I go through phases where I change what I tell people is my favourite trope. Sometimes it’s best friends to lovers, sometimes road trip, sometimes marriage of convenience… but no matter what whim I’m in the midst of, I always come back to second chance romance.
For me, there’s something about a couple finding their way back to each other, that no matter what they do, who they see, where they go – they come right back to each other. I suppose it may be because there’s an element of fate in their relationship but it may also be that there’s usually been something that drove our couple apart, giving the reunion a modicum of angst. Exactly the kind of angst I can handle in my stories. Or it may even be that there’s often a level of pursuit – often by the man – once he realises she’s the one that got away. I do like a bit of grovelling, begging and pursuing.
Or perhaps it’s all of the above and then some.
Trying to narrow my list down to just 12 second chance romances was ridiculously difficult but I feel I’ve settled on a good group of books that have stayed with me.
Let me know in the comments if there are any second chance romances that are your favourites – and if you pick up any of the following books, I hope you love them.
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Again the Magic by Lisa Kleypas
She gave him her innocence.
Lady Aline Marsden was brought up to marry a man of her own class, but from the moment she meets John McKenna, she risks everything to be with him.
He gave her his heart.
Although their love is forbidden, McKenna’s passion for the beautiful Aline is too compelling to deny. When their secret is suddenly discovered, their world is shattered. McKenna is forced to leave forever, unaware that the only reason Aline has given him up is to save him.
Now McKenna has returned, a powerful man determined to take revenge against the woman who broke his heart. But the magic between them burns as fiercely as ever . . . and as McKenna uncovers Aline’s deepest secret, together they discover a love that will defy Fate itself.
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Dear Ava by Ilsa Madden-Mills
The rich and popular Sharks rule at prestigious, ivy-covered Camden Prep. Once upon a time, I wanted to be part of their world–until they destroyed me.
The last thing I expected was an anonymous love letter from one of them.
Please. I hate every one of those rich jerks for what they did to me. The question is, which Shark is my secret admirer?
Knox, the scarred quarterback.
Dane, his twin brother.
Or Chance, the ex who dumped me. . .
Dear Ava,
Your eyes are the color of the Caribbean Sea.
Wait. That’s stupid.
What I really mean is, you look at me and I feel something REAL.
It’s been ten months since you were here, but I can’t forget you.
I’ve missed seeing you walk down the hall.
I’ve missed you cheering at my football games.
I’ve missed the smell of your hair.
And then everything fell apart the night of the kegger.
Don’t hate me because I’m a Shark.
I just want to make you mine.
Still.
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Ruthless King by Maya Hughes
My d*ck never got me in half as much trouble as my heart…
We were high school sweethearts. I was head over heels for her and no one could tell me we weren’t going to last forever. College? Going pro? My family’s money? None of it mattered. She was all I needed.
Then she ripped my heart out. But I’m not going to let that happen again.
She’s back. Invading my life and acting like she was the wronged one. The pain is still there, but I can’t keep my eyes off her. I can’t stop thinking about her and how much was left unsaid between us. Being this close is making me question everything I thought I knew about her.
This time everything will be on my terms. Everything…
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About That Night by Julie James
He’s Playing Games
Though Rylann Pierce tried to fight the sparks she felt for billionaire heir Kyle Rhodes the night they met, their sizzling chemistry was undeniable. But after being stood up on their first date, Rylann never expected to see him again. So when she finds herself face-to-face with Kyle in a courthouse nine years later, she’s stunned. More troubling to the beautiful assistant U.S. attorney is that she’s still wildly attracted to him.
But She’s Making The Rules
Just released from prison, Kyle Rhodes isn’t thrilled to be the star witness in a high-profile criminal case—but when Rylann comes knocking at his door, he finds she may be the one lawyer he can’t say no to. Still as gorgeous and sharp-tongued as ever, she lays down the law: she doesn’t mix business with pleasure. But Kyle won’t give up on something he wants—and what he wants is the one woman he’s never forgotten.
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No Good Duke Goes Unpunished by Sarah MacLean
A rogue ruined…
He is the Killer Duke, accused of murdering Mara Lowe on the eve of her wedding. With no memory of that fateful night, Temple has reigned over the darkest of London’s corners for twelve years, wealthy and powerful, but beyond redemption. Until one night, Mara resurfaces, offering the one thing he’s dreamed of… absolution.
A lady returned…
Mara planned never to return to the world from which she’d run, but when her brother falls deep into debt at Temple’s exclusive casino, she has no choice but to offer Temple a trade that ends in her returning to society and proving to the world what only she knows… that he is no killer.
A scandal revealed…
It’s a fine trade, until Temple realizes that the lady—and her past—are more than they seem. It will take every bit of his strength to resist the pull of this mysterious, maddening woman who seems willing to risk everything for honor… and to keep from putting himself on the line for love.
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The Mrs. Degree by Sara Ney
Penelope Halbrook never intended to get pregnant in college, never intended to drop out, never intended to be a single mom.
She thought by leaving Jackson Jennings, was doing him a favor—he had a bright future ahead of him; the last thing he needed was her (and a baby) standing in his way.
She thought he would forget about her.
She thought she would never see him in person again.
How very wrong she was… about everything.
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Just One Dare by Carly Phillips
A one night stand with no names exchanged.
Six years later, she comes face to face with her baby’s father again.
Aurora Michaels isn’t the same girl she was that spring night. No longer homeless and living in the back room of a diner where she worked, she’s now a member of the wealthy Kingston family. She has her daughter, a career and has adjusted to her new normal.
Billionaire Nick Dare is a man who takes charge. He runs the hotel arm of the family empire and his life revolves around business and travel. A quick stop at his brother’s movie premier has him doing a double take.
The woman who haunts his dreams is there. He’s been given a second chance and is determined to make the most of it.
When he learns about their daughter, Nick becomes a man on a mission. Aurora and their child are his. Even if he has to knock down Aurora’s emotional walls to prove it.
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Just Not That Into Billionaires by Annika Martin
Francine is stunned when she discovers she’s been married – for the last ten years! – to Benny, the surly and nerdy frenemy she worked with one summer in Vegas.
How in the world did they end up married? They could hardly stand each other! Though there was that drunken night….
She tracks down Benny, sure he’ll be as shocked about the marriage as she is, sure he’ll be happy to dissolve their union ASAP so she can get the documents she desperately needs.
But Benny is now a cold and wolfish billionaire. And yes, he’ll sign the paperwork…for a price: she has to spend the next three weeks playing his doting wife.
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Stealing Home by Tara Wyatt
Maggie Jennings didn’t think she’d ever see Dylan McCormick again. When she was eighteen, he took everything she had to give—her heart, her love, and her virginity—and then broke her heart when he left for college. But now he’s back in her life, playing for the Dallas Longhorns, where Maggie works as the team’s media director. Watching him on the field is the most exquisite torture—he’s a muscled, talented athlete who looks amazing in a pair of baseball pants. Seeing him again makes her want all kinds of things she shouldn’t.
Dylan McCormick has it all. A pro baseball career, millions of dollars, and a life most only dream of. But everyone has regrets, including Dylan—and his is Maggie. One look at her, and he knows that he’ll do anything to get her back. He wants her. He needs her. He’s determined to atone for the past while showing her the man he’s become because he knows there’s no one else for him. But the past has a way of refusing to stay buried, and when secrets surface, their sizzling chemistry may not be enough to keep them together…
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Surprise Reunion with His Cinderella by Rachael Stewart
Can one week in paradise…
…heal ten years of heartache?
When the elite M dating agency sends wealthy Freddie Highgrove to the Seychelles for a weeklong “date,” the last person he’s expecting to be matched with is Jasmine Walker, his first love and ex-fiancée! Ten years ago, his family’s expectations for a high-society marriage sent housekeeper’s daughter Jasmine running. Can one week in paradise bring them back together?
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The Commander by Melanie Moreland
Men of Hidden Justice
Because love can bleed into the darkest heart
My instincts had always served me well.
Listening to my gut, the warning voice in my head that told me when to walk away.
I never failed to heed the signs.
Until the day she walked into my office.
I knew she would be trouble, but I ignored the alarm bells.
And then it was too late, and I fell. Hard.
A lie tore us apart, and I thought I’d lost her forever.
But now she’s back—with a secret she’s been keeping.
This time, I’m not letting her go.
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Another Wild Wedding Night by Leslie Kelly
Sister-of-the-groom Bonnie Campbell is certainly no groupie. But when famous, drop-dead-hottie action star Drew Ericson films his latest flick at the wedding inn, she turns into his naughtiest fan….
Jazz Wilkes is rough, tough and totally in touch with her sexual appetite. No man can withstand her desires…except proper yet wildly sexy Blake Marshall! He’ll give her a night to remember… but only if she’ll give him the rest of her life!
Passion? Abby Bauer wants some! Her fiance, Keith, just doesn’t make her toes tingle. But the dashing masked man at the reception sure does….
While there are three stories in this book, it’s the story about Abby Bauer and her ex-fiance, Keith, that I just adore – and is the one that’s made this list.
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