Second Chances: A Stand-Alone Enemies To Lovers Romance

by Lucy Appadoo

A traumatic history. An unexpected high school reunion. Could love rewrite it all?

At twenty-seven, Angie never expected to face her high school bully again—especially not as her partner on the school reunion planning committee.

Enrico is a policeman with a guilty conscience. He was once part of the crowd that made her teenage years unbearable. She’s the woman who’s never forgiven him. But the boy she remembers has become a man with a badge; a badge that says he’s sworn to protect.

To Angie, the past is unforgivable. To Enrico, it’s his deepest regret.

As tension turns to undeniable chemistry, old wounds resurface—especially when Enrico’s former friend and fellow bully, Jake, returns to stir up trouble.

Can Angie let go of the past long enough to see who Enrico has become… and risk her heart on a man she swore she’d never trust?

213 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 9, 2022

About the author

Lucy Appadoo is a prolific author who writes contemporary romance and romantic suspense novels about strong women who manage adversity with strength and heart.

After a childhood spent reading and imagining escapist worlds, Lucy has put her imagination into stories. Her work as a rehabilitation counsellor, and former work as a counsellor in private practice, have led to an interest in writing inspirational stories about authentic, driven women who struggle with a new love interest or stalker.

Lucy enjoys plotting the next love story, travelling for fun and inspiration, researching crime stories and news to inspire her work, watching romance and suspenseful movies, reading, meditating, and spending time with friends and family. She also appreciates her Italian background, which has inspired her to write imaginative stories about her parents’ childhoods that have led to The Italian Family Series novels.

Check out Lucy’s website and sign up for a free exclusive suspenseful novella with romantic elements: https://www.lucyappadooauthor.com.au

Reviews

[I.O. Scheffer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well-written enemies to lovers romance :)

I enjoyed reading this. The writing is engaging and the characters are interesting. I did find some aspects of both main characters annoying (on a personal level, I don't think the traits I'm thinking of would necessarily irk a general audience) but overall I rooted for them both and I like how this novel turned out. I recommend it to people who like the enemies to lovers trope.

[Peggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read several from this author and I am yet to be disappointed by her works! This book is good and I'm not all that big on the romance side of things. But this book is well balanced!

[Deborah Adele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Angie and Enrico's "Second Chance" story is a captivating enemies-to-lovers romance. The novel explores their complicated past, as Enrico used to bully and torment Angie during their school days. Fate brings them together on the school reunion planning committee, and they must confront their past and try to find a way to move forward.
As they work together, old wounds resurface, and Angie is left questioning whether she can forgive Enrico and give in to her feelings for him. The narrative takes you on a journey of self-discovery and forgiveness as Angie and Enrico explore their feelings and try to overcome their past.
The book's well-developed characters make the story relatable and engaging. The reader is drawn into the two characters' emotional struggles as they navigate their complicated past. Despite their doubts and fears, Angie and Enrico find a way to put their past behind them and embrace the possibility of a future together.
The story has an engaging narrative that explores the power of forgiveness and the strength of love. It is a heartwarming story with relatable characters, making it a sweet and easy-to-read romance.

[Vida Sik · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everyone deserves a second chance in life, and I found it interesting that Angie's path crossed with the guy who tormented her at school. Now an adult and a policeman, Enrico is a changed man, but trying to convince Angie is not easy. He discovers that saying "sorry" is not enough, no matter how many times you say it. Enrico has to prove it with consistent action.
Angie's doubts were understandable, but getting over them slowed down the pace of the story for me. This is the fourth book by this author that I have read, and I loved the relatable characters. While I don't enjoy stories about bullies, this one was well-executed. And I particularly enjoyed how the author weaved the title into the story : )

[Jennifer Roth · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF..Horrible writing. I swear I lost a few brain cells with what I did read,