It’s time for a round-up of one of my favorite tropes in historical romance: second chance romances!
On this list, you’ll find some great second chance historical romances that have all the angst and groveling that you crave. Each of these books was featured in Season 1 of the Historical Romance Sampler, so you also have a chance to hear the author read a 10-minute scene from their story!
What is the second chance romance trope?
When readers refer to a book as a “second chance romance”, they typically mean that the main characters have previously had a chance at love, broke up, and are finally getting back together. Usually, the breakup happens before the book even starts. Often, the characters were each other’s first love and now they are getting a second chance. Some famous examples of the second chance romance trope are Persuasion by Jane Austen and People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry.
4 Good Second Chance Romances from Season 1 of The Historical Romance Sampler
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Spencer Burnett, Viscount Stiles, once swore he’d left England for good. Yet after five years of self-imposed exile in West Africa, he’s no longer the same spoiled, selfish boy who ran away from a domineering father, a disappointed grandmother, and a decidedly unwanted wife. Proving himself to the family he abandoned will be no easy task. But he hardly expects his formerly docile wife will be the hardest to convince. When Philadelphia refuses to accept his apologies—or to allow him back into her bed—Spencer finds himself tempting her into a bargain he cannot afford to lose.
Philadelphia Burnett’s desires were once as vast as the sky. But now, after suffering one devastating loss after another, the only thing she allows herself to want is a home. So when her estranged rake of a husband returns from a five-years’ absence to claim the estate promised to her, Delphie resolves to fight him every step of the way. Beechcombe Park will be a sanctuary for her, and for the wayward Audley cousins she’d promised her sister she’d always protect. She cannot, will not, suffer even one more loss.
Especially not the loss of her heart...
Sybil Chambers wanted a settled life.
She had a steady income and a roof over her head working as a lady’s maid for an earl’s daughter. It was exactly what she sought, especially after the uncertainty she faced when her parents died. She earned this coveted position while processing her loss, and she loved the work. Even if it meant putting up with Lady Iris's cruel husband.
And she hasn’t thought about her childhood best friend, Charles Percy, in years.
Charles Percy wanted freedom.
He got it at the age of sixteen through a sailing apprenticeship, when he was finally able to leave his family farm and all of Yorkshire behind. Unfortunately, that included Sybil. After spending their entire childhood together, he didn't want to leave her. But the pull of the sea was too strong.
After six years, he became an officer for White Star Line, sailing the greatest steam ships all over the world. Nothing could tie him down. He never expected over a decade to pass before he saw her—or his home.
When they finally see each other again, it’s on the most famous ship in history, the RMS Titanic. Can they pick up where they left off all those years ago, before the ship meets its fate?
A scorned woman. A guarded man. An explosive second chance at love.
Falling for the boy next door wouldn’t have been so bad for Eliza, if the object of her affection wasn’t also the son of her father’s rival. Eliza is willing to risk everything for a shot at true happiness after she had given everything to the magnetic future Earl of Craven.
Until he sleeps with her and then breaks her heart, that is, and shows up years later, as if nothing has happened.
Can Eliza forgive and forget? Or will love be her undoing once more?
For Nick, there has only ever been one woman who possesses his heart. Eliza Nelson. But it seems love is not in the cards for Nick and Eliza…
Until fate brings them together after a heartbreaking mystery, that is.
Intent on discovering what happened all those years ago, and why Eliza is so distant, can Nick keep his desires buried? Or will he give up everything for a second chance at a childhood dream?
The Sailor Without a Sweetheart
By Katherine Grant (me)
Average Storygraph Rating: 4.19
Average Goodreads Rating: 4.33
Is love worth giving a second chance?
Six years ago, Amy Lamplugh decided not to elope with Nate Preston. Ever since, she has been working hard to convince herself she was right to choose her family over Nate.
Now, Nate is back. After an illustrious career as a naval captain, he faces a court martial for disobeying orders while fighting the slave trade. He accepts an invitation to await the trial at a country estate outside of Portsmouth - and discovers he is suddenly neighbors with Amy.
Nate is shocked to find that Amy didn't end up marrying someone rich and titled. Instead, she is a glorified companion to her younger sister - and is clearly battling some unnamed illness.
Thrown together by circumstances outside their control, Nate and Amy try to be friends. Soon, it becomes clear that their feelings for each other never died.
Has anything changed, or are they destined for heartbreak once more?