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A Chance at Love
Chance is gorgeous. Younger. Confident. Seductive enough I almost joined the mile-high club the day we met, but I resisted… then.
When we meet again, though, all bets are off. I find myself surrendering to the gorgeous grad student with his intelligence and thirst for life, the guy who calls me Dare and makes me feel like I can do anything.
Despite the differences in our ages and the extra zeroes at the end of my bank balance, despite our agreement to keep our relationship a secret, I can’t deny our connection…and I can’t help falling for him.
But I want more than just clandestine meetings, I want it all. Chance fought to have me, but now I’ll fight to keep him, to convince him he has a place in my world...and to show him I’d risk everything for a chance at love.
When we meet again, though, all bets are off. I find myself surrendering to the gorgeous grad student with his intelligence and thirst for life, the guy who calls me Dare and makes me feel like I can do anything.
Despite the differences in our ages and the extra zeroes at the end of my bank balance, despite our agreement to keep our relationship a secret, I can’t deny our connection…and I can’t help falling for him.
But I want more than just clandestine meetings, I want it all. Chance fought to have me, but now I’ll fight to keep him, to convince him he has a place in my world...and to show him I’d risk everything for a chance at love.
246 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 2018
44 people are currently reading
132 people want to read
About the author
Silvia Violet
168 books1,188 followersSilvia Violet writes fun, sexy stories that will leave you smiling and satisfied. She has a thing for characters who are in need of comfort and enjoys helping them surrender to love even when they doubt it exists. Silvia's stories include sizzling contemporaries, paranormals, and historicals. When she needs a break from listening to the voices in her head, she spends time baking, taking long walks, and curling up with her favorite books. Keep up with her latest ventures by signing up for her newsletter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
May 5, 2018
*3.5 stars*
I have mixed feelings about this. The beginning and the last 20% of the book (abrupt ending not withstanding) get 5 stars. The middle gets 3. I'll settle with 3.5 stars rounded up because it left a mostly good impression.
I absolutely LOVED Darren and Chance's first interaction on the plane. Buttoned up lawyer that just turned forty meets gorgeous grad student who shows up wearing pajama bottoms and holding a giant tub of cheese balls. In first class! There was a bit of everything: banter, humour (I loved Darren's inner voice), tension, chemistry. I could tell that the characters formed an amazing connection without it being insta-love.
I never doubted that connection but the middle of the story lost some of my interest. For starters, Chance was nothing like the fun guy Darren met on the plane. Not bad, just different. I liked how the romance developed but after a while it got way too cheesy and corny for my tastes. There was too much talk even during sex scenes.
The conflict of this story is real; there is a pretty big age gap and the characters belong in two completely different worlds. However, Chance's freak out and the way he chose to act afterwards felt a little bit forced.
BUT I 've been known to love some good relationship angst and seperation periods (not too big here, don't worry), so the last part of the book was right up my alley.
In a different case, Darren's grovelling would have felt too much and invasive, but in this case it was exactly the right thing to do.
The ending was a HFN, very swoon worthy but waaaay too abrupt for my tastes.
Overall, I did enjoy this. Recommende for a sexy, May-December story.
I have mixed feelings about this. The beginning and the last 20% of the book (abrupt ending not withstanding) get 5 stars. The middle gets 3. I'll settle with 3.5 stars rounded up because it left a mostly good impression.
I absolutely LOVED Darren and Chance's first interaction on the plane. Buttoned up lawyer that just turned forty meets gorgeous grad student who shows up wearing pajama bottoms and holding a giant tub of cheese balls. In first class! There was a bit of everything: banter, humour (I loved Darren's inner voice), tension, chemistry. I could tell that the characters formed an amazing connection without it being insta-love.
I never doubted that connection but the middle of the story lost some of my interest. For starters, Chance was nothing like the fun guy Darren met on the plane. Not bad, just different. I liked how the romance developed but after a while it got way too cheesy and corny for my tastes. There was too much talk even during sex scenes.
The conflict of this story is real; there is a pretty big age gap and the characters belong in two completely different worlds. However, Chance's freak out and the way he chose to act afterwards felt a little bit forced.
BUT I 've been known to love some good relationship angst and seperation periods (not too big here, don't worry), so the last part of the book was right up my alley.
In a different case, Darren's grovelling would have felt too much and invasive, but in this case it was exactly the right thing to do.
"I can learn about your world too, even when I don't fit in."
The ending was a HFN, very swoon worthy but waaaay too abrupt for my tastes.
Overall, I did enjoy this. Recommende for a sexy, May-December story.
May 8, 2018
The middle bit of this one went off a bit for me and I felt like I was suddenly reading a different type of romance but, that aside, this was a nice easy read with likeable characters.
I love a good May to December romance and the age gap of 17 years did play a part in the narrative which made sense. Both men had fears but hid them until it felt a bit like the plot demanded a bit of a conflict to stir up some tension and it didn't really work fully for me.
The ending wrapped up a bit quickly too but there is a super sweet big gesture and a very strong HFN moving towards a HEA which felt realistic. I'm just not sure I bought into the conflict reason though to be honest.
It's hot too, but veered off into a
My lovely Ele said pretty much what I wanted to say but more eloquently in her review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
#ARC kindly provided by the author in return for an honest and unbiased review
I love a good May to December romance and the age gap of 17 years did play a part in the narrative which made sense. Both men had fears but hid them until it felt a bit like the plot demanded a bit of a conflict to stir up some tension and it didn't really work fully for me.
The ending wrapped up a bit quickly too but there is a super sweet big gesture and a very strong HFN moving towards a HEA which felt realistic. I'm just not sure I bought into the conflict reason though to be honest.
It's hot too, but veered off into a
My lovely Ele said pretty much what I wanted to say but more eloquently in her review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
#ARC kindly provided by the author in return for an honest and unbiased review
April 17, 2021
I loved this book until I didn't. It started out really strong with two amazing characters and some really hot scenes... but then one of the MC's did a 360 in personality and it wasn't as easy liking him anymore. The ending was way too abrupt.
November 7, 2018
This book was Cute and I had fun listening to this one. As a San Diego native I really appreciated all the places, scenery and attractions that were mentioned in this book, already knowing where they all were, but it was like I was experiencing those places for the first time right along with the characters.
Darren is an older (40ish) man who meets Chance (early 20’s) on a plane headed to San Diego. Darren is instantly drawn to Chance even though Chance is the absolute opposite of him. Chance is super cute, totally open and straight forward about what he wants. These two had great chemistry together once they let their relationship happen and progress. It definitely took a bit for Darren to feel comfortable in his skin when it came to Chance. There were plenty of contradictions for these two. Darren was in control but wanted to let go, not quite sure how to do that. Chance was younger but wanted to be in charge and didn’t want people looking down on him for where he came from and the things he has, or didn’t have. There was a little bit of an age kink going on here but definitely on the lighter side. I have to say I think these two would have had an easier time in their relationship if they spent some time actually conversing with each other about their feelings and not just guessing what the other guy was thinking and feeling, but that did add more of a storyline conflict.. Overall a cute and enjoyable book.
Audio – I think Derrick McClain did a good job at giving each of these guys their own voice and keeping them straight. It was really easy to follow along with the story. I also really liked his voice for Chance’s friend/roommate Joon, he was a cute supporting character that was added into this book as well.
Darren is an older (40ish) man who meets Chance (early 20’s) on a plane headed to San Diego. Darren is instantly drawn to Chance even though Chance is the absolute opposite of him. Chance is super cute, totally open and straight forward about what he wants. These two had great chemistry together once they let their relationship happen and progress. It definitely took a bit for Darren to feel comfortable in his skin when it came to Chance. There were plenty of contradictions for these two. Darren was in control but wanted to let go, not quite sure how to do that. Chance was younger but wanted to be in charge and didn’t want people looking down on him for where he came from and the things he has, or didn’t have. There was a little bit of an age kink going on here but definitely on the lighter side. I have to say I think these two would have had an easier time in their relationship if they spent some time actually conversing with each other about their feelings and not just guessing what the other guy was thinking and feeling, but that did add more of a storyline conflict.. Overall a cute and enjoyable book.
Audio – I think Derrick McClain did a good job at giving each of these guys their own voice and keeping them straight. It was really easy to follow along with the story. I also really liked his voice for Chance’s friend/roommate Joon, he was a cute supporting character that was added into this book as well.
May 14, 2018
Darren, a rich workaholic, was flying home from a work meeting when he met Chance on the airplane. Chance upgraded his ticket to first class with points, and showed up wearing pajama pants and holding a big bucket of cheese balls. Darren immediately gets annoyed, but very quickly finds there is more to Chance than meets the eye. Chance gives Darren his number, but Darren chickens out calling him-afraid of their 17 year age difference.
A couple of months later, they meet again, and their connection can't be denied. Chance is a bit more of a free spirit, where Darren is constantly in control. They each show the other how to be a bit more like the other. Darren learns how to let go of his control, and Chance dives into Darren's world. They were very clearly falling in love with each other while being very afraid of whether or not they can make it last.
I loved the interactions between the two. They were fun and flirty overall. I really enjoyed watching them get comfortable and be vulnerable with each other. I loved how the age difference was not glossed over and ignored. It was a real concern for the guys, and there wasn't a magic fix for it.
They worked toward understanding and compromise. I absolutely loved this!
I am voluntarily reviewing an ARC received by LesCourt Author Services
A couple of months later, they meet again, and their connection can't be denied. Chance is a bit more of a free spirit, where Darren is constantly in control. They each show the other how to be a bit more like the other. Darren learns how to let go of his control, and Chance dives into Darren's world. They were very clearly falling in love with each other while being very afraid of whether or not they can make it last.
I loved the interactions between the two. They were fun and flirty overall. I really enjoyed watching them get comfortable and be vulnerable with each other. I loved how the age difference was not glossed over and ignored. It was a real concern for the guys, and there wasn't a magic fix for it.
They worked toward understanding and compromise. I absolutely loved this!
I am voluntarily reviewing an ARC received by LesCourt Author Services
June 13, 2018
A Joyfully Jay review.
3.75 stars
A Chance at Love is a cute, easy read. I found both Chance and Darren to be likable guys and I appreciated how even though at first Darren is wary when he meets Chance, they are both able to look past their differences and really get to know one another. The story gives us lots of time with the guys hanging out (as well as hooking up), and it is clear that they are compatible and good together.
The conflict here is that neither man thinks things can work long term, due to their age and income differences, but both want each other and want to be together. So they kind of make this mutual pact that they will keep things mostly private so that they don’t have to face these concerns in the light of day (and the potential harsh judgment of outsiders). I appreciated that Violet makes it clear that these are joint decisions, so it doesn’t have a “dirty little secret” vibe, as much as neither man wanting to confront a potential reality that tears them apart while they are still enjoying being together. But it also left most of the story with this conflict just hanging out there waiting for the third act to strike, while the rest of the book rolls along without much happening beyond the guys spending time together and having lots of sex.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
3.75 stars
A Chance at Love is a cute, easy read. I found both Chance and Darren to be likable guys and I appreciated how even though at first Darren is wary when he meets Chance, they are both able to look past their differences and really get to know one another. The story gives us lots of time with the guys hanging out (as well as hooking up), and it is clear that they are compatible and good together.
The conflict here is that neither man thinks things can work long term, due to their age and income differences, but both want each other and want to be together. So they kind of make this mutual pact that they will keep things mostly private so that they don’t have to face these concerns in the light of day (and the potential harsh judgment of outsiders). I appreciated that Violet makes it clear that these are joint decisions, so it doesn’t have a “dirty little secret” vibe, as much as neither man wanting to confront a potential reality that tears them apart while they are still enjoying being together. But it also left most of the story with this conflict just hanging out there waiting for the third act to strike, while the rest of the book rolls along without much happening beyond the guys spending time together and having lots of sex.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
July 3, 2018
This is a solid enjoyable romance.
I loved that it was set in San Diego a place I know well.
Darren and Chance are lovely couple with the fun met on a plane start.
Chance is such a sunny person. I love it. Darren is kind and lonely.
There is dumb conflict towards the end of the book but over all this age difference, class difference love story is a quick nice read.
I loved that it was set in San Diego a place I know well.
Darren and Chance are lovely couple with the fun met on a plane start.
Chance is such a sunny person. I love it. Darren is kind and lonely.
There is dumb conflict towards the end of the book but over all this age difference, class difference love story is a quick nice read.
Read
December 10, 2018I don't know ... maybe I was just not in the right mood for this one ... it just did NOT work for me!
May 8, 2018
I enjoyed this!
A Chance at Love is an age-gap romance between grad-student Chance (love the punny title) who's family runs a farm in Texas and Darren, who was born into a rich family and owns and leads a charity foundation.
The beginning was a bit clumsy, with the instant attraction (or rather, instant lust) a bit too heavy for my tastes, but it quickly improved, which was helped by how they didn't actually sleep together and didn't even get particularly close at their first meeting.
I enjoyed Chance and Darren together - they are a great couple with chemistry, and I liked how real they felt. There difference in age was more of an issue on paper (Chance is 23 and Darren is 40), while in person they fit together wonderfully. I especially liked how they actually talked about things, their expectations and their feelings.
The book is relatively drama free, and the little drama there is felt a bit unfitting given how well these two usually communicate, but the way it was resolved was done very nicely.
Overall I enjoyed this book a lot, though I wish it was a little longer since I wanted to read more of what was hinted to happen next at the very end.
I received an eARC of this book in exchange for a honest review.
A Chance at Love is an age-gap romance between grad-student Chance (love the punny title) who's family runs a farm in Texas and Darren, who was born into a rich family and owns and leads a charity foundation.
The beginning was a bit clumsy, with the instant attraction (or rather, instant lust) a bit too heavy for my tastes, but it quickly improved, which was helped by how they didn't actually sleep together and didn't even get particularly close at their first meeting.
I enjoyed Chance and Darren together - they are a great couple with chemistry, and I liked how real they felt. There difference in age was more of an issue on paper (Chance is 23 and Darren is 40), while in person they fit together wonderfully. I especially liked how they actually talked about things, their expectations and their feelings.
The book is relatively drama free, and the little drama there is felt a bit unfitting given how well these two usually communicate, but the way it was resolved was done very nicely.
Overall I enjoyed this book a lot, though I wish it was a little longer since I wanted to read more of what was hinted to happen next at the very end.
I received an eARC of this book in exchange for a honest review.
May 10, 2018
.•*¨☆¸.•*´¨ •*´¨☆His best chance at happiness was his only chance at love.•*¨☆¸.•*´¨ •*´¨☆
Age is nothing but a number.
I cut my Silvia Violet tooth on Professional Distance which I absolutely loved. So to find this book after her sexy Lace-Covered Compromise, I knew this would be a good one. Cus come on, who doesn't love May/December relationships?
I found Chance to be so innocent in looks, but dominant in other areas of his life. He was the epitome of "don't judge a book by its cover." And Darren...he needed a chance in his life. Together, the two gave us quality over quantity and need over want. As with May/December relationships, the age factor played a big role in the romance, but with willingness and the need for change, these men were willing to walk away just and forgo their happiness just to appease others. When tragedy ensued, it was good to see them compromise and find their way back home.
I voluntarily and honestly reviewed this book without bias or persuasion from the author through LesCourt.
Age is nothing but a number.
I cut my Silvia Violet tooth on Professional Distance which I absolutely loved. So to find this book after her sexy Lace-Covered Compromise, I knew this would be a good one. Cus come on, who doesn't love May/December relationships?
I found Chance to be so innocent in looks, but dominant in other areas of his life. He was the epitome of "don't judge a book by its cover." And Darren...he needed a chance in his life. Together, the two gave us quality over quantity and need over want. As with May/December relationships, the age factor played a big role in the romance, but with willingness and the need for change, these men were willing to walk away just and forgo their happiness just to appease others. When tragedy ensued, it was good to see them compromise and find their way back home.
I voluntarily and honestly reviewed this book without bias or persuasion from the author through LesCourt.
May 10, 2018
True rating ... 1.5 stars :-/!! See updates for more info; I'll also post them here a little bit later!!
**************
Blurb: " ... Darren Walsh can’t stop thinking about the gorgeous grad student who almost had him joining the mile-high club."
Okay, this is wrong! Misleading at the very least!! There was absolutely NO chance or implication or even invitation given that would have led to them joining the Mile-High Club together, not by any stretch!! Darren might have THOUGHT about it, but that thought was so incredibly fleeting and insignificant, I wouldn't have noticed it had I not been as uber detail oriented as I am!!
So yeah, there was NO chance of this happening - not in thought and not in action!! Let's get THAT straight! If you're going to include it in the blurb, make sure it's part of your story!! Enough said; just saying!!
**************
Blurb: " ... Darren Walsh can’t stop thinking about the gorgeous grad student who almost had him joining the mile-high club."
Okay, this is wrong! Misleading at the very least!! There was absolutely NO chance or implication or even invitation given that would have led to them joining the Mile-High Club together, not by any stretch!! Darren might have THOUGHT about it, but that thought was so incredibly fleeting and insignificant, I wouldn't have noticed it had I not been as uber detail oriented as I am!!
So yeah, there was NO chance of this happening - not in thought and not in action!! Let's get THAT straight! If you're going to include it in the blurb, make sure it's part of your story!! Enough said; just saying!!
May 9, 2018
Darren and Chance
A May to December romance. For me it was little cheesy.
Darren a forty year old businessman of wealth and good standing. Chance a 23year old grad student.
By chance the met on a flight. They had fun on the trip, Chance give Darren his number but he never called.
Weeks later they meet again and continued seeing each other.
The story line was sweet.
They both struggled with the age difference until it became too much.
4 is a generous rating.
A May to December romance. For me it was little cheesy.
Darren a forty year old businessman of wealth and good standing. Chance a 23year old grad student.
By chance the met on a flight. They had fun on the trip, Chance give Darren his number but he never called.
Weeks later they meet again and continued seeing each other.
The story line was sweet.
They both struggled with the age difference until it became too much.
4 is a generous rating.
November 14, 2018
4.5
Hot, sweet with a minimal angst to get past. Very enjoyable listen; this new-to-me narrator was great.
Hot, sweet with a minimal angst to get past. Very enjoyable listen; this new-to-me narrator was great.
August 14, 2020
Quick & enjoyable read.
Loved the changed dynamic between the younger Chance and the older Darren.
Think this would make a brilliant book maybe with a bit more flesh and description
Loved the changed dynamic between the younger Chance and the older Darren.
Think this would make a brilliant book maybe with a bit more flesh and description
October 9, 2018
3.5 rounded up, because I loved the first half and the very end, it was just the little bit in the second half that threw off the pace and impact of this story for me.
I LOVE me some age gap may/december stories, they are just one of, if not my favorite, trope to read about. And Silvia Violet does write some great age gap. I loved Chance and Darren in this, they had great chemistry and moments together. One thing that does drive me a little crazy is when the couple lets the age gap beat them - meaning, they can't get past it, can't talk about it and overcome it, and they let the differences split them apart. And that's what happens here. Suddenly there were a lot of tears, when things were going so well, too!
Still, I enjoyed this story - as I do with pretty much all stories from this author - and recommend you check out her works!
I LOVE me some age gap may/december stories, they are just one of, if not my favorite, trope to read about. And Silvia Violet does write some great age gap. I loved Chance and Darren in this, they had great chemistry and moments together. One thing that does drive me a little crazy is when the couple lets the age gap beat them - meaning, they can't get past it, can't talk about it and overcome it, and they let the differences split them apart. And that's what happens here. Suddenly there were a lot of tears, when things were going so well, too!
Still, I enjoyed this story - as I do with pretty much all stories from this author - and recommend you check out her works!
August 18, 2020
A low angst, sweet with an 'age different' element that really interest me in a first place.
Chance and Darren flirted but failed to join the high-mile club, believable. Cute and adorable, especially when Chance pursued Darren to cross the line of being so proper.
I liked how much Darren played a 'protector' for Chance and their chemistry built from the first time they met.
I was looking for angst, but no. This is a feel good, comfort read and added a tiny bit of cinderfella vibes, this was a good fine read for a lazy summer beach reading!
*3,5 stars*
Chance and Darren flirted but failed to join the high-mile club, believable. Cute and adorable, especially when Chance pursued Darren to cross the line of being so proper.
I liked how much Darren played a 'protector' for Chance and their chemistry built from the first time they met.
I was looking for angst, but no. This is a feel good, comfort read and added a tiny bit of cinderfella vibes, this was a good fine read for a lazy summer beach reading!
*3,5 stars*
July 23, 2018
4.5 Stars
Blog buddy read and review with Shee Reader
Well, wasn’t this just a delicious little nugget of May/December dirty talk wrapped up in mounds of perfectly sweet fluff.
I love May/December stories when the characters make sense together and complement one another beyond what I expect and A Chance at Love did that quite well. The meet - cute was in fact, quite cute and I believed the attraction between Chance and Darren. I also liked how Darren didn’t call right away and that chance brought them together again. It read realistically for where Darren was in his life and added some necessary tension to the story without resorting to too much angst. Not that some angst didn’t come later though . . .
Both guys were on the same page from the beginning with where the relationship was going, or not going. Thankfully the reader is on on their thoughts and knowing that they were both falling hard was such a treat. I loved that both characters spoke their minds and were openly affectionate and shared their feelings with one another when they were alone. When they were out together as “friends” they weren’t fooling anyone with their moony eyes at each other.
These two have chemistry that is off ALL the charts. All. The. Charts. Their complementary needs are so good and everytime they were together they’d learn a new little something and push another new button. They totally got off on one another and Chance opened so many doors for Darren. Darren’s most hidden fantasies are laid bare by Chance and Chance is a master at the dirty talk, which I am a big, Big, BIG fan of. When dirty talk is done right it can take a love story to another level for me, it can take a sweet relationship to extra spicy and give it a level of depth that can otherwise be lacking. This is me justifying my love of Chance and his deliciously filthy mouth.
The angst I mentioned before was reasonable and kind of necessary. Everything couldn’t be too perfect considering they did have some misgivings about the difference in their ages, but the issues that had weren’t only about age but about socioeconomics. That last bit was all external, but it was something they’d have to deal with and that would take a strong foundation in a relationship that they just hadn’t had time to build up yet. But, they had too many things going for them to not give it a go and the ending was perfect for them. I was worried the ending would be rushed considering I was getting up there in percentage count on the old Kindle and resolution still needed to be had, but I was pleasantly surprised with how it all worked out.
It’s also set in my hometown, America’s Finest City, thankyouverymuch, and that’s always fun. The author did a great job of representing San Diego.
The romance and steam in this story guarantees is a spot on my re-read shelf.
**a copy of this story was provided for an honest review**
Blog buddy read and review with Shee Reader
Well, wasn’t this just a delicious little nugget of May/December dirty talk wrapped up in mounds of perfectly sweet fluff.
I love May/December stories when the characters make sense together and complement one another beyond what I expect and A Chance at Love did that quite well. The meet - cute was in fact, quite cute and I believed the attraction between Chance and Darren. I also liked how Darren didn’t call right away and that chance brought them together again. It read realistically for where Darren was in his life and added some necessary tension to the story without resorting to too much angst. Not that some angst didn’t come later though . . .
Both guys were on the same page from the beginning with where the relationship was going, or not going. Thankfully the reader is on on their thoughts and knowing that they were both falling hard was such a treat. I loved that both characters spoke their minds and were openly affectionate and shared their feelings with one another when they were alone. When they were out together as “friends” they weren’t fooling anyone with their moony eyes at each other.
These two have chemistry that is off ALL the charts. All. The. Charts. Their complementary needs are so good and everytime they were together they’d learn a new little something and push another new button. They totally got off on one another and Chance opened so many doors for Darren. Darren’s most hidden fantasies are laid bare by Chance and Chance is a master at the dirty talk, which I am a big, Big, BIG fan of. When dirty talk is done right it can take a love story to another level for me, it can take a sweet relationship to extra spicy and give it a level of depth that can otherwise be lacking. This is me justifying my love of Chance and his deliciously filthy mouth.
The angst I mentioned before was reasonable and kind of necessary. Everything couldn’t be too perfect considering they did have some misgivings about the difference in their ages, but the issues that had weren’t only about age but about socioeconomics. That last bit was all external, but it was something they’d have to deal with and that would take a strong foundation in a relationship that they just hadn’t had time to build up yet. But, they had too many things going for them to not give it a go and the ending was perfect for them. I was worried the ending would be rushed considering I was getting up there in percentage count on the old Kindle and resolution still needed to be had, but I was pleasantly surprised with how it all worked out.
It’s also set in my hometown, America’s Finest City, thankyouverymuch, and that’s always fun. The author did a great job of representing San Diego.
The romance and steam in this story guarantees is a spot on my re-read shelf.
**a copy of this story was provided for an honest review**
July 25, 2018
Reviewed by Kat
I really enjoyed this and read straight through in one sitting!
Darren is a successful lawyer turned philanthropist who runs a huge family trust. On a plane trip back from Texas a young man sits next to him in first class dressed in pajama pants carrying a barrel of cheese balls. Chance is heading back to school in San Diego where he is attending a PhD program. After a somewhat bumpy beginning they start to get to know each other and Darren is surprised how much he is opening himself up to the likable young man. But can a 40 year-old man that manages and gives out hundreds of millions of dollars in donations find something in common with a 23 year old enthusiastic college kid studying and doing research in Epigenetic’s?
I really like both of these men from the start. However the young man in the pajamas on the plane just doesn’t click with the rest of Chance. I just couldn’t see him boarding a plane dressed like that after I got to know him. Jeans and cowboy boots yes but just not quite that casually dressed. As for the mile-high club? That was a bit misleading. But the book truly took off for me when they were at the lgbt center fundraiser. These two were attracted to each other like a magnet is to metal. I loved seeing Chance getting Darren to release his tight control on himself and just experience the moment. Darren may have been older and richer but I really saw Chance as just as mature and controlled. The age thing seemed so insignificant until the big Donor’s Dinner. Some of those people were arrogant jerks but that’s not uncommon with the über rich.
The sex scenes were fun and intriguing. I loved seeing Chance push Darren to be more daring and seek what he truly wanted/needed. I did get a bit tired of each of these men second guessing when the other would have enough and bail. Even after they established that they were boyfriends in a committed monogamous relationship.
The part I did have a lot of trouble with was the abrupt ending. It felt like a HFN instead of knowing it was a HEA ending. In shorter stories I have come to almost expect this type of ending but this was a full length novel. An epilogue would, at the very least, have been much appreciated.
All in all, I really liked this book but felt that the ending fell short of the potential.
This book was provided for free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
I really enjoyed this and read straight through in one sitting!
Darren is a successful lawyer turned philanthropist who runs a huge family trust. On a plane trip back from Texas a young man sits next to him in first class dressed in pajama pants carrying a barrel of cheese balls. Chance is heading back to school in San Diego where he is attending a PhD program. After a somewhat bumpy beginning they start to get to know each other and Darren is surprised how much he is opening himself up to the likable young man. But can a 40 year-old man that manages and gives out hundreds of millions of dollars in donations find something in common with a 23 year old enthusiastic college kid studying and doing research in Epigenetic’s?
I really like both of these men from the start. However the young man in the pajamas on the plane just doesn’t click with the rest of Chance. I just couldn’t see him boarding a plane dressed like that after I got to know him. Jeans and cowboy boots yes but just not quite that casually dressed. As for the mile-high club? That was a bit misleading. But the book truly took off for me when they were at the lgbt center fundraiser. These two were attracted to each other like a magnet is to metal. I loved seeing Chance getting Darren to release his tight control on himself and just experience the moment. Darren may have been older and richer but I really saw Chance as just as mature and controlled. The age thing seemed so insignificant until the big Donor’s Dinner. Some of those people were arrogant jerks but that’s not uncommon with the über rich.
The sex scenes were fun and intriguing. I loved seeing Chance push Darren to be more daring and seek what he truly wanted/needed. I did get a bit tired of each of these men second guessing when the other would have enough and bail. Even after they established that they were boyfriends in a committed monogamous relationship.
The part I did have a lot of trouble with was the abrupt ending. It felt like a HFN instead of knowing it was a HEA ending. In shorter stories I have come to almost expect this type of ending but this was a full length novel. An epilogue would, at the very least, have been much appreciated.
All in all, I really liked this book but felt that the ending fell short of the potential.
This book was provided for free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
May 8, 2018
An adorably sweet romance!
Chance and Darren meet on a flight. Their time together is interesting. Chance arrives on the plane in pajama pants and with a giant container of cheese balls. Darren was instantly attracted, despite the odd first impression. Darren wanted to ignore him, and keep to himself, but he couldn't help but to be drawn in to conversation by Chance. They flirted and had a good flight together but it ended there. Chance gave Darren his number but he never heard from him.
Months later, they meet up at a charity ball. This time, Chance goes after the intriguing older man. It doesn't hurt that Darren has been thinking about the other guy every single day since they met.
One of the things that Darren really likes about this younger man is that Chance is a take charge guy. Darren finds that enjoyable. Darren is always in charge, at work and in bed. But he likes the idea of being able to stop thinking and just do what he is told. But this only appeals to him if Chance is the one making the demands.
In the real world, Darren, the philanthropist, and Chance, the brilliant, exuberant college student don't have anything in common. Their 17 year age difference certainly doesn't help. What they find though is that they do go together well. The sex is hot, of course. But they also both bring important things to the relationship. Chance, despite being just a college kid, can really help Darren. He is actually capable to taking care of Darren and supporting him emotionally.
They both want to keep their relationship a secret, knowing that they would look foolish together in public. Chance is certainly embarrassed by his apartment and how little he has. And Darren is insecure, thinking Chance will realize he can do better than a man so much older than him. But the pull to each other is strong. They want to be together, just day by day, enjoying life, not just sex.
Since life is never easy, especially for people who live in such different worlds, they will face challenges and prejudice. They will need to decide if they can overlook all the obstacles in their way.
This was an absolutely sweet and romantic story. It is a story of two guys learning to find a way to be together. I loved it from the beginning and hated to see it end. I really liked both men and loved watching them navigate their way around their age difference. I sympathized with both of them as they struggled with their issues. The two of them made a wonderful couple and I thoroughly enjoyed their story.
Chance and Darren meet on a flight. Their time together is interesting. Chance arrives on the plane in pajama pants and with a giant container of cheese balls. Darren was instantly attracted, despite the odd first impression. Darren wanted to ignore him, and keep to himself, but he couldn't help but to be drawn in to conversation by Chance. They flirted and had a good flight together but it ended there. Chance gave Darren his number but he never heard from him.
Months later, they meet up at a charity ball. This time, Chance goes after the intriguing older man. It doesn't hurt that Darren has been thinking about the other guy every single day since they met.
One of the things that Darren really likes about this younger man is that Chance is a take charge guy. Darren finds that enjoyable. Darren is always in charge, at work and in bed. But he likes the idea of being able to stop thinking and just do what he is told. But this only appeals to him if Chance is the one making the demands.
In the real world, Darren, the philanthropist, and Chance, the brilliant, exuberant college student don't have anything in common. Their 17 year age difference certainly doesn't help. What they find though is that they do go together well. The sex is hot, of course. But they also both bring important things to the relationship. Chance, despite being just a college kid, can really help Darren. He is actually capable to taking care of Darren and supporting him emotionally.
They both want to keep their relationship a secret, knowing that they would look foolish together in public. Chance is certainly embarrassed by his apartment and how little he has. And Darren is insecure, thinking Chance will realize he can do better than a man so much older than him. But the pull to each other is strong. They want to be together, just day by day, enjoying life, not just sex.
Since life is never easy, especially for people who live in such different worlds, they will face challenges and prejudice. They will need to decide if they can overlook all the obstacles in their way.
This was an absolutely sweet and romantic story. It is a story of two guys learning to find a way to be together. I loved it from the beginning and hated to see it end. I really liked both men and loved watching them navigate their way around their age difference. I sympathized with both of them as they struggled with their issues. The two of them made a wonderful couple and I thoroughly enjoyed their story.
May 2, 2018
Blurb is actually fairly accurate, so I won’t rehash.
This was a kick-back, low angst, feel good read. Darren makes some assumptions about his seat-mate on a first-class flight based upon pajama bottoms and cheesy poofs. Chance manages to engage the stuffy man in a suit and both men find a connection. For myself, I liked that aspect of the story, that not everything is what it seems if you judge appearance only.
A couple of things to comment on: while this wasn’t a “Pretty Woman” plot, it certainly flirted with the trope. And an argument could be made that “Pretty Woman” has probably ruined anything written since it came out… Anyway, Darren buying Chance a tux, paying for meals, sending the driver around. On one hand, how else does a writer show the disparity in income? On the other hand, paying for a custom fitted tux without discussing ahead of time…not cool.
The keeping of the relationship a “secret” so the “real world” couldn’t intrude felt wrong to me and never quite felt right in the over all plot.
Darren and Chance meet at a fundraiser. Chance is a PhD student who should be used to criticism. So I found his discomfort at a second fundraiser, because of one stuffy and stuck up woman, a bit odd.
Which lead to The Big Misunderstanding and had me rolling my eyes. I won’t give spoilers here, but this was perhaps the biggest part of the plot that didn’t work for me.
Those items being said, and as I noted initially, I did enjoy this book. I liked both Chance and Darren – they were different enough that their characters complemented each other. Joon skirted the lines of the Nosey Bestie, but even his character added a splash of color to the book. Darren and Chance were each shown in their “element”, the worry over the age difference is a legit one that many couples cope with, and I just liked how everything unfolded.
This was perfect for a quiet Saturday afternoon with a cuppa tea.
Review is cross posted at Gay Book Reviews
A copy of the book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
This was a kick-back, low angst, feel good read. Darren makes some assumptions about his seat-mate on a first-class flight based upon pajama bottoms and cheesy poofs. Chance manages to engage the stuffy man in a suit and both men find a connection. For myself, I liked that aspect of the story, that not everything is what it seems if you judge appearance only.
A couple of things to comment on: while this wasn’t a “Pretty Woman” plot, it certainly flirted with the trope. And an argument could be made that “Pretty Woman” has probably ruined anything written since it came out… Anyway, Darren buying Chance a tux, paying for meals, sending the driver around. On one hand, how else does a writer show the disparity in income? On the other hand, paying for a custom fitted tux without discussing ahead of time…not cool.
The keeping of the relationship a “secret” so the “real world” couldn’t intrude felt wrong to me and never quite felt right in the over all plot.
Darren and Chance meet at a fundraiser. Chance is a PhD student who should be used to criticism. So I found his discomfort at a second fundraiser, because of one stuffy and stuck up woman, a bit odd.
Which lead to The Big Misunderstanding and had me rolling my eyes. I won’t give spoilers here, but this was perhaps the biggest part of the plot that didn’t work for me.
Those items being said, and as I noted initially, I did enjoy this book. I liked both Chance and Darren – they were different enough that their characters complemented each other. Joon skirted the lines of the Nosey Bestie, but even his character added a splash of color to the book. Darren and Chance were each shown in their “element”, the worry over the age difference is a legit one that many couples cope with, and I just liked how everything unfolded.
This was perfect for a quiet Saturday afternoon with a cuppa tea.
Review is cross posted at Gay Book Reviews
A copy of the book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
May 8, 2018
As a fan of age gap romances and of this author as well, I of course had my interest sparked as soon as I read the blurb for A Chance at Love. After reading it, I’m very happy to say it ticked a lot of my boxes, with just one peeve.
Chance was adorable and a bit goofy, but he was also intelligent, responsible and impulsive (in a very good way). I loved how he would take charge with Darren when it came to the physical intimacy, even when he’d become a bit hesitant at some points—which was actually endearing. As for Darren, I liked that there was a contrast between his public, business persona and his true, personal nature…and that Chance was able to so easily bring out Darren’s softer side.
There is no doubt about their physical chemistry, and their intimate scenes are hot enough to warrant some self-fanning and the need to keep a cold drink on hand. What’s even better though is that they also mesh emotionally. Chance is aptly named since taking chances is what he leads Darren to do. Everything about the two of them together just fits perfectly—at least when it’s just the two of them. When Chance ventures into Darren’s professional world…well, that’s where the bit of drama enters the picture.
That leads me to my one peeve, and this is one of those conflict-stirrers that I’m just not personally fond of—the “I don’t really belong in his world, we’re too different due to age gap/class/upbringing” or whatever the thing is that is used as an excuse by one or both main characters in a story to justify why they shouldn’t be together. In this case, it was Chance thinking he doesn’t fit into Darren’s world of rich donors—an excuse really to head off the “he’ll get tired of me” he thinks is coming. Now like I said, this is a “me” thing; and while it was an irritation to me, I still really enjoyed the overall story.
A Chance at Love was a 4-star read for me, and I would definitely recommend this book to any M/M romance fan. You’re certainly going to find some incredibly stimulating and utterly sexy scenes, and those along with the adult language make this story one for readers 18+.
Chance was adorable and a bit goofy, but he was also intelligent, responsible and impulsive (in a very good way). I loved how he would take charge with Darren when it came to the physical intimacy, even when he’d become a bit hesitant at some points—which was actually endearing. As for Darren, I liked that there was a contrast between his public, business persona and his true, personal nature…and that Chance was able to so easily bring out Darren’s softer side.
There is no doubt about their physical chemistry, and their intimate scenes are hot enough to warrant some self-fanning and the need to keep a cold drink on hand. What’s even better though is that they also mesh emotionally. Chance is aptly named since taking chances is what he leads Darren to do. Everything about the two of them together just fits perfectly—at least when it’s just the two of them. When Chance ventures into Darren’s professional world…well, that’s where the bit of drama enters the picture.
That leads me to my one peeve, and this is one of those conflict-stirrers that I’m just not personally fond of—the “I don’t really belong in his world, we’re too different due to age gap/class/upbringing” or whatever the thing is that is used as an excuse by one or both main characters in a story to justify why they shouldn’t be together. In this case, it was Chance thinking he doesn’t fit into Darren’s world of rich donors—an excuse really to head off the “he’ll get tired of me” he thinks is coming. Now like I said, this is a “me” thing; and while it was an irritation to me, I still really enjoyed the overall story.
A Chance at Love was a 4-star read for me, and I would definitely recommend this book to any M/M romance fan. You’re certainly going to find some incredibly stimulating and utterly sexy scenes, and those along with the adult language make this story one for readers 18+.
June 15, 2018
A Chance at Love by Silvia Violet
Reviewed by Shee Reader for Boy Meets Boy Reviews
Find us on the web at www.boymeetsboyreviews.com
Rating 5 Hearts
Blurb:
Can a confident younger man help Darren learn to let go?
On the flight back home to San Diego, Chance Emerson meets an intriguing older man. They flirt, and Chance hopes for more, but the man never calls. Months later, they meet again at a charity auction. Chance decides this time he isn’t walking away.
Darren Walsh can’t stop thinking about the gorgeous grad student who almost had him joining the mile-high club. When Chance suggests they hook up, Darren says the only thing he can—yes.
From their first moments together, Chance and Darren know there’s more between them than lust, but their differences in age and income make a real relationship challenging. They decide to keep things secret, yet as they learn more about each other, Darren realizes he wants something real and open. To have that, he’ll need to convince Chance that he has a place in Darren’s world, and Darren will have to take some risks of his own.
Oh my gosh, where do I start? I just loved this book!
Chance is living his best life, then he meets a stuffy but hot guy on the plane home to San Diego, and realised he wants this guy too. Darren finds Chance annoying and do very attractive but fights the attraction. On arrival, Chance gives Darren his number, but despite wanting to call, Darren doesn’t. When he meets Chance again at one of his foundation’s charity events, he can’t resist a second time.
This story is charming, sweet, sexy and real. The writing is terrific with believable, well rounded characters, smart dialogue and even an annoying best friend. There’s food, an adorable dog, a lonely older man and a young, spirited PhD student. This book has everything.
I loved that even though there was drama and angst, the characters mostly tried to talk things through, but after a little separation, Darren cals Chance when he needs a friend, and Chance comes running. The ending is perfectly sweet and satisfying and includes a giant Toblerone from the airport gift shop. There is nothing not to love about this book!
Highly recommended!
Reviewed by Shee Reader for Boy Meets Boy Reviews
Find us on the web at www.boymeetsboyreviews.com
Rating 5 Hearts
Blurb:
Can a confident younger man help Darren learn to let go?
On the flight back home to San Diego, Chance Emerson meets an intriguing older man. They flirt, and Chance hopes for more, but the man never calls. Months later, they meet again at a charity auction. Chance decides this time he isn’t walking away.
Darren Walsh can’t stop thinking about the gorgeous grad student who almost had him joining the mile-high club. When Chance suggests they hook up, Darren says the only thing he can—yes.
From their first moments together, Chance and Darren know there’s more between them than lust, but their differences in age and income make a real relationship challenging. They decide to keep things secret, yet as they learn more about each other, Darren realizes he wants something real and open. To have that, he’ll need to convince Chance that he has a place in Darren’s world, and Darren will have to take some risks of his own.
Oh my gosh, where do I start? I just loved this book!
Chance is living his best life, then he meets a stuffy but hot guy on the plane home to San Diego, and realised he wants this guy too. Darren finds Chance annoying and do very attractive but fights the attraction. On arrival, Chance gives Darren his number, but despite wanting to call, Darren doesn’t. When he meets Chance again at one of his foundation’s charity events, he can’t resist a second time.
This story is charming, sweet, sexy and real. The writing is terrific with believable, well rounded characters, smart dialogue and even an annoying best friend. There’s food, an adorable dog, a lonely older man and a young, spirited PhD student. This book has everything.
I loved that even though there was drama and angst, the characters mostly tried to talk things through, but after a little separation, Darren cals Chance when he needs a friend, and Chance comes running. The ending is perfectly sweet and satisfying and includes a giant Toblerone from the airport gift shop. There is nothing not to love about this book!
Highly recommended!
May 10, 2018
4.25 Stars!
I really enjoyed this book. It was a sweet May/December story that had heat, great banter, and little angst.
Darren initially dismisses Chance when they meet on a flight, but Chance manages to intrigue him. They have an enjoyable time talking together, but when Chance gives Darren his card, Darren never calls. They eventually meet up at a charity auction months later, where they decide they don't want to walk away from each other again. They try to keep their relationship to themselves for a while, thinking that letting the rest of the world in will make things difficult.
Chance is a sweetheart; I really liked him. He manages to charm most people just by being himself and is also a great friend. His roommate was a blast, too. I liked Darren as well. While he seems to have the world in his hand, his past has made him vulnerable and wary of relationships. Chance and Darren have amazing chemistry together, and to see Darren willingly be vulnerable with Chance and discover a new side to himself was wonderful. While he wasn't too sure what to think of this discovery, he rolled with it and realized that it worked for him and Chance.
There was a point in the book that I found myself wondering why things blew up so fast. While the signs were there, it just didn't feel right. Chance seems pretty confident most of the time and while I understand he wasn't comfortable moving in the circles that Darren was, I wouldn't have thought that he would have taken some random catty remarks so deeply to heart. I realize there was more to it than that, and I was just surprised that Chance didn't give Darren more of a chance to apologize and work things out at first. I was very happy to see them giving things another try though.
This story ends on a HFN, which I think works for this story.
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
I really enjoyed this book. It was a sweet May/December story that had heat, great banter, and little angst.
Darren initially dismisses Chance when they meet on a flight, but Chance manages to intrigue him. They have an enjoyable time talking together, but when Chance gives Darren his card, Darren never calls. They eventually meet up at a charity auction months later, where they decide they don't want to walk away from each other again. They try to keep their relationship to themselves for a while, thinking that letting the rest of the world in will make things difficult.
Chance is a sweetheart; I really liked him. He manages to charm most people just by being himself and is also a great friend. His roommate was a blast, too. I liked Darren as well. While he seems to have the world in his hand, his past has made him vulnerable and wary of relationships. Chance and Darren have amazing chemistry together, and to see Darren willingly be vulnerable with Chance and discover a new side to himself was wonderful. While he wasn't too sure what to think of this discovery, he rolled with it and realized that it worked for him and Chance.
There was a point in the book that I found myself wondering why things blew up so fast. While the signs were there, it just didn't feel right. Chance seems pretty confident most of the time and while I understand he wasn't comfortable moving in the circles that Darren was, I wouldn't have thought that he would have taken some random catty remarks so deeply to heart. I realize there was more to it than that, and I was just surprised that Chance didn't give Darren more of a chance to apologize and work things out at first. I was very happy to see them giving things another try though.
This story ends on a HFN, which I think works for this story.
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
May 9, 2018
4.25 Stars!
Darren and Chance meet during a trip from Houston to San Diego and while they hit it off and Chance gives Darren his number, Darren doesn't call him. Neither of them is able to fully stop thinking of the other, though, so when they meet again a few months later at a charity event, they hook up and after that, they just can't stay apart. However, their age difference and the difference in their social and economic status might prove too difficult to overcome in the long run.
I loved the start of this book! Chance was quirky and fun and I just adored him. While he was still sweet during the rest of the book, he lost a bit of that je ne sais quoi that drew me to him at first. Still, he was definitely my favorite of the two. Darren was serious and mature, and he was likable, even if he'd been burned in the past, he opened himself to Chance and it was lovely seeing them build something, that while fast, appeared like a good foundation for a relationship. Of course, there were some instances in which I just wanted to shake Darren and make him realize what he was doing, like with his brother for example. Truly, while I'd loved them together before that incident, after I felt Chance was just too good for Darren, even if his grand gesture, in the end, made up for it a little.
The chemistry between Chance and Darren was undeniable and the sex scenes were scorching, and I just adored their banter and conversations.
I liked Caitlin and I loved Joon, Chance's roommate, he was made of awesome and was a great friend to Chance.
Overall, this was a really good May/December read! Hot and sweet, with some angst thrown in for good measure, that ends with a strong HFN. Recommendable!
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
Darren and Chance meet during a trip from Houston to San Diego and while they hit it off and Chance gives Darren his number, Darren doesn't call him. Neither of them is able to fully stop thinking of the other, though, so when they meet again a few months later at a charity event, they hook up and after that, they just can't stay apart. However, their age difference and the difference in their social and economic status might prove too difficult to overcome in the long run.
I loved the start of this book! Chance was quirky and fun and I just adored him. While he was still sweet during the rest of the book, he lost a bit of that je ne sais quoi that drew me to him at first. Still, he was definitely my favorite of the two. Darren was serious and mature, and he was likable, even if he'd been burned in the past, he opened himself to Chance and it was lovely seeing them build something, that while fast, appeared like a good foundation for a relationship. Of course, there were some instances in which I just wanted to shake Darren and make him realize what he was doing, like with his brother for example. Truly, while I'd loved them together before that incident, after I felt Chance was just too good for Darren, even if his grand gesture, in the end, made up for it a little.
The chemistry between Chance and Darren was undeniable and the sex scenes were scorching, and I just adored their banter and conversations.
I liked Caitlin and I loved Joon, Chance's roommate, he was made of awesome and was a great friend to Chance.
Overall, this was a really good May/December read! Hot and sweet, with some angst thrown in for good measure, that ends with a strong HFN. Recommendable!
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
May 9, 2018
This was a charming story with low angst and feel-good vibes. Funny and sexy with interesting, genuine characters.
I loved the trope. Romances with an age gap are a favorite of mine, so I jumped at the chance to read this book. And I must say, it is very well done. Meeting 23-year-old grad student Chance, clad in pajama bottoms and holding a big tub of cheese balls, is not what 40-year-old Darren expected while flying home to San Diego. So out of sight, but not out of mind.
Months later they meet again at an auction Darren is hosting as the head of a charity fund, and bang, their attraction is very much still there. I loved how they took it slow, that they took the time to know one another before jumping into bed. That doesn’t mean I didn’t felt their connection. It was palpable in everything they did. The men kept talking to each other about everything and nothing. Joking and teasing, even in the bedroom. They are very interesting characters. Darren is used to take charge in his life but can, hesitantly, let go and let Chance take the reins. Chance, although younger, is the more adventurous of the two.
What didn’t work for me was that Darren kind of took over Chance’s life and wanted to keep their relationship a secret in real life. The fact that he kept buying things for Chance, having him a fitted tux that cost a hefty sum, without asking Chance. No, that didn’t feel quite right. Not in the relationship they had where they made it a point to having meaningful conversations. The big misunderstanding didn’t quite fit the story either, and I felt the end was a bit rushed, although it came with a sweet and swoon-worthy finish.
All in all a fun and easy read.
I loved the trope. Romances with an age gap are a favorite of mine, so I jumped at the chance to read this book. And I must say, it is very well done. Meeting 23-year-old grad student Chance, clad in pajama bottoms and holding a big tub of cheese balls, is not what 40-year-old Darren expected while flying home to San Diego. So out of sight, but not out of mind.
Months later they meet again at an auction Darren is hosting as the head of a charity fund, and bang, their attraction is very much still there. I loved how they took it slow, that they took the time to know one another before jumping into bed. That doesn’t mean I didn’t felt their connection. It was palpable in everything they did. The men kept talking to each other about everything and nothing. Joking and teasing, even in the bedroom. They are very interesting characters. Darren is used to take charge in his life but can, hesitantly, let go and let Chance take the reins. Chance, although younger, is the more adventurous of the two.
What didn’t work for me was that Darren kind of took over Chance’s life and wanted to keep their relationship a secret in real life. The fact that he kept buying things for Chance, having him a fitted tux that cost a hefty sum, without asking Chance. No, that didn’t feel quite right. Not in the relationship they had where they made it a point to having meaningful conversations. The big misunderstanding didn’t quite fit the story either, and I felt the end was a bit rushed, although it came with a sweet and swoon-worthy finish.
All in all a fun and easy read.
May 12, 2018
The first name of the main character, Chance, is a clue to the theme of this story about a 'chance' meeting on an airplane between a graduate student and older lawyer. Chance is a gregarious young man and initially, the fastidious lawyer tried to ignore him. Chance, with his 'no filter' outgoing personality, was difficult to ignore. When Chance was obviously frightened during turbulence, Darren's gave up all pretense of ignoring him and by the end of the flight, both men felt a connection beyond what you might expect for a stranger met during travel. Chance left it to Darren to contact him and Darren, although Chance featured in his spank bank, couldn't put aside his fear, concern and some level of inexperience to make the call.
The age gap was significant enough as to be noticeable and cause concern on the part of both men and less so, friends and family. Chance was young enough that the age gap seems to matter more than it might with an older couple. Chance has something that Darren had been missing all of his life, a loving, accepting family which might be worth much more than social connections. Secondary characters were colorful and added to the color and pacing of the story.
Sylvia Violet is a 'new to me' author and I appreciate the recommendation from 'Vibrant' of this entertaining, sweet and romantic story with the perception of unequal status, plenty of fun and a mutual caring.
The age gap was significant enough as to be noticeable and cause concern on the part of both men and less so, friends and family. Chance was young enough that the age gap seems to matter more than it might with an older couple. Chance has something that Darren had been missing all of his life, a loving, accepting family which might be worth much more than social connections. Secondary characters were colorful and added to the color and pacing of the story.
Sylvia Violet is a 'new to me' author and I appreciate the recommendation from 'Vibrant' of this entertaining, sweet and romantic story with the perception of unequal status, plenty of fun and a mutual caring.
October 14, 2018
3,5*
PLEASE READ FIRST MY RATING SYSTEM!!!
To my ratings (thanks to amazon I had to change it again and 'upgrade' it a little bit.):
5* - very very good and rare (it would be a Blow-
Away-book like 'Liberty' from Seth Kann ing,
'Save that he kids' series from EM Leya or
'Jesse's Smile' from Angelique Jurd), it's like
an A+
4* - very good and will be often reread and is a
WOW-book with interesting plot and surprises
(like most of Andrew Grey books) it's like an A
3,5* - a really good book, which will be reread a few
times (most romances where you can enjoy
for relaxing and during waiting times in
hospitals). I can recommend them definitively!
It's like an B+
3* - it could be more then a one-time-reader, but
not really an often reread book
2* - it was ok to read, but it's more a one-time-
reader (i wouldn't recommend it heartily, but
it was ok) It's like a C-, D
1* - sorry, but that isn't really a book for me (too
many mistakes, not nice plot, illogical, so an
absolut NO-GO). It's like failure in the whole
line, dismissed, repeat the class
Great to have a book with age gap of 17 years, light D/s play, where the Dom is the younger man!
PLEASE READ FIRST MY RATING SYSTEM!!!
To my ratings (thanks to amazon I had to change it again and 'upgrade' it a little bit.):
5* - very very good and rare (it would be a Blow-
Away-book like 'Liberty' from Seth Kann ing,
'Save that he kids' series from EM Leya or
'Jesse's Smile' from Angelique Jurd), it's like
an A+
4* - very good and will be often reread and is a
WOW-book with interesting plot and surprises
(like most of Andrew Grey books) it's like an A
3,5* - a really good book, which will be reread a few
times (most romances where you can enjoy
for relaxing and during waiting times in
hospitals). I can recommend them definitively!
It's like an B+
3* - it could be more then a one-time-reader, but
not really an often reread book
2* - it was ok to read, but it's more a one-time-
reader (i wouldn't recommend it heartily, but
it was ok) It's like a C-, D
1* - sorry, but that isn't really a book for me (too
many mistakes, not nice plot, illogical, so an
absolut NO-GO). It's like failure in the whole
line, dismissed, repeat the class
Great to have a book with age gap of 17 years, light D/s play, where the Dom is the younger man!
August 20, 2020
This is an age gap, opposites attract love story that was sweet and low-angst, but lacked momentum. Darren and Chance meet on a flight and it is definitely insta-attraction despite Darren being initially put off by overt differences. I enjoyed seeing the two fall for each other, despite their different personalities and different worlds, but where it went a bit off the rails for me was the perseveration over the same issues - for Chance, it’s the “I’ll never fit/I don’t belong in his world” attitude, and for Darren, it’s the “I’m too old for him” refrain, and the proposed, unrealistic solution to just stick their heads in the sand and keep everything under wraps. We all know that will never work in the long run, as should they, so I felt the story stalled out on the “living in a bubble” phase, and then the resolution was rushed and not altogether believable given their respective entrenched views of their challenges.
Now all that being said, this is still Silvia Violet writing and she always does a great job of creating likeable, dimensional characters with interesting couple dynamics, and she did that here as well. Plus there’s lots of steamy scenes and enjoyable romance. Overall, it’s a light, easy read and if you’re ok with a storyline without a lot of momentum to it, you’ll like this just fine.
Now all that being said, this is still Silvia Violet writing and she always does a great job of creating likeable, dimensional characters with interesting couple dynamics, and she did that here as well. Plus there’s lots of steamy scenes and enjoyable romance. Overall, it’s a light, easy read and if you’re ok with a storyline without a lot of momentum to it, you’ll like this just fine.
May 11, 2018
3.5* Chance and Darren meet while on a flight back to San Diego where Darren is a philanthropist and Chance is a grad student. They meet up again a few months later at one of Darren’s favorite events of the year and decide to give each other a chance after hooking up and realizing once wouldn’t be enough.
I absolutely loved their first meeting and could see it happening to any one of us on a plane – buttoned up business person and the quirky seat mate! It was both funny and sweet and was nice to see Darren opening up when he normally wouldn’t even if he couldn’t figure out why at the time.
This is a May to December romance with some very real age and upbringing issues that both characters need to address and overcome to feel comfortable in the relationship. Both feared that they wouldn’t be enough for the other but were able to compromise and made it back together in the end after a grad gesture that was super sweet! The sexy times in the story were hot and realistic and showed the other sides of both characters’ personalities.
Was a nice and easy read and would recommend it!
I absolutely loved their first meeting and could see it happening to any one of us on a plane – buttoned up business person and the quirky seat mate! It was both funny and sweet and was nice to see Darren opening up when he normally wouldn’t even if he couldn’t figure out why at the time.
This is a May to December romance with some very real age and upbringing issues that both characters need to address and overcome to feel comfortable in the relationship. Both feared that they wouldn’t be enough for the other but were able to compromise and made it back together in the end after a grad gesture that was super sweet! The sexy times in the story were hot and realistic and showed the other sides of both characters’ personalities.
Was a nice and easy read and would recommend it!
October 30, 2018
I have mixed feelings about this. The first being this big age difference, 17 yrs is not that much (my husband and are 20 years and have been married for 32 years). I hated that they both, especially Chance, where always going over the age gap. Also Chance was like, I don’t really belong in his world, we’re too different due to the age gap and social class & Darren was going to figure it out that he should be with someone else. Chance had such insecurities & I'm not real sure where that came from as he started out so confident. I also did not like that in the beginning they wanted to keep it a secret from the outside world as they just wanted to focus on each other. When they were together & outside of their own heads, they were sweet & made a great couple. The breakup was stupid IMO. The ending came up way too fast. Chance agreed to start dating Darren again and then it was over. We don't get a HEA but maybe a HFN. I needed something more in the ending to see that they could have a HEA. I did enjoy Derrick McClain's narration of the book.
ARC provided by LesCourt Services in exchange for an honest review.
ARC provided by LesCourt Services in exchange for an honest review.
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