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Second Go-Round: 7
Former world champion bronco rider Dustin and rancher Marshall have been life partners for more than twenty years, and time has taken its toll. Their sex life is as dusty as the rodeo ring. Somehow their marriage hasn’t turned out how they planned.
But when a new family moves in up the road with two young boys, one very sick, Dustin and Marshall realize how deep their ruts are and that there might be hope to break them. After all, where they're from, the most important part of being a man is helping those who need it.
A new common purpose helps break down the deep routines they’ve fallen into and makes them realize the life they've been living has left them both cold and hollow. Spending time with the kids—teaching them how to be cowboys—reignites something they thought lost long ago. But twenty years is a lot of time to make up for. Can they find their way back to each other, or are the ruts they’ve dug too deep?
But when a new family moves in up the road with two young boys, one very sick, Dustin and Marshall realize how deep their ruts are and that there might be hope to break them. After all, where they're from, the most important part of being a man is helping those who need it.
A new common purpose helps break down the deep routines they’ve fallen into and makes them realize the life they've been living has left them both cold and hollow. Spending time with the kids—teaching them how to be cowboys—reignites something they thought lost long ago. But twenty years is a lot of time to make up for. Can they find their way back to each other, or are the ruts they’ve dug too deep?
268 pages, Paperback
Published March 15, 2022
28 people are currently reading
104 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
April 22, 2022
After twenty-five years together Dustin and Marshall feel like they are growing apart. This is something that sometimes happens to all long-term couples, no matter what their sexual orientation is. Dustin feels that he and Marshall are worth saving, so he begins to take things into hand and begins by confronting Marshall and listening to him, to see if they can find a way back to the love that they both know they still share. They are lucky that they have neighbors and friends to help and encourage them as they begin their journey. The story felt way too real. It will pull on the heart strings and make you pause and think... and yes, there are a few tears that are not just in the story. Their lives weren't perfect, but then what in life is? The only thing I wish could have been different was the almost "take over" of the story by the two young neighbor boys. Other than that...another good job, Andrew.
October 1, 2022
⭐︎
4.25 stars rounded down!
⭐︎
My first read by this author and I enjoyed it thoroughly. I will definitely be reading more of this author in the future.
This story is about Dustin and Marshall, who have been together, literally, for 25 years. They're 45 now and in a huge rut.
For years, there has been a break down in their relationship. They sleep in separate bedrooms, they do separate things on the ranch they both own together, Marshall works constantly. These two love each other, they just aren't communicating well. The romance is gone.
Marshall is trying to hard to provide for the man he loves that he goes too far into doing everything around the ranch in order to do that, even when he doesn't need to, and over the years has kind of neglected Dustin, and Dustin has pulled away as a result. Also, years ago, Dustin agreed to no children because that's what Marshall wanted, but in his heart of hearts, Dustin wants children.
It gets to the point where Dustin can't take it anymore, and he brings everything up to Marshall. That if they don't work on their relationship, that's the end of them, he's walking out the door.
That's the turning point for them. It doesn't just magically get better right away, but little by little, these two work at their relationship to get it out of the rut they were in.
Eventually, they'er not always doing separate things at the ranch, Marshall is taking on less at the ranch and lets their ranch hands help where isn't needed, Dustin takes on more on the ranch - before he was mainly doing all the meals and things like that - and they hire a housekeeper to help with all that, and hire the mother of the two boys they take a shine to to help with the books, which Marshall was doing on his own for years.
Slowly, these two gain back what they lost, and make things work. The romance comes back into their relationship too, and the passion. They start sleeping in the same bed again, so much so that two months into sleeping in the same bed again, they spend one night away from each other and can't take being in different bed again while they sleep.
These two also become honorary uncles to two adorable boys, Oliver and Noah, the sons of their next door neighbors, while Noah is going through cancer treatment.
I did love their relationship with the boys, and it showed Marshall that he could be a dad, that he wouldn't screw it up like his parents had.
I guess my only gripes with this story are that I do wish we had gotten a little less with the kids - as much as I loved them and thought they were adorable - and more on these two and their romance. I wanted just a little more focus on their relationship, on the chemistry, the heat and passion.
We got some good sex scenes between these two, but just not enough. I wanted even more passion than what we got, even more focus on them. What we got was good, but I wanted amazing. I wanted these two just falling head over heels in love with each other all over again, maybe even strong than before too, not that they've been through such a rough patch.
It was sweet and romantic and wonderful, but just...not as passionate as I wanted.
Still definitely worth a read, and I highly recommend it. I did enjoy this author a lot and will be reading more of his books in the future, for sure. I just think a little more could have done to elevate this story to amazing.
This story definitely also gets points for being a little like "Bareback" just without the cheating and also it's a monogamous relationship, which I prefer. To me this was like a better version of that story.
So definitely pick it up if you can. It's worth the read! 🥰
My first read by this author and I enjoyed it thoroughly. I will definitely be reading more of this author in the future.
This story is about Dustin and Marshall, who have been together, literally, for 25 years. They're 45 now and in a huge rut.
For years, there has been a break down in their relationship. They sleep in separate bedrooms, they do separate things on the ranch they both own together, Marshall works constantly. These two love each other, they just aren't communicating well. The romance is gone.
Marshall is trying to hard to provide for the man he loves that he goes too far into doing everything around the ranch in order to do that, even when he doesn't need to, and over the years has kind of neglected Dustin, and Dustin has pulled away as a result. Also, years ago, Dustin agreed to no children because that's what Marshall wanted, but in his heart of hearts, Dustin wants children.
It gets to the point where Dustin can't take it anymore, and he brings everything up to Marshall. That if they don't work on their relationship, that's the end of them, he's walking out the door.
That's the turning point for them. It doesn't just magically get better right away, but little by little, these two work at their relationship to get it out of the rut they were in.
Eventually, they'er not always doing separate things at the ranch, Marshall is taking on less at the ranch and lets their ranch hands help where isn't needed, Dustin takes on more on the ranch - before he was mainly doing all the meals and things like that - and they hire a housekeeper to help with all that, and hire the mother of the two boys they take a shine to to help with the books, which Marshall was doing on his own for years.
Slowly, these two gain back what they lost, and make things work. The romance comes back into their relationship too, and the passion. They start sleeping in the same bed again, so much so that two months into sleeping in the same bed again, they spend one night away from each other and can't take being in different bed again while they sleep.
These two also become honorary uncles to two adorable boys, Oliver and Noah, the sons of their next door neighbors, while Noah is going through cancer treatment.
I did love their relationship with the boys, and it showed Marshall that he could be a dad, that he wouldn't screw it up like his parents had.
I guess my only gripes with this story are that I do wish we had gotten a little less with the kids - as much as I loved them and thought they were adorable - and more on these two and their romance. I wanted just a little more focus on their relationship, on the chemistry, the heat and passion.
We got some good sex scenes between these two, but just not enough. I wanted even more passion than what we got, even more focus on them. What we got was good, but I wanted amazing. I wanted these two just falling head over heels in love with each other all over again, maybe even strong than before too, not that they've been through such a rough patch.
It was sweet and romantic and wonderful, but just...not as passionate as I wanted.
Still definitely worth a read, and I highly recommend it. I did enjoy this author a lot and will be reading more of his books in the future, for sure. I just think a little more could have done to elevate this story to amazing.
This story definitely also gets points for being a little like "Bareback" just without the cheating and also it's a monogamous relationship, which I prefer. To me this was like a better version of that story.
So definitely pick it up if you can. It's worth the read! 🥰
October 1, 2022
4.25 Stars
Second Go-Round, Andrew Grey's story of the long-term love that past rodeo champions and current cattle ranchers Dustin Meyers and Marshall Brand have for each other, is a sweet, tear inducing romance that will warm even the coldest heart.
Three are, of course, a few recurring issues between the protagonists, like their continued miscommunication, but the overall effect - and the amazing cast of secondary characters - greatly outweigh any misgivings the reader may have.
Second Go-Round, Andrew Grey's story of the long-term love that past rodeo champions and current cattle ranchers Dustin Meyers and Marshall Brand have for each other, is a sweet, tear inducing romance that will warm even the coldest heart.
Three are, of course, a few recurring issues between the protagonists, like their continued miscommunication, but the overall effect - and the amazing cast of secondary characters - greatly outweigh any misgivings the reader may have.
March 21, 2022
After more than two decades together, Dustin and Marshall's relationship is still strong, but stale. There is love, trust and a mutual respect, but the romance has gone cold and Dustin is tired of walking through life in a fog, and sleeping in separate beds. Not being one to mince his words, Dustin has a conversation with Marshal and learns, they're actually still on the same page, both wanting to rekindle the fire that once smoldered between them. The problem they now face is, how to move forward and hold on to what they have, what they've worked so hard to build, while also cultivating their newly evolving relationship.
I didn't want this book to end, I wanted to story to keep going, especially with things that transpire in the last couple of chapters. I need more Mr. Grey! More puppies, Noah and Oliver, Jackson being put in his place while learning his place on the ranch; and the grown man sexy, well earned, but we will still have to nourish and water it to make it grow, relationship between Dustin and Marshall.
If you're a fan of the Author, more mature couples, a couple of scene stilling kiddos and sexy cowboys who realize they still have a thing, or two, to learn... then I assure you this is a must read. And I wasn't kidding Mr. Grey when I said I need more.
I didn't want this book to end, I wanted to story to keep going, especially with things that transpire in the last couple of chapters. I need more Mr. Grey! More puppies, Noah and Oliver, Jackson being put in his place while learning his place on the ranch; and the grown man sexy, well earned, but we will still have to nourish and water it to make it grow, relationship between Dustin and Marshall.
If you're a fan of the Author, more mature couples, a couple of scene stilling kiddos and sexy cowboys who realize they still have a thing, or two, to learn... then I assure you this is a must read. And I wasn't kidding Mr. Grey when I said I need more.
March 16, 2022
I am in love with Dustin and Marshall!
After twenty five years together and feeling like they are growing apart, Dustin takes things into hand and confronts Marshall to see if they can find a way back to the love they share. With the help of neighbors and friends they begin their journey. This story felt real in a way that most stories don't. Everything wasn't perfect, but what in life is.
After twenty five years together and feeling like they are growing apart, Dustin takes things into hand and confronts Marshall to see if they can find a way back to the love they share. With the help of neighbors and friends they begin their journey. This story felt real in a way that most stories don't. Everything wasn't perfect, but what in life is.
December 6, 2022
Only Andrew Grey Could Make This Happen
I must admit that after reading the blurb when this one came out I was very hesitant to get it even though Andrew Grey is one of my favorite authors and never fails to deliver the goods. Thus, when I was in a relatively messy mood one day I decided to try this one because after all, I trust Mr. Grey.
After reading it, I trust him even more.
This is a double, or triple, plot line where two cowboy lovers, Dustin and Marshall, have settled into mid life with a major crisis: Something is wrong in their decades old relationship and they need to confront thew situation.
However, they get sidetracked when the new neighbors up the road come into their lives popping two precocious young boys into their lives. One of those boys has a serious medical issue but the other one takes over everyone's lives in ways that are cute, charming, funny and lovable--a recent hallmark of Grey's writing whenever he brings a young child into his narratives.
Get yourself a hanky but also a splash or two of your favorite libation, and unlike my initial hesitation, get this book without delay.
I must admit that after reading the blurb when this one came out I was very hesitant to get it even though Andrew Grey is one of my favorite authors and never fails to deliver the goods. Thus, when I was in a relatively messy mood one day I decided to try this one because after all, I trust Mr. Grey.
After reading it, I trust him even more.
This is a double, or triple, plot line where two cowboy lovers, Dustin and Marshall, have settled into mid life with a major crisis: Something is wrong in their decades old relationship and they need to confront thew situation.
However, they get sidetracked when the new neighbors up the road come into their lives popping two precocious young boys into their lives. One of those boys has a serious medical issue but the other one takes over everyone's lives in ways that are cute, charming, funny and lovable--a recent hallmark of Grey's writing whenever he brings a young child into his narratives.
Get yourself a hanky but also a splash or two of your favorite libation, and unlike my initial hesitation, get this book without delay.
March 17, 2022
5 stars, go to favorites
A great mature romance, the start was a little turbulent and Marshall and Dustin let their heads run on all different directions instead of talking so I was a little affraid of some nasty things happening but all turned out great, at first I was 100% on Dustin's side but later I understood both of them were on the wrong and reading how they solved things like the nature men they are was really sweet.
It may lack of smut but it wasn't needed, I skimmed those parts to go again into the story and I couldn't take my eyes away from it. As for the kids it was nice and refreshing that they were just helping, the end is great because they are going for it but the story as it is didn't need to focus so much on their own kids but learning to deal with childs and they both were so good with it.
I was expecting some tragedies but gladly it was not the case, so yeah maybe I'm not gonna read ut again as much as other favorites but the 5 stars are well earned.
A great mature romance, the start was a little turbulent and Marshall and Dustin let their heads run on all different directions instead of talking so I was a little affraid of some nasty things happening but all turned out great, at first I was 100% on Dustin's side but later I understood both of them were on the wrong and reading how they solved things like the nature men they are was really sweet.
It may lack of smut but it wasn't needed, I skimmed those parts to go again into the story and I couldn't take my eyes away from it. As for the kids it was nice and refreshing that they were just helping, the end is great because they are going for it but the story as it is didn't need to focus so much on their own kids but learning to deal with childs and they both were so good with it.
I was expecting some tragedies but gladly it was not the case, so yeah maybe I'm not gonna read ut again as much as other favorites but the 5 stars are well earned.
December 13, 2022
you will like this book
The suspense, the ups and downs the working together to create a better life for each other. You will love the story.
The suspense, the ups and downs the working together to create a better life for each other. You will love the story.
March 24, 2022
Thoughts: After 25 years together, Dustin and Marshall have fallen into a rut. They’re living together, but that’s all it is—living together. Neither one is happy, but neither one knows how to fix what’s wrong. They still love each other. Want each other. But their love life is stale, bordering on “is it time to break up?” They’re not even sleeping in the same room. Then they get new neighbors who have a lot more problems than they can deal with. Their youngest son has leukemia—and they are dealing with that, with a move to a new home, and other issues. Enter Dustin and Marshall to help them out. They introduce the little boys (Noah and Oliver) to life as cowboys and the rodeo—and puppies. By helping the family, they eventually find their way back to themselves and tie the knot in a real cowboy wedding. The only question I had, and this was the only reason I gave this four stars instead of five, was that one of the men had a younger sister who died of leukemia. It was mentioned in the beginning when they met the family, but never mentioned again. I would have thought that it would have had a lot more impact on them than it did.
Recommendation: As per usually, Mr. Grey has given us an sweet (but heated) book that will tug at your heartstrings. What can go wrong with cowboys, cute kids, and puppies?
Disclosure of Material: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book with the hope that I will leave my unbiased opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Recommendation: As per usually, Mr. Grey has given us an sweet (but heated) book that will tug at your heartstrings. What can go wrong with cowboys, cute kids, and puppies?
Disclosure of Material: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book with the hope that I will leave my unbiased opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
October 10, 2024
Cowboy love going stale
Dustin and Marshall met while doing rodeo twenty-five years ago. They worked hard and built a successful ranch but Dustin feels unloved and definitely underappreciated. They sleep in separate bedrooms and all Marshall does is work, not doing anything together especially have fun. A new family moves in down the road and change is in the air. Seven year old Oliver and four year old Noah are fascinated with cowboys and horses and gravitate to Marshall and Dustin who in turn enjoy them. Noah develops leukemia and our cowboys step in to keep Oliver for overnights while his parents are at the hospital. But things are still rough for our heroes as Dustin won't stand for things continuing with no time for themselves. Noah gets better, puppies enter the picture, new business is considered, a cowboy wedding and future plans lead us to a heartfelt HEA. Highly recommended.
Dustin and Marshall met while doing rodeo twenty-five years ago. They worked hard and built a successful ranch but Dustin feels unloved and definitely underappreciated. They sleep in separate bedrooms and all Marshall does is work, not doing anything together especially have fun. A new family moves in down the road and change is in the air. Seven year old Oliver and four year old Noah are fascinated with cowboys and horses and gravitate to Marshall and Dustin who in turn enjoy them. Noah develops leukemia and our cowboys step in to keep Oliver for overnights while his parents are at the hospital. But things are still rough for our heroes as Dustin won't stand for things continuing with no time for themselves. Noah gets better, puppies enter the picture, new business is considered, a cowboy wedding and future plans lead us to a heartfelt HEA. Highly recommended.
March 17, 2022
This is a story that is a bit different from the typical romance novel, but it is such a common story for so many couples. Dustin and Marshall are two middle-aged men who have been together for almost 25 years. They fell in love, bought a ranch, and spent years building a successful business. In that time, they were busy, didn't communicate, and grew apart. Now, thinks have come to a head and things either need to change or they won't be able to go on. New neighbors move in and they become friendly with two little boys who want to become cowboys. This is a well-written story of deepest of love renewed. It's a good read to see the two men arrive at a love that is seasoned and stronger than ever.
November 19, 2023
OK, on the whole I did like it, Dustin especially, but this story had an awful lot of filler, situations and conversations that went on and on, it was slightly distracting and I almost abandoned the whole thing. But, as I said, I liked the basics of the tale and I wanted to see if Dustin and Marshall got their happy ever after, which they sorely deserved after twenty-five years. I'm not into cowboys and usually avoid such stories, but his one spoke to me when I read the blurb and I'm so glad I bought it, a lovely read.
October 4, 2022
I was looking for a gentle, undemanding read and picked this based on reviews and because I really enjoy stories about older couples and/or established partnerships. As anticipated it was a straightforward story (somewhat akin to a category romance) told in a uncomplicated style. But it also really made me like the characters and root for their romance to return.
So I went in with reasonably low expectations but, while it was a "3-star book" in many ways, it ended up being a 4 star for me.
So I went in with reasonably low expectations but, while it was a "3-star book" in many ways, it ended up being a 4 star for me.
March 19, 2022
Second Go-Round
Andrew you really did a great job on this story. I had to pause reading to wipe my eyes. The only thing I missed was info on the characters. I know Dustin was 45 and had blue eyes. I take notes and like to look back on the characters. Thank you for a beautiful story of a second chance to rekindle the love.
Andrew you really did a great job on this story. I had to pause reading to wipe my eyes. The only thing I missed was info on the characters. I know Dustin was 45 and had blue eyes. I take notes and like to look back on the characters. Thank you for a beautiful story of a second chance to rekindle the love.
April 8, 2022
4.5* stars
It's nice to read something different. The story followed two MCs who had been living together for 25 years. There's no unnecessary drama. just painful fact of life. I love the writing. Both MCs are very likeable and relatable. The pace's also excellent. It's an emotional read without being too much. It'd make you feel but wouldn't exhaust you. Would recommend it.
It's nice to read something different. The story followed two MCs who had been living together for 25 years. There's no unnecessary drama. just painful fact of life. I love the writing. Both MCs are very likeable and relatable. The pace's also excellent. It's an emotional read without being too much. It'd make you feel but wouldn't exhaust you. Would recommend it.
August 11, 2022
You're never too old.
I liked this story because it approached the subject of being older and what was missing from your life. Justin knew what was missing but it took two young boys to make Marshall realize it as well. The other thing was that being "partners" didn't mean that things were legal until Justin was in the hospital. Then Marshall realized everything.
I liked this story because it approached the subject of being older and what was missing from your life. Justin knew what was missing but it took two young boys to make Marshall realize it as well. The other thing was that being "partners" didn't mean that things were legal until Justin was in the hospital. Then Marshall realized everything.
October 3, 2022
change is good
Great book I could not put it down ,,,,this is a couple that are in a rut after 20 some years together sleeping in separate rooms not because they didn’t love each other but things became boring and they half to fight to get everything the way it’s supposed to and two young boys help along the way
Great book I could not put it down ,,,,this is a couple that are in a rut after 20 some years together sleeping in separate rooms not because they didn’t love each other but things became boring and they half to fight to get everything the way it’s supposed to and two young boys help along the way
October 12, 2022
Second Go-Round is a Good Book
I didn’t know what to expect from reading the blurb of this book but I was pleasantly surprised. This but was a book about two men that has been in a relationship for 25 years. They’re are in a rut and the story is about their journey to reconnect. If you enjoy mature stories you will like this book.
I didn’t know what to expect from reading the blurb of this book but I was pleasantly surprised. This but was a book about two men that has been in a relationship for 25 years. They’re are in a rut and the story is about their journey to reconnect. If you enjoy mature stories you will like this book.
December 30, 2023
Forty-something cowboys
Grey gives the reader a pair of former rodeo stars who've been together twenty years. Now successful ranchers, the plot follows their rediscovering the mutual passion. Great to read a story where the protagonists are mature and committed, who have real life challenges, and in a believable world.
Grey gives the reader a pair of former rodeo stars who've been together twenty years. Now successful ranchers, the plot follows their rediscovering the mutual passion. Great to read a story where the protagonists are mature and committed, who have real life challenges, and in a believable world.
March 20, 2022
A Good Book
I enjoyed this story, also the characters Marshall, and Dustin. The boys Oliver, and Noah took the book over. I loved them. It had a good story line, and was well written.
I enjoyed this story, also the characters Marshall, and Dustin. The boys Oliver, and Noah took the book over. I loved them. It had a good story line, and was well written.
March 25, 2022
I am in love with their love. I love books about second chances, especially when it’s about a pre established couple that is trying to save the relationship and this was beautifully written!
October 6, 2022
Miscommunication is a peeve of mine, and these two took it to the nth degree. Twenty years together and they can't man up about their problems and have a conversation? 😕
December 19, 2023
4.3. Great story about identifying and navigating out of a mid-life rut.
May 13, 2024
I very much enjoyed this one. An established loving relationship in a mature couple -- it was just what I needed right now.
December 22, 2024
Look, I can deal with annoying Dustin and his arrogance, but when things started to conveniently happen just when the mcs needed them, I had to quit.
🤨 🤨 🤨
I wish life were that easy though
🤨 🤨 🤨
March 2, 2025
whelp this is gonna leave the worst book hangover
Honestly this has become one of my favorite books. I love the characters and how they interact with each other. This book deals with some hard but very real challenges in an already established relationship. It weird but o found this book to be very honest. The characters make mistakes, they hurt each other, they think they know best and they miscommunicate. Yet the love still shines through and even with their differences they have a deep respect and love for each other. Would 100% recommend and I will be re-reading it.
Honestly this has become one of my favorite books. I love the characters and how they interact with each other. This book deals with some hard but very real challenges in an already established relationship. It weird but o found this book to be very honest. The characters make mistakes, they hurt each other, they think they know best and they miscommunicate. Yet the love still shines through and even with their differences they have a deep respect and love for each other. Would 100% recommend and I will be re-reading it.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews