Returning home after years away, Reece is going to have to avoid her assassin ex-boyfriend as she learns to care for the magical creatures now under her protection.
Three years ago, Reece McCarthen solved her problems the best way she could think of: running as far as possible. Abandoned by her childhood sweetheart, she left her gossiping small town, heartbreak, and emotionally distant father in the past. Now, she's happy if not just a bit bored running a magical flower shop with her best friend. Until she receives notice that she's inherited her father's sanctuary for magical creatures.
Reece heads back to her cozy, magical town of Honey Brooke that unfortunately still hasn't gotten over that one teeny, tiny fire incident when she was a teenager. What should've been a calm, quiet homecoming turns into chaos incarnate when Reece comes face-to-face with the reason she left in the first place: Laken Augustus. Her ex-boyfriend who seems to have grown up to also be a part-time assassin.
It's one tragedy after another, from dodging fire-spitting chickens and a poisonous porcupine to bolting after a runaway raccoon and realizing Laken is the only person who knows how to run a magical sanctuary. Not only did her father leave her with a whole slew of problems, but poachers are lurking in the shadows. Now Reece finds herself knee-deep in feathers, mud, and an inconceivable amount of debt. To save the sanctuary, she will have to work side-by-side with Laken. Taylor Epperson is a writer, lover of all things fantastical, and a stay at home mom in her home state of Texas, where she lives with her two kids. During the day she is playing outside or pretending to be a dinosaur (upon toddler request). At night she is writing and trying to sneak a wound healing scene into every WIP. As someone who finds comfort in books and movies (if you see her re-watching The Lord of the Rings for the forty-seventh time, no you don't), she wishes to bring that comfort to others with her stories. "Magical and fun, this second chance fantasy romance by debut author Taylor Epperson is a delightful read that will add a definite sparkle to your bookshelf! Ideal for fans of Erin Sterling, who are sure to love its grumpy x sunshine enchantments."-India Holton, USA Today bestselling author of The Ornithologist's Field Guide to Love "Second Time's a Charm is equal parts swoony and silly, warmhearted and whimsical, with a cast and community that will have you ready to pack your bags and move to Honey Brooke. With its pocket-sized dragons, fire-breathing chickens, and sweet romance, I didn't need a second time to charm me-Taylor Epperson's debut had me hooked from the very first."-Emily Krempholtz, author of Violet Thistlewaite Is Not a Villain Anymore
