In “Second Chance Husband,” Ryan delves into the of complexities of reigniting love post-divorce. The forced proximity trope, intertwined with the theme of heartbreak, promises to lead readers through an emotional journey.
Title: Second Chance Husband
Author(s): Carrie Ann Ryan
Series: First Time #3
Published by Self Published on October 7, 2024
Pages: 380
Genre(s): Contemporary Romance
Source: Author
Format: eArc 
Purchase: Amazon|Audible
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The First Time series concludes with an enemies to lovers romance that has been a long time coming. August and Paisley finally figure out what they’ve been missing.
The first time I got married, I watched the man I love walk away from me.
The second time around, I’m the one signing the dotted line first—this one a man who I realized I never loved.
Once burned, twice broken, I’m done looking for love.
Only my first ex-husband seems to be everywhere I turn—at my work, with my friends, and eventually…in my bed.
I didn’t mean for it to happen.
Twice.
But I know if I don’t protect my heart, there will be nothing left of me if he walks away again without telling me why he did so in the first place.
I don’t know if I can trust this new version of ourselves or if it’s merely the heat between us striking hot.
After all, second chances only exist in my dreams.
And there’s no such thing as a second chance husband.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
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“Second Chance Husband” marks the conclusion of the “First Time” series. Even without reading the earlier books, the story was easy to follow. Yet, the experience of reading “Second Chance Husband” sparked an interest in exploring the first two installments of the series.
The story opens with Paisley putting finalizing her divorce from her second spouse. In a spirited celebration of her fresh start, she ventured out alone for a night of dancing and revelry. However, the evening took a turn when she overindulged and inadvertently interrupted her first ex-husband’s date. In a twist of fate, he escorted her home, not only ensuring her safety but also offering her a quiet place to recover from the night’s overindulgence.
August and Paisley still love each other. They’ve successfully avoided one another, despite the challenge of her best friends marrying his brothers. But an upcoming family vacation will test their restraint, as they succumb to their deep-seated passion. Yet, lurking fears and the shadow of toxic parent’s loom, threatening to destroy everything.
Right from the beginning, it’s clear to the reader that August’s abrupt end to his marriage left everyone baffled. The married young so its possible immaturity played a role. Yet, as the story unfolds, revealing the true motive, one understands that August’s choice stemmed from both fear and love—a fear of hindering her potential and a love that yearned for her success. Moreover, the influence of their parents’ actions cannot be overlooked in shaping this outcome. A standout scene for me is when Paisley courageously confronts her mother, marking a truly memorable moment in the story.
August is an amazing individual, yet when it comes to love, his self-confidence vanishes. Haunted by the possibility of repeating his parents’ mistakes, this fear nearly cost him a chance of happiness. I’ve got a soft spot for August, but there were moments in his journey that made me wish I could give him a wake-up call. Communicating with Paisley could have spared him a world of emotional turmoil and pain.
“Second Chance Husband” is a must-read for those who adore second chance romances coupled with the forced proximity trope. The story showcases how past love reignites in the most unexpected ways, proving that sometimes, proximity can mend fences and heal hearts. “Second Chance Husband” promises to captivate readers with its blend of passion, drama, and the sweetness of love’s redemption.
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