Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book
Rate this book
*Intended for an adult audience*

Shelby Keene has lost touch…with her friends, her job, and even herself. She is swept along by life happening around her, until danger forces her further into a wild current beyond her control.

Even in the most dire of circumstance, a chance at love may redeem past mistakes and protect her from the terrifying threats against her.

178 pages, Hardcover

First published June 25, 2015

18 people are currently reading
76 people want to read

About the author

Kemmie Michaels

23 books300 followers

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
35 (56%)
4 stars
15 (24%)
3 stars
5 (8%)
2 stars
3 (4%)
1 star
4 (6%)
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
Profile Image for Claudia.
729 reviews24 followers
December 5, 2015
Shelby, fourth book in the Second chances series gets 2* only because of Dade.

Shelby feels alone after Mason breaks off the relation, her parents die and her friends are finding love and detach themselves from her. In return she isolates herself, starts drinking and has one night stands.
One hack brings her in the attention of the US Marshals and this is how she meets Dade. After failing to get him to hook up with her she goes through a string of one night stands while meeting him as a "friend" on and off.
Soon enough Shelby discovers that Dade is a US Marshal assigned to protect her and her life is turned again upside down.

Some things about this book worked for me very well:
- Dade was a sweet and nice guy set on protecting Shelby against herself and the world.
- Dade's dedication was enough to get the HEA that Shelby needed desperately

Having said all that the things that didn't work for me are more that the ones that worked:
- Shelby cried for Mason but she never told him what he did to her
- all her friends including Callen were blind to her destructive ways. Even Cam got engaged without talking to her. Did not make any sense
- the total disconnect from her circle of friends has for me unresolved issues and feelings
- she was gone for months and nobody looked for her, not even Callen? His story ended with his determination to help her. What happened.
- Shelby was under surveillance and made witness without being arrested? That was a bit thick for me.
- the slutty attitude that Shelby had was plain gros. She was down and kept being kicked though her hookups.
- a blow job to an agant in the house....when she was getting feelings for Dade

I think my list can go on for a while. I am disappointed that Shelby's friends didn't get to know what she went through. There was no closure for me.
Same for the whole group. I didn't really like Mason but I wanted some hint about Callen.
I am very disappointed with the turn of these series. Nothing compared to the Atlanta series.
Profile Image for DJ Sakata.
3,305 reviews1,779 followers
June 22, 2015
Favorite Quotes:

“I don’t understand why I can’t figure myself out. Part of me thinks I’m full of anger. Most of me thinks I’m full of sadness… which isn’t possible. I’m not full. I’m empty.”

“I’m so sick of everything, and this guy promises to be everything else, if only for a night.”

“And so you know, you did something to me the minute you walked in. Your pain sings like… a haunting. I heard every note.”

“She manages to find parts of me long dormant, and bring each to life. My need to nurture shines brighter than any other in her damaged presence.”

“For Shelby, I would assign her the mantle of love bird. They are astoundingly beautiful, but bereft on their own.”

My Review:

Shelby is a dark yet moving story that chronicled the downward spiral, self-destructive tendencies, and depression of unprocessed grief. Ms. Michaels has obviously done considerable research as she aptly captured Shelby’s pain, confusion, impatience, and anger. The writing was melancholy, emotional, and heartbreaking. But when poor Shelby finally made that life-affirming connection, it was glorious and incredibly steamy. However, this respite only lasted for a short time… then it all went south yet again… which squeezed my heart most of all. I was devastated for Shelby to have finally had a taste of happiness - only to have it cruelly yanked away. No spoilers here but I found the ending to be extremely satisfying with a lovely HEA that put a radiant smile on my face. Dade is my new BBF.
Profile Image for Amber Jones.
374 reviews8 followers
July 30, 2018
From reading the first book I was waiting for Shelby and her story. So I was so excited to read this book finally. Shelby at first glance through the whole series is a big mystery.

Sexy, gorgous, smart, intelligent and nerdy as all hell. Such a big mystery for a woman in this group of friends.

She gets so lost after Mason breaks her heart and everyone continues to pair off and forget about her even her childhood best friend. She starts drinking and turning to meaningless sexual acts with dangerous strangers which is where she meets Dade who unknown to her is watching and trying to protect her. All she sees is that hes too scared to do anything with her and is keeping her from having fun.

Dade oh man he is one sexy big protective man. Full of honor and duty until he meets Shelby and sees how hurt and broken she is. He ends up breaking all the rules and doing everything he shouldnt to help her and be with her.

This story is full of action mystery and tons and tons of suprizes you absolutely cannot see coming. But its so worth the read.

5 stars
Profile Image for Kelly.
595 reviews3 followers
March 12, 2020
Shelby and Dade

While every story in the Second Chance series is different then the rest, this one is extra different. I did not expect the ending at all. I would have loved the see Shelby reconnect with her friends with a different ending I can accept this ending. It does not change the greatness of the series or this book at all. Each story while it connects with the testing the books in the series is very different. I loved the series
Profile Image for Heather Hughes.
28 reviews
April 14, 2018
Outstanding

Omg this has to be my favourite book in the series poor Shelby she gave so much but was ignored in return, and her hawk what a man he chose her he saw her loved it x
Profile Image for Irma.
419 reviews8 followers
August 13, 2019
Second Chance Novels

This is an awesome series, every book is a wonderful story that makes you wonder what happens next. Great plots and HEA. No cliffhangers.
Profile Image for Nerdy Dirty & Flirty.
3,985 reviews362 followers
September 8, 2015
Shelby Keene was hurting. She was drowning in it. After Mason, she felt totally disconnected from the pub and group of friends who had become her family. Distancing herself from them and trying to find a new place, new friendships, Shelby quickly realized that a different venue wasn’t solving anything. Spiraling down even further, Shelby tries to lose herself in her quest for acceptance and love. Dade Roarke could have helped her with that but the handsome stranger was determined to keep himself aloof while also standing in her way. Appearances are deceiving and when danger comes unexpectedly, Shelby quickly realizes who she can rely on.
I wasn’t sure how Shelby’s story would unfold and I can honestly say this book was a surprise. Well-written as always, with characters at their most raw and elemental, the author has spun a tale that gripped me from the beginning. I ache for Shelby’s pain at the same time I want to give her a shake and the biggest hug. Dade is an unexpected white knight amongst it all and I wished that he and Shelby both would find the love and family that they both need and yearn for. I loved the characters in the Second Chance series and what happens here totally shook my understanding of them. A fast-paced story with a satisfying ending, it left me with a sense of melancholy at the same time.

Profile Image for Lisa.
2,354 reviews13 followers
June 24, 2015
I have been itching for Shelby's story ever since we see start a downward spiral in Mason. What got me and made me really sad for her was that no-one noticed and no-one cared enough to check on her. It is partly this treatment that leads her down a self destructive path to hacking, booze, one night stands and into Dad's life Trouble though is never far away and this is certainly action packed and an edge of your seat read.

Dade get Shelby. He can see straight past the act that she puts on for the world and can see how vulnerable, isolated and lonely she is. More importantly he sees her inner beauty and the strength to come back. This story is not just a fight for their lives but a fight for their hearts.

This was a roller-coaster ride of emotions as well as action. Shelby is at rock bottom and needs to believe in herself to build herself back up. This will not be an easy journey and there will be plenty of downs as well as ups as Shelby stumbles at times. With Dad at her side anything seems possible.

***Reviewed for LBM Book Blog***
Profile Image for She Hearts Books.
2,113 reviews74 followers
June 25, 2015
Shelby feels so alone after Mason breaks it off with her and the rest of her friends are finding love. Little by little she isolates herself and begins to lose everything including her job. To pass the time she plays at hacking and tries to hide in meaningless hookups. While out one night she meets Dare and he attempts to keep her from being with strangers. They develop a routine of meeting and talking, but Shelby is just so sad and angry. My heart so hurt for her. She was just so broken. Then something happens that will change everything for her. Dare is a huge part of it and he has some serious secrets. They fall hard for each other when they are forced to spend time together. They will have to make choices they never expected to make in order to make their forever after happen. I couldn't stop reading Shelby's story and so wanted her to find happiness with Dare.

I give Shelby 4 hearts!
Profile Image for Andrea Britton.
2,109 reviews43 followers
June 25, 2015
Shelby is the one book I've been waiting for!!! And Kemmie Michaels didn't disappoint me at all. In fact, she blew me away with this read. Poor Shelby was a mess. She was lost and couldn't find her way. Her heart was broken and she just was a little wild. Until she stumbles upon something that was way bigger than she ever thought. Cue Dade. Omg Dade Swoon!! Dade has sworn to protect Shelby and didn't know that he would fall in love with her. Shelby and Dade do a lot of dancing around each other until Shelby realizes she needs his protecting. This story has twist and turns and it's pretty damn sexy. Huge plot twists and just so amazing. I love Kemmies writing because she gets your emotions on overload. This story was everything I love in a book :-) I would highly recommend this read to all romance/suspense junkies.
Profile Image for Andrea Britton.
2,109 reviews43 followers
June 25, 2015
Shelby is the one book I've been waiting for!!! And Kemmie Michaels didn't disappoint me at all. In fact, she blew me away with this read. Poor Shelby was a mess. She was lost and couldn't find her way. Her heart was broken and she just was a little wild. Until she stumbles upon something that was way bigger than she ever thought. Cue Dade. Omg Dade Swoon!! Dade has sworn to protect Shelby and didn't know that he would fall in love with her. Shelby and Dade do a lot of dancing around each other until Shelby realizes she needs his protecting. This story has twist and turns and it's pretty damn sexy. Huge plot twists and just so amazing. I love Kemmies writing because she gets your emotions on overload. This story was everything I love in a book :-) I would highly recommend this read to all romance/suspense junkies.
Profile Image for Purpinkrose.
297 reviews19 followers
June 25, 2015
I have to tell you when you read this book you have to read the others books first. And you HAVE to read them. From the first book Ledger you will be hooked. If you like alpha men these books are for you. If you are going to read them i would suggest making sure you have a few days free with no interruptions because you will mot want to be disrupted.

I thought I know which way this book was going to go but let me tell you i was so wrong. I loved Shelby, and you will too when you read about her. The book pull you in from the first page and doesn't let go until the end.

I got totally lost in this book and when it finished it was though i was seeing sunlight for the first time. This book is flawless. Its an amazing read and one you need to add to your bookshelf.

I give this book 5/5 stars and 3/5 for movie moments.
Profile Image for Susan.
470 reviews12 followers
June 29, 2015
I have been eagerly looking forward to Shelby's story...I felt so sorry for her when Mason fell in love and broke up with her. Shelby is both strong and fragile in this book and I totally understood her mindset. I did enjoy the storyline and how well it is written. Kemmie Michaels knows how to create an emotional tale of love. Shelby spends most of this book looking for a connection with a man and when that finally happens she might lose him, either to a bullet or his job. This is a wonderful emotional roller coaster ride that had me smiling one page then crying on another page. I do highly recommend that this series be read in order, especially to fully understand and appreciate this fantastic 5 star book
Profile Image for Vikki Love.
227 reviews7 followers
June 26, 2015
I received an ARC in exchange for a honest review.

I loved this series and I didn't think Kemmie Michaels could top the first three, but OMG did she ever. Shelby is my favourite in the series.

The twists and turns through-out this story had me on the edge of my seat, I could not put it down.

I love the way Kemmie writes, she sucks you in and then sends you on an emotional roller-coaster.

I recommend you read the first three books in the series first to truly understand what Shelby is going through.

I highly recommend this book and the the whole series.
Profile Image for D.L. Gallie.
Author 77 books437 followers
June 5, 2015
I don't even know where to begin writing this review, this book ripped my heart out but Kemmie managed to put it back together and left me with the biggest smile on my face and a warmth in my heart that's just perfect. At the beginning Shelby was struggling with life and then with a twist of fate enters Dade, her "hawk" in shining armour and he saves her, not only from the baddies but also from herself. Together they are just perfect
Kemmie, is now one of my fav authors and I cannot wait to see what she comes up with next
Profile Image for Heather andrews.
9,520 reviews162 followers
June 18, 2015
Shelby has a lot of damn issues not that I can blame her I dont think I can ever forgive Mason, and her 'supposed' friends were just rude I didn't like them any more. Dade he's an odd duck, interesting by odd, "quit hating everything for one damn minute," I bite at her. "Now take my damn hand, and let's go." This was a good read although I wished Shelby could have confronted her 'supposed' friends in the end and rub crap in their faces because I would have totally done that.
Profile Image for loves 2 read romance.
846 reviews17 followers
June 25, 2015
Huge fan of Kemmie Michaels. I can't believe how her "friends" acted in this one. The entire series is a must read however I absolutely love Shelby . Dade and her are the perfect couple and I like how he pulled her back.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.