Sweet Rains: Second Nature / Lessons Learned

by Nora Roberts

#1 New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author Nora Roberts presents two classic stories of love that arrives like a storm and changes everything…

Second Nature

Lee Radcliffe got the scoops that no one else did, the interviews nobody could score. Like bestselling horror writer—and notorious recluse—Hunter Brown. But she never expected that when she met the rugged, intense author, she'd be the one getting all the hard questions…and revealing more of herself than she'd ever dared. Or that he would show her a different way to live, and ultimately, to love.

Lessons Learned

Carlo Franconi embodied everything that Juliet Trent avoided in a client—he was arrogant, seductive, passionate and entirely too charming. But Juliet prided herself on being the consummate professional. Surely she could resist the famous chef, even if they were going to be spending every waking minute together. Even if Carlo was looking at her like a fine dish he just couldn't wait to taste…

Genres: Romance, Fiction, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Chick Lit, Anthologies, Adult

488 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1986

About the author

Nora Roberts is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of more than 200 novels, including Hideaway, Under Currents, Come Sundown, The Awakening, Legacy, and coming in November 2021 -- The Becoming -- the second book in The Dragon Heart Legacy. She is also the author of the futuristic suspense In Death series written under the pen name J.D. Robb. There are more than 500 million copies of her books in print.

Reviews

[Marina · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first story stole my breath from the first 3 chapters. I was so entranced I devoured the story in less then two days. The characterization was superb. Chemistry between the two main characters was electric. The language was awe inspiring for a hobbyist writer like me.

The other story was good too but this one I loved!

[Elizabeth Edwards · Rating 4 out of 5]

sometimes Walmart saves ur life, no kidding ...it had been a rainy camping trip ...some it was kind for some books, i ran out ...or at least that is what i always tell the hubby, don't tell him it's our little secret. great read, i love Nora ...have read her work before ... gosh lost count on how often. love the cover and yes it is about RAIN. 2 books in one. check it out! ( ;

[the_chronicles_of_charnia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my very first Nora Roberts book and I absolutely loved it! Both of the stories have strong female leads.

I think Second Nature is my favorite story ever. I normally don't like the female characters in love stories but Lee is amazing. She is a journalist determined to get her story. Little did she know she would fall in love with him. Hunter is a very private writer. The relationship between them is electric. I appreciated the dialogue they had aswell. Overall very well written.

I didn't quite enjoy Lessons Learned as much as the first story but it was a great story nonetheless. Juliet is a very strong woman and I was glad she didn't give in too quickly. Carlo's character to me was very bland (pun intended), he was so stereotypical.

This book is written so beautifully, not only the language used but the way NR phrases things, she plays with words so that it made me sit up in anticipation for what's going to be said next.

I think the only negative thing I can say is that I didn't like Carlo Franconi but that is just a personal preference.

I give this book 5/5 and highly recommend it to any adult that likes romances.

[C JM · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lessons Learned (Carlo Franconi and Juliet Trent) was a part of another 2in1 set, Table For Two (Summer Desserts/Lessons Learned). I didn't realize this until I started to read the story. There is no correlation between the two stories in Sweet Rains, it just seems like HQN was just looking to place just any story for a special release issue. The first release of the 2in1 was better set as it was related because of two good friends, the French pastry chef Summer Lyndon and the Italian chef, Carlo Franconi. If I had realized this before I purchased the book, it would have been a purchase I would not have made.

[Arlith · Rating 3 out of 5]

You know what you're getting with a Nora Robert's book. A light fluffy read, everything always works out in the end. Of the two stories, I thought the first-Second Nature was much better. The male lead was interesting and there was a very believable glimpse into an author's life. The second story irritated me quite a bit. The male lead was overly smarmy to me.

[JoAnne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another duet by Nora Roberts with 2 quick reads Second Nature and Lessons Learned. Although both were enjoyable I definitely preferred the second story, Lessons Learned. If you like Nora Roberts these are classics. If your looking for great summers reads look no further.

[Susan Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

The two stories were really good.I loved them.

[Paula Carlson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed both of the stories in one big book.

[Meghan · Rating 2 out of 5]

A fluffy happy read, which reminds you that only happily ever after truly ends in books

[Aedora · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked both stories, each had something to offer.

Each story 4 stars

Second nature

Trigger warning: Involuntary pregnancy

Lee and Hunter are so sweet together... and Sarah on top of that: perfect. The story was really nice to read and positively different from today’s average „chick lit“ (the book is from the 80s).

Lessons learned

Trigger warning: alcohol consumption

Juliet has a similarity to Lee with her dedication to her job and the story also has that “two worlds collide” feel, but it was still something else. Juliet and Carlo are also just wonderful together.

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clearly dated (1980s) by the lack of cell phones and the lack of consent when a man presumes to touch--and kiss--a woman. Sexual dynamics in romance have definitely changed. That said, the stories are engaging. I liked Hunter and his daughter, but I found Carlo and Juliet's romance more enjoyable than Hunter and Lee's, even though I could identify with their opening set-up at the writing conference. Carlo is upfront and honest with Juliet throughout while Hunter keeps his secrets and plays a game with Lee. Plus, the food in Carlo and Juliet's story made my mouth water.

[Ceashark · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed both stories in this book. In true NR style, they make you laugh, and cry and touch your heart. No spoilers. I love the stories NR writes and never tire of them. This is an older book, but if you can find it, it’s well worth reading.

[Dianna Delia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This contains two completely different stories. Each one took a few chapters to get into. But once I did, I wanted to know the ending. Very descriptive about the romantic scenes, but not vulgar.
I enjoyed the ending of each one.

[Phyllis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Predictable N. Roberts.

[Sberg · Rating 3 out of 5]

finished Second nature /good. Now reading Lesson Learned

[Karissa Quintero · Rating 4 out of 5]

First book- wonderful. Second book- okay.

[Tonee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Both stories are really good!

[Sylvia · Rating 1 out of 5]

I just kept rolling my eyes.

[Tiffany Manning · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked the first story better than the second. A quick read.

[Becky Underwood Baldwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nora Roberts is always great.

[Alice Harbin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet Rains: Second Nature is an interesting story of two people of very different backgrounds meet and fall in love. The test of character is that she spends a week camping with him in the canyons of the SW. She is not an experienced camper, but is a good sport and works hard to keep up with him. He is charmed by her raw courage and determination. Of course, they fall in love and are a married couple.

Sweet Rains: Lessons Learned in a lovely romance of a sexy, handsome Italian chef who has written a cook book and his publisher escort who is guiding him through a series of PR assignments in the USA. She is rather naive and strictly professional. He is professional and captivating when he is working and when he is relaxing. It is a difficult match, but they manage and she goes to Rome to be with him, returning as his bride to open her own publishing PR firm and him to open his new restaurant in NYC.

[Shannon Mulholland · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was hard not to compare these two stories put together in one book, because they were so similar. There were two successful women who met celebrities in their jobs. The only thing that makes these two stories different is the type of celebrity that dictated most of the conversations in the book.

I personally enjoyed the first book Second Nature better, because I liked hearing about how an author thinks. In the book, Hunter, a famous novelist, was guarded and he didn't let many people into his world because of his family. The entire book seemed more genuine.

The second story, Lessons Learned, did not appeal to me as much, because Carlo was an Italian chef and a playboy. He said cheesy Italian lines throughout the book and he seemed like the type of character that never changes, and was very cocky about his appearance, I was annoyed and didn't enjoy reading about him.

[Amos · Rating 3 out of 5]

$5.99+ of Walmart 6/30/2010 started c. 4 pm 7/8/2010. Definately a quick read. one day per novel. Second Nature, Interesting discussion on Writing. With nature study and human interests. Lessons Learned, is a facinating discussion of one aspect of Chefs vs Cook. w...
worth reading again sometime. Books found 8-5-2010 by Susan’s Bed posted GoodReads 8-9-2010 Returned to Susan

[Miki · Rating 1 out of 5]

First story was blah. I couldn't even finish the second one.
One thing I have to say about Nora - her writing really improved - relatively speaking - since her early days. On the other hand, why are all her books the same? And why do I keep reading them?

[Brenna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was entertaining to read 2 stories set and I am assuming written in the 80's. I liked Second Nature (who can resist Sedona as a setting) more than Lessons Learned (phone booths and Velcro sneakers made me smile).

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was well written. I didn't realize at first that it was written in the late 80's but then really enjoyed that perspective and it was nice to read a book where there wasn't a plethora of technology and cell phone usage.

[Darsana · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the first novel that I am reading, which is based on romance. It was a satisfying experience. I liked the individuality of each characters. But both novels are almost same, only the background of the story changes.

[Bobbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first of the two novels had an interesting male character. The second novel, "Lessons Learned" was a good story. Enjoyed very much.

[Ali · Rating 3 out of 5]

Surprisingly good for total beach fluff.

[Mary Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet read. Needed it after watching and reading the news.