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Second Chances #2
Small-Town Secrets
Listening Length: 6 hours and 53 minutes.
Everyone has a secret. Laurence has two. The father of his twin boys isn't who everybody thinks it is, but after escaping his abusive ex-husband and spending months in therapy, Laurence is done putting his trust in alphas. He's going to build a new future for himself and his sons, and he's going to do it all by himself.
Except that emergency substitute karate teacher instructing his twins? That's the alpha he spent a reckless night with in his youth. His best friend's big brother. His lifelong crush...and the twins' actual father.
When Laurence returns to Oceanport visibly scarred, Aaron feels guilty. Maybe if he had admitted to his crush, Laurence wouldn’t have gotten together with the bastard who treated him so badly. But Aaron has always had the hardest time facing his feelings for the younger omega. After all, who sleeps with their baby brother’s best friend?
Now that they’re both adults, Aaron wants nothing more than to take care of Laurence and give them another shot, but he can’t shake the feeling that there’s something the omega is hiding from him and the secrets Laurence is keeping might just be bigger than anything he ever imagined possible.
©2019 Ann-Katrin Byrde (P)2019 Ann-Katrin Byrde
Everyone has a secret. Laurence has two. The father of his twin boys isn't who everybody thinks it is, but after escaping his abusive ex-husband and spending months in therapy, Laurence is done putting his trust in alphas. He's going to build a new future for himself and his sons, and he's going to do it all by himself.
Except that emergency substitute karate teacher instructing his twins? That's the alpha he spent a reckless night with in his youth. His best friend's big brother. His lifelong crush...and the twins' actual father.
When Laurence returns to Oceanport visibly scarred, Aaron feels guilty. Maybe if he had admitted to his crush, Laurence wouldn’t have gotten together with the bastard who treated him so badly. But Aaron has always had the hardest time facing his feelings for the younger omega. After all, who sleeps with their baby brother’s best friend?
Now that they’re both adults, Aaron wants nothing more than to take care of Laurence and give them another shot, but he can’t shake the feeling that there’s something the omega is hiding from him and the secrets Laurence is keeping might just be bigger than anything he ever imagined possible.
©2019 Ann-Katrin Byrde (P)2019 Ann-Katrin Byrde
7 pages, Audible Audio
First published February 21, 2019
146 people are currently reading
178 people want to read
About the author
Ann-Katrin Byrde
48 books507 followersAnn-Katrin Byrde is a writing duo comprised of Ana J. Phoenix and Kate Lowell. As a team they strive to bring you the best mpreg stories they can. They both love to write, read and dream. In their spare time, you can often catch them hunting wild plot bunnies in the fields of their imagination.
(Source: Amazon.com)
(Source: Amazon.com)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
April 14, 2019
Small-Town Secrets is the second book in this series, which is a spin-off from the Oceanport series. This story works well as a standalone, although it might work best having at least read Mating of Convenience first.
Laurence is trying to make a life for himself and his twin boys after having left his abusive alpha. He also has found out for certain that Howard, his alpha who physically abused him, is not the biological father for his twins - that would be Aaron, his older brother's best friend. Laurence knows he needs to tell Aaron the truth, especially once Aaron really starts becoming a part of their lives, but how do you tell someone eight years later they are a father?
This was a sweet story, although it had a bit of a slow start for me, to be honest. So much of the first part of the book focuses on Laurence's sons, Chris and Tyler, and honestly I wanted the focus to be on Laurence trying to gain some independence and become more self-sufficient. And then Aaron is just a bit...oblivious? Passive? to so many things that went on between him and Laurence. And I know that Laurence is the younger brother, so he should be considered off-limits, but the age gap between the two of them isn't that major - it's not like Aaron was already 30 when Laurence was just 17.
I listened to this in audiobook format, and I really enjoyed John Solo's narration, as always! He does a great job with voices, and he always has such emotion in the dialogue (he does the hurt omega and strong alpha voices so well).
I simply CANNOT wait for the next/final book of this series - it's Jake and Conner! CAKE!
Laurence is trying to make a life for himself and his twin boys after having left his abusive alpha. He also has found out for certain that Howard, his alpha who physically abused him, is not the biological father for his twins - that would be Aaron, his older brother's best friend. Laurence knows he needs to tell Aaron the truth, especially once Aaron really starts becoming a part of their lives, but how do you tell someone eight years later they are a father?
This was a sweet story, although it had a bit of a slow start for me, to be honest. So much of the first part of the book focuses on Laurence's sons, Chris and Tyler, and honestly I wanted the focus to be on Laurence trying to gain some independence and become more self-sufficient. And then Aaron is just a bit...oblivious? Passive? to so many things that went on between him and Laurence. And I know that Laurence is the younger brother, so he should be considered off-limits, but the age gap between the two of them isn't that major - it's not like Aaron was already 30 when Laurence was just 17.
I listened to this in audiobook format, and I really enjoyed John Solo's narration, as always! He does a great job with voices, and he always has such emotion in the dialogue (he does the hurt omega and strong alpha voices so well).
I simply CANNOT wait for the next/final book of this series - it's Jake and Conner! CAKE!
March 23, 2019
3.5 ⭐
This series is set in the same universe as the "Oceanport omegas series". It's actually about the second generation, some of the characters were the children in the previous series.
I haven't read the first book in the series, but I don't think it is necessary, the story works well as a standalone.
I enjoyed the story, is a second chance omegaverse romance, not really original but a good reading for a couple of hours!
This series is set in the same universe as the "Oceanport omegas series". It's actually about the second generation, some of the characters were the children in the previous series.
I haven't read the first book in the series, but I don't think it is necessary, the story works well as a standalone.
I enjoyed the story, is a second chance omegaverse romance, not really original but a good reading for a couple of hours!
February 28, 2019
2,5- Stars.
June 10, 2019
¸.•*´¨)¸.•*´¨)
(¸.•´ ★3.5 secret stars
Laurence felt like home. Like the beginning and end of my journey.
Laurence had seduced Aaron when he was sixteen and then disappeared. Seven years later he was back home, scarred inside and out, trying to take care of his twin boys the best way he could.
Aaron had never left, but he'd always remembered that night and the guilt he'd felt. But Laurence was back and the fierce need to protect the omega was overwhelming. When circumstances forced Aaron to offer Laurence a place to stay, the alpha had no way of knowing the course of his life was about to change.
This book in part offered minimal secondary character interactions, focusing on Aaron and Laurence and the process they both had to face. With gossip thrown out here and there, we see the men moving from point A to point B, with Laurence finally swallowing pride and speaking his truth.
Interesting story. I know I have read out of turn, because this sounded like the most exciting of the trilogy. We will see.
(¸.•´ ★3.5 secret stars
Laurence felt like home. Like the beginning and end of my journey.
Laurence had seduced Aaron when he was sixteen and then disappeared. Seven years later he was back home, scarred inside and out, trying to take care of his twin boys the best way he could.
Aaron had never left, but he'd always remembered that night and the guilt he'd felt. But Laurence was back and the fierce need to protect the omega was overwhelming. When circumstances forced Aaron to offer Laurence a place to stay, the alpha had no way of knowing the course of his life was about to change.
This book in part offered minimal secondary character interactions, focusing on Aaron and Laurence and the process they both had to face. With gossip thrown out here and there, we see the men moving from point A to point B, with Laurence finally swallowing pride and speaking his truth.
Interesting story. I know I have read out of turn, because this sounded like the most exciting of the trilogy. We will see.
March 2, 2019
Cute and sweet, despite a few absurdities. I loved how each twin had a personality and interacted with Aaron differently. My main 2 critics: 1) Not enough rekindling time! I wanted Aaron and Lawrence to pine and woo more. But it's a short book. 2) Lawrence never became the independent omega I was hoping for. Sure he got back together with Aaron, but what choice did he have? There was no financial alternative. In the end he is dependent on yet another alpha. It just would've been more romantic if he had the power to be independent but chose to rely on Aaron. Jake and Conner better be next. 😬
February 28, 2019
Dumb as Dirt Alpha
Aaron tells Laurence who has two kids that he, Aaron doesn't want kids. Then he is surprised when Laurence walks out without finishing their date.
Eight years ago Laurence got pregnant. Eight years ago Aaron had sex with Laurence. Aaron finds out that Laurence's Ex isn't the twins father but is too dumb to even wonder if he could be their father.
One of the twins runs away in winter without a coat. They go looking for him but don't take him a coat.
Aaron dresses up as Santa and is "accidentally" caught dropping off presents in the afternoon on Christmas Eve. What about stockings moron? But it is so important to lie to children even if they are too smart to believe in Santa.
Of course being dumb is better than what Laurence did. He gave his kids an abusive alpha for a father for 6 years when they could have been raised by their real loving, kind father.
Final issue. Aaron's brother is an Omega with a wife. So who has the baby him or her? Can she get him pregnant if she is an Alpha? Can an Omega man impregnate an woman or any sort? Are Omega men even allowed to marry a woman. This makes no sense as far as they have set up this world.
Aaron tells Laurence who has two kids that he, Aaron doesn't want kids. Then he is surprised when Laurence walks out without finishing their date.
Eight years ago Laurence got pregnant. Eight years ago Aaron had sex with Laurence. Aaron finds out that Laurence's Ex isn't the twins father but is too dumb to even wonder if he could be their father.
One of the twins runs away in winter without a coat. They go looking for him but don't take him a coat.
Aaron dresses up as Santa and is "accidentally" caught dropping off presents in the afternoon on Christmas Eve. What about stockings moron? But it is so important to lie to children even if they are too smart to believe in Santa.
Of course being dumb is better than what Laurence did. He gave his kids an abusive alpha for a father for 6 years when they could have been raised by their real loving, kind father.
Final issue. Aaron's brother is an Omega with a wife. So who has the baby him or her? Can she get him pregnant if she is an Alpha? Can an Omega man impregnate an woman or any sort? Are Omega men even allowed to marry a woman. This makes no sense as far as they have set up this world.
May 31, 2023
Sweet romance where we see Laurence, the troubled omega from book 1, get this HEA with MC Aaron. They've known each other from childhood, although Aaron is L's school friends older brother. Laurence has had a tough upbringing and then marriage (to the wrong abusive alpha); its lovely to see his little family finally able to relax and enjoy safety and live.
March 22, 2024
This one feels a lot more cohesive than the first. I do feel curious as to when do people know their designation as far as second gender goes, but that is more of a detail than a big deal on the plot. I liked it
July 19, 2019
Throughly enjoyable and well written gentle romance.
March 7, 2019
What a lovely read. This is the second book in this series and is a lovely romantic story. It's lovely to see old characters like Raphael from the previous book.
Laurence finally got the courage to leave his ex but he still wasn't where he wanted to be. Laurence wants to be able to support his children and have a home of his own. Laurence carries secrets that he hopes he doesn't have to admit to but when he runs into an old crush he soon realises that maybe he will need to tell his secrets to someone.
Aaron doesn't realise how much he still has a crush on Laurence until he runs into him again. Aaron feels bad about the things that happened in the past. Aaron has resigned himself to the fact that he will be alone for the rest of his life but Laurence has him rethinking that big time.
This book is a beautiful story that will leave you happy and content but will also make you laugh. Laurence has adorable twins who at times make you laugh so hard. This is a lovely romantic story and I can't wait for the next book in this series.
Laurence finally got the courage to leave his ex but he still wasn't where he wanted to be. Laurence wants to be able to support his children and have a home of his own. Laurence carries secrets that he hopes he doesn't have to admit to but when he runs into an old crush he soon realises that maybe he will need to tell his secrets to someone.
Aaron doesn't realise how much he still has a crush on Laurence until he runs into him again. Aaron feels bad about the things that happened in the past. Aaron has resigned himself to the fact that he will be alone for the rest of his life but Laurence has him rethinking that big time.
This book is a beautiful story that will leave you happy and content but will also make you laugh. Laurence has adorable twins who at times make you laugh so hard. This is a lovely romantic story and I can't wait for the next book in this series.
June 11, 2022
Twice The Secrets
Lawrence and Aaron crushed on each other when they were younger. Never told each other though did share a night together. Laurence went back to his ex after that night and for eight years almost kept the fact the boys were Aaron's from him. He hadn't been sure until the paternity test though.
Now after a fight with his cousin he'd been living with Lawrence moves in with Aaron who wants to protect them. Its kinda funny since at first he was going take them out of karate just to avoid him finding out because he was scared.
His ex did a number on him and Lawrence leaving him with physical and emotional scars. Aaron helps not just him but their boys heal too.
The boys Chris and Tyler were perfect I thought cause acted just like kids would. Though at times Chris seemed older than Tyler even though they twins. It was fun watching them become a family. Loved the dogs in this as well. Wish had more of the baby on the way though.
Lawrence and Aaron crushed on each other when they were younger. Never told each other though did share a night together. Laurence went back to his ex after that night and for eight years almost kept the fact the boys were Aaron's from him. He hadn't been sure until the paternity test though.
Now after a fight with his cousin he'd been living with Lawrence moves in with Aaron who wants to protect them. Its kinda funny since at first he was going take them out of karate just to avoid him finding out because he was scared.
His ex did a number on him and Lawrence leaving him with physical and emotional scars. Aaron helps not just him but their boys heal too.
The boys Chris and Tyler were perfect I thought cause acted just like kids would. Though at times Chris seemed older than Tyler even though they twins. It was fun watching them become a family. Loved the dogs in this as well. Wish had more of the baby on the way though.
January 31, 2021
Small Town Secrets is the second book in the Second Chances series and it can be read as a standalone. However, I highly suggest reading all the books in the Oceanport Omegas series and Second Chances series to fully enjoy this universe.
This book deals with some very serious issues, but there’s enough fluff and sweetness to balance out all the angst. Laurence is a fascinating character who has to dig deep to find the strength he needs to give his kids the best life they can have. I admire this strength and his ability to move forward and find love. The romance between Laurence and Aaron was really sweet and watching them build their family was wonderful.
This book deals with some very serious issues, but there’s enough fluff and sweetness to balance out all the angst. Laurence is a fascinating character who has to dig deep to find the strength he needs to give his kids the best life they can have. I admire this strength and his ability to move forward and find love. The romance between Laurence and Aaron was really sweet and watching them build their family was wonderful.
May 25, 2021
4 stars
Laurence is an Omega who seduced his best friend’s brother and ended up pregnant with twins. Having gone back with his ex, Laurence had suspicions but was never sure of his sons’ parentage until he left his abusive ex and he was afraid he would try to take the boys away from him.
What were the odds that Aaron would end up as a substitute karate teacher to the twins? How can Laurence tell Aaron that the boys are his?
Cute story, well written. Loved the dogs
*****
POV… multi first person
Standalone or series…part of series but can be read as standalone
Hangover… bo
Recommend… sure
Reread… sure
Laurence is an Omega who seduced his best friend’s brother and ended up pregnant with twins. Having gone back with his ex, Laurence had suspicions but was never sure of his sons’ parentage until he left his abusive ex and he was afraid he would try to take the boys away from him.
What were the odds that Aaron would end up as a substitute karate teacher to the twins? How can Laurence tell Aaron that the boys are his?
Cute story, well written. Loved the dogs
*****
POV… multi first person
Standalone or series…part of series but can be read as standalone
Hangover… bo
Recommend… sure
Reread… sure
January 3, 2023
3.5 stars
The story was good and kept my interest to the end...but...
When the book turns a little unrealistic, it kinda ruins the plot. For instance your ex husband burns you with an iron. No justice. Nothing. Why? I get that this is omega territory but still expected something criminal. Then the biological father finds out the twins are not the ex husbands Chileans he slept with the omega in Heat, eight years ago, the children are seven years old... What! No penny drops...
I know this is omegaverse and it's why I finished the book. The characters are interesting and the twins made me laugh. It's a great story.
The story was good and kept my interest to the end...but...
When the book turns a little unrealistic, it kinda ruins the plot. For instance your ex husband burns you with an iron. No justice. Nothing. Why? I get that this is omega territory but still expected something criminal. Then the biological father finds out the twins are not the ex husbands Chileans he slept with the omega in Heat, eight years ago, the children are seven years old... What! No penny drops...
I know this is omegaverse and it's why I finished the book. The characters are interesting and the twins made me laugh. It's a great story.
March 5, 2019
The story between Aaron and Laurence is sweet and wonderful. After so long they were able to come together and put the past behind them to move on to a happy life together. I did find it a little hard to believe that Aaron would not be upset about having his kids kept from him and being tricked by his mate, but that doesn't reallly take away from the wonderfullness of this story and still leads to a great HEA. I love that the boys accept Aaron so easily after everything they had been through with alphas. Just a great story and a wonderful love.
June 1, 2019
Not the best
Normally I love this Authors work but this was just terrible. While the blub gives us a pretty good idea of what the book is going to be about we are still greeted with chapter after chapter of "these are his kids" "what if he finds out" "he shouldn't know" we aren't even introduced to the guy when we find out that those kids are his. And the way each chapter ends is just strange. Almost as if the writer had taken a creative writing course but dropped out after two weeks and this was the result. Honestly, this author is pretty amazing but this was not the best.
Normally I love this Authors work but this was just terrible. While the blub gives us a pretty good idea of what the book is going to be about we are still greeted with chapter after chapter of "these are his kids" "what if he finds out" "he shouldn't know" we aren't even introduced to the guy when we find out that those kids are his. And the way each chapter ends is just strange. Almost as if the writer had taken a creative writing course but dropped out after two weeks and this was the result. Honestly, this author is pretty amazing but this was not the best.
dnf
July 11, 2024I really wanted to like this, so I was waiting to see if it got better. I like the idea of second chance and meeting the father of your kids years later, so kudos for the premise, but something about the writting style doesn't let me take the book seriously. Some stuff is very in-your-face, for example the dialogues between MC and his uncle and the internal monologue after their interactions. Not really vibing with the narration tbh. I had read another book by this author some time ago and loved it, so I am not sure what happened here but I am deciding to stop.
January 26, 2025
I was looking forward to reading Aaron and Laurence’s story since reading Mating of Convenience. It broke my heart to see everything that Laurence went through with his ex. He really had it tough but he never gave up. He fought for his freedom and his kids and that makes him a hero in my eyes. He deserved all the happiness in the world after being abused by those that were supposed to love him. Aaron was the perfect alpha. Everything Laurence needed but was afraid to want. This series is so beautiful. I can’t wait to read Jake and Conner’s story!
February 23, 2019
Wow! This book was epic! At first, I wasn't sure where this story was going, but when I reached the end, I wanted to know more! I remember being curious about Laurence's story and Aaron's too in previous books! I am so glad that they go their own love story and HEA! I love the history that the two shared and the cute dogs and kids in the story! Seeing familiar faces in this town like Jake and Raph was also really fun! Eager for the next book in this series to come out!
March 13, 2019
Charming and funny as heck!
Cute - it was a surprise to meet Jake, Connor, Nathan and Raphael again, all grown up, but their secondary characters were written in well. Aaron and Laurence get their second chance, even though Aaron's got catching up to do with Laurence's 7-yr old twins who happen to be his, too. Lovely story with some humor due to young boys who blurt whatever pops into their heads in mixed company. Worth time and $$.
Cute - it was a surprise to meet Jake, Connor, Nathan and Raphael again, all grown up, but their secondary characters were written in well. Aaron and Laurence get their second chance, even though Aaron's got catching up to do with Laurence's 7-yr old twins who happen to be his, too. Lovely story with some humor due to young boys who blurt whatever pops into their heads in mixed company. Worth time and $$.
October 13, 2019
Lawrence has faced so much and is trying to the right thing by his kids despite how hard it is. Aaron proves that he is a great guy with his caring even before he learns the truth of his connection to this family. He continues to show what a great guy he is by understanding all that motivated what came before yet can acknowledge his own sense of lost. Lawrence continues to show his own inner strength in helping to build this new life together.
January 26, 2021
Another great of Ann-Katrin Byrde. AKB pulls you into a modern day Alpha and Omega story where the Omega is struggling to be a strong independent single parent. But things turn complicated or secretive when the twins karate teacher falls ill and the sub teach gives them more than a karate lesson. Long lost romances, secrecy crushes, misunderstandings, and happy ever afters. John Solo narrates beautiful as always.
May 11, 2021
3.5
I found this just a teeny bit lacking in terms of relationship development, I just really wanted some quiet moments between Laurence and Aaron. You could feel the interest between these two simmering but it just kind of boils over with no warning, I wanted some more acknowledgement of their previous encounter. Plus we never got to see them break the news to Aaron's brother! I wanted to see that!
I found this just a teeny bit lacking in terms of relationship development, I just really wanted some quiet moments between Laurence and Aaron. You could feel the interest between these two simmering but it just kind of boils over with no warning, I wanted some more acknowledgement of their previous encounter. Plus we never got to see them break the news to Aaron's brother! I wanted to see that!
March 2, 2019
Wonderful!!
Another great book! This series just seems to be getting better and better. The storyline for Lawrence and Aaron was very sweet. So happy that they finally got to be together and that the kids got the happy ending they all deserved. It was a great story that you can read over and over. Love all Ann-Katrin Byrde's books. Shes the Best!
Another great book! This series just seems to be getting better and better. The storyline for Lawrence and Aaron was very sweet. So happy that they finally got to be together and that the kids got the happy ending they all deserved. It was a great story that you can read over and over. Love all Ann-Katrin Byrde's books. Shes the Best!
March 27, 2019
Amazing
Amazing addition the Second Chances series, Small-Town Secrets captured my heart. Best friends' brother, secret babies, adorable dogs and kids, protective and caring Alpha and a strong omega survivor... This book delivered on all fronts. Funny, sweet, and perfect. Definitely recommend.
Amazing addition the Second Chances series, Small-Town Secrets captured my heart. Best friends' brother, secret babies, adorable dogs and kids, protective and caring Alpha and a strong omega survivor... This book delivered on all fronts. Funny, sweet, and perfect. Definitely recommend.
July 28, 2024
Confusing at times.
The story line was a good one but the author screwed it up. I don't know why authors make the main characters so unsure of themselves and then confuse the readers by constantly coping and pasting what was written in previous chapters to get their word totals. The story didn't come alive till the last few chapters.
The story line was a good one but the author screwed it up. I don't know why authors make the main characters so unsure of themselves and then confuse the readers by constantly coping and pasting what was written in previous chapters to get their word totals. The story didn't come alive till the last few chapters.
February 24, 2019
Loved it!
You know if you pick up a Ann Katrin Byrde book that you are in for a treat. I love mpreg romance! I know this isn’t technically a Oceanport book but I like that it was still in the setting. As always I can’t wait for the next one!
You know if you pick up a Ann Katrin Byrde book that you are in for a treat. I love mpreg romance! I know this isn’t technically a Oceanport book but I like that it was still in the setting. As always I can’t wait for the next one!
March 1, 2019
Cute hurt/comfort mpreg
I loved this author’s Mercy Hills series so much and this series is a spin off of her Oceanport series. Cute story about an abused omega and his boys reconnecting with an old crush. Can’t wait for Jake and Connor’s story!
I loved this author’s Mercy Hills series so much and this series is a spin off of her Oceanport series. Cute story about an abused omega and his boys reconnecting with an old crush. Can’t wait for Jake and Connor’s story!
April 20, 2019
This feels very much like the other books in the Oceanport series. Lawrence the struggling dad with two kids and a secret of who their father really was. Adam was cute training the dogs and got down with being the perfect Alpha for Lawrence and a great dad without even trying.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews