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Sons of Chance #6.2
Already Home
From New York Times bestselling author Vicki Lewis Thompson, a Sons of Chance series novella!
Daredevil videographer Langford "Hutch" Hutchinson has put his career on hold to help his widowed father run their family store in Wyoming. He doesn't mean to stay in town for long--though it's long enough to rekindle his lust for Trina Bledstone. Hutch always had a thing for Trina, but she's his best friend's sister--and that meant hands off!
But Trina still has the power to set his pulse racing--and her brother isn't around to stop them from exploring their sizzling chemistry this time....
A Sons of Chance series novella.
Daredevil videographer Langford "Hutch" Hutchinson has put his career on hold to help his widowed father run their family store in Wyoming. He doesn't mean to stay in town for long--though it's long enough to rekindle his lust for Trina Bledstone. Hutch always had a thing for Trina, but she's his best friend's sister--and that meant hands off!
But Trina still has the power to set his pulse racing--and her brother isn't around to stop them from exploring their sizzling chemistry this time....
A Sons of Chance series novella.
43 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2012
About the author
Vicki Lewis Thompson
525 books1,540 followersNew York Times and USA Today bestseller Vicki Lewis Thompson believes love makes the world go around and laughter makes the trip worth taking. The recipient of RWA’s Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award and the author of more than ninety books, Vicki pioneered a new kind of romance hero with Nerd in Shining Armor. Following the success of her nerd stories, Vicki launched a boisterous paranormal series featuring a matchmaking witch and wizard, an ADD dragon named George, and a black cat inspired by her own precocious feline, Eve.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
June 18, 2022
This was a very short story, which I loved reading. It's about Hutch, a videographer, although he is helping out at his dad's store - and Trina who trains thoroughbreds. Hutch always had a thing for Trina at high school. They go to his bedroom at his dad's house. In the morning they go downstairs and find Trina's mother and Hutch's father in their pyjamas. (I absolutely cringed, but also laughed).
I didn't quite get the ending - it sort of cut off. I just hope that Hutch and Trina get married in another book! 4☆
I didn't quite get the ending - it sort of cut off. I just hope that Hutch and Trina get married in another book! 4☆
September 8, 2012
A good, short story.
After reading the reviews on this short story, I had to read it because of all the complaints about it being rushed, etc. Of course it was rushed, it's a short story! Already Home was a good read. Short and sweet---A tale about two people (Hutch and Trina) who have been hot for each other for some time, and when they get a chance to reunite, the sparks fly. The characters are likable and I couldn't wait to see how it was going to end. I wasn't disappointed. It was well-written with proper grammar, and I didn't find one typo.
Entertaining! Four stars!
After reading the reviews on this short story, I had to read it because of all the complaints about it being rushed, etc. Of course it was rushed, it's a short story! Already Home was a good read. Short and sweet---A tale about two people (Hutch and Trina) who have been hot for each other for some time, and when they get a chance to reunite, the sparks fly. The characters are likable and I couldn't wait to see how it was going to end. I wasn't disappointed. It was well-written with proper grammar, and I didn't find one typo.
Entertaining! Four stars!
December 22, 2012
Said it was 48 pages, but 12-13 of those are an except another of VLT's Last Chance series. If the story had been 12-13 pages longer it may have been a good short story. As it stands, the resolution felt forced and the characters came across as a bit silly and immature. It wasn't a bad story, but it wasn't real good, either.
May 9, 2012
48 pages guaranteed to make your eyes roll back in your head. I know VLT is an accomplished author but this is laughably horrible.
August 20, 2012
This is an enjoyable short story, more escapist that believable. It ends rather abruptly and I guess we have to read the rest of the series to find out if the HFN becomes a HEA.
tbr-later
April 6, 20132 June 2014: $0.00 FREE on Kindle
May 28, 2017
Langford "Hutch" Hutchinson and Trina Bledstone. ... he's a videographer of adventurers, home to help dad after mom died, and dad can't handle the books of the lumber store... she's a horse trainer in New York, home to visit mom... they act on their teenage fantasies (forbidden because her brother was his best friend)...
and story ends with falling love, and exclusivity, and we'll try this long distance relationship... hmmm
and story ends with falling love, and exclusivity, and we'll try this long distance relationship... hmmm
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 1, 2019
Way too short!
October 18, 2022
Extremely short story. Happy for now ending. Hutch and Trina try a fling when they’re both home that turns into something more.
Read
March 2, 2023Quick fun read.
March 3, 2023
I know it is a novella, so it is short, but this was just silly.
December 30, 2018
Cute story, wished it was longer!
October 29, 2016
If you read my other reviews of romance short stories/novella, you’d see that I often take issue with how most authors treat the format. It’s tricky for authors who’re used to writing full length novels to adjust to the shorter format. You run into too much telling, not showing; plots that are too ambitious for the format, underdeveloped stories, etc. So even though I’m not a huge fan of Western-set romance, big thumbs up to an author who understands the limitations of the short-story format and works within the limitations.
The storyline is simple and familiar – our hero Langford Hutchinson is back home helping out his recently widowed dad run the family feed store. He’d been hoping for a short trip so that he can get back to his life as a high-flying videographer. Tending the store front, in walks Katrina Bledsoe who’s in town for a few days and that lust he’d felt as a teenager rears it head. He couldn’t act on it then because she was the younger sister of his best friend. But now . . .
She too had felt the heat way back when, but also knew the impossibility of dating her brother’s friends way back when. (As a younger sister, I’ll attest that dating an older brother’s friend when in high school is a hard barrier to overcome). But older brother’s no longer in town, while the two of them are here.
So some flirting over dinner at the bar, and then the awkward question of where to retreat since they’re both staying with their parents. And that decision leads to more awkwardness, and a story resolution that was really refreshing – so I won’t give it away until the end of this review.
One reason I’m not crazy about Westerns is the heroes tend to be of the annoying old-school “I’m the guy so I’ll protect you even though you don’t need it” type. The stereotypical gender roles drive me up a while.
The author recognizes that expectation of the genre, but plays with it. Katrina asks Langford out for a beer but as they’re heading over, he insists that he’s the one buying.
“You’ve been back East too long, little lady. You’re in the West, now, and in these parts, the men do the buying.”
I love Katrina’s reaction. She doesn’t overreact, but makes it’s clear he’s being ridiculous. Free beer after all. Staying true to herself, without causing a scene.
The story proceeds forward with brisk pacing and good humor. The best may be Katrina and Langford’s discovery when she tries to sneak out the next morning.
{spoiler alert} The author’s skill with this short format shines through best in the story’s resolution. Falling in love in 50 pages can be challenging, and relationship development usually feels truncated. Ms. Thompson seems to get that and resolves the story in an unexpected way. They’re really attracted to each other, but they know that their families would look down on a casual fling which could create problems for both even though they’re adults. And they both have careers and lives they love located on opposite coasts. Finally, they recognize there’s some strong attraction between them, but neither is willing to ask the other to give up everything to be with each other esp. for a new-found relationship. But, oh the attraction – so they decide to give it a go in a non-traditional way. They’ll try a long distance relationship on terms to be determined to see if they truly belong together before making any life altering decisions. Wow! Who saw that coming. Seems like a mature way of addressing crazy attraction.
Good job Ms. Thompson.
The storyline is simple and familiar – our hero Langford Hutchinson is back home helping out his recently widowed dad run the family feed store. He’d been hoping for a short trip so that he can get back to his life as a high-flying videographer. Tending the store front, in walks Katrina Bledsoe who’s in town for a few days and that lust he’d felt as a teenager rears it head. He couldn’t act on it then because she was the younger sister of his best friend. But now . . .
She too had felt the heat way back when, but also knew the impossibility of dating her brother’s friends way back when. (As a younger sister, I’ll attest that dating an older brother’s friend when in high school is a hard barrier to overcome). But older brother’s no longer in town, while the two of them are here.
So some flirting over dinner at the bar, and then the awkward question of where to retreat since they’re both staying with their parents. And that decision leads to more awkwardness, and a story resolution that was really refreshing – so I won’t give it away until the end of this review.
One reason I’m not crazy about Westerns is the heroes tend to be of the annoying old-school “I’m the guy so I’ll protect you even though you don’t need it” type. The stereotypical gender roles drive me up a while.
The author recognizes that expectation of the genre, but plays with it. Katrina asks Langford out for a beer but as they’re heading over, he insists that he’s the one buying.
“You’ve been back East too long, little lady. You’re in the West, now, and in these parts, the men do the buying.”
I love Katrina’s reaction. She doesn’t overreact, but makes it’s clear he’s being ridiculous. Free beer after all. Staying true to herself, without causing a scene.
The story proceeds forward with brisk pacing and good humor. The best may be Katrina and Langford’s discovery when she tries to sneak out the next morning.
{spoiler alert} The author’s skill with this short format shines through best in the story’s resolution. Falling in love in 50 pages can be challenging, and relationship development usually feels truncated. Ms. Thompson seems to get that and resolves the story in an unexpected way. They’re really attracted to each other, but they know that their families would look down on a casual fling which could create problems for both even though they’re adults. And they both have careers and lives they love located on opposite coasts. Finally, they recognize there’s some strong attraction between them, but neither is willing to ask the other to give up everything to be with each other esp. for a new-found relationship. But, oh the attraction – so they decide to give it a go in a non-traditional way. They’ll try a long distance relationship on terms to be determined to see if they truly belong together before making any life altering decisions. Wow! Who saw that coming. Seems like a mature way of addressing crazy attraction.
Good job Ms. Thompson.
July 3, 2014
This is a really cute and fun read. It's fairly short, I was actually able to complete it in under an hour, but I still enjoyed it immensely. I loved the feel of the small town and the cute, homey names of the stores such as the Likity Split and the Spirits & Spurs. It reminded me quite a bit of my teenage years that I spent in a small town.
I loved the addition of a teenage crush coming to fruition later in life. I had a similar conversation as a young adult with my teenage crush and although it didn't come to such a happy ending as this one, I found this story extremely nostalgic. I loved the added worry about parents hearing them in the bedroom, it added some teenage angst that made the book all that much more nostalgic to me.
Not only was this book sweet, it also had it's moments of fantastic humour, such as the parents downstairs doing basically the same thing as their children. I found the morning after exchange hilarious and was embarrassed for the couple.
My only complaint about this book is that since it's so short, the ending doesn't have as much resolution as I'd like. I really wish the author had gone further into the story to give this couple the HEA that they deserved.
Definitely a cute, quick read for a dull night.
I loved the addition of a teenage crush coming to fruition later in life. I had a similar conversation as a young adult with my teenage crush and although it didn't come to such a happy ending as this one, I found this story extremely nostalgic. I loved the added worry about parents hearing them in the bedroom, it added some teenage angst that made the book all that much more nostalgic to me.
Not only was this book sweet, it also had it's moments of fantastic humour, such as the parents downstairs doing basically the same thing as their children. I found the morning after exchange hilarious and was embarrassed for the couple.
My only complaint about this book is that since it's so short, the ending doesn't have as much resolution as I'd like. I really wish the author had gone further into the story to give this couple the HEA that they deserved.
Definitely a cute, quick read for a dull night.
June 19, 2013
Hutch's POV from the start was a good read. You initially get a feel for what type of person he is, home to help his father. Then his thoughts on Trina are introduced right off the bat.
Trina also had an enjoyable POV. Her attraction to Hutch was the typical little sister crush from childhood into adulthood. Figures her brother never told his best friend. Always the protective brothers in these types if books.
Because this was a novella I was nervous that the storyline wouldn't be good but it was great. You learned about their parents. The two of them heated up their chemistry while there was still an actual story.
The one and only negative for me what boom it literally just ended.
I think I love you.
I think I love you too
Let's make this work.
Ok
The End!
What? Really? What? It could've seriously had one more chapter of wrapping up all the loose ends. It just went from 4 Stars to 3.
Trina also had an enjoyable POV. Her attraction to Hutch was the typical little sister crush from childhood into adulthood. Figures her brother never told his best friend. Always the protective brothers in these types if books.
Because this was a novella I was nervous that the storyline wouldn't be good but it was great. You learned about their parents. The two of them heated up their chemistry while there was still an actual story.
The one and only negative for me what boom it literally just ended.
I think I love you.
I think I love you too
Let's make this work.
Ok
The End!
What? Really? What? It could've seriously had one more chapter of wrapping up all the loose ends. It just went from 4 Stars to 3.
November 23, 2015
I am never disappointed with a Vicki Lewis Thompson novel, and this one isn't any different. It is a short novella which can be read in an hour. I enjoy reading books like this in between other longer novels to switch things up a little. Vicki is one of my favorite authors. She has been now for many years. She has great talent, and the characters that she creates in her books are always well rounded and easy to love.
Hutch - He is a dashing, fun hero for this book. I felt at ease with him straight away, and wouldn't mind having one of him cuddling behind me in bed at night. ;)
Katrina - She is a provocative young woman who seems to know what she wants and goes for it. She is sweet-natured too, and fits together well with the hero.
Plot - The plot is realistic, yet a little speedy because there is only so much you can put in a fifty page novella. The pace was perfect for me, and it had a satisfying ending. Great to read on a quick lunch break.
Hutch - He is a dashing, fun hero for this book. I felt at ease with him straight away, and wouldn't mind having one of him cuddling behind me in bed at night. ;)
Katrina - She is a provocative young woman who seems to know what she wants and goes for it. She is sweet-natured too, and fits together well with the hero.
Plot - The plot is realistic, yet a little speedy because there is only so much you can put in a fifty page novella. The pace was perfect for me, and it had a satisfying ending. Great to read on a quick lunch break.
May 7, 2012
This is an extremely short story that is only about thirty pages long. This is about two characters who come home to Wyoming for very different reasons. The characters talk and find out they each had a crush on each other when they were teenagers, but neither acted on it. The male lead keeps remembering her in a bikini when she was 15. The two decide that they are adults and can follow through with their crush, because her brother isn't around now. Instead of acting like two grown adults, they sneak around and act like teenagers again. Their final decision with the declaration of true love, still allows them to sneak around behind their parents back. I love cowboys and Westerns, but these characters were too immature for my taste.
June 5, 2012
Shorter than I thought, only 30-35 pages, which was a disappointment
The story was realistic enough; I liked the dialogues between Hutch and Trina. I also liked the very open ending, as in such a short time-frame and short story I am not sure something else would have been believable. However this can definitely disappoint some readers expecting more comfort.
I was not so disturbed as other readers by the teenage-like behavior of the main couple, which to my opinion can be attributed to their coming back to their childhood town and living back for a few months/days with their parents. This has been known to generate regressive behaviors!
I also liked the 1st chapter of the next book. I may read it, as the short story, despite being too short, had indeniable qualities.
The story was realistic enough; I liked the dialogues between Hutch and Trina. I also liked the very open ending, as in such a short time-frame and short story I am not sure something else would have been believable. However this can definitely disappoint some readers expecting more comfort.
I was not so disturbed as other readers by the teenage-like behavior of the main couple, which to my opinion can be attributed to their coming back to their childhood town and living back for a few months/days with their parents. This has been known to generate regressive behaviors!
I also liked the 1st chapter of the next book. I may read it, as the short story, despite being too short, had indeniable qualities.
January 11, 2013
Fast, enjoyable read. I liked both of the characters. Neither Trina nor Hutch are broken, running from something, or in need of saving. On the contrary, they are grounded adults who understand themselves and what they want out of life. Living out a fantasy from their teenage years doesn't change them, the goals they've set for themselves, or the passion they have for their careers. I found that remarkably refreshing. The ending, therefore, seemed realistic and hopeful. It tied up nicely, but remained true to the characters. I also loved the supporting characters and the subplot, which was well developed for such a short story. I'd like to read more in this series, and I really want to learn more about Robert and Lucy.
May 13, 2013
I was eager to read this story as part of the series. It could be read as a stand alone though regular characters are mentioned. Unfortunately, once it got past the introduction it felt rushed and the relationship forced along too quickly.
Trina and Hutch grew up together and had secret teen crushes for each other, but now years later meeting up again unexpectedly they wish to pursue this. They sneak around and get a big surprise the morning after which forces them to decide to cool their affair. Then things just get awkward until they come up with a temporary solution.
Maybe if this had been stretched out into a longer page count I might have been able to connect with the story or characters, but as it was, it was just okay for me.
Trina and Hutch grew up together and had secret teen crushes for each other, but now years later meeting up again unexpectedly they wish to pursue this. They sneak around and get a big surprise the morning after which forces them to decide to cool their affair. Then things just get awkward until they come up with a temporary solution.
Maybe if this had been stretched out into a longer page count I might have been able to connect with the story or characters, but as it was, it was just okay for me.
February 12, 2016
Chick-lit novella about two people who knew each other in childhood, developed an attraction in late teens they never acted on and who now reconnect years later.
Hutch is home helping Dad out after his Mom died a year past, the plan had been to stay a short while but things did not quite work that way.
Trina has come home from New York for a quick visit with her Mom, upon finding Hutch in town she also is made aware the old spark between them is still there and to her satisfaction turns out it is not one sided like she had thought for many years.
This novella is short but the friends to lovers plot is fun to read, especially when a surprise twist is revealed near the end.
Hutch is home helping Dad out after his Mom died a year past, the plan had been to stay a short while but things did not quite work that way.
Trina has come home from New York for a quick visit with her Mom, upon finding Hutch in town she also is made aware the old spark between them is still there and to her satisfaction turns out it is not one sided like she had thought for many years.
This novella is short but the friends to lovers plot is fun to read, especially when a surprise twist is revealed near the end.
June 20, 2012
I realize that having short stories available and free is a great way to introduce new readers to a series but I felt that this story was just too short. At only 40 pages I don't think I got a good feel for how the remainder of the series would pan out. It didn't leave me wanting more from the story. Ms. Thompson was able to cram a lot of story in such a short period and I have previously enjoyed her paranormal romances. Because of that I may pick up the other books in this series, but if I was just starting with this book I'm not sure I would.
June 24, 2012
This was really a very funny believable or should I say hopeful type of reunion of two old friends. Really it was the younger sister by two yrs. All grown up with a career & home a visit & runs into heart heart throb her brothers friend who is also back home for awhile to help out his dad. Just when things start to get comical, romantic, uncomfortable between there parents & soul search,boom the story ends. 30 or so pages really & that's it? It really leaves you hanging with so many question. Fun banter of how they felt as teenagers & then the whole scene at his dads. To funny.
Want to Read
January 22, 2014ALREADY HOME - SONS OF CHANCE SERIES #6.2 - (Hutch and Trina)
Daredevil videographer Langford "Hutch" Hutchinson has put his career on hold to help his widowed father run their family store in Wyoming. He doesn't mean to stay in town for long—though it's long enough to rekindle his lust for Trina Bledstone. Hutch always had a thing for Trina, but she's his best friend's sister—and that meant hands off!
But Trina still has the power to set his pulse racing—and her brother isn't around to stop them from exploring their sizzling chemistry this time....
A Sons of Chance series novella.
Daredevil videographer Langford "Hutch" Hutchinson has put his career on hold to help his widowed father run their family store in Wyoming. He doesn't mean to stay in town for long—though it's long enough to rekindle his lust for Trina Bledstone. Hutch always had a thing for Trina, but she's his best friend's sister—and that meant hands off!
But Trina still has the power to set his pulse racing—and her brother isn't around to stop them from exploring their sizzling chemistry this time....
A Sons of Chance series novella.
February 15, 2015
I thought this was a cute read and at time funny. It is a nice way to get a taste of the author’s style of writing which I thought was good. The story does end on a happy note but there is no closure so you do not know if things work out or not. With that said I would be interested in reading the rest of this author book of Trina and Hutches story. The author could go in a lot of ways. It has a wonderful plot I just need more to go on. I am giving this a 3.5 since it has no closure and rounding it up to a 4 because I thought it was a nice funny read.
August 2, 2012
I thought that when I turned the page that there would be more but it just ended. I didn't think that the plot was well thought out and it needed more even though it was a short story. The two main characters definitely didn't act their age and acted on a crush that they have had for years. I understand that the Trina's brother doesn't like her with his he's friend but still...anyway, not a good read and I just thought that it was very childish.
January 26, 2013
A cute reunion of old friends who had the hots for each other when they were kids but both had went their own ways and are now back in town for different reasons. They never knew one had a crush on the other and this sparked a hot night of mad sex but sadly it may have to end because their parents have other plans! The hot guy on the cover prompted me to give it one more star not because it was that bad a story just way to short.
March 13, 2014
Langford "Hutch" Hutchinson, a videographer, currently home helping his father run the feed store. Hutch didn't expect Trina Bledsoe to breeze back into town. Trina has always wanted Hutch and him being her brother's best friend made that a no no. Hutch and Trina take a chance only run into unexpected problem their parents. Can Hutch and Trina work things out? Your answers await you in Already Home.
May 11, 2012
This is the first book of Vicki Lewis Thompson I have read.Was excited to read it since it is a part of the series ' Son of Chance'. But Found that it was a very short but good story. I love the characters. Not happy with the short ending.Would have preferred a happy ever after ending . Anyways , hoping to get more of her books to read. :)
May 22, 2012
Vicki gets straight to the point with this one. Hutch and Trina have wanted each other for years, but never got together because her older brother Nash would be furious. Well, now they're older and have both taken a coincidental short break from their careers to return to Wyoming. Big brother's not around and they don't waste time getting to know each other much better.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews