Billionaire chemist Max Varela is selling his company and leaving New York for good when Emily Wade bursts into his office, desperate for his help in funding her program for disadvantaged kids and shelter dogs. Seven years ago, he fell in love with her when she was married to another man. To fight the unbidden attraction, he cut off all contact—but he’s never forgotten her.

Ever since her husband died, Emily has poured her heart and soul into the after-school care center. Seeing Max reawakens the pain of her loss, but it also brings unexpected hope for the future. As emotions thought long gone resurface, the two begin a passionate affair that seems destined for a fairy-tale ending.

That is, until Max reveals that he’s moving to Chicago in a matter of weeks and wants Emily to uproot her daughter and her life to come with him. If a second chance at love is possible, someone’s got to give.

Titles in the Second Glance series include:  Second To None –

Title:  Second to None
Series:  Second Glances #0.5 prequel
Author:  Nancy Herkness
Genre:  Contemporary Romance
Published:  September 12, 2017
Publisher:  Montlake Romance
My Rating:  4.5 stars

Second to None is the prequel introduction to the Second Glances series.  This novella packs a serious story punch, so don’t let the size of the book fool you – you’re in for quite a story here.

Max and Emily’s story nicely sets up the foundation for the series and gives us a lovely, heartfelt romance as well.  Once, years ago, Max fell in love with another man’s wife.  Oh neither she or her husband knew that for Max is an honorable man.  He cut contact with them after he finished the project they were working on, and kept his feelings to himself.  Now years later Emily is a widow with a young daughter… and comes crashing into Max’s office asking for help.  Maybe second chances do happen for the good guys, too.

I don’t believe it would take long for this romance to capture your attention.  While Max does have a tendency to come off a bit cold at times, it’s not really surprising given his background.  Where there is no coldness is his feelings for Emily and his growing affection for her daughter.  Her cause is a good one, much needed and worth his help.  Yet Max is making a huge move in a few weeks, just when the woman he loves has come back into his life.

Now choices have to be made.  Emily cannot leave the foundation that she’s put her heart and soul into.  Life and love are often not completely fair, but when the right decision is obvious you grab happiness and hold on tight.

I’m hooked on this series already and it’s only barely begun.  I would definitely recommend Second to None and I cannot wait to find out what happens next.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

Available for the Kindle