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Sun, Sand and Second Chances
I was looking for adventure, but I never imagined my first love would be the tour guide.
After nearly a decade of teaching elementary school, I was in need of an adventure. So, when my friend offered to book a river rafting trip for all of us over summer break, I was the first one to yell “all aboard”.
The thing is, I never expected to know – and I mean know - the tour guide when we arrived the first day. Jackson: best kiss of my life, summer nights eating ice cream cones, me doodling our names together, my ultimate dream guy. The same dream guy who left town and broke my heart.
The heart doesn’t care about time, though, and while I tried to blame it on the heat, that wasn’t the reason I’d be spending the next seven days blushing and willing my heart rate to slow down.
It’s either sink or swim . . . or maybe there’s a third option here.
One I’d totally given up on . . .
After nearly a decade of teaching elementary school, I was in need of an adventure. So, when my friend offered to book a river rafting trip for all of us over summer break, I was the first one to yell “all aboard”.
The thing is, I never expected to know – and I mean know - the tour guide when we arrived the first day. Jackson: best kiss of my life, summer nights eating ice cream cones, me doodling our names together, my ultimate dream guy. The same dream guy who left town and broke my heart.
The heart doesn’t care about time, though, and while I tried to blame it on the heat, that wasn’t the reason I’d be spending the next seven days blushing and willing my heart rate to slow down.
It’s either sink or swim . . . or maybe there’s a third option here.
One I’d totally given up on . . .
193 pages, ebook
168 people want to read
About the author
Aspen Hadley
19 books261 followersAspen Hadley loves nothing more than a great story. She has devoted herself to story-telling for the majority of her life, writing her first novel at her kitchen table in the 8th grade. Aspen writes what she wants to read: clean, sassy, romantic comedy novels that give you a break from real life and leave you feeling happy.
Outside of writing, Aspen's number one hobby is reading. Number two is sneaking chocolate into and out of her private stash without being caught. Other favorite things include: playing the piano, listening to classic rock, telling jokes around the dinner table, eating ice cream, traveling, a good case of the giggles, and riding on ATVs over the trails around her home in Utah.
Aspen shares her life with a patient husband, 4 hilarious children, and 1 grumpy dog in a quiet suburb next to her beloved mountains.
Given the choice she would road trip her life away, singing along to the radio and sleeping in every morning.
You can also find her on Facebook at facebook.com/aspenthewriter and Instagram @aspenhadley_author.
Outside of writing, Aspen's number one hobby is reading. Number two is sneaking chocolate into and out of her private stash without being caught. Other favorite things include: playing the piano, listening to classic rock, telling jokes around the dinner table, eating ice cream, traveling, a good case of the giggles, and riding on ATVs over the trails around her home in Utah.
Aspen shares her life with a patient husband, 4 hilarious children, and 1 grumpy dog in a quiet suburb next to her beloved mountains.
Given the choice she would road trip her life away, singing along to the radio and sleeping in every morning.
You can also find her on Facebook at facebook.com/aspenthewriter and Instagram @aspenhadley_author.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
January 7, 2026
Sun, Sand and Second Chances by Aspen Hadley is a sweet, sun‑drenched contemporary romance novella about Lizzie, a woman reconnecting with her childhood friends on a much‑needed adventure trip that leads her to Jackson, her long‑ago crush and now a guide on their river rafting‑meets‑beach getaway, giving them a surprising chance to explore unfinished feelings and rediscover what might have been when life pulled them apart years ago. It’s a mix of second‑chance love, warm friendships, and heartfelt moments wrapped in laughter and gentle healing under the sun.
What made this story feel so refreshing to me was its breezy, light‑hearted pace and how effortlessly it blended fun and emotion. Lizzie’s vulnerability about past hesitations and Jackson’s steady, kind presence brought out authentic, tender interactions that made me smile, sigh, and even laugh out loud as they navigated old memories and new possibilities together. The dynamic among Lizzie and her circle of friends added the kind of found‑family warmth that grounded the romance and made the setting feel almost like another beloved character in the story.
While some moments lean into classic second‑chance tropes, thinking about what might have been, sorting out fears of rejection, and trying again with the person who got away, the charming setting and sincere emotional beats made these familiar themes feel cozy and heartfelt rather than repetitive.
My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
This sweet romance left me with a happy, hopeful feeling, like a gentle breeze on a perfect beach day. I adored the chemistry between Lizzie and Jackson and how their renewed connection felt both tender and fun, even if I occasionally longed for just a touch more depth or time in their emotional journey.
Overall, it’s a story that’s perfect for fans of sun‑soaked, second‑chance love.
What made this story feel so refreshing to me was its breezy, light‑hearted pace and how effortlessly it blended fun and emotion. Lizzie’s vulnerability about past hesitations and Jackson’s steady, kind presence brought out authentic, tender interactions that made me smile, sigh, and even laugh out loud as they navigated old memories and new possibilities together. The dynamic among Lizzie and her circle of friends added the kind of found‑family warmth that grounded the romance and made the setting feel almost like another beloved character in the story.
While some moments lean into classic second‑chance tropes, thinking about what might have been, sorting out fears of rejection, and trying again with the person who got away, the charming setting and sincere emotional beats made these familiar themes feel cozy and heartfelt rather than repetitive.
My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
This sweet romance left me with a happy, hopeful feeling, like a gentle breeze on a perfect beach day. I adored the chemistry between Lizzie and Jackson and how their renewed connection felt both tender and fun, even if I occasionally longed for just a touch more depth or time in their emotional journey.
Overall, it’s a story that’s perfect for fans of sun‑soaked, second‑chance love.
April 28, 2022
I adore everything Aspen Hadley writes.
April 15, 2022
3.5
This was a fun prequel novella for Ms. Hadley's new Thornback Society series that is coming out soon. Jackson and Lizzy had grown up together, secretly crushing on each other, but life happens and they go their separate ways. Ten years later, they're unexpectedly reunited when Jackson ends up being Lizzie's tour guide on a white water rafting trip she is doing with her friends. Past feelings resurface and the sparks fly.
This was a cute, second-chance love story. I enjoyed the setting, characters and thought it was a fun prequel to introduce the characters in the upcoming series. Jackson and Lizzie have a nice relationship, but since its a novella things to happen rather quickly. Its fun though and a nice story. I look forward to reading the rest of the series.
Content Rated G
Romance: Kissing
Language: None
Violence: None
Other:
This was a fun prequel novella for Ms. Hadley's new Thornback Society series that is coming out soon. Jackson and Lizzy had grown up together, secretly crushing on each other, but life happens and they go their separate ways. Ten years later, they're unexpectedly reunited when Jackson ends up being Lizzie's tour guide on a white water rafting trip she is doing with her friends. Past feelings resurface and the sparks fly.
This was a cute, second-chance love story. I enjoyed the setting, characters and thought it was a fun prequel to introduce the characters in the upcoming series. Jackson and Lizzie have a nice relationship, but since its a novella things to happen rather quickly. Its fun though and a nice story. I look forward to reading the rest of the series.
Content Rated G
Romance: Kissing
Language: None
Violence: None
Other:
April 11, 2022
I really loved this book! I loved the camaraderie between the 5 friends as they took a girls trip to Moab, UT. Having been there a couple times I thought the author did an excellent job painting a mental picture of the location. It felt like a vacation! The romance was sweet and refreshing. I found myself smiling throughout the novella, and I'm really happy that it's a prequel to a series with all the girlfriends having their chance at love. I'm looking forward to them!
June 5, 2022
Sweet and swoony second chance novella from one of my favorite authors! Five friends take a whitewater rafting trip for some adventure but the guide ends up being Jackson, Lizzy's lifelong crush. Sparks reignite and well, no spoilers so I will just say that I could not put this one down. Cannot wait for the rest of this series!
July 9, 2022
This was a really cute novella and I am definitely excited for the series it is kicking off. I love a good second chance romance and Aspen Hadley delivers with a fun setting, excellent characters, witty dialogue, and romance.
April 2, 2023
This was the perfect little novella! I am an instant fan of Aspen Hadley and will definitely be reading the rest of this series.
Here is what I loved:
- second chance romance
- summer setting
- hiking and camping
- forced proximity
- lovely friendships
- meddling
- swoon worthy hero
I already want to reread this one and will probably be doing that in the future.
Here is what I loved:
- second chance romance
- summer setting
- hiking and camping
- forced proximity
- lovely friendships
- meddling
- swoon worthy hero
I already want to reread this one and will probably be doing that in the future.
January 16, 2026
My favorite part of this novella is the group of girlfriends. They were hilarious and I loved their dynamic. They are my age (30s) and more relatable. I loved the setting in Moab since I grew up in southern Utah. I now want to go on a week long river rafting trip. It sounds like a blast. Though I’m like Hailey and I’m not sure I could handle the potty tent situation haha. I loved Lizzie’s curly hair so much. The second chance romance hurt my heart but I liked the communication, understanding, and forgiveness that happened on the trip. I love the authors quality writing and cleanliness of language and content. I will continue the series.
SPOILERS and book notes:
There are five members of the thornback society. All women in their thirties and single. “Aryn, cheery and kind; Meredith, outspoken and intense; Ruby, the nicest and silliest; and Hailey, too classy to be here but still one of us.” Thorback is a spiky fish another term for spinster. Takes place in Moab Utah!! Southern Utah! Lizzie Duncan and the guide of the rafting trip Jackson Walker knew each other. “Lizzie and I grew up on the same block. I’m a year ahead in school, but those were the days when everyone just hung out in the street together, you know?” Friends that she had a thing for. But then he got married and had a kid with someone else?? After they kissed and then he disappeared?? She will be in constant contact with him and “And all of that without makeup or hair products, using the forest for your toilet, and being soaking wet all the time. I can see why you’re freaking out.” Ruby is the school nurse and great imagination and Hailey is a queen. I love the friend antics on the river. Lizzie has corkscrew blonde curls! I love it. Their hometown is Logan and she went to Utah state where as Jackson went to the the U. Ok Jackson I see you haha: ““There’s an important safety procedure I need to discuss with you.” “Oh?”“Yeah. I just need to make sure you’re familiar with mouth-to-mouth.” A laugh burst out of me. “I could probably use a refresher.” “Excellent.” They get married and move her from Logan to Moab! I love the word “love slave” for husband. ““How ironic that just when I finally get a love slave who would shovel it for me, I move somewhere warmer.” He smirked and shook his head. “I’m sure you’ll find other things for this love slave to do.”
SPOILERS and book notes:
There are five members of the thornback society. All women in their thirties and single. “Aryn, cheery and kind; Meredith, outspoken and intense; Ruby, the nicest and silliest; and Hailey, too classy to be here but still one of us.” Thorback is a spiky fish another term for spinster. Takes place in Moab Utah!! Southern Utah! Lizzie Duncan and the guide of the rafting trip Jackson Walker knew each other. “Lizzie and I grew up on the same block. I’m a year ahead in school, but those were the days when everyone just hung out in the street together, you know?” Friends that she had a thing for. But then he got married and had a kid with someone else?? After they kissed and then he disappeared?? She will be in constant contact with him and “And all of that without makeup or hair products, using the forest for your toilet, and being soaking wet all the time. I can see why you’re freaking out.” Ruby is the school nurse and great imagination and Hailey is a queen. I love the friend antics on the river. Lizzie has corkscrew blonde curls! I love it. Their hometown is Logan and she went to Utah state where as Jackson went to the the U. Ok Jackson I see you haha: ““There’s an important safety procedure I need to discuss with you.” “Oh?”“Yeah. I just need to make sure you’re familiar with mouth-to-mouth.” A laugh burst out of me. “I could probably use a refresher.” “Excellent.” They get married and move her from Logan to Moab! I love the word “love slave” for husband. ““How ironic that just when I finally get a love slave who would shovel it for me, I move somewhere warmer.” He smirked and shook his head. “I’m sure you’ll find other things for this love slave to do.”
July 8, 2023
Lizzie and her friends work at an elementary school and decide that they all need to get away for a summer adventure together. They decide to go on a river rafting tour of Moab, Utah where their guide ends up being Jackson, Lizzie's childhood crush. Now the two of them must spend the week together facing the elements while overcoming their past hurts. The friends support Lizzie by playing matchmaker and scheming to get Lizzie and Jackson back together. Through wilderness adventures, reminiscing, and lots of laughs, the group experiences the getaway they all needed. And Lizzie and Jackson get a second chance for love.
This was a cute, summer read. I loved the setting of Moab and the camping adventures the friends experienced together. Since I work at an elementary school, I loved reading about a summer getaway among the educators. The friendships and the setting were my favorite parts of the book. The second chance romance was okay and I enjoyed the flashbacks, however, it wasn't my favorite part of the story. The romance seemed to be resolved quickly and easily without any tension between the two. I would have liked to see more tension or quirky scenarios. But all in all, this was a cute, quick story with some great adventure and friendship elements. A great book for summer time!
This was a cute, summer read. I loved the setting of Moab and the camping adventures the friends experienced together. Since I work at an elementary school, I loved reading about a summer getaway among the educators. The friendships and the setting were my favorite parts of the book. The second chance romance was okay and I enjoyed the flashbacks, however, it wasn't my favorite part of the story. The romance seemed to be resolved quickly and easily without any tension between the two. I would have liked to see more tension or quirky scenarios. But all in all, this was a cute, quick story with some great adventure and friendship elements. A great book for summer time!
June 11, 2022
BRIEF SYNOPSIS: Lizzie and her four friends decide that they need an adventure. So they book a week long rafting tour. Lizzie’s thrown for a loop when her childhood crush, Jackson, turns out to be their tour guide. Jackson was the one who got away, and even though it’s been years since she last saw him, the feelings she’s harbored for him are still there. Will Lizzie and Jackson get a second chance at love?
This was another free novella I got from the Sweet and Swoony Romance promo. I really enjoyed this one. As a teacher, I enjoy when I get to read a book where the main character is a teacher. I loved that this centered around 5 friends who are all in education. I don’t know what I would do without my school friends, and I loved seeing the bond among Lizzie and her friends. There were really some aspects of this storyline that I didn’t expect, and I think it made it a super enjoyable read.
This is me once again telling you to go and download these free novellas if you haven’t already! Link is in my bio.
4⭐️
💗Sweet clean romance
This was another free novella I got from the Sweet and Swoony Romance promo. I really enjoyed this one. As a teacher, I enjoy when I get to read a book where the main character is a teacher. I loved that this centered around 5 friends who are all in education. I don’t know what I would do without my school friends, and I loved seeing the bond among Lizzie and her friends. There were really some aspects of this storyline that I didn’t expect, and I think it made it a super enjoyable read.
This is me once again telling you to go and download these free novellas if you haven’t already! Link is in my bio.
4⭐️
💗Sweet clean romance
April 6, 2023
This is a lovely clean second-chance romance read that is a nice, shorter, length but still manages to cram in all the feels.
Lizzie and her single friends/work colleagues are off on an adventure, but little does she know she's about to come face to face with The One Who Got Away. The one she has been pining over since she was a teenager. And he's still a hunk.
I really enjoyed seeing Lizzie and Jackson reconnect, from the awkward shock and mixed feelings at seeing each other again, to them being able to talk about how they feel and what really happened, and finally starting a new chapter together.
The women's friendship is also brilliant, I loved their dynamic.
I recommend this as an easy read for when you don't want to think too hard, but fancy something sweet. It's a beautiful HEA.
NB. This book also serves as a prequel to The Thornback Society books.
I also loved the author note at the end about her grandma!
Lizzie and her single friends/work colleagues are off on an adventure, but little does she know she's about to come face to face with The One Who Got Away. The one she has been pining over since she was a teenager. And he's still a hunk.
I really enjoyed seeing Lizzie and Jackson reconnect, from the awkward shock and mixed feelings at seeing each other again, to them being able to talk about how they feel and what really happened, and finally starting a new chapter together.
The women's friendship is also brilliant, I loved their dynamic.
I recommend this as an easy read for when you don't want to think too hard, but fancy something sweet. It's a beautiful HEA.
NB. This book also serves as a prequel to The Thornback Society books.
I also loved the author note at the end about her grandma!
September 20, 2022
Book review: Sun, Sand and Second Chances by Aspen Hadley
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This adorable prequel was the perfect start to the series. I read this after reading the first book, but it was fun to go back and read Lizzie’s story. This was an interesting second chance romance because her love interest had created a new life in between their story. I wasn’t sure how I felt about that at first but Lizzie was able to roll with it, so it’s all good. This book definitely made me want to go back to Moab sometime!
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My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Content: clean romance; this book did have some spelling errors and one of the tour guides had a totally different name for a chapter (Clint turned to Curtis and then back). Just a heads up if that bothers you
.
This adorable prequel was the perfect start to the series. I read this after reading the first book, but it was fun to go back and read Lizzie’s story. This was an interesting second chance romance because her love interest had created a new life in between their story. I wasn’t sure how I felt about that at first but Lizzie was able to roll with it, so it’s all good. This book definitely made me want to go back to Moab sometime!
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My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Content: clean romance; this book did have some spelling errors and one of the tour guides had a totally different name for a chapter (Clint turned to Curtis and then back). Just a heads up if that bothers you
May 11, 2022
Such a cute, fun story. I'm a big fan of banter and really enjoyed the nice change of pace hearing it shared between friends instead of only the couple. This novella is a clever way to set the stage for the series by introducing each of the friends and showcasing their different personalities. I have no doubt the rest of the series will be equally full of wit and hilarity. If you enjoy second chance stories mixed with friendship, humor, and light hearted fun, I think you'll find this one entertaining.
July 2, 2022
The first half of this was very strong, with Lizzie and Jackson reconnecting after drifting apart years ago. Lizzie has always carried a torch for Jackson and it seems like he did too.
I thin because of the nature of the story, it felt hard to connect to the romance and everything felt almost like a foregone conclusion in the worst way. This led to a lack of chemistry or even narrative stakes. There was literally nothing standing in the way of these two and they knew from nearly minute one so there's a drip of tension to be found anywhere.
So a fine read. We'll see what the rest of the series holds.
I thin because of the nature of the story, it felt hard to connect to the romance and everything felt almost like a foregone conclusion in the worst way. This led to a lack of chemistry or even narrative stakes. There was literally nothing standing in the way of these two and they knew from nearly minute one so there's a drip of tension to be found anywhere.
So a fine read. We'll see what the rest of the series holds.
April 12, 2022
While the river rafting trip backdrop doesn't appeal to me, a girl's trip in Southern Utah absolutely does. I really like Aspen's writing style. I especially love that we always get to see at least a little of the happily ever after. No first kiss on the last page. It's lovely.
So, if you like Moab, river rafting shenanigans, friends that are like family, second chances, brother's friend romances, I recommend this one.
So, if you like Moab, river rafting shenanigans, friends that are like family, second chances, brother's friend romances, I recommend this one.
April 20, 2022
Such a fun book! I laughed so many times and it was such a good feel, fun light hearted book. I loved the friendship of the 4 girls and I could totally picture my sisters and I acting the same way and having tons of fun like they did.
I really enjoyed the story and getting the back history of Lizzie and Jackson and watching their relationship develop.
I just really enjoyed this book and can't wait to read the next one!
I really enjoyed the story and getting the back history of Lizzie and Jackson and watching their relationship develop.
I just really enjoyed this book and can't wait to read the next one!
June 13, 2022
Lizzie is determined to have some adventures this summer, so she gets her friends to agree to take a trip together. She is shocked when she realizes her friend planned a river rafting trip with the company owned by her high school crush.
This prequel novella was so cute! This group of friends that Aspen’s new series will be about seem like a great mix of personalities, and I’m looking forward to reading each of their stories!
This prequel novella was so cute! This group of friends that Aspen’s new series will be about seem like a great mix of personalities, and I’m looking forward to reading each of their stories!
August 8, 2022
Love love love getting to know this group of ladies! This is a fantastic prequel novella to the series as you get to know all of the ladies so well. This friend group is #friendgoals. I want to join them in their next adventure in Moab, Utah and I don’t like camping…
Second chance romance…. so much fun!
Second chance romance…. so much fun!
December 13, 2022
This is my voluntary review of a free copy I got through a Sweet & Swoony Romance promo.
It's a super sweet second-chance romance... or it would be super sweet if her besties weren't along for the trip acting like silly teenagers... They are goofballs even when they are being super supportive and encouraging.
What a fun story!
It's a super sweet second-chance romance... or it would be super sweet if her besties weren't along for the trip acting like silly teenagers... They are goofballs even when they are being super supportive and encouraging.
What a fun story!
December 19, 2022
Another great story by Aspen! Holy smokes I absolutely love her books and this was such a fun novella. It had me laughing and sighing like a lovesick teenager.
Aspen did a great job on the second chance romance and the chemistry and tension was *chefs kiss* perfection. I absolutely adored Lizzie’s best friends and I cannot wait to read their stories!
Aspen did a great job on the second chance romance and the chemistry and tension was *chefs kiss* perfection. I absolutely adored Lizzie’s best friends and I cannot wait to read their stories!
April 7, 2022
There was nothing I didn't love about this book! Sweet, swoony, second chance romance. I'm excited to read more in the series and follow the other Thornback Society ladies.
Visit the Sweet & Swoony Romance group on Facebook to download for free.
Visit the Sweet & Swoony Romance group on Facebook to download for free.
April 11, 2022
I loved this super cute story about 5 best friends and their adventures in Moab Utah.
The book was hard to put down and I quickly fell in love with Lizzie and Jackson. Their backstory was really good. My favorite part I think is how the author made each character come to life! Fantastic read!
The book was hard to put down and I quickly fell in love with Lizzie and Jackson. Their backstory was really good. My favorite part I think is how the author made each character come to life! Fantastic read!
April 19, 2022
What a cute second chance story! It has everything you need and want: cute moments, adventure, history, and so much humor. I loved everything about it and it even seemed fairly realistic too! Can't wait to read more by the author ❤️ already have a few on my shelf
June 6, 2022
This is the first book I've read by Aspen Hadley. It was very enjoyable. Jackson and Lizzy haven't seen each other for 10 years. The book is a good balance between sweet, funny, and romantic. I'll be looking for more books by this author.
August 29, 2022
Such a wonderful novella! I loved Lizzie and her friend group. The Thornback women are amazing and I wish I could meet them in person. This is a wonderful, second-chance, friends-to-more love story that is full of all the feels while staying delightfully clean!
October 19, 2022
I love me a second chance book. This one is a short sweet read with beautiful scenery inside and outside of the raft. Pretty much the best kind of read. A peek to the beginning of a series and I wouldn’t miss it!
April 12, 2022
Swoony and delightful! Sooo romantic and sweet! I’m excited and looking forward to reading the whole series as it is released. Excellent and highly recommended.
April 28, 2022
This was a delightful read. I love a good series and getting to know these 5 friends gets me excited to know them better in their own stories.
May 22, 2022
3.5 stars
June 5, 2022
This story was interesting and kept your attention. I've never read this author before, but did enjoy the book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews