Catching Summer: A Second Chances Novel

I have read a number of books by this author and this one does not disappoint. I have loved every one of them. Even though it says it is the 6th book in the series, you do not need to worry. This can be read as a stand-alone. It has been two years since Summer was viciously attacked and forced to watch her husband die in the ring. He dreamed of opening their own restaurant one day. In the two years since his death, she has been able to honor his dream by opening a restaurant. Summer is also a nurse. To keep her license active she agrees to help her friend by being part of the medical team for the Carolina Cougars, NFL team. Evan, who is on the Cougars team, has always had an attraction towards Summer. But he knew he had to give her time to heal after the death of her husband. So after two years, she is ready to try to start moving on. So now all bets are off. Evan slowly makes his way into Summer’s heart. These two are great together and you can feel their connection. It pulls you in emotionally. There is great dialogue between them and not a lot of inner turmoil. This is not your “insta-love” relationship. They have actually known each for years but start their romance starts off slow and builds up to intimacy. It is told from alternating POV. As they become closer though, someone is determined to pull them apart. So you have a little mystery involved as well. Story line is realistic. When I think of books by this author I think of feel good books. I look forward to reading more by this author..

Catching Summer is the 6th book in the Second Chances series but it can be read as a stand-alone. I haven’t read any of the other stories but it wasn’t necessary to read them before reading this one. This is the first book I’ve read by L.P. Dover and it’s told in alternating first person point of view. I wish I could say I really liked this book but it just didn’t work well for me. I’ve read many good things about books by this author so I’d be willing to read another one even though I didn’t really enjoy this one that much. The “second chances” romance trope is one of my absolute favorites so I was eagerly anticipating reading this one and was disappointed when, for me, it didn’t live up to the things I’d read about it. I found the writing to be a bit choppy and I didn’t feel any chemistry between the heroine and Hero. Even the sex scenes didn’t seem that great. Yes, there was a fair amount of dirty, sexy talk but it just didn’t feel right; it almost felt forced. And there didn’t seem to be any real tenderness between the h and H. There was mystery and suspense in this story but I was able to spot the bad guy way too easily. I think I would have enjoyed the book more if it had been shorter; there was a lot of unnecessary stuff that I didn’t feel added anything to the main story. I did feel a lot of compassion for Summer and what she went through with her first husband. She has made an admirable comeback from a really bad situation. I’ve given the book 3 stars, rounded up from 2.5 because I finished it and because I know how hard authors work to produce their stories. I don’t really like to leave less than glowing reviews. Book ratings are always subjective so while this book isn’t a favorite for me you might disagree and love it. *****Reviewed for Xtreme-Delusions*****

This is a highly emotional and touching story that is the perfect combination of steamy sexy and thrilling. Summer Jacobs has spent the last two years dealing with the horrific loss of her husband. Between therapy and pouring herself into her business she's finally coming out of her grief and is ready to start trying to really live again. Evan Townsend is a pro football player who comes into Summer's restaurant frequently. He's always been interested in Summer but he also knew she was finding her way so he held back. He senses the time is finally right and when they are paired to work together with his team, he's determined to finally get her to really see him and what they could have. Nothing seems to come easily for Summer though. Can they make it through all the obstacles and events that keep popping up along their path?? I really enjoyed this one and think you will too. I highly recommend it.