Three Chicks and Their Books: ReleaseBlitz: Second by Chantal Fernando

SECOND

Chantal Fernando

Now Live!

The first time he saw me fall was in pain.

The second was in love—with him.

It wasn’t meant to happen.

But he was there for me.

A bad boy I had nothing in common with.

He was trouble.

And he saved me.

But as secrets have their way of unravelling, the truth came to light.

It always does.

3.5 Stars
Review by Lisa Kane

Sabina has just lost her husband. Married at 20 widowed at 24her world is falling apart and she’s deeply depressed. Her husband Ben’s cousin Dean is trying to help her pick up the pieces. The three of them were close ever since high school. Both Ben and Dean noticed Sabina, but Ben beat Dean to the punch and asked her out first. Sabina and Ben were together from that point on.

Dean is a successful musician. He’s constantly on tour and lives far away but he’s back in town to help Sabina. She’s virtually stayed in bed since the funeral and has no reason to leave it. But Dean isn’t about to let her wallow in her grief. He pretty much forces her to get her act together. But he’s only home for a short time. When he leaves so many things are unsaid between them. Sabina knows it’s time for her to find herself. She makes a huge decision not to return to her job, she sells the house she shared with Ben and travels the world.

A year later Dean is back to see her. Angry that she never went to see him over that year. But things are a little uncomfortable between them. Are they ready to take things to the next level?

While I really liked the sweetest of this story, I wish Sabina had showed more backbone. The story flowed smoothly for me, until around the 80% mark. Kate is her ex mother-in-law and a true viper. The woman just oozes hatred and jealousy towards Sabina. There are twists to this story and Kate is a crucial part to them. There’s no way I would have taken the high road with her. She deserved a tongue lashing and I feel frustrated that she never got what was coming to her. Sabina is a generous person and I would say almost too generous. Part of the twist I mentioned results in Sabina showing the reader exactly how giving she is, and while I understand her motivation, it benefits someone who at the very least should have been part in her place. I have a hard time when the heroine shrugs off brutal heartbreaking things without standing up for themselves. Some probably believe that is their way of moving on-but even if it's in vain, people need to be called out on their crap. These two characters are guilty as sin and I just wish Sabina had at least let them have it verbally (personally I would have had to bitch slap both of them, but that's just me!)

Second is aptly named. It’s a story about a second chance at love. True, honest, genuine love.