Books On Board

Second Chance (L.P. Dover) Books in Order

  • 10 Books
  • 2013 – 2016 Published

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How to Read the Second Chance Series

The Second Chance series (also frequently referred to as the Second Chances series) by New York Times and USA Today bestselling author L.P. Dover is a beloved contemporary romance collection. Mixing high-stakes drama, romantic suspense, and professional athletics, these novels are centered around the fictional Carolina Cougars football team and the tight-knit community of athletes, MMA fighters, and locals finding redemption and love.

Because every book in the series is written as an interconnected standalone, you can technically jump in anywhere. However, to fully enjoy the recurring characters, overlapping timelines, and changing team dynamics, reading them in a specific order is highly recommended.

Publication Order vs. Chronological Order

While the publication order is the easiest way to follow the series, it does feature a few quirks. Specifically, the novella What He Wants was published in 2014, but its events serve as a direct prequel to the second book, Trusting You. Similarly, the short story One Taste is a prequel to the eighth book, Last Chance, and is often bundled inside newer editions of that novel.

The Recommended Reading Path

If you want to experience the character introductions and the natural flow of the Carolina Cougars universe, we recommend following the chronological sequence below:

  1. Love's Second Chance (Book 1)
  2. What He Wants (Book 1.5 - Prequel Novella)
  3. Trusting You (Book 2)
  4. Meant for Me (Book 3)
  5. Fighting for Love (Book 4)
  6. Intercepting Love (Book 5)
  7. Catching Summer (Book 6)
  8. Defending Hayden (Book 7)
  9. One Taste (Optional Prequel Novella) / Last Chance (Book 8)
  10. Intended for Bristol (Book 9)

Publication Order of Second Chances Books

If you prefer to read the books exactly as they were released between 2013 and 2016, here is the complete publication order list:

  1. Love's Second Chance (2013) — Follows Korinne Anders as she heals from losing her husband and finds a new beginning with her past love, Galen Cole.
  2. Trusting You (2013) — Focuses on Melissa Ashford navigating trust issues, secrets, and a passionate relationship with Brett.
  3. Meant for Me (2013) — Blends romance with murder mystery, following former MMA fighter turned cop Mason and Claire.
  4. Fighting for Love (2014) — Features the high-stakes romance between professional MMA fighter Matt "The Destroyer" Reynolds and Shelby Dawson.
  5. Intercepting Love (2014) — Dives into the professional sports world with Kate Townsend, a physician's assistant, and Cooper Davis, the new star quarterback.
  6. What He Wants (2014) — The prequel novella that sets up the events and emotional background of Melissa and Brett before Trusting You.
  7. Catching Summer (2016) — Focuses on wide receiver Evan Townsend and a grieving widow, Summer Jacobs.
  8. Defending Hayden (2016) — Follows Carolina Cougars linebacker Derek McLaughlin and veterinarian Hayden Hunter.
  9. Last Chance (2016) — Centers on motocross champion Luke and Lara as they fight for a future together.
  10. Intended for Bristol (2016) — Centers on the Cougars' kicker Jaxon Reed and interior designer Bristol Thomas.

What to Know Before You Start

Before you dive into L.P. Dover's romantic universe, here are a few practical tips to help you get the most out of your reading experience:

  • Cougars and Suspense: Although many books focus heavily on the sports romance subgenre (featuring the Carolina Cougars football players), the early books feature MMA fighters and law enforcement, adding a strong element of romantic suspense and mystery.
  • Character Crossovers: Since the characters in the town are friends, team members, or relatives, you will see couples from previous books make cameo appearances. Reading in order prevents minor spoilers regarding who ends up together.
  • No Crossover Confusions: While L.P. Dover has written other popular MMA series (like Gloves Off and Armed & Dangerous), those series do not cross over directly with the Second Chance novels. You can read them completely independently.

Frequently Asked

Can the Second Chance books be read as standalones?

Yes. Each book in the series is a complete story with a happily ever after (HEA) and can be read on its own. However, reading them in order helps you appreciate the background relationships and cameos.

Where is the best place to start the Second Chance series?

The best starting point is Love's Second Chance (Book 1), which introduces the series' themes of healing and romance. If you want to jump straight to the football players, you can also start with Intercepting Love.

How does the novella 'What He Wants' fit into the reading order?

What He Wants is Book 1.5, serving as a prequel novella to Trusting You (Book 2). It is best read right before starting Book 2 to understand Melissa and Brett's dynamic.

Are the Carolina Cougars books a separate series?

No. The Carolina Cougars is the fictional NFL football team featured in the latter half of the Second Chance series, rather than a separate spin-off series.

Does the Second Chance series cross over with the Gloves Off series?

No. While both series are written by L.P. Dover and feature athletic themes (football vs. MMA), they do not cross over. They are completely separate universes.