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The Second Choice
Seth has been as unlucky in love as he has been lucky in lust, and after a string of one night stands and failed relationships, he’s glad to find a true friend in Paige - a beautiful redhead whose acquaintance he made by pure chance. However, Paige is weighed down by a lot of emotional baggage and an unfaithful boyfriend to boot, and when the kind-hearted Seth helps her through tough times, the pair grows closer. As their relationship teeters between friendship and romance, will Paige finally stand up for herself and make her choice? And will Seth wait around around until she does?
268 pages, Paperback
Published March 5, 2021
18 people are currently reading
18 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
November 20, 2019
What can I say about this book?!?!?! I devoured it in one sitting!!
A chance meeting, an instant connection with a stranger that you can't get out of your head. Then finding out a week later that this girl works with one of your best friends.
Paige recently moved to Chicago from Boston for a fresh start (her sister was already living in Chicago), but has a boyfriend back home. There is no denying the instant connection and chemistry between her and Seth. They quickly become each other's "person". Despite his lack of attention or concern, Paige feels like she can't break up with her boyfriend because she "needs" him - even though she suspects that he is cheating. After a fight with Wig, she has sex with Seth, then breaks his heart when she makes up with Wig. When he has to vacate his apartment for a few days, Seth stays with Paige and the two play house. But when it comes down to it, she still chooses Wig.
Will she wake up and realize what's in front of her before its too late?
A chance meeting, an instant connection with a stranger that you can't get out of your head. Then finding out a week later that this girl works with one of your best friends.
Paige recently moved to Chicago from Boston for a fresh start (her sister was already living in Chicago), but has a boyfriend back home. There is no denying the instant connection and chemistry between her and Seth. They quickly become each other's "person". Despite his lack of attention or concern, Paige feels like she can't break up with her boyfriend because she "needs" him - even though she suspects that he is cheating. After a fight with Wig, she has sex with Seth, then breaks his heart when she makes up with Wig. When he has to vacate his apartment for a few days, Seth stays with Paige and the two play house. But when it comes down to it, she still chooses Wig.
Will she wake up and realize what's in front of her before its too late?
November 11, 2019
ONE INTERESTING EXPERIENCE!!!
Ah hell! Jennifer tosses out one unconventional, heart pounding, pulse racing spin with all the chaotic thrills displaying surprising impacts. A twisting multitude of inadvertent happenstance catapults your swirling emotions into play fluidly. Jumping hoops, coping with the trials and tribulations keeping pace with sharp twists, clean turns and thin lines launching this baby forward sleek, shiny and tight. The chemistry builds as each layer is peeled back exposing a growing bond and amplifying affections that catapult this jewel to life flawlessly. The realism and authenticity of the characters as their on point personalities blend and connect along with the graphically detailed scenes it's easy to interpret each scenario as they play off one another. Awesome job Jennifer, thanks for sharing this little gem with us.
Ah hell! Jennifer tosses out one unconventional, heart pounding, pulse racing spin with all the chaotic thrills displaying surprising impacts. A twisting multitude of inadvertent happenstance catapults your swirling emotions into play fluidly. Jumping hoops, coping with the trials and tribulations keeping pace with sharp twists, clean turns and thin lines launching this baby forward sleek, shiny and tight. The chemistry builds as each layer is peeled back exposing a growing bond and amplifying affections that catapult this jewel to life flawlessly. The realism and authenticity of the characters as their on point personalities blend and connect along with the graphically detailed scenes it's easy to interpret each scenario as they play off one another. Awesome job Jennifer, thanks for sharing this little gem with us.
January 19, 2021
Slow burn romance with angst and drama
The Second Choice is a young adult, angst filled story with Seth, Paige and their group of friends. It sort of reminded me a bit of the TV show Friends but also different. The characters are figuring out who they are in all manner of fashion. The relationship between Seth and Paige is a slow burn romance with some drama, humor, angst and passion along the way to their HEA. This was an engaging story which I did like, even if at times I wanted to smack a few of them.
I received a copy of this book for my honest review. My opinions are all my own.
The Second Choice is a young adult, angst filled story with Seth, Paige and their group of friends. It sort of reminded me a bit of the TV show Friends but also different. The characters are figuring out who they are in all manner of fashion. The relationship between Seth and Paige is a slow burn romance with some drama, humor, angst and passion along the way to their HEA. This was an engaging story which I did like, even if at times I wanted to smack a few of them.
I received a copy of this book for my honest review. My opinions are all my own.
December 17, 2019
Loved the book it was great, the story was well written and the characters were interesting. Seth has not had much luck in love, his relationships do not last until he met Paige they became good friends. Paige has a cheating boyfriend, Seth becomes a good friend and helps her through the rough times.
Thank you for you allowing me to review your book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Thank you for you allowing me to review your book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 18, 2019
This is one of my favorite books by Jennifer Hartley. The characters were funny and entertaining. Seth and Paige’s story took them thru ups and downs, but they were able to work thru the struggles and find their HEA...
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 22, 2019
I loved reading about Seth and Paige ,their story is awesome and very well worth it. The storyline and characters are arresting and I couldn't put it down till I finished it!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 15, 2019
Who Wants to Be a Second Choice?
Jennifer Hartley leads her reader through the world of a group of 20-something-aged friends who flow in and out of each other’s lives. With a continuing dialogue about the concerns of life—boyfriends/girlfriends, job shift hours and the like, often set in a coffeeshop where several of the group work, Hartley asks the reader to literally go with the flow. The story focuses on Seth and Paige, whom fate seems to bring together only to part, then amazingly reunites at the local coffee shop. Paige is weighed down by the possibility of her cheating boyfriend, Wig, who resides in a different city. Seth is weighed down by his growing affinity/deep like for the beautiful red-haired Paige and the fact that she has a never seen but always in the room boyfriend. Seth and Paige each brings a group of friends to the mix who all merge over the course of the novel, trying to support the star-crossed not quite lovers, until Paige’s worst unsubstantiated fears are confirmed when calling Wig to arrange a meeting, a mystery woman answers the phone at Wig’s place. Paige turns to comfort and sex, at last, with Seth who becomes her “second choice” and her part-time apartment mate as they both struggle to define who they are to each other while friends and family seem to all becoming couples.
I don’t really care for this type of novel or series—which I am sure is where this angsty story is headed. I want closure not question marks when the work ends. In truth, the writer has characters who share this vision of on-going angst when a customer at the coffee shop remarks while attempting to place an order during one of the many friend therapy sessions:“Yes, would you continue discussing the soap opera that is your life? I find it fascinating. Who's this Seth who will be prepared to pick up the pieces when your current relationship inevitably ends?” (Kindle Locations 874-875) Even the friends cry out for the ongoing drama to stop saying, “It was all we talked about yesterday morning. Literally, almost all we talked about, it's kind of disconcerting to me how invested your friends seem to be in this whole drama. Honestly, you could talk about television or your careers or classic literature or something every once in a while… You act like such intellectuals, so be intellectuals for once, for Christ's sake.” (Kindle Locations 944-946)
This novel is not my cup of coffee (appropriate metaphor for the coffee shop friends), but it is a well-conceived and executed acquaintance to friends to sometimes apartment mates who are also sometimes-lovers novel for those like Paige and Seth’s friends who like to live in a world of unresolved drama. But, the real question is, will they find love while their friends provide an on-going commentary and analysis of the evolving relationship?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review ARCS, but I also bought a copy.
Jennifer Hartley leads her reader through the world of a group of 20-something-aged friends who flow in and out of each other’s lives. With a continuing dialogue about the concerns of life—boyfriends/girlfriends, job shift hours and the like, often set in a coffeeshop where several of the group work, Hartley asks the reader to literally go with the flow. The story focuses on Seth and Paige, whom fate seems to bring together only to part, then amazingly reunites at the local coffee shop. Paige is weighed down by the possibility of her cheating boyfriend, Wig, who resides in a different city. Seth is weighed down by his growing affinity/deep like for the beautiful red-haired Paige and the fact that she has a never seen but always in the room boyfriend. Seth and Paige each brings a group of friends to the mix who all merge over the course of the novel, trying to support the star-crossed not quite lovers, until Paige’s worst unsubstantiated fears are confirmed when calling Wig to arrange a meeting, a mystery woman answers the phone at Wig’s place. Paige turns to comfort and sex, at last, with Seth who becomes her “second choice” and her part-time apartment mate as they both struggle to define who they are to each other while friends and family seem to all becoming couples.
I don’t really care for this type of novel or series—which I am sure is where this angsty story is headed. I want closure not question marks when the work ends. In truth, the writer has characters who share this vision of on-going angst when a customer at the coffee shop remarks while attempting to place an order during one of the many friend therapy sessions:“Yes, would you continue discussing the soap opera that is your life? I find it fascinating. Who's this Seth who will be prepared to pick up the pieces when your current relationship inevitably ends?” (Kindle Locations 874-875) Even the friends cry out for the ongoing drama to stop saying, “It was all we talked about yesterday morning. Literally, almost all we talked about, it's kind of disconcerting to me how invested your friends seem to be in this whole drama. Honestly, you could talk about television or your careers or classic literature or something every once in a while… You act like such intellectuals, so be intellectuals for once, for Christ's sake.” (Kindle Locations 944-946)
This novel is not my cup of coffee (appropriate metaphor for the coffee shop friends), but it is a well-conceived and executed acquaintance to friends to sometimes apartment mates who are also sometimes-lovers novel for those like Paige and Seth’s friends who like to live in a world of unresolved drama. But, the real question is, will they find love while their friends provide an on-going commentary and analysis of the evolving relationship?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review ARCS, but I also bought a copy.
November 15, 2019
Seth is one of a bunch of friends who discuss careers, work hours, hot dates, temporary significant others, and world peace (kidding about the last one) at a coffee house. Paige meets Seth while visiting a thrift store, but, after a brief conversation leaves on her own. Time goes by, about a month, and they meet again at the coffee house.
The group of friends quickly recognize that Paige and Seth are very well matched. But Paige has an absentee boyfriend whom she lets of the hook for cheating by buying into his lies. That doesn't stop her from treating Seth as a safe guy of long standing while he is pining for her.
Eventually Paige calls her boyfriend to set up a meeting, but his phone is answered by an unexpected woman. The light bulbs bursting around Paige's head are almost blinding. This leads to pity sex from Seth and they establish an intermittent apartment mates relationship, and soap opera type discussions at the coffee house.
All this angst does not lead to any real closure. I kept waiting for Seth to break things off because Paige wouldn't face reality and didn't want a real relationship. But the pair muddles through to a sort of forced HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Merged review:
Seth is one of a bunch of friends who discuss careers, work hours, hot dates, temporary significant others, and world peace (kidding about the last one). Paige meets Seth while visiting a thrift store, but, after a brief conversation leave on her own. Time goes by, about a month, and they meet again at he coffee house.
The group of friends quickly recognize that Paige and Seth are very well matched. But Paige has an absentee boyfriend whom she lets of the hook for cheating by buying into his lies. That doesn't stop her from treating Seth as a safe guy of long standing while he is pining for her.
Eventually Paige calls her boyfriend to set up a meeting, but his phone is answered by an unexpected woman. The light bulbs bursting around Paige's head are almost blinding. This leads to pity sex from Seth and they establish an intermittent apartment mates relationship. and soap opera type discussions at the coffee house.
All this angst does not lead to any real closure. I kept waiting for Seth to break things off because Paige wouldn't face reality and didn't want a real relationship. But the pair muddles through to a sort of forced HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
The group of friends quickly recognize that Paige and Seth are very well matched. But Paige has an absentee boyfriend whom she lets of the hook for cheating by buying into his lies. That doesn't stop her from treating Seth as a safe guy of long standing while he is pining for her.
Eventually Paige calls her boyfriend to set up a meeting, but his phone is answered by an unexpected woman. The light bulbs bursting around Paige's head are almost blinding. This leads to pity sex from Seth and they establish an intermittent apartment mates relationship, and soap opera type discussions at the coffee house.
All this angst does not lead to any real closure. I kept waiting for Seth to break things off because Paige wouldn't face reality and didn't want a real relationship. But the pair muddles through to a sort of forced HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Merged review:
Seth is one of a bunch of friends who discuss careers, work hours, hot dates, temporary significant others, and world peace (kidding about the last one). Paige meets Seth while visiting a thrift store, but, after a brief conversation leave on her own. Time goes by, about a month, and they meet again at he coffee house.
The group of friends quickly recognize that Paige and Seth are very well matched. But Paige has an absentee boyfriend whom she lets of the hook for cheating by buying into his lies. That doesn't stop her from treating Seth as a safe guy of long standing while he is pining for her.
Eventually Paige calls her boyfriend to set up a meeting, but his phone is answered by an unexpected woman. The light bulbs bursting around Paige's head are almost blinding. This leads to pity sex from Seth and they establish an intermittent apartment mates relationship. and soap opera type discussions at the coffee house.
All this angst does not lead to any real closure. I kept waiting for Seth to break things off because Paige wouldn't face reality and didn't want a real relationship. But the pair muddles through to a sort of forced HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
May 23, 2023
Seth and Paige meet in a thrift shop exchange first name then Paige leaves when his back is turned. Seth tries to find her without success until his friend Des ask him to go meet at the coffee shop he works in only to meet Paige again. She explained that she had a boyfriend in another town and they agree to be friends. After phoning her boyfriend and hearing a woman answer she goes over to see Seth and eventually they end up making love. They don’t tell anyone and continue on as friends. When the heating breaks in his flat Seth goes to stay with Paige and so make use of only one bed. Still not telling there friends. Then Seth’s friends go to here Paige do a reading and it’s all about there nights together. When Paige comes off stage they are waiting for her. She rushes out with her sister following. Glen goes to have it out with Seth and they end up getting drunk. I’m not going to spoil the rest only to say I really enjoyed reading it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 28, 2019
Another great read, with lots of chemistry and hotness. This is a well written story and hooked me from the start.This is a quick hot read, with a interesting plot and fantastic characters, great emotion and Loads of steam!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Merged review:
Another great read, with lots of chemistry and hotness. This is a well written story and hooked me from the start.This is a quick hot read, with a interesting plot and fantastic characters, great emotion and Loads of steam!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Merged review:
Another great read, with lots of chemistry and hotness. This is a well written story and hooked me from the start.This is a quick hot read, with a interesting plot and fantastic characters, great emotion and Loads of steam!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Merged review:
Another great read, with lots of chemistry and hotness. This is a well written story and hooked me from the start.This is a quick hot read, with a interesting plot and fantastic characters, great emotion and Loads of steam!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Merged review:
Another great read, with lots of chemistry and hotness. This is a well written story and hooked me from the start.This is a quick hot read, with a interesting plot and fantastic characters, great emotion and Loads of steam!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 11, 2019
You never know what treasures you can find in a thrift store. Seth and Paige meet in a thrift store but when Seth sees her again, she is working with one of his close friends at a coffee shop and she is already in a relationship. Seth knows he can't have Paige so he thinks he'll settle for being friends - like that always works out well. The characters frustrated me to some extent. Paige had this boyfriend that never calls yet she thinks she is in love with him. How does an intelligent woman put up with the way he is continually treating her? I also didn't care for how she treated Seth yet he was like a puppy dog waiting for her to throw him some scraps. Yes, even though they had a bit of a dysfunctional relationship I did like the book. The HEA at the end was absolutely perfect.
November 28, 2019
Who is Seth? What do we learn about him? How does he meet Paige? Who is she? What do they each do for a living? What are their individual lives like? Who and what is Wig? Why do we know of this person? What do we learn as we read? I enjoyed Seth's well meaning friends! I am not sure what to make of Marie. The characters in this story are true characters with regards to their attitudes and what they do and say. They were so fun to read about! Enjoy the book!
RECEIVED THIS BOOK AS A GIFT FOR A FAIR/HONEST REVIEW and REVIEWER FOR Bloggin' With M. Brennan.
RECEIVED THIS BOOK AS A GIFT FOR A FAIR/HONEST REVIEW and REVIEWER FOR Bloggin' With M. Brennan.
December 7, 2019
The Second Choice. This book was interesting. It concentrated on a group of friends. Seth along with his friends stalk the thrift stores in town on a regular basis. But day he meets a girl there that he falls for. Only she has a boyfriend that ignores her but she thinks she is in love with. So Seth and Paige decided to be just friends. Can it stay that way or will they want more than friendship? I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. *** I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s. ***
November 17, 2019
I really love the nuances of these characters that obviously found love but had hurdles to realize what they had right in front of them - true love. The characters are unique and real and hide some but share even more. They have a wonderful network of friends and family that help them get to what they both wanted and needed in life, each other.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 10, 2019
Enjoyed this book, great story line. Seth and Paige meets, he falls in love with her, but she still have hang-ups on her boyfriend. He supports her, and aventually she realises that he is the one for her. Five stars from me.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 11, 2019
This was such a sweet story about Seth and Paige. They meet at the store one day, start talking to each other, but then Paige leaves. Seth cannot stop thinking about her and later it turns out that she is his friend's co-worker so Seth's friend arranges for them to meet. This was a sweet story, I loved Seth.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 17, 2019
Seth and Paige are hopelessly into each other but Paige is too blind to see it even though all their siblings and close knit friends see it clear as day. Paige ends up eventually coming to her senses but after Seth takes some time to lick his wounds.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 26, 2019
First off I gave this rating only because this was a not put down read. This was kinda like watching a soap opera. The love triangle had me at the edge of my chair waiting for Paige's decision to which guy she was wanting to be with. So if you want to know you all must read this to find out for yourself!
November 20, 2019
I usually stay away from books with cheating, this was better than I expected. Enjoyed concept and characters. Good passionate scenes. Characters so developed think should continue with their stories.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 16, 2019
I enjoyed this book.
I laughed, I cried and I fell in love.
This author writes incredible stories that her readers love.
I laughed, I cried and I fell in love.
This author writes incredible stories that her readers love.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews