The Bad Boy Is Back
Evan Downey needs a new beginning. Since the death of his wife five years ago, the brilliant tattoo artist has shut himself away in a prison of grief that not even his work can break him out of-and what’s worse, Evan knows his son Lyon is bearing the brunt of his seclusion. Moving back to the lake town of Evergreen Cove where he spent his childhood summers is his last chance for a fresh start.
Charlotte Harris knows she owes it to her best friend’s memory to help Evan and his son find their way again, but she can’t stop her traitorous heart from skipping a beat every time she looks into Evan’s mesmerizing eyes. Charlotte is determined to stay strictly in the Friend Zone-until a mind-blowing night knocks that plan by the wayside. Now, if they’re brave enough to let it, Charlotte and Evan might just find a love capable of healing their broken hearts . . .
This is the first book in the Second Chance series.
Lemmon is quickly rising in the contemporary ranks. With this latest book, I was bowled over… literally.
I’m always down for tortured heroes, but little did I know our Bad Boy, Evan, is not as tortured as our heroine, Charlie. Both are coming off a four-year hell. Where Evan’s wife and Charlie’s best friend has passed on, leaving a gaping hole for both of them. Poor Charlie has also lost her ultimate-pile-of-dog-do boyfriend. Thank goodness.
Evan is on the scene looking for a fresh start and lo’ and behold is shocked to find he’s seeing Charlie in a different light, one of attraction and desire. Sure friendship has always been there, but now this woman has him by the hair and he doesn’t want her to let go. I loved Evan, all tattooed and down for being naughty. As one portion of the infamous ‘penis bandit’s’ —yes, you read that right. I couldn’t get enough. From his unrepentant attitude toward being happy to his willingness to fight for Charlie no matter what. This guy doesn’t give up and I want one like him.
Charlie is the ultimate good girl who wants to make everyone happy. She’s also incredibly insecure and doesn’t see herself as worthy of being loved or appreciated. As for being awesome she’s a photographer, great with kids, and absolutely kills me with her kindness. A perfect foil for Evan, she can appreciate him in different ways then her best friend did. It was easy to get lost in the story of Evan coaxing our heroine out of her shell and into bad boy territory.
Secondary characters set a good stage for the rest of the series and Evan’s son, Lyon is too precious for words. Pacing is good with the romance developing over months and providing plenty of time for growth. There is also a clear villain in this book and thankfully he gets his. Another part of the story I loved. Notice how I keep saying I loved this book. Maybe I should bump the rating?
At the end of the day I can’t wait for more, and I even took the time to read the excerpt from the next book. The bad boy’s in this series aren’t going to be easy to tame, that’s for sure.
Overall, if you’re a fan of small town romances, great times, nicknames, and art turned into sexy times this book is for you. I recommend to reads who adore Maisey Yates or Victoria Dahl.
Reviewed by Landra
Heat Level: Hot
