Lights. Camera. Romance.
Jessica Quillen, veterinarian for the charitable K-9 Angelz program, didn’t mean to stumble into the middle of a New York movie shoot. She just wanted to rescue the stray dog she’d been chasing. Instead, she’s playing catch-up with her ex-fiancé—and the screen’s hottest action hero, Hugh Baker. The only man she ever loved. The dream that disappeared. The heartthrob who’s … heartthrob who’s now hoping for a “take two.”
Seeing Jessica triggers emotions Hugh has tried to forget. Abandoned by his mother to foster care, he still struggles to feel worthy of love and to open his heart to a woman. His biggest mistake was not trusting Jessica. It was his fault she left. All he wants now is to make up for lost time. But he has to prove that she can trust him.
Though the sparks still smolder, he’s still Hollywood—a world far away from Jessica’s. Now it’s up to her to give their love story a happily ever after.
more
I adore a good second chance story so I gobbled this one up! Hugh and Jessica are great together and their second chance touched my heart. When they were engaged when they were younger Jessica knew Hugh was destined to make it big one day. She just couldn’t see herself in the spotlight he so desperately yearned for. Now years later he’s a big a-list celebrity and she’s content in her role as a hardworking small town veterinarian. When they are reunited it is clear the spark between them is still there. Is now their time or will his fame still keep them apart? I highly recommend this one.
Heartache, heat, and happiness; Nancy Herkness brings them all!
What starts as a fated reunion quickly moved to a blazing affair for the dashing movie star High Baker and his ex-fiance Veterinarian Jessica Quillen.
Old fears come back to haunt them when her life needs her and his life shadows their relationship in ways she forgot could happen.
I love the way Nancy immersed High into Jessica’s world. And how valiantly Jess melded herself into his to prove to him that she could. It takes a near tragedy for him to open his heart completely.
Nancy Herkness is one of my favorite authors because of all of the heart she pours into stories like this one.
Nancy Herkness does it again. Fast-paced, emotional, plenty of conflict, fiery, and sweet.
In a collision of the past with the future, Jessica and Hugh literally collide into each other in a New York City back alley, after a broken engagement eight years prior. For both, the love never faded. But the hurdles that broke them up in the first place still remain. With careers set and wisdom gained, Herkness shows us the true meaning of finding a second chance, in an emotional and redemptive journey that stems from maturity and experience and the not-so-subtle prodding from best friends and family, can Jessica and Hugh finally face the past, be honest with each other, and move on to a happily-ever-after?
“Second Act” is a wonderful glimpse into the worlds of a wealthy and revered actor and a pillar of the community veterinarian who both exude passion, hide their insecurities, and find in each other a balm for both. Added to the core story, we revisit old friends from the Second Glances series, as well as the Wager of Hearts series. We get a chance to “snuggle” with dogs and cats who all have their own personalities, and watch Diego, the star neighborhood kid, grow into an incredible young man. I will miss Diego (maybe someday the grown-up Diego can have his own story) and this series.
Sad to see the Second Glances series come to an end.
Eight years ago, Jessica Quillen and Hugh Baker were engaged to be married, but her insecurities and his painful memories drove them apart. Hugh is now a celebrated movie star and Jess is a beloved vet in South Harlem where she is in charge of the George Washington After-School care center. For disadvantaged kids from eight to thirteen, it gives them the opportunity to access computers for homework, a safe place to be and good food. It is home to the K-9 Angelz program which allows the kids to adopt rescue dogs and give them a home at the center until they find a forever family. Jess is chasing a pregnant dog down the street when she collides with a human wall, only to look up and see that it’s her ex-fiancé, Hugh. He stars as Julian Best, super spy, in the movie adapted from the books by the critically acclaimed author, Gavin Miller. They are in the process of shooting his next film on location in New York. One look at each other is all it takes for old feelings, and old fears, to surface. The memory of Jess giving back the engagement ring is something that has haunted Julian and the fact that he never answered her messages nor tried to contact her deeply hurt Jessica. There’s no denying that they’ve never stopped loving one another but the pain and insecurities they feel won’t let them admit it. Each time they break through the ice that surrounds their hearts, desires flare and nothing stands between them. Those doubts arise again and neither one knows exactly where they stand. They can’t deny that the passion still burns and gives them renewed hope for a future together. The only thing holding them back is the secret that Hugh carries but refuses to share with her. These are two people who belong together, have history together and still love one another but, more importantly, have become better versions of themselves. The ending is so touching and there is magic woven into the epilogue!
4.5 stars
I must admit, I went into reading Second Act cold. In recent years, I’ve become a fan of Nancy Herkness and I know she’s guaranteed to give me a story I will like, if not love. Subsequently, when I started reading Second Act I had no idea what the story was about. I just knew the story would be a second chance romance.
The beauty of second chance romances is that generally, at least a few years have passed since the initial breakup. During that time, the couple has had the opportunity to grow and mature as individuals. They’re able to gain new insight and perspective into the relationship. If the couple is truly honest with themselves, they can see what part they played in the deterioration of the relationship.
A chance encounter brings Jessica Quillen and Hugh Baker face-to-face eight years after going their separate ways. Before the breakup, Jess was a new veterinarian and Hugh had just landed the role of a lifetime. A role which would make him a household name all around the world and richer beyond his dreams. The pressure of Hollywood with having to dress just right, act just right, attend the right parties and social gatherings, and say the right things took a toll. Not wanting to dull his star, Jess ended their engagement. While she wanted to remain friends, Hugh cut her out of his life. But not out of his heart and mind. While he is in New York, filming the latest Julian Best film, he wants to hang out and reconnect with Jess. Against her better judgment she agrees. One secret rendezvous turns into two which turns into a whole lot more. They soon realize their attraction is stronger than ever. But the pressure of Hollywood before is nothing compared to the pressure it possesses now.
Hugh is a hero who has used his tragic upbringing to propel him into superstardom, where he’s loved and adored around the world. He embodies his superspy persona in that he doesn’t allow anyone to see who he really is. Even though he was once engaged to Jess, he never fully revealed his scars. Jess is an Iowan who has an unending, unwavering dedication to her clients. She isn’t a person who is impressed with wealth and privilege. She loves what she does, even if she works long hours, isn’t paid very well, and sometimes doesn’t get paid at all. While running her vet clinic keeps her busy, she still finds time to work with the Carver Center and its K-9 Angelz program. The Carver Center is an after-school facility that caters to disadvantaged children in a South Harlem neighborhood. The K-9 program allows the kids who normally wouldn’t be able to have a dog get one from a shelter and care for it at the center.
Hugh and Jess are two people who show what time, distance, and perspective can do for a relationship. They’ve learned from the past. Hugh has scars that are extremely deep. He has fears he doesn’t even know he has. Jess is a healer. She’s not a woman who wants to change Hugh. She just wants to support him anyway she can, without losing who she is. I love their dedication and love for kids and animals. But more importantly, their love for each other. They each have so many layers between them. I loved watching them together. Second Act will definitely tug at your heartstrings, there may even be a tear or two.
Second Act is the third and final book in the Second Glances series. It is a standalone read and brings back characters from The VIP Doubles Down, which is part of the Wager of Hearts series. I am so so sad to see this series end. I’ve really enjoyed getting to know the kids at the Carver Center and the dogs that are a part of the K-9 Angelz program. I really hope to see the characters of the series again one day. More importantly, I hope Dr. Ben Cavill gets a story.
**Received a copy from the publisher and reviewed voluntarily.**
I always love when a Nancy Herkness releases a new novel! She balances heat, struggle, pain and heart so very well and by far my favorite part of her writing is her attention to detail. At times it may cause the book to go a little slowly but it adds a depth not normally found in the typical romance novel. I’m not normally a fan of the second chance romances but Nancy does it in a way that keeps my interest and attention. My only complaint is I get so into the books I fly through them and realize I need to read them again to see what I might have missed. Haha!
Jess the veterinarian and Hugh the A-list celebrity. Once engaged but for years estranged. Can they reclaim what they once had now that they have diametrically opposed career choices/lifestyles? Does love truly solve all problems? I guess you’ll have to read to find out! Enjoy!
I love a good second chance romance – throw in a sexy action star and a dedicated veterinarian and you get Second Act which may be my favorite Nancy Herkness romance to date.
Hugh Baker is probably the sexiest action star on the planet. Eight years before he was just an up and coming actor trying to make it and that’s when Jessica Quillan knew him. Knowing that in order for Hugh to get everything he wants and deserves, Jessica did the hardest thing and walked away from him. Now 8 years later she literally runs into him on the streets of New York trying to help a pregnant stray dog. Hugh still hurt over the breakup but he never really let Jess go and Jess has done everything possible to try and forget Hugh. Now realizing the chemistry is still there but have they changed enough to give this a second chance.
I love Jess and Hugh both together and as individuals – I really loved how Ms Herkness created these vulnerable characters each with their own baggage. The story is fast-paced with great dialog between the characters which I love. I also love that we get to see some old friends (love Gavin) from both the Second Glances series and the Wager of Hearts series. That being said this is a definite stand alone so if you are new to Nancy Herkness books I promise you wont feel lost.
I loved Hugh and Jessica’s second chance romance story. Eight years ago, they were engaged, but Jessica broke it off when their lives started going in different directions and she couldn’t be the woman she felt Hugh needed. Hugh saw it as another abandonment after years of being passed around in the foster system.
Now, Jessica is a veterinarian with a small practice in South Harlem. She also volunteers at the Carver Center with their K-9 Angelz program. Hugh is a Hollywood movie star filming his newest blockbuster when he runs into Jessica on the streets of NYC. There is still chemistry between the two but there is also still hurt and misunderstandings.
This series is wonderful not only because of the human characters but also the dogs. Each dog in the K-9 Angelz program has their own distinct personality and Ms. Herkness does an amazing job describing those personalities.
I received an ARC from the author. This is my honest review.
Hugh Baker is one hot commodity in Hollywood. It’s been a long road but one he was able to succeed in. His one regret is the woman he’s never stopped loving. Once he made it big, he didn’t understand that Jessica’s career as a veterinarian, was just as important. So she divorced him and moved back to New York. Now Hugh is shooting a film in her city and she actually walks into his set. When he can’t stop thinking about her, Hugh asks her out. Abandoned by his mother and raised in the foster care system, Hugh has a hard time trusting in love.
Jessica has never stopped loving Hugh. Now that he’s in New York filming, he keeps wanting to see her. Can she trust him to take her career seriously, which is something he didn’t do in the past. Also, he’s brought back feelings she thought were long gone. However, the bigger question, what will happen when he moves back to Los Angeles? Are these just temporary feelings or as he keeps promising, she’s it for him.
Nancy Herkness is one of my favorite writers and this latest book is a hit!
I received a copy of this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
3.5
What I liked:
The writing style
The characters
Part of a series: Second Glances
Standalone
HEA
Epilogue
I look forward to reading the next book in this series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC from NetGalley.
SECOND ACT is a delightfully enjoyable read! I was intrigued by the story from the beginning and found the characters to be believable and easy to like.
The idea of a second chance to get “it” right appeals to me and for Jess and Hugh their second chance is what those chances are all about: highs, lows, bumpy roads, smooth roads, a sense of satisfaction, always learning, accepting, compromising and understanding. The blend of these aspects are well presented throughout the story and Ms Herkness makes SECOND ACT one of the best second chance stories I have read!
Kick back, relax and enjoy a well written story which will keep you turning pages until the end! SECOND ACT is just one of those books. Enjoy!
Jessica Quillen is a very dedicated verterinarian. Her clinic in Lower Harlem is always very busy. This means she really doesn’t have time for much of a social life and she is quite content with the status quo until… while trying to catch a pregnant stray dog she literally runs into her ex-fiance who happens to be in New York filming his latest movie. Her ex-fiance happens to be film super star Hugh Baker. Jessica has never stopped loving Hugh. Actually her solid love for Hugh is why she broke off their engagement. She felt she was no asset to him and his rising Hollywood career. It broke her heart to give her engagement ring back to Hugh eight years ago. She thought they still might be casual friends though. But, no. Hugh didn’t respond to her texts. Hugh was very upset about the broken engagement. With his background of being raised in the foster care system this felt like the abandonment he endured during his childhood being shipped from foster home to foster home. He just couldn’t get over those issues. So now what? The two meet again. She still loves him. He wants her. Will the dedicated vet and the super star manage to get together again and have a HEA?
Second Act by Nancy Herkness is the second book in her Second Glances series. This is a second chance romance which I love to read. These two characters are so realistic I felt I could trust Jessica as a vet for my pets and I would go out of my way to get to her clinic. As for Hugh – Wowza! I just wanted to be charmed and liked by this sexy, good-looking, charismatic man. Jessica and Hugh have a number of issues to solve before getting their HEA. I loved joining them on this sweet, loving, emotional journey.
Hugh is a very famous actor who partially grew up in the foster system. He has this need to prove that he is worth something in this world. That is what ultimately played a part in ending his engagement to the love of his life.
Jessica is a veterinarian who is down to earth. She genuinely loves animals and puts them first in her life. She also put her fiancé first when Hugh was an up and coming actor finally getting recognized for his talent. It was clear to her that she was holding him back and made the most difficult decision to let him go.
This book starts after 8 years of silence between Hugh and Jessica. It was a chance meeting that put these two back in the same world from what they were living, but there is lingering damage from their breakup. Their story is about healing and recognizing what truly drove their relationship apart.
This actually has a few tropes all in one. It starts out with a bit of a love triangle. It’s also a second chance love, a celebrity romance and a slow burn. What’s funny is, I’m not exactly a fan of most of these tropes. So why read it? I’ve read and truly enjoyed this authors previous books. I wanted to see if she could make me forget why I don’t love these tropes and I would say she was pretty successful at it.
I just seem to really connect with the characters she writes. She does a great job of blending a normal, everyday person and pair them up with that unattainable millionaire or famous sports figure or in this case, a very famous actor. She also handles conflicts very well. I feel that she takes the time to treat each conflict with the focus it deserves and that helps you connect more with these characters.
So while I didn’t love the tropes in this, I was still pulled into Hugh and Jessica’s lives like a good book will do. I look forward to more from this author.