THE SECOND FIRST CHANCE – Mona Shroff
HQN
ISBN: 978-1-335-45346-4
August 2, 2022
Contemporary Romance 

Maryland – Present Day 

Riya Desai and Dhillon Vora grew up together and fell in love as teens. But they share a tragic past, one that drove them apart. Riya’s older brother and Dhillon’s father were killed in a house fire that left emotional scars on the families. Dhillon has grown up to become a veterinarian and Riya has decided to train to become a firefighter, even though her family is against it. Dhillon hasn’t been in contact with Riya for a long time, so wasn’t aware of what she is doing. When he finds out, he is angry with her. How can she decide on a career as dangerous as firefighting after what happened to their families? But she is stubborn and informs him that this is her way of giving back to the people who tried to save their loved ones. Even as the two bicker over her career choice, the sparks that had lain dormant for years come roaring back. But with their differences hanging over them, is there any way they can get a second chance at love? 

Much of THE SECOND FIRST CHANCE focuses on the tragedy that happened in the past. Even though it has been years since it happened, the families seem locked in the past. Dhillon is protective of his little sister, and when she indicates an interest in what Riya is doing, he explodes at both. A lot of the emotion drawn here is that there is a lot of “if only…” Dhillon and Riya do have something they share a love for: an older dog of his named Lucky. The dog is part of their past and was rescued during the fire. When he dies, our couple grieves together, which does bring them—temporarily at least—together. But her career choice as a firefighter breaks them apart after she participates in a dangerous fire situation. It isn’t easy being a firefighter, but that is what she wants to do. 

When Dhillon and Riya do have a truce of sorts in THE SECOND FIRST CHANCE, their old feelings come tumbling back, leading to a night together. However, the danger involved in her job reminds him that he can’t forget what happened to their families and they split up again. Will they ever get the chance to move past the tragedy? What about Dhillon’s sister? Will she follow Riya into a firefighting career? When fire touches Dhillon’s life again, how will it affect them? 

As you can probably figure out, this tale is a bit of a somber read. But by the end, things are sorted out and we will hope to see a happily-ever-after, and not just for our happy couple. Prepare to cry a little and then be happy. Don’t miss the drama and emotion in THE SECOND FIRST CHANCE. 

Patti Fischer