The comp to Rebekah Weatherspoon's Cowboys of California series had me hoping this would have on-page steam (and I've not ever read this author), but this one fades to black. There is some great sexy flirting and heat between the love interests, but no more than heavy kissing on page.

That said, no problem for me, but the addition of a surprise cancer reveal for Gabe's father made me sad. That is a particular touchy topic for me, so if not a deal breaker for you, give this one a go.

I will also say Second Chance also had a lot of world building and exposition to introduce the series, the Ortega family, and the vast cast of characters I'm assuming who will get their own stories in subsequent books. This meant Nora and Gabe weren't as together on page as I would have hoped.

Solid story, amazing world, not a perfect read for me. I will say this gives me echoes of Bend Towards the Sun by Jen Devon in a great way.

Content notes: Both Nora and Gabe are latine, Gabe is an Army Veteran home recovering from PTSD and injuries that ended his career. Nora is a botanist/gardener for the Ortega farm. PTSD, therapy, and emotional distant parents (in the past) are mentioned. Cancer, father of hero, on page surprise disclosure. Father is alive at the end of the book but I assume the cancer story arc will continue throughout the series.

thank you to forever for the advance copy.