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Stay #3.6

Begin Again

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From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Jennifer Probst comes a new story in her Stay series.

Chloe Lake is finally living her dream. As the daughter of the Governor, she’s consistently in the spotlight, and after being dubbed the Most Eligible Bachelorette of NYC, both her career and personal life has exploded. Fortunately, her work as an advocate for animal welfare requires constant publicity and funding, so she embraces her role and plays for the camera—anything for the sake of her beloved rescues.

But when a big case is on the line, she’s faced with the one obstacle she never counted on: the boy who broke her heart is back, and in order to gain justice, they need to work together.

Chloe swears she can handle it until old feelings resurface, and she’s faced with a heartbreaking choice.

Will this time end differently—or are they destined to be only each other’s first love—instead of forever?

Owen Salt fell hard for Chloe when he was a screwed-up kid in college, and spent the next years changing himself into the man his grandfather believed he was capable of. But when his career led him across the country, he knew he needed to leave the woman he loved behind. He’s never forgotten her, but as the new darling of the press, now, she’s way out of his league. When work brings him back to fight for justice by her side, he swears he can handle it.

But he’s never really gotten over his first love—and he wants one more opportunity to prove he’s a man who’s worthy.

Can Owen convince the woman who holds his heart to take a second chance on forever—or is it too late for them both?

Every 1001 Dark Nights novella is a standalone story. For new readers, it’s an introduction to an author’s world. And for fans, it’s a bonus book in the author’s series.

125 pages, Paperback

First published July 28, 2020

258 people are currently reading
637 people want to read

About the author

Jennifer Probst

123 books10.3k followers
Jennifer Probst wrote her first book at twelve years old. She bound it in a folder, read it to her classmates, and hasn’t stopped writing since. She holds a masters in English Literature and lives in the beautiful Hudson Valley in upstate New York. Her family keeps her active, stressed, joyous, and sad her house will never be truly clean. Her passions include horse racing, Scrabble, rescue dogs, Italian food, and wine—not necessarily in that order.

She is the NYT, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of sexy and erotic contemporary romance. She was thrilled her book, The Marriage Bargain, spent 26 weeks on the NY Times. Her work has been translated in over a dozen countries, sold over a million copies, and was dubbed a "romance phenom" by Kirkus Reviews. She loves hearing from readers. Visit her website for updates on new releases at www.jenniferprobst.com. Sign up of her newsletter at www.jenniferprobst.com/newsletter for a free book.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews
Profile Image for MELISSA *Mel Reader*.
1,396 reviews1,506 followers
July 28, 2020
4.5 Stars!
(ARC provided by author)

-No one can love you the way I can.

8C17E2A0_D711_48CA_BD33_12C609B7D160

Chloe Lake is a beautiful, single woman living in New York. As the governor's daughter she lives her life in the spotlight and her social calendar is always full. She loves her job advocating for animals, and has become the darling of the press. They've even dubbed her the Bachelorette of NYC. She's living her dream when the boy from her past suddenly shows up and turns her world upside down.

It's been four long years since she's seen Owen. They met on a rescue farm where he pursued her hard, and they fell in love. They were serious during college, and then he broke her heart. Now he's back and she's forced to play nice and work together for justice. She's built a life of her own without him, and isn't interested in reconnecting. She just has to distance herself and be professional, but she can't help the way she's still drawn to him in a way she's never experienced with anyone else. Their connection has always been powerful and intense, but she needed to face the past and put it behind her for good, so she could truly move on. She thought she was on her way to finally being over him, but quickly learns there are still feelings there. Could she forgive him and risk her heart again for love?

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Owen Salt spent the last few years transforming himself and his career. Now he's returned home a new man, but also with some regrets. He never quit thinking about his first love Chloe, and being with her had always felt right. He's determined to win her back, and remind her of all the good things between them. He believes they were meant to be together, and wants to prove she can trust him again. When he left it put them on different paths. He just wants a chance. Can they pick up the pieces and begin again, and have a second chance at forever?

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Begin Again is an all new 1001 Dark Nights standalone novella by Jennifer Probst. It's part of the author's Stay series and is a heartwarming story about forgiveness, redemption, first loves, soulmates, and second chances. I really loved this story and these characters!

708800B6-901E-4A2B-8B1A-C8DCD774F259_zpsqkbfrd0n

***NOW AVAILABLE***
https://amzn.to/3g81JiH
Profile Image for E-Reader Addict.
1,326 reviews46 followers
July 30, 2020
2.5 Stars

I LOVE a good second-chance romance, and was really looking forward to this story - Chloe and Owen met in a previous book (All Roads Lead to You), and it was apparent Owen was smitten with Chloe. But they were just friends, so it was fun to learn something developed between them.

But now it’s about seven years after Chloe and Owen met. They were together for two years, then Owen broke things off when he accepted a job on the other side of the country. In the four years since their breakup, Chloe has nursed her broken heart and built her career as a lawyer for a non-profit animal rights organization.

When Chloe’s organization engages in a civil suit against a couple who hoarded an insane amount of animals in their house, special council is called in to assist...who happens to be none other than Owen.

Owen has spent four years working hard to become a man who is confident in who he is, one Chloe can be proud of. He always intended to come back for Chloe and jumped on the chance to work with her on this case. As one could imagine, she’s not happy to see him again and even less so to find out she’ll be working closely with him. But Owen is determined to win back the love of his life as they work together protecting endangered animals.

This book is novella-length, which doesn’t necessarily work against a story...but it did here. I can understand an author writing about something they’re passionate about (in this case, animal rescue). However, this time I felt like the main plot of the story was the animal rescue efforts, with Chloe and Owen’s relationship a secondary storyline. And during the story, Owen and Chloe come across a puppy for sale from a puppy mill, and they talk a seven year old into contacting them if his mom’s dog had another litter of puppies, telling him “Take this card and put it someplace safe. I’d like it to be our little secret.” Uh, that’s not okay. Children are NOT responsible for narcing on their parents and shame on them for trying to get a SEVEN YEAR OLD to help them. (Full disclosure: he did end it with “but I understand if you need to tell your mom” - but by that point it was too late, I was feeling like the whole thing was icky.) The situation reminded me of the stranger danger assembly elementary children attend where the police officer tells them adults DO NOT need children to give them directions if they’re lost.

Anyway, moving on…

The other thing that didn’t work for me here is that in order for a second-chance romance to work for me, I need to understand how important the hero and heroine were to each other in the past. I didn’t feel like we got that here. Just telling me they were in love, and throwing a couple random sentence-long references about when they were a couple, doesn’t hack it. Bonus points for a story if I also feel the anguish of the couple having been torn apart, but I didn’t get that either.

But there were things I did like! Owen really did spend his time away from Chloe pining for her and was apologetic when he came back. He didn’t expect a muttered “I’m sorry” and a cocky grin would be enough to earn forgiveness, and was willing to play the long game to get Chloe back. I love a hero who shows remorse! And on Chloe’s side, she didn’t let Owen back into her heart after a single apology and made him work for his place back in her life. Hooray!

It’s a hard balance to write a story that shares your passion about a specific topic but doesn’t overwhelm everything else going on - especially when the book is novella length. I feel like Chloe and Owen were short changed for the sake of the author’s desire to share her passion about animal rescue. Which is all well and good. But I’m here for the romance, so if you short change me on that, I’m going to be disappointed.
Profile Image for Sofia Lazaridou.
2,864 reviews136 followers
July 28, 2020
Begin Again is a stand-alone novella in the Stay series by Jennifer Probst. The characters from the three previous books appear in this book, but there is no need to have read them to get a part of the story.

I am not a huge fan of second chance romances and I am in the happy place to say that I enjoyed this one. I loved that even though Owen left, he never slept with another woman and I believe the same applies to Chloe too. It helped with the "I have loved you this whole time" thing that was going on. What I didn't like was the love triangle-ish situation that was going on. I understand Chloe's need to move on, but I felt like it took too much space. Still, I didn't feel like the romance between Owen and Chloe was lacking.

The book was short and a little sweet. Chloe and Owen had some very strong moments and I loved how he proved that he was the one meant for her. I understand why he left so many years ago and these feelings still have an impact on him. Our characters have a lot of things going on and there wasn't a boring moment, so of course and I would recommend the book!
Profile Image for Jessica Alcazar.
4,398 reviews622 followers
July 28, 2020
I really love a second chance to get it right romance journey. There is something sentimental that always lingers in the story that makes the story more enjoyable for me. Owen and Chloe’s story was much more than just a romance; it was a story of growth and forgiveness, understanding and redemption, true friendship and love :) It’s a feel-good story that will have your heart smiling for days after you’ve finished.

Available now! Grab your copy today!!
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2TsqhcH
Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/beginagainjp
Amazon Paperback: https://amzn.to/3cXoG6r


Profile Image for Abstract ♥ Books.
1,281 reviews1,766 followers
July 31, 2020




ALL MY REVIEWS CAN BE FOUND ON MY BLOG: ABSTRACT BOOKS



'Begin Again' is a standalone novel written by Jenifer Probst. This book is the 3.6th part of the 'Stay' Series.

This is not the first book that I have read by thia author and just like all of her works she has managed to stun me into silence with the amount of emotions she gets out of me through her book!! Chloe and Owen's story was one heartbreaking tale of love and redemption and I loved every word of it!

Chloe is a simple girl who is living her life in Newyork. That is until she is forced to come face to face with her past. Now she has to play nice with him for both of their sakes and pretend that he does not make her feel anything.

Owen and Chloe met years ago and fell hard. That is until Owen broke her heart and left her behind. Now he is back. And he is not letting her go this easily ! It's up to Chloe to give the boy she loved another chance and to also decide whether she can risk her heart and future again.

This book is recommended to all the contemporary romance lovers out there who are die hard fans of second chance Romances , like me!!

My-Post-3

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Profile Image for phoebess.
1,521 reviews98 followers
November 26, 2020
Begin Again was an alright story. I enjoyed it, but at the same time, it lacked depth I am used to in Jennifer Probst’s books.
Profile Image for Jessica.
854 reviews24 followers
July 28, 2020
This was a cute second chance romance. When the male lead is super determined, but also genuine, it makes the story so much better. I really love the passion these two share, and getting a glimpse into their past when they visit the family and friends! For a novella These novellas are a good intro to a new author's work, but I do think I would have liked this even more if I had read the series it was apart of. I may have to check out the other books in the Stay Series! Thank you to Social Butterfly PR for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!
Profile Image for Sandy S.
8,256 reviews206 followers
July 30, 2020
BEGIN AGAIN by Jennifer Probst is a contemporary, adult romance storyline set in the author’s STAY series, and the latest instalment in the multi-authored 1001 Dark Nights series. This is attorney Owen Salt, and advocate for animal welfare Chloe Lake’s story line. BEGIN AGAIN can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary. Chloe’s story begins in book one THE START OF SOMETHING GOOD.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Chloe and Owen) BEGIN AGAIN follows the second chance romance between twenty six year old attorney Owen Salt, and twenty-eight year old animal advocate Chloe Lake. Approximately seven years earlier, Owen Salt walked away from the woman he loved in an effort become the best man he could possibly be but in doing so Owen destroyed our heroine’s heart. Fast forward to present day wherein Owen returns to New York, as the new lawyer for Chloe’s animal rights group, a position that forces Chloe to work side by side with the man that cause her so much heart ache and pain. With another suitor hoping to make Chloe is own happily ever after, Owen must step up his game if he is going to prove to Chloe that he is a changed and better man. What ensues is the rebuilding romance and relationship between Owen and Chloe as Owen must prove he is worthy of Chloe’s love.

Owen and Chloe met years before as both were serving mandatory community service at a local animal rehab farm. Owen immediately fell in love with our story line heroine but their two year age difference and Owen’s less than stellar behavior forced Owen to reconsider his direction in life, and in doing so meant Owen would have to leave a heart broken Chloe behind. Chloe Lake never completely recovered from Owen’s rejection, and his return to New York brought with it too many memories of a time long ago but Chloe was willing to give Owen another chance if only to prove he was a worthy adversary and advocate for the animals she so dearly loved.

The relationship between Chloe and Owen is a rekindling romance; a second chance relationship between two people whose lives went in opposite directions when Owen walked out of Chloe’s life in search for something ‘more’. The $ex scenes are limited but passionate.

Several of the previous story line characters are couples play secondary and supporting characters including the return of Hei-Hei, the giant Polish chicken.

BEGIN AGAIN is a sweet yet spicy story of second chances. The premise is engaging and entertaining; the romance is captivating; the characters are familiar, dynamic, stubborn and fun.

copy supplied for review

www.thereadingcafe.com
Profile Image for Emma .
2,506 reviews388 followers
August 6, 2020
Begin Again is a heart-warming completion of Jennifer Probst’ Stay series bring the story full circle back to the place it all began the ranch that changed both Chloe and Owen’s lives.

When we last encounter Chloe and Owen they were just starting their journey as a couple, with stars in their eyes and hope in their hearts. Sadly, and despite being totally perfect for each other, Owen struggled with accepting he was ‘good enough’ for Chloe. A bit directionless and at a loss for planning his future, he took the decision to cut ties with Chloe in order to find himself, breaking both their hearts in the process.

Skip forward 4 years and Owen is back in NYC far more self-aware and confident than he has ever been with the underlying intent of reconnecting with Chloe.

Having no contact with Owen for 4 years has been difficult for Chloe, not only was he her boyfriend but also her best friend. Not fully understanding his reason for breaking things off with her resulted in Chloe taking a major hit to her confidence and erecting a lot of barriers to keep from being hurt so badly again.

As you can imagine, Owen has his work cut out for him even just becoming friends again with Chloe let alone anything more. Although, the chemistry between the pair is still in full force no matter how much Chloe wants to deny it.

As we already know communication is key in relationships and I adored the open dialogue between Chloe and Owen clearing up the doubts and distrust between them. I really liked how Chloe took the time to understand the motivation and decision Owen made before undertaking any form of new relationship with him.

Begin Again touches on gender stereotypes in relation to the roles of men and women in relationships – think 1950’s with the male provider and the women housekeeper. It is difficult to believe this type of narrow-mindedness is alive and well in 2020 but sadly, it most definitely is.

Begin Again provides a wonderful glimpse into the progression of all of the other characters with a few surprises in store.
Profile Image for Ruthie Taylor.
3,723 reviews40 followers
July 27, 2020
~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~

This installment in the Stay series is very welcome - for fans it will be a perfect opportunity to catch up with all the gang, and to find Chloe and Owen all grown up! You could definitely read this as a lovely introduction to the books too, and I dare you not to be tempted to go back and find out about the adventures that are mentioning in passing in this story.

Chloe has found her calling, and is working hard for animal rescue. She is seeing someone, but there really is no great buzz, and anyway, she is far too busy. Then Owen Salt walks into the office, the new lawyer helping on a big animal abuse case. All her thoughts get thrown to the wind, but she will not allow herself to be hurt by him again. He broke her once, she can't let him do it again.

Owen walked away for only one reason, to become worthy for Chloe. He is single-minded in his plans, and will do all he can, without being pushy, to make Chloe believe him. I loved his tenacity, his honesty and how he was prepared to make himself vulnerable to prove to her that he is serious. Some of his revelations really do shock her, and give her a better understanding of his thinking.

Though a novella, there is plenty of depth, lots of fabulous characters - and whilst names (thanks to Disney) have always been a feature of this series, Chloe's suitor being called Drew Dinkle just had me in stitches, lol!

I highly recommend this to you - Enjoy!

Wicked Reads Review Team
Profile Image for Kari Hansen.
12.2k reviews91 followers
July 27, 2020
Chloe is at a point in her life where she is happy as she has worked through her relationship with her father, has a job she loves and is dating a man who on paper appears to be her perfect match. What she didn’t need was to have the man she left her and took her heart with him to reappear in her life wanting a second chance.

When Owen left Chloe it wasn’t because he didn’t love her but because he did. He felt like he was a disappointment to those he loved and that he needed to find the man he was meant to be. Everything that has transpired in the years they were apart was to bring him back to her and now he just needs to convince her.

Neither time not distance could diminish the love they had for each other as they prove that not only are they a perfect match personally but professionally as well.
Profile Image for Suzi (Obsessive Reading Disorder).
2,232 reviews
July 31, 2020
I have been waiting for this story to unfold since we first met Chloe as a young college student in the Stay series by this author. This book seems not long enough yet just a perfect way for Chole and Owen to find their HEA.

The two have history and Chole is reluctant to risk her heart on a second chance. Owen is nothing if not determined. Throw in lovable animals, a crazy chicken named Hei Hei and familiar couples from the series--it becomes a perfect read. Loved that Owen pulled out all the stops.

I would love to catch up on these two again in a future novella. Great addition to the series!

*Complimentary copy provided for an honest review.
898 reviews5 followers
July 15, 2020
Oh how I loved this book! I’m so glad there was closure with these two, and loved the way Owen came back into the picture as the new attorney. The farm gang was all present, probably my favorite part in the book, and I honestly laughed out loud when Hei-Hei saw Owen. Disliked Drew immensely, and Alyssa was pretty funny handling Jonathan. Overall, a very well-written book by an incredible author that is a very quick read and keeps you very entertained. Truly love all of the characters in this series, hate to see it end.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC copy of this book.
Profile Image for Laiza.
656 reviews9 followers
September 12, 2020
Great to see Chloe and Owen all grown up and have their own HEA! We both meet them on book 1 of this series as rowdy and troublesome teens who are both sent to Bishop farm and they both find passion for animals and love. However their story is not an easy road to travel Owen need to find his self and his identity in California before he comes back to Chloe. Bonus is we see and visit the Bishop farm again and see Hei Hei 🐓 and Gusgus is adorable 🐶
#SecondChanceRomance
#FightAgainstAnimalCruelty
#YoungLove
Profile Image for Jo.
1,917 reviews17 followers
July 31, 2020
yes, this is true that everyone deserves the second chance, whatever you have done before, you earn that at least one.

now we know why Owen left, it is the journery find his soul, greatful that it is just 4 years, not forty years.

Chole, she has her own luxury to have her life, career, since her father is the governor. As a woman, we need a stronger one to take care everything, they can be your parent, your half even your best friend.
Profile Image for Love & Lavender Book Review.
485 reviews40 followers
July 31, 2020
Chloe and Owen melted my heart in this second chance romance. I've been desperately waiting for Chloe's happily ever after, she's pulled at my heart strings since the beginning. Owen has returned after leaving Chloe when they were younger. He's returned to capture his heart, and earn her trust again. Begin Again is exactly that, a new chance to start over and re-discover a love that never went away. Jennifer Probst is a master at pulling at my heart strings while giving a full, passionate and full bodied romance. The HEA ties all my favorite people together with a happy sigh!

Happy Reading!

*ARC provided for an honest review*
Profile Image for Min.
977 reviews12 followers
May 5, 2022
A tad disappointed with how this second-chance romance between Owen and Chloe turned out. While this is the weakest in the series, I'm nevertheless glad to be able to visit our beloved characters from the past books again!

A memorable small town series overall. I'll miss this world but all good things must come to an end !! :''')
Profile Image for Kristina Birch.
775 reviews26 followers
July 29, 2020
Second Chance Romance for the Win!

Owen fell in love the first time he saw Chloe but never thought he had a chance with her; she’s two years older, glamorous, and knows what she wants. Now years later, he’s back in her life and ready to fight for a second chance.

The Stay series is one of my favorite Jennifer Probst series because I love the family and the passion for animal rights that everyone shares. Chloe and Owen’s love for each other is only equaled by their loved protecting animals and I’m so here for it! Plus it doesn’t hurt that he’s sexy, she’s confident, and the puppy is adorable!

I hope we get to check up on the family from time to time as I’m going to miss them.

I received a complimentary review copy of this book but all opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Crystal.
Author 75 books427 followers
July 28, 2020
Oh, Chloe and Owen...I just love them so much! Their second chance was special, and so romantic. It was great to catch up with other characters I love, too!
Profile Image for Bette Hansen.
5,073 reviews40 followers
August 1, 2020
Excellent

A fun and sexy quick read that left me smiling. A hot hero in Owen and a cute pup in Gus Gus. What's not to love? Recommended read
Profile Image for Pennie Morgan.
2,336 reviews10 followers
July 17, 2020
This was just a great big sigh waiting to happen! A second chance between a grown up Chloe Lake who has just been dubbed NYC Most Eligible Bachelorette and Owen Salt, the one who left and never contacted her again. Chloe works for a rescue and in walks their newest legal advisor, Owen. He is back...for her. He is now a lawyer and working for an Animal Defense firm but is he too late. We also get to see all the gang from the farm upstate and don't forget Hei-Hei who makes a cameo attack. Definitely good for the soul and the perfect way to wrap up the series! This one could be read as a standalone if chosen...
756 reviews20 followers
May 19, 2021
I absolutely loved Begin Again by Jennifer Probst, the final novella in her Stay series, it is an incredible love story. I have always enjoyed the other books that I have read by Jennifer Probst and really enjoy her wonderfully written stories. Jennifer Probst has once again shown that she is an amazing storyteller. I could not put it down. I loved every page. I really enjoy how the book is told from the perspective of the main characters. I love getting the insight and feelings from the different characters. Begin Again is wonderful love story and is filled with heartbreaking and heartwarming moments. I love the lighter moments where I find myself smiling and laughing out loud and the bittersweet moments that cause me to sigh, say aww to myself with tears filling my eyes. Begin Again is filled with such moments, and with so much emotion. It is filled with all those things that we have come to love and expect in a love story, especially the poignant and bittersweet moments that filled this page turner. Who doesn’t love a second chance at first love story? Begin Again is the story of Chloe Lake, advocate for animal welfare and daughter of the governor of New York, and Owen Salt, her first love. Chloe has recently been crowned the Bachelorette of New York City. Chloe and Owen met while Owen was doing community service at the Bishop horse rescue farm. After graduating from college, Owen heads to California and breaks things off with Chloe. While he was away, Owen earned his law degree and became the man his grandfather and Chloe could be proud of. Owen works for the Defense Fund, and has decided to head home to New York and work with Advocates for Animals on a civil case against animal hoarders. Chloe is shocked when Owen enters the office as the lawyer working the case. Chloe is dating someone, Drew Dinkle who her father approves of and thinks is the right man for her. After attending a fundraiser with Drew, Chloe realizes that he is not the one for her. I love the plot twists that transpire involving Chloe, Owen and Drew. Mia and Ethan’s daughter, Evie is celebrating her first birthday. Jonathan, Alyssa, Chloe and Owen are heading to Gardiner, NY in the Hudson Valley for the celebration. Chloe and Owen are back where it all started. While horseback riding, Chloe and Owen have a heart-to-heart conversation where Owen tells Chloe the real reason that he went to California. I love that their relationship changed in the same place that it began. Then another plot twist has them discussing Owen’s future and whether or not he needs a career change. I love how Owen changes to become the man who he believes is worthy of Chloe, and he never stopped loving her. I love all the descriptions of the Hudson Valley setting that Jennifer Probst details, it makes me want to visit. I love how the naming of rescues after Disney characters continued in Begin Again. My favorite part of the book is the epilogue I truly love how it goes above and beyond the happily ever after, and how Chloe takes matters into her own hand. Begin Again is filled with the poignant and bittersweet moments in the story as well as the plot twists, that I have come to love and expect in Jennifer Probst's stories. I love the cast of characters in Begin Again it felt like a family reunion catching up with the all the Bishops and all their good news. Who doesn’t love family and friends that always have each other’s backs? I thoroughly enjoyed Begin Again; I highly recommend this wonderful second chance at first love romance.
Profile Image for WycEd Reader.
2,384 reviews39 followers
July 30, 2020


Check out our full post for BEGIN AGAIN on Wicked Reads.

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This installment in the Stay series is very welcome – for fans it will be a perfect opportunity to catch up with all the gang, and to find Chloe and Owen all grown up! You could definitely read this as a lovely introduction to the books too, and I dare you not to be tempted to go back and find out about the adventures that are mentioning in passing in this story.

Chloe has found her calling, and is working hard for animal rescue. She is seeing someone, but there really is no great buzz, and anyway, she is far too busy. Then Owen Salt walks into the office, the new lawyer helping on a big animal abuse case. All her thoughts get thrown to the wind, but she will not allow herself to be hurt by him again. He broke her once, she can't let him do it again.

Owen walked away for only one reason, to become worthy for Chloe. He is single-minded in his plans, and will do all he can, without being pushy, to make Chloe believe him. I loved his tenacity, his honesty, and how he was prepared to make himself vulnerable to prove to her that he is serious. Some of his revelations really do shock her, and give her a better understanding of his thinking.

Though a novella, there is plenty of depth, lots of fabulous characters – and whilst names (thanks to Disney) have always been a feature of this series, Chloe's suitor being called Drew Dinkle just had me in stitches, lol!

I highly recommend this to you. Enjoy!

Reviewers received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.

Wicked Reads Review Team
Profile Image for Stacie Christensen.
752 reviews23 followers
July 23, 2020
Chloe Lake is finally living her dream. As the daughter of the Governor, she’s consistently in the spotlight, and after being dubbed the Most Eligible Bachelorette of NYC, both her career and personal life has exploded. Fortunately, her work as an advocate for animal welfare requires constant publicity and funding, so she embraces her role and plays for the camera—anything for the sake of her beloved rescues.

But when a big case is on the line, she’s faced with the one obstacle she never counted on: the boy who broke her heart is back, and in order to gain justice, they need to work together.

Chloe swears she can handle it until old feelings resurface, and she’s faced with a heartbreaking choice.

Will this time end differently—or are they destined to be only each other’s first love—instead of forever?

Owen Salt fell hard for Chloe when he was a screwed-up kid in college, and spent the next years changing himself into the man his grandfather believed he was capable of. But when his career led him across the country, he knew he needed to leave the woman he loved behind. He’s never forgotten her, but as the new darling of the press, now, she’s way out of his league. When work brings him back to fight for justice by her side, he swears he can handle it.

But he’s never really gotten over his first love—and he wants one more opportunity to prove he’s a man who’s worthy.

Can Owen convince the woman who holds his heart to take a second chance on forever—or is it too late for them both?

Loved every page of Chloe and Owen's story! Wonderful 2nd chance love story. Their story was beautifully written and heartfelt! Although their story wasn't an easy one it was so amazing to see how they grew and changed!
Profile Image for Vilma .
904 reviews1 follower
July 27, 2020
I loved taking a trip back to the Bishop compound, filled with misfit and abused/rehabilitated animals and a family full of siblings whom each had to overcome some dysfunctional relationship to find their true loves.

Enter Owen Salt back into the life of Chloe Lake, both of them were teenagers when they were assigned to community service at Bishop. Chloe at the time was rebelling against her widowed, politician father and later Owen joined the mix after rebelling against his judge grandfather. Friendship developed into first loves and then heartbreak when Owen left Chloe to move across the country to California.

I always knew there would be a follow-up story for Chloe, just not how it would play out. After growing and maturing under the kindness, patience and tutelage of the Bishops, specifically Ethan, Chloe became her own woman forging a path in animal rescue and abolishing animal abuse.

I loved how Owen -re-entered her life, working towards the same path, unknowingly to Chloe.

This story covers all the emotions - light on humor, but heavy on the rekindled romance, heavy on reminding people of the importance of humanity for ALL animals, heavy on the family interactions and injections into the relationship.

Owen and Chloe get their HEA, I would expect no less for a Jennifer Probst romance, they get their rescue animal (Gus-Gus, the puppy) and we all get an update and a peak into the Bishop family as well as Alyssa and Jonathan Lake (Chloe's dad and stepmother).
Profile Image for LJT.
1,258 reviews2 followers
July 28, 2020
Begin Again is Jennifer Probst's latest book offering. Hei-Hei the crazy chicken is back, and the scene is quite funny. I loved returning to the Bishop horse rescue farm, where people and animal rescues live together in peace, harmony and fun. Many former characters from the STAY series make an appearance, and I could not be happier to spend some time with them once again in upstate New York. This novella may be enjoyed as a standalone.

Chloe Lake is the first daughter of New York, which means the paparazzi are always around. She is a kind and spunky woman that lives and breathes animal rights. She got into a bit of trouble in her late teens, and as a result, was sentenced to work on an animal rescue farm. Luckily, Chloe's outlook on life completely changed after her summer on the farm. She made new friends, developed a better relationship with her father, and fell in love with Oliver Salt.

Oliver fell head over heels for Chloe way back when, but felt he was not good enough for her. He became an animal rights attorney, and returned to New York City to get Chloe back and fight for the animals. He and Chloe find love once again after working together and being honest with each other.

This is a well-written novella and series that I enjoyed very much. The characters are delightful and their lives are interesting. Owen's interaction with a young boy was so well done, it brought tears to my eyes. If you are in the mood for a contemporary romance with a lot of heart, Begin Again is the book for you.

Complimentary copy provided.
Profile Image for The Rogue Book Reviews.
206 reviews
July 31, 2020
**Disclaimer: I was provided an advance reader copy by the author in exchange for my unbiased review and opinions.**

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟



Begin Again is a heartwarming novella about some secondary characters from the Stay series. It can be read as a stand-alone, although "seeing" some familiar faces is always a thrill.


We first meet Chloe and Owen in the Stay series, as two teenage trouble makers sentenced to help at the horse ranch. For Owen, it was love at first sight...while Chloe saw him as a brother due to her being a couple of years older. ( Raise your hand if you've done this, only to find that teenage boy year later... all grown up and hot as hell)


When we meet them at Begin Again, they are young adults navigating their worlds on their own, for the first time. Owen is back in the city and Chloe doesn't know how to react..after all, he's the boy that broke her heart. But they have just too much in common and that love never went away. Owen is playing for keeps, but can he convince Chloe to at least listen to him?


I really enjoyed Chloe and Owen's story. The writing was flawless and the story engaging. Being a novella you would think there's not enough for a well-crafted story, but you'll be pleasantly surprised. Heart and heat, re-learning each other and even a monkey-wrench or two is you can expect from Begin Again. Definitely recommend reading the other Stay series books as you might enjoy the inside jokes and nuances as much. Regardless of how you decide to engage with this book, I definitely recommend it. Five stars for Chloe and Owen's second chance!
Profile Image for Deb Hanson.
1,365 reviews15 followers
July 18, 2020
Begin Again
Stay novella 3.6
Jennifer Probst
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

“Second chances are sometimes the sweetest of all” – I love this quote from literally the end if this story, but it sums up the love that is Owen Salt and Chloe Lake. Their relationship hit a rocky point, ending in a split that devastated her, but as she tries to move on, he always plays in her mind.

As the governors daughter, Chloe has always had her life under the spotlight of the media and paparazzi. She uses that to help rescue animals and justice to those doing the wrong thing. It’s hard work but she loves every minute of it. Life is good, until a new lawyer is bought in to help fight a new case… that lawyer is nine other than Owen Salt, the man that broke her heart. Throwing the gauntlet, Owen knows what he did to Chloe, broke her, but now he’s back, ready to fight not only the law but for love. Chloe has always been his, now he needs to get her to see it. She’s not very forthcoming at first, she has a new man in her life, but Owen is everything she ever wanted and he’s out to show he’s here forever.

Add a love triangle, heresay from journalist and of course Page Six news, it becomes apparent that Owen and Chloe belong together. In an emotional and sexy journey, they find what they lost, and what they find create a new affair either can deny. It was also great to see previous characters from this series, and of course the crazy hei-hei…he really does make a story.
Profile Image for Marlene Brown.
853 reviews8 followers
July 30, 2020
As the titles suggests (Stay 3.6) this story is part of the Stay series. You don't have to have read the other books in the series to enjoy this one (but you should they are really good!). Having said that we did meet Chloe in book 1 and Owen in book 3. When I read another Stay Novella and sort of caught up with Owen and Chloe, I remember shaking my head and thinking OWEN OWEN OWEN!!!!! Yes that many times and loudly! Needless to say that I could not wait to read this story. Owen and Chole are both working in fields that they are passionate about. Circumstances (and a bit of on purpose work by Owen) bring them together to work on an animal abuse / hoarding case. The topic was a bit difficult, my dog is a rescue and I can't imagine what some animals go through, nonetheless, you could tell that the author did some serious research and I am more informed than when I started this book. The story moved along at a very good pace, LOVED some of Owen's introspection (the hallmark movie reference was LOL), his belief that they could find their new ending and Chloe's belief that they did not have to be perfect, but worthy of each other. I will be remembering that quote. Along the way to their HEA we met some interesting characters, caught up with others (her dad was super funny and sweet) and I was so happy to go back to the farm. It felt like being wrapped up in a warm and cozy blanket.
Profile Image for Reading Addict.
1,085 reviews21 followers
July 27, 2020
Begin Again is a second chance novella tied in to Jennifer Probst's Stay series and what a second chance Owen and Chloe need! When we last left Chloe and Owen in All Roads Lead to You they were just beginning their journey. He was a 19 year old messed up college student and she was a couple years older and wiser and had her act together. This story takes place 7 years later and Owen may now be a not for profit attorney but he still knows how to mess things up and he really messed up with Chloe! She has been living and working in NYC for an animal advocacy organization since graduating college. She loves and believes in what she is doing with all of her heart. The last thing she ever expected to see was Owen walking back into her life after dumping her 4 years ago and moving across the country to take a legal internship. She never understood why he broke up with her and she planned to never see him again but to move on with her dating life. Owen had reasons that made sense to him at the time but now he realizes what a mistake he made and wants to get back to what they were. Can they? If you want to know you'll need to read this moving short story of love, choices and second chances. I really enjoyed this story and it was a great addition to the Stay series. It was told from dual POV and it will make you laugh, cry and want to shake e-reader!
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