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Second Chances
We all know what it's like to lose out in love ... but what if you get a second chance at love? Will you grab it, or run?
The Second Chances anthology is a collection of male/male short stories on finding love again.
Non-Negotiable by T. D. Green
Jacob Kerns is due a promotion, but his ambitions are at risk when he learns his next contract will be handled by Alexander Corey, his ex. Jake tries to put personal feelings aside to do his job, but Alex won't let him. Will they find love again or is the whole thing non-negotiable?
Heart of Glass by L. J. Harris
When Zack Doherty comes to Australia on a working holiday, he is uncharacteristically forward in pushing Heath Connors, a man he barely knows, for a date. Heath, who has only recently begun to live life his way, wonders if Zack will be the one to mend his heart of glass.
Better Together by DaNay Smith
Greyson Welles followed Dominic Nash to Baltimore for his dream job, putting his own on hold. Dominic can see that Greyson's unhappy, but never expects him to turn down his proposal and return to New York. Will Greyson be gone forever or will he decide they're better together?
Dirty Martini by Bette Browne
When Daniel Fletcher runs into his ex with the man he caught him in bed with, vodka seems like the answer. Nathan Smith is used to men drowning their sorrows at the bar he tends, so the connection he feels to one is unusual. Will a means to forget turn into something more?
Notice to Appear by C. C. Lorenz
Josh Campbell is handed a notice to appear in court for a traffic offence, but his humiliation is complete when he comes face to face with his schoolboy crush, Carter Sullivan, in the court room. Could this be the start of something with Carter now that age is not an issue.
The Second Chances anthology is a collection of male/male short stories on finding love again.
Non-Negotiable by T. D. Green
Jacob Kerns is due a promotion, but his ambitions are at risk when he learns his next contract will be handled by Alexander Corey, his ex. Jake tries to put personal feelings aside to do his job, but Alex won't let him. Will they find love again or is the whole thing non-negotiable?
Heart of Glass by L. J. Harris
When Zack Doherty comes to Australia on a working holiday, he is uncharacteristically forward in pushing Heath Connors, a man he barely knows, for a date. Heath, who has only recently begun to live life his way, wonders if Zack will be the one to mend his heart of glass.
Better Together by DaNay Smith
Greyson Welles followed Dominic Nash to Baltimore for his dream job, putting his own on hold. Dominic can see that Greyson's unhappy, but never expects him to turn down his proposal and return to New York. Will Greyson be gone forever or will he decide they're better together?
Dirty Martini by Bette Browne
When Daniel Fletcher runs into his ex with the man he caught him in bed with, vodka seems like the answer. Nathan Smith is used to men drowning their sorrows at the bar he tends, so the connection he feels to one is unusual. Will a means to forget turn into something more?
Notice to Appear by C. C. Lorenz
Josh Campbell is handed a notice to appear in court for a traffic offence, but his humiliation is complete when he comes face to face with his schoolboy crush, Carter Sullivan, in the court room. Could this be the start of something with Carter now that age is not an issue.
203 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 31, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
October 6, 2012
The five delightful short stories in Second Chances are male/male romances with erotica. I must disclose that I don’t read a great deal in this genre, but my lack of familiarity with it didn’t keep me from enjoying Second Chances. As the title indicates, the authors of these stories present us with characters who suffer the collapse of a romantic relationship or the hope for one. The “second chance” takes a different and quite interesting form in each story.
In “Non-Negotiable” by T. D. Green, Jake, 28, was in a three-year college relationship with Alex, also 28, who broke it off without any explanation when they were 22. Now Alex finds a way, via a business deal between their employers, to attempt to insert himself in Jake’s life again. Jake will have none of it. I see in my notes for this story these two words: “wonderful seduction.” Part of the seduction is Green’s writing: “Gathering the shreds of my dropped mask was like scooping armloads of water.”
In “Heart of Glass” by L. J. Harris, Zack, 27, leaves San Francisco for Australia to get away from the man he was to marry before he found him in bed with a former boyfriend. Then he discovers homeless Heath, 28, who is washing car windows at a stop light. Two years earlier he left a straight marriage and a good but “suffocating” life. What I especially liked about this lovely story is that it’s written in sections told in the first person from either Zack or Heath’s point of view (and titled with that man’s name). So we nicely see each of them as the other does.
In “Better Together” by DaNay Smith, Greyson and Dominic began an eight-year relationship when they were both 20 and in college. Dominic’s career keeps him at John Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore. Then Greyson decides to leave Dominic to pursue his own career in the art world of New York. What I admire about this well-constructed story is that otherwise reasonable career choices cause the breakup. But how can Greyson leave the man he’s in love without suffering regret? How, for that matter, can Dominic not long to be with the man he loves?
In “Dirty Martini” by Bette Browne, Daniel’s the drunk at the end of the bar, and Nathan, 28 and a few years younger than Daniel, is the bartender who knows what the problem is. Nathan’s lover left him a year ago. Two months ago Daniel found Adam, his lover for the past three years, in their bed with another man. Nathan refuses to serve Daniel another drink and makes certain he gets home safely. I fell for this story. Daniel later has a vague recollection of a good-hearted and good-looking man helping him. Some hot sex might be just what he needs.
In “Notice to Appear” by C. C. Lorenz, Josh fell for Carter in his boyhood. Carter, four years older than Josh, was the high school lifeguard at the beach who saved him from drowning. After Josh graduates from college, he runs into Carter, now a teacher in the middle school they both attended, in a courtroom experience that Josh considers humiliating. This is a sweet story. Does a gay man who didn’t fall for an attractive older boy exist? Didn’t we all dream of something more with him when we both became men?
(As originally reviewed on Rainbow Book Reviews. Please visit http://www.rainbowbookreviews.com for other reviews that may be of interest.)
In “Non-Negotiable” by T. D. Green, Jake, 28, was in a three-year college relationship with Alex, also 28, who broke it off without any explanation when they were 22. Now Alex finds a way, via a business deal between their employers, to attempt to insert himself in Jake’s life again. Jake will have none of it. I see in my notes for this story these two words: “wonderful seduction.” Part of the seduction is Green’s writing: “Gathering the shreds of my dropped mask was like scooping armloads of water.”
In “Heart of Glass” by L. J. Harris, Zack, 27, leaves San Francisco for Australia to get away from the man he was to marry before he found him in bed with a former boyfriend. Then he discovers homeless Heath, 28, who is washing car windows at a stop light. Two years earlier he left a straight marriage and a good but “suffocating” life. What I especially liked about this lovely story is that it’s written in sections told in the first person from either Zack or Heath’s point of view (and titled with that man’s name). So we nicely see each of them as the other does.
In “Better Together” by DaNay Smith, Greyson and Dominic began an eight-year relationship when they were both 20 and in college. Dominic’s career keeps him at John Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore. Then Greyson decides to leave Dominic to pursue his own career in the art world of New York. What I admire about this well-constructed story is that otherwise reasonable career choices cause the breakup. But how can Greyson leave the man he’s in love without suffering regret? How, for that matter, can Dominic not long to be with the man he loves?
In “Dirty Martini” by Bette Browne, Daniel’s the drunk at the end of the bar, and Nathan, 28 and a few years younger than Daniel, is the bartender who knows what the problem is. Nathan’s lover left him a year ago. Two months ago Daniel found Adam, his lover for the past three years, in their bed with another man. Nathan refuses to serve Daniel another drink and makes certain he gets home safely. I fell for this story. Daniel later has a vague recollection of a good-hearted and good-looking man helping him. Some hot sex might be just what he needs.
In “Notice to Appear” by C. C. Lorenz, Josh fell for Carter in his boyhood. Carter, four years older than Josh, was the high school lifeguard at the beach who saved him from drowning. After Josh graduates from college, he runs into Carter, now a teacher in the middle school they both attended, in a courtroom experience that Josh considers humiliating. This is a sweet story. Does a gay man who didn’t fall for an attractive older boy exist? Didn’t we all dream of something more with him when we both became men?
(As originally reviewed on Rainbow Book Reviews. Please visit http://www.rainbowbookreviews.com for other reviews that may be of interest.)
December 30, 2012
It was a bit nerve-wracking to start this anthology, as it features authors I have not previously read, by a publisher I’ve never read, in a subgenre that can make me crazy when it’s not written well.
I needn’t have worried. I thoroughly enjoyed the offerings of this book. There are always favorites and lesser-liked in an anthology, of course, but I felt this was so well balanced. The idea of the book is, as you’d suspect from the title (and loved the cover, just saying), second chances at love. The one who got away. Love and lost, etc. This can, for me, so often so awry if it isn’t handled well.
Non-Negotiable. Probably my favorite of the anthology. Alex was incredibly cruel and insensitive to Jake after three years together. The blurb doesn’t give justice to how bad Alex was at 22. I was appalled and was reading thinking “please don’t jump into bed with this man just because”. Luckily, Jake doesn’t immediately fall. Alex pretty much sets Jake up in the work arena, forcing a meeting where they will have to be together. There are times during their conversations when Alex shows hurt that Jake doesn’t jump up and love him and my thought was, good for Jake. So difficult to face someone you loved who hurt you so much, especially when your job is at stake. It is a torment to go through and the author portrays this very well.
Heart of Glass. Told in alternating point of views of Zack and Heath, there were a couple times I had to go back and look to see who’s voice I was reading. I had some questions about this one, mainly why Heath, who was educated, from a good family, would not at least use his skills to get a job away from the life he left. He walked away from it and ended up homeless, but he had to have had something. That point aside, the embracing of his true self, his whole reason for leaving his old life in the first place, seemed real, difficult, exciting and horribly frightening. That came across, which was so interesting to read.
Better Together. Unfortunately, this was my lesser-loved of the book. Greyson just seemed selfish to me, not someone who was committed and wanted Dominic for who he was. I didn’t even enjoy the times they were together, because it just seemed painful for Dominic, to be so in love a man he isn’t really with. He deserved better, I thought. Greyson could have done his job anywhere, he just didn’t want to.
Dirty Martini. Another favorite for me. Infidelity is so painful and Dan not only catches his lover sexing up a twink in their bed, but then months later runs into the two of them, still together. He is devastated, the wound reopens, and he is off to drink himself into forgetfulness. His luck changes when it is Nathan who is the bartender, who won’t serve him more and who makes sure he gets put in a cab. Despite the pain Dan has suffered, this is a sweet and romantic story of sometimes having to go through hell to find that slice of heaven.
Notice to Appear. Probably the cutest of the bunch if nothing else because Josh gets to make an ass of himself in front of a bunch of middle-schoolers after running into his high school crush who saved his life during an embarrassing surfing attempt. This was sweet and fluffy, although I do want to know, who was the guy going clubbing with Carter when Josh was in Europe?
A recommended anthology with solidly written stories
I needn’t have worried. I thoroughly enjoyed the offerings of this book. There are always favorites and lesser-liked in an anthology, of course, but I felt this was so well balanced. The idea of the book is, as you’d suspect from the title (and loved the cover, just saying), second chances at love. The one who got away. Love and lost, etc. This can, for me, so often so awry if it isn’t handled well.
Non-Negotiable. Probably my favorite of the anthology. Alex was incredibly cruel and insensitive to Jake after three years together. The blurb doesn’t give justice to how bad Alex was at 22. I was appalled and was reading thinking “please don’t jump into bed with this man just because”. Luckily, Jake doesn’t immediately fall. Alex pretty much sets Jake up in the work arena, forcing a meeting where they will have to be together. There are times during their conversations when Alex shows hurt that Jake doesn’t jump up and love him and my thought was, good for Jake. So difficult to face someone you loved who hurt you so much, especially when your job is at stake. It is a torment to go through and the author portrays this very well.
Heart of Glass. Told in alternating point of views of Zack and Heath, there were a couple times I had to go back and look to see who’s voice I was reading. I had some questions about this one, mainly why Heath, who was educated, from a good family, would not at least use his skills to get a job away from the life he left. He walked away from it and ended up homeless, but he had to have had something. That point aside, the embracing of his true self, his whole reason for leaving his old life in the first place, seemed real, difficult, exciting and horribly frightening. That came across, which was so interesting to read.
Better Together. Unfortunately, this was my lesser-loved of the book. Greyson just seemed selfish to me, not someone who was committed and wanted Dominic for who he was. I didn’t even enjoy the times they were together, because it just seemed painful for Dominic, to be so in love a man he isn’t really with. He deserved better, I thought. Greyson could have done his job anywhere, he just didn’t want to.
Dirty Martini. Another favorite for me. Infidelity is so painful and Dan not only catches his lover sexing up a twink in their bed, but then months later runs into the two of them, still together. He is devastated, the wound reopens, and he is off to drink himself into forgetfulness. His luck changes when it is Nathan who is the bartender, who won’t serve him more and who makes sure he gets put in a cab. Despite the pain Dan has suffered, this is a sweet and romantic story of sometimes having to go through hell to find that slice of heaven.
Notice to Appear. Probably the cutest of the bunch if nothing else because Josh gets to make an ass of himself in front of a bunch of middle-schoolers after running into his high school crush who saved his life during an embarrassing surfing attempt. This was sweet and fluffy, although I do want to know, who was the guy going clubbing with Carter when Josh was in Europe?
A recommended anthology with solidly written stories
October 8, 2012
I really liked the last story in this anthology, Notice to Appear, by C.C. Lorenz. This was a really sweet story about getting a second chance at a childhood crush despite terrible circumstances for a second meeting and bad timing to start a relationship. There's hot sex in here, and it's well balanced with relationship without too much exposition into the main character's thoughts on everything. Very nice read, enough to make me happy with the ending and wish I could have seen a larger story about these characters, with more sex of course.
I also liked the first story in the set, Non-Negotiable, by T.D. Green. This is another sweet romance, but a bit rougher in that, of the entire anthology, this short is the most about a second chance. This is a story of a nasty break up that gets in the way of a renewed relationship some years later. Alex, the man at fault for the break up, gets desperate and pulls sneaky stunts to force his love interest, Jacob, to see him, because Jacob makes it clear in no uncertain terms he will not entertain the idea of renewing the relationship. But circumstances alter to make Alex show his vulnerable side, and Jacob… Ok, not saying anymore except this is a story that draws you in because you wonder just what Alex will pull next and just what Jacob will do about it.
The fourth story, Dirty Martini by Bette Brown, was more about a man getting a second chance at love than at fixing the relationship that just failed. There's some nice writing in there and some sweet scenes. I really liked the bartender, I mean really liked him. Really, really liked him. Wish I had a skill to draw, because I'd have drawn him the second I finished reading the story.
The second short, Heart of Glass by L.J. Harris, had a plot I really wished was better executed. It was too expository for my taste. I wanted to feel and see and hear more of what the characters were doing, but a lot of the story occurred as narrative about how things came about rather than letting the reader live through the actual scenes with the characters. Thumbs up for the story idea and making me want to have more, but thumbs down for the frustration of not really feeling the characters' lives, because I really did wish I could. I liked these characters, but I didn't like feeling so much space between them and me. The best scene was when I was in the car with the driver, seeing what he saw. I expect this author will be putting some great stuff out in the years to come if a balance to narrative and action develops in future stories.
The third short, Better Together by DaNay Smith, was interesting. I liked the overall idea and how the writer showed the complexity of a relationship and the consequences of partners with narrow viewpoints. The writing had a lot of pronoun/name awkwardness that I often see in m/m writing that jarred me out of the story, but character complexity was great. The ending, with the artist and how he realized what was important to him and how it showed in his art, this was beautiful.
Ok, so 4 out of 5. Anthology loses a point for some awkwardness, but overall very good.
I also liked the first story in the set, Non-Negotiable, by T.D. Green. This is another sweet romance, but a bit rougher in that, of the entire anthology, this short is the most about a second chance. This is a story of a nasty break up that gets in the way of a renewed relationship some years later. Alex, the man at fault for the break up, gets desperate and pulls sneaky stunts to force his love interest, Jacob, to see him, because Jacob makes it clear in no uncertain terms he will not entertain the idea of renewing the relationship. But circumstances alter to make Alex show his vulnerable side, and Jacob… Ok, not saying anymore except this is a story that draws you in because you wonder just what Alex will pull next and just what Jacob will do about it.
The fourth story, Dirty Martini by Bette Brown, was more about a man getting a second chance at love than at fixing the relationship that just failed. There's some nice writing in there and some sweet scenes. I really liked the bartender, I mean really liked him. Really, really liked him. Wish I had a skill to draw, because I'd have drawn him the second I finished reading the story.
The second short, Heart of Glass by L.J. Harris, had a plot I really wished was better executed. It was too expository for my taste. I wanted to feel and see and hear more of what the characters were doing, but a lot of the story occurred as narrative about how things came about rather than letting the reader live through the actual scenes with the characters. Thumbs up for the story idea and making me want to have more, but thumbs down for the frustration of not really feeling the characters' lives, because I really did wish I could. I liked these characters, but I didn't like feeling so much space between them and me. The best scene was when I was in the car with the driver, seeing what he saw. I expect this author will be putting some great stuff out in the years to come if a balance to narrative and action develops in future stories.
The third short, Better Together by DaNay Smith, was interesting. I liked the overall idea and how the writer showed the complexity of a relationship and the consequences of partners with narrow viewpoints. The writing had a lot of pronoun/name awkwardness that I often see in m/m writing that jarred me out of the story, but character complexity was great. The ending, with the artist and how he realized what was important to him and how it showed in his art, this was beautiful.
Ok, so 4 out of 5. Anthology loses a point for some awkwardness, but overall very good.
December 22, 2012
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4.5 Kisses!!
Second Chances is a multi-authored anthology filled with sexy heroes with steamy chemistry and a common theme of starting over in some way. Whether it’s a relationship rekindled or a chance at having a new life with a new love, Second Chances is one of my favorite multi-authored anthologies that I’ve read this year.
Non-Negotiable by TD Green
Rating: 4.25 Kisses
Jake is a successful businessman who has made a lot of sacrifices to work up the cooperate ladder. Although he’s content professionally, it’s his personal life that’s been more of a challenge. Ever since his true love, Alex, walked out on him years ago, Jake has been having a hard time trusting others and he’s built a wall around his heart to keep from ever getting hurt again. So when Alex walks into his life at a professional meeting, Jake is once again faced with the past hurt and love he once felt for him. Will they be able to work out their differences and give love another chance?
I really liked this short. Told in 1st person through Jake’s eyes, we really get to experience all of the pain and the fear of being hurt that Jake is going through. I thought the story was evenly paced and the chemistry between the heroes was a strong one.
Heart of Glass by LJ Harris
Rating: 4.25 Kisses
In Heart of Glass both heroes, Zach and Heath are starting a new life on their own. Zach has arrived to Australia on a business trip and is ready for a new lease on life. When he spots Heath washing car windows on the street, he is immediately drawn to the sexy man. When he sees Heath again the next day, he takes a chance and asks Heath out. Both men must deal with some past hurts before they can have something special between them.
I really liked this story a lot. Told in alternating 1st person point of view, you really get to know each hero and what makes them tick. Both men are likeable heroes that really seemed to fit together. I loved the bond between them and the way they fit each other into their own lives.
Better Together by DeNay Smith
Rating: 4.25 Kisses
Dominic and Greyson have been together for years. Four years ago they uprooted their life in New York and moved to Baltimore so Dominic could chase his dream. One day Dominic comes home and finds Greyson with a plane ticket home. Greyson, who is an artist, feels he must leave him before he begins to resent Dominic because he feels artistically stifled there. Before Dominic knows it, Greyson is gone and now he must give Greyson time to find himself again while never giving up hope that he’ll be together with the man he loves.
I really liked this short. I thought it dealt with the real issues of one having to give up their dreams/life for their love. I also liked how Dominic gave Greyson the breathing room he needed so he could achieve his own dreams and goals in life while never giving up on his own. Both of these men were strong, likeable heroes and I enjoyed watching them work out their differences so they could be together.
Dirty Martini by Bette Browne
Rating: 4.5 Kisses
Daniel is determined to drink away his sorrows. He’s just spotted his ex-boyfriend all hugged up with the man he cheated on Daniel with, so Daniel finds himself in a nice hotel bar, drinking Dirty Martini’s that the handsome bartender is serving him. The next day, Daniel can’t get the handsome bartender, Nate, off of his mind and decides to take a chance and see if he might be interested in him too.
This is one of my favorite stories in the anthology. I loved the deep attraction the two men had together and I adored Nate. Nate is perfect for Daniel and I was thrilled to see them really start a relationship together. They chemistry between them really steamed up my computer screen and when the story was ended I wanted more!
Notice to Appear by CC Lorenz
Rating: 4.5 Kisses
Josh is having a bad day. Recently, he was ticketed for driving with an expired license and now he’s at the courthouse to pay the fine. There he runs into his high school crush, Carter, who has taken a bunch of middle school kids to the courthouse on a field trip. Josh is embarrassed for Carter to see him this way, but then again, he doesn’t think Carter will recognize him anyway. To his surprise, not only does Carter chase him down, but he wants to have dinner together. As the two men start to get to know each other, they are given the gift of having a second chance of having something special with each other.
I really enjoyed this short a lot. I loved Josh. He’s a little clumsy and problems seem to follow him wherever he goes, but I thought he was an interesting, fun character to read about, and I understood why Carter found himself so attracted to him. I thought this short was fun and well-paced and enjoyed the heated moments between the two heroes.
Second Chances is a well-written, steamy anthology filled with sexy heroes who all had a very interesting story to tell. I enjoyed every story in this book and loved being introduced to some authors that are new to me. If you’re looking for a sizzling read with hot and unique heroes, then Second Chances should be a book for you to consider! Recommended!
4.5 Kisses!!
Second Chances is a multi-authored anthology filled with sexy heroes with steamy chemistry and a common theme of starting over in some way. Whether it’s a relationship rekindled or a chance at having a new life with a new love, Second Chances is one of my favorite multi-authored anthologies that I’ve read this year.
Non-Negotiable by TD Green
Rating: 4.25 Kisses
Jake is a successful businessman who has made a lot of sacrifices to work up the cooperate ladder. Although he’s content professionally, it’s his personal life that’s been more of a challenge. Ever since his true love, Alex, walked out on him years ago, Jake has been having a hard time trusting others and he’s built a wall around his heart to keep from ever getting hurt again. So when Alex walks into his life at a professional meeting, Jake is once again faced with the past hurt and love he once felt for him. Will they be able to work out their differences and give love another chance?
I really liked this short. Told in 1st person through Jake’s eyes, we really get to experience all of the pain and the fear of being hurt that Jake is going through. I thought the story was evenly paced and the chemistry between the heroes was a strong one.
Heart of Glass by LJ Harris
Rating: 4.25 Kisses
In Heart of Glass both heroes, Zach and Heath are starting a new life on their own. Zach has arrived to Australia on a business trip and is ready for a new lease on life. When he spots Heath washing car windows on the street, he is immediately drawn to the sexy man. When he sees Heath again the next day, he takes a chance and asks Heath out. Both men must deal with some past hurts before they can have something special between them.
I really liked this story a lot. Told in alternating 1st person point of view, you really get to know each hero and what makes them tick. Both men are likeable heroes that really seemed to fit together. I loved the bond between them and the way they fit each other into their own lives.
Better Together by DeNay Smith
Rating: 4.25 Kisses
Dominic and Greyson have been together for years. Four years ago they uprooted their life in New York and moved to Baltimore so Dominic could chase his dream. One day Dominic comes home and finds Greyson with a plane ticket home. Greyson, who is an artist, feels he must leave him before he begins to resent Dominic because he feels artistically stifled there. Before Dominic knows it, Greyson is gone and now he must give Greyson time to find himself again while never giving up hope that he’ll be together with the man he loves.
I really liked this short. I thought it dealt with the real issues of one having to give up their dreams/life for their love. I also liked how Dominic gave Greyson the breathing room he needed so he could achieve his own dreams and goals in life while never giving up on his own. Both of these men were strong, likeable heroes and I enjoyed watching them work out their differences so they could be together.
Dirty Martini by Bette Browne
Rating: 4.5 Kisses
Daniel is determined to drink away his sorrows. He’s just spotted his ex-boyfriend all hugged up with the man he cheated on Daniel with, so Daniel finds himself in a nice hotel bar, drinking Dirty Martini’s that the handsome bartender is serving him. The next day, Daniel can’t get the handsome bartender, Nate, off of his mind and decides to take a chance and see if he might be interested in him too.
This is one of my favorite stories in the anthology. I loved the deep attraction the two men had together and I adored Nate. Nate is perfect for Daniel and I was thrilled to see them really start a relationship together. They chemistry between them really steamed up my computer screen and when the story was ended I wanted more!
Notice to Appear by CC Lorenz
Rating: 4.5 Kisses
Josh is having a bad day. Recently, he was ticketed for driving with an expired license and now he’s at the courthouse to pay the fine. There he runs into his high school crush, Carter, who has taken a bunch of middle school kids to the courthouse on a field trip. Josh is embarrassed for Carter to see him this way, but then again, he doesn’t think Carter will recognize him anyway. To his surprise, not only does Carter chase him down, but he wants to have dinner together. As the two men start to get to know each other, they are given the gift of having a second chance of having something special with each other.
I really enjoyed this short a lot. I loved Josh. He’s a little clumsy and problems seem to follow him wherever he goes, but I thought he was an interesting, fun character to read about, and I understood why Carter found himself so attracted to him. I thought this short was fun and well-paced and enjoyed the heated moments between the two heroes.
Second Chances is a well-written, steamy anthology filled with sexy heroes who all had a very interesting story to tell. I enjoyed every story in this book and loved being introduced to some authors that are new to me. If you’re looking for a sizzling read with hot and unique heroes, then Second Chances should be a book for you to consider! Recommended!
December 16, 2012
I found myself enjoying almost all of the five short stories in this m/m anthology. Each had a slightly different take on the theme of second chances. I think the fourth story, Dirty Martini, was my favorite.
Non-Negotiable (T. D. Green) - It's been six years since Alex broke Jacob's heart and time has not healed the wound. After three years together, Alex bailed on their relationship, just as Jacob's sister was dying. Now, Alex has found his way back into Jacob's life through work. And it takes everything in Jacob to say no. But how long can he truly keep up his walls when he never really stopped loving his college sweetheart?
I liked this author's voice and I felt like I had a good idea of who Jacob was, even with the short story length. But I thought he forgave Alex much too easily. I didn't feel like Alex actually redeemed himself... just that circumstances and Jacob's tender heart worked in his favor. This bothered me.
Heart of Glass (L. J. Harris) - I enjoyed this one. It's basically a story of an instant connection between two men who find exactly what they need in one another. Zack is an American who has moved to Australia to get a fresh start after a bad break-up. Heath is a man who left his wife and old life behind in order to figure out who he really is. It takes hitting rock bottom to rebuild himself, but that's what he does. His transformation doesn't become complete, however, until he crosses paths with Zack. Attraction gives way to passion, and ultimately love. I would have been ok without the flash forward at the end, but overall, I thought this was sexy and sweet --and I was surprised by how much I felt like I knew these guys in a very short time.
Better Together (DaNay Smith) - Sometimes love just isn't enough. Grayson gave up his career as an artist to follow Dom for his residency in Baltimore. But after years of putting his own needs aside, he up and leaves to go back to New York. He rekindles his career. He's a smashing success. It's not enough, though. His heart is empty without Dom. But can they get back what they once had?
I liked this second chance romance. Both men are flawed, but there is no doubt about how much they love each other. It was easy to root for them to work it out.
Dirty Martini (Bette Browne) - Daniel was only looking to drown himself in an alcohol induced oblivion when he dropped into Nate's bar. He had just seen his ex out with another guy. But even through his drunken haze, he made a connection with his sexy bartender. The next night, he went back to the bar, hoping to make a better impression on Nate... and from there a romance was born.
This one is a little sexier than the other stories and I thought the bedroom action was well-done. The attraction between Dan & Nate was hard and fast, but thankfully the author gave them a little time to let the emotions grow. I liked it.
Notice to Appear (C. C. Lorenz) - Things seemed like they couldn't get any worse for Josh when a lame date turned into a trip to court for driving with an expired license. But after the huge fines and massive inconvenience, the universe added insult to injury when his old high school crush turned up just in time to witness his humiliation. Fortunately, the story only gets better from there. Carter not only remembers Josh, but he asks him out on a date --and turns out to be everything Josh ever dreamed of and more.
This was a sweet first love story, though I probably would have enjoyed it even more if it were a little more fleshed out.
Overall Rating: B
*ARC Provided by publisher for review
Non-Negotiable (T. D. Green) - It's been six years since Alex broke Jacob's heart and time has not healed the wound. After three years together, Alex bailed on their relationship, just as Jacob's sister was dying. Now, Alex has found his way back into Jacob's life through work. And it takes everything in Jacob to say no. But how long can he truly keep up his walls when he never really stopped loving his college sweetheart?
I liked this author's voice and I felt like I had a good idea of who Jacob was, even with the short story length. But I thought he forgave Alex much too easily. I didn't feel like Alex actually redeemed himself... just that circumstances and Jacob's tender heart worked in his favor. This bothered me.
Heart of Glass (L. J. Harris) - I enjoyed this one. It's basically a story of an instant connection between two men who find exactly what they need in one another. Zack is an American who has moved to Australia to get a fresh start after a bad break-up. Heath is a man who left his wife and old life behind in order to figure out who he really is. It takes hitting rock bottom to rebuild himself, but that's what he does. His transformation doesn't become complete, however, until he crosses paths with Zack. Attraction gives way to passion, and ultimately love. I would have been ok without the flash forward at the end, but overall, I thought this was sexy and sweet --and I was surprised by how much I felt like I knew these guys in a very short time.
Better Together (DaNay Smith) - Sometimes love just isn't enough. Grayson gave up his career as an artist to follow Dom for his residency in Baltimore. But after years of putting his own needs aside, he up and leaves to go back to New York. He rekindles his career. He's a smashing success. It's not enough, though. His heart is empty without Dom. But can they get back what they once had?
I liked this second chance romance. Both men are flawed, but there is no doubt about how much they love each other. It was easy to root for them to work it out.
Dirty Martini (Bette Browne) - Daniel was only looking to drown himself in an alcohol induced oblivion when he dropped into Nate's bar. He had just seen his ex out with another guy. But even through his drunken haze, he made a connection with his sexy bartender. The next night, he went back to the bar, hoping to make a better impression on Nate... and from there a romance was born.
This one is a little sexier than the other stories and I thought the bedroom action was well-done. The attraction between Dan & Nate was hard and fast, but thankfully the author gave them a little time to let the emotions grow. I liked it.
Notice to Appear (C. C. Lorenz) - Things seemed like they couldn't get any worse for Josh when a lame date turned into a trip to court for driving with an expired license. But after the huge fines and massive inconvenience, the universe added insult to injury when his old high school crush turned up just in time to witness his humiliation. Fortunately, the story only gets better from there. Carter not only remembers Josh, but he asks him out on a date --and turns out to be everything Josh ever dreamed of and more.
This was a sweet first love story, though I probably would have enjoyed it even more if it were a little more fleshed out.
Overall Rating: B
*ARC Provided by publisher for review
September 16, 2013
An anthology of Second Chances at love, comprised of five short stories, ranging from about 10K to less than 20K words.
1. Non-Negotiable - meh. Too short, no real character development, cardboard characters. I also felt that one MC was manipulative, and the other was a doormat. 2 stars.
2. Heart of Glass - wow, this was cute. Guy moves to Australia after a bad break-up, lives with his dad. Meets super cute window-washer formerly homeless guy, asks him out on a date and more, with a romp in bed or two. The characters had good back stories, both felt realistic and this was a fluffy, feel good story. 4 stars.
3. Better Together - the story of a Doctor and his artist boyfriend, who separate after 8 years together because Doc's too busy and BF needs to find himself as an artist in NYC. Covers 5 years of separation, with an interesting power shift towards the middle. The ending was sweet and honest. 3 stars.
4. Dirty Martini - super cute. Two men with hearts broken by former lovers find new love with each other. Hot boysecks included, and a happy for now ending. Fluffy, but still not sugar overload. Teeny-tiny bit of angst to round things out. 3 stars.
5. Notice to Appear - cute, fluffy story of a young man being reunited with his high school crush in a rather embarrassing way, an intense few weeks of courtship and a separation causing a wee bit of angst. Felt realistic, with good characterizations. 3 stars.
Overall, three stars for the whole. It's a nice book, providing a quick escape from reality. No. 2 and 5 should make excellent full novels if the authors should choose to extend them. There's more story to tell in each, I felt.
I received a free ARC from the publisher. A positive review was not promised in return.
1. Non-Negotiable - meh. Too short, no real character development, cardboard characters. I also felt that one MC was manipulative, and the other was a doormat. 2 stars.
2. Heart of Glass - wow, this was cute. Guy moves to Australia after a bad break-up, lives with his dad. Meets super cute window-washer formerly homeless guy, asks him out on a date and more, with a romp in bed or two. The characters had good back stories, both felt realistic and this was a fluffy, feel good story. 4 stars.
3. Better Together - the story of a Doctor and his artist boyfriend, who separate after 8 years together because Doc's too busy and BF needs to find himself as an artist in NYC. Covers 5 years of separation, with an interesting power shift towards the middle. The ending was sweet and honest. 3 stars.
4. Dirty Martini - super cute. Two men with hearts broken by former lovers find new love with each other. Hot boysecks included, and a happy for now ending. Fluffy, but still not sugar overload. Teeny-tiny bit of angst to round things out. 3 stars.
5. Notice to Appear - cute, fluffy story of a young man being reunited with his high school crush in a rather embarrassing way, an intense few weeks of courtship and a separation causing a wee bit of angst. Felt realistic, with good characterizations. 3 stars.
Overall, three stars for the whole. It's a nice book, providing a quick escape from reality. No. 2 and 5 should make excellent full novels if the authors should choose to extend them. There's more story to tell in each, I felt.
I received a free ARC from the publisher. A positive review was not promised in return.
November 28, 2012
So I am usually hit or miss with Anthologies but with this one I feel like it was a hit if you are ok with the gay/lesbian genre.
There are 5 short stories about second chances and I loved all of them. I think Notice to Appear might have been my fav but it is a real toss up.
They are charming love stories. Some of them have a little more sex than others but definitely not to racey or anything. So they are more story than smut. hypnotized
The bonus to anthologies are sometimes you want to read something but you don't have time for a whole book so anthologies are the perfect solution with their individual short stories.
I really liked all the stories and I am huge fan of second chances in life and in this book
For more reviews go to livereadbreathe.blogspot.ca
There are 5 short stories about second chances and I loved all of them. I think Notice to Appear might have been my fav but it is a real toss up.
They are charming love stories. Some of them have a little more sex than others but definitely not to racey or anything. So they are more story than smut. hypnotized
The bonus to anthologies are sometimes you want to read something but you don't have time for a whole book so anthologies are the perfect solution with their individual short stories.
I really liked all the stories and I am huge fan of second chances in life and in this book
For more reviews go to livereadbreathe.blogspot.ca
April 20, 2019
Non-Negotiable by T. D. Green - 1.5 stars
Heart of Glass by L. J. Harris - 3 stars
Better Together by DaNay Smith - 3.5 stars
Dirty Martini by Bette Browne - 3 stars
Notice to Appear by C. C. Lorenz - 2 stars
Heart of Glass by L. J. Harris - 3 stars
Better Together by DaNay Smith - 3.5 stars
Dirty Martini by Bette Browne - 3 stars
Notice to Appear by C. C. Lorenz - 2 stars
November 13, 2012
I really enjoyed each of the stories that the other authors had contributed to this anthology. I'd like to thank the ladies of Bottom Drawer Publications for making my first foray into the world of publishing a fantastic experience.
May 16, 2018
A nice collection of second chance stories, Dirty Martini being my favorite.
February 14, 2013
Non-Negotiable - 1/5 The hardest thing about making up is that it's hard to make it believable. Sell the hurt too well, and it's hard to convince the reader (or, it's hard to convince me at least) of the forgiveness. Don't sell it well enough, and the story falls flat. Non-Negotiable fails in the former. Oh, you're still carrying a flame, huh? That's nice. The tone tells me that the MC isn't over it and the story tells me that his ex is an asshole who is willing to blackmail him with his career success in order to get him alone.
Heart of Glass - 2/5 Not bad from what I read, but it failed to capture my (admittedly short) attention. DNF
Better Together - 3/5 Very sweet. That's really all I have about this one.
Dirty Martini - 2/5 Not bad. Two guys fall in lust after both getting over a failed relationship.
Notice to Appear - SKIPPED I didn't read this one, actually. The summary just doesn't sound like it's my sort of thing.
Heart of Glass - 2/5 Not bad from what I read, but it failed to capture my (admittedly short) attention. DNF
Better Together - 3/5 Very sweet. That's really all I have about this one.
Dirty Martini - 2/5 Not bad. Two guys fall in lust after both getting over a failed relationship.
Notice to Appear - SKIPPED I didn't read this one, actually. The summary just doesn't sound like it's my sort of thing.
January 9, 2015
3.5* A nice set of 5 stories all based on the second chance theme.
There are college lovers meeting again, high school crushes, guys split by demands of their careers and guys getting a chance at love again after life changing events.
Individually all are quite short reads but all manage to get enough information to the reader that you don't feel short changed at all. Nice to dip into when a quick complete story is wanted
There are college lovers meeting again, high school crushes, guys split by demands of their careers and guys getting a chance at love again after life changing events.
Individually all are quite short reads but all manage to get enough information to the reader that you don't feel short changed at all. Nice to dip into when a quick complete story is wanted
March 28, 2013
Overall a nice set of "second chance at love" stories.
May 29, 2014
4 stars for just the last story! :)
Currently reading
April 19, 2015Better Together by DaNay Smith - 3 stars
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