Second Time Lucky: Club Decadence, Book 5

Club Decadence #5

by Maddie Taylor

Mara Westbrook knows precisely what it's like to have no one to rely on. It's one of the many life experiences that makes her such a wonderful nurse. Tending to the wounded soldiers at Walter Reed Medical Center gives her purpose, and one very irresistible patient constantly reminds her that someday, when she's finally made peace with her past, she wants nothing more than to experience real love. The only light in Master Sergeant Sean O'Brien's dark days is his night nurse, Mara. Her humor, tender smiles, and endless kindness ease the pain of his wounds, and the sight of her shapely form in scrubs helps him appreciate that he survived the gruesome realities of combat. As they begin to let each other in, the sparks between them quickly ignite. But the past is never far behind, and evil men are intent on catching up with Mara. Hopelessly caught in a wicked web of deceit with her happiness on the line, she makes an unthinkable choice. Yet no matter how far she runs, there is no escape from her shameful secrets or the danger bearing down on her. Fate intervenes and forces Mara to trust Sean and the Rossi Security team for protection if she intends to survive. As Sean learns the shocking truth about Mara's past and discovers she is the key to bringing down the Mendoza cartel once and for all, he's faced with a choice of his own. Can he forgive Mara's betrayal and give their once-in-a-lifetime love the second chance it deserves?

Genres: BDSM, Romance, Military Fiction

507 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 29, 2015

About the author

USA Today and #1 International Bestselling Author, Maddie is a lifelong reader who became a romance junkie as a teen with her first romance novel, The Wolf and the Dove by Kathleen Woodiwiss. From then on, she was hooked and gobbled up everything she could get her hands on, whether contemporary, historical, paranormal, or sci-fi.

With over seventy published works, a quarter of a million books sold, and fifty million pages read, Maddie writes fast-paced, steamy fiction in multiple genres from contemporary to Sci-fi to historical western romance. Pour yourself a glass of wine, curl up in your favorite chair, and escape for a few hours in the rich worlds she creates. It will be time well spent.

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Reviews

[Deanie Nelder · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mara Westbrook has a traumatic past (including abuse and teenage prostitution), which led to her being put in unsavory situations and leaving her husband (for his own good). We got a bit of that in the previous Club Decadence novel, but Second Time Lucky takes the readers back to when Sean and Mara first met, though the incident in which Mara got injured, through to their eventual reunion. It's a long, bumpy ride.

Mara and Sean have both made appearances in previous Club Decadence books, but they finally get their own story, and boy is it a doozy. However, while the situations they find themselves in are over-dramatized, they still feel real, and readers can understand why the two got into the mess they're in -- separated, with Mara on the run from a criminal.

[Margaret Center · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is gut wrenching. Star crossed love, soldier and his nightingale. Sean, a flirt, but oh so dominant. Mara, out of the ashes of her traumatized life. Both trying to find their way to happier times. You feel their connection, you want then to be together. But life is cruel, the blows keep coming. You feel every word, you get angry, you might share their tears. You might want to smack Lucky in the back of the head. Emotions run high, with all the men and women of Decadence. Great read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[SH · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my favorite series, ever, and every time I read a new addition it is as if I am visiting with friends. Honestly. This book has so much to offer with a detailed plot, danger, suspense, romance, love and the length is to die for. Sean and Mara's story had me laughing, cheering and crying at times, their story grabbed me and wouldn't let go. Maddie Taylor has hit it out of the park with this installment and I am so looking forward, patiently waiting (seriously, who am I kidding), and anxiously anticipating the next. If you haven't read this series you should just buy the whole set and settle in for a fantastic time because you are missing a wonderful thing if you don't.

[Marie Vayer · Rating 2 out of 5]

There were alot of editing errors in this book (pretty much the entire series) which i found detracts from the story. The first couple chapters are set up from the beginning of their relationship then it goes into current day. You really need to read this book before book 4, as book 4 has the "current" issue with the two main characters and where it leaves off - you think this book will carry on but it doesn't this book goes back to the very beginning of their relationship for the first several chapters. ITs very confusing. I found myself skipping several chapters to get back to the current issues so I could go on with the story.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful read and I am sure that you will enjoy every moment of this wonderful read

Mara Westbrook and her husband have been separated because of a misunderstanding which has been carried by a seep seated shame she carries within her after being put through all manner of hell when she was barely a child by Mendoza, a man that had used her in the worse possible way imaginable.

As the court case draws closer and Club Decadence the BDSM club that the Rossi group own and run, they are aware that they have been infiltrated by a group that seem to be trying to close the club down by using blackmail. Every time they seem to be one step closer to the individuals that have been causing harm, they find another corrupt individual and it is time these individuals are made to pay for the ill deeds.

Mara and her husband Sean have been able to find their way back to each other and as she waits to go to court to fight for justice over the man that has hurt and hunted her for over a decade. The Rossi group are taking no chances as they know that there is definitely corruption in the law force, they accompany her and endeavour to keep her safe and alive so that she can testify for herself, her husband and for all the other women and men the Mendoza’s have killed in their greed and search for power.

This is a wonderful read and I guarantee that you will enjoy every moment of this amazing book it is another wonderful, captivating read by Maddie Taylor.

You will be left looking forward to the next book in this wonderful series.
I assure you that you will love every moment of this book it is simply a fantastic read.
I voluntarily received and review an Advanced Reader Copy
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading any future publications; keep up all the great writing.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Master Sergeant Sean O'Brian fell hard and fast for Mara Westerbrook. Having her take take such great care of him after being injured gave him a lot of insight into her. What he doesn't know is that underneath all that love and tenderous is an abused woman with dark secrets and an unspeakable past. When it comes calling again she has no choice but to leave her new husband Sean. Her actions take them from the euphoria of wedded bliss to the depths of despair. But secrets have a way of coming out and once the truth is known, Mara & Sean's reconciliation is swft and utterly decadent. In the midst of the continuing chaos created by Victor Mendoza, Sean and Mara's love becomes deeper and more abiding. They make the most of their second chance. Failure is not an option

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lost star because the scene doesn't work

I'm reading everything this writer has wrote after discovering tacked onto another book. They all are really great.

And then in Club Decadence book 5, chapter 29, she does.something impossible. Beloved characters Cap and Megan are playing in a room with a picnic.like table. He has her stadle the table, step back off the back and eventually lower herself over a dildo going up her but. Afterward he has her lie on her back with the dildo in place. Not possible unless the dildo moved too. Extremely distracting.

[JigsawGirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second chance romance. Sean (Lucky) and Mara reconnect.

This book was reminiscent of Dex and Elena in that Mara ran, was being blackmailed, determined to protect the man she loved. Sean was steadfast in his determination to not forgive Mara, only provide protection as her story came to light.

Another fast paced story full of mystery, action, intrigue, lies, and betrayal. Also a bit of a surprise unless you read Faithfully.

I read this book in the Club Decadence box set via Kindle Unlimited.

[Kaye Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is the emotional roller coaster of highs and heartbreaking lows as Sean And Mara’s relationship is bombarded from past unspeakable secrets that threaten to tear it asunder and to the Rossi men and their partners who shield them from the dangers…
I loved this story from it ultimate highs to suspenseful and heartbreaking lows, with action and thrills to super steamy scenes that definitely make this series hard to put down and for that I can’t wait for the next book….

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Margaret Corcoran · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this enthralling and interesting page-turner. Poor sweet and strong Mara tries to protect all those around her but herself. Sean is the one who tries to protect her but the world has other ideas. There are so many different elements including violence and hot sexy erotic scenes. This is a very full story with lots of twists that the reader will not want to put down and will need tissues for. I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book and I recommend it. A great book and series.

[Kay Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sean and Mara...what an angsty, heartbreaking, emotional story. These two have been on my radar for a while and I was dying to get stuck into their book. The author gives us a wealth of backstory which clears up some of the mystery of Mara, and builds a brilliant picture of the life she had with Sean before the nightmare of Victor returned to decimate it.
Second Time Lucky has jumped to my #1 fave Decadence book.

[Deeder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mara Westbrook has had a more than rough youth. Sean is a soldier. She's nurse, he gets shot, and sent stateside to fix a mishandled injury. They have something special and a relationship develops. When Mara's past comes calling, she sees no way out except to leave Sean. After a couple of years apart, they get their second chance. A wonderful story, I highly recommend it and the series overall.

[Chasity · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second Time Lucky - 5 Stars!

In Sean & Mara's story things went from bad to worse with the Mendoza cartel. This one was full of action, heartbreak, second chances and love. Everyone of the books in the series is emotional and this one will definitely keep you on the edge of your seat and turning pages!

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 5 in the series is the story of Mara and Sean who the reader has met previously. But this story gives the reader more insight into Mara and Sean and the Rossi men who love and protect their women. With plot twists, danger, secrets, Mendoza, mystery, betrayal and a deep love- all combine to create an amazing story. A great series overall.

[Kemberlee Snelling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful read

I love this second chance romance with Sean and Mara. The story has the usual suspense, action, romance, and Hot BDSM. It gives us insight to the couples past and moving forward after a painful separation.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Master Sergeant Sean O'Brian fell hard and fast for Mara Westerbrook. Having he take such great care of him after being injured gave him a lot of insight into her. What he doesn't know is that underneath all that love and tenderous is an abused woman with dark secrets and an unspeakable past. When it comes calling again she has no choice but to leave her new husband, Sean. Her actions take them from the euphoria of wedded bliss to the depths of despair. But secrets have a way of coming out and once the truth is known, Mara & Sean's reconciliation is swft and utterly decadent. In the midst of the continuing chaos created by Victor Mendoza, Sean and Mara's love becomes deeper and more abiding. They make the most of their second chance. Failure is not an option

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

After each book I read in this series I think this is my favourite and Second Time Lucky is no exception. I was a little impatient at the beginning because it takes us back to the story we read in Little Light of Mine, but if you hadn’t read it it would be necessary. The rest of the story is riveting and what Mara went through with Victor Mendoza was truly horrific. Sean never gave up on her and their dynamic is explosive and so so hot. The action is almost nonstop in this book and will keep you riveted until the explosive end.

[Deeder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well matched couple that separate due to a misunderstanding and circumstances they can't control. Mara had a rough youth and when it comes calling, she flees. They get a second chance a couple of years later. Nice second chance story.

[Rhonda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was another great book in the series though not my favorite as the part where they meet took a bit too long and i found myself skimming it to get to where we left off in the last book..

[Anne Young-Cronister · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved the entire Club Decadence Series! Each and every story was fantastic! Maddie Taylor is a very talented author!

[Kali McQuillen · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5* rtc

[Kirsten · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sean and Mara's story is one that I've been waiting to read. The entire Club Decadence series is H-O-T! It makes you want to go out and find a club of your own to play at--if the club came complete with the men of Club Decadence. Mara first meets Sean when he is a patient at Walter Reed. He's attracted to Mara, and after he's discharged from the hospital, they have their first date. It was then that he realized that she drew him in because she was submissive. They slowly explore their D/s relationship in first DC and later in Texas. While Sean's past as a Master Sergeant in Army Special Forces has been been filled with high stress and danger, it has nothing on Mara's past. Mara's past is a secret that she's not willing to reveal, and when it appears that everything good in her life will be in danger, she responds by running and disappearing--again.

[Melanie]

Mara Westbrook has an unspeakable past and when it comes calling again she has no choice but to leave her husband Sean O'Brien. Her actions take them from the euphoria of wedded bliss to the depths of despair. But secrets have a way of coming out and once the truth is known, Mara & Sean's reconciliation swft and utterly decadent. In the midst of the continuing chaos created by Victor Mendoza, Sean and Mara's love becomes deeper and more abiding. They make the most of their second chance. Failure is not an option

[Laurel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fantastic read. I've read all the others in the series and it feels like a reunion with the characters from previous books. This book was at times laugh out loud funny, heartbreaking sad, very hot sex and spanking for fun and for Discipline. I just don't want this wonderful series to end.

[Toi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Long Story

Long story but you get the background of Sean and Mara - you find out why she ran and all about her childhood (some of that will make you cry). Can't wait to see what's going on with Lil T.

[Jina Howell-Forbes · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked the romance part, but there were too many really scary parts with people trying to kill the heroine. And not just once, but several time. Just too violent for me. Too bad, because I usually enjoy this author.

[DMA · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another heart felt, action packed, loving and kinky book in this series.
It will blow your mind with its gritty, twisted story line and passionate characters!
Enjoy!