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Second Chances #1
Designing Samantha's Love
They both have so much to overcome to realize their second chance.
Nothing terrifies Samantha Powell more than starting over, but after devoting three decades to a troubled man and an unhappy marriage, Sam finds the courage to seek her own happiness. She imagines a nice quiet life filled with friends, family, and a career that leaves no room for relationship drama. Unfortunately, no one told the alluring Grayson Kinkaide.
After escaping a bad marriage of his own, Grayson realizes his soul mate is still out there and his heart is set on Sam. Their instant attraction begins a steamy affair, but the women of Grayson's past aren't ready to let him go. Grayson must convince Sam that she is the only one for him.
Nothing terrifies Samantha Powell more than starting over, but after devoting three decades to a troubled man and an unhappy marriage, Sam finds the courage to seek her own happiness. She imagines a nice quiet life filled with friends, family, and a career that leaves no room for relationship drama. Unfortunately, no one told the alluring Grayson Kinkaide.
After escaping a bad marriage of his own, Grayson realizes his soul mate is still out there and his heart is set on Sam. Their instant attraction begins a steamy affair, but the women of Grayson's past aren't ready to let him go. Grayson must convince Sam that she is the only one for him.
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 20, 2014
80 people are currently reading
1204 people want to read
About the author
P.J. Fiala
69 books825 followersI was born in a suburb of St. Louis, Missouri named Bridgeton. During my time in Missouri, I explored the Ozarks, swam in the Mississippi River, played kickball and endless games of hide and seek with the neighborhood kids. Spending summers in Kentucky with my Grandmother, Ruth, are the fondest childhood memories for me.
At the age of thirteen, my family moved to Wisconsin to learn to farm. Yes, learn to farm! That was interesting. Taking city kids and throwing them on a farm with twenty-eight cows purchased from the Humane Society because they had been abused, was interesting. I learned to milk cows, the ins and outs of a breeding schedule, feeding schedule and the never ending haying in the summer and trying to stay warm in the winter. Our first winter in Wisconsin, we had thirty-six inches of snow in one storm and were snowed in our house for three days! Needless to say, I wasn’t loving Wisconsin.
I am now married with four children and three grandchildren. I have learned to love Wisconsin, though I still hate snow. Wisconsin and the United States are beautiful and my husband and I travel around by motorcycle seeing new sites and meeting new people. It never ceases to amaze me how many people are interested in where we are going and what we have seen along the way. At every gas station, restaurant and hotel, we have people come up to us and ask us about what we are doing and offering advice on which roads in the area are better than others and great rides others have been on if we are interested.
I come from a family of veterans. My grandfather, father, brother and two of my sons and one daughter-in-law are all veterans. Needless to say, I am proud. Proud to be an American and proud of the service my amazing family has given.
At the age of thirteen, my family moved to Wisconsin to learn to farm. Yes, learn to farm! That was interesting. Taking city kids and throwing them on a farm with twenty-eight cows purchased from the Humane Society because they had been abused, was interesting. I learned to milk cows, the ins and outs of a breeding schedule, feeding schedule and the never ending haying in the summer and trying to stay warm in the winter. Our first winter in Wisconsin, we had thirty-six inches of snow in one storm and were snowed in our house for three days! Needless to say, I wasn’t loving Wisconsin.
I am now married with four children and three grandchildren. I have learned to love Wisconsin, though I still hate snow. Wisconsin and the United States are beautiful and my husband and I travel around by motorcycle seeing new sites and meeting new people. It never ceases to amaze me how many people are interested in where we are going and what we have seen along the way. At every gas station, restaurant and hotel, we have people come up to us and ask us about what we are doing and offering advice on which roads in the area are better than others and great rides others have been on if we are interested.
I come from a family of veterans. My grandfather, father, brother and two of my sons and one daughter-in-law are all veterans. Needless to say, I am proud. Proud to be an American and proud of the service my amazing family has given.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews
February 7, 2018
I totally loved this story. This was a really refreshing story. I loved that it was written about mature characters. There are certainly not enough books written about this age group(that I've read).
I just love Gray and Sam. Although Gray was in a relationship years ago he is still looking for his soul mate. Sam is looking for a quiet life. That's certainly not going to happen after meeting Gray. Loved the fact the author let us read about both their families. Brilliant storyline with a great twist. I just loved the drama... Oh and the sex scenes are hot:)
Received in return for an honest review.
I just love Gray and Sam. Although Gray was in a relationship years ago he is still looking for his soul mate. Sam is looking for a quiet life. That's certainly not going to happen after meeting Gray. Loved the fact the author let us read about both their families. Brilliant storyline with a great twist. I just loved the drama... Oh and the sex scenes are hot:)
Received in return for an honest review.
March 31, 2014
Thank you for the opportunity to review. I loved the fact that this was a story of older protagonists. Love at first sight can happen at any point in one's life and this story is one of them. Complications and baggage still abounds and thankfully they work through it. And what a family...I loved it!
August 4, 2016
I was provided a gift copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Review title: Second and Third Chances
Do you know how many books use this title? It's a popular concept in love stories. What one didn't get the "first" time around, maybe they can achieve with another try?
In Second Chances by P.J. Fiala, we are given a beautiful story about 2 people, who seem destined for each other, as they fight to come together.
The story opens with Sam, having spent a year as a widow after spending nearly 30 years married, meeting Gray Kinkaid. What we find in Second Chances is a lovely story about finding passion and love in middle age.
It's love at first site, and in this case, it happens to be the first passionate feelings of love that either experience. In particularly for Gray, and he's not about to let her get away. The storyline is well constructed and includes some intrigue and action. We get a whirlwind romance, families coming together. All the while, Gray's past, his ex-wife and ex-lover, challenge Sam's self confidence and Gray's commitment.
The characters are well developed and P.J. takes us into the psyche of both Sam and Gray. Early on we find out that both have some standard psychological damage that drive how they approach falling in love. He's jealous and yet happy for his family who have found real love, so when he recognizes Sam as this person, who he has instance connection with, he goes full bore into making her his.
What's a love story with angst and Gray provides they fodder for this. There are some incredible failures on his part, but he seems to learn and thankfully Sam gives him another chance. The central theme is of Gray trying to protect Sam. He tries to protect her from his exes both emotionally and end up needing to protect her physically.
The writing is strong and my only knock is the amount of detail/background in who shows up and where and events. At times I felt like skimming just to get to the meat of the story, but I wanted to do right by the author as this was a gift copy and thus I read every word.
I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys contemporary romance and I commend the author for adding lots of spice to Gray and Sam's love life. There is a D/s aspect to their sex life which is presented well so as a warning, if you offended by D/s activity, you might avoid, but you might find yourself pleasantly surprised. Again, P.J. writing is solid and this is done well.
Review title: Second and Third Chances
Do you know how many books use this title? It's a popular concept in love stories. What one didn't get the "first" time around, maybe they can achieve with another try?
In Second Chances by P.J. Fiala, we are given a beautiful story about 2 people, who seem destined for each other, as they fight to come together.
The story opens with Sam, having spent a year as a widow after spending nearly 30 years married, meeting Gray Kinkaid. What we find in Second Chances is a lovely story about finding passion and love in middle age.
It's love at first site, and in this case, it happens to be the first passionate feelings of love that either experience. In particularly for Gray, and he's not about to let her get away. The storyline is well constructed and includes some intrigue and action. We get a whirlwind romance, families coming together. All the while, Gray's past, his ex-wife and ex-lover, challenge Sam's self confidence and Gray's commitment.
The characters are well developed and P.J. takes us into the psyche of both Sam and Gray. Early on we find out that both have some standard psychological damage that drive how they approach falling in love. He's jealous and yet happy for his family who have found real love, so when he recognizes Sam as this person, who he has instance connection with, he goes full bore into making her his.
What's a love story with angst and Gray provides they fodder for this. There are some incredible failures on his part, but he seems to learn and thankfully Sam gives him another chance. The central theme is of Gray trying to protect Sam. He tries to protect her from his exes both emotionally and end up needing to protect her physically.
The writing is strong and my only knock is the amount of detail/background in who shows up and where and events. At times I felt like skimming just to get to the meat of the story, but I wanted to do right by the author as this was a gift copy and thus I read every word.
I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys contemporary romance and I commend the author for adding lots of spice to Gray and Sam's love life. There is a D/s aspect to their sex life which is presented well so as a warning, if you offended by D/s activity, you might avoid, but you might find yourself pleasantly surprised. Again, P.J. writing is solid and this is done well.
August 26, 2018
It’s such a pleasure to find a romance that features older main characters, this book does and it’s worth reading. The author quickly drew me in to the story and had me wanting to know what was going to happen next. There are steamy scenes, plenty of romance, and love. A great story.
March 31, 2014
Second Chances makes you think about your life in the present ....can I go on the way you have been or should you look for something or someone to change it for the better the second time around ?? Samantha Powell was in a mental depression marriage for 30 years with a man that had her second guessing her self to make her have self esteem issues about her appearance and herself in General...but after a car accident that kills Tim, Sam feels devastated that she lost her husband but FREE at the same time. A year later at work Sam sees her soul mate....Grayson Kinkaide, an divorced 55 year old that is HOTTER than an HELL !! Gray sees Sam and immediately knows he has found his other half. Gray's marriage to Suzanne was love less and finally after 3 children he knows he will never love her, he loves his children with his whole heart but he knows Suzanne is not his other half. All through there marriage Suzanne manipulated Gray to get what she wanted, kids, statues from Grays career and someone just to order around. His children even knew he was not happy....he never laughed or smiled, but one look at Sam and his whole world changed. There friendship started by a chance meeting and turned into a whirl win full out sexy love affair !! They both deserved this after there first unsatisfying marriages....but does it turn out yo be all ROSES ? Of course not.......
Gray never left or had live in his life but Sam is willing to give him it ALL....love, marriage, friendship and of course two wonderful families merging to be one. But two woman from Grays past tries to tear them apart. But can Sam's love fir best get her through the troubles and not bring up her self esteem issues and make her insecure in the relationship or will Gray convince her that he loves her and ONLY HER and make her Mrs. Grayson Kinkaide !
This book blew away my expectations !! I loved the story.....it was so nice to read a story about people in your age range...lol and feel the same things they felt and feel !! There was real life issues in this book that made you think and feel for the characters. Thus book was a gift fir a review and I LOVED every minute of my reading experience and hope the story continues.....there a lot of family members to write about in there !!
Gray never left or had live in his life but Sam is willing to give him it ALL....love, marriage, friendship and of course two wonderful families merging to be one. But two woman from Grays past tries to tear them apart. But can Sam's love fir best get her through the troubles and not bring up her self esteem issues and make her insecure in the relationship or will Gray convince her that he loves her and ONLY HER and make her Mrs. Grayson Kinkaide !
This book blew away my expectations !! I loved the story.....it was so nice to read a story about people in your age range...lol and feel the same things they felt and feel !! There was real life issues in this book that made you think and feel for the characters. Thus book was a gift fir a review and I LOVED every minute of my reading experience and hope the story continues.....there a lot of family members to write about in there !!
April 17, 2014
**JOSIE'S REVIEW**
Wow I loved this book! It’s about an older man that is hot, sexy and A GOD IN THE BED (HELLO EVERY WOMAN OVER THIRTY YEARS OLD DREAM). Gray is awesome, dominant, secure and passionate. Sam is the woman you want to have by your side. She is a great mother, friend and a great lover. I loved Sam. She was not weak at all. She lived for 20 years in a marriage that she just sat back and did nothing. But this time she has a voice and does not take ANYTHING. When I say anything, I mean Gray’s manipulative ex-wife, crazy ex-F**k buddy and a psycho secretary.
Gray and Sam meet at her job and as soon as they see each, they are both struck with cupid’s arrow. I usually am not a fan of instant love but in this case when given their past and their age you will see how right it was for this pair. With the help of one of Sam’s customers, Grey and Sam have agreed to go on a date. Gray was all in even though Sam had her doubts. Gray handles it the only way a dominate male can.
“I thought you might be relieved to not have to take me out. Mrs. Koepple did kind of make you feel obligated. You were nice enough not to say it, but she did push.”
“I asked you out because I wanted to, not because I felt obligated, Sam. The second I walked in the door and saw you, I was stopped in my tracks. When you looked at me, those green eyes ran straight through ne and I lost my breath. (SWOON)”
On their first date, Sam and Gray decide to lay everything on the line. They open up to each other about their past marriages, children and past relationship history. Gray’s marriage was not of love and he has a past that scares Sam. Gray doesn’t want that life any longer and wants more of a connection. Sam has been with one person, her dead husband, so after hearing things about Gray’s past she is 2nd guessing their relationship.
“After I found out she had been cheating on me for years. I needed to connect with someone and I needed a release, sexual release. Even then, I didn’t cheat often. I didn’t want any emotional attachments. Since then, I’ve been with three other women, random, just looking for release and connection. That the ugly truth. But I was always safe. Speak to me, Sam.”
“I don’t know what to say. And, I can’t help but wonder what I am to you. Am I a random…?”
“No, no you are not random.”
Gray and Sam know what they both want and that is each other. The sexual chemistry these 2 throw out is OFF THE CHARTS. I needed to get a fan, MOTHER HELL, GRAY IS HOT!!!
“I’m about to make you mine, Sam, do you understand me? You will be mine, only mine.”
“Does that mean you’ll be mine, only mine?”
“Yes baby, that exactly what that means. Open your eyes and look at me Sam. Watch me while I make love to you. I want you to be with me. Open your eyes and look at me. Keep your eyes on me the whole time, bye. Tell me, are you ready?”
“I’m close, so close, Gray..”
Of course as things are going good…I did warn you about 3 trolls, right? Well here they come. Sam is one tough cookie. She does not take lies, manipulation and ex’s that just don’t go away. She also does not take Gray’s passiveness when it comes to standing up for himself. Gray has to be all in or Sam is all out. Gray’s ex-wife Suzanne is just strange, never loved Gray but feels the need to push whenever she wants.
“Sh*t! Sam, please let me explain.”
“How in the hell do you explain that you lied? I cannot think of any way to EXPLAIN that. You. Lied. To. Me. To be with Suzanne.”
“Sam, please sit and talk to me.”
“The last thing in the world I want to do right now is talk to you. I have this nasty temper that luckily doesn’t come out very often, but when it does come out, its ugly, and that’s right now.”
“I’m so sorry, Sam. I shouldn’t have lied to you. I know we have talked about being open and honest and I am so, so sorry. I swear to you I’ll never do it again, ever.”
“Gray you still allow her t manipulate you. You know this is something that I cannot deal with. I hate the lying, and if you ever lie to me again, there will be no more chances. I mean that.”
Here goes Cheryl, that RANDOM, I swear Gray picked some crazy woman to release his sexual frustrations on. These women will make you want to slap them and honestly (EVEN THOUGHT I LOVE GRAY) I wanted to hit him too.
“Cheryl stopped by to see if I would have lunch with her. Would you like to join us?” (SAY WHAT NOW?)
“I don’t know what to say, Gray. I’m kind of shocked here, and a little hurt I guess. I don’t know what to say, how to feel, or what to think.”
“Just when I thought God brought us together because we were meant to be, suddenly thee obstacles keep popping up and making me doubt everything.”
Things start to take a dangerous turn for the couple and with 3 crazy women from Gray’s past lurking; I did not which one was in on it. Is Sam strong enough to let Gray’s past go? Will Gray finally take a stand and MAN-UP too his ex-wife and ex-random chick before Sam calls it quits? Will Gray and Sam bond be strong enough to with stand all these tests? Trust me you are going to want to know. This is a face-paced read that pulls you in and it will have you cheering this couple on.
I received a complimentary copy from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Wow I loved this book! It’s about an older man that is hot, sexy and A GOD IN THE BED (HELLO EVERY WOMAN OVER THIRTY YEARS OLD DREAM). Gray is awesome, dominant, secure and passionate. Sam is the woman you want to have by your side. She is a great mother, friend and a great lover. I loved Sam. She was not weak at all. She lived for 20 years in a marriage that she just sat back and did nothing. But this time she has a voice and does not take ANYTHING. When I say anything, I mean Gray’s manipulative ex-wife, crazy ex-F**k buddy and a psycho secretary.
Gray and Sam meet at her job and as soon as they see each, they are both struck with cupid’s arrow. I usually am not a fan of instant love but in this case when given their past and their age you will see how right it was for this pair. With the help of one of Sam’s customers, Grey and Sam have agreed to go on a date. Gray was all in even though Sam had her doubts. Gray handles it the only way a dominate male can.
“I thought you might be relieved to not have to take me out. Mrs. Koepple did kind of make you feel obligated. You were nice enough not to say it, but she did push.”
“I asked you out because I wanted to, not because I felt obligated, Sam. The second I walked in the door and saw you, I was stopped in my tracks. When you looked at me, those green eyes ran straight through ne and I lost my breath. (SWOON)”
On their first date, Sam and Gray decide to lay everything on the line. They open up to each other about their past marriages, children and past relationship history. Gray’s marriage was not of love and he has a past that scares Sam. Gray doesn’t want that life any longer and wants more of a connection. Sam has been with one person, her dead husband, so after hearing things about Gray’s past she is 2nd guessing their relationship.
“After I found out she had been cheating on me for years. I needed to connect with someone and I needed a release, sexual release. Even then, I didn’t cheat often. I didn’t want any emotional attachments. Since then, I’ve been with three other women, random, just looking for release and connection. That the ugly truth. But I was always safe. Speak to me, Sam.”
“I don’t know what to say. And, I can’t help but wonder what I am to you. Am I a random…?”
“No, no you are not random.”
Gray and Sam know what they both want and that is each other. The sexual chemistry these 2 throw out is OFF THE CHARTS. I needed to get a fan, MOTHER HELL, GRAY IS HOT!!!
“I’m about to make you mine, Sam, do you understand me? You will be mine, only mine.”
“Does that mean you’ll be mine, only mine?”
“Yes baby, that exactly what that means. Open your eyes and look at me Sam. Watch me while I make love to you. I want you to be with me. Open your eyes and look at me. Keep your eyes on me the whole time, bye. Tell me, are you ready?”
“I’m close, so close, Gray..”
Of course as things are going good…I did warn you about 3 trolls, right? Well here they come. Sam is one tough cookie. She does not take lies, manipulation and ex’s that just don’t go away. She also does not take Gray’s passiveness when it comes to standing up for himself. Gray has to be all in or Sam is all out. Gray’s ex-wife Suzanne is just strange, never loved Gray but feels the need to push whenever she wants.
“Sh*t! Sam, please let me explain.”
“How in the hell do you explain that you lied? I cannot think of any way to EXPLAIN that. You. Lied. To. Me. To be with Suzanne.”
“Sam, please sit and talk to me.”
“The last thing in the world I want to do right now is talk to you. I have this nasty temper that luckily doesn’t come out very often, but when it does come out, its ugly, and that’s right now.”
“I’m so sorry, Sam. I shouldn’t have lied to you. I know we have talked about being open and honest and I am so, so sorry. I swear to you I’ll never do it again, ever.”
“Gray you still allow her t manipulate you. You know this is something that I cannot deal with. I hate the lying, and if you ever lie to me again, there will be no more chances. I mean that.”
Here goes Cheryl, that RANDOM, I swear Gray picked some crazy woman to release his sexual frustrations on. These women will make you want to slap them and honestly (EVEN THOUGHT I LOVE GRAY) I wanted to hit him too.
“Cheryl stopped by to see if I would have lunch with her. Would you like to join us?” (SAY WHAT NOW?)
“I don’t know what to say, Gray. I’m kind of shocked here, and a little hurt I guess. I don’t know what to say, how to feel, or what to think.”
“Just when I thought God brought us together because we were meant to be, suddenly thee obstacles keep popping up and making me doubt everything.”
Things start to take a dangerous turn for the couple and with 3 crazy women from Gray’s past lurking; I did not which one was in on it. Is Sam strong enough to let Gray’s past go? Will Gray finally take a stand and MAN-UP too his ex-wife and ex-random chick before Sam calls it quits? Will Gray and Sam bond be strong enough to with stand all these tests? Trust me you are going to want to know. This is a face-paced read that pulls you in and it will have you cheering this couple on.
I received a complimentary copy from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.
March 30, 2014
2 out of 5 Stars
*** ARC provided in exchange for an honest review ***
Samantha Powell has been slowly adjusting to life after the death of her husband, and never actually thought she would be given a second chance at love until handsome Grayson Kinkaide walks through her office door. Grayson himself has been adjusting to life after his divorce from his over-manipulative ex-wife seven years ago, relaying on casual sex with random women. But seeing Sam stopped him in his tracks and he falls head over heels. Their blossoming relationship is however put to a test when their past comes back to haunt them with threats.
Second Chances started off as a rather peculiar book since it is not the typical new adult romance I am used to read, but actually the story of a couple at grandma & grandpa age – so in their mid-fifties. But then again, why not?
But what started out as something interesting, and rather sweet in the first chapters quickly turned to something less appealing... What I didn’t like at all about Second Chances was definitely the pace. Grayson and Samantha hit it off quickly, which is great, but after that,it was just history repeating itself: Gray does something (generally an action that most people would disregard)that upsets Samantha and her low-self-esteem, Sam shuts herself out and leaves, Gray goes after her, they make up, they have sex. And repeat.
The story itself is cheesy sweet, in the way that the characters say “I Love You” twice per page and the whole family gets a happy end, even the dog (not literally, but I am just stating my point here). There is however an intrigue in the story – which is not that unexpected because it is clearly stated in the book synopsis – and it is quite dramatic given that Sam’s life is threatened. But in my opinion, there was not much to this intrigue and it was solved way too easily to my taste.
I did tag this to the my hot-and-steamy shelf on Goodreads, because it is indeed not your usual vanilla sex here, but it is fairly boring in a way that Grayson – who likes to be in charge in the bedroom – is always in charge the same way and he apparently likes to follow strict guidelines…
In terms of writing, Second Chances is written in third-person perspective (the most difficult in my opinion, especially if it voices two points of view, as is the case here with Sam and Grayson). And unfortunately, P.J. Fiala doesn’t exactly master it. The reader is often confused because points of views (although always in third-person) jump from Gray to Sam in an instant, in the same paragraph. Also found the writing sometimes mediocre, especially when sentences were repeated in a very unnecessary way, interrupting the whole flow. I recall reading something along the lines of:
"Sam stood up in order to start cooking the lasagna.
'I’m going to start cooking the lasagna now', she said to Grayson. He thought her cooking Lasagna was the best thing ever."
This is not verbatim, but this is what reading Second Chances is like. Weird.
Was there not one statement we could have skipped there? Or 2 even?
Anyway, the author went into detail when really it wasn’t necessary. I don’t really care to find out about the 15 children and grandchildren Sam and Gray have in their respective families (and especially not what colour their dresses are) if in the end, all of this does. Not. Matter. At all. I just got annoyed and started skipping pages.
I feel I know more about the families than about Sam and Gray. And all we know about Sam is that she was always in charge during her last marriage and wants to give up control, whereas Gray drew the short straw and was manipulated during his last marriage. So now he wants be in charge. Obviously he does that using bondage and blindfolds. Right. A little soft 50 Shades never hurt anyone. Especially not the “senior” version.
"She was just so used to making the decisions all the time. The thought of someone elese making those decisions for her sounded like a dream come true."
Oh. My. God. My feminist nerve is twitching...
So unfortunately, Second Chances didn’t really cut it for me. And don’t get me wrong, I have no problem with “senior romance” (I perfectly know that this is not appropriate wording, but for lack of a better word…) and it’s really not what put me off here. It’s because the whole book lacked in writing skills and the story was not extraordinarily packing.
*** ARC provided in exchange for an honest review ***
Samantha Powell has been slowly adjusting to life after the death of her husband, and never actually thought she would be given a second chance at love until handsome Grayson Kinkaide walks through her office door. Grayson himself has been adjusting to life after his divorce from his over-manipulative ex-wife seven years ago, relaying on casual sex with random women. But seeing Sam stopped him in his tracks and he falls head over heels. Their blossoming relationship is however put to a test when their past comes back to haunt them with threats.
Second Chances started off as a rather peculiar book since it is not the typical new adult romance I am used to read, but actually the story of a couple at grandma & grandpa age – so in their mid-fifties. But then again, why not?
But what started out as something interesting, and rather sweet in the first chapters quickly turned to something less appealing... What I didn’t like at all about Second Chances was definitely the pace. Grayson and Samantha hit it off quickly, which is great, but after that,it was just history repeating itself: Gray does something (generally an action that most people would disregard)that upsets Samantha and her low-self-esteem, Sam shuts herself out and leaves, Gray goes after her, they make up, they have sex. And repeat.
The story itself is cheesy sweet, in the way that the characters say “I Love You” twice per page and the whole family gets a happy end, even the dog (not literally, but I am just stating my point here). There is however an intrigue in the story – which is not that unexpected because it is clearly stated in the book synopsis – and it is quite dramatic given that Sam’s life is threatened. But in my opinion, there was not much to this intrigue and it was solved way too easily to my taste.
I did tag this to the my hot-and-steamy shelf on Goodreads, because it is indeed not your usual vanilla sex here, but it is fairly boring in a way that Grayson – who likes to be in charge in the bedroom – is always in charge the same way and he apparently likes to follow strict guidelines…
In terms of writing, Second Chances is written in third-person perspective (the most difficult in my opinion, especially if it voices two points of view, as is the case here with Sam and Grayson). And unfortunately, P.J. Fiala doesn’t exactly master it. The reader is often confused because points of views (although always in third-person) jump from Gray to Sam in an instant, in the same paragraph. Also found the writing sometimes mediocre, especially when sentences were repeated in a very unnecessary way, interrupting the whole flow. I recall reading something along the lines of:
"Sam stood up in order to start cooking the lasagna.
'I’m going to start cooking the lasagna now', she said to Grayson. He thought her cooking Lasagna was the best thing ever."
This is not verbatim, but this is what reading Second Chances is like. Weird.
Was there not one statement we could have skipped there? Or 2 even?
Anyway, the author went into detail when really it wasn’t necessary. I don’t really care to find out about the 15 children and grandchildren Sam and Gray have in their respective families (and especially not what colour their dresses are) if in the end, all of this does. Not. Matter. At all. I just got annoyed and started skipping pages.
I feel I know more about the families than about Sam and Gray. And all we know about Sam is that she was always in charge during her last marriage and wants to give up control, whereas Gray drew the short straw and was manipulated during his last marriage. So now he wants be in charge. Obviously he does that using bondage and blindfolds. Right. A little soft 50 Shades never hurt anyone. Especially not the “senior” version.
"She was just so used to making the decisions all the time. The thought of someone elese making those decisions for her sounded like a dream come true."
Oh. My. God. My feminist nerve is twitching...
So unfortunately, Second Chances didn’t really cut it for me. And don’t get me wrong, I have no problem with “senior romance” (I perfectly know that this is not appropriate wording, but for lack of a better word…) and it’s really not what put me off here. It’s because the whole book lacked in writing skills and the story was not extraordinarily packing.
March 18, 2014
I received a complimentary copy of this book for an honest review.
I was intrigued by the premise of this book. As much as I'm a fan of the new adult genre it is refreshing to read more contemporary stories based on characters with more experience in life. And this book delivers that in many ways. However, I have to admit I was disappointed that much of the drama and angst developed from reactions in the characters that I found to be very immature and juvenile.
Without spoiling too much both the H/h have a history of loveless marriages. Samantha is now widowed but carries some guilt for the relief she feels at finally not bearing the burden of her late husband's depression. Grayson has been divorced for several years from a woman he never really loved but married out of a sense of obligation and stayed with trying to make things work for their children. The beginnings of the romance between Grayson and Samantha is endearing. I enjoyed that the author delves into Samantha's insecurities about her physical appearance at the thought of being with someone other than the man she was married to for nearly 30 years. Grayson's tender but passionate responses to her were believable and well written. However, as the two grow closer I found myself growing frustrated with Sam's over the top reactions to Gray having literally any interaction with his exes. Particularly the initial one. Seeing your very new beau posing for a grandparent's day photo with his ex and their shared granddaughter should not seem all that shocking and certainly not prompt the drama that resulted. That was a reaction that I might have expected from a young adult novel...a very young adult novel.
I enjoyed the overall relationships of the characters in the story - particularly Gray's close relationship with his parents and siblings. But it could be overwhelming at times trying to keep everyone sorted out in my head. In truth, I feel this book could have been shortened by at least a third. While I appreciate an author painting a vivid picture for me it can tip over in to the overload category and unfortunately that happened quite a bit with this book - and progressively more so as the book continued on. At times I felt I was drowning in minutia - conversations seemed to be repeated over and over and there were a lot of repetitive thoughts from the main characters. For example, it seemed that 90 percent of kisses from Grayson prompted a line immediately following from Samantha's head..."Oh my, this man can kiss." "Wow, this man knows how to kiss." "Oh boy...can he kiss". I found myself anticipating the thought before reading it because it became so predictable.
Overall, I enjoyed the story and credit the author with a well constructed plot and a satisfying conclusion. I feel like much of what I disliked about the book could be corrected with some constructive editing. Removing some of the repetive scenes and dialogue would result in a tighter story and a more enjoyable experience, in my honest opinion. As it stands now my rating is a 2.5 to 3 star read.
I was intrigued by the premise of this book. As much as I'm a fan of the new adult genre it is refreshing to read more contemporary stories based on characters with more experience in life. And this book delivers that in many ways. However, I have to admit I was disappointed that much of the drama and angst developed from reactions in the characters that I found to be very immature and juvenile.
Without spoiling too much both the H/h have a history of loveless marriages. Samantha is now widowed but carries some guilt for the relief she feels at finally not bearing the burden of her late husband's depression. Grayson has been divorced for several years from a woman he never really loved but married out of a sense of obligation and stayed with trying to make things work for their children. The beginnings of the romance between Grayson and Samantha is endearing. I enjoyed that the author delves into Samantha's insecurities about her physical appearance at the thought of being with someone other than the man she was married to for nearly 30 years. Grayson's tender but passionate responses to her were believable and well written. However, as the two grow closer I found myself growing frustrated with Sam's over the top reactions to Gray having literally any interaction with his exes. Particularly the initial one. Seeing your very new beau posing for a grandparent's day photo with his ex and their shared granddaughter should not seem all that shocking and certainly not prompt the drama that resulted. That was a reaction that I might have expected from a young adult novel...a very young adult novel.
I enjoyed the overall relationships of the characters in the story - particularly Gray's close relationship with his parents and siblings. But it could be overwhelming at times trying to keep everyone sorted out in my head. In truth, I feel this book could have been shortened by at least a third. While I appreciate an author painting a vivid picture for me it can tip over in to the overload category and unfortunately that happened quite a bit with this book - and progressively more so as the book continued on. At times I felt I was drowning in minutia - conversations seemed to be repeated over and over and there were a lot of repetitive thoughts from the main characters. For example, it seemed that 90 percent of kisses from Grayson prompted a line immediately following from Samantha's head..."Oh my, this man can kiss." "Wow, this man knows how to kiss." "Oh boy...can he kiss". I found myself anticipating the thought before reading it because it became so predictable.
Overall, I enjoyed the story and credit the author with a well constructed plot and a satisfying conclusion. I feel like much of what I disliked about the book could be corrected with some constructive editing. Removing some of the repetive scenes and dialogue would result in a tighter story and a more enjoyable experience, in my honest opinion. As it stands now my rating is a 2.5 to 3 star read.
April 6, 2014
Loved this story and the best part about this is that it wasn't teenagers or young adults. I've never read a book about a couple that were already in their 50's. I thought it was well written and the plot was very interesting, especially in the end.
Sam is a widowed woman with three sons. Her husband lived depressed and lived manipulated by his mother. After Sam's husband died, she vowed that she would never get involved in another relationship like that.
Gray is a divorced man with three grown children. Gray had lived in a loveless marriage for many years. He only married Suzanne because she ended up pregnant by him. He ended up having three kids with that woman even though he didn't love her. After finding out that she cheated, he decided to finally leave and divorce her. He thought he would never find his soul mate, his better half, until Sam.
When Gray and Sam met, they instantly felt that attraction. He asked her out and she accepted. Their relationship really escalated very quickly. But they are grown adults and figured why waste time! Sam had insecurities and was always worried that Gray's ex-wife or ex-girlfriends would be a problem for them. She worried that he didn't like her enough and would leave her and return to one of his previous flings or girlfriends. Gray only dated after he divorced Suzanne because, hey a man has needs right!
He never felt a connection with any woman until Sam came along. He was determined to show her that he really, really loved her and that she was made for him. But something or someone wants to come between them and is doing every possible to separate them.
Will this person conquer his/her wish to separate Sam and Gray?
This was a great book, I really, really enjoyed it and I highly recommend it. I didn't think it was boring one bit. P.J., I think you really nailed this one and I can't wait to read more from you!
Sam is a widowed woman with three sons. Her husband lived depressed and lived manipulated by his mother. After Sam's husband died, she vowed that she would never get involved in another relationship like that.
Gray is a divorced man with three grown children. Gray had lived in a loveless marriage for many years. He only married Suzanne because she ended up pregnant by him. He ended up having three kids with that woman even though he didn't love her. After finding out that she cheated, he decided to finally leave and divorce her. He thought he would never find his soul mate, his better half, until Sam.
When Gray and Sam met, they instantly felt that attraction. He asked her out and she accepted. Their relationship really escalated very quickly. But they are grown adults and figured why waste time! Sam had insecurities and was always worried that Gray's ex-wife or ex-girlfriends would be a problem for them. She worried that he didn't like her enough and would leave her and return to one of his previous flings or girlfriends. Gray only dated after he divorced Suzanne because, hey a man has needs right!
He never felt a connection with any woman until Sam came along. He was determined to show her that he really, really loved her and that she was made for him. But something or someone wants to come between them and is doing every possible to separate them.
Will this person conquer his/her wish to separate Sam and Gray?
This was a great book, I really, really enjoyed it and I highly recommend it. I didn't think it was boring one bit. P.J., I think you really nailed this one and I can't wait to read more from you!
October 6, 2014
I guess I am in the minority on how much I did not enjoy this book, but I found it to be one of the most disappointing reads in a long time. I was really excited to read this book because of the mature characters in a romance theme. I found the writing was mediocre at best. The repetition made me want to cringe. Didn't anybody else notce that this was, at times, a blatant rip off of 50 Shades of Gray. Even the main character was named Gray. The similarities are way to numerous to point out in this review. The romance was so immature starting from the beginning when they fall in love at first sight. I knew I was not going to like this book pretty much from then. The psycho ex was so cheesy (also a rip off from 50 Shades). The way Gray's whole family, including his kids and grand kids, have more loyalty to Sam after the first meeting than they do to their mom was so ridiclous to me. They acted like emotionally immature teenagers throughout the entire relationship. I found the sex scenes to be so redundant and contradictory. I felt this book was so much worse because it was suppose to be a mature couple but through out the book they acted, at best, like annoying 20 somethings.
March 26, 2014
Grayson Kinkaide had spent his life hoping he would meet his one, his soul mate. At fifty-five he has all but given up hope, it doesn't men his life has been empty but he never had that one person who he knew would own him heart and soul. The instant he sees Samantha Powell, he believes he finally found her.
After a thirty year marriage to a man suffering from depression, Sam knows if she stats dating again it will have to be a relationship built on honesty and where she is always a priority. Sam believes she has found that with Gray, but with a vengeful ex and a few hiccups in their relationship, Sam knows if they are going to work they have to make honesty their main focus.
Impassioned story. Gray is head over heels in love with Sam. I liked that he is slightly dominant and very vocal about his desire for Sam, you don't read to many books where a man in his fifties is so loveable. Wonderful story.
After a thirty year marriage to a man suffering from depression, Sam knows if she stats dating again it will have to be a relationship built on honesty and where she is always a priority. Sam believes she has found that with Gray, but with a vengeful ex and a few hiccups in their relationship, Sam knows if they are going to work they have to make honesty their main focus.
Impassioned story. Gray is head over heels in love with Sam. I liked that he is slightly dominant and very vocal about his desire for Sam, you don't read to many books where a man in his fifties is so loveable. Wonderful story.
June 24, 2022
I received a complimentary copy of this book and I am voluntarily reviewing it.
I’m not quite sure how I feel about this book. I have stopped reading it several times to read other books in order to digest my thoughts here.
First off, I LOVE having older protagonists here. They have adult children and even grandchildren. There was a very funny scene between Gray’s parents at one point I had to stop reading as I was laughing so hard. I loved the dual POV format as well (especially when dealing with Gray!) I thought Gray was a bully at times with a very thick skull. He would make promises to Sam (Samantha) but then turn around and break them, repeatedly.
Also puzzling to me was when she was in the hospital. Gray’s family was with her. Where were her kids?! Also for someone unconscious since the evening before, she sure had a lot of visitors in her room but again none of her family. The same could be said for another scene later in the book. Yes, I know it is fiction but be a little more realistic.
There is also some dominant scenes here that I tend to stay away from. That is not for me. After saying that, of course, I would only recommend this spicy read for someone over the age of 18.
I normally love this author’s work but this story fell really short for me. I almost didn’t finish but I REALLY hate to do that. I do real a lot of alpha type of male romances but Gray just seemed well past that. He was just way too controlling for me. Then there was Samantha. I felt she was too passive. She kept returning to Gray to only have him disappoint and hurt her over and over in the beginning. If this were real life, I would have cautioned her that he could be really abusive in the future.
The suspense doesn’t start until about the second half. While the “person” behind it all was easy to figure out, the question of when and where the next strike was really the only suspense. That kind of felt more realistic but by now it was getting tiring.
I’m not quite sure how I feel about this book. I have stopped reading it several times to read other books in order to digest my thoughts here.
First off, I LOVE having older protagonists here. They have adult children and even grandchildren. There was a very funny scene between Gray’s parents at one point I had to stop reading as I was laughing so hard. I loved the dual POV format as well (especially when dealing with Gray!) I thought Gray was a bully at times with a very thick skull. He would make promises to Sam (Samantha) but then turn around and break them, repeatedly.
Also puzzling to me was when she was in the hospital. Gray’s family was with her. Where were her kids?! Also for someone unconscious since the evening before, she sure had a lot of visitors in her room but again none of her family. The same could be said for another scene later in the book. Yes, I know it is fiction but be a little more realistic.
There is also some dominant scenes here that I tend to stay away from. That is not for me. After saying that, of course, I would only recommend this spicy read for someone over the age of 18.
I normally love this author’s work but this story fell really short for me. I almost didn’t finish but I REALLY hate to do that. I do real a lot of alpha type of male romances but Gray just seemed well past that. He was just way too controlling for me. Then there was Samantha. I felt she was too passive. She kept returning to Gray to only have him disappoint and hurt her over and over in the beginning. If this were real life, I would have cautioned her that he could be really abusive in the future.
The suspense doesn’t start until about the second half. While the “person” behind it all was easy to figure out, the question of when and where the next strike was really the only suspense. That kind of felt more realistic but by now it was getting tiring.
February 15, 2017
Samantha is a woman widowed after living through a marriage to a man who always bowed to every decision his mother made and never stood up to her or backed his wife. Grayson is a divorced man who has always done whatever he could do to pacify the women in his life in order to avoid friction. When Samantha and Grayson meet, the attraction is immediate and all-consuming. The problem is that Samantha only sees that Grayson is just like her deceased husband = always willing to do whatever his ex-wife and former girlfriend want in order to keep them from causing trouble. Grayson finally starts to realize that, in order to keep Samantha, he needs to convince her that she is and will always be his primary concern. When strange things start happening to Samantha and, Grayson will do everything to keep her safe, he starts realizing just how much she means to him and that, he will do ANYTHING to make her happy.
April 19, 2014
This story was a breath of fresh air for me to read. It made me mad at times and I have to say that it even made me blush. Unlike most stories that are always younger couples this author made this book with an older couple in mind that were getting a second chance to have exactly what they wanted in life; their one true love, the one they can’t live without.
Samantha Powell spent almost 30 years in a marriage with a depressed husband, a manipulative mother-in-law, and raising 3 wonderful sons. With all that she had to deal with from her husband and her mother-in-law trying to control everything, she decided that when husband died that she would never go through the headache that she was subjected to ever again. Sam wanted a normal life. But she got anything other than normal when she met Grayson Kinkaid.
Grayson Kinkaid’s life has not been what he always thought it would be. Although a successful business man he has not been successful in love. Married to a woman who he did not love and who constantly cheated on him. The only thing that came good out of his marriage was his wonderful kids.
The day that Sam and Gray see each other for the first time there is an instant attraction. They start a relationship that seems like is in the fast lane. They do everything at hyper speed. But when you both have already had one marriage, and raised your children why wait when you know that something is right for you. But can their relationship last when you have ex-wives and girlfriend popping out from every corner and you happen to be in love with a woman with her own insecurities.
This book made me think about so many things that could happen in life. It makes you think of the what-ifs, and that life should never be put on hold. You need to be happy and be with the ones that you love and that love you.
Samantha Powell spent almost 30 years in a marriage with a depressed husband, a manipulative mother-in-law, and raising 3 wonderful sons. With all that she had to deal with from her husband and her mother-in-law trying to control everything, she decided that when husband died that she would never go through the headache that she was subjected to ever again. Sam wanted a normal life. But she got anything other than normal when she met Grayson Kinkaid.
Grayson Kinkaid’s life has not been what he always thought it would be. Although a successful business man he has not been successful in love. Married to a woman who he did not love and who constantly cheated on him. The only thing that came good out of his marriage was his wonderful kids.
The day that Sam and Gray see each other for the first time there is an instant attraction. They start a relationship that seems like is in the fast lane. They do everything at hyper speed. But when you both have already had one marriage, and raised your children why wait when you know that something is right for you. But can their relationship last when you have ex-wives and girlfriend popping out from every corner and you happen to be in love with a woman with her own insecurities.
This book made me think about so many things that could happen in life. It makes you think of the what-ifs, and that life should never be put on hold. You need to be happy and be with the ones that you love and that love you.
March 16, 2014
I received a copy of Second Chances by P.J. Fiala to read and review - really liked this book because it was written as not a "perfect love story", but as a more realistic way that two divorced people could find love for the second time. Hero Grayson aka Gray is almost knocked off his feet when he first sees heroine Samantha aka Sam in the office of his new attorney. Even though Gray's first marriage was a loveless one, he still believes that his true soul mate is somewhere waiting for him to find her.
After seeing the lovely and compassionate Sam, Grayson believes that she may be the woman he's been waiting for his entire life and quickly asks her out for dinner.
Sam also did not have a happy marriage due to depression issues with her former husband, Tim - it should be noted that Sam had a horrible childhood and was told by her parents that she was never good enough. Meeting Gray changes all that because he falls for her so quickly and does appreciate and cherish her as a person.
As their love begins to bloom, there is Gray's ex-wife Suzanne and former girlfriend Cheryl who attempt to break up Gray and Sam - there is nothing they won't do to tear Gray and Sam apart. The realism of hateful ex's like Suzanne and Cheryl and their attempts to hurt Sam is very true to life.
I loved the secondary characters including Gray and Sam's children, grandchildren, and friends - the story is multi-layered and hard to put down. I hope to read more books by this author - her storytelling was very interesting and easy to get immersed in!
After seeing the lovely and compassionate Sam, Grayson believes that she may be the woman he's been waiting for his entire life and quickly asks her out for dinner.
Sam also did not have a happy marriage due to depression issues with her former husband, Tim - it should be noted that Sam had a horrible childhood and was told by her parents that she was never good enough. Meeting Gray changes all that because he falls for her so quickly and does appreciate and cherish her as a person.
As their love begins to bloom, there is Gray's ex-wife Suzanne and former girlfriend Cheryl who attempt to break up Gray and Sam - there is nothing they won't do to tear Gray and Sam apart. The realism of hateful ex's like Suzanne and Cheryl and their attempts to hurt Sam is very true to life.
I loved the secondary characters including Gray and Sam's children, grandchildren, and friends - the story is multi-layered and hard to put down. I hope to read more books by this author - her storytelling was very interesting and easy to get immersed in!
March 20, 2022
Architect Grayson Kinkade escaped a bad marriage and is now living life on his terms, devoting time to his children, building a successful business and if he is lucky, finding his soulmate. An unexpected meeting with widow Samantha Powell sends his heart racing and passion through the roof, but his past is not ready to let him go. Sam spent three decades with a troubled husband and has finally found the courage to seek her own happiness imagining a quiet life filled with a quiet life, a career, friends and family. However, it seems that no one told Greyson that she is now a dram-free zone. Their instant attraction begins a steamy affair, but they will have to fight Greyson's past to have a future or die trying.
This book was a non-stop ride through attraction, hot sex, drama, mystery, stress, misunderstandings, hot makeup sex and then a much needed HEA. I had no time to be bored through any of this book as it went from one thing to another. I loved that they were both mature people who in some ways knew what they wanted but were also finding a soulmate for the first time. Easy to read, feel and understand. Contains explicit sexual content.
This book was a non-stop ride through attraction, hot sex, drama, mystery, stress, misunderstandings, hot makeup sex and then a much needed HEA. I had no time to be bored through any of this book as it went from one thing to another. I loved that they were both mature people who in some ways knew what they wanted but were also finding a soulmate for the first time. Easy to read, feel and understand. Contains explicit sexual content.
March 23, 2014
I received this book free with a honest review. I loved the story. The beginning was awesome. I loved how Gray and Sam met. Gray is 55 years old and divorce with a manipulated ex Suzanne. Gray is very close with his kids. Sam is 54 and a widow with three sons. She works for an attorney. Sam is also close with her kids. Sam didn't live a good life growing up. She had a manipulated mother-in law and her parents didn't treat her with love. The story kept you going with manipulated and jealously. I loved how they give this couple a 2nd chance to find love. It was very contemporary romance but the sex was amazing. There was many characters that I was getting lost of who is who. It was was a good read and long. Highly recommended for any one of 40 and up. It makes you feel we are not old and we can still find love. Loved it.
April 14, 2014
Samantha (Sam) and Grayson (Gray) have spent half of their life in bad and unfulfilled marriages. They meet and immediately feel a strong connection. Sam has insecurity issues and Grayson has a couple of crazy exes that keep trying to interfere with their relationship. This romance novel was different because it was based on a middle aged couple who had grown kids and grand-kids. For this reason I found it easier to connect since I'm in my upper 40's. But don't think that makes the sex scenes any less sizzling because Sam and Gray were super hot together. The beginning was a little slow but then there's a plot twist half way through that kept me page turning through the night. I really enjoyed the book and think you will too.
I give this book 4 super hot stars!
Reviewed by Chez
I give this book 4 super hot stars!
Reviewed by Chez
May 24, 2014
***Copy provided by the author thru GR's Fifty Shades Support Group in exchange for an honest review***
Loved this story and the fact that the characters were older, mature and established was awesome. This is a story literally about two ppl who found their soulmates later in life but still faced obstacles in order to have their happily ever after. I'm a firm believer that everything happens for a reason at the time it's suppose to happen and although I would've loved for these two characters to have found it each when they wee younger it just wasn't their time. This book is about love, self worth and second chances and is definitely a must read.
Loved this story and the fact that the characters were older, mature and established was awesome. This is a story literally about two ppl who found their soulmates later in life but still faced obstacles in order to have their happily ever after. I'm a firm believer that everything happens for a reason at the time it's suppose to happen and although I would've loved for these two characters to have found it each when they wee younger it just wasn't their time. This book is about love, self worth and second chances and is definitely a must read.
March 21, 2014
I was given this book as a complimentary copy for an honest review. The overall story was a great concept, the sex scenes were explosive and the supportive characters were as interesting as the main characters. I guess the only negative was the amount of repeat phrases for me personally. I also enjoyed the fact that this couple is more mature with a strong supportive family. The fact that Gray's ex was able to easily manipulate him I found interesting since in most stories it is the woman who is the one being manipulated. I gave a four star rating once again because of the amount of repeat phrases otherwise I will state I loved everything else about this book and highly recommend it.
May 8, 2015
Two people with tons of baggage are giving love one more try. Trying to mesh your life with another person's life is not an easy task. In this tale of second chances, it is made more difficult by the preconceived ideas and the coping skills both have used to get by in the past. Outside influences don't help either. The physical attraction is undeniable and is one thing that pulls them together when other things try to pull them apart. Their bedroom is one very hot place. I can't go any further without sneaking into spoilerville. Need an engrossing steamy read? Than this one's for you. Oh and PS. Some of us at this age are quite willing to explore. Just saying.
March 18, 2014
I received this book free from The Fifty Shades Support group and/or the author in exchange for a honest review.
Samantha was a 54 year old widow and Grayson was a 55 year old divorced man. They meet and are instantly attracted to each other. Gray feels like she is his soulmate. His parents always told him when he met the "one" he would know it. They deal with getting to know each other, blending their extended families and with people trying to break them up. There is romance, sex and suspense.
I really enjoyed reading this book about older adults having a second chance at romance.
Samantha was a 54 year old widow and Grayson was a 55 year old divorced man. They meet and are instantly attracted to each other. Gray feels like she is his soulmate. His parents always told him when he met the "one" he would know it. They deal with getting to know each other, blending their extended families and with people trying to break them up. There is romance, sex and suspense.
I really enjoyed reading this book about older adults having a second chance at romance.
April 19, 2014
I really enjoyed this story! It was about a couple in their 50's and it was a breath of fresh air to read a story about a couple who had life experience and who were looking for a second chance to be happy. The story was well written and the characters were brought to life and were made to fall in love with. It was explained in descriptive detail (sometimes maybe a little too much in my opinion), but I still enjoyed it. Oh, and let me not forget to mention that there were some really hot and steamy scenes!!!!!!
January 5, 2015
This book had great characters and an interesting plot. The many intriguing plot twists, kept me interested and I enjoyed the characters. Having characters that are older and have more life experience is refreshing.
I would have rated this book higher if it had better editing. The repetitious dialogue distracted me at some points.
Reduce some of the repetitious parts and clean up the editing and the book is a winner.
This book was a complimentary book for a review.
I would have rated this book higher if it had better editing. The repetitious dialogue distracted me at some points.
Reduce some of the repetitious parts and clean up the editing and the book is a winner.
This book was a complimentary book for a review.
September 12, 2016
Very good! It was very nice to have a mature couple as the main characters. (And contrary to all the TV commercials there were no little blue pills needed!) The characters worked well together. However, the action scenes were a little stilted. There wasn't very much explanation for why the violence was done.
This is definitely 18+ material because of the sexual situations and language.
*** I was given this book in exchange for my honest review. ***
This is definitely 18+ material because of the sexual situations and language.
*** I was given this book in exchange for my honest review. ***
March 18, 2014
Received a copy of this book for a honest review.
I really liked the idea of the older characters and was excited to read. While it was a good book, Sam was constantly crying and was too needy for my tastes. The book is long so you will definitely get your moneys worth! Overall, it is a reader. Glad I had the opportunity to review.
I really liked the idea of the older characters and was excited to read. While it was a good book, Sam was constantly crying and was too needy for my tastes. The book is long so you will definitely get your moneys worth! Overall, it is a reader. Glad I had the opportunity to review.
March 18, 2014
I received this book from the author for an honest review. It was a good book but I found myself skimming through a lot of it. I liked the idea of the main couple being a little older with grown children and Grandchildren. It was just a little long and repetitive for me but I did enjoy it.
April 2, 2014
I recvd this book as a gift.
This was a great read. I am a firm believer in second chances and really enjoyed this read. It was nice that it wasn't about Twenty year olds and it was about people later in their life. It didn't make me feel that old. LOL
This was a great read. I am a firm believer in second chances and really enjoyed this read. It was nice that it wasn't about Twenty year olds and it was about people later in their life. It didn't make me feel that old. LOL
April 2, 2014
4 1/2 stars
Read
March 5, 2016DNF at 30%
Although i was intrigued by a romance between a middle-aged H/h, the writing felt too tacky, conversations between the couple were super formal, and hate that insta-love theme.
Although i was intrigued by a romance between a middle-aged H/h, the writing felt too tacky, conversations between the couple were super formal, and hate that insta-love theme.
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