The Deveraux family is wealthy, powerful and in a lot of trouble.
A drunken mistake in college cost U.S. Marshal Maxwell Ames the love of Dominique Deveraux and six years later, he’s determined to fix the slip-up. But there’s just one tiny problem—someone wants the Deveraux family dead. Dominique Deveraux never expected Max to reappear in her life, let alone apologize, but as Dominique … alone apologize, but as Dominique investigates the mysterious attacks on her wealthy family Max quickly becomes far more than her one time college classmate. Now, Max and Dominique must dodge mercenaries and bullets as they try to make sure that they’re the only ones who get a second shot.
An intriguing and at times hilarious Romantic Suspense with a captivating cast of characters and action that will keep you on the edge of your seat. If you like page-turning action, and award-winning writing, then you’ll love The Second Shot, book 1 of The Deveraux Legacy, from Bethany Maines.
Grab this fast paced romantic thriller today!
AWARDS & REVIEWS:
A Pacific Northwest Writers’ Association 2019 Literary Contest Award Winner.
Trust me, the intriguing plot will keep you on edge.
— Breen Rdz
The romance is sweet and sexy, but the characters are everything.
— Gin Reads
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The Second Shot is an entertaining romantic suspense with an intriguing plot and a great cast of characters. For me, I found that the book wasn’t just about the mystery and suspense of who was targeting the Deveraux family, but also the interesting dynamic between the various family members. They each presented with strikingly unique personalities complete with various strengths and faults which lended to some rather humorous interactions between them. Still, one can’t deny the family loyalty! While there is some action and suspense, there is surprisingly a fair amount of humor and sarcasm which I absolutely loved as it kept me chuckling throughout the book.
As for Dominique, I loved her strength and stubbornness. She thinks nothing of jumping right into the foray and of course Max tries to reign her in (or perhaps it’s more appropriate to say supervise her since she has that independent streak?) before she gets into too much trouble. Dominique is a breath of the air and not the stereotypical socialite, but rather a headstrong woman who is somewhat underestimated by her family. Max is a great hero who didn’t exactly make the best impression when he approached Dominique at a college party years ago. However, that attraction he feels towards her is just was strong as ever and he has a bit of protective streak without being overbearing. The two of them work well together and make a great couple. I cannot review this book without mentioning the secondary characters as the matriarch, the cousins, and Dominque’s brother all fall somewhere between eccentric, quirky, funny, and are all wildly entertaining.
The Second Shot is told from various POVs which I think was a great way to illustrate how the story unravels. It did take me a bit to initially get into the book, but once I did, I couldn’t put it down! I am definitely looking forward to more books by this author. 4.5 / 5 stars.
US Marshal Maxwell did something really stupid in a drunken state in college. Six years later he reunites with Dominique. After apologizing he hopes to get a second shot.
Senator Eleanor is ruthless when it comes to politics but caring when it comes to her grandchildren. Having them involved one way or the other in her political career not only for the trust but to make sure the Deveraux name is not tainted.
Dominique is a stubborn, independent woman who does as she pleases and seems to find trouble. Max has his hands full trying to protect her.
Jackson is head of security. Sometimes he goes a little beyond with his security to ensure the safety for everyone. Trying to protect everyone from the mercenaries that are determined to harm them. He needs a love interest in a book.
Evan has piqued my curiosity and now Aiden. What hides behind the mask they are wearing?
A dysfunctional family that sticks together when the going gets rough. A dose of humour, a sprinkle of romance and a lot of drama.
Thank you Hidden Gems and the author for a digital copy. Read and reviewed voluntarily and the opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
Smart, sexy, funny with a side of danger! Outstanding story that’s wonderfully written with some of the best family dynamics I’ve ever read, loads of scary danger, hilarious banter, bizarre situations and characters that are rich, unique and complex. The Devereaux clan is such an interesting dichotomy of rich snobbery and laidback charm. I loved them all even the meanie, Evan. Each of the ‘children” under Grandma’s thumb are rebellious to the point of hilarity and sometimes destructiveness but they are always Devereaux. That is such a driving force in this family that protects and defends, always. The fabulous Dominique just slayed me with her outlandish charm, soft beauty and incredible strength. A wonderful heroine that is a thinker and always looks out for the family. The boys are so different from each other and I can’t wait for their stories especially the newest member of the family, Jackson. This is Dominique’s story of romance that has her encountering a college nemesis that is the hunky US Marshall, Max. While on vacation at his father’s, Max is drawn into the dire calamity that surrounds the Devereaux family while Grandma, the Senator, takes on big Pharma and unknowingly puts her grandchildren in danger. The situation puts Max in the position of getting close to his college crush, Dominique, and makes amends for a stupid college faux pas of a sexual nature. Lucky for Max, Nika accepts his apology and likes the grown up Max very much. If only the bad guys would stop with the cockblocking! The storyline is so much fun and the romance is sweet and sexy but the characters are everything. I found myself smiling throughout the story. Pure enjoyment! I voluntarily reviewed an ARC.
I enjoyed the steamy modern romance set against the family drama. The Deveraux family always has each others backs even thought they shy away from saying anything real to each other. If you’ve ever felt like your family had no idea who you were but at the same time, loved them – this is the book for you. Plus Dominique and Max together were super hot. I expected the book to hit a lull at some point but it never did. Solid tension, action and ‘ooh la la’ all the way through.
Funny, steamy romantic thriller
The Deveraux clan is in a lot of trouble, in more ways than one. This book focuses on likable, beautiful, smart, confident (did I mention rich, whew that’s a lot in one character!) Dominique Deveraux and charming, handsome, smokin’ hot, US Marshal Max. They make for an adorable, quirky couple and a steamy romantic pair, all while trying to figure out who’s after Dominique and her family, before someone gets run over by a car, or worse. This was a fun, quick read that sucked me in and made me laugh with tension and surprising character building for the whole Deveraux family, who are each seriously messed up in their own way. Don’t want to give away the ending, but now I can’t wait for the next one! A great book to cozy up with on a rainy fall day.
Not bad, but it wrapped up too quick and you never really understood the reasoning behind the crime.
As soon as I read the HORRIBLE phrase that author uses in reference to Jesus, I stopped reading. I did go to the last few pages to see the ending which was very disappointing. There was no end just more stories to come about that family which was expected because of the book title. This author goes on my list of “do not read.”
Family Drama
Whilst marketed as romantic suspense, it was more a complex tale of family dynamics. The Deveraux cousins are a dysfunctional group under the authoritarian rule of their grandmother. At times I felt the characters had multiple personality disorders as they conversed or acted contrary to how the author had depicted them. The author also seemed confused as to where the story was taking place. A location was only mentioned late in the book when the heroine recognised an Illinois phone number but then the bodyguard mentioned they were in New York and then later talked about the past few years in Chicago…? It also felt like the book was trying to be a small town novel where everyone know one another from high school etc. however they were supposed to be in a large city (wherever that actually was!). There was some chemistry between Dominique and Max and it was nice to see them finally become a couple. Overall the premise of the book was good however it was poorly executed and felt clumsy.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book through Hidden Gems and I voluntarily chose to review it. This is the first Bethany Maines book I have read. I look forward to the next book. This is a well written book and it has some intense characters. This one is worth your time and effort. I don’t do spoilers but it does have some mystery so get the book and check it out. It is a second chance story.
Wow. I’m crushing pretty hard on this book right now. There’s not much I love more than romantic suspense that dips into rom-com territory. This story does that with a flair that reminds me of Knight and Day or Mr. & Mrs. Smith. I adored Max. He’s strong enough to admit to his mistakes and even apologize for them. Dominique wears a lot of different masks to protect herself. So do her brother and cousins. A big portion of the story is devoted to digging the Deveraux family out from behind those masks and letting us see some of their quirky vulnerabilities. I loved that we got to live in the heads of not only our romantic leads, but also the rest of the younger generation of Deveraux. What I think I liked least, is where this book stops. To me, it didn’t feel like enough of this story line wrapped up to be the right ending place for this story. It’s obvious this book is part of a series because there’re a lot of unanswered questions that I’m left pondering now that I’ve finished reading it. However, it’s a guaranteed way to keep me hooked, waiting for the next one in line.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Hidden Gems Books.
U.S. Marshal Maxwell Ames is home visiting his father when he again meets Dominique Devereaux. Their first meeting, years ago, was a complete drunken embarrassment to him, so he humbly apologizes…and she accepts. There have been threats against the family, but nothing like the car, with no driver, that crashes through the window of their home. Dominique has had it with no results from the police and decides to investigate, with Max as her backup. There is instant attraction between them and Max does everything to protect the impulsive Dominique. This was such a fun book to read with “laugh out loud” dialog (and thoughts) by the characters, hot romance and action. This unique family works together to find out who is threatening them and why. I really enjoyed this story and look forward to the next book in this series. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (by paytonpuppy)