I was swept away with this second chance romance. Reese has returned to Cypress Creek to complete a submission for National Geographic and to buy her grandparents cottage. She has many memories wrapped up in their cottage but the last person she expected to find on the roof is James, the boy who broke her heart in high school. James lives to take care of the land and ranch. He avoids relationships after experiencing his father’s downfall after his mother died in childbirth. He doesn’t want to experience that kind of pain. Having Reese walk back into his life is unexpected and wonderful. He knows he screwed up as a teenager and wants to make it up to her. There is so much beauty in the rebuilding of their relationship and trust. They stumble onto a family mystery that has them following clues which enhances the connection they share. At the same time, there is the added pressure from an outside developer that wants to buy land in Cypress Creek to turn into a resort. There are several challenges as Reese pursues her dream to be a photojournalist who travels the world with James’ issues with love and relationships. I experienced all the emotions with this couple and found myself wanting to live in Cypress Creek. I voluntarily read an ARC of this book and this is my honest review.

3.5 Stars

Ms Lee is a new to me author and this is a book I picked up off of Net Galley based on description alone. The premise of two people reconnecting was too much to resist.

I liked Reese and James and enjoyed seeing them reconnect, deal with misunderstandings, get in their own way and try to find a happily ever after. These were entertaining characters with an interesting plot and a tiny bit of intrigue mixed in. The world building around Reese, James, and the secondary cast lends itself to future related books.

The thing that kept this from being a full four star read was the sheer number of times when I mentally said "lets move this along already" and the fact that both Reese and James managed to sabotage their relationship multiple times before reaching a point of resolution. There was almost a feeling that the author needed to hit a certain word count and couldn't figure out how to get there, so she kept having them mess up. I feel like the intrigue element or family mystery element could have been played up more to avoid the repetitive nature of things.

Overall, this was a enjoyable book and I would like to see what happens with Finn and Astrid (secondary characters) if they have a book in the future.

I love a good second chance story and throw in a cowboy, a mysterious twist in the form of a treasure hunt and you've got yourself a bell ringer! What happens when Reese returns to Cypress Creek in hopes of buying her late grandmothers cottage back and runs into her high school flame James,that broke her heart into pieces.
While Reese who is now a photographer putting together a portfolio hoping to land a job with National Geographic, finds she has plenty to photograph in her old town, including one sweaty, shirtless cowboy. James now owns the land that her Grandmothers cottage sits on. Reese has good memories of the cottage and her grandmother and really wants it to be her home base, hoping to get that job she is chasing. Both she and James have some things to work out, meanwhile his grandparents, I adored both of them- set them off on a treasure hunt of sorts. Mysterious clues to decipher and finding their way to the next clue. Neither they nor the reader know where this will lead. I really liked Reese and her friend Lila, I struggled with James at times because he just didn't step up his game. For an adult and successful businessman, he seemed a little clueless about personal relationships, obviously he failed in some serious ways with Reese. Made me want to give him a good kick in the pants, however it did keep me interested just the same. What will happen if Lila gets the cottage and her dream job? Does she leave or try and should she try and find a job locally that would work for her? And what lies at the end of the treasure hunt and her relationship with James? You'll have to read this one to find out. I was hanging on by my thumbs until the very end.
Great debut book from Makenna!

I'm sorry, Makenna Lee. I really wanted to love this book. It sounds great from the description, and it seemed like just what I was in the mood for. But alas...

This book had a lot of potential. The imagery was great, there was a lot of charm in the small details, and there were a couple of promising subplots. However, by the 30% mark when I decide if I'm going forward, I didn't feel like I knew anything meaningful about the two main characters, and I felt like my introduction to them was pretty repetitive. He thinks she's hot, she thinks he's hot, they're both pretty nonchalant about their shared past, and it's probably a bad idea to hook up & they're gonna do it anyway.

For the shy romance readers out there, I'll say that the romantic scenes were steamy, but not super graphic. You know what's happening, but it's not TMI or anything like that.

I think I would recommend this to patrons looking for a contemporary romance with a cowboy and just the right amount of steam. It was the repetition part that turned me off, but others might not mind that.

This was such a heart-warming story and was easy to read. It was full of emotions, second-chance romance, and a mysterious treasure hunt.
Reese Turner was a freelance photographer and was hoping to get a position with the National Geographic. She returns to Cypress Creek to try and buy back her grandmother’s cottage. She was taking pictures of the area for one of her previous employers, Mr. Everett when she encounters James, the boy who broke her heart. She plans on spending some time in Cypress Creek while waiting to hear back from National Geographic. She realizes that Mr. Everett is wanting to build a resort in Cypress Creek, but she couldn’t allow that to happen to her grandmother’s cottage.
James MacLachlan was happy in Cypress Creek. After watching his father become a stranger when his mother died in childbirth, James won’t risk having long term relationships or having children. His emotions for Reese scares him, but he hopes that having a summer fling with her will cure him. They find a letter that sends them on a treasure hunt solving the clues left by his ancestor. As he slowly starts to question his future, Reese hears back from National Geographic leaving James few options.
This was truly a wonderful book to read and I fell in love with the small town and its people. I look forward to reading future books from this author.

James and Reese were high school sweethearts until James messed up. Reese left town to go college and pursue a career. Now she is home to do a job and possibly buy back her grand parents cottage that is now owned by James an ex boyfriend. They reconnect and the spark is still there between them. Can that flame rekindle a passion that leads to a happily ever after for the two? I voluntarily agreed to receive an ARC of this book for an honest review.

Rating: 3/5
Reese Turner and James MacLachlan were childhood sweethearts in the old town of Cypress Creek when fate gives them a second chance, will they take it? Or will the wounds from their past destroy their newfound love?

“Let time gone by point you in a direction that honors the past.
When it’s not right the first time, retry, rebuild.
Become the Keepers.
Benjamin”

The best thing about this book is the descriptions. They were simply lovely. It was engaging and gave a sense of tranquility. Reese and James attempt to uncover the mystery that occurs due to a series of notes that James’ ancestor, Benjamin left for his future generations. All those scenarios were a delight. The book is written in the third person but from both perspectives. Petunia was my favorite character of all, she was the most sensible. The relationship between James’ grand-parents was blissful. Benjamin’s notes foreshadowed the events in Reese and James' relationship. The main characters are sentimental and grounded. They were reminiscent of Luke and Sophia from ‘The longest ride’ by Nicholas Sparks. ‘Her Second Chance Cowboy’ contains a high emotional quotient. There was little emphasis on background characters and it made me crave more.

“The gurgle and splash of water made her quicken her pace, and dragonflies buzzed around her head as she squatted to dip her hand in the cool water.”

It was hard for me to relate to Reese’s indecision regarding her career and love life, but it was realistic. The bleak portrayal of loneliness was not enjoyable. During most of the book, Reese was on this quest for Happily Ever After and it soon became passive. The story was typical, cheesy, and predictable with slow pacing.I was curious about ‘The One for Her’ and I’m also guilty of googling that book right after my read. It doesn’t exist, I hope Makenna Lee finishes that story in another one of her series.

“Who knew a heart could be this disobedient?”

I recommend this novel to readers interested in a typical second-chance romance. A comfy melodrama. ARC provided by Entangled Publishing, LLC, and NetGalley. Thank you. #HerSecondChanceCowboy#NetGalley

Her Second Chance Cowboy is a fantastic small-town romance between a cowboy and his former flame. This is my first time reading Makenna Lee and I already want more. She gives readers a story full of heart, family, and second chances.

Reese is a freelance photographer who is hoping to get her dream job at 'National Geographic'. She has a new assignment and it leads her back home. She has missed Cypress Creek, Texas, and can't wait to see her grandparent's old cottage. On her way to the cottage, she sees her former flame, James MacLachlan. He broke her heart and won't fall for his charming self again. But she can't help that she is still attracted to him.

James is a cowboy running his family ranch. He hopes to open an equine therapy program because that is his passion. Although he likes working with kids, he doesn't ever want to settle down with any woman. He has been scarred because of his mother's death during childbirth and can't survive the loss of another woman in his life. When he sees Reese again, he feels butterflies. This is the only woman to get under his skin and he has always had a soft spot for her.

Reese and James have a remarkable bond. They get along so easily and have undeniable chemistry. They move past their past mistakes and decide to have a summer fling. It's filled with passion and happiness. But they know it must come to an end and are hoping it will be a quick and easy break.

I loved this book so much! Makenna created two amazing characters in Reese in James. They have both protected their hearts for so long but together it is impossible to not wear their hearts on their sleeves. I loved how encouraging James was of Reese's photography. He helped her self-confidence both personally and professionally. I adored how Reese could turn the stubborn cowboy into such a romantic and softy when it came to her. The build-up to recognizing their feelings for each other is so perfect and great at captivating a reader's attention. This author also created some amazing supporting characters. James' grandparents were gems and helped Reese and James find their way back to each other.

I give Her Second Chance Cowboy 5 stars. I am from Texas and am a sucker for a charming cowboy. Makenna Lee wrote such a beautiful and charming small-town/second chance romance that is unputdownable. If you are a fan of this type of romance read, you MUST READ this book!

Thank you NetGalley, Entangled Publishing and Makenna Lee for gifting me an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!
A charming cowboy, a witty photographer, a sketchy developer, and a family secret keeps readers on their toes and turning pages until the very end. This is not your typical second-chance-romance, it’s better. Compared to other romances I have read, Makenna Lee brought her characters to life without all of the usual cheesy one-liners and cliches.
The chemistry between Reese and James is instant and steamy, but there’s nothing overly saucy in here. I truly felt like these two clicked so well and just fit, which makes rooting for their love to last that much easier. There were a few immature, drama filled moments that I didn’t love, but that didn’t stop me from being fully invested in this book!

I loved the relationship between the characters in the book. They are both to each other considered, “the one who got away”, so it is always interesting to see how the author will build on that and where it will go. There is obvious tension happening between the characters and you an easily feel to the author’s ability to really pull that out. (which I don’t usually see in novels - Makenna does a fantastic job on this!) There is a little bit of graphic content in the book - just a heads up - but it is tasteful and you feel the seriousness of their relationship in those moments, an overall great book!

3.5 Battling And Winning Stars
In this corner, we have Reese Turner, a photographer on assignment back in Cypress Creek, Texas where her grandparents lived. She visited summers and also had a high school experience and young love. Things happened, causing her heart to hurt. Then her parents had her move away from the area. She is back wanting to buy back her grandparents’ cottage while she is doing this assignment thinking it would be perfect for her future.

In the other corner, James MacLachlan, now a wealthy cowboy/ ranch owner, has learned his own lesson of life. His father was deeply in love with his wife and when he lost her, he never recovered. The lesson was not to love deeply, it hurt too much, not to trust. He even felt the pain of a lost high school love.

This the set up of these two meeting many years later, working out a past young love, figuring out what is important, and uncovering all the past family mysteries.

The plot of this is a simple HEA that doesn't really have much drama, darkness, or tears. It's a second chance for high school sweet hearts to find if they actually are meant to be.
It's light and fluffy and easy to read. I really enjoyed that aspect of it.

Makenna Lee is a new author to me. I'm so happy, that I was given opportunity to read and review this book.
Storyline is wonderful.
Reese and James, meet again, when Reese's assignment brings her back to town from her youth.
She wants to get back something that belonged to her grandparents, but now James owns.

Loved it, loved it.

Her Second Chance Cowboy is a good book and a solid 3.5 stars for me. While it ran slow in a couple of places, it's set on a ranch so: win! Reese Turner and James MacLachlan dated in high school but they've both grown up and moved on with their lives. James works the family ranch and Reese is a professional photographer hoping for a big assignment. Their paths cross 11-years after their parting when Reese returns to Cypress Creek for a photo shoot.

While an enjoyable book, I cringe when characters hide things that just don't need to be hidden and Reese did this a couple of times. She was a smart woman and starting/growing a relationship by withholding information simply didn't make sense to me. She recovers but I still shook my head at her. James wasn't perfect but he was forthright, despite having a few walls up, so I give him credit for that. He's working on his dream to offer equine therapy at his ranch which also makes him a good person.

Her Second Chance Cowboy is well edited. There's a bit of mystery to keep you thinking. Supporting characters like Lila, Ana and Finn help round out the book. The intimate moments are fairly tame in my opinion so they are unlikely to offend readers who prefer to have most things left to their imagination. All in all, not a bad way to spend a few hours and it'll leave you smiling.

I thank Entangled Publishing for gifting me with a review copy of this book.

A great story that is well written. The characters are wonderful. James is a hot cowboy who is passionate about protecting the land. Reese is a photographer who is trying to get her dream job. They are high school sweethearts who are getting a chance to get back together. There are many ups and downs as they figure out where the stand. They have lots of steamy fun together. He shows some really inventive ways to be romantic with Reese. It was also fun getting to know his grandparents and watching their love. A wonderful romance.

This is a sweet second-chance romance about Reese and James. Reese has returned to Cypress Creek in hopes of buying her late grandmother's home, but once there, she learns that it was sold to her ex from high school, James. Reese is a freelance photographer working on getting her dream job with National Geographic and James runs his family ranch and helps with other properties and businesses his family owns. When they reconnect, there is an instant connection, but with their careers, lifestyle, and plans for their futures comes a ton of drama.

I am a big fan of second-chance romances and was excited to read this. Unfortunately, I felt like the book was going to go on forever (I believe it's about 400 pages). I can normally read a book in just a few hours but I read this one in bits and pieces over 2-3 days. I was rooting for Reese and James to find their happily-ever-after, but their story was just one miscommunication and immature tantrum after the other. I also struggled with the numerous sub-plots because some were overly done and others weren't developed enough.

I enjoyed the author's writing style, overall, but this one was just too long and almost tedious for me.

*Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

This is the first book that I have read by this author and I really enjoy it. From the moment I picked it up it held my interest.I enjoyed the story line and I love the characters. This book was full of romance, humor, intrigue and even some mystery. I fell in love with the town, and with the main characters Reece and James. Overall this was for sure a five star read and I look forward to seeing what else this author has to offer. Thanks Net Galley. I voluntarily reviewed this book in exchange for an honest review.

Sexy, second chance romance full of real chemistry? Yes please! The chemistry between these 2 was apparent from the very beginning.

Reese went back to her hometown to try to gain ownership of her grandparents cottage. Instead she found James, shirtless on the roof. She was admiring him with her camera when he caught her. They decided to rekindle what they'd started in high school but the past kept jumping in to remind them why it didn't work back then.

They went a few rounds not trusting each other but in the end they found a way to make it work. I sure hope there will be another book about Astrid and Finn next!

The storyline was well written and the characters were so well defined that I felt like I was standing on the sidelines watching as the story unfolded between Reese and James!

This was a sweet romance with a bit of a family mystery

James and Reese take a chance on a casual fling, with her career opportunities and his determination to never get married both standing in the way of any lasting relationship. What makes this story unique is that it's not just their undeniable chemistry or their family connections that seem to work toward bringing them together. There's a bit of folklore surrounding the land that encompasses both families, giving destiny an unexpected hand in writing their names in the stars.

As much as I loved watching these two fall in love, the second half of the book felt a little weak to me. I was hoping for a stronger connection that would bring these two to their HEA, and while they do overcome the obstacles in the end, their separation felt needless and a little too long, and I just couldn't feel the intensity of their love.

The story flows really smoothly and the characters are vibrant and memorable, and I really enjoyed the way they shared their favorite romance novel together. I'm looking forward to reading more in this series. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.