What do you think?
Rate this book
His Chance #2
Second Nature
The last time I saw Gabriel, he was putting me on a bus and sending me to some relatives I’d never met, with the hope of a fresh start after rehab.
That was four years ago.
Now he’s back in my life. I’ve wanted him for years, while he’s always thought of me as just a friend. This is my one shot at turning our friendship into so much more.
But how do I convince him I’m the man he needs, and not the broken boy he used to know?
Second Nature is book two in Alexa Land’s His Chance Series, which is a spinoff of her best-selling Firsts and Forever Series. Firsts and Forever readers will recognize some familiar faces, but this gay romance can be read as a stand-alone.
That was four years ago.
Now he’s back in my life. I’ve wanted him for years, while he’s always thought of me as just a friend. This is my one shot at turning our friendship into so much more.
But how do I convince him I’m the man he needs, and not the broken boy he used to know?
Second Nature is book two in Alexa Land’s His Chance Series, which is a spinoff of her best-selling Firsts and Forever Series. Firsts and Forever readers will recognize some familiar faces, but this gay romance can be read as a stand-alone.
255 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 29, 2020
72 people are currently reading
116 people want to read
About the author
Alexa Land
58 books787 followersIndependent MM romance author. For more information, please visit Alexa's blog: http://alexalandwrites.blogspot.com/
Please note: the author does not check messages on this site. The best way to contact them is through Facebook.
Please note: the author does not check messages on this site. The best way to contact them is through Facebook.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
September 15, 2020
This second chance story was sweet, without skipping over the serious nature of what Riley and Gabriel have been through and continue to struggle with. Four years after they last saw each other, Riley and Gabriel meet again and the bond they shared remains, but they are also different people. They instantly resurrect their bond again, but that doesn't mean there aren't bumps in the road to making things work romantically.
If you follow Alexa Land's series, Gabriel has been previously introduced, but this book works on its own. Of course, there are cameos from some favorite characters, ridiculous situations that seem to make sense in this world she has created, and some real feelings that shine through. I can't wait for the next one!
If you follow Alexa Land's series, Gabriel has been previously introduced, but this book works on its own. Of course, there are cameos from some favorite characters, ridiculous situations that seem to make sense in this world she has created, and some real feelings that shine through. I can't wait for the next one!
September 21, 2020
I'm not really a fan of the former drug-addict storyline, but I did like that Riley and Gabriel found each other again after 4 years.
We met Riley as Will’s make-up artist in the previous book and knew he had been a drug addict when he was younger.
When Riley was 19 he let a sadistic Dom use him to get a roof over his head and provide him with heroin. There was another boy in the house, who looked after Riley sometimes. Riley only knew him as Angel. When Riley was 19, Angel put him on a bus to some distant relatives to help him get clean.
It is now 4 years later and Riley is still in love with Angel, even though he has never been able to find him.
When Will takes Riley with him to the resort where his friends live, Riley is shocked to find his Angel again. Angel, who is named Gabriel, is working there and doing good.
The two are immediately close again and neither wants to let the other one go.
When Riley kisses Gabriel, Gabriel acts shocked, and he tells Riley he wants to take it slow.
But when Riley needs to go to San Francisco to finish his job at Will’s movie, Gabriel wants to go with him. Even though San Francisco might not be safe for them with their former Dom still looking for them…..
This was a nice, light read, but I was also a bit bored. I liked these guys, but I can’t say they had real personalities to be honest.
And I was kind of curious to see how they would solve the 'issue' about them both being bottoms. And it could totally be me, but I thought the sex scene with the dildos was incredibly awkward. It was almost at the end of the book and felt more like an afterthought to me. That surprised me because Riley made such a big deal out of it for most of the book.
So while I love Alexa Land’s books, I don’t love them all. Here I was mostly missing that spark, that something extra that makes a book go from meh, to great or even amazing.
We met Riley as Will’s make-up artist in the previous book and knew he had been a drug addict when he was younger.
When Riley was 19 he let a sadistic Dom use him to get a roof over his head and provide him with heroin. There was another boy in the house, who looked after Riley sometimes. Riley only knew him as Angel. When Riley was 19, Angel put him on a bus to some distant relatives to help him get clean.
It is now 4 years later and Riley is still in love with Angel, even though he has never been able to find him.
When Will takes Riley with him to the resort where his friends live, Riley is shocked to find his Angel again. Angel, who is named Gabriel, is working there and doing good.
The two are immediately close again and neither wants to let the other one go.
When Riley kisses Gabriel, Gabriel acts shocked, and he tells Riley he wants to take it slow.
But when Riley needs to go to San Francisco to finish his job at Will’s movie, Gabriel wants to go with him. Even though San Francisco might not be safe for them with their former Dom still looking for them…..
This was a nice, light read, but I was also a bit bored. I liked these guys, but I can’t say they had real personalities to be honest.
And I was kind of curious to see how they would solve the 'issue' about them both being bottoms. And it could totally be me, but I thought the sex scene with the dildos was incredibly awkward. It was almost at the end of the book and felt more like an afterthought to me. That surprised me because Riley made such a big deal out of it for most of the book.
So while I love Alexa Land’s books, I don’t love them all. Here I was mostly missing that spark, that something extra that makes a book go from meh, to great or even amazing.
August 29, 2020
Second Nature is classic Alexa Land. The second book in the His Chance series, Land starts us off on Catalina Island, the setting of her Castaways series, and ends up taking us to San Fransico, where her Firsts and Forever series takes place.
For this book, Gabriel and Riley get their second chance, after many years of hoping to find one another again. I love these men. They are survivors who clearly belong together. They helped each other in the past and are doing so again.
Their story includes former prostitution, drugs, a vile Dom, and more. They have to deal with temptation, stubbornness, and pride. And for the good stuff, their tale includes sexy panties, delicious outfits, and a pantry revolution.
The main characters are fabulous, with complex pasts and a strong connection. They truly deserve a happy ending. And the side characters consist of past characters who made me cheer when they showed up. Yes, I actually cheered out loud.
My favorite quote has to be "Why not just let people be themselves and be happy? It doesn't cost anything to accept others instead of judging them." If only!
Second Nature is a compelling romance that will keep you satisfied throughout. I love Alexa Land and the heart she infuses into her stories. This one is sure to delight!
For this book, Gabriel and Riley get their second chance, after many years of hoping to find one another again. I love these men. They are survivors who clearly belong together. They helped each other in the past and are doing so again.
Their story includes former prostitution, drugs, a vile Dom, and more. They have to deal with temptation, stubbornness, and pride. And for the good stuff, their tale includes sexy panties, delicious outfits, and a pantry revolution.
The main characters are fabulous, with complex pasts and a strong connection. They truly deserve a happy ending. And the side characters consist of past characters who made me cheer when they showed up. Yes, I actually cheered out loud.
My favorite quote has to be "Why not just let people be themselves and be happy? It doesn't cost anything to accept others instead of judging them." If only!
Second Nature is a compelling romance that will keep you satisfied throughout. I love Alexa Land and the heart she infuses into her stories. This one is sure to delight!
August 30, 2020
Gabriel finally gets his HEA!
I loved this story. It was a story of perseverance and never giving up on a dream.
Riley and Gabriel have a heartbreaking past together but are very different people when they reconnect 4 years later.
This story made me smile and laugh.
There are quite a few characters from past books/ series too! I LOVED that!
I’m SO happy Gabriel found his person. ♥️♥️
I loved this story. It was a story of perseverance and never giving up on a dream.
Riley and Gabriel have a heartbreaking past together but are very different people when they reconnect 4 years later.
This story made me smile and laugh.
There are quite a few characters from past books/ series too! I LOVED that!
I’m SO happy Gabriel found his person. ♥️♥️
September 3, 2020
Loved it! It was amazing, sad and beautiful. I teared up a few times. I Loved Riley and Gabriel, so happy they found each other after four years and got reacquainted and fall in love. They had a hard and sad past together, glad they both get help and cleaned up. Gah... I got the chills... I was so relieved and happy they found each other and have a very happily ever after they deserve together! A Must Read! Can’t wait for next book!!
September 22, 2021
I have a hard time rating these books because on one hand, I feel like I’m being dropped in at chapter 5. This couple had history and once they reunite we get a connection we weren’t necessarily a part of and that makes it hard for me to catch up. Then it feels a little Insta-lovey or like maybe I needed more build up, but the build up happened already—or snippets in other books.
HOWEVER. Every time I read a book by this author I am so utterly charmed by every single character. It makes me let the plot and some ridiculousness and little irritation go. Because I loved Riley and Gabriel and wanted them to be whole and happy. I also loved every other character that showed up and if they were from the Firsts & Forever series, I want to go back and read. If they were newly introduced, I want them to have their happily ever after. Anyway—back to Riley and Gabriel. There was so much I loved. The tenderness and care they showed each other. The way Riley came into his confidence and was able to give Gabriel what he needed while still being true to himself. The way they navigated atheist feelings and new relationship. There were moments I ached for them.
All that being said, there were also moments where I felt nothing happened. Or I wish more time was spent developing more of their relationship. I think, for me, these books are light and fun, packed with a lot of heart and characters you can’t help but fall in love with.
HOWEVER. Every time I read a book by this author I am so utterly charmed by every single character. It makes me let the plot and some ridiculousness and little irritation go. Because I loved Riley and Gabriel and wanted them to be whole and happy. I also loved every other character that showed up and if they were from the Firsts & Forever series, I want to go back and read. If they were newly introduced, I want them to have their happily ever after. Anyway—back to Riley and Gabriel. There was so much I loved. The tenderness and care they showed each other. The way Riley came into his confidence and was able to give Gabriel what he needed while still being true to himself. The way they navigated atheist feelings and new relationship. There were moments I ached for them.
All that being said, there were also moments where I felt nothing happened. Or I wish more time was spent developing more of their relationship. I think, for me, these books are light and fun, packed with a lot of heart and characters you can’t help but fall in love with.
October 23, 2022
Ugh, here we go again. I absolutely love the bones of this story. But I am so not a fan of:
1. Too. Many. Characters. And mini version of ALL of their stories. A long blurb would have sufficed. I just do not have capacity for that much packed into 223 ish pages. It also diluted the story so much there was little time to develop the characters and THEIR storyline (which was already in dire need of development).
2. Severe lack of passion. I was sad that such a strong starting point for Riley and Gabriel was quickly diminished by the lack of OOMPH between them. I only got the sense they were legit serious about each other until the last 10%. Things (don’t want to give spoilers) happened that would make me crazy with worry, yet were only a bit more than a slight blip on the radar. Proclamations and affections were not more than warm fuzzies.
I wanted to love this like I loved other series by Alexa Land, but it’s clear to me they just weren’t on the same caliber…as much as the other books in this series appeal to me, I’m not sure I will finish it.
1. Too. Many. Characters. And mini version of ALL of their stories. A long blurb would have sufficed. I just do not have capacity for that much packed into 223 ish pages. It also diluted the story so much there was little time to develop the characters and THEIR storyline (which was already in dire need of development).
2. Severe lack of passion. I was sad that such a strong starting point for Riley and Gabriel was quickly diminished by the lack of OOMPH between them. I only got the sense they were legit serious about each other until the last 10%. Things (don’t want to give spoilers) happened that would make me crazy with worry, yet were only a bit more than a slight blip on the radar. Proclamations and affections were not more than warm fuzzies.
I wanted to love this like I loved other series by Alexa Land, but it’s clear to me they just weren’t on the same caliber…as much as the other books in this series appeal to me, I’m not sure I will finish it.
August 25, 2024
Interesting idea but lack of action
I really loved the idea of this book, for a long time I wanted to read a story about two guys falling in love, without any of them being the alpha or dominating. I fell in love with Gabriel, I was charmed by his outfits and feminine side. Also I found their ex addicts story intriguing. Unfortunately I didn't like the execution of the idea. Most of the time nothing actually happens, except lots of thoughts and talking, which will probably be perfect for other readers but it didn't suit my taste. Also I did not like the whole thing with numerous of rich and empowered friends, who were sorting out every problem out of nowhere. It was pretty unrealistic to me. Despite everything it was nice, sweet read with more unusual dynamics of the couple. It also got me intrigued to read the story of Harper and Phoenix.
I really loved the idea of this book, for a long time I wanted to read a story about two guys falling in love, without any of them being the alpha or dominating. I fell in love with Gabriel, I was charmed by his outfits and feminine side. Also I found their ex addicts story intriguing. Unfortunately I didn't like the execution of the idea. Most of the time nothing actually happens, except lots of thoughts and talking, which will probably be perfect for other readers but it didn't suit my taste. Also I did not like the whole thing with numerous of rich and empowered friends, who were sorting out every problem out of nowhere. It was pretty unrealistic to me. Despite everything it was nice, sweet read with more unusual dynamics of the couple. It also got me intrigued to read the story of Harper and Phoenix.
March 5, 2021
Characters One Loves
When one sees Alexa Land listed as the author, that reader knows they are in for a good read. It was a great to visit with old friends from the amazing her Firsts and Forever series. (One does not have to read that series before reading this one. If you haven't read Firsts and Forever series and met Nana, you are missing special treat.)
I liked the concept of two absolute bottoms falling in love and coming to terms with that love and their preferences. Characters were all interesting and complex. That is something that is a wonderful trait of a Story written by Alexa Land.
When one sees Alexa Land listed as the author, that reader knows they are in for a good read. It was a great to visit with old friends from the amazing her Firsts and Forever series. (One does not have to read that series before reading this one. If you haven't read Firsts and Forever series and met Nana, you are missing special treat.)
I liked the concept of two absolute bottoms falling in love and coming to terms with that love and their preferences. Characters were all interesting and complex. That is something that is a wonderful trait of a Story written by Alexa Land.
October 14, 2020
This is a new series....so far only two books. The characters from Book 1 and the situation set up this second novel. I recommend reading them in order. Another surprise is that late in the book some characters appear from another Land series. I was happy to see this. The background here is the movie business although in this second book the area broadens to other situations. I was surprised in each book how much insider information about film making and promotion is part of the story. I learned a lot!
September 6, 2020
Brilliant!!!!
It's been a set for Gabriel's story but it was worth the wait. It was a chance meeting afterward last seeing each 4 years ago that brings Riley and Gabriel together. They have a lot of catching up to do and working out their relationship, but they do get their HEA. There are cameo rolls for characters from the First and Forever series and it was great to see them. Looking forward to Harper and Phoenix 'a story.
It's been a set for Gabriel's story but it was worth the wait. It was a chance meeting afterward last seeing each 4 years ago that brings Riley and Gabriel together. They have a lot of catching up to do and working out their relationship, but they do get their HEA. There are cameo rolls for characters from the First and Forever series and it was great to see them. Looking forward to Harper and Phoenix 'a story.
September 18, 2020
Very Touching Read
First of all this is not the kind of book I normally would read, saying that, I can’t get enough of Alexa’s books. So of course I preordered it and read. I’m so glad I did, I’ve never understood how two people so much alike could make a relationship work. Now I do! I learned so much about these two guys and have a new understanding of totally passive guys as well as more feminine guys. Thanks for another touching story. You never disappoint!
First of all this is not the kind of book I normally would read, saying that, I can’t get enough of Alexa’s books. So of course I preordered it and read. I’m so glad I did, I’ve never understood how two people so much alike could make a relationship work. Now I do! I learned so much about these two guys and have a new understanding of totally passive guys as well as more feminine guys. Thanks for another touching story. You never disappoint!
August 30, 2020
Loved it!!!
I have been waiting for Gabriel’s story since he first showed up in Zachary and Tj’s story. It was agony waiting but it was so worth it. I loved everything about this story!!!! The reunion between these two was so sweet. I’m so happy that we got to see Shea and Christian too. I love seeing where their life is going. Fantastic book!!!!
I have been waiting for Gabriel’s story since he first showed up in Zachary and Tj’s story. It was agony waiting but it was so worth it. I loved everything about this story!!!! The reunion between these two was so sweet. I’m so happy that we got to see Shea and Christian too. I love seeing where their life is going. Fantastic book!!!!
October 5, 2020
Beautiful incredible moving
Second nature was such a beautiful emotional and low angst
I loved every moving word of Gabriel and riley's journey
I laughed with them cried with gabriel and Riley and loved with them
This story was definitely worth the wait and my heart felt so full when I finished second nature
Second nature was such a beautiful emotional and low angst
I loved every moving word of Gabriel and riley's journey
I laughed with them cried with gabriel and Riley and loved with them
This story was definitely worth the wait and my heart felt so full when I finished second nature
October 9, 2020
Second chance.
Loved it! Gabriel and Riley had such a tragic past which separated them for four years. A chance encounter at Seahorse Ranch had them rekindling their friendship, and if Riley got his way, progressing as lovers. There were a few moments where the past came creeping back in with near disastrous results. I am looking forward to the next one.
Loved it! Gabriel and Riley had such a tragic past which separated them for four years. A chance encounter at Seahorse Ranch had them rekindling their friendship, and if Riley got his way, progressing as lovers. There were a few moments where the past came creeping back in with near disastrous results. I am looking forward to the next one.
August 31, 2020
Second Nature
For some reason I just cannot remember Gabriel from the other books and that distracted me through the early parts of the book. Eventually I got over it and was able to enjoy the story. I’m really looking forward to the next book, it should be ridiculous lol.
For some reason I just cannot remember Gabriel from the other books and that distracted me through the early parts of the book. Eventually I got over it and was able to enjoy the story. I’m really looking forward to the next book, it should be ridiculous lol.
September 19, 2020
His chance 2
Lots of cameos in this next instalment when two men who first met when addicted to heroin and in a bad place reunite at Seahorse Ranch and take a chance on a new life together with the support of some very good friends
Lots of cameos in this next instalment when two men who first met when addicted to heroin and in a bad place reunite at Seahorse Ranch and take a chance on a new life together with the support of some very good friends
October 13, 2021
Beautiful story about perseverance, friendship and love.
Riley and Gabriel met when everything was against them but they weren't meant to be at that point.
Their journey had to be separate, then became complete.
Riley and Gabriel met when everything was against them but they weren't meant to be at that point.
Their journey had to be separate, then became complete.
September 1, 2020
Love it
I so can or wait for more. It was great getting a chance to check in with the others.. I loved it!
I so can or wait for more. It was great getting a chance to check in with the others.. I loved it!
November 11, 2020
I had a hard time getting into this one. I really liked the heroes, I'm just not sure if they really belong together as partners. I will try it again one day and see if I think differently.
December 23, 2020
Chickens!
I laughed so hard at that scene that I literally cried. The nicknames. The clothes. The stroller! OMG the tutu! Fantastic!
I laughed so hard at that scene that I literally cried. The nicknames. The clothes. The stroller! OMG the tutu! Fantastic!
Read
February 1, 2024Such a good premise but the writing didn’t work for me.
September 16, 2020
I LOVED this book! Gabriel’s story was so amazing and heartfelt. :)
July 30, 2025
First read: October 8-9, 2020
Second read: July 30, 2025
3.5 stars
Second read: July 30, 2025
3.5 stars
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews