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Mister #4
Captivating Mr. Second Chance
A second chance with a first love.
Delaney Hargrove had a picture-perfect life, living and working in San Francisco with her restaurateur boyfriend as the social media director for his company. Until she discovered he cheated. With her life turned upside, she moves back to her hometown to lick her wounds. The last thing she expects is to get reacquainted with the guy who first stole her heart.
A decade ago, Ethan Marrero fell in love with the It girl in school but didn’t have the maturity or confidence to tell her before it was too late. Even though they went their separate ways to college, he has never forgotten Laney, and now that she’s finally back home, he has the opportunity to admit the feelings he has always wanted to.
When Ethan needs help putting a fundraiser together, he asks Laney for her expertise, but her guard is up. After all, she’s been burned this way before, blurring personal and professional lines. And even though Ethan is nothing if not persistent, she’s not willing to make that mistake again. Yet he’s not willing to give up on writing a new chapter in their history book.
A history ten years in the making.
Delaney Hargrove had a picture-perfect life, living and working in San Francisco with her restaurateur boyfriend as the social media director for his company. Until she discovered he cheated. With her life turned upside, she moves back to her hometown to lick her wounds. The last thing she expects is to get reacquainted with the guy who first stole her heart.
A decade ago, Ethan Marrero fell in love with the It girl in school but didn’t have the maturity or confidence to tell her before it was too late. Even though they went their separate ways to college, he has never forgotten Laney, and now that she’s finally back home, he has the opportunity to admit the feelings he has always wanted to.
When Ethan needs help putting a fundraiser together, he asks Laney for her expertise, but her guard is up. After all, she’s been burned this way before, blurring personal and professional lines. And even though Ethan is nothing if not persistent, she’s not willing to make that mistake again. Yet he’s not willing to give up on writing a new chapter in their history book.
A history ten years in the making.
288 pages, Paperback
Published September 8, 2022
9 people are currently reading
413 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
September 16, 2022
Fun contemporary romance that combines second chance romance with the classic brother's best friend trope. I always enjoy books where the characters are 25+ because they tend to have actual developed communication skills, which means there is no "miscommunication," just humans being humans and actually talking to one another,
I will say that the book is a little long for my taste. Maybe it's because I tend to read a lot of novellas and my brain usually caps out around 300 pages it felt like it dragged a bit. I liked all the characters but there was a lot of unnecessary repetition, even for me and this was my first book by this author and in this series. Reading stand alone books that exist in a bigger universe can be confusing if you jump in the middle like I did, but the author did maybe too good of a job of helping the reader remember who every random person was. That being said, I am curious about the other people we meet in this universe, both those who have already found their people (like Laney's friends) and those who are still riding the single train (I'm looking at you Dean.)
All in all it is a solid read, and I will keep my eyes open for other books from this author.
I will say that the book is a little long for my taste. Maybe it's because I tend to read a lot of novellas and my brain usually caps out around 300 pages it felt like it dragged a bit. I liked all the characters but there was a lot of unnecessary repetition, even for me and this was my first book by this author and in this series. Reading stand alone books that exist in a bigger universe can be confusing if you jump in the middle like I did, but the author did maybe too good of a job of helping the reader remember who every random person was. That being said, I am curious about the other people we meet in this universe, both those who have already found their people (like Laney's friends) and those who are still riding the single train (I'm looking at you Dean.)
All in all it is a solid read, and I will keep my eyes open for other books from this author.
October 17, 2022
As the title alludes, Captivating Mr. Second Chance is a second chance romance centering Laney and Ethan who shared a secret romance senior year of high school and haven’t seen each other in ten years.
There were some really special themes in this book including both Laney and Ethan’s relationships with their families. I like the writing style of this series and that it can be read as a stand-alone. I somehow missed the third book’s release and I kept up with this one just fine.
I found the Laney and Ethan to be sort of immature and that their relationship relied mainly on their high school connection. I didn’t connect to their romance much and found Ethan especially to be bossy and pushy but not in the hot way.
I recommend this for a fast low-stakes read with a great through plot of friendship and very little drama.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
There were some really special themes in this book including both Laney and Ethan’s relationships with their families. I like the writing style of this series and that it can be read as a stand-alone. I somehow missed the third book’s release and I kept up with this one just fine.
I found the Laney and Ethan to be sort of immature and that their relationship relied mainly on their high school connection. I didn’t connect to their romance much and found Ethan especially to be bossy and pushy but not in the hot way.
I recommend this for a fast low-stakes read with a great through plot of friendship and very little drama.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 14, 2022
I had mixed feelings about this story, as reflected by my explanation below. On the positive side, this book has all the feels, is well-written, characters are likeable and there is a romantic HEA. Laney’s brother has been friends with Ethan since high school. Laney and Ethan had a brief but meaningful relationship in their senior year of high school. A few years later, Laney has returned home and is staying with her brother. Laney is rethinking her life and career, and is struggling with her self-confidence after her boyfriend cheated on her. Ethan and Laney slowly reconnect and get their HEA.
I downgraded my rating for two reasons (would have given a 3-1/2 star rating but rounded up). First, the characters felt immature and excessively focused on their high school experiences. Second, the book’s description should warn readers that this story contains possible triggers. Ethan and his brother were adopted. Ethan’s brother has just been diagnosed with Huntington’s disease. The prognosis, how it affects his brother’s family, and Ethan’s cute young nephew’s 50% chance of also getting the disease are a backdrop for the plot, as Laney and Ethan work together to fund-raise for Huntington’s research. Adoptee’s relationships with birth parents and research of medical histories are also a subplot. I would have appreciated a warning that this story contains sensitive material. In my case, the Huntington’s story paralleled my (now deceased) spouse’s diagnosis of a degenerative terminal disease when our children were young. Definitely a difficult trigger subject.
I received an advance copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I downgraded my rating for two reasons (would have given a 3-1/2 star rating but rounded up). First, the characters felt immature and excessively focused on their high school experiences. Second, the book’s description should warn readers that this story contains possible triggers. Ethan and his brother were adopted. Ethan’s brother has just been diagnosed with Huntington’s disease. The prognosis, how it affects his brother’s family, and Ethan’s cute young nephew’s 50% chance of also getting the disease are a backdrop for the plot, as Laney and Ethan work together to fund-raise for Huntington’s research. Adoptee’s relationships with birth parents and research of medical histories are also a subplot. I would have appreciated a warning that this story contains sensitive material. In my case, the Huntington’s story paralleled my (now deceased) spouse’s diagnosis of a degenerative terminal disease when our children were young. Definitely a difficult trigger subject.
I received an advance copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 10, 2022
This is the fourth book of the Mister Series, and is just as entertaining as the all the rest. A wonderful second chance at love, brother's best friend story I could not put down. I've recently discovered Ms Baltsar's books and she has such a captivating writing style, I am hooked for good! Though this book can certainly be read as a standalone, I would highly recommend reading them all. This is Laney's story. Throughout the series, she has had a boyfriend, who her friends really didn't like much. Not a real keeper, since he had no desire for marriage and kids. When he finally shows his true colors and cheats on her, she heads back home where her parents and family are, and also her first love, Ethan. She needs a place to process everything and find herself again, so she stays with her brother. Ethan has never stopped loving her. When Laney comes back to town, he is so sweet and patient and gives her the time she needs to overcome her recent relationship crash as well as what happened between them in the past.
The characters are easily relatable - wonderful, and endearing and I fell in love with them instantly. Ms. Baltsar had me hooked from the very beginning and I was engrossed till the end. I really enjoyed the book and the series and look forward to reading more of her work in the future!
I received a complimentary copy from BookSirens and am voluntarily leaving my review.
The characters are easily relatable - wonderful, and endearing and I fell in love with them instantly. Ms. Baltsar had me hooked from the very beginning and I was engrossed till the end. I really enjoyed the book and the series and look forward to reading more of her work in the future!
I received a complimentary copy from BookSirens and am voluntarily leaving my review.
July 27, 2022
Suzanne Baltsar never disappoints. From the first couple of pages, you already know you’re going to be hooked and will be struggling to put your e-reader/book down.
This is the fourth book of the Mister Series and can be read as a standalone.
The girls are back again, this time we get to see Laney’s story.
Laney is back home after being cheated on by her long time boyfriend. Lost from her self identity, she stays with her twin brother, Dean.
Coming from a family who is pretty tight knit, Ethan finds his life in turmoil with his brother’s recent diagnosis of Huntington’s disease.
When Laney and Ethan reunite, old feelings start to rush back.
I’ve noticed for Baltsar’s books, I find myself more into her character’s journey to find themselves. They all have such unique, but realistic storylines. Don’t get me wrong, I definitely root for the relationship, but I am always captivated by her characters. Laney and Ethan were no different.
I received an ARC and I am writing a review voluntarily.
This is the fourth book of the Mister Series and can be read as a standalone.
The girls are back again, this time we get to see Laney’s story.
Laney is back home after being cheated on by her long time boyfriend. Lost from her self identity, she stays with her twin brother, Dean.
Coming from a family who is pretty tight knit, Ethan finds his life in turmoil with his brother’s recent diagnosis of Huntington’s disease.
When Laney and Ethan reunite, old feelings start to rush back.
I’ve noticed for Baltsar’s books, I find myself more into her character’s journey to find themselves. They all have such unique, but realistic storylines. Don’t get me wrong, I definitely root for the relationship, but I am always captivated by her characters. Laney and Ethan were no different.
I received an ARC and I am writing a review voluntarily.
October 14, 2022
Laney and Ethan have a long history which include Ethan being best friends with Laney's brother plus a brief relationship in high school. Now they're all grown up and experiencing all being an adult has to dish out. After Laney's long time boyfriend cheats on her, she comes home and is staying with her brother while she reevaluates her life and career. Ethan has just found out his brother has Huntington's and feels the need to do something to help. He decides to throw a fundraiser but has no experience so he turns to Laney for her expertise. The attraction is still strong between them and it's nearly impossible to stay away from each other when they are working so closely together. Can she trust her feelings?? This is the 4th story in this series but can be read as a standalone. I am new to this author but have read a couple of the other stories in this series and have thoroughly enjoyed reading them. Ms. Baltsar does a great job with character development and her handling of sensitive subjects is also well done. I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving my review.
September 26, 2022
The final of the four chicks gets her HEA. It wasn't easy since she had a boyfriend during the whole series, but she was dating a guy her friends didn't really like. One who didn't want marriage and babies like she did. And one who didn't even try to make friends with her friends and their men. So when her life implodes, she heads home to figure out what she wants for her life. Home- where her parents are. And her twin brother. And her first love.
And Ethan never stopped loving her.
I really enjoyed this book and the final wrap up of this close group of friends. Ethan was so patient and sweet has she needed time and support to over come what had happened to her with her previous relationship and what had happened between them in their past as well.
*I am leaving an honest and voluntary review after receiving this book as an ARC.
And Ethan never stopped loving her.
I really enjoyed this book and the final wrap up of this close group of friends. Ethan was so patient and sweet has she needed time and support to over come what had happened to her with her previous relationship and what had happened between them in their past as well.
*I am leaving an honest and voluntary review after receiving this book as an ARC.
October 4, 2022
First of all, Laney has been my ALL time favorite and she did not disappoint. Add in my little golden retriever Ethan and they make the perfect match!
i loved everything about this book and i'm SOO happy the series is not over yet. however, IF Bobby is getting a book, you best believe i will read it because i need to know what in heavens was going on in his head with Laney.
I loved the chemistry between Laney and Ethan and oh lord, the first time they make eye contact after Laney comes back to town *chefs kiss*
and FINALLY, the friend group has 4 chicks and 4 d's. i LOVED LOVED this friendship circle sooo much. in addition to this, i loved the feel of the closed knit family and how caring Ethan is towards his brother and nephew.
Thank you for the chance to review this book. I look forward to reading more books by @suzmwrites ❤️
i loved everything about this book and i'm SOO happy the series is not over yet. however, IF Bobby is getting a book, you best believe i will read it because i need to know what in heavens was going on in his head with Laney.
I loved the chemistry between Laney and Ethan and oh lord, the first time they make eye contact after Laney comes back to town *chefs kiss*
and FINALLY, the friend group has 4 chicks and 4 d's. i LOVED LOVED this friendship circle sooo much. in addition to this, i loved the feel of the closed knit family and how caring Ethan is towards his brother and nephew.
Thank you for the chance to review this book. I look forward to reading more books by @suzmwrites ❤️
September 16, 2022
This is the 4th book in Suzanne Baltsar's Mister Series. I have read one of her other books and I enjoyed this one just as much as the first one. Her characters are well thought out and seem to jump out of the pages at you. Their problems are some that every day people face. Everything about this book seemed something straight out of everyone's life. When they were sitting in the car in front of his birth mother's house and had a romantic moment I found myself smiling at Laney's ecstatic reply. Ethan and Laney will grab your heart and take up a place there. I love second chance romances and this is definitely among my favorites.
I received this book as an Arc and am leaving a review voluntarily.
I received this book as an Arc and am leaving a review voluntarily.
October 5, 2022
I loved this book. These characters, and their connection. From the beginning, I knew this was going to be a book I enjoyed. These characters, are real. Laney, she finds out her boyfriend has cheated on her. And comes back home. To lick her wounds, and find out what she’s going to do now. Where she runs into Ethan. Her first love. And Ethan.. he’s loved her since they were 18. He’s this super sweet guy.. and when Laney comes back, he does everything to get her back. These two, they have amazing chemistry. And you can tell they are meant for each other. This book dealt with some health issues.. (not the main characters) and it did such an amazing job with it. Definitely recommend this book.
October 28, 2022
I’m loving this series about the four best friends, Laney, Gem, Brontë, and Sam. This story is centered around Laney and Ethan, but we also get to catch up with the others and their families. Ethan learns his brother, Justin, has Huntington’s disease. It’s progressive and there’s no cure. Ethan decides to start a nonprofit to raise money for Huntington’s. He reaches out to Laney for help. Will them spending time together make them grow closer or is she still broken after Bobby’s betrayal? If you enjoy a book about friends and family, you will love this book. Grab your copy and see what happens.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and this is my voluntary and honest review.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and this is my voluntary and honest review.
September 26, 2022
This story took a while for me to get really into. I didn't really get why the main couple was in love with each other at first. It felt a bit flat and I'd have liked a little more reasons to make me understand they were really in love with each other.
However, this changed as the story progressed and I enjoyed the final part of the book and how the main characters talked with each other when the conflict appeared. It was a nice love story and it felt very real.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
However, this changed as the story progressed and I enjoyed the final part of the book and how the main characters talked with each other when the conflict appeared. It was a nice love story and it felt very real.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 28, 2022
This book is wonderful. I have thoroughly enjoyed the entire series. I’ve loved following the life’s and loves of these four friends, and Laney and Ethan’s second chance story is a great way to close out the Mister Series. The writing is engaging and the storytelling is brilliant, with both Laney and Ethan being smart, compassionate, and totally endearing characters. It’s a beautiful love story with the right amount of steaminess, and the best ending ever!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 6, 2022
This book had everything! I laughed, I bawled like a baby, my glasses steamed up and I swooned a bit.
This was one of my favorite 2nd chance stories. There was so much more to the story than just Ethan and Laney working through their drama. So many layers to every character that you just couldn't help falling in love with everyone.
The only downside for me was that we didn't get enough time with the rest of the girls!
This was one of my favorite 2nd chance stories. There was so much more to the story than just Ethan and Laney working through their drama. So many layers to every character that you just couldn't help falling in love with everyone.
The only downside for me was that we didn't get enough time with the rest of the girls!
August 22, 2022
Great series by Suz! :)
I inhaled Flirting With Mr. Serious & was thrilled when an ARC for Captivating Mr. Second Chance came up.
Great pacing, snappy dialogue, heroines & heroes you can root for - this one ticks all the boxes.
I definitely liked the way the books link up, with characters from previous books popping in & helping things along.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I inhaled Flirting With Mr. Serious & was thrilled when an ARC for Captivating Mr. Second Chance came up.
Great pacing, snappy dialogue, heroines & heroes you can root for - this one ticks all the boxes.
I definitely liked the way the books link up, with characters from previous books popping in & helping things along.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 8, 2022
I love a good second chance romance and this did not disappoint. Ethan is a perfect book boyfriend smart, handsome, nerdy and loves his family. Luckily Laney thinks the same when she returns home after finding out her boyfriend cheated on her. Doesn’t take long for them to rekindle their teenage romance and I loved everything about this book.
I received a copy from Booksirens and leave my review voluntarily
I received a copy from Booksirens and leave my review voluntarily
August 24, 2022
Captivating Mr. Second Chance by Suzanne Baltsar is a good, and enjoyable second chance romance read. This story is the fourth book of the Mister Series but can be read as a standalone. The story has a good story line. The characters are good, and they have good chemistry. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 6, 2022
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I appreciate the “brother’s best friend” type of trope. Delaney and Ethan had a natural draw to each other that you can’t help but root for, it was such a sweet read. I haven’t read any others in the “Seasons of Love” series but after reading this I plan to read the rest.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 17, 2022
Perfect end to a great series. Second chance + brother's best friend, Ethan and Delaney are perfect for each other. There is a lot happening in this one, with sensitive topics. I also always enjoyed seeing characters from the previous books.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 28, 2022
Second chance! First time author read for me. Laney is back in her hometown after issues with her relationship. She now has to face her first love Ethan. She had some hang ups to get over in order to try to find her HEA. I really enjoyed this read. Love finding new authors!
Honest review in exchange for honest review
Honest review in exchange for honest review
October 6, 2022
Fun read. Enjoyed the storyline and following Laney's and Ethan's story. Just enough intrigue and pull to enjoy the story and interest til the end. Nice to read about strong friendships and being a twin in this book as well.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 11, 2022
3.25 ⭐️
Loved the premise, liked the characters. There was just something …missing. Feels like it lacked depth. I wasn’t super invested and I thought that some of the choices that the characters made felt immature for people their age.
Overall it was an enjoyable read, but there just wasn’t enough for me to sink my teeth into to really love it.
Loved the premise, liked the characters. There was just something …missing. Feels like it lacked depth. I wasn’t super invested and I thought that some of the choices that the characters made felt immature for people their age.
Overall it was an enjoyable read, but there just wasn’t enough for me to sink my teeth into to really love it.
September 5, 2022
This was a good read. I loved it as a standalone but it makes me want to know more about the other couples. I look forward to reading more from this author.
Side note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review
Side note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review
September 9, 2022
A well written plot line and the characters were intresting to read. The story line was refreshing to read and the love drama between the pages were irresistible.This is a standalone romance read.I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 27, 2022
love this book and series. this story gave me all the feels and enjoyed this so much. I am a total fan of Baltser books. loved it so much.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 12, 2022
I'm a huge fan of this whole series and this book didn't disappoint. It has the perfect amount of heat and swoons. I love both Ethan and Laney and want to hug this book to my chest :D
September 1, 2022
This is a wonderful second chance romance! I really like it! It is original and clever, exciting and suspenseful.. Love how this story unwinds!.
September 19, 2022
Overall a pretty good book. I really liked Ethan and Laney together and enjoyed their story. It would have been a solid 5 star, except for the sad taint about Patrick, so I removed one star for that.
September 26, 2022
This is a great second chance read. I came to love Laney throughout the other books and was glad to see her story. Ethan is fun and sweet and so right for Laney.
October 6, 2022
A bit of a slow start, but a cute story with great chemistry.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews