Member Reviews
The perfect rec for those who welcome a sweet, low-angst love story. I particularly enjoyed seeing Hope and Aiden at work: they are both supreme nerds and coming alongside as they researched and shared the love for their sharks was a joy.
I'm normally not a fan of second chance romance but this book was super cute! I liked the execution of their second-chance as cheating wasn't involved in their relationship rather it was just two people growing apart due to distance. I enjoyed all of the shark references and the couple's dynamic.
Second chance romance for our Marien Biologists.
Hope and Aiden are exes & what is a better way to spend time with your ex then working together on a boat … surrounded by sharks … what could go wrong lol
This was such a fun contemporary romance that explored life after a breakup when you’re still faced with life with that person.
I really enjoyed watching hope and Aiden’s relationship grow and transform throughout their summer together.
I also LOVED how cool and smart they are !!! I love nerdy main characters and who doesn’t geek out about sharks!
Truly now I wanna go to the aquarium and study sharks.
Thankyou to Net Galley for the opportunity to read this as an arc.
3.5 I really enjoyed this book. Second-chance romances can be hard to read because you don't always want to root for the couple to get back together, but this was not the case in The Second Tides the Charm. I really wanted Hope and Adrian to end up together and was mad that they kept standing in their own way. I thought the tension and 'will they, won't they' added a lot of extra fun, as well as Marissa and Gabe's characters. I did feel parts of the book went on too long, and the author spent too much time setting the scene by going into details about things we didn't need. However, it did not take away from the overall joy of the book. I did not enjoy the third-act breakup. I felt it was somewhat frustrating that they were doing the exact same thing that caused them to break up. It felt like they did not learn their lesson; it discredited their progress. Finally, I wish we had more discussion and conversation with them when they decided to get back together. It kind of seemed like 70% of the book was them apart and avoiding each other, then 10% they were back together, and then they were apart again until the last 5% of the book. The memories are the only reasons the readers believe they could work. I wish this story had front-loaded some of the memories to remove some from every single scene and allowed for us to spend more time with Adrian and Hope as a couple.
I really tried to finish this book, but it's just not working. I have been reading this book dor almost 4 weeks and I just don't see an end to their story. They keep going back to the beginning making everything so repetitive. So much repetition where we could have been getting to the end.
Their story could have been so good if written properly.
This my first time reading works from this author and I can see myself reading a book from them again. The book is based on two Marine biologists Hope and Adrian, but the way the author wrote this story the side characters have a big influence in the plot. The plot, the story and characters were relatable as well as the situation realistic. This also gave found family which is something I love in romance books and is a slow burn. All in all this was a great read
This may be my favorite representation of research in a romance I've read so far! As someone who grew up dreaming of being a marine biologist, I wish I could have read this years ago, and I am ecstatic about the potential that this has to inspire other people to do research (shark or otherwise)! I saw a lot of myself in Hope and Adrian, and I loved reading about their journey; every minute of it felt real. If I found myself wishing for something to happen at any point, it usually came up a page or two later!
Some minor issues with continuity (a side character's name changed a few times) aside, I am looking forward to reading more from this author in the future.
I spent the ages of about 8-11 wanting to be a marine biologist, and then I realized I did not enjoy biology and remembered I am terrified of swimming in open water and sharks scare the heck outta me. But it was so incredibly fun and fascinating to read a book about a girl who had that dream and did the work (and doesn’t fear the depths of the ocean) and made those dreams come true.
Hope loves sharks, and until three years ago when everything in her life changed, she was set to spend her life researching them. Looking to get back in the field she takes a summer job working on a research boat. Unfortunately the boat is owned by her ex and he is running the team. Positive she can work side by side with the man who she used to love if it means she can chase her dreams she accepts the position. Aiden had his heart broken by Hope, and now he is determined to prove he is over her by spending the summer next to her on his boat filming content for his very popular shark based YouTube channel. The two scientists might not be quite as over each other as they thought and the tight quarters and long days might be harder to navigate then they originally thought.
This book was a perfect romance novel for me. I love Hope and Aiden as individuals and together. I even didn’t mind reading about sharks and open water, which is not usual for me. This is a perfect summery read and it hits shelves August 6, 2024.
Thank you to @chandrablumberg for writing such a fantastic book. And thank you to @netgalley and @canarystreetpress for letting me read it early in exchange for a review.
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Harlequin Trade Publishing, Canary Street Press and NetGalley provided an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed here are solely my own.
The shark science content was super interesting and really added to my enjoyment of this closed door second chance romance. Hope and Adrian were likable main characters and I believed their chemistry. I would have been happy with 30% less “will they, won’t they” to help move the plot along expeditiously.
4.5⭐
A closed door, slow burn, second-chance romance between two marine biologist; I had such a good time with this!
I really loved Hope, and even though I was rooting for their relationship, I totally got why things fell apart the first time (it’s almost always the correct choice to break up with a guy because you realized you’re seriously considering compromising your education/career goals to stay near him!) Adrian was also great, and it was so wholesome how head over heels he still is for Hope. (There were a couple of times where he came off as almost insultingly overprotective, though)
There was a fair amount of “omg, just use your words!” directed at just about everybody, particularly early on, but I was having such a fun time with the marine biology stuff that it really didn’t bother me.
The shark content was delightful! 100/10. Blumberg perfectly captured the infectious enthusiasm shark biologist have for how COOL sharks are, Hope and Adrian’s passion for them felt so realistic. I know it’s not the norm for romance novels, but honestly I would love more books of the two of them being in love and thriving while doing shark conservation. Since the genre norm IS sequels about secondary characters, I will look forward to those!
Second chances, science, and sharks! Hope and Adrian, exes of several years, find themselves working together for the summer filming and sharing science content. Adrian is shocked Hope has walked back into his life while Hope struggles to balance her dreams for her career with the pull she feels toward him.
The second chance romance trope is done so sweetly in the novel, and really offers a window into how the characters are able to grow and change. The marine biology background added a great layer to the story.
I wish I liked this I really do the premise was cool. I love the idea of a romcom with shark researchers like I thought that was really cool. I had never read a marine biology romcom, but this just felt so short the steaks felt so incredibly stupid like oh no she doesn’t wanna be online because one time there was an embarrassing video of her from years ago and I just didn’t really get why they wanted to be together at all.
Thanks to the publisher, NetGalley and the author for the ARC
I usually enjoy Chandra's books but this one sorta bored me. I don;t now. I loved the STEM and cuteness over it, but something was missing. But it was light and fun
In the realm of contemporary literature, Chandra Blumberg's "Second Tide's The Charm" emerges as a captivating and poignant tale that unravels the complexities of love, second chances, and the healing power of the ocean. At its core, the novel explores the tumultuous journey of Hope Evans, a marine biologist, as she embarks on a summer research expedition aboard the vessel of her ex-lover, Adrian Hollis-Parker. From the outset, Blumberg masterfully sets the stage for a compelling narrative, introducing readers to Hope, a resilient and determined young woman grappling with the aftermath of a past relationship. Her decision to accept a position on Adrian's research boat is laden with conflicting emotions, as she grapples with the prospect of working in close quarters with the man who once held her heart. As Hope and Adrian navigate the uncharted waters of their newfound professional partnership, they are forced to confront their unresolved feelings and the lingering wounds of their past. Blumberg skillfully weaves together their perspectives, delving into the depths of their characters and motivations, allowing readers to empathize with their struggles and root for their potential reconciliation. Beyond the central love story, "Second Tide's The Charm" also shines a light on the fascinating world of marine biology and shark research. Blumberg's extensive knowledge of this field is evident in the vivid descriptions of underwater expeditions, the intricacies of shark behavior, and the importance of conservation efforts. The novel seamlessly blends scientific facts with fictional storytelling, creating a rich and immersive experience for readers. The backdrop of the ocean serves as a powerful metaphor throughout the narrative, mirroring the emotional journey of Hope and Adrian. The unpredictable nature of the sea parallels the uncertainty of their relationship, while the vastness and beauty of the underwater world reflects the potential for healing and renewal. In prose that is both lyrical and evocative, Blumberg captures the essence of longing, regret, and the enduring power of love. "Second Tide's The Charm" is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative nature of second chances. It is a story that will resonate with readers long after they turn the final page, leaving them with a profound sense of hope and the belief that love can indeed conquer all.
thank you so much to netgalley & the publisher for the arc in exchange for an honest review
i really really wanted to love this one. the idea was something new to me in romance books (marine biologists), and the cover and title instantly drew me in. unfortunately, it was a bit of a drag for me due to it being dialogue heavy. but, that is just my personal preference, and if you prefer heavy dialogue, i definitely would recommend this! it just wasn’t my cup of tea, but i’d be interested in trying this author out again in the future
I loved this book so much! It was cute, nerdy, and soo heartfelt! The characters were so captivating and personal growth of Hope, Adrian, and even his family, felt so realistic. Second Tides the Charm felt like home.
Slow Burn novels aren't normally my favorite sometimes I find myself struggling to stay interested with them. This book however had the perfect combination of interesting plot combined with Second Chance Romance, forced proximity and found family vibes that it kept me hooked.
The marine biologist turned internet influencer cinnamon roll male main character, Adrian, was absolutely adorable. The reasons behind Hope's departure from the relationship were understandable and relatable. I found myself cheering and rooting for them to rediscover their love for eachother very quickly. I enjoyed this book so much that I will have to purchase a physical copy to add to my shelves and reread.
This was one of my most anticipated books of the year and it did not disappoint. Bring on more books with MCs as zookeepers, aquarists, and wildlife biologists! This was a cute, closed-door, second chance romance between two shark researchers who never quite figured out how to make it all work. First of all, I loved how passionate both Adrian and Hope were about the sharks and how much they loved sharing their knowledge. This one had quite a few really funny moments and I had to laugh at some of the situations Hope got herself into. This would make the perfect summer read, especially if you love marine life like me! Thanks @netgalley and @harlequinbooks for my copy! This one comes out August 6 so make sure to add it to your tbr.
I’d like to thank NetGalley, Harlequin Trade Publishing and Canary Street Press for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This book had all the makings of a cute second chance romance but didn’t quite deliver. Two marine biologists both dedicated to their career with so much in common; perfect right?
The book failed to capture my attention. I oftentimes found myself bored with the storyline and it’s redundancy; making it difficult to finish.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a free copy of this book in exchange for anyone's review.
Hope and Adrian's story has so much to make it great. I mean they're exes who didn't exactly breakup but did and now might have a second chance since they're all they can think of for the past 3 years. However, the book fails to pull me in despite the author's efforts to highlight every charcter individually and even more so, show Hope's quirky mannerisms. At best this book is 2.5 stars out of 5 and that's being generous because I felt like it could have done better.