Karl and Molly were never together. There was a time, right after high school, where it seemed like they might finally cross the line from friends to lovers…but instead, a foolish misunderstanding meant they never spoke again. Molly went to LA and got married. Karl stayed in Harlot’s Bay and bought a bakery.
The only connection the pair has shared over the years is painfully one-sided: Now divorced, Molly narrates monster romance audiobooks, and Karl is an ever-diligent listener, clinging to his only piece of the one that got away.
Still, Molly hasn’t totally left Harlot’s Bay behind. When she hears that Karl’s obituary has run in the local paper, unexpected grief prompts her to hop on the next flight to Maryland…where she finds Karl very much alive, the victim of nothing but an accidental obituary.
As the pair reunite, they finally hash out their missed connection. True, Molly isn’t quite ready to trust again, but Karl is determined to prove himself worthy of her faith and devotion. And as her remaining time in Harlot’s Bay ticks down, Molly, the habitual cynic, just might find that Karl, the cranky town curmudgeon, is impossible to leave behind a second time.
PJ's Thoughts:
If you've read my Top Dish review of last year's At First Spite (Harlot's Bay - Book 1), you know that I fell hard for this historic coastal town and her citizens. Book two, Second Chance Romance, has only reinforced those feelings. I first read an ARC of Second Chance Romance four months ago after which I posted the following: "Snort laughs, ugly tears, and swoony romance. This one's going straight to my list of 2025 favorites." I read the book again this week and those feelings have not changed. Olivia Dade has tapped a gold mine with these characters and I am here for every single word and emotion.
Karl is everything I could have hoped for...and more. With his crusty exterior, marshmallow center, aversion to using his words (who needs to when actions work just as well?), baking expertise (A man who bakes? Yes, please!), creative murder mind (not that he'd hurt a fly but whoa, that's one creative imagination), kindness, salty mutter yells (the man has no volume control), and nurturing soul, he's not your typical romance hero but he's one of my all-time favorites...and he's absolutely perfect for Molly.
Molly? OMG, I love every bit of her nerdy, fact-spouting, wary-heart self. If anyone deserves a happy ending after being betrayed, first by her father then her jerk of an ex-husband, it's Molly. No wonder she doesn't trust easily. Watching her gradually open herself not only to Karl but to others in Harlot's Bay was a delight. Watching her regain her confidence and stand up to those trying to run roughshod over her was even better. Watching her open her heart and claim her happiness? Cue happy tears and swoony delight.
If you enjoy second chances, banter for days, emotional depth, laugh-out-loud humor, body positivity, slow-burn romance, a terrific supporting cast, and a lead couple who will steal your heart and have you cheering them on every step of the way, pick up a copy of Olivia Dade's Second Chance Romance. It's a funny, endearing, warm hug of a book that kept me engaged and entertained from beginning to end.
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Have you read any of Olivia Dade's books? Do you have a favorite?
Karl's a master at creating mouth-watering treats at his bakery. What's your go-to order when you visit a bakery or donut shop?
Molly narrates monster romance books. Do you listen to audiobooks? What's your favorite format for reading: print, e-book, or audio?
One person who posts a comment before 11:00 PM, November 30 will receive a print copy of Second Chance Romance.
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*Must be 18
I have not yet read Olivia Dade. The storyline presented sounds wonderful - I enjoy romances with some grumpiness and humor. I love whole wheat donuts - they don’t have to be glazed or sugared - I love them plain. Hard to find them though.
ReplyDeleteI am starting to listen to more and more audiobooks. Especially romances that I read many, many years ago. Just “reread” The Rogue Not Taken” by Sarah Maclean. Over 11 hours brought to life by reader Justine Eyre. I am hooked and plan to “read/listen” to the other two books in this series performed by the same reader. The New York Times just had an article affirming that audiobooks are a form of reading - as if we needed any affirmations!
Olivia Dade is a new to me author. I am definitely going to check out her books, because this one sounds fantastic. We have an amazing cupcake bakery close by that does unusual treats, every time we go I try something new. I prefer physical books, but do read on my Kindle in bed and have just recently started listening to audio, but have found it hard to concentrate on the story, so I can't see myself listening to them very often.
ReplyDeleteOlivia Dade is a new author. I look forward to enjoying her novels. Whenever we go to a particular bakery I enjoy the delectable treat of a Mille Feuilles. So special and a real indulgence. I listen to audio books when I am on a road trip. They keep me interested and are great for the car.
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