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monica__ 's review for:

4.0
emotional funny fast-paced

 #2 book for my Summer Romance Reading Challenges 2024


Another romance novel I had the pleasure of reading, was written by two authors who could soon become some of my favorites. To be exact, I listened to the story instead of reading it, and I've to say that the listening experience was much more engaging for me, although the quality was on par. The narrators both did an excellent job and made the characters very fluid and vivid.

The plot revolves around Shayna and Lee, two people who had a relationship during college that ended painfully due to a bet. Hurt and disappointed by the relationship she thought was real, Shayna cuts ties with Lee and focuses on her future as an athletic trainer. But Lee wasn't idle either and became the star quarterback of the San Francisco Kingsmen. When Shayna is hired as an athletic trainer for Lee's team, he sees it as a sign of destiny — or rather, a second chance.

Even though "second chance" isn't one of my favorite tropes, it can be very entertaining when written well. In this book, the chemistry between the two characters is evident from the first pages and only grows stronger as the story progresses. To add to the tension, they both realize that their feelings are still strong and they need to find a way to keep them in check if they don't want to cause problems within the team. But when feelings are involved, it's hard to keep them under control.

Although the book is simple and short, I thought it was well-developed and able to give room for the characters to develop, both individually and as a couple. Shayna's determination to want a better future is largely due to the family environment she grew up in: seeing her mother struggle with working as a waitress, Shayna didn't want that kind of life, preferring something better if possible. Even if she appears strong and independent on the outside, the wound she suffered in love often leads her to question her decisions and feelings.
Lee, on the other hand, is a character who evolves throughout the story and ultimately wins me over. At first, he comes across as the ex who wants to win back his love to make up for his mistakes, but then he realizes that if he wants a second chance with Shayna, his attitude needs to change. And that's when my heart melted for him. Whether in intimate moments or when they communicate, his attitude is entirely focused on Shayna, aiming to please her both intimately and when they're together.

Despite being short, the book is full of emotional moments and sensual scenes, always well-balanced and never excessive, making the reading experience engaging. The sex scenes are passionate yet delicate and full of sweetness. I appreciated how Lee emphasized safe sex, asking Shayna for permission. The friendship Lee has with his teammates deserves a mention. They made me laugh a lot, and I can't wait to read about their adventures. Lee will have plenty to laugh about regarding their love problems.

In conclusion, this book won me over with its combination of intense emotions, well-defined characters, and a truly enjoyable "second chance," perfect for unwinding and enjoying a pleasant afternoon of reading—or listening, in my case.