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Hogan Brothers #1
One Chance
“Stupid.”
One word that could ruin a person.
One word that can change a life.
One word that can destroy a mind.
Soph
Sophia Bennett heard it all her life. Smart, sweet, and shy, she hesitated to voice her ideas and opinions in fear of hearing that dreaded word, “Don’t be stupid, Sophia.”
She became introverted, quiet. Talking to people became a struggle she fought to control. She turned into a woman she never thought she’d be.
Seen but never heard.
Appearance became everything.
Nox
Rough around the edges Lennox Hogan is knee dip in shit – literally. Building a garden for his mother with his younger brothers, when the most beautiful creature he’s ever seen stops by to visit their mother for their weekly book chat.
A fake smile and sad eyes draw him in.
Her intoxicating innocence has him obsessed with the need to know everything about her.
An unknown threat has them questioning everything about her life.
Lennox soon makes it his mission to convince her to give him One Chance, but will she after her world crumbles before her?
One word that could ruin a person.
One word that can change a life.
One word that can destroy a mind.
Soph
Sophia Bennett heard it all her life. Smart, sweet, and shy, she hesitated to voice her ideas and opinions in fear of hearing that dreaded word, “Don’t be stupid, Sophia.”
She became introverted, quiet. Talking to people became a struggle she fought to control. She turned into a woman she never thought she’d be.
Seen but never heard.
Appearance became everything.
Nox
Rough around the edges Lennox Hogan is knee dip in shit – literally. Building a garden for his mother with his younger brothers, when the most beautiful creature he’s ever seen stops by to visit their mother for their weekly book chat.
A fake smile and sad eyes draw him in.
Her intoxicating innocence has him obsessed with the need to know everything about her.
An unknown threat has them questioning everything about her life.
Lennox soon makes it his mission to convince her to give him One Chance, but will she after her world crumbles before her?
346 pages, Paperback
First published May 6, 2017
295 people are currently reading
726 people want to read
About the author
K.L. Donn
147 books1,664 followersKrystal writes as USA Today Bestselling Author KL Donn. Born and raised in Alberta, Canada, she has over 50 published books in differing romance genres. She enjoys making her readers cry as they go on a deep journey of love and loss through each book.
Experiencing her own insta-love at 17, Krystal has been with her husband for 18 years and they share 4 beautiful children together.
Fun facts about KL:
Perpetual romantic.
Coffee addict.
Sarcasm lover.
Give her an action flick over a romance. But a romance book over action. She’s weird like that.
Did she mention coffee addict?
Closet shopaholic.
Beach lover.
Coffee addict, it bears repeating. Again.
Husband obsessed. Hers that is, you can keep yours.
Mom of 6, well 7 if you count the husband. Oh and 2 of those are a cat & dog, that are confused about their species.
Experiencing her own insta-love at 17, Krystal has been with her husband for 18 years and they share 4 beautiful children together.
Fun facts about KL:
Perpetual romantic.
Coffee addict.
Sarcasm lover.
Give her an action flick over a romance. But a romance book over action. She’s weird like that.
Did she mention coffee addict?
Closet shopaholic.
Beach lover.
Coffee addict, it bears repeating. Again.
Husband obsessed. Hers that is, you can keep yours.
Mom of 6, well 7 if you count the husband. Oh and 2 of those are a cat & dog, that are confused about their species.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 150 reviews
May 12, 2017
** ARC RECEIVED IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW **
Great start to a new series. I love when a man sees his girl and knows she is the one for him. That was the case with Lennox and Sophia. This story was refreshing for me because it wasn't a story about a manwhore and him having to deal with his actions. This was about a man who finds the love of his life, who has been emotionally abused her whole life, and protecting and supporting her.
Lennox "Nox" was a great hero. He was caring and loving to his family. He knew he wanted a great love like his parents had. One look at Sophia and he knew that she was the woman he wanted to spend his days with. I adored how patient and understanding he was with her. He never pushed her, he gave her the space to find herself.
Sophia- gosh this girl broke my heart. She was emotionally beat down by her mother her entire life. Words can hurt just as bad as fists and her mother had pummeled her time and time again. To the point that Sophia felt inadequate and believed the words her mother said. To add insult to injury, her dad just let it happen which really confused me. It took the love of a good man to give her the strength to stand up and fight for herself.
-no cheating
-no ow/om drama whatsoever
-no pushing away
-some steamy scenes
-no violence
-great secondary characters who I am interested in hearing their stories. I absolutely appreciated that we didn't have to see Knox's brothers being skanky manwhores! That seems to be a trend often in stories and its gross. His brothers were so good to Sophia. I wouldn't even mind seeing Braxton get a story.
-no epilogue unfortunately which made me sad! I needed to see what their future held
Great start to a new series. I love when a man sees his girl and knows she is the one for him. That was the case with Lennox and Sophia. This story was refreshing for me because it wasn't a story about a manwhore and him having to deal with his actions. This was about a man who finds the love of his life, who has been emotionally abused her whole life, and protecting and supporting her.
Lennox "Nox" was a great hero. He was caring and loving to his family. He knew he wanted a great love like his parents had. One look at Sophia and he knew that she was the woman he wanted to spend his days with. I adored how patient and understanding he was with her. He never pushed her, he gave her the space to find herself.
Sophia- gosh this girl broke my heart. She was emotionally beat down by her mother her entire life. Words can hurt just as bad as fists and her mother had pummeled her time and time again. To the point that Sophia felt inadequate and believed the words her mother said. To add insult to injury, her dad just let it happen which really confused me. It took the love of a good man to give her the strength to stand up and fight for herself.
-no cheating
-no ow/om drama whatsoever
-no pushing away
-some steamy scenes
-no violence
-great secondary characters who I am interested in hearing their stories. I absolutely appreciated that we didn't have to see Knox's brothers being skanky manwhores! That seems to be a trend often in stories and its gross. His brothers were so good to Sophia. I wouldn't even mind seeing Braxton get a story.
-no epilogue unfortunately which made me sad! I needed to see what their future held
May 11, 2017
Nox is one delicious, sweet, possessive H. From the moment he sees Sophia, he knows that she's his. I also loved how we got to see Sophia grow and become more confident with the help of not only Nox but his family as well. I can't wait for Levi's book. I NEED to know what's going on with him.
June 15, 2017
Lennox Hogan and his brothers are being stuck with yard work their mother wants done. Of course they don't want her to get injured again so suck it up to get it done. While at her house, he sees the girl his mother shares her love of romance books with and his struck dumb. He is instantly taken with her as well as wondering about his mother's motives. But now that he sees and speaks to her he can't get her out of his head and knows he will make her his.
Sophia Bennett is taken back by her attraction to the older Hogan brother. When she sees her mother making a play for him she shrinks back used to her mother's antics. She is also used to her mother's put downs and her father's indifference. When Nox makes his feelings for and pursuit of her known she is surprised but willing to try. The only problem is she has become a target of someone and there are many secrets about to be exposed as well but Nox will never let her go and she will need support when her world turns upside down.
I am been is a serious book funk. Not a slump per se but just nothing working type of thing. I started this with a funky attitude but as I kept going I enjoyed it. The heroine was sweet and very beaten down and not knowing what to do. The hero was very alpha but gentle with her too. The heroine's mother was coo coo cachoo and her dad pissed me off with how he dealt with things even though he did care but didn't show it. But all together it was a sweet story. No ow drama unless you count the mom. The heroine does have a bodyguard that seemed to like her but no real drama there. No cheating either. The hero didn't ever come across as a player/manho type and the heroine was a 19 year old virgin. I think the only thing that I found issue with is that some of the mother's crazy seemed a little too much or ott for me but still not so crazy that it took away from the book. It was a sweet, had some heat and mystery so it was a well rounded read.
Sophia Bennett is taken back by her attraction to the older Hogan brother. When she sees her mother making a play for him she shrinks back used to her mother's antics. She is also used to her mother's put downs and her father's indifference. When Nox makes his feelings for and pursuit of her known she is surprised but willing to try. The only problem is she has become a target of someone and there are many secrets about to be exposed as well but Nox will never let her go and she will need support when her world turns upside down.
I am been is a serious book funk. Not a slump per se but just nothing working type of thing. I started this with a funky attitude but as I kept going I enjoyed it. The heroine was sweet and very beaten down and not knowing what to do. The hero was very alpha but gentle with her too. The heroine's mother was coo coo cachoo and her dad pissed me off with how he dealt with things even though he did care but didn't show it. But all together it was a sweet story. No ow drama unless you count the mom. The heroine does have a bodyguard that seemed to like her but no real drama there. No cheating either. The hero didn't ever come across as a player/manho type and the heroine was a 19 year old virgin. I think the only thing that I found issue with is that some of the mother's crazy seemed a little too much or ott for me but still not so crazy that it took away from the book. It was a sweet, had some heat and mystery so it was a well rounded read.
February 5, 2019
I think I have officially outgrown these quickie, OTT insta-love stories because there isn't anything really wrong with this read, it just annoyed me more than anything. Thank you for the heads up GR friends for letting me read this as a freebie since spending any money on this would have just sucked.
Lets start with our Hero. Lennox is a decent H, he's kind, loyal and respectful. He really seems to care for Sophia. But I couldn't get over the fact he would jump all in for someone he really doesn't know anything about. I wanted there to be more time with him just being concerned and protective rather than having him jump right into a highly sexual relationship with a pratical stranger. I wasn't really buying his insta-love connection either. It just felt too out of place somehow and the way it was told, it didn't really have any feeling behind it.
Than there's Sophia. Again nothing "technically" wrong with her character other than we get zero character development from her. She's this young, super sheltered and naive girl who has never been kissed, never dated or showed any real interest in the opposite sex until meeting Lennox and then Boom! She's making out and letting this guy she's just met talk dirty to her and letting him get to third base within minutes of their first and only date? It seemed awfully adventurous for her and totally out of character based on everything we've been told up to that point. It doesn't help that her internal dialogue is super damaged after years of neglect and emotional abuse by her parents. This had potential but it was too cookie cutter for me.
I love insta-love because I like the connection and that special something that makes you automatically ship these characters together but I don't like when I'm told to root for a couple especially since there are really flimsy reasons to believe they have that something special. I've read a lot of romance and I'm read a lot of insta-love stories that I really loved. This one didn't make the cut for me.
The dialogue was pretty cringe worthy at times and the conflict, the "evil stepmother" was so OTT and crazy that I just kept rolling my eyes every time she came up. Sophia's father wasn't must better and his backstory about falling in love with two women at once was puke inducing. Could have done without that.
SAFETY INFO:
Lets start with our Hero. Lennox is a decent H, he's kind, loyal and respectful. He really seems to care for Sophia. But I couldn't get over the fact he would jump all in for someone he really doesn't know anything about. I wanted there to be more time with him just being concerned and protective rather than having him jump right into a highly sexual relationship with a pratical stranger. I wasn't really buying his insta-love connection either. It just felt too out of place somehow and the way it was told, it didn't really have any feeling behind it.
Than there's Sophia. Again nothing "technically" wrong with her character other than we get zero character development from her. She's this young, super sheltered and naive girl who has never been kissed, never dated or showed any real interest in the opposite sex until meeting Lennox and then Boom! She's making out and letting this guy she's just met talk dirty to her and letting him get to third base within minutes of their first and only date? It seemed awfully adventurous for her and totally out of character based on everything we've been told up to that point. It doesn't help that her internal dialogue is super damaged after years of neglect and emotional abuse by her parents. This had potential but it was too cookie cutter for me.
I love insta-love because I like the connection and that special something that makes you automatically ship these characters together but I don't like when I'm told to root for a couple especially since there are really flimsy reasons to believe they have that something special. I've read a lot of romance and I'm read a lot of insta-love stories that I really loved. This one didn't make the cut for me.
The dialogue was pretty cringe worthy at times and the conflict, the "evil stepmother" was so OTT and crazy that I just kept rolling my eyes every time she came up. Sophia's father wasn't must better and his backstory about falling in love with two women at once was puke inducing. Could have done without that.
SAFETY INFO:
May 30, 2017
WOW!
This book had everything I loved!
A man who meets the girl who is meant for him, strives to show her how strong she is and how he will always there for her, dreamy sigh...Nox...
My heart hurt for Sophia, she suffered so much mental abuse from someone who is meant to love her unconditionally. She is more stronger than she thinks! Loved seeing her grow in confidence.
Sophia and Nox...couple goals!
Can't wait for the next book....One Choice!!!!!!!
This book had everything I loved!
A man who meets the girl who is meant for him, strives to show her how strong she is and how he will always there for her, dreamy sigh...Nox...
My heart hurt for Sophia, she suffered so much mental abuse from someone who is meant to love her unconditionally. She is more stronger than she thinks! Loved seeing her grow in confidence.
Sophia and Nox...couple goals!
Can't wait for the next book....One Choice!!!!!!!
May 8, 2017
4/5
Hot fast safe read
-insta love
-OTT alpha
-H not a man whore
-virgin h
-No OW Drama relating to exes
-OW Drama is all the h's mother, she's crazy
-I found h a little like a doormat.... she's been severely mentally emotionally abused by her mother
-some mystery and suspense
-HEA with apologue
I would definitely recommend this book and I look forward to the other books in the series
Hot fast safe read
-insta love
-OTT alpha
-H not a man whore
-virgin h
-No OW Drama relating to exes
-OW Drama is all the h's mother, she's crazy
-I found h a little like a doormat.... she's been severely mentally emotionally abused by her mother
-some mystery and suspense
-HEA with apologue
I would definitely recommend this book and I look forward to the other books in the series
May 6, 2017
Wow, 😍. This was a quick read full of emotion, suspense, angst, drama and instalove.
Lennox is the oldest of three brothers. They are really, really close. He and his two brothers come from a household where their parents love and worshipped each other and Lennox also wanted the same thing his parents had; but he was waiting on the perfect woman. Until her. The minute he saw Sophia talking to his mom it was in love.
Sophia lives a sheltered and very sad life. She comes from a wealthy family but was never happy. Her mom humiliated her all the time and always called her stupid and useless. My heart broke because of all the emotional abuse she received from her mom. Her dad was the opposite but was too wrapped up in work. Her only friend is Lorraine, Lennox mom. Until she meets the older lady handsome, sexy oldest son.
Lennox courted Sophia and it was the sweetest thing. He was very patient with her, took his time with her because of her innocence, protected her fiercely and always told her encouraging words. Him and his brothers looked out for her. There were things happening that I can't spoil that makes you keep turning the page. A series of events that will infuriate you and at the end will answer lots of questions about Sophia's upbringing and household.
The HEA is beautiful and it shows her growth and of course still swoony Lennox. I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book.
Lennox is the oldest of three brothers. They are really, really close. He and his two brothers come from a household where their parents love and worshipped each other and Lennox also wanted the same thing his parents had; but he was waiting on the perfect woman. Until her. The minute he saw Sophia talking to his mom it was in love.
Sophia lives a sheltered and very sad life. She comes from a wealthy family but was never happy. Her mom humiliated her all the time and always called her stupid and useless. My heart broke because of all the emotional abuse she received from her mom. Her dad was the opposite but was too wrapped up in work. Her only friend is Lorraine, Lennox mom. Until she meets the older lady handsome, sexy oldest son.
Lennox courted Sophia and it was the sweetest thing. He was very patient with her, took his time with her because of her innocence, protected her fiercely and always told her encouraging words. Him and his brothers looked out for her. There were things happening that I can't spoil that makes you keep turning the page. A series of events that will infuriate you and at the end will answer lots of questions about Sophia's upbringing and household.
The HEA is beautiful and it shows her growth and of course still swoony Lennox. I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book.
October 30, 2018
Loved this book. Started reading it and couldn’t put it down. I hope to read more books from this author soon.
June 16, 2017
Stopped reading at chapter 6; skimmed the rest.
I don't think this book is for me. I wanted more "meat" to the story, to the characters --- especially if one of the MC's has issues like Sophia seems to have. As I was reading, I felt like the story was just skimming the surface of what could've been a more intimate tale. Consequently, I ended up getting more frustrated with the MC's instead of feeling connected to them.
I don't think this book is for me. I wanted more "meat" to the story, to the characters --- especially if one of the MC's has issues like Sophia seems to have. As I was reading, I felt like the story was just skimming the surface of what could've been a more intimate tale. Consequently, I ended up getting more frustrated with the MC's instead of feeling connected to them.
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August 7, 2023💝 FREE on iBooks today (10/29/2018)! 💝
November 5, 2018
3.25 - Nonstop/ Insta-love stars.
Day 1: They meet at his mom's house. Speak for a few minutes. Her mom arrives, hits on H and humiliates h. He decides she is IT for him.
Day 2: He goes to her home, pushes his way past her bodyguard, walks up to her and kisses her. Tells bodyguard she is HIS girl, kisses her again, tells off her mom, picks the lock on h bedroom door, kisses her again asks her on a date. (She is 19 & has never dated/kissed etc.)
Day 3: Drama. She is asleep and he crawls in bed with her. First date. Making out. Make plans for 2nd date.
Day 4: She runs away from home & decides to visit him at work. Drama. He takes her to his house and informs her she will be sleeping in his bed with him but nothing will happen because he knows she is not ready for what he wants. (Guess she is now going to live with him).
Day 5: Gives her a job at his shop. DRAMA.
Within the week: There goes the V-card. Love, injuries, PSYCHO drama!
Within a month: From V to Pro, I LOVE you, finally some justice for psycho mom. Mercy.... even if it was undeserved.
Day 1: They meet at his mom's house. Speak for a few minutes. Her mom arrives, hits on H and humiliates h. He decides she is IT for him.
Day 2: He goes to her home, pushes his way past her bodyguard, walks up to her and kisses her. Tells bodyguard she is HIS girl, kisses her again, tells off her mom, picks the lock on h bedroom door, kisses her again asks her on a date. (She is 19 & has never dated/kissed etc.)
Day 3: Drama. She is asleep and he crawls in bed with her. First date. Making out. Make plans for 2nd date.
Day 4: She runs away from home & decides to visit him at work. Drama. He takes her to his house and informs her she will be sleeping in his bed with him but nothing will happen because he knows she is not ready for what he wants. (Guess she is now going to live with him).
Day 5: Gives her a job at his shop. DRAMA.
Within the week: There goes the V-card. Love, injuries, PSYCHO drama!
Within a month: From V to Pro, I LOVE you, finally some justice for psycho mom. Mercy.... even if it was undeserved.
June 25, 2017
3.75 stars
May 4, 2017
*This book was reviewed for Summer's Eve Reads*
Title: One Chance (Hogan Brothers #1)
Author: K.L. Donn
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Rating: 3/5
The storyline of this book is based around Sophia and Lennox 'Nox', the moral of the story is that when given the love of a good man a woman can find her inner strength resulting in her being able to stand up and fight for herself.
The author really manages to tug on the heartstrings with the way in which she portrays Sophia and the relationship she has with her mother who's a complete b*tch towards her, Nox enters her life but he has a fight on his hands when trying to prove to Sophia that not all people are bad and out to hurt her.
A decent storyline with swoon worthy hero who's the perfect blend of sweet and alpha make this a respectable 3 out of 5 for me.
Title: One Chance (Hogan Brothers #1)
Author: K.L. Donn
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Rating: 3/5
The storyline of this book is based around Sophia and Lennox 'Nox', the moral of the story is that when given the love of a good man a woman can find her inner strength resulting in her being able to stand up and fight for herself.
The author really manages to tug on the heartstrings with the way in which she portrays Sophia and the relationship she has with her mother who's a complete b*tch towards her, Nox enters her life but he has a fight on his hands when trying to prove to Sophia that not all people are bad and out to hurt her.
A decent storyline with swoon worthy hero who's the perfect blend of sweet and alpha make this a respectable 3 out of 5 for me.
November 11, 2018
Plot holes and editing
I like this author. At least, I have liked some of her other writing. However, there are plot holes and nonsense details in this story.
SPOILERS
WHY did Anthony leave his daughter with the crazy woman already knowing she was horrible and cruel? The explanation did not make sense. No airbags in the car that crashed? The bodyguard was only mildly protective of Soph when she is grabbed by a guy he has not background checked? They STILL leave her in the house with crazy woman, even when they now KNOW Rebecca is behind everything? Dad distances himself during this time? And on and on. Nothing made much sense, including the Insta love relationship. I love Insta love stories, but this one needed more.
I like this author. At least, I have liked some of her other writing. However, there are plot holes and nonsense details in this story.
SPOILERS
WHY did Anthony leave his daughter with the crazy woman already knowing she was horrible and cruel? The explanation did not make sense. No airbags in the car that crashed? The bodyguard was only mildly protective of Soph when she is grabbed by a guy he has not background checked? They STILL leave her in the house with crazy woman, even when they now KNOW Rebecca is behind everything? Dad distances himself during this time? And on and on. Nothing made much sense, including the Insta love relationship. I love Insta love stories, but this one needed more.
June 27, 2017
I'm really torn between two and three stars. I loved the quotes at the beginning of each chapter. Some were damn insightful. Also, this is my idea of the modern day Cinderella story: rough, tough, older alpha male falls for virginal innocent young girl that needs protection. Love that concept, and the book certainly begins to straighten out around the halfway mark. That's the good news.
If you're looking for a fantasy romance that includes a mystery that makes no sense, then this book is for you. If you're looking for a story where the behavior and actions of the sane people are crazier than those of the totally insane person, this book is for you. If you're looking for a story that includes a bodyguard who apparently is bi-polar, is highly rude to his client (Anthony), has no clue where his subject (Sophia) is most of the time, even admitting casually he hadn't seen her for hours, this story is for you. I could go on forever.
The first half of this book was very disjointed, had no flow, and the behavior and actions of the characters just made no sense. It was all over the place. The author seemed to finally get it together but by then, the damage was done as far as I was concerned. I mean seriously, what was Braxton's purpose....and Anthony's devotion to Rebecca all those years while hating her made no sense as explained, and those early scenes between Nox, Sophie, Anthony and Braxton......WTF? Shame.
Well, two stars it is!
If you're looking for a fantasy romance that includes a mystery that makes no sense, then this book is for you. If you're looking for a story where the behavior and actions of the sane people are crazier than those of the totally insane person, this book is for you. If you're looking for a story that includes a bodyguard who apparently is bi-polar, is highly rude to his client (Anthony), has no clue where his subject (Sophia) is most of the time, even admitting casually he hadn't seen her for hours, this story is for you. I could go on forever.
The first half of this book was very disjointed, had no flow, and the behavior and actions of the characters just made no sense. It was all over the place. The author seemed to finally get it together but by then, the damage was done as far as I was concerned. I mean seriously, what was Braxton's purpose....and Anthony's devotion to Rebecca all those years while hating her made no sense as explained, and those early scenes between Nox, Sophie, Anthony and Braxton......WTF? Shame.
Well, two stars it is!
September 25, 2022
So much wrong here...
Nox sees the shy, sheltered Sophia and immediately goes all Neanderthal and by the next day, declares she's his woman. She's such a ninny, she allows it. When they get around to sex, this older, responsible guy doesn't even hesitate to think of a condom, nor do they apparently bother subsequently.
As if this wasn't off-putting enough, her parents' weirdness is one of the lamest exercises in character development and motivation ever, his brothers keep having weird problems they won't talk about (so why bother with all the bruises and moping?!) and are never explained, and worst of all, if there was an editor paid to correct shit so we couldn't tell the author doesn't grasp basic English and punctuation rules, they need to refund their salary. Granted, I've seen much worse, but I've never seen a writer seriously state "I SEEN her" (more than once!) with a straight face. Don't even get me started on sentence fragments and run-on sentences or we'll be here all day. Sheesh.
Nox sees the shy, sheltered Sophia and immediately goes all Neanderthal and by the next day, declares she's his woman. She's such a ninny, she allows it. When they get around to sex, this older, responsible guy doesn't even hesitate to think of a condom, nor do they apparently bother subsequently.
As if this wasn't off-putting enough, her parents' weirdness is one of the lamest exercises in character development and motivation ever, his brothers keep having weird problems they won't talk about (so why bother with all the bruises and moping?!) and are never explained, and worst of all, if there was an editor paid to correct shit so we couldn't tell the author doesn't grasp basic English and punctuation rules, they need to refund their salary. Granted, I've seen much worse, but I've never seen a writer seriously state "I SEEN her" (more than once!) with a straight face. Don't even get me started on sentence fragments and run-on sentences or we'll be here all day. Sheesh.
April 28, 2017
One chance, where to start on my feelings in relation to this book. KL broke me with the sadness and mistreatment of poor Sophia from the people who're meant to love and protect her. Nox is also facing something that he tried to hide, loneliness. Together these souls come together when they both really needed it. Thankfully the sweetness that came from Nox and the way he fights to show Soph she isn't stupid like her mother's years of abuse has made her believe brought a lot of other emotions, happiness being the main one. This novel is beyond anything I could have hoped for from the teases that KL shared. Sadness, rage and swooning are things you will expect if you read this book. Defiantly a mixed bag of emotions. Thankfully through a lot of hardship, Soph and Nox get their happy ever after that they both deserve and Soph proves how strong she is by showing compassion.
***ARC review, my honest opinion is this book is mind-blowingly amazing.
***ARC review, my honest opinion is this book is mind-blowingly amazing.
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May 12, 2017Sophia has been verbally abused since she was a little girl. She is softhearted, and has been brainwashed into thinking she is stupid. She still lives with her parents, and she has been kept under their thumb her entire life. She does not understand why her mother seems to hate her and her father is distant.
Nox is the eldest of three brothers, and his mother introduced the two. Nox is a man who knows what he wants. He sees Sophia and instantly wants her. He fights for what he wants, and he does everything he can to show Sophia he cares. When he finds out that her life is in danger, he does all that he can for her. There were so many twists and turns in the story, and I could not believe the direction the book took! I was a little surprised about halfway through the book, but the ending was definitely what I was expecting. It was a great start to a new series, and I cannot wait for the next book!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book.
Nox is the eldest of three brothers, and his mother introduced the two. Nox is a man who knows what he wants. He sees Sophia and instantly wants her. He fights for what he wants, and he does everything he can to show Sophia he cares. When he finds out that her life is in danger, he does all that he can for her. There were so many twists and turns in the story, and I could not believe the direction the book took! I was a little surprised about halfway through the book, but the ending was definitely what I was expecting. It was a great start to a new series, and I cannot wait for the next book!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book.
May 7, 2017
I voluntarily recieved an ARC from the author.
KL Donn is becoming a favorite go to author!!
Wow! One Chance is the story of 3 brothers Levi, Loch, & Lennox or Nox as he's sometimes referred as. This is Nox's story.
Sophia Bennett is a kind & sweet woman who dreams of finding her happily ever after similar to the books she reads about. She attends a book club with Lorraine Hogan at her home. When Sophia arrives at the home for book club there she meets Nox, Levi & Loch, due to their mother's meddling. Sophia seems happy but she isn't, her mother keeps her on a short leash of sorts & tells lies about Sophia & because of it, Sophia hides her feelings & is constantly apologizing. Nox wants to get to know Sophia better. Will Sophia let Nox into her life knowing how her mother’s rage is? Will Nox be able to help her? Buy this book & find out!!
KL Donn is becoming a favorite go to author!!
Wow! One Chance is the story of 3 brothers Levi, Loch, & Lennox or Nox as he's sometimes referred as. This is Nox's story.
Sophia Bennett is a kind & sweet woman who dreams of finding her happily ever after similar to the books she reads about. She attends a book club with Lorraine Hogan at her home. When Sophia arrives at the home for book club there she meets Nox, Levi & Loch, due to their mother's meddling. Sophia seems happy but she isn't, her mother keeps her on a short leash of sorts & tells lies about Sophia & because of it, Sophia hides her feelings & is constantly apologizing. Nox wants to get to know Sophia better. Will Sophia let Nox into her life knowing how her mother’s rage is? Will Nox be able to help her? Buy this book & find out!!
May 3, 2017
This was such a sweet yet heartbreaking story. Sophia is such a sweet and loving young woman who has been verbally abused by her mother. Years of abuse have left Sophia broken and feeling worthless. When she meets Lennox (Nox) Hogan she doesn't expect him to like someone like her.
Nox doesn't just like Sophia, he is determined to make her his. To win her love Nox has to show Sophia her worth, deal with her b*tch of a mother and an unknown threat to her safety. Witnessing Sophia come out of her shell and accept all of who she is worth and falling in love with Nox was beautiful.
This is one of my favourite books by K.L. Donn. I absolutely loved the alphaness of Nox, he was delicious. I can't wait for the other two Hogan brother's books. Their stories are going to be amazing!
Nox doesn't just like Sophia, he is determined to make her his. To win her love Nox has to show Sophia her worth, deal with her b*tch of a mother and an unknown threat to her safety. Witnessing Sophia come out of her shell and accept all of who she is worth and falling in love with Nox was beautiful.
This is one of my favourite books by K.L. Donn. I absolutely loved the alphaness of Nox, he was delicious. I can't wait for the other two Hogan brother's books. Their stories are going to be amazing!
May 7, 2017
This book! All I can think now that I'm done is Poor Soph! She was beaten down every day by a scandalous wench and yet she was still the sweetest character. Nox is sweet and alpha. This is my favorite KL book date (I know I say that with each new one but they are so damn good) I am addicted to these brothers and I haven't gotten to know them all yet! This book is a an absolute must read. I can't wait to read Levi and Loch!
May 8, 2017
So once again, an amazing and emotional ride with characters that are amazing! I really felt everything the female character was going through and loved how the male character was so in tune with her. Always a pleasure to spend time in a KL Donn story and can't wait for the brothers stories (and the surprise too).
May 5, 2017
this book y'all ... Soph broke my heart from the beginning with her struggles ... then for Nox to see her and just know was awesome ... they have real struggles as she works through all the crap she has been told her whole life. lots of drama and lots of love!!!
May 7, 2017
Love
This book y'all ... Sophie broke my heart in the beginning with her struggles then for Nox to see her and just know he wanted her was awesome. They have real struggles and as she works through all the crap she's been through her whole life. Lots of drama and love!!!
This book y'all ... Sophie broke my heart in the beginning with her struggles then for Nox to see her and just know he wanted her was awesome. They have real struggles and as she works through all the crap she's been through her whole life. Lots of drama and love!!!
October 27, 2017
Well written, but a bit over the top insta love for me and of course contained all the stereotypical romance check points.
May 11, 2022
I didn't dislike it, but there was quite a lot that didn't work or didn't sit well with me that I can't rate it any higher. 2 stars - just OK.
Sophia (h) is young, sheltered, and down-trodden from years of verbal abuse from her mother. She meets Lennox, 'Nox', (H) through his mother, her book club buddy. Instantly sparks fly, but Sophia's home life is darker even than Nox imagines. She's being stalked and receiving threats (beyond those from her mother). Can he be her shelter, her protection, her new start? Or is she too lost to begin again?
I liked Nox as an H - super patient and loyal and protective and supportive and all that good stuff - but at the same time, the insta-love was ridiculous. It's one thing to be immediately attracted to someone. But to be so all-in with someone who's obviously in a bit of a mess, and they've only met once? Exchanged maybe 3 sentences - not even flirty ones, but shy or tongue-tied ones?? I know it's a romance novel thing, and sometimes it hits the spot to read about love so easy that you just know and then everything else you face together. But this one was a bit much for me, how Nox was ready to throw punches after basically exchanging names. Or how he was so upset that he 'wasn't there to protect her' in the car crash. What on earth could he have done to protect her from an intentional t-bone collision? Could he have done any more for her afterwords than what Braxton did? Just pushing into irritating alpha territiory. Guess I just wasn't in the mood for it today.
I had mixed feelings on Sophia. It was interesting seeing a "broken" h character suffering/recovering from something different. We get a lot of former child abuse victims, former domestic abuse victims, orphans and foster care alums... we don't get as many (at least it feels like to me) hs suffering from current parental abuse. Gave it a little bit of a different dynamic, I guess. At the same time, she was very young, very sheltered, very naive, very downtrodden. And yet, with the tiniest bit of attention from him, and she's making out in public, dirty talking with the best of 'em... One of those virgin to sex kitten immediate transitions that always irritate me. I really wish she'd had more development, not just 'this guy loves you so now you have a backbone and positivity and sexual confidence and a healthy outlook on life.'
And I'm usually not bothered by age-difference romances, but I also usually like a little bit more mental/emotional maturity from the younger partner (whether H or h). If you're looking at a 15+ year age difference, and a metric ton of naivity to boot, it just leaves me with the weird feeling of 'but what on earth do they have in common??' Even when they were talking dating vs relationship, and Nox makes a comment about how "dating is for kids" - just kinda highlights it. She's 19 and still lives at home, with no work or college experience. She IS a kid. If she'd had more experience in life, then the age difference would feel less glaring to me, but as is, the relationship - though passionate - feels empty and sex driven and rather "trophy wife"ish.
I wasn't crazy about some of the writing. Just too hammy for me. Sappy, corny, however you want to put it. There were a few passages which were probably supposed to be sweet and emotional that just made me groan instead. And the deep emotional sex scenes, where they're both convinced that she's conceived? Slightly creepy, especially when she's 19 and has never even considered what she wants to do with her life (or even could do). Even if she wants to be a SAHM, she's never even thought about what she could do, so the jumping right to soul-connection conception was a bit much. Also, can't just about all sex "be the moment he got her pregnant"? Finally, it was all rather over-dramatic for sex too, that irksome ever-raising bar of how soul-deep sex is every time with the right person.
Also with the writing- the quotes at the start of the chapters got rather cheesy too.
The bigger problems I had were with the 'suspense' side of the plot. While I actually appreciated the family drama in this one, Rebecca as an outright villain was on the heavy-handed and obvious side. And then the conclusion? So, pretty anticlimactic. Honestly, I'd've rather she cut all the stalker and threatening side of things out of the story, and delve more into Sophia's growth and being able to stand up for herself against the emotional abuse.
A huge problem I had was Elianna - one giant walking, talking plot hole. Such a giant effing plothole.
Minor editing issues. Mostly verb agreement, or balancing clauses in compound sentences. Not always incorrect necessarily, but does make it clunky or awkward at times.
One final minor quibble. Not that the cover model was unattractive or un-alpha-y. But Nox is described with "dark blue eyes paired with his light blond hair." So who's the brown-eyed brunette on the cover supposed to be?
Alternating 3rd person POV, mostly the leads with a few sections from other characters. No cheating from the leads. OW drama (as well as lots of other drama) from Rebecca. No real OM drama. No love triangle nonsense - just insta-love, insta-devotion. Weak h with 'magic transformation'-type character development, rather than actual development. Insta-love alpha H with no real character development at all. Kinda unique set-up with some points, but lost to weak suspense and anticlimactic conclusion with a heavy dose of cheese in the writing. HEA with short-term epilogue and no cliffhangers, though each story for the other brothers was hinted at.
Would I read more from this author? I've got book 2 in the series (another free Kindle find) and the idea of a meet-cute involving gopher holes sounds like there's potential. I'll at least read that one. If that's another ho-hum one, then I'll probably skip more from this author. And I know they aren't Hogans, but it might be interesting to see Eli and Asher's story.
Sophia (h) is young, sheltered, and down-trodden from years of verbal abuse from her mother. She meets Lennox, 'Nox', (H) through his mother, her book club buddy. Instantly sparks fly, but Sophia's home life is darker even than Nox imagines. She's being stalked and receiving threats (beyond those from her mother). Can he be her shelter, her protection, her new start? Or is she too lost to begin again?
I liked Nox as an H - super patient and loyal and protective and supportive and all that good stuff - but at the same time, the insta-love was ridiculous. It's one thing to be immediately attracted to someone. But to be so all-in with someone who's obviously in a bit of a mess, and they've only met once? Exchanged maybe 3 sentences - not even flirty ones, but shy or tongue-tied ones?? I know it's a romance novel thing, and sometimes it hits the spot to read about love so easy that you just know and then everything else you face together. But this one was a bit much for me, how Nox was ready to throw punches after basically exchanging names. Or how he was so upset that he 'wasn't there to protect her' in the car crash. What on earth could he have done to protect her from an intentional t-bone collision? Could he have done any more for her afterwords than what Braxton did? Just pushing into irritating alpha territiory. Guess I just wasn't in the mood for it today.
I had mixed feelings on Sophia. It was interesting seeing a "broken" h character suffering/recovering from something different. We get a lot of former child abuse victims, former domestic abuse victims, orphans and foster care alums... we don't get as many (at least it feels like to me) hs suffering from current parental abuse. Gave it a little bit of a different dynamic, I guess. At the same time, she was very young, very sheltered, very naive, very downtrodden. And yet, with the tiniest bit of attention from him, and she's making out in public, dirty talking with the best of 'em... One of those virgin to sex kitten immediate transitions that always irritate me. I really wish she'd had more development, not just 'this guy loves you so now you have a backbone and positivity and sexual confidence and a healthy outlook on life.'
And I'm usually not bothered by age-difference romances, but I also usually like a little bit more mental/emotional maturity from the younger partner (whether H or h). If you're looking at a 15+ year age difference, and a metric ton of naivity to boot, it just leaves me with the weird feeling of 'but what on earth do they have in common??' Even when they were talking dating vs relationship, and Nox makes a comment about how "dating is for kids" - just kinda highlights it. She's 19 and still lives at home, with no work or college experience. She IS a kid. If she'd had more experience in life, then the age difference would feel less glaring to me, but as is, the relationship - though passionate - feels empty and sex driven and rather "trophy wife"ish.
I wasn't crazy about some of the writing. Just too hammy for me. Sappy, corny, however you want to put it. There were a few passages which were probably supposed to be sweet and emotional that just made me groan instead. And the deep emotional sex scenes, where they're both convinced that she's conceived? Slightly creepy, especially when she's 19 and has never even considered what she wants to do with her life (or even could do). Even if she wants to be a SAHM, she's never even thought about what she could do, so the jumping right to soul-connection conception was a bit much. Also, can't just about all sex "be the moment he got her pregnant"? Finally, it was all rather over-dramatic for sex too, that irksome ever-raising bar of how soul-deep sex is every time with the right person.
Also with the writing- the quotes at the start of the chapters got rather cheesy too.
The bigger problems I had were with the 'suspense' side of the plot. While I actually appreciated the family drama in this one, Rebecca as an outright villain was on the heavy-handed and obvious side. And then the conclusion? So, pretty anticlimactic. Honestly, I'd've rather she cut all the stalker and threatening side of things out of the story, and delve more into Sophia's growth and being able to stand up for herself against the emotional abuse.
A huge problem I had was Elianna - one giant walking, talking plot hole. Such a giant effing plothole.
Minor editing issues. Mostly verb agreement, or balancing clauses in compound sentences. Not always incorrect necessarily, but does make it clunky or awkward at times.
One final minor quibble. Not that the cover model was unattractive or un-alpha-y. But Nox is described with "dark blue eyes paired with his light blond hair." So who's the brown-eyed brunette on the cover supposed to be?
Alternating 3rd person POV, mostly the leads with a few sections from other characters. No cheating from the leads. OW drama (as well as lots of other drama) from Rebecca. No real OM drama. No love triangle nonsense - just insta-love, insta-devotion. Weak h with 'magic transformation'-type character development, rather than actual development. Insta-love alpha H with no real character development at all. Kinda unique set-up with some points, but lost to weak suspense and anticlimactic conclusion with a heavy dose of cheese in the writing. HEA with short-term epilogue and no cliffhangers, though each story for the other brothers was hinted at.
Would I read more from this author? I've got book 2 in the series (another free Kindle find) and the idea of a meet-cute involving gopher holes sounds like there's potential. I'll at least read that one. If that's another ho-hum one, then I'll probably skip more from this author. And I know they aren't Hogans, but it might be interesting to see Eli and Asher's story.
August 22, 2019
One Chance
I enjoyed the story...it started slow but speed up rather quickly. Love the Hogan Brothers and Lorraine. Sophia grew into a confident woman. Overall a good story. Happy Reading!!!
I enjoyed the story...it started slow but speed up rather quickly. Love the Hogan Brothers and Lorraine. Sophia grew into a confident woman. Overall a good story. Happy Reading!!!
May 8, 2017
Oh so good! KL Donn has become one of my favorite authors. Her story lines are so amazing, the writing is incredible. I am going to try to review this book but no review will give it great justice. It needs to be read to be truly appreciated.
One word, one word that can cause so much hurt in a young woman's life. To have this word told to you time and again causes so much hurt. It can make you feel worthless, loveless, nothing. This is how Sophia feels every time her "mother" calls her stupid. She is trapped in her life and doesn't know how to get out, she is merely existing and there are times she doesn't want to exist anymore.
Sophia has one friend, an older woman who she can share her love of books with, Lorraine. One visit at Lorraine's has her meeting her 3 sons, but only one of the sons she feels compelled too.
Lennox "Nox", he also feels the attraction to Soph, he wants to know more about her. He sees the sadness in her and wants to protect her and find out what is going on with Sophia and he isn't going to take no for an answer.
The book reads fast, the attraction is fast, the suspense of what is going on is fast. You need to keep reading to know what is going to happen next. Why are these things happening to Sophia, can Nox protect her? Will there love happen?
Nox, is the alpha male you love in KL's books. Tender, wants to protect his woman, and Sophia is his woman. Sophia, is bent she thinks broken, but she is not broken. She needed to feel loved and safe, she becomes a strong woman in this book and comes out of the shy shell she has been made into by her "mother".
The book is suspenseful, the sex was hot but not dirty it feels like love and passion. The quotes at the beginning of each chapter were some of the best. H.O.P.E Hold on, pain ends. This story has a guaranteed HEA. Cant wait for the rest of the brothers to get their stories told. Great job once again KL.
I was given an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
One word, one word that can cause so much hurt in a young woman's life. To have this word told to you time and again causes so much hurt. It can make you feel worthless, loveless, nothing. This is how Sophia feels every time her "mother" calls her stupid. She is trapped in her life and doesn't know how to get out, she is merely existing and there are times she doesn't want to exist anymore.
Sophia has one friend, an older woman who she can share her love of books with, Lorraine. One visit at Lorraine's has her meeting her 3 sons, but only one of the sons she feels compelled too.
Lennox "Nox", he also feels the attraction to Soph, he wants to know more about her. He sees the sadness in her and wants to protect her and find out what is going on with Sophia and he isn't going to take no for an answer.
The book reads fast, the attraction is fast, the suspense of what is going on is fast. You need to keep reading to know what is going to happen next. Why are these things happening to Sophia, can Nox protect her? Will there love happen?
Nox, is the alpha male you love in KL's books. Tender, wants to protect his woman, and Sophia is his woman. Sophia, is bent she thinks broken, but she is not broken. She needed to feel loved and safe, she becomes a strong woman in this book and comes out of the shy shell she has been made into by her "mother".
The book is suspenseful, the sex was hot but not dirty it feels like love and passion. The quotes at the beginning of each chapter were some of the best. H.O.P.E Hold on, pain ends. This story has a guaranteed HEA. Cant wait for the rest of the brothers to get their stories told. Great job once again KL.
I was given an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
October 18, 2017
Sophia Bennett has been told she is stupid and worth nothing her entire life. So much so that she believes it is true and longs to be invisible. Trapped in a house with a verbally abusive mother and a father that spends all of his time at work, her one true escape is reading and her Sunday book club date with a woman she met at a book store, Lorraine Hogan.
Lennox Hogan is a rough around the edges mechanic. He’s blunt and says what he means without sugar coating things. He also knows he is looking for “the one” so that he can settle down and have a family. When the shy and beautiful Sophia shows up at his mother’s house for book club, he immediately knows she will be his.
What neither Nox nor Soph realize when they first meet is that an unknown threat is about to make itself known, and the target is Sophia. Will Nox be able to keep her safe while also breaking through Sophia’s walls and helping her understand just how valuable and perfect she is for him? Will Sophia be able to escape her mother’s relentless verbal torment and take a chance on believing that what Nox sees in her is true and she can have a happy ever after?
KL Donn has created a beautiful story with One Chance. I love that she shows that all abuse is not physical and that words can impact a person more than most realize . . .especially when the verbal abuse is life-long. Sophia’s character truly blossoms in this book once she meets Nox and begins to discover her own value and self-worth. Nox is also the perfect companion for Sophia. His love for her is unwavering and his attempts to help her see who she truly is are constant to help her battle the verbal abuse she is so used too.
This is a great love story with the right amount of action to keep readers on the edge of their seats waiting to find out if Sophia and Nox get their happy ending. 4 stars.
Lennox Hogan is a rough around the edges mechanic. He’s blunt and says what he means without sugar coating things. He also knows he is looking for “the one” so that he can settle down and have a family. When the shy and beautiful Sophia shows up at his mother’s house for book club, he immediately knows she will be his.
What neither Nox nor Soph realize when they first meet is that an unknown threat is about to make itself known, and the target is Sophia. Will Nox be able to keep her safe while also breaking through Sophia’s walls and helping her understand just how valuable and perfect she is for him? Will Sophia be able to escape her mother’s relentless verbal torment and take a chance on believing that what Nox sees in her is true and she can have a happy ever after?
KL Donn has created a beautiful story with One Chance. I love that she shows that all abuse is not physical and that words can impact a person more than most realize . . .especially when the verbal abuse is life-long. Sophia’s character truly blossoms in this book once she meets Nox and begins to discover her own value and self-worth. Nox is also the perfect companion for Sophia. His love for her is unwavering and his attempts to help her see who she truly is are constant to help her battle the verbal abuse she is so used too.
This is a great love story with the right amount of action to keep readers on the edge of their seats waiting to find out if Sophia and Nox get their happy ending. 4 stars.
May 6, 2017
This story is about a man whose mom sets up a “chance” meeting in which he discovers the love of his life, who has been emotionally abused her whole life. Nox is instantly taken by Sophia and becomes very and protective of her and supports her. Sophia learns that the life as she knew it was built on lies that could not be placing her in danger.
Disappointingly this story just didn’t do it for me. Because of the characters I had a really hard time with the getting into the book. Within the first 20% of the book, I didn’t think I was going to be able to finish but I did. I thought the premise of the story was good and has so much potential. I thought there was a good twist to the story that made you wonder on a few things such has who really was behind all the threats. I thought a few things were revealed a little too quick or could have been a little more suspenseful however it didn’t take away from the story in any way.
I found the characters to be unbelievable and not relatable in any way. They met and instantly Lennox was aggressive and angry with anyone that said a word against her, flirted with her, etc. He was extremely protective of her even without knowing her background. I just can’t imagine a guy would meet a girl and then immediately get angry and be ready to fight anyone in a flash. Throughout the whole book he was constantly angry and doing things that I just don’t see a normal person doing. Sophia was sheltered and abused emotionally by her mother however I could see this making a girl very shy, timid, and quiet. Sophia is portrayed as a someone who is clueless on the way the world works, as someone who is very naïve and doesn’t even know the basics of a relationship.
If you enjoy a book about a fierce protector and an abused girl, then I would recommend this book to you.
Disappointingly this story just didn’t do it for me. Because of the characters I had a really hard time with the getting into the book. Within the first 20% of the book, I didn’t think I was going to be able to finish but I did. I thought the premise of the story was good and has so much potential. I thought there was a good twist to the story that made you wonder on a few things such has who really was behind all the threats. I thought a few things were revealed a little too quick or could have been a little more suspenseful however it didn’t take away from the story in any way.
I found the characters to be unbelievable and not relatable in any way. They met and instantly Lennox was aggressive and angry with anyone that said a word against her, flirted with her, etc. He was extremely protective of her even without knowing her background. I just can’t imagine a guy would meet a girl and then immediately get angry and be ready to fight anyone in a flash. Throughout the whole book he was constantly angry and doing things that I just don’t see a normal person doing. Sophia was sheltered and abused emotionally by her mother however I could see this making a girl very shy, timid, and quiet. Sophia is portrayed as a someone who is clueless on the way the world works, as someone who is very naïve and doesn’t even know the basics of a relationship.
If you enjoy a book about a fierce protector and an abused girl, then I would recommend this book to you.
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