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Berkeley Hills #2
Second Chance at Us
I don’t believe in second chances. Then again, I didn’t believe in love until I met Blake Fulton.
Fifteen years ago, we were opposites who didn't attract. He was quiet and kept to himself in high school. I hung with the cheerleaders and the rowdy football crowd.
But on the worst day of my life, he convinced me to ditch school, bought me a burger, and kissed me better than any of the football guys ever did.
Then he ghosted me and broke my heart.
Now he’s back, all grown up into a charming, drop-dead gorgeous heartbreaker with mesmerizing blue eyes, a devilish smile, and a razor-sharp wit. He also owns some of San Francisco’s trendiest restaurants and it’s damn hot in his kitchen.
He wants to prove he’s a better guy now. I just want to resist him.
But there’s something about Blake… the way he ignites a fire that burns only for him, the way he knows what I need even before I do. The way he owns every kiss...
I could fall for him all over again.
But I don’t believe in second chances. Will he be the one to change my mind?
SECOND CHANCE AT US is part of the Berkeley Hills series and is a complete STANDALONE novel.
Fifteen years ago, we were opposites who didn't attract. He was quiet and kept to himself in high school. I hung with the cheerleaders and the rowdy football crowd.
But on the worst day of my life, he convinced me to ditch school, bought me a burger, and kissed me better than any of the football guys ever did.
Then he ghosted me and broke my heart.
Now he’s back, all grown up into a charming, drop-dead gorgeous heartbreaker with mesmerizing blue eyes, a devilish smile, and a razor-sharp wit. He also owns some of San Francisco’s trendiest restaurants and it’s damn hot in his kitchen.
He wants to prove he’s a better guy now. I just want to resist him.
But there’s something about Blake… the way he ignites a fire that burns only for him, the way he knows what I need even before I do. The way he owns every kiss...
I could fall for him all over again.
But I don’t believe in second chances. Will he be the one to change my mind?
SECOND CHANCE AT US is part of the Berkeley Hills series and is a complete STANDALONE novel.
320 pages, ebook
First published March 3, 2021
68 people are currently reading
530 people want to read
About the author
Stacy Travis
32 books691 followersStacy Travis writes charming, spicy romance about bookish, sassy women and the hot alphas who fall for them.
Writing makes her infinitely happy, but that might be the coffee talking. She drinks a LOT of it.
She's worked as a journalist, camp counselor, TV writer, SAT tutor, corporate finance researcher, education technology editor, and non-fiction author. When she's not on a deadline, she's in running shoes complaining that all roads seem to go uphill. Or on the couch with a margarita. Or fangirling at a soccer game.
She's never met a dog she didn't want to hug. And if you have no plans for Thanksgiving, she'll probably invite you to dinner.
Stacy lives in Los Angeles with her husband, two sons, and a poorly-trained rescue dog who hoards socks. And she's serious about the Thanksgiving thing.
VISIT MY AMAZON PAGE!
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VISIT MY FACEBOOK!
www.facebook.com/stacy.travis.9699
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www.instagram.com/stacytravisauthor
Writing makes her infinitely happy, but that might be the coffee talking. She drinks a LOT of it.
She's worked as a journalist, camp counselor, TV writer, SAT tutor, corporate finance researcher, education technology editor, and non-fiction author. When she's not on a deadline, she's in running shoes complaining that all roads seem to go uphill. Or on the couch with a margarita. Or fangirling at a soccer game.
She's never met a dog she didn't want to hug. And if you have no plans for Thanksgiving, she'll probably invite you to dinner.
Stacy lives in Los Angeles with her husband, two sons, and a poorly-trained rescue dog who hoards socks. And she's serious about the Thanksgiving thing.
VISIT MY AMAZON PAGE!
https://amzn.to/3bPwy8H
VISIT MY FACEBOOK!
www.facebook.com/stacy.travis.9699
FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM!
www.instagram.com/stacytravisauthor
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
March 15, 2021
“People say that when a person meets the love of their life, they just know.
Well, what if that happens when you’re sixteen years old and ill-equipped to handle it?”
4.5 stars!
This is a gorgeous second-chance-romance! Emotional, sweet, funny, sexy, and full of chemistry, this book gave me all the feels, and I absolutely loved it!
This is the first book in the Berkeley Falls series, the beginning of a series of interconnected standalones that I can’t wait to explore. The heroine’s brother, Finn, already has a book – In Trouble with Him: A Forbidden Romance (Summer Heat, #3) – and he and his girl appear in this one, but there are no spoilers for their story, and I’m really keen to go back and read their book now too.
In high school, Rebecca Finley was happy, cheerful, and full of life, until the death of her father in her sophomore year tore her world apart. Grieving, sad, and angry at the world, she is lashing out, until quiet nerd, Blake Fulton, took her by the hand. After finding her crying in the hallway, Blake suggested they ditch school, and they spent an incredible day and night together. She laughed and cried, they shared so much – including incredible kisses that rocked their worlds. It was a life-changing day that meant everything to the two of them. And then Blake ghosted her, ignoring her for the rest of high school and damaging her heart, and the way she views relationships, from that point on.
Now, it’s 15 years later and Blake and Becca run into each other unexpectedly (hilarious encounter, by the way, I loved it!). Blake wants to make amends for hurting Becca all those years ago, whereas all she wants from him is closure so that she can finally put that chapter of her life to rest. But it won’t be that simple.
Becca’s whole view of love and relationships was shaped by her experience with Blake. She refuses to form attachments, or even date, opting for coffee ‘outings’ and quick hook-ups that have no chance developing into anything. All so she can avoid getting hurt again. For Blake, Becca was the one that got away. He still cares for her deeply, and he wants his second chance. He knows he has a lot to make up for, but he is determined to win her heart again.
It’s a great set-up, and the feels are intense from the very beginning. The story alternates between past and present, so we slowly get the details of the night they shared as Blake fights for his chance with Becca in the present, and oh, my heart!!!
It’s such a heartbreaking situation, and when it came to the big reveal of why, I could absolutely understand how it all happened, where both of them were coming from, and why they were impacted as deeply as they were. And it makes the present that much more meaningful as they talk so openly about their feelings, about how the past affected them and what they want going forward, and it’s a blissfully romantic reconnection.
Their chemistry is still undeniable, and the love story progresses beautifully, and I was in a world of romantic swoon as Blake goes all out to make up for the past and prove to Becca that she can trust him again.
God, I love him!!!
It’s not all straightforward, though. They have issues to work through, and as much as I adored the romance, this book is just as much about Becca dealing with her past and rediscovering herself. Her journey is gorgeous, and the growth that she goes through as a character is so satisfying to watch.
There’s a great cast of side characters, and I loved both Becca and Blake’s siblings, and all that they brought to the story. I hope we get a book for each of them as the series moves forward.
This is a gorgeous read, and book ends in a great place. I finished this one with a big grin on my face.
Loved it! 4.5 stars.
Well, what if that happens when you’re sixteen years old and ill-equipped to handle it?”
4.5 stars!
This is a gorgeous second-chance-romance! Emotional, sweet, funny, sexy, and full of chemistry, this book gave me all the feels, and I absolutely loved it!
This is the first book in the Berkeley Falls series, the beginning of a series of interconnected standalones that I can’t wait to explore. The heroine’s brother, Finn, already has a book – In Trouble with Him: A Forbidden Romance (Summer Heat, #3) – and he and his girl appear in this one, but there are no spoilers for their story, and I’m really keen to go back and read their book now too.
In high school, Rebecca Finley was happy, cheerful, and full of life, until the death of her father in her sophomore year tore her world apart. Grieving, sad, and angry at the world, she is lashing out, until quiet nerd, Blake Fulton, took her by the hand. After finding her crying in the hallway, Blake suggested they ditch school, and they spent an incredible day and night together. She laughed and cried, they shared so much – including incredible kisses that rocked their worlds. It was a life-changing day that meant everything to the two of them. And then Blake ghosted her, ignoring her for the rest of high school and damaging her heart, and the way she views relationships, from that point on.
His sudden presence was bigger and more significant than anything I’d felt before, and he swept my heart to a place it wanted to stay forever … I gave him my trust. In less than twenty-four hours, he’d won over my heart, and just as suddenly, he’d left it there, stranded without an explanation.
Now, it’s 15 years later and Blake and Becca run into each other unexpectedly (hilarious encounter, by the way, I loved it!). Blake wants to make amends for hurting Becca all those years ago, whereas all she wants from him is closure so that she can finally put that chapter of her life to rest. But it won’t be that simple.
“I remember everything about that night … The time we spent together was perfect, and I’ve never forgotten a moment of it.”
Becca’s whole view of love and relationships was shaped by her experience with Blake. She refuses to form attachments, or even date, opting for coffee ‘outings’ and quick hook-ups that have no chance developing into anything. All so she can avoid getting hurt again. For Blake, Becca was the one that got away. He still cares for her deeply, and he wants his second chance. He knows he has a lot to make up for, but he is determined to win her heart again.
I’d been ruined at sixteen because I’d had a shot at love then destroyed it.
It’s a great set-up, and the feels are intense from the very beginning. The story alternates between past and present, so we slowly get the details of the night they shared as Blake fights for his chance with Becca in the present, and oh, my heart!!!
“I’m sorry. I’m so sorry … I don’t think I’ll get used to the way you look at me, like you don’t trust me. I know I did that. I wish I could undo it.”
It’s such a heartbreaking situation, and when it came to the big reveal of why, I could absolutely understand how it all happened, where both of them were coming from, and why they were impacted as deeply as they were. And it makes the present that much more meaningful as they talk so openly about their feelings, about how the past affected them and what they want going forward, and it’s a blissfully romantic reconnection.
“If you’ve thought about me even a fraction of the times I’ve dreamed about being with you exactly like this, then you know…I want you completely.”
I nodded. Of course I knew.
We lost ourselves and found each other.
Their chemistry is still undeniable, and the love story progresses beautifully, and I was in a world of romantic swoon as Blake goes all out to make up for the past and prove to Becca that she can trust him again.
“You’re my one,” he whispered. “I love you.”
God, I love him!!!
It’s not all straightforward, though. They have issues to work through, and as much as I adored the romance, this book is just as much about Becca dealing with her past and rediscovering herself. Her journey is gorgeous, and the growth that she goes through as a character is so satisfying to watch.
There’s a great cast of side characters, and I loved both Becca and Blake’s siblings, and all that they brought to the story. I hope we get a book for each of them as the series moves forward.
This is a gorgeous read, and book ends in a great place. I finished this one with a big grin on my face.
Loved it! 4.5 stars.
March 17, 2021
Amazon / Amazon Worldwide
When Bec comes face to face with the boy who broke her heart back in high school, she's devastated. Since he ghosted her, she's been drifting, not forming long term relationships, not letting anyone into her heart. But now he's back. Can she find it in herself, in her heart, to give Blake a second chance? Even if it comes with the possibility of more pain?
This is definitely my favorite by Stacy. I love these two together, how they bare themselves for each other, take that leap, the leap that doesn't come with certainties, but comes with possibilities, of love, of happiness. Blake is unlike a lot of heroes in romance novels as of late - not alpha, not cold, just a good man with a big heart, wanting a second chance with the woman he had never forgotten. And Bec - so strong, but walled off, finally taking a chance at letting something good happen to her for once. This is an A+ love story and I cannot wait for more from Stacy now.
ARC via Social Butterfly PR for an honest review.
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October 26, 20212nd chance done wrong
October 10, 2021
15-years ago when they were both teenagers, Blake pulled Rebecca out of her darkest moment but in the next, completely shattered her heart. Now Becca is a L&D nurse and plays her life safe. She works the night shift, never goes on more than a coffee date and under no circumstance wants to open her heart up to breaking again. But one day when she’s on shift, in walks in a walking ghost from her past—Blake—who just so happens to be there with a laboring mother. He’s just as shocked as Becca and he is willing to do whatever it takes to win her back.
Second Chance at Us by Stacy Travis is book 1 in the Berkeley Hills series. I really enjoyed this second chance romance, which is saying something because I think it’s a hard trope to write well & pull off. Both Blake & Becca aren’t really “living” because they are held back by the traumas of their past & I enjoyed seeing them heal one another. Told in alternating chapters of past & present, Second Chance at Us kept me engaged from start to finish. 4/5 stars.
Second Chance at Us by Stacy Travis is book 1 in the Berkeley Hills series. I really enjoyed this second chance romance, which is saying something because I think it’s a hard trope to write well & pull off. Both Blake & Becca aren’t really “living” because they are held back by the traumas of their past & I enjoyed seeing them heal one another. Told in alternating chapters of past & present, Second Chance at Us kept me engaged from start to finish. 4/5 stars.
December 1, 2021
Hero and heroine hang out for one night and fall in love, then he ghosts her over some stupid shit. They're separated for 15 years and no one compares to heroine since she's his one true love. That doesn't stop the fact that he got hot and hooked up with a new girl every week during the separation🙄. H did grovel, but she forgave him too easily. I hate weak heroines who don't give bullshit back, especially one that are written like they have a wall up when it's really a tissue paper wall the falls easily. I don't know why I bother with second chance books...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 4, 2021
I am a big fan of second chance romances, but there always has to be a good reason for why the first time didn’t work out--which this one had, especially considering they were teenagers. I think what I liked about the story was getting to know Becca and Blake. From their losses in high school, to seeing how they’ve lived ever since, both of these characters have a lot of depth. I would say about 3/4 of the way through the story I definitely wanted them to have a happy ever after! In the beginning, there’s a lot of inner monologue, which kind of lost my interest after a while. The situation that Becca thinks Blake is in when they meet again, plus the inner monologue, just made me a little impatient to move it all along. It just felt really negative in the beginning. Luckily, it didn't stay that way! The last third of the book was enjoyable and I appreciated the HEA. Thank you to Social Butterfly PR and Stacy Travis for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 2, 2021
This is the 1st in a new series and what an awesome beginning Blake and Bec’s story is. Bec was a bubbly cheerleader until her dad passed away, which left her spiralling out of control. Blake was there for her when she needed him the most, and then he ghosted her leaving her heartbroken. Now 15-years later Blake is back wanting to redeem himself and explain what caused his past actions. This story flits between the past and the present and has engaging and realistic characters. This is a beautifully written tale which is sweet, emotional, humorous, entertaining, and with a tad angst, family, heartbreak, and 2nd chances. I was completely hooked and intrigued throughout this riveting and addictive page turner. I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend for all.
March 1, 2021
Wow. I really enjoyed this book. I was sucked in trying to figure out what the catch was and then was drawn along Blake and Bec’s journey. The vulnerability and bravery to choose their path (fate?). I really liked the characters and am glad to read it is the start of a series because I would like to read more of the sisters (my faves and possibly the other...🤔).
Really recommend this book. I can’t get enough of this authors writing.
Received a complimentary copy of the book for an honest review.
Really recommend this book. I can’t get enough of this authors writing.
Received a complimentary copy of the book for an honest review.
February 24, 2021
In full disclosure, I read this story as a beta reader.
I loved this story. It is sweet, emotional, unique, and has its laughable moments. I think one of the things that I liked most about it is the vulnerability of the characters. I think we can all remember those moments when we put ourselves out there or wear our emotions on our sleeves, this is that story. I like the family ties in this story--as the author is introducing you to these characters of this rather large family, you can almost feel like you are at the holiday dinner table going yep, that person is part of my family too. It is a great read. If you have read Stacy, you will love it. If this will be your first read of Stacy, you will love her and be looking for more.
I loved this story. It is sweet, emotional, unique, and has its laughable moments. I think one of the things that I liked most about it is the vulnerability of the characters. I think we can all remember those moments when we put ourselves out there or wear our emotions on our sleeves, this is that story. I like the family ties in this story--as the author is introducing you to these characters of this rather large family, you can almost feel like you are at the holiday dinner table going yep, that person is part of my family too. It is a great read. If you have read Stacy, you will love it. If this will be your first read of Stacy, you will love her and be looking for more.
March 7, 2021
Second Chance at Us is a standalone contemporary romance -- but Becca is Finn’s sister from In Trouble With Him! I love when those connections are made!
Fifteen years after Rebecca and Blake spent one amazing night together back in high school, they come face to face in the most unlikely of places. Neither one of them has forgotten the night they spent together, or the way that Blake blew Rebecca off. He's been carrying around a ton of guilt over how he ghosted her, always thinking of Rebecca as the one that got away. And Rebecca has been so emotionally damaged by that night that she hasn't let herself get close to another guy since Blake. But when fate offers them a second chance, will Blake be able to convince Rebecca to give him a fair shot?
I liked how this story unfolded. Rebecca was hesitant to get involved with Blake again, and her indecision really came through as she struggled in trusting him again. And then when it came back to bite her in the butt, she knew her instincts had been right. I really liked that particular twist, because I felt that Blake's reasonings for blowing her off were kinda lame. I get that he was a nerdy 16 year old and she was a popular cheerleader... but the twist in the scenario made it all make more sense.
Overall, I really liked this second-chance contemporary romance. Blake and Rebecca are really likable characters, the story is well-written and unfolds nicely, and it all wraps up with a pretty HEA bow at the end! I'm guessing that this is the start of a new series featuring the rest of Finn's sisters, and I am all in for that! I received an advanced copy and voluntarily left a review.
Fifteen years after Rebecca and Blake spent one amazing night together back in high school, they come face to face in the most unlikely of places. Neither one of them has forgotten the night they spent together, or the way that Blake blew Rebecca off. He's been carrying around a ton of guilt over how he ghosted her, always thinking of Rebecca as the one that got away. And Rebecca has been so emotionally damaged by that night that she hasn't let herself get close to another guy since Blake. But when fate offers them a second chance, will Blake be able to convince Rebecca to give him a fair shot?
I liked how this story unfolded. Rebecca was hesitant to get involved with Blake again, and her indecision really came through as she struggled in trusting him again. And then when it came back to bite her in the butt, she knew her instincts had been right. I really liked that particular twist, because I felt that Blake's reasonings for blowing her off were kinda lame. I get that he was a nerdy 16 year old and she was a popular cheerleader... but the twist in the scenario made it all make more sense.
Overall, I really liked this second-chance contemporary romance. Blake and Rebecca are really likable characters, the story is well-written and unfolds nicely, and it all wraps up with a pretty HEA bow at the end! I'm guessing that this is the start of a new series featuring the rest of Finn's sisters, and I am all in for that! I received an advanced copy and voluntarily left a review.
March 4, 2021
Overall Grade: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 1/2
Stacy Travis’s Second Chance At Us is my favorite book from her to date. This is a story about forgiving and embracing what life brings you. We meet Becca, the heroine of this story, in her previous book, Trouble with Him, because she is the brother of the hero in that book. Becca is the family loose cannon so to speak. She’s a labor and delivery nurse who finds comfort in working the graveyard shift and living at night instead of during the day. Stuck in a bit of a rut, her siblings are all about forcing her out of her routine. This book begins Travis’s Berkley Hills series of standalones that will feature her various siblings.
Second Chance At Us follows Becca as she inadvertently reunites with a friend and potential love interest from high school, Blake. Since this is a second chance, hate to love romance, Travis carefully vacillates back and forth between their past and their present. They reunite when Blake shows up on Becca’s labor and delivery floor with a woman on the verge of giving birth. Seeing him again brings up many memories from a specific moment in high school when the possibility of a relationship between them is great. Unfortunately, Blake makes an unwise decision and hurts Becca terribly. Now, in the present, Blake realizes how much he has pined for Becca over the years, and Becca realizes that she has never let go of Blake. Is it possible for Becca to move beyond her hurt feelings to give Blake another chance? That is the question of Travis’s story.
There are so many lovely parts of this book. For one, I love how Travis has set it in the Bay Area in California. As a Californian, I love the nod to San Francisco and its surrounding cities because it is an identity of its own in Blake and Becca’s relationship. Travis is careful to mark specific moments of their journey with various parts of the city, which makes this Californian ecstatic to read this persona.
Additionally, Becca and Blake, while beautiful people, are far from perfect. They both are insecure in their own way, and it’s lovely to read about fictional people who read like real people. It feels like Travis cares for the veracity of her storytelling as she carves out people who have foibles and make mistakes.
Lastly, the way in which Travis frames this story is one of my favorite writing techniques. To end where you begin gives me chills, and Travis’s ending will make you smile and give you goosebumps.
If you’re like me and LOVE hate to love, second chances where the hero or heroine must work hard to remedy a past mistake, then you ought to be reading Stacy Travis’s newest book, Second Chance At Us. You will NOT be disappointed, and it will set you up for the next book of this new series.
Merged review:
Overall Grade: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 1/2
Stacy Travis’s Second Chance At Us is my favorite book from her to date. This is a story about forgiving and embracing what life brings you. We meet Becca, the heroine of this story, in her previous book, Trouble with Him, because she is the brother of the hero in that book. Becca is the family loose cannon so to speak. She’s a labor and delivery nurse who finds comfort in working the graveyard shift and living at night instead of during the day. Stuck in a bit of a rut, her siblings are all about forcing her out of her routine. This book begins Travis’s Berkley Hills series of standalones that will feature her various siblings.
Second Chance At Us follows Becca as she inadvertently reunites with a friend and potential love interest from high school, Blake. Since this is a second chance, hate to love romance, Travis carefully vacillates back and forth between their past and their present. They reunite when Blake shows up on Becca’s labor and delivery floor with a woman on the verge of giving birth. Seeing him again brings up many memories from a specific moment in high school when the possibility of a relationship between them is great. Unfortunately, Blake makes an unwise decision and hurts Becca terribly. Now, in the present, Blake realizes how much he has pined for Becca over the years, and Becca realizes that she has never let go of Blake. Is it possible for Becca to move beyond her hurt feelings to give Blake another chance? That is the question of Travis’s story.
There are so many lovely parts of this book. For one, I love how Travis has set it in the Bay Area in California. As a Californian, I love the nod to San Francisco and its surrounding cities because it is an identity of its own in Blake and Becca’s relationship. Travis is careful to mark specific moments of their journey with various parts of the city, which makes this Californian ecstatic to read this persona.
Additionally, Becca and Blake, while beautiful people, are far from perfect. They both are insecure in their own way, and it’s lovely to read about fictional people who read like real people. It feels like Travis cares for the veracity of her storytelling as she carves out people who have foibles and make mistakes.
Lastly, the way in which Travis frames this story is one of my favorite writing techniques. To end where you begin gives me chills, and Travis’s ending will make you smile and give you goosebumps.
If you’re like me and LOVE hate to love, second chances where the hero or heroine must work hard to remedy a past mistake, then you ought to be reading Stacy Travis’s newest book, Second Chance At Us. You will NOT be disappointed, and it will set you up for the next book of this new series.
Stacy Travis’s Second Chance At Us is my favorite book from her to date. This is a story about forgiving and embracing what life brings you. We meet Becca, the heroine of this story, in her previous book, Trouble with Him, because she is the brother of the hero in that book. Becca is the family loose cannon so to speak. She’s a labor and delivery nurse who finds comfort in working the graveyard shift and living at night instead of during the day. Stuck in a bit of a rut, her siblings are all about forcing her out of her routine. This book begins Travis’s Berkley Hills series of standalones that will feature her various siblings.
Second Chance At Us follows Becca as she inadvertently reunites with a friend and potential love interest from high school, Blake. Since this is a second chance, hate to love romance, Travis carefully vacillates back and forth between their past and their present. They reunite when Blake shows up on Becca’s labor and delivery floor with a woman on the verge of giving birth. Seeing him again brings up many memories from a specific moment in high school when the possibility of a relationship between them is great. Unfortunately, Blake makes an unwise decision and hurts Becca terribly. Now, in the present, Blake realizes how much he has pined for Becca over the years, and Becca realizes that she has never let go of Blake. Is it possible for Becca to move beyond her hurt feelings to give Blake another chance? That is the question of Travis’s story.
There are so many lovely parts of this book. For one, I love how Travis has set it in the Bay Area in California. As a Californian, I love the nod to San Francisco and its surrounding cities because it is an identity of its own in Blake and Becca’s relationship. Travis is careful to mark specific moments of their journey with various parts of the city, which makes this Californian ecstatic to read this persona.
Additionally, Becca and Blake, while beautiful people, are far from perfect. They both are insecure in their own way, and it’s lovely to read about fictional people who read like real people. It feels like Travis cares for the veracity of her storytelling as she carves out people who have foibles and make mistakes.
Lastly, the way in which Travis frames this story is one of my favorite writing techniques. To end where you begin gives me chills, and Travis’s ending will make you smile and give you goosebumps.
If you’re like me and LOVE hate to love, second chances where the hero or heroine must work hard to remedy a past mistake, then you ought to be reading Stacy Travis’s newest book, Second Chance At Us. You will NOT be disappointed, and it will set you up for the next book of this new series.
Merged review:
Overall Grade: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 1/2
Stacy Travis’s Second Chance At Us is my favorite book from her to date. This is a story about forgiving and embracing what life brings you. We meet Becca, the heroine of this story, in her previous book, Trouble with Him, because she is the brother of the hero in that book. Becca is the family loose cannon so to speak. She’s a labor and delivery nurse who finds comfort in working the graveyard shift and living at night instead of during the day. Stuck in a bit of a rut, her siblings are all about forcing her out of her routine. This book begins Travis’s Berkley Hills series of standalones that will feature her various siblings.
Second Chance At Us follows Becca as she inadvertently reunites with a friend and potential love interest from high school, Blake. Since this is a second chance, hate to love romance, Travis carefully vacillates back and forth between their past and their present. They reunite when Blake shows up on Becca’s labor and delivery floor with a woman on the verge of giving birth. Seeing him again brings up many memories from a specific moment in high school when the possibility of a relationship between them is great. Unfortunately, Blake makes an unwise decision and hurts Becca terribly. Now, in the present, Blake realizes how much he has pined for Becca over the years, and Becca realizes that she has never let go of Blake. Is it possible for Becca to move beyond her hurt feelings to give Blake another chance? That is the question of Travis’s story.
There are so many lovely parts of this book. For one, I love how Travis has set it in the Bay Area in California. As a Californian, I love the nod to San Francisco and its surrounding cities because it is an identity of its own in Blake and Becca’s relationship. Travis is careful to mark specific moments of their journey with various parts of the city, which makes this Californian ecstatic to read this persona.
Additionally, Becca and Blake, while beautiful people, are far from perfect. They both are insecure in their own way, and it’s lovely to read about fictional people who read like real people. It feels like Travis cares for the veracity of her storytelling as she carves out people who have foibles and make mistakes.
Lastly, the way in which Travis frames this story is one of my favorite writing techniques. To end where you begin gives me chills, and Travis’s ending will make you smile and give you goosebumps.
If you’re like me and LOVE hate to love, second chances where the hero or heroine must work hard to remedy a past mistake, then you ought to be reading Stacy Travis’s newest book, Second Chance At Us. You will NOT be disappointed, and it will set you up for the next book of this new series.
March 14, 2021
Remember that first love when you’re crazy about each other . . . But then, it ended before it really began. Without knowing why. Then so much time has passed and you find yourself thinking of that person. The one still appearing in your dreams . . And you can’t help but wonder . . .
Unike all the relationships that came after, with this one, the past can’t seem to stay in the past.
What if you get a second chance? And the explanation for why it ended. One that didn’t matter because everything about that person—matters...here and now. Would you let that person back in? The one that never left your heart.
““You’re my one,” he whispered..”
There is just something about reading romance novels that soothes me unlike anything ever could. Call me a hopeless romantic –– which honestly, is probably what I am –– but it is true. And when the characters get a second chance at love, I’m sucked in with the swooniness of it all!
Meet Becca and Blake in Stacy Travis’ - Second Chance At Us. After fifteen years they have the chance to get it right. They met in high school, spent one day—one innocent night together. Then he ghosts her. For the next fifteen years, her social life consisted of coffee dates and family dinners. Things that didn’t complicate—her heart.
“I looked up at him, his clear eyes, his open, expressive face. This was the guy I wanted when I was too young to understand how hard it was to find someone like him.”
Blake never forgot her, never stopped thinking of her, and compared every woman to her. But, he learned to move on. He messed up the first time. Now that he has a second chance, will he do it right or mess it up?
The emotion—building and building. Not just in want. In need. But in their minds. In their memories. In their hearts. Deep in their souls. All of it—long overdue. And the waiting—worth it.
There is angst and tension, laugh out loud moments, chemistry that brewed for fifteen years, and a love so meant to be—your heart will miss you few beats.
This was beautifully written, plotted perfectly, and had my emotions pouring out of me..forcing me to keep turning the page.
Believe in love the second time around. I loved this!! Looking forward to Becca’s sister’s chance which is now avail for pre-order.
Unike all the relationships that came after, with this one, the past can’t seem to stay in the past.
What if you get a second chance? And the explanation for why it ended. One that didn’t matter because everything about that person—matters...here and now. Would you let that person back in? The one that never left your heart.
““You’re my one,” he whispered..”
There is just something about reading romance novels that soothes me unlike anything ever could. Call me a hopeless romantic –– which honestly, is probably what I am –– but it is true. And when the characters get a second chance at love, I’m sucked in with the swooniness of it all!
Meet Becca and Blake in Stacy Travis’ - Second Chance At Us. After fifteen years they have the chance to get it right. They met in high school, spent one day—one innocent night together. Then he ghosts her. For the next fifteen years, her social life consisted of coffee dates and family dinners. Things that didn’t complicate—her heart.
“I looked up at him, his clear eyes, his open, expressive face. This was the guy I wanted when I was too young to understand how hard it was to find someone like him.”
Blake never forgot her, never stopped thinking of her, and compared every woman to her. But, he learned to move on. He messed up the first time. Now that he has a second chance, will he do it right or mess it up?
The emotion—building and building. Not just in want. In need. But in their minds. In their memories. In their hearts. Deep in their souls. All of it—long overdue. And the waiting—worth it.
There is angst and tension, laugh out loud moments, chemistry that brewed for fifteen years, and a love so meant to be—your heart will miss you few beats.
This was beautifully written, plotted perfectly, and had my emotions pouring out of me..forcing me to keep turning the page.
Believe in love the second time around. I loved this!! Looking forward to Becca’s sister’s chance which is now avail for pre-order.
March 15, 2021
ok it took me a bit to get into it and to figure out the flash backs that happen in the book. your going to fall hard for Becca and Blake.
what would you do if 15 years after one night and unfortunate broken heart to run into your first love. I know what your thinking how could Becca know then what she knows now. enter blake and see Becca world stop and start again.
but it's not one sided Blake's world starts and stops again for him after seeing her. though really who knew it would be like this.
now I want you to read this your self as the book has so many nooks and crannies that work so well together your going g to be asking stacey for more from this couple.
I really hope there will be more
what would you do if 15 years after one night and unfortunate broken heart to run into your first love. I know what your thinking how could Becca know then what she knows now. enter blake and see Becca world stop and start again.
but it's not one sided Blake's world starts and stops again for him after seeing her. though really who knew it would be like this.
now I want you to read this your self as the book has so many nooks and crannies that work so well together your going g to be asking stacey for more from this couple.
I really hope there will be more
March 5, 2021
A fantastic story about young love, heartbreak, forgiveness and moving forward. Blake was an admirer of Becca, but from afar. When he sees her having a breakdown in high school they spend one glorious day together where their bond grows and becomes so strong that years later they still feel it. Becca never understood why she felt so strongly for Blake, but knew that she needed him and wanted to be with him. She also didn’t understand why he basically ignored her right after their wonderful day together.
When they run into each other after fifteen years, she can’t believe he is flirting with her (she is delivering his baby: or so she thinks). Once they finally admit they know who the other is, he sets his sights on righting a wrong, if she will give him the chance. As they start getting to know each other again, neither can deny the chemistry and connection is still there.
They tentatively start seeing each other and they both are happy. I could feel the love they had for each other as I was reading. Unfortunately, he isn’t completely honest with her and when the truth comes out, it threatens to end them before they have truly began. Why did he ignore her in high school? Can they move past the obstacles?
This book has it all. Laughter, friendship, loss and love. I can’t wait to see what happens in the other books in this series. I received an ARC in exchange for an honest, voluntary review.
When they run into each other after fifteen years, she can’t believe he is flirting with her (she is delivering his baby: or so she thinks). Once they finally admit they know who the other is, he sets his sights on righting a wrong, if she will give him the chance. As they start getting to know each other again, neither can deny the chemistry and connection is still there.
They tentatively start seeing each other and they both are happy. I could feel the love they had for each other as I was reading. Unfortunately, he isn’t completely honest with her and when the truth comes out, it threatens to end them before they have truly began. Why did he ignore her in high school? Can they move past the obstacles?
This book has it all. Laughter, friendship, loss and love. I can’t wait to see what happens in the other books in this series. I received an ARC in exchange for an honest, voluntary review.
April 8, 2022
I picked this book up based on a recommendation. I hadn't heard of it prior to the recommendation. The first few chapters really made me think of Eleanor & Grey, but then it stopped. It made me think I was going to have this extreme emotional connection and then I just didn't. I found this book to be a bit insta-lovey for a second chance/enemies to lovers. I think the author also focused on a lot of unnecessary scenes/details and had a lot of their relationship fade to the background. We didn't get to see a lot of how their relationship truly developed. The scene would start and it would say how they spent every waking moment that they weren't working together, but we didn't see those moments. Overall I think it could have been developed a little more to be believable.
March 5, 2021
This was a new to me author that I gave a shot because I stumbled across this book and was intrigued. I ended up feeling such a really powerful connection to this story and the characters and frankly I think many other readers will to. Pain, grief, the mistakes we make, the heartbreak, the need for a second chance and the constantly accumulating emotional baggage that we carry are, I feel elemental common denominators of life and that helps form a almost effortless bond with this duo. Becca and Blake are going to give you feels and if you are like me you'll have your fingers crossed that this time they get it right. I am independently posting an impartial review.
September 3, 2021
A love story in different times: the present and 15 years ago, when the MCs spend a day together and, since then, their lives will be marked forever, and not for the better.
Now in the present Blake wants to make up for the damage he did to Rebecca, and she will have to learn to trust and open up to love again.
A nice story.
Now in the present Blake wants to make up for the damage he did to Rebecca, and she will have to learn to trust and open up to love again.
A nice story.
March 17, 2021
Sweet.
This was such a sweet second chance. Oh it had the drama and all but it really was sweet. I loved Blake and Becca they were perfect for each other. And you can nerves go wrong with nosey helpful siblings. Loved it.
This was such a sweet second chance. Oh it had the drama and all but it really was sweet. I loved Blake and Becca they were perfect for each other. And you can nerves go wrong with nosey helpful siblings. Loved it.
March 1, 2021
Oh my goodness I loved Becca and Blake so much.
Rebecca (Becca) has kind of just been merely existing for the past 15 years. She goes to her job (maternity nurse) and goes home. Doesn't leave for much else and occasionally has coffee dates but never real dates. Fifteen years ago she lost her father and found herself lost. When Blake entered her life she felt the immediate connection and just as fast as it came it was gone.
Blake had watched Rebecca from afar during high school and finally approached her when it seems she needed him most. He instantly feels the same connection she does and then he ghosts her with no explanation.....until he runs into her 15 years later.
This was my first Stacy Travis book and I loved it. I will admit I thought the story line was going to go a certain way that I don't care to read but I stuck it out and thank heavens it went in the direction I was hoping. I loved how it went from present day to past and back to present. I adored Blake and how strongly he is still affected by Becca and her him all these years later. This really was a sweet story of first love (maybe even true love). There were times I wished I could read faster because I had to know everything right then and there. I look forward to more stories by Stacy.
***I was given an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review***
Rebecca (Becca) has kind of just been merely existing for the past 15 years. She goes to her job (maternity nurse) and goes home. Doesn't leave for much else and occasionally has coffee dates but never real dates. Fifteen years ago she lost her father and found herself lost. When Blake entered her life she felt the immediate connection and just as fast as it came it was gone.
Blake had watched Rebecca from afar during high school and finally approached her when it seems she needed him most. He instantly feels the same connection she does and then he ghosts her with no explanation.....until he runs into her 15 years later.
This was my first Stacy Travis book and I loved it. I will admit I thought the story line was going to go a certain way that I don't care to read but I stuck it out and thank heavens it went in the direction I was hoping. I loved how it went from present day to past and back to present. I adored Blake and how strongly he is still affected by Becca and her him all these years later. This really was a sweet story of first love (maybe even true love). There were times I wished I could read faster because I had to know everything right then and there. I look forward to more stories by Stacy.
***I was given an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review***
March 7, 2021
I am a sucker for a good second chance story, and Second Chance at Us fit the bill perfectly!
Fifteen years earlier, Blake and Rebecca had a moment in time. She was spiraling after her father's death, and Blake worked to help her through it one night. After that night, however, he ghosted her for the remainder of high school. Fast forward to present day, and Becca has lost all trust in him when they run into each other. But Blake is determined to find a way to have a second chance.
This is the first book that I've read by Stacy Travis, and I must say that I really enjoyed it! I loved the characters- they felt very "real" to me- and I enjoyed the side characters, as well. I will definitely be looking for more books by this author!
Fifteen years earlier, Blake and Rebecca had a moment in time. She was spiraling after her father's death, and Blake worked to help her through it one night. After that night, however, he ghosted her for the remainder of high school. Fast forward to present day, and Becca has lost all trust in him when they run into each other. But Blake is determined to find a way to have a second chance.
This is the first book that I've read by Stacy Travis, and I must say that I really enjoyed it! I loved the characters- they felt very "real" to me- and I enjoyed the side characters, as well. I will definitely be looking for more books by this author!
March 13, 2021
I enjoyed reading Second Chance at Us by Stacy Travis. This was my first book by this author and I would like to read more by her in the future.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 4, 2021
Blake has been enamored with Rebecca for a while, and when he finally gets the chance to cheer her up, he takes advantage and the two go off on an adventure while ditching school. The next day however, he ignores her, and continues to do so for two years. She's upset, as she thought they had a connection and can't understand why he's ghosting her.
Fast forward to now, and she's an OB nurse, and runs into him while visiting a patient. The two reconnect and he tries to repair their relationship, she's still wary, and the rest of her siblings are along for the ride.
I really enjoyed this one and the sensitivity and vulnerability of Blake, as well as the strength of Rebecca. Beyond that -- it's set in Berkeley and the story took me along the trip down my own memory lane, revisiting my favorite spots in the area. Unlike many novels that set up a story in a city this was completely accurate! From the coffee to pizza, the hillside hikes. For me, it added to the story and made me want more. Looking forward to this series!
Fast forward to now, and she's an OB nurse, and runs into him while visiting a patient. The two reconnect and he tries to repair their relationship, she's still wary, and the rest of her siblings are along for the ride.
I really enjoyed this one and the sensitivity and vulnerability of Blake, as well as the strength of Rebecca. Beyond that -- it's set in Berkeley and the story took me along the trip down my own memory lane, revisiting my favorite spots in the area. Unlike many novels that set up a story in a city this was completely accurate! From the coffee to pizza, the hillside hikes. For me, it added to the story and made me want more. Looking forward to this series!
March 23, 2021
Je dois tout de suite avouer une chose: c’est que je me suis ennuyée. Pourtant, le résumé était prometteur et la couverture sympa. Bon, les deux n’ont aucun rapport l’un envers l’autre mais si un livre a une jolie couverture, cela me donne l’impression que le récit me plaira.
L’histoire est racontée alternativement par Becca et Blake. Ils se sont rencontrés au lycée à un moment difficile pour elle car elle venait de perdre son père des suites d’un cancer et inexplicablement, il l’a ghostée du jour au lendemain.
Au moment où ils se retrouvent, elle est sage-femme et s’apprête à aider Sydney, la soeur de Blake, à accoucher de son bébé.
Je suis restée en retrait pour plusieurs raisons: Premièrement, je ne suis pas fan des insta-love. Blake et Becca n’ont passé qu’une journée ensemble mais quand on les lit, c’était le grand amour. L’amour épique, vous voyez? Je veux bien admettre que lorsque deux âmes soeurs se trouvent, elles le savent et c’est intense mais là, on parle de deux lycéens aussi paumés l’un que l’autre. Je suis assez sceptique par rapport au fait que quinze ans après, Becca souffre toujours d’avoir été ignorée par Blake et qu’elle sabote sa propre vie à partir de là.
Ensuite, j’ai été rapidement ennuyée par la manière de nous projeter dans la tête des héros. Cela est fait textuellement. Par exemple, Becca dit d’elle-même qu’elle était chaleureuse au lycée. Je suis d’avis que cela doit être illustré, voire dit de la part de celui qui est en face d’elle, mais pas par elle-même. C’est comme si, pendant que vous conduisez, vous dites « je vais tourner à gauche » alors qu’il suffirait simplement que la narration se fasse de façon objective.
Enfin, le récit devient répétitif. On nous rabâche encore et encore que Becca a été blessée, que Blake s’est dégonflé, etc. Le résultat à part que c’est lassant? C’est qu’on a l’impression d’avoir affaire à du remplissage de texte.
Cependant, parce que je voulais en avoir le coeur net, je me suis accrochée.
Malheureusement, jusqu’à la fin, je me suis ennuyée. Je n’ai décidément pas aimé les redondances et les états d’esprit de Becca. Les personnages n’ont pas suscité d’empathie chez moi. L’histoire est sympathique mais sans plus. Cette lecture ne restera pas dans mes annales.
L’histoire est racontée alternativement par Becca et Blake. Ils se sont rencontrés au lycée à un moment difficile pour elle car elle venait de perdre son père des suites d’un cancer et inexplicablement, il l’a ghostée du jour au lendemain.
Au moment où ils se retrouvent, elle est sage-femme et s’apprête à aider Sydney, la soeur de Blake, à accoucher de son bébé.
Je suis restée en retrait pour plusieurs raisons: Premièrement, je ne suis pas fan des insta-love. Blake et Becca n’ont passé qu’une journée ensemble mais quand on les lit, c’était le grand amour. L’amour épique, vous voyez? Je veux bien admettre que lorsque deux âmes soeurs se trouvent, elles le savent et c’est intense mais là, on parle de deux lycéens aussi paumés l’un que l’autre. Je suis assez sceptique par rapport au fait que quinze ans après, Becca souffre toujours d’avoir été ignorée par Blake et qu’elle sabote sa propre vie à partir de là.
Ensuite, j’ai été rapidement ennuyée par la manière de nous projeter dans la tête des héros. Cela est fait textuellement. Par exemple, Becca dit d’elle-même qu’elle était chaleureuse au lycée. Je suis d’avis que cela doit être illustré, voire dit de la part de celui qui est en face d’elle, mais pas par elle-même. C’est comme si, pendant que vous conduisez, vous dites « je vais tourner à gauche » alors qu’il suffirait simplement que la narration se fasse de façon objective.
Enfin, le récit devient répétitif. On nous rabâche encore et encore que Becca a été blessée, que Blake s’est dégonflé, etc. Le résultat à part que c’est lassant? C’est qu’on a l’impression d’avoir affaire à du remplissage de texte.
Cependant, parce que je voulais en avoir le coeur net, je me suis accrochée.
Malheureusement, jusqu’à la fin, je me suis ennuyée. Je n’ai décidément pas aimé les redondances et les états d’esprit de Becca. Les personnages n’ont pas suscité d’empathie chez moi. L’histoire est sympathique mais sans plus. Cette lecture ne restera pas dans mes annales.
November 11, 2021
I loved this sweet romance. Nice break from the dark and heavy
March 4, 2021
This is my favorite story by the author to date and a great addition to this series. Blake and Becca went to high school together. A time when they could have been more turned into a further separation.
Now fifteen years later they are reunited in an awkward moment ( yet so creative). The draw to each other is still there. I really enjoyed how these realistic characters struggled with moving forward, dealing with life and becoming a couple.
The author does a remarkable job of forming a time line that flows and gives the bigger picture of the characters and how they were and are.
I am volunteering to leave a review for this book
Now fifteen years later they are reunited in an awkward moment ( yet so creative). The draw to each other is still there. I really enjoyed how these realistic characters struggled with moving forward, dealing with life and becoming a couple.
The author does a remarkable job of forming a time line that flows and gives the bigger picture of the characters and how they were and are.
I am volunteering to leave a review for this book
March 9, 2021
Second Chance at Us is the first book from this author that I have read, and I loved reading every page. I found Becca and Blake's second chance story a wonderful story of forgiveness a joy to read. I look forward to reading more from this series.
November 9, 2021
Heartwarming story of a replay that was messed up in high school. Now, fifteen-years later, Becca and Blake meet up again providing second chances for them both. But will it work? Written in first person, this story keeps one engaged throughout, finally providing answers to questions from long ago.
March 3, 2021
Second chance at love, forgiveness, acceptance and going for it! I really liked the story of Becca and Blake. Two people that thought they were really different but ended up having a lot in common . I enjoyed the way the story went from present day back to the high school days and was told from both of their perspectives.
Becca and Blake’s initial meeting was in high school and was so strong...but Blake made a big mistake and ruined their friendship. As adults they unexpectedly run into each other and begin taking, but they both were holding back. As the truths begin to come out they have to decide if they can let go of the past, along with the mistakes, and move on.
Great characters, great story, great book!
I requested an arc and I’m proving my honest review.
Becca and Blake’s initial meeting was in high school and was so strong...but Blake made a big mistake and ruined their friendship. As adults they unexpectedly run into each other and begin taking, but they both were holding back. As the truths begin to come out they have to decide if they can let go of the past, along with the mistakes, and move on.
Great characters, great story, great book!
I requested an arc and I’m proving my honest review.
November 7, 2021
Resetting the course
Good story. Rich in characterization and beautiful settings. Revisiting an emotionally devastating experience that skewed the course of the main characters' lives for the next decade and a half made for an intense tale.
Good story. Rich in characterization and beautiful settings. Revisiting an emotionally devastating experience that skewed the course of the main characters' lives for the next decade and a half made for an intense tale.
March 4, 2021
Second Chance Romance
I received this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review. I adored Becca and Blake’s story!
Great character development which I love! This is an amazing read that I found to be delightful!
No spoilers with my review. If you have not purchased this book you need to. You will not be disappointed! Overall I give this book 5 golden stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ⭐️
I received this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review. I adored Becca and Blake’s story!
Great character development which I love! This is an amazing read that I found to be delightful!
No spoilers with my review. If you have not purchased this book you need to. You will not be disappointed! Overall I give this book 5 golden stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ⭐️
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