Second Chance to Wear His Ring

by Hana Sheik

“Sheik debuts with a tenderhearted romance that sees first love get a second chance.”- Publishers WeeklyA forgotten past…Could pave the way to forever!When millionaire Mansur Ali is called urgently home to Somaliland, he’s shocked to find that the woman who broke his heart needs his help. After an accident, Amal has lost many memories…including Manny’s marriage proposal and her rejection! Manny will help her seek treatment in Addis Ababa, but he’s resolved to keep his heart firmly off-limits. A promise that is tested when their journey brings them closer than ever before… 

Genres: Romance, Contemporary

161 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 24, 2021

About the author

Hana Sheik falls in love every day reading her favorite romances and writing her own happily ever afters. She's worked as a data entry operator, customer service rep, telemarketer, and ghostwriter—but being a romance author is hands-down the best job ever! She calls the Great White North (Canada) her heart and home and lives there with her family.

Reviews

[K.J. Charles]

Debut M&B with Somali MCs set in Somaliland and Ethiopia.

Tropetastic: hero is a millionaire CEO, heroine is the childhood friend who turned him down flat when he proposed before, she now has amnesia from a RNTBI (romance novel traumatic brain injury, the type that gives your love life a do-over but has no other consequences, look if I wanted a medical textbook I'd have bought a medical textbook).

Basically it's a super sweet second chance story with thoroughly likeable characters. Hero has to get over his feelings of rejection and isolation on multiple axes, heroine is adrift with her amnesia and falling for him, but rather intimidated by his wealth and looks (on which, say yes to the cover model). The heroine wears a hijab, of which the hero is super respectful in an adorable way. The settings are vividly and beautifully conveyed, also the food, which I find personally distressing because I used to live near an amazing Ethiopian restaurant and this book made me want injera so badly.

The writing could afford to relax a bit and I'd have liked a bit more dialogue and a bit less inner monologue, but this is a confident debut so let's not be picky. Thoroughly enjoyable category romance and I'm looking forward to the author's next.

[Bree Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

I need more Mills & Boon True Love romances set in Africa! This story takes place in both Somalia and Ethiopia. I love having an African hero. Mansur was the right amount of brooding, a smidge of cinnamon role and totally dreamy. Him and Amal’s romance was sweet and emotional. I’m definitely excited for more from Hana!

[Lela May Wight · Rating 5 out of 5]

The cover! I squealed when this landed on my kindle. I think the cover is absolutely stunning and after reading the scene Harlequin depicted so, very, very well, I will swoon forever more over this cover. Manny, 'Mansur', is everything this cover says he is, and the look in his eyes—the yearning— is a visceral 'Manny' feature throughout the book!

And the story inside the book? Beau-ti-ful!

I love a second-chance romance. All that established intimacy, the turmoil of who they'd been together, and who they are now—the emotional tug of war as they fight against fate... Especially in Amal's case, because she may not remember who she was with Manny, but she sure can feel it. The familiarity. The desire.

It was a joy to watch her fall in love with Manny all over again. (Amnesia trope, anyone? Bliss!)

Amal is a wonderful heroine. Determined and fierce, and yet vulnerable and awkward... I just adored her. I adored her ability to make Manny understand if he held onto hope, there was always a silver lining if he cared to look for it. Amal is hopeful about everything she does, always looking for the good in everybody and every situation. And this personality trait was endearing.

Manny is stoic and reserved, but oh, he is kind, and thoughtful, and full of yearning. He is a most delicious hero. And it was a joy to watch him face his past head-on because of Amal and the strength she gave to him...

The armchair travel in this sweet romance is vibrant, alive and beautiful as we travel through Somaliland, to Ethiopia, visiting various destinations along the way. Keep your peepers out for the boat ride. It was one of my absolutely favourite scenes. Oh, the romance! And please, have a tasty cup of coffee with you as you read this beauty, because believe me, you'll want one after reading about Ethiopian coffee. (Yum!)

Hana Sheik's debut offers everything I love about a second-chance romance, and so much more. It was a joy to spend my weekend with this book, and I encourage you to do the same.

[Hana]

I hope you all like Amal & Manny as much as I enjoyed writing them. ❤️

[Rach · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book I've read in the last few months that tackles amnesia and I think it's become a fave trope of mine. It is handled so beautifully here with the innocent yet strong Amal and her dashing, deeply sensitive yet tough on the outside, Manny.

I loved how their history went way back to their childhood. I loved how they went from friends to more before the accident that took Amal's adult memories away, stealing her knowledge of Manny's broken heart with it. Hana Sheik tackles it so well — the will she/won't she remember/will Manny tell her and what then — and keeps you on tenterhooks as you eagerly devour every page.

Their back stories are so similar, their strengths too. Both dealing with problematic father figures. Both successful business leaders, well respected and admired, and very much on an even footing, even if Manny is the one that has explored the world with his success and hit the heights of millionaire status. Not once do you feel that Amal isn't his equal as you fall in love right along with them.

Gorgeous locations, stunning descriptions, and a sensual naivety that I found utterly compelling — I highly recommend this sweet debut!

[Robin Loves Reading · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mansur Ali is a millionaire working in America. His mother calls him home to Somaliland because his previous love had been in an accident and has lost some of her memories, including the fact that she was once in love with him. As far as Amal is concerned, she doesn't owe anything to Mansur, but she has unexplained feelings for him. In fact, when she discovers that she once rejected his proposal, she is more than shocked.

Romance stories are often based on tropes, and this one is a second chance romance. Mansur and Amal are perfect for one another and I rooted for them all the way. I love how this tory unfolded and allowed their love for one another to eventually shine through.

Many thanks to Harlequin Romance and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

[Zee Monodee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really liked the setting - Somaliland & Ethiopia - which aren't places one sees often in romance, and it showcased the vibrant beauty of that part of Africa really well. The romance itself, I liked it, but it felt like there was a lot of Manny's family drama going on right along with it, which took away from the build up of feelings between him and Amal for me. Still, it's a beautiful love we get to see develop across the pages

[Megan]

I liked this warmly emotional, thoughtful depiction of Manny and Amal creating a new friendship and a new love on top of a complicated emotional landscape: they're childhood friends who fell in love as adults long-distancely after Manny settled in America for college and work; Amal rejected his marriage proposal before due to understandable issues that Manny is still struggling to work through; and after Amal develops amnesia after an accident at the construction site of the hospital she was building, Manny's mother cryptically encourages him to return to Somaliland.

I liked this take on the amnesia trope: they really start from anew, tentatively growing a friendship before Amal even recognizes that she's also crushing on him, before Manny realizes he never fell out of love with her. While Amal doesn't find out that he'd previously proposed to her and rejected him until late in the book, the withholding of this information is a non-issue. She's not that person anymore, and she's comfortable with that. Deception is not part of the narrative, which is usually what I struggle with re: amnesia plots. Another thing I liked about this take: Amal doesn't recover all her memories. She has a good perspective on how to move forward, what to take with her, what not to grieve. She is all about hope.

[Sian · Rating 4 out of 5]

My review of Second Chance to Wear His Ring is on my blog.

https://quirkybookreads.wordpress.com...

[Katherine Hayward Pérez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second Chance to Wear His Ring grabbed me at the title. I immediately wanted to know what happened and why there was a second chance.

Manny finds himself back in Somaliland as someone needs help. It was exciting to witness the development of their relationship. Amal's accident and memory loss made me want to find out if they would ever rekindle what they once had.

They are definitely people to root for!

Hana Sheik captures family dynamics well and the dilemma of "will they/won't they" is excellently created.

The setting is interesting too and new to me. Second Chance to Wear His Ring is an excellent debut.

I am a person who loves learning about different cultures and the combination of past memories, real life matters and the mystery of how, or if, everything would resolve itself, was gripping. The writing style is fluid and fast-moving which made me want to know what was going to happen.

Thanks to Hana Sheik and Harlequin Romance for my ARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.

5 stars

[Eclectic Review · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ms. Sheik is a debut author who has written a beautiful second chance romance in an exotic land. 

Mansur "Manny" Ali has flown back home to Somaliland from Pittsburgh in a panic due to his mother's cryptic message. When he gets there, Amal, the woman who broke his heart, is staying with his mother and doesn't remember her rejection of his marriage proposal last year. It appears Amal was in an accident and now has amnesia. As he goes to Addis Ababa to tackle his demons with his estranged father's request, he takes Amal along to seek treatment for her affliction. Can he keep his heart safe?

Amal remembers the young Manny she played with as a child, but her amnesia has blocked out her memories as an adult. She can't understand why he is so standoffish and cold, but she sees the pain behind his eyes as he deals with his late father's inheritance and betrayal and she is determined to help him find closure. Her feelings for him are growing as she spends more time with him, but she feels like an obligation to him and he is being a dutiful son for his mother. There is no hope for her, but perhaps he can find happiness elsewhere.

Manny is a lonely and broken man who has worked hard to become a successful CEO in America. In part, Amal helped him through his struggles by offering her loving support from afar as she built her own company from the ground up. His doomed proposal to Amal the year before was out of desperation after his father died. The father who abandoned him and his mother for a new family. Amal is a kind person who believes in family and his refusal to attend his father's funeral was a blow to all she stood for. Manny's family welcomed Amal and her brothers with open arms when her father abandoned them after her mother's death.  Watching Amal's quiet but firm ways ensnare Manny once again is both heartwarming and heartbreaking as Manny's need for love and trust fights with his need to protect himself from heartache once again. They are a beautiful and generous couple who deserve much happiness.

I recommend highly this sweet debut second chance romance with vulnerable and complex characters set in the Horn of Africa.

Thank you to Ms. Sheik for giving me the opportunity to review this book with no expectation of a positive review.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hana Sheik’s debut novel for Harlequin Romance/Mills and Boon True Love is a tender, charming and emotional tale romantics everywhere will thoroughly enjoy.

Millionaire Mansur Ali’s presence is urgently required in Somaliland. Still haunted by memories of his past he has never quite managed to forget, Manny knows that this trip back home is going to be fraught with feelings and emotions he would much rather repress, but he is flabbergasted when he finds the woman who broke his heart in desperate need of his help. Worse, Amal has lost so many of her memories – including Manny’s marriage proposal and her rejection! Manny vows to harden his heart and to not let his feelings towards Amal get the better of him, however, he soon realizes that that is far easier said than done!

Manny is willing to help Amal out during her hour of need and help her get the treatment she so desperately seeks in Addis Ababa. Manny has no qualms about doing whatever he can in to help Amal out, however, he vows to keep his heart firmly under lock and key – even if that becomes harder and harder with each passing day. Even though Manny finds himself drawn to Amal more than ever, her rejection the last time had almost broken him and he is not prepared to risk his heart all over again – even if his feelings for her intensify every time he sees her again.

Manny and Amal have fallen head over heels in love with one another again, but will they give their relationship another try? Or has too much water flown under the bridge for the two of them to ever have any hope of a future together?

Hana Sheik’s Second Chance to Wear His Ring is a terrific debut that is full of warmth, emotion, drama and intensity. Set in Somaliland, the book is full of colourful descriptions of this country that Hana Sheik brings brilliantly to life which serve as a gorgeous background to Manny and Amal’s poignant and captivating love story.

Hana Sheik’s Second Chance to Wear His Ring is a heartfelt, engaging and moving contemporary romance from a wonderful new writer for the Harlequin Romance/Mills and Boon True Love line.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Tiziana Langone · Rating 3 out of 5]

Could you help the person that once broke your heart?

When Mansur Ali received a call from his mother, asking for his help, he doesn’t hesitate to fly back to Somaliland even if it’s not something that makes him happy. 
But no matter how he feels about returning home, there isn’t a thing he wouldn’t do for his mother.
However, he couldn’t be surprised more when it appears that the help is not for his mother, but for Amal. Amal, who refused Manny’s marriage proposal and broke his heart. After an accident Amal has lost her memory and now Manny has to help seeking treatment in Addid Ababa.
Not being able to refuse his mother’s pleas, Manny offers his help, but is determined to keep his heart closed. Because there is no way Manny and Amal will be getting closer, right?

When I read a book, 99.99% of the times it’s taking place somewhere I can easily relate to. If the story is settles in the U.S. or U.K. or Europe, it’s easier for me to get totally submerged into it
So having this story mainly taking part in Somaliland, made me struggle a little bit more with it, because I honestly have no idea what is typical for this place, or how it looks like. If you say London, it’s easy to picture Westminster, Big Ben and even Buckingham Palace.
But If you ask me something famous in Somaliland, I cannot answer you…
However, don’t think I didn’t enjoy this romance!

Not only is Manny forced to return to his family, even if he is being successful in Pittsburgh, it’s clear that there are still ghosts from the past haunting him.
And when he is faced with the woman who broke his heart, it’s obvious and understandable he wants to leave as soon as possible.
However, his behaviour also shows how caring he is. His love for his mother is not that surprising, but also when he realizes what is going on with Amal, he wants to help her, no matter what happened in the past.

I cannot imagine what Amal has to endure, not only she has lost her most recent memories, but she also had to face the reality about her family. The love for her brothers are unquestionable, but her father’s behaviour… well, I won’t give him the satisfaction of wasting more words!

I loved reading how for Manny this was a love story with a second chance, but for Amal it was a love story with its first chance. 
And it was sweet to see even when Amal didn’t have any recognition of Manny, she still was feeling this attraction towards him. For me, this is proof that even when the mind doesn’t recognize someone, the heart always does and always will.

This was an entertaining story, and maybe even a bit too short for me! I would have liked to see more the dynamic between these two characters.
It took me to an unknown place, but that doesn’t mean I didn’t like it. 
The author wrote a story with perhaps a not surprising ending, but the start and the rush to the climax surely was! 

[Jessica Gilmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amnesia is one of the hardest tropes in the category romance author's arsenal, so debuting with amnesia story is a bold move - but a move that pays off in this stunning first novel by Hana Sheikh. Mansur fell for the girl next door, even though by the time he did so he was thousands of miles away in the US making his fortune, while Amal preferred to stay in their home city of Hargesia in Somaliland and make a difference, qualifying as an architect and working on community projects. The two grew close over a series of video and phone calls, their shared childhoods and complicated relationships with estranged fathers linking them, so when Mansur flew back for his father's funeral he did so with a ring - only to be turned down by Amal who was shocked by his bitterness and hatred even after death. Mansoor returns to the US determined to have nothing more to do with Amal, but when he's recalled home by his mother he discovers Amal is not just living in his home but she's lost her memory. She remembers nothing of their relationship or the abrupt ending. Warning himself not to fall for her a second time, Mansur agrees to help her get the medical care she needs, and in doing so starts to confront his past and realises he never got over her at all.
Gorgeously set in Ethiopia and Somaliland, this is a sweet, emotional romance which leaves you rooting for both proud, vulnerable characters.

[Jane Hunt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second chance romance is always a favourite, and this one has the added dimension of an amnesia trope, which introduces additional conflicts and endless possibilities for Amal and Manny's romance.
The setting in Somaliland and Ethiopia allows the reader to explore a lesser-known region of Africa through the author's insightful and vivid descriptions.

This romance has many layers, which draw the reader into the story. Amal and Manny are both successful entrepreneurs. Amal in Africa and Manny globally. They are both visionary and want to help rebuild and sustain their homeland, even though Manny never thought to return until his fate decreed otherwise. They both have romantic souls and deserve their second chance. It reflects cultural differences and issues faced by people of colour, which makes it contemporary and relevant.

The romance is gentle despite its many conflicts, and the ending is satisfying.

I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher in return for an honest review.

[Emma Barnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the story of Mansur and Amal, two people who definitely have a shared past. Their story is told over the course of 12 Chapter +Epilogue). Now 12 Chapters does seem like a short book, however not in this case. The story is still packed full of details that readers will love.
From the very beginning of this book, readers will be intrigued about the hinted past the main characters share. The past is slowly revealed as the story continues, but the interest stays even after all is revealed. Mainly because once the past has come to light, the question remains 'Can a forgotten past pave the way to for ever?'
Throughout the book the point of view switches from Mansur to Amal and back again. This switching point of view allows readers to see where the characters are emotionally and mentally. Both characters come to the situation not wanting to be hurt but from different perspectives.
Overall this is a very well written book full of interesting aspects that will keep the reader interested until the very end

[Momma Says: To Read or Not to Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a second chance romance with an amnesia trope for Hana Sheik's Harlequin debut, and all I can say is this author has certainly set the bar high for whatever comes next. Amal and Manny are terrific characters and I found myself rooting for them almost immediately. I also really liked the way the amnesia storyline was handled here. Plus I got to do a little traveling from the comfort of my recliner thanks to the author's wonderfully descriptive writing. She managed to paint a picture with her words that made everything so easy to see in my mind's eye, and she did it without going overboard or making it feel like filler. So, great characters, rich settings, engaging storyline - all of that combines for an entertaining weekend read.

[Danielle Amor · Rating 3 out of 5]

Second Chance to Wear His Ring is so much more than a typical romance story. It is a story of overcoming personal tragedy and also has huge cultural references!

I really enjoyed the stunning descriptions of the places visited in Somaliland and Ethiopia - they sound absolutely wonderful and Hana Sheik describes them in such a way you can really see them.

The relationship of Manny and Amal is made difficult due to their past and Amal’s amnesia, but this really builds the story as the reader can feel them realising that they love each other despite everything.

[Joan Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mansar Ali, a millionaire, is back in Somaliland to try and help Amal, the woman who turned down his proposal, regain her memory. Will his help be enough for her to reconsider his proposal or is their love lost for ever.
Interesting as the storyline setting is completely different from any other M&B book I have read. The storyline is slightly different too.

[Sunnysmiles · Rating 3 out of 5]

He's a millionaire, she's lost her memory and doesn't recognise or remember him. He can help look after her but can they ever regain what they have lost.

[Celia Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Romance in an unusual locale

What a fascinating love story, set in Somalia and Ethiopia. It took a lot for Mansur (Manny) to get through his bad memories of his father and begin to take chances. Chances with
loving Amal, chances with his estranged step-mother and half-siblings. Chances with life. I particularly loved the intriguing locales mentioned in this story as well! Highly recommended.