Review: Second Chance Summer by Jill Shalvis

I liked this book so much. I read a little bit of it yesterday, and today, once I started reading, I couldn't put it down.

When a scandal causes her to lose her job at a prestigious salon in California, Lily returns to her hometown of Cedar Ridge after being away for ten years, feeling as if she has no where else to go.  She had good reason to leave and stay away, following a family tragedy for which she felt responsible. She didn't realize that when she ran away, she left behind a hole in Aiden Kincaid's heart. Upon returning, Aiden is one of the first people she sees - after a long drive, when she's got Cheeto stains on her clothes and a pile of junk food in her arms. What she and Aiden quickly realize is that despite their ten years apart, all the feelings they once had for each other are still very much there.

Lily considers her stay in Cedar Ridge temporary. The place holds too many memories and too much pain to ever consider staying there, and the last thing she wants is to get involved with someone who only reminds her of what she lost and the guilt that consumes her.

Aiden's got issues and guilt of his own as he tries to help out with the family resort, while also working for the fire department and be part of the volunteer search and rescue team. He never completely got over Lily, and he's not eager to get left behind by her again, and she's made it clear she has no plans to stick around. But he can't stop thinking about her. Sparks fly anytime they're near each other.

Eventually, they both begin to realize that running from their fears, and burying all their pain may not be the best way to live. Their paths keep crossing, and much to Lily's displeasure, she keeps finding herself in need of rescue - from spiders, flat tires and in one case, a baby bunny. And Aiden's job is to rescue people, so of course, he's always there for her.

I really enjoyed seeing how these two people worked through their issues and finally admitted they needed each other.

This book provided the perfect escape - likable, interesting main characters with plenty of flaws and plenty of reasons to look beyond their flaws; great, realistic supporting characters, as well; gorgeous setting in a Colorado resort town (I am very much a city person, but books like this make me want to pack up and relocate to the mountains); entertaining, believable backstory; very sexy, steamy, mature romance. I cannot think of a single thing that I didn't like about this book.

This is the first book I've read by this author, but I've already got the second book of this series on my kindle ready to start.

Highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys contemporary romance.

I received a copy of this via NetGalley.