Review: Second Chance Summer by Jill Shalvis

second Chance Summer (Cedar Ridge #1)
by Jill Shalvis

Blurb:
RESCUE ME

Cedar Ridge, Colorado, is famous for crisp mountain air, clear blue skies, and pine-scented breezes. And it’s the last place Lily Danville wants to be. But she needs a job, and there’s an opening at the hottest resort in her hometown. What has her concerned is the other hot property in Cedar Ridge: Aidan Kincaid-firefighter, rescue worker, and heartbreaker. She never could resist that devastating smile . . .

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 . . .

My Review:
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review

This was the first book I read by Jill Shavis and it certainly won’t be my last. While it’s pretty much what I expect from a contemporary romance, the author manages to add a unique touch by adding a great setting a deep family bond and characters you can’t help but care about even thought they frustrated and annoyed me at times as well. Second Chance Summer Takes place in Cedar Ridge a small town in the Rockies. The setting was breathtaking and I am almost a bit sorry they didn’t spend more time exploring and enjoying the scenery. Lily left the town ten years ago after the death of her sister and father and vowed to never return, thanks to a scandal at her previous job she’s suddenly jobless and the only option is to return to cedar Ridge where she is offered a job.

Lily was a nice down to earth character who loved her cookies and sweets, I can relate ;). Although at times she could be a bit too stubborn, like when people told her what to do, she always acted a bit too rushed and harsh. Instead of listening and thinking about why they said that. She carries around a lot of hurt and guilt about how her sister died. Returning to Cedar Ridge brings that all into focus again. Overall I liked Lily, although there were times I certainly wanted to share some sense in her.

While Lily made for a nice female characters I think I might like the Kincaid family even more. They are what a family should be, tight and always there for each other. I loved the scenes involving the Kincaid family, maybe even more than the romance. The interactions between the siblings were just so well done and there are some really heartfelt scenes. Aidan is one of the older brothers and while he keeps some secrets close he is always there for his brothers. He’s also out risking his life almost daily putting out fires and doing search and rescues. I was actually a bit amazed how he managed to cram everything in his life. he also works at the resort and sometimes I got tired reading about him just because he always seem to have so much going on and working so hard. His work also meant I knew how this book would end and what would get them together and I was a bit disappointed when that prediction was right as it was cliché and I rather be surprised. He was a great main character, although also he could be a bit too stubborn sometimes.

The side characters definitely are done well, especially Aidan’s brothers. I already have a feel for them while this isn’t even their book. it was fun getting to know them. I also liked Char, Aidan his mother. There are also some other characters who make an appearance and fill in the town of Ceder Ridge, but the focus was on Lily and the Kincaids.

The romance was well done, although one thing did bother me and that is the fact that we never get to know what really happened in their past. Lily left and in Aidans head she left him, while in Lily’s head they never had anything beside a special moment. I just wished we would hear what really happened as it left me confused. And the reason Lily tried to stay away from Aidan was a bit weird. I get that she still feels a bit of quilt and emotions over what happened, but some of her reasoning just didn’t make any sense. What I did like is how Lily and Aidan seem to get to know each other again and grow closer. The romance happened a bit to fast, but as they already knew each other I guess that made sense. And at times it felt like they just had kisses or sex instead of talking, although surprisingly they also did talk, more in the first half though. They did make a great couple and I certainly think they are good for each other.

The small town setting was really done well and I can’t wait to return there in the next book. It really had that small town feeling with how always everyone knew what was going on with everyone else. It made for some fun scenes. I also liked the mountain setting. Although I’ve never been to the Rockies I have had a few vacation in Switzerland their mountains and now that’s what Cedar Ridge looks like in my head, only a bit different. I just wish I could take a hike there, it sounded like a lovely place and I wouldn’t have minded a few more nature or hiking scenes.

To conclude: I really enjoyed this book, although I also had a few issues, coverall I enjoyed it and I will definitely be picking up more books by this author. her characters come alive and even the side characters have their story. I especially liked the Kincaid family and how close they are and always there for each other. The romance was well done, although a bit frustrating at times, like how Lily had a weird reaosn for havign to stay away or how they would kiss or have sex instead of taking things through. Lily and Aidan made for a great couple. The small town setting in the mountains was one of the aspects I liked most, it made for a great setting.

Links:
– Goodreads
– Amazon
– B&N
– Kobo
– The Bookdepository

Do you like small town settings? Can a setting add to your enjoyment of a book?