For those who believe lightning can strike twice …
Girl-next-door turned party girl Emelia Young has spent the last five years cultivating an illustrious acting career in LA. But, when fate pulls her back to her hometown of Sydney, she finds the eyes of the world are on her, and this time for all the wrong reasons.
In the midst of a chaotic scandal, Emelia meets the eye of the last person she expected to see: her high school sweetheart, Liam Miller. When the whole world turns dark, Emelia finds light again in the boy she loved all those years ago.
But things have changed. No longer the heart-drawing sixteen-year-old Liam used to know, fame, money and notoriety have changed Emelia, leaving them both unsure of where they stand.
When chance leads them into close proximity, Emelia finds there’s something even more terrifying than having the whole world hate you: developing feelings for someone who she could actually fall for.
Hearts will be set racing in this fast paced second chance romance set on the sunny and romantic Bondi Beach. Do they have it in their hearts to take another shot at love?
This is the debut novel of Alice Reed and it is a second chance (I totally had to say that in case the title didn't make it obvious enough), celebrity romance. The hero and heroine, Liam and Emelia were high school lovers and they get to rediscover their relationship when they star together in a show.
There were some aspects of the book that I really liked and appreciated but there was only one thing that I didn't really like and I feel like that could have been improved (I'll get back to it later).
As for the things I liked about this book, the first one was its unique take on the celebrity romance genre. Liam is trying to make a name for himself and Emelia is a famous actress. In the celebrity novels I've read in the past, the hero is the big name of Hollywood. The fact that this book shed light on Liam's struggle set it apart from other books.
Secondly, I loved Liam's bestie. He was a total sweetheart. That's one bestie I want to always have my back.
Now to the thing that bothered me about this book was that at the beginning I couldn't relate to Emelia and didn't feel any sympathy for her because of her 'scandal'. Even later in the story when her side of the story is explained, I feel like the writer could have done a better job bringing her perspective to the light.
Except that I loved this book, its characters, plot, and narration. So, I'll give it 3.5 stars.
I always want to give a shout out to a new author. It takes a lot of work and guts to put your writing out there for the world to read.
First off, the cover was great!
The story of Liam and Emelia was teenage love separated by years and brought back together by Hollywood. Holywood in Australia that is. They are both actors. Emelia has already made it big in her career but is ravaged by scandal. Liam is still waiting for that big break and ends up getting it in a new project with the love that got away. They definitely encountered some bumps in their road to romance.
There were some steamy scenes and some drama with side characters that was very interesting.
The story idea was great but the depth fell a little short. The characters didn't quite get there for me. I didn't feel that draw and connection that I like to feel. Their conversations seemed shallow and their actions with each other didn't make me swoon.
There were some formatting and editing issues but for a first book it was a solid read.
Second Chances: Love on Set by Alice Reed is a quick, enjoyable read featuring a Hollywood scandal, a rekindled friendship, a bit of angst, and just the right amount of fun and steam.
Liam and Emelia were in love at 16 before Emelia went on to become a superstar and Liam continued to struggle to become a star in his own right. After seeing each other again five years later, scandal erupts and they find themselves thrown back together. Can they become friends again? Can they become more? Or will their insecurities stand in their way?
I loved the chemistry between Liam and Emelia and their second chance romance. Alice Reed is a new author but you would never know it from the way that this book is written. The story is well developed and keeps you turning the pages. I pretty much devoured this book and I can't wait to see what this author writes next.
When Alice first asked me to read the first 2 chapters I said yes in a heartbeat, I love helping new authors and I’m so glad I decided to read her story, this was a lovely second chance romance and I really loved Liam. He was amazing and I loved how sweet he was with Emelia, even though she didn’t took him seriously at the beginning.
It was an easy read and I really enjoyed reading about their relationship and how little by little they got closer, and Emelia learned Liam only wanted to help her and be there for her. Besides they had a lot of chemistry and their steamy scenes were really good.
I hope more people can read Alice’s story and help her promote this new and amazing book!
ARC kindly provided by author, in exchange for an honest review.
Former childhood sweethearts Liam and Emelia bump into each other at a movie premiere—her a hot Hollywood starlet surrounded by scandal and him an up and coming actor who swoops in and saves the day.
The two are thrust together again after scoring lead roles in an upcoming show, and as they rekindle their friendship old feelings start to resurface between them, but is it worth taking a second chance?
Second Chances: Love on Set was a quick fun read, and the perfect balance of cute and steamy. Plus who doesn’t love a HEA?!
Alice Reed reached out and asked if I would be interested in reading the first three chapters of the debut novel she was working on and offer my feedback. I was very intrigued by what I had read, so when she asked if I would read an arc I jumped at the chance to finish Liam and Emelia’s story.
Second Chances is a sweet and easy to read romance. The story flows so well and keeps your attention, you could easily devour it in one sitting.
Liam and Emelia have known each other since they were children and dated as teenagers. Their relationship ended when Emelia got her big break as an actor. They haven’t seen one another in five years and when their paths cross at the premier of Liam’s new movie, he ends up coming to her rescue.
As Emelia finds herself involved in a scandal that could end her career, she is offered a lifeline. This opportunity brings Liam back into her life. The more time they spend with one another, the more they are reminded how much they meant to one another. Emelia desperately needs a friend and Liam tries hard to resist and not cross boundaries.
Emelia is trying to figure out what her dreams are now and is operating on survival mode. But, when she is with Liam, he helps quiet the outside world. Her confidence and self esteem have taken such a hard hit, she feels she is unworthy of Liam and won’t be until she settles the bad press surrounding her.
Liam is lovable and the perfect book boyfriend from the get go. It took me a bit to warm up to Emelia. Then I met her mother and I felt myself understanding her much better. And, as I watched them reconnect, I realized just how perfect they were for one another.
This isn’t just a second chance at romance, but, also a second chance at building the life you see for yourself.
“I honestly thought the world was going to end that night. But you saved me.” Her voice caught and set Liam’s heart on fire. “No. You saved yourself. I’m just glad I got to be there along the way.”
*Thank to you the author for reaching out and allowing me to read an ARC of this book in return for a honest review.*
Liam and Emilia have a long past that ended in heartbreak. When they are finally are reunited five years later at a movie premier, Liam finds himself still infatuated with Emilia.
Emilia is a very well established actress and has made a name for herself in the industry, but when a private picture goes virual, she soon finds out that the name for herself and her career are not as safe as she thought.
Liam and Emilia are thrust back together after Liam comes to Emilia's rescue at the event. Soon old feelings start to erupt and the pair finds out if their young love was true or just truly young love.
I enjoyed this second chance romance. Liam was a sweet, loyal and loving character that only wanted to best for people -- something that he knew he would have to work on if he wanted to become a big name in the acting industry. Emilia, even though established in her acting career, finds that she has lost her true self and has a hard time trusting people because of the environment of the acting industry. I felt the connection between the characters and wanted them to be together.
ATTENTION: Before I write my review, y’all need to know I own Liam his mine, I will lick him so no one else can take him, he is my new book boyfriend and I won’t share 😉
Second Chances is Alice’s debut novel, and it’s definitely a great one.
Liam and Emelia were childhood sweethearts, they both had a strong passion for acting. Emelia became a well known actor in Hollywood whilst Liam stayed in Australia doing small acting gigs here and there.
Emelia returned to Australia and unfortunately became involved in a massive Hollywood scandal.
Liam and Emelia are paired together for a series, sparks ignite and love blooms but can they make it work? Or will Emelia’s scandal overtake their reunited love.
This is a must-read book. It is sweet, sexy, and has all the feels. It makes you believe we can all have second chances. Ms. Reed did an excellent job.
Normally reading a story where cheating is involved I would not read it. It's a big no for me. But I wasn't aware of it going in. I persisted with the story but I just couldn't connect with the characters or the story.
Maybe it's me, I'm not sure as others seemed to love the story. I thought Liam was great. It's Emelia I didn't like or her mother.
I may come back and re-read at some point as my views now are based on cheating.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
You know a book is good when you read the entire thing in one evening! This book was such a fun read! I adored Liam from the beginning and he was such a lovely character. He is an actor trying to make his big break, when he bumps into his childhood sweetheart, Emelia, who is a big Hollywood star. They both get cast in a new Netflix show and through reconnecting on set sparks start to fly and we see them have a second chance at love.
Emelia was a great female lead and I sympathised with her throughout. She was treated so badly by those around her who tried to use her, but Luke was always kind and loyal. I loved how this dealt with the idea of feeling too broken to deserve love and how Emelia overcame her anxieties with support and kindness from Luke and her true friends.
I definitely recommend this book and am so thankful that the author of this book kindly reached out to me via Instagram and sent me a free copy of her book to read and give an honest review.
Second Chances is the debut book by Alice Reed and it's a solid debut.
This story is set in Australia and I absolutely loved that fact. It's a story of a second chance romance between Liam and Emelia. They were high school sweethearts and then they both became actors, moving away from one another. Emelia became a star destined for Hollywood. With Hollywood comes scandals and she is at the forefront of a major one. Liam, meanwhile became a working actor getting supporting roles in Australia. What happens when she returns and a scandal hits her in the face?
Liam is the man that fully supports others, is friends with everyone and wears his heart on his sleeve. He has the best roommate/friend in James and the worst slimey manager in Geremy. But he is determined to keep working and paying his bills. When he is offered a lead role, he takes it in hopes that it will really launch his career. Emelia has returned to Australia to follow a man she thought she cared for when she is blasted all over social media about this relationship and it isn't pretty. She is crowned with a horrible name and is not looking forward to what will happen with her career. With her overbearing, horrible mother and social media 'star' of a friend in Charlotte, things are not looking great. But then she is offered a co-starring gig with her ex-high school boyfriend. What will happen when their worlds collide??
Second Chances was a sweet and fast-paced read. Liam is the heart-on-his-sleeve sort of leading character and Emelia is lost and trying to find if she is even worthy of anything. They are given second chances, but also are working up from friends to lovers.
I enjoyed the story and thought it was a solid debut. I wanted to feel a little more of the past connection between Liam and Emelia to see what drew them together in the present. Their scenes together seemed that they had an obvious connection, but I wanted to feel that past connection. I got more from Liam than Emelia with understanding their relationship, past and present. I liked the onset camaraderie of the characters and the supporting characters of the story as a whole (yes, even the slimey characters). It added to the story. I think Alice Reed has great potential with this series and her characters she's created. I'm curious to see who she will write next for Love on Set.
Second Chances is the new romance from Alice Reed. I am new to Reed as a reader, but enjoyed her glitzy and glamorous second chance romance.
The book focuses on Emelia Young and Liam Millar two high school lovebirds separated by the aspirations of fame. Emelia is a starlet who lands herself in a spot of bother by becoming embroiled in a scandal. Unfortunately, there’s two sides to every story, and the press aren’t interested in knowing hers.
Liam is a nice, humble guy and as a reader I found him the more likeable character. He is friendly to all, has not forgotten where he comes from, and is desperately trying to pave a way in acting and make a name for himself. You learn he is trying to do everything by the book, the fair way, but nice guys always seem to finish last.
Emelia is ‘the one that got away’ for Liam, when he has always been the boy she left behind, and when they both end up suspiciously landing lead roles in a new television drama, Liam cannot help but feel someone is pulling strings of manipulation. But sometimes to get somewhere you have to accept, and it’s something which doesn’t sit lightly with him.
With Emelia’s reputation disintegrating, and Liam’s name on the rise, will one end up crushing the other? Or will they finally have a shot at a second chance?
This book captured my attention for the fictional world of celebrity. As a reader I love to get swept up in scandal and gossip, and in became fully captivated by the story surrounding Emelia and the reactions of others. There are a few unexpected plot twists, and some supporting characters such as James and Eliot which will also grab your attention.
I look forward to seeing more books from this author, and would recommend to those who enjoy second chances as a trope. It was a light-hearted romance which I read in one sitting. It made for an enjoyable read, and think those who like embracing celebrity style books will enjoy Liam as a book boyfriend.
4.5 Stars First things first; I like the cover of this book! Second chances is the first book in the ‘’love on set’’ series. This story is short (173pgs) mixed paced and an entertaining read. I read this book in one sitting and was satisfied throughout. Second chances is the first book of Alice Reed’s that I have read and the first she has published (correct me if I’m wrong). I found the writing style easy to follow, the characters likeable and the storyline entertaining. Liam is an actor that is eager for his big break. Emelia is a famous actress that becomes involved in a scandal. Emelia and Liam are childhood sweethearts that are suddenly thrown back together on a movie set. What will happen between Emelia and Liam? The chemistry between Liam and Emelia is clear to see and I liked them together. They just seemed to instantly fit. I feel like they could sit in silence in a room together and it wouldn’t be awkward. I liked that despite being together in the past, they didn’t rush it this time. It was kind of like a slow burn/lead up to them becoming more than friends and co-stars. I loved that Liam wasn’t judgemental about Emelia’s situation. I liked both of the characters but I would honestly say, I liked Liam just a pinch more than Emelia. I really disliked Charlotte. She didn’t come across as a friend. That being said, I later understood her a little and softened towards her. At first, she came across as a snake that was jealous of Emelia. I also have to admit, I wasn’t a fan of Emelia’s mother. From the little we got about her, I don’t think she had her daughter’s best interests at heart. I really liked the ending and the epilogue for this story. The storyline for this book is easy to follow and it is an enjoyable read. I cannot wait for more books from this series.
This is a second chance celebrity romance. We come across teen sweethearts Liam and Emilia who meet again years later in the midst of a scandal surrounding Emilia. The hollywood life has been tough on Emilia and with Liam back in her life, she realizes how much she has lost herself and what it truly means to be herself.
The story was very soothing and easy to read. Liam is an absolute sweetheart and he is such a nice guy. I really loved reading about him. He was pretty clear about his feelings and where he stands in life and how much he is willing to be back with Emilia. Emilia's character had a bumpy time navigating through the scandal, dealing with her career and also her emotions.
I feel like the relationship was just explored on the surface-be it in the past or the present. I wanted to know more about what they were feeling currently, what they had gone through when they were sixteen, I just could not connect with the depth of their feelings. I was left wanting to know more about them as individuals and as a couple as well. This was a big downer for me as I did like the concept of the story and how it moves forward and all the elements incorporated, including the side characters.
I received an arc in exchange of my honest review.
This was a great debut move by Alice Reed ! Liam and Emilia knew each other as teens, both interested in Persuing an acting career and fell in young love together but were ripped apart when Emilia moved to the USA to follow her dream. Liams dreams had yet to be realised while Emilia had found fame . This is their second chance love story of how fame can bring someone down but true love can help them find themselves and heal again . Set in Australia (my home ) I enjoyed the way this story provided a different setting . Congratulations on a great debut Alice !
Second Chances was cute and quick read. I really enjoyed the fact that this book was set in Bondi. As an Australian, it was quite refreshing to read an Aussie romance.
PROS: ▪︎Quick and easy read ▪︎cute high school lovers reunite ▪︎ steam factor: 1/3 CONS: ▪︎I struggled to connect with female lead. I wish we could have known more about her Hollywood life and her relationships with her mum, Charlotte etc.. ▪︎I would have liked to know more about the couple's past and get a feel of their entire relationship.
I definitely think this is an awesome read. I recommend this book to anyone who wants an easy and sweet romance about two old flames reuniting.
This is the first book by Alice Reed that I’ve read and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It’s always nice when you can get a second chance with the one who got away. High school sweethearts who have parted ways, to be reunited five years later. Liam is the guy that is nice to everyone. Always tries to include everyone in the here and now. Emelia is a party girl who lost who she once was. Can Liam help her find herself again? Or has she been sucked in deep by Hollywood? Grab this one today to see how Liam and Emelia reconnect. You will not be disappointed.
Former high school sweethearts Emelia & Liam cross paths at a film premiere to only be thrust into celebrity drama. Can the two find their way back to one another and have a second chance at love?
Second Chances is Alice Reed's debut novel and, it's worth the read! This story is a feel-good HEA with a fun dose of Hollywood drama to boot.
This is the first time I think I've read a story by Alice. It has taken me longer than planned to read the story but I am so glad I finished it. I do like a second chance romance and this one has lived up to my expectations. The main characters were written well and I loved seeing their relationship grow. There were times I wanted to grab them and shake them but all came well in the end.
Looking forward to reading more in this series. Especially James' story.
What a sweet second chance romance! I am absolutely in love with Liam and Emilia! I love the bits of drama added in and whew! Those steamy scenes were great! Highly recommend this book!
Second Chances: Love on Set #1 - is a second chance romance between high-school sweethearts who meet again on stage. This novel is blended together with chemistry between the characters, Hollywood film star's and scandal, minimum angst, sensual moments, supporting character's bringing the drama, and reunited love leading to a hea. A entertaining read.
-Review has been updated since originally being posted-
This is a near clean-read written in third person about two people given a second chance at love.
Emelia and Liam were forced apart at the age of sixteen. They went their separate ways and have each made a place for themselves in the film industry. Emelia rose to stardom in the American market but succumbed to the peer pressures of drugs, sex, and scandals. Liam, on the other hand, had a small budding career that had barely launched when he’s got thrust in the middle of Emelia’s whirlwind life. Together they rekindle their childhood affair and experience what it means to be adults in a grown up relationship.
Personally, I was not a fan of the authors writing style and this book gave me serious bangexity!! I remember hitting 70% and thinking...ONLY a kiss?! And I understand that not all books need sex but I prefer books to have that intimacy included for relationship development. There was also the issue of self deprecation that bothered me. I felt that the character talked down about not only themselves but the American movie industry. Something about it just rubbed me the wrong way.
In the end, I'm not sure if I will continue with the series, yet I am curious to see if Liam’s roommate James receives a book and a HEA. As this is the author's first novel I will say that I'm glad it appealed to others for she has writing potential that I hope matures and evolves.
I think this was cute story if you can say that about the books. This was about Liam and Emelia. They were high school sweethearts until she left for Hollywood. They meet 5 years later and their situation were so different. Emelia was middle of scandal and Liam was trying to get his name out there. I really liked Liam because he was such a great guy and sweetheart. I did liked Emelia too.
An ARC was provided in exhange for an honest review.
Style: Young Adult Romance Story: 4/5 Sexual: GOOD Enjoyment: 3/5 Male: Sexy, Sweet, Guy next door Series: Pages : 168 Kindle Unlimited: Yes
4 ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️ ⭐️
This was disgustingly sweet, and that’s meant in a good way. This was a story of teen love, lost love to second chance at love.
Emelia has lost her way. The fame and relationships has made her different. Emelia’s character was ok for me, not sure I connected with her all the way. I know she was trying to figure out herself and life out and reuniting again with Liam has sparked that home feeling again, but she still kept her distant. Liam, I need me a Liam in my life. He was so sweet, he gave me cavities consistently. The torch he has carried for Emelia, that’s what I fell in love with. I really enjoyed his character.
James is a secondary character, but can I also get a James in my life he is that awesome friend that will forever have you smiling. The climax of the story was ok for me and that’s more of a personal taste.
Overall, it was sweet, I love their love and that they found each other again.
***I don’t equate these stories to real life. It’s definitely about personal taste and what you would or want to tolerate with the stories you read. I hope this review was helpful.
I’m always keen to help debut an author’s first book, especially an Aussie!
I really loved the story line of this book. It had nice steamy well written scenes and sometimes third person writing doesn’t do it for me, but this one was written really well! A great first book in my opinion! It just fell a little flat for me. There wasn’t enough character development for me to really connect with them, but in saying that I still enjoyed it and glad I was asked to read it!
Liam Miller just so happens to be in the right place at the right time. When a scandal involving Emelia Young, his high school sweetheart, unfolds, Liam swoops in to save the day. Little did he know, that he would later be playing the lead role opposite to her in an upcoming movie.
I loved Liam, he is literally the best book boyfriend. He is loyal, independent and kind. He also has an amazing sense of humour and HOT! Emelia, I will admit, took me a while to warm up to her. She wasn't who I would have paired Liam up with, however as the story progresses I did see her softer and more vulnerable side.
From the very beginning, I was hooked. Alice Reed has an amazing writing technique. There were some areas that the pace wasn't as quick as others. That being said it didn't really affect my reading experience.
I enjoyed this book and I give it a thumbs up.
Thank you to the author for providing me with this arc in exchange for an honest review.
Emilia and Liam’s story is beautiful love story. High school sweethearts reacquainted after several years and each of the characters are at two different places in their careers. One is trying out run her mistakes that are broadcasted globally and the other is trying to find his next role. One series is the answer to what they both need. Their scripted as lovers but offset they are just trying to just get to know each other again. The steamy on set kisses lead to them accepting their beautiful chemistry. This to me is a classic romance where your heart swoons for the characters.
I received this ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Ok, I have mixed feelings about this story. Not because of the romance but because of all the turmoil this couple had to go through.
I have to say, I don’t know how celebrities do it. I don’t know if I’d be able to have my life in constant scrutiny from the merciless media.
I love this book it’s called “Second Chances” because that’s exactly what the plot revolves around. The romance between Liam and Emelia was sweet and sexy, but the one thing that touched my heart was Emelia’s development through the story.
During the first part of the story it was hard for me to understand Emelia’a intentions and heart. But I empathized with her, deeply. I can see this happening in real life.
Everyone f**ks up. Everyone. We all have to accept the consequences of our actions but we all deserve a second chance to make it up and build a strong foundation where we made the mess.
I loved how Liam offered his friendship and support first and how defensive he was about her. He was understanding and offered her a safe place to hide from everyone’s attacks.
Through all the book I thought: Liam and Emelia deserve better than Hollywood’s lifestyle. Made me feel compassion towards all celebrities who can’t have normal lives and relationships. We should be able to treat them better. If we admire them, we should be able to respect them as the human beings they are.
I enjoyed this book and I would certainly recommend it!