OH MY GOODNESS!!

Second Tide's the Charm was such a cute and super sweet second chance romance. I loved how honest Hope and Adrian were with themselves about how they each felt about the other person and the fears they had about the other person. They definitely had a lot of thoughts, feelings and concerns about the other person including doubts. And I love that they took the time to process those thoughts to sort it out.

Now, the way they went through this process was a mess. It was funny, intriguing and also, it was sweet. It was beautiful to watch these two navigate the waters of life, love and science. I enjoyed it. I cried, laughed and rooted for them.

*Sigh* So sweet.

** Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC **

This was the most cutest, fluffiest romance that I've ever read. I really don't read enough of second chance, love lost found again tropes in the genre romance but I really did enjoy reading this. I also did enjoy learning and reading about sharks. I will admit, I had a difficult time connecting with the MMC & FMC in the beginning but later on, I finally did connected with them.

To anyone who enjoys reading fluffy contemporary romances with a HEA, I truly recommended this book.

Second Tide’s the Charm by Chandra Blumberg is a delightful second‑chance romance between two marine biologists reunited aboard a shark research boat. The chemistry between Hope and Adrian is electric, full of banter and deep emotional beats—and the STEM backdrop adds refreshing nerdy depth. Readers describe it as "feel‑good" and "full of heart," perfect for fans of Ali Hazelwood–style romance or anyone who wants a light, uplifting read with real emotional growth

I’m always looking for and wanting to support more Black romance, and the marine setting sounded like it’d be a lot of fun, but I just couldn’t get into the book.

Cute. Second chance romance. Bipoc characters. Hippie author. Love a good marine biologist romance. They are sure cute

I love that this story had marine biologists, which I feel like aren't seen often in romance novels. It made for a fun, fresh new spin on the typical romance novel. Overall, the story could have use more development as I feel like some things felt disjointed, but I definitely found the concept fun and unique!

thank you so much to netgalley & the publisher for the arc in exchange for an honest review

i really really wanted to love this one. the idea was something new to me in romance books (marine biologists), and the cover and title instantly drew me in. unfortunately, it was a bit of a drag for me because i didn’t really connect with their relationship. i did love the STEM aspect of it though, i could feel the mc’s passion for their jobs through the pages, which was really cool.

A very sweet closed door romance with a woman in STEM element. I liked the dynamic between these characters and enjoyed my time in their story.

A budding second chance, enemies to lovers romance between two marine biologists. Hope lands a dream internship studying sharks, but it just so happens that her ex-boyfriend, Adrian, owns the boat where she will be spending most of her time. There m was plenty of banter, some great laugh out loud moments and a touch of spice too. I do appreciate when authors insert some of their interests or other careers in their works, but this was a bit heavy on the marine biology for me (although one who lives by the ocean or has an interest in it would absolutely love this romance). The way they were able to overcome their past and reach a HEA was pretty cute.

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.