This is such a sweet and endearing story.
I cheered for James and Reese... Their obstacles are so realistic.
I felt so connected to them.
Great storyline.

*** I am voluntarily posting an honest review after reading an Advance Reader Copy of this story.***

After 11 years, Reese has returned to the small town where she lived with her grandmother during her high school years. Much to her surprise, the first person she comes across is her high school love, who also broker her heart. Despite the heartbreak, Reese has never been able to completely forget James MacLachlan.

Despite the end of their high school romance, James has always felt like Reese was the one who got away. Even though he has no plans to ever marry or have children, James feels a connection with Reese that he has never felt with another woman and offers her a no strings attached summer relationship. Since her greatest desire is to spend the next several years roaming the world as a photographer for National Geographic, Reese is more than willing to take James up on his offer. Will falling in love with James and finding out from her doctor that she likely only has a short while in which to have children, change her future plans? And if so, will James be able to get over the childhood trauma that has kept him from engaging in a long-term relationship in the past?

Reese finds herself back in her hometown for two reasons one is her job as a photographer and the other is to reclaim the love that her grandparents owned that holds so many happy memories. What she wasn’t expecting was that James, her teenage love, was the man who owned the land and that the chemistry and connection between them was stronger than ever.

James manages the ranch his family owns, and he loves the land and the lifestyle it holds. He is determined to remain single as he has witnessed the devastation that love can cause and doesn’t want the same fate for himself but there has always been something between him and Reese that has been hard to deny.

Reese is only in town temporarily and hasn’t forgotten the way he broke her heart but the chemistry between them is too strong to deny. They agree to a casual relationship but between the puzzling notes they are trying to solve and problems with the land they will need to decide what and who they want in their future. Not only are Reese and James compelling characters but there is a great group of secondary characters that enhance the story as well.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and I am voluntarily reviewing it.

This is a new to me author. I thought the plot was wonderful and moved just like it would have between two people. I adored the characters and how they tried to protect themselves from further heartache. Some may consider it slow and maybe a little repetitive, but to me is was more of laying the groundwork with a strong foundation. A chance to really come to know the characters and what made them tick.

Reese Turner comes home to Cypress Creek to visit her grandparents former home. After her grandparents passed, her father sold the property to the neighbors, the MacLachlan's. Reese is a photographer and her dream career of working for National Geographic and traveling the world just may come true. She wants to buy back the farm or at least the house and use it as her home base. Upon visiting the house, she spies a shirtless cowboy up on the roof. Oh what a sight to behold! Her fingers itch to take a picture of the natural beauty of the gorgeous man. Unfortunately the man turned out to be another than James MacLachlan, her first love and first heartbreak.

This book is written in a dual POV format. I adore this. Getting into the mind and seeing their thoughts really helps me to connect to the characters so much better. These two characters were charming and the kind that I would love to have as friends. I got lost in this book. I really hated to see it end. I REALLY hope that the author is going to write another Cypress Creek novel with Finn and Astrid. I have my fingers crossed!!!

As far as sexy goes, this had just some heavy petting. The author did a great job in fading to black and letting the reader fill in the gaps if they wanted. I would really call this slightly sexy. That being said I would only highly recommend this to someone over the age of 18.

If you adore second chance at first love, especially if the male protagonist is a cowboy, then you will definitely want to give this a try.

Her Second Chance Cowboy is my first read by Makenna Lee and the story portrays a wonderful second chance romance between one sexy Cowboy, James McLachlan and the girl that got away, Reese Turner. There’s some drama and angst in the story, but nothing to over the top, and the storyline, while not overly unique, definitely held my interest and I finished the book happy that I’d taken the chance on a new to me author. So, overall an entertaining and intriguing story with well-developed characters and a beautiful setting too. I look forward to reading more of Ms Lee’s works.

If you are a frequent visitor of Maureen’s Books you know that I love Cowboy stories. There’s just something about Cowboys and country life that I always adored. So when I saw ‘Her Second Chance Cowboy’ on Netgalley, I knew this was a book I needed to read.

In ‘Her Second Chance Cowboy’ we meet James and Reese. James is a wealthy Cowboy, living his dream of having his own ranch, and starting a new program for children with special needs. One thing he knows for sure, is that he is only a guy for casual relationships. But when Reese, the girl he had his eyes on in High School, comes back to town he isn’t so sure he can keep things casual.

Reese is a photographer, trying to make a professional career out of her love for photography. Reese is determined to get her dream job first, and then when the time comes to start a family. But when Reese sees James again, the idea of a dream job travelling the world sounds kind of hard.

I loved this book! There were just so many great things about it. For starters the setting of Cypress Creek, Texas definitely makes me want to hop on a plane and visit. I’ve always loved the small town setting, and this one definitely checked all the marks for me. But above all the romance between Reese and James was just so butterflies-in-my-tummy good that I couldn’t put it down. And the family bond between James and his grandparents.. Sigh..

‘Her Second Chance Cowboy’ is a very romantic, mysterious and beautiful story that I loved right from the start. Romantic, because Reese and James where just perfect for each other and their chemistry was amazing. Mysterious, because a part of this story is how they try to solve the mystery James’s Great Great Grandfather left for them to solve. And beautiful, because of the setting, the friendships, the family bond and above all the nice ‘clean’ romance between Reece and James. And there’s even a little suspense going on. A little.. but still!

Near the end we got some hints about a possible other book, and OMG I can’t wait. This was a perfect read for me. I loved every single page and even now, a day after finishing the book I can’t stop thinking about it. I’m definitely keeping my eye out for Makenna Lee and I’d recommend you to do the same.

A cute and fun little adventure. Loved the history and stories from ancestors!

I was provided with an ARC of this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Her Second Chance Cowboy!

Makenna Lee is a new to me author. I really enjoyed this book! It has the ups and downs of a journey to love, it has a mysterious treasure hunt, and the evil developer who wants to change Cypress Creek from the wonderful town it is to something more densely developed.

James and Reece have a history, as they were in a relationship for a very brief time in high school. But James was scared of his own feelings and he embarrassed Reece by making out with another girl. Reece moved away before James could explain himself or realize what he’d thrown away. Now, he and his family own a lot of the land in and around the town, including Reece’s grandparents old cottage. With a potential job with National Geographic, Reece’s talent at photography is another aspect of her life that is proven to be a benefit to a lot of people, and something James find intriguing about a woman he’s never forgotten.

With a turn of events where James shuts Reece out, I wanted to smack that man! He shows himself very guarded and judgemental. With communication, he and Reece find the answers they need as well as a path to happiness.

I received an ARC copy of this book courtesy of NetGalley and Entangled Publishing and am voluntarily reviewing it. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and given freely.

If you are in search of a new author who gives you hot cowboys and feisty women? Try out Makenna Lee. In Her Second Chance Cowboy we meet Reese, who is coming back to her hometown after ten years. She wants to try to buy her grandmothers property back, after her father sold it to the next door ranch. In Cypress Creek she finds out that the land is now owned by James, her high school ex-boyfriend.
Although James hurt her al those years ago, Reese still feels attracted to him. When James offers her the use of her grandparents property, without the ownership, Reese is disappointed. But since she will be in town for the next few months for her next assignment for the National Geographic job interview, she decides she will try to pursuade James.
James doesn't do commitments. After his father turned into a bitter old man when his wife died in childbirth, he is wary of marrying a woman and he definitely doesn't want a pregnant wife. His grandparents however, try to coax him into a relationship, without success. When Reese accidentally knocks over an old photograph at James' house, they discover it is a treasure hunt with clues from James'great-great-grandfather. The decide to try to find the treasure together. But while sparks are flying, Reese needs to make a decision: when she lands her dreamjob at National Geographic, will she leave all of this behind? Or should she forfeit her carreer for her true love? Find out for yourself in this cosy read. Four out of five stars from me and a special thank you to Netgalley for providing the arc.

This is a debut novel by Makenna Lee and I was really impressed with the depths of the characters and her style of writing. I enjoyed the romantic story of Reese and James, who had not seen each other for eleven years, when James broke her heart in high school. I liked the mystery and clues in the story and the secrets of the land development and the secrets of their Scottish ancestry. I also liked that there was an epilogue added to the book. Reese's grandparent's cottage sounds like a fun place to visit. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.

This was a wonderful debut from Makenna Lee! I love second chance romances and this one was perfect. I can’t wait to read more from this author.

‘Her Second Chance Cowboy‘ is a second-chance romance that sort of sneaks up on you as two people, once in love, are reunited when Reese returns to Cypress Creek hoping to buy her grandparent’s cottage. It’s her hope to reclaim good memories and to make a base from which to begin her photographic career with National Geographic. She’s looking for a home, and certainly wasn’t looking to relive one of the most humiliating moments of her romantic life… but then, there was James, in all his grown-up glory and he now owned the property she wants.

The last person James expected to run into again was Reese. His mistake with her was one of the regrets of his life, it was just plain dumb, and he would have tried to fix it if he could. Now she’s back wanting a property that means something to her. He won’t sell, but he will make an arrangement for her to use the cottage – and maybe, just maybe he can fix what he broke so long ago.

I enjoyed ‘Her Second Chance Cowboy‘ very much. It’s a believable second chance with a thoughtful ‘treasure hunt’ mystery scattered throughout Reese and James working their way back to each other. There are definitely twists, turns, things left unsaid that should have been brought up, and their past to get beyond before Reese and James can enjoy that happy ever after they both want.

I’m being a bit vague, I know, but I don’t willingly do spoilers (or I try not to) – and I do believe that there are enough twists in this story that you should experience (and try to figure them out) firsthand. I enjoyed this couple, they are facing an uphill climb to get to that happy ending. Yet the journey was believable, as I was quickly page-flipping to find out what happens next. I loved the notes, and hearing James read Reese’s first unfinished romance to her was heart-melting. Little gems tucked into a really good story. I’m hoping this will be the start of a series – I’ve already checked the author’s website to know that there are more releases soon… so time will tell. But right now, you should be checking out ‘Her Second Chance Cowboy‘ for an emotional, mysterious good time.

I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

Changing up my reading for a minute I get intrigued by this one. A good romance on a day you want to get warm and fuzzy this looked like it would be a stab at that with this being first time reading this author. James is a cowboy that has money but I will say this for him he also is starting a program that touched my heart for special needs children. I do know they are known to make big difference in the children and their lives. What also though that does tickle me is his attitude on marriage and children. I sit back have my drink handy and watch this cowboy about to go down.
Reese has the same attitude on men and a career is the only thing to warm her bed. Oh will it be cold. But she also thought they could have a bit of fun while she is there on assignment being James was once a old flame. Oh do we get to see this bite her in the butt and on the way to hers bite him also? The fun in reading such it gives you chuckles and warmth inside but a enjoyment you receive from a good read.

This is a new author for me. When I first start this book I will say I was not thrilled. I felt like every book I seem to be reading, however I hung in there and that changed for me really quick and I really start to enjoy it and be drawn into the story. I really like Reese she's got a good head on her should she speaks her mind but she leads with her big heart on her sleeve. I liked James I felt like he had some growing up to do but he needs the right person in his life to help direct him in that path. The two together were just seemed natural relationship didn't seem forced. I adored James' grandparents they just seem to be what grandparents are made of. They really added a huge element to the story but played such a small part if that makes sense. I so want to read more about Finn from the get go I felt like I need to know more of his story. This book does have adult situations and language. Overall I would totally re-read this book again it was just that good.

Her Second Chance Cowboy is as it sounds a second chance romance by Makenna Lee. I found this story to be excellently written with a sound plot that includes a past and a present mystery. The characters reconnect because of property when Reese Turner returns to Cypress Creek, Texas. Reese a photographer is very likable but then so is rancher James MacLachlan the owner of the family property Reese would like to buy back.

While they were sweethearts in high school they have quite different lives, goals, and dreams now. There is strong chemistry between Reese and James, some drama, a little angst, miscommunication, the extended MacLachlan family and a couple of mysteries. All the elements mesh well with just the right amount of backstory so that it is an attention holding story.

The first book I have read by Makenna Lee but I hope that Her Second Chance Cowboy will not be the last. I enjoy contemporary rancher/cowboy romances and this one is very good indeed.

An ARC of the book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I loved this sweet romance. Both characters are independent and intriguing on their own. They are amazing together. There’s a history and a sense of homecoming with this couple. They sometimes suffer because they forget to communicate clearly, as most of us do. Readers will enjoy this story and want their own cowboy!

A nice second chance romance between Reese, a photo journalist, and James, a cowboy. She returns to town determined to buy her grandparents house back from James' family.

I really liked both Reese and James's passion for what they do and their love of the countryside and land. Those jobs/passions really were a big part of the story.

There were some parts that felt repetitive, especially as they talked about their past and not wanting a relationship. Those two things were referenced a lot, especially in the first half of the book. Also, for having a past between them it seemed like they both gave into their attraction rather quickly.

Fantastic read! Once I started I could not put it down. My favorite kind of story is those that involve cowboys and/or animals and this had both! Great story!

I picked this book based on the premise of the book. Two adults who find love again after being apart for 11 years. James, the rancher, and Reese, the aspiring photographer, spend the summer getting to know each other better. Both with different goals for the future. The book was a bit dull for me. There were too many subplots that I didn’t care for. The miscommunication between them was too annoying. At some point I just didn’t care and had skimmed through some sections. I’m aware I’m probably the only one who didn’t care for this book.

I received this ARC from the publisher and Netgalley for my honest review.

Filled with tropes (small-town/return to hometown/second-chance/fling), a touch of mystery, a dash of intrigue, vivid imagery, and fascinating characters, Her Second Chance Cowboy is a highly polished debut by Makenna Lee. Reese and James have such intense chemistry from page one, their decision to have a summer fling is inevitable. Of course, the real story is how they turn that temporary arrangement into a long-term commitment. Along the way, they have to deal with past hurts, lack of trust, miscommunication, incompatible dreams, and external forces that seek to separate them. Good thing, there’s also a fun treasure hunt that helps strengthen their bond.

Overall, this is a light read with some sweet steam. Being the first book of a series, Her Second Chance Cowboy suffers a little from multiple subplots and the introduction of numerous characters who could have their own stories someday. These made the book longer than it has to be and may have taken the focus away from Reese and James at various parts of the book. Aside from these, this promises to be a series worth following.