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The League #2
A Second Glance
As he stood on third base, leaning toward home, ready to score, Reggie Wolf couldn’t believe what he heard from the third baseman. “After the game…you and me alone…drinks.” Reggie wasn’t a stranger to first dates. He had a long dating history from humorous to nearly catastrophic. But none were ever as ruggedly handsome as Connor.
For Connor Ryan, it was all about Reggie’s face. He got lost in it every time their eyes met. Reggie wasn’t traditionally handsome, but his gaze drew Connor like a moth to a flame. He had to find out more.
After a fiery round of dating, the relationship crumbled when Connor’s fist met someone’s jaw at the Toolbox Bar. Both believed that was the end, until they crossed paths again on the softball field two years later. Neither was sure if a second glance could really lead to a second chance…but they knew that they had to give it a try.
A Second Glance is a 50,000-word second chance gay romance with steamy scenes and a happily-ever-after ending. It is the second book in the series The League and includes several characters from the first book Complete Game. It is possible to read A Second Glance as a standalone novel, but readers will benefit from reading the story of Ian and Blake in Complete Game.
For Connor Ryan, it was all about Reggie’s face. He got lost in it every time their eyes met. Reggie wasn’t traditionally handsome, but his gaze drew Connor like a moth to a flame. He had to find out more.
After a fiery round of dating, the relationship crumbled when Connor’s fist met someone’s jaw at the Toolbox Bar. Both believed that was the end, until they crossed paths again on the softball field two years later. Neither was sure if a second glance could really lead to a second chance…but they knew that they had to give it a try.
A Second Glance is a 50,000-word second chance gay romance with steamy scenes and a happily-ever-after ending. It is the second book in the series The League and includes several characters from the first book Complete Game. It is possible to read A Second Glance as a standalone novel, but readers will benefit from reading the story of Ian and Blake in Complete Game.
- GenresM M RomanceRomanceSports
239 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 18, 2017
22 people are currently reading
56 people want to read
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May 20, 2017No rating, DNF @ 60%
May 20, 2017
I had one major gripe about the structure of this story. For being written in alternating first person POV we had surprisingly little insight into the thoughts, feelings, and memories of both Reggie and Connor. I spent the majority of this book being thouroughly confused by, and a bit irritated with, Reggie's seemingly irrational and out-of-nowhere reactions to the bar fight that Connor got in at the beginning of their relationship. We had no insight into his past (even in his own thoughts) and it just came off as judgmental and condemning - as if he figured that Connor could never be trusted. It wasn't until about 80% into the story that we find out that Reggie was reacting to his personal experiences with similar violence in his youth.
Similarly, though not as distracting, we have no insight into Connor's struggles to control his anger through the book. For such a big part of his life, and what we eventually find to be a defining moment in the building of his character, we learn nothing until (again) about 80% in, where we learn that something happened to his brother, Patrick, which was the trigger to his anger. And even with that, I'm still not clear on exactly what happened, or how it impacted Connor, or Patrick.
Putting my frustration with Reggie and Connor's seemingly irrational reactions to the bar fight to the side, I enjoyed the building of the relationship between these two characters. I liked their chemistry and the way that there were, in many ways, complete opposites who meshed together perfectly.
Getting to see Ian and Blake again was a treat and I thought that both of them were the ideal support for Reggie and Connor during the break-up. They didn't judge, and both were good at asking questions to help their friends understand themselves a bit better, and come to a more healthy place that allowed Reggie and Connor to find happiness.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
Similarly, though not as distracting, we have no insight into Connor's struggles to control his anger through the book. For such a big part of his life, and what we eventually find to be a defining moment in the building of his character, we learn nothing until (again) about 80% in, where we learn that something happened to his brother, Patrick, which was the trigger to his anger. And even with that, I'm still not clear on exactly what happened, or how it impacted Connor, or Patrick.
Putting my frustration with Reggie and Connor's seemingly irrational reactions to the bar fight to the side, I enjoyed the building of the relationship between these two characters. I liked their chemistry and the way that there were, in many ways, complete opposites who meshed together perfectly.
Getting to see Ian and Blake again was a treat and I thought that both of them were the ideal support for Reggie and Connor during the break-up. They didn't judge, and both were good at asking questions to help their friends understand themselves a bit better, and come to a more healthy place that allowed Reggie and Connor to find happiness.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
June 6, 2017
WHO WOULDN'T SWOON AT BEING SWEPT OFF THEIR FEET AFTER YEARS OF YEARNING DESIRE?
This book has a hotness to it, that'll singe you, if you get too close. Connor feels he's finally found his Prince Charming. His immediate attraction and take down of Reggie's guard, is so strong and confident, it's a real turn-on. Poor Reggie's so stunned, he's definitely NOT used to that kind of attention from someone so hot and confident, that he barely knows how to react. It's only the two of them out there on third base (literally) and yet, he asks, “Were you talking to me?”
🖤 For your convenience, if you don't want a lot of details, you can cut to the last paragraphs with this heart symbol. It will give you a quicker wrap-up.🖤
To me, reviewing a book is a serious job.
It is all too important to how well a book is received.
I, literally, had to think for a few days, before actually starting this review. I'd take one half of a star off, for the reasons which follow. However, there are no halves, and I wouldn't even consider going down a full star, because the issues are at the start of the book. Therefore, it garners the full five stars. And, truly, it is well worth it. At least, I BELIEVE IT IS.
I will say, I do agree with other reviewers, about the "anger issues" in this book. It, truly, made no sense that everyone came away with such bad opinions of Connor and automatically pegged him as being a violent person with "anger issues," after only one small fight in a bar. One that he clearly was not even responsible for. And, yes, the "why" of either one of them being overly concerned with issues of anger isn't cleared up until the last 20% of the book, when we find out about incidences in each of their childhoods. I, also, agree with the questions about Connor's two year disappearance.
Without the exact why's and, without any spoilers, this is the bar fight:
Connor accidentally bumped another man in a crowded bar, who suddenly demands an apology, while at the same time calling him a "degrading slur" for gay men. Which, makes no sense, because THEY ARE IN A GAY BAR. After he does this Connor pushes him away saying he's the one who deserves an apology. The other man, now even more irrationally, takes a swing at Connor. Connor easily deflects the fist and responds, with his own swing, that hits its mark and knocks the guy down. At this point, the bartender breaks it up and escorts CONNOR—NOT THE MAN WHO STARTED IT—out of the bar and to his car. He stays there and watches to make sure he leaves. Presumably, to "go home" as the bartender suggested to him, and not go to another bar down the street, saying "We don’t need any more trouble down here tonight."
HE NEVER STARTED ANY TROUBLE, TO BEGIN WITH.
The bartender then goes inside to talk to Reggie, who was Connor's date, and with him at the time the fight broke out. He asks “How did you get messed up with someone like that, Reggie?"
Like everyone else, reading this book, I too, am thinking "What the f^ck?"
BECAUSE IT DOESN'T STOP THERE.
His friends worry for about him (WTF?) at being around such a person. (WTF?) They even wonder if Reggie's managed to find out if Connor's taken any (anger management) classes or had any counseling. (Still, WTF?) Where, the hell, is all this coming from?
Whether or not it was explained that Reggie had childhood issues that may have clouded his judgment about such a trivial thing, (to me and, apparently many others) as this fight was, it doesn't explain everyone else's reaction to it. Even when Connor came back, his own friends asked “I heard all sorts of rumors Connor. Do you have it cleaned up now?” J§svs! All from one little punch!
To be fair, Connor WAS indeed frustrated, at the time of the fight. If you paid attention to what you read at the beginning of the book, you knew he probably did have anger problems. He was so frustrated at the turn his life was taking, not only for just one more time but, yet again, just as he hoped things were looking up and he felt like, finally, he was on the road to "happiness" ever after, at last.
So frustrated that even after sending his coffee cup hurling, into the kitchen sink, he still "wanted to find something to throw or to kick." But, he didn't. Instead, he went for a walk. Even with that, it took him about an hour to get settled back down enough, so that he could go to work and actually give it the concentration it needs-which was a must-for safety reasons. It's later, at the bar, when he meets with Reggie to let him know about the turn of events, that the fight happens.
I, also, agree with the confusion over more of the aftermath from the fight. If he just went home afterwards, and even if he didn't, he was just escorted from the bar-nobody called the police or anything, the whole incident probably only took a few seconds-only long enough to throw one punch and it was over...so, how did he end up losing the out-of-town job (how?) paying a big fine (for what?) and being SENT (by who?) to anger management classes??? Ya...made no sense...at all.
The fact that I, and other readers, wonder why he ended up disappearing for two years "because of that fight" was also an issue with this book. And, ya, that was only slightly explained...sort of. Basically, time for the classes, a month spent with his sister and her family and six months for a different out-of-town job. All that added up makes about one year. Where'd the other year go? It's not like he necessarily had to have been out-of-town the whole time, but still. Like Connor said, he was too embarrassed to call Reggie. Why didn't Reggie call him, after the incident? I would have, just to make sure he was okay, at least. He had to know Connor'd be soo very embarrassed, being the one sent out of the bar and made to leave the premises without him.
Connor and Reggie, each, had childhood issues, which clouded both of their judgements. YES, Connor did have "anger issues" because of that childhood and YES, Reggie had issues "AGAINST anger" because of his childhood but, that doesn't explain Everyone Else's reaction to Connor's one little punch-and it was in defense of himself-no less!!!
🖤Now-With all that being said-With the addressing of these issues, that are VERY EARLY in the book, I still have one thing to say...
ALL IN ALL...THIS BOOK IS A CLEAR WINNER!
It really is a beautiful love story. Even after only sharing each other's bed only once, they know they have a connection that even two years can't undo. When they do meet again, thanks to Connor's boldness, just as with the first meeting, you feel all the original fire that was there in the beginning. If just can't be denied.
🖤You really do have to read it and, undeniably, you'll feel it, too. You just know, right off the bat (no pun, intended) that these two are just absolutely made for each other. The automatic and electric connection between Connor and Reggie is palpable. You literally can feel every shudder of excitement and every spark of real magic between them when they touch, kiss or even just look at each other...Connor: "...when I noticed him. I really noticed him. I couldn’t take my eyes off his face. His face…I could get lost in it.” Reggie: "Connor looked at me, and it was almost as if his eyes were devouring my body." You can feel how deep it goes and how much it means to each of them..."I saw a little shiver race through Reggie’s body." And, all this was just the moment they met!
🖤Their attraction is never one sided or felt more by one than the other...
Connor was looking for his Prince Charming. Someone he can feel at home with and truly relax and be himself around..."It was a blanketing sensation of calm and comfort. For one of the few times in my life, I was feeling truly at rest."
Reggie was looking for someone who brings him to life and excites him. And, with Connor, he gets that in spades.
They both get their "happiness" ever after. And, though there is no cliffhanger with "A SECOND GLANCE" there certainly is room for a sequel...
I SOOO ENJOOOYED READING THE "ARC" (ADVANCE READER COPY) OF THIS BOOK "A SECOND GLANCE," FROM THE AUTHOR "DECLAN RHODES," THAT I AM FREELY, AND WHOLEHEARTEDLY, VOLUNTEERING TO WRITE THIS REVIEW BECAUSE I HONESTLY HOPE TO ENCOURAGE OTHER READERS WHO MAY NOT BE FAMILIAR WITH EITHER THIS GENRE OR THIS AUTHOR TO TAKE A STEP FORWARD AND GIVE IT A TRY...I TRULY BELIEVE THEY WOULD NOT BE DISAPPOINTED!
MTULIPK
This book has a hotness to it, that'll singe you, if you get too close. Connor feels he's finally found his Prince Charming. His immediate attraction and take down of Reggie's guard, is so strong and confident, it's a real turn-on. Poor Reggie's so stunned, he's definitely NOT used to that kind of attention from someone so hot and confident, that he barely knows how to react. It's only the two of them out there on third base (literally) and yet, he asks, “Were you talking to me?”
🖤 For your convenience, if you don't want a lot of details, you can cut to the last paragraphs with this heart symbol. It will give you a quicker wrap-up.🖤
To me, reviewing a book is a serious job.
It is all too important to how well a book is received.
I, literally, had to think for a few days, before actually starting this review. I'd take one half of a star off, for the reasons which follow. However, there are no halves, and I wouldn't even consider going down a full star, because the issues are at the start of the book. Therefore, it garners the full five stars. And, truly, it is well worth it. At least, I BELIEVE IT IS.
I will say, I do agree with other reviewers, about the "anger issues" in this book. It, truly, made no sense that everyone came away with such bad opinions of Connor and automatically pegged him as being a violent person with "anger issues," after only one small fight in a bar. One that he clearly was not even responsible for. And, yes, the "why" of either one of them being overly concerned with issues of anger isn't cleared up until the last 20% of the book, when we find out about incidences in each of their childhoods. I, also, agree with the questions about Connor's two year disappearance.
Without the exact why's and, without any spoilers, this is the bar fight:
Connor accidentally bumped another man in a crowded bar, who suddenly demands an apology, while at the same time calling him a "degrading slur" for gay men. Which, makes no sense, because THEY ARE IN A GAY BAR. After he does this Connor pushes him away saying he's the one who deserves an apology. The other man, now even more irrationally, takes a swing at Connor. Connor easily deflects the fist and responds, with his own swing, that hits its mark and knocks the guy down. At this point, the bartender breaks it up and escorts CONNOR—NOT THE MAN WHO STARTED IT—out of the bar and to his car. He stays there and watches to make sure he leaves. Presumably, to "go home" as the bartender suggested to him, and not go to another bar down the street, saying "We don’t need any more trouble down here tonight."
HE NEVER STARTED ANY TROUBLE, TO BEGIN WITH.
The bartender then goes inside to talk to Reggie, who was Connor's date, and with him at the time the fight broke out. He asks “How did you get messed up with someone like that, Reggie?"
Like everyone else, reading this book, I too, am thinking "What the f^ck?"
BECAUSE IT DOESN'T STOP THERE.
His friends worry for about him (WTF?) at being around such a person. (WTF?) They even wonder if Reggie's managed to find out if Connor's taken any (anger management) classes or had any counseling. (Still, WTF?) Where, the hell, is all this coming from?
Whether or not it was explained that Reggie had childhood issues that may have clouded his judgment about such a trivial thing, (to me and, apparently many others) as this fight was, it doesn't explain everyone else's reaction to it. Even when Connor came back, his own friends asked “I heard all sorts of rumors Connor. Do you have it cleaned up now?” J§svs! All from one little punch!
To be fair, Connor WAS indeed frustrated, at the time of the fight. If you paid attention to what you read at the beginning of the book, you knew he probably did have anger problems. He was so frustrated at the turn his life was taking, not only for just one more time but, yet again, just as he hoped things were looking up and he felt like, finally, he was on the road to "happiness" ever after, at last.
So frustrated that even after sending his coffee cup hurling, into the kitchen sink, he still "wanted to find something to throw or to kick." But, he didn't. Instead, he went for a walk. Even with that, it took him about an hour to get settled back down enough, so that he could go to work and actually give it the concentration it needs-which was a must-for safety reasons. It's later, at the bar, when he meets with Reggie to let him know about the turn of events, that the fight happens.
I, also, agree with the confusion over more of the aftermath from the fight. If he just went home afterwards, and even if he didn't, he was just escorted from the bar-nobody called the police or anything, the whole incident probably only took a few seconds-only long enough to throw one punch and it was over...so, how did he end up losing the out-of-town job (how?) paying a big fine (for what?) and being SENT (by who?) to anger management classes??? Ya...made no sense...at all.
The fact that I, and other readers, wonder why he ended up disappearing for two years "because of that fight" was also an issue with this book. And, ya, that was only slightly explained...sort of. Basically, time for the classes, a month spent with his sister and her family and six months for a different out-of-town job. All that added up makes about one year. Where'd the other year go? It's not like he necessarily had to have been out-of-town the whole time, but still. Like Connor said, he was too embarrassed to call Reggie. Why didn't Reggie call him, after the incident? I would have, just to make sure he was okay, at least. He had to know Connor'd be soo very embarrassed, being the one sent out of the bar and made to leave the premises without him.
Connor and Reggie, each, had childhood issues, which clouded both of their judgements. YES, Connor did have "anger issues" because of that childhood and YES, Reggie had issues "AGAINST anger" because of his childhood but, that doesn't explain Everyone Else's reaction to Connor's one little punch-and it was in defense of himself-no less!!!
🖤Now-With all that being said-With the addressing of these issues, that are VERY EARLY in the book, I still have one thing to say...
ALL IN ALL...THIS BOOK IS A CLEAR WINNER!
It really is a beautiful love story. Even after only sharing each other's bed only once, they know they have a connection that even two years can't undo. When they do meet again, thanks to Connor's boldness, just as with the first meeting, you feel all the original fire that was there in the beginning. If just can't be denied.
🖤You really do have to read it and, undeniably, you'll feel it, too. You just know, right off the bat (no pun, intended) that these two are just absolutely made for each other. The automatic and electric connection between Connor and Reggie is palpable. You literally can feel every shudder of excitement and every spark of real magic between them when they touch, kiss or even just look at each other...Connor: "...when I noticed him. I really noticed him. I couldn’t take my eyes off his face. His face…I could get lost in it.” Reggie: "Connor looked at me, and it was almost as if his eyes were devouring my body." You can feel how deep it goes and how much it means to each of them..."I saw a little shiver race through Reggie’s body." And, all this was just the moment they met!
🖤Their attraction is never one sided or felt more by one than the other...
Connor was looking for his Prince Charming. Someone he can feel at home with and truly relax and be himself around..."It was a blanketing sensation of calm and comfort. For one of the few times in my life, I was feeling truly at rest."
Reggie was looking for someone who brings him to life and excites him. And, with Connor, he gets that in spades.
They both get their "happiness" ever after. And, though there is no cliffhanger with "A SECOND GLANCE" there certainly is room for a sequel...
I SOOO ENJOOOYED READING THE "ARC" (ADVANCE READER COPY) OF THIS BOOK "A SECOND GLANCE," FROM THE AUTHOR "DECLAN RHODES," THAT I AM FREELY, AND WHOLEHEARTEDLY, VOLUNTEERING TO WRITE THIS REVIEW BECAUSE I HONESTLY HOPE TO ENCOURAGE OTHER READERS WHO MAY NOT BE FAMILIAR WITH EITHER THIS GENRE OR THIS AUTHOR TO TAKE A STEP FORWARD AND GIVE IT A TRY...I TRULY BELIEVE THEY WOULD NOT BE DISAPPOINTED!
MTULIPK
June 22, 2017
A Step Back at Bat
This second in a series has less to do with softball than the instantaneous ongoing attraction between Reggie, an important cog in the first book, and Connor, who slips in and out of that book over the years. I found that pretty satisfying, especially since Reggie and Connor were on different teams and the time frame is over a couple of years.
What improved for me was the level of action in the bedroom, somewhat unusual in a Declan Rhodes book: It was scorching and very detailed, and all the side encounters were also terrific. Not so much was the depth of character exploration of Connor--we know who Reggie is from the first book and this one really fills in the holes.
But Connor comes across as somewhat shallow, mostly worrying about his career as an event lighting and staging expert. There comes a point when he recalls a brutal childhood encounter that significantly shaped his life--but it's dropped into a scene without further detail.
One thing that is quite similar to Blake and Ian's story is how clueless Reggie and Connor are when it comes to communication, especially when trouble pops up in paradise and they go their separate ways. I am getting a little tired of MCs coming back together again only because their supportive friends beat them over the head with common sense, if not guilt. (It's a common theme, not to point fingers at Rhodes).
In any case, I am getting the third one and anything else Rhodes has on the shelf that looks tasty. Nice covers, too.
This second in a series has less to do with softball than the instantaneous ongoing attraction between Reggie, an important cog in the first book, and Connor, who slips in and out of that book over the years. I found that pretty satisfying, especially since Reggie and Connor were on different teams and the time frame is over a couple of years.
What improved for me was the level of action in the bedroom, somewhat unusual in a Declan Rhodes book: It was scorching and very detailed, and all the side encounters were also terrific. Not so much was the depth of character exploration of Connor--we know who Reggie is from the first book and this one really fills in the holes.
But Connor comes across as somewhat shallow, mostly worrying about his career as an event lighting and staging expert. There comes a point when he recalls a brutal childhood encounter that significantly shaped his life--but it's dropped into a scene without further detail.
One thing that is quite similar to Blake and Ian's story is how clueless Reggie and Connor are when it comes to communication, especially when trouble pops up in paradise and they go their separate ways. I am getting a little tired of MCs coming back together again only because their supportive friends beat them over the head with common sense, if not guilt. (It's a common theme, not to point fingers at Rhodes).
In any case, I am getting the third one and anything else Rhodes has on the shelf that looks tasty. Nice covers, too.
June 20, 2017
I didn't enjoy this one nearly as much as the first book in the series. Until the last couple of pages, I didn't feel the couple at all.
May 21, 2017
We all have issues.
Connor is a rigger and lighting guy who does concerts and big musical tours. Reggie runs an LGBTQ advocacy group. They meet at a softball game where they are on opposing teams. Neither has had a great history of relationships but the chemistry between them is incredible from the start,
and
Each of them has their own issues that impact the relationship in different ways. Things come to head when Connor's plans get crushed and they both just stop the relationship. As they work through their individual issues they actually come to realize the impact it is having on their lives. At his friend Ian's urging, Reggie takes a chance and moves thing forward.
I do have a small complaint, information on both Reggie's and Connor's history and issues is not revealed until the end and this made some of the characters actions seem irrational. It would take a liitle work to get this info out earlier, but i think it would have served the story well.
I still believe this is a good story and recommend it. I recieve an Advance REadr copy of this book in exchange for a fair review.
Connor is a rigger and lighting guy who does concerts and big musical tours. Reggie runs an LGBTQ advocacy group. They meet at a softball game where they are on opposing teams. Neither has had a great history of relationships but the chemistry between them is incredible from the start,
and
Each of them has their own issues that impact the relationship in different ways. Things come to head when Connor's plans get crushed and they both just stop the relationship. As they work through their individual issues they actually come to realize the impact it is having on their lives. At his friend Ian's urging, Reggie takes a chance and moves thing forward.
I do have a small complaint, information on both Reggie's and Connor's history and issues is not revealed until the end and this made some of the characters actions seem irrational. It would take a liitle work to get this info out earlier, but i think it would have served the story well.
I still believe this is a good story and recommend it. I recieve an Advance REadr copy of this book in exchange for a fair review.
April 22, 2018
4 stars
***free copy for an honest review***
The second book in The League Series started off hot and steamy. I really liked that in this book there was not much about sport but more about relationship and personal drama. This book touches such subjects as physical abuse at home, anger management and long-term relationships.
I loved how things were developing Reggie and Connor from the start. They were both very laid back that there were not many issue between them all through the book. I loved reading about Reggie's work and the impact he had on local community. It looked like the author tried to make Conner into a little bit of an adrenaline junkie but Connor was too mellow for that.
Both men had some issues to work through and I am happy to say they were both successful in doing just that. There were more intimacy moments in this book than in the first and they were hot and well-written. I enjoyed all the interactions between the main characters and their friends!
Low-angst pleasantly written novel with lots of humor and fun moments! I recommend it!
***free copy for an honest review***
The second book in The League Series started off hot and steamy. I really liked that in this book there was not much about sport but more about relationship and personal drama. This book touches such subjects as physical abuse at home, anger management and long-term relationships.
I loved how things were developing Reggie and Connor from the start. They were both very laid back that there were not many issue between them all through the book. I loved reading about Reggie's work and the impact he had on local community. It looked like the author tried to make Conner into a little bit of an adrenaline junkie but Connor was too mellow for that.
Both men had some issues to work through and I am happy to say they were both successful in doing just that. There were more intimacy moments in this book than in the first and they were hot and well-written. I enjoyed all the interactions between the main characters and their friends!
Low-angst pleasantly written novel with lots of humor and fun moments! I recommend it!
May 22, 2017
I received this through the instafreebie program from the author. I really enjoyed this book by Declan Rhodes. I've read several books by him and the characters always pull you into their lives so that by the end you feel like you know them pretty well. This book was no exception.
You'll read about the history the two face concerning 'anger' issues (some from early in their lives) and how they've shaped the men they've become. I'm not exactly sure what prompted Connor leaving town for two years after the episode in the 'Toolbox'. It wasn't fully explained. I also wish there had been a followup on Patrick and what happened in his life.
I love the job that Reggie has and the potential good it can provide to a community. I'm wondering if there really are such positions and hope there are.
Definitely a thought provoking book with admirable characters. Still loving' Ian and Blake! (from The League #1)
You'll read about the history the two face concerning 'anger' issues (some from early in their lives) and how they've shaped the men they've become. I'm not exactly sure what prompted Connor leaving town for two years after the episode in the 'Toolbox'. It wasn't fully explained. I also wish there had been a followup on Patrick and what happened in his life.
I love the job that Reggie has and the potential good it can provide to a community. I'm wondering if there really are such positions and hope there are.
Definitely a thought provoking book with admirable characters. Still loving' Ian and Blake! (from The League #1)
January 2, 2026
I honestly really didn't enjoy this series. It had alot of potential but honestly. The character development was nil. They all seemed absolutely void of intelligence. They had no connection. It was major jumps in time line. Like. We went on date and 10 days later we ended up in bed. Oh, yeah great world building. Or, I had a great work opportunity. Thought we would catch up. Got into a fight. No contact. Anger management. 6 months have passed. Author has no regard for healthy relationships. In a relationship, just stop talking or texting for 2 weeks and so one decides to go on another date with another person. Then basically next chapter. Oh we are back together. Next book. They just stop talking for 6 mths cut you off like you are enemies. Like they dont have each others numbers. Everything is so petty. They could spend these huge gaps in time actually you know forming character development
May 21, 2017
It was an ok book, but I definitively preferred the first book of the series Complete Game. In this second instalment the main characters spend more time with friends, coworkers and strangers than together. They discuss the issues that make their relationship struggle with other people rather than together. It is a story about a second chance, there are elements about homophobia and anger management but no real relationship development. It all starts as a fling, that ends abruptly, then fast-forward two years and they meet again, start all over, but then each has issues with work and instead of discussing it with their partner, they part and each faces its problems thanks to friends but not the partner. At least there are some nice scenes with Ian and Blake of Complete Game.
August 7, 2017
Plenty of chemistry, no relationship. These two guys are attracted to one another, sure, and the both like softball. Other than that, they don't seem to exchange anything other than the most basic of information to decide that one's a vicious brutal beast and then eventually they want to be together forever. Something more than one funny story to get thru dinner has to be said. And the delay in either of them thinking in their own perspectives about the violence til most of the way through the book?
If theres more in the series, I will happily try again, because this author usually does this writing thing so well. But perfection cannot be expected all the time. So we adoring public will wait.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book.
If theres more in the series, I will happily try again, because this author usually does this writing thing so well. But perfection cannot be expected all the time. So we adoring public will wait.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book.
May 22, 2017
Connor Ryan is a lighting technician for major shows and is always travelling. When he meats Reggie Wolf he is instantly attracted but doesn't think he has a chance because of his lifestyle. When he has a fight in their favourite bar Reggie breaks up with him saying he cannot be with someone with such a fiery temper. We find out later why it was such a big deal.
Two years later and they meet again but will Reggie ever give Connor another chance.
Overall this is a good story although which I thoroughly enjoyed. I did wonder at times whether their personal problems could have been explained earlier but it made sense the way they were dealt with.
Two years later and they meet again but will Reggie ever give Connor another chance.
Overall this is a good story although which I thoroughly enjoyed. I did wonder at times whether their personal problems could have been explained earlier but it made sense the way they were dealt with.
May 27, 2017
Everyone has their own personal issues that affect their lives and often the lives of those people who are close to them. Reggie Wolf and Connor Ryan are no exceptions. This is another steamy m/m read by Declan Rhodes and he never disappoints.
When the two men start having relationship problems, instead of communicating with each other and trying to work things out, they just talk to other people. Then, they just give up and go their separate ways. Two years later, they meet up again and try for a second chance at love.
I voluntarily read an advance reader's copy of this book and I recommend both books in this series.
When the two men start having relationship problems, instead of communicating with each other and trying to work things out, they just talk to other people. Then, they just give up and go their separate ways. Two years later, they meet up again and try for a second chance at love.
I voluntarily read an advance reader's copy of this book and I recommend both books in this series.
June 10, 2017
This story tugs at your heartstrings. Amid the drama, the friendships between all of the characters makes it seem like one big family. Connor and Reggie are both sweet, vulnerable and engaging. The two reconnect after Conner broke up with Reggie because of work, but they face the same issues again. The storyline is full of angst, love, pain, fun and hope. This is a brilliant series that I enjoy and highly recommend.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. This is my voluntary and honest opinion of it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. This is my voluntary and honest opinion of it.
May 26, 2017
I really enjoyed this book. This is the first time I've read this author. It does not follow the usual path of a romance story and it's perfect. These men adore each other, but end up NOT being together for a significant period of time due to issues in them. They are both messed up and working to fix that in themselves. It has great friendships and good relationships. Looking forward to more of this author!
June 18, 2017
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 1/2 stars
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book for my honest opinions. I love this series and second chances, best of both worlds. Declan's evocative writing thrillingly captures the pull of longing, sizzling scenes and loveable cast characters. I fell in love with Connor and Reggie this was addictive, delectable reading and I can honestly say I recommend this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book for my honest opinions. I love this series and second chances, best of both worlds. Declan's evocative writing thrillingly captures the pull of longing, sizzling scenes and loveable cast characters. I fell in love with Connor and Reggie this was addictive, delectable reading and I can honestly say I recommend this book.
May 20, 2017
MM. Connor has anger issues and a job that frequently takes him out of town. Connor doesn't want to hold Reggie back. Reggie is reliving the past and uses one experience with Connor to push him away. They have great chemistry but do not know if Connor's job, his anger issues, and Reggie's past will keep them apart. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
May 21, 2017
I really enjoyed this installment in the series. The only issue I had was the confusion around Reggie's angst. He seemed to overreact to everything that happened in his relationship with Connor. At the end of the day though, loved both the main characters, their love was extremely believable and Declan Rhodes' storytelling was flawless. Big thumbs up from me.
May 25, 2017
I liked the guys and was glad they got their happily ever after. It didn't really feel connected to the first book in the series except for the glimpses of previous characters.
***I decided to review an ARC of this book.***
***I decided to review an ARC of this book.***
May 22, 2017
Communication is key
In all relationships as these two learned the hard way. Is sad that so many learn to talk with the fists and anger versus being more open and accepting.
In all relationships as these two learned the hard way. Is sad that so many learn to talk with the fists and anger versus being more open and accepting.
May 25, 2017
I liked the second chance in this story and learning about Reggie and Connor. Both were interesting. It was a fast paced, easy read and I totally enjoyed it and would definitely recommend it.
June 20, 2017
So good! I am in love with this series and can't wait to read the next one!
August 14, 2017
Just Okay
There were some grammar errors that even I caught.
A bit of insta love. Nice story. Blah vanilla sex.
There were some grammar errors that even I caught.
A bit of insta love. Nice story. Blah vanilla sex.
March 21, 2021
I liked this. It started off with Connor and Reggie getting together, but Connor had some serious issues that he needed to work out. Connor was not in a place to be in a relationship. When they come together a couple of years later, things are finally on the right track. There were still some issues to be worked out, such as lack of communication, but these two fell hard for each other and fought for what they deserved. Reggie was a great friend to Ian, and I loved seeing Ian as the great friend to Reggie. I continue to love the whole softball team group.
August 23, 2017
Cute storey, but sort of cold. Never really got a lot of insight into the characters.
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