Member Reviews
4 Moose CROWNS
That Second Chance by Meghan Quinn introduces readers to a brand new small town, filled with lovable characters and a charming atmosphere. I absolutely love the Knightly brothers.
Griffin is the oldest of the brothers and has suffered considerable loss. This story is really one about his evolution as a character and a chronicling of how he deals with grief and sadness. He is the epitome of any small town hero - charming, attractive, gentlemanly and irresistible. I was enamored.
Wren is delightful as well, a city girl looking for the quiet of a small town. Her zeal for this small town is developed with every event and moment spend with the Knightly family.
The plot did lack, for me, a lot of drama or angst. The story was pretty straight forward, and the plot was pretty straight forward, allowing me to figure out the basic plot quickly. And while that isn’t bad, I prefer to be kept on my toes a bit more.
With any MQ book, there are signature hilarious, somewhat outlandish moments, but there is also a a lot of heart. And Meghan Quinn has achieved and lovely new small town romance that will certainly have me coming back for more.
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
Listened tot he audiobook, too, and I really enjoy the narrators!
first off, i got it in my head that this didn't publish until the end of the month, so my bad for being late.
i have loved a couple MQ books and... hated a couple. i read one more that i liked, but have been hesitant to pick up another because i'm not sure which MQ i will get - sometimes she hits me in all the feels, other times the humour is just not my jam at all. when i saw this on netgalley, i requested without thinking, just hoping it would be a love or at least a like.
anywho. so the fact that this is 3 stars is a bit of a bummer, but at least i didn't hate it. honestly, i quite liked the beginning of it. it took me a hot second to place the brothers from two wedding crashers - goodness, i LOVE that book. i really liked ren and i thought the knightly family were cute (until they weren't, but we'll get there in a second). this was a definitely slow burn and i was digging it. but it kind of fizzled out for me when they finally take a step towards being together. it suddenly got super cheesy, especially griffin's dialogue. like, serious cringe. griffin's family went crazy with the meddling, in lots of not funny ways. i thought it was kind of weird. so yeah, when they start getting together is when it started going downhill for me.
on top of that, griffin's belief in the curse was just too much for me. then when ren gets hurt, his reaction is just ridiculous. and of course he thinks he is the reason his wife died. i understand grief and all that, but dude, did you really need your ex-MIL to tell you there was nothing you could have done? that it wasn't a curse that killed your wife? speaking of the dead wife, this is the weirdest dead ex trope i've read. not in a bad way, in such a non-existent way. claire was mentioned but she wasn't an obstacle or large part of this book, and that's different, at least for this trope. anywho. when i read a book with a dead ex, i want to believe the couple would have ended up together no matter what, because otherwise they'll always be second best in my eyes. and i didn't feel that here, i felt like if claire was still alive, griffin would still be married to her. so, bit of a bummer in that regard.
anywho, like i said, i didn't hate this one so sorry if it sounds like i did. it was very low angst, because sorry i couldn't take the curse or griffin's feelings about it seriously. it was sugary sweet and cute. it passed the time fine enough and i am clearly in the minority. i'm sure most people will love it. i will give the next one a go, but this one just wasn't my favourite.
I've been in a funk. Both with reading and reviewing. It has been weeks since I've been able to review a book, then I read That Second Chance. I devoured this book. I sucked up every word. My heart ached for Griffin and Ren and I wanted to know more about every aspect of Port Snow...the quaint little town that reminds me so much of the small town I myself live in. Meghan Quinn is a must read author for me. Her books just have that something special that I absolutely love. She has a way of bringing her characters to life that make them incredibly relatable, almost like you're reading about your friends. And with so many stories, we see the heroine being the one who is starting over and learning to love again, in this story, it's the male lead that is starting over. And I loved it. I liked seeing Griffin's vulnerability, we don't see that very often with our book boyfriends, or even our real boyfriends for that matter. And talk about superstitious! A New Orleans curse and a heartbreaking coincidence and he is ready to live a life of eternal bachelorhood. He is so guarded and terrified that something bad will happen, he lets it affect his second chance at happiness and love. Then there's Ren. Ren is Murphy's Law with legs. This poor girl just can't catch a break, especially when it comes to things with four tires and a motor. She's got an independent streak that I admire and is strong, witty, and handles the Knightly brothers like a pro. Finding love in Port Snow wasn't part of her starting over plan, and only she would fall for the guy who is afraid to start over again. This book was just what I needed at just the right time. It's charming, emotional, and it has 4 other brothers that we get stories about. This series just might be my favorite Meghan Quinn series yet
That Second Chance blew me away! This story is NOT a typical second-chance romance. You get so much more...second chance of happiness, second chance at love, second chance at forgiveness, and a second chance to finally be free.
Ren is a heaven sent for Griffin. You can feel the nerves of the unknown. You feel like you are falling in a black hole with these characters. I was hoping and wishing through each page. The beginning to the end will keep you mesmerized! I loved the characters! Especially the brothers when they got together. There is a whole lot of mistakes that they make, and all you want to do is whisper to them that they will be okay.
That Second Chance will keep your heart full. The chemistry and heat factor just adds to the emotions that you will go through when reading this story. Another perfect story by an amazing author! Another great series, another great addiction!!!
'She’s playful. She’s fun. She’s beautiful. She’s everything I would look for in a woman… And everything I should stay away from.'
The Knightly brothers may be Port Snow’s most eligible bachelors but after a drunken night in New Orleans, they have also become the most untouchable bachelors in town. Silly superstition or an actual family curse? It’s hard for Griffin Knightly to not believe that he’s actually cursed after the bad luck he’s had in love. Not wanting his dark cloud to dampen anyone else, he’s basically sworn off dating until Ren Winters comes to town and, quite literally, crashes into his life. She’s a breath of fresh air and he can’t help but fall for her charms. As Griffin lets down his guard and lets Ren into his heart, will she turn out to be his second chance at love or will the Knightly brother curse strike again?
I absolutely loved this book! I seriously want to move to Port Snow, Maine! This town that Meghan Quinn has created has utterly charmed me and I just couldn’t get enough. It’s been a while since a book has swept me off my feet but Griffin and Ren’s story absolutely did that. From their hilarious and unconventional meet-cute involving a suicidal moose to their sweet friendship that slowly transforms into more, I was totally smitten with these two. Ren was so sweet, friendly, and down-to-earth, she’s someone you can totally see yourself being friends with. I respected her desire to set out on her own and make a life for herself out from under the thumb of her well-intentioned yet overbearing parents. She threw herself wholeheartedly into immersing herself in her new hometown and I loved seeing all her new friendships form. Then there was Griffin, talk about swoon!! The poor guy has been carrying quite the burden for the past two years and he put up quite the effort to try and resist Ren but it was oh so much fun watching him soften toward her. He was so romantic without even trying to be, I seriously had butterflies several times while reading this. I just had so much fun reading about these two!
I’ll be honest, I’ve been feeling a little burnt out with reading lately but during, and now after, reading this book, it feels so good to be excited by a good romance again! For me, this book had everything I love about the genre. A charming small town, loveable and relatable main characters and a fabulous set of supporting characters! As if Griffin wasn’t enough of a treat, he’s got THREE amazing brothers!! Plus a great older sister and hilariously adorable parents. Not to mention Ren’s parents! There were so many laugh-out-loud moments involving both of their families. I loved this book and I’m super excited that we get to return to Port Snow and spend more time with these amazing guys in the future!
“…You got to me, Ren. You got past my defenses, and I couldn’t get you out of my head, no matter how hard I tried.”
I picked this up thinking another second chance romance, I mean that is what the title says, but take notice the title is THAT SECOND CHANCE. This is not a second chance romance in the way that is usually seen in books. It is a book about a man, who was hurt by love, severely hurt by love, opening his heart for a second chance at love. A chance at love with a woman who is full of spunky, fun, and love if he can only learn to trust that love isn’t followed by bad things.
Together Ren and Griffin are so good together. The small town setting is perfect for the budding romance. The noisy, gossipy neighbors kept me giggling. The hometown café’s were perfect for their quaint meetings. The beautiful beach was just as Maine should be, with its rocky shores. Meghan Quinn made this book come alive as I read the words. I could picture the scenes, the characters, and the heat flowing between them.
I am a fan of Meghan Quinn, I love her books, her characters, and her settings. I look forward to more amazing books by her, Pick up any of her books and fall into their wonderful stories.
The book was good, not what I expected considering I had seen so many stars. Now please do not misunderstand and think I didn't like, I did but maybe it was because I expected more that I felt like I didn't get that. I was hoping for laughter and well it was more angsty than that, not saying that I didn't laugh at times I did. I understand that Griffin had a hard time getting over his grief, I felt it and I guess I am just not a big fan on love stories where the main character can't seem to get over his spouse. I feel like they haven't moved on so they dont really fall in love with the other main character. I liked Ren, she was funny and a good person and deserved someone who would love them to distraction. Yes eventually Griffin couldn't help himself and claimed he loved her I still felt like he should have done more grovelling she gave him to fast after he pushed her away..
I loved the premise behind this book - what happens when you think your love life is cursed? This book didn't disappoint and I cannot wait to read the stories of the other Knightly brothers!!
I totally enjoyed this really lovely romance, I totally fell in love with this group of characters and the town of Port Snow. This book was a real feel good book that started of with a tragedy and a curse that shaped so many lives.
I was completely swept away in this dreamy quaint town that was by the sea. The Knightly brothers of this town are a no go for a lot of the town folk because of the curse. A curse I am total sure was a coincidence but the end of the book proves the facts in this sad tale. The events in this book are sad, funny and just cute.
I really don't know how else to say that I thoroughly enjoyed this book without ruining the while book. Anyways this book is a total recommend from me. It's a little different from others I have read by this author but sometimes a change is good thing.
I absolutely fell in love with the Knightly brothers and their little town. Griffin and Ren are sweet, funny and real. They have both had a rough few years. Griffin having lost his wife and Ren surviving a car accident . When Ren wants a fresh start and moves to a little coastal town in Maine it puts her on the Knightly brothers radar and the game begins . The family cannot stop themselves from trying to be stealth and meddle in their brother Griffin's love life. Ren soon realizes that this little town is full of love and surprises . It pulls her in and makes her fell like home and Griffin may feel damaged but she may be just the push he needs to Live Again !! I loved this supporting cast and I cannot wait to see where Meghan takes us with the other brothers!
Loved it !!!
~~Michele McMullen ~~
I truely loved this book! I loved the Knightly brothers and their Curse. Griffen and Ren were amazing. You won't want to miss this Small town romance that makes you wish you lived there.
This was so good and had me sucked in from the first page!!! Could a curse really be put on them? Once things start happening it might be the case! But how could they break it? Definitely recommend to find out! Book given to me by author on netgalley!!!
This was a fun read while it was happening, but I often felt pushed by the author to believe in this "curse". Some of the circumstances definitely felt manipulated to fit the story rather than just happening naturally. I was entertained, but then promptly lost the story. I had to look back at my notes to remember because it was just a little forgettable.I think maybe my problem stems from this being the first book in a series and as such, it had to establish the setting and the characters. I did enjoy it enough to probably read the next in the series.
I absolutely loved this book. What a gem to read. I love Ms. Quinn’s writing. Everything she comes up with just checks all my boxes. I would highly recommend this book.
I loved this book! So much so that I gave up on sleep and read into the early morning hours, with zero care being given to my beauty sleep. This book was so funny and had me giggling and swooning with the corniness that is the Knightly brothers.
Just like every Meghan Quinn book, this one was well written and the characters came alive on the pages. It was a little slow for me at the very beginning but as soon as Ren came into the picture, I was hooked.
Ren is new to town and her welcome to the town didn’t go as planned. With the help of a suicidal moose, she meets one of the towns firefighters and all around good guy that seemed absolutely perfect except for one thing… that curse that was put upon him and his brothers a few years ago. The townspeople had me rolling; I grew up in a small town and yes, people are exactly like that! The rumor mill was in full force and had me laughing at the crazy stories they came up with.
This is book one in a new series, a second chance at love story and I can’t wait for more of the Knightly brothers! Well done on another great read, Meghan Quinn! Go one-click this one if you are looking for a fun, easy read that will leave you with a smile on your face.
So much YES to That Second Chance! I haven’t read many books by Meghan Quinn, but I know sooo many that absolutely love her work. I was pretty eager to get my hands on this one since I’m such a fan of Montlake Romances. And this one completely exceeded all of my expectations out of the park.
I’ve been gravitating towards small town romances this year and the many that I’ve read have captivated my heart completely. Griffin and Ren absolutely stole mine, instantly.
Griffin .. my poor heart! Just the immense guilt he has dealt with after the sudden death of his wife. And he was constantly using the curse as a clutch to never truly be happy again. And then Ren comes crashing into his life and everything between them was just instant.
I loved everything about these two. It was a bit of a slow burn and it all just felt exactly right for their relationship. With Griffin being a bit of a knight in shining armor and this easy and laid back friendship forms between the both of them.
Ren was a heroine that I simply adored with going through an ordeal where she wanted a new start following that. She was so brave to move away from everything that was familiar. But she adapted to her new life effortlessly! She had her moments, but overall, I loved her character.
To me, this story had just the right amount of everything that I look for in a cozy contemporary romance. I loved the family dynamics with the Knightly brothers and am so looking forward to some of their stories.
I can’t recommend this book enough, it was such a great start to Meghan’s new series!
This is why I love Meghan Quinn’s books. She weaves these stories where you never know who you will run into. And it’s such a nice surprise when you do! I cannot wait to see where this series takes us. Port Snow might be my fave place yet!
Griffin, he was beyond swoony. Even his apprehensions made him more lovable. It was amazing to see him open his heart back up.
Ren, I love her. She’s funny, quirky and although she has her own set backs and walls up, she adapts. You can’t help but root for her the entire time.
Small town story with a huge heart!
Loved this book, story and characters! it was funny, sexy, swoony and amazing to read! I can't wait to read more about the Knight brothers!
I love a good small town romance. Griffin and Ren love them hard. I'm a big fan of Meghan Quinn. This one did not disappoint.
Thanks Netgalley/Montlake for the Arc
What a fun, feel-good, small-town romance! It was delightful to read and left me with a happy sigh as I closed the last page. I didn't think the whole, "cursed" thread was even necessary, though. In fact it was the only thing that annoyed me and threw me out of the plot. Griffin could have had the same misgivings without the silly curse excuse. Everything else, however, was pure escapist fun!