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Second Chances #6
Catching Summer
Hailed by Heidi McLaughlin as a bestselling author who “knows how to create the men who make us swoon,” L. P. Dover returns with an edgy, emotionally gripping Second Chances novel about a beautiful widow who can’t resist a chiseled NFL player.
Former nurse Summer Jacobs has seen her fair share of suffering, but she never expected tragedy to hit so close to home. After watching her husband die in the MMA ring, Summer spends the next two years fighting her way through the darkness. The last thing she needs is another hardheaded athlete turning her life upside down. But that’s exactly what happens when she meets a gridiron star who’s as skilled at stealing hearts as he is at snagging passes.
Carolina Cougars wide receiver Evan Townsend usually has no problem winning fans, so he’s intrigued when Summer shoots down his go-to plays for winning a woman’s attention. Never one to back down from a challenge, Evan turns up the heat, setting off sparks that neither can deny. But as his slow seduction begins to chase away Summer’s pain, he gets the feeling that someone is desperate to keep them apart. Now Evan will do anything to protect her—because he never misses a chance to make a perfect catch.
Former nurse Summer Jacobs has seen her fair share of suffering, but she never expected tragedy to hit so close to home. After watching her husband die in the MMA ring, Summer spends the next two years fighting her way through the darkness. The last thing she needs is another hardheaded athlete turning her life upside down. But that’s exactly what happens when she meets a gridiron star who’s as skilled at stealing hearts as he is at snagging passes.
Carolina Cougars wide receiver Evan Townsend usually has no problem winning fans, so he’s intrigued when Summer shoots down his go-to plays for winning a woman’s attention. Never one to back down from a challenge, Evan turns up the heat, setting off sparks that neither can deny. But as his slow seduction begins to chase away Summer’s pain, he gets the feeling that someone is desperate to keep them apart. Now Evan will do anything to protect her—because he never misses a chance to make a perfect catch.
231 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 5, 2016
78 people are currently reading
1399 people want to read
About the author
L.P. Dover
112 books3,399 followersNew York Times and USA Today bestselling author L. P. Dover is a southern belle living in North Carolina with her husband and two beautiful girls. Before she began her literary journey she worked in periodontics, enjoying the wonderment of dental surgeries.
She loves to write, but she also loves to play golf, go on mountain hikes and white-water rafting, and has a passion for singing. Her two youngest fans expect a concert each and every night before bedtime, usually Christmas carols.
Dover has written countless novels in several different genres, but her favorite to write is romantic suspense. However, she has found a new passion in romantic comedy, especially involving sexy golfers. Who knew the sport could be so dirty and fun to write about.
She loves to write, but she also loves to play golf, go on mountain hikes and white-water rafting, and has a passion for singing. Her two youngest fans expect a concert each and every night before bedtime, usually Christmas carols.
Dover has written countless novels in several different genres, but her favorite to write is romantic suspense. However, she has found a new passion in romantic comedy, especially involving sexy golfers. Who knew the sport could be so dirty and fun to write about.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 286 reviews
May 8, 2016
Title: Catching Summer
Series:Second Chances #6
Author: L.P. Dover
Release date: April 5, 2016
Cliffhanger: No
HEA
This is one of those books that looked like a decent read, something easy to pass the time. I suppose it fulfilled those expectations, however I didn't really connect to the writing in the way that I was hoping. The storyline itself was a lot like many others I've read so in that way I found it hard to become invested or interested in the characters. I was finding it extremely difficult to stay focused and almost didn't finish it. It wasn't that I thought it was bad per se, but it just didn't feel fresh enough or have any characteristics that particularly grabbed me.
I enjoyed the hero Evan, he was very sweet and supportive with Summer. Always there to support her needs and wait patiently for her to give him a chance. He's the star of the team and a refreshing down-to-earth type of hero. He's what you'd imagine your typical American guy next door to be. She was still healing from the traumatic death of her MMA fighter husband, struggling with nightmares. She is completely closed off to meeting someone new. When she starts working with the Cougars' football team, she's thrown into Evan's life and a friendship forms. From there, he slowly gains her trust and eventually her love.
This is a decent sports romance, my main complaint is the mystery/suspense that shows up later in the book wasn't the type of drama that attracts me. It felt OTT and I found myself skimming towards the end to find the conclusion. Many will enjoy this one, just not sure this has enough to stand out in my mind at all in the future.
October 23, 2014
Evan's story ~ More info to come soon :)
April 7, 2016
3.5 stars
Catching Summer was a good read.
I enjoyed watching the relationship develop between Evan and summer, they had great chemistry and both were likable/entertaining characters.
Some of the drama I didn't care for but it didn't take away from my overall enjoyment.
Overall a lovely way to spend a Sunday afternoon, I highly recommend this book.
Thank you Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept via NetGalley for the advance copy.
Catching Summer was a good read.
I enjoyed watching the relationship develop between Evan and summer, they had great chemistry and both were likable/entertaining characters.
Some of the drama I didn't care for but it didn't take away from my overall enjoyment.
Overall a lovely way to spend a Sunday afternoon, I highly recommend this book.
Thank you Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept via NetGalley for the advance copy.
March 24, 2016
3.5 stars
I do love a good sports romance and one with some angst, so when I read the blurb for Catching Summer it had read me written all over it. And not only have I discovered a new author in L.P Dover, but I discovered an enjoyable story encompassing love, loss, discovery and suspense.
Summer's husband was murdered in front of her, and though time has moved on and she's beginning to see parts of her return that she thought had died along with Austin, she still doubts she can ever open her heart up again. Waiting on the sideline has is her friend's NFL star brother, Evan. He's held a torch for Summer for some time, but is also not daft enough to wade in knowing what's she's been through. Her joining the team's staff though means spending time together and friendship soon becomes more.
Together they were lovely and their story well paced. Despite what she's suffered, Summer is a strong woman and Evan is a patient, gentle, but protective and occasionally jealous guy. But what I wasn't expecting was the suspense element of the story and this was a welcome surprise, and not entirely predictable.
"I want you to know that our memories will always be in my heart."
It wasn't without its flaws though, and the love-triangle involving Summer's twin sister, Evan's best-friend and Summer's brother-in-law/business partner just felt like unnecessary drama to me; there was enough happening in this story without it. On the whole though this is an enjoyable read, I'm certainly looking forward to Derek's story and it's worth mentioning that whilst this is book 6 in the Second Chances series, not having read the previous five was of no detriment.
Copy received courtesy of Loveswept via NetGalley for an honest and unbiased opinion.
I do love a good sports romance and one with some angst, so when I read the blurb for Catching Summer it had read me written all over it. And not only have I discovered a new author in L.P Dover, but I discovered an enjoyable story encompassing love, loss, discovery and suspense.
Summer's husband was murdered in front of her, and though time has moved on and she's beginning to see parts of her return that she thought had died along with Austin, she still doubts she can ever open her heart up again. Waiting on the sideline has is her friend's NFL star brother, Evan. He's held a torch for Summer for some time, but is also not daft enough to wade in knowing what's she's been through. Her joining the team's staff though means spending time together and friendship soon becomes more.
Together they were lovely and their story well paced. Despite what she's suffered, Summer is a strong woman and Evan is a patient, gentle, but protective and occasionally jealous guy. But what I wasn't expecting was the suspense element of the story and this was a welcome surprise, and not entirely predictable.
"I want you to know that our memories will always be in my heart."
It wasn't without its flaws though, and the love-triangle involving Summer's twin sister, Evan's best-friend and Summer's brother-in-law/business partner just felt like unnecessary drama to me; there was enough happening in this story without it. On the whole though this is an enjoyable read, I'm certainly looking forward to Derek's story and it's worth mentioning that whilst this is book 6 in the Second Chances series, not having read the previous five was of no detriment.
Copy received courtesy of Loveswept via NetGalley for an honest and unbiased opinion.
February 14, 2018
Catching Summer by LP Dover is the sixth entry in the Second Chances Series and it was absolutely fabulous. Sometimes, the contemporary romance genre can become saturated with so many similar works and the reader starts to expect the predictability. Though I started the series at book six I quickly caught on to who was who and once I started reading, I absolutely did not want to put it down. Of course the book was romantic but it was those other suspenseful elements that made the story hard to put down. For those who pick this up thinking it’s going to be one of those humdrum reads … well you would be mistaken.
In Catching Summer we find the heroine (who happens to be Summer) recovering from loss of her husband and it is taking her everything she has to get over one last hurdle and reenter the world fully. For Summer reentry is a little scary but she’s lucky because she has a strong family base and good friends who will help her when she struggles. On the sidelines, we have the sexy and caring hothead of a football player Evan. He’s been keeping a respectful distance from Summer but if given the chance he’ll gladly become the second part of her life. This couple made such a neat match for one another, with him ready to throw down with anyone messing with his Sunshine and her ability to calm him down makes for romantic gold.
Please don’t get the idea that everything is sugar and roses because it isn’t. What’s a good romance without a couple of whack-nuts? Believe me, they have to run an obstacle course full of nut jobs. I love a romance with ex-lovers behaving badly and spurned suitors who just can’t take NO for an answer. The authors skillfully wove all of these elements into her tale and made it thoroughly entertaining. So, those who are fans of jaw dropping angst (which I am) and leading males and females who get the job done, then this is the read for you.
~~*~~ Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.~~*~~
In Catching Summer we find the heroine (who happens to be Summer) recovering from loss of her husband and it is taking her everything she has to get over one last hurdle and reenter the world fully. For Summer reentry is a little scary but she’s lucky because she has a strong family base and good friends who will help her when she struggles. On the sidelines, we have the sexy and caring hothead of a football player Evan. He’s been keeping a respectful distance from Summer but if given the chance he’ll gladly become the second part of her life. This couple made such a neat match for one another, with him ready to throw down with anyone messing with his Sunshine and her ability to calm him down makes for romantic gold.
Please don’t get the idea that everything is sugar and roses because it isn’t. What’s a good romance without a couple of whack-nuts? Believe me, they have to run an obstacle course full of nut jobs. I love a romance with ex-lovers behaving badly and spurned suitors who just can’t take NO for an answer. The authors skillfully wove all of these elements into her tale and made it thoroughly entertaining. So, those who are fans of jaw dropping angst (which I am) and leading males and females who get the job done, then this is the read for you.
~~*~~ Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.~~*~~
April 23, 2016
Honestly, it took me a while to get into this book. The first 64% was kind of boring and pretty standard so I wasn't really feeling it to be honest. At 65% it got interesting. That event seemed to change the book altogether. It honestly read like an entirely different novel. The latter part I enjoyed. Summer experienced tragedy. Evan liked her but was cautious and conscientious of her situation, waiting for the right time. That time comes and we get to see it all play out. I found Evan to be this regular dude despite his "pro football" career. In some ways that was good. Summer was fragile for a while but had a backbone when it counted so I wouldn't discount her altogether. The story had some sad and tragic moments. It had joy. It had an extremely tender bromance moment. It had growth. Complexity. Interesting twists. All of it after 65% lol This is one of the ones that though I considered DNFing, I'm glad I didn't. Safety: No OW though one flirts with the H. No OM though more than one is aggressively interested in h. No sharing. No condoms. Neither are Vs. No pushing away.
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
April 1, 2016
Watching her husband lose his life in front of her, and not being able to do anything about it completely devastated Summer Jacobs and left her permanently scarred and doubtful that she would ever experience love again. Going through all that pain left her a shell of the woman she use to be, but after some much needed therapy and support from her family she started to see glimpses of her old stuff return. With her life somewhat returning to normal, she decides to open a restaurant with her husband's brother, hoping it will give her something to focus her energy on, and also accomplish a life long dream that her late husband had. With the new business adventure excelling, and everything else in her life falling back into place, she begins to consider the possibility of dating again. But the idea of opening her heart up to love again scares her beyond belief...
NFL star Evan Townsend, has been waiting in the wings for some time now hoping for a chance to date his sister's best friend Summer Jacobs, and now that she is finally ready to return to the dating world he wants to be the man that takes her on her first date. With her working alongside his sister at the teams facility, he figures it's the perfect way to get to know her better, and also slowly work his way into getting that first date. The problem is she has another interested suitor, one who isn't too fond of him being in the picture, one who will stop at nothing to get the girl...
It has been a while since I have read a story that completely captured my attention, and consumed me the way this one did, I was barely a paragraph into this one and I immediately felt myself being pulled into Evan and Summer's world and completely entranced by every written word. These two uniquely characters were definitely a match made in literary heaven, the chemistry they shared could be felt from their first encounter, and continued to burn brightly until the very end. This was my first time reading something from this author, and I have to say that her writing totally took me by surprise, and instantly made me regret not reading something by her before now... she completely won me over with this beautifully written story, and I look forward to reading more of her books in the VERY near future!! I highly recommend you give this read a try, it is one of those stories that will invade your thoughts, steal the breath from your lungs, move you to tears, and linger with you long after the last page has been turned!
ARC requested through NetGalley and kindly provided by Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept in exchange for a honest and unbiased review.
NFL star Evan Townsend, has been waiting in the wings for some time now hoping for a chance to date his sister's best friend Summer Jacobs, and now that she is finally ready to return to the dating world he wants to be the man that takes her on her first date. With her working alongside his sister at the teams facility, he figures it's the perfect way to get to know her better, and also slowly work his way into getting that first date. The problem is she has another interested suitor, one who isn't too fond of him being in the picture, one who will stop at nothing to get the girl...
It has been a while since I have read a story that completely captured my attention, and consumed me the way this one did, I was barely a paragraph into this one and I immediately felt myself being pulled into Evan and Summer's world and completely entranced by every written word. These two uniquely characters were definitely a match made in literary heaven, the chemistry they shared could be felt from their first encounter, and continued to burn brightly until the very end. This was my first time reading something from this author, and I have to say that her writing totally took me by surprise, and instantly made me regret not reading something by her before now... she completely won me over with this beautifully written story, and I look forward to reading more of her books in the VERY near future!! I highly recommend you give this read a try, it is one of those stories that will invade your thoughts, steal the breath from your lungs, move you to tears, and linger with you long after the last page has been turned!
ARC requested through NetGalley and kindly provided by Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept in exchange for a honest and unbiased review.
February 16, 2016
There's not much I can really say about this, I couldn't connect to the writing or the characters..something just felt off for me but I'm not sure why. I think the chemistry between Summer and Evan felt forced, and I thought a lot of the action parts were ridiculously dramatic.
I haven't read any of the others in this series so maybe I'm better starting from book 1 because there was a ton of side characters that I felt disconnected from because I didn't know their full story...
An arc was provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I haven't read any of the others in this series so maybe I'm better starting from book 1 because there was a ton of side characters that I felt disconnected from because I didn't know their full story...
An arc was provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 14, 2016
In the prologue we learn that our heroine, Summer, has suffered through a horrifying tragedy that some may never have recovered from. Her husband, Austin, is killed right in front of her and while her tormentors have her blindfolded she can hear his every bone breaking and his pleas to make these ruthless men let his wife go.
Two years later Summer is still having nightmares despite being treated by Dr. Philip Parker. She has come a long way though and is moving on with her life through her work. Her husband Austin always dreamed of opening a restaurant with Summer and Summer has made that dream come true in Austin's memory with the help of her sister Lara and by partnering with Austin's brother Grayson. But the one place she hasn't moved on is in her personal life.
Summer still loves Austin and can't let him go. Despite encouragement to date from her friends and family Summer still feels guilty. She feels as if she'd be betraying her dead husband by moving on. But then she comes up close and personal with professional football player, Evan Townsend. He's the brother of one of her best friends but she's never really had any contact with him until that day. It's the first time she's felt anything for a man since the death of her husband.
This is a great love story about a damaged woman and a man that's willing to take things slow and help her move on from her past.
But there's so much more to this story! Someone is targeting Evan and trying to get him hurt or killed. But why? As things become terrifying for Summer she's afraid she'll slip back into her shell because she can't bear to have her heart ripped out again if something were to happen to Evan. Her doctor agrees with her and encourages her to be careful with her heart. He even goes so far to suggest she may be better off without Evan in her life.
But Summer is not about to let go of the one person who has brought her back to life.
After one attempt on Evan's life almost succeeds and has him laid up in a hospital Summer stays by his side while some of their police friends investigate. When the clues start adding, up one man becomes a suspect but he has alibis for the times of the attempts on Evan's life.
This book is a page turner and I couldn't put it down until I had read the last page.
I loved Summer and Evan and all of the secondary characters. The only reason I didn't give this book 5 stars was because the storyline with the football team and how it operates was so unrealistic it was laughable. I understand authors need to take some creative license but this went far beyond what is acceptable. At the same time I read books to escape real life so even though the football parts of the book upset me the characters and the other story lines were strong enough for me to enjoy the book.
I believe this story may be part of a series but it can be read as a stand alone. (I have not read any other books that may be a part of this series but I didn't feel like I was missing anything.) It also has a HEA.
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Two years later Summer is still having nightmares despite being treated by Dr. Philip Parker. She has come a long way though and is moving on with her life through her work. Her husband Austin always dreamed of opening a restaurant with Summer and Summer has made that dream come true in Austin's memory with the help of her sister Lara and by partnering with Austin's brother Grayson. But the one place she hasn't moved on is in her personal life.
Summer still loves Austin and can't let him go. Despite encouragement to date from her friends and family Summer still feels guilty. She feels as if she'd be betraying her dead husband by moving on. But then she comes up close and personal with professional football player, Evan Townsend. He's the brother of one of her best friends but she's never really had any contact with him until that day. It's the first time she's felt anything for a man since the death of her husband.
This is a great love story about a damaged woman and a man that's willing to take things slow and help her move on from her past.
But there's so much more to this story! Someone is targeting Evan and trying to get him hurt or killed. But why? As things become terrifying for Summer she's afraid she'll slip back into her shell because she can't bear to have her heart ripped out again if something were to happen to Evan. Her doctor agrees with her and encourages her to be careful with her heart. He even goes so far to suggest she may be better off without Evan in her life.
But Summer is not about to let go of the one person who has brought her back to life.
After one attempt on Evan's life almost succeeds and has him laid up in a hospital Summer stays by his side while some of their police friends investigate. When the clues start adding, up one man becomes a suspect but he has alibis for the times of the attempts on Evan's life.
This book is a page turner and I couldn't put it down until I had read the last page.
I loved Summer and Evan and all of the secondary characters. The only reason I didn't give this book 5 stars was because the storyline with the football team and how it operates was so unrealistic it was laughable. I understand authors need to take some creative license but this went far beyond what is acceptable. At the same time I read books to escape real life so even though the football parts of the book upset me the characters and the other story lines were strong enough for me to enjoy the book.
I believe this story may be part of a series but it can be read as a stand alone. (I have not read any other books that may be a part of this series but I didn't feel like I was missing anything.) It also has a HEA.
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 29, 2016
***3.5 Stars***
I try very hard to not pick up a book in the middle of a series, even when it has been noted that said book can be read as a standalone, but sometimes the blurb to a book just causes a spike in my curiosity and I just have to go for it and that’s exactly what happened with Catching Summer. It is the sixth book in the Second Chances series, but I didn’t feel as if I was missing out on anything by not reading the previous books in the series, and I found it to be a sweet, sexy and somewhat heartbreaking story with a great cast of characters and good dose of suspense tossed into the mix.
My heart broke for Summer for having to experience her husband’s death and the emotional hell she went through after, but I admired how she took the steps get her life back on track and learn to live once more without the guilt and pain holding her back. She is sweet, sassy and has a generous heart, though there were times when she was a bit clueless as to what was going on around her. Evan is the type of guy that makes me happy sigh. He’s handsome, charming and exudes confidence without it coming across as arrogant. He’s protective and will push when he has the advantage but knows when to back off and let things play out.
Summer and Evan’s budding relationship was fun to watch. There were some really sweet moments and I really liked how Evan would push Summer but still let her be in control of just how fast and far they went. Of course it helps that Evan knew what Summer had been through and watched as she healed, but that just shows how into her he really is. One of the biggest pro’s for me with them was that they actually communicated like adults. They had their moments of doubt, of course, but they didn’t play the ‘you need to read my mind’ game. My one issue was the speed that they went from getting to know more about each other to the I love you’s. I know it can happen and considering what they were dealing with I can see how it could push things along, but I’d’ve liked a little more build up before they declared their love for each other.
This was my first read by L.P. Dover and I really enjoy it. I was hooked from the start, enjoyed the first person dual POV. I thought that the mystery surrounding who was trying to keep Evan and Summer apart was done well. The twists and turns kept me guessing for most of the book and when I finally figured it out I mentally kicked my own butt for not figuring it out sooner. I liked the supporting cast of characters and while I’m looking forward to see what happens in the next book in the series with Derek, it’s actually Jaxon who I find I’m the most curious about. I don’t particularly like him since he acts like he’s still in highschool, but I want to know why he felt the need to do the things that he did and will therefore be crossing my toes that he gets his own book sooner rather than later.
~ ARC provided by Random House Publishing House - Loveswept via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review ~
I try very hard to not pick up a book in the middle of a series, even when it has been noted that said book can be read as a standalone, but sometimes the blurb to a book just causes a spike in my curiosity and I just have to go for it and that’s exactly what happened with Catching Summer. It is the sixth book in the Second Chances series, but I didn’t feel as if I was missing out on anything by not reading the previous books in the series, and I found it to be a sweet, sexy and somewhat heartbreaking story with a great cast of characters and good dose of suspense tossed into the mix.
My heart broke for Summer for having to experience her husband’s death and the emotional hell she went through after, but I admired how she took the steps get her life back on track and learn to live once more without the guilt and pain holding her back. She is sweet, sassy and has a generous heart, though there were times when she was a bit clueless as to what was going on around her. Evan is the type of guy that makes me happy sigh. He’s handsome, charming and exudes confidence without it coming across as arrogant. He’s protective and will push when he has the advantage but knows when to back off and let things play out.
Summer and Evan’s budding relationship was fun to watch. There were some really sweet moments and I really liked how Evan would push Summer but still let her be in control of just how fast and far they went. Of course it helps that Evan knew what Summer had been through and watched as she healed, but that just shows how into her he really is. One of the biggest pro’s for me with them was that they actually communicated like adults. They had their moments of doubt, of course, but they didn’t play the ‘you need to read my mind’ game. My one issue was the speed that they went from getting to know more about each other to the I love you’s. I know it can happen and considering what they were dealing with I can see how it could push things along, but I’d’ve liked a little more build up before they declared their love for each other.
This was my first read by L.P. Dover and I really enjoy it. I was hooked from the start, enjoyed the first person dual POV. I thought that the mystery surrounding who was trying to keep Evan and Summer apart was done well. The twists and turns kept me guessing for most of the book and when I finally figured it out I mentally kicked my own butt for not figuring it out sooner. I liked the supporting cast of characters and while I’m looking forward to see what happens in the next book in the series with Derek, it’s actually Jaxon who I find I’m the most curious about. I don’t particularly like him since he acts like he’s still in highschool, but I want to know why he felt the need to do the things that he did and will therefore be crossing my toes that he gets his own book sooner rather than later.
~ ARC provided by Random House Publishing House - Loveswept via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review ~
March 24, 2016
I enjoy a book that involves a different twist than what you normally see in a romance novel. This one involves some dark activities and a little bit of suspense.
I was a little worried when this book started out. I was actually somewhat taken aback with the darkness and in-depth description of a murder. Where I can understand the author setting it up the plot, some of the description is a bit harsh for a romance.
However, the first part of the book was the best part of the book in my opinion. While I love the story and the development of the plot, it seemed that halfway through the book something changed and maybe the author was just in a hurry to get it done. I'm not sure what it is but I never really felt overly connected with the two main characters. I enjoyed the feelings that Evan felt for Summer and he treated her right. Plus there was so delicious scenes too! He was a sweetheart and totally swoon worthy, but Summer was a different thing for me. I just never connected with her for some reason.
I had never read any of the other books in the series, although this is the sixth book in the Second Chances series so I don't have anything to compare it to. But I hope in future publications the author may take a little bit longer in developing and expanding the story so that the reader has a better buy in.
This is the first book I have read by this author and with the fact that she has over 50 works out there, I am surprised! While this one did not hit it out of the park for me, I still enjoyed the storyline and will definitely check out other books by her.
I was a little worried when this book started out. I was actually somewhat taken aback with the darkness and in-depth description of a murder. Where I can understand the author setting it up the plot, some of the description is a bit harsh for a romance.
However, the first part of the book was the best part of the book in my opinion. While I love the story and the development of the plot, it seemed that halfway through the book something changed and maybe the author was just in a hurry to get it done. I'm not sure what it is but I never really felt overly connected with the two main characters. I enjoyed the feelings that Evan felt for Summer and he treated her right. Plus there was so delicious scenes too! He was a sweetheart and totally swoon worthy, but Summer was a different thing for me. I just never connected with her for some reason.
I had never read any of the other books in the series, although this is the sixth book in the Second Chances series so I don't have anything to compare it to. But I hope in future publications the author may take a little bit longer in developing and expanding the story so that the reader has a better buy in.
This is the first book I have read by this author and with the fact that she has over 50 works out there, I am surprised! While this one did not hit it out of the park for me, I still enjoyed the storyline and will definitely check out other books by her.
August 3, 2016
This was a sweet friends to lovers story that has the makings of a great Hallmark channel movie (just enough angst).
Summer's husband was killed in an underground MMA fight two years ago and it left her in a very bad place emotionally, her sister never thought she would recover from Austin's death especially since she had witnessed it. Since his passing Summer opened a restaurant, it was something he had always dreamed of doing it and it was a way to keep his memory alive. With the help of her sister and her brother-in-law they make the restaurant a success now the only thing standing in her way of moving on is herself. With this in mind Summer decides to return to nursing but first she needs to take some classes, and she gains some hands on experience that comes in the form of Football players. Yes, Summer has agreed to help her friend Kate with working as a nurse for the football team during the summer and she would get lots of practice in to regain her nursing career.
Evan Townsend (a star NFL player) is Kate's brother and also a friend of Summer's, he has desperately wanted her for a while now but he knew the devastation that she had gone through with the loss of her husband. Now that Summer was working with his football team he needed to keep the other players away from her and somehow convince her that he was the person she should be moving on with.
Although this was the sixth book in the series it is easily read as a standalone, the previous books set up some of the other couples in this book so if you would like everyone's background I would suggest you start with book one, otherwise you can jump in at this point and (like me) eventually go back to the previous books.
I am off to read Defending Hayden which is Derek's story.
***I have received this book from Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept through netgalley in exchange for my honest review*** https://www.netgalley.com/
I have also purchased a copy of this book from Amazon
Summer's husband was killed in an underground MMA fight two years ago and it left her in a very bad place emotionally, her sister never thought she would recover from Austin's death especially since she had witnessed it. Since his passing Summer opened a restaurant, it was something he had always dreamed of doing it and it was a way to keep his memory alive. With the help of her sister and her brother-in-law they make the restaurant a success now the only thing standing in her way of moving on is herself. With this in mind Summer decides to return to nursing but first she needs to take some classes, and she gains some hands on experience that comes in the form of Football players. Yes, Summer has agreed to help her friend Kate with working as a nurse for the football team during the summer and she would get lots of practice in to regain her nursing career.
Evan Townsend (a star NFL player) is Kate's brother and also a friend of Summer's, he has desperately wanted her for a while now but he knew the devastation that she had gone through with the loss of her husband. Now that Summer was working with his football team he needed to keep the other players away from her and somehow convince her that he was the person she should be moving on with.
Although this was the sixth book in the series it is easily read as a standalone, the previous books set up some of the other couples in this book so if you would like everyone's background I would suggest you start with book one, otherwise you can jump in at this point and (like me) eventually go back to the previous books.
I am off to read Defending Hayden which is Derek's story.
***I have received this book from Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept through netgalley in exchange for my honest review*** https://www.netgalley.com/
I have also purchased a copy of this book from Amazon
April 5, 2016
Catching Summer is a wonderful second chance romance and it follows the story of Summer and Evan. For the past two years, Summer has been desperately trying to get her life back after tragically loosing her husband. Her loss has been a tough one, one that invades her dreams and has completely consumed her. But, now 2 years later, Summer has picked herself up and is living her life the way her husband would have wanted. And although the thought of moving on terrifies her, she knows that her husband would not have wanted her to be alone…Summer wasn’t ready or prepared for Evan, but when the two of them are forced together, they can’t deny the sparks that fly between them. Only not everyone is thrilled about Evan and Summer being together. Someone is trying to keep them apart and that someone will stop at nothing to achieve that goal….Will Summer get a second chance at love and life?
Catching Summer was well written and a really sweet second chance romance. One of the first things that drew me to this book was the cover. I love, love, love covers! After that, I had to read the synopsis. I really wanted a good, angsty read. And this book more than delivered on the angst and drama factor.
I loved Evan and Summer together. My heart ached for the way that Summer lost her husband and I just wanted her to find some happiness. She definitely deserved it. One of things I really loved and appreciated was how Evan was with Summer. He didn’t try to rush her. He was patient and understanding. You could tell that his feelings for Summer were genuine. Yes, he did have some alpha male/protective tendencies, but he was very swoon-worthy. And Summer….I can’t even imagine having to go through what she did. And after everything, she came out stronger than ever and determined to live her life. Evan was just what she needed.
Overall, I found Catching Summer to be a really great second chance romance. It was a quick and easy read for me. It was entertaining and definitely held my interest. It had just the right amount of angst, drama, romance and suspense. Yes, there was some suspense and mystery thrown into this love story. I really loved those twists and turns. They were very unexpected and really kept things interesting. This is the sixth book in the Second Chances series, but it can totally be read as a stand-alone.
*I was provided an ARC copy of this book, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review*
Catching Summer was well written and a really sweet second chance romance. One of the first things that drew me to this book was the cover. I love, love, love covers! After that, I had to read the synopsis. I really wanted a good, angsty read. And this book more than delivered on the angst and drama factor.
I loved Evan and Summer together. My heart ached for the way that Summer lost her husband and I just wanted her to find some happiness. She definitely deserved it. One of things I really loved and appreciated was how Evan was with Summer. He didn’t try to rush her. He was patient and understanding. You could tell that his feelings for Summer were genuine. Yes, he did have some alpha male/protective tendencies, but he was very swoon-worthy. And Summer….I can’t even imagine having to go through what she did. And after everything, she came out stronger than ever and determined to live her life. Evan was just what she needed.
Overall, I found Catching Summer to be a really great second chance romance. It was a quick and easy read for me. It was entertaining and definitely held my interest. It had just the right amount of angst, drama, romance and suspense. Yes, there was some suspense and mystery thrown into this love story. I really loved those twists and turns. They were very unexpected and really kept things interesting. This is the sixth book in the Second Chances series, but it can totally be read as a stand-alone.
*I was provided an ARC copy of this book, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review*
March 28, 2016
***ARC Provided by the Publisher and NetGalley***
I wanted to like this one more than I did. The story was good, for the most part, and held my mild curiosity (hence the 2 stars which may be more than it actually deserves). The characters had potential, but unfortunately, there were some issues both with the plot and the actual construction of the novel that kept me from being able to fully engage.
1. The dialog- it was stiff and unnatural and I could not see real people making the statements. The locker room scenes especially...I did not believe 2 men were talking to one another.
2. The writing- choppy and unclear in some places. The POV was from both Evan and Summer, but written almost in the 3rd person, so it was sometimes hard to tell who was speaking. There was also no discernible difference in the 2, so it felt like one book with one narrator, which makes the POV awkward.
3. The plot with Jax and Lindsay- this was not believable to me...maybe that a cheerleader would behave in this manner, as most cheerleaders are part-time. However, I did not believe a player who had made it to the NFL would behave in the manner he did and risk his career. I know it happens with players, but not for the flimsy reason given in this.
4. The entire plot with the therapist Summer was seeing was not only unnecessary, but would have actually made her question her entire recovery and therapy process...which was somehow not addressed. You don't find out something like this about the therapist you were seeing for 2 years without it shaking who you are and the recovery you have made...yet this was not even really addressed.
5. The whole nurse thing...you don't just "pop" back into nursing, no matter who you know, after you have left the profession. The idea that an NFL team would let her work with them (although not actually sure what she ever did other than take some classes) to keep her nursing license current was ridiculous. I may have been more bothered than others by this because I work in a healthcare field, but still.
I think this book gets bogged down under the lack of totally believable plot and choppy writing. I think better writing would have carried the plot in a more convincing manner...and a less shaky plot would have made the writing issues less glaring.
I wanted to like this one more than I did. The story was good, for the most part, and held my mild curiosity (hence the 2 stars which may be more than it actually deserves). The characters had potential, but unfortunately, there were some issues both with the plot and the actual construction of the novel that kept me from being able to fully engage.
1. The dialog- it was stiff and unnatural and I could not see real people making the statements. The locker room scenes especially...I did not believe 2 men were talking to one another.
2. The writing- choppy and unclear in some places. The POV was from both Evan and Summer, but written almost in the 3rd person, so it was sometimes hard to tell who was speaking. There was also no discernible difference in the 2, so it felt like one book with one narrator, which makes the POV awkward.
3. The plot with Jax and Lindsay- this was not believable to me...maybe that a cheerleader would behave in this manner, as most cheerleaders are part-time. However, I did not believe a player who had made it to the NFL would behave in the manner he did and risk his career. I know it happens with players, but not for the flimsy reason given in this.
4. The entire plot with the therapist Summer was seeing was not only unnecessary, but would have actually made her question her entire recovery and therapy process...which was somehow not addressed. You don't find out something like this about the therapist you were seeing for 2 years without it shaking who you are and the recovery you have made...yet this was not even really addressed.
5. The whole nurse thing...you don't just "pop" back into nursing, no matter who you know, after you have left the profession. The idea that an NFL team would let her work with them (although not actually sure what she ever did other than take some classes) to keep her nursing license current was ridiculous. I may have been more bothered than others by this because I work in a healthcare field, but still.
I think this book gets bogged down under the lack of totally believable plot and choppy writing. I think better writing would have carried the plot in a more convincing manner...and a less shaky plot would have made the writing issues less glaring.
February 11, 2016
*ARC received from Loveswept via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
This was a tear jerker, for sure. The beginning sucks you in and keeps you there...waiting. Waiting for the break down and waiting for the happily ever after. Just when you have it figured out, there's another twist. And then another. Argh!
Summer had a horrible past. A past that brought nightmares, memories-both good and bad, guilt and anger that she needed to work through. How could she ever move on with her life after something like that? They had dreams. Dreams that were shattered by the sickest of people. Now it's time to get it together.
Evan plays football for the Carolina Cougars. He's had his eye on Summer for a while, but was warned away from both his sister and her sister. She wasn't ready yet, but Evan would wait for when the time was right. And that time was now. He's been burned before and it's time he put himself out there. He just hopes Summer is ready for him.
This was a great story that was written very well with great character development! This was an up and down book. There were rough times and happy times. All that a relationship entails.
But what I really enjoyed about this book was the fact that the author could really bring out the feels in this book. I laughed with them and cried with them and I even threw out a couple "Oh hell no's" at a few scenes.
I read the first book in this series and then this one (6th) so it's obvious that this is a stand alone. Now I just have to go back and read the other books in between because I'm pretty sure the rest are going to be this good too!!
What didn't I like about this book? Well, Lindsey seemed to be an issue for Evan but we only got a couple glimpses of her through Summer's eyes and one scene. For all the daggers she was shooting at Summer and Evan, there had to be more there. I was curious for a bit more on that story.
This was a tear jerker, for sure. The beginning sucks you in and keeps you there...waiting. Waiting for the break down and waiting for the happily ever after. Just when you have it figured out, there's another twist. And then another. Argh!
Summer had a horrible past. A past that brought nightmares, memories-both good and bad, guilt and anger that she needed to work through. How could she ever move on with her life after something like that? They had dreams. Dreams that were shattered by the sickest of people. Now it's time to get it together.
Evan plays football for the Carolina Cougars. He's had his eye on Summer for a while, but was warned away from both his sister and her sister. She wasn't ready yet, but Evan would wait for when the time was right. And that time was now. He's been burned before and it's time he put himself out there. He just hopes Summer is ready for him.
This was a great story that was written very well with great character development! This was an up and down book. There were rough times and happy times. All that a relationship entails.
But what I really enjoyed about this book was the fact that the author could really bring out the feels in this book. I laughed with them and cried with them and I even threw out a couple "Oh hell no's" at a few scenes.
I read the first book in this series and then this one (6th) so it's obvious that this is a stand alone. Now I just have to go back and read the other books in between because I'm pretty sure the rest are going to be this good too!!
What didn't I like about this book? Well, Lindsey seemed to be an issue for Evan but we only got a couple glimpses of her through Summer's eyes and one scene. For all the daggers she was shooting at Summer and Evan, there had to be more there. I was curious for a bit more on that story.
May 1, 2016
Catching Summer is the sixth book in L.P. Dover's Second Chance series. Each book can be read as a standalone. This is also the first book I've read by this author and I will definitely read more!
Summer Jacobs is just beginning to think that she can move past the trauma of losing her husband and the violence around his death. With the help of those close to her, Summer has been able to build a successful restaurant with her sister and brother-in-law. She also wants to keep her nursing certifications up-to-date. When her friend, Kate, asks her to help out with the Carolina Cougars for a couple of weeks, she agrees. And helping out the team puts her in close proximity to Evan Townsend.
When Evan first met Summer two years ago, he wanted to ask her out, but he quickly learned about the death of her husband. Now she seems to able to move on from her past, and Evan wants to be the man that helps her get to the next step. He knows that any kind of relationship with Summer will take time, so he offers her his friendship but lets her know that when she is ready for more, he hopes that it will be with him.
But when Summer is finally ready to put the past behind her, someone is determined not to let her move on with Evan.
Catching Summer has a great mix or emotions, heat and a little bit mystery. I loved how patient Evan was with Summer and how Summer (eventually) gave her everything at her second chance of love.
Rating: 4 out of 5
**I received an ARC through Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.**
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Blog: http://alysenovak.blogspot.com
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Summer Jacobs is just beginning to think that she can move past the trauma of losing her husband and the violence around his death. With the help of those close to her, Summer has been able to build a successful restaurant with her sister and brother-in-law. She also wants to keep her nursing certifications up-to-date. When her friend, Kate, asks her to help out with the Carolina Cougars for a couple of weeks, she agrees. And helping out the team puts her in close proximity to Evan Townsend.
When Evan first met Summer two years ago, he wanted to ask her out, but he quickly learned about the death of her husband. Now she seems to able to move on from her past, and Evan wants to be the man that helps her get to the next step. He knows that any kind of relationship with Summer will take time, so he offers her his friendship but lets her know that when she is ready for more, he hopes that it will be with him.
But when Summer is finally ready to put the past behind her, someone is determined not to let her move on with Evan.
Catching Summer has a great mix or emotions, heat and a little bit mystery. I loved how patient Evan was with Summer and how Summer (eventually) gave her everything at her second chance of love.
Rating: 4 out of 5
**I received an ARC through Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.**
OTHER PLACES TO FIND ME:
Blog: http://alysenovak.blogspot.com
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/AlyseNovakBlog
Twitter: www.twitter.com/alyseypoo21
Bloglovin': https://www.bloglovin.com/alyseypoo21
Google+: https://plus.google.com/+AlyseNovak
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/alyseypoo21
March 29, 2016
Original review can be found at http://kristineandterri.blogspot.ca/2...
2.5 stars
** I received an advanced readers copy from Random House- Loveswept via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!**
Catching Summer is the 6th book in the Second Chances series. It can be read as a stand alone as each book is about different characters.
I felt a little disconnected from this story and I'm not really sure why. Perhaps it was because I didn't read the books that came before it and I wasn't familiar with the secondary characters. I'm not sure? All I know is that I wasn't really feeling Evan and Summer's story.
There was a lack of chemistry between Evan and Summer that had me finding them a little bit dull. Considering Summer's past, things happened too squeaky clean and easy between them to be believable. Also, I found it extremely predictable. The whole mysterious and dangerous part of the plot didn't even require any guessing. It was easy to see what direction it was going to take.
This book was not long but it managed to set up two possible future instalments within the pages which I found to be distracting. Although the potential to be really interesting was there, I was wanting more of the story at hand and a little less of what to expect in the future. Perhaps I am off the mark but I did feel like quite a bit of the book was setting up other character's stories.
In the end, this book was just OK for me. I feel like I might have enjoyed it more if I had read the entire series from the beginning. Although it wasn't necessary to follow along, perhaps I might have enjoyed all of the characters more.
2.5 stars
** I received an advanced readers copy from Random House- Loveswept via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!**
Catching Summer is the 6th book in the Second Chances series. It can be read as a stand alone as each book is about different characters.
I felt a little disconnected from this story and I'm not really sure why. Perhaps it was because I didn't read the books that came before it and I wasn't familiar with the secondary characters. I'm not sure? All I know is that I wasn't really feeling Evan and Summer's story.
There was a lack of chemistry between Evan and Summer that had me finding them a little bit dull. Considering Summer's past, things happened too squeaky clean and easy between them to be believable. Also, I found it extremely predictable. The whole mysterious and dangerous part of the plot didn't even require any guessing. It was easy to see what direction it was going to take.
This book was not long but it managed to set up two possible future instalments within the pages which I found to be distracting. Although the potential to be really interesting was there, I was wanting more of the story at hand and a little less of what to expect in the future. Perhaps I am off the mark but I did feel like quite a bit of the book was setting up other character's stories.
In the end, this book was just OK for me. I feel like I might have enjoyed it more if I had read the entire series from the beginning. Although it wasn't necessary to follow along, perhaps I might have enjoyed all of the characters more.
February 12, 2016
Received from Netgalley. There will be spoilers. Don't read if you don't want to know.
I really wanted to like this book. And there were things I did like. I liked Summer, and I liked that a lot of the soapy sorts of plot turns didn't go down the cliche roads. Evan was a good guy. But.
I didn't feel Summer's and Evan's chemistry. Their sex was described as fucking half the time and just didn't feel like they really cared. I mean, they said it, but for me, it didn't come across.
I didn't buy a lot of the action. From the Lindsey and Jax plot (really? She picked the lock? And the whole leaving the dirty condom?), to the big bad and what he did and how. I needed more foundation for that because a lot was very convenient.
I'm not one to be sensitive to raunchy sorts of language, but cumdumpster? Yick. I was a little put off in general by the extent of it. To back away too much would have been to rob the male athletes of the reality of who they are, which is frequently raunchy and always talking sex or sexual innuendo. I just wish it hadn't permeated the book quite so much.
I've never been a fan of the happily ever after that includes pregnancy and marriage. It feels too pat.
Okay, so all that said, I did keep reading. I did want to know what happened. And I did care about the characters.
I really wanted to like this book. And there were things I did like. I liked Summer, and I liked that a lot of the soapy sorts of plot turns didn't go down the cliche roads. Evan was a good guy. But.
I didn't feel Summer's and Evan's chemistry. Their sex was described as fucking half the time and just didn't feel like they really cared. I mean, they said it, but for me, it didn't come across.
I didn't buy a lot of the action. From the Lindsey and Jax plot (really? She picked the lock? And the whole leaving the dirty condom?), to the big bad and what he did and how. I needed more foundation for that because a lot was very convenient.
I'm not one to be sensitive to raunchy sorts of language, but cumdumpster? Yick. I was a little put off in general by the extent of it. To back away too much would have been to rob the male athletes of the reality of who they are, which is frequently raunchy and always talking sex or sexual innuendo. I just wish it hadn't permeated the book quite so much.
I've never been a fan of the happily ever after that includes pregnancy and marriage. It feels too pat.
Okay, so all that said, I did keep reading. I did want to know what happened. And I did care about the characters.
June 14, 2016
**Copy provided by author via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.**
I started this book without having read any of the rest of the series. I realized about halfway through that it actually was in a series, but that they could each be read as standalones.
I liked the whole of this book. I liked the characters, even though some of it was over the top dramatic, it was still well written. The heartache that Summer went through and is still experiencing during the book were awful, and sad (yes, somewhat unbelievable) but still made me feel for her.
Despite how much I liked it, it was still a bit blah, although, that may be because of all the recent books I've read. They have all been too much for me to handle, and this one seemed a bit dim in comparison.
I will definitely be going back to read the rest of them!
Check out the full review at Bookaholic Raves
I started this book without having read any of the rest of the series. I realized about halfway through that it actually was in a series, but that they could each be read as standalones.
I liked the whole of this book. I liked the characters, even though some of it was over the top dramatic, it was still well written. The heartache that Summer went through and is still experiencing during the book were awful, and sad (yes, somewhat unbelievable) but still made me feel for her.
Despite how much I liked it, it was still a bit blah, although, that may be because of all the recent books I've read. They have all been too much for me to handle, and this one seemed a bit dim in comparison.
I will definitely be going back to read the rest of them!
Check out the full review at Bookaholic Raves
April 15, 2016
3 stars. It showed promise but there was no chemistry between Summer and Evan. Absolutely none. Plus, when she finally does fall in love with Evan she is quick to tell her sister than maybe what she felt for her dead husband wasn't true love. That her feelings for Evan are so much deeper. Or something to that effect. What??? That is just a no-no. She came across as insensitive and insecure after that. Another thing, she really made poor Evan work for it.
Anyway, I liked Evan and this book probably would have been a 5 star read for me if Summer had been replaced by her sister.
ARC provided by NetGalley for an honest review.
Anyway, I liked Evan and this book probably would have been a 5 star read for me if Summer had been replaced by her sister.
ARC provided by NetGalley for an honest review.
April 1, 2016
What a heart wrenching story of a terrible, heinous crime, that you survived. But now need to learn how to live. Now add in a very patient, sexy, specimen, who only has eyes set on you. Throw in a whole bunch of craziness and friends, and it's hard to put this story down. Will the new life you want to try to lead prevail?...Read this story to find out.
March 30, 2016
Love this author! Love how she brings in characters from previous series to her new books. Makes me happy as a reader to catch up and see them again. Balanced amount of suspense and romance in this one. Great job!
*ARC received via Netgalley for an honest review
*ARC received via Netgalley for an honest review
June 19, 2016
Liked it. The only issue was the instant love thing.
April 5, 2016
Link: http://collectorofbookboyfriends.com/...
Only one fact can describe accurately my experience and feelings about this book without needing many words: I finished Catching Summer in less than 10 hours.
It sounds crazy, right? Ha! Tell me about it! But this is how it took place. I started reading around 2pm and when I finished it and looked at the clock it was around 10:30pm. Honestly, I did a double take because I hadn’t even realized how sucked-deep in the story I was and how fast the time went away. But let’s take it from the start, huh?
Catching Summer is the sixth book in the Second Chances series and is the story of Evan Townsend and Summer Jacobs. For those who have read the previous five – I’m not one of them unfortunately – you already know briefly who these two are. Evan is an NFL football player and Summer is a restaurant owner. But there is more than that. Especially from Summer’s part. A very very heart-breaking more: Summer witnessed her husband’s brutal murder in a MMA fighting ring. When Evan lays his eyes on her for the first time, he is instantly magnetized by her. Unfortunately – for both of them -, Summer isn’t in the right place yet to get involved in a relationship. But Evan’s feelings don’t wave and they wait for the moment she is ready so they get unleashed. And when they do, the results are pure magic!
Evan sparked something inside me that I had thought was dead.
Two individuals with issues and baggages enough to keep them apart. But, they are stronger than them and they fight with teeth and nails to get, at last, the HEA they both deserve. And what an incredible love story would that be without some obstacles and difficult situations. Actually, these situations are more than difficult. They honestly have beyond crossed the line of heart-wrecking and have taken the heart break and bawling-my-eyes-out in a whole new level!!!
Catching Summer is a story that never leaves you rest. Either while reading it or after that. From the very first word of the first chapter, it pushed me straight to a Category-5 hurricane of emotions which change from happiness to sadness, joy to misery, laughter to crying-my-eyes-out etc at lighting speed. Some times, I felt like my heart will tear my chest apart so it can get out and get the hell away from me. Intensity and Surprise are definitely the key words of this book. The first never ever stops no matter in which page I was and the second had me hanging from a thread since I had constantly shocks coming at me in high speed and from n different directions. But the powerfulness and depth of the love which Evan and Summer share, makes it all worth it.
Our love wasn’t just a simple emotion to feel; it was beautiful, raw passionate, and untamed.
L. P. Dover was on my radar for months now but I had never got really the time to start any of her books yet. I had heard that her writing was super duper wow and super captivating but I never expected to be that much. I literally Couldn’t. Put. The book. DOWN. Her way of unfolding a story, and especially these kind of ones, is worth of admiration and clapping. And from now on, I promise that I won’t let any of her books slip through my fingers without devouring it.
August 23, 2017
Catching Summer by LP Dover is the sixth entry in the Second Chances Series and it was absolutely fabulous. Sometimes, the contemporary romance genre can become saturated with so many similar works and the reader starts to expect the predictability. Though I started the series at book six I quickly caught on to who was who and once I started reading, I absolutely did not want to put it down. Of course the book was romantic but it was those other suspenseful elements that made the story hard to put down. For those who pick this up thinking it’s going to be one of those humdrum reads … well you would be mistaken.
In Catching Summer we find the heroine (who happens to be Summer) recovering from loss of her husband and it is taking her everything she has to get over one last hurdle and reenter the world fully. For Summer reentry is a little scary but she’s lucky because she has a strong family base and good friends who will help her when she struggles. On the sidelines, we have the sexy and caring hothead of a football player Evan. He’s been keeping a respectful distance from Summer but if given the chance he’ll gladly become the second part of her life. This couple made such a neat match for one another, with him ready to throw down with anyone messing with his Sunshine and her ability to calm him down makes for romantic gold.
Please don’t get the idea that everything is sugar and roses because it isn’t. What’s a good romance without a couple of whack-nuts? Believe me, they have to run an obstacle course full of nut jobs. I love a romance with ex-lovers behaving badly and spurned suitors who just can’t take NO for an answer. The authors skillfully wove all of these elements into her tale and made it thoroughly entertaining. So, those who are fans of jaw dropping angst (which I am) and leading males and females who get the job done, then this is the read for you.
~~*~~ Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.~~*~~
In Catching Summer we find the heroine (who happens to be Summer) recovering from loss of her husband and it is taking her everything she has to get over one last hurdle and reenter the world fully. For Summer reentry is a little scary but she’s lucky because she has a strong family base and good friends who will help her when she struggles. On the sidelines, we have the sexy and caring hothead of a football player Evan. He’s been keeping a respectful distance from Summer but if given the chance he’ll gladly become the second part of her life. This couple made such a neat match for one another, with him ready to throw down with anyone messing with his Sunshine and her ability to calm him down makes for romantic gold.
Please don’t get the idea that everything is sugar and roses because it isn’t. What’s a good romance without a couple of whack-nuts? Believe me, they have to run an obstacle course full of nut jobs. I love a romance with ex-lovers behaving badly and spurned suitors who just can’t take NO for an answer. The authors skillfully wove all of these elements into her tale and made it thoroughly entertaining. So, those who are fans of jaw dropping angst (which I am) and leading males and females who get the job done, then this is the read for you.
~~*~~ Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.~~*~~
April 5, 2016
Catching Summer is my third read from L.P. Dover and I have to say each book makes me love her storytelling more and more! This is part of her Second Chances series, which are all interconnected standalones. I love this type of series because you can jump in and read any of the books and still feel like you aren't missing things. Plus a second chance romance is one of my absolute favorite types of reads! I have to say I LOVED this story!! Evan and Summer were magical and sweet and I adored them!!
The story starts with Summer and it's two years post watching her husband be murdered in the MMA ring. She was rightfully traumatized and is finally coming out of the fog of grief and trauma that rocked her so completely. Life is finally starting to be good and she's finding a sense of normal once again, and maybe feeling like she is ready to move forward without the guilt of doing so without her husband. When she literally crashes into Evan Townsend, the brother of one of her friends, she starts to feel things she thought were long dormant. Evan, is an NFL superstar, and has been enamored by Summer since he first met her; though she has been completely oblivious to this fact. What begins with that fateful crash meeting on the sidewalk is a journey of faith, hope and ultimately love.
Evan has to prove that he isn't like other guys, that he is worthy of Summer taking a leap of faith. That they can make their own story and it not negate from the life that Summer had with her first love. However, someone doesn't want them to be together and is working hard to keep the pair apart. What follows this undercurrent of the story kept me turning the pages and gave me lots of feels! I loved the way that Evan was so determined to romance Summer! Their chemistry was amazing and he is just hella hot! Add to that the side stories of Summer's sister and Evan's best friend as well as Brianna and Derek; and Catching Summer just became one of my favorite reads of the year so far! I can't wait to read more of this series, both past books and those yet to come!!
Very thankful for the chance to read this arc from NetGalley.
April 15, 2016
I have really loved this series and was looking forward to Summer's story but this really disappointed me. My heart connected with Summer and her pain but I just felt there was something missing in the relationship between her and Evan. And even though they do talk about Austin, I felt as though that despite the fact Summer states she opens up to Evan she never discussed what she went through, not just Austin's death, with Evan. That is a pretty traumatic event that other than the very beginning of the book is not dealt with.
I am a nurse and I typically do not let inaccuracies regarding the profession or medicine truly bother me, but this book just drove me crazy with its errors. I realize keeping up her "certifications" are the background for her interaction with the team but seriously, CPR is a 4 hour class that anyone can take for about $90. Not to mention I'm pretty sure that her state doesn't require it to keep the license current. But the worst part was practicing CPR on a live person....um, no, just no...that will result in serious injury and damage, CPR breaks ribs. And if you are only pretending, as you would have to, that is not the same. That right there was almost enough for me to stop reading. I'm pretty sure the author could have reached out and did some really easy fact checking to give a little credibility. OK, rant over on that nonsense.
In all honestly, I just didn't get that connection between Evan and Summer. And the first time she says she loves him, its like like it isn't the first time its been said and then he leaves her a note with roses and scones that says he loves her. It was just odd to me. I connected with almost all of the characters besides Evan. My heart broke for Derek and I can't wait to read his story. Which hopefully will be better.
I am a nurse and I typically do not let inaccuracies regarding the profession or medicine truly bother me, but this book just drove me crazy with its errors. I realize keeping up her "certifications" are the background for her interaction with the team but seriously, CPR is a 4 hour class that anyone can take for about $90. Not to mention I'm pretty sure that her state doesn't require it to keep the license current. But the worst part was practicing CPR on a live person....um, no, just no...that will result in serious injury and damage, CPR breaks ribs. And if you are only pretending, as you would have to, that is not the same. That right there was almost enough for me to stop reading. I'm pretty sure the author could have reached out and did some really easy fact checking to give a little credibility. OK, rant over on that nonsense.
In all honestly, I just didn't get that connection between Evan and Summer. And the first time she says she loves him, its like like it isn't the first time its been said and then he leaves her a note with roses and scones that says he loves her. It was just odd to me. I connected with almost all of the characters besides Evan. My heart broke for Derek and I can't wait to read his story. Which hopefully will be better.
February 21, 2016
It is hard to move on with life after losing someone you love but witnessing their death is even worse.
Summer is doing what she can to survive. With the help of her twin sister, her brother in law and her therapist, she is slowly coming out of the darkness. Taking a break in her nursing career, she paid tribute to her late husband by opening a restaurant, one that is successful. It was a dream of his and she made that dream a reality.
Her good friend Kate is getting ready to go on maternity leave and since Summer is a nurse and needs to keep up on her certifications, she takes a temporary job as the Carolina Cougars team nurse and happens to catch the eye of NFL star Evan Townsend.
Evan has noticed Summer for a while now. He knows her history. He is absolutely intrigued by her. He knows how fragile she is, the last thing he wants to do is cause her more hurt. His plan for Summer is to proceed with caution and that is exactly what he does.
Their journey together is cautious and beautiful. Summer finds herself the happiest she has been in years until another tragic accident, or was it. While someone is trying to prove Evan isn’t a safe choice, Evan is doing all he can to make them safe.
This is the first book I have read in this series and in my opinion, I was able to read it as a standalone.
L.P Dover created such an amazing set of characters. Evan, is just amazing and will melt your heart and your panties right off.
Summer’s character is wonderful, dealing with all she has been through, she remained strong. Sure she got lost for a while but who wouldn’t. She has such an amazing support system.
I loved the suspense aspect the storyline had, it kept you on your toes.
I love all the feels, the loss, love, fear- it was simply beautiful.
Summer is doing what she can to survive. With the help of her twin sister, her brother in law and her therapist, she is slowly coming out of the darkness. Taking a break in her nursing career, she paid tribute to her late husband by opening a restaurant, one that is successful. It was a dream of his and she made that dream a reality.
Her good friend Kate is getting ready to go on maternity leave and since Summer is a nurse and needs to keep up on her certifications, she takes a temporary job as the Carolina Cougars team nurse and happens to catch the eye of NFL star Evan Townsend.
Evan has noticed Summer for a while now. He knows her history. He is absolutely intrigued by her. He knows how fragile she is, the last thing he wants to do is cause her more hurt. His plan for Summer is to proceed with caution and that is exactly what he does.
Their journey together is cautious and beautiful. Summer finds herself the happiest she has been in years until another tragic accident, or was it. While someone is trying to prove Evan isn’t a safe choice, Evan is doing all he can to make them safe.
This is the first book I have read in this series and in my opinion, I was able to read it as a standalone.
L.P Dover created such an amazing set of characters. Evan, is just amazing and will melt your heart and your panties right off.
Summer’s character is wonderful, dealing with all she has been through, she remained strong. Sure she got lost for a while but who wouldn’t. She has such an amazing support system.
I loved the suspense aspect the storyline had, it kept you on your toes.
I love all the feels, the loss, love, fear- it was simply beautiful.
March 29, 2016
When I first read the synopsis for Catching Summer I was completely swept away by Dover’s promise of a sport star romance with a woman learning to live again. It had everything I was looking for and more- angst, sweetness, love, loss and and self discovery.
Dover did not hold back in her description of Summer’s loss of her husband. Gruesome, brutal and gripping, you can’t help but feel Summer’s pain as she muddles her way through life. Her tragedy grips your emotion and demands your attention. You instantly identify with her and root for her to find herself and love once again.
Evan Townsend is the football star you always dreamed of finding. His is kind, sweet, intelligent and completely willing to wait for the girl of his dreams to come back to life. Dover does a great job of writing swoon-worthy alpha male that you only hope Summer notices.
Even though I loved the general storyline of this book, I still struggled with it capturing my total attention. About forty percent of the way through I just lost interest. It seemed like Dover rushed things a little bit between Summer’s self discovery and her relationship with Evan. As long as Evan had waited for Summer I was hoping for some more build up and even struggles between the two. The twist that Dover added to the story was hard for me to find believable. It seemed like more added drama and mess to a story line that held it’s own and had great potential.
With all that being said, I can see how this book would still appeal to the masses. It’s a great story for those who are relaxing on vacation able to pick up and book and put if down. But for those of you book lovers out there who like to absorb a story, Catching Summer may not be your first pick!
April 25, 2016
Catching Summer is book 6 in the Second Chances series by LP Dover. It definitely can be read as a standalone. This was my first book by this author and I really enjoyed it. The main characters were very likeable and I love how the author really gives us background information on both of them so I really felt like I knew where they were coming from.
Summer Jacobs is recovering from the loss of her MMA fighter husband, who was brutally killed in her presence. She has been gradually healing with the help of her therapist, her sister and some very good friends. Summer also has immersed herself in her new restaurant that she runs with her brother in law and her sister.
Evan Matthews is a star football player, who is the brother to one of Summer’s good friends. He and his teammates frequent Summer’s restaurant often and she has definitely caught his eye. Evan is an all-around good guy and handsome as hell! Though he has a few people that have done him wrong in life, he is definitely well liked and respected by his peers.
As they begin a new relationship, Summer and Evan have to face many road blocks and I really appreciate the way the author has made them handle these situations in a mature and adult way. I love that the minor problems don’t turn in to something they are not. Evan and Summer trust each other. But the trouble that is not obvious is the worst for them. There is something very dangerous that they are facing and as time goes on, trouble and tragedy find them.
I really enjoyed this book and I will definitely look into the others in this series. LP Dover has written a love story where her two main characters have definitely beaten the odds to find their happily ever after! A solid 4 star rating for Catching Summer by LP Dover.
Summer Jacobs is recovering from the loss of her MMA fighter husband, who was brutally killed in her presence. She has been gradually healing with the help of her therapist, her sister and some very good friends. Summer also has immersed herself in her new restaurant that she runs with her brother in law and her sister.
Evan Matthews is a star football player, who is the brother to one of Summer’s good friends. He and his teammates frequent Summer’s restaurant often and she has definitely caught his eye. Evan is an all-around good guy and handsome as hell! Though he has a few people that have done him wrong in life, he is definitely well liked and respected by his peers.
As they begin a new relationship, Summer and Evan have to face many road blocks and I really appreciate the way the author has made them handle these situations in a mature and adult way. I love that the minor problems don’t turn in to something they are not. Evan and Summer trust each other. But the trouble that is not obvious is the worst for them. There is something very dangerous that they are facing and as time goes on, trouble and tragedy find them.
I really enjoyed this book and I will definitely look into the others in this series. LP Dover has written a love story where her two main characters have definitely beaten the odds to find their happily ever after! A solid 4 star rating for Catching Summer by LP Dover.
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