A Second Chance

by Jen A. Durand

India Dare never expected to open her door and find a baby on her porch.

In one day, her world changed and she was suddenly caring for a precious baby boy. It wasn’t long before she wanted to make it official. When adoption day came, she thought nothing could stand in her way.

Enter Alexander Saint Clair. Her ex-boyfriend and the Uncle to the little boy she had spent months loving and caring for.

All Alex knew was that he had to reclaim his nephew before his baby sister’s latest mistake became yet another tabloid headline. He had no clue the woman who’d been taking care of his sister's abandoned baby was his ex-girlfriend. He hadn’t seen India in years. Struck by how beautiful she still was and wanting to spend more time with her, he offered her a deal.

Move-in with him and help him learn about the newest member of his family. It would give her the chance to spend more time with the child she loved, and he would get a second chance with the only woman he had ever loved…

Genres: Second Chance

168 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 24, 2020

About the author

Jen A Durand was born in New York. Her parents were immigrants turned citizens. She was raised in South Carolina by a single mother. One of five children and a current graduate student, she currently lives in NY with her books and wine. She writes as a release. She loves to read and wants to contribute to the literary world by providing a different view point. Plus, she has a lot of school debt. Joking! But not really. If you want to know more please visit www.DurandPublishing.net
Twitter: Jinxs_Corner
Instagram: NovembreRises
Facebook Page: Wintr's Homecoming
Pintrest: Durand Publishing or
Email: AndreaDurand32@gmail.com

Reviews

[Lu Bielefeld · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 ⭐⭐⭐ - OK decent reads.
=======================

Who could have possibly left a baby on her doorstep?

“What about the foster mother?” “What about her,” Alex asked coldly with a frown.

“Noelle abandoned her son nearly eight months ago.”

She knew one of the men. He had been a major part of her life through most of high school. At one point India had thought they would be in their lives for the rest of their lives. “Alex?”

It was his turn to frown, “I thought you got married. You still live in your parent’s house?” “Married and widowed. My parents moved down to Florida. I bought their house when they did. It was always my dream home.”

She hadn’t had a lot of patience for the spoiled brat Noelle was, even back then.

The one thing you and your mother agree on is keeping the family name from being tarnished by scandal.”

Elizabeth and Noelle had been awful to her when they were together.

Completely stuck up and full of themselves, the pair treated her like she was hired help and not the girl Alex loved.

Maybe she should cut her losses... The Judge had denied her petition, she should just put on her big girl panties and hand Kier over to his real family. She just wasn’t ready to let go of him yet. She wasn’t ready for the heartbreak yet.

To some, they seemed untouchable. To her, they were everything that was wrong with being rich. They were selfish and entitled from having everything handed to them.

“I wish I didn’t have to hurt you like this.” “I wish you had never found Kier. We don’t all get what we want.”

Alex’s family treated most people like they were beneath them.

She could lose all focus on everything in her life that wasn’t going right and find solace in him. But there was this other side of him, she did not like as much. A side of him that was cold and calculating.

is hard to be in a relationship with people who believed they were always right.

It was the first time India had felt judged not because of the color of her skin, but because of her “character”. The fact she was black meant nothing to Elizabeth. She just wasn’t the right kind of black.

“And Alex?” “Alex and I are not a factor.” “He loves you.” “He loves himself more.”

[Cindy Murray · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Spoiler Alert*

I thoroughly enjoyed reading Alex and India's story. The way they found each other after so many years just pulled at my heartstrings. For Noelle to do what she did with leaving the baby at India's doorstep was both heartbreak and beautiful. Knowing she couldn't keep the child and knew the one person who would be good for her child. The emotions felt are amazing.

Definitely a must-read for those looking for a romantic happily ever after story.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Teresa Derrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second chances can be wonderful!

India had her heart shattered, suffered despair and grief, and found happiness in motherhood. A child left on her door step led her to believe she would have a family that she dreamed of having. Plans are disrupted moments before the adoption at the hands of the first love who shattered her. Alex was busy stopping a scandal caused by his sister only to step back into the past with the one woman he regretted losing. He offers her more time with his nephew in order to get closer to her. Happy ending.

[Lenna Wright · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick story. The timeline skips from days, weeks later. Clean romance. I felt the characters were rushed through, they might have spent some time together, their feelings are all jumbled up and rushed right to the sleeping in the same bed ( that was skipped over). They don’t hold hands, snuggle up (were after the fact but we never go with their snuggle) Everything was after the fact or rushed through. As a reader I felt left out of the deep feelings and I had a hard time connecting with the characters.

[Lynn Stifle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this second chance romance. India and Alex are former high school sweethearts, that meet again years later, after India finds an abandoned baby on her door step. Alex is the baby's uncle. The storyline really drew me in and kept me fascinated throughout, and I loved the characters, found them relatable a very likable. A very enjoyable and entertaining read and one I recommend.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jeanne Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 3rd book I've read written by Jen A. Durand; she has done a great job at writing a good book; I can’t wait to read more of her books.

The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.

I loved the chemistry between the characters.

I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.

[Penny Leidecker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a second chance romance about former high school sweethearts, India and Alex. When India finds a baby on her porch, she brings him in and cares for him. She grows to care for him and decides to adopt him. On the day she’s to sign the papers, his uncle comes forward and India’s request is denied. It turns out the uncle is none other than Alex. Grab your copy and see what happens in this fast read.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a lovely story, the characters are so very likeable, the storyline so hard but sweet at the same time, completely draws you in right from the start, if this had had a later epilogue it would’ve been perfect, but still lovely as it was.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Niki · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a quick romance second chance read, the characters are good and so is the storyline. They have great chemistry together.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tori · Rating 5 out of 5]

India life changed as soon as she opened the door. She found a beautiful baby boy, months went by and decided to adopt him, little did she know the baby belong to her exboyfriend sister. Alexander was surprised that his sister not only had a baby but left it with his exgirlfriend the one that got away . He decided that between the both of them , the can raise this baby . Can these not only come together from his nephew but can these two starcross lovers come together ? I liked this book

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m really liking this author; each book is so individual and yet I know I’m in for a great read. This isn’t an overly long book and so I found it easy to read in one sitting. The plot is brilliant, and the characters are likable and relatable. The author has a wonderful writing style that drew me in to the plot and had me invested in the characters and the outcome. This author really has a fantastic way of making her plots and characters so down to earth and realistic. If you haven’t read anything by this author yet I highly suggest that you grab one of her stories, this one would be perfect, and get to know her.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Giofab21 · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short but sweet story about love and loss and fate. An unusal predicament catches these two exes in the middle of a very unique situation. Can their past be the reason to forget or to remember. A read that didn't disappoint or seem rushed and a couple that you want to see make it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jeanne Kotsios · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book hooked me from the get go I just couldn’t put it down I fell in love with these characters and omg what a story just a perfect

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review

[Heather W · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Second Chance is a sweet story about two people who come together after many years apart.

The characters are likable and care about each other and the baby. The storyline is well written and heartwarming.

I read and reviewed this book with no obligation.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

She never expected to open a door and find a baby in her doorstep. She has loved and cared for him so she makes plans to adopt him. Then her ex turns up as he is the uncle of the baby and he finds the woman he had always loved taking care of him. Will they get a second chance? Can this baby being them back together? Follow them to see

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

While this was perhaps a bit predictable overall it was a decent second chance tale. Alex & India were high school sweethearts but of course not everyone was happy with their union.
Years later they reunite over his sisters abandoned child, which she found on her doorstep. But I'm glad love preveiled in the end.
This is a short touching read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is a good holiday romance read. The story has a good story line. The characters are good, and they have good chemistry.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jackie Roberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a quick and intense romance story that is perfect for a rainy day afternoon read. I enjoyed it thoroughly and highly recommend it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cath · Rating 3 out of 5]

India Dare finds a baby on her doorstep late one night and keeps it, but no mention is made of calling the police or child services or any investigation for her to foster the child, until an adoption hearing is put in place. The rest of the story takes place at this adoption hearing some eight months later, where the baby’s blood uncle suddenly appears, having only found out about the baby’s existence a couple of months ago, from his sister, the baby’s birth mother, and a bit of a mess, now finally back in rehab. The location of the baby had been found just before the adoption could go through and the uncle, Alex St Clair, a billionaire of course, who has enough money to chuck at things his sister has done, whilst acting out after their father’s death, to hide them from the media and keep the family name protected.

India is devastated, but also recognises Alex as the young man who broke her heart when she was sixteen and he left to go to college, never wanting to come back to his home town and the pressures of his family name. She wanted to stay there in her parent’s house and live a simple life. He went away to college and she finally recovered and got married, but lost her husband after just a few months, but no mention of how or what from. Apparently she never had another relationship after her husband and is now approaching thirty. Alex has had plenty of girlfriends, but never forgot about India or how they grew apart. He is driven about his work and easily puts that above a relationship and wants his way all the time.

He offers her the chance to stay with him in his mother’s home, whilst she is away watching over her daughter in rehab, to help the baby get used to him and so he can learn about the baby’s habits and needs. Not an ideal situation, but all she will get, as being a blood relation, he pips her adoption request and would win every time! He takes this time as a second chance to make her love him again, whilst she thinks only about losing the baby she never had with her husband. The story ends rather abruptly with a happy ending, just when they are most at loggerheads.

It could really have done with more filler, to give background to issues like how she ended up being able to foster the child, with no experience or checks being made, just because the baby was left at her doorstep, more about her husband’s death, how she went along with the ending so soon after she had realised he would never change and always want his way. Just too lacking in some details that would have rounded out the story a lot better. The story itself, while light on essentials, is a pleasant enough love story and not a bad read. It just left me wanting more, for it to be realistic enough to believe it could happen. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.

[Angie Barnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jen A. Durand has written a 5-star book. This is the story of India and Alex. India is at home watching TV when there is a knock on her door. She goes to answer but no one is there. Something catches her eye and when she looks down, she sees a baby. India has put in a petition for adoption. It is the day she will find out if she can adopt Kier or not. She is in Judge Adam's chambers when she is told that her petition was denied. India finds out that a blood relative has come forward and wants Kier. The judge tells India that she has invited a family member along with their attorney to come and meet Kier and introduce themselves to her. When they walk into Judge Adam's chambers, India is shocked to see Alex. Alex is her ex-boyfriend. She is hurt that he would do something like this and she lets him have it. Alex comes up with a plan to get India back and it is to have her come to his house and help Kier get used to him and living in a new place. India doesn't think it is a good idea at all and tells him so. India agrees after a little while. At first, things do not go the way Alex wants them to. India works at avoiding Alex any time she can. Alex gets it to the point where he is spending time with Kier and India and his plan is starting to work. India ends up sleeping with Alex again but she knows it can't continue. She tells Alex that she is going to leave after Christmas since he and Kier don't need her anymore. Alex tries to talk her out of it but he can't. India has the baby monitor on and she hears Alex talking to Kier and telling him things about India and him. This just proves to India that she can't stay there any longer and needs to leave. Alex is having a dream about India when he hears his mother. He wakes up and she is standing there yelling at him for not telling her about her grandson, Kier. She tells him that his sister Noelle told her about Kier. Alex gets mad at his mother for leaving his sister alone when she needed her the most right then. Alex goes to look for India but she is not there.
Will India let Alex back into her life again?
This was a wonderful book and I would recommend it to anyone.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Within the first chapters you get the panoramic view of whom you’re dealing with! India has had good, bad, ugly pretty and successes. India has dealt with her share of sadness after husband died, she was a little lost, so it was a complete surprise when the doorbell rings and there’s a baby left on her doorstep without a note or anything. Just a beautiful, loveable newborn baby boy. Loving this baby took her sadness away and it also gave her something to do. After caring for him for a while she makes the decision to adopt baby boy and while at the courthouse someone wants to stop the finalization of the adoption because they are family. The judge denies the adoption and in walks a relative with the claiming to be the uncle of her son. The man who comes in is her ex-boyfriend from high school. Alex sexy as all get out ex-boyfriend, uncle to this loved baby boy and never stopped loving India but his family was a little on the uppity side and treated her like she was beneath them all so Alex left she couldn’t go with him. So today finding out his sister left India her baby because she knew India would love her boy and Alex wants the baby to stay within their family but doing it without creating a scandal to protect his company and his sister so a solution is reached where she help teach him how to care for the baby by way them getting to know each other again but will she forgive him for leaving, for trying to take her baby boy, why did his sister feel the need to leave the baby, has his mother gotten any better at treating like she is beneath them and can they find happiness this second time around?

[Cathy Black · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alexander St. Clair was the Uncle of little Kier the child which was placed on her front porch about 8 or more months ago. Kier was left on Alex's ex girlfriend's door. His sister had left her little boy on India's door because she knew she would take care of it. India was two years younger than Alex and they went together when they were in high school. He left to go to college and wanted India to follow him and she wanted him to stay in Westbrook because she loved the little town. India felt Alex was trying to get away from his mother who was a snob and thought they were better than anyone in the little town. They did live more comfortable than anyone but they were more more wealthy middle class. So India never felt comfortable around Alexander's mother because she always tended to look down on her, making her feel like she was not good enough to be going out with her son. So they are at the court house and Alex was stopping the adoption of his sister, Noelle's baby boy. He was trying to make sure that this did not create a scandal because his company was getting ready to go into IPO. When he gets to the court room and goes to get his nephew he finds out that his ex-girlfriend is the one who has been taken care of his nephew and wanted to adopt him. It turned out to be a very easy read. It was okay but it never really picked up speed for me. It was an easy read. I would recommend it though.

[JLH · Rating 5 out of 5]

India has had her woes and successes. She got married but her husband died. She was a little lost so it was a complete surprise when the doorbell rings and there’s a baby on the doorstep. No one‘s around there is no note. Just a beautiful newborn baby boy. She goes to the proper channels the baby is eight months. She is sitting in the judges chamber. Ready to get the finalization that she has custody of her son because no one has claimed him until someone does. She is denied by the judge and a relative walks in claiming to be the uncle of her son. The man who comes in is her ex-boyfriend from high school. This is a tournament ends. Apparently his sister left her child on her porch to take care of him. Unsure of what to do she’s care for him. This is her son. Eight months of no word from family or anyone. And in the ninth hour someone comes and snatches her dream or did they? Alex seems to think that this is his second chance and having India. His feelings never laughed. And he believes that he has always loved her. for India, it’s a question of is he doing this to save face for the family or if he’s genuinely concerned about his nephew. No cliffhanger.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[VirgoLady81 · Rating 4 out of 5]

1st HEA I've Read With a Cliffhanger......I Think

This was a very cute story. India and Alex really had to find their way back to each other throughout the whole story. However, I'm not sure I can accept the epilogue at the end because I have A LOT of unanswered questions such as the following:

1. What does the mom do when she finds out what Alex & India did? She was a piece of work and I don't really see her jumping for joy.
2. Was James secretly in love with India? I feel like there's a story there.
3. What happened to Nolle? Does she come back? Did she try to get her son back?
4. What exactly was the conversation Alex and India had when he showed up for Christmas? Can we get this as a flashback in the next book?
5. Will there be a next book??? I feel like there needs to be a next book.

This was my 1st time reading this author, but I'm going to add her to my list. I would just like to know what happened...lol. I may be too involved in this storyline, but I feel like there is some unfinished business that needs to be addressed.

[Chicken · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story follows India and Alex. They used to date when they were in high school. The two of them were completely in love with each other but Alex didn’t’ want to stay in their town. Now they meet again under very different circumstances. Alex’s sister, Noelle, has had a baby and left him at India’s doorstep. When Alex learns of this, he decides that he has to keep the baby away from publicity. Then he realizes India has been his nephew, Kier’s, mother for the last eight months.

I loved the compassion and happiness in this book. At first, India doesn’t trust Alex at all which makes sense due to the circumstances at which they’ve thrown together. This is a must-read for any romance lover. Cry a bit, laugh a little and smile at the love. This another novel from Jen that is absolutely amazing.

I wrote this voluntary review in exchange for an ARC copy.

[Anonymous 5 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a sweet second chance romance that really pulls at your heartstrings. India and Alex were once high school sweethearts. As far as Alex is concerned, India is the one that got away. One day, India finds a baby left on her doorstep and her life completely changes. She falls in love with the baby and petitions to adopt him. However, the baby's uncle steps up and the court denies her petition. The baby's uncle is none other than Alex. He has hope they can raise the baby together. This story was so touching I was hooked from the start. It's a beautiful story and I could not put down. I would definitely recommend.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kristine L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartwarming story that gives two people who still love each other a second chance. India opens her door and finds a baby on her doorstep. Alex's sister Noelle, had a baby and left him on India's doorstep. When Alex learns this he decides to get the baby to keep it away from publicity. Then Alex realizes that India has been taking care of his nephew, Kier's, for the last eight months. Alex still loves India and he wants to win her back so he proposes that she move in with him and the baby so they can continue to get to know the baby. The compassion and happiness were fantastic there just needed some time for India to trust Alex again. Fantastic Story. I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Damaris Rivera · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the story of Alex and India. She was extremely sad and lost hope until one day she opened the door and found a baby. That was a bright light of hope and happiness that changed completely her life. Alex is the uncle of the baby and he wanted to claim the child. He never imagined that the person taking care of the baby was his ex-girlfriend, the only woman he ever loved. Now, he proposed India stay with him and take care of the baby, but he also hope for a second chance to win India's heart again. I loved the story! The way the story was developed was really nice. You will love this book. Highly recommended.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[reader 1085 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good storyline but it felt a bit rushed and choppy. I didn't feel any connection with the characters of India and Alex at all. Then the throw away line of how India was black . Nothing else. Like it wasnt important . So unnecessary. Mother Elizabeth just came in at very end, screaming and moaning about scandals. A bit too contrived. It also has as a bit of a cliffhanger feel instead of really ending. No mention about how Noelle will feel about brother raising her baby. Will she be in his life? Possibly author has book two in mind

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Robyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

India was surprised to find a baby on her door step. After looking after him for a while she decides to adopt him. All is going well until Alexander St. Clair arrives at the adoption hearing to claim his nephew. Alex and India had been together years ago, but their relationship couldn't survive his mother's hatred of India, and their inability to agree if they were staying in Westbrook, or leaving town.

Now India is a widow and she had no intention in restarting a relationship with Alex. But can she give up Kier?

I loved this story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.