There’s something really special about second chance stories that don’t just focus on romance, but also personal reinvention. I loved the balance of sweet moments, emotional depth, and a strong sense of place. This one felt like sunshine and healing.

This was so cute! It's a lighthearted romance that will have you giggling and kicking your feet. Would recommend for anyone who loves sharks, second chances and the sea.

I have to be honest. I decided I wanted to read this book because it had sharks in it. Not that anything about the book made me not want to read it, but a love story AND sharks? I was 100% in.

The story follows Hope as she is trying to get back into shark research, but the only way in is through a summer job on her ex-boyfriend's boat. What could possibly go wrong? Hope was a great character. I really enjoyed how Blumberg wrote her. She was relatable and funny. Her internal monologue was so entertaining to read, because I feel like she thought just like all of us at one point in our lives. Another aspect I thought Blumberg wrote really well was the relationship between Hope and Adrian. A lot of ex relationship romcoms focus on the breakdown of a relationship or the negativity of said breakups, But the Adrian and Hope relationship was written in such a way that FINALLY made it seen that sometimes things just don't work at a given time. The relationship was sweet and respectful. I loved the interactions that Blumberg created for us to see that type of relationship.

The story as a whole flowed really well and had hooked me right near the beginning. While you kind of know what to expect at the end of a romcom, the journey to get there was interesting, happy, and even sexy at times. Blumberg wrote some nice personal growth in the characters, which adds substance to the story and I just enjoyed it overall. The only thing keeping me from five-stars was the fact that you obviously knew how it was going to end. Not much to do be done about it, but a really solid, enjoyable story. I will definitely check out more from Chandra Blumberg in the future and highly recommend you do too.

Thank you to the publisher for the review copy! I just couldn't get in the mood for this one, but I do love this author!

I tend to love a second chance romance, and this one certainly fits the bill.

Hope thinks Adrian gave up on their relationship, but is willing to work with him again to get her career back on track.

Adrian thinks Hope gave up on their relationship and has no idea she’s coming to work with him.

Hope fears that committing to a relationship will lead to her losing herself and her career. She has always loved Adrian, but subconsciously pushed him away. Adrian didn’t understand these fears, but felt that he was never enough to keep her.

Of course, forced proximity works it’s magic and they both have to face their fears and make some serious choices about the future of their relationships and their careers.

I had fun with this read and liked how they were both so passionate about sharks (something I personally fear).

Disclaimer: I received an eARC for review consideration through Net Galley on behalf of the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This was very slow to me. I enjoyed the beginning but it seemed to slow down immediately and I lost all focus and desire to continue on with the story.

This was my second Chandra Blumberg novel and I loved it even more than the first, which I liked a lot. First of all, I love STEM romances. It's inspiring to follow characters with a love of science, making their way in the world. In this case, both halves of the main couple are marine biologists with a special interest in sharks. Now, I'm not the biggest fan of sharks but I have to hand it to Hope. She convinced me to give these fascinating creatures a closer look. Okay, not literally. You won't find me in any shark cages or diving with them but from a safe distance - like on land - maybe they deserve a bit more research.

I also love a second-chance romance so, of course, I was already predisposed to like this book but Blumberg crafted a story that I didn't want to put down. I became so invested in these characters, in their work, their lives, their happiness. I loved the emotional growth of both Hope and Adrian. There were issues from the end of their previous relationship that had never been addressed so, of course, I wanted to see that happen...and it did. Blumberg gave them each the opportunity to evolve individually which then opened up the chance to evolve as a couple.

If you enjoy STEM romances with forced proximity (what could be closer than a summer on a boat), cinnamon roll heroes (Adrian is so delicious but also so nerdy - I fell hard for this guy), heroines with walls around their hearts (remember that emotional growth I talked about), second-chance, closed-door romance, and happy endings (both personally and professionally), add Second Tide's the Charm to your summer reading list and prepare to be thoroughly charmed, just like I was.

Second Tides the Charm is the kind of book that feels like a mini vacation—sweet, funny, and full of heart. The second-chance romance had just the right amount of tension and swoon, and the coastal setting made me wish I was there.

The banter was sharp, the characters felt real, and I loved every moment of their journey. It had me smiling, laughing, and completely hooked from start to finish. If you’re looking for a light, romantic read that leaves you feeling happy, this one is definitely worth picking up!

dove into this book and fell in love! The tension between the characters had me giggling and kicking my feet. I love a second chance romance and this was done so well!

I do love a romance, but I think this book fell a little short for me.

There was a lot of shark information which I love. It brought a new theme to a romance book that was definitely well researched.
What I didn't end up connecting with was the characters. I think the build up and getting back together didn't flow in the book. Something felt off, whether the time line or the explaining of why they were now okay with getting back together. I really wanted to like this one more than I did.

I requested this ARC back in the early summer knowing it was on a summer reading list I complete. That said, I’m just now getting to reading the book in January. This book was entertaining and sweet. Was it predicable, of course, but that’s what a comfort read often is.
If the shark of it all is interesting, I highly recommend pairing this book with the memoir of Jasmin Graham a real life Black shark scientist.
Thanks to the publisher and Net Galley for the ebook.

Review: 4.25 stars
I really enjoyed several things about this book! For starters the Marine Biology was on point, and I did end up loving all of the characters. I did struggle with some of the character development. I do think this was a great first diverse read of 2025 and would be willing to read another book by Chandra!

Second Tide's the Charm by Chandra Blumberg is a heartwarming and engaging romance that blends second chances, personal growth, and the beauty of new beginnings. The story follows two characters who reunite after a period of separation, facing the challenges of rebuilding their relationship while navigating their own individual journeys. Blumberg's writing is warm and inviting, with well-developed characters and a compelling plot that keeps readers invested in the couple’s emotional and romantic evolution. Themes of forgiveness, healing, and rediscovering love make this book an uplifting and memorable read, perfect for fans of sweet and heartfelt romance.

I grew up on the ocean so I’m no stranger to sharks. This book was slow to get going but the characters are nice.

This was a fun and quirky love story filled with hilarious mishaps, witty banter, and swoon-worthy moments. It takes the reader on an adventure into the world of shark research, blending in humor, adventure, and second chance romance.
Hope is a marine biologist and has just gotten the perfect opportunity to spend the summer on a shark research boat. But the clincher is that the boat is owned by her ex-boyfriend, Adrian. She has never gotten over him and has done her best to avoid him since their break-up, but now that they'll be working side-by-side together on something they both love, she doesn't think her heart will survive. But maybe, this will be her chance to get closure once and for all.
Adrian has never gotten over Hope. He's been quite successful in the launch of his YouTube channel educating viewers about sharks, but there has always been something missing. He still loves Hope and is afraid this current situation will just result in more heartbreak. Neither can deny how strong their chemistry is, and their shared passion for marine life adds a unique dimension to their connection.
The story is well-written and caught my interest from the beginning. I enjoyed the author’s vivid descriptions of the oceanic setting and the fascinating details about shark conservation added richness to the story, making it as informative as it is entertaining.
An entertaining and enjoyable read!
I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.

Unfortunately i did not enjoy reading this book. The writing style was just not for it. I couldn't care less about these characters as hard as i tried. Their back and forth about their breakup gave me a whiplash. On top of that these two did not even have one drop of chemistry.

Overall the story felt boring and repetitive.

Thanks to Harlequin Trade Publishing | Canary Street Press and NetGalley for the ARC!

This book was cute. A positive 2nd chance romance about the that got away. The pacing was good and even though it was a closed door romance I still enjoyed my reading.

Thank you to Netgalley for a review copy.

I think this is by far my favorite book by Chandra. Hope and Adrian's relationship is perfect. The way they talk through their issues they previously had in their relationship means they've both grown as people. I like that throughout the course of the book you see how they complement each others' personalities. I also appreciate that their family members want them together. I like that the author also puts in a theme of conservation and research/science being important. It's nice to see themes of STEM without it being computer science.

Not bad. Not bad.Not bad. Not bad. Not bad.Not bad. Not bad. Not bad. Not bad. Not bad. Not bad. Not bad. Not bad. Not bad. Not bad. Not bad.Not bad. Not bad. Not bad.Not bad. Not bad. Not bad. Not bad. Not bad. Not bad. Not bad. Not bad. Not bad. Not bad. Not bad.Not bad. Not bad. Not bad.Not bad. Not bad. Not bad. Not bad. Not bad. Not bad. Not bad. Not bad. Not bad.

This was such a fun time! What a fun and easy read, I picked it for the cover (ABSOLUTELY ADORABLE) and stayed for the dynamic between the main characters