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First Time #3
Second Chance Husband
The First Time series concludes with an enemies to lovers romance that has been a long time coming. August and Paisley finally figure out what they’ve been missing.
The first time I got married, I watched the man I love walk away from me.
The second time around, I’m the one signing the dotted line first—this one a man who I realized I never loved.
Once burned, twice broken, I’m done looking for love.
Only my first ex-husband seems to be everywhere I turn—at my work, with my friends, and eventually…in my bed.
I didn’t mean for it to happen.
Twice.
But I know if I don’t protect my heart, there will be nothing left of me if he walks away again without telling me why he did so in the first place.
I don’t know if I can trust this new version of ourselves or if it’s merely the heat between us striking hot.
After all, second chances only exist in my dreams.
And there’s no such thing as a second chance husband.
The first time I got married, I watched the man I love walk away from me.
The second time around, I’m the one signing the dotted line first—this one a man who I realized I never loved.
Once burned, twice broken, I’m done looking for love.
Only my first ex-husband seems to be everywhere I turn—at my work, with my friends, and eventually…in my bed.
I didn’t mean for it to happen.
Twice.
But I know if I don’t protect my heart, there will be nothing left of me if he walks away again without telling me why he did so in the first place.
I don’t know if I can trust this new version of ourselves or if it’s merely the heat between us striking hot.
After all, second chances only exist in my dreams.
And there’s no such thing as a second chance husband.
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 7, 2024
About the author
Carrie Ann Ryan
254 books6,114 followersCarrie Ann Ryan is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of contemporary, paranormal, and young adult romance. Her works include the Montgomery Ink, Talon Pack, Promise Me, and Elements of Five series, which have sold millions of books worldwide. She's the winner of a RT Book of the Year and a Prism Award in her genres. She started writing while in graduate school for her advanced degree in chemistry and hasn’t stopped since. Carrie Ann has written over seventy-five novels and novellas with more in the works. When she’s not losing herself in her emotional and action-packed worlds, she’s reading as much as she can while wrangling her clowder of cats who have more followers than she does.
The Montgomery Ink World contains the following series, though each series is a stand alone and can be read in any order. Feel free to hop around:
The Montgomery Ink Series
The Gallagher Brothers Series
The Montgomery Ink: Colorado Springs Series
The Whiskey and Lies Series
The Fractured Connections Series
The Montgomery Ink: Boulder Series
The Less Than Series
The Promise Me Series
Her Elements of Five Series is her Young Adult Romance series while her other series are all adult.
Her Talon Pack series is set in the same world as the Redwood Pack series, only 30 years later.
The Dante's Circle, Holiday, Montana, and Branded Packs series are all individual series as well.
The Montgomery Ink World contains the following series, though each series is a stand alone and can be read in any order. Feel free to hop around:
The Montgomery Ink Series
The Gallagher Brothers Series
The Montgomery Ink: Colorado Springs Series
The Whiskey and Lies Series
The Fractured Connections Series
The Montgomery Ink: Boulder Series
The Less Than Series
The Promise Me Series
Her Elements of Five Series is her Young Adult Romance series while her other series are all adult.
Her Talon Pack series is set in the same world as the Redwood Pack series, only 30 years later.
The Dante's Circle, Holiday, Montana, and Branded Packs series are all individual series as well.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 148 reviews
September 30, 2024
Ultra successful Paisley has just been granted a divorce decree from her second marriage after finding out about his mistress. Sadly her social climbing mother is scheming to get them back together in spite of the betrayal, but Paisley shrugs the terrible woman off - for the moment. Deciding to enjoy her first evening of freedom from a cheating albatross, Paisley literally lets her hair down and goes dancing at a bar solo.
On a date with his friends-with-benefits work colleague, high school science teacher August’s ex wife and first love drunkenly pitches forward while staggering on stiletto heels. As he catches and steadies her, he’s feeling some type of way and is struck by how little his attraction to her hasn’t abated. After his date insists he ensures Paisley makes it home safely, August finds himself in the uncomfortable position of having to carry a passed out Paisley into his home for the night.
Hungover and emotionally exhausted, waking up in her first love’s home is a bridge too far for Paisley. Although best friends and work partners with two of August’s sisters in law, Paisley has nevertheless been adept at staying politely away from August. Forced in proximity with him, she’s overwhelmed by suppressed feelings and rescues herself with an Uber.
Fate, however, isn’t done messing with her, and Paisley finds herself in August’s orbit repeatedly in the subsequent weeks and months. The pair cant resist their overwhelming attraction to each other, and they become intimate, especially when emotions run high. August wants to keep things casual, fearful of becoming like his narcissistic mother and father who always chose each other over their children despite years of betrayals and infidelities. Paisley on the other hand refuses to accept anything less than that which she deserves.
How on earth will they resolve their difference of opinion? How awkward are family get togethers going to become?
This was an enjoyable, sexy novel from the wonderful mind of Carrie Ann Ryan, with horrible parents and wonderful siblings whose dysfunctional upbringings have forged them into excellent support human beings. It’s steamy and there’s some satisfying moments where Paisley delivers two memorable set downs to her mother and her second ex husband.
I was fortunate to have received an advance reader copy from the author, and I’m pleased to share my honest review.
On a date with his friends-with-benefits work colleague, high school science teacher August’s ex wife and first love drunkenly pitches forward while staggering on stiletto heels. As he catches and steadies her, he’s feeling some type of way and is struck by how little his attraction to her hasn’t abated. After his date insists he ensures Paisley makes it home safely, August finds himself in the uncomfortable position of having to carry a passed out Paisley into his home for the night.
Hungover and emotionally exhausted, waking up in her first love’s home is a bridge too far for Paisley. Although best friends and work partners with two of August’s sisters in law, Paisley has nevertheless been adept at staying politely away from August. Forced in proximity with him, she’s overwhelmed by suppressed feelings and rescues herself with an Uber.
Fate, however, isn’t done messing with her, and Paisley finds herself in August’s orbit repeatedly in the subsequent weeks and months. The pair cant resist their overwhelming attraction to each other, and they become intimate, especially when emotions run high. August wants to keep things casual, fearful of becoming like his narcissistic mother and father who always chose each other over their children despite years of betrayals and infidelities. Paisley on the other hand refuses to accept anything less than that which she deserves.
How on earth will they resolve their difference of opinion? How awkward are family get togethers going to become?
This was an enjoyable, sexy novel from the wonderful mind of Carrie Ann Ryan, with horrible parents and wonderful siblings whose dysfunctional upbringings have forged them into excellent support human beings. It’s steamy and there’s some satisfying moments where Paisley delivers two memorable set downs to her mother and her second ex husband.
I was fortunate to have received an advance reader copy from the author, and I’m pleased to share my honest review.
October 11, 2024
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.In "Second Chance Husband," Ryan delves into the of complexities of reigniting love post-divorce. The forced proximity trope, intertwined with the theme of heartbreak, promises to lead readers through an emotional journey.
"Second Chance Husband" marks the conclusion of the "First Time" series. Even without reading the earlier books, the story was easy to follow. Yet, the experience of reading "Second Chance Husband" sparked an interest in exploring the first two installments of the series.
The story opens with Paisley putting finalizing her divorce from her second spouse. In a spirited celebration of her fresh start, she ventured out alone for a night of dancing and revelry. However, the evening took a turn when she overindulged and inadvertently interrupted her first ex-husband's date. In a twist of fate, he escorted her home, not only ensuring her safety but also offering her a quiet place to recover from the night's overindulgence.
August and Paisley still love each other. They've successfully avoided one another, despite the challenge of her best friends marrying his brothers. But an upcoming family vacation will test their restraint, as they succumb to their deep-seated passion. Yet, lurking fears and the shadow of toxic parent's loom, threatening to destroy everything.
Right from the beginning, it's clear to the reader that August's abrupt end to his marriage left everyone baffled. The married young so its possible immaturity played a role. Yet, as the story unfolds, revealing the true motive, one understands that August's choice stemmed from both fear and love—a fear of hindering her potential and a love that yearned for her success. Moreover, the influence of their parents' actions cannot be overlooked in shaping this outcome. A standout scene for me is when Paisley courageously confronts her mother, marking a truly memorable moment in the story.
August is an amazing individual, yet when it comes to love, his self-confidence vanishes. Haunted by the possibility of repeating his parents' mistakes, this fear nearly cost him a chance of happiness. I've got a soft spot for August, but there were moments in his journey that made me wish I could give him a wake-up call. Communicating with Paisley could have spared him a world of emotional turmoil and pain.
"Second Chance Husband" is a must-read for those who adore second chance romances coupled with the forced proximity trope. The story showcases how past love reignites in the most unexpected ways, proving that sometimes, proximity can mend fences and heal hearts. "Second Chance Husband" promises to captivate readers with its blend of passion, drama, and the sweetness of love's redemption.This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading
"Second Chance Husband" marks the conclusion of the "First Time" series. Even without reading the earlier books, the story was easy to follow. Yet, the experience of reading "Second Chance Husband" sparked an interest in exploring the first two installments of the series.
The story opens with Paisley putting finalizing her divorce from her second spouse. In a spirited celebration of her fresh start, she ventured out alone for a night of dancing and revelry. However, the evening took a turn when she overindulged and inadvertently interrupted her first ex-husband's date. In a twist of fate, he escorted her home, not only ensuring her safety but also offering her a quiet place to recover from the night's overindulgence.
August and Paisley still love each other. They've successfully avoided one another, despite the challenge of her best friends marrying his brothers. But an upcoming family vacation will test their restraint, as they succumb to their deep-seated passion. Yet, lurking fears and the shadow of toxic parent's loom, threatening to destroy everything.
Right from the beginning, it's clear to the reader that August's abrupt end to his marriage left everyone baffled. The married young so its possible immaturity played a role. Yet, as the story unfolds, revealing the true motive, one understands that August's choice stemmed from both fear and love—a fear of hindering her potential and a love that yearned for her success. Moreover, the influence of their parents' actions cannot be overlooked in shaping this outcome. A standout scene for me is when Paisley courageously confronts her mother, marking a truly memorable moment in the story.
August is an amazing individual, yet when it comes to love, his self-confidence vanishes. Haunted by the possibility of repeating his parents' mistakes, this fear nearly cost him a chance of happiness. I've got a soft spot for August, but there were moments in his journey that made me wish I could give him a wake-up call. Communicating with Paisley could have spared him a world of emotional turmoil and pain.
"Second Chance Husband" is a must-read for those who adore second chance romances coupled with the forced proximity trope. The story showcases how past love reignites in the most unexpected ways, proving that sometimes, proximity can mend fences and heal hearts. "Second Chance Husband" promises to captivate readers with its blend of passion, drama, and the sweetness of love's redemption.This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading
October 8, 2024
These two just broke my heart. But I totally loved August and Paisley’s story. While heartbreaking, we get to find out their backstory, telling us where things went wrong for them.
August is living his life as a chemistry high school teacher, I loved his interactions with his students, wish I’d had a teacher like that. Paisley is on her way to take over the world, well in her corner of the world, but she’s a bad a$$ business woman, I want to grow up to be just like her.
August and Paisley will have to find a way to co-exist because they have family between them. And oh boy once they find themselves co-existing in a hotel suite, they let their inhibitions lose and let that chemistry between them explode. I could not stop reading until I turned to the last page. The last book in the series ties everything together and we get to see the rest of the family and how they are doing, so good to see them all involved in each other's lives.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
August is living his life as a chemistry high school teacher, I loved his interactions with his students, wish I’d had a teacher like that. Paisley is on her way to take over the world, well in her corner of the world, but she’s a bad a$$ business woman, I want to grow up to be just like her.
August and Paisley will have to find a way to co-exist because they have family between them. And oh boy once they find themselves co-existing in a hotel suite, they let their inhibitions lose and let that chemistry between them explode. I could not stop reading until I turned to the last page. The last book in the series ties everything together and we get to see the rest of the family and how they are doing, so good to see them all involved in each other's lives.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
October 9, 2024
4.5 Second Chance Stars
This has been a fun trilogy. I enjoyed getting to know Greer's brothers (Greer's story can be found in Best Friend Temptation) and their kooky parents. In this final installment of the First Time Series, which follows the Cassidy brothers, we have August Cassidy and Piper Cassidy Renee, who were married years ago but sadly ended in divorce. The question has always been why their marriage ended. No one knew, including Piper. August finally lets the truth of the demise of their marriage come out, as well as the fact that he never stopped loving her even though he's been acting as if he hates her since they reconnected when he moved to Denver, where she is currently living.
Carrie Ann Ryan takes readers on a journey as we watch two people come together again after so much pain and heartache and get what they both need: one another. This story will pull at your heartstrings one minute, have you laughing another, and then want to throw your Kindle across the room a few minutes later. I loved the ride and didn't want it to end.
𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒖𝒆 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒎𝒚 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘 𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 ➡ https://bit.ly/NBReviewSCH
**I have voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book for my Blog, Nadine's Obsessed with Books
You can find me here: Nadine Bookaholic's Links
This has been a fun trilogy. I enjoyed getting to know Greer's brothers (Greer's story can be found in Best Friend Temptation) and their kooky parents. In this final installment of the First Time Series, which follows the Cassidy brothers, we have August Cassidy and Piper Cassidy Renee, who were married years ago but sadly ended in divorce. The question has always been why their marriage ended. No one knew, including Piper. August finally lets the truth of the demise of their marriage come out, as well as the fact that he never stopped loving her even though he's been acting as if he hates her since they reconnected when he moved to Denver, where she is currently living.
Carrie Ann Ryan takes readers on a journey as we watch two people come together again after so much pain and heartache and get what they both need: one another. This story will pull at your heartstrings one minute, have you laughing another, and then want to throw your Kindle across the room a few minutes later. I loved the ride and didn't want it to end.
𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒖𝒆 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒎𝒚 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘 𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 ➡ https://bit.ly/NBReviewSCH
You can find me here: Nadine Bookaholic's Links
October 7, 2024
This story was an emotional roller coaster of a ride! Paisley and August have so much chemistry, but sometimes past traumas and insecurities can override passion. The story of how these two come back together is so much more than simply saying this is a second chance romance. These two get married while they’re young, and August divorces her not too long after. Paisley moves on and remarries, but it’s after her second divorce that she’s thrown back into August’s life. These two have a lot to hash out and work through. I loved Paisley’s recognition of her self worth, and what she deserves in a relationship. The push and pull between them was fantastic! Absolutely recommend this if you’re a fan of second chance romance.
October 7, 2024
The final book in the series and we find these siblings as feisty as ever. It’s August’s turn to accept his past and rekindle his love for his ex-wife. With tumultuous emotions and filled with dysfunctional relationships this book brings all the feels with reconciliation, humour, friendship and love. A great end to the series.
October 6, 2024
I enjoyed this book. August and Paisley's second chance romance is a genuine rollercoaster ride for your own heart. Heart, emotions, drama, spice, swoon, feels and family are all woven skillfully into this seductive tale that moved me deeply.
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December 5, 2024• 05/12/24 | (k)
___________________________
August Cassidy
Paisley Cassidy
___________________________
August Cassidy
Paisley Cassidy
October 7, 2024
Second Chance Husband (First Time #3) is an enemies to lovers romance.
Paisley and August’s love story was a good second chance romance. You could tell their chemistry never wavered despite years apart. A nice bit of drama and steamy moments. I enjoyed the family dynamic.
Gregory Salinas did a really good job narrating August. Jo Raylan also did a good job, but I wasn’t a fan of her narrating Paisley.
Paisley and August’s love story was a good second chance romance. You could tell their chemistry never wavered despite years apart. A nice bit of drama and steamy moments. I enjoyed the family dynamic.
Gregory Salinas did a really good job narrating August. Jo Raylan also did a good job, but I wasn’t a fan of her narrating Paisley.
October 7, 2024
I loved Paisley & August and didn’t want their story to end! Both had unpleasant childhoods neither with good parental support yet were able to overcome their upbringing to become successful in their individual careers. Paisley’s mother was intent on forcing Paisley to do her bidding and marry wealth so that she (the mother) could live the life she dreamed of even if it meant Paisley was unhappy.
August’s family knew these two still cared about each other and belonged together. His brothers and sister and their spouses patiently waited for them to find their way back to each other. They were supportive but not intrusive. Well, maybe once the siblings engineered a match up!
Can’t wait to read the other books in the series and hope Greer gets her only story!
August’s family knew these two still cared about each other and belonged together. His brothers and sister and their spouses patiently waited for them to find their way back to each other. They were supportive but not intrusive. Well, maybe once the siblings engineered a match up!
Can’t wait to read the other books in the series and hope Greer gets her only story!
October 7, 2024
Universal
Paisley just signed the papers for her SECOND divorce, and she wants to feel like a different woman for once. So she's off to a bar to drown her sorrows. Unfortunately for her, her FIRST husband is there with his girlfriend and ends up being the one to take her to his home to give her a place to sleep it off. She's never gotten over August, he's the man she compared everyone else to, including her second husband. But now she's a free woman, so she can go back to her lonely but successful life, avoid August as much as possible, which really isn't much considering she's besties with his sisters-in-law, and try to keep her scheming mother off her back. She underestimated the physical connection she and August have, though, and they keep coming back to each other in a destructive cycle sure to break her heart all over again. Will this be a second chance possibly? Is August ever going to tell her why he left her before and why he can't leave her alone now?
August had very good reasons for divorcing Paisley when they were so young and in love. He thought he had gotten over her since then, but then she storms back into his life one night and now he can't seem to leave her alone even though he knows damn well he's not any better for her now than he was back then. But if he can take his head out of his ass, he might see that now is the time for their second chance. That they're different people now, mature and they can have the life together they wanted back then.
Oh my God these two! I wanted to smack them so hard so many freaking times, but at the same time I sympathized with them, because they really did still love each other. They just needed to communicate better, and lay it all on the line so that they could finally be on the same page. August in particular's hot and cold, push and pull nonsense drove me nuts, but I also wanted to give him a big hug (after I smacked him) and tell him he really wasn't the man he had thought, that he deserved love, he deserved Paisley, and he deserved happiness. And poor Paisley...she had it rough. Her mother was absolutely horrible, the kind of mother no one deserves, and it had done a number on her psyche. I loved it when she finally stood up to her and her ex, and became the boss woman she was in the office. She and August are such a great way to end this series, all their highs and lows, their rollercoaster love story, and their seriously hot chemistry - they're a perfect example of why I love second chance stories so much.
ARC provided by the author for an honest review.
Review: Live Through Books Blog.
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October 1, 2024
My review is written after listening to the audio version of this book.
I have loved every book in this series all of which have featured Paisley and August, we've always known that they were once married but we have never known why they divorced. We, the readers, are not the only ones neither Paisley nor August's siblings have any idea why, only August knows and he has never said.
At the start of this book, Paisley has just been granted a divorce decree ending her marriage to her second husband James after finding out he has a long-standing mistress. She decides to celebrate her first evening of freedom by going line-dancing at a bar solo where she imbibes one too many drinks.
August happens to be in the same bar on a date with his girlfriend when his Paisley nearly falls as she staggers on her heels. His date insists he ensures Paisley gets home safely, August agrees to take her home but when she passes out he has no way to ask where she lives and so finds himself uncomfortably carrying her into his home where she spends the night in his spare room.
When Paisley wakes up in August’s home, emotionally exhausted and hungover it's all too much for her. August’s two sisters-in-law are her work partners and best friends but so far she's managed to keep herself at a distance from August even though they are married to his brothers. But a long-arranged family vacation forces them to share a suite where the proximity to him and feelings long denied overwhelm her and she calls an Uber and leaves.
August and Paisley find themselves repeatedly in each other's orbit in the weeks and months that follow their aborted vacation and their overwhelming attraction to each other becomes impossible to deny. Their emotions run deep and they become intimate but August wants to keep things casual because he fears repeating the mistakes of his narcissistic parents who always chose each other over their children despite infidelities on both sides divorcing then marrying again then divorcing. But he doesn't tell Paisley of his feelings or fears. Paisley knows that she's never stopped loving August but she refuses to accept anything less than the full commitment she feels she deserves.
Is there any way they can resolve their situation before the whole family is forced to take sides, just how difficult will future family get-togethers become? Add to this her social-climbing, scheming mother and James, her ex trying to get her to remarry him. You can't help but admire Paisley when she finally puts them both in their place.
I loved this story, it's a sexy, steamy, emotional, enjoyable rollercoaster full of characters we have come to know who now feel like friends. There is angst, chemistry, happiness and sadness but most of all there is love, love between siblings, love between partners, love between friends and we finally find out why August left her all those years ago.
The narration is by Gregory Salinas and Jo Raylan who both do a good job of bringing the characters to life.
I have loved every book in this series all of which have featured Paisley and August, we've always known that they were once married but we have never known why they divorced. We, the readers, are not the only ones neither Paisley nor August's siblings have any idea why, only August knows and he has never said.
At the start of this book, Paisley has just been granted a divorce decree ending her marriage to her second husband James after finding out he has a long-standing mistress. She decides to celebrate her first evening of freedom by going line-dancing at a bar solo where she imbibes one too many drinks.
August happens to be in the same bar on a date with his girlfriend when his Paisley nearly falls as she staggers on her heels. His date insists he ensures Paisley gets home safely, August agrees to take her home but when she passes out he has no way to ask where she lives and so finds himself uncomfortably carrying her into his home where she spends the night in his spare room.
When Paisley wakes up in August’s home, emotionally exhausted and hungover it's all too much for her. August’s two sisters-in-law are her work partners and best friends but so far she's managed to keep herself at a distance from August even though they are married to his brothers. But a long-arranged family vacation forces them to share a suite where the proximity to him and feelings long denied overwhelm her and she calls an Uber and leaves.
August and Paisley find themselves repeatedly in each other's orbit in the weeks and months that follow their aborted vacation and their overwhelming attraction to each other becomes impossible to deny. Their emotions run deep and they become intimate but August wants to keep things casual because he fears repeating the mistakes of his narcissistic parents who always chose each other over their children despite infidelities on both sides divorcing then marrying again then divorcing. But he doesn't tell Paisley of his feelings or fears. Paisley knows that she's never stopped loving August but she refuses to accept anything less than the full commitment she feels she deserves.
Is there any way they can resolve their situation before the whole family is forced to take sides, just how difficult will future family get-togethers become? Add to this her social-climbing, scheming mother and James, her ex trying to get her to remarry him. You can't help but admire Paisley when she finally puts them both in their place.
I loved this story, it's a sexy, steamy, emotional, enjoyable rollercoaster full of characters we have come to know who now feel like friends. There is angst, chemistry, happiness and sadness but most of all there is love, love between siblings, love between partners, love between friends and we finally find out why August left her all those years ago.
The narration is by Gregory Salinas and Jo Raylan who both do a good job of bringing the characters to life.
October 6, 2024
'Country western anthems are written about women like Paisley Renee, loved them and lost them, didn't love them and left them, but in the end learned that she really didn't need them, she was enough and when the time was right, real love would come without looking.'
The Cassidy siblings have not had great examples for how a relationship should properly function. Their parents, Julia and Gerald, have been married and divorced two times and are planning their third wedding. To make matters worse, each time the Cassidy's split, their children would also be forced to separate. Their mother would take their sister Greer to live with her while all three boys lived with their father.
At one time August Cassidy thought he had found the woman of his dreams. He and Paisley had married young. They had also divorced young. He was a high school chemistry teacher. It was all he wanted to be. Could he have done more with his Chemistry degree, of course, but teaching was it for him. Paisley was going places. She was dedicated, had drive, was ambitious and smart. She was destined to be a success. That was why August had walked away from their marriage; he never wanted to bring her down.
Paisley Cassidy Renee was a multi-millionaire before the age of thirty. Was she incredibly successful in her business dealings? Yes. Sadly, wealth and success alone does not make for a happy life. Having just signed the divorce papers for her second marriage, Paisley vows to never get married again. She obviously is a failure in love and she never wanted to be like Julia and Gerald Cassidy; thrice married and thrice divorced. Unfortunately for Paisley, her two best friends have married the brothers of her first husband, August. When everyone gets together, Paisley and August must make nice and be social. The sad truth is that there is a reason that Paisley never dropped 'Cassidy' from her name, she never stopped loving August.
More than enemies to lovers, 'Second Chance Husband' is a lovers to enemies to lovers romance. I absolutely love Paisley. She is the exact right mix of ice queen, doting auntie, and loving friend. She is a philanthropist who strives to make others just as successful in life as she has come to be. At the same time she is not going to let anyone change her for their own life purposes. August is a little tougher to love. When he left Paisley he didn't actually do it in the best manner. He never explained why. I will admit, the scenes in the book with him and his two adorable nieces melted my heart; he is wrapped around those girls fingers. I also loved that even though he and Paisley were not on the best of terms, August stuck up for Paisley and went very alpha male when he discovered what a true jerk her second husband had been. This is the series finale and I am glad for the happily-ever-afters, I am sad to see we have come to the end. The Cassidy's went out with a bang and my favorite trope of all time, a true enemies to lovers story.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The Cassidy siblings have not had great examples for how a relationship should properly function. Their parents, Julia and Gerald, have been married and divorced two times and are planning their third wedding. To make matters worse, each time the Cassidy's split, their children would also be forced to separate. Their mother would take their sister Greer to live with her while all three boys lived with their father.
At one time August Cassidy thought he had found the woman of his dreams. He and Paisley had married young. They had also divorced young. He was a high school chemistry teacher. It was all he wanted to be. Could he have done more with his Chemistry degree, of course, but teaching was it for him. Paisley was going places. She was dedicated, had drive, was ambitious and smart. She was destined to be a success. That was why August had walked away from their marriage; he never wanted to bring her down.
Paisley Cassidy Renee was a multi-millionaire before the age of thirty. Was she incredibly successful in her business dealings? Yes. Sadly, wealth and success alone does not make for a happy life. Having just signed the divorce papers for her second marriage, Paisley vows to never get married again. She obviously is a failure in love and she never wanted to be like Julia and Gerald Cassidy; thrice married and thrice divorced. Unfortunately for Paisley, her two best friends have married the brothers of her first husband, August. When everyone gets together, Paisley and August must make nice and be social. The sad truth is that there is a reason that Paisley never dropped 'Cassidy' from her name, she never stopped loving August.
More than enemies to lovers, 'Second Chance Husband' is a lovers to enemies to lovers romance. I absolutely love Paisley. She is the exact right mix of ice queen, doting auntie, and loving friend. She is a philanthropist who strives to make others just as successful in life as she has come to be. At the same time she is not going to let anyone change her for their own life purposes. August is a little tougher to love. When he left Paisley he didn't actually do it in the best manner. He never explained why. I will admit, the scenes in the book with him and his two adorable nieces melted my heart; he is wrapped around those girls fingers. I also loved that even though he and Paisley were not on the best of terms, August stuck up for Paisley and went very alpha male when he discovered what a true jerk her second husband had been. This is the series finale and I am glad for the happily-ever-afters, I am sad to see we have come to the end. The Cassidy's went out with a bang and my favorite trope of all time, a true enemies to lovers story.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 2, 2024
Welcome back to Colorado…and the Cassidy brothers…and by extension the Montgomerys.
Second Chance Husband is the final book in the First Time Series, and is August & Paisley’s story. The title of the book gives one of the tropes of the book: second-chance romance. This is also a semi enemies to lovers story.
The reason why I’m saying ‘semi’…is that I felt like August & Paisley didn’t really ‘hate’ each other…there’s just secrets…and miscommunication…and family drama.
While August was introduced in Greer’s book (Best Friend Temptation—which is the fourth book in the Montgomery Ink Legacy series), Paisley was introduced in Good Time Boyfriend (which was Heath’s & Denvey’s book—the first one in this ‘trilogy’).
It was a shock for Paisley & the Cassidy brothers to realize that they were again living in the same city…and it was a shock for Greer to learn that one of her brothers had been married & then divorced.
So…what happens?
Over the course of the previous two books—Paisley becomes fast friends with not only Greer, but Heath’s & Luca’s girlfriends (turned wives)…and become part of the Cassidy family again…but on the ‘outside’ looking in.
Throw in another not-so great marriage & quick divorce…and we find Paisley trying to be someone different for a night…
Cue bumping into a certain someone out on a date…and things become slightly awkward.
Then there’s the “family” vacation that she’s been invited to go on…where things…well let’s just say things ‘progress’…
Throw in some not so great parents…and really sleazy ex…and the ‘truth’ about why they divorced years ago…and you’ve got some Cassidy family drama that can rival the Montgomery family drama at times.
Will Paisley & August get their happily-ever-after? Can they deal with obnoxious parents & sleazy exes? The answers can be found within the pages of Second Chance Husband. While I’m sad that this series is ending…I know that we’ll see these characters popping in briefly within other books within the greater Montgomery Ink world. Because once you’re “adopted” by the Montgomerys—there’s no escape…you become an honorary Montgomery.
Second Chance Husband is a five out of five star read, and I highly recommend. Actually—I recommend all of Carrie Ann Ryan’s Montgomery Ink, Montgomery Ink Legacy, and all spin off series. You can jump into the world at any point with any book/series…and then slowly start moving around in the world by reading any of the other series in this extremely large world.
Second Chance Husband will be available Monday, October 7 for purchase…so—preorder the book, take the day off of work…get a hot (or cold) drink, a comfy chair & curl up…head back to Denver to visit the Cassidy brothers, and their families.
Second Chance Husband is the final book in the First Time Series, and is August & Paisley’s story. The title of the book gives one of the tropes of the book: second-chance romance. This is also a semi enemies to lovers story.
The reason why I’m saying ‘semi’…is that I felt like August & Paisley didn’t really ‘hate’ each other…there’s just secrets…and miscommunication…and family drama.
While August was introduced in Greer’s book (Best Friend Temptation—which is the fourth book in the Montgomery Ink Legacy series), Paisley was introduced in Good Time Boyfriend (which was Heath’s & Denvey’s book—the first one in this ‘trilogy’).
It was a shock for Paisley & the Cassidy brothers to realize that they were again living in the same city…and it was a shock for Greer to learn that one of her brothers had been married & then divorced.
So…what happens?
Over the course of the previous two books—Paisley becomes fast friends with not only Greer, but Heath’s & Luca’s girlfriends (turned wives)…and become part of the Cassidy family again…but on the ‘outside’ looking in.
Throw in another not-so great marriage & quick divorce…and we find Paisley trying to be someone different for a night…
Cue bumping into a certain someone out on a date…and things become slightly awkward.
Then there’s the “family” vacation that she’s been invited to go on…where things…well let’s just say things ‘progress’…
Throw in some not so great parents…and really sleazy ex…and the ‘truth’ about why they divorced years ago…and you’ve got some Cassidy family drama that can rival the Montgomery family drama at times.
Will Paisley & August get their happily-ever-after? Can they deal with obnoxious parents & sleazy exes? The answers can be found within the pages of Second Chance Husband. While I’m sad that this series is ending…I know that we’ll see these characters popping in briefly within other books within the greater Montgomery Ink world. Because once you’re “adopted” by the Montgomerys—there’s no escape…you become an honorary Montgomery.
Second Chance Husband is a five out of five star read, and I highly recommend. Actually—I recommend all of Carrie Ann Ryan’s Montgomery Ink, Montgomery Ink Legacy, and all spin off series. You can jump into the world at any point with any book/series…and then slowly start moving around in the world by reading any of the other series in this extremely large world.
Second Chance Husband will be available Monday, October 7 for purchase…so—preorder the book, take the day off of work…get a hot (or cold) drink, a comfy chair & curl up…head back to Denver to visit the Cassidy brothers, and their families.
October 6, 2024
Out of the three books in this series, Second Chance Husband has certainly been my favorite. I absolutely adore August and his selfless heart. I love Paisley too. She is a strong business woman who strives to help other, but she has been unlucky in the love department.
If you have read the first two books in this series, then you know that August and Paisley were married before and he just up and left without an explanation. It has been touched on previously, but we still do not know the reason. From the few interactions between them, you can see there is still a spark between them.
Paisley is best friends and work colleges with August's sisters-in-law. This puts August and Paisley in each others orbit quite frequently. One night, after signing off on her second divorce, Paisley decides to let her hair down and go out dancing, only to literally fall into the arms of her first ex husband, when she has had way too much to drink. August's date insists that he take Paisley home and make sure she gets there safely. Only August doesn't know where she lives and ends up bringing her back to his place to sleep it off. As he carries her passed out body, he is struck by how his feelings for her have not gone away. As Paisley wakes up in August's home, she too is reminded of what she lost.
I really enjoyed seeing the romance reignite between these two. They were constantly finding themselves around each other and the attraction was extremely strong. Carrie Ann does a great job of building the heat between these two and as I said I loved August so much. I just wanted to hug him. This is the last book in this series and you can read it without reading the others, but I recommend that you read the other two first to fully understand these two. The families they come from are selfish people who think nothing of how their children will feel in any given situation, so to see August and Paisley come out as good people with good hearts is heart warming. Paisley even gives a great beat down to both her mother and her second ex husband and I was here for it.
I received this book as an ARC and this is my honest review.
If you have read the first two books in this series, then you know that August and Paisley were married before and he just up and left without an explanation. It has been touched on previously, but we still do not know the reason. From the few interactions between them, you can see there is still a spark between them.
Paisley is best friends and work colleges with August's sisters-in-law. This puts August and Paisley in each others orbit quite frequently. One night, after signing off on her second divorce, Paisley decides to let her hair down and go out dancing, only to literally fall into the arms of her first ex husband, when she has had way too much to drink. August's date insists that he take Paisley home and make sure she gets there safely. Only August doesn't know where she lives and ends up bringing her back to his place to sleep it off. As he carries her passed out body, he is struck by how his feelings for her have not gone away. As Paisley wakes up in August's home, she too is reminded of what she lost.
I really enjoyed seeing the romance reignite between these two. They were constantly finding themselves around each other and the attraction was extremely strong. Carrie Ann does a great job of building the heat between these two and as I said I loved August so much. I just wanted to hug him. This is the last book in this series and you can read it without reading the others, but I recommend that you read the other two first to fully understand these two. The families they come from are selfish people who think nothing of how their children will feel in any given situation, so to see August and Paisley come out as good people with good hearts is heart warming. Paisley even gives a great beat down to both her mother and her second ex husband and I was here for it.
I received this book as an ARC and this is my honest review.
October 8, 2024
Rich ceo h and chemistry teach H got married when they were young and H was the one to divorce her out of the blue and walk out. But since she is friends with both his sister and sister in laws, their lives overlap. Story starts years later when she is newly divorced from her cheating husband, getting shit faced drunk and runs into H on a date with his gf.
So, we aren't told the reason H walked away until about 98% of the book and she thinks he didn't love her enough. He claims she was the 'one' but dumps her not once but TWICE. More than half the book he says he doesn't feel anything for her anymore but does a total 360 and suddenly he was in love with her the whole time ???
There is just a couple of issues for me with it
1 - H gets dumped the day after running to h. If his gf hadn't dumped him, he'd be on their family annual trip with her and never would slept with h on the trip rekindling whatever they had
2- No condoms cause h got tests done after her cheating husband but H just got dumped a day after his date night with ow which was going to end in making love (his words) so that's gross that they just do it without any protection
3 - she's called ice queen, cold and everything and has no friends. She can't open up cause all the friends she has are related to H and i hate how the author made H have a happy relationship with a good sex life while pairing h with a cheating douche
4- H playing victim grated my nerves. He did the dumping with the h both times but dude is all sad and filled with self pity. And he's so insecure, he mentions his job SO MANY TIMES, that his gf is a teacher just like him and how he love(d) their jobs and their simple dating life. Always comparing it with what he had with h. He's an insecure man who can't stand a woman being rich and successful than him.
Overall it was a very average read, something i'd skip if time and money was limited
Notes
Non virgins
They've been with others during seperation
OM drama - her ex comes back and causes issues
OW drama - except for his ex meeting h and dumping him, none
No cheating
So, we aren't told the reason H walked away until about 98% of the book and she thinks he didn't love her enough. He claims she was the 'one' but dumps her not once but TWICE. More than half the book he says he doesn't feel anything for her anymore but does a total 360 and suddenly he was in love with her the whole time ???
There is just a couple of issues for me with it
1 - H gets dumped the day after running to h. If his gf hadn't dumped him, he'd be on their family annual trip with her and never would slept with h on the trip rekindling whatever they had
2- No condoms cause h got tests done after her cheating husband but H just got dumped a day after his date night with ow which was going to end in making love (his words) so that's gross that they just do it without any protection
3 - she's called ice queen, cold and everything and has no friends. She can't open up cause all the friends she has are related to H and i hate how the author made H have a happy relationship with a good sex life while pairing h with a cheating douche
4- H playing victim grated my nerves. He did the dumping with the h both times but dude is all sad and filled with self pity. And he's so insecure, he mentions his job SO MANY TIMES, that his gf is a teacher just like him and how he love(d) their jobs and their simple dating life. Always comparing it with what he had with h. He's an insecure man who can't stand a woman being rich and successful than him.
Overall it was a very average read, something i'd skip if time and money was limited
Notes
Non virgins
They've been with others during seperation
OM drama - her ex comes back and causes issues
OW drama - except for his ex meeting h and dumping him, none
No cheating
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 7, 2024
4.5+ stars
August and Paisley have history. But a lot has happened since their divorce, including a second divorce for Paisley. Though they find themselves in similar circles (Paisley’s best friends are married to August’s brothers), they avoid each other very well until the night Paisley celebrates a little too much and August ends a date early to get her home safely.
As hard as they work to avoid each other, they find themselves in close proximity more and more, leading to a rekindling of the attraction that sent them down the aisle years ago. But they are both carrying emotional scars from their parents and the idea of a serious relationship doesn’t feel possible with everything between them.
I loved everything about this book except for how quickly it felt like it ended. I loved watching them face their shared past, and the confusion surrounding their divorce. I also loved August’s good-guy nature and his devotion to his siblings and their children.
As always, I love the extended families Carrie Ann Ryan creates. The Cassidy’s are making up for the childhood they missed by creating the extended family they wished they had when they were kids. I love the way a reader can pick up any of her books and fall into an entire world woven between all these families. Seeing old favorite characters on the periphery always adds so much to my reading experience. Though this is the last in the First Time series, I am sure some of there will be call backs and cameos of these characters in other books as well.
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August and Paisley have history. But a lot has happened since their divorce, including a second divorce for Paisley. Though they find themselves in similar circles (Paisley’s best friends are married to August’s brothers), they avoid each other very well until the night Paisley celebrates a little too much and August ends a date early to get her home safely.
As hard as they work to avoid each other, they find themselves in close proximity more and more, leading to a rekindling of the attraction that sent them down the aisle years ago. But they are both carrying emotional scars from their parents and the idea of a serious relationship doesn’t feel possible with everything between them.
I loved everything about this book except for how quickly it felt like it ended. I loved watching them face their shared past, and the confusion surrounding their divorce. I also loved August’s good-guy nature and his devotion to his siblings and their children.
As always, I love the extended families Carrie Ann Ryan creates. The Cassidy’s are making up for the childhood they missed by creating the extended family they wished they had when they were kids. I love the way a reader can pick up any of her books and fall into an entire world woven between all these families. Seeing old favorite characters on the periphery always adds so much to my reading experience. Though this is the last in the First Time series, I am sure some of there will be call backs and cameos of these characters in other books as well.
October 4, 2024
𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐇𝐮𝐬𝐛𝐚𝐧𝐝 is the third book in the First Time series by Carrie Ann Ryan, featuring a fantastic enemies to lovers romance for ex-spouses Paisley and August. Her first husband walked away with no explanation and shattered her heart. When she tried again with husband number two, she walked away, when she discovered his cheating. Feeling alone with only work to focus on, Paisley leans on her friends. The problem is her friends are related to the first man who crushed her. August is everywhere, all the time! When she went on vacation with her friends, he ended up in her bed. They definitely can’t resist each other, but is it safe to risk her heart again?
What a fun premise! When you read as many books as I do, it becomes difficult to find truly original storylines sometimes with all the common tropes. I enjoyed every moment of Paisley and August’s roller coaster ride full of compelling characters, emotional drama, witty banter, and plenty of spicy chemistry. My heart went out to both of them over their subpar parents, especially Paisley! That poor woman deserved an HEA. While I may have yelled at August a bit, I understood him as well. Communication is key, people!🤦🏼♀️ When Paisley’s strength powered to the surface, I cheered for her! I was surprised by how emotional I got at times reading this. I even teared up at one point! It was a hard-fought HEA, but oh so worth it!!🥰 I haven’t read the first two books, but I loved the couples and all the family and friend bonds. I had no trouble enjoying this book as a standalone, but I still want to go back and read them, when I get a chance! Don’t miss the bonus epilogue!! I loved it so much!!😍
I received an ARC for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶.5
#SecondChanceHusband #FirstTimeSeries #carrieannryan #CarrieAnnRyanBooks #enemiestolovers #RightPersonWrongTime #MarriageinJeopardy #hefallsfirst
What a fun premise! When you read as many books as I do, it becomes difficult to find truly original storylines sometimes with all the common tropes. I enjoyed every moment of Paisley and August’s roller coaster ride full of compelling characters, emotional drama, witty banter, and plenty of spicy chemistry. My heart went out to both of them over their subpar parents, especially Paisley! That poor woman deserved an HEA. While I may have yelled at August a bit, I understood him as well. Communication is key, people!🤦🏼♀️ When Paisley’s strength powered to the surface, I cheered for her! I was surprised by how emotional I got at times reading this. I even teared up at one point! It was a hard-fought HEA, but oh so worth it!!🥰 I haven’t read the first two books, but I loved the couples and all the family and friend bonds. I had no trouble enjoying this book as a standalone, but I still want to go back and read them, when I get a chance! Don’t miss the bonus epilogue!! I loved it so much!!😍
I received an ARC for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶.5
#SecondChanceHusband #FirstTimeSeries #carrieannryan #CarrieAnnRyanBooks #enemiestolovers #RightPersonWrongTime #MarriageinJeopardy #hefallsfirst
October 19, 2024
I recently finished Second Chance Husband by Carrie Ann Ryan, and I must say, it was quite the emotional ride! This book is the third installment in the First Time series, and it dives deep into the complicated relationship between August and Paisley.
From the start, I was drawn into their story of rekindled love. The enemies to lovers trope is one of my favorites, and Ryan did a fantastic job capturing the tension and chemistry between them. I loved how the narrative explored their struggles with trust and vulnerability, especially as Paisley navigates her feelings about her past marriages. It made me reflect on how difficult it can be to open up again after being hurt.
One of the aspects I appreciated was the forced proximity element. Being thrown back into each other’s lives added a layer of intensity to their interactions, making their journey feel even more real. Ryan's writing really shines when it comes to conveying raw emotions; I found myself empathizing with Paisley’s fears and hopes throughout the story.
However, I did notice that some plot developments felt a bit predictable, which took away from the overall suspense at times. Additionally, while the pacing was generally good, there were moments that could have used tighter editing for better flow.
Despite these minor issues, I was completely invested in August and Paisley’s journey toward reconciliation. Their chemistry was undeniable, and I found myself rooting for them to find their way back to each other.
Overall, Second Chance Husband is a heartwarming read filled with themes of forgiveness and healing. While it may not reinvent the wheel in romance novels, it definitely delivered a satisfying story that left me feeling hopeful. I’d give it 4 out of 5 stars for its emotional depth and engaging characters. If you enjoy contemporary romance with a touch of second chances, I highly recommend checking it out!
From the start, I was drawn into their story of rekindled love. The enemies to lovers trope is one of my favorites, and Ryan did a fantastic job capturing the tension and chemistry between them. I loved how the narrative explored their struggles with trust and vulnerability, especially as Paisley navigates her feelings about her past marriages. It made me reflect on how difficult it can be to open up again after being hurt.
One of the aspects I appreciated was the forced proximity element. Being thrown back into each other’s lives added a layer of intensity to their interactions, making their journey feel even more real. Ryan's writing really shines when it comes to conveying raw emotions; I found myself empathizing with Paisley’s fears and hopes throughout the story.
However, I did notice that some plot developments felt a bit predictable, which took away from the overall suspense at times. Additionally, while the pacing was generally good, there were moments that could have used tighter editing for better flow.
Despite these minor issues, I was completely invested in August and Paisley’s journey toward reconciliation. Their chemistry was undeniable, and I found myself rooting for them to find their way back to each other.
Overall, Second Chance Husband is a heartwarming read filled with themes of forgiveness and healing. While it may not reinvent the wheel in romance novels, it definitely delivered a satisfying story that left me feeling hopeful. I’d give it 4 out of 5 stars for its emotional depth and engaging characters. If you enjoy contemporary romance with a touch of second chances, I highly recommend checking it out!
September 26, 2024
**Audiobook Review**
Sometimes the first time isn’t the right time and you need a second chance. “Second Chance Husband” is an emotional, romantic and sweet second chance at your forever romance that was a delightful listen.
After the end of marriage number two, Paisley is determined to focus on her business and not any relationships. The last person she was expecting to see on her night out as a single woman, was her first ex-husband, August. After that, she’s seeing him more than ever because of mutual friends/families that they both know and despite how their relationship ended, they can’t stay away from each other.
I love when a second chance romance is meant to be and not forced or rushed. From the beginning when they were back in each other’s lives, you could tell that they still had that connection from all those years ago and that the spark was going to be reignited. Paisley is smart, independent, and loves her found family so much. And she needed someone who was going to be in her corner and support her no matter what since she didn’t have that growing up with mother. August is a kind soul who cares deeply and wants to be happy. I loved how passionate he was about his career as a chemistry teacher. We get to see his passionate and protective side when he’s with Paisley and that elevates him so much on the book boyfriend scale. I loved these two together and the passion that they had for each other. The bonus epilogue was so sweet and made my heart so happy.
Jo Raylan and Gregory Salinas narrated this audiobook and I loved them as Paisley and August. Jo’s narration was captivating and had pulled me in from the beginning. Her narration was passionate and heartfelt like Paisley. I loved Gregory’s voice and he was the perfect choice for August. He brought his passionate and protective side alive perfectly.
Sometimes the first time isn’t the right time and you need a second chance. “Second Chance Husband” is an emotional, romantic and sweet second chance at your forever romance that was a delightful listen.
After the end of marriage number two, Paisley is determined to focus on her business and not any relationships. The last person she was expecting to see on her night out as a single woman, was her first ex-husband, August. After that, she’s seeing him more than ever because of mutual friends/families that they both know and despite how their relationship ended, they can’t stay away from each other.
I love when a second chance romance is meant to be and not forced or rushed. From the beginning when they were back in each other’s lives, you could tell that they still had that connection from all those years ago and that the spark was going to be reignited. Paisley is smart, independent, and loves her found family so much. And she needed someone who was going to be in her corner and support her no matter what since she didn’t have that growing up with mother. August is a kind soul who cares deeply and wants to be happy. I loved how passionate he was about his career as a chemistry teacher. We get to see his passionate and protective side when he’s with Paisley and that elevates him so much on the book boyfriend scale. I loved these two together and the passion that they had for each other. The bonus epilogue was so sweet and made my heart so happy.
Jo Raylan and Gregory Salinas narrated this audiobook and I loved them as Paisley and August. Jo’s narration was captivating and had pulled me in from the beginning. Her narration was passionate and heartfelt like Paisley. I loved Gregory’s voice and he was the perfect choice for August. He brought his passionate and protective side alive perfectly.
October 3, 2024
I enjoyed this story! It pulled me in from beginning to end and I loved getting to see what was actually going on with August and Paisley. We have seen them in the previous two books and knew that something went down with them but never really knew what. August and Paisley are divorced, years ago, and now are in close proximity again with Paisley's 2 best friends having married August's 2 brothers. August and Paisley both still have feelings for each other but neither is wanting to deal with them. Paisley got married to someone else and has just finalized her divorce from him. That has not gone smoothly and her mother is pissed and very toxic. August is still dealing with repercussions and the lasting impressions that his parents toxic relationship caused from childhood and which is still ongoing. It has made August beyond hesitant for a second chance with Paisley, worried that would be repeating his parents mistake. But on a family vacation where things don't go as planned and the two are forced to share space, separate bedrooms but sharing bathroom and common area, after drinking, things end up happening and they sleep together. It opens things up again and becomes harder for them to avoid it all completely. I enjoyed watching August and Paisley finally start working through some things though this one has them in turmoil for most of it or in denial of it being able to become more. They really needed to communicated about what happened in the past and how they see each other and themselves. They both needed to work through what the toxic relationships around them had done to them. This story was engaging and entertaining and I really enjoyed it. I loved getting to see these two work through everything and come out the other side.
The narrators did a fantastic job with this story and bringing it and the characters to life.
The narrators did a fantastic job with this story and bringing it and the characters to life.
October 8, 2024
Second Chance Husband is the third and final book in The First Time series. It follows Paisley and August as they reconnect with each other and give love a second chance.
They were young when they married the first time. They never thought they would reconnect, let alone have one of her employees marry his twin brother. They have been thrown together on a regular basis due to her friends, and employees, being married to his brothers.
Paisley married once for love. Although she was young, she knew what love was. So she was heartbroken when he left, and filed for divorce. This was not what she wanted.
Paisley married a second time. But she realized that she did not love Jacob. She thought she did when she married him, but circumstances revealed her true feelings. When she filed for divorce from Jacob, she knew it was the right decision.
This core group of family and friends have planned a vacation together. Even though she is now divorced, Paisley still goes on vacation with her friends. She can still have a good time, even if she is the only single one. What she does not plan for is August as a lone wolf as well.
And we all know what happens with these Cassidy boys when they are alone and single with an alone and single woman.
Needless to say Paisley and August agree to one night. But neither of them have forgotten or stopped loving the other.
His brothers give him a hard time about hooking up with Paisley. They remind him that both of their wives work for her. "So don't screw it up."
So will this hookup evolve in to something more? Or will they realize they are better off separate? Will either choice affect the group dynamic?
Jo Raylan is a new to me narrator. She is the perfect pick for Paisley. She has the professional, mature, calm, cool and collected voice that I imagine Paisley has. Gregory Salinas is a good fit for August. He has the alpha protector voice with the quiet sorrow of what was done and what could have been.
They were young when they married the first time. They never thought they would reconnect, let alone have one of her employees marry his twin brother. They have been thrown together on a regular basis due to her friends, and employees, being married to his brothers.
Paisley married once for love. Although she was young, she knew what love was. So she was heartbroken when he left, and filed for divorce. This was not what she wanted.
Paisley married a second time. But she realized that she did not love Jacob. She thought she did when she married him, but circumstances revealed her true feelings. When she filed for divorce from Jacob, she knew it was the right decision.
This core group of family and friends have planned a vacation together. Even though she is now divorced, Paisley still goes on vacation with her friends. She can still have a good time, even if she is the only single one. What she does not plan for is August as a lone wolf as well.
And we all know what happens with these Cassidy boys when they are alone and single with an alone and single woman.
Needless to say Paisley and August agree to one night. But neither of them have forgotten or stopped loving the other.
His brothers give him a hard time about hooking up with Paisley. They remind him that both of their wives work for her. "So don't screw it up."
So will this hookup evolve in to something more? Or will they realize they are better off separate? Will either choice affect the group dynamic?
Jo Raylan is a new to me narrator. She is the perfect pick for Paisley. She has the professional, mature, calm, cool and collected voice that I imagine Paisley has. Gregory Salinas is a good fit for August. He has the alpha protector voice with the quiet sorrow of what was done and what could have been.
September 29, 2024
Second Chance Husband is undeniably the story of two people that found one another too young and made a mistake of walking away from a love that was fated, but they thankfully get a second chance, one they earn this time. I enjoyed every moment of the push and pull between Paisley and August as they found their footing in their new romance and watching them battle it out to force one another to accept their new roles in love and life. Paisley Cassidy Renee is by no means a weak woman and when she finally remembers that she forces those around her to accept it as well and finds a way to get her man back—the one she should never have allowed to walk away from her. August Cassidy was an idiot to have ever pushed the love of his life away—twice—but his fears and mistakes are what make him human, and when she makes him own up to the stupidity he is reminded just why he has always loved her. Together these two could have started a wildfire to threaten the very dense forest of the Colorado mountains, but that passion is obviously what made both of their marriages fated. I am so glad that they finally found a way to admit that they were destined for one another and got their second chance at an HEA, one that I can see them working hard to always protect and nurture, one that will grow and change with them and their family long into the future. Carrie Ann Ryan for sure brought this series to an end with a tearful, loving, and love overdue conclusion that will never be forgotten.
For full review check out the blog next week @ https://romancewitchreviews.blogspot....
For full review check out the blog next week @ https://romancewitchreviews.blogspot....
October 8, 2024
I really like Paisley & August and really felt for Paisley with what she went through with her second ex Jacob, he definitely is a bully, and I’m thrilled that she doesn’t have to deal with him any longer (wishful thinking). However, when she gets home her horribly evil mother is waiting for her with her disappointment among other things to let her know exactly how disappointed she is with her. Paisley however decides to go out and have a drink or two . . . and who ends up being at the same place, August who just happens to be with a date. Paisley has a few too many drinks and August ends up driving her home. These two still care about each other but they’ve also gone through life since they were together and being together again isn’t a chance or is it. I loved the ladies and how they were trying to cheer up Paisley and then things turned for Paisley and August when they take a trip with the entire family and end up sharing a room and well things happened and when they get home, not sure what to make of that. In addition to these two not sure where they stand or what happens next, we have August’s parents who are wanting to get married again and I have to say they are a little crazy. Also, unfortunately Paisley has had one unexpected visit from Jacob and then a lovely little visit from Jacob and her mother which talk about evil joining forces, I have to admit I was a little concerned about that but hats off to Paisley for handling the situation like a boss. I really did like how everything ended up for Paisley and August and the way this ended perfectly summed up these two. I also can’t believe we’re at the end of this First Time series. Wonderful story!
October 1, 2024
I loved how strong Paisley is. She is a milionaire businesswoman and a force to be reckoned with in the business world but her life is falling apart. She is now signing divorce papers for the second time and she is just done. She is ready to take back her independence so she goes to a Honkey Tonk bar to just dance and forget. Who does she bump into? Her ex-husband! No, not the one she just divorced, but the first one that she can't forget, August.
August is on his scheduled date with his girlfriend when Paisley bumps into him slightly drunk. He hasn't been this close to her in years although she is best friends with his sisters-in-law. His girlfriend tells him to take her home and this is the beginning of the end for him. His girlfriend breaks up with him because she sees something in his eyes that he doesn't even know when he looks at Paisley. He doesn't know why he is thinking about her again but he can't seem to stay away from her.
Paisley tries to stay away from August because she doesn't want to get hurt again since he left her when they were married. She still doesn't know why he left her. Things get complicated when news of her second divorce goes public and her mother is trying to force her to take back Jacob.
I could not put this book down and finished it in one night. Loved the story and Paisley and August were so complicated and angsty I just couldn't stop reading.
You hit it out of the park with this one Ms. Ryan! Love your books!
I received an advance copy from BookFunnel for my honest opinion.
August is on his scheduled date with his girlfriend when Paisley bumps into him slightly drunk. He hasn't been this close to her in years although she is best friends with his sisters-in-law. His girlfriend tells him to take her home and this is the beginning of the end for him. His girlfriend breaks up with him because she sees something in his eyes that he doesn't even know when he looks at Paisley. He doesn't know why he is thinking about her again but he can't seem to stay away from her.
Paisley tries to stay away from August because she doesn't want to get hurt again since he left her when they were married. She still doesn't know why he left her. Things get complicated when news of her second divorce goes public and her mother is trying to force her to take back Jacob.
I could not put this book down and finished it in one night. Loved the story and Paisley and August were so complicated and angsty I just couldn't stop reading.
You hit it out of the park with this one Ms. Ryan! Love your books!
I received an advance copy from BookFunnel for my honest opinion.
October 6, 2024
On the day Paisley gets her second marriage divorce decree finalized, she decides to go out to celebrate. Falling headlong into the arms of her first ex husband, drunk, is not in her plans. Waking up in his house, because he doesn't know where she lives anymore, is certainly not in her plans either. Sometimes though, plans change! Paisley never knew why August divorced her. One day they were happily married, the next he left and filed for divorce, never giving anyone a reason, but seeing her in that nightclub, made him realize that he still loved her. With Paisley's second ex trying to railroad her into coming back to him, even though he cheated on her and her witch of a mother, trying the same thing, Paisley is very overwhelmed. When August sees her ex trying to manhandle her and force her to sign an NDA, his overprotective streak kicks in and rescues her. As Paisley and August start to spend more time together, both realize that their feelings have not changed, but August cannot shake the feeling that you can't go back and that he still isn't good enough for the very successful Paisley!
I loved this book. The writing is fluid and engaging and draws you into the story, hoping for more. The book is the right amount of love, angst, heat and family strife to keep you reading and the banter between the siblings and between Paisley and her friends (who happen to be the spouses of August's brothers!) is witty and entertaining. The characters development is wonderful to read over the course of this book and of course the HEA is always welcome!
I loved this book. The writing is fluid and engaging and draws you into the story, hoping for more. The book is the right amount of love, angst, heat and family strife to keep you reading and the banter between the siblings and between Paisley and her friends (who happen to be the spouses of August's brothers!) is witty and entertaining. The characters development is wonderful to read over the course of this book and of course the HEA is always welcome!
October 13, 2024
August Cassidy is a high school chemistry teacher. Paisley Cassidy Renee is a multi-millionaire and successful business owner. August and Paisley married and divorced young. August knew Paisley was destined for great success and didn't want to stand in her way, so he filed for divorce and walked away without explaining himself to Paisley. When Paisley's second marriage ends in divorce, Paisley feels like a failure and vows never to get married again. Paisley and August are forced to play nice in social situations with Paisley's 2 best friends married to August's brothers. Will August and Paisley finally give into their feelings for each other when they share a suite during the family vacation? Will August and Paisley finally admit they have always loved each other? Will Paisley finally stand up to her mother and her ex and put an end to their plot to get her to take her ex back? Will August finally admit to Paisley why he walked away from their marriage? Will Paisley give August a second chance after learning the truth of why August left her? Will Paisley and August finally get their happily ever after? I loved Second Chance Husband by Carrie Ann Ryan! August and Paisley are an amazing couple with scorching hot chemistry. Second Chance Husband is an amazing story that has chemistry, parental drama, ex drama, friendship, family, happiness, and love. I would highly recommend getting Second Chance Husband and the other books in the First Time series by Carrie Ann Ryan. I received an ARC copy of this book, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
October 8, 2024
Childhood trauma plays a big role in shaping August and Paisley into who they are today. The inability to not only deal with it but to share how it makes them feel also keeps them from moving past it, and towards something better.
I loved the strong, successful woman that Paisley is, and her relationship with her friends is special. But she even holds them apart by covering up her feelings. Trying to be brave and self reliant keeps her from sharing all of herself with Addison and Devny. Probably doesn't help things that they are also the sisters-in-law of Paisley's first ex...the guy who she still sees sometimes and hears about a lot.
August walked away from Paisley years ago for...reasons. Since then, it's been flings and one night stands that are the extent of his "love life". Oh, and the weirdly awkward friends-with-sorta-benefits-I-guess with a coworker. But he'll get along with Paisley to keep family peace, for now. Because these two are never, ever, ever getting back together. Ha, yeah...okay!
Too much togetherness is bound to chance the rules and the feelings, if these two can finally open up to each other, and heal some hurts together.
This is one of the best second chance stories I've ever read, and it's not always a favorite trope for me. Carrie Ann Ryan just injected something special into the Paisley/August mixture that did it for me. I loved their story.
I loved the strong, successful woman that Paisley is, and her relationship with her friends is special. But she even holds them apart by covering up her feelings. Trying to be brave and self reliant keeps her from sharing all of herself with Addison and Devny. Probably doesn't help things that they are also the sisters-in-law of Paisley's first ex...the guy who she still sees sometimes and hears about a lot.
August walked away from Paisley years ago for...reasons. Since then, it's been flings and one night stands that are the extent of his "love life". Oh, and the weirdly awkward friends-with-sorta-benefits-I-guess with a coworker. But he'll get along with Paisley to keep family peace, for now. Because these two are never, ever, ever getting back together. Ha, yeah...okay!
Too much togetherness is bound to chance the rules and the feelings, if these two can finally open up to each other, and heal some hurts together.
This is one of the best second chance stories I've ever read, and it's not always a favorite trope for me. Carrie Ann Ryan just injected something special into the Paisley/August mixture that did it for me. I loved their story.
October 16, 2024
I had the opportunity to listen to Second Chance Husband by Carrie Ann Ryan is the third book in the First Time series and gives us August and Paisley’s story and I was all here for it. This series can be read as a standalone, however, I have read the entire series and highly recommend each book. Narrated by Gregory Salinas and Jo Raylan, this story was emotional, touching and a push and pull second chance romance that was angsty and captivating. August and Paisley were once married, but having his reasons, August walked away. Now they are back in each other’s lives more than they ever thought they would be or wanted to be.
Paisley just got divorced for the second time. She was so strong and determined, but vulnerable during these changes in her life. Though August had his reasons at the time for walking away, he never stopped caring about Paisley. But now that that their family and friends are so intertwined, they seem to find themselves together more and more. But what does it mean? August still has his reservations and Paisley knows what she wants and what she deserves. August’s childhood was not easy and he, like his siblings, carry the trauma from it. Can they find a way back to each other or is it too late? I loved this series so much and August and Paisley’s story was so captivating from start to finish.
Happy listening!
Paisley just got divorced for the second time. She was so strong and determined, but vulnerable during these changes in her life. Though August had his reasons at the time for walking away, he never stopped caring about Paisley. But now that that their family and friends are so intertwined, they seem to find themselves together more and more. But what does it mean? August still has his reservations and Paisley knows what she wants and what she deserves. August’s childhood was not easy and he, like his siblings, carry the trauma from it. Can they find a way back to each other or is it too late? I loved this series so much and August and Paisley’s story was so captivating from start to finish.
Happy listening!
September 29, 2024
Finally, August and Paisley, we figure out what happened to them all those years ago and why they broke up. This is the mystery wrapped in the enigma that we’ve been trying to figure out since this series started. Paisley is such a strong, confident fiery accomplished businesswoman. She can take on the world and has many times over and August is just the local chemistry teacher and their history is so vast. This book was everything I wanted it to be 100 times more. We finally get to learn the mystery of why he left her all those years ago. When the two of them are in a confined space, the attraction crackles in the air. If they’re not ignoring each other, they’re arguing their banter is next level you could sell tickets. It could be an Olympic sport I absolutely love it, but also we get to peel back all the layers and truly learn what makes August and Paisley tick. It’s so beautiful to get to see what makes them who they are. And of course we get to see all of the Cassidy clan. All the brothers and their wives and their daughters who are just adorable. There’s never a dull moment. There’s always something crazy going on. But this is such a beautiful love story they have to go through a lot to finally get there happily ever after, but it was so worth it they deserve it.
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