Member Reviews
Thank you NetGalley, Harlequin Trade Publishing, and Chandra Blumberg for this ARC.
This book is a fluffy light, Second Chance Romance, and I found myself putting it down a lot. The book had a slow start, and I pushed through it because I felt like there was more to read. I appreciate that this wasn't a miscommunication book but more about bad communication, which is not the same thing. Both characters, especially Hope, believed that she couldn’t have everything she wanted without wrapping her life around Adrian. It's a decent book, but I didn't enjoy it as much. I found myself skimming sometimes. I feel like the parts where Hope and Adrian decided to stop playing around and give in, and the times they wanted to become friends were more enjoyable than everything else. A big portion of this book felt like a bunch of ramblings and unnecessary writing. The book could have involved more of Hope and Adrian becoming friends, reconnecting, and finding themselves again, rather than constantly rambling about the past. Overall, it was an okay read, but it didn't fully capture my attention.
ope es bióloga marina, tuvo una relación con Aiden de 6 años.
Aiden, biólogo marino, sigue suspirando por Hope, pero decide que es tiempo de seguir adelante.
Terminaron su relación por la distancia emocional y física y falta de comunicación, 3 años después tienen que trabajar juntos.
Hope se fue alejando porque no quería ser como sus padres y estar en una relación en donde uno o ambos dejaran atrás sus sueños por amor. Me desesperó, quería sacudirla.
Aiden por no presionarla le dio su espacio, pero le dio demasiado espacio a tal punto que ella pensó que se había cansado de estar con ella.
Me encantó la ambientación y la información de los tiburones.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Why did I wait so long to read this?! What is wrong with me?! THIS IS PRECIOUS. I fucking loved this with my whole soul.
Thank you netgalley for the Arc, for my honest opinion. This book was so cute and fun! For months i been saying i wish someone write a book with a different profession we are so much more. Chandra delivered. Hope is passionate about sharks everything about them so much so she becomes i want to say a marine biologist. She dated Adrian a fellow shark lover. They dated for years and loved each but before thing can get too serious Hope breaks it off. Here we are year later this story in a way made me want to shake Hope because she was hopeless. Adrian was fine, instagram famous read the book for the details, made money and stay to himself. Adrian is added to my list of Book Bae i call him Sharkey. But the book was amazing.
My goodness, this story is a captivating dive into love and uncharted waters! In the sun-kissed world of marine biology, where the ocean's secrets whisper to those who listen, “Second Tide's the Charm” by Chandra Blumberg invites readers to plunge into a tale of love, redemption, and the mysteries that lie beneath the surface.
This story is a breath of salty air, blending romance, marine science, and emotional depth. With a backdrop of shark research and a past that refuses to stay submerged, this novel promises an exhilarating ride through uncharted waters. Let’s get into why it deserves every star.
Meet Hope Evans. At first glance, she lands the perfect summer job: a position aboard a shark research boat. But as every marine biologist knows, it's what happens beneath the waves that truly matters. The catch? The boat belongs to her ex-boyfriend. For three years, Hope has avoided anything that reminds her of their past. Now, she's diving back into a career that could propel her forward and perhaps offer much-needed closure.
Meet , Adrian Hollis-Parker. He is now an internet-famous shark expert with a YouTube channel dedicated to dispelling myths, has risen to success. Yet, his achievements feel hollow without his ex-girlfriend Hope. When circumstances force them to work side by side, they must navigate not only the murky waters of their shared history but also the stormy seas of their unresolved feelings.
Blumberg crafts characters who feel real and relatable. Hope's vulnerability and determination resonate, while Adrian's passion for sharks and his lingering love for Hope tug at the heartstrings. Their chemistry leaps off the page, making their journey all the more compelling.
The shark research boat becomes a character in itself. It’s a cramped, salt-streaked vessel where emotions churn like the ocean waves. The vivid descriptions transport readers to the sun-drenched deck, the scent of saltwater clinging to their skin.
The novel dives deep into the complexities of love, forgiveness, and second chances. Hope and Adrian's shared history is layered with regrets, missed opportunities, and the ache of lost love. As they confront their past, the emotional currents pull readers along, leaving them breathless.
Blumberg's portrayal of marine biology is both informative and enchanting. The details about sharks are seamlessly woven into the narrative. Adrian's YouTube channel adds a contemporary twist, emphasizing the power of education and love for the natural world.
Hope's journey isn't just about finding love; it's about reclaiming her own strength. The sea becomes a metaphor for life's unpredictability, and as Hope faces her fears, readers cheer her on. Redemption arcs are tricky, but Blumberg navigates this one with finesse.
“Second Tide's the Charm” is a tidal wave of emotions, from passionate, to heartwarming, and utterly captivating. Blumberg's writing flows like the ocean currents, pulling readers into a love story that transcends time and tides. Dive in, and let the charm of uncharted waters sweep you away.
Thank you to NetGalley, Harlequin Trade Publishing, and Canary Street Press for a temporary e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Unfortunately I don’t think this one is for me. I don’t LOVE second chance romances but I figured I’d give this one a chance.
That being said the reason for them breaking up was a deal breaker for me. <spoiler> because how are you guys in your 30s as grown adults but just let your relationship end because you DIDNT TALK. After dating for 6 years and planning to move in together and being so integrated into each others lives?? I just can’t. This is the miscommunication/lack of communication trope on steroids and I just can’t. <spoiler/>
That being said if that doesn’t bother you then I would give it a shot because it seemed to have potential.
i think this was a light and cute book! i didn't find myself majorly invested in the characters but as a science girlie i loved every second of the marine biology ! i was rooting for them to get back together!!! overall was a cute read.
thank you netgalley for proving me with an arc!
This is a cute second chance romance with the added bonus of sharks! I really enjoyed the marine biology in this book along with our two MC's Hope and Adrian. I fully admit that second chance romance is not typically a trope I love but I think the author did a great job here and I enjoyed the story. The last place I would want to be with my ex is at work but Hope and Adrian work through it and the character development was great.
Thank you to NetGalley, Harlequin Trade Publishing | Canary Street Press and Chandra Blumberg for access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This book was cuuuttteeeee! Second chance romance with an interesting marine biologist backdrop.
I felt this second chance romance was done well witha good amount of character building and backstory. I liked both the female and male main character and rooted for them throughout the book.
As a science girly myself I also enjoyed the shark facts lol
Thanks to NetGallery for a digital copy of the book in exchange for my own opinion.
AHHHH!! This one had me kicking and screaming b I loved it so much! I want to reread it over and over again! I’ve found my new favorite author!!
3 Stars! Thank you, to the publisher, for this eARC via Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion!
This was a cute read, and I enjoyed reading about Hope and Adrian’s love story. I honestly did not know what to expect when I started the novel but the description and cover art drew me in. This was an entertaining second-chance romance about Hope Evans a marine biologist and her ex Adrian Hollis-Parker also a researcher who specifically has made a name for himself on the internet for his study of sharks. I also learned a bit of information about marine biology and shark research as I was reading, which I did not know before. Honestly a cute read!
Thank you, Harlequin Trade Publishing, for this eARC via Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion! If you are into second-chance romance tropes, I recommend this to you.
Loved having Black characters who were marine biology educators - and learned a lot more than expected about sharks.
This was cute, light and refreshing read. I'm a sucker for a second chance romance so I really enjoyed this and the force proximity was a great addition. I love reading a black love stories about black people in unique career paths so seeing them work together as marine biologist was fun
I'm not usually one for a second chance romance plot, but this one threw in sharks, a little forced proximity and BIPOC rep (in a marginalized field) so I had to give it a try! The main characters Hope and Adrian are likable and easy to read, and their romance is sweet. While I personally might have loved a tiny bit more drama in their separation and reunion, I respect that this isn't that type of book! No tears need be shed, instead the experience of reading the book was sort of like watching a hallmark movie - sweet romance with bits of personal backstory, a fun, interesting occupation and setting, and of course, a happily ever after.
This is a charming dual pov romance that any second chance romance lover would enjoy. I loved reading how Hope and Adrian tried to navigate being coworkers, rekindling a friendship to both realizing that they are better together than apart. I loved the honesty and vulnerability of both characters. I also really enjoyed learning about sharks along the way! This was light and fun with two characters rediscovering themselves and redefining what love means.
Second chance romance full of angst and longing. Loved when the main characters finally resolved their issues and finally got together. Also loved the scientific elements of the story.
I reqlly enjoyed this book, and learning more about marine biology and it have two black main characters inna profession that I have never seen was so much fun. This has got me back into second chance fomance and I honestly love them together
A sweet and fluffy second-chance romance about two marine biologists who study sharks?? Obviously I was going to enjoy this! Also, the fact that the first time this couple dated, their breakup was more due to circumstances made them getting back together very realistic, because they clearly never stopped caring about each other. Honestly just a lovely read!
The beginning took me a bit to get into and I did not immediately click with the FMC, but I am so thankful I persisted because I absolutely loved how the story unfolded. The fact the initial separation of Hope and Adrian was less of a break and more of two people drifting away (especially after so much time together) felt relatable and devastating in another way.
Having the two come together after three years allowed the two to grow and develop as individuals, and although Hope initially didn't like how "different" Adrian became, I think it was important for both of them to have that time away and I appreciate the author creating that for them. And on top of all the excellent character development, how could I forget the excellence that was marine biology? It was was initially drew me to the book and absolutely loved the integration of the subject matter.
I really loved this book! Not only was it a cute second chance romance, but I also loved the storyline following her journey back into the field of shark biology. The author did a good job of factchecking information about the field and making the plot believable. Overall, this was a cute quick romance that was also a fun dive into the world of shark biology! I gave this 3.5 out of five stars, rounded up to 4 here because there are no half stars.