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Second Chance Option
He was looking for a fresh start. She was looking for a new path. Love is what happens when they least expect it.At loose ends after a medical discharge from the Navy, a call from Cade Maguire’s college coach gives him a new objective. Help save his alma mater’s football program. A gut-wrenching betrayal drove him from the game once. Can he finally stop running long enough to let go of the past and find his future?Veterinarian and genius Tess Gallagher has an abiding love for home and family. She’s spent her life taking care of everyone else. Doing what was right always came before doing what she wanted. When her younger brothers enter her in the American Ninja Warrior competition, can she finally stop hiding her true self from the world?Sparks ignite between Tess and Cade when she saves his injured dog and love is on the horizon when Cade’s new job is put in jeopardy before it even begins. Will Cade realize Tess is the second chance he really wants? Will Tess realize that Cade has always seen her for who she truly is?Will they realize that love is the only option that matters? Welcome to Second Chance Option, the first book in the Gridiron Knights series where football is king in King’s Folly, South Carolina and the locals have something to say about everything. When you come for a visit, you’ll never want to leave.
383 pages, Paperback
First published July 27, 2018
120 people are currently reading
101 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 63 reviews
May 7, 2023
This was a good read. Cade is back in town after being in the navy. He used to be really good football player. So now he is back in town to help rebuild the football program. Tess is the towns veterinarian. They have a thing together. Unfortunately, Cade gets it in his head that he is cursed and ruins things. Thankfully in the end he makes it right and they get their happy ending.
March 24, 2019
The storyline was easy to follow and enjoyable to read. The grammar and spelling need a little work but overall the book was enjoyable.
April 14, 2021
Tess graduated from college when she was thirteen and has always found herself helping others more than she cares for herself. When her little brothers sign her up for America Ninja Warrior, she realizes it is time to put herself first for once. Enter Cade. A third generation navy man, Cade never thought he would ever settle somewhere permanent. But, when his college football coach asks him to help rebuild the team, he finds he cannot say no. When he learns about Tess's competition, he can't help himself from volunteering to train her. He never expected to fall for her.
I enjoyed this story, but parts were very confusing. Although this is the first book in a series, there were many times where I felt I was dropped into the middle of the story without knowing what happened in the beginning. Both of the main characters, as well as many of the minor ones and an entire football program, suffered some very traumatic backgrounds. The story was constantly hinting at them and made them feel important. However, by the end of the book I didn't feel like I understood all that trauma. While I cannot be certain, I believe it was the author's intention to expand on many of these trauma's in future books, but because they were mentioned so much in this book, I was very disappointed not to see the stories resolved now.
Another problem I had with this story was the chapter organization. Each chapter begins in Cade's point of view and ends in Tess's. I am a fan of dual narration and thought the first half of the book flowed very well. however, somewhere in the second half of the book, there were time skips between the two halves of the chapter. In my opinion, the story would have flowed a little smoother if each point of view was its own chapter instead.
The story also felt a little off balance. While the first part felt slow, the second felt rushed. I liked watching the tension between Tess and Cade, but after they slept together for the first time (sorry for the spoiler, but it is a romance novel), things seemed to move fast. There are allusions to their relationship, but we do not really see much of it. The story seems to shift focus to other factors and, as I mentioned the book begins to feel rushed.
This brings up another issue. There was a lot of exposition in this story. I loved knowing what the characters thought and felt, but I didn't really feel a lot of action. I would have liked to have been told less and seen more. Again, this was really noticeable in the second half of the book.
One of the important dynamics in this story is Cade's attitude towards relationships. I felt that once Cade and Tess slept together, there are a handful of sentences that let the reader know Cade has been spending a lot of time with Tess, but he is suddenly distancing himself. I would have liked to see that shown some more. While I understood why he was doing it, I didn't really feel like it was explored enough. Or rather, it was explored more when they weren't together than when they were. (This is again part of the repetitive allusions to Cade's traumatic background without fully explaining what happened with his ex.) I would have liked to have seen specific instances of Cade distancing himself from Tess. How did he feel while he was doing it? Was he conflicted, or was he confident he was doing the right thing?
Ultimately, while I found the story engaging, I was unable to connect to the characters.
I enjoyed this story, but parts were very confusing. Although this is the first book in a series, there were many times where I felt I was dropped into the middle of the story without knowing what happened in the beginning. Both of the main characters, as well as many of the minor ones and an entire football program, suffered some very traumatic backgrounds. The story was constantly hinting at them and made them feel important. However, by the end of the book I didn't feel like I understood all that trauma. While I cannot be certain, I believe it was the author's intention to expand on many of these trauma's in future books, but because they were mentioned so much in this book, I was very disappointed not to see the stories resolved now.
Another problem I had with this story was the chapter organization. Each chapter begins in Cade's point of view and ends in Tess's. I am a fan of dual narration and thought the first half of the book flowed very well. however, somewhere in the second half of the book, there were time skips between the two halves of the chapter. In my opinion, the story would have flowed a little smoother if each point of view was its own chapter instead.
The story also felt a little off balance. While the first part felt slow, the second felt rushed. I liked watching the tension between Tess and Cade, but after they slept together for the first time (sorry for the spoiler, but it is a romance novel), things seemed to move fast. There are allusions to their relationship, but we do not really see much of it. The story seems to shift focus to other factors and, as I mentioned the book begins to feel rushed.
This brings up another issue. There was a lot of exposition in this story. I loved knowing what the characters thought and felt, but I didn't really feel a lot of action. I would have liked to have been told less and seen more. Again, this was really noticeable in the second half of the book.
One of the important dynamics in this story is Cade's attitude towards relationships. I felt that once Cade and Tess slept together, there are a handful of sentences that let the reader know Cade has been spending a lot of time with Tess, but he is suddenly distancing himself. I would have liked to see that shown some more. While I understood why he was doing it, I didn't really feel like it was explored enough. Or rather, it was explored more when they weren't together than when they were. (This is again part of the repetitive allusions to Cade's traumatic background without fully explaining what happened with his ex.) I would have liked to have seen specific instances of Cade distancing himself from Tess. How did he feel while he was doing it? Was he conflicted, or was he confident he was doing the right thing?
Ultimately, while I found the story engaging, I was unable to connect to the characters.
September 9, 2021
Second Chance Option was a nice easy read. Tess was a likeable character and I liked reading about some of her social awkwardness and how she took things quite literally, even though she was a genius. Cade and Tess’ girl friends were also enjoyable to read about, however I think Nick was my favourite. I like the way Brian was portrayed as a flawed character, not just a bad guy. Overall it was an enjoyable easy-to-follow storyline about a man, woman and football. I received a free copy of this book from the author through Voracious Readers in exchange for a review.
April 16, 2019
I enjoyed the storyline of this book I received for free from Voracious Readers.
The characters were interesting, and there were enough secrets and twists to keep it from being overly predictable. This book shows how the past can affect the future and the need to deal with problems.
The main problem I had with this was the descriptive sex thoughts and scenes. I don't think these added to the story and they weren't necessary for the flow of the book.
Otherwise, a goodread!
The characters were interesting, and there were enough secrets and twists to keep it from being overly predictable. This book shows how the past can affect the future and the need to deal with problems.
The main problem I had with this was the descriptive sex thoughts and scenes. I don't think these added to the story and they weren't necessary for the flow of the book.
Otherwise, a goodread!
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August 23, 2021If you enjoy romance and would like a light read then this is the book for you. The book itself was well written with some great characters. The two main characters Tess and Cade both had mysterious background stories that were revealed towards the end of the storyline. All in all this is a nice light romantic read is a book to take out under the gazebo and relax with.
September 3, 2019
This was an okay read. Typical love story. I did find that the author repeated things often about the characters which slightly annoyed me. It was as if the author thought I will write that again just in case they forgot that part of the story.
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June 17, 2021
I was given a complimentary copy of this book through Voracious Readers Only.
When Cade (a third generation Navy man) returns to his hometown after a medical discharge from the military, he runs into Tess (child genius and town vet) when his dog is injured and sparks fly. He plans on saving his old college's football program with her grandfather but not everyone agrees with their plan to save the football program and will do their best to stop him. This is the first book in the series and I can't wait to read the rest of them.
I adored Tess and her growth. I was a bit worried because I find that her type of character can be annoying at times but she wasn't at all. She had so much growth throughout the book and she pushed herself which I love seeing.
I couldn't put the book down because I needed to know what happened next and if Tess won her competition.
I also really liked the Tess younger brothers (triplets), they made me laugh so much throughout the book and they were so supportive of Tess.
I only had one issue with the book and it's more of a personal issue where I'm not a huge fan of public engagements unless the person asking knows how the other person feels about it. It's just a lot of social pressure to put on a person where they almost have to say yes. And Tess has a hard time with social cues and Cade was doing it as his big romantic gesture and apologizing at the same time. While I think its adorable because its a book and I know her thoughts, it just rubbed me a little bit the wrong way but again more of a me issue than truly an issue with the book.
I think that anyone who likes romance and sports will enjoy this book.
When Cade (a third generation Navy man) returns to his hometown after a medical discharge from the military, he runs into Tess (child genius and town vet) when his dog is injured and sparks fly. He plans on saving his old college's football program with her grandfather but not everyone agrees with their plan to save the football program and will do their best to stop him. This is the first book in the series and I can't wait to read the rest of them.
I adored Tess and her growth. I was a bit worried because I find that her type of character can be annoying at times but she wasn't at all. She had so much growth throughout the book and she pushed herself which I love seeing.
I couldn't put the book down because I needed to know what happened next and if Tess won her competition.
I also really liked the Tess younger brothers (triplets), they made me laugh so much throughout the book and they were so supportive of Tess.
I only had one issue with the book and it's more of a personal issue where I'm not a huge fan of public engagements unless the person asking knows how the other person feels about it. It's just a lot of social pressure to put on a person where they almost have to say yes. And Tess has a hard time with social cues and Cade was doing it as his big romantic gesture and apologizing at the same time. While I think its adorable because its a book and I know her thoughts, it just rubbed me a little bit the wrong way but again more of a me issue than truly an issue with the book.
I think that anyone who likes romance and sports will enjoy this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 9, 2020
I really enjoyed this story! I thought the characters were great and the chemistry between everyone was awesome. I like Tess and her family. I was a little shocked to realize she has 6 other brothers and sisters plus the Triplets.
I was a little confused at times because I felt like I was missing something. I felt so bad in the beginning about Cade’s dog but I was really glad that Tyler was there for Cade and that it wasn’t a bad ending.
I was glad that Tess had friends that were there for her even if they had a messed up beginning. This story is more about football, friendships, and learning new things about people. Tess has always been overloaded with school, her practice, and being a board member. Now her life is getting more overwhelming but thankfully Cade had her back and her grandpa called in some help.
I felt bad for Tess because she had so much going on but it was awesome to watch her character development. Especially when it came to the Gills and her friends. I really did not like the Gills and I was really worried that they would actually do something to her. I can’t believe that Delilah was married to him but thankfully things are looking up for the better. I loved the ending. It was a perfect ending for this story and I’m excited for the next book. I wonder who it’s going to be about. Hopefully Nick finds a happy ending eventually as well.
I was a little confused at times because I felt like I was missing something. I felt so bad in the beginning about Cade’s dog but I was really glad that Tyler was there for Cade and that it wasn’t a bad ending.
I was glad that Tess had friends that were there for her even if they had a messed up beginning. This story is more about football, friendships, and learning new things about people. Tess has always been overloaded with school, her practice, and being a board member. Now her life is getting more overwhelming but thankfully Cade had her back and her grandpa called in some help.
I felt bad for Tess because she had so much going on but it was awesome to watch her character development. Especially when it came to the Gills and her friends. I really did not like the Gills and I was really worried that they would actually do something to her. I can’t believe that Delilah was married to him but thankfully things are looking up for the better. I loved the ending. It was a perfect ending for this story and I’m excited for the next book. I wonder who it’s going to be about. Hopefully Nick finds a happy ending eventually as well.
June 26, 2019
What can I say about this book. Well I loved the characters and their relationships. I love that the main character reminded me of my favorite tv show character from Bones, Dr. Temperance Brennan. Tess is scary smart and doesn’t recognize as many social situations as she would like. But that I think makes you like her more. She is a strong and independent woman and it shows many ways in this book which is probably another reason why I liked it so much. Girl power! Cade is a guy who could have gone to the big time playing football but chose to serve his country instead. He is full of honor in his career in the military but when that comes to an end he finds a new job where he used to play football in college. The job is not a done deal, which makes it very worth the read. The plot of the story is so good, and I love the addition of Tess’s competition, its super cool and brings more depth to her character. The ending is sweet and satisfying. I closed my tablet with a smile on my face.
July 20, 2019
I really enjoyed the plot of this book how it focused on telling both sides of a story very thoughtfully until the two main characters healed and helped each other with moving forward forgetting the hurt they have had in the past. The author really blended the story very nicely together and was super excited with how it switched point of views between Tess and Cade. I also loved that they included American ninja warrior into this book being the catalyst to the brewing love story between Tess and Cade. Really pleased with how beautiful the ending was seeing the personal growth between socially awkward genius Tess and Cade realizing his past should not define his future. I am really looking forward to continuing this story with the other books in this series ! So glad I was able to get my hands on a copy of this book with Voracious Readers Only and would highly recommend this book to people interested in a sporty Romance filled with redemption
August 18, 2021
I received a free copy through Voracious Readers in return for an honest review. Outstanding start to this series! Not your average cliched romance story. Tess is a veterinarian—a genius, no less—and her social interaction skills are seriously lacking. Cade comes back to his hometown from the Navy to help rebuild the university’s football program. Their goals and lives intersect, and Cade ends up training Tess to enter Ninja Warrior competition. She’s unsure of herself. He’s unsure that he’s worthy, after hearing only that from his mother. As they learn to communicate and work things out, they realize they are the best things for each other. I’ve already purchased the second book so I can read Nick & Olivia’s story. That tells you something because I rarely do that right after finishing one book.
February 8, 2021
This gem caught my eye with this being first time in reading anything from this author. Two characters that are looking for different but in not the same way but similar. Cade is given his chance in helping a football program from his earlier years. Good advice for alot of us can he stop living in the past for a future? Tess has a heart bigger than her but she usually forgets her or hides her inner self. Her brothers though give her a opportunity to finally come out of that shell but can she? These were questions this one answered and you kept turning those pages to find them. Expectations were one thing but what really happens is what will be the clincher.
September 7, 2021
Although this is the first book of the series I felt like… I was missing a lot. There were times where I was just confused and wondered if this was part of an interconnected series that I should have read before this. I felt like I should have known who Tess’s grandparents and parents were as well as her 9 siblings. The whole pitching to the board thing confused me a bit too.
I don’t think this book was for me. I’m not the biggest fan of third person pov but I was intrigued at the beginning of the book but as the story continued I just couldn’t fully get into it.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I don’t think this book was for me. I’m not the biggest fan of third person pov but I was intrigued at the beginning of the book but as the story continued I just couldn’t fully get into it.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 11, 2018
I received a review copy of this book from the author through Voracious Readers.
This is a phenomenal story. If I could give it more than 5 stars I would. The author created such engaging characters - not just lead characters - but all the secondary characters as well! I loved them all. This story had everything - romance, humour, sadness, a little suspense and tangled secrets - I couldn’t put the book down. This is hands down one of the most enjoyable books I have read in a while (and I read a lot of books). I will definitely be reading more books from this author. Fantastic read!
This is a phenomenal story. If I could give it more than 5 stars I would. The author created such engaging characters - not just lead characters - but all the secondary characters as well! I loved them all. This story had everything - romance, humour, sadness, a little suspense and tangled secrets - I couldn’t put the book down. This is hands down one of the most enjoyable books I have read in a while (and I read a lot of books). I will definitely be reading more books from this author. Fantastic read!
May 22, 2020
Genius Vet Dr. Tess Gallagher has never gone after a single thing she’s wanted in her life. She’s selfless to a fault, until Cade McGuire returns to King’s Folly SC, and Cormac University. This Heisman trophy winner turned Naval Officer, has returned to his Alma Mater, to restore its football program to its former glory. However, there’s trouble brewing and its going to take a miracle for these two to get their HEA.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone. I received a copy of this book for free in exchanged for my honest opinion.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone. I received a copy of this book for free in exchanged for my honest opinion.
March 15, 2022
Wow! Loved this book. The characters are real and the vibe is perfect. I love Tess! Her journey throughout this book is beautiful. This is truly more than a love story, it’s a journey from a brilliant young adult into a strong woman - who just happens to meet a man along the way. No spoilers, but watching all of her relationships blossom was a real treat. Loving this series! Can’t wait for the next book!
I received a free copy of this book courtesy of Voracious Readers and the author in exchange for my honest review.
I received a free copy of this book courtesy of Voracious Readers and the author in exchange for my honest review.
October 31, 2018
I received a free copy of this book from the author via Voracious readers only.
I really enjoyed this book - the pace, the characters & character development were all good. The only problem I had with it was that the ending came too quickly and the resolution seemed a little too easy when compared to the severity of the conflict in my opinion. But overall a great read and I’ll be keeping an eye out for more books from this author.
I really enjoyed this book - the pace, the characters & character development were all good. The only problem I had with it was that the ending came too quickly and the resolution seemed a little too easy when compared to the severity of the conflict in my opinion. But overall a great read and I’ll be keeping an eye out for more books from this author.
July 31, 2019
I just finished Second Chance Option by Elizabeth Spaur that I received through Voracious Readers Only and I have to say, I HAVE to get the rest of the books in the series!!! The writing was creative, there was humor, and a little mystery. All my favorite things!
If you like football, it makes it even better. I most definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys humor and fighting for what’s right!
If you like football, it makes it even better. I most definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys humor and fighting for what’s right!
July 24, 2020
FREE ARC IN EXCHANGE FOR A REVIEW.
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I really enjoyed this book. The characters really popped.
They were immensely relatable and realistic.
The author is a very talented writer. I was immediately impressed with how easy it was to read and how gripping the story was.
I look forward to reading the next in the series as the first book gave me just a taste of what was to come.
Big thumbs up!!
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I really enjoyed this book. The characters really popped.
They were immensely relatable and realistic.
The author is a very talented writer. I was immediately impressed with how easy it was to read and how gripping the story was.
I look forward to reading the next in the series as the first book gave me just a taste of what was to come.
Big thumbs up!!
July 30, 2021
This book was amazing! I love how the story begins with Cade moving back to his roots to settle down. The connection between him and Tess is fantastic and the chemistry is beautiful. I cannot wait to read more in this series as well as other books by Elizabeth Spaur. When I say I cannot wait to read more, I couldn't put this book down and finished in two days. My busy schedule just delayed me on reviewing.
February 22, 2022
This is an absolutely adorable and wholesome romance story. The characters are charming and the animals are adorable. I don’t normally go for the sport focused stories but this was worth it. The dynamic between the heroes was entertaining and the “second chance” theme throughout the book was well represented in multiple facets, whether in romance or friendship. This well written story was well worth the read!
I was given a free copy of this book from voracious reads.
I was given a free copy of this book from voracious reads.
December 28, 2018
First time for reading Elizabeth Spaur, really enjoyed the book and can't wait to read others in this series. Loved Tess, such a strong, smart and loveable character, my favorite part is where she tells it like it is, surprising everyone. I received this book free from the author as romance is a genre I normally read.
March 10, 2019
First book I have read by this writer. It was an interesting storyline with interesting characters. I loved how well written it was and how well all the characters get along with each other. I will be reading more from this writer. So very tender moments in this storyline. Had me gripped from beginning to end.
March 19, 2019
I enjoyed the book. A nice easy read with a blooming romance. The characters are a bit different to the norm, they are more like outsiders. But I liked that, I liked that they weren't your usual characters and that they had baggage and insecurities just like the real world.
I was given a free copy to read in return for my honest review.
I was given a free copy to read in return for my honest review.
July 25, 2019
I was given this book to review by Voracious readers.
I have never been a football or American Ninja Warrior fan and wasnt sure how I'd like this book. Turns out I absolutely loved it. Each character was well written and I find myself wanting to get to know them all better.
I cant wait to read the next book!
I have never been a football or American Ninja Warrior fan and wasnt sure how I'd like this book. Turns out I absolutely loved it. Each character was well written and I find myself wanting to get to know them all better.
I cant wait to read the next book!
October 14, 2019
An interesting story about a genius and an athlete. The genius turns out to be a gorgeous lady veterinarian who grew up loving football. The athlete turned down a chance to play pro football and joined the service. Their story is funny, warm and filled with training her to be on American Ninja Warriors!
March 5, 2020
Second chance for love. Can a veterinarian and a veteran find happiness? With work and forgiveness all things can be possible. Taking a chance on love is just one example. This is taking a real life situation and showing the world how it can be love. I enjoyed this book and thank Voracious Readers Only for the chance to review it.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 63 reviews