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He’s a benched quarterback who needs redemption. She’s the single mom of their child. He’s back in town to make amends. Charlotte Nilsen never thought she’d see McCoy Armstrong again after he hit the big time in the NFL. After all, she’s the one who insisted on an annulment after his scandal with the cheerleader. She’s rebuilt her life now. Her one regret is she never told McCoy their brief marriage resulted in a son.

McCoy has been benched. A shoulder injury will do that to an NFL quarterback. Enough time has passed that he dares to hope that his ex-wife Charlotte will forgive the follies of his youth. When he arrives home in Hawaii, he finds Charlotte living next door and his house destroyed by a storm.

No amount of money can buy a spouse’s trust. He must find another way.

Is this injured quarterback strong enough to rebuild everything he has broken and reclaim everything he has lost?

Originally titled The Benched Billionaire as part of the Getaway Bay Clean Billionaire Beach Club romance series. Also titled Second Dance with the Quarterback.)

150 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 15, 2019

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About the author

Jennifer Griffith

90 books352 followers
Do you love free e-books? Check out my website to see how to get a free book. http://authorjennifergriffith.com

I love a story that ends with a kiss, whether it's a book or a movie. That's the big payoff! So that's the kind of books I like to write, and I call my style "cotton candy for the soul"-- light, sweet, gone. We all need a little escape from reality for a while, and escapist fiction can be the perfect remedy.

I'm a moderately bad housekeeper, I have a black thumb, and it takes a small miracle to get my hair to curl. My handsome husband and I live in the Arizona desert where we're raising our five children, who never let us stop laughing.

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5 stars
90 (54%)
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54 (32%)
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18 (10%)
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3 (1%)
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
Profile Image for Debbie DiFiore.
3,144 reviews330 followers
February 22, 2019
Super Sweet Story

The Hero and heroine were married in Secret 12 years ago. She saw a picture of him kissing another skank, uh I mean woman, and she asks for an annulment and he says okay. But the truth was the skank, uh I mean woman, set the whole thing up because she was a fame ho and wanted to be famous. She was awful. She was also calling the heroine and telling her lies and the heroine believes her. So it was annulled. The one thing the hero wasn't told was that his Secret ex wife was pregnant. Now this is what brought my score down one star. Her solution was just awful. At least to me. It's one trope I really really hate. It isn't even plausible really and how it all worked out so wonderfully for everyone was truly unbelievable. I am not going to spoil it but you find out in the first or second chapter of the book and she still doesn't tell him he's a Father. Even after he meets the boy. The Hero had been faithful to her for the entire 12 years they were apart too which I really loved. And he wanted her back very much. He was a great hero. She had never moved on either for those 12 years which was good. There is some more angst with that skank, uh I mean woman, near the end and I didn't like where it was heading but luckily it didn't go there. I love the scene at the volcano too. It was very sweet. And the ending was awesome. This book was pure fantasy though. And that is why I read. Escape, fantasy, happily ever afters and romance. This book was not perfect but I really liked it. We need more stories like this.
Profile Image for Jessie.
1,515 reviews89 followers
January 15, 2019
The Benched Billionaire

I’ve read a lot of books about football players this past year (The Texas Titans series is great). I thought to myself that I had already read about injured football players too, but this is Jennifer Griffith! I stopped dragging my feet once I got a chapter in.

McCoy Armstrong was a big time football player known for his throwing arm, when he gets injured he finally makes in back to Getaway Bay, Hawaii. He hopes that he can make up for the biggest mistake of his life, and win Charlotte Nielsen back, or at least gain her forgiveness.

I loved McCoy and Charlotte! They had chemistry, history, and sincerity. Even with past hurts, they both wanted what was best for each other. I really loved McCoy’s sense of humor. I had fun imagining the magic shows he performed for Char’s grandparents.

This was a sweet romance with swoon worthy kisses, a welcoming (and matchmaking family), a toxic cheerleader, plenty of humor, and a love that is worth a second chance.

This is only the third book that I’ve read in the Getaway Bay series. Each book can be read independently. After reading The Benched Billionaire though, I want more! I’ll be looking up the rest of the series now.

Content: clean (some kissing, the only violence was that which I wanted to inflict on one of the characters!)
Profile Image for Katie (hiding in the pages).
3,651 reviews344 followers
January 17, 2019
Hawaii...romance...a second chance. Yes! I love Jennifer Griffith's writing style. Her characters are funny, unique, and really come to life through her words. And this setting? I can totally visualize the tropical beaches, lava fields, swaying palm trees, and warm, salty air. I think I need a trip to Getaway Bay, ASAP. If only it was a real place...

Charlotte and McCoy have a tumultuous past, thanks in part to a trampy ex-cheerleader. They each have secrets and hurt, but they've also both clung to their hopes, dreams, and love, which gives them a good starting point to build their second chance on.

I love the solid characters and the way they interact with each other, but most especially the undeniable undercurrent of attraction that sizzles between them. This is definitely a swoony romance and I'm excited to get myself immersed in Getaway Bay again soon.

PS I LOVE the alliteration in the titles of this series--how fun is that?!

Content: mild, swoony romance

*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*
Profile Image for Paula Bothwell.
1,682 reviews45 followers
January 14, 2019
The Benched Billionaire - PG
Violence: none
Language: nothing offensive
Sex: a couple kisses

I liked it a lot. I think Ms. Griffith nailed the island-man mentality of the Hero. He was consistent in his actions and emotionally honest. And where’s my fainting couch?! He waited for her for 12 years?! Oh, *my*! He broke down her walls at just the right speed. The big misunderstanding is relatable and believable, especially given the youth and naïveté of the characters. Ms. Griffith even gave a nasty, well-fleshed out villain. Plus, I LOVE a second-chance romance. (My husband and I have one and it’s the sweetest.)

One thing I noticed is that it’s not as humorous as she normally writes. There were some cute/funny parts, just not the quirky/funny/clever stuff she usually pops in. That did not stop me from really liking the book! Definitely recommend.
Profile Image for Julie Carpenter.
2,025 reviews253 followers
January 26, 2019
When misunderstandings happen someone is usually bound to be hurt. This book is about McCoy and Charlotte and a pretty big misunderstanding. The question is, can misunderstandings and mistakes be fixed after 5, 10, 15, 20 or more years? You betcha!

Now, Charlotte and McCoy don't let their's go for 20 or more years but when they realize that more time has passed than they should have allowed, they're ready to work together, talk and move forward together. Except, there's something that each of them is keeping secret. When they tell the other person, how will they react? Will it mess things up again or will they be able to truly move forward?

This was a pretty fun read! I will say right off the bat that I was frustrated with these two that they wouldn't just fix it right away, or sooner than they did. But even if I did get the chance to go into the book and tell them my feelings and force them to fix everything earlier, it wouldn't have worked. Because this isn't my story, it's the author's so I just go, grrrrrrr, and read. Lol! Ok, with that little rant done, I did enjoy how the author took this premise and showed that healing can happen even after many years if both parties involved are ready.

McCoy, well at first I wasn't sure if I was going to like him because here I have in my mind that he's just abandoned his wife. But as the first couple chapters unfolded so much understanding was brought to light and I grew to really enjoy McCoy's character. He was patient, and kind and ready to do anything to show Charlotte how he has always felt about her.

Charlotte and her family welcome McCoy back into their home. I loved the sense of Ohana (family) that was throughout this book. Jennifer Griffith knows how to write fun, lovable characters, even though they might have made mistakes or have struggles, she writes them with the ability to have redemption.

I love this author's sense of humor and it comes across so well in this book. This series is a multi author series. I've only read the books by this author in this series but it's been a fun little romp into the Getaway Bay area.

If you're looking for some fun, lighthearted and swoony characters, this is one I would recommend picking up. Jennifer Griffith is a favorite author of mine and I always find myself laughing and grinning pretty big while reading her books.

Content: Clean. Talk of an affair (that didn't happen). Some kisses but nothing further. A couple very mild innuendos.

I received a copy from the author. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.

Happy Reading!!!
Profile Image for Cathy.
2,089 reviews71 followers
January 23, 2019
There are a lot of these Billionaire type romances out there for you to read! This one is a second chance type love story. It was cute. And a nice Hawaiian escape.

I liked Charlotte. She’s made some mistakes in her life. But loving McCoy wasn’t one of them, no matter what she thought at the beginning. Charlotte is the type of girl to always help those around her when they need it. Part of that is the Hawaiian “Ohana” or family culture. And I’m sure part came from when she was helped when she needed it the most.

McCoy is a good guy. I liked that the reader gets to see the plot through his perspective as well. In the book, he’s always thinking of someone elses needs before his own. He tries to make it so nothing bad touches Charlotte’s life again, even though he hadn’t realized it had the first time.

These two needed quite a lot of help to fix everything between them. I wasn’t quite sure there was ever going to be a magic fix. I did like the way it turned out in the end.

This one was a cute escape. You’ll enjoy it if you take the time to read it.
Profile Image for Barbara.
19.6k reviews8 followers
January 18, 2019
Twelve years ago one mistake on McCoy's part had him divorced and not knowing about the son he and Charlotte had. He is back in their home town because of an injury will he get a second chance with his ex-wife and the son he did not know about? A well written story that I enjoyed reading. I received an ARC of this book and I am voluntarily reviewing.
2,730 reviews49 followers
January 10, 2019
Bad decisions made by both McCoy and Charlotte 12 years earlier deprive them of those 12 years together and change the course of their lives and the lives of people around them. Those decisions were triggered by a selfish horrible excuse for a human but still made by them. I was kind of impressed that even though these characters can see what they missed out on in those 12 years they don't really dwell on that. They both want to move forward from where they are instead of focusing on their losses. I also liked the family closeness in a non-traditional situation.

I had moments when I wanted to scream at someone during the crisis part of the story because that woman was truly evil and it appeared that McCoy was going to be really dumb for a while. With all his money, why did he not have a publicist to help him through junk like her? Glad he finally stumbled into a way to resolve that situation.

A little Christian theme.

Sex: no, mild innuendo
Language: only in my mind when the evil chick showed up- ha
Violence: no
Profile Image for Jill.
841 reviews44 followers
January 15, 2019
This was a happy/sad book for me. Sad to see how a lot of misunderstandings and some immaturity separated this couple years ago, who were obviously so perfect for each other. But at the same time happy to see how they eventually work out their drama. Although at times I did want to reach into the story and bop some characters on the head for their actions/inactions, I did enjoy the book. A sweet clean romance.
Profile Image for Pascale’s*ARC,Unwind,Read,Review.
2,495 reviews5 followers
January 4, 2019
The odds were against them

The press and a social climbing attention hog ruined their happy life together as husband and wife. After a secret marriage, they has a secret annulment. But she kept another secret from him for twelve years... Now he’s back and ready to start over, to pick up where they left off. But will knowing the truth rip them apart again?

This book reminded me of some of Cami Checkett’s stories in that it takes place in Hawaii, and Taylor Hart’s sports romances, the writing style is somewhat similar. All are sweet, clean romances.
276 reviews1 follower
January 8, 2019
I enjoy reading books by Jennifer Griffith and this was no exception. This was a 2nd chance at romance for McCoy and Charlotte. Will they finally get their happily ever after? I don't want to spoil anything so you'll need to read it for yourself.
Profile Image for B. D. Mann.
664 reviews24 followers
October 27, 2019
I found it unusual to find a billionaire who didn’t know he was a billionaire, at least until sometime after the fact. During his playing years, McCoy led an austere life. Price, his friend, and financial advisor invested McCoy’s earnings from both his player contract and from endorsements. I found it near unbelievable that he became a billionaire without knowing it only to discover the fact after being cut from the team. Unfortunately, this was only one of several bits of unbelievability in this offering.
228 reviews
January 15, 2019
In Jennifer Griffith’s latest romantic love story you get to know Charlotte (you meet her in The Billionaire’s Blue Christmas) who owns her own business. She hasn’t seen McCoy since their marriage was annulled. He can’t play pro football, because of a bad shoulder and comes home to rebuild his parents’ home. Charlotte doesn’t trust him at all, because of their past. However, Charlotte has secrets of her own that she has kept from McCoy. This book can be a stand-alone or you can read the other books in this series. This is a fun, romantic story! I highly recommend this book! You will not be disappointed. I also read The Billionaire’s Blue Christmas and really enjoyed it as well! Ms. Griffith’s books are fantastic! I love the humor she includes with her stories.
***I was given a free electronic copy of this book from the publisher for an honest review. This is my honest opinion. Even though I received this copy free, I have purchased her books before.
Profile Image for Terressa.
599 reviews
January 17, 2019
Super cute story! I enjoyed the setting and the characters that learned to forgive and trust again. Great ending. I can’t wait to read the next one.

Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists,
and/or authors, including Netgalley. I am not required to write positive
reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this
in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.
Profile Image for Debra.
3,486 reviews13 followers
May 12, 2020
Second Dance with the Quarterback

They had been married twelve years ago. When a sadistic woman, cheerleader, for his NFL team tore the marriage apart with lies they parted ways. Now he is back and she has been on his mind the whole time. But she has a secret. What about the woman who tore up their marriage?
Profile Image for Heather Green.
Author 9 books11 followers
October 20, 2022
Good potential

This one started out good, but went a bit down hill in my opinion. I didn't like that faline happened to come back toward the end and Macoy messed up again. Apparently he's a slow learner. That kinda ruined the book for me. Come on, Macoy! And this is small, but the people on the cover didn't represent very well. Full of forgiveness and second chances.
1,566 reviews8 followers
January 17, 2026
benched

I enjoyed this sweet and swoony second chance romance. Char and McCoy had a very short marriage before a horrible woman came between them so Char filed for an annulment. Can they forgive each other for the things they have done and find their HEA? Great story, now to read the next in the series.
2,333 reviews30 followers
January 17, 2019
A story of forgiveness and what happens when you don't really communicate or listen. The author made me feel lots of different emotions from anger to happy. Loved how they remained true to each other.
Profile Image for Tj Walker.
302 reviews4 followers
July 16, 2019
Great book!

I really enjoyed reading this book. The story was fun. There wasn't anything about the other billionaires and their families in this book, but I enjoyed meeting new people and their stories!
Profile Image for Tamera Westhoff.
1,138 reviews6 followers
July 21, 2019
Sweet Romance

This was a sweet second time around story. Char and McCoy had been married and then came the villainess that ruined it. Twelve years later, McCoy comes back to a ruined house and the chance to rebuild their relationship.
Profile Image for Love.
1,747 reviews6 followers
January 15, 2019
Sports And Romance

This is a beautiful little romance with a little bit of sports and whole lot of love and understanding and forgiveness with great characters.
310 reviews2 followers
January 16, 2019
Great book in the series

This book series are really great I enjoy the cleanness of them and all of the the storyline itself. Lots of romance and love. Enjoy
Profile Image for Sharon DeLand.
76 reviews
January 17, 2019
Wonderful book

All the books in this series have been sweet clean romantic stories. These are the dreams we dream of. Love them! 😉
Profile Image for Sue Stinnett.
1,374 reviews4 followers
January 20, 2019
Outstanding

I so loved this book! A delightful second chance in Hawaii between a pro football player and his wife. They both have secrets that changed their lives.
Profile Image for Nellie.
1,388 reviews23 followers
June 6, 2019
Billionaire romance

Very clean the whole way through. Stayed light. I like the characters. East to read. Hawaii theme. On to the next one.
497 reviews
June 20, 2019
Happy time

Always love to read this series and the characters within. Smiles and heartfelt romance abound in this book. Happiness and goodness will keep you going.
2,849 reviews20 followers
December 30, 2019
Review of The Benched Billionaire

This was a great book and I will recommend her 9books to anyone who loves romance novels. She keeps you involved from page one until the end.
96 reviews3 followers
January 15, 2019
"Don't believe anything you read and half of what you see" is a saying Charlotte should have paid more attention to. Her marriage may have been saved preventing a lot of heartache at having to give up her son.

Charlotte and McCoy had been friends for years and eventually eloped before McCoy left for the mainland to play in the NFL. A cheerleader, who was looking for her 10 minutes of fame, through herself at McCoy and made a lot of false statements about their supposedly affair. Being insecure, Charlotte believed the tabloids and filed for an annulment.

Fast forward several years finding McCoy injured and back on the island. Will he be able to win his one and only love back? You won't want to put this book down till you find out what happens next.
Profile Image for Shauna.
1,491 reviews13 followers
January 31, 2019
Hot football player still in love with his wife after they went their separate ways 12 years earlier? And he’s rich? And the story takes place in a beautiful island setting? Yeah. Alooooha. Sign me up. Another great read by this author!
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews