Author: Emma Hart
Series: Chance #1
Release Date: September 21. 2013
My Rating: 4 Stars
“You don’t get a love like ours and get to leave it behind.”
Kia James was never meant to return to her hometown of Harlan Grove, Alabama… But she has.
And Reese Pembleton was definitely not supposed to still be in love with her the way she is him… But he is.
Last summer was the summer to end all summers. It was the summer they both fell in too deep to get out, and try as she might, Kia can’t deny that whatever was there between them a year ago is still there. If she’s honest with herself, there’s so much more there than there ever was, but the way her dad walked out six years ago has shattered her belief of that fairytale love every girl craves.
Reese isn’t giving up so easily. His biggest mistake was not chasing after Kia the way he wanted to when she upped and left him without a word. Despite what she says, he knows her better than anyone, and he knows she still wants him the way he wants her. And this time, nothing will stop him from getting – and keeping – his girl.
But nothing is that easy. When Kia’s dad arrives back in town, family secrets come tumbling out she never realized existed. Everything her mom has ever told her about the reason he left is a lie – but how can she trust the man who, by his own admission, didn't fight for her as hard as he could have?
With her past and present wants and needs colliding, Kia is thrown into the turmoil of the biggest decisions of her life. And she realizes, sometimes a second chance is all you need.
I ignore him and keep walking. Step, step, step. Keep going, Kia, don’t stop for him. His hand grabs my arm, and I turn, yanking my arm back as I near where his truck is parked.
“What, Reese? You’ve made it clear last summer was a mistake. You’re right. It was. It was just a whirlwind mess between two people who had no idea what they wanted from life.”
“I didn’t mean it like it came out. I just meant I didn’t want you to hate this place because of me.”
“I don’t hate it because of you.” I look at him and laugh bitterly. Shadows play across his face in the darkness. “I hate this place because of what it means to me.”
“What does it mean, Kia? Tell me.” He loosens his grip on my arm; his thumb gently stroking my skin.
“It means nothing,” I say quietly, stepping back. “Nothing.”
“You’re lying,” Reese steps closer and holds my other arm. “If it meant nothin’, you wouldn’t be running from me.”
“I’m not running from you! Why would I be? One summer, that’s all we had.”
“Is it?” he asks quietly. “One summer? Is that really all we had? Do you think my feelings disappeared the way you did? Do you think they upped and went in the middle of the night just like you?”
“I never said that-”
“‘Cause they damn well didn’t!”
“Rumor has it you’re seein’ someone, or have you forgotten that?” I throw back at him.
“Maybe I don’t care about her. The person I care about is front of me.”
“After eleven months? Why don’t I believe you?”
“Let me show you. Make you believe me.”
I shake my head. “You’re so fucking funny.” I pull myself from his grip and move toward my car, passing his truck.
“Am I?” he growls, grabbing my hand and pulling me toward him. My back hits the door of his truck, and he stops in front of me. He places his hands either side of my head, his face bent into mine. “Am I funny, Kia? Really?”
My heart is pounding furiously at his nearness, and I push at his arm. My blood is thundering through my body, my breathing coming hard and fast. I can feel the warmth emanating from his body. I want more. I need more. I want to feel his body pressed against mine, even if it’s just for a second. I need to feel it.
His hazel eyes collide with mine, and I can see he feels the same. It’s been a year. He still feels it. I still feel it.
“Jokes usually are funny,” I retort, trying to move away from him in an attempt to regain control of my body.
His mouth crashes into mine, his lips molding to mine. One of his hands cups the side of my head, the other resting on my waist. I grab his shirt when he nips my bottom lip. My mouth opens, and his tongue meets mine, stroking it in a gentle caress. Our bodies push together, and I drink him in, kissing him greedily.
Now, I remember. I remember why I can’t fight it. Why I’m powerless. Why, at nineteen, he is all there is.
I open my eyes as our mouths part. His lips are hovering over mine, close enough they could touch mine again, but they don’t. In the small gap between us all,I feel is the chilling night air where, just seconds ago, there was nothing but heat.
“Am I funny now, Kia?” he breathes, still holding my face.
“Yep,” I whisper, my voice slightly shaky. “You’re fucking hilarious.”
Reese’s hand leaves my waist and tugs the door open. “Then you better get in the truck so you can find out exactly how not funny I am.”
“I’m not...”
“Get in,” he growls, his eyes promising me a fight.
“No,” I say, pushing him back. I shake my head. “No.”
“What?”
I walk around him and away from him, walking backward. I shake my head, everything warring inside me. “I… No, Reese. I can’t.”
“Kia?” he calls.
“That…” I take a deep breath and stop at my car. “That shouldn't have happened.”
Second Chance Summer was my introduction to Emma Hart's books. Can I just say... Wow! This book is a perfect blend of all the things I love about the New Adult genre. The angst, love, heat and, of course, my weak spot a southern gentleman :) We meet Kia as she is coming back home from college for summer break. She never wanted to return to the life of a broken home and a neglectful drunk of a mother but, she had no other choice. Kia just wants to keep her head down and get back to school ASAP. But things aren't always as easy as they seem, right? Soon enough she runs into her summer-after-high-school sweetheart and he's not about to let her go again. Reese Pembelton is my hero. I said it. He is. He's charming to the max. Loving to a fault. And completely devoted to Kia. She may have left without a word but, his love for her never wavered.
This summer will be the most trying Kia has ever had. Her problems are piling up and she doesn't know who to trust, who to confide in, or what the truth is. At the top of her list is her father. He's back and is toting the family's dirty laundry with him. Meanwhile, Kia is at hew wits end with her mother's addiction and careless lifestyle. Reese, on the other hand, is her rock. She may not have asked for his support, but he's offering it up freely. Kia as so much baggage that she doesn't know what to do with it all. But she starts weeding out the important from the bullshit and all that's left worth fighting for is Reese. Her family will never be the supportive, caring family she needs them to be. But Reese is willing to take her on, baggage and all. And this time when the summer comes to and end he won't let her walk away so easily.
Every girl needs a supportive, "I'm never letting you go again" guy like Reese in their life. He is the epitome of what guys should be. And Kia is a complete hardass. At times I was so frustrated with her standoffish attitude towards Reese. But, I get that she needed to be the one to work through her own drama and she finally stands up for herself. I really felt like standing up and clapping for her. Once Kia laid her family demons to rest, as best she could, it paved the way for her and Reese to finally have their HEA. Only problem? She has to back to school, miles away, and Reese has his life in Harlan Grove... I won't spoil their ending but... I will tell you that this series is going to be continued. This was such a wonderful story. I felt like Kia had a huge journey ahead of her and handled it a maturely as can be in her situation. And Reese... well he's just my favorite! I loved their story, and I definitely hope to see more of it in the future.
Happy Reading!
*Review copy provided by author in exchange for an honest review*
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So there are 3 giveaways for this blog tour!! Yay! Instead of embedding them I will link them below and embed them on my Current Giveaways tab :) AND they're ALL open Internationally.
Meet Emma:
By day, New York Times and USA Today bestselling New Adult author Emma Hart dons a cape and calls herself Super Mum to two beautiful little monsters. By night, she drops the cape, pours a glass of whatever she fancies – usually wine – and writes books.
Emma is working on Top Secret projects she will share with her followers and fans at every available opportunity. Naturally, all Top Secret projects involve a dashingly hot guy who likes to forget to wear a shirt, a sprinkling (or several) of hold-onto-your-panties hot scenes, and a whole lotta love.
She likes to be busy - unless busy involves doing the dishes, but that seems to be when all the ideas come to life.Connect with:
Emma is working on Top Secret projects she will share with her followers and fans at every available opportunity. Naturally, all Top Secret projects involve a dashingly hot guy who likes to forget to wear a shirt, a sprinkling (or several) of hold-onto-your-panties hot scenes, and a whole lotta love.
She likes to be busy - unless busy involves doing the dishes, but that seems to be when all the ideas come to life.Connect with:
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