Review: Good NA story
Rating: 3 out of 5
Date: 09 26, 2013
I gave Second Chance Summer 3.5 Stars.*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.*Second Chance Summer centres around Kia and her return to Harlan Grove during summer break. Her dad abandoned her and her mum is an alcoholic so straight away Kia has insecurities, she could have stayed at home to study but she couldn't get out of there fast enough. Kia was determined not to repeat her parents mistakes and I could admire that about her. She showed courage and strength, wanting to create a different path than the one she was destined to follow.Kia of course can't avoid her summer fling, Reese, from the previous year, although it is pretty obvious to them both that their feelings last way beyond one summer. But of course Kia is reluctant to let Reese in as her mother is a shining example of what happens if you rely entirely on a man. So Kia has this independent defiance to her (and that is not a bad thing).  Kia's summer is spent trying not to give into Reese's charms, avoiding her mother and learning the truth about her father's departure.I think Emma Hart's writing was stronger in this book, it was great to see growth with the writing style. I felt the characterisation was more in depth and we got a real clear picture of who Kia was. I liked that it was set in Alabama, although the setting wasn't too heavily used, the picture of Reese as a hot Southern Stallion definitely worked. Reese could sweet talk anyone out of their panties. He really was super sweet, sure I would have liked to see a little more Alpha in him and a little less whipped but he went above and beyond for Kia and that would melt any girl's heart.The chemistry was palpable between Reese and Kia and I liked that there wasn't an abundance of smexy scenes for the sake of it. Each one had it's place and it really cemented their relationship, don't get me wrong, Reese was HOT!! but they shared some really romantic moments too.Kia and Reese's friends were great side characters, I am assuming they will get their own book in the future. Luce was a funny girl so her story would be worth a read.I really struggled trying to rate this book I was flitting between 3.5 and 4, I think elements worked well and then there were some that I felt could have been enhanced. I really believe this is a fun summer read and a lot of people will enjoy it. It is a very easy read, a few hours in the sun with a fruity cocktail and that's your day made. However for it to stay in my mind long after the cocktails and the sun has set, I was just looking for that little bit extra.I couldn't help but want more from the storyline, yes it was Kia's journey of finding who she was and where she came from in terms of the history with her parents but I felt that could have been intertwined with a main storyline of conflict with Kia and Reese rather than saving that for the next book like I presume. The book is open ended with Kia returning to college, so although Reese and Kia are in a good place in their relationship with lots of promise for the future I do worry they are going to go through some unnecessary angst for a second book before they can get their HEA.If you are a fan of Emma Hart's stories and New Adult books in general then I have no doubt you will love this story. It is an easy read that you will devour in less than a day. Kia is a likeable character, you can't help but empathise with her and Reese Pembleton will have you eating out of  the palm of his hand. ~Ava