Dallas: He’s the one that got away. But, Banks Weston is more than just the man who got away. I let him go. He’d been ready to share with the world his true self, living life openly. He’s loud and proud. It’s all the many things I’m not. It took me a while, but I did it—everyone knows I’m gay. I want him back. My betrayal broke his heart. No—I obliterated it. But somehow, our paths cross again, and we have a reason to come together and pretend we’re something we’re not. Though in my heart, I’ll always hope for the second chance I don’t deserve.
Banks: I both hate him and love him all at the same time. His arrogant smirk, the way he rakes his hands through his hair when he’s nervous, and how he lightens any situation with his humor—are just a few things I miss about Dallas Phillips. I won’t let him suck me in again by his charming nature. My guard is up. I’m standing firm. That is until we find a reason to be together. We’ll have to fake it, showing the whole world that we’re a couple. Then again, it won’t be hard because my heart has never stopped loving him.
Leigh Lennon is mother, veteran and a wife of a cancer survivor. Originally with a degree in education, she started writing as an outlet that has led to a deep passion. She lugs her computer with her as she crafts her next story. One could say she loves pretty nails, big earrings and spiky hair. She can be found drinking coffee or wine, depending on the time of the day.
It's an emotional and beautiful second chance story. The two main characters, Dallas and Banks, can really raise all the emotions. This story hits on so many levels, from a second chance romance to the building and bonding of a new family. Every page has something almost magical to steal your breath and your heart. I was cheering for these two for a multitude of reasons. Their love, the kids, their families... just about everything. I wanted Banks and Dallas to have it all and when they finally do...it’s absolutely incredibly, beautiful. The two narrators, Chris Chambers and John Solo, were so perfect for the voices of Dallas and Banks.
The main character Banks, the country star, really annoyed me. I liked the other main character Dallas the football player, who we meet in book one of this series. What bugged me is that Banks held a grudge so strongly and was dragging it out. Get over it and quit holding Dallas's feet over the flames. And Dallas acted like he deserved all that harsh treatment. Poor guy. Not my favorite audiobook
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
5 star review My Only Regret (Love is Love Story #2) by Leigh Lennon
My Only Regret is the second book in the Love is Love series and is a second chance at love story that ticked the boxes for me. Once upon a time Banks Weston walked away from Dallas Phillips and he let him. Now their paths have crossed again, the question is whether Banks can forgive Dallas for his betrayal.
This is a story of looking deep inside oneself and coming to terms with what you find. It is a story of acceptance that love is love, no matter the gender. Dallas wasn’t ready to admit to the world that he was in love with Banks and so he let him walk away. However he has never stopped loving him and now he needs to dig deep to prove he has changed and it ready.
Can Banks forgive Dallas or is it too late? These two are meat to be together if only they are ready to let the walls that they have built crumble? The chemistry between them is intense but it is their love story that really drew me in and held me riveted.
If you are a fan of MM romance, then this little gem is for you.
So sad, but so wonderful. Dallas and Banks are a great couple, when they aren’t hating each other. Or rather, when Banks isn’t hating Dallas. It’s so hard when Banks is hateful! But it’s almost as hard when Dallas wears his heart on his sleeve. And those kids! Sally and Jonah are wonderful. They’re more than enough to bring a stone to tears. No humans can resist them. It’s a great story, well written. Great characters. I loved it!
Oh my goodness...I don't know where to start with this one. Hot hot hot. So Banks drove me mad at times but that is just because I was able to see both sides of the story and see the full picture, he had every right to feel the way that he felt. Dallas...he may have messed up but he never let that deter him and he kept pressing on for what he wanted...even when it wasn't on his terms. I don't want to give anything away about this book so I am not going to go into anymore detail but it was everything and so much more than I expected!
Ms. Lennon did a fabulous job telling Dallas and Banks' story and really takes us, the readers, on a journey that we all can relate to in some way or another.
I liked many things about this book. It is the second entry in this series of MM romances and I do think you can totally enjoy this all on its own, I do think reading book one, My Only Reason first will only increase your pleasure and really help you get into this expanding world. After meeting Dallas in book one, I was very excited to read his story. I thought Dallas was the type of character that really anyone should be able to relate to. He has regrets and has made some big mistakes along the way and he knows that and owns it. My heart ached for him. The story was well written, complex and compelling. Between the past, the present and looking to the future there is plenty going on, so you stay engaged and invested. As for Banks, I really struggled with this character. Try as I might, I simply could never warm up to him enough to say that I liked him. Could I understand his anger and pain? Yes, I could and I did feel for him but the grudge he held was massive and he would not let it go. This turned into a big problem for me as far as seeing these two as a long-term, successful couple. Since Banks refused to let go of that resentment, I couldn't help but feel it would always be an issue between them. Add to this the severe lack of warmth shown between these two characters (although Dallas certainly tried) and just the general way Banks treated Dallas and this couple just did not work for me. I must say though that there is a secondary story woven into this romance that I thought was powerful, emotional and just plain beautiful. The secondary characters it revolved around were scene and heart stealers. I won't say much because of spoilers but maybe somewhere down the road, each of these characters will get their own books. The bonus epilogue sets up the next book and I have to say it looks turbulent, tension filled, steamy and emotional. I'm looking forward to reading it. This is my candid review that I am posting of my own accord.
This was a great story between Dallas and Banks. Their beginning was so hopeful and Dallas ruined it. Fate has brought them back together where the reader goes on a great adventure. The feels with the introduction of the kids, the personal healing and family healing and then holy moly that twist! This was an easy book to get into and escape from reality
The moment I started this book I knew that it would be emotional, but this was so much more than I ever expected but I loved every single moment of this story.
Dallas and Banks’s relationship was not an easy one and for most of it everything was completely hidden from the public eye, until they were finally ready to come out to the world, that is until Dallas left Banks. Now, a year later, they are face to face again.
There is no denying the chemistry that Dallas and Banks have, even after a year apart without any sort of contact these two men still have so much love for each other, but there is also a lot of pain and heartache between them. I was rooting for them from the start. Sally and Jonah are exactly what Banks and Dallas needed, but the two kids also needed them. The dynamic that they formed was beautiful and I loved every moment of it. My heart also broke for Sally and Jonah and the struggles and responsibilities they had at young ages and they deserved all the love and good in the world.
If you’re looking for a second chance, MM romance with plenty of emotions this is one to read.
I do suggest reading My Only Reason before this, just so that it flows right, we already were introduced to the main characters, but as there are returning characters and mentions of previous drama it just makes sense to read in order. Now, we know Dallas as he plays with Ry and Crush, and we got that he had a secret and wasn't very forth coming with it to the guys. What we don't know is that the secret includes Banks Weston, up and coming country music star. A backstory that includes heartbreak and betrayal (not the cheating kind). When the two get thrown together yet again, it seems a bit like fate, but trust is not easily earned once it has been lost. Can the two make something work, or is it a lost cause?
Ok, so I really liked most of this story but there are a few bits where I just didn't. Don't really want to spoil things, but I will say I would not have taken all the crap that was dished out, if the betrayal had been something different then I would have understood that. But it was like the punishment didn't fit the crime type of thing, now this is all IMO, I'm sure others will think that it was totally deserved. Everything else in this story was really good, I give this 4 stars.
My Only Regret is the next book in the Love Is Love series by Leigh Lennon, with Dallas and Banks's story. There were so many emotions floating around while reading this book, love, hurt, anger, forgiveness, insane chemistry, and smiles for Sally and Jonah. Dallas and Banks are two men that have to come to terms with their past and decide if they can move forward together or not. The hurt was so real and palpable, coming off the pages while reading that you feel for both of these guys. The author does such a wonderful job showing both sides of the story, from both points of view, that you feel like you are experiencing all of these emotions right with the characters. I couldn't read this story fast enough to know what happens to everyone involved.
Another powerfully emotional beautiful second chance read from Leigh Lennon. Dallas and Banks had me all up in my emotions with their story. I don't even know here to begin. This book hits on so many levels, from the second chance romance to the building of a new family every page has something magical to steal your breath, make you tear up, or have you fanning yourself. I was cheerng for these two for a multitude of reasons. Their love, the kids, their families. Just everything. I wanted Banks and Dallas to have it all and when they finally do it's absolutely beautiful!
I already knew some of Dallas' backstory, sine he had caught my attention in the last book. I was eager to read more about him and within a couple of taps both Dallas and Banks had my attention. I enjoyed getting to know them individually, which helped in understanding how compatible they were as a couple.
Dallas and Bank's chemistry was apparent, but it was their connection and past history that did it for me. Although they had spent the last year apart, once they came together again, it was easy to see how deeply connected they truly were and how much they loved each other. They complemented each other very well, which came in handy as the story progressed.
I can’t say more without giving too much away, so I’ll leave it up to here.
All in all, a sweet, second chance romance with a well-deserved happily after.
Dallas OMG the man has the biggest heart! My heart hurts for Dallas as his fear of coming out to the world destroys the best thing that ever happened to him. I can't even imagine having to justify who I love to anyone and it changing their opinion of me. Leigh Lennon does an amazing job of picking the tough subjects for her books and opening my eyes to deeper issues. Thankfully we had Sally to lighten this book up and keep us on our toes. She is such a sassy, little spitfire and so perfect for Dallas and Banks. Jonah's story is heartbreaking and no kid should have to face so much adversity alone. My Only Regret is deeply emotional but I promise it will leave you in a happy place in the end.
While this can be read as a stand alone, I feel like you get more out of it if you have read My Only Reason first. Which I have. Dallas and Banks’s story is full of love, regret, sadness, humor, sexiness and a bunch of other emotions that I could go on and on about! I loved it.
Leigh lennon has definitely broken through my hard shell with this one !! Dallas and banks story is full regret and sadness but it is absolutely overflowing with love! The forgiveness and unconditional love and family in this story was so warm to read. I laughed out loud at Sally's sass and completely shattered in the best way at jonah getting to be a kid again. It has everything sweetness angst humor and damm they are a sexy couple !!!! My kindle was melting 🖤
Yes! I was waiting on this story since the end of My Only Reason! I knew that Dallas had a tough road ahead of him, but Banks really made it super difficult on him! But these 2 men both have such huge hearts that you want nothing more than for them both to get it together and take they HEA that we all know they both want! Banks is holding a grudge something fierce in this book! And Dallas is working like crazy to make amends for the wrong that he has done. Honestly I think that Banks is a bit too stubborn and takes WAY too long to give in to what he REALLY wants! I do really love how despite the hard feelings he has towards Dallas he still works really hard with him to do right for the kids that need them. But there were so many times when I was literally thinking "They need to just f*** and get it over with!" I very much enjoyed their story... as well as getting to see Ryder and Crush some more.... and Brooklyn! (who acquired a new friends in this one) I totally recommend to lovers of MM books!
Here is a conflicting review. I really enjoyed this book, but could not stand Banks (on of the MC). They meet and fall in love, neither of them out. Get Married and agree to come out together. One does (Banks), the other does not (Dallas). Dallas leaves, but they don't get divorced. A year or so later Dallas does come out and attempts to reunite with Banks. Banks is just a mean SOB (in my opinion) and does things that one would not/should not do to someone you love (as he says he does).
If I take my dislike for Banks out, this is a wonderful story of found family and getting second chances in an number of ways. Mother/Son, Husband/Husband, Parent/Found Children, Friends and Family. It was very well written and I will read more by this author.
4.5 STARS I was kindly sent a copy of this book from Give Me Books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. Enemies-to-lovers meets a marriage of convenience in a story about the love of family.
In one night, Bank Weston's world changed forever - he'd finally come out to all his fans and his new husband Dallas Phillips up and left because he couldn't follow through with coming out himself. A year has passed, in which Dallas has come out, and now that the football season is over, Dallas is keen to get involved with some LGBTQ+ events around town for a new foundation now that he can finally be open with himself. What he doesn't expect is Banks to also be involved. He's never stopped loving Banks and hates himself for handling things the way he did, and even though Banks won't admit it, he's still in love with Dallas, but hates him for his actions. When they come across a brother and sister who have no one, they realise their marriage can be used to give them a family. They can fake things for the sake of giving Jonah and Sally the life and security they deserve. But faking it comes with repercussions that will hurt way more than when Dallas left.
I LOVED Dallas' story SO much! After My Only Reason, I was really excited to learn more about our third gay footballer, and Leigh certainly delivered with My Only Regret. There was angst, there was heartbreak, there was romance, there was comedy - it has it all. Dallas and Banks were just such intriguing characters, and it was interesting watching them develop over the course of the book, particularly in terms of their relationship and their connection with one another. There's just so much history, love and hurt between them that you can really feel that from both characters.
Just like the first book, we were graced with a hilariously sassy six-year-old in the form of Sally. I adored Brooklyn in book one, so I loved that we got that sass and attitude in this book as well. Jonah was also a really great addition as a moody fifteen-year-old, and together their story was just as engaging as Dallas and Banks'.
Part enemies-to-lovers and part fake relationship, this is a slow burn in terms of Dallas and Banks actually getting their shit together and being an actual couple, so there's lots of angst and hope that's ripped from beneath you. Oh, and naturally there is a good serving of steaminess.
It's just such a beautiful book with a great balance of family love/heartbreak and romantic love/heartbreak. And as much as I loved Ryder and Crush in the first book, I think Dallas and Banks just took the lead. I also can't wait for Garrison's story coming in the next book - and hopefully we get to see more of these families.
You know the drill romance fans - get this book on your radar and add it to the top of your TBR!
Voto: 3.5 RECENSIONE A CURA DI HIKARU Dopo Ryder e Crush, ecco la storia di Dallas e Banks. Dallas l’abbiamo conosciuto lo scorso libro, è un loro compagno di squadra e ha fatto coming out da poco. Questa sua paura nel dichiarare il suo orientamento gli ha fatto perdere la persona che amava, con cui voleva costruire il suo futuro, la sua famiglia, il suo tutto. Sperava che potesse recuperare il rapporto dimostrando di essere pronto, ma sembrerebbe impossibile. Il nostro altro protagonista, Banks, è diventato una star, la nuova stella del country. Amava Dallas con tutto se stesso, ma dopo il suo dietrofront rispetto al coming out che avrebbero dovuto fare insieme l’anno prima, non riesce a perdonarlo. Sì, ora l’ha fatto, sì è sempre Dallas, sì sotto sotto può ammettere che lo ama ancora, ma l’amore non basta se non c’è la fiducia; e Banks non ha intenzione di dargliela più. Però ora qualcosa è cambiato, ora si trovano costretti a convivere perché c’è qualcuno che vogliono proteggere e per farlo devono fingere di essere stati felicemente sposati in segreto per tutto l’anno passato. Ma tanto la casa di Dallas è enorme! Che problemi vuoi che ci siano? Continua sul nostro blog!
My Only Regret is book 2 in the Love is Love Series, I was excited for Dallas Phillips and Banks Weston’s story and their romance was everything I expected and so much more. This book touched me on so many levels and for me Ms Lennon is up there with the best in the MM romance genre. I was captivated from the first page and there was no putting down until I had read the final line in this second chance at love story. Banks was the one that got away because he may have been ready to live their life in the open but Dallas wasn’t and that meant letting him walk away. Time has moved on for Dallas and he is now openly gay and crossing paths with Banks once again has him hoping for a second chance even if he knows deep down he doesn’t really deserve one...... Fate works in mysterious ways and it seems fate is determined to push these guys together but Banks has built a wall to protect his feelings because Dallas broke his heart once and he won’t give him a second chance to break it all over again...... So will second time work for the couple that are truly soulmates or will the past be too much to overcome .....guess you need to read the book to find that out. I’m finding it hard to put my words together and I really hope I do Dallas and Banks story justice, I loved everything about this second chance romance, the characters are adorable and the chemistry is scorching hot. This is a heartfelt romance will leave you wanting more from these guys and it will certainly be a book I will read again. . Wonderful heartfelt romance and I highly recommend it.
4.5 Stars Incredibly written, heartfelt story of love, loyalty, and forgiveness. Although, to my frustration, the forgiveness didn't come for a long time.
My Only Regret by Leigh Lennon is my first book by her. While there were a couple of aspects of this book that frustrated me, this author's writing talent had me engaged from the very first pages and I hated that I had to put this book down several times due to the domestic responsibilities in my life. Otherwise, I could have easily devoured this book in one sitting. If I could only give you only one bit of advice, it would be to find a quiet place where you could read uninterrupted. This book was really engaging.
From the blurb, you know that Dallas left Banks. And that is all I can say because that situation is very complicated. Was I angry with Dallas for his behavior? Oh, yes, definitely because there were other ways to handle the situation. Unfortunately, Dallas made a very poor choice and paid the price.
Banks was destroyed after Dallas left him. And I was team Banks for the first part of the book. However, I felt Banks took stubbornness to a whole new level. I also felt he was selfish at times, too. By then I was team Dallas. Again, I won't give you details but other than these two small issues I had with the story, My Only Regret was a great book.
This book touches on more than one topic. Aside from supporting the LGBTQ+ community, Dallas and Banks are helping two children. These two children and their state in life broke Dallas and Banks' hearts as well as mine. And here is where the story becomes even more complex and intense. This book was so much more than a romance. In addition to some angst, there are serious elements and a dangerous situation that will keep you turning pages.
I'm truly sorry if my review is vague but I don't want to spoil any of this incredible story for you. I am very happy to have discovered this author. I am planning to go back and read book one in this interconnected series and am looking forward to book three as well. My Only Regret is one of my favorite reads of 2021 thus far. Definitely in my top five.
This is my honest and unbiased review and I thank you for taking the time to read it. :)
Dallas just unalived my right in that prologue. Like... why. Why did Leigh Lennon have to do that to me? That is so not nice. Sigh.
The angst, my friends! Banks is. So. So. So. MAD. So hurt. And so understandable as to why. (Wanna clue? Go check that dang prologue!!!!)
At times it is painful to read, like maybe just too much, but it really is just raw emotion, so I am glad she didn't pull back.
The love for the children though! Yes. Oh boy. That is just 🥰🥰🥰. My heart is bursting! They are the sweetest and it made me so happy to see this family come together.
I enjoyed this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Indie Author Creative and am voluntarily leaving a review.
What an amazing story. I absolutely loved it. Dallas and Banks were thrown together for a fundraiser. No one knew their secret, which they used to their advantage they night they met Sarah and Jonah. You will laught at the the most adorable little girl, Sara and you will cry. Tissues are a must. My heart broke for the two kids.
My Only Regret is the second book in A Love is Love series by Leigh Lennon and is about Dallas and Banks. For Dallas Banks is the one who got away, well he let him go. Now that he is out he wishes for a second chance. Banks can't let Dallas in, he both hates and loves him.
I really loved Dallas and Banks. They are amazing together. Their story was sweet, sexy and very well written.
Banks, successful singer, lonely and pondering the past. Dallas, successful football star, and seriously regretting the biggest mistake of his life. Dallas leaving the way he did convinced Banks he was done with the love of his life. Never letting him back in, nope, wasn’t gonna happen. But Banks didn’t count on the fireworks still exploding between them and that the lure of a family would pull them so tightly together.
This book was kind of angst heavy but had lots of sweet, happy moments. A story about loss, redemption, and finding an unexpected family.
Good character development and a nicely written story made this a book I would recommend.
Review Copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads.
My Only Regret is Dallas and Banks' story. I definitely did not see their story playing out the way it did, but I loved it! I loved Dallas right from the start. He is fun and caring and would do anything to win over Banks. I never fully connected with Banks. I got his frustration at first, but hated how he treated Dallas. He was very hot and cold. I absolutely loved Jonah and Sally. They totally made this story! Both had me cracking up and made me teary eyed at times. I also loved catching up with secondary characters and really hope we get some of their stories soon!!
This is a very unexpected book that i loved! Not your typical MM romance - this one touches upon family and finding your own hea. Dallas and Banks is a couple that never dreamed of kids - and as fate has it - they find their perfect family via Sally and Jonah. This is an amazing story of loving yourself - finding your own definition of “happiness” and ultimately falling in love with a family that was just meant to find you. An amazing story!