Beautiful Mistakes

Second Chances #3

by Felice Stevens

The other side of loathing might be lust ...

Or love ...

Wolf
Desire: What Wolf struggles with from the moment he sees Spencer Hawkins the first day of college.
Fear: Not a word in Wolf’s vocabulary except when it comes to facing his feelings for Spencer.
Lust: What he gives in to that changes everything between them. And his life forever.
Denial: Something Wolf is all too familiar with—denying who he is and who he wants. It’s better this way, even if it’s tearing him and his friendship with Spencer apart.

Spencer
Hide: What Spencer does best. He hides from everyone, especially himself and the crazy attraction to Wolf he can’t shake.
Walls: Spencer throws them up to protect himself from all the hurts life heaps on him—his mother’s death, his father’s indifference, and the men who share his bed and walk away.
Betrayal: Not by just anyone. By Wolf. The one man he can’t forget. Or forgive.
Want: Spencer wants to live in the moment, but he can’t stop thinking about that night. And it doesn’t help that he and Wolf keep knocking heads…and locking lips.

Love: What these two idiots need to realize is happening between them. What started out as their ugliest regret could end up being the most beautiful mistake they ever made.

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, Friends To Lovers, Contemporary, LGBT, Enemies To Lovers, Audiobook

226 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 25, 2021

About the author

Felice Stevens writes romance because what is better than people falling in love? Her favorite part of a romance novel is that first kiss…sigh. She loves creating stories of hopes and dreams and happily ever afters. Her stories are character-driven, rich with the sights, sounds and flavors of New York City and filled with men who are sometimes deeply flawed but always real.

Felice writes M/M romance because she believes that everyone deserves a happily ever after. Having traveled all over the world, she can safely say that the universal language that unites people is love. Felice has written in a variety of sub-genres, including contemporary, paranormal and has a mystery series as well.

Felice is a two-time Lambda Literary Award nominee and the Lambda award-winner for Best Gay Romance for her book, The Ghost and Charlie Muir, as well as the e-Lit gold medal winner in romance for Broken Silence.

Reviews

[Carol [Goodreads Addict] · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful Mistakes is book three in the Second Chances series. This is the book I’ve been waiting for, Spencer and Wolf’s book. I’ve had so many questions about these two and couldn’t wait for the answers. Then, when the cover was revealed, I became even more excited. Because Wow!

Spencer Hawkins and Garrett Wolf are in their mid thirties now. They met as freshman in college and they, along with Chess and Elliot, became best friends and have remained as such through the years. Spencer works as a fashion consultant for a large department store. He’s on the cusp of the biggest achievement of his career having discovered a brand new designer and arranging a major fashion show. Spencer is the party person of the group. He always has a smile on his face and his motto is the more the merrier. He has one night stands only. A relationship is not something he is the least bit interested in. But really, Spencer is hiding behind this façade. He lost his mother as a teen and his father wants nothing to do with him. There is also another secret that Spencer has kept hidden from everyone.



Wolf is a lawyer for a private firm. He is the workaholic of the group. He wears a scowl most of the time and often doesn’t have time for their group get-togethers because he’s just too involved with a case. Wolf’s days are made up of working out and going to work. He fits his friends in when he can. Wolf is also hiding his own secrets, things he’s not shared with anyone. A past he doesn’t want to be associated with. But that past has a way of catching up with you, whether you want it to or not.



While Elliot and Chess have both found their forever loves, the relationship between Wolf and Spencer has been increasingly deteriorating. No one else knows why except for Wolf and Spencer. In public they are constantly snipping at each other. They both seem to be very good at pushing each other’s buttons. Their animosity is causing problems for all of the friends but no one can figure out how to help them since no one knows what their issue is. But, when one of them needs help, the other is there without hesitation.

“This ridiculously frustrating man had the uncanny ability to be the only one to make him feel alive.”



Both of these men harbored so much pain from their past. But what a beautiful moment it was when they finally opened up to each other and shared both their secrets, and their hearts. These two men had been orbiting each other for years. When they finally came together, it was amazing. They each finally found what they’d been searching for all their lives.



This was maybe my favorite book of the series, perhaps because I was already so invested in these two. We also get plenty of interaction from the characters of the first two books. I’ve fallen so in love with this group of men and I loved how everything was wrapped up with this book. I loved how they formed their own family, they are their own support system. No matter who needs what, they are there for each other.

“It could only be you. It was always you.”

For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...

[Debra ~~ seriously slacking on her reviews ~~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite of the series! The relationship between Wolf and Spencer has been building and deteriorating since book one, The List and the story did not disappoint in bringing them a hard-won HEA.

This story had everything - angst, pining, snark, friends to lovers, opposites attract and some swoony moments that brought me to tears. My heart broke for Wolf, who has seemed so standoffish, but who has been struggling with the horrible secrets of his past. Denying himself the one thing he has wanted since the day he met Spencer freshman year of college. Meanwhile "love them and leave them", fun-time Spencer has also been making up for a childhood of pain. The two have had vastly different approaches to dealing with their heartbreak and betrayal, yet both are yearning for the same thing.

Their path to each other isn't easy. It's frustrating and sad and heartbreaking, but when they finally lay it all on the line with each other, these two are absolutely beautiful together. All the men from the series are back to help Wolf and Spencer get on track, and there's even an appearance from an old favorite character you might recognize. There's a bit of outside drama, but the story is very much driven by Wolf and Spencer confronting their pasts and finally moving forward together. A great way to end the series!

[Felice Stevens]

A little teaser from Beautiful Mistakes, coming 8/25
“Everyone’s upset at your constant bickering, so Chess and Elliot thought this might be the best way to handle it.”
“This being wh—” His voice trailed off when Chess reappeared with a surprised and wary-looking Wolf behind him. “Okay, what’s going on?”
“We have an errand to run. Shouldn’t take us longer than an hour. There are bagels and everything in the kitchen. Talk it out, guys.”
Hand in hand, Chess and André left them staring at each other. Spencer didn’t truly believe it was happening until the door slammed shut.
“Damn, I’m surprised they didn’t try and lock us in together,” Spencer muttered, and a second later his eyes flew open at the sound of a key turning. His phone buzzed with a text at the same time as Wolf’s.
Chess: Yes, we locked you in from the outside so you won’t be able to leave. Please don’t kill each other. The floor is very expensive and will retain bloodstains. Remember, Win is a detective. Make it work.
“Make it work! Who the fuck does he think he is, Tim Gunn? Marry the guy off, and he thinks he owns the world.” Spencer drained his cappuccino, desperately wishing for something stronger.
“What do they think they’re going to accomplish?” Wolf remained standing by the kitchen island, all rigid, like a sentinel.
“They’re upset by our fighting all the time. I guess being together for those few days before the wedding made it more apparent? I don’t know, but I-I can admit I might needle you a little.”
“A little?” Wolf smiled, and it was as if the sun came out after a storm. Spencer would never tire of seeing the transformation of Wolf’s stoic face to one of laughter.
“Okay, a lot.” He joined Wolf in the kitchen. “You have to admit, Wolfie, it can be fun sometimes.”
Wolf’s expression turned wistful for a moment...

[Lelyana's Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

The most anticipated book from this series because Spencer and Wolf were definitely has a story to tell.
It hurts knowing what they had been through all these years denying each other.
I loved how this hurt my heart but warmed me at the same time.
Wolf and Spencer deserves their happy ever after and Felice didn't disappoint me like always .
Beautiful Mistakes has easily become my favorite of this series.
Cannot wait for another surprise from Felice!
Highly recommended :)



Full review to follow😉❤️

[Gustaf · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've really enjoyed this series about a group of friends since college finding love they thought that they maybe not deserved.
In this, third and last book we finally get Wolf and Spencer's story (which we've been gotten teasers about) during the series. And it was just as good as I thought it would be. But also much more heartfelt and sad. I might have cried a few times.
Felice Stevens writes angst so very well.

[Lia · Rating 5 out of 5]

These two!!! I think they were my favourites in the series because they were literally at each other’s throats and backs ALL THE TIME even though they were friends since the first time they met in college. Spencer is flirtatious and doesn’t believe in monogamy, while Wolf is kind of a forever-after king of man. He knew from the start that Spences would never give him what he wanted, and still all these later he can’t stop thinking about him…

I love quiet and confident men, and I really enjoyed watching Wolf crumble under the pressure of Spencer’s presence in his life. Spencer was a cool guy too, unapologetic and unhinged. He was the one and only who could push all of the Wolf’s buttons and finally find the one that made the damn man work 😄 I really loved their banter and sarcastic digs at each other.

I actually thought this series is about friendship and found family more than it is about romance. It was great to see all these men being so loyal to each other throughout the years, laughing together, supporting each other, making fun or lending a shoulder to cry on. I loved that as much as their individual stories.

[Caz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've given this a B at AAR.

I’ve been eager to read this story from pretty much the first moment Garrett Wolf and Spencer Hawkins were introduced in The List, book one in Felice Stevens’ Second Chances series.  Spencer and Wolf – along with their best friends Elliot and Chess - have known each other since college, but the minute they appeared, it was clear that there was something going on between them that wasn’t covered by the term ‘friendship’. The chemistry zinging between them was electric, and theirs seemed to be a relationship based on teasing and sniping that was obviously a cover for something else.  But by the time Beautiful Mistakes begins, what  had started out as mostly good-natured banter has turned into something else,  verbal digs and jibes that are hurtful and sometimes downright nasty, and it was difficult to see how Spencer and Wolf could possibly pull back from that.  In this final book in the series, the author reveals their heartrending backstories and the truth behind their deepening antagonism in a story that sees them both facing the possibility of losing what has been one of the defining relationships of their lives – and each other.

Spencer is the life-and-soul of the party.  He’s always upbeat and ready with a cheeky comeback, and he’s a big believer in ‘the more, the merrier’ when it comes to his seemingly endless parade of bed-partners.  He works as a fashion consultant for a high-end store, and the show he’s organising for the talented young designer he’s discovered promises to be a real career high point. But his trademark insouciance and carefree attitude mask a deep hurt and a secret he’s never shared, even with his closest friends.

Wolf is Spencer’s polar opposite in almost every way.  Quiet and introspective, tightly controlled and serious to a fault, he’s always been a workaholic, even as a student, driven by his need to right the wrongs of the world as a kind of penance for the actions of his father.  Like Spencer, he’s concealing something from his friends, a past he’s been trying to leave behind for almost all of his life, and which is leading him down a path that threatens to consume him utterly.

As I said at the start, it’s been clear since Spencer and Wolf first stepped onto the page that there was something between them that lay behind their outward animosity, and here we find out exactly what happened and why. I won’t spoil it – suffice to say it’s emotional and messy and that it’s obvious that both men are experiencing a world of hurt, but neither of them is prepared to open up to the other, scared of rejection or worse. And sadly, the growing rift between them is affecting their other friendships, too; Elliot and Chess and their partners are worried about Spencer and Wolf’s deteriorating relationship and upset by it, too – but they don��t know what, if anything, they can (or should) do to help.

As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that although they grew up in very different circumstances, Spencer and Wolf had difficult relationships with their fathers that have informed their actions and decisions throughout their lives. Spencer chose to cover his grief over the loss of his mother and his hurt at the way his father ignored him by becoming ‘the fun one’, while Wolf’s father’s crimes led to Wolf becoming incredibly driven and putting up thick emotional walls so that he would never, ever lose control.

They’ve both struggled and overcome so much – but no matter how hard they’ve tried to put it behind them, the past won’t stay buried for ever, and it’s going to take a massive leap of faith on both their parts if they’re going be able to deal with the crappy hand life is about to deal them.

Gah! At times I wanted to bang Spencer and Wolf’s heads together and yell at them to stop being such a pair of idiots! – but their motivations are well articulated, so that even though their continual state of denial is frustrating, it makes sense. The way they prod and needle each other is unpleasant at times, and the frustration and longing and desire and denial they’re both feeling really leap off the page. The story is well-structured, with a few flashback chapters near the beginning, and then a slow reveal of the issues the men are facing at the same time as they finally become able to open themselves up and be vulnerable to one another in a way they’ve never been with anyone before. Their romance is a sexy slow-burn and I loved seeing them – at last – admitting to the truth of their feelings for each other and steadfastly supporting each other through some really difficult times. On the downside, there’s some repetitiveness, and the sub-plot about the jealous colleague who wanted to oust Spencer is maybe just a little too much considering everything else he and Wolf are going through!

Felice Stevens is a go-to author when I’m craving something angsty and moving and real, and she certainly delivers those things here. Beautiful Mistakes is a poignant, intense and steamy character-driven romance featuring two stubborn, complex men who have to learn that a mistake can sometimes turn out to be the best thing ever.

[Steph ☀️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

💜

This one is hands down my favorite book in the series! Spencer and Wolf’s journey was a rough one, but they got their HEA.

[Simply Love Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

I knew going in to Beautiful Mistakes that his would be an emotional journey and author Felice Stevens did what she does best in letting her characters drives this story. In the first two books of this series we’ve seen the animosity between Spencer and Wolf grow greatly, at first it was just a bit contentious but as time has gone on it’s become antagonistic, but it was also obvious it was bothering them both. I know for me as a reader, I felt like something big had happened between them at some point but for the good of their friend’s group they moved on as best they could. The blurred lines of their relationship comes to a head in Beautiful Mistakes when both men must deal with their past, their lost childhoods, and the fathers that left them twisting in the wind. Emotional and captivating I was drawn into the story immediately and swept away in its pages.

Friends since college on the surface Wolf and Spencer seem like complete opposites. Wolf is all work, no play, serious to a fault, and closed off. Spencer works hard, but plays harder, enjoys life to the fullest and doesn’t mind sharing all the details with those around him. So, it was interesting as their backgrounds were revealed to see just how their childhoods and their relationships with their fathers made them into the men they are today. Wolf has good memories of his father until it all came crumbling down in his young teens and the stigma of what his father did led him to changing his name and putting his nose to the grindstone to become an attorney in order to help people like those his father had wronged. He works tirelessly for those in need, but his shame about his family is a secret he’s shared with no one not even his closest friends. Spencer has worked hard all his life to prove his father wrong, he is worth something, he can be successful, and he doesn’t need his approval. He has great friends, an active social life, yet he yearns for what his other friends have found. I loved both Spencer and Wolf for the men they’ve become in spite of their childhoods. I enjoyed seeing the events that led up to their animosity of each other despite the mounting evidence they both wanted more with one another. There were a few times I wanted to knock their heads together and tell them to snap out of it, but it was all part of their process of figuring out what they had was more than they’d ever hoped for.

This story was busy with a lot going on with both Wolf and Spencer’s fathers but that in turn led them to opening up about their lives, letting each other in, leaning on one another and finally, finally admitting their feelings and love for one another. This was a slow burn romance and with each chapter another layer to their relationship was peeled away, we watch the trust strengthen, and their bond grow stronger. I loved that their relationship progressed through the story and there wasn’t a rush to throw them together just because they’d been friends for years. Ms. Stevens gave us the depth that is so often lacking and because of these characters tragic pasts I appreciated it.

A full and rich plot, characters with loads of depth, intelligent dialog, and two people so deserving of the love they found, Beautiful Mistakes was an amazing and not to be missed romance.

Review copy provided for a voluntary review.

[Tory · Rating 1 out of 5]

BS

[Skirmish · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Reaction: https://neverhollowed.com/2021/11/05/...
Rating: 4.5 Stars – perfection is only half a step away

[Pingmg · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just loved the UST! Spencer and Wolf nailed it! The perfect end to the series.

[Romanticamente Fantasy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Voto 4,5
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Giusy - per RFS
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Quando all’incontro di orientamento per gli studenti lgbt, Wolf posa lo sguardo su un ragazzo dagli occhi azzurri, i capelli biondi e il sorriso smagliante, rimane folgorato. Il suo cuore inizia a battere all’impazzata per quello splendore che indossa dei pantaloncini bianchi che non lasciano nulla all’immaginazione e prova un’eccitazione mai sentita fino a quel momento. Spencer, questo scopre essere il suo nome, si siede accanto a lui e chiacchierando scoprono di essere vicini al dormitorio del campus, insieme a Elliott e Chester. Da quel momento diventano inseparabili, un quartetto di amici che continua a frequentarsi anche dopo la fine del college.

Quello che Wolf sente per Spencer però non è solo amicizia: lo desidera ma, sono così diversi e incompatibili che non lo lascia avvicinare, nonostante tutti i suoi tentativi di flirt. Wolf sente il suo sguardo addosso, brucia per ogni suo sfioramento, vorrebbe abbassare la guardia ma Spencer è il suo opposto: mentre lui è chiuso e concentrato sullo studio, l’amico è popolare, esuberante, sexy e aperto alle avventure sessuali e lui non vuole essere l’ennesima avventura di una notte rischiando di mandare all’aria la loro amicizia.

Una sera di qualche anno dopo sono entrambi a Milano. Spencer nel suo ruolo di head stylist è lì per la settimana della moda mentre Wolf, avvocato di fama, sta cercando un testimone in un processo importante fuggito per paura di rappresaglie ma che finirà tragicamente ucciso.

L’avvocato è distrutto per non essere riuscito a proteggerlo e ubriaco e stravolto, farà crollare il muro dietro cui ha sempre nascosto l’attrazione che prova per il suo migliore amico lasciando che Spencer lo consoli, lo curi, infranga la facciata di autocontrollo che non riesce più a ostentare. Allo stesso tempo l’amico si trova incredibilmente tra le braccia quello splendido uomo che ha sempre desiderato, arrendevole e bisognoso di lui come non mai.



“Non riusciva a credere che l’uomo sotto di lui fosse Wolf, che fosse proprio lui a emettere versi dolci e sussurrati che non aveva mai immaginato potessero provenire da quella bocca di solito imbronciata. Era il calore di Wolf che lo travolgeva, illuminandolo come una supernova. Ed era la luce di Wolf, le dita delicate che gli sfioravano il viso, a mandargli a fuoco la pelle come se fosse in balia delle fiamme.”

Wolf però ha paura ancora una volta di perderlo e fugge, rovinando tutto.

Spencer non può perdonargli di averlo lasciato così, senza una parola. Trascorrono altri anni, e nonostante si frequentino ancora insieme ai loro amici, ora non fanno altro che litigare e lanciarsi frecciatine velenose sebbene il fuoco bruci sempre tra loro e non riescono a stare troppo lontano l’uno dall’altro.



“Insieme erano come un incendio, distruggevano ogni cosa lungo il cammino finché non restavano solamente fumo e cenere.”

L’avvocato non riesce a dimenticare quello che ha provato tra le braccia dell’amico, a toccare la sua pelle, a sentirsi per la prima volta parte di qualcuno. Spencer nasconde le sue insicurezze e il cuore ferito, dietro una maschera fatta di battute, esuberanza e quel continuo flirtare che dà tanto sui nervi all’avvocato tutto d’un pezzo, che è riuscito a sconvolgere e mettere in subbuglio il suo cuore. Entrambi desiderano la stessa cosa ma sono troppo impegnati ad attaccare per non essere feriti, per vedere quello che hanno di fronte.



“Quell’uomo tanto insopportabile aveva la capacità sconvolgente di essere l’unico in grado di farlo sentire vivo.”

Un romanzo sulle seconde possibilità che in terza persona ci mostra i punti di vista dei due protagonisti, e ci fa capire quanto intensi siano i sentimenti che tentano in tutti i modi di reprimere. Spencer e Wolf sono diversi ma hanno sofferto entrambi enormemente, portano pesi sulle spalle che non hanno mai avuto il coraggio di condividere nemmeno con i loro più cari amici per paura di non essere capiti.

Una storia coinvolgente che si dipana nel corso degli anni, tra allontanamenti, litigi furiosi e incontri colmi di passione travolgente e che dà vita a un rapporto che è puro fuoco. I momenti hot sono scintille, tenerezza, meraviglia e desiderio.



“Spencer lo baciò, inebriandolo con il suo sapore dolce e familiare. Come era possibile non diventare dipendenti dai baci di Spencer? Il tocco delle sue labbra placò gli ultimi dubbi su quello che stava succedendo tra di loro. Niente di così perfetto poteva essere sbagliato.”

È stato bellissimo ritrovare Elliot e Chester con i rispettivi compagni per la perfetta conclusione di una serie splendida, con storie sofferte, momenti dolorosi ma che ha affiancato il romanticismo e la passione alla grande amicizia che lega i quattro ex compagni di college.

Felice Stevens scrive storie che appassionano e coinvolgono e questo terzo romanzo è, a mio parere, il più bello dei tre.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

As much as I enjoyed the previous two books in this series I was eagerly awaiting Spencer and Wolf’s story. It was obvious from the volatile relationship they had throughout the series that there were deep emotions they were both hiding. It was also obvious that they had at some time in the past got much closer than the other best friends knew about and after some of their verbal and sometimes nasty encounters you could feel the hurt they were experiencing. They weren’t the only ones suffering, Elliott and Chess and their partners were getting dragged down by the constant bickering and even tried to take matters into their own hands.

As Wolf and Spencer’s back stories unfold we learn that they have both experienced tragedy. Where Wolf grew up isolated, withdrawn and built walls around himself Spencer portrayed himself as the centre of attention, the ultimate party man, always smiling and sleeping around, always looking for affection.

Fifteen years of misunderstandings, missed chances, friends to frenemies to lovers. They were both adorable characters and their passion was intense. I loved the way the uptight Wolf started to relax under Spencer’s influence and I breathed a sigh of relief when they found their HEA and so did their friends, when they got over their shock!

[MiaReadsMMBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

How do I capture my thoughts and feelings about this book in a way that adequately encapsulates everything that is Spencer and Wolf and their story without inadvertently spoiling anything for other readers but also giving them enough to know that they absolutely must read this book?

Beautiful Mistakes perfectly brings together, finally, the effervescent Spencer and the evasive Wolf, and through time and proximity, reveals their story, their history their lust, their passion, and indeed their love for one another.

Set against the backdrop of truly horrific parentage for both men and the unraveling of the past, this story, at it's heart, is that of two men who have always wanted to be loved, and have always wanted each other.

This is their now, and it is beautiful.

The perfect bookend for this series.

5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[Bo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not a Mistake At All

This eagerly anticipated conclusion to a strongly developed set of characters in a great series is something you may have hoped for but absolutely nothing like you might have excepted.

There is no other way to describe the shock and subsequent awe that visit upon Spencer (on the cover) and Wolf, the unattached members of the quartet of college friends that include Elliot from the first book and Chess from the second.

There is no way you should read this book without reading the other two in order. Even then, knowing that Spencer and Wolf are bound to get together eventually you will be stunned by how Felice Stevens gives them childhood backgrounds which they have never disclosed to Elliot and Chess, let alone to each other.

After taking a number of deep breaths when their confessions come to the fore, you will be treated to a romance that never stops surprising and plot twists that come at you like a runaway train. But it's all worth it in the end, for this ending to a superior series is really beautiful, and certainly not a mistake.

[Vaga16 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wolf e Spencer sono due opposti, il primo tutto dedito al lavoro, serio e rigido, il secondo aperto e sempre in cerca di attenzioni. Tuttavia hanno entrambi un passato complicato e questo ha inciso molto sul loro modo di vivere.
Attratti l’uno dall’altro fin dal primo istante, non sono mai riusciti a superare le loro barriere, portandoli ad accumulare anni di frustrazione e quando alla fine si sono lasciati andare e stato travolgente!!!
Aspettavo la loro storia dal primo libro e confermo che questo è sicuramente il più bello della serie.

[S.C. Wynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Felice never fails to deliver a story that makes me fall in love with her guys.
I loved Spencer and Wolf's love story. They had a lot of past baggage to work through, but I liked seeing how they supported each other, even when they weren't together as a couple. They were truly good friends first and the passion that they had for each other was just icing on the cake.

This was a beautiful, steamy read, with real heart, not just sex for the sake of sex.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes to this whole book! I absolutely love Wolf and Spencer!! I have been wanting this book and I just couldn't be happier. I have so many emotions also I was reading this amazing story. Felice Stevens just knows how to make me fall in love with these characters. I just couldn't stop reading and this is a perfect ending to this amazing series.

[Emmaali · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finalmente la storia tra i due litiganti, quelli che negli altri libri proprio non si sopportavano e che qui finalmente dopo un sacco di problemi trovano il modo di stare assieme. Wolf è quello che più mi aveva colpito e in questo libro ha confermato le mie aspettative, un uomo per un solo uomo….

[☆Laura☆ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tantos años desperdiciados

[Addicted2M/M · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Merissa (Archaeolibrarian) · Rating 5 out of 5]

BEAUTIFUL MISTAKES is the third book in the Second Chances series and we finally get all the details on the two squabbling children who have made their feelings towards each other known in the previous two stories!

We all know it's a case of forbidden attraction between Wolf and Spencer, but here, we actually find out their childhood backstories as well more recent happenings between them.

Now, Spencer hasn't been my favourite 'friend' in this series, but I was pleasantly surprised by how relatable he is in this. He and Wolf have similar backgrounds in some ways, but whereas one goes one way, the other goes another. Make sense? It will do, trust me.

This is a slow burn - after all, it's been years since they were at college together - but hold onto your hats, because when it gets on, IT GETS ON!!!

A great ending to the series with an added bonus scene (if you can get it - my Paperwhite didn't like it for some reason, so I can't comment on specifics). A fun read with lots of emotions covering a multitude of events, this is absolutely recommended by me.

** same worded review will appear elsewhere **

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Aug 25, 2021

[Sadonna · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

This review and much more can be found at Love Bytes Reviews

Note: This is the third book in this series and as such contains major spoilers for the first two books. My recommendation is to read them in order. Plus all the books are really good 🙂

So thinking about structuring this review, I do not want to spoil any of the plot points that are pivotal in the story because I think it’s more enjoyable to discover them in the listening/reading. So here goes 😉

Spencer is a party boy. He’s a sought after stylist and he really likes his job and his life. He’s got his best friends, Elliot and Ches and Wolf who have been a group since college. Elliot and Ches are happily ensconced in their relationships. Wolf has his work as very successful defense attorney. Spencer can whoever he wants whenever he wants – but only for one night. He’s not into relationships. He just knows they will never work for him.

Wolf has been single-minded since college. He studied all the time preparing for law school. He’s been extremely dedicated and he’s always very busy with work. He’s really good at his job and it gives his life meaning. If he puts it before everything else – even his friends – well that’s just the way his world works.

The four guys have been friends for a long time. They support each other and tease each other. But lately Wolf and Spencer’s teasing has gotten kind of vicious. Elliot and Ches are worried about both of them. What they don’t know is that something happened between Wolf and Spencer. One time. And the aftermath and misunderstanding have left hem at a crossroads that they are both afraid to address. They continue to keep each other at arm’s length with the constant bickering and it hiding the fact that they need to address this whatever it is that is brewing between them.

When Spencer’s past and Wolf’s past sort of collide, Wolf is shocked to find out the secrets and hurts that Spencer has been hiding all these years behind his party boy exterior. And when Wolf is devastated by his past as well, Spencer won’t let it go and insists that he be there for Wolf too. What they each believe about the other and what they are willing to do for each other shifts on a dime. And no one could foresee the ramifications for either of them.

I think this one is my favorite in the series. The fact that Spencer and Wolf have so much in common but can’t seem to figure out their issues made this one really just so sweet when they did get out of their own way and go for it. Both men have hidden deep betrayals from their childhoods and neither have shared the trauma that they have overcome. They each got on with things and became successful in spite of the cards they were dealt. Nobody understood just what drove Wolf until things got pretty rough and he finally breaks down and lets Spencer in.

Spencer, for his part, has also hidden behind his carefree persona and essentially self-medicated through casual hook-ups. At least he’s wanted for a night, right? So what if it’s not forever. But the hurt he’s been nursing over Wolf has revealed itself in the way they snipe at each other. Wolf has never understood why Spencer has valued himself so little. He’s never been happy about how Spencer has enjoyed all these casual hookups. From their first day at college, he’s wanted Spencer, but he knows he could never handle him being with others so he’s always just stayed in the background, worked hard, and stayed friends with the guys. I would venture to say that in a room full of people, these are two men who are profoundly lonely. They are so closed off and so adept at protecting themselves and using their public personas to keep any true connections at bay. The only true relationships they have are with the other guys. Though even with them, they have kept huge parts of themselves hidden.

When things finally come to a head and Wolf and Spencer are no longer able to compartmentalize their lives and their pasts, thankfully they have each other and the other guys and their SOs to help them pick up the pieces. And provide some buffers for the intrusions that follow. I absolutely loved how the wagons were circled for both Wolf and Spencer and how the whole mess worked out for the best for both of them 🙂 I also love to see bad actors pay for their deeds. It’s great to be able to see karma actually come around for those folks 😀 Those who act in bad faith deserve to be taken down a peg or two.

Denis Lambert has narrated this entire series. I think this is the first MM series and audiobooks that he’s done. Once again, I thought he did a fantastic job with a pretty large cast of characters. His characterization of Wolf I think conveys the serious focus of a man that was hiding a deep and abiding pain. His playful but sharp-tongued Spencer was spot on and seamlessly carried over from the previous books in the series. Because we are familiar with the other couples from the previous two books, I’m sure it was a challenge to keep all of the voices aligned with those performances. He did it brilliantly. The pain and gravity of the situations that Wolf and Spencer found themselves in were superbly conveyed by this voice actor. Well done! Highly recommended and a wonderful conclusion to this series.

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Felice has done it again. If I had to choose, I think book three of her Second Chances series was the best. Since I adored the previous two, this is saying a lot! I loved how Felice saved the most complicated and annoying characters for last. Each story takes a second chance trope to a new level. Since I am a sucker for forgiving and starting over, this entire series was such a treat to read! I highly suggest you read the other two books, as they will add to your enjoyment and understanding of the MCs.

Wolf intrigued me in the first story. He is dark, commanding, and apparently wouldn’t know a good time if it smacked him in the face. All he does is work, brood, and try to fix other people’s problems. Yes, to say this man interested me is putting it mildly. You know something has happened in his life to make him so severe and hyper-focused on helping others. He is a District Attorney that lives and breathes his career. This man was infuriating and intoxicating at the same time.
Now the complete opposite to Wolf is his friend Spencer. Wolf, Spencer, Chess, and Elliot lived in the same college dorm and developed a familial bond. While Chess and Elliot have found significant others, Wolf and Spencer struggle in that area. Wolf is a loner, and Spencer is the life of the party. Spencer doesn’t do relationships and can quickly jump from bed to bed without regret. Ironically, Wolf hates how cavalier Spencer is with sex, while Spencer is highly frustrated at Wolf’s interpretation of a hermit. They hate each other and manage to bring out the absolute worst behaviors they have. They continued to snipe and argue until some ugly truths came out.
This book was so artfully crafted, and once the two men let down their defenses, the results were magical. The story touched me deeply, as their path to accepting each other was fiercely fought. I couldn’t tear myself away from this brilliantly written story of extreme opposites that are given a second chance if they finally leave behind the past and embrace the future. Bravo Felice! I will reread this book again and again. Happy reading!
* * * Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure. A review wasn’t a requirement * * *

[KarenHe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hearttouching love/hate relationship

Book: ★★★★★
Audio: ★★★★☆

Finally, we've reached the last book in the series, the one I've been waiting for the most: Spenser and Wolf. I have to say, the author is very good at creating foreshadowing. The love-hate relationship between these two buddies has had me hooked since the beginning. Why do they always bicker and snap at each other while caring about each other so damn much? Well, we finally get the answer, and it's heartwarmingly sweet.

Spenser and Wolf have been into each other ever since they met back in college. But their completely different lifestyles and the protective walls they've built around themselves due to childhood trauma pushed them in opposite directions. That one-night stand they had four years ago was like a "stupid yet beautiful mistake," and neither of them had the guts to spill their true feelings. The way they love and hate each other is so damn captivating. Every hateful word and denial they throw at each other just shows how deeply they care. Thankfully, their growing attraction finally overcomes all the uncertainty and hesitation. Spenser and Wolf finally decide to "make love, not war" because they realize the real mistake was not being together that night four years ago, but not confessing their feelings until now. They wasted so much time going in circles. Their daily quarrels filled with noise are so entertaining, and the way they protect each other warms my heart.

The series wraps up with Elliot and Win's touching wedding, which connects back to the first book. It's the perfect ending to the whole damn series.

來到“麻吉四人組”第三集，終於來到了我期待超久的歡喜冤家Spenser與Wolf的故事。這對一動一靜的CP從第一集開始就被作者埋下諸多伏筆：兩人性格愛好完全相反，一見面就吵個不停， 談到對方總是欲言又止，新加入的老公團Win和André都忍不住暗自猜測兩人的關係，等等。反正這兩人明擺著有一段故事。

果然，第三部一開頭便是時光倒流15年前的大學新生見面會上兩人互相看對眼，但完全相反的生活方式以及破碎童年而形成的自我保護意識使兩人對彼此都敬而遠之。然後就是時光飛逝到了4年前，兩人的一夜溫存之後Wolf的不辭而別傷害了Spencer，從此兩人的關係從普通的拌嘴鬥舌漸漸變成如今的水火不容。故事正篇緊接著Chess與André的婚禮之後開始，兩人正處於愛恨邊緣苦苦掙扎，15年的友誼面臨破局，令小伙伴Elliot和Chess擔心不已。無獨有偶，垃圾父親又各自出了狀況，導致好端端的工作也受影響。兩人難兄難弟般地面對著人生低谷，終於忍不住袒露心聲，之後的劇情便是耳熟能詳的雙向奔赴。值得一提的是，兩人確立關係之後的嘴炮日常真是甜死人不要命，挺身而出保護愛人的舉動也是十分暖心可愛。

系列故事以描寫Elliot與Win甜蜜婚禮的bonus chapter作結，交代了系列三對CP的美好結局，非常完整。

P. S. 我感覺系列三部的封面分別就是三對CP的小攻 Win，André和Wolf。要么就是作者太會選model了，要么就是作者以model為藍本描寫的小攻。反正封面帥哥跟對小攻的描述一毛一樣！

[Amy Dufera - Amy's MM Romance Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful Mistakes is a fabulous romance by Felice Stevens. The third book in the Second Chances series, it's easily read as a standalone.

I was quickly drawn into this heart warming tale and couldn't put it down. The characters are complex and their storyline is multi-layered. Basically, it's everything I've come to expect from this author.

Wolf and Spencer's story is amazing. They knew each other way back when as roommates in college. when the group of best friends/roommates totaled four. For these two though, there was always a little bit of animosity that caused a lot of banter and fights.

Their connection is strong, as happens with someone you have so many years of being friends with. But they each have a lot of baggage that creates a messy relationship between them.

And damn, I love these two together. Their connection and chemistry is fantastic.

Their story includes secrets and past hurts. But it's when they start to let one another truly in that everything gets great. It's wonderful when they let down their guard and start to understand one another better.

God, I love that these two have so much keeping them apart, and keeping them at odds. It made things extra special when they finally open up and give into their feelings.

This is a story full of bullying and abuse. These men know pain, hurt, and betrayal first hand. It's tough to read at times for sure.

The writing is great, and the characters are extra special. The author excels in creating these two and the backgrounds that made them the way they are.

Beautiful Mistakes is a deep and emotional friends to lovers story. This Felice Stevens read is truly an impressive story. I can't recommend it enough. Definitely check it out the next time you're in the mood for some serious characters.

[Maggie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m been waiting for Spencer and Wolf’s story. Beautiful Mistakes was another emotional second chance romance that I truly enjoyed from the series.

Spencer, Wolf, Chess and Elliot had been best friends since their first day of freshman year in college and remained as such through the years. Spencer was the care-free sprite who was unapologetically loud and expressive. Wolf was the serious and broody workaholic. When we first met Spencer and Elliot in The List, they were always ribbing into each other and nobody understand why. In Footsteps of the Past, Spencer dropped the hint that they might have a past that nobody knew about.

This was my favourite book in the series. I was already so emotional invested in Spencer and Elliot, so my heart broke as I learnt about both of their tragic past. They’d been through so much pain and sorrow in their childhood, and they each dealt with their past in drastically different ways. Their path to each other was not easy. They were in each other’s life for so long and one might wonder if they had wasted time or they had to experience the time lag in between before they could appreciate each other.

This heartfelt MM romance wrapped up the series nicely. I’ve fallen in love with this group of close friends who formed their own family. There were no judgments and hesitations and they had each other’s back no matter what.

I volunteered to provide an honest review of an advance complimentary copy of this book.

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[Dawn Nicole Costiera · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars!
Beautiful Mistakes by Felice Stevens is the final book in her Second Chances Series. Although it can be read as a standalone. The books follow a group of best friends, who have to know each other since college. In the past two books, we have witnessed Spencer and Wolf's volatile and rocky relationship. Something shifted with these once best friends. Their bickering started as teasing and then morphed into more something more mean-spirited. I detested the hurt they caused one another! It literally hurt me.
As the story unfolded and truths were revealed we learn why...

Spencer and Wolf seem to be opposites, but more like than they realize. They both have horrific pasts. Which caused them to have a laundry list of issues. Especially, trust issues yet they deal with them completely contrasting ways.
Spencer is always the life of the party to hide his sadness and he leads a promiscuous lifestyle is to make himself feel wanted. Meanwhile, Wolf is closed off to keep people at arm's length and avoids sex because he doesn't feel he deserves more.
Both men are lonely and live with guilt and shame. Even their best friend does not know the truth they hide.....
Their stories broke my heart. I was shocked and appalled at what they had to endure! Even with all that they went through, they turned out to be amazing men with tremendous hearts, who deserved nothing but happiness...
They may have had bumps and bruises along the way, but in true Felice fashion, she gave us one hell of a HEA.

I have loved following this group of men. The love and devotion between them all is absolutely beautiful. I will miss them terribly.
The bonus material made my heart overflow with love!!

[Zane Kage · Rating 5 out of 5]

No surprise, no secret, I’ve been waiting for Spencer and Wolf. I was enticed by the little teases throughout the first two books, and I thought I had a pretty good idea of what I was going to get. I thought wrong. This book surpassed all my expectations of these characters, this series, this author.

This was so much more than grumpy Wolf and free-spirited Spencer (though, yes, they remained true to who they are). I was blown away by the layers of this story, their history, the pain, the love, just...them. The way they clashed, the way they hurt, the way they loved…was everything. They were everything.

It was sublime joy to watch these two finally find their way together, through the angst (tissues SO needed) to find their happiness. So much laughter, so many happy and sad tears (I’m talking about me, not just them). Their scenes together after they finally found love in each other were amazing, and so were the scenes with their best friends/found family. I don't remember smiling so much and so hard at a couple finding happiness.

With every release Felice Stevens shows her growth as an author, and Beautiful Mistakes is a shining example of that. Hands down, it has some of the best dialogue she's ever written, and it is absolutely my new favorite read. If I could give it ten stars, I would.

“If I’d had any idea how you felt about me, I’d have tossed them all aside to make you mine.”

My eyes water every time I read that, and yes, I am still rereading my favorite parts every chance I get. This beautiful book was the perfect finale for this wonderfully crafted series…and the bonus scene was the perfect endcap. The way Felice Stevens brings these characters to life is a gift, and thankfully, it’s one that keeps on giving.