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Second Chance
Declan Murphy knows his place in the Murphy family hierarchy.
Playboy, slacker, f*ckup.
As the youngest brother at Murphy Intelligence and Security, Declan keep things simple by sticking to a few basic rules: do his part (when absolutely necessary), don’t let anything get you down, and most all, keep it light. Then Aiden Walsh walks into MIS with a plea for help - find out what really happened to his dead father.
The problem: Aiden is Kate Walsh’s brother - and Kate Walsh is the only woman who ever broke Declan’s heart.
Kate Walsh knows what she wants.
Six years ago Kate walked away from Declan Murphy and never looked back. She’s spent the time since building a successful career in Los Angeles and raising her son, Griffin. Then her father died, leaving her brother alone to manage the family business, and Kate had no choice but to return to Boston.
As Declan reluctantly digs into the mystery surrounding Mac Walsh’s death, he vows to keep his distance from Kate. But when the investigation points to foul play by someone close to the family, what started as a favor turns into something with deadly consequences.
Now Declan has no choice but to dig deep in an effort to protect the woman he can’t forget. When a life-altering secret is revealed, Declan has to decide whether he’s ready to stage the fight of his life - and convince Kate he can be the man she deserves.
Playboy, slacker, f*ckup.
As the youngest brother at Murphy Intelligence and Security, Declan keep things simple by sticking to a few basic rules: do his part (when absolutely necessary), don’t let anything get you down, and most all, keep it light. Then Aiden Walsh walks into MIS with a plea for help - find out what really happened to his dead father.
The problem: Aiden is Kate Walsh’s brother - and Kate Walsh is the only woman who ever broke Declan’s heart.
Kate Walsh knows what she wants.
Six years ago Kate walked away from Declan Murphy and never looked back. She’s spent the time since building a successful career in Los Angeles and raising her son, Griffin. Then her father died, leaving her brother alone to manage the family business, and Kate had no choice but to return to Boston.
As Declan reluctantly digs into the mystery surrounding Mac Walsh’s death, he vows to keep his distance from Kate. But when the investigation points to foul play by someone close to the family, what started as a favor turns into something with deadly consequences.
Now Declan has no choice but to dig deep in an effort to protect the woman he can’t forget. When a life-altering secret is revealed, Declan has to decide whether he’s ready to stage the fight of his life - and convince Kate he can be the man she deserves.
258 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 31, 2020
137 people are currently reading
167 people want to read
About the author
Michelle St. James
116 books584 followersMichelle St. James is a Southern California expat now living in New York's Hudson Valley.
She is the critically acclaimed author of over fifty published novels and seven novellas. Her first series (under her not-so-secret real name) received starred reviews from Kirkus and Booklist and was one of Booklist's Top Ten Debut novels. Her work has also been an Indie Next selection and has appeared on prestigious lists such as the Lonestar List, New York Public Library's Stuff for the Teen Age, and Chicago Public Library's Best of the Best. Her books have been published in over thirty countries and translated into over twenty languages.
Michelle lives in a converted barn with a leaking roof, a 70-pound puppy, and three perpetually annoyed cats. She spends her free time doing yoga, watching Love Island UK, and anxiously awaiting the next season of Ozark and the Great British Baking Show.
She is the critically acclaimed author of over fifty published novels and seven novellas. Her first series (under her not-so-secret real name) received starred reviews from Kirkus and Booklist and was one of Booklist's Top Ten Debut novels. Her work has also been an Indie Next selection and has appeared on prestigious lists such as the Lonestar List, New York Public Library's Stuff for the Teen Age, and Chicago Public Library's Best of the Best. Her books have been published in over thirty countries and translated into over twenty languages.
Michelle lives in a converted barn with a leaking roof, a 70-pound puppy, and three perpetually annoyed cats. She spends her free time doing yoga, watching Love Island UK, and anxiously awaiting the next season of Ozark and the Great British Baking Show.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
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December 19, 2022🎁 FREE on Amazon & on Apple iBook today (3/18/2021)!🎁
February 1, 2020
MIS is hired by Aidan Walsh to find out who murdered his father. The complication, if they take on the job it will reunite Declan Murphy with his college girlfriend, Kate Walsh, who he still loves despite trying to convince himself he doesn't. When they see each other for the first time, after six years, the sparks fly. However, Kate has a secret that she has kept from Declan. Will this secret give Declan and Kate their second chance? Could it possibly hinder the MIS investigation? Michelle St James has given us a fantastic Book 1 of this trilogy. Can't wait for Book 2.
February 10, 2020
This book is not a standalone and ends on a cliffhanger. This can be read as a standalone series. But with the other two Murphy brothers series, Murphy’s Law and Wicked Games, I would recommend that you read Murphy’s Law and Wicked Games before you read these. Now let's get into the review. Finally, the book and the Murphy brother I've been waiting for! All of the Murphy brothers are pretty low key and don't draw a lot of attention to themselves. Declan is the complete opposite.He’s the playboy and less serious than his brothers. And now, we have a better understanding of why he is the way he is. After 6 years of no contact, Kate, Declan's one true love, walks right back into his life due to some unfortunate circumstances and she has a huge secret she's keeping from him. I loved how quickly I got through this book. It felt like I read it for 20 minutes, I’m sure it was longer than that. I just got really sucked into the story and could wait to find out what would happen next.Overall, I really enjoyed this read and love the push and pull we are getting from both Declan and Kate. Even though they don't tell eachother, you can really tell the love they still have for one another and I can't wait to see how the rest of their story plays out.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
I received an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
I received an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
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April 19, 2023Purch Amz July 15, 2022
February 6, 2020
A second chance with danger attached
With jaw drops and gut punches, this is an exciting and intriguing start to what is going to be an awesome trilogy! The mystery is set to be unfolded and I cannot wait to see what's next!
Kate's dad was killed in a suspicious plane wreck. Now she's back in the same town as her college sweetheart after six years of running her father's LA branch of their company. She's back in Boston to take over her dad's spot and knows that eventually she'll have to face Declan Murphy. Her brother hires Declan's company to investigate the crash. Does she need to know? Want to know? Have to know?
With jaw drops and gut punches, this is an exciting and intriguing start to what is going to be an awesome trilogy! The mystery is set to be unfolded and I cannot wait to see what's next!
Kate's dad was killed in a suspicious plane wreck. Now she's back in the same town as her college sweetheart after six years of running her father's LA branch of their company. She's back in Boston to take over her dad's spot and knows that eventually she'll have to face Declan Murphy. Her brother hires Declan's company to investigate the crash. Does she need to know? Want to know? Have to know?
January 29, 2020
An exciting, action packed, dangerous, sex and beautiful romance
January 31, 2020
Another Murphy brother falls! Declan is extremely unwilling to help the brother of his college ex-girlfriend Kate, but intrigue causes him to research and get sucked into the mystery of Kate’s father’s death. With this being the first in the trio of books for Declan, it was more an establishing book where we find out who’s behind the murder and how Kate and Declan’s lives will intertwine. Kate has been hiding a huge secret that finally comes out that will change Declan’s life but I really think it ends up being for the better seeing how much he’s changed, especially since the first book in the Murphy Brothers series. While the ending was somewhat predictable with who’s behind it, there’s a ton more secrets that we need answers to, such as Kate’s sister’s true father and more. I can’t wait for book two so we get deeper into the relationship as well as the mystery.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
February 19, 2020
Another Murphy book and this time it’s Declan, the playboy and all-around fun guy. But he’s got a lost love and her name is Kate. She left him six years ago without an explanation. Well, she has returned because of the death of her Father.
I really love the direction of this book! Declan and Kate have the chemistry and a big other thing that brings them together. The mystery of Mac’s death is really intriguing to me and I look forward to how that plays out. I think Declan may become my favorite Murphy brother...he is not what he seems from the other books! I love how confrontational he is! And fiercely protective of the ones he loves. He give Ronan a run for his money.
These brothers only get better and I look forward to the next book!
*I voluntarily accepted an advanced reader copy for my honest review*
I really love the direction of this book! Declan and Kate have the chemistry and a big other thing that brings them together. The mystery of Mac’s death is really intriguing to me and I look forward to how that plays out. I think Declan may become my favorite Murphy brother...he is not what he seems from the other books! I love how confrontational he is! And fiercely protective of the ones he loves. He give Ronan a run for his money.
These brothers only get better and I look forward to the next book!
*I voluntarily accepted an advanced reader copy for my honest review*
October 1, 2021
MFC . . . What a self righteous, I'm better than you . . . BITCH!
MMC . . .Did he have some growing up to do, probably.
Did he take longer to reach a decision, yes . . .
But, guess what, that doesn't mean it wouldn't have been a decent one for ALL 3 of them, even if it wasn't the decision Miss Self Righteous thought was the best one.
Everything thing she accomplished could have been done without being a cold hearted bitch . . while making her family part of her fucked lie by omission.
Okay . . Done with my rant.
The writing is clean, concise, able to bring the feels to you through words with a thread of danger and mystery thrown in.
Although, I feel like I've been thrown into the middle of a story.
It would have been nice to know if this is an ongoing series about the Murphy family, before I dove into the deep end.
MMC . . .Did he have some growing up to do, probably.
Did he take longer to reach a decision, yes . . .
But, guess what, that doesn't mean it wouldn't have been a decent one for ALL 3 of them, even if it wasn't the decision Miss Self Righteous thought was the best one.
Everything thing she accomplished could have been done without being a cold hearted bitch . . while making her family part of her fucked lie by omission.
Okay . . Done with my rant.
The writing is clean, concise, able to bring the feels to you through words with a thread of danger and mystery thrown in.
Although, I feel like I've been thrown into the middle of a story.
It would have been nice to know if this is an ongoing series about the Murphy family, before I dove into the deep end.
February 13, 2020
I loved this book. I don’t even know where to begin. Michelle (the author); got me so emotional over the characters, Declan and Kate. To see my family come running when I would scream out, “oh my god” made reading it worthwhile. It’s a wonderful story and it’s not over yet. I can’t wait for the next book “Fighting Chance” to come out.
If you have read the Murphy saga, you already know Declan. For me, he is an endearing character. He was a playboy, but when he was needed, he was there. You just had no choice but to love Declan. Enter Kate, I still don’t know what to think of her. I don’t think I like her choices very much (at all really). Michelle wrote her perfectly though for Declan. I’m hoping I will become a fan of Kate in the next book. Two thumbs up Michelle!!!!!!!
If you have read the Murphy saga, you already know Declan. For me, he is an endearing character. He was a playboy, but when he was needed, he was there. You just had no choice but to love Declan. Enter Kate, I still don’t know what to think of her. I don’t think I like her choices very much (at all really). Michelle wrote her perfectly though for Declan. I’m hoping I will become a fan of Kate in the next book. Two thumbs up Michelle!!!!!!!
February 2, 2020
This is the first part of Declans story.
Declan has led a play boy style lifestyle but can't get over his first love Kate Walsh.
He thinks Kate finished their college affair as they were going in different work directions but little did he know that it was because she was pregnant. Kate has never told Declan about his son.
Kate's brother Aiden hires the Murphy's brothers to investigate the death of his and Kate's father meaning Kate and Declan cross paths.
What happens when he finds out about his son and is the danger closer to home!!
I know the second part of this trilogy will be just as riveting with action, suspense and romance.
Declan has led a play boy style lifestyle but can't get over his first love Kate Walsh.
He thinks Kate finished their college affair as they were going in different work directions but little did he know that it was because she was pregnant. Kate has never told Declan about his son.
Kate's brother Aiden hires the Murphy's brothers to investigate the death of his and Kate's father meaning Kate and Declan cross paths.
What happens when he finds out about his son and is the danger closer to home!!
I know the second part of this trilogy will be just as riveting with action, suspense and romance.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 10, 2020
Declan Murphy and his brothers get hired by the brother of the woman who broke his heart and walked away six years ago. Now she is back in the picture and he is trying to not let the heartache, anger and love show, but acting as if he moved on.
Kate Walsh is hiding a 6 year old secret and she does not know if what she did is justified or if she made a huge mistake.
Once again Michelle St James has crafted an exceptional story with well-developed characters that draw the reader into their world of crime, suspense, secrets and romance. Second Chance is a great start to Declan’s story. Loved it! Ends in cliff-hanger.
Kate Walsh is hiding a 6 year old secret and she does not know if what she did is justified or if she made a huge mistake.
Once again Michelle St James has crafted an exceptional story with well-developed characters that draw the reader into their world of crime, suspense, secrets and romance. Second Chance is a great start to Declan’s story. Loved it! Ends in cliff-hanger.
February 22, 2020
Finally Declan’s story! I love this book! Declan is the youngest brother of the Murphy clan and they own Murphy Intelligence and Security Firm. Aiden Walsh asked them to find out how his father really died. Un fortunately the only woman Declan has ever loved and broke his heart is Kate Walsh, Aiden’s sister. She left him 6 years ago and now is back to help her brother and had a secret that will change Declan’s life.
This is the first book in the series and leaves you with a cliffhanger but it is so worth reading. Can’t wait to read the next book. Michelle St. James writes the best series books and swoon worthy men!
This is the first book in the series and leaves you with a cliffhanger but it is so worth reading. Can’t wait to read the next book. Michelle St. James writes the best series books and swoon worthy men!
March 22, 2021
Good
Declan and his brothers own a security business, they go in when justice does not prevail. When Aiden comes to them wanting an investigation into his fathers plane crash. Aiden is Kate’s brother and Kate dated Declan six years ago. Kate broke up with him after graduation and raised their son alone without telling Declan. But as Declan and his brothers dig deeper into her fathers death, the more secrets they uncover.
I enjoyed this story but wasn’t a fan of Kate’s. She kept their baby away from his father without even asking if Declan was ready to be a parent. There is also a cliffhanger. There is just enough suspense to keep you turning pages.
Declan and his brothers own a security business, they go in when justice does not prevail. When Aiden comes to them wanting an investigation into his fathers plane crash. Aiden is Kate’s brother and Kate dated Declan six years ago. Kate broke up with him after graduation and raised their son alone without telling Declan. But as Declan and his brothers dig deeper into her fathers death, the more secrets they uncover.
I enjoyed this story but wasn’t a fan of Kate’s. She kept their baby away from his father without even asking if Declan was ready to be a parent. There is also a cliffhanger. There is just enough suspense to keep you turning pages.
February 21, 2020
5 Stars for Second Chance by Michelle St. James
ARC received from author Michelle St James in exchange for an honest review.
Opinions expressed are my own & have not been influenced in any way.
*** This book is not a standalone *** & does end on a bit of a cliffhanger !
Book #2 in the series is coming in March 2020.
I would highly recommend the Murphy’s Law Series (3 book series ) & Wicked Games Series ( also a 3 book series ). You could certainly read this as a stand alone but you would be missing out on the stories of some of the other main characters featured in these series ( ie Ronan / Julia & Nick / Lexi )
This book is based on the youngest brother Declan Murphy & Kate Walsh’s story. Declan ( aka Dec ) is the youngest of the brothers in the Murphy family - kind of known as being the F-UP ( not true he’s depicted as the playboy - but I think he had his heart broken & has lost his way a little bit ). He is also the less serious of the (3) brothers & instead just keeps a lot of his feelings inside. Kate is his true love someone he couldn’t ever forget - but she leaves him after their college graduation with little explanation - moving to the West Coast to pursue all things NOT DECLAN & start her rise in her father’s company.
Without giving anything away with the plot - After 6 yrs Kate has made her way back to the East Coast ( Boston / Marblehead areas ) where tragedy has struck her family with the death of her father. Aiden Walsh ( Kate’s brother ) suspects fowl play & not wanting to go to the authorities enlists the help of Murphy’s Investigative Services ( MIS )
As the brothers start their investigation there are facts that lead to a potential murder & once Declan becomes involved he feels he needs to do what he can to help not only Kate but her family find out the truth as to what happened in her father’s plane crash.
I have some suspicions as to what might happen but I will be eagerly awaiting Book #2. I’m suspecting a certain character & I can’t wait to find out if I’m right ... as well as to see where Dec & Kate’s story progresses ... as I know they will have their own HEA ❤️
LOVED THIS BOOK !! Read in just one sitting ...
Highly recommend this author & series !!
ARC received from author Michelle St James in exchange for an honest review.
Opinions expressed are my own & have not been influenced in any way.
*** This book is not a standalone *** & does end on a bit of a cliffhanger !
Book #2 in the series is coming in March 2020.
I would highly recommend the Murphy’s Law Series (3 book series ) & Wicked Games Series ( also a 3 book series ). You could certainly read this as a stand alone but you would be missing out on the stories of some of the other main characters featured in these series ( ie Ronan / Julia & Nick / Lexi )
This book is based on the youngest brother Declan Murphy & Kate Walsh’s story. Declan ( aka Dec ) is the youngest of the brothers in the Murphy family - kind of known as being the F-UP ( not true he’s depicted as the playboy - but I think he had his heart broken & has lost his way a little bit ). He is also the less serious of the (3) brothers & instead just keeps a lot of his feelings inside. Kate is his true love someone he couldn’t ever forget - but she leaves him after their college graduation with little explanation - moving to the West Coast to pursue all things NOT DECLAN & start her rise in her father’s company.
Without giving anything away with the plot - After 6 yrs Kate has made her way back to the East Coast ( Boston / Marblehead areas ) where tragedy has struck her family with the death of her father. Aiden Walsh ( Kate’s brother ) suspects fowl play & not wanting to go to the authorities enlists the help of Murphy’s Investigative Services ( MIS )
As the brothers start their investigation there are facts that lead to a potential murder & once Declan becomes involved he feels he needs to do what he can to help not only Kate but her family find out the truth as to what happened in her father’s plane crash.
I have some suspicions as to what might happen but I will be eagerly awaiting Book #2. I’m suspecting a certain character & I can’t wait to find out if I’m right ... as well as to see where Dec & Kate’s story progresses ... as I know they will have their own HEA ❤️
LOVED THIS BOOK !! Read in just one sitting ...
Highly recommend this author & series !!
February 12, 2020
A Story with a Secret...Loved it 5 Stars...
Wow, what a great story, starting with one really big secret. I loved it. Declan Murphy and Kate Walsh have a history together when they were in college. Kate walks away with a secret she has kept for six years. I was page flipping waiting to see when it was going to come out and what would happen when it did. Michelle St James never disappoints and this was an exceptional story line. I love all the Murphy Brothers and highly recommend you read this book.
Wow, what a great story, starting with one really big secret. I loved it. Declan Murphy and Kate Walsh have a history together when they were in college. Kate walks away with a secret she has kept for six years. I was page flipping waiting to see when it was going to come out and what would happen when it did. Michelle St James never disappoints and this was an exceptional story line. I love all the Murphy Brothers and highly recommend you read this book.
November 1, 2022
I had high expectations for this book. I've never read second-chance romance mixed with mystery before, and I thought this would be interesting to read. However, I found this one just like any other second-chance romance. I wasn't a fan of Kate as well. I could understand why she did that to Declan, but it didn't sit well with me.
The mystery felt half-baked for me. The twist was kind of predictable. I hope it'll get better in the next books. Unfortunately, I don't know if I'll continue reading this series. I think it should've been completed within two books instead of three.
The mystery felt half-baked for me. The twist was kind of predictable. I hope it'll get better in the next books. Unfortunately, I don't know if I'll continue reading this series. I think it should've been completed within two books instead of three.
February 9, 2020
Good book... predictable ... but good :) ... Decs old college sweetheart shows back up into his life... her dad was murdered and Kate and her brother want MIS investigate. Of course Kate has secrets ... Decs son... he of course finds out ... can’t really keep that a secret. Mac Walshes best friend is the prime suspect and now we’re waiting to see what happens. Wish the books call came out a week apart instead Of months :(
January 31, 2020
OMG absolutely love this book, hooked from the start and couldn’t put it down. This book is about Declan Murphy, one of the Murphy brothers, and he is the youngest brother. Hired to investigate a plane crash. Truths start to unfold and what he thought was his life is now changing. I can’t wait for the next book
February 3, 2020
Second Chance was a great read. MIS is hired by Declan Murphy's ex girlfriends brother Aidan Walsh to find out who killed father. If they take the job, Declan will find out secrets from the past that he might not be ready for. This book has action,suspense and is a great read.
Will Declan and Kate after all this time have a Second Chance after Kate's secret comes out?
Will Declan and Kate after all this time have a Second Chance after Kate's secret comes out?
February 23, 2020
Second chance, intrigue, mayhem, and love what more could you ask for. This book is not a standalone and ends with a huge cliffhanger but it still makes you want to read it and grips you by the throat. This book is amazing. I would suggest reading the other books prior to this one though so you understand the characters. Amazing read
June 15, 2020
Past secret
Kate left broke up with him in college. Be thought they had something. But the when Declan finds out the truth, it rock him to his core. Not only is MIS helping to look into the mysterious death of her father, but now the past secret Kate has been hiding is coming to light.
Kate left broke up with him in college. Be thought they had something. But the when Declan finds out the truth, it rock him to his core. Not only is MIS helping to look into the mysterious death of her father, but now the past secret Kate has been hiding is coming to light.
April 29, 2025
I just love a good second chance romance! I was so happy to finally get to know more all about Declan! He might be my favorite ;) Declan and Kate have something special! You know it’s going to take some time for them to be officially be together again but it will be worth it! I can’t wait to see what’s going to happen next! ☺️
November 21, 2022
Surprises
The book is as described in the blurb. While investigating a death Declan finds someone close to the family had to be guilty. He didn't expect to find his ex Kate had a secret that impacted them both.
The book is as described in the blurb. While investigating a death Declan finds someone close to the family had to be guilty. He didn't expect to find his ex Kate had a secret that impacted them both.
March 14, 2023
Great thriller and love story
This story kept you on your toes until the end. Lots of drama. It was also s good love story. Loved the main characters. Can't wait to read the next book and find out what happens to them.
This story kept you on your toes until the end. Lots of drama. It was also s good love story. Loved the main characters. Can't wait to read the next book and find out what happens to them.
February 2, 2020
Almost a non story just to suck you in to reading the next one. Too many unanswered questions
February 15, 2020
In the world of the Murphy brothers, we learn about Declan the more party-goer reserve brother. But there's a reason behind his partying . . . Her name is Kate Walsh.
She stole Declan's heart and she left him without an explanation for 6 years.
Kate Walsh has her own secrets, one she kept for 6 years. She never thought she would ever see or speak to Declan again until her brother Aiden asks for the Murphy Brothers' help in solving their father's mysterious plane crash. When the murphy brothers start to dig into everyone's past including Kate Walsh, that is when Declan discovered the real reason why she left so abruptly 6 years ago.
Declan felt stripped of his chances with Kate and the future they could've had because of her big secret, but now Declan discovers a piece of crucial evidence that may put him and Kate in danger.
Will they get their second chance? We'll find out when Book 2 comes out!
She stole Declan's heart and she left him without an explanation for 6 years.
Kate Walsh has her own secrets, one she kept for 6 years. She never thought she would ever see or speak to Declan again until her brother Aiden asks for the Murphy Brothers' help in solving their father's mysterious plane crash. When the murphy brothers start to dig into everyone's past including Kate Walsh, that is when Declan discovered the real reason why she left so abruptly 6 years ago.
Declan felt stripped of his chances with Kate and the future they could've had because of her big secret, but now Declan discovers a piece of crucial evidence that may put him and Kate in danger.
Will they get their second chance? We'll find out when Book 2 comes out!
February 7, 2020
Quick moving and enjoyable romance for the youngest Murphy. Looking forward to to the next in the series
June 17, 2020
I was hoping there would be a story about Declan. In this book, we find out that is more to Declan than playboy extraordinaire. He is smart, sensitive and has faced heartache in the name of Kate Walsh. She waltzes back into his life after 6 years and the drama unfolds. Loved it....
April 9, 2021
Page Turner
Declan has now become my favorite Murphy brother! So many emotions reading this book! I can’t wait to dive into the next one!
Declan has now become my favorite Murphy brother! So many emotions reading this book! I can’t wait to dive into the next one!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews