BRINGING HOME THE BAD BOY is Book one in Jessica Lemmon's Second Chance series. I loved this book! Tattoo artist and illustrator Evan Downey may be everything sexy and naughty, but after reading BRINGING HOME THE BAD BOY, I really don't consider him to be a "bad boy". As the story progresses, it's more than a little evident that Evan is a good father and more together, emotionally, than object of his affection and longtime friend Charlotte.

After grieving for his late wife and trying to sort his life out for the past four years, Evan returns to Evergreen Cove -- a place he was happy earlier in his life -- to start over and raise his young son. I love the dynamic between Evan and Charlotte. As his late wife's best friend, and "Aunt Charlie" to his seven year old son Lyon, there is a connection and history that they share. It's that history that also acts as a roadblock to their romance in Charlie's mind. Her misplaced guilt over being attracted to her late friend's husband is something she struggles with. BRINGING HOME THE BAD BOY is exactly the kind of character-driven story I love. Both Evan and Charlie are multifaceted and interesting characters.

The sparks immediately fly between Evan and Charlie and I love that he pursues her with such a single-minded determination, without seeming sleazy. I like the juxtaposition of having the "bad boy" in the story being the more emotionally secure person in the romance. That being said, I like both main characters immensely. Charlie is a sweet and intelligent person who just hasn't worked out all her feelings of abandonment. I like how Evan is patient with her and tries to help her get to the place she needs to be rather than lose his temper. The evolution of their relationship is beautiful and equal parts sexy and sweet. The scenes with Evan, Lyon, and Charlie are endearing rather than being too saccharine.

BRINGING HOME THE BAD BOY is one of the most satisfying books I've read in a long time. This story has a little humor, longing, sweetness, and love scenes that sizzle. Evan Downey is a bad boy you'll fall for -- caring father, giving lover, and exciting hottie all rolled into one. Jessica Lemmon is an author to watch and I can't wait for the next book! I hope Evan's friend Asher gets a story of his own in the future.

Book Summary

The Bad Boy Is Back

Evan Downey needs a new beginning. Since the death of his wife five years ago, the brilliant tattoo artist has shut himself away in a prison of grief that not even his work can break him out of-and what's worse, Evan knows his son Lyon is bearing the brunt of his seclusion. Moving back to the lake town of Evergreen Cove where he spent his childhood summers is his last chance for a fresh start.

Charlotte Harris knows she owes it to her best friend's memory to help Evan and his son find their way again, but she can't stop her traitorous heart from skipping a beat every time she looks into Evan's mesmerizing eyes. Charlotte is determined to stay strictly in the Friend Zone-until a mind-blowing night knocks that plan by the wayside. Now, if they're brave enough to let it, Charlotte and Evan might just find a love capable of healing their broken hearts . . .

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