Second Chance romance is one of my absolute favorite tropes. When I saw that Sabrina is part of an anthology, Do It Again, featuring 5 novellas about second chance, I asked her to write a post about the trope and the anthology. Take it away Sabrina-

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Is love sweeter the second time around?

According to the popular trope known as Second Chance Romance, the answer is a resounding “Yes!”

I love a Second Chance Romance because I think the stakes are higher and the main characters have more to lose. They’ve been down this road before and chances are they also got hurt. But they’re willing to forgive, take that leap of faith and try again.

This is one of the reasons why I wanted to write a story for “Do It Again,” a new anthology featuring stories about second chances and starting over. I asked the anthology’s four other authors to share why they love reading and writing this kind of romance too.

“I love a second chance romance because it acknowledges that people don’t have it all figured out,” says author Jayce Ellis. “There’s a very conscious choice in a second chance to try again, because you know the risks. You know them, and you’re willing to put your heart on the line, and I think that’s extremely powerful.”

There’s that old saying that you never get a second chance to make a first impression. That may be true for most things in life—but not in a romance novel.

“I think we all love the idea of being able to get another shot at something. In some cases, it’s trying again with the same person or doing better for yourself this time,” says author Tara Kennedy.

Author M.A. Parker explains that all romances are inherently about second chances and starting over, even if they aren’t explicitly about a couple getting back together after a past breakup.

“Semi-Tough Luck, my entry in the anthology, isn’t a second chance romance in the classic sense since the protagonists have never met before,” M.A. says. “But it is definitely a story about new beginnings and starting over.” 

“I love the idea that people can grow and change, and finally be ready for the relationship they couldn’t quite make work when they were younger,” adds author Kate Davies.

Of course, all Second Chance Romances have to end in a Happily Ever After. And the HEA is believable because the reader has witnessed the characters’ transformations individually and as a couple. We trust that this is really “it” for them.

After all, there are no third or fourth chances when it comes to romance tropes.

Buy- Do It Again

About “Do It Again”

This anthology features five new novellas with guaranteed HEAs. Stories include:

THE WEDDING FLING by Kate Davies

Gia

I’ve had a crush on Randy for years – but my older brother’s BFF never gave me a second look. That is, until the wedding. Now we’re flirting, and having fun, and I’ve got a hotel room for the night. I don’t have time for a relationship, but a one-night-only hookup? I’m down for that. I just hope he is, too…

Randy

I’m not sure when Tony’s little sister went from way-too-young to holy smokes, but she’s the first woman I’ve been interested in since my fiancée dumped me. I know that if I tried anything, Tony would kill me and ask questions later. Problem is, Gia’s totally on board for a night together. And I’m starting to think it’s worth the risk.

REVERENCE by Jayce Ellis

Rasheed knew coming back home wouldn’t be smooth sailing, but he wasn’t quite prepared for the level of vitriol he got from the person he was most anxious to see—his high school sweetheart, Percy. His best friend. His closest confidante. And the reason he’d returned. But from their first meeting, he knows it’s going to be an uphill battle, and Percy doesn’t seem the least bit interested in renewing a friendship, let alone anything more. Twenty-five years after breaking his heart the first time, Rasheed has to prove himself worthy of a second chance.

REPEATED BURN by Tara Kennedy

Raven is already having a bad Monday, and the arrival of her ex’s new ex, Sienna, is not helping. Planning to wash her hands of the whole thing, Raven delivers Sienna to her brother, Marcus. But the universe seems determined to throw Raven and Marcus together.

Marcus is used to cleaning up his little sister’s messes. They usually don’t involve attractive women. He is drawn to Raven’s independence and her confidence. Raven’s been burned by those who claimed to love her time and again. Will she be able to trust that Marcus is ready for the long haul?

SEMI-TOUGH LUCK by M.A. Parker

Sylvia

When my semi was stolen from a truck stop in Middle-of-Nowhere, Nebraska, I lost my home, most of my possessions, and my livelihood. With no easy way to get back to L.A., I hitch a ride with the local sheriff’s way-too-sexy brother, Ivan Carlson, who’s on his way to San Diego to play pro hockey. There’s no reason to think Ivan will be anything but a perfect gentleman, which is good, because I certainly don’t want to start something with a guy I’m going to be trapped in a car with for several days. Or that’s what I thought, until we wind up having to share a motel room. Tough luck, right?

NEVER REALLY OVER (A Hotel Arroyo Novella) by Sabrina Sol

Callie Arroyo hasn’t seen Ryan Salazar since he left her and L.A. behind seven years ago in search of adventure and a life better than the one he had growing up. But now as her sister prepares to marry his brother, they’re about to be part of each other’s lives again.

Ryan thought moving to Italy would give him everything he’d ever wanted. But by the time he’d realized all he’d ever needed was Callie, it was too late. She’d moved on and married someone else. Even had a kid.

Pushed together for pre-wedding festivities, Ryan and the newly single Callie must navigate old feelings and new attractions. Like before, they both have hard choices to make. Will love be enough this time?