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Second Chances #2
Versus
A new standalone novel from New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Deborah Bladon.
I chose the woman I brought home with me last night for one reason and one reason only.
She looks like her.
It's the same with every woman I bring home with me.
They always look like her.
Light brown hair, sky blue eyes, and a body that takes me to that place I crave. It's where I forget – her innocence, my cruelty, everything.
Last night was different.
This one didn't only look like her, she danced like her, spoke in a soft voice like her, and when she lost control on my sheets in that split second I live for, she made a sound that cracked my heart open. My heart; cold and jaded as it is, felt a beat of something for this one.
She left before I woke up.
I need to forget about the woman from last night, just like I've forgotten every woman but the one who started me on this path to self-destruction.
I might have been able to if I wasn't standing in a crowded courtroom ready to take on the most important case of my career staring at the woman who crawled out of my arms just hours ago and into the role of opposing counsel.
I may be a high-profile lawyer, but her name is one I'd recognize anywhere.
The woman I screwed last night is the same one I screwed over in high school.
Court is now in session, and it's me versus her.
I chose the woman I brought home with me last night for one reason and one reason only.
She looks like her.
It's the same with every woman I bring home with me.
They always look like her.
Light brown hair, sky blue eyes, and a body that takes me to that place I crave. It's where I forget – her innocence, my cruelty, everything.
Last night was different.
This one didn't only look like her, she danced like her, spoke in a soft voice like her, and when she lost control on my sheets in that split second I live for, she made a sound that cracked my heart open. My heart; cold and jaded as it is, felt a beat of something for this one.
She left before I woke up.
I need to forget about the woman from last night, just like I've forgotten every woman but the one who started me on this path to self-destruction.
I might have been able to if I wasn't standing in a crowded courtroom ready to take on the most important case of my career staring at the woman who crawled out of my arms just hours ago and into the role of opposing counsel.
I may be a high-profile lawyer, but her name is one I'd recognize anywhere.
The woman I screwed last night is the same one I screwed over in high school.
Court is now in session, and it's me versus her.
273 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 1, 2019
602 people are currently reading
178 people want to read
About the author
Deborah Bladon
108 books2,338 followersDeborah Bladon had never read a romance hero she didn't like. Her love for romance novels began when she was old enough to board the bus, library card in hand to check out the newest Harlequin paperbacks. She was a Canadian by heart, and by passport, but you could often spot her in New York City sipping a latte and looking for inspiration for her next story. Manhattan was definitely her second home.
She cherished her family and believed that each day was a gift for writing, for reading, and for loving.
She cherished her family and believed that each day was a gift for writing, for reading, and for loving.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
May 7, 2020
I know I have said this before but I love Deborah Bladon’s writing. She knows how to write my kind of romance. She has great character development, she has alpha males that always have a sweet undertone to balance them. She has just the right amount of smut without compromising the romantic connection. And MOST importantly they are interesting storylines that almost always have a twist that you don’t really see coming.
Dylan sounds perfect to me and Eden is a lovable character. I won’t mention anything about this book since I love going in blind. I never know the synopsis of DB’s books ahead of time because I already know I am going to read her books.
If you haven’t ever read her books I STRONGLY suggest you start with her very first series and go from there since you will hear about other characters & sometimes meet other characters in all of her books. I love the crossover since she always does it in a completely believable way.
Dylan sounds perfect to me and Eden is a lovable character. I won’t mention anything about this book since I love going in blind. I never know the synopsis of DB’s books ahead of time because I already know I am going to read her books.
If you haven’t ever read her books I STRONGLY suggest you start with her very first series and go from there since you will hear about other characters & sometimes meet other characters in all of her books. I love the crossover since she always does it in a completely believable way.
August 8, 2019
2.5 stars.
easy read, maybe too easy. apart from steamy scenes, not much substance to it,so after a few chapters it becomes boring.
easy read, maybe too easy. apart from steamy scenes, not much substance to it,so after a few chapters it becomes boring.
January 2, 2020
New-to-me-author recommended by a friend. I love a good lawyer v. lawyer romance and throw in a second chance and I'll give it a go. Dylan and Eden were opposing counsel in a divorce trial. The potential seemed alive and strong for a bit, but then suddenly downhill we went fast. Not much substance in bringing a strong storyline, but certainly a whole lotta clothes flying, dirty talk and lots of sex. Not much depth given to character building but a lot of secrets held closely to the vest. The secrets at the very end were the only real pull for me, so I stayed with it to find the answers. A quick read, wasn't anywhere near what I had hoped I'd find, and there were far too many easily fixable editing problems as well.
July 4, 2019
Dylan and Eden. I love these characters. Trying to be the best lawyers for their clients and catch up from high school graduation, fifteen years prior. There are secrets and lots of chemistry!! You're going to love this book!!!
July 18, 2019
A consuming, sweet, steamy, perfect second chance at love. Dylan and Eden have not seen each other since high school. Its been 15 ish years. Dylan has always loved Eden but there were circumstances that broke them, he is haunted by how he left her all those years ago. But they come face to face in the courtroom. Cutthroat at their jobs, they are in a battle for their clients in a divorce case against each other.
You could tell, they absolutely love each other. Their banter, their chemistry, their sweetness, their awe of each other, speaks volume. As they spend more time together, they know there is a time limit on their little no strings attached fling, but they both know their relationship is wayyyyy deeper than that. Deborah did not disappoint with this story. I could not put this book down. It completely pulled me in and I just didn't want to let them go. I remember reading about Dylan in some of her other books and I wondered if he would get a story. They have this deep history back in high school, and it was heartbreaking hearing what Eden endured after their separation. The supporting friends were fantastic. I enjoyed them very much and can't wait for Barrett's book. LOVED Eden and Dylan's story.
You could tell, they absolutely love each other. Their banter, their chemistry, their sweetness, their awe of each other, speaks volume. As they spend more time together, they know there is a time limit on their little no strings attached fling, but they both know their relationship is wayyyyy deeper than that. Deborah did not disappoint with this story. I could not put this book down. It completely pulled me in and I just didn't want to let them go. I remember reading about Dylan in some of her other books and I wondered if he would get a story. They have this deep history back in high school, and it was heartbreaking hearing what Eden endured after their separation. The supporting friends were fantastic. I enjoyed them very much and can't wait for Barrett's book. LOVED Eden and Dylan's story.
August 3, 2019
[1.25 star] the relationship between the hero & heroine is fine. but there isnt much background story on both characters or what have they been up to before they reunited.
also, the reason i have given such a low score was because of how the divorce case they were working on ended. like the author kind of wrote out how the hero's client wasn't exactly faithful in her marriage, and the heroine was checking up on her to prove it. however, in the end, because the heroine's met with an accident, the court session did not move forward, and the hero's client decided to settle out of court after that. LIKE WTF!!!??? i was waiting for the heroine to present evidence to fight and win the case, totally disappointed.
the author just decided to end it abruptly because she does not know how to continue or what? the more i wrote, the more i dislike this book. if this is her writing style, i probably wouldn't read anymore of her books.
also, the reason i have given such a low score was because of how the divorce case they were working on ended. like the author kind of wrote out how the hero's client wasn't exactly faithful in her marriage, and the heroine was checking up on her to prove it. however, in the end, because the heroine's met with an accident, the court session did not move forward, and the hero's client decided to settle out of court after that. LIKE WTF!!!??? i was waiting for the heroine to present evidence to fight and win the case, totally disappointed.
the author just decided to end it abruptly because she does not know how to continue or what? the more i wrote, the more i dislike this book. if this is her writing style, i probably wouldn't read anymore of her books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 18, 2021
Sweet and engaging love story
It’s a sweet, romantic story with an edge of grief and pain that ends in an HEA. Dylan is the handsome, charismatic, football hero, and Eden is the innocent, beautiful, sweet, Coaches daughter. They both secretly had love for each other before college but never told one another or acted on it. Now reunited after years apart, they have both changed but have their feelings for one another?
It’s a sweet, romantic story with an edge of grief and pain that ends in an HEA. Dylan is the handsome, charismatic, football hero, and Eden is the innocent, beautiful, sweet, Coaches daughter. They both secretly had love for each other before college but never told one another or acted on it. Now reunited after years apart, they have both changed but have their feelings for one another?
February 1, 2024
💔💥💕
I’m so thrilled for Dylan and Eden. Dylan has been in several other books and every time I would think I hope he finds his love. This is another second chance story and it may be one of my favorites of all time.
Dylan so cold, driven and focused when we first meet him. He’s a great friend but the way he treats women is appalling. Eden is amazing, gorgeous and focused. I loved her immediately. This is worth reading
I’m so thrilled for Dylan and Eden. Dylan has been in several other books and every time I would think I hope he finds his love. This is another second chance story and it may be one of my favorites of all time.
Dylan so cold, driven and focused when we first meet him. He’s a great friend but the way he treats women is appalling. Eden is amazing, gorgeous and focused. I loved her immediately. This is worth reading
March 15, 2021
Dylan Colt only takes one type of woman to his bed. The ones who remind him of his high school love Eden. The one person he feels that he let down the most. Imagine his surprise when he finds out Eden is taking over as the lawyer he is going up against in court. And even bigger shocker, she was the woman in his bed last night! Dylan heart doesn’t stand a chance of surviving this one intact.
April 13, 2020
Steamy. Good story line. Easy read
This is my first book from this author and I enjoyed it. The story line is realistic and the characters are likable. I will definitely read more pf her books.
This is my first book from this author and I enjoyed it. The story line is realistic and the characters are likable. I will definitely read more pf her books.
July 31, 2020
Enemys to Lovers
I was really excited about this book and Deborah Bladon did not disappoint. Smart, edgy and steamy, this book has it all. It's always fun to see how Bladon weaves last characters into her work. Can't wait for the next one.
I was really excited about this book and Deborah Bladon did not disappoint. Smart, edgy and steamy, this book has it all. It's always fun to see how Bladon weaves last characters into her work. Can't wait for the next one.
September 2, 2021
Versus
Dylan is a lawyer. To relax he goes out for drinks and dancing. He most likely will find someone to take home with him for the night. Eden came back into his life. Dylan doesn’t recognize her on their one night together. Read to see how this all turns out.
Dylan is a lawyer. To relax he goes out for drinks and dancing. He most likely will find someone to take home with him for the night. Eden came back into his life. Dylan doesn’t recognize her on their one night together. Read to see how this all turns out.
February 23, 2024
Not my favorite.
This story didn’t resonate with me. The ending was good, but not much story. Many of the pages were just the two characters in the bedroom. Which I am not a fan of endless bedroom scenes. A bit too steamy for me.
This story didn’t resonate with me. The ending was good, but not much story. Many of the pages were just the two characters in the bedroom. Which I am not a fan of endless bedroom scenes. A bit too steamy for me.
April 9, 2020
Two lawyers with a past that goes all the way back to high School. Loved it!
June 11, 2020
Brilliant
Another brilliant book by Deborah Bladon. Eden comes back in to Dylan's life, in a court room and they start a romance which has a time limit or does it
Another brilliant book by Deborah Bladon. Eden comes back in to Dylan's life, in a court room and they start a romance which has a time limit or does it
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August 27, 2021i didn’t love this one as much as i did my first book by this author but i really do love the way they craft stories so i’m interested to read more!!
September 24, 2023
Good story
But keeping all the good stuff until the last few pages was not only irritating but frustrating. They were weak reasons to keep them apart.
But keeping all the good stuff until the last few pages was not only irritating but frustrating. They were weak reasons to keep them apart.
July 22, 2019
Overall: 4.5/5⭐⭐⭐⭐
Steam: 3/5 🔥🔥🔥
Feels: 🤔😲🤭😟🥰💖
~REVIEW~
The Quick and Dirty: Deborah Bladon delivers another solid contemporary romance. A super fun and quick read with mildly flawed characters (just enough to make them human), a story line that kept me entertained and an ending that tied everything up in a bow. A perfect summer, by-the-pool, book.
Dylan hasn't been able to get over the girl that got away in high school and has resigned himself to being a one-night-only kind of man. That is, until he runs into a woman who makes him want more. Little does he know, he and Eden have history and when he tries to pursue her, things get complicated because she's the opposing council on the case he's working. They'll have to work through their past in order to have a future together.
I can always count on Deborah Bladon to deliver a good contemporary romance. Some books you have to be in the mood for, hers are anytime kind of books. You can read them multiple times and they're always solid. I love that we get glimpses of characters from previous books too! Can't wait for Barrett's book!
~QD STORY DETAILS~
Tear jerker: No
Paranormal/Fantasy: No
Location: NYC and Buffalo, NY
Character age range: 27 and 35
Lead: Dylan Colt
Love interest(s): Eden Conrad
HEA: Yes
~QD BOOK INFO~
Kindle Unlimited: No
Audible: No
Series: No - Stand Alone
~QD HEAT~
Sex/kink type: manual, oral, penetrative
Possible triggers: death of a loved one, mention of domestic abuse
July 16, 2019
ARC Generously Provided by Author
Deborah Bladon is an author among my favorites. I have loved her style of writing from my first read, which was Risk, and probably my favorite so far of her titles. She always includes appearances from her other characters from previous series/books, which I love. In Deborah's writing, I like that I can get a real world feeling from the books and it's not just a story that goes through the motions.
But Versus is a great book in itself. One of my favorite tropes is second chance romance. Dylan and Eden are a great couple. But they don't start out that way. Something happened between them in high school and one isn't aware of the devastation that a decision was made to cause their life to change.
They meet again after years, in a unusually usual way, only to find out the next day that they are opposing counsels for a divorcing couple. Both cutthroat at their attorney games. The story comes to life at this turning point. The circumstance that broke them up hasn't been fully told. And it haunting one of them. The revolving point of views will keep you captivated till the last page. I couldn't stop guessing that the secret was that one of them was hiding. Their pasts are full of heartbreak and disappoint, in totally different ways.
It's a perfect consuming and steamy second chance love story with a dash of enemies-to-lovers that I completely recommend. I eagerly await her next novel!
★★★★ Second Chance Stars
Deborah Bladon is an author among my favorites. I have loved her style of writing from my first read, which was Risk, and probably my favorite so far of her titles. She always includes appearances from her other characters from previous series/books, which I love. In Deborah's writing, I like that I can get a real world feeling from the books and it's not just a story that goes through the motions.
But Versus is a great book in itself. One of my favorite tropes is second chance romance. Dylan and Eden are a great couple. But they don't start out that way. Something happened between them in high school and one isn't aware of the devastation that a decision was made to cause their life to change.
They meet again after years, in a unusually usual way, only to find out the next day that they are opposing counsels for a divorcing couple. Both cutthroat at their attorney games. The story comes to life at this turning point. The circumstance that broke them up hasn't been fully told. And it haunting one of them. The revolving point of views will keep you captivated till the last page. I couldn't stop guessing that the secret was that one of them was hiding. Their pasts are full of heartbreak and disappoint, in totally different ways.
It's a perfect consuming and steamy second chance love story with a dash of enemies-to-lovers that I completely recommend. I eagerly await her next novel!
★★★★ Second Chance Stars
January 19, 2020
This was okay. Low on angst and what conflict there was solved super simply. It was decent enough to finish.
☆☆
☆☆
September 14, 2019
Worth waiting for
I have been enjoying reading many of Deborah Bladon's romances on Kindle unlimited. This one, Versus, was only available to buy so I contented myself with the sample, hoping that it would soon become available on Kindle unlimited for free. Today I noticed that it was available for 99 pence so I happily bought it. I had been longing to find out more about the lawyer Dylan Colt and why he always sought out similar looking women. I loved the fact that he finally got to take the elusive Eden to bed but had failed to recognize her. The rest of the story was sweet and enjoyable and I raced through it as I do with all these books. This one does not have the great suspense and twists of the stones of Hunter and Sadie or Jax and Ivy but Dylan Colt is another gorgeous playboy just waiting to be tamed by love. As a lawyer myself, I would have enjoyed it if the Acaster divorce had been played out in full and we had seen the witnesses to the wife's misbehaviour but her conduct towards Dylan foreshadowed it. I would have expected Dylan to have checked on her after Eden's warnings but he was lucky that the case settled. A fun read and I look forward to reading Barret's story next.
I have been enjoying reading many of Deborah Bladon's romances on Kindle unlimited. This one, Versus, was only available to buy so I contented myself with the sample, hoping that it would soon become available on Kindle unlimited for free. Today I noticed that it was available for 99 pence so I happily bought it. I had been longing to find out more about the lawyer Dylan Colt and why he always sought out similar looking women. I loved the fact that he finally got to take the elusive Eden to bed but had failed to recognize her. The rest of the story was sweet and enjoyable and I raced through it as I do with all these books. This one does not have the great suspense and twists of the stones of Hunter and Sadie or Jax and Ivy but Dylan Colt is another gorgeous playboy just waiting to be tamed by love. As a lawyer myself, I would have enjoyed it if the Acaster divorce had been played out in full and we had seen the witnesses to the wife's misbehaviour but her conduct towards Dylan foreshadowed it. I would have expected Dylan to have checked on her after Eden's warnings but he was lucky that the case settled. A fun read and I look forward to reading Barret's story next.
August 6, 2019
A one night stand, lots of heat starts the book off right away. Dylan sees the woman he wants to spend the night with. He tries to get her name, but she refuses. Before he wakes up she’s gone. Dylan is a lawyer, and when he shows up to court he sees his one night stand. When he introduces her he gets a shock of his life. Her name is Eden Conrad, a woman from his past, a woman that he ruined.
The story of Dylan and Eden was sweet, romantic, and teaches you how people blame themselves, and can hold it for years. Eden is a strong female lead, she fights for what she wants and truly an amazing lawyer. Dylan is a sexy, sweetheart of a guy. He determined to win Eden heart and his case against her. The plot has a lot of steam and hella lot of sexy scenes. I gave the story four stars because I was waiting for a lot more shocking secrets, but they never really came. The ending was wrapped up in a pretty bow. I like more angst and drama towards the end. I still recommend that this book to all my readers that love sweet stories.
The story of Dylan and Eden was sweet, romantic, and teaches you how people blame themselves, and can hold it for years. Eden is a strong female lead, she fights for what she wants and truly an amazing lawyer. Dylan is a sexy, sweetheart of a guy. He determined to win Eden heart and his case against her. The plot has a lot of steam and hella lot of sexy scenes. I gave the story four stars because I was waiting for a lot more shocking secrets, but they never really came. The ending was wrapped up in a pretty bow. I like more angst and drama towards the end. I still recommend that this book to all my readers that love sweet stories.
September 3, 2019
i think this is my 2nd read from Deborah ... i would say a high 4 star rating ... almost a 5 but not right at that point for me ... loved the characters ... love the history of them ... i think when u have that in a story it really help root them and make it even more interesting or entertaining. i get kind of iffy when u don't know the author well and u read her other book on KU but this one is not on KU ... so u think, and think ... i mean 3 bucks is not a lot but if you are like me u buy a lot of books but u have to be picky ... u know??! u can not buy all books u want!! so i check it out and i am so glad i did. great style. hope for more in similar coolness from DB soon enough!! i was shocked at the number of reviews ... it has been out a while ... check it out ... MUST READ for sure!!
November 29, 2019
No Negotiating Necessary
Nope, sorry this story just didn't do it for me. First of all, unless these two characters were featured in another book, they aren't developed at all. But I do know they went to high school together and both had secrets because that's pretty much all on repeat for the first half of this book. Dylan was probably supposed to be an "alpha" but just came across as a rude, crude a$$. I liked Eden well enough but was seriously bored with her storyline until the end when all the secrets are revealed. And if I'm honest and no I'm not a prude but the sexy times should enhance the story it's not necessary to have the clothes coming off just because you're in the same room, yes too much/many sexy times is a real thing. The first half of this story is really choppy and just didn't entice this reader.
Nope, sorry this story just didn't do it for me. First of all, unless these two characters were featured in another book, they aren't developed at all. But I do know they went to high school together and both had secrets because that's pretty much all on repeat for the first half of this book. Dylan was probably supposed to be an "alpha" but just came across as a rude, crude a$$. I liked Eden well enough but was seriously bored with her storyline until the end when all the secrets are revealed. And if I'm honest and no I'm not a prude but the sexy times should enhance the story it's not necessary to have the clothes coming off just because you're in the same room, yes too much/many sexy times is a real thing. The first half of this story is really choppy and just didn't entice this reader.
July 6, 2019
I loved this second chance lawyer romance. Dylan and Eden are both high profile divorce lawyers and have not laid eyes on each other since high school. Then one night of passion brings them back together in a way neither would ever forget. However, now they must battle each other in the courtroom to see who has what it takes to win.
Dylan is living with the guilt of how he treated Eden at their graduation, she has put the past behind her and never thought she would lay eyes on her high school crush again. The real test will be if she can forgive him once he reveals what happened that night. I loved their negotiating and sexual bargaining, it was very sweet and their chemistry was on point. They made a great couple. I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC and this is my honest review.
Dylan is living with the guilt of how he treated Eden at their graduation, she has put the past behind her and never thought she would lay eyes on her high school crush again. The real test will be if she can forgive him once he reveals what happened that night. I loved their negotiating and sexual bargaining, it was very sweet and their chemistry was on point. They made a great couple. I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC and this is my honest review.
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November 18, 2019Okay so I'm feeling slightly let down by this book I really enjoyed the last book I had read by Deborah which was "Compass" and I felt like the secret Dylan had in the book was made out like it was gonna be a deal breaker for his potential future relationship with Eden but once she found out she just forgave him and said it wasn't a big deal. When I read that part I thought to myself that's it. All those pages filled with guilt by Dylan to just be so anticlimactic about the truth. Yes their is loads of sex in the book, and those encounters are sexy and hot. I did enjoy Deborah mentioning other previous characters from her book. But this was 👎 for me.
July 4, 2019
Eden and Dylan
This was a fun one. Dylan and Eden were high school friends. There were certainly unrequited feelings on both sides but Eden’s Dad (Dylan’s HS Football Coach) kept them both in check.
A tragic event after their high school graduation start these two on different paths in their lives.
They come back together 15 years later, both divorce attorneys, and both fighting what’s happened to them in the past so they can actually have a future.
There was some intrigue, some tears, and it was not lacking in sexy steaminess.
This was a fun one. Dylan and Eden were high school friends. There were certainly unrequited feelings on both sides but Eden’s Dad (Dylan’s HS Football Coach) kept them both in check.
A tragic event after their high school graduation start these two on different paths in their lives.
They come back together 15 years later, both divorce attorneys, and both fighting what’s happened to them in the past so they can actually have a future.
There was some intrigue, some tears, and it was not lacking in sexy steaminess.
July 10, 2019
Together again
Deborah didn't let us down with Versus! It was a fun, very sexy read.
Colt and Eden went to high school together, he was on the football team and she was the coaches daughter and his tutor. They both had feelings for one another that went unsaid. After graduation they went separate ways, now they find themselves in Manhattan as opposing counsel in a divorce case. Its been 15 years since they have seen one another and the sparks definitely fly!!
Deborah didn't let us down with Versus! It was a fun, very sexy read.
Colt and Eden went to high school together, he was on the football team and she was the coaches daughter and his tutor. They both had feelings for one another that went unsaid. After graduation they went separate ways, now they find themselves in Manhattan as opposing counsel in a divorce case. Its been 15 years since they have seen one another and the sparks definitely fly!!
July 5, 2019
This is a wonderful second chance romance, beautifully written, with steam, chemistry, playfulness, adversarial work relations, unrequited feelings finally resolved and awesome, defined main characters who are realistic, along with great secondary characters. I loved this book. I voluntarily read an ARC and this is my honest review
July 5, 2019
Another hit! Deborah Bladon continues to take me to my happy place. Versus is a fantastic story. It slowly reveals secrets from the past. Yet, it’s laced with desire, longing and hope for the future. Dylan and Eden are destined to have their happily ever after. But will full disclosure destroy their newfound relationship?
An outstanding read!
An outstanding read!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews