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Second Best #2
Third Life
First time. Second chance. Third life.
My first time was with him--one hot weekend with a handsome stranger. It was supposed to be a one-time thing, but he keeps asking me to meet him all over the world, and I keep saying yes.
I don't know anything about him except his first name. That's the way he likes it. He's too old for me, and he's hiding secrets, but I'm not going to be able to keep my heart out of it for long.
My first time was with him--one hot weekend with a handsome stranger. It was supposed to be a one-time thing, but he keeps asking me to meet him all over the world, and I keep saying yes.
I don't know anything about him except his first name. That's the way he likes it. He's too old for me, and he's hiding secrets, but I'm not going to be able to keep my heart out of it for long.
ebook
First published April 22, 2020
About the author
Noelle Adams
138 books2,726 followersNoelle handwrote her first romance novel in a spiral-bound notebook when she was twelve, and she hasn't stopped writing since. She has lived in eight different states and currently resides in Virginia, where she teaches English, reads any book she can get her hands on, and offers tribute to a very spoiled cocker spaniel.
She loves travel, art, history, and ice cream. After spending far too many years of her life in graduate school, she has decided to reorient her priorities and focus on writing contemporary romances.
She loves travel, art, history, and ice cream. After spending far too many years of her life in graduate school, she has decided to reorient her priorities and focus on writing contemporary romances.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
November 20, 2022
*3.5* I can only describe this as a very grown-up story about finding what love and intimacy really means to you.
The premise: A virgin in her 30s takes a weekend trip to have a one-night stand with the man of her choosing.
This is a heavily character driven story. You don't get much else but these two main characters in various parts of the world, discussing their lives, and slowly opening up emotionally.
The overall story feels a bit clumsy and the sex somewhat awkward, but also incredibly genuine and HOT. The story progressed exactly the way it should have, there really isn't anything that I think the author could have written differently to make it better. The characters fit perfectly, the plot fit perfectly, I just didn't really enjoy reading it. I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop, and it stressed me out.
This author continues to impress me with her prose. Her ability to simply write very genuine characters, complete with human flaws and emotional failings is stunning.
Spoiler about the hero, because I'm still confused. HUGE spoiler for the story, so please don't read it you want to go in blind!
*********
The premise: A virgin in her 30s takes a weekend trip to have a one-night stand with the man of her choosing.
This is a heavily character driven story. You don't get much else but these two main characters in various parts of the world, discussing their lives, and slowly opening up emotionally.
The overall story feels a bit clumsy and the sex somewhat awkward, but also incredibly genuine and HOT. The story progressed exactly the way it should have, there really isn't anything that I think the author could have written differently to make it better. The characters fit perfectly, the plot fit perfectly, I just didn't really enjoy reading it. I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop, and it stressed me out.
This author continues to impress me with her prose. Her ability to simply write very genuine characters, complete with human flaws and emotional failings is stunning.
Spoiler about the hero, because I'm still confused. HUGE spoiler for the story, so please don't read it you want to go in blind!
*********
October 18, 2020
I've been busy pressure canning for weeks now, and I can finally squeeze books in here and there while watching the canner. I enjoyed this sweet, low angst and low drama story. It wasn't up to par with
, but it was a nice read anyhow. Just like in the first one, there's plenty of steamy no strings attached sex, and feelings brought to the surface while the herione fails in NOT falling in love. There were many moments that were reminiscent of Second Best, but the story still had a bit of its own originality, and I did enjoy the secret unveiled towards the ending. This story sucked me in and kept me glued to the ending. All in all, pretty decent read. 
August 29, 2021
Reread:
I originally read this when I was sick with covid which was unfair to it and myself as I was living life in a fog at the time. Rereading it was truly like reading it for the first time as I pretty much had no recollection of this story or these characters.
Gillian and Richard both were such diverse characters. I hurt for the pain that they each lived with. While they had different issues and both touched my heart, it was Richard’s that had me tearing up. It was torture watching him through Gillian’s eyes as he felt the full force of pain from their conflict.
This was such a beautiful story, deep and meaningful. The moments this couple spent together as their relationship developed was both fun, emotional and filled with sizzle. I still missed Richard’s point of view as I didn’t have a clue what was going on with him, other than it was obvious by his invitations that he wanted Gillian.
I am so glad that I had the opportunity to read this book again and realize there was so much more to it than I originally thought.
Original review:
Read this during a rough time so admittedly, I was a bit distracted. However, I did find it to be a nice little read. Written from the heroine’s point of view, I would have liked to have something from the hero. I usually don’t require that from this author but this time I felt his absence. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the journey this couple traveled, the little twist at the end and a very nice epilogue.
Heroine POV
Safe
Triggers
Heroine POV
Safe
Triggers
I originally read this when I was sick with covid which was unfair to it and myself as I was living life in a fog at the time. Rereading it was truly like reading it for the first time as I pretty much had no recollection of this story or these characters.
Gillian and Richard both were such diverse characters. I hurt for the pain that they each lived with. While they had different issues and both touched my heart, it was Richard’s that had me tearing up. It was torture watching him through Gillian’s eyes as he felt the full force of pain from their conflict.
This was such a beautiful story, deep and meaningful. The moments this couple spent together as their relationship developed was both fun, emotional and filled with sizzle. I still missed Richard’s point of view as I didn’t have a clue what was going on with him, other than it was obvious by his invitations that he wanted Gillian.
I am so glad that I had the opportunity to read this book again and realize there was so much more to it than I originally thought.
Original review:
Read this during a rough time so admittedly, I was a bit distracted. However, I did find it to be a nice little read. Written from the heroine’s point of view, I would have liked to have something from the hero. I usually don’t require that from this author but this time I felt his absence. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the journey this couple traveled, the little twist at the end and a very nice epilogue.
Heroine POV
Safe
Triggers
Heroine POV
Safe
Triggers
May 14, 2021
I loved the first book in this series "Second Best" and gave it 4 stars. Although I didn't love this one as much, it is still a good one, a "feel good" novel, which is heartwarming.
Book 1 is both emotional and very hot and the couple in it really has incredible chemistry. The story of the couple in Book 2 is emotional but not hot. Although they have a lot of sex, it is rather told than shown. It says, "We had morning sex, it was like this and that..." in a few sentences. When it really shows a few sex scenes, then they are not good enough to talk about - they are just OK. So if you need a hot book, this is not it but if you need a simple light book with lots of emotions in it, then you may enjoy it.
The characters have an age difference. She is 32, he is 46.
She is single and a virgin. He was married once but they were not happy enough so they got divorced. He is not a man-whore. He just never loved anyone else and never felt loved. He had a troubled childhood. His job is a bit in the gray area.
*********************************************
What starts for Gillian as a weekend during which she finally wants to lose her virginity, lasts more than she expected when Richard later sends her invitations to meet somewhere else for a couple of days - again no strings attached. They meet on a tropical island, they meet in Paris etc...
After a few weekends together like this, Gillian starts to develop feelings for Richard. But there is this distance between them despite everything. She doesn't know his real surname, what he does as a job or his phone number and after a few weekends together, she knows she wants more. Therefore, after a while, she decides to protect her heart and refuses to go anywhere else when he invites her. She even tries to date other people. Nothing more than a few kisses happen, though. She doesn't feel like it.
*********************************************
When she doesn't go to his last invitation, things change, of course but this couple had a lot to overcome... So be prepared for a lot of emotions in the second half of the book.
The book has a sweet HEA in the end.
*********************************************
Honestly, in the first half of the book, I wasn't connected to the characters at all and I was a bit bored. It was a 2-star book for me then. But in the second half of the book, when Richard started to show his emotional side, I fell in love with him and started to love the book more. I even cried a bit in the second half, which was a surprise for me.
All in all, when you have nothing better, this could be a nice pastime. But if you haven't yet read Book 1, you shouldn't miss it, so read it first.
*********************************************
Some QUOTES from the book
"We had no commitments, and I made the choice not to go. No strings. No expectations. Isn’t that what you always said? I would have let you know, but you’ve never given me a way to get in touch with you. I need to do what’s best for me.”
For some reason the last sentence seems to have snapped whatever has been holding Richard’s feelings in check. His features twist briefly, and he reaches out to take my face in one hand, his palm warm and dry against my cheek. “ I’m what’s best for you.” He glances over in the direction George left with a look that’s almost a snarl. “That guy, whoever he is, is not the man for you. I’m what’s best for you.”
***
"I was there in Vermont, waiting for you. More and more crushed when you didn’t show up. I spent all night thinking about it. Thinking about you. Realizing what I’ve been doing.”
***
"You didn’t show up. The whole world was falling apart.”
***
I’m shaking with the attempt to keep from bursting into tears. I’m barely holding on to the last threads of my control.
"We can work through this. I know we can. Please don’t break my heart.”
“I have to.” He’s shaking too. I can suddenly see it. Every bit as much as I am right now.
“Why?”
“Because you broke mine.”
*********************************************
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Book 1 is both emotional and very hot and the couple in it really has incredible chemistry. The story of the couple in Book 2 is emotional but not hot. Although they have a lot of sex, it is rather told than shown. It says, "We had morning sex, it was like this and that..." in a few sentences. When it really shows a few sex scenes, then they are not good enough to talk about - they are just OK. So if you need a hot book, this is not it but if you need a simple light book with lots of emotions in it, then you may enjoy it.
The characters have an age difference. She is 32, he is 46.
She is single and a virgin. He was married once but they were not happy enough so they got divorced. He is not a man-whore. He just never loved anyone else and never felt loved. He had a troubled childhood. His job is a bit in the gray area.
*********************************************
What starts for Gillian as a weekend during which she finally wants to lose her virginity, lasts more than she expected when Richard later sends her invitations to meet somewhere else for a couple of days - again no strings attached. They meet on a tropical island, they meet in Paris etc...
After a few weekends together like this, Gillian starts to develop feelings for Richard. But there is this distance between them despite everything. She doesn't know his real surname, what he does as a job or his phone number and after a few weekends together, she knows she wants more. Therefore, after a while, she decides to protect her heart and refuses to go anywhere else when he invites her. She even tries to date other people. Nothing more than a few kisses happen, though. She doesn't feel like it.
*********************************************
When she doesn't go to his last invitation, things change, of course but this couple had a lot to overcome... So be prepared for a lot of emotions in the second half of the book.
The book has a sweet HEA in the end.
*********************************************
Honestly, in the first half of the book, I wasn't connected to the characters at all and I was a bit bored. It was a 2-star book for me then. But in the second half of the book, when Richard started to show his emotional side, I fell in love with him and started to love the book more. I even cried a bit in the second half, which was a surprise for me.
All in all, when you have nothing better, this could be a nice pastime. But if you haven't yet read Book 1, you shouldn't miss it, so read it first.
*********************************************
Some QUOTES from the book
"We had no commitments, and I made the choice not to go. No strings. No expectations. Isn’t that what you always said? I would have let you know, but you’ve never given me a way to get in touch with you. I need to do what’s best for me.”
For some reason the last sentence seems to have snapped whatever has been holding Richard’s feelings in check. His features twist briefly, and he reaches out to take my face in one hand, his palm warm and dry against my cheek. “ I’m what’s best for you.” He glances over in the direction George left with a look that’s almost a snarl. “That guy, whoever he is, is not the man for you. I’m what’s best for you.”
***
"I was there in Vermont, waiting for you. More and more crushed when you didn’t show up. I spent all night thinking about it. Thinking about you. Realizing what I’ve been doing.”
***
"You didn’t show up. The whole world was falling apart.”
***
I’m shaking with the attempt to keep from bursting into tears. I’m barely holding on to the last threads of my control.
"We can work through this. I know we can. Please don’t break my heart.”
“I have to.” He’s shaking too. I can suddenly see it. Every bit as much as I am right now.
“Why?”
“Because you broke mine.”
*********************************************
You can follow my Instagram page from here
December 6, 2022
Yeah, it was kinda disappointing. The first book was wonderful but who knows, maybe I would also have not liked it now, I don't know...
But my friend Rain was so right about this story being kinda mechanical.
They met, they had awkward sex, some more awkward sex, some revelations, LOOOOTS of drama at some point, very good redemption at the end.
That's about it.
But my friend Rain was so right about this story being kinda mechanical.
They met, they had awkward sex, some more awkward sex, some revelations, LOOOOTS of drama at some point, very good redemption at the end.
That's about it.
no-way-jose
April 29, 2020I loved the 1st book. It made sense. Unfortunately, reading the blurb and reviews for this one, I’ll sadly pass. I really thought I found a new author. But a 32 years old virgin, an older man and that blurb. NO WAY JOSE
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 29, 2023
It's been a while since I gave a Noelle Adams book 5 stars. In fact it was back in 2020 for the first book in this series Second Best.
I couldn't help but love Richard and Gillian, how their "no strings attached" get-togethers ended up consuming their apart time. The longing, suppressed emotions and how hot they burned for each other made me turn page after page until they finally each faced their issues and found their HEA.
I'm predicting many re-reads in the future..
I couldn't help but love Richard and Gillian, how their "no strings attached" get-togethers ended up consuming their apart time. The longing, suppressed emotions and how hot they burned for each other made me turn page after page until they finally each faced their issues and found their HEA.
I'm predicting many re-reads in the future..
May 3, 2020
Sweet story.
No intimate scenes other than the Hero and heroine.
Heroine is a virgin.
During separation the Hero does not see anyone else but the heroine tries dating but is not intimate with anyone.
No cheating.
HEA.
Epilogue.
No intimate scenes other than the Hero and heroine.
Heroine is a virgin.
During separation the Hero does not see anyone else but the heroine tries dating but is not intimate with anyone.
No cheating.
HEA.
Epilogue.
June 2, 2020
*1.5 stars*
May 1, 2020
I really enjoyed this sexy 'one night stand becomes more' romance! It's a borderline erotic romance (sex is the driving force behind the relationship, I could see this written under the author's other pen name Claire Kent) about a woman on a quest to lose her virginity who hits the jackpot with an experienced man quite willing to fulfill her desires. One night becomes a weekend and then more in exciting and interesting locations (all chosen by Richard) until Gillian realizes that while the sex is great, she wants a real relationship. There are some interesting surprises along the way and their simple arrangement turns out to be not so simple after all. The happy ever after is well deserved for both. The characters are interesting and fully fleshed out and all in all, a really wonderful and unique story. If you like silver fox heroes, this one is a winner!
Note: a copy of this story was provided by the author.
Note: a copy of this story was provided by the author.
July 21, 2026
The Bulgarian review is first, the English translation follows it below
Авторките на любовни романи рядко посягат към истински мили герои. Разбира се, не секват опитите всякакви странности, истерии и нелепи мъченически синдроми, както и оглушителната липса на елементарна комуникация и зрялост да бъдат пробутани за евтин заместител.
Тук авторката е избегнала до голяма степен тази хлъзгава плоскост и двойката са истински сладури.
Само дето - вероятно за първи път - ще се оплача от прекалено разтегления щастлив край. Топената захар се точеше ли, точеше… А драмата в последната минута също беше преекспонирана. Но Ноел Адамс определено е мой тип автор на любовни сюжети.
———————————-
Авторките на любовни романи рядко посягат към истински мили герои. Разбира се, не секват опитите всякакви странности, истерии и нелепи мъченически синдроми, както и оглушителната липса на елементарна комуникация и зрялост да бъдат пробутани за евтин заместител.
Тук авторката е избегнала до голяма степен тази хлъзгава плоскост и двойката са истински сладури.
Само дето - вероятно за първи път - ще се оплача от прекалено разтегления щастлив край. Топената захар се точеше ли, точеше… А драмата в последната минута също беше преекспонирана. Но Ноел Адамс определено е мой тип автор на любовни сюжети.
———————————-
Romance authors rarely reach for truly sweet and gentle characters. Naturally, there is no shortage of attempts to pass off all kinds of quirks, hysterics, absurd martyr syndromes, and a deafening lack of basic communication and maturity as a cheap substitute.
Here, the author has largely avoided this slippery slope, and the main couple are absolute sweethearts.
Except that—probably for the first time ever—I'm going to complain about an overly drawn-out happy ending. The melted sugar just kept stretching on and on… And the last-minute drama was also a bit overblown. Still, Noel Adams is definitely my kind of romance author.
April 22, 2020
Rating: 2.5 stars
Steam took center stage here numerous times, folks. If you are looking for a graphic smexy, lusty read featuring a much older hero, you will hit pay dirt here. In fact, this main couple’s self-labeled, non-existent relationship was based on it for some time. Not surprisingly though, when body parts get entangled that many times so do hearts and feelings, especially when pillow talk commences.
What I wasn’t expecting was Gillian, an intelligent, pretty, 32 year old virgin heroine, thinking she was more likely to find the man of her dreams if she had a ONS with a Mr. Nobody so she would no longer be a virgin. Somehow she got it into her head a quickie, meaningless, underwhelming, one time only, smex romp between hotel sheets with a completely random, boring guy would fix her and that pesky problem. I’ll just leave it at this girl had insecurity issues. She seemed to constantly be putting herself down.
You can’t help but feel the sexy chemistry and eventual, slow evolving emotional connection as this couple do get to somewhat know each other. The twist near the end regarding the hero did surprise me. But, even more so, was the decision he made soon afterwards. I’m a little torn whether that particular move made him appear strong or sappy. Her upset reaction to finding out a secret he’d been hiding was understandable. Maybe because he explained it all to her (including what he chose not to do) when she confronted him that I felt she may have played the victim card a tad too long. I could tell the guy was genuinely sorry at least.
Told in her point of view only, I think if we had spent some time in the hero’s head it would have been better...certainly upped the relationship angst anty even more. I am left wondering if she had not met him would he have still made the choice he made near the end.
This is a “new to me” author, btw. I do hope to read more of her books in the future. I was just really surprised how explicit the smex was between them. I swear even sound effects were included...and it wasn't an audio version, folks.
I’m all about romance though, so I’m trying to cling to that more than anything else here. At the end of it all, these too desperate souls do seem to really want to be together.
Romance Safety Gang:
Title: Third Life, Author: Noelle Adams, Pages: 259, stand-alone, 46 year old hero, 32 year old virgin heroine, numerous VERY detailed graphic smex scenes, smart but insecure heroine, new to me author, celibate awhile hero, ending felt a little too contrived.
(I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I was not given any payment or compensation for this review. There is no relationship or affiliation between this reviewer and the author, publisher, or NetGalley.)
Steam took center stage here numerous times, folks. If you are looking for a graphic smexy, lusty read featuring a much older hero, you will hit pay dirt here. In fact, this main couple’s self-labeled, non-existent relationship was based on it for some time. Not surprisingly though, when body parts get entangled that many times so do hearts and feelings, especially when pillow talk commences.
What I wasn’t expecting was Gillian, an intelligent, pretty, 32 year old virgin heroine, thinking she was more likely to find the man of her dreams if she had a ONS with a Mr. Nobody so she would no longer be a virgin. Somehow she got it into her head a quickie, meaningless, underwhelming, one time only, smex romp between hotel sheets with a completely random, boring guy would fix her and that pesky problem. I’ll just leave it at this girl had insecurity issues. She seemed to constantly be putting herself down.
You can’t help but feel the sexy chemistry and eventual, slow evolving emotional connection as this couple do get to somewhat know each other. The twist near the end regarding the hero did surprise me. But, even more so, was the decision he made soon afterwards. I’m a little torn whether that particular move made him appear strong or sappy. Her upset reaction to finding out a secret he’d been hiding was understandable. Maybe because he explained it all to her (including what he chose not to do) when she confronted him that I felt she may have played the victim card a tad too long. I could tell the guy was genuinely sorry at least.
Told in her point of view only, I think if we had spent some time in the hero’s head it would have been better...certainly upped the relationship angst anty even more. I am left wondering if she had not met him would he have still made the choice he made near the end.
This is a “new to me” author, btw. I do hope to read more of her books in the future. I was just really surprised how explicit the smex was between them. I swear even sound effects were included...and it wasn't an audio version, folks.
I’m all about romance though, so I’m trying to cling to that more than anything else here. At the end of it all, these too desperate souls do seem to really want to be together.
Romance Safety Gang:
Title: Third Life, Author: Noelle Adams, Pages: 259, stand-alone, 46 year old hero, 32 year old virgin heroine, numerous VERY detailed graphic smex scenes, smart but insecure heroine, new to me author, celibate awhile hero, ending felt a little too contrived.
(I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I was not given any payment or compensation for this review. There is no relationship or affiliation between this reviewer and the author, publisher, or NetGalley.)
October 15, 2023
*** Book Q & A***
* How did the book make you feel?: I couldn’t put this book down! It wasn’t as angsty as Second Best, sadly, but it was still a very enjoyable read.
* How do you feel about how the story was told?: I really enjoy Noelle Adams writing. I loved the premise of this story. I felt the story flowed very well and I was invested in the characters. The prose and character development were very good. I liked the mystery aspect about Richard.
* What did you think about the main characters?: This was a very character-centered story. I wondered about Gillian’s constant insistence that she was invisible. I liked the dynamic between Gillian and Richard. I liked how Richard became more vulnerable as time passed.
* Which parts of the book stood out to you?: There were lots of steamy times. I liked how Richard was all about consent and checking in with Gillian.
* What themes/tropes did you detect in the story?: older virgin h, age gap (14 years), older H, one night stand, friends with benefits, no strings, mysterious H, groveling
* What did you think about the ending?: I didn’t like Gillian’s behavior with going on dates with OM toward the end of the novel. I thought Richard deserved better.
* What is your impression of the author?: LOVE!
Possible Triggers and Safety: H and h pushing away, h sees OM, short separations, no cheating by H, deceptive H
* How did the book make you feel?: I couldn’t put this book down! It wasn’t as angsty as Second Best, sadly, but it was still a very enjoyable read.
* How do you feel about how the story was told?: I really enjoy Noelle Adams writing. I loved the premise of this story. I felt the story flowed very well and I was invested in the characters. The prose and character development were very good. I liked the mystery aspect about Richard.
* What did you think about the main characters?: This was a very character-centered story. I wondered about Gillian’s constant insistence that she was invisible. I liked the dynamic between Gillian and Richard. I liked how Richard became more vulnerable as time passed.
* Which parts of the book stood out to you?: There were lots of steamy times. I liked how Richard was all about consent and checking in with Gillian.
* What themes/tropes did you detect in the story?: older virgin h, age gap (14 years), older H, one night stand, friends with benefits, no strings, mysterious H, groveling
* What did you think about the ending?: I didn’t like Gillian’s behavior with going on dates with OM toward the end of the novel. I thought Richard deserved better.
* What is your impression of the author?: LOVE!
Possible Triggers and Safety: H and h pushing away, h sees OM, short separations, no cheating by H, deceptive H
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 11, 2022
The relationship doesn't really do it for me. It lacks the tension and pining of Book 1, and the lackluster heroine doesn't add any excitement either. The only thing that separates this book from all the other older man x younger woman romances is the fact that each character has a job they actually work at. I was hoping to see more from the heroine, especially since she's a 32-year-old virgin, but she has as much depth and emotional maturity as a teenager. The secret revealed at the end felt like the author realized there wasn't any plot to this book and needed an additional conflict to sell the romance.
October 7, 2021
The beginning was very much the same as the previous book Second Best, so I was worried it will be like most of Noelle's books - the very same plot, different settings.
Fortunately from 50% it takes slightly different direction. .
The sex scenes are hot as usual, though there are not as many compared to the first book and generally it focuses more on communication. I was glad that these two MCs took their time to discuss issues, rather than let misunderstanding decide their future...
January 7, 2026
4.0. Rated R. Romance. Very Sexy
My second book by this author. Her writing is very good.
Her characters are not “stupid and annoying”. In fact they are as real as you will find in a novel. Very enjoyable read.
Recommend!
My second book by this author. Her writing is very good.
Her characters are not “stupid and annoying”. In fact they are as real as you will find in a novel. Very enjoyable read.
Recommend!
April 9, 2026
I am entirely and utterly obsessed with how she writes her men. There is one common theme here that makes them so human, so vulnerable and so real yet also fun and not moopy. Obsessed.
May 13, 2023
I'm in the minority on not loving this one... but I was expecting more story than smut. Nope.
January 23, 2022
I find this series to be utterly gripping. I could scarcely put this down! It wasn’t angsty like Second Chance but it still made me cry in the end. Gillian has felt invisible for most of her life. After her mother’s recent death, she decides it’s time for a fresh start and having sex for the first time is the way to do it. So she plans a sexcation for a one night stand, not expecting to ever meet someone like Richard. Because Richard seems way too out of her league, she’s different with him than anyone else and that winds up being what draws them together. It’s supposed to only be casual: they meet up in different cities around the world for a hot weekend. At first this works but then Gillian realizes she wants more. She’s pragmatic, which I found refreshing, I appreciated the way she went after the life she wanted, even when the way forward wasn’t certain.
What can I say about Richard? He was debonair and emotionally repressed. My catnip. I loved watching the evolution of their relationship and what needed to happen for it come together.
Characters: Gillian is a 32 year old white freelance science writer and a virgin. Richard is a 46 year old white business consultant and a silver fox. This is set in Boston, Ft. Lauderdale, FL, Paris, San Diego, NYC, and Saint Thomas.
Content notes: recent death of FMC’s mother (MS), FMC’s past love interest was killed in a car accident the day after their first date, MMC’s parents died when he was 5 and he was raised by emotionally abusive/neglectful aunt and uncle, MMC is divorced, past death of FMC’s father (heart attack), pregnant secondary character, on page sex, masturbation, unprotected sex (no pregnancy), auditory exhibitionism, alcohol, gendered insults, gender essentialist language, ableist language
What can I say about Richard? He was debonair and emotionally repressed. My catnip. I loved watching the evolution of their relationship and what needed to happen for it come together.
Characters: Gillian is a 32 year old white freelance science writer and a virgin. Richard is a 46 year old white business consultant and a silver fox. This is set in Boston, Ft. Lauderdale, FL, Paris, San Diego, NYC, and Saint Thomas.
Content notes: recent death of FMC’s mother (MS), FMC’s past love interest was killed in a car accident the day after their first date, MMC’s parents died when he was 5 and he was raised by emotionally abusive/neglectful aunt and uncle, MMC is divorced, past death of FMC’s father (heart attack), pregnant secondary character, on page sex, masturbation, unprotected sex (no pregnancy), auditory exhibitionism, alcohol, gendered insults, gender essentialist language, ableist language
June 11, 2025
This was a very different premise. Essentially she’s a 30 year old virgin, who decides enough is enough, and she wants to lose it. She was never able to develop an emotional connection with someone to initiate as physical relationship. The only man she was interested in, suddenly died in an accident right after their date.
She encounters this super hot, mysterious stranger on a trip and decides to take the plunge. Turns out he may have been targeting her. They continue to meet up on subsequent trips and continue their relationship.
The premise was good, but I felt the plot was lost a little towards the last third of the book. Good grovel.
No OW/OM drama.
No cheating.
Spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️
She encounters this super hot, mysterious stranger on a trip and decides to take the plunge. Turns out he may have been targeting her. They continue to meet up on subsequent trips and continue their relationship.
The premise was good, but I felt the plot was lost a little towards the last third of the book. Good grovel.
No OW/OM drama.
No cheating.
Spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 26, 2020
When life gets hard, love never ceases to find a way. Third Life takes that sentiment and runs away with it. Adams paints an imaginative escapade of life, love and adventure that will wrap itself around a heart. Gillian and Richard are a beautiful escape from the hard times of the current real world.
September 9, 2025
this was fab, love the way this author writes her characters
October 28, 2025
actual rating 4.25⭐
May 27, 2020
This story never fails to make me smile. I just adore Gillian and Richard and thoroughly enjoyed every step of their journey. I originally read this when it was sent out serially, and I loved re-reading it upon regular release. Their relationship develops perfectly, and I love seeing more of the 'real' Richard as the story progresses. The emotion is so real and powerful in this story, and I definitely found myself tearing up at one point as I felt all of the feelings right along with them. The epilogue was everything I wanted! Can't wait for more from this author!
January 6, 2020
Maybe I've just read too many books by this author, but I finding her books very repetitive. Not only the story line, but word usage as well. All her characters talk and think like the others. I think this book really could have benefited from a dual perspective. I saw the twist coming from a mile away and I think I would have enjoyed it much more if I was hearing the male leads perspective as well.
All that being said, I read this one in a day and did enjoy it for the most part. I think I may just need to take a break from Ms. Adam's books for a while.
All that being said, I read this one in a day and did enjoy it for the most part. I think I may just need to take a break from Ms. Adam's books for a while.
October 20, 2020
This was a really good read! Considering there was no cheating husband nor evil ow drama, it had a decent amount of angst I crave in books.
The mystery shrouding the hero’s work was a bit OTT(in my opinion) but it did work as a conflict of the story and created the drama I like. Overall, the hero really made this book a 4 stars for me. He’s a total silver fox!🤗😋
The mystery shrouding the hero’s work was a bit OTT(in my opinion) but it did work as a conflict of the story and created the drama I like. Overall, the hero really made this book a 4 stars for me. He’s a total silver fox!🤗😋
June 22, 2020
Hampir mirip ceritanya dg cerita sebelumnya. Gillian memutuskan untuk melakukan casual sex pertama kalinya di trip businesnya. Sebelumnya, Gillian selalu sibuk dg kerjaan dan mengurusi ibunya yang sakit. Setelah ibunya meninggal. Gillian ga punya siapa-siapa yang akhirnya memutuskan untuk melakukan hal yang baru.
Gillian sudah melakukan persiapan untuk casual sexnya. Di hotel tempat dia menginap, dia akan datang ke bar hotel dg pakaian seksi dan memilih pria-pria potensial. Sudah lengkap persiapannya, tinggal eksekusinya.
Sampai di sana, Gillian bertemu Richard, pria menarik yang bukan tipe Gillian. Anehnya, Richard ini tertarik ama Gillian. Begitu tau rencana Gillian, Richard menawarkan diri untuk tidur bareng. Gillian yang sebelumnya ragu ternyata cukup terkejut malam yang mereka habiskan melebihi ekspektasinya dalam artian bagus. Malahan setelah balik ke kotanya, Gillian mendapatkan paket undangan dari Richard untuk bertemu lagi di trip bisnis Richard berikutnya.
Ngga lama hubungan mereka berkembang. Richard dan Gillian sama-sama menyukai chemistry mereka di tempat tidur. Ngga hanya itu, walaupun masing-masing tau mereka hanya sebatas teman tidur, tapi baik Richard dan Gillian membangun interaksi emosional lewat cerita-cerita "vulnerable" yang mereka tukarkan satu sama lain. Tapi hal itu ngga membuat Gillian berusaha mencari informasi tentang Richard. Pun begitu dg Richard. Mereka cukup puas dg kondisi itu sampai ada yang baper.
Muncul pertama kalinya si baper ini dari Gillian. Aku suka dengan sikap dewasa Gillian yang begitu tau di hatinya mulai menyukai Richard, dirinya dengan kesadaran diri penuh ngga memenuhi ajakan Richard untuk bertemu di trip bisnis berikutnya. Kereeeen.
Konfliknya ada dua.
Pertama, dari struggle nya Gillian untuk tidak berharap banyak ke Richard. Bahkan untuk menghalangi bendungan emosinya itu, Gillian mencoba menyibukkan diri dg kerjaan dan kencan dg pria baru. Richard jg mengalami struggle tapi ngga begitu mencolok dari momen ini.
Kedua, selama mereka berinteraksi, Richard menyembunyikan fakta tentang kerjaannya. Dirinya cuman bilang ke Gillian kalau pekerjaannya itu berada di area abu-abu. Gillian yang baik mencoba menghargai kenyataan tersebut. Apalagi setelah Richard bilang, dia akan mengganti pekerjaannya begitu dirinya pindah tinggal menetap di kotanya Gillian.
Tapi satu momen Gillian tau pekerjaan Richard dan kenyataan pahit setelahnya. Ternyata di pertemuan pertama mereka, Richard memang "sengaja" bertemu Gillian demi memenuhi pekerjaannya ke kliennya. Jadinya Gillian patah hati karena apa yang dikiranya Richard "tidak sengaja" melihat dirinya dan tertarik padanya, semuany itu hanya settingan kerjaan Richard. Kenapa gitu ? Karena selama hidup Gillian, ngga pernah ada pria/cowok yang mendekatinya. Sampai Richard ini.
Di momen ini yang keliatan struggle nya Richard. Dirinya mencoba memberi argumen kepada Gillian. Bahwa perasaannya cintanya itu murni datang dari diri Richard. Bahkan demi membangun masa depan bersama Gillian, Richard mau keluar dari zona nyamannya. Tapi semua itu ditepis dengan perkataan tegas dari Gillian, bahwa mereka udahan. Titik.
Apa yg terjadi selanjutnya menurutku so sweet. Baik Richard dan Gillian mencoba beradaptasi dengan perubahan hubungan mereka. Aku suka dg upaya Richard mengirimkan surat pada Gillian yang memberi note di akhirnya. Kalau Gillian mengembalikan surat itu ke Richard, berarti hubungan mereka akan berakhir selamanya. Dan Richard akan menghargai keputusan itu. Huhuhu, gila. Dewasa banget.
Daripada cerita sebelumnya, aku lebih suka cerita ini. Hubungan Richard dan Gillian lebih banyak konfliknya. Sikap mereka berdua pun dewasa. Cocok sih dg umur Giilian yang 30 an dan Richard 40 an. Ini cerita bagus dari hubungan casual sex menjadi hubungan eksklusif.
4 bintang
Gillian sudah melakukan persiapan untuk casual sexnya. Di hotel tempat dia menginap, dia akan datang ke bar hotel dg pakaian seksi dan memilih pria-pria potensial. Sudah lengkap persiapannya, tinggal eksekusinya.
Sampai di sana, Gillian bertemu Richard, pria menarik yang bukan tipe Gillian. Anehnya, Richard ini tertarik ama Gillian. Begitu tau rencana Gillian, Richard menawarkan diri untuk tidur bareng. Gillian yang sebelumnya ragu ternyata cukup terkejut malam yang mereka habiskan melebihi ekspektasinya dalam artian bagus. Malahan setelah balik ke kotanya, Gillian mendapatkan paket undangan dari Richard untuk bertemu lagi di trip bisnis Richard berikutnya.
Ngga lama hubungan mereka berkembang. Richard dan Gillian sama-sama menyukai chemistry mereka di tempat tidur. Ngga hanya itu, walaupun masing-masing tau mereka hanya sebatas teman tidur, tapi baik Richard dan Gillian membangun interaksi emosional lewat cerita-cerita "vulnerable" yang mereka tukarkan satu sama lain. Tapi hal itu ngga membuat Gillian berusaha mencari informasi tentang Richard. Pun begitu dg Richard. Mereka cukup puas dg kondisi itu sampai ada yang baper.
Muncul pertama kalinya si baper ini dari Gillian. Aku suka dengan sikap dewasa Gillian yang begitu tau di hatinya mulai menyukai Richard, dirinya dengan kesadaran diri penuh ngga memenuhi ajakan Richard untuk bertemu di trip bisnis berikutnya. Kereeeen.
Konfliknya ada dua.
Pertama, dari struggle nya Gillian untuk tidak berharap banyak ke Richard. Bahkan untuk menghalangi bendungan emosinya itu, Gillian mencoba menyibukkan diri dg kerjaan dan kencan dg pria baru. Richard jg mengalami struggle tapi ngga begitu mencolok dari momen ini.
Kedua, selama mereka berinteraksi, Richard menyembunyikan fakta tentang kerjaannya. Dirinya cuman bilang ke Gillian kalau pekerjaannya itu berada di area abu-abu. Gillian yang baik mencoba menghargai kenyataan tersebut. Apalagi setelah Richard bilang, dia akan mengganti pekerjaannya begitu dirinya pindah tinggal menetap di kotanya Gillian.
Tapi satu momen Gillian tau pekerjaan Richard dan kenyataan pahit setelahnya. Ternyata di pertemuan pertama mereka, Richard memang "sengaja" bertemu Gillian demi memenuhi pekerjaannya ke kliennya. Jadinya Gillian patah hati karena apa yang dikiranya Richard "tidak sengaja" melihat dirinya dan tertarik padanya, semuany itu hanya settingan kerjaan Richard. Kenapa gitu ? Karena selama hidup Gillian, ngga pernah ada pria/cowok yang mendekatinya. Sampai Richard ini.
Di momen ini yang keliatan struggle nya Richard. Dirinya mencoba memberi argumen kepada Gillian. Bahwa perasaannya cintanya itu murni datang dari diri Richard. Bahkan demi membangun masa depan bersama Gillian, Richard mau keluar dari zona nyamannya. Tapi semua itu ditepis dengan perkataan tegas dari Gillian, bahwa mereka udahan. Titik.
Apa yg terjadi selanjutnya menurutku so sweet. Baik Richard dan Gillian mencoba beradaptasi dengan perubahan hubungan mereka. Aku suka dg upaya Richard mengirimkan surat pada Gillian yang memberi note di akhirnya. Kalau Gillian mengembalikan surat itu ke Richard, berarti hubungan mereka akan berakhir selamanya. Dan Richard akan menghargai keputusan itu. Huhuhu, gila. Dewasa banget.
Daripada cerita sebelumnya, aku lebih suka cerita ini. Hubungan Richard dan Gillian lebih banyak konfliknya. Sikap mereka berdua pun dewasa. Cocok sih dg umur Giilian yang 30 an dan Richard 40 an. Ini cerita bagus dari hubungan casual sex menjadi hubungan eksklusif.
4 bintang
March 11, 2026
After several recent let downs from this author, I didn’t expect much starting out. But I honestly enjoyed their little age-gap, strangers-to-lovers learning about love story!
Richard - a 46-yr old rich businessman of sorts, charming, a complete sweetheart to the heroine, comes across as confident yet has a normal guy level of insecurities and vulnerabilities. He felt so relatable with his worries too. He is described as handsome, but no real emphasis was put on his package size. Which was nice for a change. This was very steamy actually, but not dirty.
Gillian - a 32-yr old virgin that realizes her life is passing her by, she’s yet to find the right guy AND most importantly she feels that she’s invisible to all around her, so she decides to take matters into her own hands and find a guy to have a one-night stand with, no strings attached.
This story is told only in the heroine’s POV. I didn’t even realize it until I was a couple chapters in. I normally wouldn’t like that, but it works here because it helped keep a bit of mystery going on about the hero. Which turns out to be the main drive behind the plot besides hot hotel hook-ups.
😍 The good: I loved their meeting in the bar and their first time together that was full of witty’ish banter, eye rolls, both of them showing sexual insecurities. Even though the scene was told from the heroine’s POV, I could see and feel the hero’s desperation, his almost loss of control, what he was feeling, seeing, etc. The scene was definitely not lacking. As steamy as that scene was, each hotel hook-up they experienced afterwards, became less awkward for them, more feels and emotions felt by both, and steamier. Until they accidentally fall in love.
😐 The eh: The heroine’s hang up was repeated too often. She’s pretty, is smart/has a good career, no one is mean to her… yet she feels that people don’t take notice of her. She moans about this so often 🤯. The other annoying thing about her, she kept being shocked when she would notice the hero was aroused after a few minutes of kissing and making out with her. Why is that shocking…..? Did she think it takes 20 minutes of foreplay before a guy can get it up? 🥴
😖 The bad: The overdramatic, unreasonable 3rd act break-up. Normally they don’t bother me, but this was bad. The hero explained himself when an issue came up, I thought his explanation was honest, heartfelt and innocent enough…. and they loved each other at that point. But the heroine insisted they break-up even though he begged her not to. He was devastated. So she goes home and decides to JOIN DATING APPS and go on dates and LETS THEM KISS HER. It doesn’t feel right to her, so she stops dating. But!!! How could she even contemplate going on dates that quickly if she was just in love?! As the hero put it, “I’m in love with you, Gillian. I’m not going to date anyone else. I don’t want to, and it would be very unfair to whomever I was trying to date.”
So the last 20% ruined what would have been a solid 4-5 star read for me.
Richard - a 46-yr old rich businessman of sorts, charming, a complete sweetheart to the heroine, comes across as confident yet has a normal guy level of insecurities and vulnerabilities. He felt so relatable with his worries too. He is described as handsome, but no real emphasis was put on his package size. Which was nice for a change. This was very steamy actually, but not dirty.
Gillian - a 32-yr old virgin that realizes her life is passing her by, she’s yet to find the right guy AND most importantly she feels that she’s invisible to all around her, so she decides to take matters into her own hands and find a guy to have a one-night stand with, no strings attached.
This story is told only in the heroine’s POV. I didn’t even realize it until I was a couple chapters in. I normally wouldn’t like that, but it works here because it helped keep a bit of mystery going on about the hero. Which turns out to be the main drive behind the plot besides hot hotel hook-ups.
😍 The good: I loved their meeting in the bar and their first time together that was full of witty’ish banter, eye rolls, both of them showing sexual insecurities. Even though the scene was told from the heroine’s POV, I could see and feel the hero’s desperation, his almost loss of control, what he was feeling, seeing, etc. The scene was definitely not lacking. As steamy as that scene was, each hotel hook-up they experienced afterwards, became less awkward for them, more feels and emotions felt by both, and steamier. Until they accidentally fall in love.
😐 The eh: The heroine’s hang up was repeated too often. She’s pretty, is smart/has a good career, no one is mean to her… yet she feels that people don’t take notice of her. She moans about this so often 🤯. The other annoying thing about her, she kept being shocked when she would notice the hero was aroused after a few minutes of kissing and making out with her. Why is that shocking…..? Did she think it takes 20 minutes of foreplay before a guy can get it up? 🥴
😖 The bad: The overdramatic, unreasonable 3rd act break-up. Normally they don’t bother me, but this was bad. The hero explained himself when an issue came up, I thought his explanation was honest, heartfelt and innocent enough…. and they loved each other at that point. But the heroine insisted they break-up even though he begged her not to. He was devastated. So she goes home and decides to JOIN DATING APPS and go on dates and LETS THEM KISS HER. It doesn’t feel right to her, so she stops dating. But!!! How could she even contemplate going on dates that quickly if she was just in love?! As the hero put it, “I’m in love with you, Gillian. I’m not going to date anyone else. I don’t want to, and it would be very unfair to whomever I was trying to date.”
So the last 20% ruined what would have been a solid 4-5 star read for me.
August 10, 2020
3.5 stars. I picked this one up, because I loved Second Best - and I really liked this one too.
I loved Gillian and Richard together, the chemistry was on point, the sex is excellent on page, and heat factor is molten. This is erotica after all, and this author does sex well. This book, and Second Best will remain on my keeper shelf, along with Escorted by her alter ego (and pen-name) Clare Kent.
What didn’t push those book up to 5 star excellence, is that I prefer more of a women’s fiction story, with a central romance, with sex, these days. I love a good meaty, messy story, with secondary characters, lots of show and not tell. This story had a lot of tunnel vision - it was a lot of Just Their Story, of the two of them hooking up - which I was there for. But when Gillian was telling us about what was happening in between, it was all telling, and came across as info-dumping. I wanted to be shown Gillian’s relationship with friend Ashley, not told in one paragraph - this came across as very two dimensional. Friends, secondary characters, make a book. When Gillian is telling us how much she and Richard have gotten to know each other over several weeks (in one or two paragraphs) about his aunt and uncle, and she about her dad... I felt as though this would have pulled me into a deeper connection if these “told” paragraphs were broken down into scenes that showed me their conversations, their emotions. I’ve just pulled out two examples here, when I realised what was missing.
But perhaps this is all on me, due to the books I’ve been reading lately, affecting my expectations. Perhaps, when readers reach for erotica, they just want the sex - which is what you get here, in spades, and it hits the spot. It does, indeed have a swoon factor - I looooved Richard. Even after the ‘reveal’ about him. And I loved the growing intimacy between them, that grows with sex. I loved the building changes in their sex, the emotions developing, the desperate moments... these are the reasons why I’ll be grabbing for these books, and more from this author, when I’m in the mood for a sexy read.
I loved Gillian and Richard together, the chemistry was on point, the sex is excellent on page, and heat factor is molten. This is erotica after all, and this author does sex well. This book, and Second Best will remain on my keeper shelf, along with Escorted by her alter ego (and pen-name) Clare Kent.
What didn’t push those book up to 5 star excellence, is that I prefer more of a women’s fiction story, with a central romance, with sex, these days. I love a good meaty, messy story, with secondary characters, lots of show and not tell. This story had a lot of tunnel vision - it was a lot of Just Their Story, of the two of them hooking up - which I was there for. But when Gillian was telling us about what was happening in between, it was all telling, and came across as info-dumping. I wanted to be shown Gillian’s relationship with friend Ashley, not told in one paragraph - this came across as very two dimensional. Friends, secondary characters, make a book. When Gillian is telling us how much she and Richard have gotten to know each other over several weeks (in one or two paragraphs) about his aunt and uncle, and she about her dad... I felt as though this would have pulled me into a deeper connection if these “told” paragraphs were broken down into scenes that showed me their conversations, their emotions. I’ve just pulled out two examples here, when I realised what was missing.
But perhaps this is all on me, due to the books I’ve been reading lately, affecting my expectations. Perhaps, when readers reach for erotica, they just want the sex - which is what you get here, in spades, and it hits the spot. It does, indeed have a swoon factor - I looooved Richard. Even after the ‘reveal’ about him. And I loved the growing intimacy between them, that grows with sex. I loved the building changes in their sex, the emotions developing, the desperate moments... these are the reasons why I’ll be grabbing for these books, and more from this author, when I’m in the mood for a sexy read.
December 15, 2020
For every woman who has ever felt invisible
Fair warning: this review is also doubling as a dedication.
Here’s the review part:
This book resonated deeply within me, and I was brought to tears several times due to the raw emotions. It was like the author knew just how to write every vulnerability and insecurity I’ve never voiced aloud. It is unbelievable just how similar my circumstances are with Gillian’s. Minus her extremely high paying job and the fact that she’s at least been kissed. Yes, I’m unashamedly putting it out there that I’m 33 and never been kissed, let alone anything else (use your deductive reasoning, lol). Not to say that I would go about remedying that the way she did, though...
I loved that the book mainly centers around Richard and Gillian’s interactions, with little dialogue and on-screen interaction with others. It feels more intimate that way.
Also, it was SO refreshing to have a romance about a woman who wasn’t in her teens or twenties. No offense to you younger readers reading my review, but we older woman (even though “older” is a relative term) need books about people our age!
So, now on to the dedication part:
For every woman who feels invisible...
For every woman who wonders if life has passed you by...
For every woman who yearns for the simple warmth of a hand to hold and a shoulder to rest your head on...
For every woman who secretly questions if there is anything wrong with you (p.s.—there is NOTHING wrong with you)...
For every woman who wonders if anyone will ever really SEE you and what you have to offer...
For every woman who fears growing old by yourself.........this book is for you.
Sometimes our life does not go anything at all like we dreamed it would when we were little girls, but it is what you make of it. Be brave.
If you are reading this review and you already have your special someone, may you never take them for granted. In fact, go ahead and give them a squeeze and a kiss just because.
Fair warning: this review is also doubling as a dedication.
Here’s the review part:
This book resonated deeply within me, and I was brought to tears several times due to the raw emotions. It was like the author knew just how to write every vulnerability and insecurity I’ve never voiced aloud. It is unbelievable just how similar my circumstances are with Gillian’s. Minus her extremely high paying job and the fact that she’s at least been kissed. Yes, I’m unashamedly putting it out there that I’m 33 and never been kissed, let alone anything else (use your deductive reasoning, lol). Not to say that I would go about remedying that the way she did, though...
I loved that the book mainly centers around Richard and Gillian’s interactions, with little dialogue and on-screen interaction with others. It feels more intimate that way.
Also, it was SO refreshing to have a romance about a woman who wasn’t in her teens or twenties. No offense to you younger readers reading my review, but we older woman (even though “older” is a relative term) need books about people our age!
So, now on to the dedication part:
For every woman who feels invisible...
For every woman who wonders if life has passed you by...
For every woman who yearns for the simple warmth of a hand to hold and a shoulder to rest your head on...
For every woman who secretly questions if there is anything wrong with you (p.s.—there is NOTHING wrong with you)...
For every woman who wonders if anyone will ever really SEE you and what you have to offer...
For every woman who fears growing old by yourself.........this book is for you.
Sometimes our life does not go anything at all like we dreamed it would when we were little girls, but it is what you make of it. Be brave.
If you are reading this review and you already have your special someone, may you never take them for granted. In fact, go ahead and give them a squeeze and a kiss just because.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews