Cover Image: Second Time's the Charm & Her Secret Billionaire

Second Time's the Charm & Her Secret Billionaire

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Member Reviews

I adored this book. The chemistry between Egypt and Garrett was special and instant. The book was good from beginning to end and I enjoyed reading the book.


This was a great second chance romance book. I was glad when Charm and Dylan found their way back to each other. This was another great story from Brenda Jackson and I can't wait to see what comes next.

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the miscommunication of Charm and Dillion really stressed me out. its been over ten years and they are still having a hard time moving pass their issues. However, I enjoyed meeting up with the outlaw crew. I really expected to Bart to get chewed out more but I will have to deal with it. I cant wait to see whats next

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This is the 6th book in the “Westmoreland Legacy The Outlaws Series.” This is Charm and Dylan’s second chance at romance. Charm and Dylan meet ten years ago at a music school in Alaska. Both were young and according to Bart Charm was to young to have a boyfriend. Bart forbid the two from seeing each other. They some how eluded Bart for a short time. Bart did the unthinkable and sent out text message from each of their phones saying that they each called off their affair. Now that Dylan is an award-winning guitar player and singer he is on a much-needed vacation. Charm is attending one of her friends destination wedding when she and Dylan see each other. Charm is upset that Dylan called it off between the two and Dylan is willing to let things go and start over right where they are. Charm’s plans are to seduce Dylan and make him fall in love with her and walk away from him just as he did her. Brenda Jackson has added some mystery and suspense to Charm and Dylan’s second at romance. A disgruntled musician and ex-lover were doing their best to destroy Dylan and his career. Whenever Dylan was seeing other women he always made it known to them that it was just an affair and nothing more. Even though Charm was not around Dylan’s heart always belonged to Charm. As usual Bart is front and center with sabotaging his children’s relationships and he was on the brinks of losing Charm. Charm had her sights on vindication but Dylan was also a victim in their relationship but Dylan didn’t want vindication all he want was Charm. If you’re a fan of Brenda Jackson then you know all of her books end in a happy ending but the couples go thru somethings before they get to their HEA. Not wanting to give to much away from the story line I recommend that you pick up “Second Time’s The Charm” and find out how Charm and Dylan make their way back to each other and get to their HEA.
Waiting patiently for Nadia and Jaxon’s book.

This is the 2nd book in the “Six Gems Book Series”. The six Gems is the name given to the girls by Wynter’s aunt Helaine they all met in high school. Wynter Barrington, Lyric Taylor, Asia Reynolds, Teagan Williams, Shay Davis, Egypt Cox are the of best of friends and each were left $200,000.00 each by Aunt Helaine; and Wynter was left Aunt Helaine’s estate. Egypt is a chef and used her share of the money to open her restaurant. Garrett is a sexy billionaire working in his family’s business. He meets Egypt at her restaurant when he their goes to unwind and have a drink. The two are very much attracted to each other and have great chemistry. I so loved their camaraderie at their first meeting. As Garrett is leaving Egypt’s restaurant he is mugged and sustains a head injury that leaves him in a coma with no memory except that of Egypt. Egypt feels bad about Garrett’s accident and she spends her spare time at his bedside waiting for him to awake. When Garrett finally awakes he has amnesia and his only memory is that of Egypt. Garrett remembers about the farm his grandfather left him and the foreman at the ranch who is Garrett’s best friend who deceives him about his parents. As Garrett and Egypt are getting closer bits and pieces of his memory are returning. One of Garrett’s father friends arrives at the farm where he making all sorts of improvements recognizes him and talks to him about is family. Then all of a sudden his memory is back. Egypt learns of Garrett’s memory returning and is upset that he kept it from her. These meddling parents need to stay out of their children’s lives. Garrett’s father goes to Egypt and gets in the middle of things with Garrett and Egypt. All though Garrett’s parent’s stated they had been looking for him; why wasn’t any information in the newspaper or TV about him being missing. Pick up your copy of the 2nd book in the “Six Gems Book Series” to read how Egypt and Garrett make their way back to each other. Can’t wait to read about the 3rd Gem Asia Reynolds and Blake Coleman. I hope Yahrah get a chance to write about Lyric, Shay and Teagan the remaining Gems.

I received an ARC via NetGalley HARLEQUIN - Romance (U.S. & Canada), Harlequin Desire Romance and I am leaving my review voluntarily.

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Not my favorite book in the series. I wished we would have gotten more communication between Charm and Dylan still, this was an okay read.

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This book was so good. I really wish it was longer! It had a good plot, drama, R rated scene and ect

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Second Time's a Charm
4 Stars

Brenda Jackson is on my must buy list. She always delivers a wonderful HEA. Second Time's a Charm is an enjoyable read, very satisfying. This book is two stories in one and I liked both.

Thank you, NetGalley and Harlequin Romance, for an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review.

*My digital copy (from NetGalley) wasn't available in dark mode, so I purchased a digital copy after the release date, that accommodated my light sensitivity when it was released.

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The final Outlaw, Charm, gets her story.

Teenager Charm Outlaw falls in love with Dylan Emanuel. Bart Outlaw is not having it and does what Bart does. The couple is split up thinking that each has done the other wrong.

Now ten years later the two meet again. Dylan never fell out of love with Charm. Even though he is lead to believe that Charm broke up with him he wants another chance. Charm, being Bart's daughter, wants revenge because she believes that Dylan dumped her.

Once truths are revealed will there be any possibility for a second chance for Charm and Dylan?

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Two standalone stories in one book
Definitely worth more than just a look!
Each one is a sizzling romance
And worthy of being given more than a chance!

The first is a second chance romance
Where their teen romance hadn't stood a chance.
Whilst both felt aggrieved over how it ends
There's no chance now of being friends!

However, revenge can sometimes bite you back
And the best laid plans often something lack.
With attraction still there for all to see,
And an added ex adding FBI to the mystery.

A story where intentions may have been great
But maybe meeting again is a twist of fate.
Can working together help heal them somehow
Can romance come through for them now?

In the second story there's a meal to be had
A chance meeting that leaves two strangers feeling glad.
But an attack, a coma and amnesia follow their meeting
Will lifelong romance bloom or will this just be fleeting?

As Garrett and Egypt get to know each other
Garrett still his past needs to discover.
Will the impact of finding out what's true
Help these two or mean they're through?

With deception and lies, who can he trust
And into the middle of it all, Egypt is thrust.
She's had drama in her life and been let down before
Should she follow her heart or run for the door?

Two great romances, entertaining - each a great read,
With sizzle, surprises and love- just what I need!
For my complementary copy of this book, I say thank you,
As I share with you this, my honest review.

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SECOND TIME'S THE CHARM

Good conclusion to the series. Charm is the last of the Westmoreland Outlaw siblings and the only girl. She is wealthy, beautiful, and more than a little spoiled by her father. The story opens as Charm is in Cancun for a friend's wedding. There she spots a face from her past that brings back many good and bad memories. She and Dylan had met ten years earlier and fallen in love. But Charm was sixteen to Dylan's eighteen, and her father disapproved. Despite Bart's order to stop seeing each other, Charm and Dylan continued to see each other secretly for the next two years. Then they had a traumatic/dramatic breakup and haven't seen each other since then.

After his breakup with Charm, Dylan became an internationally acclaimed jazz musician. It's been a good life, but he's been wary of trusting his heart to another woman. He's shocked to see Charm and surprised she still stirs his feelings. Though he doesn't intend to restart their relationship, he'd like the chance to clear the air and find closure.

Charm reminded me too much of her father at this point. A ruthless businessman and dictatorial father, he's only recently started to change his ways. When Dylan comes to Charm and suggests they go out, she's ready to accept - and plots her revenge for their breakup. Charm stubbornly sticks to her plans even when her friends try to talk her out of it. Her old feelings for him come back to life as she and Dylan spend time together. I liked their time together and seeing their connection deepen and grow. I loved Dylan and seeing how he embraced his renewed love for Charm. Charm continued to rub me the wrong way as her conscience and feelings for Dylan warred with that need for revenge. I wanted to shake her when she carried out her plan and ached for Dylan and his feelings of betrayal.

I had little sympathy for Charm and her misery over leaving Dylan. She brought it entirely on herself with her actions. Dylan wouldn't let her get away without an explanation this time, and he quickly showed up to confront her. The sparks flew as their hurt and anger over their past breakup boiled over, with both shocked to discover the truth behind what happened. I never could figure out how they hadn't realized the truth at the time. But this time, the damage is done by Charm, who couldn't let go of the past, and threw away what could have been a great future.

I loved Charm's confrontation with her father and her realization of how badly she'd behaved. Bart surprised me with his reaction and what he did afterward. Both Dylan and Charm must find a way to overcome the hurt and bitterness of the past if they want to have a future together. Dylan won my heart with his big moment at the end. It was sweet and romantic. I would have liked to see more repentance on Charm's part - I thought she got off relatively easily.


HER SECRET BILLIONAIRE

Good book. This is the second in the series, but there was enough backstory given that I didn't feel lost. Egypt received an unexpected inheritance a year earlier and used that money to jump-start her dream of owning her own restaurant. Flame has been open for several months and is doing well. Relationships are on the back burner after a breakup caused Egypt to distrust all men and doubt her judgment. One night a man comes into the restaurant that changes everything.

Garrett is his family business's CEO and has a ruthless reputation. As the book opens, he's arguing with his father over a piece of property left to him by his grandfather. Garrett has fond memories of the farm and his time with his grandfather. His father wants him to sell it, and Garrett refuses. Frustrated with his dad, Garrett decides to visit the farm and review the books, hoping to revitalize it. On the way, he stops by a new restaurant recommended by a friend.

I loved the first meeting between Egypt and Garrett. The sparks between them are immediately apparent, but Egypt turns down Garrett's first request for a date. Not to be deterred, Garrett sticks around until closing and asks again, and Egypt gives in. But as Garrett leaves the restaurant, he is attacked and spends two months in a coma in the hospital. Egypt is undeniably drawn to him and visits every day. She's there when he wakes up, only to discover that he can only remember her!

I ached for Garrett and the confusion he felt. A vague memory of a farm and the muscle memory of a phone number puts him in touch with the foreman of the property. This is where things go a little off the rails. Kent tells Garrett he's an orphan, raised by his grandfather, and that the farm is in trouble. He goes there when he leaves the hospital, but something feels wrong. However, he puts his mind toward saving the farm, giving him something productive to do while waiting for his memory to return.

Meanwhile, Garrett doesn't back off of his fascination with Egypt. She is initially wary of getting involved with him, but he slowly wins her over. I enjoyed watching them spend time together. Garrett is very supportive of Egypt, and his attention goes a long way toward repairing the belief in herself that her previous boyfriend had damaged. Egypt is just as supportive of Garrett as he rebuilds the farm and his life. Some terrific scenes of them together show how right they are for each other.

But as Garrett experiences a few flashes of memory, he suspects his previous self was not a nice person. I could feel the tension mount as more things started coming together for him. Unfortunately, Garrett makes a boneheaded decision that comes back to bite him when it runs up against Egypt's trust issues. Both Garrett and Egypt must decide what is important before either can open their hearts to the future they want. I liked Egypt's big moment at the end and her emotional reunion with Garrett. I also loved the "new" Garrett and seeing him stand up to his father. The epilogue was terrific. Garrett was a sweetly romantic, and his surprise for Egypt was fabulous.

I enjoyed meeting the women that make up the Six Gems. I need to go back and read the first book, as Wynter's story sounds intriguing. The epilogue contained a lead-in to the next book, and I look forward to reading it.

There was a certain amount of suspension of disbelief needed when reading this book. For a man of his prominence, and his family's resources, how did Garrett go for two-plus months without someone figuring out who he was?

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An enjoyable, albeit predictable story about second chances , truth, trust and commitment. I read Brenda Jackson's books knowing the stories are similar. The hero and heroine are at odds, either resisting their feelings or on this case revisiting a previous relationship.

They usually work out their differences and forgive each other, giving love a first or second chance. I would rate 3.5 stars

Although I received a free ARC eBook all thoughts and opinions are my own.

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Charms outlaw by Brenda Jackson
Charm Outlaw and Dylan Emanuel were young and innocent when they first met. Their love story was cut short when there was a misunderstanding that caused their break up. When Charm sees Dylan years later, she is focused on getting revenge. However, Dylan’s desire increased the more time they spent together. The question is, could Charm and Dylan address the issues from the past in order to move forward? Dylan was more mature on the surface and Charm was afraid of her rekindled feelings.

Dylan made a habit of waking Charm up with serenades and that was a sweet touch to the story. I enjoyed this second chance love story and rate if 4 stars.
***********
Her Secret Billionaire by Yahrah St. John
Egypt Cox was able to transition from her food truck to open a restaurant called “Flame”. This was thanks to aunt of one of her best friends. This was right on time for Egypt, who unfortunately had been taken advantage of by her ex-boyfriend and was left with not much of her savings. Egypt was done with relationships and poured her all into making her restaurant successful.

Thomas “Garrett” Forester came from money and was expected to take over the family business. However, he was more passionate about the farm that his grandfather left him and wanted to forge his own path toward success. Garrett decided to check out a new restaurant on the way to an appointment. The food was delicious and he noticed Egypt right away. They were instantly attracted to each other. Garrett noticed a brightness that shined around Egypt. She thought he was tall, dark and handsome. Garrett was persistent and the pair made plans for a date. Unfortunately, Garrett suffered a head injury and developed amnesia.

I like how Egypt was caring and passionate. She didn’t leave Garrett’s side so he knew he could trust her. Garrett remembers his attraction to Egypt and their passion for each other. He also remembers a person connected to his grandfather, who, out of fear, lied about Garrett’s connection to his past. I give this book a 3 star rating.

There was a plot flaw that I couldn’t get past surrounding Garrett’s amnesia, including the timeline of certain events. Being able to reconcile this would have made the book more enjoyable. I gave the book.a rating of 3 stars.

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Second Time's the Charm
I really haven't read enough books by Brenda Jackson and I was excited when I saw this book was available.

The story pulled me in right from the beginning. Charm and Dylan's story was so good. It was a second chance romance, as the title eludes. You learn early on about the miscommunication that broke them up but you don't have all the details and they both believe something different happened. There was a few moments of fake dating which was also nice. From the moment they kissed, you could really feel the chemistry between them.

Charm's plan frustrated me. I was rooting for Dylan the entire book. I wasn't familiar with all the side characters in the book (and hope to eventually read more about them) but Charm's father clearly was a mean old bear.

I was so happy when Charm and Dylan got to their happily ever after. The book was such a good read.

Her Secret Billionaire
I read the first book in the Six Gems series and was excited for this one.

Sparks flew between Egypt and Garrett the moment they laid eyes on each other. Then he is attacked and wakes up with amnesia. Even with all that, the chemistry between the two of them was still crazy. That was the one constant, their attraction to each other. They started to build a life together while he still didn't have his memory. Of course things were bound to change when his memory came back. It was a mess, but they found their way back to each other.

I really enjoyed this story. There were a few characters I wanted to reach in the book and strangle. I still feel like Garrett should have throat punched two people in particular.

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Charm Outlaw is the only daughter of Billionaire Bart Outlaw. As her brothers have all found love and have started families, she's still caught up with her first love at sixteen and the only man she ever loved. Dylan was once the scholarship student but now he's rich and famous.
Both have hard feelings about each other since they both believe the other responsible for the breakup of their relationship. Yet when they connect at a resort where Dylan is vacationing and Charm is a bridesmaid, Dylan decides to let bygones be bygones and reconnect with Charm. Charm on the other hand is happy to connect with Dylan but determined to use this opportunity to avenge herself on how he broke up with her.
Not my most favorite book since I thought Charm was so manipulative and vindictive and Dylan despite having suffered the same devastation seems to be willing to work past it an find true love.
Her Secret Billionaire is a short story that doesn't hold too much water if you start dissecting all the anomalies in the story but it's a cute romance and the Gems as Egypt's friends call themselves are adorable.

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Second Times the Charm is a great read and the addition of Her Secret Billionaire is a nice addition. the first is a great addition to the series and I highly recommend this book.
I received a copy from NetGalley and am leaving an honest review.

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Her Secret Billionaire
This book was charming. Garrett was very rich and was argueing with his father about selling his grandfathr's farm. He wa not in a good mood, so he stopped at a new restaurant to eat. The food is very good, but when he sees the chef, he is smitten. He asks her out and she said no. He sticks around and tries again and she said ok. He left and got mugged in her parking lot. She is horrified and goes to the hospital to see him. He doesn't wake up for 2 months and then doesn't know who he is. He knows her name and his first name, but that's it. He remembers a farm and calls that number and the forman answers and then comes to see him. This is where it gets very tangled. His forman tells him one thing and it isn't ringing quite right. For quite awhile, that's all he has to go on. Then someone comes to the farm that knows him and tells him what his real name is. He finally remembers everything and calls his parents who have thought he is dead these last months. Now, he and Egypt (the chef) have gotten very close and she thinks it's for his own good to let him go. His father has a part of that thinking, but Garrett is not going to let that stop him. The story is very entertaining. He forgives the forman and eventually his dad will see things his way. Egypt's story is very interesting too. She has been left some money and was able to start her restaurant. She's a hard worker and has support from her friends (the Gems). I think there will be more stories about these women.

Second Time's the Charm
This story was also very good. Charm Outlaw was wealthy and had lots of brothers. Her mother was not married to her father, but her father kept trying. When she was 16, she fell for Dylan, who was a couple years older and a budding musician. Her father wasn't having it and told them they couldn't see each other anymore. They snuck around for 2 years and then she broke up with him and he broke up with her. 10 years later, they see each other again and start a relationship again.. She helped him when an old sort of girlfriend was going to frame him with cocaine. She also was planning to get him to care about him again and then dump him. What neither new was her father had caused the initial breakup. Whoa, was she mad when they figured that out. Both of them had some soul searching to do to get their HEA

I got these books from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review

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Second Times the Charm
Ten years after her last encounter with Dylan Charm plots revenge. When circumstances forces them together she uses this to enact her revenge.
This was just an ok read. It has a lot of miscommunication.
I appreciated the play on her name in book title.

Her Secret Billionaire
Billionaire Garrett is left with amnesia after an altercation. His only memory involves Egypt.
This was a decent read.
It's very far fetched in this day and age of technology, though.

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Meh. Really not a fan of the revenge plot of this one--I wasn't a fan when she came up with it (her friends tried to steer her right and she just wouldn't listen) and REALLY wasn't a fan when both of them went into their new "relationship" with reservations about the past but still jumped into bed together without having a conversation about them first. C'mon, people. You're adults. Act like it.

Rating: 2 1/2 stars / C-

If you can get past all the things that don't make sense about Garrett's amnesia (didn't he pay for his food with a credit card? They could get his name from that. If the mugging was on the news, why didn't his assistant--who recommended the restaurant to him--see it and put two and two together? If his parents were looking for him, why didn't they check with the police and hospitals for John Does involved in accidents, etc? I could go on, but you get the gist) then I guess it was...ok? But that's a bit too much suspension of logic for me to deal with here.

Rating: 2 1/2 stars / C-

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

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Well, fans, here we are. The sixth story of the Westmoreland Legacy: The Outlaws Series. It’s Charm’s story, and Brenda Jackson followers have been waiting for the only daughter of Bart Outlaw to find her soul mate just like her five brothers, Garth, Cash, Sloan, Jessup, and Maverick. The Outlaw family stories have been an extra treat to read as we got to know another branch of the Westmoreland family.
The story opens with Charm being greeted at the bachelorette party of one of her college housemates, Lacey Kilgore, at the site of Lacey’s destination wedding venue in Cancun. Charm is enjoying being with her girls again when one of the women brings up the name of Charm’s old flame, Dylan. For Charm, bringing up his name conjures up some very unpleasant memories, that have to do with how their affair ended. No spoilers, here fans. You’ll get it when you read the story. I love the scene where they have a “Come-to-Jesus” moment that ultimately leads them to the same conclusion that ten years ago, they were played! You’ve got to read it for yourself to get the all the tea!
The Epilogue is everything! THE SECOND TIME’S THE CHARM is an entertaining and totally satisfying read. It has everything a red-hot romance story should have, and I recommend it for your reading pleasure.

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Second Times the Charm is a great addition to the Outlaw/Westmoreland series of books. Charm and Dylan's story keeps you guessing as outside forces work to mess with Charm and Dylan's lives. I highly recommend this book.

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We get two stories in one book. We first get to read Brenda Jackson's story about second chances. We meet Charm and Dylan when they meet again ten years later while on vacation. Old hurts and misunderstandings keeps the two of them from getting past their past. But the past still manages to catch up to them. Will they be able to get past it and somehow forge a future together? Or, will a plan of revenge ruin it all?

Yahrah St. John brings us the story of Egypt and Garrett. We meet them when Garrett decides to try out the new restaurant before heading to his grandfather's farm. After securing a date with chef Egypt, he gets carjacked and hit over the head leading to amnesia. With only Egypt knowing his name, Garrett must figure out who he was and who he wants to be. Will Egypt and Garrett be able to create a future for themselves or will their past get in their way?

These two authors brings us stories of second chances and how our past dictates our present and perhaps even our future. They show how we react can alter our future and how we need to make peace with our past so we can move on to better things. In each story, you want to see how these characters react to each other and how their decisions dictate their actions. Will they all get to the point where love wins all, or will they lose out on something that could have been great?

I received and read an advanced copy of this book. I would like to thank NetGalley and HARLEQUIN - Romance (U.S. & Canada), Harlequin Desire for this privilege.

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