You did it! We figured this one out! It is a truth universally acknowledged (by me for certain) that the Bitchery pretty much knows everything, and really, it's true. Scroll down to see the solution for this HaBO - and many thanks!
This HaBO is from Elise, who remembered a few more details about her HaBO after corresponding with Sarah:
Elise:Â So here’s what I can remember about the romance in question:
– The heroine is full-figured.
– There is a great sex scene on the counter in a cabin (???).
Here’s what I think I can remember:
– It’s a second chance love story.
– It takes place at a former summer camp that the hero and heroine attended when they were younger.
Sarah:Â This is tugging at my memory now, too. Does she cover herself with whipped cream or something to try to seduce him, maybe?
Elise:Â The whipped cream sounds vaguely familiar, but it could just be my brain desperately trying to fill in the empty spaces.
After I emailed you I did remember that in the aforementioned counter scene the heroine ::ahem:: finishes rather quickly and its kind of embarrassed about it. I want to say the hero assures her it isn’t embarrassing, but I am not sure if that’s what actually happens or if it’s what I want to think he’d do, if you know what I mean? Wouldn’t be much of a hero if he didn’t but, again, my brain is super foggy on this one.
Anyone know this? Does the whipped cream scene fit?
It sounds like it could be Summer at Willow Lake by Susan Wiggs.
I don’t remember the sex scenes at all, tbh, but the h/h renovate her family’s summer camp / resort while having lots of flashbacks and feelings about past Summer’s together.
Maybe Summer at Willow Lake By Susan Wiggs?
PLEASE BOOK GODS, LET IT BE THIS WIGGS NOVEL! I have a mighty need to get this story in my brain because holy shitfire, dat catnip tho.
Normally second chance romances are an insta-no-go for me but I am soooo tempted.
I had no idea anyone could think a woman ::ahem:: finishing rather quickly would be a problem. That’s when you go for the 2-point conversion. Maybe you get it, maybe you don’t, but at least you got the touchdown. Too many women can’t score at all, so flaunt that early lead with pride!
I agree it sounds a lot like Summer at Willow Lake. And now I really want to reread it.
Another vote for Summer at Willow Lake.
There must be a bazillion Jill Shalvis novels with countertop sexy times, but I don’t think any happen between former summer campers.
@Jacqueline What is it that turns you off about second-chance romances? They often don’t work for me either, and I’m always curious about what other readers do or don’t like about them.
I don’t think I’ve ever read a novel where the heroine felt guilty about finishing too quickly! What an interesting flipping of norms. I’d like to know what was behind that reaction.
@Rose That’s so interesting that this trope doesn’t work for you, either! For me it stems from the fact that second chance usually has a LOT of dark emotions that I really don’t like.
Often the relationship ended badly, so there’s hurt or anger on both sides. It’s odd, though, because I don’t mind enemies-to-lovers in non-second chance romances. I think it’s because no matter how much 2 peeps hate one another, their dislike isn’t going to come from as vulnerable a place as a couple getting back together.
It’s funny because while I was meeting new authors at RT last week, the two questions I immediately asked were, “Is this in 1st person?” and “Is this a second chance romance?” If the answer to either of those were yes, I apologized but had to say I wasn’t interested. I felt like such an asshat but I didn’t want to waste their time when I knew the book wasn’t for me.
What about you? What is it about second chance that you don’t like?
@Jacqueline and @Rose, I am also not a huge fan of the second chance romance. Jumping in to say that for me, it’s because 1) I can’t get over all the time wasted during the interim period; 2) Too often the hero is in the wrong, and then there’s never enough groveling for me. Haha. Not logical, but there you go, just my taste. Although, I have to say there are exceptions… like Persuasion, which is my favorite Austen!
Anyway, I can’t wait to check out this HaBO… it could be another exception to the rule…
She Went All the Way by Meg Cabot has a very good countertop scene, it doesn’t take place at a summer camp but has a fuller figured heroine and is a second chance romance.
I don’t mind second-chance romances, but doin’ it on a countertop is really uncomfortable.
It’s not ‘Almost Perfect’ by Julie Ortolon? They did not go to the summer camp as kids, but met there as adults. She’s an art teacher and he is running the camp. They lived by each other as kids and dated. Had a bad college break up. But I swear there was a counter scene just as you described.
My problem with the second chance is that time rarely solves problems. I don’t mind when it’s not full of super angst or part of an ongoing relationship (divorcing couples working their poor communication stuff out) but the dude(ette) did something really hurtful causing big breakup and heartbreak thing? No. People can forgive a lot, but forgetting isn’t so easy. I don’t like doormats who forgive and forget all because of some good shagging.
And there’s never enough grovel.
@Michelle @Leanne H. Ok this is hella fascinating that there seems to be more people who share my “no-go 2nd chance romance” boat than I thought.
Leanne, you brought up another excellent point! When you said “time wasted in the interim” it brought to mind another reason I don’t like second chance romance; a HUGE portion of the OTP’s story happens off page.
Like, when 50% of a couple’s interaction is missing because it’s backstory that makes me feel like I’m only getting half a story.
And Michelle, YES YES YES! It’s a double edged sword. On the one hand, somebody did something shitty that makes getting past that hella hard. But, on the other hand if it’s something stupid, like a misunderstanding, then I just wanna bitch slap the couple for failing to communicate. Either the reason the couple splits is silly or it’s serious, and both get me grumpy.
BITCHES YOU ARE DA BEST! The one I was looking for was definitely “Almost Perfect” by Julie Ortolon!! As soon as I saw the (old) cover I knew. Thanks so much @Mary!! And thanks everyone else who suggested a title, now I have to read Summer at Willow Lake and She Went All the Way!
I don’t care that much for second chance romances myself for all the same reasons. My exception for that would be Paradise by Judith McNaught. I don’t know why I feel this way but I REALLY loved that book and it’s definitely second chance with some rather serious overtones.
@chacha1 I would think a summer camp countertop could be worse if it were wooden? I had an experience on the wooden mail sorting table in some post office long ago and the splinters were – well, the boyfriend (and postal employee) ended up in the hospital.
This is why I love the Bitchery. I ask a question, go out for a dirty chai latte, and come back to a whole inbox full of fun!!
@Jacqueline, @Leanne H., @Michelle, and @Judy W., thank you for all your thoughts! So interesting to know there are other readers out there for whom second chances can be anti-nip (dognip?).
@Jacqueline, love your idea that it changes the vulnerability dynamic in the relationship, and it’s inherently darker–we already know there was significant pain there, so we’re going into a story that’s upped a few notches on the intensity scale. (So funny about your conversations at RT–those are the same questions I ask when scanning for new reads!!)
@Leanne H., absolutely, the offscreen passage of time is frustrating. That’s a great point, and the frustration is only increased when the hero doesn’t sufficiently grovel to make up for the pain he’s caused and cover all the remorse he should’ve been feeling in that interim period.
@Michelle, I like that you said time doesn’t solve problems. I think it can in certain cases, but too often it’s treated as a panacea for a multitude of romantic woes. Unless we see some serious, serious character development and change for both hero and heroine–not to mention groveling–I don’t buy that time heals all wounds.
I think what ultimately causes problems with second chance romance for me is that I really love a story about a pair of strongly established, independent people with differing worldviews or lifestyles coming together. I like enemies to lovers, unrequited love, and everything in between, but my catnip is seeing two people who are thoroughly defined as unique beings falling in love. With a second chance novel, we’re not starting with two unrelated, independent characters with their own lives and stories. We’re starting with two people who have already grown together in some way, which is interesting in its own right, but it’s not what I love about romances.
(Of course, any second chance romance can be absolutely great and I don’t mean to crap on them in any way. I will drop my life and watch Sweet Home Alabama any time it’s on television. But I do appreciate everyone engaging in a thoughtful discussion with me about this! You’re all awesome.)
@Alex, seconding the hell out of She Went All The Way. One of my all-time favorites. Also seconding everyone who’s posted their countertop misadventures. I have granite in my kitchen, and a cold butt is sexy for no one.
In my cynical opinion, it’s very very difficult for people to change who they are. So I either have to believe that someone has totally changed some essential part of their nature (unlikely), or else there is some tragic misunderstanding (if their communication skills couldn’t solve that the first time around, why believe this is gonna turn out any better?).
@Carol S, totally. I think it needs some incredibly strong character development and empathetic writing to get the reader to believe the hero and heroine have changed enough to make it work.
Yay bitchery!
And I’m enjoying the conversation too. I don’t have as strong opinions about second chance romances, but I realise reading this that I’m not a big fan for a lot of the reasons listed. That and I really like reading about courtship and that doesn’t happen as much i2nd chance.
My only keeper shelf second chance romances that I can think of now are when the hh dated young (high school or college) and then reconnect 10 or more years later. And they’ve both had other loves and relationships.
Late to conversation but have to agree, I tend to dislike second chance romance for all the reasons listed. I have no patience with people who can’t move on already. There are billions of people on the planet, go have an orgasm with someone else. ‘The one who got away’ is even more perturbing than ‘the one’ as a concept. Because you not only have to accept that there’s only one partner who could do it for you (and you found them, probably in your Podunk town as a child, which…I suppose anything is possible) but also that you then squandered that insanely rare and incredible opportunity, and have been wasting your life in the interim, and these are not what I find happy making scenarios.
@Rose YAY! My brain vomit made sense! Whoot! Also, SERIOUSLY?! Ok. The fact that we both hate 2nd chance AND 1st person is too damn cool! What are we, long lost book-mates? LOL
For me, 1st person irritates the crap out of me because I want inside both character’s heads. What a character is thinking is often way more compelling or telling than what they say, and 1st person denies us that. It isn’t so bad when it’s split 1st person, but often one character gets more brain-time than another, ya know?
@kkw Is it weird if I say I love you? “There are billions of people on the planet, go have an orgasm with someone else.” Because OMG I WANT THAT ON A T-SHIRT!
I love how you brought up the issue regarding to time wasted, because that’s accurate AF! We only have an allotted number of days on this planet so the time 2 people spend being stupid means less time for boom-boom-jiggity & hearteyes, which is SO frustrating! Yes I realize these people are fictional and don’t come with an expiration date but I stand by my grumpiness! LOL
Ok–Deb is going to be a trend-bucker here, but second-chance is one of my catnips precisely because of the passage of time and the fact that the H/h have to overcome their misunderstandings and preconceived notions about each other. I agree, the emotions tend to be darker and sadder, but I don’t mind that either. As for 1st-person narration–like all stylistic choices, if it’s handled right, it becomes part of the story and I hardly notice it.
@Jacqueline, yes, clearly we are bookmates! đ Totally agree on your reasoning behind not enjoying first person. I will read any more reviews you write, keep up the fabulous work!!
@cleo, I love reading about courtship as well! Good call, that’s often downplayed in second chance.
@kkw yes, yes! Absolutely! I don’t care for ‘the one’ as a romantic concept (unless it’s a fantastic paranormal with fated were-bear mates) because I think it downplays something fantastic about true love–true love doesn’t mean you could only love one person, but that out of all the many people you could love, this person is the one to whom you choose to devote your heart. How romantic is that?!
@Deb–thank you for sharing another side to this! You’re right; if handled well, the darker emotions can be just as enjoyable. It’s awesome to know there are readers out there who enjoy every book on the spectrum!
@Leanne
I have to say there are exceptions⊠like Persuasion, which is my favorite Austen!
Darn, beat me to it. I was going to say that if you categorically exclude Second Chances, then youâve deprived yourself of Persuasion … and that would be an awful shame.
@Rose THREE CHEERS FOR BOOKMATE BUDDIES hahaha. I’m glad my 1st person word-vomit made sense, because I feel like it rarely ever does!
Awww, thank you so damn much, hon! You can also watch my reviews on my YouTube channel if you like. It’s exactly the same as my written reviews since I script my videos, there’s just a lot more fangirl voice and acting out of my favorite book quotes, LOL. If that’s not your thing, no worries! Thanks for just thinking my reviews aren’t shit :).
@Jacqueline I’ve watched a few of your YouTube rants and I love ’em đ They always make me smile!! Keep up the good work!!
I too dislike second chance love stories.
I agree with Cleo “That and I really like reading about courtship and that doesnât happen as much i2nd chance.”
I want to be convinced that the relationship will work. If the h/h jump straight into instant reconciliation they skip a lot of the discussion and discovery a new relationship has. And second chance is often tied to my other anti-catnip “secret baby”.
I’m glad it’s not just me that veers away from second chance romances. I have a presumption against them, so usually if I see it in a blurb, I will not read the book. Exceptions occur only if I otherwise like and trust the author.