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Once Upon a Second Chance
Can two men weighed down by their pasts find a future with each other?
Daniel Laverton is a wealthy man who was born into privilege. His family helped build Everlasting Springs, and he spends his days ensuring it prospers. The town is in his veins, the love he has for it keeping him there, happily. In his big house on the top of a hill he resides—just him, his cat, and his past. With middle age knocking at his door and the holidays approaching, loneliness is creeping in.
Aaron Darwin is used to struggling. He lives a moment at a time, traveling in his not-so-trusty car, going from place to place and looking for work. When a huge storm looms, Aaron’s luck goes from bad to worse and his vehicle decides to die. With no shelter, very little money, and a town ahead that is closing down, Aaron has no idea how he will get through this impending disaster.
Perhaps it’s the jingle bells in the air or his own solitude, but there’s no way Daniel can leave the man stranded. When he takes a reluctant Aaron in to hunker down and ride out the storm, the two get more than they bargained for. It is easy for them to see all the reasons they shouldn’t work and overlook all the ways they do, but it is holiday season in Everlasting Springs, a time for miracles and second chances. A time for two lonely men to realize they’ve already received the best gift for each other.
Once Upon a Second Chance is a part of the multi-author series Once Upon a Holiday Story. Each book can be read as a standalone and in any order. What links these books together is The Hook’s Book Nook Traveling Library, a library on wheels owned by two old ladies in love.
Daniel Laverton is a wealthy man who was born into privilege. His family helped build Everlasting Springs, and he spends his days ensuring it prospers. The town is in his veins, the love he has for it keeping him there, happily. In his big house on the top of a hill he resides—just him, his cat, and his past. With middle age knocking at his door and the holidays approaching, loneliness is creeping in.
Aaron Darwin is used to struggling. He lives a moment at a time, traveling in his not-so-trusty car, going from place to place and looking for work. When a huge storm looms, Aaron’s luck goes from bad to worse and his vehicle decides to die. With no shelter, very little money, and a town ahead that is closing down, Aaron has no idea how he will get through this impending disaster.
Perhaps it’s the jingle bells in the air or his own solitude, but there’s no way Daniel can leave the man stranded. When he takes a reluctant Aaron in to hunker down and ride out the storm, the two get more than they bargained for. It is easy for them to see all the reasons they shouldn’t work and overlook all the ways they do, but it is holiday season in Everlasting Springs, a time for miracles and second chances. A time for two lonely men to realize they’ve already received the best gift for each other.
Once Upon a Second Chance is a part of the multi-author series Once Upon a Holiday Story. Each book can be read as a standalone and in any order. What links these books together is The Hook’s Book Nook Traveling Library, a library on wheels owned by two old ladies in love.
136 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 15, 2024
73 people are currently reading
73 people want to read
About the author
Davidson King
56 books733 followersDavidson King, always had a hope that someday her daydreams would become real-life stories. As a child, you would often find her in her own world, thinking up the most insane situations. It may have taken her awhile, but she made her dream come true with her first published work, Snow Falling.
She managed to wrangle herself a husband who matched her crazy and they hatched three wonderful children.
If you were to ask her what gave her the courage to finally publish, she’d tell you it was her amazing family and friends. Support is vital in all things and when you’re afraid of your dreams, it will be your cheering section that will lift you up.
She managed to wrangle herself a husband who matched her crazy and they hatched three wonderful children.
If you were to ask her what gave her the courage to finally publish, she’d tell you it was her amazing family and friends. Support is vital in all things and when you’re afraid of your dreams, it will be your cheering section that will lift you up.
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December 7, 2024
RATING 4.5 STARS
Once Upon a Second Chance is a MM, holiday, age gap romance by Davidson King. This is part of the multi author, Once Upon a Holiday series. These multi author series are a perfect way to be introduced to new authors which is the case with this one. Davidson King is a new to me author and I enjoyed it so much. I felt like this story completely encompassed the meaning of Christmas. Helping out someone down on their luck, getting a second chance at life and finding love when you least expect it.
Daniel Laverton is forty five years old. He has lived in Everlasting Springs in the huge house on the hill all his life. His family owns a large part of the little town and he takes his responsibility for keeping the town prosperous seriously. He loves this town. He’s happy in his house on the hill with his cat. He might be lonely at times but that is mostly due to choices he made many years ago that still haunt him.
Aaron Darwin is twenty three years old. His life has been the complete opposite of Daniel’s. He’s always been on his own with no one lean on. His most valuable possession is his old car which also doubles as his home. He travels from place to place finding little odd jobs to do to survive. He has no one and has accepted that it’s just the way it is. As he is approaching Everlasting Springs his car decides to give up. Which strands him in the freezing cold, right as a huge storm is coming in. He hikes to the nearest town only to realize that the entire town has shut down to wait out the storm.
When Daniel learns of the stranger that has no where to go, he can’t turn him away. So he offers his own home to hunker down. Honestly, Daniel wouldn’t mind the company. But as these two get to know each other, a bond forms and they realize they have more in common than they think. They are both still running from their ghosts. Daniel begins to see what life could be like with Aaron, someone to love and care for and be loved in return. But the age difference bothers him. And could he ever convince Aaron to finally stop running and to settle down in this town he loves so much?
This was such a sweet, wonderful holiday story. I loved both Aaron and Daniel. Aaron was so proud and wanted to succeed on his own. And Daniel was such a giver. He just wanted to dive in and make Aaron’s life better. The whole book made my heart happy. I will definitely be looking through Davidson’s other work.
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
Once Upon a Second Chance is a MM, holiday, age gap romance by Davidson King. This is part of the multi author, Once Upon a Holiday series. These multi author series are a perfect way to be introduced to new authors which is the case with this one. Davidson King is a new to me author and I enjoyed it so much. I felt like this story completely encompassed the meaning of Christmas. Helping out someone down on their luck, getting a second chance at life and finding love when you least expect it.
Daniel Laverton is forty five years old. He has lived in Everlasting Springs in the huge house on the hill all his life. His family owns a large part of the little town and he takes his responsibility for keeping the town prosperous seriously. He loves this town. He’s happy in his house on the hill with his cat. He might be lonely at times but that is mostly due to choices he made many years ago that still haunt him.
Aaron Darwin is twenty three years old. His life has been the complete opposite of Daniel’s. He’s always been on his own with no one lean on. His most valuable possession is his old car which also doubles as his home. He travels from place to place finding little odd jobs to do to survive. He has no one and has accepted that it’s just the way it is. As he is approaching Everlasting Springs his car decides to give up. Which strands him in the freezing cold, right as a huge storm is coming in. He hikes to the nearest town only to realize that the entire town has shut down to wait out the storm.
When Daniel learns of the stranger that has no where to go, he can’t turn him away. So he offers his own home to hunker down. Honestly, Daniel wouldn’t mind the company. But as these two get to know each other, a bond forms and they realize they have more in common than they think. They are both still running from their ghosts. Daniel begins to see what life could be like with Aaron, someone to love and care for and be loved in return. But the age difference bothers him. And could he ever convince Aaron to finally stop running and to settle down in this town he loves so much?
This was such a sweet, wonderful holiday story. I loved both Aaron and Daniel. Aaron was so proud and wanted to succeed on his own. And Daniel was such a giver. He just wanted to dive in and make Aaron’s life better. The whole book made my heart happy. I will definitely be looking through Davidson’s other work.
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
December 5, 2025
4.5 stars ...
It's been well-documented that I am utterly obsessed and hopelessly in love with Davidson King. She touches all my spots. 🥴 This was exactly the no-angst, Hallmark-y fluff (which is actually completely off-brand for her!😂) I expected and wanted it to be. 😊
For fans of NR Walker's 'Hartbridge' Christmas series. ❄️☃️🥰⛄❄️
"It dawned on me that no place in this world would ever be right, because I’d still be alone.” He kissed my lips.
“And you don’t want to be alone?”
“I like my own company but no, doing life by myself made me understand all the shitty cars, rat-infested hotel rooms, dingy basements, abandoned warehouses, they weren’t home. Your house, it’s not a home, Daniel. But right here…” He pressed his hand on my chest. “That’s home.”
“And I’m in Everlasting Springs.”
“Yes, you are.”
“So then if you could land any place in the world, where would it be, Aaron?”
His blue eyes twinkled under the Christmas lights above us.
“Wherever you are.”
It's been well-documented that I am utterly obsessed and hopelessly in love with Davidson King. She touches all my spots. 🥴 This was exactly the no-angst, Hallmark-y fluff (which is actually completely off-brand for her!😂) I expected and wanted it to be. 😊
For fans of NR Walker's 'Hartbridge' Christmas series. ❄️☃️🥰⛄❄️
"It dawned on me that no place in this world would ever be right, because I’d still be alone.” He kissed my lips.
“And you don’t want to be alone?”
“I like my own company but no, doing life by myself made me understand all the shitty cars, rat-infested hotel rooms, dingy basements, abandoned warehouses, they weren’t home. Your house, it’s not a home, Daniel. But right here…” He pressed his hand on my chest. “That’s home.”
“And I’m in Everlasting Springs.”
“Yes, you are.”
“So then if you could land any place in the world, where would it be, Aaron?”
His blue eyes twinkled under the Christmas lights above us.
“Wherever you are.”
December 12, 2024
If you’re looking for a ridiculously sugary sweet Hallmarkish Christmas instalove cliché, this certainly fits the bill.
While I was looking for a heartwarming Christmas story, this one was so sickeningly sweet, it just left me with a tooth ache and a grimace. The rich silver fox and all of the inhabitants of the town he basically owns were so perfect that the story read like Andy Griffith’s Mayberry or The Stepford Wives where all the wives in the ‘idyllic’ village have been replaced with robots.
The sugary sweetness wasn’t the only thing that rubbed me the wrong way. As it says in the synopsis, Daniel Laverton is a wealthy man who was born into privilege. His family helped build Everlasting Springs, and he spends his days ensuring it prospers. All the main businesses bear his family name and the townspeople adore him because he’s so sweet and benevolent 🙄 And ya know… not all rich people but… study after study shows that as wealth increases compassion and empathy decrease* so I was just not feelin’ it. I’m a cynical bitch and if the author is going to give me a super rich MC that owns a mansion and the entire town and lives with extreme privilege his entire life and casts him as this benevolent prince, they’re going to have to do more than superficially tell me he’s benevolent, they need to show me. The rich MC needs to be doing the work in real, meaningful, tangible ways, not just when some hot dude down on his luck rolls into town.
Moreover, Daniel thinks of and treats Aaron like because he's poor and has had a hard life, he’s inherently inspirational, like his existence despite his poverty was something to be admired. As if people in poverty have any other choice but to keep going. I’m not expressing it well, but I don’t know how to put it into words. It just felt gross, like Daniel was putting Aaron on a pedestal because of his poverty.
And oh yeah, let’s not forget, rich, benevolent, saintly Daniel is 22 years older than Aaron. Age gap is fine with me when done well but in this case, paired with the savior aspect, it added to the cringe factor.
Back to the Hallmark-y ambiance. Around 85% the schmaltzy, clichéd, lovey dovey gooing and gushing became so overdone and repetitive that my eyeballs just about rolled out of my head completely. Daniel and Aaron have known each other less than a week and they’re pledging their undying, eternal love for each other in the most overblown, soppy ways 🤢🤮🥴
Clearly, this one wasn’t for me. That said, it’s well written and I know it’s the kind of feel good sweetness that a lot of people love for a cute seasonal pick me up.
Honestly, though I gave this one 2 stars, there’s a big part of me that wants to 1 star it. I didn’t hate it but 😬🫣 it really wasn’t my jam. Hallmarky and rich savior dudes are my anti-jam 😆😅
* https://raywilliams.ca/wealth-make-le...
https://www.scientificamerican.com/ar...
While I was looking for a heartwarming Christmas story, this one was so sickeningly sweet, it just left me with a tooth ache and a grimace. The rich silver fox and all of the inhabitants of the town he basically owns were so perfect that the story read like Andy Griffith’s Mayberry or The Stepford Wives where all the wives in the ‘idyllic’ village have been replaced with robots.
The sugary sweetness wasn’t the only thing that rubbed me the wrong way. As it says in the synopsis, Daniel Laverton is a wealthy man who was born into privilege. His family helped build Everlasting Springs, and he spends his days ensuring it prospers. All the main businesses bear his family name and the townspeople adore him because he’s so sweet and benevolent 🙄 And ya know… not all rich people but… study after study shows that as wealth increases compassion and empathy decrease* so I was just not feelin’ it. I’m a cynical bitch and if the author is going to give me a super rich MC that owns a mansion and the entire town and lives with extreme privilege his entire life and casts him as this benevolent prince, they’re going to have to do more than superficially tell me he’s benevolent, they need to show me. The rich MC needs to be doing the work in real, meaningful, tangible ways, not just when some hot dude down on his luck rolls into town.
Moreover, Daniel thinks of and treats Aaron like because he's poor and has had a hard life, he’s inherently inspirational, like his existence despite his poverty was something to be admired. As if people in poverty have any other choice but to keep going. I’m not expressing it well, but I don’t know how to put it into words. It just felt gross, like Daniel was putting Aaron on a pedestal because of his poverty.
And oh yeah, let’s not forget, rich, benevolent, saintly Daniel is 22 years older than Aaron. Age gap is fine with me when done well but in this case, paired with the savior aspect, it added to the cringe factor.
Back to the Hallmark-y ambiance. Around 85% the schmaltzy, clichéd, lovey dovey gooing and gushing became so overdone and repetitive that my eyeballs just about rolled out of my head completely. Daniel and Aaron have known each other less than a week and they’re pledging their undying, eternal love for each other in the most overblown, soppy ways 🤢🤮🥴
Clearly, this one wasn’t for me. That said, it’s well written and I know it’s the kind of feel good sweetness that a lot of people love for a cute seasonal pick me up.
Honestly, though I gave this one 2 stars, there’s a big part of me that wants to 1 star it. I didn’t hate it but 😬🫣 it really wasn’t my jam. Hallmarky and rich savior dudes are my anti-jam 😆😅
* https://raywilliams.ca/wealth-make-le...
https://www.scientificamerican.com/ar...
February 6, 2025
Can two men weighed down by their pasts find a future with each other?
I'm a wee bit late to the party, but so glad I finally received this little treasure. On a snowy evening Aaron's car breaks down leaving him stranded in this small town in the middle of a big snowstorm. What started off as something bad turned into something good when he was found by Daniel, the sexy silver fox. Daniel is going to have to prove that smile was as innocent as it appeared to be in order to win Aaron's trust and any other favors.
There is just something about a little holiday magic that made this "love at first sight" story so incredibly delicious and sweet. The stubborn young vagabond being rescued by the most honorable and richest man in this small town, who turns out to be an absolute "Prince Charming"...what could be better?
We have a recipe for love and hope with a blizzard, a sprinkling of luck, the best hot cocoa ever brewed...blend all this together and you have a lovely little holiday romance. Everyone deserves a second chance and to find their very own "Daniel". I was happy to see that Aaron found his and together they gave us a lovely little Christmas read...even if it is almost February:)
I'm a wee bit late to the party, but so glad I finally received this little treasure. On a snowy evening Aaron's car breaks down leaving him stranded in this small town in the middle of a big snowstorm. What started off as something bad turned into something good when he was found by Daniel, the sexy silver fox. Daniel is going to have to prove that smile was as innocent as it appeared to be in order to win Aaron's trust and any other favors.
There is just something about a little holiday magic that made this "love at first sight" story so incredibly delicious and sweet. The stubborn young vagabond being rescued by the most honorable and richest man in this small town, who turns out to be an absolute "Prince Charming"...what could be better?
We have a recipe for love and hope with a blizzard, a sprinkling of luck, the best hot cocoa ever brewed...blend all this together and you have a lovely little holiday romance. Everyone deserves a second chance and to find their very own "Daniel". I was happy to see that Aaron found his and together they gave us a lovely little Christmas read...even if it is almost February:)
December 17, 2024
Lovely festive romance
I do love a small town romance, especially when it's coupled with an age gap and one character finding the person and place they can call home.
I've not read any of the others in the series, so the commonality element of the travelling library didn't really mean much to me, other than it had two sweet ladies running it.
The rest of it was great, though, seeing a young man who'd pretty much got nothing but the clothes he was wearing, finding hope in the friendship of a small town, and then love with the guy who offered him shelter, put a smile on my face.
I do love a small town romance, especially when it's coupled with an age gap and one character finding the person and place they can call home.
I've not read any of the others in the series, so the commonality element of the travelling library didn't really mean much to me, other than it had two sweet ladies running it.
The rest of it was great, though, seeing a young man who'd pretty much got nothing but the clothes he was wearing, finding hope in the friendship of a small town, and then love with the guy who offered him shelter, put a smile on my face.
November 7, 2024
Anyone that knows me (or reads my reviews consistently) will know I'm not really much of a Christmas person and it's not a holiday that brings me much joy or that I consistently look forward to. Therefore I highly limit who I read holiday books from to the authors that I consistently love and from whom I could read pretty much anything. That assures me a higher possibility that I'd like it even if the theme is something I have to make efforts to enjoy. The fact that I've read this can say a lot about my opinion on Davidson's work.
Davidson King hadn't done a sweet and fluffy holiday book before, from what I can remember, but for a first attempt it is a cute one. More on the sweet side than the usual and significantly less mobs. I like that the main story is around the romance, and Christmas and the festival on everlasting spring are more a secondary plot that doesn't take away from Aaron and Daniel. That is a peeve I have with holiday romances (when the "holiday spirit" takes away from the main couple) and I'm glad there was none of that. We got a cute couple getting together in Christmas, not Christmas with a cute couple too, and I like it better that way.
Overall I'm pretty pleased with the book. I was hopeful I would and happy I am.
Davidson King hadn't done a sweet and fluffy holiday book before, from what I can remember, but for a first attempt it is a cute one. More on the sweet side than the usual and significantly less mobs. I like that the main story is around the romance, and Christmas and the festival on everlasting spring are more a secondary plot that doesn't take away from Aaron and Daniel. That is a peeve I have with holiday romances (when the "holiday spirit" takes away from the main couple) and I'm glad there was none of that. We got a cute couple getting together in Christmas, not Christmas with a cute couple too, and I like it better that way.
Overall I'm pretty pleased with the book. I was hopeful I would and happy I am.
Read
November 15, 2024This book was an amazing read! It was warm, sweet and lovely, with the right amount of holiday seasoning and two guys in the right place at the right time, even if one of them believes it's all wrong. I love the way Aaron is cautious about his surroundings and always expecting the other shoe to drop, while Daniel is just so generous and giving, but also understands Aaron's need to stand on his own tow feet.
I'm a sucker for an age gap, everything gap type story, especially when the older, more established guy is understanding and even a little gunshy of relationships himself. I also love the world building around the town and the holiday festival. It enhanced the love story and really gave the book depth.
If you're looking for a quintessential rich man/poor man, age gap, small town holiday story than look no further than Once Upon a Second Chance.
I'm a sucker for an age gap, everything gap type story, especially when the older, more established guy is understanding and even a little gunshy of relationships himself. I also love the world building around the town and the holiday festival. It enhanced the love story and really gave the book depth.
If you're looking for a quintessential rich man/poor man, age gap, small town holiday story than look no further than Once Upon a Second Chance.
January 5, 2025
Wat een geluk als je gay bent en tijdens een sneeuwstorm strandt in een klein plaatsje waar je een slaapplaats krijgt aangeboden door de enige gay man die het plaatsje rijk is. Hij is weliswaar 22 jaar jaar ouder maar wel single. En het is bijna kerst. En je bent platzak en hij eigenaar van zo´n beetje het hele dorp.
Dit alles zou een leuk romannetje kunnen vormen maar dat doet het niet. Ik heb nog nooit zoveel lieve, hulpvaardige en aardige mensen bij elkaar gelezen, iedereen houdt van iedereen, love is all around en blablabla. Ik ben er een beetje misselijk van.
Dit alles zou een leuk romannetje kunnen vormen maar dat doet het niet. Ik heb nog nooit zoveel lieve, hulpvaardige en aardige mensen bij elkaar gelezen, iedereen houdt van iedereen, love is all around en blablabla. Ik ben er een beetje misselijk van.
November 16, 2024
Odd
I’ve read this author several times and they’re usually pretty decent. I don’t know what happened here. It’s pretty bad. It reads like a children’s book. Usually they write fast paced gritty stuff, maybe they just don’t know how to write about normal things? I think everything I’ve read by them has lots of sex, the mafia, exotic dancers in a bar and everyone’s running around with guns. I quit very early in. It’s like it’s trying to be Mayberry rfd with gay guys.
I’ve read this author several times and they’re usually pretty decent. I don’t know what happened here. It’s pretty bad. It reads like a children’s book. Usually they write fast paced gritty stuff, maybe they just don’t know how to write about normal things? I think everything I’ve read by them has lots of sex, the mafia, exotic dancers in a bar and everyone’s running around with guns. I quit very early in. It’s like it’s trying to be Mayberry rfd with gay guys.
December 13, 2024
I am beginning to think that how much I like a story depends on how much I love the MCs... I just "liked" the MCs in this one... bummer!
It would appear that this author is going to be a "hit or miss" author for me, so I am going to say that this story read fast and we got our HEA... enough said!
It would appear that this author is going to be a "hit or miss" author for me, so I am going to say that this story read fast and we got our HEA... enough said!
January 4, 2025
DNF @ 37%
Daniel is the uber rich and benevolent town royalty that happens to be able to give Aaron everything he needs. Aaron is the dirt poor man who has nothing and finds himself completely reliant on Daniel.
There's not nearly enough conflict on either POV to get over how boring the premise is. All of Aaron's problems are just solved by Daniel's money. The small amount of fighting Aaron does (if you can even call it that) doesn't really amount to anything since he just gives in very quickly to letting Daniel take care of him.
Stories with such a giant power gap between the MCs need to have some conflict around the poorer MC being taken care of, otherwise it just reads as though the richer MC is just the fairy god mother that solves everything.
Daniel is the uber rich and benevolent town royalty that happens to be able to give Aaron everything he needs. Aaron is the dirt poor man who has nothing and finds himself completely reliant on Daniel.
There's not nearly enough conflict on either POV to get over how boring the premise is. All of Aaron's problems are just solved by Daniel's money. The small amount of fighting Aaron does (if you can even call it that) doesn't really amount to anything since he just gives in very quickly to letting Daniel take care of him.
Stories with such a giant power gap between the MCs need to have some conflict around the poorer MC being taken care of, otherwise it just reads as though the richer MC is just the fairy god mother that solves everything.
November 6, 2024
A great second chances romance.
This is the first book in the series which has Daniel and Aaron’s romance.
Daniel at 45 was alone living in his town preparing for a storm 2 weeks before christmas.
Aaron wasn't having the best day having a dead car in the middle of a storm without money.
A silver fox, age gap romance as they both get to know each other while a storm holds them captive. All the emotions that goes with being alone struggling, and to find love with and older man at the right time.
This is the first book in the series which has Daniel and Aaron’s romance.
Daniel at 45 was alone living in his town preparing for a storm 2 weeks before christmas.
Aaron wasn't having the best day having a dead car in the middle of a storm without money.
A silver fox, age gap romance as they both get to know each other while a storm holds them captive. All the emotions that goes with being alone struggling, and to find love with and older man at the right time.
Want to read
December 11, 202440% - Sadly, getting bored.
November 15, 2024
A full-on Christmas novella from Davidson King? Yes, please!!! King has written holiday tales before, most of them happen to be established series entries with some mention of the holiday within the book.
**Side note: for anyone who knows me knows that as a Die-Hard-is-a-Xmas-movie person that also means books with even the tiniest mention of the holiday puts that book in the holiday column.**
Okay, side note made now back to Once Upon a Second Chance. Those familiar with King's work knows that she is 99% of the time all about the mayhem and she's darn good at it but she has a sweet side too and Second Chance is proof of that. Is Second Chance a bit too holiday sweet? Never! Because lets face it, if you can't be all about the sap at Xmas than there is no acceptable level of sap that works😉. Don't get me wrong, my previous statement might make it sound like I think sap can be bad, quite the opposite, I love a good happy happy tale but it has to be done right and boy does King do it right!
Daniel and Aaron are the making of a Hallmark Channel formulaic tale but there is so much more to it and frankly, 150 times better than the HEA holiday romps the channel of love puts out. Trust me, I've seen more than I really need to as my mom is a sucker for the channel(so much so that when she was in the hospital in 2021 for 108 days, she was known as "the Hallmark lady" on 3 different floors). Daniel comes from money, Aaron does not but Daniel is so much more than his bank account. He is the kind of man we all wish our community had, a man who helps others without thinking twice about doing so and yes his money allows him extra freedom to do so but it's often not the money that does the helping but the heart behind it. Aaron on the other hand is nearly out of funds and his car breaking down near Everlasting Springs as a storm approaches might be fates way of telling him that he doesn't have to do everything alone anymore.
The storm may be the set up but it is a character in itself IMO. We all gripe about Mother Nature's evil ways but sometimes she knows what she's doing. I don't want to spoil anything but I gotta say(in hinty ways to lessen the spoil) Davidson King shows just how snowstorms(expected or unexpected - and I've experienced more than my share of both up here in wilds of Wisconsin) can be devastating beyond the typical. Snow can be heavy and when it's heavy there are more dangers than the inches(or feets) on the road or the ice underneath and unfortunately, or fortunately depending on your outlook, Aaron discovers that all too well. It has to do with his car, I've never experienced it but I've seen it, not the first thing you expect but hindsight often shows you differently.
Okay, I'm rambling as I'm a little rushed for time(not that you'd know it by the wordage😉) so I'll say simpler: Once Upon a Second Chance is a lovely holiday gem and I can't think of a better way to kick off my holiday reading. There's chemistry, humor, hard times, good times, laughter, passion, friendship, romance . . . let's face it there is everything but mobs, sci-fi, and the kitchen sink . . . oh wait, I believe Aaron does the dishes so the kitchen sink is even here😉. Davidson King's entry is part of a multi-author series that is only connected thru The Hook’s Book Nook Traveling Library so there is no right or wrong way to read the series and I know I look forward to discovering the other authors' entries.
One last personal note, I want to say a huge Thank You to Davidson King for making me smile with this holiday story. After a less than positive week for many Americans, I made myself pick this book up and start it even though I had real no desire to so at the time. Within just a few pages, I found myself letting go of current events and smiling again and realizing that keeping oneself going is the best way to deal with what is in front of us. So again, Thanks, Davidson King you and your words never fail to brighten my day.
**Side note: for anyone who knows me knows that as a Die-Hard-is-a-Xmas-movie person that also means books with even the tiniest mention of the holiday puts that book in the holiday column.**
Okay, side note made now back to Once Upon a Second Chance. Those familiar with King's work knows that she is 99% of the time all about the mayhem and she's darn good at it but she has a sweet side too and Second Chance is proof of that. Is Second Chance a bit too holiday sweet? Never! Because lets face it, if you can't be all about the sap at Xmas than there is no acceptable level of sap that works😉. Don't get me wrong, my previous statement might make it sound like I think sap can be bad, quite the opposite, I love a good happy happy tale but it has to be done right and boy does King do it right!
Daniel and Aaron are the making of a Hallmark Channel formulaic tale but there is so much more to it and frankly, 150 times better than the HEA holiday romps the channel of love puts out. Trust me, I've seen more than I really need to as my mom is a sucker for the channel(so much so that when she was in the hospital in 2021 for 108 days, she was known as "the Hallmark lady" on 3 different floors). Daniel comes from money, Aaron does not but Daniel is so much more than his bank account. He is the kind of man we all wish our community had, a man who helps others without thinking twice about doing so and yes his money allows him extra freedom to do so but it's often not the money that does the helping but the heart behind it. Aaron on the other hand is nearly out of funds and his car breaking down near Everlasting Springs as a storm approaches might be fates way of telling him that he doesn't have to do everything alone anymore.
The storm may be the set up but it is a character in itself IMO. We all gripe about Mother Nature's evil ways but sometimes she knows what she's doing. I don't want to spoil anything but I gotta say(in hinty ways to lessen the spoil) Davidson King shows just how snowstorms(expected or unexpected - and I've experienced more than my share of both up here in wilds of Wisconsin) can be devastating beyond the typical. Snow can be heavy and when it's heavy there are more dangers than the inches(or feets) on the road or the ice underneath and unfortunately, or fortunately depending on your outlook, Aaron discovers that all too well. It has to do with his car, I've never experienced it but I've seen it, not the first thing you expect but hindsight often shows you differently.
Okay, I'm rambling as I'm a little rushed for time(not that you'd know it by the wordage😉) so I'll say simpler: Once Upon a Second Chance is a lovely holiday gem and I can't think of a better way to kick off my holiday reading. There's chemistry, humor, hard times, good times, laughter, passion, friendship, romance . . . let's face it there is everything but mobs, sci-fi, and the kitchen sink . . . oh wait, I believe Aaron does the dishes so the kitchen sink is even here😉. Davidson King's entry is part of a multi-author series that is only connected thru The Hook’s Book Nook Traveling Library so there is no right or wrong way to read the series and I know I look forward to discovering the other authors' entries.
One last personal note, I want to say a huge Thank You to Davidson King for making me smile with this holiday story. After a less than positive week for many Americans, I made myself pick this book up and start it even though I had real no desire to so at the time. Within just a few pages, I found myself letting go of current events and smiling again and realizing that keeping oneself going is the best way to deal with what is in front of us. So again, Thanks, Davidson King you and your words never fail to brighten my day.
November 19, 2024
This is a gentle lovely story, with no high angst but the reality of how a person’s life changes quickly
Rating: 4.5🌈
Once Upon a Holiday Story is a new multi author holiday series that has some of my favorite writers as contributors. It starts out with a warmhearted story, Once Upon a Second Chance by Davidson King, a lovely age gap small town Christmas tale of two lonely people finding love at a time both had given up on love.
Daniel Laverton lives alone, with the exception of his cat, in Everlasting Springs, a town founded by his family and whose care and responsibility for Daniel still shoulders with love. He’s grown up there and doesn’t intend to ever leave. That has come at a cost.
But in this lovely emotional holiday story, it also brings him and a desperate young man together in a time of crisis and seasonal change.
The younger man is Aaron Darwin, someone familiar with loss and survival. A snowy night brings him to Everlasting Springs, Daniel, and a new journey ahead.
This is a gentle lovely story, with no high angst but the reality of how a person’s life changes quickly. For worse and for the better. The men feel grounded in their circumstances, their lives and the world around them. The community there has the distinct small town feel and the story wraps up in a believable, satisfying way.
I wasn’t sure until I read the description but the connection between all the books will be a traveling library, owned by a older pair of women, clearly in love, The Hook’s Book Nook Traveling Library. I would have liked a little more information about them in this story.
I think this idea as a theme and a connective element is so interesting and look forward to see how each author introduces it in their stories.
If you’re a fan of this author and holiday novels, this is a great book to dive into! Check it out and the entire series listed below.
Great covers, every single one.
Cover design by: Sleepy Fox Studio
Once Upon a Holiday series - 8 books:
Once Upon a Second Chance by Davidson King
Once Upon A Mistletoe Kiss by Sammi Cee
Once Upon a Holiday Vacation by Annabella Michaels
Once Upon a Lullaby Lane by K York
Once Upon a Christmas Con by Skylar M Cates
Once Upon A Christmas Song by Mary Calmes
Once Upon a Yuletide Romance by RJ Peterson
Once Upon A Goth Dog Solstice by R L Merrill
Rating: 4.5🌈
Once Upon a Holiday Story is a new multi author holiday series that has some of my favorite writers as contributors. It starts out with a warmhearted story, Once Upon a Second Chance by Davidson King, a lovely age gap small town Christmas tale of two lonely people finding love at a time both had given up on love.
Daniel Laverton lives alone, with the exception of his cat, in Everlasting Springs, a town founded by his family and whose care and responsibility for Daniel still shoulders with love. He’s grown up there and doesn’t intend to ever leave. That has come at a cost.
But in this lovely emotional holiday story, it also brings him and a desperate young man together in a time of crisis and seasonal change.
The younger man is Aaron Darwin, someone familiar with loss and survival. A snowy night brings him to Everlasting Springs, Daniel, and a new journey ahead.
This is a gentle lovely story, with no high angst but the reality of how a person’s life changes quickly. For worse and for the better. The men feel grounded in their circumstances, their lives and the world around them. The community there has the distinct small town feel and the story wraps up in a believable, satisfying way.
I wasn’t sure until I read the description but the connection between all the books will be a traveling library, owned by a older pair of women, clearly in love, The Hook’s Book Nook Traveling Library. I would have liked a little more information about them in this story.
I think this idea as a theme and a connective element is so interesting and look forward to see how each author introduces it in their stories.
If you’re a fan of this author and holiday novels, this is a great book to dive into! Check it out and the entire series listed below.
Great covers, every single one.
Cover design by: Sleepy Fox Studio
Once Upon a Holiday series - 8 books:
Once Upon a Second Chance by Davidson King
Once Upon A Mistletoe Kiss by Sammi Cee
Once Upon a Holiday Vacation by Annabella Michaels
Once Upon a Lullaby Lane by K York
Once Upon a Christmas Con by Skylar M Cates
Once Upon A Christmas Song by Mary Calmes
Once Upon a Yuletide Romance by RJ Peterson
Once Upon A Goth Dog Solstice by R L Merrill
November 20, 2024
Can two men weighed down by their pasts find a future with each other? Daniel Laverton is a wealthy man who was born into privilege. His family helped build Everlasting Springs, and he spends his days ensuring it prospers. The town is in his veins, the love he has for it keeping him there, happily. In his big house on the top of a hill he resides - just him, his cat, and his past. With middle age knocking at his door and the holidays approaching, loneliness is creeping in. Aaron Darwin is used to struggling. He lives a moment at a time, traveling in his not-so-trusty car, going from place to place and looking for work. When a huge storm looms, Aaron’s luck goes from bad to worse and his vehicle decides to die. With no shelter, very little money, and a town ahead that is closing down, Aaron has no idea how he will get through this impending disaster. Perhaps it’s the jingle bells in the air or his own solitude, but there’s no way Daniel can leave the man stranded. When he takes a reluctant Aaron in to hunker down and ride out the storm, the two get more than they bargained for. It is easy for them to see all the reasons they shouldn’t work and overlook all the ways they do, but it is holiday season in Everlasting Springs, a time for miracles and second chances. A time for two lonely men to realize they’ve already received the best gift for Christmas: each other.
I loved this story of the two men who were so different but perfect for each other. I loved how kind Daniel was and how determined Aaron was determined to work and pay his own way. A sweet Christmas story with all of the emotions and feelings that are normal at that time of year. Easy to read, feel and understand. This was an MM story with mature content.
I loved this story of the two men who were so different but perfect for each other. I loved how kind Daniel was and how determined Aaron was determined to work and pay his own way. A sweet Christmas story with all of the emotions and feelings that are normal at that time of year. Easy to read, feel and understand. This was an MM story with mature content.
November 16, 2024
Holiday Sweetness!
This book came at just the right time to get me looking forward to the holidays. It’s a wonderful and warm story about second chances for both main characters. Who doesn’t want to get a second chance?! Aaron and Daniel make such a swoony couple in this book. Aaron is a sweet man just trying to survive day-by-day, and Daniel is the man who comes to his rescue. They both have past regrets and must learn to let the past go and look at the here-and-now so they don’t lose the love that’s developing between them. Aaron’s used to having no one to rely on but himself and has to learn to let Daniel in. Daniel has to let go of a past love and see what love is truly supposed to look like. Daniel also struggles with their age gap, but can’t resist Aaron’s strength and courage. The small town pulling together to create a winter wonderland holiday festival has some lovely Hallmark vibes, but I have to say it doesn’t feel contrived at all. It just feels warm and inviting. I think it’s the way Davidson King writes. The stories always feel real, like you could put yourself in the character’s shoes and live their lives. I also love that this multi-author series is tied together with characters who are two ladies in love who travel all over in their bus that’s a traveling library. And there seems to be a little magic in those ladies and that bus! I’m looking forward to reading the other books in the series. Some authors I know and love, and some are new to me and I’m excited to be introduced to them!
This book came at just the right time to get me looking forward to the holidays. It’s a wonderful and warm story about second chances for both main characters. Who doesn’t want to get a second chance?! Aaron and Daniel make such a swoony couple in this book. Aaron is a sweet man just trying to survive day-by-day, and Daniel is the man who comes to his rescue. They both have past regrets and must learn to let the past go and look at the here-and-now so they don’t lose the love that’s developing between them. Aaron’s used to having no one to rely on but himself and has to learn to let Daniel in. Daniel has to let go of a past love and see what love is truly supposed to look like. Daniel also struggles with their age gap, but can’t resist Aaron’s strength and courage. The small town pulling together to create a winter wonderland holiday festival has some lovely Hallmark vibes, but I have to say it doesn’t feel contrived at all. It just feels warm and inviting. I think it’s the way Davidson King writes. The stories always feel real, like you could put yourself in the character’s shoes and live their lives. I also love that this multi-author series is tied together with characters who are two ladies in love who travel all over in their bus that’s a traveling library. And there seems to be a little magic in those ladies and that bus! I’m looking forward to reading the other books in the series. Some authors I know and love, and some are new to me and I’m excited to be introduced to them!
November 21, 2024
~~ "I can’t wait to write our story, Aaron.”
“It’s going to be the greatest tale ever told.”. ~~
Daniel is an older gentleman who runs several businesses in Everlasting Springs, his hometown. He does what he can to give back to the community he loves so much. When he finds out a young man got locked in his store with no place to go, he offers to let the man stay with him through the storm. That's where the story between Daniel and Aaron starts.
Aaron lives in his car traveling around different towns looking for work. On one snowy evening his car breaks down leaving him stranded in a small town in the middle of a storm. What started off as something bad ended up turning into something good.
I thought this story was cute, it's very reminiscent of a Hallmark film. It's full of holiday cheer, festive celebrations, and giving back to those who need help but don't know how to ask for it. Aaron and Daniel are good together they balance each other out. I liked how Daniel didn't push Aaron into accepting anything 'freely', he found a way to help Aaron while also still respecting Aaron's wants and wishes.
The traveling book nook was unique and I loved that it was mysterious and full of magic.
“It’s going to be the greatest tale ever told.”. ~~
Daniel is an older gentleman who runs several businesses in Everlasting Springs, his hometown. He does what he can to give back to the community he loves so much. When he finds out a young man got locked in his store with no place to go, he offers to let the man stay with him through the storm. That's where the story between Daniel and Aaron starts.
Aaron lives in his car traveling around different towns looking for work. On one snowy evening his car breaks down leaving him stranded in a small town in the middle of a storm. What started off as something bad ended up turning into something good.
I thought this story was cute, it's very reminiscent of a Hallmark film. It's full of holiday cheer, festive celebrations, and giving back to those who need help but don't know how to ask for it. Aaron and Daniel are good together they balance each other out. I liked how Daniel didn't push Aaron into accepting anything 'freely', he found a way to help Aaron while also still respecting Aaron's wants and wishes.
The traveling book nook was unique and I loved that it was mysterious and full of magic.
December 18, 2024
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What a wonderful holiday romance.
Small-town vibes, two really great guys, a little hurt comfort, an age gap, and a lot of tenderness.
Aaron - a young man who’s known struggles more than he’s known safety and comfort and home.
Daniel - an older wealthy man with a heart of gold and deep ties with the small-town, but with the sting of lost love weighing on his heart.
The tentative friendship, turned fling, turned so much more is sweet and patient. I love how important they become to each other so quickly and the healing they each help with. But equally beautiful was the town's role in their story.
The common element to the series - The Hook’s Book Nook - is fun, though a small part - the two women who run it are wonderful, I would love a series about them and their travels.
What a wonderful holiday romance.
Small-town vibes, two really great guys, a little hurt comfort, an age gap, and a lot of tenderness.
Aaron - a young man who’s known struggles more than he’s known safety and comfort and home.
Daniel - an older wealthy man with a heart of gold and deep ties with the small-town, but with the sting of lost love weighing on his heart.
The tentative friendship, turned fling, turned so much more is sweet and patient. I love how important they become to each other so quickly and the healing they each help with. But equally beautiful was the town's role in their story.
The common element to the series - The Hook’s Book Nook - is fun, though a small part - the two women who run it are wonderful, I would love a series about them and their travels.
November 15, 2024
So, I may or may not have been accused of having a bah humbug attitude. Truth be told, I don't really enjoy the Christmas holiday or many of the tons of holiday-themed stories out there. I do, however, love this author's work so I thought I'd give Once Upon A Second Chance a whirl. Daniel and Aaron's novella is part of a multi author ‘Once Upon A Holiday' series with a travelling library connecting each story. It was a pleasant surprise, too, as it's definitely weighted more towards their meeting and developing relationship that just happened to be during the holiday season with some Christmassy stuff happening rather than it being all about the holiday with the relationship being almost like a subplot…it strikes the right balance for me.
What we have is a great opposites attract tale with Daniel’s stable background and steadfast nature being the perfect foil to Aaron's slightly chaotic situation living out of his car and the flight response it’s created in him. There's a fairly significant age gap, too which is handled well.
Generally speaking, I really like the world building, too. Everlasting Springs has great small-town vibes with a cast of side characters with the potential to make any future series in this setting interesting. I've no idea if that's a plan, but I would happily read more books in this universe.
An ARC was provided by the author. This is my honest review.
What we have is a great opposites attract tale with Daniel’s stable background and steadfast nature being the perfect foil to Aaron's slightly chaotic situation living out of his car and the flight response it’s created in him. There's a fairly significant age gap, too which is handled well.
Generally speaking, I really like the world building, too. Everlasting Springs has great small-town vibes with a cast of side characters with the potential to make any future series in this setting interesting. I've no idea if that's a plan, but I would happily read more books in this universe.
An ARC was provided by the author. This is my honest review.
November 14, 2024
Aaron lives a hand to mouth existence. His car is his only friend. When she breaks down outside Everlasting Springs he’s desperate and afraid. Unprepared for a raging snowstorm, he’s rescued by Daniel. Daniel has a fulfilling life in Everlasting Springs. The town is his Touchstone. He’s been other places but Everlasting Springs is it for him.
I really liked the main characters. Daniel, so sure of the world around him and his place in it, just a bit lonely. Aaron sure of nothing at all. Daniel is a truly kind person whose need to help Aaron gives them both what they didn’t know they needed. Their burgeoning relationship was sweet and spicy.
Everlasting Springs has its own personality. The town is full of kind souls and holiday blessings. This book is a sweet, gentle story about love found. No mystery or real angst, just a perfect read for the holidays.
Review Copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads.
I really liked the main characters. Daniel, so sure of the world around him and his place in it, just a bit lonely. Aaron sure of nothing at all. Daniel is a truly kind person whose need to help Aaron gives them both what they didn’t know they needed. Their burgeoning relationship was sweet and spicy.
Everlasting Springs has its own personality. The town is full of kind souls and holiday blessings. This book is a sweet, gentle story about love found. No mystery or real angst, just a perfect read for the holidays.
Review Copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads.
November 19, 2024
Welcome to Everlasting Springs! Home to Daniel, and soon to be home to Aaron.
Aaron has the misfortune to have car problems right outside Everlasting Springs on a night with an incoming snowstorm. Daniel takes the stranger in to wait out the storm and slowly begins seeing Aaron in a different light. Both need something from the other without knowing it. Aaron agrees to help out with the town’s upcoming Christmas festival in exchange for Daniel paying to fix his car, and the rest is history.
This was a very cute Christmas story. I’m not generally one for Christmas stories, but there is something cute and magically about a small town Christmas festivities. There’s that extra special magical feeling while reading it. Davidson King does a fantastic job pulling you in and keeping you pulled into the story!
*Reader Note: I received a free copy of this book directly from the author, and this is my honest review.
Aaron has the misfortune to have car problems right outside Everlasting Springs on a night with an incoming snowstorm. Daniel takes the stranger in to wait out the storm and slowly begins seeing Aaron in a different light. Both need something from the other without knowing it. Aaron agrees to help out with the town’s upcoming Christmas festival in exchange for Daniel paying to fix his car, and the rest is history.
This was a very cute Christmas story. I’m not generally one for Christmas stories, but there is something cute and magically about a small town Christmas festivities. There’s that extra special magical feeling while reading it. Davidson King does a fantastic job pulling you in and keeping you pulled into the story!
*Reader Note: I received a free copy of this book directly from the author, and this is my honest review.
November 20, 2024
4.5 Stars!
I pretty much signed up to review this book because it's written by Davidson King and while it's sweeter than her usual fare, I was definitely not disappointed.
Aaron broke my heart. He had gone through so much for being so young. Homeless and alone, and had lost hope he'd ever catch a break. Daniel took him in when Aaron needed it, and despite the large age gap they seemed perfect for each other. Daniel loved taking care of Aaron, and Aaron provided Daniel with the company he sorely needed. It went further than that, though, there was this mutual attraction and admiration, and they just fit.
Overall, this was a lovely romance, a second chance at love for Daniel and Aaron finding a place where he belonged at last. A heartwarming read, just perfect for the holidays! Highly recommendable!
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
I pretty much signed up to review this book because it's written by Davidson King and while it's sweeter than her usual fare, I was definitely not disappointed.
Aaron broke my heart. He had gone through so much for being so young. Homeless and alone, and had lost hope he'd ever catch a break. Daniel took him in when Aaron needed it, and despite the large age gap they seemed perfect for each other. Daniel loved taking care of Aaron, and Aaron provided Daniel with the company he sorely needed. It went further than that, though, there was this mutual attraction and admiration, and they just fit.
Overall, this was a lovely romance, a second chance at love for Daniel and Aaron finding a place where he belonged at last. A heartwarming read, just perfect for the holidays! Highly recommendable!
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
November 13, 2024
Aaron finds himself in trouble at Christmas time and is desperately in need of some holiday cheer.
Daniel is an older man who's that last living descendant of his line in Everlasting Springs.
Lately the loneliness has been getting harder and harder to ignore.
When the opportunity to help Aaron falls into his lap he jumps on the chance.
Initially he's just being nice but there's definitely a spark of attraction between them.
Aaron's had a hard life and he's never really had anyone to depend on.
He finds it hard to accept Daniel's help and kindness.
Daniel is afraid he's too old for Aaron and tries to keep some distance between them.
Eventually both realize they have to take a chance or run the risk of loosing out on something beautiful.
I loved the small town, found family aspect.
Daniel is an older man who's that last living descendant of his line in Everlasting Springs.
Lately the loneliness has been getting harder and harder to ignore.
When the opportunity to help Aaron falls into his lap he jumps on the chance.
Initially he's just being nice but there's definitely a spark of attraction between them.
Aaron's had a hard life and he's never really had anyone to depend on.
He finds it hard to accept Daniel's help and kindness.
Daniel is afraid he's too old for Aaron and tries to keep some distance between them.
Eventually both realize they have to take a chance or run the risk of loosing out on something beautiful.
I loved the small town, found family aspect.
January 2, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/6.
🌶️🌶️/5.
Daniel is such a beautiful soul. He loves the city his family built for all those years and he cares about everyone who lives there so when a young man ends up inside his closed restaurant and he sees the predicament he is in, Daniel just wants to help this man and he does just that.
Aaron has had it rough and has been living in his car for a long while so when this kind hearted man offers his home to him, a stranger, he just can't believe it is even happening. In a way it restores a bit of faith in humans.
Anyways I liked the way these two meshed together. They understood what each other needs and they are perfect for each other because they compliment each other.
I liked the town a lot because everyone knows everyone but most of all, they are good people and they love helping others so that's just awesome to see.
🌶️🌶️/5.
Daniel is such a beautiful soul. He loves the city his family built for all those years and he cares about everyone who lives there so when a young man ends up inside his closed restaurant and he sees the predicament he is in, Daniel just wants to help this man and he does just that.
Aaron has had it rough and has been living in his car for a long while so when this kind hearted man offers his home to him, a stranger, he just can't believe it is even happening. In a way it restores a bit of faith in humans.
Anyways I liked the way these two meshed together. They understood what each other needs and they are perfect for each other because they compliment each other.
I liked the town a lot because everyone knows everyone but most of all, they are good people and they love helping others so that's just awesome to see.
November 9, 2025
Once Upon a Second Chance
Daniel is all the family descended from the town founder left living in the town. He’s content to take care of his various town businesses and loves where he lives. Aaron is a wanderer, working odd jobs for enough to keep moving, but his car (and home) breaks down just outside of town right as a big storm descends. On an impulse, Daniel takes him home to ride out the storm, and then puts him to work around town. As they grow closer, Daniel thinks of his other o e chance at a relationship, and lets some of his fear get in the way, but they work together, and work things out with the help of the traveling library ladies, and they get their hard won HEA!
Daniel is all the family descended from the town founder left living in the town. He’s content to take care of his various town businesses and loves where he lives. Aaron is a wanderer, working odd jobs for enough to keep moving, but his car (and home) breaks down just outside of town right as a big storm descends. On an impulse, Daniel takes him home to ride out the storm, and then puts him to work around town. As they grow closer, Daniel thinks of his other o e chance at a relationship, and lets some of his fear get in the way, but they work together, and work things out with the help of the traveling library ladies, and they get their hard won HEA!
November 8, 2024
I loved it. Aaron is always on the road trying to find odd jobs to get by. When his car dies on the road several miles from Everlasting Springs, he walks to town and grabs some groceries. When he is locked accidentally in the store, he settles down. Daniel is called in after he gets a call from the sheriff to know the motion detector in the grocery store keeps getting set off. When he meets Aaron, he offers him a place to stay at his home. This is the start of their story as they got to know each other and fall in love. If you love age gap, sweet Christmas stories, this is the one for you. You will definitely not be disappointed.
November 14, 2024
Once Upon A Second Chance by Davidson King is a deliciously feel good holiday romance. From the small town setting to the amazing MC's, I fell in love with this story.
Daniel and Aaron are just what the other needed. Each man has such a capacity for love. Daniel gives so much of himself to the town he loves and to his family but hasn't found that forever love for himself. Aaron has been alone and struggling for too long. He isn't sure how to open himself up to the love and support that Daniel is offering to him.
These two come together in an unexpected way and it is the best holiday gift they good have dreamed for.
I loved watching these two blossom under the love they share.
Daniel and Aaron are just what the other needed. Each man has such a capacity for love. Daniel gives so much of himself to the town he loves and to his family but hasn't found that forever love for himself. Aaron has been alone and struggling for too long. He isn't sure how to open himself up to the love and support that Daniel is offering to him.
These two come together in an unexpected way and it is the best holiday gift they good have dreamed for.
I loved watching these two blossom under the love they share.
November 15, 2024
I have to say I enjoy nothing better than when someone who seemingly has it all because they have money, and stability finds what they were really missing. I loved that Daniel was so happy in his town. It was always and always will be home for him. But he really did that one special one. He did not expect to come in the form of young stranger who gets stuck in town with nowhere to go. Aaron has been on the move just trying to stay afloat and find himself. He really shined once Daniel took him in and they started spending time together. This was the lovely simple kind of holiday read with all wonderful characters that I crave cuddling up too!
November 15, 2024
Once Upon a Second Chance by Davidson King is a heartwarming, low-angst Christmas story that centers on two main characters: Daniel, a wealthy man who feels like life has passed him by, and Aaron, a young homeless man whose car breaks down before a big storm. As they cross paths, Daniel steps in to help Aaron, offering him both shelter and care during a difficult time. Despite Aaron’s traumatic past, he’s a resilient and lovable character, and it's uplifting to see Daniel spoil him with kindness and support. The story also highlights the warmth and love of Daniel’s family, making it a feel-good, festive read full of compassion and second chances.
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