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Second Chances #1
Jamais deux sans toi
* Description = Adolescent, Addy Monroe fait une expérience qui change sa vie – même si, techniquement, cette expérience est vécue par quelqu’un d’autre sur le siège arrière d’un taxi bloqué à côté de lui dans un embouteillage. Six ans plus tard, dans une boite de nuit de Los Angeles, Addy rencontre le chanteur de rock Zak Roscoe – l’homme qui sans le savoir lui a appris qui il était vraiment – et il fait à son tour l’expérience de Zak.
Étant une personne réservée et secrète, Zak trouve les avances déterminées d’Addy à la fois énervantes et intrigantes, et il se laisse séduire pour une nuit de plaisir. Malheureusement, certaines habitudes ont la vie dure ; son agissement post-coïtal laisse quelque peu à désirer, et Addy se rend rapidement compte que parfois, le fantasme et la réalité n’ont pas grand chose en commun. S’il pouvait avoir une deuxième chance …
Étant une personne réservée et secrète, Zak trouve les avances déterminées d’Addy à la fois énervantes et intrigantes, et il se laisse séduire pour une nuit de plaisir. Malheureusement, certaines habitudes ont la vie dure ; son agissement post-coïtal laisse quelque peu à désirer, et Addy se rend rapidement compte que parfois, le fantasme et la réalité n’ont pas grand chose en commun. S’il pouvait avoir une deuxième chance …
116 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 18, 2012
1 person is currently reading
214 people want to read
About the author
Susan Laine
88 books220 followersSusan is an award-winning author of LGBTQ erotic romance. She writes for Dreamspinner Press, DSP Publications, Siren BookStrand, Evernight Publishing, and Less Than Three Press. Susan is a Finn writing in English. She likes action flicks, pop music, saunas, and the seasons in Finland. Join Susan's newsletter HERE.
Coming soon new M/M and F/F erotic romances....
Sorry but... I'm taking a bit of a hiatus from writing at the moment. Will keep you apprised of any changes. Huge thanks to anyone who has read my stories and, hopefully, liked them <3
Merry Christmas!
Coming soon new M/M and F/F erotic romances....
Sorry but... I'm taking a bit of a hiatus from writing at the moment. Will keep you apprised of any changes. Huge thanks to anyone who has read my stories and, hopefully, liked them <3
Merry Christmas!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
April 22, 2012
There they are again - glowing red dots in my eyes...
Incapable of saying it "nicely" I`ll just let it go.
Second star is for the writing...
Incapable of saying it "nicely" I`ll just let it go.
Second star is for the writing...
Read
January 24, 2023The beginning of this book set up for an interesting scenario as 15 year old Addy witnesses two men making out in the back of a cab which confirms he definitely likes men! The scene, and eye contact with the man in the back of the cab, makes such an impact on the young Addy, that he can't forget and fantasises about the man for years. Eventually Addy runs into Zak and gets to enjoy the man in person.
While an enjoyable story, this was a difficult relationship to believe. Zak is not exactly likable - he is avoids relationships and treats Addy poorly after their one night stand. But Addy is persistent and keeps chipping away at Zak. This is the part where I struggled as I couldn't fully understand why Addy was interested in Zak, why he wanted the second chance.
Zak is 'no good at relationships' but Addy gets under his skin and eventually he can't deny his feelings. While I wanted them to have a happy ending, and eventually Zak does open up to Addy, it feels more HFN, with not enough insight into the relationship to really believe it will last the long haul.
I now publish all my m/m reviews on my blog so if you want to see all my m/m reviews in one place come visit at Because Two Men Are Better Than One!
While an enjoyable story, this was a difficult relationship to believe. Zak is not exactly likable - he is avoids relationships and treats Addy poorly after their one night stand. But Addy is persistent and keeps chipping away at Zak. This is the part where I struggled as I couldn't fully understand why Addy was interested in Zak, why he wanted the second chance.
Zak is 'no good at relationships' but Addy gets under his skin and eventually he can't deny his feelings. While I wanted them to have a happy ending, and eventually Zak does open up to Addy, it feels more HFN, with not enough insight into the relationship to really believe it will last the long haul.
I now publish all my m/m reviews on my blog so if you want to see all my m/m reviews in one place come visit at Because Two Men Are Better Than One!
June 25, 2013
Sexy stranger. Instant attraction. Pushy pursuit.
Confirming his attraction to men, Addy suffers from insta-lust when he catches a sneak peek at a gorgeous stranger gettin’ in on with another man in a neighboring cab inching along in rush hour traffic.
Apparently he has been scouring the entire city of Los Angeles to find this mystery hottie, hopeful they will cross paths again. Six years later his luck strikes true and he finds the man who consumes his dreams rocking the stage at a club.
And then, we have a classic case of insta-love.
He confronts our mystery man, Zak, and throws an offer on the table he can’t refuse.
Part two of his plan is to proceed to try and crawl under his skin. To say he is persistent and determined would be an understatement. Addy doesn’t take easy hints and is firm in his conclusion that they are meant to be together. Pushing the limit, he finally finds himself second guessing his chase of this slippery free bird. Their banter was fun, but then it almost became a distraction. I’ll give Addy props for going after what he wants; he certainly is a man with no regrets.
The question becomes, should Addy let things be, or was it love at first sight and they truly are meant to be?
*2.5 crazy-coincidental-carefree stars*
Confirming his attraction to men, Addy suffers from insta-lust when he catches a sneak peek at a gorgeous stranger gettin’ in on with another man in a neighboring cab inching along in rush hour traffic.
Apparently he has been scouring the entire city of Los Angeles to find this mystery hottie, hopeful they will cross paths again. Six years later his luck strikes true and he finds the man who consumes his dreams rocking the stage at a club.
And then, we have a classic case of insta-love.
He confronts our mystery man, Zak, and throws an offer on the table he can’t refuse.
Part two of his plan is to proceed to try and crawl under his skin. To say he is persistent and determined would be an understatement. Addy doesn’t take easy hints and is firm in his conclusion that they are meant to be together. Pushing the limit, he finally finds himself second guessing his chase of this slippery free bird. Their banter was fun, but then it almost became a distraction. I’ll give Addy props for going after what he wants; he certainly is a man with no regrets.
The question becomes, should Addy let things be, or was it love at first sight and they truly are meant to be?
*2.5 crazy-coincidental-carefree stars*
May 1, 2012
Addy accepts that he is gay when, at age fifteen, he sees two men making out in the back of a taxi. He spends the next 6 years fantasising about one of the men (Zak) until the day he runs across him in a gay club. When Addy goes home with Zak he hopes it will be his dream come true.
This is not a typical romance story. Zak is a very insular person and he protects himself by not allowing anyone to get close to him. He sees Addy as a definite one-night-stand and acts accordingly through their first night together. Addy feels differently. At times it was almost painful to watch Addy continually putting himself out there only to be shut down by Zak. His faith in the fact that Zak has feelings for him that he can't even admit to himself is mostly unwavering for such a long time. He continues to try to chip away at the shell Zak has built around himself even when Zak's behaviour is pretty appalling.
A few times I found myself willing Addy to walk away and protect himself but he kept bouncing back and continuing in his quest. Zak was a much harder character to like but he still gave occasional glimpses of the man hidden inside of him.
I'm glad that Addy had the support of Zak's friends and his brother and I would love to know more of Zane's story.
This is not a typical romance story. Zak is a very insular person and he protects himself by not allowing anyone to get close to him. He sees Addy as a definite one-night-stand and acts accordingly through their first night together. Addy feels differently. At times it was almost painful to watch Addy continually putting himself out there only to be shut down by Zak. His faith in the fact that Zak has feelings for him that he can't even admit to himself is mostly unwavering for such a long time. He continues to try to chip away at the shell Zak has built around himself even when Zak's behaviour is pretty appalling.
A few times I found myself willing Addy to walk away and protect himself but he kept bouncing back and continuing in his quest. Zak was a much harder character to like but he still gave occasional glimpses of the man hidden inside of him.
I'm glad that Addy had the support of Zak's friends and his brother and I would love to know more of Zane's story.
April 27, 2012
This review was originally written for Hearts on Fire Reviews and can also be found there.
Right away, at the very prologue, I was riveted to my seat with eyes firmly focused on the screen and the freaking hot scene happening at the back of a taxi. Addy experienced a life changing moment as he watched one man debauch the other in the most sexiest of ways. The gorgeous stranger even while dressed captivated Addy, and became the driving force behind his future fantasies. A stranger who licked the other while seductively winking at a fifteen-year old in the next car. Oh yeah, it was very hot. I can totally see how a teenager remembered it even years later.
Six years after the event, Addy sees the man himself again, and refuses to let the opportunity slip by him. His flirting is direct and pushy, his smile promising and the overall attitude demanding. He knows he must have Zak for real this time, even if it's just a one night stand.
But Addy's heart doesn't quite agree, and despite Zak being a guarded asshole come morning he is still Addy's wet dream and an aspiring future. They dance around each other, with Addy wanting more than Zak can give and Zak going against himself to avoid the future he's pretty sure he doesn't want.
This was a solid four for me for good two thirds of the book. I loved Addy's sharp tongue and his witty retorts when he was with Zak, but I also adored his gentle and sensitive side, where his brave front crumpled and he showed he pretty much just wanted love. Since the book is from his point of view we don't really get to know Zak to the same extent, but I still liked him. His shields were interesting even when crumbling around him and his fake, carefree attitude endearing.
So like I said, four stars for a good part of the book. But then the ending came, and their dance got rushed and sex became the focus of the story. When I wanted to know more about the couple and how they functioned together, they pretty much got reduced to primal urges, exactly the thing Addy fought against from the beginning. Now maybe his conflicts were resolved and he felt free to indulge in his fantasies, but I needed more substance between them and sex distanced me from their original, explosive connection. The ending while probably fitting, came at a wrong place for me and I can't help it but feel their tale is far from being over.
The writing was almost poetic and suited me very much making the overall rating just half a star below four, after all, the book is just too good to get three stars. Susan Laine is a new author for me, but if this experience is anything to go by, it won't stay that way.
Right away, at the very prologue, I was riveted to my seat with eyes firmly focused on the screen and the freaking hot scene happening at the back of a taxi. Addy experienced a life changing moment as he watched one man debauch the other in the most sexiest of ways. The gorgeous stranger even while dressed captivated Addy, and became the driving force behind his future fantasies. A stranger who licked the other while seductively winking at a fifteen-year old in the next car. Oh yeah, it was very hot. I can totally see how a teenager remembered it even years later.
Six years after the event, Addy sees the man himself again, and refuses to let the opportunity slip by him. His flirting is direct and pushy, his smile promising and the overall attitude demanding. He knows he must have Zak for real this time, even if it's just a one night stand.
But Addy's heart doesn't quite agree, and despite Zak being a guarded asshole come morning he is still Addy's wet dream and an aspiring future. They dance around each other, with Addy wanting more than Zak can give and Zak going against himself to avoid the future he's pretty sure he doesn't want.
This was a solid four for me for good two thirds of the book. I loved Addy's sharp tongue and his witty retorts when he was with Zak, but I also adored his gentle and sensitive side, where his brave front crumpled and he showed he pretty much just wanted love. Since the book is from his point of view we don't really get to know Zak to the same extent, but I still liked him. His shields were interesting even when crumbling around him and his fake, carefree attitude endearing.
So like I said, four stars for a good part of the book. But then the ending came, and their dance got rushed and sex became the focus of the story. When I wanted to know more about the couple and how they functioned together, they pretty much got reduced to primal urges, exactly the thing Addy fought against from the beginning. Now maybe his conflicts were resolved and he felt free to indulge in his fantasies, but I needed more substance between them and sex distanced me from their original, explosive connection. The ending while probably fitting, came at a wrong place for me and I can't help it but feel their tale is far from being over.
The writing was almost poetic and suited me very much making the overall rating just half a star below four, after all, the book is just too good to get three stars. Susan Laine is a new author for me, but if this experience is anything to go by, it won't stay that way.
April 19, 2012
3.5 stars. I have to admit that this story was not at all what I expected. I really liked Addy - and the story is told from his point of view - but I was surprised by his actions at times. I wasn't sure what he thought he wanted to get or was going to get from Zac. I would have liked to see more of Zac's life and story here which might have explained some of his reactions and behaviors. I was left feeling like I didn't get Zac's motivation.
That being said, I really liked the writer's style and storytelling ability. And Zac and Addy are very hot together. I notice that this is a #1, so dare we hope for #2 soon?
That being said, I really liked the writer's style and storytelling ability. And Zac and Addy are very hot together. I notice that this is a #1, so dare we hope for #2 soon?
August 25, 2012
This is the second story I've read by this author, and while the plots are interesting, I don't enjoy the flowery, over-the-top writing. This story started out strong, but I hated Zak's hot-and-cold behavior, so much so that I didn't believe that this relationship would last very long.
July 10, 2013
2.5 * : trop léger
Cette romance MM avait pas mal d'atouts pour être parfaite mais deux points vraiment négatifs du moins pour moi, m'empêchent d'être satisfaite de cette lecture. Le premier c'est que c'est trop court, à peine deux cents pages donc nous avons une relation qui va à la vitesse de l'éclair et du coup n'est pas vraiment crédible et le deuxième point découle directement du premier: les personnages. Comment voulez vous ( enfin moi surtout) rentrer dans une histoire quand en l'espace de si peu de temps deux hommes changent pratiquement de personnalité au point de devenir différents sans avoir vraiment eu une évolution à travers un conflit, un problème enfin bref un événement qui explique ce changement d'attitude.
Dans la première partie Addy apparaît comme un gamin capricieux et gâté, immature,il a
fantasmé durant six années sur Zac après l'avoir aperçu dans un taxi avec un autre homme dans son adolescence. Lorsque, par le plus grand des hasards il le croise à nouveau dans une boîte de nuit , il va non seulement le draguer mais s'offrir à lui, j'aurais compris si c'était juste pour une nuit afin d'enfin concrétiser son fantasme de la même façon qu'on satisfasse son envie d'un objet que l'on désire fortement et qu'enfin on est l'occasion de se le procurer. Mais là ce qui m'a gêné c'est sa façon de s'imposer à Zac, de l'obliger à lui demander plus. Il s'introduit dans son intimité pour la seule raison qu'il croit être ce qu'il a besoin ! Puis il se transforme en Calimero larmoyant qui se plaint par ce qu'il n'a pas réussi à obtenir plus de son joujou et paf il a le cœur brisé...
Zac quant à lui est amusé au départ par ce jeune homme étrange qui lui fait du rentre dedans et va jouer le jeu mais c'est un solitaire qui ne s'attache pas ,ok pour une nuit de baise mais c'est tout. Sa réaction devant l'envahissement de sa vie privée par Addy est compréhensible et sa réaction normale, par contre quand quelques pages plus loin après l'avoir viré il le contacte de nouveau et se transforme en homme sensible prêt à essayer une relation plus conventionnelle,alors là non franchement c'est du grand n'importe quoi...
Rien n'est crédible dans ce récit, le potentiel était là mais il manque de la profondeur, une étude plus poussée des caractères de chacun. La seconde partie est un peu mieux mais toujours trop superficielle. Au final 191 pages, 3 scènes intimes d'environ 5 pages et environ 20 dialogues de 10 mots... Pas assez consistant pour me satisfaire et pourtant un rocker et un vétérinaire c'était plutôt une bonne base.
Cette romance MM avait pas mal d'atouts pour être parfaite mais deux points vraiment négatifs du moins pour moi, m'empêchent d'être satisfaite de cette lecture. Le premier c'est que c'est trop court, à peine deux cents pages donc nous avons une relation qui va à la vitesse de l'éclair et du coup n'est pas vraiment crédible et le deuxième point découle directement du premier: les personnages. Comment voulez vous ( enfin moi surtout) rentrer dans une histoire quand en l'espace de si peu de temps deux hommes changent pratiquement de personnalité au point de devenir différents sans avoir vraiment eu une évolution à travers un conflit, un problème enfin bref un événement qui explique ce changement d'attitude.
Dans la première partie Addy apparaît comme un gamin capricieux et gâté, immature,il a
fantasmé durant six années sur Zac après l'avoir aperçu dans un taxi avec un autre homme dans son adolescence. Lorsque, par le plus grand des hasards il le croise à nouveau dans une boîte de nuit , il va non seulement le draguer mais s'offrir à lui, j'aurais compris si c'était juste pour une nuit afin d'enfin concrétiser son fantasme de la même façon qu'on satisfasse son envie d'un objet que l'on désire fortement et qu'enfin on est l'occasion de se le procurer. Mais là ce qui m'a gêné c'est sa façon de s'imposer à Zac, de l'obliger à lui demander plus. Il s'introduit dans son intimité pour la seule raison qu'il croit être ce qu'il a besoin ! Puis il se transforme en Calimero larmoyant qui se plaint par ce qu'il n'a pas réussi à obtenir plus de son joujou et paf il a le cœur brisé...
Zac quant à lui est amusé au départ par ce jeune homme étrange qui lui fait du rentre dedans et va jouer le jeu mais c'est un solitaire qui ne s'attache pas ,ok pour une nuit de baise mais c'est tout. Sa réaction devant l'envahissement de sa vie privée par Addy est compréhensible et sa réaction normale, par contre quand quelques pages plus loin après l'avoir viré il le contacte de nouveau et se transforme en homme sensible prêt à essayer une relation plus conventionnelle,alors là non franchement c'est du grand n'importe quoi...
Rien n'est crédible dans ce récit, le potentiel était là mais il manque de la profondeur, une étude plus poussée des caractères de chacun. La seconde partie est un peu mieux mais toujours trop superficielle. Au final 191 pages, 3 scènes intimes d'environ 5 pages et environ 20 dialogues de 10 mots... Pas assez consistant pour me satisfaire et pourtant un rocker et un vétérinaire c'était plutôt une bonne base.
July 17, 2022
3.5 out of 5 stars
I won Twice by Chance in the Paul Richmond giveaway at Joyfully Jay. I'm sorry for taking so long to read it, but I completely forgot about this book until the other day when I saw it on someone's shelf. Anyhow, back to my review.
All in all, this was truly a pleasure to read. It's fun and witty, but it's also intense and emotionally affecting. With not so much happening plot-wise, Twice by Chance is definitely a character-driven novella with two wonderful heroes that couldn't be more right for each other. I wasn't really fond of Zak, but at the same time I rooted for him and Addy, because it was obvious that he needed someone who would not give up on him, no matter how indifferent he wanted to appear or how bad he thought he was at relationships. Addy's attempt to mask his vulnerability with wit and audacity just broke my heart and made me cheer for him even more.
With that said, I definitely recommend taking a chance on this book.
I won Twice by Chance in the Paul Richmond giveaway at Joyfully Jay. I'm sorry for taking so long to read it, but I completely forgot about this book until the other day when I saw it on someone's shelf. Anyhow, back to my review.
All in all, this was truly a pleasure to read. It's fun and witty, but it's also intense and emotionally affecting. With not so much happening plot-wise, Twice by Chance is definitely a character-driven novella with two wonderful heroes that couldn't be more right for each other. I wasn't really fond of Zak, but at the same time I rooted for him and Addy, because it was obvious that he needed someone who would not give up on him, no matter how indifferent he wanted to appear or how bad he thought he was at relationships. Addy's attempt to mask his vulnerability with wit and audacity just broke my heart and made me cheer for him even more.
With that said, I definitely recommend taking a chance on this book.
February 2, 2014
È il primo romanzo di questo genere che leggo, anche se forse, data la brevità, sarebbe meglio chiamarlo racconto. L'ho trovato intenso, i personaggi ben caratterizzati, anche quelli più marginali. Inizialmente non mi aspettavo molto da questo romanzo e l'ho letto unicamente per via della trama, diversa dal solito. È anche vero che ultimamente non riuscivo a leggere nulla, quindi cercavo qualcosa di diverso, carino e non troppo impegnativo. "Non c'è due senza... te" è tutto questo, simpatico, romantico, una lettura scorrevole senza troppe pretese.
Si legge in un soffio, peccato per gli errori di traduzione in cui si incappa spesso come ripetizioni di parole o tempi verbali sbagliati, articoli multipli, etc...
Per quanto riguarda i personaggi ho amati i fratelli Roscoe, agli antipodi l'uno dell'altro. Addy è un ragazzo dolcissimo invece, alcune volte fin troppo sicuro di sé ma molto introspettivo e di certo non stupido.
Insomma una lettura meritevole, l'autrice riesce a coinvolgerti nel suo mondo, nei problemi dei suoi personaggi con naturalezza.
Ottimo!
Si legge in un soffio, peccato per gli errori di traduzione in cui si incappa spesso come ripetizioni di parole o tempi verbali sbagliati, articoli multipli, etc...
Per quanto riguarda i personaggi ho amati i fratelli Roscoe, agli antipodi l'uno dell'altro. Addy è un ragazzo dolcissimo invece, alcune volte fin troppo sicuro di sé ma molto introspettivo e di certo non stupido.
Insomma una lettura meritevole, l'autrice riesce a coinvolgerti nel suo mondo, nei problemi dei suoi personaggi con naturalezza.
Ottimo!
July 2, 2015
I read this book a while back. I don't write reviews for books, this is my first review and I just had to write one for this one. This story was so intriguing and believable, I had to finish it in one go and sacrifice my sleep. I don't understand what people didn't like about it. For me, it's a 5 star book. It is a story of a person who knows he wants from this another person. It may seem unrealistic to some that how can he love someone so much even without knowing him. But that's life people as much as you want to love someone who is not a douchebag, you just sometimes fall in love with one and regret why that happened. At least this one had a happy ending. I liked both Addy and Zak. They were fun. If you like emotional but not so emotional funny and sweet novels, you should read this one. It made me sad, it made me smile and in the end it made me happy:D
October 29, 2012
Aahhh...The benefits of tenacity. Of course, it always involves a little hearth thrashing beforehand, but Addy goes all in to win this second chance. Zak, as the unsuspecting prey is in for a surprise.
One quibble: It is inconceivable that someone in LA does not have a driver's license unless they've "lost it" due inappropriate behaviors. Not a commute friendly city--at all.
Favorite quote:
"The more in love you are, the more amends you have to make in the end to make things work, even for a day.”
One quibble: It is inconceivable that someone in LA does not have a driver's license unless they've "lost it" due inappropriate behaviors. Not a commute friendly city--at all.
Favorite quote:
"The more in love you are, the more amends you have to make in the end to make things work, even for a day.”
April 2, 2015
When he is 15, Addy is in the back of a car and looks across the lane to see a taxi with 2 men making out in the back. His eyes meet the eyes of one of the men.
6 years later, Addy is at a pub and he meets the man from the cab. A man that has fuelled his dreams and fantasies for the last 6 years.
He engineers a meeting and the 2 of them spend the night. However, in the morning, Zak is not very personable and Addy leaves.
Some angst in this story as Zak slowly realizes that he wants a relationship with Addy.
A sweet, easy to read story.
6 years later, Addy is at a pub and he meets the man from the cab. A man that has fuelled his dreams and fantasies for the last 6 years.
He engineers a meeting and the 2 of them spend the night. However, in the morning, Zak is not very personable and Addy leaves.
Some angst in this story as Zak slowly realizes that he wants a relationship with Addy.
A sweet, easy to read story.
February 8, 2013
I love you Susan!! What an awesome story...I enjoyed everything about it..everything..the dialog was great I could literally feel what Addy was feeling. I was wishing and hoping for him so hard, that it kept me turning the pages.. I really enjoyed the connection between the men and Addy's open and frank way of communicating. how on earth would anybody even in real life be able to forget someone like Addy? Impossible! .This story will difinitely hit my favorites list...well done..
August 13, 2013
Loved it so much. They rocker's character was a bit blurry sometimes, but you actually manage to like him even while he's being an ass. And he's hot! The sex is great, intense somehow and I enjoyed how engaging it was. Heh. The romance developed beautifully for me, as well as the plot. Beautiful, heartening, emotional, and just the right amount of angsty. Yummy all the way through. Laine is now a new favorite!
November 15, 2013
I found this in my recycle bin, OMG, WTF!!!
Was I crazy? Addy is simply the best and poor Zak...
At 15 Addy fell for 21 y.o. Zak from the backseat of his uncle's car.
Six years later they meet again and Addy's determined to make his childhood dream his present and his future.
I totally enjoyed this story and the author's writing style captured me from the first line cuz it was as if she was in my head writing my words. Crazycool.
Want more, more, more.
Was I crazy? Addy is simply the best and poor Zak...
At 15 Addy fell for 21 y.o. Zak from the backseat of his uncle's car.
Six years later they meet again and Addy's determined to make his childhood dream his present and his future.
I totally enjoyed this story and the author's writing style captured me from the first line cuz it was as if she was in my head writing my words. Crazycool.
Want more, more, more.
April 20, 2012
4.5 stars. Just as good as I'd thought it would be. I can not wait till the second book in this series comes out, great start!
August 1, 2013
da www.sognipensieriparole.com
Sono stata subito attirata dal prologo intenso di questo libro, affidato più all’immaginazione che alla visione, perché in realtà tutta l’energia e la fisicità che si percepiscono sono provocate solo da un appassionante gioco di sguardi.
A quindici anni il colpo di fulmine di Addy per un ragazzo sconosciuto era stato improvviso e mai dimenticato. E una notte di sei anni dopo, quel sogno è divenuto un corpo in carne ed ossa, se possibile ancora più affascinante di quanto lo ricordasse.
Giurai, allora, che se mai lo avessi incontrato di nuovo, lo avrei ringraziato dal profondo del cuore, e poi lo avrei sedotto e portato a letto, dove gli avrei fatto vedere contemporaneamente i fuochi d’artificio, il movimento delle stelle e lo spostamento dell’asse terrestre.
Ma tanto Addy è fiducioso, sicuro dei propri desideri e della propria natura, tanto Zak sembra essere altero, distante, con un talento speciale per mandare segnali contrastanti e causare dei colpi al cuore, non tutti piacevoli. Tanto Addy crede nell’amore oltre al sesso, quanto quel ragazzo più grande di lui ritiene di essere più che soddisfatto dal sesso occasionale, gratificante ma fine a se stesso. Per fortuna, Addy è anche un tipo caparbio, perché non si arrende e non si perde d’animo di fronte alla delusione del mattino dopo. La sua missione, a questo punto, non è più ritrovare l’uomo dei suoi sogni ma evitare di divenire semplicemente un’altra tacca sulla testata del letto…
“Non c’è due senza…te” è una storia che risulterà piacevole per chi crede ancora nell’amore “a pelle” e nelle ricorrenze del destino, con parecchie scene passionali ben dettagliate, intervallate dai monologhi e dalle battute ironiche di Andy.
Il messaggio positivo, tuttavia, risulta a mio parere un po’ indebolito dalla brevità del testo e soprattutto dall’esagerata concentrazione temporale della vicenda (la quale, dopo lo scintillante prologo iniziale, si riduce sostanzialmente ad un arco di tre settimane).
Proprio perché Andy non cerca e non vuole un ragazzo qualsiasi, ma il ragazzo “giusto”, si sarebbe forse potuto dare più spazio allo sviluppo e alla maturazione della relazione appena nata.
Se infatti fin dall’inizio conosciamo bene Andy e le sue aspettative, i sentimenti di Zak rischiano di rimanere avvolti dal mistero e dall’ambiguità: sì, certo, è chiaro che Zak ha paura di concedere il proprio cuore e di rimanere “scottato”, ma quanto meno avrei preferito che fosse delineato e approfondito meglio il momento in cui anche lui riesce a mettere da parte le proprie incertezze per dare un’ulteriore chance a questo nuovo amore, ovvero a un amore che va oltre il mero sesso.
Sono stata subito attirata dal prologo intenso di questo libro, affidato più all’immaginazione che alla visione, perché in realtà tutta l’energia e la fisicità che si percepiscono sono provocate solo da un appassionante gioco di sguardi.
A quindici anni il colpo di fulmine di Addy per un ragazzo sconosciuto era stato improvviso e mai dimenticato. E una notte di sei anni dopo, quel sogno è divenuto un corpo in carne ed ossa, se possibile ancora più affascinante di quanto lo ricordasse.
Giurai, allora, che se mai lo avessi incontrato di nuovo, lo avrei ringraziato dal profondo del cuore, e poi lo avrei sedotto e portato a letto, dove gli avrei fatto vedere contemporaneamente i fuochi d’artificio, il movimento delle stelle e lo spostamento dell’asse terrestre.
Ma tanto Addy è fiducioso, sicuro dei propri desideri e della propria natura, tanto Zak sembra essere altero, distante, con un talento speciale per mandare segnali contrastanti e causare dei colpi al cuore, non tutti piacevoli. Tanto Addy crede nell’amore oltre al sesso, quanto quel ragazzo più grande di lui ritiene di essere più che soddisfatto dal sesso occasionale, gratificante ma fine a se stesso. Per fortuna, Addy è anche un tipo caparbio, perché non si arrende e non si perde d’animo di fronte alla delusione del mattino dopo. La sua missione, a questo punto, non è più ritrovare l’uomo dei suoi sogni ma evitare di divenire semplicemente un’altra tacca sulla testata del letto…
“Non c’è due senza…te” è una storia che risulterà piacevole per chi crede ancora nell’amore “a pelle” e nelle ricorrenze del destino, con parecchie scene passionali ben dettagliate, intervallate dai monologhi e dalle battute ironiche di Andy.
Il messaggio positivo, tuttavia, risulta a mio parere un po’ indebolito dalla brevità del testo e soprattutto dall’esagerata concentrazione temporale della vicenda (la quale, dopo lo scintillante prologo iniziale, si riduce sostanzialmente ad un arco di tre settimane).
Proprio perché Andy non cerca e non vuole un ragazzo qualsiasi, ma il ragazzo “giusto”, si sarebbe forse potuto dare più spazio allo sviluppo e alla maturazione della relazione appena nata.
Se infatti fin dall’inizio conosciamo bene Andy e le sue aspettative, i sentimenti di Zak rischiano di rimanere avvolti dal mistero e dall’ambiguità: sì, certo, è chiaro che Zak ha paura di concedere il proprio cuore e di rimanere “scottato”, ma quanto meno avrei preferito che fosse delineato e approfondito meglio il momento in cui anche lui riesce a mettere da parte le proprie incertezze per dare un’ulteriore chance a questo nuovo amore, ovvero a un amore che va oltre il mero sesso.
October 28, 2016
Questo romanzo si è rivelato una piacevole sorpresa: lo sbocciare di una storia d’amore grazie alla caparbia determinazione di un protagonista romantico fino al midollo, ma anche ironico e coraggioso, a dispetto di un’intrinseca fragilità, delicata e commovente.
Addy capisce cosa significhino veramente i suoi desideri nascosti a quindici anni, quando spia due ragazzi avvinghiati a baciarsi, e non solo, sul sedile di un taxi: incrociare lo sguardo di un bellissimo sconosciuto, malizioso e sensuale, cambierà la sua vita. Ecco perché, sei anni dopo, dopo averlo incontrato per caso in un locale, non si lascia sfuggire l’occasione di passare una notte con quello che è stato l’oggetto delle sue più sfrenate fantasie.
Zak, tuttavia, si rivela essere un uomo irraggiungibile, disposto a deliziarsi con una notte di sesso ma restio a concedere anche la minima parte di sé. In un susseguirsi di rotture e riconciliazioni, baci mozzafiato e amplessi roventi, Addy è sempre più deciso a infrangere la corazza che protegge il cuore di Zak, convinto di essere il solo destinato a possederlo.
Potrebbe essere definita una storia semplice, che si concentra quasi esclusivamente sulla coppia di protagonisti, lasciando agli altri personaggi il ruolo di mere comparse: solamente a Zane, il fratello minore di Zak, è concessa più di qualche battuta e un accenno di introspezione. Nonostante questo, il libro scorre con estrema facilità, suscitando una vasta gamma di emozioni: è impossibile non soffrire per lo sconforto di Addy di fronte all’ennesima chiusura, oppure sentire il cuore palpitare per gli spiragli di vulnerabilità e amore che Zak lascia intravedere.
Se desiderate lasciarvi trasportare sulle onde della dolcezza verso lo schiudersi di un cuore solitario all’amore più puro, allora “Non c’è due senza… te” è il libro che fa per voi. (recensione pubblicata anche su Romanticamente Fantasy Sito)
Addy capisce cosa significhino veramente i suoi desideri nascosti a quindici anni, quando spia due ragazzi avvinghiati a baciarsi, e non solo, sul sedile di un taxi: incrociare lo sguardo di un bellissimo sconosciuto, malizioso e sensuale, cambierà la sua vita. Ecco perché, sei anni dopo, dopo averlo incontrato per caso in un locale, non si lascia sfuggire l’occasione di passare una notte con quello che è stato l’oggetto delle sue più sfrenate fantasie.
Zak, tuttavia, si rivela essere un uomo irraggiungibile, disposto a deliziarsi con una notte di sesso ma restio a concedere anche la minima parte di sé. In un susseguirsi di rotture e riconciliazioni, baci mozzafiato e amplessi roventi, Addy è sempre più deciso a infrangere la corazza che protegge il cuore di Zak, convinto di essere il solo destinato a possederlo.
Potrebbe essere definita una storia semplice, che si concentra quasi esclusivamente sulla coppia di protagonisti, lasciando agli altri personaggi il ruolo di mere comparse: solamente a Zane, il fratello minore di Zak, è concessa più di qualche battuta e un accenno di introspezione. Nonostante questo, il libro scorre con estrema facilità, suscitando una vasta gamma di emozioni: è impossibile non soffrire per lo sconforto di Addy di fronte all’ennesima chiusura, oppure sentire il cuore palpitare per gli spiragli di vulnerabilità e amore che Zak lascia intravedere.
Se desiderate lasciarvi trasportare sulle onde della dolcezza verso lo schiudersi di un cuore solitario all’amore più puro, allora “Non c’è due senza… te” è il libro che fa per voi. (recensione pubblicata anche su Romanticamente Fantasy Sito)
October 10, 2015
You can translate this review on: http://labibliotecadidrusie.blogspot.it/
Voto: 6/10
Non nego di essere un'amante del boy's love, ma questo racconto non mi ha coinvolta più di tanto.
Non che Zak o Addy siano brutti o piatti, è che tutta la storia sembra solo un presupposto per descrivere scene di sesso. Durante le quali i due ragazzi parlano un po' troppo, per i miei gusti.
L'approfondimento psicologico e sentimentale è scarsino e anche altri particolari sono tralasciati.
Addy più che innamorato sembra fissato. Non ci viene mai spiegato cosa ami di Zak e perché, nonostante i suoi modi e un palese disinteresse, continui a stargli dietro.
Zak è ancora più incomprensibile, perché non viene detto cosa gli faccia cambiare idea su Addy: lo tratta da cani la mattina dopo la prima notte di sesso, lo abbandona a piedi in una zona isolata dove non passa neanche un autobus e due settimane dopo si presenta a casa sua. cos'ha di diverso Addy rispetto agli amanti avuti prima? Non è dato saperlo.
Certo, in alcuni momenti mi hanno anche emozionata (un paio di volte), ma a me piace l'innamoramento, il tormento, il sentimento e avrei voluto vederlo di più. Ok, le scene di sesso ci stanno e non mi dispiacciono, ma avrei voluto vederci un po' di 'resto'. un po' di tutto quello che compone una storia d'amore. Soprattutto considerando che la storia è composta solo da quella.
Non c'è altro.
Lo stile della Laine è scorrevole e piacevole, un po' scarsa la cura dei dettagli diversi dall'aspetto fisico. Qualche perplessità in un paio di dialoghi, ma può essere dovuto alle difficoltà di traduzione.
Un raccontino carino da leggere in un viaggio in treno, ma avrei voluto qualcosa di più.
Voto: 6/10
Non nego di essere un'amante del boy's love, ma questo racconto non mi ha coinvolta più di tanto.
Non che Zak o Addy siano brutti o piatti, è che tutta la storia sembra solo un presupposto per descrivere scene di sesso. Durante le quali i due ragazzi parlano un po' troppo, per i miei gusti.
L'approfondimento psicologico e sentimentale è scarsino e anche altri particolari sono tralasciati.
Addy più che innamorato sembra fissato. Non ci viene mai spiegato cosa ami di Zak e perché, nonostante i suoi modi e un palese disinteresse, continui a stargli dietro.
Zak è ancora più incomprensibile, perché non viene detto cosa gli faccia cambiare idea su Addy: lo tratta da cani la mattina dopo la prima notte di sesso, lo abbandona a piedi in una zona isolata dove non passa neanche un autobus e due settimane dopo si presenta a casa sua. cos'ha di diverso Addy rispetto agli amanti avuti prima? Non è dato saperlo.
Certo, in alcuni momenti mi hanno anche emozionata (un paio di volte), ma a me piace l'innamoramento, il tormento, il sentimento e avrei voluto vederlo di più. Ok, le scene di sesso ci stanno e non mi dispiacciono, ma avrei voluto vederci un po' di 'resto'. un po' di tutto quello che compone una storia d'amore. Soprattutto considerando che la storia è composta solo da quella.
Non c'è altro.
Lo stile della Laine è scorrevole e piacevole, un po' scarsa la cura dei dettagli diversi dall'aspetto fisico. Qualche perplessità in un paio di dialoghi, ma può essere dovuto alle difficoltà di traduzione.
Un raccontino carino da leggere in un viaggio in treno, ma avrei voluto qualcosa di più.
December 7, 2012
I found the central relationship little more than an excuse for repeated sexual encounters. I just didn't bond with the characters.
Addy was a bit of an airhead with an unrealistic dream that he could find love with a man he'd seen when he'd been 15, a simply lustful encounter from a distance at that. Zak, his dream man, was just an a**hole at first, although he did improve towards the end I still wasn't much of a fan.
Addy's insistance that he wanted Zak's heart when faced with the reality of Zak - fine in bed but not very nice out of it - was naive in the extreme and I couldn't see why he hadn't just chalked Zak up to experience and a great one-nighter with an unfortunate morning after.
Ah well, we can't win 'em all. Books are very personal and one man's meat, etc, etc...
Very nice cover by Paul Richmond, which gives the lovers far more depth of feeling than I found within, I'm afraid.
Addy was a bit of an airhead with an unrealistic dream that he could find love with a man he'd seen when he'd been 15, a simply lustful encounter from a distance at that. Zak, his dream man, was just an a**hole at first, although he did improve towards the end I still wasn't much of a fan.
Addy's insistance that he wanted Zak's heart when faced with the reality of Zak - fine in bed but not very nice out of it - was naive in the extreme and I couldn't see why he hadn't just chalked Zak up to experience and a great one-nighter with an unfortunate morning after.
Ah well, we can't win 'em all. Books are very personal and one man's meat, etc, etc...
Very nice cover by Paul Richmond, which gives the lovers far more depth of feeling than I found within, I'm afraid.
April 27, 2012
I'm kind of torn about this book. It starts off with a bang and then delves fairly deep into Addy's thoughts and emotions. Zach, on the other hand, is a bit of a cypher and I wish I had more of a sense of his emotional journey.
A much more complex book than I anticipated from the blurb.
A much more complex book than I anticipated from the blurb.
August 12, 2016
A confusing read in that I liked the story, got quite emotionally involved in why Zak was like he was - though never felt I found out why - and with Addy's desperation to be loved - but Addy did kind of annoy me!
So, maybe it was the relative shortness of the story condensed Addy to an extent that a more drawn out story would have tempered - maybe his background dictated how he was so eager to attach but other than their initial 'meeting' we have no background. Enjoyed it but thinkI would have loved it with move character info and development up to this point, then continuing where this story starts.
So, maybe it was the relative shortness of the story condensed Addy to an extent that a more drawn out story would have tempered - maybe his background dictated how he was so eager to attach but other than their initial 'meeting' we have no background. Enjoyed it but thinkI would have loved it with move character info and development up to this point, then continuing where this story starts.
December 27, 2016
Synopsis: Addy is a teenager in the back of a car in traffic when he sees two men making out in the back of the taxi next to him. That's when he knows he is gay. When he meets the one man years later, Addy makes sure that he goes home with his crush. When Zak doesn't react well in the morning, Addy leaves. But then Zak realizes that he's ready for a relationship and Addy comes back and...
What I liked: not much. The writing was all right, but I didn't like the characters or the story they had to tell.
What I didn't like: Addy seemed more like a tstl character than anything else. He kept coming back, even though Zak was a jackass. Just...no.
What I liked: not much. The writing was all right, but I didn't like the characters or the story they had to tell.
What I didn't like: Addy seemed more like a tstl character than anything else. He kept coming back, even though Zak was a jackass. Just...no.
September 30, 2013
I really enjoyed this story, although the insta-love did bother me a bit, but not enough to put me off this story. I couldn't really see the good that Addy saw in Zak, but Addy saw it and I liked his perserverance when it came to his fantasy man. At times Addy's ideals seem young and naive, but he is also 21 so it fits his character. This book was a well-written, fun, hot read and most likely will be a reread for me.
July 8, 2013
l'idea iniziale era carina,questo ragazzo che scopre la sua sessualità,un mondo nuovo per lui...però poi diventa squallido,penso che doveva dare alla storia più sentimenti,emozioni,magari anche un pò di dolcezza e romanticismo...ma così invece è un lettura scdente,vuota e anche abbastanza deprimente
June 1, 2021
Letto proprio oggi e devo dire che mi ha lasciato in sospero nel senso che è si una storia carina ma manca quel dettaglio nella storia che fa si che il lettore ne rimanga ipnotizzato nel contesto carino.
December 31, 2013
C'est sympathique, mais beaucoup trop court. Plus une novella qu'un roman. Du coup, il y a trop de "raccourcis" dans le rapprochement des personnages, deux rendez vous et ca y est, on un un couple ! Dommage, c'est bien écrit, mais on reste vraiment sur sa faim.
June 29, 2015
The beginning of the story, wherein Addy met Zac first was a good addition to the story.
The only problem I saw in this book is that somehow, the Zac then and now was a complete opposite I wonder which is real.
The only problem I saw in this book is that somehow, the Zac then and now was a complete opposite I wonder which is real.
April 22, 2012
2.5 stars
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