by Jessica Lemmon
Series: Second Chance #2
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
Heat Level:
NOT ALL SCARS HEAL...For Donovan Pate, the lake town of Evergreen Cove is a minefield of tough memories—including the day he had to let go of Sofie Martin. Years later, he still can’t forget the taste of her lips and the feel of her killer curves. He knows he’s too damaged, that he should stay away for her own good. But what the head says and the heart wants are two very different things… Seven years ago, Donovan broke Sofie’s heart. Now her career depends on playing nice in order to pull off the charity fundraiser of the decade. She vows to keep things professional…yet working by his side every day doesn’t make it easy to fight temptation, and it isn’t long before she finds herself falling for this bad boy all over again. But loving Donovan means helping him face his past–so they can fight for a future together.
Rescuing the Bad Boy is the second novel in Jessica Lemmon’s Second Chance series and after the good time I had with Bringing Home the Bad Boy, I knew I had to read the next installment. Boy Howdy am I am glad that I did. Donovan Pate made my heart do flip-flops and I wanted to kiss every one of his scars. Jessica Lemmon brings heat to this small-town romance series with fleshed out characters and a town readers will want to visit again and again.
Coffee dates with Rescuing the Bad Boy.
- First date: We learn about the first time Donovan Pate and Sofie Martin tangoed. Let us just say Donovan didn’t make the nice list and it changed both of them. Now we fast forward to the present and Sofie has created a wonderful business in town. Donovan has returned after his grandmother passed leaving him her estate. He plans to sell it and learns the house has been contracted out to host a charity event. Um, guess who is handling the event. *hehe* Yep, Sofie and oh how the sparks that fly when these two are in the same room. Right away, I am in lust over Donovan and looking forwarded to seeing these two tango.
- Second date: I love how Lemmon weaves in secondary characters and already I see the promise of another romance with Sofie and Donovan’s friends. I already love the dance Lemmon is providing in Rescuing the Bad Boy but then she introduces a dog to the mix making me fall further. I loved the old estate and the youth group who is the recipient of the charity event. Friends and banter had me giggling. I laughed so hard at moments and was grinning from ear to ear. Donavon and Sofie cave into their needs and I suggest you get some oven mitts because these are some of the sexiest, hottest scenes. Did I mention Donovan has tats? The story behind them will make you turn to mush, so grab a tissue and truffle.
- Third date: The author does a wonderful job of fleshing out the characters and sharing their backstories particularly Donovan. He may be a bad boy, but it is all a façade and seeing what lies beneath will have you adding him as your latest book boyfriend. I love second chance romances and on this last date, we faced a few bumps as our characters experienced growing pains but Lemmon more than made-up for it with a wonderful epilogue.
Caffeinated wrap up of my dates with Rescuing the Bad Boy: I am loving my dates with the Second Chance series. Lemmon manages to make me swoon, laugh and become connected to all of the characters in this small-town. I love the friendships and depth she brings. My biggest problem thus far is deciding which Bad Boy I love more. I cannot wait for A Bad Boy for Christmas and Connor’s story!
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Blessie (Mischievous Reads)
What is it about Donovan’s that makes them so sexy? *sigh* I soooo loved the first book and I’m excited to get on with this… plus, the mention of a dog just made me more excited! Wonderful review, Kimba!
kimbacaffeinate
Oh I hope you love it, and yeah even the name is sexy!
Tyler H Jolley
Sounds like a great combination of humor and romance. Thanks for sharing!
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Tyler. This is such a fun series.
Teddyree
I haven’t read anything by this author but the cover whore in me is sold on ‘ripped’ guy and cute dog. I’m totally a sucker for a dog on a cover lol. Oh glad the read is also recommended 😉
kimbacaffeinate
Oh I hope you decide to read this series it has been delightful. I have a soft spot for animals in stories too.
Sarah
I am so excited for this book! After LOVING book one at the beginning of May, I was so excited to read book 2 that I hurriedly pulled it up on Amazon and realized it wasn’t out yet *sob* FINALLY it is out and I cannot wait to get my hands on a copy. Gladto hear book 2 is just as yummeh. 😀
kimbacaffeinate
Enjoy Sarah..I am so glad I discovered this author and series
Christy
lol – No, he definitely didn’t make the nice list at first. I love this series too.
kimbacaffeinate
Right. I cannot wait for book three
Kristin
Great review. I haven’t read these books but they sound good. I like when a series weaves in secondary characters into the spotlight who will soon get their own books. DEfinitely helps connect with them more when their turn comes.
kimbacaffeinate
These are my favorite types..where each book is about one couple and we slowly meet the others. Thanks Kristin
Madiha
Aw, this story sounds so sweet on a epic level. Its amazing how incredibly the characters have been fleshed out, although I don’t think I’ll be picking this up anytime soon, since the story seems a bit over-done in my opinion. But its great that you loved it as much as you did, and I hope the other books in this series are going to be just as fun!
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Madiha, it was a wonderful, cute read 🙂
Lover Of Romance
oh this book is definitely one I need to try out and SOON. I love second chance romances especially with a hero like this one.
kimbacaffeinate
Second chance romances are one of my favorites too
Sharlene Wegner
Sadly, I DNF Bringing Home the Bad Boy, although I loved the cover. I didn’t like the story line. However, that will not stop me from trying this one! Glad you loved it!
kimbacaffeinate
Oh bummer Sharlene, but it happens.
Angela Adams
I’ve been waiting ALL week for this book review! Thanks for the post!!
kimbacaffeinate
Sweet, I hope you pick these up Angela..such good reads.
Lindy
I loved Donovan too! I agree, this book was great with sexy swoon scenes, humor, and excellent secondary characters! You touched on everything I loved about this story 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Glad you agree Lindy, I cannot wait for the next book
Lanie
Is it bad I noticed the puppy first? He’s just soo cute. This sounds like a cute series to get involved with! Nice review:D
kimbacaffeinate
Not at all, this is such a great small-town series with plenty of humor and heart.
Lily
Haha i saw the cover and the tattoos and the words “bad boy” in the title and i knew i wanted this one. My two weaknesses!
kimbacaffeinate
Hehe. Enjoy my friend!
Maja (The Nocturnal Library)
Ohh, these small town series are my very favorite things, especially when they’re so wonderfully romantic as this one seems to be. As a fellow Thunder Point fan, I know you’ll understand.
kimbacaffeinate
Ah Carr, I love her, but tell ya what Jessica Lemmon has it going on Maja!
Ramona
Clearly, I need to sample these bad boys for myself! Donovan sounds pretty swoon-worthy and I do have a week spot for tats 😉 Excellent start to the weekend with this review, Kimba! Just what the doctor ordered 😀
kimbacaffeinate
Yes, you truly should. These are filled with humor and heart.
Melissa (Books and Things)
I actually avoid the bad boy but in this case it sounds right up my alley. Plus, as you say, throw in a dog to the mix and you have me! 🙂 I do need to try this author.
kimbacaffeinate
The title is just so wrong it should be Rescuing the Damaged Man 🙂
Heidi
Sounds like a fun second chance romance. I am glad this was a winner. I will add it to my every growing list. Happy weekend.
kimbacaffeinate
These are such fun reads Heidi, a little spicy but surrounded by characters and a small-town that keep you invested.
kindlemom1
I loved book one, I so need to read this as well! Wonderful review Kim, I hope you have a wonderful quiet and relaxing weekend!
kimbacaffeinate
Ooo have fun Ali!
Braine Talk Supe
Want some s’mores? That’s gotta be one of the most memorable scene for me.
I love this series. When I read the blurbs, she always makes me doubt as to whether or not I’ll enjoy it. It’s 2 for 2 now, I can’t wait for December to read the next one!
kimbacaffeinate
Aren’t these fun. I still smiling thinking back on it. I am hoping to get an arc of book 3 to read during the Ho-Ho-Ho read-a-thon.
anna (herding cats & burning soup)
Oh Jessica is the best. Loving this series too 🙂 So glad you’re having a good time with them.
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Anna, I love the mix of humor, friends and heat.
Melissa's Eclectic Bookshelf
Now this really sounds like my cup of tea and that cover! Love it!
kimbacaffeinate
Such a fun series Melissa…guaranteed to make you smile
Sophia Rose
As I read the reviews on this, I have book envy of you guys who have read this one and the first book. I fully intend to have my own book date with Lemmon’s bad boys.
Enjoyed your review, Kimberly!
kimbacaffeinate
Oh have fun..you’ve got time until the next release and then we can all chat about it 🙂
Debbie Haupt
OOh Thanks Kim, I want this one!!!
kimbacaffeinate
This is a feel good series Debbie…enjoy!
Cyn
Ah this looks like a cute read! A bad boy and a puppy on the cover? Sign me up! haha. I know how much you love small town romance, glad to see you’re still enjoying this series! Thanks for the awesome review, Kim!
kimbacaffeinate
These are fun Cyn, the kind of books you devour in a single sitting.
Jenny
Oooo I love this kind of romantic setup Kim! Where one party has hurt the other at some point and then their brought back together and have to work things out. SO MUCH TENSION! Love it:) And I love that the only thing “bad boy” about him on the cover are symmetrical forearm tattoos 😉
kimbacaffeinate
They really aren’t bad boys..just men who have some damaged. You so need to read Lemmon this summer Jenny. I know you will adore these.
Jennifer
Both Amanda and Jonetta has enjoyed this series. I need to give them a try.
kimbacaffeinate
Oh Jennifer, these are such fun.
Aubrey Wynne
I agree, they had me with a good looking guy and his dog on the cover!
kimbacaffeinate
It is a cute cover. They call them bad boys, but really they are damaged men who will tug at your heart strings
Ro
What a way to tug at heart strings by adding an animal for us to fall in love with, as well as the bad boy who needed to be rescued. Sounds like readers can be a part of this fun series without reading in order, and I really enjoy having a youth group be part of the story, along with laugh out loud humor. Great review! Hugs…Ro
kimbacaffeinate
This has a wonderful balance of humor, heat and romance Ro
blodeuedd
Awww sounds lovely 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
It was my friend
Melliane
That’s nice you made me want to discover the history of both characters. It looks like a really good book there and a nice romance. thanks for sharing!
kimbacaffeinate
This is such a fun series Melliane