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Begin Again

(Stay #3.6)

Jennifer Probst (Goodreads Author)

4.19 · Rating details · 364 ratings · 95 reviews

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 w ...more

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Paperback, 1001 Dark Nights #128, 125 pages

Published July 28th 2020 by 1001 Dark Nights Press

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Jul 24, 2020 MELISSA *Mel Reader* rated it really liked it

Shelves: arcs

4.5 Stars!
(ARC provided by author)

-No one can love you the way I can.

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 ...more

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Jul 29, 2020 E-Reader Addict rated it it was ok

Shelves: novella

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 br 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.
...more

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Jul 28, 2020 Sofia Lazaridou rated it it was amazing

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 g ...more

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Jul 21, 2020 Jessica Alcazar rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 2020-blog-tour-read, pr-social-butterfly, probst-jennifer

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 Worldwi ...more

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Jul 31, 2020 Ria | Abstract ♥ Books rated it really liked it

Shelves: contemporary, second-chance-romance

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 livi ...more

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Nov 26, 2020 phoebess rated it liked it

Shelves: reviews

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.

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Jul 22, 2020 Jess (ireadergosum) Reviews rated it really liked it

Shelves: second-chance-romance, arc-review, socialte, workplace-romance

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 Butter ...more

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Jul 30, 2020 Sandy S rated it really liked it

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 per 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 ...more

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Aug 06, 2020 Emma rated it really liked it

Shelves: 2020-wishlist

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 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. ...more

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Jul 27, 2020 Ruthie Taylor rated it really liked it

~~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 anima ...more

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Jul 26, 2020 Kari Hansen rated it it was amazing

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 wa ...more

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Jul 31, 2020 Suzi (Obsessive Reading Disorder) rated it really liked it

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 st ...more

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Jul 15, 2020 Rhonda Brant rated it it was amazing

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 ser ...more

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Sep 11, 2020 Laiza rated it really liked it

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
#You ...more

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Jul 31, 2020 Jo rated it liked it · review of another edition

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.

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Jul 30, 2020 Love & Lavender Book Review rated it really liked it

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 fu ...more

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Jul 23, 2020 Kristina Birch rated it it was amazing

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’ ...more

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Jul 28, 2020 Crystal rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 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!

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Aug 01, 2020 Bette Hansen rated it really liked it · review of another edition

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 ...more

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Jul 17, 2020 Pennie Morgan rated it it was amazing

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. Definite ...more

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Jul 30, 2020 WycEd Reader rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: arc-blog-tour, contemporary-romance

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 calli ...more

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Jul 23, 2020 Stacie Christensen rated it it was amazing

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 ...more

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Jul 27, 2020 Vilma rated it it was amazing

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. Fr ...more

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Jul 28, 2020 LJT rated it really liked it

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 th ...more

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Jul 31, 2020 The Rogue Book Reviews rated it it was amazing

**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 ...more

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Jul 18, 2020 Debbie Hanson rated it really liked it

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 j ...more

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Jul 30, 2020 Marlene Brown rated it really liked it

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 b ...more

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Jul 27, 2020 Reading Addict rated it it was amazing

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! ...more

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Jul 28, 2020 Sharon Moritz-rosenthal rated it it was amazing

I received a free ARC copy of this book from the author prior to release and am
voluntarily leaving a review.

This is sweet and romantic 2nd chance at love romance between, Chloe Lake who has been side character throughout this series by the author. This is the first book that stars her and features a 2nd chance at love with her ex from college, Owen.

Owen met Chloe in college and they both fell hard and fast for each other. But he was 2 years younger than her and he never felt that he had enough s ...more

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Sep 21, 2020 Michele A. rated it really liked it

Shelves: second-chance

Chloe and Owen have been apart for 4 years. He left for California to find himself and become the man he felt Chloe needed. Chloe felt she wasn't enough and he left because of that. When he reenters her life 4 years later, Chloe is left reeling. She doesn't trust him and knows she needs to stay away from him. She feels that he hurt her enough. Owen knows he has a big hill to climb in order to get Chloe back. He begins by moving back to NYC and taking on a case that he knows her organization was ...more

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About Jennifer Probst

Jennifer Probst

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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, I ...more