HER SECOND CHANCE SHIFTER by L. MacNaughton – Review

I received this book for free from the Author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Her Second Chance Shifter by L. MacNaughton
Series: Feel-Good Urban Fantasy #1
Published by Remette on October 11 2023
Genres: Adult, Urban fantasy
Pages: 218
Format: eARC
Source: Author
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The nitty-gritty: A fun, fast-paced, feel-good fantasy with engaging characters and a sweet romance.

I was delighted when Lawrence contacted me and asked if I would read Her Second Chance Shifter, and I’m so glad I did. This is part of the Feel-Good Urban Fantasy series, and I was excited to find three other books in the series on Goodreads, so there’s lots more to enjoy. If you’re in the mood for a lighter fantasy with plenty of humor, action and yes, feel-good emotional moments, this might be the perfect book for you. Also, I will mention this is a “clean romance” for those readers who seek out those books.

Seven years ago, Viola saved the life of the fae Prince Ademar, and as a reward, his parents Eberon and Itannia took her to the fairy realm to learn the art of enchantment. It was a difficult decision to leave everything behind, including her boyfriend Brock, but Viola knew it was the chance of a lifetime. And she doesn’t regret anything. Now she’s back in the human realm and living with her mother, who is gravely ill. In order to make money for her treatment, Viola is using her enchantment skills to make karthic boxes—magical containers that trap magic inside—to a rather slimy man named Sylvain.

Brock was hurt when Viola abruptly left town—and didn’t return for seven years—but he’s moved on. After the accidental death of his brother Jimmy, he’s running Jimmy’s bar and trying to keep it afloat. He also has a secret that he was never able to tell Viola: he’s a shifter and can turn into a bear.

When Eberon and Itannia suddenly appear with some very bad news for Viola, she and Brock find themselves working together to find Sylvain, who is misusing the karthic boxes Viola has been making for him. With only three days to complete her task, Viola must locate Sylvain, figure out the connection between Sylvain and the rare liqueur Jus de Lutin, and tell Brock her big secret.

For a fairly short book, MacNaughton packs a lot into his story. I loved Viola’s backstory about spending time in the fairy realm, where she not only learned powerful magic, but gained beloved friends as well. I thought adding a bear shifter to the mix was an interesting choice, and it really worked. Viola and Brock are both keeping big secrets from each other—her magic and his shifting ability—and it was fun to watch them agonize over whether to tell each other, knowing that if they want to get back together, of course they have to be honest.

There’s lots of action, including plenty of tension and danger, and MacNaughton’s pace never lags. In between these more action heavy moments, Viola and Brock both have some emotional epiphanies. Viola comes to terms with why she left to live in the fae realm, and when she’s offered that chance again, she has a hard choice to make. Brock is afraid of what Viola will think of him if she learns he’s a shifter. I liked the fact that the author leaves out a lot of unnecessary drama between the two, and I enjoyed their sweet romance.

We meet some interesting side characters as well. I loved Zane, a demon who works in the bar with Brock. Zane actually has his own story, a prequel called Her Date With the Demon (and yes, I need to read it!). The ending includes an appearance by Prince Ademar, and it’s clear that the next book in the series will revolve around him and his unwanted arranged marriage. Romance readers who love happily every afters will enjoy the ending, which neatly ties up all the various subplots in the expected “feel good” way. 

If you’re looking for a quick, fun read, then I highly recommend trying this series. I’ll definitely be back for more!

Big thanks to the author for providing a review copy.