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Better Together #2
Chains Required
Rio and Caden have been together for a few years now. It’s a rare weekend they get to spend alone. When Rio suggests they get away to Tahoe for the weekend a few weeks before Christmas, Caden is too excited to even think of saying no. They start their trip and even though they think they’ve planned for every emergency, they can’t control what Mother Nature has in store for them.
When the car in front of them spins out in the newly fallen snow, they stop to help and soon find out that Caden’s not as alone in this world as he had originally thought. A few more planned surprises make for a special weekend for these hard-working guys who really deserve a weekend getaway.
Can be read as a standalone.
When the car in front of them spins out in the newly fallen snow, they stop to help and soon find out that Caden’s not as alone in this world as he had originally thought. A few more planned surprises make for a special weekend for these hard-working guys who really deserve a weekend getaway.
Can be read as a standalone.
81 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 10, 2018
15 people are currently reading
50 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
December 9, 2018
This is a sweet, loving story perfect for this time of year. Rio and Caden are getting away for a weekend alone without the kids. Bring on casinos, surprise encounters, a hot tub and the Christmas spirit in abundance. BL Maxwell has really captured the spirit of the season in this wonderful short that I just loved.
July 4, 2021
3.5 Stars
A cute read. But while it isn't absolutely necessary, I wish I'd read 'Better Together' first to have known more about the backgrounds of Caden and Rio before this part of their continuing story began.
A cute read. But while it isn't absolutely necessary, I wish I'd read 'Better Together' first to have known more about the backgrounds of Caden and Rio before this part of their continuing story began.
December 7, 2018
I just loved this sweet story about Caden and Rio getting away for a weekend in Lake Tahoe. These two have gone through so much in the last five years and still love each other completely without taking anything for granted.
It’s funny because the way Caden and Rio prepare for the weekend, they remind me of a couple who has been married for years—worrying about the kids, packing the right clothing, and even purchasing tire chains for impending inclement weather. Then again, anyone who has had to become a parent at seventeen years old, or had lived on the streets for some time, grows up faster out of necessity.
Yet, at other times, they are as innocent and naive as they come. The way Caden lights up like a child at Christmas any time Rio surprises him, even with the simplest things, reminds me of why I just love these two. Caden and Rio are everything that is good in this world. Their kindness and compassion for those around them is boundless.
Chains Required is a great feel-good holiday read and a bonus for those of us who adore Caden and Rio. They really are better together. I definitely recommend this one. Five snowy stars for me!
I received this ARC for an honest review, and honest it certainly is ~
It’s funny because the way Caden and Rio prepare for the weekend, they remind me of a couple who has been married for years—worrying about the kids, packing the right clothing, and even purchasing tire chains for impending inclement weather. Then again, anyone who has had to become a parent at seventeen years old, or had lived on the streets for some time, grows up faster out of necessity.
Yet, at other times, they are as innocent and naive as they come. The way Caden lights up like a child at Christmas any time Rio surprises him, even with the simplest things, reminds me of why I just love these two. Caden and Rio are everything that is good in this world. Their kindness and compassion for those around them is boundless.
Chains Required is a great feel-good holiday read and a bonus for those of us who adore Caden and Rio. They really are better together. I definitely recommend this one. Five snowy stars for me!
I received this ARC for an honest review, and honest it certainly is ~
December 18, 2018
Chains Required by BL Maxwell is a short novella from the Better Together series. The characters were introduced in w previous book, Bwtter Togwther, but its possible to read as a stand alone.
The main characters, Rio and Caden, have been in a relationship for a few years now and it's been s wonderful life with their small family. They are on a rare weekend trip away from the kids and there are many surprises in store for them.
Oh what a wonderful holiday tale. I love these guys. They are perfect together. The story is short and sweet. If you read the first book, it's a great follow up on Rio and Caden. If you haven't, you will want to go back to their beginning and see it all happen after reading about them now.
I received an advanced reader's copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review and recommendation.
The main characters, Rio and Caden, have been in a relationship for a few years now and it's been s wonderful life with their small family. They are on a rare weekend trip away from the kids and there are many surprises in store for them.
Oh what a wonderful holiday tale. I love these guys. They are perfect together. The story is short and sweet. If you read the first book, it's a great follow up on Rio and Caden. If you haven't, you will want to go back to their beginning and see it all happen after reading about them now.
I received an advanced reader's copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review and recommendation.
December 10, 2018
I loved Rio and Caden the first time and just fell deeper in love with them.
This is such a sweet holiday book. We get to revisit the guys on a trip they take together which they so deserve. Some alone time. Yes that’s what they need.
These two can’t get any more sweeter or in love with each other than they are. It’s great to see them have this special time and to see them back with the kids. These guys truly are special.
This is such a sweet holiday book. We get to revisit the guys on a trip they take together which they so deserve. Some alone time. Yes that’s what they need.
These two can’t get any more sweeter or in love with each other than they are. It’s great to see them have this special time and to see them back with the kids. These guys truly are special.
December 10, 2018
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I love when authors give us more and BL Maxwell delivered big time here. This is set between the last chapter and the epilogue of Better Together. We knew things got better for them but it’s great to see it. Caden and Rio needed and we’re overdue for a trip away from home. Throw in some surprises and you get a warm holiday read with characters you already love. It was great to see them all grown up and happy. There is a little steam but it’s their love that shines the brightest. I highly recommend reading Better Together first to get the true connection to their story.
www.reviewsforthosewholoveagoodbook.w...
I love when authors give us more and BL Maxwell delivered big time here. This is set between the last chapter and the epilogue of Better Together. We knew things got better for them but it’s great to see it. Caden and Rio needed and we’re overdue for a trip away from home. Throw in some surprises and you get a warm holiday read with characters you already love. It was great to see them all grown up and happy. There is a little steam but it’s their love that shines the brightest. I highly recommend reading Better Together first to get the true connection to their story.
www.reviewsforthosewholoveagoodbook.w...
December 9, 2018
I was fortunate to get to read an ARC of this and really enjoyed this lovely little holiday tale about the two MCs from the author's full length novel Better Together, which I will be reading on KU soon.
This is a lovely little getaway for the couple just a little weekend away with several festive treats in store as well as sexy times for Rio and Caden, who normally look after Rio's younger sister and brother.
I recommend this if you are looking for a short, quick christmassy read.
This is a lovely little getaway for the couple just a little weekend away with several festive treats in store as well as sexy times for Rio and Caden, who normally look after Rio's younger sister and brother.
I recommend this if you are looking for a short, quick christmassy read.
December 10, 2018
Adorably spun tale
So I picked this book on a whim. It was completely adorable and full of life. I absolutely enjoyed it the the very end. Well worth the read.
So I picked this book on a whim. It was completely adorable and full of life. I absolutely enjoyed it the the very end. Well worth the read.
August 16, 2020
So happy and thrilled to continue the story with Caden (pictured on the cover) and Rio :) I was so happy to see that BL Maxwell continued their story in this holiday story and picked up after the events of Better Together. They are celebrating their first trip away to a small town in Northern Cali to see the sights and relax. When they encounter a car accident, they stop to help the driver and call for a tow truck. Caden gets a blast from his past when he sees his cousin who believed the story that Caden "just ran away". They get reacquainted and learn the truth about what Caden's parents told their family members and his cousin discovers what really happened. I was so glad that Caden had Rio to support him and to see how loving their relationship developed after the events of Better Together. They are the perfect support system for each other and such a great family. I love found families and this is one of my favorite couples from BL Maxwell's world.
December 19, 2018
Chains Required by BL Maxwell is a short novella from the Better Together series. The characters were introduced in w previous book, Bwtter Togwther, but its possible to read as a stand alone.
The main characters, Rio and Caden, have been in a relationship for a few years now and it's been s wonderful life with their small family. They are on a rare weekend trip away from the kids and there are many surprises in store for them.
Oh what a wonderful holiday tale. I love these guys. They are perfect together. The story is short and sweet. If you read the first book, it's a great follow up on Rio and Caden. If you haven't, you will want to go back to their beginning and see it all happen after reading about them now.
I received an advanced reader's copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review and recommendation.
The main characters, Rio and Caden, have been in a relationship for a few years now and it's been s wonderful life with their small family. They are on a rare weekend trip away from the kids and there are many surprises in store for them.
Oh what a wonderful holiday tale. I love these guys. They are perfect together. The story is short and sweet. If you read the first book, it's a great follow up on Rio and Caden. If you haven't, you will want to go back to their beginning and see it all happen after reading about them now.
I received an advanced reader's copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review and recommendation.
August 11, 2021
Short but sweet
We meet up with Rio and Caden, and they are off to Tahoe for a well deserved short break on their own.
Things don't quite go to plan, and they also bump into some of Caden's family.
I love these short stories around these two. They may be short, but they are full of heartfelt goodness, love and lots more.
The characters were articulated well by Curtis Michael.
Chains Required
A Better Together Short Story (Better Together Universe, Book 2)
By: BL Maxwell
Narrated by: Curtis Michael
Series: Better Together Universe, Book 2
Length: 2 hrs
❤❤❤❤❤ Overall
🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧 Narration
📚📚📚📚📚 Story
Read at 1.5 speed on Audible
I received this audiobook for free from the author, and my review is my opinion and an honest review.
We meet up with Rio and Caden, and they are off to Tahoe for a well deserved short break on their own.
Things don't quite go to plan, and they also bump into some of Caden's family.
I love these short stories around these two. They may be short, but they are full of heartfelt goodness, love and lots more.
The characters were articulated well by Curtis Michael.
Chains Required
A Better Together Short Story (Better Together Universe, Book 2)
By: BL Maxwell
Narrated by: Curtis Michael
Series: Better Together Universe, Book 2
Length: 2 hrs
❤❤❤❤❤ Overall
🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧 Narration
📚📚📚📚📚 Story
Read at 1.5 speed on Audible
I received this audiobook for free from the author, and my review is my opinion and an honest review.
December 29, 2023
Rio and Caden have been together for a few years and on a rare weekend that they can spend alone they go to Tahoe a few weeks before Christmas. They thought they had planned for every emergency but they can't control Mother Nature. When the car in front of them spins out on newly fallen snow they stop and help and discover that Caden is not as alone in the world as he thought he was. A few planned surprises make for a weekend it special for the hard-working guys.
This was a sweet short story and I loved the link to Caden's past and how wonderful that was for him. It really was a special weekend and it was wonderful to see how close a family unit they all were. Easy to read and understand. This is an MM story with mature content.
This was a sweet short story and I loved the link to Caden's past and how wonderful that was for him. It really was a special weekend and it was wonderful to see how close a family unit they all were. Easy to read and understand. This is an MM story with mature content.
December 31, 2018
4.5 Stars!
I haven't read Better Together, but as the blurb says this short story can be read as a standalone. The author gives enough information that I never felt lost, still, I'll be making time to read Better Together sometime in the future because I'm curious about Caden and Rio now that I've met them here.
This was a lovely read and not just for Christmas, perfect for cuddling with my kitten and while a couple of hours away, the only thing that would've made it perfect was if Ms. Maxwell had snuck what Caden really wanted somewhere. Very recommendable!
I haven't read Better Together, but as the blurb says this short story can be read as a standalone. The author gives enough information that I never felt lost, still, I'll be making time to read Better Together sometime in the future because I'm curious about Caden and Rio now that I've met them here.
This was a lovely read and not just for Christmas, perfect for cuddling with my kitten and while a couple of hours away, the only thing that would've made it perfect was if Ms. Maxwell had snuck what Caden really wanted somewhere. Very recommendable!
August 2, 2021
OK, I can’t really express how much I love these guys! I always jokingly call Rio and Caden my babies, and that’s actually how I feel about them, I just want to hug and mother them, even now that they are 21 and no more 17 like at the beginning of book 1, they are still the most precious boys ever!
In this short and super cute story we follow them on a rare pre-Christmas weekend away without the kids, and despite the adverse driving conditions and shocking meetings, their love shines through like a beacon!
Curtis Michael has the perfectly sweet voice to give life to this amazing couple!
In this short and super cute story we follow them on a rare pre-Christmas weekend away without the kids, and despite the adverse driving conditions and shocking meetings, their love shines through like a beacon!
Curtis Michael has the perfectly sweet voice to give life to this amazing couple!
January 9, 2023
This was a sweet little story! Only 90 pages, which is about my attention span these days 😘
I can't bring myself to read the first book in the series (too triggering...), but this novella gives a nice overview, particularly in the last 20% of the story.
It's low angst, mostly the boys driving through snow and loving each other. There's a nice bit of closure in the last quarter of the story with something I won't spoil, but it's LOVELY.
Highly recommend, and I'm DEFINITELY going to read the third installment!!
I can't bring myself to read the first book in the series (too triggering...), but this novella gives a nice overview, particularly in the last 20% of the story.
It's low angst, mostly the boys driving through snow and loving each other. There's a nice bit of closure in the last quarter of the story with something I won't spoil, but it's LOVELY.
Highly recommend, and I'm DEFINITELY going to read the third installment!!
January 23, 2019
I loved this story but some of the time line was confusing. The first book ends with a glimpse at 5 years later and they talk about being married awhile and visiting Mexico for Christmas and this book at one time mentions about it being 5 years and at one time being 3 years so that part I was unsure of. Otherwise another awesome story.
October 29, 2021
A short and sweet follow-up to Better Together. Rio and Caden take a much-needed vacation to Tahoe, and along the way encounter a few more surprises! Overall, Chains Required is a heartwarming read (or listen!).
Disclaimer: I received an audiobook copy for free and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions are my own.
Disclaimer: I received an audiobook copy for free and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions are my own.
November 13, 2021
This short is a follow up to a full story I read a while ago called Better Together. Rio and Caden, five years later, are still together and still very much in love. They go on a cute weekend away just before Christmas and Caden makes a shocking but wonderful discovery. A nice re-visit to these two, a sweet story and a cozy ending.
October 6, 2025
Good overall, but what's driving me nuts is that Adana would be 14-15, not 17.
She was 17 in the Epilogue for Better Together, which was 5 years after the start of the book where she was 12 turning 13.
This book takes place 2 years after the end of Better Together, but before it's Epilogue.
She was 17 in the Epilogue for Better Together, which was 5 years after the start of the book where she was 12 turning 13.
This book takes place 2 years after the end of Better Together, but before it's Epilogue.
December 12, 2018
OMG this is such a sweet shirt holiday book. I just love Rio and Caden. I can't get over how sweet this story is. It definitely got me feeling like Christmas is here. Just to cute and perfect for a short Christmas read.
December 12, 2018
Caden and Rio are so cute together and I just love them! It was great to see them getting to be a couple and not having to take care of the kids for a few days! Add to that the fact that it was a short holiday story and it was a perfect snack sized read! I hope we get more of them someday!
December 14, 2018
Wonderful holiday story
Rio and Caden are going away for the weekend by themselves and looking forward to getting away from their everyday lives. Along the way, they run into a few surprises that are as enjoyable as the season.
Rio and Caden are going away for the weekend by themselves and looking forward to getting away from their everyday lives. Along the way, they run into a few surprises that are as enjoyable as the season.
December 21, 2018
Great Addition!
A short romantic holiday tale with a couple of familiar faces (if you’ve read the book first). And while this is written to stand alone it blends well if you have read the first book.
A short romantic holiday tale with a couple of familiar faces (if you’ve read the book first). And while this is written to stand alone it blends well if you have read the first book.
December 29, 2018
Caden and Rio have some amazing chemistry. Caden is sweet beyond measure and Rio will do anything to make him smile. This is and indulgence for fans of the Better Together series but stands well on its own.
February 5, 2021
I loved this book. After being together for years. Rio and Caden go on a weekend getaway in Tahoe shortly before Christmas. They plan for every emergency and good thing they did. Snow falls and brings with it the miracles of love.
June 28, 2021
Such a sweet romance!!!! Very little angst between the MC's, just a lovely romance that grows and develops over the years. This is the 2nd book of 3 and they do need to be read in order (and they are worth it!)
December 31, 2018
This was a well done novella. It was very sweet, but it was a little too elementary for me. I don't know why but the dialogue seemed lacking.
February 17, 2023
3.0. Shorter
March 21, 2021
This was a sweet and fluffy snowy Christmas time story. Rio and Caden are an established couple going away for a weekend together. There was just pure couple time with some other things thrown in, but no angst. Pure sweetness. I did not read a previous book with these characters, so I feel like it definitely works as a stand-alone, but I may have enjoyed it a little bit more of I had some prior investment in the characters. Enjoyable short story.
I am voluntarily reviewing an ARC provided by LesCourt Author Services
I am voluntarily reviewing an ARC provided by LesCourt Author Services
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews