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Fangirls of Evening Shade #2
The Fangirl and the Playboy
A secret romance with an up-and-coming Hollywood star? Check. Getting my heart broken for the first and only time by said star? Double check.And I refuse to let history repeat itself.Gavin Reese rose to stardom and became a teenage heartthrob ten years ago, but before that, he was just Gavin, an eighteen-year-old boy who caught my eye and stole my heart while filming the movies that would eventually make him a household name.We were friends first. I was only fifteen and too young for anything romantic, but over the next year, our friendship grew into something more. Something special.At least, it was special to me.Apparently, what he had with his gorgeous co-star wasn’t all smoke and mirrors and lines on a page.Ten years later, he came back to Evening Shade for a convention celebrating the anniversary of the first film’s release. I managed to avoid him the whole weekend, but now that he’s decided to stay for a while, I don’t know what I’m going to do.But I know what I’m not going to do.I’m not going to fall for that sweet, good guy act. Not again. I may have fangirled over the boy who’d eventually become a star, but I refuse to fall for the playboy who’s never had a serious relationship…including the one he had with me.Ouch. Why does that still sting?
262 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 22, 2023
40 people are currently reading
65 people want to read
About the author
Piper James
37 books286 followersPiper James lives in Idaho with her husband, two teenage sons, two cats, and a dog.
Her favorite things are romance novels, coffee, potato chips, and her Jeep Wrangler…and her family, of course. Seriously. She loves her family more than coffee and her jeep. *exaggerated wink*
When she’s not writing, she watches ghost shows and spends most of her time trying to convince her family their house is haunted. Because it is.
She wrote YA paranormal romance for 6 years under the name Wendi Wilson before giving into her desire to write spicy romcoms, and it was the best career decision she’s ever made…until she decides to write a book about the ghosts. Because they are definitely real.
Her favorite things are romance novels, coffee, potato chips, and her Jeep Wrangler…and her family, of course. Seriously. She loves her family more than coffee and her jeep. *exaggerated wink*
When she’s not writing, she watches ghost shows and spends most of her time trying to convince her family their house is haunted. Because it is.
She wrote YA paranormal romance for 6 years under the name Wendi Wilson before giving into her desire to write spicy romcoms, and it was the best career decision she’s ever made…until she decides to write a book about the ghosts. Because they are definitely real.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
February 6, 2024
I already knew I was going to love this book because the first was so great, and who doesn't love a second chance rom-com? I was expecting the same vibe from the first book and was not disappointed. It was great to see how much Willow and Gavin grew up and matured over the years through the flashbacks. It was nice to see what they went through and how they felt about the events both as teenagers in love and adults. It felt a lot like seeing their memories and it was a great way to format the book. Definitely a fun read I couldn't put down! Can't wait for the next one.
March 4, 2024
HEA
Standalone, interconnected characters
Fangirls of Evening Shade series Book 2
Second Chance
Trigger warnings
Death of parents
Betrayal
LGBTQ+ side character (get over it)
Willow (mfc)
Gavin (mmc, movie star)
Julia (co-star of mmc)
Trace (brother of mfc)
Keegan (with Trace, friend with mfc)
Pressley (friend of mfc)
Bram (friend of mfc)
Years ago, Gavin and Willow had a secret romance before he broke her heart. He didn't do what she thought, but he didn't get the chance to tell her the truth. Now he's back and trying to make amends. She ignores him at first, treating him as if he meant nothing to her. But when she finally hears him out, will it change how she feels?
The first book was great. This one was a bit more... idk. Less rip your heart out and more yell at the book for characters not listening. The end did feel rushed. I kept waiting for a fight, but there wasn't one past a certain point. Not that I'm mad about that. It just felt like there was one coming that never happened. I still enjoyed it and am really looking forward to book 3. That story has been building the whole series.
Standalone, interconnected characters
Fangirls of Evening Shade series Book 2
Second Chance
Trigger warnings
Death of parents
Betrayal
LGBTQ+ side character (get over it)
Willow (mfc)
Gavin (mmc, movie star)
Julia (co-star of mmc)
Trace (brother of mfc)
Keegan (with Trace, friend with mfc)
Pressley (friend of mfc)
Bram (friend of mfc)
Years ago, Gavin and Willow had a secret romance before he broke her heart. He didn't do what she thought, but he didn't get the chance to tell her the truth. Now he's back and trying to make amends. She ignores him at first, treating him as if he meant nothing to her. But when she finally hears him out, will it change how she feels?
The first book was great. This one was a bit more... idk. Less rip your heart out and more yell at the book for characters not listening. The end did feel rushed. I kept waiting for a fight, but there wasn't one past a certain point. Not that I'm mad about that. It just felt like there was one coming that never happened. I still enjoyed it and am really looking forward to book 3. That story has been building the whole series.
December 10, 2023
While I totally loved the first book in Piper James’ newest series, this second book is definitely my favorite. I absolutely love Willow and Gavin. Everything about them is just so sweet and perfect, despite their rocky middle.
Ten years have passed since Willow and Gavin knew each other, having met and forming a friendship that began to grow into something more while he was filming a movie in her hometown, only for their relationship to end in heartbreak—one neither of them ever fully recovered from. Now he’s back in town to celebrate the reunion of the first movie’s release and things between Willow and Gavin are just as raw and intense now as they were then.
I loved the way the story shifted between past and present, moving effortlessly through Willow and Gavin’s budding friendship, romance, and breakup as teenagers, to their rediscovering of each other in the here and now as misunderstandings come to light and hearts are mended. I truly enjoyed this story and can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
Ten years have passed since Willow and Gavin knew each other, having met and forming a friendship that began to grow into something more while he was filming a movie in her hometown, only for their relationship to end in heartbreak—one neither of them ever fully recovered from. Now he’s back in town to celebrate the reunion of the first movie’s release and things between Willow and Gavin are just as raw and intense now as they were then.
I loved the way the story shifted between past and present, moving effortlessly through Willow and Gavin’s budding friendship, romance, and breakup as teenagers, to their rediscovering of each other in the here and now as misunderstandings come to light and hearts are mended. I truly enjoyed this story and can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
December 22, 2023
Very sweet second chance romance. Years ago Willow met Gavin Reese, a young actor who was filming a movie series in her hometown. They became really good friends. Gavin got to experience small-town life and normalcy with Willow. They became very close.
12 years later Gavin's back. The series has become very lucrative for Willows hometown of Evening Shade. And its been a constant reminder for Willow all these years. And wants to clear the air about how they really ended. Willow doesn't want any part of it. How do you forget and forgive your first heartbreak?
It's very sweet and funny at times. I liked how sweet Gavin was especially. He wasn't your typical Hollywood snob. He was a good friend and person.
I hope you've read book one (super funny and steamy) it's not necessary to have read it, but you get to meet Willow in that one and her grumpy brother. And crazy Keegan who hasn't lost her humor.
12 years later Gavin's back. The series has become very lucrative for Willows hometown of Evening Shade. And its been a constant reminder for Willow all these years. And wants to clear the air about how they really ended. Willow doesn't want any part of it. How do you forget and forgive your first heartbreak?
It's very sweet and funny at times. I liked how sweet Gavin was especially. He wasn't your typical Hollywood snob. He was a good friend and person.
I hope you've read book one (super funny and steamy) it's not necessary to have read it, but you get to meet Willow in that one and her grumpy brother. And crazy Keegan who hasn't lost her humor.
December 24, 2023
I didn’t think this second book in the Evening Shade series could possibly top the first, but I was so wrong! We do get to catch up with Trace and Keegan so that’s awesome.
I knew there had to be more to Gavin and Willow than they were letting on. The sparks there are crazy. This is a sweet second chance romance. Miscommunication and youth, as well as timing put an end to their relationship 12 years ago. Now they are both adults and we are there to witness their new relationship. And I absolutely love it! The story seamlessly slips back and forth from their past to the present.
This is my favorite series from Piper James yet! I’ve totally enjoyed the first two books and I’m so excited for the final book in the series.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I knew there had to be more to Gavin and Willow than they were letting on. The sparks there are crazy. This is a sweet second chance romance. Miscommunication and youth, as well as timing put an end to their relationship 12 years ago. Now they are both adults and we are there to witness their new relationship. And I absolutely love it! The story seamlessly slips back and forth from their past to the present.
This is my favorite series from Piper James yet! I’ve totally enjoyed the first two books and I’m so excited for the final book in the series.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 30, 2023
Everyone loves a second chance. Gavin would especially. I love that Piper gave us both sides of the equation, allowing us to see what is happening in the present, and then delving into the past to see what has happened to drive both Gavin and Willow apart. This book is a second chance romance, enemies to lovers (if you want to add that trope on, I did). I enjoyed the journey into the relationship, and how things have progressed from there. Willow did not make things easy on Gavin in the beginning, and I'm actually kind of glad that it wasn't a quick, easy explanation of what had happened and then they jumped back right where they had left off. Things needed to progress, and I felt that it did just that, and went in at the right speed.
I would have liked to see a little bit more on the ending, but I do have to admit it was a very satisfying conclusion.
I would have liked to see a little bit more on the ending, but I do have to admit it was a very satisfying conclusion.
February 6, 2024
Second chance romance.
Willow and Gavin first met when he was in town shooting a series of hit movies and they turned a friendship first that began to turn into something more - until a publicity stunt gone awry snowballed and caused Willow to lose trust in him. Back in town to celebrate the ten year anniversary of the movies, Gavin is determined to win Willow back - but the first step is getting her to talk to him.
As always with Piper James books, the relationship between the main characters is swoony and particularly in this one, the friendship is front and center. They both made mistakes when they were teenagers, but it was refreshing to see them both grown up and approaching their relationship like adults. I just love all of this author's books!
Many thanks to the author for an ARC.
Willow and Gavin first met when he was in town shooting a series of hit movies and they turned a friendship first that began to turn into something more - until a publicity stunt gone awry snowballed and caused Willow to lose trust in him. Back in town to celebrate the ten year anniversary of the movies, Gavin is determined to win Willow back - but the first step is getting her to talk to him.
As always with Piper James books, the relationship between the main characters is swoony and particularly in this one, the friendship is front and center. They both made mistakes when they were teenagers, but it was refreshing to see them both grown up and approaching their relationship like adults. I just love all of this author's books!
Many thanks to the author for an ARC.
December 17, 2023
Another win for Piper James! I loved reading Willow and Gavin’s story.
I really connected with Willow in the first book even though she was only a supporting character. She’s independent, owns her own coffee and metaphysical store and lives in a small forest town made famous by a teen wolf movie series.
After the town throws their first annual celebration of the movies, Willow relaxes knowing Gavin, the movie’s lead character has finally left town. She and Gavin have a complicated past and she just wants to pretend he doesn’t exist.
Gavin has other ideas and ends up returning to Evening Shade with plans to win Willow back.
I loved these characters and watching their friendship and relationship fall back into place.
I can’t wait for the next book in the series!
I really connected with Willow in the first book even though she was only a supporting character. She’s independent, owns her own coffee and metaphysical store and lives in a small forest town made famous by a teen wolf movie series.
After the town throws their first annual celebration of the movies, Willow relaxes knowing Gavin, the movie’s lead character has finally left town. She and Gavin have a complicated past and she just wants to pretend he doesn’t exist.
Gavin has other ideas and ends up returning to Evening Shade with plans to win Willow back.
I loved these characters and watching their friendship and relationship fall back into place.
I can’t wait for the next book in the series!
December 27, 2023
I've said it before, and I will say it again. Piper James is so freaking talented! She is seriously a wizard or something. I have read 25 of her new adult books, and each and every one has wowed me! I have loved them all! And somehow, she is able to make each story fresh and not repetitive at all! It's witchcraft! I seriously can never put her books down. I pick them up and devour them, and still think about them all often! I would read Piper James' grocery list!
Willow's and Gavin's story is no exception! I was moved by their story. Even through the heartbreak, their love has survived over a decade apart. This story gives you hope and something to root for!
And! We cannot forget the spice! 🔥🔥🔥 as always, wonderfully written!
I cannot wait for the next book!!
Willow's and Gavin's story is no exception! I was moved by their story. Even through the heartbreak, their love has survived over a decade apart. This story gives you hope and something to root for!
And! We cannot forget the spice! 🔥🔥🔥 as always, wonderfully written!
I cannot wait for the next book!!
August 6, 2024
Gavinnnnn😍😭😍😭😍 omg my poor babies what they went through made my heart hurt. I adored Willow from first book and was so excited to get her book and her past with Gavin lived up! Piper really does kill it best at the second chance romance books, I adored Kissing Flynn and now loved this as second fave of hers. This was muchhhhh better and more enjoyable than first book of series, I didn't really care for Trace & Keegan's relationship or that whole book tbh. But this almost made up for it. I'm excited for Pressley and Bram next!!
✅dual pov
✅second chance
✅first love
✅celeb romance
✅he falls first and harder
✅spiceeeee
✅some angst omg the birthday party scene I'm still upset about
✅dual pov
✅second chance
✅first love
✅celeb romance
✅he falls first and harder
✅spiceeeee
✅some angst omg the birthday party scene I'm still upset about
December 25, 2023
What if your first love was your true love?
Holy second chance romances! This was so good! I had been waiting for Willow and Gavin's story and this did not disappoint me! Years ago, Willow Bardin met Gavin Reese and they fell hopelessly in love. But, misunderstandings and lack of experience in handling things broke them apart. Now, Gavin is back and determined to talk to Willow to clear the air...if she would just stop avoiding him. Sparks and tempers fly and this was one of my favorites so far!
Holy second chance romances! This was so good! I had been waiting for Willow and Gavin's story and this did not disappoint me! Years ago, Willow Bardin met Gavin Reese and they fell hopelessly in love. But, misunderstandings and lack of experience in handling things broke them apart. Now, Gavin is back and determined to talk to Willow to clear the air...if she would just stop avoiding him. Sparks and tempers fly and this was one of my favorites so far!
December 31, 2023
I have been waiting for this story. And I was not disappointed. I absolutely loved everything about it. It was funny and sweet, and spicy. Gavin, the world thinks he’s this playboy. Who never stays with a woman for long. But hes never gotten over his first love. And Willow. Thinks Gavin betrayed her years ago. And doesn’t want him back in her life. These two.. they are perfect together. From the beginning you know this. Now, I’m dying to read Bram and Pressleys story. Highly recommend this book!
January 11, 2024
This is the common thing that happens as a teen. Then add into the fact that there is always the wanting to be seen a certain way as a teen towards the one that you have a crush, and more on. They have a connection from moment 1. But given the current age of him they decide to be friends. Just when they decided to be more a wrench is thrown into their world. But they don't talk about it and it sends there picture-perfect moments into utter chaos with things not being explained. 10 years later they have the same feelings and still just as hardheaded.
January 23, 2024
I loved this 2nd installment of Piper James new series. She knows how to write characters who are endearing and relatable, along with the spice and romance to make us readers swoon. This book gives us a celebrity romance with a small town feel and I couldn't get enough. Willow is so quirky and Gavin is the humble celebrity we all secretly hope our crushes are. Plus, I love the returning characters from book 1 and how we get to see how they are doing. Such a fun read, I'd recommend it to any romance reader
December 23, 2023
Since I finished the first book, I desperately wanted to read Gavin and Willow's story and it did not disappoint! This book sucked me in from the first few pages and held me captivated until the last page. This series is phenomenal and I absolutely love all of the characters and the little Evening Shade world that Piper James has created for them to live in. I can't wait to read Presley and Bran's story next!
January 2, 2024
Another great book by Ms. James. This is a second chance romance book with all the feels. For me second chance stories just hit because my partner and I got together after years apart…so this story just hit every feeling and emotion in me.
I was moved by Willow and Gavin’s story. Through all of their heartbreak, their love survived after so many years apart. This is a story that will give you hope. This is a story that you will just root for from beginning to end.
I was moved by Willow and Gavin’s story. Through all of their heartbreak, their love survived after so many years apart. This is a story that will give you hope. This is a story that you will just root for from beginning to end.
January 26, 2024
Piper James hit it out of the park again! I loved Willow from book one and was glad she was book two! Gavin is male heart throb from the movie that put Evening Shade on the map. Willow and Gavin had a secret relationship during that time. Then shit went down and they broke up. But now Gavin is back and he is determined to mend that bridge with Willow. Their story is heart warming!!! Could use a little more spice for me but there were two really good scenes!!!
February 1, 2024
I seriously enjoy a good romcom.. I love an easy fun read.. I love great chemistry.. I love some fun banter and back & forth.. i love a twilight-y feeling backdrop in the middle of nowhere in the woods.. and I absolutely am delighted by a feel good, sweet story.
And this one checks all of my boxes!
This is a fantastic series, im so excited for the next one.
Awesome story. Awesome characters. Awesome feels.
Read it now!!
And this one checks all of my boxes!
This is a fantastic series, im so excited for the next one.
Awesome story. Awesome characters. Awesome feels.
Read it now!!
December 21, 2023
Every year Evening Shade hosts a conventions for fans of the popular werewolf movies filmed there. Willow and Gavin meet as teens during the filming but a costar with a secret tire them apart. Ten years later they meet again.
Piper James is one of my favorite romance writers! You can always count on her book to be entertaining, funny and certainly spicy!! The Fangirl series is so much fun!
Piper James is one of my favorite romance writers! You can always count on her book to be entertaining, funny and certainly spicy!! The Fangirl series is so much fun!
December 29, 2023
Their “like” story started while Willow was still in high school. They kept in touch and years later, their “love” story continues. Gavin falls hard and proves to her that they can be together even when they live so far apart.
Piper James is always a must-read for me for the wit, sweetness, sassiness and heart she writes in all her books. This one doesn’t disappoint!
Piper James is always a must-read for me for the wit, sweetness, sassiness and heart she writes in all her books. This one doesn’t disappoint!
February 24, 2024
I liked the characters and the storyline but it just felt a little rushed once they finally got together. Not nearly as hot as the first book in the series. Still a fun, easy read but the author can be a bit repetitive sometimes. It feels like she’s copied and pasted phrases and intros multiple times through the book.
December 16, 2023
People don’t forget their first love but for Gavin, Willow is his first and forever love and the famous actor intends to make Willow see it and give them a second chance after a mistake in their youth tore them apart
December 31, 2023
This is the second installment of the Evening Shade series which is the story of Willow and her lost childhood love.
I was waiting for this installment and Piper didn’t disappoint. The story checked all the boxes: steamy, sweet, and funny. Now I am impatiently waiting for the next in the series.
I was waiting for this installment and Piper didn’t disappoint. The story checked all the boxes: steamy, sweet, and funny. Now I am impatiently waiting for the next in the series.
January 5, 2024
I’m in love
This was a great book. The first book introduced the characters and it’s like we are friends. I have went through their emotions with them. These two I was hollering at to get it together. Now on to the next book.
This was a great book. The first book introduced the characters and it’s like we are friends. I have went through their emotions with them. These two I was hollering at to get it together. Now on to the next book.
February 22, 2024
Great 👍
Ahhh the boy meets girl, his honourable, there is a misunderstanding and 10 years later they are reunited.
Willow and Gavin reunite, can willow let her walls down enough to let Gavin explain what really happened all those years ago?
you'll have to read and find out!
Ahhh the boy meets girl, his honourable, there is a misunderstanding and 10 years later they are reunited.
Willow and Gavin reunite, can willow let her walls down enough to let Gavin explain what really happened all those years ago?
you'll have to read and find out!
March 9, 2024
Love these stories
Piper James does an excellent job of depicting the residents and town of Evenings Shade. The stories make you laugh and the romance has all the emotions Can't wait to read the next one.
Piper James does an excellent job of depicting the residents and town of Evenings Shade. The stories make you laugh and the romance has all the emotions Can't wait to read the next one.
December 29, 2023
Book 2 in the fangirls of Evening Shade where we meet Gavin and Willow.
Willow and Gavin have history after meeting ten years ago when Gavin was staring in the film that was been filmed in Evening Shade, there become friend but quickly turn into more as there fell in love with each other.
With a few issue that kept them apart one being Willow was younger than Gavin and his co star set him up to protect herself that made them fall apart, jump ten years and Gavin is back in evening shade for film convention and with a plan.
This plan we get to see this play out and you can tell these two love each other se is it going to be a HEA that for you to fine out.
If you read book one we get to see Keegan and trace again and Bam and Presley and yes they’re still flirting.
All I will say is the chemistry between the two main characters is high.
If you loved book one then you will love this one too
4 🌟
Willow and Gavin have history after meeting ten years ago when Gavin was staring in the film that was been filmed in Evening Shade, there become friend but quickly turn into more as there fell in love with each other.
With a few issue that kept them apart one being Willow was younger than Gavin and his co star set him up to protect herself that made them fall apart, jump ten years and Gavin is back in evening shade for film convention and with a plan.
This plan we get to see this play out and you can tell these two love each other se is it going to be a HEA that for you to fine out.
If you read book one we get to see Keegan and trace again and Bam and Presley and yes they’re still flirting.
All I will say is the chemistry between the two main characters is high.
If you loved book one then you will love this one too
4 🌟
December 26, 2023
Always a treat
Again a fun beautiful og fabulous stoty from Piper
I fell in love from the first page. And will love them for ever❤️
Willo and Gavin' story is the best til date.
Again a fun beautiful og fabulous stoty from Piper
I fell in love from the first page. And will love them for ever❤️
Willo and Gavin' story is the best til date.
December 31, 2023
Gotta love misunterstandings plot in romantic comedys!
January 4, 2024
This story of young love rekindled will make you think of your first real crush. The flashback scenes were my favorite and evoked those high school summer memories.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews