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Matchmakers #1
Second Chances
***Also available as part of Matchmakers: A Shifting Isles Trilogy (ISBN 978-1534740860)***
Nineteen-year-old porn star Remy Dawes loves his job at Matchmakers, a gay nightclub, but the fantasy he portrays every night doesn't leave room for what he really wants: companionship, love, someone to come home to, someone just for him. Who would ever take seriously a kid who practically sells his body for others' pleasure?
Thirty-five-year-old Chance Whitaker has sworn off dating younger men after having been cheated on one too many times, until the owner of Matchmakers convinces him to take a chance on Remy Dawes, a gorgeous kid who surprises Chance at every turn.
As things fall apart through meddling, death, and betrayal, will there be a second chance for two people to find love?
(Note: This story takes place in a fictional world, the same as the Shifting Isles series. There are multiple gods, different names for the days of the week, etc. A glossary is included with the story for those interested in the little worldbuilding details.)
Nineteen-year-old porn star Remy Dawes loves his job at Matchmakers, a gay nightclub, but the fantasy he portrays every night doesn't leave room for what he really wants: companionship, love, someone to come home to, someone just for him. Who would ever take seriously a kid who practically sells his body for others' pleasure?
Thirty-five-year-old Chance Whitaker has sworn off dating younger men after having been cheated on one too many times, until the owner of Matchmakers convinces him to take a chance on Remy Dawes, a gorgeous kid who surprises Chance at every turn.
As things fall apart through meddling, death, and betrayal, will there be a second chance for two people to find love?
(Note: This story takes place in a fictional world, the same as the Shifting Isles series. There are multiple gods, different names for the days of the week, etc. A glossary is included with the story for those interested in the little worldbuilding details.)
326 pages, Paperback
First published July 24, 2016
44 people are currently reading
99 people want to read
About the author
G.R. Lyons
70 books259 followersG.R. Lyons stumbled into writing as a form of trauma recovery when traditional therapy wasn't working.
Then the story ideas just kept on coming.
Pulling from a vivid imagination as well as real-life experience as a trans man, a sexual assault survivor, and a person living with mental illness, Lyons has written multiple, interconnected series set within his fictional world of the Shifting Isles.
When not writing, Lyons can be found belly dancing around the house, studying anarcho-capitalist philosophy, buried in his never-ending TBR pile, or working out at the local CrossFit gym.
Then the story ideas just kept on coming.
Pulling from a vivid imagination as well as real-life experience as a trans man, a sexual assault survivor, and a person living with mental illness, Lyons has written multiple, interconnected series set within his fictional world of the Shifting Isles.
When not writing, Lyons can be found belly dancing around the house, studying anarcho-capitalist philosophy, buried in his never-ending TBR pile, or working out at the local CrossFit gym.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
March 14, 2017
*A copy of this book was provided for free by the author in exchange for an honest review.*
This book wasn't for me. Like at all. For most of the book it was fine. No major objections to anything, just no major love or feeling for anything either. But at about the 75/80% mark, something happens that is NOT handled well at all. Now with that rant over. Remy and Chance are fine. I don't particularly like either one of them. I have to cut Remy some slack because he's only 19 but he never clicked for me. Chance has no such leeway. I figure he'll get a lot of heat for how he reacted post the above spoiler, but that didn't bother me. I got his perspective for the most part. What irked me was the constant insecurity over if anyone could ever be faithful. Either get over it or just don't date. It's not that complicated. I didn't mind his opinion on Remy's job. I appreciate seeing the struggle any rational person would have. I hated how every misunderstanding or complication was painted as Chance being unreasonable and his needing to apologize. Mostly it was. But there were a couple of times where it was so annoying that it was so one-sided. This book is also set in some weird alternate universe where not much is that different, just enough to be slightly off. It was bizarre and knocked me out of the book each time. There was no world building to explain. Just passing references and a glossary at the end. Oh and I didn't even mention Remy's crazy step father and how he served ZERO purpose to the plot. Why even bother having that included?
All that said, I find myself curious about the couples that this book set up. I want to know about Dan and Bryan. I'm interested in Shain. So maybe I'll still end up checking those out.
This book wasn't for me. Like at all. For most of the book it was fine. No major objections to anything, just no major love or feeling for anything either. But at about the 75/80% mark, something happens that is NOT handled well at all. Now with that rant over. Remy and Chance are fine. I don't particularly like either one of them. I have to cut Remy some slack because he's only 19 but he never clicked for me. Chance has no such leeway. I figure he'll get a lot of heat for how he reacted post the above spoiler, but that didn't bother me. I got his perspective for the most part. What irked me was the constant insecurity over if anyone could ever be faithful. Either get over it or just don't date. It's not that complicated. I didn't mind his opinion on Remy's job. I appreciate seeing the struggle any rational person would have. I hated how every misunderstanding or complication was painted as Chance being unreasonable and his needing to apologize. Mostly it was. But there were a couple of times where it was so annoying that it was so one-sided. This book is also set in some weird alternate universe where not much is that different, just enough to be slightly off. It was bizarre and knocked me out of the book each time. There was no world building to explain. Just passing references and a glossary at the end. Oh and I didn't even mention Remy's crazy step father and how he served ZERO purpose to the plot. Why even bother having that included?
All that said, I find myself curious about the couples that this book set up. I want to know about Dan and Bryan. I'm interested in Shain. So maybe I'll still end up checking those out.
May 19, 2017
Teaser
First let's clear up the only real issue I had, the days of the week. If you pick this book up, please, go to the glossary first.
What to say about Second Chances by G.R. Lyons? Interesting, confusing, atrocious communication skills, adorable, drama - let me repeat that one DRAMA! [That] sets the stage for a unique and interesting trilogy.
Second Chances is one of those books that elicits many emotions as you turn the page.
Read Full Review at Kimmers’ Erotic Book Banter
http://bit.ly/2qrvPq1
First let's clear up the only real issue I had, the days of the week. If you pick this book up, please, go to the glossary first.
What to say about Second Chances by G.R. Lyons? Interesting, confusing, atrocious communication skills, adorable, drama - let me repeat that one DRAMA! [That] sets the stage for a unique and interesting trilogy.
Second Chances is one of those books that elicits many emotions as you turn the page.
Read Full Review at Kimmers’ Erotic Book Banter
http://bit.ly/2qrvPq1
probably-not-but-freebie
March 15, 2019Freebie at the zon.com right now: https://www.amazon.com/Second-Chances...
December 16, 2016
This book had so many highs and lows it made my head spin. I loved Remy and how mature he is and how he loved with all of his heart even though his life was absolutely filled with heartache and grief. On so many occasions I wanted to scream at Chance to get his head out of his A$$. The other thing is Matty and his nonsense. How on earth did Remy give Matty so many chances, and why on earth did Danny give him a second chance after what he did to him. The writing was ok but I was confused about the use of the weird days and could not tell where this was set. I see there are numerous other stories and I will definitely read more.
September 17, 2016
Wow, all the drama! Good story, but I feel a little whiplashy with the we're so in love, now we're devastated with betrayal, now we're together, now we're hurt again... Looking forward to reading the next story and finding out about Chance's brother.
December 15, 2018
So many things pissed me off about this book, from the characters to the things that happened, that I can't believe I finished the book.
September 1, 2017
Second Chances is the first book in the Matchmakers series - set in a world similar yet different to our own. Chance is an old man (his words, not mine), but he likes a younger man. He is understandably wary though, after being burnt by his last partner. This happened about three years ago, and he hasn't really had anyone since. Remy is a nineteen-year-old with an old man's soul. He has lived and experienced more in his nineteen years than some will throughout their whole lifetime. Due to Chance's preconceptions of Remy, they get off to a rough start, and it is constantly bumpy for them.
I loved this story! Every time that Remy challenged (and won) one of Chance's judgements had me cheering. Now, this isn't all light and laughter, people, so don't think that it is. There is one scene that is horrible, as is the aftermath. There is also Remy's job and how Chance has to deal with it, come to terms with it, if he can.
NO SPOILERS - but I was surprised with how Danny dealt with 'the situation', especially as it is revealed that he has also been in the same situation with the same person! My jaw dropped then, I can tell you. That was one character that I disliked from the beginning (not Danny), and Remy is definitely a better person than I am, because I don't think I would be that forgiving!!!!
This is exceedingly well written, with no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow. The characters are all well-rounded, with their own quirks and foibles. The pacing is smooth, the story gripping. Seriously, for me, this book has it all. Highly recommended.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comment here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
I loved this story! Every time that Remy challenged (and won) one of Chance's judgements had me cheering. Now, this isn't all light and laughter, people, so don't think that it is. There is one scene that is horrible, as is the aftermath. There is also Remy's job and how Chance has to deal with it, come to terms with it, if he can.
NO SPOILERS - but I was surprised with how Danny dealt with 'the situation', especially as it is revealed that he has also been in the same situation with the same person! My jaw dropped then, I can tell you. That was one character that I disliked from the beginning (not Danny), and Remy is definitely a better person than I am, because I don't think I would be that forgiving!!!!
This is exceedingly well written, with no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow. The characters are all well-rounded, with their own quirks and foibles. The pacing is smooth, the story gripping. Seriously, for me, this book has it all. Highly recommended.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comment here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
February 18, 2018
Read this book in one sitting, really good
I received this book from the author for an honest opinion.
This was a new to me author but the book description intrigued me so I decided to have a punt on it and I'm so glad I did. This book was really good and I thoroughly enjoyed these characters. The writing was free flowing and sucked you right into the plot, I was definitely rooting for these characaters to achieve there happy ending.
Remy is a porn star/stripper that works at matchmakers a gay club. He's lonely and wanting some deep meaning relationship.
Chance has been burnt from a younger man before so is in no hurry to repeat the past, but when his friend who owns matchmakers tries to set him up with one of his employees he's dubious especially when he finds out its one of the adult workers at the club. Though he's brushing this idea off, secretly he's hoping that his friends reputation for setting up love matches could just come true for him.
Remy has had a dramatic heart breaking past with abuse, and a devastating murder of his baby sister that has haunted him to this day and set him on the course that is his life as of now. With the help of a friend, he gets on his feet but with his relationship taking off with Chance misunderstanding, jealousy and betrayal might just threaten Remy and Chance's happy ending.
This book details some dramatic scenes that makes your heart just break for the characters but I enjoyed them coming back from diversity to something strong. As mentioned at the start of the book there is alternative words for the days of the week which threw me at first but once understood its fine as you get a glossary of the world that the story is set in. A really good book and I'm looking forward to the next.
I received this book from the author for an honest opinion.
This was a new to me author but the book description intrigued me so I decided to have a punt on it and I'm so glad I did. This book was really good and I thoroughly enjoyed these characters. The writing was free flowing and sucked you right into the plot, I was definitely rooting for these characaters to achieve there happy ending.
Remy is a porn star/stripper that works at matchmakers a gay club. He's lonely and wanting some deep meaning relationship.
Chance has been burnt from a younger man before so is in no hurry to repeat the past, but when his friend who owns matchmakers tries to set him up with one of his employees he's dubious especially when he finds out its one of the adult workers at the club. Though he's brushing this idea off, secretly he's hoping that his friends reputation for setting up love matches could just come true for him.
Remy has had a dramatic heart breaking past with abuse, and a devastating murder of his baby sister that has haunted him to this day and set him on the course that is his life as of now. With the help of a friend, he gets on his feet but with his relationship taking off with Chance misunderstanding, jealousy and betrayal might just threaten Remy and Chance's happy ending.
This book details some dramatic scenes that makes your heart just break for the characters but I enjoyed them coming back from diversity to something strong. As mentioned at the start of the book there is alternative words for the days of the week which threw me at first but once understood its fine as you get a glossary of the world that the story is set in. A really good book and I'm looking forward to the next.
March 11, 2017
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.
The story is set in a fictional earth-like world which has multiple gods, different names for the six days of the week, seasons and months of the year. The age of consent seems to be very young. On stage pornography and prostitution are legal and socially acceptable. Modern medicine is amazingly accelerated even though there are still concerns about age old issues like STDs. There are events and characters drawn from the Shifting Isles series, which probably provides a better understanding of this world, but this story is clearly a stand-alone book and the first in its own series. On the surface this story is focused around the development of a relationship between 35-year-old Chance Whitaker and 19-year-old Remy Dawes. Like the title suggests, in this story love isn’t the only thing that needs and gets a second chance.
Chance is attracted to younger men. His past love interests have cheated on him and after his latest failed relationship, Chance has determined this is the last time. This isn’t what he desires though. What he really wants is a loving lifetime companion, who is devoted solely and unconditionally to him, to come home to at the end of his day. Chance’s life-long friend Danny owns Matchmakers, a club which features male dancers and on stage sex shows. Danny, true to the name of his club is known for his very successful ability to predict and facilitate perfect pairings. To this end, Danny brings together Chance and his featured dancer Remy.
Remy is the epitome of don’t judge a book by its cover. Remy is 19 going on 30. He has had a hard life and, as the story opens, maintains a constant state of vigilance in his home against an attack. He began his independent life as a porn star and moved on to become a featured and much sought after dancer in Matchmakers where he also performs sex acts on stage and can provide private sexual services in a back room. Ironically, though Remy enjoys his work, what he wants is a loving lifetime companion, who is devoted solely and unconditionally to him, to come home to at the end of his day.
As their relationships goes through the paces and pains that unfold in this story Chance and Remy learn a great more than they ever thought they would about each other, themselves life and love. There is enough intrigue, comedy and adventure to keep this story moving forward at a steady pace. I don’t believe in including spoilers so you will have to read the book to find out what these things are. The supporting details of this alternate universe are a little distracting but not enough to keep me from reading this book through and looking to read the next book in the series. Did you consider this book and pass it up? Look again. Give it a second chance.
The story is set in a fictional earth-like world which has multiple gods, different names for the six days of the week, seasons and months of the year. The age of consent seems to be very young. On stage pornography and prostitution are legal and socially acceptable. Modern medicine is amazingly accelerated even though there are still concerns about age old issues like STDs. There are events and characters drawn from the Shifting Isles series, which probably provides a better understanding of this world, but this story is clearly a stand-alone book and the first in its own series. On the surface this story is focused around the development of a relationship between 35-year-old Chance Whitaker and 19-year-old Remy Dawes. Like the title suggests, in this story love isn’t the only thing that needs and gets a second chance.
Chance is attracted to younger men. His past love interests have cheated on him and after his latest failed relationship, Chance has determined this is the last time. This isn’t what he desires though. What he really wants is a loving lifetime companion, who is devoted solely and unconditionally to him, to come home to at the end of his day. Chance’s life-long friend Danny owns Matchmakers, a club which features male dancers and on stage sex shows. Danny, true to the name of his club is known for his very successful ability to predict and facilitate perfect pairings. To this end, Danny brings together Chance and his featured dancer Remy.
Remy is the epitome of don’t judge a book by its cover. Remy is 19 going on 30. He has had a hard life and, as the story opens, maintains a constant state of vigilance in his home against an attack. He began his independent life as a porn star and moved on to become a featured and much sought after dancer in Matchmakers where he also performs sex acts on stage and can provide private sexual services in a back room. Ironically, though Remy enjoys his work, what he wants is a loving lifetime companion, who is devoted solely and unconditionally to him, to come home to at the end of his day.
As their relationships goes through the paces and pains that unfold in this story Chance and Remy learn a great more than they ever thought they would about each other, themselves life and love. There is enough intrigue, comedy and adventure to keep this story moving forward at a steady pace. I don’t believe in including spoilers so you will have to read the book to find out what these things are. The supporting details of this alternate universe are a little distracting but not enough to keep me from reading this book through and looking to read the next book in the series. Did you consider this book and pass it up? Look again. Give it a second chance.
December 8, 2017
This was one incredible book and I actually can't wait to get off here and start the new one! I laughed, I cried, I fell in love with the characters. I anguished when something happened with them. It still has me reeling. The writing was so on point you couldn't help be drawn in and feel like you were right there with every step.
These two characters, Remy and Chance, were just….incredible. The ups and downs, the pasts, the crap they kept going through and yet they kept fighting. Remy is a dancer or stripper, he does both. He does live porn. But all that means nothing to him. It's just a job. What he really wants is someone to come home to, or someone to come home to him. He wants love. He wants long-term. He wants lazy days in bed, and cooking together and the dog and white picket fence. But he needs someone who will look past what he does for a living. And someone who will love him despite that and what he's been through. When his boss and friend, Danny, offers to fix him up with older Chance, he figures why not? But Chance has had it with young men. They aren't mature and they are always cheating on him and he has had enough. Against his better judgement, he agrees with Danny to come meet Remy. But he's dreading it knowing what Remy does. When Remy blows his mind with a kiss that leaves him breathless, he really wants to see where this goes. But life has a way of intervening at every turn and this relationship almost doesn't even make it off the ground. And it keeps digging in hits. But they try to keep going and keep strong hoping that love will be enough.
Gah. These two. I don't know which just ran me through emotions more. I think my sympathy would go more to Remy for what he's been through, but even though Chance hasn't had it quite as bad, he has still been through some stuff of his own. The opening paragraphs of this book, though, just utterly break me as far as Remy is concerned. The first breaking, lol. He wants love so bad. He wants someone to come home to. He's so lonely. And he's such an incredible young man. He's smart, considerate, always trying to take care of others, he has the most incredible personality, no matter what he has been through. And he goes through even more. But he may cry and be lost for a bit but he keeps getting back up and fighting. He keeps getting up with the hope that love is around the corner for him. And when Danny sets him up with Chance, he finally feels like he's found what he's looking for. But he doesn't know if Chance feels the same.
Chance is sick of young men. He loves the younger men but dang he's tired of being cheated on. Chance is such a good guy himself. He's caring and thoughtful, hardworking and wants someone to love himself. It's been over a year but he just can't bring himself to get back into dating because he can't let himself trust again. When he agrees with Danny to meet Remy, he really doesn't want to but knows Danny would leave him alone if he don't. And Remy blows him away. With one simple kiss. He can't get Remy out of his mind. He runs into him at a coffee shop and as they are getting to know each other, he makes a huge ass of himself. He keeps stereotyping Remy, just because of his work. Now I'm so not going to lie here. This is not the only time he does this to Remy and I want to punch him every time. I'm screaming at the page, going “just get to know him!” I know it's hard when your potential boyfriend screws others for a living. It's hard to wrap your head around the fact that it's just a job. I don't know if I could do it, to be honest. Not to be judgemental. But it's a lot to take. The passion between these two is just combustible and you can't help but root for them to get together. As they are finding their way together, everything is against them. Even friends.
You know, every day in life we are hit with something. It may be something minute, but it's there. And having the strength to overcome, no matter how small it may be, is huge. And this book is very much taken after it's title. Second Chances. We have to give second chances if it's worth it. Sometimes third, fourth, fifth, etc. chances. We have to keep fighting every day. And life is going to throw curveballs every chance it gets. What we choose to do is what matters. Second Chances. Remy and Chance have to learn that as well. And that's what I love about this book. They go through some absolute hell in this book, but they keep going, because it's worth it. I really recommend this book. It's full of hope, love, angst, betrayal, and so much more. But it's worth it. It's beautiful even when you are screaming at the pages or bawling your eyes out. And it's one that will be on my shelves to read over and over again.
These two characters, Remy and Chance, were just….incredible. The ups and downs, the pasts, the crap they kept going through and yet they kept fighting. Remy is a dancer or stripper, he does both. He does live porn. But all that means nothing to him. It's just a job. What he really wants is someone to come home to, or someone to come home to him. He wants love. He wants long-term. He wants lazy days in bed, and cooking together and the dog and white picket fence. But he needs someone who will look past what he does for a living. And someone who will love him despite that and what he's been through. When his boss and friend, Danny, offers to fix him up with older Chance, he figures why not? But Chance has had it with young men. They aren't mature and they are always cheating on him and he has had enough. Against his better judgement, he agrees with Danny to come meet Remy. But he's dreading it knowing what Remy does. When Remy blows his mind with a kiss that leaves him breathless, he really wants to see where this goes. But life has a way of intervening at every turn and this relationship almost doesn't even make it off the ground. And it keeps digging in hits. But they try to keep going and keep strong hoping that love will be enough.
Gah. These two. I don't know which just ran me through emotions more. I think my sympathy would go more to Remy for what he's been through, but even though Chance hasn't had it quite as bad, he has still been through some stuff of his own. The opening paragraphs of this book, though, just utterly break me as far as Remy is concerned. The first breaking, lol. He wants love so bad. He wants someone to come home to. He's so lonely. And he's such an incredible young man. He's smart, considerate, always trying to take care of others, he has the most incredible personality, no matter what he has been through. And he goes through even more. But he may cry and be lost for a bit but he keeps getting back up and fighting. He keeps getting up with the hope that love is around the corner for him. And when Danny sets him up with Chance, he finally feels like he's found what he's looking for. But he doesn't know if Chance feels the same.
Chance is sick of young men. He loves the younger men but dang he's tired of being cheated on. Chance is such a good guy himself. He's caring and thoughtful, hardworking and wants someone to love himself. It's been over a year but he just can't bring himself to get back into dating because he can't let himself trust again. When he agrees with Danny to meet Remy, he really doesn't want to but knows Danny would leave him alone if he don't. And Remy blows him away. With one simple kiss. He can't get Remy out of his mind. He runs into him at a coffee shop and as they are getting to know each other, he makes a huge ass of himself. He keeps stereotyping Remy, just because of his work. Now I'm so not going to lie here. This is not the only time he does this to Remy and I want to punch him every time. I'm screaming at the page, going “just get to know him!” I know it's hard when your potential boyfriend screws others for a living. It's hard to wrap your head around the fact that it's just a job. I don't know if I could do it, to be honest. Not to be judgemental. But it's a lot to take. The passion between these two is just combustible and you can't help but root for them to get together. As they are finding their way together, everything is against them. Even friends.
You know, every day in life we are hit with something. It may be something minute, but it's there. And having the strength to overcome, no matter how small it may be, is huge. And this book is very much taken after it's title. Second Chances. We have to give second chances if it's worth it. Sometimes third, fourth, fifth, etc. chances. We have to keep fighting every day. And life is going to throw curveballs every chance it gets. What we choose to do is what matters. Second Chances. Remy and Chance have to learn that as well. And that's what I love about this book. They go through some absolute hell in this book, but they keep going, because it's worth it. I really recommend this book. It's full of hope, love, angst, betrayal, and so much more. But it's worth it. It's beautiful even when you are screaming at the pages or bawling your eyes out. And it's one that will be on my shelves to read over and over again.
February 17, 2018
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review
Goodness, this book destroyed me. I loved it with all my heart, and at the same time I wanted to go inside and knock some sense into somebody, yes Chance, I'm talking about you.
Remy was such a sweet guy, that went through a lot and came out the winner. He was so mature and so strong for his age and dare I say even innocent (doesn't matter what he did for a living, a job is just a job).
He knew what he wanted and went for it. He didn't let the hurtful words of other people diminish his worth. He knows he's a good guy, he knows he's worth a good relationship and a good boyfriend and doesn't settle for less.
This book should be read by every person who thinks that life's too hard and you can't get through and that they should settle for less than they really deserve. I can't wait to read the next books in the series
Goodness, this book destroyed me. I loved it with all my heart, and at the same time I wanted to go inside and knock some sense into somebody, yes Chance, I'm talking about you.
Remy was such a sweet guy, that went through a lot and came out the winner. He was so mature and so strong for his age and dare I say even innocent (doesn't matter what he did for a living, a job is just a job).
He knew what he wanted and went for it. He didn't let the hurtful words of other people diminish his worth. He knows he's a good guy, he knows he's worth a good relationship and a good boyfriend and doesn't settle for less.
This book should be read by every person who thinks that life's too hard and you can't get through and that they should settle for less than they really deserve. I can't wait to read the next books in the series
March 11, 2018
This story is about an older book editor Chance and a younger go-go dancer/porn star Remy. It is set in a Fictional Earth so read the Authors note in the beginning so you can understand what they are talking about with the way he has the days of the weeks and seasons.
Chance is attracted to the younger men but is always being cheated on.
Remy is looking for a home, someone he can come home to at the end of his day, someone just for him.
Obstacles seem to always get in the way; misunderstanding, betrayal and jealousy seems to always get in the way of their happy ever after. This is defiantly a roller coaster ride to love. I enjoyed the story very much and how they do come together after all the heartache. The author also set precedes for the next book in the series which I can’t wait to read!
Chance is attracted to the younger men but is always being cheated on.
Remy is looking for a home, someone he can come home to at the end of his day, someone just for him.
Obstacles seem to always get in the way; misunderstanding, betrayal and jealousy seems to always get in the way of their happy ever after. This is defiantly a roller coaster ride to love. I enjoyed the story very much and how they do come together after all the heartache. The author also set precedes for the next book in the series which I can’t wait to read!
February 21, 2018
What a fabulous read! It's full of everything you could want - romance, anguish, anger, happiness, fun, hurt and a HEA :-)
Remy is intriguing at first, appearing lighthearted and fun but the more you read, you understand what's he's lived through in his short nineteen years. I was fully drawn into his story and his potential relationship with Chance. His friendship with Danny is important, giving him that unwavering support in the good times and bad. He has a different look at his work that he does as a go go dancer and porn star, able to mentally separate that as work and completely different from anything he would do as a part of a relationship with someone.
Chance is older, in his late 30's, and wanting a relationship but drawn to younger men who have, in the past, cheated and lied. So now he's understandably wary and with Remy's job brings up even more assumptions of what he thinks Remy should want or is like. Chance makes a few errors of thinking along the way but you can see how he reached that point
As the two come together, stumbling along the way, it's a beautiful story. Learning about the hurt that they've both experienced and leaning on each other for care and love that they desperately need and deserve. There are a few times of smiling along with the story but just as many instances of tears coming to my eyes as I felt the emotions the characters were going through. There's several instances of miscommunication and one of the MC's needing a kick up the backside but that's what Danny is for. He's a great friend to both MC's and can see him being a future book MC.
The world that G.R. Lyons has created is slightly different to the world we live in but only in the slightest ways. Reading a sentence and it sounds like something from a sci-fi but not. It really works within the book and it only added another layer to an amazing story!
I cannot recommend this enough and am going straight on to book 2!
I received a copy of this book from the author and am happily giving a review.
Remy is intriguing at first, appearing lighthearted and fun but the more you read, you understand what's he's lived through in his short nineteen years. I was fully drawn into his story and his potential relationship with Chance. His friendship with Danny is important, giving him that unwavering support in the good times and bad. He has a different look at his work that he does as a go go dancer and porn star, able to mentally separate that as work and completely different from anything he would do as a part of a relationship with someone.
Chance is older, in his late 30's, and wanting a relationship but drawn to younger men who have, in the past, cheated and lied. So now he's understandably wary and with Remy's job brings up even more assumptions of what he thinks Remy should want or is like. Chance makes a few errors of thinking along the way but you can see how he reached that point
As the two come together, stumbling along the way, it's a beautiful story. Learning about the hurt that they've both experienced and leaning on each other for care and love that they desperately need and deserve. There are a few times of smiling along with the story but just as many instances of tears coming to my eyes as I felt the emotions the characters were going through. There's several instances of miscommunication and one of the MC's needing a kick up the backside but that's what Danny is for. He's a great friend to both MC's and can see him being a future book MC.
The world that G.R. Lyons has created is slightly different to the world we live in but only in the slightest ways. Reading a sentence and it sounds like something from a sci-fi but not. It really works within the book and it only added another layer to an amazing story!
I cannot recommend this enough and am going straight on to book 2!
I received a copy of this book from the author and am happily giving a review.
February 17, 2017
Second Chances is the first book in the Matchmakers – A Shifting Isles Trilogy. Not only do you get Chance and Remy’s story, but you also get the groundwork for the next two books. The author does a great job of laying the foundation for the trilogy.
Chance is a thirty-five-year-old editor who likes to date younger guys. The problem for him is that they keep cheating on him. All he wants is someone who will remain faithful. He’s just about given up on finding what he’s looking for.
Remy is a 19-year-old dancer and performer. He’s had a real rough life and wants safety and stability. He’s looking for a lifetime partner. Someone who can see him and not the character he plays at work. He’s ready to build a life with someone.
When these two first meet, they start with false assumptions. Chance is sure Remy is just another young guy who will end up cheating on him. Remy thinks that he will be looked at as not good enough because of his job. Throughout the whole story these guys will continue to falter with communication while dealing with their trust issues. There’s lots of drama and intense passion. Plus, they will both make mistakes along the way.
In this roller coaster of a read, both men learn a lot about not only each other but about themselves as well. The road is filled with many tests and betrayals that will test their relationship and their faith before they can get their happy ending. Having Dan as their trusted friend will help them throughout the whole ride.
I was surprised by how deep I got into the characters. I got frustrated and upset at times and others about to shed tears of happiness. Even a few moments where I cried for the character’s pain. It definitely left me looking forward to the next book. I need to know how Chance and Remy are doing. Will Dan get his turn at love? The perfect way to start a series while leaving you thirsty for more.
I would like to thank the author for the privilege and opportunity of reading this ARC. My review is an honest opinion of the book.
www.optimummblog.wordpress.com
Chance is a thirty-five-year-old editor who likes to date younger guys. The problem for him is that they keep cheating on him. All he wants is someone who will remain faithful. He’s just about given up on finding what he’s looking for.
Remy is a 19-year-old dancer and performer. He’s had a real rough life and wants safety and stability. He’s looking for a lifetime partner. Someone who can see him and not the character he plays at work. He’s ready to build a life with someone.
When these two first meet, they start with false assumptions. Chance is sure Remy is just another young guy who will end up cheating on him. Remy thinks that he will be looked at as not good enough because of his job. Throughout the whole story these guys will continue to falter with communication while dealing with their trust issues. There’s lots of drama and intense passion. Plus, they will both make mistakes along the way.
In this roller coaster of a read, both men learn a lot about not only each other but about themselves as well. The road is filled with many tests and betrayals that will test their relationship and their faith before they can get their happy ending. Having Dan as their trusted friend will help them throughout the whole ride.
I was surprised by how deep I got into the characters. I got frustrated and upset at times and others about to shed tears of happiness. Even a few moments where I cried for the character’s pain. It definitely left me looking forward to the next book. I need to know how Chance and Remy are doing. Will Dan get his turn at love? The perfect way to start a series while leaving you thirsty for more.
I would like to thank the author for the privilege and opportunity of reading this ARC. My review is an honest opinion of the book.
www.optimummblog.wordpress.com
March 2, 2018
Remy, a 19 year old stripper, and Chance, a 35 year old editor, seem like a very odd couple. But Dan, Remy's boss and Chance's friend, matched them up because he thought they would great together. He wasn't wrong. It's definitely not easy, Chance has a lot of trust issues because of past experiences. It's a long, drama filled road for them, but somehow, they really are perfect together!
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
February 24, 2018
Chance Whitaker is lonely and looking for love and his friend, nightclub owner Danny, knows exactly who will be right for him, his dancer Remy Dawes. There is one problem though. 16 years, the difference in their ages. Chance is not sure he will ever be able to make this work and he may be right.
There are so many ups and downs. The pair go from one drama to a crisis and it is breathtaking.
This is really well written and is a real page-turner. There are 326 pages full of angst to get through. Wonderful!
There are so many ups and downs. The pair go from one drama to a crisis and it is breathtaking.
This is really well written and is a real page-turner. There are 326 pages full of angst to get through. Wonderful!
February 19, 2018
this was an emotional rollercoaster....gah! but i loved it. it really kept me engaged in the story, what's gonna happen next? will they figure their shit out? will they be happy? loved remy and chance. would def recommend this book!
February 20, 2017
Full review at :
OptimuMM - Home of MM Book Reviews
OptimuMM - Home of MM Book Reviews
March 2, 2017
3.5 star
Remy Dwes is 19yr stripper working at a bar/nightclub, Matchmaker. His job is taxing and leaves him empty but he enjoys it. He can’t help himself from hoping for someone to love him though not just for a quick rump.
Chance Whitaker is swearing off younger guys because they can’t seem to keep faithful. At 35yr he’s a little tired of the scene and is a successful editor.
Dan Berringer is the owner of Matchmaker and a damn good matchmaker, supposedly. At 25yr’s old he’s been through a lot. Chance has been there a lot for him and Remy is his favorite boy. He’ll like nothing better than to see the two together and sets them up.
Chance has his misgivings about Remy especially when he finds out Remy’s occupation and how old he is. Remy likes Chance and is mature beyond his years. But Chance’s preconception of him is really throwing a wrench into any flourishing relationship between the two. The two will have to get pass the hurt and bias if they ever want a lasting relationship between them.
The terminology:"Solday, Twinsday, Faldris, Siresda,” etc was unique and new. It gave off the feel that the story was set in an alternative universe (something we find out reading the glossary at the end of the book).
Dan was a great friend and owner and I felt his heart was in the right place. I really am curious about his love life and what went down with Bryan.
Matty wasn’t a very likable character and I felt he might have played into his stereotype of being a whore. What he did to Remy was pretty horrible and for him to just go back to pretending he didn’t do anything horrible really sucked.
As for Remy and Chance, I didn’t feel the title was at all befitting of their relationship. There were so many chances given to Chance whenever he did something to sabotage his relationship with Remy. By the fourth time I was just over it and ready for Remy to brush him off and move on to a finding love with someone else. Thankfully Chance finally got his head out of his ass.
I liked that Remy got to voice why he was in the sex industry and his view on his job and what it entails. It really put things into perspective how he compartmentalized his work relationship and his relations with Chance. It’s also probably why I felt so unforgiving about what Chance did those two days he was apart from Remy.
The common theme with getting rid of Remy’s problematic issues by killing them off was going a little overboard for me. The author really could have gone in different directions with that such as incarceration. In fact there was now law or order in the entire book. It was like law enforcement didn’t exist.
I also wanted to address that psychological issues weren’t dealt with well. It was pretty glossed over and I guess it’s to be expected seeing as there’s no source of government. Remy’s life was pretty messed up in an “OMG can he not catch a break” kind of way. Chance really just seemed like more of a complication. With how they both handled their relationship and all the misunderstanding it’s hard to believe they could be in a long lasting relationship.
The glossary at the end of the book didn’t really serve much of a purpose except to verify that the world the book takes place in is different from the world readers know. It did answer questions as to why law enforcement was nowhere in the book though (and I won’t go back to fix my review because the glossary would have been better at the start or a message from the author would have done just as well expectation wise. I was writing the review as I read).
It was a good read but so vexing. I don’t know how I feel about reading the rest of the trilogy. Emotionally I feel like I’ve been dragged across burning coal. I’m exhausted and feeling a bit hurt and teary eyed.
A free copy was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.
Remy Dwes is 19yr stripper working at a bar/nightclub, Matchmaker. His job is taxing and leaves him empty but he enjoys it. He can’t help himself from hoping for someone to love him though not just for a quick rump.
Chance Whitaker is swearing off younger guys because they can’t seem to keep faithful. At 35yr he’s a little tired of the scene and is a successful editor.
Dan Berringer is the owner of Matchmaker and a damn good matchmaker, supposedly. At 25yr’s old he’s been through a lot. Chance has been there a lot for him and Remy is his favorite boy. He’ll like nothing better than to see the two together and sets them up.
Chance has his misgivings about Remy especially when he finds out Remy’s occupation and how old he is. Remy likes Chance and is mature beyond his years. But Chance’s preconception of him is really throwing a wrench into any flourishing relationship between the two. The two will have to get pass the hurt and bias if they ever want a lasting relationship between them.
The terminology:"Solday, Twinsday, Faldris, Siresda,” etc was unique and new. It gave off the feel that the story was set in an alternative universe (something we find out reading the glossary at the end of the book).
Dan was a great friend and owner and I felt his heart was in the right place. I really am curious about his love life and what went down with Bryan.
Matty wasn’t a very likable character and I felt he might have played into his stereotype of being a whore. What he did to Remy was pretty horrible and for him to just go back to pretending he didn’t do anything horrible really sucked.
As for Remy and Chance, I didn’t feel the title was at all befitting of their relationship. There were so many chances given to Chance whenever he did something to sabotage his relationship with Remy. By the fourth time I was just over it and ready for Remy to brush him off and move on to a finding love with someone else. Thankfully Chance finally got his head out of his ass.
I liked that Remy got to voice why he was in the sex industry and his view on his job and what it entails. It really put things into perspective how he compartmentalized his work relationship and his relations with Chance. It’s also probably why I felt so unforgiving about what Chance did those two days he was apart from Remy.
The common theme with getting rid of Remy’s problematic issues by killing them off was going a little overboard for me. The author really could have gone in different directions with that such as incarceration. In fact there was now law or order in the entire book. It was like law enforcement didn’t exist.
I also wanted to address that psychological issues weren’t dealt with well. It was pretty glossed over and I guess it’s to be expected seeing as there’s no source of government. Remy’s life was pretty messed up in an “OMG can he not catch a break” kind of way. Chance really just seemed like more of a complication. With how they both handled their relationship and all the misunderstanding it’s hard to believe they could be in a long lasting relationship.
The glossary at the end of the book didn’t really serve much of a purpose except to verify that the world the book takes place in is different from the world readers know. It did answer questions as to why law enforcement was nowhere in the book though (and I won’t go back to fix my review because the glossary would have been better at the start or a message from the author would have done just as well expectation wise. I was writing the review as I read).
It was a good read but so vexing. I don’t know how I feel about reading the rest of the trilogy. Emotionally I feel like I’ve been dragged across burning coal. I’m exhausted and feeling a bit hurt and teary eyed.
A free copy was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 28, 2021
Its heavy, its heartbreaking, its human, its beautiful.
I think I can't put any of Lyons's stories completely out of my mind, because they are all just people struggling to survive in their own way. They are unique and not molded in one form. They all have goals, dreams, fears, ambitions, worries, and most importantly hope.
Honestly, my biggest gripe with the book is that it's hard to read Remy as only nineteen. But if you've read the book and understand his story, then it makes more sense. I still suffer a little in suspending my disbelief here, though that is a personal struggle. Any other minor gripe would be the petty relationship drama at the very beginning , but the positive is that it doesn't last long and is actually realistic in how it plays out.
The rest of the writing is the poetic drama of an epic car crash that is recovered with a warm bath. Every stress and drama our characters go through is painful on all sides and is suffered in heaps of empathy. Then our author patches our hearts back together like precious kintsugi art. The pain is felt, hurt is acknowledged, and we can't go back, only become something new from where we've been before. That's essentially what Remy and Chance choose to do.
While I highly recommend this like I would with the main Shifting Isles stories, be forewarned that it is heavy. Although it covers a lot of heavy topics, the way it has been presented to us may only be 1/2 to 2/3 as heavy as the main Shifting Isles stories.
I think I can't put any of Lyons's stories completely out of my mind, because they are all just people struggling to survive in their own way. They are unique and not molded in one form. They all have goals, dreams, fears, ambitions, worries, and most importantly hope.
Honestly, my biggest gripe with the book is that it's hard to read Remy as only nineteen. But if you've read the book and understand his story, then it makes more sense. I still suffer a little in suspending my disbelief here, though that is a personal struggle. Any other minor gripe would be the petty relationship drama at the very beginning , but the positive is that it doesn't last long and is actually realistic in how it plays out.
The rest of the writing is the poetic drama of an epic car crash that is recovered with a warm bath. Every stress and drama our characters go through is painful on all sides and is suffered in heaps of empathy. Then our author patches our hearts back together like precious kintsugi art. The pain is felt, hurt is acknowledged, and we can't go back, only become something new from where we've been before. That's essentially what Remy and Chance choose to do.
While I highly recommend this like I would with the main Shifting Isles stories, be forewarned that it is heavy. Although it covers a lot of heavy topics, the way it has been presented to us may only be 1/2 to 2/3 as heavy as the main Shifting Isles stories.
March 11, 2017
**I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review through the DMBL program**
Second Chances is about an on again-off again romance between 35-year-old Chance Whitaker and 10-year-old Remy Dawes. Chance is an editor with a penchant for younger men, and Remy is a go-go dancer/porn actor looking for true love and an off-stage relationship. Both carry emotional baggage from difficult childhoods (provided you consider Remy out of his), but are connected through the manager of Matchmakers, Dannyal (Dan) Berringer, who is renowned for his ability to set up couples perfect for each other.
Dan decides what Chance needs to get out of his dating slump (his last younger man cheated on him, causing their relationship to end over a year prior to the start of this story), is a date with his employee, Remy. Not surprising, Chance, while attracted to Remy, has reservations about a date with someone who has sex on stage with someone else. Remy, on the other hand, finds Chance attractive and is interested in at least trying a date. Thus starts a relationship mired with preconceived notions, misunderstandings, fights, reunions, and a bunch of other random plot points.
There were many great passages in this story that really hit with me on an emotional level. I did, at times, find myself tearing up, laughing, or getting angry at something that occurred in the book. These were the best parts of the book, and what kept me reading, wanting to like it more so than I did.
On the flip side, there were also many moments of bewilderment and eye-rolling that occurred. Be forewarned: this story takes place in an alternate universe. I'm guessing it is an Earth-like planet, but aside from an Author's Note stating this fact, there is no explanation as to why there are 2 suns, and apparently, a polytheistic belief system. (Lots of "gods" and "hells" in plural, apparently because there are more than one of each?) Oh, and there are only 6 days in a week, and each day has some weird name. It also seems that in this alternative universe it is ok to start working in porn when you are 15, there are no police officers, no courts that can issue restraining orders, and no laws concerning carrying guns. You can, however, get checked for any STDs in a matter of minutes, and get scanned at the hospital to check for any internal injuries.
A couple of secondary characters were there just to cause problems, one without any explanation whatsoever. For example, Remy's former stepdad is stalking him, but we don't ever understand why. His mother is dead, and 4 years have passed. Does he want something from him? Does he want to kill him? He has opportunities for both, but it seems he's only there to cause Chance to come running to Remy's rescue. Besides, if you know someone is hunting you down, do you walk 3 miles to and from work? I don't think so. Not unarmed, anyway.
The title 'Second Chances' refers to both the obvious, getting another opportunity, and an "inside joke" between Remy and Chance that comes up a couple of times throughout the story. It's a good title and a pretty funny joke, too.
Second Chances is about an on again-off again romance between 35-year-old Chance Whitaker and 10-year-old Remy Dawes. Chance is an editor with a penchant for younger men, and Remy is a go-go dancer/porn actor looking for true love and an off-stage relationship. Both carry emotional baggage from difficult childhoods (provided you consider Remy out of his), but are connected through the manager of Matchmakers, Dannyal (Dan) Berringer, who is renowned for his ability to set up couples perfect for each other.
Dan decides what Chance needs to get out of his dating slump (his last younger man cheated on him, causing their relationship to end over a year prior to the start of this story), is a date with his employee, Remy. Not surprising, Chance, while attracted to Remy, has reservations about a date with someone who has sex on stage with someone else. Remy, on the other hand, finds Chance attractive and is interested in at least trying a date. Thus starts a relationship mired with preconceived notions, misunderstandings, fights, reunions, and a bunch of other random plot points.
There were many great passages in this story that really hit with me on an emotional level. I did, at times, find myself tearing up, laughing, or getting angry at something that occurred in the book. These were the best parts of the book, and what kept me reading, wanting to like it more so than I did.
On the flip side, there were also many moments of bewilderment and eye-rolling that occurred. Be forewarned: this story takes place in an alternate universe. I'm guessing it is an Earth-like planet, but aside from an Author's Note stating this fact, there is no explanation as to why there are 2 suns, and apparently, a polytheistic belief system. (Lots of "gods" and "hells" in plural, apparently because there are more than one of each?) Oh, and there are only 6 days in a week, and each day has some weird name. It also seems that in this alternative universe it is ok to start working in porn when you are 15, there are no police officers, no courts that can issue restraining orders, and no laws concerning carrying guns. You can, however, get checked for any STDs in a matter of minutes, and get scanned at the hospital to check for any internal injuries.
A couple of secondary characters were there just to cause problems, one without any explanation whatsoever. For example, Remy's former stepdad is stalking him, but we don't ever understand why. His mother is dead, and 4 years have passed. Does he want something from him? Does he want to kill him? He has opportunities for both, but it seems he's only there to cause Chance to come running to Remy's rescue. Besides, if you know someone is hunting you down, do you walk 3 miles to and from work? I don't think so. Not unarmed, anyway.
The title 'Second Chances' refers to both the obvious, getting another opportunity, and an "inside joke" between Remy and Chance that comes up a couple of times throughout the story. It's a good title and a pretty funny joke, too.
October 17, 2023
My biggest issue with this book was having the character of Matty in it. There would have been enough of a story without him. He made Remy look weak as a character, and he only did one nice thing for Remy in the whole book. Every other time, he was talking badly about Chance and just not treating Remy well. It was bad enough that Remy took a second job to try and pay off Matty's drug debt, but then later Matty raped Remy, and nothing happened in terms of consequences. Danny only gets him to say Matty raped him once, and then it's glossed over. Remy doesn't press charges, and Danny doesn't fire him--and it's even implied that Matty did the same thing to him in the past, which begs the question why was Danny still letting him work for him, let alone live in his house. Maybe if Danny had sent Matty to jail back whenever that happened, Matty wouldn't have been around to rape Remy. Then, when Matty dies, Remy arranges the funeral and such and doesn't communicate with his boyfriend Chance about it at all. And Remy is mourning because his "best friend" died and basically complains that it hurts more they weren't even talking to each other. I mean, I can kind of understand having complicated feelings towards someone who has known you a long time and had supported you in the past, been your best friend, but the man had drugged and raped you a few days before, messing up your relationship with your boyfriend at the same time, why on earth would you even be contemplating a reconciliation at a future time?
Anyway, without Matty, we would have still had a good story showing Chance's insecurity from having been cheated on so often in the past and seeing how he learned to mentally separate Remy's job as a stripper/live porn star from their sex life as a couple. We would have still learned about Remy's past childhood trauma and have had his abusive stepdad finally get what he deserved.
Anyway, without Matty, we would have still had a good story showing Chance's insecurity from having been cheated on so often in the past and seeing how he learned to mentally separate Remy's job as a stripper/live porn star from their sex life as a couple. We would have still learned about Remy's past childhood trauma and have had his abusive stepdad finally get what he deserved.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 5, 2017
4.5 stars
**I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review through the DMBL program**
The first part that I wanted to mention was that before you begin reading the book, I would definitely recommend that you read the author’s note at the beginning of the book. Normally, I tend to skip over the note because it’s not “part of the story.” However, I am glad that I stopped to read the note this time because Lyons explains the change of the days of the week. I noticed in a few reviews that people cited the changed names as typos, but if you read the note you would know this change in intentional. And yet, even though it was intentional, I didn’t understand the need for the change. This was one of only three things that I noticed which made the setting futuristic [the other two being the blood and brain scanning equipment].
In no way was the change a distraction from the story, and it shouldn’t put you off in the slightest.
What did put me off at first was the persistence of Chance’s insecurities with dating younger men and infidelity. When Remy tries to get Chance to go out with him, Chance continually bashes Remy’s status as a porn star/stripper and uses it as an excuse to not get close to him. This gets old fast. For someone who is so intelligent, Chance has a hard time analyzing his own choices in men and why they always seem to cheat on him. If you haven’t noticed, I am a fan of Remy.
I may have been more understanding of Chance’s insecurity if there had been a backstory to support it, but we only got one story about an ex. Yes, that would cause some emotional issues for sure, if it had happened recently, but it had occurred over a year ago and other than the one instance, it was just a litany of Chance whining about being older and wanting to settle down, but all the younger men were unfaithful and only looking for unattached sex.
And then, after Chance and Remy FINALLY get together, Remy can’t catch a break. Literally a ton of tropes are all added together focused on Remy, and while I felt bad for him, I loved reading about it. It was deliciously angsty.
However, my biggest issue with this story – and the reason that I gave it only 4.5 stars was the way in which Remy reacts to being raped. I was so done with the whole scene at that point. There is no way that a person, who had actually gone through that type of situation, would have that relaxed a reaction after just about a week or two max. Nope, not gunna have it.
And even with all of these issues that I seem to have had throughout the book, I loved reading Second Chances. It was a quick read and well written. Not only was this book enjoyable to read, but I also plan on purchasing the other two in this trilogy at some point. Second Chances is definitely worth checking out.
Final Notes:
- Told in alternating, 3rd person POV
- READ the author’s note at the beginning
- There is a rape scene (off-the-page)
**I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review through the DMBL program**
The first part that I wanted to mention was that before you begin reading the book, I would definitely recommend that you read the author’s note at the beginning of the book. Normally, I tend to skip over the note because it’s not “part of the story.” However, I am glad that I stopped to read the note this time because Lyons explains the change of the days of the week. I noticed in a few reviews that people cited the changed names as typos, but if you read the note you would know this change in intentional. And yet, even though it was intentional, I didn’t understand the need for the change. This was one of only three things that I noticed which made the setting futuristic [the other two being the blood and brain scanning equipment].
In no way was the change a distraction from the story, and it shouldn’t put you off in the slightest.
What did put me off at first was the persistence of Chance’s insecurities with dating younger men and infidelity. When Remy tries to get Chance to go out with him, Chance continually bashes Remy’s status as a porn star/stripper and uses it as an excuse to not get close to him. This gets old fast. For someone who is so intelligent, Chance has a hard time analyzing his own choices in men and why they always seem to cheat on him. If you haven’t noticed, I am a fan of Remy.
I may have been more understanding of Chance’s insecurity if there had been a backstory to support it, but we only got one story about an ex. Yes, that would cause some emotional issues for sure, if it had happened recently, but it had occurred over a year ago and other than the one instance, it was just a litany of Chance whining about being older and wanting to settle down, but all the younger men were unfaithful and only looking for unattached sex.
And then, after Chance and Remy FINALLY get together, Remy can’t catch a break. Literally a ton of tropes are all added together focused on Remy, and while I felt bad for him, I loved reading about it. It was deliciously angsty.
However, my biggest issue with this story – and the reason that I gave it only 4.5 stars was the way in which Remy reacts to being raped. I was so done with the whole scene at that point. There is no way that a person, who had actually gone through that type of situation, would have that relaxed a reaction after just about a week or two max. Nope, not gunna have it.
And even with all of these issues that I seem to have had throughout the book, I loved reading Second Chances. It was a quick read and well written. Not only was this book enjoyable to read, but I also plan on purchasing the other two in this trilogy at some point. Second Chances is definitely worth checking out.
Final Notes:
- Told in alternating, 3rd person POV
- READ the author’s note at the beginning
- There is a rape scene (off-the-page)
August 29, 2021
Meh this book just wasn’t for me.
I didn’t like the trope - second chances haha how funny since I didn’t notice the title would hint at the plot 😂 but I mean I can handle second chances but not 3rd and 4th and 5th chances 😂
Furthermore I found the worldbuilding pretty confusing? It’s in the future would with different names for the days of the week but we still have days and months? It just seemed unnecessary? However I understand that not all things taken place in the book could ever happen in the “real world” so therefore I think we might have gotten this fictional world which seems like the normal world? Idk it just felt underdeveloped for me.
Apart from that this book was actually really good! The writing was nice and the story flowed well! There were quite a few moments that had me all emotional and I definitely got attached to these characters!
It you like second chance romances this is definitely a great read for you! (And do read it cause even if you don’t cause I loved the second book and the first book is not necessarily a must to read that one but it makes it so much more enjoyable 🥺)
I didn’t like the trope - second chances haha how funny since I didn’t notice the title would hint at the plot 😂 but I mean I can handle second chances but not 3rd and 4th and 5th chances 😂
Furthermore I found the worldbuilding pretty confusing? It’s in the future would with different names for the days of the week but we still have days and months? It just seemed unnecessary? However I understand that not all things taken place in the book could ever happen in the “real world” so therefore I think we might have gotten this fictional world which seems like the normal world? Idk it just felt underdeveloped for me.
Apart from that this book was actually really good! The writing was nice and the story flowed well! There were quite a few moments that had me all emotional and I definitely got attached to these characters!
It you like second chance romances this is definitely a great read for you! (And do read it cause even if you don’t cause I loved the second book and the first book is not necessarily a must to read that one but it makes it so much more enjoyable 🥺)
August 29, 2022
MAJOR spoiler that is the reason i dnf’d at 80% and will never read another book by this author again below:
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Remy is DRUGGED AND RAPED by his “best friend”, on page basically (other mc walks in on it but thinks he’s cheating), admits it was rape to their father figure boss, but the boss doesn’t fire the rapist and Remy DOESN’T WANT TO LOSE THE FRIENDSHIP. even though he’s traumatized by it!!!!! I can’t. What the actual fuck. How is this a book people like. How can you get past this??? I’m actually furious and wish i could call it out in every fb group.
Even before that heinous incident, the book was just meh for me. Communication sucks, Chase kinda sucks, and i didn’t feel much chemistry. Lose lose all around.
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Remy is DRUGGED AND RAPED by his “best friend”, on page basically (other mc walks in on it but thinks he’s cheating), admits it was rape to their father figure boss, but the boss doesn’t fire the rapist and Remy DOESN’T WANT TO LOSE THE FRIENDSHIP. even though he’s traumatized by it!!!!! I can’t. What the actual fuck. How is this a book people like. How can you get past this??? I’m actually furious and wish i could call it out in every fb group.
Even before that heinous incident, the book was just meh for me. Communication sucks, Chase kinda sucks, and i didn’t feel much chemistry. Lose lose all around.
April 13, 2019
A bit too much going on. Fast paced, dramatic with a lot of drama with serious issues that feels glossed over. Death, rape, drugs, abusive past. Miscommunication is the biggest part of the story and thank god Dan was there to babysit the pair. I have nothing to say about Matty. It was good but it kinda gave me a headache. Still I wanna read Dan’s story at some point.
August 11, 2023
This book was a mess.
Way too much drama.
Also one side character regularly molested his teenage stepson and murdered his young step daughter but wasn't arrested? And another side character drugs an MC, rapes him, gives him an STI and all that happens is they don't work the same space at the club anymore? WTF
Way too much drama.
Also one side character regularly molested his teenage stepson and murdered his young step daughter but wasn't arrested? And another side character drugs an MC, rapes him, gives him an STI and all that happens is they don't work the same space at the club anymore? WTF
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 22, 2023
This author is on my hell no wtf list and this book is a great example of why. Apparently GR Lyons has some INSANE political views when it comes to crime and punishment, which you can read here on his blog: https://grlyonsauthor.com/2019/08/21/...
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March 14, 2017
I was given this book for free from the author in exchange for an unbiased review.
OK, it might be that there are some spoilers in this review, but no spoiler about actions are included and I don´t think it will change the pleasure of reading this book. The way the relationsship between Remy and Chance developes is really good written. The struggles Chance has with Remys job and how Remy sees himself and his job are so clearly worded and it was a smal lightbulb moment for me when Remy described how he can seperate sex for the job and sex with his lover. I could never realy grab the concept how pornstars do their job and go home to their loved ones as if they have been sitting at a desk the whole day.
So I really liked the book. However I had two minor problems with it too. The first were the days. Why are they named different than the normal days? Just to make it clear that this is a fictional world? That would be better put into the desciption of the cities then. And why wasn´t Greg in prison for killing his daughter? Even if Remy didn´t go to the police, he went to the hospital with her body and the doctors would have to notify the authoroties because they would have noticed the strangulation marks. But as I said this are minor irritations for me. Please enjoy the book. I did.
OK, it might be that there are some spoilers in this review, but no spoiler about actions are included and I don´t think it will change the pleasure of reading this book. The way the relationsship between Remy and Chance developes is really good written. The struggles Chance has with Remys job and how Remy sees himself and his job are so clearly worded and it was a smal lightbulb moment for me when Remy described how he can seperate sex for the job and sex with his lover. I could never realy grab the concept how pornstars do their job and go home to their loved ones as if they have been sitting at a desk the whole day.
So I really liked the book. However I had two minor problems with it too. The first were the days. Why are they named different than the normal days? Just to make it clear that this is a fictional world? That would be better put into the desciption of the cities then. And why wasn´t Greg in prison for killing his daughter? Even if Remy didn´t go to the police, he went to the hospital with her body and the doctors would have to notify the authoroties because they would have noticed the strangulation marks. But as I said this are minor irritations for me. Please enjoy the book. I did.
March 30, 2018
this was amazing.. just amazing.. and perfect and sexy and just all around wonderful. i loved it
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