Second Time Lucky

A Middleton Romance #2

by Ethan Day

Second chances aren't easy to come by but for Luke Landon and Owen West, sometimes the best things really do come back to you. Luke Landon and Owen West already had a once upon a time. They burned hot back in college yet still managed to lose their way. It's been fifteen years since they drifted apart and while a lot has since changed, they've discovered that some things still feel the same. While one calls it fate, the other dumb luck, second chances aren't easy to come by. Putting the ignorance of youth and life's baggage aside, they just might find that sometimes the best things really do come back to you.

*PAPERBACK VERSION INCLUDES BONUS STORY - ANYTHING FOR YOU*

Genres: M M Romance, Contemporary, Romance, Humor, Contemporary Romance, Friends To Lovers, Erotica

380 pages, ebook

First published June 8, 2012

About the author

Welcome to Ethan Day's Goodreads Profile. I write mainly contemporary GLBT Romance Novels, but who knows what the future might bring and what other genres I may dive into.

Hopefully, you’ll find my books to be sexy as well as fun. Sex and romance, should be fun! If it isn’t, then perhaps you’re not doing it right.

I hope you love my characters as much as I do. With any luck they’ll inspire you the way they do me.

For a full Bio & more insight into my zany little mind, please visit my website listed above.

- I can also be found on Facebook @
https://www.facebook.com/ethandayonline

Reviews

[Mandapanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Story of Luke and Owen who reconnect after 15 years. I'm a big fan of this author's light yet heart-warming writing style. This book is like visiting with old friends. Luke is confident and happy on the surface but inside he's hiding a lonely heart. And Owen is determined not to let him get away this time. I was pleased that the flashbacks were kept to an absolute minimum because that's a technique that I'm not too fond of. Instead the story concentrates on what's happening with the couple in the present day. There's not a huge amount of angst and the book kind of drifts to an end rather than finishes with a bang. I wanted to highlight all the sex scenes on my kindle coz they're scorching hot!

I was happy to see Chad and Jason from Anything for You and it's exciting that the author seems to be starting a series set in the fictional town of Middleton. I love those series like L.B. Gregg's Smithfield or Marie Sexton's Coda and I'm definitely on board for the future tales of Middleton.

Edit: (02/09/12) Didn't hold up so well on the re-read. It lacked oomph and kind of fizzled out. The dialogue sounded a bit manic this time around too. Changed the rating from 4 to 3.5 stars.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, I've finished. I didn't want to be done. I seriously don't think Ethan could write a shitty book if he tried. This was truly a great story. All my favorites: hot sex, a little angst and a lot of humor. I laughed out loud often and didn't care about the strange looks I was getting. If you want a re-cap, go somewhere else. I'm just gushing on Ethan a little. I love you Ethan, pjs and all. Thank you for another wonderful book!

[Ery · Rating 3 out of 5]

Classic Ethan Day - sweet romance, fairly snappy dialogue/inner voice, and some extremely light drama thrown in the mix. I liked it, but it just kind of fell off. The buildup, climax, and ending were all relatively....flat. Well, more like a mild hill. I literally turned the page and was like "where'd the rest go?" Nothing was left unresolved, but.... It certainly didn't seem like the end to me.

[Monika · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

Ahhhh! Another great Ethan Day book! So far he’s never disappointed me, his characters are always so great I end up falling in love with someone in each of his books, in this one it was Luke!

Luke is funny, sarcastic and snarky, confident on the outside hurting on the inside someone I just want to wrap my arms around and try to make things better. Owen is quiet,sweet and so in love with Luke it almost hurts.

While there wasn’t a lot of drama or angst Luke and Owen’s relationship wasn’t exactly easy. Dealing with a mother I just wanted to smack, a father that shows up after not being around for years and an ex named Tommy that I can’t find anything nice to say about so I’ll say nothing at all. All the characters in this story were great and even though I didn’t like Tommy he was necessary and he brought a little drama and angst that made this story work for me.

I found myself smiling, laughing out loud and crying...okay, okay I know I cry easily whether the story takes me somewhere happy or sad *sigh* Second Time Lucky took me to both places how perfect is that.

If you’re looking for a love story that will make you feel good I recommend this one. I had a great time reading it, can I ask for more Mr. Day?

[Heller · Rating 3 out of 5]

Can there be too much sex in a book? O_o

This was a good story with interesting characters but all they seemed to do together was screw. Don't get me wrong they were great at it but I kind of wish that even a 1/4 of the sex scenes had been replaced with a bit more character development.

I really enjoyed the story with Luke and Owen reconnecting after fifteen years. I also really enjoyed the reason that they broke up, it made the rekindled romance all the sweeter. A good read with sympathetic characters who shared a lot of chemistry together. Not really angst heavy so if you're looking for something lighter this would be a good one.

[Anke · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars.
Wonderful book; I liked it from beginning to nearly end, as for me it didn't really end. I felt a bit like left hanging in the air. Other than that - a fun to read.

[Gwendolyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

From reading other reviews this seems to be just me but I couldn't stand Owen. He came off as someone who believes he knows better than you do about what you need and gets all self righteous about it. None of that insight seems to apply to himself. I liked Luke and the other supporting characters.

Then for some reason there was an ultimatum. I don't want to spoil it but the man already said no and that he didn't want to do it. Luke said no, jackass! Back off. However Luke gives in and that was the final straw that ruined the story.

[Bubbles Hunty Honest & Direct Opinions]

I made it to 23% but just don't like it. I didn't find it funny. The little old driving slow and then flipping everyone off that was begin her just wasn't funy to me. All the extensive details about his work and car didn't interest me at all. And neither character appealed to me. All they do is have sex. The one guy is super sluttly and other not but that's all I really know. And after a couple months of trying to read this I figure it's just time to give up since I don't care about it at all

[Dianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another late night and early morning spent with a wonderful book. Mr. Day is back with a fun, snarky, complex, and overall poignant tale of two men in lust….erm,....love! OK, make that both ;-)

This story had me alternating between laughing (ok, even snorting) out loud, feeling heartache and having a shit eating grin on my face. The fun and games and great one- liners help make for a wonderfully fun read that also packs great emotional depth.

I found the main characters of Luke and Owen, two college friends and lovers who meet again 15 years later, to be extremely likable and well depicted. The secondary characters are fantastic - some of them deserve stories of their own.

The story flows well, Luke is introduced immediately on page (the story is told in his POV) and we meet Owen very early on, therefore, the entire story revolves around their re-acquaintance and the forging of a renewed relationship. This involves circumstances such as Owen having a (very newly) ex long- term boyfriend (and still present housemate), the fact that Owen and Luke live in different states, and that Owen is interviewing for a job in Luke's city. The reader discovers more about the college days of these two throughout the story via Luke’s memories. These two pick right up where they left off sexually- which was smokin’ hot - and build that to a fever pitch. They do well in the verbal communication department too, for the most part. They each end up pushing the other emotionally, which initially was cutting, but then yielded cathartic results for them individually as well as for their relationship. I really, really appreciate when authors show us their characters working through issues when the going gets tough.

Thanks Ethan for another great read. More please? ;-D

[Gennie Gee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second Time Lucky by Ethan Day is a hilariously funny and sweet tale of reflection and getting a second chance with your first love. I loved this story! While it is the second book of the Middletown Romance series, you really don’t need to have read the first book so go out and get this one today because it is that good!
 
Mr. Day brings his unique charm and sarcastically lovable wit to this story told from Luke’s point of view. Luke has just turned thirty-five and finds himself taking stock of his life when his college flame, Owen, re-enters the picture. There are various reasons the relationship didn’t work out fifteen years ago, but the one thing that was never a problem was chemistry. There are quite a few steamy scenes between these two, but they don’t overpower the story.
 
We learn a lot about Luke and his life over the past years and we also learn about Owen. One of my favorite scenes in the book is when Luke goes home with Owen to visit his parents. Being surrounded by the influential people in Owen’s life, both Luke and the reader can see why Owen is such a stand-up guy. The secondary characters in this book are quite charming and vary dramatically from Luke’s cold and slightly bitchy mother to Marco, Luke’s boss and surrogate father.
 
If you like fun romantic comedies that capture the complexities of life, then this book is for you! Mr. Day does a fantastic job of painting a picture that is both charming and deep. Second Time Lucky is about opening yourself to new possibilities while owning your past, accepting who you are today, and striving to become whole.

[Sadonna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love love love this book! Was kinda having a kinda crummy week and this just kicked the weekend off right. First, I have a bit of a birthday curse myself so already I was already sympatico with Luke.

First laugh: "Don't expect a happily-ever-after when you accidentally break a man's masturbation hand - life lesson learned."

Second out loud laugh: “Don’t do it,” she said, offering me one of the steaming ups of caffeine. “Being gang raped in the showers only looks good in porn.” She shook her head at me, able to tell I was still not convinced. “It’s all fun and games until you’re in the infirmary getting your asshole stitched back together.” And the entire story goes on from there.

Favorite comic scenes: Owen and Luke getting caught getting busy at the State Park by a ranger. Owen and Luke at brunch with Luke's mother and friends reliving his "coming-out" scene at his mother's bridge game. Cal telling the story about Owen and Dolly Madison. Dinner with Rob and Steve.

Favorite non-comic scenes: Luke’s walk and talk with Owen’s mother. The confrontation between Owen and Luke at Luke’s apartment after a rather unwelcome surprise. Tommy and Luke’s confrontation.

Favorite comic/non-comic scene: Dinner with Luke’s mother at her house. The entire last chapter.

These two are a fantastic couple. I didn’t want this story to end. I hope it hasn’t ended. We must know what happens on Luke’s next birthday at least. You know – to see if the curse has indeed been lifted. :)

[Sassafrass · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this was a really cute story. I loved Owen and Luke together. It was also one of the best "second chance at love" type books I've read in a long time. It wasn't just a rehash of old hurts with them, it was really set in the present time and I loved that about this book.

Anyway, this was just about perfect for me. Great sex, funny lines, interesting characters (Luke's mom was a hoot), and an overall fun, heartwarming read.

This is a second book in a series, but I haven't read the first one yet and I didn't feel like I was missing anything. I think it's easily read as a standalone.

This is my first novel by Ethan Day, but I love his style. The humor in his writing really made the characters come alive for me. I will definitely read more of his stuff.

[Snowtulip · Rating 4 out of 5]

So, it's a given that Ethan Day books are my go to comfort reads when I need some humor in my life. This story did not disappoint with laugh out loud moments and pairing Owen and Luke together with such distinct personalities.

I am also a sucker for lovers reunited stories, so this hooked me in. As I was reading, I did have moments when I wanted some more emotional depth out of Luke, you get his shiny, keep everything at a distance facade...then bam...Ethan Day gives you what you need and you understand why Luke is written in that manner. You completely get the impact of Luke's barriers coming down.

Yes, I did want more at the end, but I'll live :)

[Lady*M · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 - 4 stars

In a way, this is trademark Ethan Day, though somewhat toned down. Funny and sweet, with not much conflict, it rests on the shoulders of likable characters (all the characters, not just the protagonists). I liked it more than the first Middleton book. Great one-liners, pure entertainment.

[Enny · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got so frustrated by the character's inability to communicate that it took away a lot of my enjoyment of the story.

Jeez, guys, I know that talking about feelings isn't men's strongest point but would it kill you to open your mouth every now and then for something besides breathing, eating and giving blowjobs?

[Query · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good, cute, etc...

BUT seriously. I was so looking forward to the meeting up with Luke's dad, and then it ended! I normally like open-ended endings, but there was basically no plot to the rest of the book and this was the biggest event and then... nothing.

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

Loved most of the characters and the narrative voice was fun. Starts off a solid 5 stars, then kinda slows down just past the middle. Too little sex for me, as the plot was kinda thin. Needs some proofing for sure. With flawless proofing I would have rounded this up from a 3.5.

[Simsala]

Ethan Day is the red rag and I am the bull...it can`t be helped.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 5 stars

Luke Landon is spending his birthday by himself, drinking and watching all his ex boyfriends pass by him at the bar, all seemingly happy without him. As the idea of another drink gets a happy internal hell yes, he hears a voice behind him saying the words, “Put your clothes back on and get back into your vehicle. The park has now closed.” It’s Owen West, back in his life after fifteen years apart. Their romance in college was so hot, so all encompassing they thought it would never end until it did, neither of them really understanding why. But now Owen is here on his birthday and they get a second chance at love, a second chance to get it right whether it be luck or fate, if they are smart enough to take the chance.

Second Time Lucky reminds me almost immediately why Ethan Day is a must read author for me. I never think of the personas he creates for his stories as characters, more like people I love listening to and spending time with. You know, that one friend we are always on the phone with or going out to the bar with them, listening and laughing until our stomachs hurt. Those are Ethan Day people. And Luke Landon is another memorable Ethan Day person. I was grinning with anticipation as I started to read Luke’s inner running commentary on his parade of exes at the bar. After perusing a guy with whom he had a diasterous date, Luke thinks “Don’t expect a happily-ever-after when you accidently break a man’s masturbation hand—life lesson learned.” Or

“Usually, gay men stayed on the same cycle—similar to the menstrual variety in that we did our best to avoid the achy cramps that came with running into our past failures. We instinctively knew what nights and times to avoid certain bars. It was something we normally didn’t have to work at.The same way the moon orbits the earth which in turn does the same with regard to the sun, we managed to avoid one another without needing to consciously think.” That’s pure Ethan Day. Funny, sarcastic, a little twisted and totally true. I could quote him all day.

Told from Luke’s pov, we are privy to all the inner workings of Luke’s mind and heart, a complicated duo if ever there was. Luke’s upbringing and current status with his mother make romantic relationships a hard sell. With three gay ex husbands behind her, Luke’s mother is not exactly a warm and supportive mother, and Luke’s abandonment by his father is an issue still impacting his relationships, whether he acknowledges that fact or not. Mostly not. Everything about Luke, from his pride in his work and his loyalty to his friends, makes him someone it is easy to empathize with and understand. And his constant inner monologue with all his insecurities front and center bubbles to the surface of each page, buoyant on its own effervescence, until it spills over everything in its path, covering all the events with a Lukas perspective, even Owen West. I really liked Owen West, a steady, good person with his own issues. I could also get behind his frustrations with Luke even as he understood the basis for Luke’s actions. Yes, Owen West feels like a real person too. So do all the characters in Second Time Lucky. I don’t need to talk about depth and dimension because it is unnecessary. They are that real, that authentic.

Ethan Day also has a wonderful way with settings, from Missoula, Montana and Owen’s family ranch to Middleton where Luke works and lives, it all comes to life with Day’s vivid details and small deft touches. Second Time Lucky is that complete package, full of laughter, outright guffaws, love and as with life, heartbreaking sobs and tears. Have your box of tissues handy. At one point in the story, a sudden occurrence hits Luke and the reader at the same time with the same impact. My heart hurts just thinking about it now. Everything is tied up in a wonderful ending, that will send you back to the beginning of the story to start reading it all over again. No quibbles here, not even a twinge. Trust me, you will love this one. I know I did. Great job, great story!

Cover: Cover by Winterheart Designs. Very eye catching, very flashy. Not sure how I feel about it, perhaps a little divided. From one standpoint I say, yes, that’s Lucky but under all that glitz is a man with depth. Where is that man on the cover?

[Whit · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Ethan Day’s writing. I love a “we found each other again” story. So I was very happy to hear “Second Time Lucky” combined the two. The adorably slutty Luke Landon finds himself alone and drunk in a bar on his birthday. He’s about to say fuck it (Luke likes the “f-bomb”) and go home; when he gets the surprise of his life. Owen West, the one who got away, appears to spread his own kind of birthday cheer. The passionate chemistry between these two hasn’t diminished over the years and we get a smoking hot, front row seat to the action.

Luke and Owen want to pretend that their one night stand/reunion is just a down and dirty good to see you, but one night turns into a long weekend.

Owen lives in a different city but neither man can say goodbye so they decide to see where this goes. Things aren’t exactly simple with Owen still living in the house that he owns with his ex, Tommy, and long distance relationships are never easy - however the guys manage to carry on seeing each other without a lot of angst. The history of why they didn’t work out the first time isn’t ever really answered, but you get enough history to understand these guys and how it could have happened. Prepare yourself for more deliciously embarrassing moments about the boys from their lovable families.

Owen is good and loyal with one of those voices that you can just tell would make you melt. Luke is sexy and fun. Being inside his head was a delight. Add Ethan’s humor and we have a winner! This was a steamy romance that had me laughing out loud at one in the morning. If you love to laugh and swoon, buy the book!

Review can also be found at http://liveyourlifebuythebook.wordpre...

[Julesmarie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fabulously fun read from the amazing Ethan Day! I'd just been thinking I could use something lighter and fun to read after all of the horror and angst I've been reading lately, so this book couldn't have come out at a better time.

I loved so many things about this book. I loved that both of the MC's are "older" (36 and 37). It's funny how they make jokes about being old and having their joints popping and stuff. Those bits cracked me up. I love that because of how the story was set up, the insta-love theme (which, when it works, I'll admit I enjoy) was able to work amazingly well. I loved how I could FEEL how strong their connection still was even after 15 years of not seeing each other.

The pace of this book totally fit with the age theme, it was beautifully slow and smooth and sweet. I don't mean slow like it was ever boring, I mean slow like there wasn't really any angst or danger. Luke and Owen (which made me giggle like a teenager when I instantly pictured the Wilson brothers) knew pretty much from when they met up again that they were going to be together, so the rest of the book was mostly working out the details. I LOVED that!

I also loved how brave they both had to be, though, in order to show the other one that they really did want to be together. They both did things that had to have been crazy hard, and I loved that they were mature enough to actually TALK to each other and work things through.

And the side characters were all fun and very well done. I laughed so hard during the scene when Luke and Owen get stuck having brunch with Luke's mom and her friends. Seriously. One of the funniest scenes EVER.

Delightful, so much fun, will definitely be re-read.

[LiveYourLife BuyTheBook · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars - KAPOW!

I love Ethan Day’s writing. I love a “we found each other again” story. So I was very happy to hear “Second Time Lucky” combined the two. The adorably slutty Luke Landon finds himself alone and drunk in a bar on his birthday. He’s about to say fuck it (Luke likes the “f-bomb”) and go home; when he gets the surprise of his life. Owen West, the one who got away, appears to spread his own kind of birthday cheer. The passionate chemistry between these two hasn’t diminished over the years and we get a smoking hot, front row seat to the action.

Luke and Owen want to pretend that their one night stand/reunion is just a down and dirty good to see you, but one night turns into a long weekend.

Owen lives in a different city but neither man can say goodbye so they decide to see where this goes. Things aren’t exactly simple with Owen still living in the house that he owns with his ex, Tommy, and long distance relationships are never easy - however the guys manage to carry on seeing each other without a lot of angst. The history of why they didn’t work out the first time isn’t ever really answered, but you get enough history to understand these guys and how it could have happened. Prepare yourself for more deliciously embarrassing moments about the boys from their lovable families

The rest Whit's review can be found at
Live Your Life, Buy The Book

[Fangtasia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ahhh, it had been way too long since I'd read a book by Mr. Ethan Day. Can't do that again, have to have my fix of Mr. Day's hilarious and adorable characters more often. Even if it means re-reading his available books until a new one comes out.

Don't be fooled, though, by the funny one-liners and the scorching hot sex scenes. This is most definitely NOT fluff. The plot is believable, the characters true-to-life and endearing, and the story takes the reader through a range of emotions, from laughter to tears, all in one unstoppable ride.

Thank you, Mr. Day, for another unforgettable read. I'll cherish it, along with all your other books, for many years to come.

[Maggie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating 4.5

Loved this story! Love Ethan Day’s writing style. Completely fell into the characters from the first page. Especially Luke as the story was told from his pov. The writing has some laugh out loud funny which I absolutely appreciate especially after a rough week. Good, snarky humor throughout the story. Luke and Owen (I LOVE that name!) were so great together. They had a wonderful emotional connection as well as some steamy, hot sex scenes.

From laugh out loud to teary-eyed, this book entertained and pulled me in and I sincerely loved the ride. Highly recommended!

“Free Willy! Fuckers!”

[Paisley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dang, I think Ethan Day is really really funny. His stories are so entertaining and this one is no exception - I really loved it a lot. My only complaint with his books is that they tend to be on the pricey end of the spectrum, and because I have a large appetite for reading it hurts to buy them because they add up - dang it!!

In Second Time Lucky once again Mr Day has written a hilarious, sometimes snarky, but always very entertaining story. His characters are full and detailed and very, very sexy. I wish I could read more about them!

[DaisyGirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.0 solid stars

It's official: I'm an Ethan Day fan! Second Time Lucky was angsty, a little sad, very sweet, and real. I luuuurved Owen and Luke. Their story was relationship driven and the plot turns realistic. I was engrossed from the start and rooted for them the entire time. As always, Ethan Day's extended cast of characters and their witty banter had me in stitches.

Bottom line: Already looking for another Ethan Day book to devour! *squee*

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'd almost forgotten how much I like Ethan Day's books. He creates such funny, believable characters. Really enjoyed this story, hoping there is a part 2.

[Alyosha · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was so very, very good. 4.5 stars

[inume27 · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars.It was cute,funny,light but couldn't escape the feeling something was missing...

[Redgal · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think this is the book I have liked best by Ethan Day.