Take Two

by Trisha Linde, Colbie Dunbar

There’s never been a better time to make a second first impression.
Phobos has always played the role of son, brother, friend—not to mention god—but just when he finally thought he’d found his place in the world, it all came crashing down around him. Now he is nothing more than a heartbroken has-been, rebuilding his life from scratch. If only he can set his ego aside and accept a little help.
Omega wolf shifter Declan moved to Valleywood with the intention of carving out a life of his own. He opened a bar, made new friends, living the life he’d always dreamed of, but he can never truly outrun his past. His father is pack Alpha, and it was always expected that Declan would make a politically beneficial match for the good of the pack, but is it so wrong for him to want more—maybe even love?
When Phobos wanders into Declan's bar, though, it is anything but love at first sight. They clash in the worst way, and it would be ideal if they never had to see each other again. Too bad fate has decided they’re perfect for each other.
Take Two is an mpreg romance by the popular writing duo Trisha Linde and Colbie Dunbar. The story is centered on an alpha trying to remake himself, an omega at risk of losing who he’s always known himself to be, not one but two nosy families, a business arrangement that could be the best (or worst) idea ever, and of course, an adorable baby. There might just be a chance these broken men can find a happily ever after—together.
Take Two is part of the Valleywood series. Valleywood is a magical city filled with magic, love, forgiveness, and mpreg. This book can be read as a standalone or in the order of release.

160 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 18, 2025

About the author

Trisha Linde spends all her time immersed in books, both reading and writing, mainly because she lives where it’s too cold to do anything else, and what better way to keep warm than with a hot book. The first time she read mpreg, it was love at first sight, and there’s no turning back now.

When she gets older, she will likely invite strangers over for dinner, and you can bet your ass there will be sequins.

Check me out on Ream for FREE short stories for followers. https://reamstories.com/trishalinde

Reviews

[Molly Otto · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wasn't really sure what to think of Phobos (after reading The Chosen One) when we first met him but still had to read his story. He is paired with an equally broken shifter, Declan, who challenges him in the right way to be a better being. These two don't exactly have an easy journey in being together, but they do have the right journey to get where they belong in the end. A great read full of twists and yirjs that keep you trapped from the first page to their perfect for them ending.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Declan and the Actor . . .

Declan is an Omega wolf shifter, the son of the pack’s Alpha. He owns his own bar, but truthfully it is not doing well financially. He also gets constant pressure from his father to return to the pack and make his contribution. But that is not what he wants. Having the god Phobos arrive at his bar trying to flirt with him did not impress. Phobos, the son of Ares (the god of war) is also not doing well with the vocation he has chosen as an actor and he is feeling lonely and rejected. His brother Deimos had stolen away his partner for his mate and they just had a child. And his sister Harmonia is begging him to come to the family dinner to meet his new baby nephew. All Phobos wanted was to find a place where he fit in and could be happy. He hung up on his sister’s call and saw a burly man with the body of a sexy lumberjack shoveling off snow from the path to his bar.

Unfortunately Declan’s father called him right before he opened the bar and put him in a bad mood as they argued about his coming “home” to the pack. His purpose in opening this bar had been a way to show his father he could be a success without asking for help. He did love his father and wanted him to be proud of him. But his father had already figured out he was in financial trouble. Yet he refuses to return home to a mate his father picks out from a neighboring pack. He may not have met his mate yet, but it would be someone he could love and someone he would choose for himself. So when a customer steps in and starts his nonsense flirting with Declan, the two of them seem to immediately clash. Oddly the man smelled like his mate, but although he wasn’t human, he wasn’t a shifter either. Was he a Fae? Would he also scent Declan? Phobos saw the bartender staring at him as he was inhaling a mysterious scent that made his mouth water. So he decided it didn’t matter that the bartender wasn’t his usual type. He was ready for a night of fun and would try a pick-up line like his brother used. It always worked for Deimos. But “Hey there, handsome. Come here often?” didn’t make much sense when directed to the bartender/owner! So he gave up until he got drunk and started bragging. He tried to demonstrate his “magic”, but it didn’t work for him. So he admitted he was the god of fear which had no effect on Declan. He touched Declan’s hand and a spark snapped between them. Declan cut him off and asked him to leave. But as he walked away, Phobos felt like he just lost something important. Would he get another chance to make things right? Or would Declan finally give up and return to his pack?

[kymagirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phobos, a god of fear, used to have it all—power, fame, and a crime-fighting partnership with his brother. Now? He’s a washed-up has-been chasing an acting career that isn’t taking off. His ego says he can rebuild his life on his own, but deep down, he’s lost, lonely, and looking for something real. Declan, an omega wolf shifter, walked away from his pack to carve out a life of his own. Running a bar was supposed to be his fresh start, but between failing finances and constant pressure from his Alpha father to return home, he's barely holding it together. The last thing he needs? A cocky, clueless god showing up at his bar with a ridiculous pick-up line. From the second they meet, Phobos and Declan clash in the worst way. Sparks fly, but not the good kind. Declan thinks Phobos is an arrogant mess, and Phobos is determined to prove him wrong. But fate has other plans, throwing them together again and again until ignoring their connection is impossible. What starts as a reluctant partnership turns into something neither of them expected. But between Phobos’ need for validation, Declan’s fear of commitment, and two meddling families determined to pull them apart, their future is anything but certain. And when an unexpected pregnancy changes everything, they’ll have to decide once and for all if they’re willing to fight for the life they never saw coming. Enemies to lovers. Fated mates. A second chance at everything.

[Marion · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is part of the multi-author Valleywood Season Three Series. Each book is a standalone read. This is the story of Phobos and Declan. Phobos is a god. He has more money than he could ever use but he is lonely. He lost who he thought was his partner to his brother. His acting career is not taking off like he thought it would. In fact, it hasn't started. Declan is an omega wolf shifter. He is also the alpha's only child. He loves his bar but he is slowly going under. His father keeps pressuring him to return to his pack and assumed the alpha title. Thanks but not thanks. Hard pass. The two meet at Declan's bar. Declan can tell that Phobos is his fated mate. But as Phobos gets drunker at the bar, Declan has lost all interest in any relationship with Phobos. But the mating pull is working on Phobos as well. He comes back and begs for a date. Declan reluctantly agrees thinking that this is Phobos last chance to impress him. Things don't go as well as hoped. This is their story. I really enjoyed the interaction between the Phobos and Declan. As fate brought them together, it makes sense that they would slowly build each other up and repair the hurts on their hearts. The book is well written and easy to read. I really enjoyed it. It is a quick, fun read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hang on you won’t put this one down until the last page has been turned. Declan an omega runs his own bar struggling financially, his father always pressuring him to come home to the pack regardless of what he wants, he knows going home means mating who his father has picked for him, admitting failure so to speak and that wasn’t happening so when customer comes in flirting with him he smells like his mate but something is off he isn’t human, nor is he a shifter so he had Declan asking what /who was we but he wanted more. Phobos the son of the god of war decided he would be an actor but wasn’t getting as many jobs as he assumed he would I mean he was sexy, he was good looking he thought, add to that he was the son of a god, he is being pulled in so many directions when all he wants is to feel like he belongs and finding his own place is proving to be a little difficult until he walked into the bar and the bartender/owner was his but getting him to see it didn’t work out the way he planned but will fate give him another chance because after leave they both felt like they lost something important, will they give each other a chance … a real chance, are they what each other need, are they what each other have been looking for, and will they find the completion the leads to happiness with each other?

[Tosha · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I allowed him to pull me in, my lips colliding with his in a clash of lips, tongue and teeth. What should’ve been a chaste kiss escalated quickly into make-out territory. He dug his fingers into my hair, moaning into my mouth, and I swept my tongue through his, getting my first true taste of him. It was intoxicating.”

So this book takes place directly after The Chosen Son which is book one in this series which is the story of Daimos the Greek god of Fear and Cameron. In that book we also meet Daimos’s twin brother Phobos also a god of Fear (their parents are Ares & Aphrodite) Phobos actually meets Cameron first and believes himself to be in love with him. I loved The Chosen Son which does end on a HEA except poor Phobos.

And that brings us to Take Two — it’s Phobos chance at HEA, but he is so broken and lost. All he wants is to fall in love and be a hero and adored by all but nothing is working out for him. And although I wouldn’t per-say call him a himbo, he is a bit clueless. Ultimately you will absolutely adore him and want to shake him! That’s when we meet Declan!

This book got it all: gods/goddesses, shifters, omega-verse, mpeg, steamy scenes, and most importantly HEA!

I go highly recommend reading The Chosen Son first to fully appreciate Phobos’s character.

[Jeanette Waters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Take Two is Trisha Linde and Colbie Dunbar's contribution to Valleywood: Season 3. It's the follow up story to Linde's The Chosen Son (also in Season 3). Deimos' book should be read before his twin's. It lays some of the groundwork for this story of Phobos, the god of terror and his werewolf, Declan.
Both have dad issues. Declan is the heir to his father's pack. It's a hereditary position, something his dad reminds him of each time they talk. Declan's bar is close to failing and he really doesn't want to go home. Phobos is the son of Ares and Aphrodite. He no longer wants to be a god of war. He wants to be an actor, a star. And since brother Deimos stole his crime fighting sidekick, Phobos doesn't want to go home.
Both feel like failures. Their meet is anything but cute. Phobos has cringeworthy game. And Declan believes that Fate did him wrong in the mate game.
This is a quick, fun read. Phobos and Declan have great chemistry but also a lot of baggage. There's snark and spice as Phobos gets a second chance. Together, they work through their issues. But it was a rocky road to HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nina Diab · Rating 5 out of 5]

'But there was a more pressing reason I stayed: my mate.'

I really enjoyed this book. I loved both Phobos and Declan. Both had their own problems. Phobos was lonely and trying to get a job acting only results in rejections and no calls, and having lost the man he'd wanted to his brother. Declan left his father's pack and opened a bar. He wanted nothing to do with an arranged mating and running the pack, no matter how much his father resisted and tried to get him to go home. But the bar's mostly empty and failing. He's sticking it out as long as he can in hopes of finding his fated mate, whose scent he's caught and was hoping to find.

Phobos crashed hard when his cheesy pick up lines only irritated Declan. I was sad for him because he seemed so lost and it crushed his confidence. Unfortunately, getting drunk didn't make things go better for him. And after leaving, he ran into someone who offered to help...

Phobos was my favorite character. Gods in this world were fascinating to me and I was hooked. I couldn't wait to see these two get together! 5 stars.

[Patti Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book to read! Phobos is one of the gods of fear. He is looking for work as an actor and is upset because no one wants to hire him. Declan is an omega wolf and the owner of the Wolf's Den. A bar that is not doing very well. Phobos is out walking around and sees Declan shoveling snow and goes into the bar. Phobos drinks to much, Declan sends him away. Phobos is wondering around and goes down an alley. Phobos chooses to give up his god powers to be human and to find happiness. Phobos asks Declan to dinner and he agrees. However the dinner is at Phobos's parents house and Declan walks out and tells Phobos never to contact him again. Phobos comes back and asks again for a date and Declan agrees. They hit it off and agrees to see each other. Phobos is having problems with his powers and is unsure what to do. Will Phobos explode??? Will Phobos get the happy he is looking for???.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Elaine Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phobos, the former god of fear, used to be powerful and famous, but now he's struggling with a fading career and an acting dream that's not taking off. Beneath his confident exterior, he's lonely and lost. Declan, an omega wolf shifter, left his pack to start fresh, running a bar. However, he's battling financial troubles and pressure from his Alpha father to return home. When Phobos walks into Declan’s bar with a cheesy pick-up line, their instant clash sparks a connection neither of them expects. Despite their differences, they’re forced to confront their feelings as fate continues to push them together. As their reluctant partnership evolves, they face challenges from meddling families and their own personal fears, especially when an unexpected pregnancy forces them to decide if they’re willing to fight for a future they never anticipated. It's a story of enemies turned lovers and fated mates.

[Fiona · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a sweet story of Phobos who was a God of fear but he was tired of creating fear in people around him, so he tried his hand of being an actor, but had no success. He stumbles upon his mate. Declan, who is an omega Wolf shifter. he doesn’t realise who he is until he meets up with a goddess Apate he says he can be a human and no longer able to use his powers. These two characters, don’t meet on good grounds, but eventually things work out and they resolve their issues between them and love and loyalty tested when they tried to resolve the chaos that Apate caused. Everything works out for them eventually, and they go onto live happily ever after. I have to say it is story made me cry in areas and it also made me laugh. Enjoy this kind of book then this is the one for you.

I was given an advanced copy of this book to read and I am reviewing with my honest and fair opinion.

[Bianca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phobos and Declan, a god and wolf shifter pairing, story was exquisite as Phobos finds his happiness with Declan.
They have challenges and hurdles along the way as they both come with their baggage of problems and past hurts.
They slowly resolve what fate puts in their way with determination and a sprinkle of patience, but most of all love.
I liked their chemistry and their sweet loving moments, as well as the common ground they found to balance everything.
It was intense and dangerous, but also sweet and endearing with a touch of sass and teasing.
I loved their bundle of joy, and the way their families grown closer.
I liked the story and I’m looking forward to seeing what happens next.

[Sharon L · Rating 5 out of 5]

"He was the missing piece to what would make me whole."

This book is part of a multi-authored series called Valleywood Season Three.

Wow, what a great follow-up to The Chosen Son by these two authors. Anytime a book shows up on Booksprout by Trisha Linde or Colbie Dunbar I'm there for it. Together these authors are unbeatable!

I'm so glad Phobos got his book and his HEA. After Deimos stole his plucky sidekick, Cameron, I worried about Phobos and I was right to be worried. Thank heavens these two authors came together to create another amazing story.

My suggestion to anyone wanting to read this is to read Chosen Son, by these two authors, first. To really understand Phobos and where he's coming from, both stories are necessary to read in the order written.

[Shawna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Take Two Series Season Three. Phobos is miserable and makes some bad choices one might. Declan found his fated mate and turns out he’s not so perfect. There is an attraction and after Phobos may or may not have given away his powers, he puts Declan in a very bad spot. He’s lucky that Declan agrees to give him a second chance. Declan has his own problems with his failing business and his Alpha father, thanks to his horrible date his business is functioning again but can he really let his fated mate go? I loved the story and the characters. A great ending. I would definitely recommend this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jack Harkness · Rating 5 out of 5]

toaster pastry, baby-poop yellow, little blue pills, OJ in cereal?, Diet Coke & Mentos, sterile gauze, superhero cape, bus bench, $100,000

So entertaining! God of fear, Phobos and Declan, an omega wolf shifter, are the MCs in this book.

As a god, Phobos is rich beyond measure and is auditioning for actor roles. He's being rejected left and right. Declan owns The Wolf's Den bar, but it's barely staying afloat. Phobos's first few attempts at dating are disasters. They're fated mates, but it doesn't look good for Phobos.

"Take Two" is a satisfying short read. There isn't a cliffhanger, so expect a HEA. I enjoyed reading this book and recommend it.

[C.B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent! Declan, independent omega wolf shifter, moved to Valleywood to get away from his pack Alpha Father who wants him to make a pack political correct mating. He is living his life, still looking for love. Phobos, has lived a life pleasing others, putting himself last. He is a broken man, not who/where he thought he would be. When Phobos walks into Declan's bar, things don't go well. The men bump heads and struggle to find their footing. Declan and Phobos are nice men and you are immediately rooting for them during their struggle and outside influences don't make their journey easy. Great story, well done! I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cynthia M Brow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Take Two is part of the multi author Valleywood Series Season Three. Each book can be read as a standalone but why not enjoy the rest of the series. This is the story of Phobos a god and Declan an omega wolf shifter. I think you should read The Chosen Son by Trisha Linde, which is part of this series to better understand Phobos. This was a fun quick read that I really enjoyed. I loved watching these two figure out their relationship with all the baggage that they have. This was a great addition to the series. I would definitely recommend this book and series.

[Marta · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting tale, Phobos trades his godly powers in exchange of success. When Declan meets Phobos he realizes he's his mate, but Phobos doesn't make a very good impression.
The mating pull makes Phobos go back and try to win Declan. After many misunderstandings, he does that.
They have to win against two families, a very old goddesses, painting disasters and their own issues.
This was a quick read, with some heat, no insta love, Mpreg and an adorable himbo who wants to be adored. It's well written, easy to read and a good addition to the series.

[Laora · Rating 4 out of 5]

3,5/3,75*-*
It had been a long time since I read a book set in the Valleywood universe. I forgot how wonderful diverse that pnr place is.
This MM combi of a (demi)god and a shifter was entertaining. It read quickly and was entertainjng. Ofcourse I got a bit annoyed with Phobos, but then again, I can't blame him for not being used to a world that does not bent to his will. As expected there is a hea since this is a fated tale with a happy family in the end with an extended live span.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Latecia Jennings · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy reading romances from the Valleywood series and this one was a delight. I would say that Declan and Phobos relationship started off major rocky. Despite them being fated, I really didn't think they were ever gonna get to the lovey dove stage. Both with family drama and personal issues...just didn't seem possible...but there is the second chance and redemption and love found its way. This was a page turner with a very satisfying ending.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[GreenPhoenix · Rating 5 out of 5]

Take Two by Colbie Dunbar is a second-chance romance that delivers all the feels with a perfect mix of heart, heat, and humor. With sizzling chemistry and a storyline that proves love is worth a sequel, this book is a must-read for anyone who believes in do-overs—especially the steamy kind. Lights, camera, romance!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story about Declan and Phobos and how Phobos was trying different things to find out where he fitted in and at the way he behaved he pushed Declan his mate away at first but luckily he was given a second chance and they eventually got together but all was not smooth sailing and Phobos was lucky he survived to see his wonderful family grow. Good read

[Jeannette Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I haven’t read too many shifter and omega verse books and I throughly enjoyed this one. The dialogue the plot was all great in this story. The story was quick but it didn’t feel too fast to where you lost some of the story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Debbie Benson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. It was sweet and a bit comical at moments as Phobos and Declan meet and eventually fall in love. Family issues do cause a little trouble along with the trickster Apate. Phobos makes some bad choices but they are fixed.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story. For those of you that have read The Chosen Son this is Phobos’ story although you can read it as a stand-alone. I was so happy to see Phobos get his own story although it wasn’t easy. This was a great story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Deb Kel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another thoroughly enjoyable read. This is part of the Valleywood series though is a standalone. I found it to be a nice, mythical, fated mates storyline. Plenty of going ons and brilliant characters kept me captivated throughout. Highly recommend.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Akasha721 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful book with Phobos meeting his fated mate. He and Declan get off to a rocky start but Phobos is determined to win Declan over to his side. Phobos goes through a rough patch but come out in a surprising way. The two get their HEA and a child from their love.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nicole Deanne Veracruz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am soooo happy to see Phobos get his happily ever after with Declan. It was very obvious after reading the chosen son that she was lonely and wanted to find somebody to love him and share his life. And I couldn't think of a better person for him than Declan.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Amanda Reeves · Rating 4 out of 5]

Take Two is part of the multi-author Valleywood series season 3, each can be read as a standalone though I do suggest reading Chosen Son first. This is a steamy, shifters, mpreg book about Declan and Phobos. I really enjoyed the characters and the story.

[Ladnamal · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun story and I enjoyed it. I did wish though that we could have had more about Phobos and Declan's reunion, and the pregnancy reveal.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.