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Second Chance #1
Last Second Chance
When Stella Jo Chandler gets an offer to work at the Second Chance Ranch celebrity rehab facility right after graduating from Texas A&M, she’s tempted to turn it down. She wants to help real people with real problems, not spoiled celebrities going on vacation for publicity. But growing up on her family’s ranch left her with a love of horses that draws her to the opportunity. How bad can babysitting a bunch of strung out celebrities be?
What she didn’t count on was being roped into a tangled mess with infamous rocker and three-time rehab drop out Van Ransom on her first day. And she sure didn’t expect to feel the overwhelming attraction that pulls her to the man who has more issues than she can count on both hands. Like the hotel rooms and tour buses he’s famous for trashing, the havoc he could wreak on Stella’s heart would be irreparable.
Van isn’t at Second Chance for publicity or because he’s suffering from “exhaustion”. He’s on the brink of destruction, and he needs the kind of help Stella isn’t sure she can give. But without her, he'll lose everything. Because he’s on his last second chance.
What she didn’t count on was being roped into a tangled mess with infamous rocker and three-time rehab drop out Van Ransom on her first day. And she sure didn’t expect to feel the overwhelming attraction that pulls her to the man who has more issues than she can count on both hands. Like the hotel rooms and tour buses he’s famous for trashing, the havoc he could wreak on Stella’s heart would be irreparable.
Van isn’t at Second Chance for publicity or because he’s suffering from “exhaustion”. He’s on the brink of destruction, and he needs the kind of help Stella isn’t sure she can give. But without her, he'll lose everything. Because he’s on his last second chance.
266 pages, Paperback
First published May 6, 2014
66 people are currently reading
2213 people want to read
About the author
Caisey Quinn
47 books1,954 followersCaisey Quinn is the bestselling author of more than 15 full-length romance novels, including the traditionally published Neon Dreams and Nashville's Finest series. She lives in a small town in Alabama with her two children.
After two years of self-publishing, her first traditional deal came from Avon/William Morrow (HarperCollins) and was a significant 3-book deal for the Neon Dreams series. She continues to publish independently as well as traditionally.
Caisey is a huge fan of her fellow romance authors and enjoys reading, trying new recipes from Pinterest, and pushing herself to run long distances without passing out. You can find her online as @CaiseyQuinn and www.caiseyquinn.com.
She is represented by Kevan Lyon of the Marsal Lyon Literary agency.
Her latest indie novels, Hot for Her, Hot for Teacher, and The Naughty List are available in Kindle Unlimited.
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2n5EgVf
Instagram: https://bit.ly/29zT2jR
Facebook: https://bit.ly/2vqtFbh
Twitter: https://bit.ly/2OyXwHn
Pinterest: https://bit.ly/2Ove6Ih
Join Caisey's Crew on Facebook to keep up with the latest book news! https://www.facebook.com/groups/CQsRo...
After two years of self-publishing, her first traditional deal came from Avon/William Morrow (HarperCollins) and was a significant 3-book deal for the Neon Dreams series. She continues to publish independently as well as traditionally.
Caisey is a huge fan of her fellow romance authors and enjoys reading, trying new recipes from Pinterest, and pushing herself to run long distances without passing out. You can find her online as @CaiseyQuinn and www.caiseyquinn.com.
She is represented by Kevan Lyon of the Marsal Lyon Literary agency.
Her latest indie novels, Hot for Her, Hot for Teacher, and The Naughty List are available in Kindle Unlimited.
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2n5EgVf
Instagram: https://bit.ly/29zT2jR
Facebook: https://bit.ly/2vqtFbh
Twitter: https://bit.ly/2OyXwHn
Pinterest: https://bit.ly/2Ove6Ih
Join Caisey's Crew on Facebook to keep up with the latest book news! https://www.facebook.com/groups/CQsRo...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 178 reviews
May 20, 2014
Love has no middle term - either it destroys or it saves"
I'm a big fan of Caisey Quinn's Kylie Ryans series, so when I saw she had a new book in the works I jumped at the chance to read it. I mean, that synopsis alone had me drooling and the cover sealed the deal. (What? I'm a cover whore. I can't help it) When I read the author's note in the beginning, I was even more excited to start since you can tell it's a story that was close to the her heart.
I think the book had a lot of potential that sadly fell just a bit flat in the delivery. I cant say I didn't enjoy it, since I did. But there were a number of things that kept it from being a solid 4 or 5 star read for me.
Van Ransom, the lead singer of Hostage for Ranson, has everything in excess; success, women, booze and drugs. He's on the brink of destruction, but he doesn't really see it that way...
He likes his life just fine...until an ultimatum from his manager leaves him no choice but to either be dropped from the band or enter rehab. He's getting his last second chance to turn his life around, unwilling as he may be. Suffice it to say he's not exactly thrilled about his stay at Second Chance ranch...until he meets the woman that changes everything.
I can't say I had a huge problem with Van and Stella Jo's insta connection. Typically any insta anything scenarios send me screaming for the hills, but didn't bother me much here. I did struggle to understand their connection at first, but given their backgrounds, it made a certain kind of sense I suppose. Maybe it was Van's dirty mouth that took my mind off of it?
I could have gone without him constantly calling her "cowgirl". If I had to read that word one more time...
There was also just a touch too many "erotic romance" cliches present for me to overlook, with an extra large serving of cheese...particularly at the end. I think it just about covered every single cliche you could think of. We go from dirty talking to safe words, call me Sir, bondage, and a riding crop?
That completely came out of left field for me and caused an eye roll or 2 or 5.
Caisey Quinn definitely wrote one verra steamy book here, which is a big change from the books she's written in the past. So I'm writing this up as a case of trial and error. While I can't say that I loved this book, I didn't hate it either. Insta love and cheese factor aside, I think the idea behind the series is an intriguing one. I will definitely be giving it one more shot with the next book. Hopefully Caisey will come into her own a little more in this genre with the future release and many of the kinks (no pun intended) that bothered me here will be much better.
Writing Style: Dual 3rd person POV
***ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review***
For more reviews visit
May 8, 2014
2--Cowgirl--Stars!!
91x times he called her Cowgirl. 90-freaking-one! For reals...thanks Lana!
Though I am not sure which was worse, the overuse of cowgirl or her actual name...Stella Jo.
This book was...
So the premise is that Stella Jo is graduating from college. She gets a job at Second Chance Ranch--or Third or Fourth Chance Ranch in Van's case--which caters to celebrities.
Her first day on the job she bumps in to Van Ransom, lead singer for the Hostage for Ransom.
But I'm not a complete bitch so I was willing to carry on and see how this relationship develops. And you know what...I'm a complete bitch because it did not get any better IMO.
I hated how Stella called him Mr. Ransom or Mr. Walker. The conversations between these two...
I wish I had taken the time to highlight some of them but I was too busy skimming. I literally skimmed the last 75%.
Stella and Mr. Ransom start sneaking around with each other....knowing that Van will be kicked out and Stella will be fired if they get caught.
The BDSM element...if you can even call it that???
The addition of that to the story made absolutely NO SENSE to me. At all.
At this point...
I don't care if they get caught. I don't care if they end up together. I just don't care.
Sadly, the ending of this one didn't get any better for me. And
I just couldn't connect with either character or their insta-love connection. I actually had the same problem with the other Caisey Quinn book I read so I think Caisey and I are going to have to break up.
91x times he called her Cowgirl. 90-freaking-one! For reals...thanks Lana!
Though I am not sure which was worse, the overuse of cowgirl or her actual name...Stella Jo.
This book was...
So the premise is that Stella Jo is graduating from college. She gets a job at Second Chance Ranch--or Third or Fourth Chance Ranch in Van's case--which caters to celebrities.
Her first day on the job she bumps in to Van Ransom, lead singer for the Hostage for Ransom.
"She was the first woman he'd ever hated on sight. Because one look at her and he knew. Knew everything he'd ever done was sick and wrong and made him the kind of man who would never be good enough."
But I'm not a complete bitch so I was willing to carry on and see how this relationship develops. And you know what...I'm a complete bitch because it did not get any better IMO.
I hated how Stella called him Mr. Ransom or Mr. Walker. The conversations between these two...
I wish I had taken the time to highlight some of them but I was too busy skimming. I literally skimmed the last 75%.
Stella and Mr. Ransom start sneaking around with each other....knowing that Van will be kicked out and Stella will be fired if they get caught.
The BDSM element...if you can even call it that???
"No safe word, remember? I'm invoking that rule now. It's your fucking problem if you can't walk out of here upright."
The addition of that to the story made absolutely NO SENSE to me. At all.
At this point...
I don't care if they get caught. I don't care if they end up together. I just don't care.
Sadly, the ending of this one didn't get any better for me. And
I just couldn't connect with either character or their insta-love connection. I actually had the same problem with the other Caisey Quinn book I read so I think Caisey and I are going to have to break up.
August 9, 2016
REVIEW -mature content reader discretion is advised.
3 STARS out of 5
Genre: Contemporary Romance
“I-I think I already belong to you. That first day, when you ran into me, something… something happened to me.” -Stella
After graduating from Texas A&M Stella Jo Chandler is offered a job at Second Chance Ranch; a place known to house celebrities for rehab. She’s not exactly thrilled with the prospect but she accepts the offer. You see, for Stella the ranch offers her more than just a job, it also allows her to be around her first love. Horses.
Van Ransom is the lead singer of a famous band aptly named Hostage for Ransom. Hostage for Ransom..cute right? I love the band name! Ok, well Van is known for his partying bad boy ways and his hard core drug use. Now apparently on his last straw, Van’s manager tells him straight up that if he can’t complete this rehab stint successfully then his band will not be signed to the new label they are aiming for.
Unexpected yet oh so right..
When Van and Stella meet the attraction is equally felt and lust is equally unleashed. Stella is not shy as Van takes exactly what he wants from her. Neither thinks about the consequence and both seem to be driven by the need to have the other…possessed by pure desire.
My Rating and Why
It pains me to give Last Second Chance 3 STARS. Did I enjoy it? Yes. I just didn’t love it. For me personally the book felt similar to another book I recently read..not the characters but it’s tone and theme. It could be that I read the books to close in a small timeframe instead of spaced apart. Never the less, sadly the book just wasn’t for me. I do however look forward to more from this author as I have enjoyed books by her prior to this one.
My Ratings
Characters- Sexy and witty
Writing Style- Fair
Plot/Storyline- Girl can’t have her dream, she hopes to help others get theirs. She goes to work at a rehab facility. She meets rocker Van Ransom and things heat up quickly between the two.
Steam Factor- Med/Moderately Steamy
Entertainment Level- From Lo-Med-Hi I was mildly entertained but never missed the story or its characters if I had to put the book down.
Overall- I liked it! Check it out!
Now go forth and read. Then come tell us about it on Goodreads!
For more reviews got to: www.realitybites-letsgetlost.blogspot...
Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/realitybitesletsgetlost
*Copy kindly provided by author for an honest review*
3 STARS out of 5
Genre: Contemporary Romance
“I-I think I already belong to you. That first day, when you ran into me, something… something happened to me.” -Stella
After graduating from Texas A&M Stella Jo Chandler is offered a job at Second Chance Ranch; a place known to house celebrities for rehab. She’s not exactly thrilled with the prospect but she accepts the offer. You see, for Stella the ranch offers her more than just a job, it also allows her to be around her first love. Horses.
Van Ransom is the lead singer of a famous band aptly named Hostage for Ransom. Hostage for Ransom..cute right? I love the band name! Ok, well Van is known for his partying bad boy ways and his hard core drug use. Now apparently on his last straw, Van’s manager tells him straight up that if he can’t complete this rehab stint successfully then his band will not be signed to the new label they are aiming for.
Unexpected yet oh so right..
When Van and Stella meet the attraction is equally felt and lust is equally unleashed. Stella is not shy as Van takes exactly what he wants from her. Neither thinks about the consequence and both seem to be driven by the need to have the other…possessed by pure desire.
My Rating and Why
It pains me to give Last Second Chance 3 STARS. Did I enjoy it? Yes. I just didn’t love it. For me personally the book felt similar to another book I recently read..not the characters but it’s tone and theme. It could be that I read the books to close in a small timeframe instead of spaced apart. Never the less, sadly the book just wasn’t for me. I do however look forward to more from this author as I have enjoyed books by her prior to this one.
My Ratings
Characters- Sexy and witty
Writing Style- Fair
Plot/Storyline- Girl can’t have her dream, she hopes to help others get theirs. She goes to work at a rehab facility. She meets rocker Van Ransom and things heat up quickly between the two.
Steam Factor- Med/Moderately Steamy
Entertainment Level- From Lo-Med-Hi I was mildly entertained but never missed the story or its characters if I had to put the book down.
Overall- I liked it! Check it out!
Now go forth and read. Then come tell us about it on Goodreads!
For more reviews got to: www.realitybites-letsgetlost.blogspot...
Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/realitybitesletsgetlost
*Copy kindly provided by author for an honest review*
May 8, 2014
Something crazy happens every single time I open a Caisey Quinn book--my whole life gets put on hold and I HAVE to read every word, know every character and savor each moment that she's created. Last Second Chance was no exception! Stella and Van tugged at my heart strings and had my pulse racing. Quinn proves that she can push her limits with the sexiness and still deliver a story that will have readers stop everything they are doing and devour this book in one sitting. A must read!
May 7, 2014
I was fortunate to receive an early copy of this book from Caisey Quinn. She starts the book off with this acknowledgment: For those of you who've ever loved someone who was broken. It takes true devotion to give a piece of your soul to someone else. In her Author's Note, she explains that Van and Stella's story is an extremely personal one for her as addiction has plagued her family and it was hard for her to face Van's story. I love it when an author writes from an emotional place because it provides us a a character who we connect with on a deeper level. The emotions seem so real. Caisey Quinn achieved that her with Van and Stella. I don't want to give too much away but make sure you pick up this book. You won't regret it.
May 7, 2014
I am honored to have been given an ARC by CQ. I am proud to be a Backwoods Belle (even though you forgot to mention that in the ARC version, ma'am).
This story isn't like any other CQ story, that being said... it was BAD ASS!!!!! It was hot and steamy and hopeful and just amazing!!! If I could give it more than 5 stars on here, I would.
** "For those of you who've ever loved someone who was broken. It takes true devotion to give a piece of your soul to someone else."**
No matter what you've gone through in your life, you can relate to this story on some level. This story hits some sensitive subjects but the meaning, the hopefulness, the struggle, the journey, the love and outcome made it all worth it for Van and Stella Jo. Van is a rock star in a very popular band. Stella Jo is a girl who tried to live up to everyone's standards so she didn't fail them or herself. When they make a decision to better their life and to better their futures for things they want for themselves, they end up finding so much more than they could have ever hoped for. I cannot point out and say what was my favorite part in the book. Honestly, the entire story was AMAZING! I couldn't put it down. I refuse to write a spoiler. You will not regret picking up this book and reading it. I love CQ and I love her writing and how she gives you perfect portions of everything and just leaves you swooning and wanting more. I LOVED IT!!! Forever a fan girl and forever a Backwoods Belle!!!!
This story isn't like any other CQ story, that being said... it was BAD ASS!!!!! It was hot and steamy and hopeful and just amazing!!! If I could give it more than 5 stars on here, I would.
** "For those of you who've ever loved someone who was broken. It takes true devotion to give a piece of your soul to someone else."**
No matter what you've gone through in your life, you can relate to this story on some level. This story hits some sensitive subjects but the meaning, the hopefulness, the struggle, the journey, the love and outcome made it all worth it for Van and Stella Jo. Van is a rock star in a very popular band. Stella Jo is a girl who tried to live up to everyone's standards so she didn't fail them or herself. When they make a decision to better their life and to better their futures for things they want for themselves, they end up finding so much more than they could have ever hoped for. I cannot point out and say what was my favorite part in the book. Honestly, the entire story was AMAZING! I couldn't put it down. I refuse to write a spoiler. You will not regret picking up this book and reading it. I love CQ and I love her writing and how she gives you perfect portions of everything and just leaves you swooning and wanting more. I LOVED IT!!! Forever a fan girl and forever a Backwoods Belle!!!!
May 8, 2014
2.5 Stars
I can't even do a proper review because this book left me totally unimpressed.
Me too, Britney, me too.
The story was just
with lots of
and
If you want to read about glory details then I would suggest you to read
J *I did it all for the nookie.The book nookie*'s review
I can't even do a proper review because this book left me totally unimpressed.
Me too, Britney, me too.
The story was just
with lots of
and
If you want to read about glory details then I would suggest you to read
J *I did it all for the nookie.The book nookie*'s review
May 12, 2014
2 hot mess stars!
Well, the good news is I finished it. The bad news, I didn't really like it. I enjoyed the author's Kylie Ryans series. This one wasn't even close to that. It was just a mess...
Full review to come...
An ARC was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.
Well, the good news is I finished it. The bad news, I didn't really like it. I enjoyed the author's Kylie Ryans series. This one wasn't even close to that. It was just a mess...
Full review to come...
An ARC was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.
June 7, 2014
4.5 Hostage for Ransom Stars!
ARC received for an honest review
Review on behalf of Give Me Books
*still fanning self*
“Last night was because I love you. Because I’m in love with you. Bone-deep, soul-crushing, change-your-genetic-makeup love.”
What do you get if you read a rockstar checked-in at rehab and a young, smart, councilor and former horserider champ? A sarcastically funny, crazy romantic and sexually overcharged, explosive characters!
Miss Caisey Quinn did a number on me on this one. From reading Kylie and Trace’s story from the Kylie Ryans series, Last Second Chance impressed me with how different they are yet came from the same author. Although there were still similarities, the character and story buildup in this book were amazing. Van and Stella were honest, strong individuals with painful pasts. Both of them trying to face the hurt that they are carrying and finding the light in their own dark, heavy hearts from each other. The chemistry was strong after their first encounter and only got increasingly tense as Stella tried to reason off why it’s a bad idea to get involved with a troubled rockstar patient, erm, client. I was relieved when it didn’t take Stella long to admit her feelings. It was not easy but I appreciate that her indecisiveness didn’t drag on. I love how Van and Stella are together. Not only sexually but mentally, they served as each other’s anchors keeping both of them grounded. I admired Van’s persistence of going after what he wants and then thinking about Stella’s well-being.
Last Second Chance is full of heat, and I was smiling, laughing and rooting for them all throughout. All that forbidden patient-employee rule added to the thrill of their story, I was actually nervous for them too!
I really enjoyed this and looking forward to the next character’s story!
Stars: 4.5 stars!
Recommended to: Rockstar second chance readers.
POV: Third person. Dual POV.
Series: Yes. But standalone.
Cliffhanger: No.
EXTRA COMMENT: I’m greedy, I want a longer Epilogue.
ARC received for an honest review
Review on behalf of Give Me Books
*still fanning self*
“Last night was because I love you. Because I’m in love with you. Bone-deep, soul-crushing, change-your-genetic-makeup love.”
What do you get if you read a rockstar checked-in at rehab and a young, smart, councilor and former horserider champ? A sarcastically funny, crazy romantic and sexually overcharged, explosive characters!
Miss Caisey Quinn did a number on me on this one. From reading Kylie and Trace’s story from the Kylie Ryans series, Last Second Chance impressed me with how different they are yet came from the same author. Although there were still similarities, the character and story buildup in this book were amazing. Van and Stella were honest, strong individuals with painful pasts. Both of them trying to face the hurt that they are carrying and finding the light in their own dark, heavy hearts from each other. The chemistry was strong after their first encounter and only got increasingly tense as Stella tried to reason off why it’s a bad idea to get involved with a troubled rockstar patient, erm, client. I was relieved when it didn’t take Stella long to admit her feelings. It was not easy but I appreciate that her indecisiveness didn’t drag on. I love how Van and Stella are together. Not only sexually but mentally, they served as each other’s anchors keeping both of them grounded. I admired Van’s persistence of going after what he wants and then thinking about Stella’s well-being.
Last Second Chance is full of heat, and I was smiling, laughing and rooting for them all throughout. All that forbidden patient-employee rule added to the thrill of their story, I was actually nervous for them too!
I really enjoyed this and looking forward to the next character’s story!
Stars: 4.5 stars!
Recommended to: Rockstar second chance readers.
POV: Third person. Dual POV.
Series: Yes. But standalone.
Cliffhanger: No.
EXTRA COMMENT: I’m greedy, I want a longer Epilogue.
May 15, 2014
On sale for $.99!!!! Can't wait to read this!!!
I love Caisey Quinn! The only reason I didn't LOVE this was the pov...it's just not my favorite.
I love bad boy rock stars who fall in love with a normal small town girl. Van and Stella were definitely had a different type of relationship than Ms. Quinn has written before.
Loved it - can't wait for more from her!!!
I love Caisey Quinn! The only reason I didn't LOVE this was the pov...it's just not my favorite.
I love bad boy rock stars who fall in love with a normal small town girl. Van and Stella were definitely had a different type of relationship than Ms. Quinn has written before.
Loved it - can't wait for more from her!!!
May 18, 2014
4.5 ROCKIN' Stars
Everyone has their favorites when it comes to book boyfriends. I tend to be a bit of a “book slut” but lately I am all about the Hot, tattooed rocker! Add in the fact that he is troubled and needs fixing and ummm YES you had me at the synopsis. Added bonus- a name like Van Ransom, which in itself is just so damn sexy.
“I have a thing for dark horses with tortured souls. What can I say?”
Van Ransom has been giving chance after chance to clean up his act. The problem is he doesn’t really care one way or the other; booze, drugs, women, and lots of sex are what help him chase away his demons. But when his latest binge leaves him in the hospital and his band mates, manager and new record label at their wits end, he is sent to Second Chance rehab. They basically give him an ultimatum; get clean and stay that way or you are out of the band. Van figures he will fake his way through rehab and get back to the lifestyle he loves so much, that is until he lays his eyes on sweet, innocent and very sexy Stella Jo Chandler.
“Because you don’t see money and fame or a singer in a band. Or tattoos or rough edges. Or even how you could use me to get what you want. You see me.”
Fresh from college Stella figures she has two options, return home to a place that has never felt like a home or take the job offer at Second Chance rehab facility. On her first day there she runs into a sexy and mysterious man; she isn’t sure who he is, but she definitely wants to know more about him. Van makes her feel alive for the first time in her life. Unfortunately there are strict fraternizing rules in place, but Stella isn’t sure she wants to or even can stay away from him.
“For so long, I’ve been so afraid. Maybe for my entire life. I’ve been afraid to feel- afraid to let people in where they can hurt me. But I can’t keep you out. You’re in, Van. And you can break, wreck, and ruin me. I’ll only beg for more.”
I really enjoyed watch the evolution of Van Ransom. He really fought his addiction, his past, and his feelings for Stella Jo. I loved the way he “worked” out his aggressions on Stella and the things he said to her- VERY hot and squirmy! I did think that the cause of Stella’s broken feelings about her life and family could have been addressed earlier. It was kind of shoved in there at the end and then rushed over. But the book definitely comes full circle and I loved the epilogue (HUGE) sucker for an epilogue! I look forward to more books in this series.
“I am going to fuck you. And when I do, it’s going to be so deep and thorough that men will be able to smell me on you from miles away. I am going to fuck a path inside of you, a path in which only my dick will fit. Because once I’ve been inside you, you will belong to me.”
Everyone has their favorites when it comes to book boyfriends. I tend to be a bit of a “book slut” but lately I am all about the Hot, tattooed rocker! Add in the fact that he is troubled and needs fixing and ummm YES you had me at the synopsis. Added bonus- a name like Van Ransom, which in itself is just so damn sexy.
“I have a thing for dark horses with tortured souls. What can I say?”
Van Ransom has been giving chance after chance to clean up his act. The problem is he doesn’t really care one way or the other; booze, drugs, women, and lots of sex are what help him chase away his demons. But when his latest binge leaves him in the hospital and his band mates, manager and new record label at their wits end, he is sent to Second Chance rehab. They basically give him an ultimatum; get clean and stay that way or you are out of the band. Van figures he will fake his way through rehab and get back to the lifestyle he loves so much, that is until he lays his eyes on sweet, innocent and very sexy Stella Jo Chandler.
“Because you don’t see money and fame or a singer in a band. Or tattoos or rough edges. Or even how you could use me to get what you want. You see me.”
Fresh from college Stella figures she has two options, return home to a place that has never felt like a home or take the job offer at Second Chance rehab facility. On her first day there she runs into a sexy and mysterious man; she isn’t sure who he is, but she definitely wants to know more about him. Van makes her feel alive for the first time in her life. Unfortunately there are strict fraternizing rules in place, but Stella isn’t sure she wants to or even can stay away from him.
“For so long, I’ve been so afraid. Maybe for my entire life. I’ve been afraid to feel- afraid to let people in where they can hurt me. But I can’t keep you out. You’re in, Van. And you can break, wreck, and ruin me. I’ll only beg for more.”
I really enjoyed watch the evolution of Van Ransom. He really fought his addiction, his past, and his feelings for Stella Jo. I loved the way he “worked” out his aggressions on Stella and the things he said to her- VERY hot and squirmy! I did think that the cause of Stella’s broken feelings about her life and family could have been addressed earlier. It was kind of shoved in there at the end and then rushed over. But the book definitely comes full circle and I loved the epilogue (HUGE) sucker for an epilogue! I look forward to more books in this series.
“I am going to fuck you. And when I do, it’s going to be so deep and thorough that men will be able to smell me on you from miles away. I am going to fuck a path inside of you, a path in which only my dick will fit. Because once I’ve been inside you, you will belong to me.”
May 21, 2014
As a reader who falls deeply in love with not only the book and words in that book, I fall deeply in love with the author. I am in awe of their talent and their magic. They can make me forget all my real life issues and they let me escape into a world they created.
Caisey Quinn is an author that will always surprise me. She gets better and better with every book she puts out. I never doubt my purchase of her books and I become consumed by her words.
She has branched out and tried something different. She has put the country singers and college students aside. She has grown and become even more amazing.
Last Second Chance is different. It's not typical CQ and that's what I love about it. She has stepped outside the box and did something that pushed her limits. AND SHE NAILED IT.
This book is fucking hot. OMGEEE. Hot is an understatement. It will melt every part of you and it will make you not want to be put back together.
CQ can write such amazing characters. Van Ransom is out of this world, hold on to your panties ladies, because you are going to throw all other Book Boyfriends out the door. His sweet mouth, his dirty words, his rock star status, this man has it all. Caisey knows exactly what readers want in a leading man and she delivers exactly that with Van.
I love how CQ writes her women. She takes everything that I want to be and puts it in her leading ladies. They aren't annoying, they aren't over the top. They are just perfectly flawed. Stella Jo was exactly this.
CQ makes me want to move to Texas, buy a farm, build a barn and find myself a cowboy to take advantage of in the barn. I sure do hope that Mr. Quinn is the reason for the barn escapades.
But what I love about CQ's stories, is that it's not just sex and relationships, all her books are deep. She makes her characters go threw so much deep shit, but in the end you think WOW she did a fucking fantastic job with those issues.
She has out done herself and solidified my love for her writing.
Like all her other books, I never wanted it to end and when it did I was left feeling satisfied and had a major book hangover.
Get this book, let yourself be taken over by the writing, the story and the characters. You will not be disappointe
Caisey Quinn is an author that will always surprise me. She gets better and better with every book she puts out. I never doubt my purchase of her books and I become consumed by her words.
She has branched out and tried something different. She has put the country singers and college students aside. She has grown and become even more amazing.
Last Second Chance is different. It's not typical CQ and that's what I love about it. She has stepped outside the box and did something that pushed her limits. AND SHE NAILED IT.
This book is fucking hot. OMGEEE. Hot is an understatement. It will melt every part of you and it will make you not want to be put back together.
CQ can write such amazing characters. Van Ransom is out of this world, hold on to your panties ladies, because you are going to throw all other Book Boyfriends out the door. His sweet mouth, his dirty words, his rock star status, this man has it all. Caisey knows exactly what readers want in a leading man and she delivers exactly that with Van.
I love how CQ writes her women. She takes everything that I want to be and puts it in her leading ladies. They aren't annoying, they aren't over the top. They are just perfectly flawed. Stella Jo was exactly this.
CQ makes me want to move to Texas, buy a farm, build a barn and find myself a cowboy to take advantage of in the barn. I sure do hope that Mr. Quinn is the reason for the barn escapades.
But what I love about CQ's stories, is that it's not just sex and relationships, all her books are deep. She makes her characters go threw so much deep shit, but in the end you think WOW she did a fucking fantastic job with those issues.
She has out done herself and solidified my love for her writing.
Like all her other books, I never wanted it to end and when it did I was left feeling satisfied and had a major book hangover.
Get this book, let yourself be taken over by the writing, the story and the characters. You will not be disappointe
May 27, 2014
As much as it pains me to say it, the truth is that this book and I didn’t make a love connection. I wasn’t quite expecting this from Casey Quinn. Readers were forewarned that her latest was something totally different from what she’s released thus far. And that it is.
I couldn’t relate or connect to either Stella Jo or Van. I really didn’t like either one of them. I felt Stella Jo was unprofessional and quite irrational at times. Van was self-centered and a major disaster waiting to happen. Yeah, I get that both of them had their trials and tribulations – believe me, it was in-your-face evident. I just found the whole thing unrealistically portrayed from start to finish without a fully developed plot.
“Cowgirl” and “Mr. Ransom” didn’t win me over. But I have read and enjoyed all of Quinn’s other wonderful books so I’m definitely not giving up.
I couldn’t relate or connect to either Stella Jo or Van. I really didn’t like either one of them. I felt Stella Jo was unprofessional and quite irrational at times. Van was self-centered and a major disaster waiting to happen. Yeah, I get that both of them had their trials and tribulations – believe me, it was in-your-face evident. I just found the whole thing unrealistically portrayed from start to finish without a fully developed plot.
“Cowgirl” and “Mr. Ransom” didn’t win me over. But I have read and enjoyed all of Quinn’s other wonderful books so I’m definitely not giving up.
April 8, 2015
i have nothing but mad props for you Caisey Quinn...
your writing kept me in the moment...
i guess i could confess i felt every emotion conveyed through Stella.
who can't appreciate a tatted up rock star? Van was hot...
and yeah, Van conferring with Dave over the questionnaire was one of my favorites... you may as well have slapped with a giggle stick...
bring on Falling For Fate.
your writing kept me in the moment...
i guess i could confess i felt every emotion conveyed through Stella.
who can't appreciate a tatted up rock star? Van was hot...
and yeah, Van conferring with Dave over the questionnaire was one of my favorites... you may as well have slapped with a giggle stick...
bring on Falling For Fate.
May 19, 2014
**copy kindly given to us at SizzlingPages.com for an honest opinion and blog tour** excited!!
Loved Stella and Van..
Last Second Chance Review
Loved Stella and Van..
Last Second Chance Review
May 1, 2014
Caisey Quinn does sexy..... And it is HOT!!!!
May 11, 2014
Enjoyed this one!
May 12, 2014
I don't even know if I'm going to be able to form a coherent review, but I'll give it my best shot. Caisey has blown me the heck away in this novel folks. I absolutely fell head over heels in love with the characters, the storyline, and Caisey's naughty sexual deviant behavior! Well, not hers but her characters. You know what I mean! GET IT GIRL.
Pacing: We are immediately launched into Stella Jo and Van's lives and they are both struggling with who they are and what they want out of life. I loved the pacing of their relationship, as well as how forbidden it was. Both Van and Stella are dealing with some pretty heavy stuff and even though they both know it's wrong to lean on the other... they just can't stay away.
Storyline: Now that Stella Jo has graduated from college, she has some choices to make. She can go back to her parents' ranch or she can actually make a difference at the Second Chance Ranch. After an incident changed her life completely, Stella isn't thrilled about either option. Both bring her face to face with her fears and the one thing she loved to do more than anything in the world: riding horses. She wants to use her degree to help others, but upon realizing Second Chance Ranch is basically a rehab center for celebrities, she's less than enthusiastic about spending time with pampered, spoiled people who think they're entitled because of the amount of money they make and their status. She never in a million years thought she'd find what she needed most in one of those celebrities and things are going to get awfully complicated considering fraternizing with clients is strictly prohibited. Van Ransom, however, isn't to be taken lightly. He is a mess and after landing himself in the hospital once again for drugs. His new record label won't put up with the bullshit and if his band wants a chance at signing he will have to go to rehab and do his time there. If he doesn't comply, he will not only lose his chance at signing with the label, he'll lose his band and his manager too. Meeting Stella Jo is a kick in the balls for Van. She makes him regret all the unsavory, disgusting things he's done in the past and as cliché as it sounds: makes him want to be better. But Van is in a dark place and has a heavy past to overcome. Opening up isn't his forte and it will take quite a bit to work through all the things plaguing him. Stella Jo gives him a reason to try. He is drawn to her and finds himself doing anything to be near her. He's torn between that all-consuming need to have her and his conscience that tells him he's not any good for someone like her. Together, they'll realize that sometimes what you need is the last thing you ever expected to find.
Characters: I loved Stella Jo. She is sweet and loving and genuinely wants to make a difference and help others. She is a little spitfire and is determined not to fall for Van's charms. She knows being with him would be wrong, but the more he worms his way into her life, the harder it is to stay away. For the first time ever, Stella feels what it's like to be wanted by another person, to be desired. She sees the hurt in his eyes when she rejects him and sees past the nonchalant, tough guy exterior he puts up. He reminds her of one of the wild horses in the stable- quick to anger, but slow to trust. It boils down to the fact that both of them desperately need the other and whether their emotions will destroy or empower them will be something you have to read to find out!
I need to talk about Van. Because good freaking Lord, that man is the sexiest, most sinful, most dangerous man I've experience in awhile. And I loved him. He is in such a dark place and my heart really went out to him, just like Stella's did. He doesn't feel worthy of her or feels as if he deserves someone like her, but he wonders if she can fix the brokenness he feels inside and if she can take away the pain he feels over losing the one person he needed more than anything in the world. He needs someone to be there for him, to be his anchor when the darkness of his addiction threatens to drown him. He doesn't want Stella to witness him losing control and he is afraid of hurting her, but she is persistent- she's not going anywhere and she's ready to fight his demons with him.
He is also deliciously deviant in his sexual relationship with Stella. Riding crop, anyone? WHEW. Caisey has written some steamalicious scenes that will leave you craving more!
Final Thoughts: This review doesn't come close to doing this book justice. The raw emotions Van and Stella both feel when they're together will make your heart clench as well as the emotional pain both of them have gone through. Quinn does an amazing job of bringing these characters and their journey to life and you can't help but hope that they both get their second chance and not lose themselves to the darkness.
*Received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.*
Pacing: We are immediately launched into Stella Jo and Van's lives and they are both struggling with who they are and what they want out of life. I loved the pacing of their relationship, as well as how forbidden it was. Both Van and Stella are dealing with some pretty heavy stuff and even though they both know it's wrong to lean on the other... they just can't stay away.
Storyline: Now that Stella Jo has graduated from college, she has some choices to make. She can go back to her parents' ranch or she can actually make a difference at the Second Chance Ranch. After an incident changed her life completely, Stella isn't thrilled about either option. Both bring her face to face with her fears and the one thing she loved to do more than anything in the world: riding horses. She wants to use her degree to help others, but upon realizing Second Chance Ranch is basically a rehab center for celebrities, she's less than enthusiastic about spending time with pampered, spoiled people who think they're entitled because of the amount of money they make and their status. She never in a million years thought she'd find what she needed most in one of those celebrities and things are going to get awfully complicated considering fraternizing with clients is strictly prohibited. Van Ransom, however, isn't to be taken lightly. He is a mess and after landing himself in the hospital once again for drugs. His new record label won't put up with the bullshit and if his band wants a chance at signing he will have to go to rehab and do his time there. If he doesn't comply, he will not only lose his chance at signing with the label, he'll lose his band and his manager too. Meeting Stella Jo is a kick in the balls for Van. She makes him regret all the unsavory, disgusting things he's done in the past and as cliché as it sounds: makes him want to be better. But Van is in a dark place and has a heavy past to overcome. Opening up isn't his forte and it will take quite a bit to work through all the things plaguing him. Stella Jo gives him a reason to try. He is drawn to her and finds himself doing anything to be near her. He's torn between that all-consuming need to have her and his conscience that tells him he's not any good for someone like her. Together, they'll realize that sometimes what you need is the last thing you ever expected to find.
Characters: I loved Stella Jo. She is sweet and loving and genuinely wants to make a difference and help others. She is a little spitfire and is determined not to fall for Van's charms. She knows being with him would be wrong, but the more he worms his way into her life, the harder it is to stay away. For the first time ever, Stella feels what it's like to be wanted by another person, to be desired. She sees the hurt in his eyes when she rejects him and sees past the nonchalant, tough guy exterior he puts up. He reminds her of one of the wild horses in the stable- quick to anger, but slow to trust. It boils down to the fact that both of them desperately need the other and whether their emotions will destroy or empower them will be something you have to read to find out!
I need to talk about Van. Because good freaking Lord, that man is the sexiest, most sinful, most dangerous man I've experience in awhile. And I loved him. He is in such a dark place and my heart really went out to him, just like Stella's did. He doesn't feel worthy of her or feels as if he deserves someone like her, but he wonders if she can fix the brokenness he feels inside and if she can take away the pain he feels over losing the one person he needed more than anything in the world. He needs someone to be there for him, to be his anchor when the darkness of his addiction threatens to drown him. He doesn't want Stella to witness him losing control and he is afraid of hurting her, but she is persistent- she's not going anywhere and she's ready to fight his demons with him.
He is also deliciously deviant in his sexual relationship with Stella. Riding crop, anyone? WHEW. Caisey has written some steamalicious scenes that will leave you craving more!
Final Thoughts: This review doesn't come close to doing this book justice. The raw emotions Van and Stella both feel when they're together will make your heart clench as well as the emotional pain both of them have gone through. Quinn does an amazing job of bringing these characters and their journey to life and you can't help but hope that they both get their second chance and not lose themselves to the darkness.
*Received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.*
October 19, 2014
Sizzling Pages Romance Reviews
Nichole's Sizzling Reviews
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Twitter:@Sizzlingpages
Email: sizzlingpages@gmail.com
Once I picked up this book I just simply couldn't put it down. I loved Van's smart and sarcastic mouth and how he just said it like it was. Some might call this book "insta love" but to me it was all about compatibility.
Two broken hearts who just recognized their other half the moment they met.
Some hot and sizzling times in all kinds of places added just the right layer to make this a sexy romance. I had some pretty emotional moments reading this story and Caisey Quinn has a straight line to my heart with how she tells a story. How these two couldn't keep apart and healed each other in so many unconventional ways. I just really was sucked into the passion and the love.
So many things didn't go as I expected and that is a good thing. When you read as much as I do ..sometimes books can be way to predictable. But this one didn't fit that mold. I had some shocking moments and some laugh out loud ones too.
I'm gonna have to go directly to my shelves and move up the rest of the talented authors books a.s.a.p.
So happy to have read this sexy love story.
Nichole's Sizzling Reviews
Sizzling Pages @ Facebook
Twitter:@Sizzlingpages
Email: sizzlingpages@gmail.com
Once I picked up this book I just simply couldn't put it down. I loved Van's smart and sarcastic mouth and how he just said it like it was. Some might call this book "insta love" but to me it was all about compatibility.
Two broken hearts who just recognized their other half the moment they met.
Some hot and sizzling times in all kinds of places added just the right layer to make this a sexy romance. I had some pretty emotional moments reading this story and Caisey Quinn has a straight line to my heart with how she tells a story. How these two couldn't keep apart and healed each other in so many unconventional ways. I just really was sucked into the passion and the love.
So many things didn't go as I expected and that is a good thing. When you read as much as I do ..sometimes books can be way to predictable. But this one didn't fit that mold. I had some shocking moments and some laugh out loud ones too.
I'm gonna have to go directly to my shelves and move up the rest of the talented authors books a.s.a.p.
So happy to have read this sexy love story.
October 8, 2014
“Love has no middle term— either it destroys, or it saves.” -Victor Hugo, Les Misérables
Last Second Chance was a tender read with bouts of maximum steam throughout. The plot was interesting and the setting was nice (I am from Texas y'all!).
Stella Jo is a former Texas Beauty Queen born and bred on a Texas ranch. A graduate of Texas ATM (Gig' em) and has her hole life before her. Despite the baggage of feeling abandoned and emotionally abused by her parents, she has managed to land the perfect job at a Drug and Rehabilitation Center on a ranch near her DFW home. While growing up, she experienced a near death experience while horse racing. And yet, she loves horses and the ranch life. Stella Jo didn't even get the opportunity to scuff up her new work heels before she lands head first into our dark, damaged, and attractive hero Van.
"Her breath caught when she saw him."-Stella Jo
Van, of course, is a patient at the facility. He has been given the ultimatum from his label. Sober up or you are out. Van is attracted to Stella Jo. He can't explain why but he just knows he has to have her.
"If one glance from the woman made him regret his whole life, he hoped he never laid eyes on her again. He’d never had his mind blown before. Not by a woman. Any woman."-Van
Things heat up rather quickly (as in a few pages) and before you know it they are just like Romeo and Juliet. Trying to get to know each other (emotionally and physically) while trying to keep their romance under wraps. We can't forget to mention the pesky ex fiance Van has in his past. (Cue a little drama)
At this point in the story, things progressed at an unbelievable pace. Stella Jo went from a moderately conservative sorority girl into a sex kitten who would be willing to throw away her job for the chance with one night with Van. It was completely out of character and yet I liked these two so much I was able to roll with it.
There was a great deal of symbolism in this read. Stella Jo was drawn to Van in a way that she is drawn to care for wild horses. Neither can be broken and yet can you love them enough to tame them?
"She looked at him with her heart. And she saw his soul. It was as dark as the short black hair on his head. Bruised and beautiful. She had no idea how anyone could ever leave him. She couldn’t have pulled away from him in that moment if her life had depended on it."-Stella
There were several aspects of the story that caused me to pause. For example: they are both adults. Why didn't he just transfer to another facility? Why didn't they just decide to wait until his 90 days were over and then get together? It was a bit unrealistic and yet, as I stated earlier, I just went with it.
Overall, Last Second Chance was a quick and easy read. The characters are likable. Both Van and Stella Jo have been through so much as individuals that you can't help but want them to find happiness together. The absolute best part of the book was the epilogue (even if it was rushed). It was sweet and finished their story out nicely. If you can set aside some of the unrealistic behaviors and situations in this read, then you should check it out. If The writing style was natural and the characters were very endearing!
“I belong to you, remember? Whatever you want, it’s yours.”
October 22, 2015
Items ticked off: 24
Here's what I expected of Last Second Chance: A story about a smart woman who gets her first real job, takes it seriously, and helps the people at the rehab facility she works at. Since the rehab facility is mainly for famous people, a lead singer of a band, Van, checks in after nearly dying after playing a little too hard with drugs. I expected them to grow closer as he struggled with his addiction. I expected some forbidden romance between the two of them. And of course some drama with media and whatnot given that he is a famous rock star.
Here's what I got: A woman who's supposedly bright is willing to risk her first real job for some hot sex the moment when she bounces into a hot rocker who's about as charming as a worm. Apart from that, what story was there? Well, not much. Van, our hero, doesn't struggle with his addiction. In truth, everything about therapy and his recovery seemed forced and unrealistic. Also, there wasn't really much of it in the book. The story is mainly Van whining about how Stella (heroine) is too good for him, and Stella worrying about how Van might be playing with her. Then they have sex, and they aren't secretive about it either. Our heroine is supposed to be bright, but she turns into a blushing and immature schoolgirl the second she sees Van.
Let me introduce you to Van, our hero.
He wasn’t the kind of man who had those thoughts. His thoughts about women were limited to Yes, I’d like to fuck that one and No, I would not like to fuck that one.
Charming, huh? Guess what he turns into after meeting the heroine once (and barely speaking to her, I must add):
She was the first woman he’d ever hated on sight. Because one look at her and he knew. Knew everything he’d ever done was sick and wrong and made him the kind of man who would never be good enough. But when she looked back at him with those gleaming emerald eyes wide with surprise and darkening with need, none of that mattered. Because he damn sure felt the overwhelming desire to try to be. Like his fucking life depended on it.
If this is what passes as romance these days...
I said it before, but Stella is TSTL. She gets her first real job and is willing to jeopardize it for a round in the sack? And she's judgmental (most of the characters are) and generally thinks she's better than the rest. Like, she's judging all other women that are hired at the facility for flirting with Van, but she's the one who's actually got into his pants and that's okay? I don't get her logic. At all. She was just all over the place, and not in a good way.
I should comment on the plot, but there wasn't really one. Sure, there's drama in Van's past and some crazy ex-girlfriend - what New Adult story doesn't have one of those?- but generally speaking, the story is mainly their lust/love for each other. And Van whining over how beautiful Stella is and how he doesn't deserve him. Then there's Stella's past that is just forced to the extreme. I've read too many New Adult stories to be satisfied by a plot focused on lust and some forced backstories. I'm still waiting for a New Adult story with substance. Sadly, this didn't have that.
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May 10, 2014
Finding the words to describe how much I loved this book are going to be difficult, but I'll try.
It's no secret that I love everything I have read by Caisey Quinn but this book blew me away. In perfect Caisey Quinn fashion I was pulled into Van and Stella's story. It isn't a pretty one, but then again not all love stories are.
Van is an addict. Sex, drugs, and rock n roll. The whole shebang. He uses alcohol and whatever drugs he can get his hands on to take him away, to numb him from everything in his past, and when that doesn't work sex does. He's drowning in all of it. He's offered his last second chance. Go to the Second Chance rehab facility and clean up or lose his band.
Stella Jo wants something different out of life than running around and doing her mama's bidding. She just wants to feel something, to make a change. So instead of running back home to mama she takes a job at Second Chance Ranch Rehab.
I loved seeing Van and Stella's story unfold. It was messy, ugly, sad, and beautiful all at the same time. The hardest thing in life to understand sometimes is that life isn't always pretty, sometimes it's ugly. It makes you want to check out for awhile. To forget, to stop feeling anything but oblivion. This book helps remind us of that. However it also helps remind us that life is about more than one, two, or even three chances. Sometimes all it takes is having that one person in your corner to help you fight your battles, to help remind you that you don't have to do it alone.
This is one of my favorite Caisey Quinn books. She continues to amaze me with not just her writing ability but with her ability to take on something darker than she usually writes and to knock it out of the park!
If you want a simple, butterflies and roses romance story this isn't it. If you want something a little edgy, sexy, and that deals with struggles of the harder part of life. then this is for you.
Beautifully done!
***ARC provided for the blog tour***
It's no secret that I love everything I have read by Caisey Quinn but this book blew me away. In perfect Caisey Quinn fashion I was pulled into Van and Stella's story. It isn't a pretty one, but then again not all love stories are.
Van is an addict. Sex, drugs, and rock n roll. The whole shebang. He uses alcohol and whatever drugs he can get his hands on to take him away, to numb him from everything in his past, and when that doesn't work sex does. He's drowning in all of it. He's offered his last second chance. Go to the Second Chance rehab facility and clean up or lose his band.
Stella Jo wants something different out of life than running around and doing her mama's bidding. She just wants to feel something, to make a change. So instead of running back home to mama she takes a job at Second Chance Ranch Rehab.
I loved seeing Van and Stella's story unfold. It was messy, ugly, sad, and beautiful all at the same time. The hardest thing in life to understand sometimes is that life isn't always pretty, sometimes it's ugly. It makes you want to check out for awhile. To forget, to stop feeling anything but oblivion. This book helps remind us of that. However it also helps remind us that life is about more than one, two, or even three chances. Sometimes all it takes is having that one person in your corner to help you fight your battles, to help remind you that you don't have to do it alone.
This is one of my favorite Caisey Quinn books. She continues to amaze me with not just her writing ability but with her ability to take on something darker than she usually writes and to knock it out of the park!
If you want a simple, butterflies and roses romance story this isn't it. If you want something a little edgy, sexy, and that deals with struggles of the harder part of life. then this is for you.
Beautifully done!
***ARC provided for the blog tour***
May 16, 2014
Review included in my Week In Review at Lives and Breathes Book Blog.
"Some sins are worth it."
Caisey Quinn knows how to write a good book. One that makes your heart ache and you feel for the characters. Quinn has a way with words; they seem to flow effortlessly, pulling you into the story. LSC was no different. Van Ransom is a rock star, but he’s gone down the wrong road of drugs and alcohol. The record label is making him get his act together by sending him to Second Chance Ranch rehab facility. Stella Jo Chandler is fresh out of college with a new job at Second Chance Ranch, where she finally feels needed. He’s broken and she’s empty. I loved these two; separately and together. They both have problems but this makes them extremely realistic characters. There’s a connection between them from the beginning. I loved how they seemed to heal one another over time as they helped the other fight their demons. Their chemistry is HOT HOT HOT. Quinn definitely knocked up the steam factor in this one. As much as I loved the love story in this book, I was a bit underwhelmed with Van’s addictions. I never felt a connection to his battle. We know why he had problems and that was truly heartbreaking, but for this to have been about addictions, it seemed glossed over. The story focuses more on the growing relationship of Van and Stella. Overall, Last Second Chance was a thoroughly enjoyable read. It’s heartbreaking and emotional, while extremely witty and fun at times too.
"He felt it the moment it happened. A piece of her bright, shiny soul slipped away from her, lodging itself onto his black one."
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review
"Some sins are worth it."
Caisey Quinn knows how to write a good book. One that makes your heart ache and you feel for the characters. Quinn has a way with words; they seem to flow effortlessly, pulling you into the story. LSC was no different. Van Ransom is a rock star, but he’s gone down the wrong road of drugs and alcohol. The record label is making him get his act together by sending him to Second Chance Ranch rehab facility. Stella Jo Chandler is fresh out of college with a new job at Second Chance Ranch, where she finally feels needed. He’s broken and she’s empty. I loved these two; separately and together. They both have problems but this makes them extremely realistic characters. There’s a connection between them from the beginning. I loved how they seemed to heal one another over time as they helped the other fight their demons. Their chemistry is HOT HOT HOT. Quinn definitely knocked up the steam factor in this one. As much as I loved the love story in this book, I was a bit underwhelmed with Van’s addictions. I never felt a connection to his battle. We know why he had problems and that was truly heartbreaking, but for this to have been about addictions, it seemed glossed over. The story focuses more on the growing relationship of Van and Stella. Overall, Last Second Chance was a thoroughly enjoyable read. It’s heartbreaking and emotional, while extremely witty and fun at times too.
"He felt it the moment it happened. A piece of her bright, shiny soul slipped away from her, lodging itself onto his black one."
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review
July 17, 2014
While Last Second Chance isn't my favorite book by Caisey Quinn, I did like it a lot! I'm a huge fan of the Kylie Ryans books and because this book connects to it, I was so very thrilled to be on the tour. Like I said it isn't my favorite book and there are some flaws, overall it was a pretty good book. I'm just really critical with these types of books I suppose and had expected a little bit more.
I liked the characters a lot. Both Stella and Van appealed to me and I loved reading in their points of view. Maybe Van just a little bit more. They both had a difficult past and somehow, even though they're both total opposites, they're pretty damn great together and that's what I love about books by Caisey Quinn. The dynamic main characters and how they have real chemistry.
As I said before this book has some flaws. I guess you can call this book a bit cliche. It ended where I've seen a lot of other new adult books end. I won't say anything about it for the sake of spoilers but I must admit that I was a bit disappointed there. But that's probably just my personal taste. Overall I think I wish this book had wowed me more, like the Kylie Ryans series did. Of course this is about totally other characters and can not be compared but still...
As always Caisey Quinn's writing was flowing nicely, witty and very, very sexy. I love the way she writes romantic scenes. Let me tell ya, I had to fan myself several times. Some of these scenes were pure hotness!
So all in all, Last Second Chance was not my favorite book ever by Caisey Quinn but I still did like it and would definitely recommend it to fans of the genre. And I will definitely read the next book in this series. Bring it on!
I liked the characters a lot. Both Stella and Van appealed to me and I loved reading in their points of view. Maybe Van just a little bit more. They both had a difficult past and somehow, even though they're both total opposites, they're pretty damn great together and that's what I love about books by Caisey Quinn. The dynamic main characters and how they have real chemistry.
As I said before this book has some flaws. I guess you can call this book a bit cliche. It ended where I've seen a lot of other new adult books end. I won't say anything about it for the sake of spoilers but I must admit that I was a bit disappointed there. But that's probably just my personal taste. Overall I think I wish this book had wowed me more, like the Kylie Ryans series did. Of course this is about totally other characters and can not be compared but still...
As always Caisey Quinn's writing was flowing nicely, witty and very, very sexy. I love the way she writes romantic scenes. Let me tell ya, I had to fan myself several times. Some of these scenes were pure hotness!
So all in all, Last Second Chance was not my favorite book ever by Caisey Quinn but I still did like it and would definitely recommend it to fans of the genre. And I will definitely read the next book in this series. Bring it on!
May 17, 2014
4 Van Loving Stars!
eARC for Honest Review from Author
I simply adore Caisey Quinn. I first fell in love with her writing with the Kylie Ryan series then fell deeper with the Keep Me Still series and now she has stolen my heart once again with the beginning of this Second Chance series.
This story is about harsh realities and how we deal with them. Some turn to booze and drugs while others chose to be numb. In the end it is how we chose to overcome the pain and move on or stay a slave to the pain and be stuck in the darkness.
Van (who stole my heart) has been dealing with his reality with drugs, booze and rock n' roll until he nearly dies and is forced to get clean or lose everything.
Stella Jo has always tried to be perfect but has never felt needed or wanted. To save her heart it's easier not to feel.
Both wanting a second chance they end up at the second chance ranch for different reasons. For reasons beyond their comprehension they can't seem to get one another out of their thoughts. They quickly realize how much they need each other no matter the costs.
This book was sweet, naughty, and heartfelt all rolled up in one.
Opening yourself up for the chance of love and happiness is a vulnerable thing but so worth it. The journey was sweet but sometimes frustrating (View spoiler at own risk)
Spoiler
I really liked this book and I especially fell in love with Van with all his good bad and ugly parts.
I can't wait to read more from this series.
For more reviews, visit Live Read and Breathe
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eARC for Honest Review from Author
I simply adore Caisey Quinn. I first fell in love with her writing with the Kylie Ryan series then fell deeper with the Keep Me Still series and now she has stolen my heart once again with the beginning of this Second Chance series.
This story is about harsh realities and how we deal with them. Some turn to booze and drugs while others chose to be numb. In the end it is how we chose to overcome the pain and move on or stay a slave to the pain and be stuck in the darkness.
Van (who stole my heart) has been dealing with his reality with drugs, booze and rock n' roll until he nearly dies and is forced to get clean or lose everything.
Stella Jo has always tried to be perfect but has never felt needed or wanted. To save her heart it's easier not to feel.
Both wanting a second chance they end up at the second chance ranch for different reasons. For reasons beyond their comprehension they can't seem to get one another out of their thoughts. They quickly realize how much they need each other no matter the costs.
This book was sweet, naughty, and heartfelt all rolled up in one.
Opening yourself up for the chance of love and happiness is a vulnerable thing but so worth it. The journey was sweet but sometimes frustrating (View spoiler at own risk)
Spoiler
I really liked this book and I especially fell in love with Van with all his good bad and ugly parts.
I can't wait to read more from this series.
For more reviews, visit Live Read and Breathe
Like us on Facebook Live Read and Breathe Facebook
Follow along with Twitter Live Read and Breathe Twitter
May 12, 2014
4.5 stars.
Stella Jo used to compete as a show jumper. Growing up on her family ranch, her mother pushed Stella to be perfect--and Stella pushed herself, too, hoping to gain some acknowledgment from her father, a taciturn man. In fact, the only love Stella felt growing up was the love she experienced with her horse. Then, Stella fell while competing and broke her leg badly. Her beloved horse was too injured, and put down. Stella's heart was broken, and she hadn't returned to her family's ranch since--she spent four years at college and just landed a job at a drug rehab facility in Dallas, a few hours from home.
On her first day there she meets "Mr. Walker" a celebrity client of the facility--one all the female staff are swooning for. Stella swoons, too, she's just not capable of processing her attraction--too many years of shutting down her emotions.
Lead singer Van Ransom is plagued by the demons of his childhood: his drug addict mother and too-young death of his older sister, Valerie. He's been in and out of rehab before, with no effect. But this time his record contract is on the line: he must shape up, or the band goes on. Without him.
He's prepared to say all the right things to get through, but meeting the aloof Stella Jo turns his head. Van's used to the attention of women--and some of the nurses at Second Chance Ranch aren't averse to a little "private therapy"--but the enigmatic care coordinator seems impervious to Van's charms. Or, is she....
This "rock romance" is unique in that, there is no rock--and the romance is rocky. I really enjoyed seeing Stella come to life. It seemed she was completely emotionally shut down--too busy looking for the next curve in her path to see the lush scenery in her view. She's scarred from too little love, and isn't sure she can even accept love from anyone. Yet, being around Van startles her into sensing her own passion.
Unfortunately she can't act on it. Being intimate with a patient is grounds for immediate termination--which would send Stella back to her family home. And that's a place she won't even visit, let alone move back to live.
Van is, however, relentless in his pursuit. He volunteers to work in the horse stables so he can spend time with Stella--who continually brushes him off. His mind is driven to distraction, so much so, he actually connects with his therapist and begins confessing his long-secret horrors of growing up in an addict's care, or lack thereof. While none of Van's friends or band mates believe Van will get clean and sober, Van goes the extra distance to entice Stella.
For this broken rocker and emotionally-vacant woman, a superficial connection is all one would expect, but the attraction develops into a mutual compassion, a desire to fill the others' needs. For the first time Van can remember, he acts unselfishly--both emotionally and as a lover. He doesn't want a quick hit from Stella--he wants...more.
Add the complications of surveillance by Stella's superiors and co-workers, a stalker ex-fiancé, and Van's buddies popping in with drugs (just in case) and it seems both Stella's job and Van's contract are set to implode. Good thing Stella's well-practiced at hiding her emotions and Van's self-control can tolerate this rarely-exercised application.
Here's what I loved about the book: it wasn't glossy. Stella and Van don't fall into bed the first day, or the first week. They stumble. They overreact. They blame and judge and make decisions 'for the good' of someone else.
Truly, I had a little trouble with the depth of their attraction following one chance encounter, but the romance was slow to develop, and the sexual tension was excruciating. Just when it looked like they were going to get it on, somebody would interrupt and complicate everything.
The writing is solid, and the romance steams. The progression of their relationship is well-paced and the smexytimes are stimulating, not sloppy. Van has a very filthy mouth, which makes for some fun dialogue. I really liked how Stella reconciled with her parents. Her newfound strength--acquired from beating off Van's advances--was interesting. At times I thought the superficiality of Stella's earlier relationships felt a bit exaggerated, but it was clear that she was making choices to connect with Van and new friends, Miranda and Jesse, in a way she never attempted before. The 'horse therapy' was a nice twist on the usual rehab tale.
Stella Jo used to compete as a show jumper. Growing up on her family ranch, her mother pushed Stella to be perfect--and Stella pushed herself, too, hoping to gain some acknowledgment from her father, a taciturn man. In fact, the only love Stella felt growing up was the love she experienced with her horse. Then, Stella fell while competing and broke her leg badly. Her beloved horse was too injured, and put down. Stella's heart was broken, and she hadn't returned to her family's ranch since--she spent four years at college and just landed a job at a drug rehab facility in Dallas, a few hours from home.
On her first day there she meets "Mr. Walker" a celebrity client of the facility--one all the female staff are swooning for. Stella swoons, too, she's just not capable of processing her attraction--too many years of shutting down her emotions.
Lead singer Van Ransom is plagued by the demons of his childhood: his drug addict mother and too-young death of his older sister, Valerie. He's been in and out of rehab before, with no effect. But this time his record contract is on the line: he must shape up, or the band goes on. Without him.
He's prepared to say all the right things to get through, but meeting the aloof Stella Jo turns his head. Van's used to the attention of women--and some of the nurses at Second Chance Ranch aren't averse to a little "private therapy"--but the enigmatic care coordinator seems impervious to Van's charms. Or, is she....
This "rock romance" is unique in that, there is no rock--and the romance is rocky. I really enjoyed seeing Stella come to life. It seemed she was completely emotionally shut down--too busy looking for the next curve in her path to see the lush scenery in her view. She's scarred from too little love, and isn't sure she can even accept love from anyone. Yet, being around Van startles her into sensing her own passion.
Unfortunately she can't act on it. Being intimate with a patient is grounds for immediate termination--which would send Stella back to her family home. And that's a place she won't even visit, let alone move back to live.
Van is, however, relentless in his pursuit. He volunteers to work in the horse stables so he can spend time with Stella--who continually brushes him off. His mind is driven to distraction, so much so, he actually connects with his therapist and begins confessing his long-secret horrors of growing up in an addict's care, or lack thereof. While none of Van's friends or band mates believe Van will get clean and sober, Van goes the extra distance to entice Stella.
For this broken rocker and emotionally-vacant woman, a superficial connection is all one would expect, but the attraction develops into a mutual compassion, a desire to fill the others' needs. For the first time Van can remember, he acts unselfishly--both emotionally and as a lover. He doesn't want a quick hit from Stella--he wants...more.
Add the complications of surveillance by Stella's superiors and co-workers, a stalker ex-fiancé, and Van's buddies popping in with drugs (just in case) and it seems both Stella's job and Van's contract are set to implode. Good thing Stella's well-practiced at hiding her emotions and Van's self-control can tolerate this rarely-exercised application.
Here's what I loved about the book: it wasn't glossy. Stella and Van don't fall into bed the first day, or the first week. They stumble. They overreact. They blame and judge and make decisions 'for the good' of someone else.
Truly, I had a little trouble with the depth of their attraction following one chance encounter, but the romance was slow to develop, and the sexual tension was excruciating. Just when it looked like they were going to get it on, somebody would interrupt and complicate everything.
The writing is solid, and the romance steams. The progression of their relationship is well-paced and the smexytimes are stimulating, not sloppy. Van has a very filthy mouth, which makes for some fun dialogue. I really liked how Stella reconciled with her parents. Her newfound strength--acquired from beating off Van's advances--was interesting. At times I thought the superficiality of Stella's earlier relationships felt a bit exaggerated, but it was clear that she was making choices to connect with Van and new friends, Miranda and Jesse, in a way she never attempted before. The 'horse therapy' was a nice twist on the usual rehab tale.
June 29, 2014
This book was originally reviewed on The Book Hookup.
**I received an advanced copy of this book for the tour, but that did not influence the review in any way**
4.5 stars! Ms. Quinn has done it again! Last Second Chance is a sweet, yet totally dark and gritty smexy little story that will have you fangirling all over Van Ransom. Shamelessly too, I might add. ;)
Here’s the short review of my feels as I read:
1. Stella has a boring life, I can’t wait for her to take this job
2. Van is a hot tattooed gorgeous mess that I would like to rub down all night long
3. The chemistry is H.O.T.
4. I’m ready I’m ready oh yeah I’m ready
5. Oh gawwwwwd. Van is a dirty talker. I’m really in love
6. *bites nails* they’re gonna get caught!
7. Sweet Lord Baby Jeebus. I would really like a candlelight romantic dinner please, Mr. Ransom
8. Oh yes oh yes, let’s hear all of the secrets
9. *cheers on Van and Stella* you guys can do this!
10. Dawwww, the epilogue was perfectly perfect.
What made this story so good? I think it was the way it was written. The storyline itself wasn’t overly layered or complex, (which is totally OK by the way!), it was about two people that had issues and as they came to terms with their issues they found love. Or maybe the love helped them come to terms with the issues (yes, the chicken or the egg question :) ). That takes real talent to take a simple concept, yet execute it so well that it can turn into a whole book that was impossible to put down.
But a great story also has to have great characters to really work, and that it did. I will admit, in the beginning I felt that maybe I was thrown a little bit right into the middle of Van and Stella, but honestly, that turned out to be the beauty of their relationship too. Both characters weren’t just words on the paper, they were fleshed out so that I ended up feeling like I really knew them and was living their lives right along side of them.
Lastly, while I’m not a fan of 3rd person POV, it turned out to be a non-factor because I always felt like I was in both Stella and Van’s heads. Felt both of their fears, joys, lust, all of it.
And of course a romance has to have that push-pull feeling to keep it fresh, to give you those butterflies the whole time. Yes. To that. And now that I mention it was fresh, I’m not just talking new love *cough* ifyouknowwhatimeanandithinkyoudo *cough*. Ransom is a dirty talker. *pumps fists* Right there is reason alone you should read this book. I don’t want to spoil anything, but there are plenty of highlight-able naughty things in this book. Van’s idea of a romantic candlelit dinner? Yes and please and thank you so much.
To make this a well rounded review I should touch on what could have been better. Well, I pretty much loved it, but I’ll tell you one thing that was inconsistent for me: I was a little confused because I thought Stella was supposed to have more patient interaction in terms of counseling…not that the detail matters, but she kind of seemed just like an admin person. She was just set up to be more like a therapist, but her job didn’t have her doing any of that. She was so sought after by Dr. Ramirez, but never really brought anything to the table. However, it never took anything away from the story for me.
Would I rec this? YES. This is my second book by Caisey Quinn and definitely not my last.
**I received an advanced copy of this book for the tour, but that did not influence the review in any way**
4.5 stars! Ms. Quinn has done it again! Last Second Chance is a sweet, yet totally dark and gritty smexy little story that will have you fangirling all over Van Ransom. Shamelessly too, I might add. ;)
Here’s the short review of my feels as I read:
1. Stella has a boring life, I can’t wait for her to take this job
2. Van is a hot tattooed gorgeous mess that I would like to rub down all night long
3. The chemistry is H.O.T.
4. I’m ready I’m ready oh yeah I’m ready
5. Oh gawwwwwd. Van is a dirty talker. I’m really in love
6. *bites nails* they’re gonna get caught!
7. Sweet Lord Baby Jeebus. I would really like a candlelight romantic dinner please, Mr. Ransom
8. Oh yes oh yes, let’s hear all of the secrets
9. *cheers on Van and Stella* you guys can do this!
10. Dawwww, the epilogue was perfectly perfect.
What made this story so good? I think it was the way it was written. The storyline itself wasn’t overly layered or complex, (which is totally OK by the way!), it was about two people that had issues and as they came to terms with their issues they found love. Or maybe the love helped them come to terms with the issues (yes, the chicken or the egg question :) ). That takes real talent to take a simple concept, yet execute it so well that it can turn into a whole book that was impossible to put down.
But a great story also has to have great characters to really work, and that it did. I will admit, in the beginning I felt that maybe I was thrown a little bit right into the middle of Van and Stella, but honestly, that turned out to be the beauty of their relationship too. Both characters weren’t just words on the paper, they were fleshed out so that I ended up feeling like I really knew them and was living their lives right along side of them.
Lastly, while I’m not a fan of 3rd person POV, it turned out to be a non-factor because I always felt like I was in both Stella and Van’s heads. Felt both of their fears, joys, lust, all of it.
And of course a romance has to have that push-pull feeling to keep it fresh, to give you those butterflies the whole time. Yes. To that. And now that I mention it was fresh, I’m not just talking new love *cough* ifyouknowwhatimeanandithinkyoudo *cough*. Ransom is a dirty talker. *pumps fists* Right there is reason alone you should read this book. I don’t want to spoil anything, but there are plenty of highlight-able naughty things in this book. Van’s idea of a romantic candlelit dinner? Yes and please and thank you so much.
To make this a well rounded review I should touch on what could have been better. Well, I pretty much loved it, but I’ll tell you one thing that was inconsistent for me: I was a little confused because I thought Stella was supposed to have more patient interaction in terms of counseling…not that the detail matters, but she kind of seemed just like an admin person. She was just set up to be more like a therapist, but her job didn’t have her doing any of that. She was so sought after by Dr. Ramirez, but never really brought anything to the table. However, it never took anything away from the story for me.
Would I rec this? YES. This is my second book by Caisey Quinn and definitely not my last.
May 12, 2014
Darkly Provocative With One Sinfully Sexy Hero!
REVIEW:
The story:
This is the ultimate forbidden romance, with both Stella Jo & Van risking their careers to be together. This is Van absolute last chance to redeem himself with his record label threatening to cut his band he he doesn't clean himself up. Checking into the rehab facility he doesn't really think he has a problem, until he meets sweet & sexy employee Second Chance Ranch. She's the light to his dark and all Van can think is how unworthy he is of her attention.
Stella Jo is trying to find her place in the world after graduating from college. Determined not to go home to her demanding mother and cold unaffectionate father, she takes the job at Second Chance Ranch. Upon meeting Van, she see something in him, and can't stop thinking about the troubled musician and his sexy smirk. As it becomes hard and harder to ignore their attraction, Van's addiction and getting caught is only some of their worries. With Van's ex creating waves and Stella Jo's family dropping a HUGE bombshell, can their fragile romance withstand all the pressures?
The characters:
Who doesn't love a bad boy, and none come more sinfully sexy than Van Ransom! This sizzling hot musician has some dark demons to battle, most importantly his battle with drug addiction. He's cocky and unapologetic, but that's the what makes him so damn attractive.
Stella Jo is caring woman and want to make a difference in people's lives. I love how she could see past Van's mistakes and see him for the real person underneath. It was also great to see her come out of her shell and explore her sexuality with Van.
The romance:
Hot damn, this romance is bursting with some seriously provocative scenes!!! These two couldn't be in the same room as each other without naughty thoughts popping into their head!! The added fact that they had to keep their sexy affair a secret only added to the steam factor, with spicy rendezvous in the barn and private rooms. But what I loved about the romance between Stella Jo & Ransom was that it wasn't what 'heals' Van, but it does give him motivation. Stella Jo makes him want to be a better person, and Van starts to see a real future for himself, rather than just where he'll get he's next fix.
The Writing:
I love Caisey's writing, it's always filled with emotion and passionate characters. This is by far Caisey's steamiest book yet, with lots of sexy love scenes (one of which may or may not include a riding crop). She also doesn't shy away from giving her character realistic flaws, they make mistakes, sometimes huge mistakes, but that just makes the characters and their stories all the more believable!
FINAL WORD:
Last Second Chance is darkly provocative & gritty story with one sinfully sexy hero! If your after a steamy read with a powerful storyline, look no further!
CONTENT:
Sexuality: strong / several descriptive sex scenes
Violence: mild
Language: medium-strong / several f words
Drugs & alcohol: strong / drug and alcohol addiction main theme
More reviews at The Reading Realm
REVIEW:
The story:
This is the ultimate forbidden romance, with both Stella Jo & Van risking their careers to be together. This is Van absolute last chance to redeem himself with his record label threatening to cut his band he he doesn't clean himself up. Checking into the rehab facility he doesn't really think he has a problem, until he meets sweet & sexy employee Second Chance Ranch. She's the light to his dark and all Van can think is how unworthy he is of her attention.
Stella Jo is trying to find her place in the world after graduating from college. Determined not to go home to her demanding mother and cold unaffectionate father, she takes the job at Second Chance Ranch. Upon meeting Van, she see something in him, and can't stop thinking about the troubled musician and his sexy smirk. As it becomes hard and harder to ignore their attraction, Van's addiction and getting caught is only some of their worries. With Van's ex creating waves and Stella Jo's family dropping a HUGE bombshell, can their fragile romance withstand all the pressures?
The characters:
Who doesn't love a bad boy, and none come more sinfully sexy than Van Ransom! This sizzling hot musician has some dark demons to battle, most importantly his battle with drug addiction. He's cocky and unapologetic, but that's the what makes him so damn attractive.
Stella Jo is caring woman and want to make a difference in people's lives. I love how she could see past Van's mistakes and see him for the real person underneath. It was also great to see her come out of her shell and explore her sexuality with Van.
The romance:
Hot damn, this romance is bursting with some seriously provocative scenes!!! These two couldn't be in the same room as each other without naughty thoughts popping into their head!! The added fact that they had to keep their sexy affair a secret only added to the steam factor, with spicy rendezvous in the barn and private rooms. But what I loved about the romance between Stella Jo & Ransom was that it wasn't what 'heals' Van, but it does give him motivation. Stella Jo makes him want to be a better person, and Van starts to see a real future for himself, rather than just where he'll get he's next fix.
The Writing:
I love Caisey's writing, it's always filled with emotion and passionate characters. This is by far Caisey's steamiest book yet, with lots of sexy love scenes (one of which may or may not include a riding crop). She also doesn't shy away from giving her character realistic flaws, they make mistakes, sometimes huge mistakes, but that just makes the characters and their stories all the more believable!
FINAL WORD:
Last Second Chance is darkly provocative & gritty story with one sinfully sexy hero! If your after a steamy read with a powerful storyline, look no further!
CONTENT:
Sexuality: strong / several descriptive sex scenes
Violence: mild
Language: medium-strong / several f words
Drugs & alcohol: strong / drug and alcohol addiction main theme
More reviews at The Reading Realm
May 14, 2014
Every addict's story has a beginning... some are stupid peer pressure, trying to fit in stories that start innocent enough and end up with some arrogant junkie saying they didn't think they would get hooked. Some start with a girl who just wanted to be thin and beautiful. Some start with a rich and famous person thinking they were better than the crack addicts on the street and that they could definitely quit whenever they wanted to. Then you have the ones who seemed destined to live a life punishing themselves for being born. The ones who lived through and faced unspeakable horrors and use the alcohol and drugs to numb the pain and quiet the memories. No matter what an addict's beginning story is the important part is the ending. It can only end one of two ways... recovering... or dying.
Van Ransom is an out of control, fast living, partying rock star. His badboy antics and drug fueled destruction make for great tabloid fodder but his soon to be signed label and manager are sick of his self-destructive ways. He is given one last second chance to get himself together. Shipped off to a rehab center and required to stay and stay out of trouble is the only way to save himself and his band. So he begrudgingly shows up to do his time and convince everyone he is better never really intending to take it seriously. In walks Stella Jo Chandler. She has no idea who he is... she is in her on little withdrawn world. Fresh out of college and determined to make it on her own without having to return to the awkward home of her family where her mom treats her like a barbie and her dad treats her likes she's invisible, Stella is very content with her new job at SCR. She's still isolated and her only real connection is to the horses she helps care for but it works for her... until she meets "him". He is sexy and forward and makes her feel things she has never felt before and she wants more. It's a trainwreck in the making. Employees are not supposed to fratenize with patients. She is the exact opposite of what he wants or needs... or is she? Can she be salve his soul needs? Can she replace the darkness with light so he doesn't need the numbmess anymore?
Lets just say these two make for one hot and heavy pairing. My goodness I thought my kindle was going to combust into flames... or me for that matter. This is definitely an erotic story but it's much more. It's a love story. A story about loving and forgiving yourself and loving and forgiving those that hurt you along the way. Afterall we are just human beings stumbling around trying to figure is out as we go right???
Personal Note: CQ tried really hard to shine a light on a very real, raw subject without dragging us into the darkness. I think that is a hard line to tow as an author. I commend her for that. Addiction is not something that is easily fought and conquered but it is beatable. You can beat it but it is a fight you must fight and beat every single day for the rest of your life. The most heroic people on this earth are the ones who make the decision to fight. I commend and am in awe of them.
Van Ransom is an out of control, fast living, partying rock star. His badboy antics and drug fueled destruction make for great tabloid fodder but his soon to be signed label and manager are sick of his self-destructive ways. He is given one last second chance to get himself together. Shipped off to a rehab center and required to stay and stay out of trouble is the only way to save himself and his band. So he begrudgingly shows up to do his time and convince everyone he is better never really intending to take it seriously. In walks Stella Jo Chandler. She has no idea who he is... she is in her on little withdrawn world. Fresh out of college and determined to make it on her own without having to return to the awkward home of her family where her mom treats her like a barbie and her dad treats her likes she's invisible, Stella is very content with her new job at SCR. She's still isolated and her only real connection is to the horses she helps care for but it works for her... until she meets "him". He is sexy and forward and makes her feel things she has never felt before and she wants more. It's a trainwreck in the making. Employees are not supposed to fratenize with patients. She is the exact opposite of what he wants or needs... or is she? Can she be salve his soul needs? Can she replace the darkness with light so he doesn't need the numbmess anymore?
Lets just say these two make for one hot and heavy pairing. My goodness I thought my kindle was going to combust into flames... or me for that matter. This is definitely an erotic story but it's much more. It's a love story. A story about loving and forgiving yourself and loving and forgiving those that hurt you along the way. Afterall we are just human beings stumbling around trying to figure is out as we go right???
Personal Note: CQ tried really hard to shine a light on a very real, raw subject without dragging us into the darkness. I think that is a hard line to tow as an author. I commend her for that. Addiction is not something that is easily fought and conquered but it is beatable. You can beat it but it is a fight you must fight and beat every single day for the rest of your life. The most heroic people on this earth are the ones who make the decision to fight. I commend and am in awe of them.
May 16, 2014
Last Second Chance is a book that hit me right in the gut when I least expected it.
Stella Jo Chandler is at first glance a beautiful, but for lack of a better expression, cold fish. Her parents barely noticed her when she stopped racing horses, she breaks up with her boyfriend and doesn’t seem to care that he’s dating her roommate. She doesn’t connect with or get attached to people – just strives to be the best at everything she does. She jumps at the chance to work at Second Chance Ranch, a facility that helps high profile clients get over their addiction, to get away from it all and reinvent herself.
Van Ransom seemed like your typical “I party all the time because I’m entitled to” rock star. Dropped at Second Chance Ranch by his manager so that he can straighten himself out before he gets his band dumped by their label, he doesn’t seem like he’s going to do anything with himself at the ranch other than take up space. He runs into Stella, and somehow they both feel an instant attraction and connection.
They can’t happen for so many reasons. “Clients” and staff have a strict no fraternization policy at the ranch, and Van and Stella seem like complete polar opposites. But the more you get to know the both of them, and see them together, you realize they are in fact very much the same. They both are afraid to deal with their feelings of loneliness, they just act on it in different ways. They see each other at face value, not how many races can Stella win, or the fame and fortune of Van and his band. Van makes Stella feel things for the very first time – and although Van insists that he’s not the right man for her, she doesn’t care and goes all in.
“You make me feel, Van. You’re the first one to ever make me feel. So if you think I can’t handle it, you’re wrong…”
Van and Stella had explosive chemistry. You felt the longing between them so much it became palpable. The sex scenes were unbelievably hot, and brought out the intense connection they had. Stella was actually living for the moment and loving everything Van did to her (rock stars know a thing or two about how to make it interesting) – not thinking about plans or her compartmentalized life. Van didn’t need drugs or alcohol to block out his feelings, he was high on Stella.
“Because in losing myself, I found my soul.”
By the end of this book, I loved Stella and Van, and hoped they would somehow survive the inevitable complications that could tear them apart. I reread the last 10% because I didn’t want it to end. I loved this story, and am excited to read more from Caisey Quinn!
Stella Jo Chandler is at first glance a beautiful, but for lack of a better expression, cold fish. Her parents barely noticed her when she stopped racing horses, she breaks up with her boyfriend and doesn’t seem to care that he’s dating her roommate. She doesn’t connect with or get attached to people – just strives to be the best at everything she does. She jumps at the chance to work at Second Chance Ranch, a facility that helps high profile clients get over their addiction, to get away from it all and reinvent herself.
Van Ransom seemed like your typical “I party all the time because I’m entitled to” rock star. Dropped at Second Chance Ranch by his manager so that he can straighten himself out before he gets his band dumped by their label, he doesn’t seem like he’s going to do anything with himself at the ranch other than take up space. He runs into Stella, and somehow they both feel an instant attraction and connection.
They can’t happen for so many reasons. “Clients” and staff have a strict no fraternization policy at the ranch, and Van and Stella seem like complete polar opposites. But the more you get to know the both of them, and see them together, you realize they are in fact very much the same. They both are afraid to deal with their feelings of loneliness, they just act on it in different ways. They see each other at face value, not how many races can Stella win, or the fame and fortune of Van and his band. Van makes Stella feel things for the very first time – and although Van insists that he’s not the right man for her, she doesn’t care and goes all in.
“You make me feel, Van. You’re the first one to ever make me feel. So if you think I can’t handle it, you’re wrong…”
Van and Stella had explosive chemistry. You felt the longing between them so much it became palpable. The sex scenes were unbelievably hot, and brought out the intense connection they had. Stella was actually living for the moment and loving everything Van did to her (rock stars know a thing or two about how to make it interesting) – not thinking about plans or her compartmentalized life. Van didn’t need drugs or alcohol to block out his feelings, he was high on Stella.
“Because in losing myself, I found my soul.”
By the end of this book, I loved Stella and Van, and hoped they would somehow survive the inevitable complications that could tear them apart. I reread the last 10% because I didn’t want it to end. I loved this story, and am excited to read more from Caisey Quinn!
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