I love reading this author and was excited to read this book. We meet Dakota after she comes home because of a scandal and sees her first love, Dexter. Dakota was hesitant to become involved with Dexter again but she couldn’t stay away and he wore her defenses down. It was sad why they broke up and I’m glad they overcame that. As usual, Ms. Ryan’s writing is clear and has good character development. I look forward to reading more of this series.

This is a small town, second chance romance between Dexter and Dakota. Dex broke up with Dakota on winter break his first year of college when Dakota told him she wanted to go to Texas A&M to be with him instead of NYU like she planned. Now Dakota's back in town after losing her job so close to a promotion to her dream job of being an on-air broadcaster every day in NYC. Dex is in town, but also works and lives down the coast in Myrtle Beach, and he's determined that this is finally his chance to renew his relationship with Dakota. Only Dakota isn't really here for that. She's got enough on her plate without adding in Dex, but she can't stop thinking about him, or running into him for that matter.

This book does pining really well. Dex has been in love with Dakota forever and he tried to put it behind him and move on but he failed. Dakota knows she has feelings, but she wants to pretend they aren't there. The emotions are all there, but something just didn't work for me with this one and I can't quite pinpoint it. I never got fully invested in their story even though I think all the components were there, but I couldn't quite sink into it. Maybe I need to reread it when it's not 2020.

I am, though, so incredibly excited for the side character's to get their HEAs. Like Sin is one of my favorite side characters I've been introduced to all year. I love her so much. What a true friend. And Dexter's sister, Em, and her best friend, Nick?? Hello, yes, I'm ready for this. So, a good kickoff to this new series from Reese Ryan and I'm definitely looking forward to more! Thanks to Netgalley and Forever for the opportunity to read and review this book in advance.

CW for lingering grief due to parental death, discussion of familial strife related to parental regrets, and diabetes (Dakota's dad)

Second Chance of Cypress Lane by Reese Ryan is a good read. Who doesn't like a rekindle of first love scenario. Resse Ryan is what drew me to this book for she is one of my favorite romance authors and I am huge fan of series reading. It is so much fun to watch pairs fall in love or rekindle love in a little town. Dakota and Dexter was no different.

Although this book was a little longer than I felt was needed, I do think it longer to allow for setting up the future characters within the series. Reese Ryan's words made me feel as if I was right in Holly Grove and I anticipate reading the next book in this series. There was romance but it came late in the book; but that's okay for me because the story is my passion. The book was a little on the long side but worth it in eyes. This is my honest and humble review.

Title: Second Chance on Cypress Lane
Author: Reese Ryan
Rating: 3.5

This second chance romance story takes place in the small town of Holly Grove Island. Seventeen years is a long time to be angry, carry a grudge, or a torch for someone. When Dakota Jones andDexter Roberts returned they find life in the small town very different, They both have secrets or so they think. Characters are welled developed with a host of zany secondary characters. Some who deserve their own story, others not so sure. For me, the story was a little ticky-tacky in places.

Thank you to NetGalley, and Forever for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

#Cillasbookmaniacs #NetGalley # MamaToni #SecondChanceOnCypressLane

I can truly say I enjoyed this book. Its a first in the series and it was a tale of true love coming back around. I would definitely recommend this book its a good and easy read for a weekend or when ever you want something good to read. It was a gradual build up because the characters had to heal and uncover some things in the past. I feel as if the author did a good job at conveying the characters feelings throughout the book.

I think it might have been my mood, but I this story never grabbed me. I really wanted it to. The town is adorable. I loved Dakota's dad and Ms Lila. I just didn't get into this romance.

Thank you to Forever Publishing and Netgalley for a copy of Second Chance on Cypress Lane in exchange for an honest review.

Second Chance on Cypress Lane is available on December 1, 2020!

Dakota Jones is heading home after years away in NYC as an investigative reporter. It wasn't what she had planned but after her career exploded in her face due to a controversy with a married ex-boyfriend the only place she can seek solace is Holly Grove Island, NC. Dexter "Dex" Roberts was the love of her life and broke her heart on Christmas Day seventeen years ago. The last person she expected seeing at a festival upon her return was Dex. He was suppose to become a NFL player but an injury in college sidelined that dream and now he works for a resort in Holly Grove.

When Dex sees Dakota again he sees it as a second chance at love with her. Although he broke up with her seventeen years ago, he has regretted that decision ever since. Dakota was the one that got away and the love of his life. There is more to the story than Dakota knows for their breakup. With a job available at the resort Dex works at, he's hoping Dakota will take it to not only help reform a friendship between them but if Dex can have a say a new relationship.

This is the first book in an upcoming series. Although this book was a little longer than I felt was needed, I do think it longer to allow for setting up the future characters within the series. This is an open door romance but if it isn't for you those romantic aspects don't happen until the last fourth of the book and there are only a few scenes. Reese Ryan's words transported me to Holly Grove and I look forward to where she'll go with the rest of the series. It is also worth noting Reese Ryan is an own voices romance writer. Although this is her first in this series, she has written many other books and I'll have to delve into her backlist.

Dakota is back home on Holly Grove Island contemplating her next move and trying to come to rebuilt her relationship with her father (and come to terms with the idea that he might date again). She's not happy to discover that Dexter's back too but he's there more by choice- he's happy to be with his family. He broke up with her in high school- told her they were too young to be serious- and she's still carrying a torch. She's happy to get a job with a new resort being built but not so happy when it turns out that Dex is going to be working there as well. Hah! You know what's going to happen, don't you? I liked both Dakota and Dexter and you know what- the time apart probably did their relationship a world of good. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. This has a nice blend of the second chance dance, a little steam, and a small town setting with good characters I expect will turn up in future installments.

Dakota Jones is an investigative reporter whose career in broadcast news was finally starting to soar when it crashed because of a messy scandal. She leaves New York and returns home to Holly Grove Island, her small hometown in the Outer Banks, to hide out among family and friends and figure out her next move. Dakota doesn’t tell anyone the real reason she lost her job, unwilling to face the shame of her downfall. She had no idea that Dexter Roberts had also returned to the island, her first love who broke her heart in high school. It’s clear she still has strong feelings for him, and he for her, but can’t forgive him for their breakup.

Dexter is now an executive with a hotel resort and he’s never gotten over Dakota, even though he was the one who abruptly ended their relationship when he went off to college. He’s trying hard to at least develop a friendship but she’s not having it. Both are keeping secrets as they struggle to create a new “friendship” given that it’s a small island and they’re seeing each other daily, especially after Dakota accepts a job that guarantees that. I liked both of them as she’s smart, talented and devoted to her father who loves her unconditionally. He’s committed to his family, too, which is one of the reasons he returned to the island. And, Dexter is a really good man whose great at what he does and is full of regrets about Dakota.

First books in a new series have the responsibility of creating and developing not only the characters who will be part of it going forward but the community and setting that is an integral part of the stories. I loved the island community with its long history and stalwart residents who are passionate about maintaining its character. Dakota and Dexter have lots of friends and family that are strong secondary relationships that helped make this a lovely story. I liked the world created here in addition to the second chance romance between these two. Dakota’s unwillingness to be honest about her return bugged me but that was part of her identity that she had to confront and resolve. Dexter was a dream, despite his past and I just knew there was more to that. I really enjoyed the story, especially the romance past and present, and am looking forward to returning to this diverse and close knit town.

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Having become familiar with Reese Ryan’s work with various Harlequin series, I was excited to see she was working with Forever/Grand Central for this new Holly Grove Island series. And the first installment, Second Chance on Cypress Lane, is a sweet and cozy small-town romance, but infused with Ryan’s own unique style.

I’ve never been to North Carolina, but I love how Ryan captures what it would be like to live in a small NC town. It’s sweet and cozy, and there are some secrets that come into play with the main couple’s shared past, but it’s nothing explosive, and there’s just a general air of sweetness that actually feels genuine.

Dakota and Dex are both lovely characters, and I very much rooted for them to work things out this time around. While things in their dynamic did tend toward the overdramatic at times, I like how ultimately, Dex just wanted to see Dakota be happy and successful, and maybe their romance at the time would have prevented that.

I enjoyed this one, and I can’t wait to see what happens in the series next! If you love small town romance, romance that features Black protagonists, and/or “seasoned” romance, I think you’ll enjoy this one.

Dakota Jones and Dexter Roberts were in love in high school. Dexter went away to college in Texas while Dakota was still in high school, and over Christmas break, he breaks her heart by splitting up with her. They spend the next decade and a half apart from each other while they each pursue their career goals. After Dakota loses her job in New York in a PR debacle, she returns home to Holly Grove, North Carolina with her head hanging low. She has ignored her family as well as her best friend there, yet everyone welcomes her back with open arms when she returns. Dexter has been working in the area, but not in his hometown, but it looks like he is finally getting the opportunity to work in Holly Grove. About the same time he gets that opportunity, Dakota accepts a job working at the same resort in Holly Grove. The problem is there is a no fraternization clause with the resort, so Dexter’s plans to win back Dakota’s heart skid to a stop.

The conflicts are delineated clearly within this story. There is no doubt that each protagonist is facing choices that await resolution. The pace is relaxed, which is appropriate for this story. There were a few places where it seemed to drag somewhat, but other than that, the story flowed nicely. These characters are likeable and the story is believable in today’s world. There are some friendship interactions that add depth and understanding to the story. Unfortunately, Nick is very present in the first half of the story, and then just drops out of sight; however, Sinclair stays nearby throughout and offers insightful wisdom at pivotal times. It might be nice to see what happens to Nick and to Sinclair, but those stories may happen in the future. Regardless, things do get resolved in the end, and there are some surprising developments that add to the overall enjoyment of the story.

OMG I finished one of the most wonderful love stories right now!
So Second Chance On Cypress Lane was my first Reese Ryan book and I ABSOLUTELY ENJOYED IT!
The whole story totally could be a gorgeous Hallmark movie or something like that!
Seriously! I could all seeit in my mind while I read this book! :)
Well the writing style of Reese Ryan totally got me hooked although it's not first person. It totally surprised me in a really good way!
And now that I've read a few third person books again I kinda love it again! Yay!
Second Chance On Cypress Lane is this heart-warming and absolutely cute love story of Dakota and Dexter. Dakota has to move back to her home town Holly Grove Island to lick her wounds. Back home she also has to deal with he love of her life - Dexter Roberts. Will they have a second chance? What happened in their past together? Why is Dakota not too happy to see Dexter again?
All those questions will be answered when you'll read this book! You'll love it! Trust me!

I totally loved all those awesome characters from Holly Grove Island! If I could I'd move as well! Maybe there's a hot single guy left for me?! LOL
I adored Dakota right from the beginning and I just HAD TO FIND OUT what'll happen next!
OMG and DEXTER! DAMN! What a hottie! (I totally pictured Michael B. Jordan as Dexter FYI.) And it was so good to see what both had and how they dealt with everything that happened.
God! And all those other great characters like Sin and Em and Nick and so on! It truly felt like I was part of their world while I read this book!
So all in all I've got this warm feeling inside me because I absolutely loved this story. It leaves me with a smile on my face.
Thank you so much Reese Ryan and thanks to Forever Publishing for the ARC via Netgalley. ♡

It’s just coffee and a bagel, girl. Don’t get so emotional.

I love Dakota. She quotes Maya Angelou and My Best Friend’s Wedding. She’s smart, determined, fierce. I feel like we’d be friends 😂🤷🏻‍♀️ Her internal dialogue was literally everything I said out loud when reading. (Yes, I do side commentary on my books)

Y’all, this was so much more than just second chance lovers. We had friendships, widow father with daughter friendships, going back to your roots, small town USA, we had it all y’all! The plot was beautifully written with so many amazing and diverse characters to really make this book for literally everyone.

The steam. Oh, it’s there. It’s hot, it’s steamy, it’s pearl clutching worthy. There was such a great build up to the romance that you couldn’t help but cheer when it happened.

Y’all. Yallll. Y’all. I loved it. So much. It was so perfect for second chances, at love, and at life. Thank you so much Forever & NetGalkey for the gifted copy. This is out Dec 1st

Second Chance on Cypress Lane is a delightful first story in a new series by Reece Ryan. The setting is picturesque, the characters are warm and inviting, and people you are likely to befriend. It’s a sweet, heart-warming cozy romance between Dakota, who moved away from her small town to try to make it big as a lead news anchor and is back to recalibrate after an unfortunate incident In NYC, and Dexter, her former love who broke her heart, but is an all-around good guy. This story is a slow-burn romance with humor and southern charm and all the feel-good vibes of a truly deserved second chance romance.

I truly adored this book. The characters are wonderful and you truly can’t help rooting for them to figure it all out. There are some loving yet woefully misguided though well intentioned family members, some gone and some still here, a loving BFF who only wants the best for you, but lovingly and gently pushes you towards reality, invasive and seriously nosy towns people (a major hiccup of living in a small town where everyone literally knows everyone), lost love, secrets old, new, big and small that need to be brought into the light and so much more. Dakota has come home to Holly Grove Island to lick her wounds and recover emotionally, mentally and to figure out how to resurrect and figure out what is next for her career and life wise. A tall order in a place where everyone knows everything, there is no place to hide and Dexter, the man you thought you’d spend your life with who shattered your heart into too many pieces to count is in your face is at every step you take wanting to rekindle your relationship that ended because he was…young, stupid and a complete and total idiot. This was my first experience with this author and I am now excited to access her other works and cannot wait for the next in this series. If you’re looking for something that reflects some real life issues in a kind and loving way that of course offers a HEA this is the book for you. It was one of my favorites this year.

Second Chance on Cypress Lane is the first book in the Holly Grove Island series. In many ways, this is a classic small town, second chance romance (a niche genre that I happen to love!). Dakota Jones returns to her small hometown off the coast of North Carolina after a failed romance impacts her career as a journalist. She soon runs into Dex, her high school sweetheart who broke her heart many years ago. Dex has never stopped loving Dakota and he will do whatever it takes to win her back. I liked both characters and their romance was very charming.

There were a few things that set this book apart for me. For one, the cast of characters was very diverse. The two main characters were Black, which was a welcome change from many books in this genre. I also liked that the main characters had more interesting careers than your typical cast of characters in a small town (Doesn't it seem like they always own a cupcake shop?). Dakota was a reporter and begins pursuing a career in marketing, Dex runs a local resort. Overall, this was a sweet, easy read. I look forward to more from this author and this series!

First of all, second chance romances are my absolute favorite and this one was no exception. I had this book on my TBR list and was super excited when I was granted my request to read it through Netgalley and the publisher. Dakota came home to Cypress Lane after losing her job. Dex is her high school love that broke Dakota’s heart. He ends up hiring her.
This book was so fun and gave me all the feels. Good characterization and story flow. I can’t wait for more from this author.

I love a good second chance romance story, and prolific author Reese Ryan has penned a winner in SECOND CHANCE ON CYPRESS LANE. When the story opens, Dakota Jones, a journalist with a promising future in TV news, is facing a major crisis. She is leaving the Big Apple, her home of sixteen years, to escape to her South Carolina hometown because of a major scandal that has brought her once promising career to a screeching halt. I’ll allow you to discover the devastating misdeed that derailed Dakota’s bright future ironically as an investigative reporter. The storyline flows well, and the characterization is on-point.
If a sweet romance that highlights a second chance at love is your cup of tea, then I highly recommend SECOND CHANCE AT LOVE ON CYPRESS LANE.

Thank you to NetGalley and Forever for the chance to read an early copy of this book!

This is the first book in a new series by Reese Ryan, set on Holly Grove Island, a small town in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Our heroine Dakota Jones has come home as her life has fallen apart after a scandal that hit the tabloids made her lose her TV job in NYC. Back in her hometown, she must face all the things she ran away from years ago -- her awkward relationship with her father, and the hole left in their family when her mother died of cancer a few weeks ago, but also Dexter Roberts, the high-school sweetheart who broke her heart when in college he decided they should see other people. We get to see Dakota's character arc grow both with family and romance, and seeing how the community supports each other is one of the most lovely aspects of this charming small-town romance.

Dexter and Dakota run into each other again, of course, but then also happen to both land jobs at the new resort in town, which thanks to a strict company policy means nothing can happen between them even as the chemistry sparks, and they keep running into each other everywhere (at one point Dakota frustratedly thinks that the island should just be called Dexter Roberts Island at this point, which made me laugh).

This book was a very cozy read as we see Dexter and Dakota open up to each other about the past and we see the strong community element of Holly Grove Island. I loved the revelations of some of the later chapters--who knew lemon meringue pie could be so romantic? My favorite part, however, was the paragraph in the epilogue, which is set at Thanksgiving, which is just listing all of the delicious food they're eating, and really underlined how especially in this lonely and isolating year, how much this community of family and friends provides a wonderful and optimistic escape. I am excited to read future books in this series about the charming town of Holly Grove Island.

Dexter always regretted breaking up with Dakota all those years ago, but when she returns to her hometown and begins working for him and his friend, Nick, it seems like he could have a shot at a second chance. Dakota, never thought she would be back home on Cypress Lane, and working with her ex-boyfriend, Dexter, but she is and she is beginning to like it. A lot. However, memories of her past relationship and the reason she got fired from her job soon come to light. Will a second chance at love be in the cards for Dakota and Dexter? You’ll just have to read it to find out.
Second Chance on Cypress Lane is a cute, romantic second chance love story that will have you cheering the coupon on until the end.

I graciously received an advance e-copy from Netgalley for review. All opinions are my own.