Second Chance Santa

The Pickle Family

by J.J. Knight

I never thought the love of my life would turn out to be — a mall Santa.

What has happened to Mack McAllister?

We were law school rivals.
Absolutely insane in bed.
Our two-year fling ended when we graduated.
He had his ambitions. I had mine.

We were going to slay the competition.
Now he’s sleighing it?

When I stalk him at Riverside Mall, he looks like Santa in every way. White beard. Rosy cheeks. Kid on his knee.

But I know better. That bowl full of jelly is hiding ripped abs.

I’ve been inside that suit.

Something’s happened to the Mack I knew ten years ago.

I don’t know how he feels about me now, but there’s only one way to find out.

Get in there and jingle those bells.
___________
Second Chance Santa is a holiday romantic comedy about the one who got away, the perils of resting Grinch face, and all the delicious ways to unwrap a candy cane.

Genres: Christmas, Holiday, Second Chance, Contemporary Romance, Romance, Contemporary, Second Chance Romance

304 pages, Paperback

First published November 15, 2021

About the author

JJ Knight is the Kindle All-Star and USA Today bestselling author of romantic comedies and sports romance. She’s a fierce mama bear for all the humans under her care: biological, adopted, and those in need of mom hugs. Her books portray characters who learn to push through hardship to find love and belly laughs. For more information visit www.jjknight.com.

THE PICKLEVERSE OF BESTSELLING ROMANTIC COMEDIES:

- Big Pickle: Secret Boss
- Hot Pickle: Brother's Best Friend
- Spicy Pickle: Fake Engagement
- Second Chance Santa: Pickled Holiday Rom Com

- Royal Pickle: Marry a Prince in 7 Days
- Royal Rebel: Princess and Guard Secret Love
- Royal Escape: Secret Identity Princess

- Tasty Mango: Billionaire and Single Mom
- Tasty Pickle: Billionaire Opposites Attract
- Tasty Cherry: Boss and Intern

- Juicy Pickle: Stranded on an Island
- Salty Pickle: Surprise Baby
- Hold the Pickle: Unexpected Roommates

- Wicked Pickle: Bad Boy Biker Bar
- Tricky Pickle: MC Club

ROM COM DUETS:
- The Wedding Confession
- The Wedding Shake-up

- Single Dad on Top: Billionaire Surprise Dad
- Single Dad Plus One: Billionaire Secret Baby

ROM COM STANDALONE:

Not Exactly a Small-Town Romance: Sunshine-Sunshine Work Besties to Lovers

- The Accidental Harem: Yup, what it says. It's...a lot. I went nuts.

SPORTS ROMANCE SERIALS:
Grab individually or in boxed sets.

COLT AND JO
- Uncaged Love 1
- Uncaged Love 2
- Uncaged Love 3
- Uncaged Love 4
- Uncaged Love 5
- Uncaged Love 6

COLT'S FRIEND PARKER AND MADDIE
USA Today bestselling series
- Fight for Her 1
- Fight for Her 2
- Fight for Her 3
- Fight for Her 4

JO'S BROTHER HUDSON
- Reckless Attraction 1
- Reckless Attraction 2
- Reckless Attraction 3

Reviews

[Andrea ☾ [is inconsistently consistant] · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25⭐️ The Perfect Christmas Read!

This book has been on my TBR since last Christmas, and I never got around to it. Until now. And I’m so, so glad I gave this book a chance. The cover is not my favourite, and although they say to not judge a book by its cover, I’ve gotten pretty good at telling if I’ll enjoy a book or not by the cover and blurb. Or so I thought. I picked up this book with very little expectations. Second chance romances are usually a bust for me, since I always think the reason why the MCs broke up in the first place is reason enough to stay away. Not this time.

Rory left Mack behind after law school with little to no explanation, moved to the other side of the country after a two year relationship because she knew it would be the best move for her career. Now, over a decade later, she’s heard Mack is working as a mall Santa… And she can’t help but go check it out for herself.

This book was absolutely wonderful. It’s Christmassy, it’s angsty in the best way, the chemistry between the MCs is insane... And although there were a couple details that were not my favourite like the fact that Rory doesn’t ever have sex with anyone else but Mack IN HER ENTIRE LIFE , I know it’s a personal opinion and others won't have trouble with it. This book did just what I wanted to do, though – it put me in the Christmas spirit. So much so, that I’ve decided to put up my Christmas tree right after I’m done writing this review. Nov 30th is officially the holiday season, right?

I’m also definitely checking out the rest of the Pickle Series, because this is my first JJ Knight, but I’ll make sure it’s not my last.

⭐️⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️.25 / 5
🌶️🌶️🌶️ / 5

[J.J.]

Santa is here!

[RateTheRomance · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are looking for some serious STEAM amidst of sea of G-rated Holiday Romances, 𝐒𝐄𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐃 𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐄 𝐒𝐀𝐍𝐓𝐀 is IT. *fans self* My kindle is still smoking. 🔥

This is a Second Chance romance and Rory and Mack are just EVERYTHING. You NEED these two to be together so badly! And when they do...ahem!...reconnect, the steamy scenes are pure fire. I will never see a mall Santa again without blushing and I'm not mad about it.🎅🏻

But 𝐒𝐄𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐃 𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐄 𝐒𝐀𝐍𝐓𝐀 is more than the steam. It's got great friendships, complex family dynamics, sweet memories of first love, a revealed family secret, and lots of forgiveness in time for the holidays.

Although this is part of a series, I hadn't read the previous books and I never felt lost or overwhelmed by too many characters. 𝐒𝐄𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐃 𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐄 𝐒𝐀𝐍𝐓𝐀 does very well as a true standalone. But now that I've met the Pickle brothers, I may need to backtrack and read their stories!

This is in my top picks for 2021 Holiday Romances! Definitely add it to your TBR, especially if you like some sexy-times in a Santa suit!

RATING:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
STEAM LEVEL: Rated R
TRIGGERS: paternity surprise, previous death of parent
FEELS-O-METER: 3/5 - So many feels you might tear up a little.

BUY IT HERE: https://amzn.to/3HKv40W (affiliate)

👇🏻HANG OUT WITH ME HERE!👇🏻
INSTAGRAM | YEAR OF SMUT CHALLENGE

[BookAddict · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rory and Mack were inseparable, competitive risk takers (especially when it came to the smexy times) when they were in law school together. They graduated and she went to Boston, never asking Mack to go with her.

Rory has been back in town for a few years and never reached out to Mack. But when she finds out he's employed as a mall Santa, she can’t resist laying eyes on him to try and determined what happened to the driven, career-minded guy she knew in school. Attempting to remain incognito, Rory instead causes a scene that puts Santa Mack's eyes squarely on her.

Pickle fans, run right now and get this one! There are many Pickle appearances and a huge, shocking twist that you’re not going to want to miss! For the rest of you, if you haven’t read this talented wordsmith’s work, this is a great place to start. It's laugh-out-loud funny but so full of feels. It has a sweet, vulnerable side as Rory and Mack learn a few things about themselves. And then there's the adventurous chemistry these two have, and, holy Hades, you’re gonna need a fire extinguisher!

This wonderful story also has a more contemplative side that looks at life's greater purpose and reminds us of the wonder of Christmas. It's sure to put the magic of the season in your heart, so don’t miss this phenomenal, humorous, touching holiday read.

[Lisa Mandina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to win a giveaway for a digital ARC of this from the author in her newsletter. I have loved the books in her Pickle series that I’ve read, I still need to finish that series. And I also liked Tasty Mango. Which was related to that other series as well. And I loved that this book pulled those characters in as well! I won’t say how, that would give away kind of a surprise twist in the plot.

But I started out really enjoying because it is a second chance story and I have a second chance romance I’d like to spark up myself. One thing I like about this author is that even with all the hilariousness of the things that happen and the funny banter, she not only brings the sexy times, but also gives the characters so much depth and background to give the characters more to overcome besides just the romantic aspects. I actually didn’t quite see some of what happened with these characters until it popped up.

The author did keep me hanging for a while longer with Mack’s back story, and I was anxiously turning pages (on an e-reader) to get to find out what made him take the path he was currently on.

Another part of the story that totally made me laugh was how the bit about how she had forgotten her password and had to stop and get a new link sent so she could change it and get into a website. I loved that part because while it may seem like such a mundane thing, it is honestly something that happens so often I was thrilled to see it actually put into a story. Even as small of a bit as it was, it really stood out to me that the author included those types of moments, making the story seem even more real!

Now, if only I can get Santa to bring me my own second chance romance this year!

Review first posted on Lisa Loves Literature.

[lowkeyreader · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this is a good second chance story with enough humour, steam, and fun. I really liked Mack and Rory's storyline. It was intriguing and kept my attention to see what's going to happen next between them. But it's not all fun with these two because they have their own issues too that they never told each other when they dated years ago. So now they're getting to know each other better than they did before. I enjoyed their story thoroughly.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

A steamy dual perspective, second chance at love holiday romance with tons of heart! I will never look at a mall santa the same way again! Sure there was a lot of delicious open door scenes in this book but it was also all about family and the ways that that simple acts of kindness can mean so much at Christmas. Thoroughly loved these characters and I can't wait to read more about the Pickle brothers books! Great on audio too.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Perfect holiday fluff to read with friends!

[Helena · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ☆

[Linda Dossett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Santa’s Helpers. Ever wonder what makes a great one, other than a excellent costume? This Santa story,brings the holiday spirit into focus, with a side of hot pickle pepper (pun intended). We meet Rory and Mac, in this newest addition to the Pickle universe series, and it all blends together to make a great holiday homecoming romance.

[ButtonsMom2003 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hot and sexy Rom-Com!

I fell in love with this author’s books when I read my first book written under her Deanna Roy pen name. I’ve read nearly everything she’s written since then but I fell a bit behind a couple of years ago. I am so glad that I was given the opportunity to read an advanced copy of Second Chance Santa. Second chance stories are one of my favorite romance tropes and JJ Knight has written one that is LOL funny in places but also manages go convey important messages about the spirit of Christmas and the benefits of forgiveness.

The story is told in first person POV alternating between Mack and Rory. They were a couple during their last two years of law school and the sexy time was hot and heavy. Rory’s ambition took her away from Mack without letting him know she was leaving. Ten years later Rory is back in L.A. and seeks Mack out only to find him working as Santa in a local mall.

Mack was heartbroken when Rory left him and now that she’s sought him out, he’s not sure his heart can take it if she decides to leave again. He’s not the same person he was in law school; his attitude towards his family has shifted dramatically. He’s not sure if he wants to tell Rory about it and why he changed.

The above two paragraphs might make you think that Second Chance Santa is not going to be the light-hearted rom-com that I mentioned in the first paragraph but it really is. It’s the perfect blend of hot AF sexy time 🔥🔥🔥 and corny jokes with just the right amount of angst. I loved everything about this book and recommend it to anyone who enjoys reading a great second chance romance.

Fans of JJ Knight’s Pickle series will absolutely not want to miss this one. I loved how she incorporated that family into this great story.

A copy of this book was provided to me at my request but my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.

***Reviewed for Xtreme-Delusions dot com***

[Nate Brightman · Rating 5 out of 5]

According to the Goodreads synopsis, Second Chance Santa is a holiday romantic comedy. It may begin that way with our female lead Rory trying to spy on her law school lover Mack while he plays mall Santa. But after a few hilarious moments as power suited and childless Rory attempts to blend in unnoticed with the suburban soccer moms standing in line with their kids waiting to see Santa, it’s not. Oh it’s romantic and sexy and angsty and even very sweet at times as Mack charms the little kids who have come to have their picture taken with Santa, but after the opening scene, the laugh out loud funny moments are few and far between.
Mack and Rory were law school lovers who lived together for two years while attending U.C. Berkley law school. They were ruthlessly competitive with each other inside the classroom for the best grades graduating first and second in their class, and insatiable lovers outside of it. From the first time they have sex when Mack unknowingly takes Rory’s V-card its apparent that deep emotions are not Rory’s thing as she shrugs off the loss of her virginity as no big deal. Immediately upon graduation Rory accepts a job with a corporate law firm in Boston and tells Mack he should stay in California to pursue his dreams of being a sports agent and not to follow her, not even to contact her after she leaves. While Mac had believed they were in a real relationship, it’s apparent for Rory it was just about fun and great sex while she pursued her law degree. She can’t allow anything to get in the way of her career ambitions and a relationship with Mack would in her mind be a distraction. Rory heads off to Boston where she never looks back, never contacting Mack nor any of their other college friends. Even when she returns to California six years later to take a partnership position in an L.A. law firm she doesn’t reach out to Mack or anyone from her law school class. To put it plainly thanks to her mother, Rory is one cold, career only focused bitch. She has no friends other than her executive assistant and no life beyond her career. Until the day she finds herself standing in the mall line to see Santa because she needs to discover why the guy she thought was just as ambitious and career focused as she was is sitting there playing Santa Claus in a suburban L.A. mall. She tells herself it isn’t so much remembered affection or regrets as to how she ended their relationship or even the explosive sexual chemistry she hasn’t found with anyone else in the past ten years since Mack that has brought her to the mall, it is curiosity as to why a man she thought was as aggressively ambitious and now as successful as she is is playing mall Santa.
Mack was blindsided and heartbroken when Rory dumped him after law school graduation. He did remain in SoCal and has become one of the most successful sports agents in L.A. He has remained in contact with many of their close law school classmates. Professional success, driving a Maserati, owning an expensive condo and hob knobbing with SoCal’s rich and famous has not proven enough for Mack. When Mack’s mother died in the childbirth of her tenth child Mack and his older sister Tanya were left to raise their eight younger siblings. When he earned a college scholarship, he left Alabama, resentful of the burdens put upon him raising his siblings, he never looked back. Until a year ago when he returned for his grandmother’s funeral which led to him re-evaluating his life. Which is why he found himself going to Santa Claus school and working as a mall Santa trying to make little kids Christmas’s a little brighter. When Mack discovers Rory’s failed attempt to spy on him he approaches her and asks her out. Because poor Mack, after ten years of having no contact with Rory, is still in love with her. He tells himself it’s just their powerful sexual attraction and the memories of how they fucked anywhere, every where and at anytime while in law school but its apparent that just like then, Mack is hopelessly in love with a woman who still seems incapable of emotional intimacy. Rory accepts hoping to satisfy her curiosity as to why Mack is working as a mall Santa and perhaps wanting to re-experience some of that mind blowing sex they once enjoyed. Mack and Rory pick up where they left off ten years ago having a torrid sexual relationship. Just as Mack begins to hope that Rory has changed and is capable of more than sexual intimacy she reverts to her old form. It takes some life altering occurrences for Rory to realize how her mother’s influence on her growing up has caused her to mis prioritize her life. This is a contemporary romance so it comes with a guaranteed happy ending and Knight delivers on that in a big way with lots of romance, warm happy feels and a big surprise for readers.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rory and Mack Squared attended law school together. They were inseparable and highly competitive. They even had a couple nickname. Then their careers happen and Rory leaves, without explanation.
Fast forward he's playing Santa and she is stalking him.
They pick up almost where the left off, but will the ending be different when she gets news of a family she never knew and a possible job.
This was a fun read. I haven't read. Witty dialogue, intrigue and fun characters.

[Michael Heidle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh! Oh.my!! A most provocative Santa story!!

Oh! Oh my! Over and over and over.... nearly every chapter get steamy!
I haven't and don't usually read steamy no DLS but this one was intriguing and interesting throughout! So if you're into steamy novels (or not too easily embarrassed) this is the book for you!!

[Cynthia (Bingeing On Books) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this book! Romance was very steamy and I loved that they started to communicate more and seemed to learn lessons from the past. Very sweet.

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (11/12/2022)! 🎁

[K D · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was really confused how this was a pickle verse story at first.

[JudyAnnLovesBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars ⭐️

This book is sweet, sexy but most especially, adorable! I’m a huge fan of J.J. Knight’s romcom romances and this book did not disappoint!

Mack is one of my favorite book book boyfriends to date. There is something incredibly sweet about a successful businessman who decides to work as a mall Santa and kill it like he does. I adored Mack and his big heart.

Rory was interesting. At first I wasn’t particularly fond of her but as the book progressed she grew on me. I began to understand why she was the way she was and in the end I got her.

Mack and Rory get a second chance at love and although the road to happily ever after was not easy, it was incredibly sweet and sexy. I’m giving Second Chance Santa the judy.ann.loves.books stamp of approval, TBR and Enjoy!

[Whit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hooked from the first page and hated to see the story end!
Rory and Mack attended law school together. But because of her cold, closed off, and bossy mother, Rory ran before the possibility of a romantic relationship could even begin with Mack.
When Rory sees Mack, many years later, he is a Mall Santa and not the high priced lawyer she was expecting.
As their past lives are slowly revealed, there are just so many shocking surprises - the biggest one involves the PICKLE BROTHERS, from an earlier series, and that made me laugh out loud.
Awesome story!

[Emma Hutton · Rating 2 out of 5]

When I'm reading a book called Second Chance Santa you expect a fair bit of Christmas content..


Nope. Not in this book!



I hated the heroine, she was dumb, stupid, inconsiderate and she was meant to be 38 years old.
And hardly any Christmas content!!


NEXT!

[READ ME ROMANCE · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first book by JJ Knight as I try and read as many holiday romances as I can and Second Chance Santa got my attention with that gorgeous cover! I am a sap for second chance love stories and so enjoyed Mack and Rory’s journey.

They were college lovers, not necessarily sweethearts, as they were both focused on graduating at the top of their class in law school. They went to separate coasts to pursue their careers and ended their two-year relationship much to the surprise and heartbreak of Mack.

I truly believe adults are the product of their upbringing and the scars and emotional pain that each had deep within, for different reasons, made them who they were today, ten years later, when they reconnected. The author did a wonderful job weaving in both of their backstories without the harsh chapter back and fourth, and as readers, you truly understood where they were coming from and why she was so guarded and he took a job moonlighting as a mall Santa when he was the owner of a successful sports agency.

I loved how brave she was to seek him out and apologize, and how they felt immediately at ease with each other as no time had passed. Although off to a rough start, they were quick to banter and get to the sexy times as their chemistry was smoking hot! This book has many sweet and steamy moments, as well as laughs and tears.

I loved getting to know her newly found family, the Pickles, and plan to start reading their stories next! Her relationship with her mother, and his relationship with his siblings were very emotional and I loved how caring, thoughtful, and generous Mack was. Mack truly was perfect. He was sensitive and caring, open and honest, hardworking yet humble, and gave his whole heart to Rory knowing it could be shattered again.

This book is about their journey as a couple and Rory’s self-reflection and growth. The characters were very relatable because people and families aren’t picture perfect as they appear on social media. Relationships take a lot of hard work, forgiveness, respect, communication, support, and commitment to make it work, and I was so very pleased I stumbled upon Mack and Rory’s love story. Hope another Pickle gets a story after theirs (LOL) so I can see what happens in the future!

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun, steamy and sweet second chance romance to get you in the Christmas spirit brought to us by J.J. Knight! This holiday romance can 100% be enjoyed as a stand alone- but if you're a fan of J.J.'s books then you'll also love the cameo's and connection to the Pickleverse and Dell Brant!

Mack and Rory had this fast paced, competitive but also adventurous relationship while they were in law school together that lasted 2 years until Rory abruptly moved to the East coast and asked Mack not to go with her. 10 years later Rory is caught scoping out the mall Santa that is none other than her former flame Mack. The question is can they pick right back up where they left off without any bumps in the road or will decisions of the past come back and put everything up in flames again?

This story... I loved it. It has that perfect holiday feel and messages about family and forgiveness while also being incredibly hilarious and hot. I will admit that it did take me a while to really get into Rory's character- she just came off as so cold and almost robotic which is such as stark contrast to the warmth and caring that we get from Mack's character. But as the story unfolded a little more about Rory's upbringing and family dynamic her personality made more sense and she does "thaw" more before the story ends. I still can't get over Mack though- he is 100% perfect book boyfriend material and I wish he was real (don't tell my husband though!).

Going in I knew that this story tied in someway to the Pickle Family books but I wasn't quite sure how. I did not expect how they ended up crossing over though- it totally threw me for a second but in the best way. So not only was Second Chance Santa already a fun book on it's own but then getting to catch up with most of Pickles as well was such a fun bonus!

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Corporate attorney Rory Sheffield and sports agent Mack McAllister dated for two years during law school but went their separate ways after graduation. Rory took a job in Boston, while Mack moved to Los Angeles. Ten years later, they're both living in Los Angeles when Rory learns that her old flame has taken on a side hustle as a mall Santa. Determined to solve the mystery of why Mack would do such a thing when it seems so unlike the man she used to know, she tracks him down and accidentally causes a scene while waiting in line to sit on Santa's lap. Fortunately, Mack recognizes her immediately and is happy to reconnect. It's not long before their old feelings reignite, but just as it always has, career comes first for workaholic Rory. Can a little holiday magic help her and Mack overcome their differences and make their relationship work this time around?

Mack and Rory were such a great couple! They had both grown and changed in the years they were apart, but the chemistry between them was as strong as ever, and I loved the way they bantered and teased each other. Their relationship in law school was mostly based on crazy antics and an intense physical connection, but when they met again ten years later, their emotional connection grew quickly. The exact circumstances weren't the same, but they were both dealing with difficult family situations, which seemed to create a bond between them that wasn't there before.

Given the setup, this story easily could have become silly or turned into a slapstick comedy, but instead, it was truly fun and lighthearted with just the right balance of steam and emotion. I loved "Second Chance Santa" and highly recommend it for all fans of contemporary romance, holiday romance, and romantic comedy. I look forward to whatever the author writes next!

*Review copy provided by the author/publisher via Enticing Journey Book Promotions. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Elizabeth Connor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am thankful to the author for sending me an ARC. I have to admit, I didn’t read the first books in the Pickle series. I think they sound fantastic, but unless I get an ARC, I just don’t have time for them. Based on this one, I know I’m missing out and I hope to make time for them, but I have such a long list of TBR…

I’m particularly fond of second-chance stories because they resemble my own. In this one, Mack and Rory are separated when Rory takes a job across the country and doesn’t ask Mack to come with her. Mack is devastated, but life moves on, and ten years later, he is surprised to find she has moved back. Rory is hesitant to admit, even to herself, that she has any feelings for Mack beyond friendship, but it’s clear she’s wrong. When Mack starts to realize she is following similar patterns to the last time, distancing herself from him to avoid her feelings, he is furious with himself for allowing her to hurt him again. At the same time, he is honest enough with himself to admit that he loves her (always has) and will do what it takes to keep her this time.

It was impossible not to fall in love with Mack. From his incessant dad jokes to his intuitive ability to respond to emotional situations, not to mention his apparent “hotness,” he’s the whole package. It’s a little more difficult to relate to Rory, who is so compartmentalized in her life and so unable to tap into her emotions, it takes her ridiculously long to realize how much she cares for Mack. Her transformation is believable and hopeful. It feels good when she finally realizes that personal relationships are just as important as professional ones, maybe even more so.

I truly enjoyed this book, and one of these days, I hope to read the rest of them.

[Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well let's start by saying I am never disappointed by JJ Knights books. They always have your attention the minute you start to read them. And Second Chance Santa is the same, this is a steamy, sexy, rom-con. From the minute I started reading this Mack and Rory had my attention and I wanted to see where these two took us.

Rory and Mack are old college colleagues they are in law school together, where they were very competitive with each other, graduation came and like most people they went their separate ways. Mack is a sports agent and Rory is a lawyer. Fast forward to the day they saw each other again. Mack is the mall Santa, Rory heard of this and ran to the mall to see it first hand and well from that day they were inseparable. I know what your thinking the mall Santa tend to be creepy and sketchy but this mall Santa I would sit on his lap and never leave (hehe)! Well their relationship has now rekindled and they are inseparable. Rory finds our some very important things about her biological father, and Mack is right by her side through it all. While reading Second Chance Santa, I wanted to see where the romantic relationship between Rory and Mack would go, I couldn't put down the book reading into early morning hours. The ending of the book I defiantly didn't see coming but then again I was hoping it would end the way it did, I was happy!

[Tracie Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

JJ Knight has done it again with Second Chance Santa. Talk about a very Merry Christmas. Rory is a lawyer living in L.A. When she hears that Mack McAllister is playing Santa at the mall shes on a mission to find out if this is true. Rory has never gotten over Mack. He was her first in all ways. There has never been another guy like him. When she spots him as Santa she just has to know why? Mack has been in love with Rory since law school, but 10 years ago she broke his heart when she left and didnt ask him to come with her. Seeing her now he wonders if they can get a second chance to make it right. Seriously this book... OMG it was so amazing.. wonderful characters and hot moments between the lead characters. And hey if you loved the Pickles.. pick this up.. they are ALL in this book and wow did not see that but wow. I really hope there is more with all of them. Maybe Rorys parents.
100 stars if I could!!!!!!
I am leaving my honest and voluntary review for this book that I received a copy of.

[Sharon in SF · Rating 4 out of 5]

Our heroine, Rory, grew up driven to succeed to please her mother. Our Hero, Mack, also grew up driven to succeed to escape the responsibilities of being the second oldest of 10 kids! They met in law school 10 years ago but separated after graduation when she moved across the country for a great job. Fast forwarding to the present, Rory has moved back to California and finds out Mack is a mall Santa for some reason. In her quest to find out why, they rekindle their romance. Rory prefers a very structured life so when unknown secrets of the past surface to upset her status quo, she falls back on the bad habit of running to try and regain her equilibrium. Both Rory and Mack are given second chances to start new relationships with their respective families and with each other. There are a lot of family dynamics packed into this story, and with the help and skill of a magical Christmas wand, our author pulls off a heartwarming and enjoyable read for our couple and a visit from the Pickle brothers!

[Charlotte Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perfect! Sweet, Sexy, Steamy, Funny, and Perfect! Second Chance Santa is a fun holiday book. I love that Mack is a mall Santa and does the job so well. I love that Rory stayed true to her self-driven ambitions. Mack, who was 2nd in his class just behind Rory, has a successful career but has realized that there is more to life than just working while Rory has not quite figured that out.
It was fun seeing Mack and Rory reconnect. I like how they jumped right back in like 2 years apart never happened. Their connection was intense, strong, and true love. It took some time to find their way to the love part but the attraction was strong as ever. Neither Mack nor Rory were ready to open their hearts entirely but there was no doubt that their hearts belong to each other.
This is the first book of J.J. Knight’s that I have read but I have a feeling that the Pickle family has a fun background and I will be looking for more about them.

[Jennifer Pierson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I do believe Second Chance Santa is at the top of my list when it comes to Christmas books as I was highly entertained throughout this one. JJ Knight definitely can write some serious humor that tends to have my stomach hurting by the time I'm finished devouring it, and this story is no exception., but it does have a kicker of hitting me in the feels as well. It's the story of two people, Mack & Rory, who are perfect for each other, but they went in different directions when they graduated college. They were rivals in law school, and super HOT HOT HOT in bed together but they called it quits when she went to Boston, never asking him to go with her. Now she's learned that he's playing santa at the mall, so things get very interesting. I was obsessed about the reasoning why he was said mall santa, and I'm sure you'll feel the same way after hitting those one click buttons! This story is one I'll be revisiting every year at Christmas & HIGHLY HIGHLY HGIHLY RECOMMEND!

[Tammy Moldovan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful Christmas second chance

I enjoyed Rory and Mack’s second chance story. Though I must admit I spent a lot of the book not liking Rory as much. During the angsty break up portion of the book, I was definitely not on her side. Mack is a successful sports agent who has recently taken a side gig playing Santa. Rory is a successful corporate attorney. Mack and Rory had a relationship for two years during law school which ended when Rory broke up with Mack to move across country for a job. They reconnect when Rory learns about Mack playing Santa. On the way to their HEA, Rory and Mack have to embrace that their feelings for each other are real, deal with family and work drama, and decide who they want to be going forward. Rory has a lot more growing to do in this story than Mack does. Rory and Mack’s story has all the feels - expect to laugh, cry, cringe, hiss, and root for the main characters to admit their feelings and embrace all the love.