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Second Chances: Complete

(Second Chances #1-2)

Jo Briggs (Goodreads Author)

3.86 · Rating details · 35 ratings · 19 reviews

Layla Keyes is back in England. Much has changed in the five years since she moved to New York to pursue a modelling career - On the outside she appears independent, self-assured and enjoying running her own successful fashion label.

On the inside she is determined to take back what she lost five years ago when misunderstandings allowed a jealous third party to manipulate a ...more

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Paperback, 252 pages

Published July 2013 by Daydream Books (first published June 26th 2013)

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Sep 21, 2013 Tiffany Callan rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

My Review Is For The Book Before The Title and Main Character Names Changed :)

This book has more ups and downs than a herd of camels, i fell in love with this book over and over as the story took many twists and turns and then felt greatful there was an end so i could sleep :)
Elle is a beautiful model type, Will was a beautiful, mogul type, they fitted together perfectly and things went so well for them both until a sad turn of events changed the whole relationship and things broke down, when th My Review Is For The Book Before The Title and Main Character Names Changed :)

This book has more ups and downs than a herd of camels, i fell in love with this book over and over as the story took many twists and turns and then felt greatful there was an end so i could sleep :)
Elle is a beautiful model type, Will was a beautiful, mogul type, they fitted together perfectly and things went so well for them both until a sad turn of events changed the whole relationship and things broke down, when things could be corrected there were too many hurt feelings, too much damaged pride and too much love to solve the issues until they are force together and things slowly unravel until they are together once more, i laughed and cried at this book it was so emotional, so overbearing at times and yet i couldn't put it down until i'd finished it, i didn't see half of the issue before they arose and it certainly kept me on my toes, the only down side was the book wasn't (in kindle form) proof read well enough to flow as smooth as i felt it could, i occasionally noticed we slipped from male to female thoughts and back again in the same paragraph and would maybe of prefer a 3 book series book 1 up until the reconciliation, book 2 her views during and after the separation and book 3 his views, the book was quite longer than my normal reads and i feel some thing could of been delved into deeper if it had been shared over other books however i still thoroughly enjoyed the book and would read more of Jo's work.

Story 4.8 (the slipping from person A to B and back again in certainly places had be re-reading parts i didn't need to)
Characters: 4.8 (i wanted to know what Gina's problem was and why she was okay with Elle, then not, then a little bit, then became estranged although she worked for part of the business)
Cover: 5

Much love
TJ

Since reading the book i've found that the title and character names have changed since under going an edit, you can now find the book as - Second chances, all is explained at www.daydreambooks.co.uk ...more

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Nov 04, 2013 Sabrina Olteanu rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

I received this book in exchange for my honest review. Thank you so much!

First I have to admit I am a sucker when it comes to romance stories. I love them and for me they are the perfect books! This one, Second Chances- made me cry like a little kid, laugh like a crazy person, I was giddy the entire story. What more could I ask for?! I’m happy I’ve found another book that deserves to be on the shelves with my favorite stories.

The book starts with the saddest breakup I’ve ever read, between Layl I received this book in exchange for my honest review. Thank you so much!

First I have to admit I am a sucker when it comes to romance stories. I love them and for me they are the perfect books! This one, Second Chances- made me cry like a little kid, laugh like a crazy person, I was giddy the entire story. What more could I ask for?! I’m happy I’ve found another book that deserves to be on the shelves with my favorite stories.

The book starts with the saddest breakup I’ve ever read, between Layla Keyes and Evan Carter. They broke up, thinking this is the best decision for both of them, not realizing how this is going to really impact them, and not knowing the future it’s going to get them back together. After five years Layla it’s back England, she left New York and her peruse in modeling business there. She has gained the independence she always wanted, not depending on Evan and his money; she is a powerful woman and managed to succeed in her career. Everything she ever wanted, but she still suffers for the love she has for Evan, even after all this years.

Evan is one perfect man, loyal, beautiful and sexy, smart, with a kind soul, formal and a mogul type of man. Hey were perfect for each other. Ever since he has los Layla, he is lost and has a broken heart that can’t be fixed by another woman. She is the one for him.
Their relationship could have been fixed, but they didn’t how to communicate and try to fix everything. Now they have secrets that need to be told, lies that were kept and a past. Are they going to make it? Will they end up together?

Read the book to understand what I’m saying here and to see what happens with these two. It’s an intriguing story, with a lot of twists and turns that will leave you breathless at some points. This book broke my heart at one point, and I was crying like a little kid. I was furious with Layla and Evan for not stepping up the game and fix their problems. Just tell the truth and handle all the problems. I know it’s not easy, but I think that would have saved them from a lot of suffering. But hey, who am I to say this?! I loved it just the way it is, and I will happily read it again any day!

I am grateful I’ve had the chance to read Second Chances. Thank you Jo Briggs and Shane Morgan for giving me the chance to read this magnificent story and to be a part of another amazing tour! I highly recommend this book to anyone, but especially to those that are in love with this genre! You won’t regret reading it and you will fall in love with Jo Briggs writing!
...more

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Nov 11, 2013 Chu rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: second-chances

Review Originally Posted at: Book Freak

Evan and Layla used to have an amazing relationship five years ago – but life happens, all of a sudden, the perfect relationship fell apart brought about by intense loss, and grief. Both didn’t have much of a choice but to let go.

Now, Layla is back on England after five years in New York pursuing a successful career in fashion. She might have everything life has to offer – but one thing. Unlike before, she’s finally determined to get back one thing she los Review Originally Posted at: Book Freak

Evan and Layla used to have an amazing relationship five years ago – but life happens, all of a sudden, the perfect relationship fell apart brought about by intense loss, and grief. Both didn’t have much of a choice but to let go.

Now, Layla is back on England after five years in New York pursuing a successful career in fashion. She might have everything life has to offer – but one thing. Unlike before, she’s finally determined to get back one thing she lost years ago. This time she wouldn’t allow a simple misunderstanding, even a deranged, manipulative ex to get into her way in getting Evan Carter, the love of her life back.

If there was anything Evan was good at, it was at pretending that he’s was okay without Layla. He should have not let her go when she asked to be freed, but it was for the best at that time. He had to respect her decision. For years, he had tried to get tidbits from friends about her – but now that she’s finally back in town, he would do everything to have that grab the second chance that life has offered him.

BUT then – no matter how badly they wanted it to be THAT easy, they knew they had to take things slow, talk things out, and reveal some secrets that had long been kept.
I love the cover – it’s sexy, sultry and really attractive. I have always loved plots about second chances, and despite the fact that it has been used countless time by different authors – there is still something new, something hopeful about it.

The characters were not perfect, they made error in judgment, made some stupid decisions, and got involve with other people – which made them more real to me, but it didn’t make me love them less. Despite what happened in the past, they tried their best to move on. I especially loved the new Layla – when she finally decided that she wanted him back, she fought hard for him, and stood by his side whatever the circumstances where. She might have been good at running away in the past – but this time, she’s staying.

Jo Briggs wrote a great novel about what second chances really are – no more secret, lies, restoring trust and giving your whole self and risking your heart for the second time. They say love is sweeter the second time around, Evan and Layla managed to put all the hurt and bitterness aside and had given themselves a second chance in love.

★ARC Copy was given in exchange for an honest review.★
...more

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Oct 07, 2013 Kathy Horsman rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: r2r, adult, nook, romance, urban

I'm a bit torn about how to review this book. I just finished about 10 minutes ago and to be quite honest, I was very satisfied with how the book ended and how everything played out. The devil on my other shoulder is complaining about several other things that don't necessarily make a book bad, in fact this one entertained my interests on every page. I was invested in the lives of both main characters, Evan and Layla, and where their relationship was going. I felt their love for each other rever ...more

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Oct 19, 2013 books are love rated it really liked it · review of another edition

this was a wonderful story. i cried over what happened between them in the beginning. Layla was too young for a relationship and she needed to grow up and find herself before she could accept the love and growth a relationship could give. When she is away,Layla begins to become a self sufficient and confident woman who learned to become comfortable with who she is.

With all the misunderstandings and outside influences Layla and Evan had to come between them I felt so sad that they were torn apar ...more

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Oct 17, 2013 Jana rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: 2013-reads, blog-reviewed

My mini review

I do love stories about second chances and this is another example of why I love it so much. Jo Brigg wrote such a realistic and captivating story that no doubt others will enjoy. The characters was so developed and Evan and Layla really stood out. Yes, there was moments (of course) that I didn't agree with or they made decisions where I was a bit WTF but overall, I was pleased with their character growth and their interactions with each other.

This book isn't without drama but tha ...more

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Nov 10, 2013 Mary Mooney rated it really liked it · review of another edition

I received a copy from the author for my honest review, so here it is. This is a great story about taking second chances. Layla has had a hard few years, after her parents died in a car accident and she thinks she is recovering from the loss, she falls off her horse and suffers a miscarriage. Not knowing she was pregnant, the guilt consumed her and drove her from Evan's life. She leaves him and moves to New York. She has been back home a few times but after five years she is moving back for good ...more

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Oct 19, 2013 Jacquelyn Smith rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: library, own

Second Chances by Jo Briggs
I was given this book in exchange for my honest review by the author*
Dreaming for a second chance at love ***
Everyone wants that happy ever after, but first we must go thru the emotional drama to get it.
It been over 5 years since Layla left Evan they both have secrets, but can they survive each other past to see what's important? This story is filled with misunderstandings and no communication between two people that love each other. The twist and turns in this story ...more

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Jan 04, 2014 Melissa rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Layla and Evan shared a great relationship until a tragic accident caused them to drift apart. Five years later, Layla returns to England from New York. Evan is determined to get Layla back in his life. The only problem is that they are both hiding secrets from each other. Those secrets could possibly devastate each other.

This was such an amazing love story. You have two people who know that they want to be together but don't know whether or not they can make it through the problems of their pas ...more

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Oct 27, 2013 Kelly Smitherman rated it really liked it · review of another edition

I really enjoyed this book. It was a very easy read and it kept my interest. I am a sucker for a good romance...especially one that has its fair share of misunderstandings and challenges. I think the author did a great job with this book.....there was just enough drama and confusion between the characters to keep it interesting but not so much that you found yourself getting irritated and frustrated. The beginning of the book was very emotional and my heart broke for both Layla and Evan. I was h ...more

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Jul 14, 2013 Betty rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Layla Keyes has returned to England after five years living in the States. Much has changed since she moved to New York to pursue her modeling career. She has accomplished a lot and is a much stronger woman, but she is still in love with her "X", Evan Carter.
The characters are both very strong with supporting characters filling out the story nicely. The story line/plot is very interesting and the book well written.
...more

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Nov 17, 2013 Zoe rated it really liked it · review of another edition

I think that this story was really well written, and the plot complex and well thought out. The characters were defined and had depth, and the interaction between them substantial. A nice read, I had to concentrate to follow it.

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Oct 22, 2013 Michele rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: arc

Review to follow

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Nov 04, 2013 Anncleire rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: blog-tour, contemporary, romance

Blog Tour on my blog November 7th
Recensione + Giveaway
http://pleaseanotherbook.tumblr.com/p...

“Second Chances” è entrato nelle cose da leggere per puro caso, beh mica tanto, ok lo ammetto per la copertina. Si lo so, ma non è bellissima? Io mi sono innamorata del tizio e quando si è presentata l’occasione di partecipare la blog tour, che potete seguire qui, grazie a Shane Morgan di Itching for Books non me lo sono lasciata ripetere due volte, mi sono iscritta. Peccato che non sia stato all’altezz Blog Tour on my blog November 7th
Recensione + Giveaway
http://pleaseanotherbook.tumblr.com/p...

“Second Chances” è entrato nelle cose da leggere per puro caso, beh mica tanto, ok lo ammetto per la copertina. Si lo so, ma non è bellissima? Io mi sono innamorata del tizio e quando si è presentata l’occasione di partecipare la blog tour, che potete seguire qui, grazie a Shane Morgan di Itching for Books non me lo sono lasciata ripetere due volte, mi sono iscritta. Peccato che non sia stato all’altezza delle mie aspettative. Non so se sia perchè gli ultimi libri che ho letto mi hanno lasciata senza parole, ma non so questo libro non mi ha soddisfatta come avrei voluto.

Layla Keyes è tornata in Imghilterra. Molto è cambiato nei cinque anni da quando si è trasferita a New York per continuare la sua carriera di modella. Da fuori sembra indipendente, sicura di sé e si entusiasma con la sua etichetta di moda di successo. Nell’interno è determinata a riprendersi quello che ha perso cinque anni prima quando alcuni fraintendimenti hanno permesso ad un terzo incomodo geloso di manipolare e interferire nel distruggere la sua relazione con Evan Carter.
Evan Carter ha passato tutto il tempo a pretendere di non essere rimasto ferito dalla perdita di Layla dalla sua vita.

È strano perché appena iniziata e riletta la trama, la storia prometteva bene e mi ero entusiasmata, poi effettivamente non sono riuscita ad entrarci dentro come volevo, la narrazione in terza persona, pur alternando i punti di vista di Layla e Evan non è riuscita a farmi connettere con i due personaggi, che pure hanno riportato in maniera molto impersonale la storia. Un altro elemento di disturbo è stato sicuramente il fatto che la storia dopo aver descritto un capitolo nel passato salta avanti di 5 anni, e mano a mano che andiamo avanti nella narrazione ci viene svelato quello che è successo negli anni durante nei quali i due sono stati separati. Ma effettivamente la Briggs va ad ingarbugliare in maniera sconvolgente i fatti senza poi effettivamente risultare in una trama chiara. E non dico che l’uso dei flashback non venga apprezzato, anzi a volte sono necessari, ma qui se ne fa un uso eccessivo, condizionato dal fatto che la storia perde di slancio, che a parte qualche incomprensione, che ho reputato assurda, manca di sostanza e spessore. Il che la rende un po’ insipida. Effettivamente se non fosse per i paesaggi straordinari dell’Inghilterra che sembrano esplodere dalla pagina, e i personaggi che vengono caratterizzati più dalle loro azioni che dai loro sentimenti la storia non sarebbe da leggere. La storia delle complicazioni che l’hanno debilitata fisicamente per lungo tempo mi sembra un’aggiunta inutile alla storia, che sarebbe proseguita liscia, senza intoppi, anche senza quel particolare.
Layla resta un personaggio interessante, un ex modella che fonda da solo una sua etichetta di moda, che sfonda nel campo, grazie anche ad alcune conoscenze pregresse e una madre che fa di tutto per proteggere il suo bambino. Effettivamente non capiamo niente della sua storia con Evan, e questo mi è sembrato assurdo, se non nella seconda parte del libro, quando la storia ci aveva portato davanti agli occhi una marea di altri personaggi. Evan è il classico uomo d’affari ricchissimo, potente, che ha il mondo ai suoi piedi e che vuole l’unica donna che sembra non poter avere. Ma in fondo entrambi si fanno solo un sacco di fisse basate sul nulla.
Il contorno dei personaggi secondari, ricco e vario, con una serie di relazioni che si accumulano in modo contorto e assolutamente poco originale, si lascia disperdere e aggiunge confusione, in una storia che è già complicata così com’è.

Il particolare da non dimenticare? Una collana con un ciondolo di smeraldo e brillanti…

Pubblicato il 27 giugno di quest’anno da Daydream Books questa è una romance, per chi ha voglia di paesaggi straordinari, viaggi in elicottero, ricchezza mostrata ad ogni piè sospinto e dove i sentimenti, hanno un posto molto importante.
Buona lettura guys!

Ringrazio infinitamente Itching for Books per avermi concesso la possibilità di partecipare a questo blog tour in cambio della mia onesta opinione.
...more

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Oct 23, 2013 Zili rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: contemporary-romance

I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review. I read the newly edited/complete series version which I believe contains both the original parts to Jo Briggs's story.

The book begins with a really sad break up leaving both Layla and Evan devastated. Layla left Evan, believing she was doing the right thing for both of them. The story picks up 5 years later and Second Chances fills in what happened in the missing years and also shows how the characters try to move on from the pa ...more

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Oct 17, 2013 Crina (Reading Addict) rated it liked it · review of another edition

I received this book for a honest review and as a part of the tour! Thanks!:) Original post on: http://nervidetoamna.blogspot.ro/

This book was a light, easy, romantic read, but it has nothing special in it, nothing original or something that make me say "I haven't read something like that yet!".
I won't say that the book is not good, but it wasn't original as I said. Is the old story with two people that formed a couple and for some reason they walked away, after an amount of years they meet agai ...more

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Nov 01, 2013 Missy *Am I alive and a reality, or am I but a dream? * rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: arc, annoying-heroine, cuttee, deep-feelings, emo, familysuffer, haunting-past, heartbreaking, lovestory, my-best-2013

*I received this book in exchange for my honest review.*

Layla Keyes is determined to take back what she lost five years ago when misunderstandings allowed a jealous third party to manipulate and interfere in destroying her relationship with

Evan Carter who spent all that time pretending to not be affected by the loss of Layla from his life.

The characters are both very strong and the story is interesting (the book is well written ) I just don't know why I feel myself out of it? I couldn't find t ...more

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Sep 30, 2013 Kirsten rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: second-chance-romance, r2r-romance

This was a decent, quick read for me. I thought it would be a lot less complicated than it was, but the pages kept turning. It was interesting coming into the book the way it started. I thought that Layla was being unfair to Evan at the beginning. Wow! Understatement to be sure. Although at the time, I suppose she didn't know what was going on either. I did like the fact that they sat down and talked out their problems like grown-ups after their 5 year separation. I liked that after they decided ...more

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Oct 25, 2013 N. Kuhn rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: romance

This was ok, it was nothing spectacular. Some spots, I felt confused, like why the paparazzi were following them around, it's never fully explained. I enjoyed the drama between Evan and Layla as they try to repair a relationship that was destroyed. It's not that this is a horrible book, but a lot of repition and beating the same subject to death just made it boring for me. I couldn't fully enjoy the story. There is a sweet, endearing, past love story here. You just have to get through some of th ...more

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Making Connections: 1721. SECOND CHANCES by Jo Briggs	35	87	Jan 01, 2014 05:10AM
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About Jo Briggs

Jo Briggs

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By day, Jo Briggs works in public healthcare in United Kingdom but by night she turns romantic daydreams into the written word.

Addicted to coffee, chocolate, and American TV shows, she is also a prolific reader of all things new adult and contemporary - the higher the angst scale the better.

She is in the process of writing her New Adult Rockstar series, which will start to be released soon.

Jo b ...more