Very sexy, pretty cute. I thought that the pacing was good and it held my interest. I liked the depth that the author gave with the kid.

Emily is a widower, but has known Max, who was good friends with her deceased husband, for many years. Emily goes to Max to ask for help with funding a project for the local community center she established. Max who hasn't seen Emily in many years because he was avoiding the feelings he developed for her, offers his assistance. The two reconnect and they try the relationship thing.

This was a good read. I have read many Nancy Herkness books and this one did not disappoint.

This is a cute, quick, friends to lovers read about finding love after loss. I enjoyed the read minus the slang which seemed unauthentic and like the author was trying a bit too hard. Although “dope” has made its way back into teenage slang, I have teenage nieces and cousins who talk about throwing shade (hating on someone) and good tea (gossip) both of which root me firmly in 2017 rather than in the 1990s when “dope” was also popular. Here the youths' slang and grammar errors seem like what non-urban, non-minority people think urban, minority teens sound like, but actually don't. Alas, the slang was a liability rather than an asset for this reader. If you don't know any better, it likely won't bother you. If you do, the stereotypical nature of it may rub you the wrong way.

I received an ARC of this book, from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for a fair and honest review.

What’s it About? Billionaire Max Varela is a brilliant chemist but when Emily Wade storms his office asking for his help for her program he realizes just how lonely he’s been. Seven years ago he fell in love with Emily while she was happily married to his friend and in order to keep his sanity he cut off all contact with her. Now she’s a widow and in need of his help. Seeing Max again brings back the pain of losing her husband but it also brings an awareness of Max that Emily didn’t expect.


Overall reaction to the story? Second to None was my introduction to author Nancy Herkness though I’ve heard about her books from other readers. I enjoyed this novella quite a bit though I will say that the romance felt rushed and a little forced for the circumstances the characters were in. I think there was a little too much going on for such a short story that I felt a bit short changed on almost everything. That said, I am keeping in mind that this is a novella and most of them do feel rushed. That didn’t take away from the fact that I liked Herkness’ style and her characters. I’m definitely hopping on the fan train for this author.


Describe the hero in five words: Lonely. Mysterious. Kind. Intelligent. Determined.
Did you like him? Yes.
Why? Max pretty much stayed a mystery throughout the whole novella which was frustrating to me because I wanted to get to know him as a character and I wasn’t able to because Second to None is a novella. However, there were some things about him that stood out and gave me a little glimpse into who he was and I liked what there was. He was an honorable man who was caught in a difficult situation back before he became rich. I loved how he acknowledged his feelings for Emily but also knew that she was married at the time and he respected that. I liked his quiet admiration and kindness towards Emily and towards those who needed help. Max was so smart and so successful but he had the incredibly normal problem of being lonely. I found that part of him made him more reachable as a character. He wasn’t just another jerk billionaire with a god complex. He was just lonely and a little clueless.


Describe the heroine in five words: Loving. Stubborn. Clever. Selfless. Lonely.
Did you like her? Yes.
Why? Emily could have easily been boring. She had all the makings of a goody two shoes character but I liked that the author made her vulnerable and kind but also a person who would cross lines to do what was right. That’s what kept Emily from being a disappointment. I think Second to None gives readers more of an insight into who Emily is as a character than Max. A lot of the scenes focus on her and what she does for others so I felt that I got to know her better and I liked her kind but strong heart.


Let’s talk about the romance: The connection between Max and Emily was pretty intense on Max’s part, he’d loved Emily for years but Emily was happily married. Now that she’s a widow, she wasn’t used to or prepared to feel anything for Max but I liked how that was handled. The romance was rushed though. I think all the emotional baggage that Emily had and the guilt that Max mentioned feeling at one point for wanting his friend’s wife was too quickly and neatly put aside in favor of the happy ending. I think I needed a little more convincing with these two but the almost insta-love was sort of backed up with their history together. Still though, I wanted a bit more development of the romance and for them to deal with the past and Max’s guilt.


How about that supporting cast? Emily comes with quite the group of friends and her daughter Izzy. I liked them all as brief as their appearances were, they all added to the picture being painted of Emily as a woman who cared for those around her, not just her daughter.

Click It or Skip It? Click It. Second to None may have been really quick with the romance but Nancy Herkness’ style of writing is easy to follow and easy to like. I can’t wait to try a full length novel of hers.

This is the type of novella you wish was longer because it's such an enjoyable read. The hero billionaire is more of a beta than an alpha, which is a nice change of pace from the usual billionaire hero romances. Max is a chemist who is all work and no play. His social skills are lacking, but that changes when he meets the generous and very kind single mother heroine, Emily. Emily runs a non-profit afterschool facility for teens. She wants to expand programs that include using dogs to help the teens and children find self-worth and responsibility. Her funding has dried up, and to expand this new program, including a bigger property, she needs to find money. She turns to Max, who she once knew when her military husband was still alive. What she didn't know was that Max had strong feelings for her, but kept them a secret out of respect for her husband and their marriage. Now that Emily has re-entered his life, and is a widow, perhaps Max can prove to Emily he's worthy of heart even though her heart still rests with her deceased husband.

Second to None is a feel good romance. There's a cute dog and cute kids, including a Prince Charming type hero who adores the heroine. There's not much angst here other than Max trying to figure out a way to be with Emily without using his fortune to push her into a relationship with her. He's beyond smitten with Emily, and watching him court her is one reason to read this latest by Nancy Herkness.

A feel good romance that will push aside the blues. Max and Emily may just be one of my favorite romance couples of 2017!

Longing was a key element that was for Max and Emily. For Max love came at a time when he could not act on his feelings. The man who seemed to have it all together was internally falling apart. Kate is a woman with a great deal of plans. Her work helps her through loss and a sense of guilt that has haunted her every waking moment. Dealing with her emotions has never come easy, but nothing worth having ever is. Ms. Herkness is a crafty storyteller. She weaves intricate tales that have emotionally challenging themes, but can seduce the most critical of skeptics to open up their hearts and minds to her brand of temptation.

I read this book through Netgalley for an honest review. It was such a sweet story. Widow who asks for help from an old friend (who has always had the hots for her - though she never knew it) Max was such an interesting person. A chemist who got very rich, was afraid of dogs (why was a disgraceful deceit told by his parents). Emily has a daughter and runs a program in Harlem for kids and wants to enlarge it to include dogs for the kids to interact with. A lovely concept. I loved this story and the ending was perfect. I highly recommend this book and will look forward to more of her stories.

Max Varela has just sold his company and made himself a billionaire when a woman busts through the door to his office demanding to speak with him. After a moment, he realizes it is the wife of a friend from his past. He had developed feelings for her and therefore severed all contact with them. She is even more beautiful than he remembers.

Emily Wade lost her husband 2 years ago and her surrogate Aunt last year. She is raising her daughter alone. She is the director of Carver Center, an after school program for disadvantaged kids, 8 - 13, in South Harlem. She applied to Max’s Foundation for funding and was denied. In a last desperate attempt to get the funds, she decides to try to use their past association to get it pushed through.

I wasn’t a big fan of Max. He was stiff, formal and standoffish. I get that he was supposed to be a highly intelligent science geek with not the greatest social skills, but it still didn’t work for me. He used his money to buy his way into Emily’s life. I didn’t feel their connection. It all felt contrived to me.

I have read a couple of full length books by this author and enjoyed them, so I decided to try this very short story. It was disappointing. The characters needed more background and the story more developed.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC provided by NetGalley and the publisher.

I like to dub Nancy Herkness 'queen of characters’ because in her novels every character counts. From heroine and hero, to their side kicks and children, to pets, farm or stray animals. Not a single character is an afterthought or underwritten but each one of them comes to life and sparkles in one way or another.

The story of “Second To None" unfolds as the blurb predicts, so there's no need to provide yet another summary. What I'd like to point out though is that the heroine Emily Wade is not your stereotype romance novel damsel in distress but a business woman in her own rights, who wants her enterprise to be successful. Bonus points for this being a non-profit one. So yes, here's to reading not only about a dashing billionaire, and smart kids and cute dogs but an interesting, full fledged woman too!

The problem with a novella is, well, its inherent shortness but since “Second To None" is the kick-off to a new series, fans of Nancy Herkness can look forward to a full length novel soonish. Maybe soon?

Holy crap not only is the cover hot but the book was just as good.
I was at first expecting a stuffy book based on what they characters did, but this exceeded my expectations. It is a book that shows if you put others first you will most certainly be rewarded. It also pulls at your heart strings. I felt I was right there in the story and the way the book was written it was beautifully put together.


** I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**

Sweet and tender short story of forbidden love and second chances told in the slightly formal writing style that Nancy Herkness is known for.
I liked it.

This was a wonderful heartwarming story. A nice easy read that makes for a perfect relaxing afternoon. Max was so sweet and it was fantastic to see him get a chance with Emily. When they first met she was married but after losing her husband in the war Emily is available and Max plans on letting her know how much he's always wanted her. They have to deal a little with guilt but if they can get past that a bright future could lie ahead. Definitely a good read I would recommend.

Review by Estella for Love Romance Books Blog

I was asked by the author for an honest review.

Max Varela is a billionaire chemist. He has decided to sell his company and leave New York for good! That is until Emily Wade storms into his help in funding her program that helps disadvantage kids and shelter dogs. Seven years ago, Max had fallen in love with Emily when she was married to another man. To fight the unbidden attraction, he cut off all contact. Max has never forgotten her.

When Emily's husband died, she poured her heart and soul into the after-school care center. When seeing Max reawakens the pain of loss, but it also brings unexpected hope for the future. They start a passionate affair that seems destined for a fairy-tale ending. That is until he reveals that he's moving Chicago in a few weeks. He wants Emily and her daughter to go with him.

I love Nancy Herkness's books. This one was no exception. This book is well written and the characters are well developed. I can't wait for the next book!

This book had a satisfactory story running through it. I liked the history that the characters shared and I loved the story with the K-9 centre.
It was similar to a Mills and Boon romance with a bit of descriptive sex in the middle. It delivered more or less what I thought it would and it kept me entertained one evening.
Thanks to NetGalley, Nancy Herkness and Montlake Romance for the opportunity to read and review this novella.

This novella was really sweet. It's one of those books that made me smile with happiness at the end. This was a very heartwarming story.

Max and a Emily met 7 years prior when Max was contracted by the military to use his polymer to use as body armor for the soldiers. Max is working with Emily's husband, Captain Jake Wade. During the short time Max is on the military base he becomes friends with Jake and Emily. He is immediately drawn to Emily and after a couple of months he realizes he needs to stay away from her.
Despite his friendship to Jake and how much he admires him, he knows he can't stay in contact when his time at the base is over. 7 years later Emily bursts into Max's office hoping he will help give a grant to the K9 Angelz program for the children center she works at. Max learns Jake died in combat 3 years prior.

First let me just say that the way the author dealt with the dead husband was respectful throughout the whole book. Max never wanted anything bad to happen to Jake. He genuinely liked him and kept his distance out of respect. When Jake decides to pursue Emily, it's done respectfully. We do hear about Jake throughout the book because Emily had a daughter with him and when Max met Izzy, that scene was very heartwarming. She asks about his time with her father and it was handled very well. I fell for Max because of that scene.

Max graduated at MIT and has become a very rich CEO, but he's lonely. He's always been lonely. He never had a great home life and his drive to change his life was strong. He may come off cold in this story but I think his character was spot on for for his upbringing. It's what makes the small moments special with him. Add in Diego, a 12 year old boy who plays a big role as a side character as one of the unfortunate children and this book almost had me crying.

For this short novella, it brings the emotions out. I look forward to more in this series. ARC provided by NetGalley.

I am a big Nancy Herkness fan so when I saw that she had a new series, Second Glances releasing I couldn't wait to get my hands on the first book in the series, Second to None. Nancy Herkness more than met my expectations with this story. Her two main characters, Max Varela and Emily Wade are so well written I felt I had met them and became friends with them. The secondary characters are well-developed as well and I especially enjoyed meeting Emily's daugher, Izzy, Diego along with his rescued pup Mario and Violet Johnson, the excellent pie baker.

This is a heart-warming story of two people reconnecting and discovering their love for each other. We also get to feel the great sense of commitment and community at the Carver After-School Center where Emily is the director as well as feeling the dedication and caring of all who work there. The idea of a K9 Angels Program where kids get to take care of and love rescued dogs at the Center is such a wonderful idea. I'd love to see this type of program implemented in inner cities across the country. Adding dogs to the storyline enhanced my enjoyment of the book. I'm sure readers will enjoy the way the very talented Nancy Herkness tells her story.

I'm a new reader to Ms. Harkness' works and after this I'll definitely be looking into her more. Second to None is a quick read perfect for readers on the go. The novella tells the story of Emily and Max, two former friends who've lost touch thrown back together through need. However, this isn't the typical Second Chance Romance or Friends-to-Lovers fare. Emily is the widow of one of Max's friends and Max deliberately distanced himself from Emily because he didn't want to act upon his feelings. While Emily liked Max as a friend, she never saw him as romance material until she needed his help to save the charity she's working for.

I liked that this wasn't typical. The right beats were there. But the tropes were played with just enough to feel fresh and new. I loved Emily's daughter, Izzy. She was a neat and fun kid with just the right amount of innocence and wisdom. Emily herself was a fun character. She wasn't afraid to admit her weaknesses but she also wasn't willing to be bulldozed. I loved that she stuck to her guns especially in the face of some pretty daunting odds. I liked aspects of Max. I liked his science background and his understanding of himself.

What I didn't like was that Max fell into the trope of "throwing money at the problems until it goes away' which is often overused in billionaire romances. I also wasn't overly fond of a few of the dog related events which happened and I had a few concerns about "white savior" in regards to the center.

However the good definitely outweighed the bad and I walked away satisfied with the story. I'll definitely be on the look out for more from the author.

I wish this story had been longer! Emily and Max were wonderful, but it seemed rushed, mainly because of the length. I love the premise and the characters were fun. I'm looking forward to the full length stories in the series!

3.5 stars

Second to None by Nancy Herkness was a quick, sweet and heartwarming second chance/friends to lovers read.

The storyline was enjoyable, I was drawn in from the first few pages and read it in one sitting.
I liked Emily and Max, they were good people with big hearts.
I was touched with Emily's compassion and how giving she was, watching her with Diego and the other disadvantages children pulled at my heartstrings. Then add the adorable puppies and I was gone.
Max took a little more time for me to warm too, he came across a little too stiff and closed off in the start. But the more time he spent at the after-school care centre and with Emily we got to see the real man behind the hard front.
These two were good together and even though I would have loved to see Max relax a little more I totally believed in his feelings for Emily and her daughter and have no doubt they would have a long and happy life together.

Overall, Second to None was a good read and a nice start to the Second Glances series. Looking forward to reading more in the near future.

*Pre-Order*
Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06...

*Thank you to the publisher for the advance copy.*