From USA Today bestselling author Kieran Kramer, comes Second Chance at Two Love Lane, a fast-paced tale about the intoxicating effects of fame and what happens when a past romance is rekindled behind the silver screen.
In her professional career, Ella Mancini plays matchmaker at Two Love Lane but, in her personal life, she takes the stage at the Dock Street Theatre. Now she has a chance at a new role in a Hollywood movie that happens to be filming in Charleston—one that features a big-name actress, Samantha Drake. Long ago, Ella passed up a major audition while awaiting a marriage proposal. Not only didn’t she get the role; she never got the ring, either. Instead, her boyfriend Hank went on to become a huge film star…leaving her, and all her dreams, behind.
But now Hank’s back in Charleston, cast as the male lead in the same movie Ella’s in. In spite of the dramatic tension off-screen, he and Ella try to stay cool onset. But when their old feelings start to heat up—at the same time leading-lady Samantha tries to play cupid—all bets are off. How can Hank convince Ella, after all this time, that she’s the one he really wants to be with in real life—and that some happy, rom-com endings really can come true?
I love Kieran Kramer’s Two Love Lane series! Ella Mancini and Hank Rogers are featured in Second Chance at Two Love Lane. I enjoyed reading every page of this fast- paced story and adored the characters!
The prologue scenes which featured Ella, her father and Hank were full of love and emotion and set the scene for the novel perfectly. To celebrate Ella’s birthday, Mr. Mancini treats her to a Broadway show and to a special dessert. Mr. Mancini understands Ella’s creative spirit, her desire to act and he enjoyed making memories with his daughter. Hank introduces himself to Ella and tells her that they will meet again.
Ella Mancini and Hank Roger dated when she returned to New York after college. Things ended badly when Ella turned down an acting role because she thought Hank was going to propose. Hank chose acting over Ella and is now a big movie star. Ella moved to Charleston, South Carolina and opened Two Love Lane, a matchmaking business with her college friends Macy and Greer. Ella keeps busy with her Two Love Lane clients and she performs in Community Theater.
Kieran Kramer descriptive writing style, subtle humor and crisp dialogue blend perfectly in this novel. I adored the scene when Ella and Hank ran into each other. In less than 30 seconds he annoyed Ella by inviting her to lunch to catch up and then offered her a role in the movie. I imagined Miss. Thing dressed up as Queen Elizabeth and Ella’s Nonnas taking over Ella’s apartment to watch reality tv. I loved Ella’s Nonna Sofia and Nonna Boo; they reminded me of my great aunts. Nonna Sofia’s story of her shoe subtly introduces her desire for Ella—for Ella to marry the man of her heart. And of course, Hank hears every word.
Second Chance at Two Love Lane is a charming, engaging read. The Charleston setting oozes southern charm and old world traditions. Loved the friendship between Macy, Greer, Ella and Miss. Thing which has been an important part of each story in the series. They believe in the art of matchmaking and give each client a chance at love. The Mancini women, especially the Nonna’s, add so much depth and humor to the storyline. Everyone could see that Hank and Ella loved each other and deserved a chance at love—even Hank’s co-star Samantha played matchmaker for the couple. I loved that the story took place in seven days and that Kieran Kramer was able to write a fantastic story for Ella. Both characters had to learn to talk honestly with each other before they could move forward. The conclusion took me by surprise—in such a good way! The last few pages of the book are full of drama, emotion and a fabulous game of scrabble! I laughed and cried until the very last word! Second Chance at Two Love Lane has all the feels—it’s romantic, funny and heartwarming!
Reviewed by Susan Gorman
Paperback ARC provided by the author
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