Serving Trouble

4.5 Stars
This is book one in the Second Shot series and it features Noah Tager and Josie Fairmore. WHAT A LOVE STORY! Poor Josie. I was so sad for her loss. She didn't deserve the title given to her by the whole town. I loved Noah but at the same time I was irritated with him through a lot of the story. I realize he was suffering in his own way but he didn't man-up until he really had no choice.

Regardless of anything I didn't like, this was a fantastic story line with amazing characters. I can't wait to read more of this series.

As posted on The Smutty Kitty reviewed by KittyKelly

4 out of 5 Licks

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: I’m so thankful to Tasty Book Tours for bringing me to Sara Jane Stone! I signed up to review one of the first books she released and fell in love. Sara writes a lot of characters with military backgrounds (male and female) and makes you really feel so deeply for them. Josie has gone through a terrible tragedy and it’s made her a harder, more solitary version of herself. The last thing she wants is for everyone in the town to start gossiping about what could have brought her back. She’s also not sure she wants to go back to Noah to ask for help but he’s her last hope.

Overall I did enjoy this book. It’s not my favorite book by Sara but it definitely pulls at the heart strings. I don’t want to give away Josie’s secret but it is something no person should ever have to live through and dealing with the aftermath while being constantly reminded is horrific. I found myself crying several times while reading this one. Both characters a little broken after their respective experiences and both trying hard to prove they are still whole regardless of the past. They have a lot to fight through and it’s not always pretty. They both make some mistakes along the way but in the end they of course find their way back into each other’s arms. Be prepared to shed a few tears over this one. And I can’t wait to see what else this series brings.

Sometimes you just can’t get out of your own way, no matter how far you run. That seems to be Josie’s problem: massive debt, a major loss and one night she’d rather forget. But, she’s run back to the familiar and comfortable, hoping to restart her life and move forward to make better choices this time.

Five years have passed since the one night between Noah and Josie, and she’s come to collect on a promise. Noah is one of those men who, in moments he later regrets, may appear to be uncaring or brusque, but this just hides a heart of gold. His best friend just happens to be Josie’s older brother, and while Noah is intrigued and attracted, he can’t help but wonder if he’s stepped in it, without boots. But, his nature prevails: he won’t leave someone he knows and cares about in a lurch, and he even takes care of those he doesn’t (a box of abandoned kittens comes to mind).

These two are wonderful together, and the secondary characters that are introduced show themselves and become integral to the progress of the story and this couple’s relationship. A touch of mystery and danger adds to the story, bringing a touch of tension that is above and beyond Noah and Josie and their path, alone and separately. These two both grow in ways that are unexpected, and wholly appropriate, and together they are just adorable. A wonderful second chance romance, second chance at aligning your life story, it will be interesting to follow this series as it progresses.

I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via Edelweiss for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

This is book # 1 in the Second Shot series. (There is a prequel so this is technically book # 2) They should be read in order. This will give the reader the background and understanding to make the books more enjoyable.

Noah and Josie go way back. He is her brother's best friend. This makes her unreachable and a relationship they might have taboo. Her brother does not want her to have feelings for him. Too late.

Josie has been in love with Noah almost from the beginning. They got one special night together before he went away to boot camp. Now, years later, it is awkward between them. Josie needs a job, though, and she is sticking to her guns.

Such a sweet and powerful story! A real page turner. I was absorbing each page and could not wait to finish. The character development is right on and the pace is just quick enough to make you second guess.

***This ARC copy was given in exchange for an honest review.