The Magic of Second-Chance Romance

What if the love you lost walked back into your life?

There’s something about second-chance romances that makes my heart swoon every time. Like Doug the dog, who is distracted by squirrels, when I see second-chance as a trope, I screech to a halt to learn more.

I think my fondness for the trope is the idea of one-true love that’s meant to be. Like destiny. Nothing can keep them apart forever.

I love the angst of emotion when the couple is back in same orbit, yearning for each other but not able to express their true feelings. And then finally it comes…they confess their true feelings. Swoon.

I’m not alone. Many readers love second chance romances. Why?

• The ache of unfinished business.
  We’ve all wondered about the one who got away. Did they think of us? Would things have been different if life hadn’t gotten in the way? That “what if” is endlessly compelling on the page.
• The tension of old wounds + undeniable sparks.
  When two characters reunite, they bring with them history, regrets, and usually a little stubbornness. That push and pull of hurt feelings clashing with chemistry creates delicious tension. I love this!
• The ultimate healing arc.
  There’s nothing more satisfying than watching characters forgive, grow, and finally choose each other again.
• Finding one true love
  Who doesn’t love the idea of a destined love? For me, this is what I love most. Two people. One true love.

Looking for some good second chance romances?

Here are a few of my favorites…plus one I wrote.

Persuasion by Jane Austen: This was the book that helped solidify my love of second-chance romances. Jane Austen’s last finished work is filled with angst and yearning as Anne navigates the return of Captain Wentworth, who’d she’d broken off her engagement with eight years earlier. Wentworth’s letter at the end of the book is the all-time greatest angsty love letter. “You pierce my soul…” “I’m half-agony, half-hope…” Swoon!

Prefer to see the  movie? Skip the Netflix version with Dakota Johnson. It completely misses the mark. My favorite is the 1995 version of Persuasion. It captures the spirit and essence of the story.

The Happy Place by Emily Henry: This was an odd premise. Why would a broken-up couple go on a trip with friends pretending to still be together? I’m not always a fan of dual timelines either. But this story shows how they came together, fell apart, and then come together again even stronger than before.

Face the Fire by Nora Roberts: This is book three in the Three Sisters Island Trilogy. Mia and Sam had a magical love until Sam walked away. Years later, Sam returns to take over the family business and reclaim Mia. But Mia has no intention of giving him her heart again. Like many Nora books, there’s drama and angst and suspense. If you like a little woo-woo there’s also a curse. 

Meant to Be by Jenna Harte (yours truly): This is my homage to Persuasion, but set in a modern-day small southern town. Mitch has sworn off love after the woman of his dreams left him to follow the path her parents set for her. Sydney always regretted leaving Mitch, and after a near-death experience, she seeks Mitch out to rekindle what they lost. Of course, Mitch isn’t interested. But when Sydney’s life is threatened again, the small-town detective doesn’t hesitate to protect her. In close proximity, Mitch’s walls start to tumble. But can they work through their resentments and misunderstandings and find their love again before it’s too late?

What About You?

Do you love second-chance romances as much as I do? What’s your favorite book, movie, or TV show where two characters find their way back to each other? Drop it in the comments. I’d love to add more to my list.

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