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Second Chances
When fate brings Matt and Billie together for a second time at Matt's Texas ranch, the ruggedly handsome cowboy is determined not to let his lost love elude him again. Reprint.
352 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 1996
93 people are currently reading
457 people want to read
About the author
Sharon Sala
279 books2,299 followersBiography
Sharon Sala is a Native Oklahoman and still lives within a two hour drive of where she was born.
First published in 1991, she is a New York Times/USA Today, best-selling author with a 135 plus books published in seven different genres, including Romantic suspense, Mystery, Young Adult, Western, Fiction, Women’s Fiction and Non-Fiction.
Industry Awards include:
Eight-time RITA finalist. (Romance Industry award)
The Janet Dailey Award.
Five-time Career Achievement winner from RT Magazine.
Five time winner of the National Reader’s Choice Award.
Five time winner of the Colorado Romance Writer’s Award of Excellence.
Heart of Excellence Award.,
Booksellers Best Award.
Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award RITA, presented by RWA.
Centennial Award from RWA for recognition of her 100th published novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
just-nope
March 15, 2014I had originally shelved this book as read, and given it a decent review, but as the author has now signed a petition claiming that she feels that all reviewers should post only with their 'real' names, I am removing my review and moving this book to my just-nope shelves in order to comply with her desires.
This should be considered my, 'non-review.'
This should be considered my, 'non-review.'
December 5, 2010
I liked this book for almost 230 pages out of 340, then it fell apart. The author laid on the schmaltz so thick it was impossible to wade through. I couldn't decide if this was a really sentimental Hallmark movie, or an overacted daytime soap.
I enjoyed the first part of the book, even with some corny moments and the fact that Sala tells instead of shows. If you buy the "love at first kiss" scenario, Sala sets up an interesting dynamic between three of the main characters. If she'd stuck to that storyline without adding all the melodrama in the last third of the book, this would've been a memorable read. maybe the book is just showing it's age and the changing tastes of romance readers.
I enjoyed the first part of the book, even with some corny moments and the fact that Sala tells instead of shows. If you buy the "love at first kiss" scenario, Sala sets up an interesting dynamic between three of the main characters. If she'd stuck to that storyline without adding all the melodrama in the last third of the book, this would've been a memorable read. maybe the book is just showing it's age and the changing tastes of romance readers.
June 26, 2015
This started off with such potential - I was excited that I'd stumbled across such a great author and then things went from bad to worse in a single turn of a page! The ending was way too rushed and the main couple was never together enough. Sometimes days, weeks, months and years blurred together and other times it was completely skipped over. The timeline was all over the place and the "obstacles" were either never resolved or glossed over with no proper ending! Frustrating to say the least, not sure I'll read another one by Ms. Sala . . .
August 22, 2025
Billie Jean Holt and Matt Holt meet at the Denver Airport during a blizzard one year. They fight the attraction and go their own ways not knowing each other's names. Then they meet again when Matt's son brings Billie home.
An older book by Sharon Sala. It was okay.
An older book by Sharon Sala. It was okay.
May 6, 2012
This is the 2nd Sharon Sala book I have read - the first being "Chance McCall" which is one of the best books I have read and one I have which is dog earred and much read. This book though did not live up to my expectations and I found there were too many plot lines thrown into the one book so that I didnt really end up caring either way - I just wanted to finish the book so I could move on. That is awful and it feels awful to say BUT, I just did not enjoy it at all. Matt seemed to be a really odd character - ok, he had a kid when he was 16 and he is now in his late 30's dating a woman a few years older than his son - please tell me I am not the only one who found this creepy and odd?! Anyway, it won't stop me picking up another Sharon Sala book, as I said "Chance McCall" is one of my favourite books.
January 24, 2012
The heroine cries too much for my taste.
November 9, 2019
Second Chances
This one have a whole new meaning for heartbreaking to me. I can't imagine going through all that Billie went through and still be a good person. Matt was awesome.
This one have a whole new meaning for heartbreaking to me. I can't imagine going through all that Billie went through and still be a good person. Matt was awesome.
July 13, 2024
Billie and Matt meet in a Denver airport on New Years eve and have an immediate connection but do not exchange more than a kiss, no names. Years later BJ goes to her friends ranch and meets her friends father, Matt.
July 11, 2022
This book was fine, but it was dramatic and rushed.
I didn’t like how Billie and Matt meet, say two sentences to each other, kiss then Matt rushes off because their connection was supposedly so strong. It felt so over the top and I didn’t really believe their love for each other.
Scott was kind of annoying. Sometimes, he acted like he was twelve.
The other characters weren’t really included in the story. The other friends that Scott took to Texas were mentioned but they didn’t really exist. Matt had other people working at the ranch, but you never see them.
Near the end Billie asks Matt for some space for a ridiculous reason and the way she completely disappears was so over the top.
The book ended too quickly, as Billie only just wakes up and the next chapter is their wedding.
I really liked a book by this author though it was written under a different pen name, and the books that I’ve read so far under this pen name haven’t been as good as that one, so I might concentrate on those books for now.
I didn’t like how Billie and Matt meet, say two sentences to each other, kiss then Matt rushes off because their connection was supposedly so strong. It felt so over the top and I didn’t really believe their love for each other.
Scott was kind of annoying. Sometimes, he acted like he was twelve.
The other characters weren’t really included in the story. The other friends that Scott took to Texas were mentioned but they didn’t really exist. Matt had other people working at the ranch, but you never see them.
Near the end Billie asks Matt for some space for a ridiculous reason and the way she completely disappears was so over the top.
The book ended too quickly, as Billie only just wakes up and the next chapter is their wedding.
I really liked a book by this author though it was written under a different pen name, and the books that I’ve read so far under this pen name haven’t been as good as that one, so I might concentrate on those books for now.
October 15, 2024
Loved this book. A romance novel where a couple meet in a snowstorm at an airport where they are stranded. They part not knowing each others names only to meet up again 2 years later at the guys ranch. They fall in love and end up parting before the woman reveals her past. After some terrible things happen to the woman she returns to the ranch, much to the delight of the guy. Things go well until the woman goes back to school to finish her Master’s and then something awful happens. You have to read the book to find out what happened and how things end. Enjoyed this book a lot and don’t agree with some of the reviews. Would give this book a 4 1/2.
July 11, 2024
Matt and Billie have a chance encounter at an airport during a storm and go their separate ways.
Years later they meet again. Billie is a friend of Matt's son Scott and has no idea Matt is his father. Billie disappears again, then returns to Matt. Billie has had a difficult childhood and is not trusting of love, and Matt has to earn that trust.
This is a story originally written in 1996, and I am reading it in 2024. It is so refreshing to revisit a time before cell phones and social media.
Years later they meet again. Billie is a friend of Matt's son Scott and has no idea Matt is his father. Billie disappears again, then returns to Matt. Billie has had a difficult childhood and is not trusting of love, and Matt has to earn that trust.
This is a story originally written in 1996, and I am reading it in 2024. It is so refreshing to revisit a time before cell phones and social media.
September 23, 2023
I loved this book because it does not follow tradition and has a very unusual plot/story line. It goes from romance to tragedy and back again and you keep reading because you don’t want to kiss a moment. Second chances come to those that wait. Great read.
June 1, 2017
We don't always get second chances so when we do, we should not be stubborn . Make the most of it!!
March 30, 2020
Ugh! Why did no one mention how freaking depressing this book was..jeez! The brief HEA at the end was not worth all that torment!
May 12, 2022
Interesting romance. Has all the dramatic effects that has become common in romance novels. Bittersweet ending.
October 24, 2022
One of my favorites.
April 24, 2024
Good book
A great story different kind of book that the author usually writes or to me it was. I was hooked from the start.
A great story different kind of book that the author usually writes or to me it was. I was hooked from the start.
April 25, 2025
Very sad. Characters with difficult family issues that may be hard for readers to deal with.
May 16, 2025
How many second chances does it take? More than one.
September 6, 2011
This one was such a disapointment to me. I loved the last book I read by this author and was looking forward to this one. I love second chance romances but the writing in this one was not up to par for this author.
Billie (h) while on Christmas vacation from college heads home to her father's house. Not that she was looking forward to it, they don't get along and with wife #6 now in the mix it would be all that much worse. When she can't take anymore she decides to head back to college only to be stranded at the airport by a blizard on New Years Eve. The only perk....the hot sexy cowboy that's stranded there too.
Matt (H) had just finished visiting his son at the college and is on his way back to his ranch. When a blizard hits and has him stranded there he meets a pretty young woman who lights him on fire. They share a kiss and she lets him know that she would like to share more, only she's young and he's made that mistake once in his life and he's not about to do it again. He pays a cabbie a lot of money and goes to a hotel for the evening leaving Billie wanting more.
Two years later, Billie decides to go with a group of friends to one of their father's ranch for the week. When she arrives she not only finds her misterious cowboy again but finds out that he is Scott's father.
As I got further in this book it turns out to be less of a "second chance romance", they only shared a kiss in the moments that they had know eachother before, and more of a love triangle between Billie, Matt and Matt's son Scott. Even though Billie states over and over that she has no feelings for Scott other than friendship it just wasn't my cuppa. The writting seemed amaturish and I hate when the author "forcasts"... for example " unknowingly her choice would alter the rest of her life...." I hate when an author does that.
Billie (h) while on Christmas vacation from college heads home to her father's house. Not that she was looking forward to it, they don't get along and with wife #6 now in the mix it would be all that much worse. When she can't take anymore she decides to head back to college only to be stranded at the airport by a blizard on New Years Eve. The only perk....the hot sexy cowboy that's stranded there too.
Matt (H) had just finished visiting his son at the college and is on his way back to his ranch. When a blizard hits and has him stranded there he meets a pretty young woman who lights him on fire. They share a kiss and she lets him know that she would like to share more, only she's young and he's made that mistake once in his life and he's not about to do it again. He pays a cabbie a lot of money and goes to a hotel for the evening leaving Billie wanting more.
Two years later, Billie decides to go with a group of friends to one of their father's ranch for the week. When she arrives she not only finds her misterious cowboy again but finds out that he is Scott's father.
As I got further in this book it turns out to be less of a "second chance romance", they only shared a kiss in the moments that they had know eachother before, and more of a love triangle between Billie, Matt and Matt's son Scott. Even though Billie states over and over that she has no feelings for Scott other than friendship it just wasn't my cuppa. The writting seemed amaturish and I hate when the author "forcasts"... for example " unknowingly her choice would alter the rest of her life...." I hate when an author does that.
December 20, 2010
One serendipitous meeting and explosive kiss at an airport on New Years Eve between two lonely strangers, Billie Jean Walker and Matt Holt, becomes a memory that they both never forget.
Two years later, Billie is invited by her friend Scott, to spend the holidays, along with a group of friends at his Texas ranch. However Billie gets the shock of her life when she discovers that Scott is Matt's son. Matt and Billie choose to remain silent about their past encounter and this begins a complicated and emotion-charged situation.
This was an emotion packed booked, with some beautifully tender romantic moments, but also many moments of turmoil and depression. Billie was quite a needy and complicated figure, with a lot of past emotional hurts that continually emerge through her actions, thoughts and relationships. Parts of the plot did drag out and some of Billie's choices frustrated me. However the beauty and tenderness of the relationship between Billie and Matt kept drawing me back.
Two years later, Billie is invited by her friend Scott, to spend the holidays, along with a group of friends at his Texas ranch. However Billie gets the shock of her life when she discovers that Scott is Matt's son. Matt and Billie choose to remain silent about their past encounter and this begins a complicated and emotion-charged situation.
This was an emotion packed booked, with some beautifully tender romantic moments, but also many moments of turmoil and depression. Billie was quite a needy and complicated figure, with a lot of past emotional hurts that continually emerge through her actions, thoughts and relationships. Parts of the plot did drag out and some of Billie's choices frustrated me. However the beauty and tenderness of the relationship between Billie and Matt kept drawing me back.
June 2, 2008
recommended by Jessica - she loved it, so I'll try it!
I finally finished the book. I liked it, Jessica loved it - it was somewhat slow for me in several parts. But I did enjoy the character of Billie, although I think she was on the "needy" side. She could have been stronger in her actions. However, the author did develop Billie's character so that her weakness was justified.
I would recommend it if you enjoy romance novels. It is romantic, but (there is always a but with this book) the age difference between Billie (about 20) and Matt (over 30) was took wide for my reading enjoyment.
I still thank you Jessica for recommending it! You're the best!
I finally finished the book. I liked it, Jessica loved it - it was somewhat slow for me in several parts. But I did enjoy the character of Billie, although I think she was on the "needy" side. She could have been stronger in her actions. However, the author did develop Billie's character so that her weakness was justified.
I would recommend it if you enjoy romance novels. It is romantic, but (there is always a but with this book) the age difference between Billie (about 20) and Matt (over 30) was took wide for my reading enjoyment.
I still thank you Jessica for recommending it! You're the best!
November 17, 2014
synopsis:
billie and matt are stuck in the airport, and their eyes meet. they make out until matt walks away to catch his plane. billie is heartbroken, but when she goes with her friend to his father's ranch, his father turns out to be matt. matt decides that he wants a second chance with billie. they further their relationship, and then billie runs away.
what i liked: the premise.
what i didn't like: the execution. i couldn't get into the story, felt no connection with or between the characters. i think that this author is just not for me, as this is the second book that i've read by her, and the second time i've felt this.
billie and matt are stuck in the airport, and their eyes meet. they make out until matt walks away to catch his plane. billie is heartbroken, but when she goes with her friend to his father's ranch, his father turns out to be matt. matt decides that he wants a second chance with billie. they further their relationship, and then billie runs away.
what i liked: the premise.
what i didn't like: the execution. i couldn't get into the story, felt no connection with or between the characters. i think that this author is just not for me, as this is the second book that i've read by her, and the second time i've felt this.
April 11, 2011
This is certainly not my normal read..I enjoy more of the erotic romance. And although I might not pick this back up as a re-read for a while, I did enjoy the story. It was a very emotional read from front to end. I seem to throw myself into the shoes of the heroine and while with erotic romances, that can be all the fun in it!! But in this story, it was rough to say the least. I would reccomend this story to anyone who enjoys romance with a story, but be warned that it will be an emotional ride.
February 28, 2013
I loved, loved this book. I read it years ago when I checked it out from the library. I had been thinking about it but I could not remember the name. I even went on websites trying to find the book and the author. I just happened upon it again...what a blessing because I loved the story of Billie and Matt. Sharon had me at hello with the meeting of these two at the airport. I must say that I have imagined meeting Mr Right at the airport. I also loved the push and pull between these two. Great read that I will return to again and again.
August 4, 2009
I have never read Sharon Sala but I looking forward to reading more from her in the future. I greatly enjoyed this novel. I story line was a little to predictable but still a great read. I was sad when it was over because I really got into the characters lives. I would definitely recommend it to a friend.
March 24, 2016
This is one of my favorite book by Sharon Sala.. The characters literally came to life right off thee pages and I found myself seep into the life of these individuals, each and everyone.
The beautifuly poetic writing that flowed off the page transporting you right into the lives of the ones you were reading about.
I didn't want the story to end.. s beautifully written..
June 19, 2014
Any book you can start and finish in the same day deserves more than five*. If not for a used book store, I might never have discovered Sharon Sala, which would have definitely been my loss. This is the 4th book I have read by her, and it, like all the others made me lose sleep because I couldn’t put it down. Looking forward to reading many more books by Sharon Sala.
November 15, 2010
I loved this book. Still to this day, I find myself thinking about it. They way the author told the story really stood out to me. if your really into a heart wrenching story about love, loss, differences, then this is your book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews