Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Haven Bay #2

Two of a Kind

Rate this book
After a lifetime of being held back by illness, blogger Brooke Griffiths is finally healthy enough to pursue her dream of hiking to Mt Everest base camp. The first step in her plan is convincing professional adventurer Jack Farrelly to help her prepare. Only, they exchanged a mind-blowing kiss weeks ago, and he never called, which in a town the size of Haven Bay, is downright awkward. All she has to do is put her pride aside to achieve her goal. Should be easy-right?




Jack Farrelly dated a woman in the public eye before, and he doesn't care to repeat the experience, no matter how tempting Brooke is. Though the instructor in him wants to help her get ready to hike Mt Everest, he thinks she's better off setting her sights a little lower. But denying her proves impossible-both professionally and personally-and before long, he's in deeper than he ever imagined possible.

When old wounds are reopened, can Brooke and Jack overcome the pain of their pasts and take a chance on love? Or will they let the fear of being hurt keep them apart?




Author's Note: Opposites attract. Outdoorsy hero. Smart heroine with plenty of sass. Quirky small town. Meddling friends and relatives. Sexy-times. Kisses in the forest. True love.


276 pages, Paperback

Published September 3, 2020

Loading...
Loading...

About the author

Alexa Rivers

58 books627 followers
Alexa Rivers writes about genuine characters living messy, imperfect lives and earning hard-won happily ever afters. Most of her books are set in small towns, and she lives in one of these herself. She shares a house with a neurotic dog and a husband who thinks he’s hilarious.

When she’s not writing, she enjoys traveling, baking, eating too much chocolate, cuddling fluffy animals, drinking excessive amounts of tea, and absorbing herself in fictional worlds.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
103 (44%)
4 stars
60 (25%)
3 stars
56 (23%)
2 stars
10 (4%)
1 star
5 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
3,817 reviews20 followers
September 25, 2020
Brooke was amazing dealing with a heart defect and so many other medical issues and battling to get in shape to fulfill a dream she and her friend who didn't survive had to get to the base camp of Mount Everest. In her online blog, she pours her heart out, lifts people up, and inspires them to fight for their dreams. All while studying for her doctorate in art history. Reading about the training regimen she went though, I don't know that I'd have the stamina to get through it as a person without heart and asthma problems. I didn't like Jack in Then There Was You. I thought he was grumpy and he came off as much older than he really is. He's a jerk at first and makes several bonehead moves, but he comes to appreciate Brooke's drive and shares her passion for exploration. I loved the tours his adventure company went on and wouldn't mind trying similar ones if I ever make it to New Zealand. The bridge club makes an appearance in this book, but not as much as the last one and I miss their humorous meddling.
3,221 reviews4 followers
September 26, 2020
Brooke has had health problems all her life, but she's on the mend and ready for her next adventure. She made a promise to her friend, Olivia, that she would eventually make it to Everest Base Camp in her honor. Jack runs an adventure company, providing tours and activities to guests at Kat's Sanctuary. He was badly burned by his ex, a social media queen. He also has a (mostly deserved reputation) as a grump, but you just know there's a big old teddy bear somewhere in there. There are not enough good things to say about Brooke. Despite her health issues, she's got a very positive outlook, sharing her trials and tribulations on her blog. She's a great friend to all she meets, and she's determined to meet her goals in life. I love how she's not afraid to ask for help, enlisting Jack to give her a list of steps to meet her Everest goal, Bex to train her in the gym, even finding a financial sponsor through the inspiration of her blog. Jack changes so much during the course of the book, growing up, realizing that he needs to stop comparing every woman to his ex. The locations in the book are so well described by the author that I felt like I was there. The side characters that were so quirky and interesting from the first book make appearances in this one as well - Tione and his ragtag pack of dogs, Kat, the weekly poker group, and the Bridge Club, all of them making Jack aware that they're looking out for Brooke. This book is a must-read!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Shebb.
810 reviews
August 26, 2020
Another 5-star winner from Alexa Rivers.

There's something magical about the way Ms Rivers writes. Her stories are always engaging and fun, filled with endearing characters, yet rip your heart out with emotion and oftentimes grief over the difficulties faced by the protagonists.

Two of a Kind is no different.

Jack and Brooke starred in the first book of the series, so it fascinated me how these characters would end up together because on the face of things they seemed different... almost ill-fitting. Isn't that just how life and love can lead you?

I loved Jack and his grumpy tendencies (cos I love a grump!). I thought it honorable for him to help Brooke with her quest, no matter how illogical or unachievable it appeared. And Brooke? What a Wonder Woman! Despite serious health issues, her determination pushed her toward a brighter (and fitter!) future. Plus any book with references to Star Trek and Star Wars is a winner. 😉

Loved it! Read the series, it's worth your time.

NB I received an ARC of this novel.
Profile Image for Korkoi.
7,673 reviews36 followers
September 24, 2020
Making All Her Dreams Come True -
Based on the shenanigans at the New Year’s Eve party, I thought Jack would feel the connection between Brooke and himself the next time he saw her. However, I was happy they didn’t get together so early in the plot, as it made the story much more interesting. I truly pleased to see that Alexa ensured Brooke’s strength, determination and perseverance to overcome adversity and conquer her goals, was made the main story, with the budding romance and drama between Jack and Brooke secondary.

Whilst you turn the pages, you will laugh, cry, shout for joy and want to scream, but you will end the book with overall pride at Brooke’s achievement. You won’t be able to put this book down once you start reading it. I have really enjoyed the series so far, but I can’t wait to read Tione and Megan’s story.

I received an ARC of this book from Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Donise.
1,293 reviews3 followers
September 27, 2020
This book will take you on an emotional and inspirational story of a young lady who is recovering from heart surgery and her vow to fulfill a childhood promise that she and her deceased best friend made. Brooke and her friend vowed that one day they would be healthy enough to climb Mount Everest to its base camp and now that Brooke is getting to the point of being the healthiest she has ever been she starts looking at fulfilling that vow. With the help of her blog followers, her friend that runs a gym and the wilderness adventure guy that she has had a crush on, Brooke might just make it.
Jack Farrelly may be good at outdoor adventuring, but he sucks at reading women and personal relationships. First, he doesn't remember sharing a steamy kiss with Brooke at his friend's bar and then he seriously underestimates her will to fulfill her dream to climb Mt. Everest and her stubbornness. However, there is always the chance that Jack will learn from his mistakes and that he will finally realize that Brooke in nothing like his ex-girlfriend.
I really enjoyed reading this book and I was cheering Brooke on the entire way.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Erika Jackson.
665 reviews4 followers
September 6, 2020
This story is exhilarating, captivating, beautiful, emotional rollercoaster, and bravery. This story is about a woman conquer something. The herione is Brooke. She is fierce, beautiful, survivor, and brave. She has the amazing attitude and doesn't take anything for granted. Brooke has the biggest heart. Literally!!! I absolutely love her! The hero is Jack. He is brooding, smart, serious and a little bit judgmental. He's been burned by his ex and she did an numbered on him. He was the biggest growth in the story. Alexis thanks for inviting me into this beautiful whole of authentic people who have courage. The writing was done beautifully and no misunderstanding of anything which is amazing! Amazing work Alexis Rivers!

I receive this ARC for an honest review through Bookfunnel.
Profile Image for Fleur.
3,819 reviews34 followers
September 27, 2020
Solid 4.5 star ⭐
I loved getting to know Brooke more after getting glimpses of her in the first book and wow she is a strong and determined women who has already overcome so much, then there is Jack and well Jack is such a bloke and has held on to the betrayal from his last girlfriend at the detriment to himself and other women. You have plenty of highs and lows to go through with both Brooke and Jack as well as times where you want to shake sense into them and laugh along with them as they slowly find out more about each other as well as themselves. I will admit there were a few tears at times but it just couldn't be helped with how connected you end up feeling to Brooked!!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
32 reviews1 follower
August 26, 2020
Brooke, a blogger, has had a lifetime of illness and physical challenges and is the eternal optimist. She and her friend from childhood had a lifelong dream of climbing to the base camp on Mt Everest. Unfortunately, her friend has died, and even though Brooke does not have the capabilities, she still hopes and wants to honor their dream.
Jack is a true outdoorsman, a very cautious man, and has crossed over to the grumpy side!! True opposites, right??
With help from a town full of their good friends, interesting residents, beautiful scenery and adventures, this is an great story about one determined woman. You’ll cheer for them all the way!
Don’t miss this book!!
Profile Image for Beth Gildersleeve.
Author 22 books36 followers
September 23, 2020
The characters are great in this book and it was nice to catch-up with the returning characters from the first book in the series. I loved the story-line of a woman who’d always been treated as a hot-house flower working to be as tough as a road-side weed and to change other’s perceptions of her along the way, especially the hero’s. I’m not a prude but I will admit to being caught off-guard with the steamy prologue. There is moderate swearing and steam in this novel, so if you’re put off by that, you probably won’t enjoy this book. But, if you’re on the fence, jump! This story is worth your time. I received an ARC of this book and am leaving my honest review.
Profile Image for Vilma .
948 reviews1 follower
September 27, 2020
On the surface Brooke’s petite body and quiet demeanor make her seem like the total opposite to outdoorsman and nature guide, Jack Farraly.

While they have met before, Jack has not been able to connect the dots and Brooke uses it to her advantage while convincing Jack to help her condition her sickly body to climb Mt. Everest.

Brooke’s blog is a source of inspiration to others with health issues, but Jack stumbles across one post that reminds him of the treachery of his ex and their relationship implodes.

Brooke and Jack get their happy ending, but not without a bit of angst. I loved their chemistry and playfulness once Jack stopped taking himself so seriously.
Profile Image for Jo-Ann Forrest.
3,038 reviews25 followers
September 25, 2020
Brooke is a survivor and a warrior, she will do everything in her power to fulfill her lifelong dream of reaching the base camp of Everest! She is kind, and has her life in front of her, she meets Jack. He is an adventurer who has been badly burned by an ex and he will put you off,but what he brings some drama in the story that will captivate you. While reading this story, I met two people who did reach Everest's base camp and the story is has real as it might be for these adventurers.I volunteered to review this story.
2,901 reviews4 followers
September 26, 2020
This was an enjoyable story of two people who are drawn that come together. Brook is funny and sassy and a joy to be around. Jack is an adventurer who is more serious especially as he’s been burned by a girlfriend before. They meet and it’s fun to hear then with her sassy mouth. She has something that she promised a friend that she’d do before she had died but Brook had promised to do it! She needs Jack to give her instruction and they get closer. Will it go farther? I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
Profile Image for Lucia Valenzuela.
2,086 reviews13 followers
September 6, 2020
Really enjoyed reading this book. Very inspirational but not preachy. Brooke just never gives up and just won’t doubt herself. There are too many people in her life that do. At first Jack is one of those, but as he really gets to know Brooke, he wants to help her achieve her goal. Well written characters and storyline. I highly recommend this one.
I received a free copy of this book and this is my voluntary, honest review.
37 reviews
September 6, 2020
What a great book! I laughed a lot and became a little emotional reading this book. Brooke is the herione. She never gives up and has the biggest heart. Jack is the hero. At first I found him a little asshole, but he growth during the book into a great person. This book is captivating till the end, one of the best I've read recently.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
2,752 reviews20 followers
September 22, 2020
Two of a Kind is a sexy, romantic story between two unlikely characters, who appear to be opposites. It was such fun to follow Brooke as she tried to overcome obstacles and succeed at a promise she had made to her friend, Olivia who is no longer alive. I really liked Brooke's character and strength which made for a remarkable story and she was very inspirational to her blog followers. What a great ending too. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.
Profile Image for Tina Layner.
397 reviews3 followers
September 20, 2020
This book was really inspiring. I loved every minute of it.
Brooke had a major surgery when she was a little girl. Now that she is grown up, she is doing everything she can to prove that her health problems will not get in her way. She had promised her best friend that she would fulfill their dream of hiking up Mt. Everest. Her friend had passed away so Brooke had to do this for her and herself.
Jack was an instructor that helped people over come their fears. He takes people to caves, out on boats, etc.
Brooke had met Jack years ago when they made out at a party. However, he did not remember her.
Will Jack help Brooke hike up the mountain or will she do it herself?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
6,284 reviews31 followers
September 25, 2020
She’s got two mountains to conquer.

I really enjoyed this book.
Why?
Brooke has a goal to climb Mt Everest (base camp, anyway). She’s overcome a serious health issue and she requires the aid of Jack, to fulfill a dream.
Jack he’s got the skills, as an outdoorsman but ironically, he’s packing his own baggage.
Their baggage is the perfect foil for the other, opposites and all. Their connection is bright and fresh.
Recommend.
1,178 reviews4 followers
September 27, 2020
I loved everything about this book. Brooke was amazing a survivor with an amusing attitude and fortitude. The setting of the book.
The cast of friends, scenarios and dialogues.
Jack developed some much as I knew he would as he got over his past and embraced Brooke.
Five plus stars.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
3,353 reviews19 followers
September 28, 2020
Such. A. Great. Story! This story is inspirational, heartwarming, and easy to get swept up in. Wonderful characters you'll easily fall in love with and love getting to know as you read their story. A wonderful and truly enjoyable romantic read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Kathleen Bradbury (Bulfon).
16.4k reviews219 followers
October 1, 2020
Story line is great and I loved the characters. I really enjoyed reading this book and I would recommend it! Unexpected twists and turns had me reading this book in one sitting. Great storyline and character development made this book a hot and enjoyable read!
Profile Image for Tara.
1,278 reviews11 followers
September 3, 2020
This is a page turner that will have you cheering for the growing relationship between Brooke & Jack. I love emotionally charged books and this is one of the best I've read in a while. This one will definitely pull on your heart strings and not let go until the very end. This is a MUST READ!! I was given an advance copy of this book for an honest review.
18.5k reviews1 follower
May 9, 2023
⛔️ (in notes)
“You tease,” he hissed from between gritted teeth.
She started to grin, but then he flicked his wrist and spanked the side of her ass. Her core throbbed in response, and her underwear dampened with her arousal. Oh, boy. Her lips parted in shock. She’d never have guessed she liked to be spanked, but she suspected that wasn’t the only thing Jack could teach her about herself.”

- what the actual fuck did I just read?? Literally in the first chapter they were mauling each other without even saying a complete sentence to each other, I’m sorry but I at least need some sexual banter before I go into a make out session with some spanking (which is a red flag for me as I hate when spanking is involved in romance books) and on top of that that was the first time he noticed her as she has had a crush on him for two years and he didn’t notice her and now that she’s suddenly become a hot game of thrones character with makeup and clothes he suddenly salivates after her and basically maules her and she of course is all over it with no self respect, both of them are bitches
Profile Image for Amber.
866 reviews
September 16, 2023
I really liked book #1, in which we were introduced to Brooke, and was pleasantly surprised that I loved this one too.

Brooke is an academic who has suffered from a number of ailments but is determined to be more outdoorsy. Jack is a little bit of a hot headed adventure guide who is sometimes slow to the game (that's normal for some guys!) and thinks Brooke is definitely not outdoorsy, but she proves that she is adventurous enough. She's had a crush on Jack for years but he has not even noticed her at all, he didn't even realised that she lives in town! One day while in cosplay they make out and later Jack doesn't recognise her at all. Oh Jack, what a bonehead, thank goodness Brooke is patient and gets on with her life, like how she has always done.

I'm not sure how realistic it is for someone to train for Mt Everest Base Camp but I enjoyed the story anyway. I'm really beginning to enjoy how all the characters, their personalities and their situations are woven together. I like the strong characters which are flawed, have their insecurities, but at the same time try their best to be strong, and not too whiney.

Definitely going to continue reading the other books!
Profile Image for Floraljoy.
1,192 reviews
September 23, 2020
Interesting characters and setting:
This was the second book in the series and whilst I was able to follow along, I did miss a lot of the backstory having not read the first one. However it was well written and I found it captured and held my attention throughout.
Brooke was determined and feisty and I admired her perseverance despite her physical ailments. Whilst initially rather jaded and self absorbed, Jack grew into a caring and kind guy. I especially liked seeing the personal growth that both characters went through and I absolutely loved the ending!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
4,456 reviews26 followers
October 1, 2020
This is the second book in the Haven Bay series. This story takes you on an emotional and inspirational journey. Brooke is a survivor. She is recovering from heart surgery and she feels the healthiest she has ever felt. She is brave and determined and I really loved her character. She also had a heart of gold. She is the opposite of Jack who is brooding and a little bit of a jerk. I got swept up in their growing relationship. It was a beautiful journey and I enjoyed being along for the ride. I'm looking forward to the next installment of the series!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,446 reviews5 followers
October 1, 2020
When opposites attract, sparks are sure to fly!! Come along for the emotionally charged romance story of Brooke and Jack. Brooke is such a strong woman who has already endured and conquered so much in her life and now she is ready to take on Mt. Everest! Jack is an Everest guide and is an equally strong man who finds himself hip-deep in stereotyping when he initially meets Brooke who he is tasked with preparing for the daunting climb. I thought that this book was original, well-written, and it felt realistic in the portrayal of the difficulties inherent in taking on a climb of that magnitude!!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
3 reviews
January 19, 2023
This is my second review of a book. I hate to dis an author’s work as I haven’t written a novel( daydream about plots and characters but haven’t completed one yet so…)
It seemed amateur-ish. It was missing depth for me. I felt the heroine’s illness was poorly executed and the hero’s baggage was lame. Maybe I missed a few things. I listened to the audiobook. The narrator had a pleasant enough voice but honestly it felt as though English may have been her second language. Sue reminded me of Siri reading a book to me. I did finish it as I paid for it but I played it on a higher speed to get through it.
93 reviews
January 20, 2024
I actually loved this book up until probably 95% then it just all went down hill for me. After breaking up with Brooke and completely ditching her he just decides that he loves her and his “apology” is so lacklustre that it’s eye rolling ridiculous. He said “here comes the best part, I love you!” In the middle of his so called apology and she must just forget how he abandoned her over his overreacting and self sabotaging, and declares she loves him too and all is forgiven. There is absolutely no grovelling or no action to prove that he won’t just do the same stupid shit again the next time he makes a mountain out of a mole hill
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
929 reviews7 followers
October 3, 2020
This story is about a very special person, a person who sets an almost impossible goal for herself, she needs to do this. Brooke needs to go to Mount Everest Base Camp, she wants to do this for the friend she lost and for herself. When Brooke asks Jack to help her they begin a relationship that challenges both of them physically, emotionally and sexually. I enjoyed the determination that pushes Brooke through so many difficult times.
Profile Image for Ashleigh.
505 reviews5 followers
January 5, 2021
Simply loved it!!
I loved that this wasn't just a typical girl gets the guy romance, I is also about Brooke's personal growth and determination to be more than what was expected of herself, but also about her pure determination to not let others define her by her illnesses!
Jack had his own insecurities that muddied his thoughts and feelings, but he definitely needed a good clip round the ear few times

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews