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Second Helpings
After escaping to New York City and building a successful career, food blogger Isaac Reynolds returns to his small Ozark hometown for his twenty-year high school reunion. But old ghosts and a charged family history surrounding his mixed-race identity emerge to threaten the emotional safety that time and distance once provided.
Grant Atkins never expected his long-lost love to make an appearance at the reunion—or to step foot in their hometown, for that matter—not after two decades in the big city. But the flames Isaac inspired in Grant have yet to cool, and while part of Grant wants to shove the past aside and live for the moment, the other part screams out a warning that the risk might shatter his heart and the peace he has finally found.
As Isaac explores the memories and flavors of childhood, he realizes what his soul has been craving all this time… And a second chance might be just within Grant’s reach.
(This novella contains 23,000 words and three recipes.)
Grant Atkins never expected his long-lost love to make an appearance at the reunion—or to step foot in their hometown, for that matter—not after two decades in the big city. But the flames Isaac inspired in Grant have yet to cool, and while part of Grant wants to shove the past aside and live for the moment, the other part screams out a warning that the risk might shatter his heart and the peace he has finally found.
As Isaac explores the memories and flavors of childhood, he realizes what his soul has been craving all this time… And a second chance might be just within Grant’s reach.
(This novella contains 23,000 words and three recipes.)
110 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 8, 2020
7 people are currently reading
46 people want to read
About the author
Brandon Witt
34 books442 followersBrandon Witt's outlook on life is greatly impacted by his first eighteen years of growing up gay in a small town in the Ozarks, as well as fifteen years as a counselor and special education teacher for students with severe emotional disabilities. Add to that his obsession with corgis and mermaids, then factor in an unhealthy love affair with cheeseburgers, and you realize that with all those issues, he's got plenty to write about....
Visit Brandon's webpage: http://www.brandonwitt.com/
Visit him on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brandon.witt...
Enjoy episodes of The Witty Hour: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCO5c...
Visit Brandon's webpage: http://www.brandonwitt.com/
Visit him on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brandon.witt...
Enjoy episodes of The Witty Hour: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCO5c...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
September 16, 2020
Have you ever heard the expression that 'the third times the charm'?
Well, that was the case for me this time around. 'Second Helping' is the story of two men...best friends and more, who meet again at their high school reunion after 20 years.
While growing up Grant Atkins and Isaac Reynolds were best friends...until they weren't. The day after their high school graduation Isaac left their little podunk town and headed for the bright lights of New York without so much as a good-bye for Grant, his constant companion.
Grant was heart broken but life goes on and now after all the years and the mistakes that came with them, he's in a good place with his life.
When Isaac shows up at their 20 year high school reunion it all changes because both men realize that 20 years apart has done little to douse the passion they once shared. Grant knows he's going to be in for more heartache but the chance to have even one more night with Isaac is more than he can resist.
As Isaac and Grant revisit the past both men learn things that leaving them re-evaluating the choices they made and looking at each other with a new perspective as well as renewed feelings.
'Second Helpings' is a short but incredibly sweet second chance story. It takes place in the same town as 'The Shattered Door' and 'Then the Stars Fell', however, while the characters in each of these stories are mentioned in the other stories they are not directly connected to each other and the books can technically be read as standalones.
Drew Bacca was the narrator for this story unlike the previous stories which were narrated by Andrew McFerrin and while I'm normally a fan of consistency when it comes to narrators in this case it was a non-issue since this is not actually a part of a series...the stories have a connection because of location...not because of recurring characters. This was only my second time listening to an audio book by this narrator and I found that he added both depth and personality to the characters through their voices. Certainly a narrator that I would not hesitate to listen to again.
At 2 hours and 25 minutes, I was honestly impressed by how much story was contained in such a short amount of time. As the current events of Grant and Isaac's reunion unfold their memories of the past are seamlessly brought into conversations allowing the listener to simply absorb events and recounting of memories effortlessly.
While this was the shortest of the stories set in the small Ozark town of El Dorado by this author that I've listened to, for me it was also the most enjoyable.
*************************
An audio book of 'Second Helpings' was graciously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Well, that was the case for me this time around. 'Second Helping' is the story of two men...best friends and more, who meet again at their high school reunion after 20 years.
While growing up Grant Atkins and Isaac Reynolds were best friends...until they weren't. The day after their high school graduation Isaac left their little podunk town and headed for the bright lights of New York without so much as a good-bye for Grant, his constant companion.
Grant was heart broken but life goes on and now after all the years and the mistakes that came with them, he's in a good place with his life.
When Isaac shows up at their 20 year high school reunion it all changes because both men realize that 20 years apart has done little to douse the passion they once shared. Grant knows he's going to be in for more heartache but the chance to have even one more night with Isaac is more than he can resist.
As Isaac and Grant revisit the past both men learn things that leaving them re-evaluating the choices they made and looking at each other with a new perspective as well as renewed feelings.
'Second Helpings' is a short but incredibly sweet second chance story. It takes place in the same town as 'The Shattered Door' and 'Then the Stars Fell', however, while the characters in each of these stories are mentioned in the other stories they are not directly connected to each other and the books can technically be read as standalones.
Drew Bacca was the narrator for this story unlike the previous stories which were narrated by Andrew McFerrin and while I'm normally a fan of consistency when it comes to narrators in this case it was a non-issue since this is not actually a part of a series...the stories have a connection because of location...not because of recurring characters. This was only my second time listening to an audio book by this narrator and I found that he added both depth and personality to the characters through their voices. Certainly a narrator that I would not hesitate to listen to again.
At 2 hours and 25 minutes, I was honestly impressed by how much story was contained in such a short amount of time. As the current events of Grant and Isaac's reunion unfold their memories of the past are seamlessly brought into conversations allowing the listener to simply absorb events and recounting of memories effortlessly.
While this was the shortest of the stories set in the small Ozark town of El Dorado by this author that I've listened to, for me it was also the most enjoyable.
*************************
An audio book of 'Second Helpings' was graciously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
September 9, 2020
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.25 stars
Witt does an excellent job building Isaac and Grant’s backstories into the book. The result is a pair of compelling, complex characters that had me reflecting on my own experiences with family tension and missed opportunities. It’s clear that Isaac felt incredible pressure being the only Black boy in an otherwise all-white school, but his life was fraught with race relation issues at home, too. Witt conveys in sharp, concise vignettes the facts of Isaac’s conception as biracial, being raised by his white grandparents, and at least two contentious truths he learns about his grandfather.
Read Camille’s review in its entirety here.
4.25 stars
Witt does an excellent job building Isaac and Grant’s backstories into the book. The result is a pair of compelling, complex characters that had me reflecting on my own experiences with family tension and missed opportunities. It’s clear that Isaac felt incredible pressure being the only Black boy in an otherwise all-white school, but his life was fraught with race relation issues at home, too. Witt conveys in sharp, concise vignettes the facts of Isaac’s conception as biracial, being raised by his white grandparents, and at least two contentious truths he learns about his grandfather.
Read Camille’s review in its entirety here.
September 19, 2020
Isaac and Grant were high school best friends and secret lovers. When Isaac left town after graduation, he broke both their hearts. When they both showed up at their twentieth high school reunion, the old feelings were just as strong as ever.
These two made my heart hurt, with their pain and some of their actions, but I cared so much about them. They had each gone through years trying to find happiness that was out of their reach. Once they met up again, I was anxious for them to find a way to stay together. Their story was brief, and I would love to read more about them someday - however, I was very happy with the way this ended.
These two made my heart hurt, with their pain and some of their actions, but I cared so much about them. They had each gone through years trying to find happiness that was out of their reach. Once they met up again, I was anxious for them to find a way to stay together. Their story was brief, and I would love to read more about them someday - however, I was very happy with the way this ended.
August 12, 2020
What a beautiful short story about Isaac who returns to his hometown to attend a school reunion and the love of his life Grant and how they manage to salvage a relationship that ended years ago.
I have always loved Brandon’s writing and this book did not disappoint.
I have always loved Brandon’s writing and this book did not disappoint.
December 6, 2020
Second helpings is a 3rd chance love story, with a love that's stayed strong for years through up and downs and years apart.
Even though this is a novella it is a complete story and you don't feel anything is missed.
Another winner by Brandon!
Even though this is a novella it is a complete story and you don't feel anything is missed.
Another winner by Brandon!
September 8, 2020
This was a bittersweet second chance romance that I immediately connected with. Isaac left his hometown right after his grandmother died and never regretted his reason. He may have thought often of the boy he left behind and was never able to replace but the driving force to make him flee consumed him. I don’t want to give away any spoilers but Isaac did not leave on a whim.
Grant has missed his friend and soulmate for two decades. The hurt was intense when Isaac left but Grant is a decent man and wants to reconnect with his first crush. Isaac is back for a school reunion that a friend and co-worker from New York City goaded him to attend. Maybe it’s time to bury some ghosts and seeing Isaac, he can’t deny there are still strong feelings.
Isaac’s childhood was rough. His mother never cared for him and his grandparents raised him as their own. Having his grandfather be mayor did help. He was ridiculed because his father was black and in his small town, he was the only biracial student in school. His grandfather did love him and that gave him some protection.
Grant was his best friend since he could remember and the day he left affected Isaac more than Grant realized. No one has compared to his first love but memories of past betrayals made Isaac stay away. The men reconnect and they both just need to speak what’s on their minds. Can they finally come to terms with Isaac’s abrupt departure and realize happiness can actually be theirs if they allow it? This was a sweet tender story that was heartfelt and deeply moving. I highly recommend this little gem. Happy Reading!
***Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn’t a requirement.***
Grant has missed his friend and soulmate for two decades. The hurt was intense when Isaac left but Grant is a decent man and wants to reconnect with his first crush. Isaac is back for a school reunion that a friend and co-worker from New York City goaded him to attend. Maybe it’s time to bury some ghosts and seeing Isaac, he can’t deny there are still strong feelings.
Isaac’s childhood was rough. His mother never cared for him and his grandparents raised him as their own. Having his grandfather be mayor did help. He was ridiculed because his father was black and in his small town, he was the only biracial student in school. His grandfather did love him and that gave him some protection.
Grant was his best friend since he could remember and the day he left affected Isaac more than Grant realized. No one has compared to his first love but memories of past betrayals made Isaac stay away. The men reconnect and they both just need to speak what’s on their minds. Can they finally come to terms with Isaac’s abrupt departure and realize happiness can actually be theirs if they allow it? This was a sweet tender story that was heartfelt and deeply moving. I highly recommend this little gem. Happy Reading!
***Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn’t a requirement.***
September 9, 2020
Oh, the horrors, the dreaded 20 Year High School Reunion!
Isaac Reynolds continuously overthinks his decision to return to the small town he left immediately after graduation. The small town where he stood out among the vanilla folks. But twenty years later, the memory, the pull of seeing his once best friend cannot be put off any longer. Isaac rationalizes it is only for a few hours and he can reasonably blend in, surreptitiously looking for that one face, the reason he left his secure, successful life in New York City for a party in this town.
Grant Atkins, the man who never left the small town, and works with his sister at their classic diner, offering homestyle, familiar dishes. Grant never forgot the one friend, who left twenty years ago without a goodbye, breaking his heart. Even years later Grant knows his heart can easily break again. The two find that there is still a burn, a sense of belonging, a wonder if there could still be something between them?
Even in this story with an abbreviated format, Mr. Witt catches the anguish, the humor, the memories, hopes and the wishes of two men who never lost the concept of a possible future together.
As an added treat for the reader, there are three completely addictive, family recipes included. Absolutely delicious wherever you land.
Isaac Reynolds continuously overthinks his decision to return to the small town he left immediately after graduation. The small town where he stood out among the vanilla folks. But twenty years later, the memory, the pull of seeing his once best friend cannot be put off any longer. Isaac rationalizes it is only for a few hours and he can reasonably blend in, surreptitiously looking for that one face, the reason he left his secure, successful life in New York City for a party in this town.
Grant Atkins, the man who never left the small town, and works with his sister at their classic diner, offering homestyle, familiar dishes. Grant never forgot the one friend, who left twenty years ago without a goodbye, breaking his heart. Even years later Grant knows his heart can easily break again. The two find that there is still a burn, a sense of belonging, a wonder if there could still be something between them?
Even in this story with an abbreviated format, Mr. Witt catches the anguish, the humor, the memories, hopes and the wishes of two men who never lost the concept of a possible future together.
As an added treat for the reader, there are three completely addictive, family recipes included. Absolutely delicious wherever you land.
September 17, 2020
📚🎧 Audiobook Review 🎧📚
Narrator: Drew Bacca
Overall 4 stars
Narrator 5 stars
Story 4 stars
High school reunions. Three of the most dreaded words ever. Yet, something brings Isaac back to his hometown. The hometown even his grandfather’s funeral couldn’t bring him home to. The hometown he stood out in. Being mixed race, he never felt like he belonged there. Except for one person he left behind; Grant. His best friend, and secret boyfriend...until the day he left for college, never looking back.
This story is not all sunshine and roses. There are misunderstandings, hurts, pent up frustration, and love. Watching them take a walk down memory lane was both beautiful and painful at times. But that’s life. Because of that, I felt like I could relate to these characters.
This was a well-written story, with an approachable plot. Being a novella, it was easy to sit down and read it in one sitting. The characters were easy to like, and root for, as they discovered what they wanted for their lives.
This was the first time I’ve listened to Drew Bacca narrate, and I hope it’s not my last. He brought such emotion into telling the story that I could feel what the characters did. He was great at giving different voices to the characters. I really enjoyed the tone of his voice. It was soothing, like an old friend, which was PERFECT for this story.
Narrator: Drew Bacca
Overall 4 stars
Narrator 5 stars
Story 4 stars
High school reunions. Three of the most dreaded words ever. Yet, something brings Isaac back to his hometown. The hometown even his grandfather’s funeral couldn’t bring him home to. The hometown he stood out in. Being mixed race, he never felt like he belonged there. Except for one person he left behind; Grant. His best friend, and secret boyfriend...until the day he left for college, never looking back.
This story is not all sunshine and roses. There are misunderstandings, hurts, pent up frustration, and love. Watching them take a walk down memory lane was both beautiful and painful at times. But that’s life. Because of that, I felt like I could relate to these characters.
This was a well-written story, with an approachable plot. Being a novella, it was easy to sit down and read it in one sitting. The characters were easy to like, and root for, as they discovered what they wanted for their lives.
This was the first time I’ve listened to Drew Bacca narrate, and I hope it’s not my last. He brought such emotion into telling the story that I could feel what the characters did. He was great at giving different voices to the characters. I really enjoyed the tone of his voice. It was soothing, like an old friend, which was PERFECT for this story.
September 8, 2020
Short and perfect.
I loved this story - I could easily have been sucked into a full-length novel of this story, but as a novella it did not feel like anything was missing. I felt the mixed feelings Isaac had walking into his reunion - anticipation combined with dread combined with uncertainty. Having left high school and everything it represented behind, including everyone there and even his home town as a whole when he moved to New York (and immediately came out). It turned out Isaac really only cared about seeing one person, the only one he ever regretted leaving behind - but even with Grant, there was uncertainty. Learning more about what life was like for Isaac as the only. Black student in their school, one of very few non-white people in the town, the unfolding of the past with his white grandparents, what Grant had been up to over the two decades since they’d last had contact... it’s not nice and neat and pleasant, it’s messy and complicated and painful. And yet it has brought them back to this moment, together, just for a night. I loved the writer’s style and look forward to reading more from him.
I loved this story - I could easily have been sucked into a full-length novel of this story, but as a novella it did not feel like anything was missing. I felt the mixed feelings Isaac had walking into his reunion - anticipation combined with dread combined with uncertainty. Having left high school and everything it represented behind, including everyone there and even his home town as a whole when he moved to New York (and immediately came out). It turned out Isaac really only cared about seeing one person, the only one he ever regretted leaving behind - but even with Grant, there was uncertainty. Learning more about what life was like for Isaac as the only. Black student in their school, one of very few non-white people in the town, the unfolding of the past with his white grandparents, what Grant had been up to over the two decades since they’d last had contact... it’s not nice and neat and pleasant, it’s messy and complicated and painful. And yet it has brought them back to this moment, together, just for a night. I loved the writer’s style and look forward to reading more from him.
September 2, 2020
A lovely second chance romance.
Though the book can be categorised as a novella, this story offers it all- the struggle of born in a defunct family, facing racial discrimination and homophobia, the joys that come with falling for your best friend, regret of lost chances and bad choices, facing old demons and opening oneself to a second chance at love.
Told in dual POV, the novella follows Isaac's and Grant's story when they meet at a high school reunion. Their love was heartbreakingly beautiful to read. And I loved Grant's character. Weak at heart, yet so determined.
Highly recommended to those looking for a short, second chance romance and fans of Brandon Witt.
ARC received in exchange of a honest review.
Though the book can be categorised as a novella, this story offers it all- the struggle of born in a defunct family, facing racial discrimination and homophobia, the joys that come with falling for your best friend, regret of lost chances and bad choices, facing old demons and opening oneself to a second chance at love.
Told in dual POV, the novella follows Isaac's and Grant's story when they meet at a high school reunion. Their love was heartbreakingly beautiful to read. And I loved Grant's character. Weak at heart, yet so determined.
|"To simply be with Isaac again. With the boy who’d been my best, and at times, only, friend. With the man I’d thought I’d spend my life with. Just moments like this. Easy, gentle, warm."|
Highly recommended to those looking for a short, second chance romance and fans of Brandon Witt.
ARC received in exchange of a honest review.
September 9, 2020
I have to be honest, Brandon Witt is one of my auto buy authors. He can take my emotions on a roller coaster ride, very similar to the Rock-O-Planes ride that was the site of Isaac and Grant’s only ‘public’ kiss. This novella is packed with nuance and overt gut punches, and everything in between for a second chance at love.
From Isaac’s coming home for the 20 year reunion to reminiscing with Grant, the time spent in ElDo is heart-wrenching for both men. Neither man expects more than a day or two together before life goes back to what it has been. Only, after this meeting, their love won’t settle back into nostalgia and remembrances. Both men run into issues trying to move forward with their lives without the other.
This book is the epitome of this author’s specialty; finding love through heartbreak, hard truths and determination melded together for that HEA that everyone is looking for. After a lifetime, Grant and Isaac definitely deserve this hard won happily ever after.
From Isaac’s coming home for the 20 year reunion to reminiscing with Grant, the time spent in ElDo is heart-wrenching for both men. Neither man expects more than a day or two together before life goes back to what it has been. Only, after this meeting, their love won’t settle back into nostalgia and remembrances. Both men run into issues trying to move forward with their lives without the other.
This book is the epitome of this author’s specialty; finding love through heartbreak, hard truths and determination melded together for that HEA that everyone is looking for. After a lifetime, Grant and Isaac definitely deserve this hard won happily ever after.
September 1, 2020
Second Helpings is a heartwarming second-chance-at-love story, set in the same town as the amazing Then The Stars Fall. We only get to reconnect with a couple of the characters from that beautiful story, but it was lovely even so. The love that exists between Grant and Isaac is as overwhelmingly mesmerizing as it seems hauntingly hopeless. It is only novella-length book, but the author succeeds in painting a nuanced background story for the MC’s, and both Isaac and Grant are interesting, complex characters. The depth of their love for each other is immediately evident and very persuasive. I love that it is Grant, who seems so staid and (understandably) leery of taking risks or standing out, who in the end takes an impressive leap of faith. I love him for Isaac. Isaac’s past holds such pain and heartbreak, and he deserves all the love, acceptance, and happiness he finds with Grant.
September 14, 2020
Whoa. This ended faster than I thought it would.
This is a second chance story. There was really no reason given why Isaac left town, and actually I can't remember any good reason given for why he went back. He did go to the reunion, but the whole time he seemed to hate being there because so many places brought back bad memories. His mother was a bad memory, but she was brought up for a split second and then no more. There were a lot of unfinished situations that were brought up but there was no closure.
20 years he was gone and they're back together no problem - it was a little too easy. The book ended on my kindle at 84% - I was expecting an epilogue or something but got a quick ending like an axe chop. It was startling how it just literally stopped.
At least there was a cookie at the end that I might actually try.
This is a second chance story. There was really no reason given why Isaac left town, and actually I can't remember any good reason given for why he went back. He did go to the reunion, but the whole time he seemed to hate being there because so many places brought back bad memories. His mother was a bad memory, but she was brought up for a split second and then no more. There were a lot of unfinished situations that were brought up but there was no closure.
20 years he was gone and they're back together no problem - it was a little too easy. The book ended on my kindle at 84% - I was expecting an epilogue or something but got a quick ending like an axe chop. It was startling how it just literally stopped.
At least there was a cookie at the end that I might actually try.
September 13, 2020
What a great story!
Second Helpings is the first book I've read by Brandon Witt and I loved it! Second chance stories and friends-to-lovers are two of my favorite romance tropes and this book hit both of them just right.
High school secret lovers reconnecting after years apart, Isaac and Grant reconnect at their 20th high school reunion. This was a wonderful story about lovers who parted abruptly but finally make their way back to each other. It's also a story about one man finally taking the plunge and making a huge change to follow the man he loves.
While this might be a relatively short read it sure packed a punch and I'm so glad that I read it.
An advanced copy of this book was provided to me but my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.
Second Helpings is the first book I've read by Brandon Witt and I loved it! Second chance stories and friends-to-lovers are two of my favorite romance tropes and this book hit both of them just right.
High school secret lovers reconnecting after years apart, Isaac and Grant reconnect at their 20th high school reunion. This was a wonderful story about lovers who parted abruptly but finally make their way back to each other. It's also a story about one man finally taking the plunge and making a huge change to follow the man he loves.
While this might be a relatively short read it sure packed a punch and I'm so glad that I read it.
An advanced copy of this book was provided to me but my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.
September 12, 2020
Second chance with love and living your dream. Emotional journey for our MC's with lots of self-evaluation and looking at their lives. This author always brings us well written stories with wonderfully developed characters and Isaac and Grant, our MC's are well done. There is a sense of hopelessness and a lot of sadness for me in the first part of the book. The pacing of the story is good and I really enjoyed the last part of the book. The ending is just perfect for this story and these characters.
I was gifted this book from Gay Romance Reviews and i freely give my honest opinion and review
I was gifted this book from Gay Romance Reviews and i freely give my honest opinion and review
September 12, 2020
The description of the Ozarks and the small town atmosphere in this book was spot on and the experiences Isaac went through there ring true. The use of food to help set the tone and theme was wonderfully done and also very realistic as food plays a huge role in family life and get togethers of all kinds in these small, Ozark towns. This book can be painful at times. You will totally believe in these characters and so, so want them to get through all the heartache to their HEA. Not a light afternoon, summer read but a meaningful and emotional one. This will be a reread this winter wrapped in a blanket with some good coffee.
September 13, 2020
Such a sweet story between Isaac and Grant. Nothing like a second chance to fulfill that never forgotten love from your past.
Isaac initially moved to New York to escape the pains of his past and to make a career for himself. For his twenty year high school reunion, he returns home and those old pangs began to rear themselves.
Grant wasn't expecting Isaac to show up, so imagine his surprise and anxiety. Letting go of the past hurts will prove hard to do. Throwing caution to the wind will not be so easy in matters of the heart.
Really sweet, right amount of heat, swirls of emotions.
**I received this ARC from Gay Romance Reviews for my honest feedback.**
Isaac initially moved to New York to escape the pains of his past and to make a career for himself. For his twenty year high school reunion, he returns home and those old pangs began to rear themselves.
Grant wasn't expecting Isaac to show up, so imagine his surprise and anxiety. Letting go of the past hurts will prove hard to do. Throwing caution to the wind will not be so easy in matters of the heart.
Really sweet, right amount of heat, swirls of emotions.
**I received this ARC from Gay Romance Reviews for my honest feedback.**
September 8, 2020
A reunion story with that extra something👬
4.5 🌟stars
I was really pleased by Grant and Isaac's second chance romance story. I assumed it would be a quick make-up and hook-up but there's also good depth, particularly related to Isaac's background and reasons for leaving BFF Grant and their small town in his rearview mirror for twenty, yes, twenty years. Grant's stoic acceptance of the prospect of separation, possibly permanent, is particularly touching. Loved the positive ending too.
I don't recall that I've read any other of the author's books, but I will look out for them in the future.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
4.5 🌟stars
I was really pleased by Grant and Isaac's second chance romance story. I assumed it would be a quick make-up and hook-up but there's also good depth, particularly related to Isaac's background and reasons for leaving BFF Grant and their small town in his rearview mirror for twenty, yes, twenty years. Grant's stoic acceptance of the prospect of separation, possibly permanent, is particularly touching. Loved the positive ending too.
I don't recall that I've read any other of the author's books, but I will look out for them in the future.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
September 11, 2020
Isaac and Grant’s story broke my heart. 20 years ago they were very much in love but Isaac left after school without a word, and the two haven’t seen each other since. They have both missed the other, but Isaac’s past wouldn’t let him come back. Returning for the 20th reunion brings them together again. It is clear how much they care, but they both need to get to a place where they can say “we can make this work”. I’m so glad they did. My heart felt for them and they deserve happiness after all those years.
I am voluntarily reviewing an ARC provided by Gay Romance Reviews
I am voluntarily reviewing an ARC provided by Gay Romance Reviews
September 13, 2020
I really enjoyed getting to know Isaac and Grant. Their relationship went through many trials and I loved seeing the second and third chances at their relationship. I wish at the end there had been a flash forward to the future but overall I really enjoyed the length of this book. I loved Angie and Clarice and thought that they were great side characters, lending great emotional support to Isaac and Grant. The story was really sweet with a low heat level which I think was perfect for this story. I would definitely recommend this book.
August 14, 2020
Isaac goes back to his small hometown for his 20th high school reunion. He can't help but feel it is a mistake until he runs into Grand. Isaac and Grant loved each other twenty years ago and then Isaac left for New York. A lot can happen in that length of time but some things don't change. This is a dual POV novella with well written characters. There is a lot of depth to both men and it is an enjoyable story with our heroes finally getting their HEA.
September 9, 2020
Grant and Isaac meet again after 20 years at their high school class reunion. They rekindle the love that never died. This was a little different from other stories I’ve read. It’s a best friend to lovers with a second chance at love. It was a beautiful story that I highly recommend. I am voluntarily leaving a review form an ARC that I received. My reviews are solely based on my thoughts and opinions.
September 11, 2020
Brandon has done it again, extremely well written, great complex characters in Isaac and Grant, second chance, hurt/comfort, humour, I was captivated from the beginning. Isaac the only black man in this small town, luckily his grandfather was the mayor and loved Isaac so no one dared hurt him. I didn’t want the story to end, it was awesome.
I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book for my honest opinions of which I’m under no obligation to do so. I definitely recommend this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book for my honest opinions of which I’m under no obligation to do so. I definitely recommend this book.
September 1, 2020
I loved this visit back to El Dorado Springs. And I really loved Isaac and Grant. Second chances are so nice, and this one was a great example. I liked that there was almost no words for them to be almost where they were. I liked that food plays in this story. It was sweet, adorable, fast-paced and totally enjoyable to read. Definitely recommend this book.
September 5, 2020
There's something about El Dorado!
You might not want to stay there, but it gives you hope for the future.
An insight into what could be.
Plus if your first love is still there and available...you might not be able to stop yourself from trying again...even though you doubt yourself.
Second chances. Maturity. Desire.
A beautiful story about hope and dreams realized.
You might not want to stay there, but it gives you hope for the future.
An insight into what could be.
Plus if your first love is still there and available...you might not be able to stop yourself from trying again...even though you doubt yourself.
Second chances. Maturity. Desire.
A beautiful story about hope and dreams realized.
September 10, 2020
Isaac comes back to his hometown, where he left his first love. This is short story about a food blogger and a beautiful cook who he wanted a second chance with. I would have liked if the book was a bit longer but this one had enough background to understand the MCs and their struggle. Nice romance.
September 12, 2020
Second Helpings was even better than I initially hoped. Set in the same town as this author’s full-length novel, Then The Stars Fall (which I highly recommend), this standalone short explored a man returning to his small hometown and high school sweetheart he left behind. It’s no secret that I enjoy a well-crafted short story, and Second Helpings is exactly that.
This author always does a stellar job tapping into the characters’ emotions, truly bringing their stories to life. I absolutely felt Isaac’s nerves as he headed toward his 20th high school reunion. I also really liked how willing Grant was to put himself out there for a second chance at happiness. Their reconnection held chemistry and a lot of stifled feelings that were palpable as you read about their stolen time together.
I loved how food and cooking were integrated into Second Helpings, illustrating how memories are often tied up in flavors and recipes that remind people of a specific time or experience. The inclusion of some recipes that starred in the story was a nice touch as well.
Though this short story wasn’t steamy, Second Helpings did pack a lot of emotions and story into a short period. For the most part, all aspects of the story and character development were sufficiently explored and I closed the book feeling happy and sated.
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
This author always does a stellar job tapping into the characters’ emotions, truly bringing their stories to life. I absolutely felt Isaac’s nerves as he headed toward his 20th high school reunion. I also really liked how willing Grant was to put himself out there for a second chance at happiness. Their reconnection held chemistry and a lot of stifled feelings that were palpable as you read about their stolen time together.
I loved how food and cooking were integrated into Second Helpings, illustrating how memories are often tied up in flavors and recipes that remind people of a specific time or experience. The inclusion of some recipes that starred in the story was a nice touch as well.
Though this short story wasn’t steamy, Second Helpings did pack a lot of emotions and story into a short period. For the most part, all aspects of the story and character development were sufficiently explored and I closed the book feeling happy and sated.
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
September 13, 2020
Aren't 20 year reunions supposed to be epic and something big happens? Well Issac and Grant find each other again after all those years and find their way back to love. Sweet quick read and is worth the time."
September 13, 2020
I know this is a shorter story but it just felt unfinished to me. The ending just did not satisfy me.
I really love this author and the way he writes is so magical but this one just fell flat for me.
I really love this author and the way he writes is so magical but this one just fell flat for me.
October 15, 2020
🌟💫🌟💫4 Emotional Reunion Stars🌟💫🌟💫
What an emotional rollercoaster that was! This is a novella but this author pulled all the emotions of a full novel. Grant and Isaac’s second chance at love is a must 1-click!
What an emotional rollercoaster that was! This is a novella but this author pulled all the emotions of a full novel. Grant and Isaac’s second chance at love is a must 1-click!
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