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book cover for Max Bauer's Second Chance

Max Bauer's Second Chance

A Penrose Beach Romcom, Book 1 (Closed-Door)

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Book 1 of Penrose Beach

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Pub Date Jun 26 2026 | Archive Date Jul 13 2026


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Description

Max Bauer’s Second Chance is a closed-door, secret identity rom-com.

Tropes: 

  • Second Chance 
  • Billionaire
  • Secret Identity
  • Found family
  • Small town
  • Fish out of water
  • Closed-door, kisses only romcom


A billionaire hiding from his future. A café owner rebuilding her life. One small beach town is about to change everything.

Max Bauer has a decision to make: agree to the marriage arrangement his father demands or finally choose a future for himself. The last thing he expects is to feel at home in Penrose Beach—or to fall for the guarded café owner who gives him a ride into town after his car breaks down.

Avery Parker didn’t move to the beach looking for love. She came for a fresh start. But somewhere between apartment renovations, town events, and late-night conversations, Max starts feeling less like a temporary visitor…and more like home.

There’s just one problem: Max’s real life is still waiting for him in New York. And Avery already knows what it feels like to come second to someone else’s plans.

Max Bauer’s Second Chance is a closed-door, secret identity rom-com.

Tropes: 

  • Second Chance 
  • Billionaire
  • Secret Identity
  • Found family
  • Small town
  • Fish out of water
  • Closed-door, kisses only romcom


A billionaire...


Available Editions

EDITION Ebook
ISBN 9519621478812
PRICE $4.99 (USD)
PAGES 314

Available on NetGalley

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Average rating from 50 members


Featured Reviews

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This is a clean romance.

Max suddenly decides to get out of town and goes silent from his job. He’s been working 80-120 hours a week and his dad is trying to force him into an arranged marriage. He needs a break from all the stress and ends up in Penrose Beach, where his friend used to visit when he was younger and loved the town. His car runs out of gas and Avery is driving home with her niece and picks him up as he’s walking to the gas station. He’s hiding he’s billionaire as he wants people to know him, not his money. Could a relationship work between them? What happens if or when she finds out?

This was a really good story. I found myself laughing at places. I was rooting for Max to defy his father and to have a relationship with Avery. I liked the town and appreciated the side characters. I ended up staying up past my bedtime to finish reading. Try it, you might stay up later than expected as well.

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What a fun story, I loved reading Max and Avery’s fun, delightful story. Their meet-cute is hilarious and epic, her niece, Lila, is with her and she is such a witty teen. I loved the storyline, she is a coffee shop owner, who wasn’t sure how to market her business, he is a billionaire but doesn’t use his name because he doesn’t want to be treated differently. He is kind to everyone, steps in to help and is generous with his time. I loved the banter, how Max stood up to his controlling father, the sweet romance, and the characters. All around great story that I highly recommend.

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