Three Chances to Cherish was a unique take on the second chance/marriage in trouble trope.

Evie and James are estranged but not because of any dramatic circumstances, fights, or betrayals. Their estrangement is based more on both parties not truly being vulnerable with each other. Evie is keeping secrets about her past. James is wondering if Evie cares for him or if his feelings are one-sided. Neither really put themselves out there out of fear of rejection and I thought this was a realistic and unique place for a romance to start.

I liked watching these two begin to build an emotional foundation for their relationship while also uncovering more of the mystery from previous novels. While the plot was still present, I felt the focus was more character driven this time around. I liked the time Callaway devoted to developing the characters as well as building their romance. I felt the pacing was just right and worked for this couple. I liked that these two fought for each other. Plus all the emotional work really paid off in the steamy scenes! This was quite hot.

A great addition to the series!

I have to start this by saying that I adore Grace Callaway and the world she’s built- the Blackwoods being such a unique and pilar family in her universe. She’s also the Queen of writing troubled marriages on the mend in a way that feels so genuine. So this was a highly anticipated one for me, as Evie and James’s love story has been a mystery sprinkled throughout the series. No one in the family can understand the pair’s dynamic, so I was excited to experience it from their pov. This novel kicks off where the last one left, with Evie and James reuniting passionately after he rescues her from a ruthless kidnapper. But after their intense lovemaking, Evie is gone the next morning and James feels like they’re back to square one…again. But this time the tension is set to burst and James isn’t willing to look the other way anymore on their emotional distance.

I really appreciated the parallels between Evie and Pandora (her mother-in-law) in terms of how neither feel good enough for these paragon of men they end up with. As I was reading Evie I found it surprising how unequal she feels to her husband, which just brought to mind how rare this feels in historical romance. Typically the man is opining “I’m not good enough” and it brought to mind Pandora’s early struggles with Marcus in their marriage. Evie longs for her husband so much and witnessing her fear that he’ll discover her secret and love her less is constant. His political ambitions also open her up to potential scrutiny, which has always been a fear of hers in their marriage. And it’s hard to fault James for these ambitions considering he’s fighting for noble causes.

The way Grace uses James and Evie’s physical intimacy to reflect their emotional intimacy was really well done. Even before these two can be open and honest with their feelings they are having decent sex. But it isn’t until Evie finally admits her secret and is honest with James that the two are able to push past good sex to life-altering orgasms. And become more adventurous in the process. This author always brings the heat, and this book did not disappoint.

Another great entry into the Callawayverse and to this series! Evie and James were hot but still sweet and went through quite the ups and downs in this one. The Blackwood/Harrington family is always a good time, and this one was full of the family’s support and assistance. Like all books in this series, we go a bit bonkers and wild towards the end, but I dig that kind of thing and it’s something I’ve come to expect with this author. I love the addition of this love story between ghosts Thomas and Rose that is slowly being unraveled throughout the series. It’s pretty well done, and although I think we’re trying to fit a lot into the story, it kind of works here. I’m really looking forward to seeing what Owen’s story will have in store for us!

4.5/5

James saves Evie from ruin by marrying her. An ancient prophecy and enemy threaten their happiness.
Love the engaging romance and twisty plot. Nicely paced. An enjoyable read.

Thanks to the publisher for the arc.

Evie and James' marriage is in trouble. She has a secret from her past, and when she is blackmailed, she pays so James won't find out. Every time her and James get close, something happens to drive them apart again.
They have interesting chemistry together, there are lots of fun, wonderful secondary characters, a great plot twist, and lots of steamy scenes with James and Evie.
Definitely a 5-star read!
I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley, and these are my opinions.

James and Evie have had a tumultuous marriage.
He is an upright honorable gentleman and she has secrets she hides from him.
She loves him and wants to protect him.
There are mysteries to be solved and misunderstandings galore.
Plenty of heated encounters as well as fun kissable moments.
The series of the Blackwood family characters has been entertaining.
I enjoyed each from the parent’s book to each of their children’s stories.
Can be read as a standalone but knowing the characters makes it an even better read.

James & Evie have been married for a few years when the book starts...

The book is full of lots of spicy romantic scenes, ups & downs as they fight & make up & go around and around again...but finally make things work...

There is an underlying mystery throughout the book as Evie is blackmailed & has been keeping a secret, which keeps you reading.

The book is well written, fast paced & intriguing.

Thanks to the author, publisher & Netgalley for the ARC read. All opinions are my own.