Early Book Review: Second Chance Summer by Jill Shalvis

Second Chance Summer is the first book in the new Cedar Ridge series by Jill Shalvis. It is currently scheduled for release on June 30th 2015. Cedar Ridge, Colorado, is a resort town famous for crisp mountain air, skiing, and climbing. It is also last place Lily Danville wants to be. She left after some serious loses and is returning for less that happy reasons. However, what has her concerned is Aidan Kincaid; firefighter, rescue worker, and heart-breaker that she never could resist. The Kincaid brothers are as rough and rugged as the Rocky Mountains they call home. Aidan has always done things his own way, by his own rules. And never has he regretted anything more than letting Lily walk out of his life ten years ago. If anyone has ever been in need of rescuing, she has. What she needs more than anything are long hikes, slow dances, and sizzling kisses. But that can only happen if he can get her to give Cedar Ridge-and this bad boy-a second chance.

Second Chance Summer is the start of another small town contemporary romance full of charm, chuckles, and some tough love. Lily has gone through some serious pain, and is not quite ready to open up to anyone- even the guy that she was never able to get over. She has some personal issues to deal with, none of them easy. She is determined to do it all on her own. Aidan has gone through some serious trouble as well, but trusts in his family and rescue team to stand by him. He wants to help Lily and stand by her too, but the past and Lily's fears keep things unsteady. Aidan is a great character. He is a serious alpha male, but has compassion and understanding to spare. I found Lily's issues to be realistic for the most part, but eventually they did begin to irritate me because of the way she acted. It was not enough to ruin the book, but it made me want to throttle her on occasion.

Second Chance Summer is a quick read, but not necessarily easy for everyone. It might hit some triggers for those that suffered similar trauma as Lily or Aidan, but I think the overall combination of humor and facing out faults and troubles to conquer them and find happiness could overcome that. I enjoyed the introduction of the small town and side characters, and think this will be another series Shalvis fans will greatly enjoy.