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3.76 AVERAGE
3.76 AVERAGE
Thank you to Forever Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley for the book in exchange for a honest review.
Another hit from Shalvis, it was slow to start but it soon took off and I was hooked. Lily is back where she grew up but its under duress that she's there. When she was in California she was thrown under the bus at her last job and now she was basically blacklisted in her career. She had put out tons of resume's but no one was biting. Back to Cedar Ridge she went, to a job that her friend Jonathon had waiting for her. He didn't tell her though that it was at the resort, that her old crush, Aidan Kincaid and his brother ran. It was also where she remembers her sister for the last time from. Having no where else to go and no way of backing out she takes the job and finds herself enjoying it. She doesn't want to start anything with Aidan but she can't help herself, she'd always had a crush on them and it seems like he may have some feeling for her. If only she wasn't leaving in a few months...
Aidan works hard, he's a fire fighter, works on rescue patrol and helps out at the resort his family owns. He didn't realize Lily was back in town, and he hadn't seen her in ten years. When she left it was like a hole took up residence in his heart and no matter how many woman he hooked up with it stayed. Now with Lily back, he wants her just as much if not more as he did all that time ago. She's fighting the feelings she has for him, and she's acting like its wrong for her to have them. On top of all he does, Aidan is fighting his brothers from bringing back their dad. He left and left them with a mess in the resort but Aidan doesn't want him to come back ever.
Like I said this book was slow to take off but when it did I was laughing at Lily and her antics. Aidan and his brothers have a silly underwear war going on that had me cracking up. It was like going to any hometown and watching the people interact. Jill Shalvis has a way of making you feel like you connect with all of the people she writes. She's super talented and I would read her grocery list, even though it'd probably just have cookies on it! Don't miss the chance to get in to the Cedar Ridge world on the ground floor. You won't regret it. Leave the author love in the form of a review!
Another hit from Shalvis, it was slow to start but it soon took off and I was hooked. Lily is back where she grew up but its under duress that she's there. When she was in California she was thrown under the bus at her last job and now she was basically blacklisted in her career. She had put out tons of resume's but no one was biting. Back to Cedar Ridge she went, to a job that her friend Jonathon had waiting for her. He didn't tell her though that it was at the resort, that her old crush, Aidan Kincaid and his brother ran. It was also where she remembers her sister for the last time from. Having no where else to go and no way of backing out she takes the job and finds herself enjoying it. She doesn't want to start anything with Aidan but she can't help herself, she'd always had a crush on them and it seems like he may have some feeling for her. If only she wasn't leaving in a few months...
Aidan works hard, he's a fire fighter, works on rescue patrol and helps out at the resort his family owns. He didn't realize Lily was back in town, and he hadn't seen her in ten years. When she left it was like a hole took up residence in his heart and no matter how many woman he hooked up with it stayed. Now with Lily back, he wants her just as much if not more as he did all that time ago. She's fighting the feelings she has for him, and she's acting like its wrong for her to have them. On top of all he does, Aidan is fighting his brothers from bringing back their dad. He left and left them with a mess in the resort but Aidan doesn't want him to come back ever.
Like I said this book was slow to take off but when it did I was laughing at Lily and her antics. Aidan and his brothers have a silly underwear war going on that had me cracking up. It was like going to any hometown and watching the people interact. Jill Shalvis has a way of making you feel like you connect with all of the people she writes. She's super talented and I would read her grocery list, even though it'd probably just have cookies on it! Don't miss the chance to get in to the Cedar Ridge world on the ground floor. You won't regret it. Leave the author love in the form of a review!
I am a huge Jill Shalvis fan! Her whole Lucky Harbor series had me hook, line, and sinker. Second Chance Summer was also a great book, but I felt like I didn't get sucked in right away like I did with the Lucky Harbor books, but about half way, I was all sucked in with Lily and Aiden.
Both of these characters have issues and are fighting their feelings for each other in one way or another. You'll have to see how the chemistry is... There are those that you know no matter how much they fight it, they're meant to be together... I think Lily and Aiden are that way.
Also, Shalvis put a lot humor in this story, and I LOVED it. It was done well and fit perfectly. The guys and their jokes just had me laughing out loud. It was great.
The characters were well done, as they are in all her books, and I loved the family dynamics in this one.
I'm now addicted to another one of her series... I just can't get enough of Ms. Shalvis.
Both of these characters have issues and are fighting their feelings for each other in one way or another. You'll have to see how the chemistry is... There are those that you know no matter how much they fight it, they're meant to be together... I think Lily and Aiden are that way.
Also, Shalvis put a lot humor in this story, and I LOVED it. It was done well and fit perfectly. The guys and their jokes just had me laughing out loud. It was great.
The characters were well done, as they are in all her books, and I loved the family dynamics in this one.
I'm now addicted to another one of her series... I just can't get enough of Ms. Shalvis.
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I'm a big Jill Shalvis fan. Her Lucky Harbor series was one of my favorites and when it ended I was very excited to read her new Cedar Ridge series. I was not disappointed. I enjoyed Second Chance Summer and I cannot wait for more books in the series.
Jill Shalvis follows a formula, but it's a formula that keeps me coming back for more. Jill Shalvis's books, especially if they're part of a series, are like potato chips--you cannot read just one. Just like in her Lucky Harbor series, this new series was set in a small town inhabited by eccentric townspeople, sexy alpha men and intelligent women. But unlike Lucky Harbor, which was a small town near the ocean, Cedar Ridge is located up in the mountains of Colorado.
Our hero Aidan Kincaid is a fire fighter, a search and rescue worker and he also co-owns the Cedar Ridge Resort with his siblings. Our heroine Lily Danville found her way back in Cedar Ridge after she got fired from her job in LA, but she promised herself that it's only temporary. Meanwhile, she needed a job, and the only opening was at the resort. The last thing Lily wanted though was to see Aidan. Ten years ago, they did not part on good terms when Lily left after her family fell apart and Aidan didn't stop her. Now, Aidan hopes to convince Lily to give him and Cedar Ridge a second chance...
Both Lily and Aidan were likable characters. Besides being a sexy fire fighter, Aidan works hard, is responsible, loyal and loves his mom and siblings. He rescues people for a living, puts others before himself, and you can count on him. He had his brooding and alpha moments, but I love how open he was about his feelings for Lily. As for Lily, she's independent and hard-working, but she struggled with her guilt over her sister and father's deaths. She didn't have family around like Aidan does so she's alone. She's hesitant when it comes to starting a relationship with Aidan, and I understood why she felt the way she did. She was carrying a lot of weight on her shoulders and she needed to let go of some of that before she can start anything. But Lily and Aidan could not ignore each other and the obvious attraction between them. It was fun and entertaining to watch them find their way to each other again, hiccups and all.
Lily and Aidan were great, but my favorite part was meeting all quirky secondary characters. My favorites were Aidan's brother Gray and his wife Penny. They were a hoot with their TMI. If you read Kristan Higgins's Blue Heron series, they kind of reminded me of Pru and Carl. Others were Aidan's mom Char, Lily's friend Jonathan, and Aidan's friend Mitch--they all brought humor to the story and I love all the scenes they were in. I also love the family dynamics between the Kincaids. They prank and annoy each other, argue and get in each other's business, but at the end of the day they are a unit and they are there for each other no matter what and I just love that. Jill Shalvis writes the best sibling relationships in contemporary romance, no question.
The plot Second Chance Summer in was familiar and nothing really surprised me, but add in the setting, the quirky secondary characters, the humorous moments and the witty banter, and what you get is a very delightful, entertaining read. I am looking forward to reading the next books in the series. If you enjoyed (or, like me, miss reading) the Lucky Harbor series, definitely pick up Second Chance Summer. You'll find everything you loved there in this new series. If you want to start a small-town romance series, give Cedar Ridge a chance. You really cannot go wrong when picking up a Jill Shalvis novel.
Jill Shalvis follows a formula, but it's a formula that keeps me coming back for more. Jill Shalvis's books, especially if they're part of a series, are like potato chips--you cannot read just one. Just like in her Lucky Harbor series, this new series was set in a small town inhabited by eccentric townspeople, sexy alpha men and intelligent women. But unlike Lucky Harbor, which was a small town near the ocean, Cedar Ridge is located up in the mountains of Colorado.
Our hero Aidan Kincaid is a fire fighter, a search and rescue worker and he also co-owns the Cedar Ridge Resort with his siblings. Our heroine Lily Danville found her way back in Cedar Ridge after she got fired from her job in LA, but she promised herself that it's only temporary. Meanwhile, she needed a job, and the only opening was at the resort. The last thing Lily wanted though was to see Aidan. Ten years ago, they did not part on good terms when Lily left after her family fell apart and Aidan didn't stop her. Now, Aidan hopes to convince Lily to give him and Cedar Ridge a second chance...
Both Lily and Aidan were likable characters. Besides being a sexy fire fighter, Aidan works hard, is responsible, loyal and loves his mom and siblings. He rescues people for a living, puts others before himself, and you can count on him. He had his brooding and alpha moments, but I love how open he was about his feelings for Lily. As for Lily, she's independent and hard-working, but she struggled with her guilt over her sister and father's deaths. She didn't have family around like Aidan does so she's alone. She's hesitant when it comes to starting a relationship with Aidan, and I understood why she felt the way she did. She was carrying a lot of weight on her shoulders and she needed to let go of some of that before she can start anything. But Lily and Aidan could not ignore each other and the obvious attraction between them. It was fun and entertaining to watch them find their way to each other again, hiccups and all.
Lily and Aidan were great, but my favorite part was meeting all quirky secondary characters. My favorites were Aidan's brother Gray and his wife Penny. They were a hoot with their TMI. If you read Kristan Higgins's Blue Heron series, they kind of reminded me of Pru and Carl. Others were Aidan's mom Char, Lily's friend Jonathan, and Aidan's friend Mitch--they all brought humor to the story and I love all the scenes they were in. I also love the family dynamics between the Kincaids. They prank and annoy each other, argue and get in each other's business, but at the end of the day they are a unit and they are there for each other no matter what and I just love that. Jill Shalvis writes the best sibling relationships in contemporary romance, no question.
The plot Second Chance Summer in was familiar and nothing really surprised me, but add in the setting, the quirky secondary characters, the humorous moments and the witty banter, and what you get is a very delightful, entertaining read. I am looking forward to reading the next books in the series. If you enjoyed (or, like me, miss reading) the Lucky Harbor series, definitely pick up Second Chance Summer. You'll find everything you loved there in this new series. If you want to start a small-town romance series, give Cedar Ridge a chance. You really cannot go wrong when picking up a Jill Shalvis novel.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review
This was the first book I read by Jill Shavis and it certainly won't be my last. While it's pretty much what I expect from a contemporary romance, the author manages to add a unique touch by adding a great setting a deep family bond and characters you can't help but care about even thought they frustrated and annoyed me at times as well. Second Chance Summer Takes place in Cedar Ridge a small town in the Rockies. The setting was breathtaking and I am almost a bit sorry they didn't spend more time exploring and enjoying the scenery. Lily left the town ten years ago after the death of her sister and father and vowed to never return, thanks to a scandal at her previous job she's suddenly jobless and the only option is to return to cedar Ridge where she is offered a job.
Lily was a nice down to earth character who loved her cookies and sweets, I can relate ;). Although at times she could be a bit too stubborn, like when people told her what to do, she always acted a bit too rushed and harsh. Instead of listening and thinking about why they said that. She carries around a lot of hurt and guilt about how her sister died. Returning to Cedar Ridge brings that all into focus again. Overall I liked Lily, although there were times I certainly wanted to share some sense in her.
While Lily made for a nice female characters I think I might like the Kincaid family even more. They are what a family should be, tight and always there for each other. I loved the scenes involving the Kincaid family, maybe even more than the romance. The interactions between the siblings were just so well done and there are some really heartfelt scenes. Aidan is one of the older brothers and while he keeps some secrets close he is always there for his brothers. He's also out risking his life almost daily putting out fires and doing search and rescues. I was actually a bit amazed how he managed to cram everything in his life. he also works at the resort and sometimes I got tired reading about him just because he always seem to have so much going on and working so hard. His work also meant I knew how this book would end and what would get them together and I was a bit disappointed when that prediction was right as it was cliché and I rather be surprised. He was a great main character, although also he could be a bit too stubborn sometimes.
The side characters definitely are done well, especially Aidan's brothers. I already have a feel for them while this isn't even their book. it was fun getting to know them. I also liked Char, Aidan his mother. There are also some other characters who make an appearance and fill in the town of Ceder Ridge, but the focus was on Lily and the Kincaids.
The romance was well done, although one thing did bother me and that is the fact that we never get to know what really happened in their past. Lily left and in Aidans head she left him, while in Lily's head they never had anything beside a special moment. I just wished we would hear what really happened as it left me confused. And the reason Lily tried to stay away from Aidan was a bit weird. I get that she still feels a bit of quilt and emotions over what happened, but some of her reasoning just didn't make any sense. What I did like is how Lily and Aidan seem to get to know each other again and grow closer. The romance happened a bit to fast, but as they already knew each other I guess that made sense. And at times it felt like they just had kisses or sex instead of talking, although surprisingly they also did talk, more in the first half though. They did make a great couple and I certainly think they are good for each other.
The small town setting was really done well and I can't wait to return there in the next book. It really had that small town feeling with how always everyone knew what was going on with everyone else. It made for some fun scenes. I also liked the mountain setting. Although I've never been to the Rockies I have had a few vacation in Switzerland their mountains and now that's what Cedar Ridge looks like in my head, only a bit different. I just wish I could take a hike there, it sounded like a lovely place and I wouldn't have minded a few more nature or hiking scenes.
To conclude: I really enjoyed this book, although I also had a few issues, coverall I enjoyed it and I will definitely be picking up more books by this author. her characters come alive and even the side characters have their story. I especially liked the Kincaid family and how close they are and always there for each other. The romance was well done, although a bit frustrating at times, like how Lily had a weird reaosn for havign to stay away or how they would kiss or have sex instead of taking things through. Lily and Aidan made for a great couple. The small town setting in the mountains was one of the aspects I liked most, it made for a great setting.
This was the first book I read by Jill Shavis and it certainly won't be my last. While it's pretty much what I expect from a contemporary romance, the author manages to add a unique touch by adding a great setting a deep family bond and characters you can't help but care about even thought they frustrated and annoyed me at times as well. Second Chance Summer Takes place in Cedar Ridge a small town in the Rockies. The setting was breathtaking and I am almost a bit sorry they didn't spend more time exploring and enjoying the scenery. Lily left the town ten years ago after the death of her sister and father and vowed to never return, thanks to a scandal at her previous job she's suddenly jobless and the only option is to return to cedar Ridge where she is offered a job.
Lily was a nice down to earth character who loved her cookies and sweets, I can relate ;). Although at times she could be a bit too stubborn, like when people told her what to do, she always acted a bit too rushed and harsh. Instead of listening and thinking about why they said that. She carries around a lot of hurt and guilt about how her sister died. Returning to Cedar Ridge brings that all into focus again. Overall I liked Lily, although there were times I certainly wanted to share some sense in her.
While Lily made for a nice female characters I think I might like the Kincaid family even more. They are what a family should be, tight and always there for each other. I loved the scenes involving the Kincaid family, maybe even more than the romance. The interactions between the siblings were just so well done and there are some really heartfelt scenes. Aidan is one of the older brothers and while he keeps some secrets close he is always there for his brothers. He's also out risking his life almost daily putting out fires and doing search and rescues. I was actually a bit amazed how he managed to cram everything in his life. he also works at the resort and sometimes I got tired reading about him just because he always seem to have so much going on and working so hard. His work also meant I knew how this book would end and what would get them together and I was a bit disappointed when that prediction was right as it was cliché and I rather be surprised. He was a great main character, although also he could be a bit too stubborn sometimes.
The side characters definitely are done well, especially Aidan's brothers. I already have a feel for them while this isn't even their book. it was fun getting to know them. I also liked Char, Aidan his mother. There are also some other characters who make an appearance and fill in the town of Ceder Ridge, but the focus was on Lily and the Kincaids.
The romance was well done, although one thing did bother me and that is the fact that we never get to know what really happened in their past. Lily left and in Aidans head she left him, while in Lily's head they never had anything beside a special moment. I just wished we would hear what really happened as it left me confused. And the reason Lily tried to stay away from Aidan was a bit weird. I get that she still feels a bit of quilt and emotions over what happened, but some of her reasoning just didn't make any sense. What I did like is how Lily and Aidan seem to get to know each other again and grow closer. The romance happened a bit to fast, but as they already knew each other I guess that made sense. And at times it felt like they just had kisses or sex instead of talking, although surprisingly they also did talk, more in the first half though. They did make a great couple and I certainly think they are good for each other.
The small town setting was really done well and I can't wait to return there in the next book. It really had that small town feeling with how always everyone knew what was going on with everyone else. It made for some fun scenes. I also liked the mountain setting. Although I've never been to the Rockies I have had a few vacation in Switzerland their mountains and now that's what Cedar Ridge looks like in my head, only a bit different. I just wish I could take a hike there, it sounded like a lovely place and I wouldn't have minded a few more nature or hiking scenes.
To conclude: I really enjoyed this book, although I also had a few issues, coverall I enjoyed it and I will definitely be picking up more books by this author. her characters come alive and even the side characters have their story. I especially liked the Kincaid family and how close they are and always there for each other. The romance was well done, although a bit frustrating at times, like how Lily had a weird reaosn for havign to stay away or how they would kiss or have sex instead of taking things through. Lily and Aidan made for a great couple. The small town setting in the mountains was one of the aspects I liked most, it made for a great setting.
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I really enjoyed this book! I loved that there was humor, family, romance and a beautiful setting. This was so good! I can't wait to read the next book in this series!
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes