it's on to the next one for me.
I was actually really getting into this story just about the time it ended. I did like the way the heroine finally did what needed to be done, but I would’ve liked more to their story. That’s one of the reasons I struggle with novellas...never enough info time to feel like the couple is really a couple. While this hero and heroine had once meant something to each other, and that definitely helps to flush out their relationship, this one was still too short to do more than have a quicky and a bit of introspection before it was over. I still enjoyed it, that’s why I wanted more.
Listened on Read Me Romance podcast - Dual POV Safe Triggers
You can listen to this audiobook for free via the Read Me Romance Podcast or purchase the ebook from Amazon. Some of the ebooks will have extra content like an extended epilogue but I'm not sure if that's the case with this one since I've only listened to the audio version.
The only reason I actually subscribed to the Read Me Romance podcast is that I'm a big fan of Katee Robert's writing and I wanted to listen to Their Second Chance. To be honest the podcast audiobooks have been pretty hit and miss for me so I'm not sure if I'll listen to any of the others after this one but I'm glad I at least made it this far.
Noemi and Isaac were both likeable side characters in the Thalanian Dynasty trilogy so I was really pleased when I found out they were going to get their own story. It was obvious that they had chemistry but we never really saw much of their relationship in the earlier books so it was interesting to find out more about them in this story. Noemi has always put her family first so it wasn't a surprise to find out that she felt she couldn't marry a bodyguard but I'm glad she chose to ignore tradition and fight for what she really wanted in the end.
While I enjoyed Their Second Chance I have to admit I was left a little disappointed. I think these two deserved a longer story and it would have been so much more enjoyable if we'd been able to spend more time with them. We still saw very little of their past relationship, they've not been talking for 2 years and yet within hours of jumping back in bed together they're both talking marriage and happily ever afters. It didn't feel believable to me that things would move so quickly and sadly that ruined the story. As a free audiobook I suppose I can't complain too much but I definitely have no interest in reading this story again.
Nothing beats the kind of reunion that Noemi and Isaac had.
This is actually the first book I’ve read (and listened to) by Katee Robert, and I just loved the way she writes. To me, the story in Their Second Chance didn’t feel forced or rushed, nor was it the kind of insta-love we usually get from a novella.
Instead, listening to this audiobook was like being given an extended excerpt of the climax to Noemi and Isaac’s bigger story. Yes, their history was already established right off the bat and we only get mere glimpses of it here, but it still felt whole to me. I didn’t feel lost, and I really appreciate that especially when it comes to novellas. Now it got me curious about the entire series.
It was a awesome and hot one, I would have no doubt loved it if not for the several times reminder of how many others they (and specially the H) used during the separation trying to purge the other from their mind. I specially didn’t like that H (whom I would have adored if not for this, I’m sure, because hello, PMB!) forces us and the h to deal with it in the big no no time for me - during sex with her. Yes, he’s been celibate for one year now after the sexathon and she wasn’t celibate either, but I wish it wasn’t slapped in our faces constantly in such a short little ‘read’ and at the time it was. Other than that it was great and seriously freaking HOT!
♥ ♥ ♥
I listened to the professionally narrated audiobook on the Read Me Romance Podcast for FREE!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
SUPER FAST REVIEW: So this story was an interesting idea for a plot but paints itself into a corner. Without going into details, it seemed like it couldn’t figure out if it wanted to be porn or a soap opera. I was kinda bored by the end of it though I suppose it wasn’t terrible. Interesting characters and very unexpected ending.
2/5
PS- This is book 3.5 in a series? What’s going on with this book in the middle of a series being the free one? I think I mostly understood this book but if I had known I would have started with book 1 and skipped ahead to the next book in the Read Me Romance podcast.
I couldn't quite fully appreciate this novella. I needed more context to understand the complexity of this second chance romance, to have an idea of Noemi and Isaac's history, therefore their connection, to know what situation they faced.
Personally, I didn't need constant reminders that the hero and heroine slept with other people. Otherwise, Their Second Chance is cute and sweet with an admirable ending!
I loved Noemi in the previous books and I was really intrigued by Isaac so I was glad they were getting their own story. However, this novella was so short and I desperately wanted more of their story. Instead, THEIR SECOND CHANCE is more of a moment in time where Noemi and Isaac realize they still love each other and they're ready to put themselves first over duty. Their chemistry was steamy and the pain of their emotions was heartbreaking but also uplifting as they admitted what they really wanted. I would have loved to get some more backstory on the characters, especially their relationship; we still don't really even know how they met and how they became a couple to begin with.
Overall, it was nice to visit Thalania again, especially seeing Theo, Galen, and Meg. I liked Noemi and Isaac but I wish this was a fuller story.
I think it's in the reader/listener's best interest to have started at the beginning. I have the other books on my TBR but saw this in Read Me Romance. I will probably go back and revisit it once I've finished the other books. However, even as a standalone Their Second Chance is a fun read. Passion, intense feelings, and broken hearts make for an awkward reunion especially in their circumstances.
I don’t know if this is considered a standalone, but I would 100% recommend reading the other books in this series prior to reading this or it will make absolutely no sense.
I’m almost scared my review will be longer than the novella itself.
At such a short length, there’s really no time to establish any significant plot or, well, anything. I actually would have preferred that this novella was included within the previous three books. At its current length, it would have made sense to just roll it all into the last book, especially because the history between Noemi and Isaac was explored almost as much there as here.
I’m kind of disappointed, because I was looking forward to their story. They had some fairly significant hurdles to overcome, but it was kind of brushed under the rug for the novella.
And the synopsis? Definitely wrong. It makes it sound as though Isaac plans on winning Noemi back during her visit, when he couldn’t be more irritated that he’s her security detail. Noemi is the one who ends up trying to convince Isaac that they can have a happily ever after – and because this novel takes place over about an hour, there’s not a whole lot of that either.
Which was depressing, because the hero pulling out all the stops to convince the heroine that they could work is one of my favorite tropes.
I enjoyed reading this for all of the thirty minutes it took to finish, but if you weren’t interested in this couple at all during the series, then this is something to skip. And if you did really like the couple? At least you get to read a sex scene between them I guess.
As much as I enjoyed this little side novella, it definitely wasn’t as good as the other books within this series. Their backstory was mentioned a few times throughout the Twisted Hearts series, but not enough to actually feel the full effect of them coming together in the way they did. I just wish I had a better look into their POV’s from the years before and then this novella as apposed to how it was. Nonetheless, I did enjoy this book and think it’s a cute addition to the series.
2.5 Stars! Katee Robert has been on my TBR for a while now, but Their Second Chance is actually my first read of hers.
Summary: It’s been three years since Noemi Huxley has been to the palace, and she only finds herself there now for a royal wedding. The memories she carries of her time spent there are bittersweet. Sweet because she was often in the company of the love of her life. Bitter because she let him go in the name of duty. A decision she regrets more every day. A decision that comes to the forefront once again when she comes face to face with her ex. Isaac Kozlov is just as overwhelming and dangerous to Noemi’s heart as he used to be. And he’s not playing fair. The spark is still there and there’s no avoiding it. Noemi sacrificed happiness and personal love for her family once before. Can she do it again after experiencing all she could have with Isaac one more time?
************************* I couldn’t quite get into this story. Not fully anyway. I don’t think it was the writing or plot, but more that I felt lost through most of the story. I liked both of the main characters okay. Noemi was a smart, successful, confident woman, and I was happy to see her in such a prominent role. Isaac was obviously strong, loyal, and equally confident. I don’t watch GoT, so I pictured The Rock in my head. Lol. I thought they had chemistry as a couple, and definitely put off some heat during their intimate scenes. That said, I wasn’t completely sure of the situation that broke them up and kept them apart. Considering this is a second chance romance, I needed more of their history to understand what they were facing. I did love the ending and the uniqueness of the heroine righting the mistake she made. Overall, it was just okay for me. There was a disconnect with the story that I couldn’t overcome. While this could very well be classed as a standalone, I do believe reading the previous books in the series would have been better. I like Katee Robert’s writing, so I will be looking at other books by her outside this series (MMF isn’t my cuppa). ♡
To-date, and I am listening to this podcast in order, Their Second Chance by Katee Robert is my top favorite so far. This is literally one quick story, but is sure packs a punch.
Noemi Huxley and Isaac Kozlov shared a strong connection and love, but because of her duties, they knew it could not last forever, right? Three years ago she walked away from the man who owned her heart and body for duty and nearly broke them both. Now she is back and determined to stay away from Isaac. But palace security has different plans and assigns Isaac ad Noemi's body guard for the few days she is to be in residence.
Before we know it dresses are torn, and the heat is turned all the way up. But is this their final goodbye or will they realize what they are truly giving up? I absolutely loved this story and the characters and their steaminess so much! This is a must listen/read! I loved it!
I am so grateful for the Read Me Romance podcast this week! Katee Robert is a new to me author, but this book read like a classic. It flowed effortlessly and was the perfect balance of steamy and tender. While you had your scorching sexy-times, it was well mixed with conversation, professions of love, and self-realization.
Noemi was a strong woman and Isaac was the perfect bit of brash to bring her down. I loved the ending, and I was swooning up a storm. It was a super quick read but there was enough depth that you felt like you knew these characters for far longer than the five chapter audio-book. There was enough tension and drama to carry the story, but not enough to the point where everything was drowned out or I was left feeling unsatisfied. On the contrary, I definitely plan on checking out more of Katee Robert’s books.
I won't go into summarizing the story, many have already done so within their reviews. I didn't really connect with the characters, but I think that's because I haven't read the previous books. Also, the ending happened at a blazing speed. I have the first 2 books and will get the third...maybe then I'll like Their Second Chance more. I'll give this book another chance later down the road.
I loved this one. Yes, the fact that they were with others during their two year separation wasn’t something I loved hearing. Because I wasn’t yet invested in them as a couple yet, it didn’t bother me as much. Overall, I love second chance stories. For this one to be so short, I rooted for them. My only complaint is I wish it could have been longer, but novellas are short by nature. I will be reading more from this author. The narrators were great!
I got behind on this novella but it wasn’t from a lack of interest. Life just got crazy last week. I’m cool with it though. It made for a great binge during my drive from VA to PA this morning. Katee’s books are always enjoyable and this novella was no exception. I’ve not read any of the books in this series, but didn’t have a hard time following the story. Also, I plan to go back and read the others because I’m digging this world. Great, sexy and even sweet “forbidden” romance, this novella packed a punch in a short time.