Second Chances in Cheshire Bay

Cheshire Bay #8

by H.M. Shander

Thirteen years apart. Two shattered hearts beyond repair. One shot at a second chance neither of them saw coming.

In a small town, the list of good-looking, age-appropriate, and single guys is already slim. Being the only doctor for miles, those choices become even narrower. When a speed dating event surfaces, Dr. Chloe Tarkin jumps at the chance to meet several eligible bachelors but is caught completely off guard when one in particular graces her table.

The guy who once held the key to her heart.
The other half of a pair of dreamers with big plans for their future.
The swoony gentleman her soul never forgot. Or forgave.

BJ Sutcliff moved to the bay area years ago to escape his past, his controlling family, and to focus on being who he wants to be. Never expected he’d run into anyone familiar. And he never imagined he’d run into the woman whose heart he shattered when he slammed the door on them all those years ago.

He’s ready to make amends for the way he screwed up. This time, he’s not settling for second best, but he’d jump at a second chance - if she can find it in her heart to let bygones be bygones. Or are some mistakes just too much to forgive and forget?

Genres: Contemporary Romance

ebook

Published August 1, 2022

About the author

H.M. Shander is an award winning and USA TODAY bestselling author who is a hopeless romantic and lover of chocolate, coconut and a damn good cup of coffee.

She's the author of several reader's choice books (Bronze medal for Return to Cheshire Bay and the Gold Medal for Living La Vida Mocha). An upcoming release was also a Kobo Writing Life finalist - so watch for that to release soon.
She writes swoon-worthy, gentle beta heroes, in sweet or steamy storylines that all end with a happily ever after.

When not writing, she is a part-time librarian and Educational Assistant to a group of kindergartens, a devoted mother to her two kids, and believes she's married the sweetest man and the greatest inspiration for her heroes.

Sign up for the newsletters: https://h-m-shander.eo.page/z5tgg

Reviews

[T · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story

It kept my attention and was well written. Chloe is a likeable and relatable character. This book was a gift so I made reading it a priority. It loses a star in the rating because it’s only in Chloe’s point of view. Without Benjamin’s POV I couldn’t attach myself to him as a typical book boyfriend, which I very much wanted to. I also couldn’t forgive him because I never got inside his head and heart. If you prefer single POV romance you will love this story, so in that case toss my preferences aside and grab this book.

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book seven in The Cheshire Bay series and it is Chloe and Benjamin’s story and omg it is definitely a must read. Chloe is a doctor and has moved to Cheshire Bay to open a family practice and she is always busy but would love to have someone to share her life with as it can be lonely at time so when her best friend decides to do a speed dating night Chloe signs up to see if she could find that someone special only for a blast from her past to be there and he is the one man that she never wanted to see again after he broke her heart into a million pieces and she never recovered. Benjamin is a best selling author and lives in Cheshire Bay so imagine his shock when he sees Chloe again after so many years especially as he was the one that completely destroyed her and had regretted it ever since but now he is determined to apologise and hopefully get a second chance as he never stopped loving her but he knows it is going to be difficult after everything that happened. The more time that Chloe and Benjamin spend together the more Chloe is ready to take a chance and try to forgive him for what he did in the past and just when things start to be going right another bombshell is thrown into the mix causing another break of trust between them but will they be able to communicate and get over there past and mend the fences to eventually have a second chance and a future together which they both deserve after everything that they have been through. This book takes you on a rollercoaster ride and you feel all the emotions, heartbreak, betrayal, pain, hope along with strong and intense chemistry and a love that is so strong that it stood the test of time and never went away. I have read every single book in this series and I have loved every single one but I have to say that this book is definitely my favourite of this amazing series and I can’t wait to read Erin’s book next.

[S Celeste · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dr. Chloe Larkin has moved to Cheshire Bay for a new start, she has no idea she will run into the man that shattered her heart in the place she least expected. Benjamin, now an author, has regretted the way things ended with Chloe for years and when he finally finds her, he is determined to seek forgiveness and rewrite their story with the HEA they should have always had. But can Chloe forgive so she can move forward with Ben in her life?

This Second Chance Romance is Book 8 in the Cheshire Bay Series, but it can totally be read as a standalone. Chloe is an interesting character. She is definitely looking for something. She has never gotten over the way the love of her life left her, I won’t spoil it but it was a harsh break up and a lot to deal with especially for a teenager. Their split changed the entire course of her life. What I liked about this book is the fact that Chloe, even though clearly destroyed by the break up really did make some positive changes in her life, she also made some not so great choices and that made her decidedly human and believably flawed. What I liked less: I wish we had a better idea of what Benjamin was thinking and feeling, and more of an explanation about what happened post break up. Although it is slowly revealed, it still felt like there were holes that would have made his character a little better. Overall, great story, cute twist, and satisfying ending.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lauren L. Moon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the SEVENTH book in the Cheshire bay series! So now I need to go and read the first six, because this is literally amazing. It's a must read, and honestly one of my top favorites.

Chloe moved to Cheshire Bay to open a practice. And is adorable and such a hottie. And she wants someone to spend the rest of her life with her (Who wouldn't?) And that leads her right into a speed dating night. (Those are the best)
And a certain someone from her past decides to show his handsome face. I freaking love everything about Benjamin. I'm not going to go into any more detail about this because I don't want to spoil anything.

But let me just tell you that I loved every page of this book. I love the details. I love the character building. I loved the second chance romance. I love literally everything about this book and I can't get enough of the whole series. Everything this author has written will be going on my immediate TBR!! Because she can rip your heart out, put it back together, and STILL make you love every character by the end of the story.

I just can't get over how much I loved this. And with having severe ADHD it kept my attention! I was able to sit down and read a good chunk of this book without an issue

[Anonymous 5 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Book 7 in the Cheshire Bay series and it is an absolutely heartwarming and heart wrenching story. Chloe is a doctor and has moved to Cheshire Bay to open up her practice. She would love to have someone to spend her off time with, but there's not much of a wide selection in the small town. When her friends decides to sign up for a speed dating night, she is happy to join her, hoping to find that someone special. What she didn't expect to find was a blast from the past that tore her heart to shreds years ago. Benjamin can't believe his luck when he happens upon Chloe's table at the speed daring event. He is an author and has been living in Cheshire Bay for a while. He deeply regrets how he broke her heart all those years ago and is hoping for a second chance with her as he has never stopped loving her. It's not going to be easy to gain Chloe's forgiveness after everything that happened, but he is determined to win her back.
This story definitely pulled at my heartstrings and I couldn't help but root for Chloe and Benjamin to find their way back to each other. Such a beautifully written story! I am so happy to have had the opportunity to read this. I'm really loving this series!
I received a complimentary copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cute love story, where a couple gets a second chance. I loved BJ and Chloe, they were meant to be together. However, they had to both grow up and realize some things before they got together.

One thing that took me out of the magic that is Cheshire Bay book is the fat shaming and that eventually, she grew to agree and though she had to lose weight. I didn't enjoy that she felt she couldn't eat or she would get fat and would feel bad unless she worked out after a non health meal.

Back to positives, I enjoyed the interactions Chloe had with her best friend and how she was forced into speed dating. I also enjoyed the awkward moment when she found out where BJ lived and their ride into town. While I didn’t like the book he wrote that tore them apart , I loved his gesture to fix it. Also the date he took her on, so romantic. I also enjoyed his support on the way back down. Overall, this is a good book but for me it had some things that truly took me away from fully enjoying it. I do recommend you take a trip to Cheshire Bay and meet this couple. I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[CATHERINE BURHANS · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my favorite series ever! I love Cheshire Bay and the people I’ve gotten to know there that tend to reappear again and again. I might even like to live there. We’ve gotten to know Dr. Chloe Tarkin, the town Physician, previously, and now we learn her story. Benjamin Sutcliff had broken her heart years before and now he shows up in Cheshire Bay, at the Marketplace, promoting his books. She will not give him the time of day, and will never forgive him for how much he had hurt her. When he sees her again, he’s determined to have a second chance to win her heart again. Benjamin is an awesome book boyfriend, patiently wooing her and asking for forgiveness. Even with the icy fortress she has placed around her heart, she can’t deny that it still beats for him. Their romance is sweet and passionate, and I enjoyed every page of it!

[Judy Gittleson Hendrickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chloe is the local doctor in Cheshire Bay, living with her best friend Summer who runs The Market for the local vendors to promote their items. Chloe is surprised to find her ex there, after having a devastating breakup fourteen years earlier. Loved the characters and the storyline definitely keeps you on your toes with emotions and feelings going every direction. The twists of unexpected events and situations give them the one-step-forward-and-two-steps-back issue often. Such a great group of common players in this series as they help each other out in intriguing ways. Really enjoyed this storyline, with the vivid descriptions and fun locals. This area seems like heaven on earth. Terrific ending and not what I expected at all.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

These two were just fantastic together! Chloe and Benji fell in love in High School, but his cruel mother intervened, and neither was the same after that night. After 14 years, they meet again, both superficially different but still attached at the soul. Things go wrong, of course, but Benjamin steadily works to win Chloe back. I also liked that Chloe has been a character in past books, so we know her as Summer's roommate, the town doctor and an unabashed sexual being. She feels everything so intensely and reacts hard. It takes patience and consistency from Benjamin, advice from Summer, and Chloe's needs and memories to get them to their HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lia Lorimer · Rating 4 out of 5]

H.M. Shander writes in an easy-to read style following Chloe’s renewed meeting with her high-school boyfriend, Benjamin, or GiGi as she used to fondly call him. Although she is determined to resist him now, she is unable to withstand his charisma.
Some questionable language and open-door bedroom scenes are not my usual choice of reading (hence the 4 stars); however, with the good story-line, this aspect could be glossed over.
There is humour, past heartbreak and potential resolution as Chloe navigates the reasons for the breakup fourteen years previously and gets to know a more mature and independent Ben.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Colleen Daley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a sweet second chance romance. Chloe is now a doctor in a small town and her dating options are limited but what she doesn't expect is the love of her life from 14 years ago at a speed dating event. Benjamin has taken his own path and become an author. He made a terrible mistake following what his mother wanted instead of his heart and now he has the second chance to make it right. This was a wonderful story that included the back and forth between Chloe and Benjamin, some great humor, and the wonderful small town feeling. The author did a fantastic job building her characters and making you feel their emotions throughout the story. I will be going back to read the rest of the series.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have really enjoyed reading, Second Chances in Cheshire Bay (Cheshire Bay #7) by H.M. Shander because it was second chance romance story about Gigi (BJ)and Chloe. Their relationship was fated to doom in the beginning because Gigi (BJ) didn't fight for it. I really kept rooting for both Gigi and Chloe to work things out. They both needed their happy ending, but life kind of got in the way and so did the past. I loved both characters. This story is told in Chloe's POV. I received an ARC of this story and I am voluntarily choosing to leave this review. Loved it and would highly recommend reading the series and this book.

[Debbie Eyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series and I love visiting Cheshire bay and it townsfolk. We have met Chloe before and now we get to find out more about her as she gets her own story. It’s a heartfelt, sweet second chance romance as Benjamin who broke Chloe’s heart all those years ago appears in Cheshire bay. Old wounds bubble to the surface as Ben tries to woo Chloe into giving him the time of day, to prove they belong together but she makes him work for it! They are both great characters, relatable, likeable, passionate and so right for each other and I loved their journey. A wonderful addition to a wonderful series.

[Merry Jelks-Emmanuel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Benjamin and Chloe were teenage sweethearts torn apart by his manipulative mother. His taking sides with his mother and not standing up for them devastated Chloe as they went their separate ways. They reconnect when they both find themselves living in Chesire Bay. The feelings between them are still there but can Chloe move past the hurt Benjamin caused her to get a chance for happiness. This story had me in their corner cheering them on to get a chance for rekindling their love and moving forward together.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms. Shander’s stories are always heart-felt and emotional. Chloe is a bit different than her other FMCs. She is a sexual free spirit, involved in flings and one-night stands, a risk-taker despite her professional standing. Her break up with Benjamin at eighteen had colored her whole life since - in both good and bad ways. It was moving and emotional and I could put myself in her place - loving Benjamin but being so hurt that she’d never gotten over it. But Benjamin was willing to put in the work to win Chloe back and prove how he’d grown. Loved it!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Stephanie Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just finished reading Charmed in Cheshire Bay yesterday and wanted to read the next one right away. Hence picking this up and reading it all in one day. The characters Chloe and Benjamin had an amazing relationship that suddenly exploded because he listened to his mommy instead of standing up for what they had. They both ended up with different careers than either would’ve worked towards had a fire storm not shown up.

Chloe is a great character to follow and her story was even better to read. I know that I will be more by H.M. Shander and hope others enjoy her writing as well!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[greenapplemojito · Rating 1 out of 5]

Nuh-huh. There should be clear mention of the tropes popping up somewhere... right at the start I was worried this was going to go in the wrong direction some way or the other. the justification Chloe gave that she compares every guy she does the deed with with the MMC and relive the past by being with people wayyyyyyyyyyyy younger than her... Nope. Not a trope I like and the justification behind it worse.

Also, felt absolutely no emotional connect with the characters and felt like despite her doubts on the MMC and the hurt from the past, she kept going behind him and not talking it out properly and he also didn't really make up for it or prove himself.

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I totally love this series set in Cheshire Bay!!!

The slow burn forgiveness second chance love story between Chloe & Benjamin was so good; I loved that backstory, the dating other people part - but the realization of the love that never went away was really really good.

That being said, I would like to have had a meet and greet with our couple and the evil mother of Benjamin - love does win, in the end; and what about Rian, we never visited what he or ??? did to Chloe, good thing Benjamin was around to save the day, and for Chloe to spill all her secrets, that was a fun night.....

[J Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a complimentary copy. Dr. Chole Tarkin is a physician for the town of Cheshire Bay. She is at a speed dating event when she happens to see BJ Sutcliff, the man who broke her heart years ago. BJ wants a second chance with Chole but she is not having it. Chole still has feelings for him but is worried he will break her heart again. Will Chole give BJ a second chance or will she be the one walking away this time?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second Chances in Cheshire Bay by H.M. Shander is a good, and enjoyable second chance friends to lovers medical romance read. The story has a great story line. The characters are great, relatable, likeable, passionate, and they have great chemistry. This is Benjamin and Chloe's story. They were high school sweet hearts before they were torn apart by his manipulative mother and him not standing up for them. This story is a very entertaining page turning second chance romance read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dee Mac · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m going to have to go back and read Cheshire Bay from the beginning because this book has introduced a place and people I want more of.
A second chance love story where BJ needs to really make amends and repair the heart he broke so long ago if he wants any chance of a future.
Chloe is a beautiful character and is well deserving of happiness.
A sweet, steamy story with some heartache, angst, a few giggles and a beautiful HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading any of the books in the Cheshire Bay series is never a disappointment and this one is no different. Great story to read at the beach or over a quiet weekend. Chloe and BJ's past romance goes back many years where it began and ended and now they are reunited. Can the strong love they once had be rekindled and begin where they once were? Only time, trusting and understanding the past will help them to find love again.

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Second Chance romance stories because they give you hope that anything is possible. Chloe and BJ have a history, one that Chloe might not be willing to forgive, but BJ is determined to make things right. Will Chloe be able to forgive for the past or let it stop her from having a future? Such a great story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kristi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thirteen years apart. Two shattered hearts reunited. One shot at a second chance neither of them saw coming.

A story line that will capture you and keep you engaged until you read the last word. The characters are realistic and enjoyable and you can't help but fall in love with them. You don't want to miss having this series in your TBR list.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rhonda Howell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet second chance romance for two long lost high school sweethearts. Chloe is all grown up and a doctor in a small town where dating options already slim to none. When a speed dating event comes up she is like why not. She runs into Benjamin a successful author and her for.er high school sweetheart. Will this be a sweet reunion or will all the bitterness from the past resurface?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tahnia Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

After closing her clinic, Chloe is helping her BFF Summer at the Bayside Market when she spots Benjamin, the man who shattered her heart at the end of high school. Chloe signs up for a speed-dating event that Summer put together and finds Benjamin is also attending. This story is romantic and all about forgiving and forgetting so a second chance is what is truly doable. Very highly recommended.

I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[JM G · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading Second Chances in Cheshire Bay. I have really enjoyed reading this complete series. Benjamin and Chloe are a great couple and have great chemistry together. They have a history together and this is their second chance at love. Will they make it to an HEA? I would recommend reading to find out!!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 7th book in this incredible series, and this is Benjamin and Chloe’s story.
This is a well written story which is emotionally charged, with family, friendships, heartbreak, making choices, engaging and realistic characters, trust, forgiveness, second chances, romance, and love, which leads to an entertaining, fun, unpredictable, and steamy addictive page tuner.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is really good series. Every book is entertaining and engaging.
Everybody deserves second chance.
An even it happened long time ago the first love always has a hidden spot in the heart. Discovering that it was mother who break them up could make situations worse and not reparable but not in his case.
Instead they are picking from the point they separated .
Lovely romance.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jacqueline Johnston Cotton · Rating 5 out of 5]

So happy to be back in Cheshire Bay. This book was sweet, swoony and a second chance romance. Benjamin and Chloe have some issues to overcome but are wonderful together. The growth they go through as they figure out how to be together is heartwarming. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. I loved it.
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.