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Second Chance
Ten years ago, Rustin and Clay were more than teammates: they were best friends chasing their big breaks into pro hockey. But their paths split when the friendship grew too complicated ... and 'male bonding' went too far.
Now a seasoned veteran in the NHL, Rustin Kellar would rather not remember the mortifying night he made a pass at his straight minor league captain. But a career-threatening concussion has left the defenseman crippled with pain – and an unlikely ghost from his past might be his only shot at recovery. Can Rustin ever forgive Clay?
Ex-hockey player turned horse-whisperer, Clay Grayson spent a decade soul-searching under the scorching Texas sun. When Clay witnesses Rustin's head smack the ice, he knows the injury is serious. But if this cowboy is good for one thing these days, it's helping old race horses find their legs again. Can Clay help Rustin recover, and finally make things right? Or is he ten years too late?
Second Chance pairs ice hockey and cowboys -- a surprisingly delicious combo! This 71,000 word first time gay romance novel has an HEA and light MMF scenes. No cliffhanger nor cheaters. Narrated in alternating third-person, past tense.
Now a seasoned veteran in the NHL, Rustin Kellar would rather not remember the mortifying night he made a pass at his straight minor league captain. But a career-threatening concussion has left the defenseman crippled with pain – and an unlikely ghost from his past might be his only shot at recovery. Can Rustin ever forgive Clay?
Ex-hockey player turned horse-whisperer, Clay Grayson spent a decade soul-searching under the scorching Texas sun. When Clay witnesses Rustin's head smack the ice, he knows the injury is serious. But if this cowboy is good for one thing these days, it's helping old race horses find their legs again. Can Clay help Rustin recover, and finally make things right? Or is he ten years too late?
Second Chance pairs ice hockey and cowboys -- a surprisingly delicious combo! This 71,000 word first time gay romance novel has an HEA and light MMF scenes. No cliffhanger nor cheaters. Narrated in alternating third-person, past tense.
260 pages, ebook
Published February 1, 2017
62 people are currently reading
93 people want to read
About the author
Van Barrett
18 books71 followersA lot of so-called straight guys think they're only into girls. Until they run into another hot boy who won't take no for an answer.
Hey, I'm Van Barrett, and that's exactly what I write: confused & curious straight boys who just can't resist another man's big, hard, and chiseled -- umm, bod -- and end up begging for it.
Me? Well, I'm a 30-somethin', outdoorsy, sporty kinda guy who used to live in the big city. Got tired of the hustle and bustle, so I moved out to the country and settled on a plot of land. When I'm not working the land, I'm writin' my stories. Hope you enjoy.
If you wanna be the first to hear about my new releases, be sure to sign up for the Van Barrett Newsletter at the link below:
http://bit.ly/1GAiecQ
Hey, I'm Van Barrett, and that's exactly what I write: confused & curious straight boys who just can't resist another man's big, hard, and chiseled -- umm, bod -- and end up begging for it.
Me? Well, I'm a 30-somethin', outdoorsy, sporty kinda guy who used to live in the big city. Got tired of the hustle and bustle, so I moved out to the country and settled on a plot of land. When I'm not working the land, I'm writin' my stories. Hope you enjoy.
If you wanna be the first to hear about my new releases, be sure to sign up for the Van Barrett Newsletter at the link below:
http://bit.ly/1GAiecQ
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
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August 21, 2019very pleasant surprise, review to come
April 5, 2018
I have to say that I'm so disappointed with this. Hockey and horses are my two favorite subjects in the world and combining that with some angst, I was totally pumped to read this.
Then I read it.
The writing is so juvenile and lacks any sort of substance at all. The backstory took FOREVER to fill in and afterwards, I wasn't better off for it. There is some SERIOUS hand-waving when it comes to medicine. I wont spoil things for everyone but I have seen better research in fan fiction. After the first 30% of the book is taken up establishing the back story and getting us to the present, everything else happens super, unrealistically fast and is all magically tied up in a perfect bow. Like so HEA that it belongs in fairy tales.
I found the characters used their names too often when talking to each other. I do not call my friend by name every sentence. The overuse of the word 'bud' and 'buddy' also got on my nerves (especially during the sex scenes).
Speaking of sex scenes....I wonder if the author has ever had sex with a man before. The sex scenes are super cheesy, full of descriptive action words like "pump, pump, pump" and "wack, wack", and the groans and moans are written out. I couldn't read them at all (which was good because it shortened the book for me). Also the author gets very descriptive like "His fat cock visibly thickened, rising in the leg of his jeans like a submarine breaching water."
A submarine.
Breaching.
Water.
I so wanted to like this and I just...cannot.
Then I read it.
The writing is so juvenile and lacks any sort of substance at all. The backstory took FOREVER to fill in and afterwards, I wasn't better off for it. There is some SERIOUS hand-waving when it comes to medicine. I wont spoil things for everyone but I have seen better research in fan fiction. After the first 30% of the book is taken up establishing the back story and getting us to the present, everything else happens super, unrealistically fast and is all magically tied up in a perfect bow. Like so HEA that it belongs in fairy tales.
I found the characters used their names too often when talking to each other. I do not call my friend by name every sentence. The overuse of the word 'bud' and 'buddy' also got on my nerves (especially during the sex scenes).
Speaking of sex scenes....I wonder if the author has ever had sex with a man before. The sex scenes are super cheesy, full of descriptive action words like "pump, pump, pump" and "wack, wack", and the groans and moans are written out. I couldn't read them at all (which was good because it shortened the book for me). Also the author gets very descriptive like "His fat cock visibly thickened, rising in the leg of his jeans like a submarine breaching water."
A submarine.
Breaching.
Water.
I so wanted to like this and I just...cannot.
June 10, 2017
What can I say sport and hockey are my things.
April 5, 2018
✩ ✩ ✩ ✩ THREE & 1/2 - STAR ✩ REVIEW ✩ ✩ ✩ ✩
> > Judging a Book by it's Cover < <
The cover composition features two younger men in the background on top, two older men in the middle layered in front one, and the silhouette of a horse on the bottom but as top layer. It gives the appearance of the story being a foursome plot. Scrawled title font is thin and weak. Synopsis is interesting.
> > Looking Deeper < <
POV ~> As the synopsis states, this is a third-person past tense narrative.
This was almost a "DNF" for me. The writing format and quality of the first 18% were excruciatingly immature and unprofessional with weak sentence structure, choppy story-telling and stiff, cardboard cutout like characters that spent too much time flashing back to things in the past and repeating points of presumed importance time and time again.
While there are sex scenes (with descriptives worthy of a comic relief program) allowing it to fit into the "romance" category, there was no connection. No bond, all "buddy"... F*ck Buddy would be the most appropriate term, not boyfriend or lover, the lack of romantic chemistry was disheartening and annoying. This was a late-in-life, Gay for You story of two friends that occasionally got each other off. The most emotion I felt in this book was when Travis came racing in to be with Apple. THAT was emotional.
Both were minor league hockey players. One got called up while the other ghosted (while secretly keeping tabs on his "buddy"). Ten years later, a traumatic injury occurs and allows the men a second chance. The chemistry between them, to the very end, felt more like friends with benefits than lovers. Secondary cast was alright. Dialogue and interaction were average. The plot had potential but the execution ruined it for me. If you could get past the 24% mark, you'll see the flow of the book begin to smooth out... but getting there was painful. What was with capitalizing "the Sun" all the way through? That was so odd.
There was bound to be conflicts when they are in denial. Choosing to stay in the closet and pretending to be hetero. One abandons the other for ten years, without a single word... then dares to hope for a second chance, a chance to explain and possibly be forgiven. Phantom symptoms miraculously disappearing. Ugh, it was all a little much. The sex scenes were not hot or sexy, they were comical and ridiculous with one's lumbering beast throbbing lodgepole protruding. omg, just no... sorry, not for me!
The ending is solid and offers a fairly satisfying ending. Yes, I made it to the end so I could say that I gave this piece my 110% at receiving a fair and full review.
I don't think I'd be able to recommend this one as it is currently written, but perhaps with a professional editor going through it a few times...? Maybe. As of right now though, it did not leave a very favorable impression on me and I doubt I'd read this author again. Their writing style just does not match up to my preferences.
.
Rating: [R] ~ Score: 3.5 ~ Stars: 3.5
==========================
⭐ ⭐ **** Disclosure of Material: I purchased a copy of this book from Amazon and am voluntarily leaving unbiased and unsolicited feedback. I was not asked, encouraged, or required to leave a review - nor was I compensated in any way. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising". ***** ⭐ ⭐
> > Judging a Book by it's Cover < <
The cover composition features two younger men in the background on top, two older men in the middle layered in front one, and the silhouette of a horse on the bottom but as top layer. It gives the appearance of the story being a foursome plot. Scrawled title font is thin and weak. Synopsis is interesting.
> > Looking Deeper < <
POV ~> As the synopsis states, this is a third-person past tense narrative.
This was almost a "DNF" for me. The writing format and quality of the first 18% were excruciatingly immature and unprofessional with weak sentence structure, choppy story-telling and stiff, cardboard cutout like characters that spent too much time flashing back to things in the past and repeating points of presumed importance time and time again.
While there are sex scenes (with descriptives worthy of a comic relief program) allowing it to fit into the "romance" category, there was no connection. No bond, all "buddy"... F*ck Buddy would be the most appropriate term, not boyfriend or lover, the lack of romantic chemistry was disheartening and annoying. This was a late-in-life, Gay for You story of two friends that occasionally got each other off. The most emotion I felt in this book was when Travis came racing in to be with Apple. THAT was emotional.
Both were minor league hockey players. One got called up while the other ghosted (while secretly keeping tabs on his "buddy"). Ten years later, a traumatic injury occurs and allows the men a second chance. The chemistry between them, to the very end, felt more like friends with benefits than lovers. Secondary cast was alright. Dialogue and interaction were average. The plot had potential but the execution ruined it for me. If you could get past the 24% mark, you'll see the flow of the book begin to smooth out... but getting there was painful. What was with capitalizing "the Sun" all the way through? That was so odd.
There was bound to be conflicts when they are in denial. Choosing to stay in the closet and pretending to be hetero. One abandons the other for ten years, without a single word... then dares to hope for a second chance, a chance to explain and possibly be forgiven. Phantom symptoms miraculously disappearing. Ugh, it was all a little much. The sex scenes were not hot or sexy, they were comical and ridiculous with one's lumbering beast throbbing lodgepole protruding. omg, just no... sorry, not for me!
The ending is solid and offers a fairly satisfying ending. Yes, I made it to the end so I could say that I gave this piece my 110% at receiving a fair and full review.
I don't think I'd be able to recommend this one as it is currently written, but perhaps with a professional editor going through it a few times...? Maybe. As of right now though, it did not leave a very favorable impression on me and I doubt I'd read this author again. Their writing style just does not match up to my preferences.
.
Rating: [R] ~ Score: 3.5 ~ Stars: 3.5
==========================
⭐ ⭐ **** Disclosure of Material: I purchased a copy of this book from Amazon and am voluntarily leaving unbiased and unsolicited feedback. I was not asked, encouraged, or required to leave a review - nor was I compensated in any way. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising". ***** ⭐ ⭐
March 20, 2017
This is the first book by Van Barrett I have read and I certainly wasn't disappointed! It's a sports MM romance of sorts with a little bit of cowboy thrown in....let me explain!
Rustin and Clay played in minor league hockey together and were best of friends and team mates with un-explored/acknowledged 'feelings' but Clay gives up his career when Rustin heads for the NHL (the sports bit!). Clay moves to Texas and works on a horse ranch, trying to forget Rustin (the cowboy bit!) Ten years later, Rustin sustains a serious concussion after becoming distracted at a game and is in need of Clay's help to get his head back into the game so to speak....and thus begins the second chance at something that has remained unacknowledged and hidden by both men for over ten years!
I loved how Van Barrett broke this book down into parts and fully engaged the reader in the whole story. There is a very obvious beginning, middle and end and for me, this is often where authors struggle to keep me interested. It's a nice progression throughout the story and you see how both men develop over the years and how their feelings grown with uncertainty to a relationship full of love and passion for each other.
Rustin and Clay are beautifully rounded characters and Van Barrett has explored them both. I often find in this sort of romance that either the characters or the plot suffer when a writer is eager to tell a story but this one is just so well rounded and likeable. There are sad moments, angry moments, happy moments and hot moments. It's very obvious from the start that these two men have chemistry, it's just a shame it takes so long for them both to realise this!
A beautifully, well written, romance story.....well worth a read.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reading Copy of this book
Rustin and Clay played in minor league hockey together and were best of friends and team mates with un-explored/acknowledged 'feelings' but Clay gives up his career when Rustin heads for the NHL (the sports bit!). Clay moves to Texas and works on a horse ranch, trying to forget Rustin (the cowboy bit!) Ten years later, Rustin sustains a serious concussion after becoming distracted at a game and is in need of Clay's help to get his head back into the game so to speak....and thus begins the second chance at something that has remained unacknowledged and hidden by both men for over ten years!
I loved how Van Barrett broke this book down into parts and fully engaged the reader in the whole story. There is a very obvious beginning, middle and end and for me, this is often where authors struggle to keep me interested. It's a nice progression throughout the story and you see how both men develop over the years and how their feelings grown with uncertainty to a relationship full of love and passion for each other.
Rustin and Clay are beautifully rounded characters and Van Barrett has explored them both. I often find in this sort of romance that either the characters or the plot suffer when a writer is eager to tell a story but this one is just so well rounded and likeable. There are sad moments, angry moments, happy moments and hot moments. It's very obvious from the start that these two men have chemistry, it's just a shame it takes so long for them both to realise this!
A beautifully, well written, romance story.....well worth a read.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reading Copy of this book
February 23, 2017
Stupendous story, very emotional, cannot tell you how many times I had to grab the Kleenex! Not real knowledgeable on the hockey side hut having grown up with horses and rescues I was very impressed with the descriptions of all the four-footed characters! Of course, Rust and Clay were also exceptionally portrayed in a way that let you feel their pain and joy throughout the book. Second chances do not always come around in life, and the signs and circumstances that lead to Clay and Rust getting theirs were easy to become engrossed in, unwilling to put the book down because I just had to know if forgiveness could be found, love rekindled, and a way to walk the same life path obtained. Really a must read as far as I am concerned.
May 22, 2024
Okay so I don’t even know where to start. In the past week or so I have read possibly every single m/m hockey book I could find (the elderly lady in my library has to be very concerned about my reading choices as of late haha), some of them were absolutely amazing, some were just not my style, full of cringe and all but this one, it’s a different thing altogether.
The book starts off with a throwback, which is usually an immediate star off for me. Like tell me a story without having to explain everything that happened to the characters prior to it… After that we jump 10 years into future, and I felt so out of the place. Not just because of the jump but also the characters. It seemed like they haven’t grown at all in the past decade and just felt… shallow?
Later, when they get together -rather quickly i have to say considering their past, but oh well - it feels like two friends who kiss, not two lovers. They say love yous, but continue to address each other ‘buddy / bud (as someone living in Canada, saying bud to someone you love, unjokingly, is a big no, hah)
I’m not bashing the book, if you enjoyed it, good for you, but it was just so incomplete for me.
The book starts off with a throwback, which is usually an immediate star off for me. Like tell me a story without having to explain everything that happened to the characters prior to it… After that we jump 10 years into future, and I felt so out of the place. Not just because of the jump but also the characters. It seemed like they haven’t grown at all in the past decade and just felt… shallow?
Later, when they get together -rather quickly i have to say considering their past, but oh well - it feels like two friends who kiss, not two lovers. They say love yous, but continue to address each other ‘buddy / bud (as someone living in Canada, saying bud to someone you love, unjokingly, is a big no, hah)
I’m not bashing the book, if you enjoyed it, good for you, but it was just so incomplete for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 28, 2019
I have to admit that I'm a big fan of Van Barrett and his MM world
This time around it was about Rustin and Clay who were once played professional hockey on the same team. They were also best friends and a bit more. But there was only once chance to get called up to the NHL so Clay had to let Rust go. Now many years later Rust is still in the NHL and Clay is running a ranch called the Second Chance Horse Rescue. While Rust's team is in town Clay goes to watch the game but when Rust sees Clay in the audience he gets distracted and gets a nasty concussion.
While Rust is trying to get better from his concussion Clay comes back to see Rust. Where Rust finds out the only relief from his head is when Clay is near.
As Rust comes to Clay's ranch to heal. He also finds the truth and both of these boys can finally have their HEA. Super sweet.
This time around it was about Rustin and Clay who were once played professional hockey on the same team. They were also best friends and a bit more. But there was only once chance to get called up to the NHL so Clay had to let Rust go. Now many years later Rust is still in the NHL and Clay is running a ranch called the Second Chance Horse Rescue. While Rust's team is in town Clay goes to watch the game but when Rust sees Clay in the audience he gets distracted and gets a nasty concussion.
While Rust is trying to get better from his concussion Clay comes back to see Rust. Where Rust finds out the only relief from his head is when Clay is near.
As Rust comes to Clay's ranch to heal. He also finds the truth and both of these boys can finally have their HEA. Super sweet.
March 19, 2017
Got from Hidden Gems Romance ARC Club, for a honest review.
Loved the story of Clay and Rustin. They become best friends and hockey buddies that train together. Things heat up for them but they back off as things have them go different ways. But as time goes by Clay starts going to Rustin's games. Rustin sees him in the stands. The other team member give him a concussion for not paying attention to the game on the ice. Rustin head keeps bugging him so hasn't been back to game for couple of months. Clay and Rustin finally get back together as friends and more. The chemistry and hot moments they had were steaming the pages. The story had a nice steady pace.
Thank you for letting me read your story.
Loved the story of Clay and Rustin. They become best friends and hockey buddies that train together. Things heat up for them but they back off as things have them go different ways. But as time goes by Clay starts going to Rustin's games. Rustin sees him in the stands. The other team member give him a concussion for not paying attention to the game on the ice. Rustin head keeps bugging him so hasn't been back to game for couple of months. Clay and Rustin finally get back together as friends and more. The chemistry and hot moments they had were steaming the pages. The story had a nice steady pace.
Thank you for letting me read your story.
March 21, 2017
Rustin Kellar, 23, and Clay Grayson, 27, are the best of pals playing on the same AHL team for the past three years. Along the way their relationship has change from that of friendship to something more primal. Clay isn’t so sure that what is happening is something he really wants. When the chance for Rustin comes to play in the big leagues, Clay makes a decision for the both of them that end things between them.
Ten years later and Rustin has moved on….well career wise anyway. His career as a hockey player has really skyrocketed. During a game, he gets distracted and sustains a severe injury putting him out of commission for time. When Clay shows up to reconnect, Rustin founds his pain is so prominent when Clay is around. Rustin hasn’t forgiven Clay though but he does need his help getting back to go health.
It was a fine read. I thought the dialogue got a bit sappy at times and was like a bad porno during some of the sex scenes. I did like that reader’s got to see Clay and Rustin at their first meeting, developing into friendship and then the point in which their relationship changed. I enjoyed the reunion and seeing them work through their issues.
An ARC was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.
Ten years later and Rustin has moved on….well career wise anyway. His career as a hockey player has really skyrocketed. During a game, he gets distracted and sustains a severe injury putting him out of commission for time. When Clay shows up to reconnect, Rustin founds his pain is so prominent when Clay is around. Rustin hasn’t forgiven Clay though but he does need his help getting back to go health.
It was a fine read. I thought the dialogue got a bit sappy at times and was like a bad porno during some of the sex scenes. I did like that reader’s got to see Clay and Rustin at their first meeting, developing into friendship and then the point in which their relationship changed. I enjoyed the reunion and seeing them work through their issues.
An ARC was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.
March 14, 2017
*I voluntarily read a review copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else's*
Second chance was a sweet read and I really enjoyed it. This is the first book I've read by this author and he didn't disappoint. Second Chance was written beautifully and flowed well throughout.
I enjoyed the depth of Rusty and Clay's friendship. The author captured Clay's inner conflict/confusion incredibly well. The chemistry between these two guys was sizzling hot.
This was a beautiful story and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it.
Second chance was a sweet read and I really enjoyed it. This is the first book I've read by this author and he didn't disappoint. Second Chance was written beautifully and flowed well throughout.
I enjoyed the depth of Rusty and Clay's friendship. The author captured Clay's inner conflict/confusion incredibly well. The chemistry between these two guys was sizzling hot.
This was a beautiful story and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it.
March 18, 2017
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. This book is wonderfully written about a romance between two hockey players. It deals with a friends to lovers situation where Clay believes he is straight at the beginning. Not only does the book deal with the realization of Clay’s sexuality but also deals with the pressure involved in becoming a NHL player.
The story spans over a decade and was so easy to become immersed in that I now have one of the best book hangovers I have ever suffered. I highly recommend this book even if you are not a hockey fan!
The story spans over a decade and was so easy to become immersed in that I now have one of the best book hangovers I have ever suffered. I highly recommend this book even if you are not a hockey fan!
March 20, 2017
I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book
Rustin was a rookie in the Grapefruit Hockey league, waiting for a chance to move up to the NHL. Clay was the captain of the minor league team and took Rustin under his wing. Rustin was in love with Clay and made his move the night he was called up to the majors. Clay was confused as he didn’t think he was gay. They didn’t speak for 10 years, Rustin was injured and Clay reconnected with him. Do Rustin and Clay get their HEA?
This is a great book with drama and twists and turns and great characters.
Rustin was a rookie in the Grapefruit Hockey league, waiting for a chance to move up to the NHL. Clay was the captain of the minor league team and took Rustin under his wing. Rustin was in love with Clay and made his move the night he was called up to the majors. Clay was confused as he didn’t think he was gay. They didn’t speak for 10 years, Rustin was injured and Clay reconnected with him. Do Rustin and Clay get their HEA?
This is a great book with drama and twists and turns and great characters.
July 2, 2017
I enjoyed this light story that spans 12 years in which it takes the leads to become a full couple living together. The hockey was more a backdrop but served as a good backbone to the men's relationship. This isn't going to stand out in the 500 books I read in a year but it was enjoyable while I was reading it. 3.5 stars but rounding up so as not to hurt overall rating.
May 2, 2021
Slow burn
Several times I nearly gave up on this book but I really wanted to know how things turned out for Rusty and Clay. I loved their chemistry and the healing power of horses. Their story just dragged out a bit too long for me. I started to flick through chapters. If you enjoy sweet second chances, then you'll like this book.
Several times I nearly gave up on this book but I really wanted to know how things turned out for Rusty and Clay. I loved their chemistry and the healing power of horses. Their story just dragged out a bit too long for me. I started to flick through chapters. If you enjoy sweet second chances, then you'll like this book.
November 5, 2019
3.5~4/5
This book is like a ray of sunshine after my book funk. It started out slow, and the writing was a little rough (in a Southern way) but it suits the setting. However, once they met up again, and the journey of their reunion and learning to forgive was beautiful.
This book is like a ray of sunshine after my book funk. It started out slow, and the writing was a little rough (in a Southern way) but it suits the setting. However, once they met up again, and the journey of their reunion and learning to forgive was beautiful.
March 18, 2017
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book!
This is a new author for me and I am pleasantly surprised at how the story turned out. Hardly any drama like you have with women protagonists and when Rusty made his move on Clay the first time I was surprised at how he responded. I was a bit annoyed at first at the interruption in the story to go back in time but then I realized it painted a broader picture and appreciated more. I loved the intimate moments, that brought a nice touch. Same sex couples love the same as different sex couples and it should be brought out in literature more.
This is a new author for me and I am pleasantly surprised at how the story turned out. Hardly any drama like you have with women protagonists and when Rusty made his move on Clay the first time I was surprised at how he responded. I was a bit annoyed at first at the interruption in the story to go back in time but then I realized it painted a broader picture and appreciated more. I loved the intimate moments, that brought a nice touch. Same sex couples love the same as different sex couples and it should be brought out in literature more.
March 19, 2017
I received an ARC of this in exchange for a voluntary honest review.
When I first started reading this, I was greatly disappointed. The writing style was juvenile and choppy. I was afraid that this was going to be a really bad review.
Fortunately the writing smoothed out as the story progressed, and it was easier to become engrossed in the story. The characters were likeable but somewhat stock, and the love scenes were really steamy. It was incredibly distracting the way they constantly called each other buddy (too much) but it was something that could ultimately be overlooked.
I cannot decide if I would read others in this series, but this was overall a satisfying read.
When I first started reading this, I was greatly disappointed. The writing style was juvenile and choppy. I was afraid that this was going to be a really bad review.
Fortunately the writing smoothed out as the story progressed, and it was easier to become engrossed in the story. The characters were likeable but somewhat stock, and the love scenes were really steamy. It was incredibly distracting the way they constantly called each other buddy (too much) but it was something that could ultimately be overlooked.
I cannot decide if I would read others in this series, but this was overall a satisfying read.
March 22, 2017
I enjoyed this through the years second chance story. Clay and Rustin met playing hockey. Becoming best friends, when an opportunity happens and one goes to the majors, what will happen to them? There story was filled with anger and happiness. Reading how they met and their journey to happiness was a great story.
April 13, 2018
A good story.
A wonderful story, I loved the characters Clay, and Rust. They were a great couple. The story was well written. Also a great storyline.
A wonderful story, I loved the characters Clay, and Rust. They were a great couple. The story was well written. Also a great storyline.
April 22, 2018
Great Story
Loved the story line and characters. Well written you won't be disappointed with this book😁 I highly recommend it !!
Loved the story line and characters. Well written you won't be disappointed with this book😁 I highly recommend it !!
November 18, 2019
An interesting quick read.
March 21, 2017
Great second chance MM romance. Rusty and Clay were best friends long before they played hockey. But one night they took things a little further than they were both ready for. Over the course of the next ten years, their paths diverged, until Clay gets hurt and needs to spend time recovering. The story was well-written, well paced and steaming hot to boot. I loved how their characters were developed. It's not easy to convey the conflicted feelings and insecurities they each had, but Van Barrett did a fabulous job with this book. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy.
March 19, 2017
Good things happen to those who wait....
Clay and Rusty were best friends and played in the minor hockey league. Things between them start to heat up. When Rusty got the call to the big league Clay who was trying to deal with his own feelings about them did the only thing he could he let Rusty go.
Rusty heartbroken went on to play professional hockey. Ten years later he gets injured and Clay is back wanting a second chance.
This is just an all around sweet story of best friends becoming lovers and they heartbreak and forgiveness to move on and build a true relationship.
I was given a copy for an honest review.
Clay and Rusty were best friends and played in the minor hockey league. Things between them start to heat up. When Rusty got the call to the big league Clay who was trying to deal with his own feelings about them did the only thing he could he let Rusty go.
Rusty heartbroken went on to play professional hockey. Ten years later he gets injured and Clay is back wanting a second chance.
This is just an all around sweet story of best friends becoming lovers and they heartbreak and forgiveness to move on and build a true relationship.
I was given a copy for an honest review.
March 22, 2017
This author was new to me, but I was so impressed by this book, I will definitely be reading more. This story is about two hot hockey players with amazing chemistry. Loved the characters, the storyline, the writing style....everything. Highly recommended!!
*I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.*
*I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.*
March 25, 2017
Flawless victory!
Wow, talk about a relationship that stood the test of time. This was a great, heart wrenching story which I couldn't put down. I fell in love with these characters and loved who they became.
Wow, talk about a relationship that stood the test of time. This was a great, heart wrenching story which I couldn't put down. I fell in love with these characters and loved who they became.
March 19, 2017
Bittersweet. That one word sums up this book for me. I liked both characters and it was sad that they had so much time apart before they got their happily ever after.
*** I'm reviewing an ARC of this book. ***
*** I'm reviewing an ARC of this book. ***
March 19, 2017
A book sometimes beeing a little confusing with the use of stories of the past mixed up with the present. Nevertheless easy to keep up. The story itself is well structured. Unfortunately I could not get really warm with the heroes. Maybe it's the huge timespan the story gets told in...
March 3, 2017
Another hit hockey story by Van Barrett. I loved Second Chances. The storyline was fleshed out and developed, and I liked how the book was told in three parts. The characters were complex and felt really real. I loved how Clay started out as a mentor and roommate to Rusty as they played and prepared for their shots in the NHL. I loved that Clay made some hard decisions that Rusty wasn't happy about, but I was happy when they came together later on in the book and got their HEA. Lots of plenty hot scenes in this book and lots of chemistry between Clay and Rusty. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
February 22, 2017
This was an absorbing story about Clay and Rusty who are in the minor hockey league and both aspiring to get to the Nationals. Clay is already getting old and Rusty is young and on his way to being all that Clay feels he is never going to be. Best friends and hidden feelings, the two are inseparable, until Rusty gets the call that he thought Clay should have gotten. Clay gives up his career in order to let Rusty spread his wings and disappears out of Rusty's life for ten years. Anger and betrayal plagues Rusty as he makes a name for himself in the Nationals while Clay is buried in guilt even while he makes a new and fulfilling life for himself. Seeing Clay in the crowd during a game, he looses concentration and gets hit and knocked out on the ice. Suffering from a severe concussion he is crippled by pain. Clay steps in and brings him to the ranch. Their relationship grows and deepens. Rusty admits to being bisexual and Clay explores his own sexuality. A deep and entertaining book that I would encourage anyone to read. I voluntarily read and reviewed this ARC Book.
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