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One More Time
Vermont is the last place Dane Westerfield wants to be. He left a decade ago and has no desire to go back. California is now home...or rather, his partner of six years is home. The unexpected death of his partner and revelation of secrets kept send Dane reeling, and he returns to the Vermont town he grew up in to help deal with his grief.Before he even reaches his sister's home, he runs into Theo Mason, his first love and his...well, first. Theo had been one of the reasons Dane had been eager to leave Vermont a decade ago, and Dane's definitely not eager to see him again. Yet the sexy, rugged police officer makes it clear he wants another chance with Dane. Theo's patience and understanding catch Dane off-guard, and Dane finds himself unable to resist the once-familiar heat that generates between them. But is his time with Theo just a rebound fling or can Dane move past his grief for a new chance at love?Publisher's This book contains explicit sexual situations, graphic language, and material that some readers may find male/male sexual practices.
99 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 26, 2012
5 people are currently reading
103 people want to read
About the author
Shawn Lane
133 books309 followersShawn Lane writes erotic gay romances and believes love and passion know no boundaries. Happily Ever After is for everyone.
In the past she has written heterosexual romances (see her backlist) but is now concentrating on gay romances.
Shawn lives in California and holds down a boring day job in a legal department of a giant corporation dreaming of the nights and weekends when she can create new stories.
Shawn loves to hear from readers, is happy to answer any questions, and has been known to send free books to fans just because.
In the past she has written heterosexual romances (see her backlist) but is now concentrating on gay romances.
Shawn lives in California and holds down a boring day job in a legal department of a giant corporation dreaming of the nights and weekends when she can create new stories.
Shawn loves to hear from readers, is happy to answer any questions, and has been known to send free books to fans just because.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
October 27, 2012
Wow, I really didn't like this one!
Dane's lover and partner of 6 years passes away suddenly and then Dane finds out a secret that has him unhappy...
So, one month after his partner dies he goes to Vermont to visit his sister ( and other asshat brothers...pointless to even have them in the story! )
So day one there he runs into his 'first' who treated him like so much trash 10 years ago...Theo ( aka asshat) follows him into the bathroom and while giving his condolences comes onto Dane and kisses him....wonderful, a real stand -up guy Theo is!
Then he bullies him into a date ( by the way, I liked the sister, but she was sort of pushy and not in a good way IMO)
And like before they finish dinner he is telling Dane he can write anywhere and to move to Vermont.. ( Dane has a life in California...has just lost his partner and *this* is Theo's idea of a first date! ) again I am flabbergasted at this guys sense of entitlement! And he follows him into the bathroom again...and kisses him there again...I'm sensing a pattern!
Soooo...anyhows...they have sex, lots and lots of sex...then Dane says he needs to go back to CA and Theo gives him an utimatum, stay here with me or it's over! Again, I can't stress this enough, they haven't seen each other for 10 years and weren't even friends before, they had sex once 10 yrs ago and now for the last four weeks and again, Lover has only been dead for 2 months...Theo is such a prince! *que sarcasm*
Oh, and he yells I Love You just as Dane is going through security at the airport and then runs off...
Then he appears unannounced at Dane's house a few weeks later and says come live with me...Dane the spineless whiny guy that he is says of course....and they live happily ever after....
Dane's lover and partner of 6 years passes away suddenly and then Dane finds out a secret that has him unhappy...
So, one month after his partner dies he goes to Vermont to visit his sister ( and other asshat brothers...pointless to even have them in the story! )
So day one there he runs into his 'first' who treated him like so much trash 10 years ago...Theo ( aka asshat) follows him into the bathroom and while giving his condolences comes onto Dane and kisses him....wonderful, a real stand -up guy Theo is!
Then he bullies him into a date ( by the way, I liked the sister, but she was sort of pushy and not in a good way IMO)
And like before they finish dinner he is telling Dane he can write anywhere and to move to Vermont.. ( Dane has a life in California...has just lost his partner and *this* is Theo's idea of a first date! ) again I am flabbergasted at this guys sense of entitlement! And he follows him into the bathroom again...and kisses him there again...I'm sensing a pattern!
Soooo...anyhows...they have sex, lots and lots of sex...then Dane says he needs to go back to CA and Theo gives him an utimatum, stay here with me or it's over! Again, I can't stress this enough, they haven't seen each other for 10 years and weren't even friends before, they had sex once 10 yrs ago and now for the last four weeks and again, Lover has only been dead for 2 months...Theo is such a prince! *que sarcasm*
Oh, and he yells I Love You just as Dane is going through security at the airport and then runs off...
Then he appears unannounced at Dane's house a few weeks later and says come live with me...Dane the spineless whiny guy that he is says of course....and they live happily ever after....
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 17, 2012
This story was okay for me. There was a lot of potential for this story in the beginning, however, then it sort of went downhill for me after that. I found Dane's quick turnaround after his partner of six years died a little too fast and unbelievable. I like second chance stories, but this one did not work for me.
September 2, 2012
CONTAINS SPOILERS
Two loves, both bisexual but did he/does he truly love me?
Is it the best thing to start a new love whilst still grieving for the old?
Dane's partner of six years dies suddenly and Dane is left to make sense of aspects of his partner's life that had been hidden. His partner was bisexual and had married, had a child and divorced before he met Dane, but had never revealed this to Dane. Now having to deal with his partner's death, Dane questions why his partner hid this part of himself and questions if his partner truly loved him.
Not long after the funeral Dane visits his childhood home and sister, and other family members who he is some what estranged from. The past rears its head when he meets Theo who was his first love in high school. Although he recognises that it is too soon after the death of his partner, he gets sexually involved with Theo realising that Theo is also bisexual.
I enjoyed seeing how Dane works through all these issues in the aftermath of huge changes to his life. He moves from being the young protected and indulged lover, to being a mature lover who wrestles with past, present, questions and choices.
The writing is engaging. Dane is no victim and despite grieving recognises his own vulnerability and his deep desires. He does his utmost to make sense of the new situation in which he finds himself and does his best to negotiate past, present, and possibilities for the future. Dane's POV has a way of drawing the reader into the story and we get to see his grief, his questions and the beginning of his recovery. I liked the way he was able to manage the demands made on him both from people and from circumstances, not in a super human way but step by step. The story was weighty and able to deal with pain and complexity but wasn't swallowed in angst.
I did enjoy reading it. I do wish it had been longer
Two loves, both bisexual but did he/does he truly love me?
Is it the best thing to start a new love whilst still grieving for the old?
Dane's partner of six years dies suddenly and Dane is left to make sense of aspects of his partner's life that had been hidden. His partner was bisexual and had married, had a child and divorced before he met Dane, but had never revealed this to Dane. Now having to deal with his partner's death, Dane questions why his partner hid this part of himself and questions if his partner truly loved him.
Not long after the funeral Dane visits his childhood home and sister, and other family members who he is some what estranged from. The past rears its head when he meets Theo who was his first love in high school. Although he recognises that it is too soon after the death of his partner, he gets sexually involved with Theo realising that Theo is also bisexual.
I enjoyed seeing how Dane works through all these issues in the aftermath of huge changes to his life. He moves from being the young protected and indulged lover, to being a mature lover who wrestles with past, present, questions and choices.
The writing is engaging. Dane is no victim and despite grieving recognises his own vulnerability and his deep desires. He does his utmost to make sense of the new situation in which he finds himself and does his best to negotiate past, present, and possibilities for the future. Dane's POV has a way of drawing the reader into the story and we get to see his grief, his questions and the beginning of his recovery. I liked the way he was able to manage the demands made on him both from people and from circumstances, not in a super human way but step by step. The story was weighty and able to deal with pain and complexity but wasn't swallowed in angst.
I did enjoy reading it. I do wish it had been longer
June 3, 2015
This was a quick read. Had the potential of being more if the characters were a little more developed and though I appreciate pictures of shirtless men I think that if the story is about a police offer and another man dealing with the death of his partner than the cover should reflect that. I think the author needed to get in touch a little more on the universal feelings and emotions that surround people when their loved one dies or if the author has experienced this maybe a better way of communicating that through the book. I really want to give it 4 stars but I can't. But it is a good read while you are the airport or any short intercession of time.
January 9, 2013
I love Shawn Lane's stories and this one was no exception!
Dane was a very likeable and sympathetic protagonist, I loved how their relationship with Donald were described and I really liked Donald, despite his mistake it seems he really loved Dane.
Theo was a really nice guy too. I expected there'd be some time before I'd warm up to him, but I actually liked him from the moment he made the first appearance :)
Very well done!
Dane was a very likeable and sympathetic protagonist, I loved how their relationship with Donald were described and I really liked Donald, despite his mistake it seems he really loved Dane.
Theo was a really nice guy too. I expected there'd be some time before I'd warm up to him, but I actually liked him from the moment he made the first appearance :)
Very well done!
August 31, 2012
Uh. This guy is a co-dependent freak that lets jerks push him around. Dane needs to be alone for a while and the help of a good therapist. I hope this gets better.
January 7, 2013
3.5 round up.
A smooth reading story. The angst level was not overwhelming despite the over all subject of losing one's partner.
Dane lose his partner of six years, Donald, to heart attack. Dane discovered Donald's secret one that Donald planned to discuss with Dane but he died before he got to. a few days before and was struggling to cope with the fact that Donald died before Dane got the chance to talk about that secret. That resolve soon enough but left Dane with uncertainties.
I think that it was a miss opportunity to do more with Donald's family. I kept thinking that perhaps Dane should have left the house to Donald's son but I guess it's not on his mind.
About another MC, Theo, while I think that it was too soon for Dane to start thing with Theo, perhaps it wasn't as much as beginning anew but rekindle the old flame. However, that would have been more of highschool crush and not full scale love since they were only together once before Theo chickened out and withdrawn from Dane. Theo pretty much made up for lost time, all but plowed through Dane's defenses and reluctance to get Dane under him.
I agreed with another reviewer that Theo hardly made any concession for Dane at all. Everything must be in Theo's terms, from the very beginning when Theo got scared and avoid Dane to the time in the book when 'Yes I want you here full time in my house, in my life' no matter how you feels that you buried your SO only a month ago.
Also, long-distance relationship... How did Dane (or the author, perhaps it just to make the point) figured that he would only see Theo only twice a year? Dane had the money he should be able to make the trip like once every two months or something. All in all, Theo and Dane seems to require a lot more communications to maintain this relationship.
Most of the secondary characters except for Dane's family seemed to appear only to serve a purpose and then disappear. Perhaps this is to emphasize that Dane was pretty a loner who content with Donald and a few people in his life.
Overall, I think this is a pretty sweet story but not completely due to a few dark points here and there.
A smooth reading story. The angst level was not overwhelming despite the over all subject of losing one's partner.
Dane lose his partner of six years, Donald, to heart attack. Dane discovered Donald's secret one that Donald planned to discuss with Dane but he died before he got to. a few days before and was struggling to cope with the fact that Donald died before Dane got the chance to talk about that secret. That resolve soon enough but left Dane with uncertainties.
I think that it was a miss opportunity to do more with Donald's family. I kept thinking that perhaps Dane should have left the house to Donald's son but I guess it's not on his mind.
About another MC, Theo, while I think that it was too soon for Dane to start thing with Theo, perhaps it wasn't as much as beginning anew but rekindle the old flame. However, that would have been more of highschool crush and not full scale love since they were only together once before Theo chickened out and withdrawn from Dane. Theo pretty much made up for lost time, all but plowed through Dane's defenses and reluctance to get Dane under him.
I agreed with another reviewer that Theo hardly made any concession for Dane at all. Everything must be in Theo's terms, from the very beginning when Theo got scared and avoid Dane to the time in the book when 'Yes I want you here full time in my house, in my life' no matter how you feels that you buried your SO only a month ago.
Also, long-distance relationship... How did Dane (or the author, perhaps it just to make the point) figured that he would only see Theo only twice a year? Dane had the money he should be able to make the trip like once every two months or something. All in all, Theo and Dane seems to require a lot more communications to maintain this relationship.
Most of the secondary characters except for Dane's family seemed to appear only to serve a purpose and then disappear. Perhaps this is to emphasize that Dane was pretty a loner who content with Donald and a few people in his life.
Overall, I think this is a pretty sweet story but not completely due to a few dark points here and there.
August 30, 2012
4.5*
When his partner of 6 years died, Dane learned that his partner harbored a secret. Hurt, Dane accepted his sister's invitation to visit her in their hometown in Vermont.
The very first hour he was in Vermont, Dane encountered Theo, the man whom he lost his virginity and the reason he left Vermont 10 year ago. Despite some resistance at the beginning, the two hit it off. Until it's time for Dane to return to California...
It's a romantic book, especially the last 20% or so. The first part is very depressing with the loss, secret, etc. I was not fond of Dane at first, since he's very negative toward everything, but slowly it changed.
This book make a strong case for the existence of bisexuality, against accusation from gays who don't accept them.
I'm happy that the conflicts seem real, not fictional that many authors use to complicate things.
When his partner of 6 years died, Dane learned that his partner harbored a secret. Hurt, Dane accepted his sister's invitation to visit her in their hometown in Vermont.
The very first hour he was in Vermont, Dane encountered Theo, the man whom he lost his virginity and the reason he left Vermont 10 year ago. Despite some resistance at the beginning, the two hit it off. Until it's time for Dane to return to California...
It's a romantic book, especially the last 20% or so. The first part is very depressing with the loss, secret, etc. I was not fond of Dane at first, since he's very negative toward everything, but slowly it changed.
This book make a strong case for the existence of bisexuality, against accusation from gays who don't accept them.
I'm happy that the conflicts seem real, not fictional that many authors use to complicate things.
August 30, 2012
2.5 stars
Dane (26) is grieving for his deceased partner and on the insistence of his sister goes to visit her in Vermont for a month. Almost immediately, he runs into his first love, Theo (29). Theo, who 10 years before broke Dane's heart, starts pursuing Dane and making the moves on him.
This was a good read but I was dissatisfied with the ending. I felt like Theo was only taking from the relationship and never giving anything back. There was no compromise, he just stated what he wanted to happen and if it didn't then it couldn't work out. Even though at the end Theo tried to compromise, it was already too late by then, Dane ended up giving Theo what he wanted.
Dane (26) is grieving for his deceased partner and on the insistence of his sister goes to visit her in Vermont for a month. Almost immediately, he runs into his first love, Theo (29). Theo, who 10 years before broke Dane's heart, starts pursuing Dane and making the moves on him.
This was a good read but I was dissatisfied with the ending. I felt like Theo was only taking from the relationship and never giving anything back. There was no compromise, he just stated what he wanted to happen and if it didn't then it couldn't work out. Even though at the end Theo tried to compromise, it was already too late by then, Dane ended up giving Theo what he wanted.
August 30, 2012
I had a hard time deciding whether I liked this book or not. It was not bad per se. The plot was even interesting but
But apart from that one thing I had no other issues with the story, I guess to some extent I even enjoyed it, hence 3 stars.
But apart from that one thing I had no other issues with the story, I guess to some extent I even enjoyed it, hence 3 stars.
October 17, 2012
Hm, this is a weird unrealistic story. I'm sure that maybe with a more developed storyline I would take it differently, but based on this plot, I can't. For me everything between Dane and Theo happens to fast and to soon. Dane and Theo hooked up just because of their past, and I didn't like it. Their emotions weren't real or true. Theo was definitely to pushy and needy and Dane emotionally cold.
July 28, 2025
For a shorter story, I was moved by this. It dealt with Dane losing his partner and the grief that surrounds that. Meanwhile, he runs into someone from his past. I liked how Theo never made Dane feel like Daniel wasn't an important part of his life. There were some things that I felt were a bit unfinished, but overall it was a sweet story that pulled at the heart strings.
March 6, 2013
Reviewed for Confessions from Romaholics
Review at Confessions from Romaholics
This is a story of past love reconnecting, while learning to grieve and let go of love just lost. I’ve always been a lover of Shawn Lane’s books; they are sweet, fun and full of explosive emotions. You can almost never go wrong with picking one up!
Dane Westerfield has just lost his partner Donald of six years to a heart attack, but instead of mourning, he is anger, hurt and pissed off. Donald withheld secrets from him, secrets of his other life, of his past, and present. Donald was once married, and has a child, only he never told any of this to Dane. Dane had to find out after Donald’s death. Even just before Donald died, Dane had come across a note that left him convinced Donald was going to leave him. Dane is left confused and alone, lost with what was and what could have been.
In his grief, Dane gets a call from his sister Emily begging him to come back home to Vermont to stay with her and her family. She is worried that Dane will wallow in his grief, not willing to heal from the pain of losing Donald. Reluctantly Dane finally agrees to visit, but only on his terms and for a set date, as the memories of why he left Vermont in the first place make him hesitant to return. As he should … when not even mere moments after landing in Vermont does Dan run into that reason—Theo Mason.
Theo Mason hasn’t forgotten Dane or what he did to him almost 10 years ago. In light of Dane’s almost hostile greeting, Theo is insistent that they reconnect, well that and his attraction to Dane is as strong as ever! With help from Emily, Theo manages to always show up whereever Dane is, much to the annoyance of Dane. Finally Theo’s patience pays off with a rather explosive kiss that leads to more. It seems that even after 10 years their chemistry is still dangerously hot!
But Dane is still struggling, he feels guilt for jumping into a—who knows what you call it—thing with Theo, just weeks after losing Donald. His hurt over Donald’s secrets has made him uncertain if he can trust another bisexual man. Dane had always believed Donald was gay, so when he found out about his ex-wife and young son, he was shocked and heartbroken that Donald didn’t trust him enough with this information. But as his old feelings for Theo come roaring back, he has to figure out if this possible relationship is worth it or not.
Theo wants Dane to stay, but Dane isn’t sure he wants to move back to Vermont and open himself up to even the possibility of future hurt. So it seems it’s up to Theo to find a way to make Dane trust in them.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. While I did feel that Dane was jumping into another relationship too soon after Donald’s death, it worked. Theo did come on a bit strong at times, but he was passionate in his desire to make Dane his again. I didn’t like Dane’s brothers, but his sister was sweet and encouraging in helping Dane get over his grief and moving on with the chance Theo brought to his life. I wish we could have gotten to know Marty more, I feel he’s story was just barely touched; he was Dane’s best friend and Dane doesn’t even contact him about Donald’s death until just before he returns I have a feeling Marty has a story to needs to be told—or so I hope!
I give this 4couples. It shows that while you can lose love, a new chance at love can always sneak up on you when you’re not paying attention. Definitely recommended!
Review at Confessions from Romaholics
This is a story of past love reconnecting, while learning to grieve and let go of love just lost. I’ve always been a lover of Shawn Lane’s books; they are sweet, fun and full of explosive emotions. You can almost never go wrong with picking one up!
Dane Westerfield has just lost his partner Donald of six years to a heart attack, but instead of mourning, he is anger, hurt and pissed off. Donald withheld secrets from him, secrets of his other life, of his past, and present. Donald was once married, and has a child, only he never told any of this to Dane. Dane had to find out after Donald’s death. Even just before Donald died, Dane had come across a note that left him convinced Donald was going to leave him. Dane is left confused and alone, lost with what was and what could have been.
In his grief, Dane gets a call from his sister Emily begging him to come back home to Vermont to stay with her and her family. She is worried that Dane will wallow in his grief, not willing to heal from the pain of losing Donald. Reluctantly Dane finally agrees to visit, but only on his terms and for a set date, as the memories of why he left Vermont in the first place make him hesitant to return. As he should … when not even mere moments after landing in Vermont does Dan run into that reason—Theo Mason.
Theo Mason hasn’t forgotten Dane or what he did to him almost 10 years ago. In light of Dane’s almost hostile greeting, Theo is insistent that they reconnect, well that and his attraction to Dane is as strong as ever! With help from Emily, Theo manages to always show up whereever Dane is, much to the annoyance of Dane. Finally Theo’s patience pays off with a rather explosive kiss that leads to more. It seems that even after 10 years their chemistry is still dangerously hot!
But Dane is still struggling, he feels guilt for jumping into a—who knows what you call it—thing with Theo, just weeks after losing Donald. His hurt over Donald’s secrets has made him uncertain if he can trust another bisexual man. Dane had always believed Donald was gay, so when he found out about his ex-wife and young son, he was shocked and heartbroken that Donald didn’t trust him enough with this information. But as his old feelings for Theo come roaring back, he has to figure out if this possible relationship is worth it or not.
Theo wants Dane to stay, but Dane isn’t sure he wants to move back to Vermont and open himself up to even the possibility of future hurt. So it seems it’s up to Theo to find a way to make Dane trust in them.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. While I did feel that Dane was jumping into another relationship too soon after Donald’s death, it worked. Theo did come on a bit strong at times, but he was passionate in his desire to make Dane his again. I didn’t like Dane’s brothers, but his sister was sweet and encouraging in helping Dane get over his grief and moving on with the chance Theo brought to his life. I wish we could have gotten to know Marty more, I feel he’s story was just barely touched; he was Dane’s best friend and Dane doesn’t even contact him about Donald’s death until just before he returns I have a feeling Marty has a story to needs to be told—or so I hope!
I give this 4couples. It shows that while you can lose love, a new chance at love can always sneak up on you when you’re not paying attention. Definitely recommended!
September 8, 2012
3.5 stars for One More Time
Dane is lost in dread, after his partner’s death. Not only is he alone and hurt, but he’s confused by new revelations of his partner’s life. Secrets he kept from Dane, that Dane is incapable to process; secrets that had him thinking the man he spent 6 years with was a complete stranger. In this emotional state, his sister makes a stand for Dane to go back in Vermont to cope with the situation among family. Vermont, the place that Dane gladly ran from when his first love broke his heart, the last place he wants to be. Yet, he goes nonetheless.
The shock and surprise to see Theo the first moment his steps into his home-town is nothing in front of the fact that Theo wants to reacquaint with him, and if possible to have a second chance with him. His past memories and new scars that his late partner left him with make it hard for Dane to trust and let go. Theo is more than he’d want, if only he could dare and let himself trust him a second time.
I really liked this book. Perhaps I found Dane a bit assuming to the point of getting me screaming on my pc and yelling at him that he’s overreacting (yes, I tend to talk to the characters while I read a book) at the beginning. But, I liked him…a lot. He was a very sweet character and at some point I was only wishing that he’d give Theo a second chance. And Theo, OMG, what a man. His patience and strength was lovely. The two of them were a very good pairing and their sexual encounters too sexy.
I loved the plot too; it gave the story some spice. Dane’s family and their behavior made a good point, giving Dane some reasons behind his reluctance to go back to his home town and made for the perfect circumstances for Theo to claim Dane back by way of supporting him, standing by his side and providing him the time and place so he could cope with his partner’s death and secrets.
This was a very nice written story, easy to read and enjoy despite the drama at the beginning. A light romance you could describe it and if you’re into romance I recommend you read this one.
You can also find this review at http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.co...
Dane is lost in dread, after his partner’s death. Not only is he alone and hurt, but he’s confused by new revelations of his partner’s life. Secrets he kept from Dane, that Dane is incapable to process; secrets that had him thinking the man he spent 6 years with was a complete stranger. In this emotional state, his sister makes a stand for Dane to go back in Vermont to cope with the situation among family. Vermont, the place that Dane gladly ran from when his first love broke his heart, the last place he wants to be. Yet, he goes nonetheless.
The shock and surprise to see Theo the first moment his steps into his home-town is nothing in front of the fact that Theo wants to reacquaint with him, and if possible to have a second chance with him. His past memories and new scars that his late partner left him with make it hard for Dane to trust and let go. Theo is more than he’d want, if only he could dare and let himself trust him a second time.
I really liked this book. Perhaps I found Dane a bit assuming to the point of getting me screaming on my pc and yelling at him that he’s overreacting (yes, I tend to talk to the characters while I read a book) at the beginning. But, I liked him…a lot. He was a very sweet character and at some point I was only wishing that he’d give Theo a second chance. And Theo, OMG, what a man. His patience and strength was lovely. The two of them were a very good pairing and their sexual encounters too sexy.
I loved the plot too; it gave the story some spice. Dane’s family and their behavior made a good point, giving Dane some reasons behind his reluctance to go back to his home town and made for the perfect circumstances for Theo to claim Dane back by way of supporting him, standing by his side and providing him the time and place so he could cope with his partner’s death and secrets.
This was a very nice written story, easy to read and enjoy despite the drama at the beginning. A light romance you could describe it and if you’re into romance I recommend you read this one.
You can also find this review at http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.co...
September 2, 2012
Although I haven't read everything by Shawn Lane, I have read quite a bit and she is getting better and better.
She's always been good ... nice, compact stories with strong emotional elements. Her short stories and novellas are complete, with a beginning, middle and end. There are hundreds of sidetrips her stories could take but she stays on track instead of cluttering up the events. There are very few instances that I feel like I'm missing anything. (Although I am very interested to see what she could do with a novel.)
That being said, One More Time, was really something. The characters, the dialogue, the action and events ... everything was tight. And I say this even though I didn't 100% agree with what the characters did.
I thought Theo was too pushy, I thought Dane was moving too fast. But I liked both men very much because of their faults. I liked the story because they didn't act like most people think they should. It pushed the boundaries of time in both instances ... Theo, having waited 10 years to see and apologize to Dane, just couldn't wait 1 more minute after finally seeing him again. And Dane, having just lost a wonderful man, couldn't bear to let another one walk out of his life just because they reconnected while he was still in mourning.
The events weren't cookie cutter and I'll remember this story longer, and re-read it more often because it wasn't filled with things "I would have done" or expected.
She's always been good ... nice, compact stories with strong emotional elements. Her short stories and novellas are complete, with a beginning, middle and end. There are hundreds of sidetrips her stories could take but she stays on track instead of cluttering up the events. There are very few instances that I feel like I'm missing anything. (Although I am very interested to see what she could do with a novel.)
That being said, One More Time, was really something. The characters, the dialogue, the action and events ... everything was tight. And I say this even though I didn't 100% agree with what the characters did.
I thought Theo was too pushy, I thought Dane was moving too fast. But I liked both men very much because of their faults. I liked the story because they didn't act like most people think they should. It pushed the boundaries of time in both instances ... Theo, having waited 10 years to see and apologize to Dane, just couldn't wait 1 more minute after finally seeing him again. And Dane, having just lost a wonderful man, couldn't bear to let another one walk out of his life just because they reconnected while he was still in mourning.
The events weren't cookie cutter and I'll remember this story longer, and re-read it more often because it wasn't filled with things "I would have done" or expected.
November 16, 2023
So clearly I am late to the Shawn Lane party!! This was uber sexy yet very sobering. Dane's partner has died and Dane discovers that he was keeping secrets from him. He's devastated by the sudden death of Donald and doubly so because of what he found out. He decides to go to Vermont where he grew up to spend time with his sister. Once there, he runs into a blast from his past. I had some difficulty with Theo, at first. Thought he was creepy, pushy and completely inappropriate. As the book proceeds, though, I was left feeling that the situation Dane finds himself in mirrors reality in all its complicated confusion. Emotions are unbelievably complex. How you should feel. How you should act. I must admit that Dane and Theo's relationship gave me pause but who is to say that what he's doing is wrong. For that, I say, kudos to Dane for living his life. This book really made me think. The writing was strong, the characters engaging. Great secondary characters and the depiction of Dane's distant members of his family well done. The smexy bits.... OMG burned up my Kindle! Downloaded quite of few of this author's other books.
Read this again in November 2023. Still had the same feelings about Theo - pushy, stalkerish. And still like Dane. Noticed the tortured conversations about bisexuality which you don't see much in books written more recently. Very realistic.
Read this again in November 2023. Still had the same feelings about Theo - pushy, stalkerish. And still like Dane. Noticed the tortured conversations about bisexuality which you don't see much in books written more recently. Very realistic.
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November 2, 2013hm, i just can't... sometimes you read about lose and think you understand the main character. this time i just couldn't connect with Dane. i just can't understand his mind process. so he claims he is in mourning after Donald, than he had sex with Theo. he doesn't know if he wants a relationship, but he wants some human contact. for f*cks sake. there is a difference between human contact and sex. but maybe it's just my brain. it's not a long time ago i read the book from Con Riley "After Ben" and completely understand the thought process of main character. maybe it's too soon to read something similar. i think this is my first not finished book. this is just my opinion and i will not rate this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 26, 2015
A 3, probably up to 3.5. Considering that the story centres largely on Dane coping with the death of his partner, the story is not too deep and is a light, easy read.
Dane, trying to come to grips with the death of his partner, Donald, as well as the news that he had a family, goes back home for a month. Its not a restful holiday - he meets his first lover and two elder brothers he hasn't seen for years.
Theo, the first lover, is fairly relentless in his pursuit of someone who is still in the grieving process - at face value he seems ok and supportive, and it is fiction - in real life you'd want to say 'back off a bit'. Dane's character was kind of written as a person who needs someone but occasionally he grew a backbone.
A good, easy to read story.
Dane, trying to come to grips with the death of his partner, Donald, as well as the news that he had a family, goes back home for a month. Its not a restful holiday - he meets his first lover and two elder brothers he hasn't seen for years.
Theo, the first lover, is fairly relentless in his pursuit of someone who is still in the grieving process - at face value he seems ok and supportive, and it is fiction - in real life you'd want to say 'back off a bit'. Dane's character was kind of written as a person who needs someone but occasionally he grew a backbone.
A good, easy to read story.
September 29, 2012
I wanted to give this a higher rating because I love Shawn Lane and I don't get buy her stuff a lot because Amber Quill prices are high. However there was a lot of repetitiveness with Dane retelling Donald's secret to different characters that weren't really important to the plot. Also, Dane's issues with bisexuality didn't feel fleshed out and his reasons for not liking it were a bit shallow. I wish more time had been spent developing an actual relationship between Dane and Theo instead of squeezing in as many sex scenes as possible in a short amount of pages. The ending felt rushed and their story unfinished.
November 9, 2012
I enjoyed the story. First love and all that. What I couldn't get past was the fact the story didn't seem to be about two men.
If the author had changed Dane's character to a woman, there wouldn't be too much editing to do. I seem to be seeing more and more of that in stories written by women. Big strong man, small frail man, then traditional m/f relationship.
Not that this was a poorly written novella. For what it was, it was quite enjoyable. But, I guess when I buy m/m romances, that's what I expect to get.
If the author had changed Dane's character to a woman, there wouldn't be too much editing to do. I seem to be seeing more and more of that in stories written by women. Big strong man, small frail man, then traditional m/f relationship.
Not that this was a poorly written novella. For what it was, it was quite enjoyable. But, I guess when I buy m/m romances, that's what I expect to get.
September 14, 2012
Rating 4.5
Always a sucker for a hot, growly, alpha cop this book totally hit the mark for me. Smooth, easy read about lost loves and second chances. Not really angsty but the author did a good job of conveying character emotions and the sex scenes were very hot. Predictable plot but with a few different twists, this one wraps up rather quickly but with a good HEA. I was in the mood for this kind of story so I enjoyed it very much. (BTW, loved the mc names- Dane and Theo)
Always a sucker for a hot, growly, alpha cop this book totally hit the mark for me. Smooth, easy read about lost loves and second chances. Not really angsty but the author did a good job of conveying character emotions and the sex scenes were very hot. Predictable plot but with a few different twists, this one wraps up rather quickly but with a good HEA. I was in the mood for this kind of story so I enjoyed it very much. (BTW, loved the mc names- Dane and Theo)
October 4, 2015
Dane has lost his partner of 6 years to heart attack , he finds out things about him that he didnt know . Now his mourning lost confused alone .. He goes back to his old town where he grew up there he sees his one time love he didnt expect. Can Dane let himself love again in the short time still mourning and start living again.
September 2, 2012
I read it more or less in one sitting. It started out very gripping, after about half of the book it became somewhat predictable. Nevertheless it was a very good read, although overall I found Dane's moving onto a new relationship a bit fast.
September 11, 2012
I didn't think Dane moved on too fast, 4 months is a lot of time when all you do is heal and think about how your life is going to be from now on.
This is a very good book if you like a "another-chance-story".
This is a very good book if you like a "another-chance-story".
November 3, 2012
I didn't particulary like this book. It just seem to move to fast. I mean one of the MC's lover dies and he goes back home for a visit and ends up with his first lover again. I feel the time between the death of his lover & being with his old one was way to soon.
November 2, 2012
I think I wanted to like this more than I wound up liking it. I just didn't get the characters and their motives and...I don't know. I'm saying this badly. Not my favorite Shawn Lane book, but I will for sure keep reading future books.
November 10, 2012
Once again Shawn Lane rocked the hell out of another book. This author is on fire. Great writing style and even better stor
ies. Dane and Theo were absolutely fantastic main characters. And of course I got my much awaited H.E.A.
ies. Dane and Theo were absolutely fantastic main characters. And of course I got my much awaited H.E.A.
September 17, 2012
2.5 - Review TBD
September 3, 2012
I wish there had been more time between Dane returning home and Theo showing up. The whole relationship felt so rushed and one-sided with Theo doing all the pushing and making none of the sacrifice.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 3, 2012
I really liked this, but thought the ending came on a bit too fast.
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