A second chance romance with sharks! Hope and Adrian had a relationship until they didn't and now Hope is doing research on his research boat. It's a slow burn one, with surprisingly few sparks for this trope. That said, I enjoyed reading a romance where both characters are scientists and, well, the sharks. Thanks to netgalley for the ARC. Good summer read.

♡𝐞𝐀𝐫𝐜 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰♡
4 🌟
-
𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬 :
•second chance romance
•sharks 🦈 &| science
•forced proximity
•black love
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Now, this is what I want to see when it comes to black romance with a second chance trope. I get tired of seeing the second chance romance where someone steps outside the relationship, blah, blah, blah, that gets extremely OLD! Second Tide's the Charm is a hilarious, cute second chance romance that involves sharks 🦈 . Highly recommend if you want a cozy romance read.

𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 Aug.6

Thank you, Netgalley, and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the eBook for my honest review.

Science nerds, ocean settings, second chance romance. I loved the premise but the execution was not there for me. Unfortunately, the formatting errors and lack of editing for the ARC I received didn't help but I found the writing stilted and just not a very interesting plotline. It felt repetitive and lacking in dramatic tension. Maybe this would have been a better fit as YA novel but it just felt like alternating long-winded inner monologues of two emotionally immature people with a beautiful backdrop and setting. I really wanted to and tried to like this but it did not hold my interest. Thank you to NetGalley and publisher for this ARC.

Book Review
Second Tides the Charm by Chandra Blumberg

Tropes
Second chance romance
Forced proximity
Sharks and boats
Personal growth journey
Third act break up

FMC-Marine biologist
MMC-influencer and dr

Thoughts
✅Light easy reading but characters lacked depth- not always required in a romance but I found it difficult to become invested in the MCs
✅Slow burn- sexual tension was lacking, and while Closed door romance is fine, I didnt feel the spark between these MCs

Overall
An ok read

Thanks to @netgalley and @htp for my digital ARC in return for an honest review. Opinions expressed are my own.

This is the epitome of a second chance romance. The longing! The denial of feelings! The mutual pining! Ugh, so good. The spice is all closed door, but the chemistry is undeniable. A quick, fun read.

I can't wait to share this book with friends as an avid shark lover. This book was so fun, and a sweet second chance romance for Adrian and Hope. I really enjoyed their story, and all the fun shark facts I learned!

I really enjoyed this second-chance STEM romance! I loved Hope and Adrian's passion for their field and for making it more accessible. I also found it really easy to buy into their second chance since their reason for breaking up in the first place seemed a little flimsy. I'd absolutely read more from Blumberg!

My thanks for the ARC goes to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing, Canary Street Press. I'm voluntarily leaving a review.

Genre: Contemporary Romance
Spice Level: No sex on page, but the characters remember some intimate details, and lots of sizzling attraction
Language: A few instances of profanity
Representation: Black characters
Tropes: Second chance romance, opposites attract, long distance

*SECOND TIDE'S THE CHARM* is a delightful romance with sharks. I loved the positive Black representation!

This book warms my heart. It feeds my inner-nerd for ocean, shark facts AND a fun couple to enjoy. I could get behind and root for the characters—and not just the main characters; the secondary characters are fun and funny. I also enjoyed the puns that start with the title.

Love interests talking through their problems is on my favorite list of features in a romance—communication worked well in this book because the love interest couple needed to hash out why they separated the first time, and they needed to solve problems of how they might be able to get together again with career paths, doctorate programs, etc. Romances now have a self-awareness of the genre and expectations, which includes characters talking about things like a "grand gesture." I like this aspect because it makes the world more realistic.

There's no one really trying to keep these characters apart—it's really an internal dilemma. This works for me because most of the time, we don't have a villain working against our relationships.

I hope you love this one like I did!

Happy (fishing for swoony romance) reading!

DNF at 51%. When I read the summary for Second Tide's the Charm, I was immediately intrigued by the shark plotline. Unfortunately, I didn't feel motivated to finish the story. I didn't fully connect with the main characters. I didn't feel the chemistry between Adrian and Hope. By the 50% mark, I was over the back and forth between Adrian and Hope. For how old the characters were, they read a lot younger. I just couldn't push on and continue the story. I did like the shark bits and video recording aspect of the story. Thank you to NetGalley and Canary Street Press for the ARC.

This novel is all about second chances and growth. It was a second chance for both Adrian and Hope as in their relationship, but it was also a second chance for Hope in her career. Throughout this story we witnessed the growth between these two as they battled with their insecurities when it came to being in front of the camera, and dealing with imposter syndrome. Hope dealt with her past trauma and make sure how it didn't affect her relationship and life moving forward.

Adrian also had to face his wrong doing and we saw his growth throughout the story. The side characters were adorable. Learning so much about sharks was so fun! Also the angst in this book! AHH!! This is also a slow burn and closed door.

Thanks to Net Galley for and ARC copy in exchange for an honest review as always, all words are my own.

Second Tide's the Charm offers a compelling blend of romance and marine biology, set against the backdrop of shark research. The novel follows Hope, a marine biologist who finds herself in a precarious situation when she takes a summer job on a research boat owned by her ex-boyfriend.
The author skillfully weaves together themes of second chances, career ambitions, and personal growth. The oceanographic setting provides a unique and engaging backdrop for the story, while the focus on shark research and conservation adds depth and educational value to the narrative.
The central conflict revolves around Hope and Adrian's unresolved feelings and shared history, creating tension and anticipation as they navigate close quarters and professional challenges. Adrian's journey from heartbreak to YouTube stardom adds an interesting modern twist to the tale.
With its mix of scientific intrigue and emotional depth, this novel should appeal to readers who enjoy contemporary romance with substance. The author's use of marine biology metaphors to describe the characters' emotional journey is particularly effective, making for a read that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.
Overall, this book promises to be an engaging summer read, perfect for those who enjoy stories of love, personal growth, and second chances, especially when set against an unusual and fascinating backdrop.

Thank you to Harlequin Trading & NetGalley for an ARC of this book, in exchange for my honest opinion.

The premise of this book immediately drew me in. Sharks and a love story?? I was so excited. Unfortunately the only enjoyable parts of this story were the shark facts.

Adrian & Hope had absolutely ZERO chemistry, I mean they weren’t even suited to be friends, let alone “lovers”. Their “romance” is referred to in small flashback sentences when we learn they broke up, and when they start working together they go back and forth between totally ignoring each other, or giving each other awkward kisses, then completely acting like it didn’t happen. Not to mention these are not teenagers acting this way; they are full grown adults acting like this.

I just don’t know y’all… it was weird, they were weird, the plot line was weird.

It was a constant back and forth of let’s get back together, NO lets be friends, leave me alone!, wait I want to kiss you, now I need space, I miss you, want to hunker down together for a hurricane?, give me more space, hiii I’m back wanna try again?

The book HAD potential, sadly it was a full flop for me. It was a tedious read to get through, that was full of consistently rhetorical conservations and events. Ended the book with a giant headache. Do not recommend, wish I had DNF to save my sanity!

I happen to have a shark phobia. A legit one- I'm not just in theory scared of sharks. But I knew nothing going into this romance novel and was extremely perturbed to find out immediately that this book is not just a second chance romance on the sea... but entirely centered on two scientists who study sharks. Well fooey. Luckily for me, it did not trigger my phobia in the slightest. In fact I found it charming and sweet. This was not my favorite book this year, but it is sweet and the characters are real and try hard to communicate- they are just not very good at it in the past of the book, nor necessarily during the plot either. Three and a half stars, but rounding up because I too would like to eat seafood and watch the sunrise on the beach- just maybe without the sharks. It has some decent things to say about the uses, and dangers, of social media, too- which was nice to read in contemporary fiction. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for this unbiased opinion.

Second Tide's the Charm" by Chandra Blumberg is a thrilling adventure through the depths of marine biology and the heart. Set against the backdrop of a high-profile shark research expedition, this novel plunges readers into the lives of marine biologists Hope Evans and Adrian Hollis-Parker, whose reunion sparks sparks fly amidst the waves.

Blumberg crafts a tale of love, forgiveness, and ambition with characters who leap off the page. Hope, focused on her career and determined to keep her distance from Adrian, unexpectedly finds herself back on his research boat. Adrian, now a celebrated shark expert, grapples with both professional success and his lingering feelings for Hope.

The chemistry between Hope and Adrian is electric, fueled by their shared passion for marine conservation and the thrilling backdrop of their work at sea. As they confront their past and navigate the challenges of working together, readers are treated to a slow burn romance that's as heartwarming as it is captivating.

What truly sets "Second Tide's the Charm" apart is its immersive depiction of marine biology, seamlessly woven into the narrative. Blumberg's vivid descriptions of life aboard a research vessel and the intricacies of shark behavior add depth and excitement, making every page turn a joy.

This was honestly the cutest love story that I've read in a while. A second-chance romance that gives the word "yearning" a whole new meaning. 

Both Hope and Adrian are not over each other. And it's evident from page one. This is my favorite kind of second-chance. Because instead of having to fall back in love, they just have to figure out how to navigate pride, fear of rejection, and past hurts. 

Interjected with some pretty humorous moments along with some sweet loving scenes, Second Tide's the Charm warmed my heart and made me fall in love with this amazing couple. 

Second Tide's the Charm releases August 6th.

SECOND TIDE'S THE CHARM by Chandra Blumberg is a forthcoming second chance romance between two shark researchers! You know I love an unusual premise, and shark science communications fits the bill.

This is not a miscommunication trope, because "mis" implies that there is any at all. Hope and Adrian used to date, we're even talking about moving in with each other, but now it's been three years since the last time they talked. They didn't even break up! Just...drifted apart, like two unmoored boats. (Boat and ocean puns and jokes abound, which is great because I love a good dad joke.) But now she needs a job and is going to be working on his boat (surprise) while filming for his YouTube series (surprise again!)

A lot of the story IS about learning to communicate, which is kind of funny, since the whole point of the YouTube channel is SciCom about sharks. It's also a reminder that you don't have to pick between love and ambition, because the right person will help you move up and forward, not hold you back. And also cheerfully listen to all of your facts about your niche interest, lol.

Sadly I didn't enjoy this as much as I was hoping I would , which is sad because I usually like reading second chance romances but this one there was just something about that made it impossible for me to enjoy,

I personally did not love this book. However, I would recommend this for people for who enjoy second chance romance, nautical settings, and sharks!
Hope and Adrian have been broken up for 3 years and now they're forced to work together. There is pining, there is angst, and the tension is palpable. This is very much a slow burn so if that's your jam, you'll love it.

An excellent summer romance set main in a caroline beach town. Two Shark researchers broke up three years ago. They have not talked since the breakup, but if Hope wants back into shark research world, she will have to work with Adrian for the summer. Can she handle being around her ex all summer?

It is an engaging story with a well developed characters. I was immidiately drawn in from the first page. Also I like the positive diction of sharks as there usually a creature that gets a bad rap and is seen as scary. I appperciate that Hope and a few other side characters were paving the way. They were showing that women could be succesful in this field. Of course women can be successful in any career they choose but I apperciate seeing it represented here.

Thanks for the ARC!!

I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

Second Tide’s the Charm by Chandra Blumberg is a dual first person-POV contemporary second-chance Black romance. When Hope is fired from her temporary job at her friend’s business, she starts looking to get back into her field of shark research. She finds a job with her friend, and Hope’s ex’s cousin, but doesn't realize the job will put her on a boat with Adrian, her ex. And she's not over him.

One of the things I really liked was that Hope and Adrian’s original relationship fell apart because they both stopped trying rather than a massive blow up or one kicking the other out. They drifted apart after Hope went to go help her friend, Zuri, after Zuri’s husband died and Hope wasn't quite ready to settle down with Adrian. The lack of closure really kept the door open for both Hope and Adrian to pursue something in the future and neither totally made peace with the situation even if both insisted nothing could happen again.

I think Adrian’s POV chapters might have been my favorite. I really related to how he moved around a lot as a kid because of his parents’ careers and his need for stability as a direct result of that. I could sense hints of possible anxiety as well. I did also really like Hope’s chapters and how she slowly opened up to Adrian about what happened while they were apart over the book.

I loved that this was a romance between shark researchers. I'm always down for a STEM romance and the marine biology angle was really fun while providing a work-related reason for all the close proximity. I wasn't expecting the social media aspect or for Adrian to be internet famous, but it didn't detract from the STEM aspects. Adrian’s videos are focused on teaching his viewers about sharks and correcting common misconceptions in a way that the layman can understand.

I would recommend this to readers of STEM romance, fans of contemporary Black romance looking for close proximity or a second-chance romance, and those looking for a romance that largely takes place on a boat.