My thanks for the ARC goes to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing, Canary Street Press. I'm voluntarily leaving a review.

Genre: Contemporary Romance
Spice Level: No sex on page, but the characters remember some intimate details, and lots of sizzling attraction
Language: A few instances of profanity
Representation: Black characters
Tropes: Second chance romance, opposites attract, long distance

*SECOND TIDE'S THE CHARM* is a delightful romance with sharks. I loved the positive Black representation!

This book warms my heart. It feeds my inner-nerd for ocean, shark facts AND a fun couple to enjoy. I could get behind and root for the characters—and not just the main characters; the secondary characters are fun and funny. I also enjoyed the puns that start with the title.

Love interests talking through their problems is on my favorite list of features in a romance—communication worked well in this book because the love interest couple needed to hash out why they separated the first time, and they needed to solve problems of how they might be able to get together again with career paths, doctorate programs, etc. Romances now have a self-awareness of the genre and expectations, which includes characters talking about things like a "grand gesture." I like this aspect because it makes the world more realistic.

There's no one really trying to keep these characters apart—it's really an internal dilemma. This works for me because most of the time, we don't have a villain working against our relationships.

I hope you love this one like I did!

Happy (fishing for swoony romance) reading!

DNF at 51%. When I read the summary for Second Tide's the Charm, I was immediately intrigued by the shark plotline. Unfortunately, I didn't feel motivated to finish the story. I didn't fully connect with the main characters. I didn't feel the chemistry between Adrian and Hope. By the 50% mark, I was over the back and forth between Adrian and Hope. For how old the characters were, they read a lot younger. I just couldn't push on and continue the story. I did like the shark bits and video recording aspect of the story. Thank you to NetGalley and Canary Street Press for the ARC.

This novel is all about second chances and growth. It was a second chance for both Adrian and Hope as in their relationship, but it was also a second chance for Hope in her career. Throughout this story we witnessed the growth between these two as they battled with their insecurities when it came to being in front of the camera, and dealing with imposter syndrome. Hope dealt with her past trauma and make sure how it didn't affect her relationship and life moving forward.

Adrian also had to face his wrong doing and we saw his growth throughout the story. The side characters were adorable. Learning so much about sharks was so fun! Also the angst in this book! AHH!! This is also a slow burn and closed door.

Thanks to Net Galley for and ARC copy in exchange for an honest review as always, all words are my own.

Second Tide's the Charm offers a compelling blend of romance and marine biology, set against the backdrop of shark research. The novel follows Hope, a marine biologist who finds herself in a precarious situation when she takes a summer job on a research boat owned by her ex-boyfriend.
The author skillfully weaves together themes of second chances, career ambitions, and personal growth. The oceanographic setting provides a unique and engaging backdrop for the story, while the focus on shark research and conservation adds depth and educational value to the narrative.
The central conflict revolves around Hope and Adrian's unresolved feelings and shared history, creating tension and anticipation as they navigate close quarters and professional challenges. Adrian's journey from heartbreak to YouTube stardom adds an interesting modern twist to the tale.
With its mix of scientific intrigue and emotional depth, this novel should appeal to readers who enjoy contemporary romance with substance. The author's use of marine biology metaphors to describe the characters' emotional journey is particularly effective, making for a read that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.
Overall, this book promises to be an engaging summer read, perfect for those who enjoy stories of love, personal growth, and second chances, especially when set against an unusual and fascinating backdrop.

Thank you to Harlequin Trading & NetGalley for an ARC of this book, in exchange for my honest opinion.

The premise of this book immediately drew me in. Sharks and a love story?? I was so excited. Unfortunately the only enjoyable parts of this story were the shark facts.

Adrian & Hope had absolutely ZERO chemistry, I mean they weren’t even suited to be friends, let alone “lovers”. Their “romance” is referred to in small flashback sentences when we learn they broke up, and when they start working together they go back and forth between totally ignoring each other, or giving each other awkward kisses, then completely acting like it didn’t happen. Not to mention these are not teenagers acting this way; they are full grown adults acting like this.

I just don’t know y’all… it was weird, they were weird, the plot line was weird.

It was a constant back and forth of let’s get back together, NO lets be friends, leave me alone!, wait I want to kiss you, now I need space, I miss you, want to hunker down together for a hurricane?, give me more space, hiii I’m back wanna try again?

The book HAD potential, sadly it was a full flop for me. It was a tedious read to get through, that was full of consistently rhetorical conservations and events. Ended the book with a giant headache. Do not recommend, wish I had DNF to save my sanity!

I happen to have a shark phobia. A legit one- I'm not just in theory scared of sharks. But I knew nothing going into this romance novel and was extremely perturbed to find out immediately that this book is not just a second chance romance on the sea... but entirely centered on two scientists who study sharks. Well fooey. Luckily for me, it did not trigger my phobia in the slightest. In fact I found it charming and sweet. This was not my favorite book this year, but it is sweet and the characters are real and try hard to communicate- they are just not very good at it in the past of the book, nor necessarily during the plot either. Three and a half stars, but rounding up because I too would like to eat seafood and watch the sunrise on the beach- just maybe without the sharks. It has some decent things to say about the uses, and dangers, of social media, too- which was nice to read in contemporary fiction. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for this unbiased opinion.

Second Tide's the Charm" by Chandra Blumberg is a thrilling adventure through the depths of marine biology and the heart. Set against the backdrop of a high-profile shark research expedition, this novel plunges readers into the lives of marine biologists Hope Evans and Adrian Hollis-Parker, whose reunion sparks sparks fly amidst the waves.

Blumberg crafts a tale of love, forgiveness, and ambition with characters who leap off the page. Hope, focused on her career and determined to keep her distance from Adrian, unexpectedly finds herself back on his research boat. Adrian, now a celebrated shark expert, grapples with both professional success and his lingering feelings for Hope.

The chemistry between Hope and Adrian is electric, fueled by their shared passion for marine conservation and the thrilling backdrop of their work at sea. As they confront their past and navigate the challenges of working together, readers are treated to a slow burn romance that's as heartwarming as it is captivating.

What truly sets "Second Tide's the Charm" apart is its immersive depiction of marine biology, seamlessly woven into the narrative. Blumberg's vivid descriptions of life aboard a research vessel and the intricacies of shark behavior add depth and excitement, making every page turn a joy.

This was honestly the cutest love story that I've read in a while. A second-chance romance that gives the word "yearning" a whole new meaning. 

Both Hope and Adrian are not over each other. And it's evident from page one. This is my favorite kind of second-chance. Because instead of having to fall back in love, they just have to figure out how to navigate pride, fear of rejection, and past hurts. 

Interjected with some pretty humorous moments along with some sweet loving scenes, Second Tide's the Charm warmed my heart and made me fall in love with this amazing couple. 

Second Tide's the Charm releases August 6th.

SECOND TIDE'S THE CHARM by Chandra Blumberg is a forthcoming second chance romance between two shark researchers! You know I love an unusual premise, and shark science communications fits the bill.

This is not a miscommunication trope, because "mis" implies that there is any at all. Hope and Adrian used to date, we're even talking about moving in with each other, but now it's been three years since the last time they talked. They didn't even break up! Just...drifted apart, like two unmoored boats. (Boat and ocean puns and jokes abound, which is great because I love a good dad joke.) But now she needs a job and is going to be working on his boat (surprise) while filming for his YouTube series (surprise again!)

A lot of the story IS about learning to communicate, which is kind of funny, since the whole point of the YouTube channel is SciCom about sharks. It's also a reminder that you don't have to pick between love and ambition, because the right person will help you move up and forward, not hold you back. And also cheerfully listen to all of your facts about your niche interest, lol.

Sadly I didn't enjoy this as much as I was hoping I would , which is sad because I usually like reading second chance romances but this one there was just something about that made it impossible for me to enjoy,

I personally did not love this book. However, I would recommend this for people for who enjoy second chance romance, nautical settings, and sharks!
Hope and Adrian have been broken up for 3 years and now they're forced to work together. There is pining, there is angst, and the tension is palpable. This is very much a slow burn so if that's your jam, you'll love it.

An excellent summer romance set main in a caroline beach town. Two Shark researchers broke up three years ago. They have not talked since the breakup, but if Hope wants back into shark research world, she will have to work with Adrian for the summer. Can she handle being around her ex all summer?

It is an engaging story with a well developed characters. I was immidiately drawn in from the first page. Also I like the positive diction of sharks as there usually a creature that gets a bad rap and is seen as scary. I appperciate that Hope and a few other side characters were paving the way. They were showing that women could be succesful in this field. Of course women can be successful in any career they choose but I apperciate seeing it represented here.

Thanks for the ARC!!

I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

Second Tide’s the Charm by Chandra Blumberg is a dual first person-POV contemporary second-chance Black romance. When Hope is fired from her temporary job at her friend’s business, she starts looking to get back into her field of shark research. She finds a job with her friend, and Hope’s ex’s cousin, but doesn't realize the job will put her on a boat with Adrian, her ex. And she's not over him.

One of the things I really liked was that Hope and Adrian’s original relationship fell apart because they both stopped trying rather than a massive blow up or one kicking the other out. They drifted apart after Hope went to go help her friend, Zuri, after Zuri’s husband died and Hope wasn't quite ready to settle down with Adrian. The lack of closure really kept the door open for both Hope and Adrian to pursue something in the future and neither totally made peace with the situation even if both insisted nothing could happen again.

I think Adrian’s POV chapters might have been my favorite. I really related to how he moved around a lot as a kid because of his parents’ careers and his need for stability as a direct result of that. I could sense hints of possible anxiety as well. I did also really like Hope’s chapters and how she slowly opened up to Adrian about what happened while they were apart over the book.

I loved that this was a romance between shark researchers. I'm always down for a STEM romance and the marine biology angle was really fun while providing a work-related reason for all the close proximity. I wasn't expecting the social media aspect or for Adrian to be internet famous, but it didn't detract from the STEM aspects. Adrian’s videos are focused on teaching his viewers about sharks and correcting common misconceptions in a way that the layman can understand.

I would recommend this to readers of STEM romance, fans of contemporary Black romance looking for close proximity or a second-chance romance, and those looking for a romance that largely takes place on a boat.

Very cute second chance romance. I loved the main couple. The side characters were fun. The marine biology/shark content was awesome.

I could have done with a little more of a climactic event, but overall it was perfectly charming!

Thanks to Harlequin and Canary Street Press for providing an advanced digital copy for me to review!

the way that the romance writing formula was executed was too thinly veiled and made the characters clunky and hard to latch onto. i’m a little sad since everything about this book seemed up my alley. hoping the finished book is a more polished reality.

Three years ago, Hope and Adrian’s six year relationship fizzled after Hope deleted her social media and long-distanced led to inaction. In the three years since, Adrian’s been building a following on his YouTube channel making educational shark content, and Hope’s been avoiding shark research at all costs. But when Hope finally decides she’s ready to chase her dreams again, she winds up back in a boat with Adrian, this time in front of millions of viewers. Can the two keep things strictly professional or will their history together rise to the surface?

Second Tide’s the Charm is a cute, closed door, second chance romance set in the world of shark research meets educational YouTube channel. In addition, to two characters that genuinely care about and want the best for one another, it was fun to learn a little more about shark science 🦈 My only slight critique would be that this story seemed to be more about Hope not only finding romance but overcoming her past and finding her way back to her career and because of that I think it would’ve made sense to just have her POV - at times Adrian’s arc seemed a bit less developed and like his POV didn’t add much. Overall, a fun summer time read!

Second Tide’s the Charm by Chandra Blumberg is set to publish on August 6, 2024. Thank you to Canary Street Press and NetGalley for the ARC!

Pick this up on August 6th and pack it as your vacation beach read because you will zoom through this swoon worthy, closed door, second chance romance. I had such a great time reading this and genuinely rooted for these two to find their way back to one another. Absolutely adorable.

‘his kisses are a promise. we have time, his pace says. we have each other, my kisses reply.’

this was such a cute book!
from beginning to end i was giggling & kicking my feet. i found myself staying up later than usual just so that i could read another chapter, and another chapter after that. the characters of hope and adrian were so easy to love, their banter was cute, and i found myself getting invested in whether or not their story was going to end in the way that i hoped it would.
sharks are my absolute favorite and the topic of them being misunderstood, loved, and studied throughout the book made it that much more enjoyable as i haven’t read another romance book with that sort of subject intertwined.
the forced proximity on the water combined with the slow burn, second chance romance made this the perfect summer read and i am so glad that i was sent this book to review as I really did end up falling in love with it from the very first page. I can’t wait to get my very own physical copy so that i can annotate my favorite moments with adorable shark stickers and highlighters in shades of blue.🦈🪼🩵

(also, adrian reading books to children at the library in his free time? i will protect him from everything that is bad in the world.)

((thank you so much to the publisher and netgalley for sending me an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.))

This was a lovely and intimate look at two MCs and their second chance romance. Their introspection into their own feelings and thoughts about their lives, their differences, and whether they could intertwine them again was so intricate and open.

I recommend this book to folks who like closed door romance and low stakes romance. It was a very cozy second chance love story.

I picked up the ARC from @netgalley, as this book was also featured in @annebogel's Summer Reading Guide. I was ready for a fun romance as a palate cleanser, especially with oceans on my brain.

However, this one didn’t quite hit all the marks for me. There was more angst than laughter. I love a good second-chance romance, and the chemistry between the protagonists was undeniable. But every special moment seemed to be followed by anxiety, making it hard for me to just enjoy it.

On the plus side, the fact that the characters are marine biologists who study sharks was fantastic! I loved seeing them blend science and social media, much like some of my favorite science influencers.

I think many readers will love this book. Anne Bogel recommended it for fans of “Love, Lists, and Fancy Ships” by Sarah Grunder Ruiz, and I agree with that comparison. I enjoyed that book and see the connection.

This book comes out on August 6th and would make a good vacation or armchair travel read.