Reviewed by Sadonna

TITLE:  Second Shot

SERIES:  Second Chance School

AUTHOR:  Con Riley

PUBLISHER:  Self-published

LENGTH:  366 Pages

RELEASE DATE:  October 3, 2024

BLURB:  

Welcome back to Glynn Harber School for another steamy, swoony romance between two bruised souls.

Passion always leads to heartbreak for Hayden Novac.

Nice guys always get picked last. That’s what my coach at a soccer academy once promised. Ten years and a career change from a footballer to a farm worker and woodland manager later, it turns out that his picked-last rule also applies to my love life.

I can’t imagine what being someone’s first choice feels like until an artist shows me at the school where I now work.

I could have a second shot at happiness with Rae, but given my track record of scoring own goals, can I risk bruising my heart again to take it?

Featuring an ex-footballer afraid of rejection and the artist who draws a different future for him, Second Shot continues Con Riley’s Second Chance School series. Expect passion in close proximity, love as wild as Cornish woodland, and an HEA that will keep you turning pages.

Please note the content warnings located on the copyright page.

REVIEW:

In the interest of full disclosure, Con Riley is one of my absolute favorite authors.  I have loved her stories since After Ben which came out a dozen years ago.  It’s been a while since I’ve had the pleasure of reviewing her work here on the blog and I’m honored to do so today.  This is the second book in this series, Second Chance School, but if the reader is not familiar with this world that has been the setting for a number of Ms. Riley’s books in the previous series, Learning to Love, as well as the previous book in this series, there is enough organic exposition of the characters and Cornwall setting here to allow this story to stand alone.  That being said, the previous books are so lovely that I highly recommend checking the full backlist – at least starting with Charles.

This story begins with Hayden working at the Glynn Harber School on the forestry and garden and grounds.  He’s a former footballer who lost his chance at making it a career.  He’s worked very hard though to make a living and does his best to work as long and as hard as he can during the season to cover the winter months.  He’s doing this not just for himself, but to help support his stepmother and three younger sisters as well.  Hayden has also not been lucky in love and he’s not sure what anyone would want with him.  He certainly doesn’t see himself as a catch.  He doesn’t really have anything to his name and not a lot of prospects either.  But he is honest and loyal and a hard worker.  He enjoys working at the school and the atmosphere.

As Hayden is trying to finish up some work for the school on what is supposed to be his last day before he moves on to his next job, there is an issue with an event that is planned there.  He comes to the rescue – along with a supporting cast and frankly saves the day with alternatives .  He ends up getting invited to the event as the plus one of an interesting man he meets while he’s trying to fix things, Lewis Raeburn, aka, Rae.  Hayden isn’t even sure if the invitation is sincere.  But he ends up attending and having a great time – with Rae.

Rae is an artist who is working on a book idea.  He and Hayden enjoy a good time together an a steamy night together.  Neither seem to have a lot of permanency in their lives.  But he’s intrigued by Hayden who sort of becomes his muse.   Hayden is surprised at both Rae’s interest and his talent.  Rae has his own issues with his past.  He’s got a deadline and Hayden doesn’t want to distract him, but they definitely seem to be drawn to each other.

As time progresses, Luke, the headmaster has some ideas for Hayden on a more permanent job.  Rae needs to meet with a publisher.  They are being pulled in lots of directions but make each other a priority.  The thing is, they are each struggling with feeling worthy of someone loving them and being there when they seem to have so many flaws and/or ghost from the past (and potentially the future) that are holding them back.

I won’t spoil the issues here because I loved the way they are revealed in a realistic and non-info-dumping way.  Most people don’t throw all their dirty laundry on the table on day one, and these guys don’t either.  The lovely way that they get to know each other and come to care about and understand the things holding them back is so gorgeous here.  It’s so heartfelt and genuine.  The HEA if *chef’s kiss” here.

This book really is about two men who have been knocked back in life by things that are out of their control.  But they keep getting up and moving forward.  They learn to see themselves as they appear to the other in the relationship and figure out that while things aren’t perfect, together they can move forward and make a good life.  The supporting characters here are so familiar – from the school, from the care home nearby – and it’s a pleasure to see them here.  Hayden’s family plays a huge role in encouraging Hayden to live his life without looking over his shoulder and focusing on the past and the things that didn’t work out.  Rae is determined to success and with Hayden as his backup and support, he does so with flying colors.  This is just another gorgeous romance with real flawed characters who have been through a lot but are ready to accept themselves and their futures.  Together.  Highly recommended.  Another swoonworthy romance that I think readers will love.

RATING: 

BUY LINK:

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