Second Chance for Love

Second Chance Regency Romance #2

by Rose Pearson

Can Mary and William’s love bridge the gap between the aristocracy and a commoner?

Mary Durand grew up deprived, and treated as less than a servant in the home of her aunt and uncle. Abused and mistreated, she never dreamed of anything more, she never believed there could be more for her, but after years of torment, she could no longer take the abuse and decided to escape. Three years later, she never dreamed that her life could transform. Her father’s invention has moved them from merchants to people of influence and affluence, and suddenly Mary has to maneuver in London high society. She never imagined that she would encounter a face from the past amidst the sea of socialites.

William Pierce, 8th Earl of Cott, did not think that his attempt to get away from his father’s overbearing presence could land him in the company of a former acquaintance. However, when faced with the transformed Mary Durand, the sympathy he had for her changes to admiration, and eventually more. It would be perfect, if life was simple, but it isn’t. His father will never condone such an alliance.

Can Mary and William endure and win, or will he find himself ousted from his family like his sister Charlotte before him? Can love overcome the differences in birth and rank, or are some divides too far to cross?

Genres: Historical Romance

191 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 30, 2021

About the author

Rose has read her way through countless romances over the years, “borrowing” them from her older sisters, and hiding them from her mother.

She has a special love for Regency romances and when she began writing, the Regency period was a natural place to start. The ton, the wealthy families, the Season, the dilemmas, and yes, the marriages, have always fascinated her.

She loves a happy ever after! Now she is happy to bring this passion to her stories and share it with her readers.

On a personal note, Rose lives in North Carolina, is married, and has a terrier that barks too much. She enjoys taking him for walks to tire him out!

Reviews

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mary Durand had a hard life living with her aunt and now her father had returned a wealthy man, she was in London. Inspite of her previous hardship, Mary was a kind and caring person. However, she wasn’t accepted in society due to her father’s work in trade. Mary had met William, Earl of Cott, previously but had lost touch. When they meet in London, their old feelings for each other return. However, William knew his father, the duke would not allow such a match. His father was very controlling and this was one thing I couldn’t understand was the sudden change in the duke’s personality. However, I did enjoy the story, having met Mary in the first book, I was glad to see what had happened to her. I received a copy via Booksprout and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Space Cowgirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bad Aunt 👵

SWEET CLEAN Regency Romance💕
Ten Year old Mary's father , an inventor, goes off to seek his fortune in America. He leaves Mary🙎 in the care of her Aunt. The aunt turns out to be a very cruel person who is extremely controlling of her entire family. Mary🙎 is turned into a drudge, a maid, and the cook, too. Her father's six month trip turns into ten years!

Eventually Mary💃💔 runs away, and is found half dead from hypothermia by William🐺 , heir to a dukedom. She is nursed back to health and eventually her father returns.

ARC Provided by Booksprout 🌱
I also got this ebook with KU.

I was disappointed in some of this book because it jumps around in time, especially after William🐺 finds Mary💃 laying by the road after she runs away from her Aunt. The story jumps to three years later, when William🐺 sees her at a ton event. Her father had returned , a rich and successful inventor of the cannning process that will revolutionize the civilized 🌎world!
Maybe the book should have been a little longer to include some of the events that happened during the three years after Mary💃 ran away and when William🐺 saw her again at the ball. It's kind of a mystery of what happened during that three year time.
The book is actually quite short.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Mary Durand's father went to America to find backers for his invention she stays with her aunt and uncle who treated her as less than a servant. After years of torment, she could no longer take the abuse and decided to escape. Three years later, she never dreamed that her life could transform. Her father’s invention has moved them from merchants to people of influence and affluence, and suddenly Mary is taking part in London high society. She never imagined that she would encounter a face from the past amidst the sea of socialites. William Pierce, Eighth Earl of Cott, did not think that his attempt to get away from his father’s overbearing presence could land him in the company of a former acquaintance. However, when faced with the transformed Mary Durand, the sympathy he had for her changes to admiration, and eventually more.
This is the second book in the series & we met both William & Mary in the first book which was Charlotte’s story. Another well written book that flowed well. I loved how the pair found each other again & how their feelings grew. I wanted William to stand up to his disapproving father, I did find the Duke's change of heart hard to believe. I also would have liked the uncle & aunt to have had some comeuppance for their treatment of Mary. A charming romance which I thoroughly enjoyed
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

[Annette Drewett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Totally enjoyable story with well developed characters and an interesting insight into the working of the Ton. I enjoyed following William and Mary’s journey to happiness. This is a lovely series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Karen Darling · Rating 1 out of 5]

Too many horrible things happened to the heroine.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

During his time in London William Pierce, 8th Earl of Cott, reconnects with Mary Durand, a merchant’s daughter he met three years previously. This is their opportunity for a second chance. But will Mary and William’s love for each other last this time? Or will William’s overbearing father tear it away from them?

This was a well-written story with memorable characters. Grab your copy and see whether William and Mary will claim their happiness this time.

[Nanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been waiting for this story. We meet Mary Durand in the first book, "Loving the Scarred Soldier". The first book is about Charlotte and James story. But a good part is about Mary after she is found in a ditch in the rain barely alive. She had been running away from her aunt and uncle. They had mistreated and beat her for the last nine years. Her father an inventor had left her with then thinking they would love and care for her till he could return from America. He had no idea how awful her life would be. Charlotte's brother, William Pierce the Eighth Earl Cott was the one who finds her and brings her home to Caldon House. With Charlotte's help they nurse her back to health. Their father the Duke of Compton is furious that his son has brought a nobody who could be a servant into their home. He wants her gone as soon as possible. William and Charlotte fight to keep her till her father can be found. William and her spend a lot of time talking and learning about the other while she heals. When her father is found they leave together.
Three years later at a ball in London, William sees a lovely young lady that seems familiar but can't place her. The ball is at his friends, St. John the Fourth Earl of Wycliff. William doesn't get out in society much as his father keeps him close and is very controlling. William may be thirty now but still is under his father thumb.
When he finds out it is his Mary as he thinks of her, he is delighted. Charlotte and him have wondered how her and her father have been. He is upset to see she is left all alone cause her father is in trade. As they both meet and spend a little time in London, they both feel the attraction again. Both know nothing can happen between them, his father would never permit it. Can they find what they both want? Will William every stand up to his father ? How much is he
willing to lose ? Will Mary ever get a break in life and be really happy ?
Oh, so many questions and you will need to get your copy to find out. This is a very unusual love story.
So many things can and do go wrong. Lots of twist and turns. This story has great characters and some nasty ones too.
A very special little boy helps too.
I hope you get both books in this series as the first book is great in its own right. But the second one is so much better if you read them in order.

[Edward Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love conquers the chasm between the merchant class and the aristocracy.

This is the second book in Ms. Pearson’s “Second Chance Regency Romance” series. It is a wonderful tale of love and romance across social class lines. It has real characters in well-developed period settings with excellent dialog. As with Rose’s previous works, the writing is superb.
Mary Durand, the daughter of a widowed merchant and inventor, grew up in poverty when for the last ten years she was forced to live the home of her abusive aunt and uncle where she was treated as loss than a servant. She saw nothing but further torment living there, and she left with almost nothing and began her journey to London to find her father. Having to walk the long distance to London, she succumbed to exhaustion and passed out in a ditch on the road. She was found and nursed back to health by William Pierce, Earl of Cott and son of the Duke of Compton, who also assisted her in finding and reuniting father and daughter. Mary and William then lost touch.
Three years later, they met at a ball where she was being shunned by the Ton because Mary was only a merchant’s daughter. As they spent time together, he observed the changes in her as she had now become a “Lady” and he was smitten with her and she was secretly in loved with him. He invited her and her companion to stay at his estate, but his father, the Duke, made it clear that he did not approve of her as she was “of low birth” and he dictated that she was to leave the estate. Before she could leave, she become ill and because of his love for her, William stayed at her side until she is well. Since his father would never approve of her, he tells his father that he will forsake his inheritance and the future title and make her his own. You should not miss the book, it is an excellent read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jamie Bee · Rating 1 out of 5]

Too Much Skipping Key Points

I've been reading this author for years, starting with her Jane Austen fan fiction back in the day. Some of her series and other books are fantastic examples of what Regency should be. Unfortunately, others aren’t quite as well written. Sadly, this is one of the latter. I totally liked both characters. The heroine is immediately sympathetic as we see her in an abusive situation (bordering on unbelievable) in the very first chapter. The hero is kind, if a little weak regarding his father, and utterly swoon-worthy in his respect and affection for the heroine. So, what's the problem? I feel like this story needed to be longer to do any semblance of justice to the characters and their story. What the author did was take too many literary shortcuts. At the end of the first chapter, the heroine is in dire straits. The next chapter jumps forward three years to when the hero and heroine meet again. Though it has been three years since they’ve seen each other—he and his sister rescued her at that earlier point—they both internally professed love for each other though either believes they can be together because of his dictatorial father. Because the author skips that earlier time, we don't get to see how they came to fall for each other. That's part of the fun of a romance! We want to see their growing affection and regard for each other. Don't just tell us they're in love... show us how it happened! Even in other parts of the novel, the author skipped over parts that should have been shown, like the first two weeks of the heroine and her companion’s visit to the hero's manor house. (Don’t worry, his sister played hostess for propriety's sake!) With two such delightful characters and a seemingly complex love story, the author simply needed to show it to us more instead of telling us or skipping over it. All in all, I found this book to be a disappointment.

I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.

[Linda J. · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25 STARS

This is a stand alone but as with a series has cross over character's. I did enjoy book 1 more - had more suspense and drama - plus surprising twists. I found this also repetitive at times.

The h is almost living like Cinderella, because her father leaves her for 9 years - WHAT? He leaves her with his sister in law who treats her awful - verbally and physically. We have all this build up with the aunt and her family. When the h's father finally returns, didn't he do anything to his sister in law for the way they treated his precious daughter for 9 years? I wanted to know the father's reaction and it wasn't mentioned.

The H doesn't get a back bone until near the end of the story. He is 30 years old and rarely speaks up for himself against his controlling father. The ending with the father sharing his feelings why he believes the way he does didn't seem right to me. The father states he likes men of business because they know how to make money. HELLO - the h's father was in business - pulled himself up from being poor to rich. So why did he keep saying he wanted is son to marry good blood lines and not someone in trade?

This is a clean story - only kisses near the end. This story ends at the 88% mark on my e-reader - rest is about the first book of the series.

No cheating, no cliffhanger, HEA, some romance and clean except for a few kisses. I can't improve on the blurb, just letting you know what you may discover reading it (ljb)

[Kay Zaugg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rose Pearson has done it again. She brings us this story of Mary and William. Mary was left with an aunt and uncle while her father takes his invention to America. Mary endures years of abuse from her aunt and the rest of the family. She runs away when she cannot take it any longer. She is trying to make it to London to find her father. She cannot endure and is found almost dead on the side of the road by William.
William and his sister Charlotte nurse her back to health. Charlotte becomes her best friend. William finds her father and gets her to London. Four years later they are reunited. Her father has brought their status up as his invention is a success. Although they have money now, she has a hard time being accepted by the ladies and men of the ton. William sees her at a dance and reconnects with her there. However his father will not allow Mary to grace his home.
Second chance is for both William and Mary. They both have lost their mothers at a young age and have been left with their fathers to raise. Will William be able to stand up to his father with what he wants. NOw that Mary ahs been reun ited with her father, will he understand the hardship Mary has endured?

[Poonguzhali A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second chance love is the story of William and Mary whom we had already met in Rose Pearson's book, The Scarred Soldier. Mary is the girl, who is rescued by William, and nursed to health by him and his sister. I never thought we would be able to read a story about them; so, this came as a pleasant surprise.

Any one who has read The Scarred Soldier, will know that, William's father, The Duke, will definitely not accept a person, whom he considered of lower origin, as his son's wife. Whether or not William is able to get his father to accept Mary, forms the rest of the story.

This is another sweet, feel-good, engaging book from Rose Pearson and I had enjoyed this book too, as always. Her style of writing pulls the reader into the character's minds and their hearts and makes us root for them. I particularly liked how the characters were really aware of each other's positions in each other's lives and still valued whatever time they could get together. In fact, I loved this one better than the previous one because of the lead characters. Can't wait to read more from this author.

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

[Anonymous 5 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms. Pearson has done it again with her amazing storytelling talent and endearing cast of characters. Although part of a series, this is a standalone story, so you don't have to read the first one to follow along, although I highly recommend you don't miss a single book in this charming series. In this second installment of Second Chance Regency Romance, we meet William and Mary and follow them on their beautiful journey to love. Mary lived with her aunt and uncle, and having had enough of their mistreatment, she decides to leave in search of her inventor father. When she succumbs to exhaustion, William finds her and helps her and then they part ways. Years later, they meet again and he becomes smitten with her and she falls for him as well. William's father, does not condone the match, Mary being of a lower class than them. They must face challenges before arriving at their happy ending. This was such a beautifully written story, I could not put it down. I absolutely cannot wait to read the next installment. Very well done! Highly recommended!

I received a complimentary advanced reader's copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Carmen Nuland · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was very excited to see that in this story we get reunited with Mary, a character from the first book (you can read this without having to read the first one). Although Mary was from the merchant class, she had begun to have feelings for William, her rescuer. Unfortunately, William's father (a duke) was very much against any match between them.
What I loved about this book: Rose is one of the few authors I know that writes stories that cover more than just the peerage. In this case, Mary's father is an inventor and has become wealthy, but many in the upper classes look down on anyone in the lower classes.
What I wished had been different: William acted much younger than the 30 years he is said to be. His actions have been closely guarded by his father, and although annoyed by it, William just goes along with it (until the end). And his father's opinion transformation happens almost too quickly for as gruff and uncompromising he is throughout the book.
Overall, I enjoyed this story and can't wait for the next one!

[Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mary Durand was the daughter of a merchant who is working at selling his invention. While he is away, he has left Mary with his sister thinking she was well cared for instead she was abused and mistreated to the extent that she needed to escape. Trying to get to London, she ended up near death when William Pierce, found her along the road and took her home to recover. There she became close to both William and his sister Charlotte. He took her to the docks to meet her father on his return from America. Now years later, he sees her in London totally transformed into a healthy sweet lady. She is pretty much ignored by the people of London because of her birth. The point is Mary fell in love with William all those years ago and never forgot him knowing nothing would ever come of it. William was in the same boat until he was faced with an ultimatum. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[CATHERINE BURHANS · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mary Durand had a very rough life. Her Mother died when she was young. Her Father left her with an Aunt and Uncle while he went to sell his invention in America. For a decade, they used and abused her until she finally runs away. Found, nearly dead, along the side of a road, she is brought to a young Earl’s home to recover until he is able to reunite her with her Father, who returns to England quite wealthy. Now they can have a fancy Mayfair address, and attend balls, but she is never accepted by the Nob, until she runs into her old friend, William, the Earl who saved her. He welcomes her, introduces her, and sticks up for her, and oh how she loves him. But she will never be good enough for him. A very endearing love story, with a lot of emphasis on class distinctions.

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

[Audrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

William is reunited with Mary in London during the season. He can’t believe how much of a lady she has turned into. Despite her fathers new wealth the ton are shunning her much to his displeasure. When her father has to travel to America again. She goes and stays at Caldor House. She is reunited again with Charlotte, Williams sister. All goes great until the Duke comes home and throws her out.
I was very shocked that the Dukes surliness was just to test his sone. He played the perfect villain in the story. It was nice to see how James was progressing and dealing with his scars. Charlotte was wonderful as always. I really enjoyed this book. No one does Regency romance like Rose Pearson! I love this second book in the Second Chances series.

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

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the characters and plot of this story! William and Mary, fell in love though there was a Hugh, problem with his father. William had found Mary almost at deaths door and took her to his home to be taken care of until she was well again. Mary came from low station family and William's father did not approve of her and did not want William seeing her... Years later William sees her again at a ball at his friends home and struck up a conversation with her and before long he had asked her and her lady's companion to come to his home again for a visit while her father was in the America's on business... I recommend reading this book, it is full of twist and turns, a little danger and of course romance and love. Great job Rose Pearson!

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

[Jayne Butcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ahhh....William had not seen Mary for three years until their paths crossed at a ball. Mary’s father was an inventor, and no matter how wealthy they had become, the ton snubbed her. William was an earl and the son of a rather opinionated and traditional duke, making Mary an inappropriate bride for him. And so the conflict begins! This is the second book in a new series, and even though it stands on its own merit, it was delightful to see how the focal characters from the first book had progressed. It is not often that sequels mesh so well. This is a heartwarming story with well conceived characters, familial conflict, emotional growth and a tender love affair.

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

[Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

When Mary Durand's father returns to London a wealthy man, all of her previous hardships whilst living with her aunt are pushed aside in favour of better lifestyle.  Mary has always been a kind and caring person despite the hardships she experienced before her father’s return to affluence via his work in trade.  However the Ton takes a dim view of her families newfound wealth.
William, Earl of Cott decides to renew his acquaintance with Mary and they find that their old feelings for each other start to resurface however he knows that his father the Duke would not approve of such a match. His father is extremely controlling and does not like change.

William and Mary's story was enjoyable and interesting to read.

[Danielle Warner · Rating 3 out of 5]

writing good, plot slow

I wanted to live this book, but in the end I was bored. The plot had nothing to really keep me interested.

The first in the series was fairly good, but this one had a lot of repetitive inward musing. Constantly musing to themselves how they could never be together, yet continuing to spend time together. Over and over they both repeated these same thoughts. I was annoyed and bored with it.

Though I prefer more to a story and plot usually than just a couple getting together in the end.

I did enjoy the ending, though it was not realistic that the father would suddenly change his demeaner and thinking in a moment. But nonetheless I did enjoy the hea.

[Kbook · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is four years later and William and Mary are finally reuniting.
Mary’s father is wealthy now after an invention of his becomes popular. But Mary is not having the time of her life with her new status. She is being snubbed by the ton, with no hope of making a match there.
William spots her at a friend’s ball and immediately befriends her again. Though he thinks nothing can come of them because he still lives under his father’s iron will.
Though four years has passed, it seems like Charlotte and her family were frozen in time. I think the author failed to make them progress.
The story was nice, no real drama to be had.

[Vicki Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this story! I was just reading along in this newest book, had forgotten the storyline from the earlier book and suddenly remembered how this tied in with the prior book by Lady Rose. There is just something about this newest series that is really resonating with me. Mary has emerged from the prior book and after four years in London and living with her father, things are looking up for this young "waif" who was discovered on the wayside by Lord William in the earlier book. When they meet at a ball there is a definite connection, but Mary knows her place, being the daughter of only an inventor and William knows he would never receive the approval of his father (who is a Duke) to marry someone with no social standing. This book just ties that all up into another delightful read by Rose Pearson.

I received an ARC copy of this book. This is my voluntary, honest, and completely personal review.
VICKI FROM WYOMING

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVE
Catching up with characters from book 1! Lady Charlotte, hubby James, cute son George, her brother William, what a lesson he learned by a great teacher/example Mary. I forgot about how her aunt treated her and was so happy with her father Peter so much more involved in her life.
Anne is an amazing, caring, loving companion and glad she was there for Mary.
While the Duke of Mormont finally gave his blessing and tried to explain his side, his feelings of why he is like he is, I still have a hard time liking him.

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

[Barbara Raue]

Mary Durand was treated very poorly by her aunt and uncle. After years of abuse, she decided to escape. She is reunited with her father after his return from America having made a fortune from his invention. But trying to make it in London high society but almost impossible for a merchant’s daughter. And then she is reunited with William Pierce and his sister Charlotte. This time William is drawn to Mary as she is drawn to him, but William’s father has other ideas for his son and Mary has no part of his plans. Will there be a second chance for their love to blossom?

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

[Marie Bourgery · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was wondering if William would fall for the girl he rescued dying on the side of the road in the last book. Mary had hero worship for him, but their stations are too far apart. They meet again few years later in London and she's financially well off because of her inventor father, but the Ton still sees her as not good enough for them and the son of a Duke. Mary shows her kindness and thoughtfulness, thinking of others first, even assisting the poor and sick to her own detriment when she falls ill. William is forced to choose between following his heart or his father's wishes. I liked Mary's companion Anne and hope she finds her own romance in a future book.

[Marti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet story

While I, personally, liked the first book in the series better, this was a sweet story about a lovely young lady who survived a horrific life in her younger years only to be rescued by a compassionate passerby. Life enabled them to meet again in London during the season 4-5 years later and the story really begins. Mary and William see numerous challenges in their way of happily ever after. But Mary’s goodness and caring and William’s devotion and strength will ultimately see them through. I also enjoyed revisiting characters from the first in the series that actually continued their story a bit. Definitely a good read.

[Infosleuth · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s not necessary to have read the first book but you will have a fuller understanding of the backstory if you do. Mary’s situation has changed drastically in some ways but she is still the outsider trying to fit in. I really enjoyed the plot and the characters. William dares to do something behind his father’s back but what will the consequences be if he finds out? Class differences are a huge issue but will a potentially fatal illness put things info proper perspective or will history repeat itself? Held my interest to the end.

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

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mary and William 💞

I was pretty excited to read sweet Mary’s story. I so enjoyed the interaction between she and William in the first book. Although, now I know he hadn’t felt for Mary with the same feelings as now!

This was a very nice read, although, like in Charlotte and James’ story, the Duke was just as horrid as ever. And William…bless his heart. He was torn between his love for Mary and for his father who couldn’t accept her.

However, William really irritated me at one point. Mary had just told him about her very abusive upbringing with the beatings and starvation. And how did our hero respond? “That must have been very lonely and sad”. Really, William?!

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly lovely piece of work.
Mary and William met on one of the worst days of Mary’s life not that her life has been great so far forced to live with her aunt and uncle. The poor girl had been so abused by them. Mary and William lost track of each other now years later they meet again. William’s father is very controlling will he be the villain of the story? Will they get a second chance? A really good story with great characters and some splendid drama is woven into every page of the piece. If you are a fan of Rose Pearson this is a must-have book!